Comptonia
(named after Henry Compton, once Bishop of London, the introducer and cultivator of many curious exotic plants, and a great patron of botany). ORD. Myricaceoe. An ornamental hardy deciduous shrub, requiring peat earth and a shady situation. Propagated by layers, which should be put down in autumn. C. asplenifolia (Spleenwort-leaved).* fl. whitish; male catkins lateral, cylindrical; female catkins lateral, ovate. March and April. l. simple, alternate, lanceolate, pinnatifidly toothed, downy, sprinkled with yellowish, resinous, transparent particles. Stipules half heart-shaped. h. 3ft. to 4ft. North America, 1714. A distinct shrub, with fragrant fern-like leaves. (W. D. B. 166.)