MONROE, MICHIGAN [ 35 | Born 1850 and Still Growing 

PHYSOCARPUS -— Ninebark 
Physocarpus opulifolius (Ninebark). An unusually fine shrub for mass or 
specimen planting. Showy white flowers in June, borne on strong, spread- 
ing branches followed by attractive seed pods in the Fall. Does well in 
any location including partial shade. Grows 8 to 10 feet high. See color 
plate, page 37. 
PRUNUS — Almond Plum 
The Prunus family includes a group of Peach, Almond, Cherry, and Plums, 
and includes the orchard fruits as well as the decorative deciduous shrubs 
and small trees. The two types of Flowering Almond and one type of Cherry 
growing in shrub form are listed below. Types growing in tree form will be 
found on page 38. The varieties offered are the hardiest kinds, very showy 
when flowering in Spring and thrive best in well drained, loamy, limey soil. 
To avoid injury by late frost, it is advisable to plant them in northern expo- 
sures where they will be less likely to start in to grow and blossom early. 
Prunus japonica florepleno alba (Double Whiteflowering Almond). One 
of the showiest of the early Spring blossoming shrubs, flowering before the 
leaves appear. Small, double white flowers line the twigs and bloom over 
a long period of time following the Forsythia in bloom. Grows 3 to 4 ft. 
in height. 
P. japonica florepleno rubra (Double Pinkflowering Almond). A shrub of 
the same habit as the white flowering type blooming early in May before 
the leaves appear with an abundance of small, double, rose like pink flow- 
ers, closely set along the twigs, creating a beautiful massed effect. Shrub 
grows to 3 to 4 ft. in height and is adaptable both for specimen plants or 
for foundation planting. 
P. tomentosa (Nankin Cherry). A’ beautiful shrub growing 
to 6 ft. in height and especially suited for borders, specimen 
groups and foundation plantings. Before the full leaves 
appear, produces an abundant bloom of pinkish flowers fol- 
lowed with a brilliant, red edible truit, similar to but smaller 
than the sour Cherry. An exceptional popular shrub abroad, 
~ gaining favor in America. 
RHAMNUS - Buckthorn 
Rhamnus frangula (Glossy Buckthorn). A handsome shrub 
with glossy leaves and showy berries; make beautiful hedges, 
shiny, dark green leaves, red fruit which finally turns black. 
Spreading branches make it especially attractive and useful 
in mixed borders. Grows to a height of 10 ft. in most gar- 
den situations and is particularly adaptable to where it 
will get some shade and moist soil. 
RHODOTYPOS - Jetbead 
Rhodotypos kerrioides (Jetbead). A shrub especially valu- 
e for planting in dry and partially shaded soil where 
other plants often fail. Bears white flowers on branch ends 
more or less continuously until frost. It is outstandingly 
noticeable in the Fall with its clean, bright leaves, are still 
on when other leaves have fallen. Attractive in the Win- 
ter, with its black berries which hang on until Spring. Trouble- 
free and widely used in general plantings. 
RHUS - Sumac 
A type of shrub grown chiefly for its handsome foliage which 
takes on a brilliant coloring in the Fall. Useful for border 
or for massing in naturalistic effect. Exceptionally hardy 
and does quite well on dry banks. 
Rhus canadensis (Fragrant Sumac). A low spreading shrub, 
one of the best cover plants for dry, rocky slopes. It has 
highly aromatic, three-part leaves, produces short spikes 
of yellow flowers in the Spring and red, hairy fruit. Foliage 
changes to a rich bronze-green in the Fall. 
R. copallina (Shining Sumac). A _ large growing shrub, 
often to 30 ft. which is conspicuous for its dark green, glossy 
leaves which change to crimson in Autumn. Produces green- 
ish-yellow flowers in August. 
R. cotinus (Common Smoketree). A much admired shrub 
for its curious fringe or hair-like flowers that cover the 
whole surface of the plant in Midsummer. It creates an 
effect of mystic clouds entirely covering the plant. Handsome 
foliage adds its share to the plants of beauty. Likes plenty 
of sunshine and light, well drained soil. Grows to a height of 
10 to 12 ft. and its spreading habit requires considerable 
space. Especially desirable as a specimen plant. 
R. glabra (Smooth Sumac). Grows to a height of 15 ft., with 
smooth, bloomy skin, particularly handsome in the F all be- 
cause of its bright red foliage and scarlet fruit heads. 



Prunus (Flowering Almond) 
SALIX 
Salix discolor (Pussy Willow). A shrub or small tree growing 
to 20 ft., well known for its silvery catkins or pussies which 
emerge {rom the shiny, brown Winter scales long before the 
leaves appear and one of the first indicators of Spring. Unusu- 
ally hardy, a plant worthy of being more extensively planted 
for ornamental purposes. 
SAMBUCUS - Elder 
A highly prized ornamental shrub bearing showy blossoms, 
producing edible fruit, popular for wine making and for com- 
bining with Apples in pies. The berries are also attractive to 
birds. Very effective when planted in groups and are not particu- 
lar as to soil or location and do especially well in partial shade, 
in rich, moist soil. 
Sambucus canadensis (American Elder or Sweet Elder). 
A shrub growing to a height of 12 ft. bearing panicles of white 
flowers in June, followed by reddish-purple berries in Autumn. 
Flower clusters often reach 10 in. across. 
S. nigra (European Elder). Grows to 30 ft. and bears yellowish 
white flowers in clusters to 8 in. across followed by shiny black 
berries in September. Fruit has some medicinal value as well 
as use in wine making and cooking. 
S. nigra aurea (Golden European Elder). A variety o1 the 
European Elder which has the same attractive habits of growth 
and use except with handsome, golden-yellow foliage. A 
valuable plant for enlivening shrub plantings. 
SPIRAEA 
A large group ot deciduous shrubs belonging to the Rose 
family. They are mostly small and medium sized shrubs of good 
habit and very profuse bloomers. White being the dominant 
color of flowers. The early flowering group is white, while the late 
flowering group comprises some of pink or reddish flowers. Those 
bearing white flowers should be pruned right after flowering. 
Pruning consisting of cutting out old wood rather than cutting 
back. Those of the late flowering group are best cut back fairly 
hard in the Spring, bearing their flowers on the new growth. 
Spirea prefers sunny position and will grow in any good soil. 
Thrive best in rich, moist loam. 
Spiraea Anthony Waterer. One of the late flowering species; 
dwarf, and compact habit, bearing crimson flowers. Grows to 
a height of about 2 ft. Flowers in corymbs, 3 in. across. 
Blooms through the Summer and Fall. A popular type of 
shrub for use in front of higher shrubs in foundation border 
plantings. 
S. arguta (Garland Spirea). An early flowering species, growing 
to a height of about 6 ft. with white, slender branches. Blooms 
early in May with small white flowers which completely 
envelop the plant. In Fall, the deep green leaves become 
very colorful. 
"The Beautiful in Nature is an Educator" 
