Chapter VI: Introduction (6)

The rather large corolla has 5 divisions of a rounded oval shape with an abrupt little tip; their outer margin is somewhat puckered, the texture thin, and the color a pure light yellow,--about their bases is a reddish marking that makes a ring in the center of the flower; the 5 erect stamens are straw-color, and the long pistil is green; the calyx is 5-parted, and full green in color. The flowers, on slender foot-stems, are placed by twos and fours on leafy stems, that spring terminally, and from the angles of the leaves.

This handsome plant takes kindly to garden cultivation.

*Common Pimpernel.* _Anagallis arvensis._
*Poor Man’s Weather Glass.*

Found in waste places and sandy soil, from June to September.

The several stems of this spreading plant lie upon the ground in a close mat; they are square, the sides being twisted; smooth, shining, and light green. They are commonly about 6 inches in length, but vary somewhat.

The small oval leaf is widest at the base, entire, weak and loose in texture, and dull green, the under side speckled with faint purple dots. The leaves occur in pairs at regular intervals.

The pretty little flower is very variable in color; its 5-parted and round-pointed corolla is purple, blue or white sometimes, but most commonly is orange-red with a violet ring in the center, while the collar which unites the 5 white stamens (they have yellow tips) is red-violet--a curious color combination. The calyx is 5-parted, shallow, and green. The flowers, on thread-like stems, occur in pairs, springing from the angles of the leaves along the stalk.

The lowest buds open first; the blossoms last but a day,--they do not often spread in overcast weather, nor open until the sun is shining full, and they close by four o’clock in the afternoon. This habit causes the folk-name, which is more surely applicable to the plant when it grows by the sea, for though it is found inland in a flourishing condition, it is never acclimated thoroughly enough to adjust its reckoning with the weather, and is continually making false forecasts in its calculations.

DOGBANE FAMILY.

APOCYNACEÆ.

*Spreading Dogbane.* _Apocynum androsæmifolium._

Found along the borders of wayside thickets in June and July.

The branching, woody-fibred stalk grows from 2 to 3 feet in height; it has a sticky, milky juice, and is smooth; dull-red on the upper side, greenish on the under.

The entire, smooth leaves are slightly pointed at the ends; dull green; they are set on extremely short stems in pairs.

The small bell-shaped flowers have 5 recurved points, and are white, striped on the inside with hair lines of pink; their 5 yellowish stamens are arranged in a short, pointed cone. They hang on short stems, in small clusters from the ends of the branches and the angles of the leaves.

Taken by itself the Dogbane’s flower is pretty, but the plant is sprangly in growth and awkward in gesture; its branches spread at an unpleasing angle, and the leaves are stiffly set. It is seen at its best among tall grasses, where only the pink bells of the flowering tips arise above the neighboring growths. The plant is much visited by a small iridescent green beetle.

*Indian Hemp.* _Apocynum cannabinum._

Found on river banks during July and August.

This branching plant, from 2 to 3 feet in height, has milky juice, smooth and exceedingly tough bark, and is dull red in color.

The tip of the oval leaf is abruptly sharp-pointed; the margin is entire, the surface is smooth, and the color is dark green. The leaves are set on short stems, and placed in pairs.

The small and inconspicuous flowers are 5-pointed, and greenish white. They form small flat clusters on the ends of the branches.

The leaves and flowers have a faint pleasant odor. The plant is extremely awkward in gesture, without the redeeming grace of bloom belonging to its next of kin, the Dogbane.

MILKWEED FAMILY.

ASCLEPIADACEÆ.

*Four-leaved Milkweed.* _Asclepias quadrifolia._

Found during June and July, in shady places, on dry uplands.

The stalk is leafy and slender, round, and tough fibred, and 1 or 2 feet high; it is downy with soft hairs; in color light green, with an indication of pink at the joints.

The oval leaf has a broad base and a sharp-tapering point; the margin is entire or slightly scalloped and wavy or ruffled, the ribs are prominent and hairy underneath, the texture is thin, and the surface is downy above; light green, with a whitey bloom,--pale underneath. The leaves, on slender short stems, are arranged in pairs, or in whorls of 4 of which 2 are smaller than the others; they occur at a considerable distance apart.

The flower is small and delicate in form and texture; its crown, of 5 tubes and 5 little horns, is tinted pale lilac, the 5 lobes are small, down-bent, and creamy pink; the calyx is light green; the foot-stem is long, and pale lilac color. The flowers are gathered in small globe-shaped clusters, set upon terminal pink stems.

Only a few flower-clusters occur on the plant, and the 4-leaved whorls are found midway the height of the stalk. The details of the whole plant are delicately perfected, and the quality of its leafage is pleasing.

*Sand Milkweed.* _Asclepias obtusifolia._

Found on sandy barrens and fields in July.

The stalk, which grows from 2 to 3 feet in height, is very leafy in its middle part, and is round, or sometimes a little flattened beneath the leaves; its fibre is strong, and surface smooth. Color, pale green, frequently toned with bronze, or brown.

The leaf is long, square-pointed with a sharp little tip, and heart-shaped at its partly clasping base; its margin is entire, the blade being much ruffled by the tautness of the strong midrib, and its edge is slightly thickened; the texture is thick and tough, and the surface is smooth and soft to the touch; the color is a strong full green, showing purplish at the edge and ribs, and pale silvery underneath where the mid-rib is white. The leaves occur in pairs which grow at right angles to each other.

The crown tubes are short, broad, and slightly toothed, with noticeable sharp little horns; the lobes are long, pointed, and curving. All these parts are pale greenish-purple, while the small calyx is green. The foot-stems are rather long and slender, and the flower-cluster is large, loose, and terminal.

At about a third of the height of the stalk the leaves begin to crowd together,--sometimes as many as five or six pairs will occur with barely an inch of space between them; they overlap their bases about the stalk, and describe fine curves with their wavy blades. Occasionally a second cluster of flowers is borne at the base of the stem which supports the usual cluster. The juice is very little milky.

