Skip to main content

Full text of "American weeds and useful plants: being a second and illustrated edition of Agricultural botany"

See other formats 


LANDSCAPE 
ARCH. 
LIBRARY 


AMERICAN 

WEEDS  AND  USEFUL  PLANTS: 


BEING    A 


OP 

AGRICULTURAL   BOTANY: 


ENUMERATION  AND   DESCRIPTION   OP   USEFUL  PLANTS  AND   WEEDS,    WHICH 

MERIT   THE   NOTICE,    OR   REQUIRE   THE    ATTENTION   OP 

AMERICAN   AGRICULTURISTS. 


BY   WILLIAM   DARLINGTON,    M.  D. 


Hie  Segetes,  illic  yeuiunt  felicius  Uvae  : 
Arborei  fetus  alibi,  atque  iujussa  virescunt 
Gramina.  VIRGIL,  GEORG.  1. 

Here  golden  harvests  wave,  there  Vineyards  glow, 
Fruit  bends  the  bough,  or  Herbs  unbidden  grow. 

SOTIIEBY. 


REVISED,    WITH    ADDITIONS,    BY 

GEORGE  THURBER, 

PROF.   OF  MAT.    MED.   AND  BOTANY,   ETC.,   IN  THE  N.  Y.    COLLEGE  OF  PHARMACY. 


NEW  YORK: 
A.    0.    MOORE     &     COMPANY, 

AGRICULTURAL   BOOK  PUBLISHERS, 

No.  140  FULTON  STREET. 

1859. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in^the  year  1859,  by 

A.   0.   MOORE  &  CO. 
In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  for  the  Southern  District  of  New  York. 


STEREOTYPED  AND  PRINTED  BY 

EDWARD  O.  JENKINS, 
No.  26  FRANKFORT  STREET,  NEW  YORK. 


TO    THE    YOUNG    FARMERS 

©f  tf)f  Bnitrfc  States, 
THIS   HUMBLE    ATTEMPT 

TO  AID  AND  PEB8TTADK   THEM 

TO     CULTIVATE     A     DEPARTMENT     OF     SCIENCE 

ESSENTIAL  TO   AN  ENLIGHTENED   AGRICULTURE, 
AND 

INDISPENSABLE   TO   AN   ACCOMPLISHED   YEOMANRY, 

$s  respetiMlg  tobkateb  bg 

THE   AUTHOR. 


667764 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE 

DEDICATION, iii 

EDITOR'S  PREFACE,     ......  vii 

PREFACE  TO  FIRST  EDITION, ix 

REMARKS  ON  WEEDS, xiii 

STRUCTURAL  BOTANY, 1 

ANALYTICAL  KEY  TO  NATURAL  ORDERS,          .            .  16 
BOTANICAL  CLASSIFICATION  : 

POLYPETALOUS  EXOGENS,  ....  25 

MONOPETALOUS          "  .....       160 

APETALOUS  " 268 

GYMNOSPERMOUS     "     .           .           .           •  •            •     333 

ENDOGENS,              .           .           .            •  •           •           344 

GLOSSARY  OF  BOTANICAL  TERMS,       .            .  .            .415 

ABBREVIATIONS  OF  AUTHORS'  NAMES,  .            .           434 

INDEX  OF  BOTANICAL  NAMES,              .  .            .436 

INDEX  OF  ENGLISH  AND  FOREIGN  NAMES,  .             .            442 

NAMES  OF  THE  PLANTS  ILLUSTRATED,         .  .459 


EDITOR'S  PREFACE. 


A  new  edition  of  Doct.  DARLINGTON'S  Agricultural  Botany  having  been 
called  for,  and  as  the  author,  at  his  advanced  age,  felt  indisposed  to  as- 
sume the  labor  of  a  revision,  the  work  was  placed  in  my  hands  to  pre- 
pare for  the  press,  with  the  author's  permission  to  make  such  changes 
and  additions  as  might  seem  desirable.  Such  alterations  have  been  made 
in  the  botanical  arrangement,  and  names,  as  the  advance  of  the  science 
required,  and  descriptions  have  been  added  of  such  plants,  not  included 
in  the  former  edition,  as  are  generally  known  as  weeds.  Besides  these, 
I  have  noticed  the  common  medicinal  plants,  and  such  of  our  native 
shrubs  as  are  worthy  of  cultivation, — those  that  are  both  ornamental 
and  easily  obtained.  These  latter  may  not  strictly  come  within  the  class 
of  "  useful,"  but  are  introduced  with  the  hope  of  inducing  farmers  to 
render  the  exterior  of  their  homes  more  attractive  by  surrounding  them 
with  beautiful  shrubbery,  which,  once  planted,  will  be  a  permanent 
source  of  gratification  not  only  to  the  possessors,  but  to  travelers  who 
pass  them.  The  yards  of  our  country  dwellings  generally  present  a  for- 
lorn appearance,  which  the  attempt  often  made  to  cultivate  a  few  coarse 
flowering  plants,  rather  increases  than  removes. 

In  the  introduction  of  new  plants,  the  plan  of  the  original  work  has 
been  conformed  to,  and  the  descriptions  of  these  are  taken  from  Darling- 
ton's Flora  Cestrica,  when  that  work  contained  them  ;  in  other  cases, 
those  in  Torrey's  Flora  of  the  State  of  New  York,  and  Gray's  Manual 
of  the  Botany  of  the  Northern  States  have  been  used. 

I  am  exceedingly  indebted  to  Prof.  GRAY  for  permission  to  use  his 
Analytical  Key  to  the  Natural  Orders,  and  have  modified  it,  as  well  as 
some  of  his  Synopses  of  Orders  and  Genera,  to  suit  the  present  work. 
Doct.  C.  "VV.  SHORT,  of  Kentucky,  has  kindly  furnished  notes  on  sonu  of 

[vii] 


Vlii  EDITOR'S   PREFACE. 

the  troublesome  plants  of  the  West,  which  have  been  acknowledged  in 
the  proper  places.  I  am  also  indebted  to  I.  A.  LAP  HAM,  Esq.,  for  his 
offer,  which  came  too  late  to  be  available,  to  furnish  notes  upon  the 
weeds  of  Wisconsin.  The  more  important  illustrations  in  the  work  are 
from  original  drawings,  by  ANTHONY  HOCHSTEIN,  Esq.,  whose  delicate 
sketches  have  hardly  justice  done  them  by  being  rendered  in  wood.  The 
most  of  his  drawings  are  designated  by  his  initials.  The  remainder  of  the 
engravings  were  obtained  from  the  best  available  sources.  My  friend, 
Mr.  FRANK  A.  POLLARD,  has  rendered  me  most  essential  aid,  both  be- 
fore and  during  the  rapid  printing  of  the  work,  which  I  would  gratefully 
acknowledge. 

Where  new  observations  or  other  matter  has  been  added,  or  the  old 
ones  essentially  modified,  a  *  has  been  appended.  This,  however,  has 
been  omitted  where  the  alterations  are  unimportant ;  in  these  cases  any 
faults  may  be  placed  to  the  account  of  the  editor. 

NEW  YORK,  January  Sist,  1859. 


PREFACE  TO  THE  FIRST  EDITION. 


AGRICULTURE,  in  a  broad  and  legitimate  sense,  being  a  comprehensive 
system  of  Natural  Science — involving  more  especially  a  practical 
acquaintance  with  the  useful  portion  of  the  Vegetable  Creation, — 
I  have  long  thought  it  due  to  the  Profession,  and  desirable  in  every  point 
of  view,  that  the  young  Farmers  of  the  United  States  should  acquire  an 
exact  knowledge  of  the  Plants  which  it  immediately  concerns  them  to 
know  ;  and  that  they  should  be  enabled  to  designate,  and  treat  of  them, 
with  the  precision  and  methodical  perspicuity  which  belong  to  scientific 
'  language  and  arrangement.  Under  this  impression,  and  in  the  hope  of 
promoting  an  object  deemed  so  important,  the  present  work  has  been 
compiled.  In  submitting  it  to  those  for  whom  it  is  more  particularly 
intended,  I  am  not  unaware  that  its  technical  features  are  ill-suited  to 
the  notions  of  many  plodding  disciples  of  the  old  school  of  Agriculture, 
who  despise  every  form  of  knowledge  derivable  from  Books, — and  whose 
ideas  never  stray  beyond  the  manual  operations  of  the  field  and  the  barn- 
yard. It  is  scarcely  probable,  indeed,  that  any  written  treatise — though 
couched  in  the  most  familiar  dialect — would  obviate  the  objections,  or 
conciliate  the  prejudices  of  such  antiquated  tillers  of  the  soil.  My 
views,  therefore,  have  not  been  directed  to  that  unpromising  quarter.  I 
address  myself  to  the  youthful  and  aspiring  Agriculturists  of  our  country, 
who  seek  to  elevate  their  noble  Profession  to  its  just  rank  among  human 
pursuits, — and  who  feel  that  the  exercise  of  intellect,  as  well  as  of  muscle, 
is  indispensable  to  the  accomplishment  of  their  purpose. 

I  have  preferred  to  treat  of  the  Plants,  which  it  more  immediately 
behooves  the  farmer  to  be  acquainted  with,  according  to  the  most  approved 
method  of  our  day,  and  in  the  language  of  Systematic  Botany.  By 
exhibiting  as  much  of  the  classification,  or  frame-work  of  the  Science, 
as  is  requisite  to  present  the  Genera  and  Species,  here  described,  in 
their  natural  and  relative  positions,  the  Student  will  be  enabled  to  com- 
prehend their  connection  with  the  other  portions  of  the  System,  and  to 
examine  them,  as  the  Geologists  say,  in  situ.  In  that  process,  he  will 
necessarily  have  to  learn  something  of  their  structure,  and  essential 
character  ;  and  that  I  should  consider  as  an  important  advantage, — even 
if  his  researches  should  there  terminate.  His  knowledge,  however  lim- 
ited, will  be  established  on  a  correct  basis, — and  will  be  always  avail- 
able in  his  intercourse  with  men  of  science :  but,  to  those  who  may 
subsequently  resolve  upon  a  more  extended  acquaintance  with  the  vege- 
table kingdom,  such  knowledge  will  be  a  clear  gain,  and  a  valuable  pre- 
fix) 


X  PKEFACE    TO    THE    FIRST    EDITION. 

liminary  step  ; — that  step  which,  according  to  the  proverb,  is  the  only 
one  which  costs. 

In  adopting  the  machinery  of  Science, — preferring  the  botanical  to 
the  popular  names  of  plants,  as  well  as  arranging  them  in  kindred  groups 
— I  have  supposed  that  such  a  plan  would  be  most  conducive  to  accuracy 
of  conception, — and  would,  in  fact,  facilitate  the  investigation  of  their 
true  character.  By  employing  names  and  phrases  which  have  an  exclu- 
sive application,  and  a  definite  meaning,  the  study  of  plants  is  rea'ly 
simplified  ;  and  the  knowledge  acquired — being  thereby  communicable 
.  with  more  readiness  and  precision — is  greatly  enhanced  in  practical 
value.  By  using,  overywhere,  the  same  terms  in  the  same  sense,  men  of 
different  regions,  or  districts,  can  be  sure  that  they  comprehend  each 
other's  meaning, — and  may  then  discuss  questions  understand ingly.  When 
disputes  arise,  touching  the  merits  or  demerits  of  particular  plants,  both 
parties  will  have  clear  conceptions  of  the  objects  referred  to, — and  will 
consequently  have  the  ad  vantage  of  knowing  exactly  what  they  are  talk- 
ing about : — which  is  far  from  being  always  the  case  when  they  make 
use  of  a  variable  popular  nomenclature. 

It  is  a  great  mistake,  in  my  opinion,  to  suppose  that  the  significant 
language  of  our  Science  must  necessarily  be  merged  in  the  vernacular 
idiom,  or  degraded  into  a  local  patois,  in  order  to  adapt  it  to  the  capaci- 
ties of  intelligent  practical  men.  An  active  intellect,  I  think,  more 
readily  acquires  new  terms,  appropriate  to  a  Science,  than  new  meanings 
of  old  familiar  words  :  and  hence  it  is  that  most  persons,  as  they  advance 
in  any  department  of  knowledge,  are  apt  to  discard  all  equivocal  terms, 
and  to  substitute  those  which  are  definite,  technical,  and  peculiar.  In- 
stead, therefore,  of  writing  clown  to  the  level  of  boorish  apprehension,  I 
would  rather  see  Agricultural  works  gradually  written  up  to  the  scien- 
tific standard.  I  would  have  our  young  Farmers  taught  to  appreciate 
the  importance  of  scientific  precision,  and  incited  to  take  their  appro- 
priate position  in  the  intellectual  community. 

In  the  present  work,  it  is  hoped  and  believed  that  with  the  aid  of 
the  copious  Glossary,  the  Index  of  Common  Names,  and  the  other 
facilities  annexed,  there  can  be  no  difficulty  in  becoming  familiar 
with  the  terms  employed,  nor  in  the  investigation  of  the  plants  enumer- 
ated:* and  the  farmer  who  shall  have  accomplished  that  much,  will 
find  that  he  has  obtained  many  new  and  interesting  views  of  objects 
intimately  connected  with  his  Profession, — that  he  has  acquired  a  capac- 
ity for  observing  and  profiting  by  numerous  processes  and  phenomena 

*  As  a  convenient  and  satisfactory  mode  of  acquiring  the  requisite  Botanical  knowledge 
— and  of  keeping  that  knowledge  always  within  reach,  in  case  of  forgotfulness, — I  would 
recommend  to  the  young  Farmer  the  formation  of  a  select  Herbarium,  containing  authen- 
tic specimens — neatly  prepared  and  appropriately  labelled — of  those  plants  which  it  is 
his  interest  to  be  acquainted  with.  Such  a  collection  could  readily  be  obtained  by  every 
one  who  has  the  taste,  or  even  the  curiosity,  to  extend  his  information  in  that  direction. 
It  would  afford  instructive  subjects  for  investigation  and  comparison,  in  seasons  of  leisure; 
and  the  contents,  being  duly  arranged,  could  be  examined  or  referred  to,  with  the  like 
facilities  and  advantages  as  attend  the  consultation  of  a  Dictionary. 


PREFACE   TO    THE    FIRST   EDITION.  XI 

in  the  vegetable  economy,  which  had  theretofore  been  unheeded,  or  im- 
perfectly understood.  A  spirit  of  research  will  often  be  awakened, 
which,  in  itself,  is  an  unfailing  source  of  gratification  to  ingenuous 
minds, — and  not  unfrequently  leads  to  important  practical  results. 

The  study  of  BOTANY,  in  its  widest  sense — comprising,  as  it  does,  the 
entire  vegetable  creation, — will  ever  have  its  select  votaries  in  those 
who  can  appreciate  its  manifold  charms,  and  find  their  reward  in  the 
pleasures  incident  to  the  pursuit :  But  when  regarded  in  a  more  limited 
and  practical  point  of  view,  it  may  fairly  challenge  the  attention  even 
of  the  most  inveterate  Utilitarians.  There  are  three  aspects,  or  relations 
of  the  Science,  in  which  its  importance  will  scarcely  be  denied  by  the 
most  penurious  calculator  of  economical  values  :  namely,  1.  Agricultural 
Botany, — 2.  Medical  Botany, — and  3.  Artistical  Botany,  or  the  history 
of  those  plants  which  are  employed,  or  afford  materials,  in  the  processes 
of  the  Arts  and  Manufactures.  The  Medical  branch  of  the  science  has 
been  often  treated  of,  with  something  like  system,  by  the  Professional 
Writers  of  Europe  and  America.  The  other  two  divisions  less  fre- 
quently, and  with  less  method,  in  various  Agricultural  Journals,  Cyclo- 
paedias, and  Mercantile  Dictionaries.  The  attempt  here  made  is  an  essay 
on  the  A gricultural  branch, — or  a  systematic  description  of  those  Plants 
(both  useful  and  pernicious)  which  more  immediately  interest  American 
Farmers — especially  those  in  the  Middle  States  of  this  Confederacy. 
The  Botany  of  the  Arts,  whenever  undertaken,  will  afford  a  highly  inter- 
esting theme  for  some  future  laborer  in  this  elegant  department  of  Nat- 
ural History. 

In  compiling  this  Farmer's  Flora,  I  found  it  somewhat  difficult  to 
determine,  satisfactorily,  the  line  of  demarcation  between  the  Plants 
entitled  to  a  place  in  it,  and  those  which  might  properly  be  omitted.  It 
may,  perhaps,  be  thought  by  some,  that  the  list  is  unnecessarily  large, — 
while  others  may  be  of  opinion  that  there  are  species  left  out  which 
ought  to  have  been  inserted.  My  aim  has  been, — not,  certainly,  to 
describe  all  the  plants  which  an  accomplished  Agriculturist  might  very 
properly  desire  to  know  ;  but — to  include  those  only  (whether  in  the 
wood-lands,  the  fields,  or  the  kitchen-garden,)  of  which  no  intelligent 
Farmer  would  willingly  be  ignorant.  When  he  shall  have  made  him- 
self familiar  with  these,  he  can  extend  his  acquaintance  with  the  Vege- 
table Tribes,  at  pleasure,  by  having  recourse  to  more  general  and  com- 
prehensive works  ;  such,  for  example,  as  the  Flora  of  North  America, 
by  TORREY  and  GRAY, — or  Prof.  DE  CANDOLLE'S  Prodromus  of  a  Nat- 
ural System,  comprising  all  the  known  forms  of  vegetation  upon  this 
terraqueous  globe. 

In  my  humble  opinion,  no  Education  can  be  deemed  sufficient  without 
some  acquaintance  with  the  rudiments,  or  first  principles,  of  Botanical 
Science — some  rational  knowledge  of  the  vast  and  multiform  creation 
around  us,  known  as  the  Vegetable  Kingdom.  I  consider  such  knowl- 
edge just  as  indispensable  to  a  rightly  instructed  people,  as  any  of  the 
usual  elementary  branches  of  school  learning.  By  this,  however,  I  do 


XU  PREFACE   TO    THE    FIRST   EDITION. 

not  mean  the  smattering  of  a  few  obsolete  terms,  unconnected  with  any 
available  ideas — which,  in  too  many  instances,  passes  under  the  impos- 
ing name  of  "  BOTANY"  :  but  I  do  mean,  that  thorough  conception  of 
the  general  nature  and  relations  of  Plants,  which  may  be  acquired  by 
the  aid  of  such  works  as  the  Botanical  Text-Book  of  Prof.  A.  GRAY. 
In  all  other  employments,  it  is  very  properly  expected  that  a  workman 
shall  not  only  be  expert  in  the  manipulations  of  his  art,  but  shall  also 
be  well  acquainted  with  the  nature  of  his  materials  :  and  I  can  perceive 
no  good  reason  why  it  is  not  equally  incumbent  on  a  practical  farmer 
to  understand  the  true  character  of  those  plants,  which  it  is  his  especial 
interest  either  to  cultivate  or  to  extirpate. 

If  our  American  youths  who  are  being  educated  with  a  view  to 
Agricultural  pursuits,  were  thoroughly  instructed  in  the  admirable  Text- 
Book,  above  referred  to, — and  were  then  required  to  -make  themselves 
botanically  acquainted  with  that  portion  of  the  vegetable  kingdom 
which  annually  demands  their  attention,  on  the  farm, — the  Profession 
would  speedily  assume  a  new  and  engaging  aspect.  The  labors  of  the  field 
would  be  blended  with  the  contemplation  of  facts  and  phenomena  of  the 
deepest  interest  to  inquiring  minds, — and  Agriculture — instead  of  being 
shunned,  as  an  irksome  drudgery— would  be  justly  esteemed  as  one  of 
the  noblest  employments  of  a  free  and  intellectual  people. 

If  the  present  Essay  may  in  any  degree  tend  to  promote  that  auspi- 
cious result,  the  Author  will  derive  a  sincere  gratification  from  the 
belief,  that  the  the  time  and  attention  devoted  to  its  preparation  have 
not  been  wholly  misapplied. 

WEST  CHESTER,  PENNA., 
June,  1847. 


WEEDS. 


In  popular  language,  any  homely  plant  which  is  not  noticeable  for  the 
beauty  of  its  flowers,  nor  entitled  to  respect  by  a  reputation  for  medic- 
inal or  other  useful  qualities,  is  designated  by  the  epithet  weed.  In  an 
agricultural  sense,  the  term  is  used  with  a  more  restricted  meaning,  and 
is  applied  to  those  intrusive  and  unwelcome  individuals  that  will  persist 
in  growing  where  they  are  not  wanted, — in  short,  the  best  definition  that 
has  yet  been  given  of  a  weed  is  the  old  one,  "  a  plant  out  of  place." 
Most  of  the  weeds  troublesome  in  our  agriculture  are  immigrants,  either 
from  the  Old  World,  or  the  warmer  portions  of  this  continent.  The  num- 
ber of  plants  indigenous  to  our  country,  that  are  entitled  to  rank  as  per- 
nicious weeds,  is  comparatively  small.  As  the  aborigines  disappeared 
with  the  advance  of  the  whites,  so  do  the  native  plants  generally  yield 
their  possession  as  cultivation  extends,  and  the  majority  of  the  plants  to 
be  met  with  along  the  lanes  and  streets  of  villages,  and  upon  farms,  are 
naturalized  strangers,  who  appear  to  be  quite  at  home,  and  are  with 
difficulty  to  be  persuaded  or  driven  away. 

The  labors  of  the  agriculturist  are  a  constant  struggle  ;  on  the  one 
Land,  by  presenting  the  most  favorable  conditions  possible,  he  endeavors 
to  make  certain  plants  grow  and  produce  to  their  utmost  capacity  ;  and 
on  the  other  hand,  he  has  to  prevent  the  growth  of  certain  other  plants 
that  are  ready  to  avail  themselves  of  these  favorable  conditions.  The 
farmer  is  interested  in  two  points  concerning  weeds  :  how  they  get  into 
his  grounds,  and  how  to  get  them  out.  As  cultivation  is  all  the  more 
profitably  carried  on  if  the  farmer  knows  something  of  the  nature  and 
character  of  the  plants  he  would  raise,  so,  if  he  would  successfully 
operate  in  the  other  direction,  and  stop  plants  from  growing,  he  can  do 
so  all  the  better  if  he  knows  what  are  the  peculiar  habits  of  the  in. 
dividuals  with  which  he  has  to  contend, — and  it  is  quite  as  important 

[xm] 


XIV  WEEDS. 

to  be  familiar  with  the  manner  of  growth,  and  the  mode  of  propagation 
of  a  weed,  as  it  is  to  be  with  that  of  an  useful  plant.  A  plant  that 
spreads  itself  entirely  by  the  seed  must,  of  course,  be  differently  treated 
from  one  that  multiplies  by  the  root  also,  whether  we  would  propagate 
or  destroy. 

A  sound  constitution,  established  by  a  proper  regard  to  the  conditions  of 
health,  is  not  only  the  best  preventive  to  the  attacks  of  disease,  but  much 
faciltates  recovery,  if  this  be  contracted  ;  in  like  manner  thorough  culture 
and  good  farming  ensures  a  sort  of  general  exemption  from  the  pesti- 
lence of  weeds,  and  renders  easy  the  subjugation  of  those  which  happen 
to  make  their  way  into  the  grounds.  In  agriculture  as  in  morals,  idleness 
is  the  mother  of  vice,  and  if  the  ground  be  not  occupied  with  something 
good,  there  will  be  a  plenty  of  the  opposite  character  to  take  its  place. 
Possession  is  a  great  advantage  in  other  matters  than  those  of  the  law, 
and  a  plant,  whether  useful  or  troublesome,  when  once  fully  established 
is  not  disposed  to  yield  without  an  argument.  "  That  learned  and  saga- 
cious observer  of  Nature — the  late  professor  DE  CANDOLLE — remarks, 
that '  all  the  plants  of  a  country,  all  those  of  any  given  place,  are  in  a 
state  of  war,  in  relation  to  each  other.  All  are  endowed  with  means, 
more  or  less  efficacious,  of  reproduction  and  nutrition.  Those  which  first 
establish  themselves  accidentally,  in  a  given  locality,  have  a  tendency 
from  the  mere  fact  that  they  already  occupy  the  space,  to  exclude  other 
species  from  it :  the  largest  ones  smother  the  smallest  ones ;  the  longest 
lived  ones  supersede  those  of  shorter  duration  ;  the  most  fruitful  gradu- 
ally take  possession  of  the  space  which  would  otherwise  have  been  occu- 
pied by  those  which  multiply  more  slowly.'  The  farmer,  therefore,  should 
avail  himself  of  this  principle,  and  aid  the  more  valuable  plants  in  their 
struggle  to  choke  down  or  expel  the  worthless."  (Ed.  1.) 

Weeds  are  introduced  upon  a  farm  in  a  variety  of  ways.  Many  have 
their  seeds  sown  with  those  of  the  crops  ;  this  is  particularly  the  case 
where  the  seeds  of  the  weeds  and  of  the  grain  are  so  nearly  alike  in  size 
that  their  separation  is  difficult.  Proper  care  in  procuring  and  preserv- 
ing clean  seed  will  often  save  much  future  trouble  and  vexation.  The 
observing  farmer  will  notice  the  means  which  nature  has  provided  for  the 
scattering  of  seeds,  and  he  will  find  that  the  most  pernicious  weeds  seem 
to  have  been  especially  furnished  with  contrivances  to  facilitate  their 
dispersion.  The  Clot-bur,  Beggar's  Lice,  and  others,  have  barbs  or 


WEEDS.  XV 

hooks  by  which  they  adhere  to  clothing  and  the  coats  of  animals,  and 
are  widely  distributed  by  this  agency.  All  of  the  Thistles,  and  many 
others  of  the  same  family,  have  a  tuft  of  fine  silky  hair  attached  to  the 
seed,  or  more  properly  fruit,  by  which  they  are  buoyed  upon  the  air,  and 
wafted  from  place  to  place.  So  numerous  are  the  ways  by  which  seeds 
arc  dispersed,  that,  however  careful  a  farmer  may  be  upon  his  own  prem- 
ises, a  slovenly  and  neglectful  neighbor  may  cause  him  infinite  annoyance 
by  furnishing  his  lands  with  an  abundant  supply.  In  some  European 
countries  a  farmer  may  sue  his  neighbor  for  neglecting  to  destroy  the 
weeds  upon  his  lands,  or  may  employ  people  to  do  it  at  the  delinquent's 
expense. 

The  vitality  of  seeds,  particularly  if  buried  in  the  earth  below  the 
reach  of  the  influences  which  cause  germination,  in  some  cases  endures 
through  many  years  ;  hence,  an  old  field,  after  deep  plowing,  has  often  a 
fine  crop  of  weeds  from  the  seeds  thus  brought  to  the  surface.  "Weeds 
that  have  been  cut  or  pulled  after  they  have  flowered,  should  not  be 
thrown  into  the  barnyard  or  hog-stye,  unless  the  farmer  wishes  to  have 
the  work  to  do  over  again  with  their  progeny,  as  the  seeds  will  be  thor- 
oughly distributed  in  the  manuring  of  the  land.  In  England  they  dry 
the  pernicious  weeds  and  burn  them,  not  only  destroying  root  and  branch, 
but  seed  also.  In  all  weeding,  it  is  of  the  greatest  importance  that  it 
should  be  done  before  the  plants  have  formed  seed.  This  should  be  re- 
garded equally  with  annual  and  perennial  weeds.  The  prolific  character 
of  some  weeds  is  astonishing  ;  each  head  of  an  Ox-eye  Daisy  or  White- 
weed  is  not  a  simple  flower,  but  a  collection  of  a  great  many  flowers, 
each  of  which  produces  a  seed ;  and,  as  a  single  plant  bears  a  great 
many  heads,  the  number  of  seeds  that  a  single  individual  is  capable  of 
supplying  in  a  season  amounts  to  several  hundreds.  In  weeds,  evil  should 
be,  emphatically,  nipped  in  the  bud.  In  this  respect,  the  farmer  should 
act  in  the  spirit  of  the  Western  savages  who  kill  the  women  and  chil- 
dren of  their  enemies,  as  a  tolerably  sure  way  of  preventing  the  multi- 
plication of  warriors.  Annual  weeds  are  much  more  readily  kept  in 
subjection  than  the  perennial  ones,  which,  especially  those  which  multiply 
extensively  by  their  underground  stems  or  roots,  often  become  truly  formid- 
able. Here  not  only  has  the  propagation  by  seeds  to  be  prevented,  but  a 
subterranean  and  hidden  enemy  has  to  be  combatted.  It  is  very  impor- 
tant that  the  agriculturist  should  understand  the  way  in  which  these 


XVI  WEEDS. 

plants  grow,  that  he  may  know  how  to  direct  his  efforts  to  subdue  them. 
A  perennial  weed,  like  the  Canada  Thistle  or  Couch  Grass,  is,  during  the 
early  stage  of  its  existence,  easily  destroyed  ;  but  later  in  the  season  it 
makes  strong  underground  stems,  or  roots,  as.  they  are  commonly  but  in- 
correctly called,  which  have  great  tenacity  of  life,  and  which  have  within 
them  an  accumulation  of  nourishment  which  enables  them  to  throw  up 
several  successive  crops  of  herbage  ;  plowing  such  weeds  generally  ag- 
gravates the  trouble,  for,  unless  every  fragment  be  removed  from  the 
ground,  a  thing  very  difficult  to  accomplish,  each  piece  that  is  left  makes 
a  separate  plant.  In  the  case  of  weeds  of  this  description,  the  necessity 
of  early  eradicating  them  is  apparent,  for  if  once  well  established,  and 
an  underground  provision  depot  formed,  the  farmer  and  the  plant  are 
placed  in  the  condition  of  beseiging  and  beseiged  forces — as  long  as  the 
provisions  hold  out  the  latter  can  maintain  its  ground.  It  becomes  a 
question  of  endurance,  for  the  underground  supply  must  be  eventually 
exhausted  in  the  attempt  to  produce  new  stems  and  leaves,  and  if  the 
farmer,  by  persistently  cutting  these  away,  prevents  any  new  accession 
to  the  stock  of  provision,  the  enemy  must  at  length  succumb.  Often  re- 
peated cuttings  will  at  length  exhaust  the  underground  portion  of  its  vi- 
tality. In  some  cases  salt  has  been  used  with  success,  especially  upon 
Thistles,  applied  immediately  after  mowing.  The  farmer  will  do  well  to 
keep  in  mind  two  rules.  Do  not  let  weeds  flower,  and  do  not  let  them 
breathe,  for  the  leaves  may  be  considered  the  lungs  of  the  plant,  and 
without  the  aid  of  these  it  cannot  long  maintain  itself. 


THE  STRUCTURE  OF  PLANTS. 


THIS  chapter  has  been  prepared  for  the  purpose  of  giving  those  who  use 
this  work,  some  general  notions  upon  the  structure  of  plants.  From 
the  limited  space  allowed,  the  principal  facts  can  only  be  stated,  and 
those  very  briefly.  Those  who  desire  to  be  more  fully  informed  upon 
this  subject,  are  referred  to  the  admirable  works  of  Prof.  GRAY.  His 
progressive  series,  "  How  Plants  Grow,"  "  Lessons  in  Botany,"  and 
"  Botanical  Text-Book," — the  first  for  children,  the  second  a  compre- 
hensive popular  work,  and  the  last  an  extended  treatise, — are  all  that 
can  be  desired  in  the  way  of  popular  and  at  the  same  time  thoroughly 
scientific  elementary  works. 

1.  The  material  world  is  divided  into  Unorganized  (or  Inorganic) 
substances,  and  Organized  (or  Organic)  beings.   The  mineral  substances 
of  the  earth  and  air  and  water  belong  to  the  first,  and  plants  and 
animals  to  the  second  of  these  divisions.     Unorganized  substances  have 
neither  life  nor  growth,  and  are  without  parts  or  organs  adapted  to 
special  offices.     Organized  beings  have  life  and  growth ;  they  start  from 
a  simple  germ,  and  go  through  progressive  stages  of  developement ;  they 
are  furnished  with  parts  or  organs  which  have  particular  functions  to 
perform,  either  in  promoting  the  growth  of  the  individual  or  in  per- 
petuating its  kind. 

2.  Organized  beings  are  of  two  kinds,  Vegetables  and  Animals.     A 
vegetable  or  plant  may  be  defined  as  a  being  which  converts  the  unor- 
ganized matter  (contained  in  the  air,  water  and  the  earth)  into  organized 
material  which   is   either  directly  or  indirectly  the  food  of  animals. 
Animals  have  not  the  power  of  appropriating  unorganized  substances, 
but  live  upon  the  food  furnished  by  plants,  for  the  reception  of  which, 
they  are  provided  with  an  internal  cavity  or  stomach.     Plants  are  pro- 
ducers of  food,  while  animals  are  consumers  of  food. 

3.  The  study  of  plants  in  all  that  relates  to  their  growth  and  repro- 
duction, their  resemblance  to  and  difference  from  one  another  in  the 
structure  and  arrangement  of  their  parts,  their  distribution  over  the 
earth's  surface,  and  whatever  relates  to  the  history  of  a  plant,  constitutes 
the  science  of  Botany.    The  science  is  divided  into  several  departments  ; 
that  which  treats  of  the  nature  and  functions  of  the  different  parts  or 
organs  is  Structural  Botany — that  branch  of  the  science  of  which  we 
wish  to  give  a  brief  outline  in  the  following  page5;. 

4.  All  plants  fall  into  two  great  series  :  1st,  those  which  have  manifest 
flowers  and   are   reproduced   by   seeds, — Flowering  or   Phcenogamous 
plants ;  2d,  those  which  have  no  flowers  and  no  proper  seeds,  but  are 

1  [11 


2  t* ;  INTRODUCTORY. 

reproduced  r  by  minute,  dust-!iko  grains  called    spores, — Flowerless  or 
:Grypt(?g:a2r)vi>'s  pt^iis.     .A^cryp'togamous  plants  do  not  often  appear  as 
^weeds'  and J as  'their  fetricfy  is  rather  difficult,  they  are  left  out  of  con- 
sideration in  the  present  work. 

5.  Flowering  plants  have  two  kinds  of  organs  ;  those  parts  which  are 
concerned  in  sustaining  the  life  and  growth  of  the  plant, — Organs  of 
Vegetation  ;  and  those  which  provide  for  its  perpetuation  by  means  of 
seed, — Organs  of  Reproduction. 

6.  The  organs  of  vegetation  are  three,  viz. :  BOOT,  STEM,  and  LEAF. 
These  the  plant  has  at  a  very  early  stage  of  its  existence.     If  a  young 
seedling  plant,  as  a  Radish,  Bean  or  Pumpkin  be  taken  from  the  ground 
as  soon  as  it  has  "  come  up,"  it  will  be  found  to  consist  of  a  short  stem 
with  a  pair  of  leaves  at  the  top  and  a  root  at  the  bottom  of  it.     By 
soaking  the  seeds  until  the  seed-coat  is  softened,  and  then  carefully 
breaking  it  open,  the  young  plant  will  be  found  within,  though  in  a 
much  less  developed  state.     The  seed  always  contains  within  it  the 
young  plant,  more  or  less  developed,  either  lying  straight  in  the  seed  or 
variously  coiled  or  folded  up  ;  this  is  called  the  Embryo.     By  the  influ- 
ence of  the  warmth  and  moisture  of  the  earth,  the  embryo  bursts  the 
skin  of  the  seed  and  begins  to  grow.     The  sprouting  of  the  embryo  is 
called  germination.     The  parts  of  the  embryo  are  ;  1st,  the  little  stem, 
called  the  Radicle ;  and  2d,  the  leaves  which  in  the  Radish,  Bean,  &c. ,  first 
appear  above  ground  and  are  usually  called  Seed-leaves,  these  are  the 
Cotyledons ;  between  them  there  is  a  little  bud  (which  is  not  always  to 
be  seen  in  the  embryo,  but  appears  soon  after  it  begins  to  grow),  the 
Plumule.     In  germination  the  radicle  elongates,  the"  lower  end — what- 
ever the  position  the  seed  may  be  placed  in — pushes  itself  downward 
into  the  earth,  and  its  upper  end  bearing  the  seed-leaves  is  raised  to  the 
light  and  air.     That  portion  of  the  radicle  which  goes  downward  forms 
the  Root  or  Descending  Axis,  that  which  rises  above  the  surface  of  the 
earth  is  the  Stem  or  Ascending  Axis. 

In  the  instances  quoted  as  illustrations  (Radish,  Bean  and  Pumpkin), 
the  embryo  is  large  and  fills  the  whole  seed  ;  the  seed-leaves,  in  the  Bean 
especially,  are  thickened  and  rounded  from  being  filled  with  a  supply  of 
food  which  nourishes  the  young  plant  until  it  can  form  roots  and  draw 
sustenance  from  the  soil.  In  many  seeds,  as  the  Pea,  Acorn,  &c.,  the 
cotyledons  are  very  much  distended  and  do  not  rise  to  the  surface,  but 
only  open  far  enough  to  allow  the  radicle  to  protrude. 

7.  In  many  seeds  the  embryo,  instead  of  containing  the  food  for  its 
early  growth  within  its  cotyledons,  has  a  more  or  less  abundant  supply 
surrounding  it,  called  Albumen.     The  embryo  is  placed  sometimes  in  the 
centre  of  the  albumen — or  at  one  side,  or  sometimes  coiled  in  a  more  or 
less  complete  ring  around  it.     Seeds  which  contain  albumen  are  said  to 
be  albuminous,  those  having  none,  exalbuminous.     The  albumen  may  be 
large  in  proportion  to  the  embryo,  or  very  sparing ;  its  texture  varies, 
being  farinaceous  or  mealy  (as  in  Buckwheat),  horny  or  corneous  (like 
that  of  Coffee),  oily  (as  in  the  Poppy),  or  mucilaginous. 

8.  In  the  examples  given,  the  embryo  has  in  each  case  two  cotyledons  ; 


THE    STRUCTURE    OF    PLANTS.  3 

plants  having  embryos  of  this  kind  are  termed  Dicotyledonous  (i.  e. 
having  two  cotyledons  or  seed-leaves).  There  are  many  plants  in  which 
the  embryo  has  but  one  cotyledon  ;  this  is  the  case  with  Wheat,  Indian 
Corn,  the  Onion,  Lily,  &c. ;  such  plants  are  Monocotyledonous  (i.  e. 
having  one  cotyledon).  This  is  an  important  distinction,  and  divides 
all  our  flowering  plants  into  two  great  classes — Dicotyledonous  and 
Monocotyledonous  plants — which  are  further  distinguished  by  impor- 
tant differences  in  their  stem,  leaves,  and  flowers.  In  the  Fine  Family, 
the  embryo  has  several  cotyledons  in  a  whorl  —  Poly  cot  yledonous, 
(Fig.  238). 

9.  The  ROOT  or  Descending  Axis,  is  that  portion  of  the  radicle  which 
grows  downwards,  fixing  the  plant  to  the  soil ;  its  office  is  to  absorb 
nourishment  from  the  earth,  and  to  this  end  it  is  provided  with  an 
extended  surface  by  being  generally  subdivided  into  branches  and  sup- 
plied with  multitudes  of  delicate  fibres  or  root-hairs.     The  root  of  a 
plant,  which  springs  from  the  seed,  makes  its  growth  and  produces 
flowers  and  seed  all  in  one  year,  is  called  annual.    When  the  plant  re- 
quires two  years  to  complete  its  career,  it  is  biennial ;  and  when  it  lives 
through  a  number  of  years,  it  is  perennial. 

10.  The  various  forms  which  roots  present,  are  produced  either  by  the 
branching  of  the  principal  root,  or  by  the  enlargement  of  it  and  that  of  its 
branches.     Where  the  main  root  continues  distinct  and  unbranching,  or 
sends  off  only  occasional  branches,  a  tap-root  is  formed  ;  ordinarily,  how- 
ever, the  main  root  is  lost  in  its  numerous  branches,  or  many  roots 
start  from  the  lower  end  of  the  radicle,  and  we  have  a  cluster  of  roots. 
Annual  roots  are  very  much  divided  into  numerous  thread-like  branches ; 
such  are  termed  fibrous  roots.     In  biennial  plants,  the  first  year  is  occu- 
pied in  storing  up  nourishment  to  be  expended  in  producing  flowers  and 
seed  in  the  following  year  ;  this  is  frequently  deposited  in  the  root,  hence 
the  roots  of  biennials  are  usually  thick  and  fleshy.     If  such  roots  taper 
regularly  downwards  (as  in  the  Parsnip  and  Carrot),  they  are  conical. 
If  they  taper  both  upwards  and  downwards   (the  Long  Radish,  for 
example),  we  have  a  spindle-shaped  or  fusiform  root.     When  much  en- 
larged laterally,  so  as  to  be  broader  than  long,  the  root  is  turnip-shaped 
or  napiform.     In  these  forms  the  branches  are  small  and  hair-like.     In 
some  perennial  roots,  those  where  the  stem  dies  down  annually,  there  is 
often  an  accumulation  of  nourishment  and  the  roots  become  tuberous,  as 
in  the  Sweet  Potato. 

11.  Under  favorable  circumstances,  roots  may  spring  from  any  por- 
tion of  the  stem  and  branches.     When  a  branch  lies  along  the  earth,  or 
when  a  cutting  is  placed  in  the  soil,  roots  are  given  out ;  these  are 
termed  secondary  roots.     Some  stems  throw  out  roots  even  at  a  great 
distance  from  the  earth  (aerial  roots),  which  serve  in  some  cases  only  as 
supports  to  the  stems  of  climbing  plants,  adhering  to  rocks,  the  trunks 
of  trees  and  other  objects,  as  in  the  Ivy  and  Poison  Oak, — or  they  at 
length  reach  the  earth  and  help  sustain  the  plant,  as  in  the  Indian  Corn, 
which  often  throws  out  roots  from  the  lower  part  of  the  stem,  at  some 
distance  from  the  surface  of  the  earth.     In  Parasites  (those  plants  which 


4  INTRODUCTORY. 

feed  upon  the  juices  of  other  plants),  the  roots  adhere  to  or  penetrate 
the  plants  upon  which  they  feed,  either  above-ground,  as  the  Mistletoe 
and  Dodder,  or  they  attach  themselves  to  their  roots  beneath  the  surface, 
as  in  the  various  root-parasites.  Boots  branch  without  any  regular  order, 
and  very  seldom  produce  buds,  in  which  they  differ  from  the 

12.  STEM  OR  ASCENDING  Axis,     As  the  elongation  of  the  radicle 
lifts  the  cotyledons  of  the  bean,  &c.,  above  the  surface  of  the  earth,  so 
in  turn  the  plumule  or  little  bud  is  lifted  up  ;  its  leaves,  or  leaf,  as  the 
case  may  be,  expand,  another  bud  is  produced,  and  thus  the  process  goes 
on,  and  the  plant  increases  in  length  by  the  development  of  a  succes- 
sion of  leaves  separated  by  a  greater  or  less  length  of  stem.     The  point 
on  the  stem  from  which  a  leaf,  or  leaves,  arise  is  termed  a  Node  (or  knot) 
and  the  spaces  between  the  nodes  are  Internodes  (or  joints).    A  stem  is 
made  up  of  leaf-bearing  internodes  and  terminated  by  a  bud,  which  is  a 
collection  of  very  short  internodes  with  their  undeveloped  leaves.     The 
nature  of  the  bud  is  seen  in  a  marked  manner  in  some  trees  in  which 
the  whole  of  the  next  season's  growth  may  be  seen  in  miniature,  just  as 
the  first  internode  of  the  plant  is  found  in  the  seed. 

13.  A  stem  which  continues  to  develope  from  the  apex  only,  remains 
simple  ;  but  commonly  the  stem  branches.     Branches  proceed  from  buds 
which  with  few  exceptions,  appear  on  the  stem  in  the  angle  formed  by 
its  union  with  the  leaf  (the  axil).     The  position  of  the  branches  is  deter- 
mined by  that  of  the  leaves,  and  did  all  the  buds  develope,  the  form  of 
the  plant  would  be  regular.     Sometimes  buds  appear  out  of  their  usual 
place,  (the  axils  of  the  leaves)  and  as  roots  may  develope  from  any  part 
of  the  stem,  so  under  some  circumstances  may  buds.     Such  buds  are 
termed  adventitious ;  they  may  even  appear  on  the  root,  which  does  not 
ordinarily  produce  buds.     Where  more  than  one  bud  appears  in  an  axil, 
the  additional  ones  are  called  accessory  ;  and  where,  as  is  sometimes  the 
case,  buds  appear  above  the  axil,  they  are  extra-axillary.    When  the 
stem  continues  to  elongate  by  the  terminal  bud  and  the  main  trunk  is 
kept  distinct,  as  in  the  Fir  Trees,  the  stem  is  excurrent ;  but  it  is  usual- 
ly lost  in  the  branches,  when  it  is  deliquescent. 

14.  If  a  stem  of  a  plant  dies  down  at  the  end  of  the  season,  it  is  an 
Herb.    Herbs,  according  to  the  duration  of  their  roots,  may  be  annual, 
biennial  or  perennial  (9)  ;  where  the  stem  becomes  woody  it  is,  according 
to  its  size,  a  Shrub  or  Tree.     Under-shrubs  are  woody  plants  with  stems 
rising  but  little  above  the  surface  of  the  ground.     If  the  stem  is  only 
woody  near  the  base  it  is  suffruticose;  or  when  but  little  woody,  suff rules- 
cent.      Shrubs  and  Trees  differ  only  in  size  ;  those  under  15  or  20  feet 
high  and   branching  irom  near  the  ground  are  called  shrubs.      The 
jointed  stem  of  grasses  is  called  a  Culm. 

15.  The  various  modifications  of  the  stem  and  branches  have  received 
distinguishing  names,  of  which  the  most  used  are  given  here.    When  the 
stem  is  too  weak  to  stand  erect  but  bends  over,  it  is  declined;  if  it  partly 
lies  on  the  ground,  it  is  decumbent ;  or  if  it  lies  entirely  upon  the  ground, 
prostrate  or  procumbent.     If  it  clings  to  objects  by  means  of  tendrils 
(16),  like  the  Grape  vine,  or  by  aerial  roots  (11),  like  the  Ivy,  it  is 


THE   STRUCTURE    OF   PLANTS.  5 

climbing  or  scandent.  If  is  winds  around  other  objects  like  the  Bean 
and  Hop,  it  is  voluble  or  twining. 

16.  Branches  which  arise  from  the  main  stem,  below  the  surface  of 
the  earth,  are  called  suckers. 

If  a  branch  bends  over  so  as  to  reach  the  ground  and  there  takes  root, 
a  stolon  is  formed,  which  sends  up  branches  of  its  own,  and  by  the  di- 
vision or  the  dying  away  of  the  connecting  portion,  becomes  an  inde- 
pendent plant.  Plants  multiplying  in  this  way  are  stoloniferous.  A  long 
slender  thread-like  branch  which  strikes  root  at  its  extremity,  as  in  the 
strawberry,  is  called  a  runner. 

Spines  or  thorns  are  hardened  sharp-pointed  branches ;  they  may  fre- 
quently be  found  bearing  leaves,  especially  in  their  young  state,  which 
shows  their  true  character.  Sometimes  the  thorns  are  branched,  as 
those  of  the  Honey  Locust. 

A  tendril  is  a  weak,  leafless  branch,  capable  of  coiling  around  objects 
to  support  climbing  plants  (Fig.  95).  Some  tendrils,  however,  belong 
to  the  leaf  (26). 

17.  Besides  the  aerial  form  of  the  stem  and  branches,  there  are  sev- 
eral subterranean  ones  which  are  often  mistaken  for  roots,  but  are  to  be 
distinguished  from  them  by  having  nodes,  producing  regular  buds,  and 
often  having  rudiments  of  leaves  (11).     The  Root-stock  or  Rhizoma  is  an 
under-ground  stem,  advancing  by  its  terminal  bud  and  throwing  off 
roots  from  each  node  or  from  the  whole  surface  ;  the  Couch-  or  Quitch- 
grass  furnishes  a  good  illustration  of  one  form  of  rhizoma  ;  it  often  be- 
comes fleshy,  as  in  the  Sweet  Flag  and  Bloodroot. 

18.  Where  an  underground  stem  thickens  at  the  apex,  a  Tuber  is 
formed,  as  is  the  case  in  the  Jerusalem  Artichoke  and  Potato.    Though 
popularly  considered  as  a  root,  the  potato  is  a  short  thick  under-ground 
stem,  having  scars  which  are  the  rudiments  or  representatives  of  leaves, 
and  the  "  eyes  "  are  buds  in  their  axils.    A  Corm  or  solid  bulb  is  a  more 
or  less  globular  subterranean  stem,  as  that  of  the  Indian  Turnip.     A 
bulb  is  a  very  much  shortened  stem,  covered  with  scales,  which  are  the 
thickened  bases  of  former  leaves.     The  White  Lily  has  the  scales  sepa- 
rate, and  affords  an  example  of  the  Scaly  bulb,  while  in  the  Onion  the 
scales  surround  one  another  and  form  a  Tunicated  or  Coated  bulb.     The 
stem  is  here  often  reduced  to  a  mere  plate,  from  the  lower  surface  of 
which  proceed  the  roots,  and  from  the  upper  the  scales.     Bulblets  are 
small  bulbs  produced  above  ground ;  the  Spotted  Lily  of  the  gardens 
bears  these  in  the  axils  of  the  leaves,  and  in  the  Wild  Leek,  or  Garlic, 
they  appear  in  the  place  of  flowers. 

19.  The  internal  structure  of  the  stem  presents  two  marked  varieties. 
In  dicotyledonous  plants,  the  woody  portion  occupies  a  ring  between  the 
pith  and  bark,  and  in  stsms  of  this  kind  which  last  from  year  to  year, 
they  increase  by  an  annual  deposition  of  wood  outside  of  that  of  the 
previous  year ;  such  plants  are  termed  Exogenous  or  Exogens,  (meaning 
outside  growers).     The  stem  of  a  mouocotyledonous  plant  presents  no 
such  distinction  into  pith,  wood  and  bark,  but  the  wood  is  in  threads  or 
fibres,  distributed  irregularly  throughout  the  pith,  as  is  seen  in  cutting 


6  INTRODUCTORY. 

across  a  stalk  of  Indian  Corn ;  these  stems  are  called  Endogenous  or 
JEndogens,  (inside  growers).  The  terms  Dicotyledonous  and  Exogenous 
are  used  synonymously,  as  are  Monocotyledonous  and  Endogenous. 

20.  THE  LEAF.     It  is  in  the  leaf  that  the  important  work  of  trans- 
forming the  crude  sap,  which  is  taken  up  by  the  roots,  into  organized 
material  fit  to  enter  into  the  growth  of  the  plant,  is  performed.     In  this 
process  the  agency  of  sunlight  is  required  and  a  free  exposure  to  the  air, 
hence  the  leaves  are  so  made  and  so  disposed  upon  the  stem  as  to  present 
the  greatest  possible  surface  to  these  influences.     A  leaf,  having  all  its 
parts,  consists  of  an  expanded  portion,  (the  Blade,  Lamina,  or  Limb,}  a 
stalk  by  which  it  is  attached  to  the  stem,  (the  Petiole  or  Leaf-stalk,}  and 
a  pair  of  appendages  at  the  base  of  the  leat-stalk,  called  Stipules.     The 
petiole  and  stipules  may  one  or  both  be  absent,  the  essential  portion 
being  the  blade.     Leaves  having  a  petiole  are  said  to  be  petioled  or  pe- 
tiolate ;  without  a  petiole  they  are  sessile.     Where  the  blade  joins  the 
petiole,  or,  if  this  be  absent,  the  stem,  is  its  base ;  the  opposite  ends  are 
the  apex,  and  the  sides  are  the  margins. 

21.  The  blade  of  the  leaf  consists  of  a  green  pulpy  substance  through 
which  runs  a  framework  of  fibres  to  give  it  strength  ;  these,  as  they  are 
large  or  small,  are  called  Ribs  or  Veins,  and  the  mode  in  which  they  are 
distributed  is  termed  venation.     There  are  two  principal  kinds  of  vena- 
tion :  1st,  where  the  veins  run  mostly  parallel,  and  do  not  branch  nor 
form  a  network ;   these  are  parallel-veined  (sometimes  called  nerved} 
leaves,  and  are  mostly  to  be  found  in  endogenous  plants  (19)  ;  2d,  where 
the  veins  form  a  sort  of  network  through  the  pulpy  portion  ;  the  leaf  is 
then  said  to  be  netted-  or  reticulately-vemcd.     This  kind  of  veining  has 
two  forms  :  1st,  where  a  strong  rib,  (the  midrib},  runs  from  the  base  to 
the  apex  of  the  leaf,  from  which  lateral  veins  branch  off,  like  the  plume 
upon  a  feather  ;  this  is  called  feather-veined,  or  penni-nerved  (Fig.  66)  ; 
2d,  where  several  strong  ribs  start  from  the  'base  and  spread  like  rays 
from  the  centre  ;  here  we  have  a  radiately-veined  leaf  (Fig.  68) ;  these, 
from  their  resemblance  to  a  web-foot,  are  also  called  palmately-veined. 

22.  Feather- veined  leaves  are  usually  longer  than  broad,  while  in  the 
radiately-veined  the  form  approaches  the  circular.     The  general  outline 
of  leaves,  as  well  as  that  of  other  flat  portions  of  plants,  is  described  by 
a  variety  of  terms.     A  very  narrow  leaf  with  two  parallel  margins  is 


linear,  as  the  leaves  of  most  grasses  (Fig.  260)  ;  when  the  blade  tapers 
upwards  or  to  each  end,  and  is  several  times  longer  than  broad,  it  is  lan- 
ceolate (Fig.  179)  ;  when  broader  in  proportion,  oblong ;  if  both  ends  are 
rounded  and  of  equal  width,  elliptical ;  when  having  the  form  of  a  hen's 
egg  cut  lengthwise,  with  the  broad  end  down,  it  is  ovate ;  when  nearly 
round,  orbicular  (Fig.  44).  If  the  leaf  tapers  towards  the  base  instead 
of  towards  the  apex,  it  is  oblanceolate  and  obovate,  the  reverse  of  lanceo- 
late and  ovate.  If  rounded  above  and  long  and  narrow  below,  it  is 
spatulate,  and  cuneate  when  shaped  like  a  wedge. 

23.  When  the  two  sides  of  the  base  are  prolonged  and  rounded,  the 
leaf  is  said  to  be  cordate  or  heart-shaped  (Fig.  171)  ;  if  such  a  leaf  be 
much  broader  than  long,  it  is  kidney-shaped  or  reniform.  If  the  pro- 


THE   STRUCTURE    OF   PLANTS.  7 

longed  portions  or  lobes,  instead  of  being  round,  are  sharp  and  pointing 
downwards,  the  leaf  is  arrow-shaped  or  sagittate  (Fig.  182  and  243)  ;  or 
if  the  lobes,  instead  of  pointing  downwards,  are  turned  outwards,  it  is 
halbert-shaped  or  hastate  (Fig.  181)  :  if  the  lobes  are  rounded,  it  is  auricu- 
late  or  eared.  When  the  lobes  of  a  kidney-shaped  leaf  unite,  and  the 
petiole  appears  to  be  fixed  in  its  centre,  it  is  called  peltate  or  shield- 
shaped. 

24.  Various  terms  are  used  to  describe  the  apex  or  termination  of 
leaves  and  similar  bodies,  viz.  :  acute,  when  terminating  in  a  sharp  angle 
without  much  tapering  ;  acuminate  or  pointed,  if  the  apex  is  narrowed 
into  a  point ;  mucronate,  if  furnished  with  a  small  abrupt  point ;  obtuse, 
if  ending  in  a  rounded  blunt  point ;  truncate,  when  it  appears  as  if  cut 
off  abruptly  ;  refuse,  if  slightly  indented  at  the  apex  ;  notched  or  emargi- 
nate,  when  decidedly  indented  ;  and  obcordate,  when  so  much  so  as  to  be 
reverse  heart-shaped. 

25.  The  margin  of  the  leaf,  when  without  any  notches  or  indentations 
of  any  kind,  is  entire ;  when  with  sharp  teeth  pointing  forwards,  like  the 
teeth  of  a  saw,  it  is  serrate.     If  the  teeth  point  outwards  instead  of  to- 
wards the  apex,  it  is  said  to  be  dentate  or  toothed;  if  the  teeth  are 
rounded,  it  is  crenate  or  scalloped.     If  these  indentations  of  the  margin  are 
small  in  degree,  then  the  diminutives,  serrulate,  denticulate  and  crenulate, 
are  employed. 

A  margin  with  a  wavy  outline  is  called  repand,  or  if  the  indentations 
are  deeper,  shallow  and  rounded,  sinuate.  When  the  teeth  are  irregular 
and  sharp,  the  leaf  is  said  to  be  incised  or  cut.  A  lobed  leaf  has  the  mar- 
gin deeply  cut  with  a  definite  number  of  divisions  ;  if  the  divisions  reach 
nearly  to  the  middle,  it  is  cleft ;  if  nearly  to  the  midrib,  parted ;  or  it 
quite  to  the  midrib  or  base,  divided.  The  number  of  these  divisions  is 
expressed  by  numerals  ;  thus  we  say  2-lobed,  3-cleft,  4-parted,  &c.  The 
division  of  the  margin  follows  the  distribution  of  the  veins,  and  a  pin- 
nately-veined  leaf  will  be  pinnatelu-cleft,  pinnately-parted,  &c.,  and  a  pal- 
mately-veined  one  will  be  palmately-lobed,  palmately-divided,  &c. 

26.  Leaves,  as  to  the  division  of  their  margins,  present  every  variety 
from  entire  to  so  deeply  cut  that  the  division  reaches  the  midrib.     The 
parts  of  a  divided  or  parted  leaf  are  called  Segments  or  Lobes.    However 
much  it  may  be  divided,  the  leaf  is  considered  as  simple  unless  the  parts 
are  jointed  together,  or  articulated,  in  which  case  it  becomes  compound. 
The  parts  of  a  compound  leaf  are  called  Leaflets,  and  the  same  terms  are 
used  for  them  that  are  employed  in  describing  leaves.     Compound  leaves, 
like  divided  ones,  present  two  principal  forms  :  when  a  pinnately-veined 
leaf  becomes  compound,  it  forms  a  pinnate  leaf  (Fig.  78),  the  leaflets 
being  arranged  on  the  midrib  which  becomes  the  Common  Petiole  or 
Rachis ;  so  a  palmately  or  radiately-veined  leaf  becomes  palmately  com- 
pound or  digitate,  bearing  the  leaflets  at  the  top  of^  common  petiole 
(Fig.  64) .     When  the  leaflets  of  a  pinnate  leaf  are*  in  even  pairs,  the. 
leaf  is  equally-  or  abruptly-pinnate ;  odd-pinnate,  if  the  common  petiole 
terminates  with  a  leaflet  (Fig.  53).     Sometimes  the  common  petiole  is 
prolonged  into  a  Tendril  (Fig.  71),  and  the  leaf  aids  in  supporting  the 


8  INTRODUCTORY. 

plant.  When  the  leaflets  themselves  have  a  stalk  (Petiolule)  they  are 
petiolulate.  Often  the  leaflets  of  a  pinnate  leaf  themselves  become  com- 
pound, when  we  have  a  doubly  or  twice-pinnate  leaf ;  this  division  may 
be  continued  to  produce  thrice-pinnate,  &c. 

The  number  of  leaflets  in  a  compound  leaf  is  expressed  by  pinnate! y 
3-foliolate,  5-foliolate,  &c.,  or  palmately  3-foliolate,  5-foliolate,  &c. 

Very  much  clivided  leaves,  especially  if  irregularly  so,  are  called  de- 
compound. 

27.  The  point  of  attachment  of  the  leaf  to  the  stem  is  its  insertion. 
Those  leaves  which  are  inserted  at  or  beneath  the  surface  of  the  ground, 
are  called  Radical-  or  Root-leaves ;  those  along  the  ascending  stem,  can- 
line  ;  and  those  near  the  flower,  Floral-leaves  or  Bracts. 

The  insertion  of  the  leaf  is  in  three  principal  ways  :  when  two  arise 
from  each  node  or  joint,  they  are  opposite  (Fig.  34)  ;  when  there  are  3 
or  more  at  each  joint,  they  are  whorled  or  verticillate  (Fig.  114)  ;  and 
alternate,  when  only  one  is  produced  at  each  node  (Fig.  24).  Alternate 
leaves  present  a  great  variety  in  their  arrangement.  When  one  is  pro- 
duced above  another  on  exactly  opposite  sides  of  the  stem,  they  are  2- 
ranked.  When  they  are  so  placed  that  each  is  i  the  circumference  of 
the  stem  from  the  other,  we  have  the  ^-ranked  order,  and  so  on  for  the 
5-ranked  and  others.  The  subject  of  the  arrangement  of  leaves,  or  Phyl- 
lotaxy,  as  it  is  called,  is  one  which  presents  much  interest  to  the  curious, 
and  will  be  found  clearly  explained  in  Gray's  Botanical  Text  Book. 

28.  When  the  bases  of  two  opposite  leaves  grow  together,  appearing 
as  if  the  stem  passed  through  them,  they  are  connate-perfoliate ;  when  a 
single  leaf  presents  this  appearance  by  the  union  of  the  lobes  of  its  base 
beyond  the  stem,  it  is  called  perfoliate. 

Pairs  of  opposite  leaves  crossing  each  other  at  right-angles  are  decus- 
sate. 

Where  several  leaves  are  crowded  together,  so  as  to  spring  apparently 
from  the  same  point,  they  are  clustered  or  fascicled. 

Leaves  and  other  parts  which  fall  soon  after  expanding,  are  fugacious 
or  caducous ;  deciduous,  when  they  fall  at  the  close  of  the  season  ;  per- 
sistent, when  they  last  the  whole  year  or  longer. 

29.  The  manner  in  which  leaves  are  disposed  in  the  bud  is  their  verna- 
tion or  prefoliation.    When  each  leaf  is  infolded  lengthwise,  it  is  condu- 
plicate ;  plicate,  when  several  times  folded  or  plaited  ;   involute,  when 
the  margins  are  rolled  in  ;  revolute,  when  rolled  backwards  towards  the 
midrib ;  convolute,  when  rolled  up  from  one  edge  ;  and  circinate,  when 
spirally  rolled  from  the  apex  downwards. 

30.  Stipules  (20)  are  not  always  present.     In  the  Magnolia  Family 
their  office  seems  to  be  to  protect  the  bud,  and  they  fall  away  early  ;  in 
other  cases  they  remain  with  the  leaves.    When  the  leaflets  of  a  com- 
pound leaf  have  gytipular  appendages,  they  are  said  to  be  stipellate.     If 
the  stipules  adhere  by  one  edge  to  the  petiole,  they  are  adnate,  as  in  tlio 
Clover  (Fig.  74),  and  if  they  unite  around  the  stem,  they  form  a  sheath 
or  Ochrea,  as  is  seen  in  Polygonums  (Fig.  179). 

31.  ORGANS  OF  REPRODUCTION  consist  of  the  flower,  fruit  and  seed. 


THE   STEUCTUEE    OF   PLANTS.  9 

Flowers  are  developed  from  buds  occupying  the  same  position  as  those 
which  produce  branches,  and  the  botanist  regards  the  flower  as  a  short 
branch  with  its  leaves  in  a  peculiar  state  of  developement,  the  different 
parts  of  the  flower  answering  to  leaves.  The  manner  in  which  flowers 
are  arranged  upon  the  stem  is  termed  inflorescence. 

32.  The  simplest  form  is  when  the  stem  is  terminated  by  a  flower-bud, 
as  in  the  Tulip  ;  as  the  stem  grows  no  longer  in  this  direction,  this  is 
called  determinate  inflorescence,  but  it  is  generally  the  case  that  flowers 
are  thrown  out  from  the  axils  of  the  leaves,  while  the  stem  keeps  on 
growing.     This  form,  of  which  there  are  several  modifications,  is  inde- 
terminate.   If  the  flowers  arise  from  the  axils  of  the  leaves  of  the  stem 
which  remain  like  those  of  the  rest  of  the  plant,  the  inflorescence  is  axillary 
(Fig.  184)  ;  but  more  commonly,  when  flowers  are  produced,  the  leaves 
become  smaller,  and  the  joints  of  the  stem  shorter,  and  some  kind  of  a 
flower  cluster  is  formed.     In  this  case  the  reduced  or  transformed  leaves 
are  called  Bracts,  and  the  flower  cluster  receives  various  names  according 
to  the  form  it  assumes. 

33.  When  flowers  arise  each  from  the  axil  of  a  bract  upon  a  short 
pedicel  of  its  own,  a  Raceme  is  formed  ;  the  main  stem  or  axis  is  its 
Rachis  or  Common  Peduncle ;  and  the  stalk  of  each  flower,  its  Pedicel. 
Here  the  lower  flowers  open  first.    If  the  flowers  are  sessile  instead  of 
being  raised  upon  pedicels,  a  Spike  is  produced.    If  the  lower  pedicels 
of  a  short  raceme  are  elongated  so  that  all  the  flowers  are  raised  up  to 
the  same  level,  it  forms  a  Corymb ;  and  if  the  internodes  of  the  common 
peduncle  are  at  the  same  time  shortened  so  that  the  pedicels  all  appa- 
rently start  from  the  same  point,  an  Umbel  (Fig.  108,)  is  the  result,  the 
pedicels  of  which  are  called  Rays,  and  the  collected  bracts  at  their  base 
form  an  Involucre.    It  is  usually  the  case  that  the  umbel  becomes  com- 
pound and  the  rays  themselves  bear  small  umbels  or  Umbellets ;  if  these 
have  any  involucres  they  are  called  Involucels.     A  Head  is  where  the 
flowers  are  closely  crowded  together  as  in  the  Clover  (Fig.  74).     In  the 
Composite  Family,  of  which  the  common  Sunflower  is  an  example,  the 
apex  of  the  stem  is  expanded  to  form  a  Receptacle,  upon  which  the  sepa- 
rate flowers  or  Florets  are  placed ;  here  the  bracts  form  an  involucre 
around  the  head  and  sometimes  appear  upon  the  receptacle  as  Chaff.    A 
fleshy  spike  like  that  of  the  Indian  Turnip  and  Skunk  Cabbage  is  called 
a  Spadix,  and  the  hood-like  involucre  which  sometimes  surrounds  it,  a 
Spathe.     A  scaly  spike,  like  those  of  the  willow,  is  called  an  Ament  or 
Catkin. 

If  the  pedicels  of  a  raceme  are  branched  a  Panicle  is  produced. 

In  the  determinate  form  of  inflorescence,  the  flowering  is  often  con- 
tinued by  the  production  of  flowering  branches  from  the  axils  of  the 
leaves  or  bracts  below  the  terminal  flower  ;  these  branches  may  throw 
out  others,  and  thus  a  Cyme  is  produced.  In  this  case  the  central  or 
uppermost  flower  is  oldest  and  it  is  thus  distinguished  from  forms  of  in- 
determinate inflorescence.  A  flower-stalk  which  arises  from  below  or 
near  the  surface  of  the  ground  is  called  a  Scape. 

34.  THE  FLOWER  has  two  kinds  of  organs  ;  the  flower-leaves  or  Floral 

1* 


10  INTKODUCTOKY 

Envelopes,  which  are  usually  in  two  series  ;  the  outer  of  usually  green 
leaves,  the  Calyx  or  Flower-cup ;  and  an  inner  and  more  delicate  por- 
tion, the  Corolla ;  and  the  Essential  Organs,  the  parts  necessary  to  the 
production  of  seed,  the  Stamens  and  Pistils,  which  are  also  in  two  series. 
The  portion  of  the  stem  to  which  these  are  attached  is  the  Receptacle. 
These  parts  are  arranged  on  the  receptacle  in  a  regular  ascending  order : 
first,  the  calyx  ;  then  the  corolla  ;  within  and  above  this,  the  stamens  ; 
and  in  the  centre  of  the  flower,  the  pistils.  (Fig.  4.) 

35.  The  calyx  is  generally  green  and  leaf-like  ;  the  pieces  of  which  it 
is  composed  are  called  Sepals. 

The  corolla  is  of  a  more  delicate  texture  than  the  calyx  and  of  some 
other  color  than  green  ;  its  parts  are  called  Petals.  The  broad  expanded 
portion  of  the  petal  answering  to  the  blade  of  the  leaf,  is  its  Limb,  and 
the  narrowed  base,  corresponding  to  the  petiole,  is,  when  present,  its  Claw. 

36.  The  stamens  which  are  to  be  found  next  within  the  petals  have 
also  two  parts  ;  a  rounded  or  lobed  body  or  case  called  the  Anther  ; 
and  the  usually  slender  stalk  which  supports  it,  the  Filament.    Although 
the  stamen  is  so  unlike  a  leaf,  the  botanist  regards  it  as  representing  in 
its  anther,  the  blade  of  a  leaf  with  its  margins  infolded  to  form  a  hollow 
bag,  and  in  its  filament,  the  leaf-stalk.     This  would  perhaps  be  difficult 
to  comprehend  if  there  were  not  some  plants  which  show  a  regular  gra- 
dation from  green  calyx  leaves  to  perfect  anthers.     In  half  double  roses 
we  can  often  c-ee  bodies  that  are  half  petals  and  half  anthers,  showing 
that  they  are  but  modifications  of  the  same  fundamental  organ.     As  the 
blade  is  the  essential  part  of  the  leaf  so  is  the  anther  that  of  the  stamen, 
and  the  filament  may  be  wanting,  when  the  anther  is  sessile.     The  anther 
produces  a  powder,  usually  of  a  yellow  color,  which  is  discharged  ordinarily 
by  slits  in  its  walls  or  sometimes  by  pores  at  the  apex  (Fig.  144)  or  by 
valves  or  trap  doors  (Fig.  16).     The  office  of  this  powder,  called  Pollen, 
is  to  fertilize  the  ovary.     Anthers  are  usually  2-celled,  sometimes  4-celled, 
or  one-celled  by  the  confluence  or  running  together  of  the  cells,  or  by  the 
abortion  or  disappearance  of  one  of  them. 

If  the  anther  rests  directly  upon  the  apex  of  the  filament  it  is  innate ; 
if  the  whole  length  of  one  face  is  applied  to  the  filament,  it  is  adnate ; 
when  it  looks  towards  the  centre  of  the  flower,  it  is  introrse  ;  when  look- 
ing outwards,  extrorse ;  it  is  called  versatile  when  hung  to  the  apex  of 
the  filament  in  such  a  way  as  to  swing  loosely  in  any  direction. 

When  the  filament  is  prolonged  between  the  anther-cells  it  is  termed 
the  Connective. 

The  number  of  stamens  is  expressed  by  monandrous,  diandrous,  triaii' 
drous,  &c.,  for  a  flower  with  1-2  and  3  stamens,  &c. ;  polyandrous  for 
many  stamens  :  words  obtained  by  putting  the  names  of  the  classes  of 
Linnaeus,  monandria,  diandria,  &c.,  founded  on  the  number  of  stamens, 
into  the  adjective  form. 

37.  THE  PISTIL  or  pistils  occupy  the  centre  of  the  flower  ;  they  are 
the  parts  which  produce  seeds.     The  pistil  has  three  parts  ;  the  hollow 
portion  below,  the  ovary;  a  more  or  less  prolonged  stalk  above  this,  the 
style,  which  has  a  variously  shaped  termination,  the  stigma.    The  ovary 


THE    STIIUCTUHE    OF    PLANTS.  11 

and  stigma  being  the  essential  portions,  the  style  may  be,  and  frequently 
is,  wanting,  when  the  stigma  is  sessile.  The  ovary  contains  within  it 
the  rudiments  of  seeds  or  Ovules,  which  are,  after  they  have  received  the 
fertilizing  influence  of  the  pollen  which  is  communicated  through  the 
stigma,  developed  into  seeds.  The  number  of  pistils  in  a  flower  is  ex- 
pressed by  prefixing  the  greek  numerals  to  gynous ;  a  monogynom  one 
having  one  pistil ;  a  digynous  one  having  two  pistils,  &c.  For  farther 
in  relation  to  the  structure  of  the  pistil,  see  45. 

38.  The  stamens  and  pistils  being  the  essential  parts  of  the  flower, 
one  or  both  series  of  the  floral  envelopes  may  be  wanting  :  when  one  of 
the  series  is  absent,  it  is  the  corolla,  and  the  flower  is  then  apetalous 
(without  petals)  ;  or  when  both  are  absent,  the  flower  is  naked. 

A  complete  flower  has  all  four  series  of  organs  present :  if  either  of 
these  is  lacking  it  is  then  incomplete.  An  incomplete  flower  may  pro- 
duce seeds,  having  both  stamens  and  pistils,  and  as  long  as  these  are 
both  present,  the  flower  is  perfect.  If  either  of  these  is  absent,  the  flower 
is  imperfect.  These  organs  are  frequently  produced  in  separate  flowers 
(Figs.  69  and  70)  :  when  the  staminate  and  pistillate  flowers  are  both 
borne  on  the  same  plant,  they  are  said  to  be  monoecious  (i.  e.  in  one 
household)  ;  or  if  produced  on  different  plants,  dioecious  (in  two  house- 
holds). When  some  of  the  flowers  are  perfect  and  the  others  separated, 
they  are  polygamous.  Flowers  having  the  different  series  of  organs  with 
the  same  number  of  parts  in  each,  are  symmetrical ;  those  having  the 
parts  in  each  series  of  the  same  shape,  are  regular ;  or  of  different  shapes, 
irregular  (Fig.  13). 

39.  The  infinite  variety  of  forms  which  flowers  present  is  produced  by 
modifications  in  these  four  series  of  parts.     Some  parts  of  a  set  may  be 
wanting  or  much  changed  from  the  usual  form,  or  the  number  of  parts 
may  be  multiplied.     The  different  parts  of  a  set  may  unite  and  form  one 
piece,  or  the  structure  may  be  st.ll  further  varied  by  the  cohering  or 
growing  together  of  the  parts  of  two  or  more  adjoining  series. 

It  is  very  common  to  find  the  sepals  of  a  calyx  or  the  petals  of 
a  corolla  more  or  less  joined  by  their  contiguous  edges  so  as  to  form  a 
tube.  When  the  sepals  are  distinct,  the  calyx  is  polyscpalous ;  and 
where  united,  monosepalous.  Where  the  union  is  only  partial  and  the 
upper  portions  of  the  sepals  free,  it  is  sometimes  convenient  to  say  that 
it  is  cleft  or  parted  as  the  case  may  be. 

If  the  corolla  has  distinct  petals,  it  i:  polypetalous ;  when  these  are 
more  or  less  joined,  monopetalous  or  gamopetalous.  In  a  monopetalous 
corolla  the  parts  are  not  usually  united  for  their  whole  length  : — the 
free  or  expanded  portion  is  the  Limb  and  the  narrower  portion  the  Tube. 
Among  the  forms  of  monopetalous  corollas  may  be  mentioned  the  follow- 
ing :  the  funnel-shaped  or  infundib  aliform,  when  the  tube  is  narrower 
below  but  spreads  at  summit  (Fig.  167)  ;  the  bell-shaped  or  campanu- 
late,  with  a  rounded  base  and  open  or  spreading  border ;  tubular, 
when  elongated  and  more  or  less  cylindrical  throughout  (Fig.  115)  ; 
salver-shaped,  when  the  tube  is  very  narrow  and  bears  a  broad  spreading- 
limb  ;  and  wheel-shaped  or  rotate,  with  a  broad  limb  and  scarcely  any 


12  INTRODUCTORY. 

tube  (Fig.  161).     When  the  petals  are  irregularly  united,  a  2-lipped 
or  labiate  corolla  is  produced  (Fig.  152). 

40.  The  stamens  and  pistils  are  also  frequently  united.     When  sta- 
mens unite  by  their  filaments  so  as  to  form  a  tube,  they  are  monadelphous, 
(i.  e.  forming  one  brotherhood,)    as  in  the  Mallow  Family  (Fig.  45)  ; 
or  when,  as  in  the  Pulse  Family  (Fig.  73),  they  are  in  two  sets,  they 
are  diadelphous,  (i.  e.  in  two  brotherhoods) .    The  union  into  three  or  many 
parcels  is  expressed  by  the  terms  triadelpkous  and  polyadelphous.    In  the 
large  Composite  Family,  the  union  takes  place  by  the  anthers,  when 
they  are  syngenesious. 

41.  The  pistils  are  oftener  united  than  otherwise,  so  that  what  ap- 
pears to  be  a  simple  pistil  is  frequently  made  up  of  several  united  ones. 
The  union  may  take  place  by  the  ovaries  only,  the  styles  remaining 
wholly  or  partly  free,  or  it  may  be  so  complete  that  the  real  nature  of 
the  pistil  can  only  be  discovered  by  cutting  it  across,  through  the  united 
ovaries,  which  will  generally  present  as  many  cells  or  cavities  as  there 
are  simple  pistils  that  go  to  make  up  the  compound  one. 

42.  The  union  or  consolidation  of  the  parts  of  different  series  fre- 
quently occurs,  and  this  often  renders  the  structure  of  the  flower  at  first 
sight  rather  obscure.     When  the  calyx,  corolla  and  stamens  are  all  free 
from  each  other  and  are  evidently  inserted  below  the  pistils,  they  are 
hypogynous  (i.  e.  under  the  pistil),  as  in  Fig.  4.     When  calyx,  corolla 
and  stamens  cohere  together,  but  are  still  free  from  the  pistil,  so  that  the 
latter  two  appear  to  be  inserted  on  the  former,  they  are  perigynous,  (i.  e., 
around  the  pistil,)  as  in  the  Peach  and  Cherry  (Fig.  80).    The  union 
often  involves  the  ovary  ;  in  this  case,  the  stamens  and  corolla  appear  to 
be  on  the  calyx,  it  is  still  perigynous ;  but  the  union  is  sometimes  so 
complete  that  the  parts  appear  to  be  inserted  directly  upon  the  ovary, 
when  they  are  said  to  be  epigynous ;  (i.  e.,  upon  the  ovary) .     These 
terms  are  not  so  much  used  as  formerly,  as  the  condition  of  the  parts  is 
better  expressed  by  saying,  calyx  half  adherent  or  entirely  adherent  to 
the  ovary,  as  the  case  may  be. 

43.  The  symmetry  of  the  flower  (Fig.  38)  is  broken  up  either  by  the 
suppression  or  nondevelopment  of  some  parts  of  a  set  or  by  the  multi- 
plication of  the  parts  :  but  as  one  or  more  series  usually  retains  the  nor- 
mal number,  there  is  generally  but  little  difficulty  in  making  out  the  nu- 
merical plan  upon  which  the  flower  is  constructed.     The  number  of 
parts  in  a  whole  flower  or  in  a  set  is  expressed  by  the  following  terms : 
binary,  if  in  twos ;  ternary.,  in  threes  ;  quarternary,  in  fours ;  quinary, 
in  fives.     Tetramerous,  pentamerous,  &c.,  (written  4-merous,  5-merous, 
&c.)  are  used  to  describe  flowers  with  their  parts  in  fours,  fives,  &c. 

44.  Ordinarily  the  parts  of  a  symmetrical  flower  alternate ;  that  is, 
the  petals  are  placed  over  the  interval  between  the  sepals,  the  stamens 
over  the  interval  between  the  petals  and  consequently  opposite  the  sepals, 
and  so  on.     This  is  to  be  considered  the  usual  position,  unless  otherwise 
stated,  in  the  description  of  the  plant.     Exceptions,  however,  occur,  as 

•in  the  Buckthorn  and  Barberry,  where  the  stamens  are  placed  directly 
in  front  of  the  petals. 


THE  STRUCTURE  OF  PLANTS,  13 

The  terms  upper  and  lower,  as  applied  to  the  parts  of  the  flower,  refer 
to  their  position  in  relation  to  the  main  stem  or  axis.  The  petal  or 
sepal  of  an  axillary  flower,  which  lies  next  to  the  bract  or  farthest  out- 
ward from  the  stem,  is  lower  or  anterior ;  the  one  on  the  opposite  side 
and  nearest  the  stem  is  upper  or  superior  ;  and  those  placed  right  and 
left  of  these  are  lateral. 

45.  THE  PISTIL  in  its  simplest  form,  a  single  pistil,  is  regarded  as  a 
loaf  with  its  margins  folded  together  so  as  to  form  a  closed  bag  or  hol- 
low portion,  the  ovary ;  its  prolonged  apex  is  the  style,  and  the  upper 
end  of  this  or  some  portion  of  its  margin,  the  stigma.     A  simple  pistil, 
composed  of  a  single  leaf,  whether  separate  or  forming  a  part  of  a  com- 
pound pistil,  is  called  a  Carpel;  that  portion  where  the  margins  of  the 
leaves  join,  is  the  Ventral  Suture  ;  and  the  portion  opposite  to  this  cor- 
responding to  the  midrib  of  the  leaf,  the  Dorsal  Suture.    The  Ovules 
{&!)     are    placed    at    the  ventral  suture  where  the  margins  of  the 
carpellary  leaf  are  infolded  and  project  more  or  less  into  the  cavity, 
forming  what  is  called  the  Placenta,  to  which  the  ovules  are  attached. 

46.  When  two  or  more  carpels  unite,  a  Compound  Pistil  is  formed  ; 
this  will  have  as  many  cells  or  cavities  as  there  are  simple  pistils  or 
carpels  combined  ;  the  placenta  will  be  in  the  centre  and  the  partitions  or 
Dissepiments  which  separate  the  cells,  being  formed  by  the  union  of  the 
contiguous  sides  of  two  carpels,  will  be  double  in  fcheir  nature,  although 
this  may  not  be  manifest  (Fig.  33    represents  a  compound  pistil  of  3 
carpels,  cut  across).     Sometimes  a  compound  pistil  is  but  one-celled  ; 
either  from  the  early  disappearance  of  the  partitions,  when  the  placen- 
tae will  be  left  free  in  the  centre  of  the  ovary  ;  or  the  ovary  may  be 
formed  by  the  union  of  the  contiguous  edges  of  several  carpellary  leaves, 
without  their  folding  together, — the  placentas  in  this  case  consist  of  the  - 
margins  of  two  different  leaves  and  may  not  project  into  the  cavity  of 
the  ovary — such  placenta  are  parietal,  (i.  e,,  on  the  walls).     The  num- 
ber of  carpels  of  which  a  compound  ovary  is  composed,  is  frequently  in- 
dicated by  the  number  of  styles  or  stigmas.     An  ovary  of  two  carpels  is 
dicarpellary ;  one  of  three,  tricarpellary,  &c. 

47.  The  ovules  are  the  little  rudimentary  bodies  which  are  to  become 
seeds  :  our  limits  do  not  permit  us  to  describe  their  structure  or  to  say 
much  about  them.    After  they  have  received  the  fertilizing  influence  of 
the  pollen,  communicated  through  the  stigma,  an  embryo  is  developed 
within  them  as  they  mature,  and  a  seed  is  formed.    Each  ovule  is  placed 
on  a  little  sttilk,  the  Funiculm.  When  the  ovule  is  straight  it  is  called 
orthotropous ;  when  curved  or  bent  upon  itself,  campy .'otropnus  ;  and  if 
entirely  inverted  on  its  stalk  so  that  its  apex  points  to  the  placenta, 
anatropous. 

48.  Not  only  does  the  ovule  enlarge  and  undergo  a  great  change,  in 
forming  the  seed,  but  the  ovary  also  enlarges  and  is  variously  trans- 
formed and  becomes  the  fruit.     The  Fruit  is  the  ripened  ovary,  (called 
Pericarp  or  Seed-vessel,}  its  contents  and  sometimes  the  adhering  adjacent 
parts,  as  the  calyx.     In  the  Checkerberry  (Fig.  147)  and  in  the  Quince,  • 
it  is  the  enlarged  and  fleshy  calyx  which  is  the  eatable  portion  of  the 


14  INTRODUCTORY. 

fruit,  while  in  the  Strawberry,  it  is  the  large  and  pulpy  receptacle 
which  is  eaten. 

49.  In  the  process  of  maturing,  the  walls  of  the  ovary  assume  a  va- 
riety of  texture.     If  they  become  soft  and  pulpy  a  Berry  is  formed,  or 
if  the  outer  portion  only  becomes  juicy  and  soft  while  the  inner  part  be- 
comes hard  and  bony,  a  stone-fruit  or  Drupe  is  produced  (Fig.  81). 
When  the  walls  become  thick  or  papery,  we  have  some  form  of  a  Pod, 
or  if  bony,  a  Nut.    The  internal  structure  of  the  fruit  is  often  different 
from  that  of  the  ovary ;  a  several-celled  ovary  frequently  producing  a 
one-celled  fruit,  the  other  cells,  and  often  all  the  ovules  but  one,  being 
obliterated.     It  sometimes  happens  that  more  cells  are  present  in  the 
fruit  than  were  contained  in  the  ovary ;  this  results  from  the  formation 
of  false  partitions. 

50.  A  pod  formed  of  a  single  carpel,  opening  at  maturity  by  its  inner 
or  ventral  suture,  is  a  Follicle  (Fig.  7)  ;  if  it  open  at  both  sutures  and 
splits  into  two  valves  or  pieces,  it  is  called  a  Legume,  of  which  the  Pea 
and  Bean  are  familiar  examples.     A  pod  formed  by  a  compound  ovary 
is  termed  a  Capsule ; — if  this  opens  by  regular  valves  it  is  dehiscent, 
otherwise  indehiscent.     Dehiscence  may  take  place  either  by  splitting 
through  the  partitions,  when  it  is  septicidal  or  through  the  back  of  each 
carpel ;  the  latter  mode  is  called  loculicidal.     That  form  of  pod  which  is 
peculiar  to  the  Mustard  Family  is  called  a  Silique  (Fig.  23)  ;  this  is 
composed  of  two  carpels,  the  two  valves  at  ruaturity  falling  away  from 
the  two  parietal  placentae  which  remain  as  a  frame-work  or  Replum, — 
in  this  the  pod  is  two-celled  by  the  stretching  of  a  delicate  false  partition 
between  the  two  placentae.     A  short  pod  of  this  kind  is  called  a  Silicle 
or  Pouch  (Fig.  27). 

Some  capsules  open  by  a  transverse  line,  the  top  coming  off  as  a  lid  ; 
such  a  pod  is  called  a  Pyxis  and  this  kind  of  dehiscence,  circumsissile. 
(Fig.  42). 

51.  A  berry  is  a  fruit,  which  like  the  grape,  is  pulpy  throughout ;  if 
the  rind  becomes  hardened  while  the  interior  remains  soft,  a  Gourd-fruit 
or  Pepo  is  formed.     A  Pome,  as  the  Apple  and  Pear,  is  composed  of 
the  fleshy  and  enlarged  calyx-tube  ;  the  carpels  being  the  thin  plates 
which  surround  the  seeds  in  its  centre  (Fig.  90).     Fleshy  and  pulpy 
fruits  are  of  course  indehiscent.     An  Akene  or  Achenium  is  a  small  dry 
one-seeded  fruit,  often  popularly  called  seed,  as  in  the  Crowfoot  (Fig. 
6)  and  in  the  Composite  Family  (Fig.  126  &  140).  A  Grain  or  Caryops/s 
is  like  an  akene  but  with  the  pericarp  closely  adherent  «to  the  whole 
surface  of  the  seed.     An  Utricle  is  an  akene  with  very  thin  walls.     A 
Key  or  Samara  is  a  kind  of  akene  with  a  wing,  as  in  the  Ash  or  Maple 
(Fig.  68)  ;    in  the  latter  case  two  are  united.     Multiple  fruits  result 
from  several  flowers  closely  crowded  together,  as  in  the  Mulberry.     A 
Cone  or  Strobile  is  a  scaly-inbricated  multiple  fruit. 

52.  The  seed  has  already  been  described  as  containing  an  embryo 
with  or  without  albumen  ;  it  has  two  coats,  the  inner  of  which  is  very 
thin  and  delicate  and  not  always  to  be  made  out, — the  outer  one,  the 
Testa,  is  much  thicker  and  often  even  hard  and  bony,  and  is  variously 


THE  STRUCTURE  OF  PLANTS.  15 

marked.  Sometimes  it  is  expanded  into  a  wing",  and  at  others,  as  in  the 
Milkweed,  furnished  with  a  tuft  of  hairs  which  serve  to  waft  it  from 
place  to  place.  The  mark  left  by  the  separation  of  the  seed-stalk  or 
funiculus  is  called  the  Hilum,  which  is  conspicuous  in  the  Bean  and 
Horse-chestnut. 

53.  SYSTEMATIC  BOTANY  is  that  branch  of  the  science  which  groups 
together  plants  according  to  their  resemblances  in  structure.     Individual 
plants  that  are  so  much  like  each  other  that  they  may  be  conceived  to 
have  a  common  origin,  are  comprised  under  the  head  of  Species.    Plants 
are  apt  to  vary  much,  from  local  influences,  and  to  deviate  somewhat 
from  the  regular  form  of  the  species  ;  these  departures  from  the  typical 
form  are  considered  as  Varieties.     Where  varieties  perpetuate  their  pecu- 
liarities from  one  generation  to  another  by  the  seed,  they  form  Races ;  of 
which  our  cultivated  plants  furnish  numerous  examples.     Those  species 
which  have  many  points  of  resemblance,  though  differing  in  minor  char- 
acters, are  grouped  together  in  Genera,  and  genera  again  are  collected 
into  Families  or  Orders,  these  into  Classes  founded  upon  fundamental  dif- 
ferences in  the  structure  of  the  embryo,  stem,  &c.     The  next  group  in 
the  ascending  order  is  that  of  Series,  where  the  whole  vegetable  kingdom 
is  separated  into  two  great  series,  the  one  comprising  the  Flowering  and 
the  other  the  Flowerless  Plants. 

54.  In  the  descriptions  of  plants,  the  account  given  of  the  Order  should 
apply  to  all  the  genera  included  in  it ;  that  of  the  Genus  should  include 
the  important  characters  of  all  the  species  it  comprises  ;  and  that  of  a 
Species  should  present  those  points  which  distinguish  it  from  other 
species  in  the  same  Genus. 

The  names  given  to  plants  are  double,  corresponding  to  the  surname 
and  baptismal  names  of  persons.  The  name  of  the  Genus  is  placed  first, 
followed  by  that  of  the  species ;  the  latter  is  usually  in  the  adjective 
form. 

55.  Of  course  all  the  plants  that  one  meets  with  will  not  be  found  in 
this  work,  it  being  intended  only  to  include  those  which  are  to  be  found 
in  cultivated  sections.     In  order  to  find  the  name  and  description  of  any 
particular  plant,  the  first  thing  to  be  settled,  (it  being  of  course  a  flow- 
ering plant.)  is,  to  which  class  to  refer  it ;  this  is  usually  indicated  by 
the  leaves,  or,  at  any  rate,  it  may  be  ascertained  by  making  a  cut  across 
the  stem.     If  it  be  an  exogenous  stem,   then  it  must  be  ascertained 
whether  the  corolla  is  present,  and  if  present,  whether  it  is  composed  of 
many  pieces  or  is  a  more  or  less  entire  single  one.     These  preliminaries 
being  settled,  a  reference  to  the  Key  and  a  little  patience  will  soon  de- 
termine the  Family  to  which  it  belongs.     If  upon  referring   to   the 
description,  the  plant  in  question  agrees  with  the  character  given  to  the 
Family,  then  the  genus  is  to  be  ascertained,  and  after  this  the  species. 


A     KEY 

TO  THE 

NATURAL  ORDERS  OR  FAMILIES 

OF    PLANTS    DESCRIBED    IN   THIS    WORK. 


SERIES  1.  FLOWERING  PLANTS.  Plants  with  flowers,  having  stamens  and 
pistils,  and  producing  seeds,  which  contain  an  embryo. 

CLASS  I.  EXOGENOUS  or  DICOTYLEDONOUS  PLANTS.  Stems  distinctly 
formed  of  bark,  wood  &ndpith ;  the  wood  in  stems  lasting  from  year  to  year, 
increasing  by  annual  layers  on  the  outside  next  the  bark.  Leaves  netted- 
veined.  Embryo  with  two  opposite  cotyledons,  or  (in  the  Pine  family)  seve- 
ral in  a  whorl.  Parts  of  the  flowers  usually  in  fives  or  fours. 

SUB-CLASS  1.  ANGIOSPERMS.  Pistil  a  closed  ovary,  containing  ovules 
and  becoming  the  fruit.  Cotyledons  2. 

DIVISION  I.  POLYPETALOUS  :  Calyx  and  corolla  both  present  (except  in 
some  genera  of  Order  I);  the  petals  entirely  separate  (except  in  Order 
XXX  ,  where  they  are  sometimes  united). 

A.  STAMENS  NUMEROUS,  MORE  THAN  10. 
1 .  Stamens  borne  on  the  receptacle,  entirely  free  from  the  calyx,  corolla  or  ovary. 

Pistils  more  than  one,  entirely  separate  from  each  PAGE- 

other. 

Herbs  with  perfect  flowers  and  divided  leaves.  RANUNCULACE^:,        26 
Small  trees  with  6-petalled  flowers  and  entire 

leaves.  ANONACE^E,  36 

Pistils    numerous,    grown    together    one    above 

another,  covering  the  long  receptacle.  MAGNOLIACE^E,          34 

Pistils  only  1,  or  2  -  several,  more  or  less  completely 
united  into  one. 

Ovary   simple   and   1 -celled,    with   only  one 
placenta. 
Petals  large.     Filaments  shorter  than  the 

anthers.  Podophyllum  in  BERBERIDACEUE,         36 

Petals  4  and  irregular,  or  else  very  small.  RAXUNCULACFLS:,       26 
(16) 


KEY  TO  NATURAL  ORDERS.  17 

Ovary  compound,  with  many  seeds  from  a  PAGE- 

central  placenta.  PORTULACACEJE,        62 

Ovary  compound,  1  -5-celled ;  if  1-celled,  with 
2  -  several  placentae  on  the  walls. 
Sepals   falling  when  the  flower  opens, 
fewer  than  the  petals.     Herbs  with 

milky  or  colored  juice.  PAPAVERACE^B,         40 

Sepals    falling    after    blossoming,   5    in 

number.     Trees.  TILIACE.&.  68 

Sepals  remaining  beneath  the  fruit. 

Leaves  all  opposite,  with  transparent 

or  dark-colored  dots.  HYPERICACE^;,          54 

2.  Stamens  connected  with  the  base  of  the  petals,  and  these  borne  an  the  receptacle. 

Filaments  united  in  a  tube  or  column;  anthers 
kidney-shaped,  1-celled.  MALVACEAE,  63 

3.  Stamens  and  petals  united  with  and  apparently  borne  on  the  calyx  (perigynom). 

Petals  many,  in  several  rows.     Shrubs.  CALYCANTHACEJE,     135 

Leaves  with  stipules,  alternate.  ROSACES,  1 12 

Leaves  without  stipules. 
Pod  many-seeded. 

Shrubs,   leaves  opposite.     Pod 
with  several  cells.     Philadel- 

[phus  in   SAXIFRAGACE^E,       143 
Herbs;   leaves  fleshy.     Pod  1- 

celled,  opening  by  a  lid.  PORTULACACEJE,         62 

Pod    2-seeded,    2-beaked.      Shrubs 

or  trees. 
Petals  sometimes  wanting.  HAMAMELACE^E,       144 

B.  STAMENS  10  OR  FEWER. 

1.  Corolla  irregular.     (Pistil  one.) 

Leaves  opposite,  palmately  compound.     Calyx  5- 

toothed.     Shrubs  or  trees.  SAPINDACE.E,  87 

Leaves  alternate,  with  stipules. 

Filaments   often  united.     Two   lower  petals 
approaching  or  joined.     Pod  simple  with 

only  one  row  of  seeds.  LEGUMINOS^E,  93 

Leaves  alternate,  without  stipules. 

Flower  1- spurred.      Stamens  8.     Fruit  of  3 

thick  and  closed  pieces.  TROP.EOLACE.E,          73 

Flower  somewhat  papilionaceous.  Stamens 
4-8  in  two  sets;  anthers  1-celled, 
opening  at  top.  Fruit  a  2-celled,  2- 
seeded  pod.  POLYGALACE.E,  92 


18  KEY  TO  NATTRAL  ORDERS. 

2.    Corolla  nearly  or  quite  regular.  fAQ*- 

Stamens  as  many  as  the  petals  and  opposite  them. 
Pistil  and  style  1  (the  latter  sometimes  cleft  at 
.  the  summit). 

Anthers  opening  by  uplifted  valves.  BERBERIDACE.E,         36 

Anthers  opening  lengthwise. 

Woody   vines.      Calyx  minute ;    petals 

falling  very  early.  YITACE^,  81 

Shrubs.    Calyx  larger,  its  divisions  4-5.   RHAMNACEJE,  85 

Herbs.     Sepals  2:  petals  5:  stigmas  3.      PORTULACACE.E,         62 
Stamens  as  many  as  the  petals  and  alternate  with 
them,   or  twice  as  many,  or  of  some  unequal 
number. 

Calyx-tube  adhering  to  the  surface  of  the  ovary. 
Stamens  more  or  less  united  with  each 

other.     Flowers  monoecious.  CUCURBITACE^:,       138 

Stamens  distinct,   as  many  or  twice  as 
many  as  the  petals. 

Seeds  many  in    a    1 -celled    berry. 

Shrubs.  GROSSULACE.E,        136 

Seeds  many,  in  a  2-celled  or  1 -celled 

pod.     Styles  2.  SAXIFRAGACE.E,       143 

Seeds  many,  in  a  4-celled  pod.  Style 

1 :  stigmas  4.  ONAGRACE.E,  135 

Seeds  only  1  in  each  cell.     Border 
of  calyx  obscure. 
Flowers  in  small  axillary  clus- 
ters.   Pod  2-beaked.    Shrubs 

or  trees.  HAMAMELACE.E,       144 

Styles  2:  fruit  dry.  Herbs 
with  flowers  in  compound 

umbels.  UMBELLIFER,E,        145 

Styles  3-5  (rarely  2) ;  fruit  a 
berry.  Shrubs  or  herbs,  with 
flowers  in  simple  or  panicled 

umbels.  ARALIACEJE,  155 

Style  1.  Flowers  in  cymes  or 
clustered  in  heads,  sometimes 

surrounded  by  an  involucre.     CORKAGES,  157 

Calyx  free  from  the  ovary,  at  least  from  the  fruit. 
Leaves  with  transparent  or  blackish  dots. 

Leaves  simple,  entire  and  opposite.     HYPERICACE^E,          54 
Leaves  compound  or  divided.  RUTACE.E,  74 

Leaves  without  transparent  dots. 

Pistils  more  than  one.     Leaves  with 

stipules.  ROSACE  JR,  112 

Pistils  2,  nearly  distinct.      Stipules 

none.  SAXIFRAGACE.E,       143 

Pistil  1,  simple,  1-celled:  style  and 
stigma  1.  LEGUMINOS^:,  93 


KEY  TO  NATURAL  ORDERS.  19 

Pistil  1,  compound ;   either  its  styles,  stigmas  PAGK- 

or  ovary  cells  more  than  1. 

Style  1,  entire,  or  barely  cleft  at  top. 
Stamens  united  into  a  tube,  with 

anthers  in  its  orifice. 
Trees  with  odd-pinnate  or  bipinnate 

leaves.  MELIACE^E,  69 

Stamens  distinct. 

Anthers  opening  by  holes  or  chinks 

at  top. 

Anthers  opening  across  the  top.  ERICACEAE,  207 

Anthers  opening  lengthwise. 

Herbs.     Stamens  6,  2  of  them 
shorter.  CRUCIFEILE,  42 

Woody  plants.     Fruit  few- 
seeded. 
Stamens      fewer  than 

the  4  long  petals.        OLEACEJE,  264 

Stamens   as    many  as 

the  broad  petals.         CELASTRACE^E,  86 

Styles  or  sessile  stigmas  2-6,  or  style 
2  -  5-cleft. 

Ovary  and  fruit   1 -celled. 

One-seeded.     Shrubs.       AxACARDiACEuE,        77 
Several-  or  many-seeded. 
Seeds  in  the  cen- 
tre of  the  pod.     CARYOPHYLLACEJE,    56 
Seeds  on  the  walls 
or    bottom     of 

the  pod.  SAXIFRAGACE^;,       143 

Ovary  with  2  -  5  or  more 
cells. 

Sessile  stigmas  and  sta- 
mens 4 -6.  AQUIFOLIACE^E,        216 
Styles  or  long  stigmas 

2 :  fruit  2- winged.      ACERACE.E,  89 

Styles  or  divisions  of 
the  style  5. 

Stamens  5:  pod 
partly  or  com- 
pletely 10-cell- 

ed.  LINAGES,  70 

Stamens  10 :  pod 
5-celled.  Leaves 

compound.  OXALIDACE.E,  72 

Stamens  10  (or 
fewer) :  styles 
united  with  a 
long  beak,  split- 
ting from  it 
when  ripe.  GERANIACE.E,  71 


20  KEY  TO  NATURAL  ORDERS. 

DIVISION  II.  MONOPET ALDUS  :   Calyx  and  corolla  both  present ;  the  petals 
more  or  less  united. 

A.    TUBE   OF  THE  CALYX  COHERENT  WITH    THE  OVARY,   the  corolla  ap- 
parently inserted  on  the  ovary. 
Stamens  united  by  their  anthers,  and 

Not  by  their  filaments.     Flowers  in  heads  PAGE. 

which  are  furnished  with  an  involucre.          COMPOSITE  168 

Also  more  or  less  by  their  filaments.    Flowers 
not  in  heads. 
Corolla  irregular,  cleft  down  one  side. 

Flowers  perfect.  LOBELIACE^:,  206 

Corolla  regular.      Flowers  monoecious. 

Tendril  bearing  vines.  CUCURBITACEJE,        138 

Stamens  separated  from  each  other,  and 

Inserted  on  the  corolla.  Leaves  opposite  or 
whorled. 

Leaves  opposite,  without  stipules. 

Flowers  in  an  iuvolucrate  head.  DIPSACEJE,  167 

Flowers  not  involucrate. 

Stamens  2 -3.     Corolla  5-lobed.  YALERIANACE^:,      165 
Stamens    4-5.     Corolla  4-5- 

lobed.  CAPRIFOLIACEJE,      160 

Leaves  opposite  with  stipules  between 

them,  or  whorled  without  stipules.          RUBIACE^E,  163 

Inserted  with  but  not  on  the  corolla. 

Stamens  twice  as  many  as  the  lobes  of 

the  corolla. 
Woody  plants.     Huckleberry  sub-family 

[in  ERICACEAE,  207 

B.  CALYX  FREE  FROM  THE  OVARY  ;  the  corolla  on  the  receptacle. 

1.  Stamens  more  in  number  than  the  lobes  of  the  corolla. 
Leaves  compound.     Flowers  commonly  irregular. 

Pod  1 -celled.  LEGUMINOSJE,  93 

Leaves  simple  or  palmately  divided.      Stamens 

united  into  a  tube.  MALVACEAE,  63 

Leaves  simple,  undivided.     Stamens  united  only 
at  the  base,  or  separate. 

Stamens  on  the  corolla,  twice  or  four  times  as 

many  as  its  lobes.  EBENACEJS,  217 

Stamens  free  from  the  corolla,  twice  as  many 

as  its  lobes.  ERICACEAE,  207 

2.  Stamens  as  many  as  the  5,  4  or  rarely  6-7  lobes  of  the  regular  corolla. 
Stamens  alternate  with  the  lobes  of  the  corolla,  5 
or  rarely  4. 

Inserted  on  the  receptacle.  ERICACEAE,  207 

Inserted  on  the  corolla,  but  connected  more 
or  less  with  the  stigma.  Juice  milky. 
Filaments  monadelphous.  ASCLEPIADACE^E,  261 


KEY  TO  NATURAL  OKDEKS.  21 

Inserted  on  the  corolla  free  from  the  stigma.  P^GB. 

Style  none  :  stigmas  4  -  6  :  corolla  very 

short,  deeply  cleft.  AQUIFOLIACE^E,       216 

Style  1,  rarely  2,  sometimes  2-cleft  or  3- 
cleft. 

Ovary    deeply  4-lobed,   making    4 
akenes. 
Stamens  4.      Leaves  opposite, 

aromatic.  LABIATE,  228 

Stamens  5.  Leaves  not  aromatic.   BORRAGINACE.E,       241 
Ovary  and  pod  1  -celled  :  the  seeds 
on  the  walls. 

Leaves  entire  and  opposite.          GENTIAN  ACEJJ,        260 
Ovary  and  fruit  with  2  or  more  cells. 
Stamens  4,  long.     Flowers  in  a 

close  spike.  PLANTAGINACE^;,     218 

Stamens  5.    Pod  or  berry  many- 
seeded. 
Flower  not  quite  regular. 

Style  entire.  SCROPHULARIACE.E,  223 

Flower  quite  regular.    Sta- 

mens all  alike.  SOLANACEJS,  250 

Stamens  5.      Pods    with    few 

large  seeds.     Twining  herbs.    CONVOLVULACEJJ;,    246 

3.  Stamens  always  fewer  than  the  lobes  of  the  calyx  or  corolla,  2-4. 
Corolla  more  or  less  irregular,  mostly  2-lipped. 
Ovary  4-lobed,   making    4    akenes.      Stems 

square  ;  leaves  opposite,  aromatic.  LABIATE,  228 

Ovary  and  fruit  4-celled  and  4-seeded.     Sta- 

mens 4.  VERBENACEJE,         228 

Ovary  and  pod  2-celled,  with  many  large  ~) 

S30 


with 

many  large  seeds. 
Ovary  and  pod  2-celled,  with  many  or  few 

small  seeds.  SCROPHULARIACE^E,  223 

Corolla  regular.     Stamens  only  2. 

Corolla  4-lobed  or  4-parted.     Shrubs  or  trees.   OLEACE^E,  264 


22  KEY  TO  NATURAL  ORDERS. 

DIVISION  III.  APETALOUS  :  Corolla  none ;  the  floral  envelopes  being  in 
a  single  series  (calyx),  or  sometimes  wanting  altogether. 

A.  FLOWERS  NOT  IN  AMENTS  OR  CATKIN-LIKE  HEADS. 
1.  Seeds  many  in  each  cell  of  the  ovary  or  fruit. 

Calyx  with  its  tube  coherent  with  the  6-celled  PAGE. 

ovary.  ARISTOLOCHIACE.E,  268 

Calyx  free  from  the  ovary. 

Pod  3-celled  or   1 -celled,    with  3   or  more 

styles.  Mollugo,  &c.,  in  CARYOPHYLLACEJS,    56 

Pod  or  berry  1 -celled  and  simple.  RANUNCULACE.E,       26 

2.  Seeds  only  1-2  in  each  cell  of  the  ovary  or  fruit. 
Pistils  more  than  one  to  the  flower,  and  separate 
from  each  other. 

Calyx  present  and  petal-like.     Stamens  on 

the  receptacle.  RANUNCULACE.E,       26 

Calyx  present;   the  stamens  inserted  on  it. 

Leaves  with  stipules.  ROSACES,  112 

Pistil  only  1,  simple,  or  formed  of  two  or  more, 
with  their  ovaries  united. 

Styles  10.     Fruit  a  10-seeded  berry.  PHYTOLACCACEJS,     270 

Styles  or  stigmas  2-3. 

Herbs  with  sheathing  stipules  and  entire 

leaves.  POLYGONACE.E,        278 

Herbs  with  separate  stipules  and  com- 
pound or  cleft  leaves.  URTICACE.E,  291 
Herbs  with  milky  juice  :  stipules  decidu- 
ous or  none,  and  stigmas  often  forked. 

Fruit  splitting  into  2-3  2-valved  pods.   EUPHORBIACEJS,       287 
Herbs  without  stipules,  and 

"Without  scaly  bracts.    Flowers  small 

and  greenish.  CHENOPODIACE.E,     270 

"With  scaly  bracts  around  and  among 

the  flowers.  AMARANTACE^E,       275 

Shrubs  or  trees,    with  opposite  leaves. 

Fruit  a  pair  of  keys.  ACERACE^E,  89 

Shrubs  or  trees,  with  alternate  leaves 
and  deciduous  stipules. 

Stamens  on  the  throat  of  the  calyx, 

alternate  with  its  lobes.  RHAMNACE^E,  85 

Stamens  on  the  bottom  of  the  calyx.   URTICACE.E,  291 

Style  1 ;  stigma  2-lobed.    Fruit  a  key.  Leaves 

pinnate.  Fraxinus  in   OLEACE^,  264 

Style  or  sessile  stigma  1,  and  simple. 

Calyx  of  6  petal-like  colored  sepals :  sta- 
mens 9-12:  anthers  opening  by  valves. 

Aromatic  shrubs  or  trees.  LAURACE^E,  285 

Calyx  in  the  sterile  flowers  of  3  -  5  green- 
ish sepals :  stamens  the  same  number. 
Flowers  monoecious  or  dioecious.  URTICACE^E,  291 


KEY  TO  NATURAL  ORDERS.  23 

B.  FLOWERS,  OXE  OR  BOTH  SORTS,  IN  AMENTS  OR  CATKIX-LIKE  HEADS. 

Twining  dioecious  herbs ;  fertile  flowers  only  in  PAGE. 

short  aments.  Humulus  in  URTICACE.E,  291 

Shrubby  plants,  parasitic  on  trees.    Fruit  a  berry.   LORANTHACE^E,        286 
Trees  or  shrubs. 

Sterile   flowers    only  in    aments.      Flowers 
monoecious. 

Leaves  pinnate.     Ovary  and  fruit  with- 
out an  involucre.  JUGLANDACILE,         302 
Leaves  simple.     Nuts  one  or  more  in  a 

cup  or  involucre.  CUPULIFERE,  307 

Flowers  of  both  kinds  in   aments  or  close 
heads. 
Leaves  palmately-veined  or  lobed. 

Calyx  4-cleft,   in  the  fertile  flowers 

becoming  berry-like.        Morus  in   URTICACE.E,  291 

Calyx  none :  flowers  in  round  heads.   PLATANACE^E,  301 

Leaves  pinnately-veined. 

Flowers  dioecious,  1  on  each  scale. 

Pod  many-seeded.  SALICACE^E,  328 

Flowers  monoecious,  the  fertile  ones 

2  or  more  under  each  scale.  BETULACE^E,  824 

Flowers  only  1  under  each  fertile 

scale. 
Fruit  1 -seeded.  MYRICACE.E,  323 

SUB-CLASS  2.  GYMKOSPERMS.    Pistil  represented  by  an  open  scale  or  leaf, 
or  sometimes  entirely  wanting ;  the  ovules  and  seeds  naked. 
Flowers    monoecious    or    dioecious.       Stems 

branched.     Leaves  simple.  CONIFERS,  333 


KEY    TO    NATURAL    ORDERS. 


CLASS  II.  ENDOGENOUS  OR  MONOCOTYLEDONOUS  PLANTS.  Stem  not 
distinguishable  into  bark,  wood  and  pith.  Leaves  mostly  parallel- veined  and 
sheathing  at  base.  Parts  of  the  flower  usually  in  threes.  Embryo  with  a 


ARACE.E, 


TYPHACE.E, 


844 


347 


ALISMACE^E, 


347 


BROMELIACEJE,        349 


1.  Flowers  densely  crowded  on  a  spadix  with  or  without  a  spathe. 
Herbs.      The  small  and  crowded  flowers  either 

naked  or  with  a  small  perianth. 

Spadix  with  a  large  spathe  surrounding  it.  1 

Flower  generally  naked :  fruit  a  berry,      f 
Spadix  without  a  spathe.     Perianth  of  6  j 

pieces.  J 

Spadix  without  any  proper  spathe:  perianth 

none ;  fruit  an  akene. 

2.  Flowers  not  on  a  spadix,  but  variously  disposed,  having  a  calyx  and 
corolla,  or  a  6-leaved  or  6-lobed    (rarely    4-lobed)    perianth    colored  and 
corolla-like. 

Perianth  not  adherent  to  the  ovary,  and 

Of  3  greenish  sepals  and  3  distinct  and  colored 
petals. 
Pistils  many,  in  a  ring  or  head,  forming 

akenes. 
Pistil  1,  3-celled,  many  -  several-seeded : 

style  one. 
Slender  scurfy-leaved  plants,  growing  on 

trees. 

Of  mostly  6  petal-like  leaves  in  2  ranks,  3  out- 
side and  3  inside,  or  else  6-  (rarely  4-) 
lobed,  all  colored  alike. 

Stamens  6,  or  as  many  as  the  divisions 
of  the  perianth,  all  alike. 

Anthers  turned  outward,   i.  e.,  on 
the  outer  side  of  the  filament. 
Leaves  alternate  with  side  ten- 
drils,  netted-veined  between 
the  ribs.     Flowers  dioecious : 
styles  or  sessile  stigmas  3.         SMILACE.E, 
Anthers  turned  inwards,  i.  e.,  on  the 
inner  side  of  the  filament :  style  1 : 
stigmas  1-3.  LILIACEJE, 

3.  Flowers  not  on  a  spadix  and  without  any  colored  or  corolla-like 
perianth,  but  having  glumes,  i.  e.,  husk -like  or  scale-like  bracts.     Stems  rush- 
like  or  straw-like. 

Glumes  6  in  a  whorl  to  each  flower,  like  a  calyx.     JUNCACE.E,  358 

Glume  one  to  each  flower,  the  flower  in  its  axil. 

Flowers  collected  into  heads  or  spikes.  CYPERACE^E,  358 

Glumes  2  -  4  to  each  flower,  of  2  sorts,  GRAMINEJS. 


350 


351 


AMERICAN 

WEEDS  AND   USEFUL  PLANTS. 


SERIES  I. 
FLOWERING  PLANTS. 

PLANTS  with  flowers,  having  stamens  and  pistils,  and  producing  seeds, 
which  contain  an  embryo. 

CLASS  I. 
EXOG'ENOUS,  OR  DICOTYLE'DONOUS  PLANTS. 

STEMS  distinctly  formed  of  bark,  wood  and  pith  ;  the  wood,  in  stems 
lasting  from  year  to  year,  increasing  by  annual  layers  on  the  outside 
next  the  bark.  Leaves  netted-veined.  Embryo  with  two  opposite 
cotyledons,  or  rarely  several  in  a  whorl.  Parts  of  the  flower  usually  in 
fives  or  fours. 

SUB-CLASS  I. 
ANGIOSPER'MOUS  EX'OGENS. 

PISTIL  a  closed  ovary,  containing  ovules  and  becoming  the  fruit. 
Cotyledons  2. 

DIVISION   1. 

POLYPET'ALOUS  EX'OGENS. 

FLORAL  ENVELOPES  consisting  generally  of  both  calyx  and  corolla., 
with  the  petals  mostly  distinct.* 

*  In  the  Ranunculacene  sometimes  the  petals  are  absent,  and  in  Legumincsse  and 
Cucurbitaccje,  some  species  have  the  petals  more  or  less  united. 

2  (25) 


26 


WEEDS  AND  USEFUL  PLANTS. 


ORDER  I.     KANUNCULA'CE^E.     (CROWFOOT  FAMILY.) 

Herbs,  or  woody  vines,  with  a  colorless  and  often  acrid  juice,  and  usually  dissected  leaves^ 
without  stipules;  petals  sometimes  wanting,  and  the  calyx,  which  is  often  colored  like  a 
corolla,  hypogynous  ;  the  sepals,  petals,  numerous  stamens,  and  many  or  few  (rarely 
single)  pistils,  all  distinct  and  unconnected.  Fruit  either  dry  pods,  akenes  or  berries  I  - 
several-seeded  ;  seeds  with  a  firm,  fleshy  albumen,  and  a  minute  embryo. 

In  many  plants  of  this  family,  the  juice  is  so  powerfully  acrid  as  to  produce  blistering  ; 
the  acridity  in  most  is,  however,  destroyed  by  heat,  and  in  many  it  is  lost  in  drying. 
Many  of  the  plants  belonging  to  the  order  are  cultivated  for  ornament,  as  the  Colum- 
bine, Clematis,  Anemone,  Larkspur,  Peony,  &c.  Some,  as  the  Aconite,  are  eminently 
poisonous,  while  others,  like  Coptis,  are  simple  bitter  tonics. 

§  1.  Petals  none.  Sepals  colored  and  petal-like.  Pistils  several,  becoming  akenes  in  fruit. 
Upper  leaves  sometimes  forming  an  involucre  near  the  flower. 

Akenes  several,  not  ribbed  ;  three  upper  simple  leaves  forming  a 

calyx-like  involucre  near  the  flower.    Radical  leaves  3-lobed.      1.  HEPATICA. 

Akenes  several,  ribbed.    Involucre  none.  Leaves  3-4  times  com- 

pound. 2.  THAIJCTRUM. 

{5  2.  Sepals  and  petals  present,  the  latter  with  a  small  scale  at  the  base 
inside. 

Akenes  in  a  head.  3.  RANUNCULUS. 

($  3.  Sepals  petal-like.    Petals,  when  present,  small  and  irregular.   Pis- 
tils forming  several  seeded  pods,  or  follicles. 

Flower  regular. 

Petals  none.    Sepals  yellow.   Leaves  kidney-shaped.  4.  CALTHA. 

Petals  small,  hollowed  at  the  apex.    Sepals  whitish. 

Pistils  stalked.  5.  Coras. 

Flower  irregular. 

Upper  sepal  spurred.    Petals  4,  of  two  forms.  6.  DELPHINIUM. 

Upper  sepal  hooded.    Petals  2,  long-clawed.  7.  AOONITUM. 

§4.  Sepals  petal-like,  falling  off  as  the  flower  opens.    Petals  small,  2- 
horned  at  the  apex. 

Flowers  in  a  long  raceme.  8.  CIMICTFUGA. 


1.  HEP  AT  '10  A.     Ditten.     LIVERLEAF. 

[Greek,  Hepar,  the  liver,  from  a  fancied  resemblance  in  tho  leaves.] 

Involucre  of  3  simple  leaflets,  close  to  the  flowers,  resembling  a 
calyx.  Sepals  6-  9  in  2  -  3  rows,  colored  and  petal-like.  Petals  none. 
Akenes  in  a  loose  head,  compressed,  hairy.  Leaves  all  radical.  Flowers 
single,  on  hairy  scapes. 


CROWFOOT    FAMILY.  27 

1.  H,  tri'loba,  Chaix.  Leaves  broadly  heart-shaped,  or  somewhat 
kidney-shaped,  with  3  obtuse  lobes  ;  sepals  blue  or  purplish. 

THREE-LOBEB  HEPATICA.     Liverwort;     Liverleaf. 

Leaves  on  petioles  3 - 5  inches  long.    Scapes  several,  4-6  inches  long, silky-villous.    In- 
volucre villous  externally. 
Open  woodlands  ;  common.     April. 

06s.  One  of  the  earliest  flowers  of  spring,  blooming  in  rocky  woods 
as  soon  as  the  snow  disappears.  The  leaves  remain  through  the 
winter,  and  when  old  are  purplish  below.  A  variety,  or  what  is  by 
some  considered  a  species  (H.acutiloba,  DC.),  has  very  acute  lobes  to  the 
leaves.  This  plant,  which  has  no  especial  interest  to  the  agriculturist, 
is  noticed  on  account  of  some  popular  reputation  it  has  as  a  remedy. 
It  forms  a  slightly  astringent  mucilaginous  infusion,  which  is  used  by 
the  "  herb  doctors"  in  diseases  of  the  lungs,  in  which  it  is  probably  as 
harmless  as  any  other  warm  drink. 

2.  THALIC'TRUM,  L.    MEADOW-RUE. 

[A  name  of  obscure  derivation.] 

Often  dioecious  or  polygamous.  Sepals  4-5,  petal-like,  soon  falling. 
Petals  none.  Akenes  4-15,  ribbed  or  grooved,  pointed  by  the  short 
style.  Perennial  herbs,  with  2  -  3-ternately  compound  leaves  and  corym- 
bose or  paniculate  flowers. 

1.  T.  Cqrim'ti,  L.  Dioecious  or  polygamous  ;  leaves  ternately  decom- 
pound, divided  to  the  base  ;  those  of  the  ctem  without  common  petioles  ; 
leaflets  3-lobed  at  the  apex,  glaucous  and  more  or  less  pubescent ; 
flowers  white,  in  loose  compound  panicles. 

COENUTUS'S  THALICTRUM.     Meadow-rue. 

Stem  3-6  feet  high,  rather  stout,  branching,  furrowed  and  hollow. 

Obs.  This  is  very  common  in  wet  meadows  and  along  rivulets,  where 
its  showy  white  flowers  are  likely  to  attract  the  notice  of  the  farmer. 
It  can  hardly  be  considered  a  troublesome  plant.  * 

3.  RANUN'CULUS,  L.  BUTTERCUP.  CROWFOOT. 

[Latin,  Rana,  a  frog  ;  the  plant  often  growing  where  that  animal  is  found.] 

Sepals  5.  Petals  5,  with  a  scale  or  pit  on  the  inside,  at  the  base.  Sta- 
mens mostly  numerous.  Akenes  numerous,  compressed,  ovate,  pointed, 
disposed  in  roundish  or  cylindrical  heads.  Annual  or  perennial  herbs, 
with  mostly  radical  leaves,  and  solitary  or  somewhat  corymbed  mostly 
yellow  flowers. 


WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 


1.  R.  bulbo'sus,  L.  Hairy  ;  radical 
leaves  petiolate,  trifoliolate  and  some- 
what pinnately  divided  ;  leaflets  usu- 
ally 3-cleft,  incisely  toothed,  the  mid- 
dle or  terminal  one  petiolulate  ;  stem 
erect,  from  a  solid  bulb-like  base  ; 
peduncles  furrowed  ;  calyx  reflexed, 
shorter  than  the  petals. 
BULBOUS  RANUNCULUS.  Buttercups. 
Crowfoot. 

FT.  Bassinet.     Germ.  Knolliger  Ran- 
unkel.     Span.  Boton  de  Oro. 

Root  perennial.  Stem  about  a  foot  high, 
often  several  from  the  same  root,  more  or 
less  branched,  clothed  with  appressed  hairs. 
Leaves  variously  cut,  the  segments  cuneate. 
Peduncles  2-6  inches  long,  sulcate-angular. 
Petals  sometimes  more  than  5  (flowers  double), 
deep  yellow  and  shining.  Carpels  in  a.  globose 
head. 

Pastures  and  meadows :  introduced.  Native 
of  Europe.  Fl.  May.  Fr.  July. 

Obs.  This  foreigner  is  extensively 
naturalized,  and  is  considered  quite  a 
nuisance  by  farmers.  The  fleshy  bulb 
is  highly  acrid,  affording  a  powerful 
rubefacient,  and  even  causing  ulcers 
when  externally  applied.  Beggars 
in  Europe,  it  is  said,  use  it  for  this 
purpose,  in  order  to  excite  sympathy.  I  do  not  know  that  cattle  have 
been  injured  by  it,  but  as  it  is  a  troublesome  weed,  when  fully  intro- 
duced, it  may  be  well  for  farmers  to  know  the  plant,  and  eradicate  it 
upon  its  first  appearance  in  their  grounds. 

2.  R.  a'cris,  L.  Hairy  ;  stem  erect,  not  bulbous  at  base ;  leaves  3-divid- 
ed,  divisions  all  sessile  and  3-parted,  their  segments  cut  into  lanceolate 
or  linear  lobes  ;  peduncles  not  furrowed  ;  calyx  spreading. 
ACRID  RANUNCULUS.     Tall  Crowfoot.     Buttercups. 

Perennial.  Stem  1-2  feet  high,  branched  above,  sparingly  leafy,  and  with  the  petioles 
clothed  with  spreading  hairs,  but  sometimes  nearly  smooth.  Flowers  nearly  as  large,  but 
not  so  deep  yellow,  as  in  the  preceding. 

Meadows  and  pastures.    Native  of  Europe.    June  -  Aug. 

Obs.  Like  the  foregoing,  this  is  an  introduced  weed  ;  it  is  common 
in  New  England  and  in  New  York  State,  though,  according  to  Dr.  Dar- 
lington, it  has  not  become  abundant  in  Pennsylvania.  Both  species 


Fio.  1.  Bulbous  Crowfoot,  or  Buttercups  (Ranunculus  bulbosus),  the  upper  an  I  lower 
portions  of  the  stem.     2.  A  separate  petal,  with  a  scale  at  the  base. 


CKOWFOOT   FAMILY. 


FIG.  3.  Tall  Crowfoot  (Ranunculus  acris),  reduced.  4.  An  enlarged  flower  divided,  to 
show  the  insertion  of  the  distinct  parts  on  the  receptacle.  5.  A  head  of  akeues.  6.  A 
separate  akene. 


30  WEEDS    AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 

are  popularly  known  as  Buttercups,  and  in  some  localities  are  so  abun- 
dant in  meadows,  as  to  appear  at  a  distance  like  an  unbroken  sheet  of 
golden  yellow.  On  account  of  their  very  acrid  juice,  cattle  do  not  eat 
them  in  their  fresh  state,  but  when  cut  with  the  grass  and  dried,  the 
acridity  is  dissipated,  and  they  become  apparently  quite  innocuous. 
Before  the  introduction  of  Spanish  Flies,  these  and  other  species  were 
used  to  produce  blisters ;  being  uncertain  in  their  operation,  they  are 
now  seldom  employed.  About  a  dozen  other  species  are  to  be  found  in 
the  woodlands  and  meadows,  and  a  few  aquatic  ones  in  streams  and 
ponds.  The  only  one  of  these  which  assumes  the  character  of  a  weed 
at  the  north  is  R.  repens,  L.,  the  long  stems  of  which  are  usually  pros- 
trate and  rooting  at  the  joints  ;  it  has  large  bright  flowers,  and  is  some- 
times common  in  wet  meadows.  R.  muricatus,  L.,  is  an  introduced 
species,  found  in  the  fields  in  Virginia  and  southward.  It  has  roundish, 
mostly  3-lobed  leaves,  and  the  akenes  beset  with  spiny  tubercles  or 
bristles.  Both  R.  bulbosus  and  JR.  acris  frequently  become  perfectly 
double  by  the  transformation  of  their  organs  of  fructification  into  petals, 
and  are  frequently  cultivated  in  gardens.  In  the  double  R.  bulbosus, 
the  flower  is  proliferous,  the  receptacle  producing,  instead  of  a  head  of 
pistils,  a  bud  which  developes  as  the  old  flower  falls  away ;  this  is 
repeated  several  times  in  succession. 

4.  CAL'THA,  L.     MAESH  MARIGOLD. 

[Greek,  Kalathos,  a  goblet ;  from  the  cup-like  form  of  the  flower.] 
Sepals  4-10.     Petals  none.     Pistils  5-10,  without  styles,  forming  in 
fruit  many-seeded,  compressed,  spreading  pods.     Smooth  perennials,  with 
large  round  or  heart-shaped  entire  leaves. 

1.  C.  palus'tris,  L.    Stem  nearly  erect,  hollow,  furrowed  ;  leaves  round, 
heart-shaped  or  kidney-shaped,  often  wider  than  long,  crenate  or  nearly 
entire. 
MARSH  CALTHA.     Marsh  Marigold.     Cowslip. 

Stem  5-10  inches  high,  succulent,  sometimes  branched.  Radical  leaves  on  petioles  3- 
6,  and  flually  often  12-15  inches  long.  Flowers  an  inch  or  more  in  diameter,  few,  some- 
•w'hat  corymbose,  bright  yellow. 

Swamps  and  wet  meadows  ;  common  at  the  north.    April. 

Obs.  This  plant  has  considerable  acridity  when  fresh,  but  heat  de- 
stroys it ;  it  is  much  used  as  a  pot  herb  or  "  greens  "  in  early  spring.  In 
New  England  its  popular  name  is  Cowslips  (or  corrupted  into  '•'  cows 
lops").  It  has  no  botanical  relation  to  the  Cowslip  nor  to  the  Marigold. 

5.  COP'TIS,  Salisb.     GOLDTHREAD. 

[Greek,  Kopto,  to  cut ;  on  account  of  its  divided  leaves.] 

Calyx  of  5  -  7  petal-like,  deciduous  sepals.  Petals  as  many  as  the  sepals, 
small,  thickened,  and  hollow  at  the  apex.  Stamens  15  -  30,  shorter  than 
the  sepa's.  Pistils  3-7,  each  upon  a  short' stalk,  which  lengthens  as  the 


CROWFOOT    FAMILY.  31 

fruit  matures.  Pods  membranaceous,  spreading,  pointed  with  the  short, 
sometimes  recurved  style,  few-seeded.  Low,  slender,  "smooth  perennials 
with  trifoliolate  leaves,  which  survive  the  winter,  and  small  white  flowers 
borne  on  scapes. 

1.  C,  trifo'lia,    Salisb.     Leaves  ternately  divided  ;     leaflets  wedge-obo- 
vate,  sharply  toothed,  obscurely  3-lobed  ;  scape  1-flowered. 
THREE-LEAVED  COPTIS.     Goldthread.     Mouth-root. 

Rhizoma  horizontal,  creeping  ;  fibres  bright  yellow.  Leaves  on  long  petioles,  very  smooth 
and  shining  ;  leaflets  about  an  inch  long.  Scape  slender  but  somewhat  rigid  and  wiry, 
3-6  inches  long.  Flowers  about  two-thirds  of  an  inch  in  diameter.  Sepals  obtuse,  white, 
sometimes  purplish  underneath.  Petals  much  shorter  than  the  sepals,  yellow  at  the 
base. 

Obs.  This  beautiful  little  evergreen  is  found  in  boggy  places  and  in 
damp  woods  from  Maryland  to  Greenland.  The  long  bright  yellow  fibres 
of  the  root  have  caused  it  to  receive  the  common  name  of  Goldthread. 
It  is  purely  bitter,  without  any  astringency,  and  is  used  in  medicine  as 
a  tonic.  In  some  places  it  is  a  domestic  remedy  for  the  sore  mouths 
of  children  ;  whence  the  name  "  Mouth-root."  "  That  eminent  naturalist, 
JOHN  ELLIS,  in  a  letter  to  LINNAEUS,  dated  London,  April  25,  1758, 
says :  '  Mr.  GOLDEN,  of  New  York,  has  sent  Dr.  Fothergill  a  new 
plant,  described  by  his  daughter  (Miss  JANE  GOLDEN).  It  is  called 
Fibraurea,  Gold  Thread.  This  young  lady  merits  your  esteem  and  does 
honor  to  your  system.  She  has  drawn  and  described  400  plants  in  your 
method  only  :  she  uses  the  English  terms.  Her  father  has  a  plant  called 
after  him,  Coldenia ;  suppose  you  should  call  this  Coldenella,  or  any 
other  name  that  might  distinguish  her  among  your  genera.'  LINNAEUS, 
however,  referred  the  plant  to  his  genus  Helleborus,  and  when  it  was 
subsequently  ascertained  to  be  distinct,  SALISBURY,  regardless  alike  of 
gallantry  and  Justice,  imposed  on  it  the  name  of  Coptis." — Memoirs  of 
Bartram  and  Marshall,  p.  20.  * 

6.  DELPHIN'IUM,  L.     LARKSPUR. 

[Greek,  Delphin,  a  dolphin  ;  from  a  fanciful  resemblance  in  the  flower.] 

Sepals  petaloid,  irregular,  the  upper  one  produced  into  a  spur  at  base. 
Petals  4,  irregular,  the  two  upper  ones  with  a  spur-shaped  appendage  at 
base  inclosed  in  the  spur  of  the  calyx,  sometimes  united.  Ovaries  1  - 
5,  mostly  3.  Follicles  many-seeded.  Annual  or  perennial  herbs.  Leaves 
petiolate,  palmately  divided.  Flowers  in  terminal  racemes. 

1.    D.   Consol'ida,  L.     Stern  erect,  with  spreading  branches  ;  leaves 
many-parted,  the  segments  linear  ;  flowers  few,  in  loose  racemes  ;  pedi- 
cels longer  than  the  bracts  ;  petals  united  ;  pod  solitary,  smooth. 
SOLDER  DELPHINIUM.     Lark-spur.  [Caballero. 

Ft:   Pied  d'Alouette.      Germ.  Der  Eittersporn.      Span.    Espuela  de 

Root  annual.  Stem  about  two  feet  high,  and  with  the  foliage  and  nowers  somewhat 
pubescent.  Flowers  blue  or  violet-purple,  sometimes  the  petals  are  multiplied  into  double 
flowers. 

Ciraui  Holds  and  waste  places  :  introduced.    Native  of  Europe.    Fl.  July.    Fr.  August. 


32  AVEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

O6s.  This  plant  (which  gets  its  specific  name  from  a  supposed  virtue 
in  soldering  or  uniting  wounded  flesh,)  has  strayed  from  the  gardens,  in 
some  places,  and  is  an  unwelcome  intruder  in  grain  fields  and  other  cul- 
tivated grounds.  This,  and  a  kindred  species,  (D.  Ajacis,  L.  with  lew 


erect  branches,  longer  and  more  crowded  racemes,)  are  so  common  in 
gardens,  that  it  requires  some  attention  to  prevent  them  from  trespass- 
ing on  the  farm.  There  are  several  other  species  cultivated  for  orna- 
ment, among  them  the  curious  Bee  Larkspur  (D.  ELATUM),  which  has  its 

FIG.  7.   Field  Larkspur   (Delphinium  Consolida).    8.  Uppor  sepal.     9  &  10.    Lateral 
eepals.    11.  Lower  sepals.    12.  United  petals. 


CKOWFOOT    FAMILY. 


33 


dark  bearded  petals  folded  up  in  such  a  way  as  to  resemble  an  insect  in 
the  centre  of  the  flower. 

7.  ACONI'TUM,  Tournef.     MONKSHOOD. 

[The  ancient  name.] 

Sepals  petal-like,  irregular,  the  upper  one  hooded  and  larger  than  the 
others.  Petals  2  (the  3-lower  entirely  wanting  or  resembling  sterile 
stamens) ,  small  spur-shaped  bodies  on  a  long  slender  claw,  concealed 
under  the  hood.  Pistils  3-5.  Pods  several-seeded.  Acrid  and  poison- 
ous perennial  herbs'  with  palmately  divided  leaves,  and  racemes  or  pani- 
cles of  showy  flowers. 

A.  NAPEL'LUS,  L.  Flowers  race- 
mose on  short  pedicels  ;  hooded 
sepal  semicircular  ;  divisions  of  the 
leaves  parted  into  linear  lobes  ;  root 
fusiform  ;  flowers  blue. 
MONKSHOOD.  Wolfsbane.  Aconite. 

Root  somewhat  woody.  Stem  erect,  sim- 
ple, rather  stout  and  very  leafy.  Flowers 
mostly  dark  violet  or  blue. 

Cultivated  in  gardens.  Native  of  Europe. 
June. 

Obs.  This  is  a  very  variable  spe- 
cies of  which  De  Candolle  notices 
29  varieties,  differing  in  the  color  of 
the  flowers  and  division  of  the 
leaves  ;  many  of  these  are  highly 
ornamental  plants,  and  are  often 
cultivated.  All  parts  of  the  plant 
are  highly  poisonous  ;  especially  is 
this  the  case  with  the  root.  Death 
has  resulted  from  mistaking  the 
roots  for  those  of  Horseradish  in 
early  spring.  It  is  introduced  here 
in  order  that  its  poisonous  character 
may  be  known.  * 

8.  CIMICIF'UGA,  L.     BUGBANE. 

[Latin,  Cimex,  a  bug,  andfugare,  to  drive  away  ;  in  allusion  to  supposed  virtues.] 

Sepals  4-5,  falling  soon  after  expansion.  Petals  (or  altered  stamens) 
minute,  pedicelled,with  2  horns  at  the  apex.  Stamens  numerous.  Car- 
pels 1-8,  follicular,  many-seeded.  Perennial  herbs.  Leaves  bi-  or  tri- 
ternately  divided.  Flowers  in  virgate  racemes. 


FIG.  13.  Monkshood  (Aconitum  Xapellus). 


2* 


34  WEEDS    AXD    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

1.    C.  racemo'sa,   Ell.     Eacemes  very  long  ;  carpels  mostly  solitary, 
ovoid,  obliquely  beaked  by  the  short  thick  style. 

RACEMOSE  CIMICIFUGA.     Tall  Snake- root.     Black  Snake-root. 

Root  large,  branching.  Stem  4-6  feet  high,  slender,  smooth,  leafy  near  the  middle, 
naked  above  and  below,  with  one  or  two  radical  leaves  on  long  erect  petioles.  Leaves 
ternatcly  decompound,  petiolate  ;  leaflets  2-4  inches  long,  acute  or  acuminate,  unequally 
incised-dentate,  the  terminal  one  larger  and  often  3-lobed.  Racemes  terminal,  branching, 
6-12  inches  long.  Sepals  4,  orbicular,  concave,  greenish  white.  Seeds  compressed 
and  angular. 

Rich  woodlands.    Fl.  June.     Fr.  September. 

Obs.  The  white  terminal  racemes  of  this  plant,  when  in  flower,  are 
quite  conspicuous  in  the  woodlands.  The  stem  and  leaves,  when  bruised, 
emit  a  disagreeable  odor.  The  root  is  somewhat  mucilaginous  and 
astringent.  Although  a  plant  of  no  agricultural  value, — and  probably 
over-rated  as  a  medicine, — the  infusion  of  the  bruised  root  is  so  gener- 
ally regarded  as  a  sort  of  Panacea  for  stock  (especially  for  sick  cows), 
that  every  farmer  ought  to  know  it,  and  be  able  with  certainty  to  desig- 
nate it. 


ORDER  II.     MAGNOLIA' CEvE.     (MAGNOLIA  FAMILY.) 

Trees  or  shrubs  with  the  leaf-buds  sheathed  by  membranous  stipules  ;  large,  solitary,  hypo- 
gy  nous,  polyandrous,  polygamous  flowers  ;  both  sepals  and  petals  colored  and  arranged  in 
series  of  threes,  imbricated  in  the  bud.  Leaves  alternate,  entire  or  lobed  (never  serrate). 
Stamens  in  several  rows  ;  anthers  adnatc.  Pistils  mostly  packed  together  and  covering 
the  prolonged  receptacle.  Seeds  1-2  in  each  carpel  ;  albumen  fleshy  ;  embryo  minute. 
A  small  but  superb  family,  more  ornamental,  however,  than  important  in  agriculture. 

1.  MAGNO'LIA,  L.    MAGNOLIA. 

[Named  in  honor  of  Prof.  Pierre  Magnol,  a  French  botanist.] 

Sepals  3.  Petals  6-9.  Stamens  with  very  short  filaments  and  anthers 
opening  inwards.  Pistils  crowded  on  the  long  receptacle,  coherent  in  a 
mass,  and  forming  a  fleshy  and  rather  woody  cone-like  fruit ;  each  carpel 
opening  by  its  dorsal  suture.  Seeds  berry-like,  1  -  2  in  each  carpel,  from 
which  they  are  suspended  when  mature  by  a  long  thread  or  funiculus. 
Buds  conical,  the  coverings  formed  of  successive  pairs  of  stipules. 

1.    M.    glau'ca,  L.  Leaves 'lance-oblong,  obtuse,  white  beneath  ;  petals 

rouudish-obovate  ;  cones  small,  oblong. 

GLAUCOUS  MAGNOLIA.     Laurel  or  Small  Magnolia.     Sweet  Bay. 

Shrub  or  small  tree  4-20,  or  even  30  feet  high,  branching  ;  with  a  smooth,  glaucous, aro- 
matic lark.  Leaves  thickish,  4-8  inches  long,  deciduous  at  the  North  but  persistent  at 
the  South.  Flowers  white,  on  thick,  club-shaped  peduncles,  2-3  inches  broad,  very 
fragrant. 

Swamps  from  Massachusetts  southward,  mostly  near  the  coast.     June -Aug. 

Obs.  This  charming  little  tree  is  well  worthy  the  attention  of  those 
who  wish  to  surround  their  dwellings  with  attractive  objects  ;  it  is  per- 
fectly hardy,  and  in  cultivation  attains  a  respectable  size. 


MAGNOLIA    FAMILY.  35 

2.  M.  acumina'ta,  L.    Leaves  oval,  acuminate,  green  and  slightly  pu- 
bescent beneath,  deciduous  ;  petals  oblong  ;  cones  cylindrical. 
ACUMINATE  MAGNOLIA.     Cucumber  tree. 
Fr.  Le  Magnolier.     Germ.  Der  Gurkenbaum.     Span.  Arbol  de  Castor. 

Tree,  from  50-80  feet  high,  and  2-3  or  4  feet  in  diameter  at  base.  Leaves  6 -10  or 
12  inches  long  (oil  vigorous  young  saplings  much  larger— as  is  usually  the  case  with  all 
trees).  Flowers  large,  bluish  white,  often  with  a  tinge  of  yellow  ;  petals  scarcely  expand- 
ing. Fruit  sub  -cylindric,  3  -  5  or  6  inches  long. 

Mountain  forests,  New  York  to  Georgia.     Fl.  June- July.     Fr.  Sept.  -October. 

Obs.  The  green  fruit  has  some  resemblance  to  a  Cucumber  (whence 
the  common  name  of  the  tree)  ;  and  being  intensely  bitter  and  somewhat 
aromatic,  a  tincture  of  it,  prepared  with  whiskey,  is  a  popular  preventive 
of  autumnal  fevers,  with  those  who  are  fond  of  an  excuse  for  taking 
alcoholic  medicine. 

Others  of  this  genus  may  be  cultivated  in  favorable  localities ;  among 
them  the  Yellow  Cucumber  Tree  (M.  cordata,  MX.),  with  heart-shaped 
leaves  and  cream-colored  flowers ;  the  Ear-leaved  Cucumber  Tree  (M. 
Fraseri,  Walt.) ,  which  has  leaves  a  foot  in  length  with  auriculate  lobes 
at  the  base  ;  the  Umbrella  Tree  (M.  Umbrella,  £««?.),  with  leaves  1-2 
feet  long  and  tapering  at  each  end  ;  and  the  Great-leaved  Magnolia  (M. 
macrophylla,^:-)  having  leaves  2-3  feet  in  length  with  a  heart-shaped 
base.  The  great  Laurel  Magnolia  (M.  grandiflora,  L.),  with  its  thick 
evergreen  leaves,  which  are  rusty  beneath,  and  its  large  deliciously  fra- 
grant flowers,  is  a  native  of  North  Carolina  and  farther  south  ;  it  endures 
the  winter  as  far  north  as  Philadelphia,  and  should  be  planted  wherever 
the  winter  is  not  too  severe.  M.  CONSPICUA  and  M.  PURPUREA  are 
Asiatic  species  often  seen  in  cultivation  in  city  gardens  ;  the  former 
bears  white  and  the  latter  purple  flowers,  which  in  both  cases  appear 
in  early  spring,  before  the  leaves  ara  developed.  The  bark  in  all  the 
species  is  bitter  and  aromatic,  and  is  sometimes  used  in  medicine. 

2.  LIRIODEN'DRON,  L.    TULIP-TREE. 

[Greek,  Leirion,  a  lily,  and  Dendron,  a  tree  ;  from  its  lily-like  flowers.] 

Sepals  3,  reflexed.     Corolla  campanulate ;  petals  6.     Anthers  extrorse. 

Carpels  dry  and  samara-like,  indehiscent,  densely  imbricated  in  a  cone, 

1  -  2-seeded.     A  large  tree.     Buds  flat. 

1.  L.  TULIPIF'ERA,  L.     Leaves  dilated,  subcordate  at  base,  3-lobed,  the 

middle  lobe  broad  and  emarginately  truncate. 

TULIP-BEARING  LIRIODENDRON.     Poplar.    Tulip  Poplar.     Tulip-tree. 

Fr.  Le  Tulipier.     Germ.  Der  Tulpenbaum. 

Tree  80-120  feet  high,  and  2  or  3- 5  or  6  feet  in  diameter.  Leaves  4-6  inches  long 
on  old  trees  and  about  as  wide  as  long — the  side  lobes  often  with  a  sinus  making  two 
points.  Petals  greenish-yellow,  with  tinges  of  reddish-orange.  Carpels  produced  at  apex 
into  a  lanceolate-oblong  wing,  and  closely  imbricated  in  a  cone  on  the  fusiform  receptacle. 

Rich  woodlands  :  Canada  to  Louisiana.     Fl.  May.     Fr.  October. 

Obs  The  timber  of  this  magnificent  tree  is  highly  valued  in  many 
brancnes  of  the  mechanic  arts,  especially  the  variety  called  yellow  Poplar, 


36  WEEDS   AXD   USEFUL   PLANTS. 

which  is  generally  to  be  known  by  its  thicker  and  more  deeply-furrowed 
bark .  The  hygrometric  properties  of  the  wood — particularly  of  the  white 
variety — render  it  rather  objectionable  in  cabinet  furniture  (causing  it 
to  swell  in  damp  weather)  ;  but  the  yellow  Poplar  is  much  esteemed  for 
its  mellowness,  lightness,  and  durability.  The  bark  of  the  root,  and 
young  tree,  is  a  valuable  aromatic  bitter.  The  prevalence  of  the  Tulip- 
tree,  in  woodlands,  is  a  pretty  sure  indication  of  a  good  soil. 


ORDER  III.    ANONA'CE^E.     (CUSTARD-APPLE  FAMILY.) 

Trf.es  or  shriibs  with  naked  buds,  alternate  entire  and  feather-veined  leaves,  without  stipules, 
and  hypogynous  polyandrous  Jlowers,  with  3  sepals  and  6  petals,  iu  two  rows,  valvate 
in  the  bud.  Anthers  adnate,  opening  outwards,  on  very  short  filaments.  Petals  thickish. 
Fruit  pulpy  or  fleshy.  Seeds  large,  with  a  minute  embryo  at  the  base  of  ruminated 
albumen. 

There  is  but  one  genus  in  this  country.  The  luscious  Custard  Apples  of  the  West  Indies, 
and  the  Chirimoya  of  Peru  are  afforded  by  trees  of  this  order. 

1.  ASIM'INA,  Adans.     NORTH  AMERICAN  PAP  AW. 

[A  name  coined  from  Asiminier,  of  the  French  colonists.] 

Petals  6,  increasing  in  size  after  the  flower  opens,  the  outer  series  larger 
and  spreading.  Stamens  in  a  globular  cluster,  covering  the  receptacle 
of  the  few  pistils.  Fruits  1-3,  large,  oblong  or  ovoid,  pulpy,  several- 
seeded.  Seeds  horizontal,  flat,  enclosed  in  a  fleshy  aril.  Shrubs  or 
small  trees  with  an  unpleasant  odor  when  bruised ;  Jlowers  axillary  and 
solitary. 

1.  A.  tri'loba,  Dunal.     Leaves  thin,  obovate,  lanceolate,  pointed  ;  outer 
petals  3-4  times  as  long  as  the  calyx,  roundish  ovate. 
THREE-LOBED  ASIMINA.     Papaw. 

Stem  10-20  feet  high,  branched.  Leaves  6-9  inches  long  ;  petioles  scarcely  %  an  inch 
in  length.  Flowers  appearing  rather  before  the  leaves  ;  petals  brownish-purple,  veiny, 
with  tinges  of  yellow  within.  Fruit  1-3  inches  long,  consisting  of  1-3  pulpy  berry-like 
carpels. 

Western  New  York  and  southward.     Fl.     May.     Fr.  Sept. 

Obs.  The  fruit  of  this  tree  is  edible  in  its  wild  state,  and  is  said  to 
be  much  improved  by  cultivation.  It  is  introduced  here  with  the  view 
of  inducing  those  curious  in  such  matters,  to  try  what  careful  culture 
may  effect  in  a  fruit  which  is  prized  by  some  in  its  natural  condition.  * 


ORDER  IV.     BERBERIDA'CE^E.     (BARBERRY  FAMILY.) 

Shrubs  or  herbs,  with  alternate  (sometimes  compound  or  lobed)  leaves,  and  sepals  and 
petals  imbricated  in  the  bud,  in  2  or  more  series  of  2-4  each.  Stamens  hypogynous,  as 
many  or  twice  as  many  as  the  petals,  and  opposite  them  ;  anthers  opening  by  2  lids  hinged 
at  the  top  (except  in  Podophyllum) .  Pistil  only  one  ;  style  short.  Fruit  mostly  berry- 
like.  Seeds  albuminous. 

The  fruit  in  this  family  is  usually  eatable,  while  the  root,  bark  and  foliag;;  are  astrin- 
gent, or  possess  cathartic  or  poisonous  qualities. 


BARBERRY    FAMILY. 


37 


1.  BER'BERIS,  L.    BARBERRY. 

[Name  from  the  Arabic.] 

Sepals  6,  roundish,  bracteo- 
late.  Petals  6,  obovate,  with  2 
gland-like  spots  near  the  base 
inside.  Stamens  6,  irritable. 
Stigma  orbicular,  depressed. 
Fruit  a  1  -  few-seeded  berry. 
Seeds  erect.  Shrubs  with  acid 
leaves  and  berries,  and  yellow 
flowers  in  pendent  racemes ; 
wood  and  inner  bark  yellow. 
1.  B.  vulga'riy,  L.  Leaves 
scattered  on  the  young  shoots, 
mostly  small  with  sharp-lobed 
margins,  or  reduced  to  sharp 
triple  spines,  from  the  axils  of 
which,  the  next  season,  are 
produced  fascicles  of  obovate- 
oblong  closely  bristle-toothed 
leaves,  and  drooping  many- 
flowered  racemes  ;  petals  en- 
tire ;  berries  oblong,  scarlet. 
COMMON  BARBERRY.  Bar- 
berry. 

Shrub  3-10  feet  high,  producing 
numerous  suckers.  Leave*  about  an 
iuch  and  a  half  long  and  half  an  inch 
wide.  Racemes  2  inches  or  more  in 
length.  Berries  about  half  an  inch 
long.  New  England  and  New  York. 
Fl.  May.  Fr.  Oct. 

Obs.  This  shrub  is  a  native  of  Europe,  and  thoroughly  naturalized 
throughout  New  England,  and  partially  so  in  the  State  of  New  York. 
A  native  species  (B,  Canadensis,  Pursh.)  is  found  in  the  Alleghanies, 
and  also  in  the  Himalayas  of  India.  In  New  England  the  Barberry 
abounds  along  the  road  sides  and  in  waste  places,  often  forming  dense 
thickets  or  natural  hedges  ;  it  sometimes,  though  rarely,  assumes  a  tree- 
like form.  It  is  a  beautiful  shrub,  whether  bearing  its  graceful  yellow 
racemes  of  flowers  in  spring,  or  loaded  with  its  coral-like  berries  in 
autumn.  To  those  who  observe  plants  closely,  it  presents  several  inter- 
esting peculiarities  ;  its  stamens  when  touched  with  a  pin,  or  other  hard 
point,  manifest  their  irritability  by  springing  suddenly  towards  the 
pistil,  where  they  remain  for  some  time  ;  the  anthers  have  a  curious  con- 


10 


15 


FIG.  14.  Barberry  (Berberis  vulgar  is).     15.  An  enlarged  petal,  showing  the  g'.an:luhir 
spots  at  the  base.     16.  A  magnified  anther,  opening  by  valves  hinged  at  the  top. 


38  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

trivance  for  the  liberation  of  the  pollen ;  instead  of  emitting  it,  as  is 
usually  the  case,  through  a  longitudinal  slit,  there  is  a  little  valve  or 
trap-door,  hinged  at  the  top,  which  opens  spontaneously.  The  leaves 
of  the  young  shoots  afford  a  marked  illustration  of  the  nature  of  some 
kinds  of  spines.  Though  not  generally  enumerated  among  the  hedge 
plants,  it  possesses  many  qualities  which  adapt  it  to  this  use  ;  being  very 
hardy,  long  lived,  and  easily  propagated.  It  was  formerly  a  popular 
belief,  and  one  which  prevails  yet  to  some  extent,  that  the  Barberry 
possessed  the  power  of  blasting  grain.  The  fallacy  of  this  idea  has  been 
proved  ;  the  only  injury  it  can  cause  the  grain  is  by  shading  it,  which  it 
is  very  likely  to  do  when  allowed  to  grow,  unchecked,  along  the  borders 
of  fields.  The  berries,  preserved  in  sugar,  are  in  common  use  in  New 
England,  to  eat  with  meat  or  to  form  an  acid  cooling  drink  in 
fevers.  The  inner  bark  has  tonic  and  purgative  properties,  said  to  be 
somewhat  similar  to  those  of  rhubarb  ;  it  is  one  of  the  remedies  of  the 
so  called  "Indian  Doctors,"  according  to  whom  the  virtues  are  essen- 
tially modified  by  the  way  in  which  the  bark  is  removed,  whether  by 
scraping  upwards  or  downwards. 

_  A  variety  with  reddish  foliage,  and  several  Asiatic  species,  are  cul- 
tivated. The  Mahonias,  which  are  evergreen  Barberries  with  pinnate 
leaves,  are  natives  of  the  far  west,  and  are  fine  ornamental  shrubs.  * 

2.     PODOPHYL'LUM,  L.     MAY-APPLE. 

[Greek,  POMS,  a  foot  and  Phyllon,  a  leaf ;  the  leaf  resembling  a  web -foot.] 

Sepals  6,  thin  and  caducous,  not  expanding,  subtended  by  3  caducous 
bracts.  Petals  6-9.  Stamens  twice  as  many  as  the  petals  ;  anthers 
linear-oblong,  opening  lengthwise  by  a  laterally  hinged  valve.  Ovary 
ovoid,  crowned  by  the  thick  sessile  undulate  stigma.  Fruit  a  fleshy 
berry,  the  numerous  seeds  crowded  on  the  large  lateral  placenta,  each  in- 
vested with  a  pulpy  aril.  Herbs  with  2-leaved  1-flowered  stems  arising 
from  a  creeping  perennial  rootstock. 

L  P.  pelta'tum,  L.  Stems  bearing  2  deeply  lobed  leaves;  flower 
solitary  from  the  point  where  the  petioles  unite. 

PELTATE  PODOPHYLLUM.     May-apple.     Mandrake.     Hog-apple. 

Stems  8-12  inches  high,  the  flowerless  ones  bearing  a  single  large  peltate  leaf.  Leaves 
4-6  inches  in  diameter,  the  lobes  somewhat  toothed  at  the  apex,  flower  white,  nearly  2 
inches  broad.  Fruit  1-2  inches  long,  yellowish,  slightly  acid. 

Woodlands,  common.     Fl.  May.     Fr.  July  -August. 

Obs.  Besides  the  common  names  above  given  this  is  known  in  some 
parts  of  the  country  as  Wild  Lemon  and  Raccoon  Berry.  The  fruit  is 
edible  and  harmless  ;  its  taste  is  mawkish  aud  disagreeable  to  many 
persons.  Both  foliage  and  root  are  poisonous  ;  serious  results  have  fol- 
lowed the  use  of  the  leaves  as  greens.  The  root  is  a  violent  purgative, 
resembling  jalap  in  its  action.  Although  one  of  the  popular  names  of 
this  plant  is  Mandrake,  it  is  not  related  to  the  Mandrake  or  Maudragora 


BARBERRY    FAMILY. 


39 


of  the  ancients  :  notwithstanding  its  poisonous  character  (the  reason  of 
our  noticing  it)  it  is  a  very  respectable  herb  in  comparison  with  that, 
which,  according  to  tradition,  flourished  best  under  a  gallows,  and  had 
a  root  resembling  a  man  in  shape,  uttering  terrible  shrieks  when  it  was 


A.M. 


FIG.  17.  Field  Poppy  (Papavcr  duBium),  reduced.     18.  A  capsule. 


40  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

torn  from  the  ground  and  possessing  the  power  of  transforming  men 
and  beasts.  * 

ORDER  Y.     PAPAYERA'CE^.    (POPPY  FAMILY.) 

Herbs  with  a  milky  or  colored  juice  and  regular  polyandrous,  hypogynous  flowers  with 
the  parts  in  twos  or  fours  ;  sepals  caducous  ;  fruit  a  1-celled  pod  or  capsule  with  2  or  more 
parietal  placentae  ;  seeds  numerous,  often  crested  ;  embryo  small,  at  the  base  of  fleshy 
and  oily  albumen. 

Herbs  with  a  white  juice.     Seeds  not  crested. 

Capsule  crowned  by  the  radiate  united  stigmas.  1.  PAPAVER. 

Herbs  with  a  yellow  or  orange-colored  juice.     Seeds  crested. 

Stigmas  4 -6.     Pod  and  leaves  prickly.  2.  ARGEMONE. 

Stigmas  2.    Pod  narrow  and  smooth.  3.  CHELIDONIUM. 

Stigma  2-grooved.    Pod  oblong,  turgid.  4.  SANGUINARIA. 

1.     PAPA'YER,  L.    POPPY. 

[Derivation  of  the  name  not  well  ascertained.] 

Sepals  2.  Petals  4  (sometimes  multiplied) .  Stigmas  4  -  20,  sessile, 
radiating  on  the  summit  of  the  ovary.  Capsule  obovoid,  opening  by 
chinks  or  pores  under  the  edge  of  the  crown  formed  by  the  stigmas  ; 
placenta  extending  into  the  cavity  so  as  to  form  incomplete  partitions. 
Flowers  nodding  before  opening. 

1.  P.  du'bium,  L.  Stem  clothed  with  slender  spreading  hairs — 
the  peduncles  with  bristly  appressed  hairs  ;  leaves  pinnately  dissected, 
the  segments  often  incised,  Recurrent ;  sepals  hairy  ;  capsules  obovoid- 
oblong,  smooth. 

DUBIOUS  PAP  AVER.     Poppy.     Field-poppy. 

Fr.  Pavot  batard.     Germ.  Der  Saat-Mohn.     Span.  Amapola. 

Root  annual.  Stem  1-2  feet  high,  somewhat  branched  below.  Leaves  2-5  inches 
long.  Peduncles  terminal,  6-12  inches  long,  llexuose,  leafless.  Petals  pale  red  or  brick 
dust  colored.  Stigmas  about  7-raycd,  on  a  convex  disk. 

Cultivated  grounds  ;  introduced.     Native  of  Europe.     Fl.  May.     Fr.  July,  August. 

Obs.  This  has  found  its  way  into  some  districts  ;  and,  if  unattended 
to,  may  become  a  troublesome  weed — as  it  and  the  "  Corn  Poppy  "  (P. 
Rkoeas,  L.)  are  in  Europe.  The  common  or  Opium  Poppy,  (P.  som- 
niferum,  L. — a  smooth  species  with  stem-clasping  leaves) — which  yields 
the  most  efficacious  and  soothing  of  all  anodynes — is  often  seen  in  the 
flowerbeds  of  our  gardens.  I  believe  there  was  an  attempt  made,  near 
New  York,  some  30  or  40  years  ago,  to  cultivate  that  species  for  the 
purpose  of  obtaining  Opium  :  but  it  did  not  succeed — and  perhaps  its 
culture,  even  if  practicable  here,  is  better  suited  to  the  Orientals,  than 
to  the  people  of  our  country. 

2.     ARGEMO'NE,  L.     PEICKLY  POPPY. 

[Greek,  Argema,  a  disease  of  the  eye  ;  supposed  to  be  relieved  by  this  plant.] 

Sepals  mostly  3,  prickly.  Petals  4-6.  Stigmas  3-6,  subsessile,  radiate. 
Pod  oblong,  prickly,  opening  at  the  apex  by  3  -  6  valves.  Seeds  crested. 
Herbs  with  large  showy  flowers  and  yellowish  ju:'ce.  Flower  buds  erect. 


POPPY   FAMILY. 


41 


1.     A.  Mexica'na,  L.     Leaves  sessile, 
shmate-lobed  with  prickly  teeth,  blotch- 
ed with  white ;   petals  white  or  pale 
yellow. 
MEXICAN  ARGEMONE.    Prickly  Poppy. 

Annual  or  Uennial.  Stem  about  2  feet  high, 
branching.  Leaves  3-5  inches  long.  Sepals 
hooded  at  the  apex  and  terminated  by  a  stout 
spine. 

Gardens  and  waste  places.  Naturalized  from 
tropical  America.  June  -  October. 

06s.  This  is  but  sparingly  natural- 
ized in  the  Northern  States,  though  it 
is  a  common  weed  at  the  South.  It  is 
sometimes  cultivated  in  gardens,  and 

should  not  be  allowed  to  escape,  as  it  has  a  strong  propen-ity  to  travel; 
having  made  its  way  from  tropical  America  to  Asia,  Africa,  and  the 
South  Sea  Islands.  * 


3.     CHEUDO'NIUM,  L.     CELANDINE. 

[Greek.  Chelidon,  a  swallow  ;  its  flowers  appearing  with 
that  bird.] 

Sepals  2.  Petals  4.  Stigma  2-lobed,  sub- 
sessile.  Pod  linear,  smooth,  1-celled,  opening 
from  the  base  by  2  valves.  Seeds  conspicu- 
ously crested.  Perennial  herbs  with  brittle 
stems,  an  acrid  yellow  juice,  small  yellow 
flowers  and  divided  leaves. 
1.  C.  Ma' jus,  L.  Leaves  twice  pinnatifid, 
glaucous  ;  flowers  in  umbel-like  clusters. 

GREATER  CHELIDONIUM.     Celandine. 

Stem  about  2  feet  high ,  branched .  Leaves  3-5  inches 
long.  Pods  about  an  inch  in  length,  torulose. 

Fence  rows  and  waste  places.  Native  of  Europe. 
May -August. 

Obs.  A  common  weed  about  dwellings. 
Its  very  brittle  stems,  when  broken,  exude 
a  saffron-colored  strong-smelling  juice,  which 
is  very  bitter  and  acrid.  The  plant  was  at 
one  time  much  extolled  as  a  remedy  for 
jaundice,  but  little  use  is  made  of  it,  except 
that  the  fresh  juice  is  occasionally  applied  to 
warts.  * 


20 


FIG.  19.  A  capsule  of  the  Prickly  Poppy  (Argemone  Mexicana) ,  opening  by  valves  at 
tho  top.    20.  Celandine  (Chelidonium  majus) ,  summit  of  a  flowering  branch. 


42  WEEDS   AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 

4.     SANGUINA'RIA,  L.     BLOODROOT. 

[Latin,  Sanguis,  blood  ;  in  reference  to  the  red  color  of  its  juice.] 

Sepals  2.  Petals  8-12,  spatulate  oblong,  the  inner  narrower.  Stigmas 
2-grooved,  subsessile.  Capsule  oblong,  ventricose,  tapering  at  each  end, 
2-valved.  Seeds  strongly  crested.  Perennial  herbs  with  thick  rootstocks 
containing  an  orange-red  acrid  juice  ;  flowers  on  scapes. 

1.  S.  Canaden'sis,  L.  Leaf  mostly  solitary,  cordate  reniform,  long 
petioled  ;  flowers  white,  solitary  on  naked  scapes. 

CANADIAN  SANGUTNARIA.     Bloodroot.     Puccoon. 

Rootstock  thickish,  fleshy,  reddish-brown,  about  2  inches  long.  Leaf  about  three 
inches  long  and  wider  than  long  ;  petiole  erect,  finally  6-10  inches  in  length.  Scape  4-8 
inches  high. 

Rich  woods  ;  common.    April -May. 

Obs.  This  is  one  of  our  earliest  and  most  beautiful  spring  flowers. 
The  flower,  which  is  large  for  the  size  of  the  plant,  is  carefully  protected 
by  the  leaf  which  envelopes  it  before  expansion.  Late  in  the  season 
the  leaves  increase  so  much  in  size,  and  are  so  altered  in  appearance, 
that  they  but  little  resemble  their  early  state.  The  plant  does  well  in 
cultivation.  An  orange-colored  juice  is  found  in  all  parts  of  the  plant, 
but  is  most  abundant  in  the  rootstock,  which,  under  the  name  of  Blood- 
root,  is  used  in  medicine  ;  it  is  an  emetic,  and  is  also  used  for  coughs, 
&c. ;  in  large  doses  it  is  poisonous.  In  some  parts  of  the  country  the 
leaves  are  given  to  horses  to  promote  the  shedding  of  their  hair,  and 
the  roots  are  given  to  destroy  bots. 

ORDER  VI.     CRUCIF'ERAE.     (MUSTARD   FAMILY.) 

Herbs  with  a  pungent,  watery  juice,  leaves  alternate  without  stipules,  and  flowers  in  ra- 
cemes or  corymbs  ;  the  pedicels  without  bracts.  Calyx  of  4  sepals,  deciduous.  Corolla  of 
4  regular  unguiculate  petals,  their  spreading  limbs  forming  a  cross.  Stamens  6,  2  of  them 
shorter  (tdradynamous) .  Fruit  a  pod  (called  a  Silique  when  much  longer  than  broad, 
and  a  Silicle  when  short) ,  which  is  2-celled  by  a  membranaceous  partition  that  connects  the 
two  marginal  placentae,  from  which  the  two  valves  usually  fall  away.  Seeds  without 
albumen.  Embryo  curved  ;  cotyledons  flat  or  plicate,  either  with  their  edges  to  the  radicle 
or  with  the  back  of  one  of  them  to  the  radicle. 

This  order  is  a  remarkably  natural  or  homogeneous  one,  as  well  in  the  sensible  proper- 
ties as  in  the  botanical  characters  of  the  plants  belonging  to  it.  The  flowers  so  nearly 
resemble  one  another  throughout  the  family,  that  the  characters  for  genera  are  token 
from  the  pods  and  seeds.  There  are  but  few  important  ones,  however,  besides  those 
here  noticed.  The  Woad,  or  Dyer's  weed  (Isatis  tinctoria,  L.)  is  cultivated  in  Europe  for 
its  blue  coloring  matter,  but  I  believe  it  is  little  known  or  attended  to  in  the  United 
States. 
^  1.  Pod  separating  into  two  valves  when  ripe. 

Pod  usually  many  times  longer  than  wide  (silique.) 
Pod  not  beaked.    Seeds  flat  or  oblong. 

Pod  varying  from  oblong-linear  to  ovoid,  nearly  terete  ;  valves 

nerveless.    Flowers  white  or  yellow.  1.  NASTURTIUM. 

Pod  obtusely  4-augled  ;  valves  1-nerved.    Flower  yellow.    2.  BARBAREA. 
Pod  awl-shaped,  pressed  close  to  the  stem.     Flowers  small, 

pale  yellow.  3.  SISYMBRIUM. 


MTJSTABD   FAMILY.  43 

Pod  terminating  in  a  strong  beak.    Seeds  round.     Flowers 
yellow. 

Calyx  erect  in  blossom.  4.  BRASSICA. 

Calyx  spreading  in  blossom.  5.  SINAPIS. 

Pod  short,  not  many  times  longer  than  wide  (silicle  or  pouch). 
Pod  globose  (rarely  forming).     Flowers  white.    Leaves 

mostly  undivided.  6.  ARMORACIA. 

Pod  pear-shaped,  many-seeded.    Flowers  yellow.  7.  CAMHUNA. 

Pod  flattened  contrary  to  the  narrow  partition. 

Pod  triangular  obovate.     Seeds  many.  8.  CAPSELLA. 

Pod  roundish,  small.     Seeds  2.  9.  LEPIDIUM. 

§  2.  Pod  not  separating  into  valves  but  breaking  up  into  joints  when 
ripe. 

Flowers  yellow  or  purplish.  10.  RAFHAMJS. 

1.  NASTUR'TIUM,  R.  Br.    WATER-CRESS. 

[Latin,  Nasus  tortus,  a  tortured  nose,  from  the  pungent  effect  of  the  plant.] 

Silique,  nearly  terete,  sometimes  almost  as  short  as  a  silicle,  usually 

curved  upwards  ;  valves  nerveless.     Seeds  small,  irregularly  disposed  in 

a  double  series,  not  margined.     Aquatic  or  subaquatic  herbs.     Leaves 

often  pinnately  dissected. 

1.  N.  officinal*,  R.  Br.     Leaves  pinnately  divided  ;  segments  rounded 

or  oblong  ;  petals  white,  twice  the  length  of  the  calyx. 

OFFICINAL  NASTURTIUM.    Water-cress. 

Fr.  Cresson  de  Fontaine.     Germ.  Die  Brunnenkresse.     Span.  Berro. 

Perennial.    Stem  6-12  and  IS  inches  long,  branching.     Leaves  odd-pinnately  dissected 
segments  in  3-4  pairs,  the  terminal  one  largest.     Petals  white. 
Brooks  and  rivulets  :  probably  introduced  from  Europe.     Fl.  June.     Fr.  July. 

06s.  This  plant  (well  known  as  the  "  Water  Cress"  in  England,)  is 
frequently  cultivated,  and  is  naturalized  in  some  places.  It  affords  an 
excellent  and  wholesome  salad,  antiscorbutic  in  its  properties,  as  all  the 
Cruciferce  are,  and  being  easily  propagated,  is  worthy  of  being  introduced 
into  all  suitable  localities. 

2.  BARB  ARE 'A,  R.  Br.    WINTER-CRESS. 

[So  named  from  having  been  formerly  dedicated  to  Si.  Barbara.] 

Silique  linear,  somewhat  4-sided,  the  valves  keeled  by  a  mid-nerve. 

Seeds  in  a  single  series.     Leaves  lyrately  pinnatifid. 

1.  B.  PR^E'COX,  R.  Br.    Lower  leaves  lyrate,  the  terminal  lobe  obovate, 

or  rounded,   coarsely  sinuate-dentate  ;    upper  leaves  pinnatifid,    with 

entire  linear -oblong  segments  ;  siliques  linear,  elongated,  scarcely  thicker 

than  their  pedicels. 

EARLY  BARBAREA.     Scurvy-grass.     Early  Winter-cress. 

Fr.  Roquette  des  Jardins.     Germ.  Die  Winter-kresse.     Span.  Yerba 
de  Santa  Barbara. 

Root  biennial  ?    Stem  9-15  inches  high,  somewhat  branching.     Leaves  smooth;  lower 
ones  3-4  inches  long.     Petals  yellow.     Siliques  2-3  inches  long,  slender. 
Gardens  :  cultivated.     Fl.  May -June.     Fr.  July -Aug. 


44  WEEDS   AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 

Obs.  This  plant,  a  native  of  Canada,  and  the  country  further  north, 
is  cultivated  in  the  gardens,  near  Philadelphia,  under  the  name  of 
"  Scurvy-Grass,"  and  is  becoming  spontaneous  farther  south.  The 
leaves  afford  a  tolerable  salad,  but  not  equal  to  the  common  cress  (Lepi- 
dium  sativum,  L.,)  nor  to  the  Water-cress  (Nasturtium  officinale,  R.  Br.) 
There  is  another  and  stouter  species  (B.  vulgar  is,  R.  Br.,  probably 
naturalized),  growing  along  our  streams,  which  is  sometimes  used  as  a 
salad,  but  it  is  bitterish  and  inferior  in  quality  to  this. 

3.  SISYM'BRIUM,  L.    HEDGE-MUSTARD. 

[An  ancient  Greek  name,  applied  to  this  genus.] 

Silique  somewhat  terete ;  4-6  sided ;  valves  1  -  3-nerved.  Seeds 
oblong,  marginless.  Annual  or  perennial  herbs.  Leaves  various. 

L  S.  officina'le,   Scop.     Lower   leaves  runcinate,    upper  ones  some- 
what hastate  ;  racemes  slender  and  virgate  ;  siliques  erect,  awl-shaped, 
close  pressed  to  the  stem. 
OFFICINAL  SISYMBRIUM.     Hedge-mustard. 
Fr.  Herbe  au  Chantre.     Germ.  Der  Hederich.     Span.  Jaramago. 

Root  annual.  Stem  1  -3  or  4  feet  high,  with  spreading  branches.  Leaves  pilose  ;  lower 
ones  3-6  or  8  inches  long.  Petals  small,  greenish  yellow.  Siliques  terete-subulate  or 
somewhat  nerved  and  angular,  tapering  at  apex. 

Cultivated  grounds,  lanes  and  road-sides  :  introduced.  Native  of  Europe.  Fl.  May  - 
Aug.  Fr.  Aug.  -  Oct. 

Obs.  This  foreigner  is  completely  naturalized,  and  somewhat  trouble- 
some as  a  weed.  It  was  formerly  held  in  some  repute,  in  Europe,  as  a 
remedy  for  coughs,  the  hoarseness  of  singers,  &c.  (whence  its  French 
name)  ;  but  its  virtues  were  doubtless  overrated,  and  it  is  now  regarded 
by  tidy  farmers  in  this  country  merely  as  a  plant  to  be  expelled  from 
their  premises. 

4.  BRAS 'SIC  A,  L.     CABBAGE.     TURNIP. 

[Supposed  to  be  from  Bresic,  the  Celtic  name  for  the  Cabbage.] 

Calyx  erect.  Silique  sub- terete  ;  valves  concave,  or  slightly  keeled  by 
a  central  nerve.  Seeds  in  a  single  series,  globose.  Foreign  plants  : 
mostly  biennial  herbs,  with  a  short  stem  and  long  flowering  branches. 

1.  B.  olera'cea,    L.    Leaves  somewhat  fleshy,  orbicular  or   oblong, 
strongly  veined,  repand  or  lobed,  glabrous  and  glaucous. 
OLERACEOUS  OR  POT-HERB  BRASSICA.     Cabbage. 
Fr.  Chou  potager.     Germ.  Der  Kohl.     Span.  Berza. 

The  following  Sub-species  or  Varieties  are  more  or  less  cultivated  in 
the  kitchen  garden. 


MUSTARD    FAMILY.  45 

*Racemes  paniculate. 

Sub-species  ACEPH'ALA.  Stem  elongated  ;  leaves  expanded,  not  form- 
ing a  head. 

Tree  Cabbage.    Bore-Cole.     Headless  Cabbage. 

Sub-species,  BULLA'TA.     Stem  somewhat  elongated  ;  young  leaves   sub- 
capitate,  finally  expanding,  bullate  or  crisped. 
Savoy  Cabbage.     Curled  Cabbage. 

Sub-species     CAPITA'TA.      Stem  short;     leaves  concave,  not  bullate, 
densely  imbricated  in  a  head  before  flowering. 
Head  Cabbage.     York  Cabbage. 

Sub-species  CAULO  EA'PA.      Stem  with  an  oval  or  subglobose  fleshy 
enlargement  at  the  origin  of  the  leaves. 
Bulb-stalked  Cabbage.     Kohl  Rabi. 

**Racemes  corymbose. 

Sub-species  BOTRY'TIS.      Leaves    oblong,    connivent,    peduncles  short, 
fleshy  and  coalesced  in  a  head  before  flowering ;  flowers  often  abortive. 
Var.  a.  CAULIFLO'RA.     Stem  short ;  heads  thick,  compact. 
Cauliflower. 

Var.  b.  ASPARAGOI'DES.  Stem  taller ;  leaves  elongated  ;  heads  some- 
what branched  ;  branches  fleshy  at  apex,  bearing  clusters  of  abortive 
flower  buds. 

Broccoli. 

Biennial.  Stem,  6  inches  to  1  -2  feet  high,  branching  the  second  year  from  the  summit, 
or  head  of  imbricated  leaves.  Leaves  large  (6-12  or  18  inches  in  length) ,  suborbicular  or 
oblong.  Racemes  long,  loose.  Petals  greenish  or  citron  yellow. 

Gardens  and  lots  :  cultivated.     Fl.  May -June.     Fr.  July. 

Obs.  The  forms  above  enumerated,  although  known  by  distinct 
popular  names  and  in  their  cultivated  state  widely  different  in  appear- 
ance, are  all  believed  to  be  varieties  of  BRASSICA  OLERACEA,  L.,  a  native 
of  the  British  Isles  and  the  shores  of  northern  Europe.  They  strikingly 
illustrate  the  changes  which  are  produced  in  species  by  cultivation  and 
the  permanence  of  some  varieties  and  races.  They  also  give  us  instruct- 
ive lessons  in  the  economy  of  vegetable  life.  In  the  several  kinds  known 
as  cabbage  (a  name  derived  from  the  Latin  caput,  a  head,  through  the 
French  Cabus),  the  first  year  is  passed  in  producing  foliage  and  in 
accumulating  in  the  thick  leaves  and  stem  a  supply  of  nutriment  for  the 
growth  of  the  plant  the  following  year.  If  it  is  allowed  to  make  its 
second  year's  growth,  branches  are  thrown  up  which  develop  with  great 
rapidity,  and  produce  an  abundance  of  flowers  and  fruit.  This  growth 
takes  place  mainly  at  the  expense  of  the  material  contained  in  the 
leaves  and  stem,  and  we  find  that  the  large  leaves  are  soon  exhausted  of 
their  nourishment  and  decay,  and  that  the  stem,  which  was  before  solid  and 


46  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

heavy,  becomes  light  and  spongy.  Frequently  the  stems  or  stumpsj  from 
which  the  heads  have  been  removed,  are  set  out  in  gardens  for  the  pur- 
pose of  procuring  a  crop  of  sprouts  or  "  greens."  These  are  lateral 
branches,  developed  from  axillary  buds,  and  they  will  be  found  to 
start  from  just  above  the  scars  left  by  the  fallen  outer  leaves.  In  the 
Kohl  Rabi,  the  stem  is  the  principal  place  of  deposit  of  nutriment,  and 
becomes  consequently  the  eatable  portion.  In  the  cauliflower  we  eat  the 
fleshy  flower  stalks  and  undeveloped  buds,  which  are  crowded  together 
in  a  compact  mass ;  it  is  the  same  also  in  the  Broccoli,  where  the  parts 
are  more  developed.  * 

2.  B.  CAMPES'TRIS,  L.  Leaves  slightly  fleshy,  glaucous  ;  the  young  lower 
leaves  lyrate,  dentate,  somewhat  hispid  or  ciliate  ;  those  above  amplexi- 
caul  and  acuminate. 

FIELD  BRASSICA.    Turnip.     Rutabaga,  &c. 

Biennial  or  annual.    Root  thick,  turnip-shaped,  depressed  or  orbicular,  fleshy.     Stem  1 
-4  feet  high,  branched  above.     Racemes  loose.     Petals  yellow. 
Gardens  and  lots  :  cultivated.    Fl.  June.    Fr.  July  -August. 

The  following  are  the  principal  varieties  found  in  cultivation  : 

Sub-species  NAPO-BRAS'SICA.     Root  tumid,  turnip-shaped. 
Var.  a.  COMMU'NIS.     Root  white  or  purplish,  with  the  summit  and  peti- 
oles greenish  or  purplish. 
Turnip-rooted  Cabbage. 

Var.  b.  RUTABA'GA.     Root  yellowish,  subglobose. 
Rutabaga.     Swedish  Turnip. 

Sub-species  RA'PA.  Root  depressed-globose  abruptly  contracted  beneath. 
Common  Turnip. 

06s.  The  Turnip  has,  like  the  Cabbage,  by  long  cultivation,  produced 
a  number  of  marked  varieties  ;  these  were  formerly  considered  to  belong 
to  different  species,  but  the  best  authorities  regard  them  all  as  forms  of 
B.  CAMPESTRIS,  L.,  which  is  found  growing  spontaneously  from  the  Bal- 
tic to  the  Caucasus.  Besides  those  above  enumerated  as  valuable  for 
their  roots,  another  variety  (var.  OLEIFERA)  is  largely  cultivated  in 
France  and  other  parts  of  Europe,  for  the  sake  of  the  oil,  which  its 
seeds  afford  ;  this,  under  the  name  of  Colza  oil,  is  used  for  burning  in 
lamps,  the  manufacture  of  soaps  and  other  purposes.  As  this  oil  is  im- 
ported into  this  country  to  a  considerable  extent,  it  might  be  advisable 
for  farmers  to  ascertain  if  it  cannot  be  profitably  produced  on  our  own 
soil.  The  various  kinds  of  Turnips  are  largely  cultivated  in  the  tem- 
perate portions  of  Europe  as  food  for  stock,  but  the  farmers  of  the 
United  States  having  the  advantage  of  the  Indian  Corn  crop,  do  not 
much  incline  to  the  Root  culture;  perhaps  not  so  much  as  might  be 
beneficial  to  Stock  during  our  long  winters. 


MUSTARD    FAMILY.  47 

5.     SINA'PIS,  Tournef.    MUSTARD. 

[A  name  of  uncertain  meaning  ;  derived  from  the  Greek.] 

Calyx  spreading.  Silique  sub-terete,  with  a  short  beak  (which  is  either 
empty  or  1-seeded)  ;  valves  nerved.  Seeds  in  a  single  series,  subglobose. 
Annual  or  biennial  herbs — nearly  allied  to  Brassica.  Lower  leaves  usu- 
ally lyrate,  incised  or  piunatifid.  Flowers  in  elongated  racemes. 

1.  S.  ni'gra,  L.    Lower  leaves  lyrate  and  scabrous  ;  upper  ones  narrow 
and  entire  ;  siliques  somewhat  4-angled,  smooth,  appressed  to  the  stem. 
BLACK  SINAPIS.     Mustard.     Black  Mustard. 

Fr.  Moutarde  noire.     Germ.  Schwarzer  Senf.     Span.  Mostazo. 

Root  annual.  Stem  3- 6  feet  high,  much  branched,  smooth.  Leaves  petiolate.  Ra- 
cemes slender.  Petals  greenish  yellow.  Seeds  numerous,  small,  dark  brown. 

Gardens  and  waste  places  :  introduced  from  Europe.  Cultivated  in  some  districts.  Fl. 
June -July.  Fr.  August. 

2.  S.  AL'BA,  L.   Leaves  all  pinnatifid  ;  siliques  hispid,  spreading,  scarce- 
ly as  long  as  the  sword-shaped  1-seeded  beak. 

WHITE  SINAPIS.     White  Mustard. 

Fr.  Moutarde  blanche.     Germ.  Weisser  Senf.     Span.  Mostazo  bianco. 

Root  annual.  ^Stem  2-5  feet  high,  rather  stout,  branched.  Leaves  petiolate,  lyrately 
pseudo-pinnate,  the  terminal  segment  large  and  3-lobed.  Petals  rather  large,  yellow. 
Seeds  few,  larger  than  in  the  preceding  species,  pale  brown. 

Gardens  :  cultivated.    Native  of  Europe.    Fl.  June.    Fr.  August. 

06s.  These  two  species,  known  as  Black  and  White  Mustard,  from 
the  color  of  the  seeds,  are  naturalized  in  many  places,  having  escaped 
from  gardens,  where  they  are  cultivated  for  their  foliage,  which  is  used 
as  "  greens,"  but  especially  for  their  seeds.  The  condiment  known  as 
Mustard  or  Flour  of  Mustard  is  prepared  by  grinding  the  seeds  and 
sifting  out  the  husks,  both  the  white  and  black  being  used  indiscrimi- 
nately ;  the  powder  from  the  latter  is  the  most  pungent,  but  the  other 
affords  the  handsomest  product.  The  skin  of  the  White  Mustard  seeds 
contains  a  large  amount  of  mucilaginous  matter  which  is  dissolved  out 
by  boiling  water.  The  seeds  are  sometimes  administered  whole  as  a 
remedy  in  dyspepsia,  &c.  It  is  worthy  of  remark,  that  the  pungency  of 
mustard  is  only  developed  when  mixed  with  water  :  if  the  dry  seeds  are 
expressed  they  yield  a  mild  oil  which  has  scarcely  any  taste  of  mustard. 
A  small  quantity  of  sulphur  is  contained  in  Mustard,  and  in  Turnips 
also  ;  it  is  this  which  causes  the  blackening  of  a  silver  spoon  when  used 
in  serving  either  of  these  articles. 

3.  S.  arvcn'sis,  L.     Pods  smooth,  knotty,  about  twice  the  length  of  the 
conical  2-edged  usually  empty  beak  ;  upper  leaves  merely  toothed. 
FIELD  SINAPIS.     Wild  Mustard.     Charlock. 

Annual.  Stem  2-3  feet  high,  diffusely  branched  and  somewhat  rough  with  short  retrorse 
hairs.  Lower  leaves  large,  6  inches  or  more  in  length,  lyrate  pinnatifid.  Flowers  bright 
yellow  about  the  size  of  those  of  the  common  turnip.  Pod  about  an  inch  long  and  pointed 
with  the  stout  beak. 

Fields  New  York  and  westward.     Native  of  Europe.     June- Augr.Ft. 


48 


WEEDS   AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 


Obs.  This  is  an  exceedingly  troublesome  weed  in  Europe,  and  is  be- 
coming so  in  some  portions  of  this  country.  It  infests  those  grounds 
which  are  best  suited  to  grain-culture  ;  as  the  seeds  retain  their  vitality 
for  a  long  time  it  is  very  difficult  to  eradicate  it  when  once  established. 


In  this,  as  in  other  cases,  the  plant  should  be  destroyed  before  the  seed 
is  formed  ;  as  sheep  are  fond  of  the  herbage  they  are  sometimes  turned 
into  a  field  to  destroy  the  crop  of  Charlock. 

6.    ARMOR  A' 01  A,  Rupp.     HORSERADISH. 

[Name  from  one  of  the  Greek  names  for  Radish.] 

Pod  (pouch)  elliptical  or  globose ;  the  valves  turgid,  not  nerved. 
Petals  white,  much  longer  than  the  calyx.  Seeds  •  numerous.  Leaves 
undivided  or  the  lower  ones  pinnatifid. 

1.  A.  ru$tica'na,Rupp.   Radical  leaves  on  long  petioles,  oblong,  crenate, 

rarely  pinnatifid  ;  those  of  the  stem  lanceolate. 

RUSTIC  .ARMORACIA.     Horseradish. 

Fr.  Moutarde  des  Capucins.     Germ.  Der  Meer-Rettig.    Span.  Rabano. 

Root  perennial,  long,  terete,  fleshy  white,  very  acrid.  Stem  2-3  feet  high,  angular  - 
striate,  smooth,  with  erect  axillary  branches.  Radical  leaves  large  (8-15  inches  long — 
somewhat  resembling  those  of  a  Dock,  or  Rumex)  ;  petioles  4  - 12  inches  long.  Racemes 
corymbose,  elongating.  Petals  white.  Silicles  oval,  usually  abortive. 

Gardens:  margins  of  ditches,  &c.  :  introduced.  Native  of  Europe.  Fl.  May -June. 
Fr.  June -July. 


FIG.  21.  Field  Mustard  (Sinapis  arvensis), illustrating  the  general  appearance  of  flowers 
in  this  family.     22.  An  enlarged  flower  opened  to  show  the  unequal  stamens.     23.  A  pod. 


