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by a thin membrane at the base, but distinct at the
points. Style smooth, longer than the tube of the floret,
terminating in two long purple ligulate stigmas, about
the length of the style. Seeds furrowed, very hairy,
crowned with a pencil-like pappus of purple feathered
hairs.
Our drawing of this rare and beautiful plant was
taken in October last, at the Nursery of Mr. Knight,
in the King’s Road. It is a native of North America;
Pursh mentions it as growing in sandy woods and
fields, in Virginia, Kentucky, and Carolina, “ where
it, and L. scariosa are known among the inhabitants
of those countries by the name of Rattlesnake’s Master.
In case of being bit by this horrible animal, they bruise
the bulbs of this plant, and apply it to the wound ;
while, at the same time, they make a decoction of it
in milk, which is taken inwardly.”
When grown in a rich light soil, this species will
attain the height of 2 feet, or upwards; but it is very
liable to perish in Winter, from its roots receiving too
much moisture, the only reason we can account for
its present scarcity, having been known in our gardens
as far back as the year 1732. Its flowering so late in
the season, is also much against its increase, as it
seldom perfects its seed in this country; but this might
be easily remedied, if a plant be grown in a pot, and
placed in a greenhouse just as its flowers are opening,
and, as they expand, to attach some pollen to the
stigmas, there can be no doubt but they will seed
freely; as we have found it to succeed well with
L. scariosa, and L. pilosa. As soon as ripe, the seeds
should be sown in pots of light sandy soil; they will
then come up strong in Spring, and some of them will
flower the following Autumn,
1. Involucre with its front scales taken off, to show the naked dotted receptacle.
2. Floret enclosed by the pappus of the seed. 3. The same split open,
to show the nerves. 4. Stamens spread open, showing the distinct filaments,
and united anthers. 5. Style and Stigmas. 6. Seed terminated by its pencillike
pappus.