STURTEV ant's NOTES ON EDIBLE PLANTS 589 



in France in 1883, and it is described in England in 1885. No varieties are described, 

 although a purple and a white-flowered form are mentioned by Bauhin as occurring in 

 the wild plant. The one sort now described has pink- or rose-colored flowers. 



V. edulis Nutt. tobacco root, valerian. 



Ohio to Wisconsin and westward. This is the principal edible root among the Indians 

 who inhabit the upper waters of the streams on the western side of the Rocky Mountains. 

 It has a very strong and remarkably peculiar taste and an odor most offensive.^ The 

 root is large, of a very bright yellow color, is full of nutriment and, to some, the taste is 

 agreeable. The Indians of the Northwest collect the roots in the spring and, after baking, 

 use them as food. From a bitter and somewhat pernicious substance, it is converted 

 by baking into a soft, pulpy mass of sweet taste which is not unwholesome.' 



Valerianella coronata DC. Valerianaceae. 



Europe and the Orient. In France, this species furnishes a salad.' 



V. eriocarpa Desv. Italian corn salad. 



Europe and north Africa. This plant is much used in Europe as a substitute for 

 lettuce in the spring and also, when grown in rich soil and of a considerable size, for spinach.* 

 This species occtirs in gardens in two varieties. It has a lighter green, somewhat longer 

 leaf than the ordinary com salad, slightly hairy and a little dentate on the borders towards 

 the base.* It has the same uses. It is described for American gardens in 1863.' Under 

 its common name greese mdche, it is noticed in France in 1829 and also as mdche d'ltalie 

 in 1824.'' 



V. olitoria PoUich. corn salad, lamb's lettuce. 



This annual plant has been foimd spontaneous in all temperate Europe as far as 60 

 north; in southern Europe to the Canary Isles, Madeira and the Azores; in north Africa, 

 Asia Minor and in the region of the Caucasus. ' This species seems quite variable in nature, 

 and, as long ago as 1623, Bauhin records its variability in size, saying it occurs with nar- 

 row, broad and entire leaves. Com salad is described by Lobel,'" 1576; Dalechamp," 1587; 

 as also by Camerarius '^ 1588; but with all, as occurring in fields and without mention 

 of culture, although its value as a salad is recognized. In 1597, Gerarde " says it has 



' Fremont, J. C. Explor. Exped. 135, 160. 1845. 



'Hooker, W.J. Fl. Bor. Amer. i:2gi. 1840. (Patrinia ceratophylla) 



' Bon Jard. 522. 1882. 



'Mcintosh, C. Book Card. 2:172. 1855. 



' Vilmorin Lei Pis. Potag. 325. 1883. 



Burr, F. Field, Card. Veg. 340. 1863. 



' Noisette Man. Jard. 1829. 



De CandoUe, A. Orig. Cult. Pis. 92. 1885. 



Bauhin, C. Pinax 19:165. 1623. 

 '" Lobel 06i. 413. 1576. Fig. p. 412. 

 " Dalechamp Hist. Cen. PI. (Lugd.) 554, 1127, fig. 1587. 



"CamerariusHor/. il/ed 175. 1588. 

 " Gerarde, J. Herb. 243. 1597. 



