Chapter 22

FIG. 174. ASPLENIUMTRICHOMANES.

A. Trichomanes(maiden-hair).* Maidenhair Spleenwort.sti.densely tufted, 1in. to 4in. long.fronds6in. to 12in. long, about ½in. broad, with fifteen to thirty opposite pairs of sessile horizontal pinnæ, which are ¼in. to ⅜in. broad, one and a-half to two lines deep, edge slightly crenate, the two sides unequal, the upper one the broadest, and narrowed suddenly at the base.sorilinear-oblong, three to six on each side of the midrib. Great Britain, and almost cosmopolitan. Hardy species. See Fig. 174. There are several varieties in cultivation, of which the following are the most important:

FIG. 175. ASPLENIUMTRICHOMANESCRISTATUM.

A. T. cristatum(crested).*fronds4in. to 6in. long, simply pinnate, with roundish pinnæ, and broad crests at their extremities, sometimes divided, each fork crested. A very pretty little variety, requiring frame or greenhouse treatment. See Fig. 175.A. T. incisum(deeply-cut).*fronds3in. to 6in. long; pinnæ deeply pinnatifid, the lobes again deeply cut or serrated. A very rare and pretty form.A. T. multifidum(much-divided).*fronds3in. to 6in. long, once, twice, thrice, or, rarely, quadri-furcate, each division terminated with a little crest. A free-growing kind.A. T. ramosum(branched).*fronds5in. to 8in. long, freely branched, each division being again forked; pinnæ deeply cut or crenated, or serrate. More hardy than any of the other forms.A. trilobum(three-lobed).*sti.tufted, 2in. to 3in. long.fronds1in. to 1½in. long, 1in. broad, rhomboidal, apex acute, base cuneate, entire, the margin undulato-crenate, or the lower part deeply lobed, with broad inciso-crenate divisions.soribroad and short. Chili and South Brazil. A very rare little stove species. SYN.A. parvulum.A. umbrosum(shady).sti.1ft. or more long, scaly at the base.fronds2ft. to 5ft. long, 12in. to 18in. broad, ovate-deltoid; pinnæ ovate-lanceolate, 6in. to 9in. long, 3in. to 6in. broad, with lanceolate pinnules, which are again cut down to the midribs into unequal-sided rhomboidal lobes, with the margins sharply crenated.soricopious, oblong, with large tumid membranous involucres. Madeira, Canaries, Himalayas, &c. Very widely distributed. A very handsome greenhouse species. SYNS.Allantodia australe,Athyrium umbrosum.A. varians(variable).sti.tufted, 1in. to 3in. long.fronds4in. to 6in. long, 1in. broad, oblong-lanceolate, with eight to twelvepairs of pinnæ on each side, lower ones sub-deltoid, ½in. to ¾in. long, ¼in. broad, cut down to the rachis into a few cuneato-flabellate pinnules, the lowest two lines across, sharply toothed on the outer edge.soricopious, when mature, covering nearly the whole under surface of the pinnules. Himalayas, and widely distributed. Greenhouse species.A. Veitchianum(Veitch's). Synonymous withA. Belangeri.A. Vieillardii(Vieillard's).*sti.tufted, 4in. to 6in. long.fronds6in. to 9in. long, 6in. to 8in. broad, with large linear-lanceolate terminal pinna, lengthened out at the point, and deeply serrated, and three to four pairs of erecto-patent similar lateral ones, which are 3in. to 4in. long, upwards of ½in. broad, equally truncato-cuneate, and the lower ones slightly stalked at the base.soridistant, falling short of both edge and margin. New Caledonia. A very graceful greenhouse species. SYN.A. schizodon.A. apicidensis but a variety of this, with shortened sori and more obtuse venation.

A. T. incisum(deeply-cut).*fronds3in. to 6in. long; pinnæ deeply pinnatifid, the lobes again deeply cut or serrated. A very rare and pretty form.

A. T. multifidum(much-divided).*fronds3in. to 6in. long, once, twice, thrice, or, rarely, quadri-furcate, each division terminated with a little crest. A free-growing kind.

A. T. ramosum(branched).*fronds5in. to 8in. long, freely branched, each division being again forked; pinnæ deeply cut or crenated, or serrate. More hardy than any of the other forms.

A. trilobum(three-lobed).*sti.tufted, 2in. to 3in. long.fronds1in. to 1½in. long, 1in. broad, rhomboidal, apex acute, base cuneate, entire, the margin undulato-crenate, or the lower part deeply lobed, with broad inciso-crenate divisions.soribroad and short. Chili and South Brazil. A very rare little stove species. SYN.A. parvulum.

A. umbrosum(shady).sti.1ft. or more long, scaly at the base.fronds2ft. to 5ft. long, 12in. to 18in. broad, ovate-deltoid; pinnæ ovate-lanceolate, 6in. to 9in. long, 3in. to 6in. broad, with lanceolate pinnules, which are again cut down to the midribs into unequal-sided rhomboidal lobes, with the margins sharply crenated.soricopious, oblong, with large tumid membranous involucres. Madeira, Canaries, Himalayas, &c. Very widely distributed. A very handsome greenhouse species. SYNS.Allantodia australe,Athyrium umbrosum.

A. varians(variable).sti.tufted, 1in. to 3in. long.fronds4in. to 6in. long, 1in. broad, oblong-lanceolate, with eight to twelvepairs of pinnæ on each side, lower ones sub-deltoid, ½in. to ¾in. long, ¼in. broad, cut down to the rachis into a few cuneato-flabellate pinnules, the lowest two lines across, sharply toothed on the outer edge.soricopious, when mature, covering nearly the whole under surface of the pinnules. Himalayas, and widely distributed. Greenhouse species.

A. Veitchianum(Veitch's). Synonymous withA. Belangeri.

A. Vieillardii(Vieillard's).*sti.tufted, 4in. to 6in. long.fronds6in. to 9in. long, 6in. to 8in. broad, with large linear-lanceolate terminal pinna, lengthened out at the point, and deeply serrated, and three to four pairs of erecto-patent similar lateral ones, which are 3in. to 4in. long, upwards of ½in. broad, equally truncato-cuneate, and the lower ones slightly stalked at the base.soridistant, falling short of both edge and margin. New Caledonia. A very graceful greenhouse species. SYN.A. schizodon.A. apicidensis but a variety of this, with shortened sori and more obtuse venation.

FIG. 176. ASPLENIUMVIRIDE, showing Barren and Fertile Pinnæ (aandb), Sorus (c), and Sporangium (d).

A. viride(green). Green Spleenwort.*sti.densely tufted, 2in. to 4in. long.fronds4in. to 6in. long, ½in. broad, with twelve to twenty sub-sessile pinnæ on each side, ovate-rhomboid; upper edge narrowed suddenly at the base, the lower one obliquely truncate, outer part deeply crenated.soricopious, linear-oblong, oblique. Great Britain, &c., widely distributed in both hemispheres. It requires to be planted in a well-drained but moist situation. Hardy species. See Fig. 176.A. vittæforme(narrow-fronded).*rhiz.creeping.sti.short, erect.frondsentire, lanceolate, 12in. to 18in. long, 1½in. to 3in. broad, narrowed to an acute point, and very gradually into the stem below; margin obscurely toothed.soricopious, often reaching from the midrib nearly to the edge. Java, &c. Stove species. SYN.A. sundense.A. viviparum(plant-bearing).*sti.tufted. 6in. to 9in. long.fronds1ft. to 2ft. long, 6in. to 8in. broad, ovate-lanceolate, with numerous close-placed erecto-patent pinnæ on each side, which are 3in. to 4in. long, 1½. to 2in. broad, cut down to a compressed rachis into numerous pinnatifid pinnules, the lower segments of which are again forked; ultimate segments ¼in. to ⅜in. long, quarter-line broad.sorisolitary, marginal. Mauritius, &c., 1820. A very handsome stove species.A. vulcanicum(volcanic).sti.6in. to 9in. long.fronds1ft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to 8in. broad, oblong-lanceolate, with a linear-terminal pinna, or gemmiferous at the apex, and six to twelve lateral ones on each side; lower ones stalked, 2in. to 4in. long, ¾in. to 1in. broad, acuminated; edge slightly dentate; the base truncate.sorivery regular and parallel, falling short of the edge. Malay Islands. Stove species. SYN.A. heterodon.A. zeylanicum(Ceylonese).*sti.scattered, 4in. to 8in. long.fronds6in. to 12in. long, 1in. to 2in. broad, the point acuminated, apex slightly lobed, the lower two-thirds more deeply so, and the base quite down to the rachis; lobes blunt, ¼in. to ½in. across.sorilinear, two to three lines long. Ceylon. Stove species. SYN.Diplazium zeylanicum.

A. vittæforme(narrow-fronded).*rhiz.creeping.sti.short, erect.frondsentire, lanceolate, 12in. to 18in. long, 1½in. to 3in. broad, narrowed to an acute point, and very gradually into the stem below; margin obscurely toothed.soricopious, often reaching from the midrib nearly to the edge. Java, &c. Stove species. SYN.A. sundense.

A. viviparum(plant-bearing).*sti.tufted. 6in. to 9in. long.fronds1ft. to 2ft. long, 6in. to 8in. broad, ovate-lanceolate, with numerous close-placed erecto-patent pinnæ on each side, which are 3in. to 4in. long, 1½. to 2in. broad, cut down to a compressed rachis into numerous pinnatifid pinnules, the lower segments of which are again forked; ultimate segments ¼in. to ⅜in. long, quarter-line broad.sorisolitary, marginal. Mauritius, &c., 1820. A very handsome stove species.

