TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION A. B. CONNER, DIRECTOR College Station. Texas BULLETIN NO. 609 DIARCH, 1942 PLANTS OF ORNAMENTAL VALUE FOR THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY OF TEXAS W. H. FRIEND Division of Horticulture AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL COLLEGE OF TEXAS T. O. WALTON, President B7-1041-7M-L180 Figure 1. Tall Pan Palm (Washingtonia robustcu- These tall growing palms are most useful for avenue plantings and are most efiective when silhouetted on the horizon. A description of the appearance and behavior of many native and ornamental plants found suitable for planting in the Lower R-io Grand?» Valley of Texas is presented here for use in landscaping and beautifica- tion in the area. The valuable trees and shrub-s suited to the area are listed and described. The study also includes both annual and Peren- nial flowers as well as a number of valuable plants that can be treated as perennials even though they sometimes are too tender for treatment as shrubs. Two previous bulletins, No. 447, “Trees and Shrubs of Northwest Texas,” and No. 551, “Valuable Plants Native to Texas,” may be used along with this bulletin in a study of the native and ornamental plants available for different sections of the State. CONTENTS Page Introduction 5 Methods 6 The growing of ornamental plants 7 Palms and cycads l 11 Trees other than palms 18 Shrubs 50 Vines 83 Foliage plants . ' 93 Water plants _ 101 Bulb plants, tuberous rooted plants, and related ornamentals __________ __ 103 Cacti and other succulents 108 Annual and perennial bedding plants‘ 115 Wild flowers 124 PLANTS OF ORNAMENTAL VALUE FOR THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY OF TEXAS By W. H. FRIEND Superintendent, Substation N0. 15, Weslaco This publication presents a summarization of the accumulated ex- perience of the Experiment Station Staff and certain cooperators with the ornamental material presented. All plants have been listed by both their common and scientific names in the hope of making the publication of widest use. A short discussion of the more practical phases of grow- ing and protecting ornamental plants has been included for the con- venience of home gardeners. The discussions relate only to plant ma- terial considered to be useful in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, but all material tested has been listed in tabular form and arranged according to scientific name. Related Texas Station publications include Bulletin 447, “Trees and Shrubs‘ of Northwest Texas,” Bulletin 551, “Valuable Plants Native to Texas,” Circular 87, “Rose Diseases” and Circular 90, “Rose Growing for the Home Gardener.” The last three, especially, will be found useful to the home gardener in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Many thousands of dollars have been wasted in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in an effort to establish plants in this environment that are not adapted to prevailing conditions. Many plants which are not adapted to our soil and climate should give way to more suitable material. For example, the very attractive subtropical species of Casuarina are to be preferred to the Arborvitae, and we should learn to avoid the pest-ridden Hackberry when it is just as easy to grow the beautiful Silk Oak or the Brazilian Pepper Tree. Visiting horticulturists have lamented the use, by amateur gardeners and ev-en by municipalities, of the less attractive deciduous plants when they might have used evergreen species that lend beauty to the landscape throughout the entire year. Why grow China- berry trees, Spiraea and Honeysuckle in a land that will produce the lordly palm, beautiful Orchid Tree or the showy Flame Vine? The Lower Rio Grande Valley is a region of fertile soils and fairly equitable climate, but it should be freely admitted that conditions are not favorable for the growing of many types of plants. It has been said that it is much easier to acclimate a tropical or subtropical subject to the temperate region than to grow plants from northern latitudes" in the near tropics. Gardeners who have attempted to establish Dogwood or Maple trees in this region can testify as to the difficulty of using northern 6 BULLETIN NO. {£09, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT‘ STATION materials. Climate may not always be the most important factor affect- ing adaptability of many plants, as soil and irrigation also handicap the chances of certain exotics. It is‘ obvious that the appearance of many premises could be greatly improved by the judicious use of a few inexp-ensive ornamental plants. This aesthetic value is entirely aside from the practical benefits to be derived from a few well placed shade trees, a windbreak planting or a protective hedge of thorny but attractive native shrubs. When fitting plants into the landscape scheme, it is well to consider that some plants have certain requirements that must be supplied from the environment, while other plants can endure and thrive in positions that would prove fatal to other subjects. By having a working knowledge of available ornamental material it is possible to fit the subject into the environment rather than attempt the costly business of modifying the environment. It is a known fact that some types of plants thrive in shady locations" while others must have full sun. Likewise, some plants will endure drouth and can be planted in locations where they are likely to be neglected while others must be supplied with an abundance of soil moisture. Plants such as Sea Grape and Australian Pine will thrive in brackish soil, while salt-sensitive plants such as the Loquat and Avocado mu.st be planted only on the best drained soil. Resistance to cold or the ability to survive expected minimum tempera- tures is not prerequisite to adaptability as may tender plants such as hibiscus, poinsettia and bauhinia are frequently killed to the ground, but their perennial roots survive and the plant soon attains its original size. Certain plants do not thrive in the slightly saline, alkaline soils of this region because of deficiency diseases brought about by the high lime content of many Valley soils. Roses are not well adapted to Valley soils, but thousands of healthy, prolific plants are grown in this region, simply by modifying the soil to correct the alkalinity. Immunity to certain soil borne diseases like root rot and root knot, while highly desirable, is not absolutely essential. It is now known that susceptible plants can be grown on soil that is subject to infection from these two diseases. By planting in sod and through soil sterilization by disease inhibiting chemicals it is possible to grow successfully a. wide variety of ornamental plants which are highly susceptible to these soil diseases. METHODS The information presented in this publication has, for the most part, been obtained from adaptability tests conducted at the Lower Rio Grande Valley Experim-ent Station. In cases where no specimens were grown under actual test, and where the data pertaining to plant characteristics and adaptability are based on material grown away from the station, an asterisk (*) has been used to identify this material. Most measurements and observations were based on the performance of plants ranging in age PLANTS OF ORiNr-XDIEXTAL VALUE FOR RIO GRANDE VALLEY OF TEXAS 7 from five to fifteen years. In many cases, plants have been eliminated from the tests after a single year where they have been found to be totally unadapted. Since station experience has‘ been compared with that obtained from larger scale trials by local nurserymen and home gardeners, it is believed that the adaptability ratings are reliable. In arriving at an adaptability score for any plant, the ability of the plant to become established when given reasonably good care, and the rate of growth and general vigor of the subjects throughout the test, were given due consideration. A score of zero (0) indicates that the subject can be established only with great difficulty (including special care) and that the few specimens which do become established are weak and obviously unadapted to their environment. A score of 1O indicates that the subject is well adapted. The number of plants used in arriving at the figures presented in the tables ranged from two to 25, or more. Actual measurements were not taken on more than five specimen plants, thought to be typical of the variety. Yearly records of perfomance were kept, and adaptability ratings, with comments, have been noted in each annual report of the station. The data herein presented represent the period of years summary of these reports. This applies both to the material grown on the farm and to that grown by cooperators. Material used in these tests was secured in large part from commer- cial nurseries in California and Florida. Large quantities of new and untried plants were secured through the Office of Plant Exploration and Introduction of the United States Department of Agriculture. Native plants were grown either from seed or from seedlings brought in from the brush country. Some of the plants used in these studies were grown in locations where they would ordinarily be used in the landscape scheme, but most of the plants were grown in a plant introduction garden where they could be regularly cultivated, irrigated, and cared for like ordinary row crops. No special soil treatments and no regular spray program was used in growing any of the plants, except subjects known to require special soil adjustment for their normal growth. THE GROWING O-F ORNAMENTAL PLANTS It has been said that a person must have a knack for growing plants to succeed at gardening. This may be true in the case of some of the more difficult subjects, and there is sometimes an element of luck involved in getting a transplanted tre-e or shrub ofi to a good start. However, good care and the use of up-to-date methods will help to prevent failures. Attractive gardens and home plantings do not occur by chance but repre- sent painstaking effort on the part of some plant enthusiast. The utiliza- tion of native plants in landscape beautification is probably the least expensive and the surest method. The foundation stock can sometimes 8 BULLETIN NO. 609, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION be obtained for the digging, and once it is established, will endure more neglect and unfavorable growth conditions than imported material. The more skilled gardeners will certainly want to grow some of the more unusual exotics, especially tropicals. Regardless of what material is used, the grower is certain to feel a thrill of accomplishment once the project is well under way. Soils Since the soil is the medium in which our plants must grow, it might be well to consider a few facts concerning soils; their origin, properties, and uses. Geologically, soil is disintegrated rock, containing varying amounts of organic material that has been worked over by the many soil building agencies. From the purely agricultural viewpoint, soil is the medium in which plants grow and may be of either mineral or plant origin, usually both. Our Valley soils are principally alluvial, but there has been some working over of certain types by wind action. The physical and chemical properties of soils determine their usefulness for agricul- tural purposes and should receive due consideration. The silts and clays are composed of fine particles and are rather Poorly drained, while the sands, loams, and gravelly soils have larger particles and are usually well drained. 7 Our most desirable Valley soils are loams, and the sandy loams are better drained and easier to handle than the more plastic clay loams and clays. All of our soils are slightly saline and contain relatively large amounts of calcium carbonate. This means that our soils are alkaline as opposed to the acid (low pH) soils common to most of East Texas. Since some plants have definite soil preferences, the grower should select his material accordingly, or should plan to modify the soil to suit the needs of the plants he decides" to use. This can be done by using certain acid forming materials and soil conditioning chemicals but is too expensive for wide scale use. Maintaining proper water relationships is a most important part of soil management. Making provisions for adequate drainage and attend- ing to the irrigation program are the important factors affecting soil mois- ture. Weeding, cultivating and mulching are important principally as they affect soil moisture and soil temperatures. Sources of plants There are many sources from which plants may be obtained. Probably the least expensive method is to obtain seed of desired sorts and start a tin can nursery. Where the time element is important, gardeners some- times go out into the brush country and dig out desirable native plants. This has the double difficulty of usually securing an inadequate root system and of depleting the countryside of valuable plants. For these reasons, progressive gardeners prefer to choose from the wealth of ma- PLANTS OF ORNAMENTAL VALUE FOR RIO GRANDE VALLEY OF TEXAS 9 terial at any one of the nurseries that cater to home gardeners; Regard- less of where the material originates, the grower should assure himself that the plants are free from noxious pests and diseases that might be introduced into his garden along with the new plant material. This is the principal reason for having nursery inspection laws. Propagation The reproduction of plants is a relatively simple matter in some in- stances, but certain subjects may require considerable horticultural skill for success. Many annual plants and some of our most satisfactory woody plants are propagated from seed. Others can be grown rather easily from cuttings or layers, while some of the more difficult subjects may require marcotting or cuttage under controlled conditions. In growing seedlings, one should start with soil that has been steri- lized by heat or with carbon bisulfide fumigation. The soil should be composed of a mixture of equal parts by volume of gravelly sand, good garden loam, and peat-moss or compost. This also makes a good potting soil for use in the tin can nursery. The seed may be planted in shallow flats or boxes, but it is often desirable to plant the seed of large plants in quart oil cans from which the lids have been removed. To insure drainage and facilitate transplanting, the bottoms of the cans" should be cut along three-fourths of the perimeter. The larger sized cans make excellent receptacles in which to grow plants that must attain consid- erable size before being moved to their permanent locations. The growing of plants from cuttings may be accomplished in the open ground, but better results are usually obtained where some sort of cutting frame is used. A small hot-bed, equipped with burlap and lath screens in addition to the sash cover makes an excellent propagating frame. Coarse builder’s sand containing about ten per cent by volume of peat- moss is satisfactory rooting medium for most subjects‘. Keeping soil moisture and overhead humidity at the proper levels requires painstak- ing care and good judgment. Punctuality in attending to the needs of the rooting cuttings is highly important. Planting It is a relatively simple matter to transplant “balled” or potted plant material, but the setting of “bare root” plants is a more difficult job. Since most of our Valley soils are quite fertile, it is not necessary to dig large holes and fill them with top soil or specially prepared potting soil. This may be desirable when replacing a plant that has died from root disease, but it is usually best to use a hole only slightly larger than the ball of earth about the plant’s roots. The important point is to set the plant on fairly firm ground and then tamp the soil about the roots very carefully, so as to avoid air pockets. A sufficient quantity of water should then be poured about each plant, so as to wet and pack the soil 1O BULLETIN NO. 609, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT‘ STATION to a depth of at least eighteen inches. Mulching and shading will hasten the recovery of weak subjects that were not hardened off before being moved to their permanent locations. Watering with weak nutrient solu- tion (one level teaspoonful of 11-48-0 per gallon of water) will also help force the growth of newly set plants. Cultural Care Probably the most important cultural requirement of ornamental plants is the maintenance of adequate amounts of soil moisture. Sprinkling the surface of the soil with a lawn hose is not an efficient way of applying water, as too much time is required to thoroughly Wet the soil within the roots zone of the plants. Where irrigation water is available, the use of three-inch conductor pipe or three-inch canvas pipe or hose is a most effective way of distributing water over the surface of lawns or about the roots of ornamental plants. This is a much better system than flooding, as adequate amounts of water are supplied without water-logging the entire soil mass. A certain amount of weeding is essential in the growing of plants, but stirring of the soil is not essential and may cause actual damage in the case of jungle plants such as the avocado. Scraping of the soil with a hoe or removal of weeds with an asparagus knife are effective ways of eliminating undesirable weeds. Protection Since many of our plants are being grown out of their natural habitat, they may require special protection from wind, cold, sun, insects, and disease. Plants known to be susceptible to wind damage should be planted in sheltered locations or near the center of group plantings. Likewise, shade loving plants should be planted where they will not have to endure the full effects’ of the sun’s rays. Protection of plants from cold presents a more complicated problem, as some of our most desirable ornam-entals are severely damaged by tem- peratures only slightly below the freezing point. Probably the simplest method of protection from cold is to bank trash-free soil about the base of the plants. Also covering the plants with a basket or hamper will afford considerable protection during cold spells of weather. Both meth- ods conserve the stored heat already in the soil. Wrapping the trunks of plants with paper or other insulating material affords little or no pro- tection during prolonged periods of cold. The burning of fuel oil in cans, buckets. or patented heaters is an effective but rather expensive method of preventing cold damage to valuable plants. In most cases it is not necessary to start heating until the temperature has dropped to about thirty degrees F. The important thing is to start heating before damage has occurred and to have sufficient fuel available to heat throughout the period of the emergency. PLANTS OF ORNAMENTAL VALUE FOR RIO GRANDE VALLEYOF TEXAS 11 The control of insects affecting ornamentals is a subject unto itself. However, every home gardener should know what materials are available for the control of most insects" that attack our plants. Most seed dealers have a fair knowledge of insects and insecticides and will help growers identify pests and map out control programs. There are a number of excellent materials which can be used in the control of both insects and diseases. When in doubt about the control of these plant enemies, the grower should consult his County Agent or the Experiment Station. The control of plant diseases is fully as complicated a process as in- sect control. Certain abnormal conditions of plants are due to internal causes, usually nutritional deficiencies. These can generally be corrected by adjusting the fertilizer program to the needs of the plant or by adding soil conditioning materials that will adjust unfavorable conditions or re- lease needed plant nutrients. Sulfur-manure compost, peat-moss, gypsum and iron sulfate are a few of the materials commonly used in treating nutritional diseases of plants. These materials are most effectively ap- plied by placing them in holes bored or punched into the soil about the crown roots of the plants. Parasitic diseases of plants are due to inva- sion of the plant tissues by some sort of living organism. Soil steriliza- tion has been mentioned as‘ a means of avoiding infection from soil borne diseases. “Damping off,” root rot, wilt, and root-knot are a few of the dis- eases which may be controlled by soil treatment. Foliage diseases such as mildew, leaf spot and rust are due to fungi (molds) and may be con- trolled by spraying or dusting the plants with protective fungicides, most of which contain copper in some form. There are many reliable fungi- cides which may be purchased at most seed stores. Information concern- ing their use may be obtained from your dealer or from representatives of the A. & M. College serving this region. PALMS AND CYCADS This group of plants is especially useful in the development of the tropical efiect in landscape beautification (Table 1). The true palms all belong to the botanical family Palmaceae. The cycads, including the Sago palms and the Zamia, belong to the family Cycadaceae-. Palms of the hardier types will survive in many parts of Texas, but forms such as Washingtonia robusta, Phoenix canariensis, Cocos austxalts, Phoenix Roebelenti and Gycas revoluta thrive to perfection in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. The stately fan palms and the graceful Phoenix and Cocos palms may be used for avenue planting (Figure 1), in group plantings at the end of roads, or to give height to mass plantings of the more dwarf types of plants. The dwarf forms such as Cocos australis, Phoenix Roebelenii and Oycas revo- luta are especially useful for small group plantings. Most palms, with the expection of the Royal and Coconut, are sufliiciently hardy to be used freely in landscape work in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. This group of plants can endure considerable drouth but do their best when given good cultural care and adequate amounts of water. 12 BULLETIN NO. e09, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT‘ STATION All bloom in the spring, although the cream colored bloom is relatively inconspicuous and therefore unimportant. The principal pest of young palms is the giant beetle which burrows down beside the young ‘plants and then tunnels into the inner tissues. Beetle damaged palms are considerably dwarfed and frequently die as a result of the injuries. These beetles are controlled by flooding the burrows with a pyrethrum solution. Pruning is probably the biggest job connected with the care of this group of plants. Species Ohrysalidocarpus (Areca) lutescenls. Golden Feather Palm. A palm use- ful for porch or patio planting. It produces a slender, ringed trunk and graceful curving pinnate foliage with golden yellow stems. Suckering freely at the base, it produces a bushy effect. This palm is very tender to cold. p Cocos australwls. Dwarf Blue Palm, Australian Palm, Pindo Palm. A rather dwarf palm which produces graceful, recurved, blue-green, pinnate leaves. The bright yellow, edible fruits are borne in heavy, ornamental clus- ters. This palm is well adapted to conditions in this region (Figure 2). Cocos nucifelra. Coconut Palm. Al- though this palm is very valuable for its ornamental pinnate foliage and its edible “nuts,” it is too ten- der to cold to be grown in this region except in sheltered locations along the coast. , Cocos plumosa. Queen Palm. Plumy Coconut Palm. A tall, slen- der palm which produces a smooth. light gray trunk and graceful, feathery, dark green leaves (Fig- ure 3). Although somewhat tender to cold and occasionally chlorotic. this palm can be grown successfully in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in sheltered locations. Figure 2. Dwarf Blue Coconut (P111513 - - - A Palm) (00000 auswaush Oycas czrcznalzs. Queen Cycad. These dwarf palms are very Fern Sago. A large cycad which at- attractive and are hardier than most palms. tains a height of SIX to eight feet. It is symmetrical in its habit of growth, producing graceful, bright green, pinnate foliage. The foliage is subject to sun scald, and it is recommended that this plant be given a shady location. Gycas revoluta. Dwarf Sago Palm. A dwarf plant of stiff, symmetrical appearance.