64 
PHARMACAL PLANTS AND THEIR CULTURE. 
dissolves it readily. Boiling is said to decompose it, and to render it 
inert. It has the general toxic properties of muscarin. 
62. Amanita verna Bui. Vernal amanita. Agaricacece. 
Very poisonous. By some authorities believed to be identical with 
A. muscaria. 
63. Amaranthus species. Pig weeds. Tumble weeds. Amaran- 
tacece. 
These weeds are very abundant in certain localities. They are said 
to be useful in checking hemorrhages. A. retroflexus is cultivated by 
some Indian tribes for its food value, the seeds being most generally 
used. (Contrib. U. S. Nat. Herb, 7: (No. Ill) 346.) (Calif. Geol. 
Survey, Bot. 2 : 41.) 
64. Amaranthus leucocarpus. Wats. Pig weed. Amarantacece. 
Used by Indians, medicinally and for food, as is also A. powellii. 
Wats. They have astringent properties. (Proc. A. Ph. A., 27 : 153, 
1879.) 
65. Ambrosia species. Ragweeds. Compositce. 
These have enjoyed a popular medicinal use for ages. Used prin- 
cipally in the form of a wash for its astringent stimulating effects. 
Ragweeds are common along roadsides in nearly all parts of the United 
States. 
66. Ambrosia artemisiaefolia L. Ragweed. Roman wormwood. 
Hogweed. Compositce. 
Has the properties of ragweeds generally. Contains a bitter gluco- 
side (Am. Journ. Pharm., 1890.) It has been introduced into the 
Materia Medica of the Eclectics (see King’s Dispensatory). Used 
principally in low fevers. It is also said to be a useful remedy in Rhus 
poisoning. (Proc. A. Ph. A., 28: 102, 1880.) 
67. Ambrosia psilostachys D. C. Ragweed. Compositce. 
This plant has not been well investigated. It is generally believed 
to be inferior to the above species. 
68. Amelanchier alnifolia Nutt. Service berry. Pyracece. 
The berries, fresh or dried, are eaten by Indians. Perhaps contain 
amygdalin. The wood is used for making arrows; also for making 
the sticks with which Indians play the “rag game,” resembling 
shinny-on-the-ice. 
69. Amomum (Elettaria) cardamomum L. Cardomom. Zingiber- 
acece. 
A well-known spice and aromatic drug. The plant is said to thrive 
in southern California. Whether it could be grown profitably is not 
known. 