*Swamp Milkweed.* _Asclepias incarnata, var. pulchra._

Found in damp hollows and swamps, in July.

The leafy stalk is commonly 2 or 3 feet high, woody-fibred and hollow, with slight ridges on its surface, and downy to the touch. Green in color, modified by pale crimson.

The large leaf (7 inches long sometimes) is sharp-pointed at the tip and slightly heart-shaped at the base; the ribs are prominent underneath, and the margin is entire, the edge being thickened; the texture is thick, the surface downy and hairy underneath; in color a strong yellow-green. The leaves are set on short, stout stems, which partly clasp the stalk, and grow in pairs, that occur at right angles to each other.

The flower is small; the crown is reared high upon its little neck, the horns very slender and pointed, the lobes narrow and curving; the texture of the corolla is fine, and its color is a rich crimson, toned to violet, the calyx parts are half as long as the lobes, and are pale green with a crimson tint. The flowers are set on short, small foot-stems, which are downy, and crimson toned; they form rather large loose clusters, on stout green stems, and grow in a terminal group, or singly from the angles of the upper leaves.

The buds are oval in shape, and of a noticeably richer hue than belongs to the opened flower; they form flat-topped clusters before they reach maturity.

This variety varies from the typical _incarnata_ chiefly in being more downy, and shorter of leaf-stem.

*Purple Milkweed.* _Asclepias purpurascens._

Found along dry roadsides in July.

The generally single stalk varies from 1 to 3 feet in height, is tough-fibred, slightly grooved, and a trifle downy to the touch; it is very milky. The color is light green, crimson at the joints.

The long, oval leaf is sharp-pointed at the tip and blunt at the base; its midrib is very flat on the top but round beneath, and the cross-veins show plainly; the margin is entire, the edge curling under, and the upper surface is smooth while the underside is velvety; the color is yellow-green, with a crimson midrib that is purple underneath. The leaves, on short, thick purple stems, are placed in pairs, at alternate angles with one another.

The tubes belonging to the crown of this rather large flower are long and oval in shape, their horns being short and broad with suddenly-straight tips; the lobes are long, oval, and widely flaring; all these parts are colored a strong, dark glowing crimson. The flowers are set on foot-stems that are twice their own length, and pale green in color; they are arranged in a loose cluster upon a short, stout purplish stem, and grow terminally, and from the angles of the upper leaves.

This plant is inappropriately designated _purpurascens_, since its full and beautiful crimson flowers are unusually pure in tone.

*Poke Milkweed.* _Asclepias phytolaccoides._

Found in moist and shady banks in July.

The leafy stalk is not hollow, but very milky, of a close, firm fibre; it is smooth or slightly downy--especially when young; from 2 to 5 feet in height; clear green.

The large lower leaves (5 or 6 inches long by 3 inches in width) are oval, pointed at both ends; the upper are narrower; their margins are entire, midribs strong, and texture very thin and fine, downy and pleasant to the touch. In color a clear green, paler beneath, the midrib being pinkish above. They are set on short stems, in pairs, which grow at alternate angles.

The flower is large; its oval lobes are very much reversed, and colored a clear light green; the crown tubes are broad, short, and notched at their tips; the horns are long and needle-pointed, they curve, and meet together in the center; these parts are all ivory white, while the little calyx is green. The flowers nod and droop on long, slender, pale foot-stems that hang in a loose cluster on a stout thick stem, which springs from the angle of a side leaf.

Sometimes the plant bears more than one of these flower-clusters; it is the most delicate of our common Milkweeds, exceeding even the Four-leaved in fineness, and the ivory white of its flower crown is remarkable for its clarity of hue.

*Butterfly Weed.* _Asclepias tuberosa._
*Orange Milkweed.*
*Pleurisy Root.*

Found in dry pastures and fields in July.

The stalk branches often for the flowers; it is leafy, and grows from 2 to 3 feet high, with a strong fibre, its surface is hairy and its color is a strong green, purplish near the foot, and red-orange below the flower-clusters. The juice is not milky.

The long narrow leaf is somewhat blunt-pointed at the tip and heart-shaped at the base, with an entire margin, and a strong midrib; its fibre is strong and coarse, the veins showing, and it is hairy underneath and downy above; the color is a full green, much toned with orange. The leaves are set on short stems, and placed near together, alternately, and with an upward inclination.

The flower is small and long; the crown is set up high on its slender neck, its hoods short and narrow, and yet somewhat longer than the fine-pointed straight horns,--in color a splendid glowing orange; the narrow, fine-pointed lobes are slightly curling, and bright yellow; the calyx is unobservable. The flowers are set on slender, rather long, light green foot-stems, forming a loose flat-topped cluster; the clusters being arranged in a leafy terminal group.

As many as eighteen clusters have been counted upon a single stalk. The color scheme of this plant is especially good; the green betrays the same tawny tone which belongs to the gorgeous flowers.

*Common Milkweed.* _Asclepias Cornuti._

Found in meadows and roadsides, from June to August.

The large, round, and tough-fibred stalk, which grows from 3 to 4 feet high, has a sticky and milky juice, is minutely downy, and pale green.

The leaf is often very large (from 4 to 8 inches long), oval, rounded at both ends, with an entire and somewhat wavy margin, and a large midrib; it is thick in texture, smooth above, but a little downy beneath, and grayish-green in color, the underside being silvery,--the wide midrib is light, or often tinged with dull red.

The flower is rather large; the crown is brownish-pink, the lobes light flesh-pink or pale lilac, and the foot-stems are pinkish. The flower-clusters are large, round, and drooping; they spring from the angles of the upper leaves.

Though regarded as a “weed” this Milkweed has many attractive features.

