126 BRECK'S BOOK OF FLOWERS. 



HYPERICTJM. 



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. 



IBERIS. 



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. 



IBIS. 



Fleur-de-luce. 



11 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. 



