ASTER FAMILY 90 
BuvuE LetrucE LACTUCA PULCHELLA 
Plate 37, fig. 2 
The pale blue-lavender flowers of the Blue Lettuce grow in clus- 
ters on plants 3-6 ft. high. They bloom in midsummer and are found 
along roadsides and in meadows at 3000-6000 ft. Several varieties of 
lettuce have narcotic properties, while the value of the garden lettuce 
is too well-known to need comment. 
SHEATH FLOWER COLEANTHUS GRANDIFLORUS 
Plate 37, fig. 3 
The pale yellow blossoms of the Sheath Flower hang from their 
stalks like inverted thimbles and bloom in midsummer. The name re- 
fers to the tiny bracts that sheathe the flower-heads closely and turn 
reddish brown with age. The plants are much branched, 1-4 ft. tall, 
and occur in meadows and thickets at 5000-9000 ft. 
FALSE DANDELION AGOSERIS GLAUCA 
Plate 37, fig. 4 
The golden-yellow heads of the False Dandelion look very like 
those of its namesake. They bloom in midsummer and are found on 
plants 1-3 ft. tall, in mountain meadows and along brook-banks at 
8000-11000 ft. 
GOATSBEARD, SALSIFY TRAGOPOGON PORRIFOLIUS 
Plate 37, fig. 5 
The Goatsbeard or Salsify bears large purple flower-heads with yel- 
low centers at the tips of stiff, straight stems, 2-4 ft. tall. The plants 
have escaped from cultivation and may be found blooming all sum- 
mer, along roadsides and in meadows at 4000-7000 ft. The roots of 
the Salsify are edible and are marketed under the name of “Oyster 
Plant.”” The name “Goatsbeard’’ refer to the clusters of stiff hairy 
fruits. 