A. vulcanicum(volcanic).sti.6in. to 9in. long.fronds1ft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to 8in. broad, oblong-lanceolate, with a linear-terminal pinna, or gemmiferous at the apex, and six to twelve lateral ones on each side; lower ones stalked, 2in. to 4in. long, ¾in. to 1in. broad, acuminated; edge slightly dentate; the base truncate.sorivery regular and parallel, falling short of the edge. Malay Islands. Stove species. SYN.A. heterodon.

A. zeylanicum(Ceylonese).*sti.scattered, 4in. to 8in. long.fronds6in. to 12in. long, 1in. to 2in. broad, the point acuminated, apex slightly lobed, the lower two-thirds more deeply so, and the base quite down to the rachis; lobes blunt, ¼in. to ½in. across.sorilinear, two to three lines long. Ceylon. Stove species. SYN.Diplazium zeylanicum.

ASSONIA(commemorative of Ignatius de Asso, a distinguished Spanish botanist, who wrote on the plants of Arragon). ORD.Sterculiaceæ. This genus is now included by best authorities underDombeya. Ornamental stove evergreen trees, with undivided leaves, and axillary, bifid, sub-corymbose peduncles. They are of easy culture; thriving freely in any light rich soil, or a mixture of loam and peat. Young cuttings will root freely in sand, with a brisk bottom heat, if covered by a bell glass.

A. populnea(Poplar-leaved).fl.white, disposed in a terminal, bifid corymb; peduncles scarcely longer than the petioles. June.l.cordate, acuminated, smooth, a little serrated.h.10ft. to 20ft. Bourbon, 1820.A. viburnoides(Viburnum-like).fl.white; peduncles three times longer than the petioles.l.cordate, somewhat acuminate, crenated, tomentose beneath, as well as younger leaves.h.10ft. to 20ft. Bourbon, 1822.

A. viburnoides(Viburnum-like).fl.white; peduncles three times longer than the petioles.l.cordate, somewhat acuminate, crenated, tomentose beneath, as well as younger leaves.h.10ft. to 20ft. Bourbon, 1822.

ASTARTEA(a mythological name: Astarte, the Syrian Venus). ORD.Myrtaceæ. An ornamental greenhouse evergreen shrub, requiring a mixture of loam, peat, leaf soil, and sand. Young cuttings root readily in sand under a bell glass in gentle heat.

A. fascicularis(bundle-flowered).fl.white, pedicellate, solitary, axillary. May.l.opposite, linear, fleshy; when young, disposed in axillary fascicles.h.6ft. to 9ft. West Australia, 1830.

ASTELMA(froma, not, andstelma, a crown; in reference to the construction of the fruit). ORD.Compositæ. Greenhouse evergreen shrubs from the Cape of Good Hope. Some species of this genus, which is now generally referred toHelipterum, are very handsome, and thrive well in a mixture of fibrous peat, leaf soil, and sand, with thorough drainage. Fill the pots one-third full of crocks; water carefully, and only when absolutely necessary; and place in a situation near the glass, allowing a free admission of air. Seeds should be sown in pots of light, open soil, and placed in a gentle heat; half-ripened cuttings will strike readily in sandy soil with a hand glass placed over them. They are now but rarely seen under cultivation.

A. canescens(hoary).fl.-headspurple; scales of involucre ovate; branches one-flowered. May to June.l.oblong, blunt, imbricated.h.1½ft. 1794.A. eximium(fine).*fl.-headscrimson; corymbs sessile. July.l.sessile, ovate, close, erect, white with thick woolly pubescence. Stem stout.h.3ft. 1793. This is a very beautiful species.A. speciosissimum(showiest).fl.-headswhite, large, solitary, terminal. July.l.sessile, lanceolate-obovate, acute, three-nerved, woolly.h.8ft. 1691.

A. canescens(hoary).fl.-headspurple; scales of involucre ovate; branches one-flowered. May to June.l.oblong, blunt, imbricated.h.1½ft. 1794.

A. eximium(fine).*fl.-headscrimson; corymbs sessile. July.l.sessile, ovate, close, erect, white with thick woolly pubescence. Stem stout.h.3ft. 1793. This is a very beautiful species.

A. speciosissimum(showiest).fl.-headswhite, large, solitary, terminal. July.l.sessile, lanceolate-obovate, acute, three-nerved, woolly.h.8ft. 1691.

ASTEPHANUS(froma, without, andstephanos, a corona; corona absent). ORD.Asclepiadeæ. A genus of pretty evergreen greenhouse twiners. Flowers few, small, disposed in interpetiolar umbels; corolla campanulate. Leaves small, opposite. They thrive in a compost of turfy peat, leaf soil, and loam, in equal parts. Very little water is required when the plants are at rest. Cuttings root readily in sandy soil in a moderate heat. Propagation may also be effected by division.

A. linearis(linear).fl.white; umbels dividing in threes, lateral and terminal. July.l.1in. long, opposite, linear-lanceolate. Stem glabrous. Cape of Good Hope, 1816.A. triflorus(three-flowered).*fl.white; umbels generally three-flowered. July.l.opposite, lanceolate, villous beneath. Stems hairy. Cape of Good Hope, 1816.

A. linearis(linear).fl.white; umbels dividing in threes, lateral and terminal. July.l.1in. long, opposite, linear-lanceolate. Stem glabrous. Cape of Good Hope, 1816.

A. triflorus(three-flowered).*fl.white; umbels generally three-flowered. July.l.opposite, lanceolate, villous beneath. Stems hairy. Cape of Good Hope, 1816.

ASTER(fromaster, a star; general shape of flower-heads). Michaelmas Daisy; Star-wort. SYN.Pinardia(of Necker). ORD.Compositæ. Hardy herbaceous perennials, except where otherwise stated. Heads solitary, corymbose, or panicled, heterogamous, rayed; ray florets pistiliferous, one or two-seriate, fertile or neuter; ligule elongated, white, blue, or purple; disk florets hermaphrodite, fertile, tubular, yellow, five-cleft; involucre campanulate or hemispheric; bracts few or many-seriate, outer smaller or larger; receptacle flat or convex; pappus hairs few or copious, scabrid, outer sometimes shorter, rigid, and paleaceous. Leaves alternate. This large genus contains many handsome border and alpine deciduous perennials (rarely biennials) of easy culture in ordinary soil. They may be propagated by divisions in autumn or spring, or by seeds in spring. The greenhouse species are mostly evergreen shrubs, requiring a compost of peat, leaf soil, and loam. Cuttings root readily in a sandy soil, under a hand glass, with very little heat.

A. acris(acrid).fl.-headsblue; involucre imbricated, twice as short as the disk. August.l.linear-lanceolate, not dotted, three-nerved.h.2ft. South Europe, 1731.A. acuminatus(taper-pointed).*fl.-headswhite; panicle corymbose. September.l.broad-lanceolate, narrowed at base, entire, with a very long point. Stem simple, flexuous, angular.h.2ft. North America, 1806.A. adulterinus(false).fl.-headsviolet; involucre squarrose, shorter than the disk. September.l.amplexicaul, lanceolate; lower ones sub-serrate, smooth; those of the branches linear squarrose.h.3ft. North America.A. æstivus(summer-flowering).*fl.-headsblue. July.l.lanceolate, somewhat amplexicaul, narrowed at the end, scabrous at edge. Stem erect, hispid; branchlets pilose.h.2ft. North America, 1776.A. albescens(whitish).fl.-headspurple or whitish, nearly 1in. across; corymbosely panicled; scales of involucre ovate-linear, apiculate; ray twenty-flowered. August.l.lanceolate on short petioles, denticulate, downy. Plant beset with rusty down.h.3ft. Nepal, 1842.A. alpinus(alpine).*fl.-headsbright purple, 1in. to 2in. across; scales of involucre nearly equal, lanceolate, bluntish. July.l., radical ones lanceolate-spathulate; those of the stem lanceolate. Stem one-flowered.h.6in. to 9in. Europe, 1658. A very attractive species, having a dwarf, stout habit; it forms a useful and handsome subject for edging, and its flowers are valuable for cutting purposes. See Fig. 177.A. a. albus(white).*fl.-headswhite, in other respects resembling the type; but it is much less desirable, and has not nearly so vigorous a habit. Europe, 1827.A. altaicus(Altaian).*fl.-headsblue-purple, about 2in. across; stem simple, corymbose, downy. June, July.l.linear-lanceolate, entire, blunt mucronate, three-nerved at base, veiny.h.1ft. Siberia, 1804. This, which is frequently considered a variety ofA. alpinus, is one of the handsomest.A. alwartensis(Alwart).fl.-headsred; ray very fine; involucre loosely squarrose. May.l.ovate, narrowed at base, entire, about five-nerved.h.1ft. Caucasus, 1807.A. Amellus(Amellus).*fl.-headspurple, solitary, numerous; involucre imbricated squarrose; leaves blunt; inner membranous, coloured at edge. August.l.oblong-lanceolate, scabrous.h.2ft. Italy, 1596. One of the best border kinds.

A. acris(acrid).fl.-headsblue; involucre imbricated, twice as short as the disk. August.l.linear-lanceolate, not dotted, three-nerved.h.2ft. South Europe, 1731.