MUSTARD    FAMILY. 


49 


06s.  The  pungent  root  of  this  plant  is  a  favorite  condiment, — and  one 
of  the  most  valuable  antiscorbutics.  It  requires  little  or  no  culture ; 
but  thrives  best  in  a  moist,  rich,  deep  soil. 

7.     CAMELI'NA,  Crantz.     FALSE  FLAX. 

[Greek,  Chamai,  dwarf,  and  Linon,  flax  ;  from  a  fancied  resemblance.] 

Pod  (pouch)  obovoid  or  pear-shaped,  pointed,  turgid  ;  valves  1-nerved  ; 
cells  many-seeded. 


A.M. 


1.  C.  sati'va,  Crantz.  Leaves  sessile,  oblong-lanceolate,  nearly  entire, 
sagittate  at  base  ;  silicles  margined,  mucronate  with  the  longish  sub- 
conical  style. 

FIG.  24.   False  Flax  (Camelina  saliva),  upper  portion  of  a  branch  in  fruit.    25.  An 
enlarged  capsule. 


50  WEEDS    AND   USEFUL    PLANTS. 

CULTIVATED  CAMELINA.     Wild  Flax.     Gold  of  Pleasure. 

Fr.  Cameline  cultivee.     Germ.  Der  Leindotter.     Span.  Miagro. 

Root  annual,  fusiform,  rather  slender.  Stem  18  inches  to  2  or  three  feet  high,  simple, 
pauiculately  branching  at  summit,  roughish-pubescent  below,  smoothish  above.  Leaves 
1-3  or  4  inches  long  ;  the  lower  ones  longest  and  often  somewhat  spatulate  or  oblance- 
olate  ;  those  above  gradually  smaller  and  smoother,  sagittate  with  acute  subamplexicaul 
lobes  at  base  ;  pubescence  of  the  lower  leaves  and  stem  often  branched  or  bifurcate. 
Racemes  corymbose-paniculate,  elongating  ;  pedicels  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  long,  without 
bracts.  Petals  pale  yellow,  rather  small,  cuneate  or  obovate-oblong,  obtuse.  SiUcles 
about  one-fourth  of  an  inch  long,  with  a  keel-like  margin  on  each  side  ;  style  about  half  as 
long  as  the  silicle,  persistent,  finally  splitting  with  fhe  dehiscent  valves.  Seeds  reddish 
yellow. 

Cultivated  fields:  among  wheat,  flax,  &c. :  introduced.  Native  of  Europe.  Fl.  May- 
June.  Fr.  July 

Obs.  This  was  introduced  with  Flax,  and  remains  as  a  weed  where 
the  culture  of  that  plant  has  been  abandoned.  It  was  formerly  a  popu- 
lar notion  that  the  plant  was  a  kind  of  transmuted  or  degenerate  Flax, 
and  is  spoken  of  by  the  older  writers  as  Pseudo  Linum  (False  Flax). 
Such  errors  as  this  and  the  one  that  Wheat  degenerates  into  Chess 
would  no  longer  hold  a  place  among  agriculturists,  did  they  but  prop- 
erly inform  themselves  concerning  the  objects  among  which  their 
lives  are  passed. 

8.  CAPSEL'LA,  Vent.    SHEPHERD'S  P.URSE. 

[Diminutive  of  the  Latin,  Capsula,  a  capsule  ;  in  allusion  to  the  fruit.] 

Pod  (pouch)  inversely  triangular-heart-shaped ;  valves  boat-shaped, 
coriaceous,  not  winged ;  cells  many-seeded.  Flowers  small,  in  elongat- 
ing racemes. 

1.  C.  Bursa-pdstoris,  Moench.  Radical  leaves  mostly  pinnatifid  ; 
stem-leaves  lanceolate,  arrow-shaped,  sessile. 

SHEPHERD'S  PURSE  CAPSELLA.     Shepherd's  Purse.  [Pastor. 

Fr.  Bourse  de  Pasteur.     Germ.  Die  Hirten-tasche.     Span.  Bolsa  de 

Root  annual.  Stem  3  or  4-18  inches  high,  more  or  less  hirsute,  and  often  branched. 
Radical  leaves  2  or  3-6  or  8  inches  long.  Racemes  at  first  corymbose,  finally  elongated. 
Petals  white. 

Fields  and  road-sides:  introduced.  Native  of  Europe.  Fl.  April -September.  Fr. 
June  -  October. 

Obs.  This  worthless  little  intruder  is  found  in  almost  every  field  ;  and 
is  sometimes  so  abundant  as  to  be  rather  a  nuisance.  Such  small 
weeds,  however,  can  generally  be  suppressed  by  careful  culture,  and  in- 
ducing a  vigorous  growth  of  more  useful  plants. 

9.  LEPID'IUM,  R.  Br.     PEPPERGRASS. 

Pod  (pouch)  roundish,  flattened  contrary  to  the  narrow  partition,  usually 
notched  at  the  apex ;  the  valves  boat-shaped  and  keeled.  Seeds  1  in 
each  cell.  Flowers  small,  white.  Stamens  often  only  2. 


MUST  A  ED    FAMILY. 


51 


1.  L.  SATI'VUM,   L.      Leaves  oblong,  variously  incised  and  pinnatifid ; 

silicles  elliptic-ovate,  winged  and  notched  at  apex. 

CULTIVATED  LEPIDIUM.     Pepper-grass.     Tongue-grass. 

Fr.  Cresson  Alenois.     Germ.  Die  Garten-Kresse.     Span.  Lepidio. 


Fu;.  26.  Shepherd's  Purse  (Capsella  Bursa-pastoris). 
pouch)  with  one  of  the  valves  removed. 


27.  An  enlarged  pod  (silicic  or 


52  WEEDS    AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 

Root  annual.  Stem  9-18  inches  high,  smooth,  glaucous,  corymbosely  branched  above. 
Leaves  1  -  3  inches  long,  deeply  divided  into  linear  or  cuneate  segments.  Petals  white. 
Seeds  compressed. 

Gardens  :  cultivated.     Native  of  Persia.     Fl.  June -July.     Fr.  August. 

Obs.     A.  pleasant  antiscorbutic  Cress,  frequent  in  Gardens. 

2.  L.  Virgin 'icum,  L.  Pods  orbicular,  wingless,  notched  at  the  apex  ; 
upper  leaves  linear  lanceolate,  toothed  ;  stamens  2. 

VIRGINIAN  LEPIDIUM.     Wild  Pepper-grass. 

Annual.    Stem  a  foot  or  more  high,  paniculately  branched  above,  minutely  pubescent. 
Flowers  especially  late  in  the  season,  minute.     Pods  on  spreading  pedicels. 
Common.    June -September. 

Obs.  This  common  weed  is  a  native  of  the  southern  portion  of  our 
country,  and  is  abundantly  naturalized  in  many  parts  of  Europe — thus 
making  a  partial  return  for  the  abundant  supply  of  weeds  which  has 
crossed  the  ocean  to  our  shores.  It  is  very  frequent  in  dry  fields  and 
along  road-sides.  The  reddish-brown  seeds  are  sometimes  found  among 
clover  seed,  and  excite  apprehension  of  some  pernicious  intruder  ;  but 
although  a  worthless  little  weed,  if  there  be  nothing  worse  among  clover 
seed,  the  farmer  need  not  be  alarmed.  L.  ruderale,  L.,  with  oval  and 
smaller  pods  and  no  petals,  and  L.  campestre,  L.,  with  winged  pods 
roughened  with  minute  scales,  are  European  species  which  areas  yet  but 
sparingly  naturalized. 

10.  RAPHA'NUS,  L.    EADISH. 

[Greek,  JRa,  quickly,  and  phaino,  to  appear  from  its  quick  germination.] 

Pod  elongated,  2  -  many-celled  by  corky  transverse  partitions.  Style 
long.  Seeds  in  a  single  series,  globose.  Annuals  or  biennials,  with  yel- 
lowish, whitish  or  purple  flowers. 


1.  R.  SATI'VUS,  L.     Lower  leaves  lyrate,  petiolate ;  upper  ones  ovate- 
oblong,  serrate,  subhastate-lobed  at  base,  subsessile  ;  petals  purple  and 
greenish  white  ;  siliques  terete,  torulose,  acuminate,  scarcely  longer  than 
the  pedicels,  many-celled  by  corky  false  partitions. 
CULTIVATED  RAPHANUS.     Radish.     Garden  Radish. 
Fr.  Radis.     Raifort.     Germ.  Der  Rettig.     Span.  Rabano. 
The  following  varieties  are  usually  cultivated  : 

FIG.  28.  Cultivated  Radish  (Raphanus  sativus),  opened  to  exhibit  the  cellular  partitions. 


MUSTARD   FAMILY. 


53 


Sub-species  EADICULA.     Eoot  more  or  less  fleshy,  tender,  white  or  red. 

Var.  a.  rotunda.     Koot  subglobose.     Turnip-radish. 

Far.  b.  oblonga.    Root  oblong  or  fusiform.     Common  Radish. 


Sub-species  NIGER.     Root  fleshy,  solid  and  firm,  more  or  less  acrid,  black 
externally,  white  within. 


FIG.  29.  Wild  R.idish  (Raphanus  Raphanistnim),  reduced. 


54  WEEDS    AXD    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

Var.  a.  oblongiif.     Root  oblong. 
Var.  b.  rotundus.     Root  subglobose. 
Black  Turnip-radish.     Spanish  Radish. 

Annual.     Stem  1-3  feet  high,  sparsely  hispid,  branched.     Leaves  8-12  or  15  inches 
long,  hispid.     Siliques  with  fungous  or  suberose  partitions.     Seeds  few,  large. 
Gardens,  &c.  :  cultivated.    Native  of  China.   Fl.  June -September.    Fr.  July -October. 

Obs.  The  tender  fleshy  root  of  this  plant  is  an  universal  favorite  at 
table,  in  early  spring,  and  is  found  in  every  garden  ;  where,  by  succes- 
sive planting,  it  may  be  produced  all  summer.  To  produce  the  root  in 
perfection,  a  rich  mellow  soil  and  a  wet  season  are  requisite.  It  is 
somewhat  spontaneous  in  some  places,  the  seed  having  escaped  from 
gardens. 

2.  JR.  Raphamstrum,  L.  Pod  long-beaked,  2-jointed  ;  the  lower  joint  often 
seedless  and  stalk-like  ;  the  upper  one  necklace-form  by  constriction  be- 
tween the  seeds,  with  no  proper  partition  ;  flowers  yellow,  turning  white 
or  purplish. 
Wild  Radish.    Jointed  Charlock. 

Root  annual,  long  and  tapering.     Lower  leaves  lyrate,  the  upper  lobe  large  and  rounded  ; 
the  upper  leaves  lanceolate,  sinuate-dentate,  all  rough  with  bristly  hairs. 
Fields  especially  eastward.    July -September. 

Obs.  Naturalized  from  Europe,  and  a  troublesome  weed  in  New  Eng- 
land and  New  York  State,  and  extending  westward. 

ORDER  VII.     HYPERICA'CE^E.     (ST.  JOHN'S-WORT  FAMILY.) 

Herbs  or  shrubs,  with  a  resinous  juice.  Leaves  opposite,  entire,  without  stipules,  punctate 
with  black  or  pellucid  dots.  Flowers  regular.  Calyx  of  4-5  persistent  sepals,  the  2 
outer  ones  often  smaller.  Petals  4-5,  convolute  in  the  bud,  often  sprinkled  with  black 
dots.  Stamens  usually  numerous  and  united  in  3  or  more  clusters.  Capsule  with  septici- 
dal  dehiscence,  many-seeded.  Seeds  destitute  of  albumen. 

An  order  containing  but  few  genera  ;  and  those  of  little  interest  to  the  Agriculturist, — 
with  the  exception  of  the  obnoxious  species  here  noticed. 

1.  HYPER'ICUM,  L.    ST.  JOHN'S-WORT. 

[A  name  of  obscure  derivation  and  meaning.] 

Sepals  5.  Petals  5,  oblique  or  unequal-sided.  Stamens  mostly  numer- 
ous ;  the  filaments  united  at  base  in  3  -  5  parcels.  Styles  3-5,  per- 
sistent, sometimes  united.  Capsule  membranaceous,  3-celled  by  the  pla- 
centae meeting  at  the  axis.  Herbaceous  or  shrubby.  Flowers  cymose. 

1.  H.  perfora'tum,  L.     Herbaceous  ;  stem  somewhat  two-edged  ;  leaves 

linear-elliptic,  rather  obtuse,  sessile,  pellucid  punctate  ;  flowers  in  leafy 

paniculate  corymbs  ;  petals  and  anthers  with  dark  purple  dots  ;  styles  3, 

long,  diverging. 

PERFORATED  HYPERICUM.     St.  John's-wort. 

Fr.  Milbpcrtuis.     Germ.  Das  Johannes  kraut.     Span.  Corazoncillo. 


ST.    JOHN'S-WORT    FAMILY. 


55 


Root  perennial.  Stein  herbaceous  but  finally  hard,  1-2  feet  high,  often  several  from 
the  same  root,  corymbosely  branched.  Leaves  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  and  a  half  long. 
Petals  yellow  or  orange-colored. 

Fields  and  pastures:  introduced.  Native  of  Europe.  Fl.  June -September.  Fr. 
July  -  October. 

Obs.  This  is  a  worthless  and  rather  troublesome  weed  on  our  farms  ; 
and  ought  to  be  diligently  excluded.  Some  40  or  50  years  ago,  it  was 
very  common  for  cattle — especially  white  cows,  and  horses  with  white 
feet  and  noses — to  be  affected  with  cutaneous  ulcers  during  the  pasture 
season  ;  and  those  sores  were  universally  and  confidently  attributed  to 
the  St.  Johris-wort.  In  those  days,  I  never  doubted  the  fact,  myself : 
but  I  must  in  candor  add,  that,  although  the  plant  continues  to  be 


31 


abundant  in  our  pastures,  I  have  not  noticed  any  such  sores  for  a  num- 
ber of  years  past.  Was  the  affection  ascribed  to  a  wrong  source  ?  and 
has  the  real  cause  ceased  to  exist  ?  The  flowers  and  leaves  are  evidently 
somewhat  resinous ;  and  a  tincture  of  them  has  held  a  place  among 
popular  remedies  for  disorders  of  the  stomach  and  bowels.  It  is 
worthy  of  remark,  that  in  the  year  1842,  the  St.  John's-wort  totally 
failed  to  make  its  appearance  (in  Chester  County — and  I  believe 
throughout  Pennsylvania,)  even  in  fields  where  it  had  previously 
abounded.  The  succeeding  year  it  was  quite  rare  ;'  but  it  has  since 
become  as  common  as  ever,  ip  neglected  fields.  The  cause  of  that  total 
though  temporary,  disappearance  of  a  perennial-rooted  plant,  is  as  ob- 
scure as  tin  fact 'is  carious. 


FIG.  30.  St.  John's-wort  (Hypericum  perforatum),  summit  of  a  flowering  branch.  31. 
An  enlarged  flower  showing 'the  clustered  stamens.  32.  A  magnified  pod.  33.  The 
same  divided  crosswise. 


56  WEEDS   AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 

This  plant  is  called  St.  John's-wort,  because  it  was  supposed,  in  olden 
times,  to  have  the  power  of  keeping  off  evil  spirits,  which  were  supposed 
to  be  particularly  busy  on  St.  John's  night.  It  is  said  that  the  custom 
is  still  followed,  in  the  retired  parts  of  the  Pyrenees,  of  hanging  gar- 
lands of  the  herb  over  the  doors  to  preserve  the  inmates  of  the  house 
from  "  storms,  thunder,  heretics,  and  other  evil  spirits." 


ORDER  VIII.     CARYOPHYLLA'CE^E.     (PINK  FAMILY.) 

Herbs,  with  stems  tumid  at  the  nodes  or  joints,  with  opposite,  often  connate,  entire  leaves, 
usually  without  stipules,  and  mostly  regular  flowers.  Calyx  of  4  -  5  sepals,  distinct  or  more 
or  less  cohering — often  united  into  a  tube.  Corolla  of  4  -  5  petals— or  sometimes  wanting. 
Stamens  as  many — or  commonly  twice  as  many — as  the  petals.  Styles,  or  stigmas,  2-5. 
Capsule  2-5-valved — or  opening  only  at  apex  by  twice  as  many  teeth  or  valve-points  as 
stigmas.  Seeds  curved,  mostly  numerous  :  embryo  coiled  around  the  outside  of  mealy 
albumen 

An  Order,  comprising  about  30  genera,  and  a  great  number  of  species, — some  of  them 
(such  as  the  Pinks)  are  very  pretty  and  fragrant :  but  none  of  agricultural  value. 

The  greater  number  of  the  representatives  of  the  family  growing  wild,  with  us.  are 
weeds  which,  with  few  exceptions,  are  not  very  troublesome,  but  as  several  are  very 
frequent  in  cultivated  lands  and  are  likely  to  attract  the  notice  of  farmers,  descriptions  of 
the  most  common  ones  are  given. 

§1.  PINK  SUB-FAMILY.  Sepals  united  into  a  tubular  calyx.  Petals  5,  each  with  a  long 
slender  claw  and  with  the  stamens  borne  on  the  stalk  of  the  ovary.  Pod  opening  at  the 
apex. 

Calyx  with  leafy  lobes,  which  are  longer  than  the  petals.     Styles  5.  1.  AGROSTEMMA. 
Calyx  without  leafy  lobes,  cylindrical,  even.     Styles  2.  2.  SAPONARIA. 

{)  2.  CHICKWEED  SUB-FAMILY.  Sepals  distinct  or  nearly  so.  Petals  (some- 
times wanting)  without  claws,  inserted  with  .the  stamens  at  the  base  of 
sessile  ovary.  Pod  splitting  into  valves  or  opening  by  teeth,  few - 
many-seeded. 

Pod  3-celled,  many-seeded.    Petals  none.  3.  MOLLUGO. 

Podl-celled.     Styles  3 -5. 
Stipules  none. 

Styles  5.    Petals  5.    Pod  opening  by  10  teeth.  4.  CERASTIUM. 

Styles  3-4.    Pod  splitting  into  valves.  5.  STELLARIA. 

Leaves  with  scaly' stipules. 

Styles  5.     Leaves  thread-like,  whorled.  6.  SPERGULA. 

1.  AGEOSTEM'MA,  L.     CORN-COCKLE. 

[Name  from  the  Greek,  meaning  crown  of  the  field.] 

Calyx  tubular,  without  scales  at  the  base,  with  5  long  leaf-like  teeth 
which  fall  off  in  fruiting.  Petals  5,  not  crowned  at  the  throat.  Stamens 
10.  Styles  5.  Pod  opening  at  the  top  by  5  teeth.  Annual  or  biennial. 
1.  A.  Githa'go,  L.  Hairy ;  leaves  lance-linear,  acute ;  petals  obovate 
emarginate.  . 

GITH-LIKE  AGROSTEMMA.     Corn-cockle.     Rose-campion. 

Fr.  La  Nielle  des  Bles.     Germ.  Gemeine  Bade.     Span.  Neguillon. 

Plant  clothed  with  long  apprcssed  hairs.  Root  annual.  Stem  2-4  feet  high,  branched 
above.  Leaves  3-5  inches  long.  Peduncles  terminal,  4-8  or  10  inches  long.  Pdals  red- 
dish or  pale  violet-purple.  Capsule  ovoid.  Seeds  numerous,  muricately  ribbed,  purplish- 
black. 

Cultivated  grounds — chiefly  among  wheat  and  rye  :  introduced.  Native  of  Europe.  Fl. 
June  Fr.  July. 


PINK   FAMILY. 


57 


Obs.  This  foreign  weed  (specifically  named  Githago,  from  its  fancied 
resemblance  to  "  Gith,"  or  Guinea  Pepper),  though  diligently  rooted  out 
by  all  neat  farmers,  obstinately  maintains  its  ground  in  our  grain  fields. 


The  rough  black  seeds,  when  abundant  among  wheat  (and  their  size 
makes  it  difficult  to  separate  them  from  it),  are  injurious  to  the  quality 
and  appearance  of  the  manufactured  flour. 

"  FIG.  34.  Corn-cockle  (Agrostcrama  Githago),  reduced.  35.  A  pod  with  the  enclosing 
calyx  divided  lengthwise,  a  A  seed. 


58  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

2.  SAPONA'RIA,  L.     SOAPWORT. 

[Latin,  Sapo,  soap  ;  its  mucilage  affording  a  substitute  for  that  article.] 

Calyx  tubular,  5-toothed,  naked  at  the  base.  Stamens  10.  Styles  2. 
Capsule  short-stalked  opening  with  4  teeth  at  the  apex.  Embryo  coiled 
into  a  ring. 


1.   S.  qfficina'lis,  L.     Leaves  oval-lanceolate  ;    flowers   in   corymbose 
clusters ;  petals  crowned  with  an  appendage  at  the  top  of  the  claw. 
OFFICINAL  SAPONARIA.     Soapwort.     Bouncing  Bet. 

Perennial.    Stem  12-18  inches  high.    Leaves  1%- 3  inches  long.      Flowers  large,  pale 
rose  color,  often  double. 
Waste  places.     Native  of  Europe .    July -Sept. 

Obs.  A  conspicuous  weed,  spreading  by  the  root  and  forming  large 
bunches  near  buildings  and  giving  a  slovenly  appearance  to  the  farm. 
The  plant  has  been  employed  medicinally  in  Europe,  as  a  substitute  for 
Sarsaparilla  in  diseases  of  the  skin. 


FIG.  36.  Soapwort  (Saponaria  officinalis). 


PINK    FAMILY.  59 


3.  MOLLU'GO,  L.     CARPET-WEED. 

[An  old  Latin  name,  coined  from  mollis,  soft.] 

Sepals  5,  white  within.  Petals  none.  Stamens  3-5,  hypogynous. 
Stigmas  3.  Pod  3-celled,  3-valved,  many-seeded.  Diffusely  branched 
prostrate  annuals. 

1.  M.  verticilla'ta,  L.    Prostrate  and  dichotomously  branched ;  leaves 

spatulate,  in  whorls ;  peduncles  axillary,  1-flowered,  forming  umbel-like 

clusters. 

VERTICILLATE  MOLLUGO.     Carpet-weed.     Indian  Chickweed. 

Stem  branching  in  all  directions,  forming  patches  a  foot  or  more  in  diameter.    Leaves 
somewhat  succulent,  about  an  inch  long,  usually  in  whorls  of  6. 
Cultivated  grounds,  common.    June -Sept. 

06s.    A  very  common  little  weed  in  cultivated  grounds,  especially 
where  the  soil  is  sandy,  throughout  the  country. 

4.  CERASTIUM,  L.     MOUSE-EAR  CHICKWEED. 

[Greek,  Keras,  a  horn  ;  from  the  shape  of  the  capsules.] 

Sepals  5.  Petals  5,  2-lobed.  Stamens  5-10.  Styles  as  many  as  the 
sepals  and  opposite  them.  Capsule  longer  than  the  calyx,  opening  at 
the  apex  by  10  teeth  and  many-seeded.  Flowers  white. 

1.  C.  vulga'tum,  L.     Very  hairy ;   leaves   ovate   or  obovate,  obtuse  ; 
sepals  longer  than  the  pedicels  ;    capsule  slightly  curved,  twice  as  long 
as  the  calyx. 

COMMON  CERASTIUM.     Mouse-ear  Chickweed. 

Annual  or  biennial.    Stems  5-10  inches  long.    Leaves  about  half  an  inch  long. 

2.  C.  visco'sum,  L.     Pubescent  and   clammy,  leaves  oblong ;   sepals 
shorter  than  the  pedicels ;  capsule  one  half  longer  than  the  calyx. 
CLAMMY  CERASTIUM.     Larger  Mouse-ear  Chickweed. 

Perennial  or  biennial.    Stems  6-15  inches  long,  spreading.     Leaves  %  an  inch  to  an 
inch  long. 

Obs,     Common  in  pastures  and  on  the  borders  of  fields  ;  both  natives 
of  Europe.     In  flower  from  May  -  July. 

5.  STELLA'RIA,  L.     CHICKWEED. 

[Latin,  Stella,  a  star  ;  from  the  star-like  flowers.] 

Sepals  5.     Petals  5,  deeply  2-cleft.     Stamens  10  or  fewer.     Styles  3-4. 
Capsule  opening  by  twice  as  many  valves  as  styles.     Flowers  white. 
1.  S.  me'dia,  Smith.     Stems  procumbent,  with  an  alternating  pubescent 
line  ;  leaves  ovate,  the  lower  on  hairy  petioles  ;  petals  shorter  than  the 
calyx ;  stamens  3-10. 
MIDDLE  STELLARIA.     Chickweed. 


60 


WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 


Leaves  %  an 


Annual  or  biennial.    Stems  8-15  inches  long,  dichotomously  branching. 
Inch  to  an  inch  long.    Peduncles  axillary.  1-flowered. 
Common .    Native  of  Europe . 

Obs,  This  little  plant,  so  common  around  dwellings,  is  found  in 
almost  every  part  of  the  world.  It  is  exceedingly  hardy,  and  may  be 
found  in  flower  even  in  the  winter  months ;  wherever  the  snow  melts 
away  the  little  star-like  flowers  appear.  During  the  warmer  months  the 
flowers  are  much  less  conspicuous,  the  ovary  being  usually  fertilized 


without  the  flowers  expanding.  In  damp  cold  soils  it  is  sufficiently 
abundant  to  be  troublesome,  and  sometimes  occupies  the  soil  to  the 
exclusion  of  everything  else.  It  is  often  given  to  canary  and  other  cage 
birds.  * 

6.  SPER'GULA,  L.     SPURREY. 

[Name  from  the  Latin,  Spargo,  to  scatter.] 

Sepals  5.    Petals  5,  entire.    Stamens  5-10.    Styles  5.    Capsule  5-valved, 
valves  opposite  the  sepals.    Seeds  orbicular  with  a  narrow  margin.    Low 
herbs  with  narrow  whorled  leaves  and  minute  stipules. 
1.  S.  arvensis,  L.    Leaves  linear  and  thread-like,  many  in  a  whorl ; 


FIG.  37.  Chickweed  (Stellaria  media).    38.  An  enlarged  flower.    39.  A  petal. 


PINK    FAMILY. 


61 


stipules  minute  ;  inflorescence  loosely  cymose  ;  pedicels  reflcxed  in  fruit ; 

seeds  rough. 

FIELD  SPERGULA.     Corn  Spurrey.     Tares. 

Annual.  Stems  about  a  foot  long,  erect  or  spreading.  Leaves  1-2  inches  long.  Pedicels 
nearly  an  inch  long,  reflexed  in  fruit.  Petals  white,  rather  longer  than  the  ovate  sepals. 
Capsule  about  the  size  of  a  small  pea.  Seeds  blackish. 

Fields.    Native  of  Europe.    May -Oct. 


O.'s.  This  is  only  known  as  a  weed  with  us.  In  some  parts  of  Europe 
it  is  cultivated  as  a  forage  plant ;  cattle  are  said  to  be  very  fond  of  it, 
and  sheep  thrive  remarkably  well  upon  it. 


FIG.  40.  Spurroy  (Spcrgula  arvcnsis). 


02  WEEDS    AXD    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

ORDER  IX.     PORTULACA'CE^E.     (PURSLANE    FAMILY.) 

Succulent  or  fleshy  herbs,  with  regular,  unsymmetrical,  axillary  or  terminal,  usually 
ephemeral  powers.  Calyx  mostly  of  2  sepals,  often  united  below  and  adhering  to  the  base 
of  the  ovary.  Petals  5,  or  rarely  more  numerous.  Stamens  variable  in  number,  oppo- 
site the  petals  when  of  the  same  number.  Styles  2 -8,  united  below.  Capsule  1 -celled  ; 
placenta  central.  Seeds  mostly  numerous ,  curved  ;  embryo  coiled  around  mealy  albumen. 
There  are  some  30  genera  in  the  Order — of  which  the  plant  here  noticed  is  the  type. 
They  are,  however,  of  little  or  no  interest  to  the  farmer. 

1.  PORTULA'CA,  Tournef.     PURSLANE. 

[A  name  of  obscure  and  uncertain  derivation.] 

Sepals  2,  partly  united,  and  adherent  to  the  base  of  the  ovary, — the 
upper  portion  finally  circumscissed  and  deciduous.  Petals  mostly  5,  in- 
serted on  the  calyx.  Stamens  8-15  or  20.  Stigmas  3-8.  Cap- 
sule subglobose,  circumscissed.  Leaves  scattered,  often  whorled  near  the 
flowers. 


41 


1.  P.  olera'cea,  L.     Prostrate,  smooth;   leaves  oblong-cuneate,  obtuse, 

fleshy ;  flowers  sessile,  opening  only  in  the  morning  sun. 

POT-HERB  PORTULACA.     Purslane. 

Fr.  Pourpier  potager.     Germ.  Gemeiner  Portulak.     Span.  Verdolaga. 

Root  annual.  Stem  6-12  or  15  inches  long,  fleshy,  smooth,  prostrate,  branching  and 
radicating.  Leaves  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  long,  alternate  and  opposite.  Petals  pale  yellow. 

Gardens  and  cultivated  grounds.  Native  of  Europe  and  India.  Fl.  July  -August.  Fr. 
September. 

Obs.  This  plant,  though  said  to  be  indigenous  in  the  far  west,  has 
every  appearance  of  being  a  naturalized  stranger  with  us.     It  was  often 

FIG.  41.  Purslane  (Portulaca  oleracea).     42.  A  pod,  opening  transversely.  ' 


MALLOW    FAMILY.  63 

used  formerly,  as  a  pot-herb  ;  but  is  now  generally  superseded  by  better 
ones, — and  is,  indeed,  only  entitled  to  notice,  here,  as  a  troublesome 
weed  in  gardens.  P.  grandiflora,  P.  Gillesii  and  others,  having  terete 
leaves,  hairy  axils  and  showy  flowers  are  now  common  in  gardens ;  they 
are  known  in  some  places  as  "  Wax  Pinks  ;;'  they  become  quite  perma- 
nently established  where  they  are  once  introduced  and  will  doubtless 
become  weeds  wherever  they  escape  from  cultivation. 

OEDER  X.    MALTA' CEJE.     (MALLOW  FAMILY.) 

Herbs  or  shrubs,  with  alternate,  palmatcly- veined  leaves  furnished  with  stipules.  Flmws 
regular,  mostly  large,  often  with  an  involucel  forming  a  double  calyx.  Calyx  rtlbstly  of 
5  sepals,  more  or  less  united  at  base.  Petals  as  many  as  the  sepals,  convolute  in  the 
bud.  Stamens  monadelphous,  often  indefinite  ;  anthers  reniform,  1-celled.  Styles  as  many 
as  the  carpels,  distinct  or  united  below.  Fruit  capsular,  or  the  carpels  separate  or  separa- 
ble. Seeds  with  little  albumen  ;  cotyledons  foliaceous,  plicate  and  twisted.  Mucilaginous 
plants  with  a  tough  bark. 

An  Order  comprising  about  30  genera,  and  numerous  species — some  of  them  showy  and 
handsome.  They  are  generally  remarkable  for  their  mucilaginous  and  demulcent  prop- 
erties :  but  the  Cotton  plant  is  preeminently  interesting  to  the  American  people — both  as 
yielding  the  great  staple  of  the  exports  from  the  Southern  States,  and  of  the  manufacture* 
of  the  NTor them  States.  There  are,  however,  but  few  other  plants  of  Agricultural  im- 
portance belonging  to  the  Order. 

\  1.  Anthers  at  the  top  of  the  column  of  united  filaments.  Cells  of  the 
fruit  united  in  a  ring  around  a  central  axis  from  which  they  fall 
away  when  ripe. 

Involucel  present.     Carpels  1-seeded. 

Involucel  6- 9-par ted.     Plant  soft  downy.  1.  ALTILEA. 

Involucel  3-leaved.  2.  MALVA. 

Involucel  none.    Carpels  1- several-seeded. 

Seeds  one  in  each  cell.  3.  Sn>A. 

Seeds  2-9  in  each  cell.  4.  ABUTILON. 

§  2.  Anthers  along  the  sides  of  the  upper  part  of  the  column  of  united 
filaments.     Pod  of  3-5  cells,  splitting  into  as  many  valves. 
Involucel  of  many  thread-shaped  leaves. 

Calyx  splitting  down  one  side  when  the  flower  opens.     Pod 

long.  5.  ABELMOSCHUS. 

Calyx  not  splitting  down  one  side.  Pod  short.  Seeds  naked.     6.  HIBISCUS. 
Involucel  of  3  heart-shaped,  toothed  leaves.    Seeds  bearing 
long  wool.  7.  GOSSYPII-M 

1.  ALTH^E'A,  L.     MARSH-MALLOW. 

[Greek,  Altho,  to  heal ;  from  its  reputed  virtues.] 

Involucel  6-9  cleft.  Fruit  depressed,  consisting  of  numerous  1-seeded, 
round-kidney  shaped,  indehiscent  carpels,  arranged  in  a  ring  around  a 
central  axis. 

1.  A.  officina'lii,  L.  Leaves  ovate  or  somewhat  heart-shaped,  often  3-lobed, 
velvety  ;  peduncles  axillary,  many-flowered. 

OFFICINAL  ALTH^A.     Marsh-mallow. 

Perennial.     Root  fusiform.     Stem  2-4  feet  high,  erect.     Leaves  2-4  inches  lone  with 
petioles  about  half  their  length.     Flowers  pale  rose  color,  sub-paniculate. 
Cultivated,  and  spontaneous  in  salt  marshes.    July -September. 

Obs.     The  Marsh-mallow  is  a  native  of  Europe,  and  is  sometimes, 


64 


WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 


cultivated  ;  it  has  become  naturalized  along  the  coast  of  New  England 
and  Long  Island.  The  whole  plant,  especially  the  root,  contains  a  great 
deal  of  mucilage,  and  is  employed  by  European  physicians  for  poultices 
apd  such  purposes  as  Slippery  Elm  bark  is  used  with  us.  ALTH^A 
ROSEA  is  the  common  Hollyhock  of  the  gardens,  many  varieties  of  which 
are  cultivated  for  ornament. 

2.  MAL'VA,  L.     MALLOW. 

[Latinized  from  the  Greek,  Malache,  soft ;  in  allusion  to  its  emollient  nature.] 

Involuted  of  3  oblong  or  setaceous  bracts.  Carpels  several,  dry,  inde- 
hisceat,  arranged  in  a  circle  round  the  axis,  as  in  Althaea. 


1.  M.  ROTUNDIFO'LIA,  L.  Stem  herbaceous,  prostrate ;  leaves  cordate- 
orbicular,  obscurely  lobed,  crenate-toothed  ;  pedicels  axillary,  1 -flowered, 
declined  in  fruit. 

EOUND-LEAVED  MALVA.     Running  Mallows.     Low  Mallows. 
Fr.  Petite  Mauve.      Germ.  Rundblaettrige  Malve.      Span.  Malva  de 
hoja  redonda. 

Root  perennial.  Stem  1  - 2  or  3  feet  long,  branching  only  at  base  or  from  the  root.  Leaves 
1  -2  or  3  inches  in  diameter,  obscurely  5-7-lobcd  ;  petioles  2-6 or  8  inches  long.  Flowers 
small ;  bracts  linear.  Petals  twice  as  long  as  the  calyx,  reddish  white  with  purple  veins. 

Yards,  gardens  and  lots :  introduced.  Native  of  Europe.  Fl.  May  -September.  Fr. 
July -October. 


FIG.  43.  Common  Mallow  (Malva  rotund ifolia),  a  flower.  44.  A  leaf.  45.  An  enlarged 
flower  with  the  petals  removed  to  display  the  column  of  united  stamens.  46.  A  ring  of 
united  carpels,  forming  the  fruit  and  a  separate  carpel. 


MALLOW    FAMILY.  65 

Obs.  This  foreigner  is  extensively  naturalized ;  and  although  some- 
what popular  as  an  ingredient  in  cataplasms  and  demulcent  drinks,  is 
generally  regarded  as  an  unwelcome  intruder  in  yards  and  gardens. 
M.  Sylvestris,  L.,  with  an  erect  branching  stem,  2-3  feet  high  and  much 
larger  flowers,  is  naturalized  in  Western  New  York.  The  Curled  Mal- 
low (M.  crispa]  is  found  in  old  gardens. 

3.  SI'DA,  L.    SIDA. 

[The  ancient  Greek  name.] 

Involucel  none.  Calyx  5-cleft.  Petals  usually  oblique.  Styles  5  or  more. 
Fruit  when  ripe  separating  into  as  many  1 -seeded  carpels  as  there  are 
styles,  which  usually  become  2-valved  at  the  summit  and  at  length  sepa- 
rate from  the  axis.  Embryo  bent  with  the  radicle  pointing  upwards. 

1 .  S.  spino'sa,  L.  Leaves  ovate,  lanceolate  or  oblong  with  a  tubercle  at 
the  base  of  the  petiole. 

SPINOSE  SIDA. 


Annual.    Stem  10-18  inches  long,  low  and  branched.     Leaves  about  2  Inches  long,  ser- 
,te,  petioled.     Peduncles  axillary,  solitary,  1-flowered,  shorter  than  the  petioles,  articu- 
ted  near  the  yellow  flower. 
Road -sides  and  waste  places  ;  more  common  southward.  Native  of  India.v  July  -  August. 


4.  ABU'TILON,  Tournef.    INDIAN-MALLOW. 

[A  name  supposed  to  be  derived  from  the  Arabs.] 

Carpels  numerous,  cohering  and  forming  a  compound  capsule,  spreading 
at  the  summit  where  each  splits  open  along  the  inner  edge,  scarcely 
separating  at  maturity.  Seeds  2  -  9  in  each  carpel. 

1.  A.  Avicenntz,  Gaertn.  Leaves  orbicular-cordate,  acuminate,  crenate- 
dentate,  velvety-tomentose  ;  peduncles  axillary,  shorter  than  the  petiole. 

AVICENNA'S  ABUTILON.    Indian-mallow.     Velvet-leaf. 

Root  annual.  Stein,  2-4  or  5  feet  high,  branched.  Leaves  4-6  or  8  inches  long  ;  petioles  3 
-5  inches  long.  Petals  yellow.  Carpels  12-15,  verticillately  arranged  in  a  flattened, 
somewhat  bell-shaped  head. 

Cultivated  lots  and  waste  places  :  introduced.  Native  of  Europe  aud  Asia.  Fl.  July 
-September.  Fr.  August- October. 

Obs.  This  foreigner  is  a  worthless  and  troublesome  intruder — frequent 
in  Indian-corn  fields,  Potato  patches,  and  other  cultivated  lots — and  is 
of  a  size  sufficient  to  be  a  nuisance.  It  should  be  always  carefully  eradi- 
cated before  it  matures  its  seeds. 


66 


WEEDS    AXD    USEFUL    PLANTS. 


5.  ABELMOS'CHUS,  Med.     OKRA. 

[Name  said  to  be  derived  from  the  Arabic,  Hub-ool-moosKk.] 

Calyx  splitting  down  one  side  when  the  flower  opens,  deciduous.     Pod 

elongated.     Otherwise  as  in  Hibiscus. 

1.  A.  ESCULEN'TUS,  L.    Herbaceous  ;  leaves  somewhat  obtusely  and  pal- 

mately  5-lobed,  cordate  at  base,  the  lobes  dentate;   fruit  10-angled, 

pyramidal. 

ESCULENT  ABELMOSCHUS.    Okra. 

Root  annual.  Stem  18  inches  to  3  feet  high,  somewhat  branched,  pilose  but  not  aculeate. 
Leaves  3-6  inches  long,  and  wider  than  long,  lobed  about  half  way  to  the  base  ;  petioles 
about  as  long  as  the  leaves.  Petals  pale  greenish  yellow,  with  a  dark  purple  spot  at  base. 
Capsule  2-3  inches  long,  erect. 

Gardens  :  cultivated.     Native  of  India.     Fl.  August.     Fr.  September  -October. 

06s.    This  plant  is  cultivated  for  its  green  pods  or  capsules — which 

FIG.  47.  Velvet-leaf  or  Indian-mallow  (Abutilon  Avicenr.ne),  a  branch  reduced  iu  size 
with  fruit. 


MALLOW    FAMILY.  6t 

are  remarkably  mucilaginous,  and  much  esteemed,  by  many  persons,  as 
a  table  vegetable,  and  as  an  ingredient  in  soups. 

6.  HIBIS'CUS,  L.     ROSE-MALLOW. 

[An  ancient  classical  name,  for  one  of  the  Mallow  Family.] 

Calyx  5-cleft,  persistent.  Involucel  of  many  linear  bractlets.  Column  of 
stamens  long,  bearing  anthers  for  much  of  its  length.  Styles  united ; 
stigmas  5,  capitate.  Pod  5-celled,  opening  into  5  valves  which  bear  the 
partition  on  their  middle.  Herbs  or  shrubs  with  showy  flowers. 

1.  H.  trio'num,  L.     Upper  leaves  deeply  3-parted,  lower  ones  toothed  ; 
calyx  inflated,  membranaceous,  with  bristly-ribs,  5- winged  at  the  summit. 
THREE-LOBED  HIBISCUS.     Bladder  Ketmia.     Flower-of-an-hour. 

Annual.  Stem  1-2  feet  high,  branched.  leaves  l-'3  inches  long,  the  lobes  lanceolate, 
the  middle  one  longest ;  pdioled.  Flowers  greenish  yellow  with  a  purple  spot  at  base, 
axillary,  solitary,  fugacious  ;  peduncles  about  as  long  as  the  petioles.  Stigma&f>. 

Gardens  and  lots.     Native  of  South  Europe  and  Africa.    July -September. 

Obs.  Formerly  cultivated  in  gardens,  and  not  rare  as  a  weed  in  cul- 
tivated grounds. 

2.  H.  SYRI'ACUS,  L.    Shrubby  or  tree-like  ;  leaves  ovate-wedge-shaped, 
smooth,  entire  at  the  base,  3-lobed  and  toothed  at  the  apex ;  pedicels 
scarcely  longer  than  the  petioles  ;  involucel  6  -  7-lobed. 

SYRIAN  HIBISCUS.     Rose  of  Sharon.     Shrubby  Althaea. 

06s.  Yery  common  in  cultivation,  where  it  is  usually  kept  trimmed  ; 
when  allowed  to  grow  uncut  it  forms  a  large  tree-like  shrub,  with  long 
straggling  branches.  The  flowers  are  of  various  shades,  from  white  to 
deep  purple ;  often  becoming  double.  It  is  rather  troublesome  in 
grounds  on  account  of  the  readiness  with  which  it  propagates  itself  by 
the  seeds.  * 

7.  GOSSYP'IUM,  L.     COTTON. 

[A  name  supposed  to  be  of  Egyptian  origin  ;  etymology  obscure.] 

Calyx  cup-shaped,  obtusely  5-toothed,  surrounded  by  a  3-leaved  involucel ; 
the  leaflets  united  and  cordate  at  base,  deeply  incised-dentate.  Styles 
united  ;  stigmas  3  or  sometimes  5.  Capsule  3-  5-celled,  loculicidal.  Seeds 
numerous,  enveloped  in  a  long  fine  wool.  Young  brandies  and  leaves  more 
or  less  covered  with  black  dots  ;  the  nerves  beneath  usually  with  one  or 
more  glands. 

1.  G.  HERBA'CEUM,  L.     Stem  smooth  ;  leaves  3-  5-lobed,  with  a  single 
gland  beneath  ;  lobes  rounded,  mucronate  ;  involucel  serrate  ;  wool  white. 
HERBACEOUS  GOSSYPIUM.     Cotton.     Cotton-plant. 
Ft:  Le  Cottonnier.     Germ.  Die  Baumwolle.     Span.  Algodon. 

Root  annual.  Stem  2-4  feet  high,  branched.  Leaves  3-5  or  6  inches  long  ;  petioles  2-3 
inches  long.  Petals  greenish  yellow,  tinged  with  purple  at  base,  feeds  large,  thickly 
beset  with  long  wool-like  cellular  or  tubular  fibres,  which,  at  maturity,  are  shrunk  and 
contorted  so  as  to  render  them  in  some  degree  adhesive,  when  pressed  together,— and 
thereby  susceptible  of  being  spun  or  drawn  and  twisted  into  delicate  threads. 

Cultivated  very  largely  in  the  Southern  and  South-western  States.     Native  of  Asia. 


68  USEFUL   WEEDS   AND   PLANTS. 

Obs.  This  plant — as  yielding  the  material  for  light  clothing,  and 
especially  in  reference  to  its  commercial  value — :may  be  regarded  as  one 
of  the  most  important  objects  of  American  Agriculture.  Although  not 
so  essential  as  the  cereal  tribe,  the  fibrous  envelope  of  the  seeds  is  scarcely 
less  interesting,  as  an  article  of  trade,  and  as  the  subject  of  useful  and 
ingenious  industry. 

ORDER  XI.  TILIA'CE^E.     (LINDEN  FAMILY.) 

Trees  or  shrubs  having  the  mucilaginous  qualities  and  tough  inner  bark  of  the  Mallow 
Family,  alternate  leaves  with  deciduous  stipules  and  small  axillary  powers.  Sepals  valvate 
in  the  bud,  deciduous  Petals  imbricated  in  the  bud.  Stamens  usually  in  clusters  ; 
anthers  2-celled.  See^ls  albuminous. 

The  Lindens  are  the  only  representatives  of  this  order  in  the  United  States.  Corchorus 
capsularis  of  India  furnishes  the  fibre  from  which  the  Gunny-bags  of  commerce  are 
made. 

1.  TIL'IA,  L.    LINDEN. 

[The  classical  Latin  name.] 

Sepal  5,  connected  at  base.  Petals  5.  Stamens  numerous,  more  or  less 
cohering  in  5  parcels,  the  central  one  of  each  parcel — in  the  North 
American  species — cohering  with  the  base  of  a  petaloid  scale,  opposite 
to  the  real  petals.  Ovary  5-celled  ;  cells  with  2  ovules.  Fruit  coriaceous 
or  woody,  globose,  by  abortion  1-celled,  1  -  2-seeded.  Trees  with  sub- 
cordate  serrate  leaves,  and  a  tough,  fibrous  bark.  Flowers  in  pendulous 
cymes,  with  the  lower  half  of  the  common  peduncle  adnate  to  a  long 
membrano-foiiaceous  bract. 

1.  T.  EUROPE 'A,  L.    Leaves  orbicular-cordate,  acuminate,  puberulent 
beneath  ;  flowers  without  petaloid  scales. 

EUROPEAN  TILIA.     Linden,  or  Lime  tree.     European  Linden. 
Fr.  Le  Tilled.     Germ.  Die  Linde.     Span.  Tilo. 

Stem  20-40  or  50  feet  high,  and  1-2  feet  in  diameter,  the  numerous  branches  forming 
a  handsome  symmetrical  top.  Leaves  3-5  inches  long  ;  petioles  1-2  inches  long.  Flowers 
yellowish  white. 

Cultivated.    Native  of  Europe.    Fl.  Beginning  of  June.    Fr.  Sept  -Oct. 

Obs.  This  foreign  species  has  been  extensively  introduced  as  an  orna- 
mental shade  tree  in  our  cities  and  villages.  In  the  beginning  of  summer 
it  is  handsome,  but  the  leaves  begin  to  die  or  become  diseased,  assuming 
a  scorched  appearance,  soon  after  midsummer ;  and  the  tree  is,  more- 
over, infested  by  so  many  loathsome  and  destructive  insects,  that  it  is 
now  being  superseded  by  others  less  subject  to  such  accidents.  The 
flowers  are  said  to  afford  to  bees  a  superior  quality  of  honey. 

2.  T.  America 'na,  L,     Leaves  obliquely  heart-shaped,  or  truncate  at 
base,  abruptly  acuminate,  thickish,  smooth,  or  nearly  so  ;  flowers  with 
petaloid  scales,  connected  with  the  filaments. 

AMERICAN  TILIA.     Linden,  or  Linn.    Basswood.     Whitewood. 

Stem  40-60  or  80  feet  high,  and  2-3  feet  in  diameter,  with  spreading  branches.  Leaves 


BEAD-TREE   FAMILY.  69 

3-6  iuchos  long,  unequal  at  base  ;  petioles  1-2  inches  long.  Floioers  yellowish- white  or 
cream-colored . 

Rich  woodlands  and  banks  of  streams  ;  along  the  mountains,  from  Canada  to  Georgia. 
Fl.  Latter  end  of  June.  Ff.  Sept.  -Oct. 

Obs.  A  variety  of  this  species  (var.  pubescens,  Gray,)  has  the  often 
thin  leaves  softly  pubescent  beneath.  This  form  is  common  south  and 
west,  as  well  as  the  White  Basswood  (T.  Heteroph'ylla,  Vent.),  which  has 
very  large  leaves,  sometimes  8  inches  broad,  silvery-white,  with  fine 
down  beneath.  The  wood  of  all  the  Lindens,  commonly  known  as  Bass- 
wood,  is  light,  soft  and  white,  and  is  used  for  making  boxes,  bowls  and 
other  domestic  utensils,  for  the  panels  of  wagons,  bottoms  of  drawers, 
&c.  The  inner  bark,  bast  or  bass,  consists  of  long,  tough  fibres,  and  by 
soaking  in  water,  readily  separates  into  layers.  That  of  the  European 
species  furnishes  the  matting,  which  forms  an  important  item  in  the 
products  of  Russia.  It  is  much  used  by  gardeners  for  protecting  tender 
plants  from  frost,  and  furnishes  them  the  best  material  for  tying  up 
shrubs,  and  for  binding  up  the  wound  made  in  the  operation  of  budding. 
The  gardeners  of  the  Western  States,  it  is  said,  obtain  their  supply  of 
bast  from  our  American  species.  T.  AMERICANA  is  sometimes  planted 
as  a  shade  tree.  Its  branches  are  more  spreading  than  those  of  the 
European  species,  and  its  whole  appearance  is  less  symmetrical,  more- 
over, it  is,  like  that,  liable  to  be  infested  by  insects.  * 

ORDER  XII.    MELIA'CE^E.     (BEAD-TREE  FAMILY.) 

Trees  or  shrubs,  with  alternate,  usually  compound  leaves  destitute  of  stipules.  Calyx  of 
3 - 5  sepals  more  or  less  connected.  Petals  3-5.  Stamens  twice  as  many  as  the  petals, 
monadelphous,  inserted  outside  of  a  hypogynous  disk  ;  anthers  sessile  in  the  orifice  of 
the  tube  of  filaments.  Ovary  several-celled,  with  1-2  ovules  in  each  cell ;  styles  and  stiymos 
mostly  united  into  one.  Fruit  a  drupe,  berry,  or  capsule,  often  1-celled  by  abortion,  and 
the  cell  1 -seeded.  Seeds  with  little  or  no  albumen,  and  wingless. 

The  genus  which  represents  this  Order  is  the  only  one  belonging  to  it  which  is  much 
known  in  our  country,  and  that  is  pretty  much  confined  to  the  States  south  of  the 
Potomac. 

1.  ME'LIA,  L.    PRIDE  OF  INDIA. 

[The  Greek  name  of  a  species  of  Ash,  which  this  tree  resembles.] 

Calyx  small,  5-cleft.     Petals  5,  linear-oblong,  spreading.     Stamen-tube 

10-cleft  at  summit,  with  10  anthers  in  the  orifice ;  segments  of  the  tube 

2-3-parted.     Ovary  seated  on  a  slightly  elevated  disk  ;  style  filiform  ; 

stigma  capitate,  5-angled.    Drupe  ovoid,,  with  a  5-celled  bony  nut ;  cells  1- 

seeded.    Embryo  inclosed  in  thin  fleshy  albumen ;  cotyledons  flat,  foliace- 

ous.     Trees  with  odd-pinnate  or  bipinnate  leaves.     Flowers  in  axillary 

panicles. 

1.  M.  AZEDA'RACII,  L.    Leaves  bipinnate  ;  leaflets  somewhat  in  fives, 

obliquely  ovate-lanceolate,  acuminate,  incised-dentate,  smooth. 

Pride  of  India.     Bead-tree. 

Ft.  Arbre  aux  paten otres.     Germ.  Der  Zederach. 

Stem  20-40  feet  high,  and  1-2  or  3  feet  in  diameter,  with  branches  clustered  at  irreg- 
ular intervals.  Leaves  deciduous  ;  leaflets  1-2  or  3  inches  long,  forming  secondary  inn- 


70 


WEEDS    AXD    USEFUL    PLANTS. 


nee  of  2-3  pairs,  with  a  terminal  odd  one.    Flowers  pale  violet-purple  or  lilac-colored. 
Drvpe  with  a  soft  yellowish  pulp,  and  an  obtusely  angular  nut. 
Cultivated.    Native  of  Syria,  Persia,  and  the  far  East.    Fl.  April.    Fr.  Sept.  -  Oct. 

06s.  This  tree  has  been  introduced  into  the  Southern  States  as  an 
ornamental  shade  tree,  and  is  now  perfectly  naturalized  there  and  west 
to  Arkansas.  It  will  not  endure  the  winters  of  Pennsylvania.  The 
most  northern  point  at  which  I  have  seen  trees  of  any  considerable  size, 
was  Norfolk,  Virginia,  and  even  there  they  are  sometimes  killed  by  frost. 
The  bark  of  the  root  is  reputed  to  be  a  good  vermifuge.  In  the  south 
of  Europe,  the  nuts  are  often  used  for  beads  ;  whence'one  of  its  English 
and  French  names. 


ORDER  XIII.   LINA'CE^E.     (FLAX  FAMILY.) 

Herbs  with  alternate  or  opposite  leaves,  without  stipules,  and  regular  hypogynous  flowers, 
with  all  the  parts  in  fives.     Calyx  imbricated  and  petals  convolute  in  the  bud.     Stamens 
united  at  the  base  into  a  ring.     Capsule  globose,  with  twice  as  many  1-seeded  cells  as 
there  are  styles. 
An  order  pretty  much  limited  to  the  important  genus  which  is  its  type. 

1.  LI'NUM,  L.     FLAX. 

[The  classical  name  for  the  plant.] 

Capsule  of  5  united  carpels,  each  2-seeded,  but  divided  into  2  single- 
seeded  cells  by  a  false  partition,  projecting  from  the  back  of  the  carpels. 
1.  L.  TJSITATIS'SIMUM,  L.     Leaves  alternate, 
lance-linear,  very  acute ;    flowers    on    long 
pedicels  ;  capsules  globose,  mucronate. 
MOST  USEFUL  (OR  COMMON)  LINUM.     Flax. 
Fr.  Lin.     Germ.  Gemeiner  Flachs.     Span. 
Lino. 

Root-  annual.  Stem  2-3  feet  high,  slender,  terete, 
smooth,  corymbosely  branched  at  summit.  Leaves  an 
inch  to  an  iach  and  a  half  long.  Petals  rather  large, 
blue,  often  with  a  tinge  of  purplu,  very  caducous.  Seeds 
lance-ovate,  smooth  and  shining. 

Cultivated,  and  occasionally  spontaneous  in  cultivated 
grounds.  Native  of  Europe.  Fl.  June.  Fr.  July. 

06s.  This  valuable  plant — once  considered 
so  indispensable  among  the  crops  of  our 
farmers — is  now  but  little  cultivated.  I  have 
not  seen  a  flax-patch  for  a  number  of  years  : 
whereas,  in  the  "good  old  times" — before 
Spinning-wheels  were  superseded  by  Pianos — 
every  rural  family  cultivated  and  manufac- 
tured as  much  flax  as  was  required  for  do- 
mestic purposes.  But  now,  the  Cotton-plant 
48  of  the  South  has  nearly  banished  the  Flax- 

plant  from  the  Middle  and  Northern  States. 
Nor  is  the  revolution  thus  effected  a  subject  of  regret,  with  the  farmer. 


FIG.  48.    Flax  (Linum  usitatissimum),  reduced. 


GERANIUM    FAMILY.  71 

The  flax  crop  is  one  which  involves  a  good  deal  of  troublesome,  disa- 
greeable labor,  and,  without  being  profitable,  is  generally  believed  to  be 
injurious  to  the  soil :  an  opinion  as  old  as  the  time  of  Virgil — who  says 

"  Urit  enim  Lini  carnpum  seges,  urit  avense." — GEORG.  1.  71. 

or,  as  rendered  by  Sothcby, 

"  Oats  and  the  Flaxen  harvest  burn  the  ground." 

The  seeds  of  this  plant — besides  yielding  a  most  valuable  drying  oil,  used 
in  painting — afford  one  of  the  best  mucilaginous  drinks,  for  coughs,  and 
dysenteric  affections. 

ORDER  XI Y.     GERANIA'CEJE.     (GERANIUM  FAMILY.) 

Mostly  lierbs  with  symmetrical,  hypogyuous,  pentamerous  flowers.  Sepals  imbricated. 
Petals  convolute.  Stamens  10,  slightly  monadelphous  at  base,  the  alternate  ones  shorter. 
1'istils  5,  adhering  to  a  central  prolonged  axis,  from  which  they  separate  at  maturity  by 
curling  up  and  carrying  with  them  the  small  1-seeded  pods.  Seeds  without  albumen. 
Herbs,  or  sometimes  shrubby  plants  with  opposite  or  alternate,  stipulate,  scented  leaves 
and  astringent  roots. 

The  ornamental  half-shrubby  plants  so  common  in  collections  of  green-house  plants 
and  usually  called  Geraniums,  belong  to  the  genus  PELARGONIUM. 

1.  GERA'NIUM,  L.     CRANES-BILL. 

[Greek,  Geranos,  a  crane  ;  the  beaked  fruit  resembling  a  crane's  bill.] 
Stamens  all  perfect,  the  5  longer  ones  with  glands  at  base.     Styles  co- 
hering at  the  summit,  recurved  from  below,  but  not  twisted,  in  the  ripe 
fruit ;  smooth  inside. 

1.  Gr.  macula'tum,  L.    Stem  erect,  dichotomous  above ;  leaves  3-5- 
parted  ;  petals  entire,  twice  as  long  as  the  calyx. 
SPOTTED  GERANIUM.     Cranes-bill. 

Perennial.  Stem  12-18  inches  high,  hairy.  Leaves  2-3  inches  long,  the  divisions  lobed 
and  cut  at  the  end,  blotched  with  whitish  as  they  grow  old,  the  radical  on  petioles  3- 6 or 
8  inches  in  length,  those  of  the  stem  on  much  shorter  petioles  and  the  upper  ones  subses- 
sile.  Flowers  purple,  large,  somewhat  corymbose.  Petals  bearded  on  the  claw. 

Woods  and  along  fences,  common.     April -July. 

Obs.  This  plant  is  not  troublesome  as  a  weed,  but  is  introduced  here 
on  account  of  its  valuable  medicinal  properties  ;  it  being  one  of  the 
best  astringents  used  in  medicine — equalling  in  importance  any  of  the 
imported  articles  of  that  class — the  agriculturist  ought  to  be  able  to 
identify  it.  The  thick,  fleshy  root,  or  rather  rhizoma,  which  should  be 
collected  in  autumn,  is  powerfully  astringent,  without  bitterness  or  un- 
pleasant taste,  and  is  useful  in  diarrhoea  and  other  diseases  where  a 
medicine  of  this  kind  is  required.  Boiled  in  water  and  mixed  with  sugar 
and  milk,  it  is  easily  administered  to  children.  G.  Carolinian'um,  L., 
a  native  species,  and  G.  pusillum,  an  introduced  one,  are  annual  species, 
and  common  in  waste  places.  Erodium  cicutarium,  L.,  (which  has  the 
5  shorter  stamens  sterile,  and  the  styles,  in  fruit,  twisting  spirally,)  is 
naturalized  sparingly  in  the  Atlantic  States,  but  in  California  and 
Oregon  it  has  taken  complete  possession  of  large  tracts ;  it  is  there 
known  as  "  pin  weed." 


WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 


ORDER  XV.     OXALIDA'CEJE.     (WOOD-SORREL  FAMILY.) 

Herbs  with  sour  juice  and  alternate  compound  leaves.  Flowers  regular  nearly  as  in  Gerani- 
um— but  the  styles  separate,  and  the  fruit  a  5-celled  several-seeded  capsule. 

1.  OX'ALIS,  L.    WOOD-SORREL. 

[Greek,  oxys,  sharp  or  sour.] 

Petals  withering  after  expansion.  Capsule  membranaceous,  deeply 
5-lobed,  5-celled,  each  cell  opening  on  the  back.  Seeds  pendulous  from 
the  axis,  their  outer  coat  loose  and  separating.  Embryo  large  and 
straight  in  a  fleshy  albumen.  Leaves  of  3  obcordate  leaflets,  which  close 
and  droop  at  nightfall, — the  radical  ones  stipulate. 


FIG.  49.  Cranes-bill   (Geranium  maculatum),  a  flowering  summit.    50.  A   ripe  fruit 
enlarged,  showing  the  carpels  separating  from  the  axis. 


INDIAN-CHESS    FAMILY.  73 

0.  stric'ta,  L.     Caulescent ;  stem  mostly  erect,  branched  and  leafy ; 
peduncles  axillary,  longer  than  the  petioles. 

UPRIGHT  OXALIS.     Wood-sorrel.     Yellow  Wood-sorrel. 

Perennial  ?  Stem  3  inches  to  near  2  feet  high,  more  or  less  pubescent,  often  bushy,  and 
sometimes  nearly  prostrate.  Leaflets  one  fourth  of  an  inch  to  an  inch  long.  Peduncles 
2-5  inches  long,  with  2-10  yellow  powers. 

Fields  and  cultivated  grounds.     May  -  September. 

06s.  The  leaves  of  this  very  common  plant  have  an  agreeable  acidity, 
and  are  frequently  eaten  by  children.  Another  species  is  cultivated, 
especially  in  Europe,  as  a  culinary  herb.  The  juice  of  the  various 
species  contains  a  salt  (Binoxalate  of  Potash)  which,  under  the  name 
of  Salts  of  Sorrel,  was  formerly  much  used  for  removing  ink-stains  and 
spots  of  iron-rust  from  linen. 


ORDER  XVI.     TROPJEOLA'CEJ3.     (INDIAN-CRESS  FAMILY.) 

Herbs  with  a  pungent,  watery  juice,  a  straggling  or  twining  stem,  alternate  petiolate  pel- 
tate or  palmate  leaves  with  radiating  nerves,  and  without  stipules.  Flowers  irregular, 
large  on  long  axillary  peduncles.  Fruit  3-lobed,  composed  of  3  united  carpels,  which  are 
1-seeded,  indehiscent,  and  separate  from  the  common  axis  when  mature.  Seeds  without 
albumen,  large  ;  cotyledons  thick,  distinct  when  young,  finally  consolidated  or  soldered 
together. 
A  very  small  Order,  and  of  little  interest  beyond  the  genus  which  represents  it. 

1.  TROPJE'OLUM,  L.    NASTURTIUM. 

[Latin,  a  little  banner,  or  Trophy  ;  from  a  fancied  similitude  in  the  plant.] 

Calyx  colored,  5-parted  ;  the  upper  segment  spurred  at  the  base. 
Petals  5,  unequal ;  the  upper  two  sessile,  the  others  clawed.  Stamens  8. 
Stigmas  2. 

1.  T.  MA' jus,  L.    Leaves  peltate,  sub-orbicular,  obscurely  repand-lobed, 

the  nerves  not  exserted  ;  petals  obtuse. 

GREATER  TROP^BOLUM.     Nasturtium.     Indian-cress. 

Fr.  Grande  Capucine.    Germ.  Die  Kapuziner  kresse.    Span.  Capuchina. 

Root  annual.  Stem  3-6  or  8  feet  long,  fleshy,  smooth.  Leaves  2-3  inches  in  diameter, 
the  nerves  which  radiate  from  the  centre  not  projecting  beyond  the  margin  (as  they  do 
in  another  species)  ;  petioles  3  -  6  inches  long.  Peduncles  1-flowered,  mostly  longer  than 
the  petioles.  Petals  yellowish  or  reddish  orange,  with  dark  purple  stripes  and  spots — the 
three  lower  ones  fringed  at  base.  Carpels  sulcate,  fleshy,  finally  suberose  or  coriaceous. 

Gardens.  Cultivated.  Native  of  South  America.  Fl.  June  -September.  Fr.  August  - 
October. 

Obs.  This  ornamental  stranger  is  sometimes  cultivated  for  show  ;  but 
chiefly  for  the  young  fruit — which  is  prepared  as  a  condiment,  and  af- 
fords a  tolerable  substitute  for  capers.  The  plant  is  said  to  be  perennial 
in  its  native  country  (Peru),  whence  it  was  brought  to  Europe  in  the 
year  1684. 

4 


74 


WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 


.     RUTA'CE^.     (RuE  FAMILY.) 

Herbs,  shrubs  or  trees,  with  simple  or  compound  leaves,  punctate  with  pellucid  dots  contain- 
ing a  pungent,  volatile  oil  (except  in  Ailanthus,  a  doubtful  member  of  the  Order,)  and  per- 
fect, polygamous  or  dioecious,  hypogynous,  regular,  3  -  5-merous  flowers.  Stamens  twice 
as  many  as  the  sepals  ;  pistils  2-5  separate  or  combined  into  a  compound  ovary  of  as 
many  cells,  raised  on  a  prolongation  of  the  receptacle  or  fleshy  disk  ;  styles  sometimes  co- 
nering  when  the  ovaries  are  distinct. 

1.  KU'TA,  L.    RUE. 

[Name  of  doubtful  derivation.] 

Flowers  perfect.  Sepals  and  petals  4  (rarely  3-5).  Stamens  twice  as 
many  as  the  sepals,  with  a  gland  at  base.  Style  1.  Capsule  roundish, 
lobed.  Seeds  albuminous.  Herbs,  sometimes  suffruticose,  with  alternate 
leaves  and  yellow  flowers. 


1.  R.  GRAVE'OLENS,  L.    Leaves  decompound  ;  lobes  oblong,  the  terminal 
one  obovate  ;  petals  entire  or  somewhat  toothed. 
HEAVY-SMELLING  RUTA.     Rue.     Garden-rue. 

Perennial.  Stem  bushy  2-3  feet  high,  woody  at  base,  the  branches  smooth,  yellowish 
.green.  Leaves  dotted,  glaucous  or  bluish  green.  Flowers  in  terminal  corymbose  panicles, 
pale  greenish. yellow  ;  the  first  one  which  unfolds  has  5  sepals  and  petals,  and  10  stamens, 
while  the  succeeding  ones  have  only  8  stamens  and  4  sepals  and  petals.  Pod  roundish, 
warty,  4-5-lobed.  The  stamens  approach  in  turns  towards  the  pistil,  and  after  the  an- 
thers have  shed  their  pollen,  retire. 

Native  of  Southern  Europe.     Cult.  June  -  Sept. 

Obs.  The  Garden-rue,  as  it  is  commonly  called,  probably  to  distinguish 


FIG.  51.  Rue  (Ruta  graveolens),  a  flowering  branch.    52.  A  fruit  of  the  same. 


FAMILY. 


75 


it  from  Meadow-rue,  is  frequently  found  in  old  gardens,  where  it  is  culti- 
vated as  a  medicinal  herb.  The  plant  is  very  acrid,  and  when  handled 
sometimes  irritates  or  even  blisters  the  skin,  and  to  some  persons  it  is 
highly  poisonous.  Its  properties  are  stimulant  and  narcotic,  and  though 
sometimes  used  in  domestic  practice,  in  cholic,  hysterics,  &c.,  it  is 
altogether  too  dangerous  a  plant  to  be  employed  unadvisedly.  Its  oil 
is  a  powerful  poison.  The  plant  was  much  used  by  the  ancients,  who 
ascribed  wonderful  virtues  to  it;  they  had  the  idea  that  stolen  Hue 
flourished  the  best.  At  one  time  it  was  employed  to  sprinkle  the  holy 
water  in  the  ceremonies  of  the  Roman  Catholic  church,  which  is  per- 
haps the  reason  of  Ophelia's  saying  :  "  We  may  call  it  herb  of  grace,  o' 


2.  ZANTHOX'TLUM,  Golden.    PBICKLY  ASH. 

[Greek,  Zanthos,  yellow,  and  JTylon,  wood.] 

Flowers  dio3cious.  Sepals  5,  or  wanting  in  one  species.  Petals  4  -5, 
imbricated.  Stamens  4-5  in  the  sterile  flowers,  alternate  with  the 
petals.  Pistils  2-5,  separate,  but  their  styles  conniving  or  slightly 
united.  Pods  thick  and  fleshy,  2-valved  when  ripe,  1  -  2-seeded.  Seed- 


coat  crustaceous,  black,  smooth  arid  shining.  Embryo  straight,  with 
broad  cotyledons.  Shrubs  or  trees  with  mostly  pinnate  leaves ;  the 
stems  and  often  the  leaf-stalks  prickly.  Flcwers  small,  greenish  or 
white. 

1.  Z.  Anierican'ran,  Mill.    Leaves,  and  flowers  in  axillary  clusters ; 


FIG.  53.  Prickly  Ash  (Zanthoxylum  Americanum),  portion  of  a  pistillate  specimen  in 
flower,  the  leaves  not  fully  developed.  54.  An  enlarged  staminate  flower.  55.  An 
enlarged  pistillate  flower. 


76  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

leaflets  in  4  -  5  pairs  and  an  odd  one ;  calyx  none ;  petals  5  ;  pistils 
3  -  5  ;  pod  short  stalked ;  flowers  appearing  with  the  leaves. 
AMERICAN  ZANTHOXYLUM.      Northern  Prickly  Ash.     Toothache  Tree. 
Yellow  Wood. 

Shriib<i-8  feet  high.  Stems  prickly,  the  stronger  prickles  mostly  in  pairs  at  the  base  of 
the  leaves.  Leaflets  1-2  inches  long,  downy  when  young,  becoming  smooth  above  when 
old.  Flowers  sometimes  polygamous.  Pods  about  the  size  of  a  pepper-corn,  with  a 
brown  or  reddish  tinge,  pitted,  fragrant  with  a  lemon-like  odor  when  rubbed.  Seed 
solitary. 

River  banks  and  rocky  woods,  north  and  wrest.    April -May. 

Obs.  In  its  wild  state  this  shrub  forms  low  thickets,  but  when  cul- 
tivated and  trimmed  it  forms  a  small  tree  sometimes  20  feet  high.  It 
has  been  proposed  as  a  hedge  plant,  but  we  are  not  aware  that  any 
experiments  have  been  made  to  test  its  value  for  this  purpose.  All 
parts  of  the  plant  are  aromatic,  and  the  bark  is  used  in  medicine  ;  this 
when  chewed  has  a  sweetish  aromatic  taste  which  becomes  bitter  and 
acrid,  causing  a  flow  of  saliva;  it  has  been  used  for  the  tooth-ache, 
whence  one  of  its  popular  names.  An  infusion  is  used  in  domestic 
medicine,  in  the  treatment  of  rheumatism  and  in  cholic,  &c. 

2.  Z.  Carolinian'um,  Lam.    Leaflets  3-5  pairs  and  an  odd  one,  ovate 
lanceolate,  inequilateral,  shining  above  ;  flowers  in  terminal  cymes,  ap- 
pearing after  the  leaves  ;  sepals  and  petals  5  ;  pistils  3 ;  pods  sessile  ; 
prickles  very  sharp. 
CAROLINA  ZANTHOXYLUM.     Southern  Prickly  Ash. 

Shrub  or  small  tree  6-20  feet  high  and  6-10  inches  in  diameter.  Grows  in  sandy  soil  along 
the  sea  coagts  of  the  Southern  States.  Properties  similar  to  the  preceding. 

3.  AILAN'THUS,  Desf. 

[From  Ailanto,  the  name  it  bears  in  its  native  country.] 

Calyx  5-toothed.     Petals  5,  inserted  with  the  10  stamens  under  a  hypo- 

gynous   disk.      Carpels  3-5,  samaroid,  tumid  in  the  centre,  1-celled, 

1-seeded.      Stigmas   capitate,   radiately  5-lobed.      Flowers  diceciously 

polygamous. 

1.  A.  GLANDULO'SA,  Desf.  Leaves  odd-pinnate  ;  leaflets  oblong-lanceolate, 

acuminate,  coarsely  dentate  at  base,  with  a  gland  on  the  under  side  of 

each  tooth. 

GLANDULAR  AILANTHUS.     Chinese  Sumach.     Tree  of  Heaven.     Tillow 
or  Tallow  Tree. 

Stem  30  -  60  feet  or  more  high,  much  branched,  young  branches  never  multiplying  during 
growth  but  developed  only  from  the  buds  of  the  proceeding  year.  Leaves  (on  young  trees 
especially)  much  elongated  and  consisting  of  many  pairs  (15-20)  of  smooth  leaflets,  which 
are  3-5  inches  in  length  and  entire,  except  a  pair  or  two  of  coarse  teeth  at  base.  Flowers 
pale  greenish  yellow.,  in  terminal  open  thyrsoia  panicles. 

Cultivated  as  a  shade  tree.    Native  of  China.     Fl.  June.     Fr.  Sept.  -Oct. 

06s.  Perhaps  no  tree  has  been  the  subject  of  as  much  newspaper 
discussion  as  the  Ailauthus,  and  there  is  much  to  be  said  for  and  against 


CASHEW    FAMILY.  77 

its  cultivation  as  a  shade  tree.  It  has  in  its  favor  a  graceful  habit,  is 
cleanly  and  quite  free  from  insects,  gives  a  tolerable  shade  and  is  perfectly 
hardy,  growing  where  almost  any  other  would  riot  survive.  The  objec- 
tions to  it  are,  the  disagreeable  odor  it  emits  when  in  flower,  and  the 
readiness  with  which  it  multiplies  itself  by  suckers  and  by  seeds.  The 
odor,  which  is  really  offensive  in  sultry  weather,  is  emitted  by  the  stami- 
nate  flowers,  but  as  the  tree  is  not  perfectly  dioecious,  the  pistillate  ones 
producing  more  or  less  staminate  flowers,  the  difficulty  could  not  be 
obviated  by  cutting  down  the  sterile  trees,  there  being  no  means  of  dis- 
tinguishing them  while  young.  In  streets  the  rapid  multiplication  is 
not  so  much  of  an  objection  as  where  the  tree  is  cultivated  in  open 
grounds,  though  even  here  the  seed  will  germinate  wherever  it  can  come 
in  contact  with  the  earth.  The  young  plants  spring  up  between  bricks 
and  flag-stones,  in  areas  and  small  grass  plots,  and  even  on  window-caps 
and  in  crevices  in  the  walls  of  buildings  ;  and  in  parks  the  multitude  of 
seedlings  becomes  an  absolute  nuisance.  Still,  notwithstanding  all  these 
disadvantages,  there  is  no  tree  so  generally  employed  in  the  city  of  New 
York  as  a  shade  tree,  where  it  attracts  the  eye  of  the  stranger  by  the 
tropical  aspect  of  its  foliage  and  the  large  massy  bunches  of  ripening 
fruit,  which  are  variously  tinged  with  red  or  brownish.  The  tree  -has 
been  recommended  for  cultivation  on  prairie  lands  and  others  where 
there  is  a  scarcity  of  timber  for  fencing  material.  As  far  as  rapidity  of 
growth  is  concerned,  it  is  certainly  admirably  adapted  to  this  use,  but 
it  is  not  known  whether  the  timber  would  be  sufficiently  durable.  The 
wood,  though  brittle,  is  very  hard  and  takes  a  good  polish. 

ORDER  XVIII.     ANACARDIA'CE^E.     (CASHEW  FAMILY.) 

Trees  or  shrubs,  with  a  resinous  or  milky,  often  acrid  juice,  which  turns  black  in  drying, 
alternate  dotless  leaves  without  stipules  and  small,  often  polygamous,  regular  pentandrous 
flowers.  Petals  imbricated  in  the  bud.  Oiwy  1-celled  (by  abortion),  but  with  3  styles  or 
stigmas,  and  a  single  ovule.  Fruit  indehiscent,  usually  drupaceous.  Seed  without  albu- 
men ;  emln-yo  curved. 

In  the  tropical  regions,  this  Family  presents  plants  of  much  interest :  such  as  that 
which  yields  the  celebrated  Mango  fruit  (Mangifera  Indica,  L.) — the  Cashew  nut  (Anacar- 
dium  occidentale,  L.)  and  the  Fistacia  nut  (Pistacia,  vera,  L.)  ;  with  others  which  afford 
various  kinds  of  Lacquer  and  Varnish.  A  species  of  Rhus  (R.  Cotinus,  L.)  affords  the 
"  young  Fustic,"  of  commerce — the  "  old  Fustic,"  being  the  wood  of  Morus  tinctorio,  L. 
The  Chian  or  Cyprus  Turpentine  is  obtained  from  the  Pistacia  Terebinthus,  L. 

1.     RHUS',  L.     SUMACH. 

[Greek,  Rhous,—or  Celtic  Rhudd,—rQd  ;  the  prevailing  color  of  the  fruit.] 

Sepals  5,  connected  at  base,  persistent.  Petals  5,  ovate,  spreading,  and 
with  the  siamens  inserted  under  the  margin  of  an  orbicular  disk.  Drupe 
small,  nearly  or  quite  dry ;  nut  bony,  1-celled.  Polygamo-dicecious 
shrubs  or  small  trees.  Leaves  sometimes  simple,  mostly  compound  (odd- 
pinnate  or  trifoliolate) ;  common  petiole  enlarged  at  the  base  and  cover- 
ing the  buds  of  the  ensuing  year. 

*  Leaves  odd-pinnate. 
f  Young  branches  densely  hairy. 


78  WEEDS   AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 

1.  H.  typhi'na,  L.  Young  brandies  and  petioles  densely  villous ; 
leaflets  in  many  pairs,  acutely  serrate,  glaucous  and  somewhat  pilose 
beneath  ;  drupes  densely  pubescent. 

TYPHA-LIKE  RHUS.     Staghorn  Sumach. 

Lactescent.  Stem  10 - 15  or  20  feet  high,  and  sometimes  4-6  inches  in  diameter,  branched. 
Leaves  composed  of  8-15  or  20  pairs  of  lance-oblong  leaflets  (2-4  inches  in  length)  ;  com- 
mon petioles  1-2  feet  long.  Flowers  yellowish -green,  in  thyrsoid  panicles, — the  fertile 
panicles  smaller  and  more  compact.  Ovaries  clothed  with  a  long  greyish  velvety  pu- 
bescence— which  on  the  fruit  becomes  a  bright  purple,  and  sharply  acid. 

Woodlands  and  banks  of  streams  :  Canada  to  Louisiana.  Fl.  June.  Fr.  September  - 
October. 

Obs.  This  is  the  largest  and  handsomest  species  of  the  genus — as  seen 
in  the  Middle  States.  The  fine  purple  clusters  of  fruit,  on  the  fertile 
plant,  render  it  quite  ornamental ;  and,  if  introduced  into  the  yards  and 
public  squares  of  our  cities,  would  present  an  almost  literal  exemplifi- 
cation of  the  much-admired  R  (h)  us  in  urbe !  Its  roots,  however,  are 
rather  troublesome  in  sending  up  suckers. 

ff  Young  branches  downy-pubescent. 

£.  R.  copalli'na,  L.  Common  petiole  winged  ;  leaflets  oblong  or  ovate- 
lanceolate,  nearly  entire. 
COPAL  RHUS.     Dwarf  Sumach. 

Juice  resinous.  Stem  3-8  feet  high,  branched.  Leaflets  1-3  inches  long,  usually  4-10 
pairs  with  a  terminal  one,  subcoriaceous,  shining  above.  Flowers  yellowish-green  in  ter- 
minal thyrsoid  panicles.  Fruit  densely  pubescent,  finally  dark  purple  and  acid. 

Dry  hills,  frequent.     Fl  July.     Fr.  October. 

Obs.  A  very  neat  species,  with  very  variable  leaflets,  which  are  some- 
times coarsely  and  unequally  serrate. 

Iff  Young  branches  smooth. 


3.    R,  gla'bra,   L.     Branches  and  petioles  glabrous ;  leaflets  in  many 
pairs, 'serrate,  smooth  on  both  sides,  glaucous  beneath. 
GLABROUS  RHUS.     Common  or  Smooth  Sumach. 

Juice  copiously  milky.     Stem  3-8   or  10  feet  high,  irregularly  branching;    young 

FIG  56.  Smooth  Sumach  (Rhus  glabra) ,  a  staininate  flower.     57.  A  pistillate  flower.  58. 
The  same  divided,  all  much  enlarged. 


CASHEW    FAMILY. 


79 


branches  stout  and  thick,  with  a  large  pith,  somewhat  angular  or  compressed.  Leaves 
composed  of  8-12  or  15  pairs  of  leaflets  (2-3  or  4  inches  in  length);  common  petiole  9-18 
inches  long,  often  dark  purple.  Flowers  yellowish-green  ;  tfie  fertile  panicles  smaller 
and  more  compact  than  the  sterile  ones.  Ovaries  clothed  with  a  short  greyish  silky  pft- 
bescence,  which  on  ihe  fruit  becomes  bright  purple,  and  contains  a  sprightly  acid. 

Old  fields,  fence-rows,  and  thickets  :  Canada  to  Louisiana.  Fl.  June.  Fr.  September 
-October. 

Obs.  This  shrub  is  apt  to  be  abundant  in  neglected  sterile  old  fields  ; 
and  its  prevalence,  in  arable  lands,  is  strong  evidence  of  the  occupant 
being  a  poor  thriftless  farmer. 


A/I- 

4.    R.   venena'ta,    DC.     Branches  and  petioles  smooth  ;  leaflets  in 
few  pairs,  very  entire  ;  common  petioles  not  winged  ;  fruit  glabrous. 

POISONOUS  EHUS.    Poison  Sumach.    Poison  Elder.    Swamp  Dogwood. 

Juice  resinous.  Stem  8-12  or  15  feet  high,  branching  above,  young  branches  rather 
slender,  terete,  smoothish,  slightly  verrucose  or  dotted.  Leaves  composed  of  3-5  or  6 
pairs  of  leaflets  (2-3  or  4  inches  long);  common  petioles  4-10  or  12  inches  long.  Flowers 
greenish.  Panicles  slender,  racemose,  on  long  axillary  peduncles.  Drupes  dry,  smooth 
and  shining,  nearly  twice  as  large  as  in  either  of  the  preceding. 

Low  grounds  along  swampy  rivulets  :    Canada  to  Georgia.     Fl.  June.     Fr.  September. 


FIG.  50.  Poison  Siiinach  (Rhus  venenata),  a  portion  of  a  flowering  branch,  reduced.    . 


80 


WEEDS    AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 


Obs.  This  was  formerly  supposed  to  be  identical  with  the  oriental 
species  which  yields  the  Japan  Varnish.  It  is  a  shrub  to  be  carefully 
extirpated  from  the  farm  ;  as  it  is  not  only  worthless,  but  exceedingly 
poisonous  to^many  persons,  if  they  come  in  contact  with  it — or  even  get 
unawares  in  its  immediate  vicinity. 

**  Leaves  trifoliolate. 


A.H. 


5.    R.  Toxicoden'dron,  L.     Stern  erect,  decumbent,  or  climbing  by 
rootlets ;  leaflets  in  threes,  obliquely  ovate  or  rhomboid,  acuminate ; 
fruit  glabrous. 
POISON-TREE  RHUS.     Poison-vine.     Poison-oak.     Poison-ivy. 

Not  lactescent.  In  the  erect  variety,  stem  2  -  5  or  6  foot  high  ;  leaflets  larger  (4  -  6  or  8  inc hos 
long) ,  variously  or  coarsely  toothed  or  lobed  ;  in  the  more  common  climbing  variety,  stem 
8  or  10  -  30  or  40  feet  long,  branching,  climbing  and  closely  adhering  to  trees  and  other 
objects  by  -means  of  numerous  rootlets  ;  leaflet,*  smaller  and  more  commonly  entire  than 
in  the  other  variety  :  thin  or  somewhat  membranaceous  in  both.  Flowers  yellowish-green. 


FIG.  60.  Poison  Ivy  (Rus  Toxicodendron) ,  reduced. 


VINE    FAMILY.  81 

Panicles  slender,  racemose,  on  short  axillary  peduncles.  Drupes  about  the  size  of  those  in 
the  preceding  species,  dry,  smooth,  and  shining,  pale  brown. 

Woodlands  and  old  fence-rows  :    Canada  to  Georgia,  and  the  Rocky  Mountains.     Fl. 
May -June.     Fr.  September. 

Obs.  This  species  is  also  poisonous, — and  should  not  only  be  known 
to  the  farmer,  but  diligently  expelled  from  his  premises.  There  arc 
several  other  species  of  Rkm  in  the  United  States,— interesting  to  the 
Botanist — as  all  plants  are, — but  not  immediately  so  to  the  practical 
Agriculturist.  The  Venetian  Sumach  (R.  COTINUS)  is  often  seen  in 
cultivation  as  an  ornamental  shrub.  The  flowers  are  mostly  abortive 
and  the  slender  very  hairy  pedicels  remain  after  flowering,  increasing 
in  length  and  making  large  light  bunches,  giving  such  a  peculiar  ap- 
pearance to  the  shrub  that  it  has  received  the  popular  name  of  "  Smoke 
Tree."  The  leaves  of  this  and  other  European  species  furnish  the 
Sumach  of  commerce,  which  is  imported  for  use  in  dyeing  and  calico- 
printing  and  for  tanning  morocco  leather.  The  leaves  of  R.  glabra,  JL 
typhina  and  perhaps  others  of  our  native  species  are  used  for  the  same"*- 
purposes.  Doct.  Darlington  has  in  his  garden,  at  Westchester,  a  re- 
markable variety  of  R.  glabra,  in  which  the  leaves  are  more  or  less 
completely  bipinnate ;  it  was  found  in  Chester  County,  and  is  worthy 
of  being  propagated  by  the  curious  in  such  matters.  * 

ORDER  XIX.     YITA'CE^E.     (YixE  FAMILY.) 

Shrubby  plants,  generally  with  a  loose  stringy  bark,  and  stems  climbing,  by  tendrils; 
simple  or  compound  leaves  opposite  the  racemes  which  are  sometimes  partly  or  wholly 
changed  into  tendrils.  Flowers  mostly  in  compound  racemes,  often  polygamous  or 
dioecious,  small,  greenish.  Calyx  very  small,  entire,  or  4-5  toothed,  lined  with  a  perigy- 
nous  disk.  Petals  4-5,  .valvate  in  aestivation,  sometimes  cohering  by  the  tips,  caducous. 
Stamens  as  many  as  the  petals,  and  opposite  them.  Ovary  2-celled,  with  2  erect  collateral 
ovules  in  each  cell.  Fruit  a  berry.  Seeds  with  a  bony  testa;  embryo  much  shorter  than 
the  horny  or  fleshy  albumen. 

1.    VI'TIS,  L.     GRAPE. 

[The  ancient  Latin  name  of  the  vine.] 

Calyx  obsoletely  5-toothed,  lined  with  a  fleshy  disk  which  bears  the 
stamens  and  pistils.  Petals  5,  cohering  at  apex  and  speedily  falling  off 
(pushed  off  by  the  stamens).  Stigma  subsessile,  obtuse.  Berry  2-3- 
celled,  4-seeded, — some  of  the  cells  and  seeds  often  abortive.  Perennial 
climbing  shrubs. 

*  Flowers  perfect  (Foreign  species) 

1.  Y.  VINIF'ERA,  JL     Leaves  lobed,  sinuate-dentate,  glabrous  or  to- 
mentose  ;  fruit  of  various  sizes  and  colors. 
WINE-PRODUCIXG  YITIS.     Wine  Grape.     Foreign  Grape,  &c. 
Fr.  La  Yigne.     Germ.  Der  Weinstock.     Span.  La  Yid. 

Steal  10-20  feet  or  more  in  length  (but  usually  kept  shorter  by  lopping.)  Leaves  more 
or  less  lobed  and  dentate,  generally  smaller  than  in  our  native  species,  sometimes  very 
glabrous  and  shining.  Berries  often  large,  of  various  forms  and  colors. 

Cultivated.     Native  of  Southern  Asia.     Fl.  June.     Fr.  August  -So  ptcmber. 

Obs.  Many  varieties  (with  names  as  numerous)  of  this  plant  have  been 


82  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   I'LAXTS. 

produced  by  long  culture  in  different  soils, — and  a  number  of  them  are 
cultivated  in  the  United  States,  for  their  delightful  fruit ;  but  the  pro- 
duct is  rather  uncertain,  in  this  climate,  without  great  care  and  atten- 
tion. The  excellence  of  the  fruit  of  the  Vine — whether  fresh,  or  dried 
and  preserved  in  the  state  of  Kaisins — is  universally  known  and  appre- 
ciated ;  while  the  fermented  juice  of  the  Grape  has  been  the  theme  of 
eulogy  and  song  (and  the  excessive  use  of  it,  the  cause  of  infinite  mis- 
chief), from  the  earliest  ages  down  to  the  establishment  of  Temperance 
Societies,  in  the  present  day.  The  Currants,  of  commerce  (Corinths,  or 
Grapes  of  Corinth) — often  called  Zante  Currants — are  believed  to  be  a 
small-fruited,  nearly  seedless  variety  of  this, — or  perhaps  a  distinct  yet 
nearly  allied  species. 

**  Flowers  diacious-polygamous  (Native  species). 

2.  V.  Labrus'ca,    L.     Leaves  roundish-cordate,  somewhat  3-lobed, 
^acutely  dentate,  densely  tomentose  beneath ;  racemes  simple ;  berries 

large. 

Fox-Grape,  of  the  Northern  States. 

Stem  15-20  or  30  foot  long,  straggling  over  bushes  and  small  trees.  Leaves  4-6  inches 
in  length — the  tomentum  beneath  tawny  ;  petioles  2-3  inches  long.  Berries  globose, 
large  (about  half  an  inch  in  diameter),  when  mature  varying  in  color  from  nearly  black 
to  dark  amber  and  greenish-white — with  a  thickish  coat,  a  tough  central  pulp,  and  a 
musky  or  rancid  flavor. 

Moist  thickets,  along  streams  :    Canada  to  Georgia.     Fl.  Juno.     Fr.  September. 

Obs.  This  grape  is  distributed  from  Canada  to  Texas,  and  presents  a 
considerable  variety  in  its  fruit,  being  of  various  colors,  and  differing 
in  form,  size  and  flavor.  In  general  the  fruit  has  a  strong  and  "  foxy  " 
flavor,  but  some  of  the  varieties  have  this  in  a  less  degree  and  are  highly 
esteemed.  It  is  supposed  that  the  generally  cultivated  Isabella  and  Ca- 
tawba  grapes  are  varieties  of  this,  as  are  also  several  others. 

3.  V.  8BStiva'lis,  MX.     Leaves  broadly  cordate,  often  3-5-lobed  or 
sinuately  palmate,  coarsely  and  unequally  dentate,  loosely  tomentose 
beneath  ;  fertile  racemes  mostly  compound,  long,  many-flowered ;  ber- 
ries small. 

SUMMER  VITIS.     Little  Grape.     Common  Wild  Grape. 

•Stem  20 -40  and  sometimes  60  feet  or  more  in  length.  Leaves  4- 8  inches  long,  often 
palmately  lobed  with  rounded  sinuses — the  younger  ones  with  a  loose  cobweb-like  russet 
pubescence  beneath,  which  becomes  coarser  and  more  hirsute  with  age,  and.  sometimes 
nearly  disappears.  Berries  globose,  small  (generally  about  one-fourth  of  an  inch  in  di- 
ameter), deep  blue  or  bluish  black  when  mature,  and  covered  with  a  fine  glaucous  pow- 
der— the  skin  thinnish,  and  the  flavor  (especially  after  a  little  frost)  a  sprightly  agreea- 
ble acid. 

Rich  woodlands  and  thickets  :    Connecticut  to  Florida.     Fl.  June.     F,-.  October. 

Obs.  This  is  the  tallest  climber  of  all  our  Grape-vines,  in  Pennsylva 
nia  ;  and  I  have  seen  an  old  vine,  of  this  species,  8-10  inches  in  diame- 
ter, at  base.  The  fruit  varies  in  size  and  quality, — the  best  specimens 
being  well  worthy  of  culture.  I  have  cultivated  a  native  of  this  vicinity, 
in  which  the  fruit  often  equals  that  of  the  "  English  Grape  "  (or  Miller's 


VI  XK    FAMILY 


83 


/ 


Burgundy,)  in  size  ;  and  although  somewhat  harshly  acid,  it  abounds  in 
a  rich  purple  juice,  at  maturity, — and  makes  a  fine  preserve  for  pastry. 

4.  V.  cordifo'lia,  MX.     Leaves  thin,  cordate,  acuminate,  sharply  and 
coarsely  toothed,  smoifth  and  green  on  both  sides ;  racemes  slender, 
large,  loosely  compound  ;  berries  small. 
HEART  LEAVED  YITIS.  .  Chicken  Grape.     Winter  or  Frost  Grape. 

Stem  10-20  feet  long,  climbing  and  spreading  over  bushes.     Leaves  2-6  inches  long, 
smooth,  the  nerves  pubescent  beneath.     Flowers  greenish,  in  loose  racemes  which  often 


FIG.  61 .  Leaf  an  i  tendril  of  the  common  Fox  Grape  (Vitis  Labrusca) .  62.  An  unex- 
pan«led  flower  bud,  much  enlarged.  63.  An  open  flower,  showing  th?  petals  cohering  by 
their  tips  and  falling  away  in  one  piece. 


84  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

have  long  abortive  branches  at  base  retrograding  into  tendrils.     Fruit  small,  greenish 
amber  color,  or  sometimes  nearly  black  when  mature,  ripening  after  frost,  very  acerb. 
Thickets,  &c.:  frequent.     Fl.  June.     Fr.  November. 

Obs.  The  flowers  of  this  vine  are  delightfully  fragrant.  The  fruit 
though  too  acid  for  eating  .is  said  to  afford  a  very  fine  wine.  There  is  a 
variety  with  broader  and  more  cut  and  toothed  leaves  (var.  riparia, 
Gray.) 

5.  V.  vulpi'na,  L.  Stem  and  branches  with  a  close  greyish-brown 
bark  ;  leaves  orbicular,  coarsely  toothed  with  bluntish  teeth,  cordate  at 
base,  smooth  and  shining  on  both  sides  ;  fertile  racemes  compound,  um- 
bellulate  ;  berries  large. 

VULPINE  OR  FOXY  YITIS.  Fox-Grape,  of  the  Southern  States,-  also 
called  "  Muscadine,"  and  "  Bullet-  or  Bull-Grape." 

Stem  20 -50  feet  or  more  in  length,  with  an  adhesive  greyish  minutely  warty  bark. 
Leaves  2-3  inches  in  diameter.  Berries  globose,  large  (half  an  inch  to  three  quarters  in 
diameter),  bluish  black  when  mature,  with  a  thick  tough  skin  and  not  unpleasant  flavor. 

Woodlands  and  banks  of  streams  :  Virginia  to  Florida.  Fl.  May  -June.  Fr.  Julv- 
August. 

06s.  The  most  striking  feature  of  this  vine,  is  the  close  even  te  xture 
of  its  grey  bark, — somewhat  resembling  that  of  the  Beech-tree,  or  Horn- 
beam ;  while  all  the  other  species,  so  far  as  I  know,  have  a  loose,  lamel- 
lated,  stringy,  dark-brown  bark,  after  the  first  year's  growth.  It  is 
quite  probable,  as  suggested  by  Mr.  ELLIOTT,  that  this  is  the  original 
"  Fox-Grape,"  or  V.  vulpina,  of  LINNAEUS.  I  have  observed  it  growing 
in  abundance  in  the  vicinity  of  the  village  of  Suffolk,  Virginia ;  but 
have  not  seen  the  fruit.  The  inhabitants  assured  me,  however,  that  the 
large  black  berries  were  quite  palatable, — and  were  uniformly,  in  that 
region,  known  by  the  name  of  Fox-grapes.  Mr.  ELLIOTT  thought  the 
species  might  be,  some  day,  advantageously  cultivated. 

2.  AMPELOP'SIS,  MX.    VIRGINIA  CREEPER. 

[Greek,  Ampelos,  a  vine,  and  opsis,  aspect ;  from  its  resemblance  to  the  vine.] 

Calyx  slightly  5-toothed,  without  a  lining  disk.         Petals  5,  concave, 

thick,  opening  at  apex,  expanding  before  they  fall. 

1.    A.  quinquefp'lia,  MX.    Leaves  digitate,  with  5  oblong  lanceolate 

leaflets  ;    flowers  in  cymose  clusters. 

FIVE-LEAVED  AMPELOPSIS.     Virginia  Creeper.     American  Ivy. 

'Stem  10-50  feet  long,  diffusely  branching,  climbing  trees  and  walls,  adhering  to  them 
by  sucker-like  expansions  at  the  tips  of  the  tendrils.     Leaflets  2-4  inches  long  with  a 
few  mucronate  teeth,  smooth  ;  common  petiole  2-6  inches  long.     Flowers  yellowish-green. 
Berries  bluish-black  ;  peduncles  crimson. 
Woods  and  rocks  :  common.    Fl.  July.    Fr.  October. 

Obs.  This  native  vine  is  one  of  the  most  ornamental  of  the  climbers 
and  is  much  cultivated,  both  in  this  country  and  in  Europe  for  covering 
walls  and  buildings.  It  is  perfectly  hardy  and  gives  a  dense  mass  of 
brilliant  green  throughout  the  summer  which  in  the  autumn  changes  to 
the  richest  shades  of  crimson  and  purple. 


LUCKTIIOKN    FAMILY. 


85 


ORDER  XX.     RHAMNA'CB^.     (BUCKTHORN  FAMILY.) 

Shrubs  or  small  frees  having  simple  mostly  alternate  leaves  with  stipules  minute  or  obsolete, 
and  small,  regular,  sometimes  apetalous  flowers.  Stamens  4-5,  perigynous,  as  many  as 
the  valvate  sepals,  alternate  with  them  and  opposite  the  hooded  or  concave  petals.  Sta- 
mens and  petals  inserted  on  the  edge  of  &  fleshy  disk  which  lines  the  tube  of  the  calyx 
and  sometimes  coheres  with  the  lower  part  of  the  2 -  5-celled  ovary.  Stigmas  2-5.  Fruit  a 
drupe  or  ood  with  1-seeded  cells  ;  seeds  not  arilled,  embryo  large,  in  a  sparing  fleshy  albu- 
men. 

1.  KHAM'NUS,  Tournef.    BUCKTHORN. 

[An  ancient  Greek  name,  alluding  to  its  numerous  brauchlets.] 

Calyx  4  -  5-cleft,  the  bell-shaped  tube  lined  with  the  thin  disk.  Petals 
4-5,  small,  notched  at  the  end,  short-clawed,  wrapped  round  the  short 
stamens  or  sometimes  wanting.  Ovary  free,  2  — 4-celled.  Fruit  a  berry- 


FIG.  64.  A  palmately  compound  leaf  of  Virginia  Creeper  (Ampelopsis  qulnquefolial. 
An  enlarged  flower. 


65. 


86  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

like  drupe   containing   2-4  separate,   cartilaginous  seed-like   nutlets 

which  are  grooved  on  the  back,  as  is  the  contained  seed.     Shrubs  or 

small  trees  with  loosely  pinnately- veined  leaves  and  axillary  clusters  of 

greenish  polygamous  or  dicedous  flowers. 

1.  R.  CATHAR'TICUS,  L.     Erect ;  branches  thorny  at  the  summit ;  leaves 

ovate,  minutely  serrate  ;  flowers  with  the  parts  in  fours ;  fruit  nearly 

spherical,  4-seeded. 

CATHAKTIC  RHAMNUS.     Buckthorn. 

Shrub  or  low  tree  with  greyish  bark.  Branchlets  ending  in  sharp  points,  being  stiff 
leafy  thorns.  Leaves  1-2  inches  long,  with  a  short  abrupt  acumination,  smooth  above, 
often  somowhat  hairy  on  the  7-9  prominent  veins  beneath.  Fertile  flowers  with  abortive 
stamens.  Sterile  flwvers  with  an  abortive  ovary.  Fruit  black,  nauseous  and  cathartic. 

Cultivated  and  spontaneous.    Fl.  May.    Fr.  October. 

Obs.  This  shrub  is  a  native  of  Europe  and  has  become  quite  natural- 
ized in  some  places.  The  berries  are  a  violent  cathartic  and  were  for- 
merly much  used,  in  the  form  of  syrup,  in  domestic  practice.  Before 
they  are  fully  ripe  and  treated  with  alum,  the  berries  furnish  the  water- 
color  known  as  sap-green.  The  chief  use  of  the  plant  is  to  form  hedges, 
a  purpose  for  which  it  is  well  suited,  being  quite  hardy  and  bearing 
severe  pruning  :  moreover  it  puts  out  its  foliage  early  in  the  season  and 
retains  it  until  late.  It  is  propagated  by  sowing  the  seeds,  fresh  from 
the  tree  in  the  fall  ;  planted  in  this  way  they  vegetate  in  the  following 
spring. 

ORDER  XXI.  CELASTRA'CE^.     (STAFF-TREE  FAMILY.) 

Shrubs,  rarely  trees,  with  alternate  or  opposite  simple  leaves,  minute  fugacious  stipules  and 
slnall  regular  powers  with  the  parts  in  fours  or  fives  and  imbricated  in  the  bud.  Stamens 
as  many  as  the  petals  and  alternate  with  them,  inserted  under  the  flat  disk  that  lines  the 
bottom  of  the  calyx.  Ovary  2-5-cel!ed,  with  one  or  few  (erect  or  pendulous)  ovules  in 
each  cell.  Fruit  2  -  5-celled,  free  from  the  calyx.  Seeds  arilled  ;  embryo  large  in  a  fleshy 
albumen. 

1.  CELAS'TRUS,  L.     STAFF-TREE. 

[A  name  borrowed  from  the  ancient  Greek  writers.] 

Polygamo-dicecious.  Sepals  5,  connected  at  base.  Petals  and  stamens  5, 
inserted  on  the  margin  of  the  cup-shaped  disk.  Fruit  a  globose  3-celled, 
3-valved  capsule,  opening  loculicidally.  Seeds  1-2  in  each  cell,  erect, 
enveloped  in  a  scarlet  aril.  Leaves  alternate ;  flowers  small  and 
greenish. 

1.  C.  scan 'dens,  L.  Stem  woody,  twining,  unarmed  ;  leaves  ovate- 
oblong,  finely  toothed,  pointed. 

CLIMBING  CELASTRUS.     Wax-work.     Climbing  Bitter-sweet. 

Stem  10-15  feet  long.  Leaves  2-4  inches  long,  on  petioles  about  %  of  an  inch  in  length. 
Floivers  yellowish-green,  in  small  racemes  terminating  the  short  branches.  Fruit  aboi:t 
the  size  of  large  peas,  orange  color  when  mature,  opening  at  length  and  exposing  the 
seeds  enveloped  in  their  scarlet  aril. 

Common  in  thickets  and  along  streams.    Fl.  June.    Fr.  Oct. 


SOAr-BERUY    FAMILY. 


07 


Obs.  This  is  noticed  as  being  one  of  our  most  elegant  native  climbers ; 
it  is  highly  ornamental  when  trained  upon  a  trellis-work,  or  around 
the  supports  of  a  piazza.  The  fruit  presents,  in  autumn,  a  most  bril- 
liant appearance,  and  is  a  conspicuous  object  in  dry  bouquets.  The 
plant  is  readily  propagated  by  seeds  and  by  layers.  The  Burning  Bush 
or  Spindle  Tree  (Euonymus  atrqpurpureus,  Jacq.)  belongs  to  the  same 
family  ;  it  is  an  upright  shrub  with  deeply-lobed  capsules  of  a  deep  red 
color,  and  presents  a  most  brilliant  appearance  after  the  leaves  have 
fallen. 

ORDER  XXII.  SAPINDA'CEJB.     (SOAP-BERRY  FAMILY.) 

Trees  or  shrubs  with  opposite  or  alternate  mostly  compound  leaves,  no  stipules  and  (often 
polygamous)  mostly  irregular  and  unsymmetrical/oim-s.  Petals  and  sepals  4-5,  imb/i- 
cated  in  the  bud.  Stamens  5 -10  inserted  on  a  fleshy  disk,  commonly  more  numerous 
than  the  petals  or  sepals,  but  rarely  twice  as  many.  Ovary  2-3-cellcd  and  lobod.  Fruit 
capsular  or  berry-like.  Seeds  without  albumen  ;  cotyledons  thick  and  fleshy. 


FIG.  66.  The  Climbing  Staff-tree,  or  Wax-work,  (Celastrus  scandens).     67.  The  fruit. 


88  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

1.     JSS'CULUS,  L.    HORSE-CHESTNUT. 

[The  ancient  name  of  a  tree  which  bore  esculent  fruit.] 

Trees  or  shrubs.  Leaves-  opposite,  without  stipules  ;  leaflets  to  pen- 
ninerved.  Flowers  unsymmetrical,  in  large  showy  terminal  thyrsoid 
panicles  cr  racemes,  often  polygamous.  Calyx  of  5  connected  sepals. 
Petals  5  (or  sometimes  4,  by  the  suppression  of  the  lower  one),  un- 
equal. Stamens  6-8.  Ovary  3-celled  ;  styles' united  into  one.  Fruit  a 
subglobose  coriaceous  capsule,  echinate  or  unarmed,  mostly  1-celled  by 
abortion,  2  -  3-valved  with  a  loculicidal  dehiscence.  Seed  mostly  soli- 
tary by  abortion,  large,  subglobose,  with  a  smooth  shining  reddish- 
brown  coat  and  broad  paler  hilum,  destitute  of  albumen  ;  cotyledons 
very  thick  and  fleshy,  gibbous,  cohering  or  soldered  together,  remaining 
under  ground  in  germination. 

1.  M.  HIPPOCAS'TANUM,  L.    Leaflets  in  sevens,  obovate-cuneate,  acute, 
dentate  ;  flowers  5-petaled  ;  fruit  prickly. 

HORSE-CHESTNUT  JEscuLus.     Horse-chestnut. 

Fr    Maronnier  d'  Inde.     Germ.  Die  Kosskastanie.     Span.  Castano  de 

Indias. 

Stem  30 -50 or  60  feet  high,  and  1-2  feet  in  diameter,  with  numerous  symmetrical  rather 
erect  branches.  Leaflets  4-6  or  8  inches  long  ;  common  petioles  4-6  inches  long.  Flowers 
"white  or  ochroleucous,  with  red  spots  and  tinges  of  yellow. 

Cultivated.     Native  of  Asia.     Fl.  May.     Fr.  Oct. 

Obs.  This  ornamental  tree  (which  is  often  called  English  Horse  Chest- 
nut, because  it  came  to  us  by  way  of  England — but  which  originally 
came  from  Northern  India — )  has  not  been  as  generally  introduced  as  it 
deserves  to  be.  It  is  symmetrical  and  handsome,  and  although  of  slower 
growth  than  some  others,  it  is,  in  my  opinion,  well  worth  waiting  for — 
on  account  of  its  rare  beauty,  and  the  perfect  shade  it  affords.  The 
young  shoots,  or  branches  of  each  year,  complete  their  development,  and 
come  to  a  full  stop,  early  in  the  summer, — the  residue  of  the  season  being 
requisite  to  harden  and  prepare  them  to  endure  the  succeeding  winter  ; 
and  no  secondary  branches  are  ever  put  forth  during  growth.  This  tree 
has  usually  been  remarkably  exempt  from  the  depredations  of  insects, 
but  during  the  past  summer  (1858)  it  has  been,  in  some  localities,  badly 
infested  by  them.  In  Philadelphia,  numerous  fine  specimens  were  com- 
pletely stripped  of  their  foliage  and  probably  the  future  vigor  of  the 
trees  much  impaired.  The  red  flowering  Horse-chestnut  ( JE.  RUBICUXDA 
and  CARNEA  of  the  horticulturists)  is  probably  a  variety  of  this  ;  it  is  a 
smaller  tree  and  exceedingly  beautiful  when  in  flower. 

2.  M.  Pa'via,  L.    Leaflets  5  ;  calyx  tubular  ;  petals  4,  erect  and  con- 
nivent,  the  upper  2  longest  ;  stamens  not  longer  than  the  corolla,  fruit 
smooth. 

Red  Buckeye. 


MAPLE    FAMILY.  89 

Shrub  or  small  tree.    Leaflets  somewhat  doubly  serrate,  shining  above,  smooth  or  some- 
what downy  beneath.     Flowers  large,  in  a  loose  thyrsus,  calyx  and  corolla  bright  red. 
Virginia,  Kentucky  and  southward.     May. 

Obs.  The  bruised  branches  of  this  aro  said,  by  Elliott,  to  be  employed 
to  stupify  fish.  Several  other  species  'are  natives  of  the  western  and 
southern  States,  known  by  the  name  of  Buckeye,  "  from  a  resemblance 
of  the  seeds  to  the  eye  of  that  animal.  These  native  trees,  by  reason  of 
their  abundance,  have  become  the  popular  emblem  of  Ohio — which  is 
known  throughout  the  Union  by  the  soubriquet  of  the  Buckeye  State." 
The  wood  of  the  various  species  is  of  little  value.  The  seeds  contain  an 
acrid  and  narcotic  principle  and  abound  in  starch,  which  has  been  man- 
ufactured from  the  common  Horse-chestnut  in  Europe.  The  roots 
yield  a  mucilaginous  matter  which  is  sometimes  used  as  a  substitute  for 
soap  in  washing  woollens. 

ORDER  XXIII.     ACERA'CE^E.     (MAPLE  FAMILY.) 

Irees  with  a  sweet  sap,  opposite  leaves  without  stipules,  and  polygamo-dicecious,  regular  but 
often  apetalous  and  unsymmetrical^oii'ers.  Stamens  and  petals  inserted  on  a  fleshy,  lobed 
disk.  Fruit  a  pair  of  more  or  less  diverging  separable  1-seeded  \vingcd  keys  (samaras) 
with  the  outer  margin  thicker  and  obtuse.  Seeds  without  albumen  ;  embryo  coiled  or  folded  ; 
cotyledons  long  and  thin. 

1.  A'CER,  L.    MAPLE. 

[The  ancient  classical  name  of  the  Maple. 

Flowers  polygamous.     Calyx  colored,  5-lobed.     Petals  5  or  often  none. 
Stamens  4-12.     Styles  2,  long  and  slender,  united  below.     Ovary  2- 
celled  with  2  ovules  in  each  cell.    Fruit  2  1-seeded  winged  keys. 
*  Flowers  in  pendulous  racemes  or  corymbs,  appearing  with. the  leaves. 

f  Petals  5. 

1.  A.  PSEUDO-PLA'TANUS,  L.  Leaves  heart-shaped  at  base,  5-lobed,  un- 
equally toothed  ;  flowers  in  terminal  pendulous  racemes ;  fruit  diverging. 
FALSE-PLATANUS  ACER.  Sycamore.  Greater  Maple. 

A  large  tree  when  fully  grown.  Leaves  4  -6  inches  long,  on  petioles  about  the  same 
length.  Racemes  about  C  inches  long  ;  rachis  and  filaments  hairy  ;  Jloivers  yellowish  green, 
the  sepals  and  petals  nearly  alike  •  fruit  smooth. 

Cultivated.     Native  of  Europe.     April. 

Obs.  This  has  been  introduced  as  an  ornamental  shade  tree ;  but  I 
consider  our  own  Sugar  Maple  and  the  Norway  Maple,  as  decidedly 
preferable,  notwithstanding  Cowper's  lines  : 

" nor  unnoted  pass 

The  Sycamore,  capricious  in  attire, 

Now  green,  now  tawny,  and,  ere  autumn  yet 

Have  changed  the  woods,  in  scarlet  honors  bright." 

Both  this  and  the  Plane  Tree  (Platanus),  are  vulgarly  called   Sycamore 
in  our  language ;  but  why,  is  not  apparent.     The  true  "  Sycamore  "- 
(perhaps  the  tree  which  ZACCHEUS  climbed) — is  a  species  cf  Fig-tree 
(Ficus  Syeomorus,  L.) 


90  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

2.  A.  PLATANGI'DES,    L.    Juice  milky  ;  leaves  broadly  heart-shaped,  5- 
lobed,  coarsely  toothed  ;  flowers  somewhat  corymbose  ;  fruit  divaricate, 
smooth. 

PLATANUS-LIKE  AOEK.     Norway  Maple. 

A  large  tree  when  full  grown.    Leaves  4-6  inches  in  length  and  rather  wider  than  long 
deep  shining  green  ;  petioles  about  as  long  as  the  leaves,  when  broken  exuding  a  milky 
juice.    Flowers  pule  greenish-yellow,  in  loose  terminal,  somewhat  pendulous  corymbs. 
Keys  remarkably  divaricate. 
-  Cultivated.     Native  of  Europe.     April. 

Obs.  This  tree  has  been  but  recently  introduced  ;  yet  it  promises  to 
become  one  of  our  most  desirable  shade  trees.     Its  foliage  is  remarkably 
fine,  and  abundant,  continuing  green  longer  than  most  other  species ; 
and  it  is  said  that  its  milky  juice  prevents  the  ravages  of  insects, 
ff  Petals  none. 

3.  A.   sacchari'num,   L.    Leaves  broad,  subcordate  at  base,  3-5- 
lobed  with  the  sinuses  obtuse, — the  lobes  acuminate,  coarsely  and  spar- 
ingly sinuate-dentate  ;   flowers  apetalous,  pendulous  on  long  filiform, 
villous,  fasciculate  pedicels  ;  fruit  turgid,  smooth. 

SACCHARINE  ACER.     Sugar  Maple. 

Stem  50-80  feet  or  more  in  height,  and  2-3  feet  in  diameter.  Leaves  3-o  inches  long, 
and  generally  rather  wider  than  long,  dark  green  above,  paler  beneath  -petioles  2-4 
inches  long.  Calyx  pale  greenish-yellow,  truncate  and  cup-like,  the  limb  fringed  with 
long  hairs.  Petals  none.  Fruit  ovoid  at  base,  about  an  inch  long — including  the  wing — 
slightly  diverging. 

Rich  woodlands  :  Canada  to  Georgia.     Fl.  April -May.     Fr.  Sept. 

06s.  This  is  one  of  the  most  valuable  and  interesting  of  our  native 
trees, — particularly  in  the  forests  of  the  North  and  West — where  its 
sap,  in  early  spring,  yields  an  immense  quantity  of  Sugar  and  Syrup. 
The  beautiful  wood,  known  as  Bird's-eye  Maple — so  much  admired  in 
cabinet  work — is  obtained  from  this  species  ;  and  it  is,  moreover,  rarely 
surpassed,  in  any  respect,  as  an  ornamental  shade  tree.  The  Black 
Sugar  Maple  (A.  nigrum,  Michx.)  is  regarded  as  only  a  variety  of  this  ; 
its  leaves  are  usually  somewhat  larger  and  of  a  darker  green,  and  of  a 
thicker  and  somewhat  leathery  texture.  The  wood  of  the  Sugar  Maple 
is  highly  valued  as  fuel,  ranking  near  hickory  ;  it  also  furnishes  a  fine 
quality  of  charcoal. 
**  Flowers  in  short  erect  clusters,  from  lateral  leafless  buds,  preceding  tlte 

leaves. 
f  Petals  none. 

4.  A.  dasycar'pum,  Ehrh.   Leaves  palmately  and  deeply  5-lobed  with 
the  sinuses  acute,  the   lobes  unequally  incised-dentate ;    ovary  densely 
tomentose. 

HAIRY-FRUITED  ACER.     Silver-leaved  Maple.     White  Maple. 

Stem  30 -60  feet  high,  and  2  feet  or  more  ("  in  the  Western  States  sometimes  8-9." — 
Ibrr.  &  Gr.)  in  diameter,  much  branched, — the  young  branches  virgate  and  straggling  or 
drooping.  Leaves  3-6  inches  long,  bluish  white  or  glaucous  beneath  ;  petioles  2-5  incnes 
long.  Flowers  in  fascicles  mostly  of  fives  and  sevens.  Calyx  pale  green,  truncate  and 


MAPLE    FAMILY. 


91 


cup-like.     Petals  none.     Fruit  (including  the  wing)   2-3  inches  long,  one  of  the  carpels 
usually  abortive  ;  pedfcels  of  the  fruit  an  inch  long.     Seeds  large  ;  embryo  nearly  straight. 
Banks  of  rivers  :  Maine  to  Georgia.     Fl.  April.     Ft:  May  -June. 

Obs.  This  has  been  extensively  introduced  into  our  cities  and  vil- 
lages, as  an  ornamental  tree, — and  is  often  mistaken  for  the  true  Sugar 
Maple.  It  appears,  indeed,  from  the  researches  of  Prof.  A.  GRAY,  that 
LINNAEUS  established  the  A.  saccharinum  upon  a  specimen  of  this  plant ; 
but,  as  it  was  done  under  a  misapprehension  of  its  character,  the  name 
has  been  very  properly  transferred,  by  all  succeeding  Botanists,  to  the 
real  sugar-producing  species.  The  Silver  Maple,  however,  is  by  no 
means  to  be  compared  with  the  Sugar  Maple,  even  as  a  shade  tree, — 
and  much  less  for  its  economical  value. 

ff  Petals  5. 


70 


5.  A.  m'brum,  L.    Leaves  generally  3-lobed  with  the  sinuses  acute, 
subcordate    at  base, — the  lobes    acute,  spreading,  unequally  incised- 
dentate  ;  flowers  aggregated  on  rather  long  pedicels  ;  ovary  glabrous. 
EED  ACER.     Eed  Maple.     Swamp  Maple. 

Stem  40-60  or  80  feet  high,  and  1-2  feet  or  more  in  diameter,  branched,  the  young 
branches  purplish.  Leaves  2- 4  inches  long  ;  petioles  1  or  2-5  inches  long.  Flowers  ap- 
pearing before  the  leaves,  in  fascicles  of  fives.  Calyx  petaloid,  and  with  the  petals  bright 
purple,  or  often  yellowish-tawny.  Fruit  (including  the  wing)  near  an  inch  long. 


FIG.  68.  A  leaf  of  the  Red  Maple  (Acer  rubrum),  with  its  winged  key-fruit  (samara.) 
3.  A  staminate  flower.     70.  A  pistillate  flower,  both  enlarged. 


92  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

.  Moist  low  grounds  ;  swampy  woodlands  :  Canada  to  Florida.  Fl.  March  -  April.  Fr. 
September. 

Obs.  The  variety  with  yellowish  or  tawny  flowers  is  quite  common 
in  Pennsylvania, — and  in  a  pretty  extensive  examination,  I  find-  those 
flowers  generally  staminate  and  sterile  (rarely  perfect) ;  while  the  bright 
purple  flowers  are  constantly  perfect.  The  wood  of  the  Red  Maple — 
especially  that  variety  or  form  of  it,  known  as  Curled  Maple — is  much 
used  in  the  manufacture  of  various  articles  of  furniture,  £c.,  and  the 
refuse  timber  makes  excellent  fuel.  The  bark  affords  a  dark  purplish- 
blue  dye,  and  makes  a  pretty  good  bluish-black  ink.  The  sap  of  all 
the  species  is  more  or  less  saccharine. 

2.  NEGUN'DO,   Moench.     BOX-ELDER. 

[Origin  of  the  name  obscure.] 

Dicecious.  Calyx  minute,  4-5-cleft.  Petals  none.  STAMINATE  Fl. 
mostly  with  5  stamens  on  capillary  clustered  pedicels.  PISTILLATE 
Fl.  in  simple  slender  pendulous  racemes.  Fruit  as  in  Acer.  Leaves 
pinnate. 

1.  N.  aceroi'des,  Moench.     Leaves  pinnate  in  threes  or  fives ;  leaflets 

rhombic-ovate,  coarsely  cut-toothed. 

ACER-LIKE  NEGUNDO.     Box-elder.     Ash-leaved  Maple. 

Stem  20-40  feet  high,  branched  ;  young  branches  with  a  yellowish -green  bark.  Leaflets 
mostly  3,  sometimes  odd-pinnate  in  fives,  3-5  inches  long  ;  common  petioles  3-4  inches  in 
length.  Flmvers  yellowish-green,  from  lutofcl  buds  ;  ovaries  hairy  ;  fruit  diverging. 

Low  grounds  :  Middle  and  Southern  and  Western  States.     April. 

Obs.  A  handsome  little  tree,  more  abundant  in  the  South  and  West 
than  in  the  Eastern  states. 


ORDER  XXIV.     POLYGALA'CEJ^.     (MILKWORT  FAMILY.) 

Herbs  with  mostly  alternate  simple  and  entire  leaves,  without  stipules,  and  irregular  some- 
what papillionaceous powers.  Stamens  4 -8,  diadelphous  ;  anthers  1-celled,  opening  by  a 
pore  at  the  summit.  Style  curved,  often  hooded.  Fruit  a  2-celled  2-seeded  capsule. 

1.  POLYGA'LA,  Tournef.     MILKWORT. 

[Greek,  Poly,  much,  and  Gala,  milk  ;  from  its  supposed  influence  on  the  lacteal  secretion.] 

Sepals  5,  persistent ;  the  upper  and  two  lower  ones  small,  greenish  ;  the 
two  lateral  ones  (called  wings)  much  larger  and  petal-like.  Petals  3, 
hvpogynous,  connected  with  each  other  and  with  the  stamen-tube  ;  the 
middle  or  lower  one  keeled,  often  crested.  Capsule  compressed  con- 
trary to  the  narrow  partition,  loculicidal.  Seeds  with  a  caruncle  or 
variously  shaped  appendage  at  the  hilum. 

1.  P.  Sen'ega,  L.  Perennial,  stems  simple,  terete  ;  leaves  _  alternate, 
elliptic-lanceolate,  the  upper  ones  acuminate  ;  raceme  terminal,  spike- 


PULSE   FAMILY.  93 

form;   wings  of  the  calyx  orbicular-obovate,  concave,  rather  longer 

than  the  petals. 

Seneka  Snake-root.     Milk  wort.     Mountain  Flax. 

Root  perennial,  thick  and  somewhat  woody,  with  coarse  branches.  Stems  usually  several 
from  the  same  root,  9-15  inches  high,  herbaceous  and  rather  flaccid.  Leaves  1  or  2-4 
inches  long — those  near  tire  root  small,  ovate  and  scale-like..  Flowers  greenish-white. 
Capsule  orbicular.  Seeds  large,  pyriform,  hairy,  the  arillus-like  caruncles  nearly  as  long 
as  the  se"eds. 

Hilly  woodlands  :  Canada  to  North  Carolina.    Fl.  May.     Fr.  July. 

Obs.  The  root  of  this  species  is  so  valuable  for  its  medicinal  proper- 
ties— as  a  stimulating  expectorant,  in  croup,  &c., — that  although  not 
a  plant  of  agricultural  interest,  every  farmer  ought  to  know  its  charac- 
ter, and  be  able  to  recognise  it  when  he  sees  it. 

ORDER  XXV.    LEGUMINO'S^E.     (PULSE  FAMILY.) 

Herbs,  shrubs  or  trees  with  alternate  stipulate  and  usually  compound  leaves,  and  papilio- 
naceous or  regular  flowers.  Stamens  mostly  10  (rarely  5,  sometimes  many)  monadel- 
phous,  diadelphous  (9  and  1) ,  or  rarely  distinct.  Pistil  simple,  becoming  a  legume  in  fruit. 
Seeds  without  albumen,  attached  to  the  upper  suture  of  the  pod. 

This  vast  family — comprising  upwards  of  400  genera — is  as  important  as  it  is  compre- 
hensive. Among  the  remarkable  plants,  or  products,  belonging  to  the  Order,  and  not 
here  described,  may  be  mentioned — on  account  of  their  value,  beauty  or  other  character  - 
istics— the  Logwood  (Haematoxylon  Campechianum,  L.) — the  Braziletto,  or  Brazil  Wood 
(Caesalpinia  Brasiliensis,  L.) — the  Rose  Wood  (a  species  of  Mimosa) — the  Sissoo  Wood  of 
India  (Dalbergia  Sissoo  Roxb.)— the  Red  Sandal  Wood  (Pterocarpus  santalinus,  L.)— the 
Liquorice  plant  (Glycyrrhiza  glabra,  L.) — the  Tamarind  tree  (Tamarindus  Indica,  L.) — 
the  Tonka  Bean  (Dipterix  odorata,  Willfl.) — the  Senna  of  the  Shops  (Cassia  Senna,  L.) — 
the  plants  yielding  Gum  Arabic  (species  of  Acacia) ,  and  various  other  gums  and  balsams 
— the  pretty  Laburnum  (Citysus  Laburnum,  L.) — and  the  wonderful  Sensitive  plant 
(Mimosa  pudica,  L.),  &c.,  &c.  The  famous  Chinese  condiment  called  "  Soy,"  is  also  ob- 
tained from  the  seeds  of  a  plant  (Dolichos  Soja,  L.,  or  Soja  hispida,  DC.)  belonging  to  this 
Order  ;  and  the  bean  called  "  Dnal,"  in  Bengal,  is,  I  believe,  the  seed  of  the  Cajauus 
flavus,DC. 

The  numerous  genera  comprised  in  this  Order  are  disposed  in  several  sub-orders,  tribes 
and  sub-tribes.  Those  described  in  this  work  are  arranged  in  the  following  synopsis  : 

1.  TRUE  PULSE  FAMILY.  *PAPILIONACE^. 

Calyx  of  5  sepals  more  or  less  united,  often  unequally  so.     Corolla  irregular.     Papiliona- 
ceous, consisting  of  5  unequal  petals  inserted  in  the  base  of  the  calyx,  the  upper  called  the 
standard  (vexillum)   larger  than  the  others  and  enclosing  them  in  the  bud.    The  two 
lateral  called  wings  are  exterior  to  the  two  lower,  which  are  more  or  less  united  at  their 
edges  and  form  the  keel,  which  usually  encloses  the  stamens  and  pistil.     Stamens  10 
(rarely  5),  diadelphous,  sometimes  monadelphous,or  distinct.    Ovary  1-celled.    Cotyledons 
large  and  thick,  radicle,  mostly  incurved.     Leaves  simple  or  compound. 
*  Stamens  monadelphous  or  diadelphous.  Pod  continuous  and  1-celled, 
or  sometimes  2-celled  lengthwise.     Cotyledons  becoming  green  leaves 
in  germination.    Not  climbing  or  twining  (except  Wistaria) ,  nor  tendril 
bearing. 

Stamens  monadelphous  ;  anthers  of  2  forms.     Leaves -simple.  1.  GE.MSTA. 

Stamens  diadelphous  (9  &  1).  Leaves  palmatcly  3-(or  rarely  pinnately 
5-)foliolate.     Pods  small,  resembling  ak'enes.     Herbs. 
Flowers  in  heads.     Pods  thin,  enclosed  in  the  persistent  calyx,  1  -  6- 

seeded.  2.  TRIFOIJUM. 

Flowers  in  racemes,  or  spikes. 

Pods  wrinkled,  coriaceous.  3.  MEULOTJS. 

Pods  curved  or  spirally  coiled.  .  4.  MEDICAGO. 


94 


WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 


Stamens  diadclplious.  Pods  several- 
seeded,  at  length  2-valved,  1-celled 
(rarely  with  cellular  partitions  be- 
tween the  seeds).  Leaves  unequally 
pinnate.  Flowers  in  racemes. 

Pods  flat  and  thin,  margined  on  one 
edge.  Trees  or  shrubs  ;  leaflets 
stipellate. 

Pods  tumid  marginless.  Shrubs 
with  long  twining  stems  ;  leaf- 
lets not  stipellate. 
Keel  with  a  subulate  spur  on  each 
side.  Pods  deflected  on  the 
pedicel,  with  cellular  partitions 
between  the  truncate  seeds. 
Herbaceous. 

**  Stamens  diadelphous.  Pod  continu- 
ous, 1-celled.  Cotyledons  remaining 
under  ground  in  germination.  Herbs 
with  the  common  petiole  generally 
produced  into  a  bristle  or  tendril. 
Leaves  without  tendrils. 

Leaves  odd-pinnate  in  4- 6  pairs. 

Pods  inflated,  2-seeded. 
Leaves  equally  pinnate.  Pods  form- 
ed under  ground. 
Leaves  with  tendrils. 
Tendril    simple,  nearly  obsolete. 
Seeds  large,  fixed  by  one  end. 
Stem  erect. 

Tendrils    nearly    simple.      Seeds 
small,  lenticular,  2  in  each  pod. 
Tendrils  long  and  branching,  calyx 
lobe  leafy.  Stipules  large.  Seeds 
globular. 
Tendril   conspicuous,  calyx  lobes 

not  leafy.     Style  hairy. 

***  Stamens  diadelphous.  Cotyledons  rising  above  ground  in  germination. 
Twining  herbs,  leaves  without  tendrils.  Flowers  in  racemes.  Keel 
spiral. 

Stamens  10  distinct.     Keel  petals  distinct.     Pods  inflated.     Leaves  pal- 
mately  3-foliolate. 


71 


5.  ROBIMA 

6.  WISTARIA. 


7.  INDIGOFERA 


8.  CICER. 

9.  ARACHIS. 

10.  FABA. 

11.  ERVUM. 

12.  PISUM. 

13.  VICIA. 

14.  PHASEOLCS. 
15. 


2.  BEASILETTO  FAMILY.     C^SALPINEJS. 


Corolla  nearly  regular,  often  somewhat  papilionaceous,  the  standard 

then  within  the  other  petals.     Stamens  10  or  fewer,  distinct. 

Flowers  imperfectly  papilionaceous,  reddish,  appearing  before  the 

simple  roundish  heart-shaped  leaves.  Trees.  16.  CERCIS. 

Flowers  not  papilionaceous.  Herbs  with  simply  pinnate  leaves  and 

yellow  flowers.  17.  CASSIA. 

Trees  with  leaves  mostly  twice  pinnate.  Flowers  not  at  all  papilio- 
naceous, dioecious  or  polygamous. 

Flowers  dioecious.  Stamens  10  and  petals  5,  inserted  on  the  summit 
of  the  funnel-shaped  calyx-tube.  Pod  broad  and  hard.  Leaves 
2-pinnate.  18.  GYMN-OCLADTTS. 

Flowers  polygamous.  Stamens  and  Petals  3-5  on  the  bottom  of  the 

open  calyx.  Pod  long  and  flat.  Leaves  1  -  2-pinnate.  19.  GLEDITSCHIA. 


FIG.  71.  The  common  Pea  (Pisum  sativum),  showing  a  pinnate  leaf  with  very  large 
stipules,  terminated  by  a  tendril  ;  a  papilionaceous  flower  and  an  immature  leguma. 


TULSE    FAMILY. 


95 


73 


FIG.  72.  An  enlarged  flower  of  a  Pea  (Pisum  sativum)  divided  to  show  the  position  of  the 
parts;illustrating  the  general  structure  of  the  true  Pulse  Family  (Papilionacese).  a  Sepals. 
6  Outer  petal  or  banner,  c  One  of  the  side  petals  or  wings,  d  One  of  the  two  lower 
petals  which  form  the  keel,  e,  Stamen  tube.  /The  ovary  containing  the  ovules.  73 
Pea  flower  with  petals  aud  calyx  removed,  showing  the  united  stamens  (diadelpho'is 
9  &  1),  enclosing  the  pistil. 


96  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   P1.A.NTS. 

1.  GENISTA,  L.    WOAD-WAXEN. 

[Name  from  the  Celti'*  gen,  a  bush.] 

Calyx  2-lipped.  Standard  oblong-oval,  spreading.  Keel  oblong,  straight, 

scarcely  enclosing  the  stamens  and  style.     Stamens  monadelphous,  the 

sheath    entire ;    5  alternate  anthers  shorter.      Pod  fiat,  several-seeded. 

Shrubby  plants.     Leaves  simple.     Flowers  yellow. 

1.  G.  TiNCTOvRiA,  L.    Low,  thornless,  with  striate  angled  erect  branches ; 

leaves  lanceolate  ;  flowers  in  spiked  racemes. 

DYER'S  GENISTA.     Woad-waxen.     Whin.     Dyer's  Green  Weed. 

Stem  about  a  foot  high,  erect  or  ascending.     Leaves  sessile,  rather  distant.     Flowers 
bright  yellow  with  a  small  bract  at  the  base  of  each. 
A  native  of  Europe,  Massachusetts  and  E.  New  York.     June -July. 

Obs.  This  plant  has  become  thoroughly  naturalized  in  some  places,  especi- 
ally in  Eastern  Massachusetts,  where  it  is  so  abundant  in  some  localities  as 
to  give  to  the  hill-sides  a  yellow  appearance  when  in  flower.  It  abounds  in 
coloring  matter,  and  is  used  to  dye  wool  yellow.  It  is  said  that  when 
cows  feed  upon  it  their  milk  becomes  bitter.  It  has  some  medicinal  repu- 
tation, and  is  a  popular  remedy  among  the  Russian  peasantry  for  hydro- 
phobia, a  ° 

2.  TRIFO'LIUM,  L.     CLOVER. 

[Latin,  Ires,  three,  and/oM-um,  leaf  ;  characteristic  of  the  genus.] 

Calyx  tubular,  persistent,  5-cleft ;  segments  subulate.  Corolla  usually 
withering  ;  petals  more  or  less  united,  and  mostly  free  from  the  stamen- 
tube  ;  keel  shorter  than  the  wings  and  vexillum.  Legume  small,  mem- 
branaceous,  scarcely  dehiscent,  1-2-  (rarely  3  -  4-)  seeded,  mostly 
included  in  the  calyx-tube.  Flowers  mostly  in  heads  or  spikes.  Stipules 
adnate  to  the  base  of  the  petiole. 

*  Florets  sessile  in  compact  heads ;  corolla  purple  or  pale  pink  and  spotted. 
1.  T.  arvense,  L.  Stem  erect,  pilose  ;  leaflets  linear-ob ovate  or  spatu- 
late,  minutely  3-toothed  at  apex  ;  stipules  narrow,  subulate-acuminate ; 
heads  oblong-cylindric,  softly  villous  ;  calyx-segments  longer  than  the 
corolla  ;  petals  scarcely  united. 

FIELD  TRIFOLIUM.     Stone  Clover.     Welsh  Clover.     Kabbit-foot. 
Fr.  Pied  de  Lievre.     Germ.  Der  Haseii  Klee.     Span.  Pie  de  Liebre. 

Whole  plant  softly  pilose.  Root  annual.  Stem  6-12  inches  high,  slender,  generally 
much  branched.  Leaflets  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  long  ;  common  petioles  one-fourth  of  an 
inch  to  an  inch  long.  Corolla  inconspicuous,  whitish  or  pale  pink,  with  a  purple  spot  on 
the  wings.  Legume  1-sceded. 

Sterile  old  fields:  Canada  to  Florida:  introduced.  Native  of  Europe.  Fl.  June- 
Augiist.  Fr.  August -October. 

Obs.  This  species — a  naturalized  foreigner — is  only  entitled  to  the 
notice  of  the  farmer  on  account  of  its  prevalence  and  its  worthlessness. 
Its  presence  is  a  pretty  sure  indication  of  a  thin  soil,  and  neglected  Agri- 
culture :  and  the  appropriate  remedy  is  to  improve  both.  It  is  then 
easily  superseded  by  more  valuable  plants. 


PULSE   FAMILY. 


97 


2.  T.  pratense,  L.  Stems  ascending ;  leaflets  oval  or  ovate-oblong,  often 
retuse ;  stipules  broad,  terminating  in  a  bristle-like  point ;  heads  ovoid, 
dense-flowered,  sessile,  bracteate  at  base  ;  calyx-segments  scarcely  half 
as  long  as  the  corolla,  the  lower  one  longer  than  the  others. 

MEADOW  TRIFOLIUM.     Red 
Clover.     Common  Clover. 


Fr.  Trefle  des  Pres. 
Der  Wiesen-Klee. 
Trebol. 


Germ. 
Span. 


75 


A.H. 


Root  biennial,  or  perennial  ?  large, 
fusiform.  Stems  several  from  the 
same  root,  1  -  2  or  3  feet  long,  rather 
weak  at  base  and  often  decumbent, 
somewhat  branched,  striate  and 
pilose.  Leaflets  half  an  ir^h  to  an 
inch  and  a  half  long,  sessile,  usu- 
ally with  a  broad  paler  spot  in  the 
middle,  hairy  beneath  ;  common 
petiole  half  an  inch  to  4  -  5  inches 
long.  Heads  of  flowers  ovoid  or 
subglobose,  an  inch  or  more  in 
diameter.  Corolla  purplish-red 
(rarely  white)— the  petals  all 
united  into  a  slender  tube  about 
half  an  inch  in  length.  Legume 
1-seeded,  included  in  the  calyx. 
Seed  reniform,  greenish-yellow  with 
a  shade  of  reddish  brown. 

Cultivated  fields,  meadows,  &c. 
Canada  to  Florida :  introduced. 
Native  of  Europe.  Fl.  May  -Sept. 
Fr.  July -October. 


Obs.  This  plant  (which  is  sometimes  spoken  of  in  works  upon  agriculture 
as  a  grass,)  is  one  of  the  most  valuable  forage  plants.  It  is  thoroughly  natu- 
ralized ;  but  it  is  also  diligently  cultivated  by  all  good  farmers.  In  con- 
junction with  the  grasses — especially  with  Timothy  (Phleum  pratense) 
it  makes  the  best  of  hay — though  by  itself  it  is  rather  indifferent  pasture. 
Its  culture  exerts  a  most  kindly  influence  on  the  soil,  and  its  introduction 
as  an  ameliorating  crop,  has  had  a  most  beneficial  influence  upon  Agri- 
culture. It  is  the  crop  most  frequently  cultivated  to  "  turn  in,"  and 
thus  enrich  the  soil  with  organic  matter.  The  plant  is  generally  con- 
sidered to  be  a  biennial ;  but  Mr.  JOSHUA  HOOPES — who  is  a  very  acute 
observer — assures  me,  he  has  satisfactorily  ascertained  that  the  plant  will 
live  more  than  two  years.  It  is  not  known  at  what  time  clover  came 
into  general  cultivation  in  this  country ;  but  it  is  recorded  that  JOHN 
BARTRAM  had  fields  of  it,  prior  to  the  American  Revolution.  The 
flowers  contain  much  nectar, — but  the  tube  of  the  corolla  is  so  long  that 
the  Honey  Bee  cannot  reach  the  treasure  with  its  proboscis  ;  and  conse- 


FIG.  74.  A  cluster  or  head  of  the  flowers  of  Red  Clover  (Trifolium  pratense) ;  and  a  tri- 
foliolate  leaf.  75.  A  separate  flower,  enlarged,  a  A  pod,  or  rounded  legume,  b  The 
seed,  c  The  embryo  removed  from  the  seed  coat. 


WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

quently  that  insect  rarely  alights  on  the  heads,  but  leaves  them  to  the 
more  amply  provided  Humble  Bee.  I  have  met  with  a  number  of  in- 
stances in  which  the  corolla  was  replaced  by  five  distinct  green  leaflets — 
with  other  modifications  of  the  flower,  which  finely  illustrated  Goethe's 
theory  of  retrograde  metamorphosis.  The  nearly  related  Zigzag  Clover 
(T.  medium),  which  has  entire  and  spotless  leaflets  and  larger,  deeper 
purple,  and  mostly  stalked  heads,  is  naturalized  in  B.  Massachusetts. 

**  Florets  pedicellate  in  umbel-like  round  heads ;  corolla  white  or  rose- 
color,  turning  brownish  in  fading  ;  the  short  pedicels  rejlexed  when  old. 

3.  T.  re'pens,  L.  Stems  creeping,  diffuse  ;  leaflets  roundish-obovate 
and  emarginate,  or  almost  obcordate,  denticulate ;  heads  depressed-glo- 
bose, on  very  long  axillary  peduncles  ;  legumes  about  4-seeded. 

CREEPING  TRIFOLIUM.    White  Clover.     Dutch  Clover. 

Fr.  Triolet.  Trefle  blanche.  Germ.  Weisser-Klee.    Span.  Trebol  bianco' 

Root  perennial.  Stem  4-12  or  15  inches  long,  smooth,  procumbent,  radicating,  diffusely 
branching  from  the  base.  Leaflets  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  long  ;  common  petiole  1  or  2-6 
or  8  inches  long.  Heads  of  flowers  on  erect  sulcate  naked  peduncles  which  are  from  2-8 
and  twelve  inches  in  length.  Corolla  white,  withering  and  becoming  a  pale  dirty  brown. 
Legume  %-  %  of  an  inch  long,  torulose,2  or  3-5-seeded.  Seeds  irregularly  ovoid,  reddish- 
brown. 

Pastures,  woodlands,  &c.,  throughout  the  United  States.  Fl.  May  -September.  Fr. 
July -October. 

Obs.  The  pedicellate  florets  are  somewhat  corymbose — forming  de- 
pressed-globose or  vertically  flatted  heads.  The  outer  or  lower  florets 
open  first,  and  are  successively  reflexed, — so  that,  during  the  process  of 
flowering,  the  heads  appear  horizontally  divided  between  the  withered 
and  the  young  or  opening  florets.  This  species  is  everywhere  common — 
and  in  some  years  very  abundant, — though  rarely  cultivated.  Its  flowers 
are  a  favorite  resort  of  the  Honey  Bee  ;  and  the  plant  is  esteemed,  as 
affording  an  excellent  pasture  in  the  cooler  portions  of  the  country — 
though  Mr.  ELLIOTT  speaks  unfavorably  of  it,  in  the  South.  TOEREY 
and  GRAY  consider  the  White  Clover  as  indigenous,  while  others  be- 
lieve it  to  have  been  introduced  from  Europe.  JONATHAN  DICKINSON, 
in  1719  (vide  Watson's  Annals),  writing  from  Pennsylvania,  says,  "the 
white  clover  already  tinges  the  roads  as  a  natural  production."  KALM, 
in  1748,  spoke  of  it  as  being  abundant,  here.  T.  reflex'um,  L., 
(Buffalo  Clover),  which  has  ascending  pubescent  stems,  and  very 
large  heads  of  red  and  white  flowers,  and  the  nearly  related  T. 
stoloniferum,  Muhl.  (Running  Buffalo  Clover),  with  long  runners, 
are  common  at  the  West.  But  little  is  known  of  their  agricultural 
value.  Two  introduced,  .annual  species,  are  found  in  old  fields  and 
along  road-sides ;  they  have  both  yellow  flowers,  which  are  reflexed  and 
become  chestnut-brown  with  age,  viz. :  T.  agranum,  L.,  (Yellow 
or  Hop  Clover),  which  is  mostly  erect,  with  leaflets  all  from  the  same 


PULSE   FAMILY.  99 

point;  T.  procumbent,  L,,  (Low  Hop  Clover),  usually  procumbent, 
the  terminal  leaflet  petiolulate.  They  are  worthless  species, — which 
are  gradually  extending  themselves  from  our  sea- ports  to  the  interior 
of  the  country. 

3.  MELILO'TUS,  Tournef.    MELILOT. 

[Greek,  Mdi,  honey,  and  Lotus  ;  a  Lotus-like  plant,  attractive  of  Bees.] 

Calyx  as  in  Clover.    Corolla  deciduous.    Legume  longer  than  the  calyx, 
coriaceous,  globose  or  ovoid,  1- few-seeded,  scarcely  dehiscent.    Herbs 
becoming  fragrant  in  drying.     Flowers  mostly  in  long  spicate  racemes. 
1.  M.  alba.   Lam.     Stem  rather  erect,  striate ;  leaflets  ovate-oblong, 
somewhat  emarginately  truncate  at  apex,  mucronate,  remotely  dentate- 
serrate  ;  racemes  loose,  elongated  ;  corolla  white,  the  standard  longer 
than  the  other  petals  ;  legume  ovoid-oblong,  wrinkled  ;  1  -  2-seeded. 
WHITE- FLOWERED  MELILOTUS.    Tree  Clover.    Bokhara  Clover. 
Fr.  Le  Melilot  blanc.     Germ.  Weisser  Steinklee.     Span.  Meliloto. 

Root  biennial?  Stem  at  first  ascending  or  oblique,  finally  erect,  3-5  or  6  feet  high,  stout, 
striate-ribbed,  smooth,  pauiculately  branched.  Leaflets  an  inch  to  an  inch  and  a  half 
long  ;  common  petioles  1-2  inches  long.  Racemes  2-4  inches  long,  on  axillary  peduncles 
1-2  inches  in  length.  Flowers  retrorsely  imbricated  before  opening. 

Introduced,  and  partially  cultivated.  Native  of  Europe.  Fl.  June -August.  Fr. 
August  -  September. 

Obs.  This  plant  has  been  introduced  by  some  amateur  farmers,  and 
much  commended  as  being  specially  suited  for  soiling  (or  cutting,  as 
wanted,  for  stock  that  are  kept  up)  ;  but,  without  any  practical  know- 
ledge on  my  part,  I  cannot  help  doubting  whether  so  coarse  a  plant  can 
be  as  valuable  as  the  common  Red  Clover.  A  former  species  of  this 
genus  (M.  coerulea,  Lam.} — but  which  has  been  separated,  and  is  now 
the  Trigonella  coerulea,  DC.,  a  plant  of  strong  and  enduring  odor — is 
employed,  in  Switzerland,  to  give  the  peculiar  flavor  to  the  famous 
Sc/tabzieger,  or  (as  it  is  usually  called  in  the  vernacular)  "  Sap-sago  " 
Cheese.  Another  species  with  yellow  flowers  (M.  officinalis,  Willd.},  is 
also  found  in  waste  places. 

4.  MEDIC  A'GO,  Tournef.    MEDICK. 

[So  named  by  the  Greeks,  from  having  been  introduced  by  the  Medes.] 

Flowers  mostly  as  in  Melilotus.  Legume  usually  many-seeded,  of  various 
forms — always  more  or  less  falcate,  or  spirally  coiled.  Leaves  pinnately 
3-foliolate. 

1.  M.  sativa,  L.  Stem  erect ;  leaflets  obovate-oblong,  dentate  ;  stipules 
lanceolate,  subdentate  ;  racemes  oblong  ;  legumes  spirally  twisted,  finely 
reticulated,  several-seeded. 

CULTIVATED  MEDICAGO.  Lucerne.  Spanish  Trefoil.  French  Luzerne. 
Fr.  La  Luzerne.  Germ.  Der  Schneckenklee.  Span.  Alfalfa.  Mielga. 


100  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 


Root  perennial.  Stem  1-2  feet  high,  branched,  smoothish.  Leaflets  half  an  inch  to  an 
inch  long — the  lateral  ones  subsessile,  the  terminal  one  petiolulate  ;  common  petiole  one- 
fourth  to  three-fourths  of  an  inch  long.  Racemes  erect,  on  peduncles  half  an  inch  to  an 
inch  long.  Corolla  violet-purple,  nearly  twice  as  long  as  the  calyx. 

Introduced  :  cultivated.    Native  of  Spain.    Fl.  June -July.     Fr.  August. 

Obs.  This  was  formerly  cultivated  on  a  small  scale,  as  a  fodder  ;  but 
it  did  not  find  favor  with  our  farmers,  and  is  now  rarely  seen  in  Pennsyl- 
vania. It  might  answer,  for  soiling,  in  suitable  situations — though  I 
think  the  stem  is  too  ligneous  and  wiry  to  become  a  favorite  fodder, 
where  the  red  clover  can  be  had.  Its  culture  is  successful  in  Northern 
Mexico,  where  it  is  cut  several  times  during  the  season.  The  Saint-fain 
(Hedysarum  Onobrychis,  L.,  or  Onobrychis  saliva,  Lam.,  a  plant  of  the 
Hedysarum  tribe),  is  much  cultivated  for  fodder,  on  the  calcareous  soils 
of  Europe — and  the  late  Mr.  CRAWFORD,  of  Georgia,  interested  himself 
in  endeavoring  to  introduce  it  into  the  Southern  States ;  but  I  do  not 
learn  that  its  culture  was  adopted  to  any  extent.  I  have  never  met  with 
it  on  any  farm  ;  and  presume  it  scarcely  belongs  to  the  Agriculture  of 
this  country. 

2.   M.   lupuli'na,  L.     Stem  procumbent,  pubescent  ;   leaflets  wedge- 
obovate,  denticulate  at  the  apex  ;  flowers  in  short  spikes,  yellow  ;  legumes 
reniform  1-seeded. 
HOP-LIKE  MEDIC  AGO.    Black  Medick.     Nonesuch. 

Biennial?  Stem  6-12  inches  long,  somewhat  branched,  procumbent.  Leaflets  y*  an 
inch  to  nearly  an  inch  long,  sometimes  nearly  rhomboid.  Common  petioles  %  of  an  inch 
to  an  inch  in  length.  Heads  of  flowers  at  first  roundish,  finally  oblong,  on  slender  pedun- 
cles 1-2  inches  long.  Legumes  black  at  maturity. 

Fields,  &c.    Nat.  from  Europe.    June -Aug. 

Obs.  This  species  which,  when  in  flower,  resembles  a  yellow  clover, 
is  quite  common  in  pastures  in  England,  and  is  sparingly  naturalized  in 
this  country.  Several  other  species,  recognized  by  their  spirally  coiled 
pods,  are  sometimes  found  in  waste  places,  their  seeds  having  been  intro- 
duced in  wool.  * 

5.  EOBI'NIA,  L.    LOCUST-TREE. 

[Name  in  honor  of  John  and  Vespasian  Robin;  French  Botanists.] 

Calyx  short,  5-toothed,  slightly  2-lipped.     Vexillum  large  and  rounded, 
reflexed,  scarcely  longer  than  the  wings  and  keel.     Legume  compressed, 

FIG.  76.  A  curved  pod  of  Lucerne  (Medicago  pativum). 


PULSE 

many-seeded,  tne  upper  or  seed-bearing  suture  margined.  Trees  or  shrubs. 
Leaflets  petiolulate,  stipellate  ;  base  of  the  leafstalks  enlarged,  covering 
the  buds  of  the  ensuing  year. 

1.  R.  Pseud-aca'cia,  L.  Branches  virgate,  armed  with  stipular  prickles ; 
leaflets  oblong-ovate  ;  racemes  loose,  drooping  ;  legumes  smooth. 
FALSE-ACACIA  KOBINIA.     Locust-tree. 

Stem  30  -  60  or  80  feet  high,  and  1-2  feet  in  diameter.  Leaflets  3  or  4  -  8  or  9  pairs,  1-2 
inches  long,  each  with  a  small  subulate  stipd  at  base  ;  common  petiole  pinnate  nearly  to 
the  base,  with  2  stout  prickles  in  place  of  stipules.  Racemes  3-6  inches  long.  Corolla 
white.  Legume  2-3  inches  long. 

Mountain  forests  :  Pennsylvania  to  Arkansas.    Fl.  May- June.    Fr.  September. 

Obs.  The  Locust-tree,  though  generally  found  in  the  Middle  and 
Eastern  States,  is  only  truly  indigenous  in  the  Western  and  Southern 
portions  of  the  Union.  It  attains  its  greatest  perfection  in  Kentucky 
and  Tennessee,  where  it  reaches  to  the  height  of  90  feet,  with  a  diameter 
of  4  feet.  The  timber  is  one  of  the  most  valuable,  whether  for  strength 
or  durability  ;  in  the  former  quality  it  ranks  but  little  below  the  oak, 
while  its  resistance  to  decay,  even  when  exposed  to  the  most  destructive 
influences,  exceeds  that  of  the  wood  of  any  other  of  our  forest-trees.  It 
is  largely  employed  in  ship  building,  and  is  preferred  to  any  other  wood 
for  treenails,  as  the  pins  are  called  which  fasten  the  planks  to  the  frame 
of  the  vessel.  For  posts,  rail-road  ties  or  sleepers,  &c.,  it  is  invaluable. 
The  Locust  is  often  planted  as  an  ornamental  tree ;  it  has  a  graceful 
habit,  and  is  highly — even  oppressively— fragrant,  when  in  flower.  The 
disadvantages  attending  its  culture  about  dwellings  are,  the  readiness 
with  which  its  branches  are  broken  by  the  winds,  the  many  suckers  its 
roots  send  up,  and  the  numerous  insects  that  live  upon  it.  Indeed,  so 
many  insects  prey  upon  this  tree,  that  in  some  localities  it  seldom  attains 
any  great  size.  It  is  said  that  when  the  trees  are  planted  closely,  so  as 
to  form  Locust  Groves,  they  are  much  less  liable  to  the  attacks  of  worms 
than  when  they  grow  singly.  Considering  the  value  of  the  timber  and 
the  rapidity  of  its  growth,  even  on  light  and  poor  land,  the  culture  of 
the  Locust  is  worthy  of  much  more  attention  than  it  has  yet  received  at 
the  hands  of  our  farmers.  The  Clammy  Locust  (R.  visco'sa,  Vent.)  is 
interior  in  size  and  value  ;  it  has  the  branches  clothed  with  viscid  glands, 
and  is  found  on  the  southern  borders  of  Virginia,  and  further  South. 
The  Rose  Acacia  (R.  his'pida,  L.)  is  a  shrub  3-8  feet  high,  with  large 
rose-colored  flowers.  It  is  often  cultivated,  but  is  inclined  to  spread  and 
become  troublesome  if  not  kept  within  bounds. 

6.  WISTA'RIA,  Nutt.    WISTARIA. 

[Named  for  Prof.  Caspar  Wistar,  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania.] 

Calyx  campanulate,  somewhat  2-lipped  ;  the  upper  lip  of  2  short  teeth  ; 
the  lower  of  3  longer  ones.  Standard  large,  with  2  callosities  at  base ; 
keel  scythe-shaped  ;  wings  with  one  or  two  auricles  at  base.  Pod  stipi- 
tate,  elongated,  nearly  terete,  knobby,  many-seeded.  Twining  shrubs 


USEFUL    TLAJS'TS. 

with  unequally  pinnate  leaves  of  9-13  leaflets,  and  minute  stipules,  with 
lilac-colored  flowers  in  large  racemes. 

1.  W,  frutes'cens,  DC.      Wings  of  the  corolla  2-auricled  at  base; 
ovary  glabrous. 

Virginia,  South  and  West.    May. 
WOODY  WISTARIA.     Glycine.     Carolina  Kidney  Bean. 

2.  W.  CHINEN'SIS,  DC.  Wings  of  corolla  1-auricled  at  base ;  ovary  hairy. 
Cultivated.     Native  of  China.     May. 

CHINESE  WISTARIA.     Glycine. 

Obs.  These  beautiful  vines,  the  one  a  native  of  the  rich  alluvial  soils 
of  the  southern  portion  of  the  Union,  and  the  other  from  China,  are 
eminently  worthy  of  cultivation.  They  both  grow  readily,  are  quite 
hardy,  and  may  be  propagated  with  the  greatest  ease.  The  Chinese 
species  is  most  generally  cultivated,  its  flower  racemes  being  much 
larger  than  in  the  native  one ;  but  the  other  is  much  darker  colored, 
and  has  more  fragrance.  * 

7.  INDIGOF'ERA,  L.    INDIGO. 

[A  Latinized  name  ;  meaning  a  plant  that  produces  or  brings  Indigo.] 

Calyx  5-cleft ;  segments  acute.  Vexillum  orbicular,  emarginate  ;  keel 
with  a  subulate  spur  on  each  side — at  length  often  bent  back  elastic- 
ally.  Stamens  diadelphous.  Style  filiform,  glabrous.  Legume  continu- 
ous, 1-  few-  or  many-seeded.  Seeds  truncate  at  both  ends,  often  separat- 
ed by  cellular  partitions.  Herbaceous  or  suffruticose  plants.  Leaves 
various,  usually  odd-pinnate  ;  stipules  small,  distinct  from  the  petiole. 
Flowers  in  axillary  racemes. 

1.  I.  TINCTO'KIA,  L.      Stem  suffruticose,  erect;   joung  branches  and 

common  petioles  clothed  with  a  cinereous  pubescence  ;  leaflets  in  4  or  5 

pairs,  with  a  terminal  odd   one,  oval  or  obovate-oblong,  mucronate, 

petiolulate,  somewhat  pubescent  beneath  with  whitish  appressed  hairs  ; 

racemes  shorter  than  the  leaves  ;   legumes  sub-terete,  torulose,  curved 

and  bent  downwards. 

DYER'S  INDIGOFERA.     Indigo.     Indigo-plant. 

Fr.  L'Indigotier.     Germ.  Die  Indigopflanze.     Span.  Indigo. 

Annual  or  Hennial.  Stem.  2-3  feet  high,  branching.  Leaflets  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  in 
length;  common  petiole  2  -  3  inches  long.  Racemes  1-2  inches  long.  Corolla  purplish- 
blue.  Legumes  numerous,  half  an  inch  to  three-quarters  in  length,  deflected  on  the 
pedicel,  curved  upwards. 

Southern  States  :  cultivated.     Native  of  Asia  and  Africa. 

06s.  This  plant,  so  important  in  yielding  a  blue  coloring  matter — 
was  formerly  cultivated  to  a  considerable  extent,  in  Georgia,  and  some 
other  portions  of  the  South :  but  the  supply  from  India,  and  other 
places  abroad,  seems  to  have  curtailed  that  branch  of  Southern  Agri- 
culture,— and  has  probably  turned  the  attention  of  the  planters  to  a 


PULSE    FAMILY.  103 

more  healthful  and  agreeable,  if  not  a  more  profitable,  employment. 
The  indigo-plant  is  said  to  be  annual,  when  subject  to  inundations, — 
as  on  the  delta  of  the  Ganges  ;  but  it  is  sometimes  fruticose — yielding 
one  or  two  ratoon  crops  (i.  e.  successive  growths  of  suckers,  or  sprouts), 
after  having  been  cut  off.  Another  species — I.  ANIL,  L. — is  said  to 
be  also  cultivated  at  the  South.  It  differs  from  the  above  chiefly  in  its 
flattened,  even  (not  torulose)  pods. 

8.  01' GEE,  Tournef.     CHICK-PEA. 

[The  Latin  name  for  a  species  of  Vetch  ;  applied  to  this  genus.] 

Calyx  somewhat  gibbous  at  base,  5-parted ;  segments  acuminate, — 

the  upper  ones  incumbent  on  the  vexillum.     Legume  turgid,  2-seeded. 

Seeds  gibbous. 

1.  0.  ARIETI'NUM,  L.     Leaves  odd-pinnate;   leaflets  cuneate-obovate, 

serrate  ;    stipules  lanceolate,  subdenticulate  ;  calyx  slightly  gibbous, — 

the  segments  as  long  as  the  wings  of  the  corolla. 

RAM  CICER.     Coffee-pea.     Chick-pea.     Garavances. 

Fr.  Le  Pois  Chiche.     Germ.   Gemeine  Kicher.     Span.   Garbanzo. 

Whole  plant  canescent  and  glandular-pilose,  the  hairs  secreting  oxalic  acid.  Root 
annual.  Stem  9-18  inches  high,  branching.  Leaflets  about  half  an  inch  long,  in  4-6 
pairs  (often  alternate)  with  a  terminal  odd  one  instead  of  a  tendril.  Flowers  axillary , 
solitary,  white.  Seed  gibbous,  pointed — in  form  resembling  the  head  of  a  sheep — and 
hence  the  specific  name. 

Gardens:  cultivated.  Native  of  Europe  and  the  East.  Fl.  July  -  September.  Fr. 
August -October. 

Obs.  This  is  sometimes  cultivated  for  the  seeds — which  are  said  to 
be  a  tolerable  substitute  for  coffee.  The  seeds  are  much  used,  as  food 
for  horses,  &c.  in  India, — being  very  abundant  (as  I  recollect  to  have 
seen  it)  in  the  Bazaars  at  Calcutta,  under  the  name  of  "  Gram."  This 
vetch  is  the  "  Hamoos  Pea  ''  which  is  announced  as  a  novelty,  or  a  great 
curiosity  (discovered  among  the  Arabs)  in  LYXCH'S  Expedition  to  the 
Dead  Sea  ;  though  it  has  been  familiarly  known  in  the  gardens,  through- 
out the  civilized  world,  ever  since  the  days  of  Tournefort — if  not  of 
Homer !  So  much  for  the  penny-wise  policy  of  sending  out  Exploring 
Expeditions  unaccompanied  by  competent  Naturalists. 

9.  AEA'CHIS,  L.     PEANUT. 

[An  ancient  name  of  obscure  meaning.] 

Dmciously  polgyamous.  The  sterile  and  fertile  flowers  produced  together 
in  the  axils  ;  the  STERILE,  most  numerous  in  the  upper  axils,  with  a 
slender  calyx  tube,  the  limb  bilabiate,  the  upper  lip  4-toothcd,  the  lower 
entire.  Stamens  monadelphous  (9  united  and  1  abortive,)  ovary  mi- 
nute, abortive.  FERTILE  FL.  without  ealj  x,  corolla,  or  stamens.  Ovary 
on  an  elongating  stipe  by  which  it  is  thrust  under  ground,  where  it  ma- 
tures as  an  oblong  obtuse  terete  pod,  the  indehiscent  valves  becoming 
thickened  and  somewhat  woody,  reticulately  veined  on  the  surface. 


104 


WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 


Seeds  irregularly  ovoid  with  very  thick  cotyledons  and  a  straight  radicle. 
Herbs  with  even-pinnate  leaves  having  elongated  stipules  adnate  to  the 
petiole,  the  stipe  or  peduncle  of  the  fertile  flowers  often  elongating  sev- 
eral inches  before  reaching  the  earth.  (This  plant  properly  belongs  to 
a  section  of  the  order  not  included  in  our  synopsis,  and  is  placed  here 
as  a  matter  of  convenience.) 

1.  A.  HYPOG^J'A,  L.  Stem  procumbent;  leaflets  obovate, — the  com- 
mon petiole  not  produced  into  a  tendril. 

SUBTERRANEAN  ARACHIS.     Ground-nut.     Pea-nut. 

Fr.   L'Arachide.     Germ.    Die  Erd-nuss.     Span.   Mani. 


Root  annual.  Stem  9-18  inches  long,  prostrate  or  erect,  branching,  pilose.  Leaflets  an 
inch  to  an  inch  and  a  half  long,  subsessile,  minutely  mucronate  at  apex,  entire  and  bor- 
dered by  a  pilose  nerve;  common  petioles  1-2  inches  long,  channelled  above,  pilose. 
Sterile  floivers,  1  or  2 - 5  or  7,  in  the  upper  axils,  on  long  slender  pedicels — the  corolla 
orange-yellow. 

Cultivated.    Native  of  South  America.  Fl.  July  -  September.  Fr.  September  -October. 

FIG.  77.  The  Pea-nut  (Arachis  hypogsea) ,  exhibiting  the  manner  in  which  the  ovaries, 
after  flowering,  bury  themselves  in  the%arth,  where  they  ripen. 


PULSE   FAMILY.  105 

Obs.  The  summers  are  rather  short  for  this  plant,  in  Pennsylvania,  — 
where  it  is  sometimes  seen  in  gardens,  as  a  curiosity  :  but,  in  the  South- 
ern states  it  is  cultivated  to  a  great  extent, — and  from  thence  our  nut- 
merchants  derive  their  supply.  The  seeds, — either  raw,  or  roasted  in 
the  legumes— are  quite  a  favorite  with  children,  and  others  ;  and  large 
quantities  of  them  are  consumed  at  all  public  gatherings.  The  seeds 
are  said,  also,  to  yield  a  valuable  oil. 

10.  FA'BA,  Tournef.     HORSE-BEAN. 

[The  Latin  name  for  a  Bean;  appropriated  to  this  genus.] 

Calyx  tubular,  5-cleft, — the  two  upper  segments  shorter.  Style  bent 
nearly  at  a  right  angle  with  the  ovary  ;  stigma  villous.  Legume  large, 
coriaceous,  somewhat  tumid.  Seeds  oblong,  subcompressed,  with  the 
hilum  at  one  end.  Stem  erect.  Tendrils  simple  and  nearly  obsolete. 

1.  F.  VULGA'RIS,  Muench.  Leaflets  2  -  4,  oval,  mucronate ;  stipules  semi- 
sagittate,  obliquely  ovate. 

COMMON  FABA.     Horse  Bean.     Windsor  Bean. 

Fr.   Feve  de  Marais.     Germ.   Die  Sau-Bohne.     Span.   H&ba. 

Root  annual.  Stem  1-2  feet  high,  simple,  smooth.  Leaflets  2-3  inches  long,  entire, 
smooth  ;  tendrils  obsolete  ;  stipules  large.  Flowers  in  simple  erect  axillary  racemes. 
Corolla  white,  with  a  large  black  spot  ou  each  wing.  Legume  2-3  inches  long,  torulose. 

Gardens  :  cultivated.     Fl.  June  -  July.     Fr,  August. 

Obs.  This  bean — originally  from  the  shores  of  the  Caspian  Sea — 
is  sometimes  cultivated  for  the  table, — but  is  not  generally  admired. 
The  seeds  have  a  strong  and  rather  unpleasant  flavor. 

11.  ER'VUM,  Tournef.     LENTIL. 

[The  Latin  name  for  a  species  of  Vetch  or  Tare.] 

Calyx  5-parted ;  segments  lance-linear,  acute,  about  as  long  as  the 
corolla.  Style  ascending  ;  stigma  glabrous.  Legume  2  -  4-seeded. 

1.  E.  LENS,   L.     Stem  erect,  branching ;  leaflets  elliptic  oblong,  some- 
what pilose ;    stipules   obliquely   ovate-lanceolate,   ciliate ;    peduncles 
axillary,  2  -3-flowered  ;  legumes  broad,  short,  finely  reticulated,  smooth, 
2-seeded ;  seeds  lenticular. 

Lentil. 

Fr.   La  Lentille.     Germ.   Gemeiue  Linse.     Span.   Lenteja. 

Root  annual.  Stem  6-12  inches  high.  Leaflets  3-6  or  8  pairs,  half  an  inch  long  ;  ten- 
drils nearly  simple.  Corolla  white  or  pale  purple.  Legume  about  half  an  inch  long.  Seeds 

2,  orbicular,  compressed,  white  or  tawny  yellow. 

Gardens  :  cultivated.     Native  of  Europe.     Fl.  June  -  July.     Fr.  August. 

0>s.  This  Yetch  is  cultivated  in  the  old  world,  chiefly,  I  believe,  as 
food  for  stock, — both  herbage  and  seeds  serving  that  purpose.  The 
plant  is  sometimes  seen  in  gardens  here  ;  but  it  will  scarcely  command 
the  attention  of  American  agriculturists.  When  properly  cooked,  len- 
tils are  a  tolerable  substitute  for  beans  ;  they  are  much  prized  as  food 

"    5* 


100  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

by  the  Mexicans,  and  form  the  basis  of  the  "  Linsen  Soup  "  of  the  Ger- 
mans. It  appears  from  Dr.  J.  D.  HOOKER'S  Notes,  that  the  seeds  of  this 
plant  are  sometimes  called  "  Gram,"  in  India ;  but  that  name  is  believed 
to  be  more  usually  applied  to  the  seeds  of  Cicer. 

12.  PI'SUM,  Tournef.     PEA. 

[The  Latin  name  for  the  common  Tea.] 

Calyx-segments  foliaceous,  the  two  upper  ones  shorter.     Vexillum  large, 
reflexed.     Style  compressed,  keeled,  villous  on  the  upper  margin.     Le- 
gume oblong.     Seeds  numerous,  globose,  with  an  orbicular  hilum. 
1.  P.  SATI'VUM,  L.  Leaflets  rhomboid-ovate,  rather  obtuse,  mucronate, 
entire  ;  stipules  very  large,  ovate,  semi-sagittate,  crenate-dentate  at  base  ; 
peduncles  2  or  many-flowered  ;   legumes  subcarnose. 
CULTIVATED   PISUM.     Pea.     Garden-pea. 
Fr.   Pois  cultive.     Germ.   Gemeine  Erbse.     Span.   Guisante. 

Plant  smooth  and  glaucous.  Root  annual.  Stem  1  - 3  or  4  feet  long  :  flaccid,  climbing 
by  tendrils.  Leaflets  usually  2  pairs,  1-2  or  3  inches  long;  tendrils  long  and  branch- 
ing ;  stipules  larger  than  the  leaflets.  Peduncles  axillary,  1  or  2-6  inches  long,  often  with 
two  flowers  at  summit.  Corolla  white.  Style  reflexed.  Legume  about  two  inches  long, 
subterete. 

Gardens  and  lots  :  cultivated.  Native  country  unknown:  Fl.  June  -July.  Fr.  July- 
August. 

Obs.  Several  varieties  of  this  are  cultivated  (one  or  more  of  them 
in  almost  every  garden),  chiefly  for  the  young  seeds,  or  "  green  peas," 
which  afford  a  favorite  dish  at  table.  In  the  Northern  states,  the  field 
culture  of  Peas  (for  the  mature  seeds,)  is  much  attended  to ;  but  it  is 
rarely  seen  in  Pennsylvania — or,  I  believe,  south  of  that.  The  Sweet 
Pea  and  the  Everlasting  Pea,  cultivated  for  ornament,  belong  to  the 
genus  Lathyrus  of  the  same  tribe. 

13.  YI'CIA,  Tournef.    VETCH. 

[The  ancient  Latin  name  for  Vetch  or  Tare.] 

Calyx  5-cleft,  or  5-toothed,  the  two  upper  teeth  shorter.     Style  filiform, 

bent;   stigma  villous.      Legume  oblong,  mostly  many-seeded.      Seeds 

with  the  hilum  lateral. 

1.  Y.  SATI'VA,  L.     Annual ;  stem  simple  ;  leaflets  5-7  pairs,  obovate- 

oblong  to  linear,  retuse,  mucronate  ;  flowers  mostly  in  pairs,  nearly 

sessile. 

CULTIVATED  VICIA.     Common  Vetch.    Tare. 

Stem  1-3  feet  long,  procumbent  or  climbing  by  tendrils.     Leaflets  %  of  an  inch  to  an 
inch  and  a  half  in  length.     Flowers  violet  purple,  axillary. 
Cultivated  grounds.     Native  of  Europe.     June -August. 

Obs.  This  species  was  formerly  much  cultivated,  and  seems  still  to 
be  highly  prized,  in  Europe,  as  a  fodder  for  cattle  ;  but  in  this  country 
it  is  regarded  as  a  mere  weed. 


PULSE   FAMILY.  107 

14.  PHASE'OLUS,  L.     BEAN. 

[The  ancient  name  of  the  Kidney  Bean.] 

Calyx  somewhat  bilabiate,-the  upper  lid  bifid  or  emarginate,  the  lower  0112 
trifid.  Keel  (of  the  corolla)  together  with  the  stamens  and  style,  spirally 
twisted  or  incurved.  Ovary  stipitate,  the  stipe  sheathed.  Legume  linear 
or  falcate,  compressed  or  subterete,  tipped  with  the  base  of  the  style,  many- 
seeded.  Seeds  reniform,  with  an  oval-oblong  kilum.  Leaves  trifoliolate. 

1.  P.  VULGA'RIS,  Savi.      Stern  mostly  volubile  ;    leaflets  ovate  acumi- 
nate ;  racemes  solitary,  pedunculate  ;    bracts  as  long  as  the  calyx  ;   L- 
guines  nearly  linear  and  straight,  long-mucronate  ;  seeds  reuiform. 
COMMON  PHASEOLUS.     Kidney  Bean.     String  Bean.     Pole  Bean. 

Ft:  Haricot.     Germ.  Gemeine  Bolme.     Span.  Fasoles. 

Root  annual.  Stem  4-6  or  8  feet  long,  slender,  volubile  and  climbing  (always  twining, 
against  the  sun— W.  S.  E.)— cr  short  and  erect  (in  the  bunch  variety).  Leaflets  2 - 4  or  5 
inches  long  ;  common  petioles  1  -5  or  6  inches  long.  Racemes  on  stout  peduncles  1-3  or  4 
inches  long.  Corolla  mostly  white.  Legume  3  -  6  inches  long.  Seeds  more  or  less  reni- 
form, whitish,  or  of  various  colors. 

Gardens  and  lots  :  cultivated.     Native  of  India.     Fl.  June  -  August.     Fr.  September. 

Obs.  Yery  generally  cultivated  for  the  table, — both  seeds  and  le- 
gumes being  eaten  while  young ;  when  mature,  the  seeds  only.  The 
"  baked  beans  "  of  New  England,  constitute  a  sort  of  national  dish 
among  the  descendants  of  the  Pilgrims. 

The  P.  NANUS,  L.  Dwarf  or  Bunch  Bean  (with  a  short  erect  stem, 
more  acuminate  leaflets,  and  larger  bracts),  is  supposed  to  be  only  one 
of  the  many  varieties  produced  by  long  culture. 

2.  P.  LUNA'TUS,  L.     Stem  volubile,  smoothish ;  leaflets  obliquely-  or 
deltoid-ovate,  acute  ;  racemes  subpedunculate  ;  bracts  shorter  than  the 
calyx  ;   legumes  broad,  compressed,  scymitar-form  or  somewhat  lunate  ; 
seeds  much  compressed,  broad. 

LUNATE  PHASEOLUS.     Lima  Bean.     Carolina  Bean. 

Root  annual.  Stem  6-8  or  10  feet  long,  branching,  slender,  volubile  and  climbing.  Leaf- 
lets 2  -4  inches  long  ;  common  petioles  2-6  inches  long.  Racemes  loose  flowered,  on  pedun- 
cles about  two-thirds  of  an  inch  long.  Corolla  greenish-white,  rather  small.  Legumes 
2-3  inches  long,  and  about  an  inch  wide.  Seeds  few,  large,  flattish  and  mostly  white. 

Gardens  and  lots  :  cultivated.     Fl.  July  -  August.     Fr,  September -October. 

Obs.  This  species  (supposed  to  be  a  native  of  Bengal — though  gen- 
erally named  as  if  of  South  America,)  affords  a  favorite  dish,  in  the 
latter  part  of  summer, — the  large  seeds  only  being  used.  Both  species 
are  tender  plants,  impatient  of  cold,  and  killed  by  the  slightest  frost. 

15.  BAPTIS'IA,  Vent.     FALSE  INDIGO. 

[Greek,  Baptizo,  to  dip,  or  dye  ;  from  its  coloring  properties.") 

Calyx  4-5-toothed.  Petals  nearly  equal, — the  keel-petals  slightly 
connected.  Stamens  10,  distinct.  Legume  ventricose,  stipitate  in  the 
persistent  calyx,  many-seeded.  Herbs ;  leaves  mostly  trifoliolate,  turn- 
ing bluish-black  in  drying. 


108  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

1.  B.  tincto'ria,  R.  Brown.  Bushy  ;  smooth,  and  rather  glaucous  ; 
leaflets  cuneate-obovate  ;  stipules  subulate,  deciduous  ;  racemes  termi- 
nal, few-flowered. 

DYER'S  BAPTISIA.     Wild  Indigo.     Horse-fly  Weed.     Rattle  Bush. 

Perennial.  Stem  about  2  foot  high,  much  branched.  Leaflets  half  an  inch  to  an  inch 
long  ;  common  petioles  1  line  to  %  of  an  inch  in  length.  Flowers  yellow  ;  calyx  4-toothed— 
the  2  upper  segments  being  united.  Legumes  about  half  an  inch  long,  inllated,  conspicu- 
ously stipitate. 

Dry  hills  and  woodlands  :  common.    June  -  September. 

Obs.  The  Wild  Indigo,  which  is  introduced  here  on  account  of  its  re- 
puted medicinal  qualities,  is  conspicuous  when  in  flower,  especially  in 
sandy  woods  and  fields.  It  is  said  that  a  coarse  kind  of  Indigo  can  be 
prepared  from  its  leaves,  but  we  know  of  no  reliable  experiments  upon 
this  point.  Medicinally,  it  is  said  to  possess  emetic  and  purgative  prop- 
erties, and  has  been  used  externally  as  an  application  in  foul  ulcers.  It 
is  often  used  to  drive  flies  away  from  horses,  being  attached  to  their 
harness,  hence  one  of  the  common  names  ;  it  is  probable  that  its  efficacy 
in  this  case,  if  there  be  any,  is  wholly  mechanical,  and  not  due  to  any 
peculiar  property  of  the  plant.  Several  other  species  are  found  in  the 
South  and  West  ;  among  these  is  B.  australis,  R-  Brown,  which  is 
often  cultivated,  —  it  is  4  -  5  feet  high,  with  large  racemes,  1-2  feet 
long,  —  of  handsome  blue  flowers.  * 

16.  CER'CIS,  L.     RED-BUD. 

[Greek,  Kerkis,  a  weaver's  shuttle  ;  from  the  form  of  the  legume.] 

Calyx  5-toothed,  Corolla  scarcely  papilionaceous  ;  petals  all  distinct,  un- 
guiculate,  —  the  vexillum  smaller  than  the  wings,  and  the  keel-petals 
larger.  Stamens  unequal.  Legume  oblong,  acute  at  each  end,  much 
compressed,  1-celled,  many-seeded,  —  the  upper  suture  margined,  seeds 
obovate  ;  radicle  straight.  Small  trees,  with  simple  entire  leaves,  and 
membranaceous  caducous  stipules.  Flowers  fasciculate  along  the 
branches,  appearing  before  the  leaves. 

1.  C.  Canaden'sis,  L.    Leaves  orbicular-cordate,  acuminate,  villous  in 
the  axils  of  the  nerves  beneath. 
CANADIAN  CERCIS.     Red-bud.     Judas-tree. 


-20  or  30  feet  high  and  6-12  inches  in  diameter,  with  somewhat  geniculato 
branches.  Leaves  3  -4  inches  long  ;  petioles  1-2  inches  long.  Flowers  bright  purple, 
acid,  on  filiform  pedicels  which  are  clustered  (4  -6  or  8  from  a  bud)  on  the  naked  branches. 
Legumes  about  three  inches  long,  subcoriaccous,  smooth. 

Banks  of  streams  :  Canada  to  Louisiana.     Fl.  April.     Fr.  June. 

Obs.  This  little  tree  is  admired,  in  early  spring,  for  its  clusters  of 
small  flowers,  which  clothe  the  branches,  and  even  the  trunk,  in  purple, 
before  the  leaves  appear.  Although  not  of  agricultural  importance,  it 
deserves  to  be  known,  and  to  have  a  place  among  ornamental  shrubbery 
and  trees,  around  the  mansion  of  the  tasteful  farmer. 


PULSE    FAMILY. 


109 


17.   CAS'SIA,  L.    SENNA. 

[An  ancient  name  of  obscure  derivation.] 

Flowers  perfect ;  Sepals  5,  scarcely  connected.  Petals  5,  unequal,  spread- 
ing, not  papilionaceous.  Stamens  mostly  10,  some  of  them  often  imper- 
fect ;  anthers  opening  at  apex.  Herbs :  leaves  equally  pinnate,  with  a 
gland  near  the  base  of  the  petiole. 

*  Leaflets  large;  stipules  deciduous:  the  lower  anthers  fertile,  the  3  upper 
ones  deformed  and  sterile. 


1.  C.  Marilan'dica,  L.     Perennial ;   stem  erect,  leaflets   6-9  pairs, 
ovate  oblong ;  petiole  with  a  club-shaped  gland  near  the  base  ;  racemes 
axillary,  the  upper  ones  somewhat  paniculate  ;  legumes  at  first  hairy 
at  length  smooth. 
MARYLAND  CASSIA.     Wild,  or  Amerjcan  Senna. 

Stem  3-4  feet  high,  rather  stout,  branching.  Leaflets  1-2  inches  long,  petiolulate- 
common  petioles  1-2  inches  in  length  below  the  leaflets,  with  an  obovoid  subsessile  aland 
on  the  upper  side.  Racemes  pedunculate,  those  in  the  upper  axils  forming  a  sort  of  ter- 
minal leafy  panicle  ;  flowert  yellow,  often  becoming  a  dead  white.  Legumes  3  -  4  inches 
long,  villous  when  young,  compressed,  somewhat  curved,  often  sinuate  on  the  edges  from 
partial  contractions  ;  seeds  ovate-oblong,  separated  by  a  kind  of  transverse  partitions. 

Low  grounds  along  streams  :  frequent     August -October. 

Obs.  This  very  showy  species  is  found  in  most  parts  of  the  United 
States ;  its  leaves  possess  properties  similar  to  those  of  the  imported 
Senna  of  the  shops — which  is  also  furnished  by  several  species  of  the  ge- 


FIG.  78.  Wild  Senna  (Cassia  Marilandica) ,  a  short  raceme  in  the  axil  of  an  abruptly- 
pinnate  leaf. 


110  WEEDS    AND    LSEFUL    PLANTS. 

nus  Cassia.  While  some  writers  state,  that  it  requires  a  third  larger 
dose  than  the  imported  senna,  to  produce  the  same  effect,  others  claim  for 
it  an  equal  rank  as  a  purgative.  It  is  cultivated  to  considerable  extent 
by  the  "  Shakers,"  and  though  it  has  not  received  the  general  attention 
at  the  hands  of  the  medical  profession  that  it  deserves,  it  is  frequently 
used  in  domestic  and  country  practice.  The  leaves  should  be  collected 
when  the  fruit  is  ripe,  the  active  principle  being  then  more  fully  develop- 
ed than  at  the  flowering  time. 

2.  C.    occ'denta'lis,   L.     Leaflets  4-6  pairs,  ovate  lanceolate  acute; 
gland  ovate  ;  pods  elongated-linear,  smooth. 

WESTERN  CASSIA.     Styptic  Weed. 

Perennial.   jStem  4  - 6  feet  high .    Leaflets  serrate-ciliolate.     Flowers  large,  yellow.     Le- 
gume somewhat  coriaceous,  about  5  inches  long,  with  a  tumid  border  ;  20-30-seeded. 
Near  buildings  :  Virginia  to  Louisiana.     July -October. 

Obs.  This  plant,  which  ic  very  common  at  the  South,  is  believed  to  be 
introduced  from  Tropical  America,  where  it  has  some  medicinal  reputa- 
tion. The  root  is  said  to  be  diuretic,  and  the  leaves  are  used  as  a  dress- 
ing to  slight  sores.  * 

**  Leaflets  small,  somewhat  sensitive  to  the  touch :  stipules  persistent ;  petio- 
lar  gland  cup-shaped  ;  anthers  all  perfect. 

3.  C.  Chamaecris'ta,  L.     Stems  spreading  ;  leaflets  8  -  15  pairs,  linear 
oblong  ;  flowers  large  and  showy ;  stamens  1 0,  unequal. 

Partridge  Pea.     Sensitive  Pea.     Magothy-bay  Bean. 

Stem  1-2  feet  high,  firm  and  somewhat  woody  at  base,  much  branched,  often  purplish. 
Leaflets  half  an  inch  to  near  an  inch  long,  minutely  ciliate-sermlnte,  subsessile  ;  common 
petioles  about  one-third  of  an  inch  in  length  below  the  leaflets,  with  a  depressed  or  cup- 
like  gland  on  the  upper  side.  Flowers  deep  bright  yellow  (usually  with  purple  spots  at 
base),  in  lateral  subsessile  fascicles  above  the  axils  of  the  leaves — often  in  pairs,  some- 
times 3-4.  Legume  about  2  inches  long,  hairy  along  the  sutures. 

Sandy  fields  :  common,  especially  southward.     July  -  September. 

06s.  In  a  paper  read  before  the  American  Philosophical  Society,  May 
2,  1788,  and  published  in  the  3d  volume  of  their  Transactions,  Dr.  Green- 
way  of  Virginia,  speaks  favorably  of  this  plant  as  a  means  of  recruiting 
worn  out  lands,  by  its  decomposition  in  the  soil, — though  he  considers 
the  common  corn-field  Pea  as  preferable ;  and  I  have  no  doubt  that  the 
Red  Clover  (Trifolium  pratense),  properly  managed,  is  more  eligible 
than  either. 

18.   GYMNO'CLADUS,  Lam.     KENTUCKY  COFFEE-TREE. 

[Greek,  Gymnos,  naked,  and  Klados,  a  branch  ;  in  reference  to  its  stout  naked  branches.] 

Flowers  dioecious,  regular.  Calyx  tubular,  5-cleft.  Petals  5,  equal,  ob- 
long, inserted  on  the  calyx-tube.  Stamens  10,  distinct,  inserted  with  the 
petals.  Legume  oblong,  flat,  the  valves  thick  and  woody,  pulpy  within. 
A  tree  with  the  young  branches  clumsily  thick  ;  leaves  odd-bipinnate. 


PULSE   FAMILY.  Ill* 

1.  Gr.  Canaden'sis,  Lam.  Leaflets  7-13  on  the  subdivisions,  ovate, 
petiolulate, — the  lowest  a  single  pair  ;  flowers  in  axillary  racemes. 

CANADIAN  GYMNOCLADUS.    Kentucky  Coffee-tree.  Kentucky  Mahogany. 

Stem  50-80  feet  high,  branching.  Leaves  2- 3  feet  long,  bipinnately  branching  ;  leaf- 
lets rather  alternate,  entire,  about  3  inches  in  length.  Flowers  greenish  white.  Legumes 
6-10  inches  long,  and  1-2  inches  wide,  somewhat  falcate  ;  seeds  nearly  orbicular,  a  little 
compressed,  over  half  an  inch  in  diameter. 

Rich  woods  :  W.  New  York  to  Illinois  and  south-westward  ;  also  in  cultivation.  Fl. 
May.  Fr.  October. 

Obs.  This  fine  tree  has  been  introduced  into  the  Eastern  States,  from 
the  West ;  and  although  not  equal  to  some  others,  as  a  shade  tree,  is 
worthy  of  a  place  in  all  ornamental  plantations.  The  timber  is  valuable, 
possessing  a  fine  and  close  grain  ;  qualities  which  adapt  it  to  the  use  of 
the  cabinet-maker. 

19.   GLEDIT'SCHIA,   L.     HONEY  LOCUST. 

[Named  in  honor  of  John  Gottlieb  Gleditsch,  a  German  Botanist.] 

Flowers  polygamous.  Sepals  3-5,  equal,  united  at  base.  Petals  as 
many  as  the  sepals, — or  fewer  by  abortion — or  by  the  union  of  the  two 
lower  ones.  Stamens  as  many  as  the  sepals  and  opposite  them,  or  by 
abortion  fewer.  Legume  stipitate,  often  intercepted  internally  between 
the  seeds,  dry  or  with  sweet  pulp  around  the  seeds.  Seeds  oval.  Trees  : 
the  super-axillary  branchlets  often  converted  into  simple  or  branched 
spines.  Leaves  even-pinnate  or  bipinnate  (often  both  forms  on  the  same 
tree.)  Flowers  small,  somewhat  spicate. 

