52 
TREES AS GOOD CITIZENS 
and its freedom from insects and diseases, its use has been 
given special attention by the United States Department 
of Agriculture. One of the most effective bits of group 
planting in the city of Washington is the collection of 
Ginkgoes in the grounds of this department. The tree 
thrives on poor soil, and is not injured by the reflected heat 
from pavements, which causes serious harm to many trees. 
If unpruned, its shape is conical, with occasional stray 
branches at almost any angle, but becomes a broad, flat- 
topped tree with age, having obliquely-spreading straight 
branches. By trimming, it may be developed into rounded 
form at an early age. There is a pyramidal form that is 
comparable in its outline to a Lombardy Poplar that 
maintains its typical outline. Its vigorous persistence of 
growth against obstacles and its response to control of 
form by pruning make it a valuable tree for narrow city 
streets. The name Maidenhair Tree comes from the 
leaves being shaped like the leaflets of the Maidenhair 
fern. These are dark green and turn a brilliant yellow. 
The pistillate trees bear yellowish soft-fleshed fruits in 
abundance. These are objectionable because, in dropping^ 
they make the sidewalks slimy and slippery; they have a 
very disagreeable odor, and the flesh is poisonous to some 
skins. By using only the 
staminate form, grafted from 
mature trees, there need be 
no trouble from the fruits. 
Its use is growing in favor 
and should be encouraged. 
Basswood or American 
Linden. —Advocates of the 
Basswood for street purposes 
will find a living and force¬ 
ful argument for this species 