A. acuminatus(taper-pointed).*fl.-headswhite; panicle corymbose. September.l.broad-lanceolate, narrowed at base, entire, with a very long point. Stem simple, flexuous, angular.h.2ft. North America, 1806.

A. adulterinus(false).fl.-headsviolet; involucre squarrose, shorter than the disk. September.l.amplexicaul, lanceolate; lower ones sub-serrate, smooth; those of the branches linear squarrose.h.3ft. North America.

A. æstivus(summer-flowering).*fl.-headsblue. July.l.lanceolate, somewhat amplexicaul, narrowed at the end, scabrous at edge. Stem erect, hispid; branchlets pilose.h.2ft. North America, 1776.

A. albescens(whitish).fl.-headspurple or whitish, nearly 1in. across; corymbosely panicled; scales of involucre ovate-linear, apiculate; ray twenty-flowered. August.l.lanceolate on short petioles, denticulate, downy. Plant beset with rusty down.h.3ft. Nepal, 1842.

A. alpinus(alpine).*fl.-headsbright purple, 1in. to 2in. across; scales of involucre nearly equal, lanceolate, bluntish. July.l., radical ones lanceolate-spathulate; those of the stem lanceolate. Stem one-flowered.h.6in. to 9in. Europe, 1658. A very attractive species, having a dwarf, stout habit; it forms a useful and handsome subject for edging, and its flowers are valuable for cutting purposes. See Fig. 177.

A. a. albus(white).*fl.-headswhite, in other respects resembling the type; but it is much less desirable, and has not nearly so vigorous a habit. Europe, 1827.

A. altaicus(Altaian).*fl.-headsblue-purple, about 2in. across; stem simple, corymbose, downy. June, July.l.linear-lanceolate, entire, blunt mucronate, three-nerved at base, veiny.h.1ft. Siberia, 1804. This, which is frequently considered a variety ofA. alpinus, is one of the handsomest.

A. alwartensis(Alwart).fl.-headsred; ray very fine; involucre loosely squarrose. May.l.ovate, narrowed at base, entire, about five-nerved.h.1ft. Caucasus, 1807.

A. Amellus(Amellus).*fl.-headspurple, solitary, numerous; involucre imbricated squarrose; leaves blunt; inner membranous, coloured at edge. August.l.oblong-lanceolate, scabrous.h.2ft. Italy, 1596. One of the best border kinds.

FIG. 177. ASTERALPINUS.

A. A. bessarabicus(Bessarabian).* A most desirable variety, frequently seen in gardens; it is rather taller than the type, with larger flower-heads, of a deep purple colour. One of the showiest of all the Asters. See Fig. 178.

FIG. 178. ASTERAMELLUSBESSARABICUS.

A. amplexicaulis(stem-clasping).fl.-headsviolet. July.l.ovate-oblong, acute, amplexicaul, cordate, serrated, smooth. Stem panicled, smooth; branches one to two-headed.h.3ft. North America.A. amygdalinus(Almond-leaved).fl.-headswhite; involucre closely imbricated. August.l.lanceolate, narrowed at base, acuminated, scabrous at edge. Stem simple, corymbose at end.h.2ft. North America, 1759.A. argenteus(silvery).*fl.-headspurple. August.l.oblong-lanceolate, silky, sessile. Stem slender, decumbent, loosely branched; branches and branchlets one-headed.h.1ft. North America, 1801.A. bellidiflorus(Daisy-flowered).fl.-headspale red; involucre with spreading scales. September.l.amplexicaul, narrow-lanceolate, scabrous above, lower sub-serrated. Stem much branched.h.3ft. North America.A. Bigelovii(Bigelow's).*fl.-headscorymbose, 2½in. diameter, ray-florets lilac, disk yellow. Summer.l.scabrous pubescent, oblong-spathulate; cauline ones amplexicaul, ovate-oblong, crenate, obscurely-toothed.h.2½ft. Colorado, 1878. A very handsome biennial species. SYN.A. Townshendi.A. blandus(charming).fl.-headspale purple; racemes scarcely longer than the leaves. October.l.sub-amplexicaul, oblong-lanceolate, acuminate, sessile, smooth. Stem pyramidal.h.2ft. North America, 1800.A. canescens(hoary).fl.-headspale purple; involucre imbricated, very acute, longer than disk. September.l.linear. Panicle corymbose, much branched, leafy.h.2ft. North America, 1812. Biennial or perennial.A. cassiarabicus(Arabian Cassia).fl.-headspink; panicles corymbose. September.l.ovate, acute, serrated, tapering at the petioles. Plant erect, pilose.h.2ft. Russia, 1834.A. caucasicus(Caucasian).*fl.-headspurple, solitary; scales of involucre nearly equal, linear. July.l.ovate, sessile, scabrous.h.1ft. Caucasus, 1804.A. ciliatus(ciliated).fl.-headswhite. September.l.ciliated; cauline ones linear-lanceolate, nerved; those of the branches very short lanceolate, three-nerved. Stem branched, downy; branches downy.h.3ft. North America.A. concinnus(neat).*fl.-headspurple; involucre closely imbricated. October.l.sub-amplexicaul, lanceolate; lower ones sub-serrate, smooth. Stem simple, panicled at end.h.2ft. North America, 1800.A. concolor(one-coloured).fl.-headspurple; raceme terminal. October.l.oblong-lanceolate, hoary on each side. Stem simple, erect, downy.h.1ft. North America, 1759.A. conyzioides(Conyza-like). Synonymous withSeriocarpus conyzioides.A. cordifolius(heart-leaved).fl.-headsblue, small, disposed in crowded racemes, which are slightly drooping. July.l.cordate, pilose beneath, finely serrated, stalked. Stem smoothish, panicled; panicle spreading.h.2ft. North America, 1759.A. coridifolius(Coris-leaved).fl.-headspale blue. October.l.very numerous, linear, blunt, reflexed, hispid at edge. Stem branched, diffuse, smooth; branches one-headed.h.1ft. North America.

A. amplexicaulis(stem-clasping).fl.-headsviolet. July.l.ovate-oblong, acute, amplexicaul, cordate, serrated, smooth. Stem panicled, smooth; branches one to two-headed.h.3ft. North America.

A. amygdalinus(Almond-leaved).fl.-headswhite; involucre closely imbricated. August.l.lanceolate, narrowed at base, acuminated, scabrous at edge. Stem simple, corymbose at end.h.2ft. North America, 1759.

A. argenteus(silvery).*fl.-headspurple. August.l.oblong-lanceolate, silky, sessile. Stem slender, decumbent, loosely branched; branches and branchlets one-headed.h.1ft. North America, 1801.

A. bellidiflorus(Daisy-flowered).fl.-headspale red; involucre with spreading scales. September.l.amplexicaul, narrow-lanceolate, scabrous above, lower sub-serrated. Stem much branched.h.3ft. North America.

A. Bigelovii(Bigelow's).*fl.-headscorymbose, 2½in. diameter, ray-florets lilac, disk yellow. Summer.l.scabrous pubescent, oblong-spathulate; cauline ones amplexicaul, ovate-oblong, crenate, obscurely-toothed.h.2½ft. Colorado, 1878. A very handsome biennial species. SYN.A. Townshendi.

A. blandus(charming).fl.-headspale purple; racemes scarcely longer than the leaves. October.l.sub-amplexicaul, oblong-lanceolate, acuminate, sessile, smooth. Stem pyramidal.h.2ft. North America, 1800.

A. canescens(hoary).fl.-headspale purple; involucre imbricated, very acute, longer than disk. September.l.linear. Panicle corymbose, much branched, leafy.h.2ft. North America, 1812. Biennial or perennial.

A. cassiarabicus(Arabian Cassia).fl.-headspink; panicles corymbose. September.l.ovate, acute, serrated, tapering at the petioles. Plant erect, pilose.h.2ft. Russia, 1834.

A. caucasicus(Caucasian).*fl.-headspurple, solitary; scales of involucre nearly equal, linear. July.l.ovate, sessile, scabrous.h.1ft. Caucasus, 1804.

A. ciliatus(ciliated).fl.-headswhite. September.l.ciliated; cauline ones linear-lanceolate, nerved; those of the branches very short lanceolate, three-nerved. Stem branched, downy; branches downy.h.3ft. North America.

A. concinnus(neat).*fl.-headspurple; involucre closely imbricated. October.l.sub-amplexicaul, lanceolate; lower ones sub-serrate, smooth. Stem simple, panicled at end.h.2ft. North America, 1800.

A. concolor(one-coloured).fl.-headspurple; raceme terminal. October.l.oblong-lanceolate, hoary on each side. Stem simple, erect, downy.h.1ft. North America, 1759.

A. conyzioides(Conyza-like). Synonymous withSeriocarpus conyzioides.

A. cordifolius(heart-leaved).fl.-headsblue, small, disposed in crowded racemes, which are slightly drooping. July.l.cordate, pilose beneath, finely serrated, stalked. Stem smoothish, panicled; panicle spreading.h.2ft. North America, 1759.

A. coridifolius(Coris-leaved).fl.-headspale blue. October.l.very numerous, linear, blunt, reflexed, hispid at edge. Stem branched, diffuse, smooth; branches one-headed.h.1ft. North America.

FIG. 179. ASTERCORYMBOSUS, showing Habit and Flower-head.

