Dodecatheon meadia

Read about Dodecatheon meadia in the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture
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.) The above text is from the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture. It may be out of date, but still contains valuable and interesting information which can be incorporated into the remainder of the article. Click on "Collapse" in the header to hide this text.