~BULLETIN ~ 1961 g ~------~~~ ~~~ A quarterly of the American Boxwood Society ~ ~ devoted to our oldest garden ornamental

Vol. 50 NO. 1 July 2010

The American Boxwood Society (ABS) has been collaborating with the European Boxwood and Topiary Society (EBTS) - UK on an International Boxwood and Topiary Image Library. It is comprised of hundreds ofimages ofboxwood, gardens, and topiary throughout the world. W'hen complete, the entire library ofimages will be available for viewing, and searches, on the ABS website at www.boxwoodsociety.org. ...-~~.~

The American Boxwool'u t/J ~'-~-'~

The American Boxwood Society is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1961 and devoted to the appreciation, scientific understanding and propagation of Buxus. Visit our website at: www.boxwoodsociety.org OFFICERS: MEMBERSHIP: President: Annual membership from May through April includes M r. W. Edward Goode, Jr. Sabot, VA four issues of The Boxwood Bulletin. Dues paid aft er Jan. I First Vice-President: to April 30 are applied to the upcom ing May membership. M r. Kenneth Lee Hahn Califon, NJ D ues paid after May I receive partia l year with no credi t. Second Vice-President: Members outside the U .S. add US$ 15 to any membership M r. John W. Boyd III Roanoke, VA category. Secretary/Treasurer: M rs. Laurie Jamerson Madiso n Heights, VA IndividuaL...... $35 Sustaining ...... $ 100 International Registrar: Family ...... $50 Lift ...... $1,000 M r. Ly nn R. Batdorf Washington, DC Contributing ...... $75

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Page 2 The Boxwood Bulletin - July 2010 Boxwood Preservation in the United Kingdom Correspondence and an Introduction to this Project Cumine 'Um ... but the similarity is that people need to Here's a short tale of standing boxwood. Soon after the hold to a vision and believe it can be done. meeting at Finchcocks [Editor's note: an early and grand Georgian manor house in Goudhurst, Kent, England, Financially it was a lunatic idea .... planting boxwood which houses a large collection of historical keyboard that will not mature for a century or so! instruments.], I took the opportunity to visit David Dyke But they kept their vision and by 2000 had raised the and the wonders of his Luthier's Supplies emporium at funds, bought a valley and now they have it planted with Horam. While David has not had many dealings in box­ trees grown from seed which they collected in the few re­ wood, he has recently been approached by the owner/man­ maining local ancient woodlands. ager of an estate near Bristol which holds significant It is a different vision from the boxwood one ... but the amounts of standing, straight, thick, knot-free boxwood. similarity is that people need to hold to a vision and believe When I saw David he'd recently returned from a visit there it can be done. It is a big project. Carrifran Valley [Editor's with an extraordinary lump of timber, at least 6 ft. in length. note: www.carrifran.org.uk] is 1600 acres and it cost Unfortunately for future co-operation in managing the £400.000 to buy. Which they raised almost entirely from private donations and charitable bodies .. 10 years on and .. .you might save us all a box at this estate, they have planted a million trees and a bare barren valley great deal ofhead-scratching the whol~ kit and used for rough sheep grazing is fast returning to native and simply buy this place! caboodle IS set to be sold. If anyone hap- woodland ... birds and wildlife are returning ... and the peo­ pened to be looking for a second home in the provinces, ple who set it up and did this work will never see it ma­ you might save us all a great deal of head-scratching and ture. What a legacy! simply buy this place! I've come across a price of £2.5 mil­ What I had not taken on board when I spoke at the lion, thus far beyond the budget of the current project, yet pub was that now The Borders Forest trust have raised perhaps if we all chipped in I could knock up a form of co­ £700,000 to buy 'The Devils Beeftub' (1580 acres)-an operative constitution to keep things civil? stunning valley which runs beneath the road north from The really helpful tale which came out of a subsequent Moffat. This land almost adjoins Carrifran Valley and they conversation with the current owner of the estate is that do not propose to make it a forest restoration project as at he knows that their stands of box were planted 150 years Carrifran ... they are actively looking at other ways of using ago for shooting cover, and at some point in their history it in cooperation with local farmers. They may well be in­ they were left unmanaged and just straggled up straight. terested in the idea of growing boxwood. At the suggestion that someone with an eye for woodland Most of the boxwood I have ever used is Scottish, so I ecology might go to see the site and try to ascertain how cannot make comparisons with English box. Someone told this could be replicated, the owner has agreed for such a me once that Scottish box was very dense because it grows visit to be organized. in a cold climate. I have been spouting this piece of wis­ dom ever since, but have no actual proof. Who knows lJulian Boodacre what the possibilities are? Maybe it will inspire them to It is really exciting how far things have gone since Tim start planting some box. spoke about this idea in the pub on Saturday night at The Anyway I think it would be beneficial to all if there Early Music Expo. Things are moving ... people are inspired. was some dialogue between the Boxwood people (we don't I mentioned at the time about the 'Wildwood Group' have a name yet) and the Borders Forest Trust, so I have up here in the Borders who got together in 1993 in a pub taken the liberty to carbon copy this to my brother-in-law to talk about the possibility of buying some land and re­ Dr. Philip Ashmole who has been a leading force behind planting it with the kind of trees and vegetation that was the Carrifran Wildwood. When I spoke to him last Sunday native here just after the last ice age. he was very interested in the boxwood project.

