Ammobium
(from ammos, sand, and bio, to live; in reference to the sandy soil in which it is found). ORD. compositae. This well-known everlasting is closely allied to Gnaphalium, from which it differs principally in habit. Receptacle with oblong, pointed, toothed, chaffy scales; involucre of imbricated leaflets. It may be treated as a half-hardy annual, or as a biennial, if seeds are sown in September and kept in a cool greenhouse during the winter, and this is the best way to grow it. Any moderately good soil suits it. A. alatum (winged). fl., heads about 1in. across, of a silvery whiteness, with the exception of the yellow disk florets, very numerous, in loose, corymbose panicles. May to September. l. oblong-lanceolate; radical ones in a tufted rosette. Stems winged-hence the specific name. h. 1 1/2ft. to 2ft. New Holland, 1822.
A. a. grandiflorum (large-flowered).* fl.-heads purer white, nearly twice the size of those in the type. This variety, which comes true from seed, is a great acquisition.