* * * * *

The seed-pods of the Milkweeds are most interesting; rough on the outside, they are beautifully finished within, with a fine, smooth, light lining. The silky plumes of the flat-brown seeds are closely folded together and the seeds lie overlapping like the scales of a fish. The light green outside of the Butterfly-Weed pod, tinged with crimson-tawny, becomes with age a fine tree-trunk gray. In some varieties a likeness to a dove may be found in the inverted pod.

GENTIAN FAMILY.

GENTIANACEÆ.

*Fringed Gentian.* _Gentiana crinita._

Found in fields, pastures, and along wayside thickets, frequently where it is damp; coming into bloom late in August and continuing until middle October or later.

The stalk, which branches for the flowers, grows usually from 6 inches to 2 feet in height, and is somewhat square near the blossoms, and sometimes twisted; it is grooved, smooth and shining, and light green, tempered with bronze.

The leaf is heart-shaped at the base, tapering sharply to a long-pointed tip, slightly creased on the midrib, with an entire margin, and thin smooth texture. In color it is light green. The leaves clasp the stalk in pairs, which occur at right angles to each other.

The corolla is a deep vase shape spreading at the top into 4 fringed lobes which curve like shells; of a delicate thin texture, and satin smooth surface, in color an evasive azure, impossible to describe, varying from pale to deep (sometimes reddish tinted), and marked upon the outside with fine lines of darker blue. The 4-parted calyx is pinched into 4 angles at its base, and is a light yellow-green color, its long, sharp tips sometimes bronzy. The flowers are set on short, and long, leafy stems; in groups, or singly.

Though often low, and bearing but one flower, it is not uncommon to find a single tall stalk adorned with a dozen or two of blossoms, and a reliable observer reports having found plants 5 feet in stature, and bearing upwards of a hundred flowers and buds apiece! This remarkable luxuriance could only have occurred in some solitary mountain glen unknown to the gentian-hunter, who, between greedy admiration of its beauty and ignorance of its habits, is doing his best to exterminate the plant. The seeds are exceedingly capricious in their choice of a home, and refuse to germinate when garden-sown. For the æsthetic pleasure also it is best not to pluck them; their charm loses its subtlety when carried into civilized environments--the spirit of their loveliness escapes imprisonment.

*Blind Gentian.* _Gentiana Andrewsii._
*Closed Gentian.*

Found in rich woodlands and pastures, blossoming in September and October.

The single leafy stalk, from 1 foot to 18 inches in height, is round, stout, smooth, and green.

The leaf is large (from 2 to 4 inches long), usually bread oval in shape, tapering to the tip, with an entire margin, and a thick texture; the surface is smooth, and the color a rich green that is frequently weather-worn and rusty. The leaves are set in pairs upon the stalk.

The flower is like a closed bud which never opens, an inflated club-shape from 1 to 1 and ½ inches in length; the corolla is a dark purple-blue color, growing lighter near the base, and in its folds; the 5-parted calyx is more or less green. The flowers are gathered together in a close cluster of four or five, upon the summit of the stalk, amidst the numerous green leaves.

The color of the closed gentian, being low and rich in tone rather than brilliant, loses greatly in value when gathered and fetched into the subdued light of the house.

BORAGE FAMILY.

BORRAGINACEÆ.

*Forget-me-not.* _Myosotis palustris._
*Mouse-ear.*

Found in moist meadows, and by brooks and runnels, flowering in June and July.

The large, somewhat square stalk, from 9 to 20 inches in height, is branching and leafy, rather roughish of surface, with short rootlets starting out on its sides, and light green. It supports itself upon surrounding vegetation.

The leaf, 2 or 3 inches long, is oval with a blunt tip, and partly clasping the stalk; its surface roughened with fine hairs, and it is light green in color.

The small 5-lobed flower is about a quarter of an inch across; its corolla is very fine and even in texture, in color light blue (occasionally pink) with a center of harmonious yellow; the calyx is small, 5-parted, and green. The buds are pinkish. The flowers grow in curving, one-sided, terminal clusters,--sometimes from the angles of the upper leaves.

This is one of the few true blue flowers of our flora; its color is pure and opaque, like that of a turquoise, or a fine enamel, and falls into harmony with the yellow of the center through an exquisite gradation of color. The plant remains in flower a long time, continually forming new buds, and leaving behind the little empty green calyx-cups on its ever-lengthening stem. The blossom of the wild plant is larger than that usually cultivated in the gardens; it is easily propagated by means of cuttings.

*Blue Weed.* _Echium vulgare._
*Viper’s Bugloss.*
*Blue Thistle (Vt.).*

Found in July, in pastures chiefly, though occasionally straying along country roads.

The stalk, from 3 to 4 or 5 feet in height, is large, and strong; it is branching with short stems which diminish as they near the top; the fibre is coarse, it is roughened with hairs, and its light green color is frequently dotted with rusty-purple freckles.

The lower leaves are very long and narrow, occasionally cut or rudely notched on the edge, while the pointed upper leaves are entire; the texture is coarse, and rough to the touch; the color is green. The arrangement is alternate.

The flower is an irregular vase-shape, spreading into 5 rounding divisions of unequal length, with a very small, green, 5-parted calyx; the corolla is a bright deep blue, the 4 stamens and the pistil are rose-colored. Several flowers are set in a single row along the upper side of a short stem, which is coiled tightly at first, but straightens itself as the rose-colored buds expand. Many of these stems form a large and conspicuous terminal spike; and singly grow from the upper branches.

It is a pity this striking plant should have invaded the farmers’ pastures in such bold colonies as to be reckoned by him a pest, and so uprooted, for absolute blue flowers are rare. It deserves especial regard because of its unusual color combination of ultramarine and rose. The “spotted stem made men once think it efficacious for cure of viper’s bites, and its seeds, shaped like a viper’s head, confirmed the notion.”

CONVOLVULUS FAMILY.

CONVOLVULACEÆ.

*Upright Convolvulus.* _Convolvulus spithamæus._

Found in June, growing on dry and sandy places, in the open.

The stalk is seldom over 10 inches in height, single, leafy, and erect; it is round, and downy with small hairs. Pale green in color, but red near the foot.

