Composite family. 



White Lettuce. Prenanthes alba. 



Rattlesnake-root. 



Found on the borders of rich woods in August and September. 



The erect stalk, from 2 to 4 feet high, branches near the summit, 

 and is leafy all the way ; it is large, round, and smooth. Color, green, 

 or frequently a dark, rich, pui'plish-red, with a bloom upon it. 



The leaves are variable in shape and size ; the root-leaves are large, 

 often and deeply cleft, and set on a 3- to 5-inch stem ; the lower leaves 

 of the stalk are broad, faintly notched or 3-clef t ; while the upper leaves 

 are long and narrow, with entire margins. Their texture is thin (when 

 dried, like paper in quality), and their surface smooth. In color, a dark 

 cool green. 



The flower-head is composed of 8 or 12 small "strap-shaped" 

 blossoms hanging from a cup ; they are cream colored, tinged with 

 lilac ; the cup is composed of 8 narrow, pinkish-gray parts ; the stamens 

 are noticeable because their tips split and curl spirally, — they are cream 

 colored also. A few small bracts occur at the base of the flower-head, 

 which droops on a small stem. The heads are arranged in little clusters 

 springing from the angles of the branches and leaves. 



As the flower-head matures, there may be found within its nodding 

 cup a bunch of fine reddish hairs, like a sable paint brush, — later this 

 opens into a downy seed tassel. The fine stalk gives the plant a dis- 

 tinguished appearance. 



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