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llie edge minutely and rarely indented, the midrib wliilish : the la- 

 teral nerves are nearly at right angles with this; and the leaves at 

 their first appearance are rolled in at the edge. The flowers are 

 purple, showy, growing in a kind of long spike, on purple peduncles, 

 the length of the germ, bending down before the flowers open, but 

 afterwards erect; seldom more than lour or five blow to«rether on 

 the same spike. From the great similitude of the leaves to those of 

 willow, it has obtained the name of AViilow-herb, or French Willow. 



There is a variety with white flowers. 



Culture. — It is readily increased by dividing its creeping roots, 

 and planting portions of them out in moist shady situations Avhere 

 they are to remain, in either the autumn or early spring. The plants 

 may also be raised by sowing the seeds in the same situations. The 

 plants afterwards require only to be kept within proper limits. 



They are well suited to shady situations, and for covering rock- 

 work. 



