has latterly sunk into unmerited neglect, as from its luxuriance, the height of its stem (nearly 4 ft.), and its fine, large, tawny-orange flowers, it well deserves a place among vigorous and striking subjects. It is thoroughly hardy and will thrive in almost any soil, but comes to greatest perfection in that which is deep, substantial, and moist, and in almost any position. Multiplied by dividing the tufts once in three or four years in autumn when the leaves are withered, or in spring. There is a variety of this species with double flowers, and one with variegated leaves, both of which are somewhat tender and require well-drained soil and a sheltered position.
Other species in cultivation are H. flava, H. disticha, H. graminea, and H. Dumortieri. All these plants are desirable associates for the hardy fine-leaved plants.
*Heracleums (Cow-parsnips).—No perennials rival these plants in size, and few in distinctness of appearance. The shape and width of their leaves, the height of their stems, and especially the great size of their umbels, produce an effect of a very striking character. Planted singly on slopes in the rougher parts of pleasure-grounds, on or about ruins, rough wild declivities, or by pieces of water or streams, they are seen to excellent advantage; their enormous leaves forming great tufts of vegetation, sometimes nearly 13 ft. in diameter. The period of their greatest vigour and beauty is from May to the end of July; and this should be distinctly borne in mind when arranging them, as, once the great leaves fade away with the heats of early August, they become very ragged, and soon disappear altogether. They delight in a moist, deep, clay soil, but will grow vigorously in almost any kind of cool soil, and even on rubbish-heaps. They are easily multiplied, either from seed or by division of the tufts early in spring, or after the ripening of the seed. They usually sow themselves freely.
*Heracleum eminens.—A peculiarly distinct species, easily known by the blunt or roundish lobes of its trifoliate leaves, which also possess the advantage of lasting longer than the leaves of other kinds. They are of a thick texture, and finely covered with velvety down, which gives them a slightly glaucous appearance, whereby they may also be distinguished. I have only seen the plant in a young state in Paris gardens, and cannot say what it is like when fully grown; but it is probably dwarfer in stature and more compact in habit than most of the other kinds, and, as the leaves last so much longer in perfection, it is suited for grouping among choicer subjects. For isolation on the grass, after the fashion of the Acanthuses, etc., it is particularly well suited. Seed or division.
*Heracleum flavescens.—A vigorous species, 5 ft. to 6 ft. high, with deeply-furrowed rough stems, and convex green leaves, with ovate or oblong serrate divisions. Flowers yellowish, in large umbels. Suitable for banks of rivers or ponds, where effective foliage is desired. S. Europe. Seed.
*Heracleum persicum.—A vigorous perennial, of rapid growth and imposing dimensions, attaining a height of more than 6½ ft., and bearing whitish flowers in umbels, the upper one of which is more than 16 ins. across. The stem does not branch much, and the leaves are chiefly radical and very large. Persia.
*Heracleum pubescens.—This species bears yellowish-white flowers, in umbels about a foot in diameter, and grows to a height of from 6 ft. to 9 ft. or more. The leaves are very large, roughish on the upper side, and much divided into elliptical segments, which are pointed and stand close together. Crimea.
*Heracleum villosum.—A species distinguished by its very downy and fringed fruit, with robust stems, 6½ ft. high or more. Leaves broad, much divided, the segments coarsely toothed, covered with a whitish down on the under side. Flowers in large umbels. Caucasus.