138 PHARMACAL PLANTS AND THEIR CULTURE. 



692. Prunus domestica L. Plums. Prunes. Rosacece. 



Plums -in great variety, including the prune plum, are extensively 

 cultivated in California. Prunes have mild laxative properties. Cher- 

 ries are also cultivated in great variety. 



693. Prunus ilicifolia Walp. Islay. Rosacece. 



The Indians prepare an alcoholic drink from the fruit. The dry 

 leaves are very poisonous. 



694. Prunus laurocerasus L. Cherry laurel. Rosacece. 



A European plant common in Mexico and thrives well in different 

 parts of the State. Poisonous. 



695. Prunus serotina Ehr. Wild black cherry. Rosacece. 



Well known medicinal plant which thrives well in California. Fatal 

 cases of poisoning have been reported, due to the eating of fruits, seeds 

 and leaves. The bark is much used in the preparation of cough reme- 

 dies. 



696. Prunus subcordata Benth. Rosacece. 



The Indians eat the fruit fresh and also dry it for winter use. 



697. Prunus virginiana L. Chokecherry. Rosacece. 



A common tree of the United States, which has been a frequent source 

 of fatal poisoning. The fruits are very poisonous. The names P. vir- 

 giniana and P. serotina are generally confused. 



698. Pseudopsuga taxifolia Britt. Douglas spruce or fir. Conif- 

 erce. 



A drink is prepared from the leaves, which is used as a substitute 

 for coffee. A strong decoction made from the spring buds is used in 

 the treatment of venereal diseases. The leaves are used by the Indians 

 in the sweat bath to cure rheumatism. 



699. Psoralea carylifolia Roxb. Leguminosce. 



The seeds are used in the treatment of leucoderma (white leprosy). 



700. Psoralea physodes Dougl. Leguminosce. 



A native of California popularly employed as a tonic and emmena- 

 gogue. Other species are similarly used. 



701. P. soralea tenuiflora Pursh. Leguminosce. 

 This plant is said to be poisonous. 



702. Ptelea trifoliata L. Wing seed. Water ash. Rutacece. 



The bark is much used by Western physicians in the treatment of 

 dyspepsia, and in ailments requiring a mild non-irritating bitter tonic. 



703. Pteris (pteridium) aquilina L. Bracken fern. Polypodiacece. 

 Used by the Indians in making baskets. The rhizomes are said to 



be eaten by them. Are given to horses as a diuretic, but its action is 



