Chapter III: Introduction (3)

This large, stout, stalk varies from 2 to 6 feet in height; it branches toward the top, is round, and grooved, and armed with strong recurved thorns; the new shoots are furnished with short, coarse hairs. The color in the old stalks is a vigorous russet-red, while the young growths are green.

The leaf is divided sometimes into 3 leaflets and sometimes into 5, each leaflet being set on a short foot-stem with the end one a little longer than the others; the margins are coarsely toothed, the ribs deeply marked, the texture coarse, and the surface covered with short hairs; the stem and midrib are furnished underneath with small strong prickles. The color is a coarse, warm green. The leaves are placed alternately, with narrow leafy wings at the stalk.

The 5 oblong petals of the flower taper into a narrow claw at the base; the color is pure white; the 5, pointed, light green calyx-parts alternate with the petals; the stamens are many, thread-like, and tipped with dark brown, while the several pistils form a rounding, pale green bunch in the center. The flowers, on their light green stems, form large cone-like clusters on the ends of the stalks.

The old canes are noticeable in winter and early spring for their fine russet-red, as they grow in plantations on the hillsides and along the lanes; this strong red coloring comes out in the autumn leafage, dark and rich though subdued in hue, and is held late in the vigorous fibre of the leaf. The gracefully formed flower blooms in profusion, early, though the fruit is longer than the other Blackberries in maturing; the fruit-clusters add another attractive feature to the plant, which is known as “only a common Bramble.”

*Dewberry.* _Rubus Canadensis._
*Running Blackberry.*

Found in dry fields, banks, and roadsides in June and July.

The stalk trails and runs; it is leafy, stout, and woody-fibred, with few, and small, prickles. In color dark red.

The leaf is divided into 3, or 5, or 7 leaflets of an oval shape, the middle one generally being wedge-shape, and set on a short stem; the margins are sharply toothed. The color is a full, vigorous green.

The flower petals are 5, long, rounded at the tip and tapering at the base; in color they are pure white. The stamens and pistils are pale; the 5-parted calyx is a pale silvery green. The flowers grow singly, or loosely clustered in twos and threes.

The blossom of the Dewberry is sweet-scented, with a fragrance resembling that of the Anemone, or Adder’s-tongue. Its berry has fewer, and larger grains, than the High-bush berry; when favorably developed it has a fine wild flavor.

*Running Swamp Blackberry.* _Rubus hispidus._

Found in swamp lands, grassy woods, and copse borders during June and July.

The trailing, rather slender, stalk runs on the ground in varying lengths; its prickles are few and weak. The color is green and brown.

The leaf is small, usually with 3 leaflets that are broad-oval or wedge-shaped; the margins are toothed, ribs marked, and the surface is smooth and shining, while the fibre is tough. The color is dark green.

The 5 small flower-petals are white; the stamens and pistils many, but inconspicuous; the calyx 5-parted, and pale green. The small clusters of two or three blossoms spring from the new shoots.

The fruit is scanty, and small. The pretty, dark, glossy, green leaves turn a rich dull bronzy-red in the fall, and remain so throughout snow-time,--they form a pleasing incident in the bouquet, gathered by the lover-of-the-woods-in-winter.

*Purple Flowering Raspberry.* _Rubus odoratus._
*Scotch-Cap.*
*Thimble-berry.*

Found among wayside tangles, and uplands, in July and August.

The branching, leafy, stalk grows from 3 to 5 feet high; it is large, of a tough, woody-fibre, and the surface is roughened by short sticky hairs. The color is rusty green, and reddish-brown.

The large leaf in general shape resembles a maple leaf, with 3 or 5 lobes, a tapering point, and a toothed margin; the ribs and veins form a strongly-marked network, the texture is loose, and the surface is somewhat rough. The color is a strong, full-toned, yellowish-green. The leaves are alternate in growth, and are set on long stems.

The large flower is rather like a Rose in appearance, with 5 large, rounded petals, and many light yellow stamens forming a ring around the center. The color of the freshly opened petals is a deep, bright crimson, becoming pale, and duller with time. The 5-parted, light green calyx is covered with small, sticky, red hairs, and the flower-stems are also sticky. They grow in loose clusters, from the ends of the branches.

On cool or cloudy days the blossoms show a deep clear color, not to be discerned on hot days which speedily change them to a light bluish-pink. The fruit resembles that of the red raspberry, though it is a much shallower cup shape; the plant continues flowering after the berries begin to ripen. The bush is large and shrubby in growth, with many leaves.

*Meadow Sweet.* _Spiræa salicifolia._
*Queen of the Meadows.*

Found in thickets, and along moist banks, during July and August.

The bushy stalk bears many branches, and is very leafy; between 2 and 3 feet in height; it is round, strong and firm-fibred, and covered with a very thin, fine bark of a beautiful, glossy, golden-bronze hue.

The pretty leaf is oval, with a pointed tip, and finely notched margin; the ribs are prominent underneath, the texture is firm, the upper surface is smooth, while it is slightly rough underneath. In color it is a full green, lighter somewhat underneath, the midrib pale. The leaves are set on short up-springing stems, and the arrangement is close and alternate.

The small petals are 5 in number, shell-like, and pinkish-white; there are many rosy stamens; the calyx is small, 5-parted, and pale green. The flowers are set on thread foot-stems in little loose spires, that form a large, leafy terminal spire.

Like the Hardhack (_S. tomentosa_) the leaves turn upward, with a little arch in the stem; the central flower-spire blossoms first. The plant has a great elegance of line, and some of its details are admirable, such as the color of the stalk, and the especially pretty light brown seed-spires; the bark frequently splits into long shreds. The blossoms are fragrant.

*Steeple-bush.* _Spiræe tomentosa._
*Steeple-top.*
*Hardhack.*

Found in open pastures, hillsides and lanes, during July and August.

The stalk bears prim branches, and is very leafy; woody-fibred, and strong, the surface being woolly. Pinkish-brown in color.

