434 BRECK’S NEW BOOK OF FLOWERS. 
ARMERIA.—Tarrt. 
This genus contains a number of ornamental plants, 
generally well adapted to rock work. 
Arméria vulgaris, is the common Thrift of the gar- 
den, and next to’ box most desirable for edgings. It is 
rapidly multiplied by divisions of the root. It produces 
pink flowers, in little heads or clusters in June and Ju- 
ly; six inches high. , 
ASCLEPIAS,—Mitxweep. 
[The Greek name of the Asculapius of the Latins.] 
This genus is mainly North American, many of the 
species are well-known as common road-side weeds; 
nearly all are tall-growing perennial plants, some of which 
are worthy a place in the garden. We have about fif- 
teen or more indigenous species. The flowers of this 
genus produce their flowers in umbels; all are very at- 
tractive to butterflies and other beautiful insects, and for 
this reason a few of the most ornamental should find a 
place in the flower-garden. _ 
Asclépias Corniti, formerly called A. Syriaca, is a very 
common plant, highly odoriferous, especially in the even- 
ing. The stems, when broken, give a copious discharge 
of milky, viscid juice, and for this reason it is often called 
Milk-weed. Parkinson calls the plant Virginian silk, on 
account of the great quantity of silk, like cotton, which 
the capsules: contain. This silky substance is an attach- 
ment to the seed by which it may be carried to a great 
distance in a windy day. This silk is characteristic of all 
the species, and has been used for domestic purposes, such 
as filling for pillows, beds, and other uses. 