The Boxwood Bulletin - July 2010 Page 3 I strongly recommend their book stitute for ivory to decorate the range of English and Scot­ The Carriftan Wildwood Story which tish bagpipes that I make. I am not central to this box­ is a great read (shortlisted for a Scot­ wood project, so am also sending this to Tim Cumine. tish Literary Award!) and is a power­ Obviously this project should be in contact with The ful description of what can be American Boxwood Society. achieved when a group of people have a vision and refuse to get side­ ,£ynn fBattWrf tracked from it. On we go ... box In re-reading your E-Mail, I noted that you had men­ onwards and box upwards (eventually). tioned that someone had told you, "Boxwood growing in Scotland is very dense because it grows in a cold climate". If I may, I believe I can shed some light on this. Regarding your comments of English and Scottish The greater coastal areas of Scotland have an average boxwood. From your use of common (vernacular) names, minimum temperature of 10 to 20F (-7 to -12C), while in­ I can't be sure if you're referring to one or two plants. To land it is 0 to 10F (-12 to -SC). To show my ignorance, does explain, it is accepted usage (but not universal) that the the UK use C. or F. for temperatures? As far as boxwood are common name of "English box" refers to Buxus semper­ concerned, the average minimum temperatures experienced virens 'Suffruticosa'. There is no accepted corresponding in Scotland are well within their tolerance, not being un­ botanical name for the common name "Scottish box". usually cold. Indeed, there are at least 5 boxwood cultivars I wonder if you are trying to describe Buxus sempervirens which are fully cold hardy to -20 to -30F (-29 to -34 C). 'Suffruticosa' growing in Scotland, or another taxa? As you It is, however, of interest to note that, as a genera, the know, plants have a complete disregard for geo-political vast majority of Buxus species are fully tropical. There are boundaries. Thus, a different name for the same plant is not 90 tropical species and only 7 temperate species. warranted if it is found in a different region of the world. Regarding the density of the boxwood wood, when Certainly they experience varying climates, but unfortu­ fully air dried, it weighs between 53 and 72 pounds per nately, this alone does not qualifY it as a different taxon. cubic foot. It's specific gravity varies from 0.S5 to 1.13 kg It is also of interest to note that England and Scotland per cubic meter. (Water, at sea level, has a specific gravity From my experience travel- enJoy numerous natu­ of 1.00 kg per cubic meter.) Said more simply, some box­ ling... , it is likely that both ralized populations of wood will float on water, while others will sink. There is the ccr;nglish and Scottish" Buxus sempervirens. a natural variation within boxwood where some have a boxwood to which you From my experience harder wood and others are a bit softer. It's a bit like not­ refer, may both be Buxus travelling through ing that some people are taller (or shorter) than others. sempervuens. England, Wales, Ire- It's neither good or bad and there is little which affects land and Scotland, it is this natural variation. likely that both the "English and Scottish" boxwood to which In a more important point, I have not tested, nor am you refer, may both be Buxus sempervirens. Indeed, Buxus sem­ I aware of any others testing, the density of boxwood pervirens has no less than SO different common names! growing in Scotland. Without this information, it is not Nevertheless, I would be most happy to assist you, or possible to determine if boxwood growing in Scotland is others, in verifYing the correct botanical name(s) of the harder (for example, closer to 1.13 kg per cubic meter). box to which you refer. If you, or others, are interested in Are you aware of any studies, recording the density of box­ my proposal, please send me two photos of both the Eng­ wood populations growing in Scotland? lish and Scottish boxwood. I need one photo showing an While the natural variation in wood density is well un­ extreme close-up of the foliage and a second photo show­ derstood, there does not appear to be any correlation be­ ing an entire plant (with a minimum of background). tween average minimum temperatures and the density of From this, we can begin an intelligent investigation. boxwood wood. Indeed, as a group, the 90 tropical box­ wood species do not have wood that is less dense than the lJulian Boodacre seven temperate species. While not proven, it would follow Thanks for spotting that! For "Scottish Boxwood" than the wood density of the seven temperate boxwood read it as "boxwood grown in Scotland"! I am not a scien­ species are also unaffected by only temperature. tist, or a botanist, so never spotted that one. I use small Not really an answer, just a few fun facts for bits of boxwood, which has grown in Scotland, as a sub- discussion.

Page 4 The Boxwood Bulletin - July 2010 UK Boxwood Plantation Progress Report

by Tim Cumine

'[. he notes below respond to (he whose compatible aims might help aOO 5 7 aOa8 I $ F I LEI ewgs-on009- questions raised by Alasdair and draw visitors or volunteers to the standard-costs. pdf Elizabeth Nisbet who wish to fund woodland. 4. Approximately how many boxwood planting and a woodland 2. What is the optimum size of trees per acre? providing timber for musical instru­ wood? 'Stocking density' will be impor­ ments. 1 It has been suggested that at 20 tant to producing timber of the cor­ acres, the wood is large enough for rect form. If a tree has too much 1. Where should the wood be? there to be a few acres in the centre room it will branch too much. Given Is there a potential site available? where there appears to be uninter­ the opportunity to lean too much to­ Boxwood prefers neutral to rupted woodland. There will be a wards a favourable gap its timber will slightly alkaline, well-drained soil. minimum area within which trees will contain uneven stresses in different Ongoing research will answer whether reach for the sky above rather than the directions and is more likely to bend existing woodland or open ground hedge at the edge. once sawn and continue to change will provide the best location. New Clearly the purchase and adminis­ shape as it is being worked. It is stan­ trees of most species don't normally tration, planting and maintenance dard practice in forestry, to grow more fare well in competition with existing costs must all be balanced against the trees than what are expected to reach woodland, yet boxwood is specialised available funds. It is not yet clear to maturity due to a growth variation to thrive in shade. The failure of what extent the sum offered is apt to after planting the trees. As the precise other species planted into established cover all the costs and expenses of es­ spacing is uncertain, a range of dis­ woodland give grounds for caution. tablishing and maintaining the 10 to tances 1.5m to 3m for example would Yet, given its aptitude to grow 20 acres envisaged. give the opportunity to observe dif­ straight timber within the shade of a 3. What is the approximate cost ferent form and select the best indi­ higher canopy of trees, initial en­ per acre? viduals as they develop. quiries have considered the cost and Woodland seems to be selling at As it is envisaged that a range of availability of existing woodland into an average of £8K per acre although tree species might be welcome (see 5 which boxwood might be planted. there is a great price range variation below), each species might require Woodland plots are available for sale depending upon the quality of stand­ varying optimum spacing, thus the with standing trees of a great range of ing timber, access, additional features question of how many per acre will be ages and values and associated features e.g. streams (current and recently confirmed once the species mix, throughout the UK. sold plots in Kent viewed at planting plan and other details are Somewhere just north of London www.woods4sale.co.uk ). established. would be convenient for Nisbet fam­ A simple calculation of Plants + 5. What species of trees will be ily visits. Woodland plots north of Land + Sandwiches for planting vol­ planted? London are much rarer, Sussex and unteers = Total takes no account of It is almost certain that a higher Kent being the most wooded parts of administrative I legal fees ofland pur­ canopy of other taller trees will be re­ the country. chase or any ongoing maintenance quired in order for the boxwood to Bare ground plots are being re­ costs (string trimmers and mowers) + produce straight, knot-free stems. searched: www.savills.com/newsl uk­ pruning + plasters + more There are a range of other musical in­ news/farmland-supply-forecast.aspx sandwiches. The Forestry Commis­ strument timber trees which grow to Discussions started considering sion processes grants for woodlands the desired quality in SE England, all Finchcocks at Goudhurst, Kent, due and thus have an idea of the current of them quicker than boxwood. Early to its established focus on early musi­ costs and complications of all of this. discussions with woodwind makers cal instrument conservation, yet 10 to Rates of Grant I Estimated costs of produced the following list. 20 acres won't fit in at Finchcocks. various forms of woodland establish­ • boxwood (Buxus Trees in pots might be acceptable at ment and management, available at sempervirens) Finchcocks or any other partner site www.forestresearch.gov.uk/website/p - Sections of CABI's [Editor's Note: a dfnsVb591cblaa3d9d9ac802570ecO non-profit science based develop­