The leaf is oval, with a strong midrib, and a notched margin; the under surface is covered with wool of a whity-green color, the upper is full green in tone. The leaves, on scarcely perceptible stems, spring from the stalk with a strong and noticeable arch, which points them upwards; they are placed close together, and alternately.

The 5 petals are very small, round or slightly oval in shape, rosy-pink in color, as are the many stamens, which give a feathery look to the blossoms. The small calyx is 5-parted, and green. The flowers are crowded in small spires, that are arranged closely in a fine-pointed terminal spire, which is often 3 inches in length.

The flowers open first at the tip of the spire, which thus frequently turns to pale brown, before the light green buds at the base begin to swell. The ripened seed-spires of the previous year, dried to a rich gray-red, or deep brown, are retained during the flowering season, and add much to the attractiveness of the plant. The upturned undersides of the leaves are often tinted with pale rose color, as though reflected from the blossoming spire; all along the middle of the stalk they are larger than at the foot, or near the flowers. Upland slopes, which offer favoring conditions to the plant, take on a perceptible tone of pink during the blossom-time because of its numerous presence,--it is unfortunate that farmers rate this gregarious habit as pestiferous.

*White Geum.* _Geum album._

Found along roads, and moist and shady thickets, from June to September.

The zigzag branching stalk varies from 10 to 18 inches in height, and bears few leaves; it is tough, coarse fibred, and rough with hairs; it rises from a foot-tuffet of leaves. Of a brownish green color.

The root-leaves are large, and 3-divided into round, unequal, parts, with a round-scalloped margin, that is often wavy; and set on long hairy stems,--along which are sometimes scattered other indeterminate little leaflets; the upper leaves are simple, and narrow, or deeply 3-cleft, with uneven sharp-notched margins, and set on long stiff stems, which clasp the stalk with a pair of 3-notched wings; a few small leaves near the flowers are set close on the stalk clasping with small narrow wings. The surface is hairy, texture loose, and coarse; the color a crude green; the arrangement alternate.

The flower has 5 petals, oval shaped, with fine-pointed bases; the texture is thin and delicate, the edges curly; clear white in color; the stamens are fine, tipped with yellow; the many green pistils are gathered in a small conical head; the calyx is 5-parted, and green, with white edges; between the divisions is found a tiny thread-like point. The flowers are set on slender, leafy stems, which are terminal, and from the angles of the leaves.

The petals are so widely spread that the calyx is seen, from above, as a fine-pointed green star; after they fall the head develops long, wiry, green hooks, with which to grapple the heedless traveller. The growth is angular, and weedy.

*Common Agrimony.* _Agrimonia Eupatoria._

Found in July and August, in shady copses, light woods, and thickets.

The small single stalk (from 1 to 2 feet in height) is dry fibred, and hairy. Green in color.

The leaflets are many, 5 to 7 usually, with small unformed leafkins irregularly placed between them upon the long stem; the leaflets are oval, and many ribbed, with toothed margins, of a loose texture, and hairy to the touch. The color is a strong green. The stem is hairy, clasping with a pair of flaring, toothed or entire wings. The leaves are alternate, and near together.

The small flower has 5 oval, short petals of fine texture, and a full yellow color; the many stamens are yellow with orange tips; the calyx is 5-parted, the divisions alternate with the petals, and of a strong green color. The flowers are arranged in a close round terminal spire.

When crushed the leaf exhales a faint spicy odor. The slender spire seldom holds itself stiffly erect, but bends and curves to one side, like a pretty green and gold plume; its seeds, round and rather flat, are sticky, and apt to go a’ travelling without an invitation, with the footman.

*Five-finger.* _Potentilla Canadensis._
*Common Cinquefoil.*

Found, from May to July, about dwellings and in pastures, and light shade; in sandy soil.

The root sends up a bunch of leaves, from which many long, slender, reddish runners spread; they vary much in length.

The compound leaves are 3-divided, with an appearance of being 5-parted the side leaflets are so deeply cleft into 2 divisions; the leaflets are wedge-shaped with noticeable ribs, sharply-toothed margin, thin texture, and downy surface. The color is a strong, full green, lighter underneath. The leaves, on long stems, rise from the root, or on very short stems are arranged along the running stems, in little groups, at rather long intervals apart.

The 5 heart-shaped petals of the flower are delicate in texture, and light pure yellow in color; the calyx is 5-parted, the divisions alternate with the petals, and with the 5 narrow bracts which hug the calyx closely,--all these parts are hairy, and green. The flowers, on slender stems, spring from the angles of the leaves, along the runners.

Sometimes the stems lift themselves nearly erect, but more often they lie upon the ground, where occasionally they throw out roots from the tufted leaves, and so cover the earth with a pretty interlacing network of green leaves, and red stems.

*Tall Cinquefoil.* _Potentilla arguta._

Found among tall grasses in fields and meadows in June.

The stout leafy stalk grows between 2 and 3 feet high; it branches for the flowers, and is stout, woody-fibred, and hairy to the touch. The color is a pale yellow-green, with red-brown hairs.

The root, and lower, leaves are divided into 3 to 11 long, oval leaflets, and are set on long stems; the upper leaves are 3-divided, and set on short stems which clasp the stalk with a pair of wings; the margin is toothed, ribs and veins being prominent, and the surface is downy with hairs. Green in color.

The flower has 5 petals, that are round with a pointed base, of a fine texture, and creamy-white color; the stamens are many, thread-like, and bright yellow; the yellow pistils are gathered prominently in the center. The calyx is 5-parted, and green; close beneath it occur 5 narrow, spreading bracts that are shorter than the calyx-parts, and green. The flowers, on short leafy stems, are placed in groups of two or three, forming loose terminal clusters.

The long pointed bases, by which the petals are attached, permit the calyx to be seen, from above, as a green star at the bottom of the shallow creamy cup; the calyx is noticeably flat, and sticky.

*Silvery Cinquefoil.* _Potentilla argentea._

Found during June and July, in dry sandy soil, barrens and fields.

The stalk is about 6 inches high, branching somewhat, slender, stiff, tough fibred, and covered closely with silky white wool, through which the pinkish color of the bark shows.

