DAME'S VIOLET

dame's violet, the english name for _hesperis matronalis_, a herbaceous plant belonging to the natural order cruciferae, and closely allied to the wallflower and stock. it has an erect stout leafy stem 2 to 3 ft. high, with irregularly toothed short-stalked leaves and white or lilac flowers, 3/4 in. across, which are scented in the evening (hence the name of the genus, from the gr. [greek: hesperos], evening). the slender pods are constricted between the seeds. the plant is a native of europe and temperate asia, and is found in britain as an escape from gardens, in meadows and plantations.