A. corymbosus(corymbose).fl.-headscorymbose, about 1in. in diameter; ray-florets few, narrow, white; disk-florets pale yellow. Autumn.l.3in. long, cordate acute, lobed at the base, coarsely toothed. Stems brittle, blackish purple.h.2ft. to 3ft. SYN.Biotia corymbosa. See Fig. 179.A. diffusus(diffuse).fl.-headswhite; involucres imbricated. October.l.elliptic-lanceolate, equal, serrated, smooth. Branches spreading. Stem pubescent.h.2ft. North America, 1777.A. Douglasii(Douglas's).*fl.-headspurple; involucral scales linear or spathulate-linear, loosely imbricated. August.l.lanceolate, acute, entire, or rarely serrate, mostly tapering at the base. Stem smooth, slender, paniculately branched, leafy.h.3ft. to 4ft. California, &c.A. dracunculoides(Tarragon-like).*fl.-headswhite, about 1in. across, disposed in dense cymose clusters; involucre imbricated. September, October.l.linear, acuminated, entire; lower ones linear-lanceolate, sub-serrate. Branches corymbose.h.3ft. North America, 1811. A very handsome species.A. dumosus(bushy).*fl.-headswhite, about ½in. across, disposed in broad clusters; involucre cylindrical, closely imbricated. October.l.linear, glabrous; those of the branches very short. Branches panicled.h.2ft. North America, 1734.A. d. albus(white).*fl.-headsquite white, and rather smaller than those of the species. North America.A. d. violaceus(violet).fl.-headsviolet-purple. North America.A. elegans(elegant).fl.-headsblue, small; corymb contracted, drooping; scales of involucre oblong-cuneate, blunt, squarrose. September.l.scabrous; cauline ones oblong-lanceolate, acute; radical ones oblong, stalked.h.2ft. North America, 1790. A very elegant species, having a graceful habit.A. eminens(eminent).fl.-headslight blue. October.l.linear-lanceolate, acuminate, scabrous at edge; lower ones sub-serrated. Stem panicled; branches one-headed.h.2ft. North America.

A. diffusus(diffuse).fl.-headswhite; involucres imbricated. October.l.elliptic-lanceolate, equal, serrated, smooth. Branches spreading. Stem pubescent.h.2ft. North America, 1777.

A. Douglasii(Douglas's).*fl.-headspurple; involucral scales linear or spathulate-linear, loosely imbricated. August.l.lanceolate, acute, entire, or rarely serrate, mostly tapering at the base. Stem smooth, slender, paniculately branched, leafy.h.3ft. to 4ft. California, &c.

A. dracunculoides(Tarragon-like).*fl.-headswhite, about 1in. across, disposed in dense cymose clusters; involucre imbricated. September, October.l.linear, acuminated, entire; lower ones linear-lanceolate, sub-serrate. Branches corymbose.h.3ft. North America, 1811. A very handsome species.

A. dumosus(bushy).*fl.-headswhite, about ½in. across, disposed in broad clusters; involucre cylindrical, closely imbricated. October.l.linear, glabrous; those of the branches very short. Branches panicled.h.2ft. North America, 1734.

A. d. albus(white).*fl.-headsquite white, and rather smaller than those of the species. North America.

A. d. violaceus(violet).fl.-headsviolet-purple. North America.

A. elegans(elegant).fl.-headsblue, small; corymb contracted, drooping; scales of involucre oblong-cuneate, blunt, squarrose. September.l.scabrous; cauline ones oblong-lanceolate, acute; radical ones oblong, stalked.h.2ft. North America, 1790. A very elegant species, having a graceful habit.

A. eminens(eminent).fl.-headslight blue. October.l.linear-lanceolate, acuminate, scabrous at edge; lower ones sub-serrated. Stem panicled; branches one-headed.h.2ft. North America.

FIG. 180. ASTERERICOIDES.

A. ericoides(Heath-like).*fl.-headswhite; involucre squarrose, leaflets acute. September.l.linear, glabrous; those of the branches subulate, close together; and those of the stem long.h.3ft. North America, 1758. A very pretty species. See Fig. 180.A. floribundus(many-flowered).*fl.-headslight purple. September.l.sub-amplexicaul, lanceolate; lower ones serrated. Stem smooth; branches corymbose.h.4ft. North America.A. foliosus(leafy).fl.-headspale blue; involucre imbricate. September.l.linear-lanceolate, acuminate, narrowed at each end.Stem downy, panicled, erect; branches few-headed.h.3ft. North America, 1732.A. fragilis(fragile).fl.-headsflesh-coloured, small; involucre imbricated. September.l.linear, acuminate, entire; radical ones oblong, serrate. Branches in corymbose panicles.h.2ft. North America, 1800.

A. floribundus(many-flowered).*fl.-headslight purple. September.l.sub-amplexicaul, lanceolate; lower ones serrated. Stem smooth; branches corymbose.h.4ft. North America.

A. foliosus(leafy).fl.-headspale blue; involucre imbricate. September.l.linear-lanceolate, acuminate, narrowed at each end.Stem downy, panicled, erect; branches few-headed.h.3ft. North America, 1732.

A. fragilis(fragile).fl.-headsflesh-coloured, small; involucre imbricated. September.l.linear, acuminate, entire; radical ones oblong, serrate. Branches in corymbose panicles.h.2ft. North America, 1800.

FIG. 181. ASTERGRANDIFLORUS.