The leaflets are 5, each being deeply cleft 5 to 9 times; the margin is entire, and the edge is slightly rolled under; the texture is very smooth and fine; the upper side of the leaf is dark green, the underside is covered with a white silky wool. The lower leaves are set on long stems, the upper leaf-stems gradually shorten till they disappear and the leaves themselves clasp the stalk with a pair of wings.

The flower is like the Five-finger blossom, but smaller, with many stamens; in color it is a light clear yellow. The calyx-parts are as long as the petals; green above, and white underneath. The flowers, on short leafy stems, form little terminal groups.

The silver lining of the pretty leaf outlined by its tiny rolling edge of bright green is a highly attractive feature, and the surface is charming to the touch.

*Shrubby Cinquefoil.* _Potentilla fructicosa._
*Prairie Weed.*

Found from July to September, in pastures and springy meadows.

This bushy, branching, and very leafy plant grows from 1 to 3 or 4 feet high; it is tough, and woody-fibred, with a thin bark, roughened by hairs. Dull tawny-brown in color, dark at the foot. The new shoots are covered with white down.

The leaf is divided in 3 to 7 long, narrow, and oblong leaflets that are pointed at each end, with entire margins, the edge being rolled under; the texture is thick, and the surface hairy. In color a dull yellow-green, the under surface whitish. The leaves, on short slender stems, are placed in little groups, close together.

The flower is larger than those of the other Cinquefoils described; of 5 rounded petals, with slender bases, fine texture and smooth surface; strong yellow in color. There are many short, dark-tipped stamens. The calyx is 5-parted, with an equal number of alternating bracts beneath; it is shining smooth on the inside and downy without; yellow-green, the bracts being greener,--they are also less downy. The flowers, on short downy stems, form leafy close terminal groups.

Possessed of an almost indestructible toughness, and rapid in growth, this plant is one of the worst of pests, sometimes usurping a whole field, from which it is a formidable task to dislodge it. It has been largely introduced into western Vermont through garden cultivation. The petals fall quickly; seen in great masses the general hue is coarse and unpleasing.

SAXIFRAGE FAMILY.

SAXIFRAGACEÆ.

*Early Saxifrage.* _Saxifraga Virginiensis._
*Rock-Breaker.*

Found blossoming in April and May, in rocky grounds and hillsides.

The leaves and flowering stems, from 4 to 9 inches in height, rise from the root.

The small oval leaves have rounded tips, short broad foot-stems, and scalloped edges; their texture is thick and smooth, and their color a vigorous green. They form a close round tuffet upon the ground.

The small flowers have 5 long white petals and 10 yellow stamens apiece; their light green calices are 5-parted; and they grow in open clusters on the summit of a thick, round, and downy stem, which rises from the middle of the leafy rosette.

The buds appear already formed, early in the spring; as soon as the snow leaves the ground they appear as a small, round green ball well settled down in the middle of the leaf-tuffet; this bunch of buds pushes itself boldly up, on its thick stem, which is still quite short when the flowers begin to open. As the stem lengthens the clustered flowers become less dense until, finally, it reaches its full height, and the blossoms, fully expanded, spread loosely apart; they remain in perfection a long time--two or three weeks. The roots of this hardy plant, pushing in among the crevices of the rocks, fracture them by their vigorous growth; this gives it the name of Saxifrage or Rock-Breaker.

*Mitre-Wort.* _Mitella diphylla._
*Bishop’s Cap.*

Found on moist banks and in light woods in May.

Leaves and flowering stems, to the height of 8 to 15 inches, or more, spring from the root.

The leaf is somewhat triangular in shape, with a pointed tip and deeply heart-shaped base; 3- to 5-lobed, each lobe being slightly cut into 3 or 5 notches, the ribs and veins noticeable, the texture thin and loose, and hairy on both sides, the underside being also glossy; in color a full green. The leaf is borne singly on a long very hairy stem, which is tinged with red near the foot. Small, very short-stemmed leaves also occur in single pairs upon the flower-stems.

The flower is small, exquisitely shaped, with its 5 white petals cut into little branching threads in the semblance of a snow crystal; the 10 little yellow stamens just show within their hollow center; the yellow-white cup-shaped calyx is slightly 5-parted. The flowers are set on tiny foot-stems, and arranged in a spire upon a tall, slender, somewhat hairy stem.

Several leaves and two or three flower spires rise from the earth together, each protected by purple-red sheaths. The sole occasion for its name lies in the quaint shape of the seed.

*Nancy-over-the Ground.* _Tiarella cordifolia._
*White Cool-wort (N. Y.)*
*False Mitre-Wort.*

Found on wooded slopes, in moist nooks during May.

The root throws out slender runners, which bear leaves, and flowers on upright, 4- to 8-inch long, hairy stems.

The leaf is heart-shaped at the base, its lobes overlapping the stem, and the margin is cut and toothed irregularly into a faint semblance of a maple-seedling leaf; the edge is slightly curling, the noticeable ribs are hairy underneath, and the fibre is coarse; the color is green, often speckled with rusty spots.

The 5 small, pointed petals spread alternately with the 5 blunt-tipped calyx-parts; the flower is all pure white, except for the orange tips to the 10 stamens; the long, sharp-pointed pistil is conspicuous. These pretty feathery flowers, on their little foot-stems, are arranged in a loose spike, borne by the long, sometimes leafy, flower-stem.

Nancy spreads rapidly, carpeting the earth with its close-growing flat leaves above which the flower-spires rise alertly. The foliage turns brown and gray early in the summer.

*Wild Currant.* _Ribes floridum._

Found in blossom in May, on the edge of thickets.

A bush, from 4 to 5 feet high, with a branching, woody stem, covered with a gray bark.

The leaf is lobed after the manner of the currant leaf, with a heart-shaped base, and toothed margin; the veins are numerous, the surface smooth, and the color a fall green. The leaves, on inch-long foot-stems, which widen at the base, and are fringed along the edges with light, weak hairs, grow in small alternate clusters on the branches.

