DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 119 
ALYSSUM. 
{From Greek, words signifying to prevent rage. The Alyssum passed 
among the ancients as a plant which possessed the properties of allaying thirst.] 
Alyssum saxAtile.—Rock or Golden Alyssum.—Is a de- 
sirable vernal flower, of dwarf habit, proper for rock 
work, or to be planted in masses. The flowers are of a 
brilliant golden-yellow, completely covering the plant, 
which is not more than 8 or 10 inches high; a hardy 
perennial. It is a suitable companion for the Philoz stolo- 
nifera with its red flowers, P. subulata with pink flowers ; 
all of which appear together in May. Raised by seeds 
or by laying the branches as is done with the carnation. 
A. maritimum,.—Sweet Alyssum.—This is a desirable 
hardy annual, flowering from June to November, when 
planted in the spring; and all winter in the green-house 
if sown in August. One foot high, with flowers in long 
prostrate racemes, which continually extend themselves 
during the season, producing flowers until killed by 
frost. It is quite effective when planted in masses. The 
plants should not be put out nearer than one foot from 
each other. 
AMARANTUS,—Amanrantu. 
(From the Greek, meaning unfading flower, as the flowers of some species do 
not wither.] 
A genus of annuals, some of which are ornamental, and 
others are coarse and troublesome weeds. 
Amardantus tricelor.—This is a tender annual, an old 
favorite of the flower-garden, and is in some places called 
“ Joseph’s Coat ;” its only beauty consists in its variegated 
leaves. Miller, in ancient times, says:—‘ There is not a 
handsomer plant than this in its full lustre.” 
Gerarde thus speaks of it :— = 
