38 Melanthaceae 



borders throughout the region, frequently 

 growing in great masses. In the Rockies 

 it seldom grows below 6000 feet elevation, 

 but is found much lower in the moist valley 

 of the Selkirks. 



Zygadenus Ver ^ g laucous throughout, with 



elegans a cluster of narrow, grass-like 



Pursh. Tall leaves 510 inches long and J 



Zygadenus. 



ous root; stem whitish-green or purplish, 1-2 

 feet high, with scattered, purple, leaf -like 

 bracts and an open head of flowers 4-12 

 inches long; flowers greenish- white, open, | an 

 inch or more across the six petals and sepals 

 with a large, bright green gland at the base ; 

 stamens 6, erect, forming a central column, 

 anthers scarlet on the opening of the bud, 

 changing to yellow; styles 3. 



Throughout the Rockies up to 6000 or 

 7000 feet elevation, in all kinds of situations 

 and soils, a most attractive plant worthy 

 of a place in the flower-garden, blossoming 

 during midsummer. 



