Though with a Linden-like leaf, and vigorous habit of growth, this is of the Buckthorn or Rhamnaceous family. It comes from Japan, and proves perfectly hardy. Mr. Brackenridge says of it:

"Rare, beautiful, hardy, useful and ornamental tree, which is about as hardy as the European Linden, and has a habit very much resembling it. Some of our trees are 30 feet high, and have a spread of about 20 feet. These have bloomed and borne fruit with us for several years: the peduncles of the fruit are edible, and of a pleasant taste, resembling that of a ripe pear. The flowers are borne on branching panicles, and make their appearance about the first of June, and afford a supply of honey for swarms of bees for a period of two to three weeks. Our original plant was brought from Japan by Thomas Hogg, Esq., of New York, to whom the country owes a debt of gratitude for this and many other fine plants and trees he has been the means of introducing."