PHARMACAL PLANTS AND THEIR CULTURE. 155 



The oil is said to have anaesthetic properties and is reported to be useful 

 in nervous disorders, in intestinal colic and in atonic dyspepsia. It has 

 antiseptic properties. Also used as a flea exterminator. (U. of C. Agr. 

 Exp. Sta. Rep., 173, 1897-1898.) (J. M. Stillman and E. O. O'Neil, 

 jn. Chem. Journ. 4: 206-211, 1882 and 1883.) (Proc. A. Ph. A. 31: 

 L09, 1883.) 



839. Urginea maritima (L.) Baker. Squill. Liliacece. 



A native perennial of Southern Europe which thrives remarkably 

 ell in California, the bulbs which are used medicinally developing to 

 irge size. Grows best on loose, sandy, quite rich hillsides. In order to 

 take culture profitable it must be done on a large scale. 



840. Urtica urens L. Small nettle. Urticacece. 



An introduced weed, having the irritating properties of the nettle 

 -oup. Other species are U. lyalli californica and U. holosericea Nutt, 

 ;Cal. Geog. Surv. Bot. 2: 65.) 



841. Usnea lacunosa Tuck. Beard moss. Lichenes. 



A common lichen on oaks and other trees, used as bedding material. 

 Io longer used medicinally. 



842. Ustilago avense Jen. Oat smut. Fungi. 



Found on wild oats, cultivated oats and on other members of the 

 frass family. Has the properties of corn smut. (U. S. D.) 



843. Vaccaria vulgaris Hast. Medic. Cow herb. Caryopkyllacece. 

 An introduced weed which is reported to have poisonous properties, 



Ithough it appears to be used as a fodder plant. Requires further 

 tudy. 



844. Vaccinium ovatum Pursh. Huckleberry. Ericacece. 



Found in the coast ranges of California. The berries are eaten. The 

 ives are astringent and have diuretic properties and are used as a 

 ibstitute for Uva ursi. 



845. Valeriana officinalis L. Valerian. Garden heliotrope. Vale- 

 anacece. 



A well-known medicinal plant, readily cultivated every where. Flow- 

 ?rs are very fragrant. The rhizomes and roots constitute the drug 

 valerian, which is highly valued as a nerve sedative. Useful in hemi- 

 irania, hysteria, low fevers, etc. 



A native species (V. Sylvatica Banks) found in the wet grounds of 

 ie Sierras has the strong scented roots of the official species. Indians 

 said to use the roots for food. 



846. Vanilla planifolia Andrews. Vanilla. Orcliidacece. 



A native of Mexico and cultivated in the tropics. Has been success- 

 fully and profitably cultivated in temperate countries in hothouses. 



