PHARMACAL PLANTS AND THEIR CULTURE. 
61 
The California species require further careful study as to medicinal 
properties. 
43. Agropyron repens Beauv. Dog-grass. Couch grass. Quitch 
grass. Graminece. 
This grass has escaped from cultivation and thrives well in all parts 
of the State. Has become a great agricultural pest in places. It is 
well known medicinally. The rhizomes and roots are used in irritable 
bladder, kidney diseases, gout, fevers, as a blood purifier, etc. Freely 
used in the form of a drink. The drug is cheap and the market 
uncertain. (U. S. Disp.) 
44. Agrostemma githago L. Corn cockle. Alsinacece. 
A very noxious European weed, introduced into the grain fields of 
the United States. Many cases of poisoning of human beings and 
of numerous heads of cattle have been traced to the flour made from 
wheat grown in coclde-infested fields and the fodder from such fields. 
The physiological action and possible therapeutic value of this plant 
require further careful investigation. The active constituent is a 
freely soluble, non-crystallizable substance known as saponin, having 
a sharp burning taste; when inhaled in the smallest quantity it pro- 
duces violent sneezing. 
45. Ailanthus glandulosa Desf. Tree of heaven. Simarubacece. 
A native of China, introduced and cultivated in various countries. 
Bark has cathartic properties due to an oleo-resin. Used as a vermifuge 
for dogs. Very disagreeable to take. A. excelsa resembles it closely 
and has similar properties. (Proc. A. Pli. A. 30:214, 1882.) (Proc. 
A. Ph. A. 25:181, 1877.) 
46. Alectoria fremontii Tuck. Hair moss. Lichenes. 
Used as food by Indians. Reported to have sedative properties. 
Used in hair tonics. The long, nearly black tufts resemble ladies’ 
tresses. Has no medicinal value. 
47. Aleurites cordata Mull. Euphorbiacece. 
A native of southern China, cultivated in southern California. Said 
to yield the finest lac varnish. 
48. Aleurites moluccana Willd. Candlenut tree. Euphorbiacece. 
This tree is cultivated in southern California. It is a native of the 
Molucca Islands. The nuts are eaten and yield a valuable oil (the so- 
called “Kekune oil”). 
49. Alliaria (Sissymbrium) officinalis L. Hedge garlic. Cruciferce. 
An introduced European plant. The herb and seeds are highly 
valued as a diuretic, diaphoretic and expectorant and for external 