The bell-shaped flower is 5-parted at the top, the divisions rounded and recurved; the small petals are set within the large calyx-bell, alternating with 5 tiny stamens; the color is a pale greenish-yellow. Each flower bell hangs on a short stem, with a narrow leaflet at its foot; from six to ten, or more, bells droop in a cluster, from the angles of the leaves.

The small fruit is black.

*Grass of Parnassus.* _Parnassia Caroliniana._

Found in moist ground from July to September.

The flower-stems rise from a cluster of leaves to the height of 6 or 12 inches usually.

The leaf is rounding, often scoop-shaped or sometimes heart-shaped at the base, with an entire margin, and a thick, leathery texture; in color an opaque dull green. It is set on a long stem, and rises from the root.

The flower is like a shallow saucer, formed of 5 white petals which are much veined with hair lines of pale green; the green calyx is 5-parted; the pistil is green, and surrounded by 5 large-tipped stamens, which alternate with the petals, and a second circle of stamens without anthers,--all straw-color. It is borne singly on a long one-leafed stem.

ORPINE FAMILY.

CRASSULACEÆ.

*Live-for-ever.* _Sedum Telephium._
*Pudding-bag-plant.*
*Aaron’s-rod (N. H.).*
*Stone-crop.*
*Witches’ money-bags (Mass.).*

Found in rocky soil, along roads and in door-yards, blossoming during August.

Its very leafy and branching stalk, from 1 to 2 feet high, is large and round and juicy; very smooth, and pale green, inclining to pink near the blossoms.

The broad, oval leaf, with its stout midrib, and slightly scalloped margin, is thick, tough, and juicy; the surface is very smooth, and the color a light gray-green, pale on the underside with a bloom, and moist to the touch. The leaves clasp the stalk alternately, and very close together, from foot to flower.

The small richly-hued flower has 5 sharp-pointed petals, which spread widely, and are colored a full crimson or garnet; the 5-parted green calyx being also toned with red. The flowers form a close, round, terminal cluster.

Shrugged down among the close gathered leaves the bloom has a jewel-like effect of glowing color, and the seed-cases take on a deep red hue which prolongs its season of beauty as a compensation for its infrequent flowering. The plant’s endurance during droughts and tenacious hold on life are remarkable; a cut stalk has been observed full of unwithered bloom a fortnight after the farmer’s scythe had swept the roadside. To children its charm lies in the power of inflation which belongs to the easily separated skin of the leaves.

SUNDEW FAMILY.

DROSERACEÆ.

*Sundew.* _Drosera rotundifolia._

Found on swampy ground in July and August.

A little plant growing close to the earth and sending up a flowering stem about 3 or 4 inches in height.

The small, round leaves, slightly hollowed like a shallow saucer, are tough, light green in color, and covered with short, curling, red hairs that exude a clear gummy liquid from their tips; they are set on short, flat stems, and arranged in a tuffet.

The small flower has its parts sometimes in fives and again in sixes; their white petals are rounded at the tips, and the calyx is light green; they are placed in a close, one-sided spire, that curls over at the tip, on the top of a slender, erect, red stem, rising from the middle of the leaf-cluster.

The red hairs on the leaves tipped with clear fluid sparkle as though with dew; this is the gummy substance that catches the unwary insects which alight and detains them to their everlasting doom,--it is said that this hairy little vegetable has a cannibal’s appetite for flesh, and draws nourishment from these victims. The Sundew grows close among the pale green swamp-moss, and can only be detected by close observation; when in bud it can be more easily discovered through its red flower-stem. It is extremely difficult to find it in blossom or to decide as to the conditions favorable to its unfolding,--when at length surprised, it will be found with only one flower open, its face set toward the zenith.

WITCH HAZEL FAMILY.

HAMAMELIDEÆ.

*Witch Hazel.* _Hamamelis Virginiana._
*Wych Hazel.*

Found from late September to November, by woodland pools,--near water always.

This is a shrub, or small tree, from 6 to 12 feet in height, with wide-spreading branches, very tough fibre, and a tight, firm bark, smooth and shining at the tips, of a mottled gray-brown color.

The large oval leaf, with its broad, flat shape, has a wavy and irregularly notched margin, many strong ribs, a tough texture, and a surface which is shining above, and hairy along the underside of the ribs; of a vigorous green color,--in autumn a strong gray-yellow. The leaves, on stout little foot-stems, are alternate.

The flower has 4 slender ribbons for petals, and 8 stamens (only 4 of which bear anthers), of a delicate greenish-yellow color; the calyx is small, and parted into 4 sharp divisions which show in the form of a square between the petals; it is downy, thin, and pale tawny in color. Beneath the calyx are 2 or 3 little bracts; and tough, bark-like, brown outer bracts hold 2 or 3 flowers in a close group upon a short stem; these groups are scattered all along the branches in the angles of the leaves.

Nothing of the spring approaches the mystery of this flower. Late in autumn the straggling Witch Hazel bushes, standing about a pool of dark water in front of bare woods, lift their full tawny leafage and evasive pale golden bloom against the lavender twiggery, and purple-gray sky, filling the air with their strange fragrance. Their seeds ripen during the following summer; they are brown, and nut-like, and the pods will burst with a subdued “pop-pop” if taken into a warm room.

EVENING PRIMROSE FAMILY.

ONAGRACEÆ.

*Day and Night Primrose.* _Œnothera pumila._

Found in June on sandy banks and dry pastures.

Its single leafy stalk, from 12 to 15 inches in height, is very slightly hairy, and somewhat shining. It is pale in color, inclining to dull pinkish.

The root-leaves are round at the tip, tapering to the base, and set on long stems; the upper leaves are long, and narrow, with stem-like bases; the margins are entire, the texture close and velvety to the touch; in color dull green, the foot-leaves pinkish slightly. Set near together, and alternately.

The 4 petals of the flower are heart-shaped, and spreading with a shallow curve, of a thin texture, which shows the veins, and in color a beautiful clear yellow; the calyx-tube is about a half-inch long, the part which contains the seed-box is thick, grooved, and green, the upper part is slender, and tinged with red: the 4 calyx-divisions are dry and pale. The flowers are set in the angles of the upper leaves.