A. grandiflorus(large-flowered).*fl.-headspurple, large, terminal; scales of involucre squarrose. November.l.linear, rigid, acute, sub-amplexicaul; those of the branches reflexed, hispid at edge.h.2ft. North America, 1720. See Fig. 181.A. hyssopifolius(Hyssop-leaved).*fl.-headswhite, or purple shaded; scales of the involucre about half as long as the disk. August to October.l.linear-lanceolate, acute, with the margins scabrous. Branches fastigiate and corymbose, smooth.h.1½ft. to 2ft. North America.A. lævigatus(smooth-stemmed).fl.-headsflesh-coloured, about 1in. across, disposed in large panicles. September.l.sub-amplexicaul, broad-lanceolate, sub-serrate, smooth. Stem glabrous. Branches many-headed.h.3ft. North America, 1794.A. lævis(smooth).*fl.-headsblue; involucre imbricated with cuneiform leaflets. September.l.sub-amplexicaul, remotely oblong, entire, lucid; radical ones sub-serrated.h.2ft. North America, 1758. One of the best border species.A. laxus(loose-flowered).fl.-headswhite, about 1in. across; clusters loose. October.l.linear-lanceolate, scabrous at edge; lower ones sub-serrated; stem ones reflexed. Stem loosely panicled.h.2ft. North America.A. linarifolius(Toad-flax-leaved).fl.-headspale blue. September.l.numerous, linear, mucronated, nerveless, not dotted, keeled, scabrous, rigid. Branches fastigiate, one-headed.h.1ft. North America, 1699.A. linifolius(Flax-leaved).fl.-headswhite; involucre imbricated, short. July.l.linear, nerveless, dotted, scabrous, reflexed, spreading. Branches corymbose, fastigiate, leafy.h.2ft. North America, 1739.A. longifolius(long-leaved).*fl.-headswhite, 1in. across, in dense corymbose panicles; involucre squarrose. October.l.linear-lanceolate, rarely toothed, very long, smooth.h.3ft. North America, 1798. There are several varieties of this handsome species.A. l. formosus(charming).*fl.-headspink, produced in dense corymbs.h.1½ft. to 2ft.A. macrophyllus(large-leaved).fl.-headswhite. August.l.large, ovate, stalked, serrated, scabrous; upper ones cordate, sessile. Stem branched, diffuse.h.2ft. North America, 1739.A. multiflorus(many-flowered).*fl.-headswhite, small; corymb large, elongated; involucre imbricated; scales oblong, squarrose, acute. September.l.linear, glabrous. Stem much branched, diffuse, downy; branchlets one-sided.h.3ft. North America, 1732.A. myrtifolius(Myrtle-leaved).fl.-headswhite; involucre imbricated; scales length of disk. August.l., stem ones, amplexicaul, scabrous; those of the branches small.h.2ft. 1812.A. novæ-angliæ(New England).*fl.-headspurple, in terminal clusters. September.l.linear-lanceolate, pilose, amplexicaul, auricled at base. Stem simple, pilose, straight.h.6ft. North America, 1710. One of the best; having a tall and robust habit.A. n.-a. rubra(red).*fl.-headsdeep red pink, in other respects like the type. North America, 1812.A. novæ-belgii(New York).*fl.-headspale blue. September.l.sub-amplexicaul, lanceolate, glabrous, scabrous at edge; lower ones sub-serrated. Branches divided.h.4ft. North America, 1710. There is a variety known in gardens which belongs to this species, under the name ofamethystinus, the flowers of which are much larger and very showy.A. obliquus(oblique).fl.-headsnumerous; ray white; disk purplish. Autumn.l.alternate; lower ones linear-lanceolate, oblique; upper stem ones smaller.h.5ft. North America. A very fine species, forming large tufts.A. paniculatus(panicled).*fl.-headslight blue; involucre loose. September.l.ovate-lanceolate, sub-serrated, stalked, smooth; petioles naked. Stem much branched, smooth.h.4ft. North America, 1640.A. pannonicus(Pannonian).fl.-headsviolet; scales of involucre lanceolate, blunt, equal. July.l.linear-lanceolate, hispid at edge. Stem simple, corymbose.h.2ft. Hungary, 1815.A. patens(spreading).fl.-headslight purple, about 1in. across. October.l.oblong-lanceolate, ciliate, cordate, amplexicaul, scabrous on each side, hairy. Stem branched, hairy.h.2ft. North America, 1773.A. pendulus(drooping).*fl.-headspure white at first, ultimately rosy pink, small. September.l.elliptic-lanceolate, serrate, smooth, those of the branches distant. Branches much spreading, pendulous.h.2ft. North America, 1758. A very pretty species.A. peregrinus(foreign).*fl.-headsbluish purple, 2in. across. July, August.l.lanceolate, sub-acute, entire, smooth, those of the stem rather narrower than the radical ones. Stem smooth, or nearly so, two or three-flowered.h.1ft. North America. A very pretty little species for the rockery or border.A. pilosus(pilose).fl.-headspale blue; involucre oblong, loose, imbricated. September.l.linear-lanceolate, hoary. Stem branched, villous; branchlets somewhat one-sided, one-headed.h.2ft. North America, 1812.A. præcox(early).fl.-headsviolet; involucre imbricated; scales nearly equal; outer scales somewhat spreading. July.l.oblong-lanceolate, narrowed at the base. Stem hairy.h.2ft. North America, 1800.A. pulchellus(beautiful).*fl.-headspurple, solitary; scales of involucre nearly equal, linear, acuminate. June.l., radical ones spathulate; cauline ones linear-lanceolate.h.1ft. Armenia.A. puniceus(red-stalked).fl.-headsblue, about 1in. across; panicle large, pyramidal; involucre loose, longer than the disk. September.l.amplexicaul, lanceolate, serrate, roughish. Branches panicled.h.6ft. North America, 1710.A. pyrenæus(Pyrenean).*fl.-headslilac-blue (disk yellow), large, three to five in a short corymb. July.l.scabrous on both sides; cauline ones oblong-lanceolate, acute, sessile, sharply serrated on the upper part.h.1ft. to 1½ft. Pyrenees.A. Reevesi(Reeves's).fl.-headswhite, with yellow centre, small; panicle dense, pyramidal. Autumn.l.linear, acute. Branches slender.h.9in. to 12in. North America. A very desirable species, suitable for rockwork.A. reticulatus(netted).fl.-headswhite. July.l.lanceolate-oblong, acute at each end, sessile, revolute at end, netted, and three-nerved beneath. Plant hoary all over.h.3ft. North America, 1812.A. rubricaule(red-stemmed). Synonymous withA. spurius.A. salicifolius(Willow-leaved).fl.-headsflesh-coloured; involucre lanceolate, imbricate; scales acute, spreading at end. September.l.linear-lanceolate, nearly entire, smooth. Stem smooth, panicled at end.h.6ft. North America, 1760.A. salsuginosus(salt-plains).*fl.-headsviolet-purple; involucral scales linear, loose, glandular. July.l.entire, the lower spathulate, obovate, tapering into a margined petiole; the upper ones lanceolate, acute, with broad base, usually sub-amplexicaul. Stem minutely pubescent, leafy nearly to the top, few-flowered.h.9in. to 18in. North America, 1827. A very handsome species.A. s. elatior(tallest). This variety grows 2ft. or more high, and has rather larger flowers than the type. North America.A. sericeus(silky).fl.-headsdeep blue; terminal, about 1½in. across. Summer and autumn.l.oblong-lanceolate, sessile, entire, three-nerved, silky with down.h.3ft. Missouri, 1802. This is a half-hardy evergreen shrub, and requires a warm, well-drained soil.A. serotinus(late-flowering).fl.-headsblue. September.l.oblong-lanceolate, acuminate, sessile, smooth, scabrous at edge; lowerones serrated; branches corymbose, smooth.h.3ft. North America.A. Shortii(Short's).fl.-headspurplish blue, about 1in. across; panicles long, racemose. Autumn.l.lanceolate, elongated, acuminated, cordate at the base.h.2ft. to 4ft. Stem slender, spreading. North America.A. sibiricus(Siberian).fl.-headsblue; involucre loose; leaflets lanceolate, acuminate, hispid. August.l.lanceolate, sub-amplexicaul, serrate, pilose, scabrous.h.2ft. Siberia, 1768.A. sikkimensis(Sikkimese).*fl.-headspurple; leaflets of involucre linear, acuminate, sub-squarrose. October.l.lanceolate, acuminate, spinosely denticulate; radical ones on longer petioles; cauline ones sessile; corymbs large, of many heads, leafy, erect, glabrous, branched.h.3ft. Sikkim, 1850.A. spectabilis(showy).*fl.-headsblue; scales of involucre loose, leafy. August.l.lanceolate, roughish, somewhat amplexicaul; lower ones serrate in the middle.h.2ft. North America, 1777. A very pretty species.A. spurius(spurious).fl.-headspurple, large, few; inner scales of involucre coloured. September.l.linear-lanceolate, amplexicaul, polished. Stem virgate, panicled. Branches racemose.h.4ft. North America, 1789. SYN.A. rubricaule.A. tardiflorus(late-flowering).fl.-headsblue, numerous. Autumn.l.sessile, serrated, smooth, spathulate-lanceolate, narrowed at base, and bent down towards each side.h.2ft. North America, 1775.A. Townshendi(Townshend's). Synonymous withA. Bigelovii.A. Tradescanti(Tradescant's).*fl.-headswhite; involucre imbricated. August.l.lanceolate-sessile, serrated, smooth; branches virgate. Stem round, smooth.h.3ft. North America, 1633.A. multiflorusis very much like this species, and, perhaps, a mere form thereof, with somewhat smaller flowers and more obovate-oblong leaves.A. tripolium(Tripoli). Michaelmas Daisy.fl.-headsblue; disk yellow; scales of involucre lanceolate, membranous, obtuse, imbricated. August.l.linear-lanceolate, fleshy, obscurely three-nerved. Stem glabrous, corymbose.h.2ft. Britain.

A. hyssopifolius(Hyssop-leaved).*fl.-headswhite, or purple shaded; scales of the involucre about half as long as the disk. August to October.l.linear-lanceolate, acute, with the margins scabrous. Branches fastigiate and corymbose, smooth.h.1½ft. to 2ft. North America.

A. lævigatus(smooth-stemmed).fl.-headsflesh-coloured, about 1in. across, disposed in large panicles. September.l.sub-amplexicaul, broad-lanceolate, sub-serrate, smooth. Stem glabrous. Branches many-headed.h.3ft. North America, 1794.

A. lævis(smooth).*fl.-headsblue; involucre imbricated with cuneiform leaflets. September.l.sub-amplexicaul, remotely oblong, entire, lucid; radical ones sub-serrated.h.2ft. North America, 1758. One of the best border species.

A. laxus(loose-flowered).fl.-headswhite, about 1in. across; clusters loose. October.l.linear-lanceolate, scabrous at edge; lower ones sub-serrated; stem ones reflexed. Stem loosely panicled.h.2ft. North America.

A. linarifolius(Toad-flax-leaved).fl.-headspale blue. September.l.numerous, linear, mucronated, nerveless, not dotted, keeled, scabrous, rigid. Branches fastigiate, one-headed.h.1ft. North America, 1699.

A. linifolius(Flax-leaved).fl.-headswhite; involucre imbricated, short. July.l.linear, nerveless, dotted, scabrous, reflexed, spreading. Branches corymbose, fastigiate, leafy.h.2ft. North America, 1739.

A. longifolius(long-leaved).*fl.-headswhite, 1in. across, in dense corymbose panicles; involucre squarrose. October.l.linear-lanceolate, rarely toothed, very long, smooth.h.3ft. North America, 1798. There are several varieties of this handsome species.

A. l. formosus(charming).*fl.-headspink, produced in dense corymbs.h.1½ft. to 2ft.

A. macrophyllus(large-leaved).fl.-headswhite. August.l.large, ovate, stalked, serrated, scabrous; upper ones cordate, sessile. Stem branched, diffuse.h.2ft. North America, 1739.

A. multiflorus(many-flowered).*fl.-headswhite, small; corymb large, elongated; involucre imbricated; scales oblong, squarrose, acute. September.l.linear, glabrous. Stem much branched, diffuse, downy; branchlets one-sided.h.3ft. North America, 1732.

A. myrtifolius(Myrtle-leaved).fl.-headswhite; involucre imbricated; scales length of disk. August.l., stem ones, amplexicaul, scabrous; those of the branches small.h.2ft. 1812.

A. novæ-angliæ(New England).*fl.-headspurple, in terminal clusters. September.l.linear-lanceolate, pilose, amplexicaul, auricled at base. Stem simple, pilose, straight.h.6ft. North America, 1710. One of the best; having a tall and robust habit.

A. n.-a. rubra(red).*fl.-headsdeep red pink, in other respects like the type. North America, 1812.

A. novæ-belgii(New York).*fl.-headspale blue. September.l.sub-amplexicaul, lanceolate, glabrous, scabrous at edge; lower ones sub-serrated. Branches divided.h.4ft. North America, 1710. There is a variety known in gardens which belongs to this species, under the name ofamethystinus, the flowers of which are much larger and very showy.