- It produces very dark green, stiff, pinnate leaves which have commercial value in floral decorations. Well adapted, and easily propagated by offshoots. PLANTTS 0F ORNAMENTAL VALUE FOR RIO GRANDE VALLEY OF TEXAS 1s Erythea armata. Blue Fan Palm. A very slow growing palm whose stiff bluish-gray “fans” are covered with a powdery bloom on both sur- faces (Figure 4). Well adapted. Howea Belmoreana. Kentia Palm, Curly Palm. A small palm useful for porch 0r patio. It produces slender, graceful, dark green pin- nate leaves at the top of a small, upright trunk. Latania Oommersonii (Liv/ing- stonia chinensis). Patio Palm, Chi- nese Fan Palm. A dwarf fan palm which produces bright green, fan shaped leaves and a slender dark brown trunk. This palm is suitable for porch or patio use only, since it is very tender to cold and sub- ject to wind burn. Oreodoxa (Roystonea) regia. Royal Palm. A tall, slender ‘palm which produces a smooth light gray trunk and a head of graceful, bright green, pinnate leaves. This Figure 3. Plumy Coconut or Queen Palm (Cocos plumosa). A fairly hardy, upright palm having graceful fern-like leaves. palm is too tender to cold to be used except in a sheltered location. Phoenix canariensis. Ornamental Date Palm. Aélarge, spreading palm which produces drooping, dark green, pinnate leave-s and ornamen- tal fruit clusters. It is- Well adapted and useful in specimen, group or avenue plantings (Figure 5.) Phoenix clactylifera. Date Palm. A large spreading palm which pro- duces gray-green, ‘pinnate leaves that are rather stiff and upright, giving the plant a less pleasing ap- iggue 4_ Blue Pan Palm (Blue Bu” pearance thanthe Ornamental Date. thea) (Erytitea armata), A. However, 1t 1s well adapted and s1°w 31mm‘?! dwarf Palm can be used where a large specimen that will give color or form _ _ _ contrast to group planting-eh plant 1s needed. If edible fruits are 14 BULLETIN NO. 6G9, 'l‘EXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT SQXIYIIOX desired, it is recommended that off- shoots from superior fruiting plants be secured. Phoenix reclvlnata. Leaning Palm. A spreading Phoenix palm some- what resembling the Ornamental Date but having a te-ndency to form bushy clusters of offshoots. The palm presents a better appearance if the offshoots are allowed to re- main. This plant has =proven to be quite slo-w growing and somewhat tender to cold. Phoenix Roebelenii. Pigmy Date Palm. A very dwarf palm which produces a small, upright trunk, and a head of very fine, fern-like foliage. It is quite tender to cold. and is most useful in patio paintings. Figure 6. Windmill Palm (TracItfz/car- pus Fortunei). This semi- dwarf palm is useful in mixed plantings along with Cycads or other dwarf types. Figure 5. Ornamental Date Palm (Phoen-iw canarievzsis). Espe- cially adapted to avenue planting. Sabal Blaclcburnia. Blackburn Palmetto Palm, Giant Palmetto Palm. This is the larger growing species of palmetto which is native to other parts of the state. Saba! texana. Texas Palmetto Palm. The Sabal palms are well adapted and should be extensively used. The native S. teccana is an upright fan palm producing blue- green foliage. The trunks of the young palms are most attractively laced or “booted” with the green leaf petioles which remain firm and green on the palm trunk for several years. This palm is highly resist- ant to wind and cold damage. It is supposed to be the first palm tree sighted by Europeans on the North American continent, and was re- sponsible for the first naming of the Rio Grande, “Rio de las Palmas.” The Palm Grove near Brownsville is composed of these native palms. Its fruits are considered edible and are sold as fresh fruit in the Mata- moras market. Traohycarpus Fortune-i (Ch-(IMQP- rops emcelsus‘). Windmill Palm. These upright fan palms seldom PLANTS OF ORNAMENTAL VALUE FOR RIO GRANDE VALLEY OF TEXAS 15 reach a height of over ten feet. (Figure 6.) The “fans” are set windmill- fashion on the trunk. The trunk is covered with coarse, loose, brown fiber. Well adapted. ll/‘ashingtonia. robusta and filifera. Washingtonia Fan Palm. Both of these species of tall fan palms grow in this region, and are well adapted. W. robusta, the tall-er species, is the most commonly planted. The leaves are cleft $5 to the base, and the petiole margins are completely armed. W. filifera produces leaves which are cleft almost to the middle and the petiole Inargins are armed about half the length. This species is more wind resistant. Zamia. integrifolia, Z. floridana and Z. pumila. Zamia, Coontie, Comptie. These dark green, dwarf cycads are very ornamental, being especially useful as foreground subjects in palm plantings. There are several species of Zamias native to Florida, some of which are collected by the Indians as a source of food and income. The fleshy underground roots produce the arrowroot of commerce. TABLE 1. PALMS AND CYGADS Mature Size -—--—-—>——-— Olold Name Height Slpread Hardi- Adapta- Dlesira- Notes (feet) (feet) ness bility bility Ohrysalidocarpus lntescens* (Golden Feather Palm) ________________________________ _. 10-15 3- 4 2 o 9 Useful as indoor subject Cocos anstralis (Pindo Palm) _________________________________________ __ &10 6- 8 9 9 9 Excellent dwarf palm Cocos nucifera (Coconut Palm) ______________________________________ __ was 1540' 2 3 1 Useful only 0n the coast Cocos plnmosa (Queen Palm) _________________________________________ __ 20e25 10~15 5 7 8 Useful as specimen Cycas circinalis (Fern Sago) ______________________ _, ___________________ _. 645 640i 3 7 6 A shad-e loving, dwarf, palm-like plant Cycas revolnta (Dwarf Sago) _________________________________________ __ 2~ 6 5— 6 7 9 9 A symmetrical, dark green, dwarf plant Erythea armata* ' (Blue Fan Palm) ______________________________________ __ 10-20 l 4-- 8 9 9 9 Desirable, small, fan palm Howea belmoreana (Kentia Palm) ________________________________________ __ 3 2 2 9 9 l For indoor use Latania Commersonii p 9 (Patio Palm) _________________________________________ __ 5-15 5-10 l 2 8 8 Indoor use only Oreodoxa regia l (Royal Palm) _________________________________________ __ 50-70 l 1045 l 1 s l Very tender to cold Phoenix canariensis l l (Ornamental Date Palm) ___________________________ __‘__ 2V3‘) l 20l~25 9 9 9 Extensively used in avenue planting Phoenix dactyllfera l (Date Palm) _____________________________________ _l______ iirso 2W2?) 9 9 2‘ Very subject to foliage disease Phoenix reclinata l‘ _ (Leaning Palm) _______________________________________ __ 20-25 15-20 l 9 6 5 Slow growing; suckers freely Phoenix Roebelenill l‘ _ (Pigmy Date Palm) ____________________________________ -. 2~ 4 2- 21/2 l 4 9 9 Very desirable, dwarf date palm Sabal Blackbnrnirfl i _ (Blaekburn Palmetto) ______________________________ 25-30 8~10 l 9 9 9 W611 adapted Hatlve Palm Sabal teacana l _ ‘ (Texas Palmetto) __________ ........................ -. we 25 e10 l 9 9 9 Natlve palmetto palm Traohycarpns Fortnnefi l (~,_ 1g l (;_ 3 l 9 9 9 Very attractive, small, fan palm (wznalnlll I’a]m) _____________________________________ 9[ NOLLVLS lLMEIWIHEIdXEI TVHIIJIIDOIHOV SVXELIL ‘609 'OI\I NILEITTIIH Washingtonia filifera‘ (Calif. Wash. Palm) _________________________________ -- v Washmgtonia robusta (Mex. Wash. Palm) __________________________________ _- Z amia floridana (Coontie) _____________________________________________ -_ 4U- 50 \50‘—100 1- 11/; mo 9 8-10 9 1- 1% l s Very similar to W- rvbusm Very popular avenue palm Much smaller than sago palm *N0t grown on the Experiment Station. Gold Hardiness: 9*—Hardy; 5—~fairly hardy; 1—tender. Adaptability: il-Exoellent; 5—fair: 1—poor. Desirability: 9—-Desirable; 5—fairly desirable; 1—undesirable. LI ‘SVXELL JO LEITTVA VEKIMVHE) 0TH HOéI EIIYIVA TVLNEIWVNHO JO SLNVTJ 18 BULLETIN NO. G09, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION TREES Because of the wide variation in size, shape, coloration and floral adorn- ment, trees have a definite place in the planting plan and should be placed to best advantage. For roadway or line planting, plant only one species in the row, using group plantings to secure variety in color and form. Certain types of trees make splendid background plants and groups of the tall grow- ing forms can be used as points of emphasis to break the monotony, or hedge row effect, of line plantings and add grandeur to the horizon or silhouette view. If planted in the foreground of small properties, large trees tend to dwarf their surroundings and spoil landscape effects. If shade and comfort are the prime considerations, it may sometimes be desirable to sacrifice a point in landscape technique. As a general rule, it seems highly desirable to give evergreen trees prefer- ence over forms which shed their leaves during the winter season. When referring to evergreens, we mean broadleaf evergreens and not conifers. It seems inappropriate to use conifers in a subtropical planting where there is such a wealth of available material producing more naturalistic effects and having more appeal to residents and visitors alike. The most general use of this group of ornamentals is for shade. By mass- ing the tree plantings toward the rear of the premises, it is usually possible to secure the much needed shade, and in addition, background effect for the landscaped home grounds. In some cases, it may be advisable to plant shade trees in borders along the property line. Of the more useful shade trees for the Lower Rio Grande Valley, we might call attention to the merits of such trees as Brazilian Silk Oak (Grevillea robusta), Texas Ebony (Pithecolo- bium flemicaule), Anaqua (Ehretia anacua), Anacahuita (Oordia Boisseri), Orchid Tree (Bauhinia $10.), Spanish Live Oak (Quercus virginiana), Tree Acacia (Acacia Wrightii), and Huisache (Acacia Farnesiana.) Municipalities and owners of large estates will be interested in trees for thin line, or avenue, planting. In this group we have subjects such as: Hardy Australian Pine (Casuarina Zepidophloia), Brazilian Pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), Retama (Parkinsonia aculeata) and Carob Tree (Ceratonia Siliqua). To add color to roadside or border plantings of trees one might use groups or single specimens of Anacahuita, Huisache, Retama, Orchid Tree, Desert Willow (Ohilopsis linearis), Bignonia Tree (Tabebuia species), and Coral Tree (Erythrma herbacea var. arborea). Specimen trees should be used with care to add interest to the landscape scheme. Monkey Puzzle (Araucaria imbricata), Sausage Tree (Kigelia piw nata), Calabash Tree (Orescentia species). Star Pine (Araucaria excelsa), Monkeypod or Rain Tree (Samanea Saman). W0man’s Tongue Tree (Albiz- zia Lebbek), Pickle Tree (Averrhoa carambola) and Banyan (Ficus beng. halensis) are recommended for such use. Species Acacia Baileyana. Robin’s Egg Blue Acacia. Both forms of this species are weak growing but very ornamental, the sprays of flowers being used in PLANTS OF ORNAMENTAL VALUE FOR RIO GRAND-El VALLEY OF TEXAS 1U floral arrangements. A. Baileyana produces gray-green foliage and yellow globular flower clusters. A. Baileyana var. purpurea produces very small blue-green foliage tipped with purple. (Leguminosae.) Acacia cultriformis. Knife, Crowded-Leaf Acacia. A tall shrub or small tree having very crowded, blue-green pinnate foliage; produces typical acacia flowers, yellow in color. Acacia Farnesiana. Huisache. This native acacia produces very dark green, acacia foliage, deep golden-yellow balls of flowers very early in the spring, which are followed by short, cylindrical, black seed pods. A rapid growing, flowering ornamental, having many thorns. Acacia Greggii. Long-Flowered Catsclaw. A small native tre-e which pro- duces medium green acacia foliage and elongated heads of cream colored spikes of flowers. Very thorny. Acacia longifolia var. floribunda. Flowering Acacia. A small tree which produces dark-green linear leaflets, and a profusion of creamy-yellow balls of flowers. Acacia Rocmeriana. Round-Flowered Catsclaw. A small native acacia tree which produces very dark green, oval leaflets and a profusion of green- ish-yellow balls of flowers, followed by curved red seed pods. This is one of the first of the native trees to bloom in the spring. Acacia I-Vrightii. Tree Acacia. A large growing, typical acacia tree which produces elongated heads of white acacia flowers. This is the largest of the native acacia trees. This group of trees is usually grown for its ornamental bi-pinnate foliage and crowded spikes of spring flowers which are followed by dark colored pods. Albizzia Julibrissin. Silk Tree, Powder-Puff Tree. A small, deciduous tree having finely cut, medium green foliage and gray bark. In the spring, it produces typical “powder pufi” flower heads which are pale pink in color. A slow growing species (Leguminosae.) Albizz-ia Lebbek. Woman’s Tongue Tree. An ornamental tree having bright green, pinnate foliage, inconspicuous heads of greenish flowers, and ornamental, flat seed pods about nine inches long. The clacking of these seed pods give the tree its name. The trees grow rapidly, and appear to be well adapted, but are tender to cold. It produced small white flower heads the second year after planting. Leaves are lpiinnate; flowers are in heads. Amyris madrensis. Torchwood, Rue Plant. This native evergreen tree is one of the thornless members of th-e Rue Family. It is upright in habit of growth and produce-s dark green, crinkle-d, pinnate foliage; small white flower heads, and attractive reddish-brown drupe-like fruits. The entire plant has an aromatic odor. (Rutaceae.) Araucaria araucana (imbricata). Monkeypuzzle. A tall, pyramidal, ever- green tree with spreading, upward curved branches, small, dark green, stiff, lanceolate leaves, and large cones (five inches to eight inches). Araucaria excelsa. Norfolk-Island Pine, Star Pine. A symmetrical, ever- green tree having its branches arranged in horizontal planes so as to form five pointed stars when viewed from above. One of our most interesting exotics. (Pinaceae.) 20 BULLETIN NO. 6'09, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION Arbutus Unedo. Strawberry Tree. A 10W growing tree or shrub, which has dark green, oblong evergreen leaves with red stems. The white flowers are born in the fall, fol- lowed by scarlet berries. This tree» is very slow growing, and has not proven very well adapted to condi- tions in this region. (Eriaceae.) Bauhtnta. Orchid Tree. Large growing shrubs or trees which pro- duce heart-shape leaves, and showy, orchid-like flowers (Figure 7). The White Flowered Orchid Tree, or Mountain Ebony, B. vartegata var. candida (B. alba) appears to be the hardiest to cold damage, while the yellow variety, B. tomentosa (St. Thomas Tree), and the Red Flow- ered Orchid Tree (B. Galptnt) ap- pear to be quite tender to cold. The Purple-Flowered (B. purpure-a) and the Pink Flowered (B. trtandra) Orchid Trees make rapid recovery if frozen back. (Leguminosae.) Bizra Orellana. Lipstick Tree, An- Pigure 7. Blossoms of the White Plow- ered Orchid Tree (Bauhmtta varicgata, var. ca/nrltda.) re- semble orchids in their gen- eral appearance and are borne in great profusion. natto. A small tree producing ovate leaves, panicles of pink to rose flowers, and prickly tan capsules which contain seeds covered with a red coating that Figure 8. Como (Bumelia Schottti). round topped, spreading, na- tive tree having evergreen foliage. Much more satis- factory for shade than de- ciduous types. is the consistency of lipstick and can be used as a coloring agent. (Bixaceae) Bumclta lanugtnosa (angusti- folta.) Chittamwood. False. Buck- thorn. Small thorny trees or shrubs having short stiff branches termi- nating in thorns. The greenish white, small flower clusters are borne in profusion along the woody stems. Its fruits resemble small black cherries. It produces wedged shaped leaves one to three inches long, glossy green above and woolly underneath. (Sapotaceae.) B u m c l 21a Schotttt (.s'pin.iflora.) Como, Ironwood. A small, round topped, native evergreen tree bear- ing numerous, shining, dark green, oval leaves (Figure 8.) In late fall, PLANTS OF OR-NAMENTAL VALUE FOR RIO GRANDE; VALLEY OF TEXAS 21 it produces clusters of greenish flowers, which are followed by blue, oblong fruits in late spring. The Mexicans call the plant chicle, and obtain a latex substance by “bleed- ing” the green fruits. Oalliianrha hemaetocephala. Cal- liandra. An evergreen tree which produces attractive, bright green, pinnate foliage. The globose flower heads prduce long silky, purplish to red stamen. (Leguminosae.) Callistemon Mgidus. Rigid Bottle- brush. This very dense, small tree has very dark green, linear leaves and extremely large’ showy brusl” Figure 9. Rigid Bottlebrush (cemete- es” that are produced in great pro- mon Mgidus). An attractive eeeeee melee e» _ zrirliiiiiteterimirirsi; CaZZ/zstcwltoit lanceolatus (cttm- the size am; shape of a, mflk nus). Lemon Bottlebrush, Weeping l°°tt1° brush- Bottlebrush. A type having bright green, lanceolate leaves and new growth tipped with rose. The young leaves contain a volatile oil that has the odor of lemon. The bushes are less showy than those of C. rigid/as. These large bushes or small trees appear to be well adapte-d to con- ditions in this region. Their chief ornamental value lies in the bright red “brushes” tipped with gold. These “brushes” are followed by hard, dry, seed capsules which ad- here to the ste-ms for several years. It takes two years for the see-d to mature. T'he “brushes” are relished by orioles and other fruit eating species of birds. Garica Papaya. Papaya. A her- baceous tree that is well adapted to conditions in this region. and makes rap-id growth. It produces large, palmate leaves, cre-am colored to yellow flowers and large, yellow. melon-like edible fruits (Figure 10). The plants are usually dioe- cious, and do not come true from see-d, unless the flowers are hand Figure 10. Papaya. (Oartca papaya). A. pollinated. Papaya plants are quite rapid grmlving- tender-fruit‘ susceptible to cotton root-rot dis- ing plant that has a. trop- . . . ical effect _ ease, but treating the SO11 with sul- fur (applied in holes about the tree‘ 22 BULLETIN NO. C69, TEXAS AGRICCI/IUILAL EXPERIMENT S"I“A'l‘IL)-.\' will help control the disease. Since papayas are very tender t0 cold, all plants should be well banked for winter; if the tops are frosted back. the plants can be topped off, and allowed to sprout out from below. (Caricaceae.) Car/ya (Hicoria) Pecan. Pecan growing has not proven successful as a com- mercial enterprise in this region, but a number of pecan tree-s are being used for shade. The native Texas rootstock has not proven well adapted, and other rootstocks are being tried. (Juglandaceae) Gassia. Shower Trees. Six species of cassia trees are being grown at the Valley Experiment Station, all of which are well adapted, but some species are quite tender to cold. These small trees produce such a profusion of showy blooms that they deserve a place in the landscaping scheme. Both 0. nodosa (Pink Shower) and C‘. grandis (Grand Shower) produce oval leaflets and numerous pink flowers. C. nodosa produces bright green glossy foliage; C. grandis produces reddish bronzy foliage. The four yellow flowering cassias produce flowers that are similar, but the foliage and seed pods are distinctive. C’. Fistula (Qlolden Shower) pro- duces broad, dark green leaflets and long, slender, “sausage-like” pods (12" long). (7. Zacmlgata (Smooth Senna) also produces dark green, broad leaflets, but small, cylindrical pods about six inches long. C. splendida (Showy Sen- na), which has become established on this side of the Rio Grande, is native to the San Juan River Valley. It produces a low, spreading plant with bright green, large oval leaflets and cylindrical pods about six inches long. C. to/mcntosa/ (Woolly Senna) is also a native of the Mexican side of the Rio Grande, but has become established on the American side of the river. This is an upright tree having gray bark. It produces a continuous bloom of yellow flowers which have a few red markings at the base of the petals. The flat- tened pods are about six inches long. Unlike most of the cassias which bloom in the spring and sum- mer,tC. laevigata blooms in August (Leguminosae) Casuarin/t’. The Casuarinas have proven to be rapid growing in this region but seem to be quite subject to root rot. Casuarina lcpiclophloia (Hardy Australian Pine) does not Figure 11. clump of Hardy Australian produce seed but multiplies from £3725. ((§18"‘$;‘1§‘ lzggfifigg‘, root sprouts. C’. Cunninghcun/iana dense foliaged tree suitable (Cunningham Beefwnnd) n35 3180 f°1‘ Fmldbreak °1' hedge proven to be a well adapted species. plantmg‘. , , _ They are pyramidal 1n habit of PLANTS OF ORVNAMENTJXL VALUE FOR RIO GRANDE VALLEY OF TEXAS growth, are very symmetrical, and produce very dark green, pine-like foliage (Figure 11.) O. equisettfolta (Horsetail Casuarina) has a greater salt tolerance, but the foliage is less dense, and the plants are more sub- ject to cold damage and to root dis- ease. C’. glauca (Australian Pine) and C’. montana (Australian Pine) produce the typical pine-like foliage and small cones, but must be con- sidered less desirable than other species. (Casuarinaceae) Cedrus Deodora. Deodor Cedar. A tall pyramidal tre-e producing graceful, sweeping branches and Figure 12. Hackberry (Celtts laevigata). blue green, pine-like foliage. (Pin- This native, deciduous tree aceae) . is widely used as a shade ' tree because of its rapid Celtis laevigata. Southern Hack- growth, but should be re- _ placed by evergreen types, berry, Smooth Leaf Hackberry. A such as the silk oak’ or llfl-UVG, déCldllOllS tTGG having a some of our native acacias, spreading top (Figure 12). It grows rapidly, and the rapid propagation of the tree causes it to becom-e- a pest in many instances. It produces small, ovate, notched, leaves; incon- spicuous flowers and small red berries. (Ulmaceae.) Ceratonia Siliqua’. Carob, St. John’s Bread. A spreading evergreen tree having dark, reddish-brown bark, red stems, dark green obovate leaflets with a reddish tint, and racemes of red flowers which are followed by silique-like fruits about eight inches long which are said to be edible. This very orna- mental tree is quite subject to root rot. (Leguminosae.) Cercidium macrum (floridumJ Palo Verde, Short Leaf Retama. A small flowering tree having dark green bark, very small leaflets and few thorns. (Leguminosae.) Cercidium tezvanuwz. Texas Palo Verde, Thorny Palo Verde. Almost shrub like in appearance, this plant is easily identified by the greenish-yellow bark, and numerous thorns. The showy yellow flowers of these native, evergreen trees are- identical in app-earance to those of the Retama, but the trees appear to be partially defoliated because of the sparcity of foliage. Oercis canadensis. Redbud, Judas-Tree. A small, deciduous tree that pro- duces dull green, heart-shaped leaves. In the early spring, before the leaves appear, the branches are covered with showy, rosy red, small flowers which never completely open. One of the first flowering tree-s to bloom in the spring. Not widely used in the Valley. (Leguminosae.) Ohilopsié linearis. Desert Willow, Flowering Willow. This is a native. evergreen tree having willow-like foliage, and lavender colored tubular flowers. (Bignoniaceae) Ohrysophyllum oliviforme. Star Apple, Satin Leaf. A small, compact. 24 BULLETIN NO. 609, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION evergreen tree that produces large, glossy, dark green oblong leaves which are coppery gold color underneath, giving the plant an unusual ornamental effect. (Sapotaceaa) Cininamomum (Jamphora. Camphor Tree. An evergreen, pyramidal tree which produces dense, glossy, dark-green ovate leaves having an aromatic oder. The greenish-colored flowers are followed by a profusion of small, succulent, black berries. Well adapted. (Lauraceae.) Citrus mitts. Calamondin. A citrus tree which produce-s numer- ous small, oblong leaves and a con- tinuous supply of small, fragrant, white flowers and small, orange col- ored, acid fruits. This is one of the most ornamental of the citrus spe- cies. (Rutaceae) I Oondailia obov-ata. Brasil, Brazil Wood. This native evergreen tree or tall shrub is sometimes called “Bright Green Ebony.” It produces very dense, small bright green, obovate leaves, numerous thorns, inconspicuous small flowers, and numerous small red berry-like fruits (Figure 13). (Rhamnaceae.) Figure 14. Anacahuita (0 o r d i a Bois- serz‘). A showy native ever- green that produces abundance of white blos- soms throughout the greater part of the year. Very popular for roadside plant- ings. Figure 13. Brasil (Condal/ia obovata). A most attractive, ever- green, native tree having very dense, bright green foliage. Cordia Boisservl. Anacahuita, Wild Olive. One of the most orna- mental of the native trees. It is a round headed small tree which pro- duces coarse large ovate leaves, and a continuous bloom of large white flower clusters followed by creamy white fruits about the size and shape of ripe olives (Figure 14). This tree, which is found in abund- ance in the Rio Grande Valley, at- tracts numerous birds and butter- flies and should be included in every planting. Grows readily from seed. (Boraginaceae.) Oordia Sebestena. Geiger-Tree, Red Flowered Cordia. A rapid growing, evergreen tree having a round head, large, rough, ovate, green leaves; showy red flowers, followed by olive-shaped fruits, PLANTS OF‘ ORNAMENTAL VALUE FOR RIO" GR-ANDE‘ VALLEY OF TEXAS 25 This tree appears to be fairly well adapted to conditions in this region. Crescentia. Calabash Tree. Both species of Calabash appear to be well adapted to conditions in this region but are very te-nder to cold. The large fruited type (C. Cujete) produces “gourds” up to twelve inches in diameter; the smaller fruited type (C. alata) produces fruits from four to eight inches in diameter. The latter produces pe- culiar lanceolate leaves usually in groups of three, the middle leaf be- ing trifoliate on the tip. (Bignonia- ceae.) Cupressus (trimmed var. bonita. Arizona Cypress. This blue-green pyramidal conifer is fairly well adapted to the Valley (Figure 15). (Pinaceae.) Cupressus lusitanica. Portuguese Cypress. This well adapted species has a semi-horizontal habit of growth and the dark-green foliage assumes a bluish hue during the Figure 15. Arizona Cypress (Oupressus winter season. arizoozica var. bonita) are Oupressus sempervirens var. hori- use“ in the valley’ but are _ _ _ not as well adapted. as the zontalzs. Horizontal Italian Cypress. Portuguese Cypress. These dark green conifers app-ear to be well adapted and have been used in the Valley to a limited extent. Cupressus sempierv/irens var. stricta. Royal Italian Cypress (Columnar Cypress). These formal subjects are just as well adapted as the horizontal type, but should be used with discretion. Oup/ressus tortulosa. Bhutan Cypress. This is a true Cypress, and the pyramidal trees have dark-green drooping foliage with a yellowish cast. Daubentonia (Sesbania) Tripetii. Red Flowered Sesbania. A large shrub or tree from South America that appears to be semi-deciduous under condi- tions in this region. It has dark green, pinnate leaves and produces numer- ous racemes of showy, orange and red pea-like flowers followed by three- lobed seed pods. (Leguminosae.) Delonizv (Poinciana) regia. Royal Poinciana. A rapid growing evergreen tree that produces dark green, lpinnate foliage; and in early summer, a pro- fusion of large red and yellow flowering racemes that are. followed by long seed pods. Royal Poinciana trees are quite tender to cold, and should be given protection until they are mature. It also has been observed that they are quite subject to attack by Huisache» girdlers. (Leguminosae) Diospyros