DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 119 



ALYSSUM. 



[From Greek, words signifying to prevent rage. The Alyssum passed 

 among the ancients as a plant which possessed the properties of allaying thirst.] 



Alyssum saxatile. — Rock or Golden Alyssiim. — Is a de- 

 sirable vernal flower, of dwarf habit, proper for rock 

 work, or to be planted in masses. The flowers are of a 

 brilliant golden-yellow, completely covering the plant, 

 which is not more than 8 or 10 inches high; a hardy 

 perennial. It is a suitable companion for the Phlox stolo- 

 nifera with its red flowers, P. suhulata with pink flowers ; 

 all of which appear together in May. Raised by seeds 

 or by laying the branches as is done with the carnation. 



A. maritimum. — Sweet Alyssum. — This is a desirable 

 hardy annual, flowering from June to November, w^ien 

 planted in the spring ; and all winter in the green-house 

 if sown in August. One foot high, with flowers in long 

 prostrate racemes, which continually extend themselves 

 during the season, producing flowers until killed by 

 frost. It is quite efi*ective Avhen planted in masses. The 

 plants should not be put out nearer than one foot from 

 each other. 



AMARANTHS. —Amaranth. 



[From the Greek, meaning unfading Jloiver, as tiie flowers of some species da 

 not wither.] 



A genus of annuals, some of wdiich are ornamental, and 

 others are coarse and troublesome weeds. 



Amarantus tricolor. — This is a tender annual, an old 

 favorite of the flower-garden, and is in some places called 

 " Joseph's Coat ;" its only beauty consists in its variegated 

 leaves. Miller, in ancient times, says : — " There is not a 

 handsomer plant than this in its full lustre." 



Gerarde thus speaks of it : — 



