AUGUST. 351 
the whole plant hairy. ‘The plants of this genus were used 
formerly to drive away fleas, whence the name. 
SYNGENESIA. SUPERFLUA. 
COROLLIFLOR2. ASTERACES. 
SOLIDAGO. (GoLDEN-RoD.) 
Generic Character. Jnvolucre with the scales lying close over 
each other. florets of the ray few and yellow. 
SOLIDAGO VIRGAUREA. Common Golden-rod. This plant 
was formerly very much used in medicine, or at least in 
surgery ; for it was supposed to cure wounds, and was 
brought from abroad in large quantities ; but now, I believe, 
it is not considered efficacious. Not very common, but 
often planted in shrubberies, as its bright golden-coloured 
flowers are showy. It is tall, with long narrow leaves, the 
lower ones being broader and stalked. The spikes of 
flowers erect and crowded. It might be mistaken for the 
great Rag-wort, Senecio Jacobea, did not the leaves distin- 
guish it. 