I T he tex t of the offer is included at Ann ex C 04f557d/6e20f5889dea27c7802570c ment and information organization;

The Boxwood Bulletin - January 2010 Page 5 www.cabi.org] Forestry Com­ struments and it is likely that they pea red from the Americas with si mi­ pendium entry for boxwood are would not only send so me of their lar qualities only enormous and copied at Annex 2. Even greater de­ progeny to be grown, but might also straight and took its place as the stock tail might be attended to before any welcome some co-operation on grow­ furniture wood. j. regia often leans action is taken. Similar detail might ing boxwood for timber. over; its fruit is more accessible thus, be needed for any of the other species • maple (Acer spp) - yet the timber is prone to all the in­ below. A range of maples might be in use. A. consistencies of compression and ten­ • damson (Prunus domestica platanoides (Norway maple), A. sion which res ult. j. nigra is the subsp. insititia, or sometimes campestrus (Field maple), A. saccha­ American black walnut, which grows Prunus insititia) - rum (Sugar, hard or rock maple) are straighter, plainer, yet favoured for its http:// en. wikipedia.org/wikilDamsonplum, all available in the UK, the first two consistency. Both timbers are used one of several in this family of trees grown widely here. An email discus­ by the makers of plucked stringed in­ which are valued for woodwind tim­ sion between woodwind makers in­ struments. ber. While prime timber has previ­ tending to identify which maples are 6. Are there different options ously come from trees grown for fruit particularly favoured trotted along for trees? production, there is the risk that such spiritedly until it was pulled up at Trees may be already present in timber will not be available to future one point thus "we do not know pre­ woodland, planted into existing generations as the orchard industries cisely what we are using but we know woodland, grown from seed or cut­ have turned to producing fruit on what we like". There's a plant identi­ tings or grafts. They may be propa­ dwarfing trees, which are short fication lab in Bangor set to receive gated in one location and moved into enough for easy pickings. Intensive samples of maples from makers in their eventual growing site later, or pruning is keeping tree stems shorter order to try to pin down the favoured nurtured in situ from the outset. too. ones. Rippled maple is the timber of Boxwood hasn't been planted for • plum (Prunus domestica) choice - see sycamore below. its timber in recent times. There is a - good bagpipe timber. Similar dwarf­ • apple (Malus domestica) - suggestion that it was raised deli­ ing perils face future stocks of plum. Another favoured fruit wood at risk berately for loom manufacture in Eng­ http://www.goodbagpipes.com/playbilly. hrm of being in shorter supply through land (CABI, Forestry Compendium). • cherry (Prunus avium) being simply shorter. Sadly, like sev­ Boxwood which was in many places - this species is our wild cherry or eral timbers commonly used in in­ planted for shooting cover and al­ Gean, yet there is a vast range of other strument production, details about lowed to grow as an understory tree cherries (see http://en.wikipedia.org/ apple as a timber are very rare. Judy for 150 years has grown into timber of wiki/Cherry#Species). This one how­ Walker at the Small Woods Associa­ ideal quality. Specimens of the right ever is one of the timbers which is the tion also sits on the board of the form have been seen in locations focus of attention from the British Apple Growers Association and is where they had been planted as orna­ and Irish Hardwood Improvement happy to invite help to the project mental bushes in a woodland setting, Programme (www.bihip.org/species/ through them. subsequently growing into a straight cherry.html), a project which is • sycamore (Acer psuedoplatanus) stemmed tree beneath a higher engaged in producing (very nearly) - favoured if there is a ripple in the canopy, apparently unmanaged. the product needed by instrument timber. This is essentially corrugated It is not yet certain whether makers i.e. straight, knot-free timber, wood which is suspected to occur as planting boxwood into bare ground mindful that the UK didn't pay a reaction to stress such as a harsh, ex­ or into established woodland is likely enough attention to quality hard­ posed location. When such timber is to produce better timber of the de­ wood timber production for about a planed to a flat surface the light re­ sired quality. It needs to grow slowly, century. flecting at differing angles produces which it does whether shaded or not. It is quite poss ible that instru­ wondrous watery patterning. Rip­ At the same time slow growth can be ment makers would prefer their tim­ pled timber also spreads sound more achieved by shading, which boxwood ber slower grown than the general evenly. This is the stock stick for the tolerates better than many other woodworking markets this project bodies of the violin family. hardwood species. It might well be would have in view. Nevertheless, • walnut (Juglans regia) - held slow and straight by being the Northmoor Trust, one of the seats This is the English or European wal­ planted with other trees into open of BIHIP [Editor's note: British and nut, beautifully figured, carves ground, which will quite rapidly pro­ Irish Hardwoods Improvement Pro­ evenly, light yet strong, the stuff of vide a higher, shading canopy. gramme; www.bihip.org] also teaches classic English furniture like Chip­ Planting into existing woodland its visitors how to make musical in- pendale. As it ran out, mahogany ap- will raise problems of competition for

