Tom wrote, >Ellen: I think we can bend the rules and admit Veratrum under the >'bulb' umbrella! I would definitely say so. I have a lot of Veratrum californicum at my old garden and have dug offsets from time to time for people, or to bring here. I don't know if the very large storage organ is technically a rhizome, or caudex, or what, but it is very bulblike and is the best way of propagating Veratrum quickly during its dormant period in late summer. I grew these plants from direct-down seed gathered just down the road -- it's very common in ditches and other places that are moist in spring. It may never be a popular garden plant, however much people who don't know it admrie it in spring, because it disappears here by the end of July and one loses the "architectural" foliage. By the way, whatever you call the underground part, it gets very large and is a beast to dig! Regarding the medicinal qualities of Veratrum, Alaska Natives used it, I believe only topically, while well aware of its toxicity. It was said that one had to leave a small gift in the hole after digging the root in order to propitiate the plant's spirit. Jane McGary Portland, Oregon, USA