Kalci. Japanese Persimmon. A round topped, deciduous tree 26 BULLETIN LO. 0C9, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STEYIION having rather large, round, dark green, ovate leaves. The large, edible fruits are orange t0 red in color, and vary in shape from oblate to conical. (Ebe- naceae.) Dtospyros teatanum. Texas Persimmon, Chapote, Possum Plum. A small native evergreen tree which produces dark green, glossy, oblong leaves 1 to 1% inches long. In the spring it produces a number of white, bell-shaped flowers which are followed by purple, plum-like fruits which are relished by the Mexican children. Diospyros virginiana. Wild Persimmon. This deciduous tree bears small. bright ovate leaves, and small edible fruits of uncertain quality. Persimmon tre-es are grown to a very limited extent in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. However, the cultivate-d form ap-pears to be fairly well adapted, and the wild species makes rapid growth. Dcvyalvls caflm. Kei Apple. A rapid growing, evergreen, thorny tree which produces bright green obovate leaves, greenish flowers, and bright yellow, juicy fruits. (F1acourtiaceae.) Ehretta anacua. Anaqua, Knock-Away. A native tree which produces a round head; thick, rough, dark-green elliptic leaves; and in the spring a profusion of small, fragrant white flowers which are followed by num- erous small re-d to yellow edible fruits (Figure 16). Sometimes called Sugarberry. (Boraginaceae) Eriobotrya japonica. Loquat. An evergreen, round-topped tree that produces large, rough, dull-green oblong leaves. The white flower clusters are borne throughout the summer and fall, but only the late fall flowers produce fruit, which ripens the following spring. The edible, plum-like fruits are orange color. (Rosaceae) Erythrma Cristi-yam‘. Brazilian Coral Tree. A slow growing de- ciduous tree whioh produces dark green, long-ovate trifoliate- leaves - and racemes of large, dark red, pea- shaped flowers followed by pods P‘ 16. An Eh t‘ anacua). _ _ lgure A 1111., ‘evefleggfien flow“, filled with red seed. (Legumino- ing tree that is far superior sag_) to I-Iackberry or Ash as a permanent shade tree. _ Tree, Fireman’s Hat. This is a pe- culiar native plant. It is an annual above ground but has a large perennial root. It produces flowers and foliage similar to E. herbacea var. arborea. Erythrina herbacea var. arborea. Native Coral Tree. A small native tree found only along the Rio Grande Valley Coastal area. It produces bright green, three lobed, trifoliate leaves; and in late winter and early spring, Erg/thrina herbacea. Annual Coral ‘ PIn-XNZUS OF‘ ORNAMENTAL VALUE FOR RIO GRASDE VALLEY OF TEXAS 27 produces numerous firecracker-like spikes of rosy-red, closed pea- shaped flowers, which are followed by bean-like pods that split open and expose the bright red seed (Figure 17). It is easily propa- gated by seed or cuttings. Esenbeclcta Ruuyonul. Esenbeckia. A small, round-headed, deciduous, native tree bearing trifoliate leaves. In the summer it produces showy panicles of cream colored flowers followed by brown capsules. (Ruta- ceae.) Eucalyptus algerientsis. Algerian Eucalyptus. This variety is the re- sult of a cross between E. rostrata and E. ui-miutlts and appears to be better adapted to Valley conditions than most species in this group (Figure 18.) It produces blue-green lanceolate leaves. (Myrtaceae) Figure 18. Algerian Eucalyptus (E. al- gertevtsts). A well adapted species suitable for back- ground or hedge planting. Figure 1'7. Coral Tree (Erythmtua her- ba/cea var, arborca). A most interesting native subject because of its peculiar habit of growth and unusual floral arrangement. The bright red seed also have ornamental value. Eucalyptus globulus. Blue-Gum Eucalyptus. Magnificent specimen trees of this species, occasionally seen in the Valley, have tempted many persons to spend considerable sums in an attempt to grow these majestic trees, which appear to be rather exacting in their soil re- quirements. They are also some- what tender to cold. Eucalyptus rostrata. Red-Gum Eucalyptus, Creek Eucalyptus. This species appears to have a fairly wide range of adaptibility and a larger percentage of the young trees become established than is the case with Blue-Gum and many other specie-s. Eucalyptus tereticornis. Gray- Gum Eucalyptus. A rapid growing species that is fully as well adapted as Red-Gum. 28 BULLETIN NO. 609, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION Eucalyptus viminlalis. Manna-Gum Eucalyptus. A tall growing species having pendulus branches. Its leaves are narrower than the average Eu- calyptus foliage. ‘ Eugenia Jambos. Malabar-Plum Rose Apple. A small evergreen, spread- ing tre-e having bright green, shining, lanceolate leaves, the new growth being tinged with red. The greenish flowers, consisting mostly of stamens, appear in the spring, followed by small, yellowish fruits which have a rose odor and flavor. Very tender to cold. (Myrtaceae.) Ficus benghalenlslw. Banyan Tree. A large ornamental Ficus which pro- duces shining, oval, dark green leaves, and numerous small crimson fruits. This tree is unusual in that it produces numerous aerial roots. (Moraceae-.) Flacourtia indica. Governors Plum. A small tree or tall spreading shrub which is occasionally use-d where a tall hedge is needed. It produces glossy, evergreen, ovate leaves, and the edible fruits resemble cherries or small, red plums. Well adapted, but somewhat tender to cold. (Flacourtiaceae) Fortunella crassifolia. Meiwa Kumquat. Small tree up to five feet high which produce-s small white flowers and olive-shaped fruits about three- fourths of an inch in diameter. (Rutaceae) Fortimella japonica. Marumi Kumquat. Very small, bushy tree (3’-4') which produces very small, white flowers, and small, round, orange colored fruits (Figure 19). Fortunella margarita. Nagami Kumquat. The tallest of the Kum- quat trees in the Experiment Sta- tion collection. It produces oblong fruits almost two inches long. The kumquats produce small, glossy, dark green, lanceolate leaves. They have considerable ornamental value. Fraxinus Berlandierana. Mexican Ash, Rio Grande Ash. A native, rapid growing, deciduous shade tree (Figure 20). The bark of this spe- cies is not as white as that of the Arizona Ash. Rio Grande Ash leafs out earlier and holds its leaves later in the fall than does the Arizona Ash. (Oleaceae) Frazvinus vclutina. Velvet Ash, Pigure 19' Efgfimjlagxigz-Zgflaz (Jgafigtf Arizona Ash. A rapid growingde- citrus tree that produces ciduous shade tree having light tiny citrus fruits in great green fo1iaflge_ abundance. Two species of ash are grown in the LowerlRio Grande Valley, one of which is a native- to this region. They produce deep green, compound leaves, and light green, dioecious, apetalous flowers which appear in early spring about the time trees begin to leaf out. Ginkgo biloba. Maid-enhair Tree. A tree having light green, lobed foliage somewhat resembling the Maidenhair Fern. It grows very slowly, and is PLANTS! OF’ O'R~NAMENTAL VALUE FOR RIO GRANDE VAL-LEY OF’ TEXAS 29 not well adapted to conditions in this region. (Ginkgoaceae) Grevillea robusta. ‘Silk Oak. A tall, symmetrical, evergreen tree having dark green, pinnate foliage which is silvery on the under side (Figure 21). The» racemes of flowers are rusty-red and are followed by seed capsules. (Proteaceae) Hibiscus tiliaccas (Paritiam tili- aceum.) Mahoe, Tree Hibiscus. A salt-resistant ornamental tree that produces large, leathery, rounded- cordate leaves and showy, yellow, hibiscus-like flowers. (Malvaceaa) Helietta p-arvifolia. Barretta. A small native tree belonging to the citrus family. It produces small, dark green trifoliate leaves, pecu- liar shaped creamy white flowers Figure 20. Rio G-rande Ash (Fraxinas Bcrlandierana). A. popular native tree used. for avenue planting. Not as desirable as some of the evergreen shade trees. followed by small orange colored, aromatic fruits. The flowers are similar in appearance to those of Amyris madrensis. (Rutaceaa) 11cm sip. Native Holly. This na- tive holly is an ornamental ever- green plant found growing in the old lake bed southwest of Mission. It has light-gray bark and dark green coriac-e-ous leaves. In the fall it produces a. profusion of small red berries. (Aquifoliaceae.) Jacaranda acutifolia (ovalifolia). Jacaranda. A flowering tree which produces fern-like», evergreen foliage Figure 21 Australian silk. Qak (GT0 in this region. In the summer, this ' mum Tobusmy A wen adapt- tree produces a profusion of powder ed evergreen tree having‘ blue, tubular flowers which are fol- very attractive feathery foliage“ ’ lowed by long brown capsules. The a0 BULLETIN NO. coo, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT" S’l‘A'l'ION foliage is easily damaged by frost, but the tree leafs out again quite soon after being fro-zen. (Bignoniaceae.) Juniperus chinensis var. sylvestris. Chinese Juniper, Sylvester Juniper. Similar to Horizontal Italian Cypress in general appearance, but trees are smaller and foliage is lighter in color. (Pinaceae) Juniper/us emcelsa stricta. Spiny Greek Juniper. A rather small, conical type having prickly, dark green foliage. Juruviperus Zucayana. Southern Re-d Cedar, Gulf Coast Cedar. This low gPOWIHg, evergreen tree produces needle-like foliage. It is recommended for use along the Gulf Coast because of its resistance to salt injury, and to high winds. g Juniperus Sabina. Savin Juniper. A very dwarf spreading type having bright green foliage. Juniperus virginiana. Red Cedar. A symmetrical, tall growing cedar hav- ing Very dark green foliage and horizontal branches (Figure 22). Juniperus virginia glauca. Silver Juniper. This tall growing conifer has attractive blue-green foliage that has a silvery appearance at certain seasons. Very popular in the Valley. Several species of junipers are being successfully grown in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. They appear to be well adapted to condi- tions in this region. Kigelia pinnata. Sausage Tree. An evergreen, rapid growing tree that produces dark green, prickly, pinnate leaves. It is of value as an ornamental because of its showy, sausage-like seed capsules which are from twelve to twenty inches long, and are borne on the ends of long, cord-like stems. Plants are very tender to cold. (Bignonia- ceae.) Koelreuteria formosana. Bougain- villea Tree. A semi-evergreen tree which produces bright green, pin- _ nate leaves, similar in appearance Figure 22_ Red cedar (Jumpems W“ to the Umbrella Chinaberry tree giniana). A desirable coni- foliage. The inconspicuous, small éeerxa?” Planting in s°uth yellow flowers are borne over the ' top of the tree and are followed by numerous, showy, rose-colored, paperycapsules. This tree is well adapted and a rapid grower. (Sapindaceae) a Leucaena pulverulcnta. Tepehuaje. A rapid growing, thornless, native O PLANTS OF’ OR»i\'.Xl\iEN'l'AI. VALUE FOR RIO GRANDE VALLEY OF TEXAS 31 evergreen tree which resembles a tall fern (Figure 23). It produces typical acacia flowers followed by flat, brown seed pods. It usually blooms after rains, as do its close relatives. the acacias. It reseeds so rapidly that it becomes a plant pest. Another drawback to the use of this tree is its suscep- tibility to attack by huisache gird- lers. There are three related species in the Valley: L. glauca (White Popenac), L. Greggii (Greggs P0- penac), and L. retusa (Lead Tree). If one is planning on using a Tepe- huaje tree in his plantings, it is best to use the largest growing type which produce-s least seeds. (Le- guminosae.) Ligustrum. japonicum. Japanese Privet, Tree Ligustrum. An ever- green tree ligustrum which pro- duces glossy, dark green, ovate leaves, panicles of fragrant white flowers, and succulent black fruits. (Oleaceae) Figure 23. Tepehuaje (Leztcaeiza put- » ,- - - - veralenta). A rapid growing Lztchz chznenszs. Litchee. ‘An native tree halving mimosa’ evergreen, round-topped tree which like foliage. It is most use- ful where qui-ck shade is produces glossy bright gre-en lance- desired_ olate leaflets which are reddish when young, inconspicuous flowers, and very showy, bright red, edible fruits. Well "adapted to Valley soils but tender to cold. (Sapindaceae) Macadamia ternifolia. Queensland Nut, Macadamia Nut. This tree pro- duces shining, dark gre-en, prickly, oblong leaves and round, edible nuts. It appears to be a slow growing tree. (Proteaceae.) Magnolia grandiflora. Southern Magnolia. This large, glossy, leafed ever- green flowering tree grows very slowly unless given generous supplies of acid forming fertilizers, iron and water. (Magnoliaceae.) M elaleaca armillaris. Drooping Melaleuca. Very dark green foliage; weep- ing habit of growth; numerous creamy white flowers. (Myrtaceae.) Melaleuca elliptica. Tree Bottlebrush. A pyramidal, upright tree having bright green foliage and small, white bottlebrush flowers. Melaleuca Leacadendra. Cajeput Tree, Punk Tree. A slender, upright tree having light green, narrowly lanceolate leaves. Corky bark gives the tree its name. Several species of Melaleuca are being grown at the Experiment Station. The leaves are usually stiff, linear and small; the flower “brushes” are small and white; the capsules cling to the branches, and do not become mature until the second year. Melia Azedarach var. ambracaliformis. Umbrella Chinaberry Tree. A round headed deciduous tree that produces dark green pinnate foliage and clusters of lilac flowers followed by yellow berries. Extensively used because O 32 BULLETIN NO. 609, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT" STATION of its rapid growth and attractive appearance. Being deciduous, it makes considerable litter during the fall and winter seasons and the trees break easily in the wind. (Meliaceae) Mimosa fragrant‘. Pink Mimosa. This small tree is native to the South- ern and central part of the state. It is partial to limestone soils. (Legum- inosae.) Mimosa Lindheimert. Lindheimer’s Mimosa. This small tree is native to the Lower Rio Grande Valley along the resacas in Cameron County. There are two species of pink flowered mimosas nativ-e to Texas, both of which are valued for their fern-like foliage and fragrant, pink “powder puff” flowers which appear in the spring. \ Morus alba var. pendula. Weeping Mulberry. Small round-headed tree with drooping branches. Very ornamental, except during the winter season. (Moraceae.) Morus nigm. Black Mulberry. A very large spreading tr-ee- having very dark green ovate leaves, and large black fruit. The best variety for this region. - Morus rub/ra. Red Mulberry. A medium large tree with rough ovate leaves and red fruits produced in such an abundance as to become a nuisance. Mulberry trees are grown in the Lower Rio Grande Valley for shade and, for ornamental purposes. When planted in a poultry yard, the tender shoots, young leaves and ber- ries supply succulent green food, while the spreading top furnishes shade during the hot summer months. All of the types mentioned are deciduous. N/icotiana glauca. Sacred Mustard Tree, Tree Tobacco. A native, ever- green tree which produces large, bluish-green ovate leaves and clus- ters of small yellow tubular flowers followed by cup-shaped seed cap- sules. The Biblical Mustard Tree. A (Solanaceae) Olca curopea». Olive. A willowy, evergreen tree that produces nar- row-oblong gray-green foliage. This is the olive of commerce, but it has no commercial value in this region, and makes a poor’ ornamental. (Oleaceae.) Osmanthus americanus. Ameri- Pigure 24' 3:31:11“Aujgfigésogjfiférgggf; can Olive. A hardy evergreen tree flowering tree having finely which produces glossy, dark green ‘mt’ Plum-Y mnage‘ oblong leaves about three inches long, and in late fall, fragrant white flowers. (Oleaceae) PLANTS OF OR-NAMENTAL VALUE FOR- RIO GR-ANDE VALLEY OF’ TEXAS 33 Park-insonia aculeata. Retama, Jerusalem Thorn. A large growing native evergreen tree that has dark green bark, bright green, feathery foliage, and a. profusion 0f yellow flowers having a touch of red at the base of the petals (Figure 24). If prope-rly pruned, it makes a graceful tree. (Leguminosae.) Peltophorum. This U. S. D. A. introduction has proven well adapted to conditions in this re- gion. It is a rapid growing, ever- green tree closely related to the poincianas, producing bright green, pinnate foliage, and a profusion of golden yellow flowers (11/2” in diameter) in many flowered ra- cemes, often uniting to form large panicles. (Leguminosae.) Persea americana. Avocado. Since it has been found that the West Indian type of avocado is adapted to soil conditions in this region, and the Mexican types are more cold resistant, an effort is being made to establish plantings of Cuban or West Indian seedlings and graft the hardier, more de- sirable types onto them (Figure Figure 25. Avocado (Persea amemlcana). This fruiting tree attains a 25). Linda is one o-f the most or- height of thirty feet and namental varieties of avocados, but ggfugmsiaerable mmamental varieties such as Lula, Gottfried and Fuerte are more desirable commercial sorts. (Lauraceae.) Pvlnus ca-nariensis. Canary Island Pine. This tree produces long, slender branches and light green to blue-gree-n foliage; hard wood; light-gray bark; yellowish brown cones two to three inches long. (Pinaceae) Pzinus echinata. Shortleaf Pine. A tall growing tree of upright habit of growth and having yellow green foliage. This tree is sometimes called Yellow Pine or Spruce Pine. Used to a limited extent in the Valley because of its oddity. Pinus hallepensis. Aleppo Pine. A tall tree having short limbs with yellow- ish to brown branches; gray bark; light green, sparse foliage, the tufts of leaves being borne on the tips 0f the twigs; cones two to three inches long. Several species of pines are being grown in this. region, none of which are native. They appear to be well adapted and can be utilized in the landscap- ing scheme. Pilstarzhia 12cm. Pistach. A deciduous, slow growing tree that produces pinnate leaves, medium green in color; the young growth being tipped with red. This tree produces inconspicuous flowers, and small nuts. The pistach appears to be ‘poorly adapted to our conditions. (Anacardiaceae) 34 BULLETIN NO. 609, 'l“EXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENYL‘ S"l'A'l'l(>,\l Pithecolobium flexicaule. Texas Ebony. A native, evergreen, leguniinous tree WhiCh DTOdIICBS Very da-rk green bi-piinnate leaves and heads of cream colored acacia-like flowers which are followed by large, thick, dark brown seed pods (Figure 26). (Leguminosae.) Platanus occidentalis. Sycamore. A deciduous tr-ee, native to other parts of Texas, that produces pal- mately lobed, dull green leaves and heads of flowers containing both pistillate and staminate florets, which are followed by small, brown nutlets. This tree is not recom- mended because of its habit of shedding its leaves in the fall, and because it has not proven entirely adapted to conditions in this region. (Platanaceae.) Podocarpus ma-crophylla (longi- folia). Japanese Yew, Podocarpus. Figure 26. Texas Ebony (Pirhevozol>iimii - A flearicaulc). A native ever- A slender, pyramidal, evergreen green tree having dense tree which produces dark green, dark green foliage and pm- - _ , - ducing‘ a profusion of cream linear lanceolate leaves in a dense colored acaciévuke flowers foliage effect. This plant 1S often after each rain. used as a tub or porch plant when small, but if given space, it will become a talltree. (Taxaceae) Populus lasiocarpa. Chinese Cottonwood. This rapid growing. deciduous tree produces ovate leaves, inconspicuous greenish dioecious flowers and green fruits containing a cottony material surrounding the seeds. Not recommended because of the un- sightly bare branches and litter of fallen leaves during the fall and winter months. (Salicaceae.) Prosopis chilensis. Mesquite. This gnarled, native tree is useful as an ornamental. It is easily broken by high winds and is somewhat suscep- tible to insect attack and disease. It~ produces dark green, piiiiiate foliage. Similar to California Pep- -per in general appearance (Figure _ _ . 27). (Leguminosae.) _. t » Prunus (Lgurocerasus) carolin- Figure 27. Mesquite (Prosopts chilen- iana‘ Chérry Laurel‘ An evergreen sis). Agraceful native tree tree having glossy, dense, oblong having ‘mama’ like mliage foliage. This tree produces racemes similar to California Pep- _ _ _ per in general appearance. of small white flowers in spring. PLANTS OF OR-N.-XI\ILEN'l‘AL VALUE FOR RIO GRANDE VALLEY OF ‘TEXAS 35 and small, oblong, black fruits late in the fall. Cherry Laurel is excellent for shearing and is used as a hedge plant. (Rosaceae.) Prunus cc/rasife-ra var. Pissardi. Purple Leaf Plum. A small deciduous tree having showy, purplish-red foliage. ‘This plant appears to be Well adapted to conditions in this region. Ptclca Baldzvinii. Wafer-Ash. This native wafer-ash is found on the gravel- topped hills along the Rio Grande. The branches are smooth and upright, reaching a height of eight to ten feet. The narrow, aromatic, trifoliate leaves, also point upward. Greenish flower clusters are followed by typical wafer-like winged fruits. The wood is white and tough. (Rutaceae.) Pterocarya stenoptera. Wing Nut. An introduction from the U. S. D. A. A rapid growing, deciduous tree that belongs to the Walnut family. It appears to be well adapted to conditions in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. In the spring it produces pinnate leaves and inconspicuous catkins of flow- ers, followed by long, drooping racemes of small winged nuts. Very at- tractive in appearance. (Juglandaceae) Quercus myrsinaefolwla. Japanese Oak. A U. S. D. A. introduction that appears "to be well adapted to this region. An eve-rgreen tree. having bright green, glossy, lance-olate leaves. (Fagaceae) Quercus virgmiana. Live Oak. A sturdy, round headed, symmetrical, ever- green tree having small obovate, glossy green leaves (Figure 28). There are no native oak trees in the Valley, but many types are being tried in an effort to find well adapted sp-ecies of this enduring type of tree. The Live Oak’ and Japanese Oak appear to be well adapted to this region. Included in the station collection a are specimens of Q. virginiaina (Live Oak, Figure 28), Q. myrsin- aefol/ia (Japanese Oak), Q. Zyrata (Overcup Oak), Q. minor (Pin Oak), Q. stellata (Post Oak), Q. phellos (Willow Leaf Oak), and Q. agrifolia (Holly-Leaf Oak). Rhus viminalis. Fragrant Sumac. An evergreen, le-afy plant up to thirty feet high, that produces bright green, narrow leaves, numer- ous greenish flower clusters fol- lowed by sweetish fleshy fruits. This plant makes slow growth in the Lower Rio Grande Valley and is very susceptible to cotton root rot disease. (Anacardiaceae.) Salim babylonica. Weeping Wil- low. This is a rather tall growing, slender willow with drooping Figure 28. Live Oak (Quercus virgini- ‘ and). A. sturdy, evergreen branches and foliage. Makes rather Shade tree that grQWS more rapidly than is often sup- slow growth and is subject to posed“ chlorosis. (Salicaceae) 36 BULLETIN NO. 609, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT’ STATION Salim discolor. Pussy Willow. A small, deciduous tree which is grown for its branches of showy, soft, gray flower heads. The Pussy Willow is not adapted to conditions in this region. Salim interior. Brittle Willow. A native tree distinguished from the commonly found S. nigra, or Black Willow, by its lighter colored branches and very brittle wood. This small willow is found in the vicinity of Browns- ville and along the river“ Salim nigra. Black Willow. A very large growing tree where abundant water is available. The commonly found willow to be seen along canal banks in this region (Figure 29). Samanea Saman. Monkeypod Tree, Rain Tree. An evergreen tree Which has light green pinnate foliage. The pink flowers are very similar to those of Albizzia Juli- brissin, being large, pink, “powder- puffs.” The seed pods contain bright red beans. Rapid growing but very tender. (Leguminosae) Sapium sebifcrum. Chinese Tal- low-Tree. A tall growing, decid- uous tree which produces light green, ovate leaves that turn red in the autumn and remain on the tree during the late fall months Figure 29. Black Willow (Salim nigra). A rapid growing, native _ . _ tree that is 195s desk-aim, This tree produces inconspicuous the“ eeme °f the evergreen flowers which are followed by forms. _ oblong white seeds whose waxy covering is used for making candles, soap and cloth dressing. The milky juice of the tree is said to be poisonous. (Euphorbiaceae.) Sapindus Drummondii. Western Soapberry, Wild China-Berry Tree. This deciduous tree is native to many parts of Texas but is nowhere abundant. The trees have scaly, reddish brown bark; pinnate foliage somewhat like the Umbrella China-Berry; panicles of white flowers similar to those of the ligustrum, giving the name “Wild Ligustrum” to this tree. The yellow, grape-like clusters of berries turn almost black at maturity. These berries contain sapionin, which can be used as a substitute for soap, and the pulp is valuable for use in the manufacture of floor varnish. (Sapindaceae.) Schinus Molle. California Pepper Tree. A tall graceful tree with finely cut foliage, similar to our native Mesquite, that produces small white flowers in panicles, followed by small, rose-colored fruits. Not adapted to Valley conditions as determined by many trials. (Anacardiaceae) Schinus terebinthifolius. Brazilian Pepper Tree. A spreading evergreen tree having reddish brown bark, reddish stems, and dark green leaves having conspicuous veins. The panicles of small white flowers bloom on PLAIVPS OF ORNAMENTAL VALUE FOR RIO GRANDE VALLEY OF‘ TEXAS» 37 the tips of the branches and are followed in the fall by clusters of small red berries. Two species of pepper trees have been grown in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, but the Brazilian Pepper Tree appears to be the best adapted. Sophom secundiflora. Mescal Bean, Coral Bean. A native evergreen tree which produces glossly green pinnate leaves, and in spring large clusters of showy Ip-urple flowers, followed by seed pods containing bright red seed having medicinal properties. Not recommended. (Leguminosae) Tabebuia argentea. Bignonia Tree. A rather large tree which produces oblong to lanceolate leaves and in spring a profusion. of large, yellow, tubular flowers. A rose flowered species, T. pallida (U. S. D. A. S. P. I #131875), has proven to be fairly well adapted. (Bignoniaceae) Tamarindus indica. Tamarind. A large, round-topped tree which produces dark green, pinnate foliage. The pods of fruit have a. hard, brittle shell, and contain extremely acid pulp that is used in making drinks and meat sauce. The plants are very tender to cold. (Legumino-sae.) Tamarlim articulata. Athel. A very rapid growing, many branched, dense tree that produces blue-green feathery foliage and panicles of pink flowers. Useful in a sheared“ hedge or windbreak. (Tamariaceae) Tamariw gallica. French Salt-Cedar. A small deciduous tree or shrub with plumy, needle-like, green foliage. In the spring it produces numerous pinkish flower racemes. This plant is well adapted, and is recommended for use along the Gulf Coast. Tamariac odessana. Odessa Tamarisk, Plumy Tamarisk. A small tamarix which produces dark green exceptionally plumy foliage and racemes of pink flowers. One of the most attractive of the Tamarisks. Taxodium mucronatum. Mexican Cypress. This is the native cypress of the Rio Grande Delta, but it has not been extensively used in landscape beautification. (Pinaceae.) Terminalia Catappa. India Almond, Tropical Almond, Myrobolan Almond. A tall growing, pyramidal deciduous tree whose branches grow at right angles to the trunk. It produces large, ovate to obovate, leathery leaves which turn bright red during the autumn season. Plants grow rapidly but are tender to cold. (Combretiaceae.) Thespesia populnea. Portia Tree, Yellow Flowered Tulip Tree. An ever- green tropical tree that produces light green ovate leaves and large, yellow hibiscus-like flowers followed by small capsules. (Malvaceae.) Thevetia. Tiger Apple. A small, evergreen tree having a round, sym- metrical top, and producing shining, bright green, narrow leaves. One variety, T. nereifolia, produces orange colored, tubular flowers; while the other, T. nereifolia flava, produces yellow flowers. Both bear an abundance of green “a-pples” which are quite ornamental but not edible. The plants somewhat resemble Oleander to which they are related. (Apocynaceae.) Thuja orientalis var. aurea nana. Berckman’s Golden Arbor-Vitae. One of the best dwarf pyramidal types having the golden yellow foliage. (Pinaceae.) Thuja orientalis var. bakem‘. Baker's Arbor-Vitae. A compact, well shaped pyramidal type having bright green foliage. 