A. obliquus(oblique).fl.-headsnumerous; ray white; disk purplish. Autumn.l.alternate; lower ones linear-lanceolate, oblique; upper stem ones smaller.h.5ft. North America. A very fine species, forming large tufts.

A. paniculatus(panicled).*fl.-headslight blue; involucre loose. September.l.ovate-lanceolate, sub-serrated, stalked, smooth; petioles naked. Stem much branched, smooth.h.4ft. North America, 1640.

A. pannonicus(Pannonian).fl.-headsviolet; scales of involucre lanceolate, blunt, equal. July.l.linear-lanceolate, hispid at edge. Stem simple, corymbose.h.2ft. Hungary, 1815.

A. patens(spreading).fl.-headslight purple, about 1in. across. October.l.oblong-lanceolate, ciliate, cordate, amplexicaul, scabrous on each side, hairy. Stem branched, hairy.h.2ft. North America, 1773.

A. pendulus(drooping).*fl.-headspure white at first, ultimately rosy pink, small. September.l.elliptic-lanceolate, serrate, smooth, those of the branches distant. Branches much spreading, pendulous.h.2ft. North America, 1758. A very pretty species.

A. peregrinus(foreign).*fl.-headsbluish purple, 2in. across. July, August.l.lanceolate, sub-acute, entire, smooth, those of the stem rather narrower than the radical ones. Stem smooth, or nearly so, two or three-flowered.h.1ft. North America. A very pretty little species for the rockery or border.

A. pilosus(pilose).fl.-headspale blue; involucre oblong, loose, imbricated. September.l.linear-lanceolate, hoary. Stem branched, villous; branchlets somewhat one-sided, one-headed.h.2ft. North America, 1812.

A. præcox(early).fl.-headsviolet; involucre imbricated; scales nearly equal; outer scales somewhat spreading. July.l.oblong-lanceolate, narrowed at the base. Stem hairy.h.2ft. North America, 1800.

A. pulchellus(beautiful).*fl.-headspurple, solitary; scales of involucre nearly equal, linear, acuminate. June.l., radical ones spathulate; cauline ones linear-lanceolate.h.1ft. Armenia.

A. puniceus(red-stalked).fl.-headsblue, about 1in. across; panicle large, pyramidal; involucre loose, longer than the disk. September.l.amplexicaul, lanceolate, serrate, roughish. Branches panicled.h.6ft. North America, 1710.

A. pyrenæus(Pyrenean).*fl.-headslilac-blue (disk yellow), large, three to five in a short corymb. July.l.scabrous on both sides; cauline ones oblong-lanceolate, acute, sessile, sharply serrated on the upper part.h.1ft. to 1½ft. Pyrenees.

A. Reevesi(Reeves's).fl.-headswhite, with yellow centre, small; panicle dense, pyramidal. Autumn.l.linear, acute. Branches slender.h.9in. to 12in. North America. A very desirable species, suitable for rockwork.

A. reticulatus(netted).fl.-headswhite. July.l.lanceolate-oblong, acute at each end, sessile, revolute at end, netted, and three-nerved beneath. Plant hoary all over.h.3ft. North America, 1812.

A. rubricaule(red-stemmed). Synonymous withA. spurius.

A. salicifolius(Willow-leaved).fl.-headsflesh-coloured; involucre lanceolate, imbricate; scales acute, spreading at end. September.l.linear-lanceolate, nearly entire, smooth. Stem smooth, panicled at end.h.6ft. North America, 1760.

A. salsuginosus(salt-plains).*fl.-headsviolet-purple; involucral scales linear, loose, glandular. July.l.entire, the lower spathulate, obovate, tapering into a margined petiole; the upper ones lanceolate, acute, with broad base, usually sub-amplexicaul. Stem minutely pubescent, leafy nearly to the top, few-flowered.h.9in. to 18in. North America, 1827. A very handsome species.

A. s. elatior(tallest). This variety grows 2ft. or more high, and has rather larger flowers than the type. North America.

A. sericeus(silky).fl.-headsdeep blue; terminal, about 1½in. across. Summer and autumn.l.oblong-lanceolate, sessile, entire, three-nerved, silky with down.h.3ft. Missouri, 1802. This is a half-hardy evergreen shrub, and requires a warm, well-drained soil.

A. serotinus(late-flowering).fl.-headsblue. September.l.oblong-lanceolate, acuminate, sessile, smooth, scabrous at edge; lowerones serrated; branches corymbose, smooth.h.3ft. North America.

A. Shortii(Short's).fl.-headspurplish blue, about 1in. across; panicles long, racemose. Autumn.l.lanceolate, elongated, acuminated, cordate at the base.h.2ft. to 4ft. Stem slender, spreading. North America.

A. sibiricus(Siberian).fl.-headsblue; involucre loose; leaflets lanceolate, acuminate, hispid. August.l.lanceolate, sub-amplexicaul, serrate, pilose, scabrous.h.2ft. Siberia, 1768.

A. sikkimensis(Sikkimese).*fl.-headspurple; leaflets of involucre linear, acuminate, sub-squarrose. October.l.lanceolate, acuminate, spinosely denticulate; radical ones on longer petioles; cauline ones sessile; corymbs large, of many heads, leafy, erect, glabrous, branched.h.3ft. Sikkim, 1850.

A. spectabilis(showy).*fl.-headsblue; scales of involucre loose, leafy. August.l.lanceolate, roughish, somewhat amplexicaul; lower ones serrate in the middle.h.2ft. North America, 1777. A very pretty species.

A. spurius(spurious).fl.-headspurple, large, few; inner scales of involucre coloured. September.l.linear-lanceolate, amplexicaul, polished. Stem virgate, panicled. Branches racemose.h.4ft. North America, 1789. SYN.A. rubricaule.

A. tardiflorus(late-flowering).fl.-headsblue, numerous. Autumn.l.sessile, serrated, smooth, spathulate-lanceolate, narrowed at base, and bent down towards each side.h.2ft. North America, 1775.

A. Townshendi(Townshend's). Synonymous withA. Bigelovii.

A. Tradescanti(Tradescant's).*fl.-headswhite; involucre imbricated. August.l.lanceolate-sessile, serrated, smooth; branches virgate. Stem round, smooth.h.3ft. North America, 1633.A. multiflorusis very much like this species, and, perhaps, a mere form thereof, with somewhat smaller flowers and more obovate-oblong leaves.

A. tripolium(Tripoli). Michaelmas Daisy.fl.-headsblue; disk yellow; scales of involucre lanceolate, membranous, obtuse, imbricated. August.l.linear-lanceolate, fleshy, obscurely three-nerved. Stem glabrous, corymbose.h.2ft. Britain.

FIG. 182. ASTERTURBINELLUS.

A. turbinellus(turbinate).fl.-headsdelicate mauve, disposed in panicles; involucre top-shaped, scales imbricate. Summer and autumn.l.lanceolate, smooth, entire, with fringed margins, somewhat stem-clasping; those of the branchlets awl-shaped.h.2ft. to 3ft. North America. A very desirable species. See Fig. 182.A. undulatus(undulated).fl.-headspale blue. August.l.oblong-cordate, amplexicaul, entire; petioles winged. Stem panicled, hispid. Branchlets one-sided.h.3ft. North America, 1699.A. versicolor(various-coloured).*fl.-headswhite, changing to purple; scales of involucre shorter than disk. August.l.sub-amplexicaul, broad-lanceolate, sub-serrate, smooth. Stem glabrous.h.3ft. North America, 1790.

A. undulatus(undulated).fl.-headspale blue. August.l.oblong-cordate, amplexicaul, entire; petioles winged. Stem panicled, hispid. Branchlets one-sided.h.3ft. North America, 1699.

A. versicolor(various-coloured).*fl.-headswhite, changing to purple; scales of involucre shorter than disk. August.l.sub-amplexicaul, broad-lanceolate, sub-serrate, smooth. Stem glabrous.h.3ft. North America, 1790.

The annuals (Callistemma hortensis), usually known as French, German, or China Asters, are very extensively grown, both for beds and pots, and their diversity and generally compact growth render them almost universal favourites. They require a rich loamy soil, and as the roots are produced near the surface, a mulching of rotten dung will be found most beneficial. Seeds may be raised in a cold frame in March or April, and, when the seedlings are large enough, they must be transplanted into beds from 9in. to 12in. apart each way. If it is desired to have them in pots, they may be removed thence with a good ball of earth adhering just before they commence flowering, liberally watered, and kept lightly shaded from the sun, until root action is resumed. Those kinds required for exhibition purposes should have several of the side shoots removed, so that the whole growing energy of the plant may be centralised into from five to seven flower-heads, by which means fine blooms may be obtained. The dwarf kinds are most valuable for bedding and pots, as the taller kinds frequently require stakes for support. The following are the most important sections:

Betteridge's Prize.Very beautifully formed and brilliantly coloured varieties, unsurpassed for exhibition purposes. As this class has rather a straggling habit of growth, it is less suitable for bedding and borders than many of the others.Boltze's Miniature Bouquet Pyramidal.Dwarf and elegant, in compact bouquets of six or eight; the truss of flower-heads springs directly from the ground, having only a few leaves at base. Colours very varied.h.6in. to 8in.

Boltze's Miniature Bouquet Pyramidal.Dwarf and elegant, in compact bouquets of six or eight; the truss of flower-heads springs directly from the ground, having only a few leaves at base. Colours very varied.h.6in. to 8in.