1.  G,  triacan'thos,  L.  Spines  stout,  mostly  triple  ;  leaflets  linear  or 
lance-oblong,  somewhat  serrate ;  legumes  oblong,  much  compressed, 
somewhat  falcate  and  undulate,  many-seeded, — the  intervals  filled  with 
sweet  pulp. 

THREE-THORNED  GLEDITSCHIA.  Honey-locust.  Three-thorned  Acacia. 
Fr.  Le  Fevier  a  trois  Epines.  Germ.  Der  Honigdorn. 

Stem  30-50  or  60  feet  high,  and  2-3  or  4  feet  in  diameter.  Leaflets  about  an  inch  or  an 
inch  and  a  half  long.  Flowers  yellowish  green.  Legumes  6-12  or  15  inches  long,  and  an 
inch  or  more  in  width,  thin  and  wavy,  or  somewhat  twisted. 

Pennsylvania  to  Louisiana  :  often  cultivated.     Fl.  July.     Fr.  September -October. 

Obs.  The  light  foliage  of  this  tree  gives  it  a  pleasing  aspect,  but  it  is 
not  a  good  shade  tree.  It  is  in  frequent  cultivation  as  an  ornamental 
tree,  and  seems  to  be  nearly  naturalized  around  New- York.  It  has  been 
used  with  success  in  some  localities  for  hedging,  its  formidable  thorns 
compensating,  by  their  utility,  for  the  beauty  which  a  hedge  with  such 
light  foliage  must  lack.  The  thorns  are  knocked  off  by  the  winds  and, 
being  often  so  compound  that  however  they  may  lie,  some  points  will 
stick  up,  prove  very  troublesome  by  wounding  the  feet  of  cattle. 


112  WEEDS   AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

ORDER  XXVI.     ROSA'CE^E.     (ROSE  FAMILY.) 

Trees,  shrubs  or  herbs  with  alternate  stipulate  leaves,  and  regular  flowers  having  a  calyx  of  5 
(rarely  3-4  or  8)  sepals  more  or  less  united,  often  with  as  many  bracts,  and  petals  as 
many  as  the  sepals,  inserted  with  the  numerous  (rarely  few)  stamens  on  the  calyx.  Pistils 
1-many,  free,  or  (in  the  Pear  tribe)  united  within  the  calyx-tube.  Seeds  1  -few  in  each 
ovary,  without  albumen  ;  radicle  straight. 

This  Order — comprising  about  sixty  genera — is  remarkable  for  the  amount  and  variety 
of  its  esculent  products.  Many  of  the  fruits  are  valuable,  and  some  of  them  eminently 
delicious,  while  the  type  of  the  Order  (Rosa)  is  by  universal  consent  regarded  as  the 
queen  of  beauty  among  flowers.  A  few  of  the  drupaceous  species  of  the  Order  contain  a 
dangerous  quantity  of  Prussic  Acid,  in  the  nuts  and  leaves  ;  but  the  fleshy  or  succulent 
fruits  are,  almost  without  exception,  innocent  and  wholesome. 

1.  THE  ALMOND  SUB-FAMILY. 

Ovaries  solitary,  free  from  the  deciduous  calyx.     Style  terminal.   Fruit 

a  drupe  (stone-fruit).    Trees  or  shrubs  ;  the  bark  exuding  gum  ;  the 

bark,  leaves  and  kernels  possessing  the  peculiar  flavor  of  prussic  acid. 

Stipules  free. 

Stone  of  the  fruit  rough.     Petals  rose-color.  1.  PERSICA. 

Stone  of  the  fruit  smooth.     Petals  white. 

Stone  flattened,  with  grooved  edges.    Skin  of  fruit  downy.  2.  ARMENIACA. 

Stone  more  or  less  flattened,  generally  margined. 

Fruit  with  a  bloom.  3.  PRUNFS.  &  1. 

Stone  roundish  or  globular.    Fruit  without  a  bloom.  3.  PRUNUS.  ^2*3 

2.  THE  ROSE  SUB-FAMILY. 

Ovaries  many  or  few,  separate  from  each  other  and  from  the  calyx, 

but  sometimes  enclosed  by  and  concealed  in  its  tube.     Styles  lateral 

or  terminal.     Fruit  either  follicles  or  little  drupes.     Herbs  or  shrubs, 

rarely  trees,  with  simple  or  compound  leaves.     Stipules  usually  united 

with  the  petiole. 

Pistils  5,  forming  follicles  in  fruit.     Calyx  5-cleft.     Styles  terminal.  4.  SPIRAEA. 

Pistils  numerous,  forming  in  fruit  dry  akenes,  tipped  with  the  feathery 
persistent  style.  Calyx  bracteolate,  open.  5.  GEUM. 

Pistils  numerous.     Styles  often  lateral,  deciduous  ;  fruit  of  dry  akenes. 

Calyx  bracteolate,  open. 

Receptacle  of  the  fruit  dry  and  small.  6.  POTENTILLA. 

Receptacle  of  the  fruit  becoming  large  and  pulpy,  edible.  7.  FRAGARIA. 

Pistils  numerous.  Styles  terminal,  deciduous  ;  ovaries  becoming  little 
drupes,  cohering  with  one  another  or  with  the  receptacle.  Calyx 
open,  not  bracteolate.  8.  RUBDS. 

Pistils  numerous,  akenes  long,  enclosed  in  the  tube  of  the  urn-shaped 

calyx.  9.  ROSA. 

3.  PEAR  SUB-FAMILY. 

Calyx-tube  fleshy  in  fruit,  forming  a  pome.     Pistils  2-5,  their  styles 
more  or  less  separate,  their  ovaries  united  with  each  other  and  with 
the  tube  of  the  calyx. 
Cells  of  the  fruit  1  -2-seeded.     Fruit  drupe-like,  containing  2-5  stones. 

Leaves  simple.  10.  CRAT^GUS. 

Fruit  with  3-5  parchment-like  carpels.    Leaves  pinnate.    Fruit  berry- 
like,  scarlet.  11.  PYRUS.  §  3. 
Leaves  simple. 

Fruit  tapering  to  the  stalk.  11.  PYRUS.  §1. 

Fruit  sunk  in  at  both  ends.  11.  PYRUS.  \  2. 

Cells  of  the  fruit  many-seeded,  parchment-like,  enveloped  in  muci- 
lage. 12.  CYDONIA. 

1.  PER'SICA,  Tournef.    PEACH. 

[A  name  derived  from  Persia,  its  native  country.] 

Calyx  tubular,  with  5  spreading  segments.     Drupe  oval,  tomentose  or 


ROSE    FAMILY.  113 

smooth,  the  fleshy  and  succulent  pulp  adherent  or  separable  from  the 

rugosely  furrowed  nut.     Small  trees.     Leaves  lanceolate,  serrate,  condu- 

plicate  in  vernation.     Flowers  subsessile,  solitary  or  in  pairs,  preceding 

the  leaves. 

1.  P.  VULGAR'IS,  Mill.     Fruit  densely  tomentbse. 

COMMON  PERSICA.     Peach.     Peach-tree. 

Fr.  Le  Pecher.     Germ.  Der  Pfirschenbaum.     Span.  El  Melocoton. 

Stem  8-12  or  15  feet  high,  branching.  Leaves  3-5  inches  long  ;  petioles  half  an  inch 
long,  channeled  above  and  glandular  near  the  leaf.  Petals  pale  red  or  purplish.  Drupe 
with  the  flesh  white,  yellow  or  reddish,  either  adhering  to  the  nut,  and  then  called  Cling- 
stone, or  separable  from  it — when  it  is  termed  Freestone. 

Cultivated.    Native  of  Persia.     Fl.  April.    Fr.  Aug.  -  Sept. 

Obs.  The  fruit  of  this  tree,  like  most  of  those  which  have  had  the 
advantage  of  long  and  careful  culture,  presents  numerous  varieties, 
the  best  of  which  have  been  perpetuated  under  distinctive  names  by  the 
nurserymen  ;  such  as  "  George  the  4th,"  "  Morris  White,"  &c.  These 
kinds,  the  number  of  which  is  rather  formidable,  will  be  found  described 
in  standard  works  upon  Horticulture,  and  in  fruit  growers'  Catalogues. 
Although  the  tree  is  short-lived,  its  culture  is  managed  with  great  spirit 
and  success  in  the  Middle  States,  particularly  in  Maryland,  Delaware, 
and  New  Jersey  ;  and  latterly,  with  the  facilities  afforded  by  steamers, 
our  northern  cities  are  supplied,  early  in  the  season,  from  as  far  south 
as  Georgia.  The  most  approved  varieties  are  perpetuated  by  raising 
young  stocks  from  the  seeds,  and  inserting  upon  them  the  buds  or  scions 
of  the  desirable  kinds.  * 

This  process,  for  changing  the  character  of  seedling  trees,  is  alluded 
to  by  the  great  English  Bard  with  his  usual  felicity  : 

" You  see, we  marry 

A  gentler  scion  to  the  wildest  stock, 

And  make  conceive  a  bark  of  baser  kind, 

By  bud  of  nobler  race  :  This  is  an  art 

Which  does  mend  nature — change  it  rather  ;  but 

The  art  itself  is  nature."—  Winter's  Tale,  Act.  4. 

Var.  LJS'VIS.     Fruit  smooth. 
Nectarine. 

The  Nectarine,  which  was  formerly  considered  as  a  distinct  species, 
is  now  regarded  as  only  a  very  marked  variety  of  the  Peach,  from  which 
it  differs  only  in  its  smooth  fruit,  which  presents  the  same  varieties  of 
ding-stone  and  free-stone.  Cases  are  recorded,  in  which  the  same  tree  has 
produced  both  Peaches  and  Nectarines. 

The  Almond  (Amygdalus  communis,  L.,  which  is  nearly  related  to 
the  Peach— except  that  the  drupe  is  dry  and  fibrous,  instead  of  succu- 
lent, and  the  seed  is  the  eatable  portion) ,  has  not  yet,  I  believe,  been 
much  cultivated' within  the  U.  States  :  but  it  may  probably  be  success- 
fully introduced  into  Florida,  and  perhaps  some  other  southern  States,  it 
having  succeeded  even  in  Pennsylvania. 

A  dwarf  variety,  with  the  flowers  all  double  and  sterile,  is  well  known 


114  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

as  an  ornamental  shrub  in  gardens,  as  the  Flowering  Almond.  There 
are  two  marked  varieties  of  the  Almond  :  the  one  with  sweet  bland 
seeds,  Sweet  Almond  ;  and  the  Bitter  Almond,  the  kernel  of  which  con- 
tains a  bitter  volatile  oil  impregnated  with  prussic  acid.  This  oil,  which 
is  often  used  for  flavoring  pastry,  &c.,  exists,  or  one  very  nearly  like  it, 
in  the  peach  kernel.  Judging  from  observation,  it  would  not  seem  to  be 
generally  known  to  our  Pastry  Cooks,  that  a  peach  pie  baked  with  the 
fruit  whole  (i.  e.  simply  pared,  but  the  nut  left  in  the  peac/i),  is  vastly 
superior  to  one  made  of  the  mere  fleshy  portion  cut  in  pieces.  The 
process  of  baking,  as  I  suppose,  elicits  the  e  sential  oil  from  the  seed  of 
the  peach  and  diffuses  it  through  the  pulp,  imparting  to  it  a  sprightly 
and  delicious  flavor,  far  beyond  what  it  possesses  when  the  stone  is 
previously  rejected. 

2.  ARMENIA' CA,  Tournef.     APRICOT. 

[A  name  derived  from  Armenia,  its  native  country.] 

Calyx  campanulate,  with  5  reflexed  segments.  Drupe  roundish-oval, 
fleshy,  clothed  with  a  soft  velvety  pubescence  ;  nut  compressed,  the  sur- 
face even  and  not  roughly  furrowed  ;  one  margin  obtuse,  the  other  acute, 
both  grooved.  Small  trees.  Leaves  subcordate  or  ovate,  convolute  in  the 
bud.  Flowers  white,  subsessile,  solitary  or  few,  preceding  the  leaves. 

1.  A.  VULGA'RIS,  Lam.  Leaves  orbicular-ovate,  acuminate,  dentate,  sub- 
cordate  at  base  ;  flowers  sessile. 

COMMON  ARMENIACA.     Common  Apricot.     Moor-park  Apricot. 
Fr.  L'Abricotier.     Germ.  Der  Aprikoseubaum.     Span.  Albaricoque. 

Stem  10 - 15  or  20  feet  high,  with  rather  stout  spreading  branches.  Leaves  2-3  inches 
long  ;  petioles  an  inch  to  an  inch  and  a  half  long,  mostly  with  cup-like  glands  near  the  base 
of  the  leaf.  Petals  white.  Drupe  oval,  yellowish  when  mature. 

Cultivated.     Native  of  Armenia.     Fl.  April.     Fr.  July. 

Obs.  This  tree  yields  a  luscious  and  favorite  fruit ;  and,  in  propitious 
seasons,  the  branches  are  so  loaded  as  to  remind  one  of  the  admonitory 
passage  in  SHAKSPEARE  : 

"Go,  bind  thou  up  yon'  dangling  Apricocks, 
Which,  like  unruly  children,  make  their  sire 
Stoop  with  oppression  of  their  prodigal  weight  : 
Give  some  supportaucc  to  the  bending  twigs." 

King  Richard  II. 

The  name  of  this  fruit  in  SHAKSPEARE'S  time  was  written  "Apricocks," 
perhaps  by  a  corruption  of  the  latin  A.  prcecox,  meaning  Early  Armeniaca, 
It  is  melancholy  to  reflect  how  thoughtless  and  negligent  mankind 
generally  are,  with  respect  to  providing  fruit  for  themselves.  There  are 
few  persons  who  do  not  own  or  occupy  sufficient  ground  to  admit  of  3 
or  4  choice  fruit-trees  and  a  grape-vine  ;  such,  for  example,  as  an  Apricot, 
a  Peach,  a  May-duke  Cherry,  a  Catharine  Pear,  and  a  Catawba  grape ; 
yet  the  great  majority  seem  never  to  think  of  planting  such  trees,  while 


ROSE    FAMILY.  115 

they  are  ready  enough  to  run  after  the  rare  fruit  which  some  provident 
neighbor  may  have  taken  the  pains  to  cultivate.  It  is  high  time  that 
such  disreputable  negligence  should  cease,  and  that  people  should  be 
more  attentive  to  duties  which  are  enjoined  by  every  consideration  of 
comfort  and  good  taste — nay,  even  of  sheer  justice  to  those  around  them, 
who  are  now  annually  plundered  of  the  fruits  of  their  own  care  and 
labors. 

2.  A.  DASYCAR'PA,  Pers.  Leaves  ovate  or  oval,  somewhat  acuminate, 
doubly  serrate  ;  flowers  pedicellate. 

HAlffY-FRUITED  ARMENIACA.       Black  Apricot. 

Stem  10-15  feet  high;  branches  rather  slender  and  virgate.  Leaves  1^  to  near  3  inches 
long  ;  petioles  about  an  inch  long.  Petals  white.  Drupe  subglobose,  hairy,  dark  purplish 
color  when  mature. 

Cultivated.     Native  country  unknown.     Fl.  April.     Fr.  July. 

06s.  This  species  has  more  of  the  habit  of  a  Prunus,  or  Plum-tree, 
than  the  preceding,  and  is  reputed  to  be  a  more  certain  fruit-bearer ; 
but  I  have  not  found  it  so.  It  flowers  freely ;  but  the  young  fruit  is 
soon  stung  by  an  insect,  and  nearly  all  falls  off  before  it  is  half  grown. 

3.  PKU'NUS,  L.     PLUM  AND  CHERRY. 

[Ths  Latin  name  for  the  Plum.] 

Calyx  5-cleft.  Petals  5,  spreading.  Stamens  15-30.  Ovary  with  2 
pendulous  ovules.  Drupe  fleshy ;  stone  smooth  and  even.  Small  trees 
or  shrubs.  Flowers  usually  white. 

[The  Plum  and  Cherry  are  in  most  works  considered  as  distinct  genera  ;  we  follow  Dr. 
Gray  and  other  recent  authorities  in  arranging  them  as  sections  of  the  genus  Prunus  of 
Liunseus.] 

§  1.  PRUNUS,  Tourn.  (PLUM.)  Drupe  usually  with  a  bloom ;  the  stone 
flattened,  or  at  least  wider  than  thick  ;  leaves  convolute  in  the  bud  ;  flowers 
more  or  less  preceding  the  leaves,  from  lateral  buds  ;  the  pedicels  few  or 
several,  in  simple  umbellate  clusters. 

*  Introduced  or  cultivated  species. 

1.  P.  SPINO'SA,  L.  Branches  thorny  ;  leaves  obovate  oblong  or  ovate- 
lanceolate,  sharply  serrate,  at  length  glabrous  ;  pedicels  glabrous  ;  fruit 
small,  globular,  black  with  a  bloom,  the  stone  turgid  acute  on  one  edge. 
Sloe.  Black  Thorn. 

Yar.  insititia.  Less  spiny,  the  lateral  branches  often  ending  in  a  thorn  ; 
pedicels  and  lower  side  of  the  leaves  pubescent ;  fruit  round  and  black. 
I3ullace  Plum. 

Waste  places.     E.  New  England,  &c. 

Yar.  DOMES'TICA.    Branches  unarmed  ;  leaves  lance-ovate  or  oval,  mostly 

acute,  serrate  ;  pedicels  sub-solitary. 

Common  Plum.     Damascene,  Gage,  &c. 

Fr.  Prunier.     Germ.  Der  Pflaumenbaum.     Span.  Ciruelo. 

Stem  8  - 12  or  15  feet  high,  branching.    Leaves  1-3  inches  long  ;  petioles  half  an  inch  to  an 


116  WEEDS    AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 

inch  or  more  in  length.    Flowers  rather  preceding  the  leaves,  solitary  or  in  pairs  ;  pedicds 
about  half  an  inch  long.    Petals  white.     Drupe :oval,  ovoid  or  obovoid,  of  various  colors, 
from  black  to  pale  greenish-yellow,  covered  with  bloom,  the  flesh  rather  flrm. 
Cultivated.     Fl.  April,     tr.  August. 

Obs.  Numerous  forms  of  this  are  cultivated, — some  of  them  of  a  large 
size ;  but  the  depredations  of  insects  render  the  fruit  an  uncertain  crop — 
at  least  in  the  country.  In  cities,  the  insects  seem  to  be  less  destruc- 
tive. The  Sloe  is  used  in  Europe  for  hedges,  and  is  said  to  be  natural- 
ized in  some  parts  of  the  United  States  ;  it  is  now  considered  as  the 
original  of  the  numerous  varieties  of  cultivated  plum  and  of  the  Bullace 
Plum. 

**  Indigenous  species. 

2.  P.  America  xna,    Marsh.     Branches  subspinose  ;  leaves  oval  and 
obovate,  conspicuously  acuminate,  sharply  and  often  doubly  serrate, 
very  veiny,  smooth  when  old  ;  umbels  subsessile,  2  -  5-flowered  ;  fruit 
roundish,  oval,  yellow,  orange  or  red,  nearly  destitute  of  bloom  ;  the  tur- 
gid stone  more  or  less  acute  on  both  margins. 

AMERICAN  PRUNUS.     Bed  Plum.    Yellow  Plum. 

Stem.  8-12  or  15  feet  high,  much  branched, — the  young  branches  virgate,  the  old  ones 
rugged  and  somewhat  thorny.  Leaves  2-3  inches  long  ;  petioles  one  fourth  to  half  an 
inch  long.  Flowers  preceding  the  leaves  in  numerous  fascicles  of  threes  or  fours  ;  pedicels 
one  third  to  hah"  an  inch  long.  Petals  white.  Drupe  mostly  reddish  orange-colored,  with 
a  rich  succulent  yellow  pulp,  and  a  thick  tough  skin. 

Thickets,  fence-rows  and  banks  of  streams.     Canada  to  Texas.     Fl.  April.     Fr.  August. 

Obs.  This  Plum — about  which  foreign  Botanists  have  been  so  bewil- 
dered— is  extensively  diffused  through  our  country.  In  its  wild  state, 
the  flowers  are  apt  to  be  abortive, — and  the  fruit  is  small  and  rather 
acerb  ;  but  by  long  culture,  the  drupe  sometimes  becomes  as  large  as  a 
common  Apricot.  Although  of  a  pleasant  flavor,  when  fully  mature,  it 
is  not  adapted  to  culinary  purposes. 

3.  P.  mari'tima,  Wang.     Seldom  thorny  ;  leaves  ovate  or  oval,  finely 
serrate,  softly  pubescent  underneath  ;  pedicels  short,  pubescent ;  fruit 
globular,  purple  or  crimson,  with  a  bloom. 

Beach  Plum.     Sand  Plum. 

Alow  straggling  shrub  2-5  feet  high.  Leaves  2  -3  inches  long,  rather  stiff,  smooth 
above,  and  downy,  especially  on  the  mid-rib  and  veins,  beneath.  Floivers  in  umbels  of  2- 
6  ;  pedicels  >£  an  inch  long  ;  calyx  pubescent.  Fruit  %  an  inch  to  an  inch  in  diameter  ; 
stone  very  turgid,  acute  on  one  edge,  rounded  and  minutely  grooved  on  the  other. 

Near  the  sea  :  Massachusetts  to  Virginia.     Fl.  May.     Fr.  Aug.  -  Sept. 

06s.  This  species  is  found  along  the  sea-coast  and  often  extends  inland 
for  twenty  miles  or  more.  When  growing  at  a  distance  from  the  sea,  its 
leaves  are  smoother  and  thinner  and  the  fruit  smaller, — forms  which  have 
been  considered  as  distinct  varieties  or  even  species.  The  bush  grows 
in  little  thickets  and  is  in  exposed  situations  nearly  prostrate.  The  fruit 
varies  in  quality,  often,  when  fully  ripe,  of  an  agreeable  flavor  ;  it  is 
much  used  for  preserving  along  the  New  England  coast  and  is  sometimes 
sold  in  the  markets.  * 

4.  P,  Chica'sa,  MX.    Branches  subspinose;  leaves  narrow,  oblong- 


ROSE   FAMILY. 


ir 


lanceolate  or  oblanceolate,  acute,  finely  serrulate  with  glandular-pointed 
teeth  ;  umbels  sessile,  2  -  3-flowered  ;   fruit  globular,  red  ;   the  stone 
ovoid,  almost  as  thick  as  wide,  rounded  at  both  sutures,  one  of  them 
minutely  grooved. 
CHICASA  PRUNUS.     Chickasaw  Plum.     Mountain  Cherry. 

Stem  6-10  or  12  feet  high,  much  branched,  the  young  branches  virgate,  dark  purple, 
smooth  and  shining,  the  old  ones  crooked  or  geniculate,  and  somewhat  thorny.  Leaves 
1-2  inches  long,  smooth  ;  petioles  slender,  one  fourth  to  three-fourths  of  an  inch  long. 
Flowers  appearing  with  the  leaves,  in  sessile  fascicles  of  threes  ;  pedicels  about  half  an 
inch  long,  slender  and  smooth.  Drupe  globose,  red  or  yellowish-red,  nearly  or  quite 
destitute  of  bloom,  with  a  tender  pulp  and  a  thin  skin. 

Cultivated.     Fl.  April.     Fr.  July. 

Obs.  This  little  tree  (which  is  believed  to  be  a  native  of  our  South- 
western territory, — where  it  is  a  small  shrub,  in  its  wild  state, — )  by 
long  culture  produces  a  very  pleasant  fruit.  When  we  consider  the 
great  difficulty  attending  the  culture  of  the  common  plum,  on  account 
of  the  attacks  of  the  curculio,  it  would  seem  that  this  and  the  other  na- 


tive species  should  receive  more  attention  from  our  horticulturists  than 
has  yet  been  bestowed  upon  them.  It  approaches  the  Cherry,  in  char- 
acter and  appearance,  and  may  be  considered  as  a  connecting  link  be- 
tween the  Plum  &  Cherry. 

$2.  CERASUS,  (CHERRY).  Fruit  destitute  of  bloom  ;  the  stone  globular  and 
marginless  ;  leaves  folded  (conduplicate)  in  the  bud  ;  flowers  in  umbellate 
clusters. 
5.    P.  A'VIUM,  L.    Branches  erect  or  ascending,  rather  stout ;  leaves 

FIG.  79.  A  flower  of  the  common  Garden  Cherry  (Prunus  avium).  80.  A  divided 
flower  with  its  solitary  pistil  free  from  the  calyx.  81.  The  fruit  (drupe)  divided  to  show 
the  hardened  inner  portion  of  the  fruit  (stone)  containing  the  seed. 


1  18  WEEDS    AXD    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

oval  or  ob ovate-oblong,  acuminate,  coarsely  serrate,  pilose  and  some- 
what glaucous,  beneath  ;  umbels  sessile  ;  flowers  scarcely  preceding  the 
leaves  ;  pedicels  rather  long ;  drupe  roundish  ovoid  or  subcordate  at 
base. 

BIRDS'  PRJNUS.     English  Cherry.     Bleeding-heart,  £c. 
Fr.  Le  Cerisier.     Germ.  Der  Kirschbaum.     Span.  Cerezo. 

Stem  30-60  feet  or  more  in  height,  and  often  2-3  feet  in  diameter  at  base,  branching 
regularly,  and. somewhat  vorticillately,  so  as  to  form  an  oblong  conical  top.  Leaves  3-  5 
or  6  inches  long  ;  petioles  an  inch  to  an  inch  and  a  half  long.  Pedicels  slender,  an  inch  to  an 
inch  and  a  half  long,  usually  3  (often  2)  in  a  fascicle.  Petals  white.  Drupes  of  various  siza 
and  color,  tender  and  often  very  succulent,  sweet  or  bitterish-sweet. 

Cultivated.    Fl.  April     Fr.  June  -  July. 

Obs.  Cherries  are  said  to  have  been  originally  brought  to  Rome  from 
Cerasus,  a  city  of  Pontus,  by  the  Roman  Consul  and  General,  LUCULLUS, 
some  60  or  70  years  before  the  Christian  era  ;  and  from  Rome  they  have 
been  distributed  over  the  rest  of  the  civilized  world.  Our  cultivated 
Cherry  trees  seem  obviously  to  consist  o£at  least  two  original  species, — 
viz.  the  sweet  "  English  Cherry,"  so  called, — and  the  common  Sour 
Cherry.  The  numerous  varieties — produced  by  culture  (and  possibly 
some  hybrids) — may  be  all  referred  to  one  or  the  other  of  those  two. 
There  are,  undoubtedly,  several  very  distinct  sorts  of  fruit ;  but  I  incline 
to  think  the  general  habit  and  aspect  of  the  trees  commonly  seen  in  this 
country,  warrant  the  reduction  of  them  all  to 'the  two  above  referred 
to  ;  and  I  shall  so  consider  them  in  this  work. 

6.   P.  CE'RASUS,  L.     Branches  spreading,  slender  and  flexible  ;  leaves 
obovate  and  ovate-lanceolate,  mostly  narrowed  at  base,  acuminate  or 
acute,  serrate,  smoothish  ;  umbels  subsessile  ;  flowers  rather  preceding 
the  leaves  ;  pedicels  rather  short ;  drupe  globose. 
Red  or  Sour  Cherry,  Morello  Cherry,  &c. 

Stem  10  -  20  feet  high,  irregularly  branched  •  branches  rather  slender  and  flaccid,  spread- 
ing nearly  horizontally,  and  forming  a  roundish  bushy  top.  Leaves  l%-3  inches  long; 
petioles  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  long.  Pedicels  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  in  length,  2,  or  more 
frequently  3,  in  a  fascicle.  Petals  white.  Drupes  fleshy,  more  or  less  acid,  red  or  dark 
purple  when  mature. 

Cultivated.     Fl.  April.     Fr.  July. 

Obs.  The  "  Sour  Cherry"  is  the  most  common  and,  for  culinary  pur- 
poses, the  most  valuable  of  the  genus.  The  Morello  Cherry  is  a  re- 
markably fine  variety,  with  a  rich  purple  juice, — and  in  the  days  of 
"  Cherry  Bounce,"  was  a  great  favorite  :  but,  for  the  last  30  years  it 
has  almost  entirely  disappeared  from  Pennsylvania,  in  consequence  of  the 
ravages  of  an  insect,  causing  large  w^arty  excrescences  on  the  branches 
of  the  tree.  The  fruit  first  failed, — and  since,  the  tree  itself  has  become 
very  scarce.  P.  Pennsylvanica,  L.,  the  wild  Red  Cherry,  is  a  native 
tree  belonging  to  this  section,  its  fruit  small,  sour  and  worthless. 

§  3.  PADUS,  (CHERRY.)  Fruit  as  in  preceding  section  ;  flowers  in  racemes 
terminating  the  branches,  developed  after  the  flowers. 


ROSE    FAMILY.  119 

7.  P.  Virginia 'na,  L.     Leaves  oval,  oblong  or  obovate,  abruptly 
acuminate,  sharply  and  often  doubly  serrate  ;  fruit  red,  turning  to  dark 
crimson. 

VIEGINIAN  PRUNUS.     Choke  Cherry. 

A  tall  shrub.  Leaves  2-4  inches  long,  thinnish.  Flowers  in  simple  racemes  2-3  inches 
in  length  ;  petals  roundish.  Fruit  about  the  size  of  a  pea,  very  austere  and  astringent 
until  perfectly  ripe. 

River  banks  :  most  common  northward.     Fl.  May.     Fr.  August. 

06s.  Doct.  Gray  found  from  the  examination  of  the  original  speci- 
mens in  the  Linnaean  Herbarium  that  this  is  the  true  P.  Virginiana,  a 
name  which  had  been  previously  applied  to  the  following  species. 

8.  P.  sero'tina,  Ehrhetrt.     Leaves  oblong,  or  lance-oblong,  acuminate, 
smooth,  shining  above,  finely  serrate  with  apprised  or  incurved  callous 
teeth ;  racemes  elongated  ;  drupes  globose,  small,  purplish-black. 
LATE  PRUNUS.     Wild  Cherry.     Black  Cherry. 

Stem  40-60  or  80  feet  high,  and  2-3  feet  in  diameter  at  base,  with  large  irregular 
spreading  branches.  Leaves  2-4  or  5  jnchcs  long,  subcoriaceous  ;  petioles  half  an  inch  to 
three-quarters  in  length.  Racemes  simple,  rather  erect,  2-4  or  5  inches  long.  Petals 
white,  obovate.  Drupes  dark  purple  or  purplish  black  when  mature,  succulent,  bitter 
and  mawkish  to  the  taste. 

Banks  of  streams  ;  fence-rows,  &c. :  Canada  to  Florida.     Fl.  May.     Fr.  August. 

Obs.  The  Wild  Cherry  tree  attains  its  greatest  perfection  on  the 
fertile  banks  of  the  Ohio  and  other  rivers  of  the  West,  where  it  forms  a 
fine  forest  tree.  On  the  Atlantic  coast  it  is  seldom  more  than  a  foot 
in  diameter.  The  wood  is  hard,  close-grained,  and  takes  a  good  polish  ; 
it  is  of  a  pale  reddish  tint  which  deepens  with  age.  The  bark  is  bitter, 
with  something  of  a  peach-kernel  flavor,  and  contains  a  small  propor- 
tion of  prussic-acid  ;  it  is  considerably  used  in  medicine  and  is  consid- 
ered a  very  valuable  tonic,  and  forms,  or  is  said  to  form,  the  basis  of 
several  quack  "  Balsams  "  and  "  Pectorals."  The  ripe  fruit  is  a  favorite 
food  of  birds ;  it  is  used  to  considerable  extent  in  preparing  "  Cherry 
Rum,"  "  Cherry  Bounce,"  &c.  It  is  probable  that,  like  most  wild  fruits, 
the  quality  of  this  varies  from  local  causes,  some  considering  it  pleasant 
when  fully  ripe,  while  to  others  it  is  nauseous.  * 

$4.  LAUROCERASUS,  (LAUREL  CHERRY).    Leaves  evergreen  ;  flowers  from 
the  axils  of  the  leaves  of  the  former  season. 

9.  P.  Carolinia'na,  -A.it.     Leaves  oblong-lanqeolate,  acuminate,  mu- 
cronate,  entire  or  spiny-serrate,  thick,  smooth  ;  flowers  in  dense  racemes, 
shorter  than  the  leaves  ;  drupes  black,  juiceless,  persistent. 
CAROLINA  PRUNUS.     Evergreen  Cherry. 

Tree  30-50  feet  high.  Leaves  shining  above,  almost  veinlcss  ;  destitute  of  glands.  Petals 
small.     Stamens  about  15. 
River  banks  ;  South  Carolina  to  Louisiana  and  Arkansas.     March  -  April. 

06s.  This  tree  is  noticed  on  account  of  the  poisonous  qualities  of 
its  leaves,  which,  according  to  Elliott,  frequently  destroy  cattle  that 
browse  upon  them  in  the  spring  of  the  year.  From  the  leaves  of  the 
nearly  related  European  Cherry  Laurel  (P.  Laurocerasus)  is  distilled 


120  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

the  celebrated  Laurel  Water,  a  poison  which  owes  its  deadly  properties 
to  the  large  amount  of  prussic-acid  it  contains.  * 

4.  SPIR^E'A,  L.     MEADOW-SWEET. 

[Greek,  Speirao,  to  wind  ;  from  its  fitness  to  form  garlands.] 

Calyx  5-cleft,  persistent.  Petals  5,  obovate.  Stamens  10-50.  Pods 
(follicles)  3-5  or  more,  each  2-  4-  or  many-seeded.  Shrubs  or  herbs ; 
leaves  simple,  sometimes  lobed  or  even  pinnately  dissected. 

1.  S.  opulifo'lia,  L.    Leaves  roundish  ovate  and  3-lobed,  doubly  cre- 
nate-serrate  ;  flowers  corymbose  ;  follicles  inflated,  2-4-seeded. 

OPULUS-LEAVED  SPIR.EA.     Nine  Bark 

Shrub  3-10  feet  high,  with  spreading  branches,  and  a  loose  lamellated  bark,  the  nume- 
rous layers  suggesting  the  popular  name.  Leaves  1-2  inches  in  length,  and  nearly  as  wide 
as  long,  usually  3-lobed  ;  petioles  half  an  inch  to  three-quarters  in  length.  Corymbs  sub- 
umbellate,  convex,  crowded,  hoary  pubescent  when  young  ;  common  peduncles  half  an 
inch  to  an  inch  long.  Flowers  white,  often  tinged  with  purple.  Carpels  3-5,  connate 
below,  acuminate  ;  seeds  obovoid. 

Margins  of  streams.    Jane. 

Obs.  A  very  showy  ornamental  species,  which  grows  readily  from 
cuttings,  and  should  be  generally  cultivated.  Sometimes  called  "  Niue- 
Bark  Syringa."  / 

2.  S.  tomento'sa,  L.    Stem  and  lower  surface  of  the  leaves  covered 
with  a  rusty-colored  wool ;  leaves  ovate  or  oblong,  serrate  ;  racemes  in 
a  dense  elongated  panicle  ;  carpels  5,  woolly. 

WOOLLY  SPIRAEA.     Hardback.     Steeple  Bush. 

Stem  2-3  feet  high,  brittle,  clothed  with  an  easily  separable  wool.  Leaves  1-2  inches 
long,  on  very  short  petioles  ;  the  upper  surface  of  a  bright  green  color  in  marked  contrast 
to  the  often  nearly  white  under  surface.  Flowers  pale  purple. 

New  England— -Georgia  ;  more  rare  southward.     July -August. 

Obs.  This  plant  possesses  considerable  astringency,  and  is  in  com- 
mon use  in  New  England  as  a  domestic  remedy  in  diarrhoea  and  other 
complaints  where  astringents  are  required.  It  is  a  really  beautiful  spe- 
cies, and  as  it  is  much  improved  by  cultivation,  it  quite  as  much  de- 
serves a  place  in  the  garden  as  some  of  the  rarer  kinds.  Many  other 
species  of  this  genus  are  well  known  and  justly  admired  ornamental 
plants ;  among  them  are  S.  ULMIFOLIA  (Meadow-Sweet),  S.  FILIPEN- 
DULA  (Drop-wort),  which  are  herbaceous,  and  several  shrubby  ones.  * 

5.  GE'UM,  L.    AVENS.  , 

[Greek,  geuo,  to  relish,  or  taste  well ;  the  roots  being  rather  aromatic.] 
Calyx  concave,  5-cleft,  usually  with  a  bractlet  at  each  cleft.    Petals  5. 
Stamens  numerous.     Akenes  numerous,  in  a  head  ;  styles  long,  persistent, 
tailed,  and  after  flowering  hooked  at  the  summit.     Perennial  herbs ; 
leaves  pseudo-pinnate  or  lyrate. 

1.  G,  riva'le,  L.     Radical  leaves,  interruptedly  pinnate,  the  terminal 


HOSE    FAMILY. 


121 


lobe  large  ;  calyx  segments  erect ;  petals  purplish-orange,  erect ;  style 
jointed  and  bent  in  the  middle,  upper  joint  plumose. 
EIVER  GEUM.     "Water  Avens.     Purple  Avens. 

Stem  about  2  feet  high,  nearly  simple,  rather  retrorsely  pilose.  Principal  leaflets3-5  • 
lateral  ones  obovate  ;  terminal  one  2-3  inches  long  and  wider  than  long  ;  common  petioles 
6-9  inches  in  length.  Flowers  nodding.  Calyx  brown-purple.  Petals  inversely  heart- 
shaped,  contracted  into  a  claw,  longer  than  the  calyx.  Carpels  in  a  stalked  head,  very 
hairy.  Styles  slender,  dark  purple. 

Bogs  anil  wet  meadows  :  New  England  to  Pennsylvania.    May -June. 


FIG.  82.  The  Water  Aveiis  (Geum  rivale),  reduced. 


122  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

06s.  The  root  of  the  Water  Avens  is  tonic  and  powerfully  astrin- 
gent, and  is  used  as  a  popular  remedy  in  diarrhea,  dyspepsia,  £c.  A 
decoction  is  made  and  taken  with  sugar  and  milk  in  the  same  manner  as 
coffee. 

6.  POTENTIL'LA,  L:     CINQUEFOIL. 

[Latin, potens,  powerful ;  in  reference  to  supposed  medical  properties.] 

Calyx  5-cleft,  with  an  external  bract  at  each  cleft,  thus  appearing  10- 
cleft.  ,  Petals  mostly  5.  Stamens  numerous.  Style  lateral  or  terminal, 
deciduous.  Akenes  numerous,  often  rugose,  capitate  on  a  dry  persistent 
villous  receptacle.  Seed  suspended  ;  radicle  always  superior.  Herbace- 
ous or  suffruticose.  Leaves  pinnately  or  palmately  compound. 

1.  P.  Norve'gica,  L.   Hirsute  ;  stem  erect,  dichotomous  above  ;  leaves 
palmately  3-foliolate,  the  cauline  ones  on  short  petioles  ;  leaflets  obovate- 
oblong,  the  uppermost  lanceolate,  coarsely  and  incisely  serrate  ;  pedun- 
cles axillary,  cymose  at  summit  and  leafy  ;  petals  shorter  than  the 
calyx  ;  akenes  rugosely  ribbed  or  striate. 

NORWEGIAN  POTENTILLA. 

Root  annual.  Stem  1-2  feet  high,  rather  stout.  Leaflets  1-3  inches  long;  common 
petioles  1-4  inches  long  ;  stipules  large  (often  an  inch  or  more  in  length) .  Flowers  often 
numerous,  in  leafy  cymes  at  summit,  and  on  long  solitary  peduncles  below — the  lower 
peduncles  often  opposite  the  leaves.  Petals  yellow. 

Pastures  and  roadsides  :  Northern  States.  Native  of  Lapland,  Norway,  and  Northern 
America.  Fl.  July -August.  Fr.  September. 

Obs.  This  is  said  to  be  a  native  in  the  Northern  States,  and  British 
America, — but  it  has  very  much  the  appearance  of  an  introduced  plant, 
— and  has  not  yet,  so  far  as  I  know,  acquired  a  common  name.  It  is 
only  entitled  to  the  notice  of  the  farmer,  as  being  a  coarse,  homely, 
worthless  intruder  in  his  pasture  fields. 

2.  P,  Canaden'sis,  L.     Villous ;   stems  procumbent  and  ascending ; 
leaves  palmately  5-foliolate ;  leaflets  cuneate-obovate,  incisely  serrate- 
dentate  near  the  apex  ;   peduncles  axillary,  solitary,  elongated  ;  petals 
longer  than  the  calyx  ;   akenes  somewhat  rugose. 

CANADIAN  POTENTILLA.     Cinquefoil.    Five-finger. 

Root  perennial.  Stem  2  or  3-12  and  18  inches  long,  slender,  somewhat  branched,  often 
several  from  the  same  root.  Radical  leaves  on  petioles  2-6  or  8  inches  long  ;  stem  leaves 
nearly  sessile  :  leaflets  half  an  inch  to  1-2  inches  long.  Peduncles  about  as  long  as  the 
leaves.  Petals  yellow. 

Old  neglected  fields  ;  borders  of  woodlands,  &c.  Canada  to  Georgia.  Fl.  April -June. 
Fr.  June -August. 

Obs.  The  P.  simplex,  of  authors,  is  no  doubt  properly  regarded  as  only 
a  variety  of  this.  Both  varieties  are  rather  harmless,  though  worthless  ; 
and  are  merely  indicative  of  a  poor  soil,  or  a  thriftless  farmer.  Some 
lands,  when  kept  as  pasture  fields,  seem  to  have  an  almost  incurable 
tendency  to  lose  the  valuable  Grasses,  and  to  become  speedily  overrun 


ROSE    FAMILY. 


123 


with  Cinquefoil. 
worst  of  soils. 


Lime  and  manure,  however,  will  work  wonders  iu  the 


7.  FRAGA'BJA,  Tourncf.    STRAWBERRY. 

[Latin,  fragrans,  odorous  ;  in  reference  to  its  fragrant  fruit.] 

Calyx,  corolla,  and  stamens,  the  same  as  in  Potenlilla.  Styles  deeply 
lateral.  Akencs  numerous,  smooth,  scattered  on  the  enlarged  succulent 
or  pulpy  receptacle,  or  embedded  in  pits  on  its  surface.  Perennial  sto- 
lonitbrous  herbs.  Leaves  3-foliolate  ;  leaflets  coarsely  dentate.  Flowers 
several,  cyrnose  on  a  scape-like  peduncle  ;  sometimes  dmcious  by  abor- 
tion. 


84 


A.M. 


L  F.  ves'ca,  L.    Peduncles  usually  longer  than  the  leaves  ;  calyx  of  the 
fruit  reflexed  ;  fruit  conical  or  hemispherical, — the  akenes  superficial. 
EATABLE  FRAGARIA.     English  Strawberry.     Garden  Strawberry. 
Fr.  Le  Fraisier.     Germ.  Die  Erdbeerpflanze.     Span.  Fresera. 

Whole  plant  hairy.  Root  perennial,  and  the  leaves  often  green  through  the  winter. 
Stem,  very  short — but  several  slender  prostrate  radicating  runners,  1-2  feet  long,  are 
thrown  out  from  the  crown  of  the  root.  Leaves  mostly  radical ;  common  petioles  3-8  or  9 
inches  long  ;  leaflets  ovate  or  cuneate-obovate,  plicate,  1-3  or  4  inches  long.  Cymes  5-12 
or  15-flowered,  with  2  or  3  foliaceous  bracts  at  base,  on  peduncles  4  or  5-10  or  12  inches 
in  length.  Flowers  sometimes  abortive.  Petals  white.  Receptacle  (commonly  regarded 
as  the  fruit)  red  or  yellowish  white,  often  long  and  slender,  bearing  the  akenes  super- 
licially  and  rather  prominently  on  the  even  surface. 

Gardens  :  cultivated  ;  also  indigenous.     Fl.  April.     Fr.  May  -June. 


FIG.  83.  The  Strawberry  flower  (Fragaria  vesca)  with  numerous  stamens  and  pistils. 
84.  The  fruit  which  consists  of  true  fruits  (akenes,  one  from  each  pistil)  scattered  over  the 
surface  oi'aii  enlarged  and  pulpy  receptacle. 


124  WEEDS    AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 

Obs.  Varieties  of  this  and  of  other  species  (as  F.  ELATIOR,  Ehrh.  and  F. 
CHILENSIS,  Ehrh.) ,  and  probably  hybrids,  have  been  produced  by  long 
cultivation  ;  the  list  of  those  kinds  that  have  been  found  valuable  either 
for  size,  flavor  or  productiveness,  is  a  long  one,  and  is  yearly  increased 
by  the  efforts  of  cultivators  to  improve  on  the  already  established  varie- 
ties. For  several  years  past  the  so-called  "  strawberry  question,"  has 
occupied  a  large  share  of  attention  from  fruit-growers  and  writers  on 
horticulture, — the  question  involving  the  nature  of  the  plant ;  whether  it 
was  hermaphrodite  or  dioecious,  whether  the  pistillate  varieties  changed 
to  staminate,  &c.  These  points  have  been  discussed  at  great  length,  and 
to  say  the  least,  with  earnestness.  The  following  are  the  conclusions 
arrived  at  by  the  Horticultural  Society  of  Cincinnati,  and  published  as 
the  result  of  a  long  series  of  careful  examinations. 

"  Wild  or  cultivated,  the  strawberry  presents,  in  its  varieties,  four  dis- 
tinct forms  or  characters  of  inflorescence. 

1st.  Those  called  pistillate,  from  the  fact  that  the  stamens  are  abortive, 
and  rarely  to  be  found  without  a  dissection  of  the  flower.  These  re- 
quire extrinsic  impregnation. 

2d.  Those  called  staminate,  which  are  perfectly  destitute  of  even  the 
rudiments  of  pistils,  and  are  necessarily  fruitless. 

3d.  Those  called  Hermaphrodite  or  perfect,  having  both  sets  of  organs, 
stamens  and  pistils,  apparently  well  developed.  These  are  not  generally 
good  and  certain  bearers,  as  we  should  expect  them  to  be.  With  few 
exceptions  they  bear  poorly,  owing  to  some  unobserved  defect,  probably 
in  the  pistils.  One-tenth  of  their  flowers,  generally  produce  perfect  and 
often  very  large  berries. 

4th.  A  rare  class — a  sort  of  subdivision  of  the  preceding — has  not  only 
hermaphrodite  flowers,  but  also  some  on  the  same  truss  that  are  of  a  pis- 
tillate character  ;  and  sometimes,  in  the  same  plant,  a  truss  will  be  seen 
on  which  all  the  flowers  are  pistillate." 

Individual  plants  are  frequently  to  be  found,  in  strawberry  beds,  in 
which  the  flowers  are  all  abortive, — the  stamens  having  the  appearance 
of  coarse  blighted  monstrosities — the  pistils  abortive — and  the  recepta- 
cle failing  to  enlarge.  The  Gardeners  call  these  male  plants, — and  insist 
that  their  presence  is  absolutely  indispensable,  to  insure  a  crop  of  fruit. 
But  the  flowers  in  question,  are  palpably  neutral,  and  nothing  more  than 
blights.  Although  the  true  fruit  of  this  plant  consists  of  mere  dry  specks, 
or  bony  particles  (i.  e.  the  minute  akenes),  scattered  over  the  surface  of 
the  enlarged  receptacle, — yet  the  receptacle  itself  furnishes  a  pulpy  sub- 
stitute of  the  most  delicious  character.  As  it  is  only  the  receptacle  and 
not  the  true  fruit  for  which  the  strawberry  is  cultivated,  the  question 
has  been  raised,  whether  this  enlargement  of  the  receptacle  may  not  take 
place,  without  the  ovules  being  fertilized.  Mr.  G.  W.  Huntsman,  of 
Flushing,  L.  I.,  gives  in  "  Pardee's  Complete  Manual  for  the  Cultivation 
of  the  Strawberry,"  (a  valuable  work  for  the  growers  of  the  fruit),  an 
account  of  some  experiments,  which  go  to  show  that  unless  the  ovules 
are  impregnated,  the  receptacle  fails  to  enlarge.  He  enclosed  some 


ROSE   FAMILY.  125 

plants  of  a  pistillate  kind  beneath  a  glass,  to  protect  them  from  receiv- 
ing the  pollen  from  neighboring  plants,  applying  pollen  to  some  blossoms 
and  leaving  the  majority  without  this  impregnation  ;  only  those  to  which 
the  pollen  was  applied  perfected  fruit.  SHAKSPEARE  has  the  following 
allusion  to  the  habitat,  or  associates  of  the  plant,  to  illustrate  a  moral 
sentiment : 

"  The  Strawberry  grows  underneath  the  Nettle  ; 
And  wholesome  berries  thrive  and  ripen  best, 
Neighbor'd  by  fruit  of  baser  quality." 

King  Henry  V.  * 

2.  F.  Virginia  'na,  Ehrh.   Peduncles  commonly  shorter  than  the  leaves ; 
calyx  of  the  fruit  spreading ;  fruit  ovoid,  nodding, — the  akenes  imbed- 
ded in  the  pitted  surface  of  the  receptacle. 
VIRGINIAN  FRAGARIA.    Wild  Strawberry. 

Obs.  This  native  species  is  usually  a  smaller  plant  (perhaps  for  want 
of  culture),  but  has  a  close  general  resemblance  to  the  preceding, — and 
is  frequent  in  old  fields  and  meadows  throughout  the  U.  States.  Drs. 
TORREY  and  GRAY  remark,  that  "  the  deeply  pitted  fruit  affords  the  only 
character  for  this  species  that  can  be  wholly  relied  upon  ;"  and  even  that, 
I  fear,  is  not  unexceptionable.  It  is  a  deep  purple,  when  mature, — and 
in  its  wild  state,  of  a  more  sprightly  (sub-acid)  flavor  than  the  cultivat- 
ed sorts. 

8.  RU'BUS,  L.    BRAMBLE. 

[Latin,  Ruber—or  Celtic,  Rub— red  ;  from  the  color  of  the  fruit,  or  branches.] 

Calyx  flattish  at  base,  5-parted,  without  bracts  at  the  clefts.  Petals  5. 
Stamens  numerous.  Carpels  mostly  numerous,  capitate  on  a  protuberant 
spongy  receptacle,  becoming  succulent  and  drupaceous,  cohering  and 
forming  a  compound  berry,  either  deciduous  or  persistent.  Perennial  and 
and  mostly  suffruticose  plants.  Stems  erect  or  procumbent,  usually  bien- 
nial and  armed  with  prickles.  Leaves  pinnately  or  pedately  compound, 
sometimes  simple. 

$  1.  CARPELS  forming  a  hemispherical  fruit,  concave  beneath,  and  decid- 
uous or  falling  away  from  the  dry  receptacle  when  ripe,  (RASPBERRY.) 
*  Leaves  simple. 

1.  R.  odora'tus,  L.     Stem  fruticose,  erect,  unarmed,  hispid  with  glan- 
dular hairs  ;  leaves  palmately  3  -  5-lobed,  unequally  serrate ;  stipules 
nearly  free,  deciduous ;  corymbs  terminal,  spreading,  glandular-pilose  and 
viscid  ;  flowers  large  ;  sepals  with  a  long  acumination. 
ODOROUS  RUBUS.     Rose-flowering  Raspberry. 

Root  creeping.  Stem  perennial ,3-5  feet  high ,  branching.  Leaves  4-8  inches  long,  and 
ncn  rly  as  wide  as  long,  cordate  at  base  ;  petioles  '2-4  or  fi  inches  long.  Flowers  corymbose  ; 
peduncles  and  sepals  clothed  with  a  purplish  clammy  glandular  pubescence.  Petals 
mostly  purplish  rose-color.  Fruit  broad,  on  a  large  receptacle,  of  a  palish  bright  red  or 
scarlet  when  mature — often  abortive. 

Korky  woodlands  and  mountains:  Canada  to  Georgia.  Fl.  June -July.  Fr.  July-* 
August. 


126  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

Obs.  The  fruit  of  this  is  pleasantly  flavored,— but  is  rarely  perfected 
under  cultivation  ;  and  indeed  is  often  abortive  in  its  native  localities.  I 
have  seen  it  on  the  mountains  in  August,  bearing  flowers  and  ripe  fruit 
at  the  same  time.  It  is  rather  a  troublesome  plant,  when  introduced  into 
yards  and  gardens, — sending  up  numerous  suckers.  The  nearly  allied  R. 
Nutkanus,  Motino,  the  white  flowering  Raspberry,  which  has  white 
and  smaller  flowers,  is  common  along  the  lakes  of  the  North-west,  and  is 
sometimes  cultivated. 

**  Leaves  ( p innately  or  pedately)  3  -  5-foliolate. 

2.  R.  ID^E'US,  L.     Stem  suffruticose,  erect,  terete,  not  glaucous,  hispid 
at  base,  and  somewhat  prickly  above ;    leaves   pinnately  3  -  5-folio- 
late  ;  leaflets  rhomboid-ovate  ;  flowers  in  paniculate  corymbs  ;  petals  en- 
tire ;  carpels  slightly  rugose,  finely  pubescent,  not  pitted  in  drying. 
IDA  RUBUS.     Antwerp  Raspberry.     Garden  Raspberry. 

Fr.  Framboisier.     Germ.  Die  Himbeerstaude.     Span.  Frambueso. 

Root  creeping.  Stem  3-5  feet  high,  branching,  mostly  hispid  when  young,  especially 
towards  the  base — smoothish  (or  sometimes  pubescent)  and  armed  with  slender  recurved 
prickles  above — the  hispid  bark,  below,  exfoliating  the  second  year.  Lower  leaves  odd- 
pinnate  by  fives,  the  upper  ones  by  threes  ;  common  petioles  1-3  or  4  inches  long  ;  leaflets 
2-4-inches  long,  acuminate,  unequally  iucised-serrate-,  smoothish  and  green  above,  clothed 
with  a  dense  white  cottony  tomentum  beneath.  Petals  white.  Carpels  incurved  at  apex, 
clothed  with  a  very  fine,  short,  dense  pubescence,  whitish,  amber-colored  or  purple,  when 
mature. 

Gardens  :  cultivated.     Native  of  Europe.     Fl.  May.     Fr.  July. 

Obs.  This  species  is  much  cultivated  for  its  favorite  fruit.  The  plant 
presents  some  varieties — particularly  in  the  size  and  complexion  of  the 
fruit ;  and  I  am  not  sure  that  the  following  nearly  allied  native  species, 
which  is  found  on  our  mountains,  is  not  sometimes  seen,  and  mistaken  for 
it  in  the  gardens.  It  requires  some  attention  to  keep  the  plant  from 
spreading  unduly,  in  a  mellow  soil,  by  means  of  its  rambling  roots. 

3.  R.  strigo'sus,  MX.  Stems  slightly  glaucous,  beset  with  stiff  straight 
bristles  (some  of  them  becoming  beak-hooked  prickles) ;  leaflets  oblong- 
ovate  ;  fruit  light  red. 

STRIGOSE  RUBUS.     Wild  Red  Raspberry. 

Stem  3-5  feet  high,  light  brown.  Lower  leaves  odd-pinnate  by  fives,  the  upper  ones 
ternate  ;  leaflets  about  3  inches  long,  hoary  beneath,  the  terminal  one  often  cordate  at  base. 
Corymbs  4-'6-flowered,  axillary  and  terminal,  often  aggregated  and  forming  a  leafy  pani- 
cle at  the  top. 

Hill  sides— especially  in  cleared  land.     Fl.  May.     F>\  July. 

Obs.  This  species  is  common  northward,  especially  in  mountainous 
regions.  It  often  appears  in  great  profusion  where  timber  lands  have 
been  burned  over.  We  have  seen  it  on  the  clearings  in  Maine,  in  the 
fruiting  season,  in  such  abundance  as  to  give  an  uniform  red  color  to 
large  tracts,  and  having  a  delicious  flavor  not  equalled  by  the  cultivated 
species — if  that  be  really  distinct.  The  fruit  is  largely  collected  in  Maine 
for  making  Raspberry  Syrup.  If  the  juice  is  squeezed  from  the  berries 


ROSE   FAMILY.  127 

and  allowed  to  ferment  12  or  24  Hours,  according  to  the  temperature,  a 
thick  coagulum  separates  from  the  dark  clear  portion,  which  possesses  a 
much  higher  flavor  than  the  unfermented  juice.  If  bottled,  and  the  bot- 
tle filled  so  as  to  allow  just  room  for  the  cork,  the  juice  will  keep  in  a 
cellar  for  a  year  or  more. 

4.  R.  occidenta'lis,  L.    Stem  suffruticose,  rather  flaccid  and  leaning  or 
arched,  terete,  smooth  and  glaucous,  armed  with  recurved  prickles  ;  leaves 
pinnately  3-  (rarely  5-)  foliolate ;  leaflets  lance-ovate ;  flowers  in  subum- 
bellate  corymbs  ;  petals  often  emarginate ;  carpels  smoothish,  pitted  in 
drying. 

WESTERN  RUBUS.  Wild  or  Black  Raspberry.  Thimble-berry.  Black 
Caps. 

Stem  5 -8  or  10  feet  long,  sparingly  branched,  limber  and  often  arching  over  so  that 
the  summit  comes  to  the  ground  and  takes  root,  mostly  purplish  and  pruinose  or 
covered  with  a  flue  bluish-white  powder.  Leaflets  mostly  in  threes,  2-4  or  5  inches  long, 
often  with  a  long  acumination,  and  subcordate  at  base,  smoothish  above,  clothed  with  a 
dense  glaucous  tomentum  beneath.  Petals  white.  Fruit  dark  purple,  or  nearly  black 
(rarely  whitish  alboque  simillima  Graculo  /)  when  mature. 

Canada  to  Georgia  and  Missouri  :  Borders  of  woodlands,  fence-rows,  &c.  Fl.  May.  Fr. 
July. 

Obs.  The  fruit  of  this  is  smaller  and  less  esteemed  than  that  of  the 
preceding, — but  is  nevertheless  sweet  and  agreeable.  The  plant,  however, 
is  generally  treated  as  a  weed,  on  all  neat  farms. 

§  2.  CARPELS  forming  an  ovoid  or  oblong  fruit,  persistent  on  the  some- 
what juicy  receptacle  (BLACKBERRY). 

5.  R.  Canaden'sis,  L.    Stem  fructicose,  procumbent,  armed  with  nume- 
rous short  recurved  prickles  ;  leaves  mostly  3-foliolate  ;  leaflets  ovate- 
acute,  thin  ;  fruit  large,  sweet. 

CANADIAN  RUBUS.    Dewberry.     Running  Brier. 

Stem  4-8  or  10  feet  long,  slender,  trailing,  smoothish — often  several  from  the  same 
root  running  in  different  directions,  and  giving  out  numerous  leafy  pubescent  flowering 
branches,  which  are  nearly  erect,  and  2-4  or  6  inches  long.  Leaflets  mostly  in  threes 
(sometimes  pedately  in  fives) ,  three  fourths  of  an  inch  to  an  inch  and  a  half  long.  Flowers 
terminal  and  subterminal  on  the  short  branches,  few  and  rather  large,  somewhat  corym- 
bose by  the  elongation  of  the  lower  axillary  pedicels.  Corolla  white.  Fruit  oblong, 
obtuse  or  often  roundish,  large  (half  an  inch  to  near  an  inch  in  diameter),  black  when 
mature,  very  succulent  and  sweet. 

Rocky  sterile  soils,  old  fields,  &c.     Canada  to  Virginia.    Fl.  May.    Fr.  July. 

06s.  Our  Dewberry  is  a  fine  fruit,  the  earliest  and  the  sweetest  Black- 
berry ;  but  it  is  not  the  "Dewberry"  of  England — which  is  the  R. 
c&sius,  L.  There  has  been  some  confusion  respecting  our  plant,  among 
the  Botanists ;  and  Prof.  DE  CANDOLLE  seems  not  to  have  had  a  clear 
conception  of  the  species.  But  there  is  scarcely  a  farmer's  boy  who  is 
not  well  acquainted  with  it,  from  having  often  encountered  its  prickly 
trailing  stems  with  his  naked  ankles,  while  heedlessly  traversing  the  old 


128 


WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 


fields  where  it  abounds.     On  well-managed  farms,  however,  the  plant  is 
becoming  somewhat  rare. 

6.  R.  villo'sus,  Ait.  Stem  fructicose,  erect, 
angular,  branching,  armed  with  stout  curved 
prickles ;  young  branches  and  peduncles 
gland  ular-villous ;  leaves  3-ibliolate  or  pe- 
dately  5-foliolate ;  leaflets  ovate  or  lance- 
oblong,  villous  beneath,  the  petioles*  and 
midribs  aculeate  ;  racemes  elongated,  many- 
flowered. 

YILLOUS  RUBUS.  Blackberry.  Common 
Brier.  Bramble. 

Fr.  La  Ronce.  Germ.  Der  Brombeerstrauch. 
Span.  Zarza. 

Root  creeping.  Stem  3-6  or  8  feet  high,  stout,  ridged  or  angular  and  somewhat  fur- 
rowed. Leaflets  2-3  or  4  inches  long,  mostly  acute.  Racemes  rather  large,  sometimes 
leafy.  Petals  white.  Fruit  ovoid-oblong  or  cylindric — sometimes  near  an  inch  long — 
changing  from  green  to  red  or  purplish,  and  finally  black  when  mature 

Old  fields,  thickets  and  borders  of  woods  :  throughout  the  United  States.  Fl.  May 
Fr.  July  -  Aug. 

Obs.  Every  one  knows  the  common  Brier.  The  root,  both  of  this  and 
the  preceding,  being  moderately  astringent,  is  a  popular  remedy  for 
diarrhoea  and  mild  dysentery.  The  ripe  fruit  affords  a  pleasant  jam, 
which  is  also  considered  salutary  in  such  cases.  Even  the  knots  which 
are  formed  on  the  branches,  from  the  puncture  of  insects,  were  formerly 
carried  by  credulous  simpletons,  as  a  sort  of  amulet  or  charm  against  the 
tooth-ache !  The  plant,  nevertheless,  is  often  something  of  a  nuisance  on 
our  farms,  from  its  tendency  to  spread  and  take  possession  of  neglected 
fields.  This  plant  varies  considerably  in  habit  and  in  hairiness,  some 
forms  being  nearly  prostrate,  while  others  form  erect  bushes.  The  size 
and  shape  of  the  fruit  varies  exceedingly  ;  apparently  attaining  its 
greatest  perfection  near  the  sea-shore.  Latterly,  considerable  attention 
has  been  given  to  the  cultivation  of  some  of  the  finer  varieties  of  this 
plant.  The  kind  known  as  the  "  Lawton"  or  "  New  Rochelle  Blackberry," 
is  a  splendid  fruit,  and  is  now  becoming  abundant  in  the  markets  of  our 
cities.  It  is  worthy  of  the  attention  of  every  fruit-grower. 

7.  R.  cuneifo'lius,  Pursh.  Stem  subterete  ;  branches  pubescent ;  leaves 
cuneate-obovate,  sub-plicate,  tomentose  beneath  ;  racemes  few-flowered. 
WEDGE-LEAVED  RUBUS.  Sand  Blackberry. 

Stem  3-5  feet  high,  branched.  Leaflets  mostly  ternate,  1-2  inches  long,  cuneate,  and 
obtuse  with  a  short  abrupt  acumination  ;  common  petioles  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  in  length. 
Flowers  sometimes  tinged  with  red.  Fruit  oval,  about  half  an  inch  long,  black  when 
mature,  succulent  and  well  flavored. 

New  Jersey  and  southward. 


FIG.  85.  Fruit  of  the  Blackberry  [Rubus  villosus],  divided  to  show  that  it  is  mado  up  of 
numerous  small  drupes,  adhering  to  the  receptacle. 


ROSE   FAMILY. 


129 


06s.   This  species,  which  is  common  in  dry  soils  in  the  Southern  States, 
produces  a  fruit  which  is  considered  superior  in  flavor  to  the  preceding. 


87  w  88 

9.  RO'SA,   Tournef.     EOSE. 

[The  ancient  Latin  name.] 

Calyx  urceolate — the  tube  contracted  at  the  orifice,  including  the  nume- 
rous distinct  ovaries,  at  length  becoming  fleshy  or  baccate  ;  the  segments 
often  foliaceous  at  apex.  Petals  5,  obovate  or  obcordate,  inserted  with 
the  numerous  stamens  on  the  rim  of  the  calyx-tube.  Akenes  numerous, 
crustaceous,  hispid,  included  in  and  attached  to  the  inner  surface  of  the 
calyx-tube.  Shrubby  and  prickly  plants.  Leaves  mostly  odd-pinnate  ; 
stipules  adnate  to  the  petiole. 


FIG.  86.  The  flower  of  a  Rose,  divided  and  exhibiting  the  numerous  pistils  inserted 
within  a  hollow  receptacle.  87.  A  separate  ripened  pistil  or  carpel.  88.  A  carpel 
opened  to  show  the  seed. 

6* 


130  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

1,  R,  seti'gera,  MX.     Stems  climbing,  armed  with  stout  nearly  straight 
prickles  ;  leaflets  3-5,  ovate,  acute  ;  flowers  corymbed  ;  styles  cohering 
iu  a  column  as  long  as  the  stamens. 

PRICKLY  KOSA.     Prairie  Hose.     Climbing  Eose. 

Stem  long  and  climbing,  often  growing  from  10-20  feet  in  one  season.  Petioles  glandu- 
lar. Leaflets  acute,  sharply  serrate,  smooth  or  dowuy  beneath.  Flowers  reddish,  nearly 
inodorous,  deep  rose  color  changing  to  white  •  calyx  glandular.  Fruit  globular. 

Borders  of  prairies  :  Ohio,  Illinois  and  southward.     July. 

Obs.  This  species  is  often  cultivated,  and  is  well  adapted  to  train 
along  walls,  palisades,  &c.  It  is  the  only  native  climbing  rose. 

2,  R.  laviga'ta,  MX.     Glabrous;  stems    armed   with    strong,    often 
geminate   curved  prickles ;   leaves  3-  (sometimes  5-)  foliolate ;   leaflets 
coriaceous ;   stipules  setaceous,  deciduous ;  flowers  solitary,  terminal ; 
tube  of  calyx  ovoid,  muricate  with  long  prickly  bristles. 

SMOOTH  KOSA.     Cherokee  Kose. 

Stem  with  long  flexile  branches  15-20  feet  in  length.    Leaves  persistent,  often  prickly 
on  the  midrib  below.    Flowers  very  large,  white. 
South  Carolina  to  Louisiana.    April. 

Obs.  This  evergreen  species  has  long  been  cultivated  at  the  South  as 
the  "  Cherokee  Rose  ;"  its  origin  is  not  known.  It  is  highly  commended 
as  a  hedge  plant,  by  ELLIOTT.  "  In  our  rural  economy,"  he  says,  "  this 
plant  will  one  day  become  very  important.  For  the  purpose  of  forming 
hedges,  there  is  perhaps  no  plant  which  unites  so  many  advantages." 
This  Eose,  however,  will  not  stand  our  northern  winters. 

3,  R,  Caroli'na,  L.     Stem  smooth,  armed  with  stout  recurved  stipular 
prickles ;  leaflets  mostly  5-7,  oblong-oval  or  elliptic-lanceolate,  finely 
serrate,  somewhat  glaucous  beneath  ;  flowers  corymbose. 

CAROLINA  EOSA.     Swamp  Eose. 

Stem  4-6  feet  high,  with  numerous  purple  branches.  Leaflets  1-2  inches  long.  Flowers 
mostly  in  terminal  corymbs  of  3-6  or  7  in  a  cluster.  Petals  red  or  purplish.  Fruit  (i.  e. 
the  fleshy  calyx  tube)  depressed  globose,  a  little  glandular-hispid,  dark  red  and  shining 
when  mature. 

Low  swampy  grounds  and  thickets  :  Northern  and  Middle  States.  Fl.  June  -  July.  Fr. 
September. 

Obs.  This  is  often  a  troublesome  plant  in  wet  meadows  and  low 
grounds,  forming  unsightly  thickets  with  other  weeds,  if  neglected. 
Another  native  species,  R,  lu'cida,  Ehrh.,  the  Dwarf  Wild  Eose,  is 
very  common ;  it  differs  from  the  preceding  in  its  unequal  bristly 
prickles  and  1  — 3-flowered  peduncles.  The  Sweet  Briar,  R.  rubigino'sa, 
L.,  well  known  for  its  fragrant  glandular  foliage,  is  thoroughly  natural- 
ized in  many  places.  The  cultivated  roses,  so  justly  prized  among 
flowers,  are  varieties  produced  by  long  and  careful  culture  from  different 
species  of  this  genus.  An  enumeration  even  of  the  most  common  would 
occupy  too  much  space  here. 


EOSE    FAMILY.  131 

10.   CRAT^E'GUS,  L.    HAWTHORN. 

[Greek,  Kratos,  strength  ;  in  allusion  to  he  strength  or  firmness  of  the  wood.] 

Calyx-tube  urceolate  ;  limb  5-cleft.  Petals  5.  Stamens  numerous.  Styles 
1-5.  Fruit  fleshy  or  somewhat  farinaceous,  containing  1-5  bony 
1-seeded  carpels.  Thorny  shrubs  or  small  trees.  Leaves  alternate,  simple, 
often  incised  or  lobed.  Flowers  mostly  in  terminal  corymbs. 

1.  C,  Crus-gal'li,  L.    Leaves  obovate-cuneate  or  lance-oblong,  serrate, 
coriaceous,  smooth  and  shining,  subsessile  ;  styles  1  -  3  ;  fruit  somewhat 
pyriform. 

COCK-SPUR  CRATJEGUS.     Cockspur  Thorn.     New  Castle  Thorn. 

Stem  10-15  or  20  feet  high,  much  branched,  and  armed  with  sharp  tapering  thorns  2 
to  near  3  inches  in  length.  Leaves  1-2%  inches  long,  on  short  petioles.  Corymbs  termi- 
nal on  short  rigid  spurs.  Petals  white.  Fruit  middling  sized,  reddish  brown  when  mature. 

Thickets,  fence  rows,  hedges,  &c.:  Canada  to  Florida.     Fl.  June.     Fr.  October. 

Obs.  This  shrub — of  which  there  are  two  or  three  pretty  distinct  va* 
rieties — is,  in  my  opinion,  the  best  adapted  for  hedging,  of  any  of  the 
genus.  Properly  treated,  it  makes  a  durable  and  effective  hedge.  But 
until  timber  shall  become  scarce,  very  few  farmers  will  take  the  requisite 
pains  to  insure  a  complete  hedge,  and  without  such  care  it  is  worse  than 
labor  lost  to  make  such  an  attempt.  In  the  language  of  Mr.  MCMAHON'S 
excellent  "  American  Gardener's  Calendar"  referring  to  the  hedging  ex- 
periments of  negligent,  slovenly  farmers  :  "  I  would  advise  such  to  hold 
fast  by  the  post  and  rail,  and  not  to  lose  time  in  doing  more  hurt  than 
good." 

2.  Ci  corda'ta,  Alt.    Leaves  deltoid-ovate  and  sub-cordate  at  base, 
incised-serrate  and  somewhat  3-lobed,  smooth,  on  slender  and  rather  long 
petioles  ;  styles  5  ;  fruit  depressed  globose. 

CORDATE  CRAT.EGUS.    "Washington  Thorn.     Virginia  Thorn. 

Stem  15-20  feet  high,  much  branched,  and  armed  with  slender  tapering  sharp  thorns  1 
to  near  3  inches  in  length.  Leaves  2-3  inches  long,  often  3-lobed  like  a  leaf  of  the  Red 
Maple  Corymbs  terminating  the  young  slender  short  branches.  Petals  white.  Styles 
more  or  less  united.  Fruit  small,  bright  reddish  purple  when  mature. 

Banks  of  streams  :  Virginia  to  Georgia.     Fl.  June.     Fr.  October, 

Obs.  This  species  is  the  one  which  has  been  chiefly  cultivated  for 
hedging,  in  Pennsylvania — where  it  was  introduced,  from  the  vicinity  of 
Washington  City,  about  the  commencement  of  the  present  century.  It 
makes  a  handsome  hedge,  but  not  a  very  substantial  one  ;  and,  in  my 
opinion,  is  decidedly  inferior  to  the  Cockspur  Thorn,  for  that  purpose. 
I  have  used  it  extensively  ;  but  have  found  it  so  subject  to  be  broken 
into  gaps,  by  thoughtless  or  reckless  trespassers,  that  my  hedges  have 
been  rather  a  source  of  vexation  than  of  satisfaction. 

3.  C.  oxyacan'tha,  L.      Leaves  cuneate-obovate,  cut-lobed,  often  trifld  j 
styles  1  -  3  ;  fruit  ovoid,  small. 

SHARP-THORNED  CRAT^GUS.     Hawthorn.     English  Thorn. 


132  WEEDS   AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

Stem  6-12  feet  high,  much  branched;  branches  rugged,  armed  with  tapering  thorns 
about  half  an  inch  in  length.  Leaves  an  inch  to  an  inch  and  a  half  long,  and  about  as  wide 
as  long,  variously  lobed,  often  3-5  lobed,  with  the  terminal  lobe  trifld.  Stymies  of  the 
young  plant  foliaceous,  obliquely  falcate-reniform.  Corymbs  terminal  on  the  short  branches, 
many  flowered.  Style  mostly  solitary.  Fruit  about  ><£  of  an  inch  in  diameter,  purple  when 
mature. 

Cultivated  and  naturalized.    Native  of  Europe.     Fl.  May.    Fr.  October. 

Obs.  This,  the  Hawthorn  so  often  mentioned  by  English  writers,  and 
so  interwoven  in  English  poetry,  is  often  used  for  hedges,  and  is  to  some 
extent  naturalized.  Like  the  other  species  of  the  genus,  it  has  a  marked 
tendency  to  "  sport "  or  form  varieties,  and  over  thirty  varieties  are 
mentioned  in  the  English  works  on  horticulture.  Some  of  them  flower 
very  late  in  the  season,  others  have  red  flowers,  and  there  are  those  with 
pendulous  and  with  erect  branches.  It  is  capable  of  being  trained  into 
a  neat  compact  tree,  and  growing  thus,  especially  the  red-flowered  va- 
riety, when  filled  with  its  fragrant  flowers,  is  really  charming.  The 
ripe  fruit  or  "  haws,"  are  a  favorite  food  of  the  birds. 

11.  PY'RUS,  L.     PEAR  AND  APPLE. 

[The  Latin  name  for  the  Pear.] 

Calyx-tube  urceolate  ;  limb  5-lobed.     Styles  mostly  5,  often  united  at 
base.   Pome  fleshy,- — containing  2-5  cartilaginous  or  nearly  membrana- 
ceous  carpels.     Seeds  2  in  each  carpel  or  cell ;  testa  chartaceous  or  car- 
tilaginous.    Trees  or  shrubs.     Leaves  alternate,  simple  or  pinnate. 
Flowers  in  terminal  spreading  cymes  or  corymbs. 
|  1 .   Leaves  simple. 
*  Styles  5,  distinct ;  fruit  not  sunk  in  at  the  attachment  of  the  stalk.  (Pyrus.) 

1.  P.  COMMU'NIS,  L.     Leaves  lance-ovate,  slightly  serrate,  the  upper 
surface  smooth  ;  peduncles  corymbose  j  fruit  turbinate. 

COMMON  PYRUS.    Pear.     Pear-tree. 

Fr.  LePoirier.     Germ.   Der  Birnbaum.  '  Span.   El  Peral. 

Stem  15-30  feet  high,  branching  ;  branches  virgate,  rather  erect,  forming  an  oblong  or 
conical  top.  Leaves  "2-3  inches  long  ;  petioles  1-2  inches  in  length.  Petals  white.  Fruit 
of  various  size  (1-2  or  3  inches  in  diameter),  fleshy  or  succulent,  umbilicate  at  apex, 
obovoid,  tapering  to  the  peduncle,  often  somcwhat«curved  or  oblique. 

Cultivated.    Native  of  Europe.     Fl.  May.     Fr.  August -November. 

Obs.  Many  varieties  of  this  luscious  fruit  have  been  obtained  by 
long  culture, — in  which  the  French  seem  particularly  to  excel. 

*  *  Styles  5,  united  at  base  ;  fruit  sunk  in  at  the  base.    (Malus.) 

2.  P.  MA'LUS,   L.     Leaves  ovate-oblong,  serrate,   the  upper  surface 
pubescent ;  peduncles  subumbellate  villous ;  fruit  depressed,  globose,  or 
oblong. 

APPLE  PYRUS.     Common  Apple.     Apple-tree. 

Fr.  Le  Pommier.     Germ.   Der.  Apfelbaum.     Span.  Manzano. 

Stem  15-25  or  30  feet  high,  branching  ;  branches  mostly  spreading  and  often  genicu- 
late,  forming  a  broad  bushy  top.  Leaves  2-3  inches  long  ;  petioles  an  inch  or  more  in 


HOSE   FAMILY. 


133 


90 

length.  Petals  mostly  pale  red.  Fruit  of  various  size  (1-3  or  4  inches  in  diameter), 
fleshy,  umbilicate  at  both  ends. 

Cultivated.    Native  of  Europe.    Fl.  May.    Fr.  July  -November. 

Obs.  The  varieties  of  this  valuable  fruit  are  almost  innumerable, — 
and  every  farmer  provides  more  or  less  of  an  orchard ;  but  there  is  far 
too  little  attention  paid  to  the  selection  of  the  best.  It  is  really  won- 
derful to  observe  how  many  worthless  trees  are  permitted  to  cumber  the 
ground,  which  might  just  as  readily,  and  far  better,  be  occupied  by 
those  which  bear  the  choicest  fruit. 

3,  P,  corona'ria,  L.  Leaves  broad-ovate,  rounded  or  sub-cordate  at 
base,  incised-serrate  and  somewhat  angulate-lobed,  smoothish ;  pedun- 
cles corymbose ;  fruit  depressed-globose. 


FIG.  89.  The  flower  of  the  Apple  (Pyrus  Malus) ,  divided  and  showing  the  ovaries 
cohering  with  the  calyx-tube.  90.  A  section  of  an  Apple,  in  which  the  bulk  of  the  fruit 
(pome)  is  formed  of  the  fleshy  enlarged  calyx-tube,  surrounding  and  cohering  with  the 
2-seeded  papery  carpels. 


134  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

CROWN  PYRUS.     Crab  Apple.    Sweet-scented  Crab-tree. 

Stem.  10-15  feet  high,  branching  ;  branches  spreading,  rugged  with  short  spurs,  form- 
ing a  rather  bushy  top.  Leaves  2-3  inches  long  ;  petioles  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  and  a  half 
in  length.  Flowers  large  and  fragrant  ;  petals  pale  rose  red.  Fruit  rather  small  (about 
an  inch  in  diameter),  umbilicatc  at  both  ends,  fleshy  but  firm  and  hard,  smooth,  pale 
greenish  yellow  and  very  fragrant  when  mature — yet  extremely  acid. 

Borders  of  woodlands,  road-sides,  &c.  New  York  to  Louisiana.  JFZ.^lay.  Fr.  Sep- 
tember. 

Obs.  This  native  apple  is  now  becoming  scarce  in  the  older  settle- 
ments of  Pennsylvania.     In  former  times  the  ripe  fruit  was  sought  after, 
by  notable  housewives,  for  the  purpose  of  making  preserves. 
$  2.   Leav  s  odd-pinnate ;  cymes  compound  ;  styles  separate  ;  fruit  berry- 
like,  small.     (Sorbus.) 

4.  P.  America'na,   DC.    Leaflets  13-15,  lanceolate,  taper-pointed, 
sharply  serrate,  smooth  ;  cymes  large,  flat ;  fruit  red. 
AMERICAN  PYRUS.     American  Mountain  Ash. 

Small  tree,  10-25  feet  high,  sometimes  4-6  inches  in  diameter,  with  a  smooth  bark. 
Leaves  8-12  inches  or  more  in  length;  leaflets  2-3  inches  long,  pubescent  when  young, 
smooth  with  age.  Flowers  white  ;  corymbs  very  compound,  4-10  inches  in  diameter; 
fruit  acid. 

Mountain  woods.    New  England  to  Wisconsin.    June. 

Obs.  This  elegant  tree  is  often  seen  in  cultivation,  and  is  especially 
conspicuous  in  the  autumn,  its  large  bunches  of  scarlet  berries  remain- 
ing, after  the  leaves  have  fallen,  even  through  the  winter.  It  is  very 
nearly  related  to  the  European  Mountain  Ash,  (P.AUCUPARIA),  which 
is  also  much  cultivated.  Both  species  are  valuable  as  ornamental  trees, 
whether  for  the  beauty  of  their  foliage  or  fruit. 

12.  CYDO'NIA,  Tournef.     QUINCE. 

[The  name  of  a  city  of  Crete, — whence  it  was  obtained.] 

Calyx-tube  subturbinate ;  limb  5-lobed, — the  lobes  sometimes  foliaceous. 
Styles  5.  Feme  fleshy,  containing  5  cartilaginous  carpels.  Seeds  sev- 
eral in  each  carpel  or  cell,  covered  with  mucilaginous  pulp.  Small  trees 
or  shrubs.  Leaves  alternate,  simple,  entire  or  serrate.  Flowers  large, 
solitary,  or  subumbellate. 

1.  C.  VULGA'RIS,  Pers.    Leaves  oblong-ovate,  obtuse  at  base,  very  ei 
tire,  tomentose  beneath  ;  fruit  sub-turbinate,  tomentose. 

COMMON  CYDONIA.     Quince.     Quince-tree. 

Fr.   Le  Cognassier.     Germ.  Der  Quittenbaum.     Span.   Membrillero. 

Stem  8-12  or  15  feet  high,  with  spreading  branches.  Leaves  2-3  inches  long  ;  petioles 
about  half  an  inch  long.  Flowers  terminal,  solitary.  Petals  reddish  white.  Stamens  in 
a  single  series.  Fruit  2  inches  or  more  in  diameter,  somewhat  obovoid,  umbilicate  at 
apex,  abruptly  tapering  or  produced  at  base,  yellow  when  mature. 

Cultivated.     Native  of  Southern  Europe.     Fl.  May.     Fr.  September  -October. 

Obs.  The  fruit  of  this  is  chiefly  used  for  making  preserves, — for 
which  it  is  excellent.  It  is  supposed  to  be  the  golden  apple  of  the  lies- 


EVENING   PKIMROSE   FAMILY.  135 

perides,  so  celebrated  in  ancient  fable  ;  but  if  the  Orange  had  then  been 
known,  it  would  doubtless  have  been  esteemed  a  more  precious  fruit  by 
the  "  Western  Maidens."  The  0.  Japonica,  Pers.  (Pyrus  Japonica, 
Willd.}  is  well  known  for  its  beauty  as  a  flowering  shrub,  in  the  gar- 
dens ;  but  the  fruit,  though  remarkably  fragrant,  is  very  hard  and 
acerb,  and  of  little  value. 


ORDER    XXVII.       CALYCANTHA'CEJS.      (CAROLINA-ALLSPICE 

FAMILY.) 

Shrubs  with  opposite  entire  leaves  without  stipules.  The  sepals  and  petals  similar  and  inde- 
finite. Otherwise  mostly  as  in  Rosacese. 

1.  CALYCAN'TIIUS,  L. 

[Greek,  kalyx,  a  cup,  and  anthos,  a  flower  ;  from  the  closed  cup  which  contains  the  pistils.] 

Sepals  numerous,  mostly  colored  like  the  petals,  united  below  into  a 
cup.  Petals  similar  to  the  sepals,  inserted  in  several  rows  on  the  top  of 
the  closed  calyx-tube.  Stamens  numerous,  just  within  the  petals  ;  some 
of  them  sterile.  Pistils  many,  enclosed  in  the  calyx-tube,  inserted  on 
its  base  and  inner  face.  Fruit  like  a  rose  hip,  but  larger  and  dry  when 
ripe,  enclosing  the  large  akenes.  Shrubs  with  opposite  entire  leaves, 
and  large,  lurid  purple  flowers  terminating  the  leafy  branches.  Bark 
and  foliage  aromatic  ;  the  crushed  flowers  exhaling  more  or  less  the  fra- 
grance of  strawberries. 
Carolina-allspice.  Sweet-scented  Shrub.  Strawberry-bush. 

Obs.  There  are  several  species  of  this  genus  cultivated  for  the  fra- 
grance of  their  rather  unsightly  flowers  ;  they  are  natives  of  the  southern 
portion  of  the  United  States,  but  are  quite  hardy  northward.  The  three 
species,  or,  as  they  are  classed  by  some,  varieties,  are  distinguished  as 
follows  : 

C.  flo'ridus,  L.    Leaves  oval  or  roundish,  downy  beneath. 

C.  laeviga'tus,  Willd.  Leaves  oblong,  smooth,  green  on  both  sides ; 
flowers  smaller. 

C.  glau'cus,  Willd.  Leaves  oblong-  or  lance-ovate,  pointed,  glaucous 
or  whitened  beneath. 

ORDER  XXVIII.     ONAGRA'CE^E.     (EVENING  PRIMROSE  FAMILY.) 

Herbs  with  alternate  entire  leaves  without  stipules  and  axillary  powers  with  the  parts  in 
fours.  Tube  of  the  culyx  adherent  to  the  2-4-cellcd  ovary  and  prolonged  above  it  ;  its 
lobes  valvato  in  the  bud.  Petals  valvate  in  the  bud  and  with  the  8  stamens  inserted  on 
the  summit  of  the  calyx-tube.  Pollen  grains  connected  by  cobwebby  threads.  Style 
single,  slender  ;  stigma  2-4-lobed  or  capitate.  Pod  4-celled,  4-valved  ;  placentae  in  its 
axis.  Seeds  without  albumen. 

An  order  containing  some  plants  (such  as  the  Fuchias) ,  which  are  interesting  for  their 
beauty,  but  npne  of  Agricultural  value. 


136  WEEDS   AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 

1.  (ENOTHE'RA,  L.    EVENING  PRIMROSE. 

[Greek,  Oinos,  wine,  and  Thera,  a  chase  ;  application  obscure.] 

Calyx  of  4  membranaceous  sepals,  united  below  into  a  long  tube  ;  limb 
reflexed,  and,  with  a  portion  of  the  tube,  deciduous.  Petals  4.  Sta- 
mens 8,  erect  or  declined.  Capsule  more  or  less  oblong  and  quadrangu- 
lar, 4-valved,  many-seeded. 

1.  (E.  BIEN'NIS,  L.  Stem  erect,  somewhat  branched,  pilose  and 
roughish ;  leaves  ovate-lanceolate,  repand-dentate ;  petals  inversely 
heart-shaped  ;  capsule  obtusely  4-angled,  subsessile. 

BIENNIAL  (ENOTHERA.    Evening  Primrose.     Night  Willow-herb. 

Root  biennial.  Stem  2-5  or  6  feet  high,  rather  stout,  hairy  and  usually  greenish. 
Leaves  2-6  inches  long,  sessile  or  subsessile.  flowers  large,  in  a  terminal  leafy  spike. 
Calyx  colored, — the  tube  much  longer  than  the  ovary.  Petals  yellow.  Ovary  oblong  ; 
style  rather  longer  than  the  corolla  ;  stigma  cruciate,  elongated,  linear.  Capsule  ob- 
scurely 4-sided,  an  inch  to  an  inch  and  a  half  long,  smoothish,  splitting  into  4  sub-linear 
valves. 

Fields,  fence-rows,  &c.  throughout  the  United  States,  f'l.  June -September.  Fr. 
August  -  October . 

Obs.  This  coarse  plant  is  entitled  to  the  notice  of  the  farmer,  merely 
in  consequence  of  being  a  common,  rather  conspicuous,  and  worthless 
weed,  in  pastures,  and  on  the  borders  of  cultivated  fields.  A  variety, 
of  yet  stouter  growth,  and  very  large  flowers  ((E.  grandiflora,  of  some 
authors),  is  often  tolerated  in  gardens.  There  is  another  species  ((E, 
fruticosa,  L.  of  smaller  size,  with  more  slender,  yet  more  rigid  stems), 
which  is  quite  common  in  old  fields ;  but  is  scarcely  of  sufficient  impor- 
tance, even  as  a  weed,  to  claim  a  place  in  this  work. 

ORDER  XXIX.     GROSSULA'CE^.     (CURRANT  FAMILY.) 

Small  shrubs,  often  spinose  or  prickly,  with  alternate  palmately  lobed  and  veined  leaves 
and  flowers  in  racemes  or  small  clusters.  Calyx-tube  adherent  to  the  ovary,  the  limb 
5-lobed,  sometimes  colored.  Petals  5,  small.  Stamens  5.  Ovary  with  2  parietal  placenta)  ; 
styles  more  or  less  united.  Fruit  a  berry,  crowned  with  the  shrivelled  remains  of  the 
flower.  Seeds  mostly  numerous  ;  embryo  minute,  in  hard  albumen. 
A  small  Order, — and  of  little  or  no  interest  beyond  the  genus  here  noticed. 

1.  EI'BES,  L.     GOOSEBERRY  AND  CURRANT. 

[An  ancient  Arabic  name, — of  obscure  meaning.] 

JH^g*  The  Generic  character  the  same  as  that  of  the  Order. 
*  Stems  more  or  less  prickly. 

1.  R.  UVA-CRIS'PA,  L.     Leaves  obtusely  3 -5-lobed,  spmewhat  villous 

beneath  and  on  the  petiole  ;   peduncles  mostly  1-flowered,  bracteate  ; 

sepals  reflexed ;  ovary  and  style  villous  ;  berry  hairy  or  smooth. 

Goose-berry. 

Fr.   Vrai  Groseillier.     Germ.  Die  Stachclbeere.     Span.   Uva  espina. 

Stem  2-3  feet  high,  diffusely  branching.     Leaves  %  of  an  inch  to  au  inch  and  a  half  in 


CURRANT   FAMILY.  137 

length,  and  as  wide  as  long,  incisely  lobcd  and  dentate  ;  petioles  generally  much  shorter 
than  the  leaves,  often  margined.    Peduncles  solitary  or  in  pairs,  often  bracteate  near  the 
middle.     Petals  pale  greenish-yellow.      Berries  solitary,  pendulous,   large,  oval,  of  a 
greenish  amber  color  when  mature. 
Gardens  :  cultivated.     Native  of  Europe.     Fl.  April.     Fr.  July. 

Obs.  This  species  is  much  cultivated  for  its  fine  fruit ;  but  (in  Penn- 
sylvania, at  least)  it  often  fails  to  perfect  the  fruit,  from  some  cause  not 
well  understood.  Judging  from  specimens  which  I  have  seen,  it  ap- 
pears to  succeed  much  better  in  England,  and  the  fruit  attains  to  a 
much  larger  size  in  that  country. 

**  Stems  not  prickly. 

2.  R.  ru'brum,  L.    Leaves  obtusely  3  -  5-lobed,  smooth  above,  pubes- 
cent beneath  ;  racemes  pendulous,  nearly  smooth  ;  calyx  rotate,  the  seg- 
ments rounded. 

BED  RIBES.     Red  Currant. 

Fr.    Groseillier  rouge.     Germ.  Gemeine  Johannisbeere.     Span.  Ribes 
roja. 

Stems  numerous,  slender,  sparingly  branched,  2-4  feet  high.  Leaves  1-2  or  3  inches 
long,  and  rather  wider  than  long,  unequally  incised-dentate  ;  petioles  about  as  long  as  the 
loaves.  Racemes  produced  from  lateral  buds  distinct  from  the  leaves  ;  bracts  ovate.  Pe- 
tals greenish  yellow,  minute.  Berries  globose,  red  (rarely  whitish  or  pearl-color)  when 
mature. 

Gardens  :  cultivated.  Native  of  Europe  and  the  northern  regions  of  America.  Fl. 
April.  Fr.  June -July. 

Obs.  This  is  so  easily  cultivated,  and  is  so  constantly  productive, 
that  it  is  to  be  found  in  almost  every  garden.  The  fine  acid  fruit  yields 
a  favorite  jelly  for  the  table  ;  and  even  the  green  berries  are  much  used 
by  the  pastry  cook. 

3.  R.  NI'GRUM,  L.    Leaves  3  -  5-lobed,  sprinkled  with  yellow  resinous 
dots  beneath  ;  racemes  loose,  pilose  ;  calyx  tubular-campanulate. 
BLACK  RIBES.    Black  Currant. 

Fr.  Cassis.     Germ.   Schwarze  Johannisbeere.     Span.   Ribes  negra. 

Stems  numerous,  slender,  3-5  feet  high.  Leaves  2-3  inches  long,  and  nearly  as  wide 
as  long,  dentate-serrate,  pubescent  beneath  ;  petioles  shorter  than  the  leaves.  Racemes 
somewhat  pendulous,  generally  with  a  distinct  single-flowered  peduncle  at  base  ;  bracts 
subulate.  Petals  pale  yellowish  green  (sometimes  changed  into  stamens  or  staminodia). 
Berries  roundish-ovoid,  purplish  black  when  mature. 

Gardens  :  cultivated.     Native  of  Northern  Europe.     Fl.  April.    Fr.  June -July. 

Obs.  This  is  sometimes  found  in  gardens ;  but  the  fruit  being  of  a 
rather  insipid  or  flat  sweetish  taste,  it  is  not  much  esteemed.  It  how- 
ever affords  a  jelly  which  is  a  popular  and  useful  remedy  for  sore  throat, 
colds,  &c.  There  are  numerous  other  species  of  this  genus  ;  but,  so  far 
as  I  know,  the  foregoing  are  all  that  are  cultivated  (and  perhaps  all 
that  are  worth  cultivating)  for  the  sake  of  the  fruit. 

There  are  two  species  cultivated  as  flowering  shrubs,  one  indigenous 
along  the  great  rivers  of  the  West,  and  the  other  a  native  of  California. 


138  WEEDS   AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

ORDER  XXX.     CUCUEBITA'CE^E.     (GOURD  FAMILY.) 

Herbaceous  mostly  succulent  vines  with  tendrils,  alternate  palmatcly  veined  or  lobed 
leaves  and  monoecious  or  dioscious  (often  monopetalous)  flmvers.  Calyx  of  4  -  5  (rarely  6) 
sepals,  united  into  a  tube,  and  in  the  fertile  flowers  adherent  to  the  ovary.  Petals  as 
many  as  the  sepals,  more  or  less  united,  and  cohering  with  the  calyx.  Stamens  8-5  in- 
serted into  the  base  of  the  corolla  or  calyx,  distinct  or  variously  united  by  their  filaments 
and  long,  mostly  tortuous,  anthers.  Ovary  1-3-celled, — the  thick  fleshy  placenta:  often 
tilling  the  cells  ;  stigmas  thick,  dilated  or  fringed.  Fruit  (Pepo)  usually  lleshy,  with  a 
firm  (sometimes  a  ligneous  and  occasionally  a  membranous)  rind.  Seeds  flat,  destitute  of 
albumen  ;  cotyledons  foliaceous. 

This  Order — so  well  known  for  its  culinary  products — contains  some  which  are  pos- 
sessed of  active  medicinal  properties  (such  as  the  Colocynth,  of  the  shops — Cucumis  Colocyn- 
this,  L.)  ;  but  few,  if  any,  of  Agricultural  interest,  beyond  those  here  mentioned. 

*  Petals  connected  at  the  base  only. 
1.  LAGENA'BIA,  Ser. ,  GOURD. 

[Greek,  Lagenos,  a  flagon  or  bottle  ;  from  the  shape  of  the  fruit.] 

Calyx  campanulate  or  subturbinate,  5-toothed, — the  segments  subulate- 
lanceolate,  shorter  than  the  tube.  Petals  5,  obovate,  inserted  within  and 
beneath  the  margin  of  the  calyx.  Stamens  5,  triadelphous,  the  fifth  one 
free.  Stigmas  3,  subsessile,  thick,  2-lobed,  granular.  Fruit  at  first 
fleshy  and  pubescent,  finally  with  a  smooth  ligneous  rind.  Seeds  coin- 
pressed,  obovate,  somewhat  2-lobed  at  apex,  the  margin  tumid. 

1.  L.  VULGA'RIS,  Ser.  Softly  pubescent ;  stem  climbing  ;  leaves  round- 
ish-cordate, acuminate,  denticulate,  with  two  glands  at  base  ;  fruit  cla- 
vate-ventricose. 

COMMON  LAGENARIA.     Calabash.    Bottle  Gourd. 
Fr.  Calebasse.     Germ.  Der  Kuerbiss.     Span.   Calabaza. 

Whole  plant  somewhat  viscid,  and  emitting  a  fetid  musky  odor.  Stem  10-15  or  20  feet 
long,  slender,  branching,  climbing  by  tendrils  which  are  2-4-cleft.  Leaves  4-6  or  8  in- 
ches long  ;  petioles  2  —  6  inches  long  Flowers  axillary,  on  long  peduncles  ;  corolla  white, 
with  green  nerves  and  veins.  Fruit  12-18  inches  long,  and  4-6  or  8  inches  in  diameter, 
unequally  bi-ventricose,  finally  nearly  hollow  or  partially  filled  with  the  loose  dry  sube- 
rose  placentae, — the  rind  yellowish  or  pale  brown,  thin  and  hard.  Seeds  in  a  dry  mem- 
branous arillus. 

Gardens  and  lots  :  cultivated.  Native  of  the  tropical  regions.  Fl.  July  -August.  Fr. 
September  -  October. 

06s.  The  thin  firm  woody  shell  of  the  fruit  affords  a  very  convenient 
kitchen  utensil, — and  the  plant  is  sometimes  cultivated  for  the  sake  of 
that  fruit,  by  cottagers  and  farmers  who  cannot  afford,  or  do  not  choose 
to  purchase  more  costly  utensils. 

There  is  cultivated  occasionally,  for  the  table,  a  cucurbitaceous  fruit 
of  extraordinary  length,  called  "  Vegetable  Marrow," — which  seems  to 
belong  to  this  species,  and  perhaps  may  be  the  var.  clavata  of  Seringe. 

2.  CU'CUMIS,  L.     CUCUMBER  AND  MELON. 

[Said  to  be  derived  from  the  Celtic,  Cucc,  a  hollow  vessel.] 

Calyx  tubular-campanulate,  5-toothcd, — the  teeth  subulate,  scarcely  ag 
long  as  the  tube.  Petals  5,  nearly  distinct  and  but  slightly  adnate  to 


GOURD    FAMILY. 


139 


the  calyx.  Stamens  5,  triadelphous.  Stigmas  3,  subsessile,  thick,  2- 
lobed.  Fruit  fleshy,  indehiscent.  Seeds  white,  lance-oblong,  compressed, 
acute  at  base  arid  on  the  margin. 

1.  0.  ME'LO,  L.  Stem  prostrate  ;  leaves  subcordate,  obtuse,  somewhat 
angled,  the  angles  rounded  ;  fertile  flowers  perfect ;  fruit  oval  or  subglo- 
bose,  torulose. 

MELON  CUCUMIS.     Musk-melon.     Cantaloupe. 

Fr.  Melon.     Germ.  Die  Melone.     Span.  Melon  almizcleno. 

Hirsute  and  roughish.  Root  annual.  Stem  5-8  or  10  foot  long,  sparingly  branched  ; 
tendrils  simple.  Leaves  3-4  inches  long,  and  rather  wider  than  long  ;  petioles  2-3  inches 
in  length,  blowers  axillary,  on  short  peduncles.  Corolla  yellow.  Fruit  4-6  or  8  inches 
in  diameter,  often  longitudinally  ridged  (torulose), — the  flesh,  when  mature,  yellowish, 
succulent,  and  of  a  saccharine  spicy  flavor. 

Gardens  and  lots  :  cultivated.    Native  of  Asia.    Fl.  June  -July.    Fr.  August. 

Obs.  The  fruit  of  this— of  which  there  are  several  varieties — is  a  great 
favorite  with  many  persons, — and  it  is  often  cultivated  at  the  North  ;  but 
the  best  specimens  are  grown  in  the  warm  sandy  soil  of  New  Jersey,  and 
the  Southern  States. 


A. 


2.  C.  SATI'VUS,  L.     Stem  procumbent ;  leaves  subcordate  and  angulate- 

lobed,  the  terminal  lobe  prominent ;  fruit  oblong,  obscurely  and  obtusely 

trigonous,  scabrous  when  young,  finally  smoothish. 

CULTIVATED  CUCUMIS.     Cucumber. 

Fr.  Le  Concombre.     Germ.  Die  Gurke.     Span.  Pepino. 

Rough  and  hispid.  Root  annual.  Stem  6-12  or  15  feet  long,  somewhat  branching; 
tendrils  simple.  Leaves  3-5  or  6  inches  long,  and  nearly  as  wide  as  long,  somewhat 
5-angled  and  lobed  ;  petioles  2-4  inches  in  length.  Flowers  axillary,  on  short  peduncles  ; 
corolla  yellow.  Fruit  6-12  inches  long  and  2-3  inches  in  diameter,  rough  with  bristle- 
pointed  tubercles  when  young,  smoothish  and  tawny  yellow  when  mature. 

Gardens  and  lots  :  cultivated.  Native  of  Tartary  and  the  East.  Fl.  June -September. 
Fr.  August -October. 


FIG.  91.  A  staminate  flower  of  the  Cucumber  (Cucumis  sativus).     92.  A  fertile  flt;wcr 
of  the  same.     93.  A  pistil.     94.  The  stamens,  showing  the  contorted  anthers. 


140  WEEDS    AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 

Obs.  Known  to  every  one, — and  universally  cultivated  for  the  young 
or  green  fruit.     The  young  fruit  (sometimes  called  Gherkins)  is  much 
used  for  Pickles.     In  the  Middle  States,  the  popular  time  for  planting 
the  seeds  is  "  the  first  day  of  May,  before  sunrise." 
3.  C.  ANGU'RIA,  L.     Stem  prostrate,  slender  ;  leaves  palmate-lobed  and 
sinuate,  cordate  at  base  ;  fruit  sub-globose  or  oval,  echinate. 
Prickly  Cucumber.     Jerusalem  Cucumber. 

Hirsute.  Root  annual.  Stem  3-6  feet  long,  branching  ;  tendrils  simple.  Leaves  3-4 
inches  in  length,  deeply  sinuate-lobed  ;  petioles  1-2  inches  long.  Flowers  greenish  yel- 
low, on  short  axillary  peduncles.  Fruit  usually  about  an  inch  and  a  half  long,  oval,  muri- 
cate,  green. 

Gardens  :  cultivated.    Native  of  Jamaica.    Fl.  July  -  August.    Fr.  September. 

Ohs.  Occasionally  cultivated  for  the  young  fruit, — which  is  used  for 
Pickles. 

3.  CITRUL'LUS,  Neck.    WATER-MELON. 

[From  Citrus,  an  Orange  ;  the  pulp  being  mostly  Orange  red.] 

Calyx  deeply  5-cleft, — the  segments  linear-lanceolate.  Petals  5,  connect- 
ed at  base,  adnate  to  the  bottom  of  the  calyx.  Stamens  5,  inserted  on 
the  base  of  the  corolla,  triadelphous.  Style  cylindric,  trifid  ;  stigmas 
convex,  reniform-cordate.  Fruit  sub-globose,  fleshy,  the  placentae  mostly 
very  succulent.  Seeds  numerous,  colored,  obovate-oblong,  compressed 
truncate  at  base  and  obtuse  on  the  margin. 

1.  C.  VULGA'RIS,  Schrad.     Stem  prostrate,  rather  slender  ;  leaves  some- 
what  5-lobed,   the   lobes   obtusely  sinuate-pinnatifid,   bluish  glaucous 
beneath  ;  flowers  solitary,  pedunculate,  with  a  single  bract ;  fruit  glo- 
bose or  oval,  very  smooth,  stellate-maculate. 
COMMON  CITRULLUS.     Water-melon. 
Fr.  Melon  d'eau.     Germ.  Die  Wasser  Melone.     Span.  Sandia. 

Plant  hairy.  Root  annual.'  Stem  8-12  or  15  feet  long,  angular,  somewhat  branching  , 
tendrils  branched.  Leaves  3  -  5  or  6  inches  long,  ovate  in  their  outline  ;  petioles  2-3  inches 
long,  generally  erect.  Flowers  axillary,  on  hairy  peduncles  an  inch  or  more  in  length. 
Corolla  pale  greenish  yellow.  Fruit  10-20  inches  long,  globose  or  oval,  with  a  firm  fleshy 
rind,  and,  when  mature,  with  a  tender  sweet  watery  pulp  within,  which  is  usually  purple 
or  reddish  orange-colored  (sometimes  nearly  white).  Seeds  black  or  purplish  browu. 

Gardens  and  fields  :  cultivated.  Native  of  India  and  Africa.  Fl.  June -August,  Fr. 
August-  September. 

Obs.  This  plant — so  well  known  for  its  delicious  fruit — is  extensively 
cultivated, — but  succeeds  best  in  the  sandy  soils  along  the  Atlantic 
coast,  or  on  the  alluvial  banks  of  our  Western  waters.  There  is  a 
nearly  allied  plant,  often  seen  in  gardens,  which  bears  a  considerably 
different  fruit — known  by  the  name  of  "  Citron,"  the  firm  rind  of  which 
is  used  in  making  "  Sweet  meats  "  or  Preserves.  The  flesh  is  very  firm, 
and  the  centre  does  not  become  red,  tender  nor  watery,  like  the  common 
Water-melon  :  yet  the  whole  aspect  of  the  plant,  and  external  appear- 
ance of  the  fruit,  so  closely  resemble  this  species,  that  I  suppose  it  may 
be  nothing  more  than  a  variety  :  perhaps  the  var.  Pasteca,  Ser. 


GOUHD    FAMILY. 


141 


4.  SI'CYOS,  L.     ONE-SEEDED  STAR-CUCUMBER. 

[The  ancient  Greek  name  for  the  Cucumber.] 

Petals  5,  united  below  into  a  bell- 
shaped  or  flattish  corolla.  Stamens 
5,  all  cohering.  Ovary  1-celled  ;  style 
slender;  stigmas  3.  Fruit  ovate, 
compressed,  dry  and  membranaceous, 
filled  by  a  single  seed,  beset  with 
barbed  prickles.  Climbing  annuals, 
resembling  the  common  Cucumber 
vine  :  fruit  in  capitate  clusters. 

1.  S.  angula'tus,  L.  Leaves  cor- 
date at  base,  angulate  5-lobed  ;  fruit 
prickly  and  villous  in  small,  dense, 
pedunculate  clusters. 
ANGULATE  SICYOS.  One-seeded  star- 
cucumber. 

Viscid  pubescent.  Stem  15  -  20  feet  long,  slen- 
der, branching  ;  tendrils  somewhat  umbellatoly 
branched.  Leaves  3-  5  or  6  inches  long,  and 
about  as  wide  as  long  ;  petioles  2-3  inches  in 
length.  Flowers  greenish-white,  clustered 
on  axillary  common  peduncles  1-5  inches  in 
length,  the  staminate  ones  corymbose  capitate 
with  the  peduncle  longer  ;  the  pistillate  ones  in 
dense  capitate  clusters.  Fruit  compressed, 
ovate  in  stellately-globose  heads,  which  are 
about  an  inch  in  diameter,  and  armed  with 
slender  tawny  spines. 

River  banks.    July -Sept. 

Obs.  This  cucumber-like  Vine  has 
found  its  way  into  gardens  where 
it  is  a  nuisance  rather  difficult  to 
get  rid  of.  It  is,  according  to  Dr. 
Short,  a  great  pest  in  the  rich  corn- 
fields of  Kentucky,  "  springing  up 
after  the  crop  '  is  laid  by'  and  so  ex- 
tending from  one  corn-stalk  to  anotl  er  as  to  make  it  extremely  difficult 
to  pass  through  the  field."  The  Balsam  Apple  (MOMORDICA  BALSAM- 
INA,  L.},  the  red  fruit  of  which,  made  into  a  tincture,  was  formerly 
used  as  an  application  to  wounds,  belongs  to  this  section  and  is  some- 
times cultivated  in  gardens. 

*"x"  Petals  united  with  each  other  and  with  the  calyx. 


AI-L 


TIG.  95.  The  one-seeded  Star-cucumber  (Sicyos  angulatus). 


142  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

5.  CUCUll'BITA,  L.     SQUASH  AND  PUMPKIN. 

[The  Latinized  Celtic  name  for  a  Gourd  or  hollow  vessel.] 

Calyx-tube  ovoid  club-shaped  ;  limb  circumcissed  and  deciduous.  Corolla 
bell-shaped.  Fruit  fleshy  or  finally  hard  and  somewhat  woody.  Seeds 
white,  obovate,  convexly  compressed,  the  margin  scarcely  tumid.  Trail- 
ing annuals  with  subcordate  leaves,  branching  tendrils  and  yellow  axillary 
subsolitary  flowers. 

*  Fruit  always  fleshy. 

1.  C.   PP/PO,  L.     Leaves  obtusely  cordate,  somewhat  5-lobed  ;  fruit 
subglobose  oblong  or  clavate,  smooth,  always  fleshy. 

Pumpkin. 

Fr.  La  grosse  Citrouille.     Potiron. 

Rough  and  hispid.  Root  annual.  Stem  10-20  or  30  feet  long,  sparingly  branched  ; 
tendrils  branched.  Leaves  9-15  or  18  inches  in  length  ;  petioles  3-6  or  8  inches  long. 
Flowers  yellow,  large,  axillary, — the  staminate  ones  often  solitary  on  a  long  peduncle. 
Iruit  of  various  forms,  sizes  and  colors, — the  flesh  of  the  rind  usually  yellow,  the  cavity 
loosely  filled  with  a  yellow  stringy  pulp. 

Fields  and  lots  :  cultivated  (usually  with  Indian  Corn,  in  Pennsylvania).  Native  of 
th3  East.  Fl.  July.  Fr.  October. 

06s.  Extensively  cultivated  for  its  fruit, — of  which  there  are  many 
varieties  ;  some  of  them  attaining  to  an  enormous  size  (2  feet  or  more 
in  diameter), — but  these  are  not  so  valuable.  The  better  sorts  are 
often  used  at  table, — affording  the  celebrated  Pumpkin  Pie  of  New 
England  ;  and  the  coarser  varieties  are  esteemed  for  feeding  stock. 
When  growing  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  Squashes,  the  fruit  of  this 
species  is  liable  to  be  converted  into  a  Hybrid,  of  little  or  no  value.  I 
have  had  a  crop  of  Pumpkins  totally  spoiled,  by  inadvertently  planting 
Squashes  among  them, — the  fruit  becoming  very  hard  and  warty — unfit 
for  the  table,  and  unsafe  to  give  to  cattle. 

**  Fruit  finally  becoming  subligneous. 

2.  0.  ME'LOPEPO,  L.    Leaves  subcordate,  somewhat  5-angled  ;  fruit 
mostly  orbicular  and  much  depressed,  with  the  margin  often  tumid  and 
toruiose,  at  first  fleshy,  finally  subligneous. 

Round  Squash.     Cymling. 

Fr.  Bonnet  de  Pretre.     Pastisson. 

Hirsute.  Root  annual.  Stem  8-12  or  15  feet  long,  somewhat  branching;  tendrils 
bnmrhod, — sometimes  transformed  or  developed  into  imperfect  leaves.  Leaves  6-8 
inches  long  ;  petioles  as  long  as  the  leaves.  Flowers  yellow,  rather  large,  pedunculate. 
Fruit  of  various  colors  (mostly  yellow,  pale  green,  or  mottled),  smooth  or  sometimes 
\vurty, — the  rind  finally  hard  and  woody,  containing  a  loose  stringy  pulp. 

FieMs  and  gardens  :  cultivated.     Native  country  uncertain.     Fl.  July.    Fr.  October. 

Obs.  Cultivated  for  the  young  fruit, — which  is  generally  esteemed,  as 
a  vegetable  sauce.  There  are  numerous  varieties  of  the  fruit — and  of 
various  qualities.  There  is  also  a  kind  of  stunted  variety  of  the  plant, 
with  a  short  bushy  stem,  which  is  often  a  prolific  bearer. 


SAXIFRAGE   FAMILY.  143 

3.  C.  VERRUCO'SA,  L.    Leaves  deeply  5-lobed,  the  middle  lobe  narrowed 
at  base  ;  fruit  elliptic-oblong,  or  clavate  and  of^en  arcuate,  verrucose. 
WARTY  CUCURBITA.     Warted  Squash.    Long-necked  Squash. 

Hirsute.  Root  annual.  Stem  10-15  feet  long,  somewhat  branching  ;  tendrils  branched. 
Leaves  8-10  inches  long  ;  petioles  nearly  as  long  as  the  leaves.  Flowers  yellow,  rather 
large.  Fruit  varying  from  oblong  to  obovoid  and  clavate,  often  much  elongated  and 
curved,  rough  with  warts  or  obtuse  tubercles,  and  of  various  colors,  or  shades,  from  yel- 
low to  green  and  white,  finally  hard  and  subligneous  or  bony. 

Lots  and  gardens  :  cultivated.    Native  country  unknown.    Fl.  July.     Fr.  October. 

Obs.  Cultivated  as  the  preceding  (to  which  it  is  nearly  allied), — and 
for  the  same  purposes.  Both  species  are  apt  to  produce  worthless  Hy- 
brids among  Pumpkins,  when  growing  near  them  ;  and  therefore  should 
never  be  planted  in  their  immediate  vicinity. 

ORDER  XXXI.     SAXIFRAGA'CE^E.     (SAXIFRAGE  FAMILY.) 

Herbs  or  shrubs,  with  alternate  or  opposite,  sometimes  stipulate  leaves,  and  various,  often 
cyraose  inflorescence.  Sepals  4-5,  persistent,  more  or  less  connected  with  each  other,  and 
often  more  or  less  adherent  to  the  ovary.  Petals  as  many  as  the  sepals, — rarely  want- 
ing. Stamens  as  many — or  more  commonly  twice  as  many  as  the  petals,  and  inserted 
with  them  into  the  throat  of  the  calyx.  Ovaries  mostly  2,  cohering  at  base  and  dis- 
tinct at  summit.  Fruit  capsular.  Seeds  numerous  ;  embryo  straight,  in  the  axis  of  fleshy 
albumen. 

An  unimportant  Order  to  the  Agriculturist, — though  some  species  of  Hydrangea  and 
Philadelphus  are  admired,  and  cultivated  as  Ornamental  Shrubs. 

1.  SAXI'FEAGA,  L.    SAXIFRAGE. 

[Latin,  Saxum,  a  rock,  and  frangere,  to  break  ;  the  plant  often  growing  in  clefts  of  rocks.] 

Calyx  5-parted,  often  adnate  to  the  base  of  the  ovary.  Petals  5,  entire. 
Stamens  mostly  10  (rarely  5).  Capsule  usually  2-beaked, — or  rather 
consisting  of  2  acuminate  connate  carpels,  opening  between  the  diverg- 
ing beaks.  Radical  leaves  usually  rosulate ;  cauline  ones  mostly  alter- 
nate. 

1.  S.  PENNSYLVANIA,  L.  Leaves  all  radical,  oblanceolate  or  oval,  rath- 
er acute,  obsoletely  denticulate,  tapering  at  base  to  a  broad  margined 
petiole  ;  scape  leafless,  striate,  pubescent ;  cymes  in  an  oblong  panicle  ; 
flowers  pedicellate  ;  petals  linear-lanceolate,  scarcely  twice  as  long  as  the 
calyx  ;  ovary  nearly  free. 
PENNSYLVANIA  SAXIFRAGE.  Tall  Saxifrage. 

Root  perennial,  with  coarse  fibres.  Leaves  4-6  or  8  inches  long,  thin  and  smoothish, 
pomcwhat  ciliate.  Scape  2- 3  (occasionally  4 - 5)  feet  high,  rather  stout,  sulcate-striate. 
Cymes  at  first  in  conglomerate  heads — finally  rather  loose,  in  an  oblong  open  panicle 
12-18  inches  in  length, — the  branches  glandular-pubescent  and  somewhat  viscid.  Petals 
greenish  yellow,  small.  Stamens  persistent  ;  anthers  orange-colored  with  a  tinge  of  pur- 
ple. Seeds  angular,  dark  brown. 

Swampy  meadows  and  low  ground  :  Canada  to  Virginia  and  Ohio.     Fl.  May.     Fr.  July. 

Obs.  There  are  numerous  species  of  Saxifrage  on  this  continent,  (a 
white-flowered  one, — viz. :  S.  Virginiensis,  MX.  is  very  common  on 
rocky  banks,  in  the  woodlands  of  the  middle  States)  :  but  this  is  the  only 


144  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

one  which,  by  its  size,  and  frequent  occurrence  in  wet  meadows,  is  likely 
to  attract  the  notice  of  the  farmer.  It  is  a  mere  weed,  but  not  difficult 
to  get  rid  of,  by  draining  and  proper  attention.  The  Heuchera  Ameri- 
cana, L.,  or  Alum-root — a  plant  belonging  to  this  order,  is  frequent 
along  fence-rows  and  borders  of  rich  woodlands, — and  its  astringent 
root  has  been  of  some  notoriety  as  an  Indian  remedy  for  cancerous  sores  : 
but  it  is  scarcely  of  sufficient  prominence,  on  the  farm,  to  command  the 
attention  of  the  Agriculturist. 

ORDER  XXXII.    HAMAMELA'CE^E.     (WITCH-HAZEL  FAMILY.) 

Slirubs  or  trees  with  alternate,  simple  leaves,  deciduous  stipules  and  polygamous  or  mo- 
nsecious  flowers  in  heads  or  spikes.  Calyx  cohering  with  the  base  of  the  ovary.  Pistils 
2,  united  below.  Fruit  a  2-beaked  2-celled  woody  pod,  opening  at  the  summit  with  one 
or  two  bony  seeds  iu  each  cell ;  embryo  large  in  a  sparing  albumen  ;  petals  sometimes 
wanting. 

*  Flowers  with  calyx  and  corolla,  and  a  single  ovule  suspended  from  the 
summit  of  each  cell. 

1.   HAMAME'LIS,  L.    WITCH-HAZEL. 

[Greek,  Hama,  like  to,  and  Melis,  an  apple  tree  ;  application  not  obvious.] 

Flowers  in  little  axillary  clusters,  with  an  involucre  of  3  scale-like  leaf- 
lets ;  calyx  4-parted,  with  2-3  bractlets  at  base.  Petals  4,  long  and 
linear.  Stamens  8,  very  short ;  the  4  alternate  with  the  petals  having 
anthers,  the  others  imperfect  and  scale-like.  Capsule  opening  loculicid- 
ally  from  the  top  ;  the  outer  coat  separating  from  the  inner,  which  en- 
closes the  large  and  bony  seed  in  each  cell,  but  soon  bursts  elastically 
into  two  pieces. 

1.  H,  Virgin'ica,  L.    Leaves  obovate  or  oval,  sinuate-dentate,   sub- 
cordate  at  base,  stellately  pubescent. 
VIRGINIAN  HAMAMELIS.     Witch-hazel. 

Stem  6-12  feet  high,  with  straggling  flexuose  branches.  Leaves  2-6  inches  long; 
petioles  about  half  an  inch  in  length.  Flowers  greenish-yellow,  clustered  in  threes,  on  a 
common  peduncle  near  half  an  inch  long  ;  petals  narrow,  linear,  a  little  crisped,  about  %, 
of  an  inch  in  length.  Seeds  black  and  shining. 

Damp  woods.    Fl.  October,  the  fruit  perfecting  in  the  September  following. 

Obs.  This  shrub  is  worthy  of  cultivation  by  the  curious,  on  account  of 
the  singular  lateness  of  its  flowers,  which  appear  at  the  time  when  most 
trees  are  shedding  their  leave?.  The  flowers  are  often  seen  as  late  as 
November,  when  the  leaves  have  all  fallen.  It  is  said  to  grow  readily 
in  a  moist  situation.  The  twigs  of  the  Witch-hazel  were  used  in  the  days 
of  superstition  and  witchcraft  as  divining  rods,  to  indicate  the  position 
of  hidden  springs  of  water  or  deposits  of  precious  ores, — a  belief  in  their 
efficacy  is  not  even  now  wholly  extinct.  * 

*  Flowers  naked,  with  barely  the  rudiments  of  a  calyx,  and  no  corolla, 
crowded  in  catkin-like  heads.     Ovules  several  or  many  in  each  cell. 


PARSLEY    FAMILY.  145 


2.   LIQUID  AM 'BAR,  L.     (SWEET-GUM.) 

[Name  compounded  from  Latin,  Liquidus,  fluid,  and  Arabic,  Ambar,  amber  ;  in  allusion 
to  a  fragrant  liquid  that  sometimes  exudes  from  the  tree .] 

Flowers  usually  monoecious,  in  globular  heads  or  catkins;  sterile  flowers 
in  conical  clusters,  naked  ;  stamens  numerous,  intermixed  with  minute 
scales.  Fertile  flowers  consisting  of  many  2-celled,  2-beaked  ovaries,  sub- 
tended by  minute  scales  in  place  of  a  calyx,  all  more  or  less  cohering  and 
hardening  in  fruit,  forming  a  spherical  head  ;  the  pods  opening  between 
the  2  awl-shaped  beaks.  Styles  2,  stigmatic  down  the  inner  side.  Ovules 
many,  but  only  one  or  two  perfecting.  Seeds  with  a  wing-angled  seed- 
coat.  Catkins  racemed,  nodding  in  the  bud  enclosed  by  a  4-leaved  decid- 
uous involucre. 

1,  L,  styraci'flua,  L.  Leaves  rounded,  deeply  5  -  7-lobed,  smooth  and 
shining,  glandular-serrate,  the  lobes  pointed. 

Sweet  Gum.     Bilsted. 

A  large  tree,  60-70  feet  high  and  2  or  more  feet  in  diameter  ;  the  corky  layer  of  the 
bark  often  developed  in  ridges  on  the  smaller  branches.  Leaves  3-5  inches  in  diameter, 
so  deeply  lobsd  as  to  appear  star-shaped,  fragrant  when  bruised.  Fruit  a  globose  prickly 
head,  an  inch  or  more  in  diameter. 

Woods.     Connecticut,  southward.     Fl.  April.     Fr.  September. 

Obs.  One  of  our  finest  forest  trees,  and  deserving  of  more  attention 
than  it  has  yet  received.  It  is  especially  conspicuous  in  autumn,  when 
its  beautiful  star-shaped  leaves  assume  a  deep  crimson  color.  The  wood 
is  fine-grained  but  warps  readily,  and  soon  decays  when  exposed  to  mois- 
ture. The  balsamic  liquid,  from  which  the  tree  receives  both  its  gene- 
ric and  specific  names,  does  not  seem  to  be  developed  at  the  north.  It 
has  been  obtained  from  trees  growing  in  the  warm  parts  of  the  Union  : 
it  is  an  aromatic  liquid,  having  the  consistence  of  honey,  and  has  the 
stimulant  qualities  of  the  Storax  of  the  shops. 


OKDER  XXXIII.     UMBELLIF'ER^E.     (PARSLEY  FAMILY.) 

Herbs  with  usually  hollow  and  furrowed  stems,  alternate,  generally  much  dissected  leaves 
with  pdioles  more  or  less  dilated  and  sheathing  at  base ,  and  flowers  in  usually  ivoluerate 
umbels.  Calyx  entirely  adherent  to  the  ovary,  the  limb  obsolete  or  merely  a  toothed  bor- 
der. Stamens  and  petals  5,  inserted,  alternately  in  the  disk  that  crowns  the  ovary  and 
surrounds  the  base  of  the  2  styles;  petals  mostly  with  an  inflexed  point.  Fruit  of  2  seed- 
like  dry  carpels  (mericarps) ,  cohering  by  their  inner  face,  marked  with  5  primary  ribs 
and  often  with  5  intermediate  (secondary)  ones  ;  the  spaces  between  the  ribs  often  con- 
taining receptacles  of  aromatic  oil  (oil-tubes).  Seeds  solitary,  suspended  ;  embryo  minute 
in  the  apex  of  copious  horny  albumen. 

The  plants  of  this  family  can  only  be  satisfactorily  studied  with  the  full-grown  fruit. 
The  number  of  oil-tubes  is  best  seen  by  making  a  slice  across  the  fruit  and  examining  it 
with  a  magnifier. 

This  large  and  important  Order  comprises  about  200  genera,— and  is  remarkable  for  the 
aromatic  and  generally  harmless  character  of  the  fruit— while  the  herbage  (including 
root,  stem  and  leaves),  is  often  highly  deleterious.  The  species  best  known  on  the  farm, 
and  in  the  kitchen-garden,  are  here  noticed.  Some  medicinal  gums  are  furnished  by  this 
Order,  such  as  Asafoetida,  Galbanum  and  Ammoniac. 


146  WEEDS    AXD    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

Inner  face  of  the  seeds  flat  (not  hollowed  out) ,  where  the  two  halves 
of  the  fruit  join. 

Fruit  with  long  prickles.     Umbel  becoming  concave.  1.  DAUCUS. 

Fruit  not  prickly  but  winged  on  the  margin. 

Flowers  yellow.     All  alike.  2.  PASTIXACA. 

Flowers  white,  the  outer  corollas  larger.  3.  HERACLEUM. 

Flowers  white,  all  alike  ;  leaves  pinnate  or  3-foliolate.  4.  ARCIIEMORA. 

Fruit  neither  prickly  nor  winged  on  the  margin. 

Flowers  yellow  ;  leaflets  long  and  narrow.  5.  FOEXICUI.UM. 

Flowers  white. 

Umbels  usually  without  involucre  or  involucels. 

Divisions  of  the  leaves  very  slender.  6.  CARUM. 

Divisions  or  leaflets  wedge-shaped.  7.  AFIUM. 

Divisions  or  leaflets  ovate  or  lanceolate.  8.  jEcopomuM. 

Umbels  with  3-leayed  involucels  but  no  involucre.  9.  JSruusA. 

Umbels  with  both  involucre  and  iuvolucels. 

Leaves  decompound,  finely  divided.  10.  PETROSELINUM. 

Leaves  2-3  times  compound  ;  leaflets  coarse.  11.  CICUTA. 

Inner  face  of  the  seed  grooved  or  hollowed  out  down  the  whole  length 
of  the  inner  face. 

Leaves  finely  cut,  with  an  unpleasant  odor.  12.  CONIUM. 

Inner  face  of  the  seed  curved  in  at  the  top  and  bottom. 

Flowers  white.  -  13.  CORIAXDRUM. 

1.   DAU'CUS,  Tournef.     CARROT. 

[Daukos,  the  ancient  Greek  name  of  the  Carrot.] 

Calyx  5-toothed.  Corolla  irregular.  Fruit  ovoid  oblong,  somewhat 
dorsally  compressed.  Carpels  with  the  5  primary  ribs  slender  and 
minutely  bristly,  the  4  secondary  ribs  equal,  prominently  winged,  and  each 
pectinately  cleft  into  a  single  row  of  prickles  with  an  oil  tube  under  each 
of  them.  Involucre  many-leaved  ;  leaflets  pinnatifid.  Involucels  many- 
leaved  ;  leaflets  trifld  or  entire.  Biennials  with  leaves  bi-  or  tri-pinnately 
dissected. 

1.  D.  Caro'ta,  L.  Stem  hispid  ;  leaves  2  -  3-pinnatifid  ;  segments  pin- 
natifid,  the  lobes  lanceolate  and  cuspidate  ;  leaflets  of  the  involucre 
nearly  as  long  as  the  umbel ;  prickles  about  equal  to  the  diameter  of  the 
oblong-oval  fruit. 

CARROT  DAUCUS.     Carrot.     Wild  Carrot. 
Fr.  Garotte.     Germ.  Die  Moehre.     Span.  Zanahoria. 

Plant  greyish -green,  hispidly  pilose.  Root  fusiform,  yellowish  or  orange-colored. 
£tem  2-3  or  4  feet  high,  rather  slender,  terete,  sulcate-striate,  branching.  Leaves  twice 
or  thrice  pinnatifid  ;  segments  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  long,  much  incised.  Umbels  on  long 
peduncles  or  naked  brandies,  nearly  level  on  the  top  when  in  flower — concave  when  in 
fruit.  Petals  white  or  ochroleucous — occasionally  with  a  purplish  tinge — the  central  floret 
of  the  umbel  often  abortive,  with  fleshy  dark  purple  petals.  Fruit,  very  hispid,  the 
prickles  on  the  secondary  ribs  somewhat  barbed. 

Gardens,  fields  and  road-sides  :  introduced.  Native  of  Europe  and  the  East.  Fl.  July- 
Sept.  Fr.  Sept. -October. 

Obs.  The  var.  SATIVA,  DC.,  or  common  Garden  Carrot — with  a  large 
fleshy  yellow  or  reddish  orange-colored  root — is  much  cultivated  as  a 
culinary  vegetable,  for  soups,  &c.  In  Europe,  it  is  highly -esteemed  as 
a  food  for  Milch  Cows,  and  other  stock,  during  winter  ;  but  in  this 
country,  the  root  culture,  for  such  objects,  is  but  little  attended  to, 
probably  less  than  it  ought  to  be.  The  wild  variety  is  extensively  natu- 


PARSLEY    FAMILY. 


147 


ralized,  and  threatens  to  become  a  troublesome  pest,  on  our  farms. 
When  it  gets  on  the  premises  of  a  careless  slovenly  farmer,  it  soon  mul- 
tiplies so  as  to  become  a  source  of  annoyance  to  the  whole  neighborhood. 
It  should  be  diligently  eradicated  before  it  matures  its  seeds. 

2.  PASTINA'CA,  Tournef.     PARSNIP. 

[Latin,  Pastus,  food  ;  from  the  use  made  of  the  root.] 

Calyx-teet/i  obsolete.  Fruit  oval,  flatly  compressed,  with  a  dilated  flat 
margin.  Carpels  ribbed  as  in  Heracleum.  Oil-tubes  one  in  each  channel 
between  the  ribs,  and  two  on  the  inner  face  of  the  carpel,  as  long  as  the 
carpels.  Involucre  and  involucels  0,  or  few-leaved.  Stem  sulcate,  smooth. 
Leaves  pinnately.  dissected  ;  the  leaflets  incised-dentate  or  lobed. 
1.  P.  SATI'VA,  L.  Leaflets  in  3  -  4  pairs  with  a  terminal  odd  one,  ovate- 
oblong,  rather  obtuse,  incised-dentate,  sessile  ;  the  terminal  one  3-lobed 
and  petiolulate. 

CULTIVATED  PASTINACA.     Parsnip.     Garden  Parsnip. 
Fr.  Panais  potager.     Germ.  Die  Pastinake. '   Span.  Chirivia. 

Plant  yellowish -green.  Root  biennial,  fusiform,  large  and  fleshy.  Stem  3-5  feet  high, 
rather  stout,  furrowed  and  flstular,  somewhat  branching.  Leaflets,  2-4  inches  long — the 
primary  leaves  of  the  young  plant  orbicular-cordate  and  incisely  crenate.  Umbels  nearly 
level  on  the  top.  Petals  yellow,  small,  with  the  apex  incurved  or  rolled  in.  Fruit  thin 
or  very  flatly  compressed  on  the  back.  Ribs  filiform  ;  channels  greenish-yellow  ;  oil-tubes 
dark  purple,  generally  linear,  sometimes  a  little  clavatc. 

Gardens  :  cultivated.     Native  of  Europe.     Fl.  June  -August.     Jr.  August -October. 

Obs.  Generally  cultivated  for  its  fine  esculent  root,  which,  in  the  best 
varieties  (such  as  that  called  the  "  Guernsey  Parsnip'),  is  remarkably 
rich  and  marrow-like.  The  plant  produces  many  seeds,  and  is  apt  to 


FIG.   96.  An  umbel  of  the  Carrot  [Daucus  Carota].     97.  An  enlarged  fruit.     98.  The 
same  divided,  showing  an  oil-tube  under  each  of  the  prickly  secondary  ribs. 


148  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

stray  from  the  garden  into  the  fields,  where  it  speedily  degenerates,  and, 
if  neglected,  becomes  a  troublesome  unsightly  weed. 

3.  HERACLE'UM,  L.     COW-PARSNIP. 

[Dedicated  to  Hercules.] 

Fruit  broadly  winged-margined ;  carpels  slenderly  5-ribbed,  the  lateral 
ones  close  to  the  margin  ;  oil-tubes  shorter  than  the  carpels.  Stout  peren- 
nials ;  leaves  large,  ternately  dissected ;  petioles  broad  and  sheathing ; 
umbels  flat,  large,  the  outer  flowers  commonly  larger  and  appearing  2-cleft ; 
involucre  few-leaved,  deciduous  ;  involucels  many-leaved. 


100 

H.  lana'tum,  MX.    Woolly ;  stem  sulcate ;   segments  of  the  leaves 
broad,  palmate-lobed,  subcordate  at  base. 
WOOLLY  HEKACLEUM.     Cow-parsnip.     Masterwort. 

Stem  4-8  feet  high ,  branched  above.  Segments  of  the  haves  4  - 10  or  12  inches  in  length 
and  as  wide  as  long,  the  middle  one  often  3-lobed  ;  petioles  1-4  inches  long.  Umbels  some- 
times a  foot  or  more  in  breadth,  the  rays  2-6  inches  long.  Involucels  of  5-8  leaves, 
which  are  lanceolate,  with  a  long  slender  point.  Flowers  white. 

Rich  low  grounds.     More  common  northward.    May  -  July. 

Obs.  This  very  conspicuous  strong-scented  plant  is  sometimes  used  in 
medicine.  The  seeds  are  aromatic.  The  root  is  very  acrid  when  fresh, 
and  produces  blisters  when  applied  to  the  skin.  Much  of  its  acridity  is 
lost  by  drying,  and  in  this  .state  it  is  used  as  a  stimulant.  The  plant  'has 
a  doubtful  reputation,  and  should  be  used  with  caution. 

4.  ARCHEM'ORA,  DC.     COW-BANE. 

[Named  from  Archemorus, — who,  it  is  said,  died  from  eating  Parsley.] 

Calyx  5-toothed.  Fruit  elliptic-ovate,  convex  or  lenticularly  compressed. 
Carpels  with  5  equidistant  obtuse  ribs,  the  lateral  ones  dilated  into  a 
flattish  thin-edged  margin.  Oil-tubes  one  in  each  channel,  and  4-6  on 
the  inner  face.  Involucre  0  or  few-leaved.  Involucels  many-leaved.  Stem 


FIG.  99.  Fruit  of  the  Cow  Parsnip  (Heracleum  lanatnm,)  in  which  the  oil-tubes  do  not 
fill  the  whole  length  of  the  channels.     100.  The  same  cut  across,  both  enlarged. 


PAKSLEY    FAMILY.  149 

terete,  striate.     Leaves  pinnately  or  ternately  dissected,  the  rather  rigid 

leaflets  entire  or  sparingly  toothed  near  the  apex. 

1.  A.  rig'ida,  DC.    Leaflets  3  -  9,  sessile,  oblong-lanceolate,  very  entire 

or  remotely  incised-dentate  near  the  apex  ;  umbels  terminal  and  subter- 

minal,  on  long  peduncles. 

RIGID  OR  STIFF  ARCHEMORA.     Cow-bane.    Wild  Parsnip. 

Whole  plant  smooth.  Root  perennial.  Stem  2-4  or  5  feet  high,  rather  slender,  sparingly 
branched  above.  Leaves  all  simply  pseudo-pinnate  ;  common  petioles  1-5  or  6  inches  long, 
channeled  and  somewhat  margined  ;  leaflets  or  segments  2-3  or  4  inches  long — vary  ing  from 
linear  to  ovate-lanceolate  and  cuneate-ob long,  often  a  little  falcate.  Umbels  about  3,  on  rather 
long  sulcate-striate  peduncles.  Involucre  0,  or  sometimes  of  2-3  lance-linear  leaflets.  Invo- 
lucels  of  6-8  subulate-linear  leaflets.  Petals  white.  Channels  filled  to  convexity  by  the 
dark  purple  oil-tubes.  Inner  face  of  the  carpels  a  little  concave,  lined  with  a  white  corky 
coat. 

Swampy  meadows  and  low  grounds  :  New  York  to  Louisiana.     Fl.  August.    Fr.  Oct. 

Obs.  .This  is  reputed  to  be  an  active  poison,  particularly  to  horned 
cattle,  when  eaten  by  them  ;  and  therefore  every  farmer  is  interested  in 
knowing  the  plant,  and  causing  it  to  be  eradicated  from  his  meadows 
and  pastures.  It  varies  somewhat  in  its  features  ;  but  the  above  is  a 
description  of  its  usual  form,  in  Pennsylvania. 

5.  F(ENIC'ULUM3  Adam.    FENNEL. 

[Latin,  diminutive  of  Fcenum,  hay  ;  from  a  resemblance  in  its  odor.] 

Fruit  elliptic-oblong,  subterete.  Carpels  with  5  obtuse  keeled  ribs,  of 
which  the  lateral  ones  are  marginal,  and  often  a  little  broader.  Channels 
with  single  oil-tubes.  Involucre  and  involucc's  0.  Biennial  or  perennial. 
Stems  terete,  striate.  Leaves  decompound,  pinnately  dissected,  the  seg- 
ments linear.  Flowers  yellow. 

1.  F.  VULGA'RE,  Gaertn.    Segments  of  the  leaves  subulate-linear,  elon- 
gated ;  umbels  many-rayed. 
COMMON  FGENICULUM.     Fennel.     Garden  Fennel. 
Fr.  Fenouil.     Germ.  Der  Fenchel.     Span.  Hinojo. 

Plant  smooth.  Root  perennial  ?  (biennial,  DC1.).  Stem  4-5  or  6  feet  high,  branching, 
striati'-grooved,  purplish-green  and  somewhat  glaucous  ;  leaves  large,  finely  and  somewhat 
biternately  dissected  ;  segments  an  inch  to  an  inch  and  a  half  long,  almost  filiform,  the  sub- 
divisions often  dichotomous  :  common  petioles  much  dilated,  sheathing,  produced  into  2  mar- 
ginal lobes  at  summit.  Umbels  of  15  -  20  or  30  unequal  rays. 

Gardens  :  cultivated.     Native  of  Europe.     Fl.  July.     Fr.  September. 

Obs.  The  whole  plant  is  highly  aromatic.  Those  who  kept  Bees,  in 
former  years,  were  much  in  the  practice,  when  those  insects  swarmed,  of 
rubbing  the  inside  of  the  bee-hive  with  this  fragrant  herb,  under  the 
impression  that  the  odor  would  attach  them  to  their  new  domicil.  It  is 
chiefly  cultivated  for  its  aromatic  fruit,  which  is  occasionally  used  in 
domestic  economy  ;  and  is  sometimes  smoked,  like  tobacco,  as  a  popular 
remedy  for  cholic.  Those  who  have  read  the  charming  pictures  of  early 
New  England  life,  in  "  Goodrich's  Recollections  of  a  Lifetime,"  will 
recollect  the  mention  of  the  custom  of  the  old  ladies  to  carry  to  church 


150  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

with  them  sprigs  of  fennel  to  keep  them  awake  during  the  long  sermon, 
a  practice  which  is  not  entirely  obsolete.  In  the  more  primitive  portions 
of  the  country,  the  patch  of  fennel  may  still  be  seen  growing,  and  the 
sanctuary  is  still  redolent  of  its  odors.  * 

6.   CA'BUM,  Koch.  CARAWAY. 

[Said  to  be  derived  from  Caria — the  native  country  of  the  plant. 

Fruit  ovate  or  oblong.  Carpels  with  5  filiform  equal  ribs.  Channels 
with  single  oil-tubes.  Involucre  and  involucels  mostly  wanting.  Stems 
striate,  smooth.  Leaves  pinnately  dissected  ;  segments  multifid.  Flow- 
ers white. 

1.  0.  CA'RUI,  L.  Leaves  somewhat  bipinnatifid,  the  segments  linear  ; 
involucre  1-leaved  or  0  ;  involucels  0.  • 

CARIAN  CARUM.     Common  Caraway. 
Fr.  Carvi.     Germ.  Gemeiner  Kuemmei.     Span.  Alcaravea. 

Root  biennial?  (perennial,  DC.),  fusiform.  Stem  about  2  feet  high,  branched.  Radical 
leaves  rather  large  ;  stem  leaves  multifld,  the  segments  filiform.  Petals  white.  Fruit  oblong 
or  elliptic,  often  oblique  at  apex. 

Gardens  :  cultivated.     Native  of  Europe.     Fl.   June.     Fr.  August. 

Obs.  This  is  sometimes  cultivated  for  its  highly  aromatic  fruit, — which 
is  used  to  impart  a  flavor  to  cakes,  and  other  articles  of  cookery. 

7.  A'PIUM,  L.     CELERY. 

[From  the  Celtic,  Apon,  water  ;  near  which  it  naturally  grows.] 

Fruit  roundish.  Carpels  with  5  filiform  equal  ribs.  Channels  with  sin- 
gle oil-tubes,  the  outer  ones  often  with  2-3.  Involucre  and  involucels  0. 
Stems  sulcate.  Leaves  pinuately  dissected,  with  wedge-shaped  divisions. 

1.  A.  GRAVE'OLENS,  L.  var.  dulce.  Lower  leaves  on  very  long  petioles  ; 
segments  cuneate,  lobed. 

STRONG-SCENTED  APIUM.     CELERY. 

Fr.  Celeri.     Germ.  Der  Celeri.     Span.  Apio  hortense. 

Whole  plant  glabrous.  Root  biennial,  fusiform.  Stem  2-3  feet  high,  branching. 
Radical  leaves  on  stout  succulent  channeled  petioles,  6-12  inches  or  more  in  length,  and 
which  are  green,  or  often  purplish,  when  riot  artificially  blanched  ;  stem  leaves  on  short 
petioles.  Umbels  terminal  and  axillary, — the  axillary  ones  often  subsessile  ;  rays u&opial, 
spreading.  Petals  greenish  -white.  Fruit  nearly  orbicular. 

Gardens  :  cultivated.     Native  of  Europe.     Fl.  July.     Fr.  September. 

Obs.  This  is  much  cultivated  for  the  sake  of  the  succulent  spicy  petioles 
of  the  radical  leaves,— which  are  used  as  a  salad  :  but  in  order  to  be 
rendered  palatable — or  even  eatable — they  require  to  be  blanched  or 
etiolated  by  the  exclusion  of  light, — which  is  usually  effected  by  planting 
in  trenches  and  covering  them  with  earth.  The  var.  rapaceum,  DC.,  or 
Turnip-rooted  Celery,  is  also  cultivated,— though  not  so  commonly. 


PARSLEY    FAMILY. 


151 


8.  ^EGOPO'DIUM,  L.     GOAT'S-FOOT. 

[Greek,  Aix,  a  goat,  undpodion,  a  little  foot.] 

Fruit  oblong,  crowned  with  the  conical  bases  of  the  deflexed  styles. 
Carpels  with  5  slender  ridges,  without  oil-tubes.  Leaves  ternate  or  bi- 
ternate  with  broad  pointed  serrated  leaflets.  Involucres  and  involved* 
none. 

1.  JE.  Podagra' ria,  L.  Root  perennial,  creeping 
extensively ;  stems  robust,  hollow,  furrowed, 
glabrous  ;  leaflets  ovate  or  lanceolate,  acuminate 
unequally  toothed  ;  the  lower  leaves  on  long 
petioles ;  the  upper  merely  3-cleft ;  umbels  many- 
rayed  ;  petals  white. 
Goafs-foot.  Goat-weed.  Herb  Gerarde. 

Stem  about  a  foot  and  a  half  high.     Fruit  very  seldom 
perfected. 

Obs.  This,  which  is  considered  an  exceeding- 
ly troublesome  weed  in  England,  has  made  its  ^  102 
appearance  in  some  parts  of  Pennsylvania,  and  proves  to  be  a  nuisance 
not  easily  abated.  It  has  hitherto  resisted  all  attempts  to  get  rid  of  it ; 
Don,  in  his  General  System  of  Gardening,  &c.,  says  that  "  being  a  great 
creeper  it  cannot  be  admitted  into  gardens,  for  after  it  gets  hold  it  is  next 
to  impossible  to  eradicate  it  again."  The  leaves  are  said  to  be  used  in 
the  same  manner  as  Parsley,  which  accounts  for  Don's  cautioning  against 
introducing  it.  Such  an  invader  should  be  carefully  watched  and  its 
spread  arrested. 

9.  ^ETHU'SA,  L.     FOOL'S  PAESLEY. 

[Greek,  aitho,  to  burn  ;  on  account  of  its  acrid  qualities.] 

Calyx  teeth  obsolete.  Fruit  ovate  globose  ;  the  carpels  each  with  5 
thick,  sharply-keeled  ridges  :  intervals'  with  single  oil-tubes.  Annual 
erect  poisonous  herbs  with  2-3  ternately  compound  and  many  cleft 


101 


haves.     Involucre  none  :  involucels  1-3  leaved. 
1.  M.  Cyna'pium,  L.  Segments  of  the  leaves 
wedge-lanceolate  ;   involucels  3-leaved,   long 
and  narrow. 
Fool's  Parsley. 

Stem  1-2  feet  high,  hollow  not  spotted.  Leaves  with 
ultimate  lobes  linear-lanceolate.  Umbels  terminal  and 
opposite  the  leaves  ;  rays  very  unequal,  the  longest 
scarcely  an  inch  in  length.  Involucels  1-sided.  Frutt 
nearly  as  broad  as  long,  with  very  prominent  jibs. 

Cultivated  grounds  and  waste  places.  Native  of 
Europe.  July -September. 

Obs.  This  poisonous  plant  is  naturalized 
in  New  England  ;  it  somewhat  resembles  the 
Poison  Hemlock,  from  which  it  is  distiu- 


Flowers  white. 


105 


103 


Yin.  101.  Fruit  of  the  Goatsfoot  [^goportium  Podagraria].     102.  A  section. 

FIG.  103.  The  fruit  of  Fool's  Parsley.     104.  The  same,  cut  across.     105.  A  petal  with 

.K1  point  bent  inwards. 


152  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

guished  by  its  unspotted  stem,  the  long  pendulous  one-sided  involucels 
and  the  straight  ridges  of  the  fruit. 

10.  PETKOSELTNUM,  Hoffm.    PARSLEY. 

[Greek,  Pdra,  rock,  and  Selinum;  Rock  Selinum, — from  its  native  habitat.] 

Fruit  ovate.  Carpels  with  5  equal  ribs.  Channels  with  single  oil-tubes 
and  two  on  the  inner  face  of  the  carpels.  Involucre  few-leaved.  Invo- 
lucels many-leaved.  Stems  somewhat  angular.  Leaves  decompound. 
1.  P.  SATI'VUM,  Hoffm.  Segments  of  the  lower  leaves  cuneate-ovate, 
trifid  and  incised-dentate, — of  the  upper  ones  linear-lanceolate  and  nearly 
entire  ;  involucels  subulate. 

CULTIVATED  PETROSELINUM.     Parsley. 

Fr.  Persil.     Germ.  Die  Petersilie.     Span.  Perexil. 

Plant  smooth.  Root  biennial.  Stem  2-4  feet  high,  striate  with  green  and  yellowish 
stripes,  branched.  Leaves  shining  green,  the  lower  ones  much  dissected.  Umbels  terminal 
and  axillary,  pedunculate.  Involucre  of  a  single  leaflet  (or  sometimes  2-3)  linear.  Invo- 
lucels of  5  -6  short  subulate  leaflets.  Petals  greenish-white.  Fruit  ovate. 

Gardens  :  cultivated.     Native  of  Eastern  Europe.     Fl.  June.     Fr.  August. 

Obs.  Cultivated  for  the  pleasant-flavored  leaves  which  are  used  in 
culinary  processes.  The  root  has  long  been  a  popular  diuretic.  The 
var.  CEISPUM,  or  Curled  Parsley — with  the  segments  of  the  lower  leaves 
broader,  and  curled  on  the  margin — is  also  frequent  in  kitchen  gardens. 

11.  CICU'TA,  L.    WATER-HEMLOCK. 

[Latin  name  of  the  Hemlock.] 

Calyx  with  5  minute  teeth.  Fruit  roundish.  Carpels  with  5  equal  flat- 
tish  ribs,  with  a  single  oil-tube  in  each  interval.  Involucre  few-leaved. 
Involucels  many-leaved.  Sub-aquatic  herbs.  Stem  terete,  smooth,  fistular. 
Leaves  tripinnately  or  triternately  dissected. 

1,  C.  macula'ta,  L.  Stem  spotted  or  streaked  ; 
leaves  bi-  or  tri-teruately  divided, — the  segments 
lanceolate,  mucronately  serrate,  the  nerves  ter- 
minating in  the  notches. 

SPOTTED  CICUTA.  Spotted  Cow-bane.  Water 
Hemlock. 

Root  perennial,  with  thick  oblong  fleshy  fibres.  Stem  -1-6 
feet  high,  branching,  dark  purple,  or  striate  with  greeu  and 
purple  or  b|pwn  ;  leaves  smooth,  the  lower  ones  on  rather 
long  petioles,  triirnuit'.'Iy  dissected  with  the  terminal 
division  mostly  in  fives  ;  segments  or  leaflets  2-3  inches  long,  petiolulate,  penninerved— 
the  nerves  (as  remarked  by  Dr.  BIGELOW,)  running  to  the  notches  of  the  serratures  instead 
of  the  points.  Umbels  spreading  ;  rays  slender.  Involucre  0  or  1  -  2  linear  leaflets.  Invo- 
lucels of  5-6  small  lance-linear  leaflets.  Petals  white.  Fruit  nearly  round  ;  ribs  rather 
broad  ;  channels  reddish-brown  or  dark  purple,  filled  with  aromatic  oily  matter. 

FIG.  106.  The  fruit  of  the  Water  Hemlock  [Cicuta  maculata].  107.  A  section  of  the 
same 


PAKSLEY    FAMILY.  153 

Swampy  grounds  and  margins  of  rivulets  :  throughout  the  United  States.  Fl.  July.  Fr. 
September. 

Obs.  The  mature  fruit  of  this  plant  has  a  strong  anisate  odor.  The 
root  is  an  active  poison  ;  and  the  lives  of  children,  and  others,  are  often 
endangered  and  sometimes  destroyed  by  eating  it,  in  mistake  for  that 
of  the  Sweet  Cicely  (Osmorhiza  langistylis,  DC.) — an  aromatic  plant 
of  the  same  natural  family.  The  herbage  is  also  said  to  be  destructive 
to  cattle,  when  eaten  by  them  •  all  which  goes  to  show  the  propriety 
of  possessing  sufficient  Botanical  knowledge  to  be  able  to  identity  the 
plant — and  likewise  the  necessity  of  extirpating  it  from  all  meadows 
and  pastures. 

12.    CONT'UM,  L.    POISON-HEMLOCK. 

[From  Koneion,  the  Greek  name  of  the  Hemlock.] 

Fruit  ovate,  compressed  or  contracted  at  the  sides.  Carpels  with  5 
prominent  equal  ribs  which  are  undulate-creuulate.  when  immature, — the 
inner  face  with  a  deep  narrow  groove  ;  oil-tubes  none.  Involucre  few- 
leaved.  Livolucels  dimidiate  or  one-sided,  about  3-leaved. 

1.   C.  macnla'tum,  L.     Stem  terete,  spotted  ;  leaves  tripinnately  dis- 
sected,— segments  lanceolate,  pinnatifid,  the  lobes  acute  and  often  in- 
cised ;  leaflets  of  the  involucels  lanceolate,  shorter  than  the  umbellets. 
SPOTTED  CONIUM.     Common  Hemlock. 
Fr.  Cigue  ordinaire.     Germ.  Der  Schierling.     Span.  Ceguda. 

Plant  smooth,  deep  bluish  green,  and  sometimes  glaucous.  Root  biennial,  fusiform, 
v.-hitish  and  fleshy.  Steml-^  (sometimes  6-8)  feet  high,  flstular,  branched,  some- 
what sulcate,  streaked  with  green  and  yellow  and  often  spotted  with  dark  purple.  Com- 
mon petioles  dilated,  nerved  with  scarious  margins.  Petals  white.  Fruit  somewhat  gib- 
bous. Carpels  with  the  ribs  wavy,  especially  while  young — the  faces  inclining  to  separate 
between  the  base  and  apex  when  mature. 

Waste  places  :  introduced.  -Native  of  Europe.    Fl.  June -July.    Fr.  September. 

Obs.  This  foreigner  is  partially  naturalized  in  many  places, — and 
being  a  powerful  narcotic  poison,  it  ought  to  be  known  by  every  person 
on  whose  premises  it  may  occur.  The  plant  when  bruised  emits  a  dis- 
agreeable odor.  It  is  supposed  to  be  the  herb  with  which  the  ancient 
Greeks  put  their  philosophers  and  statesmen  to  death  when  they  got 
tired  of  them.  An  extract  prepared  from  the  plant  was  formerly  used 
for  the  treatment  of  scrofula  and  malignant  tumors,  but  it  is  now  be- 
lieved that  the  only  benefit,  if  any,  derived  from  it,  was  that  of  a  palli- 
ative anodyne. 

13.  COEIAN'DKUM,  Hoffm.     CORIANDER. 

[Greek,  K&ris,  a  bug  ;  the  bruised  leaves  having  the  odor  of  a  bed-bug.] 

Fruit  globose.  Carpels  cohering,  scarcely  separating,— each  with  5  un- 
dulate depressed  primary  ribs,  of  which  the  lateral  ones  are  placed  in 
front  of  an  accessory  margin  ;  the  4  secondary  ribs  more  prominent  and 


154 


WEEDS    AXD    USEFUL    PLANTS. 


FIG.  108.  A  branch  of  the  Poison  Hemlock  [Conium  maculatum].  109.  An  umbellet 
in  fruit.  110.  An  enlarged  fruit.  111.  A  section  of  the  fruit,  without  oil-tubes,  the  seed 
curved  in  at  the  margins. 

5* 


GINSENG    FAMILY.  155 

keeled.  Channels  without  oil-tubes.  Seed  curved  in  at  top  and  bottom 
Involucre  1-leaved  or  0.  Involucels  dimidiate,  about  3-leaved.  Flowers 
white,  or  tinged  red  before  expanding. 

1.  C.  SATI'VUM,  L.    Leaves  bipinnately  dissected,— segments  of  the  lower 

ones   broad-cuneate,  incised-dentate, — of  the  upper  ones  narrow  and 

linear;  carpels  hemispherical. 

CULTIVATED  Com  AND  RUM.     Coriander. 

Fr.  Coriaudre.     Germ.  Der.  Koriander.     Span.  Cilantro. 

Plant  smooth.  Root  annual  (sometimes  biennial,  DC.).  Stem  1-2  feet  high,  slender, 
striate,  somewhat  branched  at  summit.  Umbels  3-5-rayed.  Umbellets  of  numerous  short 
unequal  rays.  Carpels  very  concave  on  the  face,  cohering  by  their  margins  so  as  to  form 
apparently  a  simple  globose  fruit  with  2  oil-tubes  in  a  loose  membrane,  which  covers  the 
inner  face  of  the  seed. 

Gardens  :  cultivated.  Native  of  Tartary  and  the  East.  Fl.  June-July.  Fr.  August- 
September. 

Obs.  Occasionally  cultivated  for  its  aromatic  fruit.  The  odor  of  the 
fresh  herb  is  very  offensive,  notwithstanding  which  the  Tartars  are  said 
to  prepare  a  favorite  soup  from  it. 

ORDER  XXXIV.    ARALIA'CE^E.     (GINSENG  FAMILY.) 

Perennial  Tierbs,  shrubs  or  trees,  with  alternate,  mostly  compound  leaves,  destitute  of 
stipules,  and  mostly  umbellate  flowers — the  umbels  often  paniculate.  Calyx  adherent  to  the 
ovary, — the  limb  usually  very  small,  toothed  or  entire.  Petals  5,  valvate  in  aestivation. 
Stamens  us  many  as  the  petals  and  alternate  with  them.  Ovary  3 -several  united  carpels, 
with  a  solitary  suspended  ovule  in  each  cell  ;  styles  as  many  as  the  cells — sometimes 
united.  Fruit  baccate  or  drupaceous, — sometimes  nearly  dry,  but  the  carpels  not  sepa- 
rating. 

A  small  Order,  with  much  the  same  characters  as  Umbelliferse,  but  with  usually  more 
than  2  styles,  and  the  fruit  a  3 -several-celled  drupe. 

1.  ARA'LIA,  L.    WILD  SARSAPARILLA.     GINSENG. 

[Name  of  unknown  derivation  ;  supposed  to  be  of  Canadian  origin.] 

Flowers  more  or  less  polygamous.  Calyx  5-toothed,  teeth  very  short  or 
almost  obsolete.  Petals  5,  spreading.  Stamens  5,  on  short  filaments. 
Styles  2-5,  mostly  distinct  and  slender,  or  in  the  sterile  flowers  short 
and  united.  Berry  2  -  5-celled  with  a  single  suspended  seed  in  each  cell, 
somewhat  5-lobed.  Herbs  or  shrubs,-^- sometimes  prickly.  Leaves  mostly 
decompound.  Flowers  white  or  greenish,  in  umbels. 
§  1.  ARALIA.  Flowers  monaciously  polygamous  or  perfect,  the  umbels 
usually  in  corymbs  or  panicles  ;  styles  or  cells  of  the  (black  or  dark  purple) 
fruit  5  ;  stems  herbaceous  or  woody  ;  ultimate  divisions  of  the  leaves  pinnate. 

1,  A,  racemo'sa,  L.  Stem  herbaceous,  smooth,  divaricately  branched  ; 
leaves  ternately  and  quinately  decompound  ;  leaflets  cordate-ovate,  acu- 
minate, doubly  serrate ;  racemes  axillary,  compound,  paniculately  urn- 
bellulate  ;  iuvolucels  small. 

RACEMOSE  ARALIA.     Spikenard. 

Root  thick,  aromatic.  Stem  3  -5  feet  high,  with  spreading  and  somewhat  dichotomous 
branches.  Leaflets  S -6  or  8  inches  long,  slightly  hairy,  mostly  petiolulate.  Flowers  in. 


156  WEEDS    AJSTD    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

large  umbellulate  panicles  ;  peduncles  pubescent.  Involucels  of  several  short  subulate 
leaflets.  Calyx  with  5  small  acute  teeth.  Petals  greenish  white.  Styles  united  below  ; 
stigmas  diverging  or  recurved.  Berries  small,  not  torose,  dark  purple  when  mature. 

Rich  woodlands  :  Canada  to  Georgia  ;  and  in  gardens,  cultivated.  Fl.  July.  Fr.  Sep- 
tember. 

Obs.  This  plant  is  native  in  our  rich  woodlands  ;  but  has  been  long 
introduced  into  gardens,  as  a  popular  medicine.  The  root,  and  berries, 
infused  in  alcohol,  made  a  favorite  tincture,  in  times  past,  for  those 
who  indulged  in  the  perilous  habit  of  taking  such  stomachics. 

2,  A,  spino'sa,  L.     Shrub  or  low  tree  ;  stem  and  petioles  prickly ; 
leaves  bipinnately  compound ;  umbels  in  a  very  large  much-branched 
panicle. 

PRICKLY  ARALIA.    Angelica  Tree.     Hercules'  Club. 

Stem  unbranched,  prickly  below,  10-20  and  even  60  feet  high.  Leaves  crowded  at  the 
summit  of  the  stem,  2-4  feet  long  ;  leaflets  ovate,  acuminate,  serrate,  somewhat  glaucous 
below.  Flowers  white. 

Pennsylvania,  South  and  West.     June  -August. 

Obs.  This  striking  species  is  sometimes  seen  in  cultivation  ;  at  the 
North  it  is  a  low  tree,  but  in  the  Southern  States  it  sometimes  attains 
the  height  of  40  or  even  60  feet,  its  uubranched  stems  bearing  the 
crowded  leaves  at  their  summits,  having  a  palm-like  appearance.  The 
bark,  root,  and  berries,  have  been  used  in  medicine  ;  they  are  aromatic 
and  stimulant  like  those  of  the  preceding  species. 

3,  A.  nildicau'lis,  L.     Stem  very  short,  scarcely  rising  above  ground  ; 
bearing  a  single  long-stalked  leaf,  and  a  shorter  naked  scape,  with  2-7 
umbels. 

NAKED-STEM  ARALIA.     Sarsaparilla.    False  Sarsaparilla. 

Root  creeping,  thickish  and  long,  somewhat  aromatic  but  mawkish.  Stem  scarcely 
more  than  the  crown  of  the  root.  Leaf  on  an  erect  petiole  6-12  inches  long,  3-parted  at 
summit  ;  each  division  2-5  inches  in  length,  and  bearing  5  odd-pinnate  subsessile  leaflets. 
Scape  4-8  inches  high,  divided  at  summit  into  2-7  smoothish  peduncles,  about  2  inches 
long,  each  bearing  a  naked,  many-flowered,  globose  umbel,  an  inch  or  an  inch  and  a  half 
in  diameter.  Berries  torulose,  purplish  black  when  mature. 

Obs.  The  root  of  this  is  sometimes  used  as  a  substitute  for  the  Sarsa- 
parilla of  the  shops,  (a  species  of  Smilax.)  I  believe  both  the  original 
and  the  substitute  to  be  rather  innocent  medicines, — provided  the  dis- 
ease be  not  serious ! 

g  2.  GINSENG.  Flowers  diceciomly  polygamous  ;  styles  and  cells  of  the 
(red  or  reddish)  fruit  2  -  3  ;  stem  herbaceous,  low,  simple,  bearing  at  its 
summit  a  whorl  of  3  palmatehj  3-7  foliolate  leaves  (or  perhaps  rather  a 
single  sessile  twice-compound  leaf,)  and  a  single  umbel  on  a  slender  naked 
peduncle. 

4,  A,  quinquefo'lia,   Gray.     Root  fusiform,  often  branched  ;  leaflets 
mostly  in  fives,  obovate,  acuminate,  unequally  serrate,  petiolulate  ;  pe- 
duncle of  the  umbel  rather  shorter  than  the  common  petioles  ;  styles  2  ; 
fruit  succulent,  2-celled,  2-seeded. 

FIVE-LEAVED  PANAX.     Ginseng. 


COKNEL   FAMILY.  157 

Root  perennial,  3-6  inches  long,  and  about  half  an  inch  in  diameter,  often  forked 
downwards,  whitish,  transversely  rugose.  SLem  9-18  inches  high,  herbaceous,  angular, 
smooth,  with  a  verticil  of  3  (rarely  4)  petiolate  compound  leaves  at  summit,  and  a  simple 
erect  pedunculate  umbel  in  the  centre.  Common  petiole  3-4  inches  long.  Leaflets  un- 
equal,— the  3  principal  ones  3-5  inches  long,  the  lateral  ones  much  smaller.  Umbel 
many -flowered, — the  central  flowers  often  abortive.  Petals  yellowish  green.  Ovary 
compressed,  cordate-ovate,  or  gibbous  at  base  on  each  side.  Fruit  a  fleshy  drupaceous 
reniform  berry,  crowned  with  the  persistent  calyx-teeth  and  styles,  smooth,  bright 
crimson  when  mature. 

Rich  woodlands  :  Northern  and  Western  States.     Fl.  July.     Ft:  September. 

Obs.  The  root  of  this  plant  is  slightly  stimulant,  and  rather  pleasantly 
aromatic.  It  has  long  been,  and  continues  to  be,  an  article  of  some  im- 
portance in  our  commerce  with  China  ;  and  although  it  has  but  little  to 
do  with  Agriculture,  it  is  presumed  that  a  brief  description  of  a  native 
plant,  so  abundantly  produced  in  our  western  forests— and  so  highly 
prized  in  the  "  Celestial  Empire  " — will  not  be  unacceptable. 

2.  HE'DERA,  L.    IVY. 

[Xame  supposed  to  be  from*the  Celtic  word  for  cord.] 

Calyx  of  5  teeth.  Petals  5,  broadest  at  base.  Stamens  5-10.  Style 
simple,  or  5-10,  more  or  less  combined.  Berry  with  3-10  seeds, 
crowned  by  the  calyx.  Evergreen  shrub  adhering  to  objects  by  means 
of  numerous  rootlets. 

1.  H.   HE'LIX,  L.     Leaves  thick,   angular-heart-simped,   3-5-lobed, 
those  of  the  flowering  shoots  ovate  and  pointed  ;  umbels  erect. 
English  Ivy.     Irish  Ivy. 

Stem  long  and  tortuous,  climbing  walls,  &c.,  to  a  great  height,  and  adhering  firmly. 
Leaves  dark  shining  green,  veined  with  white.  Flowers  in  spherical  heads  or  umbels, 
yellowish  green.  Berries  obscurely  4-angled,  about  the  size  of  peas,  black. 

Native  of  Europe.     Cultivated. 

Obs.  This  beautiful  vine  thrives  well,  when  planted  in  a  northern  ex- 
posure, even  at  the  south.  The  so-called  Irish  Ivy  is  a  broader  leaved 
form. 

ORDER  XXXV.     CORNA'CE^E.     (CORNEL  FAMILY.) 

Chiefly  small  trees  or  shrubs,  with  mostly  opposite  entire  leaves  destitute  of  stipules,  and 
flowers  in  cymes,  sometimes  clustered  into  heads  and  surrounded  by  a  large  petaloid  in- 
volucre. Calyx  adherent  to  the  2-celled  ovary, — the  limb  4-toothed.  Petals  4,  valvate  in 
aestivation.  Stamens  us  many  as  the  petals,  and  alternate  with  them.  Styles  united  into  1. 
Fruit  a  2-celled  drupe,  crowned  with  the  persistent  calyx-teeth.  Seeds  solitary,  pendu- 
lous :  embryo  nearly  the  length  of  the  fleshy  albumen. 

1.  COR'NUS,  Tournef.     DOGWOOD. 

[Latin,  Cornu,  a  horn  ;  from  the  horny  toughness  of  the  wood.] 

Calyx  4-toothed, — the  teeth  minute.     Petals  oblong,  spreading.     Sta- 
mens longer  than  the  corolla.     Style  sub-clavate  ;  stigma  obtuse  or  cap- 
itate.    Drupe  oval  or  subglobose,  with  a  2  -  3-celled  nut. 
*  Flowers  capitate,  with  a  Cleaved  involucre. 


158 


WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 


112 


113 


1.  C.  flo'rida,  L.     Arborescent  ;   leaves  ovate-oblong,  acuminate  ;  in- 
volucre large,  —  the  petaloid  leaves  obcordate  or  with  a  callous  notch  at 
apex  ;  drupes  oval. 
FLOWERING  CORNUS.     Dogwood.     Common  Dogwood. 


-20  (sometimes  30-40)  feet  high,  and  3-4  to  6-8  inches  in  diameter,  much 
branched,  —  the  young  branches  opposite  or  often  verticillate  in  fours.  Leaves  3-5  inches 
long,  pilose  with  short  appressed  hairs,  glaucous  beneath.  Flowers  in  terminal  capitate 
clusters  ;  involucre  about  3  inches  in  diameter,  —  the  leaves  in  opposite  pairs,  white  or 
sometimes  tinged  with  purple.  Corolla  greenish  yellow.  Drupe  bright  red  when 
mature. 
Woodlands  :  Canada  to  Louisiana.  Fl.  May.  Ft:  October. 

Obs.  The  wood  of  this  small  tree  is  very  close-grained  and  firm,  and 
is  valuable  for  many  purposes  in  mechanics.  Cabinet-makers  some- 
times employ  it  in  the  manufacture  of  small  articles  of  furniture,  —  in 
which  my  friend  Dr.  Elwyn  assures  me  it  is  very  beautiful.  The  wood- 
man selects  it  as  the  best  material  for  wooden  wedges.  The  young, 
straight  stems  make  good  hoops  for  the  cooper  ;  and  the  slender  verti- 


FIG.  112.  Flowering  Dogwood  (Cornus  florida),  the  head  of  minute  flowers,  surrounded 
by  a  conspicuous  involucre.     113.  A  separate  fiower,  enlarged. 


COEXEL    FAMILY.  159 

cillate  branches  once  furnished  distaffs  for  spinsters, — in  the  "  good  old 
times  "  when  that  description  of  females  had  a  practical  existence  in  the 
community.  The  bark  is  an  excellent  tonic, — almost  rivalling  the  Pe- 
ruvian in  efficacy.  A  century  since,  according  to  KALM,  there  was  so 
much  faith  in  the  virtues  of  the  Dogwood,  that  "  when  the  cattle  fall 
down  in  the  spring,  for  want  of  strength,  the  people  tie  a  branch  of  this 
tree  on  their  neck,  thinking  it  will  help  them  !  "  Altogether,  and  with- 
out any  joke — it  is  a  valuable  as  well  as  ornamental  little  tree, — worthy 
of  a  place  in  lawns  and  }rards.  Observing  farmers  have  remarked  that 
the  proper  time  to  plant  Indian  corn  is  when  the  involucres  of  the  Dog- 
wood are  first  developed.  There  are  several  other  species,  with  flowers 
in  large  flat  cymes,  common  in  thickets.  They  all  possess  more  or  less 
beauty,  and  will  be  found  described  in  the  systematic  works. 

2.  NYS'SA,  L.     TUPELO. 

[The  name  of  a  Water  Nymph  ;  applied  to  this  genus.] 

Flowers  dioeciously  polygamous,  clustered.  STAMINATE  FLOWER  with  a 
small  5-parted  calyx  and  5-12,  oftener  10  stamens  inserted  around  a 
disk  in  the  bottom  of  the  calyx.  PISTILLATE  FLOWER  with  a  calyx 
having  a  short  repand  truncate  or  minutely  5-toothed  limb.  Petals 
very  small  and  fleshy,  deciduous  or  often  wanting.  Stamens  5-10, 
with  perfect  or  imperfect  anthers.  Style  elongated,  revolute,  stigmatic 
down  one  side.  Ovary  1-celled.  Drupe  ovoid  or  oblong,  with  a  bony 
and  grooved  or  striate  1-celled  and  1-seeded  stone.  Trees  with  small 
greenish  flowers,  the  staminate  ones  in  a  simple  or  compound  dense 
cluster  of  fascicles,  the  pistillate  ones  much  larger,  and  either  solitary 
or  in  clusters  of  2  -  8  ;  appearing  with  the  leaves. 
1.  N.  MULTIFLO'RA,  Wang.  Leaves  oval  and  obovate,  acute  at  eacli 
end,  often  acuminate,  entire  ;  fertile  peduncles,  mostly  3-flowered. 
MANY-FLOWERED  NYSSA.  Sour  Gum.  Black  Gum.  Peppsridge.  Tupelo. 

Stem  30-60  or  70  feet  high,  and  1-2  feet  in  diameter  ;  branches  numerous,  horizon- 
tally spreading  and  often  a  little  drooping.  Leaves  2-4  inches  long,  dark  green  and  shin- 
ing above,  paler  and  pubescent  beneath  ;  petioles  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  long,  often  mar- 
gined, conspicuously  villous-ciliate.  Staminate  flowers  pedicellate,  2-5  or  6  in  a  loose 
cluster,  on  a  slender  common  peduncle  about  an  inch  long.  Fertile  flower*  sessile,  mostly 
3  in  a  dense  involucrate  cluster  (sometimes  2,  or  only  1),  on  a  clavate  common  peduncle, 
which  at  first  is  about  half  an  inch — finally  an  inch  to  an  inch  and  a  half — in  length. 
Drupe  elliptic,  near  half  an  inch  long,  bluish-black  when  mature. 

Moist  woodlands  and  low  grounds  :  throughout  the  United  States.  Fl.  May -June.  Fr. 
September. 

Obs.  The  woody  fibres  of  this  tree  are  remarkably  interlocked,  so  as 
to  render  it  very  difficult  to  split ;  on  which  account  it  is  much  used  for 
making  naves,  or  hubs,  for  carriage  wheels, — and  also  hatters'  blocks. 
The  younger  trees,  when  growing  solitary,  have  much  symmetry — af- 
fording a  fine  shade  ;  and  in  autumn  the  leaves  add  greatly  to  the  pic- 
turesque appearance  of  the  country,  by  changing  to  a  bright  crimson 
color. 


160  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

DIVISION    II. 

MONOPET'ALOUS  EX'OGENS. 

FLORAL  ENVELOPES,  consisting  of  both  calyx  and  corolla, — the  petals 
more  or  less  united. 

ORDER  XXXVI.     CAPRIFOLIA'CEJE.     (HONEYSUCKLE  FAMILY.) 

Mostly  shrubs,  often  twining,  rarely  herbs,  with  opposite  leaves  without  stipules.  Calyx  ad- 
herent to  the  ovary.  Corolla  tubular  or  rotate,  regular  or  irregular.  Stamens  as  many  as 
the  lobes  of  the  corolla,  and  alternate  with  them — or  rarely  1  fewer — inserted  into  the 
tube.  Ovary  2  -  5-celled  ;  style  long  and  filiform  with  a  capitate  stigma — or  3  -  5  sessile 
stigmas.  Fruit  baccate,  or  sometimes  dry,  often  1-celled  by  abortion.  Embryo  in  the 
axis  of  fleshy  albumen. 

fc  1.  Corolla  tubular,  often  irregularly  lobed,  sometimes  2-lipped. 
Style  long  and  slender  ;  stigma  capitate. 

Corolla  tubular,  mostly  irregularly  5-lobed.  Stamens  as  many 
as  the  lobes  of  the  corolla.    Berry  several-seeded.  1.  LONICERA. 

Corolla  bell-shaped,  regular.     Berry  2-seeded.  2.  SYMPHORICARI-US. 

Corolla  tubular,  gibbous  at  base.     Fruit  with  3-5  bony  seeds.     3.  TRIOSTEUM. 
§  2.  Corolla  wheel-shaped,  regularly  and  deeply  5-lobed.     Stigmas 
mostly  3,  sessile.    Inflorescence  cyrnose  or  thyrsoid. 

Leaves  pinnate.     Berry  3-seeded.  4.  SAMBCCUS. 

Leaves  simple.    Fruit  a  drupe  with  1  flat  stone.  5.  VIBURNUM. 

1.  LONICE'KA,  L.     HONEYSUCKLE. 

[Dedicated  to  the  memory  of  Adam  Lonicer,  an  old  German  Botanist.] 

Calyx-teeth  very  short.  Corolla  tubular  or  funnel-form,  often  gibbous  at 
base,  irregularly  or  nearly  regularly  5-lobed.  Ovary  2  -  3-celled.  Berry 
several-seeded.  Twining  or  upright  shrubs;  upper  J eaves  often  connate'; 
jlowers  axillary. 

1,  L,  gra'ta,  Ait.  Leaves  sub-perennial,  obovate,  2-3  upper  pairs 
connate,  the  lower  ones  sub-petiolate ;  corolla  not  gibbous  at  base,  tube 
long. 

AGREEABLE  LONICERA.     Wild  Honeysuckle.     American  Woodbine. 

Stem  10-20  feet  long,  branching,  the  young  branches  often  pilose.  Leaves  1-3  inches 
long,  rather  obtuse  and  often  slightly  emarginate,  glaucous  and  reticulately  veined  be- 
neath. Flowers  in  verticils  of  about  6,  in  the  axils  of  the  upper  connate  leaves  ;  corolla 
externally  red  or  purplish,  the  limb  at  first  nearly  white,  soon  becoming  tawny  yellow, — 
the  tube  an  inch  or  more  in  length,  tapering  to  the  base,  smooth  within.  Stamens  exserted, 
about  equalling  the  style.  Berries  orange  red  at  maturity,  crowned  with  the  persistent 
calyx  teeth. 

New  York,  Pennsylvania,  and  westward.     Often  cultivated.     May. 

Obs.  This  and  other  species  of  Honeysuckle  are  favorite  plants  for 
decorating  arbors  and  porticoes.  Most  of  them  are  delightfully  fragrant 
when  in  flower,  and  are  much  frequented  by  the  exquisitely  beautiful 
little  humming-bird. 

Among  those  most  commonly  cultivated  are  the  Italian  Honeysuckle, 
(L.  CAPRIFO'LIUM,)  with  glaucous  leaves,  fragrant  blush-colored  flowers 
and  yellow  berries  ;  the  Woodbine  (L.  PERICLY'MENUM)  with  the  leaves 


HONEYSUCKLE   FAMILY.  161 

all  separate ;  the  Trumpet  Honeysuckle,  (L.  SEMPER'VIRENS,)  a  native 
scentless  species  with  a  long  tubular,  red  or  yellow  corolla  with  the 
margin  divided  into  5  short,  nearly  equal  lobes. 

2.  SYMPHORICAR'PUS,  Dill.     SNOWBERRY. 

[Greek,  SympJioreo,  to  bear  together,  and  Karpos,  fruit  ;  the  borrk'S  growing  in  dense 

clusters.] 

Calyx-teeth  short,  persistent  on  the  fruit.  Carolla  bell-shaped  regularly 
5-lobcd  with  as  many  stamens  inserted  into  its  throat.  Ovary  4-celled. 
Berry  2-s3eded.  Low  shrubs  with  short  petioled  leaves.  Flowers  in 
short  close  clusters.  The  upper  flowers  often  developing  after  the  lower 
ones  of  the  cluster  have  matured  their  fruit. 

1.   S,   racemo'sus,  MX.      Spikes  terminal,  loose,  interrupted,   often 
somewhat  leafy  ;  corolla  bearded  within  ;  berries  white. 
Snow-Berry. 

Shrub  2-4  feet  high,  with  numerous  slender  branches  clothed  with  loose  bark.  Leaves 
1-2  inches  long,  more  or  less  broadly  ovate,  often  undulate  on  the  margin,  those  of  the 
young  shoots  sometimes  obtusely  toothed  ;  under  surface  softly  pubescent,  upper  smooth- 
ish.  Flowers  about  )£  of  an  inch  long,  rose  color.  Berries  brilliant  white. 

Rocky  banks  :  North  and  West.     June -September. 

Obs.  This  is  often  seen  in  cultivation,  its  bright  white  berries,  which 
remain  on  the  bush  until  winter,  making  it  a  conspicuous  object  among 
the  shrubbery. 

3.  TRIOS'TEUM,  L.    FEVER-WORT. 

[Greek,  Treis,  three,  and  Osteon,  a  bone  ;  from  its  three  bony  seeds  or  nuts. 

Calyx-tube  ovoid  ;  segments  lance-linear,  foliaceous,  persistent.  Corolla 
gibbous  at  base,  nearly  equally  5-lobed.  Berry  drupaceous,  rather  dry, 
3-celled,  with  3  bony  1-seeded  nuts.  Perennial  hairy  herbs  ;  leaves  sub- 
connate,  tapering  at  base  ;  flowers  axillary,  sessile,  bracteate. 

1.  T.   perfolia'tum,  L.      Softly  hairy ;    leaves   spatulate-ovate,   ab- 
ruptly narrowed  at  oase  ;  axils  1  -  3-flowered  ;  flowers  dark,  brownish- 
purple. 
PERFOLIATE  TRIOSTEUM.     Fever-wort.    Horse  Gentian,  &c. 

Stem  2-4  feet  high,  simple,  somewhat  viscid  while  young.  Leaves  4-6  inches  long,  and 
2-4  inches  wide,  often  narrowed  almost  Co  a  petiole  at  base,  but  always  connate,  the 
margin  ciliate  pubescent.  Corolla  about  half  an  inch  long,  viscid-pubescent.  Berry  oval, 
orange  color  when  mature. 

Rocky  woods.     June. 

Obs.  The  root  of  this  plant  was  formerly  somewhat  noted  as  an  Indian 
medicine  ;  but  is  now  neglected.  JOHN  BARTRAM  (in  the  Appendix  to 
SHORT'S  Mcdicina  Britannica]  says  it  is  "  called  in  our  Northern  Colo- 
nies Dr.  Tinker's  Weed  ;  in  Pennsylvania,  Gentian  ;  and  to  the  south- 
ward, Fever  Root." 


162  WEEDS   AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 

4.  SAMBU'CUS,  Tournef.    ELDER. 

[Greek,  Sambuke,  a  musical  instrument  ;  said  to  have  been  made  of  this  shrub.] 

Calyx  with  the  segments  minute.  Corolla  urn-shaped,  with  a  broadly 
spreading  5-cleft  limb.  Fruit  sub-globose,  baccate  ;  nucules  3,  (rarely  5,) 
crustaceous,  rugulose,  each  containing  a  suspended  seed.  Shrubs  or 
perennial  herbs.  Leaves  odd-pinnately  dissected.  Inflorescence  cymose 
or  thyrsoid. 

1,  S.  Canaden'sis,  L.     Stem  suffruticosc ;  leaflets  oblong-oval,  acumi- 
nate, serrate  ;  flowers  in  5-parted  spreading  cymes. 
CANADIAN  SAMBUCUS.     Elderbush.     Common  Elder. 

Stem  5-8  or  10  feet  high,  finally  shrubby,  filled  with  a  large  pith,  branching,  nodose — 
the  young  branches  tumid  at  the  nodes.  Leaflets  usually  in  3  pairs  with  a  terminal  odd 
one,  2-4  inches  long,  petiolulate.  Cymes  broad,  terminating  young  branches,  on  pedun- 
cles 4-6  inches  long.  Corolla  white.  Berries  numerous,  small,  juicy,  dark  purple  or 
nearly  black  when  mature. 

Thickets  and  fence  rows  :  throughout  the  United  States.     Fl.  June.     Fr.  August. 

Obs.  This  is  a  rather  troublesome  plant,  on  our  farms, — the  long  roots 
being  very  tenacious  of  life,  and  inclined  to  spread  extensively  along 
fence-rows  and  hedges.  If  neglected,  it  soon  gives  the  farm  a  very 
slovenly  appearance. 

This  species  is  considered  by  some  botanists  as  a  mere  variety  of  the 
European  S.  nigra,  which  it  certainly  closely  resembles.  Like  that  spe- 
cies, it  is  considerably  employed  in  domestic  medicine.  An  infusion  of 
its  flowers,  Elderblow-tea,  is  a  harmless  and  efficient  diaphoretic,  and 
the  juice  of  the  berries  makes  a  tolerable  wine.  The  bark  is  said  to  act 
as  a  purgative  and  emetic. 

5.  VIBUR'NUM,  L.    VIBURNUM. 

[A  classical  Latin  name  ;  etymology  obscure.] 

Calyx  5-toothed.  Corolla  spreading,  deeply  5-lobed.  Fruit  a  1 -celled 
1-seeded  drupe,  with  a  scanty  pulp  and  a  crustaceous  more  or  less  flatten- 
ed nut.  Shr-ubs;  leaves  simple,  petiolate  ;  petioles  sometimes  bearing  lit- 
tle appendage-like  stipules.  Flowers  usually  white,  in  flat  compound 
mostly  terminal  cymes. 

*  Flowers  all  alike  and  perfect. 

1.  V.  Lenta'ffO,    L.    Leaves   lance-ovate,   acuminate,  sharply-serrate ; 
petioles  with  wavy  margins  ;  cymes  sessile,  somewhat  corymbose,  termi- 
nal ;  drupes  oval,  slightly  compressed. 
Sweet  Viburnum.     Sheep-berry. 

A*tree  15-20  feet  high.  Petioles  %  an  inch  to  an  inch  long,  the  undulate  margin  dotted 
with  brown  scales  when  young.  Leaves  2-4  inches  long.  Drupes  often  half  an  inch  long, 
ripe  in  October,  changing  from  a  rich  scarlet  to  a  bluish  black  with  a  glaucous  bloom- 
edible  especially  after  having  been  frozen. 

Canada  to  Georgia.    May -June. 


MADDER    FAMILY.  163 

Obs.  There  are  several  other  species  belonging  to  this  section  ;  this  is 
the  most  elegant  of  them,  and  is  really  worthy  of  culture  as  an  ornamen- 
tal tree,  it  being  beautiful,  whether  clothed  with  its  rich  green  foliage 
and  profusion  of  flowers  in  spring,  or  bearing  its  plentiful  clusters  of  fruit 
and  its  many-hued  leaves  in  autumn. 

*  *  Marginal  flowers  of  the  cymes  sterile,  and  with  corollas  many  times 
larger  than  the  others,  forming  a  kind  of  ray. 

2.  V,  O'pulus,  L.     Nearly  smooth ;  leaves  strongly  3-lobed,  broadly 
wedge-shaped  or  truncate  at  the  base,  the  lobes  toothed  ;  petioles  bear- 
ing stalked  glands  at  the  base  ;  cymes  peduncled  ;  fruit  ovoid,  red. 
Cranberry-tree.     Bush,  or  High- cranberry. 

Shrub  3-10  feet  high  with  spreading  branches.  Leaves  3-  5  inches  in  diameter  with  3 
very  large  divergent  lobes  and  large  unequal  obtuse  teeth.  Cymes  3-4  inches  in  diameter, 
the  outer  and  imperfect  florets,  more  or  less  numerous,  raised  on  longer  stalks,  destitute 
of  stamens  and  pistils,  the  corolla  nearly  an  inch  in  diameter,  of  5  unequal  rounded  lobes. 
Drupes  yz  an  inch  long,  intensely  acid. 

Pennsylvania,  northward.    Fl.  June.     Fr.  September. 

Obs.  This  species  is  found  in  the  swamps  in  the  northernmost  States, 
and  extends  to  the  Arctic  circle.  The  acid  fruit  is  sometimes  used  as  a 
substitute  for  cranberries,  whence  its  popular  name.  It  is  better  known 
in  its  cultivated  state  as  the  Guelder  Rose  or  "  Snow-ball,"  which  is  a 
variety  with  all  the  flowers  sterile  and  bearing  large  corollas.  The  Snow- 
ball is  one  of  the  most  generally  cultivated  shrubs,  and  is  beautifully  de- 
scribed by  the  poet,  Cowper,  as  throwing  up  its — 

"  Silver  globes,  light  as  the  foamy  surf, 
That  the  wind  severs  from  the  broken  wave."  * 

ORDER  XXXVII.     RUBIA'CE^E.     (MADDER  FAMILY  ) 

Herbs,  shrubs  or  trees  with  opposite  or  verticillate,  entire  leaves,  connected  by  interposed 
stipules,  or  whorled  without  apparent  stipules.  Flowers  regular.  Calyx-tube  adherent  to 
the  ovary,  or  sometimes  free, — the  limb  3-5-cleft  or  toothed — occasionally  obsolete. 
Corolla  inserted  on  the  summit  of  the  calyx-tube, — the  Idles  as  many  as  those  of  the 
calyx.  Stamens  as  many  as  the  lobes  of  the  corolla,  and  alternate  with  them.  Ovary 
mostly  2-celled  ;  styles  mostly  2,  more  or  less  united  ;  stigmas  mostly  2,  distinct  or  con- 
crete. Fruit  various,— baccate,  drupaceous,  capsular,  or  separable  into  indchiscent  car- 
pels. Seeds  solitary,  few,  or  numerous  in  each  cell :  embryo  in  the  axis,  or  at  the  extremity, 
of  copious  fleshy  or  horny  albumen. 