The leaf is between 1 and 2 inches in length, oblong, with taper tip, and a narrow heart-shaped base; it is folded slightly on the midrib; all the ribs show plainly, the margin is entire, and the surface is roughened by hairs; in color a full green, somewhat lighter underneath, with a pinkish tint along the edge and the midrib. It is set on a short, downy, reddish stem. The arrangement is alternate.

The flower is large; the corolla a beautiful vase shape with a rolling, slightly 5-angled rim, in texture fine and thin, the outside of the throat shining; within the vase, at the bottom, may be seen 5 deep pits; it is of a pure and exquisite white, toned to creamy-green near the calyx; the 5 stamens are cream colored while the 2-tipped pistil is white. The greenish calyx is 5-parted with small pointed divisions which are almost concealed by the 2 longer, pale green bracts that clasp together closely about its throat. The flower is set on a rather large, flat, downy, pale stem which rises from the angle of a leaf. The plant bears but few flowers.

Far less common than the Bindweed this flower must be reckoned a treasure-trove by its finder. Its texture is so thin that the calyx-color glows within the throat of the vase with a golden green effulgence.

*Hedge Bindweed.* _Convolvulus sepium._

Blossoming along the roadside and in the meadow in June and July.

This twining leafy vine, climbing over low shrubbery, has a round, smooth, light green stem.

The broad arrow-shaped leaf is from 2 to 3 inches in length, tapering at the tip, and set on a long foot-stem; the surface is smooth, and the color a grayish-green.

The large funnel-shaped flower is about 2 inches broad and from 2 to 3 inches long; the spreading top is obscurely 5-sided, and singularly fine and delicate in texture, and of a pale shell-pink or white color; the stamens and a 2-divided white pistil are visible within the tube; the 5 pale-green parts of the calyx are nearly enfolded by two larger shell-shaped bracts.

The Bindweed blossoms luxuriantly along the edge of cultivated grounds, and often runs in among the crops to such an extent as to be deemed a pest by the farmer. Though it is the flower of the morning, on cool gray days it frequently remains in bloom late Into the afternoon.

*Dodder.* _Cuscuta Gronovii._

Blossoming from August to October in low, damp, and shady ground.

A parasite, climbing high on other plants by winding its smooth, round, bright orange stems closely about their stalks, and growing to them by many sharp little suckers.

There are no leaves, for the vine, stealing its food from honest workers, has no use for them.

The small, broad bell-shaped flower spreads at the top into 5 short divisions; the corolla is of a dull white color, and the inconspicuous calyx greenish-white. The flowers are crowded in thick humps, at short intervals along the twisting stems.

The globular seed-box begins soon to swell within the flower, and develops while the blossoming still goes on. The Dodder starts at first, like an honest plant, from the ground, but as soon as it finds a convenient plant to tap, it breaks its connection with the earth, and wraps itself closely about its victim.

NIGHTSHADE FAMILY.

SOLANACEÆ.

*Nightshade.* _Solanum Dulcamara._

Found in flower in June and July in moist grounds.

The stalk, erect at first, branches and takes to climbing later; it is nearly smooth, and quite tough, with a strong, coarse odor; green.

The leaves, from 2 to 3 inches long, are somewhat variable in shape, the lower ones being heart-shaped, while the upper ones are deeply cut at the base into 2 long narrow lobes; they taper at the tip, and are on short foot-stems (about 1 inch long); coarse in texture; dark green.

The 5-pointed star-shaped corolla is of a deep purple color, with a yellow cone, made of 5 stamens, in the center; the calyx is small, bell-shaped and 5-notched; brownish-green. The flowers, on short curving foot-stems, hang in loosely branching clusters from the angles of the leaves.

The oval berry ripening, in August and September, is bright red, while those of the _Deadly_ Nightshade are blue-black. Its coarse odor betrays its kinship to the potato plant.

FIGWORT FAMILY.

SCROPHULARIACEÆ.

*Common Lousewort.* _Pedicularis Canadensis._
*Beefsteak Plant.*

Found on roadside banks, and in dry copses, during May.

Several flower-bearing, leafy, stout stems, 6 to 10 inches high, spring from a foot tuffet of leaves.

The foot-leaves are large and long, and set on long, wide, grooved, hairy stems; the stem leaves taper at each end, and are at first set on short stems, and above clasping; all the leaves are often and regularly cut like a feather, a resemblance increased by the finely toothed margin; with strong midribs, coarse texture, and shining surfaces. The color is dark green, the lower leaves dashed with red-purple, the stems being also red-purple. The leaves occur alternately, and not near together, along the stems.

This curious flower is 2-lipped: the upper is flat and curved, with a two-pronged tip, the lower is 3-lobed, the edges curled inward; their surface shining; the upper lip is a dark purplish-red, the lower, pale yellow, while the throat is reddish. The pistil pushes out between the prongs of the upper lip. The deep and somewhat square calyx is parted beneath the lower lip; it is of a coarse, and hairy aspect, and colored light green, edged with dark red. The flowers, set close, in the hold of little bract-like leaves, are arranged spirally, in a round terminal spike.

As the fresh blossoms climb upward the spike lengthens and becomes club-shaped. The withered flowers cling long after their color has faded; when newly opened, they are all yellow, their beak-like upper lips only faintly flushed with the red, which, presently, assumes so sanguinary a hue that there is some occasion for the waggery of the local folk-name of “Beefsteak Plant.”

*Wood Betony.* _Pedicularis lanceolata._
*Lousewort.*

Found in swampy places during August and September.

The sometimes branching stalk, from 1 to 2 or 8 feet in height, is round, shining, and generally smooth, or with an occasional roughness. Light green in color.

The long oval leaf is cut into oblong divisions, and the margin is finely toothed, which increases its resemblance to a fern leaf; the strong ribs show plainly, and the color is pale green, inclining to yellow. The leaves, on short stems, are placed in pairs, which point at right angles to each other.