According to Dr. Gray the blossoms of this plant which open in early sunlight do not go to sleep until eleven o’clock at night. For a space beneath the flowers the close-set leaves cease and the somewhat curving stalk is bare.

*Common Evening Primrose.* _Œnothera biennis._

Found in pastures and roadsides, beginning to bloom in July and continuing until frost-time.

The stout and leafy stalk grows from 1 to 4 feet high; it is woody-fibred, hairy, and light green in color.

The narrow, lance-shaped leaf tapers at each end, and has a strong midrib, an irregular margin, and a very downy surface; in color green. The upper leaves clasp the stalk by a stem-like base, the lower ones with a strong, little foot-stem; they are alternately placed.

The 4 large heart-shaped petals, of a fine, thin texture, are a pure light yellow color; the 8 stamens are orange-tipped, and the 4 divisions of the calyx are pale yellow; they turn back upon its tube with a twisting gesture. This calyx-tube is over an inch in length, the lower half, which contains the seed-box, is enlarged, grooved, sticky to the touch, and shining green; the upper part is slender, smooth, and not sticky, and pale yellow in color. The flowers are set close on the stalk in the hold of the leaves.

After its one night’s fragrant perfection, the withered blossom hangs for a day or two, before its calyx-tube severs itself from the seed-box as neatly as though cut by a knife. It is only by chance that the clarity of the flower’s yellow hue is seen, when, in some gray morning fog, a belated flower is caught full-blown. Sometimes the plant grows to the size of a bush; its fall seedling shows a flat tuffet of curious, white-marked lily-like leaves that hug the ground.

*Great Willow Herb.* _Epilobium angustifolium._
*Fire-weed.*

Found by the wayside, and on newly cleared or burned lands, blossoming from June through August.

It has a simple, tall, and swaying stalk, from 3 to 6 feet high; it is round, and smooth, of a fine fibre, and inclined to red in color.

The long, narrow leaf has a general resemblance to that of the willow; it is smooth, firm, and fine in texture, and of a cool dark grayish-green color, and silvery beneath, with a light midrib. The leaves are alternate on the stalk, without foot-stems.

The 4 rounded petals of the flower curve into a short foot, or claw, at the base; they are of a fine and delicate texture, and a bright, clear crimson-pink color; the 4 long, pointed divisions of the red-brown calyx alternate with the pink petals; the pistil is 4-parted and curled spirally at the tip; the stamens 8. The flowers are poised on the top of the slender, silky, violet-tinged pods, and arranged in a loose, long, and curving spike, on the top of the stalk.

The plant gains its name of “Fire-weed” from its habit of springing up on newly burned woodlands. Seen in the sunshine its coloring is brilliant. Its long curving slender pods, bursting open lengthwise, set free a mass of fine silky down, the wings of the tiny seeds.

*Small Willow Herb.* _Epilobium coloratum._

Found in damp ground, in meadows and ditches, in blossom in August and September.

Its erect branching stalk grows from 1 to 2 feet high, and is strong-fibred, round, and smooth; color green, often a fine crimson.

The long, narrow leaf has a finely notched margin, a smooth surface, and a fine texture; dark gray-green in color. The arrangement is usually opposite, on very short foot-stems.

The small flower has 4 rounded petals, notched at the tip; they are a pale violet-tinted white; there are 8 small stamens, and a club-shaped pistil,--all pale yellow; the 4-parted calyx is green. The flower is set on the top of the slender pod.

In the autumn the mass of downy pods and crimson-red stems make of this unpretentious plant a pleasing bit of color; its fine qualities of texture contribute to its attractiveness.

*Enchanter’s Nightshade.* _Circæa alpina._

Found in cool damp shade during July and August.

The thick and juicy stalk, which grows from 4 to 8, or even 10, inches in height, is round, and smooth, and branching. It is light green, red at the joints.

The heart-shaped leaf is rather large near the foot, with a coarsely notched margin, a thin texture, and smooth surface; light green in color. The leaves, on slender, short stems, are set in pairs, which occur at right angles to each other.

Its very tiny flower with the 2 round-tipped petals, 2 alternating thread stamens, and 2-parted calyx is all pure white, though the calyx-divisions, which turn downward, are slightly tinged with green. The flowers, on very tiny foot-stems, are scattered along very curving stems, which spring terminally, and from the angles of the upper leaves.

Found only in shady woods, this plant courts no notice, but gratifies its lovers with an indefinable charm of growth and color, as shy and evasive as the dim light of the silent woodland spaces it inhabits.

GOURD FAMILY.

CUCURBITACEÆ.

*One-seeded Bur-cucumber.* _Sicyos angulatus._
*One-seeded Star-cucumber.*

Found in blossom from July to September, on moist ground, and along river banks.

A vine, with a coarse, rough stem, climbing by aid of little spirally twisted tendrils.

The broad leaf is more or less 5-pointed, or lobed, with a heart-shaped base, and a long tapering tip; the surface is roughened by small hairs, and the texture is loose and coarse; it has a short foot-stem, and is bright green.

The small 5-pointed flowers are of two kinds; the stamen-bearing ones, in clusters of 4 or 5 on a long foot-stem, spring from the angles of the leaves, while the seed-bearing blossoms are in almost stemless clusters close in the angles: they are greenish white, with yellow stamens.

A single large seed is enclosed in a flattened, pointed pod, which is armed with many fine, tough, bristles, that are easily detached in plucking and are irritating to the skin. The vine has a great number of tendrils.

PARSLEY FAMILY.

UMBELLIFERÆ.

*Sweet Cicely.* _Osmorrhiza longistylis._

Found northward, in rich, moist woods, blossoming in May and June.

The round, smooth stalk bears leaves at long intervals, and is in color green, running into dull purple. It is 1 to 3 feet in height.

The large compound leaf is 3 times divided, and has the general aspect of a fern leaf; the taper-pointed leaflets have strongly notched margins, and noticeable ribs; the texture is thin, and the color green.

