DESCRIPTION OK TREES SUITABLE FOR PLANTING. 



59 



merous. The foliage M'hicli appears very late in spring is finely divided 

 and of a pleasing green color. It is sensitive, slowly folding after irrita- 

 tion and at night. It is covered in June and July with a profusion of 

 very fragrant rose-colored flowers, which render it one of our inost desira- 

 ble ornamental trees. It stands pruning well but the wood decays rapidly 

 on exposure. It is free from insects. 



It is one of the most desirable ornamental trees which we have for 

 parking, narrow streets, or for alternating with standard shade trees. For 

 la^^^ls or for small avenues it is also desirable. Its only disadvantages are 

 the tendencies to form a low trunk and its short life, which are more than 

 offset by its beauty. It is easily propagated from seed and is perfectly 

 hardy as far west as Statesville. Trees should be spaced 30 feet. 



Kentucky Coffee Tree {Gymnodadus dioica) is an introduced tree 

 occasionally planted in this State. While very striking on account of its 

 flowers, large compound foliage, nearly ascending branches and stout 

 twigs, its wood is brittle and easily broken by storms and its extensive 

 jDlanting is not recommended. 



Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), a native of India, frecpiently 

 planted throughout the coastal region of the Southern States, is a slender 

 tree with several stems from the same root, and short, fastigiate branches, 

 forming an oblong crown. It reaches a height of 35 to 45 feet and the 

 cluster of stems attain a diameter of 12 to 24 inches, each, stem being from 

 6 to 8 inches through. The smooth bark is russet or occasionally olive 

 brown and the stems are more or less fluted. The small, thin, dark green 

 foliage appears late in spring and turns crimson in early autumn. The 

 flowers, of a deep rich crimson, pink or pure white, according to the horti- 

 cultural vaxiety, are borne in abundance during the summer months, the 

 flowering period being quite extended. 



The root system, while rather deeply seated, is compact and 3'oung 

 plants can be easily transplanted. When trees become too tall or spread- 

 ing, they can be either topped or trimmed. The crape myrtle is free from 

 insects and diseases. It is easily propagated either from the seed or by 

 shoots which appear around the base of the stem. 



One of our most gorgeous trees, it is scarcely adapted for general street 

 planting, but can advantageously be used for several blocks as an orna- 

 mental tree or for planting in parking strips or in alternation with stan- 

 dard shade trees, or along small avenues. 



Evergreen Cherry or Mock Orange (Pntmis caroliniana) . — This 

 tree is a native of the coast but is hardy in tliis State as far west as Ealeigh 

 and Charlotte. It is a small and short-lived evergreen tree attaining a 

 height of 20 to 35 feet and an age of 30 to 40 years. It has a short trunk 



