ITEA, in botany: A genus of the monogynia order, belonging to the pentandria class of plants; and in the natural method ranking with those of which the order is doubtful. The petals are long, and inserted into the calyx; the capsule unilocular and bivalved. There is but one species, a native of North America. It grows by the sides of rivers, and in other parts where the ground is moist. It rises to the height of eight or ten feet, sending out many branches garnished with spear-shaped leaves placed alternately, and slightly fawed on their edges, of a light green colour. At the extremity of the branches are produced fine spikes of white flowers three or four inches long, standing erect. When these shrubs are in vigour, they will be entirely covered with flowers, so that they make a beautiful appearance during the flowering season, which is in July. They are propagated by layers, and are not injured by the cold of this climate; but are apt to die in summer, if they are planted on a dry
gravelly soil. The shoots should be laid down in autumn, and will be rooted in one year.