Red Bud, Judas Tree, Cercis canadensis.—A very striking small tree, from 10 to 30 feet high, in the early spring when its bright red-purple flowers appear before the leaves. Very noticeable in the bluffs along the large rivers where it dots the gray and greening hillsides with splotches of color. The foliage and bark are also good, so that it is well worthy of note for roadside planting.
Ribes aureum.—Sometimes called the flowering currant. A very hardy native, useful for massing. It bears bright yellow flowers, whose spicy fragrance soon call attention to it when in bloom. Grows from 4 to 7 feet high and spreads rapidly by suckers. Other species of currant and gooseberries are valuable for massing.
Rhododendrons.—In the Eastern states as far north as Massachusetts these ornamental plants are very popular. As a road shrub it could hardly be used on account of the thieving propensities of some people.
Roses.—The hardy flowering roses in massed groups will give color and interest to the roadside. The sweet-brier and single prairie rose grow profusely in the Central West. The ramblers may be used to cover old fences. The difficulty with most roses is a lack of artistic beauty after they have ceased flowering. A few have good foliage for massing. In Oregon and other Coast states the perpetual blooming roses may be utilized.
Shad Bush.—See [June Berry].
Snowball.—There are several species and varieties. Viburnum opulus and its varieties are probably best. Very hardy, good foliage, from 4 to 10 feet high, and when in bloom in the spring a most impressive sight with each bunch of blossoms looking like a truly big snowball.
Snowberry.—Similar to the Indian currant, but has white berries. A very hardy native; blooming in the late summer its berries remain on the bush-like small pearls until late into the winter. Symphoricarpus racemosus is the native shrub well worthy of cultivation. Will make its way wild along the roads if given a chance.
Spice Bush, Calycanthus floridus.—A small shrub bearing spicy flowers.
Spirea.—The several species are all very artistic shrubs and worthy of the popularity which they bear. Can be used as a single bush, in hedges or in masses. The long graceful bends of the slender stems, reminding one of the streams of water from a fountain, their beautiful foliage and above all the foaming flowers in the spring time make them the horticulturist’s favorite. Spirea van houttei, bridal wreath, is considered to be the best, although S. prunifolia, and S. Thunbergii have their admirers. S. anthony waterer bears crimson flowers.
Squawberry.—A local name sometimes given to [Indian currant] and [snowberry], q. v.