Page 6 The Boxwood Bulletin - July 2010 root space, nutrients and, perhaps other environmental hazard. A vari­ cessity for important woodland. critically, water. It is known not to ety of sources would need to be While boxwood is poisonous and not re-colonize areas where it has previ­ found. A figure of £50 per tree was forage for animals, other intended ously grown. suggested for propagation at an initial species would be at risk. Keeping the 7. Are other trees required in meeting at Finchcocks. This rough form of a good straight sapling de­ the wood? estimate included the cost of land, pends on its habit and how close and Boxwood provides significant pots, growing medium, admin and vigorous its neighbour is, yet also re­ habitat for birds and early forage for ongomg management. quires occasional pruning, perhaps bees, yet, as a woodland which is in­ 9. How many volunteers are twice in its life between sapling and teresting to volunteer human stew­ needed for planting out the mature tree. ards, it is more likely to be an saplings? 12. How much will annual inviting spot if it grows more than Dependant upon the time avail­ maintenance cost? just boxwood. able and stamina of each! There will Dependent on the species mix, lo­ Other trees will certainly be be measures of such things available via cation, distance from amenities, will­ needed to provide the shading organisations such as the Woodland ingness of volunteers. Initially the canopy beneath which the boxwood Trust and particularly British Trust for maintenance required to suppress the will grow straight upwards, reaching Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) who competing vegetation of open ground for the light, against its natute to are expert in such matters. is greater than it is as the canopy branch and bush out. 10. How long will it take to closes, thus changing the character of A planting of boxwood for tim­ plant an acre? the land to being dominated by trees ber will be a rare planting indeed. Forestry Commission rates of rather than grasses and herbs. The opportunity to grow and observe grant will be based on the skill and 13. Are there any rates or other a variety of instrument timbers is per­ grit of hardy folk who plant hundreds annual charges to be aware oR haps one to be explored fully, as long of saplings a day in the roughest of Undoubtedly! Another set of as it is manageable within the princi­ terrains. We might expect a gentler costs which haven't been mentioned pal aim of securing a future supply of rate from volunteers. Jon Swayne, thus far are any associated with pur­ boxwood, perhaps the most threat­ bagpipe maker reported, "A friend chasing the land and establishing any ened of these locally occurring instru­ who has planted an acre or so with change of use required by planning ment timbers. ash to be coppiced for fuel told me law. A very capable firm of forestry 8. How much will the treesI that it took 3-4 days with a mixed consultants had no hesitation in rec­ saplings cost to plant? group of friends coming and going." ommending that the services of a Forestry Compendium states Again BTCV are expert in this. land agent are sought in negotiating that "propagation by seed is rarely 11. What maintenance is re­ the legal and technical complexities practised due to the difficulty of ob­ quired once the wood is planted? of finding and purchasing appropri­ taining seed as compared to vegeta­ Planting the tree is often the eas­ ate land. tive propagation. From seeds, iest part. Planting saplings of hard­ 14. When will the trees be seedlings take 5-7 years to achieve wood species in open fields takes ready to harvest? the same size as plants raised from until about year 12 before the canopy 2185 ? ... The following from stem cuttings after 1-2 years. B. sem­ closes and field 'weeds' such as thistles Forestry Compendium's entry on pervirens planting stock is easily pro­ are shaded out. Any number of other boxwood duced from cuttings" competing plants and pests might be B. sempervirens is a slow-grow­ Growing boxwood for timber present in existing woodlands, requir­ ing species. Seedlings grow very might require special attention to the ing differing levels of intervention slowly between 1 and 7 years, source material. Cuttings create a and cost. Usually any new tree needs typically 15 cm tall after 4 clone of the parent plant and thus a attention ideally a couple of times per years. Diameter increments are better chance of recreating the year to ensure that the immediate also very slow, with for exam­ growth characteristics seen in the par­ vicinity isn't full of other plants tak­ ple, trunks ofonly 5 cm diam­ ent plant compared to the unavoid­ ing the nutrients it needs. Vigilance eter achieved after 100 years in able variation resulting from seed. is required to keep other pests such as France (Aichele and Schwegler, With either method, if only a limited squirrels and rabbits in check. Deer 1996), 6.5 cm and 12 cm di­ number or source of parent plants are are a predator of trees throughout the ameter after 103 and 140 used then there are risks of producing UK, and normally any new planting years respectively in Turkey a whole woodland which is prone to requires at least plastic tubes for pro­ (C;olak, 2003b), with tree being wiped out by one disease or tection. Deer fencing is often a ne- trunks up to 50 cm diameter

