| − | Dodecatheon Meadia, Linn. (D. ellipticum, Nutt. Meadia Dodecathea, Crantz. M. Dodecalheon, Mill. M. caroliniana, Kuntze). Fig. 1338. Erect and strong, to 2 ft.: lvs. ovate-oblong or oblong-linear, nearly or quite obtuse, dentate-crenate or nearly entire, 1-2 in. wide, tapering into a more or less margined petiole: scape smooth, usually purple-spotted; fls. 10-20; calyx deeply parted, the parts lanceolate; corolla-lobes linear-oblong, somewhat obtuse, rose-colored and whitish at base; anthers reddish yellow, the connective body purple and broadly ovate: caps, scarcely longer than calyx, with persistent style. May, June. Woods and prairies, Pa., W. and S. B.M. 12.—This species runs into many forms, some of which may be specifically distinct. Var. splendidum, Hort., is an improved form, crimson with a yellow circle. Var. giganteum, Hort., is larger in all its parts: lvs. paler: fls. somewhat earlier, in some forms white. Var. elegans, Hort. Lvs. wider and shorter than the type: scape shorter; fls. more numerous, dark-colored. (The old generic name Meadia commemorates Dr. Richard Mead, 1673- 1754.)
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