738 BULLETIN NO. 609, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT‘ STATION Thuja orientalis var. beverlyensis. Beverley’s Golden Arbor-Vitae. A tall cone-shaped plant having a golden yellow cast to the new growth. Thuja orientalis var. bonita. Bonita Arbor-Vitae. A good pyramidal type having bright, yellow-green foliage. Thjua orientalis var. cupressifolia. Ramsey’s Hybrid Arbor-Vitae. A com- pact pyramidal type, having bright green foliage. Thuja orientalis var. glauca. Texas Blue Arbor-Vitae. This is a blue-green type of pyramidal form that may be used along with Rosedale or Bonita. Thuja orientalis var. rosedale. Rosedale Arbor-Vitae. A good globe type of medium size having feathery blue-green foliage. Ulmus alata. Winged Elm. A round-topped, native, deciduous tree having branches usually with two opposite, very broad wings. The leaves are ovate, double serrated, smooth above, pubescent beneath. The seeds are elliptic- ovate with narrow wings and two incurved horns at the apex. (Ulmaceae.) Ulmus crassifolia. Cedar Elm. This native, deciduous tree has spreading limbs and slender branches. The dark green ovate leaves are serrated and rough above, pubescent underneath. The flowers are inconspicuous; fruits are oval-elliptic, notched, 15-inch long. Zizyphus Jujuba. Jujube. A deciduous, thorny tree which produces glossy, dark green, ovate leaves, inconspicuous flowers, and maroon colored fruits which can be utilized in making sweet pickle preserves. (Rhamnaceae) TABLE 2. TREES Mature Size ~~—-~———- Cold Name Height Spread Hardi- Adapta- Desira- Notes (feet) (feet) ness bility bility Acacia Baileyana (Robin's Egg Blue Acacia) ___________________________ -- 6- 8 4- 6 8 1 0 Special Soil reqllillemellts Acacia cultriformis _ (Crowded Leaf Acacia) ________________________________ .. 6- 8 4- 6 9 9 9 Valuable ornamental foliage Acacia decurrens (Green Wattle) _______________________________________ __ 10-15 4- 6 9 4 1 Unadapted Acacia delanthus (African Acacia) ______________________________________ _. 10-15 4— 6 9 4 1 Unadapted Acacia Farnesiana (Huisache) ____________________________________________ _. 18-30 15-20 9 9 9 _ Valuable native flowering tree Acacia longifolia var. floribunda (Flowering Acacia) ___________________________________ _- 10-15 4- 6 9 7 4 Unadanted Acacia Greggii (Long Fld. (Jatsclaw) ________________________________ -- 8-10 4— 5 9 9 0 Too thorny; undesirable Acacia Roemeriana (Round Fld. Catsclaw) _______________________________ _. 6- 8 4- 5 9 9 5 Useful in drouthy locations Acacia Wrightii (Tree Oatsclaw) _______________________________________ _. Z5~35i 10-15 9 9 9 Valuable native tree Acer argutum (Silver Maple) ________________________________________ _- 20-25 10-15 9 0 O Unadapted Acer saccharinum ‘ . (Sloit Maple) .......................... _. ______________ _. 80~90 15-25 9 O 0 Unadapte-d Albizzia Julibrissin \ " (Powder Pufi Tree) ___________________________________ _. 4- 8 2» 3 9 8 4 Slow growing"; deciduous Albizzia Lebbek (Woman's Tongue Tree) _____________________________ __ 20—35 10-15 2’ 9 9 Cassia-like tree Aleurites Fordii (Tung Oil Tree‘) _______________________________________ _. 10-25 8-10 6 0 0 Unadapted Amyris madrensis (Torchwood)! ________________________________________ __ (H5 2- 5 9 9 9 Desirable native tree Araucaria ewcelsa (Norfolk Island Pine) _________________________________ -. 20-25 4- 8 6 8 9 Very showy specimen tree Araucaria araucana (Monkeypuzzle Tree) _________________________________ -_ 30-50 15-18 9 9 9 Interesting cone-bearing tree *Not grown on the Experiment Station. Cold Hardiness: Adaptability: 9—Excellent; 5—-fair; 1—poor. QL-Hardy; 5—fairly hardy; 1—-tender. Desirability: 9——D~esirable; 5-tairly desirable; 1——undesirab1e. 68 SVXELL JO XEFITVA HGNVHE) OIH HOJ EIIITVA TVLNHNVNQIO 110 SLXVTeI TABLE 2. TREIES—Cont1nued Mature Siz-e - ~~~~~ ———— Gold Name Height l Spread Hardi- Adapta- Desira- Notes (feet) l (feet) ness bility bility i Arbutus Unedo (Strawberry Tre-e) ____________________________________ __ 12-15 8-10 9 7 3 Very slow growing Averrhoa Bilimbi (Sweet Carambola) ___________________________________ __ 8-12 4- 6 2 6i 5 Interesting, but lacks vigor Averrhoa Carambola - (Pickle Tree) __________________________________________ __ 8-12 4- 61 2 0 5 Interesting, but lacks vigor Bauh/inia variegata var. candida ' (White flowered Orchid Tree) _________________________ __ 15—30 10-15 5 S! 9 Very ShOWY White flOWBTS Bauhinia Galpini h (Red flowered Orchid Tree) ___________________________ __ Se-lil‘ 3- 6 3 9 1 Lacks Vig0I‘ Bauhinia purpurea (Purple flowered Orchid Tree) ________________________ __ 15-30 5-10 5i 9 9 Not a profuse bloomer Bazthinia tomentosa (Yellow flowered Orchid ‘Tre-e) ___________ ___ ___________ __ 8J0 3- 6 0 9 1 LfiCkS ViEOI’ Bauhinia triandra (Pink flowered Orchid Tree) __________________________ __ 15-30 101-15 y 5 9 9i Numerous pink flowers Biara Orellana ' i (Annatto) _____________________________________________ ,_ 10-15 8 5 2 " 0' Short lived Bumelia lanuginosa‘ (Ohittamwood) _______________________________________ _. 15 10 9i 9i * 9 Attractive native tree Bumelia Schottii i l (Como) _______________________________________________ __ 15-20 15-18 9 9 ‘. 9 Very desirable native tree Galliandra hemaetocephala ‘ (Calliandra) __________________________________________ __ 10-20 8-10 7 9 6 Showy flowering tree Callistemon lanceolatus (Weeping Bottlebrush) _______________________________ __ 6-10 2- 3 9 9 9 Useful tall growing type Gallistemon rigidus l (Rigid Bottlebrush) ____________________ __, __________ __ 6-10 3- 4 9 9 l 9 Very desirable, dense type Caragana arborescens i (Siberian Pea-Tree) ___________________________________ __ 15-20 8-10 9 0 ; 0 Unadapted Carina Papaya 1 (Papaya) _____________________________________________ __ 10-25 3- 6 3 9 9 Ornamental tropical fruit tree Carya Pecan _ ‘ (Pecan) ________________________________________________ __ 2040 15-20 9 6 9 Excellent deciduous shade tree Cassia Fistula (Golden Slhower) _______________________________________ _. 10-20 6- 8 4 6 _ 4 Well adapted, but tender Cassia grandis I (Grand Shower) ______________________________________ _- 8-15 6- 8 4 6 4 Well adapted, but tender Cassia nodosa (Pink Shower) _________________________ ___ ____________ __ C- 8 5- 6 2 4 Well adapted; very bender XOLLViLS JiNEIWIHEI-JXGI TVHIILTHOIHOV SVXHL ‘609 'ON NLLEITTQH 07 Cassia laevigata- (Smooth Senna) ______________________________________ _- Cassia. splendida (Showy Senna) ________________________________________ -- Cassia tomentosa (Wooly Senna) ________________________________________ -- Casuartna Cunninghamiaota (Cunningham Beefwood) _____________________________ _. Cassuarina equisetifolia (Horsetail Casuarina) ________________________________ -. Oasuarma glauca (Australian Pine) _______________________________________ -. Oasuarina lepidophloia (Hardy Australian Pine) _____________________________ __ (Jasuarina montana (Australian Pine) _____________________________________ _, Gatalpa bignonioides (Gatalpa) ____________________________________________ _- Oatalpa Bungei. (Manchurian Oatalpa) _______________________________ __ Oatalpa speciosa (Western Catalpa) ___________________________________ _- Cedrus Deodora (Deodor Cedar) _______________________________________ _» Oeiba pentandra- (Kapok) _______________________________________________ _. Gem's Zaevigata (Southern Hackberry) _______________________________ -;- Oeratonia Siliqua (Carob) ______________________________________________ _- Gercidium floridum (Palo Verde) __________________________________________ _. Cercidtum teacanum (Texas Palo Verde) ___________________________________ __ Gercis canadensis (Redbud) _____________________________________________ -- Chilopsis linearis (Desert Willow) _______________________________________ __ Chrysophyllum oliviforme (Star Apple) ____________________________________________ _. Oinnamomum Oamphora (Camphor Tree) ______________________________________ _- *Not grown on the Experiment Station. Cold Hardiness: 9—Hardy; 5—fairly hardy; 1—tender. Adaptability: QL-Excellent; 5-—fair; 1—poor. Desirability: ié-Desirable; 5—fairly desirable; k-undesirable. U! 2_ 8~15 8»~10‘ 12-15 U1 Q-JO‘: ¢OIF¢OEOQOKDSOT 0-4 “PKJN: §OUI©€Ocvowoim~roommmzo-z Glossy-green, thorny tree Attractive, flowering native Ornamental leaves and fruit Very slow growing Odd-flowering, native Rare, citrus-like native Tall; rapid growing Unadapted Difficult to grow Large; tender Limited usefulness Few lower limos Useful roadside tree Attractive foliage; tender Tropical foliage plant Attractive fruiting tree Ornamental fruit and foliage Ornamental fruit and foliage Ornamental fruit and fOliage Strictly ordinary Deciduous shade tree *Not grown on the Experiment Station. Cold Hardiness: Q-Hardy; 5—fairly hardy; 1—tender. Adaptability: Ell-Excellent; 5-—fair; 1—poor. Desirability: 9-D~esirable; 5—fairly desirable; 1—undesirable. EV SVXELL JO KEYYIVA HCIKVHE) OIH H05 ELTIVA 'IV.L.\IEII\IVI\I‘HO e10 SLXVTCI TABLE 2. TREES-Continued Mature Size . ——— ———— Cold Name Height Spread Hardi- Adapta- Desira- Notes (feet) (feet) ness bility bility Ginkgo biloba (Maide-nhair Tree) _____________________________________ __ 40-50 20~30 9 2 0 Unadapted Gleditsia triacaiithos (Honey Locust) ________________________________________ _o 20-30 8-10 a 9 0 Too thorny to be desirable Grevillea robusto, i (Silk Oak) _____________________________________________ _. 20-30 8-10 9 9 9 Very showy tropical tree Helieita parvifolia (Barretta)____-. _________________________________________ _- 5- 6 2- 3 9 9 7 Dwarf citrus-like native Hibi-scus tiliaceus (Mahoe) _______________________________________________ __ 20-30 10-12 6 7 7 Showy flowering tropical tree Ilene ambigua (Carolina Holly) ______________________________________ _, 3- 5 2 9 0 0 Unadapted; oblong leaves Ilex aquifolium (English Holly) _______________________________________ _- 10-20 3 9 0 0 Unadapt-ed; spiny toothed leaves Ilex cassine* (Dahoon Holly) _______________________________________ _. 10-20 4- 6 9 3 0 Unadapted; leathery, oblong leaves Ilew coriiuta - (ChincseHol1y)____' ___________________________________ _. 10 3 9 3 0- Unadapted; large spiny leaves Ilem opaca (American Holly) _____________________________________ __ 10-20 2- 3 9' 3 0| Unadapted; spiny, leathery leaves Ileav sp.* (Native Holly) ________________________________________ _. 8-20 4- 6 9 9 7 Native holly; coriaoeous leaves Jacaranda acutifolia (Jacaranda) __________________________________________ __ 20-35 15-20 6 8 8 Ornamental foliage and flowers Juniperus chiinensis var. syltesti‘is* (Chinese Juniper) ______________________________________ _. 19-25 6- s 9 9 7 Limited usefulness Juniperus ewcelsa stricta (Spiny Greek Juniper) ________________________________ __ 0- 8 1* 9 9 9 Make interesting specimen plants Juniperus lucayanrfi (Southern Red Juniper) _____________________________ -1 8-10 s 9 9 7 Limited usefulness- Juniperus Sabinzu’ (Savin Juniper) _______________________________________ _. 6 6 9 9 7 Limited usefulness J mtiperus virginiantfl (Red Cedar) __________________________________________ -_ 25 6-10 9 9 7 Desirable specimen plant Juniperus virginia glauca* (Silver Juniper) ________________________________________ _. 25 6-10 9 9 7 Desirable blue-green foliage Kigelia pinnata (Sausage ’l‘rce) ______________________________________ __ 20-35 8-10 2 9 8 Showy cylindrical seed capsules Koelreuteria bipiimata (Golden Rain Tree) __________________________________ _. _ 25-40 18-20 '< 2 Not especially desirable f? NOILIAV-LIAS ‘LNEIWIHHJXEI ‘IVHELTIIIIOIHSV SVXELL ‘609 'ON NILLEITIIIH Koelreuteria formosaita L (Bougainvillea Tree) __________________________________ -, 18-20 8-10 9 9 7 Interesting ornamental tree eucaena pulverulelzta (Tepehuaje) __________________________________________ -- 25-35 15-20 9 9 5 Fern-like foliage Ligustrum japonicum (Japanese Privet) ...................................... _. 15-25 15 9 9 7 Glossy green; drouth resistant Liriodeotdron tuliptfev a (Tulip Tree) __________________________________________ __ 20-35 8-15 § 9 0 0 Unadapted Litchi chinensis i M (Lit;hee)___.t_-___._f__l._ __________________________________ -. 18-30 15-20 :- 5 9 7 Ornamental tropical fruit tree aca amm erm 0 1a i (Queensland Nut) _____________________________________ -» 15-30 10-15 i 5 7 5 Odd, tropical tree Magnolia grandiflora . l , (SOUthGIQMagDOIiH) ................................. -_ 25-40 15-20 i 9 5 6 Occasionally successful Melaleuca armillaris‘ M (llhlooping %\llel?1euca) ________________________________ -_ 15-25 4- 6 6 9 8 Dark, dense foliage e a euca e 1p wa M (lTTlee Bmglebrustlyné ________________________________ -_ 20-35 3- 6 9 9 8i Bright green foliage e a euca euca en ra (Cajeput Tree) ______________________________________ _- 25-35 3- 6 4 6 2 Useful in swampy locations Malia Azedarach var. umbracztliformis M (Umbrella Chinaberry) _______________________________ -_ 18-30 15-20 9' 9 2 Strictly ordinary imosa ragrans‘ M_(Pink Biil1n1§£)-_-_---_-* ---------------------------------- -- 1- 4 1- 3 ‘ 9 9 7 Slmall flowering native zmosa m ewnem i (Lindhegmefs Mimosg) _______________________________ _. 6 3- 4 . 9 9 7 Small flowering native Morus al a var. pen ula‘ M (Weeping Mulberry) ---------------------------------- -- 6- 8 6- 8 9 7 6 Interesting specimen plant orus mgra M (Black lléulbf-rry) ------------------------------------- -- 25-35 25-30 9 9 7‘ Fruiting shade tree orus ru ra N_(R;?<_1 Mlllbeirry) --------------------------------------- -- 15-25 12-15- 9 9 6 Abundance of fruit 1,00 uma g auca Ofsflcred Mllgtflrd) ------------------------------------- -- 6-00 6- 8 9 9 6 Interesting flowering native ea ewropa a O (OliveilPree) ........... _-; _____________________________ -. 10-15 4- 6 9 3 3 Occasionally successful smcmt us americaazus (American Olive Tree) ________________________________ _- 10-15 4- 6 9 9 7 Ornamental flowering plant Parkinsonia aculeata (Retama) ____________________________________________ ___. 15-25 10-15- 8 9 9 Graceful flowering native. Peltophorum sp. (Peltophorum) ---------------------------------------- -< 15-35 8-10 7 9 9 Rapid growing flowering tree *N0t grown 0n the Experiment Station. Cold Hardiness: Q-Hardy; 5—fa1rly hardy; 1—-tender. Adaptability: 9*—Excellent; Er-fair; l—p00r. Desirability: 9-—Desirable; 5—fairly desirable; 1—undesirable. 97' SVXELL JO XEFYIVA EIGNVHE) OIH HOE EIIYIVA TVLNIIWVNHO JO S-LNVTcI I TABLE 2. TREES—Cont1nued Mature Size Name —————— —— 001d Height ‘ Spread Hardi- Adapta- Desira- Notes (feet) (feet) ness bility bility ‘ Persea americana (Avocado) ____________________________ __~ ______________ __ 16-40 10-20 3 7 8 Ornamental subtropical tree Pmus canariensis (Canary Island Pine) __________________________________ _, 50-60 1O 9 5 (l Occasionally successful Pinus echinatrfl _ (sihortioai Pine) ______________________________________ H 50-60 10 9 9 8 Occasionally successful Pmus grifiithii . (Grifligiys Pine) ______________________________ ___ ______ __ 40-50‘ 5-10 9 :5 0 Occasionally successful Pinus halepensis‘ (Aleppo Pine) _________________________________________ _, 40-50- 10 9 5 7 Occasionally successful Pistachio were (Pistach Nut) ________________________________________ __ 15-25 6- 8 9 3 O Unadapted Pithecolobium flemicaule (‘Texas Ebony) ________________________________________ __ 1&30 12-15 9 9 9 Dense, dark green, native Platanus occidentalis (Sycamore Tree) _______________________________________ _, 25-40 10-15 9 7 3 Strictly ordinary Podocarpus macrophylla (Podocarpus Yew) ____________________________________ __ 6-40 2- 8 9 6 7 Attractive dense foliage Populus lasiocarpa (Cottonwood) _________________________________________ __ 2:535 15-20 9 8 5 Strictly ordinary Populus nigra var. italica (Lombardy Poplar) _________________________________ __ 213-50 6- 8' 9 2 3 Unadapted Prosopis chilensis (Mesquite) ____________________________________________ __ 18-35 15-20 9 9 8 Usually short lived native Prunus caroliniana (Cherry-Laurel) _____________________________________ __ 20-30 15-20 9 9 6 Limited usefulness Prunus cerasifera- var. Pissardi (Purple-Leaf Plum) __________________________________ __ 1920 6-10 9 8 7 Interesting specimen tree Ptelea Baldwinii (Wafer-Ash) _______________________________________ __-___ 8-12 5 9 9 9 Attractive, citrus-like native Pterocarya stenoptera , (Wing Nut) ___________________________________________ __ 1&2?) 8-10 9 9 6 Rapid growing; deciduous Quercus myrsiitaefolia . , (Japan-eseOak) _______________________________________ __ 20-50 HMO 9 9 8 Glossy green; evergreen Quercus virginiana (Live Oak) ___________________________________________ __ 2m30 19-15 9 9 9 Glossy green; evergreen Rhus viminalis (Fragrant Sumac) _____________________________________ _. (‘r30 6-10 9 6 3 Subject to root disease Robinia Pseudo-Acacia‘ _ _ (Black Locust) __________ _______-._ ....... _____ ______. ____ _. 30-40 15-20 9 9 4 Rapid growlng; flowering 97 XOILVLS JAIEIWIHEIJXEI TVHOJ/IIIOIHSV SVXELL ‘609 'O.\I NLLEITIQH Salim babylonica (Weeping Willow) ____________________________________ __ Salia: discolor (Pussy Willow) _______________________________________ -- Salim interior“ (Brittle Willow) ....................................... _. Salia: nigra (Black Willow) _______________________________________ __ Samanea Saman (Monkeypod Tree) _______________________ _-, ___________ -. Sapindus Drummondii (Western Soapberry) _________________________________ _- Sapium sebiferum (Chinese Tallow Tree) ________________________________ _» Schinus Molle (California Pepper Tree) ______________________________ -_ Schinus terebmthifolius (Brazilian Pepper Tree) _______________________________ __ Semecarpus Anacard ‘um (Marking Nut) _______________________________________ .» Sophora secund/iflora‘ (Mescal Bean) ________________________________________ n " Spathodea oampanulata (Santa Domingo Mahogany) _________________________ _. Tabebuia argenta (Bignonia 'I‘ree) ______________________________________ __ Tamarindus indica (‘Tamarind Tree) _____________________________________ -_ Tamarix articulata (Evergreen Athel) ___________________________________ __ Tamaria: gallica (French Salt Cedar) __________________________________ __ Tamaria: odessana (Plumy Tamarisk) ___________________________________ __ Taixoduim 1nucr0naium* (Mexican Cypress‘) _____________________________________ -- Termmalia catappa (India Almond) _______________________________________ -- Thespesia populnea (Portia Tree) _________________________________________ -- Thevetia nereifolia (Orange flowered Tiger Apple) _____ _, ______ ;_,____, _____ _. *Not grown on the Experiment Station. Cold Hardiness: 9\—Hardy; 5——fairly hardy; 1—tender. Adaptability: QL-Excellent; 5—fair; 1—poor. Desirability: 9~—D'esirable; ii-fairly desirable; 1—undesirable. $12 20-25 30-40 6-10 8—10 10-15 10-15 10-15 4- 6 8-12 6- 8 20-25 10-15 4- 6 10-15 8-12 5- 6 8-10 (O "9 (D (l) CA3 C! N) (O (I) "<1 Q (O lb-NJCQ newt-DO ~><°O<>m0©¢OQQO©O>@ QQW-JQNIONJQOQWWWWbFW©QOQO@UI-J Gray leaves; yellow flowers Short lived Limited usefulness Limited usefulness Limited usefulness Showy berries Lacks vigor Occasionally successful Strictly ordinary Flowering plants Flowering plants Limited usefulness Showy flowers and fruit Very dwarf Unadapted Exceedingly thorny Unadapted Attractive native; orange berries Willow-like native Lacks vigor Showy orange colored flowers 8L SVXELL JO KHTTVA EICINVHS OIH ‘HOE ETD/IVA "IVLSIEIWVNHO JO SLMVTJ TABLE 4. SERUIBS—C0nt1nued Mature Size ——--———1 Gold Name Height Spread Hardi- Adapta- Desira. (feet) (feet) ness bility bility Oestrum diurnum (Day Blooming Jasmine) _____________________________ __ 5-10 2- 3 6 9 6 Cestrum nocturnum (Night Blooming Jasmine) ___________________________ __ 3~ 5 2- 3 6 9 6 Ghaenomeles japonica (Flowering Quince) ___ ____ __ 4~ 6 3- 5 9 5 6 Ohrysobalanus I caco (Coco Plum) __________________________________________ __ 10-30 4-10 1 3 3 Oitharewylum Berlandieri 1 (Fruiting Zitherwood) ________________________________ __ 5-15 i 4— 5 8 8 g9 Githarewylum brachyanthum * (flowering Zitherwood) ______________________________ __ 5~15 4- 5 8 8 5 Olerodendrum foetidum (Rosy Glory Bower) __________________________________ __ 3- 4 1- 2 7 9 5 Olerodendrum fragrans (Cologne Bush) ________ __ 3- 5 3 7 9 3 Olerodendrum Siphonanthus (Turks Turban) ______________________________________ __ a 7 4- e s 9 7 Glerodendrum speciosissimum (Red Clerodendron Bush) ____________________________ __ 2- 3 2- 3 7 7 i 7 Ooccolobis uvifera (Sea Grape) ___________________________________________ _. limo 3-15 1 9 \ 5 Oolubrina tewensis (Hog Plum)- _ _________ -, 2F 5 2- 5 9 9 , 3 Coprosma Bauefl i (Gonrosma) __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ . _ _ _ _. 2- 4 2_ 4, s 9 i 9 Gotoneaster horizontalis ; (Rock Ootoneaster) ................................... _. 2- 3 2- 4 9 0 2 Gotoneaster pannosa V (Silver Ootoneaster) __________________________________ __ e10 3- 4 9 1 7 7 Gotoneaster pannosa var. nana (Dwarf Ootoneaster) _________________________________ __ 1- 1% 1 9 9 8 Ootoneaster Parneyi i (Fruiting Ootoneaster) _______________________________ _. 6- 8 3- 4 9 4 ‘ 4 Gotoneaster prostrata (Prostrate Ootoneaster) ______________________________ _. 8-12 8-10 9 9 i 7 Coursetia amillarflfl (Baby Bonnets) _______________________________________ _. 2- 3 2— 3 7 9 5 Cuphea hyssopifol/la I (Eflfin Herb) ___________________________________________ _. 1%- 1 1/, 8 8 8 Notes Strong scented flowering shrubs Very strong scented Limited usefulness Very tender Native; profusion of berries Useful native hedge plant Vigorous flowering bush Vigorous; showy flower clusters Interesting seed clusters Showy red flowers Useful for saline soils Drouth resistant native Showy bronzy foliage Unadapted Gray foliage; showy berries Attractive foliage Profusion of berries Tortuous spreading shrub Small pink and white flowers Very dwarf; lavender flowers XOILVLS LNHWIHERIXIEI TVHQIXIQOIHOV SVXEIL ‘609 'ON NLLEITTIIEI Ouphea Zanceola ta (Firefly)? ______________________________________________ _. Cuphea mmiata (Cigarette Plant) _____________________________________ __ Datura arborea (White Angel Trumpet) _______________________________ _. Deutzia scabra _(D<>1_1tzia)-----_ ----------------------------------------- -w Dzervtlla hybmda (Weigelia) _____________________________________________ _. Dombeya punctata (Dombeya; Rose Bouquet) ___________________________ __ Duranta repens (Lilac Flowered Golden Dew Drop ____________________ -- Elaeagnus pungens (Elaeagnus) ___________________________________________ -. Ephedra anmlsyphiliticzfi (Joint Fir) _______________________ __; __________________ __ Eranthemum nervosum (Daedalacanthusy. ___________________________________ -g Ervatamia coronarwfi (Pinwheel Jasmine) ___________________________________ _ _ Ervatamia coronaria var. flore-pleno (Grape Jasmine) ______________________________________ -- Escallonia rosea (Escallonia) __________________ ___ _____________________ __ Eugenia uniflora (Surinum Cherry) ____________________________________ __ Euonymus japonicus (Japanese Burning Bush) _____________________________ __ Euphorbia heterophylla (Mexican Poinsettia) _________________________________ -. flluphorbia pulcherrima (Poinsettia) __________________________________________ __ Euonymus europaeus (European Burning Bush) ____________________________ __ Eysenhardtia teacmza“ (Rock Brush) _________________________________________ __ Fallugia paradoaca * (Apache Plume) ______________________________________ __ Fatshedera Ltzei (Flatshedera) _________________________________________ _ _ *Not grown on the Experiment Station. Cold Hardiness: 9—Hardy; Er-fairly hardy; 1—tender. Adaptability: ill-Excellent; 5—fair; 1-p0or, Desirability: 9—-Desirable; 5~—tairly desirable; 1—undesirable. 