DISTYLIUM myricoides. China. This is one of several Chinese shrubs, completely new to me, which we recently received from Piroche Nurseries in Canada. It is related to the witch-hazels (Hamamelis) but shows no resemblance except when in bloom. This is a spreading shrub, probably up to 4’ high and 6-8’ wide, with dark, narrow 2" leaves held in a horizontal plane close to the stems. In spring it bears odd little puffs of reddish flowers, with narrow sepals and protruding stamens, in the leaf axils. A quietly pretty shrub for sun or shade near the coast, part shade inland, planted in loose, non-alkaline soil and watered moderately. Hardy to 15^oF or less.