The Boxwood Bulletin - July 2010 Page 7 after 500 years according to when damaged in natural co nditions (~o l ak , Annex 2 - Sections of Forestry 2003c). Optimall y, 10- 15 cm currings should (I Erlbeck et al. 998). Compendium entry for Boxwood be placed in moist sa nd o r sa ndy so il during the As far as harvesting is concerned , summer and protected from direct sunlight and The no tes here are reproduced from most of the good boxwood I have wind, and after good rooting, planrs are rrans­ CAB I's Fo res try Compendium. I ca n recom­ planred ro a partially shaded nursery bed o r di­ had from English sources I was told mend it as a resource. I re-wrote the descrip­ recrl y inro conrainers was around 150 years old. tio n for Afri ca n blackwood (Dalbergia (Jon In naru ral stands, B. semperlJirensdoes not melanoxylo n) a while back. N B there is a Fa ir Swayne) easil y re- in vade areas where it was o nce presenr , Use Po li cy which is inrended ro conrrol repro­ endangering its ex istence in managed areas duction of this info rmatio n: www.cabicom­ with carel ess treatmenr and over-explo itati o n. pendium.org/fc/background/ fair3109.asp)ban Annex 1 - Contributors It is necessa ry ro keep and preserve B. semper­ ner= 1& Ievel= I: virens as groups o r srrips under tree stands with The following have generously contribured B. sempervirens, like so me other shrub a dense undersrory. B. sempervirens grows very their ex pert o pinio n, time, lunch, anecdotes and species, performs m any functions in forest slowly with a very low an nual incremenr, there­ furure interest ro the project so fa r. ecosystems. Due ro its shade rolerance, it con­ fore it is impo rranr that old individuals sho uld • Lynn R. Batdorf, Boxwood Registrar, Am er­ stirutes a conrinuing inrermediate undersrory be preserved in terms of nature conservation ica n Boxwood Society: www.boxwoodsoci­ strata, which is ve ry impo rranr in terms of (Reproduced fro m the Fo restry Compendium, ety.org structured stand establishmenr and as a habitat 2005 Editi o n. © CAB Inrernatio nal , Walling­ • Phil Bleazey, whisrl e and flute and recorder for a va ri ety of wildlife, especiall y birds. Dense ford, UK, 2007) maker: www.bl eazey.co. uk roots bind the ropsoil preventing erosio n espe­ • Katrina & Richard Burnerr MBE - Owners, cially o n slo pes. Finchcocks: www.finchcocks.co.uk In many parrs of its native range, popula­ Annex C - Offer of Funds &om • Tim C ranmo re, recorder maker: www.fipple­ tions of B. sempervirens have been destroyed Aladdair & Elizabeth Nisbet flute.co.uk and others are under threat, as it is not able ro • David Dyke, musical insrrument timber sup­ regenerate o r broaden its population, and is There is likely ro be a shorrage of European plier: www.luthierssupplies.co. uk classifi ed as a K-strategic species. boxwood in the next few years. We plan ro pur­ • Joe Fielding, Red Rock Foresrry, Gwynedd: H egi ( 1957) repons that 10,000 ro ns of chase land and establi sh a wood of boxwood www.woods4sale.co.uk large B. sempervirens timbers were brought ro rrees. These would be protected and encour­ • Jonathan H arding, Regul atio ns Manager / England from Anarolia, Turkey in 1876, and aged ro grow for at least 100 years. They could Kenr & East Sussex Woodland Forum, cl earl y the felling of such quanrities of wood in then be harvested ro supply European boxwood Foresrry Commiss io n, Goudhursr: a single yea r would rapidly depl ete a native fo r making woodwind instrumenrs. h rrp: / /www.forestry.gov. uk/fores try/infd- stand. It is thought ro be ve ry impo rranr ro re­ We are looking ro buy 10 ro 20 acres of 7s2edr search native areas where B. sempervirens is suitable land. We would then look ro fin ance • Julian Goodacre, bagpipe maker: www.good­ under threat and ro resrore these sites. the planring of the trees with the help of granrs bagpipes.co.uk T he word Buxus comes from the Greek and any other funds available for this long term Camilla lrurra, Development Officer, Fauna wo rd 'pyxos, pykos'which means 'hard', and Ar­ project. & Flora I nrernatio nai: www.fauna-flora.org isrorl e and Theophrastes used this name for B. A group of volunreers will be invited ro • Dr Alastair Laurence - C uraror, Finchcocks sempervirens(Hecker, 1995). In Latin, 'semper­ provide advice and other supporr ro plan, plant Museum / Piano maker, John Broadwood & virens'means 'evergreen' indicating its greenery and then tend the rrees. Sons: www.uk-piano.org/broadwood in all seasons. We wanr ro retain approximately one acre • Mark Mitchell, Taxonomist - European Pl ant Ir prefers panial shade ro full sun condi­ ofland ro be used for camping as we envisage a Science Laborarory, Inrec, Parc Menai, Ban­ tio ns, and south-facing aspects in moist loca­ number of weekends each year when volunreers gor, Gwynedd, LL5 7 4 FG. 01248672600. ti o ns. O n drier sites, it is found in moist deep camp and spend some time tending the trees. • Eric Moulder, ea rl y do uble reed instrument vall eys and o n srream edges. It develops well in maker: Eri c@ renaissa ncewoodwinds.co. uk li ght woodland in semi-shade, receivi ng some A srory from the Talmud: • Aladdair & Eli za beth N isbet - donors, Lon­ full sunlight. One day, Honi the Circle Maker was don - alasdai r.nisbet@laza rd. com B. sempervirens has a low reproducti ve ca­ walking on the road and saw a man • Sa ra O ldfield , Secretary General, Botanic pacity because of the low levels of seed produc­ planting a carob tree. Honi asked the Gardens Conserva ti o n Internatio nal, Kew: tion (~o lak , 2003c). The seed disseminatio n man, "How long will it take for this tree www.bgci.org capacity is also low, most seeds falling within to bear fruit?" • Savill s Rural Resea rch: www.savills.com 1-5 m of the source tree ro a maximum dis­ The man replied, "Seventy years. " • Pl ants for a Furure Database: tance of 20-25 m whereas the majo rity of the Honi then asked the man, "A nd do you www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?B uxus+se fallen seeds are transporred by anrs. Seedlings think you will live another seventy years mpervirens do not emerge o n sites where there is no litter and eat the fruit ofthis tree?" • Andrew Po rrer, Forestry consultant, Barrlerr, laye r. Young seedlings are, however, very roler­ The man answered, "Perhaps not. Radlerr , Herrs: www.barrlett.com anr ro shade, growing with 3.4-65% full sun­ Howevel; when I was born into this • Jim Quaife, Fo res try consuiranr, Q uaife li ght, and demo nstrate good growth in small world, I found many carob trees Woodlands, Westerham, Kenr gaps in forest stands. planted by my father and grandfather. • C hris Reynolds, C uraror, National Pinerum, Propagation by seed is rarel y practised due Just as they planted trees for me, I am Bedgebury: www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk ro the difficulty of obtaining seed as compared planting trees for my children and • Roger, Boxwood woodland owner, Brisrol ro vegetanve propaganon. From seeds, grandchildren so they will be able to eat • Jo n Swayne, bagpipe and whisrl e maker - seedlings take 5 ro 7 years ro achieve the same the fruit ofthese trees. " [email protected] size as planrs raised from stem currings after 1 • Judy Walker, Direcror, National Sm all ro 2 years. B. sempervirens planring srock is eas­ We are excited by the project and have the Woods Associatio n, Coalbrookdale il y produced from cuttings, indicated by the funds avai lable ro fund both the land purchase www.smallwoods.org.uk productio n of many root and stem sprouts and the tree planring.

Page 8 The Boxwood Bulletin - July 2010 , , ux s ervtren•

Approved for registration, 'Russian', is a mounded shrub with a horizontal ro slightly upright branching habit, forming a herringbone pattern. A 10-year-old specimen is both 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. The mature size and habit is unknown. The leaves are obtuse to apic­ ulate with an obtuse, acute, or apiculate apex and an ob­ tuse or cuneate base. They measure 112 to 5/8 wide and 5/8 to 1 inch long. The new foliage has deep bluish green leaves which are Royal Horticultural Society 147A in color. The average annual growth rate is 3 118 inches.

Buxus Russian - oldest specimen in cultivation growing at Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest It originated as an open-pollinated seedling discovered Buxus sempervirens 'Russian' was submitted for registra­ at the Bernheim Forest & Arboretum in Clermont, Ken­ tion by Richard A. Larson, Newark, Ohio. The original tucky. 'Russian' thrives in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 5B plant is located in Mission Oaks Garden, Zanesville, Ohio. with average minimum temperatures of -15oF., and has successfully survived -20oF. It is not susceptible to box­ Lynn R. Batdorf wood leafminer at the location where it was discovered. International Cultivar Registration Authority