1- 3 3- 5 :;-- 6 4- 6 5-10 8J8 (P10 2— 4 3- 5 4- 6 3- 5 5-10 4— 6 3- 4 6-10 6- 8 8—1O 3— 4 3- 4- 1-2 2-6 4-6 3-4 CC @ KI KOo= 4- 6 ‘ 1 4 s 8 Varregated glossy folrage Porlieria angustifolea g _ (Guayacan) ___________________________________________ _. 10-15 ; 4- s o 9 7 Narrow leafed tortuous Ilfitlve Prosopis cinerascenw i _ (screw Bean) __________________________________________ _' 1 %_% 9 9 7 Very dwarf Mesqulte Punica granatum _ (Fruiting Pomegranate) _____________________________ __ a. 8 3- 4 9 7 5 Strictly ordrnary Punica grcmatum var. Legrellei (Flowering Pomegranate) ____________________________ _. 3- 5 1- 2 9 9‘ 7 Show)’ double flowers Punica granatum var. nana _ (Dwarf Pomegranate) ________________________________ -. 1/2~% %—1/g 9 9 9 Attractlve dwarf Plant Pyracantha crenato-sesrata _ _ (spreading 1311191110111) ________________________________ __ 5_15 4- 5 9 9 81 Dense; bnght berm-es Pyracantha crenulata _ _ _ (Upright Fvirethom) __________________________________ __ 10.15 4- 5 9 9 9 Uprlght; pTOfUSlOD of berrles Randia mitis _ (Palo de Pasta) ______________________________________ _- 5-10 3- 6 9 9 7 Thorllv Ilfltlve Shrub Reinwardtia, indica _ (Gom Eagle) __________________________________________ __ 2_ 3 2- 3 s 9- 9 Showy flowermg bush Rhododendron indica _ (Azalea) _______________________________________________ _. 2- 4 2- a 7 1 3 Occaswnallv successful Robinia hispida » (Rose Acacia) _________________________________________ _. 3- 4 s 9 0 0 Urwdapted Rosa sp. _ (R05 ________________________________________________ __ 3. 5 2 9 7 7 Showy flowers; unattractlve plants Salvia ballotaeflora (Shrubby Blue Sage) __________________________________ _. 3e 4 2- a 9 9 9 Small sky-blue flowers Salvia-coccivzea (Texas Red Sage) _____________________________________ __ %_ 2 1/344, 9 9 7 Weedy; bright red flowers Salvia farinacea _ (Memy 13111;; gage) ____________________________________ __ 2- 3 1/3-% 9 9 7 Graylsh; dusty-blue flowers Salvia leucantha (Mvxi-oan Purple Sage) ________________________________ -- %— 2 %"% 9 9 9 Deep blue velvety flowers NOILVLS 4LNEINIHHo>c;o:=owOQ-1-I@O°"~T“' Deep blue flowers Strictly ordinary Weedy; large flower clusters Dwarf berry plant Limited usefulness Gray foliage; yellow flowers Unadapted Unadapted Occasionally successful Showy yellow flowers Interesting berry plant Many small red berries Many small red berries Unadaptcd Showy foliage plant Showy scarlet flowers Unadapted Continuous profusion of flowers Showy dark blue flowers Unadapted Deciduous; showy buckeyes I8 SVXELL JO KEITIVA EIGNVHE) 0TH H01 EUITIVA TVJAIEIWVNHO ~10 SiLNVTdI TABLE 4. SI-IRUIBS—Cont1nued Mature Size \ e—~———-——— Cold : Name Height Spread Hardi Adapta- ‘Desira- Notes (feet) l (feet) ness bility i‘ bility ~ Vitew-Agnus-castus* l Véohflirtfl TITig) ------ -7_-._ _____ __<_ ______________________ __ 6~20 4- 5 9 9 J 9 Scented foliage‘; deep blue flowers t eav- egun o var. mmsa » (Gut Leaffilhaste Tree) ______________________________ -_ 10-15 4- 5 9 9 " 9 Fine foliage; light blue flowers Viburnum Japomcuvn ‘ (Japanese Viburnum) _________________________________ _. 5- 6 2~ 3 9 9 ‘ 7 Dark green foliage Xanthoacylum Fagara \ \ (Oolima) _____________________________________________ __ 6— 8 1 5 9 9 l 5 Very thorny native Xylosma flezcuosa l _ (Fiaeourtia) __________________________________________ -_ 0-20 l 5- 6 9 9 9 Thorny; showy berrws *Not grown 0n the Experiment Station. Gold Hardiness: Adaptability: 9*—Exce1lent: 5-fair: 1—p0or. 9—Hardy: 5—fair1y hardy; 1—tender. Desirability: £%—I)\esirable; 5—fairly desirable; 1—undesirable. Z5? NOLLVJJS ‘LNEIWIHEIJXH TVHILTKIHOIHSV SVXEIL ‘609 'OZ\I NLLEYYIOH PLANTS OF ORNAMENTAL VALUE FOR RIO GRANDE VALLEY OF TEXAS 83 VINES _» This useful group of ornamental plants should be more extensively used in the Valley. Some of the showier tropicals, such as Bougainvilleas, Flame Vine, Orange Glow, Rangoon Creeper, Paradise Vine and the Thunbergia species are worthy of individual trellises and may be used to hide unsightly buildings, fences and ugly blots on the landscape. Less showy types such as Caracol, Air Potato and Passion Flower may be used on trellises to shade windows and porches, English Ivy, Yerba del Buey and Climbing Fig make excellent ground cover on areas where it is difficult to maintain attractive sod covers. They also make useful covers for brick work or masonry. Species Abrus precatorius. Rosary Pea. A dainty vine having finely cut, mimosa- like foliage. It [produces small purplish, pea-shaped flowers which are fol- lowed by flat seed pods containing bright red beans, each bearing a con- spicuous “eye.” (Leguminosae.) Allama-nda cathartica var. Hendersoni. Vine Allamanda. This plant pro- duces glossy lanceolate leaves and clear yellow trumpet-shaped flowers. (Apocynaceaa) - Allamanda Williamsiifi“ William’s Allamanda. This bicolored variety pro- duces yellow trumpet-shaped flowers which are splotched with brownish purple. Allamandas are evergreen vines or semi-climbing shrubs with glossy lanceolate leaves. Anredera vesceria. Texas Madeira. A rapid growing twining native vine that produces small tubercules in the axils of the leaves by which the plant can be propagated. The leaves are ovate (1-3 inches long), subcordate and short petioled. It produces long, slender racemes of fragrant white flowers. Blooms in late summer. (Baseliaceae) Antigonon Ieptopus. Pink Queen’s Wreath, Corona Vine, Mexican Love Vine. A variety having coral pink flowers, which are borne in great pro- fusion. Very popular. (Polygonace-ae.) it ‘ Antigonon leptopus var. albus. White Queen’s Wreath. This vine produces blossoms that are white in color and not-quite so abundant as the pink variety. ' a Evergreen, rapid growing vines having tuberous roots. Thery produce rather large bright green, heart-shaped leaves and showy racemes of small flowers throughout the summer and fall seasons that attract bees and butterflies. Aristolochia brasiliensis var. macrophyllaf Fighting Cock. A perennial tropical vine that produces large, rounded-ovate leaves and very large yellow and brown peculiarly shaped flowers which have an unpleasant carrion-like odor. A most interesting fly catching, carniverous plant. (Aristolochiaceae.) Aristolochia grandiflora. Pelican-Flower. A Dutchman's Pipe Vine that produces cordate leaves and large, peculiarly shaped flowers of brown and yellow, veined with purple; and ornamenta “parasol” seed capsules. Well adapted. ‘Not grown on the Experiment Station, 8-1 BULLETIN SO. 609, TPEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT‘ STATLUS Aristolochvla longiflora. Swan Flower. A member 0f the Dutchman’s Pipe Vine grou-p that produces de-ep, tuberous roots, and relatively few lanceolate,. grass-like leaves which are green above and reddish brown underneath. The- large swan-shaped flowers are brown and yellow with dark veining and splotching. Native to Southwest Texas. Aristolochia tomeintosafi Woolly Pipe-Vine. A native Texas vine that has become a commercial variety having woolly, heart shaped leaves and small brownish yellow “pipes” followed by conspicuous seed capsules. There are several species of Dutchman’s Pipe adapted to conditions in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, several of the small flowered varieties being native to Texas. As-paragus asparagoides (medeoloides). Smilax. A tuberous rooted vine usually having a few thorns. The florist’s Smilax is a tall, branching vine having clusters of tuberous roots. It produces small, stiff, dark green, glossy leaves and greenish-white flowers followed by small, purplish-black berries. It is not to be confused with Smltla-m officrirtalis, an economic plant, one form of which yields sarsaparilla. Two species of smilaw. S. laur/ifolirz (Laurel leaf), and S. pseude-china (Chinese) are native to Texas. (Liliaceae.) Asparagus falcatus.* Sickle leafed Asp-aragus Vine. A large climbing plant having dark green, linear leaves and masses of fragrant white flow- ers at intervals. The flowers are followed by brown berries. Asparagus plumosus. Asparagus Lace Fern. An evergreen fern-vine that is well adapted to conditions in this region. Periodically the fern leaves are edged with tiny, fragrant white flowers which are followed by succulent blue-black berries. Exten- sively grown by commercial florists. Bignonia violaceal. Purple Big- nonia. A vigorous vine having glossy dark green, lanceolate, bi- foliate, evergreen leaves and large p u r p l e trumpet-shaped flowers. Hardy to cold and very desirable. (Bignoniaceae.) Bougaiuvillca glabra var. San- (Zcriana. Purple Bougainvillea. The common variety having glossy ovate leaves and purple floral bracts Figure 41. Purple Bougainvillea. (Bou- and dense bushy Vines (Figure 41L gairtvillea glabra var. San- ReSD0nd$ W911 t0 Drllnillg- B. glabra glfgifigr‘:Qvefigrezirzrinshfllg’: var. Oypheri is more bush-like, and gives vivid colgring to the produces much larger floral bracts. landwape- (Nyctaginaceae) *Not grown on the Experiment Station. PLANTS OF ORNAMENTAL VALUE FOR RIO GRANDE VALLEY OF TEXAS 85 BOMQG-ifl/Uillfll spectabilis. Crimson Lake Bougainvillea. A variety having red floral bracts and velvet leaves. Bougaintvillea spectabilis var. Zateritiwfi Brick-Red Bougainvillea. A vari- ety having deep brick-dust (rust) colored floral bracts. Bougaainvillea spectabilis var. rosa speciosa. Rose Bougainvillea. A variety having deep pink to rose colored floral bracts. Well adapted and very attractive. Bouga-invillea spectabilis var. praetorius. Tangerine Bougainvillea. A va- riety having tangerine colored floral bracts. Well adapted and very desirable. Both species have sharp thorns. Boussirzgaltea baselloides. Gulf Madeira Vine. A native vine that is similar to the cultivated species, except that it has shorter and more crowded spikes of small, fragrant, white flowers. It produces dark gree-n, lanceolate leaves. This species blooms later in the season than the culti- vated type. (Baseliaceae.) i Oalonlyction aculeatum (Ipomoea Bona-Noaa). White Flowered Moon-Vine. A rapid growing perennial vine that lproduces large, dark green ovate leaves, large trumpet-shaped, fragrant white flowers that open at night, and seed capsules containing several small, dark seed. Well adapted. Dies down in winter. (Convolvulaceae.) Oalonyction aculeatum. Blue Flowered Moon-Vine. This vine produces thin, ovate-leaves and large, sky-blue flowers. Not as well adapted as the White flowered type. Oampsis (Tacoma, Bignonia) chinensis (grandiflora). Chinese Trumpet- Creeper. A deciduous vine having a woody stem that climbs by means of disc-like attachments. It produces dull green, pinnate leaves, and long racemes of large light orange colored trumpet shap-ed flowers which are followed by a few long seed pods. A very desirable species. Propagated by grafting. (Bignoniaceae) Campsis (Tecoma, Bignon/ia) radicans. Trumpet-Creeper. A woody, decid- uous bignonia vine that is native to the Rio Grande Valley. It climbs by means of disc-like attachments, and is adapted for use on brick or masonry walls. This vine produces dull green, pinnate foliage, and during the sum- mer, a profusion of small, orange-red trumpet-shaped flowers on the tips of the branches. The flowers are followed by long pods filled with winged seed. Oardiospermum Oorindum. Balloon Vine. A hardy native vine which pro- duces three-foliate leaves, numerous small white flowers in the fall, followed by balloon-like capsules (1 inch in diameter) which contain a few black seeds bearing a heart-shaped white spot. This isthe perennial species that is recommended for use as an ornamental. (Sapindaceae.) Cissus arb0rea.* Pepper Vine. A rapid growing native vine, having a rosy tint on the new growth, that Iproduces pinnate leaves, inconspicuous yellow flowers and clusters of red berries. Will make excellent growth in almost any location. (Vitaceae) Gissus incisa. Cow Itch, Yerba del Buey. A native evergreen vine that belongs to the grape family. It produces thick, wavy edged, ivy-like leaves, ‘Not grown on the Experiment Station. 86 BULLETIN NO. 609, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION inconspicuous greenish flowers and a profusion of succulent bluish-black berries. Excellent wall cover as a substitute for ivy. Rapid growing; gives off an unpleasant odor when crushed. (Vitaceae.) Clematis Armandi. Armand’s Clematis. A variety having deep green, heavy veined ovate leaves, and white flowers. Appears to be well adapted. (Ranun- culaceae.) Clematis crtspa.* Curly (Blue) Clematis. A variety having pinnate leaves; solitary purple to whitish flowers (1 inch long) with crisp recurved sepals and hairy fruits. Clematis Drummondii. Texas Virgin’s-Bower, Old Man’s Beard. A native vine having perennial roots; small bright green, notched leaflets; numerous small, cream colored flowers; and plumed, silky white seed. Clematis paniculata. Japanese Clematis. A vigorous growing variety hav- ing dark green, pinnate leaves (1”-4" long) ; numerous fragrant white flowers and p-lumose fruits. Clematis Simsii (Pitcherl).* Red Clematis. A native to the river bottoms of South Texas having small, bright green, notched leaves; numerous small flowers having reddish sepals; red stems; and masses of plumose fruits. Clematis teacensts (c0ccinea).* Scarlet Clematis. A variety having pinnate leaves and scarlet flowers which are produced during the summer. Native to East Texas. Clerodendrum speciosum. Red Clerod-endrum. A variety producing ovate leaves and racemes of rosy-red flowers which fade to rosy-rust, and remain on the vine for some time. Very desirable. (Verbenaceae.) Clerodendrum Thomasonae (Balfouri). Thompson’s Glory Bower, Bag Flower. This perennial clerodendrum has dark green stems, medium sized, dark green ovate leaves and showy racemes of bright red flowers enclosed in.a pure white, bag-like calyx. Both are evergreen. Clitorta ternata. Snail Vine, Texas Butterfly Pea, Mexican Pea. A small vine (5 to 6 feet high) having a perennial root. It produces dark green, pinnate leaves and large, deep blue, ‘pea-shaped flowers which are followed by tan seed pods. Well adapted and very attractive. (Leguminosae) Clytostoma callistegioides (Bignonta speciosa) Painted Trumpet. An ever- green, climbing bignonia having lustrous, oblong, bi-foliate leaves (2"-3” long) and tubular, lavender-streaked flowers with spreading lobes. Well adapted and quite desirable. (Bignoniaceae) Cocculus. Both species of Cocculus that are native to Texas have peren- nial roots, and produce the typical, twisted seeds within the fruits. C. Carolinus (Coralvine) produces wire-like, dark green stems, ovate leaves, small clusters of yellowish flowers in summer, and numerous bright red berries that remain on the vine for considerable periods of time C. diversi- folius (Snail-Seed) differs from the former in that it produces smaller, deeply lobed leaves and a few large, green, succulent fruits. (Menispermaceae.) Combretum grandiflorum. Combretum. P. I. 72993. An evergreen vine that produces medium to dark green, ovate leaves and showy panicles of orange- red flowers. Well adapted and very attractive. (Combretaceae.) Convolvulus japonicus. Asiatic Double Morning-Glory, California Rose. *Not grown on the Experiment Station. PLANTS OF ORNAMENTAL VALUE FOR- RlO GRANDE VALLEY OF TEXAS 87 A spreading, vine-like plant having perennial roots. It producesdull green long-ovate leaves, and double pink morning-glory flowers. (Convolvulaceaey) Oryptostegia gra1zdiflora. Malay Rubber Vine. An evergreen vine that pro- duces glossy, deep green, lanceolate leaves and tubular lavender flowers with deeper markings. This vine contains latex. Sometimes called Purple Alla- manda 0r Blue Allamanda. (Asclepiadaceae.) Cryptostegia madagasoariensis. Madagascar Rubber Vine. An evergreen vine having bluish-green, lanceolate leaves. During the summer it produces clustered, purplish-white, funnel-shaped flowers. Sometimes called Blue Al- lamanda. This vine contains latex. Well adapted and quite ornamental. Oucurbita foetidissimafi‘ Wild Gourd. A native vine that arises from a perennial root. It produces long, creeping stems, large, dull green leaves, small, yellow cucurbit flowers and numerous, strong scented, pale yellow gourds. Drouth resistant. (Cucurbitaceaa) Oydrista aequinoctialis. Purple Bignonia, Equinox Flower. An evergreen vine having bright green, lanceolate, bi-foliate leaves that have the odor of garlic. The tubular flowers are lavender with white throats. Well adapted to the Valley. (Bignoniaceae.) a Derris sccmdens. Derris. An introduction from the U. S. D. A. A rapid growing graceful vine that produces glossy, dark green, pinnate leaves and a profusion of lpale pink flowers in open clusters which are followed by small tan seed pods. Well adapted. (Leguminosae.) A Dioscorea Batatas. Cinnamon Vine, Chinese Yam. A small tuberous rooted annual vine having a perennial root. It produces dark green, wedge-shaped leaves and very small clusters of cinnamon scented white flowers which are followed by small, oblong, tan tubers. Dies down in winter. Well adapted. (Dioscoreaceae) Dioscorea bulbifera. Air Potato. A vigorous growing, dark green, annual vine that produces large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves that are beautifully veined. The greenish flower tassels are inconspicuous and are followed by potato-like fruits that cling to the vine for a considerable period of time. Well adapted. Distictis lactiflora (cinera).* Twice-Dotted Vine. A tall growing bignonia vine that produces grayish green, lanceolate leaflets, and numerous purplish. tubular flowers (2-81/2 inches long). Well adapted. (Bignoniaceae) Doxantha (Bignonia) unguis-catz‘. Yellow Bignonia, Catsclaw Vine. A native, evergreen vine that climbs by means of disc-like attachments of the stems. It has small, dark green, bi-foliate leaves and tubular yellow flowers. (Bignoniaceae.) A Ficus pumila (repens). Climbing Fig. An evergreen, creeping vine well adapted for use on brick or stucco walls. The vine-s have small, glossy, dark green, ovate leaves, and grow more rapidly than English Ivy. Well adapted, and quite popular. (Moraceae) Gelsemium sempervirens. Carolina Yellow Jasmine. A slow growing ever- green vine that produces small, dark green, glossy, lanceolate leaves (1-3 inches long). During the spring, it bears small clusters of fragrant, bright “Not grown on the Experiment Station. 88 BULLETIN NO. 609, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION yellow flowers. Native to East Texas, and well adapted to Valley condi- tions. Not wide-ly used. (Loganiace-ae.) H edcra Helix. English Ivy. A very slow growing, evergreen ivy that pro- duces dark green, veined, triangular leaves, inconspicuous flowers and a few globular, black fruits. Variegated English Ivy (H. Helix var. marginata) is similar to the former variety, except that the leaves are irregularly mot- led with ivory white. (Araliaceae.) Ibervillea Lmdheimeri. Wild Balsam Apple. This heavy underground native tuber produces delicate, trailing, bright green stems, bright green, deeply cut and notched leaves; small, yellow, cucurbit flowers and small (1-inch long) fruits having the appearance of tiny green watermelons, until they turn bright red in late summer. (Cucurbitaceae.) Ipomoea cairica. Mexican Lavender Morning-Glory. Probably an escape from Mexico. This vigorous growing vine produces bright green, digitate, evergreen foliage, large lavender morning-glory flowers and few to no seed pods. Roots by layering, and may become a weed pest. (Convolvulaceae.) Ipomoea. hirsutula. Mexican Sky Blue Morning-Glory. A native annual vine having large, perennial tubers. The small, spreading plants produce three-lobed leaves, small, sky blue morning-glories and no seed. Ipomoea Leari. Blue Dawn Flower. A native, perennial vine that propa- gates only by layering. It produces heart-shaped dark green, lobed leaves; large, bright blue morning-glories and no seed. Well adapted. Probably an escape from Mexico. Ipomoea Pes-Oaprae. Lavender Goatfoot (Beach) Morning-Glory. This is a species of Beach Morning-Glory that is found growing along the Gulf Coast. It prroduces large, bright green, thick, ovate leaves; heavy prostrate stems and branches; andlarge morning-glory flowers. No seed have been observed; the plant seeming to propagate from perennial roots. This species produces medium to large size lavender flowers. Ipomoea purpurea. Common (Japanese) Morning-Glory. This species repre- sents the commonly grown, commercial morning-glory vines. The plant is an annual that produces dark green, lobed, ovate leaves; vari-colored flowers, and small, top-shaped seed capsules. Well adapted and least objectionable of the morning-glory vines. Ipomoea setosa var. Pavoni. Brazilian Purple Morning-Glory. A species that was probably introduced from Mexico. This vine has perennial roots; produces large, dark green, deeply lobed leaves; large, deep purple flowers borne on bristly stems; and very prickly seed capsules. Well adapted. Ipomoea stolonifera. Yellow Beach Morning-Glory. This species of Beach morning-glory produces thick, bright green, ovate leaves, heavy prostrate stems and large, yellowish flowers. Ipomoea trichocarpa. Small Pink Morning-Glory. A native annual vine that comes from a perennial root. It produces small, medium green, three lobed leaves, and medium to small, rose colored flowers having darker colored centers. May become a weed pest. Ipomoea tricolor. Tricolor (Heavenly Blue) Morning-Glory. A perennial vine having medium green, slightly lobed leaves and large, sky blue flowers. Produces seed. Produces few flowers in this region and is not well adapted. PLANTS OF ORNAMENTAL VALUE FOR R10 GRANDE VALLEY OF‘ TEXAS- 89 Ipomoea trifida var. Torreyana. Common Bluish. Morning-Glory. A small native vine having perennial roots. It produces small, ovate, medium green leaves; bluish white flowers having recurved edges and purple centers; and numerous seed capsules. May become a weed pest. Morning-Glory and Moon Vine-s are well adapted to conditions in the lower Rio Grande Valley, and several species of ornamental value are native to this region. Others are noxious Weed pests. Jasminum dichotomumf Gold Coast Jasmine. A dark green, leathery- leafed jasmine that produces ovate leaves and few flowered cymes of small white flowers (Figure 42). Well adapted and rather popular. (Olea- ceae.) Jasminum gracvlllimum. Slender (Pin Wheel) Jasmine. A dense evergreen, climbing vine that pro- duces dark green, glossy ovate leaves (2 inches long), and slightly fragrant, “pin wheel,” white flow- ers, which are borne gracefully along the arched branches. Well adapted and quite desirable. Jtnsminum pube-scensfi Pubescens Jasmine. A dense, evergreen, climb- ing vine having pubescent, dark green, ovate leaves and a profusion of small clusters of white flowers (1 inch in diameter). Lonicera japonica var. HaZlian-a. Trumpet (Coral) Honeysuckle. This slow growing vine produces leaves somewhat larger than those of the Japanese variety, and the showy, Figure 42. Gold Coast Jasmine (Jas- coral red and yellow tubular flow- minum dichotomum). A ers are somewhat larger. Weak $251‘gfiggsf°tt§xfiagéneanlaavé gFOWiIIE- (callrif0liafiefifi) profusion of waxy white Lonicera sempervvirens. Japanese fl°w°r$ that are n“ °b5°°' tionably fragrant. Honeysuckle. A dense, evergreen vine having dark green, oblong leaves that produces clusters of very fragrant yellow and white flowers. Rapid growing a.nd well adapted. Lg/cium carolmianum var. quadrifidum. Gulf Coast Matrimony Vine. A semi-climbing, vine-like, native shrub having dark green, divided leaves and clusters of small deep purple or white flowers followed by clusters of bright red fruits (lip-inch in diameter). Well adapted and quite generally used. (Solanaceae.) Maurandia. antirrhmiflora. Vine Snapdragon. An annual native vine having a perennial root. This dainty little vine produces small, bright green, tri- angular leaves and deep blue, snapdragon flowers having white centers which are followed by small tan seed capsules. Well adapted. (Scrophu- lariaceae.) 