ASCLEPIAS QUADRIFOLIA. 



LINN. CLASS GYNANDRIA ; ORDER, PENTANDRIA. 

 NATURAL ORDER, ASCLEPID^E. 



The genus to which this beautiful wildflower belongs de- 

 rives its name from Esculapius, the god of medicine. The 

 Asclepias Tuberosa, known also as the " Butterfly Weed," 

 " Pleurisy Root" etc., is often used medicinally in pleuritic and 

 catarrhal affections, but the Early Asclepias, which is given in 

 the plate, has no such virtue. 



This variety of the plant is found much earlier in the season 

 than any other, being seldom in bloom later than the month of 

 May. Its flowers, though less showy than many of its race, 

 are very delicate and odoriferous. It is fond of shady places 

 in dry situations, and grows from twelve to eighteen inches in 

 height. 



The petals are five, reflexed ; nectaries five, concave, erect, 

 containing little horns ; each stamen with a pair of pendulous 