This  Order— comprising  various  Tribes,  and  nearly  250  Genera— contains  many  plants 
of  great  value — though  but  few  of  them  immediately  concern  the  North  American  farmer. 
Among  the  most  important  may  be  mentioned  the  Coffee  plant  (Coffea  Arabica,  L.,  which 
may  yet,  possibly,  be  advantageously  cultivated  in  Florida,  and  some  other  places  on  our 
southern  borders) — the  Peruvian  Bark  (from  various  species  of  Cinchona) — and  the 
Ipecacuanha  (Cephaelis  Ipecacuanha,  Rich.)  The  well-known  beautiful  and  fragrant  Cape 
Jessamine  (Gardenia  florida)  is  also  referred  to  this  large  Natural  Family. 

1.  MADDER  SUB-ORDER.     Ovary  entirely  coherent  with  the  calyx-tube, 
Leaves  whorled. 

1.  RU'BIA,  Tournef.    MADDER. 

[Latin,  Ruber,  red  ;  the  color  produced  by  its  roots.] 

Calyx-tube  ovoid-globose, — the  limb  4-toothed  or  obsolete.     Corolla  sub- 


164  WEEDS    AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 

rotate,  4  -  5-parted.  Stamens  short.  Styles  2,  united  at  base.  Fruit 
didymous,  subglobose,  baccate,  smooth.  Herbaceous  or  suffruticose. 
Stems  4-angled,  diffusely  branching. 


Ill 


1.  B.  TINCTO'RUM,  L.    Stem  herbaceous,  flaccid,  aculeate  on  the  angles  ; 
leaves  mostly  in  apparent  verticils  of  six,  lanceolate,  sub-petiolate  ;  pe- 
duncles axillary,  trichotomous  ;  lobes  of  the  corolla  with  a  callous  acu- 
mination,  but  not  cuspidate. 
DYERS'  RUBIA.     Madder.     Dyers'  Madder. 
Fr.  La  Garance.    Germ.  Die  Faerber-Roethe.     Span.  Eubia. 

Root  perennial,  large,  reddish  brown.  Stems  procumbent,  3-4  feet  long,  much  branched, 
pubescent  at  the  joints  ;  angles  prominent,  sometimes  more  than  4,  aculeate  with  short 
retrorsely  curved  prickles.  Leaves  and  stipules  similar,  1-2  inches  long — the  midrib  and 
margins  retrorsely  aculeate— -flower-bearing  branches  axillary,  opposite.  Corolla  brownish 
yell»w,  often  5-lobed. 

Gardens  and  lots  :  cultivated.    Native  of  the  East.    Fl.  July.    Fr.  September. 

FIG.  114.  The  Madder  Plant  (Rubia  tinctorum)  reduced. 


VALERIAN   FAMILY.  165 

Obs.  The  root  of  the  madder  abounds  in  coloring  matter,  and  is  per- 
haps, the  most  valuable  of  all  dyeing  materials.  Combined  with  proper 
mordants  it  produces  a  great  variety  of  colors  and  shades,  varying  from 
the  most  delicate  pink  to  the  darkest  brown,  and  even  black.  The  great 
supply  is  from  Holland,  though  it  is  cultivated  to  some  extent  iir  this 
country,  especially  in  Ohio  and  Tennessee.  Several  species  of  Galium, 
known  as  "Cleavers,"  "Goose-grass"'  or  "  Bedstraw,"  are  botanically 
allied  to  madder — but  they  are  not  sufficiently  important  even  as  weeds 
to  require  notice. 

2.  LOGANIA  SUB-ORDER.     Leaves  opposite,  with   stipules  between  them. 

Ovary  free  from  the  calyx. 

2.  SPIGE'LIA,  L. 

[Named  for  Prof.  Spigelius,  a  Botanist  of  the  seventeenth  century.] 

Calyx  5-parted,  persistent ;  the  lobes  slender.  Corolla  tubular-funnel- 
form,  5-lobed  at  the  summit,  valvate  in  the  bud.  Stamens  5  ;  anthers 
linear.  Style  slender,  hairy  above,  jointed  near  the  middle.  Pod  short, 
twin,  laterally  flattened,  separating  at  maturity  from  the  base  into  two 
carpels,  which  open  loculicidally,  few-seeded.  Herbs  with  the  opposite 
leaves  united  by  means  of  the  stipules,  and  the  flowers  spiked  in  one- 
sided cymes. 

1.  S.  Marilan'dica,  L.  Stem  upright,  simple ;  leaves  sessile,  ovate- 
lanceolate,  acute  ;  spike  3  -  8-flowered  ;  tube  of  the  corolla  four  times 
the  length  of  the  calyx,  the  lobes  lanceolate  ;  anthers  and  style  exserted. 
MARYLAND  SPIGELIA.  Carolina  or  Indian  Pink.  Pink-root.  Worm- 
grass. 

Root  consisting  of  a  groat  number  of  fibres.  Stems  annual,  numerous,  somewhat  4- 
angled,  purplish,  6-15  inches  high.  Leaves  2  -3  inches  long  and  about  half  as  wide  at 
base,  pubescent  on  the  margins  and  nerves.  Corolla  an  inch  and  a  half  long,  crimson 
outside,  yellow  within. 

Pennsylvania  to  Wisconsin  and  southward.     June  -  July. 

Obs.  A  showy  and  beautiful  plant,  sometimes  cultivated  in  the  flower 
garden,  but  is  introduced  here  on  account  of  its  commercial  value.  The 
root  is  extensively  used  as  an  anthelmintic  or  worm-destroying  medicine, 
and  large  quantities  are  collected  for  market  in  the  southern  and  west- 
ern states.  It  should  be  collected  in  autumn,  and  carefully  dried  before 
packing.  An  infusion  of  the  root,  commonly  known  as  "  Worm  Tea," 
is  one  of  the  most  popular  medicines  of  its  class. 

ORDER  XXXVIII.     VALERIANA'CE^.     (VALERIAN  FAMILY.) 

Herbs  with  opposite  leaves  without  stipules.  Calyx-tube  coherent  with  the  ovary  ;  corolla 
tubular,  mostly  5-lobed  ;  stamens  fewer  than  the  corolla  lobes  (usually  2-3)  inserted  on 
the  tube  ;  stigmas  1  - 3  ;  fruit  dry,  indehiscent,  1-celled  or  with  2  empty  cells-  and  th<? other 
1-seeded  ;  seed  suspended,  without  albumen. 

The  Valerian  of  the  shops  is  produced  by  a  species  of  the  genus  Valeriana,  and  the 
roots  of  one  of  oar  native  species  are  eaten  by  the  Indians  of  the  far  west.  The  only  plant 
of  interest  to  the  agriculturist  is  the  one  described  on  the  two  following  pages. 


166 


WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 


215 


1.  FE'DIA,  L.     CORN-SALAD. 

[Origin  of  the  name  obscure.] 

Calyx-teeth  3  -  5  or  obsolete.  Fruit  3-celled, — two  of  the  cells  empty, 
the  other  one  1-seeded,  cellular-gibbous  on  the  back.  Leaves  spatulate- 
oblong  ;  flowers  in  dense  cymules. 

1.  F.  olito'ria,  Vahl.   Fruit  compressed,  oblique, — the  fertile  cell  with  a 

corky  mass  at  the  back,  the  sterile  ones  often  confluent ;  flowers  pale 

blue. 

POT-HERD  FEDIA.     Lamb's  Lettuce.     Corn  Salad. 

FIG.  115.  The  Carolina  Pink  (Spigclia  Marilandica). 


TEASEL    FAMILY.  167 

'   Annual.    Stem  4  - 12  inches  high,  dichotomously  branching.    Leaves^  half  an  inch  to  2 
inches  long,  sessile,  subdentate,  somewhat  ciliate  on  the  margin.     Fruit  finally  broader 
than  long. 
Meadow  banks  and  fields.     May. 

Obs.  This  is  found  sparingly,  as  yet,  in  this  country,  but  is  a  com- 
mon weed  in  Europe.  It  is  cultivated  for  a  spring  salad,  and  is  brought 
to  the  New  York  markets  in  considerable  quantities.  In  order  to  ob- 
tain it  early  in  the  season,  it  should  be  sowed  in  the  preceding  autumn. 

ORDER  XXXIX.     DIPSA'CE^E.     (TEASEL  FAMILY.) 

Herbs  with  opposite  sessile  leaves  and  no  stipules.  Flowers  aggregated ,  mostly  in  dense  invo- 
lucrate  heads.  Calyx-tube  wholly  (or  sometimes  at  summit  only)  adherent  to  the  ovary, — ; 
the  limb  cup-shaped  and  entire,  or  toothed — or  forming  a  bristly  or  plumose  pappus. 
Corolla  tubular,  the  limb  4  —  5-lobed,  sometimes  ringent  or  irregular.  Stamens  mostly  4, 
distinct.  Ovary  1-celled,  with  a  single  suspended  ovule  ;  style  filiform.  Fruit  membrana- 
ceous  or  akene-like,  indehiscent,  crowned  with  the  limb  of  the  calyx,  1-celled,  1-seeded. 
Embryo  nearly  the  length  of  the  fleshy  albumen. 

The  genus  which  is  the  type  of  this  small  Order,  is  the  only  one  entitled  to  notice  in  this 
work. 

1.  DIP'SACUS,  Tournef.     TEASEL. 

[Greek,  Dipsao,  to  thirst  ;  the  stem-leaves  holding  water  at  their  junction.] 

Involucre  many-leaved,  longer  than  the  acuminate  subfoliaceous  chaff  of 
the  receptacle.  Involucel  4-sided,  8-furrowed,  closely  investing  the 
ovary  and  fruit.  Calyx-tube  adherent  to  the  ovary, — the  limb  minute, 
cup-shaped  or  discoid,  entire.  Corolla  with  four  erect  lobes.  Stout 
biennials.  Stems  angular  and  prickly.  Leaves  opposite  and  often 
connate  at  base.  Heads  large,  oblong, — the  florets  commencing  to  ex- 
pand in  a  ring  about  the  middle  of  the  head,  and  gradually  extending 
the  process  towards  base  and  apex ! 

1.  D.  sylves'tris,  Mill.     Leaves  lanceolate-oblong,  crenate-dentate  and 
serrate,  prickly  on  the  midrib  ;  involucre  curved  upwards,  longer  than 
the  head  ;  chaff  at  the  receptacle  straight  and  flexible. 

WILD  DIPSACUS.     Teasel.     Wild  Teasel. 

.Root  biennial.  Stem  3 -5  or  6  feet  high,  branched.  Radical  leaves  8-12  inches  long  ; 
stem  leaves  sessile,  subconnate — those  of  the  branches  lanceolate  and  often  nearly  entire. 
Leaflets  of  the  involucre  lance-linear,  pungent  at  apex,  unequal  in  length.  Heads  of  flowers 
ovoid-oblong  ;  corolla  pale  purple.  Bracts  or  chaff  of  the  receptacle  oblong-cuneate,  keeled, 
abruptly  tapering  into  a  straight  flexible  awn-like  acumination,  longer  than  the  flowers — 
those  at  the  top  of  the  head  longest. 

Borders  of  fields,  roadsides,  &c.  Northern  and  Middle  States:  introduced.  Native  of 
Europe.  Fl.  July.  Fr.  September. 

Obs.  This  coarse  plant  is  completely  naturalized  in  some  localities, — 
and  is  not  only  worthless,  but  threatens  to  become  something  of  a  nuis- 
ance to  the  farms,  if  not  attended  to.  A  little  timely  care,  however, 
would  soon  subdue  it. 

2.  D.  FULLO'NUM,  Mill.    Leaves  obovate  and  oblong-lanceolate,  smooth- 
ish,  serrate, — the  upper  ones  entire  ;  involucre  spreading  or  reflexed, 
shorter  than  the  head  ;  chaff  of  the  receptacle  recurved,  rigid. 


168  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

FULLERS'  DIPSACUS.     Fullers'  Teasel. 

Fr.  Chardon  a  Foulon.  Germ.  Aechte  Kartendistel.  Span.  Car- 
dencha. 

Root  biennial.  Stem  4-  5  feet  high,  branched.  Radical  leaves  obovate,  narrowed  to  a 
petiole  at  base  ;  stem  leaves  connate-perfoliate.  Leaflets  of  the  involucre  lanceolate,  mucro- 
nate,  rigid.  Heads  of  flowers  cylindric  or  elliptical  ;  corolla  pale  purple.  Bracts  or  chaff 
of  the  receptacle  cuneate-oblong,  keeled,  bristly-ciliate  on  the  margin,  terminating  in  a 
rigid  subulate  recurved  acumination. 

Lots  :  cultivated.    Native  of  Europe.     Fl.  July.     Fr.  September. 

Obs.  This  species  is  cultivated  by  some  cloth  manufacturers,  for  the 
sake  of  the  heads, — the  rigid  recurved  points  of  the  chaffy  bracts,  on 
the  mature  heads,  serving  as  a  kind  of  card,  to  raise  the  nap  on  woollen 
cloth. 

ORDER  XL.     COMI  OS'IT^E.     (COMPOSITE  FAMILY.) 

Mostly  herbs,  with  alternate  or  opposite,  often  lobed  or  dissected  (never  truly  compound) 
leaves  without  stipules,  and  flowers  in  close  heads  upon  a  common  receptacle,  and  embraced 
by  leaflets  or  scales,  which  form  a  general  involucre.  Calyx-tube  closely  adherent  to  the 
ovary  ;  its  limb  or  border  (called  pappus)  consisting  of  hairs,  bristles,  or  scales  ;  some- 
times wanting.  Corolla,  either  tubular  and  5-  (rarely  3-4-)  lobed,  or  strap-shaped  (Ugu- 
late)  and  mostly  5-toothed.  Stamens  5  (rarely  4),  inserted  on  the  corolla  ;  antiiers  united 
forming  a  tube  which  surrounds  the'2-cleft  style.  Fruit  an  akene  containing  a  single  erect 
seed,  which  is  destitute  of  albumen. 

This  immense  Order  contains  about  one-tenth  of  the  known  species  of  flowering  plants. 
The  flowers  are  either  polygamous,  monoacious  or  dioecious.  Aside  from  the  terms  noticed 
above,  used  in  describing  plants  of  this  family,  it  may  be  well  to  mention  that  the  strap- 
shaped  corollas  are  termed  rays,  and  those  heads  possessing  them  are  termed  radiate. 
The  tubular  flowers  compose  the  disk ;  a  head  composed  entirely  of  these  is  said  to  be 
discoid.  The  flowers  of  either  kind  are  termed  florets.  The  leaves  or  bracts  forming  to- 
gether the  involucre  are  termed  scales,  whatever  their  texture.  The  scales  which  often 
grow  upon  the  receptacle,  among  the  flowers,  are  called  chaff  (palece),  if  the  receptacle  is 
without  these  it  is  naked. 

In  systematic  works,  the  distinctions  into  tribes  are  made  upon  minute  characters  of  the 
style,  too  difficult  for  those  who  have  not  had  some  experience  in  examining  minute 
objects  ;  in  order  to  facilitate  the  determination  of  the  genera,  an  artificial  key,  modified 
from  that  in  Gray's  Manual,  is  appended.  In  this  the  systematic  arrangement  is  broken 
up,  but  the  genera  as  described  are  placed  in  their  proper  order.  The  *  and  **  prefixed 
to  Erigeron  and  Senecio  refer  to  sections  of  those  genera. 

SUB-ORDER  1.     TUBULIFLOR^E. 

Corolla  of  the  perfect  flowers  tubular,  regularly  5-  (rarely  3-4-)  lobed;  strap-shaped 
(ligulate)  only  in  the  marginal  or  ray-flowers,  which  when  present  are  either  pistillate 
only  or  neutral  (with  neither  stamens  nor  pistil). 

§  1.  Heads  without  ray-flowers  ;  corollas  all  tubular. 
*  Flowers  of  the  head  all  alike  and  perfect. 

•j- Pappus  consisting  of  bristles.  • 

Pappus  double,  the  outer  very  short,  the  inner  of  longer  bristles.  1.  VERXONIA. 

Pappus  simple,  the  bristles  all  of  the  same  sort. 
Heads  few  or  many -flowered. 

Receptacle  (when  the  flowers  are  pulled  off)  bristly  hairy 
Akenes  smooth.    Pappus  of  plumose  bristles. 

Leaves  decurrent.     Scales  of  involucre  tipped  with  a  spine.  25.  QRSIUM. 
Akenes  smooth.    Pappus  plumose.     Leaves  not  decurrent. 
Scales  of  involucre,  thick  and  fleshy  with  a  lanceolate 
appendage  terminated  by  a  spine.  24.  CYNARA. 

Akenes  wrinkled.     Pappus  of  short  and  rough  bristles.        27.  LAITA. 
Receptacle  deeply  honeycomb-like.  26.  O.XOPORDON  ' 


COMPOSITE   FAMILY.  169 

Receptacle  naked. 

Pappus  of  slender    but  rather    stiff  bristles.      Flowers 

whitish  or  purplish.    Scales  of  involucre  several.  2.  EUPATORICM. 

Pappus  of  very  soft  and  weak  naked  bristles.    Flowers 

yellow.  *22.  SE.\ECIO. 

**  Flowers  of  two  kinds  in  the  same  heads. 

Marginal  flowers  neutral  and  sterile,  commonly  enlarged.  23.  CENTAUREA. 

Marginal  flowers  pistillate  and  fertile.  . 

Receptacle  naked  or  bearing  no  conspicuous  chaff. 

Pappus  of  capillary  bristles.    Scales  of  the  involucre  imbri- 
cated, dry  and  scarious.  20.  G.VAPHALICM. 
Pappus  of  capillary  bristles.     Involucre  of  but  one  row  of 
scales. 

Heads  very  small.  *5.  ERIGEROX. 

Heads  large.     Pappus  copious,  very  white.  21    ERECUTHITES. 

Pappus  obsolete  or  none. 

Akenes  broad  at  the  top.    Pappus  a  short  crown.  18.  TANACETTJM. 

Akenes  narrow  at  the  top.    Pappus  none.  19.  ARTEMISIA. 

***  Flowers  of  two  kinds  in  separate  heads  ;  one  pistillate,  the  other 

staminate. 
Heads  monoecious. 

Fertile  involucre  small.  1-flowered,  pointed  and  often  tubercled.         8-.  AMBROSIA. 
Fertile  involucre  an  oblong  prickly  bur,  2-celled,  2-seeded.  9.  XANTHIUM. 

§  2.  Rays  present ;  i.  e.,  the  marginal  flowers,  or  some  of  them, 
with  strap-shaped  (ligulate)  corollas. 

*  Pappus  of  capillary  bristles.     (Rays  all  pistillate.) 
Rays  occupying  several  rows. 

Heads  solitary  upon  a  scape.  3.  TUSSILAGO. 

Heads  more  or  less  corymbed.  **5.  ERIGERON. 

Rays  in  one  marginal  row,  and 

White,  purple  or  blue,  never  yellow.    Pappus  simple.  4.  ASTER. 

Yellow,  of  the  same  color  as  the  disk. 

Scales  of  the  involucre  in  one  row.     Pappus  soft  and  weak.      **22.  SE>-ECIO. 
Scales  of  the  involucre  imbricated.     Pappus  simple. 

Heads  small,  racemed  or  clustered.  6.  SOUDAGO. 

Heads  large,  terminating  the  branches.  7.  IXULA.. 

**  Pappus  none,  or  a  cup  or  crown,  or  2-3  awns,  teeth  or  chaffy  scales 
corresponding  with  the  angles  or  edges  of  the  akene,  often  with  inter- 
vening minute  bristles  or  scales. 

f  Receptacle  naked. 
Akenes.  terete  or  angled.    Pappus  none.    Receptacle  flattish.  17.  LECCANTHEMUM. 

•j-f  Receptacle  chaffy. 

Rays  neutral  (rarely  pistillate  but  sterile)  ;  the  disk  flowers  perfect. 
Receptacle  strongly  convex  or  columnar,  and 

Chaffy  only  at  the  summit  ;  the  chaff  deciduous. 

Pappus  none.  14.  MARUTA. 

Chaffy  throughout. 

Akenes  4-sided,  flat  at  the  top.    Pappus  none,  or  a  minute  . 

crown.  10.  RUDBECKJA. 

Akenes  flattened  laterally.    Pappus  of  2  deciduous  scales.  11.  HEIJANTHUS. 
Akenes  flat,  wing-margined,  bearing  2  persistent  awns.        12.  ACTINOMERI.S. 
Receptacle  flat. 

Akenes  flat  or  4-sided,  with  2  or  more  downwardly  barbed 

persistent  awns.  13.  BIDEXS. 

Rays  pistillate  and  fertile,  as  well  as  the  disk  flowers.. 

Akenes  flattened  and  margined.     Pappus  none.  16.  AcnimsA. 

Akenes  4-angled  or  terete.    Receptacle  convex  or  conical..    Leaves 
alternate,  dissected.  15.  ANTHEMIS. 

SUB-ORDER  2.     LIGULIFLOR.E. 

Corolla  ligulate  in  all  the  flowers  of  the  head,  and  all  the  flowers  per- 
fect.   Herbs  with  milky  juice  and  alternate  leaves. 
Pappus  of  numerous  small  chaffy  scales. 

Flowers  blue.  28.  CICHORIUM. 

8 


170  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

Pappus  plumose. 

Akeries  spindle-shaped.    Flowers  yellow.  29.  LEONTODOX. 

Akenes  long-beaked.     Flowers  purple.  30.  TRAGOPOGOX. 
Pappus  not  plumose,  of  bright  white  capillary  bristles. 

Akenes  terete,  long-beaked.    Flowers  solitary  on  scapes.  31.  TARAXACUM. 

Akenes  flat,  long-beaked.    Flowers  in  panicled  heads.  32.  LACTUCA. 

Akenes  flattened,  not  beaked.    Pappus  very  soft.  33.  SONCHUS. 

1.  YERNO'NIA,  Schreb.    IRON-WEED. 

[Named  in  honor  of  William  Vernon,  an  English  Botanist.] 

Heads  many-flowered,  in  corymbose  cymes.  Involucre  imbricate,  shorter 
than  the  flowers, — the  inner  scales  longest.  Receptacle  naked.  Akenes 
clavate,  ribbed .  Pappus  double, — the  inner  series  of  numerous  bristles — 
the  outer  mostly  short,  minute,  often  dilated  and  scale-like.  Mostly  pe- 
rennial kerbs,  with  alternate  leaves  ;  flowers  bright  purple. 

1.  V,  Noveboracen'sis,  Willd.    Leaves  lanceolate  or  oblong,  serrulate* 
roughish  ;  heads  numerous,  in  a  terminal  corymb  ;  scales  of  the  involu- 
cre ovate,  acute  or  often  with  a  long  filiform  flexuous  point. 
NEW- YORK  VERNONIA.    Iron-weed. 

Stem  2  or  3-6  or  7  feet  high,  somewhat  branching  at  summit,  finally  firm  and  subligne- 
ous.  Leaves  3  -  6  or  8  inches  long,  subsessile,  thickish  or  subcoriaceous.  Akenes  scabrous 
with  short  hairs  ;  pappus  a  dirty  white,  or  often  purplish,  scabrous — the  outer  series  con- 
sisting of  short  chafty  or  scale-like  bristles. 

Moist  meadows  and  low  grounds  :  throughout  the  United  States.  Fl.  August.  Ft: 
September. 

06s.  This  plant  is  quite  common  in  moist  low  grounds,  and  along 
fence-rows.  Its  worthless  character  and  coarse  hard  stem  cause  it  to  be 
regarded  as  a  rather  obnoxious  weed,  in  our  meadows  ;  and  of  course  it 
is  carefully  eradicated  by  all  neat  farmers. 

2.  EUPATO'RIUM,  Tournef.    THOROUGH-WORT. 

[Named  from  Eupatm-  Miihridates  ;  who,  it  is  said,  first  used  the  plant.] 

Heads  3  -  many-flowered.  Involucre  oblong,  cylindric  or  campanu- 
late, — the  scales  imbricated  in  2,  3,  or  more  series — or  sometimes  nearly 
equal  in  a  single  series.  Receptacle  flat,  naked.  Akenes  5-angied.  Pap- 
pus a  single  series  of  very  slender  bristles,  rough  or  minutely  serrulate. 
Perennial  herbs,  with  leaves  mostly  opposite  or  verticillate,  often  resi- 
nous dotted  ;  flowers  white  or  purplish. 

1,  E.  perfolia'tum,  L-     Stem   rigid,   hirsutely  villous,   corymbosely 
branched  above ;  leaves  opposite  and  decussate,  connate-perfoliate,  ob- 
long-lanceolate, crenate-serrate,  reticulately  veined  and  rugose,  very  pu- 
bescent beneath  ;  heads  about  10  or  more  flowered. 
PERFOLIATE  EUPATORIUM.     Thorough-stem.     Boneset.     Indian  Sage. 

Stem  2-4  feet  high,  the  branches  whitish  and  very  pubescent.  Leaves  4-6  or  8  inches 
long,  opposite  and  completely  united  at  base — or  sometimes  contracted  at  base  and 
scarcely  connate  (rarely  verticillate  in  threes,  and  connate),  tapering  gradually  to  a 
slender  point,  sprinkled  with  resinous  particles  beneath.  Heads  of  flowers  crowded,  in 


.     1 
COMPOSITE    FAMILY.  171 

largo  corymbs.    Scales  of  the  involucre  lance-linear,  rather  acute.  Fiords  white.    Akenes 
smoothish. 
Low  swampy  grounds  :  throughout  the  United  States.    Fl.  July  -  August.    Fr.  Sept. 

Obs.  This  species  is  so  common  in  wet  meadows,  and  low  grounds,  as 
to  be  regarded  rather  as  an  objectionable  weed.  But  it  is  chiefly  en- 
titled to  notice  for  its  medicinal  properties, — being  either  emetic,  ca- 
thartic, or  tonic— according  to  the  dose,  or  mode  of  exhibition. 

There  are  several  other  species  of  this  genus,  which  meet  the  eye  of 
the  farmer  iti  his  meadows  and  along  the  borders  of  woods  and  thickets — 
particularly  a  tall,  stout  one,  with  verticillate  leaves  and  purple  flowers, 
(E,  purpureiim,  L.)  ;  but  they  are  scarcely  of  sufficient  importance  to 
claim  a  place  in  this  work. 

3.  TUSSILA'GO,  Tournef.     COLTS-FOOT. 

[Name  from  the  Latin,  Tussis,  a  cough  ;  for  the  cure  of  which  the  plant  is  used.] 

Heads  many-flowered,  those  of  the  ray  narrowly  ligulate,  pistillate,  fer- 
tile, in  several  series,  the  disk-flowers  few,  staminate.     Scales  of  the  in- 
volucre oblong  obtuse,  in  nearly  a  single  series.     Receptacle  flat.     Fertile 
achenia  cylindrical  oblong.    Pappus   capillary,  copious  in   the  fertile 
flowers.     A  perennial  herb  with  thick  creeping  root-stocks ;  leaves  radical, 
appearing  later  than  the  scaly  scapes  ;  flowers  yellow. 
1.  T.  Far' f ara,  L.     Scapes  single-flowered,  imbricated  with  scales,  woolly 
when  young  ;  leaves  long  petioled,  cordate,  angular-toothed. 
Colts-foot. 

Root-stock  widely  spreading.  Scapes  about  a  foot  high.  Leaves  which  acquire  their  full 
size  after  the  lowering  season,  3-5  inches  in  diameter,  the  margin  irregularly  lobed  and 
angular,  smoothish  above  and  white  tomentose  below.  Heads  of  flowers  about  %  of  an 
inch  in  diameter. 

Along  streams  :  New  England  and  New  York.   Introduced  from  Europe.    March -April. 

Obs.  The  Colts-foot  which  is  sometimes  a  troublesome  weed  in  the 
cultivated  grounds  of  England,  is  perfectly  established  in  the  cooler  por- 
tions of  our  country.  It  is  not  introduced  here  on  account  of  any  impor- 
tance it  possesses  with  us  as  a  weed,  but  for  its  popular,  medicinal  repu- 
tation. It  is  one  of  those  harmless  plants  which  have  long  been  con- 
sidered as  efficacious  domestic  remedies,  and  it  is  even  cultivated  in  old 
gardens.  An  infusion  of  the  whole  plant  is  used  for  coughs  and  pulmo- 
nary complaints.  It  is  probably  about  as  valuable  as  any  other  mucilag- 
inous drink,  with  some  tonic  qualities.  The  leaves  have  sometimes 
been  smoked  for  asthma. 

4.  AS 'TEE,  Tournef.    ASTER. 

[Greek,  Aster,  a  star  ;  the  radiated  heads  of  flowers  resembling  stars.] 

Heads  many-flowered — the  ray-florets  in  a  single  series,  pistillate, — those 
of  the  disk  tubular  and  perfect.  Scales  of  the  involucre  more  or  less  im- 
bricated, usually  whitish  below  and  green  or  foliaceous  at  apex.  Recep- 


172  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

fade  flat,  mostly  alveolate,  (or  pitted.)  Akenes  usually  compressed, 
Pappus  simple,  of  capillary  bristles.  Heads  corymbose,  paniculate,  or 
racemose  ;  rays  purple,  white,  or  blue. 

1.  A.  ericoi'des,  L.  Smoothish,  much  branched, — the  simple  leafy 
branchlets  or  peduncles  racemose  and  mostly  unilateral  on  the  virgate 
spreading  branches  ;  leaves  rather  rigid, — the  radical  and  lower  cauline 
ones  oblanceolate  or  oblong-spatulate,  tapering  to  a  margined  petiole, — 
the  others  linear-lanceolate  and  linear-subulate,  acuto  at  each  end  ; 
heads  small,  numerous,  solitary  on  the  branchlets  ;  involucre  hemispheri- 
cal or  subturbinate, — the  scales  loosely  imbricated,  linear-oblong,  acute, 
spreading  at  apex. 

ERICA,  OR  HEATH-LIKE  ASTER. 

Stem  1  -  2  or  3  feet  high,  often  branched  from  the  base.  Radical  leaves  1  -  3  or  4  inches 
long,  sparingly  serrate,  ciliate,  tapering  to  a  petiole  nearly  as  long  as  the  leaf ;  stem-leaves 
1-3  inches  long,  those  on  the,  branchlets  smaller,  subulate-linear.  Rays  white,  or  often 
tinged  with  pale  purple, — the  disk  often  becoming  reddish  purple. 

Sterile  soils  ;  old  fields,  pastures,  &c.:  throughout  the  United  States.  Fl.  August -Sep- 
tember. Fr.  October. 

Obs.  Many  species  of  this  genus  meet  the  eye  of  the  farmer,  in  the 
latter  part  of  summer,  in  his  woodlands,  low  grounds,  borders  of  thick- 
ets, &c.,  some  of  which  species  are  quite  ornamental ;  but  the  little 
bushy  one  here  described  (which,  I  believe,  has  not  acquired  a  common 
name,)  is  almost  the  only  one  which  invades  our  pastures  to  any  material 
extent.  In  thinnish  old  fields,  it  sometimes  becomes  an  abundant — as  it 
is  always  a  very  worthless — weed.  Good  culture,  and  enriching  the  soil, 
soon  cause  it  to  disappear. 

The  commonly-cultivated  China  Aster  is  placed  by  most  botanists  in 
an  allied  genus,  Callistephus  ;  in  the  most  prized  varieties  of  which, 
known  as  "  German  Asters,"  the  rays  are  not  developed,  but  the  disk 
flowers  are  very  large.  There  are  over  30  species  of  native  Aster  in  the 
Northern  States,  and  many  more  at  the  South  ;  some  of  these  are  quite 
showy  in  cultivation. 

5.  ERIG'ERON,  L.    FLEA-BANE. 

[Greek,  Er,  spring,  and  Geron,  an  old  man  ;  the  plant  being  hoary  in  spring.] 

Heads  many-flowered,  somewhat  hemispherical  ;  ray-florets  very  nume- 
rous and  usually  'n  more  than  one  series,  pistillate, — those  of  the  disk 
tubular,  perfect.  Scales  of  the  involucre  mostly  equal,  narrow,  in  a 
nearly  single  series.  Receptacle  flat,  naked,  punctate.  Akenes  com- 
pressed, usually  pubescent.  Pappus  a  single  series  of  capillary  scabrous 
bristles,  often  with  minute  ones  intermixed, — or  sometimes  with  an  exte- 
rior coroniform  pappus  of  subulate  scales.  Heads  corymbose  or  panicu- 
late. 

*  Pappus  single;  rays  inconspicuous,  white. 


COMPOSITE   FAMILY. 


173 


1,  E,  Canaden'se,  L.     Stem  hirsute,  paniculately  branched  ;   leaves 
lance-linear,  mostly  entire,  hispidly  ciliate  ;  heads  of  flowers  small,  nu- 
merous, racemose  on  the  branches  ;  rays  minute. 
CANADIAN  ERIGEEON.     Horse-weed.     Butter-weed. 

Root  annual.  Stem  6  inches  to  5  or  6  feet  high.  Leaves  1  -3  or  4  inches  long,  sessile, — 
the  lower  ones  sparingly  dentate.  Rays  white,  very  narrow,  scarcely  longer  than  the 
straw-colored  pappus.  Akenes  oblong,  sparsely  hispid. 

Fields,  road-sides,  and  waste  places  :  throughout  the  United  States.  Fl.  August -Sept. 
Fr.  September -October. 


FIG.  116.  Portion  of  the  upper  part  of  the  stem  of  Canada  Flcabane  (Erigeron  Cana- 
dense).    117.  A  separate  floret. 


174  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

Obs.  This  plant  varies  very  much  in  size,  according  to  the  soil  in  which 
it  grows.  On  dry  sterile  banks  it  is  very  dwarf.  It  has  disseminated 
itself,  more  or  less  abundantly,  all  over  our  country, — and,  it  is  said,  all 
over  Europe  ;  and  is  a  worthless  weed,  wherever  found.  Good  farming 
is  the  mode  for  smothering  out  such  intruders. 

'*  Pappus  double,  the  outer  rcw  of  minute  scales ;  rays  conspicuous,  white. 

2,  E.  an'nuum,  Pers.     Stem  sparsely  hirsute,  corymbosely  branched 
above  ;  leaves  coarsely  and  sharply  dentate-serrate, — the  radical  and 
lower  ones  ovate,  obtuse,  tapering  into  a  margined  petiole, — the  others 
sessile,  lanceolate,  acute,  entire  near  each  end  ;  rays  very  narrow,  about 
as  long  as  the  sparsely  setose  involucre. 

ANNUAL  ERIGERON.    Flea-bane.    Daisy. 

Root  biennial?  (annual,  DC.).  Stem  2 - 3  or  4  feet  high,  rather  stout,  striate  and  often 
angular.  Radical  leaves  2-4  inches  long,  roughish  and  hairy,  with  narrow-margined 
petioles  nearly  twice  as  long  as  the  leaves  ;  stem-leaves  gradually  smaller  as  they  ascend. 
Heads  of  florets  rather  small  ;  rays  white,  or  sometimes  tinged  with  purple.  Akenes  ob- 
long, somewhat  compressed,  hirsute  ;  pappus  whitish,— the  ray -florets  destitute  of  pappus, 
except  a  few  short  coroniform  teeth  at  or  near  the  summit  of  the  akene. 

Pastures  and  waste  places:  Northern,  Middle  and  Western  States.  Fl.  June -July. 
Jr.  August 

Obs.  A  frequent  worthless  weed  in  our  pastures  ;  not  particularly  in- 
jurious,— but  conspicuous  enough  to  attract  the  notice  of  the  observing 
farmer  ;  and  therefore  worthy  to  be  known  by  him. 

3.  E.  strigp'sum,  MM.     Stem  more  or  less  strigosely  hairy,  corym- 
bosely paniculate  above  ;  leaves  lanceolate,  narrowed  at  base,  nearly  en- 
tire,— the  radical  ones  spatulate-lanceolate,  tapering  into  a  margined 
petiole  ;  rays  narrow,  nearly  twice  as  long  as  the  minutely  hispid  in- 
volucre. 

STRIGOSE  ERIGERON.     Flea-bane.     Daisy. 

Root  biennial  ?  Stem  2-4  feet  high,  sulcate-striate  and  angular,  rather  slender,  and  often 
sparingly  branched.  Leaves  1-3  inches  long.  Heads  of  florets  father  larger  than  in  the 
preceding  ;  rays  white.  Akenes  oblong,  angular  or  ribbed,  sparsely  pilose  :  "  inner  pappus 
in  the  disk,  of  about  15  slender  fragile  and  deciduous  bristles  ;  in  the  ray  none,  or  some- 
times of  one  or  two  caducous  bristles  :  the  exterior  a  small  setaceous-squamellate  crown, 
similar  in  the  ray  and  disk."  Torr.  &  Gr. 

Pastures  and  upland  meadows:  Canada  to  Florida.  Fl.  June -August.  Fr.  July- 
September 

Obs.  This  plant  has  a  strong  general  resemblance  to  the  preceding, 
but  is  more  common, — though  they  are  usually  both  confounded  under 
the  same  popular  names.  This  one  is  apt  to  be  very  abundant  in  the 
first  crop  of  our  upland  meadows,  in  Pennsylvania,  after  a  course  of  grain 
crops.  After  that — especially  in  good  land — it  becomes  more  rare, — 
being  probably  choked  down  by  the  grasses.  All  three  of  the  species 
are  equally  worthless,  unwelcome  weeds. 


COMPOSITE    FAMIT.Y.  175 

6.  SOLIDA'GO,  L.  GOLDEN-ROD. 

[latin,  Solido,  to  unite,  or  make  firm  ;  from  its  supposed  healing  virtues.] 

Heads  few-  or  sometimes  many-flowered  ;  ray-florets  few,  pistillate  ;  disk- 
florets  tubular,  perfect.  Scales  of  the  obong  involucre  imbricated, 
appressed,  not  green  or  foliaceous  at  apex.  Receptacle  small,  mostly 
naked.  Akenes  many-ribbed,  somewhat  terete.  Pappus  simple,  con- 
sisting of  numerous  scabrous  capillary  bristles,  mostly  equal.  Heads 
in  terminal  or  axillary  racemes,  with  the  pedicels  often  unilateral, 
— sometimes  corymbose.  Perennials,  with  wand-like  stems  and  nearly 
sessile  stem  leaves,  never  heart-shaped. 

1.  S.  nemora'lis,  -A.it.  Stem  simple  or  corymbosely  branched  above, 
clothed  with  a  very  short  velvety  cinereous  pubescence  ;  radical  leaves 
obovate-cuneate  or  spatulate,  tapering  into  a  petiole,  sparingly  crenate- 
serrate, — cauline  ones  oblanceolate,  nearly  entire,  rough ish-pubescent ; 
racemes  numerous,  short,  dense,  unilateral,  at  length  recurved-spreading, 
often  corymbose-paniculate  ;  scales  of  the  involucre  lance-oblong,  obtuse, 
appressed  ;  akenes  pubescent  with  white  appressed  hairs. 
WOOD  OR  GROVE  SOLID  AGO.  Golden-rod. 

Whole  plant  of  an  ash-colored  or  greyish  aspect,  by  reason  of  its  short  cinereous  pu- 
bescence. Stem.  1-2  or  3  feet  high,  sometimes  branched  from  near  the  root.  Radical 
leaves  1-4  or  5  inches  long,  with  petioles  1-3  inches  long.  Heads  with  3-6  disk-florets, 
and  6-9  ray-florets,  in  secund  racemes — or  (in  stunted  branched  specimens)  often- in 
small  axillary  clusters  ;  rays  rather  short,  spatu late-oblong. 

Sterile,  neglected  old  fields  ;  borders  of  woods,  &c.  :  throughout  the  United  States. 
Fl.  August -September.  Fr.  October. 

Obs.  Several  species  of  Solidago  (or  Golden-rod,  as  they  are  all 
named,  in  the  vernacular  tongue) — some  of  them  much  larger  than  this 
— occur  along  fence-rows,  borders  of  woods  and  thickets,  &c.  They 
are  all  no  better  than  weeds  on  a  farm :  but  this  is  the  one  which 
mostly  intrudes  upon  neglected  pasture  grounds, — and  has  therefore 
been  selected  for  description,  as  a  sample  of  the  genus.  It  is  speedily 
banished  by  good  farming, — as  most  of  our  native  weeds  are,  or  may  be. 
S,  odo'ra,  Ait.  The  "Sweet  Golden-rod"  is  found  in  dry  soil — it  is 
distinguished  by  the  smoothish,  entire,  linear-lanceolate  leaves  which 
contain  numerous  pellucid  dots  of  oil,  with  a  pleasant  odor.  An  infu- 
sion of  the  herb  is  used  as  an  aromatic  stimulant.  The  oil  is  sometimes 
distilled  from  the  plant,  and  is  used  for  the  same  purpose. 

7.  IN'ULA,  L.  ELECAMPANE. 

•  [The  ancient  Latin  name.] 

Heads  large,  many -flowered  ;  rays  in  a  single  series,  very  numerous,  li- 
near. Involucral  scales  loosely  imbricated,  in  several  series,  the  outer 
foliaceous.  Akenes  4-sided  or  terete  ;  pappus  of  capillary  bristles.  Pe- 
rennial ;  leaves  often  clasping ;  heads  solitary  or  corymbose  ;  flowers 

yellow. 


176  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

1. 1.  Hele'nium,  L.    Stout ;  pubescent ;  leaves  large,  oblong  ovate,  those 
of  the  stem  clasping  ;  akenes  4-sided. 

Elecampane. 

Stem  3-5  feet  high,  sulcate,  branching  above.  Leaves  9-18  inches  long,  and  4-8  inches 
wide,  acute  or  acuminate,  denticulate,  hoary-tomentose  beneath, — the  radical  ones  petio- 
late.  Outer  scales  of  the  involucre  ovate,  tomentose.  Anthers  produced  at  the  base  into 
two  tails,  or  bristle-like  appendages.  Akenes  smooth  ;  pappus  pale  tawny. 

Roadsides,  &c.     Naturalized  from  Europe.     July  -  August. 

Obs.  Common  along  road-sides,  and  having  a  very  slovenly  aspect 
after  the  flowering  season  is  past.  The  large  thick  root  has  a  camphor- 
like  smell  and  a  warm,  bitter  taste  ;  it  was  formerly  in  high  repute  as  a 
medicine,  but  is  now  seldom  used  ;  it  is  a  tonic  and  expectorant, — as 
those  medicines  are  called  which  affect  the  secretions  of  the  throat.  * 

8.  AMBRO'SIA,  Tournef.     BAG-WEED. 

[Poetically,  Food  of  the  Gods;  in  this  case  something  like  Lucus,  a  non  lucendo.] 

Sterile  and  fertile  flowers  in  different  heads  on  the  same  plant  ; 
the  staminate  in  terminal  racemes  or  spikes, — the  pistillate  ones  at 
their  base  or  in  the  axils  of  the  upper  leaves.  STAMINATE  FL.  Invo- 
lucre flattish,  hemispherical,  or  subturbinate,  composed  of  several  united 
scales,  5  -  20-flowered.  Corolla  funnel-form,  5-toothed.  Receptacle 
flattish,  usually  with  filiform  chaff  among  the  florets.  PISTILLATE  FL. 
Involucre  globose-ovoid  or  turbinate,  closed,  acuminate,  usually  with  4 
-8  pointed  tubercles  near  the  summit,  1-flowered.  Corolla  none. 
AJcene  subglobose  or  obovoid.  Annual  herbs.  Leaves  lobed,  or  pinnati- 
fidly  dissected. 

1,  A.  trifi'da,  L.     Stem  tall  and  stout,  hairy  and  rough  ;  leaves  mostly 
opposite,  palmately  3-5-lobed,  hairy,  scabrous, — the  lobes  oval  lanceo- 
late, acuminate  ;  petioles  narrowly  winged,  ciliate  ;  racemes  elongated, 
paniculate. 

TRIFID  AMBROSIA.     Great  Rag-weed. 

Stem  3-6  or  8  feet  high,  branched.  Leaves  4-6  or  8  inches  long  ;  petioles  1-2  inches 
long.  Staminate  heads  small,  numerous,  in  long  terminal  paniculate  racemes  ;  florets 
whitish.  Pistillate,  heads  at  the  base  of  the  racemes  ;  the  involucre  turbinate-obovoid, 
with  a  conical  apex,  6-ribbed,  the  ribs  terminating  in  so  many  pointed  tubercles  round  the 
base  of  the  conical  acumination. 

Low  grounds  and  waste  places  :  Canada  to  Georgia.    Fl.  August.    Fr.  October. 

06s.  This  coarse  ugly  weed  is  sufficiently  common,  and  worthless,  to 
entitle  it  to  the  notice  of  every  farmer  who  desires  to  keep  his  premises 
clear  of  such  nuisances. 

2.  A,    artemisiaBfo'lia,   L,      Stem   paniculately  branched,   villous ; 
leaves  bipinnatifid,  smoothish   above,  somewhat   canescent   beneath, — 
the  uppermost    simply  pinnatifid ;    petioles  ciliate  with  long  hairs  ; 
racemes  somewhat  spicate,  paniculate. 

ARTEMISIA-LEAVED  AMBROSIA.     Bitter-weed.     Rag- weed. 


COMPOSITE   FAMILY. 


177 


-3  or  4  feet  high,  usually  much  branched  or  bushy.  Leaves  2-4  or  5  inches  long  ; 
petioles  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  and  a  half  long.  Staminate  heads  small,  numerous,  in  ter- 
minal slender  spicate  racemes.  Pistillate  heads  solitary  or  clustered  along  the  lower  part 
of  the  staminate  racemes  and  bracteate,  or  in  the  axils  of  the  upper  leaves  ;  sometimes 
the  heads  are  dioecious — specimens  occurring  in  which  the  terminal  racemes  (or  rather 
spikes),  as  well  as  the  clusters  beneath,  are  all  pistillate,  and  the  flowers  in  small  sessile 
bracteate  clusters. 

Cultivated  fields  and  pastures  :  Canada  to  Florida.    Fl.  August -September.    Fr.  Octo- 
ber. 


FIG.  118.  The  Great  Ragweed  (Ambrosia  triflda),  upper  portion  of  stem  reduced  iu 
size. 

8* 


178 


WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 


Obs.  Tms  worthless  weed  occurs  in  most  cultivated  grounds, — and  is 
usually  very  abundant  among  the  stubble,  after  a  crop  of  wheat :  but, 
if  the  land  be  good,  the  plant  seems  te  be  smothered  or  choked  out,  the 
next  season,  by  the  crop  of  clover  and  timothy.  It  is  always  ready, 
however — like  several  other  coarse  weeds — to  make  its  appearance 
whenever  the  grassy  turf  is  broken  up.  The  curious  anomaly  above 
mentioned, — of  the  flowers  on  the  terminal  spikes  being  all  pistillate, — 
is  frequently  met  with. 

9.  XAN'THIUM,  Tournef.   CLOT-BUR. 

[Greek,  JTanthos,  yellow  ;  a  color  said  to  be  produced  by  the  plant.]- 

Heads  monoecious,  in  spicate  clusters — the  sterile  spikes  at  the  summit. 


321 


120 


FIG.  119.  Flowering  .summit  of  the  Cockle-bur  (Xanthium  strumarium),  with  heads  of 
staminate  flowers  above,  the  pistillate  ones  below.  120.  A  separate  staminate  flower  very 
much  enlarged.  121.  A  head  of  (2)  pistillate  flowers  enclosed  in  the  prickly  involucre. 


COMPOSITE    FAMILY. 


179 


STAMINATE  FL.  numerous  in  subglobose  heads  ;  scales  of  the  involucre 
distinct,  in  a  single  series.  Corolla  tubular,  clavate,  somewhat  hairy. 
Anthers  connivent  but  distinct.  Style  abortive,  undivided.  Receptacle 
oblong,  terete,  chaffy.  PISTILLATE  FL.  2,  inclosed  in  a  2-celIed  oblong 
coriaceous  closed  involucre,  which  is  armed  with  hooked  prickles  and 
terminated  by  1  -  2  stout  beaks,  ('orolla  filiform.  Akenes  solitary  in 
each  cell  of  the  involucre,  oblong,  flat.  Annual  herbs.  Leaves  alter- 
nate, lobed  or  dentate. 

1.  X.  struma'riinn,  L.    Leaves  broad-ovate,  mostly  somewhat  3- lobed 

dentate,  unarmed  at  base  ;  involucre  of  the  fruit  oval,  with  2  straight 

beaks. 

SCROPHULOUS   XANTHIUM. 

Clot-bur.     Cockle-bur. 

Fr.  Lampourde.  Germ.  Die 
Spitzklette.  Span.  Lampazo 
pequeno. 

Stem  1-3  feet  high,  roughish-pu- 
bescent,  branching.  Leaves  3-6  in- 
ches in  length,  andnearly  as  wide  as 
long,  subcordate  at  base,  but  cun- 
eately  produced  at  the  union  of  the  3 
principal  nerves.  Heads  of  flowers 
in  axillary  clusters.  Involucre  of  the 
fruit  persistent,  becoming  an  oblong 
bur,  with  rigid  uncinate  prickles. 

Road-sides  and  waste  places : 
Northern  and  Middle  States  :  intro- 
duced ?  Fl.  August— September. 
Fr.  October 


Obs.  This  has  the  appear- 
ance of  a  naturalized  strang- 
er, but  is  considered  by  Gray 
as  indigenous  ;  it  is  an  obnox- 
ious weed, — though  not  much 
inclined  to  spread  ;  and  with 
a  little  attention,  is  easily 
kept  in  subjection.  The  burs 
are  a  great  annoyance  in  the 
fleeces  of  sheep.  The  var. 
echina'tum,  has  the  fruit 
more  prickly  with  the  beak 
incurved. 


AM. 


2.    X.  SPINO'SUM,    Li.     Leaves  ovate-lanceolate,  entire  or   somewhat 


Fro.  122.  Branch  of  the  Thorny  Clot-bur  (Xanthium  spinosum) ,  showing  the  hooked 
prickly,  mature  involucres. 


180  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

3-lobed,  armed  at  base  with  slender  3-parted  spines ;  involucre  of  the 
fruit  cylindric-oblong,  with  an  inconspicuous  beak. 
SPINOSE  XANTHIUM.     Thorny  Clot-bur. 

Stem  2-3  or  4  feet  high,  branched.  Leaves  1  - 3  inches  long,  and  one-fourth  to  three- 
fourths  of  an  inch  wide,  entire  or  with  a  lobe-like  tooth  on  each  side, —  the  upper  surface 
pale  green,  pubescent  on  the  midrib — the  under  surface  clothed  with  a  short  cinereous 
tomentum, — the  base  narrowed  to  a  short  petiole — on  each  side  of  which  is  a  triple  or 
3-forked  spine,  the  branches  about  an  inch  long,  very  sharp,  yellowish  or  pale  straw  color. 
Heads  of  flowers  axillary,  solitary. 

Farm-yards,  road-sides,  &c.  :  Massachusetts  to  Georgia  :  introduced.  Native  of  Eu- 
rope. Fl.  September.  Fr.  October. 

Obs.  This  execrable  weed,  believed  to  have  originated  in  tropical 
America,  and  now  widely  diffused  through  various  parts  of  the  old 
world,  is  becoming  naturalized  in  many  portions  of  our  country, — par- 
ticularly in  the  Southern  States.  It  may  be  frequently  seen  along  the 
side-walks,  and  waste  places,  in  the  suburbs  of  our  northern  sea-port 
towns, — and  is  a  vile  nuisance  wherever  found.  I  have  understood  that 
the  authorities  of  one  of  our  cities,  a  few  years  since,  enacted  an  Ordi- 
nance against  the  plant, — in  which  enactment  it  was  denounced  by  the 
name  of  the  Canada  Thistle  !  The  misnomer  probably  did  not  impair 
the  efficacy  of  the  Ordinance  :  yet  I  cannot  help  thinking  it  would  be 
decidedly  preferable  that  both  lawgivers  and  farmers  should  avoid 
confounding  objects  which  are  essentially  distinct, — and  learn  to  desig- 
nate even  weeds  by  their  proper  names. 

10.  RUDBEC'KIA,  L.     CONE-FLOWER. 

[In  honor  of  Olaus  Rudlxck,  father  and  son  ;  Sweedish  botanists.] 

Heads  many-flowered  ;  ray-florets  neutral.  Involucral  scales  in  about  2 
series,  leaf-like,  spreading.  Receptacle  more  or  less  columnar  ;  chaff  short, 
conical,  not  rigid.  Akenes  4-angled,  smooth  ;  pappus  a  minute  crown- 
like  border.  Chiefly  perennials  ;  leaves  alternate  ;  rays  yellow,  generally 
long  and  drooping. 

1.  R.  hir'ta,  •£•  Hirsute  ;  lower  leaves  spatulate,  petiolate,  upper  ones 
ovate-lanceolate,  sessile  ;  disk  conical,  dark  purple. 

ROUGH-HAIRED  RUDBECKIA. 

Perennial?  Stem  1^-4  feet  high,  rather  stout,  often  simple  or  branched  near  the 
base.  Leaves  2  -3  inches  long, — the  radical  ones  on  hirsute  petioles  1-2  inches  in  length. 
Heads  of  flowers  middle-sized,  on  long  stoutish  striate  sulcate  naked  peduncles  ;  chaff  of 
the  receptacle  sublinear,  rather  acute,  hairy  and  ciliate  at  the  summit. 

Fields  and  in  dry  soil.    July  -  September. 

Obs.  This  is  of  late  becoming  rather  common  in  cultivated  lands,  and 
cannot  fail  to  attract  the  notice  of  the  farmer.  Another  species  which 
nearly  resembles  it,  R,  ful'gida,  Ait.,  is  also  found  in  similar  situations  ; 
the  latter  has  3-nerved  leaves,  and  smooth  chaff  to  the  receptacle.  But 
little  is  known  of  their  character  as  weeds,  but  they  have  apparently  an 
encroaching  disposition,  and  should  be  eradicated. 


COMPOSITE   FAMILY.  181 

11.  HELIAN'THUS,  L.    SUNFLOWER. 

[Greek,  Helios,  the  sun,  and  Anthos,  a  flower  ;  from  the  resemblance  of  the  flowers.] 

Heads  many-flowered;  ray-florets  numerous,  neutral.  Involucre  imbri- 
cated in  3  or  more  series, — the  scales  often  foliaceous  and  spreading  at 
apex.  Receptacle  flattish  or  convex,  and  large, — the  persistent  chaff  em- 
bracing the  akenes.  Akenes  laterally  compressed  or  sometimes  rather  4- 
sided,  not  winged  or  margined.  Pappus  of  2  chaffy  or  awn-like  scales, 
arising  from  the  principal  angles  of  the  akenes,  and  often  with  2  or  more 
intermediate  smaller  scales,  very  deciduous.  Herbs,  annual  or  perennial, 
mostly  stout  and  rough.  Leaves  opposite  or  alternate.  Heads  some- 
what corymbose  or  solitary  ;  rays  bright  yellow  ;  disk-florets  yellowish, 
or  sometimes  purplish  at  summit. 

1.  H.  TUBERO'SUS,  L.     Root  bearing  oblong  tubers  ;  stem  erect,  branch- 
ing, scabrous  ;  leaves  ovate,  acuminate,  serrate,  3-nerved,  scabrous,  petio- 
late, — the  lower  ones  subcordate  at  base  ;  petioles  ciliate  ;  scales  of  the 
involucre  lanceolate,  hispid  and  ciliate. 

TUBEROUS  HELIANTHUS.    Jerusalem  Artichoke. 

Fr.  Topinambour.     Germ.  Die  Erdartischoke.     Span.  Cotufa. 

Root  perennial  ?  (or  rather  appearing  perennial,  by  the  annual  production  of  tuberous 
rhizomas  ?)  Stem  4-  6  or  8  feet  high,  stout,  branching,  terete,  hirsute.  Leaves  4  -6  or  8 
inches  long,  very  scabrous  on  the  upper  surface,  abruptly  contracted  at  base  to  a  narrow 
cuneately-tapering  margined  petiole,  which  is  1-2  or  3  inches  long, — the  lower  leaves  op- 
posite (or  rarely  ternate),  the  upper  ones  alternate.  Heads  rather  large.  Akenes  some- 
what compressed  and  4-sided,  cuneate-oblong,  smooth  ;  pappus  1-4  (usually  2)  subulate 
chaffy  scales. 

Gardens  and  lots  :  cultivated.     Native  of  Brazil.     Fl.  August  -  Sept.     Fr.  October. 

Obs.  This  Sunflower  is  often  cultivated  for  the  firm  fleshy  tubers,  or 
rhizomas,  found  at  its  roots.  These  tubers  are  pickled,  and  used  as  a 
condiment.  They  have  been  commended,  also,  for  feeding  stock.  It 
may  be  remarked  here,  that  in  a  rich  mellow  soil,  they  multiply  so  rapid- 
ly, as  to  make  the  plant  rather  troublesome  and  difficult  to  keep  within 
bounds.  The  common  name  "  Jerusalem  Artichoke,"  is  said  to  be  a  cor- 
ruption of  the  Italian  name  for  the  plant—  Girasol. 

2.  H.  AN'NUUS,  L.     Root  fibrous,  annual ;  stem  stout,  nearly  simple  ; 
leaves  cordate  and  broadly  ovate,  petiolate  ;  heads  subsolitary,  very  large. 

A.NNUAL  HELIANTHUS.     Sunflower. 

Stem  4-8  feet  high.  Leaves  6-12  inches  long  and  4-8  inches  wide,  on  petioles  3-6 
inches  in  length.  Heads  of  flowers  4-15  inches  in  diameter,  flat,  often  nodding  ;  rays  1-2 
inches  long.  Akenes  obovate  oblong,  striate,  somewhat  pubescent,  leaden-brown  with 
white  margins  and  stripes. 

Gardens.    Native  of  Peru.     August  -  October. 

Obs.  This  species  is  often  cultivated,  and  is  somewhat  naturalized  in 
gardens.  A  kind  with  the  disk-flowers  all  developed  as  rays  is  common. 
The  akenes  contain  considerable  oil,  and  it  has  been  recommended  to  cul- 
tivate the  plant  for  the  sake  of  this  product ;  the  leaves  and  steins  con- 


182 


WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 


tain  a  large  amount  of  potash,  and  it  would  probably  be  found  a  very 
exhausting  crop.  Fowls  are  very  fond  of  the  fruit,  or  seeds,  as  they  are 
usually  called.  * 

12.  ACTINO'MERIS,  Nutt.     ACTINOMERIS. 

[Greek,  aktin,  a  ray,  and  meris,  a  part ;  the  rays  being  sometimes  few  or  irregular.] 

Heads  many  -  flowered  ; 
rays  few  or  several,  neu- 
tral. Scales  of  involucre 
in  1  -  3  rows.  Receptacle 
convex  or  conical  chaffy. 
Akenes  laterally  compress- 
ed and  winged.  Pappus 
of  2  smooth  persistent 
awns.  Tall  and  branch- 
ing perennial  herbs  with 
serrate  leather  -  veined 
leaves  tapering  to  the 
base,  and  mostly  decur- 
reiit  on  the  stem. 

1.   A.  SQUARRO'SA,     Nutt. 

Stem  somewhat  hairy  and 
winged  above  ;  scales  of 
the  involucre  in  2  rows, 
the  outer  linear-spatu- 
late,  reflexcd  ;  rays  4  - 
10,  irregular. 

SQUARROSE  ACTINOMERIS. 

Stem  4-8  feet  high,  smooth 
below.  Leaves  a  foot  or  more 
in  length.  Akenes  broadly  wing- 
ed ;  receptacle  globular. 

Western  and  Southern  States. 
September. 

06s.   This   is  said  by 
Dr.  Short  to  be  a  com- 
mon weed  in   cultivated 
grounds  in  Kentucky. 
124 ' 


FIG.  123.  Flowers  of  Actinomeris  squarrosa.     124.  A  separate  floret,  the  akene  with  a 
2-awued  pappus. 


COMPOSITE   FAMILY.  183 

13.    BI'DENS,  L.    BUR-MARIGOLD. 

[Latin,  Si-dens,  having  2  teeth  ;  in  allusion  to  the  awns  of  the  akenes.] 

Heads  inany-flowered  ;  ray-Jlorets  neutral,  often  inconspicuous  and  some- 
times wanting,— those  of  the  disk  tubular  and  perfect.  Involucre 
double, — the  outer  scales  larger  and  often  foliaceous.  Receptacle  fiat- 
tish, — the  chaff  deciduous  with  the  fruit.  Akenes  flattened,  or  slender 
and  more  or  less  4-sided,  crowned  with  two  or  more  retrorsely  hispid 
awns.  Annual  or  sometimes  perennial  herbs.  Leaves  opposite,  incised- 
serrate  or  pinnatifidly  dissected.  Flowers  mostly  yellow. 
*  Akenes  fiat  and  broadish,  not  beaked  at  summit,  ciliate  on  the  margins. 

1.  B.  frpndo'sa,  L.    Leaves  odd-pinnately  divided, — the  lower  ones 
with  5  divisions,  the  upper  with  3  ;  divisions  distinct  and  mostly  peti- 
olulate,  lanceolate,  serrate  ;  heads  discoid,  on  slender  axillary  peduncles  ; 
outer  scales  of  the  involucre  foliaceous,  narrowed  and  ciliate  at  base, 
much  longer  than  the  head  ;  akenes  obovate-cuneate,  2-awned,  pubescent 
and  ciliate  with  erect  hairs. 

FROXDOSE  BIDEXS.    Bur-marigold. 

Root  annual.  Stem  2-4  or  5  feet  high,  somewhat  hairy,  often  dark  purple,  branched. 
Leaflets  or  segments  2-4  or  5  inches  long,  pilose  beneath,  abruptly  narrowed  at  base  to  a 
short  margined  ciliate  petiolule,— the  common  petiole  1-3  inches  long.  Heads  rather  small , 
on  long  slender  naked  peduncles.  Involucre  double, — the  8-10  outer  scales  lanceolate, 
leaf-like,  unequal,  2  or  3  -  5  or  6  times  as  long  as  the  head,  ovate-lanceolate,  with  a  scarious 
margin.  Florets  yellowish.  Chaff  of  the  receptacle  linear-lanceolate,  about  as  long  as 
the  akenes. 

Gardens,  fence-rows,  Indian-corn  fields,  &c.  :  throughout  the  United  States.  Fl.  Au- 
gust-September. Fr.  October. 

Obs.  All  the  species,  here  enumerated,  are  very  worthless,  and  par- 
ticularly disagreeable  weeds, — on  account  of  the  barbed  awns  of  the 
fruit,  which  cause  it  to  adhere  in  great  numbers  to  clothing.  This  one 
is  apt  to  be  quite  abundant  in  gardens,  Indian-corn  fields,  &c.  and  if 
permitted  to  mature  its  fruit,  becomes  very  annoying,  in  the  latter  part 
of«6ummer. 

2,  B.  chrysanthemoi'des,  MX.    Leaves  oblong-lanceolate,  tapering 
at  each  end,  serrate,  sessile,  and  connate  at  base  ;  heads  conspicuously 
radiate,  often  somewhat  nodding  ;  outer  scales  of  the  involucre  foliaceous, 
mostly  shorter  than  the  rays ;  akenes  oblong-cuueate,  2  -  4-awned,  re- 
trorsely aculeate-ciliate  on  the  margins. 

CHRYSAXTHEMUM-LIKE  BIDEXS.     Beggar-ticks. 

Plant  glabrous.  Root  annual.  Stem  6  inches  to  2  feet  high,  erect  or  often  declined  at 
base,  branching,  the  branches  opposite  and  axillary.  Leaves  3-6  inches  long.  Heads 
rather  large,  solitary,  terminating  the  branches.  Outer  scales  of  the  involucre  about  8, 
linear-lanceolate,  ciliate-serrulate,  spreading,  the  largest  sometimes  nearly  as  long  as  tho 
rays  ;  the  inner  scales  membrauaceous,  elliptic  or  ovate-oblong,  nearly  equal,  about  as 
long  as  the  disk-florets.  JBaj/sbright  yellow,  numerous,  near  an  inch  long.  Akenes  striate- 
ribbed  and  somewhat  keeled  on  the  flatted  sides  ;  awns  usually  4.  Chaff  of  the  receptacle 
spatulate-liuear,  scarious,  3-nerved,  yellow,  or  sometimes  purplish  at  summit. 

Low  grounds,  along  swampy  rivulets  :  generally  throughout  the  United  States.  Fl. 
August -September.  Fr.  October. 

Obs.  This  species  is  rather  showy,  when  in  flower, — and  is  less  inclined 
than  either  the  preceding  or  the  following  to  invade  cultivated  grounds 


184  WEEDS   AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

It  is,  however,  quite  an  objectionable  weed,  on  account  of  the  vast  quan- 
tity of  its  adhesive  fruit,  in  autumn.  There  appear  to  be  several  varie- 
ties of  the  plant, — noticed  in  TORREY  &  GRAY'S  N.  A.  Flora. 

**  Akenes  slender,  linear,  4rsided,  beaked  at  summit,  mostly  smooth. 


3.  B.  bipinna'ta,  £•  Leaves  bipinnately  dissected,  petiolate, — the 
segments  lanceolate  or  oblong-ovate,  mucronate,  usually  narrowed  at 
base ;  heads  few-rayed,  small,  on  slender  angular-sulcate  terminal  and 
axillary  peduncles  ;  outer  scales  of  the  involucre  scarcely  as  long  as  the 
inner  ones  ;  akenes  long  and  slender,  4-angled  and  grooved,  3  -  4-awned. 
BIPINNATE  BIDENS.  Spanish  Needles. 

Plant  glabrous.  Root  annual.  Stem  2-4  feet  high,  quadrangular,  branched.  Leaves 
2-4  or  5  inches  long,  deltoid-ovate  in  the  outline  ;  petioles  1-3  or  4  inches  long.  Heads 
oblong,  slender  ;  rays  3-4,  obovate,  small,  yellow  with  dark  veins  ;  disk-florets  about  20, 

FIG.  125.  Spanish  Needles  (Bidens  bipinnata.)  126.  A  mature  akcne,  with  4  downward 
bristly  awns. 


COMPOSITE   FAMILY.  185 

yellow.  Akenes  about  three-fourths  of  an  inch  long,  somewhat  scabrous  with  short  erect 
hairs.  Chaff  of  the  receptacle  lance-linear,  shorter  than  the  akenes. 

Gardens  and  cultivated  lots  :  New  England  to  Florida.  Fl.  August  -September.  Fr. 
October. 

Obs.  This,  like  the  B.  frondo'sa — if  not  carefully  watched  and  eradi- 
cated— is  a  great  pest  in  cultived  lots, — especially  in  kitchen  gardens 
and  Indian-corn  fields.  One  or  two  other  species,  equally  worthless  as 
the  preceding,  are  frequently  to  be  met  with,  in  low  grounds  :  but  those 
here  given  are  the  most  common,  and  the  most  annoying, — and  therefore 
most  entitled  to  the  notice  of  the  farmer. 

14.  MARU'TA,  Cass.     MAY-WEED. 

[Etymology  obscure.] 

Heads  many-flowered  ;  rays  mostly  neutral.  Involucre  hemispherical, — 
the  scales  imbricated  in  few  series,  shorter  than  the  disk.  Receptacle 
prominently  convex  or  oblong-conical,  chaffy  all  over  or  only  at  summit. 
Akenes  obovoid  or  obconic,  ribbed,  destitute  of  pappus.  Annual  herbs. 
Leaves  bi-  or  tri-pinnately  dissected. 

1.  M.  Cot'ula,  DC.     Scales  of  the  involucre  with  whitish  scarious  mar- 
gins', receptacle  conical,  chaffy  at  summit  only  ;  chaff  subulate. 
Stinking  Chamomile.     Dog's  Fennel.     May-weed. 
Fr.  Maroute.     Germ.  Stiukende  Kamille.      Span.  Manzanilla  fetida. 

Plant  strongly  fetid.  Stem  6-12  inches  high,  mostly  erect,  somewhat  pilose,  leafy  and 
much  branched.  Leaves  1-2  or  3  inches  long,  bi-  and  tri-pinnately  dissected, — the  seg- 
ments short,  flat,  linear,  acute.  Heads  terminal  on  elongated  pubescent  peduncles  ;  rays 
white  ;  disk  yellow,  prominently  convex  or  subcylindric.  Akenes  oblong  or  obconic, 
striate-ribbed,  mostly  tuberculate  in  lines,  with  a  minute  disk  at  summit,  but  no  sort  of 
pappus. 

Farm-yards  and  waste  places  ;  throughout  the  United  States  :  introduced.  Native  of 
Europe.  Fl.  June -September.  Fr.  August -October. 

Obs.  This  disagreeable  little  weed  has  become  extensively  naturalized  ; 
and  although  not  apt  to  spread  to  an  injurious  extent  over  cultivated 
grounds,  it  is  often  quite  abundant  in  lanes  and  farm-yards^,  and  not 
easily  expelled.  The  plant  possesses  tonic  and  emetic  properties,  similar 
to  those  of  Chamomile,  and  though  very  nauseous  is  sometimes  used  as 
a  substitute  for  that.  It  is  said  that  the  bruised  fresh  plant  will  pro- 
duce blistering  if  applied  to  the  skin. 

15.  AN'THEMIS,  L.     CHAMOMILE. 

[Greek,  Anthemon,  a  flower  ;  in  allusion  to  the  great  number  it  bears.] 

Heads  many-flowered  ;  rays  pistillate.  Scales  of  the  involucre  imbricated 
in  few  series.  Receptacle  conical,  with  membranaceous  chaff  among  the 
florets.  Akenes  terete  or  obtusely  quadrangular  ;  pappus  minute,  coroni- 
form,  or  sometimes  wanting.  Annual  or  perennial  herbs.  Leaves  bipin- 
nately  dissected. 

1.  A.  NO'BILIS,  L.  Stems  simple,  numerous,  spreading  and  decumbent, 
villous  ;  leaves  pinnately  dissected,  subvillous, — the  segments  jiiultifid 
with  the  sub-divisions  linear-subulate  ;  chaff  of  the  receptacle  scarious, 
lanceolate,  not  awned  at  apex,  a  little  shorter  than  the  florets. 


186 


WEEDS   AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 


127 

NOBLE  ANTHEMIS.     Chamomile.     Garden  Chamomile. 

Fr.  Camomille  Romaine.     Germ.  Die  Kamille.     Span.  Manzanilla. 

Ro:t  perennial,  woody.  Stems  simple,  but  numerous  from  the  root,  4-8  or  10  inches 
long.  Leaves  1-2  inches  long,  sessile.  Heads  terminal  on  elongated  leafless  pubescent 
pauducles  ;  rays  white,  finally  refloxod  ;  disk  yellow,  convex  and  at  length  conical.  Akenes 
with  a  nearly  obsolete  crown-form  pappus. 

Gardens  :  cultivated.     Native  of  Europe.     Fl.  July.     Fr.  September. 

Obs.  The  whole  plant  (and  particularly  the  heads  of  flowers)  is  a  fine 


FIG.  127.  Mayweed  (Maruta  Cotula),  reduced. 


COMPOSITE    FAMILY.  187 

aromatic  bitter,  and  deservedly  popular  as  a  tonic  medicine, — for  which 
purpose  it  is  generally  cultivated.  It  is  an  old  and  still  prevalent  opin- 
ion, that  this  plant  thrives  better  for  being  trampled  upon  or  kept  pros- 
trate, whence  it  was  popularly  called  "  the  Whig  Plant "  during  the  rev- 
olutionary contest  in  the  United  States.  The  notion  is  thus  incident- 
ally alluded  to  by  SHAKSPEARE,  in  the  first  part  of  his  King  Henry  IV. — 
"For  though  the  Camomile,  the  more  it  is  trodden  on  the  faster  it 
grows — yet  youth,  the  more  it  is  wasted  the  sooner  it  wears."  This  is 
said  to  be  naturalized  in  Delaware ;  another  species  is  quite  common 
about  New  5Tork,  A.  arven'sis,  L.,  which  has  the  leaves  less  divided  and 
the  chaff  of  the  receptacle  pointed. 


16.  ACHILLE'A,  L.    YAKROW. 

[Named  after  Achilles,  who  first  used  the  plant.] 

Heads  many-  or  several-flowered  ;  rays  few  and  short,  pistillate  ;  tube  of 
the  disk-florets  obcompressed.  Involucre  ovoid-oblong, — the  scales  imbri- 
cated, unequal.  Receptacle  flat  or  sometimes  elongated,  chaffy.  Akenes 
oblong,  obcompressed,  somewhat  margined,  destitute  of  pappus.  Pe- 
rennial herbs.  Leaves  alternate,  mostly  pinnatifid.  Heads  small,  co- 
rymbose. 

1.  A  Millefo'lium,  L.  Stem  mostly  simple;  leaves  bipinnately  dis- 
sected,— the  segments  linear,  incised-serrate,  acute  ;  corymb  compound, 
fastigiate  ;  rays  about  5,  roundish-obovate. 

THOUSAND-LEAF  ACHILLEA.    Yarrow.     Milfoil. 

Fr.  La  Millefeuille.     Germ.  Die  Scafgarbe.     Span.  Milenrama. 

Stem  2-3  feet  high  hairy  and  somewhat  lanuginous,  mostly  simple,  corymbose  at  sum- 
mit. Leaves  2  or  3-6  inches  long  (the  radical  ones  still  longer),  nearly  sessile,  much  and 
finely  dissected.  .Heads  small,  numerous,  in  a  dense  terminal  fastigiate  corymb;  rays 
white  or  often  tinged  with  purple,  creuate-dentate  at  apex  ;  disk-florets  whitish, — the  tube 
sprinkled  with  resinous  particles.  Akenes  obcompressed,  slightly  margined  near  the  sum- 
mit, smooth.  Receptacle  small,  flat  ;  chaff  lance-oblong,  acute. 

Pastures,  fence-rows,  &c  :  throughout  the  United  States  :  introduced.  Native,  of 
Europe.  Fl.  June  -Sept.  Fr.  Aug.  -  October. 

Obs.  This  foreigner  has  become  completely  naturalized.  It  is  an 
aromatic  bitter,  and  somewhat  astringent, — quite  popular  as  a  tonic. 
The  English  agricultural  writers  speak  of  it  as  a  plant  of  some  value, 
in  their  pastures  ;  but  I  believe  it  is  universally  regarded  here  as  a  mere 
weed.  Certainly  it  is  far  inferior  to  our  usual  pasture  plants, — and  I 
think  our  cattle  rarely  eat  it.  Another  species,  A.  Ptarmica,  L.  (Sneeze- 
wort,)  is  naturalized  in  some  places.  It  differs  from  the  above  in  hav- 
ing simple,  lance-linear,  and  sharply  serrate  leaves,  and  has  much  more 
conspicuous  rays. 


188 


WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 


131 


17.  LEUCAN'THEMUM,  Tournef.     OX-EYE  DAISY. 

[Greek,  Leukos,  white,  and  Anthemon,  a  flower  ;  in  reference  to  its  white  rays.] 

Heads  many-flowered  ;  rays  pistillate,  numerous.  Involucre  spreading, 
broad  and  nearly  flat, — the  scales  imbricated,  with  scarious  margins. 
Receptacle  flat  or  somewhat  convex,  naked.  Tube  of  the  disk-florets 
fleshy,  obcompressed,  and  slightly  2-winged.  Akenes  of  the  disk  and  ray 
similar,  subterete,  striate,  destitute  of  pappus.  Perennial  herbs.  Leaves 
alternate,  mostly  pinnatifid  or  incised-dentate.  Heads  rather  large,  soli- 
tary and  terminal. 


FIG.  131.  The  White-weed  or  Ox-eye  Daisy  (Leucanthcmum  vulgare). 


COMPOSITE   FAMILY.  189 

1.  L.  vulga're,  Lam.  Stem  erect,. somewhat  branched ;  leaves  lacini- 
ately  incised  or  pinnatifid-dentate,— the  cauline  ones  sessile  and  some- 
what clasping — the  radical  ones  obovate-spatulate,  petiolate  ;  scales  of 
the  involucre  with  narrow  russet-brown  margins. 

COMMON  LEUCANTHEMUM.     Daisy.     Ox-eye  Daisy.    White-weed. 

Fr.  L'oeil  de  Beuf.  Germ.  Die  Wucherblume.  Span.  Margarita 
mayor. 

Stem  1  to  near  2  feet  high,  erect  or  subdecumbent,  angular  and  striate,  somewhat  hairy, 
simple  or  sparingly  branched,  but  often  several  from  the  same  root.  Leaves  1-2  inches 
long,  the  upper  stem-leaves  oblong,  the  lower  ones  cuneate-spatulate,  and  the  radical 
ones  obovate  or  orbicular-spatulate.  Heads  broad  ;  rays  very  white — in  length  about 
equal  to  the  diameter  of  the  disk  ;  disk-fiords  yellow.  Akenes  subterete,  ribbed,  smooth, 
dark  purple  between  the  ribs,  destitute  of  pappus.  Receptacle  slightly  convex,  dotted. 

Fields  and  meadows,  more  or  less  throughout  the  United  States  :  introduced.  Native  of 
Europe.  Fl.  June  -Aug.  Fr.  July  -September. 

065.  This  vile  intruder  is  becoming  a  great  nuisance  in  our  country. 
In  some  districts  the  careless,  slovenly  farmers  have  permitted  it  to  get 
almost  exclusive  possession  of  their  pasture  fields, — rendering  them  quite 
white  when  the  plant  is  in  bloom.  Cows  will  occasionally  crop  a  por- 
tion of  the  weed  in  our  pastures, — and  I  have  heard  it  alleged  that  it 
contributes  to  the  making  of  good  butter :  but  my  own  observations 
induce  me  to  regard  it  as  utterly  worthless.  It  is  propagated  rapidly, 
and  is,  moreover,  exceedingly  difficult  to  get  rid  of,  when  once  fully  es- 
tablished ;  so  that  one  negligent  sloven  may  be  the  source  of  a  grievous 
annoyance  to  a  whole  community.  I  have  understood  that  annual 
ploughing  and  cropping  for  a  few  years,  is  the  most  effectual  remedy  for 
the  evil ;  but  then  the  fence-rows  and  neighboring  fields  must  be  well 
watched,  to  prevent  the  formation  and  introduction  of  fresh  seed.  The 
Corn  Marigold  (Chrysanthemum  segetum,  Z,.,  a  kindred  plant) — which 
is  said  to  be  such  a  pest  to  the  agriculture  of  Europe — does  not  appear 
to  have  found  its  way,  as  yet,  to  the  United  States. 

18.  TANACE'TUM,  L.    TANSY. 

[Corrupted  from  Athanasia,  Gr.,  a,  not,  and  Tlianatos,  death :  from  its  durable  flowers.] 

Heads  with  the  florets  all  perfect,  with  the  marginal  ones  pistillate  in  a 
single  series.  Scales  of  the  involucre  imbricated,  dry.  Receptacle  more 
or  less  convex.  Akenes  angled  or  ribbed,  with  a  large  epigynous  disk. 
Pappus  none  or  minute,  coroniform.  Perennial  herbs,  or  suffruticose 
plants.  Leaves  alternate,  dissected.  Heads  corymbose. 

1.  T.  vulga're,  L.  Stem  herbaceous,  smoothish ;  leaves  bipinnately 
parted, — the  rachis  and  lobes  incised-serrate  ;  heads  heterogamous,  num- 
erous, in  a  dense  fastigiate  corymb  ;  pappus  coroniform,  of  five  equal 
lobes. 

COMMON  TANACET:M.     Tansy. 
Fr.  Tanaisie.     Germ.   Der  Rainfarn.     Span.  Tanaceto. 


190  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

Stems  2-4  feet  high,  somewhat  branched  above,  often  growing  in  clusters.  Leaves  2  or  3 
-6  or  8  inches  long,  interruptedly  pseudo-pinnate — the  segments  pinuatifid,  unequally 
incised-serrate.  Heads  depressed-hemispherical  ;  involucre  smoothish, — the  outer  scales 
lanceolate,  acuminate — the  inner  ones  oblong,  obtuse  ;  florets  deep  yellow,  numerous  and 
densely  crowded,  the  marginal  ones  trifld,  obsoletely  radiate.  Receptacle  nearly  flat. 

Gardens,  fence-rows,  way-sides,  &c. :  introduced.  Native  of  Europe.  Fl.  July  -Aug. 
FT.  September. 

06s.  This  was  originally  introduced  as  a  garden-plant,  and  generally 
cultivated  for  its  aromatic  bitter  properties, — which  have  rendered  it  a 
prominent  article  in  the  popular  Materia  Medica.  It  has  now  escaped 
from  the  gardens,  and  is  becoming  naturalized — and  something  of  a 
weed — in  many  places. 

19.  ARTEMFSIA,  L.    WORMWOOD. 

[Said  to  be  so  called  from  Artemis, — one  of  the  names  of  Diana.] 

Heads  discoid,  few-  or  many-flowered,  the  marginal  florets  pistillate  in  a 
single  series,  and  3-lobed, — or  sometimes  the  heads  are  with  the  florets 
all  perfect.  Scales  of  the  involucre  imbricated,  mostly  dry,  with  scari- 
ous  margins.  Receptacle  flattish  or  convex,  naked  or  villous.  Akenes 
obovoid,  with  a  small  epigynous  disk,  destitute  of  pappus.  Herbaceous 
or  fruticose — mostly  perennial  plants.  Leaves  alternate,  usually  pinnat- 
ifid.  Heads  small,  racemose,  or  paniculately  spicate. 

*  Receptacle  naked  ;  the  central  or  disk-florets  sterile. 

1.  A.  DRACUN'CULUS,  L.     Herbaceous,  green  and  glabrous ;  stein  erect, 
branching  ;  radical  leaves  trifid  at  apex, — stem-leaves  linear-lanceolate, 
sub-dentate  or  entire  ;  heads  subglobose,  racemose-paniculate. 

LITTLE  DRAGON  ARTEMISIA.     Tarragon. 

Fr.   Estragon.     Germ.   Esdragon.     Span.   Estragon. 

Root  perennial.    Stem  2-3  feet  high.     Leaves  1  - 2  or  3  inches  long,  mostly  entire  sessile, 
narrowed  at  each  end,  those  on  the  branches  smaller.     Heads  small.     Florets  yellowish. 
Gardens  :  cultivated.     Native  of  Russia  and  Siberia.     Fl.  August.     Fr.  September. 

06s.  This  species  is  sometimes  cultivated  in  the  kitchen  gardens  of 
the  curious,  for  the  sake  of  its  aromatic  herbage.  It  is  said  to  impart 
a  fine  flavor  to  vinegar  by  steeping  a  bunch  of  the  green  herb  in  that 
liquid. 

*  *  Receptacle  hairy  ;  the  florets  all  fertile. 

2.  A.  ABSIN'THIUM,  L.     Silky-canescent ;   stem  suffruticose,  angular- 
sulcate,  paniculately  branched  above  ;    leaves   bipinnatifid, — the  seg- 
ments lanceolate,  often  incised  ;  heads  hemispherical,  racemose-panicu- 
late, nodding. 

Worm-wood. 

Fr.   L' Absinthe.     Germ.   Der  Wermuth.     Span.   Axenjo. 

Plant  hoary  with  a  short  and  rather  dense  silky  pubescence.  Root  perennial.  Stems  2- 
4  feet  high,  clustered  or  numerous  from  the  root.  Leaves  1  -  2  or  3  inches  long,  petiolate, 
multifld  or  irregularly  bipinnatifld, — the  principal  segments  often  trifld  and  cuneate  at 


COMPOSITE    FAMILY.  191 

base,  the  sub-divisions  elliptic-oblong,  obtuse,  entire.     Heads  numerous,  in  leafy  panicu- 
late racemes  ;  florets  yellowish.     Akenes  obconic-oblong,  smooth. 
Gardens  :  cultivated.    Native  of  Europe.    .FZ.  August.     Fr.  Sept.  -  October. 

Obs.  This  plant — proverbial  for  its  bitterness — is  generally  kept  in 
gardens  ;  and  is  valuable  for  its  medicinal  properties,  as  a  tonic,  vermi- 
fuge, &c.,  and  is  occasionally  seen  growing  spontaneously  along  roads 
and  lanes. 

Ttere  is  another  species  (A.  ABROTA'NUM,  L.),  commonly  known  by 
the  name  of  "  Southern-wood,"  or  "  Old  Man,"  frequent  in  gardens  ; 
and  a  fourth  (A.  VULGA'RIS,  L.),  called  "  Mug-wort,"  is  occasionally  met 
with  ;  but  these  are  of  less  importance,  and  scarcely  entitled  to  a  place 
here. 

20.  GNAPHA'LIUM,  L.     CUDWEED. 

[Greek,  Gnaphalon,  soft  down  or  wool, — with  which  the  plants  are  clothed.] 

Heads  many-flowered  ;  florets  all  tubular, — the  outer  ones  pistillate,  very 
slender,  mostly  in  several  series — the  central  ones  perfect.  Involucre 
ovoid  ;  scales  imbricated,  appressed,  scarious  or  hyaline.  Receptacle  flat. 
Akenes  subterete.  Pappus  in  a  single  series,  capillary  acd  scabrous. 
Herbs  mostly  woolly  or  tomentose.  Leaves  sessile  or  decurreut.  Heads 
corymbose,  glomerate,  or  spicate. 

1.  G.  polyceph'alum,  MX.  Stem  herbaceous,  erect,  paniculately 
branched  ;  leaves  linear-oblanceolate,  acute,  sessile  and  not  decurrent, 
smoothish  above,  tomentose  beneath  ;  heads  numerous,  in  terminal  co- 
rymbose clusters. 

MANY-HEADED  GNAPHALIUM.     Life-everlasting. 

Root  annual.  Stem  1-2  feet  high,  hoary-tomentose  and  generally  much  branched. 
Leaves  1-3  inches  long,  somewhat  undulate  on  the  margins,  green  and  nearly  smooth  on 
the  upper  surface,  whitish  and  densely  tomentose  beneath.  Hewls  rather  small,  oblong- 
ovoid,  ochroleucous,  aggregated  in  dense  terminal  clusters,  very  fragrant.  Florets 
slender,  yellowish.  Akenes  oblong,  subterete,  smooth.  Pappus  somewhat  tawny. 

Old  fields  and  pastures  :  Canada  to  Texas.     Fl.  Aug.  -Sept.     Ir.  October. 

Obs.  This  is  often  quite  abundant  in  old  pasture  fields  ;  and  although 
not  a  pernicious  plant,  it  is  altogether  valueless  to  the  farmer,  and  must 
be  regarded  as  a  mere  weed. 

21.  ERECHTBTTES,  Rafin.     FIRE-WEED. 

[The  ancient  Greek  name  of  some  species  of  Groundsels.] 

Heads  many-flowered,  discoid  ;  marginal  florets  pistillate,  very  slender, 
2  -  3-toothed, — the  others  perfect,  4  -  5-toothed.  Involucre  cylindrical, 
— the  scales  in  a  single  series,  linear,  acute,  bracteolate.  Receptacle  na- 
ked, somewhat  papillose.  Akenes  oblong,  striate,  somewhat  attenuated 
at  apex.  Pappus  copious  and  smoothish,  of  very  fine  capillary  bristles 
in  several  series.  Annual  herbs.  Heads  corymbose. 


192 


WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 


1,  E.  hieracifo'lia,  Raf.  Stem  simple,  or  paniculate  at  summit; 
leaves  lance-oblong,  narrowed  at  base,  acute,  unequally  incised-den- 
tate,  sessile, — the  upper  ones  often  sagittate-auriculate  and  somewhat 
clasping. 

HlERACIUM-LEAVED  ERECHTHITES.       Fire-Weed. 

Stem  2-4  or  5  feet  high,  rather  large,  succulent  and  tender  when  young,  striate-sulcate, 
more  or  less  hairy,  sometimes  nearly  smooth.  Leaves  3-6  or  8  inches  long.  Heads 
middle-sized,  often  numerous,  in  small  cymose  corymhe  terminating  the  paniculate 
branches;  involucre  terete-oblong,  slightly  ventricose  ;  florets  whitish  or  ochroleucous, 
very  slender  and  numerous.  Pappus  very  white,  of  numerous  fine  and  almost  silky 
hairs.  Receptacle  flat,  rough  ish-dotted. 

Moist  grounds,  recent  clearings,  &c.:  throughout  the  United  States.  Fl.  July -August. 
Fr.  September. 

Obs.  This  plant  (which  has  much  the  aspect  of  a  Sonchus,  or  Sow- 
thistle)  is  remarkable  for  its  pre- 
valence in  newly  cleared  grounds, 
— especially  in  and  around  the 
spots  where  brush-wood  has  been 
burnt ;  whence  its  common 
name,  "Fire-weed."  It  is  a 
coarse,  worthless  weed,  and 
often  very  abundant  in  new 
grounds  ;  but  it  is  not  apt  to 
be  troublesome  in  cultivated 
fields. 

22.  SENE'CIO,  L.     GROUND- 
SEL. 

[Latin,  Senex,  an  old  man  ;  the  pappus 
resembling  a  white  beard.] 

Heads  many-flowered, — either 
discoid  with  the  florets  all  tu- 
bular and  perfect — or  radiate 
with  the  ray-florets  pistillate. 
Involucre  subcylindric  with  the 
scales  in  a  single  series,  or  caly- 
culate  with  a  few  accessory 
scales.  Receptacle  naked.  Akencs 
not  beaked  nor  winged — often 
grooved  or  ribbed.  Pappus  of 
numerous  very  slender  caducous 
hairs.  Herbs  with  alternate  leaves  and  solitary  or  corymbose  heads. 


129 


isa 


*  Heads  without  rays ;  root  annual. 


FIG.  128.  The  common  Groundsel  (Senecio  vulgaris) .     129.  A  flower.     ISO.  An  akene 


COMPOSITE    FAMILY.  193 

1 .  S.  vulga'ris,  L.  Leaves  piunatifid  and  dentate, — the  lowest  petiolate, 
the  upper  clasping  ;  heads  nodding. 

COMMON  SENECIO.    Groundsel. 

Stem  6-12  inches  high,  paniculately  branching,  angular,  mostly  smoothish.  Leaves 
1-3  inches  long, — the  upper  ones  somewhat  auricled  and  clasping,  —  the  lower  ones  on 
petioles  ^  an  inch  to  an  inch  in  length.  Involucre  somewhat  obconical,  smooth  ;  scales 
often  sphacelate,  or  blackish  at  apex,  bracteolate  at  base.  Akenes  pubescent  on  the  ribs. 

Obs.  A  homely  little  weed  in  waste  grounds  from  New  Engand  to 
Pennsylvania.  DE  CANDOLLE  says  that  it  has  migrated  almost  every- 
where with  European  men  ;  but  whether  it  is  likely  to  become  trouble- 
some to  our  farmers  is  not  yet  ascertained. 

**  Heads  radiate,  corymbose  ;  root  perennial. 

2.  S,  au'reus,  L.     Smooth,  or  often  somewhat  arachnoid-woolly  when 
young ;   radical  leaves  roundish-ovate  and  subcordate,  or  varying  to 
obovate  and  oblong-lanceolate,  crenate-serrate,  petiolate  ;  lower  stem- 
leaves  lyrate — the  upper  ones  lanceolate,  pinnatifid,  sessile  or  partly 
clasping ;  corymb  subumbellate. 

GOLDEN  SENECIO.     Golden  Ragwort.     Squaw-weed. 

Stem  1-2  feet  high,  corymbosely  branched, — the  lower  branches  elongated,  axillary 
ami  distant — the  upper  ones  crowded  or  subumbellate  at  the  summit  of  the  stem.  Leaves 
1-3  inches  long,  varying  in  form  on  the  different  varieties  ;  petioles  of  the  radical  leaves 
1  or  2  -  6  or  8  inches  long.  Heads  terminal  on  the  fastigiate  branches  ;  rays  and  disk  yel- 
low. Akenes  linear-oblong,  striate-ribbed  •  pappus  white. 

Banks  of  streams,  moist  sterile  Holds,  and  meadows  :  throughout  the  United  States. 
Fl.  April -June.  Fr.  June -July. 

Obs.  A  very  variable  plant,  some  forms  of  which  have  been  described  as 
species.  The  principal  varieties  are,  var.  obovatus,  with  round-obovate 
root-leaves  ;  this  usually  grows  in  dryer  places  than  the  var.  Balsamitse, 
which  has  the  root-leaves  oblong,  spatulate,  or  lanceolate,  sometimes 
cut-toothed,  tapering  into  the  petiole.  The  last  named  variety  is  a  fre- 
quent weed  in  poor  moist  meadows  and  pastures,  where  the  farmer  may 
often  see  patches,  in  the  spring,  made  conspicuous  by  its  yellow  rays. 
The  var.  obovatus  (called  "  Squaw-weed")  has  been  denounced,  by  an 
Agricultural  writer  in  New  York,  as  being  poisonous  to  sheep ;  but  I 
know  not  how  correctly,  and  am  rather  inclined  to  doubt  the  accuracy 
of  the  statement.  The  Senecios  are  a  multitudinous  family.  Prof.  DE 
CANDOLLE  describes  nearly  600  species — of  which  about  40  are  enume- 
rated by  TORREY  &  GRAY  as  inhabitants  of  North  America.  Although 
the  species  are  so  numerous,  and,  I  believe,  altogether  worthless,  I  do  not 
know  that  they  have  been  found  very  troublesome  on  the  farm. 

23.  CENTAURE'A,  L.     STAR-THISTLE. 

[From  the  Centaur,  Chiron, — who,  it  is  said,  cured  his  wound  with  the  plant.] 

Heads  many-flowered;  florets  unequal,— the  marginal  ones  larger  and 
neutral,  or  sometimes  wanting,— the  central  ones  perfect.  Involucre 
roundish  ovoid,  the  scales  variously  margined  or  appendaged.  Receptacle 
bristly.  Akenes  compressed.  Pappus  usually  composed  of  scabrous  fili- 
9 


194 


WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 


form  bristles  in  one  or  more  series — the  inner  series  often  smaller  and 
somewhat  conniveut.  Polymorphous  kerbs.  Leaves  alternate.  Heads 
solitary,  large. 

,./'  1,  C,  Cy'anus,  L.    Covered  with  a 

loose  cottony  down  ;  stem  erect,  much 
branched  ;  leaves  lance-linear,  sessile, 
entire — the  lower  ones  broader,  taper- 
ing into  a  kind  of  petiole,  toothed  or 
pinnatifid  at  base ;  pappus  shorter 
than  the  akene. 

BLUE  CENTAUREA.  Blue-bottle.  Rag- 
ged Robin.  Blue  Bonnets,  of  the 
Scotch. 

Fr.  Bluet.  Germ.  Die  Korn-blume. 
Span.  Ciano. 

Root  annual.  Stem  1  -  2  or  3  foot  high.  Leaves 
2-6  inches  long,  hoary-villous  or  lanugiuous 
— especially  on  the  under  side.  Heads  round- 
ish-ovoid, pedunculate,  not  bractoato  ;  outer 
scales  of  the  involucre  ovate-serrate, — the  in- 
ner ones  longer,  lanceolate,  scarious  and  en- 
tire below,  serrate  near  the  apex.  Florets  of 
the  centre  regular,  with  a  slender  tube,  mostly 
violet-purple, — the  marginal  ones  obsolctely 
pistillate,  larger,  spreading  or  recurved,  fun- 
nel-form with  along  tube,  blue,  or  sometimes 
purplish  or  white.  Akenes  oblong,  compress- 
ed, striate,  pilose,  with  a  cavity  (areola)  on 
one  side  of  the  base  ;  pappus  composed  of  nu- 
merous russet  scabrous  hairs  of  unequal 
length . 

Gardens    and    cultivated   fields  :  Northern 
and  Middle  States  :  introduced.    Native  of  Europe.    Fl.  July.    Fr.  August. 

Obs.  This  plant  is  often  seen  in  gardens,  and  in  some  places  is  grad- 
ually straggling  into  the  cultivated  fields.  As  it  is  considered  a  trouble- 
some weed,  among  the  grain  crops  of  Europe,  it  may  be  well  to  watch 
and  arrest  its  progress  here.  Every  worthless  intruder  should  be  regarded 
with  a  jealous  eye,  by  the  farmer.  C.  ni'gra  and  C.  Calci'trapa,  L.,  are 
naturalized  to  some  extent ;  the  former,  known  as  "  Knapweed,"  has  tho 
scales  of  the  involucre  margined  with  a  short  black  fringe  and  short 
pappus — principally  in  New  England.  C.  Calci'trapa,  or  "  Star  Thistle." 
has  the  middle  scales  of  the  involucre  terminating  in  spines,  and  no 
pappus. — Virginia. 

24.  CYNA'RA,  Vaill.     ARTICHOKE. 

[Greek,  Kyon,  kynos,  a  dog  ;  the  spines  of  the  involucre  resembling  dogs'  teeth.] 

Heads  many-flowered  ;  florets  all  equal.  Involucre  ovoid — the  scales  im- 
bricated, coriaceous,  produced  into  a  lanceolate  appendage  which  is 


322 


FIG.  132.  The  Bluebottle  (Contrmroa  Cyanup).   133.  A  divided  head,  showing  a  marginal 
and  disk-flower  remaining  oa  tho  bristly  receptacle 


COMPOSITE   FAMILY.  195 

spinescent  at  apex.    Receptacle  flat,  firnbrillate  or  bristly-chaffy.     Corolla 
5-cleft — the  limb  thick  at  base,  half  as  long  as  the  tube,  the  lobes  very 
unequal.     Akews  obovate  compressed  or  4-sided,  smooth.     Pappus  in 
several  series,  long,  plumose — the  bristles  free  at  base,  but  attached  to 
a  deciduous  ring.     Perennial  spinose  herbs.     Leaves  alternate,  pinnati- 
fidly  lobed,  not  decurrent.     Heads  large,  with  a  thick  fleshy  receptacle. 
1.  C.  SCOLYM'US,  L.     Stem  branching;  leaves  subspinose,  bipinnatifid 
and  sometimes  undivided,  tomentose  beneath ;  scales  of  the  involucre 
ovate,  thick  and  fleshy  at  base,  obtuse  at  apex  and  somewhat  emargi- 
nate — rarely  subspinescent,  straight  or  slightly  divergent. 
Artichoke. 
Fr.  Artichaud.     Germ.  Die  Artischoke.     Span.  Alcachofa. 

Root  perennial.     Stem  3-5  feet  high,  stout,  striate  and  tomentose.     Leaves  large,  entire 
or  lobed  and  spinose.     Heads  ovoid,  2-3  inches  in  diameter  ;  florets  blue.or  violet-purple. 
Gardens  :  cultivated.    Native  country  uncertain.     Fl.  Aug.     Fr.  Sept. 

Obs.  The  thick  receptacle,  together  with  the  fleshy  bases  of  the  scales 
of  the  involucre,  affords  a  favorite  vegetable  dish, — for  which  this  plant  is 
cultivated.  Another  species,  called  CARDOON  (C.  Cardunculus,  L.),  with 
the  leaves  all  bipinnately  lobed,  and  more  spinose,  to  which  the  foregoing 
is  nearly  allied  (if,  indeed,  it  be  not,  as  Prof.  DE  CANDOLLE  suggests,  a 
mere  variety  produced  by  long  culture),  is  also  cultivated  for  the  thick 
fleshy  petioles  and  ribs  of  the  leaves,  which  are  rendered  delicate  and 
white  by  etiolation,  or  blanching,  after  the  manner  practiced  with 
Celery. 

25.  CIR'SIUM,  Tournef.     THISTLE. 

[Greek,  Kirsos,  a  varix,  or  enlarged  vein  ;  for  which  the  plant  was  a  supposed  remedy.] 

Heads  many-flowered  ;  florets  all  similar  and  perfect,  or  rarely  imperfectly 
dioecious.  Involucre  subglobose ;  scales  imbricated  in  numerous  series, 
mostly  cuspidate  or  tipped  with  a  spine.  Receptacle  fimbrillate.  Akenes 
oblong,  compressed,  not  ribbed,  glabrous.  Pappus  of  many  series,  the 
hairs  united  into  a  deciduous  ring  at  base,  plumose,  merely  denticulate 
(the  stouter  ones  slightly  clavellate)  at  apex.  Biennial  or  perennial  herbs. 
Leaves  alternate,  sessile  or  decurrent,  often  pinnatifid  with  the  margins 
and  segments  spinose, — the  radical  ones  much  larger  than  the  cauline,  as 
is  usual  with  biennials. 

*  Involucral  scales  ail  tipped  with  spreading  prickles. 

1.  C.  lanceola'tum,  Scop.    Leaves  decurrent  on  the  stem  and  forming 

a  spinose  lobed  wing,  pinnatifid,  prickly  hispid  on  the  upper  surface, 

cobwebby  beneath — the  segments  lanceolate,  bifid,  divaricate,  spinose  ; 

involucre  ovoid,  nearly  bractless  ;  scales  linear-lanceolate,  tipped  with  a 

spine,  the  outer  ones  spreading. 

LANCEOLATE  CIRSIUM.     Common  Thistle. 

Fr.  Chardon  lanceole.     Germ.  Die  Kratzdistel.     Span.  Cardo. 


196  \VEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

Root  biennial.  Stem  2-4  feet  high,  branched,  striate-sulcate,  hairy,  winged  by  the  de- 
current  leaves.  Leaves  4-8  or  12  inches  long.  Heads  terminal,  erect,  about  an  inch  in 
diameter  ;  scales  of  the  involucre  connected  by  a  cobweb-like  villus.  Florets  purple,  with 
yellowish  anthers.  Akenes  small,  obovate-oblong  ;  pappus  about  an  inch  long,  silky. 

Pastures,  fence-rows,  way-sides,  &c. :  Northern  and  Middle  States  :  introduced.  Native 
of  Europe.  Fl.  June  -July.  Fr.  July  -August. 

06s.  This  foreigner,  which  delights  in  a  rich  soil,  is  abundantly  nat- 
uralized in  the  Northern  States,  generally.  Though  not  so  repulsive 
and  ugly  as  some  others  of  the  spinose  Composites,  it  is  nevertheless  a 
very  objectionable  weed  on  the  farm,  and  requires  constant  vigilance  and 
attention  to  exclude  it,  or  keep  it  in  subjection.  If  permitted  to  mature 
its  fruit,  the  spreading  pappus  may  be  seen,  by  hundreds,  floating  the 
akenes  through  the  air,  and  disseminating  the  noxious  intruder  far  and 
wide. 

**  Scales  of  the  involucre  appressed ;  the  inner  ones  not  prickly :  filaments 

hairy. 
f  Leaves  white,  woolly  beneath. 

2,  C.  dis 'color,   Spreng.     Leaves  deeply  pinnatifid,  sparsely  hairy  and 
green  above,   densely  hoary-tomentose   beneath — the  segments  linear- 
lanceolate,   cuspidate   and    spinulose-ciliate  ;    involucre   ovoid-oblong ; 
scales  appressed,  tipped  with  a  slender  prickle — the  outer  or  lower  scales 
lance-ovate,  the  inner  or  upper  ones  linear-lanceolate. 

TWO-COLORED  CIESIUM. 

Root  biennial.  Stem  2-5  feet  high,  with  rather  slender  spreading  leafy  branches, 
striate,  pubescent  with  crisped  membranous  hairs.  Leaves  3  or  4-12  or  15  inches  long 
(thosj  on  the  branches  small),  the  under  surface  bluish- white  with  a  soft  dense  tomen- 
tum.  Heads  1  —  2  inches  long,  and  an  inch  or  more  in  diameter  j  scales  somewhat  arach- 
noid-villous.  Florets  reddish-purple,  with  whitish  anthers. 

Fields  and  borders  of  thickets  :  Northern  and  Western  States.  Fl.  Aug. -Sept.  FT. 
Sept. -October. 

Obs.  Like  all  others  of  the  genus,  this  is  a  worthless,  obnoxious  weed, 
but  is  much  easier  kept  in  subjection  than  the  preceding. 

ff  Leaves  green  on  both  sides,  or  with  loose  woolly  hairs  beneath  ;  scales  of 
the  involucre  scarcely  prickly  pointed. 

3.  C.    pu'inilum,   Spreng.     Leaves  semi-amplexicaul,  pinnatifid,  green 
on  both  sides — the  segments  short,  irregularly  lobed,  spinulose-ciliate  and 
pointed  with  strong  sharp  spines ;  heads  few  and  large,  roundish-ovoid, 
bracteate ;   scales  of  the  involucre  appressed — the  outer  ones  ovate- 
lanceolate,  acuminate,  tipped  with  a  short  spine,  the  inner  ones  lance- 
linear  with  acuminate  scarious  serrulate  tips. 

Low  OR  DWARF  CIRSIUM.     Pasture  Thistle. 

Plant  pale  greyish  green.  Root  biennial.  Stem  1-2  feet  high,  stout, sparingly  branched, 
striate,  retrorsely  pilose.  Leaves  4-12  inches  long,  very  prickly,  more  or  less  hairy, 
densely  pilose  on  the  midrib  beneath.  Heads  few  (1  -3) ,  often  near  2  inches  in  diameter, 
mostly  with  large  pinnatind  spinose  bracts  at  base.  Fiords  often  2  inches  in  length, 
usually  of  a  pale  reddish-purple,  with  whitish  anthers. 

Neglected  old  fields  and  low  grounds  :  Middle  and  Northern  States.  Fl.  July.  Fr. 
August. 


COMPOSITE    FAMILY.  197 

Obs.  The  flowers  of  this  species  are  quite  fragrant,  and  the  heads 
somewhat  showy  or  conspicuous,  being  larger  than  those  of  any  other 
native  thistle.  It  does  not  disseminate  rapidly,  and  is  therefore  easily 
kept  in  subjection  by  proper  attention. 

4.  C.  horrid 'ulum,  MX.     Leaves  semi-amplexicaul,  pinnatifid,  lanugi- 
nous  beneath — the  short  segments  toothed  or  incised,  strongly  spinose  ; 
involucre  ovoid,  large,  with  a  verticil  of  pectinately  spinose  bracts  at 
base ;  scales  loosely  imbricated,  linear-lanceolate,  tapering  to  a  subulate 
point,  but  scarcely  spinose. 

SOMEWHAT  RUGGED  CIKSIUM.     Yellow  Thistle. 

Hoot  biennial  ?  (perennial,  DC.).  Stem  18  inches  to  2-3  feet  high,  rather  stout,  simple 
or  sparingly  branched,  arachnoid-lanuginous  when  young,  finally  smoothish.  Leaves 
4-12  inches  long,  hairy  on  the  upper  surface,  lanuginous  beneath, — the  segments  pointed 
with  short  rigid  spines.  Heads  terminal,  few,  (often  but  one),  nearly  as  large  as  in  the 
preceding  species,  surrounded  at  base  by  a  whorl  of  numerous  (10 -20  or  30)  linear- 
lanceolate  bracts,  about  as  long  as  the  involucre, — the  bracts  subpinnatifid  or  sinuate- 
dentate,  pectinately  spinose,  with  the  spines  somewhat  in  pairs,  or  fascicled.  Florets  an 
inch  to  an  inch  and  a  half  long,  pale  yellow  (sometimes  purple  ?  or  becoming  purple  in 
drying?). 

Pastures  and  waste  places  :  sea  coast,  from  Massachusetts  to  Louisiana  :  introduced. 
Fl.  July.  Fr.  August. 

Obs.  A  rugged  and  repulsive  plant,  which  is  very  common  on  the  sea- 
shore, and  which  it  is  very  desirable  should  remain  a  stranger  to  our 
farms. 

*  *  *  Scales  of  the  appressed  involucre  barely  prickly  pointed ;  filaments 
nearly  smooth  ;  heads  imperfectly  dioecious. 

5.  C.  arven'se,  Scop.     Rhizoma  creeping  ;  stem  rather  slender,  striate- 
angled,  paniculately  branched  at  summit ;  leaves  sessile,  lance-oblong, 
sinuate-pinnatifid  and  dentate,  undulate,  ciliate-spinose ;  heads  numerous, 
small ;    involucre  oblong-ovoid  ;   scales  appressed,  lance-ovate,  mucro- 
nate, — a  few  of  the  outer  ones  cuspidate-spinose. 

FIELD  CIRSIUM.     Canada  Thistle.     Cursed  Thistle. 
Fr.  Chardon  aux  Anes.     Germ.  Die  Acker  Kratzdistel. 

Rhizoma  perennial, — creeping  horizontally  6-8  inches  below  the  surface  of  the  ground, 
and  giving  off  numerous  erect  biennial  branches.  Stem  18  inches  to  3  feet  high,  slender 
and  smoothish, — the  branches  slender  and  lanuginous.  Leaves  4-8  or  10  inches  long, 
sessile  and  slightly  decurrent,  smoothish  on  the  upper  surface,  sometimes  arachnoid- 
lanuginous  beneath, — the  radical  ones  curled  or  wavy.  Heads  half  an  inch  to  two-thirds 
of  an  inch  in  diameter,  terminal,  sub-pedunculate  ;  scales  smoothish,  minutely  ciliate. 
Florets  palish  lilac-purple,  with  whitish  anthers,  perfect  or  the  heads  dioecious  by  abor- 
tion. Akenes  linear-oblong,  slightly  4-cornered  ;  pappus  finally  longer  than  the  florets. 

Fields  and  way-sides  :  Northern  and  Middle  States  :  introduced.  Native  of  Europe. 
Fl.  July.  Fr.  August. 

Obs.  This  is,  perhaps,  the  most  execrable  weed  that  has  yet  invaded 
the  farms  of  our  country.  The  rhizoma  or  subterranean  stem  (which  is 
perennial  and  very  tenacious  of  life),  lies  rather  below  the  usual  depth  of 
furrows — and  hence  the  plant  is  not  destroyed  by  common  ploughing. 
This  rhizoma  ramifies  and  extends  itself  horizontally  in  all  directions, — 
sending  up  branches  to  the  surface,  where  radical  leaves  are  developed 


198 


WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 


A.H. 


the  first  year — and  aerial  stems  the  second  year.  The  plant  appears  to 
die  at  the  end  of  the  second  summer  ;  but  it  only  dies  down  to  the  hori- 
zontal subterranean  stem.  The  numerous  branches  sent  up  from  the  rhi- 
zoma,  soon  cover  the  ground  with  the  prickly  radical  leaves  of  the  plant ; 
and  thus  prevent  cattle  from  feeding1  where  they  are.  Nothing  short  of 
destroying  the  perennial  portion  of  the  plant  will  rid  the  ground  of  this 
pest ;  and  this,  I  believe,  has  been  accomplished  by  a  few  years  of  con- 
tinued culture  (or  annual  cropping  of  other  plants,  that  requiVe  frequent 
ploughing,  or  dressing  with  the  hoe,) — so  as  to  prevent  the  development 

FIG.  134.  The  Canada  Thistle  (Cirsium  arvense),  reduced. 


COMPOSITE   FAMILY.  199 

of  radical  leaves,  and  deprive  the  rhizoma  of  all  connection  or  communi- 
cation with  the  atmosphere. 

The  following  notice  of  this  annoying  weed,  from  CURTIS'  Flora  Lon- 
dinensis,  may  not  be  uninteresting  to  the  American  farmer  : 

"  Vitium  agrorum  apud  nos  primarium  est  [it  is  the  greatest  pest  of 
our  fields.]  LINNAEUS  observes  in  his  Flora  Lapponica.  The  same  may  be 
said  with  us  :  and  we  have  bestowed  on  this  plant  the  harsh  name  of 
cursed,  with  a  view  to  awaken  the  attention  of  the  Agriculturists  of  our 
country  to  its  nature  and  pernicious  effects. 

"  Repeated  observation  has  convinced  us  that  many  husbandmen  are 
ignorant  of  its  economy,—  and  while  they  remain  so,  they  will  not  be 
likely  to  get  rid  of  one  of  the  greatest  pests  which  can  affect  their  corn- 
fields and  pastures.  Of  the  thistle  tribe  the  greatest  part  are  annual  or 
biennial,  and  hence  easily  destroyed.  Some  few  are  not  only  perennial, 
but  have  powerfully  creeping  roots, — and  none  so  much  as  the  present. 
In  pulling  this  plant  out  of  the  ground,  we  draw  up  a  long  slender  root, 
which  many  are  apt  to  consider  as  the  whole  of  it ;  but  if  those  employ- 
ed in  such  business  examine  the  roots  so  drawn  up,  they  will  find  every 
one  of  them  broken  off  at  the  end  :  for  the  root  passes  perpendicularly  to 
a  groat  depth,  and  then  branches  out  horizontally  under  ground." 

Two  or  three  other  species  of  Cirsium  are  frequently  to  be  met  with, 
(viz. :  C.  nmti'cuin,  MX.,  with  the  heads  not  spinose, — and  C.  altis'si- 
lHUTn,  Spreng.,  with  the  stem-leaves  not  pinnatifid)  :  but,  as  they  do  not 
incline  much  to  infest  the  open  grounds  or  farm-land,  I  have  not  judged 
it  necessary  to  notice  them  more  particularly  here. 

20.  ONOPOR'DON,  Vaill     COTTON  THISTLE. 

Heads  and  flowers  nearly  as  in  Cirsium.  Scales  of  the  involucre  coria- 
ceous, tipped  with  a  lanceolate  prickly  appendage.  Receptacle  deeply 
honey-combed.  Ackcnia  4-angled,  wrinkled.  Pappus  of  numerous  bris- 
tles, slender,  not  plumose,  united  at  the  base  into  a  horny  ring.  Coarse 
herbs  ;  the  stem  winged  with  the  decurrent  base  of  the  prickly-lobed 
leaves. 

1.  0.  Acan'thium,  L.    Stem  and  leaves  cotton-woolly  ;  scales  of  the  invo- 
lucre linear  awl-shaped. 
Cotton  Thistle. 

Annual.  Stem  2-4  feet  high,  broadly  winged  by  the  decurrent  edges  of  the  leaves. 
Leaves  ovate-oblong,  sinuate  and  spinose,  woolly  on  both  sides  but  most  so  beneath. 
Flowers  large  purple,  solitary  at  the  end  of  the  branches.  Involucre  globose,  of  nume- 
rous lanceolate  very  pungent  scales,  green  with  yellowish  tips,  the  upper  ones  nearly  erect, 
the  middle  ones  spreading,  the  lowermost  reflexed,  all  connected  by  a  cottony  wob. 
Pappus  scarcely  half  the  length  of  the  florets,  jointed,  rough  downwards. 

Naturaliz3d  from  Europe.    July -August. 

Obs.  A  coarse  thistle-like  plant,  conspicuous  by  the  white  cottony 
appearance  of  its  stem  and  leaves.  Very  common  along  road-sides  and 
in  waste  places  in  New  England.  This  is  said  to  be  the  true  Scotch  this- 
tle, the  national  emblem. 


200  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

27.  LAP'PA,  Tournef.    BURDOCK. 

[Greek,  labein,  to  seize  ;  from  its  adhesive  involucres.] 

Heads  many-flowered  ;  florets  all  perfect  and  similar.  Involucre  globose  ; 
scales  imbricated,  coriaceous,  appressed  at  base,  spreading  and  subulate 
above,  with  the  rigid  apex  uncinately  incurved.  Receptacle  bristly. 
Afcenes  oblong,  compressed,  transversely  wrinkled.  Pappus  in  several 
series,  short,  filiform,  scabrous,  not  united  into  a  ring  at  base,  caducous. 
Biennial  herbs,  coarse  and  branching.  Leaves  alternate,  subcordate, 
petiolate,  large.  Heads  rather  small,  solitary  or  somewhat  corymbose. 

1.  L.  major,   Gartn.    Lower  leaves  cordate- oblong,  upper  ones  ovate  ; 

scales  of  the  involucre  all  subulate  with  uncinate  tips,  smooth  or  loosely 

arachnoid. 

GREATER  LAPP  A.     Bur-dock. 

Fr.  Glouteron.     Germ.  Die  Klette.     Span.  Bardana  Lampazo. 

Root  biennial.  Stem  2-4  or  6  feet  high,  panioulately  branching,  striate-sulcate,  rough- 
ish-pubescent.  Leaves  green  and  roughish  pubescent  above,  paler  and  arachnoid -tomen- 
tose  beneath, — the  radical  ones  1-2  feet  long,  erosely  dentate  and  undulate  on  the  margin, 
(sometimes  pinnatifid,  or  coarsely  and  deeply  dentate);  petioles  9-18  inches  long  ;  stem- 
leases  smaller,  and  more  or  less  ovate.  Heads  roundish-ovoid,  on  short  peduncles,  termi- 
nal and  axillary;  scales  of  the  involucre  subulate-lanceolate,  keeled,  minutely  serrulate, 
smoothish,  spreading,  with  the  point  incurved  and  hooked.  Florets  purple,  with  bluish 
anthers.  Akenes  compressed,  angular,  rugose. .  Receptacle  flmbrillate,— the  bristly  chaff 
smooth,  longer  than  the  akenes. 

Fence-rows  and  waste  places  :  introduced.  Native  of  Europe.  Fl.  July -September. 
Fr.  September  -  October. 

Obs.  Everybody  knows  this  coarse  homely  weed,  wherever  it  has  gain- 
ed admittance, — but  everybody  does  not  take  care  to  keep  it  in  due  sub- 
jection. One  of  the  earliest  and  surest  evidences  of  slovenly  negligence 
about  a  farm-yard,  is  the  prevalence  of  huge  Bur-docks.  The  plant  is 
considerably  bitter  ;  and  the  leaves  are  a  favorite  external  application  in 
fevers,  head-ache,  &c. 

28.  CICHO'EIUM,  Tournef.    SUCCORY. 

[Etymology  obscure  :  perhaps  from  Chicouryeh,  the  Arabic  name  of  tho  plant.] 

Heads  usually  many-flowered.  Involucre  double, — the  outer  one  of  about 
5  short  spreading  scales — the  inner  one  of  8  -  ]  0  scales.  Akenes  turbinate, 
somewhat  compressed  and  angular,  striate,  glabrous.  Pappus  of  nume- 
rous very  small  chaffy  scales.  Branching  herbs ;  /lowers  bright  blue, 
showy. 

1.  C.  Lit y' bus,  L.  Eadical  leaves  runcinate,  hispidly  scabrous  on  the 
midrib, — the  cauline  ones  small,  oblong  or  lanceolate,  partly  clasping, 
sinuate-dentate  or  entire — those  of  the  branches  inconspicuous  ;  heads 
axillary,  subsessile,  mostly  in  pairs. 

Wild  Succory.     Chiccory. 

Fr.  La  Chicoree  sauvage.     Germ.  Der  Wegewart.     Span.  Achicoria. 


COMPOSITE   FAMILY. 


201 


136 


FIG.  135.  Wild  Cichory  or  Succory  (Cichorium  Intybus),  the  size  much  reduced. 
136.  A  separate  head,  the  flowers  all  strap  shaped. 


202  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

Root  perennial,  somewhat  fusiform.  Stem  2-4  feet  high,  angular-striate,  roughish- 
pubescent,  with  numerous  and  somewhat  virgate  scabrous  br'anches.  Radical  leaves  4-  8 
or  10  inches  long,  numerous.  Heads  axillary  on  the  side  of  the  stem  and  branches,  in 
pairs  or  often  solitary.  Florets  blue,  or  sometimes  purplish — and  not  unfrequently  white — 
all  ligulate  and  radiating  towards  the  circumference.  Pappus  of  minute  chaffy  scales, 
oblong,  obtuse  or  ehiarginate,  in  a  double  series. 

Fields  and  meadows  :  Northern  and  Middle  States  :  introduced.  Native  of  Europe. 
Fl.  August.  Fr.  September -October. 

Obs.  This  foreigner  is  becoming  extensively  naturalized.  Some  Euro- 
pean Agriculturists  recommend  it  as  a  valuable  forage  plant, — though 
they  admit  that  it  gives  a  bad  taste  to  the  milk  of  cows  which  feed  upon 
it.  In  this  country,  it  is  generally — and  I  belive  justly  regarded  as  an 
objectionable  weed,  which  ought  to  be  expelled  from  our  pastures.  The 
roasted  root  has  been  used  on  the  continent  of  Europe,  as  a  substitute 
for  the  Coffee-berry  ;  but  those  who  delight  in  the  aromatic  beverage,  are 
not  likely  to  take  much  interest  in  this  or  any  other  substitute  for  the 
genuine  article. 

2.  C.  ENDI'VIA,  Willd.  var.  sati'va,  DC.  Kadical  leaves  somewhat  erect, 
obovate-oblong,  sinuate-dentate,  and  often  pinnatifid,  smoothish, — the 
cauline  ones  auriculately  dilated  at  base ;  heads  sessile  and  aggregated 
in  twos  and  fours  in  the  axils  of  the  upper  leaves,  or  solitary  on  elongat- 
ed branches. 

Endive*     Garden  Succory. 

Fr.  La  Scarole.     Germ.  Die  Endivie.     Span.  Endibia. 

Root  biennial — or  sometimes  annual.  Stem  2-3  feet  high,  terete,  flstular,  somewhat 
branched,  smoothish,  or  often  sparsely  hirsute.  Radical  leaves  6-12  inches  long,  sinuate- 
dentate  with  the  teeth  varying  from  large  to  very  small  and  numerous,  sometimes  pin- 
natifid with  the  margin  curled  and  lacerate,  slender  and  tapering  to  the  base.  Outer  scales 
of  the  involucre  hispid-ciliate.  Florets  violet-purple,  or  sometimes  white, — the  ligules  at 
first  involute.  Akenes  turbinate  or  obconic,  somewhat  compressed,  angular  and  ribbed  ; 
pappus  of  minute  chaffy  scales  in  a  double  series. 

Gardens  :  cultivated.     Native  of  India.     Fl.  July  -August,     J5V.  September. 

Obs.  Cultivated  for  the  young  radical  leaves, — which  are  etiolated  or 
blanched  by  the  exclusion  of  light,  and  used  as  a  salad. 

29.  LEON'TODON,  L.    FALL  DANDELION. 

[Greek,  leon,  a  lion,  and  odous,  a  tooth  ;  from  the  toothed  leaves.] 

Heads  many-flowered.  Involucre  scarcely  imbricated,  but  with  several 
bractlets  at  the  base.  Achenia  spindle-shaped,  striate,  all  similar.  Pap- 
pus of  plumose  bristles,  enlarged  towards  the  base,  persistent.  Low, 
stemless  perennial  herbs,  with  toothed  or  pinnatifid  root-leaves,  the 
scapes  bearing  one  or  more  yellow  heads. 

1.  L.  autumna'le,  L.  Leaves  more  or  less  pinnatifid  ;  scape  branched  ; 
peduncles  thickened  at  the  summit,  and  furnished  with  small  scaly 
bracts  ;  pappus,  tawny,  of  a  single  row  of  equal  bristles.  June  to 
Nov.  Hawkbit.  Fall  Dandelion. 

Obs.  This  introduced  plant  is  especially  abundant  in  New  England, 


COMPOSITE   FAMILY.  203 

where  it  infests  grass  plots,  beginning  to  flower  in  June,  and  continuing 
until  the  frost.  The  flowers  much  resemble  those  of  the  Dandelion. 
Varies  with  the  leaves,  more  or  less  hispid. 

30.  TKAGOPO'GON,  Tournef.     SALSIFY. 

[Greek,  Tragos,  a  goat,  and  Pogon,  a  beard  ;  in  allusion  to  the  pappus.] 

Heads  many-flowered.  Involucre  in  a  nearly  single  series  ;  scales  8  - 
16,  somewhat  united  at  the  base,  finally  reflexed.  Akenes  sessile,  with  a 
lateral  areola  at  base,  scabrous,  terminating  in  a  long  continuous  beak. 
Papptis  in  several  series, — all  plumose  except  the  5  outer  ones,  which 
are  longer  than  the  rest.  Biennial  or  perennial  herbs.  Leaves  sublinear, 
with  parallel  nerves. 

1.  T.  PORRIFO'LIUM,  L.     Glabrous  ;  leaves  lance-linear,  acuminate,  very 

entire  ;  penduncles  somewhat  obconical,  fistular ;  scales  of  the  involucre 

about  8,  lanceolate,  acute,  longer  than  the  florets. 

LEEK-LEAVED  TRAGOPOGON.     Oyster-plant.     Salsify. 

Fr.  Salsifis.     Germ.  Der  Bock-bart.     Span.  Barba  cabruna. 

Plant  glabrous  and  somewhat  glaucous.  Root  biennial  ?  (annual  DC.),  fleshy  and  fusi- 
form. Stem  3  -4  or  5  feet  high,  sparingly  and  somewhat  dichotornously  branched.  Leaves 
6-12  or  15  inches  long,  ovately  dilated  at  base,  and  tapering  to  a  long  narrow  acumiua- 
tion,  keeled,  sessile  and  semi-amplexicaul,  somewhat  distichous.  Heads  terminal,  on  en- 
larged clavate  hollow  peduncles,  floretx  violet-purple  with  a  fuscous  tinge.  Akenes 
lance-oblong,  striate-sulcate,  scabrous,  tapering  to  a  smooth  slender  beak,  about  an  inch 
in  length,  and  supporting  the  pappus  at  summit. 

Gardens  :  cultivated.     Native  of  Europe.     Fl.   June.     Fr.  July. 

Obs.  This  is  frequently  cultivated  for  its  fleshy  root, — which,  when 
properly  cooked,  has  something  of  the  flavor  of  fried  Oysters ;  whence 
one  of  its  common  names. 

31.  TARAX'ACUM,  Holler.     DANDELION. 

[Greek,  Tarasso,  to  stir  or  disturb  ;  in  allusion  to  its  supposed  active  properties.] 

Heads  many-flowered.  Involucre  double, — the  outer  scales  small, 
appressed,  spreading  or  reflexed — the  inner  ones  erect,  in  a  single  series. 
Akenes  oblong,  striate-ribbed  or  angled,  minutely  muricate  on  the  ribs, 
often  spinellose  at  summit, — the  apex  abruptly  produced  into  a  long 
slender  beak.  Pappus  in  many  series,  capillary,  very  white.  Perennial 
stemless  herbs  .\  leaves,  consequently,  all  radical.  Heads  of  flowers  mostly 
solitary,  on  simple  fistular  naked  scapes. 

1.  T.  Dens-leo'nis.  Desf.     Leaves  lanoe-oblong,  unequally  and  acutely 
ruucinate, — the  lobes    triangular,   dentate   anteriorly ;    scales    of  tbo 
involucre  not  corniculate  at  apex,  the  outer  ones  reflexed. 
LION-TOOTH  TARAXACUM.     Dandelion. 
Fr.  Dent  de  Lion.     Germ.  Der  Loewenzahn.     Span.  Amargon. 

Plant  at  first  somowlnt  pubescont,  at  length  smooth.  Root  perennial.  Leave*  4  -10  or 
12  inches  long.  Scapes  several  from  tha  s:im<j  root.  4-12  or  15  inches  long  (elongating), 


204 


WEEDS    AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 


140 


terete,  each  bearing  a  single  head.  Involucre  oblong, — the  inner  scales  lance-linear,  ap- 
pressed,  with  scarious  margins — the  outer  ones  reflexed,  slightly  ciliate, — finally  the  entire 
involucre  refiexed.  Florets  yellow.  Akenes  terminating  in  a  leak,  which  is  short  at  first, 
then  suddenly  elongating  to  about  three-fourths  of  an  inch  in  length,  filiform,  bearing  the 
pappus  at  summit,  diverging  so  as  to  form  a  globose  head. 

Pastures,  &c.:  nearly  throughout  the  United  States  :  introduced.     Native  of  Europe. 
Fl.  April  -  August.     Fr.  May  -  September. 

Obs.  This  foreigner — although  not  a  very  obnoxious  plant — has  be- 
come so  thoroughly  naturalized  as  to  be  more  abundant  than  we'come, 
in  our  pasture-grounds  and  meadows  :  and  yet,  if  it  cannot  be  repressed 
or  smothered  out  by  better  plants,  it  will  be  a  difficult  task  to  extirpate 
it, — as  myriads  of  seeds  are  annually  wafted  over  the  country  by 


FIG.  137.  Flower  and  leaf  of  the  common  Dandelion  (Taraxacum  Dens-Leonis).  138. 
An  enlarged  separate  floret.  139.  A  receptacle  with  a  portion  of  the  akenes  remaining. 
149.  An  enlarged  alcene  with  the  pappus  at  the  end  of  its  elongated  beak. 


COMPOSITE   FAMILY.  205 

means  of  the  pappus.  The  plant  is  medicinal,  and  is  popular  as  a 
remedy  in  diseases  of  the  liver.  The  leaves  are  used  as  a  pot-herb,  or 
"  greens,"  and  the  young  radical  leaves,  when  blanched,  are  said  to 
make  a  good  substitute  for  Endive. 

32.  LACTU'CA,    Tournef.    LETTUCE. 

[Latin,  Lac,  milk  ;  in  reference  to  its  milky  juice.] 

Heads  few,  or  several-flowered.     Involucre  subcylindrical ;  scales  in  2  - 

4  series, — the  outer  ones  shorter  and  broader.     Akenes  flatly  obcom- 

pressed,  wingless,  abruptly  produced  into  a  filiform  beak.     Pappus  in 

several   series  of   soft   white  hairs.     Leafy-stemmed   caulescent  kerbs. 

Heads  of  flowers  paniculate  or  corymbose. 

1.  L.  SCARIO'LA,  var.  SATI'VA,  Moris.     Stem  corymbosely  branching, 

leafy ;  radical  leaves  erect,  oval,  narrowed  at  base,  wavy, — the  cauline 

ones  cordate,  amplexicaul. 

Garden  Lettuce.     Salad. 

Fi\  La  Laitue.     Germ.  Der  Salat.     Span.  Leohuga. 

Plant  smooth,  mostly  yellowish  green  and  glaucous, — sometimes  fuscous  and  tinged  with 
dark  purple.  Root  annual.  Stem  2-4  feet  high  ;  branches  clothed  with  numerous  small 
leaves.  Head*  numerous,  terminal,  small.  Inner  scales  of  the  involucres  lanceolate, — the 
outer  or  lower  ones  ovate.  Florets  yellow.  Akenes  lance  obovate,  striate-ribbed,  about 
half  as  long  as  the  tilifbrm  beak. 

Gardens  :  cultivated.     Native  country  uncertain, — probably  India.   Fl.  July.     Fr.  Aug. 

Obs.  This  plant — called  salad,  par  excellence — is  almost  universally 
known,  and  cultivated.  Those  forms  known  as  Curled  and  Head  Salad, 
formerly  considered  as  distinct  species,  are  now  believed  to  be  mere 
varieties  of  the  above.  The  milky  juice  with  which  the  plant  abounds 
at  flowering  time  is  very  bitter,  and  possesses  narcotic  properties  ;  col- 
lected and  dried,  it  forms  the  Lactuearium  of  the  shops,  which  is  some- 
times used  as  a  substitute  for  Opium.  There  is  a  native  species  (L. 
eloaga'ta,  Midi.}  frequently  to  bo  met  with,  on  the  farm  ;  but  it  is 
scarcely  of  sufficient  importance  to  be  entitled  to  notice,  here. 

33.  SON'CHUS,  L.     SOW-THISTLE. 

[Ancient  Greek  name  of  obscure  meaning.] 

Heads  many-flowered,  tumid  at  base.  Scales  of  involucre  more  or  less 
inbricated.  Akenes  compressed,  ribbed,  not  beaked ;  pappus  copious, 
of  very  white,  soft,  fine  silky  hairs,  smoothish  and  glaucous  herbs; 
florets  yellow. 

1.  S.  olera'ceus,  L.     Leaves  runcinate-pinnatifid,  dentate,  sagittate  and 
clasping  ;  akenes  transversly  rugose. 
Common  Sow-thistle. 

Annual.  Stem  2-3  feet  high,  branched,  hollow,  tonder,  glandular-pilose  above.  Leaves 
3-8  inches  long, — the  lower  ones  runcinate,  on  petioles  1-2  inches  in  length, — upper  ones 
clasping.  Heads  of  flowers  in  terminal  and  axillary  cymose  panicles  ;  peduncles  thickish. 


206  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

clothed  when  young  with  a  loose  flocculent  white  torucntum  ;  involucre  tumid  and  orbicular 
at  base,  abruptly  contracted  above  to  an  acumiixation. 
Gardens  and  cultivated  grounds.     August -September. 

Obs.  Besides  the  above,  the  Spiny-leaved  Sow-thistle  (S.  as' per,  L.)  is 
frequently  met  with  ;  it  has  prickly  toothed  leaves,  those  of  the  stem 
clasping  it  by  conspicuous  rounded  auricles ;  and  smooth,  nerved  akenes. 
A  perennial  species  (S.  arven'sis,  L.)  with  very  large  flowers,  is  sparingly 
introduced  along1  the  sea-coast. 


ORDER  XLI.     LOBELIA'CEJE.     (LOBELIA  FAMILY.) 

Herbs  with  milky  juice,  alternate  leaves,  and  scattered  powers  (i.  e.  not  heads).  Calyx-tube 
more  or  less  adherent  to  the  ovary.  Corolla  tubular,  irregularly  5-lobed.  slit  longitudi- 
nally, nearly  or  quite  to  the  base  on  one  side.  Stamens  5,  united  into  a  tube  by  their  an- 
thers, and  more  or  less  completely  by  thoir  filaments  ;  free  from  the  corolla.  Heeds  nume- 
rous with  fleshy  albumen.  The  plants  of  this  family  are  generally  acrid  and  poisonous. 

1.  LOBB'LIA,  L.    LOBELIA. 

[Named  in  honor  of  Matthias  de  Label, — a  Flemish  Botanist.] 

Cdyx  5-lobed  ;  the  sinuses  sometimes  with  an  appendage  ;  tube  short, 
tumid.  Corolla  tubular, — the  tube  cylindric  or  funnel-form,  cleft  on  the 
upper  side  nearly  to  the  base  ;  limb  somewhat  bilabiate, — the  upper  lip 
mostly  smaller  and  erect — the  lower  one  broader,  spreading,  3-cleft  or  3- 
toothed.  Anthers  coherent  in  a  tube, — the  2  lower  ones  bearded  at 
apex.  Pod  2-celled,  many-seeded,  opening  at  the  top.  Flowers  race- 
mose-spicate,  of  various  colors — usually  blue  or  red. 

L  L.  infla'ta,  L.  Stem  erect,  hirsute,  paniculately  branched  ;  leaves 
subsessile,  lance-ovate,  crenate-dentate,  pilose  ;  racemes  leafy  ;  flowers 
small,  axillary  ;  calyx-tube  ovoid,  smoothish,  the  segments  as  long  as  the 
corolla,  the  sinuses  not  appeudaged  ;  capsule  ovoid  or  oval,  inflated. 

INFLATED  LOBELIA.     Eye-bright.     Indian  Tobacco. 

Root  annual  or  biennial.  Stem  9-18  inches  high,  sometimes  angled  or  slightly  winged 
by  the  decurrenco  of  the  leaves,  often  very  hairy  ;  branches  axillary.  Leaves  1-3  in- 
ches long,  more  or  less  ovate,  unequally  sinuate-dentate  or  crenate.  Peduncles  one-fourth 
to  half  an  inch  long.  Corolla  pale  blue,  rather  inconspicuous.  Capsule  thin  and  mcm- 
branaceous,  smoothish.  Seeds  minute,  elliptic-oblong,  rough  with  ferruginous  reticulated 
ridges. 

Pastures,  road-sides,  &c.  :  Canada  to  South  Carolina.  Fl.  July  -  September.  Fr.  Au- 
gust-October. 

066'.  This  is  an  acrid  plant, — possessing  emetic,  cathartic,  and  nar- 
cotic properties  ;  and  is  somewhat  notorious  for  the  use  made  of  it  by  a 
tribe  of  reckless  modern  Empirics.  It  is  frequent  in  our  pastures,  in  the 
latter  part  of  cummer, — and  has  been  suspected  of  causing  the  ptyalism 
or  slabbering  of  horses  so  often  observable  at  that  season.  I  cannot, 
however,  help  doubting  the  correctness  of  the  opinion  ;  for  the  horse  is 
a  dainty  animal  in  the  selection  of  his  food.  I  have  often  remarked  the 
care  and  dexterity  with  which  he  separates  the  palatable  herbage  from 
that  which  is  not  so  ;  and  have  never  seen  him  eat,  nor  even  crop,  so 


HEATH    FAMILY. 


207 


acrid  and  offensive  a  weed  as  this  Lobelia.  Several  other  species  are 
common,  two  of  which  are  admired  for  the  beauty  of  their  blue  and  red 
flowers. — particularly  the  crimson  Cardinal-flower,  (L.  cardina'lis,  L.)  ; 
which  is  sometimes  used  by  the  "  Indian  doctors"  under  the  name  of 
"  High-belia"  probably  to  distinguish  it  from  "  Low-belia."  It  is  one 
of  the  most  showy  of  our  wild  flowers,  bears  transplanting  to  the  garden, 
and  is  worthy  of  being  cultivated.  A  variety  is  sometimes  met  with  in 
which  the  flowers  are  all  white. 

ORDER  XLII.     ERICA'CEJE.     (HEATH  FAMILY.) 

Shrubs  or  sometimes  herbs  with  mostly  alternate  leaves  without  stipules,  and  regular  or 
nearly  regular  flowers.  Corolla  4-5-lobed  (rarely  4-5-petalled).  Stamens  as  many  or 


FIG.  141.  A  branch  of  Indian  Tobacco  (Lobelia  inflata)  with  fruit  and  flowers.  142.  An 
enlarged  flower  showing  its  corolla  split  down  on  one  side.  143.  The  same  with  calyx  and 
corolla  removed,  exposing  the  stamens  united  by  both  filaments  and  anthers. 


208  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

twice  as  many  as  the  lobes  or  petals  ;  anthers  2-celled,  often  with  awn-like  appendages, 
and  frequently  opening  by  pores  at  the  summit.  Sytlel.  Ovary  3-10-celled.  fruit  a 
berry  or  capsule.  Seeds  small,  with  fleshy  albumen. 

This  is  an  interesting  Order, — comprising  some  plants  of  a  medicinal  character,  and  a 
number  that  are  exceedingly  beautiful — especially  the  Azaleas,  Rhododendrons,  Kalmias, 
and  many  species  of  the  multitudinous  genus  (Erica)  which  is  the  type  of  the  family. 
|1.  HUCKLEBERRY  SUB-FAMILY.     Calyx-tube  adherent  to  the  ovary,  which  becomes  a  berry 

or  berry-like  fruit.     Anther-cells  nearly  distinct,  tapering  upwards  into  a  tube. 
Ovary  10-celied,  with  a  single  ovule  in  each  cell.     Berry  with  8-10 

largish  seeds  or  nutlets.  1-  GAYLUSSACIA. 

Ovary  4-5-celled,  with  several  ovules  in  each  cell.     Berry  many- 
seeded.  2.  VACCL\IUM. 
§  2.  HEATH  SUB-FAMILY.    Calyx  free  from  the  ovary.    Corolla  some- 
times of  nearly  or  quite  distinct  petals.    Seed-coat  mostly  thin  and 
close-fitting. 
Fruit  a  berry  or  drupe. 

Corolla  dropping  off  after  blossoming.  3.  ARCTOSTAPHYLOS. 

Fruit  berry -like  ;  the  calyx  becoming  enlarged  and  fleshy. 

Anthers  4-awned  at  the  top.  4.  GAULTHERIA. 

Fruit  a  dry  pod  ;  the  calyx  not  enlarging. 

Corolla  ovate  or  oblong  cylindrical,  5-toothed.  5.  ANDROMEDA. 

Corolla  bell-shaped    or  wheel-shaped,  with  10  depressions    or 

pouches.  6.  KALMIA. 

Corolla  of  5  separate  petals.  7.  CLETHRA. 

§3.  PYROLA  SUB-FAMILY.  Calyx  free  from  the  ovary,  5-parted,  per- 
sistent. Corolla  of  5  separate  petals .  Seeds  with  a  loose  transpa- 
rent and  cellular  coat. 

Flowers  in  a  corymb  or  umbel.  Style  very  short  ;  stigma  broad  and 
orbicular.  8.  CHIMAPHILA. 

1.  GAYLUSSA'CIA,  H.  B.  K.     HUCKLEBERRY 

[Dedicated  to  Gay  Lussac,  a  distinguished  French  Chemist.] 

Corolla  ovoid  or  bell-shaped  ;  the  border  5-cleft.  Stamens  10  ;  anthers 
awnless  ;  the  cells  tapering  and  tubular  above,  opening  by  a  pore  or 
chink  at  the  summit.  Fruit  a  berry-like  drupe,  containing  10  nutlets. 
Leaves  mostly  deciduous  and  entire.  Branching  shrubs,  commonly 
sprinkled  with  resinous  dots,  bearing  white  (purple  or  red  tinged)  flowers 
in  bracted  racemes. 

1.  G.  frondo'sa,  Torr.  fy  Gr.     Smooth  ;  leaves  obovate-oblong,  obtuse, 
glaucous  beneath  ;  bracts  oblong  or  linear,  deciduous,  shorter  than  the 
slender  drooping  pedicels  ;  corolla  ovoid  campanulate. 

LEAFY  GAYLUSSACIA.    Dangle-berry.     Blue  Tangles. 

Stem  3-5  feet  high,  branching;  branches  rather  slender.  Leaves  1-3  inches  long, 
tapering  at  each  end  but  obtuse  at  the  apex,  cuneate  at  base,  on  very  short  petioles. 
Racemes  lateral,  loose,  few-flowered  ;  pedicels  %  an  inch  to  an  inch  long,  with  two  minute 
subulate  sub-opposite  bractlets  near  the  middle  ;  corolla  white  tinged  with  red.  Berries 
rather  large,  globose,  dark  blue,  with  a  glaucous  bloom  when  mature. 

Moist  woods  and  thickets  :  New  England  to  Kentucky.     May  -  June. 

2.  G.  resino'sa,  Torr.  fy  Gr.     Pubescent  while  young  ;  leaves  oblong 
oval,  at  first  ciliate  and  viscid  with  resinous  dots  ;  pedicels  short ;  bracts 
and  bractlets  (reddish)  small  and  deciduous  ;  corolla  ovoid-conical 
RESINOUS  GAYLUSSACIA.     Black  Huckleberry. 

Stem  1-3  feet  high,  much  branched.  Leaves  1-3  inches  long,  thickly  sprinkled  with 
atoms  and  flat  shining  patches  of  yellow  resinous  matter  beneath  ;  petioles  short  but  dis- 


HEATH    FAMILY.  209 

tinct.     Racemes  numerous,  with  the  flowers  crowde  I  ;  pedicds  1-3  lines  long,  with  very 
small  lanceolate  bractlets  at  or  near  the  base  ;  corolla  mostly  reddish,  with  tinges  of  pale 
yellowish  green.     Berries  depressed-globose,  black  and  shining  when  mature,  without  any 
bloom. 
Woodlands  and  swamps  :  common.     May -June. 

Obs.  The  genus  Gaylussacia,  separated  from  Vaccinium  on  account 
of  its  different  fruit,  contains  besides  the  above-mentioned  species  two  or 
three  others  which,  as  they  are  not  very  common,  and  are  not  valuable 
for  their  fruit,  are  omitted.  Of  these  the  Dwarf  Huckleberry,  (G.  du- 
mo'sa,  Torr.  fy  Gr.,)  which  has  very  conspicuous  bracts  to  the  pedicels, 
and  a  bristly  or  glandular  ovary  becoming  a  black  insipid  fruit,  is  found 
near  the  coast  from  New-England  southward.  The  first  of  the  species 
here  described  is  readily  distinguished  by  its  long,  loose  racemes.  In 
New-England  it  is  not  much  valued,  but  farther  south,  where  it  attains 
greater  perfection,  the  fruit  is  highly  esteemed.  G.  resino'sa  is  the  plant 
which  furnishes  the  larger  share  of  the  "  black  huckleberries"  of  the 
northern  markets.  The  fruit  presents  several  varieties,  among  them 
one  that  is  nearly  white.  The  flowers  of  this  species  as  well  as  the 
young  leaves  often  become  fleshy  and  expand  to  many  times  their  natu- 
ral size  ;  probably  from  the  puncture  of  some  insect.  The  fruit  of  both 
the  species  described  here  is  known  in  some  parts  as  "  seedy  huckle- 
berries." * 

2.  YACCTN'IUM,  L.    BLUEBERRY.     CRANBERRY. 

[An  ancient  classical  name  ;  etymology  obscure.] 

Corolla  either  bell-shaped,  urn-shaped,  or  cylindrical, — the  limb  4-5- 
cleft,  and  often  reflexed.  Stamens  twice  as  many  as  the  lobes  of  the  co- 
rolla ;  anthers  with  two  tubular  horus  at  summit,  and  sometimes  with 
two  bristle-like  awns  on  the  back  near  the  base.  Berry  globose,  umbil- 
icate  at  apex  by  reason  of  the  persistent  calyx-teeth,  4-5-celled, — the 
cells  several-seeded.  Shrubs  with  solitary,  clustered  or  racemed  flowers  ; 
the  corolla  white  or  reddish. 

\  1.  Leaves  evergreen  ;  corolla  deeply  ^-parted :  anthers  8,  awnless,  taper- 
ing upwards  into  very  long  tubes  ;  pedicels  slender  ;  berries  acid,  red. — 
CRANBERRY. 

1.  V,  macrocar'pon,  Ait.  Stems  slender,  creeping,  with  ascending 
branches  ;  leaves  oblong,  obtuse  ;  peduncles  lateral. 

LARGE-FRUITED  YACCINIUM.     Cranberry. 

Stem  1-3  feet  long,  sending  up  short  slender  branches.  Leaves  about  >£  an  inch  long, 
slightly  rcvolute  on  the  margin,  whitish  beneath  ;  petioles  very  short.  Peduncles  about  an 
inch  long,  1-flowered,  tibracteolate  near  the  nodding  flower.  Corolla  pale  purple  ;  lobes 
linear  lanceolate,  reflexed  or  revolute.  Berry  globose,  %  an  inch  or  more  in  diameter. 

Peat  bogs  :  common  northward.     Fl.  May- June.     Fr.  Oct. 

Obs.  This  species,  so  -highly  valued  for  its  fine  acid  fruit,  grows 
abundantly  in  the  cold  bogs  of  the  Northern  states ;  the  fruit  being 
collected  in  large  quantities  for  market,  and  is  even  a  considerable  arti- 


210  AVEEDS    AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 

cle  of  export.  Of  late  years,  especially  in  Massachusetts,  attention  lias 
been  given  to  the  culture  of  the  Cranberry,  and  it  is  found  to  be  a 
profitable  crop  upon  lands  otherwise  of  little  value.  In  cultivation  it 
is  found  to  succeed  in  situations  much  dryer  than  those  in  which  it 
grows  in  the  wild  state.  Another  species,  the  small  cranberry  (V.  Oxy- 
coo'cus,  L.),  has  a  much  smaller  fruit,  spotted  when  young,  but  is  sel- 
dom found  in  great  abundance. 

§  2.  Corola  oblong  cylindrical  or  slightly  urn-shaped,  ^-toothed;  anthers 
10,  awnless ;  filaments  hairy;  berries  blue  or  black  with  a  bloom,  sweet. 
BLUEBERRY. 

2.  V,  Pennsyl'van'icuin,  Lam.     Dwarfish  ;  branches  yellowish  green, 
somewhat  warty  ;  leaves  lance-oblong,  mucronate- serrulate,  smooth  and 
shining  ;  racemes  fasciculate. 

PENNSYLVANIAN  YACCINIUM.     Dwarf  Blueberry.     Sugar  Huckleberry. 

Stem  6  inches  to  2  feet  high,  much  branched  ;  branches  more  or  less  angular  with  a 
green  warty  bark.  Leaves  I  to  near  2  inches  long,  mostly  acute  at  each  end,  nearly  sessile, 
distinctly  serrulate,  with  bristle-pointed  teeth.  Racemes  4 -8-flowered,  terminal  and  lateral, 
numerous  from  buds  without  leaves  and  often  on  leafless  branches  ;  pedicels  1-4  lines  long, 
with  small  lanceolate  bractiets  at  or  near  the  base  ;  corolla  pale  red  or  greenish-white 
tinged  with  red.  Berries  abundant,  large  and  sweet. 

Hills  and  woodlands  :  Pennsylvania,  northward.     Fl.  May.     Fr.  July. 

Obs.  This  is  the  earliest  of  the  Blueberries,  ripening  its  fruit  in  July  ; 
it  is  found  occupying  large  patches  upon  poor  and  otherwise  unproduc- 
tive land.  In  the  state  of  Maine  it  is  especially  abundant,  and  attains 
its  greatest  perfection  ;  we  have  seen  the  slender  bushes  actually  pros- 
trate with  their  load  of  fruit.  Although  it  is  too  soft  to  bear  trans- 
portation as  well  as  some  other  kinds,  the  fruit  is  the  most  highly  valued 
by  the  country  people  of  New  England  for  domestic  consumption.  * 

3.  V.  vaccil'lans,  Solander.   Low,  glabrous ;  branches  angular,  smooth ; 
leaves  obovate  or  oval,  serrulate  or  entire,  smooth  on  both  sides,  pale 
or  dull. 

Low  Blueberry. 

Stem  1-2)^  feet  high  ;  branches  greenish  sometimes  clouded  with  purplish,  very  closely 
set  with  white  dots,  sometimes  warty.  Leavesl  inch  to  1)£  inch  long,  rather  obscurely  ser- 
rulate, the  serratures  more  distinct  towards  the  apex.  Racemes  from  scaly  buds  distinct 
from  the  leaf-buds  ;  pedicels  shorter  than  the  flowers  ;  corolla  somewhat  bell-shaped  with 
spreading  segments,  yellowish  white,  often  tinged  with  red.  Berries  large,  sweet  and 
covered  with  a  light  bluish  bloom. 

Woodlands  :  Penn.,  northward.     Fl.  May.     Fr.  August. 

Obs.  A  much  larger  plant  than  the  preceding  species,  and  distin- 
guished from  it  not  only  by  its  greater  size,  but  by  the  dull  color  of  its 
foliage.  The  fruit-bearing  branches  appear  above  thosa  bearing  the 
leaves,  and  the  bush  appears  leafless  towards  the  summit.  The  fruit  of 
this,  as  well  as  that  of  the  preceding,  is. sometimes  called  "  Sugar 
Huckleberry." 

4.  V.  corymbo'sum,   L.     Tall  ;    young  branches  pubescent ;   leaves 


HEATH    FAMILY.  211 

ovate,  oval,  oblong1  or  elliptical-lanceolate,  mostly  entire ;  racemes  short, 

clustered  on  naked  branchlets. 

CORYMBOSE  YACCINIUM.     Swamp  Blueberry.     Tall  Huckleberry. 

Stem  5  -8  or  10  feet  high,  often  stout,  with  irregular  straggling  branches — the  young 
leafing  branches  pubescent — the  flower-bearing  ones  somewhat  angular,  naked  and  in- 
clining to  a  greenish  bronzo  color.  Leaves  1-2  inches  long,  generally  elliptic,  entire,  and 
always  with  a  short  obtuse  callous  mwcro,  or  point,  at  apex,  pubescent  when  young, 
especially  on  the  nerves  and  under  surface,  finally  smoothish  ;  petioles  very  short.  Race- 
mcs  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  long,  6-10  or  12-flowered,  proceeding  from  lateral  buds,  and 
unaccompanied  with  leaves  ;  pedicels  1-fourth  to  1-third  of  an  inch  long,  with  purplish  bracts 
at  base,  which  resemble  bud-scales.  Corolla  white,  mostly  tinged  with  purple,  nearly 
cylindrical,  somewhat  contracted  at  the  orifice,  the  lobes  short  and  tooth-like.  Berries 
rather  large,  black  with  a  bluish  bloom  when  mature,  very  agreeable  to  the  taste. 

Swamps  and  moist  woods  :  Canada  to  Georgia.     Fl.  May.     Fr.  July -August. 

Obs.  This  species  presents  several  varieties,  which  have  been  consid- 
ered by  some  botanists  as  species  differing  chiefly  in  the  pubescence  of 
the  leaf.  One  variety,  var.  atrocar'pum,  Gray,  has  the  leaves  downy, 
even  when  old,  arid  produces  black  berries  without  any  bloom.  Other 
species  of  Vaccinium  besides  those  here  enumerated  are  found  in  differ- 
ent portions  of  the  country,  but  these  are  the  most  useful  kinds,  and 
descriptions  of  the  others  must  be  sought  in  works  of  a  more  extended 
scope  than  the  present  one. 

3.  ARCTOSTA'PHYLOS,  Adans.     BEARBERRY. 

[Greek,  Arktos,  a  bear,  and  Staphyle,  a  grape.] 

Corolla  ovate  and  urn-shaped,  with  a  short,  revolute,  5-toothed  limb. 
Stamens  10,  included  ;  anthers  with  two  reflexed  awns  on  the  back  near 
the  apex,  opening  by  terminal  pores.  Drupe  berry-like,  with  5  seed-like 
nutlets.  Shrubs  with  alternate  leaves  arid  scaly-bracted  nearly  white 
flowers  in  terminal  racemes  or  clusters.  Fruit  austere. 

1.  A.  TJva-ur'si,  Spreng.  Procumbent ;  leaves  obo- 
vate  or  spatulate,  entire,  thick,  smooth,  evergreen  ;  fruit 
red. 

Bearberry.     Upland  Cranberry.     Uva-ursi. 

Stems  branched,  trailing  on  the  ground,  the  sterile  branches  often  2  - 
3  feet  long,  the  flowering  ones  shorter.  Leaves  about  %  of  an  inch 
long,  variable  in  breadth,  spreading  or  somewhat  recurved.  Flowers 
drooping  ;  corolla  pale  rose  color,  somewhat  transparent  at  base,  hairy 
inside.  Fruit  about  the  size  of  a  large  pea,  containing  5  closely-coher- 
ing, almost  bony  nutlets,  surrounded  by  a  mealy  pulp. 

New  Jersey,  northward.     Fl.  May.     Fr.  August. 

Obs.  The  Bearberry  is  common  in  the  Northern  States 
on  dry  and  barren  hills,  where  its  prostrate  branches 
form  dense  mats.     The  leaves  are  used  in  medicine  ;  they  are  astrin- 
gent and  tonic,  and  by  some  are  considered  to  have  an  effect  upon  the 

FIG.  144  An  enlarged  anther  of  the  Bearberry  (Arctostaphylos  Uva-ursi)  ;  each  of  the 
cells  prolonged  into  a  tube  with  an  orifice  at  the  top  for  the  escape  of  the  pollen  and  fur- 
nished with  an  appendage. 


212 


WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 


urinary  organs  ;  they  are  collected  in  New  England  for  the  supply  of 
the  drug  market.  The  plant  is  also  found  in  the  Northern  portions  of 
the  old  world,  and  is  used  in  Iceland  to  produce  a  brown  or  black  dye. 
According  to  Dr.  TORREY,  the  name  Uva-ursi  is  in  some  places  corrupt- 
ed into  "  Universe"  * 

4.  GAULTHE'RIA,  Kalm.     CHECKERBERKY. 

[Dedicated  to  Dr.  Gaulthier,  or  Gautier,  a  French  Botanist,  of  Quebec.] 

Calyx  5-cleft,  2-bracteolate  at  base.  Corolla  cylindrical-ovoid  or  a  lit- 
tle urn-shaped,  5-toothed.  Stamens  10,  included ;  anther-cells  each  2- 
awned  at  summit,  opening  by  a  terminal  pore.  Capsu'e  depressed-glo- 
bose, 5-celled,  many-seeded,  enclosed  by  the  red  berry-like  calyx.  Sut- 
fruticose  humble  evergreens ;  flowers  axillary,  solitary. 

1.  G.  procum'bens,  L.  Stem  creeping,  root-like  ;  branches  ascending, 
leafy  at  summit ;  leaves  cuneate-obovate,  obscurely  serrate  ;  flowers  few, 
nodding. 


141 


145 


FIG.  145.  The  Checkerberry  (Gaultheria  procumbens).  146.  A  partially  ripe  fruit. 
147.  A  ripe  fruit  cut  open,  showing  the  dry  capsule  invested  with  the  enlarged  fleshy 
calyx. 


HEATH    FAMILY.  213 

PROCUMBENT  GAULTHERIA.  Tea-berry.  "Wint^rgreen.  Checkerberry. 
Boxberry.  Ivory  Plum.  Partridge-berry. 

Stem  slender,  creeping  on  or  near  the  surface  of  the  ground  ;  branches  simple,  3-5  in- 
ches high,  naked  below  or  with  a  few  lance-ovate  scales.  Leaves  few  (4-6),  an  inch  to 
an  inch  and  a  half  in  length,  rather  crowded  ;  petioles  very  short.  Flowers  white,  1  -4  in 
the  axils  of  the  upper  leaves,  on  recurved  pedicels  %  —  %  an  inch  long  j  fruit  persistent. 

Canada  to  the  mountains  of  Carolina.     Fl.  July.     Fr.  Oct. 

Obs.  The  number  of  popular  names  which  have  been  given  to  this  lit- 
tle plant,  some  of  which  are  also  bestowed  on  quite  different  plants, 
shows  the  necessity  of  a  precise  botanical  nomenclature.  The  leaves  are 
agreeably  aromatic,  and  yield  on  distillation  a  very  heavy  volatile  oil, — 
the  Oil  of  Wintergreen  of  the  shops, — which  is  largely  used  for  flavoring 
confectionery,  medicated  syrups,  &c.  The  fruit,  which  has  the  aromatic 
property  in  a  much  less  degree,  is  pleasant  and  edible,  and  is  often 
brought  to  the  markets  of  our  cities.  The  real  nature  of  the  fruit  can 
be  readily  seen  by  dividing  it  lengthwise,  when  it  will  be  found  that  the 
edible  portion  is  the  enlarged  fleshy  calyx,  while  the  proper  fruit,  i.  e., 
the  ripened  ovary,  is  enclosed  within  it. 

5.  ANDEOM'EDA,  L.    ANDROMEDA. 

[Xamed  in  allusion  to  the  exposure  of  Andromeda  ;  from  its  place  of  growth.] 

Calyx  5-parted,  persistent.  Corolla  hypogynous,  tubular,  companulate, 
or  globose, — the  limb  5-cleft.  Stamens  10  ;  anthers  fixed  near  the  mid- 
dle, the  cells  opening  by  a  terminal  pore.  Capsule  ovoid  or  subglobose, 
5-celled,  many-seeded. 

1.  A.  Maria'na,  L.     Glabrous  ;  leaves  oval,  mostly  acute  at  each  end, 
very  entire,  sub-coriaceous,  paler  and  puncticulate  beneath,  deciduous  ; 
flowering  branches  nearly  leafless  ;  pedicels  fasciculate,  bracteate  ;  calyx 
naked  at  base  ;  corolla  ovoid-oblong  ;  capsule  pyramidal. 
MARYLAND  ANDROMEDA.     Stagger-bush. 

Stem  2-3  or  4  feet  high,  with  erect  branches.  Leaves  2-3  inches  long  ;  petioles  about 
one-fourth  of  an  inch  long.  Flowers  in  racemose  fascicles  on  the  old  branches.  Corolla 
white,  or  reddish-white.  Capsule  pentangular-ovoid,  truncate  at  apex.  Seeds  numerous, 
small,  clavate. 

Woodlands  and  sandy  plains  :  New  England  to  Florida.  Fl.  June.  Fr.  August - 
September. 

06.5.  This  shrub  is  very  abundant  in  the  sandy  districts  of  New  Jer- 
sey ;  and  the  farmers,  there,  allege  that  it  is  injurious  to  sheep,  when  the 
leaves  are  eaten  by  them, — producing  a  disease  called  the  staggers.  I 
believe  the  evidence  is  not  conclusive,  on  this  point  ;  but  it  may  be  well 
to  know  the  plant,  against  which  such  a  charge  is  made. 

6.  KAL'MIA,  L.     AMERICAN  LAUREL. 

[Dedicated  to  Peter  Ralm,—z  Swedish  Botanist.] 

Calyx  5-parted.  Corolla  between  wheel-shaped  and  bell-shaped,  .o-lobed, 
furnished  with  10  depressions,  in  wfyich  ths  10  obliquely  bifid  anthers  are 


214  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

severally  held  until  they  begin  to  shed  their  pollen.  Capsule  depressed- 
globose,  5-celled  ;  seeds  "numerous,  minute.  Evergreen  shrubs ;  leaves 
entire  ;  flowers  in  umbel-like  corymbs. 

1.  K.  latifo'lia,  L.  Leaves  mostly  alternate,  oval-lanceolate,  bright 
green  on  both  sides  ;  corymbs  terminal. 

BROAD-LEAVED  KALMIA.  Mountain  Laurel.  Calico  Bush.  Spoon- 
wood. 


[-10  feet  high,  with  irregular  crooked  straggling  branches.     Leaves  sometimes  in 
3's,  2-3  inches  long  and  about  an  inch  wide  ;  petiole*  %-%  of  an  inch  in  length.  Flowers 
rather  large,  pale  red  (sometimes  white),  in  spreading  corymbs  ;  pedicels  about  an  inch 
long,  viscid  pubescent,  with  3  bracts  at  base. 
Rocky  hills  :  common.     May -June. 

06s.  This  fine  evergreen  is  common  from  Maine  to  the  mountains  of 
the  Southern  States,  being  conspicuous  when  in  flower,  and  beautiful  on 
account  of  its  dark  green  foliage  at  all  times.  The  wood  is  very  hard, 
especially  that  of  the  root,  and  is  used  as  a  substitute  for  box  by  the 
turners  and  carvers  in  the  making  of  small  articles.  The  leaves  have  the 
reputation  of  being  poisonous  to  cattle,  but  little  is  positively  known  of 
the  effects  of  the  plant  upon  the  animal  system.  It  is  said  to  be  easy  of 
cultivation  in  moist  soil,  but  the  experiments  which  have  fallen  under 
our  observation  have  not  been  very  successful. 

2.  K.  angustifo'lia,  L.     Leaves  opposite  and  ternate,  narrowly  oblong, 
paler  or  slightly  russet  beneath  ;  corymbs  lateral. 

NARKOW-LEAVED  LAUREL.     Dwarf  Laurel.     Sheep  Laurel.     Lambkill. 

Stem  about  2  feet  high,  slender,  somewhat  branching.  Leaves  1-2  inches  long,  and 
about  half  an  inch  wide  ;  petioles  Yz-yz  an  inch  in  length.  Flowers  small,  bright  crim- 
son, in  lateral  corymbs  in  the  axils  of  the  ternate  leaves  and  thus  appearing  verticilkiti)  ; 
pedicels  filiform,  %  -  %  of  an  inch  in  length,  with  3  unequal  bracts  at  base. 

Hill- sides  :  common.     June. 

06s.  The  leaves  of  this  shrub  are  supposed  to  be  poisonous  to  sheep 
and  lambs,  hence  two  of  its  popular  names.  The  Azaleas,  of  which 
there  are  several  native  species,  and  which  include  some  of  our  most 
beautiful  exotic  shrubs,  belong  here,  but  our  space  does  not  allow  us  to  no- 
tice them.  The  Azalea  nudiflo'ra,  L.,  or  wild  Honeysuckle,  has  often 
a  singular  transformation  of  its  flowers,  the  parts  of  the  flower  becoming 
enlarged  and  fleshy  and  generally  consolidated  into  a  shapeless  mass. 
These  succulent  excresences  are  much  sought  after  by  boys  who  call 
them  "  swamp  apples  "  and  "  swamp  cheeses"  ;  they  at  times  are  some- 
what sweetish,  but  to  any  but  boys,  rather  poor  fruit.  Rhodocien'- 
dron  maximum,  L.,  the  Kose  Bay  or  great  laurel,  belongs  also  to  this 
section  ;  it  is  a  noble  evergreen  shrub,  but  rather  difficult  of  cultivation, 
unless  sheltered  from  the  powerful  heat  of  our  midsummer  sun.  * 


HEATH    FAMILY.  215 

7.  CLE'THRA,  L.     SWEET  PEPPER-BUSH. 

[Kleihra,  the  Greek  name  for  the  Alder,  which  it  resembles.] 

Calyx  of  5  sepals.  Corolla  of  5  obovate-oblong  distinct  petals.  Sta- 
mens 10,  often  exserted  ;  anthers  inversely  arrow-shaped,  reflexed  in  the 
bud,  opening  by  terminal  pores  or  chinks  Style  slender,  3-cleft  at  the 
apex.  Capsule  3-celled,  3-valved,  enclosed  by  the  calyx.  Shrubs  with 
alternate  and  deciduous  leaves  and  white  flowers  in  racemes. 

1.  C.  alnifo  lia,  L.     Leaves   cuneate-obovate,   acute,  coarsely  serrate, 

green  on  both  sides  ;  racemes  erect,  mostly  simple,  bracteate,  hoary- 

tomentose. 

ALDER-LEAVED  CLETHRA.    White  Alder.     Sweet  Pepper-bush. 

Stem  3-10  feet  high,  branched.  Leaves  2-3  inches  long  •  petioles  %  -  >£  au  inch  iu 
length.  Racemes  3-6  inches  long,  sometimes  with  2-3  branches  from  the  base,  bearing 
numerous  fragrant  Uowers  ;  pedicels  short,  each  with  a  lance-linear  bract  at  base  longer 
than  itself. 

Wet  thickets  :  Maine  to  Virginia.     July  -  Aug. 

Obs.  This  charming  shrub,  which  is  not  rare  in  wet  places  near  the 
coast,  deserves  to  be  cultivated  in  every  collection  of  shrubbery.  It  is 
highly  prized  in  England,  and  were  it  an  imported  plant  would  doubtless 
be  equally  valued  here.  It  grows  freely  in  the  garden,  its  spike-like  ra- 
cemes increasing  in  size  by  cultivation.  The  flowers  are"  exceedingly 
fragrant,  indeed  oppressively  so  to  some  persons.  Another  species,  A. 
acumina'ta,  MX.,  which  is  a  small  tree  with  drooping  racemes,  is 
found  in  Virginia  and  southward. 

8.  CHIMA'PHILA,  Pursh.     PIPSISSEWA. 

[Greek,  Cheima,  winter,  and  Philos,  a  lover  ;  from  its  green  appearance  in  winter.] 

Calyx  5-cleft.  Petals  5,  orbicular,  spreading,  deciduous.  Stamens  10, — 
2  in  front  of  each  petal ;  filaments  dilated  and  hairy  in  the  middle  ;  an- 
thers 2-celled,  opening  by  2  pores.  Ovary  obtusely  conic,  or  depressed- 
globose,  umbilicate  at  apex ;  style  very  short,  immersed  in  the  ovary  ; 
stigma  orbicular,  peltate.  Capsule  depressed,  obtusely  pentagonal,  5- 
celled,  5-valved,  loculicidal  at  base  and  apex.  Seeds  very  minute,  reticu- 
late-striate.  Humble  suffruticose  evergreens.  Peduncles  terminal,  some- 
what corymbose. 

1.  C.  umbella'ta,  Nutt.    Leaves  cuneate-oblong,  acute  at  base,  serrate, 
uniform-green  ;  flowers  in  a  terminal  subumbellate  corymb. 
UMBELLATE  CHIMAPHILA.     Pipsisscwa.     Winter-green. 

Root  creeping.  Stem  ascending,  3-6  inches  long,  leafy  at  summit.  Leaves  1-2  inches 
long,  subvcrticillate  (often  in  2-3  distinct  verticils),  coriaceous,  glabrous.  Corymb  4-6- 
llowered.  Petals  reddish-white. 

Hilly  woodlands — particularly  of  northern  exposure  :  Northern  and  Middle  States.  Fl. 
June.  Fr.  Sept. 

Obs.  This  half-shrubby  little  Evergreen  possesses  some  astringency 


216  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

and  bitterness,  so  as  to  be  moderately  tonic, — though  doubtless  much 
over-rated  in  popular  estimation.  It  has  been  so  long  and  so  generally 
noted,  as  an  Indian  medicine,  under  the  name  of  Pipsissewa,  that  every 
one  who  resides  in  the  country  ought  to  be  able  to  identify  it. 

ORDER  XLIIL     AQUIFOLIA'CE^E.     (HOLLY  FAMILY.) 

Trees  or  shrubs  with  s.mall  axillary  4-5  merous  flowers,  a  minute  calyx  free  from  the  4-6- 
celled  ovary  and  the  4-6-seeded  berry-like  drupe.  Stamens  as  many  as  the  divisions  of 
the  almost  or  quite  4-  6-petalled  coroZta,  and  alternate  with  them,  attached  to  their  very 
base.  Corolla  imbricated  in  the  bud.  Antliers  opening  lengthwise.  Stigmas  4-6,  or 
united  into  one,  nearly  sessile  ;  seed  suspended  and  solitary  in  each  cell.  Albumen  fleshy. 
Leaves  simple,  mostly  alternate.  Flowers  white  or  greenish. 

1.  I'LEX,  L.     HOLLY. 

[The  ancient  Latin  name  of  the  Holly-Oak  ;  applied  here.] 

Flowers  more  or  less  diceciously  polygamous,  but  many  of  them  perfect. 
Calyx  4-6-toothed.  Petals  4-6,  separate,  or  only  united  at  the  base, 
oval  or  obovate,  obtuse,  spreading.  Stamens  4-6.  The  berry-like  drupe 
containing  4-8  little  nutlets.  Leaves  alternate.  Fertile  flowers  inclined 
to  be  solitary,  and  the  partly  sterile  flowers  to  be  clustered  in  the  axils. 
|  1.  Parts  of  the  flowers  commonly  in  fours,  sometimes  in  Jives  or  sixes, 
most  of  them  perfect ;  drupe  red,  its  nutlets  ribbed,  veiny,  or  one-grooved 
on  the  back ;  leaves  coriaceous  and  evergreen.  AQUIFOLIUM. 

1.  I.  opa'ca,  Ait.     Leaves  oval,  the  margins  wavy  and  sharply  spinose- 
dentate ;  flowers  scattered  or  loosely  fasciculate  along  the  base  of  the 
young  branches  and  the  axils. 
OPAQUE  ILEX.     American  Holly. 

Stem  15-40  feet  high  ;  branches  spreading.  Leaves  2-3  inches  long  ;  petioles  %  of  an 
inch  in  length.  Flmvers  whitish,  ochroleucous,  small  ;  pedicels  with  minute  bracts  tit  IKISC. 
Berries  small,  roundish  ovoid,  red  when  mature,  persistent. 

Woodlands :  Maine  and  southwards.     June. 

Obs.  This  becomes  a  handsome  little  tree  under  cultivation  ;  it  has 
less  glossy  foliage  than  the  European  Holly  (I.  aquifolium),  which  is  in 
Europe  considered  to  make  the  most  durable  hedge  of  any  plant  what- 
ever. Our  own  species  might  be  advantageously  used  for  hedges  where 
the  slow  growth  is  not  an  objection.  The  seeds  do  not  germinate  until 
the  second  year  after  planting.  The  bright  berries  of  the  Holly,  and  its 
dark  foliage,  make  it  one  of  the  most  desirable  evergreens  for  those  who 
decorate  their  homes  on  Christmas.  The  wood  is  very  compact  and  of 
fine  texture,  and  is  employed  in  the  manufacture  of  whip  handles,  screws, 
and  other  small  articles.  The  tree  attains  a  much  larger  size  in  the 
Southern  States  than  it  does  at  the  North.  Doct.  TORREY  informs  us 
that  there  were  some  years  ago,  at  the  Highlands  of  Neversink,  New 
Jersey,  several  trees  of  unusual  dimensions,  some  of  them  being  as  large 
round  as  a  man's  body.  The  celebrated  Paraguay  Tea,  or  "  Mate," 
which  is  a  substitute  for  both  tea  and  coffjc  to  a  large  proportion  of  the 


EBONY    FAMILY.  217 

inhabitants  of  South  America,  belongs  to  this  genus.  One  of  our  own 
southern  species,  I.  Cassi'ne,  L.,  known  as  Yaupou,  furnished  the  black 
drink  of  the  North  Carolina  Indians. 

§  2.  Parts  of  the  sterile  flowers  in  fours,  Jives,  or  sixes  ;  those  of  the  fertile 
f  ewers  commonly  in  sixes  (rarely  in  fives,  sevens  or  eights)  ;  nutlets  smooth 
and  even.  Shrubs.  PKINOS. 

2.  I.  verticilla'ta,  Gray.  Leaves  obovate,  oval  or  wedge-lanceolate, 
pointed,  acute  at  the  base,  serrate,  downy  on  the  veins  beneath  ;  flowers 
all  very  short-peduncled  ;  berries  red. 

VEETICILLATE  ILEX.     Black  Alder.     Winter-berry. 

Stem  6-8  feet  high,  much  branched.  Leaves  2-3  inches  long  ;  petioles  about  half  an 
inch  in  length.  Flowers  greenish  white,  in  sessile  clusters  or  solitary.  Berries  about  )£ 
of  an  inch  in  diameter. 

Low  grounds  :  common  especially  northward.    June. 

06s.  The  bark  and  berries  of  this  species  have  some  medicinal  reputa- 
tion as  a  cure  for  ill-conditioned  sores — used  both  externally  and  inter- 
nally. Another  nearly  related  species,  I,  laeviga'ta,  Gray,  found  in  wet 
swamps,  has  the  leaves  mostly  smooth  beneath,  the  sterile  flowers  long- 
peduncled,  and  larger  berries  than  the  preceding.  Both  are  sometimes 
seen  cultivated  among  shrubbery,  their  red  berries  rendering  them  very 
showy  in  autumn.  I,  glB,"bi3itGray,  the  Ink-berry,  has  evergreen,  nar- 
row leaves,  and  black  berries.  It  is  mostly  found  near  the  coast,  and  is 
much  sought  after  by  the  flower-merchants  of  our  large  cities,  as  it  is 
one  of  the  most  suitable  evergreens  to  work  into  bouquets. 

ORDER  XLIY.    EBENA'CE^E.     (EBONY  FAMILY.) 

Trees  or  shrubs,  destitute  of  milky  juice,  the  wood  often  black.  Leaves  alternate  and  entire, 
without  stipules.  Flowers  often  polygamous.  Calyx  free  from  the  ovary.  Stamens  twice 
to  four  times  as  many  as  the  lobes  of  the  corolla.  Ovary  3  -  several-celled.  Fruit  bac- 
cate. Seeds  pendulous,  bony,  with  cartilaginous  albumen. 

A  small  Order,  and  the  genus  here  given  is  the  only  one  of  any  considerable  impor- 
tance,— some  of  the  species  of  which  furnish  the  well-known  hard  black  wood  called 
Ebony. 

1.  DIOSPY'KOS,  L.     PERSIMMON. 

[Greek,  Dis,  Dios,  Jupiter,  and  Pyros,  fruit  ;  a  rather  fanciful  name  for  such  fruit.] 

DICECIOUSLY  POLYGAMOUS  :  calyx  4  -  6-parted.  Corolla  tubular,  some- 
what urceolate,  4  -  6-cleft.  STERILE  FL.  Stamens  twice  or  many  times 
(usually  4  times)  as  numerous  as  the  lobes  of  the  corolla  ;  anthers  linear- 
lanceolate.  Ovary  abortive.  FERTILE  FL.  Stamens  8-16,  mostly 
abortive.  Ovary  4  -  8-celled  ;  styles  2,  4,  or  several,  more  or  less  connate 
at  base.  Berry  ovoid  or  subglobose,  with  the  persistent  calyx  often 
adhering  to  the  base,  8-12-seeded.  Seeds  oblong,  compressed.  Trees, 
or  rarely  shrubs.  Flowers  axillary,  subsessile — the  fertile  ones  solitary, 
the  sterile  ones  mostly  in  threes. 
10 


218  WEEDS   AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 

1.  D.  VIRGINIA'NA,  L.     Leaves  elliptical  or  ovate-oblong,  obtusely  acu- 
minate ;  parts  of  the  flower  chiefly  in  fours  ;  corolla  subcoriaceous. 
VIRGINIAN  DIOSPYROS.     Persimmon.     Date  Plum. 
Fr.  Le  Plaqueminier.     Germ.  Der  Pseudo-Lotus. 

Stem  20-50  or  60  feet  high,  and  10-15  or  20  inches  in  diameter,  irregularly  branched. 
Leaves  2-3  or  5  inches  long,  subcoriaceous,  green  above,  paler  or  somewhat  glaucous 
beneath  ;  petioles  half  an  inch  to  near  an  inch  long.  Calyx  of  the  fertile  flower  spreading 
and  persistent  at  the  base  of  the  fruit.  Corotta  ochroleucous  or  pale  greenish-yellow,  of  a 
thick  leathery  texture.  Berry  about  an  inch  in  diameter,  reddish-orange  color  when 
mature,  soft  and  pulpy  after  frost.  Seeds  large,  flattish. 

Rich  bottom-lands,  along  streams :  Middle  and  Southern  Slates.  Fl.  June.  Fr.  Oct.  - 
November. 

Obs.  The  ripe  fruit  of  this  tree  is  sweet  and  luscious,  after  being  sub- 
jected to  the  action  of  frost ;  but  is  remarkably  harsh  and  astringent  iu 
a  green  state.  The  bark  is  astringent  and  tonic.  The  Styrax  Family 
(Stym'cea] ,  is  nearly  related  to  the  Ebenacese.  It  has  perfect  and  regular 
flowers,  with  the  ovary  more  or  less  adherent  to  the  calyx.  Several 
species  of  Styrax  belong  to  the  Southern  States.  The  'Hale'sia,  or 
Silver  Bell,  two  species  of  which,  one  with  2-winged  and  the  other  with 
4-winged  fruit,  are  common  in  cultivation,  and  belong  to  this  order ;  as 
does  the  Symplocos  (Hopea)  tincto'ria,  the  "  Horse  Sugar  "  of  the  South, 
the  green  sweet  leaves  of  which  being  a  favorite  food  of  cattle. 

ORDER  XLY.     PLANT  AGINA'CE^E.     (PLANTAIN  FAMILY.; 

Chiefly  low,  apparently  stemless,  perennial  herbs,  with  radical,  rosulate,  strongly  ribbed 
leaves  and  small  spicate  flowers  on  scapes.  Corolla  membranaceous  and  persistent.  Stamens 
inserted  on  the  tube  of  the  corolla  alternately  with  the  lobes.  Ovary  2-celled  ;  style  single. 
Capsule  membranaqeous,  circumscissed  ;  cells  1  -several-seeded. 

An  Order  consisting  chiefly  of  the  genus  whose  name  it  bears,  and  the  species  here 
described  are  those  of  chief  interest  to  the  agriculturist. 

1.  PLANTA'GO,  L.    PLANTAIN. 

[The  ancient  Latin  name  of  the  Plantain  ;  meaning  obscure.] 

Calyx  of  4  imbricated  persistent  sepals,  with  dry  membranaceous  margins. 
Corolla  salver-form,  the  border  4-parted,  withering  on  the  pod.  Stamens 
4,  much  exserted.  Flowers  whitish,  small,  bracted. 

*  Pod  7 -IQ-seeded. 

1.  P.  major,  L.     Leaves  ovate  or  oval,  smoothish,  obscurely  dentate, 

on  long  petioles  ;  scape  terete,  smooth  ;  spike  nearly  cylindrical,  rather 

slender  and  very  long ;  flowers  somewhat  imbricated ;  capsule  about 

6-seeded. 

GREATER  PLANTAGO.     Common  Plantain.     Way-bread. 

Fr.  Plantain  ordinaire.     Germ.  Der  grosse  Wegetritt. .    Span.  Llanten. 

Root  perennial.  Leaves  3-6  or  8  inches  long,  strongly  5-7-nerved  with  an  elastic 
filament  in  each  nerve,  generally  smoothish  (sometimes  quite  pilose),  abruptly  contracted 
at  base  to  a  channeled  petiole  about  as  long  as  the  leaf.  Scapes  several,  6-18  inches  high 


PLANTAIN    FAMILY. 


219 


(including  the  spike  of  flowers,  which  varies  from  2  - 12  or  15  inches  in  length) .  Bracteoleg 
lanceolate,  keeled,  appresscd.  shorter  than  the  calyx.  Corolla  whitish,  inconspicuous 
ventricose  below,  contracted  into  a  neck  above,  shrivelling  and  persistent.  Stamens' 
about  twice  as  long  as  the  corolla. 

Moist  rich  grounds,  along  foot-paths,  &c.;  throughout  the  United  States:  introduced. 
Native  of  Europe  and  Japan.     Fl.  June  -  September.     Fr.  August -October. 

Obs.  This  foreigner  is  very  generally  naturalized  ;  and  is  remarkable 
for  accompanying  civilized  man — growing  along  his  footpaths,  and 
flourishing  around  his  settlements.  It  is  said  our  Aborigines  call  it 
"  the  white  man's  foot,"  from  th's  circumstance.  Perhaps  the  generic 
name  (Plantago)  may  be  expressive  of  a  similar  idea — viz.,  Plantd,  the 


FIG.  148.  Common  Plantahi  (Plautago  major),  reduced. 


220  WEEDS   AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 

sole  of  the  foot,  and  ago,  to  act,  or  exercise.  It  is  rather  a  worthless 
weed,  but  is  not  much  inclined  to  spread,  or  be  troublesome,  on  farm 
lands.  The  leaves  are  a  convenient  and  popular  dressing  for  blisters, 
and  other  sores  ;  a  fact  which  seems  to  have  been  known  in  the  time  of 
SHAKSPEARE — as  we  may  learn  from  his  Romeo  and  Juliet,  Act  I,  Sc.  2. 

"  Rom.  Your  Plantain  leaf  is  excellent  for  that. 
"  Ben.  For  what,  I  pray  thee  ? 
"  Ram.  F<Jr  your  broken  sMn." 

**  Pod  2-sceded. 

2.  P.  lanceola'ta,  L.  Leaves  lanceolate,  acute  at  each  end  ;  scape 
sulcate-angled,  long  and  slender  ;  spike  ovoid-cylindric,  short ;  calyx 
deeply  3-parted  ;  capsule  2-seeded. 

LANCEOLATE  PLANTAGO.  Eibgrass.  English  Plantain.  Buckhorn  Plan- 
tain. 

Root  perennial.  Leaves  £-8  or  10  inches  long,  hairy,  narrowed  gradually  at  base  to  a 
petiole  2-5  or  6  inches  in  length.  Scapes  several,  1-2  feet  high,  somewhat  pilose  with 
appressed hairs.  Spike  1  - 2  inches  long,  at  first  ovoid-oblong,  finally  nearly  cylindric, 
dense-flowered.  Bracteoles  ovate,  acuminate,  scarious  on  the  margins  and  at  apex — the 
slender  goint  at  length  reflexed.  Calyx  deeply  3-parted  (or  rather  of  3  sepals),  the 
outer  or  lower  segment  or  sepal  oval,  truncate,  emarginate,  with  2  green  keel-like  lines — 
the  lateral  segments  or  sepals  rather  longer,  boat-shaped,  acute,. keel  green,  fringed  with 
hairs  near  the  apex.  Corolla  dirty  white.  Stamens  several  times  longer  than  the  corolla  ; 
angers  greenish-white.  Seeds  oblong,  convex  on  one  side  concave  on  the  other,  shining, 
brown  or  amber-colored. 

Pastures  and  upland  meadows  :  introduced.  Native  of  Europe.  Fl.  May  -  August. 
Fr.  July -September. 

Obs.  This  species,  also,  is  extensively  naturalized,  and  is  particularly 
abundant  in  upland  meadows,  or  clover  grounds.  The  seeds  being  nearly 
the  same  size  and  weight  as  those  of  the  red  clover,  they  cannot  readily 
be  separated — and  thus  the  two  plants  are  disseminated  together,  in  the 
culture  of  clover.  Nearly  all  kinds  of  stock  eat  this  Plaintain  freely,  and 
it  has  even  been  cultivated  expressly  for  a  Sheep-pasture  ;  but  it  is  gene- 
'  rally  much  disliked,  in  Pennsylvania.  I  do  not,  however,  perceive  any 
mode  of  getting  rid  of  it,  or  even  of  arresting  its  progress,  unless  it  can 
be  choked  down  by  heavy  crops  of  Clover  and  the  valuable  Grasses. 

ORDER  XLVI.    BIGNONIA'CE^.     (BIGNONIA  FAMILY.) 

Woody  or  sometimes  herbaceous  plants,  with  mostly  opposite,  simple  or  compound  leaves, 
and  didynamous  or  diandrous  flowers.  Calyx  2-lipped  or  5-cleft  ;  corolla  tubular  or  bell- 
shaped,  5-lobed,  somewhat  irregular  and  2-lipped,  deciduous  ;  ovary  free,  2-celled  by  the 
projection  of  the  placenta  ;  capsule  coriaceous  or  woody,  2-valved,  many -seeded  ;  seeds 
large,  flat,  often  winged,  destitute  of  albumen. 

SUB-ORDER  1.     BIGNOXEJE. 

Woody  plants  with  1  -  2-celled  and  2-valved  gads.    Seeds  flat  and  winged. 

1.  TE'OOMA,  Juss.     TRUMPET- FLOWER. 

[Name  abridged  from  the  Mexican.] 

Calyx  bell  shaped,  5-toothed.     Corolla  funnel-form  5-lobed,  a  little  irre- 


BIGNONIA    FAMILY. 


221 


gular.  Stamens  4.  Pod  long  and  narrow,  2-celled,  the  partition  contrary 
to  the  convex  valves.  Seeds  transversely  winged.  Woody'  vines  with 
compound  leaves. 

I,  T.  radi'cans, 

Juss.  Leaves  pin- 
nate ;  leaflets  5  - 

II,  ovate,  point- 
ed, toothed ;  flow- 
ers corymbed. 