9O BULLETIN NO. 609, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT‘ STATION Momordica Balsimina. Balsam Apple. A rapid growing, annual vine that produces delicate stems, cut and lobed bright green, thin leaves; cream colored, cucurbit flowers which are followed by large, bright red, tuberculate fruits containing seeds surrounded by a thick red jelly. (Cucurbitaceae.) Operculina dissectafi Alamo Vine. A tall growing vine having a perennial root. This vine is native to the area around San Antonio, Texas. The leaves are five to seven-lobed, and have wavy edges. The morning-glory flowers are creamy white with dark red centers; seed capsules are large and contain several black seeds. This vine covers most of the walls of the historic Alamo. (Convolvulaceae) Pandorea (Tecoma) Ricasoliana. Pandora Vine. An evergreen bignonia vine that produces medium‘ green leaves having seven leaflets, and panicles of light pink tubular flowers which are streaked with red. (Bignoniaceae.) Parthenocissus (Ampelopsis) quinquifolia. Virginia Creeper, Woodbine. This species is found growing in East Texas; and P. heptaphylla is found in Southwest Texas‘. The plant resembles a grape vine, but the leaves. turn reddish during the fall season. The greenish, inconspicuous flowers are followedby bluish-black fruits. (Vitace-ae.) Parthenocissus tricuspidata. Boston Ivy. This ivy is a member of the grape family. Itproduces shining, bright green, cordate leaves, inconspic- uous greenish flowers, and globular, bluish-black fruits. This vine is de- ciduous, the leaves turning reddish tan before falling. Passiflora ediulis. Purple Granadilla. A tall, woody climber having large white flowers with purple markings at the base of the crown; oval melon shaped fruit (2-3 inches long) having a hard, purple-colored rind and sweet scented pulp. This species has large, bright green deeply cut leaves. (Pas- sifloraceae.) Passiflora foetida var. gossyplifolia. White Passion Flower. A native vine having dull green, three-lobed leaves; greenish, fringed flowers and pale green, puffy seed capsules. Passiflora mcarnata. Maypop. A perennial‘ vine that produces white flow- ers (ll/ginches in diameter), having prominent, purplish stamens, and yellow ovoid fruits about two inches long. Well adapted. Passiflora lutea. Yellow Passion Flower. A native variety having dull green, three-lobed leaves; small, greenish colored, fringed flowers (lg-inch in diameter); and dark blue fruits the size of marbles. Blooms in late summer and fall. Pereskia aculeata. Blade Apple, LemonVine, Barbados Gooseberry. White Bougainvillea. A vine belonging to the Cactus family that produces dark green, glossy foliage somewhat similar to the Bougainvillea vine. This vigor- ous growing, thorny plant produces bright green, ovate leaves and small greenish white flowers, which are followed by small, succulent, yellow fruits. Should be pruned regularly. (Cactaceae) Petr-ea volubilis. Purple Wreath. An evergreen, woody vine that produces rough, thick, ovate to oblong leaves and long racemes of deep blue flowers. Well adapted but diflicult to propagate. (Verbenaceae.) Phaseolus Uaracalla. Caracol, Snailflower. An evergreen vine having dark *Not grown on the Experiment Station. PLANTS OF ORNAMENTAL VALUE FOR RIO GRANDE VALLEY OF’ TEXAS 91 green, tri-foliate leaves. The large, light blue, pea-shaped flowers have a conspicuous, shining white keel twisted into the center of the flower (Figure 43). (Leguminosae.) Polygonum Auberti. Silver Lace Vine. A perennial vine that be- haves as an annual above ground. It produces thick, broadly ovate. deep green foliage. In late sum- mer and fall, the vine is covered with a mass of greenish-white, flower clusters. The entire plant, even the large tuberous roots, have a disagreeable odor. Well adapted and quite attractive in appearance. (Po1ygonaceae.) Parana paniculata. Snow Creep- er. A perennial climbing vine that produces dull green, ovate leaves. In the fall, this vine produces a profusion of very small white flow- ers in dense clusters. Sometime-s called White Corallita. Slow grow- ing. (Convo1vulaceae.) Pueraria Thunbergiana ( hirsuta). Kudzu. A vigorous growing legum- inous vine having perennial roots. It produces hairy stems, large. deep green ovate leaves and small spikes of purple, pea-shaped flowers. This vine is propagated by layering. It makes an excellent vine for pas- ture fences, as it is also a good forage crop. (Leguminosae.) Pyrostegia (Bignonia) venusta. Flame Vine. An evergreen vine that produces glossy, bright green usu- ally bi-foliate leaves: In late win- ter and early spring, the plants produce numerous orange colored tubular flowers which are borne in Figure 43. Caracol or Snailvine (Phase- olus Caracalla). A very attractive, dense vine hav- ing large, blue, distorted pea-shaped flowers. crowded panicles. This is one of the showiest of the tropical vines, adapted for use in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, and should be extensively used. (Bignoniaceae.) Quamoclit coccinea var. hederifolia. adapted. (Convo1vulaceae.) Star (Small Red) Morning-Glory. Possibly an escape from Mexico. This native annual vine produces small, three-lobed leaves, small, showy, bright red flowers and tan seed pods. Well 9'2 BULLETIN NO. 609', TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION Quamoolit pennata. Cypress Vine. A rapid growing, dainty annual vine that produces dark green, finely cut foliage and numerous small, deep red tubular flowers. Easily grown from seed. Quisqualis indica. Rangoon Creeper. An evergreen, tropical vine having bright green lanceolate leaves and fragrant, white flower spikes that turn red in the late afternoon. Well adapted and quite desirable. (Combretaceae.) Rhynchosia phaseoloides (precatoria). Rosary Bean. A rapid growing hardy vine that produces dark green, tri-foliate, bean-like leaves, small yellow flowers and seed pods containing bright red beans, each marked with a conspicuous spot. (Leguminosaa) Sechium edule. Chayote. A climbing, hairy, perennial cucurbit that pro- duces large, dark green, three-lobed leaves and small yellowish flowers which are followed by large, ribbed, light green, pear-shaped fruits. The fruits may be eaten raw as cucumbers or cooked like summer squash. (Cucur- bitaceae.) Senecio confusus (Icermesinus). Orange Glow, Dahlia Vine, Mucklei, Hi- dalgoa. An evergreen, rapid growing vine that has been introduced from Mexico. It produces dark green, glossy ovate leaves with wavy margins and clusters of orange and red composite flowers in great profusion. This vine has occasionally been called Mexican Flame Vine. Well adapted and very desirable. (Compositae.) Scrjania. incisa. Serjania. A perennial vine that resembles Clematis Drum- mondii but produces darker green pinnate foliage and remains green through- out the year. In the fall, it produces spikes of white flowers followed by peculiar, highly colored, wafer-like seed. (Sapindaceae) Solandra guttata. Chalice Vine, Copa de Oro. A vigorous tropical vine or climbing shrub that has beenhintroduced from Mexico. It produces glossy oblong leaves (2 to 6 inches long) and large, fragrant, light yellow, tubular flowers which are marked with purple. Well adapted and very desirable. (Solanaceae.) solanum jasminoides. Jasmine Nightshade. A vine having pinnate leaves composed of small ovate leaflets, and producing numerous clusters of small, star-shaped white flowers, followed by black fruits. (Solanaceae) Solanum Wendlandii. Costa Rican Nightshade, Paradise Vine. A tender, perennial, evergreen vine having bright green divided leaves and spiny stems and branches. It produces large clusters of light blue, solanum flowers that remain on the vine for several weeks. This vine is well adapted, makes rapid growth and is easily propagated from cuttings. Tetrastigma Harmandii. Tetrastigma. This vigorous growing vine is a member of the grape family. It is recommended for use along the coast be- cause of its resistance to salt injury. The deeply cut leaves are bright green; its fruit are said to be similar to those of the Scuppernong variety. Appears to be well adapted. (Vitaceae.) Thunbergia alata. Black-Eyed-Susan-Clock-Vine. An evergreen vine having slightly rough, medium sized, medium green, ovate leaves and a continuous bloom of yellowish flowers (1-inch in diameter) having black centers. Oc- casionally, a vine will produce white flowers. Well adapted, and grows readily from seed. (AcanthaceaeJ a PLANTS OF ORJSAMENTAL VALUE FOR RIO GRANDE VALLEY OF TEXAS 93 Thunbergia Jfragrans. Fragrant Clock-vine. An evergreen, tropical vine that produces medium sized, dark green, notched, ovate leaves and medium to small white flowers. ‘ Thunbergia grandiflora. Blue Bengal Clock-Vine. An evergreen, tropical vine that produces medium sized, dark green, notched, ovate leaves and large, pale blue flowers. Well adapted and very Ipopular. Thunbergia grandiflora alba. White Bengal Clock-Vine. A very tender, evergreen vine having woody stems; large, dark green, notched leaves and long racemes of large, white flowers. Well adapted and very showy. Tournefortia volubilis. This attractive native vine produces dark green lanceolate foliage and numerous cymes of white flowers which are followed by small milk-white seed having black geometric marking. (Boraginaceae.) Trachelospermum (Rhynchospermum) jasminoides. Confederate (Star) Jasmine. This dense, evergreen, climbing vine produces dark green, glossy ovate leaves (1-inch long), and in the spring, a mass of clustered fragrant white flowers. Very popular. (Apocynaceae.) Wisteria floribunda. Japane-se Wisteria. Similar to the Chinese Wisteria in appearance but having brighter green foliage, and longer racemes of blossoms which are violet to purple in color. There is a white flowered variety. The Japanese Wisteria sheds its leaves earlier than the Chinese and blooms several weeks later in the spring. Slow growing. (Leguminosae) Wisteria (Millettia) japonica. Japanese Millettia, Evergreen Wisteria._An evergreen wisteria that produces dark green, glossy lanceolate leaflets and a profusion of deep purplish violet to wine colored, pea-shaped flowers in up- right spikes. This vine produces a profusion of flowers throughout the spring and summer, followed by seed pods. This plant is the most desirable for use in the Valley. Wisteria sinensis. Chinese Wisteria. A deciduous plant having pinnate foliage; numerous bluish-purple, pea-shaped flowers borne in heavy, short drooping racemes. Blooms before leafing out in the spring. Slow growing. FOLIAGE PLANTS There are a number of ornamental plants which are useful because of the showy coloration, shape, texture or arrangement of their foliage. These plants range in size from the small Alternanthera t0 the majestic Traveller’s Tree. They should be used in the landscape scheme to add dashes of color or for emphasis in border and background plantings, and to lend individuality to the grounds where specimen plants are used. Acalyphas, Crotons, Cala- diums, Coleus, Amaranthus species, Flowering Ricinus, Plume Grass, Giant Bamboo, and Dusty Miller are a few of the more commonly used subjects in this group. Species Acalypha hederacea. Cardinal’s Guard. A native plant, somewhat similar to A. radians but having deeply lobed, dull green leaves and less conspicuous feathery red flower spikes. (Euphorbiaceae.) Acalg/pha hispida. Chenille Plant. A plant having bright green, ovate leaves and fiery red, drooping, chenille-like flower spikes. 94 BULLETIN NO. 609', TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION Acalypha radians. Cardinal’s Guard. A hairy native plant, 3 to 10 inches high, which produces an abundance of small, rounded, saw-toothed, dull green leaves. The pistillate and staminate flowers are produced on separate plants, the pistillate flowers appearing as bright red spikes of bloom. Acalypha Wilkesiana var. marginata. Copper-Leaf Acalypha. A plant having large, ovate, saw-toothed, copper colored leaves that are margined in white, cream or pink color. Acalypha Wilkesiana var. mosiaca. Fire-Dragon Acalypha. This variety produces large, twisted leaves in various shades of green, yellow and red, the predominating color being dark red. Acalypha Willcesiana var. mycrophylla. Flat Red-Leaf Acalypha. A very large plant having large, flat, green to copper colored, ovate leaves that are splotched with red, yellow and green. Acalypha Willcesiana var. tricolor. Mandarin’s Gown Acalypha. The large, flat, deep red leaves of this plant are splotched with brighter red colors. Tender shrubs having large, usually showy, highly colored leaves. There are two specie-s of acalypha native to the Lower Rio Grande Valley which produce the typical red flower spikes but do not have showy foliage. Well adapted and very popular. Aeomlum a-rboreum var. atropurpureum. Aeonium. An upright plant, two to three feet high, which produces greenish red stems and rosettes of shining. dark red spatulate leaves. This plant usually becomes dormant during the summer. Well adapted. (Crassulaceae) Aglaonema modestum. Chinese Evergreen, Aglaonema. A low growing plant having erect stems and upright basal shoots. The dark green, orna- mental oblong foliage of this plant makes it an excellent pot subject or border plant for use in protected locations. (Araceae.) Alpinia speciosa (nutans). Alpinia, Shell-Flower. An evergreen, upright plant having stems several feet high, and producing large, shining, lanceolate leaves horizontal to the stem. The crushed leaves give off a spicy odor. The flowers are called “Seashells” because of the unusual, porcelain-like appear- ance. (Zingiberaceae.) Alsophila australis. Australian Tree-Fern. Very tender, tropical plants which produce palm-like, slender trunks up to several feet high and crowns of large, bright green fronds. These plants make slow growth and must be protected from the cold. (Cyatheaceae.) Alternanthera (Teilanthera) versicolor. Alternanthera. A low growing per- ennial bush, twelve to fifteen inches high, which produces numerous, small, variegated leaves in shades of green, red and yellow with bronze and purple markings. This makes an excellent edging plant and is easily propagated from cuttings. (Amaranthaceae.) Amaranthus hybridus var. hypochondriacus. Prince’s Feather. An annual foliage plant having dark red lanceolate leaves topped with dark red flower- ing spikes. This plant tends to become a weed but can be successfully used by selecting plants having the desirable deep red leaf-color. Well adapted and quite popular. (Amaranthaceae.) Amaranthus sp. Combustion Amaranthus. A low growing plant up to twelve or fifteen inches high having fiery red, ovate leaves which terminate PLANTS OF ORFNAMENTAL VALUE FOR- RIO GRANDE VALLEY OF TEXAS 95 in a rosette of flaming, orangered leaves at the top of the plant. It produces dark red, chenille-like flower spikes and numerous, small, black seed. Very showy and well adapted. Andropogon glomeratusf Bushy Beard, Broom-Sedge. A native, bunch grass that thrives best in wet locations. It reaches a height of four or five feet, and produces a profusion of feathery “plumes” that remain attractive throughout the winter. (Gramineae.) Andropogon provincialisf Big Blue-Stem Grass, Georgia Cane Grass. A native grass that is sometimes compared to the Pampas Grass, having orna- mental silvery “plumes.” This roadside plant presents a pleasing appearance throughout most of the year. Andropogon scopariusfl‘ Little Blue-Stem Grass. A low growing, native bunch grass that produces numerous ornamental, red seed panicles. Andropogon virginicusf Broom-Sedge. A tall, native sedge that requires an abundance of moisture. It produces ornamental, enlarged seed clusters. Artemisia Stelleriana. Dusty Miller. Of the several species of Dusty Miller, A. Stelleriaina is the most commonly grown. This species is usually about fifteen inches high and produces soft, silvery gray pinnate foliage having an aromatic odor. These plants are well adapted and spread rapidly. They are most useful as border or low hedge subjects. (Compositae) Arundinaria giganteafl‘ American Bamboo, Southern Cane. A plant that reaches a height of seven to ten feet. It produces large, dark green culms. Useful as, a windbreak, or to prevent soil erosion along canals or ditch banks. (Gramineae) Arund-o Donawfi“ Giant Reed Grass. A native grass having large, dark green, somewhat weedy culms that will grow only in wet soil. Useful for hiding un- sightly border areas. (Gramineae.) Aspidistra Zurida (elatior). Aspidistra. This plant has stiff, broad, dark green, basal leaves about twelve inches long. It produces ‘a few, purplish brown, lily-like flowers about an inch in diameter at the base of the plant. ( Liliaceae.) Oaladium bicolor. Fancy-Leaf Caladium. The leaves of this plant are usually much smaller than those of the commonly grown Elephants-Ear and have numerous variations in coloration and marking. The plants are very tender to cold, but appear to be well adapted. (Araceae.) Calotropsis esculenta. Giant Milkweed. A U. S. D. A. introduction (P. I. 103,518) up to ten feet in he-ight that produces showy, deeply veined, thick, bluish-green, ovate leaves. During the summer, it produces numerous lavender flowers in clusters. Well adapted and quite promising. (Asclepia- daceae.) Oentaurea gymnocarpa. Velvet Centaurea, Dusty Miller. A low growing, silver-gray foliage plant that produces deeply cut, velvety foliage. (Com- positae.) . Oodiaeum variegatum. Croton. These tall growing, tender -.p-lants are valuable chiefly for their brightly colored and diversely shaped leaves. Well adapted and very desirable. The species of Croton native to the Lower Rio *Not grown on the Experiment Station. 96 BULLETIN NO. 609', TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION Grande Valley are unrelated and they lack the bright coloration of the horticultural types. (Euphorbiaceae) Coleus Blumei var. Verschaeffeltii. Coleus. These tender plants have suc- culent stems and variously shaped and colored leaves. The flower spikes are dark blue to white in color. The plants develop their brightest colora- tion when they are planted in a well lighted location, but protected from the hot summer sun. The mealy bugs which frequently attack coleus can be controlled by dusting with rotenone dust. (Labiatae.) Oolocasia anltiquorum. Elephants-Ear. A bulbous plant having large, dark green arrow-shaped leaves, and an occasional, creamy-white, calla-like flower. (Araceae.) Oolocasia esculenta. Dasheen. A tuberous plant, closely resembling the common caladium or Elephants-Ear, that produces edible starchy tubers somewhat like an Irish potato. This plant thrives best in a moist location. Well adapted. Oortaderia Selloana (argentea). Pampas Grass. This grass forms a very large clump of narrow, saw-toothed leaves. In late summer it produces numerous, large, feathery “plumes” that can be used for interior decoration. Well adapted and very popular. (Gramineae) Oymbopogon citratus. Lemon Grass. A light green, bunch grass having rather narrow, linear leaves which contain an essential oil having the odor of lemons. Well adapted. (Gramineae) Oyperus alternifolius. Umbrella Grass. This plant sends up bright green, rounded culms, two feet in height, topped with rosette or narrow leaves, from the center of which small, greenish flowers and greenish brown seed “burs” are produced. Well adapted. (Cyperaceae.) Oyperus elegans (trachynotus). Star Sedge. This native: grass produces rather open heads of flowers and seed clusters, the seed clusters being star- shaped. The leaves of this plant are only one~sixteenth of an inch wide. Oyperus speciosusfi“ Michoirx Sedge. A native plant producing dark green, somewhat weedy culms. This plant, which grows along the Arroya Colorado and other fresh water streams, produces ornamental seed stalks having globular heads of flowers and seeds, the heads being four to five inches in diameter. The leaves of this plant are about one-eighth of an inch wide. Diefienbachia Seguine. Dieffenbachia. These tropicals have showy, brightly marked foliage. D. Seguine produce-s large, bright green ovate leaves striped and ribbed with white, and is often called Zebra Plant. Well adapted. (Araceae) Dracaena. Dracaena. Upright plants that produce showy foliage, often borne on the tips of branches or on long stalks. There are numerous color combinations, usually in green, white, red and purple. These tropical foliage plants require protection from frost, wind and sun. (Liliaceae.) Ficus elastica. India Rubber-Plant. A large, tropical plant having thick stems, corky bark, and large leathery, oblong, glossy leaves. The stems and leaves are filled with viscous milky sap. Tender to cold, but very popular. (Moraceae.) ' Ficus lyrta (pandurata).* Fiddle-leaf Rubber-Plant. This plant is similar *Not grown on the Experiment Station. PLANTS OF ORNAMENTAL VALUE FOR RIO GRANDE VALLEY OF TEXAS 97 to the India Rubber Plant except that it has fiddle-shaped leaves. Very attrac- tive and quite popular. Gynura altrantiaca. Velvet Plant. One of the few purple colored foliage plants. The rather large, young leaves are ovate, deep purple in color, and are covered with velvet-like hairs. This plant reaches a height of about eighteen inches, and produces small heads of yellow, composite» flowers dur- ing the fall season. It is well adapted to conditions in this region and is quite popular. (Compositae.) Hydrocot-yle bonariensis. Marsh Pennywort, Nickles and Dimes. A dwarf plant that seldom reaches a height of more than five inches, which. produces dark green, thick, round, nasturtium-like leaves about an inch in diameter, each leaf developing from a rooted stem. In the spring the plant produces umbels of inconspicuous yellow flowers. This plant is used chiefly as a potted subject or as a ground cover in moist, shady locations. (Umbelliferae) Hydrocotyle umbellata. Water Umbrella-Plant, Nickles and Dimes. A very small, water loving native plant that produces very small, thick, kidney shaped leaves on stems which are individually rooted. Iresine (Achyranthes) H erbstii. Red Painted-Leaf. This variety has wine- red leaves with light rose-colored veining and red stems. (Amaranthaceae.) Iresine (Achyranthes) Lindenii. Variegated Painted-Leaf. A variety that produces bright green leaves having deep red veining, and splotched with red. Tender, succulent border plants, usually up to twenty-four inches in height, that produce angled stems and deeply veined, roundish leaves. Koo/hiya scorparia. Belvedere (Summer) Cypress, Burning-Bush. A quick growing annual bush, two to three feet high, having bright green, needle- like leaves. In the fall, the plant is covered with numerous, red flower buds, giving it the name “Burning-Bush.” The lplant is quite symmetrical, being pyramidal in its habit of growth. Well adapted. (cnenopodicalceae) Maranta. Foliage plants that produces odd shaped, deep green leaves, usually splotched with showy, cream colored markings. One species, M. arundinvacea (Arrowroot) is a source of arrowroot. (Marantaceae.) Miscalnthus sinen-sis (Eulalia japonica). Eulalia Grass. This is one of the most popular of the ornamental grasses. It produces long, narrow, rough, serrated leaves two to three feet long. There is a variegated form, variegatus a banded form, zebrinus; and a narrow leaf form, gracillimus. These varie- ties are very ornamental, but are less hardy than the common M. sinensis. (Gramineae) Monster-a delriciosa. Ceriman. A large leafed, tropical foliage lp-lant having dark green, deeply cut and lobed leaves (Figure 44). It occasionally produces spathed flowers which are followed by edible, dull green fruits about the size and shape of a banana and “pitted” like a pineapple. The plant has fruited in this region only where it has been allowed to trail along the ground. This plant thrives best in a shaded location and in loose soil well mixed with wood chips and sawdust. (Araceae) a» Monstem dubm. Shingle-Plant, Penanola. A tropical plant that produces heavy jointed stems which root at the nodes. The young leaves are 4 to 5 inches long; waxy; entire; and deeply lobed when mature. A small type of the very desirable monstera group; thrives in shade. 98 BULLETIN NO. 609, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT‘ SQIAUIION Musa Oavendishiz‘. Cavendish Banana. A dwarf plant about five feet high that produces bunches of large fruit of excellent quality. This plant requires an abundant supply 'of moisture and frost protection. (Musaceae) Musa paradisiaca. Horse Banana, Plantain. A large plant that pro- duces bunches of standard sized fruits for cooking. Very tropical in appearance. Musa paradisiaca var. swpientum. Gros Michel (Commercial) Banana. A tall growing plant that produces large fruit of excellent quality when adequately protected from frost. Very tender to cold. Musa. paradisiaca var. sapientum. Champa or Lady Finger Banana. This is a small fruited variety, the fruits being about four inches long, and of excellent quality (Figure Figure 44. Oeriman ( M onstera delici- osa) . This tree-climbing, tropical fruiting vine is valuable chiefly for its ornamental foliage. 45). Considerably more resistant to cold than other varieties. Figure 45. Lady Finger Banana ( M1086» paradisiaca var. sapientztm). Several species of this fruiting plant may be used to add a tropical touch to the landscape. Banana plants are Well adapted to conditions in this region and make rapid growth, even after be- ing frosted back. However, the plants require about eighteen months of growth before setting fruit, and require an abundance of water. Pandainus Veitchili. Veitchs Screwpine, Ribbon Grass. A tall growing plant that produces very long, stiff leaves which grow up- right for about eighteen inches be- fore drooping. The leaves are pale green striped with cream. Well adapted. (Pandanaceae.) Pennisetum Ruppelii. Purple Fountain Grass. A well adapted, graceful bunch-grass that produces foliage and feathery plumes having a purplish color. subject seldom reaches a height over two and one-half feet. (Gra- mineae.) This ornamental PLANTS OF ORNAMESTAL VALUE FOR R10 GRANDE VALLEY OF‘ TEXAS 99 Philodendroiz cowlatum. Heart-Leaf Philodendron. A small plant having" dark green, heart-shaped leaves. It is useful either as a pot plant or out-of- doors. (Araceae-J Philodendron giganteumfl‘ Climbing philodendron. A large, climbing plant having woody stems, pendulous, aerial roots, and very large, dark green, oblong leaves (two feet to three feet long). / Tender, tropical plants having woody stems, aerial roots, and ornamental leaves. These are “tree loving” vines which are used to cover unsightly old tree or palm trunks. Phyllostachys Zatifolius. Giant Bamboo. A very tall growing bamboo that produces large canes and dark green leaves usually tipped with gold or yel- lowish green (Figure 46). This variety has proven well adapted at the Valley Experiment Station and is the most ornamental of the Bam- boos. Two small types of bamboo are also being grown in the sta- tion’s trial plantings. Non-spread- ing types are most desirablef (Gramineae) Pilea microphylla. Artillery Plant. A low growing, fern-like, succulent plant twelve to fifteen inches high, which produces numer- ous, very small, light green, double leaves. Although usually grown as a pot plant, this makes a beautiful border plant if planted in a pro- tected location. There is also a very small leafed type having dark green, narrow leaves. (Urticaceae) Polypodium vulgare. Fennel Fern. A low growing, fern-like plant hav- ing soft, dark green, finely cut feathery foliage having the odor of fennel. It is well adapted and mul- tiplies rapidly. This plant thrives best in a moist, shaded location, although it will grow in full sun. Figure 46- Giant Timber Bamboo (Phyllostachys Zatifolizts) . (polypodiacedaleJ This species attains a height Rcwenala madagascarienaeis. Trav- ' °f “mull 5° feet and the , p _ individual canes average eller s-Tree. A large, banana-like about 3 inches in aiameten shrub that produces a short, palm- This is @- desimble non- like trunk and banana-like leaves spreading type‘ in such arrangement as to give the plant the appearance of a huge fan (Fig- ure 47). This plant is tender to cold but appears to be adapted t0 “conditions in this region. Very ornamental. (Musaceae.) Rhektophyllztm mirabile (Nephthites picturata). Romeo and Juliet. 