The corolla has a curious one-sided look, because the curving beak-like upper lip closes so tightly down upon the 3-lobed under lip as to push it askew; its color is a pale and somewhat muddy yellow. The 2-parted calyx is deep, and the tips spread; it is green. The flowers are set within the hold of little curved and notched leaves like bracts, in pairs, forming a terminal spike.

Only two or three flowers bloom at one time, and the withered corollas cling long to the calices, which gives an untidy appearance to the plant. The leaf and calyx are decorative in growth.

*Indian Paint-brush.* _Castilleia coccinea._
*Painted Cup.*

Found in June, growing in low grounds, and wet meadows.

The single, leafy stalk rises from a cluster of root-leaves; it is 8 to 10 inches in height, somewhat square-angled, and hollow, of a tough, rather course fibre, with a hairy surface. Color, dull crimson, the short hairs being gray or white.

The root-leaves are oblong, seldom notched; on the stalk the lowest leaves are narrow, while above they are wedge-shaped and generally deeply cleft into 3 lobes; the margins are entire, and the surface is hairy. In color a light clear green; the ends of the upper leaves and those which supports the flowers look as though they had been dipped in a scarlet dye. The leaves all sit immediately upon the stalk; they are placed alternately, and at some distance apart, but more crowded among the flowers.

The small corolla of the flower is tubular and 2-lipped, yellow and green in color; it is almost concealed within the long cylindrical 2-cleft calyx, which is colored a clear light green with a scarlet margin. The long curving pistil is green tinted. The flowers are set in the clasp of the upper leaves, and form a close terminal cluster.

Quite eclipsed by the gorgeous hues of the floral leaves and calices, the paler flower hides its head, its long pistil alone claiming attention. The exact marking of the vivid scarlet upon the tips makes the folk-name “Paintbrush” more applicable to its general aspect, than that of “Painted Cup,” which of course only applies to the effect of the single calyx. In some localities the color is not scarlet, but yellow, it is reported. The plant is called a parasite by the botanists: it therefore may not be transplanted but glows in splendid patches of color in favorite camps of its own choosing.

*Thyme-leaved Speedwell.* _Veronica serpyllifolia._
*Paul’s Betony.*

Found, from May to July, in grassy fields, and along roadsides.

Many branches, varying from 3 to 7 inches in length, spring from the root, and lie on the ground (sometimes rooting so), their tips lifted erect among the grass blades; its growth is slender, leafy, firm of fibre, and smooth. Color green.

The small leaf is oval, with an entire, or slightly irregular, margin, prominent midrib, and smooth surface. In color, a cool green; the leaves, on short stems, are placed in pairs, near together,--at the end of the branch they become crowded.

The corolla is small, and resembles that of the Brooklime; delicate in texture and in color pure white, or streaked with lavender, or blue. The points of the 4-parted green calyx just show between the lobes of the flower. The two stamens are lavender tipped. The flowers, on small foot-stems, spring from the angles of the leaves for a considerable distance along the ends of the branches.

Contrary to the usual habit of the Speedwells these flowers do not fall immediately after they are picked.

*American Brooklime.* _Veronica Americana._

Found by roadside runlets, and meadow brooks, in June and July.

The rather large stalk, sometimes creeps and then lifts itself to the height of 10 or 15 inches; it is hollow, juicy, and fine-fibred, and smooth. Pale green in color.

The long, oval leaf has a grooved midrib and slightly notched margin; it is juicy, and smooth. In color light green. The leaves, on short broad flat stems, that clasp the stalk, are placed in pairs, at right angles to each other.

The little circular corolla is cut into 4 scallops, of which 3 are round-pointed and of equal size, while the fourth is narrower and a trifle longer; the texture is delicate. The color is very pretty, a lavender-blue with slightly darker markings,--the center is white; the 2 stamens are pale purple. The calyx is 4-parted, the divisions narrow and pointed; green. The flowers, set on thread-stems, are placed in little, loose, terminal spires.

A first cousin to the Speedwell of English poetry. These tiny blossoms fall almost as soon as they open their pretty blue eyes, therefore let the observer rest content, without trying to pluck the tender stalks.

*Common Speedwell.* _Veronica officinalis._
*Upland Speedwell.*

Found in dry uplands and light woods in June and July.

The leafy stalk lies along the ground, with the flower-stems rising from it; it is round, downy, and tough. In color green.

The oval leaf, broad and rounded at the tip, tapers at the base into an exceedingly short stem: the edge is notched, and the surface downy. The leaves are set in pairs, and are of a rather light green color.

The small 4-parted flower shows the mark of the Speedwells in the inequality of the divisions, the lower one being much narrower than the other three. There are two stamens, a pistil, and a small green 4-parted calyx. The flowers are closely set on slender spires, rising from the angles of the leaves. Their color is a light lavender, lined with a darker tone.

The flat, heart-shaped pods ripen on the lower part of the spire while the upper part continues to bloom; the flowers speed quickly away,--with a glance, almost, they are gone, so lightly are they held in their green cups.

*Mullein.* _Verbascum Thapsus._
*High Taper.*
*Candlewick.*

Found on dry, sandy soil, in fields, and among rocks, from June to September.

The single, leafy stalk rises from a foot-tuffet, to the height of 3 or 4 feet, usually, although it varies considerably; it is round, stout, and tough-fibred, covered with wool, which tempers the green and makes it whitey in tone.

The large (from 6 to 12 inches long) foot-leaves have very prominent ribs which show chiefly underneath, entire margins, and are thick, like a blanket with a very woolly surface; the stalk leaves are smaller, and more pointed, and are attached to the stalk for a part of their length,--they are otherwise like the large leaves. In color a whitish green.

The corolla is rather large, somewhat unequally 5-parted with rounded lobes, it is of a fine texture and smooth; in color, a clear pale yellow. The tips of the 5 stamens are orange; the pistil is green, and so is the 5-parted, woolly calyx. The flowers are set closely and numerously in a long, compact, club-shaped, terminal spike.