FIG.183. TRUFFAUT'SPEONY-FLOWEREDASTER.

FIG.184. TRUFFAUT'SPERFECTIONASTER.

Crown.* Distinct. The central portion, or disk, of the head of flowers is pure white, surrounded by a broad margin of coloured ray florets, such as purple, violet, crimson, rose, &c. Flower-heads large, flat, freely produced.h.1ft. to 1½ft.Dwarf Chrysanthemum-flowered.* In size of flower-heads and habit of growth, this surpasses all other dwarf varieties. The flowers are full, Chrysanthemum-shaped, produced in clusters, or bouquets, from ten to twenty in a truss, very delicate and beautiful in colour.h.1ft.Dwarf PyramidalorDwarf Bouquet. A pretty little class, and extremely floriferous, each plant producing from twenty to fifty heads of bloom. Some of the colours are: Exquisite carmine with white points, white with blue or carmine points, white with salmon centre, &c.h.1ft.Improved Imbricate.The best strain of pyramidal Asters with recurved florets; fine regular form of flowers, double to the centre, producing but few seeds. Colours very brilliant.h.2ft.Improved Rose.A handsome class, producing a branched head, displaying no less than fifty large double flower-heads, the outerflorets finely imbricated, and filled up to the centre when quite open. The colours are of great brilliancy, and of many shades.h.2ft.Pompone Goliath.* Flower-heads globular, and florets very closely set. Valuable for bouquets, as the flowers remain intact for a considerable time.Pyramidal Hedgehog.Singular and unique. Stems upright, and branched; each branch terminated by a single flower-head, which is filled up with quill-like florets. Colours various.h.1½ft.Truffaut's Pæony Perfection.* Vigorous upright growers, having large, hemispherical-formed heads of flowers with incurved florets, 4in. across. The colours also are very varied.h.about 2ft. See Figs. 183 and 184.

Dwarf Chrysanthemum-flowered.* In size of flower-heads and habit of growth, this surpasses all other dwarf varieties. The flowers are full, Chrysanthemum-shaped, produced in clusters, or bouquets, from ten to twenty in a truss, very delicate and beautiful in colour.h.1ft.

Dwarf PyramidalorDwarf Bouquet. A pretty little class, and extremely floriferous, each plant producing from twenty to fifty heads of bloom. Some of the colours are: Exquisite carmine with white points, white with blue or carmine points, white with salmon centre, &c.h.1ft.

Improved Imbricate.The best strain of pyramidal Asters with recurved florets; fine regular form of flowers, double to the centre, producing but few seeds. Colours very brilliant.h.2ft.

Improved Rose.A handsome class, producing a branched head, displaying no less than fifty large double flower-heads, the outerflorets finely imbricated, and filled up to the centre when quite open. The colours are of great brilliancy, and of many shades.h.2ft.

Pompone Goliath.* Flower-heads globular, and florets very closely set. Valuable for bouquets, as the flowers remain intact for a considerable time.

Pyramidal Hedgehog.Singular and unique. Stems upright, and branched; each branch terminated by a single flower-head, which is filled up with quill-like florets. Colours various.h.1½ft.

Truffaut's Pæony Perfection.* Vigorous upright growers, having large, hemispherical-formed heads of flowers with incurved florets, 4in. across. The colours also are very varied.h.about 2ft. See Figs. 183 and 184.

FIG. 185. VICTORIAASTER.

Victoria.* One of the most popular classes of Asters grown; flower-heads very double, imbricate, globular, 4in. in diameter, from ten to twenty on a plant, of various shades.h.1ft., with a pyramidal habit. See Fig. 185.

ASTERACANTHA(fromaster, a star, andacantha, a spine; referring to the disposition of the spines). ORD.Acanthaceæ. A handsome greenhouse herbaceous perennial, of easy culture in sandy loam. It should be grown in a sunny position, and be kept moderately dry, otherwise little but foliaceous growth will be produced; but, if thus treated, it flowers freely. Propagated by divisions in spring; or by seeds, sown in August.

A. longifolia(long-leaved).fl.yellow, in dense axillary fascicles. July.l.lanceolate, tapering to the base, narrow, sessile, serrately ciliated. Stem quadrangular. Plant rather hairy.h.2ft. India, 1781.

ASTERACEÆ.SeeCompositæ.

ASTEROCEPHALUS.SeeScabiosa.

ASTILBE(froma, without, andstilbe, brilliancy; in allusion to the inconspicuous flowers of some of the species). ORD.Saxifragaceæ. Tall branching herbs, with triternate or biternate leaves, allied toSpiræa, from which they differ in having not more than three carpels, eight or ten stamens, and numerous albuminous seeds. They are all more or less graceful, and some indispensable, either when grown in isolated clumps, or intermingled with other herbaceous plants. They thrive well in almost any rich garden soil, preferring damp positions, and are easily propagated by division, which is best done in early spring.A. japonicais grown very extensively for decorative purposes, its elegant spikes of pure white flowers rendering it especially valuable. The majority of the plants cultivated are imported, but they may be grown fairly well in this country in heavily manured soil. They should be potted as early as possible in the autumn, and plunged in ashes or fibre outside, when they will soon commence to root, after which they may be placed in heat, and forced as required, always giving an abundance of water. Indeed, the pots may be stood in pans of water, especially when the plants are well furnished with growth.

A. barbata(bearded). A synonym ofA. japonica.A. decandra(ten-stamened).fl.white, in spicate racemose panicles. May.l.biternate; leaflets cordate, deeply lobed and serrated, glandular beneath, and on the petioles.h.2ft. to 3ft. North America, 1812.

A. barbata(bearded). A synonym ofA. japonica.

A. decandra(ten-stamened).fl.white, in spicate racemose panicles. May.l.biternate; leaflets cordate, deeply lobed and serrated, glandular beneath, and on the petioles.h.2ft. to 3ft. North America, 1812.

FIG. 186. ASTILBEJAPONICA.

A. japonica(Japanese).*fl.small, pure white, in large branching racemose panicles. May.l.triternate or pinnate, serrated.h.1ft. to 2ft. Japan. This is best grown in pots, as early frosts generally cut it down in the open air. SYNS.Spiræa barbataandjaponica, alsoHoteiaandA. barbata. See Fig 186.A. j. variegata(variegated).*l.prettily variegated with yellow; panicles much more dense than the type; indeed, it is far superior in that respect.

A. j. variegata(variegated).*l.prettily variegated with yellow; panicles much more dense than the type; indeed, it is far superior in that respect.

FIG. 187. ASTILBERIVULARIS.

A. rivularis(brook).*fl.yellowish-white, or reddish, in large panicled spikes. Late summer.l.biternate; leaflets ovate, doubly serrated, villous beneath and on the petioles.h.3ft. Nepaul. A grand plant for the margins of lakes or damp woodlands. See Fig. 187.A. rubra(red).*fl.rose, very numerous, in dense panicles. Late summer and autumn.l.biternate; leaflets oblique, cordate, 1in. to 2in. long, with elongated, serrated points.h.4ft. to 6ft. India, 1851. A very pretty, but rare species; excellent for sub-tropical gardening.A. Thunbergi(Thunberg's).*fl.small, white, very numerous, in erect, much branched, pyramidal panicles, with reddish and slightly downy stalks. May.l.unequally pinnate or bipinnate; leaflets broad, yellowish green, sharply toothed.h.1½ft. Japan, 1878. This pretty little sub-shrub is extensively propagated on the Continent for forcing purposes.

A. rubra(red).*fl.rose, very numerous, in dense panicles. Late summer and autumn.l.biternate; leaflets oblique, cordate, 1in. to 2in. long, with elongated, serrated points.h.4ft. to 6ft. India, 1851. A very pretty, but rare species; excellent for sub-tropical gardening.

A. Thunbergi(Thunberg's).*fl.small, white, very numerous, in erect, much branched, pyramidal panicles, with reddish and slightly downy stalks. May.l.unequally pinnate or bipinnate; leaflets broad, yellowish green, sharply toothed.h.1½ft. Japan, 1878. This pretty little sub-shrub is extensively propagated on the Continent for forcing purposes.

ASTRAGALUS(a name applied to a shrub by Greek writers). Milk Vetch. ORD.Leguminosæ. A very large genus of hardy herbs or sub-shrubs. Flowers in axillary clusters; standard larger than the wings. Leaves unequally pinnate. About one hundred species have from time to time been introduced in English gardens; many of these are lost to cultivation; the comparative few here described are still generally grown, and are good representative species. They are all of easy culture. The shrubby kinds grow well in any light dry soil, and are slowly increased by cuttings placed in a cold frame, or by seeds. The herbaceous perennials prefer a dry light soil, and may be increased by divisions or seeds; the latter mode is preferable, as many species are very liable to die if transplanted or divided, which is at best but a slow method. Seed should be sown in pots of sandy soil placed in a cold frame as soon as ripe, or very early in the spring, as they may lie a long time before germinating. The dwarfer species constitute admirable rockwork plants, and can be grown in pots containing a mixture of loam, peat, and sand. Seeds of the two annual species,A. CicerandA. Glaux, merely require to be sown in the open border early in spring.

