These are hardy ornamental shrubs with simple, dull green leaves, and showy spikes of white flowers in spring with the leaves: the distinct foliage resembles somewhat that of the alder, or more that of Hamamelis, and turns yellow late in fall. They grow best in moist, peaty or sandy soil. Propagation is by seeds, not germinating until the second year, or by layers, which take two years to root; the first species also by suckers and root-cuttings. | These are hardy ornamental shrubs with simple, dull green leaves, and showy spikes of white flowers in spring with the leaves: the distinct foliage resembles somewhat that of the alder, or more that of Hamamelis, and turns yellow late in fall. They grow best in moist, peaty or sandy soil. Propagation is by seeds, not germinating until the second year, or by layers, which take two years to root; the first species also by suckers and root-cuttings. |