Alternate-leaf Butterfly Bush, Fountain Butterfly Bush                bud-LEE-a al-ter-ni-FO-li-a

• Broadleaf deciduous large shrub or small tree, may reach 30 ft (9 m) high, but usually less, stems slender, long, arching/pendulous.  Leaves simple, alternate, lanceolate, 1-7 cm long (smallest on floral branches), tip pointed (acuminate), base wedge-shaped, margin entire, dark green to silvery green, gray tomentose below.  Flowers small, lilac-colored, mildly fragrant, borne in nearly cylindrical clusters, about 5 × 3 cm.  Blooms in early summer.
• Full sun to light shade.  Thrives in poor, dry gravel soils.
• Hardy to USDA Zone 5     Native to China.