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little open. mouths. Showiest of the dozen members of 
this genus of the Labiate (lipped) or Mint Family, and 
distinguished by its long corolla (petals) and lips of 
equal length. Blooms in June and July. Easily multiplied 
from seed. 35c each; $3.50 for 12. 
Snakeroot, Black; Black Cohosh; Bugbane (Cimicifuga 
racemosa). Spreading, slender growth, 2 to 4 feet tall. 
Flowers are thick on fuzzy, feathery, wand-like racemes, 
and are followed by purplish fruit berries. Latin and 
English genus names derive from the belief that the 
plant repels insects (cimex; bug; fugare: to chase) and 
is thus a bane to all little bugs. This leaves fertilization 
to the green flesh flies, familiars of our boyhood days in 
the woods. Good for snake bite, the Indians used to say. 
Blossoms in July and August. Likes moist soil, not too 
wet; prefers shade but tolerates the sunshine of clear- 
ings. Increased by dividing the woody roots. 30c each; 
$3.00 for 12. 
Snakeroot, White (Eupatorium urticefolium). Member 
of the large Eupatorium genus of the Composite Fam- 
ily, with the deep green leaves in open branching effect, 
and bouquets of downy, clear white flowers at top and 
ends of branches. Comes from rich woods and groves; 
fits well in a copse or shady nook in the yard. Height, 
1 to 3 feet. Blooms in late summer (August). Soft 
blossoms resemble the domestic or garden perennial 
Ageratum, whence the alternate name E. Ageratoides. 
Friend of its close relative, Boneset. Slender, well 
branched and poised. 30c each; $3.00 for 12. 
Solomon’s Seal, False; Solomon’s Plume; False Spikenard 
(Smilacina racemosa). The fluffy white flower plume 
is pyramidal, terminating the zig-zag stem which grace- 
fully inclines, growing 12 to 18 inches long. The seal 
idea comes from the root scars from which previous 
stalks have died away. Intimate companion of the True 
Solomon’s Seal, roots often intermingled, which is 
natural to these cousins in the Lily Family. One of the 
most responsive plants to try, in sun or partial shade. 
Moist, stony, sloping ground preferred but not vital. 
Blooms in May and June, followed by dark ruby red 
berries. 30c each; $3.00 for 12. 
Solomon’s Seal; True Solomon’s Seal; Small Solomon’s 
Seal (Polygonatum biflorum). Little greenish yellow, 
bell-like flowers hang in a row of pairs under the arch- 
ing stalks, a novel and happy arrangement. Blooms May 
into June. The stalk is from 1 to 2 feet long, carrying 
into autumn a string of round steely blue berries, them- 
selves quite conspicuous and even more compelling 
than the flowers. The popular name relates to the row 
of scars on the zig-zag rootstalks, each scar marking 
the attachment of a previous year’s stalk, one year 
forming a zig, the next a zag. Yields to cultivation, 
often with doubled flowers, in slightly moist or even 
dryish soil, in thickets, under trees, or in the rockery. 
30c each; $3.00 for 12. 
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