When the flower-stalk shoots up the foot-tuffet withers, and loses the richer color which, in spring, belongs to its leafage. The rosette forms in the fall,--if potted and wintered in the house, free from the choking dust of the highway, it develops a superfine quality of wool.

*Moth Mullein.* _Verbascum Blattaria._

Found, during July and August, on sand-banks, pastures, and waysides.

The leafy, large, round stalk grows to be 2 or 3 feet high; it is tough-fibred, and the surface is ridgy and smooth; light green.

The large leaf is oblong in shape with an irregularly notched and toothed margin; its stout midrib is flattened above, all the ribs and veins show plainly, the texture being thin and smooth, the upper surface somewhat glossy. The lowest leaves are on short stems, the others are somewhat clasping; they are placed alternately, and near together. The color is a pleasing green.

The corolla is like the common Mullein in shape and texture; in color either yellow, or white, tinted with lavender. The 5 stamens, with curiously shaped, red-orange tips, are fringed with a double row of dull crimson, woolly threads; the pistil, also, is orange-tipped; the calyx is 5-parted, with slender tips. The flowers, on slender stems, are placed alternately, in long, leafy spires. All the calices, little leaves, and foot-stems are covered with fine woolly hairs.

The bud is 5-sided, and the seed-box is a good deal inflated. The peculiar orange of the stamen tips resembles a flowering moss,--their woolly fringe, of course, occasions the name. This elegantly growing plant, with its interesting leaf, is common only in certain localities.

*Downy False Foxglove.* _Gerardia flava._
*Downy Gerardia.*

Found in the shade of woods, in July.

The single, leafy stalk, which grows to be 3 or 4 feet high, is square, and hollow; of a stiff, strong fibre, downy with soft hairs. Dull rusty green in color.

The long narrow leaf is broadest at the base, with a tapering tip, the margin is entire or slightly toothed near the base (the edge of the lower leaves being somewhat wavy), the texture is rather thick, and the surface is downy, and like velvet to the touch; the color is yellow-green, slightly pinkish on the midrib. The leaves, on short, downy, purple tinted stems, are set in pairs, at right angles to each other.

The corolla is shaped like an urn, with 5 spreading, rounded lobes, their edges curving or even curling in toward the center; the texture is very fine and thin, showing the veins; the large throat is downy on the inside; sometimes the margin is crinkled; the color is a pure yellow. The 4 yellow stamens are divided into a long and a short pair; the pistil is green. The calyx is 5-parted with a noticeable rounded cleft between the divisions; it is half as long as the corolla, very downy, and green. The flowers, on short stems, are placed in pairs in the angles of the leaves forming a terminal spike.

Since the buds all incline to one side there is literally a back view to the spike. The flowers remain some days in the fullness of bloom, and as many as a dozen may be observed together on a single stalk; long after they have fallen the pistil lingers. The bud is very round at the tip, and exceptionally shining with a gloss that is lost to the opened blossom.

*Yellow Gerardia.* _Gerardia pedicularia._
*False Foxglove.*

Found on the edges of dry woods through August and September.

The stalk (from 2 to 8 feet in height) is branching, and very leafy, round, and soft to the touch, being covered with fine down. Its color is light green.

The leaf is long, much cut into rounded lobes, and bearing a general resemblance to a fern leaf; the texture is fine, and the surface soft, and downy; in color light green. The leaves are placed upon the stalk in pairs.

The tubular large corolla spreads into 5 rounded, slightly irregular lobes, and is a little hairy in the throat; color, a pure clear yellow; the pistil is a thread of green, and the stamens are 4 in number; the green calyx is unequally 5-parted. The flowers, on short curving foot-stems, are usually arranged in pairs, springing from the angles of the upper leaves.

A fragrance, slightly suggestive of Sweet-Fern belongs to the leaves. This plant is noticeable for the fine texture of its parts; the pointed green seed-pod rising from the frill of the calyx has also a decorative value. All the Gerardias bear the stigma of being “clandestine root parasites,”--they do not therefore seem worthy namesakes of the honest, nature-loving old Herbalist, Gerarde, who lived in the days when botanists wrote plain English. According to Gray the suckers of the roots of these plants not only fasten upon other growths, but upon their own, thus preying upon themselves.

*Slender Gerardia.* _Gerardia tenuifolia._
*Little Gerardia.*

Found, during August and September, on dry banks.

The erect, branching, and sparingly leafy stalk grows from 4 to 10 inches high; it is slender, and smooth. Green, tinged with reddish-brown.

The leaves are long and narrow, almost needle-like; in color green. They are set alternately upon the stalk.

The corolla is an irregular bell-shape with 5 rounded lobes, 2 being smaller than the others, and folded over to cover the pistil and stamens; its color is a pale magenta. The 4 stamens are woolly, and yellow-tinted; the calyx is small and 5-toothed, and green. The flowers grow on slender foot-stems along the sides of the stalk and branches.

As the fruit ripens the stems and seed-boxes turn reddish-brown. This is a common flower along roadsides.

*Butter-and-Eggs.* _Linaria vulgaris._
*Jacob’s Ladder.*
*Ramsted.*

Found from July to September in fields, meadows, and roadsides.

The very leafy, and slightly branching, stalk varies in height from 1 to 2 or 3 feet; it is slender, round, of a firm close fibre, and smooth. Light gray-green in color.

The narrow long leaf is like a grass-blade, with an entire margin, fine texture, and smooth surface. It is pale gray-green, lighter underneath. The leaves are set close on the stalk, the arrangement being alternate, and near together.

The flower is 2-lipped; the lower lip is 3-lobed, the middle lobe being short and small, with a swelling above, which nearly closes the throat of the corolla; the base of the lip is prolonged into a slender, pointed spur; the upper lip is 2-lobed, the divisions bend outward and over the lower lip; the texture is fine, and smooth, the throat being lined with a glossy plush-like down; the color is a pure lemon yellow, the protuberance on the lower lip golden-orange. The 4 stamens are pale with cheese-colored tips; the pistil is tipped with green. The small calyx is 5-parted, and green. The flowers, on short small foot-stems, are arranged alternately, and close, in a terminal spike, the spurs turning downward.