The Boxwood Bulletin - July 2010 Page 9 e

by Charles A. Hildebrant ] f]oxwood are a large, diverse around them. If the boxwood foliage Trimming: The proper time to group of plants that form a very valu­ becomes yellowish in color, even in trim boxwood is the last two weeks of able part of modern landscaping. Al­ the slightest degree, the shrub is cry­ June. Avoid trimming boxwood after though containing the extremes of ing out in agony that it is drowning. July 1st as the new growth [hat will from absolute dwarfs, up to gigantic Sun & Shade: Most boxwood result by this late trimming will not landscape specimens, as a group they are able to tolerate conditions extend­ harden off before the winter frosts. share amazingly similar needs and ing from full sun down to full shade. Mulching: It is very important to tolerances. These critical require­ Do not, however, plant a boxwood mulch boxwood. Because of their ments and cultural controls are dis­ under or within the drip line of a surface root systems they are sensitive cussed below: large tree. They cannot, and will not, to the vagaries of summer heat and Roots and Planting height: survive against the aggressive root sys­ winter cold. It is very critical that Boxwood are surface rooted plants. tem of an established large tree. only bulk commercial pine bark be They will die if they are planted too Exposure &Wmter Protection: used to mulch boxwood. The pine deeply. They require a highly aerated Today's modern hybrid boxwood are never compresses down to smother soil condition at the top of the root­ able to withstand most winters. Both the roots, and it has the correct pH ball crown. In good, well-drained mature and newly planted boxwood (acid level) for the boxwood. Apply­ soil, the rootball should be oriented should be sprayed with an anti-desic­ ing the mulch four inches thick will so that the top is one to two inches cant, in mid-November, to protect last for several years. Do not use any above the surrounding ground eleva­ them from winter conditions. Very of the following mulch for boxwood: tion, with organic topsoil mounding strong and hardy boxwood, such as shredded hardwood, cocoa shell, up to it. In soil which is heavy, and Buxus microphylla 'Northern Emer­ licorice root, wood chips, or grass water does not quickly drain away, ald' and Buxus sempervirens can with­ clippings. All of these will actually the height of the rootball ought to be stand very exposed locations. Many increased to three or four inches other cultivars should be considered above the surrounding ground, then with care as they do not have the Future Annual mound the soil to it. same cold tolerance. Soil: One of the most critical re­ Watering: Always keep boxwood ABS Meetings quirements for boxwood is the use of on the dry side. Do not use an auto­ highly organic, well-drained, horticul­ matic irrigation system on boxwood .) October 15-16,2010 tural-grade top soil to plant boxwood. plantings. As noted in the drainage sec­ Boxwood cannot tolerate a heavy, low tion above, boxwood cannot live in soil Newark, Ohio organic, poorly drained soil. that is wet all the time. During an ex­ .... Drainage: More boxwood die tended dry period, water the estab­ • Spring 2011 from being too wet than all other rea­ lished boxwood using a portable Boyce, VA sons combined. Boxwood are amaz­ sprinkler, or soaker hose for several ABS 50th Anniversary ingly forgiving, except when they are hours, until you can dig down near the planted in such a way that the roots plant to determine that the water has Spring 2012 remain wet. They aren't just weak­ soaked thoroughly down to about 12 + ened from being too wet, they die. or 15 inches deep. Then don't water Charleston, SC Never plant a boxwood too low, or in again until the ground is dry again. .) Spring 2013 poorly drained ground. They must Newly planted boxwood may require be high and dry, with well-drained a little more water, but not much. Re­ Williamsburg, VA horticultural-grade top soil used member, water kills boxwood.

I Charles A. Hildebrant is the owner ofHildebrandt Nurseries, Box 52, Main Street, Oldwick, New Jersey 08858. 308-433-2256.

Page 10 The Boxwood Bulletin - July 2010 harm boxwood. They have the wrong to remove. Examples of inferior plish all these things; that is commer­ pH for boxwood, and may cause an mulch, which can harm ornamental cial bulk southern pine bark mulch. anaerobic layer to form where they plants are: Produced primarily in Virginia, it is contact the underlying soil, which the only mulch which can meet all actually destroys boxwood root tis­ Shredded mulch the guidelines for a superior mulch. sue. Avoid using bagged pine bark Double or triple ground mulch It is the primary mulch recom­ mulch. The processing used to keep Black or Red mulch mended by the Pennsylvania Horti­ the pine bark from forming mold Hardwood cultural Society in their article on while in the bag actually neutralizes Cedar Artillery Fungus, published in Green the characteristics of the bark which Oak or Hickory Scene magazine. It is more difficult to make it beneficial for the boxwood. Cocoa shell locate than the inferior mulch listed We maintain a list of approved local Wood chips above, but it is worth every ounce of sources at Hildebrandt Nurseries, in Dyed mulch effort to obtain. Oldwick, New Jersey. Additionally, Hemlock Please note that pine bark is sold do not use landscape fabric or plastic Composted mulch both in bags and in bulk. It is under the mulch. Licorice root strongly advised not to use the The subject of mulching is so im­ Hardwood bark mulch bagged pine bark. It is less durable portant, additional details are neces­ Grass clippings than the natural product which is sary. For example, over the past only sold in bulk. Stay with the nat­ several years, serious problems have A superior mulch lasts for many ural product that is sold in bulk and been caused when poor quality years, making it cost much less when in pure form to obtain a super mulch mulch has been used around orna­ compared to inferior mulch. Not product. Also, beware of products mental plants. We are proud that only does superior mulch last a long that are purported to contain pine Hildebrandt Nurseries produces the time, it actually improves plant bark. These are simply the poor qual­ finest plants available, but we have health. It insulates well, controls ity mulches with a bit of pine bark observed many examples where infe­ moisture and weeds, it will not sup­ added to make them appear legiti­ rior mulch has caused both environ­ port Artillery Fungus, and most im­ mate. mental and pathological concerns. portantly, it creates soil conditions Pine bark is difficult to locate in Mulching is vitally important for which allow plants to thrive. There is the northern states. Try to locate it lo­ the health of ornamental plants. It only one mulch which can accom- cally, but be very skeptical of the insulates against summer heat and claims of mulch dealers. Demand winter cold, conserves moisture, that it only be pure Southern Pine helps control weeds, and profoundly EDITOR Bark with no other products mixed improves plant health. With all these for in it. Demand that it come from Vir­ positive attributes, inferior mulch The Boxwood Bulletin ginia. Demand that it be in bulk can cause serious harm to plants. only, to avoid the problems of the Purchasing inferior mulch is a The American Boxwood Society bagged pine bark. Finally, it must be waste of money. It must be renewed has begun the search for an editor fresh from the mill, not composted, frequently, can take nitrogen away of The Boxwood Bulletin. Any to insure that it will be correct in from the soil, cause an oxygen crisis interested applicants should both color and tannic acid level. in the plant root system, and can ac­ contact: In the event that it cannot be lo­ tually rot the root system of the plant The American cated locally to you, we do keep lists resulting in its death. Inferior Boxwood Society of suppliers of bulk commercial pine mulches can also harm the house, bark, here at Hildebrandt Nurseries. at acting as a host for Artillery Fungus. www.boxwoodsociety.org Please contact us, we will try to help This fungus lives in poor quality or you. We want our plants to remain mulch and can project black tar-like p. o. Box 85 healthy and live for many years. substances up to a distance of20 feet Boyce, VA 22620 Using a superior mulch will save you onto homes, cars, patios, and lawn a great deal of money, and will keep furniture. These tar spots are difficult our plants going strong.

