Genus 62. SYRÍNGA.
Leaves simple, entire, opposite; flowers ornamental, in large, dense clusters. The Lilacs are all beautiful, but form mere shrubs, except the following:
S. Japónica.
Syrínga Japónica. (Japan Lilac. Giant Tree Lilac.) Leaves deciduous, opposite, oval to cordate, thick, dark green, glossy; flowers white, 4-parted, odorless, in very large, dense, erect, terminal clusters, blooming in summer; fruit dry 2-celled pods with 2 to 4 seeds. A magnificent small tree, 20 to 30 ft. high; from Japan; probably hardy throughout.
Genus 63. CHIONÁNTHUS.
Low trees or shrubs with simple, deciduous, opposite, entire, thick, smooth, petioled leaves. Flowers 4-parted, with long, slender, delicate white lobes, drooping in clusters from the lower side of the branches and forming a fringe; in early summer. Fruit a purple drupe.
C. Virgínica.
Chionánthus Virgínica, L. (Fringe-tree). Leaves smooth, thickish, large (3 to 6 in. long), oval or obovate, entire. The leaves are occasionally somewhat alternate and thin; they resemble those of the Magnolia. Drupe ovoid, ¾ in. long, covered with a bloom. A beautiful small tree or shrub, 8 to 30 ft. high, wild along streams, southern Pennsylvania and southward, and generally cultivated north for its delicate fringe-like flowers. Hardy.