_Specific Character and Synonyms._

IRIS _versicolor_ imberbis foliis ensiformibus, scapo tereti flexuoso,
germinibus subtrigonis. _Linn. Syst. Vegetab. ed._ 14. _Murr. p._ 90.
_Sp. Plant. ed._ 3. _p._ 57.

IRIS Americana versicolor stylo crenato. _Dill. Elth._ 188. 1. 155. _f._
188.

[Illustration: No. 21]

A native of Virginia, Maryland, and Pensylvania, has a perennial root,
is hardy, and will thrive in almost any soil or situation; may be
increased by parting its roots in autumn.

Our plant is the _picta_ of Miller, and the _versicolor_ of Miller is,
we believe, the _sibirica_ of Linnæus.

This species has, for the most part, a stalk unusually crooked or
elbowed, by which it is particularly distinguished. It flowers in June,
as do most of this beautiful tribe.




[22]

~Nigella damascena. Garden Fennel-flower, Love in a mist, Devil in a Bush.~

_Class and Order._