100 BULLETIN NO. 6'09, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION A rather tender tropical plant that produces large, dull green, arrow- shaped leaves. This plant belongs to the family of tree-climbers but will become a trailing ground cover. It is well adapted and multiplies rapidly if allowed to grow along the ground. (Arace-ae.) Rhoeo (Tradescantia) discolor. Tradescantia. An erect, low grow- ing plant, six to fifteen inches high, having lanceolate, deep green leaves that are purple underneath. The variegated form R. discolor var. oittata, is similar to the purple form, except that it produces leaves striped with yellow in the upper surface. The flowers are white and are enclosed in boat-like bracts. (Commelinaceae.) Ricmus communis. Castor Bean. A large, tree-like shrub having Figure 47. Travelers Tree (Raveneta showy» palmiately divided leaves mada9<§8@<1ri@%8i8_)- A 1111535: and upright panicles of small red Zggflfgiflgfiavétgogilffiiar I20 na and cream colored flowers. The red- banana» Plant, a-rransecr in leafed form is the most ornamental of Ways Drqwre a drink 0f spikes of bur-like capsules. Well gjgezvglfiiflh 31a: $221 h1g2} adapted and produces an abundance sheaths. of beans. (Euphorbiaceae) Rosemarinus ofiicinalis. Rosemary. This common flower-graden subject makes an excellent low border plant. It is slow growing and never gets out of bounds. It produces numerous, small, crowded silvery-gray leaves. This is one of the few aromatic herbs that appear to be fairly well adapted to conditions in this region. (Labiatae.) Russelia equestiformis. Fountain-Plant, Coral Plant. This plant produces a grass-like clump of slender, bright green stems having a few, very small leaves and numerous small, red “tips” of bloom. Well adapted. (Scrophu- lariaceae.) Soindaipisus (Pothos) aureus. Devil’s Ivy. A climbing tPQDiB-l Plant having cork-like ste-ms, aerial roots, and large, bright green, oval to oblong leaves which are variegated with yellow splotches. This plant makes an excellent pot plant, but when planted out-of-doors in a protected location, it will pro- duce much larger leaves and grows to great size. (Arace-ae.) Setaria (Panicum) palmifolium. Palm grass. This grass forms clumps of broad dark green palm-like leave-s about two feet long. Well adapted but dies back during the winter season. (Gramineae) PLANTS OF‘ ORNAMENTAL VALUE F OR. RIO GRANDE VALLEY OF‘ TEXAS 101 Streletzia Reginae. Bird-of-Paradise. A small plant having banana-like leaves and a few, very showy, pe-culiarly shaped flow-ers in varying shades of deep blue, yellow and re-d combinations. Fairly well adapted but quite tender to cold. (Musaceae) ’ Tricholaena rosea. Natal Grass, Ruby Grass. A native grass which forms small clumps about twelve inches high. It produces numerous, ornamental, rosy-red seed panicles. (Gramine-ae.) Xanthosoma bataviensis. Punp-le-Stem Caladium. Leaves of this plant are somewhat similar to those of the common Elephants-Ear but are thicker and have showy purple stems and veins. This plant is not as hardy or vigorous as the more commonly used type. (Araceae) Zebrina pendula (Tradelscantia zehrina). Wandering Jew. A prostrate spreading plant having brittle, succulent stems; green and white striped leaves which are purple underneath; and an occasional small, 3-petaled, purplish flower. This plant is useful as a ground, cover or window box subject. _ Well adapted, but too common to be highly desirable. (Comme-linaceae.) WATER PLANTS Many gardeners will want to grow a few of the attractive water plants even if they must use a sunken tub or barrel in lieu of a more pretentious water garden (Figure 48). Day flowering water lilies of the tropical type are the most popular subjects. Of the tropicals, Panama Pacific, (purple), Rubra rosea (rosy red), Mexicana (yellow), and the Star lilies are quite generally used. The better hardy lilies include: Co- manche (apricot), Sunrise (yel- low), Escarboucle (red), Gonnere (white), and Superba (pink). In addition to lilies, aquatic gardeners might use plants such as Arrowhead, Bulrushes a.nd Wa- _ _ _ Figure 48. Lily Pool. Few objects Mm ter-hyacinths 1n the decoration of more t0 the ‘beauty 0f a large pools so as to give a more large lawn than a wen kept _ lily pool or water garden. natural setting. " Species Eichhorina crrassipes. Water-Hyacinths. These plants are native in this region, being found in numerous canals and drainage ditches. The bright green leaves and “floaters” as well as the spikes of lavender blooms make this a desirable addition to the pool. Water-hyacinths float on top» of the water, multiplying rapidly by division, and the long, hair-like roots usually reach down into the soil. These plants form excellent fish havens. This plant may be-come a pest. (Ponterderiaceae) Hydrocleys nympho/ides. Wate-r Poppy. This delicate little plant, with its numerous small, roundish, flo-ating leaves and small, yellow, poppy-like 102 BULLETIN NO. 669, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION flowers is an addition to any shallow pool. It should be planted in shallow water. (Butomaceae.) Myriophyllum prosperpinacoides. Parrot’s Feather. This water plant forms bright green feathery plumes (16-18 inches long) which extend up out of the water several inches. They are useful as oxidizing plants where gold- fish are a part of the lily-pool scheme, and their long, loose rootlets make splendid protection for fish spawn. (Haloragidaceae) Nymphea (Oastalia) elegans and N. mexicana. Pond Lily. The native pond lilies are to be found in drainage ditches and canals. Although the blooms are small, they are. quite ornamental, and the plants are well adapted for use in small pools. Pond lilies can be found in both yellow (N. mewicaiza) and blue (N. elegans) flowered forms. (Nymphaceae.) Nymplhea sp. Water-Lily. Of the Water Lilies growing in the pool at the Valley Experiment Station, the tropical lilies have produced blooms during the greatest part of the year. Panama Pacific and Mrs. Pring produce a profusion of blooms throughout the year; Mexicana, Pershing and Pennsyl- vania ranking second in length of blooming period and profusion of bloom; with Rubra rosea ranking third. Of the hardy lilies, Comanche is the only variety which remains on the water the entire year. It produces a few blooms throughout the winter months and ranks with Sunrise in equalling the best of the tropical lilies in profusion of bloom during the warm months. August Koch. A tropical lily, similar to Panama Pacific in every way, except profusion of bloom and color. It has lilac-blue flowers. Blue Beauty. A tropical lily that produces long slender buds; numerous attractive light blue flowers, having narrow petals; and green leaves splotched with brown. Comanche. This is the most persistant and profuse blooming of the hardy lilie.s, producing a continuous supply of medium to large, orange-colored flow- ers throughout the warm months and a few scattered blooms during the winter season. The green splotched leaves are resistant to aphids. Very desirable. l Escarboucle. A hardy, red-flowered lily having reddish green leaves. This lily is one of the first “hardy lilies to bloom in the spring, and ranks second to Sunrise and Comanche in profusion of bloom. Very desirable. Frank Trelease. A dark red, night-blooming tropical lily which has showy bronzy red foliage. Gonnere. A small, hardy lily that produces a few, small, very double, cup-shaped, white flowers. Although it does not produce a profusion of bloom, it is worth the small space it takes in any pool. Juno. A large, white, night blooming troipical lily; the best white, night blooming lily in the Station pool. Marliac. These small hardy lilies produce a profusion of bloom. They may be had in a variety of colors. Mexicana. A small tropical lily that produces rather small, attractive, yellow, narrow-petaled flowers. This plant multiplies so rapidly as to become a nuisance, unless it is grown in a box or tub, and the new plants thinned out. It is such a rank feeder that the plants do not bloom satisfactorily if confined in a small space. PLANTS OF ORNAMENTAL VALUE FOR RIO GRANDE VALLEY OF TEXAS 103 Missouri. A White, night blooming tropical which has not had time to prove its adaptability in the Valley. Mrs. Pring. A white flowered, tropical lily which ranks along with Panama Pacific as the best, year around lliy. The flowers are medium t0 small in size and have narrow petals. Paul Heriot. A dwarf, trop-ical lily that produces small, bronze, splotched leaves and small flowers which are first pale apricot in color, becoming darker each succeeding day. This is a most useful lily in small pools. Pennsylvania. A vigorous, tropical lily which produces large green leaves and deep blue flowers in great profusion. Very desirable. Pershing. A large, vigorous, tropical lily which produces numerous deep pink flowers. Best of the pink lilies. Rubra rosea. A rosy-red, tropical, night-blooming lily which has. reddish green leaves. This is one of the showiest in the collection of lilies in the Experiment Station Pool. It produces numerous, brilliantly colored flowers from July to October, and the blooms remain open until mid-morning. Sturtevant. This dark red, night-blooming tropical lily has not had time to gprove its adaptability to Valley conditions. Superba. A pink flowered, hardy lily which has a very short blooming season; thereis little to recommend it except its clear pink color. Sunrise. This hardy lily ranks with Comanche in profusion of bloom. It has large, double, lemon-yellow flowers which stand up well above the water line. Star. These lilies produce small blossoms in various shades of blue and rose as well as white. Well adapted, and quite popular. Pistia. Stratiotes. Water-Lettuce. This plant forms light green, thick- leafed rosettes which float on top of the water, multiplying rapidly until whole colonies are formed. It is an attractive addition to the pool except when it is damaged by aphids. Alphids can be partially controlled by hosing the plants off with a strong stream of water. (Araceae.) Sagittariva platphylla. Arrowhead. A graceful, upright, native bog plant having rather large arrow-shaped green leaves and loose spikes of small, white flowers. It is best suited to shallow planting. (Alismaceae.) Typha angustifolia and T. latifolia. Cat-tail. Cat-tails are native in this region, and can be secured from almost any earthen drainage ditch or canal. They are useful principally in lending height to the pool decoration scheme. These plants are most attractive when the brown “cat-tails” appear on the tops of the (plants during the fall season. If Cat-tails are used in a small pool, it is best to plant them in pots; otherwise they will multiply too rapidly and become a nuisance. T. angustifolia is the common narrow- leafed type; T. latifolia is the Wide-leafed species. (Typhaceae) BULBS, TUBEROUS PLANTS AND RELATED ORNAMENTALS Many of the bulb forming plants such as tulips, most lilies and many of the iris are not well adapted to Valley conditions. This is also true con- cerning many tuberous-rooted plants such as tuberous-rooted begonias and peonies. Amaryllis, Crinums, Easter lilies, Day lilies, Rain lilies, Spider 104 BULLETIN NO. 609, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION lilies, Star-of-Bethlehem lilies, and Amazon lilies are well adapted and re- quire no special cultural care. Ranunculus, Anemones, and Dahlias can be grown by gardeners who are willing to give special cultural care to these subjects. Gladiolus are especially well adapted to conditions in the Valley and are grown successfully by amateurs and commercial gardeners alike. Species Agapanthus africanus. Agapanthus Lily, Blue Lily of the Nile. This tuberous-rooted plant ,p¢roduces tall flowering stalks topped with umbels of pale blue flowers. Plants usually die out during the summer. (Liliaceaa) Anemone coronaria. Spring Windflower. Spring Anemones have been found to be fairly well adapted to conditions in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. The vari-colored, poppy-like flowers are quite attractive. There is a fall blooming, herbaceous type of anemone, A. japonica. (Ranunculaceae) Brodiaea (Leucocoryne) ixioides var. odorata. Glory of the Sun. A fairly well adapted bulb plant that produces narrow leaves and umbels of fragrant blue flowers with lighter colored centers. (Liliaceae.) Oonvallarta majalis. Lily-of-the-Valley. If strong “pips” are planted every year, these small, dainty flowers can be successfully grown. They will produce blooms shortly after planting either indoors or outdoors in a moist shady location. (Liliaceaa) Oooperia Drummondii, C’. pedunculata and 0'. Smallti. Rain Lily. These three forms of native rain lilies, two of which are white and one yellow, are well worth searching for after the rains. 0'. Drummondti (Small White Rain Lily) is found in great abundance. C. pedunculata (Great Rain Lily) is the large, white-flowered species which is occasionally found in this region. (7. Smallti (Yellow Rain Lily) is the only one of this color known in this genus. These native plants are particularly useful as ornamentals when the bulbs are planted in the lawn grass. They do not interfere with the care of the lawn, and after the rains, the flowers show up within a. few hours, and usually last two or three days. To add color to the planting, Fairy Lilies (Zephyranthes and Habranthus) can be set among the plants of Cooperia. (Amaryllidaceaa) _ Orinum. The crinums are especially well adapted to conditions in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, and thrive under almost any growing conditions. Their large, showy leaves are fully as attractive as the fragrant, lily-like flowers. Crinums multiply by division and will become a permanent part of the planting plan if allowed to remain undisturbed. The following forms are recommended: O. americanum (White Crinum), C. asiaticum (hybricum), (Pink Crinum), 0'. erubescens (Rose-Stripe Crinum), O’. fimbriatulum (Milk- and-Wine Crinum), O’. scabrum (Rose-Stripe Crinum), and C’. zeylantcum (Drooping Crinum). (Amarillidaceae.) Dahlia. Garden dahlias (D. pinnata) and the Cactus-Flowered dahlias (D. Juarezii) are being grown in the Lower Rio Grande Valley for commercial purposes. However, it is suggested that amateur growers make limited trials before starting extensive planting. The tubers should be planted deep (6 inches), and covered with 3 inches of soil, gradually filling the holes from PLANTS OF‘ ORNAMENTAL VALUE FOR RIO GRANDE VALLEY OF TEXAS 105 time to time. Give heavy waterings at regular intervals to encourage deep rooting. The plants should be staked and tied when they are about six inches tall, and then retied as they develop. To obtain choice flowers, it is necessary to prune the plant to a single stalk, and pinch off the superfluous flower buds as they appear, leaving only one or two to a plant. (Compositae-J Eucharis grandiflora. Amazon Lily. A small, bulbous plant having orna- mental dark green, broad leaves and large, white, narcissus-like flowers. Well adapted and quite popular. (Liliaceae.) Freesia hybrida and F. refracta. Freesia. Freecias are being grown com- mercially, under lath, in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, and appear to be fairly well adapted. F. hybrida. is available in a variety of color-patterns; F. refracta produces white or yellow flowers. (Iridaceae) Gladiolus sp. Gladiolus are well adapted to conditions in the Lower Rio Grande Valley and are grown commercially on a large scale. The plants require full sun and an abundance of water. They are obtainable in a wide range of colors and color combinations. (Iridaceae.) Gloriosa Rothschildiana. Climbing-Lily. A bulbous plant having bright green leaves; climbing stems; red and orange, lily-like flowers; and small black seed. This} plant is well adapted but is quite slow growing. (Liliaceae.) Habranthus Andersoni. Copper Rain-Lily. This small rain-lily is native to other parts of Texas and is well adapted in this region. It produces small yellow flowers, the outside of the petals being coppery-red. (Amaryllidaceae.) Hedychium coronarium. Butterfly Lily, Ginger Lily. A tuberous rooted plant that flourishes best in a moist location. It has upright stems with sheathed leaves and fragrant white flower clusters which are produced during the spring and fall seasons. (Zingiberaceaa) Hemerocallis. Day Lily. Day lilies appear to be well adapted to conditions in this region. They are obtainable in a large range of colors ranging from lemon yellow to tawny orange, and several colors are obtainable in the double-flowered form. The following species are recommended: H. flava (Lemon Yellow), H. flava pleno (Double Tawny), H. Florham (Orange Flowered), and H. fulva (Single Tawny). (Liliaceae.) H erbertia Drummondiana. Native Blue Flag. A small iris-like plant that produces narrow leaves and small, blue, three-petaled flowers. H. Watsom‘ produces blue iris-like flowers with yellow mottled corollas. This species is also native. (Iridaceae.) , Hippeastrum. Amaryllis. These plants are especially well adapted to conditions in the Lower Rio Grande Valley and seem to thrive under almost any conditions. H. puniceum (equestre), Orange-Flowered, and H. Johnsoni (Red-Flowered) multiply rapidly and maintain themselves continuously. H. hybriduoit (Hybrid Amaryllis) are well adapted and produce a great range of color-patterns. If the grower has a creative desire, these plants offer an excellent opportunity, as it is not difficult to cross pollinate the flowers and obtain hybrid seedlings. The hybrid seeds. should be planted shallow in flats of loamy soil, and may be kept moist by laying a damp paper over the surface. The flats should be kept in partial shade during the summer months. After the seedlings become sufficiently hardened, they should be trans- planted to pots or to field locations. (Amaryllidaceae.) 106 BULLETIN NO. 609, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION Hyacinthus orientalis. Dutch Hyacinth. These bulbs make excellent pot plants, but are not adapted to outdoor culture. After the bulbs bloom in March, they should be allowed to dry thoroughly and should then be stored in a cool, dark, dry storage space. (Liliaceae.) Hyacinthus orientalis var. albulus. French-Roman Hyacinth. These sturdy small plants are well adapted, and although the spikes have fewer blossoms, they produce such a profusion of bloom out-of-doors that they are quite popu- lar with most flower growers. Hymenocallis caribaea and H. galvestonensis. Spider-Lily. Both species of Spider-Lilies have white, fringed petals. H. galvestonensis (Gulf Coast Spider-Lily), the species native to Texas, is recommended for general use. It is quite hardy and will thrive under almost any growing conditions. (Amaryllidaceae) Iris. Small scale, commercial production of iris bulbs has been attempted in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, and it has been shown that certain iris can be grown successfully where diseases are controlled. For general use, the rhyzome forming, Tall-Bearded (German) Iris (I. germanica) is recom- mended; however, Spanish (I. zviphium) and English iris (I. amlphioides) are being grown. (Iridaceae.) Kniphofia Uvaria. Poker-Plant, Tritoma. This plant is weak growing and short lived in this region. The grass-like foliage and torch-like spikes of bloom are very attractive where they are grown in a favorable environment. It is suggested that these plants be planted only in locations favorable for Day-lilies. (Liliaceae.) *Lz'lium aurantum. Gold Banded Lily. (Liliaceae.) Lilium candtdum. Madonna Lily. This white flowering lily somewhat resembles the Easter Lily. The bulbs should be planted in the fall and allowed to remain undisturbed. *L'ilium canadense var. coccinea (rubrum). Rubrum Lily, Red Lily-of- Japan. *Lilium elegan-s. Elegans Lily. - Lilium formosanulm. Philippine Lily. This white, flowering lily appears to be fairly well adapted to conditions in this region. It produces attractive, trumpet-shaped flowers. *Lilium Henryi. Henry Lily. Lilium longiflorum. Easter Lily. Easter lilies are especially well adapted to conditions in this region, and maintain themselves in a very satisfactory manner. The plants die down after blooming in the spring and reappear early the following spring. They are very popular and the bulbs are pro- duced for export. Lilium regale. Regal Lily. The Regal or Royal lily appears to be fairly well adapted to conditions in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. It is one of the best trumpet-shaped lilies, producing large clusters of fragrant white flow- ers which are tinged with rose and have yellow centers. Lilium tenuifolium. Siberian Coral Lily. The flowers of this lily are small, bright red in color and have recurved petals and prominent stamen. It blooms during the early summer season. - *This plant material has been tested under Valley conditions and proved to be unadapted. PLAIVPS OF ORNABIEXII-XL VALUE FOR RIO GRANDE VALLEY OF TEXAS 107 *Liliiu»2n, figrinum. Tiger Lily. Lycoris squamigera. (Awtaryllis Halliz’). Pink Amaryllis. This plant is similar in appearance to Hippeastrum but is not as vigorous. It produces dainty pink flowers. (Amary11idaceae.) Morea io'i0ides. Morea Iris. These plants, similar to Iris, seem to be well adapted t0 conditions in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Easily grown and quite popular. (Iridaceae.) Zlluscari. Grape Hyacinth. Very small plants (6 inches high) having dark green, very narrow leaves. The commonly planted variety, M. botryoides, produces pale blue flowers; M. armeniacum produces flowers of a deeper color. (Liliaceae) Narcissus Pseudo-narcissus. Daffodils. These golden narcissus are very attractive during the early spring season, and are quite popular with some gardeners. (Amaryllidaceae.) L Narcissus Tazetta. Polyanthus Narcissus, Paper-White Narcissus. These are among the most commonly grown bulb plants in the Lower Rio Grande Valley for outdoor plantings, as well as for house plants. It is usually necessary to transplant the bulbs every year to insure regular blooming. If allowed to remain undisturbed the plants will become “splindling” and cease blooming. Very popular. ‘ Narcissus Tazetta var. oriental/is. Chinese Sacred Lily. This plant differs from the better known Paper-White narcissus in having larger flowers with yellow centers. - Ornithogailatm 1tmbellatum. Star-of-Bethlehem Lily. These very small. star-shaped lilies are useful as edging plants for the lily bed. The leaf blades are grass-like. and the small, white flowers with yellow centers. are quite ornamental. They are well adapted to conditions in this region and multiply rapidly. (Liliaceae.) i Oxalis. These very small plants produce clover-like leaves in most cases, and attractive vari-colored flowers. These plants, like the Fairy-Lilies, Rain- Lilies, and Star-of-Bethlehem lilies, make excellent edging or lawn plants. If allowed to remain undisturbed, they will multiply rapidly. It is recom- mended that the native species, O. dichondraefolia and O. Drummondii be sought out and planted. The latter produces very small bulbs and the plants bear clusters of several long stemmed, clover-like leaves, and lavender-pink, bell-like flowers having yellow centers. O. dichondraefolia produces dull, kidney-shaped leaves and small yellow flowers. Other species that have proven well adapted are: O. AcetnsellalWhite Flowered), O. Bowlieana, (Bowie’s Rose), 0. cernua (Buttercup), 0. corniculata (Creeping Sour Grass) and O. rubra. Pink Flowered Oxalis. (Oxalidaceae) . Paeonia» czlbiflora. Peony. Chinese peonies are not adapted to the hot climate of this region and fail to produce flowers. (Ranunculaceae.) Politanthves tuberosa. Mexican Tuberose. Mexican tuberoses are well adapted to conditions in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, and multiply raipidly if given suflicient space. The plants bloom during ‘the winter, and early spring months, and should be separated after blooming period is over. Quite popular. (Amaryllidaceae) *This plant material has been tested under Valley conditions and proved to be unadapted. 