COMPOSIT^E. 155 



A. grandifloms [Largc-flowei-ed Star-ivort). — This species 

 grows about 2 or 3 feet high. The leaves are narrow, lance- 

 shaped, those on the higher parts of the stems being reflexed. 

 Flower-heads very large, with v/idespread purple rays, appear- 

 ing from October on till Christmas. It flowers too late to be 

 of much use in the north or other cold localities in ordinar}^ 

 circumstances ; but planted at the foot of a wall with a south 

 exposure, it will bloom right on to the end of the year. Native 

 of North America. 



A. Isevis {^Shining-leaved Star-zvort). — The plant grows about 

 2 feet high, producing oblong, smooth, shining leaves, and mo- 

 derately-dense coiymbs of bright blue flowers, in September 

 and October. Native of North America, and suitable for bor- 

 der or shrubbery decoration. 



A. novae anglise iyNew England Star-wort). — This is one 

 of the finest of Star-worts as regards the profusion and showi- 

 ness of its inflorescence, but is rather straggling and top-heavy. 

 It grows 4 or 5 feet high. The leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, 

 slightly hairy, and stem clasping. The corymbs are great and 

 clustered, and the flower-heads are comparatively large and 

 reddish purple. They appear in September, and last for two 

 months. Native of North America. 



A. novi belgii {New York Star-wort). — This species is about 

 the same in stature as the last. The leaves are lance-shaped, 

 undivided, and smooth. The flower-heads are blue, and pro- 

 duced in open corymbs, in September and October. Native of 

 North America. 



A. patens {Spreadiiig Star-wort). — This species grows about 

 18 inches high, in open, spreading, rather graceful style. The 

 leaves are oblong, lance-shaped, and fringed with hairs, stalk- 

 less, and slightly clasping the stem with their base. The pan- 

 icles are open and spreading, and the flower-heads are deep 

 purple, appearing from September onwards. Native of North 

 America. 



A. sericeus {Silky-leaved Star-wort). — This is a very distinct 

 and pretty plant, growing 2 or 3 feet high. The stems are 

 somewhat shrubby, and are clothed with stalkless, broadly-egg- 

 shaped leaves, which are coated with silky down. The flower- 

 heads are large and solitary at the ends of the branches; they 

 are blue, and appear in summer, autumn, and early winter. 

 The plant is doubtfully hardy, but endures the winters of the 

 south of England with impunity. It is worth the protection of 

 a wall in Scotland and in other cold localities. Native of North 

 America. 



A. turbinellus. — This is a tall species, 3 or more feet high, 