The Boxwood Bulletin - July 2010 Page 11 have a bigger impact than the soil itself or would it be best to start with insects? I know so il tests are important as well but with clients that have 20-70 box in the land­ scape it is difficult to test each one because of the expense. Third, I would like to know if there are references, examples and articles that I have not been able to locate that you know about? Any direction, tips, literature sug­ gestions, people or just anything is most appreciated be­ cause I have tried very hard to find anything I can related to boxwood and feel I just come up short. I may just be over thinking it but I want to learn it all. Finally, I am sending a picture of a boxwood that has stumped me for six months. It is planted on a sloped bed. It is about 2.5-3 ft from crown to drive. The bad side faces east and the good side faces west. There is a large oak to the southeast about 6 ft away and also one to the west about thirty feet away. It is two years since planting and there is an irrigation system that was running too much The Question Box until I got this account last June and changed it. It started to defoliate last summer only on the east side. It happens Q: My first question is; does the boxwood encyclopedia over a month or two and once it got to this point it just give information on box varieties with pictures, zones stopped. It is on the high side of the sloped bed and seems and size or is there more information carried over from to be only affecting the one section at the crown that is the Boxwood Handbook? I am loolcing for examples and connected to a large main trunk. There are several trunks what ro look for when something other than an insect is coming from the crown. Maybe 4-6. I can only think that the culprit. In the last year I have become fascinated with since that trunk is on the high side and only one of two box and find it difficult to find more detailed information on the high side that the water sits there more and keeps on them. I know I will learn over time but since I am that soil wet. not an arborist, finding a diagnostic path is difficult as well. A: The Boxwood Encyclopedia gives detailed information My second question is; when trying to figure out (and photos) on nearly 1,050 different boxwood. This is what a likely culprit to an issue is, what would be the the primary focus of the book. While it does have a sec­ most reasonable way to go about it. Would site location tion on boxwood culture, this information is highly sub­ ordinate to that found in the Boxwood Handbook. In determining the cause(s) of any poor performing plant, it is best to start with large questions then progres­ sively work towards more specific areas. Remember the cause and effects could be immediate or could have oc­ curred 5 or more years ago. A simple example would in­ clude:

A) is it biotic fertilization, mulch, etc.) 1) is it an insect B) is it abioti c a) leafminer 1) is it cold or heat damage b) psyllid a) damage to toots c) mites b) damage to leaves and or d) scaJe stem 2) is it a disease c) too much or toO little a) Macrophoma mulch b) Volutella 2) is it drought or excessive c) Cylindrocladium mOisture d) Phytophthora 3) too little, or too much, 3) is it caused by human sunlight intervention 4) soil related a) incorrect pruning a) pH b) incorrect planting or site b) soil type (too much clay, selection too much salt) c) improper care (incorrect

Page 12 The Boxwood Bulletin - July 2010 Regarding references ro ass ist you with professional roots have died on the east side of the plant. Only this horticultural decisions, you ought ro start with the very can account for the fo li age on the east side of the shrub capable, Tennessee Nursery & Landscape Association ro die so quickly in June. The question then becomes, (TN LA) at: www.tnla.com. They offer a variety of supe­ what caused the roots ro di e on one side of the shrub? A rior publications and resources, which include the Green­ secondary question might be, when did the roots die? In times magazine. Once you've established a strong answering the second question, if the foliage died in June, horticulturalllandscape foundation offered by the TN LA, it is likely that the roots failed two months earlier, in you'll then be able ro focus more effectively on profes­ April. To answer why the roots died, here are a few facrors sional boxwood ropics. Consider subscribing ro The Box­ ro consider: wood Bulletin, published by the American Boxwood - excessive cold al lowed the roots ro freeze Society (ABS), which wi ll help you in learning specialized - the soil line shows the rop of the existing rootball, which boxwood skills. Membership ro the ABS can be found at: was planted two years ago. This indicates that the roots www.boxwoodsociery.org/membership_and_contributions.htm from the existing rootball have not migrated into the sur­ rounding soil. This can be due ro a wide variety of condi­ Regarding your comment of" ... c1ients that have 20 ro tions, including: pH incompatibility, roo much or roo 70 boxwood in the landscape it is difficult ro test each little moisture, frost heaving the ball, soil erosion, lack of one because of the expense." Generally, one soil test per mulch, and soil incompatibility. area (yard) is sufficient. While I'm simpli fying the proce­ Certainly this American boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) dure, take soil from several areas and combine them ro ought ro be replaced. Removing the shrub will allow you make "one sample" which is sent in for analysis. In my ro inspect the roots and underlying soil condition ro deter­ mind, the results contain important information which mine what was responsible for the demise of the boxwood. would be a bargain at twice the price of the soil test. If the Finally, correct the cause(s) prior ro replanting. soil test results include recommendations, this ought ro be carefully reviewed first. While those making the rec­ Q: I have attached the results of the soil testing (see below) ommendations typicall y have superior general plant for each side of the drive, side and front of the house - 6 knowledge, they often lack the specialized knowledge nec­ areas rotal. Thank you for your recommendation of the essary ro make proper recommendations for boxwood. English boxwood (Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa'). Are Regarding the phoro: It appears that all the boxwood there nurseries that you would recommend? As a second

ANALYSES RESULTS 5011 pH 5.2 Low Medium Sufficient High Excessive Phosphorus (P) 112 Ibslacre Potassium (K) 61 Ibslacre CalCium (Ca) 604 Ib acre MagneSium (Mg) 64 Ibslacre Zinc (Zn) 13.4 Ibslacre Mangarese(Mn) 32 Ibslacre Boron (B) 0.2 Ibslacre Copper (Cu) 1.8 Ibslacre Sodium (Na) 13 Ib acre Sulfur Ibslacre Soluble Sal s mmhos/cm Nitrate Nitrogen ppm Organic Matter % (LOI)

LIME AND FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATIONS Shrubs(sa ttl • limestone Apply 6 Ibs/100sq ft • Two cups (1 pint) fertilizer is equal to approximately 1 pound Three-quarter pint limestone weighs approximately 1 pound

• As a precaution against fertilizer burn water the plants Immediately after he fertilizer IS applied

• Broadcast 2 cup~ 15-0-15 or eqUivalent fertilizer per 100 square feet In early spnnij and then repeat In earty summer S~ . below (or application instructions. • Uniformly spread fertilizer over area beginning 6 inches from the trunk and extending well beyond end of branch spread Not necessary to remove the mulch before applYing the fertilizer Brush or nnse the fertilizer from the leaves and stems • Broadcast dolomllic limestone as recommended. either In the fall or early spnng

• SOil test again next year If either phosphorus (P) or potassium (K) IS high or excessive to monitor levels