ROOTING  BIGNO- 
NIA. Trumpet 
creeper. 

Stem  climbing  by 
rootlets.  Leaflets  about 
4  inches  long,  taper- 
ing into  a  pelinle  which 
is  often  bordered  on 
one  or  both  sides  by 
the  dccurrcnt  lumi- 
nar,  ribbed,  smooth 
on  the  upper  surface, 
pubescent  along  the 
ribs  below.  Flowers 
corymbed  on  pedicels 
about  half  an  inch 
long.  Corolla  tubular, 
funnel-shaped,  some- 
what ventricose  be- 
low,"about  3  inches  in 
length.  Orange  and 
scarlet,  very  showy. 
Stamens  included.  Pod 
very  long,  terete. 

Pennsylvania,  Illi- 
nois and  southward. 
June -September. 

Obs.  This  beau- 
tiful climber, 
which  is  cultiva- 
ted extensively, 
and  readily  bears 

the  climate  of  New  England,  is,  according  to  Dr.  SHORT,  a  great  pest 
along  the  Ohio  River,  where  it  is  much  disposed  to  overrun  wet  places 
on  high  lands. 

2.  CATAL'PA,  Scop.     CATALPA. 

[A  name  said  to  be  derived  from  our  Southern  Indians.] 

Calyx  bilabiately  2-lobed.  Corolla  campanulate— the  tube  ventricose, 
the  limb  unequally  5-lobed,  sub-bilabiate.  Stamens  2  fertile  and  3  sterile 


349 


FIG.  149.  A  flourishing  branch  of  the  Trumpet  Creeper  (Tecoma  radicans) ,  reduced. 


222  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

or  abortive  (rarely  didynamous).  Capsule  silique-form,  cylindric,  long, 
2-valved  ;  septum  thickish,  opposite  the  valves.  Seeds  numerous,  trans- 
verse, compressed,  produced  at  each  end  into  a  membranous  wing,  which 
is  fringed  or  comose  at  apex.  Trees.  Flowers  in  terminal  panicles. 

1,  C.  bignonioi  des,  Walt.     Leaves  cordate,  acuminate,  entire,  pubes- 
cent beneath  ;  panicles  pyramidal,  trichotomously  branched. 
BIGNONIA-LIKE  CAT  ALP  A.     Catawba.     Bean-tree. 

Stem  15-25  feet  high,  with  irregular  spreading  branches.  Leaves  4-8  or  10  inches  in 
length  ;  petioles  2 - 6  inches  long,  terete,  sinoothish.  Corolla  whitish,  tinged  with  violet- 
purple,  the  throat  spotted  with  purple- and  yellow,  the  lobes  unequal,  crenate  and  wavy. 
Capsule  6-12  or  15  inches  long,  and  about  half  an  inch  in  diameter,  pendulous,  persistent. 
Seeds  lance-oblong,  about  half  an  inch  in  length,  apparently  of  2  flat  oval  divaricate  lobes, 
connate  at  base,  with  a  membranous  covering  which  is  extended  at  the  margin,  and 
especially  at  the  apex,  each  apex  terminating  in  a  slender  filamentous  tuft  or  coma. 

About  farm-houses  and  along  streams  :  Southern ,  Western  and  Middle  States.  Fl.  June  - 
July.  Fr.  October. 

Obs.  Cultivated  as  a  shade  tree,  but  indigenous  in  the  South-west 
In  the  latitude  of  New  York  the  larger  branches,  and  frequently  the 
whole  tree,  are  killed  by  a  severe  winter. 

SUB-ORDER  2.     SESAMES. 

Herbs  with  the  fruit  more  or  less  5-celled.     Seeds  not  winged. 

3.  MARTY'NIA,  L.     UNICORN-PLANT. 

[Named  in  honor  of  John  Martyn,  Prof,  of  Botany  at  Cambridge,  England.] 

Calyx  5-cleft,  with  2-3  small  bracts  at  base.  Corolla  irregular,  cam- 
panulate,  gibbous  at  base, — the  limb  unequally  5-lobed.  Stamens 
mostly  4,  didynamous,  with  a  fifth  rudimentary  one, — sometimes  all, 
sometimes  2  only,  bearing  anthers.  Capsule  somewhat  4-celled,  2-valved, 
woody  with  a  coriaceous  and  finally  deciduous  coat,  ovoid-oblong,  ter- 
minating in  a  curved  beak  at  apex, — the  beak  parting  into  2  horns,  but 
the  capsule  scarcely  dehiscent.  Seeds  few  in  each  cell,  arranged  in  a 
single  series  along  the  septum,  somewhat  baccate,  finally  tuberculate- 
rugose. 

1.  M.  probosci'dea,  Glox.  Stem  branching  ;  leaves  orbicular-cordate 
entire,  petiolate, — the  upper  ones  alternate  ;  beaks  longer  than  the  per- 
icarp. 

LONG-BEAKED  MARTYNIA.     Unicorn  Plant. 

Plant  pale  green,  viscid-pubescent  and  fetid.  Root  annual.  Stem  leaning  or  procum- 
bent, 1-2  feet  long,  branching,  fistular.  Leaves  2-5  inches  long  ;  petioles  2-6  inches 
long.  Flowers  axillary  ;  peduncles  1  -  3  inches  long.  Corolla  large,  pale  greenish  yellow 
or  ochroleucous,  with  orange-colored  or  brownish  spots  within.  Capsule  2-3  inches  long, 
somewhat  sulcate  in  front,  with  a  bipartible  crest-like  fringe  along  the  suture  in  the  broad 
shallow  groove,  tapering  to  a  beak  which  is  2  -3  or  4  inches  long,  and  finally  split  into  two 
rigid  horns,  which  are  incurved  like  claws. 

South-western  States  :  gardens  :  cultivated.     Fl.  July -August.     Fr.  Sept. -October. 

Obs.  This  plant — a  native  of  the  valley  of  the  Mississippi,  and  the 
plains  of  Mexico — is  cultivated  for  its  singular  fruit — which,  in  its 


FIGWORT    FAMILY.  228 

young  state — before  it  before  it  becomes  hard  and  woody — is  used  for 
making  pickles. 

4.  SB'SAMUM,  L.    BENNE. 

Calyx  5-parted,  the  upper  lobe  smallest.  Tube  of  corolla  large,  limb 
plicate  somewhat  bilabiate  ;  upper  lobe  emarginate,  lower  slightly  3-fid. 
Stamens  4,  didynamous,  with  the  rudiment  of  a  fifth.  Capsule  oblong, 
obtusely  4-angled,  4-grooved,  2-celled,  2-valved,  valves  recurved.  Seeds 
numerous.  Annual  herbs  with  the  upper  leaves  often  alternate-solitary 
and  axillary  flowers  and  oily  seeds. 

1.  S.  IN'DICUM,  DC.     Stem  erect  pubescent ;  leaves  ovate-oblong  or 
lanceolate,  the  lower  often  3-lobed  ;  capsule  mucronate  with  the  persis- 
tent style,  velvety  pubescent. 
INDIAN  SESAMUM.     Benne.     Sesame. 

Stem  4-5  feet  high,  branching.  Leaves  petiolcd,  very  variable  in  shape,  those  near  the 
base  of  the  stem  often  3-fid.  Flowers  on  short  peduncles,  reddish  white.  Pods  about  an 
inch  and  a  half  long,  filled  with  seeds  which  are  white,  or  in  some  varieties  black  on  the 
margin. 

Native  of  India,  cultivated. 

Obs.  The  Benne  plant  being  a  native  of  India,  does  not  perfect  its 
seeds  in  the  northern  States,  but  only  succeeds  in  those  climates  in  which 
the  cotton  plant  can  be  cultivated.  It  is  said  that  the  plant  was  intro- 
duced by  the  negroes,  who  make  use  of  the  seeds  as  food.  The  seeds 
contain  a  large  quantity  of  oil,  which  is  obtained  by  expression  in  the 
same  manner  as  Linseed  oil ;  it  is  bland  and  tasteless,  and  is  used  for  the 
same  purposes  as  Olive  oil,  answering  for  cooking  or  for  burning.  The 
plant  is  cultivated  in  many  warm  countries  for  the  sake  of  the  oil.  The 
leaves  abound  in  mucilage  which  they  readily  impart  to  water  ;  one  or 
two  of  them  stirred  in  a  half-pint  of  water  will  render  it  thick  and 
ropy  without  affecting  its  transparency.  The  plant  is  often  raised  at 
the  north,  from  seeds  brought  from  the  south,  for  the  leaves,  the  mu- 
cilaginous drink  made  from  them  being  considered  serviceable  in  the 
bowel  complaints  of  children,  though  it  probably  possesses  no  advantage 
over  that  made  from  the  bark  of  the  Slippery  Elm,  or  the  Sassafras 
Pith.  * 

OKDER  XLVII.     SCROPHULAR'IA'CEvE.      (FIGWORT  FAMILY.) 

Herbs,  shrubs  or  sometimes  even  trees  with  alternate,  opposite  or  verticillate  leaves  with- 
out stipules,  a  persistent  calyx  of  4-5  more  or  less  united  sepals,  and  a  more  or  less 
irregular,  bilabiate  or  personate  corolla,  with  the  lobes  imbricated  in  the  bud.  Stamens 
either  4  and  didynamous — the  fifth  stamen  sometimes  appearing  in  the  form  of  a  sterile 
filament,  or  very  rarely  autheriferoas, — or  often  only  2 — one  pair  being  either  suppressed 
or  reduced  to  sterile  filaments.  Ovary  2-celled,  with  the  placentae  united  in  the  axis. 
Capsule  2-valved.  Seeds  indefinite,  albuminous. 

An  Order  of  nearly  150  genera, — affording  many  curious  and  rather  handsome  flowers 
— some  troublesome  weeds — and  a  few  plants  of  considerable  medicinal  powers — especial- 
ly the  purple  Fox-glove  (Digitalis  purpurea,  L.). 
&1.  Upper  lip  of  the  corolla  covering  the  lower  in  the  bud. 
Corolla  wheel-shaped  5-cleft,  the  lobes  somewhat  unequal.     Stamens 

5  ;  a  part  or  all  of  the  filaments  bearded.  1.  VERIUSCUM. 


224  WEEDS   AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 

Corolla  tubular  with,  a  spur  at  th3  baso.    Pod  opening  by  holes.  2.  LINARIA. 

Corolla  tubular,  not  spurred.      Calyx  lobes  thick  and    leathery. 

Stamens  4.    Trees.  3.  PAULOWNIA. 

&  2.  Lower  lip  or  the  lateral  lobes  covering  the  upper  lip  in  the  bud. 
Corolla  tubular,  open  ;  the  border  slightly  5-lobed.    Flowers  in  a 

long  raceme.  4.  DIGITAIIS. 

Corolla  wheel-shaped,  4  parted.     Stamens  2.  5.  VKROXICA. 

1.  YERBAS'CUM,  I.     MULLEIN. 

[Quasi  Barbascum;  Latin  Barba,  beard  ;  from  its  bearded  or  woolly  habit.] 

Calyx  5-parted.  Corolla  with  a  very  short  tube  ;  limb  sub-rotate,  5-lobed 
— the  lobes  nearly  equal  or  the  front  one  larger.  Stamens  5,  unequal, 
inserted  on  the  tube  of  the  corolla,  declinate,  exserted, — the  filaments 
(or  Some  of  them)  bearded.  Capsule  ovoid  or  globose.  Seeds  numerous, 
rugose-pitted.  Tall  and  usually  woolly  biennial  herbs,  with  alternate 
leaves,  those  of  the  stem  sessile  or  decurreut.  Flowers  in  dense  spikes, 
or  paniculate  racemes. 

1.  V.  Thap'sus,  L.     Stem  simple,  erect,  tomentose ;  leaves  oval-lanceo- 
late or  oblong,  very  woolly  on  both  sides, — the  cauliue  ones  decurrent ; 
flowers  in  a  dense  terminal  spike  ;  2  lower  filaments  smooth. 

THAPSUS  VERBASCUM.     Mullein.     Common  Mullein. 

Fr.  Bouillon  blanc.     Germ.  Das  Wollkraut.     Span.  Gordolobo. 

Whole  plant  pale  greyish-green  or  hoary  tomentose, — the  pubescence  much  branched. 
£fem  3 -6  feet  high,  rather  stout,  leafy,  rarely  branching  unless  injured.  Radical  leaves 
6-12  inches  long, — the  cauline  ones  smaller.  Spike  cylindric,  6-12  or  15  inches  long; 
flowers  bracteate.  Corolla  bright  yellow.  Stamens  unequal, — the  two  lower  ones  longer, 
with  smooth  filaments. 

Neglected  fields;  road-sides,  &c.:  introduced.  Native  of  Europe.  Fl.  June -July. 
Fr..  August-  September. 

Obs.  This  plant,  although  abundant  in  all  the  older  settlements,  is 
undoubtedly  a  naturalized  foreigner.  It  is  a  worthless,  unseemly  intru- 
der, in  our  pastures  and  cultivated  grounds.  There  is  no  surer  evidence 
of  a  slovenly,  negligent  farmer,  than  to  see  his  fields  over-run  with  Mul- 
leins. As  the  plant  produces  a  vast  number  of  seeds,  it  can  only  be 
kept  in  subjection  by  a  careful  eradication  while  young — or  at  least  be- 
fore the  fruit  is  mature.  When  neglected,  the  soil  soon  becomes  so  full 
of  seeds,  that  the  young  plants  will  be  found  springing  up,  in  great 
numbers,  for  a  long  succession  of  years. 

2.  V.  Blatta'ria,  L.      Smoothish   and  green  ;  stem  rather  slender,  often 
branched  ;  leaves  oblong,  serrate,  not  decurrent ;  flowers  racemose  ;  fila- 
ments all  hairy. 

MOTH  VERBASCUM.    Moth  Mullein. 

Stem  2-4  feet  high,  angular.  Leaves2-5  inches  long, — the  lower  ones  potiolatc,  often 
sinuate  pinnatifid,  the  upper  ones  sessile  and  clasping.  Raceme  6-18  inches  long,  leafy  or 
bracteate,  glandular  pubescent ;  pedicels  %  an  inch  to  an  inch  in  length  ;  jknvers  either 
bright  yellow  or  white  with  a  tinge  of  purple. 

Pastures  and  road-sides.     Native  of  Europe.     June- August. 

Obs.  A  common  weed,  though  not  so  much  of  a  nuisance  as  tho  pre- 
ceding. Besides  the  two  species  described  above,  a  third,  V.  Lychni'tis, 
L.,  or  White  Mullein,  is  found  in  some  localities.  It  is  a  tall  plant  with 


FIGWORT    FAMILY. 


225 


a  thin,  powdery  woolliness  and  yellow  (sometimes  white)  flowers,  in  a 
pyramidal  panicle.  It  is  said  to  hybridize  or  cross-breed  with  the  com- 
mon Mullein,  thus  producing  some  remarkable  varieties. 

2.  LINA'RIA,   Tournef.     TOAD-FLAX. 

[Latin,  Linum,  flax  ;  from  the  resemblance  of  the  leaves.] 

Calyx  5-parted.     Corolla  with  the  limb  personate,  the  upper  lip  bifid 

with  the  lobes  folded  back — the  lower  lip  trifid,  closing  the  throat  by 

its  prominent  palate  ;  tube  inflated,  spurred  at  base.     Stamens  4,  didyn- 

amous, — usually  with  a  minute  abortive  rudiment  of  a  fifth.     Capsule 

ovoid  or  globose,  mernbranaceous,  2-celled,  opening  below  the  summit 

by  1-2  pores  or  chinks,  toothed.     Seeds  numerous,  margined.     Mostly 

lierbs,  annual  or  perennial.     Leaves  alternate,  rarely  opposite  or  verti- 

cillate.     Flowers  usually  racemose. 

1.  L.   vulga'ris,  Mill.      Stem   erect,    simple  ; 

leaves  lance-linear,  acute,  alternate,  numerous  ; 

flowers  imbricated,  in  a  terminal  raceme  ;  spur 

of  the  corolla  acute,  about  as  long  as  the  tube. 

COMMON  LIXARIA.    Toad-flax.    Ranstead-weed« 

Butter  and  Eggs. 

Fr.  Muflier  linaire.     Germ.  Das  Flachskraut. 

Span.  Linaria. 

Plant  smooth  and  somewhat  glaucous.  .Roof  perennial, 
creeping,  subligneous.  Stem  1-2  or  3  feet  high,  slender, 
terete,  leafy,  sometimes  branched  at  summit  and  bearing 
several  racemes,  generally  growing  in  bunches  or  small 
patches.  Leaves  1-2  inches  long,  narrow,  irregularly  sec- 
tored on  the  stem,  but  very  numerous.  Flowers  pedunc  i- 
latc,  hi  a  di-nso  bracteate  raceme — the  peduncles  shortor 
than  the  bracts.  Corolla  pale  greenish-yellow,  smooth, — 
the  palate  of  the  lower  lip  bright  orange  color,  villous  in 
the  throat ;  spur  subulate,  about  half  an  inch  long.  Style 
shorter  than  the  longest  stamens  ;  stigma  obliquely  trun- 
cate. Capsule  ovoid  oblong,  thin,  smooth,  longer  than  the 
calyx.  Seeds  with  a  dilated  orbicular  margin,  roughish- 
dotted  in  the  centre. 

Pastures,  fence-rows,  &c.:  introduced.  Native  of  Europe. 
Fl.  June -September.  Fr.  August -October. 

Obs.  This  is  extensively  naturalized, — and 
has  become  a  vile  nuisance  in  our  pastures  and 
upland  meadows.  Mr.  WATSON,  in  his  annals 
of  Philadelphia,  says  it  was  introduced  frorfi 
Wales,  as  a  garden  flower,  by  a  Mr.  RANSTEAD, 
a  Welsh  resident  of  that  city  ;  and  hence  one 

of  its  common  names.  It  inclines  to  form  large  patches,  by  means  of 
its  creeping  roots, — and  as  far  as  it  extends,  takes  almost  exclusive  pos- 


10* 


FIG.  150.  Toa'1-flax  (Linaria  vulgaris). 


226  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

session  of  the  soil.  Although  the  flowers  are  somewhat  showy,  it  is  a 
fetid,  worthless  and  very  objectionable  weed, — the  roots  very  tenacious 
of  life— and  requiring  much  persevering  effort  to  extirpate  them.  The 
remarkable  variety  called  Peloria-  -with  a  regular  5-lobed  ventricose 
corolla,  5  spurs,  and  5  perfect  stamens — is  occasionally  to  be  observed; 
Sometimes  these  Pelorias  are  tetramerous  ;  i.  e.  the  corolla  4-lobed,  with 
4  spurs,  &c.  They  are  frequently,  if  not  always,  late  flowers, — situated 
at  the  summit  of  the  raceme  of  full  grown  capsules,  and "  apparently  the 
latest  floral  developments  of  the  plant.  'Two  other  European  species 
are  sparingly  introduced,  but  they  are  fortunately  not  sufficiently  dis- 
seminated to  warrant  their  description  here. 

3.    PAULOW'NIA,  Sieb.  If  Zucc.     PAULOWNIA. 

Calyx  deeply  5-cleft,  divisions  thick.  Corolla  with  an  elongated  de- 
clined tube  and  an  oblique  limb  with  5  roundish  divisions.  Stamens  4, 
ascending  from  a  declined  base,  without  the  rudiment  of  a  fifth.  Capsule 
woody,  acuminate,  loculicidally  2-valved.  Seeds  numerous,  oblong,  sur- 
rounded by  a  membranaceous  wing,  striate. —  Trees  with  the  habit  of 
Catalpa  ;  natives  o.f  Japan. 

1.  P.  IMPERIA'LIS,  Sieb  fy  Zucc.    Leaves  opposite,  petioled,  somewhat 
3-lobed  or  entire,  broadly  ovate  cordate  :  panicle  terminal  large  with 
many-flowered  opposite  branches. 
IMPERIAL  PAULOWNIA.     Paulownia. 

Tree  with  horizontal  tortuous  branches.  Leaves  when  young  canescent  hairy  on  hoth 
sides,  when  old  on  the  under  side  only,  with  the  upper  surface  finely  pubescent,  six 
inches  to  a  foot  in  length,  and  on  the  young  shoots  even  larger.  Calyx  divided  below  the 
middle,  the  lobes  oblong  obtuse,  externally  tomentose.  Corolla  \%  -  2  inches  long,  violet 
or  rose  color,  dotted  and  streaked  with  brown  and  yellow  within.  Capsule  an  inch  in 
length,  2-furrowcd,  persistent. 

Cultivated.     Fl.  April -May. 

Obs.  A  tree  of  very  rapid  growth  and  having  a  strong  resemblance  to 
the  Catalpa.  The  young  trees  are  remarkably  vigorous  and  bear  leaves 
of  an  enormous  size.  It  is  a  little  too  delicate  for  the  climate  of 
New  York, 'for  three  years  preceding  the  present  (1858)  the  flower  buds 
have  been  very  generally  killed  by  the  severe  winters.  The  capsules 
remain  on  the  tree  for  a  very  long  time  and  injure  its  appearance.  * 

4.   DIGITA'LIS,  L.     FOXGLOVE. 

[From  the  Latin,  Digitate,  the  flugor  of  a  glove  ;  from  the  shape  of  the  flowers.] 

Calyx  5-parted.     Corolla^  declined,  tube  ventricose  above,  contracted  at 

base,  the  limb  oblique,  upper  lip  emarginate,  the  lower  3-fid  with  the 

middle  lobe  the  largest.     Stamens  4,  didynamous.     Capsule  ovate,  with 

a  septicidal  dehiscence.    Seeds  numerous,  minute,  oblong,  angled.    Herbs 

with  crowded,  petioled,  radical  leaves  ;  bearing  showy  Jiowzrs  in  a  long 

raceme. 

1.   D.  PURPU'REA,  L.     Biennial ;  lower  leaves  ovate  or  elliptic-oblong, 


FIGWOUT    FAMILY;  227 

crenate,  downy,  on  winged  petioles,  those  of  the  stem  alternate,  some- 
what decurrent ;  raceme  erect,  one-sided,  simple,  of  numerous  drooping 
crimson  or  purplish  flowers. 
PURPLE  DIGITALIS.     Fox-glove. 

Stem  3-4  feet  high,  angled,  leafy  below  and  terminated  by  the  raceme,  leaves  dull 
greeu,  prominently  netted-veined  ;  those  of  the  stem  gradually  diminishing  into  bracts. 
Flmvers  2-2)£  inches  long,  within  somewhat  hairy  and  beautifully  spotted  with  deep 
purple  dots  surrounded  by  white  rings,  or  nodding,  solitary,  axillary  peduncles.  Capmle 
downy,  tipped  with  the  persistent  style.  Seeds  pale  brown,  pitted. 

Cultivated.     Native  of  Europe.     June -July. 

Obs.  Common  in  gardens  where  it  is  prized  for  its  showy  flowers,  and 
cultivated  by  the  "  Shakers"  and  others  who  raise  medicinal  plants  for 
its  leaves.  The  common  name  Fox-glove  is  said-  to  be  a  corruption  of 
the  old  Saxon  name  Folk's  glove.  Medicinally  Fox-glove  is  classed 
with  Tobacco,  Lobelia  and  other  acrid  narcotics,  and  should  only  be 
employed  under  the  direction  of  a  medical  adviser  as  it  is  dangerous  in 
large  doses.  Though  considerable  quantities  of  the  leaves  are  supplied 
to  the  drug  market  by  the  "  physic  gardens  "  of  this  country,  they  are 
considered  greatly  inferior  to  those  produced  by  the  plant  growing  iq 
its  native  localities. 

5.   YERO'NICA,  L.     SPEEDWELL. 

[Origin  of  the  name  obscure- ;  perhaps  the  flower  of  St.  Veronica.] 

Calyx  4-parted.  Corolla  wheel-shaped  or  salver-shaped,  the  border  un- 
equally 4-lobed,  the  lateral  lobes,  or  the  lower  one,  usually  narrower. 
Stamens  2,  one  on  each  side  of  the  upper  lobe  of  the  corolla,  exserted  ; 
anther-cells  confluent  at  the  apex.  Capsule  ovoid  or  obcordate  and  com- 
pressed at  the  apex,  2-celled,  few  -  many-seeded. 

1.  V.  peregri'na,  L.      Annual ;  smooth ;  lower  leaves  opposite  peti- 
oled,  toothed,  the  upper  alternate,  sessile  and  entire  ;  flowers  subssessile 
in  the  axils  of  leaf-like  bracts ;  capsule  orbicular,  slightly  notched. 
FOREIGN  VERONICA.     Purslane  Speedwell.     Neckweed. 

Stem  3-6  inches  high,  often  branched  a't  base.  Leaves  half  an  inch  to  near  an  inch 
long,  fleshy.  Calyx  lobes  resembling  the  small  upper  leaves  or  bracts.  Corolla  whitish, 
small  and  soon  falling,  the  lobes  nearly  equal. 

Waste  and  cultivated  grounds.     April -June. 

Obs.  A  very  common  annual  weed  which  has  every  appearance  of  an 
introduced  stranger,  though  it  is  considered  by  most  botanists  as  a  native 
plant.  It  is  widely  different  throughout  the  whole  length  of  our  conti- 
nent. It  was  at  one  time  supposed  to  possess  medicinal  virtues  in  scrof- 
ulous affections, — which  acquired  for  it  the  name  of  <!  Neckweed." 
There  are  a  number  of  native  and  introduced  species  belonging  to  this 
genus,  but  this  is  the  only  one  sufficiently  common,  as  a  weed,  to  be 
noticed. 


228  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 


OEDER  XLVIIL     VEBBENA'CE^E.     (VERVAIN  FAMILY.) 

(shrubs,  and  even  trees  within  the  tropics) ,  having  opposite  leaves  without  stipules, 
and  a  tubular  corolla  with  the  limb  4-5-lobed,  more  or  less  2-lipped  and  didymnmms 
stamens.  Ovary  free,  entire,  2-4-celled.  Fruit  dry  (or  sometimes  drupaceous)  and 
splitting  into  2-4  indehiscent  1-seeded  nutlets.  Seeds  with  little  or  no  albumen. 

An  Order  of  but  little  importance  to  the  farmer, — though  containing  a  number  of  plants 
interesting  to  the  florist.  The  tree  w*hich  furnishes  the  "  ever-during  2kifc"  of  India 
(Ikctona  grandis,  L.) — so  celebrated  in  ship-building — belongs  to  this  Order. 

1.  VERBE'NA,  L.    VERVAIN. 

[The  Latin  name  for  the  leaves  of  any  sacred  herb  ;  etymology  obscure.] 

Calyx  tubular,  5-toothed, — one  of  the  teeth  often  shorter.  Corolla  tub- 
ular, somewhat  salver-form,  with  the  limb  rather  unequally  5-lobed. 
Stamens  included,  the  upper  pair  usually  without  anthers.  Ovary  2-4- 
celled,  with  1  ovule  in  each  cell.  Fruit  separable  into  2  -  4  nutlets. 
Flowers  mostly  in  terminal  spikes,  bracteate. 

1.  V.  urticoefo'lia,^.  Leaves  ovate  and  lance-ovate,  acute,  serrate,  pe- 
tiolate  ;  spikes  filiform,  terminal  and  axillary,  somewhat  paniculate  ; 
flowers  distant. 

NETTLE-LEAVED  VERBENA.     Common  Vervain. 

Rott  perennial.  Stem  erect,  2-3  or  4  feet  high,  obtusely  quadrangular,  hirsutely  pu- 
bescent, with  slender  axillary  spreading  branches  above.  Leaves  2 - 4  inches  long,  ab- 
ruptly narrowed  at  base  to  a  short  petiole.  Spikes  1  or  2-5  or  6  inches  long,  green,  very 
Blender.  Flowers  distinct  and  finally  a  little  distant,  small,  sessile,  with  a  minute  bract 
at  base.  Corolla  white, — the  throat  closed  by  a  delicate  white  villus.  Fruit  separating 
into  4  nucules,  which  are  oblong  and  triquetrous,  with  the  outer  side  convex. 

Pastures,  road^-sides,  &c.  :  throughout  the  United  States.  Fl.  July -August.  Fi: 
September. 

06s.  This  is  not  a  very  pernicious  or  troublesome  weed  ;  but  as  it  is 
altogether  worthless,  and  often  so  abundant  in  pasture  fields  as  neces- 
sarily to  attract  the  notice  of  the  observing  farmer,  I  thought  it  might 
be  admitted  into  the  present  work. 

V.  officina'lis,  another  introduced  species  with  pinnatified  or  3-cleft 
leaves  and  small  purplish  flowers  is  found  in  some  localities.  The  spe- 
cies of  this  germs  are  remarkable  for  their  tendency  to  hybridize  ;  several 
of  our  native  species  produce  hybrids  spontaneously.  Various  crosses 
and  varieties  of  V.  AUBLE'TIA,  V.  CHAM^EDRIFO'LIA,  and  other  species,  are 
now  among  the  most  common  and  deservedly  popular  ornaments  of  the 
flower  garden.  The  varieties  are  almost  innumerable  and  are  yearly  in- 
creased by  the  florists. 

ORDER  XLIX.     LABIA'T^E.     (MINT  FAMILY.) 

Chiefly  herbs  with  quadrangular  stems,  opposite  or  sometimes  verticillate  ltav<?s  without 
stipules,  and  jlmvers  in  axillary  opposite  cynmles  or  aggregated  in  terminal  spikes,  rarely- 
solitary.  Corolla  more  or  loss  bilabiate.  Stamens  4,  didynamous,  or  sometimes  2  ;  an- 
tlier-cdls  parallel,  or  often  divaricate, — sometimes  separated  by  a  long  filiform  connective'. 
Ovary  deeply  4-lobed,  becoming,  in  fruit,  4  little  seed-like  nutlets,  surrounding  the  base  of 
the  style,  in  the  bottom  of  the  persistent  calyx  ;  each  lobe,  or  nutlet,  containing  a  single 
se&l  with  littb  or  no  albumen.  Foliage  containing  receptacles  of  aromatic  oil. 


MINT   FAMILY.  229 

A  highly  interesting  and  valuable  Order,  containing  upwards  of  190  genera,  and  par- 
ticularly remarkable  for  the  aromatic  fragrance,  and  stomachic  properties,  of  many  of 
the  species.  The  most  important,  however, — being  generally  cultivated, — are  here  in- 
serted. 

*  Stamens  4,  the  lower  pair  longer,  declined  so  as  to  rest  on  the  lower  lip  of  the  corolla. 
Flowers   in   racemes,   white  ;  upper  lobe  of  calyx  broad,  orbicular- 
ovate.     Leaves  ovate.  1.  OCIJIUM. 
Flowers  in  terminal  peduncled  spikes,  pale  blue  ;  calyx  5-toothed  ; 

leaves  narrow,  hoary.  2.  LAVANDULA. 

**  Stamens  4  or  2,  not  turned  down. 

Corolla  almost  Equally  4-lobed.     Stamens  4,  nearly  equal.  3.  MENTHA. 

Corolla  manifestly  2-lipped.    Stamens  2,  or  only  2  with  anthers. 

Upper  lip  nearly  flat  or  spreading,  2-lobed  at  the  end.     Throat  of 

calyx  bearded.     Sterile  filaments  2.  4.  HEDEOMA. 

Upper  lip  arched,  entire  or  slightly  notched,  holding  the  stamens. 
Calyx  equally  5-toothed.    Flowers  in  close  and  leafy-bracted 

heads.  5.  MONARDA. 

Calyx  2-lipped.     Anthers  with  one  cell  at  the  end  of  a  long 

connective  astride  the  end  of  the  filament.  6.  SALVIA. 

Corolla  2-lipped.     Stamens  4,  all  with  anthers. 

Upper  and  inner  pair  of  stamens  longer  than  the  lower  or  outer 

pair  ;  all  ascending  under  the  upper  lip.  7.  NEPETA. 

Upper  and  inner  pair  of  stamens  shorter  than  the  lower  pair. 
Upper  lip  of  the  corolla  flat  and  open,  or  barely  concave. 
Stamens  distant  or  diverging,  not  approaching  the  upper 
lip. 

Calyx  tubular,  equally  5-toothed,  15-nerved.     Sta- 
mens long.  8.  HYSSOPUS. 
Calyx  10-13-nerved,  ovate,  bell-shaped    or    short- 
tubular. 
Calyx  naked  in  the  throat.    Flowers  clustered  in 

the  axils  or  spiked.  9.  SATUREJA. 

Calyx  hairy  in  the  throat. 

Flowers  spiked,  and  with  large  colored  bracts.  10.  ORIGANUM. 
Flowers  loosely  clustered  ;  bracts  minute.       11.  THYMUS. 
Stamens  with  their  anthers  approaching  in  pairs  under 
the  upper  lip. 
Calyx    tubular,    bell-shaped    and    2-lipped.     Corolla 

curved  upwards.     Flowers  few  in  loose  clusters.       12.  MELISSA. 
Upper  lip  of  the  corolla  arched  or  hood-like. 

Calyx  2-lippcd,  closed  over  the  fruit  and  very  veiny  ;  the 

lips  toothed.  13.  BRUXELLA. 

Calyx  not  2-lipped,  10-toothed.     Clusters  axillary,  head- 
like.  14.  MARRUBIUM. 
Calyx  not  2-lipped  and  only  5-toothed,  bell-shaped  or  top- 
shaped,  much  shorter  than  the  corolla. 

Corolla  enlarged  in  the  throat.  Calyx-teeth  not  spiny.  15.  LAMIUM. 
Corolla  not  enlarged  in  the  throat.     Calyx  top-shaped 

with  spiny  teeth.  16.  LEONTURUS. 

***  Stamons  4,  ascending,  and  projecting  from  the  upper  side  of  the 

corolla. 

Corolla  cleft  down  the  upper  Bide,  the  lower  lobe  much  larger  than  the 
other  4.    Flowers  purplish,  rarely  white,  in  a  spike  ;  akenes  veiny.    17.  TEUCRIUM. 

1.     O'CIMUM,  L.     SWEET-BASIL. 

[Supposed  from  the  Greek,  Ozo,  to  smell-;  in  reference  to  its  fragrance.] 

Calyx  5-cleft, — the  upper  segment  dilated,  orbicular-ovate.  Corolla  with 
the  upper  lip  4-cleft, — the  lower  lip  scarcely  longer,  declined,  entire,  flat- 
tish.  Stamens  4,  declinate,  the  lower  pair  longer, — the  upper  filaments 
often  toothed  at  base.  Nutlets  ovoid,  often  minutely  punctate.  Flow- 
ers in  terminal  interrupted  racemes. 


230  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

1.  0.  BASIL'ICUM,  L.  Leaves  ovate-oblong,  subdentate,  smooth,  with 
ciliate  petioles  ;  calyx  reflexed  after  flowering. 

KOYAL  OCIMUM.     Sweet  Basil. 

Fr.  Basilic.     Germ.  Gemeines  Basilienkraut.     Span.  Albahaca. 

Root  annual.  Stem,  6-12  inches  high,  often  much  branched,  smoothish  at  base,  pubes- 
cent above  with  short  reflexed  hairs.  Leaves  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  long  ;  petioles  one- 
third  to  two-thirds  of  an  inch  long.  Bracts  ovate,  acuminate,  petiolate,  ciliate.  Calyx  in- 
flated-campanulate.  Corolla  whitish  or  bluish-white. 

Gardens  :  cultivated.     Native  of  India.     Fl.  July.     Fr.  September. 

06s.  This  fragrant  little  plant  is  one  of  the  numerous  kitchen-garden 
herbs,  usually  cultivated  for  culinary  purposes. 

2.  LAVAN'DULA,  L.    LAVENDER. 

[Latin,  lavare,  to  wash, — the  distilled  water  being  used  for  that  purpose.] 

Calyx  tubular,  ovoid-cylindric,  ribbed,  with  5  short  teeth,  the  upper  one 
sometimes  dilated  and  produced  at  apex.     Corolla  with  the  upper  lip  2- 
lotied,  and  the  lower  one  3-lobed ;  lobes  all  nearly  equal,  spreading. 
Stamens  4,  included  ;  filaments  smooth,  not   toothed.      Akenes  smooth 
and  even,  adnate  to  4  fleshy  scales  on  the  margin  of  the  disk.     Peren- 
nial herbs,  or  suffruticose  plants, — the  stems  leafy  near  the  base,  but  often 
naked  below  the  spike.     Flowers  in  terminal  spikes. 
1.  L.  VE'KA,  DC.     Leaves  hoary,  lance-linear,  entire,  revolute  on  the 
margin  ;  spikes  interrupted. 
TRUE  LAVANDULA.     Lavender.     Garden  Lavender. 
Fr.  La  Lavande.     Germ.  Der  Lavandel.     Span.  Espliego. 

Plant  clothed  with  a  short  hoary  tomentum.  Stem  suffruticosc,  branching  from  the 
base  ;  branches  erect,  12-28  inches  high.  Leaves  1-2  inches  long,  crowded  near  the  base 
of  the  branches, — often  with  fascicles  of  young  leaves  in  the  axils.  Flowers  in  a  terminal 
imbricated  spike  about  an  inch  in  length,  with  1-2  distant  cymules  below.  Corolla  blue, 
pubescent,  nearly  twice  as  long  as  the  calyx. 

Gardens  :  cultivated.  Native  of  Southern  Europe  and  shores  of  the  Mediterranean. 
Fl.  July.  Fr.  September. 

Obs.  The  compound  tincture  of  the  flowers  of  this  herb  (or,  as  the 
good  ladies  term  it,  "  Lavender  Compound" — )  is  deservedly  popular,  for 
its  cordial  and  stomachic  properties.  The  distilled  water  is  also  highly 
esteemed  for  its  pungent  and  grateful  fragrance.  The  dried  flowers  are 
,  used  to  fill  scent  bags  to  lay  in  drawers  with  linen,  and  the  oil  distilled 
from  them  is  much  used  in  the  manufacture  of  perfumery. 

3.  MEN'THA,  L,    MINT, 

[From  Minthe,  a  nymph  ;  fabled  to  have  been  changed  into  this  plant.] 

Calyx  campanulate  or  tubular,  5-toothed,  equal  or  nearly  so.  Corolla 
with  a  short  included  tube  ;  the  border  nearly  equally  4-cleft, — the  up- 
per lobe  broader  and  usually  emarginate.  Stamens  4,  nearly  equal,  erect, 
distant ;  filaments  glabrous,  naked  ;  anthers  with  2  parallel  cells.  PC- 


MINT    FAMILY.  231 

rennicds,  with  spreading  root-stocks  and  cymules  (in  the  species  mentioned 
here)  in  terminal  spikes. 

1.  Mi  vir'idis,  L.     Stem  erect ;   leaves  oblong-lanceolate,  subsessile  ; 
spikes  terete,  slender,   elongated,  tapering  at  summit, — the  cymules 
mostly  distant. 

GKEEX  MENTHA.     Spear-niint.     Common  Mint. 

Fr.  Baume  verte.     Germ.  Die  Spitzmuenze..    Span.  Men'ta  puntiaguda. 

Plant  smoothish  and  rather  pale  green.  Stem  1-2  feet  high,  branching.  Leaves  1  -  2  or 
3  inches  long,  very  acute,  incised  serrate.  Spikes  of  cymules,  often  numerous,  2-4  inches 
long.  Corolla  pale  purple. 

Moist  grounds,  waste  places,  &c.  :  introduced.  Native  of  Europe.  Fl.  July -August. 
Fr.  September. 

Obs.  This  pleasantly  aromatic  herb  has  been  so  generally  introduced 
into  all  the  older  settlemsnts  of  this  country,  that  it  is  now  very  exten- 
sively naturalized.  It  is  deservedly  popular  as  a  domestic  medicine,  in 
relieving  nausea,  &c.,  and  it  is  the  species  employed  in  preparing  that 
most  seductive  beverage,  known  as  "  Mint  Julep."' 

2.  M.  piperi'ta,  L.     Leaves  ovate-lanceolate,  petiolate  ;  spikes  cylindric, 
rather  short,  obtuse, — the  cymules  loosely  approximated. 

PEPPERY  MENTHA.     Pepper-mint. 

Fr.  La  Men  the.     Germ.  Pfeffer-muenze.     Span.  Menta  piperita. 

Plant  smoothish  and  purplish.  Stem  1-2  feet  long,  branching.  Leaves  1-2  inches 
long,  more  or  less  ovate  and  rounded  at  base,  dark  green,  on  petioles  one-fourth  to  balf  an 
inch  in  length,  rather  acute,  serrate.  Spikes  of  cymules  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  or  more 
in  length,  terminal,  solitary, — the  cymules  crowded, — except  the  lower  pair  which  are 
often  a  little  distant.  Corolla  purple,  larger  than  in  the  preceding  species. 

Moist  low  grounds,  gardens,  &c.  :  introduced.  Native  of  Europe.  Fl.  August.  Fr. 
Sept,  -October. 

Obs.  This  most  grateful  aromatic  is  generally  allowed  a  place  in  gar- 
dens, or  about  houses, — and  is  apparently  naturalized  in  many  localities. 
The  essential,  oil,  and  distilled  water,  are  well  known  for  their  stomachic 
properties,  and  deservedly  held  in  high  esteem. 

The  plant  is  largely  cultivated,  especially  in  the  State  of  New- York, 
for  the  manufacture  of  the  Oil  of  Peppermint,  of  which  great  quantities 
are  consumed  by  confectioners  in  flavoring  candies,  lozenges,  &c.,  and  by 
druggists  and  liquor-dealers  in  preparing  essences,  cordials  and  the  like. 
Essence  of  Peppermint,  a  popular  aromatic  remedy  for  pains  in  the 
stomach,  &c.,  is  a  solution  of  the  oil  in  alcohol,  of  a  strength  corres- 
ponding to  the  price  at  which  it  is  sold.  Besides  the  species  mentioned, 
there  i?  another  foreign  one  sparingly  naturalized  around  old  settlements 
in  Ohio  and  Pennsylvania,  the  Corn-mint,  (M.  arven'sis,  L.J  which  has 
axillary  cymules,  and  the  stem  hairy  downwards  ;  its  odor  is  remarkable, 
and  has  been  compared  to  that  of  decaying  cheese.  A  native  species, 
M,  Canaden'sis,  L.,  is  common  in  wet  grounds ;  it  has  an  odor  much 
like  that  of  Pennyroyal. 


232  WEEDS   AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 

4.  HEDEO'MA,  Pers.     PENNYROYAL. 

[Greek,  Hedeia  Osme,  a  pleasant  odor  ;  from  its  fragrance.] 

Calyx  ovoid-tubular,  gibbous  on  the  under  side  near  the  base,  13-nerved, 
bilabiate, — the  upper  lip  3-toothed — lower  one  bifid  ;   throat  villous. 
Corolla  bilabiate, — the  upper  lip  erect,  flat— lower  lip  spreading,  3-lobed, 
lobes  nearly  equal.     Stamens  2,  ascending,  the  two  upper  entirely  want- 
ing,— or  rudimentary  and  sterile.     Herbs  with  small  leaves  arid  loose  ax- 
illary clusters  of  flowers,  often  forming  terminal  leafy  racemes. 
1.  H.  PULEGIOI'DES,  Pers.     Leaves  lance-ovate,  rather  obtuse,  subserrate, 
narrowed  at  base,  petiolate  ;  cj mules  about  3-flowered. 
PULEGIUM-LIKE  HEDEOMA.     American-Pennyroyal. 

Rod  annual.  Stem  6-12  inches  high,  hoary-pubescent,  branched.  Leaves  half  an  inch 
to  an  inch  long,  slightly  pubescent,  narrowed  at  base  to  a  pubescent  petiole  one-Qighth  to 
half  an  inch  in  length, — the  floral  leaves  resembling  the  cauline  ones.  Cymules  usually 
3-flowered  ;  bracteoles  linear-lanceolate,  scarcely  as  long  as  the  pedicels.  Corolla,  pale 
blue,  with  purple  spots.  Stamens  scarcely  exsertecl,  a'scendirig,  the  anthers  approximated 
under  the  upper  lip, — the  upper  pair  of  stamens  reduced  to  mere  abortive  rudiments. 

Slaty  soils,  old  fields,  &c.  :  throughout  the  United  States.  Fl.  July -August.  Fr. 
September. 

Obs.  A.  warmly  aromatic  little  herb, — in  general  use  as  a  popular  dia- 
phoretic, carminative,  &c.,  and  therefore  entitled  to  a  description  by 
which  it  may  be  certainly  recognized.  This  is  not  the  "  Pennyroyal"  of 
Europe  ;  but  has  been  so  called  because  of  its  resemblance  to  that 
plant, — which  is  a  species  of  Mint — viz.,  the  Mentha  Pulegium,  L. 

5.  MONAR'DA,  L.     HORSE-MINT. 

[De  '.icated  to  Nicholas  Monardez,  a  Spanish  Botanist.] 

Calyx  tubular,  elongated,  15-nerved,  nearly  equally  5-toothed ;  throat 
usually  hairy.  Corolla  with  a  slightly  expanded  throat,  and  a  strong- 
ly 2-lipped  limb  ;  upper  lip  entire,  or  slightly  notched,  erect,  embracing 
the  filaments  ;  lower  lip  spreading,  3-lobed,  the  middle  lobe  narrowest 
and  slightly  notched.  Stamens  2,  elongated,  ascending,  inserted  in  the 
throat  of  the  corolla  ;  ant/ters  linear,  the  divaricate  cells  confluent  at 
the  junction.  Flowers  large  in  a  few  whorled  heads  closely  surrounded 
with  bracts. 

1.  M.  did'yma,  L.  Leaves  ovate-lanceolate,  acuminate,  mostly  rounded 
or  somewhat  heart-shaped  at  base,  the  floral  ones  and  Jarge  exterior 
bracts  purplish  ;  calyx  s,mooth,  incurved,  nearly  naked  in  the  throat ; 
corolla  smooth,  much  elongated,  bright'  red  ;  stamens  exserted  beyond 
the  acute  upper  lip  of  the  corolla. 
Oswego  Tea.  Bee  Balm. 

Root  perennial.  Stem  1-2  feet  high,  4-angled,  branching,  somewhat  hairy.  Leaves  3- 
5  inches  long  and  1-2  inches  wide,  somewhat  hairy  on  both  sides,  especially  on  the  veins 
below  ;  petioles  half  an  inch  long.  Flotvers  in  1-2  (rarely  3)  whorls  ;  corolla  an  inch  and 
a  half  long. 

New  England ,  West  and  South.     July  -  August. 


MINT    FAMILY.  233 

Obs.  A  very  showy  plant,  often  found  in  fertile  soil  along  streams, 
and  very  common  in  gardens. 

2.  M.  puncta'ta,  L.  Leaves  lanceolate,  narrowed  at  base  ;  bracts  lan- 
ceolate, obtuse  at  base,  yellowish  and  purple  ;  calyx  pubescent,  with 
short  rigid  teeth  ;  corolla  nearly  smooth,  yellowish,  the  upper  lip  spot- 
ted ;  stamens  not  exceeding  the  upper  lip  of  the  corolla. 

Horse-mint. 

Root  perennial  or  biennial?    Stem  2-3  feet  high,  obtusely  4-angled,  whitish  downy. 
Flowers  in  several  whorls  ;  calyx  somewhat  curved  with  a  short  beard  in  the  throat. 
Sandy  fields    New  York  and  Southward.     August  -  September. 

06s.  This  very  odorous  and  pungent  plant  abounds  in  a  volatile  oil, 
and  possesses  stimulant  qualities  which  give  it  a  place  among  the  do- 
mestic remedies,  it  being  used  in  cholics,  &c.  The  oil  which  the  plant 
affords  by  distillation  is  one  of  the  most  powerful  of  its  class,  and  is 
used  as  an  external  application  in  rheumatism,  &c.  It  should  be  used 
with  caution,  as  it  in  some  persons  blisters  the  skin.  In  some  parts  of 
the  South  the  plant  is  incorrectly  called  "  Origanum,"  which  has  been 
corrupted  into  "  Bignum."  * 

6.  SAL'VIA,  L.    SAGE. 

[Latin,  salvare,  to  save  ;  on  account  of  supposed  medicinal  virtues.] 

Calyx  subcampanulate,  bilabiate, — the  upper  lip  mostly  3-toothed — the 
lower  one  bifid  ;  throat  naked.  Corolla  ringent, — the  upper  lip  erect, 
straight,  or  falcate.  Stamens  2  ;  anthers  halved, — the  cells  separated  by 
the  long  linear  connective,  which  is  transversely  articulated  with  the  fila- 
ment. Flowers  mostly  large  and  showy,  in  spiked  racemed  or  panicled 
whorls. 

1.  S.  OFFIOINA'LIS,  L.     Stem  shrubby  at  base,  leafy,  hoary-tomentose  ; 
leaves  lance-oblong,  crermlate,  rugose  ;  upper  lip  of  the  corolla  as  long 
as  the  lower  one,  somewhat  vaulted.     (See  figs.  152  and  153.) 
OFFICINAL  SALVIA.     Sage.     Garden  Sage. 
Fr.   La  Sauge.     Germ.   Die  Salbei.     Span.    Salvia. 

Root  perennial.  Stems  1-2  feet  high,  growing  in  bunches,  branching  from  the  base. 
Leaves  1-2  or  3  inches  long,  rather  obtuse,  sometimes  lobcd  near  the  base,  clothed  with 
a  short  pubescence,  greyish  green, — the  upper  or  floral  leaves  sessile — the  others  on 
petioles  about  an  inch  long.  Cymules  5-10-ilowered,  in  interrupted  terminal  racemes. 
Corolla  mostly  violet-purple. 

Gardens  :  cultivated.     Native  of  Southern  Europe.     Fl.  May -June.   Fr.  July- August. 

Obs.  Generally  cultivated  in  kitchen  gardens,  for  culinary  purposes. 
The  infusion  makes  a  good  gargle,  and  is  otherwise  moderately  medicinal. 
The  plant  would  seem  to  have  been  once  considered  as  a  kind  of  pan- 
acea, if  we  may  judge  from  the  following  monkish  lines : 

<(  Cur  moriatur  homo  cui  Falrict,  crescit  in  horto  ? 
Contra.vim  mortis  non  est  medicamen  in  hortis. 
Salvia  salvatrix,  Naturae  conciliatrix. 
Salvia  cum  Ruta  faciunt  tibi  pocula  tuta." 


234  WEEDS   AND   USEFUL    PLANTS. 

• 

There  is  now,  however,  but  little  confidence  placed  in  the  virtues  thus 
imputed  or  implied  ;  and  in  these  temperance  times,  the  doctrine  of  the 
concluding  line  would  be  denounced  as  rank  heresy, — even  though  the 
charm  be  fortified  "  with  Hue," — that  "  herb  of  grace  o'  Sundays,"  as 
SHAKSPEARE  terms  it — which  is  here  appropriately  enough  associated 
with  an  indulgence  in  cups !  We  often  find,  on  dry  sterile  meadow 
banks,  a  native  species  of  this  genus  (S.  lyra'ta,  L.),  which  is  a  mere 
weed,  but  scarcely  of  sufficient  importance  to  require  a  description  here. 
Several  tropical  species  are  cultivated  in  gardens  and  green-houses  ; 
some  of  which  have  the  calyx,  as  well  as  the  corolla,  highly  colored, 
and  are  very  showy. 

7.  NE'PETA,  L.     CATNIP. 

[Supposed  to  be  named  from  Nepete, — a  town  in  Italy.] 

Calyx  tubular,  sometimes  ovoid,  about  15-nerved,  obliquely  5-toothed. 
Corolla  bilabiate, — the  upper  lip  erect,  somewhat  concave,  emarginate 
or  bifid — the  lower  lip  spreading,  3-lobed,  middle  lobe  largest ;  throat 
dilated.  Stamens  4,  ascending, — the  lower  pair  shorter  ;  anthers  mostly 
approximated  in  pairs,  2-celled  ;  cells  diverging,  finally  divaricate.  Pe- 
rennial herbs. 

1.  N.  Cata'ria,  L.     Hoary-pubescent ;  stem  erect,  tall ;  leaves  oblong- 
cordate,  acute,  coarsely  crenate-serrate,  upper  floral  ones  small  and 
bract-like  ;  cymules  densely  many-flowered,  the  upper  ones  crowded  in  a 
spike — the  lower  ones  distant ;  calyx  ovoid-tubular  ;  corolla  one  half 
longer  than  the  calyx. 

CAT  NEPETA.     Cat-mint.     Catnip. 

Fr.   Herbe  aux  Chats.     Germ.  Die  Katzen  muenze.     Span.  Gatera. 

Stem  2-3  feet  high,  mostly  several  from  the  same  root,  somewhat  branched.  Leaves 
2-3  or  4  inches  long,  green  above  ;  canescent  beneath  ;  petioles  half  an  inch  to  an  inch 
and  a  half  in  length.  Cymules  on  short  common  peduncles,  in  interrupted  terminal 
spikes  ;  bracteoles  lance  linear,  a  little  longer  than  the  pedicels.  Corolla  ochroleucous,  with 
a  reddish  tinge  and  purple  dots,  pubescent  ;  upper  lip  emargiuately  bifid,  the  lower  one 
crenate  dentate,  villous  at  base. 

Fence-rows,  fields,  and  waste  places:  introduced.  Native  of  Europe.  Fl.  June  -Aug. 
Fr.  July  -September. 

Obs.  This  foreigner  is  so  extensively  naturalized  as  to  be  a  rather 
troublesome  weed.  The  dried  herb,  in  infusion,  is  a  highly  popular 
medicine  among  the  good  ladies  who  deal  in  simples, — and  "is  probably 
often  useful.  But,  as  a  weed  on  the  farm,  it  is  objectionable,  and,  when 
permitted  to  multiply,  gives  to  the  premises  a  very  slovenly  appearance. 

2.  N.  Glecho'ma,  Be.nth.    Stem  procumbent,  radicating  at  base  ;  leaves 
cordate-reniform,  rounded,  crenate,  all  alike  ;  cymules  few-flowered,— 
all  distant,  axillary  ;  calyx  tubular ;  corolla  nearly  three  times  as  long 
as  the  calyx. 

Ground  Ivy.     Ale-hoof.     Gill. 

IT.  Lierre  terrestre.     Germ.  Die  Gundelrebe.     Span.  Yedra  terrestre. 


MINT    FAMILY.  235 

Stem  6-18  inches  long,  slender  and  prostrate, — the  flowering  branches  erect  or  ascend- 
ing, 4-8  or  10  inches  high,  retrorsely  pubescent.  Leaves  three-fourths  of  an  inch  to  an 
inch  and  a  half  long,  and  rather  wider  than  long  ;  petioles  1  -3  inches  long.  Cymules  all  dis- 
tant ;  bradeoles  minute,  subulate  and  ciliate.  Corolla  blue  or  purplish-blue  (rarely  white), 
pilose — the  upper  lip  bifid.  Anthers  approximated  in  pairs, — the  cells  diverging  and 
presenting  the  figure  of  a  cross .. 

Fence-rows  and  moist  shaded  places  :  introduced.  Native  of  Europe  and  Northern 
Asia.  Fl.  May  -June.  Fr.  July. 

Obs.  Naturalized  about  many  settlements,  and  being  a  mere  weed,  is 
often  inconveniently  abundant.  The  herb  was  employed  in  England  to 
clarify  and  give  a  flavor  to  ale  (whence  one  of  its  common  names),  until 
the  reign  of  Henry  YIIL,  at  which  period  hops  were  substituted.  The 
infusion  of  the  herb  is  a  popular  medicine, — like  that  of  the  preceding 
species. 

8.  HYSSO'PUS,  L.    HYSSOP. 

[Latinized  from  Ezob, — an  ancient  Hebrew  name.] 

Calyx  tubular,  15-nerved,  equally  5-toothed  ;  throat  naked.     Corolla  bi- 
labiate,— the  upper  lip  erect,  flat,  emarginate — the  lower  lip  spreading, 
3-lobed,  middle  lobe  larger,  bifid.     Stamens  4,  exserted,  diverging,  the 
lower  pair  longer  ;  anthers  2-celled, — the  cells  linear,  divaricate. 
1.  H.  OFFICINA'LIS,  L.     Leaves  linear-lanceolate,  rather  acute,  entire, 
sessile  ;  cymules  secund,  racemose, — the  upper  ones  approximate. 
OFFICINAL  HYSSOPUS.     Hyssop.     Garden  Hyssop. 
Fr.  Hysope.     Germ.    Der  Isop.     Span.  Hisopo. 

Root  perennial.  Stem  18  inches  to  2  or  3  feet  high-,  subterete,  shrubby  at  base  and  much 
branched.  Leaves  three-fourths  of  an  inch  to  an  inch  and  a  half  long.  Cymules  rather 
crowded  in  a  one-sided  terminal  raceme  or  spike,  with  a  few  distant  ones  below.  Corolla 
bright  blue,  or  sometimes  purplish. 

Gardens  :  cultivated.     Native  of  Southern  Europe  and  Asia.  Fl.  July  -Aug.     Fr.  Sept. 

Obs.  Cultivated  as  a  medicinal  herb.  The  infusion  has  long  been  a 
popular  febrifuge.  The  Dittany  (Cunila  Maria'na,  L.) — which  belongs 
to  this  tribe — is  also  a  well-known  article  in  the  popular  Materia  Med- 
ica  ;  but  as  it  grows  wild,  and  is  usually  confined  to  dry  hilly  woodlands, 
it  is  scarcely  entitled  to  a  place  among  agricultural  plants. 

9.  SATUEE'JA,  L.     SUMMER  SAVORY. 

[The  ancient  Latin  name.] 

Calyx  tubular-campanulate,  10-nerved,  deeply ^  and  nearly  equally  5- 
toothed,  or  obscurely  bilabiate  ;  throat  naked*  or  nearly  so.  Corolla 
bilabiate. — the  upper  lip  erect,  flat — the  lower  one  spreading,  3-lobed, 
lobes  nearly  equal.  Stamens  5,  diverging,  Hertis  with  small  entire 
leaves,  often  fasciculate  in  the  axils,  and  somewhat  spiked,  purplish 
flowers. 

1.  S.  HORTEN'SIS,  L.  Stem  erect,  much  branched,  pubescent ;  leaves 
oblong-linear,  acute ;  cymules  axillary,  pedunculate,  few-flowered,  some- 
what secund,  remote  or  the  upper  ones  somewhat  spiked. 


236  WEEDS    AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 

GARDEN  SATUREJA.     Summer  Savory. 

Fr.  La  Sarriette.     Germ.  Die  Saturey.     Span.  Ajedrea. 

Root  annual.  Stem  6-12  inches  high,  obscurely  4-angled,  branched  so  as  to  appear 
bushy,  roughish-pubescent,  mostly  dark  purple.  Leaves  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  long, 
narrowed  at  base  to  a  very  short  petiole.  Cymules  about  3  flowered — the  upper  ones 
Crowded  into  a  leafy  spike.  Corolla  pale  violet-purple,  somewhat  pubescent,  scarcely 
longer  than  the  hispid-ciliate  calyx-teeth. 

Gardens  :  cultivated.    Native  of  Southern  Europe.    FL  July -August.    Fr.  September. 

Obs.   Cultivated  as  a  culinary  herb. 

10.   OBI'GANUM,  L.    MARJORAM. 

[Greek,  Oros,  a  mountain,  and  Ganos,  delight ;  in  allusion  to  its  native  locality.] 

Calyx  ovoid  bell-shaped,  hairy  in  the  throat,  5-toothed  or  bilabiate  with 
the  upper  lip  entire  or  3-toothed,  the  lower  lip  2-toothed,  truncate  or 
wanting.  Corolla  2-lipped  ;  upper  lip  emarginate  ;  lower  lip  longer,  3- 
lobed  and  spreading.  Stamens  4,  exserted,  diverging.  Annuals  or  peren- 
nials with  nearly  entire  leaves  and  flowers  in  dense  corymbose  clusters  or 
oblong  spikes,  imbricated  with  colored  bracts. 

1.  0.  MARJORA'NA,  L.     Somewhat  branched  ;  leaves  elliptic-obovate, 
downy  and  canescent  on  both  sides  ;  spikelets  oblong,  clustered  at  the 
ends  of  the  branches. 
Sweet  Marjoram. 
Fr.  La  Mprjolaine.     Germ.  Der  Majoran.     Span.  Majorana. 

Root  annual.  Stem  9-18  inches  high,  subterete.  Leaves  one  third  of  an  inch  to  an  inch 
long,  varying  from  ovate  to  obovate  and  spatulate.  Spilcelets  one  fourth  to  half  an  inch 
long,  obtusely  4-cornered,  hoary-pubescent,  in  sessile  terminal  clusters  of  threes,  or  on 
short  axillary  branches  ;  bracts  very  obtuse  or  rounded,  ciliate-pubescent,  quadrifariously 
and  densely  imbricated,  the  margins  at  base  involute.  Calyx  with  the  upper  lip  free, 
like  a  distinct  sepal,  dilated,  obtuse,  ciliate-pilose  and  mostly  3-toothed  at  apex,  narrowed 
below  with  the  margins  folded  in,  the  lower  lip  or  division  ovate,  smooth,  very  small. 
Corolla  white  or  tinged  with  purple. 

Gardens:  cultivated.    Native  of  Africa  and  Asia.    Fl.  July  -  Aug.     Fr.  September. 

Obs.  One  of  the  fragrant  culinary  herbs,  generally  cultivated. 
11.  THY'MUS,  L.    THYME. 

[The  ancient  Greek  name  ;  from  Thyo,  to  burn  perfume.] 

Calyx  ovoid-tubular,  10 -13  nerved,  bilabiate, — the  upper  lip  trifid — 
the  lower  one  bifid  ;  throat  villous.  Corolla  with  the  upper  lip  erect, 
nearly  flat,  emarginate, — the  lower  lip  spreading,  3-lobed,  middle  lobe 
longer.  Stamens  4,  exserted,  diverging.  Humble  shrubby  or  suffruticoae 
perennials,  with  small  and  entire  strongly  veined  leaves  and  purplish  or 
whitish  flowers. 

1.  T.  VULGA'RIS,  L.    Stems  erect  or  procumbent  at  base  ;  leaves  oblong- 
ovate  or  lance-ovate,  revolute  on  the  margin  ;  cymules  in  terminal  inter- 
rupted leafy  spikes. 
COMMON  THYMUS.     Garden  Thyme.     Standing  Thyme. 


MINT   FAMILY.  237 

Fr.  Serpolet.     Germ.  Der  Thymian.     Span.  Tomillo. 

Stems  4-6  inches  high,  numerous,  slender,  rather  erect,  much  branched  and  matted 
together  at  hase,  suffruticose,  clothed  with  a  short  cinereous  pubescence.  Leaves  ono 
fourth  to  half  an  inch  long,  abruptly  narrowed  to  a  petiole,  punctate,  slightly  pubescent 
beneath,  fasciculate  in  the  axils  by  reason  of  abortive  branches.  Calyx  hirsute,  strongly 
ribbed,  punctate  ;  segments  of  the  lower  lip  subulate,  pectinately  ciliate.  Corolla  pale 
purple. 

Gardens:  cultivated.  Native  of  Southern  Europe.  Fl.  June  -  August.  Fr.  August- 
September. 

Obs.  A  favorite  condiment  in  culinary  processes, — and  generally  cul- 
tivated in  kitchen  gardens.  The  creeping  Thyme  (T.  Serpyl'lum,  L.) — 
a  species  nearly  allied  in  properties  and  appearance — is  naturalized  in 
many  places. 

12.   MELIS'SA,  L.     BALM. 

[Greek,  Melissa,  the  honey-bee  ;  the  flowers  being  a  favorite  of  that  insect.] 

Calyx  tubular,  13-nerved,  bilabiate, — the,  upper  lip  mostly  spreading,  3- 
toothed — the  lower  one  bifid.  Corolla  bilabiate,  with  a  recurved  ascend- 
ing tube,  dilated  above.  Stamens  4,  conniving  under  the  upper  lip  ;  anthers 
2-celled  ;  cells  distinct,  parallel,  finely  diverging.  Perennial  herbs  with 
loosely  few-flowered,  one-sided  cymules  in  the  axes  of  leaf-like  bracts. 
1.  M.  OFFICINA'LIS,  L.  Stem  erect,  branching  ;  leaves  ovate,  coarsely 
crenate-serrate,  petiolate. 

OFFICINAL  MELISSA.    Balm.     Common  Balm. 

Fr.  La  Melisse.     Germ.  Die  Melisse.     Span.  Melisa. 

Stem  1  -2  or  3  feet  high,  more  or  less  pubescent.  Leaves  2-3  or  4  inches  long  ;  petioles 
half  an  inch  to  an  inch  and  a  half  in  length — the  floral  leaves  resembling  the  cauline,  but 
usually  somewhat  cuneate  at  base.  Cymules  3-6-flowered  on  a  short  common  peduncle. 
Calyx  dry,  hairy.  Corolla  white  or  ochroleucous',  sometimes  slightly  tinged  with  purple. 

Cultivated.     Native  of  Southern  Europe  and  Asia.     Fl.  July  -  August.    Fr.  September. 

Obs.  Commonly  cultivated  in  gardens,  and  has  become  sparingly  nat- 
uralized in  some  places.  An  infusion  of  the  herb,  or  "  Balm  Tea,"  is  a 
popular  domestic  medicine,  and  it  is  probably  as  efficacious  as  any  other 
harmless  warm  drink  in  producing  perspiration. 

13.  BRUNEL'LA,  Tournef.     SELF-HEAL. 

[German,  Die  Braeune,  the  quinsy  ;  said  to  be  cured  by  it.] 

Calyx  tubular-campanulate,  about  10-nerved,  reticulately  veined,  bilab- 
iate,— the  upper  lip  flat,  dilated,  truncate,  with  3  short-teeth — the  lower 
lip  bifid,  segments  lanceolate.  Corolla  with  the  upper  lip  erect,  vaulted, 
entire — the  lower  lip  depending,  3-lobed,  middle  lobe  rounded,  concave, 
crenulate  ;  tube  a  little  contracted  at  throat,  inflated  below  it  on  the 
under  side,  with  an  anmd-us,  or  little  ring  o£  short  hairs  or  scales,  near 
the  base  within.  Filaments  2-toothed  at  the  apex,  the  lower  tooth  bear- 
ing the  anther.  Perennials  with  few-flowered  cymules  clustered  in  im- 
bricated spikes  or  heads. 


238  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

] .  B.  vulga'ris,  L.    Leaves  ovate-oblong  or  ovate-lanceolate,  cfenate 
dentate  or  obsoletely  serrate,  sometimes  pinnatifidly  incised,  petiolate. 
COMMON  BRUNELLA.    Heal-all.     Self-heal. 
Fr.  Brunelle  ordinaire.     Germ.  Gemeiue  Brunelle.     Span.  Brunela. 

Stem  8  - 12  or  15  inches  high,  erect  or  ascending,  somewhat  branched,  especially  at  base. 
Leaves  1  -3  inches  long  ;  petioles  half  an  inch.-  2  inches  long  (those  of  the  radical  or  lower 
leaves  often  3-4  inches  long);  the  floral-leaves  bract-like,  orbicular-cordate,  sessile,  with  a 
short  abrupt  acumination,  the  lower  ones  conspicuously  acuminate.  Cymules  S-flowcred, 
crowded  into  compact  imbricated  oblong  terminal  spikes.  Bracteoles  none.  Corolla  violet- 
purple  (rarely  pale  purple  or  nearly  white) ,  smoothish. 

Fields,  road-sides,  open  woodlands,  &c.:  introduced.  Native  of  the  old  world.  Fl.  July  - 
September.  Fr.  August -November. 

Obs.  This  plant  appears  to  be  distributed  over  the  four  quarters  of 
the  globe  ;  but  I  should  judge  it  not  to  be  a  native,  here.  Although 
not  a  pernicious  weed,  it  is  so  common,  on  our  farms,  that  it  seemed 
proper  to  notice  it  in  this  work.  Its  ancient  reputation  for  healing 
wounds — like  that  of  many  other  such  medicaments  of  the  olden  times — 
is  now.  quite  obsolete.  The  famous  Mad-dog  Scull-cap  (Squtella'ria 
lateriflo'ra,  L.) — which  once  figured  in  the  Gazettes  as  a  specific  for 
Hydrophobia — belongs  to  this  tribe, — and  is  frequent  in  wet  meadows. 

14.   MARRU'BIUM,  L.     HOAEHOUND. 

[Said  to  be  derived  from  the  Hebrew,  Marrob  ;  meaning  a  bitter  juice.] 

Calyx  tubular,  5-10-nerved,  nearly  equally  5-  10-toothed, — the  teeth 
more  or  less  spiny-pointed,  finally  spreading.  Corolla  with  the  upper 
lip  erect,  flattish  or  concave,  somewhat  bifid — lower  lip  spreading,  3- 
lobed,  middle  lobe  broader  ;  tube  included  in  the  calyx.  Stamens  in- 
cluded ;  anthers  2-celled, — the  cells  divaricate.  Akenes  obtuse  at  summit, 
but  not  truncate.  Hoary-tomentose  perennials  with  rugose  leaves  and 
many-flowered  axillary  cymules. 

1.    M.  vulga're,  L.     Stems  ascending  ;  leaves  roundish-ovate  or  oval, 
crenate-dentate,  softly  villous  and  canescent  beneath  ;  calyx  with  10 
subulate  recurved  teeth.       « 
COMMON  MARRUBIUM.     Hoarhound. 
Fr.  Marrub  blanc.     Germ.  Der  weisse,  Andorn.     Span.  Marrubio. 

Stems  9-18  inches  high,  caespitose  or  branching  from  the  base.  Leaves  about  2  inches 
long,  abruptly  narrowed  at  base  to  a  flat  nerved  woolly  petiole  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  long. 
Cymules  dense,  sessile  in  the  rather  distant  axils  ;  bradeoles  subulate.  Corolla  white, 
small. 

Stony  banks  apd  waste  places  :  introduced.  Native  of  Europe  and  middle  Asia.  FL 
July -August.  Fr.  September. 

Obs.  This  has  been  introduced  as  a  medicinal  herb, — and  is  partially 
naturalized  in  many  places.-  It  has  a  weed-like  appearance,  but  does  not 
incline  to  spread  much, — and  may  well  be  tolerated  to  some  extent,  for 
its  valuable  tonic  properties.  The  Syrups  and  Candies,  prepared  from 
or  with  it,  are  excellent  pectoral  medicines. 


MINT    FA3IILY. 


239 


15.  LA'MIUM,  L.    DEAD-NETTLE. 

[Greek,  Laimos,  the  throat ;  from  its  gaping  flowers.] 

Calyx  tubular-campanulate,  about  5-nerved  ;  teeth  5,  nearly  equal,  subu- 
late at  apex.  Corolla  dilated  at  the  throat, — the  upper  lip  ovate  or  ob- 
long, arched,-  mostly  narrowed  at  base ;  lower  lip  with  the  middle  or 
lower  lobe  broad,  emarginate,  contracted  at  base  and  substipitate  ;  the 
lateral  ones  small  at  the  margin  of  the  throat.  Stamens  4,  ascending 
under  the  upper  lip  ;  anthers  approximated  in  pairs,  2-celled  ;  cells  finally 
divaricate.  Akenes  triquetrous  with  the  angles  acute  truncate  at  sum- 
mit, smooth,  or  minutely  rugose-tuberculate. 
1.  L.  amplexicau  le,  L.  Leaves 
rounded,  crenately  incised, — the 
lower  ones  petiolate — the  floral 
ones  sessile,  amplexicaul ;  tube 
of  the  corolla  naked  within,  the 
lateral  lobes  not  toothed;  an- 
thers hirsute. 

STEM-CLASPING  LAMIUM. — Dead 
Nettle.    Hen-bit. 
Fr.  Le  Lamier.      Germ.   Die 
Taube-nessel.       Span.    Ortiga 
muerta. 

Root  annual.  Stems  several,  or  much 
branched  from  the  base,  decumbent 
or  ascending,  6-12  inches  high, 
mostly  purplish.  Leaves  half  an  inch  to 
three  quarters  in  length,  and  mostly 
wider  than  long,  the  lower  or  eauline 
ones  on  'petioles  half  an  inch  to  an  inch 
long.  Cymule  densely  many-flowered, 
axillary,  the  lower  ones  distant,  the 
upper  ones  rather  approximated.  Calyx 
sessile,  hirsute.  Corolla  bright  purple, 
pubescent,  the  galeate  upper  lip  nearly 
entire,  clothed  with  a  purple  villas  ; 
lower  lip  opcordate ;  throat  dilated, 
laterally  compressed  ;  tube  slender, 
much  exserted.  The  corolla,  in  the 
lower  cymules,  is  often  minute  or 
wanting. 


151 


152 


Gardens  and  cultivated  lots :  introduced.    Native  of  Europe  and  Northern  Africa.     Fl. 
April  -  May.     Fr.  June. 

Obs.  This  worthless  little  weed  is  abundantly  naturalized  in  and  about 
our  gardens  in  Pennsylvania, — and  requires  some  attention  to  keep  it  in 


Fiff.  151.  A  flower  of  the  Garden  Sage  (Pal via  ofllcinalis).  152.  The  same  with  the 
corolla  removed  and  the  calyx  divided  to  show  the  pistil  and  4-lobed  ovary.  153.  The 
Purple  Lamium  (Lamium  amplexicaule). 


240  WEEDS   AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 

due  subjection.  Another  species  (L.  purpu'reum,  L.]  has  also  been  intro- 
duced in  some  localities  ;  but  it  does  not  appear  to  multiply  so  rapidly. 

16.  LEONU'KUS,  L.    MOTHERWORT. 

[Greek,  Leon,  a  lion,  and  Oura,  a  tail  ;  from  some  fancied  resemblance.] 

Calyx  turbinate,  5 -10- nerved, — the  limb  truncate,  5-toothed  ;  teeth 
subulate,  subspinescent,  finally  spreading.  Corolla  bilabiate, — the  upper 
lip  oblong,  entire,  flattish  or  somewhat  arched — lower  lip  spreading,  3- 
lobed, — the  lateral  lobes  oblong — the  middle  one  entire  or  sometimes  ob- 
cordate.  Stamens  4,  ascending  under  the  upper  lip  ;  anthers  approximat- 
ed in  pairs,  2-celled,  the  valves  naked.  Akenes  triquetrous,  truncate  at 
summit,  smooth.  Mostly  perennial  herbs  with  cut-lobed  leaves  and  close 
whorls  of  flowers  in  their  axils. 

1.  L.  Cardia'ca,  L.  Lower  stem-leaves  palmate-lobed,  the  upper  ones 
cuneate-oblong,  mostly  trifid,  with  a  lengthened  narrow  base, — the  lobes 
of  all  the  leaves  ovate  or  lanceolate  ;  corolla  longer  than  the  calyx- teeth  ; 
the  tube  with  a  villous  ring  within  at  base  ;  upper  lip  flattish,  hirsutely 
villous  ;  lower  lip  spreading,  the  middle  lobe  entire. 

CARDIAC  LEONURUS.     Mother  wort. 

Fr.  L'Agripaume.     Germ.  Das  Herzgespann.     Span.  Agripalma. 

Root  perennial  Stem  2-4  feet  high,  branched  at  base  and  above,  retrorsely  pubescent, 
with  a  hairy  ring  at  the  joints  or  nodes.  Leaves  2-4  inches  long,  rugose,  the  lower  ones 
nearly  orbicular  in  the  outline  ;  petioles  1-2  inches  long.  Cymules  3-6  or  8-flowered, 
sessile,  distant,  forming  an  interrupted  leafy  spike  6-12  or  15  inches  in  length  ;  bracteoles 
subulate,  smooth.  Calyx  strongly  5-ribbed,  smoothish  ;  teeth  acuminate,  pungent,  the 
lower  ones  rather  longer.  Corolla  pale  purple,  externally  very  villous,  especially  on  the 
upper  lip.  Akenes  hirsute  at  summit. 

Fence  rows  and  waste  places  :  introduced.  Native  of  Europe  and  Asia.  Fl.  June.- 
July.  Fr.  August. 

Obs.  This  foreigner  is  completely  naturalized,  and  is  apt  to  occupy  all 
neglected  nooks  and  waste  places  about  farm-yards  and  along  field-sides. 
It  is  an  utterly  worthless  weed — unsightly  and  disagreeable, — and  speed- 
ily gives  a  forlorn  appearance  to  the  premises  of  the  slothful  and  sloven- 
ly farmer.  There  is  another  Species  (L.  marrubias'trum,  L.)  which  has 
become  partially  naturalized  in  some  districts  ;  but  it  does  not  threaten 
to  become  so  prevalent  and  troublesome, 

17.  TEU'CRIUM,  L.     GERMANDER. 

[Named  from  Teucer,  a  Trojan  prince,  who,  it  is  said,  first  used  the  plant.] 

Calyx  tubnlar-campanulate,  nearly  equally  5-toothed.  Corolla  with  the 
tube  short, — the  4  upper  lobes  of  the  limb  nearly  equal,  oblong  and  de- 
clined, or  very  short  and  rather  erect, — the  lowest  lobe  largest,  oblong  or 
rounded,  mostly  concave.  Stamens  4,  exserted  from  the  cleft  between 
the  upper  lobes  of  the  corolla  ;  anthers  with  the  cells  confluent.  Cijmules 
few-flowered  in  a  terminal  rather  crowded  greyish-green  spike. 


13OKAGE   FAMILY.  241 

1.   T.  Canaden'se,  L.     Herbaceous,  erect,  hoary-pubescent ;   leaves 
ovate-lanceolate,  acute,  serrate,  rounded  at  base,  on  short  petioles. 
CANADIAN  TEUCRIUM.     Wood  Sage.     Germander. 

Root  perennial.  Stem  1-2  or  3  feet  high,  simple  or  sparingly  branched,  square  with 
the  sides,  concave  and  the  angles  obtuse,  clothed  with  a  retrorse  cinereous  pubescence. 
Leaves  3-5  inches  long,  on  petioles  one  fourth  to  three  fourths  of  an  inch  in  length.  Cymules 
2-3-llowered,  mostly  crowded,  sometimes  a  little  distant,  in  a  spike  2-5  or  6  inches  in 
length  (often  an  opposite  pair  of  racemes  from  the  axils  of  the  first  leaves  beneath) .  Co- 
rolla pale  purple,  minutely  pubescent  ;  limb  declinate,  with  a  central  fissure  on  the  upper 
side — the  upper  or  lateral  lobes  erect,  acute,  the  middle  or  lowest  lobe  oblong  or  obovate, 
concave.  Style  longer  than  the  stamens,  curved,  equally  bifid  at  summit. 

Fence  rows  and  low  shaded  grounds  :  throughout  the  United  States.  Fl.  July.  Fr. 
August  -  September. 

06s.  This  plant  is  frequently  to  be  seen  in  low  grounds,  along  streams, 
and  sometimes  along  fence-rows  and  borders  of  fields  ;  but  it  has  not  be- 
come generally  known  as  an  intrusive  weed.  An  observing  farmer,  how- 
ever, has  recently  brought  to  me  some  specimens  of  it  collected  in  his 
fields, — where,  he  assured  me,  he  found  it  a  very  troublesome  weed— and 
moreover,  exceedingly  difficult  to  extirpate.  I  have,  therefore,  deemed 
it  proper  to  describe  the  plant,  and  commend  it  to  further  notice, — so 
that  its  true  character  may  be  certainly  determined,  before  its  inroads 
become  extensive.  Since  the  above  remark  was  written  (1846),  the  plant 
has  become  very  troublesome  on  some  farms  in  Pennsylvania. 

OEDER  L.  BORRAGINA'CE^.  (BORAGE  FAMILY.) 

Mostly  rough  hairy  herbs  with  round  stems,  alternate  simple  leaves  without  stipules  and 
flowers  in  often  1-sided  clusters  or  racemes  which  are  spiral  (circinate)  before  expansion. 
Calyx  5-parted.  Corolla  mostly  regular  ;  the  limb  5-toothed,  with  5  stamens  inserted  on  its 
tube.  Ovary  deeply  4-lobed  ;  the  style  proceeding  from  the  base  of  the  lobes,  which  in 
fruit  become  little  nuts  or  hard  akenes,  each  with  a  single  seed  without  albumen.  Herbage 
not  aromatic. 

An  Order  for  the  most  part  of  rough  homely  plants,  some  of  them  very  obnoxious  weeds. 
A  few  are  slightly  medicinal.     The  Alkanet  of  commerce  (a  red  coloring  matter)  is  afford- 
ed by  a  plant  of  this  Order,  viz.:  Anchusa  tinctoria,  L.     Several  species  have  showy 
flowers,  and  some  of  the  Heliotropiums  are  admired  for  their  fragrance. 
*  Akenes  or  lobes  erect,  fixed  by  the  lower  end,  separate  from  the  style,  not  prickly. 
Corolla  somewhat  irregular,  throat  naked  and  open. 

The  rather  unequal  stamens  protruding.  1.  ECHIUM. 

Corolla  regular. 

Its  throat  closed  by  5  converging  scales.  2.  SYMPHYTUM. 

Its  throat  open,  with  5  more  or  less  evident  projections  ;  lobes 

spreading,  round,  imbricated  in  the  bud,  white.  3.  LTTHOSPERMUM. 

** Akenes  or  lobes  prickly,  fixed  by  their  side  or  upper  end  to  the 
base  of  the  style.  Corolla  salver-shaped  with  5  scales  in  the 
throat. 

Akenes  erect,  prickly  on  the  margins  only. 

Flowers  small.  4.  ECHINOSPERMUM. 

Akenes  oblique  or  flattened  from  above,  prickly  or  rough  all 
over.  5.  CYNOGI.OSSUM. 

1.     E'CHIUM,  Tournef.     VIPER'S-BUGLOSS. 
[Greek,  Echis,  a  viper  ;  from,  the  resemblance  of  the  seeds  to  a  viper's  head.] 

Corolla  subcampanulate,  limb  obliquely  5-lobed,  unequal,  the  throat  ex- 


24:2 


WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 


panded,  naked.     Stamens  mostly  exserted,  unequal.     Nutlets  roughened 

or  wrinkled,  fixed  by  a  flat  base. 

1.  E.  vulga're,  L.  Stem  tuber- 
culate-hispid  ;  leaves  linear- 
lanceolate,  hispid  ;  flowers  in 
lateral  secund  spikes,  dispos- 
ed in  a  long  narrow  raceme. 
COMMON  ECHIUM.  Blue- weed. 
Viper's  Bugloss.  Blue  Devils. 
Fr.  Herbe  aux  Viperes.  Ger. 
Der  Natterkopf.  Span.  Yer- 
ba  de  la  Vibora. 

Root  biennial.  Stem  2-3  feet  high, 
branched  above.  Radical-leaves  5-8 
inches  long,  lanceolate,  petiolate  ; 
stem-leaves  smaller,  linear-lanceolate, 
acute  sessile.  Spikes  numerous,  ax- 
illary, secuud  and  at  flrst  recurved, 
finally  erect.  Corolla  at  first  pur- 
Iplish,  finally  bright  blue,  pubescent 
externally.  Al<enes  subovoid,  angu- 
lar on  the  inner  side,  keeled  on  the 
back,  a  little  incurved  and  acuminate, 
rough  with  tubercles  of  a  greyish- 
brown  color. 

Fields  and  road-sides  :  introduced. 
Native  of  Europe.  Fl.  June.  Fr. 
August. 

Obs.  This  showy  but  vile 
weed,  has  become  extensively 
naturalized  in  some  portions 
of  our  country, — and  is  a  sad 
pest  wherever  it  establishes 
itself.  I  have  seen  it  in  con- 
siderable quantities  in  the 
State  of  Maryland,  and  of  late 
years  it  has  become  abundant 
in  New  York — though  I  think 
it  is  yet  rare  in  Pennsylvania. 
Prof.  A.  GKAY  informs  us  (Silliman's  Journal,  Vol.  42,  p.  13),  that,  in 
the  valley  of  the  Shenandoah,  Virginia,  "  for  the  distance  of  more  than 
a  hundred  miles,  it  has  taken  complete  possession,  even  of  many  cultivat- 
ed fields."  A  veteran  editor  of  a  newspaper  in  the  "  Old  Dominion," 
has  long  been  noted  for  harping  on  the  Ovidian  phrase—"  Principiis 
obsta,' — i.  e.  meet  and  resist  beginnings — or  nip  the  first  buddings  of  evil. 
If  he  had  taught  his  agricultural  fellow-citizens  to  apply  his  favorite 
maxim,  practically  to  this  plant,  he  would  "have  done  the  State  some 
service  :"  and  every  farmer  would  do  well  to  bear  that  maxim  in  mind, 


154= 


FIG.  154.     Flowering  summit  of  Viper's  Bugloss  (Echium  vulgare). 


BORAGE   FAMILY.  243 

not  only  in  reference  to  this,  but  to  all  pernicious  weeds.  It  would  save 
a  vast  deal  of  vexatious  labor  at  a  future  day. 

2.  SYM'PHYTUM,   Tournef.     COMFREY. 

[Greek,  Symphyo,  to  join  ;  from  its  supposed  healing  virtues.] 

Corolla  tubular  with  5  short  spreading  teeth  ;  the  throat  inflated  and 
closed  by  5  linear-awl-shaped  scales.  Stamens  included  ;  anthers  elongated. 
Nutlets  smooth,  ovate,  fixed  by  a  large  hollowed  base.  Coarse  peren- 
nials with  mucilaginous  roots  and  yellowish  white  flowers  in  nodding 
hispid  racemes. 

1.  S.  officina'le,  L.  Stem  winged  above  by  the  decurrence  of  the  sessile 
leaves  ;  lower  leaves  ovate-lanceolate,  tapering  to  a  petiole,  the  upper 
narrower. 

OFFICINAL  SYMPHYTUM.     Comfrey. 

Stem  2-3  feet  high,  branched,  grooved  or  angular,  and  hispidly  pilose.  Leaves  6-12 
inches  long,  rugose  ;  petioles  of  the  lower  ones  3-5  inches  in  length.  Racemes  without 
bracts,  the  flowers  rather  crowded.  Corolla  rarely  purplish  ;  scales  of  the  throat  gland- 
ular dentate. 

Gardens,  and  naturalized  in  some  places.     Native  of  Europe.    June. 

Obs .  Formerly  used  as  a  remedy  for  "  internal  wounds,"  and  still  has 
some  reputation  in  diseases  of  the  lungs  and  bowels.  The  root  is  the 
part  used  ;  it  imparts  a  strong  mucilage  to  water  and  has  a  slight 
astringency,  and  is  at  least  harmless  if  not  efficacious. 

3.  LITHOSPER'MUM,  Tournef.     GROMWELL. 

[Greek,  Lithos,  a  stone,  and  Sperma,  seed  ;  from  the  stony  hardness  of  its  seeds.] 

Corolla  funnel-form  or  salver-form  ;  limb  5-lobed  ;  throat  naked,  or  with 
5  small  gibbous  projections.  Anthers  oblong,  subsessile,  included.  Akenes 
bony,  smooth  or  rugose,  fixed  by  the  base. 

1.  L  arven'se,  L.  Hispidly  pilose;  leaves  lance-linear,  rather  acute, 
entire,  nerveless  ;  akenes  rugose-pitted. 

FIELD  LITHOSPERMUM.     Stone-weed.     Gromwell. 
Fr.  Gremil  des  champs.     Germ.  Acker  Steinsame. 

Roots  annual.  Stem  12-18  inches  high,  generally  much  branched  from  the  root,  and 
often  branched  near  the  summit.  Leaves  1-2  inches  long, — the  lower  ones  often  oblan- 
ceolate  and  obtuse.  Flowers  axillary,  solitary,  subsessile.  Corolla  ochroleucous,  small, 
destitute  of  folds  or  appendages.  Akenes  ovoid,  acuminate,  rugose,  brown  when  mature. 

Grain-fields  and  pastures  :  introduced.     Native  of  Europe.     Fl.  May.     Fr.  June. 

06s.  A  worthless  little  foreigner,  more  noticeable  for  its  frequency  in 
our  fields,  than  for  any  intrinsic  importance,  even  as  a  weed.  According 
to  the  doctrine  of  signatures — a  fanciful  theory  of  the  early  days  of 
medical  science,  which  assumed  that  all  iredicinal  substances  indicated 
by  some  external  character  the  diseases  to  which  they  were  adapted,  or 
the  part  of  the  body  which  they  were  supposed  to  affect — this,  and  other 
species,  were  formerly  a  reputed  cure  for  the  stone  in  the  bladder,  from  the 
stony-like  appearance  of  its  seeds  ;  whence  one  of  the  popular  names. 


244 


WEEDS    AXD    USEFUL    PLANTS. 


355 


3.  ECHINOSPER'MUM,  Swartz.    STICKSEED. 

[Greek,  Echinos,  a  hedgehog,  and  sperma,  seed  ;  from  the  prickly  nutlets.] 

Corolla  salver-form,  about  the  length  of  the  calyx  ;  lobes  rounded  ;  the 
throat  closed  with  5  short  scales.  Stamens  included.  Nutlets  erect,  fixed 
laterally  to  the  base  of  the  style  or  central  column,  triangular  or  com- 
pressed, the  back  armed  with  1-3  rows  of  prickles  which  are  barbed  at 
the  apex,  otherwise  naked.  Rough-hairy  greyish  herbs,  with  small  blue 
flowers  in  bracted  racemes. 
1.  E.  Lap'pula,  Lehm.  Stem  paniculately  branched  above ;  leaves  lanceo- 

FIG.  155.  Corn  Gromwell  (Lithospermum  arvense).     156.  The  fruit  of  4  smooth  nutlets, 
enlarged. 


BORAGE   FAMILY.  245 

late,  rather  obtuse,  rough-hairy ;  nutlets  each  with  a  double  row  of 
prickles  on  the  margins,  and  tubercled  on  the  back. 

Stickseed.     Narrow-leaved  Stickseed. 

Annual  or  biennial.  Stem  a  foot  or  more  in  height,  covered  with  greyish  spreading 
hairs,  simple  below.  Leaves  1-2  inches  long,  very  hairy  ;  the  hairs  mostly  tuberculate 
at  the  base.  Flowers  in  leafy  racemes,  the  pedicels  very  short. 

Waste  places.    Native  of  Europe.     July. 

Obs.  Rather  common  in  some  localities.  The  nutlets  adhere  to  the 
coats  of  sheep  and  cattle,  and  on  this  account  the  weed  is  a  troublesome 
one. 

4.  CYNOGLOS'SUM,  Tournef.     HOUND 'S-TONGUE. 

[Greek,  Kyon,  a  dog,  and  Glossa,  a  tongue  ;  from  the  form  of  the  leaves.] 

Corolla  funnel-form — the  tube  nearly  as  long  as  the  calyx  ;  throat  closed 
by  5  obtuse  scales ;  limb  5-lobed  ;  the  lobes  very  obtuse.  Stamens  in- 
cluded. Nutlets  depressed  or  convex,  oblique,  fixed  near  the  apex  to  the 
base  of  the  style,  roughened  all  over  with  short  barbed  or  hooked 
prickles.  Coarse  herbs  with  a  strong  unpleasant  odor,  and  mostly  panicled 
racemes  which  are  naked  above,  but  usually  bracted  at  the  base.  Lower 
leaves  petioled. 

1,  C,   Moriso'ni,   DC.      Stem  erect,  somewhat  hispid,  divaricately 
branched  at  summit ;   leaves  ovate,  lanceolate,  acuminate,  narrowed  at 
base ;  racemes  somewhat  in  pairs,  with  the  rachis  villous ;   pedicels 
finally  reflexed  ;  fruit  densely  covered  with  uncinate  prickles. 

MOKISON'S  CYNOGLOSSUM.     Beggar's  Lice. 

Root  annual.  Stem  2-4  feet  high.  Leaves  3-4  inches  long,  acute  at  each  end,  scabrous, 
the  lower  ones  petiolate — the  upper  ones  subsessile.  Racemes  terminating  the  slender 
divaricate  branches,  mostly  dichotomous  ;  pedicels  about  as  long  as  the  fruit.  Corolla 
bluish-white,  small. 

Fence-rows  and  borders  of  thickets  :  Northern  and  Middle  states.  Fl.  July.  Fr. 
October. 

Obs.  The  slovenly  farmer  is  apt  to  get  a  practical  acquaintance  with 
this  obnoxious  weed,  in  consequence  of  its  racemes  of  bur-like  fruit  en- 
tangling the  manes  of  his  horses,  and  the  fleeces  of  his  sheep. 

2.  C.  officina'le,  L.     Softly  pubescent ;  stem  paniculate  above,  leafy ; 
upper  leaves  lanceolate,  closely  sessile  by  a  rounded  or  slightly  heart- 
shaped  base  ;  racemes  nearly  bractless  ;  nutlets  flat  on  the  broad  upper 
face,  somewhat  margined. 

OFFICINAL  CYNOGLOSSUM.     Hound's-tongue. 

Biennial.  Stem  about  2  feet  high.  Radical  leaves  9-12  inches  in  length,  lance  oblong, 
petiolate  ;  stem  leaves  3-6  inches  long.  Racemes  2-5  inches  long,  mostly  erect,  secund  • 
pedicels  %-  yz  an  inch  in  length  •  corolla  reddish  or  purplish  brown,  (rarely  white). 

Waste  places  and  pastures.     Native  of  Europe.     May -July. 

Obs.  Troublesome  in  the  same  manner  with  the  preceding  species. 
The  disagreeable  odor  of  the  plant  has  been  compared  to  that  of  nests 
of  young  mice. 


246 


WEEBS   AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 


153 


ORDER  LI.     CONVOLVULA'CE^E.     (CONVOLVULUS  FAMILY.) 

Mostly  trailing  or  twining  lierbs,  often  with  a  milky  juice  ;  leaves  alternate  (in  Cuscuta 
reduced  to  minute  scales)  ;  flowers  regular,  hexandrous  ;  calyx  of  5  imbricated  persistent 
sepals;  corolla  5-plaited  or  5-lobed,  twisted  or  convolute  in  the  bud  ;  ovary  2-celled  (rarely 
3-celled)  with  a  pair  of  erect  ovules  in  each  cell,  the  cells  sometimes  doubled  by  a  false 
partition  between  the  seeds,  so  becoming  4-celled  ;  the  embryo  large,  curved  or  coiled  in  a 
mucilaginous  albumen.  Fruit  a  globular  2-6-seeded  pod. 

A  family  containing  many  showy  plants,  some  of  which  are  cultivated  for  ornament. 
The  medicinal  products,  Jalap  and  Scammoay,  are  furnished  by  plants  of  this  order. 


FIG.  157.  Common  Hounds-tongue  (Cynoglossum  offlcinale).  158.  Portion  of  the  corolla 
with  the  scales  which  close  the  throat.  159.  The  fruit,  consisting  of  prickly  nutlets  adher- 
ing to  the  base  of  the  styel. 


CONVOLVULUS   FAMILY.  247 

1.  BATA'TAS,  Rumph.     SWEET  POTATO. 

[Apparently  an  aboriginal  or  barbarous  name, — adopted  for  the  genus.] 

Corolla  campanulate — the  limb  spreading.  Stamens  5,  included.  Style 
simple  ;  stigma  capitate  ;  2-lobcd.  Capsule  4-celled,  4-valved.  Seeds  4, 
erect. 

1.  B.  B'DULIS,  Chois.     Stem  creeping,  rarely  voluble  ;  leaves  subhastate 

— cordate  with  the  sinus  broad  and  shallow,  often  angular  and  partially 

lobed,  petiolate ;  peduncles  as  long  or  longer  than  the  petioles,  3-4- 

flowered. 

EATABLE  BATATAS.     Sweet  Potato.     Carolina  Potato. 

Fr.  Patate  jaune.     Germ.  Bataten  Winde.     Span.  Batata  de  Malaga. 

Root  perennial,  tuberous  •  tubers  oblong,  terete,  acute  at  each  end,  yellowish-white,  or 
sometimes  purple  externally,  yellowish  within.  Stem  4-8  feet  long,  slender,  prostrate, 
radicating,  pilose.  Leaves  2-3  or  4  inches  long  ;  petioles  about  2  inches  in  length.  Corolla, 
purple  (fide  DC.). 

Gardens  and  lots  :  cultivated. 

Obs.  Cultivated  for  its  large  sweet  edible  farinaceous  roots,  especially 
in  the  Southern  States,  though  its  culture  has  been  found  practicable 
much  farther  North  than  was  formerly  supposed.  The  warm  sandy  soil 
of  New  Jersey  produces  fine  specimens,  and  it  has  succeeded  in  some  of 
the  States  of  the  West.  In  the  Middle  States  it  does  not  flower,  but  is 
propagated  altogether  by  cuttings.  The  plant  is  generally  supposed  to 
have  originated  in  tropical  America  ;  although  it  has  extended,  in  culti- 
vation, throughout  the  warmer  portions  of  both  continents,  it  has  nover 
been  detected  by  any  botanist  in  the  wild  state.  The  word  potato  is  said 
to  be  a  corruption  of  Batata,  the  name  it  bore  among  the  aborigines  of 
some  portion  of  this  continent.  This  is  doubtless  the  potato  spoken  of 
by  SIIAKSPEARE,  and  contemporary  writers;  the  "Irish.  Potato,"  so 
called  (SOLA'NUM  TUBERO'SUM),  being  then  scarcely  known  in  the  Old 
World.  Sweet  Potatoes  were  among  the  presents  which  Columbus 
carried  to  Isabslla,  from  the  newly-discovered  world. 

2.  CONVOL'VULUS,  L.    BIND-WEED. 

[Latin,  Convolve,  to  entwine,  or  wind  about ;  descriptive  of  the  plant.] 

Corolla  campanulate.      Style  simple ;    stigmas   2,  terete-linear,  often 
revolute.     Capsule  2-celled.    Seeds  4,  erect.    Stems  twining  procumbent, 
often  erect-spreading.    Flowers  mostly  opening  at  dawn. 
1.  C.  arven'sis,   L.     Stem  voluble  or  often   prostrate  ;  leaves   ovate- 
oblong,  mostly  obtuse,  sagittate  at  base  ;  peduncles  mostly  1-flowered, 
bibracteate — the  bracts  small,  remote  from  the  flower. 
FIELD  CONVOLVULUS.     Biud-weed. 
Fr.  Liseron  des  champs.     Germ.  Die  Ackerwinde.     Span.  Corregiiela. 

Root  perennial,  creeping,  long.    Stem  about  2  feet  long,  slen  ler,  branching,  procumbent 


248  WEEDS    AXD    USEFUL   PLANTS. 


or  twining  round  other  plants,  twisted,  a  little  hairy.  Leaves  an  inch  to  an  inch  and  a 
half  long — the  smaller  ones  rather  acute,  the  larger  ones  obtuse  and  somewhat  emarginate 
— all  of  them  with  a  minute  cusp  at  the  end  of  the  midrib  ;  petioles  half  an  inch  to  an  inch 
long.  Peduncles  axillary,  1-2%  inches  long,  with  2  minute. bracts  half  an  inch  to  a;i  inch 
below  the  flower.  Corolla  pale  red  or  reddish-white. 
Cultivated  lots  :  introduced.  Xative  of  Europe  and  Asia.  Fl.  June -July.  Fr.  Aug. 

Obs.  This  foreigner  has  been  introduced  into  some  portions  of  our 
country, — and  may  give  the  farmers  some  trouble,  if  they  do  not  guard 
against  it.  We  are  told  that  incessant  vigilance  is  the  condition  on 
which  alone  the  rights  of  freemen  can  be  maintained  ;  and  I  believe  the 
farmer  will  find  at  similar  condition  annexed  to  the  preservation  of  his 
premises  from  the  inroads  of  pernicious  weeds.  The  following  remarks, 
from  the  Flora  Londinensis,  will  afford  some  idea  of  the  character  of 
this  Convolvulus,  as  observed  in  England,— and  may  serve  as  a  salutary 
caution  here  : 

"  Beautiful  as  this  plant  appears  to  the  eye,  experience  proves  it  to 
have  a  most  pernicious  tendency  in  Agriculture.  The  field  of  the  slov- 
enly farmer  bears  evident  testimony  of  this ;  nor  is  the  garden  wholly 
exempt  from  its  inroads.  The  following  experiment  may  serve  to  show 
what  precaution  is  necessary  in  the  introduction  of  plants  into  a  garden, 
especially  when  we  want  them  to  grow  in  some  particular  situation. 

';  Tempted  by  the  lively  appearance  which  I  had  often  observed  some 
banks  to  assume  from  being  covered  with  the  blossoms  of  this  Convol- 
vulus, I  planted  twelve  feet  of  a  bank  in  my  garden,  which  was  about 
four  feet  in  height,  with  some  roots  of  it :  it  was  early  in  the  spring, 

FIG.  160.    Bindweed  (Convolvulus  arvensis.) 


CONVOLVULUS   FAMILY.  249 

and  the  season  was  remarkably  dry,  so  that  I  scarcely  expected  to  see 
them  grow  ;  but  a  wet  season  coming  on,  soon  convinced  me  that  my 
apprehensions  were  unnecessary,  for  they  quickly  covered  the  whole  sur- 
face of  the  bank,  to  the  almost  total  extirpation  of  every  other  plant. 
It  being  a  generally  received  opinion,  that  if  a  plant  was  cut  down  close 
to  the  ground,  it  would  thereby  be  destroyed,  or  at  least  very  much 
weakened,  I  was  determined  to  try  the  validity  of  this  opinion  by  an 
experiment,  and  accordingly,  the  whole  of  the  Convolvulus  was  cut 
down  somewhat  below  the  surface  of  the  earth.  In  about  a  month  the 
bank  was  covered  with  it  thicker  than  before.  I  then  had  recourse  to 
a  second  cutting,  and  afterwards  to  a  third  :  but  all  these  were  insuffi- 
cient ;  for  now  at  this  present  writing  (August)  the  bank  is  wholly 
covered  with  it ;  nor  do  I  expect  to  destroy  it,  but  by  levelling  the 
bank  and  destroying  the  roots." 

The  common  Morning-glory  is  placed  by  some  botanists  in  this  genus, 
and  by  others,  it  is  referred  to  IPOMCEA,  which  differs  from  Convolvulus 
chiefly  in  its  capitate,  and  often  2  -  3-lobed  stigma.  This,  the  Ipomce'a 
purpu'rea,  L.,  is  sparingly  naturalized  about  dwellings  ;  "and  a  very  hairy 
species,  I.  Nil.  Roth,  is  found  in  similar  situations  in  the  Southern 
States.  The  beautiful  Cypress  Vine,  often  cultivated,  and  somewhat 
spontaneous  Southward,  is  QUAM'OCLIT  VULGA'EIS,  Chois. 

3.  CUS'CUTA,   Tournef.     DODDER. 

[A  name  of  uncertain  derivation  and  obscure  meaning.] 

Calyx  4  -  5-cleft.  Corolla  globose-urceolate  or  tubular, — the  limb  5  or 
rarely  4-cleft.  Stamens  furnished  with  a  scale-like,  often  fringed  a.ppen- 
dageaUthe  base.  Ovary  free,  2-celled  and  4-ovuled  ;  styles  2,  rarely 
united  into  1.  Fruit  mostly  capsular,  —  the  pericarp  membranaceous, 
circumscissed  at  base  or  bursting  irregularly.  Embryo  spiral,  filiform, 
more  or  less  convolute  in  and  around  fleshy  albumen.  Parasitic  herbs, 
with  slender  twining  leafless  orange-colored  stems  ;  germinating  in  the 
earth,  but  speedily  attaching  themselves  to  other  plants  by  radicating 
processes,  through  which  they  derive  nourishment, —  and,  dying  at  the 
root,  soon  lose  all  direct -connection  with  the  soil.  Flcwcrs  clustered. 
1.  C.  EPILI'NUM,  Weik.  Stem  filiform  ;  flowers  in  dense  capitate  sessile 
rather  distant  clusters ;  corolla  globular,  5-parted,  scarcely  exceeding 
the  calyx,  withering  on  the  capsule  ;  scales  minute  ;  stigmas  elongated  ; 
pod  opening  regularly  around  the  base  by  a  circumsissile  dehiscence. 
FLAX  CUSCUTA.  Flax-vine.  Dodder. 
Fr.  Fil  de  terre.  Germ.  Die  Flachs-seide.  Span.  Cuscuta. 

Annual.  Stem  2-3  or  4  feet  long,  very  slender,  smooth,  pale  orange-color,  flowers  in 
small  dense  heads  or  clusters.  Calyx  segments  4-5  ovate,  rather  acute.  Corolla  yellowish- 
white  or  pale  orange-color,  subglobose-urceolate,  4-5*lobed  ;  lobes  ovate,  acute,  some- 
what spreading.  Stamens  inserted  at  the  clefts  of  the  corolla.  Scales  adnate  to  the  corolla 
below  the  stamens,  short,  truncate,  crenate-laciniate.  Capsule  depressed-globose.  Seeds 
reddish-brown,  scabrous  or  almost  muricate  under  a  lens. 

Jhiras'.tic  on  flax  :  introduced.     Native  of  Europe.     Fl.  June.     Fr.  July. 


250  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

Obs.  This  singular  plant — formerly  *a  great  pest  among  the  flax  crops 
— has  become  quite  rare,  since  the  culture  of  flax  has  declined.  There 
are  several  native  species  of  this  genus,  the  most  common  of  which,  C* 
Grrono'yii,  Wittd.,  is  often  seen  in  swampy  places,  from  August  to  Octo- 
ber, twining  over  other  plants  in  tangled  masses,  which  have  been 
likened  to  bunches  of  threads  of  yarn,  and  to  copper  wires. 


ORDER  III.  SOLANA'CE^E.     (NIGHTSHADE  FAMILY.) 

Mostly  Aer&Sj  with  a  watery  juice  and  alternate  leaves  without  stipules,  regular  5-merous  and 
5-androus  flowers  on  bractless  pedicels ;  corolla  plicate  or  infolded -valvato  in  the  bud  ; 
stamens  inserted  into  the  corolla,  as  many  as  its  lobes  and  alternate  with  them.  Fruit  a  2- 
celled  (rarely  3-5-celled)  many -seeded  berry  or  capsule  ;  seeds  withlleshy  albumen. 

An  Order  comprising  plants  with  widely  different  properties  ;  sometimes  the  foliage  and 
fruit  are  highly  poisonous,  while  on  the  other  hand  it  affords  some  of  our  most  valuable 
esculents. 

*Corolla  wheel-shaped.     Stamens  closely  converging  or  united  around  the  style.     Fruit 
a  berry. 

Anthers  longer  than  the  very  short  filaments,   and   connected  with   each    other, 
opening  lengthwise.  1.  LYCOPERSICUM. 

Not  connected,  opening  at  the  top  by  two  pores.  2.  SOLANUM. 

Anthers  shorter  than  the  filaments,  heart-shaped,  opening  length- 
wise.    Berry  inflated,  pod-like,  pulp  very  pungent.  3.  CAPSICUM. 
**Corolla  between  wheel-shaped  and  bell-shaped.     Anthers  separate. 

Calyx  becoming  inflated  around  the  eatable  berry.  •    4.  PHYSALIS. 

***Corolla  funnel-shaped,  bell-shaped  or  tubular.     Stamens  separate  ; 

filaments  slender.     Calyx  5-toothed  or  5-lobed. 
Shrubby  with  vine-like  branches  and  narrow  leaves. 

Corolla  funnel-shaped,  small.    Fruit  a  berry.  5.  LYCIUM. 

Annual  herbs  with  an  unpleasant  odor.     Fruit  a  pod. 

Corolla  and  stamens  rather  irregular.   Pod  in  the  urn-shaped  calyx 

opening  at  the  top  by  a  lid.  6.  HYOSCYAMUS. 

Corolla  perfectly  regular,  long  funnel-shaped. 

Calyx  5-angled,  long,  falling  away  after  flowering. 

Pod  large  and  prickly.  7.  DATURA 

Calyx  not  angled,  persistent.     Pod  smooth.  8.  NICOTIANA. 

1,  LYCOPER'SICUM,   Tournef.     TOMATO.  * 

[Literally  Wolf-Peach  •  a  metaphorical  name,  having  reference  to  the  fruit.] 

Calyx  5  -  10-parted,  persistent.  Corolla  rotate  ;  tube  very  short ;  limb 
plicate,  5  -  10-lobed.  Stamens  5-6,  exserted  ;  anthers  oblong-conical, 
cohering  by  an  elongated  membrane  at  summit,  longitudinally  dehiscent 
on  the  inner  side.  Ovary  2  -  3-celled,  with  the  placentas  adnate  to  the 
dissepiment,  many-ovuled.  Berry  2 -3-celled.  Seeds  numerous,  reui- 
form,  pulpy-villous.  Leaves  odd-pinnately  dissected.  Flowers  in  lateral 
racemose  clusters. 

1.  L.  ESCULEN'TUM,  Mill.  Stem  herbaceous ;  leaves  interruptedly 
pseudo-pinnate, — the  segments  petiolulate,  lance-ovate,  acuminate, 
deeply  incised-serrate  ;  fruit  depressed-globose,  mostly  torose. 

ESCULENT  LYCOPERSICUM.    Tomato,  or  Tomatoes.    Love-apple. 
Fr.  Pomme  d'  amour.     Germ.  Der  Liebes-Apfel,     Span.  Tomate. 


NIGHTSHADE   FAMILY.  251 

Plant  of  a  greyish  aspect,  viscid-pubescent  and  somewhat  fetid.  Root  annual.  Stem  2- 
4  feet  long,  branching,  often  straggling  or  procumbent  unless  supported,  flowers  in 
naked  lateral  racemose  clusters  ;  common  peduncle  1-2  inches  long,  dichotomously  divid- 
ed, the  sub-divisions  articulated  to  the  pedicels  -of  the  "flowers.  Calyx-segments  5-10, 
linear-lanceolate,  long.  Corttlla  yellow,  pubescent,  the  lobes  5-10,  lanceolate,  spreading. 
Anthers  cohering,  acuminate,  with  the  points  recurved.  Berries  large  (1  -3  or  4  inches  or 
more  in  diameter),  globose  or  flatly  depressed  and  orbicular,  often  remarkably  torosc  or 
distorted  by  large  swelling  ridges,  red  or  reddish  orange-color  when  mature. 

Gardens  and  lots:  cultivated.  Native' of  Spanish  America.  Fl.  June- August.  Fr. 
August  -September. 

Ob$.  This  is  cultivated  for  its  succulent  acid  fruit — which,  as  asauce, 
is  considered  very  healthful, — and  has,  of  late  years,  become  a  favorite 
and  almost  universal  dish,  in  its  season.  Numerous  varieties  are  found  in 
cultivation  ;  the  fruit  varying  in  color,  being  yellow,  deep-red  and  light- 
crimson  ;  some  have  the  surface  smooth,  and  in  others  it  is  deeply  fur- 
rowed. The  larger  berries  are  usually  in  an  abnornal  condition,  con- 
taining numerous  cells,  and  sometimes  appearing  as  if  produced  by  the 
union  of  several  ovaries.  The  small  round  kind,  known  as  "  Cherry  To- 
mato," is  probably  L.  CERASIFORME,  Dunal ;  this,  also,  varies  in  color, 
and  ha?  probably  hybridized  with  the  ordinarily  cultivated  species,  to 
produce  the  intermediate  forms  that  are  often  met  with. 

2.  SOLA'NUM,  L.     NIGHTSHADE  AND  POTATO. 

[A  name  of  obscure  and  uncertain  meaning.] 

Calyx  5  -  10-parted,  persistent.  Corolla  rotate  or  subcampanulate  ; 
tube  short ;  limb  plicate,  mostly  5-lobed.  Stamens  mostly  5,  inserted 
on  the  throat  of  the  corolla,  exserted  ;  anthers  con  ni  vent,  opening  at 
apex  by  2  pores.  Berry  2-  (rarely  3-4-)  celled.  Leaves  various ; 
flowers  in  cymose  clusters — on  mostly  lateral  and  extra-axillary  pedun- 
cles. 

*  Anthers  blunt ;  plants  not  prickly. 

1.  S.  ni'grum,  L.     Stem  herbaceous,  angular,  branched,  scabrous  on 
the  angles  ;  leaves  ovate,  obscurely  repand-dentate  ;  flowers  subumbel- 
late  ;  fruit  globose,  black. 

BLACK  SOLANUM.     Nightshade. 

Fr.  Morelle  noire.     Germ..  Der  schwarze  Nachtschatten.     Span.  Yer- 

ba  mora. 

Root  annual.  Stem  1-2  feet  high,  much  branched,  angular  or  slightly  winged.  Leaves 
2-3  inches  long  ;  petioles  about  an  inch  long.  Umbels  lateral  above  the  axils,  few-flowered, 
nodding.  Corolla  white. 

Waste  places,  about  gardens  and  dwellings.     Native  of  Europe.     Fl.  July.     Fr.  Sept. 

Obs.  A  homely,  worthless,  and  even  deleterious  weed, — which  ought  to 
be  carefully  expelled  from  the  vicinity  of  all  dwellings. 

2.  S.  Dulcafna'ra,  L.     Somewhat  shrubby  and  climbing  ;  leaves  cor- 
date-ovate, the  upper  ones  often  hastate  or  with  2  ear-like  lobes  at  base  ; 
flowers  in  lateral  cymes  ;  fruit  oval,  red. 


252 


WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 


163 


BITTEE-SWEET  SoLANUM.     Bitter-sweet.     Woody  Nightshade. 

Perrenial.  Stem  4-8  feet  long,  flexuose,  smoothish.  Leaves  2  - 4  inches  long  ;  petioles 
half  an  inch  to  an  inch  in  length.  Cymes  opposite  the  leaves,  nodding  ;  pedicels  half  an 
inch  long,  clavato  ;  common  peduncle  about  2  inches  in  length  ;  corolla  violet-purple,  the 
lobes  spreading  or  reflexed,  each  with  2  green  dots  or  tubercles  at  base.  Berry  near  half 
an  inch  long. 

About  houses,  &c.     Native  of  Europe.     .FZ.  July.    Fr.  September. 

Obs.  Extensively  naturalized  in  fertile  soils,  and  is  often  tolerated  and 


FIG.  161.  A  branch  of  Nightshade  (Solannm  nigrum). 
divided 


162.  A  fruit.     163.  The  same 


NIGHTSHADE   FAMILY.  253 

even  sometimes  cultivated  to  train  over  walls  and  fences,  as  its  flowers 
and  fruit  are  showy.  The  berries  are  said  to  be  poisonous,  though  this 
is  denied  by  some  authors ;  but  as  it  is  an  unsettled  question,  and  as 
their  bright  red  appearance,  when  ripe,  may  tempt  children  to  eat  them, 
the  plant  should  be  regarded  as  a  dangerous  one.  The  twigs  are  used 
in  medicine  to  increase  the  secretions  of  the  kidneys  and  skin. 

3.  S.  TUBERO'SUM,  L.     Underground  shoots  producing  tubers  ;    leaves 
interruptedly  pseudo-pinnate, — the  lobes  ovate,  entire  ;  fruit  globular, 
rather  small,  greenish  yellow. 

TUBEROUS  SOLANUM.     Common  Potato.     Irish  Potato. 
Fr.  Pomme  de  terre.     Germ.  Die  Kartoffel.     Span.  Batatin. 

Annual;  the  base  of  the  stem  producing  tuberous  oblong  or  roundish  pedicellate 
rhizomas.  Stem  2-3  feet  high,  thickish  and  succulent  or  fleshy,  often  decumbent,  some- 
what pubescent.  Leaves  odd-pinnately  dissected, — the  segments  somewhat  petiolulate, 
sometimes  opposite,  the  alternate  pairs  very  small.  Flowers  in  terminal  nodding  corymbs, 
on  a  common  peduncle  3-5  inches  long;  pedicels  articulated.  Corolla  bluish-white. 
Anthers  orange  yellow,  often  slightly  cohering.  Berries  globose,  about  half  an  inch  in 
diameter. 

Kitchen  gardens  and  fields:  cultivated.  Native  of  South  America.  Fl.  June -July 
Fr.  September. 

06s.  This  most  important  plant  is  more  or  less  cultivated,  for  its  escu- 
lent tubers,  by  every  owner  or  occupant  of  land.  It  is  one  of  the  indis- 
pensable crops  for  a  family.  Numerous  varieties  of  tubers — purple, 
white  and  yellow- — have  been  obtained,  by  long  culture,  or  from  seedling 
plants.  According  to  M'Cui,LOCH,  Potatoes  were  introduced  into  Eng- 
land, from  Virginia,  by  SIR  WALTER  EALEIGH,  in  1586  ;  into  Ireland  in 
1610, — where  they  have  "long  furnished  from  three-fifths  to  four-fifths 
of  the  entire  food  of  the  people"  ;  and  into  Scotland  in  1728. 

**  Anthers  long  and  taper-pointed  ;  stem  and  leaves  prickly. 

4.  S.  ESCULEN'TUM,  Dunal.     Stem  herbaceous,  nearly  simple  ;    leaves 
ovate,  somewhat  sinuate-lobed,  tomentose  ;  flowers  5-7  or  10-parted  ; 
peduncles  solitary,  thickened,  nodding  ;  calyx  aculeate  ;  fruit  ovoid  or 
oval,  dark  purple  or  white,  mostly  very  large. 

ESCULENT  SOLANUM.     Egg-plant. 

Fr.  Aubergine  rouge.     Germ.  Eifriichtiger  Nachtschatten. 

Whole  plant  clothed  with  a  stellated  tomentum.  Root  annual.  Stem  about  2  feet  high, 
hollow,  aculeate,  finally  subligneous  Leaves  6  - 9  inches  long, — the  nerves  and  petioles 
aculeate;  petioles  1-3  inches  long.  Peduncles  lateral,  supra-axillary,  thick,  (sometimes 
slender  and  dichotomous,  or  bearing  2  flowers),  aculeate.  Corolla  purplish,  pubescent  ; 
lobes  ovate,  spreading.  Berries  3-5  or  6  inches  in  diameter,  smooth. 

Gardens  :  cultivated.     Native  of  India.     Fl.  July-  August.     Fr.  September  -October. 

06s.  This  is  cultivated  for  its  fruit — which  is  quite  a  favorite  culinary 
vegetable.  Long  culture  has  produced  several  striking  .varieties,  some 
of  which  have  been  described  as  species  ;  the  white-fruited  variety  is 
nearly  destitute  of  prickles. 

5.  S,  Carolinen's3,  L.     Stem  suffruticose.,  branching  ;   leaves  ovate- 


254 


WEEDS   AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 


164 


oblong,  acute,  sinuate-angled  and  often  subhastate,  prickly  on  both  sides  ; 
racemes  simple,  loose ;  fruit  globose,  small,  orange  yellow. 
CAROLINIAN  SOLANUM.     Horse-nettle. 

Root  perennial.  Stem  1  to  near  2  feet  high,  annual  but  firm  and  almost  afcrubby,  hollow, 
branching,  armed  with  sharp  spreading  prickles.  Leaves  4-6  inches  long,  aculeate  on  the 
midrib  and  larger  nerves  on  both  sides,  clothed  with  a  hirsute  stellate  pubescence  ; 
petioles  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  and  a  half  long.  Racemes  lateral,  opposite  to  and  often 

FIG.  164.  The  Horse-nettle  (Solannm  Carolinense). 


NIGHTSHADE    FAMILY.  255 

longer  than  the  leaves.  Calyx  5  -parted,  aculeate.  Corolla  bluish-white.  Berries  one  -fourth 
to  one-third  of  an  inch  in  diameter. 

Pastures  and  cultivated  grounds — especially  in  the  Southern  States.  Fl.  July.  Fr. 
October. 

Obs.  This  is  an  exceedingly  pernicious  weed, — and  so  tenacious  of  life 
that  it  is  almost  impossible  to  get  rid  of  it,  when  once  fully  introduced. 
It  grows  in  patches  so  thickly  as  to  deter  stock  from  feeding  among  it, 
and  even  to  monopolize  the  soil, — while  its  roots  gradually  extend 
around,  and  to  a  great  depth.  It  is  a  native  of  the  Southern  States, — 
but  has  found  its  way  to  several  localities  in  Pennsylvania.  The  farmers 
will  do  well,  therefore,  to  enable  themselves  to  know  it  when  they  meet 
it, — and  moreover,  to  eradicate  it,  promptly  and  effectually,  wherever 
they  find  it  on  their  premises. 

3.  CAP'SICUM,  Tournef.     CAPSICUM. 

[Greek,  kapto,  to  bite  ;  from  its  hot  or  biting  quality.] 

Calyx  angular,  5  -  6-cleft,  persistent.  Corolla  sub-rotate,  with  a  very 
short  tube, — the  limb  plicate,  5  -  6-lobed.  Stamens  5-6,  exserted  ; 
anthers  shorter  than  the  filaments,  heart-shaped,  longitudinally  dehiscent. 
Berry  nearly  dry,  inflated,  polymorphous,  incompletely  2  -  3-celled. 
Seeds  numerous,  compressed,  reniform. 

1.  0.  AN'NUUM,  L.     Stem  herbaceous  ;  leaves  ovate,  acuminate,  entire, 

glabrous  ;  peduncles  solitary,  axillary. 

ANNUAL  CAPSICUM.     Red  Pepper.     Cayenne  Pepper. 

Fr.  Poivre  d'Inde.  Germ.  Spanischer  Pfeffer.  Span.  El  Pimentero, 
and  El  Chili. 

Root  annual.  Stem  1  -2  feet  high,  angular, ;  branching  above.  Leaves  2  - 4  inches  long, 
deep  green  ;  petioles  1-3  inches  long,  semi-terete,  slightly  channeled  above.  Corolla 
whito,  with  ovate-oblong  spreading  lobes.  Anthers  white,  with  a  tinge  of  blue.  Berry 
hollow,  terete  and  slender,  ovoid-oblong,  or  depressed-globose,  angular  or  torose,  red 
when  mature. 

Gardens  and  lots  :  cultivated.     Native  of  South  America.    Fl.  July -Aug.    Fr.  Oct. 

Obs.  Culffvated  for  its  fruit, — which  is  powerfully  stimulant,  and  much 
used  as  a  condiment.  Several  varieties  (perhaps  distinct  species) — with 
the  fruit  of  various  forms — are  to  be  met  with  in  the  gardens.  That  one 
with  slender  terete  elongated  fruit,  is  sometimes  cultivated  on  a  large 
scale, — for  the  manufacture  of  Cayenne  Pepper,  from  the  mature  fruit : 
the  other  forms  with  thicker  rinds,  are  used  in  the  green  state  for 
pickles. 

In  Mexico  and  other  warm  countries  of  this  continent,  this  is  almost  one 
of  the  necessaries  of  life.  The  common  people  living  mostly  upon  vege- 
table food,  use  this  stimulant  freely,  and  either  in  its  green  state,  "  chili 
verde,"  or  ripe,  "  chili  Colorado,"  it  forms  an  accompaniment  to  every  meal. 
C.  baccatum,  C.frutescens,  and  perhaps  other  species,  furnish  the  imported 
"  bird  pepper"  which  is,  when  green,  used  to  make  pepper-vinegar  or 
pepper-sauce,  and  in  the  ripe  state  ground  to  form  the  Cayenne  of  the 
shops. 


256  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

4.  PHY'SALIS,  L.     GROUND-CHERRY. 

[Greek,  Physa,  a  bladder,  or  bag  ;  in  allusion  to  the  inflated  calyx.] 

Calyx  5-cleft,  enlarging  after  flowering,  becoming  much  inflated,  and  in- 
cluding the  2-celled  globular  (edible)  fleshy  berry.  Corolla  spreading 
bell-shaped,  marked  with  5  concave  spots  at  the  base  ;  the  plicate  bor- 
der somewhat  5-lobed  or  5-toothed.  Leaves  somewhat  in  pairs  ;  pedun- 
cles extra  axillary,  nodding,  1-flowered. 

1,  P,  visco'sa,  L.     Root   perennial ;   divergently  branching  ;    leaves 
somewhat  heart-ovate,  repandly  toothed  ;  corolla  brownish  in  the  throat. 
CLAMMY  PHYSALIS.     Ground-cherry. 

Stem  12-18  inches  high,  branched  somewhat  dichotomously  and  with  the  whole  plant 
clammy  pubescent.  Leaves  2-4  inches  long,  varying  from  lance-ovate  and  acute  to 
roundish  ovate  or  sub-cordate  and  obtuse  ;  petioles  1-2  inches  long.  Corolla  greenish- 
yellow,  with  fuscous  or  purplish  brown  spots  at  base,  about  twice  as  long  as  the  calyx. 
Berry  greenish-yellow  or  sometimes  orange  color,  when  mature.  Peduncle*  of  tlu-  fruit 
about  an  inch  long. 

Common  in  light  sandjr  soils  :  also  cultivated.     Fl.  July.     Fr.  September. 

2.  P.  ALKEKEN'GI,  L.      Perennial ;    leaves  deltoid-ovate,   acuminate ; 
corolla  not  spotted. 

Strawberry  Tomato.     Ground-cherry. 

Less  branching  than  the  preceding.  Leaves  attenuated  into  a  long  petiole  ;  3  -  4  inches 
long  including  the  petiole  and  l>£-2  inches  broad  The  inflated  calyx  becoming  reddish  at 
maturity.  Berry  red. 

Native  of  Europe.     Cultivated. 

Obs.  Both  the  species  of  Physalis  above-mentioned  have  within  a  few 
years  come  into  cultivation.  The  ripe  fruit  has  a  very  pleasant  flavor, 
and  is  eaten  raw  or  cooked. 

5.  LY'CIUM,  L.  MATRIMONY-VINE. 

[Named  from  Lycia,  in  Asia  Minor.] 

Calyx  irregularly  2  -  3  or  5-cleft,  persistent.    Corolla  Uibular-funnel-form  ; 

border  mostly  5-lobed,  spreading.     Stamens  usually  exserted  ;  filaments 

bearded.     Berry  2-celled  ;  seeds  reniform.     Shrubby  vines  with  entire 

leaves ;  flowers  solitary  or  in  pairs  on  extra-axillary  peduncles. 

1.  L.  Bar'barum,  L.     Somewhat  spinose  ;    branches   elongated,  flaccid 

and  dependent ;  leaves  oblong-lanceolate,  often  clustered  ;  calyx  mostly 

5-cleft. 

BARBARIAN  LYCIUM.      Bastard  Jasmine.      Matrimony-vine.      Barbary 

Box-thorn.     Duke  of  Argyle's  Tea-tree. 

Perennial.  Stem  10  -20  feet  long,  slender,  much  branched,  with  indurated*  points  at 
the  axils  or  base  of  the  leaves.  Leaves  1-3  inches  long,  tapering  at  base  to  a  petiolt 
about  half  an  inch  in  length.  Peduncles  about  an  inch  long,  slender,  often  2-4  together  ; 
corolla  greenish-purple  ;  berry  oval,  orange-red  when  mature. 

About  dwellings.     Native  of  Northern  Asia.     June -July. 

Obs.  This  straggling  half-vine  kind  of  shrub  is  partially  naturalized  in 


NIGHTSHADE   FAMILY. 


257 


many  places  ;  and  being  rather  difficult  to  get  rid  of  when  once  estab- 
lished, is  often  something  of  a  nuisance.  It  is  frequently  cultivated  to 
cover  screens,  &c.  ;  but  there  are  so  many  plants  better  adapted  every 
way  to  the  purpose,  that  its  culture  is  not  to  be  recommended. 

6.  HYOSCY'AMUS,  Tournef.     HENBANE. 

[Greek,  Hys,  Ilyos,  a  hog,  and  Kyamos,  a  bean,  because  it  either  is  or  is  not  poisonous  to 
hogs, — a  point  upon  which  authors  differ.] 

Calyx  bell-shaped  or  urn-shaped,  5-lobed.     Corolla  funnel-form,  oblique, 

FIG.  165.  The  Ground  or  Winter-cherry  (Physalis  Alkekengi).     a.  A  fruit  with  half  of 
the  inflated  calyx  cut  away. 


258 


WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 


with  a  5-lobed  more  or  less  unequal  plaited  border.  Stamens  declined. 
Pod  enclosed  in  the  persistent  calyx,  2-celled,  opening  transversely  all 
round  near  the  apex,  which  falls  off  like  a  lid.  Clammy  pubescent,  fetid, 
narcotic  herbs,  with  lurid  flowers  in  the  axils  of  the  angled  or  toothed 
leaves. 

1.  H.  ni'ger,  L.     Leaves  clasping,  sinuate,  toothed  and  angled  ;  flowers 
sessile,  in  one-sided  leafy  spikes  ;  corolla  dull  yellowish,  strongly  reticu- 
lated with  purple  veins. 
BLACK  HYOSCYAMTJS.     Common  or  Black  Henbane. 

Annual  or  biennial.  Whole  plant  viscid  and  hairy,  of  a  glaucous  hue.  Stem  1-2 
feet  high.  Lower  leaves  petioled,  spreading  on  the  ground.  Calyx  closely  embracing  the 
seed-vessel,  strongly  netted-veined.  heeds  numerous,  kidney-shaped,  the  surface  strongly 
reticulated. 

Road-sides  and  waste  places.     Native  of  Europe.    July  -  August. 

Obs.  This  plant  which  is  but  sparingly  naturalized  as  yet,  is  power- 
fully narcotic  and  poisonous.  A  small  fragment  of  a  leaf,  or  a  drop  of 
the  juice  of  the  plant  falling  upon  the  eye,  dilates  the  pupil  in  a  remark- 
able manner.  It  is  used  in  medicine  as  a  substitute,  in  some  cases,  for 
opium. 

7.  DATU'RA,  L.    THORN-APPLE. 

[Supposed  to  be  from  Tatorah  ;  the  Arabic  name  of  the  plant.] 

Calyx  tubular,  prismatic,  separating  transversely  above  the  base  in  fruit. 

Corolla  funnel-form,  the  limb  spread- 
ing, plicate,  5  -  10-toothed.  Sta- 
mens included.  Style  simple  ;  stig- 
ma 2-lipped.  Capsule  ovoid  or  sub- 
globose,  prickly,  (rarely  smooth), 
half  4-celled  at  summit,  4-valved. 
Seeds  numerous,  laterally  compressed, 
sub-reniform,  roughish-dotted.  An- 
nuals,  with  coarse,  fetid  and  nar- 
cotic leaves,  somewhat  in  opposite 
pairs,  and  large,  solitary,  axillary  or 
dichotomal  flowers,  on  short  pe- 
duncles. 

1.  D.  Stramo'nium,  L.    Stem  dicho- 
tomously  branching ;    leaves  ovate, 
sinuate-dentate,   petiolate,    smooth  ; 
capsule  aculeate,  erect. 
Jamestown  (corruptly  Jimson]  weed. 
Thorn-apple. 
Fr.   Pomme  epineuse.     Germ.    Der 


ICG 


Stech-apfel.     Span.  Estramonio. 


FIG.  166.  A  capsule  of  the  Thorn  apple  (Datura  Stramonium). 


NIGHTSHADE   FAMILY.  259 

Root  annual.  Stem  2-5  feet  high,  rather  stout,  terete,  pale  yellowish-green  (dark 
purple  in  var.  Tatula) ,  smooth.  Leaves  4  -  6  or  8  inches  long,  sinuate  or  somewhat  angu- 
lar-dentate ;  petioles  1-3  or  4  inches  in  length.  Calyx  prominently  5-angled,  nearly 
half  as  long  as  the  corolla.  Corolla  ochroleucous  (pale  violet  purple  in  var.  Tatula),  about 
U  inches  long  ;  capsule  about  an  inch  in  diamter. 

Waste  places,  farm-yards,  road-sides,  &c.     Fl.  July  -August.     .FY.  September. 

Obs.  A  native  of  Asia  or  tropical  America.  Both  varieties,  the  one 
with  green  and  the  other  with  purple  stems,  are  very  common.  The 
herb  and  seeds  are  powerful  narcotic  poisons.  They  are  used  medici- 
nally, and  the  dried  root  is  sometimes  smoked  as  a  remedy  for  asthma. 
Both  varieties  are  coarse  unsightly  weeds,  and  should  be  carefully  extir- 
pated by  the  farmer. 

8.  NICOTIA'NA,  L.    TOBACCO. 

[Named  in  compliment  to  John  Nicot;  who  introduced  it  into  France.] 

Calyx  tubular-campanulate,  persistent.  Corolla  funnel-form, — the  limb 
spreading,  plicately  5-lobed.  Stamens  included.  Style  simple ;  stigma 
capitate.  Capsule  covered  by  the  calyx,  septicidally  2-valved  at  apex, 
the  valves  finally  bifid,  retaining  separate  placentae.  Seeds  very  nume- 
rous, minute. 

1.  N.  TABAO'UM,  L.  Leaves  large,  lance- 
ovate,  sessile,  decurreut ;  lobes  of  the  corol- 
la acuminate,  the  throat  inflated. 

TOBACCO  NICOTIANA.     Tobacco. 

Fr.  Le  Tabac.  Germ .  Der  Taback.  Span. 
Tabaco. 

Whole  plant  viscid-pubescent.  Root  annual.  Stem 
4-6  feet  high,  stout,  finally  almost  woody  at  base, 
paniculately  branched  above.  Leaves  1-2  feet  long, 
smaller  as  they  ascend.  Calyx  about  one  third  the 
length  of  the  corolla,  ventricose,  the  segments  lanceo- 
late erect.  Corolla  about  2  inches  long;  limb  rose-colored, 
spreading  ;  tube  pale  yellowish-green.  Captsule  ovoid, 
sulcate  on  each  side.  Seeds ^reniform,  rugose. 

Fields  :  cultivated  extensively  in  the  Southern  and 
Western  States.  Native  of  the  warmer  regions  of 
America.  Known  to  Europeans  about  the  year  1500. 
Fl.  July -August.  Fr.  Sept. 

06.5.  The  extent  to  which  this  nauseous 
and  powerfully  narcotic  plant  is  cultivated, 
its  commercial  importance,  and  the  modes  in 
which  it  is  employed  to  gratify  the  senses,  constitute,  altogether,  one  of 
the  most  remarkable  traits  in  the  history  of  civilized  man.  "Were  we 
not  so  practically  familiar  with  the  business,  we  should  doubtless  be  dis- 


FIG.  167.  Flowers  of  Tobacco  (Xicotiana  Tabacum). 


260  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

posed  to  regard  the  whole  story  of  the  tobacco  trade,  and  the  uses  made 
of  the  herb,  as  an  absurd  and  extravagant  fable.  In  view  of  the  facts 
and  circumstances,  it  does  seem  like  sheer  affectation,  on  our  part,  to 
pretend  to  be  astonished  at  the  indulgence  of  the  Chinese,  and  other 
Asiatics,  in  the  use  of  Opium.  The  habitual  use  of  Tobacco  is  always 
more  or  less  injurious  to  the  system — especially  the  nervous  system  ; 
and  in  many  instances  it  is  highly  deleterious.  I  speak  from  long  ob- 
servation, and  a  personal  experience  of  many  years,  having  smoked  and 
chewed  the  herb,  until  its  pernicious  effects  compelled  me  to  es-chew  it 
altogether. 

OEDER  LILT.     GENTIANA' CE^E.     (GENTIAN  FAMILY.) 

Smooth  herbs  with  a  colorless  bitter  juice,  opposite,  entire  and  sessile  leaves  without  stipules; 
flowers  regular  ;  stamens  as  many  as  and  alternate  with  the  lobes  of  the  corolla,  which  are 
convolute  in  the  bud  ;  a  1-celled  ovary  with  2-parietal  placentae  ;  the  fruit  a  2-valvcd , 
septicidal  many-seeded  pod  ;  seeds  with  fleshy  albumen. 

An  Order  containing  many  beautiful  species — a  number  of  them  valuable  for  their 
bitter,  tonic  properties  ;  among  which  may  be  mentioned  the  Gentian  of  the  shops  (Gen- 
tiana  lutea,  L.).  Few  or  none,  however,  are  of  any  agricultual  importance. 

1.  SABBAT'IA,  Adam.     OENTAURY. 

[Named  after  Liberatus  Sabbali  ;  an  Italian  Botanist.] 

Calyx  5  -12-parted.  Corolla  sub-rotate, — the  limb  5  -  12-lobed,  convo- 
lute (twisted  to  the  right)  in  the  bud.  Stamens  as  many  as  the  corolla- 
lobes  ;  anthers  erect,  opening  by  a  longitudinal  fissure,  finally  recurved. 
Style  2-parted, — the  branches  stigmatiferous,  at  length  spirally  twisted. 
Capsule  2-valved,  septicidal,  1-celled,  with  spongy  placentas  along  the 
sutures.  Biennials  or  annuals  with  slender  stems  and  handsome  flowers 
in  a  cymose  panicle. 

1.  S,  angllla'ris,   PursK.     Stem  acutely  4-angled,  somewhat  winged  ; 
leaves  ovate,  sessile  and  amplexicaul ;  calyx-segments  mostly  5,  linear- 
lanceolate,  acute,  much  shorter  than  the  corolla  ;  corolla  mostly  5-parted, 
the  lobes  ob  ovate,  rather  obtuse. 
ANGULAR  SABBATIA.     Centaury. 

Root  annual?  (biennial,  DC.}.  Stem  liJ-18  inches  high,  often  bushy  with  numerous 
branches.  Leaves  about  an  inch  long,  5-nerved.  Flowers  sometimes  composed  of  6  parts. 
Corolla  rose  red,  with  a  pale  green  star  in  the  centre.  Capsule  oblong-ovoid,  mucronate, 
with  a  keeled  suture  on  each  side.  Seeds  rugosely  pitted,  under  a  lens. 

Sterile  old  fields  :  Canada  to  Carolina.     Fl.  July  -  August.     Fr.  September. 

Obs.  This  plant  has  but  little  connection  with  agriculture  ;  yet  it  is 
so  generally  and  deservedly  popular  as  a  bitter  and  tonic  medicine,  that 
it  would  seem  desirable  for  every  farmer  to  be  able  to  identify  it,  and 
therefore  I  have  inserted  it.  There  is  another  plant  in  the  South  and 
West  belonging  to  this  tribe,  which  is  highly  commended  for  similar 
properties,  namely,  the  Wild  Colombo,  (Fra'sera  Carolinen'sis,  Walt.) 
I  do  not  deem  it  necessarv,  however,  to  do  more  than  mention  it  here. 


MILKWEED    FAMILY.  261 

ORDER  LIV.     ASCLEPIADA'CE^E.     (MILKWEED  FAMILY.) 

Plants  mostly  with  miUcy -juice,  and  entire,  usually  opposite  or  whorled  (rarely  scattered) 
leaves  without  stipules  j  flowers  regular,  5-merous  and  5-androus  ;  lobes  of  corolla  mostly 
valvate  in  the  bud  ;  filaments  united  into  a  tube  which  encloses  the  pistils,  the  tube 
augmented  by  a  crown  of  5  lobes  or  scales,  at  summit  ;  the  anthers  united  to  the  stigma 
and  the  pollen  in  peculiar  wax-like  masses  as  described  under  the  first  genus  ;  fruit  a 
follicle,  seeds  compressed  and  mostly  margined  and  comose. 

An  Order  remarkable  for  the  peculiar  structure  of  the  flowers  (well  illustrated  in  Prof. 
Gray's  admirable  text -book),  and  containing  a  number  of  plants  interesting  to  the  botan 
ist,  though  but  few  of  any  economical  value. 

1.  ASCLE'PIAS,  L.    MILKWEED. 

[The  Greek  name  of  JEsculapius;  to  whom  the  genus  is  dedicated.] 

Calyx  deeply  5-parted,  persistent ;  divisions  small,  spreading.  Corolla 
5-parted,  reflexed,  deciduous.  Crown  of  5  hooded  lobes,  seated  on  the 
tube  of  the  stamens,  each  containing  an  incurved  horn.  Stamens  5,  in- 
serted on  the  base  of  the  corolla  ;  filaments  united  into  a  tube,  which 
encloses  the  pistil ;  anthers  adherent  to  the  stigma,  each  with  two  verti- 
cal cells,  tipped  with  a  membranaceous  appendage,  each  cell  containing 
a  flattened  pear-shaped  and  waxy  pollen-mass ;  the  two  contiguous  pol- 
len-masses of  adjacent  anthers  forming  pairs  which  hang  by  their  slen- 
der summits  from  five  small  black  shining  cloven  glands,  at  the  angles 
of  the  stigma.  Ovaries  2,  tapering  into  very  short  styles  ;  the  large  de- 
pressed 5-angled  fleshy  stigma  common  to  the  two.  Follicles  2,  one  of 
them  often  abortive,  soft,  ovate  or  lanceolate.  Seeds  flat,  margined,  im- 
bricated downwardly  all  over  the  large  placenta  which  separates  from 
the  suture  at  maturity,  furnished  with  a  long  tuft  of  silky  hairs  at  the 
hilum.  Perennial  herbs,  with  thick  and  deep  roots  ;  peduncles  terminal, 
or  mostly  lateral  and  between  the  petioles,  bearing  simple,  many-flowered 
umbels. 

1.  A,  Cornu'ti,  Decaisne.  Leaves  elliptic-ovate,  acute,  tomentose  be- 
neath ;  pods  clothed  with  soft  spinous  projections  and  woolly. 

CORNUTUS'S  ASCLEPIAS.     Silkwecd.     Milkweed. 

Stem  3 -4  feet  high,  stout,  somewhat  branched,  smoothish.  Leaves  6-8  inches  long, 
acute  or  with  a  slight  point ;  contracted  at  the  base  into  a  short  but  distinct  petiole. 
Umbels  2-4,  axillary  near  the  summit  of  the  stem  ;  common  peduncles  2-3  inches  long  ; 
pedicel?  1  -1>£  inches  in  length,  with  lance-linear  bracts  at  base  ;  'flowers  numerous,  sweet- 
scented,  many  of  them  abortive  ;  divisions  of  the  corotta  ovate,  greenish-purple,  about 
one-fourth  the  length  of  the  pedicels  ;  hoods  of  the  crown  ovate,  obtuse,  with  a  lobe  or  tooth 
on  each  side  of  the  stout  claw-like  horn  ;  follicles  few,  3-5  inches  long. 

Rich  soils  :  common.     Fl.  Juno.     Fr.  September. 

Obs.  This,  the  most  common  among  our  numerous  species  of  the  genus, 
has  recently  been  noticed  by  a  Western  correspondent  of  one  of  our  agri- 
cultural papers,  as  a  most  troublesome  weed,  and  one  exceedingly  difficult 
to  exterminate.  It  does  not  bear  this  character  in  the  East.  When 
well  established  in  a  fertile  soil,  its  long  deep  roots  will  doubtless  be 
exceedingly  difficult  to  extirpate.  The  seeds  are  readily  wafted  to  a 
great  distance  by  means  of  the  copious  silky  hairs.  The  plant,  when 


262 


WEEDS   AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 


170 


AH. 


168 


wounded,  emits  an  abundance  of  milky  juice,  from  which  it  receives  one 
of  its  common  names ;  the  other  being  given  to  it  on  account  of  the 
beautifully  silky  hairs  of  the  seeds.  The  plant  was  named  A.  Syriaca, 
by  LINNJSUS,  who  perhaps  thought  it  was  a  Syrian  plant ;  but  it  is  an 
exclusively  American  species. 


VIG.  168.  The  common  Milkweed  (Asclepias  Cornuti)  reduced,     169.  A  separate  flower, 
enlarged.     170.  Pods,  reduced. 


MILKWEED    FAMILY.  263 

2,  A,  tllbero'sa,  L.  IJirsute  ;  not  lactescent ;  stem  ascending,  divari- 
cately branched  at  summit,  leafy ;  leaves  oblong-lanceolate  or  linear- 
oblong,  mostly  alternate-scattered,  lowest  opposite,  subsessile ;  umbels 
numerous,  lateral  and  terminal,  often  forming  a  spreading  corymb. 

TUBEROUS  ASCLEPIAS.     Butterfly-weed.     Pleurisy-root. 

Whole  plant  mostly  very  hairy.  Root  perennial  ;  large,  tuberous.  Stem  about  2  feet 
high,  generally  more  or  less  oblique  or  leaning  ;  branches  spreading  and  often  recurved. 
Leaves  2-4  inches  long,  and  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  wide,  scattered  or  rarely  opposite, 
varying  from  lance-linear  to  oblong  and  oblanceolate,  acute  or  obtuse,  mostly  obtuse  at 
base,  on  very  short  petioles.  Stamineal  crown  bright  orange  color, — the  hoods  erect, 
lance-oblong,  distinct,  abruptly  narrowed  below,  the  infolded  md%ius  with  each  an  obtuse 
tooth  near  the  base  ;  horns  subterete,  tapering  to  a  point,  incurved.  Follicles  about  4 
inches  long,  somewhat  ventricose,  acuminate,  tomentose-pubescent. 

Old  fields,  pastures  and  fence-rows  :  throughout  the  United  States.  Fl.  July -August. 
Fr.  Sept. -October. 

Obs.  This  is  inclined  to  make  its  appearance  in  our  cultivated  grounds, 
or  pasture  fields  ;  and,  though  a  rough,  coarse  weed,  is  not  a  troublesome 
one.  When  in  bloom,  the  blight  orange-colored  umbels  of  this  species 
are  quite  showy.  The  root  once  had  a  reputation  for  being  medicinal ; 
but  it  is  now  generally  neglected. 

2..  ENSLEN'IA,  Nutt.    ENSLENIA. 

[Dedicated  to  Enslen,  an  Austrian  botanist,  who  collected  in  the  Southern  States  early  in 
the  present  century.] 

Calyx  5-parted.  Corolla  5-parted  ;  the  divisions  erect,  ovate-lanceolate. 
Crown  of  5  free  membranaceous  leaflets,  which  are  truncate  or  obscurely 
lobed  at  the  apex,  where  they  have  a  pair  of  flexuous  awns  united  at 
their  base.  Anthers  nearly  as  in  Asclepias  ;  pollen-masses  oblong,  obtuse 
at  both  ends,  fixed  below  the  summit  of  the  stigma  to  the  descending 
glands.  Pods  oblong-lanceolate,  smooth.  Seeds  with  a  tuft  as  in  Ascle- 
pias. Perennial  twining  kerbs. 

1.  E,  al'bida,  Nutt.  Leaves  opposite,  ovate-heart-shaped,  acute,  long- 
petioled ;  flowers  small,  in  raceme-like  clusters  on  slender  axillary  pe- 
duncles. 

WHITISH  ENSLENIA. 

Stem  8-12  feet  high,  climbing,  slightly  pubescent  or  smooth.  Leaves  3-5  inches  long 
and  about  the  same  in  width,  with  a  broad  sinus  at  base,  somewhat  pubescent  on  the 
nerves  below  ;  petiole  equalling  or  exceeding  the  blade  in  length.  Peduncles  about  half  an 
inch  long,  sometimes  several  from  the  same  axils  ;  flmvers  greenish  or  yellowish-white, 
sweet-sceutod,  on  pedicels  about  their  own  length. 

Alluvial  soil.     West  and  Southwest.    July -September. 

Obs.  This  plant  is  introduced  on  account  of  the  statement  of  Doctor 
SHORT,  the  distinguished  botanist,  of  Kentucky,  who  says  that  it  is  a 
great  nuisance  on  the  farms  along  the  Ohio  river.  We  are  not  informed 
whether  it  has  acquired  a  popular  name. 


264 


WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 


OKDER  LV.     OLEA'CE^E.     (OLIVE  FAMILY.) 

T-ees  or  shrubs  with  opposite  simple  or  odd-pinnate  leaves  and  perfect  and  complete  or 
sometime?  apetalous  and  dioecious  powers,  in  terminal  and  axillary  racemes  or  panicles. 
Calyx  4-lobed  or  4-toothed,  mostly  persistent,  rarely  obsolete.  Corolla  4-cleft,  or  of  4  dis- 
tinct petals — sometimes  wanting  ;  aestivation  mostly  valvate.  Stamens  usually  2.  Fruit 
various — baccate,  drupaceous,  capsular  or  samaroid, — 2-celled,  and  by  abortion  often 
1-celled  and  1  -  2-seeded.  Seeds  pendulous,  mostly  albuminous. 

A  small  but  interesting  Order.  Olives  and  Olive  oil  are  afforded  by  the  genus  (Olea) 
which  is  the  type  of  the  family, — the  pericarp,  instead  of  the  seed,  yielding  the  oiL  The 
Manna  of  the  shops  is  derived  from  a  species  of  Ash. 


FIG.  171.  A  branch  of  Enslenia  albida. 


OLIVE   FAMILY.  265 

1.  SYRIN'GA,  L.    LILAC. 

[From  the  Latin,  Syrinx,  a  pipe  ;  from  the  straight  branches  filled  with  pith.] 

Calyx  4-toothed,  persistent.  Corolla  salver-shaped,  with  a  tube  much 
longer  than  the  calyx ;  limb  4-parted.  Stamens  2.>  Capsule  ovate-lanceo- 
late, compressed,  2-celled,  4-seeded.  Seeds  narrowly  winged ;  albumen 
fleshy.  Shrubs  with  the  terminal  buds  in  pairs,  opposite,  entire,  petioled 
leaves,  and  lilac  or  white  flowers  in  thick  panicles. 

1.  S.  VULGA'RIS,  L.    Leaves  cordate,  smooth  ;  limb  of  the  corolla  some- 
what concave. 

COMMON  SYRINGA.     Lilac. 

Cultivated.     Native  of  Persia,  Hungary,  &c.     May -June. 

Obs.  This,  one  of  the  commonest  ornamental  shrubs,  is  frequently  seen 
in  old  gardens,  forming  dense  clumps  10-20  feet  high.  It  throws  up 
suckers  abundantly  from  the  root,  and  by  this  means  is  easily  propa- 
gated. There  are  several  well-marked  varieties,  differing  in  the  compact* 
ness  of  the  flower  clusters  and  the  color  of  the  flowers,  which  vary  from 
deep  purple  to  white. 

2.  S.  PER'SICA,  L.     Leaves  lanceolate,  acute,  frequently  divided  or  pin- 
natifid  ;  limb  of  corolla  flattish. 

PERSIAN  SYRINGA.     Persian  Lilac. 

Cultivated.     Native  of  Persia. 

Obs.  A  much  more  delicate  species  than  the  common  Lilac,  growing 
to  the  height  of  6-8  feet.  There  are  two  forms,  one  with  entire  leaves 
(var.  INTEGRIFOLIA),  and  the  other  (var.  LACINIATA)  with  the  leaves,  even 
on  the  same  branch,  presenting  all  the  forms  between  perfectly  entire 
and  pinnately  divided  ;  a  most  interesting  illustration  of  the  true  nature 
of  pinnatifid  leaves.  The  flower-clusters  in  both  varieties  are  more 
slender  than  those  of  the  preceding  species.  * 

2.   LIGUS'TRUM,  Tourncf.    PRIVET. 

[The  Latin  classical  name.] 

Calyx  with  a  short  tube,  4-toothed,  deciduous.     Corolla  funnel-form,  the 

15 mb  4-parted  ;  lobes  ovate,  obtuse.     Stamens  2,  inserted  on  the  tube  of 

the  corolla,  included.     Style  very  short ;  stigma  bifid,  obtuse.     Perry 

globose,  2-celled  ;  cells  2-  (or  by  abortion  1-)  seeded.     Shrubs.     Leaves 

opposite,  simple,  entire.     Flowers  in  terminal  thyrsoid  panicles. 

1 .  L.  VULGA'RE,  L.    Leaves  elliptic-lanceolate,  acute  or  obtuse,  mucronu- 

late,  glabrous  ;  panicle  compound,  contracted. 

COMMON  LIGUSTRUM.     Privet.     Prim. 

Fr.  Le  Troene.     Germ.  Die  Gemeine  Rheinweide.     Span.  Alheria. 

Stem  6-8  or  10  feet  high,  much  branched  ;  branches  opposite.  Leaves  1-3  inches  long, 
varying  from  lanceolate  and  acute,  to  elliptic  or  oblanccolate  and  obtuse,  on  short  petioles. 
O.iriAln.  white.  Berries  black  (rarely  greenish-white)  when  mature. 

Way-sides,  fence-rows,  &c. :  introduced.   Native  of  Europe.    Fl.  June.     JV.  October. 

12 


266  \VEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

Obs.  Introduced  for  the  purpose  of  hedging,  for  which  it  is  now 
used  to  a  less  extent  than  formerly.  It  has  become  completely  natu- 
ralized, arid  is  found  plentifully  in  New  England,  New  York  and 
Pennsylvania.  The  European  Olive  (Olea  Europrea)  so  valuable  for  its 
oil,  belongs  to  this  tribe.  It  grows  and  perfects  its  fruit  in  the  grounds 
around  the  old  Jesuit  Missions  in  Southern  California,  and  might  doubt- 
less be  profitably  cultivated  in  the  Southern  Atlantic  States  where  there 
is  a  native  species,  Olea  Americana,  a  small  tree  which  has  the  popular 
name  of  "  Devil-wood."  * 

3.  CHIONAN'THUS,  L.    FRINGE-TREE. 

[Greek,  chion,  snow,  and  antlios,  a  flower  ;  from  its  snow-white  blossoms.] 

Calyx  very  small,  4-parted,  persistent.  Corolla  of  4  long  linear  petals, 
slightly  connected  at  base.  Stamens  2,  (sometimes  3-4),  very  short. 
Stigma  notched.  Drupe  fleshy,  globular ;  nut  striate,  1-seeded  ;  seed 
without  albumen.  Small  trees ;  buds  remarkably  4-cornered  and  pyra- 
midal ;  leaves  entire  ;  flowers  in  loose  pendulous  trichotomous  racemes. 

1,   C,  Virgi'nica,  L.    Leaves  oval  or  obovate   lanceolate,   sub-cori- 
aceous, smoothish  ;  racemes  terminal  and  axillary. 
VIRGINIAN  CHIONANTHUS.    Fringe-tree. 

Stem  10 - 20  feet  high,  with  spreading  branches.  Leaves  4-6  inches  long,  acute  at  each 
end  ;  petioles  about  half  an  inch  in  length.  Racemes  3-4  inches  long,  somewhat  pancicu- 
late, — the  terminal  pedicels  by  threes.  Petals  white,  nearly  an  inch  long.  Drupes  of  a 
livid  blackish  color  when  mature. 

Pennsylvania  aiid  southward.     June. 

Obs.  The  singular  beauty  of  this  ornamental  little  tree  is  beginning  to 
be  appreciated  by  our  people  ;  and  it  is  consequently  making  its  ap- 
pearance in  the  yards  and  lawns  of  all  persons  of  taste.  The  mature 
fruit  has  a  remarkably  disagreeable  bitterish  taste. 

4.   FRAX'INUS,  Tournef.     Asn. 
[The  classical  Latin  name  of  the  Ash.] 

Flowers  polygamous  or  (in  our  species)  dioecious.  Calyx  small  and  4- 
cleft,  toothed,  or  entire  or  obsolete.  Corolla  of  2 -4  oblong  petals  or 
(in  the  North  American  species)  wholly  wanting.  Stamens  2,  sometimes 
3  or  4 ;  anthers  linear  or  oblong,  large.  Style  single  ;  stigma  2-cleft. 
Fruit  a  1  or  2-celled  samara  (key  fruit),  flattened,  winged  at  the  apex. 
Trees,  with  petioled  pinnate  leaves ;  the  small  flowers  in  crowded  panicles 
or  racemes  from  the  axils  of  last  year's  leaves. 

*  Fruit  winged  from  the  apex  only,  barely  margined  or  terete  towards  the 
base  ;  calyx  minute,  persistent  ;  leaflets  stalked. 

1,  F.  America'na,  L.  Leaflets  7-9,  petiolulate,  ovate  or  lance-ob- 
long, acuminate,  entire  or  obsoletely  dentate,  glaucous  beneath  ;  petioles 
and  young  branches  terete,  smooth  ;  buds  with  a  rufous  velvety  pubes- 
cence ;  panicles  compound,  loose,  axillary ;  samaras  terete  and  margin- 


OLIVE    FAMILY.  267 

less  below,  above  extended  into  a  lanceolate,  oblanceolate  or  wedge-linear 
wing. 

AMERICAN  FRAXINUS.    White  Ash. 

Stem  40-60  and  80  feet  high,  and  2-3  feet  in  diameter, — the  young  branches  smooth 
and  dotted  with  white  specks.  Lea/lets  2-4  inches  long, — at  first  downy,  finally  smooth 
and  green  above,  pubescent  and  glaucous  beneath.  Flowers  with  a  minute  3  or  4-toothed 
calyx.  Samara  terete  at  base,  with  a  narrowish  lance-oblong  wing. 

Woodlands  :  throughout  the  United  States, — but  particularly  in  the  Northern  States. 
Fl.  May.  Fr. 

Obs.  The  timber  of  this  tree  is  highly  valuable,  and  much  used  by 
wheelwrights,  coachmakers,  &c.  It  also  makes  excellent  fuel. 

2.  F.  pubes'cens,  Lam.    Leaflets  7-9,  petiolulate,  elliptic-lanceolate, 
acuminate,  subserrate  ;  petioles  and  young  branches  velvety-pubescent ; 
samaras  linear-lanceolate. 

PUBESCENT  FRAXINUS.     Red  Ash. 

Stem. 30  -  50  or  60  feet  high,  and  12-18  inches  in  diameter.  Leaflets  2-3  inches  long,— 
more  lanceolate  and  narrower  than  in  the  preceding — more  pubescent  beneath — and  the 
petiolules  shorter.  Samaras  acute  at  the  base,  flattish  and  2-edged,  the  edges  gradually 
dilated  into  the  long  oblanceolate  or  linear-lanceolate  wing. 

Low  grounds,  along  streams  :  throughout  the  United  States.    Fl.  May.     Fr. 

Obs.  This  has  considerable  resemblance  to  the  preceding  species  ;  but, 
besides  the  pubescence  of  the  young  branches,  it  is  a  smaller  and  less 
valuable  tree. 

3.  F.  vir'idis,  MX.  f.     Glabrous  throughout ;  leaflets  5-9,  ovate  or 
oblong-lanceolate,  often  wedge-shaped  at  the  base  and  serrate  above, 
bright  green  on  both  sides  ;  fruit  acute  at  the  base,  striate,  2-edged  or 
margined. 

GREEN  FAGUS.     Green  Ash. 

Small  or  middle-sized  tree. 

Along  streams  :  New  England  to  Wisconsin  and  southward. 

**  Fruit  winged  all  round  the  seed-bearing  portion  ;    calyx  wanting,  at 
least  in  the  fertile  flowers,  which  are  entirely  naked. 

4.  F.  sambucifo'lia,  Lam.     Leaflets  7-11,  sessile,  ovate-lanceolate, 
acuminate,  serrate,  somewhat  rounded  and  unequal  at  base,  hirsutely 
bearded  beneath  on  the  midrib  and  in  the  angles  of  the  nerves ;  flowers 
naked  ;  samaras  oblong,  obtuse  at  each  end. 

SAMBUCUS-LEAVED  FRAXINUS.    Black  Ash.    Water  Ash. 

Stem  30-40  or  50  feet  high,  and  12-18  inches  in  diameter  ;  young  branches  glabrous, 
green,  sprinkled  with  black  elliptic  dots  or  warts.  Leaflets  3-4  inches  long,  rugose  and 
shining  above,  with  tufts  of  tawny  pubescence  in  the  angles  of  the  nerves  beneath. 
Samaras  broadish,  of  nearly  uniform  width. 

Low  grounds,  along  rivulets,  &c.  :  Northern  and  Middle  States.     Fl.  April.    Fr. 

Obs.  The  wood  is  very  tough  and  easily  separable  into  layers  which 
are  used  for  making  baskets,  chair-bottoms,  &c.  There  are  several  other 
species  in  the  Southern  and  Western  States,  but  I  have  not  judged  it 
expedient  to  swell  the  work  by  a  particular  notice  of  them. 


268  WEEDS    AXD    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

DIVISION  III. 

APET'ALOUS  EX'OGENS. 

COROLLA  none  ;  the  floral  envelopes  being  in  a  single  series  (calyx) ,  or 
sometimes  wanting  altogether. 

ORDER  LVL    ARISTOLOCHIA'CE^E.     (BIRTH WORT  FAMILY.) 

Herls  or  shrubby  plants, — sometimes  nearly  stemless,  sometimes  twining  and  climbing; 
leaves  alternate,  simple,  entire,  more  or  less  cordate  at  base,  petiolate,  often  with  leal'-liko 
stipules;  calyx-tube  more  or  less  coherent  with  the  ovary, — the  border  mostly  3-lobed, 
valvatc  in  the  bud  ;  stamens  6-12,  more  or  less  united  with  the  style  ;  antliers  adnate,  ex- 
trorse  ;  ovary  mostly  6-celled  ;  fruit  a  many-seeded  6-celled  pod  or  berry  ;  seeds  with  a 
large  raphe  and  a  minute  embryo  in  a  fleshy  albumen. 

1.  AEISTOLO'CHIA,  Tournef.    BIRTHWORT. 

[A  Greek  name, — having  reference  to  the  medical  virtues  of  the  plant.] 

Calyx  colored,  tubular, — the  lower  portion  adherent  to  the  ovary,  ven- 
tricose  above  the  ovary,  straight  or  curved  ;  limb  oblique,  2  -  3-lobed, 
— the  lower  lobe  somewhat  ligulate  or  extended  to  a  lip.  Stamens  6  ; 
the  sessile  anthers  wholly  adnate  to  the  back  of  the  short  and  fleshy 
3  -  6-lobed  or  angled  "stigma.  Capsule  naked,  6-valved.  Erect  or 
twining  perennials  with  lateral  or  axillary  greenish  or  lurid-purple  flow- 
ers. Capsule  coriaceous,  6-celled,  septicidally  6-valved.  Seeds  numerous 

1,  A,  Serpenta'ria,  L.  Stem  erect  or  ascending,  flexuouse;  leaves 
fance-oblong,  acuminate,  entire,  cordate  (and  sometimes  auriculate)  at 
base  ;  peduncle  sub-radical ;  calyx-tube  much  bent. 

SNAKE-ROOT  ARISTOLOCHIA.     Virginia  Snake-root. 

Root  perennial,  of  numerous  rather  coarse  fibres.  Stem  herbaceous,  9-15  inches  high, 
simple  or  branched  from  the  base,  slender,  angular,  pubescent,  leafy  above,  nearly 
naked  or  with  small  abortive  leaves  below.  Leaves  2-4  or  5  inches  long  ;  petioles  one- 
fourth  of  an  inch  to  near  an  inch  long.  Flowers  rather  large,  few  or  solitary,  near  the 
base  of  the  stem,  and  often  concealed  beneath  dead  leaves,  on  a  flexuose  bracteate  pe- 
duncle 1-2  inches  in  length.  Calyx  a  dull  purplish  brown,  subcoriaceous,  angularly 
bent,  gibbous  at  the  angle, — the  limb  dilated  and  somewhat  3-lobcd.  Capsule  turbiuato 
or  roundish-obovoid,  somewhat  fleshy,  pubescent. 

Rich  woodlands  :  throughout  the  United  States.     Fl.  June.     Fr.  July -August. 

Obs.  This  little  plant  is  to  be  found  in  almost  every  woodland,  where 
the  soil  is  good ;  and  its  medicinal  value,  as  an  aromatic  stimulant,  ren- 
ders it  desirable  that  every  person  should  know  or  be  enabled  to  recog- 
nize it.  For  this  reason  I  have  been  induced  to  give  it  a  placehere. 

Another  species  A.  Sipho,  L'Her.,  the  Pipe  Vine,  or  Dutchman's 
Pipe,  is  a  native  of  the  West  and  South.  It  is  a  tall  climber,  and  is 
often  cultivated  as  an  ornamental  vine.  Its  singularly  curved  flowers, 
resembling  a  Dutch  Pipe,  are  very  interesting  and  curious,  but  the 


BIETHWORT    FAMILY. 


269 


coarseness  of  its  foliage — the  full-grown  leaves  being  a  foot  in  breadth, 
renders  it  less  beautiful  than  many  others  of  our  native  climbers. 

The  Canada  Snake-root,  or  Wild  Ginger,  Asarum  Canadense,  L., 
belongs  to  this  family ;  it  is  common  in  rich  woodlands,  and  is  readily 
recognized  by  having  a  single  pair  of  broad  kidney-shaped  leaves,  and  a 
single  large  brownish-purple  flower  borne  in  the  fork  of  the  long  peti- 
oles. The  root,  or,  more  properly,  root-stock,  is  highly  pungent  and 
aromatic ;  it  is*  largely  collected  to  supply  the  drug  trade  ;  its  taste 
somewhat  resembles  that  of  ginger,  and  it  is  used  as  a  substitute  for  it 
in  some  parts  of  the  country.  * 


FIG.  172.  Virginia  Snakeroot  (Aristolochia  Serpentaria) .    a.  Apod. 


270  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

ORDEK  LYII.     PHYTOLACCA'CE^E.     (POKEWEED  FAMILY.) 

Herbs  or  suffruticose  plants,  having  alternate  entire  leaves  without  stipules,  and  racemed 
flowers  of  4-5  petaloii]  slightly  connected  sepals,  with  as  many  or  twice  as  many  stamens, 
or  sometimes  indefinite.  Ovary  compound  (rarely  simple),  consisting  of  10  confluent 
1-ovuled  carpels  ;  styles  or  stigmas  distinct.  Fruit  baccate  ;  embryo  curved  round  mealy 
albumen. 
A  small  Order,  and  of  little  interest  in  Agriculture. 

1.  PHYTOLAC'CA,  Tournef.    POKEWEED. 

[Gr.  Phyton,  a  plant,  and  Lachanon,  a  pot-herb  ;  the  young  shoots  being  so  used.] 

Flowers  perfect.  Calyx  of  five  roundish-ovate,  petal-like,  persistent 
sepals.  Stamens  5  -  30.  Ovary  free,  composed  of  5-12  carpels  united 
in  a  ring,  with  as  many  short  separate  styles,  in  fruit  forming  a  de- 
pressed-globose 5-12-celled  berry  with  a  single  vertical  seed  in  each  cell 

1.  P,  decan'dra,  L.  Stout ;  smooth  and  often  purple ;  leaves  ovate- 
oblong  ;  berries  10-celled,  juicy,  dark-purple. 

DECANDROUS  PHYTOLACCA.  Poke.  Poke-weed.  Pigeon-berry.  Garget. 
Fr.  Morelle  a  Grappes.  Germ.  Kermesbeere.  Span.  Yerba  carmin. 

Root  perennial,  large,  fusiform  and  branching.  Stem  herbaceous,  4-6  feet  high,  stout, 
branching,  terete  or  obtusely  ribbed  below  the  petioles  and  branches,  finally  purpb. 
Leaves  5 -10  inches  long,  acute  or  acuminate,  thin  ;  petioles  half  an  inch  to  2  inches  or 
more  in  length.  Racemes  3-6  inches  long,  simple,  mostly  opposite  the  leaves,  on  angular 
peduncles  2 - 4  inches  long.  Sepals  white,  membranaccous  at  the  margin.  .Berries  verti- 
cally depressed,  umbilicate,  orbicular,  obscurely  ribbed,  10-celled,  10-seeded,  dark  pur- 
ple and  juicy  when  mature.  Seeds  compressed ,  roundish-reniform. 

Rich  soils  ;  on  banks,  borders  of  fields,  in  clearings,  &c.  :  throughout  the  United  States. 
Fl.  June -September.  Fr.  August -October. 

Obs.  The~young  shoots  of  this  plant  afford  a  good  substitute  for  As- 
paragus ;  the  root  is  said  to  be  actively  emetic  ;  and  the  tincture  of  the 
ripe  berries  is,  or  was,  a  popular  remedy  for  chronic  rheumatism.  The 
mature  berries,  moreover,  have  been  used  by  the  pastry  cook  in  making 
pies  of  equivocal  merit.  Notwithstanding  all  this,  the  plant  is  regarded 
and  treated  as  a  weed  by  all  neat  farmers. 

ORDER  LVIII.     CHENOPODIA'CEJE.     (GOOSEFOOT  FAMILY.) 

Chiefly  coarse  weed-like  herbs,  with  mostly  alternate,  more  or  less  fleshy  leaves,  without 
stipules  ;  /towers minute,  greenish,  without  scarious  bracts, — often  dioecious  or  polygamous  ; 
calyx  free  from  the  ovary,  2- 5-lobed,  imbricated  in  the  bud,  persistent,  embracing  tho 
fruit  ;  stamens  usually  as  many  as  the  calyx-lobes,  and  opposite  them  ;  otnry  1 -celled, 
becoming  a  thin  1-seeded  utricle,  or  rarely  akene  in  fruit ;  embryo  (in  the  genera  notice  1 
here)  coiled  in  a  ring  around  the  mealy  albumen. 
§  1.  Flowers  mostly  perfect,  or  merely  polygamous  by  the  want  of  stamens  in  some  of 

them. 
€alyx  3-  5-cleft,  or  parted,  the  lobes  merely  keeled  in  fruit.     Seed  horizontal  (rarely 

vertical  when  the  calyx  is  only  2-3-cleft).  "  **  1.  CHENororarsi. 

Calyx  5-cleft,  the  base  indurated  and  corky  in  fruit.     Seed  horizontal.      2.  BETA. 
Calyx  of  3-5  sepals,  dry  or  juicy  in  fruit.     Utricle  membranaceous. 

Seed  vertical.  3.  BUTUM. 

^  '2.  Flowers  dioecious. 
Calyx  of  fertile  flower,  inflated-tubular,  unequally  2-4-toothed.  4.  SPIXACIA. 


GOOSEFOOT    FAMILY. 


271 


1.  CHENOPO'DIUM,  L.     GOOSEFOOT. 

[Or.  Chen,  a  goose,  and  Pvus,podos,  a  foot  ;  in  allusion  to  the  form  of  the  leaves.] 

Flowers  perfect.  Calyx  5-cleft,  rarely  2  -  4-cleft  or  parted,  with  the 
lobes  sometimes  keeled,  but  not  appeudaged  nor  becoming  succulent, 
more  or  less  enveloping  the  depressed  fruit.  Stamens  mostly  5  ;  filament 
filiform.  Styles  2,  rarely  3.  Seed  horizontal  (sometimes  vertical  in  No. 
3.),  lenticular  ;  embryo  partially  or  fully  coiled  round. the  mealy  albumen. 
Weeds,  mostly  annuals,  usually  with  a  white  mealiness  or  glandular. 
Flowers  sessile  in  small  clusters  collected  in  spiked  panicles,  blooming 
throughout  the  summer. 

*  Leaves  strongly  and  sharply-toothed  (meal/ness  obscure  or  none),  on  slen- 

der petioles  ;  calyx-lobes  slightly  keeled. 

1.  C.  hy'bridum,  L.     Leaves  green  on  both  sides,  cordate-ovate,  acumi- 
nate, angularly  and  remotely  dentate  ;  racemes  loosely  paniculate,  leafless. 
HYBRID  CHENOPODIUM.     Maple-leaved  Goosefoot. 

Stem  2-4  feet  high,  rather  slender,  angular  and  striate,  much  branched.  Leaves  2-4 
inches  long,  thin,  bright  green  ;  petioles  1-2  inches  in  length.  Flowers  paniculate, — tluj 
sub-divisions  cymosc  ;  terminal  panicle  long  and  loose,  with  divaricate  branches.  The 
smooth  calyx-lobes  keeled.  Seed  sharp-edged,  the  thin  pericarp  adhering  closely  to  it. 

About  dwellings  and  along  streams  :  common.     Native  of  Europe.     June  -  August. 

Obs:  A.  common  weed  with  a  heavy  odor,  like  that  of  Stramonium. 

*  *  Leaves  toothed,  repand-angled,  or  sometimes 
nearly  entire,  more   or  less    white-mealy  as 
well    as    the  flowers ;    calyx-lobes    distinctly 
keeled. 

2.  C.  album,  L.     Leaves   rhomboid-ovate, 
erose-dentate,  entire  and   tapering  towards 
the  base, — the  upper  ones  oblong-lanceolate, 
entire  ;  racemes  erect,  branched,  somewhat 
leafy. 

WHITE    CHENOPODIUM.     Lamb's    Quarters. 
Goosefoot. 


Germ.  Der  Gaense- 


Fr.  Anserine  blanche, 
fuss. 

Root  annual.  Stem  3-5  or  6  feet  high,  rather  stout, 
angular,  often  striped  with  yellow  and  green,  some- 
times purplish,  branched.  Leaves  1-3  inches  long, 
covered  with  very  minute  flat  or  cup-like  scales  (espe- 
cially on  the  under  surface),  which  give  them  a  glau- 
cous  or  mealy  appearance  ;  petioles  1-2  or  3  inches 
long.  Flowers  in  pulverulent  clusters.  Calyx  depressed, 

5-anglcd  by  the  prominent   keels   of   the  incurved  segments,  greenish   and  glaucous. 
Seed  dark  purple  or  nearly  black,  lenticular,  smooth  and  shining. 


Fw*.  173.  An  enlarged  flower  of  the  Common  Goosefoot  (Chenopodium  album.)  174.  The 
same  divided.  175.  A  section  through  the  seed,  showing  the  coiled  embryo  outside  the 
albumen. 


272  WEEDS   AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

Gardens,  yards,  and  wasto  places  :  introduced.  Native  of  Europe.  Fl.  July -August. 
Fr.  Oct. 

Obs.  This  coarse  and  rather  homely  weed  has  become  very  extensively 
naturalized  throughout  the  United  States,  and  is  quite  troublesome  in 
gardens.  The  young  plant  is  sometimes  used  as  a  pot-herb,  but  would 
be  gladly  dispensed  with  by  all  neat  gardeners  and  farmers. 

*  *  *  More  or  less  viscid  glandular,  with  a  strong  balsamic  odor,  not  mealy ; 

embryo  not  forming  a  complete  ring. 

3.  C.  ambrosioi'des,  L.    Leaves  oblong,  acute  at  each  end,  remotely 
dentate  ;  racemes  interrupted,  leafy. 
AMBROSIA-LIKE  CHENOPODIDM.     Mexican  Tea. 

Annual.  Stem  1-2  feet  high,  much  branched,  angular.  Leaves  1-2  inches  long, — 
those  on  the  stem  narrowed  to  a  petiole,  those  on  the  branches  and  racemes  lance-linear, 
mostly  entire,  subsessile.  Flowers  in  interrupted  sessile  clusters,  on  slender  axillary 
leafy  branches. 

Var.  anthelminticum,  Gray.  Perennial  (?).  Leaves  more  strongly  toothed,  the  lower 
sometimes  almost  laciniatc  pinnatilid.  Spikes  mostly  leafless. 

Naturalized  from  tropical  America. 

Obs.  Most  authors  consider  C.  ambrosioi'des  and  C.  anthelmin'ticum 
as  distinct  species  ;  we  follow  GRAY  in  placing  the  latter  as  a  variety 
of  the  former.  Both  forms  are  common  in  waste  places,  especially 
southward  ;  they  have  both  a  strong  odor  which  is  most  powerful  and 
disagreeable  in  the  var.  anthelmin'ticum,  which  is  popularly  known  as 
"Worm-seed.  The  whole  plant  contains  a  volatile  oil  to  which  the  odor 
is  due.  This  is  most  abundant  in  the  seed,  or  rather  in  the  utricle 
which  surrounds  it.  The  seeds  themselves,  and  the  oil  which  they  yield 
are  well-known  and  effective  worm-destroying  medicines. 

There  are  several  other  species  of  this  genus  to  be  met  with,  especially 
near  the  coast,  but  they  are  not  sufficiently  common  to  be  admitted 
here.  * 

2.  BETA,   Tournef.     BEET. 

[Celtic,  Bet!,  red  ;  or  from  its  fruit  resembling  the  Greek  letter  B  (Beta).] 

Cah/x  urceolate,  5-cleft,  finally  indurated  at  base — the  lobes  remaining 
unchanged.  Ovary  depressed  ;  stigmas  2.  Utricle  immersed  in  the  base 
of  the  calyx  and  covered  by  the  lobes.  Seed  horizontal.  Herbaceous, 
with  a  large  fleshy  root  formed  of  concentric  zones.  Flowers  glome- 
rate in  spikes  or  paniculate  racemes. 

1.  B.  VULGA'RIS,  L.     Smoothish  ;  greenish  purple  ;  lower  leaves  ovate- 
oblong,  wavy  ;  upper  ones  lance-ovate  ;  flowers  in  dense  sessile  axillary 
clusters,  interruptedly  spicate. 
COMMON  BETA.     Beet.     Garden-beet.      Sugar-beet. 
Fr.  Bette-rave.     Germ.  Gemeiner  Mangold.     Span.  Acelga. 

Root  biennial,  fleshy,  large  (often  3-4  inches  in  diameter  and  more  than  a  foot  long), 
terete,  tapering  downwards,  deep  purple  or  yellowish — exhibiting,  on  a  transverse  section, 
concentric  layers,  which  seem  to  have  some  relation  to  the  number  and  size  or  vigor  of 


GOOSEFOOT   FAMILY. 


273 


176 


the  radical  leaves — perhaps  severally  formed  and  nourished  by  them.  Stem  2-4  feet 
high,  sulcate-angled,  somewhat  paniculately  branching.  Radical-leaves  6-12  inches  long  ; 
petioles  4-8  inches  long,  succulent,  channeled  above  ;  stem-l&zves  lance-ovate,  acute,  petio- 
late,  smaller  as  mey  ascend.  Calyx  purplish-brown,  fleshy  at  base,  finally  indurated  or 
externally  corky — the  segments  keeled,  incurved  and  subsaccate  at  apex.  Seed  depressed, 
cochleate-orbicular,  loosely  farinaceous,  enveloped  in  a  purple  membrane  and  lodged  in  a 
bony  cell  at  the  base  of  the  calyx. 
Gardens  and  lots  :  cultivated.  Native  of  Southern  Euroj>e.  Fl.  July.  Fr.  September. 


FIG.  176.  Summit  of  a  branch  of  Wormseed  (Chenopodium  ambrosioides,  var.  antboJ 
minticum). 

12* 


274  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

06s.  Very  generally  cultivated  for  its  fine  esculent  root — of  which 
there  are  several  varieties.  That  one  called  "  Sugar-beet " — with  a 
pale,  yellowish  root — is  extensively  cultivated,  on  the  continent  of  Eu- 
rope, for  the  purpose  of  making  sugar, — and  has  been  partially  tried  in 
this  country  :  but  while  we  have  the  Sugar-maple  and  Sugar-cane  to 
supply  us,  it  is  not  probable  the  Beet  will  be  much  relied  upon,  for  that 
object.  A  large  rooted  variety  of  B.  Cicta,  L.*(a  nearly  allied  species), 
called  Mangel  Wurtzel,  or  Scarcity  Root,  is  sometimes  cultivated  for 
stock, — and  is  probably  entitled  to  more  attention  than  it  has  yet 
received  from  our  farmers — who  are  not  generally  partial  to  the  culture 
of  root  crops. 

3.   BLI'TUM,   Tournef.     ELITE. 
[The  ancient  Greek  and  Latin  name  of  some  pot-herb.] 

Caylx  3  -  5-parted,  either  unchanged  or  (in  the  species  here  noticed)  be- 
coming berry-like  in  fruit,  not  appendaged.  Stamens  1  -  5  ;  filaments 
filiform.  Styles,  or  stigmas,  2.  Seed  vertical,  compressed  globular ; 
the  embryo  coiled  into  a  ring  quite  around  the  albumen.  Hersb  with 
petioled  triangular,  or  halberd-shaped,  and  mostly  sinuate-toothed  leaves. 

1.  B.  capita'tum,  L.     Stem  ascending,  branching  ;  leaves  triangular- 
hastate,  acute,  sinuately  toothed  ;  flowers  interruptedly  spiked  ;  calyx 
pulpy  and  bright-red  in  fruit. 
CLUSTERED  BLITUM.     Strawberry  Blite. 

Annual.  Stem  about  a  foot  long,  diffusely  branched.  Flowers  in  dense  roundish  clusters 
which  are  collected  towards  the  summit  of  the  branches. 

On  recently  turned  grounds  and  dry  places,  especially  westward.  June.  Also  a  native 
of  Europe. 

Obs.  We  are  not  informed  whether  this  is  a  troublesome  weed,  but  as  it 
is  rather  common  in  some  places,  and  as  it  must,  from  the  strawberry-like 
appearance  of  its  ripe  fruit,  attract  the  notice  of  the  observing  farmer, 
we  give  it  a  place. 

4.  SPIN  A' CIA,   Tournef.     SPINACH. 
[Latin,  Spina,  a  thorn  ;  the  covering  of  the  fruit  being  often  prickly.] 

FLOWERS  DICECIOUS  :  STAM.  FL.  Calyx  4 -5-parted, — the  lobes  equal. 
PISTILLATE  FL.  Calyx  ventricose-tubular,  2  -  3-toothed.  Ovary  ovoid  ; 
styles  4,  elongated,  filiform.  Akene  included  in  the  turgid  indurated 
calyx,  which  is  often  2  -  3-horned  on  the  back.  Seed  vertical,  compress- 
ed ;  embryo  annular,  surrounding  the  farinaceous  albumen*  Herbaceous  : 
•flowers  axillary,  glomerate,— the  staminate  ones  in  racemose-paniculate 
clusters. 

1.  S.  OLERA'CEA,  Miller.    Leaves  petiolate,  hastate-lanceolate,  often  in- 
cised at  base,  or  sagittate  and  entire. 
POT-HERB  SPINACIA.     Spinach,  or  Spinage. 


AMARANTH    FAMILY.  275 

Fr.  Epinard  des  potagers.     Germ.  Der  Spinat.     Span.  Espinaca.  ( 

Root  annual.  Stem  18  inches  -  2  feet  high,  somewhat  branched,  or  often  simple.  Leaves 
2-4  inches  long,  cuneately  tapering  to  a  petiole  1  -  3  or  4  inches  in  length.  Pinners  green- 
ish. Fruit  enclosed  in  the  subglobose  persistent  calyx,  which  is  scarcely  cleft  at  maturity, 
and  often  not  prickly  in  the  variety  usually  cultivated. 

Gardens  :  cultivated.    Native  of  the  east.     Fl.  June  -July.     Fr.  Aug.  -September. 

Obs.  This  well-known  pot-herb — said  to  have  been  first  brought  into 
Spain  by  the  Arabs — is  frequently  found  in  gardens, — especially  in  the 
vicinity  of  our  cities  and  market  towns.  The  Atriplex  hortensis,  L.,  or 
Garden  Orach,  is  another  pot-herb,  belonging  to  this  tribe  ;  but  I  ba- 
licve  it  is  not  much  cultivated  in  the  United  States. 

ORDER  LIX.     AMARANTA'CE^E.     (AMARANTH  FAMILY.) 

\\Vvd-like  herbs;  characters  nearly  as  those  of  the  preceding  Order— but  the  flowers 
imbricated  with  dry  scarious  persistent  bracts,  which  are  usually  colored,  commonly  3  in 
number  ;  calyx  of  3  -5  sejMh,  dry  scarious  and  persistent. 

The  plants  of  this  Order  arc  mostly  natives  of  tropical  countries,  a  number  of  them 
have  become  naturalized  among  us  as  weeds,  while  others  are  cultivated  as  ornamental 
plants.  Among  the  best  known  of  the  latter  are  Love  Lies  Bleeding  and  Princes'  Feather 
(both  species  of  AMAKAXTUS),  Coxcomb  (CELOSJA  CRISTATC),  and  the  Globe  Amaranth  (GoM- 
1'iiRUM  GLOBOSA). 

1.  AMRAN'TUS,  L.     AMARANTH. 

[Greek,  a,  not,  maraino,  to  fade,  and  anthos,  a  (lower  ;  the  flowers  not  changing  or  fading.] 

Flowers  monccciously  polygamous :  calyx  of  3  -  5  sepals,  mostly  colored, 
slightly  connected  at  base.  Stamens  3-5,  free.  Stigmas  2-3.  The  fruit 
an  ovoid,  1-seeded  membranaceous  utricle,  2-3-beaked  at  the  apex, 
mostly  longer  than  the  calyx,  opening  transversely  all  round, — the  upper 
part  falling  away  as  a  lid.  Embryo  coiled  into  a  ring  around  the  albu- 
men. Coarse  annual  weeds,  with  minute  flowers  in  axillary  or  terminal- 
spiked  clusters. 

*  Flowers  in  terminal  and  axillary,  simple  or  mostfy  panided  spikes,  green  ; 
stem  unarmed  ;  stamens  and  sepals  5. 

1.  A.  hy'bridus,  L.     Bracts  awned,  sometimes  tinged  reddish  ;  fruit  2  - 
3-cleft  at  the  apex,  nearly  smooth,  not  exceeding  the  calyx. 

HYBRID  AMARANTUS.     Green  Amaranth.     Pigweed. 

leaves  ovate-oblong  or  ovate,  acute,  smooth  bright  green.  Spikes  erect,  obtuse,  in 
lojsely  branched  panicles,  the  terminal  one  longer. 

2.  A.  c/Jorosta' chys,  Willd.    Bracts  awn-pointed,  rather  longer  than  the 
calyx,  which  is  shorter  than  the  2  -  3-toothed  rugose  fruit. 
GREEN-SPIKED  AMARANTUS. 

Leaves  bright  deep  green,  long-petioled,  ovate  or  rhomlic-ovate.  Spikes  ascending,  acute 
(vowdcd  in  an  open  panicle,  the  terminal  one  long  and  often  nodding. 

r>.  A.  retroflex'us,  L.  Bracts  pointed,  twice  .the  length  of  the  calyx, 
which  is  longer  than  the  rugose  fruit. 


276 


WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 


REFLEXED  AMARANTUS. 

and  pubescent.    Leaoes  pale  or  dull  green  or  rather  gliucous,  long-petioled , 


.  177.  Araarantus  retroflexus. 


AM  AK  ANTII    FAIL  I L  Y . 


277 


ovate  or  rhombic-ovate,  undulate.    Spikes  crowded  in  a  stiff  panicle,  acutish,  more  or 
less  spreading,  green,  the  terminal  one  shortish  and  erect. 

Obs.  In  the  confusion  which  exists  concerning  this  genus,  we  have 
adopted  above  the  characters  given  by  GRAY  ;  they  are  probably,  as  he 
suggests,  all  forms  of  one  species.  They  are  natives  of  tropical  Amer- 
ica, and  are  exceedingly  common  about  waste  places  and  in  cultivated 
soils,  especially  in  the  latter  part  of  summer. 

