Dentaria laciniata. 5
either end, varying greatly in number, being often only two or three,
while at other times many are found catenated by numerous, small,
darker coloured fibres. Hence the specific name by which Michaux
designated this species. Stem bifoliate, cylindrical, greenish-yellow.
Leaves three times temate, laciniated, consisting of three-parted fo-
lioles; the lacinise oblong-linear, smooth on both sides; costa conspicuous.
Flowers pedunculated, borne in a cluster without bracts or
bracteiform scales; they are of a pale peach-blossom-red colour. Petals
four, obtuse, spathulate. Grows on the sides of rich shady woods,
and in elevated situations screened from the sun, where the soil consists
principally of rich mould made up of decayed vegetable matter, from
one end of the United States to the other. Flowers in May and June.
The genus Dentaria or Tooth-wort takes its name from the resemblance
of the tuberous roots of the whole genus to teeth. The
known North American species do not exceed four in number.
Pursh only enumerates three. I have, however, seen mutilated
specimens from Kentucky, of a fourth species. Like most of the
cruciform plants, the different species possess in common, a portion
of that peculiar pungent property known in mustard, pepper-
grass, and horse-radish. The roots of the Dentaria diphylla, a species
allied to this one, found abundantly in beach woods on the high
mountains of the western country, are used by the inhabitants instead
of mustard. It is known by the name Pepper-root. The flowers
of the present species are never purple as stated by Pursh, but a deli-
von. nr. 2