The Boxwood Bulletin - July 2010 Page 13 choice, I would also like to compare the feasibility of the Unfortunately, it isn't possible for us to recommend American boxwood (Buxus sempervirens). Is there a vari­ one firm over another. You should check two or three ety and/or nurseries that you would recommend? I will firms to compare prices. If you need a large quantity, you need many large plants, so a second option may be nec­ should expect a large discount from a retail firm. A few essary. While I am very commirred to this project, if the wholesale firms may be willing to work with you. More English boxwood cost becomes prohibitive, I could also important than price, make sure to properly inspect the start an English boxwood bed/nursery that could be used over time to provide plants and enhance the garden. boxwood (including the interior) prior to purchasing them for any sign of: A: I agree with the fertilizer recommendations, however the dolometic limestone recommendations (6lbsll 00 sq - mnes ft) is far too litrie. This inaccurate recommendation is - foliar diseases rather typical as most extension agents are unfamiliar with - aerial rooting the soil pH requirements for boxwood. The soil pH - excessive (unorganized or weak) branching ought to be between 6.8 and 7.5, thus your soil needs - overly dense foliage 230 lbs of dolometic limestone per 1,000 sq fr oThat's a - make sure there is one trunk (not multiple trunks) at lot oflime, but then it isn't possible to grow boxwood well ground level on the English boxwood in a soil pH of 5.2.

"DnOXWOO d S " VS. ''Boxwood'' CORRESPONDENCE Hello Mr. Lerner, It is with great interest which I noticed the title ofyour article in The Washington Post on page E-4, dated Saturday, March 20, 2010, "Boxwoods {sic} clashing with begonias? Feng shui might help. " In particular, I noticed your use ofthe word "boxwood". It may be ofinterest to note that the word boxwood is both singular and plural While frequently used by laymen, there is, in fact, no such word as "boxwoods': Thus, it is correct grammar to say, "I have 300 boxwood" or even, "Boxwood clashing with bego- mas.. ?" Ifyou wish, I'd be very happy to amwer any questions you might have regarding boxwood Sincerely, Lynn R. Batdorf International Cultivar Registration Authority for Buxus Curator, National Boxwood Collection Us. National Arboretum

Dear Lynn, You make a very salient point. I have been writing the "Green Scene" column in The Washington Post for almost 14years and have critiqued the same issues you mention. My greatest challenge was to get the paper to allow me to use botanical names in the articles (that took about five years). One ofthe guidelines I received from my first editor was not to use Latin. The Washington Post also has their own dictionary to determine the proper spelling ofcommon names. Their writing style guidelines have always taken prece­ dence over my horticultural training. For example, what is the correct spelling ofdaylily (day lily), crapemyrtle (crape myrtle), sweetbox (sweet box), cherrylaurel {cherry laurel}? The names are always changed to the parenthetical version, because it is done according to their style sheet. Journalists at The Washington Post are the professional writers; 1m a professional horticulturist. I have no choice but to yield to my editor when it comes to making a decision about the proper text to use, and our editors yield to the standards set by management. I feel that there is not only one correct way to do anything, so I follow my superiors wishes. ! write the column but have never written a headline for one ofthe 700 articles I've done. That's the headline writer's job. I have never written a caption for a photograph. That's between the photographer and the caption writer. The world ofnewsprint was an interesting learning curve for me to grasp and was not always done in a way that I comidered the most accurate. But as time has passed, we have come to a compromise, and I have man­ aged to effect some changes in their policy. Your thoughtfol feedback will give me more fodder to get my point across to the decision makers at the paper. Your points are well taken. Thank you for writing and reading "Green Scene': Joel M Lerner, FAPLD

Page 14 The Boxwood Bulletin - July 2010 Recherches Sur La Famille des Buxacees; Etude Anatomique, Microchimique et Systematique was written by Mademoiselle Therese Mathou. This was her Ph.D. thesis which was presented to Travaux du Labora­ torie de Botanique de la Faculte de Medecine et de Phar­ macie de I'Universite de Toulouse in France. For her academic achievement, she was awarded a Doctorate in Natural Sciences. It was published by Les Freres Douladoure, Imprimeurs, 39, Rue Saint-Rome in Tou­ louse in 1940. Its 448 soft cover pages are 6 5/8" by 10" in size. There are: 194 black and white line drawings, 33 red, black and white line drawings, a bibliography, index, and an erratum. Unquestionably, this is one of the most important monographs on Buxaceae. It is a comprehensive examina­ tion of the anatomical, chemical, and systematic charac­ decades of dedicated searching did one copy became teristics of 73 Buxus taxa. Her important work has been available. The copy I obtained was signed by Therese overlooked by the great taxonomic indexes (Index Kewen­ Mathou with her note of appreciation to Monsieur Ie sis and the Gray Herbarium Index). This is due, in large Docteur Sal let, one of her academic advisors. Perhaps the part, to the fact that France in 1939 was a very difficult best place to obtain a copy is the website which brings to­ time and place. As a result, Recherches Sur La Famille des gether nearly 600 different French book dealers: Buxacies; Etude Anatomique, Microchimique et Systema­ www.livre-rare-book.com/cgi-bin/lrbcgi . When available, tique was not catalogued until 1955. it is a bargain between 200 and 300 euros. Mathou's monograph notes that the stems of the Lynn R. Batdorf American Buxus species (section Tricera) lack cortical bundles and meristeles; have a different petiole structure, and possess several distinctive inflorescence characteris­ tics. She concluded that the combinations of anatomical and external morphological characteristics permitted the recognition of the American species as a section, but not as a distinct genus. Investigations by later botanists sup­ port Mathou's conclusion. It is of great interest to note that the American Box­ wood Society has completed a successful translation of this thesis into English although written in French and Therese Mathou was born on April 23, 1900 Latin. Dr. Bella Schauman was selected for this scholarly, in Rodex, Aveyron, France. She went on to multi-year effort. become instructor at the same institution where My Boxwood Bookshelf currently holds 78 different she had earned her doctorate. She married Louis boxwood books. I prize my copy of Recherches Sur La Dulucq in 1945. For her entire professional career Famille Des Buxacies; Etude Anatomique, Microchimique she was know as Professor Dulucq-Mathou of the et Systematique well above all my other boxwood books. Faculre de Pharmacie at Allee Jules Gue de in Unfortunately, it is an extremely rare tome and ex­ Toulouse, France. he died on July 2, 1984 in tremely difficult to obtain. To the best of my knowledge, Rouffiac-Tolosan, near Toulouse, France. only about 12 to 20 copies were printed. Only after two

The Boxwood Bulletin - July 2010 Page 15