A charming feature of the blossom is the arch of the meeting tips of the long pair of stamens above the shorter pair and the little pistil; the two rows of orange velvet that run down the inside of the corolla are also highly ornamental. This plant is a prime favorite with children, but few among grown observers stop to consider the admirable clarity of its lemon and orange hues. It is gregarious and grows in colonies.

*Wild Toad Flax.* _Linaria Canadensis._

Found on sandy barrens during August and September.

The very slender and delicate stalk (from 10 to 12 inches in height) branches a little; its leafage is sparse, and it is very smooth and shining. In color light green.

The small leaf is narrow and fine-pointed, with an entire margin; the texture is rather thick, and the surface is smooth; light green. The leaves are set upon the stalk alternately, and at regular intervals.

The small flower is 2-lipped, with a spur; the upper lip is divided into 2 sharp little points, the lower lip is larger and cut into 3 rounding scallops,--it presses against the upper with a prominent swelling near the throat of the corolla, the curving spur is thread-like; the texture is thin, and the color is a delicate lavender, with a white spot on the under lip; the calyx is 5-parted, and green. The flowers are set on short fine stems in a dainty terminal spire.

The stalk springs from a little mat of very leafy shoots, which lie on the ground, spreading outwards from the root. In color and general trigness of bearing this pretty plant presents a superficial resemblance to the Lobelias.

*Cow Wheat.* _Melampyrum Americanum._

Found on the borders of light woods from July to September.

The stalk is 4 to 6 inches,--or perhaps more,--high; it is branching, leafy, woody-fibred, and slightly rough to the touch. In color, reddish-gray.

The lower leaves are long and narrow, with entire margins; the upper are broader and cut at the base into long spine-like notches; the surface is slightly rough. Color, yellow-green, growing lighter toward the flowers. They are set on the stalk in pairs.

The inconspicuous flowers are tubular and 2-lipped; greenish white, the lower lip being pale yellow; their calices 4-cleft, small, and green. They grow singly from the angles of the upper leaves.

The shadowy stamens, seen under the arch of the upper lip, are vaguely suggestive of an eye. This is a tidy little plant, with no pretensions to beauty.

*Monkey Flower.* _Mimulus ringens._

Found in the wet grounds of waysides and meadows, from July to September.

The branching and leafy stalk, from 1 to 2 feet in height, is square, slightly grooved, fine-fibred, and smooth. In color green.

The leaf is a narrow, oblong shape, tapering to the tip, with obscure notches, fine texture, and smooth surface; color, green. The leaves grow opposite to each other, partly clasping the stalk.

The corolla is 2-lipped, the upper lip being erect and 2-lobed, the lower 3-lobed, with 2 small swellings near the tightly-closed throat; the color is a clear light violet, with 2 yellowish patches near the throat. The pistil, and 4 stamens, which are divided into a long and a short pair, are all whitish. The 5-angled, and 5-pointed, green calyx is tinged with dull violet color. The flowers are set on short stems that spring singly from the angles of the upper leaves.

Only a few flowers open at one time, and the plants themselves grow sparsely, by twos and threes, among the sedgy grasses of damp hollows, where its clear color and neat leafage render it attractive to the sauntering observer.

*Turtle-head.* _Chelone glabra._
*Snake-head.*

Found, in low and swampy ground, during August and September.

The single stalk (from 1 to 2 or 3 feet high) is large, and square, and grooved on the two opposite sides; it is tough-fibred, and hollow; rigid in gesture. In color, a light yellowish-green.

The long, narrow, oval leaf tapers gradually to a long tip, has a sharply toothed margin, and strongly marked ribs; it is of a coarse tough fibre although its surface is smooth. Its color is dark green, lighter underneath. The leaves, on very short stems, occur in pairs.

This curious flower is 2-lipped; the upper lip is arched, and folded together with a slight notch in the middle of its margin, the lower lip is 3-lobed; the throat is compressed and filled within by woolly hairs. In texture the corolla is smooth and leathery; in color it is dull white, or sometimes tinged faintly with pink. Under the arched upper lip the tips of the dark, wool-covered stamens show. The calyx, formed of 5, distinct, oval, pale green parts, is surrounded by broader leafy bracts. The flowers grow in short, crowded, terminal clusters.

The resemblance to the turtle or snake is most apparent in the bud where the reptile-like mouth is quite pronounced. The plant lurks among the sedges of swampy lands, and is generally unattractive, for its foliage is almost always so eaten by insects that a perfect leaf is rarely to be found.

BROOM-RAPE FAMILY.

OROBANCHACEÆ.

*Beech-drops.* _Epiphegus Virginiana._

Found growing from the roots of beech trees, in August, through October.

The tough, branching stalk, from 6 to 12 inches high, is brown, inclining to reddish.

There are no leaves, and only a few dry, and unnoticeable scales occur occasionally on the stalk.

The flowers are of two kinds, the upper sterile ones have long, small, 4-notched tubes, and are dull purplish and yellowish-brown in color; the lower seed-bearing flowers appear always as small buds. They are set on short foot-stems, and are irregularly scattered along the branches.

This is a parasite, drawing its life from the root of the beech; where it looks like a dry or dead twig sticking up from the ground. It emits a most unpleasant odor.

VERVAIN FAMILY.

VERBENACEÆ.

*Blue Vervain.* _Verbena hastata._

Found in dry grounds, waysides and fields, in July and August.

The large stalk, from 4 to 6 feet in height, is 4-angled and grooved down the sides; it is stout, roughish, and green.

The short-stemmed leaf is long, narrow, and tapering, with a sharply toothed margin, a strongly curved midrib, and a coarse texture, with a roughish surface; in color dark green. The lower leaves are more or less 3-cleft. The arrangement is opposite.

