62 PHARMACAL PLANTS AND THEIR CULTURE. 



application in gangrenous affections and to promote the healing of 

 cuts, bruises and ulcers. (U. S. Disp. 1557.) 



50. Allium bolanderi Wats. Wild onion. Liliacece, 



Bulbs used as food by Indians. Has diuretic properties. Decoc- 

 tion used for kidney troubles, and as an emmenagogue. 



51. Allium falcifolium H. & A. Wild onion. Liliacece. 



This species is especially valued as an article of diet by the Indians. 

 Apparently not used medicinally, although it has marked diuretic 

 properties. 



52. Allium unifolium Kell. Wild onion. Liliacece. 



Believed to be poisonous. The bulbs and leaves are fried and eaten 

 by Indians. 



Other species of wild onion found in the State are A. breweri, A. 

 lacunosum, A. serratum and A. attenuifolium. All have the prop- 

 erties common to onions generally. Some are reported to be poisonous. 



53. Alnus species. Alders. Betulacece. 



Alders are common. The bark is used for tanning and dyeing, and 

 the charcoal is usually employed in the manufacture of gunpowder. 

 The bark, twigs and buds of A. oregana Nutt. (Oregon alder) are 

 used as a tonic in tea, beer and other drinks. A bark ointment is used 

 to cure eruptive skin diseases, cuts, sores, ulcers, etc. (Calif. Geol. 

 Survey, Bot. 2:80.) (Kellogg Trans. Calif. Hort. Soc., page 163, 

 1865.) 



54. Alnus incana Willd. Tag alder. Speckled or hoary alder. 

 Betulacece. 



Rich in tannin. Useful as a haemostatic. Used in tanning. 



55. Alnus rhombifolia Nutt. Mountain alder. Betulacece. 



Bark very astringent and somewhat bitter and contains a peculiar 

 dye-stuff. Indians use a decoction of the fresh or dried bark to induce 

 perspiration, to check diarrhoea, to allay stomach-ache, to facilitate 

 child-birth, to check hemorrhages in consumption, etc. Mixed with 

 Indian tobacco, it is given to induce vomiting. (Contrib. U. S. Nat. 

 Herb., 7: (No. Ill) 332.) (Calif. Geol. Survey, Bot. 2: 80.) 



56. Aloe species. Aloes. Liliacece. 



Many species and varieties are cultivated as ornamental plants. 

 They resemble the century plants (agaves), and thrive well in dry, 

 sandy soil. Whether they could be grown profitably for the inspis- 

 sated juice, which is used medicinally, would have to be determined 

 experimentally. The dried juice is worth about 20 cents per pound. 



