422 PLAXT CULTURE 



STIPA (Feather Grass). 5. pemiata is an old favorite in gar- 

 dens. The leaves are long and narrow. The flowers are arranged 

 in long, arching spikes, presenting a very delicate appearance. 

 Where this plant is not hardy, a barrow load of forest leaves may be 

 placed over the plant and kept in place with a few Pine branches. 



Propagation. Divided in Spring and from seed. 



UNIOLA (Spike Grass). U. latifolia is a native species which 

 makes an attractive border plant, growing usually from ^ to 3 feet 

 high. The leaves are broad and arching, about an inch wide; the 

 spikelets are drooping on long pedicels. This Grass starts early into 

 growth. 



Propagation. One of easiest to propagate by division. 



ZIZANIA (Wild Rice). Z. paluslris (aquaiica) is an annual 

 species and can be depended upon to make a fine showing near the 

 margins of Lily ponds, but the flower heads should be cut off before 

 the seed ripens, otherwise we will have more plants than we want 

 and it is apt to become a weed. The species known nsZizania lati- 

 folia is a perennial plant and is not apt to become a weed, because 

 it is seldom seen in flower. When planted near the edge of the pond 

 it can be kept under control. Our native species behaves as an 

 annual. Z. latifolia increases very fast from underground rhizomes, 

 and is, if anything, the most ornamental of the two. It is a very 

 popular food for wild game and fish. 