*  *  Flowers  greenish  ;  stem  armed  with  spines  borne  in  pairs  in  the  axils 
of  the  leaves  ;  stamens  and  sepals  5. 


178 


4  A.  spino'sits,  L.  Stem  striate,  smoothish,  much  branched ;  leaves 
ovate-lanceolate ;  axils  spinose  ;  flowers  pentandrous,  in  compound  ter- 
minal and  axillary  spikes.  « 

FIG.  178.  The  Thorny  Amaranth  (Amarantus  spinosus),  a  branch. 


278  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

THORNY  AMARANTUS. 

Root  annual.  Stem  18  inches  -  2  or  3  feet  high,  often  purple.  Leaves  1-2  inches  long, 
rather  obtuse,  mucronate,  entire,  roughish-dotted,  with  glaucous  blotches  beneath  ; 
petioles  about  as  long  as  the  leaves,  with  2  subulate  spines  at  base,  one  fourth  to  half  an 
inch  in  length.  Flowers  small,  clustered  in  oblong  terete,  erect  terminal  and  subtermiiud 
spikes. 

Cultivated  lots,  way-sides  and  waste  places  :  introduced.  Native  of  India.  Fl.  August. 
Fr.  October. 

Obs.  This  foreigner  is  naturalized  in  many  places — especially  in  the 
unfrequented  streets  and  outskirts  of  our  sea-port  towns, — and  is  grad- 
ually extending  itself  into  the  country.     It  is  a  vile  nuisance  wherever 
it  prevails,  and  cannot  be  too  sedulously  guarded  against. 
*  *  *  Flowers  in  close  and  small  axillary  clusters ;  stamens  and  sepals  3, 

or  the  former  only  2. 

5.  A.  al'bus,  L,     Pale  green  and  smooth,  much  branched ;  leaves  obo- 
vate  and  spatulate-oblong.  emarginate,  setaceously  mucronate ;  flowers 
triandrous,  in  small  axillary  clusters. 
WHITE  AMARANTHS. 

Steml-2  or  3  feet  high,  rather  stout,  pale  green  or  whitish,  generally  much  branched 
—the  principal  branches  near  the  base,  spreading.  Leaves  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  and  a 
half  long,  entire,  narrowed  at  base  to  a  slender  petiole,  one  fourth  of  an  inch  to  an  inch 
and  a  half  long.  Flowers  pale  green,  inconspicuous,  in  small  axillary  bracteate  clusters  ; 
bracts  subulate-lanceolate,  spinescently  acuminate,  longer  than  the  flowers. 

Barn-yards,  cultivated  fields,  &c.     Fl.  August.     Fr.  September. 

Obs.  A  worthless  common  -weed,  considsred  by  somo  as  a  native  of 
this  country,  but  it  has  all  the  appearance  of  a  naturalized  plant,  and 
probably  came  from  tropical  America. 

ORDER  LX.     POLYGONA'CE^E.     (BUCKWHEAT  FAMILY.) 

Herbs  with  alternate,  usually  entire,  leaves,  with  stipules  cohering  and  forming  slwatlis 
(ochrcaj)  around  the  stem  above  its  swollen  joints  ;  powers  generally  perfect,  with  a  more 
or  less  persistent  3-6-cleft  calyx  ;  stamens  4-12  inserted  on  the  base  of  the  calyx  ;  ovary 
1-celled,  bearing  2-  3  styles,  becoming  akenc-like  in  fruit.     Seed  single,  erect,  straight,  with 
the  embryo  curved  or  straightish,  on  the  outside  of  the  albumen,  or  rarely  in  its  centre. 
•*Sepals  mostly  5. 
Embryo  curved  around  one  side  of  the  albumen.    Cotyledons  slender 

or  flat.  1.  POLYGOXUM. 

Embryo  in  the  albumen.    Cotyledons  broad  and  twisted-plaited.  2.  FAGOPYRUM 

**Sepals  6. 

Fruit  3-anglfd,  wingless.  3.  RUMEX. 

Fruit  3-anglcd,  winged  at  the  angles.  4.  RHEUM. 

1.  POLY'GONUM,  L.     KNOT-WEED. 

[Greek,  Polys,  many,  and  Gonu,  a  knee  or  joint ;  the  stem  being  much  jointed.] 

Calyx  often  colored,  embracing  the  fruit.  Stamens  4-9,  mostly  8. 
Ovary  1-celled,  compressed  or  triquetrous  ;  styles  2-3,  more  or  less 
united  below.  Akenes  lenticular  or  triquetrous,  according  as  the  styles 
are  2  or  3  ;  embryo  in  a  groove  of  the  albumen,  and  curved  half  wav 
around  it.  Flowers  often  with  sheathing  bracts  f  pedicels  articulated. 


BUCKWHEAT   FAMILY.  279 

$  1.  Stems  more  or  less  erect. 

*  Flowers  in  terminal  racemes  or  spikes. 

f  Sheaths  salver-form. 

1.  P.  orienta'le,  L.    Tall ;  hairy  ;  leaves  ovate-acuminate  ;  sheaths  salver- 
form,  ciliate ;  stamens  7. 

ORIENTAL  POLYGONUM.     Bagged  Sailor.     Prince's  Feather. 

Annual.  Stem  4  - 8  feet  high ,  paniculatcly  branched  above.  Leaves  4-6  inches  long, 
often  subcordate  at  base  ;  petioles  1-2  inches  in  length,  somewhat  winged  by  the  decur- 
rence  of  the  leaves  ;  stipules  tubular  with  the  border  spreading  or  reflexed.  Racemes 
numerous,  2-3  inches  in  length,  nodding  on  hirsute  peduncles.  Flowers  bright  purple, 
rather  large,  crowded.;  pedicels  rather  longer  than  the  ciliate  sheathing  bracts. 

Gardens  and  waste  grounds.     Native  of  Asia.     July  -September. 

06s.  This  showy  species  is  sometimes  cultivated,  and  has  become 
sparingly  naturalized*  JOHN  BARTRAM  probably  refers  to  it,  in  a  letter 
to  Miss  GOLDEN,  where  he  says  :  "  The  species  of  Persicary  thee  men- 
tions, is  what  TOURNEFORT  brought  from  the  three  churches  at  the  foot 
of  Mount  Ararat." 

f  f  Sheaths  cylindrical,  not  ciliate. 

2.  P.  Peimsylvan'icum,  L-     Leaves  lanceolate  ;  sheaths  smooth,  not 
ciliate  ;  spikes  oblong,  somewhat  nodding,  on  glandular-hispid  peduncles  ; 
stamens  5-8. 

PENNSYLVANIAN  POLYGONUM. 

Root  annual.  Stem  2-3  or  4  feet  high,  smooth  below,  geniculate,  with  tumid  nodes, 
panimlately  branched  above,— the  branches  glandular-hispid.  Isxiixs  3-6  inches  long  ; 
petioles  about  half  an  inch  long.  Stipules  scarious.  not  fringed  at  summit.  Spikes  numer- 
ous, rather  large  (1-2  inches  long.)  Flvwers  bright  palish-purple  or  rose-colored,  in 
crowded  fascicles  ;  pedicels  rather  longer  than  the  sheathing  bracts. 

Moist  grounds,  waste  places,  &c.  :  throughout  the  United  States.  Fl.  July- Aug.  Fr. 
Sept. -Oct. 

Obs.  This  has  much  general  resemblance  to  the  following — usually 
growing  in  company  with  it — and  equally  worthless.     It  is,  however,  a 
stouter  plant,  and  readily  distinguished  by  the  characters  above  noted. 
Iff    Sheaths  ciliate  or  fringed  with  bristles. 

3.  P.  Persica'ria,  L.     Leaves  lanceolate,  usually  marked  with  a  dark 
lunate  or  triangular  spot  near  the  middle ;  sheaths  somewhat  pilose, 
ciliate  at  summit ;  peduncles  smooth  ;  stamens  6. 

PEACH-LEAVED  POLYGONUM.     Lady's  thumb.     Spotted  Knot-weed. 
Fr.  Persicaire.     Germ.  Flohkraut.     Span.  Persicaria. 

Root  annual.  Stem  1-2  feet  high,  branching,  smooth,  often  purplish.  Leaves  2-4  in- 
ches long,  tapering  at  base  to  a  short  petiole.  Stipules  truncate,  fringed  with  bristles  one- 
fourth  to  one-third  their  length.  Spikes  about  an  inch  long.  Sepals  purple  or  bright 
crimson.  Pedicels  about  as  long  as  the  bracts. 

Waste  places,  road-sides,  &c.  :  introduced.  Native  of  Europe.  Fl.  Aug.  Fr.  Sept.- 
October. 

Obs.  A  very  common  weed  about  farm  houses,  which  should  be  kept 
in  subjection  by  every  neat  farmer. 


280 


WEEDS   AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 


A.  f, 


4.  P.  Hydropi'per,  L.  Smooth,  very  acrid  ;  leaves  lanceolate,  pellucid- 
dotted,  wavy  margined  ;  sheaths  ciliate  with  shortish  bristles  ;  racemes 
filiform,  flaccid  and  nodding  ;  fascicles  few-flowered,  rather  distant ;  calyx 
glandular-dotted . 


FIG.  179.   The  Pennsylvania!!  Polygonum   (P.   Pcnnsylvanicum.)      180.   An  enlarged 
flower,  opened. 


BUCKWHEAT    FAMILY.  28 1 

WATER-PEPPER  POLYGONUM.     Water-pepper.     Smart- weed. 

Annual.  Stem  1-2  feet  high,  more  or  less  branched,  sometimes  decumbent,  often  pur- 
plish. Leaves  2-4  inches  long,  acute  at  each  end,  subsessile  ;  sheaths  tubular,  somewhat 
inflated,  hairy,  fringed  with  bristles,  )£-%  the  length  of  the  tube.  Racemes  2-4  inches 
long,  slender  and  interrupted,  at  first  nodding,  tinally  erect;  fascicles  2  -  4-tlowered  ; 
flowers  greenish  with  white  edges  ;  pedicels  proceeding  from  bristly -ciliuto  sheathing  bracts. 
Styles  2  -  3 .  Achenium  flattish  or  obtusely  triangular. 

Moist  waste  grounds  :  introduced  from  Europe.     Aug. -Sept. 


Obs.  A  worthless  weed,  as  most 
of  the  species  are  ;  and  it  is,  more- 
over, a  highly  acrid  plant,  some- 
times causing  obstinate  ulcerative 
inflammation  when  incautiously  ap- 
plied to  the  skin.  The  medical 
men  of  the  Middle  Ages  highly 
extolled  it  for  its  remedial  quali- 
ties, but  it  is  not  used  at  present. 

*  *  Flcwers  axillary,  2-3  together. 

5,  P.  avicula're,  L.  Stems  pro- 
cumbent or  spreading  ;  leaves  ses- 
sile, lanceolate  or  oblong  ;  sheaths 
lacerate ;  stamens  5  -  8  ;  akenes 
triquetrous. 

BIRD  POLYGONUM.  Knot-grass. 
Goose-grass.  Door-weed. 

Annual.  Stem  6  -12  inches  long,  much 
branched  and  spreading,  smooth.  Leaves 
%  an  inch  to  an  inch  long.  Stipules  white. 
Flowers  green,  edged  with  white,  and  often 
tinged  with  purple,  small,  subsessile.  Fruit 
enclosed  in  the  calyx,  dull,  minutely  wrin- 
kled or  granular  under  a  lens. 

Yards  and  foot-paths.    June-Aug*. 

Obs.  This  humble  weed  is  thor- 
oughly naturalized,  and  is  one  of 
the  commonest  everywhere  about 
dwellings.  There  are  several  vari- 
eties, one  of  which,  var.  erectum, 
is  quite  common  in  rich  sha-l\' 
places ;  its  stems  are  nearly  erect,  1  -  2  or  3  feet  high,  with  oval  leaves 
1-2  inches  in  length. 


X-H 


FIG.  181.    A  branch  of  the  Halberd-leaved  Tear-thumb  (Pclygonum  arifolium.) 


282 


WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 


\  2.  Stem  weak,  not  twining  but  somewhat  climbing  or  supported  on  other 
plants  by  means  of  the  prickles  on  the  angles  of  the  stem  and  petioles. 

6.  P.  arifo'lium,  L.  Leaves  halberd-shaped,  acuminate,  on  long 
petioles  ;  clusters  racemose,  few-flowered ;  peduncles  glandular-hispid  ; 
stamens  6  ;  styles  2  ;  fruit  lenticular. 

ARUM-LEAVED  POLYGONUM.     Halberd-leaved  Tear-thumb. 

Root  annual.  Stem  3-6  feet  long,  rather  coarse,  grooved-angled,  branching,  often  pur- 
ple. Leaves  2-5  inches  long,  and  1-3  inches  wide, — the  midrib  and  nerves  hirsute  ;  pe- 
tioles half  an  inch  to  3  inches  long,  retrorsely  aculeate.  Stipules  ciliate.  Calyx  often  of  4 
connected  sepals,  purple,  with  the  margins  pale  red. 

Swampy  low  grounds,  along  rivulets,  &c.  :  throughout  the  United  States.  Fl.  Aug. 
Fr.  Sept. 

06s.  This  and  the  following  species 
often  grow  in  company, — clamber- 
ing over  other  plants,  and  forming 
entangled  bunches.  Both  are  worth- 
less, unwelcome  weeds,  especially 
among  the  second  crop  of  wet  mead- 
ows. Ditching  and  draining  are  the 
remedies  for  the  evil. 

7.  P,  sagitta'tum,  L.  Leaves 
arrow-shaped,  acute,  on  short  pe- 
tioles ;  clusters  capitate  ;  peduncles 
smooth  ;  stamens  8  ;  styles  3  ;  fruit 
sharply  3-angled. 


SAGITTATE    POLYGONUM. 
leaved  Tear-thumb. 


Arrow- 


1S2 


Root  annual.  Stem  2-4  feet  long,  slender, 
branching,  acutely  quadrangular.  Leaves  1-3 
inches  lmig,aud  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  wide, 
sagittate  at  base, — the  midrib  anil  petiole  re- 
trorsely aculeate.  Stipules  smooth.  Sepals 
pale  red,  with  the  margins  nearly  white. 

Swampy  meadows  and  thickets  :  Xew 
York  to  Florida.  Fl.  August.  Fr.  Septem- 
ber. 

Obs.  Several  other  species  of 
Polygonum  are  met  with  about  our 
farms  (descriptions  of  which  may  be 
found  in  the  Floras), — but,  as  they 
are  not  particularly  troublesome, 
they  are  omitted  here. 


FIG.  182.  The  Arrow-leaved  Tear-thumb  (Polygonum  sagittatum). 


BUCKWHEAT   FAMILY.  283 

2.  FAGOPY'RUM,  Tournef.     BUCKWHEAT. 

[So  named  from  its  fruit  resembling  that  of  the  Fagus,  or  Beech.] 

Calyx  nearly  equally  5-parted  ;  lobes  petal-like,  withering  and  nearly 

unchanged  in  fruit.     Stamens  8.     Styles  3  ;  stigmas  capitate.     Akene  3- 

sided,  embraced  at  base  by  the  persistent  calyx ;  embryo  large,  in  the 

centre  of  the  albumen,  which  it  divides  into  2  parts ;  cotyledons  broad, 

foliaceous,  plicate  and  twisted.     Annuals  with  stems  finally  purple,  and 

white  flower*  fasciculate  in  paniculate  racemes. 

1.  F.  ESCULEN'TUM,  Moench.     Stem  erect,  paniculately  branched,  sulcate- 

angled,  smoothish  ;  leaves  triangular-sagittate  or  subhastate,  acute,  pe- 

tioled  ;  racemes  compound,  terminal  and  axillary. 

ESCULENT  FAGOPYRUM.     Buckwheat. 

Fr.  Ble  Sarrasin.     Germ.  Der  Buchweitzen.     Span.  Trigo  Sarraceno. 

Stem  2-4  feet  high,  much  branched.  Leaves  2 -3  or  4  inches  long,  and  1-2  inches  wide, 
often  a  little  hastate  at  base,  on  petioles  1-2  or  3  inches  long  ;  stipules  short,  smooth. 
Flowers  in  somewhat  paniculate  racemes, — the  fascicles  rather  crowded  ;  pedicels  slender, 
longish,  obscurely  articulated  above  the  middle.  Sepals  mostly  white,  with  tinges  of 
green  and  pale  purple.  Akenes  equally  and  acutely  triquetrous,  somewhat  acuminate, 
much  longer  than  the  withered  sepals,  smooth,  dark  brown  when  mature,  often  striately 
clouded. 

Fields  :  cultivated.     Native  of  Middle  Asia.     PL  Aug.     Fr.  Sept.  -  Oct. 

Obs.  This  is  extensively  cultivated  for  its  seeds, — the  farinaceous 
albumen  of  which  affords  a  delicious  article  of  food,  when  properly 
managed, — and  a  very  sorry  one,  if  unskilfully  treated.  The  glandular 
flowers  are  a  favorite  resort — and  afford  a  rich  reward  to  the  labors — of 
the  Honey-Bee.  This  is  considered  one  of  the  most  valuable  plants  for 
plowing  in — it  growing  very  rapidly,  and  succeeding  on  very  poor  soils. 
It  readily  escapes  from  culture,  and  has  become  naturalized. 

3.   RU'MEX,  L.    DOCK. 

[The  ancient  Latin  name,  of  unknown  derivation.] 

Flowers  sometimes  dioecious.  Calyx  of  6  sepals ;  the  3  outer  sometimes 
united  at  base,  spreading  in  fruit ;  the  3  inner  ones  larger  (valves)  in- 
creasing after  flowering,  often  bearing  a  grain-like  tubercle  on  the  back. 
Stamens  6.  Styles  3 ;  stigmas  pencil-tufted.  Akene  3-angled,  wingless. 
Embryo  slightly  curved,  lying  along  one  side  of  the  albumen.  Coarse 
perennials  with  petioles  somewhat  sheathing  at  base,  and  small,  mostly 
green  flowers,  verticillate  in  paniculate  racemes. 

$  1.  Flowers  perfect :  herbage  bitter. 
*  Inner  sepals  entire,  and  all  graniferous. 

1.  R.  cris'pus,  L.  Radical  leaves  oblong-lanceolate,  mostly  acute, 
curled  or  wavy  on  the  margin,;  inner  sepals  large,  cordate  ;  verticils 
crowded. 

CURLED  RUMEX.     Sour  Dock.     Curled  Dock.     Narrow  Dock. 


284  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

Fr.  Patience  frisee.     Germ.  Krauser  Ampfer. 

Root  rather  large,  fusiform,  yellow.  Stem  2-  3  or  4  feet  high,  angular-sulcate,  smooth- 
ish,  paniculately  branched  above,  Radical  leaves  8-12  or  15  inches  long,  and  1  -2  or  3 
inches  wide  ;  petioles  2-4  inches  long  ;  the  stem-leaves  smaller,  linear-lanceolate.  Flowers 
in  crowded  verticillate  fascicles,  with  scarious  involucres  at  base.  Calyx  green  ;  inner 
sepals  much  larger  than  the  outer  ones,  entire  or  obsoletoly  denticulate  near  the  base, — 
each  with  an  ovoid  acuminate  excrescence,  or  grain,  on  the  back. 

Moist  grounds;  meadows,  &c.:  introduced.  Native  of  Europe.  Fl.  May  -July.  Fr. 
July  -  September. 

Obs.  The  radical  leaves  of  this  are  often  used  as  a  pot-herb,  or  early 
"  greens ; "  but  the  plant  is  an  unsightly  and  troublesome  weed, — and 
has  become  so  extensively  naturalized  as  to  require  a  vigilant  attention 
to  keep  it  in  due  subjection. 

**  Inner  sepals  dentate, — one  principally  graniferous. 

2.  R.  obtusifo'lius,  L.    Kadical  leaves  subcordate-oblong,  obtuse,  crenu- 
late  ;  verticils  loose  and  rather  distant. 

OBTUSE-LEAVED  RUMEX.     Bitter  Dock.     Broad-leaved  Dock. 

Root  thickish,  branching,  brown  externally,  yellow  within.  Stem  2-4  feet  high,  angu- 
lar-sulcate, roughish,  paniculately  branched.  Radical  leaves  8-12  inches  long,  and  4- 6 
inches  wide  ;  petioles  3-6  inches  long.  Flowers  in  interrupted  verticillate  fascicles.  Calyx 
green, — the  inner  sepals  with  long  acute  teeth  near  the  base,  and  one  of  them  bearing  a 
large  grain  on  the  back. 

Grass  lots  ;  gardens,  meadows,  &c.:  introduced.  Native  of  Europe.  Fl.  June -July. 
Fr.  August -September. 

06s.  This  species  is  even  more  worthless  than  the  preceding  ;  but — 
although  completely  naturalized — it  is  not  quite  so  prevalent.  The 
presence  of  either  imparts  a  very  slovenly  appearance  to  a  meadow  or 
pasture  lot. 

g  2.  Flowers  dicecious :  herbage  acid. 

3.  R.  ACETOS'ELLA,  L.     Leaves  lanceolate-hastate, — the  lobes  acute, 
spreading  ;  inner  sepals  entire. 

Sheep  Sorrel.     Field  Sorrel. 

Fr.  Petite  Oscille.     Germ.  Der  Sauer  Ampfer.     Span.  Acederilla. 

StemQ  — 12  or  15  inches  high,  slender,  branching,  somewhat  angular  and  furrowed. 
Leaves  1-2  inches  long, — the  lower  ones  mostly  all  hastate  and  on  petioles  as  long  or  longer 
than  the  leaves — the  upper  ones  on  short  petioles,  and  sometimes  not  hastate.  Flowers  in 
paniculate  racemes,  finally  becoming  purple, — the  verticils  6 -  8-flowered.  Pistillate 
plants  mostly  taller  than  the  staminato. 

Sandy  fields  and  pastures  ;  about  old  stumps,  &c. :  introduced.  Native  of  Europe.  Fl. 
May.  Fr.  August. 

Obs.  This  little  species  (well  known  for  its  acidity,)  is  often  so  abun- 
dant as  to  be  a  nuisance  on  the  farm.  Improving  the  land — especially 
by  adequate  dressings  of  Lime — is  believed  to  be  the  best  mode  of  ex- 
pelling this,  as  well  as  many  other  obnoxious  plants 

4.   RHE'UM,  L.     RHUBARB. 

[From  Rha,  the  ancient  name  of  the  river  Volga, — its  native  region.] 

Calyx'of  6  sepals,  in  a  double  series,  persistent  and  shrivelling.    Stamens 
9,  arranged  in  pairs  opposite  the  outer  sepals,  and  singly  opposite  the 


LAUREL    FAMILY.  285 

inner  ones.  Styles  3,  short ;  stigmas  large,  multifid.  Akene  triquetrous, 
winged  at  the  angles,  surrounded  at  base  by  the  withered  calyx.  Her- 
baceous: leaves  chiefly  radical,  large  ;  flowers  fasciculate,  racemose-panic- 
ulate. 

1.  R.  RHAPON'TICUM,  Ait.  Leaves  cordate-ovate,  rather  obtuse, — the 
sinus  at  base  dilated  ;  petioles  with  a  shallow  channel  above,  rounded  at 
the  edges. 

HHAPOXTIC  RHEUM.     Rhubark.     Pie  Rhubarb. 

Root  perennial,  tuberous,  large,  reddish-brown,  yellow  within.  Stem  3-5  feet  high, 
stout,  striate-suloate,  smoothish,  fistular,  paniculately  branched  at  summit.  Radical 
leaves  becoming  very  large  (18  inches  to  2  feet  long),  smoothish  above,1  pubescent  on  the 
veins  beneath;  petioles  thick  and  succulent,  4-8  or  10  inches  long, — the  stem-leaves 
smaller,  and  petioles  shorter,  as  they  ascend  ;  stiimles  large,  membranaceous,  sheathing. 
Fl'iii'rr.-s  in  large  terminal  racemose  panicles, — ihcpedicels  fasciculate,  slender,  one-third 
to  half  an  inch  long,  articulated  near  the  middle.  Sepals  greenish,  with  white  margins, — 
the  outer  ones  rather  narrow.  Stigmas  large,  multifid,  rellexed. 

Gardens  :  cultivated.     Native  of  Scythia.     Fl.  May.     Fr.  July -August. 

Obs.  Frequently  cultivated  for  the  sake  of  its  fleshy  acid  petioles — - 
which  are  used  by  the  pastry  cook,  in  early  spring,  as  a  substitute  for 
fruit,  in  making  pies.  The  root  of  other  species  affords  the  medicinal 
Rhubarb,  and  this  species  is  cultivated  in  England  for  its  roots,  which 
form  an  inferior  kind  of  the  drug. 


ORDER  LXI.    LAURA' CE^.     (LAUREL  FAMILY.) 

Aromatic  trees  or  shrubs  with  alternate  simple  leaves,  without  stiptdes,  and  clustered  often 
polygamo-dioecious^/Zowws;  calyx  of  4-6  colored  sepals,  imbricated  in  two  rows  in  the 
bud  ;  stamens  definite,  usually  more  numerous  than  the  sepals  ;  anthers  2-4-cclled,  open- 
ing by  uplifted  persistent  valves  ;  style  single  ;  fruit  a  1 -seeded  berry  or  drupe.  Seed  sus- 
pended, without  albumen. 

The  tropical  plants  of  this  Order  are  highly  interesting, — affording  Cinnamon,  Cassia 
and  Camphor  ;  and  also  that  species  of  Laurus  (L.  nobilis,  L.)  of  which  the  ancients 
formed  their  Laurel  wreaths  or  crowns.  The  species  in  the  United  States  are  of  less  im- 
portance. 

1.    SAS'SAFRAS,  Nees.     SASSAFRAS. 

[Altered  from  Salsafraj,  the  Spanish  name.]  ** 

Flowers  dioecious.  Sepals  6,  membranaceous,  united  at  base,  persistent. 
STAM.  FL.  Stamens  9,  in  three  scries,  all  fertile, — the  3  innermost  with 
a  pair  of  stipitate  glands  at  base  ;  anthers  introrse,  linear,  4-celled. 
PISTILLATE  FL.  Stamens  6,  all  sterile.  Berry  on  a  thickened  clavate 
fleshly  pedicel.  Trees  with  leaves  often  lobed  but  the  margins  entire, 
and  greenish  yellow  flowers  in  corymbose  racemes,  appearing  with  the 
leaves. 

1.  S.  officina'le,  Nees.  Leaves  ovate  or  some  of  them  3-lobed  and 
cuueate  at  base  ;  drupe  dark  blue  ;  peduncle  purple. 

OFFICINAL  SASSAFRAS.     Sassafras. 


286  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS.  * 

Stem  15-40  or  50  foot  high,  and  6-12  inches  (in  some  rare  instances,  near  2  feet)  in 
diameter,  branching, — the  young  branches  yellowish  and  pubescent.  Leaves  3-5  inches 
long,  and  2-4  inches  wide, — silky -pubescent  when  young,  finally  smooth  ;  petioles  halt' an 
inch  to  an  inch  long.  Flowers  from  the  same  buds,  and  contemporaneous  with  the  leaves. 
Sepals  oblong,  rather  obtuse,  pale,  greenish-yellow.  Berries  ovoid-oblong. 

Woodlands  ;  fence-rows  and  old  fields  :  Canada  to  Florida.     Fl.  April.     Fr.  September. 

Obs.  The  bark  of  this  well-known  small  tree  is  a  powerful,  yet  pleas- 
ant, aromatic  stimulant,  and  possesses  valuable  medicinal  properties ; 
which  acquired  for  it,  at  an  early  day.  in  Europe,  an  exaggerated  repu- 
tation. An  infusion  of  the  roots,  or  bark  of  the  roots,  makes  an  excel- 
lent diet  drink.  The  pith  of  the  young  branches  contains  much  mucilage, 
and  is  used  to  make  a  wash  tor  inflamed  eyes.  We  learn,  also,  from 
MICHAUX'S  Sylva,  that  bed  steads  made  of  the  wood  "  are  never  infested 
with  insects ;  "  which  circumstance — to  adopt  the  language  of  the 
Gazettes — is  certainly  "  important,  if  true," — and  well  worthy  of  notice. 

2.  BENZO'IN,  Nees.    FEVER-BUSH. 

[A  name  said  to  be  derived  from  the  Arabic, — expressive  of  perfume.'] 

Flowers  polygamo-direcious.  Sepals  6,  connected  at  base.  STAM.  FL. 
Stamens  9,  in  three  series, — the  innermost  lobed  at  the  summit,  and 
gland-bearing  at  the  base ;  anthers  2-celled.  PISTILLATE  FL.,  with 
15-18  alternating  filiform  and  spatulate  rudiments  of  stamens.  Drupe 
oval ;  peduncle  not  clavate.  Shrubs  with  yellow  flowers  in  small  lateral 
fascicles  (which  are  surrounded  by  a  deciduous  involucre),  appearing  be- 
fore the  leaves. 

1.  B.  odorif'erum,  Nees.    Leaves  obovate-oblong,  mostly  acute,  often 

cuneate  at  base  ;  drupe  red,  or  finally  dark  purple. 

ODORIFEROUS  BENZOIN.     Spice-wood.     Wild  Allspice.     Fever-bush. 

Stem  6 - 8  or  10  feet  high  ;  branches  virgate,  brittle.  Leaves  2-4  inches  long,  mostly 
acnte  or  with  a  short  acumination  (sometimes  obtuse  and  rounded  at  apex)  ;  petioles 
about  half  an  inch  long.  Flowers  in  involucrate  clusters  of  3-5  from  a  bud,  on  pedicels 
I  -  2  lines  long  <  flower-buds  distinct  from  the  leaf-buds,— usually  a  flower-bud  on  each 
side  of  the  leaf-bud.  Sepals  greenish-yellow,  obovate-oblong,  obtuse. 

Moist  rich  low  grounds  ;  borders  of  thickets,  &c.  Canada  to  Florida.  Fl.  April.  Fr. 
September. 

Obs.  This  is  a  strongly  aromatic  shrub.  In  early  times — before  Phy- 
sicians were  so  numerous— a«  infusion  of  the  brittle  spicy  twigs  was 
much  used  as  a  popular  remedy,  and  even  as  a  preventive,  of  the  fevers 
which  attacked  the  first  settlers  ;  but  it  is  now  chiefly  prescribed  as  a 
diet-drink  for  sickly  cows,  in  the  spring  of  the  year. 


ORDER  LXII.     LOKANTHA'CE^E.     (MISTLETOE  FAMILY.) 

Shrubby  plants  parasitic  on  trees,  having  mostly  opposite  entire  thick  leaves  without  stipules 
and  monoecious  or  dioecious  flmvers  in  short  catkin-like  jointed  spikes.  Calyx-tube  (of  the 
fertile  flowers)  adherent  to  the  ovary  ;  bonier  obsolete  or  3-4-toothed.  Stamens  sis  many 
as  the  calyx-lobes.  Fruit  a  1-seeded  berry.  Emhryo  small  in  mucilagir.ous  albumen. 
Chiefly  tropical  plants.  The  Mistletoe  of  Europe  is  Viscnm  album. 


SPURGE    FAMILY.  287 

1.  PHORADEN'DRON,  Nutt.    MISTLETOE. 

[Greek,  phor,  a  thief,  and  dendron,  tree  ;  because  they  steal  their  food  from  the  trees  they 
grow  upon.] 

Flowers  dioecious,  usually  several  under  each  short  and  fleshy  bract  or 
scale,  and  sunk  in  the  joint.  Calyx  globular,  3-  (rarely  2  -  4-)  lobed. 
STAMIXATE  FL.  with  a  sessile  anther  at  the  base  of  each  lobe,  transversely 
2-celled.  Stigma  sessile.  Berry  globular,  1-seeded,  with  a  gummy  viscid 
pulp.  Stem  and  branches  jointed  ;  flowers  greenish,  in  short  axillary 
spikes. 

1.  P,  flaves'cens,  Nutt.      Leaves  elliptic-obovate,  obtuse,  somewhat 
longer  than  the  spikes  in  their  axils,  somewhat  petioled,  yellowish-green  ; 
berries  pearly-white. 
YELLOWISH  PHORADENDRON.     Mistletoe.     False  Mistletoe. 

Stem  9-18  inches  high,  terete,  much  branched;  branches  opposite.  Leaves  %-!}£ 
inch  long,  3-uerved  beneath,  smooth,  fleshy  or  somewhat  leathrey,  narrowed  at  base  to  a 
tbirkish  terete  petiole  1-2  lines  in  length.  Flowers  small. 

Branches  of  trees  ;  New  Jersey,  South  and  West.     April. 

Obs.  This  well-known  parasite,  feeding  as  it  does  at  the  expense  of 
the  trees  upon  which  it  fastens  itself,  is  in  some  places  so  abundant  as  to 
be  injurious  to  valuable  forest  trees.  In  some  parts  of  the  West  it  proves 
very  troublesome.  Doct.  Short  writes  that  the  severe  winters  of  the  few 
years  just  past  had  killed  it  out  in  Kentucky  ;  but  that  now  it  is  again 
overrunning  the  Elms,  Hickories,  Wild  Cherries,  &c.,  of  that  region.  * 

ORDER  LXIIL    EUPHORBIA' CE.E.     (SPURGE  FAMILY.) 

Plants  usually  with  an  acrid  milky  juice,  mostly  simple  leaves,  with  small  and  deciduous 
stipules  or  none,  and  various,  usually  monoecious  or  dioecious  flowers;  the  fruit  of  2-3  or 
several  1  -  2-seeded  pods  united  around  a  central  axis,  separating  when  ripe.  Seed  sus- 
pended; embryo  in  fleshy  albumen.  Stigmas  2 -3  or  more,  often  forked.  Calyx  usually 
valvate  in  the  bud,  sometimes  wanting.  Petals  sometimes  present 

This  large  and  varied  —  yet  essentially  natural  Family — comprises  upwards  of  100 
genera, — many  of  them  possessing  very  active  properties,  or  otherwise  curious  and  inter- 
esting. Of  those  may  be  mentioned,  tho  Croton  Tiglium,  L.,  which  yields  the  powerful 
Croton  Oil  or  Oil  of  Tiglium,— the  Jatropha  Manihot,  L.,  which  affords  the  Cassava 
and  Tapioca, — the  Crozophora  tinc-toria,  Juss.,  yielding  Turnsol, — the  Siphonia  elastica,  - 
1'ers.,  affording  the  true  Caoutchouc  or  Gum  elastic, — the  Btixus  st-mpervirens,  L.,  afford- 
ing the  beautiful  Box-wood, — the  Hura  crepitans,  L.,  or  curious  Sand-box  tree,  &c.,  &c. 

1.  EUPHOR'BIA,  L.    SPURGE. 

[Named  after  Eupltorbus,  physician  to  King  Juba  of  Mauritania.] 

Flowers  monoecious,  included  in  a  cup-shaped  4  -  5-lobed  involucre  re- 
sembling a  calyx  or  corolla,  with  glands  at  its  sinuses.  STAMINATE  FL. 
numerous,  lining  the  base  of  the  involucre,  each  from  the  axil  of  a  little 
bract,  and  consisting  of  a  single  stamen  jointed  on  a  pedicel ;  anther  cells 
globular,  separate.  PISTILLATE  FL.  solitary,  in  the  middle  of  the  involu- 
cre, soon  protruded  on  a  long  pedicel,  consisting  of  a  naked  3-lobed,  3- 
celled  ovary ;  styles  3,  bifid.  Capsule  separating  into  3  carpels  which 


288  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

severally  split  elastically  into  2  valves.  Seeds  1  in  each  carpel.  Poly- 
morphous herbs,  with  an  acrid  milky  juice  ;  peduncles  lateral  or  terminal, 
often  in  umbellate  clusters. 

$  1.  Leaves  opposite,  small,  serrate,  often  hairy  and  falcate,  furnished  with 
awl-shaped  or  scaly  stipules  ;  stems  much  branched  ;  involucres  in  the  forks 
or  axils  ;  seeds  transversely  wrinkled-pitted  ;  annuals. 

1.  E.   macula'ta,  L.     Prostrate ;    peduncles  equalling  the  petioles, 
crowded  in  lateral  clusters ;  pod  acutely  angled,  puberulent ;  seeds  ash- 
colored,  sharply  4-angled. 

SPOTTED  EUPHORBIA.     Milk  Purslane.     Spotted  Spurge. 

Stem  6-12  inches  long,  much  branched  from  the  base  and  lying  close  to  the  ground. 
Leaves  %-  %  an  inch  long,  very  oblique  at  the  base  and  serrulate  towards  the  apex,  often 
with  a  dark  purple  spot  above  ;  petioles  scarcely  a  line  in  length.  Involucre  small,  its 
minute  glands  with  a  petal-like,  white  or  purplish,  somewhat  .creiiate  margin. 

Gravelly  places  and  cultivated  grounds.     July  -  October . 

Gbs.  Yery  common  everywhere,  especially  in  Indian  corn-fields,  where 
it  lies  close  to  the  ground,  branching  from  the  root  in  every  direction, 
and  forming  a  close  mat. 

2.  E.  hypericifo'lia,  L.    Ascending  or  erect ;  peduncles  longer  than 
the  petioles,  collected  in  loose,  leafy  cymes  ;  pod  obtusely  angled,  smooth  ; 
seeds  blackish,  obtusely  angled. 

HYPEKICUM-LEAVED  EUPHORBIA.  Black  Purslane.  Large  Spotted 
Spurge.  Eye-bright. 

Stem  9-18  inches  high,  rather  slender  and  leaning  as  if  top-heavy,  with  somewhat  dichot- 
omous  spreading  branches  above,  smoothish,  often  purple.  Leaves  half  an  inch  to  near 
an  inch  and  a  half  long,  obliquely  ovate-oblong  or  sub-falcate,  rather  obtuse,  sharply 
serrate,  nearly  entire  towards  the"  base  on  the  rounded  or  convex  side,  more  or  less 
pilose  with  loagish  fine  hairs,  often  stained  with  purple  blotches  along  the  midrib  ; petioles 
scarcely  a  line  in  length.  Clusters  of  flowers  axillary  and  dichotomal,  pedicellate,  forming 
small  corymbs  at  the  ends  of  the  branches  ;  appendages  of  the  involucre  minute,  white, 
or  purple  edged  with  white,  entire. 

Sandy  fields;  pastures,  road-sides,  &c.:  throughout  the  United  States.  Fl.  July- 
September.  Fr.  Scptcmba;1  -October. 

Obs.  This  species  is  very  common  in  dry  pasture  fields — especially  in 
thinnish  sandy  soils, — and  has  been  suspected  of  being  the  cause  of  saliva- 
tion, or  slabbering,  with  which  horses  are  often  affected,  in  the  latter 
part  of  summer.  I  cannot  say  how  much  foundation  there  may  be  for 
the  suspicion  ;  but  I  have  often  observed  that  horses  are  not  apt  to  eat 
much  of  any  acrid  or  unpalatable  p7ant, — and  are,  moreover,  very  expert 
in  selecting  esculent  herbs  from  among  those  which  are  not  so.  This 
plant  is  a  worthless,  obnoxious  little  weed, — and  I  believe  is  best  kept 
down  by  improving  the  soil,  and  choking  it  out  by  more  valuable  sub- 
stitutes. 

Besides  the  species  above  noticed  there  are  several  others,  both  native 
and  naturalized,  to  be  found  in  various  parts  of  the  country,  but  they  do 
not  come  within  the  scope  of  this  work.  E,  Ipecacuan'hae,  />•,  is  a 
perennial  species  with  a  large  root  which  possesses  powerfully  emetic 


SPURGE   FAMILY.  289 

qualities,  hence  it  is  called  Wild  Ipecac.  E.  La'thyrus,  L.,  the  Caper 
Spurge,  a  biennial  species,  is  found  in  gardens,  and  is  partially  natural- 
ized ;  it  has  a  stout  stem  2-3  feet  high,  with  thickish,  mostly  opposite 
leaves  ;  flowers  in  umbel-like  clusters,  the  glands  on  the  involucre  with  2 
short  horns ;  this  is  sometimes  called  Mole  Tree,  from  a  popular  notion 
that  it  kept  moles  out  of  gardens.  An  allied  perennial  species  with  run- 
ning root-stocks,  E.  Esula,  L.,  is  naturalized  ia  some  parts  of  Massachu- 
setts, where  it  is  likely  to  become  troublesome. 

2.  CNIDOSCO'LUS,  Pohl.    SPURGE-NETTLE. 

[Greek,  Knide,  a  nettle,  and  Skolos,  a  prickle.] 

Flowers  monrecious,  in  a  terminal  open  forking  cyme  ;  the  fertile  ones 
usually  in  the  lower  forks.  STAMINATE  FL.  Calyx  corolla-like  (white), 
salver-shaped,  5-lobed.  Stamens  10,  monadelphous  below,  the  inner  ones 
longer.  PISTILLATE  FL.  Calyx  as  in  staminate  flowers,  but  5-parted. 
Ovary  3-celled  :  styles  3,  short,  somewhat  united,  many-cleft.  Pod  3- 
celled,  bristly-hairy,  3-seeded,  separating  into  three  2-valved  carpels. 
Perennial  herbs  with  stinging  bristles. 

1.  C.  stimulo'sa,    Gray.      Stem   branching;    leaves    roundish-heart- 
shaped,  3  -  5-lobed,  lobes  sinuate  toothed. 
STINGING  CNIDOSCOLUS.     Spurge-nettle.     Tread-softly. 

Root  long  with  long  branches.  Stem  6-18  inches  high,  and,  as  well  as  the  leaves, 
covered  with  stinging  bristly  hairs.  Leaves  about  2  inches  long  and  somewhat  wider. 
Sterile  flowers  about  half  an  inch  in  length,  hairy. 

Virginia  and  southward.     Throughout  the  summer. 

Obs.  A  troublesome  weed  in  light  sandy  soils,  its  long  branching  roots 
penetrating  3-5  feet.  The  prickles  produce  great  irritation  for  a 
short  time. 

3.  EI'CINUS,  Tournef.     CASTOR-OIL  PLANT. 

[Latin,  Ricinus,  a  tick,  or  bug  ;  from  the  resemblance  of  the  seeds.] 

Flowers  monoecious.  Calyx  3  -  5-parted, — the  lobes  valvate  in  aestiva- 
tion. Corolla  none.  STAMINATE  FL.  Stamens  numerous  ;  filaments 
variously  united  and  much  branched  ;  anthers  with  the  cells  distinct 
and  pendulous  from  the  apex  of  the  filament.  Ovary  globose,  3-celled  ; 
cells  1-ovuled  ;  style  short ;  stigmas  3,  deeply  2-parted,  oblong,  colored, 
plumose.  Capsule  mostly  echinate,  3-lobed  ;  cells  or  carpels  1-oeeded. 
1.  R.  GOMMU'NIS,  L.  Stem  herbaceous,  hoary;  leaves  alternate,  petio- 
late,  peltate,  palmately  5  -  7-lobed, — the  lobes  lanceolate,  glandular-ser- 
rate ;  capsule  echinate. 

COMMON  RICINUS.     Castor-oil  Bean.     Palma  Christi. 
Fr.  Le  Eicin  ordinaire.     Germ.  Der  Wunderbaum.     Span.  Ricino. 

Root  annual.  Stem  4-6  feet  high,  stout,  branched,  terete,  nodose,  smooth,  mostly 
purplish  and  covered  with  a  glaucous  powder. Leaves  6-12  inches  across,  palmate-lobed, 

13 


290 


WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 


183 


A.H. 


—the  undivided  portion  nearly  orbicular  ,  peHol&s  3-6  inches  long,  with  a  gland  at  apex, 
and  sometimes  1,  2  or  3  near  the  base  ;  stipule  opposite  to  each  leaf,  embracing  the  stem, 
caducous.  Flowers  terminal,  paniculate — the  staminate  below,  the  pistillate  above,  all  on 
articulated  pedicels.  Calyx  yellowish-green.  Pistils  purple  and  glaucous.  Capsule  cover- 
ed with  subulate  points.  Seeds  subovoid.  smooth,  mottled. 

Gardens  and  fields  ;  cultivated.     Native  of  India.     Fl.  July  -  September .    Fr.  Sept.  - 
October. 

06s.  Extensively  cultivated  in  the  south  and  west,  and  even  as  far 
north  as  New  Jersey,  for  the  valuable  medicine,  Castor-oil,  which  is 
afforded  by  its  seeds.  In  our  climate  it  is  an  annual,  but  in  tropical 
countries  it  is  perennial,  and  forms  a  small  tree  30-40  feet  in  height. 
Often  seen  in  gardens  and  door-yards  as  an  ornamental  plant. 


FIG.  183.  Summit  of  the  Spurge-nettle  (Cnidoscolus    stimulosa),  with  the  staminate 
flowers  above  and  the  fertile  ones  in  the  axils  of  the  leaves  below. 


NETTLE   FAMILY. 


291 


ORDER  LXIV.     URTICA'CEJS.     (NETTLE  FAMILY.) 

Herbs,  shrubs  or  trees,  with  stipules  and  monoecious,  dioecious  or  sometimes  perfect  flowers, 
having  a  regular  calyx,  free  from  the  1-celled  (rarely  2-celled)  ovary,  which  forms  a  1- 
seeAed  fruit.  Embryo  in  the  albumen,  when  this  is  present  ;  radicle  pointing  upwards. 
Stamens  as  many  as  the  lobes  of  the  calyx  and  opposite  to  them,  or  sometimes  fewer. 

A  comprehensive  and  very  important  Order,  —  containing  plants  of  various,  and,  in  some 
instances,  of  remarkably  dissimilar  aspect  and  properties  ;  such  as  the  Nettle  and  the 
Mulberry—  the  bitter  Hop  and  the  luscious  Fig—  the  nutritious  Bread-fruit  (Artocarpus 
incisa,  L.  f.)  and  the  deadly  Upas  (Antiaris  toxicaria,  Leschen).  The  celebrated  Cow-tree 
or  Palo  de  Vaca  fBrosimum  Galactodendron,  Don.),  of  South  America,  "  which  yields  a 
copious  supply  01  rich  and  wholesome  milk,"  belongs  to  this  Order  ;  as  also  does  the  yel- 
low dye-wood,  called  Fustic  (Maclura  tinctoria,  Don)—  and  the  wide-spreading  Banyan- 
tree  (Ficus  religiosa,  L.),  of  India.  A  species  of  Ficus  (F.  elastica,  Roxb.)  also  yields 
Caoutchouc,  or  Gum  elastic. 

We  follow  Doctor  Gray  in  the  arrangement  of  this  Order  ;  he  places  as  sub-families  of 
this,  several  which  have  been  considered  as  families. 


1.  ELM  SUB-FAMILY. 

Trees  with  watery  juice,  alternate  leeaves  and  perfect  or  monoeciously  polygamous  flowers. 

Styles  or  stigmas  2.    Fruit  a  samara  or  drupe.    Seed  suspended. 

Flowers  mostly  perfect.    Anthers  extrorse.     Ovary  2-celled,  2-ovuled. 

Fruit  1-celled,  dry,  winged.  1.  ULMUS. 

Flowers  polygamous.    Anthers  introrse.    Ovary  1-celled. 

Fruit  a  small  drupe.  2.  CELTIS. 

2.  BREAD-FRUIT  AND  FIG  SUB-FAMILY. 

Trees  or  shrubs  with  milky  or  colored  juice  and  alternate  leaves  ;  monoe- 
cious or  dioecious  flowers,  in  catkin-like  heads  or  spikes,  the  parts  of 
the  fertile  ones  becoming  fleshy  in  fruit,  or  both  kinds  in  a  fleshy 
receptacle.  Styles  1-2.  Ovary  1-  (rarely  2-)  celled,  ripening  as  a  dry 
akene.  Inner  bark  often  tough  and  fibrous. 
Flowers  minute,  enclosed  in  a  pear-shaped  receptacle  which  is  pulpy 

when  ripe. 
Flowers  monoecious  ;  both  kinds  in  separate  catkin-like  spikes,  the  calyx 

&c.  ,  becoming  berry-like  in  fruit.     Stamens  4,  styles  2. 
Flowers  dioecious  ;  the  fertile  ones  collected  in  a  close  round  head, 

which  is  fleshy  in  fruit. 
Sterile  flowers  in  spikes.    Unarmed. 
Sterile  flowers  in  racemes.    Branches  spiny. 


3.  Ficus. 

4.  MORUS. 


5.  BROUSSONETIA. 

6.  MACLORA. 


3.  NETTLE  SUB-FAMILY. 

Herbs  with  a  watery  juice,  a  tough  fibrous  bark,  and  opposite  or  alternate 

leaves.    Flowers  monoecious  or  dioecious  in  spikes,  racemes,  &c.  ,  not  in 

catkins.     Ovary  1-celled,  forming  an  akene  in  fruit.    Stylel.    Stamens 

as  many  as  the  sepals. 

Sepals  4,  in  both  sterile  and  fertile  flowers. 

Plant  beset  with  stinging  bristles. 


7.  URTICA. 


4.  HEMP  SUB-FAMILY. 

Herbs  with  a  watery  juice,  a  tough  fibrous  bark  and  mostly  opposite 
lobed  or  divided  leaves.    Flowers  dioecious  ;  the  sterile  in  panicles  or 
racemes,  with  5  sepals  and  5  stamens  ;  the  fertile  crowded,  with  only 
one  sepal  which  embraces  the  ovary.     Stigmas  2,  long. 
Erect,  annual.     Fertile  flowers  in  spiked  clusters. 
Leaves  5  -7  divided. 

Twining  from  a  perennial  root.    Fertile  flowers  in  short  membranace- 
ous  catkins.    Leaves  3  -5-lobed. 


8.  CANNABB. 

9.  HUMULUS. 


292  WEEDS    AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 


1.  UL'MUS,  L.    ELM. 

[An  ancient  Latin  name  ;  of  obscure  etymology.] 

Calyx  membranaceous,  turbinate-campanulate,  4-9-cleft.  Stamens  as 
many  as  the  lobes  of  the  calyx.  Ovary  compressed,  ovate,  2-celled,  with 
a  single  ovule  suspended  from  the  summit  of  each  cell ;  styles  2,  diverg- 
ing, stigmatose  on  the  inner  side.  Samara  membranaceous,  compressed, 
winged  all  round,  by  abortion  1-celled  and  1-seeded.  Albumen  none  ; 
embryo  straight ;  the  cotyledons  large.  Flowers  purplish-brown  in  lat- 
eral clusters  preceding  the  leaves. 

1,  U.  America'na,  L.    Leaves  ovate,  oblong,  smooth  above,  very  un- 
equal at  base,  rather  simply  serrate, — the  serratures  uncinately  acumi- 
nate ;  flowers  conspicuously  pedicellate,  in  loose  fascicles  ;  samara  oval, 
densely  villous-ciliate  on  the  margin. 

AMERICAN  ULMUS.     White  Elm.     Weeping  Elm. 

Stem  60-80  feet  or  more  in  height,  and  2-3  or  4  feet  in  diameter  ;  branches  long  and 
spreading,  or  often  rather  drooping.  Leaves  3-5  inches  in  length,  acuminate  ;  petioles  one 
fourth  to  half  an  inch  long,  smoothish.  Stipules  smooth.  Styles  pubescent,  nearly  white. 
Samara  emarginate  or  bifid  at  apex  between  the  2  styles — the  segments  incurved  so  as 
to  leave  an  apparent  foramen  through  the  wing  ;  margin  densely  fringed  with  soft  white 
hairs. 

Banks  of  streams,  borders  of  swamps,  &c.:  throughout  the  United  States.  Fl.  April. 
Fr.  June. 

Obs.  This  fine  large  tree  is  the  species  so  much  cultivated  as  a  shade 
tree  in  New  England.  The  noble  avenues  of  Elms  at  New  Haven, 
Conn.,  are  the  admiration  of  all  visitors  ;  and  nothing  is  required  but  a 
little  attention  at  the  proper  season,  to  have  every  village  in  the  land 
similarly  adorned.  Why  will  not  the  people  of  all  our  American  towns 
and  villages  learn  to  do  that  much  for  the  sake  of  taste  and  their  own 
future  comfort? 

2.  II,  ful'va,  MX.    Leaves  oval  or  obovate-oblong,  conspicuously  acu- 
minate, very  scabrous  above,  rather  unequal  and  somewhat  cordate  at 
base,  doubly  serrate  ;  buds  clothed  with  a  fulvous  tomentum  ;  flowers 
in  dense  subsessile  fascicles  ;  samara  orbicular,  naked  on  the  margin. 
TAWNY  ULMUS.     Slippery  Elm.     Red  Elm. 

Stem  30-50  feet  high,  and  12-18  inches  in  diameter  ;  branches  virgate.  Leaves  4-6  or 
8  inches  long — the  upper  surface  remarkably  rough,  the  under  surface  tomcntose-pubos- 
cent,  especially  along  the  midrib  and  nerves  ;  petioles  about  one  third  of  an  inch  long, 
pubescent.  Stipules  pilose.  Calyx  about  7-cleft  ;  lobes  obtuse,  clothed  and  ciliate  with  a 
reddish-tawny  pubescence.  Stamens  often  7,  much  exserted.  Styles  glandular-pubescent, 
purple.  Samara  radiately  veined,  on  a  slender  pedicel  the  length  of  the  calyx,  cleft  at 
apex  between  the  styles — the  segments  acuminate  and  so  incurved  and  over-lapped  as  to 
give  the  margin  the  appearance  of  being  entire  at  apex. 

Rich  low  grounds,  fence-rows,  &c. :  throughout  the  United  States.     Fl.  April.   Fr.  June. 

Obs.  The  inner  bark  of  this  species  contains  a  large  quantity  of  mu- 
cilage,— which  has  caused  it  to  be  added  to  the  materia  medica  in  our 
shops.  The  military  on  the  Canada  frontier,  during  the  last  war,  fed 
their  horses  with  it,  when  destitute  of  the  usual  forage,  and  found  it  a 


NETTLE    FAMILY. 


293 


tolerable  substitute  for  hay.  The  tree  being  smaller,  and  the  branches 
straggling,  it  does  not  answer  for  a  shade  tree  so  well  as  the  preceding. 
Besides  these  species,  IT,  racemo'sa,  Thomas,  the  Corky  White  Elm, 
with  racemed  flowers  and  the  bark  often  with  corky  ridges,  is  found  in 
the  North  and  West ;  and  U,  ala'ta,  MX.,  the  Winged  Elm,  or  Wa- 
hoo,  with  small  leaves  and  corky-winged  branches,  at  the  South  and 
South-west.  U.  CAMPES'TRIS,  L.,  the  English  Elm,  is  frequently  culti- 
vated. It  is  a  less  graceful  tree  than  our  American  Elm,  having  more 
the  sturdy  habit  of  an  oak.  Its  wood  is  very  valuable,  as  it  is  not 
liable  to  split  or  warp. 


2.  CEL'TIS,  Tournef.    NETTLE-TREE. 

[An  ancient  name  of  the  Lotus  ;  applied  to  this  genus .] 

Flowers  monoeciously  polygamous.  Calyx  5  -  6-parted,  persistent.  Sta- 
mens as  many  as  the  sepals.  Ovary  ovoid,  1-celled,  with  a  single  sus- 
pended ovule  ;  stigmas  2,  elongated,  recurved.  Drupe  globose/ fleshy, 
smooth,  1-seeded.  Cotyledons  conduplicate,  enclosing  a  scanty  gelati- 
nous central  albumen.  Flowers  axillary,  solitary  or  in  pairs,  dull,  green- 
ish-yellow. 


1.  C.  occidenta'lis,  L.  Leaves  obliquely  ovate,  acuminate,  serrate ; 
fruit  on  a  peduncle  once  or  twice  the  length  of  the  petiole,  reddish  or 
yellow,  turning  dark  purple  at  maturity. 

FIG.  184.  Flowers  of  the  Nettle-tree  (Celtis  occidentals) .     185.  Fruit  and  developed 
leaves,     a.  An  enlarged  flower  opened  to  show  the  embryo. 


294  WEEDS   AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 

WESTERN  CELTIS.  Nettle-tree.  Sugar-berry.  Hack-berry.  Many- 
berry. 

Stem  20 -  60  or  80  feet  high.  Leaves  2  -4  or  5  inches  long,  more  or  less  scabrous  on  the 
upper  surface,  and  somewhat  hairy  beneath,  finally  coriaceous  ;  petioles  one  third  or  half 
an  inch  in  length.  Sepals  dull  greenish-yellow,  oblong-lanceolate.  Stigmas  densely  pubes- 
cent, long,  divaricate,  with  the  points  often  incurved.  Drupe  edible,  the  pulpy  coat  thin, 
sweetish. 

Rich  light  soils  :  throughout  the  United  States.     Fl.  May.     Ft:  September. 

Obs.  A  widely  distributed  but  not  very  abundant  tree,  at  least  in  the 
northern  States,  which  seems  to  vary  considerably ;  a  low  form  found 
at  the  South  is  the  C.  pumila,  Pursh  ;  a  variety  with  thick  leaves  is  0. 
crassifolia,  Lam.  According  to  Michaux,  the  wood  is  but  little  es- 
teemed, as  it  is  not  durable  when  exposed  to  the  weather.  It  is  said 
however  to  afford  a  fine  charcoal. 

3.  FI'CUS,  Tournef.    FIG. 

[An  ancient  name  ;  of  obscure  derivation.] 

Receptacle  pyriform  or  subglobose,  fleshy,  concealing  the  florets  in  a 
central  cavity, — the  orifice  at  apex,  close  by  small  scales.  Florets 
numerous,  very  minute,  pedicellate,  crowded  on  the  internal  surface  of 
the  receptacle,  dioecious,  or  the  upper  ones  staminate  and  the  others 
pistillate.  STAMINATE  FL.  Calyx  3-parted.  Stamens  3,  opposite  the 
calyx-segments ;  anthers  incumbent,  2-celled.  PISTILLATE  FL.  Calyx 
5-cleft, — the  tube  decurrent  on  the  pedicel.  Ovary  seated  somewhat 
laterally  on  a  short  stipe,  1-celled;  style  lateral,  filiform  ;  stigma  bifid. 
1.  F.  CARI'CA,  L.  Leaves  cordate  at  base,  3-5-lobed,  repand-dentate, 
lobes  obtuse,  scabrous  above,  pubescent  beneath  ;  receptacles  pyriform, 
glabrous. 

CARIAN  Ficus.    Fig-tree. 
Fr.  Le  Figuier.     Germ.  Der  Feigenbaum.     Span.  Higuera. 

Stem  6-10  or  12  feet  high — a  stout  branching  shrub,  with  an  acrid  milky  juice.  Leaves 
6-9  inches  long,  deeply  3-lobed  with  2  shorter  side-lobes  ;  petioles  3-5  or  6  inches  long, 
with  large  convolute  stipules  at  base.  Receptacles  axillary,  turbiuate  or  pear-shaped,  about 
an  inch  in  diameter. 

Cultivated.    Native  of  Caria,  in  Asia.    Fl.  July.    Fr. 

Obs.  This  shrub  requires  the  shelter  of  a  green-house,  in  the  middle 
and  northern  States, — where  is  produces  freely.  In  the  southern  States 
it  succeeds  in  the  open  air.  The  inflorescence,  or  position  of  the  flow- 
ers, of  the  Fig — (concealed  within  the  body  of  what  is  commonly  re- 
garded as  the  fruit,)  is  very  remarkable ; — being  just  the  reverse  of 
that  of  the  Strawberry, — in  which  the  minute  pistils  are  scattered  over 
the  exterior  of  the  enlarging  succulent  receptacle.  In  all  the  spcimens 
I  have  examined  the  florets  appear  to  be  pistillate. 

4.  MO 'BUS,  Tournef.     MULBERRY. 

[Greek,  Morea,  tae  Mulberry.] 

Flowers  monoecious  or  dioecious  in  separate  axillary  catkin-like  spikes. 
Calyx  4-parted, — the  segments  ovate.  Stamens  4.  Ovary  sessile,  ovoid, 


NETTLE   FAMILY.  295 

2-celled  ;  one  of  the  cells  smaller  and  disappearing  ;  stigmas  2,  terminal, 
filiform,  villous  on  the  inner  side.  Akene  compressed,  ovate,  covered  by 
the  persistent  succulent  calyx, — the  whole  spike  thus  becoming  a  com- 
pound terete  oblong  berry. 

1.  M,  ru'bra,    L.      Leaves  cordate-ovate  and  acuminate,  or    some- 
times 2  -  3-lobed,  serrate,    scabrous  above,  pubescent  beneath ;    fruit 
dark  purple. 

BED  MORUS.     Bed  Mulberry. 

Stem  usually  15  -  25  feet  high,  and  9-18  inches  in  diameter  (in  some  instances  consider- 
ably taller  and  larger),  with  numerous  spreading  branches  at  summit.  Leaves  4-6  or  8 
inches  long,  more  or  less  cordate  (on  young  plants  often  2-3  lobed,  and  very  scabrous 
above),  dentate-serrate,  with  an  entire  acumination,  deep  green  and  roughish  on  the 
upper  surface,  softly,  and,  while  young,  somewhat  hoary-pubescent  beneath,  especially 
along  the  nerves  ;  petioles  1  —  2  or  3  inches  long,  with  linear  membranaceous  caducous 
stipules  at  base.  Flowers  greenish,  small,  numerous,  in  axillary  pedunculate  ament-like 
spikes — sometimes  dioecious,  and  not  unfrequently  the  spikes  are  androgynous.  Staminate 
spikes  1-near  2  inches  long.  Pistillate  spilces  more  densely  flowered,  cylindric,  about  an 
inch  long,  becoming  juicy,  dark  purple  and  pleasantly  esculent  when  mature.  Peduncle 
of  the  berry  about  an  inch  long. 

Rich  woodlands,  fence-rows,  &c.:  throughout  the  United  States.  Fl.  May.  Fr.  June- 
July. 

Obs.  The  wood  of  this  small  tree  is  exceedingly  durable,  and  highly 
valued  for  making  posts,  &c.  The  leaves  have  been  successfully  used 
for  feeding  silk-worms  ;  but  the  product  is  said  to  be  not  so  fine  as  that 
afforded  by  the  White  Mulberry.  The  fruit  is  more  admired  than  that 
of  any  other  species. 

2.  M.  al'bt,  L.    Leaves  obliquely  cordate-ovate,  and  somewhat  lobed, 
acute  or  sub-acuminate,  serrate,  smoothish  and  shining ;  fruit  mostly 
yellowish-white. 

WHITE  MORUS. — White  Mulberry. 

Fr.  Murier-blanc.     Ger.  Weisse  Maulbeere.     Span.  Morera. 

Stem  10-20  or  25  feet  high,  and  8-12  or  15  inches  in  diameter,  much  branched  at  sum- 
mit. Leaves  2-4  inches  long  (sometimes,  especially  in  young  plants,  2-3  times  that  size) , 
unequally  crenate-serrate,  often  partially  lobed,  smoothish,  shiniug  and  yellowish-green  ; 
petioles  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  long,  with  lance-linear  stipules  at  base.  Pistillate  spikes 
shorter  and  smaller  than  in  the  preceding.  Fruit  pale  yellow  or  straw  color  when  mature 
— rarely  dark  purple  or  nearly  black. 

About  houses,  fence-rows,  £c.:  introduced.  Native  of  China,  Persia,  &c.  Fl.  May.  Fr. 
June -July. 

Obs.  This  species  was  introduced  nearly  a  century  since,  with  a 
view  to  the  feeding  of  Silk-worms,  and  the  production  of  silk.  The 
silk-culture,  however,  was  soon  abandoned, — for,  in  that  early  stage  of 
the  colonies,  the  sparsely  settled  Agriculturists  found  it  more  important 
to  multiply  mammiferous  animals,  rather  than  Insects  :  but  the  tree  be- 
came partially  naturalized, — and  is  still  frequently  to  be  met  with. 
About  twenty  years  ago,  a  variety  of  the  White  Mulberry — of  smaller 
stature,  and  much  larger  leaves,  (well  known  by  the  name  of  Morus 
multicaulis) ,  was  introduced,  as  being  still  better  adapted  to  the  feed- 
ing of  Silk-worms ;  and  soon  afterwards,  a  scene  of  speculation  and  in- 


296 


WEEDS   AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 


fatuation  was  exhibited,  throughout  the  United  States,  which  bade 
defiance  to  all  the  suggestions  of  reason  and  common  sense.  There  was 
a  sort  of  Multicaulis  monomania  (or  Moro-mania  /) — so  universal,  and 
engrossing,  that  it  became  absolutely  ludicrous ;  and  was  scarcely  ex- 
ceeded in  absurdity,  by  the  nearly  contemporaneous  epidemic,  which 
afflicted  the  nation  in  reference  to  its  financial  concerns.  Almost  every 
body  was  eagerly  engaged  in  cultivating  myriads  of  trees,  to  sell, — 
without  stopping  to  enquire  where  they  could  be  sold,  or  who  would 
be  likely  to  buy !  At  some  future  day — and  under  different  circum- 
stances,— it  is  quite  probable  that  a  portion  of  our  population  will  find 
the  Silk-culture  an  eligible  business,  and  the  Morus  multicaulis  a  valua- 
ble little  tree.  The  European  Black  Mulberry,  M.  NI'GRA,  L.,  is  some- 
times cultivated. 


15.  BROUSSONE'TIA,  Vent.     PAPER  MULBERRY. 

[Dedicated  to  P.  N.  V.  Broussond,  a  French  Naturalist.] 

Mowers  dio3cious.  STAMINATE  FL.  in  an  ament-like  spike,  bracteate. 
Calyx  4-parted.  PISTILLATE  FL.,  capitate,  densely  crowded  on  a  glo- 
bose receptacle,  and  mixed  with  hairy  scales.  Calyx  urceolate,  3-4- 
toothed.  Ovary  1-celled,  pedicellate  ;  style  filiform,  excentric,  stigma- 
tose  on  one  side.  Akene  softly  fleshy,  elevated  on  the  baccate  peclicel, 
which  is  surrounded  at  base  by  the  calyx. 

1.  B.  PAPYRIF'ERA,  Vent.  Leaves 
scabrous  above,  pubescent  beneath, 
— those  on  the  young  branches  lob- 
ed,  on  the  older  ones  mostly  undivi- 
ded, roundish-ovate  or  sub-cordate, 
acuminate,  serrate. 
PAPER-PRODUCING  BROUSSOXETIA. — 
Paper  Mulberry. 

Stem  15-20  or  25  feet  high,  and  8-12  or 
15  inches  in  diameter,  with  spreading  bran- 
ches,— the  branches  coated  with  a  remark- 
ably tough  bark.  Leaves  3-6  or  8  inches 
long  ;  petioles  1-3  inches  long.  Staminate 
spikes  about  2  inches  long,  resembling  loose 
aments.  Pistillate  flowers  in  a  dense  capitate 
cluster. 

About  houses  :  introduced.  Native  of 
Japan  and  the  South  Sea  Islands.  Fl.  May. 
Fr.  Sept. 

Obs.    This  tree  was  introduced 

some  years  since,  as  a  shade-tree  ;  but  is  inferior  to  many  others  in  beauty, 
— and  is  now  rarely  planted  for  that  purpose.  The  roots  are  so  prolific 
in  suckers,  as  to  be  quite  a  nuisance,  about  yards  and  gardens.  The 


186 


FIG.  186.  A  branch  of  the  Paper  Mulberry  (Broussouctia  papyrifera),  reduced,  with 
fertile  aments  and  variously  lobed  leaves 


NETTLE    FAMILY.  297 

leaves  upon  the  young  snoots  and  suckers  present  a  remarkable  diversity 
of  shape.  The  pistillate  tree  is  much  less  common  than  the  staminate  ; 
and  is  even  more  objectionable  than  that,  in  streets,  on  account  of  the 
dirty  appearance  produced  by  the  fallen  fruit.  The  inner  bark  of  this 
tree  affords  the  South  Sea  Islanders  a  kind  of  tough  paper,  which  they 
use  as  substitute  for  cloth. 

6.  MACLU'RA,  Nutt.     OSAGE-ORANGE. 

[Xamed  in  honor  of  William  Maclure, — a  munificent  patron  of  Natural  Science.] 

FLOWERS  dioecious.  STAMINATE  FL.  racemose.  Calyx  4-parted.  PISTIL- 
LATE FL.,  capitate,  densely  crowded,  and  coalesced,  on  a  globose  fleshy 
receptacle.  Sepals  4,  in  opposite  pairs,  oblong,  cucullate-concave,  fleshy. 
Ovary  sessile,  1-celled  ;  style  terminal,  bifid, — one  branch  elongated  and 
much  exserted,  stigmatose  on  the  inner  side — the  other  branch  small  or 
abortive.  Akenes  severally  embraced  by  the  fleshy  sepals,  which  are  all  co- 
alesced into  a  large  compound  globose  lactescent  berry,  with  a  glabrous, 
but  uneven,  verrucose  or  irregularly  tessellated  surface.  Small  trees,  with 
branches  armed  with  very  sharp  slender  spines. 

1.  M,  auranti'aca,  Nu't.     Leaves  lance-ovate,  acuminate,  entire,  gla- 
brous and  shining  above,  roughish-puberulent  beneath  ;  berry  subsessile, 
axillary,  solitary. 
ORANGE-LIKE  MACLURA.     Osage-orange.    Bow-wood.     Bodock. 

Ktem  15-25  or  30  feet  high,  with  a  much-branched  bushy  top, — the  branches  virgate, 
but  often  inclined  to  droop  or  curve  downwards,  armed  with  small  and  very  sharp  spines. 
Leaves  4-6  inches  long,  subcoriaceous,  mucronate  by  the  extended  midrib  ;  petioles  1-2 
inches  long  ;  stipules  oblong,  somewhat  cucullate,  caducous.  Pistillate  flowers  coalesced 
in  a  solid  globose  head,  which  is  2  to  near  3  inches  in  diameter,  when  fully  grown  ;  styles 
near  an  inch  long,  villous  and  finally  purplish. 

youth  Western  States.     Fl.  May- June.     Ft:  Sept.  -Oct. 

06s.  The  roots  of  this  tree  are  of  a  bright  orange  color,  and  so  abun- 
dant and  extensive  as  to  be  troublesome  in  gardens.  The  wood  is  very 
hard  and  durable.  It  was  highly  valued  by  the  aborigines  as  a  mate- 
rial for  making  bows,  from  which  fact  it  was  called  by  the  early  French 
settlers  Bois  d'arc,  which  has  degenerated  into  Bodock  in  some  parts  of 
the  country.  Silk-worms  feed  greedily  upon  its  leaves ;  and  the  plant, 
properly  managed,  makes  a  very  neat  and  effective  hedge. 

7.  URTI'CA,  L.    NETTLE. 

[Latin,  uro,  to  burn,  tactus,  touch  ;  from  the  sensation  produced  by  touching  it.] 

Flowers  morwcious  or  dioecious,  in  panicled  racemes  or  spikes,  or  close 
clusters.  STAM.  FL.  Sepals  4.  Stamens  4,  inserted  around  the  cup- 
shaped  rudiments  of  a  pistil.  PISTILLATE  FL.  Sepals  4,  in  opposite 
pairs ;  the  outer  pair  much  smaller,  somewhat  keeled,  spreading ;  the 
two  inner  flat  or  concave,  in  fruit  membranaceous  and  enclosing  the 
straight  and  erect  ovate  flattened  akene.  Stigma  pencil- tufted.  Plaute 
with  opposite  leaves,  greenish  flowers,  and  armed  with  stinging  hairs. 
13* 


298 


WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 


1.  U.  dioi'ca,  L.    Leaves  ovate-lanceolate,  conspicuously  acuminate,  cor- 
date at  base,  coarsely  and  acutely  serrate ;  flowers  often  dioecious,  in 
clustered  paniculate  spikes  longer  than  the  petioles. 
DIOICOUS  URTICA.     Nettle.     Stinging-nettle. 
Fr.  Grande  Ortie.     Germ.  Die  Brenuessel.     Span.  Ortiga. 

Root  perennial.  Stem  2-3  feet  high,  obtusely  4-angled,  branching,  very  hispid.  Leaves 
2  or  3-5  inches  in  length  ;  petioles  half  an  inch  to  2  inches  long,  hirsute  ;  stipules  linear- 
lanceolate.  Flowers  small,  in  interrupted- clusters,  on  slender  axillary  branching  hispid 
spikes. 

About  houses,  waste  places,  &c.  :  introduced.  Native  of  Europe  and  Asia.  Fl.  Juiie- 
Aug.  Fr.  Aug. -Sept. 


188 


2.  U.  u'rens,  L.  Leaves  elliptical  or  ovate,  coarsely  and  deeply  serrate 
with  spreading  teeth  ;  flowers  in  simple  capitate  clusters,  on  peduncles, 
shorter  than  the  slender  petioles. 


FIG.  187.  The  small  Stinging-nettle  (Urtica  urens). 
pistillate  one,  botli  enlarged. 


188.  A  staminate  flower.     189.  A 


NETTLE    FAMILY.  _  299 

STINGING  URTICA.     Small  Stinging-nettle. 

Annual.    Stem  8-12  inches  high,  erect.    Leaves  1-2  inches  long,  obtuse  or  somewhat 
cordate  at  the  base. 
Waste  places.    New  York  State  and  Eastward. 

Obs.  These  naturalized  weeds,  so  well  known  for  their  stinging  quali- 
ties, are  apt,  especially  the  first  mentioned,  to  become  troublesome  where 
they  are  allowed  to  flourish.  The  quaint  old  herbalist,  CULPEPPER, 
remarks  "  that  they  may  be  found  by  feeling  on  the  darkest  night."  In 
some  parts  of  England  nettles  are  used-  as  a  pot-herb,  and  the  tough 
bark  is  said  to  afford  a  thread  superior  in  durability  to  that  from  flax. 
There  is  a  large-leaved  native  nettle  which  is  now  placed  in  another  ge- 
nus (Lapor'tea  canaden'sis,  Gavdich),  the  Wood-nettle,  which  is  not 
inclined  to  intrude  on  cultivated  lands. 


8.  CAN'NABIS,  Tournef.    HEMP. 

[An  ancient  Greek  name, — of  obscure  etymology.] 

STAMINATE  FL.,  in  axillary  compound  racemes,  or  panicles  with  5  sepals 
and  5  drooping  stamens.  PISTILLATE  FL.,  spicate-glomerate,  with  single 
bracts.  Calyx  of  a  single  membranaceous  sepal,  folded  around  the  sub- 
globose  ovary.  Nut  1-celled,  2-valved,  indehiscent. 

1.  C.  SATI'VA,  L.  Leaves  digitate,  petiolate ;  leaflets  5  -  7,  lanceolate, 
serrate. 

CULTIVATED  CANNABIS.     Hemp. 

Ft:  Le  Chanvre.     Germ.  Der  Hauf.     Span.  Canamo. 

Root  annual.  Stem  5  -  8  or  10  feet  high,  obtusely  angular  and  sulcate,  scabrous-pubes- 
cent, often  branched.  Leaves  mostly  opposite  (the  upper  ones  often  alternate)  ;  leaflets 
3-5  inches  long  (the  outside  or  lateral  ones  much  smaller  than  the  others,  and  often  en- 
tire— especially  011  the  staminate  plant)  ;  common  petioles  1-2  or  3  inches  long  ;  stipules 
lanceolate.  Staminate.  flowers  greenish,  in  loose  pedunculate  axillary  clusters,  rather 
crowded  in  a  kind  of  dense  panicle  at  summit.  Pistillate  flowers  axillary,  sessile,  mostly 
in  pairs.  Calyx  subglobose,  acuminate,  pubescent,  green,  slit  on  one  side.  Stigmas  long, 
slender,  densely  pubescent,  somewhat  tawny.  NuA  ovoid,  slightly  compressed,  smooth, 
greenish,  reticulated  with  whitish  veins,  enclosed  in  the  persistent  calyx. 

Cultivated.     Native  of  Persia.     Fl.  June.    Fr.  Aug. 

Obs.  This  plant — so  important  in  Commerce  and  the  Arts — is  culti- 
vated on  a  large  scale  in  Kentucky  and  some  others  of  the  fertile  west- 
ern States  ;  but  only  to  a  limited  extent  in  the  middle  and  northern 
States. 

9.  HU'MULUS,  L.    HOP. 

[Latin,  Humus,  moist  earth,  or  mould  ;  in  allusion  to  its  place  of  growth.] 

STAMINATE  FL.  in  loose  oblong  axillary-panicles  with  5  sepals,  and  5 
erect  stamens.  PISTILLATE  FL.  in  short  axillary  and  solitary  strobile- 
like  aments  ;  bracts  foliaceous,  imbricated  in  several  rows,  2-flowered. 
Calyx  a  single  membranaceous  scale-like  enlarging  sepal,  its  folded  marr 


300 


WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 


gin  embracing  the  ovary.     Nuts  roundish-ovoid,  inclosed  in  the  persis- 
tent truncate  calyx.     Cotyledons  linear,  spirally  involute. 


1.  H.  Lu'pulns,  L.    Leaves  mostly  3-lobed,  cordate  at  base,  petiolate, 
scabrous. 

HOP.     Hop-vine. 

Fr.  Houblon.     Germ.  Der  Hopfen.     Span.  Hoblon. 

Root  perennial,  branching.  Stem  10-15  or  20  feet  long,  several  from  the  same  root  (or 
rhizoma),  slender,  volubile.  somewhat  angular  and  mostly  twisted,  retrorsely  aculeate, 
with  slender  branches  above.  Leaves  3-5  inches  long,  generally  opposite — the  upper 
ones  often  alternate  and  not  lobed, — all  very  scabrous  on  the  upper  surface  ;  petioles  1-2 
or  3  inches  long  ;  stipules  ovate-lanceolate,  connate  below,  free  at  summit.  Staminate 
flowers  in  oblong  panicles.  Pistillate  flowers  in  pendulous  ovoid-oblong  bracteate  strobiles, 
or  aments,  which  are  proverbially  numerous  and  crowded  ("  as  thick  as  hops  "),  1-2  in- 
ches long  at  maturity  ;  bracts  orbicular  or  broadly-ovate,  with  a  short  abrupt  acumina- 
tion. 


Cultivated,  but  indigenous  in  most  parts  of  the  United  States. 
ber. 


Fl.  July.     Fr.  Septom- 


Obs.  The  value  of  the  Cones,  or  Aments,  of  the  pistillate  plant,  is 
well  known  to  every  house-keeper ;  and  it  is  cultivated  for  culinary 


FIG.  190.  The  Hop  (Humulus  Lupulus),  a  branch  of  a  staminate  plant,  reduced.  191.  A 
separate  staminate  flower.  192.  A  young  pistillate  ament.  193.  A  ripe  ament  or  strobile. 
194.  A  much  magnified  grain  of  Lupulin. 


TLANE-TKEE    FAMILY.  301 

• 

purposes,  in  almost  every  garden.  The  medicinal  virtues  of  the  cones 
are  also  very  considerable  ;  they  reside  in  the  little  resinous  atoms  (lupu- 
lin),  which  abound  near  the  base  of  the  scales.  The  hops  for  the  brew- 
eries are  cultivated  on  a  large  scale,  in  some  districts  of  the  middle  and 
northern  States— particularly  in  Western  New  York, — where,  it  is  said, 
they  are  a  profitable  crop.  The  staminate  plant  is  of  so  little  account, 
that  it  is  scarcely  known  except  to  the  botanists. 


ORDER  LXY.    PLATANA'CE^.     (PLANE-TREE  FAMILY.) 

Trees,  with  a  watery  juice,  and  alternate,  petiolate,  palmately -nerved  and  lobed  leaves  with 
sheathing,  deciduous  stipules  and  petioles  which  are  tumid  and  hollow  at  base,  concealing 
the  young  buds.  Flowers  monoecious,  minute  and  inconspicuous,  densely  crowded  on 
globose  receptacles, — both  kinds  destitute  of  floral  envelopes  ;  heads  pendulous  on  long 
slender  peduncles.  STAMIXATE  FL.  Stamens  numerous,  irregularly  mixed  with  subcla- 
vate  scales,  densely  crowded.  PISTILLATE  FL.  Ovaries  numerous,  obconic  or  filiform-cla- 
vate,  densely  cnwded,  mixed  with  spatulate  scales  (abortive  ovaries);  style  elongated, 
subulate,  stigmatose  on  one  side,  near  the  apex.  Fruit  a  1-celled  1-seeded  clavate  coria- 
ceous little  nut,— the  base  surrounded  with  pappus-like  hairs.  Seed  cylindric-oblong, 
pendulous  ;  embryo  in  the  axis  of  fleshy  albumen. 

An  Order  consisting  of  the  single  genus  here  given,— and  the  generic  character,  of  course, 
the  same  as  that  of  the  Order. 


1.  PLAT' ANUS,  L.     PLANE-TREE. 

[Greek,  Platys,  broad  ;  in  allusion  to  its  wide-spreading  branches  and  foliage.] 

1.     P.     OCCIDENTA'LIS,  L.      Leaves    roundish-pentagonal,    acuminate, 
obscurely  palmate-lobed,  sinuate-dentate,  pubescent  beneath. 

WESTERN  PLATANUS.     Button-wood.  Sycamore.     Plane-tree. 

Stem  60-100  feet  high,  and  2-4  or  5  feet  or  more,  in  diameter,  with  large  spreading1 
branches,  and  a  smoothish  cinereous  bark,  which  exfoliates  in  broad  thinnish  plates. 
Leaves  3-  6  or  8  inches  long,  and  wider  than  long, — the  base  at  first. truncate,  finally  sub- 
cordate,  obscurely  palmate  or  augulate-lobed,  unequally  sinuate-dentate  with  the  teeth 
acuminate,  loosely  clothed  with  a  hoary  branching  deciduous  pubescence  ;  petioles  1-3 
inches  in  length,  tumid  and  hollow  at  base,  covering  the  young  bud  which  is  formed 
within  and  occupies  the  cavity  ;  stipules  somewhat  salver-form,  sheathing  the  young  bran- 
ches immediately  above  the  petioles, — the  limb  spreading,  foliaceous,  coarsely  and  un- 
equally toothed.  Staminate  heads  or  globes  small,  on  peduncles  1-2  inches  long,  deciduous. 
Pistillate  heads  about  an  inch  in  diameter,  pendulous  on  slender  terete  peduncles  3-5  in- 
ches long,  persistent.  Nuts  about  one-third  of  an  inch  long,  slender,  subterete,  clavate, 
mucronate, — the  base  acute  and  invested  with  tawny  pappus-like  hairs. 

Banks  of  streams,  road-sides,  &c.  :  throughout  the  United  States.  FL  April-May.  Fr. 
Oct. 

Obs.  This  stately  tree — originating  from  a  very  small  seed — often 
attains  to  a  larger  size  than  any  other,  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains. 
It  is  sometimes  planted  for  shade, — but  becomes  rather  large  for  streets, 
or  to  stand  near  houses.  The  timber  is  not  much  esteemed, — though 
occasionally  sawed  into  joists,  and  other  lumber.  For  several  years 


802  WEEDS    AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 

P 

past,  the  trees  (or,  at  least,  the  branches),  in  the  spring,  appeared  every- 
where to  be  diseased  and  dying  ;  but  they  have  still  recovered  again,  more 
or  less  completely,  in  the  course  of  the  summer.  The  cause  of  this  phe- 
nomenon,— (whether  insects,  as  some  suppose  —  or  late  unseasonable 
frosts,  as  I  incline  to  think,)  has  not  been  satisfactorily  determined. 


ORDER  LXYI.    JUGLANDA'CE^}.     (WALNUT  FAMILY.) 

Trees  with  a  resinous  sweet  or  watery  juice,  alternate  and  odd-pinnate  leaves,  without  sti- 
pules, and  monoecious  flowers, — the  stamindte  ones  with  an  irregular  calyx  in  aments, — the 
pistillate  ones  with  a  regular  3-5-lobed  calyx,  adherent  to  the  ovary,  solitary  or  in  small 
clusters.  Ovary  incompletely  2  -4-celled,  with  but  one  ovule,  becoming  infruitu  kind  of  dry 
drupe,  with  a  bony  endocarp  (nut-shell) ,  containing  a  large  4-lobed  seed,  without  albumen. 
Cotyledons  fleshy  and  oily,  sinuate-lobed. 

An  Order  consisting  chiefly  of  Walnuts  and  Hickories,— valuable  for  their  wood  and 
some  of  them  for  their  fruit. 

1.  JU'GLANS,  L.    WALNUT. 

[Latin,  Jovis  Glans,  the  nut  of  Jupiter  ;  by  way  of  eminence.] 

Aments  of  staminate  fl.  simple,  cylindric,  proceeding  from  buds  without 
leaves.  Calyx  adnate  to  an  entire  1-flowered  bract,  5  or  6-parted, — the 
segments  membranaceous,  unequal.  Stamens  numerous,  sub-sessile. 
Pistillate  fl.  terminal,  solitary,  or  few  and  clustered.  Calyx-tube  ovoid 
adherent  to  the  ovary, — the  limb  4-toothed,  with  4  small  petals  alternat- 
ing with  the  calyx  teeth.  Styles  2,  very  short.  Stigmas  2,  elongated, 
recurved,  papillose-fimbriate.  Fruit  drupaceous,  containing  a  single 
nut, — the  epicarp  (or  hull)  somewhat  fleshy,  fibrous  within,  indehiscent, 
— the  nut  woody,  rugose  and  irregularly  sulcate.  Juice  resinous-arom- 
atic ;  pith  separated  into  transverse  laminae  or  plates  ;  young  branches 
brittle.  Trees  with  nearly  naked  buds  and  odd-pinnate  leaves  of 
numerous  serrate  leaflets. 

1.  J.  RE'GIA,  L.  Leaflets  oval,  rather  acute,  smooth,  nearly  entire  ;  fruit 
roundish-oval ;  nut  sub-compressed,  smoothish. 

EOYAL  JUGLANS.     English  Walnut.     Madeira  Nut. 

Fr.  Noyer  commun.     Germ.  Die  Wallnuss.     Span.  Noguera. 

Stem  20-30  or  40  feet  high,  branched.  Leaflets  2-5  inches  long,  acute,  or  sometimes 
rounded  and  cmarginate  at  apex,  subserrate  or  entire,  villous  in  the  angles  of  the  nerves 
beneath,  in  3-5  pairs  with  a  terminal  odd  one, — the  lower  pairs  smaller.  Aments  ovoid- 
oblong,  2-3  inches  in  length.  Pistillate  flowers  in  small  terminal  clusters  of  2-3,  on  a 
rather  short  common  peduncle.  Drupe  oval  or  subglobose,  mucronate,  about  2  inches  long 
and  1-2  inches  in  diameter,  with  a  smoothish  subcoriaceous  epicarp ;  nut  smoothish  or 
somewhat  corrugated. 

About  houses  :  cultivated.    Native  of  Persia.    Fl.  May.    Pr.  Oct. 

Obs.  This  oriental  species  is  called  English  Walnut,  in  consequence, 
as  I  suppose,  of  its  having  come  to  us  by  way  of  the  mother  country. 
Such  misnomers  are  not  unfrequent,  among  cultivated  plants.  This  one 


WALNUT   FAMILY.  303 

is  occasionally  cultivated  for  the  young  fruit, — which  makes  a  favorite 
pickle.  The  tree  is  rather  impatient  of  the  climate,  in  the  rural  dis- 
tricts of  Pennsylvania  :  but  does  very  well  in  the  shelter  afforded  by  our 
cities  and  large  towns.  The  nuts  are  rarely  perfected,  here  ;  but  those 
imported,  are  highly  esteemed. 

2.  J,  cine'rea?  L.    Leaflets  oblong-lanceolate,  rounded  at  base,  softly 
pubescent  beneath,  with  the  petioles  and  branchlets  downy  with  clammy 
hairs ;   drupe  ovoid-oblong,  coriaceous,  viscid-pubescent ;  nut  elliptic- 
oblong,  acuminate,  conspicuously  sculptured. 

CINEREOUS  JUGLANS.     White  Walnut.     Butter-nut. 

Stem  20  -  50  feet  high,  with  numerous  branches  and  a  smoothish  cinereous  bark.  Leaflets 
2-4  or  5  inches  long,  serrate,  sessile,  softly  pubescent  and  paler  beneath,  in  7-8  pairs 
with  a  terminal  odd  one.  Aments  3-5  inches  long.  Pistillate  flowers  3-5  or  7,  in  a  ter- 
minal spike,  rather  distant,  sessile  on  a  long  common  peduncle.  Drupe  2-3  inches  long, 
and  1  to  near  2  inches  in  diameter,  elliptic-ovoid  with  a  short  tapering  protuberance  at 
apex,  often  slightly  compressed  and  obscurely  angular,  softly  hairy  and  clammy, — the 
epicarp  somewhat  coriaceous. 

Rich  bottom  lauds,  along  streams,  &c.  ;  throughout  the  United  States.  Fl.  May.  Fr. 
Sept. -Oct. 

Obs.  The  bark  of  this  tree  affords  an  extract  (Butter-nut  Physic) , 
which  is  a  convenient  and  popular  cathartic.  The  young  drupes,  col- 
lected about  the  last  of  June,  make  excellent  pickles.  The  kernel  of 
the  mature  fruit  is  oily,  and  soon  becomes  rancid.  The  bark  as  well  as 
the  husks  of  the  fruit  are  sometimes  used  as  a  dye,  and  the  wood,  though 
lighter  colored  and  less  valuable  than  that  of  the  following  species,  is 
durable  when  exposed  to  heat  and  moisture,  and  is  used  for  panels  of 
coaches  and  similar  purposes. 

3.  J.  ni'gra,  L>    Leaflets  ovate-lanceolate,  subcordate  at  base,  the 
under  surface  and  petioles  slightly  pubescent ;  drupe  globose,  roughish- 
dotted,  spongy  ;  nut  subglobose,  rugose-sulcate. 

BLACK  JUGLANS.     Black  Walnut. 

Stem  40-60  or  80  feet  high,  with  spreading  crooked  branches,— often  forming  a  broad 
roundish  and  rather  open  top.  Leaflets  2-4  inches  long,  serrate,  subsessile,  in  7  -10  pairs, 
with  a  terminal  odd  one  which  is  often  starved,  or  abortive.  Aments  about  2  inches  long. 
Pistillate  flowers  in  small  terminal  clusters  of  2  -  4,  on  a  short  common  peduncle.  Drupe 
an  inch  and  a  half  to  2>£  inches  in  diameter,  mostly  globose,  sometimes  oval  or  oblong- 
ovoid,  greenish-yellow  when  mature, — the  epicarp  (or  "hull")  more  or  less  succulent 
and  spongy. 

Rich  woodlands,  fence-rows,  &c.  :  throughout  the  United  States.  Fl.  May.  Fr.  Octo- 
ber. 

Obs.  The  dense  dark-brown  wood  of  this  species  is  valuable, — and  is 
much  used  by  Cabinet-makers,  as  a  substitute  for  Mahogany.  The 
spongy  epicarp  is  often  employed  as  a  domestic  dye-stuff, — and  the  nu- 
cleus, or  kernel,  although  somewhat  oily,  is  generally  esteemed.  The 
young  fruit  and  leaves,  when  rubbed  or  bruised,  emit  a  strong  and  not 
unpleasant  resinous  odor.  This  tree,  when  prevalent,  is  a  pretty  sure 
indication  of  a  fertile  soil. 


304  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

2.  CA'RYA,  Nutt.    HICKORY. 

[Greek,  Karya, — the  ancient  name  of  the  Walnut.] 

STAMINATE  FL.  in  slender  lateral  aments,  which  are  mostly  in  threes, 
from  the  same  buds  with  the  leaves.  Calyx  scale-like,  unequally  3- 
parted.  Stamens  3  -  8  ;  anthers  sub-sessile.  PISTILLATE  FL.  in  terminal 
clusters  of  2  -'3.  Calyx  4-cleft ;  petals  none  ;  stigmas  large,  4-lobed. 
Fruit  with  a  thick  leathery  husk,  opening  more  or  less  completely  by  4 
valves ;  nut  long,  smooth,  usually  somewhat  4-angled.  Juice  watery  or 
often  sweetish  ;  pith  continuous  ;  young  branches  tough  and  pliable ; 
leajiets  acuminate  ;  pubescence  stellate.  All  flowering  in  May  and  drop- 
ping their  nuts  in  October. 

*  Seed  edible ;  valves  of  the  hull  completely  separating. 
f  Fruit  oblong  ;  the  husk  thin :  bark  of  the  trunk  not  shaggy. 

1.  C.  olivaefor'mis,  Nutt.     Leaflets  11-15,  lanceolate  and  somewhat 
falcate,  serrate,  subsessile, — the  terminal  one  petiolulate ;  fruit  obovoid- 
oblong  ;  epicarp  rather  thin  ;  nut  olive-shaped,  obscurely  4-angled,  with 
an  even  surface. 

OLIVE-SHAPED  CARYA.     Pecan  Hickory.    Pecan  nut. 

Stem  40 - 50  feet  high.  Leaflets  in  5-  7  or  8  pairs,  with  a  terminal  odd  one,  3- 6  inches 
in  length,  smooth,  with  a  short  roughish  pubescence  on  the  midrib  and  nerves  beneath. 
Fruit  1  to  near  2  inches  long  ;  nut  with  a  thin  frangible  shell, — the  kernel  large. 

Wet  low  grounds  :  Western  and  South-western  States. 

06s.   This  tree  is  little  known,  in  the  North,  except  by  its  very  fine 
nuts, — which  are  even  superior  to  those  of  the  admired  Shell-bark, 
ff  Fruit  globular,  with  a  very  thick  husk :  bark  of  the  trunk  shaggy,  fall- 
ing off  in  strips. 

2.  C.  al'ba,  Nutt.    Leaflets  5,  obovate-lanceolate,  acuminate,  sharply 
serrate  ;  aments  smoothish  ;  fruit  depressed-globose  ;  epicarp  thick  ;  nut 
4-angled,  compressed,  with  the  shell  thin. 

WHITE  CARYA.     Shell-bark,  or  Shag-bark  Hickory. 

Stem  60 -  80  feet  high ,  with  the  outer  bark  exfoliating  in  long  scales  or  plates,  which 
generally  adhere  in  the  middle,  while  one  or  both  ends  are  detached  and  elevated,  making 
the  surface  very  rough  and  shaggy.  Leaflets  mostly  in  2  pairs  with  a  terminal  odd  one, 
3  or  4  -  6,  8  or  10  inches  long,  the  terminal  one  usually  largest,  and  the  lower  pair  much 
smaller.  A ments  at  the  base  of  the  young  growth,  2  or  3 -4  or  5  inches  long,  triple  or 
3-parted  on  a  common  peduncle,  smoothish,  pendulous,  with  a  linear-lanceolate  bract  at 
the  base  of  each  branch  or  lateral  ameut.  Stamens  mostly  4, — the  anthers  somewhat 
hairy.  PistiUate  flowers  terminal,  mostly  2-3  together,  sessile  on  a  common  peduncle. 
Fruit  somewhat  umbilicate  at  the  ends,  and  depressed  or  sulcate  along  the  sutures  of  the 
valves  ;  epicarp  (or  hull)  thick  and  subcarnosely  coriaceous,  opening  at  maturity  into  4 
distinct  valves  or  pieces;  nut  about  an  inch  long,  suborbicular  or  oval,  compressed  and 
somewhat  4-angled,  white, — the  shell  thin  and  frangible. 

Low  lands  ;  along  streams,  &c.    New  England  to  Carolina. 

Obs.  The  nuts  of  this  tree  are  well  known,  and  highly  esteemed .  I 
think  there  are  some  varieties, — with  the  bark  less  shaggy,  the  fruit  with 
a  thinner  epicarp,  a  thicker  shell,  and  the  kernel  of  inferior  quality.  The 


WALNUT   FAMILY. 


305 


Thick  Shell-bark  Hickory,  C.  sulea'ta,  Nutt.,  is  a  nearly  allied  species 
found  in  Pennsylvania  and  westward.  It  is  distinguished  by  having  7-9 
leaflets,  an  oval  4-ribbed  fruit  with  intervening  furrows  and  a  yellowish, 
thick-shelled,  strongly-pointed  nut. 

**  Seed  small,  but  edible ;  valves  of  the  hull  only  partially  separating. 
3,  C.  tomento'sa,  Nutt.    Leaflets  7-9,  oblong  or  obovate-lauceolate, 


Fio.  195.  The  flowers  of  the  Mocker  Nut  Hickory  (Carya  tomentosa)  the  pistillate  flow- 
ers above,  the  staminate  ones  in  loose  hanging  aments.  196.  A  separate  pistillate  flower. 
197.  The  ripe  nut  showing  the  husk  (epicarp)  splitting  into  4  valves. 


300  WEEDS   AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 

slightly  serrate,  rough-downy  below  ;  aments  tomentose  ;  fruit  globular 
or  ovoid  ;  nut  rather  large,  somewhat  6-angled,  pale  brown  and  thick- 
shelled. 

TOMENTOSE  CARYA.     White-heart  Hickory.     Mocker-nut. 

Stem  60  -80  feet  or  more  in  height,— the  lark  with  the  fibres  interlocked  and  not  ex- 
foliating. Leaflets  generally  in  3  pairs  with  a  terminal  odd  one,  3  or  4-8  inches  long  (the 
two  lower  pairs  considerably  smaller  than  the  others) ,  smoothish  above,  clothed  with 
a  roughish  stellate  pubescence  beneath,  and  sprinkled  with  minute  dark-purple  par- 
ticles among  the  pubescence.  Aments  4-6  or  7  inches  long,  filiform,  pubescent.  Pistillate 
flowers  mostly  in  pairs,  sessile  on  a  short  thick  bracteate  common  peduncle.  Fruit  ovoid 
or  oblong-oval,  large  (often  2  inches  or  more  in  length,  and  \y%  in  diameter)  ;  epicarp 
thick  and  coriaceous,  opening  by  4  valves  more  than  half  way  to  the  base  ;  nut  some- 
what 6-angled  near  the  apex, — the  shell  very  thick  and  bony, — the  kernel  rather  small, 
and,  though  esculent,  much  inferior  to  the  preceding. 

Upland  forests  :  New  England  to  Virginia.     Fl.  May.    Fr.  October. 

Obs.  This  species,  also,  appears  to  present  several  varieties, — some  of 
them  producing  remarkably  large  fruit.  All  the  Hickories  are  noted 
for  affording  good  fuel ;  but  the  wood  of  this  one  (which  is  white  to 
the  heart — while  the  others  are  more  or  less  red,  within,)  is  considered 
the  best  of  all,  for  that  purpose.  It  is  replete,  in  early  summer,  with  a 
sweet  syrup-like  sap, — and  when  cut,  at  that  season,  is  much  preyed 
upon  by  worms.  The  proper  time  for  cutting  it  is  the  month  of 
August. 

4,  C.  gla'bra,  Torr.  Leaflets  5-7,  ovate-lanceolate,  serrate,  nearly 
smooth  ;  fruit  pear-shaped  or  roundish,  thin  ;  nut  smooth  and  even,  thin- 
nish-shelled  but  hard. 

SMOOTH  CARYA.     Pig-nut  Hickory.     Broom  Hickory. 

*• 

Stem  40  -  60  or  70  feet  high,  with  a  close  bark,  and  numerous  tough  branches.  Leaflets 
usually  in  3  pairs  (not  unfrequently  in  2-4  pairs,)  with  a  terminal  odd  one,  2  or  3-5  or  6 
inches  long,  generally  smooth  on  both  sides — sometimes  a  little  pubescent  beneath — 
sprinkled  with  minute  purple  particles.  Aments  ternately  branched  or  in  pairs  2-4  or  5 
inches  long,  filiform,  smoothish.  Pistillate  flowers  terminal,  solitary,  or  2  or  3  sessile  and 
rather  distant  on  a  common  peduncle.  Fruit  rather  small,  subglobose,  oblong,  or  obo- 
voifl, — the  obovoid  variety  often  a  little  compressed  and  retuse,  or  obcordate  ;  epicarp 
thin  and  coriaceous,  opening  partially  (at  summit)  by  4  valves  ;  nut  smooth  and  even, — 
the  shell  often  hard,  but  sometimes  thin  and  frangible  ;  kernel  often  astringent  and 
bitter, — sometimes  esculent,  but  of  inferior  quality. 

Mo'.st  woodlands  and  low  grounds  :  New  England  to  Carolina.     Fl.  May.     Fr.  October. 

Obs  The  young  saplings  of  this  species  were  much  used,  formerly,  for 
making  splint  brooms  ;  and  the  tough  sprouts,  or  seedling  plants,  are 
often  employed  as  ligatures,  in  rural  economy,  under  the  name  of  hick- 
ory withes.  The  wood  of  the  older  trees  is  used  by  wheelrights  for 
making  axles  of  carts  and  wagons  :  and,  like  that  of  all  the  species,  is 
much  esteemed  for  fuel.  The  small  fruited  Hickory,  C.  microcar'pa, 
Nutt.,  has  similar  foliage  but  is  distinguished  by  its  very  small  fruit, 
which  is  only  |  of  an  inch  in  diameter.  The  Bitter-nut,  C.  ' 


OAK    FAMILY.  307 

is  another  species  resembling  the  Pig-nut,  having  small  thin-shelled  nuts, 
the  kernels  of  which  are  intensely  bitter. 


ORDER  LXYIL     CUPULTFERJE.     (OAK  FAMILY.) 

Trees  or  shrubs  with  alternate  simple  penni-nerved  leaves,  deciduous  stipules  and  mono3- 
cious flowers  ;  the  staminate  ones  in  cylindrical  (capitate-clustered  in  the  Beech),  aments ; 
the  pistillate  solitary  or  clustered,  furnished  with  an  involucre  which  forms  a  kind  of  cup 
(cupule)  to  the  1-celled  1-seeded  indehiscent  nut.  Ovary  2-7-celled  with  1  —  2  ovules  in 
each  cell  ;  all  the  cells  and  ovules  but  one  disappearing  in  the/ru#.  Calyx-tube  adherent 
to  the  ovary,  the  minute  calyx-teeth  crowning  its  summit.  Seed  without  albumen,  fllled  by 
the  embryo, — the  cotyledons  thick  and  fleshy. 

*  Fertile  flowers  scattered  or  few  in  a  cluster. 
Involucre  1-flowered,  of  many  little  scales,  forming  a  cup  around  the 

base  of  the  hard,  rounded  nut  or  acorn.  1.  QUKRCTTS. 

Involucre  2-3-flowered,  forming  a  prickly  bur,  enclosing  1-3  nuts 

and  splitting  into  4  thick  valves.  2.  CASTANEA. 

Involucre  2-flowered,  prickly,  4-valved,  containing  2  sharply  tri- 
angular nuts.    Sterile  flowers  in  small  head-like  clusters.  3.  FAGUS. 
Involucre  1- 2-flowered  becoming  a  leafy  cup,  much  enlarged  and 
cut  or  torn  at  the  apex,  longer  than  the  bony  nut.  4.  CORYLTJS. 

**  Fertile  flowers  clustered  in  a  kind  of  ament. 

Involucre  an  open  3-lobed  leaf,  2-flowered.     Fruit  a  small  ovoid  nut.    5.  CARPINUS. 
Involucre  a  bladdery  bag,  1-flowered,  the  whole  catkin  in  fruit  ap- 
.    pearing  like  a  hop.    Fruit  small  and  seed-like.  6.  OSTRYA. 

].   QUER'CUS,  L.    OAK 

[The  ancient  classical  name.] 

STAMINATE  FL.  Aments  slender,  pendulous,  without  bracts.  Calyx 
6-8-  (mostly  5-)  parted.  Stamens  5  - 12  ;  anthers  2-celled.  PISTILLATE 
FL.  scattered  or  clustered.  Involucre  1-flowered, — formed  of  minute 
bracts,  and  scales,  imbricated  in  many  series,  and  coalesced  into  a  cup, 
and  becoming  woody  or  bark -like.  Calyx  adherent  to  the  ovary, — the 
limb  6-toothed.  Ovary  3-celled  ;  ovules  in  pairs  in  the  cells,  collateral, 
suspended  ;  stigmas  as  many  as  the  cells  of  the  ovary.  Nut  (or  Acorn] 
by  abortion  1-seeded,  ovoid  or  oblong,  mucronate,  coriaceously  woody, 
embraced  and  more  or  less  included  by  the  indurated  cup-like  involucre. 
Seed  pendulous  ;  testa  membranaceous,  thin  ;  cotyledons  plano-convex, 
thick  and  fleshy.  Mostly  trees  with  greenish  or  yellowish  flowers,  the 
pistillate  ones  quite  inconspicuous  ;  all  appearing  in  May,  and  the  fruit 
generally  mature  in  October.  In  a  portion  of  our  species  the  acorns  are 
biennial, — i.  e.,  2  years  in  coming  to  maturity.  This  peculiarity  serves 
to  divide  them  into  2  sections  which  are  subdivided  into  groups  distin- 
guished by  the  outline  of  the  leaves. 

\  ].  Fruit  annual  (ripening  in  the  fall  after  flowering)  ;  clusters  mostly 
peduncled  :  leaves  not  bristly-pointed  or  toothed. 

*  WHITE  OAK  GROUP.     Leaves  obtusely  sinuate  or  pinnatifld-lobed,  all 
pale,  whitish  or  grayish-downy  underneath. 


308 


WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 


193 


1.  CL  macrocar'pa,  MX.  Leaves  deeply  and 
somewhat  lyrately  sinuate-lobed,  the  lobes  ob- 
tuse, sparingly  and  obtusely  toothed  ;  acorn 
very  large  ;  cup  hemispherical,  fringed  above 
with  hard  and  thick-pointed  scales,  the  upper- 
most of  which  are  awned .;  nut  ovoid,  more  than 
half  immersed  in  the  cup. 
LARGE-FRUITED  QUERCUS.  Bur-oak.  Over- 
cup  Oak.  Mossy-cup  White  Oak. 

Trunk  40-60  foet  high.  Leaves  obovato  in  outline,  6-12 
inches  or  more  in  length  ;  the  smaller  ones  entire.  Acorns 
1-  \yz  inch  long,  sometimes  entirely  enclosed  in  the  con- 
spicuously fringed  cup. 

West  New  England,  west  and  southwest. 

06s.  A  handsome  middle-sized  tree  with  luxu- 
riant foliage  and  remarkably  large  acorns. 
The  wood  is  valuable  for  those  uses  which  re- 
quire stiff  and  durable  wood.  As  a  fuel  it 
takes  rank  with  the  White  Oak.  A  variety  with 


narrower  and  more  deeply  lobed  leaves  and  oblong  fruit  is  the  QUCFCUS 
olivaefor'mis  of  Michaux. 


183 


2.  ft.  obtusi'loba,  MX.  Leaves  tawny  pu- 
bescent beneath,  obovate-oblong,  cuneate  at 
base,  irregularly  sinuate-lobed,  the  upper 
lobes  larger  and  often  1  -  3-notched  ;  acorn 
roundish  ovoidr  rather  small. 
OBTUSE-LOBED  QUERCUS.  Barrens  White  Oak. 
Post  Oak.  Rough  Oak. 


Stem  20-40  or  50  feet  high  ;  branches  irregular, 
spreading,  densely  pubescent  when  young.  Leai*es  4-6 
inches  long,  thick  and  coriaceous,  mostly  with  3  un- 
equal lobes  on  each  side  and  unequal  angular  sinuses — 
the  upper  surface  smoothish  and  shining  (often  roughish 
with  short  fasciculate  hairs,  when  young),  the  under 
surface  pale  ferruginous,  or  tawny,  and  clothed  with  a 
stellate  pubescence  ;  petioles  about  half  an  inch  long. 
Acorn  rather  small,  oval  or  roundish-ovoid,  with  the 
apex  often  depressed  or  umbilicate — the  lower  half  cm- 
braced  by  the  scaly  hemispherical  cup,  which  is  sessile, 
or  the  fruit  often  in  small  clusters  on  a  common  pe- 
duncle. 

Dry  sterile  hills.    Massachusetts,  west  and  south. 


Obs.  This  tree  seems  to  be  confined  to  barren  hills,  and  exposed  ridges. 


FIG.  198.  The  Bur  or  Over-cup  Oak  (Quercus  macrocarpa).    The  figures  of  all  the  oaks 
represented  here  are  less  than  half  the  natural  size. 

FIG.  199.  The  Post  or  Rough  Oak  (Quercus  obtusiloba.) 


OAK    FAMILY. 


309 


The  wood  is  very  durable,  and  much  valued  for  posts,  &c.  It  also 
makes  excellent  fuel. 

3.  Q.  al'ba,  L.  Leaves  oblong,  pinnatifid-sinuate,— lobes  nearly  equal, 
oblong,  obtuse,  mostly  entire,  the  sinuses  narrow  ;  cupule  somewhat 
bowl-shaped,  tuberculate  ;  acorn  ovoid-oblong. 

WHITE  QUERCUS.     Common  White  Oak. 


202 


Stem  60-80  and  100  feet  high,  and  2-4  or  5  feet  in  diameter,  with  a  whitish  or  light 


FIG.  200.  A  flowering  branch  of  the  White  Oak  (Quercus  alba) ,  showing  the  aments  of 
staininate  flowers.     201.  A  separate  staminate  flower.    202.  A  leaf  and  acorns. 


310 


WEEDS   AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 


grey  bark.  Leaves  4  -6  inches  long,  subeoriaceous,  smooth,  nearly  equally  pinnatifid, 
usually  with  3-4  lobes  on  each  side  (sometimes  cuneate  and  3-lobed)  ;  petioles  half  an 
inch  to  an  inch  long.  Acorn  rather  large,  seated  in  a  shallowish  bowl-shaped  cup,  which 
is  pubescent  and  rough  externally  with  roundish  tubercles — the  fruit  generally  in  pairs, 
sessile  on  a  common  peduncle  about  half  an  inch  long. 
Woodlands,  throughout  the  United  States  :  often  abundant  in  moist  low  clayey  grounds. 

Obs.  This  is  one  of  our  finest  and  most  valuable  forest  trees, — and 
frequently  attains  to  an  enormous  size.  Its  prevalence,  however,  is  not 
so  indicative  of  a  good  soil,  as  that  of  the  Q,.  tilicto'ria,  or  Black  Oak. 
The  timber  is  firm  and  durable,  though  somewhat  liable,  when  in  the 
form  of  boards  and  scantling,  to  warp  or  spring.  It  is  extensively  used 
in  the  mechanic  arts, — especially  by  the  wheel- wright,  the  mill-wrig-ht, 
and  the  ship-wright.  The  keels  of  some  of  our  finest  national  vessels 
have  been  obtained  from  this  Oak.  It  also  affords  the  best  quality  of 
coopers'  stuff,  for  making  liquor-casks.  The  bark  is  astringent  and 
tonic,  and  is  frequently  employed  in  medical  practice.  The  acorns  are 
sweet,  affording  a  nutritious  and  favorite  food  of  swine.  On  young 
trees  the  leaves  are  remarkably  persistent,  after  they  are  killed  by  the 
frost,  in  autumn. 

**  CHESTNUT  OAK  GROUP.  Leaves  coarsely  and  obtusely  sinuate-toothed, 
but  not  lobed,  whitish,  and  more  or  less  downy  beneath :  cup  hoary ;  acorns 
sweetish. 

4.  d.  Pri'nus,  L.  Leaves  obovate 
and  elliptic-oblong,  acute  or  acu- 
minate, finely  pubescent  beneath, 
coarsely  and  nearly  equally  sinuate- 
dentate. — the  teeth  obtuse ;  fruit 
on  short  common  peduncles  ;  cupule 
nearly  hemispherical ;  acorn  oval. 

Swamp  Chestnut  Oak.  Chestnut 
White  Oak. 

Stem  60-80  or  90  feet  high,  and  2-3  or  4 
feet  in  diameter.  Leaves  5-8  inches  long, 
penni-nerved  with  a  coarse  obtuse  tooth  for 
each  nerve,  and  a  small  callus  at  the  apex 
of  each  ;  petioles  1  -  near  2  inches  long. 
Fruit  in  pairs  (1  often  abortive) ,  on  a  com- 
mon peduncle  about  half  an  inch  long. 
Acorn  large,  oval  or  ovoid-oblong,  seated  in 
a  scaly  bowl-shaped  cup  which  embraces 
nearly  one  third  of  the  nut. 

Moist  low  woodlands  :  Pennsylvania  to 
Florida. 

203 
Obs.  This  species,  which  is  often  a  fine  tree,  presents  some  marked 


FIG.  203.  The  Swamp  Chesnut  Oak  (Quercus  Prinus.) 


OAK    FAMILY. 


311 


varieties  which  were  formerly  considered  as  species,  but  which  are 
now  only  regarded  as  varieties  due  to  soil  and  situation.  The  variety 
monti'cola,  MX.,  (Quercus  monta'na,  Willd.,}  known  as  the  Kock 
Chestnut  Oak,  is  a  form  growing  in  hilly  woodlands,  and  has  more  valua- 
ble timber.  Yar.  discolor,  MX.  (Q.*  tricolor,  Willd.,)  is  the  Swamp 
White  Oak  ;  it  has  the  leaves  more  deeply  toothed  and  densely  whitish- 
downy  beneath,  and  the  upper  scales  of  the  cup  are  sometimes  awned  so 
as  to  form  a  fringed  margin.  Quality  of  the  wood  variable. 

The  acorns  of  all  the  varieties  are  sweet  and  nutritious,  and  sought 
after  by  swine. 

5.  Q.  Casta'nea,  Willd.  Leaves  oblong-lan- 
ceolate, acuminate,  pubescent  and  cinereous 
beneath,  nearly  equally  dentate  or  sinuate- 
serrate, — the  teeth  rather  acute,  and  callous  at 
apex  ;  fruit  subsessile  ;  cupule  nearly  hemis- 
pherical ;  acorn  elliptic-ovoid. 
CHESTNUT  QUERCUS.  Chestnut  Oak.  Yellow 
Oak. 

Stem  40-60  or  70  feet  high,  and  1-2  feet  in  diameter. 
Leaves  3-6  inches  long,  the  points  of  the  teeth  (and 
along  the  whole  margin)  callous,  the  upper  surface 
smooth  and  yellowish-green,  the  under  surface  finely 
pubescent  and  whitish  or  cinereous  ;  petioles  half  an  inch 
to  an  inch  long.  Acorn  rather  small,  seated  in  a  pubes- 
cent bowl-shaped  cup,  which  embraces  one  third  of  the 
nut,  and  is  either  sessile  on  the  branch  or  on  a  short 
common  peduncle. 

Mountains,  slaty  hills  and  banks  of  streams  :  fiddle 
and  Western  States. 

204 

Obs.  This  is  often  a  fine  tree, — though  not  so  common,  in  Eastern 
Pennsylvania,  as  the  others  of  this  subdivision.  It  presents  some 
varieties — at  least  in  the  leaves  ;  but  they  generally  have  a  striking  re- 
semblance to  those  of  the  Chestnut  tree.  The  acorns  are  said  to  be 
more  sweet  and  nutritious  than  those  of  any  other  species.  There  is  a 
dwarf  species,  the  Chinquapin  Oak,  (Q,,  prinoi'des,  Willd.,)  belonging 
to  this  subdivision — common  on  sandy  soil ;  but  it  is  two  small  and  un- 
important to  require  a  more  particular  notice  here. 

§  2.  Fruit  biennial,  not  maturing  till  the  second  year  after  flowering,  sessile 
or  nearly  so ;  kernel  bitter. 

*  LIVE  OAK  GROUP.     Leaves  evergreen,  nearly  entire,  hoary  beneath. 


FIG.  204.  The  Chestnut  or  Yellow  Oak  (Quercus  Castanea). 


312 


WEEDS   AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 


205 


6.  ft.  vi'rens,  Ait.  Leaves  coria- 
ceous, elliptic  -  oblong,  somewhat 
toothed  or  angled  on  young  trees, 
entire  on  old  ones,  with  a  revolute 
margin,  rather  acute  at  apex,  but 
not  mucronate,  stellately  pubescent 
beneath  ;  cupule  turbinate,  peduncu- 
late ;  acorn  oblong. 
GREEN  QUERCUS.  Live  Oak. 

Stem  20-40  or  50  feet  high,  and  1  or  2  -  5  or 
6  feet  in  diameter,  with  numerous  large  wide- 
spreading  crooked  branches — the  wood  re- 
markably dense  and  heavy,  with  twisted 
fnarled  fibres.  Leaves  an  inch  and  a  half  to 
inches  long,  perennial,  but  a  portion  of  them 
falling  from  the  old  trees  every  spring,  dark 
green  above,  whitish  beneath,  on  short 
petioles.  Acorn  ovoid-oblong  or  oval,  of  a 
dark  brown  color,  seated  in  a  bowl-shaped 
pedunculate  cup — the  peduncle  about  an  inch 
long,  axillary. 

Sea  coast :  Virginia  to  Florida. 


Obs.  This  noted  tree — so  valuable  in  ship-building—is  pretty  much 
confined  to  the  sandy  sea-coast  of  the  Southern  States.  Its  most  north- 
ern locality  appears  to  be  at  Old  Point  Comfort,  near  Norfolk,  Virgi- 
nia,— where  it  is  reduced  to  quite  a  small  tree.  Four  or  five  other 
species,  belonging  to  this  group,  are  found  in  the  United  States — chiefly 
in  the  South  ;  but  they  are  mostly  small,  and  of  little  value. 

**  WILLOW  OAK  GROUP.     Leaves  deciduous,  entire,  narrow. 

7.  ft.  Phel'los,  L.     Leaves  linear-lanceolate,  tapering  at  each  end, 
glabrous  ;  cupule  saucer-shaped  ;  acorn  roundish. 

Willow-leaved  Oak.     Willow  Oak. 

Stem  40-60  or  70  feet  high,  and  1-2  feet  or  more  in  diameter,  with  a  smoothish  bark. 
Leaves  2-4  inches  long,  subsessile,  entire  or  the  young  ones  sometimes  dentate.  Acorn 
small,  subglobose,  seated  in  a  shallow  saucer-like  subsessile  cup. 

Moist  low  grounds.     New  Jersey,  Kentucky  and  South. 

06s.  There  are  apparently  some  varieties  of  this, — or,  if  they  are 
specifically  distinct,  nearly  allied  species.  The  tree  sometimes  acquires 
considerable  size, — but  the  timber  is  not  particularly  valuable  ;  and  as 
it  is  rather  local  in  its  habitat,  is  not  much  known  beyond  those  limits. 

8.  ft.  imbrica'ria,  MX.     Leaves  deciduous,  lance-oblong  or  elliptic- 
lanceolate,  acute  at  each  end,  mucronate,  smooth  and  shining  above, 
pubescent  beneath  ;   cupule  saucer-shaped  ;   acorn    somewhat  hemis- 
pherical. 


FIG.  205.  The  Live  Oak  (Quercus  virens). 


OAK    FAMILY. 


313 


SHINGLE  QUERCUS.     Laurel  or  Shingle  Oak. 

Stem  40-60  feet  high,  and  1-2  feet  in  diameter,  with  a  sraoothish  bark  ;  branches 
numerous  and  irregular.  Leaves  3-5  inches  long,  entire,  somewhat  crowded  on  short 
petioles.  Acorn  rather  small,  roundish  above,  with  a  broad  flattish  base  so  as  to  be 
nearly  hemispherical,  seated  in  a  shallow  subscssile  cup. 

Banks  of  streams.     New  Jersey,  southward,  and  in  the  Western  States. 


203 


207 


Obs.  This  species — being  chiefly  confined  to  the  country  west  of  the 
Alle^hany  Mountains — is  but  little  known  in  the  east ;  and  although 
deriving  its  specific  name  from  the  roofing  material  which  it  affords,  its 
timber  is  said  to  be  of  an  inferior  quality — even  for  that  purpose. 
*  *  *  BLACK  AND  RED  OAK  GROUP.  Leaves  deciduous,  bristle-pointed, 
rcpand  or  acutely  smuate-lobed. 

f  Mature  leaves  downy  underneath. 

9,  Q.  ni'gra,  L.  Leaves  somewhat  coriaceous,  cuneate,  dilated  at  apex, 
retuse  or  obscurely  3-lobed,  smooth  above,  covered  with  a  russet  pul- 
verulent pubescence  beneath,  when  young  the  nerves  setaceously  mucro- 
nate  ;  cupule  subturbinate  ;  acorn  ovoid. 

BLACK  QUERCUS.     Black  Jack.     Barren  Oak. 

Stem  15-30  or  40  feet  high,  and  6-12  or  15  inches  in  diameter,  with  a  thickish 
furrowed  dark  colored  bark;  branches  numerous.  Leaves  5-8  inches  long,  much  dila- 
ted at  apex  (4 -6  inches  wide),  narrowed  towards  the  base,  on  short  petioles.  Acorn 
ovoid,  seated  in  a  rather  deep  or  bowl-shaped  subsessile  cup. 

Sterile  soils  :  New  Jersey  to  Illinois  and  southward. 

Obs.  This  small  tree — abundant  in  Maryland,  and  well  known  by  the 
name  of  "  Black  Jack," — is  chiefly  valuable  for  fuel.     The  nearly  related 

FIG.  206.  The  Willow  Oak  (Quercus  Phellos.) 
FIG.  207.  The  Laurel  or  Shingle  Oak  (Quercus  imbricaria).     208.  An  acorn. 

14 


314 


WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 


Water  Oak,  Q,.  aqua'tica,  Catesby,  which  has  narrower  leaves,  tapering 
to  the  base,  is  found  in  wet  grounds  in  the  Southern  States. 


209 


210 


212 


211 


10,  Q,.  falca'ta,  MX.  Leaves  elongated  and  rather  narrow,  sinuate-lobed, 
or  sometimes  almost  palmately  3-lobed,  obtuse  at  base,  densely  tomen- 
tose  beneath  ;  lateral  lobes  falcate,  the  terminal  one  longer  and  trifid  ; 
cupule  shallow,  subturbinate  ;  acorn  roundish-ovoid. 
FALCATE  QUERCUS.     Spanish  Oak. 

Stem  40-50  or  80  feet  high,  and  1  or  2-4  feet  in  diameter.  Leaves  3-6  and  9  inches 
long,  with  2-4  or  5  (usually  3)  distant  more  or  less  falcate  entire  lobes  on  each  side— 
those  on  small  trees  or  young  branches  often  dilated  and  3-lobed  at  apex,  with  the  side- 
lobes  diverging  ;  petioles  about  an  inch  long.  Acorn  small,  seated  in  a  shallow  saucer-like 
cup,  which  is  tapering  at  base  and  supported  on  a  short  peduncle. 

Sandy  or  sterile  clay  soils  :  New  Jersey  to  Georgia. 

Obs.  This  tree  (which  is  the  genuine  "  Spanish  Oak,") — so  far  as  I 
have  observed — seems  to  be  pretty  much  confined  to  that  district,  along 
the  Atlantic  coast,  which  is  marked  as  alluvial  on  Geological  maps.  Jt 
is  said  to  grow  very  large,  in  the  South  ;  but  is  rather  below  an  average 
size,  near  its  northern  limits.  The  timber  is  reddish,  coarse-grained  and 
not  very  durable, — but  is  much  used  for  the  inferior  kinds  of  coopers' 
stuff.  The  bark,  however,  is  reputed  as  preferable  to  that  of  every  other 
species  of  Oak,  for  tanning.  The  dwarf  species,  known  as  Scrub  Oak, 
or  Bear  Oak,  is  Q.  illicifo'lia,  Wang. :  it  lias  obovate  leaves  with  a 
wedge-shaped  base,  and  angularly  about  5-lobed.  It  is  a  worthless  little 
species,  3-8  feet  high  ;  abounding  on  poor  soils  from  New  England  to 
Virginia  and  westward  to  Ohio. 


FIG.  209.  The  Black  Jack  or  Barren  Oak  (Quercus  nigra).     210.  An  acorn. 
FIG.  211.  The  Spanish  Oak  (Quercus  falcata).     212.  An  acorn. 


OAK    FAMILY. 


315 


f  f  Mature  leaves  glabrous  on  both  sides,  or  nearly  so. 

11.  Q,,  tincto'ria,  Sartr.    Leaves  obovate-oblong,  sinuate-lobed,  more 
or    less    rusty-puberulent    beneath   when   young  ;    cup    scaly,  thick ; 
acorn  ovoid. 
DYER'S  QUERCUS.    Black  Oak.     Quercitron.     Yellow-barked  Oak. 

Stem  60-80  or  90  feet  high,  and  2-3  or  4  feet  in  diameter,  with  a  thickish  deeply- 
farrowed,  dark-colored  epidermis,  and  a  spongy  yellow  inner  bark.  Leaves  6-8  inches 
long,  obovate  in  their  outline,  more  or  less  deeply  sinuate-lobed  (usually  3  principal  lobes 
on  each  side),  the  base  obtuse  or  sometimes  cuneately  tapering,  smoothish  above,  the 
under  surface  clothed  with  short  steelate  or  fasiculate  hairs  which  present  a  pulverulent 
appearance  ;  petioles  1-2  inches  long.  Acorn  rather  small,  ovoid,  seated  in  a  subsessile 
cup,  which  is  tapering  at  base. 

Rich  upland  forests  :  common. 


215 


216 


Obs.  The  wood  of  this  species  is  not  very  durable, — neither  is  it  much 
esteemed  for  fuel ;  yet,  in  consequence  of  its  abundance,  it  is,  or  has  been, 
very  extensively  used  for  fencing,  firewood  and  shingles.  The  straight 
fibres,  and  facility  of  splitting  the  wood,  no  doubt  recommended  it  for 
shingles.  The  inner  bark  is  an  article  of  commerce,  under  the  name  of 
Quercitron  ;  and  is  exported  in  large  quantities  to  Europe,  where  it  is 
employed  in  dyeing  yellow.  It  has  nearly  superseded  the  use  of  Weld 
(Reseda  luteola,  L.)  in  calico  printing.  The  prevalence  of  this  fine  tree, 
in  woodlands,  is  an  indication  of  a  good  soil  for  Agriculture. 
2,  ft.  cocci'nea,  Wang.  Leaves  oval  in  outline,  deeply  sinuate- 
pinuatifid,  with  broad  open  sinuses,  smooth  and  shining  green  on  both 
sides  ;  cup  conspicuously  scaly  ;  acorn  roundish-ovoid  or  globular. 


FIG.  213.  The  Black  Oak  or  Quercitron  (Quercus  tinctoria).     214.  An  acorn. 
FIG.  215.  The  Scarlet  Oak  (Quercus  coccinea).    216.  An  acorn. 


316 


WEEDS    AND   USEFUL    PLANTS. 


CRIMSON  QUERCUS.     Scarlet  Oak. 

Stem  60  -  90  feet  high,  and  2  -  3  or  4  feet  in  diameter.  Leaves  5-8  inches  long,  deeply 
lobed  (usually  4  principal  lobes  on  each  side),  the  sinuses  rounded  and  wider  at  bottom, 
the  base  obtuse  or  sometimes  rather  cuneate,  both  surfaces  smooth  and  shining  green, 
with  a  dense  pubescence  in  the  axils  of  the  nerves  beneath— finally  becoming  red  and 
spotted  with  deeper  crimson  ;  petioles  2 -4  inches  long.  Acorn  roundish,  depressed  or 
slightly  umbilicate  at  apex, — the  lower  half  immersed  in  a  rough  scaly  cup. 

Rich  moist  woodlands.     New  England  to  Georgia. 

06s.  The  bark  of  this  tree  is  much  sought  after  by  our  Tanners,  who  (not 
being  acquainted  with  the  Q,.  falcata,)  erroneously  call  it "  Spanish  Oak," 
and  give  it  the  preference  over  all  the  other  Oaks  that  are  common  here, 
for  their  business.  The  crimson  leaves  of  this  species,  where  it  abounds, 
impart  a  gorgeous  and  magnificent  appearance  to  our  forests,  in  autumn ; 
and  it  is  really  marvellous  that  a  tree  so  handsome  at  all  seasons,  should 
be  so  rarely  seen  in  the  lawns  and  pleasure-grounds  of  persons  of  any 
pretensions  to  taste. 


13.  Q.  m'bra,  L.  Leaves  oblong,  smooth,  sinuate-lobed,  sinuses  rather 
acute  ;  lobes  incised-dentate  with  the  teeth  very  acute  ;  cupule  shallow, 
saucer-shaped,  flat  at  base,  nearly  even  on  the  outer  surface ;  acorn 
rather  large  and  turgidly  oblong-ovoid. 

EED  QUERCUS.     Red  Oak. 

Stem  60 -90  feet  high,  and  2 -4  feet  in  diameter.  Leaves  5-8  or  9  inches  long,  often 
somewhat  obovate,  rather  obtuse  at  base,  sinuate-lobed  (usually  3  principal  lobes  on  each 
side),  the  sinuses  shallower  and  more  acute  than  in  the  preceding  species  ;  petioles  1-2 
jaches  long.  Acorn  oblong-ovoid,  plump  and  rather  large,  seated  in  abroad  flat-bottomed 


FIG.  217.  Trn  Rc:l  Oak  (Quercus  rnbra).     218.  An  acorn. 


OAK    FAMILY. 


317 


saucer-like  sessile  cup,  of  which  the  scales  are  so  compact  as  to  present  a  smooth  or 
nearly  even  surface. 
Hilly  woodlands  :  Northern  and  Middle  States.     Fl.  May.     Fr.  October. 

Obs.  Justice  to  myself,  and  to  the  truths  of  Natural  History — as  well 
as  to  Mr.  RMERSON,  author  of  the  admirable  Report  on  the  Forest  Trees 
and  Shrubs  of  Massachusetts, — requires  that  I  should  here  rectify  a 
misapprehension  under  which  1  labored  when  I  compiled  the  first  edition 
of  this  work.  I  had  always  understood  (of  course  from  others — having 
no  personal  knowledge  of  the  subject,)  that  the  bark  of  this  species  was 
in  high  repute  with  the  Tanners, — and  so  stated.  But  on  a  more  careful 
and  particular  inquiry  of  intelligent  and  practical  men,  in  that  business, 
I  learn  that  it  is  regarded  as  being  much  inferior  in  value  to  the  bark 
of  Q,  cocci'nea, — and  am  now  satisfied  that  Mr.  EMERSON  is  substan- 
tially correct  in  the  statement  that  it  is  "  almost  worthless  for  the  use 
of  the  Tanner."  The  timber  of- this  tree  is  also  of  inferior  value. 

14,  Q,.  palus'tris,  Da  Roi.    Leaves  oblong,  deeply  sinuate-pinnatifid, 


219 


with  broad  rounded  sinuses,  lobes  divaricate,  acutely  dentate  ;  cupule 
saucer-shaped  ;  acorn  subglobose,  small. 

MARSH  QUERCUS.     Pin  Oak.     Swamp  Spanish  Oak. 

Stem  40-60  or  70  feet  high,  and  1-2  feet  in  diameter,  with  numerous  rather  slender 
horizontal  or  drooping  branches,  which  are  frequently  very  knotty.     Leaves  4  -  6  inches 

FIG.  219.  The  Pin  or  Swamp  Spanish  Oak  (Quercus  palustris.) 


318  WEEDS   AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 

long,  deeply  lobed  (usually  3  lobes  on  each  side),— the  lobes  rather  narrow,  diverging, 
the  base  of  the  leaves  obtuse  or  often  somewhat  cuneatc,  both  surfaces  smooth,  except  a 
tuft  of  pubescence  in  the  axils  of  the  nerves  beneath  ;  petioles  1-2  inches  long.  Acorn 
small  (mostly  numerous) ,  seated  in  a  smoothish  shallow  nearly  flat-bottomed  subsessile 
cup,  which  is  often  abruptly  tapering  from  the  centre  of  the  base. 

Wet  low  grounds,  along  rivulets,  &c.:  New  England  to  Pennsylvania,  and  west  to 
Illinois. 

Obs.  The  wood  of  this  Oak  is  very  firm, — and  is  much  employed  by 
wheelwrights,  &c.  It  is  quite  common  in  Pennsylvania, — but  does  not 
appear  to  extend  to  the  South.  It  would  seem  as  if  the  Q,.  falca'ta,  and 
this  species,  were  distinctly  located  in  the  two  great  divisions  of  the  U. 
States.  Four  or  five  additional  species,  belonging  to  this  group,  are 
found  in  the  U.  States ;  but  they  are  not  very  important, — and  some  of 
them  are  quite  small  and  scrubby. 

2.  CASTA'NEA,  Tournef.     CHESTNUT. 

[Named  from  a  city  of  Thessaly  (Costarica)  ;  famed  for  Chestnuts.] 

STAMINATE  FL.  interruptedly  clustered  in  long  naked  cylindrical  spike- 
form  aments.  Calyx  deeply  5  -  6-parted.  Stamens  8-15;  anthers  2- 
celled.  PISTILLATE  FL.  usually  in  threes,  within  ovoid  squarrose  soli- 
tary or  clustered  involucres.  Calyx  adherent  to  the  ovary, — the  limb 
5-6  lobed.  Stamens  5-12,  abortive,  minute.  Ovary  3-6  celled; 
ovules  solitary,  pendulous  ;  style  bristle-like  ;  stigmas  as  many  as  the  cells. 
Fruit  a  coriaceous  prickly  involucre,  containing  1-3  nuts,  and  opening 
by  4  valves.  Nuts  ovoid  when  single,  plano-convex  or  compressed  when 
two  or  three, — 1-seeded  by  abortion.  Cotyledons  thick,  somewhat  plicate 
and  cohering  together,  sweetish  and  farinaceous.  Flowers  appearing 
after  the  leaves. 

1,  C.  ves'ca,     Leaves  oblong-lanceolate,  acuminate-serrate,  with  coarse 
pointed  teeth,  smooth  on  both  sides  ;  nuts  usually  2  -  3  in  each  involucre. 
EATABLE  CASTANEA.     Chestnut.     Chestnut-tree. 
Fr.  Le  Chataignier.     Germ.  Der  Kastanieiibaum.    .Span.  Castano. 

Stem  60-80  or  90  feet  high,  and  2-4  or  5  feet  in  diameter.  Leaves  6-9  inches  long  ; 
petioles  about  half  an  inch  long.  Staminate  flowers  small,  whitish  or  ochroleucous,  in 
slender,  pubescent  interrupted  spikes  or  aments,  4-8  inches  in  length, — the  florets 
crowded  in  dense  bracteate  clusters  ;  stamens  long.  Pistillate  fl^nven  mostly  3  together, 
in  a  scaly,  squarrosfe  ovoid  involucre.  Involucre  usually  solitary — sometimes  3-4  in 
a  cluster- — subsessile,  enlarging,  finally  globose,  about  2  inches  in  diameter,  thickly 
covered  with  acute  compound  or  cofilesced  prickles,  opening  at  maturity  by  4  valves  or 
lobes,  densely  villous  within.  Nuts  3  (by  abortion  often  2  or  1),  roundish-ovate,  acumi- 
nate, reddish-brown,  smooth  below,  the  upper  half  covered  with  a  greyish-tawny  pubes- 
cence ;  the  middle  nut  flatted  on  both  sides,  the  lateral  ones  convex  or  gibbous  exter- 
nally, and  when  the  lateral  ones  are  both  abortive,  the  central  one  becomes  roundish- 
ovoid  . 

Upland  forests  :  throughout  the  United  States.    Fl.  June.    Fr.  October. 

Obs.  The  American  Chestnut-tree  is  scarcely  more  than  a  variety  of 
the  European, — the  chief  difference  being  in  the  size  of  the  fruit.  The 
nuts  of  our  native  Chestnut-tree  are  smaller,  and  the  kernels  much 
sweeter,  than  those  of  the  European  variety — or  "  Spanish  Chestnut," 


OAK    FAMILY.  319 

as  it  is  commonly  called.  The  wood  of  the  Chestnut-tree  is  light,  easily 
split,  and  rather  brittle,— yet  very,  durable ;  not  esteemed  for  fuel,  but 
highly  valued  for  making  fences.  The  tree  is  of  rapid  growth,— being 
speedily  reproduced,  by  suckers  from  the  stump,  when  cut  off—  and 
therefore  well  calculated  to  keep  up  a  supply  of  fencing  timber. 

2.  C,  pu'mila,  MX.  Leaves  obovate-oblong,  acute,  serrate  or  denticu- 
late, '  whitish-tomeutose  beneath  ;  nut  solitary,  ovoid,  small. 

DWARF  CASTANEA.     Chinquapin. 

Stem  6  - 10  or  12  feet  high.  Leaves  2-6  inches  long,  mucronately  serrate  or  sometimes 
denticulate,  green  and  smoothish  above,  clothed  with  a  soft  dense  cinereous  tomentum 
beneath  ;  petioles  about  half  an  inch  in  length.  Staminate  flowers  in  aments,  1  or  2-4  in- 
ches long,  slender  and  numerous.  Involucres  of  the  pistillate  flowers  in  spikes,  or  clus- 
tered on  short  tomentose  axillary  branches  or  common  peduncles,  enlarging,  finally  glo- 
bose, an  inch  or  an  inch  and  a  half  in  diameter,  pubescent  and  prickly,  opening  at  summit 
with  4  lobes  or  valves.  Nut  (by  abortion  ?)  constantly  solitary,  small,  ovoid,  acute,  dark 
brown,  pubescent  at  summit. 

Sterile  soils  :  S.  Pennsylvania  to  Florida.     Fl.  June.     Fr.  Oct. 

Obs.  This  shrub  is  rarely  seen  north  of  Maryland.  The  kernels  are 
remarkably  sweet  and  pleasant  to  the  taste,  but  are  scarcely  half  the 
size  even  of  our  native  Chestnut.  The  seeds  of  both  Chestnuts  and 
Chinquapin — and  especially  of  the  latter — are  very  subject  to  be  preyed 
upon  by  worms. 

3.  FA'GUS,  Tournef.    BEECH. 

[Latin, — from  the  Greek,  phago,  to  eat  ;  the  fruit  being  esculent.] 

STAMINATE  Fr..  in  globose  long-peduncled  pendulous  clusters,  with  de- 
ciduous scale-like  bracts.  Calyx  campanulate,  5-6-cleft.  Stamens 
8  - 12.  PISTILLATE  FL.  usually  in  pairs,  within  an  ovoid  pedunculate 
involucre,  which  is  formed  of  numerous  united  awl-shaped  flexible  bracts. 
Calyx-lobes  5 - 6,  awl-shaped.  Ovary  3-celled  ;  ovules  2  in  each  cell; 
styles  3,  filiform  ;  stigmas  lateral.  Nuts  acutely  triquetrous,  usually  two 
in  the  leathery,  softly  prickly,  4-valved  involucre.  Cotyledons  thick, 
fleshy,  irregularly  plicate.  Trees  with  a  thin,  smooth,  ash-colored  bark, 
horizontal  branches,  long  pointed  buds  and  greenish-yellow  flowers. 

1,  F.  ferrugin'ea,  Ait.  Leaves  oblong-ovate,  taper-pointed,  more  or 
less  toothed,  ciliate  ;  the  scales  of  the  involucre  spreading  or  recurved. 

FERRUGINOUS  FAGUS.     Beech  Tree.     American  Beech. 
Fr.  Le  Hetre.     Germ.  Die  Buche.     Span.  Haya. 

Stem  40-80  feet  or  more  in  height,  with  a  thin  even-surfaced  whitish  bark.  Leaves 
3-5  inches  long,  pcnni-nerved,  and  plicate  along  the  nerves  while  young,  silky-pilose, 
finally  smoothish  on  the  upper  surface  ;  petioles  one-eighth  to  half  an  inch  long  ;  stipules 
*  long,  linear,  membranaceous,  tawny,  caducous.  Aments  of  stamiuate  flowers  very 
numerous,  loosely  subglobose,  silky-pubescent,  pale  greenish-yellow,  on  slender  silky- 
pilose  peduncles  an  inch  or  an  inch  and  a  half  long.  Involucres  of  the  pistillate  flowers 


320  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

fewer,  on  rigid  axillary  peduncles  about  half  an  incli  long.     Nuts  pubescent,  pale  reddish 
brown. 

Low  moist  woodlands:  throughout  the  United  States.  Fl.  May.  Fr.  September  - 
October. 

Obs.  The  density  and  uniform  texture  of  the  wood  render  it  valuable 
for  many  purposes, — such  as  plane-stocks,  and  other  implements  of  the 
mechanic  arts.  The  leaves,  especially  of  young  trees,  are  remarkably 
persistent,  after  they  are  killed  by  frost,  often  remaining  on  the  branches 
until  late  in  the  ensuing  spring.  The  oily  seeds  afford  a  nutritious  food 
for  swine. 

The  Beech,  although  a  symmetrical  and  pretty  tree,  is  seldom  culti- 
vated iu  this  country  either  for  shade  or  ornament.  And  yet  it  would 
seem,  from  VIRGIL'S  Pastorals,  that  in  the  land  of  sweet  do  nothing 
("  dolce  far  niente  "),  the  Italian  peasant  of  ancient  times  found  an  en- 
viable enjoyment  under  its  spreading  branches  : 


-"  patulae  recula/ns  sub  tegmine  FAGI." 


4.  CORTLUS,  Tournef.     HAZLE-NUT. 

[Greek,  Korys,  a  helmet,  or  cap  ;  in  allusion  to  the  involucrate  fruit.] 

STAMINATE  FL.  Aments  cylindric,  with  imbricated  bracteal  scales. 
Calyx  of  two  collateral  scales  beneath  the  bract,  and  all  three  united  at 
base.  Stamens  8  ;  anthers  1-celled,  subsessile,  bristly  at  apex.  PISTIL- 
LATE FL.  from  subterminal  buds,  in  small  clusters  at  the  ends  of  the 
branches  ;  involucre  of  2  -  3  (at  first  minute  but  subsequently  eufarging) 
villous  leaflets,  which  are  lacerate  on  the  margin  and  coherent  at  base, 
embracing  1-2  flowers.  Calyx  adherent  to  the  ovary, — the  limb  very 
minute,  denticulate,  villous.  Ovary  2-celled  ;  ovules  solitary  ;  stigmas  2, 
elongated,  filiform.  Nut  (by  abortion)  1-seeded,  roundish-ovoid,  obtuse, 
subcompressed,  bony,  smooth,  solitary  in  the  enlarged  foliaceous  lacerate- 
dentate  involucre.  Shrubs :  the  flowers  preceding  the  leaves. 

1.  C.  AVELLA'NA,  L.  Leaves  orbicular  cordate,  acuminate;  stipules 
ovate-oblong,  obtuse ;  involucre  about  the  length  of  the  fruit. 

AVELLAN  CORYLUS.     Filbert.     Hazle-nut. 

Stem  6-10  feet  high,  branching  from  the  base.  Leaves  3-5  inches  long,  often  obovate- 
cordate,  doubly  serrate  ;  petioles  %  —  %  of  an  inch  in  length.  Pistillate  flowers  few  in 
scaly  clusters, — the  scales  (or  bracts)  enlarging,  uniting  and  forming  the  involucres.  Stig- 
mas purple.  Nuts  rather  large. 

Yards,  &c.    Native  of  Asia  Minor.     Fl.  March.    Fr.  Sept. 

Obs.  The  Filbert,  or  Hazle-nut  of  the  old  world  is  now  becoming 
known  among  us, — and  not  unfrequently  cultivated.  "The  bushes 
were  originally  imported  into  Italy  from  Pontus,  and  [the  fruit]  known 
among  the  Romans  by  the  appellation  of  Nux  Pontica, — which,  in  the 
progress  of  time  was  changed  into  that  of  Nux  Avellana ;  from  the 


OAK    FAMILY. 


321 


place  [Avella,  near  Naples]  where  they  had  been  most  successfully 
propagated."  The  young  forked  twigs  of  this  shrub  constitute  the  cel- 
ebrated divining  rod  with  which  certain  impostors  beyond  the  Atlantic 
pretend  to  discover  the  localities  of  precious  metals  and  subterranean 


222 


221 


fountains.  The  imposture,  and  the  credulity  on  which  it  operated,  have 
both  reached  our  shores  ;  but  the  Filbert  not  being  indigenous  here,  a 
capital  substitute  was  discovered  in  the  Witch  Hazel  (Hamamelis)  ! 
The  twigs  of  Peach  trees  also,  have  been  found  to  answer,  the  purpose 
nearly  as  well  as  the  Witch  Hazel ;  and  thus  the  occult  sciences  of  ore- 


FIG.  220.  A  flowering  branch  of  the  cultivated  Filbert  or  Hazel-nut  (Corylus  Avellana) , 
the  staminate  flowers  in  long  aments,  the  pistillate  ones  in  smalt  bud-like  clusters.  221. 
A  scale  from  the  aments,  showing  the  anthers  beneath  it.  222.  A  pistillate  flower  with 
the  involucre  spread  open.  223.  A  branch  in  fruit,  the  nut  surrounded  by  the  enlarged 
leafy  involucre. 

14* 


322  WEEDS    AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 

finding,  and  water-smelling  have  been  enabled,  in  some  degree— even  in 
this  "  progressive  "  age — to  keep  pace  with  the  sublime  mysteries  of 
Clairvoyance,  and  Spiritual  Kappings,  as  well  as  with  the  lucrative 
manufacture  of  Panaceas,  and  Indian  Specifics.  It  is  indeed  both  hu- 
miliating and  discouraging  to  contemplate  the  facility  with  which  a 
large  portion  of  mankind  can  be  made  the  dupes  of  such  miserable 
trumpery. 

2,  C,  America 'na,  Marshall.  Leaves  orbicular-cordate,  acuminate ; 
stipules  ovate  ;  involucre  ventricose-campanulate,  much  larger  than  the 
nut,  with  the  limb  compressed,  dilated,  lacerately  many-cleft. 

AMERICAN  CORYLUS.     Hazle-uut.     Wild  Filbert. 

Shrub.  Stem  4-6  feet  high,  slender,  brandling, — the  young  branches  virgate,  pubes- 
cent and  glandular-hispid.  Leaves  3-6  inches  long,  varying  from  roundish-cordate  to 
ovate  and  obovate,  dentate-serrate,  pubescent  ;  petioles  one-fourth  of  an  inch  to  an  inch 
long.  Stipules  ovate-lanceolate,  caducous.  Aments  preceding  the  leaves,  1-2  inches  long. 
Pistillate  Jloiuers  in  pedunculate  squamose  clusters, — the  scales  finally  enlarging,  uniting 
and  forming  the  involucres  of  the  nuts.  Nut  subglobose,  somewhat  compressed  at  apex, 
rather  wider  than  long,  finely  pubescent,  embraced  by  the  subcoriaceous  involucre,  which 
is  twice  as  long  as  the  nut,  glandular-hirsute  externally,  ventricose  at  base,  with  the  limb 
bilabiate  and  irregularly  lacerate-dentate. 

Borders  of  thickets,  fence-rows,  &c.  :  throughout  the  United  States.  Fl.  March  -  April. 
Fr.  Sept. 

Obs.  This  shrub  is  generally  well  known  for  its  esculent  seeds,  though 
I  believe  it  has  never  been  thought  worth  while  to  cultivate  it.  There 
is  another  native  species  common  northward,  the  Beaked  Hazle-nut  (C. 
rostra'ta,  Ait.),  which  has  the  involucre  prolonged  into  a  bristly  beak 
extending  an  inch  beyond  the  nut. 

5.  CAKPI'NUS,  L.    HORNBEAM. 

[The  ancient  classical  name.] 

STAMINATE  FL.  in  lateral  drooping  aments  with  simple  ovate  scale-like 
bracts,  without  a  proper  calyx.  Stamens  12  at  the  base  of  each  bract ; 
anthers  1-celled,  hairy  at  apex.  PISTILLATE  FL.  in  pairs,  with  small  de- 
ciduous bracts  and  enlarging  foliaceous  1-sidod  involucres,  arranged  in  ter- 
minal loose  araent-like  racemes.  Ovary  2-celled.  Stigmas  2,  filiform.  Nuts 
in  pairs,  small,  ovoid,  sub-compressed,  striate-ribbed,  stalked,  each  with 
a  1-sided  enlarged  open  and  leaf-like  involucre.  Shrubs  or  small  trees 
with  obtusely  and  irregularly  ridged  trunks,  a  thin  smooth  ash-colored 
bark,  and  flowers  preceding  the  leaves. 

1.  C.  America'na,  MX.     Leaves  ovate-oblong,  doubly  serrate  ;  involu- 
cres 3-lobed,  sub-hastate,  unequally  cut -toothed  on  one  side. 
AMERICAN  CARPINUS.     Horn-beam.     Iron  Wood.    Water  Beech. 

Stem  10  -  20  feet  high ,  often  branched  from  the  root,  and  growing  in  clusters.  Leaves 
2-4  inches  long  ;  petioles  %-%  an  inch  in  length.  Pistillate  aments  2-3  inches  long. 
Involucres  finally  about  an  inch  long.  Nuts  about  8-ribbed,  smoothish,  dark  brown. 

Margins  of  streams,  &c.  :  common.     Fl.  April.    Fr.  Sept. 


SWEET-GALE    FAMILY.  323 

Obs.  A  tree  of  very  slow  growth,  and  does  not  attain  to  a  very  great 
size.  It  is  readily  distinguished  by  its  peculiarly  ridged  trunk.  The 
rich  colors  of  its  leaves  in  the  fall  add  much  to  the  variety  and  beauty 
of  the  autumnal  scenery.  The  wood  is  exceedingly  hard  and  close- 
grained,  and  is  well  suited  for  turned  work,  and  for  such  purposes  as 
require  great  compactness  and  solidity. 

6.  OS 'TRY  A,  Michel.     HOP  HORNBEAM. 

[Greek,  Ostrevn,  a  shell,  or  scale, — in  allusion  to  the  struoturevof  the  fruit.] 

STAMINATE  FL.  nearly  as  in  Carpinus.  PISTILLATE  FL.  in  terminal, 
loosely  imbricated  aments  with  small  deciduous  bracts.  S:ales  of  t/ie  in- 
volucre in  pairs,  hairy  at  base,  membranaceous,  uniting  by  their  margins 
and  enclosing  1-2  flowers.  Ovary  2-celled ;  2-ovuled,  crowned  with 
the  entire  and  ciliate  border  of  the  calyx;  stigmas  2,  subsessile,  elongat- 
ed, filiform.  Fruit  in  a  strobile  (or  cone),  formed  of  the  scales  of  the 
involucre,  which  are  membranaceous,  nerved,  and  coalesced  into  utricles 
or  little  sacs.  Nuts  solitary  within  the  utricles,  compressed,  ovate-lan- 
ceolate, smooth,  1-seeded.  Slender  trees,  with  brownish,  slightly  fur- 
rowed bark,  and  flowers  appearing  with  the  leaves. 

1.  0.  Virgin'ica,  Willd.     Leaves  ovate-oblong,  acuminate,  sharply  ser- 
rate ;  cones  ovoid^oblong ;  involucres  thickly  beset  with  tawny  bristle? 
at  the  base. 
VIRGINIAN  OSTRYA.     Hop  Horn-beam.     Iron  Wood.     Lever-wood. 

Stem  20-40  or  50  feet  high,  and  5  -  8  or  10  inches  in  diameter.  Leaves  2-4  inches  long 
on  short  petioles.  Staminate  aments  an  inch  to  an  inch  and  a  half  long.  Pistillate  amenta 
mostly  terminal  and  solitary,  1  to  near  2  inches  long,  slender  and,  while  young,  linear  ; 
flowers  in  pairs, — 3ach  pair  subtended  by  an  ovate-lanceolate  tawny  caducous  bract ;  each 
ilower  contained  in  a  membranaceous  sac  formed  by  the  united  scales  of  the  involucre, — 
the  sac  enlarging  and  becoming  a  bladder-like  envelope  of  the  nut,  slightly  inflated,  ovate, 
imbricated,  and  forming  altogether,  at  maturity,  a  pedunculate  pendulous  cone,  about  the 
size  of,  and  much  resembling,  the  Common  Hop. 

Woodlands  :  New  England  to  Carolina.     Fr.  April  -  May.     .Fr.  Sept. 

Obs.  The  wood  of  this  small  tree  is  remarkably  firm  and  tough  ;  and 
although  neither  very  common  nor  very  important,  it  may  be  well,  per- 
haps, for  the  intelligent  farmer  to  know  what  it  is  when  he  meets  with 
it.  According  to  Mr.  EMERSON,  it  is  known  by  the  name  of  Lever-wood 
in  New  England. 

ORDER  LXVIII.  MYRICA'CE^E.     (SWEET-GALE  FAMILY.) 

Shrubs  with  alternate,  simple,  resinous-dotted  often  aromatic,  mostly  stipulate  leaves  and 
monoecious  or  dioacious  flowers  in  small  aments, — the  pistillate  globose  or  ovoid  ;  ovary 
1-celled  with  a  single  erect  ovule,  surrounded  by  persistent  scales ;  fruit  a  dry  nut  or  some- 
times drupe-like  and  covered  with  a  waxy  secretion  ;  embryo  without  albumen. 

1.  MYRI'CA,  L.    BAYBERRY. 

[The  ancient  name  of  some  shrub.] 
Flowers  dioecious.     STAMINATE   FL.  in  oblong    or   cylindrical  aments. 


324  ,         WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

Stamens  2-8,  filaments  somewhat  united  below,  beneath  a  scale-like 
bract  with  a  pair  of  bractlets.  PISTILLATE  FL.  in  small  ovoid  aments, 
Ovary  with  3  scales  at  its  base  and  2  thread-like  stigmas.  Fruit  a 
small  globular  nut  covered  with  wax-like  grains.  Leaves  deciduous  or 
evergreen,  more  or  less  serrate. 

1.  M.  cerif  era,  L.  Leaves  oblong-lanceolate,  toothed  towards  the  apex 
or  entire,  shining  and  resinous — dotted   on  both  sides  ;  sterile  aments 
loose,  the  bracts  naked  ;  fruit  spherical,  distinct. 
WAX-BEARING  MYRICA.     Bayberry.     Wax-myrtle. 

Shrub  3-8  feet  high,  much  branched.  Leaves  2-4  inches  long  and  from  >£  an  inch  to 
nearly  an  inch  wide,  pubescent  underneath.  Flowers  appearing  before  the  leaves  arc 
fully  expanded.  Sterile  aments  about  *£  an  inch  long.  Nuts  about  the  size  of  a  pepper-corn 
encrusted  with  a  whitish  dry  wax. 

Sandy  soil :  along  the  Sea-coast  and  Lake  Erie.     FL  May.    Fr.  Aug.  -  Sept. 

Obs.  The  foliage  of  this  shrub  is,  when  bruised,  pleasantly  fragrant. 
In  New  England  the  wax  which  invests  the  berries  is  collected  in  con- 
siderable quantities  ;  it  is  obtained  by  boiling  the  berries  in  water, 
when  the  wax  melts  and  rises  to  the  surface.  Under  the  name  of  Bay- 
berry  Tallow  it  is  often  used,  in  the  rural  districts  at  the  east,  to  make 
candles  either  alone  or  mixed  with  tallow  ;  it  is  also  employed  in  soap- 
making,  and  great  quantities  are  consumed  for  an  apparently  insignificant 
use, — the  stiffening  of  the  ends  of  circular  or  solar  lamp  wicks.  An- 
other species,  the  Sweet  Gale  (M.  Gale,  L.),  is  also  found  along  the 
borders  of  ponds,  but  is  has  no  important  uses.  Compto'nia  aspleni- 
fo'lia,  Ait.,  the  Sweet  Fern — well  known  for  its  fern-like  foliage  and 
aromatic  odor,  belongs  to  this  order.  An  infusion  of  the  leaves  is  of 
reputed  value  in  dysentery,  and  the  dried  leaves  afford  material  for 
juvenile  cigars. 

ORDER  LXIX.    BETULA'CE^E.     (BIRCH  FAMILY.) 

Trees  or  shrubs  with  alternate  simple  leaves,  deciduous  stipules  and  mono3cious  flowers  in 
scaly  aments  ;  bracts  2-3-flowered  ;  involucre  none  ;  ovary  2-celled,  2-avuled,  becoming  a 
compressed,  often  winged,  dry  and  indehiscent  1-seeded  nut. 

1.  BET'ULA,   Tournef.     BIRCH. 

[The  ancient  Latin  name.]    . 

STAMINATE  AMENTS  with  the  scales  peltate,  bibracteolate,  3  -  flowered. 
Calyx  a  scale.  Stamens  4  ;  anthers  subsessile,  oblong,  1-celled.  PIS- 
TILLATE AMENTS  with  the  scales  3-lobed,  imbricated.  Calyx  none. 
Ovaries  3  under  each  scale.  Stigmas  2,  filiform.  Nut  lenticular,  sama- 
roid  or  wingefl.  Mostly  trees  with  the  outer  bark  separable  in  thin 
horizontal  sheets,  that  of  the  small  branches  dotted.  Twigs  and  leaves 
often  aromatic. 

*  Bark  of  the  trunk  white  :  petioles  slender:  fertile  catkins   cylindrical, 
peduncled. 


BIRCH    FAMILY. 


325 


1.  B,    al'ba,   var.    populifo'lia, 

Spach.  Leaves  triangular  taper- 
pointed,  unequally  serrate,  smooth  on 
both  sides. 

POPLAR-LEAVED  VARIETY  OP  THE 
WHITE  BETULA.  White  Birch. 

Trunk  20-25  feet  high  with  a  chalky-white 
bark  and  numerous  slender  branches.  Leaves 
2-3  inches  long,  heart-shaped  or  somewhat 
truncate  at  base  with  a  very  long  point  ;  peti- 
oles half  the  length  of  the  leaves.  Fertile 
aments  at  first  erect,  but  at  length  pendulous. 

Poor  soils.  Maine  to  Pennsylvania  along 
the  coast.  Fl.  April.  Ft:  August. 

Obs.  A  very  graceful  tree  growing 
on  the  poorest  soil.  The  wood, 
though  not  of  the  first  quality  for 
fuel,  makes  good  charcoal.  The 
straight  stems  of  the  young  trees 
are  used  by  farmers  and  gardeners 
as  supports  for  bean  vines,  and  the 
brushy  tops  are  similarly  used  for  pea  vines 

2,  B.  papyra'cea,    Ait.       Leaves 
ovate,   acuminate,  doubly  serrate, — 
the   veins   beneath   hirsute,   petioles 
glabrous  ;   lateral  lobes  of  the  fertile 
aments  short,  sub-orbicular. 

PAPER  BETULA.    Paper  Birch.  Canoe 

Birch. 

« 

Stem  40 -60  or  70  feet  high,  and  l-^  or  3 
feet  in  diameter  ;  branches  slender  or  flexi- 
ble,—the  shining  brown  bark  dotted  with 
white.  Leaves  2-3  inches  long  ;  petioles  about 
half  an  inch  long.  Pistillate  aments  about  an 
inch  long,  pendulous  on  a  peduncle  three- 
fourths  of  a:i  inch  in  length. 

New  England  and  Canada.  Fl.  April  -  May . 
Fr.  July -August.  * 

Obs.  This  tree  is  remarkable,  as 
furnishing,  in  its  thin,  firm  and  dura- 
ble bark,  the  material  of  which 
the  Aborigines  of  our  country  made 
their  portable  Canoes.  Various 
other  articles — as  boxes,  baskets,  &c. 
are  manufactured  from  the  bark,  which  readily  separates  into  thin 


FIG.  224.  The  White  Birch  (Betula  alba,  var.  populifolia) 
FIG.  225.  The  Canoe  or  Paper  Birch  (Betula  papyracea). 


326  t        WEEDS    AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 

paper-like  layers.  The  wood  is  valuable  for  some  kinds  of  cabinet  work, 
though  it  is  not  very  durable,  when  exposed  to  the  weather  ;  that  of 
the  heart  is  reddish;  the  sap-wood  white. 

**  Bark  of  the  trunk  reddish-brown  or  yellowish :  petioles  short :  fertile 
catkins  ovoid  oblong,  scarcely  peduncled. 

3.  B,  ni'gra,  L.  Leaves  rhomboid- 
ovate,  acute,  doubly  serrate,  entire  at 
base,  pubescent  beneath ;  scales  of 
the  fertile  aments  villous, — the  lobes 
sub-linear,  obtuse. 

BLACK  BETULA.  Black  Birch.  Red 
Birch. 

Stem  40  -  60  or  70  feet  high,  and  1-2  feet  in 
diameter, — the  young  trees  and  branches  with 
a  smoothish  cinnamon-colored  bark,  the  outer 
layers  of  old  bark  exfoliating  in  thin  revolute 
laminae  or  sheets.  Leaves  1-4  inches  -long  ; 
petioles  1  fourth  to  3  fourths  of  an  inch  in 
length  ;  stipules  small,  oblong-lanceolate.  Stam- 
inate  aments  2-3  inches  long,  flexible  and  pen- 
dulous. Pistillate  aments  about  an  inch  long, 
oblong,  obtuse,  on  short  peduncles  ;  scales 
3-cleft  two-thirds  of  their  length, — the  seg- 
ments equal,  linear  or  spatulatc-linear,  obtuse. 
Nut.  compressed,  ovate,  with  a  membranace- 
ous  margin  which  is  widest  towards  the  base. 

Low  grounds  ;  banks  of  streams  :  Massa- 
chusetts, Southward.  Fl.  April.  Fr.  Aug. 

Obs.  The  timber  is  close-grained*and  durable  when  not  exposed  to 
the  weather.  The  wood  is  said  to  be  highly  valuable  as  fuel.  The 
virgate  branches  were  famous  instruments  in  the  hands  of  pedagogues, 
of  the  olden  time,  in  promoting  good  order  and  a  close  attention  to 
study,  among  the  rising  generation,  to  which  the  poet  PHILLIPS  refers, 
when  he  sings  of 

" afflictive  Birch 


Cursed  by  unlettered  idle  youth." 

But  "  the  march  of  mind,"  in  the  present  day,  has  rendered  such  auxili- 
aries nearly  obsolete !  The  flexible  twigs  of  this  species, — instead  of 
being  used  to  stimulate  idle  boys  to  learn  their  lessons — are  chiefly 
employed  for  making  coarse  brooms,  to  sweep  streets  and  court-yards,  in 
our  cities. 


FIG.  226.  The  Black  or  Red  Birch  (Betula  nigra). 


BIRCH    FAMILY. 


327 


4.  B.  len'ta,  L.  Loaves  cordate- 
oblong,  acuminate,  sharply  serrate, 
hairy  on  the  veins  beneath  ;  scales  of 
the  pistillate  aments  roughish-pubes- 
cent,  —  the  lobes  ovate-lanceolate, 
rather  acute,  prominently  veined. 
SOFT  OR  PLIANT  BETULA.  Sweet 
Birch.  Cherry  Birch. 

Stem  30-60  feet  high,  and  1-2  feet  in 
diameter  ;  branches  numerous,  slender,  pli- 
able, smooth  and  dotted  with  small  white 
scars.  Leaves  3-4  inches  long,  thinnish, 
varying  from  ovate  oblong  to  obovate,  mostly 
somewhat  cordate,  and  often  a  little  unequal 
at  base — the  upper  surface  sprinkled  with 
long  hairs — the  margin  and  nerves  beneath 
hairy  ;  petioles  about  half  an  inch  long,  pilose. 
Staminate  aments  2-3  inches  long,  larger  than 
in  the  preceding  species.  Pistillate  aments 
about  an  inch  long,  and  two  thirds  of  an  inch 
in  diameter  ;  scales  3-cleft  nearly  half  their 
length— the  lobes  prominently  keeled  and 
nerved,  hirsutely  ciliate.  Nut  compressed, 
elliptic-obovate,  acute  at  each  end,  with  a 

membranaceous  margin  which  is  broader  Cowards  the  summit,  and  somewhat  ciliate,  but 
everywhere  narrower  than  in  the  preceding. 

Mountain  forests  :  throughout  the  United  States.     Fl.  April.     Fr.  August. 

Obs.  The  wood  of  this  species  is  colored  reddish, — something  like  that 
of  the  Wild  Cherry  (Cerasus  serotina,  DC.)  ;  and  it  is  used,  like  that,  in 
making  cabinet-ware,  bedsteads,  &c.  The  bark  and  young  twigs  are 
pleasantly  aromatic, — and  were  formerly  employed  in  domestic  brewings, 
diet-drinks,  &c.  The  Yellow  Birch  (  B.  excel'sa,  Ait.),  which  is  com- 
mon northward,  belongs  in  this  group  ;  it  is  readily  distinguished  by  its 
yellowish  silvery  or  pearly  bark. 

2.  AL'NUS,  Tournef.     ALDER. 

[The  Latin  name  for  the  Alder.] 

STAMINATE  AMENTS  somewhat  clustered,  cylindric,  drooping,  with  the 
scales  peltate,  5-bracteolate  beneath,  1 -3-flowered.  Calyx  4-parted. 
Stamens  4,  inserted  at  the  base  of  the  calyx-lobes,  and  opposite  them  ; 
anthers  2-celled.  PISTILLATE  AMENTS  with  the  scales  imbricated,  fleshy, 
2-flowered.  Calyx  of  4  scale-like  sepals,  adhering  to  the  base  of  the 
bracts,  all  persistent  and  becoming  woody  in  fruit.  Ovaries  2  under 
each  scale,  sessile,  2-celled  ;  ovules  solitary,  pendulous  ;  stigmas  2,  fili- 
form. Nuts  angular,  sometimes  winged. 

1.  A.  serrula'ta,  Willd.  Leaves  obovate,  sub-acuminate,  doubly  ser- 
rulate, smooth  and  green  on  both  sides  ;  stipules  oval,  obtuse. 


Fro.  227.  The  Sweet  or  Cherry  Birch  (Betula  lenta). 


328  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

SERRULATE  ALNUS.     Common  Alder.     Candle  Alder. 

Stem  3-10  or  12  feet  high,  and  half  an  inch  -1  or  2  inches  in  diameter,  with  crooked 
and  rather  rigid  branches.  Leaves  2-4  inches  long,  strongly  nerved,  sub-plicate,  thick 
and  subcoriaceous,  smoothish  ;  petioles  about  half  au  inch  long.  Staminate  aments  one  and 
a  half  to  near  3  inches  long,  cylindrical,  slender,  flaccid,  pendulous  and  sub-fasciculate 
near  the  ends  of  the  branches  ;  scales  reddish-brown  ;  anthers  yellow.  Pistillate  aments 
half  an  inch  to  near  an  inch  long,  oblong,  rigid,  dark  purplish-brown,  persistent,  on  short 
lateral  branches  below  the  staminate  ones — when  in  flower,  bristled  with  the  dark-purple 
exserted  stigmas. 

Swamps  and  margins  of  rivulets  :  throughout  the  United  States.  Fl.  March  -  April. 
Fr.  October. 

Obs.  This  shrub  is  of  little  or  no  value, — and  is  only  noticeable  as  a 
frequent  intruder  in  swampy  meadows,  and  along  rivulets, — where,  if 
neglected,  the  bushy  growth  soon  gives  the  premises  a  slovenly  appear- 
ance. It  is  true,  the  Alders  often  make  a  comfortable  shade  for  the 
trout,  in  the  little  pools  of  our  meadow  rivulets ;  but  the  tidy  farmer 
likes  to  keep  even  the  margins  of  those  streams  clear  of  weeds  and 
bushes.  The  Speckled  Alder  (A.  incana,  Willd.)  is  found  in  similar 
situations  in  New-England  and  northward.  It  is  distinguished  from  the 
Common  Alder  by  the  polished  appearance  of  its  bark,  and  the  whitened 
under  surface  of  its  leaves. 

ORDER  LXX.     SALICA'CE^E,     (WILLOW  FAMILY.) 

Trees  or  shrubs,  with  alternate  simple  leaves,  persistent  and  leaf-like  or  scaly  and  deciduous 
stipules  and  dioecious  flowers  in  aments  with  1-tlowcred  bracts.  Calyx  and  corolla  none.  Sta- 
mens 1-many.  Ovary  1-celled,  or  imperfectly  2-celled,  mtmy-oculed ;  styles  2,  very  short, 
or  more  or  less  united  ;  stigmas  2-lobed.  Fruit  a  2-valved  pod  with  numerous  seeds, 
clothed  with  a  long  silky  down. 

1.  SA'LIX,  Tournef.     WILLOW. 

[The  ancient  classical  name.] 

Aments  with  the  scales  or  bracts  entire.  STAMINATE  FL.  of  2  -  6  stamens 
accompanied  by  1  or  2  little  glands.  PISTILLATE  FL.  with  a  small 
gland  at  the  base  of  the  ovary  on  the  inner  side  ;  stigmas  short.  Trees 
or  shrubs  with  numerous  round  flexible  branches  ;  leaves  usually  long  and 
narrow,  entire  or  glandular-serrate,  from  buds  covered  by  a  single  scale. 
*  Aments  appearing  before  the  leaves,  lateral  and  sessile :  stamens  2. 

1.  S.  VIMINA'LIS,  L.     Leaves  linear  lanceolate,  very  long  and  taper- 
pointed,  white  and  satiny  beneath  ;   ovary  sessile,  long  and  narrow, 
woolly  or  silky. 
Osier.     Basket  Willow. 

A  large  shrub  or  small  bushy  tree,  with  long,  straight  and  slender  branches,  the  young 
twigs  yellowish  and  pubescent.  Leaves  3-6  inches  long,  of  a  satiny  lustre  beneath.  Aments 
cylindrical  ovoid,  densely  clothed  with  long  silky  hair. 

Wet  meadows  and  cultivated.     Native  of  Europe.     Fl.  April. 

Obs.  This  species,  the  common  Osier  of  Europe,  is  cultivated  to  some 
extent  for  its  long  flexible  branches  which  are  wrought  into  baskets. 


WILLOW    FAMILY.  329 

The  most  of  the  Osier  used  in  this  country  is  imported  ;  the  labor  required 
in  peeling  the  twigs  will  probably  prevent  that  raised  in  this  country 
from  successfully  competing  with  the  foreign  article. 

**  Aments  produced  with  the  leaves  at  the  summit  of  short  lateral  leafy 
branches,  peduncled,  long  and  loose :  branches  brittle  at  base. 

f  Ovary  sessile,  smooth  :  stamens  2. 

2.  S.  al'ba,  L.    Leaves  elliptic-lanceolate, 
acuminate,    denticulate,    silky    glaucous 
beneath  ;  stipules  lanceolate  ;  styles  short 
WHITE  SALIX.     White  Willow. 

Stem  30-60  feet  high,  much  branched  :  branches 
rather  erect,  with  a  pale  greenish-yellow  bark. 
Leaves  2-4  inches  long,  the  lower  teeth  glandular  ; 
petioles  1-2  lines  in  length.  Pistillate  aments  2-3 
inches  long,  greenish. 

About  houses,  &c.  Native  of  Europe.  Fl.  April. 

229 

Obs.  The  White  Willow,  if  I  mistake  not,  is  the  one  which  is  pre- 
ferred, and  cultivated,  by  the  manufacturers  of  Gun  Powder,  for  the 
purpose  of  making  charcoal.  It  was  introJuccd  as  a  shade  tree  about 
our  old  settlements,  but  is  now  generally  superseded  by  the  Weeping 
Willow.  It  is  however  partly  naturalized  in  some  localities.  The  var. 
vitellina, — Yellow  Willow  or  Golden  Osier, — has  orange-yellow  branches 
and  rather  shorter  and  broader  leaves  ;  it  is  often  seen,  as  a  shade  tree, 
and  partly  naturalized. 

ff  Ovary  stalked,  smooth :  stamens  2-6. 

3.  S.  fra'gilis,  var.  Russelliana,  Carey.     Leaves  lanceolate,  acuminate, 
serrate-dentate  with  the  teeth  incurved,  somewhat  glaucous  beneath,  and 
slightly  silky  while  young  ;    stipules  half  heart-shaped ;   styles  con- 
spicuous. 

Brittle  Salix.     Bedford  Willow. 

Stem  30-50  feet  high  ;  branches  rather  erect  with  a  greenish-brown  smooth  bark,  some- 
what pubescent  when  young,  remarkably  brittle  at  base.  Leaves  2-4  inches  long,  acute 
at  each  end,  finally  smooth  ;  petioles  2-6  lines  in  length,  glandular  and  somewhat  pubes- 
cent. Pistillate  aments  2-2%  inches  long.  Pods  tawny-green. 

Low  grounds.    Native  of  England.     Fl.  May. 

Obs.  This  is  one  of  the  species  cultivated  for  basket  work. 

4.  S.  BABYLO'NICA,  L.     Young  branches  very  slender,  flaccid  and  pendu- 
lous ;   leaves  linear-lanceolate,  acuminate,  sharply  serrulate  or  nearly 
entire  ;  stipules  minute,  ovate,  glandular-dentate  ;  aments  recurved. 
BABYLONIAN  SALIX.     Weeping  Willow.     Drooping  Willow. 

FIG.  228.  Staminate  flower  of  the  White  Willow  (Salix  alba) ,  consisting  of  two  stamens 
with  a  gland  at  the  base,  borne  on  a  scale  of  the  ament.  229.  A  pistillate  flower,  an 
ovary  with  a  gland  upon  a  scale  of  the  ament. 


330  WEEDS   AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 

Stem  30  -  50  feet  high,  and  2  -3  or  4  feet  in  diameter  at  base,  widely  branching  above, — 
the  young  branches  greenish,  very  numerous,  slender,  long  and  perpendicularly  pendent. 
Leaves  2-4  or  5  inches  long,  narrow-lanceolate,  the  larger  ones  with  a  long  acuminatum, 
smooth  ;  petioles  1-2  lines  long.  Pistillate  aments  about  an  inch  long,  mostly  ascending 
or  turned  up,  on  the  pendulous  branches  ;  scales  lanceolate,  smooth. 

About  houses  :  introduced.     Fl.  April.     Fr. 

Obs.  This  elegant  and  interesting  species — a  native  of  the  East — is 
deservedly  admired,  and  much  cultivated,  as  a  shade  tree.  The  pistillate 
plant,  only,  has  been  introduced  to  this  country.  Its  specific  name  was 
given,  by  LINNAEUS,  under  the  idea  that  it  might  be  the  tree  so  touch- 
ingly  referred  to  in  the  137th  Psalm  : — "  By  the  rivers  of  Babylon, 
there  we  sat  down  ;  yea,  we  wept,  when  we  remembered  Zion.  We 
hanged  our  harps  upon  the  Willows  in  the  midst  thereof."  There  are 
many  others  of  this  difficult  genus,  mostly  native  species,  abundant  in 
low  grounds  ;  they  are  mostly  low  shrubs,  and  though  great  puzzles  to 
the  botanist,  are  of  but  little  interest  to  the  farmer. 

2.  PO^'ULUS.  Tournef.     POPLAR. 

[Latin,  Populus,  the  people  ;  the  tree  of  'the people  ;  being  used  to  shade  public  walks.] 

Aments  with  laciniate  or  fringed  bracts.  Calyx  subturbinate, — the 
limb  oblique,  lengthened  in  front,  entire,  surrounding  the  stamens  or 
pistil.  Stamens  8-12,  or  more; — the  filaments  free.  Stigmas  2,  elon- 
gated. Capsu'c  1-celled,  2-valved.  Trees  with  more  or  less  angular, 
often  stoutish,  branches  ;  buds  with  numerous  scales  covered  with  a  res- 
inous varnish,  and  usually  broad,  more  or  less  heart-shaped  leaves  on 
long  laterally-compressed  petioles.  Flowers  in  long  pendulous  aments 
appearing  before  the  leaves, — bracts  and  calyx  similar  in  both  kinds. 

1.  P.  tremuloi'des,  MX.  Leaves  cordate-orbicular,  abruptly  acuminate, 
unequally  dentate-serrulate,  pubescent  on  the  margin  ;  bracts  deeply  3  - 
4-lobed,  divisions  linear. 

TREMULA-LIKE  POPULUS.     American  Aspen. 

Stem  30-50  or  60  feet  high,  and  12-18  inches  h)  diameter,  with  a  smoothish  cinereous 
bark.  Leaves  about  2  inches  in  length,  and  rather  wider  than  long  ;  petioles  2-3  inches 
long,  slender,  smooth,  snbterete  towards  the  base,  laterally  compressed  or  vertically 
dilated  near  the  leaf,  which  disposes  the  leaf  to  be  agitated  by  the  slightest  motion  of  the 
air.  Pistillate  agents  3  -  4  or  5  inches  long. 

Low  swampy  grounds  :  Northern  and  Middle  States.    Fl.  April.    Fr.  May. 

06s.  This  is  a  rather  pretty  tree, — and  is  occasionally  planted  about 
houses  and  lawns,  for  shade  and  ornament.  It  is  admired  for  the  ex- 
treme mobility  of  its  leaves ;  and  is,  moreover,  in  considerable  repute 
for  the  tonic  properties  of  its  bark.  The  large-toothed  Aspen,  or  Large 
Poplar  (P.  grandidentata,  MX.)  is  common  northward ;  it  is  a  larger 
tree  than  the  preceding  and  differs  from  it  in  having  much  larger,  round- 
ish and  coarsely-toothed  leaves,  and  the  scales  of  the  aments  cut  into  5 
or  6  unequal  small  lobes. 


WILLOW    FAMILY.  331 

2.  P.  monilif  era.  Ait.     Leaves  broadly  deltoid,  with  spreading  promi- 
nent nerves,  slightly  heart-shaped  or  truncate  at  base  ;  scales  lacerate 
fringed,  not  hairy. 
NECKLACE-BEARING  POPLAR.     Cotton-wood. 

Trunk  40  -  80  feet  or  more  in  height ;  the  young  shoots  slightly  angled.  Leaves  2-3  inches 
long,  and  about  the  same  width,  serrate  on  the  margin  with  cartilaginous,  incurved  and 
slightly  hairy  teeth.  Stigmas  nearly  sessile,  very  large  and  dilated. 

Margins  of  streams  :  especially  Westward.    April. 


Obs.  This  tree  has  a  wide  range,  being  found  from  the  Atlantic  to  the 
Pacific.-  This  and  other  species  are  popularly  known  as  Cotton-woods, 
and  in  many  regions  form  almost  the  only  timber.  It  gets  its  specific 
name  from  the  resemblance  of  the  long  amcrit  of  ripened  fruit  to  a  string 
of  beads  or  necklace.  Another  of  the  Cotton-woods  of  the  West  and 
South  is  P.  angulata,  Alt.,  which  has  its  branches  acutely  angled  or 
winged  ;  both  this  and  the  preceding  bear  very  large  heart-shaped  leaves, 
7-8  inches  in  length  on  the  yourig  plants  and  suckers,  while  on  the  old 
trees  they  are  only  about  one  quarter  that  size  and  not  often  heart- 
shaped  at  base. 

3.  P.  GR^'CA,  Ait.    Branches  terete ;  leaves  cordate-ovate,  acuminate, 
obsoletely  serrate,  somewhat  ciliate. 
GRECIAN  POPULUS.    Athenian  Poplar. 

Stem  30-50  feet  high,  and  1-2  feet  in  diameter,  with  irregular  and  rather  spreading 
branches.  Leaves  4-6  or  8  inches  in  length,  and  as  wide  as  long  ;  pdinles  l%-3  inches 
long,  laterally  compressed  near  the  leaf.  Pistillate  aments  3-6  inches  long. 

About  houses  :  cultivated.     Native  of  Greece.     Fl.  April.     Fr. 

Obs.  This  species  was  introduced,  as  a  shade  tree,  about  40  years  ago  ; 
but  it  was  not  generally  adopted, — and  is  now  nearly  superseded  by 
more  eligible  ones.  We  have  only  the  pistillate  plant  in  this  country  ; 

FIG.  230.  The  Cotton-wood  (Populus  monilifera).  231.  A  fringed  scale  from  a  stamiuate 
ament.  232.  Portion  of  a  fertile  ament. 


332  WEEDS   AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

and  the  cotton  which  is  shed  from  the  capsules  is  so  abundant  as  to 
render  the  tree  objectionable,  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  dwellings.  It 
is  stated  in  SELBY'S  History  of  British  Forest  Trees  (1842)  that  the 
North  American  Continent  is  probably  the  "  real  native  country  "  of 
this  Poplar.  If  so,  AITON'S  specific  name  (Graca)  was  an  unfortunate 
misnomer ;  a  mistake,  however,  not  uncommon  in  vulgar  names. 

4.  P.  DILATA'TA,  Ait.    Leaves  much  dilated,  nearly  deltoid,  acuminate, 
serrate,  glabrous  on  both  sides. 

DILATED  POPULUS.     Lombardy  Poplar.     Italian  Poplar. 

Fr.   Peuplier  Italien.     Ger.  Lombardische  Pappel.    Span.  Alamo  de 

Lombardia. 

Stem  60  -  80  feet  high,  and  1  -  2  or  3  feet  in  diainuter  ;  branches  numerous,  nearly  erect, 
forming  a  close  conical  symmetrical  top.  Leaves  2-3  inches  long,  and  wider  than  long  ; 
petioles  about  2  inches  long,  laterally  compressed  near  the  leaf.  Staminate  aments  2-3 
inches  long. 

About  houses  and  along  avenues  :  cultivated.     I\Tative  of  Italy.     Fl.  April.     Fr. 

Obs.  This  was  a  favorite  ornamental  tree,  for  a  number  of  years  ;  but 
a  more  correct  taste  has  prevailed  of  late  years,  and  we  no  longer  see 
the  long  avenues  of  these  stiff  ungraceful  trees  that  were  formerly  so 
common.  Mr.  WATSON,  in  his  Annals  of  Philadelphia,  says  it  was  in- 
troduced to  that  city,  from  England,  in  the  year  1784,  by  WILLIAM 
HAMILTON,  Esq.,  of  the  "  Woodlands,"  west  side  of  the  river  Schuylkill. 
The  Botanical  Editor  of  Rees's  Cyclopaedia,  however,  thinks  they  have 
only  the  pistillate  plant  in  England, — whereas  it  was  the  staminate  plant 
that  was  introduced  by  Mr.  HAMILTON  ;  and  he  may  have  procured  it 
from  Italy.  All  the  Lombardy  Poplars  that  are,  or  have  been,  in  the 
U.  States,  may  be  considered  as  elongations,  branches,  or  offsets,  of 
the  tree  from  which  Mr.  HAMILTON  obtained  his  specimen. 

5.  P.  AL'BA,  L.      Leaves  roundish   heart-shaped,   or   often   3-lobed, 
coarsely  toothed,  smooth  and  green  above,  mostly  white  and  densely  to- 
mentose  beneath. 

WHITE  POPULUS.     Silver  Poplar.     Abele-tree. 

Stem  30  -  60  feet  high,  with  spreading  branches  and  smooth  greyish-white  bark.  Leaves 
2-3  inches  long, — sometimes  glabrous  on  both  sides  when  old  ;  petioles  1-2  inches  in 
length.  Aments  1-2  inches  long,  the  bracts  finely  laciniate  and  ciliate  with  white  hairs. 

0!>s.  This  species  is  often  cultivated  as  a  shade-tree.  In  point  of 
beauty  it  bears  no  comparison  with  numbers  of  the  natives  of  our  own 
forest,  while  the  numerous  suckers  which  it  sends  up  make  it  a  real  nui- 
sance. Some  of  the  grass-plats  in  the  public  squares  of  New  York  have 
been  quite  overrun  by* the  wide-spreading  suckers  of  this  tree ;  even  in 
closely-paved  streets  they  work  their  way  up  between  the  stones.  It 
should  be  discarded  altogether. 

The  Balsam  Poplar  (p,  balsamifera,£.)  and  its  variety  candicans, 
are  found  in  the  northern  portions  of  the  Union  ;  they  have  their  large 
buds  covered  with  a  fragrant  resin  or  varnish.  A  tincture  of  the  buds 


PINE    FAMILY.  333 

is  often  made  by  the  country  people  to  apply  to  cuts  and  wounds,  and  is 
highly  valued  by  those  who  like  to  see  how  such  things  will  heal  in  spite 
of  useless  applications.  The  var.  candi'cans,  called  Balm  of  Gilead,  is 
frequently  cultivated,  as  its  fragrance  in  spring  is  exceedingly  agreeable. 

SUB-CLASS  II. 

GYMNOSPER'MOUS  EXOGENOUS  PLANTS. 

PISTIL  represented  by  an  open  scale  or  leaf,  or  sometimes  entirely  want- 
ing ;  the  ovules  and  seeds  consequently  naked  (i.  e.  without  a  proper 
pericarp)  ;  style  and  stigma  none,  fertilization  taking  place  by  a  direct 
application  of  the  pollen  to  the  ovules.  Cotyledons  often  more  then  two. 

ORDER  LXXI.     CONIF'ER^E.     (PINE  FAMILY.) 

Trees  or  shrubs  with  resinous  juice,  needle-shaped  or  awl-shaped  leaves  and  monoecious  or 
dioecious  flowers  in  aments,  without  calyx  and  corolla.  Ovules  straight.  Embryo  in  the  axis 
ol  fleshy  and  oily  albumen. 

A  valuable  and  very  interesting  Order  of  peculiar  Botanical  character,  comprising  some 
of  the  most  magnificent  trees  known,  and  valuable  for  their  timber  as  well  as  for  their 
l)rod  ucts,  which  include  the  turpentines,  resins,  pitch,  tar,  &c.  The  woody  fibre  of  the 
plants  of  this  order,  under  a  high  magnifying  power,  exhibits  peculiar  circular  disks  or 
markings. 

PINE  SUB-FAMILY. 

Fertile  flowers  in  aments,  consisting  of  numerous  persistent  carpellary  scales,  each  scale 
subtended  by  a  bract  ;  forming  in  fruit  a  strobile  or  cone.     Ovules  2  at  the  base  of  each 
carpellary  scale,  their  orifice  turned  downwards.     Seeds  winged.     Buds  scaly. 
Leaves  2-5  in  a  cluster,  from  the  axil  of  a  thin  scale,  needle-shaped, 

evergreen.  1.  Fixes. 

Leaves  all  scattered  on  the  branches,  evergreen.  2.  ABIES. 

Leaves  many  in  a  cluster  on  side-spurs,  and  scattered  along  the  shoots 

of  the  season,  mostly  falling  in  autumn.  x         3.  LARIX. 

CYPRESS  SUB-FAMILY. 

Fertile  aments,  consisting  of  a  few  carpellary  scales,  without  bracts, 

with  one   or  several  erect  ovules  at  their  base.      Fruit  a  roundish 

strobile  or  drupe-like.     Buds  naked. 

*  Flowers  monoecious.     Strobile  dry,  opening  at  maturity. 

Fruit  of  few  oblong  nearly  flat  loose  scales.     Ovules  2.     Leaves  ever- 

green, scale-like,  closely  imbricated  on  the  flattened  branches.  4.  THUJA. 

