Lasthenia
(so called in honour of a Greek girl of that name, who attended the lectures of Plato in man's attire). SYN. Rancagua. Including Hologymne. ORD. Compositae. This genus comprises about three species of half-hardy, annual, glabrous herbs, two of which are natives of California, and the third of Chili. Flower-heads yellow, on long peduncles, often nodding; involucre oblong or campanulate. Leaves opposite, linear, entire. Only two species are in cultivation, and both are very showy, hardy plants. They grow in any moderately good garden soil, but thrive best in warm, sheltered spots. Seeds should be sown either in September or October, and protected during winter; or in the latter part of April for a summer display.
L. californica (Californian). A synonym of L. glabrata. L. glaberrima (smoothest). fl.-heads yellow; involucre about fifteen-toothed; pappus of five to ten firm, chaffy scales. May. l. linear, entire, rather succulent. h. 1ft. California, 1834.
L. glabrata (smooth).* fl.-heads bright yellow, about 1in. across; involucre fifteen-toothed; pappus wanting; achenes mucronate at apex. May to July. l. sometimes one-toothed or lobed on each side. Stems branched from the base, glabrous or slightly pubescent. h. 9in. to 18in. California, 1834. SYNS. L. californica, Hologymne glabrata. (B. M. 3730; B. R. 1780, 1823.)