Hickory.—The several species of this genus are recommended highly for road purposes in the Eastern half of the United States. Probably at its best from Michigan to Missouri. The shagbark (Hicoria ovata) grows to a height of 75 to 90 feet with a spread of half as much. The bark is rough and shaggy—hence the name. It bears fine edible nuts in abundance. It will well repay planting along the roads. Pignut (H. glabra) a fine tree of about the same height has a smooth bark and nuts that are rather bitter and sometimes astringent, but from its fine appearance and useful wood is worthy of planting. Pecan (H. pecan) is especially adaptable to the more southern climates, growing very thriftily in Texas and other Southern states. Reed says,[214] “it is the noblest nut tree of all American species. Beautiful trees, sometimes 3 or 4 feet through at the base and from 100 to 150 feet tall, occur in the alluvial soils of the Mississippi River and its tributaries and in the Southwest. In the Southern states it forms a splendid roadside tree and orchards of it are worth going long distances to see. Very often enough nuts are gathered from a half dozen trees on a city lot to pay the taxes and keep up the insurance on the home.”
Holly.—Occasionally 50 feet in height but more often much smaller, particularly in the North. Occurs from Massachusetts to Texas. The foliage is evergreen and the beautiful red berries remain until spring. Might be utilized in park plantings.
Horse Chestnut.—See [Buckeye].
Juniper.—See [Cedar].
Koelreuteria.—Koelreuteria paniculata is recommended for a park tree for middle ground planting, being a small tree, 15 to 30 feet high, with feathery pinnate leaves and yellow blossoms.
Larch.—The larches are deciduous, needle-leaved conifers. A tall, straight, slender tree. If planted at all should be in groups or masses. The winter aspect is not particularly inviting.
Laurel.—The laurels, known as magnolia trees, Magnolia grandiflora found along the Atlantic as far north as Washington, and Umbellularia californica and Arbutus menziesii found in California, are ornamental trees of the highest rank. They make fine individual specimens reaching a height from 50 to 100 feet and a spread fully half as much. The dark evergreen foliage and large showy flowers give them a most beautiful appearance. A magnolia avenue is certainly worth seeing. Several other varieties of laurel are recommended for planting as far north as New York.
Lemon.—See [Citrus Fruit].
Lignum vitae.—A low gnarled tree grown in semitropical regions. Could be used in picturesque landscape work.
Linden.—Variously called basswood, whitewood, linn, beetree; is found intermittently throughout the eastern half of the United States. It is, when grown, 60 to 90 feet in height and has a spread of 30 to 45 feet. It has large, smooth leaves and in the spring its flowers are very productive of honey. It is quick growing but said to be long lived. The American linden (Tilia americana) is perhaps the most thrifty for a road tree. It can be used individually and deserves more extensive planting.