126 BRECK'S BOOK OF FLOWERS. 



HYPERICUM. 



St. John's-wort. 



Of this plant there are several varieties growing wild, which 

 are troublesome weeds. 



Hypericum ascyroides. Giant Hypericum. This is a tall 

 plant, three or four feet high, with large .yellow flowers with 

 numerous stamens ; it prefers the shade of trees, which makes 

 it a valuable ornament for shrubberies. 



IBEEIS. 



Candy Tuft. 



There is but one species of perennial Candy Tuft generally 

 known among us, and this is deserving a place in every garden, 

 which is Iberis tenoreana. This plant is half shrubby at 

 the base, with delicate linear foliage, and is covered with a 

 profusion of its pure white flowers, in umbel-like corymbs, in 

 June and July. The stems are rather decumbent and spread- 

 ing ; about six inches high. The plant is propagated by layers 

 or cuttings. It is not inclined to make itself too common, like 

 some plants ; for, unless special pains are taken, it will not 

 increase. 



IRIS. 



Fleur-de-lis. 



" The enamelled earth, that from her verdant breast 



Lavished spontaneously ambrosial flowers, 

 The very sight of which can soothe to rest 



A thousand cares, and charm our sweetest hours." 



The bulbous-rooted species of this very extensive and orna- 

 mental family have already been treated of. See page 59. 