Fruit  woody  and  round  ;  scales  shield-shaped.     Seeds  2  ormore.onthe 

stalk  of  each  scale.     Leaves  evergreen,  scale-like  or  awl-shaped.          5.  CUPRESSTTS. 
Fruit  round  and  woody  ;  scales  shield-shaped  and  thickened.     Seeds  2 

on  the  base  of  each  scale.      Leaves  falling  in  autumn,  linear,  2- 

ranked.  6.  TAXODIUM. 

**  Flowers  mostly  dioecious.    Fruit  berry-like,  not  opening  at  matu- 

rity. 
Fruit  3-6  coalescent  1-3-ovuled  scales,  becoming  fleshy.  7.  JUNIFERUS. 

YEW  SUB-FAMILY. 

Fertile  flower  solitary,  consisting  of  a  naked  ovule  ripening  into  a  nut- 


ere    ower  soary,  conssng  o    a  nae    ovue  rpe 
like  or  drupe-like  seed.     Ovary  entirely  wanting.     Buds  scaly. 
Ovule  erect,  surrounded  at  the  base  by  an  annular  disk,  which  forms 

a  berry-like  cup  around  the  nut-like  seed.    Leaves  evergreen,  linear.    8.  TAXUS. 
Ovule,  &c.,  nearly  as  in  Taxus  :  leaves  broadly  deltoid,  deciduous  9.  SAIJSRCRIA. 


334 


WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 


1.   PI'NUS,  L.    PINE. 

[The  classical  Latin  name.] 

Flowers  monoecious.  STAMINATE  AMENTS  clustered  in  terminal  spikes. 
Stamens  numerous,  inserted  on  the  axis ;  anthers  subsessile,  2-celled, 
opening  lengthwise,  covered  at  apex  by  the  dilated  scale-like  connective. 
FERTILE  AMENTS  solitary  or  clustered  ;  the  carpellary  scales  with  de- 
ciduous bracts  and  each  bearing  a  pair  of  inverted  ovules  at  its  base. 
Fruit  a  cone  formed  of  the  woody  scales  which  are  thickened  at  apex 
(except  in  the  White  Pines),  persistent  and  spreading  when  ripe  and 
dry  ;  the  nut-like  seeds  partly  sunk  in  an  excavation  at  the  base  of  each 
scale,  and  winged  by  an  adhering  portion  of  its  lining.  Cotyledons  3-12, 
linear.  Trees  with  leaves  in  bundles  of  2  -  5,  needle-shaped,  each  fascicle 
from  the  axils  of  a  chaffy  scale.  Fruit  generally  maturing  in  the  au- 
tumn of  the  second  year  after  flowering. 


*  Leaves  2-3  (rarely  4)   in  a  sheath :  bark  rough :  cones  woody,  scales 
thickened  at  me  end  and  mostly  tipped  with  a  spine. 

f  Leaves  in  twos,  except  in  No.  3. 

1,    P.  in'ops,  Ait.    Leaves  rather  short ;  strobiles  oblong  ovoid,  often 
curved ;  spines  of  the  scales  slender  and  straight. 


FIG.  233.  A  branch  of  a  Pine  with  stamiuate  amonts  at  the  top.  234.  A  stamen.  235. 
A  branch  with  pistillate  aments  at  the  apex  and  the  fruit  (cone)  below.  236.  A  scale 
from  the  fertile  ament  with  two  ovules  at  its  base.  237.  Scale  from  a  ripe  cone,  with  one 
of  the  two  seeds  removed.  238.  The  germinating  embryo  of  a  Pine,  with  several  cotyle- 
dons. 


PINE   FAMILY.  335 

POOR  OR  DESTITUTE  PINUS.    Jersey  or  Scrub  Pine. 

Stem  15-40  feet  high,  with  straggling  branches.    Leaves  \%  to  near  3  inches  long, 
Staminate  aments  oblong-ovoid,  violet-purple.     Cones  2-4  inches  long. 
Barren  hills,  &c.     New  Jersey,  southward. 

06s.  The  wood  of  this  tree  is  said  to  be  of  but  little  value. 

2.  P.   resino'sa,    Ait.    Leaves  from  long  sheaths,  semi-cylindrical; 
scales  of  the  cones  pointless. 

RESINOUS  PINUS.     Red  Pine. 

Trunk  70  -  80  feet  in  height  and  of  a  nearly  uniform  diameter  for  two-thirds  of  its  length  ; 
the  bark  reddish.  Leaves  5-6  inches  long,  dark  green.  Cones  about  2  inches  long,  some- 
times in  clusters. 

New  England  to  Pennsylvania,  north  and  west. 

06s.  This  tree  is  known  in  New  England  as  the  Norway  Pine,  a 
name  which  is  applied  in  Europe  to  quite  another  tree.  The  wood  is 
valuable,  though  less  so  than  that  of  the  Pitch  Pine. 

3.  P,  mi'tis,  MX.    Leaves  in  pairs,  often  in  threes,  slender,  channelled, 
from  long  sheaths  ;  cones  ovoid-conical,  small ;  scales  with  a  small,  weak 
prickle. 

SOFT  PINUS.    Yellow  Pine  (of  the  North). 

Stem  40  -  60  or  80  feet  high,  and  1-2  feet  or  more  in  diameter,  with  the  bark  in  rather 
broad  flat  scales.  Leaves  3-  5  inches  long,  slender,  linear,  dark  green,  mostly  in  pairs 
(sometimes  in  threes,  ou  young  branches).  Strobiles  (or  cones)  2-3  inches  long. 

New  England  to  Wisconsin  and  south  ;  abundant  in  New  Jersey. 

06s.  This  tree  affords  valuable  lumber, — and  is  much  employed  in 
the  construction  of  houses,  and  merchant  vessels  ;  but  is  much  inferior 
in  qualits  to  the  Yellow  Pine  of  the  South. 

ff  Leaves  in  threes,  (rarely  sometimes  in  fours.} 

4.  P.  rig'ida,  Miller.     Leaves  rigid,  from  very  short  sheaths ;  cones 
ovoid-conical  or  ovate,  often  clustered;  scales  with  a  short  and  stout 
recurved  prickle. 

RIGID  PINUS.     Pitch  Pine. 

Tmnfc30-60  feet  high,  rugged  and  knotty  from  the  bases  of  fallen  branches.     Leaves 
3-5  inches  long,  dark  green,  flattish.     Cones  1-3%  inches  long. 
Sterile  soil :  New  England,  southward. 

06s.  This  species  in  barren  and  sandy  districts  forms  woods  where 
scarcely  any  other  tree  will  grow.  The  wood  is  hard  and  filled  with  re- 
sin, and  when  it  can  be  obtained  free  from  knots,  it  forms  valuable  lum- 
ber for  many  purposes.  It  is  used  to  some  extent  in  ship  building,  and 
largely  consumed  as  fuel, — especially  for  steam-engines. 

5.  P.  tse'da,  L.    Leaves  long  and  rigid,  with  elongated  sheaths :  cones 
oblong  ;  the  scales  with  a  short  incurved  spine. 

Loblolly  or  Old  Field  Pine. 


336  WEEDS   AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 

Trunk  50-100  feet  high,  with  a  thick,  coarse,  deeply-furrowed  bark.     Leaves  6-10 
inches  long,  light  green.     Cones  2-5  inches  long. 
Virginia  and  southward. 

Ob".  A  much  more  abundant  and  less  valuable  tree  than  the  next ; 
its  wood  containing  much  less  resin.  According  to  Elliott,  "  its  seed 
is  dispersed  so  easily  and  so  universally  over  the  country,  that  all  lands 
which  are  thrown  out  of  cultivation  are  immediately  covered  with  this 
tree." 

6.  P.  pains 'tris,  L.    Leaves  fasciculate  in  threes,  very  long  ;  scales  of 
the  branches  pinnatifid,  portions  of  them  persistent ;  strobiles  elongat- 
ed, conoid, — the  scales  armed  with  small  recurved  spines. 

MAKSH  PINUS.    Yellow  Pine  (of  the  South).     Long-leaved  Pine. 

Stem  80-100  feet  high,  and  2-3  or  4  feet  in  diameter,  with  a  smoothish  bark— the 
branches  rough  with  the  persistent  remains  of  the  stipules  (stipules  ramentaceous). 
Leaves  9-15  inches  long.  Strobiles  6-9  inches  long. 

Sandy  soils  :  Virginia  to  Florida.     Fl  April.     Fr.  August -September. 

Obs.  This  is  a  most  important  and  valuable  species.  It  yields  the 
firmest  and  most  durable  lumber,  for  house  and  ship  building,  of  any  of 
the  genus.  The  superior  "  heart-pine  "  boards,  for  flooring,  &c.,  and  the 
string  pieces  for  railroads  (where  a  wooden  superstructure  is  used),  are 
furnished  by  this  tree.  "  From  the  sap  of  the  living  tree,"  says  Mr.  EL- 
LIOTT, "  most  of  the  turpentine  of  commerce  is  obtained."  Tar  is  pro- 
cured by  charring  the  wood  and  roots  of  this,  and  other  species,  by 
a  smothered  fire,  which  melts  the  turpentine  and  mixes  it  with  the  sap 
and  juices  of  the  wood.  Pitch  is  the  residuum,  left  by  boiling  tar  until 
the  watery  portion  is  driven  off.  The  ground  where  this  tree  prevails, 
becomes  tnickly  covered  by  the  long  leaves — which  the  Southern  people 
call  straw. 

*  *  Leaves  in  Jives :  bark  smooth :  scales  of  the  cones  neither  thickened  nor 
prickly-pointed  at  the  end. 

7.  P.  Stro'bus,  L.     Leaves  scarcely  sheathed  at  base,  long  and  slender  ; 
strobiles  oblong,  sub-cylindric,  nodding. 

White  Pine.     Weymouth  Pine.     New  England  Pine. 

Stem  60  or  80-120  feet  or  more  in  height,  and  2-4  or  5  feet  in  diameter,  straight  and 
with  a  smooth  bark — especially  while  young  ;  branches  verticillate,  slender,  rather  few 
and  those  near  the  summit  when  the  trees  are  crowded.  Leaves  3-5  or  6  inches  long, 
linear,  bluish  or  glaucous-green.  Strobile  3-5  inches  long,  somewhat  curved  ;  scales 
cuneate-obovate. 

Rich  soils,  bottom  lands,  along  streams,  &c.:  Canada  to  Virginia.  FL  May.  Fr.  Aug.  - 
September. 

Obs.  This  is  also  a  most  valuable  tree, — furnishing  an  immense  amount 
of  lumber,  in  the  form  of  boards  and  scantling, — and,  of  late  years  — 
since  the  Cypress  has  become  somewhat  scarce  and  dear — it  is  exten- 
sively wrought  into  shingles.  Being  fine-grained,  and  comparatively 
free  from  turpentine,  the  White  Pine  is  much  used  for  the  interior  wood- 
work of  houses — except  floors, — for  which  purpose  it  is  rather  soft. 


PINE   FAMILY.  337 

2.  A'BIES,  Tournef.     SPRUCE.    FIR. 

[The  classical  Latin  name.] 

Slaminate  aments  scattered,  or  clustered  near  the  ends  of  the  branchlets. 
Cones  with  thin  and  flat  scales,  not  thickened  nor  spine-pointed  at  the 
apex.  Seeds  with  a  persistent  wing.  Trees  with  solitary,  scattered, 
short  and  rather  rigid  evergreen  leaves,  which  are  frequently  2-ranked. 

*  Cones  lateral,  erect,  the  scales  falling  from  the  axis  at  maturity :  leaves 
flat,  becoming  2-ranked,  white  underneath,  blunt  or  notched  at  me  apex.  t 

1.  A.  balsa'mea,  Marshall.    Leaves  narrowly  linear  ;  cones  cylindrical, 
large  ;  bracts  obovate,  serrulate,  mucronate,  slightly  projecting,  appressed. 

BALSAMIC  ABIES.     Balsam  Fir.    Balm  of  Gilead  Fir. 

Trunk  40  -  60  feet  high,  with  symmetrical  branches,  forming  a  conical  top  ;  Zxzrfc  smooth- 
ish,  containing  numerous  small  sacs  or  blisters,  filled  with  a  transparent  liquid  resin. 
Leaves  about  %  of  an  inch  long,  light  green  above.  Cones  3-4  inches  long  and  about  an 
inch  broad,  violet  purple  ;  the  scales  broad,  rounded,  thin  and  handsomely  imbricated. 

Cold  woods  and  swamps  ;  northward. 

Obs.  A  quick-growing  but  short-lived  tree,  which  is  very  handsome 
when  young,  but  becomes  rugged  and  unsightly  when  old.  It  is  fre- 
quently cultivated  about  houses,  for  ornament,  and  -is  easily  transplant- 
ed. The  resinous  liquid  which  is  contained  in  the  blisters  in  the  bark, 
known  as  Canada,  or  Fir  Balsam,  is  procured  by  puncturing  the  reser- 
voirs and  catching  the  liquid  as  it  exudes  ;  it  is  very  transparent,  and  of 
a  syrupy  consistence,  and  is  employed  in  making  delicate  varnishes,  and 
to  a  limited  extent  in  medicine.  The  wood  of  the  tree  is  of  but  little 
value.  The  nearly  related  A.  Fraseri,  Pursh. — the  Double  Balsam  Fir — 
is  found  in  Pennsylvania,  and  southward  upon  the  mountains  ;  it  differs 
from  the  foregoing,  in  its  smaller  fruit,  1-2  inches  long — which  has  ob- 
long wedge-shaped  bracts,  with  projecting  and  reflexed  points ;  it  also 
yields  balsam.  * 

*  *  Cones  terminal,  hanging:  scales  not  falling  from  the  axis. 
f  Leaves  flat,  1-ranked,  whitened  beneath. 

2.  A,   Canaden'sis,    MX.    Young  branches  slender,  drooping ;  cones 
elliptic-ovoid,  small. 

CANADIAN  ABIES.     Hemlock  Spruce.     Hemlock. 

Stem  40-fiO  or  70  feet  high,  and  1-2  or  3  feet  in  diameter,  but  tapering  rapidly  near 
the  top,  with  long  horizontal  or  often  rather  depending  branches,  which  are  slender  and 
flaccid  while  young.  Leaves  half  an  inch  to  three  quarters  in  length,  shining  green  above, 
bluish-glaucous  beneath.  Staminate  flowers  in  small  roundish-ovoid  pedunculate  aments, 
which  are  racemosoly  arranged  around,  and  near  the  ends  of  the  slender  branches. 
ftt mini™  terminal,  somewhat  pendulous,  about  an  inch  long,  bluish-glaucous  when  young, 
finally  pale  brown  or  ferruginous  ;  scales  obovate,  concave,  with  the  apex  rounded,  thin 
and  entire. 

Mountains  and  rocky  banks,  along  streams  :  throughout  the  United  States.  Fl.  May. 
Fr.  August  -  September. 

15 


338  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

Obs.  This  tree  is  so  generally  diffused  throughout  Northern  America, 
that  it  has  been  adopted,  as  emblematic,  in  Vignettes  on  maps,  and  other 
devices,  having  reference  to  the  country.  It  does  not,  however,  afford  a 
very  valuable  timber, — though  frequently  sawed  into  scantling,  and  oth- 
er lumber.  The  bark  is  much  used,  in  the  Northern  States,  in  the  pro- 
cess of  tanning ;  and  MARSHALL  informs  us,  that  the  Aborigines  used 
it  to  dye  their  splints,  for  baskets,  of  a  red  color.  The  tree  bears  prun- 
ing well,  and  makes  a  very  excellent  hedge  or  screen  for  the  protection 
of  delicate  plants,  in  those  localities  where  strong  winds  prevail. 

•ff  Leaves  k-angled,  equally  distributed  around  the  branch. 

3.  A.  EXCEL'SA,  DC.      Branchlets  pendulous ;  cones  cylindrical,  very 
long  ;  scales  rhomboid,  somewhat  wavy  on  the  edge  and  slightly  lacerate 
at  the  tapering  apex 

TALL  OR  LOFTY  ABIES.    Norway  Spruce  or  Fir. 

Trunk  60-80  feet  or  more  high.  Leaves  about  an  inch  long,  scattered  but  inclined  to  be 
2-ranked.  Cones  5-9  inches  long,  nearly  cylindrical,  light  brown  ;  seed  with  one  edge  of 
the  wing  a  little  thicker,  like  a  maple  key. 

Cultivated.    Native  of  northern  Europe. 

06s.  This  stately  solemn-looking  tree,  with  its  numerous  dark  green 
waving  branchlets  is  now  much  planted  for  ornament,  and  is  said  to 
flourish  better  than  most  of  our  native  species.  The  Burgundy  Pitch  of 
the  shops  is  believed  to  be  furnished  by  this  species. 

4.  A.  ni'gra,  Poir.    Leaves  short,  rigid,  dark  green  ;  cones  ovate  or 
ovate-oblong ;  scales  with  a  thin  wavy  eroded  edge. 

BLACK  ABIES.     Black  Spruce.     Double  Spruce. 

Trunk  30  -  60  feet  or  more  high,  with  a  handsome  conical  top.     Leaves  %  -  %  of  an  inch 
long.     Cones  1-2  inches  long. 
New  England  and  northward. 

Obs.  Cultivated  as  an  ornamental  shade  tree.  The  young  shoots  are 
used  to  give  the  flavor  to  Spruce  Beer  ;  a  thick  decoction  obtained  by 
boiling  the  branches  in  water,  is  sold  for  the  same  purpose  under  the 
names  of  "  Essence  of  Spruce."  The  White  Spruce  (A.  alba,  MX.), 
also  known  as  Single  Spruce,  is  sometimes  cultivated  ;  it  has  longer 
cones  with  the  scales  entire  and  firm  on  the  edge,  and  a  lighter  colored 
foliage.  It  is  by  some  considered  a  variety  of  Black  Spruce.  Both 
kinds  afford  a  valuable  timber,  much  employed  in  ship  building,  especial- 
ly for  the  lighter  spars,  when  toughness,  lightness  and  elasticity  are 
required  ;  it  is  also  used  in  the  construction  of  houses. 

3.  LA'RIX,  Tournef.     LARCH. 

[The  ancient  name.] 

Aments  lateral,  scattered  and  bud-like.      STAMINATE  FL.   nearly  as   in 
Pinus.     Cones  erect,  ovoid ;  scales  persistent.     Seeds  with  a  persistent 


PINE    FAMILY.  339 

wing.  Leaves  deciduous  and  soft  or  evergreen  and  rigid,  the  primary 
ones  scattered,  the  secondary  many  in  fascicles.  Fertile  aments  crimson 
or  red  in  flower. 

*  Leaves  rigid  and  evergreen. 

1.  L.  CE'DRUS,  Miller.    Leaves  rather  few  in  the  fascicles,  needle-form, 
pointed  ;  strobiles  oval,  obtuse,  rather  large. 

CEDAR  LARIX.     Cedar  of  Lebanon. 

Stem  30  -  50  or  more  feet  high.    Leaves  %  an  inch  to  an  inch  in  length.     Cones  3-4 
inches  long  ;  scales  broad,  truncate,  closely  appressed. 
Cultivated.    Native  of  Syria. 

Obs.  This  noble  tree —  so  well  known  for  the  references  to  it  in  the 
sacred  volume — has  been  recently  introduced,  and  bids  fair  to  become 
common  in  cultivation.  The  Deodar  Cedar — a  graceful  evergreen, 
with  drooping  branches,  less  rigid  and  rather  longer  bluish-green 
glaucous  leaves — has  also  been  introduced  :  and  apparently  belongs  to 
this  section. 

**  Leaves  soft  and  deciduous. 

2.  L.   America 'na,    MX.    Leaves  thread-like ;   cones  ovoid,  of  few 
rounded  scales  which  are  slightly  inflexed  on  the  margin. 

AMERICAN  LARIX.  American  or  Black  Larch.  Hackmatack.  Tama- 
rack. 

A  slender  tree,  20-50  feet  high,  with  numerous  nearly  horizontal,  irregular  branches. 
Leaves  about  an  inch  long,  of  a  light  bluish-green.     Cones  about  half  an  inch  long. 
Canada  to  Virginia.     Fl.  May. 

3.  L.  EUROPE 'A,  DC.     Leaves  flattish ;    cones  oblong  with  the  scales 
slightly  reflexed  on  the  margin. 

EUROPEAN  LARIX.    Larch.    White  Larch. 

Stem  60  -  80  or  more  feet  high.    Leaves  an  inch  or  more  in  length.     Cones  about  an  inch 
long,  purple  while  young,  finally  reddish-brown. 
Cultivated.     Native  of  Europe.     Fl.  May. 

Obs.  The  European  and  American  Larches  much  resemble  each  other, 
but  the  former  is  a  handsomer  tree  with  somewhat  longer  leaves  and 
larger  cones.  The  timber  of  both  kinds  is  highly  valuable,  being 
strong,  heavy  and  durable.  It  is  much  employed  in  ship  building. 
The  European  species  is  of  the  most  rapid  growth  and  much  attention 
is  paid  in  Europe  to  its  cultivation,  and  it  might  be  advantageously 
planted  on  many  unproductive  lauds  in  our  country. 

4.   THU'JA,  Tournef.    ARBOR- VITJS. 

[The  ancient  Greek  name  of  some  resinous  tree.] 

Aments  terminal,  ovoid,  small  moncecious,  the  two  kinds  on  different 
branches.  Stamens  with  a  scale-like  connective  or  filament,  bearing 


340  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

4  anther-cells.  FERTILE  AMENTS  with  the  scales  imbricated,  fixed  by  the 
base,  each  bearing  2  erect  ovules,  dry  and  spreading  at  maturity.  Co- 
tyledons 2.  Leaves  evergreen,  very  short,  appressed  and  imbricated  on 
the  flattened  branches. 

1.  T.  occidentals,  L.    Branches  spreading  ;  leaves  closely  appressed, 
rounded  on  the  back  ;  cones  ovoid-oblong,  scales  obtuse,  pointless. 

WESTERN  THUJA.     American  Arbor-Yitse. 

Stem  20-50  feet  high,  with  a  conical  top  ;  young  branches  2-edged,  diverging  horizontally. 
Cones  half  an  inch  long,  in  racemose  clusters  on  the  recurved  brauchlets  ;  scales  1-soeded  ; 
Seed  broadly  winged. 

New  England  and  northwest. 

Obs.  This  is  a  native  of  the  cooler  parts  of  the  country  and  is  fre- 
quently cultivated  as  an  ornamental  evergreen.  In  the  North  it  is 
regarded  as  a  valuable  tree  for  its  timber,  which  is  very  durable,  though 
difficult  to  procure  of  any  great  length. 

2.  T.  ORIENTA'LIS,  L.    Branches  erect ;  leaves  slightly  sulcate  in  the 
middle  ;  cones  roundish-ovoid  or  obovoid,  erect ;  scales  acute  with  con- 
spicuous recurved  or  spreading  points. 

EASTERN  THUJA.     Chinese  Arbor-Yite. 

Stem  10  -  20  feet  high,  usually  of  a  shrub-like  habit,  with  numerous  erect  branches  from 
near  the  base — especially  when  young  ;  brandies  diverging  vertically  or  fan-like,  with  the 
edges  up  and  down.  Cones  sub-solitary,  about  half  an  inch  long,  deep  green  and  glaucous. 

Cultivated.     Native  of  China  and  Japan. 

Obs.  This  is  a  much  smaller  tree  than  the  preceding,  its  foliage  and 
cones  of  much  deeper  green.  It  is  often  used  for  an  ornamental  hedge  ; 
and  it  is  decidedly  better  for  show  than  for  service. 

5.  CUPEES'SUS,   Tournef.     CYPRESS. 

[The  classical  name.] 

Flowers  monoecious  on  different  branches,  in  terminal  small  aments. 
STERILE  AMENTS  of  shield-shaped  scales  bearing  2-4  anther-cells  under 
the  lower  margin.  FERTILE  AMENTS  globular,  of  shield-shaped  scales  in 
4  ranks,  bearing  several  erect  bottle-shaped  ovules.  Cones  globular, 
firmly  closed,  but  opening  at  maturity  ;  the  scales  thick  and  woody, 
pointed  in  the  middle ;  the  few  or  several  narrowly-winged  seeds  at- 
tached to  their  base  or  stalk.  Cotyledons  2-3.  Strong-scented  ever- 
green trees,  with  very  small  and  scale-like  closely  appressed  imbricated 
leaves  and  exceedingly  durable  wood. 

1.  C,  thyoi'des,  L.  Leaves  minute,  ovate,  with  a  small  gland  on  the 
back,  closely  imbricated  in  4  rows  on  the  2-edged  branchlets. 

THUJA-LIKE  CUPRESSUS.    White  Cedar. 


PINE   FAMILY.  341 

Stem  30-80  feet  high,  and  1-2  feet  in  diameter,  sparingly  branched.  Leaves  evergreen, 
very  small  and  crowded,  appressed  to  the  branches.  Strobiles  one  third  to  half  an  inch 
in  diameter. 

Swamps  and  pine  forests  :  New  England  to  Georgia.    Fl.  April -May.    Fr.  September 


Obs.  This  valuable  tree  is  restricted  to  swamps, — where  the  straight 
stems  are  exceedingly  numerous  and  crowded — forming  almost  impen- 
etrable dark  groves,  or  clumps,  of  several  acres.  The  wood  is  light, 
soft,  and  very  durable.  Shingles  were  formerly  made,  to  a  considerable 
extent,  from  the  larger  trees  :  but  these  are  now  chiefly  wrought  into 
domestics  wares,  by  the  Cedar  cooper.  The  smaller  trees  are  used  for 
fence  rails, — for  which  purpose  they  are  highly  valued.  There  is  perhaps 
no  other  wood  land  that  will  yield  so  much  valuable  timber  per  acre, 
— and  no  description  of  territory,  in  some  localities,  that  will  command 
half  the  price  that  can  be  obtained  for  good  Cedar  swamp. 

6.  TAXO'DIUM,  Richard.    BALD  CYPKESS. 

[Jkxus,  the  yew,  and  eidos,  form  ;  the  foliage  having  the  habit  of  that  plant.] 

Flowers  monoecious,  on  the  same  branches.  STAMINATE  AMENTS  nume- 
rous, arranged  in  a  terminal  pyramidal  spike  or  raceme.  Stamens  few, 
inserted  towards  the  apex  of  the  axis,  which  is  naked  at  base  ;  filaments 
short,  thick,  produced  into  a  scale-like  excentrically  peltate  connective 
bearing  2-5  anther-cells.  FERTILE  AMENTS  roundish-obovoid,  sessile  in 
pairs  at  the  base  of  the  staminate  spike ;  scales  numerous,  inserted  on 
the  axis,  imbricated,  acute,  recurved-spreading  at  apex.  Ovules  2  at  the 
base  of  each  scale,  sessile,  erect,  perforate  at  summit.  Cone  subglobose, 
formed  of  angular  subpeltate  woody  scales.  Seeds  angular ;  embryo  in 
the  axis  of  scanty  albumen  ;  cotyledons  6-9. 

1,  T.  dis'tichum,  Rich.  Leaves  flat,  pinnately  arranged  on  short  slen- 
der deciduous  branches  which  resemble  common  petioles. 

DISTICHOUS  TAXODIUM.     Cypress.    Bald  Cypress. 

FIG.  239.  A  scale  from  a  staminate  ament  of  Cypress  (Cupressus),  with  the  anthers  at 
its  base.  240.  A  scale  from  a  pistillate  ament,  with  numerous  ovules  at  its  base.  241. 
A  cone. 


342  WEEDS    AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 

Stem  80-100  feet  high,  fastigiately  branched  at  summit  ;  the  trunk  2-4  feet,  or  more, 
in  diameter,  often  abruptly  and  much  enlarged  at  base;  the  creeping  or  spreading  rodts 
protruding  a  number  of  large  conical  hollow  knobs  above  the  surface  of  the  ground. 
Leaves  one-third  to  half  an  inch  long,  sublincar,  acute,  pinnately  or  distichously  arranged 
on  alternate  slender  herbaceous  branches  (which  rather  resemble  common  petioles)  1-2 
or  3  inches  in  length  ;  a  number  of  leaves  are  also  solitary,  and  scattered  on  the  woody 
branches. 

Swamps,  along  large  streams  :  Delaware  to  Louisiana.  Fl.  Feb. -April.  Fr.  Sept. - 
October. 

Obs.  The  wood  of  this  noble  and  remarkable  tree  is  soft,  fine  grained 
and  exceedingly  durable.  For  many  years  it  supplied  the  market  with 
those  valuable  roofing  materials  called  "  Cedar  shingles  "  ;  but  since 
these  have  become  rather  scarce  and  dear,  they  have  been  extensively 
superseded  by  shingles  made  of  the  White  Pine  (Finns  Strobus,  L.), 
which  make  a  reasonably  good  substitute  at  a  much  less  price. 

7.  JUNIP'ERUS,  L.    JUNIPER. 

[The  classical  name.] 

Flowers  dioecious, — or  rarely  monoecious  on  distinct  branches.  STAMI- 
NATE  AMENTS  axillary  or  subterminal,  ovoid,  very  small.  Anther-cells 
3-6,  attached  to  the  lower  edge  of  the  shield-shaped  scale.  FERTILE 
AMENTS  axillary,  ovoid,  bracteate  at  base  ;  scales  fleshy  ;  in  fruit  form- 
ing a  sort  of  berry,  scaly-bracted  at  base,  1  -  3-ovuled.  Seeds  1-3, 
angular,  bony.  Cotyledons  2.  Shrubs  or  trees  with  awl-shaped  or  scale- 
like  evergreen  rigid  leaves,  often  of  two  kinds. 

1.  J.  commu'nis,  L.    Leaves  in  threes,  linear-awl-shaped,  spreading, 
prickly-pointed,  concave  and  glaucous  above. 

COMMON  JUNIPERUS.     Juniper. 

Stem  6-10  feet  high,  with  numerous  erect  branches  or  prostrate  and  spreading.  Leaves 
%-%  of  an  inch  long,  sharp-pointed,  bright  green  beneath.  Staminate  aments  2-3  lines 
in  length,  russet-colored.  Fi-uit  a  dark  purple,  about  the  size  of  a  pea. 

Dry  rocky  hills  :  New  Jersey  and  northward. 

Obs.  This  shrub  is  common  both  to  Europe  and  this  country ;  there 
are  several  varieties,  the  most  common  with  us  is  the  prostrate  form. 
The  long  branches  extend  in  every  direction,  close  to  the  surface  of  the 
earth,  forming  large  beds  10-15  feet  in  diameter  and  not  more  than 
two  feet  high.  In  some  parts  of  New  England  where  it  abounds,  it  is 
a  troublesome  plant,  as  it  is  very  difficult  to  extirpate  it ;  it  is  commonly 
destroyed  by  burning.  The  berries  are  used  to  flavor  Gin,  or  Geneva, 
and  the  oil  from  them  is  sometimes  used  in  medicine. 

2,  J.  Virginia'na,  L.     Leaves  in  four  rows, — on  young  plants  and 
rapidly  growing  shoots,  awl-shaped  and  somewhat  spreading  in  pairs 
and  threes — on  the  older  ones  very  small  and  scale-like,  triangular-ovate. 

VIRGINIAN  JUNIPERUS.    Red  Cedar. 


PINE    FAMILY.  343 

Sfirubby,  or  a  small  tree.,  20  -  50  feet  high  ;  bark  of  the  trunk  separating  in  loose  scales  or 
ribbons,  that  of  the  small  branches  purplish  and  smooth.  Berries  small,  purplish,  with  a 
glaucous  bloom. 

Common  on  dry  hills. 

06s.  This  tree,  which  is  common  in  all  parts  of  the  country,  is  one 
of  the  most  widely  extended  in  geographical  range,  it  being  found  also 
in  Europe  and  Asia  ;  in  high  northern  latitudes  it  becomes  a  prostrate 
shrub.  The  wood  is  exceedingly  durable,  very  light  and  close-grained  ; 
the  heart  wood  is  red,  and  is  used  in  making  lead  pencils ;  it  is  also 
used  for  the  manufacture  of  pails  and  tubs,  and  is  employed  in  ship  and 
boat  building. 

8.  TAX'US,  Tournef.    YEW. 

[Probably  from  the  Greek,  Taxon,  a  bow  ;  the  wood  being  used  for  bows.] 

Flowers  mostly  dioecious,  axillary,  from  scaly  buds.  STAMINATE  AMENTS 
globular,  small,  composed  of  naked  stamens ;  anther-cells  3  —  6,  clustered 
under  a  shield-shaped  and  somewhat  lobed  connective.  FERTILE  FLOW- 
ERS solitary,  scaly-bracted  at  base,  consisting  merely  of  a  solitary  naked 
ovule  seated  in  a  cup-shaped  disk  which  finally  becomes  pulpy  and  berry- 
like, — sometimes'  nearly  enclosing  the  seed.  Cotyledons  2.  Leaves  ever- 
green, linear,  rigid,  mostly  2-ranked ;  pulp  of  the  disk  orange  red. 

1.  T.  BACCA'TA,  L.  A  low  tree,  finally  with  a  large  trunk ;  leaves 
acute,  nearly  flat,  deep  green,  two-ranked  or  sometimes  crowded  round 
the  branches. 

BERRIED  TAXUS.     Common  Yew. 

Stem  (iu  this  country)  but  a  few  feet  high  ;  tranches  numerous  and  spreading.    Leaves 
%-~i%  inch  long,  mostly  two-ranked. 
Cultivated  :  Native  of  Europe.     Fl.  April.     Fr.  Oct. 

Obs.  Frequently  cultivated  in  rural  cemeteries  and  church-yards.  A 
variety  called  the  Irish  Yew  has  compact  branches  and  densely  crowded 
leaves.  We  have  an  indigenous  Yew  which  was  formerly  considered 
as  a  distinct  species,  but  is  now  regarded  as  a  variety  of  this,  viz. :  var. 
Canaden'sis,  Gray.  A  low  diffusely  branching  shrub  ;  leaves  two- 
ranked. 

American  Yew.     Ground  Hemlock. 

Stem  2- 4  feet  high,  with  straggling  branches.    Leaves  %-%ot&n  inch  long,  entire, 
dark  green  on  both  sides,  narrowed  at  base  into  a  very  short  petiole. 
Common  northward  and  southward  on  the  mountains. 

9.  SALISBU'EIA,  Smith.     GINGKO. 

[Dedicated  to  Anthony  Salisbury  ;  an  English  Botanist.] 

STAMINATE  AMENTS  axillary,  filiform,  pedunculate;  anther-cells  pendu- 
lous from  the  lacerated  scale-like  connective.  FERTILE  FLOWERS  termi- 
nal, solitary,  on  simple  or  fasciculately  branching  peduncles  ;  ovule  naked, 


344 


WEEDS    AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 


seated  in  a  cup-shaped  disk  in  the  thickened  concave  apex  of  the  pedun- 
cle,— the  disk  finally  becoming  fleshy,  embracing  the  base  of  the  nut- 
like  seed.  Cotyledons  2,  linear,  elongated.  Trees ;  leaves  plicately  invo- 
lute in  the  bud,  deciduous,  alternate  or  somewhat  fasciculate,  on  long- 
petioles,  fan-shaped  and  striate  nerved,  more  resembling  pkyllodia  than 
true  leaves. 

1,  S.  adiantifo'lia,  Smith.  Leaves 
broadly  wedge-shaped  and  trun- 
cate, or  inversely  deltoid,  often 
bifidly  incised  at  the  apex,  coria- 
ceous and  striate  with  diverging 
nerves. 

ADIANTUM-LEAVED  SALISBURIA. 
Giugko,  or  Jinkgo. 

Stem  40-80  feet  high,  with  a  light  grey 
bark,  and  branching,  with  something  the 
habit  of  an  Aspen.  Leaves  2  —  3  inches 
long  and  3-4  inches  wide  at  apex  ;  petioles 
about  3  inches  in  length. 

Cultivated  :  a  native  of  Japan. 

06s.  A  remarkable  tree,  and 
very  unlike  the  rest  of  the  family 
in  its  general  appearance.  For  a 
long  time  there  was  but  one  speci- 
men in  the  country,  but  it  is  now 
becoming  frequent  in  cultivation. 


ENDOGENOUS  PLANTS. 

STEM  not  distinguishable  into  bark,  wood,  and  pith  ;  the  woody  fibre 
and  vessels  collected  into  bundles  and  irregularly  distributed  through 
the  cellular  tissue ;  perennial  stems  without  annual  layers.  Leaves 
mostly  parallel-veined  and  sheathing  at  base,  almost  always  alternate  or 
scattered,  and  not  toothed.  Parts  of  the  flower  usually  in  threes.  Em- 
bryo with  a  single  cotyledon. 

ORDER  LXXII.    ARA'CEJE.     (ARUM  FAMILY.) 

Perennial  Jierbs  with  an  acrid  or  pungent  juice,  simple  or  compound  leaves,  with  petioles 
sheathing  at  base,  and  monoecious  or  perfect  flowers  crowded  on  a  spadix,  which  is 
usually  surrounded  by  a  spathe.  Floral  envelopes  none  or  of  4  -  6  sepals.  Fruit  usually 
a  berry  ;  seeds  with  fleshy  albumen,  or  sometimes  a  large  fleshy  embryo,  without  albumen. 

1.  AEIS^E'MA,  Martins.    INDIAN  TURNIP. 

[A  play  upon  Arum,  the  ancient  name.] 

Flowers  monoecious,  with  the  pistillate  below  on  the  same  spadix, — or 


FIG.  242.  A  branch  of  the  Gingko  or  Jinkgo  Tree  (Salisburia  adiantifolia) . 


ARUM    FAMILY.  345 

dioecious  by  abortion.  Spadix  naked  and  elongated  above.  Floral  en- 
velopes none.  STAMINATE  FL.  of  whorls  of  4  or  more  stamens ;  filaments 
very  short ;  anthers  2-4  celled.  PISTILLATE  FL.  consisting  of  a  1-celled 
ovary' with  a  depressed  stigma,  containing  5-6  straight  ovules,  erect 
from  the  base  of  the  cell.  Fruit  1  -  few-seeded  ;  seeds  subglobose,  albu- 
minous. Perennial  herbs  with  a  tuberous  rhizoma ;  leaves  dissected  ; 
petioles  elongated  ;  spadix  on  a  scape ;  berries  orange-red. 

1.  A,  triphyl'lum,  Torr.  Leaves  mostly  in  pairs,  ternately  divided, — 
the  segments  elliptic-ovate  or  lanceolate,  acuminate,  entire,  sessile  ; 
spadix  clavate,  obtuse,  shorter  than  the  spathe. 

THREE-LEAVED  ARIS,EMA.    Indian  Turnip. 

Root  perennial,  consisting  of  numerous  fibres  proceeding  from  the  base  of  an  orbicular 
depressed  rugose  cormus,'  or  subterranean  stem.  Aerial  stem  none.  Leaves  mostly  2 
(sometimes  solitary),  ternate  ;  the  leaflets  or  segments  2  or  3-6  or  8  inches  long,  smooth, 
green  or  often  purplish,  thin  and  membrauaceous,  or  almost  scarious,  when  dried  ;  com- 
mon petioles  9-18  inches  long,  inserted  on  the  cormus,  and  embracing  the  central  scape 
at  base.  Scape  6  - 15  inches  high,  situate  between  the  leaves,  the  base  inclosed  by  the 
sheathing  petioles.  Spathe  3  - 5  inches  long, — the  lower  half  convolute,  the  upper  half 
(or  limb)  a  little  dilated,  flat,  ovate-lanceolate,  acuminate,  and  cucullately  incurved,  often 
variegated  with  dark-purple  and  yellowish  stripes  and  spots.  Spadix  mostly  unisexual, 
with  the  summit  clavate,  naked  and  smooth,  much  shorter  than  the  spathe,  but  a  little  ex- 
serted  from  the  convolute  portion.  Berries  numerous,  in  a  dense  oblong  cluster  around 
the  base  of  the  spadix,  orange-red  or  scarlet  when  mature. 

Rich  shaded  grounds  :  throughout  the  United  States.  Fl.  May.  Fr.  August -Septem- 
ber. 

Obs.  The  turnip-like  subterranean  stem  (designated  by  the  name  of 
Cormus},  is  highly  acrid  in  its  fresh  or  green  state  ;  but  that  quality  is 
dissipated,  in  a  great  measure,  by  boiling  or  drying.  The  recent  tuber, 
grated  and  boiled  in  milk,  is  a  popular  medicine  in  coughs  and  pulmonary 
consumption.  It  is  said  to  yield  a  starch  equal  in  quality  to  that  from 
the  potato,  and  a  substance  called  Portland  Arrowroot,  or  Portland  Sago, 
is  prepared  from  it  in  some  parts  of  England.  A  plant  nearly  allied  to 
this,  called  "Tanyer" — (the  Tallo,  or  Tarro,  of  the  New  Zealanders),  is 
said  to  be  cultivated,  occasionally,  in  the  gardens  of  the  Southern  States, 
for  the  sake  of  the  cormus,  or  tuberous  rhizoma, — which  is  used  at  the 
table  as  a  substitute  for  the  potato  or  yam. 

2.  SYMPLOCAR'PUS,  Salisb. 

[Greek,  Symploke,  connexion,  and  Karpos,  fruit ;  descriptive  of  the  plant.] 

Flowers  with  floral  envelopes,  perfect.  Spathe  conch-shaped,  acuminate. 
Spadix  pedunculate,  oval,  or  subglobose,  densely  covered  with  flowers. 
Sepals  4,  persistent,  becoming  fleshy  or  baccate.  Stamens  4,  opposite 
the  sepals  ;  filaments  linear,  flattened,  included  ;  anthers  2-celled.  Ovary 
1-celled ;  ovule  single ;  style  4-sided,  tapering  to  a  minute  terminal 
stigma.  Berries  coalescing,  1-celled,  1-seeded.  Seed  destitute  of  al- 
bumen. 

1,  S,  foe'tidus,  Scdisb.  Stemless ;  leaves  cordate-oval,  enlarging ;  spadix 
oval. 


346  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

FETID  SYMPLOCAKPUS.     Swamp  Cabbage.     Skunk  Cabbage. 

Root  perennial,  with  fleshy  fibres  from  a  thick  truncate  rhizoma.  Aerial  stem  none. 
Leaves  appearing  after  the  spadix  has  flowered,  at  first  orbicular-cordate,  at  length  cor- 
date-oval, becoming  very  large  (often  near  2  feet  long,  and  a  foot  or  more  in  width),  en- 
tire, smooth  ;  stipules  expanding,  ovate-oblong,  acuminate,  or  often  spatulate.  Spathe 
subsessile,  spotted  with  purplish-brown,  green,  and  yellow.  Spadix  about  an  inch  in  diam- 
eter, on  a  short  thick  peduncle.  Flowers  compact,  appearing  tessellated.  Sepals  dark- 
brown,  fleshy,  cuneate,  truncate,  the  apex  and  margins  inflected.  Anthers  slightly  ex- 
serted.  Style,  projecting  a  little  above  the  sepals.  Fruit  fleshy,  coalesced  with  the  base 
of  the  persistent  sepals,  and  imbedded  in  the  surface  of  the  receptacle.  Seeds  globose, 
about  the  size  of  a  common  garden  pea. 

Wet,  low  grounds  :  Canada  to  Virginia.    Fl.  Feb.  -March.    Fr.  Sept. 

Obs.  This  plant — so  readily  known  by  its  skunk-like  odor,  when 
wounded — is  quite  common  in  wet  meadows,  and  other  swampy  low 
grounds  in  the  middle  and  northern  States.  It  is  a  worthless  weed,— 
and  its  bunches  of  large  leaves  are  sufficiently  unsightly  to  command  the 
attention  of  the  neat  farmer. 


3.   AC' ORUS,  L.    SWEET  FLAG. 

[Gr.  a,  privative,  and  kore,  the  pupil  of  the  eye  ;  a  supposed  remedy  for  sore  eyes.] 

Flowers  perfect,  without  a  proper  spathe,  crowded  on  a  sessile  sub-cylin- 
dric  spadix  which  emerges  from  the  side  of  a  scape  which  closely  re- 
sembles the  leaves.  Sepals  6,  concave.  Stamens  6,  inserted  on  the  base 
of  the  sepals  ;  anthers  reniform  1-celled,  transversely  dehiscent.  Ovary 
trigonous,  3-celled  ;  ovules  numerous,  pendulous  ;  stigma  sessile,  minute. 
Fruit  somewhat  baccate,  indehiscent.  Seeds  few,  inverted,  albuminous, 
nestling  in  a  gelatinous  matter. 

1,  A.  Cal'amus,  L.  Scape  leaf-like,  extending  much  above  the  lateral 
spadix. 

REED  ACORUS.     Calamus.     Sweet  Flag. 

Fr.  Acore  odorant.     Germ.  Der  Kalamus.     Span.  Acoro  Calamo. 

Root  perennial,  in  coarse  verticillate  fibres  from  a  horizontal  creeping  pungently  aro~ 
matic  rhizoma.  Aerial  stem  none.  Leaves  radical,  ensiform-lincar,  2-3  feet  long,  and 
half  an  inch  to  near  an  inch  wide,  smooth.  Scape  as  long  as  the  leaves  and  much  re- 
sembling them,  somewhat  triangular  below  the  spadix.  Spadix  2-3  inches  long,  terete, 
tapering  to  an  obtuse  point.  Sepals  greenish,  cuneate-oblong,  keeled,  with  scarious 
margins. 

Swampy  meadows,  ab'out  springs,  &c.    Fl.  May- June.    Fr.  Sept. 

Obs.  A  native  of  Europe  and  Asia  as  well  as  some  parts  of  this 
country.  The  whole  plant  is  warmly  aromatic — especially  the  creeping 
rhizoma ;  and  that  subterraneous  portion  is  deservedly  popular  for  its 
medicinal  virtues.  I  have  seen  some  wet  meadows,  however,  in  which 
the  plant  had  got  possession  to  such  an  extent  as  to  become  something 
of  a  nuisance, — and  a  difficult  one  to  get  rid  of.  It  would  be  well, 
therefore,  in  introducing  it,  to  plant  it  only  in  circumscribed  swamps. 


CAT-TAIL   FAMILY.  347 

ORDER  LXXIIL    TYPHA'CE^E.     (CAT-TAIL  FAMILY.) 

Marsh  herbs,  with  linear  or  narrow-ensiform  leaves,  sheathing  at  base,  and  monoecious 
flowers,  destitute  of  proper  floral  envelopes  in  a  dense  cylindric  spadix-like  sjrike  or  glome- 
rate in  heads.  Fruit  nut-like  when  ripe,  1-seeded.  Seed  suspended  ;  embryo  straight,  in 


1.  TY'PHA,  Tournef.     CAT-TAIL. 

[Greek,  typhos,  a  bog  or  marsh  ;  from  its  place  of  growth.] 

Flowers  in  a  long  dense  terminal  cylindric  interrupted  spike  with  an 
intervening  caducous  spathe, — the  upper  portion  consisting  of  stamens 
only,  intermixed  with  simple  hairs, — the  lower  portion  consisting  of 
ovaries  surrounded  by  numerous  clavate  bristles ;  style  simple.  Nutlets 
minute,  stalked.  Smooth  perennials  with  creeping  r/uzomas,  and  simple 
jointless  stems  and  long  narrow,  thickish,  erect  leaves  which  nearly  equal 
the  culm. 

1.  T,  latifo'lia,  L.  Leaves  somewhat  ensiform-linear,  flat ;  staminate 
and  pistillate  spikes  mostly  contiguous. 

BROAD-LEAVED  TYPHA.     Cat-tail.     Coopers'  Reed.     Reed-mace. 
Fr.  Masse  d'eau.     Germ.  Die  Rohrkolbe.     Span.  Espadaiia. 

Culm  4-5  feet  high,  simple,  terete,  smooth,  solid  with  pith,  leafy  at  base.  Leaves  about 
as  long  as  the  culm,  and  %  -  %  of  an  inch  wide,  tapering  at  apex  but  obtuse,  sheathing 
the  culm  at  base.  Staminate  spike,  or  spadix,  6-8  inches  long,  and  near  an  inch  in  diam- 
eter, yellowish-brown,  with  a  sheathing  membranaceous  caducous  spalhe  as  long  as  the 
spike.  Pistillate  spike  immediately  below  (and  about  as  thick  as)  the  staminate  one, 
4-6  inches  long,  greenish-brown,  sometimes  in  contact  or  continuous  with  the  staminate 
spike,  sometimes  with  a  naked  space  of  near  half  an  inch  between  them. 

Pools  and  swampy  springs  :  throughout  the  United  States.  Fl.  June  -  July.  Fr.  Sep- 
tember. 

06s.  The  leaves  of  this  plant  are  (or  formerly  were)  much  used,  by  the 
coopers,  to  secure  the  joints  of  casks,  &c.,  from  leaking.  Poor  people 
sometimes  collect  the  fruit  with  its  hairy  involucels,  from  the  mature 
spikes,  for  the  purpose  of  filling  beds ;  but  it  becomes  exceedingly  dusty 
and  unpleasant,  and  is  even  unhealthy, — in  every  respect  a  miserable 
substitute  for  clean  Oats  chaff,  or  cut  straw.  A  narrow-leaved  variety, 
by  some  considered  a  species  (T,  angustifolia,  L.},  is  found  in  similar 
situations ;  it  usually  has  the  staminate  and  pistillate  portions  of  the 
spike  separated  by  an  interval. 

ORDER  LXXIY.    ALISMA'CE^E.     (WATER-PLANTAIN  FAMILY.) 

Marsh  herbs  with  scape-like  stems  and  perfect  or  monoecious  flowers,  not  on  a  spadix,  fur- 
nished with  both  calyx  and  corolla  ;  sepals  and  petals  each  3,  distinct.  Stamens  hypogy- 
iious.  6 -many.  Ovaries  3 -many,  becoming  as  many  1  -2-seeded  pods  or  akenes.  Se~d& 
ascending  or  erect.  Embryo  without  albumen.  Leaves  sheathing  at  base. 

1.  SAGITTA'RIA,  L.    ARROW-HEAD. 

[Latin,  Sagilia,  an  arrow  ;  from  the  prevailing  form  of  the  leaves.] 

Flowers  monoscious  (sometimes  dioecious),  mostly  whorled  in  threes,  the 


348 


WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 


staminate  ones  above.  Calyx  green  and  persistent.  Petals  white,  decid- 
uous, imbricated  in  the  bud.  Stamens  numerous  ;  anthers  extrorse. 
Ovaries  many,  in  depressed-globose  heads,  in  fruit  becoming  flattened 
winged  akenes.  Smoothish  perennials  ;  roots  often  tuberiferous  ;  leaves 
polymorphous,  usually  sagittate ;  scape  sheathed  at  the  base  by  the  bases 
of  the  long  cellular  petioles. 


243 


1.  S.  varia'bilis,  Engelmann.  Scape  simple  or  branched  ;  leaves 
very  various,  mostly  sagittate  ;  pedicels  of  the  fertile  flowers  about  half 
tho  length  of  the  sterile  ones  ;  filaments  awl-shaped,  nearly  twice  the 


FIG.  243.  The  Arrowhead  (Sagittaria  variabilis). 


PINE-APPLE   FAMILY.  349 

length  of  the  anthers  ;  akene  obovate,  with  a  long  and  curved  beak  i  or  ^ 
its  length. 

VARIABLE  SAGITTARIA.     Arrow-head. 

Root  perennial  producing  oval  fleshy  tubers  (or  rTiizomas)  1  -2  or  3  inches  in  diamoter. 
Leaves  3  or  4- 8  or  10  inches  long  (including  the  lobes),  and  1  or  2 -6  inches  wide, 
sagittate-lobed  at  base, — the  lobes  o vats-lanceolate,  about  as  long  as  the  lamina  of  the  leaf  ; 
petioles  4-12  or  15  inches  long.  Scape  9 -18  inches  high,  smooth.  Pedicels  one  quarter 
to  half  an  inch  long,  with  membranaceous  In-acts  at  base.  Pistillate  flowers  with  ovaries 
forming  depressed  globose  heads,  which,  in  fruit,  are  one-half  to  two-thirds  of  an  inch  in 
diameter. 

Ditches  and  swampy  springs  ;  throughout  the  United  States.  Fl.  July  -  August.  F): 
September  -  October. 

Obs.  This  plant  frequently  occurs  in  ditches  and  swampy  places,  and 
is  of  a  size  to  attract  the  notice  of  the  observing  farmer.  Some  'half- 
dozen  varieties,  founded  on  the  variation  in  size  and  shape  of  the  leaves, 
are  described.  KALM  says  that  the  Indians  and  Swedes  called  the  plant 
"  Katniss"  ;  and  that  the  tubers  were  sometimes  "  as  big  as  a  man's  fist"  ; 
that  when  roasted,  they  tasted  well,  but  were  rather  dry.  (See  Travels, 
vol.  2,  pp.  96,  97.)  Hogs  are  fond  of  the  tubers, — and  when  these  ani- 
mals have  access  to  their  place  of  growth,  are  apt  to  disfigure  the 
ground  very  much  by  rooting.  Draining  is  the  remedy  for  this,  and  for 
most  other  aquatic  weeds. 

The  Alisma  Plantago,  L.,  or  Water  Plantain,  (belonging  to  a  genus 
which  represents  the  Order,)  is  frequent  in  wet  places, — and  at  one  time 
made  some  noise  among  gossiping  dealers  in  marvellous  specifics,  as  a 
certain  remedy  for  Hydrophobia ;  but  it  was  soon  forgotten, — and  is 
now  scarcely  noticeable,  even  as  a  weed. 

ORDER  LXXV.    BROMELIA'CE^E.     (PINE-APPLE  FAMILY.) 

Chiefly  tropical  herbs  or  suffruticose  plants,  often  stemless  with  perennial  rhizomas  and 
mostly  by  rigid,  dry  and  channelled  leaves  sheathing  at  base  and  scurfy  or  scaly  on  the 
surface.  Flowers  perfect,  spicate,  racemose,  or  paniculate,  bracteate.  Sepals  3.  Petals 
3.  Stamens  6,  or  more.  Ovary  free,  or  adnate  to  the  calyx,  3-celled  ;  style  trigonous, 
simple  or  sometimes  separable  into  3  ;  stigmas  3.  Fruit  3-celled,  baccate  and  indehiscent, 
or  more  frequently  capsular  and  septicidally  (or  sometimes  loculicidally)  3-valved.  Seeds 
mostly  numerous  ;  testa  coriaceous  ;  embryo  small,  straight  or  curved,  in  the  base  of  mealy 
albumen. 

The  plant  of  chief  interest,  in  this  Order,  is  that  which  affords  the  delicious  Pine-apple  ; 
the  fruit  of  which  is  formed  by  the  consolidation  or  blending  of  the  imperfect  flowers, 
bracts,  and  receptacle  into  one  fleshy  succulent  mass,  which  is  usually  crowned  with  a 
terminal  tuft  of  leaves. 

1.  TILLAND'SIA,  L.    LONG  Moss. 

[Named  in  honor  of  Elias  Tittands,  a  Swedish  Botanist.] 

Calyx  free  from  the  ovary,  unequally  3-parted,  persistent, — the  segments 
somewhat  convolute.  Corolla  3-cleft,  tubular  below,  spreading  above. 
Stamens  6,  hypogynous, — the  alternate  ones  mostly  adhering  to  the 
petals ;  anthers  incumbent.  Ovary  3-celled  ;  style  filiform  or  dilated  at 
apex,  straight  or  twisted.  Capsule  cartilaginous,  cylindrical  or  ovoid, 


350  WEEDS   AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

3-celled,  3-valved.  Seeds  several,  linear-clavate,  stipitate, — the  stipe  in- 
vested with  pappus-like  hairs  ;  embryo  straight. 

L  T.  usneoi'deSj  L.  Stem  filiform,  flexuose,  branching,  pendulous  ; 
leaves  subulate-filiform  ;  peduncles  1-flowered,  short. 

USNEA-LIKE  TlLLANDSIA.       Long  MOSS. 

Perennial,  parasitic,  taking  root  in  the  fissures  of  the  bark  of  trees.  Stem  3-6  feet  or 
more  in  length,  branched,  pendulous  in  long  tangled  bunches  from  the  limbs  of  old  trees, 
very  slender,  terete,  covered  and  somewhat  roughened  (as  well  as  the  leaves)  with  minute 
whitish  membranaceoup  scales  which  are  dotted  in  the  centre, — the  centre  of  the  stem 
and  leaves  consisting  of  a  black  horny  elastic  thread.  Leaves  subterete,  slender,  acute. 
Flowers  yellowish-green,  Pursh.  (purple,  Lmidan,  Ency.),  solitary,  axillary,  sessile,  with 
3  -  4  small  leaves  (or  bracts)  at  base.  Calyx  and  corolla  deeply  parted, — the  segments 
equal  in  length,  lanceolate,  membranaceous.  Ovary  oblong.  Capsule  nearly  cylindrical, 
2 -3-celled.  Seeds  several  in  each  cell,  oblong,  acute  at  each  end,  comose. 

Grows  on  the  forest  trees,  in  the  low-land  districts  of  the  South.    Fl.  June  -  Sept.      Fr. 

Obs.  This  singular  parasite  extends  as  far  north  as  the  Dismal  Swamp, 
in  Virginia ;  but  I  have  not  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  it  in  its  native 
forests.  Mr.  ELLIOTT  (from  whose  sketch  I  have  chiefly  derived  the 
above  details)  says,  "  black  cattle  eat  this  plant  in  winter  with  avidity, 
and  sometimes  trees  are  felled,  during  a  series  of  severe  frosts,  to  place 
the  moss  within  their  reach.  The  moss,  when  dried,  is  beaten  until  the 
bark  falls  off,  and  the  cartilaginous  hair-like  flexible  stem  used  for  stuff- 
ing mattresses,  chairs,  &c."  The  uses,  here  mentioned,  seem  to  entitle 
the  plant  to  a  place  in  the  present  work. 

ORDER  LXX VI.     SMILA'CEJE.     (SMILAX  FAMILY.) 

Herbs  or  climbing  shrubby  plants  with  ribbed  and  netted-veined  leaves  and  regular  dioe- 
cious or  perfect/Zojrers.  Perianth  6  - 10  parted  ;  stamens  as  many  as  the  perianth-lobes. 
Ovary  free,  3-5-cclled  ;  styles  or  sessile  stigmas  many  and  distinct.  Fruit  a  few -many- 
seeded  berry  ;  embryo  minute,  in  a  hard  albumen. 

1.  SMI'LAX,  Tournef.     GREEN-BRIER. 

[The  ancient  Greek  name,  meaning  obscure.] 

Flowers  dioecious,  in  axillary  pedunculate  simple  umbels.  Calyx  some- 
what corolla-like,  campanulate,  deeply  6-parted, — or  rather  of  6  petaloid 
sepals  in  two  series,  the  outer  ones  broader.  STAMINATE  FL.  Stamens 
6  ;  anthers  linear,  adnate  to  the  filaments.  PISTILLATE  FL.  Ovary  3- 
celled  ;  ovules  solitary  ;  stigmas  3,  subsessile.  Berry  1  -  3-celled,  1-3- 
seeded.  Shrubs  or  rarely  perennial  herbs,  often  evergreen  and  prickly, 
climbing  by  tendrils  on  the  petioles  ;  flowers  greenish  yellow. 

1.  S.  rotundifo'lia,  L.  Stem  shrubby,  prickly,  more  or  less  4-angled 
or  sub-terete  ;  leaves  orbicular-ovate,  acuminate,  subcordate  at  base  ; 
common  peduncles  scarcely  longer  than  the  petioles. 

ROUND-LEAVED  SMILAX.     Green-brier.     Rough  Bind-weed. 

Plant  glabrous,  yellowish-green.  Stem  20-30  (sometimes  50)  feet  long,  slender,  flexu- 
ose, somewhat  branched,  armad  with  straight  rigid  prickles,  and  climbing  by  tendrils. 


LILY    FAMILY.  851 

Leaves  2-3  inches  long,  and  often  as  wide  as  long  ;  petioles  one-third  to  three-fourths  of  an 
inch  long,  striate,  margined  at  base,  giving  out  a  simple,  filiform,  hut  strong  tendril  on 
each  side,  at  the  summit  of  the  margin.  Flowers  greenish-yellow,  in  small  globose 
axillary  umbels.  Berries  dark  blue,  or  bluish-black  with  a  glaucous  bloom,  when 
mature. 

Moist  thickets  and  woodlands, — climbing  bushes  and  trees  :  Canada  to  Carolina.    Fl. 
June.    Fr.  October. 

Obs.  This  rugged  shrubby  vine  is  often  abundant  in  moist  low 
grounds, — forming  almost  impenetrable  thickets  ;  and  is  a  great  annoy- 
ance to  the  woodman,  when  employed  in  clearing  out  such  places.  A 
form  with  the  branches  4-angled  ;  a  smaller  plant  and  seldom  climbing 
is  yet  more  difficult  to  subdue.  It  is  quite  frequent  in  sterile  old  fields, 
on  our  slaty  hills, — and  always  indicates  a  low  state  of  agriculture. 
There  are  several  other  prickly  species  in  the  United  States — especially 
in  the  South  ;  and  some  of  them  may  be  as  annoying  to  the  planter  or 
farmer  as  these, — bul  I  cannot  speak  of  them  from  my  own  knowledge. 
We  have  an  unarmed  herbaceous  species  (S.  herba'cea,  L.) — frequent 
along  fence-rows  and  borders  of  thickets — which  is  chiefly  remarkable 
for  the  carrion-like  fetor  of  its  flowers. 


ORDER  LXXVII.    LILIA'CEJE.     (LILY  FAMILY.) 

Herbs  with  parallel-nerved,  sessile  or  sheathing  leaves  and  regular  perfect  flowers.  Divi- 
sions of  the  perianth  petal-like,  similar,  6.  Stamens  6;  antJiers  introrse.  Styles  united; 
stiijm'is  3,  somatimes  united.  Fruit  a  3-valved  loculicidal  capsule,  or  sometimes  a  Iterry  ; 
seeds  few  or  many  ;  embryo  in  fleshy  albumen. 

A  very  large  order,  the  different  genera  of  which  present  a  great  variety  of  appearance. 
Besides  the  few  we  have  mentioned  below  many  are  well  known  in  cultivation,  and  aro 
among  the  most  brilliant  ornaments  of  the  garden,  as  the  Hyacinth,  Lily,  Crown  Imperial, 
Tulip,  &c.    The  medicines  Squill  and  Aloes  are  produced  by  plants  of  this  order,  as  is  the 
New  Zealand  Flax  (Phormium  tenax,  Forst.),  so  valuable  for  the  strength  of  its  fibres. 
Fruit  a  berry.     Herbs  from  root-stocks,  no  bulbs.    Stem  branch- 
ing.    Leaves  fine  and  thread-shaped.  1.  ASPARAGUS. 
Fruit  a  3-celled  pod,  splitting  into  3  valves  when  ripe.    Seeds 
black. 

*  Roots  fascicled,  not  bulbous. 
Perianth  united  into'a  tube  below  ;  funnel-form.  2.  HEMEROCALLIS. 

**  Scape  simple  from  a  coated  bulb. 

Flowers  cor\;mbed,  white  ;  style  3-sided.  3.  ORIXTHOGALUM. 

Flowers  racemed,  blue  or  purple  ;  style  thread-like.  4.  SCILLA. 

Flowers  in  an  umbel,  from  a  scaly  bract  or  involucre.  5.  ALLIUM. 

Fruit  a  3-celled  many-seeded  pod.    Seeds  pale.     Perianth  of  6 

petal -like  distinct  divisions. 
Anthers  fixed  by  their  middle,  swinging  free  ;  stems  from  a  scaly 

bulb,  leafy  to  the  top.  6.  LIUUM. 

1.  ASPAR'AGUS,  L.    ASPARAGUS. 

[The  ancient  Greek  name.] 

Perianth  of  6  nearly  equal  linear-oblong  divisions,  slightly  connected  at 
base,  spreading  at  apex.  Stamens  6, — the  lower  half  of  the  filaments 
adnate  to  the  base  of  the  sepals  ;  anthers  peltate.  Style  short ;  stigmas 
3.  Berry  globose,  3-celled ;  cells  2-seeded.  Perennials  with  much- 
branched  stems  from  thick  and  matted  root-stocks,  very  narrow  leaves  in 
clusters,  and  small,  greenish-yellow  flowers.  • 


352  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

1.  A.  OFFICINA'LIS,  L.    Unarmed  ;  stem  herbaceous,  erect,  paniculately 
branched  ;   leaves  fasciculate,  setaceous  and  flexible. 
OFFICINAL  ASPARAGUS.     Asparagus,  or  (corruptly)  "  Sparrow  Grass." 
Fr.  Asperge.     Germ.  Der  Spargel.     Span.  Esparrago. 

Root  perennial,  consisting  of  numerous  coarse  fleshy  fasciculate  fibres.  Plant  smooth, 
3-6  feet  high, — the  turimis,  or  young  stems,  at  first  simple,  stout  and  fleshy,  with  leaves 
in  the  form  of  appressed  scales — finally  the  stem  is  ramified  into  a  large  panicle.  Leaves 
unequal,  one-third  of  an  inch  to  an  inch  or  more  in  length,  very  narrow,  linear,  flat,  ab- 
ruptly acute,  in  fascicles  of  3-10  or  12  (often  6),  with  a  minute  ovate  acuminate  scarious 
stipule  at  the  base  of  each  fascicle.  Peduncles  in  pairs  (sometimes  solitary),  lateral  (not 
axillary)  at  the  base  of  the  alternate  branches,  about  half  an  inch  long,  slender,  the 
upper  half  (above  the  thickened  ring,  or  articulation)  slightly  clavate.  Calyx  pale  green- 
ish-yellow. Berries  globose,  slightly  umbilicate,  red  when  mature. 

Gardens  :  cultivated.    Native  of  Europe.    Fl.  May  -July.    Fr.  September. 

06s.  Almost  every  garden  has  a  bed  of  Asparagus  roots,  for  the  sake 
of  the  young  Turions — which  afford  a  favorite  vegetable  dish  in  early 
spring.  The  plant  has  in  some  cases  escaped  from  gardens  and  become 
naturalized,  especially  near  the  coast. 

2.  HEMEEOCAL'LIS,  L.    DAY  LILY. 

[Greek,  Hemera,  a  day,  and  Kallos,  beauty  ;  the  flower  lasting  but  a  day.] 

Perianth  funnel  form, — the  short  tube  enclosing  the  ovary. — the  6-parted 
border  spreading  and  lily-like,  withering  at  the  close  of  the  day.     Stamens 
6,  inserted  at  the  throat ;  filaments  arid  style  long  and  thread-like,  de- 
clined and  ascending.     Capsule  3-angled,  rather  fleshy,  3-valved  ;  seeds 
several,  subglobose,  black.     Smooth,  showy  perennials  with  fleshy-fibrous 
roots  and  long  linear-keeled  leaves,  2-ranked  at  the  base  of  the  tall  scapes 
which  bear  at  the  summit  several  large  showy  bracted/owm. 
1.  H.  ful'va,  L.     Perianth  copper-colored  or  orange-tawny,  the  inner 
lobes  obtuse  and  wavy  on  the  margin. 
TAWNY  HEMEROCALLIS.     Day  Lily. 

Leaves  about  2  feet  long  and  an  inch  wide,  acute.  Scape  3-4  feet  high,  cor ymbosely 
branched  at  summit,  the  branches  bracteate  at  base.  Perianth  about  4  inches  long, — 
the  tube  contracted,  about  an  inch  in  length. 

Gardens  and  about  houses.    Native  of  China.    July. 

Obs.  This  has  strayed  from  gardens,  where  it  is  often  cultivated  and 
is  naturalized  in  many  places.  It  is  very  difficult  to  eradicate  when 
once  established.  The  H.  FLAVA,  L.,  a  yellow-flowered  species  of  smaller 
growth,  is  often  seen  in  gardens. 

3.  ORNITHOG'ALUM,  Tournef.     STAR  OF  BETHLEHEM. 

[Greek,  Ornis,  omilhos,  a  bird,  and  gala,  milk  ;  an  ancient  whimsical  name.] 

Perianth  white,  (or  partly  colored,)  corolla-like,  of  6  sepals  slightly  con- 
nected at  base,  spreading  above  the  middle,  3  -  *f -nerved.  Stamens  6,  the 
filaments  dilated  at  base,  narrowed  and  subulate  at  apex.  Style  3-sided  ; 


LILY    FAMILY.  353 

stigma  3-angled.  Capsule  membranaceous,  roundish,  obtusely  trigonous, 
3-celled.  Seeds  few  in  a  cell,  subglobose  or  angular  ;  testa  black,  rugose. 
Scape  and  linear-channelled  leaves  from  a  coated  bulb.  Flowers  corym- 
bose, or  racemose,  bracted. 

1.  0.  umbella'tum,  L.  Eacemes  corymbose  ;  peduncles  longer  than  the 
bracts  ;  perianth  lobes  white  within,  green  outside,  with  white  margins. 

UMBELLATE  ORNITHOGALUM.    Ten  o'clock.     Star  of  Bethlehem. 

Fr.  Dame  d'onze  heures.     Germ.  Die  Yogelmilch.     Span.  Ornitogalo. 

Bulbs  biennial?  small,  white.  Leaves  radical,  numerous,  6-12  inches  long,  very 
smooth,  green  with  a  whitish  longitudinal  line.  Scapes  6-9  inches  high,  terete,  smooth, 
corymbosely  branched  at  summit, — the  branches  or  peduncles  alternate,  1-2  inches  long, 
each  with  a  membranaceous  linear-lanceolate  acuminate  bract  at  base.  Sepals  white 
within,  externally  green  with  a  white  margin.  Ovary  somewhat  trigonous-turbiuate,  often 
abortive. 

Pastures  and  cultivated  fields  :  introduced.  Native  of  the  old  world.  Fl.  May  -  June. 
Fr.  July. 

Obs.  This  foreigner  has  escaped  from  the  gardens,  in  many  places, — 
and  multiplies  its  bulbs  so  rapidly  as  to  become  a  great  nuisance,  if 
neglected.  The  bulbs  are  exceedingly  tenacious  of  life  ;  and  when  once 
completely  in  possession  of  the  soil,  it  is  an  almost  hopeless  task  to  at- 
tempt to  extirpate  them.  The  leaves  generally  die,  however,  in  the  early 
part  of  summer, — and,  in  good  land,  are  replaced  by  the  valuable 
grasses ;  so  that  this  obnoxious  little  intruder  is  not  quite  so  serious  a 
pest  as  some  others  ; — such,  for  example,  as  the  Canada  Thistle,  or  Ox- 
eye  Daisy. 


4.  SCIL'LA,  L.    SQUILL. 

[The  ancient  name.] 

Perianth  of  6  colored  (blue  or  purple)  spreading  divisions,  mostly  decidu- 
ous, with  6  awl-shaped  filaments  at  their  base.  Style  thread-like.  Pod 
3-angled,  3-valved,  with  several  black,  roundish  seeds  in  each  cell. — 
Scape  and  linear-leaves  from  a  coated  bulb ;  the  usually  bracted  flowers 
in  a  simple  raceme. 

1.  S.  Fra'seri,  Gray.  Leaves  long,  linear,  keeled  ;  bracts  solitary,  lon- 
ger than  the  pedicels  ;  stigma  minutely  3-cleft. 

FRASER'S  SCILLA.     Eastern  Quamash.    Wild  Hyacinth. 

Bulb  onion  -like.    Scope  about  a  foot  high,  bearing  a  long  raceme  of  pale  blue  flowers. 
Sepals  widely  spreading,  half  an  inch  long,  3-nerved. 
Prairies  and  banks  of  rivers  :  Ohio  and  westward. 

Obs.  This  is  the  celebrated  Quamash,  or  Camass,  which  serves  as 
food^for  some  of  the  Indian  tribes  of  the  far  west ;  the  bulb  is  roasted, 
and  is  said  to  be  sweet-tasted  and  agreeable. 


354 


WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 


244 

5.  AL'LIUM,  L.     GARLIC.     ONIOX. 

[The  ancient  Latin  name  of  Garlic.] 

Perianth  of  6  entirely  colored  sepals,  distinct  or  united  at  the  base,  1- 
nerved,  becoming  dry,  more  or  less  persistent.  Filaments  subulate-fili- 
form, more  or  less  dilated  below, — the  inner  or  alternate  ones  often  mem- 
branaceously  dilated,  trifid  or  with  a  slender  cusp  or  tooth  at  summit,  on 
each  side.  Style  filiform  ;  stigma  simple  or  sometimes  trifid.  Capsule 
mcmbranaceous,  trigonous,  or  somewhat  3-lobed.  Seeds  few,  roundish 
and  angular  ;  testa  black,  rugose  or  minutely  granular-dotted.  Herbs 

FIG.  244.  The  Ten  O'clock,  or  Star  of  Bethlehem  (Ornithogalum  umbellatura). 


LILY    FAMILY.  355 

of  a  strong  odor,  with  tunicated  (biennial  ?)  bulbs.  Scapes  naked,  or 
with  sheathing-Ieaves  below,  solid  or  fistular.  Leaves  mostly  narrow, 
channelled,  semi-cyliudric,  or  terete,  often  hollow,  sometimes  flat.  Umbel 
terminal,  embraced  by  a  membranaceous  1  -  2-valved  marcescent  spathe- 
like  involucre.  Flowers  sometimes  changed  into  bulblets. 

*  Umbel  often  densely  bulb  bearing,  with  or  without  flowers. 
f  Leaves  flat. 

1.  A.  SATI'VUM,  L.     Scape  terete,  leafy  to  the  middle;  leaves  lance- 
linear,  somewhat  channelled  ;  spathe  1-valved,  with  a  long  acumination, 
caducous. 

CULTIVATED  ALLIUM.     Garden  or  English  Garlic. 

Fr.  L'Ail.     Germ.  Der  Lauch.  Knoblauch.     Span.  Ajo. 

Growing  in  bunches.  Radical  bulbs  compound,  consisting  of  small  bulbous  offsets, 
called  doves.  Scape  1-2  feet  high,  smooth — the  lower  half  apparently  leafy,  by  the  ex- 
tension of  the  sheaths.  Lea ves  9-15  inches  long,  distichously  arranged.  Heads  or  um- 
bels bearing  numerous  small  ovoid-oblong  bulbs,  each  bulb  with  a  membranous  cover 
ing.  Calyx  pale  purple. 

Gardens  :  cultivated.    Native  of  Europe.    Fl.  July.     Fr.  September. 

Obs.  Cultivated  as  an  article  of  medicine  and  used  by  some  to  season 
food,  for  which  purpose  it  is  extensively  used  in  the  Spanish  American 
parts  of  our  continent. 

f  f  Leaves  terete  and  hollow. 

2.  A.  vinea'le,   L.    Scape  terete,  slender,  sparingly  leafy  to  the  mid- 
dle ;  leaves  terete,  with  a  narrow  channel  on  the  upper  side ;  spathe  ab- 
ruptly acuminate. 

YINE  (or  VINEYARD)  ALLIUM.     Garlic.     Field  Garlic.     Crow  Garlic. 
Fr.  •  Ail  des  Yignes.     Germ.  Acker-Lauch.     Wein-bergs-Lauch. 

Bulbs  small.  Scape  2-3  feet  high,  very  slender,  with  a  few  leaves  below  the  middle* 
leases  8 -12  or  15  inches  long.  Umbel  globose,  about  an  inch  in  diameter  (smaller  and 
densely  capitate  when  bearing  bulbs— the  bulbs  often  vegetating  while  in  the  heads)  • 
pedicels  of  the  flowers  filiform,  clavate.  Calyx  deep  purple,  tinged  with  green. 

Pastures  and  cultivated  grounds  :  introduced.    Native  of  Europe.    Fl.  June.    Fr.  Aug. 

Obs.  Tradition  says,  this  species  was  introduced  by  the  first  Welsh 
immigrants  to  Pennsylvania,  for  the  purpose  of  supplying  an  early  pas- 
ture. It  is  now  completely  naturalized,  and  was  formerly  so  abundant 
in  some  districts,  as  to  be  quite  a  nuisance.  It  not  only  imparted  a  dis- 
gusting flavor  to  milk,  butter,  &c.,  but,  by  its  abundance  among  the 
wheat,  seriously  injured  the  flour, — and  rendered  the  manufacture  of  it 
difficult.  Our  best  farmers,  however,  have  now  nearly  subdued  it,  by  the 
improvement  of  their  land,  and  a  judicious  rotation  of  crops.  A  native 
species,  the  Meadow  Garlic  (A,  Canaden'se,  Kalm.),  is  frequent  in  moist 
meadows  ;  it  has  flat  leaves  borne  at  the  base  of  the  scape. 

3.  A.  CE'PA,  L.   Scape  leafy  at  base  only,  fistular,  and  vcntricose  below 


356  WEEDS   AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

the  middle,  much  longer  than  the  leaves ;  leaves  subterete,  fistular, 

somewhat  ventricose ;  umbel  globose,  usually  capsule-bearing ;  spathe 

1-  or  finally  2-valved,  with  a  short  acumiuation. 

Onion.     Garden  Onion. 

Fr.  Oignon.     Germ.  Die  Zwiebel.     Span.  Cebolla. 

Bulb  depressed  or  turnip-shaped,  large  (2-3  inches  in  horizontal  diameter).  Scape  2-3 
feet  high,  terete,  often  an  inch  or  more  in  diameter  in  the  most  ventricose  portion,  smooth, 
glaucous.  Leaves  6  inches  to  a  foot  or  more  in  length.  Umbel  2-3  inches  in  diameter — tho 
pedicels  filiform.  Spathe  greenish-white.  Sepals  lance-oblong,  white  with  a  green  keel. 
Outer  stamens  about  as  long  as  the  calyx,  spreading — the  inner  ones  nearly  twice  as  long, 
erect  ;  filaments  white,  the  3  inner  ones  much  dilated  at  base,  obscurely  toothed. 

Gardens  and  fields  :  cultivated.    Native  country  unknown.     Fl.  July.     Fr.  September. 

06s.  This  species — universally  known  and  cultivated,  as  a  culinary 
vegetable — is  by  far  the  most  valuable  of  the  genus.  The  culture  is  car- 
ried to  a  great  extent  in  some  favorable  localities, — as  at  Wethersfield, 
Connecticut.  There  is  a  variety  with  bulb-bearing  umbels,  or  heads, 
sometimes  to  be  seen  in  gardens.  The  expressed  juice  of  the  Onion  is  a 
popular  remedy  for  the  croup,  in  children.  Its  stimulating  quality  is 
thus  playfully  alluded  to,  by  SHAKSPEARE,  in  the  Taming  of  the  Shrew  : 

"  And  if  the  boy  have  not  a  woman's  gift, 
To  rain  a  shower  of  commanded  tears, 
An  Onion  will  do  well  for  such  a  shift  ; 
Which  in  a  napkin  being  close  conveyed, 
Shall  in  despite  enforce  a  watery  eye." 

*  *  Umbel  bearing  only  flowers  and  capsules. 
f  Leaves  flat. 

4.  A.  POR'RUM,  L.  Scape  rising  from  the  centre  of  a  simple  bulb,  terete, 
leafy  to  the  middle  ;  leaves  broad,  somewhat  channelled  or  folded,  and 
keeled,  acute  ;  umbel  globose  ;  sepals  with  a  rough  keel ;  stamens  a  lit- 
tle exserted. 

LEEK  ALLIUM.    Leek.     Garden  Leek. 
Fr.  Porreau.     Germ.  Gemeiner  Lauch.     Span.  Puerro. 

Bulb  middle-sized.  Scape  2-3  feet  high,  stout  and  solid.  Leaves  distichously  arranged 
on  the  lower  half  of  the  scape,  6-12  inches  long,  and  about  an  inch  wide  at  base,  with  the 
margin  sometimes  ciliate.  Spathe  with  a  long  ac animation.  Umbel  globose,  dense,  rather 
large  (2  inches  or  more  in  diameter) ;  pedicels  of  the  flowers  clavate.  Calyx  pale  violet- 
purple.  Filaments  white. 

Gardens  :  cultivated.     Native  of  Europe.     Fl.  July.     Fr.  September. 

Obs.  This  species — which  is  regarded  as  a  sort  of  national  emblem 
by  the  Welsh,  is  thus  noticed  by  the  poet,  GAY  : 

"  Leek  to  tJie  Welsh,  to  Dutchmen  butter  's  dear, 
Of  Irinh  swains  potato  is  the  cheer  ; 
Oats  for  their  feasts  the  Scottish  shepherds  grind." 

Cultivated  for  use  in  soups. 

f  f  Leaves  terete,  hollow. 


LILY    FAMILY.  357 

5.  A.  SCHOBNOPRA'SUM,  L.  Scape  naked  or  few-leaved  at  base,  about  as 
long  as  the  subulate-filiform  leaves ;  spathe  2-valved,  about  equal  to 
the  umbel. 

RUSH-LEEK  ALLIUM.     Chives,  or  Gives. 

Fr.  Ciboulette.     Germ.  Der  Schnittlauch.     Span.  Cebollino. 

Growing  in  bunches.  Bulbs  small.  Scape  6-9  inches  high,  smooth.  Leaves  erect, 
about  as  long  as  the  scape.  Umfxl  about  an  inch  in  diameter.  Spafhe  of  2  ovate  mem- 
branaceous  nerved  purplish  valves.  Calyx  purple  with  a  tinge  of  violet. 

Gardens  :  cultivated.    Native  of  Europe.    Fl.  July.    Fr.  September. 

Obs.  Cultivated  as  a  culinary  herb  ;  and  often  used  as  a  kind  of  me- 
dicinal food  for  young  poultry.  Two  or  three  other  species  of  thissgenus 
are  cultivated  in  Europe  ;  namely,  A.  Scorodoprasum,  L.,  or  Rocambole 
— A.  Scalonicum,  L.,  or  Schallott,  &c.  But  I  believe  they  are  not  much 
attended  to,  in  this  country.  We  have,  also,  a  few  native  species ; 
but  they  are  scarcely  of  sufficient  importance  to  require  the  notice  of 
the  Agriculturist. 

6.  LLL/IUM,  L.    LILY. 

[The  classical  Latin  name.] 

Perianth  bell-shaped  or  funnel-form,  of  6  distinct  petal-like  sepals,  either 
clawed  or  sessile,  often  recurved  or  revolute,  with  a  central  groove  in- 
side near  the  base,  deciduous.  Anthers  linear,  versatile.  Style  longer 
tkan  the  stamens,  somewhat  clavate  ;  stigma  3-lobed.  Capsule  oblong, 
3-angled,  with  the  angles  grooved ;  seeds  flat,  margined,  in  2  rows  in 
each  cell.  Bulbs  scaly  ;  stems  simple,  leafy  ;  leaves  sessile,  alternate,  or 
whorled  ;  flowers  very  large. 

1.  L.  Canaden'se,  L.  Leaves  generally  and  remotely  whorled,  lanceo- 
late, nerves  and  margins  roughish-pubesceut ;  flowers  nodding, — the 
lobes  sessile,  recurved. 

CANADIAN  LILIUM.    Wild  Yellow  Lily. 

Stem  2-3  feet  high.  Leaves  2-3  inches  long,  in  rather  distant  whorls  of  4  -  6.  Flowers 
3-7  or  10  (rarely  solitary),  all  nodding,  on  peduncles  3 - 6  inches  in  length.  Perianth 
yellow  (sometimes  reddish-orange),  with  numerous  dark  purple  spots  inside  ;  lobes  2-3 
inches  long,  recurved  from  near  the  middle. 

Common  in  meadows.    June- July. 

Obs.  This,  which  is  so  very  abundant  and  showy,  is  introduced  as  a 
representative  of  several  native  and  cultivated  species.  Besides  this,  we 
have  several  other  wild  sorts,  which  will  be  found  described  in  the  flo- 
ras ;  the  most  conspicuous  of  them  being  the  Turk's-cap  Lily  (L,  Super- 
bum,  L.),  which  has  sometimes  as  many  as  20-40  flowers  ;  it  is  said 
to  improve  much  by  culture.  The  beautiful  White  Lily  (L.  ALBUM:,)  is 
well  known  from  being  frequently  cultivated  in  gardens,  as  is  the  Tiger 
Lily  (L.  BULBIFERUM)- — which  produces  little  blackish  bulblets  in  the 
axils  of  the  leaves.  The  newly  introduced  Japan  Lilies  (L.  LANCIFOLIUM. 


358  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

and  others),  are  perfectly  hardy,  and  so  beautiful  that  they  should  have 
a  place  in  the  smallest  flower  garden. 

ORDER  LXXVIII.     JUNCA'CE^.     (Eusn  FAMILY.) 

Herbs  with  jointed  stems,  grass-like  or  terete  leaves  and  regular  mostly  perfect  flowers. 
Perianth  of  6  similar,  dry  and  glumaceous,  persistent  sepals.    Stamens  6  (rarely  3)  ;  an- 
thers iutrorse.     Ovary  free,  forming  in  fruit  a  1-3-celled  3-valved  many-seeded  capsule. 
Style  single.     Seeds  erect  ;  embryo  enclosed  at  the  base  of  hard  albumen. 
An  Order  possessing  but  little  beauty  or  value. 

1.   JUN'CUS,  L.    RUSH. 

[Latin,  Jungere,  to  join  ;  being  used  to  tie  or  bind  objects  together.] 

Sepals  6,  glumaceous.  Stamens  mostly  6,  inserted  on  the  base  of  the 
sepals, — sometimes  those  on  the  3  inner  sepals  abortive.  Stigmas  3, 
subsessile,  filiform,  villous.  Capsule  3-celled,  or  somewhat  1-celled  by 
the  incompleteness  of  the  dissepiments,  3-valved,— the  valves  bearing 
the  dissepiments  in  the  middle.  Seeds  numerous.  Chiefly  perennials  with 
mostly  simple  and  scape-like  pithy  stems  and  cymose,  paniculate  or  clus- 
tered small  greenish  or  brownish  flowers. 

L  J,  effu'sus,  L.     Stem  naked,  often  sterile,  furnished  with  short  leaf- 
less sheaths  at  base,  filled  with  spongy  pith  ;  panicle  produced  from  the 
side  of  the  scape  above  the  middle,  diffusely  much  branched. 
EFFUSED  JUNCUS.     Common  Rush.     Soft  Rush. 

Root  perennial,  forming  tussocks.  Culms  2-3  feet  high,  simple,  soft  and  pliable,  sheathed 
at  base,  and  terminating  at  summit  in  a  long  tapering  point.  Inflorescence  cymosc-panic- 
ulate,  bursting  from  a  fissure  in  the  side  of  the  culm  near  the  summit,  often  proliferous, 
bracteate  ;  bracts  oblong-lanceolate,  scarious.  Stamens  3,  shorter  than  the  sepals,  oppo- 
site the  3  outer  ones  ;  anthers  white.  Capsule  trigonous-obovoid,  obtuse.  /Seeds  minute, 
oblong,  acute  at  each  end,  yellowish. 

Moist  meadows  and  low  grounds  :  throughout  the  United  States.  Fl.  June.  Fr.  July- 
August. 

Obs.  The  genus  is  a  numerous  one, — comprising  about  100  known 
species — of  which  some  18  or  20  are  natives  of  the  U.  States.  They 
are  all  homely  plants,  and  entirely  worthless  to  the  farmer ;  but  the  one 
here  given  is  the  most  troublesome, — continually  forming  numerous  un- 
sightly bunches  or  tussocks,  in  wet  low  grounds — and  requiring  some 
attention  to  keep  it  in  proper  subjection.  Mr.  ELLIOTT  says  that  in 
S.  Carolina,  this  Rush  "  occupies  and  almost  covers  rice-fields  as  soon 
as  they  are  thrown  out  of  cultivation." 

The  "  Black  Grass  "  so  common  in  salt  marshes  along  the  coast  is 
J,  bulbosus,  L.,  and  the  little  species  so  common  along  footpaths,  seem- 
ing to  flourish  best  where  it  is  most  trodden  on,  is  J,  bufonius,  L. 

ORDER  LXXIX.     CYPERA'CE^E.     (SEDGE  FAMILY.) 

Rush-like  or  grass-like  Jierbs,  with  fibrous  roots  and  solid  stems  (culms),  and  closed 
sheaths.  Flowers  usually  one  in  the  axil  of  each  of  the  glume-like  bracts  which  form  an 
imbricated  cluster  or  spikelet.  Perianth  none,  or  consisting  of  scales  or  bristles.  Stamens 


SEDGE   FAMILY.  359 

mostly  3.  Ovary  1-celled,  with  a  single  erect  ovule,  becoming  in  fruit  an  dkene,  which  is 
lenticular  when  the  style  is  2-cleft,  and  triangular  when  it  is2-cleft.  Embryo  minute  at 
the  base  of  farinaceous  albumen. 

An  Order  of  some  50  genera,  remarkable  for  their  worthlessness  ;  and  also  for  their 
presence,  or  prevalence,  at  least,  being  an  indication  of  swampy,  neglected,  or  valueless 
land.  The  herbage  of  this  Order,  unlike  that  of  a  large  number  of  the  Gramiueae,  or 
true  Grasses,  contains  but  little  saccharine  matter  ;  and  therefore  is  neither  nutritious  nor 
palatable  to  stock. 

An  example  is  given  of  three  of  the  genera,  selecting  such  as  are  likely  to  attract  the  no- 
tice of  the  farmer.     They  are  favorite  plants  with  the  Botanist,  and  those  who  have  a 
curiosity  to  know  more  of  them  will  find  them  described  in  the  Floras. 
Flowers  perfect,  2-ranked  :  spikes  few -many-flowered. 

Perianth  none.  1.  CYPERUS. 

Flowers  perfect,  scales  imbricated  in  several  ranks. 
Perianth  of  3  -  6  bristles.    Achenium  pointed  with  the  continuous  base 

of  the  style.  2.  SCIRPUS. 

Flowers  monoecious  in  the  same  or  separate  spikes   (sometimes  dioeci- 
ous).   Achenium  enclosed  in  a  sac,  lenticular  or  triangular.  3.  CAREX. 

1.   CYPE'KUS,  L.    GALINGALE. 

[An  ancient  Greek  name,— of  uncertain  etymology.] 

Spikelets  many-flowered,  or  rarely  few-flowered.  Scales  distichously  im- 
bricated,— the  lowest  ones  empty  and  sometimes  smaller.  Perianth  none 
of  any  kind.  Stamens  2  or  3.  Styles  3  (rarely  2,)  united  below  into  one, 
deciduous.  Akene  crustaceous,  triquetrous  or  compressed.  Perennial 
herbs.  Culms  simple,  often  triquetrous,  leafy  and  sheathed  at  base.  Leaves 
grass-like.  Spikelets  in  loose  spikes,  involucrate  fascicles,  or  umbels ;  pe- 
duncles unequal,  sheathed  at  base. 

1.  C,  strigo'sus,  L.     Spikes  compressed,  linear  awl-shaped,  crowded 
at  the  summit  of  the  rays  of  a  large  open  umbel ;  sheaths  of  the  pedun- 
cles 2-bristled  ;  style  trifid  ;  stamens  3  ;  achenium  linear-oblong. 
STRIGOSE  CYPERUS.     Bristle-spiked  Galingale. 

Culm  1-2  or  3  feet  high,  triquetrous,  smooth,  leafy  below  and  tuberous  at  base.  Leaves 
rather  broad,  acute,  keeled,  nearly  as  long  as  the  culm,  somewhat  scabrous  on  the  mar- 
gin. Umbel  3  -6  or  9-rayed,  rather  spreading  ;  rays  unequal,  1  or  2 -4  or  5  inches  long, 
triquetrous,  sheathed  at  base,  the  central  ones  suppressed  (i.  e.  the  central  spikes  sessile). 
Spikes  yellowish,  about  three-fourths  of  an  inch  long, — the  scales  somewhat  loosely  imbri- 
cated, striate,  with  a  green  keel  and  yellowish  sides.  Styles  long,  3  united  in  one,  distinct 
at  summit.  Akene  triquetrous,  oblong,  acute,  roughish-dotted. 

Wet  meadows  and  low  grounds  :  throughout  the  United  States.  Fl.  August.  Ft:  Sep- 
tember. 

Obs.  This  species  is  inserted — not  as  being  a  particularly  troublesome 
weed,  but — as  one  of  the  most  conspicuous  of  the  genus,  in  the  swampy 
meadows  of  the  middle  and  northern  States.  The  two  which  follow 
belong  rather  to  the  Southern  States, — and  are  there  regarded  as  real 
scourges  by  the  Planters. 

2.  C.  phymato'des,  Muhl.     Boot  creeping,  tuberiferous  at  the  ex- 
tremities ;  umbel  mostly  simple,  4-6-rayed  ;  involucre  about  3-leaved, 
much  longer  than  the  rays  ;   spikes  linear,  obtuse,  sub-compressed,  ap- 
proximated, somewhat  spreading,  each  12  -  20-flowered. 

"  Nut  Grass,"  of  Florida. 


360  WEEDS    AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 

Rod  (or  rhizoma)  creeping  extensively,  and  sending  up  numerous  suckers ,— the  fibrous 
branches  often  terminating  in  tubers  the  size  of  a  pea.  Culm  1  to  near  2  fee,t  high,  trique- 
trous, very  smooth.  Leaves  9-18  inches  long,  and  2-3  lines  wide,  keeled,  smooth  or 
slightly  scabrous  on  the  margin,  yellowish  green.  Umbel  rather  erect, — the  rays  1  -  2  or 
3  inches  long.  Involucre  usually  3-4-leaved.  Spikes  half  an  inch  to  three-quarters  in 
length,  a  little  compressed,  obtuse  when  mature,  somewhat  distichously  arranged  on  the 
common  rachis, — the  lowest  ones  often  in  pairs  or  fasciculate  ;  scales  oblong,  rather  acute, 
nerved,  pale  tawny.  Styles  3,  united  in  one,  distinct  at  summit.  Akene  triquetrous,  ob- 
long, minutely  punctate. 

Banks  of  streams,  pastures,  and  cultivated  grounds  :  New  England,  west  and  south. 

Obs.  This  species  is,  fortunately,  rather  rare,  in  the  Northern  and  Mid- 
dle States  ;  but  it  is  said  to  be  a  troublesome  plant,  in  the  South. 

3,   C,  rotun'dus,  L.,  var.  Hy'dra,  Gray.    Ehizoma  creeping,  tuber- 
iferous  ;  umbel  mostly  simple,  3  -  4-rayed  ;  involucre  2  -  3-leaved,  about 
as  long  as  the  rays  ;  spikes  distichous  ;  spikelets  4  -  9  on  each  ray,  lance- 
linear,  acute,  much  compressed,  10  -  40-flowered,  dark  chestnut-purple. 
HYDRA  CYPERUS.     "  Nut-grass,"  of  S.  Carolina.    "  Coco-grass."  ? 

Rhizoma,  creeping, — its  branches  ending  in  tubers  nearly  half  an  inch  in  diameter 
Culm  3-8  and  12  inches  high,  triangular,  smooth,  naked.  Leaves  all  radical,  shorter  than 
the  culm,  about  2  lines  wide,  acute,  slightly  channelled,  often  recurved,  somewhat  glau- 
cous. Involucre  sometimes  shorter  than  the  umbel.  Rays  of  the  umbel  2-3  inches  long, 
erect  or  slightly  spreading.  Spikes  nearly  an  inch  long,  alternate  and  distichous  along  the 
upper  part  of  the  rays, — the  scales  closely  imbricated,  bright  chestnut-color  with  a  green 
keel,  not  nerved,  slightly  mucronate.  Styles  3,  united  below,  distinct  at  summit.  Akene 
triquetrous. 

Sandy  fields,  sand  drifts,  along  the  Sea-coast :  Virginia  to  Florida,  and  Arkansas.  PL 
All  summer. 

06s.  This  is  stated  to  be  one  of  the  greatest  pests  of  the  Southern 
Planters.  It  seems  to  be  an  inhabitant  of  all  the  4  quarters  of  the  globe. 
Mr.  ELLIOTT  gives  the  following  account  of  it : — "  This  grass  (?)  is  be- 
coming a  great  scourge  to  our  planters.  It  shoots  from  the  base  of  its 
stem  a  thread-like  fibre,  which  descends  perpendicularly  6  to  18  inches, 
and  then  produces  a  small  tuber.  From  this,  horizontal  fibres  extend  in 
every  direction,  producing  new  tubers  at  intervals  of  6  or  8  inches,  and 
these  immediately  shoot  up  stems  to  the  surface  of  the  earth,  and  throw 
out  lateral  fibres  to  form  a  new  progeny.  This  process  is  interminable, — 
and  it  is  curious  to  see  what  a  chain  or  net-work  of  plants  and  tubers  can, 
with  some  care,  be  dug  up  in  a  loose  soil.  The  only  process,  yet  discov- 
ered, by  which  this  grass  can  be  extirpated,  is  to  plough  or  hoe  the 
spots  in  which  it  grows  every  day  through  the  whole  season.  In  their 
perpetual  efforts  to  throw  their  leaves  to  the  light,  the  roots  become  ex- 
hausted and  perish, — or  if  a  few  appear  the  next  spring,  they  can  easily 
be  dug  up."  J.  S.  SKINNER,  Esq.,  in  a  letter  written  during  an  excursion 
to  the  South,  in  the  spring  of  1846,  sent  to  me  an  imperfect  specimen  of 
a  Cyperaceous  plant,  which  I  suspect  to  be  this  species ;  and  says  of 
it, — "  I  send  you  inclosed  a  spear  or  shoot  of  the  vilest  of  all  pests,  the 
Coco-grass, — which  has  taken  possession  of,  and  caused  to  be  abandoned, 
some  of  the  best  Sugar  estates  in  Louisiana.  Of  all  things  it  is  said  to 
be  the  most  tenacious  of  life  ;  and  nothing  serves  so  well  to  propagate 
it,  as  to  plough  and  replough,  with  a  view  to  destroy  it." 


SEDGE   FAMILY.  361 

There  are  numerous  other  species  of  Cyperus,  in  the  U.  States  ;  but 
the  foregoing  are  the  most  important  for  the  Agriculturist  to  be  ac- 
quainted with.  The  Papyrus — which  the  ancients  used,  for  writing 
upon,  prior  to  the  manufacture  of  paper  from  rags — was  obtained  from 
a  species  of  this  genus,  viz  :  C.  Papyrus,  L. 

2.  SCIR'PUS,  L.    BULKUSH. 

[An  anciout  Latin  name  for  the  Bui-rush, — which  belongs  to  the  genus.] 

Spikelets  many-flowered.  Scales  imbricated  on  all  sides.  Perianth  of 
3-6  capillary  bristles.  '  Styles  2  -  3-cleft.  Akene  crustaceous,  either 
somewhat  compressed,  or  trigonous — according  to  the  condition  or  num- 
ber of  the  styles  or  stigmas.  Culms  mostly  simple,  triangular  or  terete, 
often  with  leafless  sheaths.  Spikes  either  solitary,  conglomerate  or  co- 
rymbose, terminal  or  lateral. 

1.  S.  pun 'gens,  Vahl.  Culm  triquetrous,  nearly  leafless  ;  spikes  ovoid- 
oblong  (1-5),  in  a  dense  cluster  long  overtopped  by  the  pointed  invo- 
lucral  leaf;  scales  orbicular-ovate,  emarginate,  mucronate  ;  bristles  2-6, 
slender,  shorter  than  the  akene  ;  styles  2,  united  below,  free  at  summit ; 
akene  subcompressed,  obscurely  trigonous,  abruptly  acuminate. 
SHARP-POINTED  SCIKPUS.  Chair-maker's  Rush. 

Root  (or  rhizoma)  creeping.  Culm  2-4  or  5  feet  high,  cuspidate  at  summit,  acutely 
triquetrous,  naked  and  smooth,  sheathed  at  base, — the  sheaths  often  bearing  a  few  short 
triangular -carinate  leaves.  Spikes  nearly  sessile,  in  a  dense  lateral  cluster, — i.  e.  at  the 
base  of  an  erect  tapering  1-leaved  involucre,  which  is  apparently  a  continuation  of  the 
culm.  Scales  often  emarginate,  and  mucronate  with  the  projecting  midrib,  ferruginous  on 
the  sides,  the  margins  scarious  and  pubescent-ciliate.  Bristles  retrorsely  scabrous,  brittle. 
Akene  smooth,  dark-brown. 

Swampy  meadows  and  muddy  margins  of  rivers — salt  and  fresh  :  throughout  the  United 
States.  Fl.  July.  Ft:  Sept. 

Obs.  This  is  the  plant  used  in  making  the  seats  of  "  Rush-bottomed 
Chairs,"  in  the  U.  States.  Some  of  the  English  Botanists  say,  the 
terete  culms  of  the  S.  lacustris,  L.,  or  common  Bulrush,  are  used  for 
that  purpose, — which  I  think  must  be  a  mistake  ;  as  they  are  certainly 
much  inferior,  in  tenacity  and  pliability,  to  those  of  this  species, — and 
the  chair-makers  would  be  apt  to  discover  the  fact.  Numerous  species 
of  this  genus  occur  in  our  wet  low  grounds  ;  but,  although  of  no  value 
in  Agriculture,  they  scarcely  require  notice,  here, — inasmuch  as  they 
are  neither  very  troublesome,  nor  difficult  to  get  rid  of,  by  draining,  and 
other  appropriate  management  of  the  grounds. 

3.  CA'REX,  L.     SEDGE. 

[A  classical  name, — of  obscure  etymology.] 

Staminate  and  pistillate  flowers  either  in  distinct  spikes  on  the  same  plant 
(monoecious)  or  in  different  portions  of  the  same  spike,  (androgynous), 
rarely  on  distinct  plants  (dioecious).  Scales  1-flowered,  imbricated  on 
all  sides.  Stamens  mostly  3.  Ovary  included  in  a  membranous  (often 
16 


302  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

beaked  and  inflated)  sac  or  perigynium.  Akene  lenticular  or  triquetrous 
(according  as  the  stigmas  are  2  or  3),  more  or  less  beaked  with  the  base 
of  the  style.  Perennial  herbs  with  usually  caespitose  culms  which  are  tri- 
angular, often  nodose  and  leafy.  Spikes  terminal  and  axillary,  mostly 
bracted  at  base. 

Obs.  The  three  species  here  described,  are  inserted  merely  as  samples 
of  a  very  extensive  genus  of  unprofitable  plants, — of  which  every  intelli- 
gent farmer  would  like  to  know  something.  Those  who  may  desire  to 
become  better  acquainted  with  the  family,  will  find  the  species  well  de- 
scribed, in  various  Monographs  and  Floras. 

*    SPIKES  ALL  ANDROGYNOUS. 

f  Spikes  clustered,  staminate  at  their  summit.     Stigmas  2. 

1.  C.  vulpinoi'dea,  Muhl.     Spike  oblong,  decompound,  interrupted, 
bracteate, — of  8-10  crowded  clusters;  fruit  compressed,  ovate,  acumi- 
nate, 3-nerved,  scabrous  on  the  margin,  finally  diverging,  rather  shorter 
than  the  ovate  cuspidate  scale. 

YULPINA-LIKE  CAREX.     Sedge.    Sedge-grass. 

Culm  about  2  feet  high,  obtusely  triangular  and  leafy  at  base,  acutely  triquetrous  above. 
Leaves  lance-linear,  channelled  above,  scabrous  on  the  margin, — the  upper  ones  over- 
topping the  culm  ;  sheaths  transversely  rugose  on  the  side  opposite  the  leaves.  Spike  2-3 
inches  long,  formed  of  numerous  spikelets  which  are  crowded  into  clusters  a  little  sepa- 
rated from  each  other,  and  either  appressed  to  the  rachis  or  diverging.  Bracts  at  the  base 
of  the  compound  spike,  and  also  of  the  principal  clusters,  often  long  and  foliaceous, — 
those  at  the  base  of  the  spikelets,  short,  setaceous  and  scabrous.  Staminate  glumes  lan- 
ceolate, with  a  short  point.  Pistillate  glumes  ovate,  with  a  long  serrulate  point.  Fruit 
3-nerved,  bifid  at  apex,  rather  small,  densely  crowded,  finally  much  diverging,  and  yel- 
lowish. 

Swamps  and  low  grounds  :  Northern  and  Middle  States.     Fl.  May.     Fr.  July. 

Obs.  This,  like  all  the  other  species  of  this  very  numerous  genus 
(amounting  to  some  300  or  more),  is  a  very  worthless  plant ;  and  is  often 
quite  abundant  in  wet  meadows.  The  form  of  the  akenes,  in  Carex — 
like  those  of  Polygonum,  already  noticed— has  a  constant  relation  to 
the  number  of  styles  or  stigmas.  When  the  stigmas  (or  stigmatose 
branches)  are  2,  the  akene  is  compressed,  and  ancipital  or  2-edged  ;  but 
when  there  are  3  stigmas,  the  akene  is  uniformly  triquetrous.  A  similar 
relation,  between  the  form  of  the  akene  or  nut,  and  the  number  of  the 
styles  or  stigmas,  appears  to  exist  in  numerous  other  instances, — as  in 
Eumex,  Rheum,  Scirpus,  Cyperus,  Fagus,  Morus,  Alnus,  Betula,  &c., 
&c.,  and  the  law  may,  perhaps,  be  general. 

**  STAMINATE  AND  PISTILLATE  SPIKES,  DISTINCT. 
f  Staminate  spike  solitary :  pistillate  subsessile.     Stigmas  3. 

2.  C.  tentacula'ta,  Muhl.     Staminate  spike  bracteate,  on  a  short  pe- 
duncle ;  pistillate  spikes  about  3,  cylindric-oblong,  approximate,  hori- 
zontal, the  uppermost  sessile,  the  lower  on  short  exserted  stalks ;  bracts 


SEDGE    FAMILY.  368 

• 

long,  foliaceous ;  fruit  densely  crowded,  ovoid,  ventricose,  nerved,  long- 
beaked,  about  twice  as  long  as  the  lance-linear  awned  scale  ;  the  beak 
with  short,  minutely  serrulate  teeth. 

TENTACULATE  OR  MANY-BEAKED  CAREX. 

Whole  plant  yellowish-green.  Culm  12-18  inches  high,  triquetrous,  scabrous  on  the 
angles  above,  leafy.  Leaves  linear-lanceolate,  nerved,  scabrous  on  the  margin,  longer 
than  the  culm.  *&taminate  spike  about  an  inch  long,  with  a  narrow  lance-linear  bract  at 
base  longer  than  the  spike  ;  glumes  lance-linear,  terminated  by  a  long  scabrous  awn.  Pis- 
tillate spikes  commonly  2-3  (often  but  1 — rarely  4),  about  an  inch  or  an  inch  and  a  half 
long,— the  upper  ones  approximate,  sessile— the  lowest  one  a  little  distant  on  a  short 
scarcely  exserted  peduncle  ;  glumes  terminated  by  a  long  setaceous  scabrous  awn.  Bracts 
resembling  the  leaves,  very  long.  Fruit  ovoid,  inflated,  spreading,  smooth  and  shining,  at- 
tenuated into  a  long  straight  slender  beak.  Akene  triquetrous,  roughish  puncticulate. 

Swampy  low  grounds.     Fl.  May -June.     Fr.  August. 

Obs.  This  is  a  very  common  species,  in  the  swampy  meadows  of  Penn- 
sylvania,—and  probably  throughout  the  greater  portion  of  the  United 
States. 

ff  Staminate  spikes  mostly  2  or  more.     Stigmas  2. 

3.  C.  stric'ta,  Lam.  Staminate  spikes  1-  3  ;  pistillate  spikes  usually 
2  or  3,  rather  distant,  cylindric,  subsessile,  often  Staminate  at  summit ; 
fruit  compressed,  ovate,  with  a  very  short  beak  and  the  orifice  entire, 
about  as  long  as  the  oblong-lanceolate  awnless  scale. 

UPRIGHT  CAREX.    Tussock-sedge. 

Culms  1-2  feet  high,  very  slender  and  acutely  triquetrous,  striate,  minutely  serrulate 
on  the  angles,  leafy  at  base, — usually  growing  in  large  dense  tufts,  or  tussocks.  Leaves 
narrow,  linear,  keeled,  scabrous  on  the  margin,  often  longer  than  the  culm, — the  radical 
ones  very  numerous  and  loosely  spreading,  forming  a  large  tuft  of  a  lively  bluish-green. 
Staminate  spikes  2-3  (often  solitary),  erect,  sessile  except  the  uppermost  one  ;  glumes 
oblong,  mostly  obtuse.  Pistillate  spikes  3  (or  often  but  2),  1  -2  inches  long,  rather  slen- 
der,— the  lowest  one  on  a  very  short  peduncle — the  upper  one  sessile,  and  often  Staminate 
at  summit  (androgynous)  ;  glumes  brown,  with  a  green  keel.  Fruit  ovate,  elliptic,  or 
obovate,  smooth.  Akenes  obovate,  mucronate,  puncticulate. 

Swamps  :  throughout  the  United  States.     Fl.  April.     Fr.  June. 

Obs.  It  is  the  most  common,  and  most  troublesome,  of  all  the  species. 
It  is  true,  that  a  pedestrian,  in  crossing  neglected  boggy  meadows,  finds 
its  dense  tufts  quite  a  convenience,  to  step  on, — yet  it  is  decidedly  more 
farmer-like  to  provide  good  walking,  in  such  places,  by  ditching  and 
draining.  The  tussocks,  formed  by  the  matted  fibrous  roots,  of  this 
species  of  Carex,  are  often  very  large,  and  very  durable.  I  once  hauled 
a  quantity  of  them  into  the  barn-yard,  with  a  hope  that  they  might  de- 
compose, and  make  manure  ;  but  they  effectually  resisted  decomposition, 
and  were  tossed  about  the  yard  for  years, — as  large,  and  almost  as  inde- 
structible, as  so  many  hatters'  blocks.  The  best  way  to  dispose  of 
them,  is  to  collect  them — when  cut  out  and  dried — into  a  heap,  and  bum 
them,- — taking  care  afterwards,  by  appropriate  draining,  to  prevent  the 
growth  of  others. 


364 


WEEDS    AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 


FIG.  245.  The  Many-beaked  Carex  (Carex  tentaculata) .    246.  A  fruit  with  its  bract. 
247.  The  akene  removed  from  the  perigynium. 


GRASS   FAMILY. 


365 


GRAMIN'E^E.     (GRASS  FAMILY.) 

TRUE  GRASSES,  with  mostly  hollow  stems  (culms)  which  are  cylindrical  and  jointed,  closed 
at  the  joints  (nodes);  leaves  alternate,  2-ranked,  parallel-nerved,  the  dilated  petiole  (sheath) 
surrounding  the  culm  and  split  open  on  the  side  opposite  to  the  blade,  and  furnished  at 
the  junction  with  the  blade  with  a  more  or  less  manifest  scarious  appendage  (ligule). 
Flowers  perfect,  polygamous  or  monoecious  (rarely  dioecious),  imbricated  with  2-ranked 
glumes  or  bracts,  the  outer  pair  (glumes'),  subtending  a  spikelet  of  one  or  several  flowers, 
the  inner  pair  (palece)  enclosing  each  particular  flower  which  is  destitute  of  a  proper 
perianth.  Stamens  1-6,  usually  3;  anthers  versatile.  Ovary  1  -celled,  1-ovuled,  usually 
with  2  -  3  scales  (squamulce)  at  base.  Styles  mostly  2  or  2-parted  ;  stigmas  plumose  or 
hairy.  Fruit  a  seed  -like  grain  (caryopsis)  ;  embryo  small  at  the  base  and  on  the  outside 
of  copious  farinaceous  albumen.  Annuals  or  perennials,  with  fibrous  roots,  often  caespitose. 
Spikelets  paniculate  or  spiked,  upper  (inner)  palea  2-nerved  or  2-keeled. 

This  vast  Order  —  comprising  some  230  genera,  and  perhaps  not  less  than  3000  species  — 
is  probably  the  most  generally  diffused,  and  the  most  important  to  man,  of  all  the  families 
of  plants.  The  seeds,  and  herbage,  furnish  a  principal  portion  of  the  food  of  the  human 
race,  and  of  the  more  valuable  domestic  animals.  A  great  number  of  the  Grasses,  how- 
ever, are  little  better  than  weeds,  on  a  farm,  —  and  some  of  them  exceedingly  annoying. 
Those  which  the  American  Agriculturist  is  more  immediately  interested  to  know,  are  here 
inserted. 

1.  THE  POA  SUB-FAMILY. 

Spikelets  1  -  many-flowered  ;  when  more  than  one-flowered,  the  lowest  developing  first,  the 
uppermost  if  any,  imperfect  or  abortive,  the  rest  perfect,  or  occasionally  monoecious  or 
dioecious  —  except  in  Nos.  16  and  23,  where  the  lowest  florets  are  staminate. 
^  1.  Spikelets  1-flowered,  in  panicles,  the  flowers  often  monoecious.    Glumes  very  small  or 
wanting.    Inner  palea  3-uerved.    Stamens  1-6. 
Flowers  perfect. 

Glumes  wanting.    Flowers  flattened.    Palese  awnless.  1.  LEERSIA. 

Glumes  2,  small,  cuspidate.     Stamens  6.  2.  ORYZA. 

Flowers  monoecious. 

Fertile  flowers  awned. 


§  2.  Spikelets  1-flowered,  perfect,  sometimes  with  the  abortive  rudi- 
ment or  pedicel  of  a  second  flower  above,  panicled,  the  panicle 
sometimes  contracted  into  a  dense  spike  or  head.  Stamens  not 
more  than  three. 

Flowers  in  a  dense  cylindrical  spike.     Glumes  equal,  strongly 
flattened,  and  with  the  paleae  herbaceous. 
Glumes  united  at  base.    Lower  palea  awned,  the  upper 

wanting. 
Glumes  distinct  at  base.    Palese  2,  the  lower  truncate  and 

awnless. 

Flowers  mostly  loosely  panicled,  not  strictly  spiked,  usually 
small.     Glumes  equal  or  unequal,  membranaceous.     Flower 
raised  on  a  more  or  less  evident  stalk  (callus)  in  the  glumes. 
Flower  naked  or  barely  hairy  at  base. 

Glumes  equal  or  the  lower  one  rather  longer,  pointless, 

exceeding  the  very  thin,  blunt  palese.    Lower  palea 

pointless,  commonly  awned  on  the  back  ;  the  upper 

sometimes  wanting. 

Lower  glume  mostly  smaller.  Palese  often  hairy  at  base, 

the  lower  one  mucronate  or  awned  at  the  tip. 
Flower  hairy-tufted  at  base. 

Lower  palea  mostly  awned  on  the  back,  not  bristle- 

pointed,  shorter  than  the  glumes. 

§3.  Spikelets  (rarely  1-flowered)  usually  2  -several-flowered,  with 
one  or  more  of  the  upper  flowers  imperfect,  disposed  in  one-sided 
racemose  or  digitate  spikes.    Glumes  persistent,  the  upper  one 
looking  outward.     Rachis  not  jointed.     Stamens  2  -3. 
Spikelets  with  one  perfect  flower  below  and  one  or  more  neutral 
ones  above.    Flower  and  rudiment  awnless.    Spikes  slender, 
digitate. 


3.  ZIZANIA. 


4.  ALOPECURUS. 
6.  PHLEUM. 


7.  MUHLENBERGIA. 


8.  CALAMAGROSTH. 


9.  CYNODON. 


366  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

Spikelets  with  more  than  one  of  the  lower  flowers  perfect. 
Spikes  digitate  at  the  summit  of  the  culm,  dense.  Glumes 
and  palese  both  awnless  and  blunt.  10. 

§  4.  Spikelets  several-  (few  to  many-)  flowered,  often  with  the  upper- 
most (rarely  the  lowest)  floret  imperfect  or  abortive,— usually 
disposed  in  open  panicles.    Palese  pointless  or  the  lower  one  some- 
times tipped  with  a  straight  awn  or  bristle.     Stamens  1-3. 
*  Culms  herbaceous.    Lower  flowers  of  the  spikelets  all  perfect. 
Grain  free  from  the  palese  and  smooth. 

Glumes  (rather  long)  and  the  lower  palea  awn-pointed, 
herbaceous,  compressed-keeled.  Panicle  contracted  in 
one-sided  clusters.  11.  DACTYLIS. 

Lower  palea  awnless  and  pointless. 

Lower  palea  rounded  on  the  back,  5-  7-nerved,  scarious 
at  the  tip.    Spikelets  many-flowered,  the  rachis  com- 
monly breaking  up  into  joints  at  maturity.  12.  GLYCERIA. 
Lower  palea  laterally  compressed,  mostly  keeled,  mem- 
branaceous,  5-nerved,  the  margins  or  nerves  below 
often  cobwebby-pubescent.     Spikelets  flattened.           13.  POA. 
Lower  palea  convex  on  the  back,  acute,  sub-coriaceous, 

3 -5-nerved,  not  cobwebby  at  base.  14.  FESTUCA. 

Grain  adherent  to  the  upper  palea  and  hairy  at  the  apex. 

Lower  palea  convex  or  keeled  on  the  back,  mostly  awned 

below  the  2-cleft  tip,  5-9  nerved.  15.  BROMUS. 

**  Culms  herbaceous,  often  tall  and  reed-like.  Lowest  flower  sterile. 
Spikelets  strongly  silky-bearded  on  the  rachis,  loosely 

flowered.  16.  PHRAGNITES. 

***  Culms  woody,  suffruticose  or  arborescent. 

Spikelets  flattened,  loosely  5 -  14-flowered.  17.  ARU.YDI.VARIA. 

^  5.  Spikelets  1  -several-flowered,  sessile  on  opposite  sides  of  a  zigzag 
jointed  rachis  (which  is  toothed  or  excavated  on  one  side  of  each 
joint),  forming  a  spike.    Glumes  sometimes  abortive  or  wanting. 
Otherwise  as  in  §  4. 
Spikelets  single  at  each  joint  of  the  rachis  ;  several-flowered. 

Glume  1,  external.    Spikelets  placed  edgewise  on  the  rachis.  18.  LOMUM. 
Glumes  2,  transverse  (right  and  left)  ;  spikelets  placed  flat- 
wise on  the  rachis. 

Spikelets  3 -several-flowered.  19.  TRITICUM. 

Spikelets  2-flowered.  20.  SECALE. 

Spikelets  2-4  at  each  joint  of  the  rachis. 

Spikelets  1-flowered,  3  at  each  joint,  the  2  lateral  ones  usually 

sterile.  21.  HORDEUM. 

§  6.  Spikelets  2-several-flowered,panicled  ;  the  rachis  or  base  of  the 
flowers  often  villous-bearded.  Glumes  mostly  equalling  or  exceed- 
ing the  flowers.     Lower  palea  mostly  bearing  a  twisted,  bent  or 
straight  awn  on  its  back  below  its  apex.     Stamens  3. 
Flowers  all  perfect,  or  the  uppermost  merely  rudimentary. 
Lower  palea  cleft  at  the  apex  into  2  acute  teeth. 
Awn  proceeding  from  the  mid-nerve  only,  below  the  apex, 

mostly  twisted  or  bent.   Lower  palea  rounded  on  the  back.  22.  AVEXA. 
One  of  the  flowers  staminate  only. 

Lower  flower  staminate  ;  the  perfect  one  commonly  awnless; 

the  uppermost  a  rudiment.    Otherwise  as  in  22.  23.  ARRHESATHERUM. 

Lower  flower  perfect  and  awnless  ;  the  upper  staminate  and 
awned.  Rudiment  none.  24.  HOLCUS. 

2.  THE  PHALARIS  SUB-TRIBE. 

Spikelets  more  or  less  panicled,  3-flowered,  the  uppermost  or  middle 
flower  perfect ;  those  (apparently)  on  each  side  imperfect,  staminate, 
neutral  or  reduced  to  an  inconspicuous  rudiment. 

Lateral  flowers  neutral,  each  of  a  single  awned  palea,  the  per- 
fect flower  awnless  with  2  stamens.  25.  ANTHOXANTHUM. 
Lateral  flowers  reduced  to  a  small  rudiment  on  each  side  of  the 
coriaceous,  shining,  flattened  fertile  one  26.  PHALARIS. 


GRASS  FAMILY.  367 

3.  THE  PANICUM  SUB-TRIBE. 

Spikclets  2-flowered,  but  the  lower  floret  always  imperfect,  either 
staminate  or  neutral  ;  in  the  latter  case  reduced  to  a  single  empty 
palea  (placed  next  to  the  lower  glume  if  that  be  present) ;  the  upper 
(terminal)  flower  (placed  next  the  upper  glume)  only  fertile.  Flow- 
ers polygamous  or  monoecious,  sometimes  apparently  simple  and 
1-flowered  from  the  abortion  of  the  lower  glume  and  the  upper  palea 
of  the  neutral  flower.  Rarely  both  glumes  are  absent. 
^  1.  Palese  of  the  fertile  florets  coriaceous  or  chartaceous,  awnlcss, 
not  keeled,  embracing  the  smooth  grain,  flattened  parallel  with  the 
herbaceous  glumes. 

Spikelets  appearing  as  if  1-flowered  from  the  suppression  of  the 
lower  glume  ;  the  single  empty  palea  of  the  neutral  flower  oc- 
cupying its  place.   Spikelets  jointed  with  their  short  pedicels.    27.  PASPALUM. 
Spikelets  manifestly  1  )£  -  2-flowered  (the  lower  floret  neutral  or 
staminate) ,  the  lower  glume  being  present. 
Spikelets  not  involucrate  nor  the  peduncles  bristle-bearing. 
Lower  glume  small  or  minute.     Sterile  flower  staminate 
or  neutral.  28.  PANICUM. 

Spikelets  spiked-panicled,  the  peduncles  continued  beyond 

the  flower  into  a  bristle.     Otherwise  as  in  28.  29.  SETARIA. 

Spikelets  enclosed,  1  -  5  together  in  a  hard  and  spiny  bur- 
like  involucre.  30.  CBNCHBUS. 
^2.  Palese  membranaceous  or  scarious,  always  of  thinner  and  more 
delicate  texture  than  the  (often  indurated)  glumes, — frequently 
awned  at  the  apex.     Spikelets  usually  in  pairs  or  threes,  panicled 
or  spiked  ;  monoecious  or  polygamous. 

Spikelets  monoecious  ;  the  pistillate  ones  imbedded  in  the  rachis 
of  the  continuous  spike  or  in  its  separable  joints.  The  stami- 
nate spikelets  above. 

Pistillate  spikelets  imbedded  in  the  joints  of  the  spontane- 
ously separable  naked  rachis.  31.  TRIPSACCM. 
Pistillate  spikelets  along  the  sides  of  a  continuous  rachis, 
which  is  enclosed  by  the  sheaths  of  abortive  leaves  or 
husks.                                                 •                                   32.  ZEA 
Spikelets  polygamous.    Fertile  spikelets  with  one  perfect  and  one 
sterile  /staminate  or  mostly  neutral)  floret.    Lower  palea  of  the 
perfect  flower  awned. 

Spikelets  in  pairs  at  each  joint  of  the  rachis,  one  pedicellate  the 
other  sessile. 

The  upper  floret  in  each  spikelet  fertile.  33.  SACCHARUM. 

The  sessile  spikelet  only  fertile.  34.  ANDROPOGOX. 

Spikelets  2 -3  together,  in  loose  open  panicles,  the  lateral  ones 
sterile,  or  often  mere  rudiments.  36.  SORGHUM. 


368 


WEEDS    AXD    USEFUL   PLANTS. 


The  abovo  cuts  represent  in  detail  three  different  forms  of  the  inflorescence  of  grasses.  FIG. 
248.  A  spikelet  of  a  one-flowered  grass,  a  The  lower,  and  ft  the  upper  glume,  c  The  lower 
palea.  d  The  upper  palea  having  two  nerves,  e  The  stamens  and  pistil,  the  latter  with 
two  plumose  stigmas,  and  two  scales  at  its  base.  FIG.  249.  Spikelet  of  a  three-flowered 
grass  (Anthoxanthum)  with  one  flower  only  fertile.  The  parts  separated  and  placed  in 
their  relative  position  below,  a  and  b  The  lower  and  upper  glumes,  c  and  d  The  im- 
perfect florets,  each  of  a  single  awned  palea.  e  Lower  palea  of  the  perfect  flower. 
/Upper  palea  of  the  same.  0  The  two  stamens,  h  The  pistil.  FIG.  249.'  A  spikelet  of  a 
several-flowered  grass,  a  and  6  Lower  and  upper  glumes,  c  d  and  e  Tho  flowers  placed 
on  alternate  sides  of  a  short  stem  or  rachis.  /A  terminal  abortive  floret. 


GRASS    FAMILY. 

1.  LEER'SIA,  Solander.    FALSE  RICE. 

[Named  in  honor  of  John  Daniel  Leers;  a  German  Botanist.] 

Spikelets  1-flowered,  perfect,  disposed  in  one-sided  racemose  panicles,  ar- 
ticulated with  the  short  pedicels.  Glumes  wanting.  Pale®  chartaceous, 
compressed  carinate,  awnless,  bristly-ciliate  on  the  keels,  nearly  equal  in 
length,  but  the  lower  one  much  broader  and  boat-shaped,  enclosing  the 
flat  grain.  Stamens  1-6.  Stigmas  plumose  with  branching  hairs. 
Perennial  marsh  grasses,  with  the  culms,  sheaths  and  flat  leaves  retrorsely 
scabrous. 

1.  L.  oryzoi'des,   Swartz.     Panicle  diffusely  branched;  florets  triau- 

drous  ;  palea?  conspicuously  ciliate  on  the  keel. 

ORYZA  OR  RICE-LIKE  LEERSIA.     Cut-grass.     False  or  wild  Rice. 

Root  perennial,  creeping.  Culm  3-5  feet  high,  striate,  scabrous  with  minute  retrorse 
prickles,  the  nodes  pubescent.  Leaves  6 -12  inches  long,  lance-linear,  acuminate,  keeled, 
retrorsely  and  sharply  scabrous,  ciliate  on  the  margin  ;  s/ieotfissuloate-striate,  very  rough 
with  retrorse  prickles  in  the  grooves  ;  ligule  short,  retuse.  Pantile  usually  sheathed  at 
base,  much  branched  ;  branches  flexuose,  the  lower  ones  in  threes  and  fours.  Spikelets 
elliptic-oblong,  pedicellate,  greenish-white.  Palece  compressed,  pectinate-ciliate  on  the 
keel,  the  lower  one  boat-shaped,  3-nerved,  the  upper  one  a  little  longer,  linear,  1-nerved. 

Swamps,  and  along  sluggish  rivulets  :  throughout  the  United  States.  Fl.  August.  Fr. 
Sept. 

06s.  This  rough  grass  seems  to  be  common  to  both  hemispheres, — 
and  is  often  quite  abundant  in  our  swampy  meadows,  and  along  the  mar- 
gins of  muddy  streams.  Although  this  grass  is  said  to  have  some  value 
at  the  South,  it  is  in  the  Northern  States  considered  not  only  worthless, 
but  rather  a  nuisance.  The  farmer  should  therefore  know  it,  and  take 
measures  (by  drainage,  &c.)  to  expel  it,  or  keep  it  in  subjection. 

2.  ORY 'ZA,  L.    RICE. 

[The  Greek  name  of  Rice, — coined  from  Eruz,  its  Arabic  name.] 

Spikelets  1-flowered,  perfect.     Glumes  2,  small,  awnless  but  cuspidate, 
slightly   concave.      Pale®    2,    compressed-carinate,    nearly     equal    in 
length, — the  lower  one  broader,  and  often  with  a  straight  awn  at  apex. 
Stamens  6.      Ovary  smooth ;   stigmas  plumose, — the  hairs   branched. 
Caryopsis  oblong,  free,  closely  embraced  by  the  persistent  paleae. 
1.  0.  SATI'VA,  L.    Leaves  lance-linear,  elongated,  rough;  panicle  race- 
mose, eontracted  ;   branches  slender,  rough ;   paleae   oblong,  scabrous, 
awnless  or  often  with  a  terminal  awn. 
CULTIVATED  ORYZA.     Rice.     Common  Rice. 
Fr.  Le  Riz.     Germ.  Der  Reiss.     Span.  Arroz. 

Root  animal.  Calm  2-4  or  5  feet  high,  smooth,  striate.  Leaves  9-18  inches  Ion? 
br<>;i  iish,  rough  on  the  upper  surface,  smooth  beneath  ;  sheaths  striate-nerved,  smooth  ; 
ligule  elongated  (half  an  inch  to  three-quarters  in  length) ,  erect,  tapering  to  a  point,. 
Panicle  oblong,  4-8  or  9  inches  in  length,  with  the  branches  erect.  (Ju'er  palea  nerved 
or  ribbed,  hispidly  scabrous,  often  awned,  the  inner  one  awnless. 

Cultivated  in  the  Southern  States.     Native  of  Asia  ?    Fl.    Fr. 

16* 


370  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

Obs.  There  are  several  varieties  of  cultivated  Bice  ;  some,  called  Up- 
land or  Mountain  Eice,  usually  awnless, — others,  with  the  paleae  com- 
monly awned,  or  mucronate,  cultivated  in  low  grounds  which  can  be 
irrigated,  or  overflowed  with  water.  The  aquatic  variety  is  one  of  the 
staple  crops  of  South  Carolina.  The  importance  of  this  plant,  to  the 
inhabitants  of  the  tropical  regions,  generally — but  especially  in  Asia — 
can  scarcely  be  estimated  by  the  residents  of  higher  latitudes.  It  is  be- 
lieved that  its  seeds  enter  more  largely  into  the  nourishment  of  the  hu- 
man family  than  those  of  any  other  plant — not  excepting  even  Wheat. 

3.  ZIZA'NIA,  Gronov.    INDIAN  RICE. 

[A  Greek  name  of  some  plant  now  doubtful.] 

Flowers  monoecious  ;  the  staminate  and  pistillate  ones  in  the  same  pani- 
cle, both  1-flowered.  Glumes  wanting,  or  in  the  pistillate  spikelets  ru- 
dimentary and  cup-shaped.  Palece  herbaceo-membranaceous,  convex, 
awnless  in  the  stamiuate  spikelets,  but  tipped  with  a  straight  awn  in  the 
pistillate  ones.  Stamens  6.  Stigmas  pencil-form.  Stout  aquatic 
grasses  ;  spikelets  readily  separating  at  maturity  from  the  club-shaped 
pedicels  with  which  they  are  articulated. 

1.  Z.  AQUAT'ICA,  L.    Panicle  pyramidal, — the  lower  branches  spreading, 
bearing  staminate  flowers — the  upper  branches  erect,  bearing  pistillate 
flowers ;  spikelets  on  clavate  pedicels ;  awns  long ;   caryopsis  slender, 
elongated. 
AQUATIC  ZIZANIA.     Water  Oats.     Eeed.    Indian  Eice. 

Root  perennial.  Culm  4  -  8  or  10  feet  high,  stout,  fistular,  terete,  glabrous.  Leaves  1-2 
or  3  feet  long,  and  an  inch  to  an  inch  and  a  half  wide,  linear-lanceolate,  keeled,  smooth, 
serrulate  on  the  margin  ;  sheaths  striate,  smooth,  the  base,  at  the  nodes,  surrounded  with 
a  ring  of  short  silky  appressed  pubescence  ;  ligvle  rather  large,  elongated,  erect,  lanceo- 
late, finally  lacerate-dentate,  often  purplish.  Panicle  1-2  feet  long,  the  branches  verti- 
cillate.  Pistillate  spilcdets  about  an  inch  long,  needle-like,  somewhat  racemose  on  the 
branches.  PoZece  scabrous,  dark  greenish-purple,  the  lower  one  closely  embracing  the 
upper  one,  and  terminating  in  a  slender  straight  hispid  awn  as  long  as  the  spikelet. 

Muddy  margins  of  tide  waters,  swampy  rivulets,  &c.  :  throughout  the  United  States. 
Fl.  Aug.  Fr.  Sept. -Oct. 

Obs.  This  fine  stout  Grass  is  well  known,  along  the  muddy  shores  of 
our  tide  waters,  as  the  favorite  resort  of  the  Reed-bird  (Emberiza  Oryzi- 
vora,  L.),  in  autumn.  Mr.  ELLIOTT  supposed  it  might  be  a  valuable 
grass,  in  overflowed  or  marshy  meadows, — as  its  leaves,  he  says,  are  eaten 
with  avidity  by  stock  of  all  descriptions.  I  do  not  know  that  it  has 
been  found  of  much  importance,  in  that  respect,  in  the  northern  or  mid- 
dle States.  The  grain  is  gathered  by  the  North- Western  Indians  by 
beating  it  off  into  their  canoes  as  they  sail  among  the  reeds. 

4.  ALOPECU'RUS,  L.    FOXTAIL  GRASS. 

[Greek,  Alopex,  a  fox,  and  Oura,  a  tail  ;  in  allusion  to  the  form  of  the  spike.] 

Spikelels  1-flowered.  Glumes  strongly  compressed  and  keeled,  awnless, 
nearly  equal,  united  at  base.  Lower  palea  equalling  or  shorter  than  the 


GKASS   FAMILY, 


371 


252 


FIG.  250.  The  Meadow  Foxtail   (Alopecurus  pratensis).     251.  A  spikelet  (1-flowered) 
252.  The  floret,  consisting  of  a  single  awned  palea,  removed  from  the  glumes. 


372  WEEDS   AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

glumes,  awned   on  the  back  below  the  middle,  upper  palea  wanting. 

Styles  commonly  united  ;  stigmas  long  and  plumose.     Flowers  in  a  dense, 

soft,  cylindrical  terminal  spike. 

1.  A.  PRATEN'SIS,  L.     Culm  erect,  smooth  ;  palea  equalling  the  acute 

glumes  ;  awn  exserted  more  than  half  its  length,  twisted. 

MEADOW  ALOPECURUS.     Common  or  Meadow  Foxtail. 

Perennial.  Culm  about  2  feet  high,  smooth.  Leaves  smooth,  flat,  the  upper  one  much 
shorter  than  its  inflated  sheath.  The  spike-like  panicle  1-2  inches  long,  yellowish  green. 
Glumes  and  palea  hairy  and  ciliate. 

Meadows  ;  New  England  and  New  York.    Native  of  Europe.     May. 

Obs.  This  is  considered  a  valuable  pasture  grass  in  England,  produc- 
ing a  luxuriant  aftermath.  According  to  Mr.  FLINT,  ("  Grasses  and 
Forage  Plants,"  a  work  containing  many  useful  statistics),  it  is  not 
valued  by  the  Massachusetts  farmers,  as  a  field  grass,  on  account  of  be- 
ing so  light  in  proportion  to  its  bulk.  Two  other  species  are  found  in 
the  country,  but  they  are  of  no  value  in  agriculture.  * 

5.  PHLE'UM,  L.     CATS-TAIL  GRASS. 

[An  ancient  Greek  name  ;  meaning  obscure.] 

Palea  2,  membranaceous,  shorter  than  the  mucronate  or  awned  glumes; 
the  lower  palea  truncate,  usually  awnless.  Styles  distinct.  Other  char- 
acters much  as  in  Alopecurus.  Culms  somewhat  wiry ;  spikes  dense 
and  harsh. 

1.  P.  PRATEN'SE,  L.     Spike  cylindric,  elongated  ;  glumes  truncate,  mu- 
cronately  awned, — the  awns  shorter  than  the  glumes  ;  keel  ciliate. 
MEADOW  PHLEUM.     Cats-tail  Grass.     Herds  Grass  of  New  England 
and  New- York.     Timothy  of  Pennsylvania,  &c. 
Fr.  Fleole  des  Pres.     Germ.  Das  Wiesen-lieschgras. 

Root  perennial,  fibrous.  Culm  2-4  feet  high,  simple,  terete,  smooth, — when  old  rather 
firm  and  wiry,  and  often  somewhat  bulbous  at  base.  Leaves  6-12  or  15  inches  long, 
lance-linear,  acute,  flat,  glaucous,  somewhat  scabrous  ;  sheaths  striate,  smooth  ;  ligule 
membranaceous,  obtuse,  finally  lacerate.  Spike  3-6  or  8  inches  long,  green.  Glumes 
equal,  compressed,  abruptly  mucronate,  pubescent.  Palece  concealed  in  the  glumes,  the 
lower  one  larger.  Anthers  purple.  Stigmas  white. 

Fields  and  meadows  :  cultivated.    Native  of  Europe.     Fl.  June.    Fr.  July. 

Obs.  This  foreign  Grass  is  extensively  naturalized  in  the  United  States. 
In  New-York,  and  throughout  New-England,  it  is  known  by  the  name 
of  Herds  Grass, — a  name  which,  in  Pennsylvania — and  I  believe  in  all 
the  States  South — is  applied  exclusively  to  AGROSTIS  VULGARIS,  L.  The 
Meadow  Phleum,  or  Timothy,  is  very  generally  cultivated  in  Eastern 
Pennsylvania  ;  and  is  undoubtedly  one  of  the  most  valuable  of  the  "  arti- 
ficial grasses,"  so  called.  Mixed  in  about  equal  proportions  with  rod 
clover  (TRIFOLIUM  PRATENSE,  L.)  it  makes  the  best  quality  of  Hay.  It 
requires  a  good  soil, — and  is  considered  a  rather  severe  and  exhausting 
cr0p  ; — inasmuch  as  the  aftermath,  or  second  growth  of  radical  leaves,  is 
somewhat  scant  and  tardy  during  the  dry  weather  which  usually  sue- 


GRASS    FAMILY.  373 

ceeds  harvest ;  and  thus  the  ground  is  left  exposed  to  the  injurious  in- 
fluence of  the  scorching  sun.  The  clover,  however,  when  present  in  suf- 
ficient quantity,  soon  springs  up  and  affords  a  shelter  to  the  soil ;  and, 
when  the  land  is  good,  the  green  grass  (PoA  PRATENSIS,  L.),  comes  in, 


spontaneously,  as  the  clover  disappears.  The  seed,  of  Timothy,  is 
usually  sown  in  autumn, — among,  and  immediately  after  Wheat  and 
Eye  ;  though  it  answers  very  well,  when  sown  early  the  ensuing  spring. 

6.  AGROS'TIS,  L.     BENT-GRASS. 

[Greek,  Agros,  a  field  ;  its  usual  place  of  growth.] 

Spikelets  in  an  open  panicle,  1 -flowered.  Glumes  nearly  equal,  often 
longer  than  the  paleae,  pointless.  Palece  very  thin,  pointless,  naked  at 
the  base;  the  lower  3-5-nerved,  sometimes  awned  on  the  back,  the 
upper  often  minute  or  wanting.  Stamens  usually  3.  Mostly  perennials 
with  slender  caespitose  culms. 

1.  A.  VULGA'RIS,  With.  Culms  slender,  mostly  erect;  leaves  lance- 
linear  ;  panicle  loose,  ovoid-oblong  in  its  outline, — usually  purple  ;  pu- 
leae  awnless, — the  lower  one  twice  the  size  of  the  upper  one ;  ligule 
truncate,  very  short. 

COMMON  AGROSTIS.     Herd-grass  (of  Penn.)     Red-top. 

Root  perennial,  creeping.  Culms  csespitose,  very  slender,  erect  or  ascending,  1-2  feet 
high.  Leaves  3-6  or  8  inches  long,  nerved,  scabrous  ;  sheaths  striate,  smooth.  Panicle 
mostly  purple — the  branches  capillary,  alternatingly  semi-verticillate,  smoothishor  often 
scabrous.  Glumes  smooth,  except  on  the  keel,  lanceolate,  acute,  finally  expanding. 
1'alece  membranaceous,  smooth  at  base, — the  lower  one  nearly  as  long  as  the  glumes, 
the  upper  one  very  small,  retuse. 

Pastures  and  moist  meadows  :  introduced.    Native  of  Europe.     Fl.  July.     Fr.  August. 

Obs.  This  grass  is  somewhat  variable  in  its  botanical  characters, — 
as  may  be  inferred  from  one  of  the  specific  names  it  has  received,  viz. : 
A.  polymorpha.  It  is  often  cultivated  in  some  districts  of  the  country, 
and  answers  a  tolerably  good  purpose  in  wet  or  swampy  meadows,  which 

FIG.  253.  A  spikelet  of  Timothy  (Phleum  pratense).  254.  The  floret  removed  from  the 
glumes. 


374 


WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 


257 


FIG.   255.  The  Red-top   or  Herd-grass  of  Pennsylvania  (Agrostis   vulgar  is). 
epikelet.    257.  The  floret  removed  from  the  glumos. 


256.  A 


GRASS   FAMILY.  375 

its  roots  tend  to  consolidate ;  but  it  is  not  among  the  most  esteemed 
grasses, — either  for  pasture  or  hay.  It  should  be  borne  in  mind,  by 
dealers  in  seeds,  that  this  is  not  the  "  Herd-grass  "  of  New  York  and 
New  England, — which  is  Phleum  pratense,  or  Timothy.  The  whole 
genus  (Agrostis,)  is  known  in  England  by  the  name  of  "  Bent  Grass," 
and  one  of  the  species  (A.  Alba,  L.,  var.  stolonifera),  was  quite  cele- 
brated some  years  ago  under  the  name  of  "  Fiorin  Grass,"  as  being  su- 
perior to  all  others  for  yielding  great  crops  of  hay  ;  but  like  many 
other  plants  whose  value  has  been  exaggerated,  it  has  nearly  ceased  to 
attract  notice. 

7.  MUHLENBERG'IA,  Schreber.    DROP-SEED  GRASS. 

[la  honor  of  Rev.  Henry  Muhleriberg,  D.  D. ;  an  early  and  eminent  American  Botanist.] 

Spikelets  mostly  in  contracted  panicles.  Glumes  acute  or  bristle-pointed, 
persistent ;  the  lower  rather  smaller,  sometimes  very  minute.  Florets 
very  short  stalked,  or  sessile  in  the  glumes  ;  palece  usually  hairy  at  base, 
herbaceous,  deciduous  with  the  enclosed  grain,  often  equal ;  the  lower 
one  3-nerved,  mucronate  or  awned  at  the  apex.  Stamens  3.  Perennials 
with  branching  rigid  culms  from  scaly  creeping  roct-stalh  ;  leaves  short 
and  narrow. 

1,  M.  diffu'sa,  Schreber.     Culms  slender,  diffusely  branching;   leaves 
short,  spreading  ;  panicles  terminal  and  lateral,  contracted  and  slender  ; 
glumes  very  minute,  the  lower  obsolete  ;  lower  palea  with  an  awn  once 
or  twice  its  length. 

SPREADING  MUHLENBERGIA.    Drop-seed  Grass.     Nimble  Will. 

Culm  6-12  and  18  inches  long,  decumbent,  geniculate,  compressed,  very  slender  and 
rather  wiry,  glabrous,  much  branched — the  branches  assurgeut.  Leaves  1  -  2  or  3  inches 
in  length,  divaricate,  lance-linear,  acute  roughish  ;  sheaths  rather  open,  striate,  pubescent 
at  throat ;  ligule  very  short,  finally  lacerate  or  ciliate.  Panicles  3-6  or  8  inches  long, 
very  slender,  often  purplish — the  branches  alternate,  rather  distant,  appressed,  scabrous; 
spikelets  all  pedicellate,  racemose.  Glumes  persistent,  very  minute — the  lower  one  a  mere 
rudiment,  the  upper  one  trunciate,  laciniate-dentate.  Palece  unequal, — the  lower  one 
longer,  almost  triangular,  with  3  prominent,  scabrous  nerves,  and  terminating  in  a  slender 
scabrous  awn,  which  is  generally  a  little  longer  than  the  palea  itself.  Caryopsis  linear- 
oblong,  acute,  brown. 

Pastures,  yards  and  borders  of  dry  open  woodlands.  Fl.  August  -  September.  Fr. 
September  -  October. 

06s.  This  slender  grass  often  appears  in  considerable  quantity  in 
the  latter  part  of  summer,  in  fields  which  have  been  kept  up  some  years 
for  pasture.  Cattle  feed  on  it ;  but  it  is  not  so  valuable  as  several  of 
the  other  grasses  herein  mentioned.  It  is  said  to  be  known  in  Kentucky 
by  the  name  of  "  Nimble  Will."  In  Pennsylvania  it  has  scarcely  been 
noticed  by  the  farmers  sufficiently  to  acquire  a  common  name. 

2.  M.  Mexica'na,  Trin.     Culms  ascending,  much  branched  ;-  panicles 
terminal  and  lateral,  contracted  ;  glumes  acuminate,  nearly  as  long  as 
the  paleas  ;  paleas  nearly  equal,  pilose  at  base,  very  acute,  but  not  awned. 


376  WEEDS  AND  USEFUL  PLANTS. 

MEXICAN  MUHLENBERGIA. 

Root  perennial,  creeping.  Culms  erect  or  ascending,  1-2  or  3  feet  high,  slender  and 
wiry,  with  numerous  swelling  nodes,  much  branched  and  leafy  above,  often  becoming 
nearly  naked  below.  Leaves  2-4  or  5  inches  long,  lance-linear,  acute,  nerved,  scabrous, 
especially  on  the  upper  surface  ;  sheaths  smooth,  compressed  and  but  partially  embracing 
the  culm  ;  ligule  short,  obtuse  and  lacerate.  Panicles  numerous,  2-3  inches  in  length, 
contracted  and  rather  dense-flowered, — the  lateral  ones  partly  sheathed  at  base.  Glumes 
narrow-lanceolate,  with  scarious  margins  and  a  subulate  point.  Palece  usually  longer  than 
the  glumes  (sometimes  twice  as  long),  the  lower  one  occasionally  terminating  in  an  awn. 

Moist  grounds,  borders  of  fields  and  woodlands.     Fl.  August.    Fr.  September. 

06s.  This  species  affords  an  indifferent  pasture  in  the  latter  part  of 
summer ;  but  it  is  not  of  much  worth.  It  is  better  to  supersede  these — 
and  all  grasses  of  inferior  quality — by  the  introduction  of  more  valua- 
ble ones,  and  it  can  be  done  by  the  aid  of  lime  and  manure.  When  the 
soil  is  enriched  and  properly  managed,  the  better  kinds  of  natural 
Grasses  (especially  Poa  and  Festuca)  soon  come  in  spontaneously  and 
expel  the  others. 

8.  CALAMAGROS'TIS,  Adans.     REED  BENT-GRASS. 

[Greek,  Kalamos,  a  reed,  and  Agrostis  ;  from  its  affinity  to  both.] 

Spikelets  in  an  open  or  contracted,  sometimes  spiked  panicle,  1-flowered, 
and  often  with  a  rudiment  or  pedicel  of  an  abortive  secojid  floret. 
Glumes  commonly  nearly  equal,  keeled,  often  acute  and  longer  than  the 
floret  which  is  invested  at  base  by  a  tuft  of  white  hairs.  Lower  palea 
mostly  awned  on  the  back  ;  the  upper  shorter,  with  the  rudimentary, 
often  plumose,  pedicel  at  its  base.  Stamens  3.  Perennials  with  running 
root-stocks  and  mostly  tall,  simple  rigid  culms. 

1.  C.  Canaden'sis,  Beauv.    Panicle  loose,  oblong,  often  purplish  ;  lower 
palea  rather  shorter  than  the  lanceolate  acute  glumes,  not  exceeding 
the  very  fine  hairs,  bearing  an  extremely  delicate  awn  below  the  mid- 
dle ;  rudimentary  pedicel  minute. 

CANADIAN  CALAMAGROSTIS.     Blue  Joint-grass.     Canadian  Small  Reed. 

Calm  3  -  5  feet  high.  Leaves  1  foot  long  and  about  )£  of  an  inch  wide,  flat,  glaucous, 
slightly  pubescent  above,  smoothish  underneath.  Awn  scarcely  equalling  or  exceeding 
the  hairs.  Glumes  rough,  about  1>£  lines  long. 

Wet  grounds  :  common  north  and  west. 

Obs.  This  species  is  considered  by  some  as  an  excellent  and  nutritious 
grass.  According  to  WHITNEY'S  Geological  Report,  it  is  abundant  and 
valued  about  Lake  Superior  ;  the  yield  is  said  to  be  abundant,  and  it  is 
greedily  eaten  by  cattle. 

2.  C.  arena'ria,  Rcth,     Culm   rigid,  from  long  stout  running  root- 
stocks  ;    leaves  soon  involute ;    glumes  nearly  equal,   keeled ;    paleas 
shorter  than  the  glumes,  the  lower  5-nerved,  mucronate  or  obscurely 
awned  near  the  tip,  surrounded  by  short  hairs  at  the  base  ;  panicle 
spike-like,  contracted  ;  spikelets  large. 

SAND  CALAMAGROSTIS.     Sea-Sand  Reed.     Boach  Grass.     Mat  Grass. 


GRASS    FAMILY.  377 

Root  stock  often  running  for  20  -  30  feet.  Culm  2-3  feet  high.  Leaves  long,  near  half  an 
inch  wide,  attenuated  to  a  long  slender  point,  smooth  and  glaucous.  Panicles  6  - 12  iucties 
long,  whitish,  very  close  and  spike-like.  Spikelets  about  %  an  inch  in  length. 

Sea-coast,  Maine  to  New  Jersey,  and  oil  the  shores  of  Lakes  Superior  and  Michigan. 
August. 

Obs.  Although  this  grass  has,  properly  speaking,  no  agricultural  use, 
yet  it  is  in  some  localities  a  very  important  and  useful  one.  Along  the 
coast  of  Massachusetts  it  is  planted  to  confine  the  blowing  sands.  The 
Federal  Government  has  expended  considerable  sums  in  planting  this 
grass  for  the  protection  of  harbors,  and  much  has  been  done  by  State 
and  individual  effort.  An  interesting  account  showing  the  important 
purpose  a  mere  grass  can  serve,  may  be  found  in  Flint's  Treatise  on 
Grasses  and  Forage  Plants. 

9.  OY'NODON,  Rich.    BERMUDA  GRASS. 

[Greek,  literally  Dog's  tooth ;  but  the  reason  is  not  obvious.] 

Spikes  digitate,  in  pairs,  or  racemose.  Spikelets  with  one  perfect  floret, 
and  sometimes  with  the  subulate  pedicel  or  abortive  rudiment  of  a 
second  superior  floret.  Glumes  keeled,  awnless,  nearly  equal,  the  upper 
one  exterior.  Palece  pointless  and  awnless ;  the  lower  larger,  boat- 
shapsd.  Stamens  3.  Low,  diffusely  branched,  creeping  perennials  with 
short  flattish  leaves. 

1.  C.  Dac'tylon,  Pers.  Spikes  3 - 5,  digitate,  spreading;  paleae  longer 
than  the  glumes,  glabrous,  with  a  beardless  bristle  at  the  base  of  the 
inner  one. 

FINGER  CYNODON.     Bermuda  Grass.     Dog's-tooth  Grass. 

Root  perennial,  fibrous,  creeping  (numerous  slender  rhizomas).  Culm  procumbent, 
radicating,  6-12  or  15  inches  long,  terete,  smooth.  Leaves  1-2  or  4  inches  long,  acute, 
somewhat  distichous  and  rigid,  slightly  hairy  and  scabrous  ;  sheaths  longer  than  the 
iuternodes,  hairy;  ligule  beard-like.  Spikes  3-5  (usually  4),  1-2  inches  long;  rachis 
flexuose  and  angular,  not  winged.  Scales  obovate,  half  as  long  as  the  ovary.  Stigmas  dark 
purple. 

Loose  sandy  soils  :  Southern  States  :  introduced?    Fl.  All  summer  (Ell).    Fr. 

Obs.  This  I  should  judge  to  be  a  grass  of  doubtful  value,  and  equiv- 
ocal character  in  agriculture,  compared  with  our  better  species.  Mr. 
ELLIOTT  gives  the  following  account  of  it  [under  the  name  of  Digitaria 
Dactylon],a$  observed  in  South  Carolina: — "We  have  two  varieties 
of  this  plant,  one  coarser  (perhaps  a  species)  growing  in  damp  soils, 
native ;  the  other,  described  above,  said  to  be  imported,  a  tender,  deli- 
cate grass,  growing  over  and  binding  the  most  arid  and  loose  lands  in 
our  country,  and  apparently  preferred  by  stock  of  all  descriptions  to 
every  other  grass.  The  cultivation  of  this  grass  on  the  poor  and  exten- 
sive sand  hills  of  our  middle  country  would  probably  convert  them  into 
sheep-walks  of  great  value  ;  but  it  grows  in  every  soil,  and  no  grass  in 
close  rich  land  is  more  formidable  to  the  cultivator ;  it  must  therefore 
be  introduced  with  caution."  Sir  JAMES  EDWARD  SMITH,  the  Botanical 
Editor  of  Rees'  Cyclopaedia,  has  the  following  remarks  [Art.  PANICUM 


378  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

dactylon],  in  reference  to  the  plant :  "  This  grass  was  perceived  by  Mr. 
LAMBERT  to  be  no  other  than  the  Agrostis  linearjs  of  KOENIG,  RETZIUS, 
and  WILLDENOW, — the  Durva  of  the  Hindoos, — which  the  late  Sir 
WILLIAM  JONES,  in  the  fourth  volume  of  the  Asiatic  Eesearches,  has 
celebrated  for  the  extraordinary  beauty  of  its  flowers,  and  its  sweetness 
and  nutritious  quality  as  pasture  for  cattle.  We  cannot  but  remark 
what  extraordinary  celebrity  is  attached,  every  now  and  then,  to  one 
grass  or  other,  and  how  their  fame  passes  away  '  like  the  morning  cloud/ 
while  the  best  graziers  scarcely  know,  perhaps,  better  than  their  fat 
cattle,  anything  of  the  nature  of  the  common,  never-failing  herbage  to 
which  they  are  both  so  much  indebted." 


10.  ELEUSI'NE,  Gaertn.    CRAB-GRASS. 

[From  Eleusis ;  where  Ceres,  the  goddess  of  harvests,  was  worshiped.] 

Spikelets  2  -  6-flowered,  with  a  terminal  naked  rudiment,  closely  imbri- 
cated-spiked  on  one  side  of  a  flattish  rachis  ;  the  spikes  digitate  or 
fascicled.  Glumes  unequal,  shorter  than  the  florets,  keeled,  pointless. 
Palece  awnless  and  pointless,  the  lower  ovate,  keeled  ;  the  upper  smaller, 
2-keeled.  Stamens  3.  Pericarp  (utricle)  containing  a  loose  wrinkled 
seed.  Annuals  with  low  and  spreading  culms  ;  pale  green. 

1.  E.  IN'DICA,  Gaertn.  Culm  compressed,  decumbent ;  spikes  2 -4  or 
6,  linear,  straight,  digitate  ;  spikelets  lance-ovate,  about  5-flowered. 

INDIAN  ELEUSINE.     Dog's-tail  Grass.     Crow-foot,  Crab  or  Yard  Grass. 

Root  annual.  Culm  6-12  and  18  inches  long,  oblique  or  often  nearly  procumbent, 
smooth,  branching  at  base.  Leaves  2 - 12  inches  long,  rather  crowded  and  distichous  at 
the  base  of  the  culm,  linear,  often  inclined  to  be  conduplicate,  smooth  or  sparingly  pilose  ; 
sheaths  loose,  striate,  glabrous,  pilose  at  throat;  ligule  very  short,  truncate,  minutely 
dentate.  Spikes  2-4,  sometimes  6  (rarely  1),  1  or  2-4  inches  long  ;  rachis  compressed. 
Spikelets  imbricated,  smooth.  Lower  palea  ovate-lanceolate,  with  a  green  keel, — the  upper 
one  a  third  shorter,  with  2  keels.  Caryopsis  triangular-ovoid,  dark  brown,  trans- 
versely rugose. 

Farm-yards,  lanes  and  along  foot-paths.  Native  of  India.  Fl.  August -September 
Fr.  September -October. 

Obs.  This  grass  is  extensively  naturalized,  especially  southward. 
It  is  usually  to  be  seen  in  abundance  in  lanes  and  wood-yards,  about 
farm-houses  during  the  latter  part  of  summer, — where  it  grows  very 
thick,  and  forms  a  fine  carpeting  in  spots  which  had  been  previously 
naked  and  muddy.  Cattle  and  hogs  are  fond  of  it, — and  Mr.  ELLIOTT 
commends  it  for  hay  ;  but  in  this  region  it  rarely  grows  in  mowing 
grounds  to  any  considerable  extent. 

There  is  another  species  (E.  Coracana,  Gaertn.},  which  is  "cultivated 
as  corn,  under  the  name  of  Natchenny,  upon  the  Coromandel  coast.'' 
I  believe  it  is  unknown  in  this  country, — and  probably  would  not  be 
worth  introducing. 


GRASS   FAMILY.  379 

11.  DAC'TYLIS,  L.    ORCHARD  GRASS. 

[Greek,  Daktylos,  a  finger  ;  in  reference  to  the  form  or  size  of  the  spikes.] 

Spikelets  several-flowered,  compressed,  crowded  in  dense  one-sided  panic- 
ulate dusters.  Glumes  unequal,  acuminate,  ciliate-scabrous  on  the  keel. 
Palece.  nearly  equal,  the  5  nerves  of  the  lower  one  converging  into  an 
awn-like  point.  Stamens  3.  Grain  lance-oblong,  acute  at  each  end. 
Perennials  with  stout  culms,  keeled  leaves  and  pale-green  clustered 
spikelets. 

1.  D.  GLOMERA'TA,  L.  Panicle  distinctly  branched,  rather  secund ; 
spikelets  3  -  4-flowered,  in  dense  unilateral  clusters  at  the  ends  of  the 
branches. 

CLUSTERED  DACTYLIS.     Orchard  Grass.     Cock's-foot  Grass. 
Fr.  Dactyle  pelotonne.     Germ.  Gemeines  Knauel-gras. 

Whole  plant  scabrous.  Root  perennial.  Culm  2  -  3  or  4  feet  high.  Leaves  6  - 18  inches 
long,  lance-linear,  keeled,  glaucous  ;  sheaths  striate  ;  ligule  elongated,  lacerate.  Panicle 
glaucous,  contracted,  racemose  at  summit,  rather  one-sided  ;  branches  3  -5,  solitary,  erect, 
distant,  subdivided  towards  the  extremity.  Spikelets  about  4-flowered,  compressed, 
crowded  in  dense  unilateral  ovate  or  lance-oblong  clusters  at  the  ends  of  the  branches. 
Glumes  unequal, — the  lower  one  narrower,  membranaceous,  the  upper  one  3-nerved, 
scabrous  on  the  keel.  Lower  palea  scabrous,  ciliate  on  the  keel,  which  is  extended  into  a 
cusp  or  short  scabrous  awn  ;  upper  palea  acuminate,  bifid  at  apex,  ciliate  on  the  two  green 
keels, — the  margins  folded  in  so  as  to  meet,  embracing  the  stamens.  Caryopsis  lance- 
oblong,  sub-triquetrous,  acute  at  each  end. 

Fields  and  orchards  :  cultivated.    Native  of  Europe.    Fl.  May.    Fr.  June. 

O6s.  This  grass  has  been  introduced  and  cultivated  to  a  considerable 
extent.  Our  farmers,  however,  are  not  agreed  upon  its  merits.  Some 
condemn  it  as  unworthy  of  culture  either  for  pasture  or  hay ;  while 
others  set  a  high  value  on  it  for  both.  The  fact  seems  to  be,  that  it  is 
inferior  to  Timothy  (PHLEUM  PRATENSE,  L.)  for  hay ;  yet  it  has  the  ad- 
vantage of  the  latter  in  being  mature  at  the  same  time  with  clover, — 
with  which  both  are  usually  cultivated.  It  is  also  less  exhausting  to 
the  soil.  But  its  great  value  is  as  a  pasture,  when  sown  sufficiently 
thick,  which,  however,  it  rarely  is, — and  hence  is  apt  to  form  bunches 
or  tussocks.  It  is  of  quick  growth,  and  is  speedily  reproduced  after 
being  cut,  or  eaten  down ;  so  much  so  that  we  may  almost  literally  ap- 
ply to  it  the  lines  of  VIRGIL  : — 

"  Et  quantum  longis  carpent  armenta  diebus 
Exigua  tantum  gelidus  ros  nocte  reponet." — Georg.  2.  201. 

"  Cool  dews  restore  beneath  night's  transient  hours, 
All  that  the  herd  each  live-long  day  devours." — Sotheby. 

This  grass  also  possesses  the  additional  advantage  of  thriving  well  in 
the  shade  of  trees,  and  answers  a  very  good  purpose  in  orchards,  &c. 
The  seed  is  usually  sown  in  autumn,  immediately  after  Wheat  or  Eye 


380 


WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 


259 


258 


FIG.  258.  Orchard  Grass  (Dactylis  glomcrata).    259.  A  spikelet. 


GRASS   FAMILY.  381 

12.  GLYCE'KIA,  R.  Brown.    MANNA  GRASS. 

[Greek,  Glykeros,  sweet ;  in  allusion  to  the  sweet  taste  of  the  seeds.] 

Spikes  several-  or  many-flowered  ;  florets  oblong,  early  deciduous  by  the 
breaking  up  of  the  rachis  into  joints,  leaving  the  persistent,  unequal, 
1  -  3-nerved  glumes  behind.  Palece  nearly  equal,  naked,  somewhat  char- 
taceous ;  the  lower  one  mostly  7-nerved,  usually  blunt  and  scarious  at 
the  apex,  rounded  on  the  back  ;  the  upper  one  2-keeled.  Stamens  2-3. 
Stigmas  plumose,  the  hairs  dichotomous.  Grain  oblong,  free.  Perenni- 
al, smooth  semi-aquatic  grasses  with  creeping  bases  or  root-stocks  and 
sheaths  usually  nearly  entire. 

1.  G,  flu'itans,  R.  Brown.    Spikelets  linear,  terete,  pale,  7-13-flow- 

ered,  appressed  on  the  branches  of  the  long  racemose  narrow  panicle  ; 

paleae  minutely  scabrous;  the  lower  oblong,  entire  or  obscurely  3-lobed, 

rather  longer  than  the  2-toothed  upper  one. 

FLOATING  GLYCEKIA.     Manna  Grass. 

Fr.  Manne  de  Prusse.     Germ.  Essbarer  Schwingel. 

Root  perennial,  creeping.  Culm  4-  6  feet  high,  erect  or  ascending,  compressed,  glabrous. 
Leaves  5-8  or  10  inches  long,  lance-linear,  striatc,  scabrous  on  the  margin  and  upper  sur- 
face ;  sheatJis  nerved,  smooth  ;  ligule  very  large,  oblong,  membranaceous,  acute  or  some- 
times obtuse.  Panicle  slender,  12-15  inches  long,  usually  partly  concealed  in  the  sheath 
of  the  upper  leaf, — the  branches  mostly  simple.  Spikelets  about  an  inch  long,  nearly 
sessile,  racemose  on  the  branches  and  appressed.  Glumes  membranaceous,  nerveless. 
Upper  palea  blunt  at  apex, — the  margins  folded  in,  and  a  green  keel  at  each  apparent 
border.  Caryopsis  oblong,  sulcate  on  the  upper  side. 

Wet  low  grounds,  margins  of  shallow  pools,  &c.    Fl.  June.    Fr.  July. 

Obs.  This  stout  semi-aquatic  grass  is  common  to  both  hemispheres. 
The  seeds  have  a  sweetish  taste,  and  in  some  parts  of  the  old  world, — 
where  they  are  known  by  the  name  of  Manna  Seeds — they  are  used  by 
the  poorer  peasantry  in  making  soups  and  gruels.  In  the  United  States 
the  country  people,  as  yet,  are  happily  ignorant  of  all  such  expedients, 
and  will  long  continue  so,  if  they  have  industry  enough  to  cultivate 
more  valuable  grains.  The  herbage  of  this  plant  is  eaten  by  stock ; 
but  it  is  so  much  confined  to  wet  localities  that  it  is  scarcely  entitled 
to  be  enumerated  among  the  grasses  interesting  to  American  farmers. 

13.  PO'A,  L.    MEADOW-GRASS. 

[An  ancient  Greek  name  for  herbage  or  pasture.] 

Spikelets  ovate  or  oblong,  compressed,  few-  or  several-flowered.  Glumes 
mostly  shorter  than  the  florets ;  the  lower  ones  smaller.  Lower  palea 
membranaceo-herbaceous  with  a  scarious  margin,  keeled  or  convex, 
pointless,  5-nerved  (the  intermediate  nerves  obscure  or  obsolete),  the 
principal  nerves  with  cobweb-like  wool  at  their  base  ;  upper  palea  mem- 
branaceous, 2-keeled.  Stamens  2-3.  Stigmas  simply  plumose.  Grain 
oblong,  free.  Culms  caespitose  ;  the  leaves  smooth,  usually  flat  and  soft. 

*  Root  annual :  branches  of  the  short  panicle  single  or  in  pairs. 


382  WEEDS   AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 

1.  P.  AN'NUA,  L.     Culms  oblique,  subcompressed  ;  leaves  rather  short ; 
panicle  subsecund ;  spikelets  3  -  7-flowered,  on  short  pedicels,  rather 
crowded. 

ANNUAL  POA.     Dwarf,  or  Early  Meadow-Grass. 
Fr.  Paturin  annuel.     Germ.  Jaehriges  Rispengras. 

Root  annual.  Culms  caespitose,  3-6  or  8  inches  long,  smooth,  geniculate,  oblique  at 
base,  or  often  nearly  procumbent.  Leaves  1-3  inches  in  length,  sublinear,  acute,  keeled, 
smooth  ;  sheaths  loose,  smooth  ;  ligule  oblong,  dentate.  Panicle  sometimes  rather  secund, 
the  branches  often  solitary,  subdivided.  Spikelets  rather  crowded  on  the  divisions  of  the 
branches,  3  or  4-6-  (very  often  3-)  flowered.  Glumes  unequal,  acuminate,  with  scarious 
margins.  Lower  palea  delicately  more  or  less  hairy  on  the  nerves  below. 

Cultivated  grounds,  pastures,  along  foot-paths,  &c.  :  introduced.  Native  of  Europe.  Fl. 
April-Sept.  Fr.  Juue-Oct. 

Obs.  This  little  species — which  was  probably  introduced  from  Europe 
— comes  forward  early  in  the  spring, — and  what  little  pasture  it  affords 
is  tolerably  acceptable  to  stock  ;  but  it  is  far  inferior  in  value  and  im- 
portance to  either  of  the  following. 

*  *  Root  perennial ;  panicle  open,  its  branches  in  fives ;  spikelets  all  dis- 

tinctly pedicelled,  acute,  slightly  Jlattened. 

2.  P.  serot'ina,  Ehrhart.     Culms  erect  terete ;  leaves  linear ;  ligules 
elongated  ;  spikelets  2  -  4-flowered ;  flowers  acutish,  often  tinged  with 
purple. 

LATE  POA.     Fowl  Meadow-Grass.     False  Eed-top. 

Culm  2-3  feet  high.    Panicle  6-10  inches  long.    Palea  slightly  hairy  at  the  base. 
Wet  meadows  :  northward.    July  -  Aug. 

06s.  This  is  considered  a  highly  valuable  grass  for  wet  meadows,  and 
is  common  in  New  England  and  along  the  northern  States  to  Lake 
Superior. 

*  *  *  Root  perennial ;  panicle  with  the  Jlattened  spikelets  crowded  on  the 

branches,  mostly  short-pedicelled,  sometimes  almost  sessile. 

3.  P.  TRIVIA'LIS,  L.     Culm  and  sheaths  somewhat  scabrous;   ligule 
elongated,  acute;  spikelets  ovate,  2 - 3-flowered, — the  florets  slightly 
villous  at  base. 

TRIVIAL  POA.     Rough  Meadow-Grass. 

Root  perennial.  Culm  1  -  2  or  3  feet  high,  subterete  or  slightly  ancipital,  often  declined 
at  base,  geniculate,  and  stoloniferous,  somewhat  scabrous  retrorsely.  Leaves  2  or  3-6 
or  8  inches  long,  lance-linear  (those  of  the  root,  or  suckers,  long  and  narrow),  acute  or 
acuminate,  slightly  scabrous  on  the  margin  ;  sheaths  striate-nerved,  scabrous  when  rubbed 
upwards  ;  ligule  much  elongated,  scarious  and  whitish.  Panicle  loose,  expanding, — the 
branches  semi-verticillate  in  about  fives,  sharply  scabrous.  Spikelets  usually  2-  (some- 
times 3-)  flowered.  Glumes  scabrous  on  the  keel,  the  lower  one  rather  shorter,  very 
acute,  the  upper  one  3-nerved,  with  a  scarious  margin.  Palcce  unequal,  nearly  smooth 
or  very  slightly  villous  at  base,  the  lower  one  longer,  5-nerved,  scarious  at  apex. 

Moist  low  grounds,  meadows,  and  woodlands  :  introduced?    Fl.  June.    Fr.  July. 

06s.  This  species  (perhaps  a  foreigner)  is  frequent  in  moist  pastures 
and  meadows, — and  affords  a  good  forage,  both  pasture  and  hay.  It 


GRASS    FAMILY,  383 

has  much  general  resemblance  to  the  following  species  (P.  pratensis), 
when  growing  in  open  grounds ;  but  is  decidedly  inferior  in  value, — and 
may  be  readily  distinguished  from  it,  by  the  elongated  ligule  and  re- 
trorsely  scabrous  sheaths  and  culms.  In  woodlands,  it  is  often  a  weak 
straggling  plant. 

4,  P.  praten'sis,  L.    Culm  and  sheaths  smooth  ;  ligule  short,  truncate  ; 
panicle  somewhat  crowded,  regular,  finally  spreading ;   spikelets  ovate, 
acute,  3  -  5-flowered  ;  florets  connected  by  a  villous  web. 

MEADOW  POA.     Spear  Grass.   Green  Grass.   Smooth  Meadow-Grass. 
Fr.  Paturin  des  Pres.     Germ.  Yieh-gras.    Wiesen  Rispen-grass. 

Root  perennial,  creeping.  Plant  smooth.  Culm  erect,  1-2  or  3  feet  high,  slender, 
terete.  Radical  leaves  often  very  numerous,  and  long  (1-2  feet  or  more  in  length,  in 
good  soils),  scarcely  a  line  wide  and  exactly  linear,  terminating  abruptly  in  a  boat-shaped 
or  keeled  point,  deep  green,  slightly  scabrous  on  the  margin  ;  the  culm  leaves  shorter  than 
the  striate-nerved  glabrous  sheaths  ;  ligule  scarious,  short,  obtuse,  often  crenate-deutate. 
Panicle  at  first  rather  crowded,  at  length  expanding  and  pyramidal,  the  branches  semi- 
verticillate,  3-5  from  a  node,  flexuose  and  nearly  smooth.  Spikelets  pedicellate,  a  little 
crowded  on  the  branches  ;  2  or  3 -5-flowered  ;  florets  acute,  connected  at  base  by  cobweb- 
like  hairs.  Glumes  a  little  unequal,  compressed^  keeled,  sharply  acuminate.  Lower  palea 
somewhat  compressed,  acute,  5-nerved,  the  upper  one  acuminate,  slightly  scabrous  on  the 
two  keels. 

Fields,  meadows,  and  woodlands  :  introduced?    Fl.  May- June.    Fr.  July. 

06s.  This  species  varies  considerably,  in  size  and  appearance,  when 
growing  in  different  soils  and  situations.  In  our  best  soils,  the  radical 
leaves  are  very  long  and  luxuriant, — when  it  is  known  by  the  name  of 
"  Green  Grass."  In  Kentucky,  it  is  commonly  called  "  Blue  Grass," — a 
name  which  properly  belongs  to  the  following  species  (P,  compressa, 
jL).  It  is  the  profusion  of  the  nutritious  radical  leaves,  which  consti- 
tutes the  chief  excellence  of  this  grass.  It  is,  indeed,  as  MUHLENBERG 
terms  it,  "  optimum  pabulum,'" — being  decidedly  the  most  valuable  of  all 
the  grasses  known  in  our  pastures.  It  has  not  been  found  necessary,  in 
Pennsylvania  (of  latter  years,  at  least),  to  cultivate  it,  by  sowing  the 
seed  ;  for  when  the  land  is  duly  prepared  by  lime  and  manure,  it  soon 
takes  possession  of  the  soil — or  comes  in,  as  the  farmers  term  it, — and 
supersedes  the  artificial  grasses.  The  prevalence,  therefore,  and  luxuriant 
growth  of  this  grass,  is  one  of  the  best  evidences  of  the  land  being  in 
good  condition,  and  well  managed.  In  very  poor  land,  it  deteriorates 
so  much  that  it  would  scarcely  be  recognized  as  the  same  plant.  The 
slender  culms,  of  this  species,  afford  an  excellent  material  for  the  manu- 
facture of  the  finer  kinds  of  Leghorn  hats. 

5,  P,  compres'sa,  £•     Culm  oblique  or  declined  at  base,  much  com- 
pressed ;  panicle  contracted,  somewhat  secund ;  spikelets  oblong-ovate, 
3  -  6-flowered  ;  florets  connected  by  a  villous  web. 

COMPRESSED  POA.  Blue  Grass.  Wire  Grass.  Flat-stalked  Meadow-Grass. 
Fr.  Paturin  applati.  Germ.  Eehwasen. 

Root  perennial,  creeping  (numerous  branching  rhizomas).    Plant  smooth  with  rather 


384 


WEEDS    AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 


2G1 


260 


few  and  short  radical  leaves.     Culm  9-18  inches  long,  often  procumbent  and  radicating 
at  base.    Leaves  2  or  3  - 5  or  6  inches  long,  linear,  keeled,  roughish  near  the  end,  and 


FIG.   260.  Common  Meadow-Grass   (Poa  pratensis).      261.    A  spikclet.     262.  A  pistil 
removed  from  the  paleae,  showing  the  scales  at  the  base  of  the  ovary. 


GRASS    FAMILY.  385 

with  the  culm  of  a  bluish-green  or  glaucous  hue  ;  sheaths  rather  loose,  striate  ;  ligule 
short,  obtuse.  Panicle  contracted ,  at  first  almost  spicate  and  rather  secund,  finally  a 
little  expanding*  the  branches  by  twos  and  threes,  short,  somewhat  flexuose  and  scabrous. 
Spikelets  generally  5-6-flowered,  subsessile.  Glumes  nearly  equal,  acute,  serrulate  on 
the  keel.  Lower  palea  minutely  pubescent,  often  dark  purple  near  the  apex,  with  a  nar- 
row white  scarious  margin  ;  upper  palea  scabrous  on  the  two  keels.  Caryopsis  oblong, 
reddish-brown. 
Upland  fields  and  pastures.  Fl.  June.  Fr.  July. 

Obs.  This  species — which,  though  rarely  if  ever  cultivated,  yet  finds 
its  way  into  most  pastures — is  not  held  in  so  high  estimation,  by  our 
farmers,  as  the  one  next  preceding, — and  certainly  falls  far  short  of  it, 
in  the  quantity  of  herbage  afforded  ;  but  that  which  is  afforded  is,  in  my 
opinion,  even  more  nutritious.  Cows  which  feed  on  it,  yield  the  richest 
milk,  and  finest  butter.  The  creeping  roots  (or  rhizomas)  are  remarkably 
tenacious  of  life, — and  in  consequence,  are  sometimes  rather  troublesome, 
in  cultivated  grounds,  among  other  crops ;  but,  on  the  whole,  it  is  an 
excellent  grass — especially  in  dairy  and  sheep  pastures.  It  seems  rather 
probable  that  this — as  well  as  all  the  preceding  species — has  been  intro- 
duced from  Europe,  although  they  are  found  in  some  situations  where 
they  appear  to  be  indigenous. 

14.  FESTU'CA,  L.    FESCUE-GRASS. 

[The  ancient  Latin  name.] 

Spikelets  rather  dry  and  harsh,  3  -  many-flowered,  panicled  or  racemose  ; 
florets  not  cobwebby  at  base.  Glumes  unequal,  mostly  keeled,  shorter 
than  the  florets.  Lower  palea  subcoriaceous,  convex  on  the  back,  not 
scariously  margined,  more  or  less  3  -  5-nerved,  acute,  pointed,  often  bristle- 
awned  ;  the  upper  one  adhering  to  the  grain  in  most  of  the  species,  but 
free  in  the  one  mentioned  here.  Stamens  mostly  3. 

1.  F.  ELA'TIOR,  L.  Panicle  contracted  before  and  after  flowering, 
branches  short ;  spikelets  crowded,  5  -  10-flowered  ;  the  florets  rather  re- 
mote, oblong-lanceolate,  awnless. 

TALLER  FESTUCA.     Tall  Fescue.     Meadow  Fescue. 

Plant  glabrous.  Root  perennial.  Culm  2-3  feet  high.  Leaves  4 -6  or  8  inches  long 
(the  radical  leaves  numerous  and  longer),  lance-linear,  acuminate,  nerved,  shining  be- 
neath, scabrous  on  the  margin  ;  sheaths  nerved  ;  ligule  very  short  or  obsolete.  Panicle 
4-6  or  8  inches  long,  somewhat  secund,  mostly  erect,  the  branches  generally  single,  but 
often  subdivided.  Spikelets  about  7-flowered,  racemose  on  the  branches,  often  purplish. 
Glumes  unequal,  the  lower  one  keeled,  the  upper  one  larger,  3-nerved,  scarious  on  the 
margin.  Lower  palea  obscurely  5-ncrved,  somewhat  acute  but  not  acuminate  normucro- 
nate  ;  upper  palea  white,  with  2  green  keels,  and  the  margins  doubled  or  folded  in. 

Fertile  pasture  fields  and  meadows,  road-sides,  &c.  :  introduced.  Native  of  Europe. 
Fl.  June.  Fr.  July. 

Obs.  This  is  a  valuable  grass — commonly  mingled  with  Poa  pra- 
tensis,  L.,  in  good  soils ;  but  easily  distinguished  from  that  plant,  by 
its  tapering  slender-pointed  shining  leaves.  It  is  extensively  naturalized 
in  the  middle  and  northern  States  ;  and  although  I  have  never  known  it 
to  be  cultivated,  it  soon  finds  its  way  into  all  rich  pasture  lands.  There 
17 


386  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

seem  to  be  no  good  characters  to  distinguish  this  from  F.  PRATEN'SIS, 
Huds.  We  have  a  few  native  species  of  Festuca, — but  they  are  of  little 
or  no  value  in  Agriculture — and  some  of  them  are  indicative  of  a  poor 
soil. 

15.  BRO'MUS,  L.     BROME  GRASS. 

[Greek,  Broma,  food  ;  Bromos  was  rm  ancient  name  for  oats.] 

Spikelets  5  -  many-flowered  in  a  loose  panicle.  Glumes  unequal,  mem- 
branaceous  ;  the  upper  3  -  9-nerved,  the  lower  1  -  5-nerved.  Lower  palea 
convex  on  the  back,  5  -  9-nerved,  awned  from  below  the  mostly  2-cleft 
apex.  Upper  palea  pectinate-ciliate  on  the  two  keels,  finally  adhering 
to  the  groove  of  the  linear-oblong  grain.  Stamens  3.  Coarse  grasses 
with  large  spikelets  which  are  finally  nodding. 

1.  B.  secali'nus,  L.  Panicle  spreading,  even  in  fruit; 
spikelets  ovate-oblong,  8-  10-flowered  ;  florets  pubescent ; 
awn  short,  sometimes  very  short  or  none. 

EYE  BROMUS.     Cheat.     Chess.     Brome  Grass. 

Fr.  Brome  Seigle.    Germ.  Roggen-Trespe.    Span.  Bromo. 


Root  annual.  Culm  3-4  feet  high,  smooth.  Leaves  6-12  inches 
long,  lance-linear,  nerved,  scabrous  and  pilose  on  the  upper  surface  ; 
sheaths  nerved,  smooth  ;  liyule  oblong,  retuse,  laciniate-dentate.  Pan- 
icle 4-6  or  8  inches  long,  the  branches  semi-verticillate,  nearly  simple, 
2G3  scabrous  and  pubescent.  Florets  a  little  remote  at  base,  so  as  to  ap- 
pear distinct  on  the  flexuose  rachis.  Lower  glume  shorter,  5-nerved, 
sometimes  mucronate,— -the  upper  one  7 -nerved,  obtuse  or  emarginatc. 
Lower  palea  obscurely  7 -nerved,  slightly  pubescent  near  the  apex, 
— the  awn  mostly  shorter  than  the  floret,  flexuose  (sometimes  want- 
ing, or  a  mere  rudiment)  ;  upper  palea  linear,  awnless,  peetinate-ciliatc  on  the  keel 
at  each  border,  the  scarious  margins  being  folded  in.  Caryopsis  closely  embraced  by  the 
lower  palea,  grooved  on. the  sides  with  the  upper  palea  doubled  in  the  groove,  and  ad- 
herent. 

Cultivated  grounds,  chiefly  among  wheat  and  rye  :  introduced.  Native  of  Europe.  Fl. 
June.  Fr.  July. 

Obs.  This  foreigner  is  a  well-known  pest  among  our  crops  of  Wheat 
and  Rye, — and  occasionally  appears  in  the  same  fields,  for  a  year  or  two, 
after  the  grain  crop ;  but  being  an  annual,  it  is  soon  choked  out  by  the 
perennial  grasses. — and  the  fallen  seeds  remain,  like  myriads  of  others, 
until  the  ground  is  again  broken  up,  or  put  in  a  favorable  state  for 
their  developement.  The  best  preventive  of  this  and  all  similar  evils,  in 
the  grain-field,  is  to  sow  none  but  good  clean  seed. 

Among  the  curious  vulgar  errors  which  yet  infest  the  minds  of  credu- 
lous and  careless  observers  of  natural  phenomena,  may  be  mentioned  the 
firm  belief  of  many  o'f  our  farmers  (some  of  them,  too,  good  practical 
farmers),  that  this  troublesome  grass  is  nothing  more  than  an  accidental 
variety,  or  casual  form,  of  degenerate  Wheat, — produced  by  some  un- 
toward condition  of  the  soil,  or  unpropitious  season,  or  some  organic 

FIG.  263.  A  spikelet  of  Chess  or  Cheat  (Bromus  secalinus). 


GRASS    FAMILY.  387 

injury  : — though  it  must  be  admitted,  I  think,  by  the  most  inveterate 
defender  of  that  faith,  that  in  undergoing  the  metamorphosis,  the  plant 
is  surprisingly  uniform  in  its  vagaries,  in  always  assuming  the  exact 
structure  and  character  of  Bromus  ! 

A  similar  hallucination  has  long  prevailed  among  the  peasantry  of 
Europe,  in  relation  to  this  supposed  change  of  character  in  the  Grasses. 
But,  in  the  Old  World,  they  were  even  more  extravagant  than  with  us ; 
for  they  believed  that  Wheat  underwent  sundry  transmutations, — first 
changing  to  Rye — then  to  Barley — then  to  Bromus, — and  finally  from 
Bromus  to  Oats !  I  believe  the  most  credulous  of  our  countrymen  have 
not  been  able,  as  yet,  to  come  up  with  their  transatlantic  brethren,  in 
this  matter.  This  grass  has  been  cultivated  within  a  few  years  as 
Willard's  Bromus,  and  the  seed  sold  at  a  high  price.  The  farmers 
found  that  they  not  only  did  not  get  a  valuable  grass,  but  were  really 
propagating  a  worthless  and  pernicious  weed,  being  thus  doubly  cheated. 

2.  B.  racemo'sus,  L.     Panicle  erect,  contracted  in  fruit ;  lower  palea 
decidedly  exceeding  the  upper,  bearing  an  awn  of  its  own  length. 
RACEMED  BROMUS.     Upright  Chess.     Smooth  Brome  Grass. 

Stem  more  slender  than  in  chess.  Sheaths  hairy,  in  other  respects  resembling  it.  Ac- 
cording to  Mr.  Flint,  the  most  reliable  distinction  between  this  and  chess,  (for  which  it  is 
often  mistaken,)  is  that  the  summit  of  the  large  glume  reaches  midway  between  the  sum- 
mit and  the  base  of  the  third  jloret  in  the  spikelet ;  while  in  chess  it  only  comes  to  the 
middle  of  the  second  floret.  ' 

Common  in  grain  fields.    Native  of  Europe.     June. 

Obs.  This  is  a  worthless  species  found  in  grain  fields,  as  is  B.  mollis, 
which  resembles  the  preceding,  but  has  long  awned  flowers  which,  as 
also  the  leaves,  ar»  downy,  and  the  spikelets  are  closely  imbricated.  By 
some,  the  two  are  considered  as  forms  of  the  same  species.  There  are 
two  native  species  of  the  genus,  of  no  agricultural  value. 

16.  PHRAGMI'TES,  Trin.     REED. 

[Greek,  Phragmos,  a  partition  o  rhedge  ;  from  the  use  said  to  be  made  of  it.] 

Spikelets  3  -  7-flowered  ;  Jloret s  distichous,  rather  distant,  not  hairy  at 

base, — tjje  lowest  one  neuter  or  with  a  single  stamen,  the  others  perfect ; 

rachis  clothed  with  long  silky  hairs.     Glumes  keeled,  acute,  membrana- 

ceous,  shorter  than  the  florets,  very  unequal.     Palece  membranaceous,  the 

lower  one  thrice  the  length  of  the  upper,  narrow-subulate — the  upper 

one  2-keeled.      Stamens  3.     Grain  free.     Perennial  grasses  with  tall 

simple  culms,  broad  leaves  and  large  terminal  panicles. 

1.  P.  commu'nis,   Trin.     Panicle  large,  loosely  expanded ;   spikelets 

3  -  5-flowered. 

COMMON  PHRAGMITES.     Reed  Grass. 

Fr.  Roseau  a  balais".    +Germ.  Gemeines  Rohr.     Span.  Cana. 

Culm  8-12  feet  high,  and  often  an  inch  or  more  in  diameter  at  base,  nodose,  terete, 
glabrous.  Leaves  1-2  feet  long,  and  about  2  inches  wide  at  base,  linear-lanceolate,  attenu- 


388  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

ated  at  apex,  glaucous,  scabrous  on  the  margin  ;  sheaths  closely  embracing  the  culm, 
smooth  ;  ligule  very  short,  pilose  or  fimbriate.  Panicle,  terminal,  large, — the  branches 
smoothish,  long,  slender,  semi-verticillate,  with  a  tuft  of  soft  hairs  at  base.  Spikelets 
lance-linear,  erect,  pedunculate,  3-5-  (mostly  3-)  flowered.  Loivest  floret  staminate,  ses- 
sile, naked  at  base  ;  upper  florets  pedicellate, — the  pedicels  finally  clothed  with  long  white 
silky  hairs  which  are  nearly  as  long  as  the  florets  (these  hairs  scarcely  perceptible  on  the 
young  panicle).  Palece  v£ry  unequal,— the  lower  one  with  a  long  slender  acumination, 
which  is  involute,  resembling  an  awn. 
Margins  of  swamps  and  swampy  streams.  Fl.  August.  Fr.  September. 

