PHARMACAL PLANTS AND THEIR CULTURE. 61 



The California species require further careful study as to medicinal 

 properties. 



43. Agropyron repens Beauv. Dog-grass. Couch grass. Quitch 

 grass. Graminece. 



This grass has escaped from cultivation and thrives well in all parts 

 of the State. Has become a great agricultural pest in places. It is 

 well known medicinally. The rhizomes and roots are used in irritable 

 bladder, kidney diseases, gout, fevers, as a blood purifier, etc. Freely 

 used in the form of a drink. The drug is cheap and the market 

 uncertain. (U. S. Disp.) 



44. Agrostemma githago L. Corn cockle. Alsinacece. 



A very noxious European weed, introduced into the grain fields of 

 the United States. Many cases of poisoning of human beings and 

 of numerous heads of cattle have been traced to the flour made from 

 wheat grown in cockle-infested fields and the fodder from such fields. 



The physiological action and possible therapeutic value of this plant 

 require further careful investigation. The active constituent is a 

 freely soluble, non-crystallizable substance known as saponin, having 

 a sharp burning taste ; when inhaled in the smallest quantity it pro- 

 duces violent sneezing. 



45. Ailanthus glandulosa Desf. Tree of heaven. Simarubacece. 



A native of China, introduced and cultivated in various countries. 

 Bark has cathartic properties due to an oleo-resin. Used as a vermifuge 

 for dogs. Very disagreeable to take. A. excelsa resembles it closely 

 and has similar properties. (Proc. A. Ph. A. 30:214, 1882.) (Proc. 

 A. Ph. A. 25:181, 1877.) 



46. Alectoria fremontii Tuck. Hair moss. Lichenes. 



Used as food by Indians. Reported to have sedative properties. 

 Used in hair tonics. The long, nearly black tufts resemble ladies' 

 tresses. Has no medicinal value. 



47. Aleurites cordata Mull. EuphorUacece. 



A native of southern China, cultivated in southern California. Said 

 to yield the finest lac varnish. 



48. Aleurites moluccana Willd. Candlenut tree. Eupkorbiacece. 

 This tree is cultivated in southern California. It is a native of the 



Molucca Islands. The nuts are eaten and yield a valuable oil (the so- 

 called "Kekune oil"). 



49. Alliaria (Sissymbrium) officinalis L. Hedge garlic. Cruciferce. 

 An introduced European plant. The herb and seeds are highly 



valued as a diuretic, diaphoretic and expectorant and for external 



