106 
PHARMACAL PLANTS AND THEIR CULTURE. 
reports were no doubt erroneous, the poisonous effects noted having 
been due to a fungus (ergot) found on the grass. 
The seeds of Avena fatua (wild oats), Danthonia californica (Cali- 
fornia wild oat grass),. Bromus marginatus (poverty grass), Elymus 
triticoides (squaw grass), Sitanion elymoides (squirrel tail), Hordeum 
murimum (squirrel tail), Hordeum vulgare (barley), Lolium temulen- 
tum (poison darnel), and Lolium perenne (poison rye grass), are made 
into a meal (pinole) by the Indians and eaten. 
415. Gymnocladus canadensis Lam. (G. dioica). Kentucky coffee 
tree. Leguminosce. 
Cultivated as an ornamental tree. The seeds are said to be poi- 
sonous. They contain a saponifiable fixed oil, a little fat, resin and a 
glucocide. The seeds were once much used as a substitute for coffee, 
particularly about the time of the Revolutionary War. 
416. Gymnogramma triangularis Kaulf. Golden back fern. Filices. 
Polypodiacece. 
A native of California. Contains a ceroptene. Used medicinally 
by the Indians and Spaniards. (Contrib. U. S. Nat. Herb. 7 : (No. 3) 
303.) (W. C. Blasdale, Erythnea, 1 : 252-258, 1893.) 
417. Hagenia abyssinica Gmelin. Cusso. Rosacece. 
Cultivated in Europe and would no doubt do well in California. A 
well-known medicinal plant, but no longer enjoying its former popu- 
larity as a vermifuge. (U. S. Disp. and Texts on Materia Medica.) 
418. Hamamelis virginica L. Witchhazel. Ilamamelidacece. 
Well known medicinally. Introduced and cultivated as an orna- 
mental plant. A very popular Indian remedy for bruises, sores, ulcers, 
cuts and other injuries. The leaf infusion much used to rub on flea 
bites, as a mild counter-irritant and as a mild antiseptic for poison 
oak; also taken internally. (U. S. Disp.) 
419. Hedera helix L. Ivy. Araliacece. 
This familiar ornamental plant, introduced from Europe, has been 
long known medicinally. The leaves are used in preparing a dress- 
ing for itch, tetter, ulcers, cutaneous eruptions, etc. (U. S. Disp.) 
(Chemistry of H. helix, Proc. A. Ph. A. 26: 244, 1878.) 
420. Heleniastrum puberulum. Sneezeweed. Composite. 
Used as a snuff in catarrh. It is said to be tonic and antiscorbutic. 
421. Helenium autumnale L. Sneezeweed. Composite. 
An eastern plant found as far west as Oregon and Washington. The 
active constituents which occur in the flower require further study. 
422. Helenium montanum Nutt. Sneezeweed. Compositce. 
Said to be poisonous. Requires further study. 
