HOME, PENNSYLVANIA 
Boneset; Thoroughwort (Eupatorium perfoliatum). A 
bog plant, Boneset grows 2 to 4 feet high in swamp, 
marsh or pond, or in miniature garden tub or barrel 
pool. The name derives from the use of “boneset 
tea” against Southern Dengue or “break-bone” fever. 
Dried leaves are still kept in herb-closet, attic or wood- 
shed to guard against colds. Perhaps the patient shud- 
ders himself to recovery when the noisome brew is 
poured down his throat. Seriously, though, it is a real 
medicine, and it is, after all, a rather nice wilding for 
the wetlands. 30c each; $3.00 for 12. 
Bouncing Bet; Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis). A so- 
ciable, domestic wild flower with an old-fashioned spicy 
scent, growing near people and animals, yards and 
roadsides. Flowers magenta, pink and white. Juice 
lathers and has been used for soap, whence the names 
‘“sapo” and ‘“Soapwort.” Came from England, where 
it was likened to the comeliness and “bounce” of a 
country maid. 30c each; $3.00 for 12. 
Bunchberry; Dwarf Cornel (Cornus canadensis). Fastidi- 
ous in choice of acid soil, cool, moist upland woods 
and the company of boon companions, like Arbutus 
and Clintonia. It hobnobs with its own Cornus family, 
especially the Flowering Dogwood. The pure white 
flowers form a carpet as the creeping roots spread. Re- 
markable for its scarlet berries in tight little clusters. 
30c each; $3.00 for 12. 
Buttercup, Swamp (Ranunculus septentrionalis). Deep 
yellow flower, about an inch wide, reaching 1 to 2 feet, 
in a group at the top of smooth, hollow stems. A real 
marsh or pool plant, which grows in sunlight if it 
must, and in any moist ground. Blooms May to Au- 
gust, and enjoys the company of Hellebore, Iris, Dog’s 
Tooth Violet and Sweet White Violet. The Latin 
name means “little frog of the north.” Pliny warned 
that eating it may cause you to laugh yourself silly, 
but he kindly suggested an antidote for such frivolity, 
of pepper and pineapple kernels dissolved in date wine. 
30c each; $3.00 for 12. 
Butterflyweed; Pleurisy Root (Tuberosa asclepias). Gor- 
geous, flaming orange flowers, this migrant from Hol- 
land is the handsomest of the Milkweed family. Grows 
1 to 2 feet high, and best where it has plenty of room 
and sunlight. Indifferent to soil, easily established, 
grows in dry, poor ground. Self-seeding, and the fleshy 
brittle root can be propagated by division. 30c each; 
$3.00 for 12. 
Calamus; Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus). Sword-like leaves 
of this bog plant are atmospheric. The flowering spike 
is hobnailed with tiny blossoms in June and July. Well 
known to many a boy is the pungent, pleasant flavor. 
The root is medicinal, dried or candied, and rated of 
old as a tonic for feeble digestion and dyspepsia. Used 
as part of incense by Egyptians, long before King 
Tutankhamen, and by the peoples of Israel, Babylon, 
and Greece. Sold in the markets of Tyre (Ezekiel); 
Solomon sang of “spikenard and saffron, calamus and 
cinnamon; and Moses prepared “holy ointment of 
pure myrrh, sweet cinnamon, cassia, olive oil and sweet 
3 
