Composite family. 



Rattlesnake-root. 



Prencmthes altissima. 



Found during August and September on the edge of dark woods, 

 and in damp places, that are shaded. 



The stalk, often about 3 feet high, sometimes attains to more than 

 man's stature ; it is very ei'ect, branches only for flowers, is leafy, round, 

 firm-fibred, and smooth. Green in color. 



The root-leaves are large (2 or 3 inches in length), wedge-shaped, 

 or 3- to 5-divided ; the upper leaves are smaller, varying from a wedge 

 or heart-shape to a long-pointed oval. They all have entire, or faintly 

 notched margins, and the midribs, shining above, are rough beneath. 

 They are set on stems, which are sometimes provided with narrow 

 spreading margins ; the arrangment is alternate, with a certain interval 

 between. 



The flower is small, "strap-shaped," with a square notched tip; 

 cream-white in color. 5 or 6 are included in a tubular cup, composed of 

 a close-folded row of narrow, green or purplish, pale, leafy parts ; these 

 cups are set nodding on slight foot-stems, and arranged in small irregu- 

 lar groups, on short branches, which form a long, irregularly arranged 

 terminal spike. 



The blossoms are so small they are quite out of proportion to the 

 height and strength of the stalk ; their habit is scattering, and only a 

 few heads open at the same time. The plant is most effective when all 

 its stiff little downy seeds are spreading themselves for flight. 



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