COMMON NIGHTSHADE.
Solanum nigrum, L. Nightshade Family.
Hab.—Along streams near the coast.
This may be easily distinguished from S. Xanti by its very small white flowers, whose corollas are but three or four lines across, and much more deeply and pointedly lobed, the lobes having a tendency to turn backward as the flowers grow older; also by its thinner, duller leaves, and much smaller, black berries, the size of peas.
It is considered a violent narcotic poison, both berries and leaves having caused death when eaten. It is used in the medical world, in the form of a tincture for various maladies, and it is said that in Bohemia the blossoming plant is hung over the cradles of infants to induce sweet slumber; while in Dalmatia the root is fried in butter and eaten to produce sleep, and is also used as remedy for hydrophobia.
Solanum Douglasii, Dunal, is a similar species, with larger flowers, which are usually white, though sometimes light blue.
BUTTERFLY TULIP.
Calochortus luteus, var. oculatus, Wats. Lily Family.
Hab.—Sierras and Coast Ranges, from Fresno County to Oregon.
Of all our lovely Mariposa tulips, this charming form is perhaps the most like the insect for which it is named. Its creamy or purplish flowers have an exquisitely tinted dark-maroon eye, surrounded by yellow, and it is often streaked in marvelous imitation of the insect's wing. It was doubtless this form Miss Coolbrith had in mind when she wrote the beautiful lines below: