58 ASTER ORDER 
single blossom is a deep purple-blue and hangs from the tip of the 
fragile stem. The botanical name of the species means “one-flowered.” 
The plants bloom in early summer and must be sought in alpine mea- 
dows at 11000-14000 ft. 
VALERIAN FAMILY 
VALERIAN VALERIANA SILVATICA 
Plate 36, fig. 3 
The tiny pale pink flowers of the Valerian grow in flat-toppe:l 
clusters at the tips of straight stiff stems, 1-3 ft. tall. They bloom 
in early summer in fir and spruce forests at 8000-11000 ft. The botan- 
ical name of this species refers to the fact that the plants are forest- 
lovers. Some species of Valerian are used in medicine as a seda- 
tive and for various nervous troubles, and one has an edible root. They 
have a strong unpleasant odor which cats and rats like. The leaves 
are efficaceous in healing wounds. 
ASTER FAMILY 
BLAZING STAR  LACINIARIA PUNCTATA 
Plate 37, fig. 1 
The Blazing Star receives its name from the dense spikes of bril- 
liant red-purple blossoms. These bloom in late summer and autumn 
and are found on prairies, plains and foothills at 3000-6000 ft. The 
plants are unbranched and grow 6-18 in. tall. This species is the least 
beautiful of several native blazing stars that deserve a place in the wild 
garden. : 

