70 SHADE TREES POR NORTH CAROLINA. 



been extensively utilized on the streets of Biltmore in this State, where it 

 has proven satisfactory, but so far it has shown no point of superiority 

 for general planting in this State above the native tree. Trees should be 

 spaced 50 feet. 



Poplars {Populus) form a large group of extremely rapid growing 

 but comparatively short-lived trees. Most of them have symmetrical, 

 conical crowns and deltoid, tremulous foliage. While very desirable 

 where it is necessary to secure quick shade either on streets, for screening 

 or for other purposes, few of them are suitable for use as permanent trees 

 for general street planting. The native species are known as cottonwoods, 

 Carolina, or necklace poplars, and while they have several minor differ- 

 ences, they agree in the general conical shape of the long crown and ex- 

 tremely rapid growth. For deep sandy lands, for most part destitute of 

 tree growth, the Carolina poplar serves a good purpose, as in Moore 

 County, at Southern Pines and other points. All the species root ex- 

 tremely easy and can be readily propagated from cuttings, or layers, as 

 well as from seed, except the Lombardy, which does not produce seed in 

 this country. 



Lombardy Poplab (Populus nigra italica), a tree with a short trunk, 

 narrowly conical crown and erect branches, is well known in North Caro- 

 lina. It is longer lived than many other species of poplar, and on moist 

 soil attains a height of more than 80 feet, and trees of more than 100 

 feet are recorded. The leaves protrude comparatively early, and last later 

 in autumn than those of other poplars. It is effectively used for a certain 

 class of planting, especially where it is desirable to secure a quick shade, 

 since the growth is extremely rapid. While it does better on moist soils 

 than on dry ones, it will grow in any portion of this State from the coast 

 to the high mountains. It is propagated only from suckers or cuttings 

 and the trees should be spaced 15 feet apart (PI. X). 



Bolle Poplar (Popuhis alha holleana), has the same fastigiate habit 

 as the Lombardy poplar and is more desirable than that tree on account of 

 its freedom from suckers, although its leaves appear about a week later 

 than those of the Lombardy. It is propagated only by layers and cut- 

 tings. If planted at all in this State, it is only sparingly. Plants can be 

 secured from reliable nurser3'men. 



Balsam Poplar {Populus balsamifera) forms a narrow, pyramidal 

 crown with ascending branches and stout open twiggage. The large, 

 bright green heart-shaped leaves diffuse a fragrant balsamic odor as they 

 unfold in late spring. The buds are large and glossy, resinous and frag- 

 rant. It grows well on wet soils and is suitable for' planting, especially 

 along roads following the banks of streams, throughout the western por- 