The small flower has 5 somewhat unequal, heart-shaped, white petals, 5 stamens, and a long calyx.

The anise-like flavor of the large root renders it attractive to the palate of the herb-browser. The long seeds are armed with backward pointing prickles, and snatch rides on the wayfarer’s garments after the manner of the plebeian Beggar-ticks. Cicely is sweet, tall, and graceful in gesture, fine in the finish of its leaf joints, and distinguished by a few fern-like leaves; apparently a plant of good breeding. Where could its seeds have learned such a beggarly trick!

*Meadow Parsnip.* _Zizia aurea._

Found in meadow grass lands, in May and June.

The sparingly branched stalk, from 2 to 3 feet high, is tough-fibred, and smooth, though channeled with many fine grooves; it is hollow, with an aromatic smell, and usually tends to a dull red color.

The 2- or 3-times divided leaf has narrow leaflets, tapering to the tip, and sharply toothed on the edge; the surface is smooth, and the texture firm; the color a strong, full-toned green. The leaves are few, at long intervals, on short foot-stems that widen into a leafly membrane, partly clasping the main stalk.

The minute yellow flower has 5 petals, turned in toward the center; the stamens and pistil are small, and the calyx is of a pale yellow-green color; the flowers grow in flat-topped clusters, from 2 to 3 inches broad, or larger.

In the hand, the Meadow Parsnip seems a little coarse in color and texture, but its aspect is pleasing when seen lifting its bright yellow green-ribbed parasols above the meadow grass.

*Sanicle.* _Sanicula Marylandica._
*Black Snake-root.*

Found in woods, and light shrubbery, in June.

The simple, sparingly branched stalk grows from 2 to 3 feet high, and is round, smooth, slightly grooved, and hollow; it is green in color.

The leaf is deeply cut, or divided, from the base, (“palmate”) into from 3 to 6 long-pointed divisions, sharply notched on the edge; in color rather dark green. The leaves clasp the stalk by a very short, leafy sheath, and appear clustered at the top, and alternate below, while the root-leaves are on long stems.

The small, greenish-yellow flower has 5 petals with the tips turned inward and tucked down into the center of the flower; under the petals are concealed the stamens (which emerge at length, however). The flowers are on very short foot-stems arranged in hemispherical heads, three or four heads usually in a cluster, on the end of the stem. Two kinds, stamen-bearing and pistil-bearing, are found in the same head; the former dry up brown, while the latter develop burs armed with little hooked spines.

Though the flower is not conspicuous in color, the plant claims notice for its rather graceful, swaying gesture.

*Cow Parsnip.* _Heracleum lanatum._

Found in moist rich grounds, often on the edge of shade, in blossom in June.

The stalk grows very tall, sometimes 7 or 8 feet high; it is large, round, and grooved--though not deeply so; it is hollow, with a strong parsnip smell; and grass-green in color.

The leaf is compound, in three divisions, and large, the lower leaves being sometimes a foot or more in length; each leaflet is more or less deeply lobed, and sharply notched on the edge, and set on a short foot-stem; the ribs are large, the upper surface almost smooth, while the lower surface is soft and woolly; coarse in texture, and of a strong dark green color. The main foot-stem of the leaf, widens into a leafy membrane that partly clasps the stalk. The few large leaves are alternate.

The flower is small, and 5-petalled, the petals heart-shaped, or deeply notched; the outer flowers are larger than the inner ones, and their petals are quite unequal in size. In color white. They grow in wide spreading, flat-topped clusters, sometimes 10 or 12 inches across.

On close approach the Cow Parsnip appears coarse in general make-up; seen from a distance however it looks a plant of splendid swing and unbounded vigor, a veritable Hercules of the fields!

*Water Pennywort.* _Hydrocotyle Americana._

A close observation will show that this may be found in blossom in July, on moist, shady ground.

The weak-fibred, smooth, pale green stalk creeps over the ground, and takes root, occasionally, at the joints.

It has a pretty, round, heart-shaped leaf, doubly scalloped on the edge, and of a thin texture, with a smooth, shining surface; of a pale green color. The leaves are alternate, on foot-stems about an inch long.

The minute white flowers are set close in the angles of the leaves and are hardly noticeable.

The Pennywort grows gracefully amongst the grass in moist places. One would hardly suspect, at a casual glance, that this weak-fibred vine could belong to the same family with the mighty Cow Parsnip.

*Field Parsnip.* _Pastinaca sativa._

Found in roadside thickets, along meadow walls and fences, during July and August.

The large, widely branching stalk reaches the height of 4 or 5 feet; it is 4-, or occasionally 5-angled, very tough and woody-fibred, noticeably grooved, and its surface is coarse; dull green.

The compound irregular leaf is large: the root-leaves are cut into 7 to 11 divisions, each part again cleft into 3 or 5 parts,--the upper leaves are less compound; the leaflets are long oval, broadest at the base, the margins closely notched, the texture thin, but coarse, the surface smooth, the underside of the upper leaves shining. The color is a dull dark green. The root-leaves are on long stems, while the upper leaves are on shorter stems which clasp the stalk with wing-like membranes; these are grooved, and large, their edges roll together, and meet and lap about the stalk. The leaves are placed alternately, at considerable intervals apart.

The tiny flowers are yellow, they spread flat, to show the undeveloped seed-boxes, and are set on thread foot-stems in small, flat-topped, round clusters; these, on long, up-curving stems, form a large spreading cluster, upon a stout stem; they are terminal and from the angles of the leaves; several of these large clusters occur on a plant.

“’Twill raise a blister, if you touch it when the dew’s on’t!” says the farmer’s son. It has a strongly acrid odor when broken, a thing which is well-nigh impossible to accomplish. The seeds, shining and very flat discs, add to the decorative qualities of this conspicuous plant.

*Wild Carrot.* _Daucus Carota._
*Queen Ann’s Lace.*

Very common by the wayside and in dry fields, blossoming from July through September.

The round stalk, from 2 to 3 feet high, coarse in fibre, and roughened by short hairs, is light yellow-green in color.

