38 



A M ERI C A .\ M J: 1 ) U ■ 1 ^ A I 



.KAVES A^'D HERBS. 



The broad-leaved gum plant (Grindelia squarrosa) is very similar to G. robusta, except 

 that it is smaller and less gummy in appearance. It is more sparintrly branched 

 near the top and the branches seem more reddis^h. The leaves are also clasjiing, but 

 they are longer, about 2 inches in length, and broader, thinner in texture and not 

 rigid, and more prominently toothed. The smaller flower heads are generally longer 

 than broad and have narrower involucral scales, the recurved tips of which are longer 

 and more slender. (Fig. 29.^ 



Collection, prices, and uses. — The leaves and flowering tops of both species of Grin- 

 delia are official in the United States Pharmacopoeia, and should be collected about 



the time that the flowers 

 have come into full bloom. 

 The price ranges from 

 about 5 to 10 cents a 

 pound, ^^'hile both spe- 

 cies are official, the leaves 

 and tops of Grindelia squar- 

 rosa, being more prevalent, 

 are generally used. 



The odor of grindelia is 

 balsamic and the taste 

 resinous, sharply aromatic, 

 and slightly bitter. The 

 drug is sometimes used in 

 asthmatic and similar af- 

 fections, as a stomachic, 

 tonic, and externally in 

 cases of poisoning by poison 

 ivy. 



CAXADA FLEABANE. 



Leplilon canadense (L.) 

 Britton. 



Synonym . — E rigeron 

 canadensis L. 



Other common names. — 

 Erigeron, h o r s e w e e d , 

 mare's-tail, Canada erig- 

 eron, butterweed, bitter- 

 weed, cow's-tail, colt's-tail, fireweed, bloodstanch, hogweed, pridewecd, scabious. 



Habitat and range. — Canada fleabane is common in fields and waste places and along 

 roadsides almost throughout North America. It is also widely distributed as a weed 

 in the Old World and in South America. 



Description. — The size of this weed, which is an annual, depends upon the kind of 

 soil in which it grows, the height varying from a few inches only to sometimes 10 feet 

 in favorable soil. The erect stem is bristly hairy or sometimes smooth, and in the 

 larger plants usually branched near the top. The loaves are usually somewhat hairy, 

 the lower ones 1 to 4 int-hes long, broader at the top and narrowing toward the base, 

 with margins toothed, lobed, or unbroken, while those scattered along the stem 

 are rather narrow with margins generally entire. This weed, which belongs to the 

 aster family (Asteracete), produces from June to November numerous heads of email, 

 inconspicuous white flowers, followed by an abundance of seed. (Fig. 30.) 

 219 



Fig. 30. — Canada LlL'al>arH' {Liiilihin C(fil!i(liiis( ;, llowriiii'^' lops. 