A. adsurgens(adsurgent).*fl.bluish purple; spikes oblong, pedunculate, longer than the leaves, densely packed. June.l.with eleven to twelve pairs of ovate-lanceolate acute leaflets; stipules acuminated, length of leaves. Plant ascending, smoothish. Siberia, 1818. A very handsome and rare perennial species.A. aduncus(hooked).fl.rose purple, in oblong spikes; peduncles rather shorter than the leaves. June and July.l.with numerous pairs of roundish-ovate, smooth leaflets, sometimes downy.h.6in. to 9in. Caucasus, 1819. Perennial.A. alopecuroides(foxtail-like).*fl.yellow, disposed in thick dense ovate-oblong spikes, on short axillary peduncles. June.l.with numerous ovate-lanceolate, pubescent leaflets; stipules ovate-lanceolate, acuminated. Plant erect.h.2ft. to 5ft. Siberia, 1737. One of the finest perennial species grown.A. alpinus(alpine).fl.bluish-purple, sometimes whitish, drooping, disposed in racemes of about ½in. long. Summer.l.impari-pinnate, with eight to twelve pairs of ovate or oblong leaflets. Britain. A very desirable, hairy, prostrate perennial.A. arenarius(sand-loving).*fl.blue; peduncles few-flowered, rather shorter than the leaves. June.l.with linear-obtuse leaflets; stipules connate, opposite the leaves. Plant diffuse, tomentose from white adpressed down.h.6in. Denmark, 1800. Perennial.A. austriacus(Austrian).*fl.few; upper petal, or vexillum, blue, the rest purple; racemes pedunculate, longer than the leaves. May.l., leaflets glabrous, linear, truncately emarginate. Plant diffusely procumbent. South Europe, 1640. Perennial.A. canadensis(Canadian).fl.yellow, disposed in spikes; peduncles about as long as the leaves. July.l.with ten to twelve pairs of elliptic-oblong, bluntish leaflets. Plant nearly erect, rather hairy.h.2ft. to 3ft. North America, 1732. Perennial.A. Cicer(Vetch-like).fl.pale yellow, disposed in spike-like heads; peduncles longer than the leaves. July.l.with ten to thirteen pairs of elliptic-oblong mucronate leaflets. Plant diffusely procumbent. Europe, 1570. Annual.A. dahuricus(Dahurian).fl.purple, in dense racemes, which are longer than the leaves. July.l., leaflets, seven to nine pairs, oblong, mucronate. Plant erect, pilose.h.1ft. to 2ft. Dahuria to China, 1822. Perennial.A. dasyglottis(thick-tongued).*fl.purple, blue, and white mixed, in capitate spikes; peduncles a little longer than the leaves. June.l., leaflets elliptic-oblong, somewhat emarginate; stipules connate, opposite the leaves.h.3in. to 4in. Plant diffuse. Siberia, 1818. A charming little alpine perennial.A. falcatus(hooked).fl.greenish yellow, in spikes; peduncles rather longer than the leaves. June.l.with sixteen to twenty pairs of elliptic-oblong, acute leaflets. Plant erect, rather hairy.h.1ft. to 2ft. Siberia (in wet, grassy places). Perennial. SYN.A. virescens.A. galegiformis(Galega-like).*fl.pale yellow, pendulous, racemose; peduncles longer than the leaves. June.l.with twelve to thirteen pairs of elliptic-oblong leaflets. Plant erect, glabrous.h.3ft. to 5ft. Siberia, 1729. A showy perennial species.A. Glaux(Milkwort).fl.purplish, in dense heads; peduncles longer than the leaves. June.l.with eight to thirteen pairs of small, oblong, acutish leaflets. Spain, 1596. Procumbent annual, clothed with whitish hair.A. glycyphyllos(sweet-leaved).*fl.sulphur coloured, in ovate-oblong spikes; peduncles shorter than the leaves. June.l.with four, five, to seven pairs of oval, bluntish, smooth leaflets; stipules ovate-lanceolate, entire.h.2ft. to 3ft. Britain. A perennial prostrate trailer.A. hypoglottis(under-tongued).*fl.variegated with purplish, blue and white, disposed in roundish heads; peduncles longer than the leaves, ascending. June.l.with numerous little ovate, obtuse, dark green leaflets, somewhat emarginate; stipules connate, ovate. Stems prostrate, rather hairy.h.3in. Britain, &c. Perennial trailer.A. h. alba(white-flowered).* This resembles the type, except in the colour of the flowers.A. leucophyllus(hoary-leaved).*fl.pale yellow, about ½in. long, in dense racemes; peduncles much longer than the leaves. July and August.l., leaflets in numerous pairs, broadly-linear, covered with soft, silky pubescence.h.2ft. to 3ft. North America. Perennial.A. maximus(largest).*fl.yellow; spike sessile, cylindrical, nearly terminal. June.l.with ovate-lanceolate, pubescent leaflets; stipules oblong-lanceolate.h.2ft. to 3ft. Armenia. A very handsome, erect, perennial species.

A. aduncus(hooked).fl.rose purple, in oblong spikes; peduncles rather shorter than the leaves. June and July.l.with numerous pairs of roundish-ovate, smooth leaflets, sometimes downy.h.6in. to 9in. Caucasus, 1819. Perennial.

A. alopecuroides(foxtail-like).*fl.yellow, disposed in thick dense ovate-oblong spikes, on short axillary peduncles. June.l.with numerous ovate-lanceolate, pubescent leaflets; stipules ovate-lanceolate, acuminated. Plant erect.h.2ft. to 5ft. Siberia, 1737. One of the finest perennial species grown.

A. alpinus(alpine).fl.bluish-purple, sometimes whitish, drooping, disposed in racemes of about ½in. long. Summer.l.impari-pinnate, with eight to twelve pairs of ovate or oblong leaflets. Britain. A very desirable, hairy, prostrate perennial.

A. arenarius(sand-loving).*fl.blue; peduncles few-flowered, rather shorter than the leaves. June.l.with linear-obtuse leaflets; stipules connate, opposite the leaves. Plant diffuse, tomentose from white adpressed down.h.6in. Denmark, 1800. Perennial.

A. austriacus(Austrian).*fl.few; upper petal, or vexillum, blue, the rest purple; racemes pedunculate, longer than the leaves. May.l., leaflets glabrous, linear, truncately emarginate. Plant diffusely procumbent. South Europe, 1640. Perennial.

A. canadensis(Canadian).fl.yellow, disposed in spikes; peduncles about as long as the leaves. July.l.with ten to twelve pairs of elliptic-oblong, bluntish leaflets. Plant nearly erect, rather hairy.h.2ft. to 3ft. North America, 1732. Perennial.

A. Cicer(Vetch-like).fl.pale yellow, disposed in spike-like heads; peduncles longer than the leaves. July.l.with ten to thirteen pairs of elliptic-oblong mucronate leaflets. Plant diffusely procumbent. Europe, 1570. Annual.

A. dahuricus(Dahurian).fl.purple, in dense racemes, which are longer than the leaves. July.l., leaflets, seven to nine pairs, oblong, mucronate. Plant erect, pilose.h.1ft. to 2ft. Dahuria to China, 1822. Perennial.

A. dasyglottis(thick-tongued).*fl.purple, blue, and white mixed, in capitate spikes; peduncles a little longer than the leaves. June.l., leaflets elliptic-oblong, somewhat emarginate; stipules connate, opposite the leaves.h.3in. to 4in. Plant diffuse. Siberia, 1818. A charming little alpine perennial.

A. falcatus(hooked).fl.greenish yellow, in spikes; peduncles rather longer than the leaves. June.l.with sixteen to twenty pairs of elliptic-oblong, acute leaflets. Plant erect, rather hairy.h.1ft. to 2ft. Siberia (in wet, grassy places). Perennial. SYN.A. virescens.

A. galegiformis(Galega-like).*fl.pale yellow, pendulous, racemose; peduncles longer than the leaves. June.l.with twelve to thirteen pairs of elliptic-oblong leaflets. Plant erect, glabrous.h.3ft. to 5ft. Siberia, 1729. A showy perennial species.

A. Glaux(Milkwort).fl.purplish, in dense heads; peduncles longer than the leaves. June.l.with eight to thirteen pairs of small, oblong, acutish leaflets. Spain, 1596. Procumbent annual, clothed with whitish hair.

A. glycyphyllos(sweet-leaved).*fl.sulphur coloured, in ovate-oblong spikes; peduncles shorter than the leaves. June.l.with four, five, to seven pairs of oval, bluntish, smooth leaflets; stipules ovate-lanceolate, entire.h.2ft. to 3ft. Britain. A perennial prostrate trailer.

A. hypoglottis(under-tongued).*fl.variegated with purplish, blue and white, disposed in roundish heads; peduncles longer than the leaves, ascending. June.l.with numerous little ovate, obtuse, dark green leaflets, somewhat emarginate; stipules connate, ovate. Stems prostrate, rather hairy.h.3in. Britain, &c. Perennial trailer.

A. h. alba(white-flowered).* This resembles the type, except in the colour of the flowers.

A. leucophyllus(hoary-leaved).*fl.pale yellow, about ½in. long, in dense racemes; peduncles much longer than the leaves. July and August.l., leaflets in numerous pairs, broadly-linear, covered with soft, silky pubescence.h.2ft. to 3ft. North America. Perennial.

A. maximus(largest).*fl.yellow; spike sessile, cylindrical, nearly terminal. June.l.with ovate-lanceolate, pubescent leaflets; stipules oblong-lanceolate.h.2ft. to 3ft. Armenia. A very handsome, erect, perennial species.

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