108 BULLETIN NO. 609, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT’ STATION Ranunculus asiaticats. Persian Buttercup. Ranunculus are being grown in the Lower Rio Grande Valley to a limited extent. The small, tuberous plants produce large, bright colored buttercup-like flowers which are quite attractive. Ranunculus are rather exacting in their demands, and thrive best in a loose soil in a partially shaded location. The tubers should be soaked for several hours and then planted with the tapering points down- ward. (Ranunculaceae) Ttgridia Pavonia var. grandiflomz. Shell-Flower, Tiger Flower. This (plant produces the typical three-petaled flowers of the Iridaceae family. The highly colored flowers are available in various shades of yellow, red and orange dotted with brown. (Iridaceae.) Tritonia crocosmaeflora. Montbretia, Tritonia. Montbretias appear to be well adapted to conditions in this region, but thrive best in shaded loca- tions. The plants resemble those of the gladiolus, but are smaller and more reclining. The three-petaled flowers: are orange-red in color and have yellow throats. Very desirable. (Iridaceae.) *Tul'lpa Gesneriana. Dutch Tulip. (Liliaceae.) *Tulipa Eichleri, Kaufmanmlana, praestans and sylvestris. Botanical Tulips. *Watsoma. Bugle Lily. (Iridaceae.) Zantedeschia (Richavrdia). Calla Lily. These bulbous plants make excel- lent pot plants. The bulbs require a rest period during the summer, and must be forced for the production of winter bloom. Z. aethiopica (White Calla), and Z. Elliotiana (Yellow Calla) are well adapted and produce large showy leaves and flowers. Z. Rehmannii (Pink Calla) is a small, weak grow- ing type. (Araceae) Zephyranthes. Fairy-Lily, Zephyr-Lily, Shower-Lily. These small, dainty rain-lilies are well adapted to conditions in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, and produce a profusion of blooms after each rain or heavy irrigation. Zephyranthes are usually classified as Fairy-Lilies or Shower-Lilies but are often called Rain-Lilies. One species, Z, chrysantha (Golden Shower Lily) is native of this region. Other well adapted species are: Z. Atamasco (White Shower-Lily), Z. canldida (Autumn Shower-Lily), and Z. carinata (Rose Shower-Lily). (Amaryllidaceae.) CACTI AND OTHER SUCCULENTS The semi-arid nature of our Valley climate makes it possible for garden- ers in this region to maintain interesting and attractive collections of plants in this group. It may be necessary to grow them under somewhat artificial conditions as regards soil drainage and they must be grown in full sunlight, with the exception of a few tender succulents. There are a number of native species which may be collected in brush country near the coast or back in the hill country near Rio Grande City. Most gardeners‘ prefer to use some of the rarer types because of the unusual nature of the subjects and the interest which they attract. Of the cacti, Star, Lace, Pencil. * This plant material has been tested under Valley conditions and proved t0 be unadapted. . PLANTS OF ORNAMENTAL VALUE FOR RIO GRANDE VALLEY OF TEXAS 109 Pincushion, Devil’s Head, Fishhook and Night-Blooming Cereus are the more popular native species. Other popular succulents include Crassulas, Desert Rose, Hen-and-Chickens, Star-of-Bethlehem and Kalanchoes. These are among the more attractive flowering plants. Aloes, Agaves, Yuccas (Figure 4a) and Sansevierias may be considered separately because of their special use in the landscape scheme. Most of these are used as individual specimens, but Sansevieria varieties are used principally in border plantings and as' edging plants. Some of the better adapted plants in these groups have been described on the following pages. Cacti ‘Acanthocereus (Oereus) pentagonus. Night-Blooming Cereus. A plant having 3 to fi-angled elongated stems which root at the nodes. It produces large strong spines; showy, white, night-blooming flowers and red fruits. (Cactaceae.) Ariocarpus fissuratus. Living Rock. A small flat cactus with a rock-like appearance. The small flowers are pink to red. (Cactaceae.) Astrophytum (Echinocactus) asterias. Star Cactus. A small, globose, gray plant that is entirely thornless. It is heavily ribbed, the ridges form- ing a five-point star-pattern across the top. (Cactaceae) i Astrophytum (Ech/inooactus) myriostigma. Bishop’s Hood or Crown. This spineless, globose, gray plant resembles a Bishop’s head-dress. Oephalocereus senilus. Old Man Cactus. An upright plant bearing long, silky, white, hair-like covering. (Cactaceae.) Echinoca-ctus hor/izonthalonius. Devil’s Head. Large hemispherical plants having curved spines along the heavy ribs, rose-colored flowers and red fruits. (Cactaceae.) Echmocereus Blanckii. Large Finger Cactus. This plant produces spiny, plump stems which become elongated~p=rostrate at maturity. The dark reddish-purple flowers are quite showy. (Cactaceae.) Echinocereus chloranthus. Rainbow Cactus. A cylindrical plant having a single thickened stem overlaid with fine white spines. The yellow flowers never completely open. Echmocereus dasyacanthus. Yellow-Flowered Rainbow Cactus. This plant resembles E. chloranthus but produces showy, large yellow flowers. Echinocereus enneaoanthus. Strawberry or Cob Cactus. An erect cob-like plant forming large clumps that produce dark red flowers along one side of the stems, followed by fruits of strawberry flavor. Echinocereus Fitchii. Lace Cactus. A short cylindrical plant covered with fine, lace-like, white spines. It produces pink flowers. Echinocereus pentalophus. Wee Lady-Finger Cactus. Similar to the other Finger Cacti, being the smallest of the group, and having lighter colored flowers. Echinocereus Reichenbachii. Lace Cactus. A tall cylindrical plant having one or more stems; fine, white, lace-like spines over-all; and pink flowers. Echinocereus triglochidiatus. Claret Cup Cactus. The banana-shaped stems 110 BULLETIN NO. 609", TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION of this plant form large rosettes. It produces showy, dark red, goblet-shaped flowers and red fruits. - Epiphyllum. (Phyllocactlus) Ackermannii. Showy Epiphyllum. This plant is closely related to the commonly grown Christmas Cactus (Zygocactus). It is a thornless plant of upright, flat, leaf-like branches. The lower part of the branches are fleshy with distinct ribs. It produces large, deep red flowers which open during the day. (Cactaceae.) Epithelantha micromeris. Button_ Cactus. This is a small, globose plant entirely covered with soft white spines. It produces small flesh-pink flowers, and small red fruits which are called “Chilitos.” (Cactaceae) Escobaria Runyonii. Escobaria. These low clumps of small cacti are thickly covered with small, weak, gray spines. They produce very small pink flowers and small red fruits. (Cactaceae.) Ferocactus hamatacanthus. Fishhook Cactus. Dangerous hooked spines overlay this plant. It produces showy yellow flowers. (Cactaceae.) Ferocactus uncinatus. Turk’s Head. This plant produces long, white. hooked spines; heavy blue-green tubercles; and orange to brown colored flowers. Ferocactus Wislizem. Barrel or Fishhook Cactus. A barrel-shaped cactus having numerous curved spines. Hamatocactus setisp/mus. Hedgehog or Fishhook Cactus. This cob-shaped, upright cactus is very abundant in this region.‘ It has a. heavy covering of yellowish, close-fitting spines and produces large, satiny, yellow flowers. (Cactaceae.) Homalocephala (Echinocactus) teasens/ls. Devi1’s Pin Cushion. A small hemispherical plant that produces small spines along the numerous ribs, pink flowers and red fruits. (Cactaceae.) Lophomhora (Echinocactus) Williamsii. Peyote or Mescal Button. A small, spineless, globose, blue-green, succulent plant that is used by the Indians in their religious rites. Undesirable qualities. (Cactaceae) Mammillaria hemisphaerica. Pin-Cushion Cactus. A very small hemis- pherical plant that is covered with spine-bearing nipples. It produces small cream-colored flowers and small red fruits called “Chilitos.” (Cactaceae.) Mammillaria multiceps. Hair Covered Cactus. Low clumps of small, woolly, hemispherical plants. Mammillaria plumosa. Plumy Cactus. Similar to M. multiceps but having a finer hair covering. Mammillaria (Ooryphantha) Runyonii. Runyon’s Coryphantha. This suc- culent plant forms large clumps and produces fleshy roots. The plants are covered with thick tubercles bearing tip spines. The flowers are pink to purple. Optunia Dillenii. Spineless Prickly-Pear. The large pads of this plant are spineless when grown in the shade. (Cactaceae.) Optunia Ficus-indica. Spineless Prickly-Pear. This is the commonly grown plant that produces large, spineless pads. Optunia grandiflora. Giant Flowered Prickly-Pear. This Prickly-pear produces large prickly pads and large yellow flowers with red centers. Optunia, imbricata. Walking Stick, Candlelabrum, or Cholla Cactus. This PLANTS OF ORNAMENTAL VALUE FOR RIO GRANDE VALLEY OF TEXAS 111 tree-like plant produces many branching stems and numerous vicious spines. Optunia Zeptocaulis. Turkey Cactus or Tasahillo. A long stemmed, very spiny cactus that produces inconspicuous flowers and numerous small red fruits. Optunia Ltn-dheimert. Common Prickly-Pear. This is the native prickly- pear that produces large prickly pads and showy yellow, red or orange colored flowers followed by large edible purplish fruits. Optunta mtcrodasys var. rufida. Velvet Prickly-Pear. This plant produces small bright green pads with velvety brown dots. Optunia Schottii. Devil’s Rope or Clavellina. Small elongated cacti joined end to end and having vicious barbed spines. Phyllocactus latifrons. Queen Cactus. An upright growing thornless plant that produces flat, wavy-edged, leaf-like stems about four inches wide. Its night-bloomnig flowers are creamy white. (Cactaceae) Wilcoscia Poselgeri. Lead Pencil, Sacasil, or Dahlia Cactus. The stems of this plant are gray, pencil-like and thickened to form white spine-covered tips. It produces showy rose-colored flowers. (Cactaceae.) Zygocactus (Epiphyllum) truncatus. Christmas or Crab Cactus. The thorn- less, flat, jointed, leaf-like stems of this plant produce conspicuous small rosy flowers. The short jointed sections are succulent and droop gracefully over the sides of a flower pot. (Cactaceae.) Other Small Succulents Ceropegia Woodii. Rosary-vine. A dwarf, succulent, tuberous-rooted vine that produces small, kidney-shaped, silver-spotted leaves, small pinkish flowers and long slender pods filled with winged seed. (Asclepiadaceae.) Courantia (Echeveria) rosea-grandis. I-Ien-and-Chickens. This plant forms a large rosette of succulent green leaves edged with red. (Crassulaceae.) Crassula arborescens. Jade Plant. A small arborescent plant that produces succulent, ovate, jade~green leaves. (Crassulaceae.) Crassula (Rochea) falcata. Cleaver Plant. An odd growing rosette of leaves, each leaf having one cleaver-like edge. Grassula impressa (rubicunda). Crassula. A dwarf plant having pencil shaped green leaves and bright red flowers. Crassula lycopodioides. Princess Pine. A small dainty plant having slender upright stems and bright green, pine-like foliage. Crassula perfosa. String-of-Buttons. A dwarf ipilant having square, blue- green leaves arranged on the stem like a string of buttons. C’. monicola produces triangular, blue-green leaves on a plant similar in other respects to C. perfosa. Echeveria elegans. Hen-and-Chickens. This plant produces a rosette of succulent, blue-green leaves. E. glauca produces blue-green leaves tipped with red, the young plants being produced at the base. E. gtbbiflora var. metallica produces mauve-colored, metallic leaves. E. Hoveyi produces blue- green leaves. E. scaphyllal and E. simulans produce pale green, very thick leaves. (Crassulaceae.) Euphorbia mammillaris. Cob-of-Corn. This small, succulent, light gre-en plant resembles a tiny corn-cob. (Euphorbiaceae.) 112 BULLETIN NO. 609‘, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT‘ STATION Euphorbia splendens. Crown-of-Thorns. Erect, branching, thorny plants having small, dark green leaves and showy clusters of red flowers. Euphorbia Tirucalli. Milkbush or Rubber Plant. A tall growing (6-8 feet) almost leafless plant having numerous dark green, pencil-like stems filled with milky sap. Faucaria splendens. Jacob’s Stafi or Devil's Walking Stick. A succulent, leafless, many branched plant of dark green. The stems are pencil-like and contain milky sap. (Euphorbiaceae) Gasteria hybrida. Hart’s Tongue or Deer’s Tongue. A small, fan-shaped plant having gray-green, knife-like leaves spotted with white. (Li1iaceae.) Gramtopetalum Orpetii. Desert-Rose. This plant produces numerous ros- ettes of succulent, gray, rose~like leaves tinted rose and long flowering stalks of small white flower clusters. (Crassulaceae) Haworthm cymbiformis. Window-Pane. Rosettes of succulent, transparent, light-green leaves. New plants are produced between the leaves. (Liliaceae.) Haworthia fasmlata. Partridge Breast. A small aloe-like plant having stiff, dark green leaves spotted with white. Haworthia margaritifera. Haworthia. A small, flattened, aloe-like plant having numerous white dots on the leaves. Hog/a carnosa. Wax-Plant. A delicate vine with succulent, broad, light green leaves and fragrant, waxy flowers having pink centers. (Ascle- piadaceae.) Kalamchoe Blossfeldiana (globulifera; coccinea). Red-Flowered Kalanchoe. These plants are 6 to 8 inches high having bright green leaves and flowering stalks of small, bright red, flower clusters. K. crenata is an upright plant with large, dark green, serrated leaves. K. Daigremontiana (Triangular-Leaf Kalanchoe) is an upright branching plant having large, succulent, triangular leaves and drooping, rose-colored flower clusters on long stalks. K. Fedts. chenlcoi is a tall plant producing purplish-gray leaves and rose colored flow- ers. K. marmorata (Spotted-Leaf Kalanchoe) produces rosettes of large, ovate, pale green leaves splotched with brown. K. miniata (Light Green Kalanchoe) produces crowded, succulent light green leaves tinged with pink. K. pinnata (Air Plant or Live Forever) produces large, deep green, wavy- edged leaves and tall flower clusters with rose-colored flowers. K. Schmidtii (Schmidt’s Kalanchoe) is a small plant with bright green leaves and clusters of red flowers. K. somaliensis (Rose-Tinted Kalanchoe) is a rosette type having iplale green leaves edged with red. K. sp. (Purplish-Green Kalanchoe) is a branching 113113.111‘. having crowded, succulent, purplish-green leaves and rose-colored flowers. K. tomentosa (Velvet Leaf Kalanchoe) is an upright plant having narrow, gray, velvety leaves spotted with brown. K. tubiflora (Narrow-Leaf Kalanchoe) is a tall slender plant having short, pencil-like, spotted gray leaves and showy, rose-colored flowers. Most of the Kalanchoes produce clusters of drooping half closed flowers on long flowering stalks and produce new plants along the edges of the leaves. (Crassulaceae) Mesembryanthemum Bolusi. Heart-leaf Fig Marigold. This low growing plant has a rock-like appearance. It produces showy yellow flowers. (Aizoaceae.) Mesembryanthemum cordifolium. Dew Plant. A small succulent plant PLANTS OF ORNAMENTAL VALUE FOR RIO GRANDE VALLEY OF TEXAS 11;} having small, bright green, heart-shaped, frosted leaves and small, bright red flowers. lllesembryanthemum crystallinum. Ice Plant. A succulent, low growing plant that produces pale green, succulent, frosted leaves and small white flowers. Mesembryanthemum edule. Flowering Mesembrythemum. These low growing succulent plants produce thick, triangular to awl shaped, succulent leaves and showy yellow to rose colored flowers. Pedilanthus tithymaloides. Red Bird Cactus. A many-branching plant having fleshy, dark green, pencil-shaped stems with milky sap, very few, small, dark green leaves. The stems are tipped with small, bright red, leaf-like flowers. (Euphorbiaceae) Sedum acre. Golden Moss or Stonecrop. A small, moss-like plant having succulent, light green, awl-shaped leaves and tiny yellow flowers. S. Adolphi, (Adolphus Stonecrop) produces rosettes of fleshy, golden-green, broad leaves. S. confusum (Blue Stonecrop) produces moss-like, blue-green leaves. S. guate- malense (Christmas-Cheer Stonecrop) produces thickly clustered stems of fleshy, shining, dark green, awl-shaped leaves tipped with red. S. pachy- phyllum (Red-Tip Stonecrop) is similar in appearance to S. guatemalense except that the red-tipped, fleshy leaves are blue-green. S. spectabile (Showy or Brilliant Stonecrop) is a plant 18 inches high having broad, thick green leaves andbright red flowers. S. spurium (Bronzy Moss or Stonecrop) is a moss-like plant having small bronzy-green leaves and red flowers. (Cras- sulaceae.) Sempervivum Braunii. Hen-and-Chickens. These plants produce rosettes of succulent, bronzy leaves tipped with red. S. caloareum produces rosettes of rigid dark green leaves S. globiferum produces rosettes of succulent, red- tipped, green leaves, the new plants appearing between the leaves. S. Mog- gridgei and S. tectorum produce rigid, bright green leaves. All of these Sempervivums appear to be well adapted. (Crassulaceae.) Senecio succulentus. Kleinia. Two forms are being grown in the Lower Rio Grande Valley and both appear to be well adapted. S. succulevntus (Kleinia mandrolisc), Dwarf Kleinia, produces succulent, blue, awl-shaped leaves forming an elongated rosette about 5 inches high. S. succulentus (Kleinia repens var. nana) is similar to the former but produces a larger plant up to 10 inches high. (Comipositae) Stalpelia variegata. Star-of-Bethlehem or Carrion Flower. This plant pro- duces prostrate, fleshy stems and showy brown and yellow, star-shaped flowers. Stapelia gigantea (Giant Star-of-Bethlehem) is similar to the for- mer but produces much larger stems and flowers. The flowers are malodorous. (Asc1epiadaceae.) Other Large Succulents Agave americanar. Plain Leaf Century Plant or Maguey. This drouth resistant plant produces stiff, upright, gray leaves edged with thorns. The leaves are in the form of a huge rosette about four feet in diameter. A. armericana var. marginata (Yellow Bordered Century Plant)* produces stiff green leaves with yellow edges and bordered with thorns. A. americanva var. *Not grown on the Experiment Station. 114 BULLETIN NO. 609‘, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION strzlata (Variegated Century Plant) produces thorny edged, stiff green leaves striped with yellow. (Amaryllidaceae.) Agave macroacantha var. g/lgantea. Giant Snake Plant. A semi-flat rosette of succulent ribbon-like green leaves that lproduces» a flowering stalk several feet high topped with a small cluster of small, tuberose-shaped flowers. Agave macalosa. Small Rattlesnake Plant. This plant produces a flat ros- ette of ribbon-like green leaves splotched with reddish-brown. It produces pink to red flowers similar to those of A. macroa-cantha. _ Agave tiarlegata. Texas Tuberose. This plant is similar to lA. maculosa but the rosette is smaller and leafier and the flower stalk is red. Agave zapupefi Zapupe or Istle. This plant grows in the vicinity of Rio Grande City. It is similar in appearance to A. amerloana and is valuable as a fiber plant. Aloe agavefolia. Agave Aloe. This lplant produces stiff, thorny-edged gray leaves similar to Agave amerlcana but smaller in size. (Liliaceae) Aloe arborescens. Thorny-Edged Aloe. This branching plant produces nar- row, blue-green leaves edged with numerous thorns. Aloe commatata. Variegated Aloe. A stiff, almost thornless plant having gray green leaves spotted with yellow. Aloe variegaia. Small Variegated Aloe. This small plant produces almost thornless leaves spotted and edged with yellow. Aloe vera. Yellow Flower Bar- bados Aloe. An upright plant about .18 inches high having pale green leaves spotted with yellow. The leaves turn darker with age and the spots disappear. This plant pro- duces erect flowering stalks of showy yellow flower clusters. A. vera var. oyficinalis (Red-Flower Barbados Aloe) is similar in ap- pearance but is smaller and the leaves do not entirely lose their markings. Ananas sativus (comosus). Pine- apple. This plant is somewhat similar in appearance to the agaves and is occasionally used as a dec- orative subject. (Bromeliaceae.) Hechtia tearensisfi False agave. An agave-like plant that has few thorns and attractive coloration. It takes several years to produce trecaleaaza). A native, flow- blooms‘ (Bromeliaceaa) ering plant that adds a Hesperaloe parvlflora. Red-Flow- sembafid ‘much t° the land" ered Yucca. A Yucca-like plant hav- scape' ing very narrow leaves and spikes of rosy-red flowers. (Liliaceae) Pigure49. Spanish Dagger (Ytwca *Not grown on the Experiment Station. PLANTS OF ORNAMEXTAL VALUE FOR RIO GRANDE VALLEY OF TEXAS 115 Sansevieria cylindrica. Cylindrical Sansevieria or Bowstring Hemp. This plant is composed of stiff, upright, slender, cylindrical, dark green leaves. S. thyrsiflora (Green Mottled Sansevieria) has upright, narrow, stiff, dark green leaves mottled with pale green. S. trifasciata var. Lwurentii (Yellow- Margined Sansevieria) produces yellow-margined, narrow stiff leaves. S. zey- lanica (Green Banded Sansevieria) produces stifi narrow leaves banded with pale green. (Liliaceae.) Yucca Treculeana. Spanish Dagger or Spanish Bayonet. This tree-like plant produces numerous dark green, quill-like leaves terminating in a heavy thorn. It produces tremendous spikes of crowded, creamy-white, lily-like flowers. (Liliaceae.) ANNUAL AND PERENNIAL BEDDING PLANTS No home garden is complete without an old fashioned flower bed and there is a wide variety of well adapted material from which the amateur gardener can choose. Ageratum, Aztec daisy, chrysanthemum, double gaillardia, ger- bera, geranium, larkspur, marigold, phlox, (petunia, snapdragon, stock, Verbena and zinnia are but a few of the attractive flowering plants that thrive with a minimum of care. TABLE 5- ANNUAL AND PERENNIAI- BEDDING PLANTS Plant size Flower description N Annual Season Pro- Adap- Name Height Spread or Per- of fu- tabi1- (inches) (inches) Size Color Type ennial bloom sion ity A geratum : (Oompositae) A. conyzoides (Floss-Mower) _____________________________________________ __ 24 l 24 sm. blue-purple head summer 9‘ 9 A. Houstonianum (Purple Ageratum) ______ ___ _______________________________ __ 24 24 sm. purple head A summer 9 9 Althaea rosea a ' (Malvaceae) (Hollyhock) ________________________________________________ _. 72 24 lg. l varied raceme BA summer 9‘ 9 A lyssum -' (Cruciferas) A. a-rgenteum (rostratumfi \ (Yellow Alyssum) __________________________________________ __ 6 6 sm. yellow raceme A spring 9 9 A. compactum (Compact Alyssum) _______________________________________ __ 6 6 sm. white raceme A spring 9 9 A. procumbens* (Carpet of Snow) __________________________________________ __ 4 4 sm. white raceme A spring 9 9 A. saacatile (Basket oi Gold) ___________________________________________ _. 6 , 6 sm. _l yellow raceme P spring 9* 7 Antirrhiizum majiis (Scrophulariaeeae) l { (Snapdragon) ______________________________________________ _. 15 8 sm. varied spike A spring 9 9 Arctotis: (Compositae) ( A. breviscapa* l i l (Stemless African Daisy) __________________________________ __ 24 f 8 lg. l orange solitary A spring 9 8 A. scapigera l (African Daisy) ____________________________________________ -- 24 l s lg. l salmon-red solitary A spring 9 s A. stoechadifolia (aspera)* l l (African Daisy) ____________________________________________ -_ 24 l‘ 8 lg. l yellow-rose solitary A spring 9 8 A. stoechadifolia var. grandis l f (Blue Eyed African Daisy) _________________________________ __ 24 8 lg. l white solitary A summer 9 9 Aster novi-belgii (Compositae) l (Michaelmas Daisy) ________________________________________ _. 30 i 24 lg. l purple heads P tall 9 9 Begonia: (Begoniaeeae) ‘ ‘ B. argenteo-guttata (Angel Wing Begonia) _____________________________________ __ 24 30 sm. l varied cluster P spring 6 8 B. corallina l i (Lucerne Begonia) __________________________________________ __ 12. V. 12 sm. i varied cluster P spring 9 8 B. Feastii l (Bcefsteiak Begonia) _________________________________________ __ 12 24 sm. ; rose cluster P summer 9» 8 B. metallica l ‘ (Steel Begonia) ____________________________________________ __ 20 I 24 sm. l white-red cluster P spring 2 8 B. Rex i (Rex Begonia) ____________________ __- _____________________ _. 18 l 12 sm. l rose cyme P winter 3 7 9H XOILVLS JAIEIWIHHJXEI TVHDI/IIIOIHQV SVXEIJ} ‘609 'ONI NLLHTTIIEI Chrysanthemum: B. semperflorens (Common Begonia) ---------------------------------------- -- B. tuberhybmda (Tuberous Rooted Begonia) -------------------------- -¢----- Bellis pereunis* (COITIDOSIUW) (English Daisy) --------------------------------------- -_-----' Calendula ofiiciualils (Gomposltafi (Pot Marigold) --------------------------------------- -7----- Callistephus chinensis (Izortevtsis) (Oompositac) (China Aster) ---------------------------------------------- -- Campanula latilobcfi (Campanulaceae) (O anterbury Bells) _________________________________________ _~ Capsicum: . (Solanaceae) C’. frutesceus var. cerasiforme (Cherry Pepper) ____________________________________________ -_ C. frutesceus var. cerasiforme A (Squash Pepper) ___________________________________________ -- Celosia : (Amaranthaceae) C. argentea var. Childsii (Woolflower) _______________________________________________ -- C. argentea var. cristata (Oockscomb) _______________________________________________ -- C. argentea var. plumosa ’ (Feathery Cockseomb)_--; ________________________________ -_ Centaurea : (Oompositae) C. Cyauus (Cornflower; Bachelors-Button) ___________________________ _. C. moschata (Sweet Sultan) _____________________________________________ __ (Oompositae) C‘. cariuatum (Tricolor 0r Summer Chrysanthemum) ____________________ _. C’. corouarium (Common Daisy or Garland Chrysanthemum) ____________ -. C’. maximum l (Pyrenees Chrysanthemum, Shasta Daisy) ________________ _. C. segetum (Corn Marigold) ___________________________________________ __ Cicuta maculata (Umbelliterae) (Queen Anne’s Lace) ________________________________________ _. 18 18 18 18 36 36 36% 30 1 8 36 36 1S 36 18 12 12 24 24 12 24 12 SIIl. m. m. lg. In. SIIl. SIIl. SIII. i varied varied red-white i yellow 1 varied blue white white red red red varied purple-rose- white various! zones varied white varied white cluster cluster solitary solitary head cluster solitary solitary cluster cluster plume solitary solitary solitary solitary solitary solitary umbel "U"U>>“U'"d*d "d i> b>il>"dii>fi> continuous WiIItGI‘—SpI'. spring spring fall spring continuous continuous s~pr.-smr. summer SLIIIIIIIGI’ spring spn-smr. summer fall spring fall SUIIIITIQI‘ <0 Ww-JKDQQ *‘d*1ii>i> b>"d"db> ‘T! SIJIIIIIIBI’ spring spring spring BBL-SHIT. spring spring continuous s-pring spring spring spring spring summer continuous spring spring ‘Q ‘~T*T *d"d"d"d*d "d "U b>*di>"diz>i> continuous spring spring spring continuous continuous spring continuous continuous summer continuous spring spring summer summer sprt-smr. spring 81111111191‘ U} B00045} <0 ¢Q©QU1