The leaf has a very fringy effect, being much cut up into long narrow lobes; the surface is roughened; and the short foot-stem widens into a leafy, clasping sheath. The yellowish-green, alternate leaves are few, and far between.

The petal-like parts of the small clustered flowers are unequal in size and number,--three or four of the outer flowers in each cluster are larger than the rest; the color is white, with tiny yellow-tipped stamens. The flowers have pale green foot-stems, and grow in flat-topped clusters, each cluster being set around at the foot with a green leafy fringe. In the center of the cluster is often found a single dark purple flower.

Though the growth is sprangly, and the stem coarse, yet the flower is delicate with a lace-like quality. The seed-stems, curling inward, form a hollow, nest-like cup, from which characteristic it is often called the “Bird’s-nest plant.” It is deemed a great pest by farmers.

GINSENG FAMILY.

ARALIACEÆ.

*Wild Sarsaparilla.* _Aralia nudicaulis._

Found on moist hillsides, and along thickets, in May.

The root sends up one tall leaf-bearing stem, from 12 to 15 inches in height, and beside it a short flower-stem.

The leaf is compound, sometimes doubly so, its leaflets long, oval, and sharp-pointed at the tip, with noticeable ribs, finely notched margins, and, when young, a very glossy surface; the foot-stems are 3, and of equal length, forking from the summit of the round, hard-fibred, shining stem. The leaf, when young, is strongly bronze-tinted; as it matures this fades, and leaves it a pleasing light green color; the stem is reddish at the joints, and near the foot.

The greenish-white flower is very small, its 5 petals are turned down on the little calyx, and the 5 long stamens are erect and alternate with them. The flowers are set on foot-stems in 3 flat-topped clusters, that are borne on round stems forking from the top of the main flower-stem.

The bronzy hue of the leaves companions the unopened buds,--by the time the flower-clusters are fully abloom the dark shining color has changed to green, the leaflets have grown much larger, and spread like a canopy ever the blossoms.

*Spikenard.* _Aralia racemosa._
*Spignet (Vt.).*

Found along rich woods and wayside thickets, in blossom in August.

A widely branching plant, from 3 to 6 feet high, with a large, strong, round stem; dull gray-black, not unlike willow charcoal in appearance.

The very large compound leaf is divided into 3 clusters, each one of which has from 5 to 7 leaflets, on short, curved foot stems; the leaflets are broad, of an irregular oblong shape, with a finely notched margin, and a slightly downy surface. In color a strong full green; with dark stems.

The very small flower has its parts in fives, and is greenish white; the flowers are on pale foot-stems and arranged in little round clusters; many small clusters together form the large compound group on the ends of the branches, and from the angles of the upper leaves.

In September the plant ripens a small red berry, of a spicy, resinous taste, agreeable to a confirmed wayfarer. The large joints are fitted together with excellent workmanship. This striking plant, with its wide-spreading, vigorous leafage, and dark stems, possesses highly decorative qualities; it is cherished by country folk, however, for the medicinal use they find for the root which is “good for a cough.”

DOGWOOD FAMILY.

CORNACEÆ.

*Bunch-berry.* _Cornus Canadensis._
*Dwarf Cornel.*

Found in moist woods in May and June.

A small plant from 5 to 7 inches high, with a strong fibred, 4-angled, and deeply grooved, pale green stalk.

The broad oval leaf, tapering at both ends, has many deeply-marked ribs; it has a smooth surface, and is of a yellowish-green color. The leaves are set close on the stalk, in a whorl-like cluster of 4 or 6; occasionally a second group occurs below this.

The real flowers are small, and many; bunched together in a close, flat cluster, which is surrounded by 4 large, greenish-white, petal-like leaves, giving the semblance of a single large flower, rising, on a small foot-stem, above the leaves.

The seeds of this little plant take the form of a bunch of brilliant sealing-wax-red berries, set in the center of the greenery, and nodding on the stem with their own weight.

HONEYSUCKLE FAMILY.

CAPRIFOLIACEÆ.

*Smooth-leaved Honeysuckle.* _Lonicera glauca._

Found in rocky grounds and uplands during May.

A bushy, and somewhat twining shrub, leafy and tough, which grows from 3 to 5 feet high, with a gray bark, that is green when young.

The rather large leaf is oval, and broadest at the base, with a rounded tip, and an entire margin; the fibre is firm and the surface is smooth; in color it is green, silvery underneath. The leaves occur opposite each other, the upper ones growing completely together around the stalk, the lower being only partly united.

The small flower has a slender tubular corolla spreading into 2 unequal divisions, the upper broad, and 4-cleft, the lower entire, long, and narrow; in color a pale, dull tawny or red; the 5 long stamens, with their very distinct tips, are pale greenish-yellow; the long pistil is tipped with a green disc; the round calyx is minutely 5-parted, and green. The flowers, on the ends of the branches, are set close around the stalk in whorls, usually of 6, after the Honeysuckle habit.

What charm the flowers lack in fragrance, the plant makes up in the graceful curves of its partly twining stems, and in its attractive leafage.

*Maple-leaved Arrow-wood.* _Viburnum acerifolium._
*Dockmackie.*

Found in light, rocky woods, in May and June.

The tough, woody stalk, growing from 2 to 3 feet high, is branching, and covered with a smooth brown bark.

The broad, 3-lobed leaf much resembles a maple leaf in outline; it has, however, a soft downy surface, especially beneath,--the upper side is sometimes smooth. The leaves are set in pairs, on short foot-stems. Color green.

The small, 5-parted flower has 5 stamens, alternating with its rounded divisions. The flowers are white, and the buds pink-tinted; they grow in a flat-topped cluster, on a foot-stem springing from between the terminal pair of leaves.

In the softly diffused light of the autumn woods, its clusters of black berries, and mulberry colored leafage prove attractive to the æsthetic eye. Its habit of growth also is pleasing.

*Linnæa.* _Linnæa borealis._
*Twin-flower.*

Found in cool, mossy woods, and cold damp bogs; blossoming in early June.

A trailing vine with a round, rough, and woody-fibred, reddish stem, running over the ground.