The small tubular corolla is 5-parted, and colored a rich dark blue-purple; the green of the calyx is also tinged with purple. The flowers grow in slender spires, which are grouped in an open pyramidal cluster on the top of the stalk.

The flowers at the foot of the cluster open first, only a few at a time; as the flowering continues upward there is left behind an ever-lengthening line of purple tinged calices which add greatly to the beauty of the bloom, and supply the unifying color in the general scheme of purple and green. Seen in masses, illumined by the sunlight, the color is rarely dark and rich. The bumble bee is a devoted friend to the Vervain, and may often be seen in the early evening, sleepily clinging to the flowery spire he has chosen for his night’s lodging.

*White Vervain.* _Verbena urticæfolia._
*Nettle-leaved Vervain.*

Found in waste places and roadsides, from July to September.

The branching stalk grows from 1 to 2 feet high, and is 4-sided, each side being grooved down its middle; it is strong-fibred, and rough-hairy, and green.

The oval leaf tapers to the tip, is coarsely toothed, and loose-fibred; its surface is hairy, and its color dark green. The leaves, on short stems, are placed upon the stalk in pairs.

The small, inconspicuous, white flower is 5-pointed. They are clustered in long slender spires, from the top of the stalk, and the angles of the upper leaves.

The leafage of the White Vervain bears a resemblance to the noxious Nettle, that at first sight would lead us to condemn the plant as unworthy; a closer observation bestowed upon the graceful gesture of its flowering spires will rescue its name from the limbo of “weeds.”

*Lop-seed.* _Phryma Leptostachya._

Found in light woods in July.

The large stout stalk bears slender branches, grows from 3 to 4 feet in height, and is square, hollow, and woody-fibred; it is smooth, or covered sparsely with small hairs, and grooved at the joints. Green, dashed with bronze, the branches sometimes purplish.

The lower leaves are large, broadly oval, and tapering to a sharp point, and sit on long trough-like stems; the upper are small and narrow. They have irregularly toothed margins, are thin in texture, and hairy; green in color. They are set on the stalk in pairs with a noticeable joint, the pairs occurring at right angles, and at a considerable distance apart.

The very small corolla is 2-lipped; the lower lip is 3-parted, the upper and smaller being 2-parted, and their color is light crimson with a violet tint; the long, dull green calyx is 2-divided, the upper division being longer, with 3 curving crimson tips. The flowers are arranged in pairs, at right angles to each other, in slender spikes, whose long stems bear one or two pairs of little leaves midway their length.

The blackish seed-pod is the oddest feature of this plant; it is grooved, and sharply turns down upon the stem, its little curved hooks bristling with expectation of getting a clutch upon a wayfarer.

MINT FAMILY.

LABIATÆ.

*Gill-over-the-Ground.* _Nepeta Glechoma._
*Ground Ivy.*
*Robin-run-away.*
*Creeping Charlie.*

Found in dooryards and roadsides, amidst grass, in May.

The trailing stalk is leafy, square, and somewhat hairy; pale green in color.

The leaf is nearly round, with a heart-shaped base, the margin cut in large rounded scallops, and the surface soft hairy to the touch; the color is green, often sprinkled with lighter, mouldy-looking patches. The leaves, on curved stems, grow in pairs.

The flower is 2-lipped; the upper lip slightly parted, the lower being more broad and spreading, and 3-cleft,--the middle lobe notched. The color varies from light to darker blue-violet, the lower lip and throat being spotted with small specks of reddish-violet. The tubular calyx is 5-parted, and green. The flowers, on short stems, spring from the angles of the leaves.

Introduced from England into our gardens, the one desire of this “natural born” rover seems to be that of escaping from bounds,--to run away riot on the green sward, under the hedge, and so out on the highway.

*Catnip.* _Nepeta Cataria._

Found from July to September, on the roadsides, and about dwellings.

The large square stalk is branching, and rather leafy; it grows between 2 or 3 feet high, and is strong-fibred, downy, and grooved down the middle of each side; its color is light gray-green.

The broad oval leaf is heart-shaped at the base, the edge is cut into large rounded scallops, and the surface is downy. In color it is a grayish-green. The leaves, on very short stems, grow in pairs.

The small flower is 2-lipped; the upper lip is erect, and notched in the middle of the margin, the larger lower lip is 3-lobed, the middle lobe being much the largest. Its color is a lavender tinted white, spotted with lavender dots. The small, tubular, 5-pointed calyx is green. The flowers grow upon the stalk in short spike-like clusters.

The Catnip has a pungent, mint-like odor. It is somewhat sprangling in growth, and only a few flowers open together; but the heart shaped leaf is most pleasing to the touch, because of its fine silky texture.

*Bee Balm.* _Monarda didyma._
*Oswego Tea.*

Found in July (but occasionally later in the season also), in the shade of moist woods, frequently near water.

The stalk grows from 1 to 2 feet high, and is noticeably square; it is juicy, hairy and rough to the touch. In color, light green, with a red ring at the joints.

The leaf is oval, broad at the base, and tapering to a long, sharp point, many ribbed, with its margin coarsely notched, and rough with hairs; green in color. The leaves, on short, hairy, red stems, grow in pairs, which are at alternate angles with each other.

The conspicuous flower is tubular, very small at the base, spreading wide in the throat, and 2-lipped; the upper lip is very narrow, sharp-pointed, and curving, the lower lip is larger, spreading, and often 2-cleft; the texture is fine and delicate. The pistil and 2 long, slender stamens protrude from under the tip of the upper lip, and, like the corolla, are colored a full, glowing red. The small calyx, with its round, narrow-throated, and 5-pointed tube, is of a papery texture, and finely grooved; in color it is a duller and darker red than the corolla. The flowers are set in a large terminal head, that is surrounded by a row of drooping, oval, smooth, red leaf-like bracts.