Indian Rhubarb. Umbrella-Plant
Saxifraga Peltata, Torr. Saxifrage Family
Rootstock.—Thick; creeping. Leaves.—Radical; long-petioled; a foot or more across when mature; nine- to fourteen-lobed; centrally depressed. Scapes.—One to three feet high. Calyx.—Five-lobed. Petals.—Five; roundish; three lines or more long; purplish-pink. Stamens.—Ten. Ovaries.—Two; distinct. Stigmas capitate or reniform. Hab.—The Sierras, from Mariposa County to Mt. Shasta; also Mendocino County.
Upon the borders of our swift-flowing mountain streams, where the water-ouzel flies up and down all day, sometimes filling the air with melody as he passes, may be seen the large lotus-like leaves of this great Saxifrage. They stand with their dark, warm stems in the water; or, poising upon the brink, they lean gracefully over it, making myriad reflections in the brown depths below, while every passing breeze awakens a quick response among them.
Early in the season, before the coming of the leaves, these plants send up tall stems with dense, branching clusters of handsome purplish-pink flowers. The leaves, small at first, continue to grow until late summer, when they have reached their perfection; after which they begin to deepen into the richest of autumn hues.
BLEEDING-HEART—Dicentra formosa.
This plant is commonly called “Indian rhubarb,” because the Indians are extravagantly fond of the stalks of the leaves and flowers. It is now cultivated in Eastern gardens.