The pretty, rounding leaf has a few scallops on its edge, a slightly rough surface, and a dry texture; it is evergreen, of a rich, dark green color. The leaves are in pairs, on short foot-stems.

The little bell-shaped corolla is about ½ an inch long, narrowing into a small tube at the bottom, and widening at the top where it is 5-parted; it is fine in texture, fragrant, and in color white, tinged with pink. The tiny green calyx has 5 thread-like divisions. The slender flower-stems, rising erect from the creeping stalk to a height of 3 or 4 inches, fork near the top to bear the nodding twin flowers.

*Bush Honeysuckle.* _Diervilla trifida._

Found in light woods, and rocky uplands, in blossom during June and July.

A shrub, with round, woody-fibred, smooth stems; the old growth is of a light gray color, while the new shoots are green, and dull red.

The oval leaf, wide at the bottom, is very tapering at the tip; the closely and finely toothed edges are more or less ruffled; the surface is smooth, and the texture like silk; the color is a strong, warm green, often showing traces of red on the margin, and in the midrib. The leaves are in pairs, on short, stout, and partly clasping foot-stems.

The corolla of the small flower has a tube about ½ of an inch long, spreading at the top, and parted into 5 irregular recurving divisions, of a pale yellow color, marked with dull tawny-orange; the five long stamens are yellow, and the flat, disc-like tip of the pistil is green; the slender, pale green calyx is vase-shape, with 5 thread-like divisions. A few flowers grow from the end of the branches, and from the angles of the upper leaves.

This Honeysuckle has a vigorous leafage, and is full of strong curves, but it lacks the spicy fragrance associated with its name. On some plants the leaves are all opposite at the same angle, while on others the alternate pairs are set on at right angles to each other.

*Elder-flower.* _Sambucus Canadensis._

Found along meadow hedgerows, blossoming in June and July.

A bush, from 5 to 10 feet high; it is woody, and branching, with a white pith, and gray bark.

The large compound leaf has from 8 to 10 pairs of leaflets, with an odd one at the end; the taper-pointed leaflet has a notched margin, a smooth surface, and a rather thin texture; the color is a full green, lighter beneath.

The small 5-parted flower has 5 stamens and 1 pistil, and a minute calyx; it is cream-white, and grows in wide, spreading, flat-topped clusters, on the ends of the branches.

The round, reddish-black berries ripen in August and September; they were used by our foremothers to make a spicy wine. In the wild hedgerow the big creamy clusters are most effective, but when picked the little flower-wheels soon scatter.

*Snowberry.* _Symphoricarpos racemosus._

Found in blossom from June to September.

A shrub about 3 or 4 feet high, with a woody, branching stem, covered with a smooth bark; that of the old growth gray-brown in color, of the new growth, golden-brown.

The broadly oval leaf has an entire, somewhat wavy, margin, a smooth surface, and dry texture. It is in color a dark grayish-green, lighter beneath. The leaves grow in pairs, on short stems.

The small bell-shaped flower is 5-tipped, and filled within with white woolly hairs; it is rose-colored, running into white. The corolla sits on top of the little, round, green calyx, which develops into a large, juicy, waxen white berry. The flowers and berries grow in a close terminal spike, gradually weighed down by the enlarging berries.

Both berries and blossoms occur on the same spike. The Snowberry was largely cultivated by our foremothers in their house yards, and is still common about old houses.

MADDER FAMILY.

RUBIACEÆ.

*Innocence.* _Houstonia cærulea._
*Quaker Ladies.*
*Bluets.*

Found in grassy meadows, pastures, and waysides during May; generally in poor soil.

The slender, little, pale green flower-stems, from 2 to 6 inches in height, sometimes branch, bear but few leaves, and rise from a foot-tuffet of leaves.

These foot-leaves are very small, with little rounded tips, while the stem-leaves are still smaller, long, narrow, and clasping in pairs. They are entire, thin, and light green.

The flower has a tiny 4-parted, green calyx, and a tubular corolla which spreads at the top into a 4-pointed star; very delicate in texture, and varying from pure white to a deep china blue, with a dainty ring of yellow in the center.

A very communistic plant is the Innocence, growing in great patches along pasture fences and in meadow rifts and hollows, powdering the greening slopes of early May with its many blossoms like a belated spring snow-fall. Its buds droop, but the opened flowers lift up their faces to reflect the sky; its calices hug the corollas, and after they have fallen still guard the enlarged oval seed-boxes. It is not unusual to find 3- or 5-pointed stars, and even 6- or 7-pointed variations are occasionally discoverable. Tufts of seedlings found in the late autumn will flower all winter, if well-potted and watered and given plenty of fresh air.

*Partridge-berry.* _Mitchella repens._
*Twin-berry.*
*Fox-berry.*
*Box-berry.*
*Two-eye-berry.*

Found in June, in dry woods, about the roots of pine trees.

This little running vine, 4 to 10 inches in length, is smooth and slender, leafy and occasionally branching. In color, a pale green or dark bronze-green.

The leaf is small, round-oval, widest at the base, thin but tough of texture, with a smooth surface that shines when new-grown; the margin is entire, and the midrib important. The young leaves are a bright cool green, lighter underneath; the older growths become dark and bluish green, the ribs and veins marking them with a light tracery. The leaves, on short stems, are arranged in pairs.

The corolla, in the shape of a slender tube spreading into 4 points, is covered thickly in the inside with cottony down, while the outside is smooth; the color is creamy-white, the outside delicately tinted creamy-pink. The little green calyx is 4-parted. The flowers bloom in pairs, their seed-boxes united and set on a single stem, placed terminally. The buds are pink.

Two kinds of flowers are borne on this plant, in one the 4 stamens protrude from the tube and the pistil does not show, in the other the 2-parted pistil is very noticeable and the stamens are retired. The delicious fragrance of the blossoms perfumes the whole woods where it grows. The small oval berry with its two openings is loved by children, because it is of a light coral-red color, and edible, though rather tasteless.

*Button-bush.* _Cephalanthus occidentalis._

Found on low, moist ground, and along borders of ponds, in June and July.