98 



THE AAIERICAX BOTANIST 



immense decompound leaves that have ah the appearance of 

 being such. In winter, when the great leaves have fallen, the 

 stout, thorny stems, stiffly erect, have an odd appearance which 

 no doubt accounts for at least one of the common names. 



One species of tamarisk [Tainarix gallica) blooms in mid- 

 summer. It has long" slender branches thickly set with tiny 

 leaves like those of the cedar and the minute rosy flowers are 

 borne in spikes along the branches. It is quite. unlike other 

 common plants and is most desirable for the contrasts it makes. 

 It is a native of the rather dry and sterile parts of the Old 

 AA^orld and will thrive even in poor soil. Another species, 

 Tainarix parz'iflora, blooms earlier in the year and should not 

 be selected if summer flowers are wanted. 



A summer flowering Japanese tree that is coming into 

 cultivation is the pagoda tree (Sophora Japonica). It bears 

 long racemes of white flowers set off by the shining leathery 

 leaves. The tree, itself, is shaped much like a well grown 

 Persian lilac. The A'arnish tree ( Kolrcufcria paiiiculata) is an- 

 other species that is not well known at present. It belongs to 

 the soap-berry family and is therefore akin to the maples and 

 horsechestnuts. It bears large panicles of bright yellow flowers 

 at a season when flowering* shrubs of any kind are desirable, 

 and will dotibtless become more common as its merits become 

 known. 



Equally rare in the Northern States, at least, is the chaste 

 tree {Vitcx agnus-castus) . In late summer it puts forth a pro- 

 fusion of violet purple flowers disposed in dense terminal 

 racemes. The whole plant has an aromatic odor when bruised. 

 Unfortunately the plant is doubtfully hardy north of the Ohio 

 river, though it is said to thrive in parts of Pennsylvania and 

 with some winter protection would doubtless endure the winters 

 much farther north. The interesting nature of the shrub makes 

 everv effort to extend its range worth while. 



