270 breck's new book of flowers. 



Li spicata* — Spiked Lobelia. — A beautiful indigenous 

 species;, common in most pastures and by the road sides, 

 with lively jjale-blue flowers, in long terminal spikes ; in 

 July. Stem upright, smooth, a little hairy, one and one- 

 half foot high. I have never seen this species cultivated, 

 but have no doubt but what it would be very much im- 

 proved, and prove a valuable acquisition to the border. 

 There are a number of annual Lobelias which are much 

 admired for their innumerable dark-blue flowers, which 

 are produced through the season. They are humble trail- 

 ing plants, very suitable for the front of the flower-bed, 

 or for ornamental rock-work, until the perennials have 

 spread. Among the varieties recommended are, L. ramo- 

 sa, gracilis, coelestina, triqueter, and others. They are 

 good plants for hanging pots, as they are always covered 

 with their delicate blue, light and dark, rose, or white 

 flowers, which, trailing over the pots, present an interest- 

 ing appearance. X. Paxtoniana. — Flowers fine azure 

 blue, shading ofl" to a white margin ; growth compact. 

 A novel and desirable variety for pot culture, or for plant- 

 ing out in the border, Avhere it succeeds best if partially 

 shaded. All Lobelias are poisonous, though some have 

 been used medicinally. I make this remark as a Avarning 

 to inexperienced persons, against putting any of the spe- 

 cies into the mouth. All the species are increased by 

 sowing the se<jd ; most of the perennials by cuttings or 

 division of the roots. 



L. inflata.— Indian Tobacco. — Is probably familiar to 

 every one, at least by name. Its virtues are so prized by 

 some, that we are almost led to suppose that it is a sover- 

 eign remedy for all diseases that flesh and blood are heir 

 to. The plant is an annual, of not much interest, with 

 small blue flowers, and inflated pods or seed-vessels, com- 

 mon in dry pastures and road sides. The whole plant is 

 a violent emetic. . 



