WILD FLOWERS WHITE AND GREENISH 
vary greatly in size and shape. The long-stemmed 
lower ones are large and broad, and are deeply cut and 
slashed. As they ascend the stalk, they graduate 
through several forms into small, lance-shaped leaves 
at the top, with entire margins. The numerous, 
fragrant, nodding, bell-shaped flower heads are greenish 
or yellowish white and often tinged with lilac. They 
are borne in loose, open, narrow, terminal clusters 
on slender stems that usually spring from the axils of 
the leaves. They are formed of from eight to fifteen 
drooping ray flowers, surrounded with eight principal, 
coloured bracts with several minute outer ones at their 
base. The cream-coloured stamens protrude with two 
spiral tips beyond the prettily curved corolla. The 
flowers are succeeded by a tuft of silky, cinnamon 
brown fluff. In certain parts of Virginia and North 
Carolina where this perennial herb grows, much faith 
is attached to it as a remedy for rattlesnake bites. 
The milky juice is taken freely internally, and the 
leaves are steeped in water which is locally applied and 
frequently changed. It is also used for summer 
complaint. 
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