CUT TOOTHWORT 



Dentaria laciniata Muhlenberg 



Cut toothwort is found in spring growing plentifully in rich, 

 moist woods, at about the same time as bloodroot and hepatica. The 

 name toothwort is given because of the protuberances on the root- 

 stocks of some of the species of Dentaria. These rootstocks have a 

 spicy flavor similar to watercress, and are enjoyed by country children, 

 who know one of the species as "crinkleroot" and dig its rootstocks 

 to eat with their school lunches. The pale pink or white flowers of 

 cut toothwort are rather attractive, but the plant withers quickly 

 when gathered, and does not easily revive. 



This member of the Mustard Family is found from Florida to 

 Louisiana and Kansas, and northward to Quebec and Minnesota. 



The sketch was made from flowers gathered in Washington, Dis- 

 trict of Columbia. 



PLATE Z49 



