Upon superficial examination S. marilandica L. and S. lanceolata Pursh bear marked resemblances thus causing confusion of these two species of plants for many years during the early development of botany in this country. Along with the confusing of the two species was an inevitable confusing of their names. At present the late blooming species bears the name S. marilandica L. and the early blooming species S. lanceolata Pursh. This paper deals with the series of events leading up to the present classification.