Obs.  This  grass  appears  to  be  indigenous  in  both  hemispheres.  It 
possesses  but  little  agricultural  interest ;  yet,  being  so  remarkably  large 
(rivalling  Indian  Corn  in  size),  I  have  concluded  to  give  it  a  place  here. 

17.  ARUNDINA'RLA,  MX.     CANE. 

[Name  formed  from  Arundo,  a  reed.] 

Spikelets  compressed,  5  -  14-flowered  ;  florets  somewhat  separated  on  the 
jointed  rachis.  Glumes  membranaceous,  very  small,  the  lower  one 
smaller  than  the  upper.  Palece  herbaceous,  or  somewhat  membranaceous  ; 
the  lower  convex  on  the  back,  not  keeled,  mucronate  or  bristle-pointed. 
Scales  3,  longer  than  the  ovary.  Stamens  3.  Grain  oblong,  free.  Tall 
arborescent  or  shrubby  grasses,  simple  or  fasciculately  branched  ;  spike- 
lets  in  panicles  or  racemes,  polygamous. 

1,  A.  macrosper'ina,  MX.  Leaves  linear-lanceolate,  pubescent  beneath  ; 
panicle  simple  ;  spikelets  few,  very  large. 

LONG  OK  LARGE-SEEDED  ARUNDINARIA.     Cane. 

Root  perennial,  csespitose  (creeping  rhizomas).  Culm  3-15  feet*high  (30  feet  or  more 
in  the  gigantic  variety),  terete,  glabrous,  fistular,  rigid,  branching  towards  the  summit, — 
the  branches  distichous.  Leaves  distichous,  lanceolate,  large,  flat,  slightly  acuminate,  pubes- 
cent on  the  under  surface  ;  sheaths  much  longer  than  the  internodes,  marcescent, — the 
ihroat  contracted  ;  ligule  bristly.  Panicle  simple, — the  peduncles  about  an  inch  long, 
pubescent.  Spikelets  1  -  3  inches  in  length. 

Rich,  occasionally  inundated,  soils  :  South-Wcstern  States.     Fl.  March- April.     Fr. 

Obs.  Having  only  seen  the  small  variety  of  this  species,  as  it  grows  in 
the  vicinity  of  the  Dismal  Swamp,  Virginia, — I  cannot  speak,  from  per- 
sonal observation,  of  the  arborescent  variety  which  forms  the  celebrated 
Cane  brakes  of  the  Mississippi  region.  Although  this  remarkable  grass 
has  but  little  connection  with  Agriculture,  I  have  supposed  it  might  be 
entitled  to  a  brief  notice  ;  for  which  I  am  indebted  to  Mr.  ELLIOTT'S 
valuable  sketch  of  the  Botany  of  South  Carolina  and  Georgia.  The 
culms  of  this  species  are  well  known  from  their  common  use  as  angling 
rods. 

18.    LO'LIUM,  L.    DARNEL. 

[The  ancient  Latin  name.] 

Spikelets  many-flowered,  solitary  on  each  joint  of  the  continuous  rachis, 
the  edge  of  the  spikelets  placed  towards  the  rachis.  Glumes  (except  at 


GRASS   FAMILY.  389 

the  terminal  spikelet)  only  one  and  that  on  the  outer  side  : — otherwise 

much  resembling  Triticum. 

1.  L.  PEREN'NE,  L.    Spikelets  compressed,  linear-lanceolate,  longer  than 

the  glumes]  about  7-flowered, — the  florets  mostly  awnless. 

PERENNIAL  LOLIUM.     Kay-grass,  or  Eye-grass.    Darnel. 

Fr.  Ivraie  vivace.     Germ.  Ausdauernder  Lolch.     Span.  Joyo. 

Root  perennial,  creeping.  Culm  1-2  feet  high,  smooth.  Leaves  4  -8  or  10  inches  long, 
lance-linear,  shining  green,  smooth,  somewhat  scabrous  near  the  end  ;  sheaths  striate, 
glabrous  ;  ligule  truncate.  Spike  about  6  inches  long, — the  rachis  flexuose,  channelled  or 
concave  opposite  the  spikelets.  Spikelets  12-18  or  20,  a  little  distant,  alternately  on  op- 
posite sides  of,  and  with  their  edges  to,  the  rachis.  Glumes  one  to  each  spikelet  (except 
the  terminal  one),  lance-linear,  acute,  nerved,  resembling  a  short  rigid  leaf.  Lower  palea 
rather  obtuse,  obscurely  5-nerved  ;  upper  palea  a  little  longer,  ciliate-serrulate  on  the  two 
prominent  keels. 

Meadow  banks  and  grass  lots  :  introduced.    Native  of  Europe.    Fl.  June.    Fr.  July. 

06s.  This  grass — which  seems  to  be  much  esteemed  in  Europe — has 
been  partially  introduced  into  this  country,  and  has  become  naturalized 
in  many  places, — though  I  believe  it  has  been  but  little  cultivated,  by 
our  farmers.  It  affords  a  valuable  pasture  where  the  soil  is  rich, — in 
such  situations  producing  radical  leaves  in  great  luxuriance ;  and  makes 
a  handsome  sward  for  yards  and  lawns. 

There  is  another  species  in  Europe,  (L.  temulentum,  L.,  supposed  to 
be  the  "  infelix  Lolium,"  of  VIRGIL — the  "  Darnel,"  of  the  English), — of 
which  the  seeds  are  said  to  be  somewhat  poisonous.  If  so,  it  is  the  only 
instance  known,  in  all  the  Gramineae,  in  which  the  sound  seeds  are  of 
that  character. 

The  Italian  Ray  Grass  has  been  extensively  distributed  through  the 
agency  of  the  Patent  Office,  and  is  probably  a  variety  of  the  above  or 
some  other  species ;  great  superiority  is  claimed  for  it  in  Europe,  but 
not  enough  is  known  of  it,  in  our  climate,  to  decide  whether  it  is  equal 
to  the  grasses  already  in  cultivation. 

19.  TEIT'ICUM,  L.    WHEAT. 

[Latin,  tritus,  a  rubbing  or  grinding  ;  the  grain  being  so  treated.] 

Spikelets  3  -  several-flowered,  compressed,  with  the  fiat  side  against  the 
rachis.  Glumes  nearly  equal  and  opposite.  Lower  palea  very  like  the 
glumes,  convex,  awned  or  merely  mucronate  ;  the  upper  one  flat,  bristly- 
ciliate  on  the  2  keels,  free  or  adherent  to  the  groove  of  the  grain. 
Stamens  3.  Annuals  or  perennials,  the  former  furnishing  bread-corn. 

*  Annual :  spike  ^-sided  :  glumes  ventricose,  obtuse.     (TRUE  WHEAT.) 
1.  T.  VULGA'RE,  Vill.     Spike  imbricated,  with  a  tough  rachis  ;  spikelets 
4  -  5-flowered,  rather  crowded,  broad-ovate,  obtuse  ;  glumes  ventricose, 
mucronate,  compressed  at  apex  ;  lower  palea  awned,  mucrouate,  or  awn- 
less  ;  grain  free. 

COMMON  TRITICUM.     Wheat.     Winter  Wheat.     Spring  Wheat. 
Fr.  Le  Fromeut.    Ble.     Germ.  Gemeiner  Waizen.     Span.  Trigo. 


390  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

Root  annual.  Culm  2  or  3- 5  feet  high,  terete,  smooth,— the  nodes  striate,  pubescent. 
Leaves  6-15  inches  long,  lance-linear,  nerved  smooth  or  slightly  scabrous  on  the  upper 
surface  ;  sheaths  nerved,  smooth  ;  ligule  truncate,  dentate.  SpikeZ-b  inches  long,  dense, 
4-sided,  mostly  simple,  finally  nodding  ;  rachis  compressed,  broad,  hirsute  on  the  margin. 
SpiJcelels  sessile,  broad,  compressed  at  apex.  Glumes  ventricose,  boat-shaped  at  apex. 
Florets  usually  3  fertile  and  2  abortive, — the  penultimate  one  pistillate,  the  terminal  one 
neutral  and  pedicellate.  Palece  nearly  equal, — the  lower  one  ventricose,  awned  or  mucro- 
nate,  the  upper  one  folded,  ciliate  on  the  two  keels.  Garyopsis  ovoid-oblong,  sulcate  on 
the  upper  side,  yellowish  or  brown. 

Fields  :  cultivated.     Native  country  uncertain, — perhaps  Persia.     Fl.  June.     Fr.  July. 

Obs.  Although  it  has  been  estimated  that  more  human  beings  are 
nourished  by  Rice,  than  by  any  other  grain, — yet  it  is  probable  that 
Wheat  is  the  most  intrinsically  valuable  of  all  the  Cerealia,  or  grain- 
bearing  grasses.  It  is  to  this  plant  that  civilized  man — especially  in  the 
temperate  latitudes — is  emphatically  indebted  for  his  bread  ;  and  it  is 
consequently  a  prominent  object  of  attention  with  the  practical  agricul- 
turist. The  variety,  called  "  Spring  Wheat,"*  is  occasionally,  but  rarely, 
cultivated  in  this  country, — while  the  "  Winter  Wheat "  is  cultivated 
everywhere,  throughout  the  northern,  middle,  and  western  States.  A 
plant  that  has  been  so  long  under  culture,  in  almost  every  kind  of  soil 
and  climate,  of  course  presents  specimens  of  various  character,  and 
aspect ; — such  as  bearded,  beardless,  red-chaff,  white-chaff  &c.,  and  the 
color  of  the  grain  also,  varies  from  whitish,  or  yellowish,  to  brown. 
These  fixed  characters,  or  permanent  varieties  of  the  plant  (called  races 
by.  the  Botanists),  have  all,  in  their  turn,  been  favorites  with  the  farm- 
ers,— according  as  they  were  best  adapted  to  the  market,  or  the  place 
of  growth — or  best  resisted  the  ravages  of  the  "  Hessian  fly."  A  bearded 
variety,  with  a  brown  grain,  called  "  Mediterranean  Wheat,"  is  the  favor- 
ite onejn  some  localities.  In  remarking  on  the  character  of  the  grain, 
M'CuLLOCH  says,  "  the  finest  samples  of  Wheat  are  small  in  the  berry 
(caryopsis),  thin  skinned,  fresh,  plump,  and  bright,  slipping  readily 
through  the  fingers." 

One  species  of  Triticum  (T.  turgidum,  L.)  is  said  to  be  cultivated  in 
Italy,  solely  for  the  manufacture  of  Leghorn  or  straw  hats. 

**  Perennials:  spikes  mostly  ^-ranked:  glumes  lanceolate  or  linear-oblong, 
often  acuminate. 

2.    T.  re' pens,  L.     Rhizomas  creeping;   spikelcts  4 - 8-flowered,   awn 
none,  or  not  more  than  half  the  length  of  the  floret ;  leaves  flat. 
CREEPING  TEITICUM.     Couch-grass.    Quitch-grass. 
Fr.  Chien-dent.     Germ.  Gemeine  Quecke. 

Boot  perennial,— a  white,  jointed,  creeping  rJiizoma.  Culm  about  2  feet  high,  smooth. 
Leaves  4-8  or  12  inches  long,  lance-linear,  nerved,  scabrous  and  somewhat  pilose  on 
the  upper  surface  ;  sheaths  nerved,  smooth  ;  ligule  short,  truncate.  Spike  3-5  inches 
long;  rachis  flexuose,  compressed,  scabrous  on  the  margin.  Glumes  keeled,  strongly 
nerved,  roughish,— the  outer  margin  broader.  Florets  alternate,  a  little  distant.  Lower 
palea  5-nervcd,  mucronate,  smooth  ;  upper  palea  obtuse,  ciliate-serrate  on  the  two  keels. 

Meadows,  pasture  lots,  &c.:  introduced.    Native  of  Europe.     Fl.  July.    Fr.  August. 

Obs.   This  species — which  is  quite  distinct  in  habit  from  the  genuine 


GRASS    FAMILY.  391 

"Wheat — has  found  its  way  into  some  districts  of  our  country  ;  and  is  a 
troublesome  pest  in  cultivated  grounds,  when  fully  introduced, — by 
reason  of  the  great  tenacity  of  lite  in  its  rhizomas,  or  creeping  subter- 
ranean stems.  In  some  localities  this  may  afford  an  acceptable  pastur- 


FIG.  264.  Couch-  or  Quitch-Grass  (Triticum  repens). 


392  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

age — wnere  other  grasses  will  not  thrive — but  in  the  northern  States  it 
is  considered  desirable  to  keep  our  farms  as  clear  of  it  as  possible. 

20.  SECA'LE,  L.     EYE. 

[Latin,  secare,  to  cut ;  or  perhaps  from  the  Celtic,  Sega,  a  sickle.] 

Spikelets  2-flowered, — arranged  as  in  Triticum.  Glumes  sub-opposite, 
keeled.  Lower  palea  awned  at  apex,  keeled,  with  unequal  sides — the 
outer  side  broader  and  thicker  ;  upper  palca  shorter,  2-keeled.  Scales  2, 
entire,  ciliate.  Stamens  3.  Grain  free,  hairy  at  summit.  A  tall  an- 
nual, bluish-glaucous  grass  with  long-awned/orefc. 
1.  S.  CEREA'LE,  L.  Spikes  compressed,  linear;  glumes  subulate, 'sca- 
brous ;  paleae  smooth, — the  lower  one  bristly-ciliate  on  the  keel  and  ex- 
terior margin. 

HARVEST  SECALE.     Eye.     Common  Eye. 
Fr.  Le  Seigle.     Germ.  Gemeiner  Eoggen.     Span.  Centeno. 

Cidm  4-6  feet  high,  glabrous,  hairy  near  the  spike.  Leaves  6-18  inches  long,  lance- 
linear,  smooth  beneath,  roughish  above  and  on  the  margin,  glaucous  ;  sheaths  mcmbrana- 
ceous,  nerved,  smooth  ;  ligule  short,  dentate.  Spike  4-6  inches  long,  2-sided  and  flattish, 
linear.  Spikelets  mostly  2-flowered,  with  an  awn-like  rudiment  of  a  third.  Glumes  a  little 
distant  from  the  florets,  opposite,  scabrous,  bristly-pilose  at  base.  Lower  palea  ventricose, 
acuminate,  compressed  at  apex,  5-nerved,  terminating  in  a  long  scabrous  awn  ;  keel  and 
exterior  margin  bristly-ciliate, — the  inner  margin  not  ciliate,  and  the  nerves  on  that  side 
less  conspicuous  ;  upper  palea  lanceolate,  acuminate,  often  bifid  at  apex,  sparingly  ciliate 
on  the  2  keels.  Grain  oblong,  sub-cylindrical,  grooves  on  the  upper  side,  hairy  at  sum- 
mit ;  dusky  brown. 

Fields  :  cultivated.     Native  of  the  East.     Fl.  June.     Fi:  July. 

06.9.  This  cereal  grass  seems  to  do  best  in  light  sandy  soils.  The  grain 
in  such  soils  is  of  a  better  quality,  and  affords  a  whiter  flour.  Eye 
comes  nearer  to  Wheat,  in  bread-making  qualities,  than  any  other 
grain, — but  is,  nevertheless,  decidedly  inferior  to  it.  It  is  the  principal 
bread-corn  of  the  northern  parts  of  Europe — especially  of  Eussia  and 
Germany. 

The  seed  is  subject — particularly  in  wet  seasons — to  become  diseased, 
and  enlarged, — producing  what  is  called  Ergot,  or  spurred  -Eye.  This 
diseased  grain  is  injurious  to  health,  when  made  into  bread  ;  but  has 
been  found  to  possess  important  medical  properties,  in  certain  cases, 
when  judiciously  administered. 

21.  HOE'DEUM,  L.    BARLEY. 

[An  ancient  Latin  name  ;  of  obscure  derivation.] 

Spikelets  1-flowered,  with  a  subulate  rudiment  of  a  second  floret — ar- 
ranged in  threes  at  the  joints  of  the  rachis,  the  lateral  ones  mostly  abor- 
tive. Glumes  lance-linear,  flat,  rigid,  subulate-awncd,  collateral  in  front 
of  the  spikelets,  6  in  number,  forming  a  kind  of  involucre.  Palecs  her- 
baceous,— the  lower  one  concave,  produced  into  a  long  awn  at  apex. 
Stamens  3.  Grain  hairy  at  summit,  oblong,  sulcate  on  the  upper  oj 
inner  side,  adherent  to  the  palea?,  or  rarely  free. 


GKASS   FAMILY.  393 

1.  H.  VULGA'RE,  L.     Spikelets  all  fertile,  awned, — the  florets  arranged 
so  as  to  form  a  nearly  four-  (or  somewhat  6-)  sided  spike. 

COMMON  HORDEUM.    Barley.    Four-rowed  Barley. 

Fr.  Orge  commune.     Germ.  Gemeine  Gerste.     Span.  Cebada. 

Root  annual.  Culm  2-3  feet  high,  smooth.  Leaves  6-15  inches  long,  lance-linear, 
keeled,  striate,  smoothish  ;  sheaths  nerved,  smooth,  auriculate  at  throat  ;  ligule  very  short. 
Spike  about  3  inches  long,  rather  thick  and  somewhat  4-sided  ;  rachis  compressed,  smooth, 
pubescent  on  the  margin. 

Fields  :  cultivated.     Native  of  Sicily  and  Tartary.    Fl.  May.     Fr.  June. 

Obs.  The  ternate  spikelets  of  this  species  being  all  fertile,  the  spike 
often  assumes  somewhat  of  a  six-sided  appearance  ;  and  I  understand 
that  in  Western  New-York — the  great  Barley  region  of  this  country — 
.it  is  usually  called  Six-rowed  Barley, — though  that  name  would  seem 
more  properly  to  belong  to  another  nearly  allied  species  (H.  hexastichum, 
£.) — if;  indeed,  it  be  really  distinct.  This  and  the  following  species  are 
cultivated  extensively  in  the  middle  and  northern  States — and  almost 
exclusively  for  the  Breweries.  The  grain  is  rarely  given  to  cattle. — and 
Barley  bread  is  unknown  in  the  United  States.  The  plant  requires  a 
good  soil, — and  hence  serves  as  a  kind  of  index  to  the  quality  of  the 
farms  in  Pennsylvania  :  the  fallow  crop  on  good  land  being  generally 
Barley, — while  the  occupants  of  a  poor  soil  have  to  be  content  with  a 
crop  of  Oats. 

2.  H.  DIS'TICHUM,  L.     Lateral  spikelets  sterile,  awnless, — the  fertile 
ones  awned,  distichous  or  forming  a  two-sided  spike. 

DISTICHOUS  HORDEUM.    Two-rowed  Barley. 

Root  annual.  Culm  2-3  feet  high,  smooth.  Leaves  6-15  inches  long,  lance-linear, 
nerved,  scabrous  on  the  upper  surface  ;  sheaths  nerved,  smooth,  with  2  lanceolate,  auricu- 
late appendages  at  throat ;  ligule  short,  truncate.  Spike  3-4  inches  long,  compressed  or 
ancipital,  linear  ;  rachis  flatted,  smooth,  hirsute  on  the  margin. 

Native  of  Tartary.     Fl.  June.     Fr.  July. 

Obs.  This  species  is  something  later  than  the  preceding,  in  coming  to 
maturity  ;  and  on  that  account  is  preferred  by  many  farmers  in  Penn- 
sylvania,— as  it  interferes  less  with  their  Hay  crops.  It  also  stands  bet- 
ter than  the  preceding,  after  it  is  ripe, — and  yields  a  heavier  grain — 
though  not  a  greater  quantity.  The  seed,  of  both  species,  is  usually 
sown  (in  Pennsylvania)  about  the  last  of  March. 

22.  AYE'NA,  L.    OAT. 

[The  classical  Latin  name.] 

Spikelets  2  -  many-flowered  in  a  loose,  large  and  somewhat  nodding  pani- 
cle ;  the  florets  herbaceo-chartaceous,  of  a  firmer  texture  than  the  glumes, 
somewhat  distant ;  the  terminal  one  abortive.  Glumes  somewhat  un- 
equal, loose  and  membranaceous.  Lower  palea  convex  on  the  back,  5  - 
9-nerved,  with  a  bent  or  twisted  awn  (proceeding  from  the  middle  nerve 

17* 


394 


WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 


only)  on  the  back.     Stamens  3.     Grain  oblong,  grooved  on  the  upper 
side,  hairy  at  summit,  free  but  invested  by  the  upper  palea. 

1.  A.  SATI'VA,  L.     Panicle  regular;   spikelets  2-flowered,  pendulous; 
florets  shorter  than  the  glumes,  naked  at  base. 

CULTIVATED  AVENA.     Oats.     Common  Oats. 

FT.  Avoine  cultivee.     Germ.  Gemeiner  Hafer.     Span.  Avena. 


2G8 


2G5 


Root  annual.  Culm  2-4  feet  high,  smooth.  Leaves  6-15  inches  long,  lance-linear, 
nerved,  scabrous  ;  sfteattsstriate,  smooth,  rather  loose;  ligule  lacerate.  Panicle  loose, 
somewhat  nodding, — the  spikelets  all  pedunculate,  pendulous.  Lower  floret  mostly  awnocl 
on  the  back  ;  upper  floret  avvnless,  with  a,  pedicel  at  the  base  of  the  upper  palea,  bearing  at 
its  summit  membranaceous  rudiments  of  a  third  floret.  Grain  closely  invested  by  the 
smnothish  shining  sub-cartilaginous  paleae. 

Fields  :  cultivated  as  a  fallow  crop.     F-l.  July.    Fr.  August. 

Obs.  The  native  country  of  this  plant — as  of  most  of  our  cultivated 
grains — seems  to  be  somewhat  uncertain, — though  this  one  is  said  to 
have  been  found  native  in  the  island  of  Juan  Fernandez.  Oats  are  ex- 


FIG.  265.  A  spike  of  2-rowed  Barley  (Hordeum  distichum).     266.  A  cluster  of  3  spike- 
lets,  the  central  one  fertile,  the  two  lateral  ones  sterile. 


GRASS    FAMILY. 


395 


tensively  cultivated,  in  this  country, —  chiefly  as  food  for  horses.  Dr. 
JOHNSON  took  occasion,  in  compiling  his  Dictionary,  to  fling  a  sarcasm 
at  the  Scotch,  by  defining  oats  to  be  the  food  of  horses  in  England,  and 
of  men  in  Scotland — as  if  the  effects  of  climate  were  a  fit  subject  on 
which  to  taunt  a  people !  Yet  this  was  but  one  of  many  instances  of  his 
national  prejudice  and  illiberality. 

This  grain  succeeds  better  than  Barley,  in  a  thin  soil ;  and  is  there- 


A.H. 


267 


fore  frequently  employed,  in  the  rotation  of  crops,  when  Barley  would 
have  been  preferred,  had  the  land  been  good.  The  A.  NUDA,  L.,  called 
"  skinless  oats," — a  species  nearly  allied  to  this,  but  with  3  -  5-flowered 
spikelets,  and  the  caryopsis  loosely  covered  by  the  paleae, — has  been  par- 
tially cultivated,  by  the  curious,  on  account  of  its  superior  fitness  for 
making  Oat-meal,  as  an  article  of  diet  for  the  sick. 

23.  ARRHENATHE'RUM,  Beauv.    OAT-GRASS. 

[Greek,  Ahrrhen,  male,  and  Ather,  awn  ;  the  staminate  floret  being  awnod.] 
Spikelets  2-flowered  with  the  rudiment  of  a  third,  terminal  one ;  middle 

FIG.  267.  A  3-flowered  spikelet  of  the  Oat  (Avena  saliva),  the  two  lower  flowers  fertile, 
the  lowermost  awnod,  the  uppermost  abortive.  268.  The  pistil  removed  to  exhibit  the 
scales  at  the  base  of  the  hairy  ovary. 


396  WEEDS   AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

flower  perfect,  with  its  lower  palea  convex  with  a  short  awn  near  the 
apex  ;  lowest  floret  staminate  only,  bearing  a  long  bent  awn  on  the  back 
below  the  middle  ;  otherwise  nearly  as  in  Avena. 

1.  A.  AVENA'CEUM,  Beauv.  Leaves  flat ;  panicle  linear-oblong,  con- 
tracted, finally  spreading ;  glumes  unequal,  the  lower  one  shorter  than 
the  florets. 

OAT-LIKE  ARRHENATHERUM.    Oat-grass.     Grass  of  the  Andes. 
Fr.  Avoine  elevee.     Germ.  Wiesen  Hafer. 

Root  perennial,  creeping,  nodose.  Culm  about  3  feet  high,  glabrous.  Leaves  4  -  8  or  10 
inches  long,  lance-linear,  scabrous  on  the  margin  and  upper  surface  ;  sheaths  striate, 
smooth  ;  ligule  short,  retuse.  Panicle  linear-oblong,  finally  spreading  and  somewhat 
nodding, — the  branches  short,  semi-verticillate. 

Cultivated  lots  :  introduced.    Native  of  Europe.    Fl.  May.    Fr.  July. 

Obs.  This  grass  has  been  partially  introduced,  and  cultivated,  by  a  few 
curious  farmers  ;  but  it  does  not  appear  to  be  much  of  a  favorite,  either 
for  pasture  or  hay,  in  Pennsylvania.  It  is  sometimes  called  "  Grass  of 
the  Andes," — but  I  know  not  for  what  reason,  as  it  seems  to  be  of  un- 
doubted European  origin. 

FLINT  in  his  treatise  upon  Grasses,  speaks  favorably  of  this  grass,  re- 
marking that  "  it  is  esteemed  by  those  who  know  it  for  its  early,  rapid 
and  late  growth,  making  it  well  calculated  for  a  late  pasture  grass." 

24.  HOL'CUS,  L.    VELVET-GRASS. 

[An  ancient  Greek  name,  of  obscure  derivation.] 

Spikelets  crowded  in  an  open  panicle,  2  -  3-flowered  ;  florets  jointed  with 
their  pedicels,  somewhat  remote,  enclosed  and  exceeded  by  the  membra- 
naceous  boat-shaped  glumes.  Lower  floret  perfect,  but  its  thin  lower 
palea  awnless  ;  upper  flower  staminate  only,  with  a  bent  awn  below  the 
tip.  Stamens  3.  Styles  plumose  to  the  base.  Grain  free,  smooth. 

1.  H.  lana'tus,  L.  Softly  hoary  pubescent ;  panicle  oblong,  rather 
contracted  ;  awn  of  the  staminate  floret  recurved,  included  in  the  glume. 

WOOLLY  HOLCUS.    Velvet-grass.     Feather-grass.     White  Timothy. 
Fr.  Houque  laineuse.     Foin  de  mouton.     Germ.  Wolliges  Honig-gras. 

Root  perennial.  Culm  simple,  18  inches  to  2  feet  high.  Leaves  lance-linear,  acute,  2-5 
or  6  inches  long  ;  ligule  white,  truncate,  dentate.  Panicle,  oblong,  somewhat  dense,— the 
branches  hairy.  Glumes  roughish-pubescent,  whitish,  often  tinged  with  purple.  Florets 
both  pedicellate,  smooth  and  shining.  Pdlece  of  the  perfect  floret  nearly  equal  in  length, 
the  lower  one  broader,  keeled.— of  the  staminate  floret  unequal,  the  lower  one  larger,  keel- 
ed, with  a  recurved  or  hooked  awn  on  the  back  near  the  apex. 

Moist  meadows  :  introduced.    Native  of  Europe.    Fl.  June.    Fr.  July. 

Obs.  This  grass  is  naturalized  in  many  places  in  Pennsylvania.     Some 


GRASS    FAMILY. 


397 


of  the  farmers  in  Virginia  speak  favorably  of  it ;  but  I  think  it  must  be 
from  want  of  familiarity  with  more  valuable  kinds.  It  is  true,  that 
MUHLENBERG  praises  it — calling  it "  excellens  pabulum"  ;  but  it  is  certain- 


FIG.  269.  Velvet  Grass  (Holcus  lanatus). 


398  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

ly  very  little  esteemed  by  our  farmers  ;  and  in  this  they  concur  in  the 
opinion  expressed  by  Mr.  G.  SINCLAIR,  in  his  valuable  Hortus  Grami- 
neus. 

25.  ANTHOXAN'THUM,  L.     SWEET-SCENTED  VERNAL  GRASS. 

[Greek,  Anthos,  flower,  and  antlwn,  of  flowers  ;  flower  of  flowers.] 

SpiMets  in  a  condensed,  spike-form  panicle ;  each  spikelet  3-flowered, 
but  the  lower  two  (or  apparently  lateral)  florets  neutral,  consisting  merely 
of  a  narrow  palea,  which  is  hairy  and  awned  on  the  back.  Perfect  floret 
diandrous,  with  2  short,  smooth,  shining  paleae.  Glumes  thin,  acute, 
keeled,  the  upper  about  as  long  as  the  flowers  and  twice  the  length  of 
the  lower.  Grain  smooth,  adherent  to  and  enclosed  by  the  palea?. 

1.  A.  ODORA'TUM,  L.  Panicle  contracted  into  an  oblong  spike  ;  spike- 
lets  sub-pedunculate,  spreading,  pubescent ;  paleae  of  the  neutral  florets 
ciliate. 

FRAGRANT  ANTHOXANTHUM.     Sweet-scented  Vernal  Grass. 
Fr.  Flouve  odorante.     Germ.  Das  Rusch-gras. 

Root  perennial.  Culm  erect,  12-18  inches  high,  rather  slender.  Leaves  lance-linear, 
shortish  (1  or  2  -  5  or  6  inches  long) ,  pubescent ;  sheaths  nerved,  sulcate  ;  liguU  elongated, 
membrauaceous.  Panicle  a  sort  of  loose  spike  1-2  or  3  inches  long,  becoming  yellow 
when  mature  ;  spikdds  somewhat  fascicled,  on  short  peduncles.  Palece  of  the  perfect  floret 
very  short,  obtuse,  nearly  equal,  smooth  and  shining,  the  lower  one  much  broader. 
Paleaz  of  the  neutral  florets  single,  linear-oblong,  ciliate  on  the  margins, — one  of  them  with 
a  geniculate  awn  from  near  the  base,  more  than  twice  as  long  as  the  palea,  the  other  with 
a  straight  awn  about  as  long  as  the  palea,  inserted  on  the  back  near  the  summit.  Anthers 
linear,  large.  Stigmas  white.  Grain  oblong,  blackish,  shining. 

Meadows  and  moist  open  woodlands  :  introduced.  Native  of  Europe.  Fl.  May -June. 
Fr.  July. 

Obs.  This  has  been  much  noticed,  in  Europe,  as  a  fragrant  meadow- 
grass  ;  but  it  seems  rather  to  belong  to  a  moist,  cold,  thin  soil, — and  is 
by  no  means  regarded,  in  the  United  States,  as  a  grass  of  superior  value. 
When  cut,  and  partly  dry,  it  emits  a  fragrant  odor  ;  often  remarkable 
in  new  mown  hay.  The  culms  have  been  used  in  the  manufacture  of 
imitation  Leghorn  hats  and  bonnets. 

This  grass  is  the  plant  referred  to  by  Dr.  DARWIN,  in  the  following 
lines  of  his  imaginative  poem,  the  "  Botanic  Garden  :" — 

"  Two  gentle  shepherds,  and  their  sister-wives, 
With  thee,  ANTHOXA  !  lead  ambrosial  lives  ; 
Where  the  wide  heath  in  purple  pride  extends, 
And  scatter'd  furze  its  golden  lustre  blends, 
Closed  in  a  green  recess,  unenvi'd  lot ! 
The  blue  smoke  rises  from  their  turf-built  cot  • 
Bosom'd  in  fragrance  blush  their  infant  train, 
Eye  the  warm  sun,  or  drink  the  silver  rain." 

Bot.  Garden,  Part  II.  Canto  L  1. 85-92 

26.  PHAL'AEIS,  L.     CANARY  GRASS. 

[Greek,  Phalos,  shining  ;  alluding  to  the  shining  florets,  or  palese.] 

SpiMets  in  a  dense  or  spiked  panicle,  3-flowered,  but  the  two  lower  (or 


GRASS    FAMILY. 


399 


lateral)  florets  mere  neutral  rudiments  at  the  base  of  the  perfect  one. 
Glumes  nearly  equal,  boat-shaped  and  often  winged-keeled,  exceeding  the 
florets.  Fertile  floret  flattish,  of  two  shining  awnless  pale<z  which  at 


FIG.  270    Sweet-scented  Vernal  Grass  (Anthoxanthum  odoratuin).     See  Fig.  249. 


400 


WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 


length  become  coriaceous,  closely  investing  the  free  smooth  grain.    Leaves 
broad  and  flat. 

1.  P.  arundina'cea,  L.     Panicle  oblong,  with  the  spikelets  more  or  less 
clustered  and  somewhat  secund  on  the  branches  ;  glumes  keeled,  wing- 
less ;  neutral,  rudiments  hairy. 
REED-LIKE  PHALAEIS.     Reed  Canary  Grass. 


271 


FIG.  271.  Rood  Canary  Grass  (Phalaris  arundinacea).  272.  Aspikelet.  273.  Aspikelet  with 
the  glumes  removed  ;  the  central  fertile  flower  with  two  minute  abortive  ones  at  its  base. 


GKASS   FAMILY.  4iVi 

Perennial.  Culm  3  -5  feet  high.  Leaves  5-12  inches  long,  lance-linear,  keeled,  deep 
green  ;  sheaths  smooth  ;  ligule  ovate,  obtuse.  Panicle  erect,  finally  a  little  spreading, 
glaucous.  Glumes  acute  or  acuminate  with  flattened  tips,  whitish  with  3  green  nerves. 
Palece  pilose  with  appresscd  hairs.  Grain  ovate,  dark  brown. 

Swampy  places  and  borders  of  rivulets  :  common.    June -July. 

Obs.  This  fine-looking  deep  green  grass  frequently  arrests  the  atten- 
tion on  account  of  its  luxuriant  growth  and  promising  appearance  ;  but 
it  is  of  little  or  no  agricultural  value.  When  cut  early  and  made  into 
hay,  cattle,  it  is  said,  will  eat  it  if  they  can  get  nothing  better.  A  va- 
riety, with  the  leaves  striped  with  white,  is  known  in  gardens  as  the 
Striped  or  Ribbon  Grass.  When  this  variety  is  allowed  to  grow  in  wet 
situations  it  loses  its  peculiarity. 

2.  P.  CANARIEN'SIS,  L.    Panicle  spike-like,  oval ;  glumes  wing-keeled  ; 

neutral  rudiments  smooth. 

CANARY  PHALARIS.     Canary  Grass. 

Annual.     Culm  1-2  feet  high,  smooth.    Leaves  pale  green  and  glaucous  ;  the  sheaths 
somewhat  inflated.     Glumes  nearly  twice  as  long  as  the  palea?,  yellowish-green. 
Waste  places  and  in  cultivation.    Native  of  Europe.    July  -September. 

Obs.  This  is  sometimes  cultivated  for  the  seed  which  is  the  favorite 
food  of  Canary  Birds  ;  it  is  also  naturalized  to  some  extent  and  is  fce- 
quently  seen  in  waste  places. 

27.  PAS'PALUM,  L.    PASPALUM. 

[Greek,  Paspalos;  said  to  be  an  ancient  name  for  Millet.] 

Spikelets  racemose-spiked,  usually  in  2  rows,  on  one  side  of  a  flattened 
continuous  rachis,  jointed  with  their  very  short  pedicels,  plano-convex 
and  nearly  orbicular.     Glume  and  empty  palea  few-nerved.     Perennials 
with  erect  smoothish  culms  and  single,  digitate  or  racemed  spikes. 
1,  P.  seta'ceum,  MX.     Culm  slender  ;  leaves  hairy  ;  spike  mostly  soli- 
tary on  a  long  terminal  peduncle. 
SETACEOUS  PASPALUM. 

Culm  1  - 2  feet  high,  setaceously  slender,  often  purplish  below  and  somewhat  hairy. 
Leaves  2-6  inches  long,  hairy  on  both  sides  ;  sheaths  smooth,  pilose  at  throat.  Spike  2-4 
inches  in  length,  very  slender, — often  with  another  on  a  short  peduncle  from  the  same 
sheath,  sometimes  others  from  the  lower  sheaths. 

Sandy  fields  and  road-sides  :  throughout  the  United  States.    August. 

Obs.  This  grass,  together  with  Panicum  sanguinale,  L.,  is  said  by  Dr. 
Short  to  supplant  and  take  the  place  of  the  Kentucky  Blue  Grass,  at 
the  West,  in  all  exposed  and  sunburnt  situations,  after  midsummer.  * 

28.  PAN'ICUM,  L.    PANIC  GRASS. 

[Supposed  from  the  Latin,  Panis,  bread  ;  which  some  species  afford.] 
Spikelets  panicled  or  racemose,  sometimes  spiked.     Glumes  unequal ;  the 
lower  one  short  or  minute,  sometimes  wanting.     Lower  Jloret  neutral  or 
stamiuate,  rarely  awned,  mostly  consisting  of  a  single  palea  which  re- 
sembles the  upper  glume.     Upper  Jloret  perfect,  coriaceous,  awnless,  en- 


402  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

closing -the  free  and  grooveless  grain.     Stamens  3.     Stigmas  plumose, 
usually  purple.     The  species  here  enumerated  are  all  annual. 

*Spikelets  crowded  2-3  together  in  simple  one-sided  digitate-fascicled  spikes  : 
neutral  floret  of  a  single  palea:  lower  glume  minute  or  wanting. 

1.  P.  sanguina'le,  L.     Spikes  4  - 15  ;  upper  glume  half  the  length  of  the 
flower  ;  the  lower  one  small. 

BLOODY  (OR  PURPLE)  PANICUM.     Crab  Grass.     Finger  Grass. 

Culm  decumbent,  1-2  feet  long,  somewhat  branching  from  the  sheaths,  genictilate, 
glabrous,  radicating  at  the  lower  nodes.  Leaves  1  or  2-  6  or  8  inches  long,  softly  pilose  ; 
sheaths  strigosely  hairy,  sometimes  smooth  ;  ligule  short,  truncate,  or  ovate  and  acute, 
white  or  often  tinged  with  purple.  Spikes  2  or  3-  6  inches  in  length,  often  in  2  fascicles  or 
verticils  a  little  distant  from  each  other,  becoming  purple  ;  rachis  flat,  flexuose,  scabrous 
on  the  margin.  Spikelets  in  pairs,  appressed,  in  2  rows  on  the  outer  or  under  side  of  the 
rachis,  on  short  pedicels, — the  lower  ones  subsessile. 

Gardens  and  cultivated  grounds  :  throughout  the  United  States.  Fl.  July  -  September. 
Ir.  August -October. 

Obs.  In  the  middle  States,  this  is  a  troublesome  Grass  in  Gardens,  in 
the  latter  part  of  summer  ;  and  is  frequent,  also,  in  Indian  Corn-fields, — 
but  not  difficult  to  be  kept  in  reasonable  subjection,  by  the  early  and 
free  use  of  the  "  cultivator."  Cattle  will  eat  it, — but  do  not  appear  to 
be  particularly  fond  of  it :  and  indeed  it  is  generally  choked  out  of  good 
pastures,  by  the  prevalence  of  more  acceptable  grasses.  It  is  said  to  be 
a  serious  pest,  in  the  cultivated  grounds  of  the  Southern  planters.  Mr. 
ELLIOTT — than  whom  there  can  be  no  better  authority — has  the  follow- 
ing remarks  on  this  plant : — "  Grows  everywhere  on  lands  not  inundated. 
Well  known  to  planters  under  the  name  of  Crab  or  Crop  grass.  It  is 
the  most  troublesome  grass  our  planters  have  to  encounter  in  high 
ground  culture,  and  though  an  annual,  it  is  the  best  grass  for  hay  at 
present  known  in  our  low  country." 

2.  P.  gla'brum,  Gaudin.     Spikes  2-6,  widely  diverging  ;  upper  glume 
equalling  the  floret ;  the  lower  almost  wanting. 

SMOOTH  PANICUM.     Smooth  Crab  Grass. 

Calm  6-12  inches  long,  often  closely  prostrate.  Leaves  1-3  inches  in  length  ;  sheaths 
smooth,  a  little  pilose  at  the  throat.  Spikes  1-3  inches  long,  seldom  more  than  3  in 
number  ;  spikelets  greenish-purple. 

Cultivated  grounds  and  .waste  places.    Native  of  Europe.    August  -  September. 

Obs.  Naturalized  in  cultivated  fields  and  lots,  but  not  so  troublesome 
as  the  preceding.  A  very  slender,  smooth  species  with  erect  spikes  (P. 
filiforme,  L.)  belongs  to  this  section  ;  it  is  often  abundant  in  sandy  pas- 
tures, but  it  is  not  very  important  in  any  respect. 

**  Spikelets  scattered  in  large  capillary  panicles,  awnless :  neutral  floret  oj 
a  single  palea. 

3.  P.  capilla're,  L.     Sheaths  very  hirsute  ;    panicle  large,  capillary, 
loose,  finally  expanding  ;  spikelets  lanceolate,  acuminate,  on  long  scabrous 
peduncles. 


GRASS   FAMILY.  403 

CAPILLARY  OR  HAIR-LIKE  PANICUM.     Old-witch  Grass. 

Root  annual.  Culm  assurgent  or  erect,  usually  1-2  feet  (occasionally  only  a  few  inches) 
high,  sometimes  branching.  Leaves  3-8  or  10  inches  long,  lance-linear,  rather  broad, 
acuminate,  nerved,  hairy  ;  sheaths  sulcate-striate,  very  hirsute  with  spreading,  whitish 
bristly  hairs  ;  ligule  short,  fringed  or  beard-like.  Panicle  large  and  pyramidal ;  branches 
numerous,  subdivided,  very  slender,  straight, — at  first  erect,  then  spreading,  finally 
divaricate.  Spikelets  small,  often  purple.  Abortive  floret  without  a  superior  palea.  Per- 
fect floret  much  shorter  than  the  upper  glume,  lance-oblong,  plano-convex,  smooth  and 
shining. 

Sandy  pastures,  cultivated  grounds  :  throughout  the  United  States.  Fl.  August.  Fr. 
September. 

06s.  This  worthless  species  flourishes  most  in  a  light  sandy  soil ;  but 
it  is  usually  more  or  less  abundant  in  all  Indian  Corn-fields,  in  the  latter 
part  of  summer.  In  autumn  the  dry  culms  break  off,  and  the  light  di- 
varicate panicles  are  rolled  over  the  fields,  by  the  winds,  until  they  accum- 
ulate in  great  quantities  along  the  fences  and  hedges. 

***  Spikelets  imbricate-^piked  on  paniculate  branches :  lower  palea  of  sterile 
Jloret  awned  or  mucronate. 

4.  P.  Crus-gal'li,  L.  Culms  stout,  smooth  ;  spikes  alternate ;  glumes 
ovate,  abruptly  pointed ;  lower  palea  of  sterile  flower  with  an  awn  of 
variable  length. 

COCK'S-FOOT  PANICUM.     Barn-yard  Grass. 

Root  annual.  Culm  2-5  feet  high,  rather  coarse,  smooth.  Leaves  9 -15  inches  long, 
lance-linear,  broadish,  flat,  nerved,  serrulate  on  the  margin  ;  sheaths  rather  loose,  com- 
pressed, striate,  smooth  ;  ligule  none.  Strikes  sub-paniculate, — the  Spikelets  crowded  ill 
dense  spike-form,  compound  racemes  on  the  branches.  Spikelets  ovoid,  plano-convex, 
ochinate,  awned  or  sometimes  awnless  ;  lower  glume  short,  ovate,  acute,  3-nerved, — the 
upper  one  as  long  as  the  perfect  floret,  ovate,  acuminate,  5-nerved,  with  bristles  on  the 
nerves.  Neutral  Jloret  with  2  palece, — the  lower  one  ovate,  flat,  with  a  scabrous  awn  or 
long  acumination,  5-uerved — one  of  the  nerves  central,  scabrous,  the  others  marginal,  in 
approximated  pairs,  presenting  a  double  row  of  cartilaginous  bristles, — the  upper  palea 
ovate,  acute,  thin  and  niembranaceous,  nearly  as  long  as  the  perfect  floret.  Perfect  Jloret 
plano-convex,  acuminate,  the  palece  firm,  smooth  and  shining.  Grain  compressed,  orbicu- 
lar, white  or  ash-colored. 

Moist  grounds,  meadows,  drains  of  barn-yards,  &c. :  introduced?  Fl.  August.  Fr. 
September. 

Obs.  Kunth  gives  this  as  an  inhabitant  of  the  four  quarters  of  the 
globe  ;  but  I  suspect  it  is  a  naturalized  foreigner.  There  is  a  variety  in 
which  the  sheaths  are  hispid,  and  another  in  which  the  floral  coverings 
are  awnless.  It  is  apt  to  abound  along  the  drains  of  crude  liquid  flowing 
from  barn-yards, — and  in  spots  which  are  usually  designated  as  "  wet 
and  sour."  Though  usually  regarded  as  a  mere  weed,  and  worthless,  yet 
we  have  the  authority  of  Mr.  Flint  for  the  remark  that  "  some  experi- 
ments have  been  made  to  cultivate  this  common  species  in  the  place  of 
millet,  to  cut  for  green  fodder.  It  is  relished  by  stock  and  is  very  suc- 
culent and  nutritive."  This  vast  genus  (containing  upwards  of  400  spe- 
cies,— a  considerable  number  of  which  are  indigenous,  or  found  in  our 
country)  is  remarkable  for  the  little  value,  or  interest,  which  it  possesses 
in  an  agricultural  point  of  view.  With  the  exception  of  P.  miliaceum, 
L. — and  perhaps  one  or  two  other  oriental  species,  which  produce  a  kind 


404  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

of  Millet — the  whole  multitudinous  group  are  regarded  as  little  better 
than  mere  weeds  ; — though  none  of  them,  so  far  as  I  know,  are  particu- 
larly obnoxious  or  difficult  to  expel  by  judicious  culture.  Those  here 
described,  are  inserted  merely  as  samples  of  a  numerous  and  somewhat 
variant  family. 

29.  SETA'RIA,  Beauv.    BRISTLY  FOX-TAIL  GRASS. 

[Latiu,  Seta,  a  bristle  ;  from  the  involucre-like  bristle  of  the  spikelets.] 

Spikelets  as  in  Panicum,  awnless,  but  with  the  short  peduncles  produced 
beyond  them  into  solitary  or  clustered  bristles  resembling  awns.  Inflo- 
rescence a  dense  spiked  panicle  or  apparently  a  cylindrical  spike.  Annuals  : 
introduced  from  Europe,  and  are  all  naturalized  weeds,  except  the  last, 
which  is  occasionally  cultivated. 

1.  S.   glau'ca,  Beauv.     Spike  cylindric,  tawny  yellow ;  bristles  6-10 
in  a  cluster,  much  longer  than  the  spikelets ;  paleae  of  the  perfect  floret 
transversely  rugose. 

GLAUCOUS  SETARIA.     Fox-tail  Grass. 

Root  annual.  Culm,  2-3  feet  high,  sometimes  branching,  often  several  from  the  same 
root,  smooth.  Leaves  6 -12  or  15  inches  long,  somewhat  glaucous,  lance-linear,  keeled, 
slightly  scabrous,  with  a  few  long  slender  hairs  at  the  base  ;  sheaths  striate,  smooth  ; 
ligule  short,  fringed  or  beard-like.  Spike  2-4  inches  long,  rather  slender  and  quite  cylin- 
drical ;  rachis  pubescent.  Bristles  scabrous  upwards,  becoming  tawny  or  orange-yellow. 
Staminate  floret  sometimes  wholly  abortive  or  neutral.  Perfect  floret  plano-convex, — the 
palece  very  firm  and  traversed  by  horizontal  undulate  wrinkles. 

Cultivated  grounds;  stubble  fields,  &c. :  introduced.  Native  of  India  and  Continental 
Europe.  Fl.  August.  Fr.  September. 

06s.  This  usually  makes  its  appearance,  in  abundance,  among  the 
stubble  after  a  wheat  crop, — and  is  often  seen  in  pastures,  orchards,  &c., 
when  not  kept  down  by  the  promotion  of  a  more  valuable  growth. 
Cattle  refuse  the  herbage,  if  better  can  be  had ;  and  the  plant  is  alto- 
gether worthless, — except  that  poultry  (especially  turkeys)  are  fond  of 
stripping  the  spikes  of  their  seeds,  in  the  latter  part  of  summer. 

2.  S.  vir'idis,  Beauv.    Spike  green,  sub-cylindrical  or  oval-oblong,  more 
or  less  compound  ;  bristles  few  in  a  cluster,  much  longer  than  the  spike- 
lets  ;  palea3  of  the  perfect  floret  longitudinally  striate,  punctate. 
GREEN  SETARIA.     Green  Fox-tail.    Bottle  Grass. 

Root  annual.  Culm  1-2  or  3  feet  high,  branching  near  the  base,  rather  slender.  Leaves 
3-6  or  8  inches  long,  lance-linear,  flat,  somewhat  scabrous,  minutely  serrulate  on  the 
margin  •  sheaths  striate,  smooth,  pilose  "on  the  margin  ;  ligule  fringed  or  beard-like.  Spike 
1-3  inches  long,  somewhat  compound  or  a  little  enlarged  in  the  middle,  often  nearly 
cylindric  ;  rachis  hirsute  with  short  hairs.  Bristles  scabrous  upwards,  green.  Sterile 
floret  usually  wholly  abortive  or  neutral, — the  upper  palea  very  small.  Palece  of  the  per- 
fect floret  smooth,  puncticulate,  striate  longitudinally,  with  a  slight  transverse  rugosity 
perceptable  under  a  lens. 

Cultivated  grounds,  pastures,  &c.:  introduced.  Native  of  Southern  Europe.  Fl.  July 
-August.  Fr.  August -September. 

Obs.  This  species  is  also  naturalized  to  a  considerable  extent,  and  is 


GRASS    FAMILY. 


405 


274 


about  as  worthless  as  the  preceding, — but  is  not  regarded  as  a  serious 

nuisance. 

3.  S.  ITAL'ICA,  Beauv.     Var.  Germanica,  Kunth.     Spike  compound, 

FIG.  274.  Fox-tail  Grass  (Setaria  glauca). 


406  WEEDS   AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 

ovoid-oblong,  yellowish-green  ;  bristles  4  -  8  in  a  cluster,  about  as  long 
as  the  spikelets  ;  paleae  of  the  perfect  floret  smooth,  striately  punctate. 

ITALIAN  SET  ARIA.     Millet.    Bengal  Grass. 

Root  annual.  Culm  2  - 4  or  5  feet  high.  Leaves  6  - 12  and  18  inches  long,  lance-linear, 
rather  broad,  flat,  serrulate  on  the  margin  ;  sheaths  striate,  pubescent  on  the  margin  ; 
ligule  beard-like.  Spite  compound  (or  rather  a  densely  contracted  panicle)  ,3-6  inches 
long,  ovoid-oblong  or  sub-cylindric  ;  rachis  densely  hirsute  with  long  hairs.  Bristles  some- 
times longer  than  the  spikelets,  yellowish.  Sterile  floret  wholly  abortive,  or  neutral, — the 
upj)erpalea  very  minute,  palece  of  the  perfect  floret  smooth,  minutely  striate-piinctate. 

Fields  ;  cultivated  as  a  fallow  crop.     Native'  of  Europe  and  India.     Fl.  July.     Fr.  Aug. 

Obs.  Some  years  ago,  the  culture  of  this  plant  was  introduced  into 
Pennsylvania,  and  excited  considerable  interest,  for  a  time,  among  the 
farmers, — as  affording  valuable  fodder,  when  the  usual  hay- crop  was 
likely  to  be  deficient.  It  was  soon  found,  however,  not  to  be  as  valuable 
as  the  usual  fallow  crop  (of  Oats  or  Barley),  of  which  it  occupied  the 
place  ;  and  was,  moreover,  remarkably  liable  to  damage  from  rain.  The 
cultivation,  therefore,  soon  declined. — and  is  now  generally  abandoned. 
There  is  another  species  (S.  verticillata,  Beauv., — with  the  spike  com- 
posed of  interrupted  verticils  of  spikelets,  and  the  involucre  of  retrorsely 
scabrous  bristles,  in  pairs.)  which  is  becoming  something  of  a  nuisance, 
about  gardens,  in  many  places  ;  but  it  seems  scarcely,  as  yet,  entitled  to 
a  more  particular  notice  here. 


30.   CEN'CHRUS,  L.    BUR  GRASS 

[Greek,  Kenchros ;  the  ancient  name  of  Millet.] 

Spikelets  as  in  Panicum,  awnless,  but  enclosed  (1-5  together)  in  a  glob- 
ular bristly  or  spinose  involucre,  which  becomes  coriaceous,  forming  a 
deciduous  bur  in  fruit.  Involucres  sessile  in  a  terminal  spike.  Styles 
united  below. 

1.  C.  tribulpi'des,  L.  Involucre  subglobose,  pubescent,  spinosely 
muricate,  split  on  one  side. 

TRIBULUS-LIKE  CENCHRUS.     Bur  Grass.    Hedge-hog  Grass. 

Root  annual.  Culm  1-2  feet  long,  usually  oblique  or  procumbent,  geniculate,  branch- 
ing, smooth.  Leaves  3-6  or  8  inches  long,  lance-linear,  acuminate,  slightly  scabrous  on 
the  margin  ;  sheaths  loose,  smooth  ;  ligule  beard-like.  Raceme  terminal,  of  6-12  or  14 
alternate  involucrate  heads  or  clusters  ;  rachis  angular,  flexuose,  slightly  scabrous.  In- 
volucre urceolate  or  subglobose,  laciniate,  usually  split  to  the  base  on  one  side,  hairy, 
armed  externally  with  rigid  subulate  scabrous  spines,  villous  within,  embracing  1,  2,  or 
3  spikelets.  Sterile  floret  mostly  staminatc.  Sandy  fields.  Fl.  Aug.  Fr.  Sept. 

Obs.  The  plant  is  very  abundant  in  sandy  districts  along  the  coast  and 
around  the  great  Lakes, — and  has  found  its  way  to  some  of  the  slaty 
hills  of  Pennsylvania.  It  is  altogether  a  worthless  grass ;  and  the 
prickly  involucres  are  a  grievous  nuisance,  wherever  it  prevails  in  cul- 


GRASS   FAMILY.  407 

tivated  grounds,  or  about  houses.  It  ought  to  .be  most  carefully  and 
thoroughly  extirpated,  on  its  first  appearance  in  any  agricultural  region. 

31.  TKIP'SACUM,  L.    GAMA  GRASS. 

[Greek,  tribo,  to  rub  ;  perhaps  in  allusion  to  its  polished  fertile  spikes.]    ' 

Spikelets  monoecious,  in  terminal  and  subterminal  jointed  spikes  which 
are  solitary,  or  often  digitate  in  twos  or  threes,  staminate  above  and 
fertile  below.  STAGNATE  SPIKELETS  in  pairs  on  each  triangular  joint, 
longer  than  the  joint,  collateral,  2-flowered ;  glumes  coriaceous,  the 
outer  one  nerved,  the  inner  one  boat-shaped  ;  palece  very  thin  and  mem- 
branaceous,  awnless ;  stamens  3  ;  anthers  orange-colored,  opening  by  2 
pores  at  summit.  PISTILLATE  SPIKELETS  single,  2-flowered  (the  lower 
one  neutral),  deeply  imbedded  in  each  oblong  joint  of  the  cartilaginous 
thickened  rachis,  and  occupying  a  boat-shaped  cavity  which  is  closed  by 
the  polished  cartilaginous  ovate  outer  glume  ;  inner  glume  much  thinner, 
boat-shaped ;  palece  very  thin,  hyaline  and  closely  packed  together. 
Style  long  ;  stigmas  very  long,  plumose,  dark-purple.  Grain  ovoid,  free. 
Perennials  with  caespitose  tall  branching  culms  which  are  hard,  smooth 
and  solid ;  leaves  very  long,  sublinear,  acuminate ;  spikes  separating  at 
the  articulations  spontaneously,  at  maturity. 

1,  T.  dactyloi'des,  L.  Spikes  usually  2-3,  aggregated  or  digitate 
sometimes  solitary, — the  upper  half  staminate,  the  lower  pistillate. 

FINGER-LIKE  TRIPSACUM.     Gama  Grass.     Sesame  Grass. 

Culms  3  or  4  -6  feet  high ,  hard  and  glabrous,  solid  with  pith, — the  internodes  broadly 
channelled  on  alternate  sides  ;  nodes  smooth,  with  a  dark-brown  contracted  ring  at  tho 
base  of  the  sheaths.  Leaves  1  or  2-4  feet  long,  and  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  or  more  in 
width,  lance-linear,  keeled,  smooth  beneath,  roughish  on  the  upper  surface,  serrulate  on 
the  margin,  contracted  and  sparingly  pilose  at  base;  sheaths  nerved,  glabrous  ;  liguU 
very  short,  ciliate.  Spikes  4-6  or  8  inches  long,  not  unfrequently  single  ;  when  solitary, 
the  pistillate  portion  of  the  spike  is  terete, — when  in  pairs,  semi-terete  as  if  split  down. — 
and  when  teruate  the  spikes  are  somewhat  triquetrous.  Caryopsis  ovoid,  smooth,— the 
pericarp  thin  and  tender. 

Moist  meadows,  banks  of  streams,  &c.  :  Middle  and  Western  States.  Fl.  July.  Fr. 
September. 

Obs.  This  stout  and  remarkable  Grass  is  not  very  common  on  the 
Atlantic  slope  of  our  continent ;  but  it  is  said  to  be  abundant  in  the 
valley  of  the  Mississippi.  Some  years  ago  it  was  highly  extolled,  by  a 
few  western  correspondents  of  our  Agricultural  Journals,  as  an  article 
of  fodder  for  stock ;  but  I  have  not  heard  much  of  it,  latterly.  The 
leaves  and  young  culms  may  probably  answer  a  good  purpose — where 
better  materials  are  scarce ;  but  any  one  who  will  examine  the  coarse 
hard  steins  of  the  full-grown  or  mature  plant,  may  soon  satisfy  himself 
that  it  can  never  supersede  the  valuable  grasses,  or  the  good  hay,  now  in 
use, — nor  compete,  in  any  respect,  with  common  Indian-corn  fodder. 


408 


WEEDS    AND    USEFUL    PLANTS. 


32.  ZE'A.  L.    INDIAN  CORN. 

[Greek  200,  to  live  ;  from  the  sustenance  it  affords  to  animal  life. 

STAMINATE  SPIKELETS  in  terminal,  fascicled,  spicate  racemes,  2-flowered ; 
glumes  herbaceous,  pubescent ;  palece  membranaceous,  awnless  ;  stamens 


275 


277 


FIG.  275.  Astaminate  spikelct,  from  the  tassel  of  Indian  Corn  (Zea  Mays).  276.  The 
pistillate  spike  or  ear,  with  the  involucre  or  husk  removed  ;  the  long  styles  of  the  nume- 
rous crowded  spikelets  forming  the  silk.  277.  A  separate  spikelet,  showing  the  fertile  and 
sterile  floret  enclosed  in  the  glumes  or  chaff. 


GRASS   FAMILY.  409 

3  ;  anthers  linear,  erect ;  scales  2,  collateral,  fleshy,  glabrous.  PISTILLATE 
BPIKELETS  sessile,  2-flowered  (the  lower  one  abortive),  in  dense  continuous 
spikes,  which  terminate  short,  nodose,  axillary  branches, — the  spikes  en- 
veloped by  sheaths  of  abortive  leaves,  called  husks ;  glumes  fleshy-mem- 
branaceous,  very  broad,  ciliate, — the  lower  one  emarginately  2-lobed ; 
palece  fleshy-membranaceous, — the  abortive  floret  with  2  paleae.  Ovary 
roundish  ovoid ;  style  capillary,  very  long,  exserted  from  the  envelopes 
of  the  spike,  pubescent  at  the  summit,  and  mostly  bifid  (stigmas?) 
Grain  usually  crowded  and  then  compressed,  cuneate  or  roundish-kidney- 
shaped,  with  a  shallow  groove  on  the  upper  side  containing  the  embryo, 
— the  base  imbedded  in  the  persistent  glumes  and  palese.  Annual: 
culm  stout,  solid  with  pith  ;  pistillate  spikelets  in  8- 12  longitudinal  rows 
on  the  thick  sub-cylindric  rachis,  the  rows  always  in  approximated  pairs, 
before  the  spaces  are  filled  by  their  growth  ;  spikes  (or  ears)  1  -  3  or  4 
(rarely  more — usually  2)  on  a  culm. 

1.  Z.  MAYS,  L.  Leaves  flat,  linear-lanceolate,  acuminate,  with  a  broad 
midrib  channelled  above. 

Indian  Corn.    Maize. 

Culm  4-15  feet  high,  and  about  an  inch  or  an  inch  and  a  half  in  diameter,  simple  (often 
producing  branches  or  suckers,  at  base),  nodose,  semi -terete,  or  with  a  broad  shallow 
channel,  on  alternate  sides,  between  the  nodes.  Leaves  2-3  feet  long,  and  2-4  inches 
wide,  pubescent  above,  smooth  beneath  ;  sheatlis  smooth,  pubescent  along  the  margins  ; 
liyules  short. 
"Cultivated.  Native  of  South  America.  Fl.  July.  Jr.  September. 

Obs.  Culture  has  produced  several  varieties  of  this  plant, — with  the 
grains  yellow,  white,  or  sometimes  dark  purple.  In  the  North,  it  is 
much  smaller  than  in  the  middle  and  South-western  States.  There  is, 
also,  a  remarkable  variety — frequent,  I  believe,  in  the  South-west — in 
which  a  kind  of  husk,  or  involucre,  is  developed  around  every  grain,  or 
spikelet,  on  the  receptacle.  The  Indian  Corn  is  one  of  the  most  interest- 
ing of  the  Graminea3,  or  Grass  Family, — rivalling  the  Sugar  Cane  and 
the  Rice,  in  intrinsic  value,  and,  in  the  more  favorable  districts,  ranking 
next  in  'importance  to  Wheat  itself.  In  a  botanical  light,  the  Corn 
Plant  is  an  interesting  one.  The  staminate  flowers,  commonly  called 
the  tassel,  are  arranged  at  the  summit  of  the  plant  where  their  pollen 
may  fall  upon  the  pistillate  spikes,  or  ears,  below  ;  these  are  dense  spikes 
covered  with  sheaths  of  abortive  leaves,  the  husks,  which  often  have  their 
blade  more  or  less  developed.  The  silk  of  the  ear  is  the  elongated  pistils, 
one  of  which  proceeds  from  each  ovary  or  kernel.  The  cob  is  the  thick 
rachis,  and  the  chaff  which  covers  it  the  glumes  and  paleae.  From  the 
lower  nodes  or  joints  aerial  roots  are  often  thrown  out,  imitating  in  an 
humble  way  the  celebrated  Banyan-tree.  The  juice  of  the  stem,  before 
the  grain  is  perfected,  contains  a  considerable  amount  of  saccharine 
matter,  and  sugar  has  been  obtained  from  it.  The  young  ears — especially 
in  the  varieties  known  as  sweet  corn — have  much  sugar,  which  is  changed 
into  starch  as  the  grain  ripens. 
18 


410  WEEDS   AND   USEFUL   PLANTS. 

33.  SACCHA'RUM,  L.     SUGAR  CANE. 

[Latinized  from  the  Greek,  Sacchar;  originally  from  the  Arabic,  Soukar,  Sugar.] 

Spikelets  in  pairs — one  of  them  pedicellate,  the  other  sessile — each  2- 
flowered,  with  a  tuft  of  long  silky  hairs  at  base ;  the  lower  floret  neuter, 
with  a  single  palea, — the  upper  one  perfect.  Glumes  2,  nearly  equal, 
awnless.  Palea  3  (counting  that  of  the  neutral  floret),  minute,  unequal, 
awnless,  hyaline.  Scales  2,  obsoletely  2-3-lobed  at  apex,  sometimes 
connate  in  a  tube.  Stamens  1-3.  Ovary  sessile,  glabrous ;  styles  2, 
terminal,  elongated;  stigmas  plumose, — the  hairs  simple,  denticulate. 
Grain  free? — Gigantic  tropical  grasses,  with  large  silky  panicles. 

1.  S.  OFFICINA'RUM,  L.  Leaves  flat ;  panicle  large  and  expanding  ; 
spikelets  racemose  on  the  slender  branches  ;  florets  triandrous  ;  glumes 
obsoletely  1-nerved,  or  keeled,  invested  with  long  silky  hairs  at  base. 

OFFICINAL  SACCHARUM.     Sugar  Cane. 

Fr.  Canne  a  Sucre.   Germ.  Aechtes  Zucker-rohr.    Span.  Cana  de  Azucar. 

Root  perennial  (a  nodose  rhizomd).  Culm  8-15  or  20  feet  high,  and  1-2  inches  in  di- 
ameter, with  numerous  nodes,  and  solid  with  pith.  Leaves  linear-lanceolate,  large  (some- 
thing resembling  those  of  Indian  Corn) .  Panicle  afoot  or  more  in  length,  loosely  branched, 
the  branches  numerous,  filiform,  4-6  inches  long,  remarkably  plumose,  or  pubescent 
with  verticils  or  tufts  of  long  white  silky  hairs  at  the  base  of  the  racemose  spikelets. 

Cultivated  in  Louisiana  and  other  States  in  the  extreme  South  of  the  Union.  Native  of 
Asia.  Fl.  Fr. 

Obs.  The  Sugar  Cane  is  rarely  permitted  to  flower,  under  cultivation, 
being  propagated  by  sections  of  the  culm.  The  value  and  importance 
of  this  noble  Grass,  in  the  domestic  economy  and  commerce  of  the 
civilized  world,  are  too  well  known  to  require  comment.  Not  having 
the  advantage  of  an  acquaintance  with  the  living  plant,  and  its  culture, 
my  descriptive  details  and  remarks  are  necessarily  very  imperfect.  Some 
interesting  notices  may  be  found  in  "  Rees'  Cyclopedia,"  Art.  Sugar ; 
and  in  the  "  Farmer's  Encyclopaedia." 

34.  ANDROPO'GON,  L.    BEARD  GRASS. 

[Greek  ;  literally  Marts-beard, — in  allusion  to  the  hairy  spikets.f  ^ 

Spikelets  2-flowered,  in  pairs  on  each  joint  of  the  slender  rachis,  spiked 
or  racemose ;  one  of  the  spikelets  pedicellate  and  sterile,  often  a  mere 
rudiment :  the  other  sessile,  with  the  lower  floret  neutral  and  of  a  single 
palea,  the  upper  one  perfect,  of  two  thin  hyaline  palece,  which  are  shorter 
than  the  subcoriaceous  glumes,  the  lower  awned  from  the  tip.  Stamens 
1-3.  Grain  free.  Perennials  with  rigid  culms,  smooth  nodes,  and  lateral 
and  terminal,  often  clustered  or  digitate  spikes ;  the  rachis  hairy  or  plu- 
mose-bearded. 

*  Spikes  solitary  at  the  apex  of  the  culm  and  branches. 
L   A.    SCOpa'rius,    MX.      Culm    paniculately  branched    above,— the 


GRASS    FAMILY.  411 

branches  somewhat  fasciculate,  erect,  elongated, slender  and  purplish; 
sheaths  villous ;  spikes  on  long  peduncles  ;  the  sterile  ones  neuter,  awned. 

BROOM  ANDROPOGON.    Indian  Grass.     Purple  Wood-grass. 

(Mm  3 -4  feet  high,  rather  slender,  smooth,  somewhat  compressed,  sulcate  on  alter- 
nate sides  of  the  internodes  :  nodes  smooth  ;  branches  long,  slender ,4ft lateral  fascicles,  or 
sometimes  in  pairs,  often  subdivided.  Leaves  4-8  or  12  inches  long^ lance-linear,  acute- 
scabrous,  a  little  hairy  and  somewhat  glaucous  ;  sheaths  stri&te,  roughish  •  ligule  truncate. 
Spikes  about  2  inches  long  ;  rachis  compressed  or  plano-convex,  pilose  at  the  edges.  Spilce- 
lets  distichously  arranged  ;  abortive  spikelet  minute,  subulate,  on  a  linear  plumose  pedicel 
which  is  nearly  as  long  as  the  perfect  spikelet, — the  floret  neuter  ;  perfect  spikelet  sessile  ; 
glumes  lance-linear,  much  acuminated, — the  lower  one  bifid  at  apex  ;  palece  nearly  equal, 
ciliate, — the  lower  ?  one  deeply  bifid,  with  a  twisted  awn  between  the  segments. 

Old  fields,  sterile  banks,  and  road-sides,  throughout  the  United  States.  Fl.  August. 
Fr.  September. 

Obs.  This,  and  the  other  native  species,  are  remarkably  worthless 
grasses, — and  are  apt  to  abound  in  poor  old  neglected  fields.     Where 
they  prevail,  no  further  evidence  is  required  to  demonstrate  the  unprofit- 
able condition  of  the  land,  or  the  miserable  management  of  the  occupant. 
*  *    Spikes  digitate,  at  the  apex  of  the  culm  or  branches. 

2.  A,  furca'tus,  Muhl.    Spikes  digitate,  generally  in  threes  or  fours ; 
rachis  hairy  ;  the  sterile  floret  staminate,  awnless. 
FORKED  ANDROPOGON.     Finger-spiked  Indian  Grass. 

Culm  about  4  feet  high,  smooth,  terete  below,  semi-terete  above,  often  branching  ;  nodes 
smooth.  Leaves  4-*or  12  inches  long,  lance-linear,  nerved,  sinoothish,  scabrous  on  the 
margin,  pilose  at  base;  sheaths  striate,  smooth  ;  ligule  obtuse,  sometimes  ovate,  fringed. 
Spikes  2-3  inches  long,  usually  in  threes  or  fours  (sometimes  5-6)  frequently  purple  ; 
rojchis  semi-terete,  pilose  on  the  angles  ;  abortive  spikelet  on  a  clavate,  plumose  pedicel  : 
perfect  spikelet  sessile.  Slaty  hills,  and  sterile  low  grounds.  Fl.  Aug.  Fr.  Sept. 

06s.  This  is  one  of  the  native  species  which  is  very  worthless, — and 
very  frequent  on  poor,  neglected,  badly  managed  farms.  The  species  of 
Andropogon  here  given,  are  the  most  common  and  obtrusive  ones,  in  our 
poor  lands, — at  least  in  Pennsylvania.  There  are  a  few  others, — par- 
ticularly one  with  the  spikes  conjugate,  in  fastigiate  bushy  panicles  (A. 
macrourus,  MX.), — which  is  not  unfrequent  in  wet,  swampy  meadows  ; 
but,  though  they  are  all  equally  worthless,  these  are  scarcely  of  sufficient 
importance  to  require  further  notice  in  this  work.  . 

35.  SOR'GHUM,  Per*.     BROOM  CORN.     SORGHUM. 

[The  ancient  name  of  a  cultivated  species.] 

Spikelets  2-3  together  on  the  branches  of  a  mostly  loose  and  open  pan- 
icle,— the  lateral  ones  sterile,  or  often  mere  rudiments, — the  middle  (or 
terminal)  one  only  fertile.  Glumes  coriaceous,  sometimes  awnless.  Sta- 
mens 3.  For  the  rest  as  in  Andropogon. 

*  Culms  slender,  Jistular. 

1.  S.  im'tans,  Grau.    Leaves  lance-linear  ;  ligule  elongated,  truncate ; 
panicle  narrowly  oblong  ;  fertile  spikes  russet-brown. 
NODDING  SORGHUM.    Wood  Grass.     Oat-like  Indian  Grass. 


412  WEEDS    AND    USEFUL   PLANTS. 

Root  perennial.  Calm  3-5  feet  high,  simple,  terete,  glabrous  ;  nodes  bearded  with 
white  appressed  hairs.  Leaves  6-18  inches  long,  lance-linear,  rough,  serrulate  on  the 
margin  ;  sheaths  nerved,  smooth  ;  ligule  elongated,  truncate,  bordered  by  a  lanceolate 
extension  of  the  margins  of  the  sheath.  Panicle  6-9  inches  in  length,— the  ultimate 
branches  or  pedicels  of  the  upper  spikelets,  plumosely  hairy.  Abortive  spikelet  pedicellate, 
often  a  mere  awn-like  plumose  rudiment.  Glumes  of  the  perfect  spikelet  lanceolate,  indu- 
rated, of  a  light  rusjat-brown  color, — the  lower  or  outer  one  hairy,  embracing  the  upper 
one,  which  is  smootSInd  rather  longer. .  Palece  thin  and  membranaceous, — the  lower  ? 
one  bifid,  awned  below  the  division  ;  awn  contorted,  bent  obliquely. 

Sterile  old  fields  :  throughout  the  United  States.     Fl.  August.     Fr.  September. 

2.  S.  SACCHARA'TUM,  Pers.   Leaves  linear-lanceolate ;  ligule  short,  ciliate ; 
panicle  with  long  verticillate  branches,  loosely  expanding. 

SUGAR  SORGHUM.     Broom  Corn. 

Root  annual.  Calm  6  -  8  or  9  feet  high,  and  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  in  diameter ,  smooth  ; 
nodes  tumid,  with  a  ring  of  short  appressed  hairs  at  the  base  of  the  sheaths.  Leaves 
about  two  feet  long,  and  2-3  inches  wide,  linear-lanceolate,  acuminate,  keeled,  smooth, 
densely  pubescent  at  base  adjoining  the  ligule  ;  sheaths  smooth,  ligule  short,  ciliate.  Pani- 
cle 1-2  feet  long, — the  brandies  nearly  simple,  long,  flaxuosc,  scabrous  with  short  hairs. 
Spikelets  mostly  in  pairs,  one  of  which  is  abortive  (the  terminal  ones  in  threes,  two  being 
abortive),  and  these  pairs  in  racemose  clusters  of  threes  or  fours,  near  the  extremities  of 
the  branches.  Upper  ?  or  inner  palea  of  the  fertile  spikelets  with  a  purplish  flexuose  awn, 
about  twice  as  long  as  the  spikelet. 

Gardens  and  fields  :  cultivated.    Native  of  India  and  Arabia.     Fl.  August.     Fr.  Oct. 

06s.  This  species  is  cultivated  for  the  panicles,  of  which  brooms  and 
brushes  are  made.  It  is  said  that  DR.  FRANKLIN  first  introduced  Broom 
Corn  into  our  country  ;  he  chanced  to  see  a  Corn  Whisk  in  the  possession 
of  a  lady,  and  while  examining  it,  as  a  novelty,  he  spied  ^i  grain  of  it  still 
attached  to  the  stalk.  This  he  took  and  planted. 

3.  S.  VULGA'RE,  Pers.   Panicle  erect  or  somewhat  contracted ;  glumes 
of  the  fertile  panicle  pubescent. 

COMMON  SORGHUM.    Indian  Millet.     Durra. 

Annual.     Culm  5-9  feet  high  ;  nodes  pubescent.     Leaves  6-9  inches  long.     Panicle  6  - 
12  inches  in  length. 
Cultivated.    Native  of  India.    Fl.  August.    Fr.  October. 

4.  S.  CERNU'UM,  Willd.     Panicle  densely  contracted,  oval,  mostly  rigidly 
recurved  or  nodding  ;  glumes  villous,  fringed. 

DROOPING  SORGHUM.     Guinea  Corn. 

Annual.     Culm  G  -  8  feet  high;  lowzr  nodes  emitting  verticillate  radicles.     Leaves  12- 
18  inches  long.     Panicle  4-6  inches  long  ;  florets  villous,  fringed,  scarcely  awned. 
Cultivated.     Native  of  India.     Fl.  August.     Fr.  October. 

Obs.  The  genus  Sorghum  has  acquired  a  considerable  importance 
within  a  few  years,  on  account  of  the  introduction  of  some  species  or 
varieties  as  a  sugar-producing  plant,  under  the  names  of  Chinese  Sugar 
Cane,  Sorghum,  Sorgho,  Imphee,  &c.  The  true  botanical  character  of 
the  Sugar  Plant  does  not  seem  to  be  settled, — it  being  referred  by  some 
to  S.  saccharatum — by  others  to  S.  bicolor, — and  by  some  writers  it  is 
spoken  of  as  Holcus  saccharatus.  It  is  probably  a  variety  of  S.  VULGARE, 
and  was  introduced  into  Pennsylvania  forty  years  ago  under  the  name 
of"  Chocolate  Corn ;"  and  the  seeds  were  roasted  by  the  farmers'  families, 


GEASS    FAMILY.  413 

as  a  substitute  for  coffee.  The  plant  is  very  rich  in  saccharine  matter, 
and  affords  an  excellent  syrup  ;  but  the  sugar  is  uncrystallizable,  and  as 
yet  no  process  has  been  discovered  by  means  of  which  sugar  can  be  pro- 
duced from  it  in  any  quantity.  Those  who  are  interested  in  this  matter 
will  mid  a  full  account  of  all  that  is  at  present  known  concerning  the 
culture  of  this  grass,  whether  for  syrup  making  or  as  a  food  for  stock, 
in  a  work  called  "  Sorgho  and  Imphee,"  by  HENRY  S.  OLCOTT,  published 
by  A.  0.  MOORE,  New  York. 


GLOSSARY 


OF    THE 


PRINCIPAL    BOTANICAL   TERMS    USED    IN    THIS    WORK. 


JB®=-  The  reader  will  bear  in  mind,  that  where  compound  descriptive  terms  are  em- 
ploved  in  this  work,  the  last  member  of  the  compound  word  is  intended  to  give  the 
predominant  character — and  that  the  word  or  syllable  prefixed,  merely  indicates  a 
modification  of  that  character :  as,  for  example,— "ovate-lanceolate  "  signifies  lanceo- 
late, ~but  inclining  someichat  to  ovate;  while  "lance-ovate'1'1  means  ovate  with  something 
of  the  lanceolate  form,  <fec.  So  of  colors  :  " yellowish-green"  "bluish-green,"  &c.  signify 
that  green  is  the  prevailing  hue, — but  that  it  u  tinged  with  a  shade  of  yellow,  blue,  &c. 
Terms  indicative  of  the  size  of  any  organ,  or  portion  of  plant— as  "large,"  "small,"  or 
"middle-sized" — are,  of  course,  relative, — and  have  reference  to  the  usual  or  average 
size  of  such  parts,  or  organs,  in  other  species  of  the  same  genus,  or  family. 


A;  at  the  commencement  of  a  word,  signi- 
fies the  absence  of  some  part,  as  :  opeta- 
lous,  destitute  of  petals  When  the  word 
commences  with  a  vowel  on  is  prefixed. 

Abnormal;  different  from  the  regular  or 
usual  structure. 

Abortion;  an  imperfect  development  of 
any  organ. 

Abortive;  not  arriving  at  perfection;  pro- 
ducing no  fruit. 

Abrupt;  not  gradual ;  sudden. 

Abruptly  acuminate  ;  suddenly  narrowed 
to  an  acumination. 

Abruptly  pinnate.  See  Even-pinnate. 

Acaulescent;  apparently  stemless. 

Accessory;  additional,  or  supernumerary. 

Accumbent  cotyledons  ;  having  the  radicle 
applied  to  the  cleft,  or  recurved  along 
the  edges  of  the  cotyledons  (represented 
by  this  sign,  o=),— as  in  some  Crucife 
rous  plants. 

Acerose;  linear  and  needle-like,— as  Juni- 
per leaves,  <fec. 

Achenium.    See  Akene. 

Achlamydeous;  applied  to  flowers  that 
have  no  floral  envelopes. 

A&cular;  needle-shaped. 

Acotyledonous;  destitute  of  cotyledons,  or 
seed-leaves. 

Acrogenous  plants.  Plants  which  grow  or 
develop  from  the  apex  or  summit,  only, 
of  the  stem. 

Acrogens.  Apex-growers,  or  acrogenous 
plants ;— which  see. 

Aculeate;  prickly  ;  armed  with  prickles. 

Achleolate;  armed  with  little  prickles. 

Acuminate;  ending  in  a  produced  taper- 
ing point. 

Acumination.  An  extended  tapering  point. 


Acute;  sharp  ;  ending  in  an  angle,  or  point : 
not  rounded. 

Adherent;  attached  to,  or  united  with  an- 
other different  organ,— as  the  calyx-tube 
to  the  ovary,  &c.  See  coherent. 

Adnate;  adhering  laterally ;  fixed  or  grow- 
ing to. 

Adventitious;  happening  irregularly ;  not 
produced  naturally  or  usually. 

^Equilateral;  equal  sided;  not  oblique. 

Estivation.  The  mode  in  which  sepals 
and  petals  are  arranged  in  the  flower- 
bud,  before  they  expand. 

Aftermath.  The  second  growth  of  the 
grasses  in  the  same  season,  after  being 
cut  off. 

Aggregated;  crowded,  or  standing  to- 
gether on  the  same  receptacle. 

Akene  (or  Achenium).  A  1-seeded  fruit 
with  a  dry  indehiscent  pericarp, — often 
bony  or  nut-like. 

Alee..  Wings,  or  membranous  expan- 
sions. 

Alate;  winged;  having  a  membranous 
border.  \ 

Albumen.  A  deposit  of  nutritive  mat- 
ter, distinct  from  the  Embryo,  found 
in  many  seeds,  —  and  sometimes  (  as 
in  the  grasses)  constituting  their  chief 
bulk. 

Albuminous  seeds ;  furnished  with,  or  con- 
taining albumen. 

Alternate;  not  opposite ;  placed  alternately 
on  the  axis,  or  receptacle. 

Alveolate;  having  pits,  or  cells  like  a  honey- 
comb. 

Ament.  A  slender  spike  of  naked  and 
usually  separated  flowers,  with  imbricat- 
ed scales  or  bracts. 


416 


GLOSSARY. 


Amorphous;  without  definite  form. 

Amplexicaul;  embracing  or  clasping  the 
stem. 

AmphUropous  ovule ;  when  it  is  half  in- 
verted and  stands  across  the  apex  of  the 
stalk  or  funiculus. 

Amylaceous;  starch-like. 

Analogue.  A  body  or  organ  resembling, 
substituted  for,  or  equivalent  to,  another 
body  or  organ. 

Anastomosing;  applied  to  branching  ves- 
sels which  inosculate,  or  unite  again,  like 
net-work. 

Andtropous  ovule  or  seed.  Turned; 
inverted  on  the  funiculus,  so  that  the  ori- 
fice or  apex  points  towards  the  placenta. 

Ancipital;  two-edged;  somewhat  flatted 
with  opposite  edges. 

Andraditm;  a  term  employed  to  designate 
the  staminate  portion  of  a  flower  ;  the 
stamens  or  fertilizing  organs  in  the  ag 
gregate. 

Androgynous;  having  staminate  and  pistil- 
late flowers  distinct,  but  on  the  same 
spike,  or  plant. 

Anglos pernwus ;  having  the  seeds  con- 
tained in  a  distinct  pericarp  or  seed- 
vessel. 

Angulate;  having  angles,  or  corners,  most- 
ly of  a  determinate  number. 

Annotinous;  applied  to  leaves,  &c.,  which 
are  annual,  or  renewed  every  year. 

Annual;  living  or  enduring  but  one  year. 

Annular;  in  the  form  of  a  ring. 

Annulate;  having  a  ring,  or  belt. 

Anomalous;  not  according  to  rule  or  sys- 
tem ;  forming  an  exception  to  usual  ap- 
pearances, or  structure. 

Anterior;  in  front, — as  that  part  of  a  flower 
next  to  the  bract,  or  farthest  from  the 
axis  of  inflorescence. 

Anther.  The  knob,  or  capsule,  containing 
the  pollen, — usually  supported  on  a  fila- 
ment. 

Anther'iferoU'ft;  bearing  Anthers. 

Antrorse  or  antrorsely;  pointing  forwards, 
or  upwards. 

Apetalous;  destitute  of  petals ;  not  having 
a  corolla. 

Apex;  the  summit,  upper  or  outer  end. 

Aphyllous;  destitute  of  leaves. 

Apiculate;  tipt  with  a  minute  abrupt 
point. 

Appendiculate;  having  some  appendage 
annexed. 

Appressed ;  pressed  to,  or  lying  close 
against. 

Approximate;  growing  or  situated  near 
each  other. 

Aquatic;  growing  naturally  in  water,  or  in 
wet  places. 

Arachnoid;  resembliivjr  a  spider's  web. 

Arborescent;  approaching  the  size  or  height 
of  a  tree. 

Arcuate;  curved,  or  bent  like  a  bow. 

Areola.  A  small  cavity,— as  in  the  base 
of  some  akenes. 


Arid;  dry,  as  if  destitute  of  sap. 

Arillate;  having  an  arillus. 

Arillus.  An  expansion  of  the  funiculus 
or  seed  stalk,  forming  a  loose  (and  often 
fleshy)  coating  of  the  seed. 

Ari-ztate;  awned;  having  awns,  or  bristle- 
like  processes. 

Armed;  having  thorns  or  prickles. 

Aromatic;  having  a  spicy  flavor  or  fra- 
grance. 

Articulated;  jointed ;  connected  by  joints, 
or  places  of  separation. 

Articulations.  Joints;  the  places  at 
which  articulated  members  are  sepa- 
rable. 

Ascending;  rising  from  the  ground  ob- 
liquely. 

Assuryent;  rising  in  a  curve  from  a  declin- 
ed base. 

Attenuated;  tapering  gradually  until  it  be- 
comes slender. 

Aurlculate;  having  rounded  appendages  at 
base,  like  ears. 

Awn.  A  slender  bristle-like  process, — 
common  on  the  chaff  of  Grasses ;  some- 
times on  anthers,  &c. 

Aicned;  furnished  with  awns,  or  bristle-like 
appendages. 

Awnless;  destitute  of  awns. 

Axil.  The  angle  between  a  leaf  and  stein, 
or  branch  on  the  upper  side. 

Axillary;  growing  in,  or  proceeding  from, 
the  axil. 

Axis.  A  central  stem,  or  peduncle  ;  or,  a 
real  or  imaginary  central  line  extending 
from  the  base  to  the  summit. 

Saccate;  berried, — becoming  fleshy  or  suc- 
culent, like  a  berry. 

Bald  akenes  ;  naked  at  summit;  destitute  of 
pappus  or  crown. 

Banner;  the  broad  upper  petal  of  a  papi- 
lionaceous flower,  —  called,  also,  the 
Vexillum. 

Barb.  A  straight  process,  armed  with  one 
or  more  teeth  pointing  backwards. 

Basal;  originating  at,  or  affixed  to,  the  base 
of  another  organ. 

Beak.  A  terminal  process,  like  a  bird's 
bill. 

Beaked;  having,  or  terminating  in,  a  beak. 

Bearded;  crested  or  furnished  with  par- 
allel hairs;  the  term  is  applied,  also,  to 
awned  wlieat,  &c. 

Berry.  A  pulpy  valveless  fruit,  in  which 
the  seeds  are  imbedded. 

Bi,  in  composition,  meaning  two  or  twice ; 
as 

Bibracteate;  having  2  bracts. 

Bil>ractfolate;  having  2  small  bracts, 
bractlets,  or  bracteoles. 

Bicarinate;  having  2  keels. 

Bicuspidate;  ending  in  2  sharp  points  or 
cusps. 

Bidentate;  furnished  with  2  teeth. 

Biennial;  living  2  years — in  the  second  of 
which  the  flowers  and  fruit  are  produced 
— and  then  dying. 


GLOSSARY. 


417 


Bifdrious;  in  two  series,  or  opposite  rows ; 
pointing  in  two  directions. 

B'/fid;  two-cleft,  or  split  i,  to  two  segments. 

Bifoliate;  having  or  producing  2  leaves. 

Bifurcate;  forked;  ending  in  two  equal 
branches. 

Bi-(ji''bous;  having  2  hunches,  or  gibbous 
productions. 

Bi-gl.and.ular;  having  or  producing  two 
glands. 

Bi-labiate;  having  2  lips. 

Bilamellate;  having  2  lamellae,  or  thin 
plates. 

Bilocular;  having  2  cells. 

Bipartitile;  separable  into  2  parts. 

Bip<  tilit  e;  two-parted. 

Bi pinnate  leaf.  Twice  pinnate  ;  the  com- 
mon petiole  having  opposite  branches, 
and  those  branches  bearing  opposite  ar- 
ticulated leaflets. 

Bipinn&ttijid  loaf.  The  common  petiole 
bearing  opposite  pinnatifid  segments. 

Bi-rostrate;  having  2  beaks. 

Bi-setose;  having  2  bristles. 

Bixulcate;  having  2  grooves  or  furrows. 

Biternate  leaf;  twice  ternate  ;  the  common 
petiole  3-parted.  and  each  division,  or 
branch,  bearing  3  leaflets. 

Binalved;  having  2  valves. 

Biventricose;  lia\ing  2  bellied  or  distended 
portions. 

Bloom.  A  fine  powdery  coating  on  certain 
fruits,  &c.,  as  the  plum. 

Border;  the  summit  or  upper  spreading 
part  of  a  calyx  or  corolla. 

Bowl-shaped;  hemispherical  and  concave, 
or  hollow,  like  a  bowl. 

Brachiale;  having  the  branches  spreading, 
opposite  and  decussate. 

Bract.  A  floral  leaf ;  a  modified  leaf,  from 
the  axil  of  which  arises  the  flower-branch, 
or  peduncle. 

Bi'acfrate;  furnished  with  bracts,  or  modi- 
fied leaves  among  or  near  the  flowers. 

Bracteoles,  or  Bractlets.    Small  bracts. 

Bractless;  destitute  of  bracts. 

Branchlets.  Small  branches,  or  subdivi- 
sions of  branches. 

Bristles.  Stiffish  elastic  hairs,  straight  or 
hooked. 

Bud.  A  growing  point,  or  undeveloped 
axis,  covered  with  the  rudiments  of 
leaves. 

Bulb.  A  kind  of  bud,  formed  of  fleshy 
scales,  or  coats,  and  usually  under 
ground — sometimes  in  the  axis  of  the 
leaves. 

BuJl'ife.rous:  bearing  or  producing  bulbs. 

Butbous;  formed  of,  or  like  a  bulb. 

Buttat»}esS\  having  lulMe-Uke convexities 
on  the  upper  surface,  with  corresponding 
cavities  beneath. 

Caducous;  falling  off  immediately,  or  ear- 
lier than  usual  for  such  organs. 
Calc.arate;  spurred;  having  a  process  like 

a  horn,  or  spur,— usually  hollow. 
Callous;  firm  and  gristle-like. 

18* 


Callus.  A  compact  gristle-like  tubercle,  or 
substance. 

Calyciform;  shaped  like  a  calyx. 

Calyculate;  having  an  additional  (usually 
small)  outer  calyx. 

Calyptra.  The  cap  or  hood  (resembling 
the  extinguisher  of  a  candle,)  on  the  fruc- 
tification of  the  mosses. 

Calym  The  flower-cup,  or  outer  (and 
sometimes  the  only)  covering  of  a  flower, 
usually  green. 

Cainpanulate;  in  the  form  of  a  bell. 

Campylotropcus  ovule  ;  or  seed.  "Where  the 
ovule  curves  upon  itself,  and  thus  brings 
the  orifice,  or  apex,  near  to  the  t'uniculus. 

Canaliculate;  channelled  or  furrowed. 

Candicant ;  whitish. 

Canescent;  hoary  ;  clothed  with  a  whitish 
or  grey  pubescence. 

Capillaceous,  or  cajrillary;  long  and  fine, 
or  slender,  like  a  hair. 

Capitate;  head-form ;  growing  in  a  head, 
or  globular  mass. 

Cdpsular;  resembling,  or  being,  a  capsule. 

Cttp&ul?.  A  dry  hollow  seed  vessel, — usu- 
ally opening  by  regular  valves  and  defi- 
nite seams. 

( 'a/1'*  a  a ;  keel. 

Carinale;  keeled  ;  having  a  ridge  on  the 
bnck,  like  the  keel  of  a  boat. 

Carnose;  fleshy  ;  more  firm  than  pulp. 

Carpel.  A  little  fruit ;  usually  a  partial  pis- 
til, or  constituent  portion  of  a  compound 
fruit. 

Cdrpophore.  A  slender  central  axis,  "bear- 
ing the  carpels,— as  in  UMBELLIFEIUE. 

Cartilaginous;  hard,  yet  somewhat  flexible, 
like  gristle. 

Caruncle.  A  fleshy  excrescence,  some- 
times found  at  the  hilum  of  seeds. 

Carybpsi*.  A  fruit  where  the  pericarp  is 
very  thin,  indehiscent,  and  closely  adher- 
ent to  the  surface  of  the  seed,— as  in  the 
Grasses,  Cypcracece,  &c.  See  Utricle. 

Catkin  ;  see  Arnent. 

Cauda.  A  tail.  Caudate;  having  a  tail,  or 
tail-like  appendage. 

Caulescent;  having  an  evident  or  true  stem. 

Cautine;  belonging  to,  or  growing  on,  the 
main  stem. 

Cellular;  made  up  of  little  cells,  or  cavi- 
ties, formed  of  tnembranaceous  sacs. 

Cfllular  plants.  The  lower  orders  of  plants 
(including  the  Mosses,  and  those  below 
them),  composed  exclusively  of  cellular 
tissue. 

Centrifugal  inflorescence  ;— where  the  cen- 
tral flower  of  a  cyme  precedes  the 
others,—!  e.  the  flowering  commences  at 
the  centre  and  extends  successively  to  the 
circumference. 

Centi-'ipetal  inflorescence  ;  where  the  outer 
flowers  of  a  corymb,  or  urrfbel  precede 
the  inner  ones, — i.  e.  the  flowers  expand, 
in  succession,  from  the  circumference  to 
the  centre. 

Cephaloid ;  head-shaped. 


418 


GLOSSARY. 


Cereal;  pertaining  to  Ceres;  belonging  to 
those  farinaceous  grains,  or  seeds,  of 
Avhich  bread  is  made, — and  over  which 
the  goddess  Ceres  was  supposed,  by  the 
ancients,  to  preside. 

Cernuous;  nodding;  the  apex  or  summit 
drooping,  or  turned  downwards. 

Cjtspitose;  having  many  stems  growing  from 
the  same  root,  forming  a  tuft,  or  tussock. 

Chaff.  A  dry  membrane, — usually  the 
small  husks,  or  seed-covers,  of  the  grass- 
es ;  also  the  bracts  on  the  receptacle,  of 
many  compound  and  other  aggregate 
flowers. 

Chaff  if,  bearing  chaif;  also  resembling 
chaff. 

Channels.  Longitudinal  grooves;  the  in- 
terstices between  the  ribs  on  the  fruit  of 
umbelliferous  plants. 

Channelled;  grooved  or  furrowed. 

Character  (in  Natural  History).  The  fea- 
tures of  objects,  or  classes  of  objects,  by 
which  they  are  known,  and  distinguished 
from  each  other. 

Chartdceous;  a  texture  resembling  that  of 
paper. 

Cicatrice.  A  scar, — such  as  that  left  at  the 
place  of  articulation,  after  the  fall  of  a 
leaf,  &c. 

C'dia.  Hairs  arranged  like  eye-lashes,  along 
the  margin  of  the  surface. 

Cdiate;  fringed,  or  edged  with  parallel 
hairs  like  eye-lashes. 

CiUate-seri-ate;  having  serratures  resem 
bling  cilia,  or  short  eye  lashes. 

Clliol.K  ;  diminutive  of  cilia  ;  hairs  like 
miniature  eyel  ashes. 

Cinereous;  of  the  color  of  wood  ashes. 

Ctrcinat";  with  the  apex  rolled  back  on 
itself,  like  the  young  fronds  of  a  fern. 

Cit'cumscissed;  cut  round  transversely,  or 
opening  horizontally,  like  a  snuff  box 

Cirrhose;  bearing  tendrils,  or  terminating 
in  a  tendril. 

Cirrliu*.    A  tendril, — which  see. 

Class.  One  of  the  higher  or  primary  divi- 
sions of  plants,  or  other  natural  objects,  in 
a  systematic  arrangement. 

Clavate;  club-shaped ;  thicker  towards  the 
summit,  or  outer  end. 

ClaveUftte;  in  the  form  of  a  little  club,— i. 
e.  larger  at  summit. 

Claw  of  a  petal.  The  slender  tapering  por- 
tion at  base,  or  below  the  middle. 

O'eft;  split,  or  divided,  less  than  halfway  to 
the  base  :  sometimes  the  division  itself  is 
called  a  cleft. 

Glypeate;  in  the  form  of  an  ancient  shield  or 
buckler. 

Co  ttaneous  flowrers ;  appearing  at  the  same 
time  with  the  leaves. 

Coarctnte;  contracted,  or  crowded  into  a 
narrow  compass. 

Coccus  (plural  cocci").  A  kind  of  semi- 
baccate  indehiscent  carpel. 

Cochleate;  coiled  like  a  snail-shell. 

Coherent;  united  with  an  organ  of  the  same 


kind,— as  stamens  coherent  with  each 
other,  &c.  See  adherent. 

Collateral;  placed  side  by  side ;  or  on  the 
same  side  of  another  organ. 

Colored;  of  any  other  color  than  green. 

ColumeUa;  a  little  column. 

Column.  The  axis  or  central  pillar  of  a 
capsule ;  or  the  combined  filaments,  and 
style  of  a  Gynandrous  or  Orchidaceous 
plant. 

Coma;  a  terminal  tuft  of  hair,  bracts,  &c. 

Commissure.  The  line  of  junction  of  two 
bodies, — as  the  face  of  the  carpels  (or 
mericarps),  in  UMBELLIFER/F. 

Common  (petiole,  peduncle,  &c.);  belonging 
to,  or  sustaining,  several  similar  subordi- 
nate parts. 

Comose;  having  a  tuft  or  topknot  of  hairs, 
bracts,  or  leaves,  at  summit  or  at  one  end. 

Compact;  condensed  or  pressed  together. 

Complete  flower  ;  having  both  calyx  and 
corolla. 

Compound;  not  simple, — but  made  up  of 
similar  simple  parts. 

Compound  Jimcer.  An  aggregated  cluster, 
or  head  of  syngenesious  florets,  seated  on 
a  common  receptacle,  and  embraced  by 
an  involucre,  or  many  leaved  common 
calyx. 

Compound  leaf.    Consisting  of  several  leaf- 

*  lets,  or  laminte,  each  articulated  with  the 
common  petiole,  and  ultimately  falling 
from  it. 

Compound  Pistil.  Consisting  of  2  or  more 
carpels,  or  simple  ovaries,  cohering  to- 
gether. 

Compound  Umbel.  An  Umbel  in  which 
each  primary  peduncle,  or  ray,  bears  a 
small  umbel  at  summit. 

Compressed;  flatted,  as  if  squeezed  or  press- 
ed. 

Concave;  presenting  a  hollow  or  depressed 
surface. 

Concentric  layers,  or  circles.  Circles  of 
different  sizes,  or  diameters,  with  a  com- 
mon centre. 

Concrete:  grown  together,  or  united. 

Conduplicdte;  doubled  lengthwise,  or  fold- 
ed together  like  a  sheet  of  paper,  or  the 
leaves  of  a  book. 

Cone.    The  woody  ament  of  the  Pines. 

Conic,  Conical,  or  Conoid;  having  the  fig- 
ure of  a  cone. 

Confluent;  blended,  or  running  together; 
forming  a  junction. 

Congener.  A  plant  belonging  to  the  same 
genus:  nearly  related. 

Conglomerate;  clustered  or  heaped  together. 

Conjugate;  in  pairs  ;  coupled. 

Connate-perfoliate\e&\GS>;  their  bases  unit- 
ed round  the  stem. 

Connate;  growing  together,  or  cohering. 

Connective,  or  Connectivum.  The  organ 
which  connects  the  two  cells  of  an  anther, 
—conspicuous  in  some  of  the  LAHIAT  . 

Conn'went  ;  the  summits  meeting,  or  bend- 
ing towards  each  other. 


GLOSSARY. 


419 


Constant;  invariable ;  also  never  failing,  or 
wanting. 

Contiguous;  so  near  as  to  seem  to  touch. 

Continuous;  without  interruption,  or  artic- 
ulation. 

Contorted;  twisted;  or  obliquely  overlap- 
ping. 

Contracted;  narrowed,  or  reduced  into  a 
smaller  compass. 

Contrary  dissepiment.  Not  parallel,  but 
at  right  angles,  or  nearly  BO,  with  the 
valves  of  the  pericarp. 

Convex;  presenting  an  elevated  rounded 
surface. 

Convolute;  rolled  into  a  cylindrical  form. 

Cordate;  heart-shaped,  with  the  sinus  or 
notch  at  the  base. 

Cordate-oblong;  oblong,  with  a  cordate 
base. 

Coriaceous;  tough  and  leather  like. 

Corm,  or  Cormus.  A  fleshy  subterraneous 
stem,  of  a  round  or  oval  figure,  and  an 
uniform  compact  texture,  as  in  Arum,  or 
Indian  Turnip. 

Corneous;  having  the  consistence  or  appear- 
ance of  horn. 

Corn'iculate;  having  little  horns  or  spurs. 

Cornute;  having  appendages  like  horns. 

Corolla.  The  delicate  inner  covering  of 
the  flower,  between  the  calyx  and  sta- 
mens, mostly  colored, 

Coroniform;  in  the  shape  of  a  crown. 

Corrugated:  contracted  into  wrinkle.-?. 

Cortical;  belonging  to  the  bark. 

Corticate  ;  clofheol  with  bark. 

Corymb.  A  mode  of  flowering :  a  kind  of 
raceme,  with  the  lower  peduncles  elongat- 
ed so  as  to  form  a  level  top. 

Corymbose;  in  the  manner  of  the  Corymb. 

Corymbulose;  having  the  flowers  in  little 
corymbs. 

Costate;  ribbed. 

Cotyledons.  The  seed-lobes,  or  first  crude 
leaves  of  a  plant,— formed  in  the  seed  ; 
and  sometimes  becoming  green  leaves  in 
vegetation. 

Crateriform;  in  the  form  of  a  cup  or  bowl, 
or  hemispherical  cup. 

Creeping;  running  along  the  ground,  and 
putting  forth  small  roots. 

Crenate;  notched  on  the  edge,  with  the  seg- 
ments rounded,  and  not  inclining  towards 
either  extremity. 

Crennlate;  very  finely  crenate. 

Created;  having  an  appendage  resembling 
a  cock's  comb. 

Crisp;  curled,  or  wavy  at  the  edges. 

Cristate;  crested  ;  having  a  crest. 

Cross;  or  cross-breed.  A  hybrid  or  mule, 
— produced  by  the  mixing  of  two  nearly 
allied  species. 

Crvirdrd;  thickly    set;   standing  in  close 

order. 

Ci'oio».  A  circular  series  of  petaloid  ap 
pendast'S  at  the  throat  of  a  corolla;  also 
of  chaffy  scales  at  the  summit  of  an 
akene. 


Crowned;  having  appendages  resembling  a 
crown. 

Cruciate,  or  cruciform;  having  4  petals  ar- 
ranged in  form  of  a  cross. 

Crustaceous;  having  a  dry  brittle  snell. 

Cryptogamous  plants.  Plants  which  are 
destitute  of  visible  genuine  flowers. 

Cucullate;  in  the  form  of  a  cowl ;  the 
edges  rolled  in  so  as  to  meet  at  base,  and 
spreading  above,— like  a  hood  thrown 
back. 

Culm.  Tlie  stem  of  the  Grasses,  and  Cy- 
peraceous  plants. 

Cuneate,  or  cuneiform,;  wedge-shaped; 
tapering  with  straight  edges  to  the  base. 

Cup  tile.  The  cup-like  involucre  of  tho 
acorn,  &c. 

Cusp.    A  stiffish  tapering  sharp  point. 

Cuspidate;  tapering  to  a  straight  stiffish 
sharp  point. 

Cuticle.  The  outer  skin, — usually  thin  and 
membranaceous. 

Cyathiform;  top  shaped  and  hollowed  at  the 
summit  like  a  cup. 

Cylindric;  long,  round  and  of  uniform 
diameter. 

Cyme.  A  kind  of  panicle,  depressed  near- 
ly to  the  form  of  an  umbel, — with  the 
principal  peduncles  rising  from  the  same 
centre,  but  the  subdivisions  irregular. 

Cymose;  with  the  flowers  in  cymes,  or  ap- 
proaching that  form. 

Cynndes.  The  reduced  cymes,  or  cy- 
mose clusters,  of  the  LABIATE;  some- 
times called  Verticillasters. 

Decandrous;  having  ten  distinct  stamens. 

Deciduous;  falling  off  at  the  usual  time,  or 
at  the  end  of  the  season ;  more  durable 
than  Caducous, — which  see. 

Dedinate,  or  declined;  bent  off  horizontal- 
ly ;  or  curved  downwards. 

Decompound;  several  times  compound. 

Decumbent;  IcMiing  upon  the  ground, 
with  the  base  only  erect. 

Decurrence.  A  running  or  extending 
down,  or  backwards. 

Decurrent  leaf.  AVhen  the  two  edges  are 
continued  down  the  stem,  like  wings. 

Decussate;  growing  in  opposite  pairs  and 
alternately  crossing  each  other. 

Definite;  clearly  defined,  or  limited;  also 
of  a  constant  or  determinate  (and  not 
large)  number. 

Deflected;  bent  off,  or  downwards. 

Dehiscent;  gaping  or  opening  naturally  by 
seams,  at  maturity. 

Deltoid;  triangular  in  the  outline, — like  the 
Greek  letter  Delta. 

Demersf-d;  growing  or  being  under  water. 

Dense;  closely  arranged;  compact. 

Dentate;  toothed;  edged  with  tooth-like 
projections. 

Denticulate;  having  very  small  teeth. 

Depauper-ate;  with  a  starved  or  stunted 
inflorescence ;  few-flowered. 

Depressed;  flatted  vertically,  or  pressed 
down  at  summit. 


420 


GLOSSARY. 


Depressed-globose;  globular,  with  the  base 

and  apex  flatted. 
J)i,  in  composition,  two. 
Diddelphous:  having  the  filaments  unite jl 

in    2  parcels,— usually  9  and  1,  with  a 

papilionaceous  corolla 
Didndrous;  having  2  stamens. 
Diaphanous ;  transparent ;  permitting  light 

to  pass  through. 
Dichotomal  flower.    Situated  in  the  fork 

of  a  dichotomous  stem  or  branch. 
Dickolonious;   forked ;    regularly    divided 

and  subdivided,  in  two  equal  branches. 
Diclinous;  having  the  stamens  and  pistils 

in  distinct  flowers, — whether  on  the  same 

or  different  plants. 
Dicotyledonous   plants.     Where    the  em 

bryo  has  2  lobes,  or  cotyledons. 
Didymous;  twin ;    growing  in  pairs   and 

more  or  less  united. 
Didynamoiis;  having  2  long  and  2  shorter 

stamens,  mostly  in  a  bilabiate,  ringent,  or 

personate  corolla. 
Diffuse;   spreading  widely  in  a  loose  irreg 

ular  manner. 
Digitate   leaf.      Where  a  simple    petiole 

connects  several  distinct  leaflets,  Jinger- 

like,    at   its  summit, — as    in  the  Horse 

Chestnut. 
Digynous;  having  2  pistils,  or  2  distinct 

stigmas. 

Dilated;    made   wider ;   stretched  or  ex- 
panded. 
Dimerous;  composed  of  two  parts, — as  a 

dimerous  calyx  or  corolla,  when  there  are 

2  sepals  or  petals. 
Dimidiate;  halved, — as  if  one  side,  or  half 

had  been  cut  off. 

Dingy;  of  a  dull,  soiled,  smoky,  or  leaden- 
brown  color. 
Dixcious ;  or  Dio'icous,  having  staminate 

and  pistillate  flowers  on  distinct  plants. 
Dixciously,  or    Dioicousli/  polygamous; 

having  perfect  and  imperfect  flowers  on 

different  plants. 
Dipetalous;  having  2  petals. 
Discoid  flower,  or  head.    A  disk  of  com- 
pound flowers,  without  ray-florets. 
Disepaluus;  having  2  sepals. 
Disk.    The  surface  of  the  leaf;  also  the 

face,  or  central  part,  of  a  head  of  com- 
pound flowers. 

Dissected;  cut  into  segments,  or  lobes. 
Dissepiment.    The  partition  between    the 

cells  of  seed-vessels. 
Distant;  having  a  larger  intervening  space 

than  usual. 
D'tftichous;    two-rowed;    bearing    leaves, 

flowers,  &c.  in  2  opposite  rows. 
Distinct;    separate ;    not    connected   with 

each    other,    nor    with    any   contiguous 

organ. 
Divaricate  branches.    Spreading  so  as  to 

form  more  than  a  right  angle  with    the 

stem  above. 
Divergent;  spreading  widely  ;     making  a 

right-angle,  or  nearly  so,  with  the  stem. 


Divided;  separated,  or  cleft  to  the  base,— 

or  to  the  midrib,  if  a  leaf. 
Dorsal;  belonging  to,  or  growing  on,  the 

back. 
Dorsal  suture.    The  line  or  seam  on  the 

lack  of  a  carpel,  or  folded  leaf,  —  being  at 

the  place  of  the  midrib  ;  the  opposite  of 

ventral  suture,  —  which  see. 
Dot-sally  compressed  ;  flatted  on  the  back. 
Dots.    Minute  tubercles,  or  specks. 
Dotted;  covered  with   dots,   specks,  or  mi- 

nute and  slightly  elevated  points. 
Dmcny;  clothed  with  soft  fine  hairs. 
Drooping;  inclining  downwards,  more  than 

nodding. 
Drupaceous;  drupe-like,  —  of  a  structure 

resembling  a  drupe,  or  what  is  usually 

called  stone-fruit. 
Drupe.    A  fleshy,    succulent,   or  spongy 

pericarp,  without   valves,    containing"  a 

1  or  '2  seeded  nut,  or  stone. 
Drupel.    A  little  drupe  :  a  constituent  por- 

tion of  a  compound  berry,—  such  as  that 


E,  or  Ex;  in  composition  ;  destitute  of;  not 

furnished  with. 

Ebrdcteate  ;  destitute  of  bracts. 
Embracteolate;  destitute  of  bractlets. 
Ecaudate;  destitute  of  a  cfiuda,  or  tail. 
Ech'inate;      hedgehog-like;    covered  with 

prickles. 
Elaters.    Minute,    club-shaped   filaments, 

which  are  coiled  round  the  spores  of  cer- 

tain  cryptogamous  plants,—  and  by  un- 

rolling   assist  in  dispersing  those  spores. 
Elliptic,  or  elliptical;  oval;  longer  than 

wide,    with   the    two    ends    narrowing 

equally. 
Elongated;  exceeding  the  usual  or  average 

length. 
E  longating;  becoming  gradually  and  final- 

ly elongated. 
Emarginate;  having  a  notch  or  sinus  at  the 

end. 
Embryo.    The  young  plant  in  the    rudi 

mentary  state,  as  it  exists  in  the  seed. 
Emersed;  raised  out  of  water. 
Endocarp.      That  membranous    or    bony 

portion  of  the  pericarp  which  lines  the 

cavity,  or  forms  the  cells  for  the    seeds 

(ex.    gr.  the  stone,   or  hard  shell,  in    a 

Drupe). 
Endogenous  plants.    Those  which  have  a 

single  cotyledon,—  and  grow  by  central 

deposites  of  new  matter,   distending  or 

pugning  the  older  deposites  outwards. 
Endogens.    Inside-growers;   plants   which 

increcise  by  central  or  internal   deposites 

of  new  matter.     See  Endogenous  plants. 
Entiedndrous;  having  9  stamens. 
En&iform;  sword-shaped  ;    two-edged  and 

tapering  from  base  to  apex. 
Entire;  having  a  continuous  even  margin  ; 

without  incision,  notch,  or  tooth. 
Envelope.    An  integument,  or  covering. 
Ephemeral;    cliurual  ;    enduring  one   day 

only 


GLOSSARY. 


421 


Epicarp;  tha  outer  coating  of  the  peri- 
carp, or  fruit. 

Epidermis;  the  outer  skin  or  cuticle. 

Epig  Kan;  situated,  or  rising,  above  ground. 

Epigynous;  adiiate  to  the  ovary  so  that 
the  upper  portion  is  apparently  inserted 
on  its  summit, — as  sepals,  petals,  and 
more  especially  stamens ;  exemplified  in 
Umbellifor.e  and  Araliacer. 

Epipetalous;   inserted  on  the  petals. 

E-IU,  (I;  similar  parts  equal  among  them- 
selves,— as  calyx-segments,  sepals,  petals, 
stamens,  &c. 

Epiphytes;  air  plants  having  no  immediate 
connexion  with  the  earth,  but  growing  on 
the  stem  of  other  plants. 

Equitant  leaves.  When  alternate  distichous 
leaves  are  infolded  lengthwise  and  towards 
each  other,  the  outer  ones  inclosing  or 
embracing  the  inner. 

Ei-ect  ovules,  or  seeds.  When  they  arise 
from  the  bottom  of  the  ovary,  or  base  of 
the  cell,  and  point  upwards. 

Eroded,  or  erose;  irregularly  notched,  as  if 
gnawed  by  insects. 

Esculent;  eatable;  fit  or  safe  to  be  eaten. 

Etiolation;  the  blanching  of  plants, — or 
rendering  them  white  by  the  exclusion  of 
light;  as  practised  with  Cel?ry,  Endive,  &c. 

Eoanescent;  disappearing ;  speedily  vanish- 
ing. 

Even  pinnate  leaf.  "With  the  leaflets  all 
in  pairs  or  without  a  terminal  odd  one; 
ofted  termed  abruptly-f/innate. 

Evergreen;  continuing  green,  and  persisting 
all  the  year. 

Exalbuminous ;  destitute  of  albumen. 

Exeentric;  deviating  from  the  axis,  or 
centre. 

Exfoliate;  to  throw  off  layers  or  plates, — as 
bark,  &c. 

Exogenous  plants.  Those  which  have  2  (or 
sometimes  more)  cotyledons, — and  grow 
by  annual  layers  of  wood  (or  new  matter) 
on  the  outride,  between  the  old  wood  and 
bark. 

Exogens;  outside  growers ;  plants  which 
increase  by  annual  additions  to  the  out- 
side. See  Exogenous  plants. 

Expert  or  exserted;  projecting,  or  protrud- 
ing out,— as  stamens  from  the  tube  of  the 
corolla. 

Exst'i.pulatA;  destitute  of  stipules. 

Ejctrorw  anthers.  Having  the  cells  turned 
outwards,  or  from  the  pistils, — and  the 
filament,  or  connective,  extended  up  the 
inner  side. 

Fa'-cdte;  sickle  shaped;  curved  like  a 
sickle,  or  scythe. 

F>nnil;f  of  plants.  A  definite  group  of 
kindred  plants,  called  also  an  Order, — 
sometimes  of  numerous  genera  and  species 
-sometimes  comprising  but  a  single  genus. 

Fan  shaped;  cuneate  below,  and  spreading 
above,— like  a  lady's  fan. 

Farinaceous;  mealy  ;  reducible  to  a  meal- 
like  powder. 


Fascicle;  a  little  bundle,  or  bunch,  of 
flowers,  leaves,  &c.,  originating  from 
nearly  the  same  point. 

Fascicled  or  Fasciculate ;  growing  in 
bundles,  or  bunches  from  the  same  point. 

Fast'tgiate;  level-topped  ;  the  summits  of 
the  branches  all  rising  to  the  same 
height. 

Fdvose;  deeply  pitted;  somewKat  like  a 
honey-comb. 

Feather  vtined  leaf.  Where  the  lateral 
veins  (or  nerves)  diverge  regularly  from 
each  ,'ide  of  the  midrib, — like  the  plu- 
mage of  a  quill. 

Ferruginous;  of  the  color  of  rust  of  iron ; 
reddish-brown. 

Fertile;  having  perfect  pistils,  and  produc- 
ing fruit. 

Fibrous;  composed  of  fibres,  or  thread  like 
processes. 

Fide;    on  the  faith,  or  authority,  of. 

Filament  ;  that  part  of  the  stamen 
(usually  thread  like)  which  supports  the 
anther. 

very  slender  and  terete,  like  a 


Filiform; 

thread. 

Fimbrite  • 

Fiiitbriatt. 


fringes,    or   fringe-like     pro- 


fanely divided  at  the  edge, 
like  a  fringe. 

FimbrUlate;  clothed  with  fimbrilla  (i.  e., 
membranaceous,  linear  or  subulate  fila- 
ments)—as  the  receptacle  of  thistles,  &c. 

Fissure;    a  slit,  crack,  or  narrow  opening. 

Fistular,  or  Fistulou*;  hollow  and  terete, 
like  a  pipe,  tubular. 

Flabelliform;  fan  shaped, — which  sec. 

Flaccid;  so  limber  as  to  bend  by  its  own 
weight. 

FlagelUform;  long,  slender,  and  pliable, — 
like  a  whip  lash. 

Flexuose;  serpentine,  or  with  a  succession 
of  short  alternating  curves. 

Floccose;  orfiocculent;  covered  with^oefe, 
flakes,  or  little  matted  bunches  of  partly 
detached  tomentum. 

Floral;  belonging  to,  or  situated  near  a 
flower. 

Floral  envelopes ;  the  verticils,  or  cover- 
ings of  flowers, — usually  known  as  calyx 
and  corolla;  sometimes  as  chaff. 

Floret;  a  little  flower ;  usually  one  of  the 
number  in  compound  or  aggregated  flow- 
ers. 

Flori-ferous;  bearing  flowers. 

Folidceous,  of  a  leaf-like  form  and  texture  ; 
resembling  a  leaf. 

Foliole;  a  leaflet  in  a  compound  leaf. 

Folicle;  a  capsular  fruit,  opening  longitu- 
dinally by  a  suture  on  one  side. 

Folllcular;  resembling,  constructed  like,  or 
being,  a  folicle. 

Foramen  (plural,  foramin -a);  a  roundish 
hole,  or  opening. 

Foreolate;  pitted. 

Free-,  not  adhering  to  each  other,  nor  to  any 
adjacent  organ. 


422 


GLOSSARY. 


frondose;  leafy,or  with  leaf  like  appendages. 

Fructification ;  the  flower  and  fruit,  with 
their  parts. 

fruit ;  the  mature  ovary  or  seed-vessel, 
and  its  contents. 

Fruteacent;  becoming  shrubby,  or  hard  and 
woody. 

Fruticose;  shrub-like,  or  shrubby. 

Fruticulose  ;  like  a  little  shrub. 

Fugacious;  fleeting ;  of  short  duration. 

Fulvous;  tawny,  fox  or  tan-colored. 

Fungous;  of  rapid  growth  and  soft  tex 
ture,  like  the  fungi. 

Fun'iculus  ;  the  little  cord  by  which  seeds 
are  attached  to  the  placenta. 

Funnel  form;  tubular  below,  and  expand- 
ing above— like  a  funnel. 

Furcate;  forked. 

Furfurdceous  ;  scaly,  or  scurfy,  like  bran 
or  dandruff. 

Fuscous:  greyish  brown,  or  deep  brown, 
with  a  tinge  of  green. 

Fusiform;  spindle-shaped;  terete  and  ta- 
pering to  a  point. 

Galea;  a  helmet ;  the  arched  upper  lip  of 
a  ringent  corolla. 

Gdleate;  helmeted;  resembling  a  casque, 
or  helmet. 

Gamopetalous;  having  the  petals  all  more 
or  less  united, — forming  what  is  called 
(rather  incorrectly)  a  monopetalous  co 
rolla. 

Gamosepalous;  having  the  sepals  all  more 
or  less  united, — forming  a  monosepalous 
calyx. 

Geminate ;  in  pairs. 

Generic;  pertaining  or  relating  to  a  genus 

Genlculate;  forming  an  angle  at  the  joints, 
like  a  bent  knee. 

Genus  (plural  genera);  a  group  of  species 
which  agree  with  each  other  in  the  struc- 
ture or  essential  characters  of  the  flower 
or  fruit;  sometimes  a  genus  comprises 
but  a  single  species. 

Germ;  the  growing  part  of  a  bud. 

Gemnen;  the  old  name  for  the  ovary. 

Germination;  the  sprouting,  or  incipient 
growth,  of  a  seed. 

Gibbous:  hunched,  or  swelled  out,  on  one 
or  botli  sides. 

Glabrous;  very  smooth,  without  any  rough- 
ness or  pubescence. 

Gland  ;  a  small  roundish  organ,  or  append- 
age, which  often  secretes  a  fluid. 

Glandular;  furnished  with  glands. 

Glandular-hispid,  or  glandular-pubes- 
cent; hairy  or  pubescent,  and  the  hairs 
tipped  with  glands. 

Glaucescent;  inclining  to,  or  becoming, 
glaucous. 

Glaucous;  silvery;  pale-bluish,  or  greenish- 
white  ;  covered  with  a  greenish  white 
mealiness. 

Globose,  or  globular;  spherical ;  round  on 
all  sides. 

Glomerate;  densely  clustered  in  small 
heaps,  or  irregular  heads. 


Glomerules;  small  dense,  roundish  clus- 
ters. 

Glumaceous;  chaff  like;  resembling  chaff 
or  glumes. 

Glumes;  the  bracts,  or  outer  chaff,  em- 
bracing the  spikelets  of  the  grasses  (calyx, 
of  Linn.).  See  Palea. 

Glutinous;  viscid ;  covered  with  an  adhe- 
sive fluid. 

Grain  ;  fruit  of  the  true  grasses,  sometimes 
called  a  caryopsis. 

Gramineous;  grass- like;  resembling  grasses. 

Graniferous;  bearing  a  grain,  or  grains. 

Granular;  formed  of  grains  or  small  parti- 
cles. 

Gymnospermous;  having  the  seeds  naked, 
— i.  e.  not  inclosed  in  a  pericarp. 

Gyndndrmts;  having  the  stamens  growing 
on,  or  adhering  to,  the  pistil. 

GyniLcium  ;  a  term  designating  the  pistil- 
late portion  of  the  flower,  or  the  seed- 
bearing  organs,  collectively. 

Gynostegiym;  the  pistil-cover  or  tube 
formed  by  the  connate  filaments,  in  the 
Asclepias  family. 

Habit  of  plants.  Their  general  external 
appearance  and  mode  of  growth,  by  which 
they  are  recognized  at  sight. 

Habitat,  or  habitatio;  the  natural  or  na- 
tive place  of  growth. 

Halved-  one  sided, — as  if  one  half  had  been 
cut  off. 

Hastate;  shaped  like  a  halbert;  lanceolate, 
with  a  divaricate  lobe  on  each  side  of  the 
base. 

Head;  a  dense  roundish  cluster  of  sessile 
flowers. 

Heptandrous;  having  7  stamens. 

Herbaceous;  not  woody  ;  of  a  tender  con- 
sistence, and  usually  destructible  by  frost. 

Herbarium  ;  a  collection  of  dried  speci- 
mens of  plants. 

Herbs:  plants  which  are  not  woody — of  a 
more  tender  structure  than  trees  and 
shrubs,  and  usually  killed  by  frost. 

Hetfrogamous  head's  ;  heads  of  Syngerie- 
sious  flowers,  containing  florets  of  differ- 
ent structure  and  sexual  character. 

Heterophyllous;  having  leaves  of  different 
forms. 

Hexdmerous;  consisting  of  6  parts. 

Ifcxandrous;  having  6  stamens  of  equal 
length. 

Hilum  ;  the  scar  left  on  a  seed,  at  the  point 
of  attachment  to  the  funumlus. 

Hirsute;  rough-haired ;  clothed  with  stiffish 
hairs. 

Hi*l>id:  bristly;  beset  with  rigid,  spreading, 
bristle-like  hairs. 

Hoary;  covered  with  a  white  or  whitish  pu- 
bescence. 

Homogamous  heads.  Heads  of  Syngene- 
sious  flower?,  in  which  all  the  florets  are 
of  similar  structure  and  the  same  sexual 
character. 

Hooded.    See  cucullat". 

Horizontal  ovules.      When    they    project 


GLOSSAltY. 


423 


from  the  side  of  the  cell,  pointing  neither 
to  base  nor  apex. 

Horn;  a  process  or  elongation  resembling 
a  horn.  See  Spur. 

Horny;  of  a  texture  or  consistence  like 
horn.  See  corneous. 

Zfumus.  The  mould,  or  soil,  formed  by  the 
decomposition  of  vegetable  matter. 

II//aline;  transparent,  like  glass. 

Hybrid;  a  mule ;  a  cross-breed  between 
two  varieties,  or  nearly  allied  species, 
partaking  of  each  but  different  from  both. 

Ifi/]>o(/tt'an;  situated,  growing,  or  remain- 
ing, under  ground. 

Hypogynous;  inserted  beneath  the  ovary, 
— i.  e.,  on  the  receptacle,  and  free  from 
the  surrounding  organs. 

Icosdndrous;  having  about  20  stamens, 
which  are  perigynous, — i.  e.,  growing  to, 
or  apparently  inserted  on  the  rim  of,  the 
calyx. 

Imbricate,  or  imbricated;  the  edges  lying 
closely  and  regularly  over  the  next  series, 
— like  shingles  on  a  roof,  or  scales  on  a 
fish. 

Imperfect  flower ;  when  either  stamens  or 
pistils  are  deficient. 

Incised;  cut  or  gashed ;  separated  by  inci- 
sions. 

IncUnate,  or  inclined;  bent  over  towards 
the  ground,  or  some  other  object. 

Included;  wholly  contained  within  a  tube, 
or  cavity;  the  opposite  of  exserted. 

Incomplete  flower ;  when  either  Calyx  or 
Corolla  is  wanting. 

IncriifMtte;  thickened  upwards,  or  towards 
the  summit. 

Incumbent;  lying  upon,  against,  or  across. 

Incumbent  anther.  Attached  at  or  near  its 
middle,  and  lying  horizontally  across  the 
summit  of  the  filament. 

Incumbent  cotyledons.  Having  the  radicle 
bent  over  and  applied  to  the  back  of  one 
of  the  cotyledons  (represented  by  this 
signo||). 

Incurved;  bent  or  curved  inwards. 

Indefinite;  not  distinctly  limited,  or  de- 
fined ;  numerous,  and  of  no  constant  or 
determinate  nnmber. 

Indeft'iscent;  not  opening  at  maturity. 

Indigenous  ;  native ;  growing  naturally,  or 
originally  in  a  country. 

Ind'U  plicate;  folded  inwards. 

In/'lurated;  hardened;  become  hard. 

Inferior  calyx.  Having  the  ovary  above, 
and  free  from  the  calyx. 

Ivjerior  ovary.  Situated  apparently  below 
the  calyx,  or  rather  its  segments ; — i.  e., 
adnate  to  the  tube  of  the  calyx,  and  con- 
sequently bearing  the  segments  (if  any) 
at  its  summit. 

Inflated ;  distended  or  swelled  like  a  blown 
bladder. 

Inflected,  or  inflexed;  bent  suddenly  in- 
wards. 

Inflorescence.  The  disposition  or  arrange- 
ments of  flowers  and  their  footstalks  on  a 


plant,— such  as  Umbel,  Panicle,  Eaceme 
&c. 

Innate  anther;  erect,  having  its  base  resting 
directly  on  the  apex  of  the  filament  . 

Inserted  ;  fixed  upon,  or  growing  out  of. 

Internode.  That  portion  of  a  culm,  or 
stem,  between  the  nodes  or  joints. 

Interpetiolar  stipules.  Situated  or  origi- 
nating between  the  petioles  of  opposite 
leaves. 

Interrupted;  having  intervals ;  or  the  con- 
tinuity broken. 

Interruptedly  pinrate;  having  smaller 
pinna',  or  leaflets,  between  each  pair  of 
larger  ones. 

Inira-petiolar  stipules.  Situated  within 
and  above  the  petioles, — usually  sheath- 
ing the  branch  above  the  axil  of  the  lent'; 
as  in  Platanus. 

Intror&e  anthers.  Having  the  cells  tinned 
inwards,  or  towards  the  pistils, — and  the 
filament,  or  connective,  extending  up  the 
outer  side. 

Inversely ;  in  a  contrary  position ;  end  for 
end,  or  upside  down. 

Involucel.  The  verticil  of  leaflets  at  the 
base  of  an  umbellet. 

Involi icellate  ;  having  involucels. 

Involucrate  ;  having  an  involucre. 

Involucre.  An  assemblage  of  modified 
leaves  accompanying  certain  forms  of 
inflorescence, — usually  verticillate  at  the 
base  of  an  Umbel, — or  in  imbricated 
series  beneath  or  around  the  heads  of 
aggregated  flowers. 

Involute;  rolled  inwards. 

Irregular ;  the  component  parts  differing 
.  in  size  and  shape. 

Keel.  A  longitudinal  central  ridge  on  the 
back  of  a  leaf,  sepal.  &c.,  resembling  the 
keel  of  a  boat:  also,  the  lower  pair 
of  united  petals  in  a  papilionaceous 
flower.  v 

Keeled  ;  having  a  keel.    See  Carinate.    • 

Kernel;  the  nucleus,  or  seed  contained 
in  a  nut. 

Knot ;  a  node ;  a  solid,  inseparable,  and 
often  swelling  joint,— as  in  the  stem  of 
the  grasses,  &c. 

Lacerate;  divided  into  irregular  segments 
as  if  torn. 

Laciniate  ;  jagged ;  the  margin  irregularly 
cut  into  unequal  segments. 

Lactescent ;  milky  ;  containing  a  milky  or 
whitish  juice. 

Lacunose;  pitted,  furrowed,  or  having 
little  cavities. 

Lamellate;  divided  or  dilated  into  thin 
plates. 

Lamina.;  a  thin  layer  or  plate;  the  ex- 
panded or  flat  portion  of  a  leaf,  or  petal, 
as  distinguished  from  the  petiole,  or  claw. 

Lanate;  woolly;  clothed  with  wool. 

Lanceolate;  tapering  gradually  from  near 
the  base  to  the  apex,— like  the  head  of  an 
ancient  Lance,  or  Spear. 

Lance-lintar,    Lance-ovate,    &c.,    linear, 


424 


GLOSSAKY. 


ovate,  &c.,  with  something  of  the  lance- 
olate form. 

Lance  ovoid;  egg-shaped,  with  a  swelling 
base  and  tapering  apex. 

Lanuginous ;  clothed  with  a  loose  wool. 

Lateral ;  at  the  side. 

Laterally  compressed;  flatted  on  the 
sides ;  the  lateral  edges  pressed  towards 
each  other 

Lace ;  loose,  or  limber ;  not  compact. 

Leaflets.  Partial  leaves;  the  constituent 
leaves  of  a  compound  leaf. 

Leaf-like  (foliaceous);  having  a  texture 
and  expansion  resembling  a  leaf. 

Leafy  (toliosus);  furnished  or  abounding 
with  leaves. 

Legume.  A  Bean,— or  fruit  formed  of  a 
single  carpel  of  2  valves,  with  the  seeds 
affixed  along  the  upper  suture,  only. 

Leguminous;  having  the  structure  of  a 
Legume ;  bearing  or  producing  the  fruit 
called  a  Legume,  or  Bean. 

Lenticular;  having  the  form  of  a  lens: 
orbicular  and  compressed,  but  convex  on 
both  faces. 

Ligneous;  woody;  of  a  firm  woody  tex- 
ture. 

Lignescent;  becoming  somewhat  wood} . 

Ligulate,  strap-shaped,  or  ribband-shaped ; 
flat  and  linear. 

Ligule;  the  usually  membranous  appen- 
dage at  the  base  of  the  leaf,  or  summit 
of  the  sheath,  in  the  grasses. 

Limb;  the  suinit  of  a  monosepalous  calyx ; 
or  the  upper  spreading  part  of  a  mono- 
petalous  corolla. 

Line;  the  twelfth  part  of  an  inch. 

Linear;  of  an  uniform  width;  long  and 
narrow  with  parallel  sides. 

Linear  lanceolate,  £c  ;  partaking  of  both 
forms,  but  more  of  the  latter. 

Lip;    the    upper  or  under  division  of  a 

^labiate  flower;    or  the  lower  perianth- 

segment  of  many  Orchidaceous  flowers. 

Lobe:  the  division,  or  segment,  of  a  petal, 
or  leaf:  the  free  portion  of  a  gamopeta- 
lous  corolla. 

Lobate,  or  lobfd;  cut  or  divided  into  lobes. 

Loculic'idal  dehiscence ;  when  the  peri- 
carp opens  naturally  on  the  back  of  a 
cell  (i.  e.  at  the  dorsal  suture)  directly 
into  the  cavity. 

Lament ;  an  indehiscent  2-  or  several  - 
seeded  legume,  contracted  between  each 
seed,  and  finally  separating  at  the  joint- 
like  contractions. 

Lomentaceous  legume,  or  pod ;  a  pod  of 
2  or  more  seeds,  with  a  joint-like  con- 
traction, or  transverse  partition,  between 
the  seeds. 

Longitudinal;  lengthwise;  parallel  with 
the  axis,  or  in  a  direction  from  the  base 
towards  the  summit  or  apex. 

Lunate  or  lunulate;  having  the  figure  of  a 
new  moon. 

Lutfscpnt ;  yellowish. 

Lyrate:  lyre-shaped;  pinnatifid,  with  the 


terminal  segment  largest  and  mostly 
rounded. 

Mamillate  ;  conical,  with  a  rounded  apex. 

Marcescent;  withering  and  shrivelling  on 
the  stem,  instead  of  falling  off. 

Margin.  The  edge  or  circumference  of  a 
leaf,  or  other  expansion ;  also,  the  thin 
wing-like  border  of  certain  seeds.  &c. 

Marginal;  belonging  to,  or  situated  at,  the 
margin. 

Marginate  or  margined;  having  a  border 
or  edging  of  a  texture  or  color  different 
from  that  of  the  disk ;  surrounded  by  a 
wing-like  expansion,  or  narrow  mem- 
brane. 

Medullary  rays.  Bands  or  thin  plates  of 
cellular  tissue,  which  pass  from  the  pith 
to  the  bark,  in  woody  stems. 

Melliferous;  producing  or  containing  honey. 

Membranaceoux,  or  membranous;  thin, 
flexible,  and  often  slightly  translucent. 

Mericarp;  a  name  given  to  the  indehis- 
cent carpel  of  the  UMHELLIFER.*'. 

Mtcropyle;  the  small  foramen,  or  open- 
ing in  the  proper  coats  of  a  seed,  to  which 
the  radicle  always  points. 

Midrib.  The  main  central  nerve  of  a  leaf, 
apparently  a  continuation  of  the  petiole. 

Monadelphous;  having  the  filaments  all 
united  in  one  set,  usually  forming  a  tube. 

Monandrous;  having  a  single  stamen. 

Mono;  in  composition  ;  one  or  single. 

Mon'iliform;  arranged  like,  or  resembling 
the  beads  of  a  necklace. 

Mo-noclin&us;  having  the  stamens  and  pis- 
tils in  the  same  flower. 

Monocotyledonoun  plants.  Where  the  em- 
bryo has  but  a  single  lobe,  or  cotyledon. 

Monograph.  A  description  (usually  am- 
ple and  elaborate)  of  a  single  thing,  or 
class  of  things,  as  of  a  Genus,  Tribe,  or 
Family,  &c. 

Monogynous\  having  but  one  pistil. 

Monoecious,  or  Monoicous;  having  stami- 
nate  and  pistillate  flowers  distinct,  but  on 
the  same  plant. 

Monaeciously  or  monoicomly  polygamous; 
having  perfect  and  imperfect  flowers  on 
the  same  plant. 

Monopetalous;  having  but  one  petal ;  or, 
more  correctly,  the  petals  united  into 
one.  See  gamopetnlous. 

Mon  aphyllous;  consisting  of  a  single  leaf. 

Monosepalous;  consisting  of  one,  sepal,  or 
rather,  several  sepals  united  more  or  less 
completely.  See  gamosepalow. 

Mucfonate;  terminated    by  a  mucro,   or 
small  projecting  point,  usually  the  pro- 
longation of  the  midrib,  in  leaves. 
"ucronuldte;  having  a  small  mucro,  or 
terminal  projecting  point. 
uttifid;  many-cleft;   cut  into  numerous 
seginents. 

rultiple.  A  number  containing  another 
number  several  times  without  a  fraction, 
or  remainder;  as  9  is  a  multiple  of  3. 

Multiple  fruits.    Where  there  isacoml-i- 


GLOSSARY. 


425 


nation  of  several  flowers  into  one  aggre- 
gate mass,  as  in  the  Pine-apple,  Mulber 
ry,  ^c. 

Mitrieate;  armed  or  covered  with  short 
spreading  points,  or  acute  excrescences, 
like  a  JJurex. 

Mittic  or  muticous;  awnless  or  pointless : 
the  opposite  of  mucronate. 

Jfttktd;  destitute  of  the  usual  covering,  or 
appendage,— as  a  Stem  without  leaves  or 
scales,  leaves  without  pubescence,  corolla 
without  a  calyx  or  crown,  seeds  without 
a  pericarp,  a  receptacle  without  chaff  or 
hairs,  an  umbel  without  au  involucre,  &c. 

Napiform;  turnip-shaped. 

Natural  Order,  family,  or  tribe.  An  asso- 
ciation or  group  of  kindred  genera, — or 
of  plants  which  are  nearly  related  in  their 
structure,  and  most  important  characters. 

Nect  ir'tferous;  producing  honey. 

Nectary.  That  organ,  or  portion  of  a  flow- 
er which  secretes  honey ;  a  term  formerly 
applied  to  all  disguised  or  modified  forms 
of  petals  and  stamens. 

Nerved;  having  nerves,  or  coarse  rib-like 
fibres. 

Nerves.  Eib-like  fibres  (in  leaves,  Ac.) 
which  usually  extend  from  the  base  to, 
or  towards  the  apex. 

Neutre  or  neutral  flower.  Having  neither 
stamen  nor  pistil. 

Nodding;  turning  downwards;  somewhat 
drooping. 

Node.  The  knot,  or  solid  and  often  turnid 
joint  of  a  stem  or  branch. 

Nodose;  having  numerous  nodes  or  tumid 
joints. 

Normal;  according  to  rule  ;  agreeing  with 
the  pattern  or  type. 

Nuciform;  nut-like;  resembling  a  nut. 

Nucleus.  A  central  body;  the  seed  or 
kernel  of  a  nut. 

Nucules.    Little  nuts,  or  nut-like  fruit. 

Nut.  A  hard  1-celled  indehiscent  fruit, 
usually  containing  a  single  seed. 

Ob;  a  preposition  which  inverts  the  usual 
meaning  of  the  word  to  which  it  is  pre 
fixed. 

Obcom  pressed  akenes  fin  the  COMPOSI- 
T.-K.)  Flattish,  with  the  greatest  diam- 
eter from  right  to  left,— of  with  the  flat- 
ted side  to  the  front,  or  periphery  of  the 
head. 

Obconic;  inversely  Conical, — i.  e..  with  the 
point  or  apex  downwards. 

Obcordate;  heart-form,  with  the  sinus  at 
summit,  and  the  narrowed  point  at  place 
of  insertion. 

OblAnceolate  inversely  lanceolate, — or  with 
the  widest  part  above  the  middle,  and  ta- 
pering gradually  to  the  base. 

Oblique;  a  position  between  horizontal  and 
erect;  also  descriptive  of  the  base  of  a 
leaf,  etc.,  when  it  is  unequal  or  produced 
on  one  side. 

Obloni/;  longer  than  wide,  with  the  sides 
parallel,  or  nearly  so. 


Obovate;  inversely  ovate,— or  with  the 
broadest  end  above. 

Obovoid;  inversely  ovoid. 

Obsolete;  indistinct,  as  if  worn  out. 

Obtuse;  blunt,  or  rounded. 

Obversely;  turned  contrary  to  the  usual  po- 
sition. 

Ochrea.  A  membranous  stipular  sheath, 
embracing  the  stem  like  a  boot-leg ;  as  in 
Polgonum,  etc. 

Ochroleucous;  yellowish-white,  or  cream 
colored. 

Octandrous;  having  8  stamens. 

Odd-pinnate  leaf.  Having  the  leaflets  in 
opposite  pairs,  with  a  terminal  odd  one ; 
often  termed  impari-pinnate. 

Officinal;  used  in,  or  belonging  to,  a  shop, 
or  medical  office. 

Oleraceous;  of  the  nature  or  quality  of  pot- 
herbs. 

Opaque;  not  transparent. 

Opercular;  opening  like  a  lid  that  is  fixed 
by  a  hinge  at  one  side. 

Opposite;  situated  directly  against  each 
other,  or  at  the  same  height,  on  contrary 
sides  of  the  stem. 

Orbicular;  circular  and  flat,  like  a  coin :  the 
length  and  breadth  equal  and  the  circum- 
ference an  even  circular  line :  a  term  appli- 
ed to  leaves,  or  flatted  bodies.  See  Terete. 

Order.  A  family  or  group  of  allied  natural 
objects;  a  subdivision  of  a  Class,  embrac- 
ing kindred  Genera. 

Ordinal;  belonging  to  the  Orders,  or  to  an 
Order. 

Ordinal  names.  The  names  of  the  Natural 
Orders,  or  families  of  plants. 

Orthotropous  ovule  or  seed.  Straight;  not 
curved,  or  turned  from  its  original  or 
natural  direction. 

Oval;  longer  than  broad,  with  the  two  ends 
of  equal  breadth  and  curvature,  and  the 
sides  curving  from  end  to  end. 

Ovary.  The  young  seed-vessel,  or  fruit; 
the  hollow  portion  at  the  base  of  the  pis- 
til, containing  the  ovules,  or  bodies  des- 
tined to  become  seeds. 

Ovate;  flat,  with  the  outline  of  a  longitudi- 
nal section  of  an  Egg ;  a  somewhat  oval 
figure,  but  broader  near  the  base. 

Ovate-lanceolate;  lanceolate,  inclining  to 
ovate  at  base. 

Ovate-oblong;  oblong,  with  an  ovate  dilata- 
tion near  the  base. 

Ovoid;  egg-shaped;  terete,  and  swelling 
near  the  base — *.  e.,  having  the  outline  of 
an  entire  egg. 

Ovoid-oblong;  the  ovoid  form  lengthened 
out. 

Ovules.  The  rudiments  of  future  seeds, 
contained  in  the  Ovary,  or  young  fruit. 

Palate.  The  prominence  in  the  lower  lip 
of  a  personate  corolla. 

Palca  (plural  pal  ce).  Chaff;  a  term  ap- 
plied to  the  inner,  or  immediate  floral 
covering  of  the  Grasses.  (Corolla  of 
Linn).  See  Glume.". 


426 


GLOSSARY. 


Paleaceotts;  chaffy ;  of  a  chaffy  texture,— 
or  furnished  with  chaff-like  scales. 

Palmate;  hand-shaped;  deeply  divided, 
with  the  segments  nearly  equal  and 
spreading  like  fingers  on  the  open  hand. 

Palnuftely  veined,  or  cleft,— having  the 
veins  or  segments  divergent,  like  the 
spreading  fingers  of  an  open  hand. 

Panduriform;  fiddle-shaped ;  oblong,  with 
the  sides  contracted,  like  a  violin. 

Panicle.  A  loose  irregular  compound  ra- 
ceme,— in  which  the  peduncles  are  un- 
equally elongated  and  variously  and  ir- 
regularly subdivided ;  as  in  Oats,  &c. 

Panicled,  or  paniculate;  disposed  in  the 
form  of  a  panicle. 

Papilionaceous  corolla.  Butterfly-shaped; 
when  complete,  consisting  of  5  petals, — 
the  upper  one  (mostly  largest)  called  the 
vexiUum.  or  banner,— -the  2  lateral  ones 
termed  the  alae  or  wings, — the  2  lower 
ones  more  or  less  cohering  by  their  lower 
margins,  and  from  their  form,  denomina- 
ted the  keel. 

Papillate,  or  papillose;  having  the  surface 
covered  with  fleshy  dots,  or  points,  like 
minute  teats. 

Pappus.  The  crown  of  the  fruit,— being 
the  segments,  or  free  portion  of  an  adhe- 
rent calyx,  in  the  COMPOSITE,  and  some 
other  plants,— usually  hairy-like  or  plu- 
mose,— sometimes  in  the  form  of  minute 
chaff  or  scales. 

Parasite.  A 
sustenance 
der,  Mistletoe,  &c. 

Parasitic;  being  or  relating  to,  a  Parasite. 

Parenchyma.  The  soft  "spongy  cellular 
tissue  (often  green),  which  forms  the 
pith  of  stems,  the  pulp  of  leaves  and 
young  fruit,  and  fills  the  interstices  of 
woody  or  vascular  fibres. 

Paries  (plural,  pariete*).  The  outside 
wall,  or  enclosing  shell,  which  circum- 
scribes the  cavity  of  a  pericarp. 

Parietal;  aftixed  to,  or  belonging  to,  the 
paries  or  outer  wall  of  the  seed-cell  of  a 
pericarp. 

Parietal  placentae.  "When  the  placentae 
are  borne  upon  the  wall",  instead  of  the 
axis,  of  the  ovary  or  pericarp. 

Par-ted;  divided  deeply,  almost  to  the 
base. 

Partial;  a  term  applied  to  eonstituent«por- 
tions  of  a  compound  whole. 

Partition.    See  Dissepiment. 

Patelvform ;  in  the  form  of  little  plates 
or  dishes. 

Pectinate;  finely,  regularly  and  deeply 
cleft,  so  as  to  resemble  the  teeth  of  a 
comb. 

Pedate  leaf.  Like  a  bird's  foot ;  divided 
nearly  to  the  petiole  in  narrow  segments, 
with  the  lateral  ones  diverging. 

Pedicel.  A  partial  peduncle ;  the  ultimate 
branch  or  division  (next  to  the  flower,  or 
fruit),  in  a  compound  inflorescence. 


L  plant  growing  on,  or  deriving 
from,  another  plant;  as  Dod 


Pedicellate-  having,  or  being  supported 
on  a  pedicel. 

Peduncle;  a  simple  flower  stem ;  also  the 
common  foot  stalk  of  a  compound  inflo- 
resence. 

Pedunculate;  having  a  peduncle;  not  sessile. 

Pellucid;  transparent;   pervious  to  light. 

Pellucid-punctate;  having  punctures 
which  permit  light  to  pass  through. 

Peltate;  like  a  shield;  having  the  footstalk 
affixed  to  the  under  surface,  and  not  to 
the  margin. 

Pencil-form;  resembling  a  painter's  pen- 
cil or  little  brush. 

Pendulous;  hanging  down  ;  attached  at 
one  end,  and  swinging  loosely. 

Pendulous  ovules  or  seeds ;  when  their  di- 
rection is  downwards. 

Penicittate;  tipped  or  tufted  with  hairs, 
like  a  painter's  pencil. 

Penni-nerved  leaf.  Having  the  lateral 
nerves  pinnately  arranged,  or  feather- 
like.  See  feather-veined. 

Pentagonal;  having  5  angles  or  corners. 

Pentagynous;  having  5  pistils. 

Pentamerous;  composed  of  5  parts. 

Pentdndrous;  having  5  stamens. 

Pentapetalous;  having  5  petals. 

Penultimate;  next  to  the  last;  the  one 
next  to  the  terminal  one. 

Pepo;  an  indehiscent,  fleshy  or  internally 
pulpy  fruit,  usually  composed  of  3  car- 
pels invested  by  the  calyx  tube,  and  with 
a  firm  rind;  as  the  Melon,  &c. 

Percurrent;  extending  or  running  the 
whole  way  through. 

Perennial;  living  more  than  two  years, 
and  for  an  indefinite  period. 

Perfect  flower  ;  having  both  stamen  and 
pistil  (1  or  more  of  each),  and  producing 
fruit, 

Pfrfoliate;  having  the  stem  apparently 
pierced  through  the  leaf. 

Perianth;  a  term  for  the  envelopes  of  a 
flower,  where  the  calyx  and  corolla  are 
not  clearly  distinguishable. 

Pericarp;  the  seed  vessel,  or  fruit;  the 
ovary  in  a  mature  state. 

Perigonium;  a  name  for  the  envelope  of 
the  flower, — said  to  be  dvul-le  when  there 
is  both  calyx  and  corolla,  but  often  used 
synonymously  with  Perianth,  which  sco. 

Pei-igynium;  the  sac  (formed  by  the  union 
of  2  bractlets)  which  encloses  the  ovary 
of  the  Cariceft. 

Per'igynmis  petals  and  stamens.  Inserted 
on  the  calyx, — or  rather  adhering  to  the 
inner  surface  of  the  <alyx  tube,— and 
thus  surrounding  the  pistils. 

Periphcrical;  fixed  or  coiled  round  the 
circumference,  or  periphery. 

Perisperm;  a  deposit  in  many  seeds,  affix- 
ed to,  or  surrounding,  the  embryo — sy- 
nonymous with  albumen — which  see. 

Peristome;  the  circle  of  teeth  or  bristle- 
like  processes  which  surround  the  orifice 
of  the  Theca  or  capsule  of  the  Mosses, 


GLOSSARY. 


427 


Persistent;  not  falling  off;  remaining  be- 
yond the  time  when  similar  organs  usu- 
ally fall  off. 

Personate  corolla.  Masked;  having  the 
throat  closed  by  a  prominent  palate,  as  in 
Linaria. 

Petal.  The  (usually)  delicate  colored  flow- 
ci-  leaf.  In  a  flower  of  one  petal  (or  unit- 
ed petals),  the  corolla  and  petal  are  the 
same ;  in  a  flower  of  more  than  one  petal 
the  corolla  is  the  whole  and  the  petals  are 
the  parts. 

Petaloid;  petal  like  ;  delicate  and  colored, 
or  expanded,  like  a  petal. 

Petiolar;  seated  on,  or  belonging  to,  the 
petiole. 

Pttiolate;  having,  or  being  supported  on,  a 
petiole;  not  sessile. 

Petiole.    The  stem  or  foot-stalk  of  a  leaf. 

Petiolulate;  having  a  partial  or  subdivided 
petiole. 

Petiolidf.  A  little  or  partial  petiole ;  the 
foot  stalk  of  a  leaflet. 

Phunogamous,  or  phanerogamous;  hav- 
ing visible  genuine  stamens  or  pistils; 
bearing  true  flowers. 

Phyllodiiim.  The  imitation,  analogue,  or 
substitute  of  a  leaf, — usually  the  dilated 
foliaceous  petiole  of  an  abortive  com- 
pound leaf. 

PUoae;  hairy;  composed  of,  or  clothed 
with,  distinct  straightish  hairs. 

Finn  e.  The  paired  or  opposite  leaflets  of 
a  pinnate  leaf. 

Pinnate  leaf;  having  distinct  articulated 
leaflets  in  pairs,  on  opposite  sides  of  a 
simple  petiole. 

Plnnulijid  leaf,  or  frond.  Cleft  in  a  pin 
nate  manner,  but  the  segments  united  or 
confluent  at  base. 

Pitinatijidly;  in  a  pinnatifid  manner. 

Pinnatiseet;  pinnately  dissected  or  divid- 
ed,— but  the  segments  not  articulated 
with  the  petiole. 

Pinnules.  The  leaflets  or  subdivisions  of 
a  bi  tri-  or  multi-pinnate  leaf,  or  frond. 

Pistil.  The  central  organ  of  a  fertile  flower, 
— consisting  usually  of  ovary,  stj/lfl,  and 
stigma  :  sometimes  the  style  is  wanting, 
— or,  in  other  words,  the  stigma  is  ses- 
sile. 

Pistillate  flowers.  Those  which  have 
pistils,  but  not  stamens. 

Pixtilliferous;  bearing  pistils. 

Pitted;  having  small  shallow  depressions. 

Placenta  (plural,  placenta).    That  part  of 
a  pericarp  to  which  the  seeds  are  attach 
ed ;  the   line,   or  ridge  projecting  in  the 
cavity  of  the    ovary,    which   bears    the 
ovules. 

Placentitl;  pertaining  to  the  placenta. 

Placeriiferoun;  bearing  the  placenta. 

Plane:  flat,  and  with  an  even  surface. 

Pldno-coii'cex;  flat  on  one  side  and  con 
vex  on  the  other. 

Plicate;  plaited ;  folded  or  crimped,  like  a 
fun,  or  ruitle. 


Plumose;  feather-like.  A  pappus  is  plu- 
mose, when  each  hair  has  other  hairs 
arranged  on  opposite  sides  of  it,— as  in 
Oirsium. 

Pod.  A  dry  seed-vessel,  narrow  and  moro 
or  less  elongated,  and  usually  of  2  valves. 
The  term  is  often  applied  indiscriminately 
to  both  Legumes  and  Siliques. 

Pollen ;  the  fertilizing  powder  contained 
in  the  anthers. 

Pollen-masses,  or  Pollinia.  The  waxy 
masses  of  pollen,  in  the  Asclepias  and 
Orchis  families. 

Poly,  In  composition ;   many. 

PolyadelpJious;  having  the  filaments  unit- 
ed in  3  or  more  parcels. 

Polyandrous;  having  more  than  ten  hypo- 
gynous  stamens. 

Polycotyledonous ;  having  many  seed- 
leaves. 

Polygamo-diiKcious,  or  dioicou3 ;  having 
perfect  and  imperfect  ( or  fertile  and 
sterile)  flowers  on  distinct  plants. 

Polygamous;  having  some  flowers  perfect, 
and  others  either  staminate,  pistillate,  or 
neuter. 

Polygynmis;  Avhen  the  pistils  are  nume- 
rous or  indefinite. 

Polymorphous;  variable ;  assuming,  or  apt 
to  assume,  many  different  forms. 

Polypetalvus;  having  many  distinct  petals, 
—or,  at  least,  more  than  one. 

Polysepalous;  having  many  distinct  sepals, 
— or  more  than  one. 

Pome.  An  apple ;  a  fleshy  fruit  formed  of 
several  cartilaginous  or  bony  carpels, 
imbedded  in  pulp  and  invested  by  the 
tube  of  the  adherent  calyx. 

Pores;  small  holes,  or  tubular  openings. 

Porous;  full  of  holes,  cells,  or  tubular 
openings. 

Pra-morse;  end-bitten ;  ending  blunt,  as  if 
bitten  off. 

Precocious  flowers ;  appearing  before  the 
leaves. 

Prickle.  A  sharp  process  arising  from  the 
bark,  only, — and  not  originating  in  the 
wood. 

Primary;  first  in  a  series  in  order  of  time, 
or  in  importance, — opposed  to  secondary. 

Primordial;  first  in  Order;  usually  ap- 
plied to  the  first  genuine  leaves, — or 
those  which  are  next  above  the  cotyle- 
dons or  seminal  leaves. 

Prismatic ;  like  a  prism ;  having  several 
angles  and  intermediate  flat  faces. 

Process.  A  protuberance,  eminence,  or 
projecting  part. 

Procumbent;  lying  on  the  ground,  with- 
out putting  forth  roots. 

Produced;  extended,  or  lengthened  out. 

Proliferous;  producing  its  like  in  an  un- 
usual way, — as  lateral  bulbs ;  or  putting 
forth  a  voim.2  and  unusual  accessory 
growth,  from  the  centre  of  an  umbel, 
flower,  &c. 

Prostrate ;  lying  flat,  or  close  on  the  ground 


428 


GLOSSARY. 


Pruinose ;  covered  with  n  glaucous  meali 
ness,  like  a  plum. 

Pseudo  pinnate  ;  falsely  or  imperfectly 
pinnate, — the  leaflets  (or  rather  segments) 
not  articulated  at  base  :  See  Pinnatixect. 

Puberulent ;  covered  with  a  minute,  short 
and  fine  pubescence. 

Pubescence.  A  general  term  for  the  hairy 
covering  of  plants. 

Pubescent;  clothed  with  hairs,— especially 
with  short  weak  hairs. 

Pulp.    A  soft,  fleshy  or  juicy  mass. 

Pulverulent ;  dusty ;  composed  of,  or  cov- 
ered with,  a  fine  powder. 

Punctate;  appearing  as  if  pricked  full  of 
small  holes,  or  covered  with  indented 
points. 

Puncticulat?;  having  very  minute  punc- 
tures, or  indented  points. 

Pungent;  sharp-pointed,  prickly  at  apex ; 
also  acrid. 

Pyramidal;  tapering  upwards;  usually 
applied  to  4-sided  solids  which  diminish 
to  the  apex. 

Pyriform;  shaped  like  a  pear;  largest  at 
the  upper  end. 

Quadrangular ;  four-angled. 

Quadrifarious ;  in  4  rows,  or  directions  ; 
facing  or  pointing  4  ways. 

tddrifid;  4-cleft. 
aternate;  4  together ;  arranged  in  fours. 
inate ;  5  together ;  arranged  in  fives. 
ce  of  plants.    A  fixed  and  peculiar  form 
or  modification, — produced  by  the  cross- 
ing or  blending  of  distinct  varieties  ;  or 
sometimes,    perhaps,    accidental     forms 
rendered  permanent  by  culture,  or  other 
influences. 

Raceme.  A  mode  of  flowering,  in  which 
the  common  peduncle  is  elongated, 
with  the  flowers  on  short  lateral  simple 
pedicels. 

Racemose;  having  the  flowers  in  racemes. 

Rachis  or  Rhachis.  The  common  pedun- 
cles, or  elongated  receptacle,  on  which 
florets  are  collected  in  a  spike ;  also  the 
midrib  of  a  pinnatisect  frond. 

Rddiate;  having  rays  (i.  e.  spreading  ligu- 
late  florets)  at  the  circumference;  as  the 
heads  of  many  Composite. 

Ra<Hate-vein,ed;  where  the  veins  of  a  leaf 
diverge  from  a  common  centre,  or  point, 
at  the  summit  of  the  petiole. 

Radiatiform;  a  term  applied  to  heads  of 
compound  flowers  in  which  all  the  florets 
are  ligulate,  and  directed  towards  the 
circumference. 

Radical;  belonging  to,  or  growing  imme- 
diately from,  the  root. 

Radicating;  sending  out  roots,  or  striking 
root  at  the  nodes. 

Radicle.  A  little  root ;  the  slender  fibrous 
branch  of  a  root. 

Rameal;  pertaining  or  belonging  to  the 
branches. 

Ramification.  The  branching  or  division 
of  an  organ  into  several  parts. 


Ramoxe;  branching. 

Rank.    A  row,  or  arrangement  in  a  line. 

Raphe.    The   line,  or  little  ridge,   on  on« 

side  of  anatropous  (i.  e.,  inverted)  ovules 

and  seeds,  —  formed  by  the  adhesion  of  a 

portion  of  the  fiiniciilus. 
Ratoon  (Span.  Rttono).  A  sprout  from  the 

root  of  a  plant  which  has  been  cut  off 

(chiefly  used  in  reference  to  the  Sugar- 

cane). 
Rays.      The    spreading     ligulate     florets 

round  the  disk  of  a  compound  flower  ; 

also,  the  footstalks,  and  enlarged  mar- 

ginal flowers,  of  an  umbel. 
Receptacle.      The  apex  of  the   peduncle 

(much  dilated  in    the    COMPOSITE  ),   on 

which   the  parts  of  a  flower  (or  entire 

florets)   are  inserted;    the    seat  of  the 

fruit,  or  of  seeds  and  their  equivalents. 
Recurved;  curved  backwards. 
Reflexed;  bent  or  doubled  backwards. 
Regular;  having  the    parts  uniform   and 

equal  among  themselves,  —  as  the  lobes  or 

petals  of  a  corolla. 
Remote  ;  seated  or  growing  at  an  unusual 

distance. 

Renijbrm;  kidney-shaped. 
Repdnd  ;  having  the   margin  slightly  in- 

dented with  shallow  sinuses. 
Replicate;  folded  back  on  itself. 
Replum.    A  name  given  to  parietal  pla- 

eentie  when  separated  from  the  valves; 

also,  the  persistent  border  of  a  fallen  le- 

gume. 

Resiipinate;  turned  upside  down. 
Reticulate  ;    netted  ;     having    veins     or 

nerves  crossing  each  other,  or  branching 

and  reuniting,  like  network. 
Retrorse,    or  retrorsely  ;    pointing   back- 

wards or  downwards. 

Retuse;  having  a  shallow  sinus  at  the  end. 
Resolute;  rolled  backwards,  or  outwards. 
Rhizoma.  A  root-stock,  —  or  root-like  sub- 

terraneous stein. 
Rhombic,  or    i&fimboid  ;    rhomb-shaped; 

having   four    sides,  with    unequal    an- 

gles. 
Ribbed  ;    having    ribs,     or    longitudinal 

parallel  ridges. 
Ribs.    Parallel  ridges,  or  nerves,  extending 

from  the  base  to,  or  towards,  the  apex. 
Rigid  ;  stiff,  inflexible,  or  not  pliable, 
Ri-ngent;  gaping,  with  an  open  throat. 
Root-stock.    See  Rhizoma. 
Rostrate  ;  beaked  ;    having    a  process  re- 

sembling the  beak  of  a  bird. 

;  in  a  rosette;  arranged  in  circular 


series,  like  tb,e  petals  of  a  double  rose. 
Rotate  corolla.    Wheel-shaped  ;  monopet- 

alous   for  gamopetalous)   and  spreading 

almost  flat,  with  a  very  short  tube. 
Rough;  covered  with  dots,   points,  or  short 

hairs,  which  are  harsh  to  the  touch. 
Round  ;  circular,  or  globular  ;  not  angular. 

See  globose,  orbicular,  and  terete. 
Rudiment.     An    imperfectly     developed 

organ. 


GLOSSARY. 


429 


Rufescent ;  becoming  reddish-brown,  or 
rust-colored. 

Rufous ;  reddish-brown,    or    rust  colored. 

Rugose  ;  wrinkled. 

Rugulose ;  finely  wrinkled. 

Ruminated;  &  term  applied  to  a  variegated 
albumen — i.  e.,  when  its  substance  is 
wrinkled  or  plicate,  and  the  investing 
membrane  prolonged  within  the  folds. 

Riincinate ;  resembling  the  teeth  of  a 
mill-saw  ;  somewhat  pinnatifld,  with  the 
segments  acute  an<l  pointing  back 
wards. 

Runner.  A  slender  shoot,  producing  roots 
and  leaves  at  the  end,  only, — and  at  that 
point  giving  rise  to  another  plant  :  exem- 
plified in  the  Strawberry  plants. 

Sac.  .A  membranous  bag,  or  boundary  of  a 
cavity. 

Saccate  ;  having,  or  being  in  the  form  of,  a 
sac,  or  pouch. 

Sagittate  ;  arrow-shaped ;  notched  at  base, 
with  the  lobes  (and  frequently  the  sinus) 
acute. 

Salver-form,  or  salver-sluiped  ;  tubular, 
with  the  limb  abruptly  and  flatly  or  hori- 
zontally expanded. 

Sam&ra.  A  kind  of  Akene,  or  dry  indehis 
cent  pericarp,  having  a  winged  apex,  or 
margin,— as  the  Maple,  Ash,  Elm,  &c. 

Sdmaroid  ;  winged  or  margined  like  a  Sa- 
mara. 

Sdrcocarp.  The  fleshy  portion  of  a  pericarp 
(ex.  gr.  of  a  Drupe)  between  the  Epi- 
carp  and  the  Endocarp, 

Sa-fitn-ntofte  ;  having,  or  sending  forth,  or 
being  in  the  form  of  runners. 

Scabrous;  rough  with  little  points,  or  hairs. 

Scales  Small  thin  plates,  or  leaf  like  pro 
cesses  ;  also  the  leaflets  of  the  involucre, 
in  the  COMPOSITE. 

Scandent ;  climbing, — usually  by  means 
of  tendrils. 

Scapr.  A  peduncle  proceeding  directly 
from  the  root,  and  mostly  naked. 

ScaHouK ;  dry  and  skinny,  —  generally 
transparent. 

Scattered  ;  disposed  or  distributed  thinly, 
without  any  regular  order. 

Scnrj>'ioi<.l  Inflorescence ;  rolled  back  from 
the  apex  icircinate),  before  development. 

Scro/i'n-ttlate. ;  having  the  surface  exca- 
vated into  little  pits,  or  hollows. 

ScutMate ;  shaped  like,  or  resembling,  a 
target  or  shield. 

Seam.    See  Su,i<r/>. 

Secund  ;  one  ranked ;  all  seated  on,  or 
turned  to  the  same  side. 

S/'ed;  the  matured  ovule,  with  the  Embryo, 
or  young  plant,  formed  within  it. 

Segment,  The  division,  or  separated  por- 
tion, of  a  cleft  calyx,  leaf,  &c. 

Semi;  half;  as  semi-livalrefl,  half  2- 
valved, — semi-terete,  half-round,  &c. 

Strnpermrent ;     always      green ;      living 


Sepal.  The  leaflet,  or  distinct  portion  of  a 
calyx. 

Sepaloid  :  resembling  sepals  ;  green  and 
not  petal  like. 

SepHcldal  dehiscence.  "When  a  compound 
pericarp  opens  by  splitting  the  dissepi- 
ments— i.  e.,  the  carpels  separate  from 
each  other,  and  open  to  the  seeds  by  the 
ventral  suture. 

Sept'iferous  ;  bearing  a  septum. 

Septif  agal  dehiscence.  When  the  dis- 
sepiments remain  attached  to  the  axis, 
while  the  valves  break  away  from  them. 

Septum.  The  partition  which  divides  the 
cells  of  fruit. 

Sericeous  ;  silky  ;  covered  with  soft  smooth 
.ppressed  hairs. 
" 


AV,  • 


vision  or  comprehensive  group 


of  objects  in   Natural  History ;  also,  a 

continued  succession  of  things  of  the 

same  Order. 
/Serrate ;  sawed ;  having  sharp  teeth  on 

the  margin,  pointing  towards  the  apex. 
Serratures.     The  teeth,  or  sharp  segments 

of  a  serrate  margin. 
Serrulate ;   finely  serrate  ;    having  small 

teeth  or  serratures. 

Sessile;  sitting  clcsely;  without  any  foot- 
stalk or  pedicel. 
Seta  (plural  Seta).    A  bristle;    a  stifBsh 

elastic  hair. 
Set&ceouts;  bristle-like;  resembling  a  bristle 

in  size  and  figure. 
Setose  ;  bristly ;  having  the  surface  covered 

with  bristles. 
Sheath.    A  membranous  expansion  which 

is  tubular,  or  convolute,  and  enclosing  or 

embracing  a  stem. 
Sheathed;    enclosed    or   embraced   by   a 

sheath. 
Sheathing ;    embracing   the  stem  with    a 

sheath. 

Shining ;  glossy  smooth  and  bright. 
Shrub.    A  small  woody  plant,  branching 

near  the  ground, — often  without  any  prin- 
cipal stem. 
Shrubby ;  hard  and  woody ;  of  the  texture 

and  size  of  a  shrub. 
S'llicle.    A  little' or  short  silique,  nearly  as 

wide  as  long. 

Sil'tque.    A  long  slender  pod,  or  membra- 
nous seed-vessel  of  2  valves,  having  the 

seeds  fixed  alternately  along  both  sutures. 
S'tUquoxe  ;  having  siliques,— or  resembling 

a  silique. 
Simple  ;    undivided ;    not  branched ;    not 

compound. 
Simple  Umbel.    When  each  ray  terminates 

in  a  single  flower, — instead  of  a  secondary 

or  partial  umbel. 
Sinuate  ;  having  sinuses,  scallops,  or  gashes 

which  are  open  and  rounded  at  bottom. 


Sin  nnii -dentate, — S-in  note-*  rrate;  having 
teeth,  or  serratures,  with  the  clefts  or 
openings  rounded  at  bottom. 

through  the  winter"   and    retaining   its  j  Sinus.   An  open  notch  ;  a  rounded  incision, 

verdure.  or  scallop. 


430 


GLOSSARY. 


Solitary i  standing  alone;  one  only  in  a 
place. 

Spadix.  A  sort  of  dense  flowered,  fleshy 
or  club-like  Spike, — usually  enveloped 
by,  or  proceeding  from,  a  sheathing  invo- 
lucre called  a  Spathe. 

Span  ;  a  measure  of  9  inches. 

Spat/iaceous ;  having  a  spathe,  or  resem- 
bling a  spathe. 

/Spathe.  A  sheathing  kind  of  bract,  com- 
mon calyx,  or  involucre,  open  on  one 
side, — often  containing  the  spadix. 

Spatkulate,  or  spdtulate;  like  a  spatula; 
obovate-oblong,  or  larger  and  rounded  at 
the  end,  and  tapering  to  the  base. 

Species.  The  lowest  permanent  division  of 
natural  objects,  in  a  systematic  arrange- 
ment ;  a  group  comprising  all  similar 
individuals. 

Specific;  belonging  to,  or  distinguishing 
the  species. 

Sphacelate  ;  dark  colored,  as  if  gangrenous, 
or  dead. 

Sphagnous;  full  of  bog-moss,or  Sphagnum. 

Spicate  ;  in  the  form,  or  after  the  manner 
of  a  spike. 

Spike.  A  kind  of  inflorescence  in  which 
the  flowers  are  sessile  on  the  sides  of  a 
long  common  peduncle,  or  rachis. 

Spikelet.  A  little  spike,— or  subdivision  of 
a  compound  spike. 

Spindle-shaped  ;  see  fusiform. 

Spine.  A  thorn ;  a  sharp  process  originat- 
ing in  the  wood — i.  e.,  pointed  abortive 
branch. 

Spinellose ;  armed  with  minute  spines. 

Spinescent;  becoming  thorny, — or  inclin- 
ing to  be  thorny. 

Spinose  ;  thorny  ;  armed  with  thorns. 

Spinulose  ;  covered  with  small  spines. 

Spores,  or  sporules.  The  seminal  equiva 
lents,  or  analogues  of  seeds,  in  crypto- 
gamous  plants. 

Spur.  A  tapering  hollow  production  of  the 
base  of  a  petal,  or  sepal, — usually  called 
a  nectary. 

Spurred;  having  a  spur,  or  spur-like  elon- 
gations. 

Sguamose;  scaly;  covered  more  or  less 
with  scales. 

Sfuarrose  ;  jagged ;  having  spreading  tips, 
or  divaricate  points,  all  round, — as  the 
scales  of  some  involucres. 

Stamen.  The  organ  of  a  flower  which  pre- 
pares the  pollen, — usually  consisting  of  a 
filament  and  anther,  and  situated  be- 
tween the  corolla  and  pistils. 

Staminate  flower.  Having  stamens,  but 
not  pistils. 

Staminifcrous  ;  bearing  or  supporting  the 
stamens. 

Staminodia.  Imperfect  organs  occupying 
the  position  of,  and  resembling  sta- 
mens,— being  the  transition  stage  between 
petals  and  stamens. 

Stellate ;  like  a  star  ;  arranged  like  the  rays 
of  a  star. 


Stellular;  radiating  after  the  manner  of 
little  stars. 

Stellular  pubescence.  Compound  or  fascic- 
ulate hairs,  with  the  branches  spreading 
like  rays. 

Stem.  The  main  axis  or  body  of  a  plant ; 
the  common  supporter  of  branches, 
leaves,  flowers  and  fruit. 

Stemless  ;  having  no  visible  or  aerial  stem : 
applied  to  plants  where  the  stem  is  sup- 
pressed, or  so  short  as  to  be  apparently 
wanting. 

Sterile;  barren,  or  unproductive;  applied 
to  flowers  which  produce  no  fruit. 

Stigma.  The  summit  of  the  style, — or  that 
portion  of  the  pistil  through  which  the 
pollen  acts. 

Stigmatic;  belonging,  or  relating  to  the 
stigma. 

Stigmat/ferous,  or  stigmatose  ;  bearing,  or 
belonging  to,  the  stigma. 

Stipe.  A  little  pedicel,  or  footstalk,  of 
seeds,  &c. 

Stipellate ;  furnished  with  stipelles, — i.  e., 
the  stipules  of  leaflets,  in  compound 
leaves. 

Stipelles.  The  stipular  appendages,  or  little 
stipules,  of  leaflets,  in  compound  leaves. 

St'tpitate;  having  a  stipe  ;  supported  on  a 
little  pedicel. 

Stipitiform  ;  resembling  a  stipe. 

Stipular  ;  belonging  or  relating  to  stipules. 

Stipulate;  furnished  with  stipules. 

Stipules.  Leaflets,  or  leaf-like  appendages, 
at  the  base  of  a  petiole,  or  leaf. 

Stoles  (i.e.  stolones— corruptly  stools').  The 
shoots,  suckers,  or  oif-sets,  from  the  base 
of  the  stem,  or  roots  of  plants :  usually 
applied  to  young  winter  grain, — as  wheat. 
&c.  See  Tiller. 

Stoloniferous  ;  having  suckers,  offsets,  or 
running  shoots  (stolones),  from  the  base 
of  the  stem,  or  crown  of  the  root. 

Striae.    Fine  parallel  ridges  or  lines. 

Striate\  marked  with  longitudinal  lines, 
or  stripes. 

Stt'iate-fiulcate  ;  scored  with  minute  longi- 
tudinal grooves  and  ridges. 

Strict ;  straight  and  rigidly  upright. 

Sl/'igose ;  armed  with  spreading  bristly 
hairs,  which  taper  from  base  to  apex. 

Strobile.  The  cone,  or  collective  fruit,  of 
the  Pines,  Firs,  &c. 

StropJiiolc.  A  Uttl'  crmcn,  or  fungous  ap- 
pendage to  the  hilum  of  a  seed. 

Style.  The  columnar  (usually  slender) 
portion  of  the  pistil,  between  the  ovary 
and  the  stigma, — sometimes  wanting. 

Styliferom  ;  bearing  or  producing  a  style, 
or  styles. 

Stylopoclium.  Tliofoot  or  thickened  base 
of  the  style  (or  united  styles),  at  the 
junction  with  the  epigynous  disk, — as  in 
UMKELLIFER'F. 

Sd7> — a  preposition  signifying  under,  or  a 
dinixion,—  as  a  *SW&-~class,  *SV7; -order,  &c.: 
also  employed  as  a  diminutive,  or  quali- 


GLOSSARY. 


431 


fying  term,  equivalent  to  almost,  some- 
what, or   about, — as  sub  sessile,  nearly 

sessile,  &c. 

Suherose  ;  of  a  texture  resembling  cork. 
Subulate  ;  shaped  like  an  awl-blade;  linear 

or  cylindric  below,  angular  and  tapering 

to  a  sharp  point  at  summit. 
Succulent ;  juicy;  full  of  juice. 
Sticker.    A  shoot,  or  off  set,  from  the  root, 

or  bas  •  of  the  stem. 
Suffrntescent ;  almost  shrubby. 
Sufi- nticose  ;  somewhat  shrubby ;  shrubby 

at  base. 

Sulcate ;  furrowed,  or  grooved. 
Super,  or  supra;  a  preposition  signifying 

above  or  upon,  beyond  or  more  than, — 

as  super-axillary,   situated  above  the 

axil. 
Super — or  Supra-decompound ;  more  than 

decompound;    many  times    subdivided, 

or  compound. 
Superior ;   above ;  a  term  applied  to  the 

ovary  when  it  is  above  the  calyx,  or  free 

in  the  flower ;  also  to  the  calyx,  when 

the  tube  is  adherent  to  the  ovary,  and  the 

segments  borne  on  its  summit. 
Suppression  ;  the  non-production,  or  fail- 
ure in  the  development  of  an  organ. 
Surculose;  bearing  suckers,  or  off-sets. 
Suspended  ovules,  or  seeds.    When  they 

are  attached  to  the  summit  of  the  ovary, 

or  pericarp,  and  hang  perpendicularly  in 

the  cavity. 
Suture.    The  line,  or  seam,  formed  by  the 

junction  of  two  margins. 
Symmetrical  flower.    When  there  is   an 

equal  number  of  parts  in  each  series,  or 

verticil. 
S.'/ngenesious,  having  the  anthers  united, — 

as  in  the  COMPOSIT  F. 
Synonym.     Another  name  for   the  same 

thing. 

Tenacious;  sticky  or  adhesive;  also  hold- 
in?  on  by  means  of  very  small  hooked 

points. 
Tendril.    A  filiform    twining   branch,  or 

appendage,  by  which  some  plants  climb, 

or  sustain  themselves ;  in  the  grape  vine, 

it  is  an  abortive  raceme. 
Terete  ;  round,  like  a  column, — and  either 

cylindric  or  tapering;  applied  to  stems, 

or  stem-like  bodies.    See  orbicular. 
Terminal ;  situated  at,  or  proceeding  from, 

the  end  or  summit. 
Ternary;  arranged  in  threes;   consisting 

of  three  parts,  or  elements. 
Terna-tA ;   three-fold;   three    together,— as 

the  leaflets  of  clover,  &c. 
Tessellated  ;  resembling  mosai  ••  work  ;  in 

little  squares,  or  checkers,  like  a  chess 

board. 
Testa.    The  outer  integument,  or  proper 

coat,  of  a  seed. 
Tt>tradynamous;    having  4   long   and   2 

short  stamens,  in  a  cruciate  flower. 
Tetrdgonous ;    4  cornered,   or     having    4 

angles. 


Tetra/merous ;  consisting  of  4  parts,  or 
constituent  portions. 

Tetrand rous ;  having  4  stamens  of  equal 
length. 

Thorn.  A  sharp  process  from  the  woody 
part  of  a  plant, — being  a  stunted  or  abor- 
tive branch. 

Throat.  The  orifice  or  passage  into  the 
tube  of  a  corolla. 

Thyrsoid  ;  resembling,  or  being  in  the  form 
of  a  Thyrsus. 

Thyrsus.  A  kind  of  contracted,  or  dense, 
ovoid  panicle, — as  in  the  Lilac,  Horse- 
Chestnut,  &c. 

Tiller.  A  sucker,  or  young  shoot  of  Wheat, 
Eye,  &c. 

Tiller,  or  tittow  ;  to  put  forth  suckers,  or 
new  shoots,  from  the  root,  or  base  of 
the  stem— as  Wheat,  Ac.  See  stole,  or 
stool. 

Tissue.  Web,  or  fabric ;  the  intimate  or- 
ganic structure,  or  composition,  of  bodies ; 
especially  those  which  are,  or  have  been, 
alive. 

Tomentose  ;  covered  with  a  curled,  or  mat- 
ted, cottony  pubescence. 

Totnentum.  A  matted  downy  or  cottony 
pubescence. 

Toothed.    See  dentate. 

Torose,  or  torulose ;  swelled  out  in  obtuse 
ridges. 

Tortuous ;  bent  in  different  directions. 

Torus.  The  bed,  or  receptacle  at  the  apex 
of  a  flower  stalk,  on  which  are  inserted 
all  the  parts  of  the  flower. 

Translucent;  clear,  or  transmitting  light 
faintly. 

Transverse,  transversely ;  across ;  cross- 
wise ;  at  right-angles  with  lengthwise. 

TriadMphmis ;  having  the  filaments  united 
in  3  parcels. 

Tridndrous ;  having  3  stamens. 

Triangular ;  having  3  angles,  corners,  or 
points. 

Tribes.  Groups  of  kindred  plants,  in^er- 
mediate  between  Orders  and  Genera. 

Tribrdcteate ;  having  3  bracts. 

Trichotomous  ;  three-forked;  dividing  by 
3  equal  branches. 

Tricoccous ;  composed  of  three  separable 
indehiscent  carpels  or  (cocci). 

Tricuspidate  ;  having,  or  terminating  in, 
3  sharp  points. 

Trifdrious ;  facing,  or  pointing,  in  3  direc- 
tions. 

Trifid:  three  cleft ;  partially  cut  or  divided 
into  3  segments. 

Trifoliate  ;  having  3  leaves ;  or  the  leaves 
arranged  in  threes. 

T.-ifdliolate  ;  3  leaflets  together. 

Trigonous ;  three  cornered. 

Trio i/nous  ;  having  3  pistil ;. 

Trilobate ;  three  lobed. 

Trimero-iift ;  consisting  of  3  parts. 

Tripartite  ;  three  parted. 

Tri.petalous  ;  having  3  petals. 

Tfip'innaie  ;  thrice  pinnate  ;  the  common 


432 


GLOSSARY. 


petiole  3  times  divided,  or  with  bipin- 
nate  divisions  on  each  side. 

Tripinndtifid;  pinnately  dissected, with  the 
primary  divisions  twice  pinnatifid. 

Triplinerved ;  having  8  principal  nerves 
from  the  base. 

Triquetrous;  having  3  angles  and  3  flat 
sides,  as  the  culms  of  many  CYPKKACE.F. 

Trisepalous  ;  having  3  sepals. 

Triternate  leaf.  When  the  petiole  is  twice 
divided  ternately,  and  each  final  branch 
bears  3  leaves. 

Truncate;  having  the  end  blunt,  as  if 
transversely  cut  off. 

Tube;  a  pipe  or  hollow  cylinder. 

Tuber.  A  solid  fleshy  knob  attached  to 
roots. 

Tubercle.  A  small  excrescence,  knob,  or 
point  on  a  surface,  making  it  rough  or 
uneven. 

Tuberculate;  covered  with  tubercles. 

Tuberiferous;  bearing  or  producing  tubers. 

Tuberous,  consisting  of,  or  fleshy  and  solid 
like  tubers. 

Tubular;  having  a  tube,  or  constructed 
like  a  tube. 

Tuft;  a  bunch  or  fascicle  growing  from  the 
same  root,  or  originating  nearly  at  the 
same  point. 

Tumid;  swelled,  or  enlarged  li'-:e  a  swell- 
ing. 

Tunicate;  coated ;  having  concentric  coats, 
or  thin  layers. 

Turbinate;  top  shaped;  resembling  an  in- 
verted cone. 

Turf.    The  green  sward,  or  grassy  sod. 

Turgid;  swelled,  but  not  inflated. 

Turion.  A  thick,  tender  young  shoot  of  a 
plant,  as  of  Asparagus,  Hop,  fcc. 

Tussock.  A  dense  tuft  or  bunch  formed  at 
the  root,  as  in  some  species  of  Carex, 
Grasses,  &c. 

Twin;  two  of  the  same  kind  connected,  or 
growing  together. 

Twining;  winding  round  and  ascending 
spirally. 

Two  ranked  (or  rowed}.    See  distichous. 

Type;  a  model  or  form ;  a  pattern  individ- 
ual which  unites  in  itself  most  complete- 
ly the  characters  of  a  gro  p. 

Umbel.  A  kind  of  inflorescence,  in  which 
the  flower  stalks  proceed  from  a  common 
centre,  like  rays,  or  the  braces  of  an  um- 
brella. Umbels  are  simple,  or  compound, 
which  see. 

Umbellate;  in  the  form  or  manner  of  an 
umbel. 

Umbellet.  A  partial  umbel ;  one  of  the 
subdivisions  of  a  compound  umbel: 
which  see. 

Umbelliferous;  bearing  the  flowers  in  um- 
bels. 

Umbilicate;  navel  like;  having  a  central 
pit,  or  depression. 

Umbonate;  protuberant,  having  a  boss  or 
elevated  point  in  the  centre. 

Unarmed;  without  thorns  or  prickles. 


Uncinate;  hook  shaped;  hooked  at  the 
end. 

Undulate;  wnvy;  curved,  or  rising  and 
depressed,  like  waves. 

Unequal;  the  parts  not  corresponding  in 
length,  size,  form,  or  duration. 

Ungu'iculate;  having  a  slender  or  narrow 
base,  like  an  unguis,  or  claw. 

Uniform,  or  uniformly;  in  one  form,  or 
manner  ;  equally  and  alike. 

Unilateral;  on  one  side ;  growing,  or  in- 
serted, all  on  one  Bide  of  a  stem,  or  com- 
mon peduncle. 

Unisexual;  of  one  sex — i.  e.,  staminate  or 
pistillate,  only. 

Urceolate;  pitcher-shaped,  or  urn-shaped ; 
swelling  below,  and  contracted  to  a  neck 
above. 

Utricle.  A  little  sac,  or  thin  membranace- 
ous  pericarp,  which  encloses,  but  does 
not  adhere  to,  the  seed.  See  Caryop- 
#is. 

Valvate  aestivation.  "When  the  sepals  or 
petals  are  folded  together,  and  fit  by  their 
edges,  without  overlapping. 

Valves.  The  several  parts  of  a  regularly 
dehiscent  pericarp, — especially  of"a  cap- 
sule ;  also,  the  scales  which  close  the  tube, 
in  some  corollas :  and  the  chaffy  pieces 
which  cover  the  flowers  of  the  Grasses. 

Var.  (  Varietas);  a  variety  or  modification 
of  a  species. 

Varieti/.  A  new  or  unusual  form,  or  mod- 
ification of  a  plant,  produced  by  acciden- 
tal causes, — such  as  crossing,  soil,  climate, 
culture,  &c.  but  not  permanently,  or  at 
least,  not  specifically,  distinct. 

Vascular  plants.  The  higher  orders  of 
plants  (including  all  above  the  Mosses), 
— composed  more  or  less  of  woody  fibres, 
and  elongated  cells  or  vessels,  in  the  form 
of  slender  tubes. 

Vaulted;  arched  over,  like  the  roof  of  the 
mouth. 

Veins;  the  elongated  vessels  of  leaves ;  of- 
ten synonymous  with  nerves. 

Veined;  having  the  vessels  variously 
branching,  over  the  surface. 

Venation  of  a  leaf.  The  distribution  of  the 
veins,  or  frame-work,  in  the  lamina  or 
blade. 

Ventral;  contained  in,  or  belonging  to,  the 
belly. 

Ventral  suture.  The  line  or  seam  of  a 
carpel,  or  folded  leaf,  formed  by  the  union 
of  its  margins:  the  opposite  of  dorsal. 

Ventricose:  bellied;  swelling  out  in  the 
middle,  or  below  it. 

Vernation.  The  mode  in  which  young 
leaves  are  folded  and  packed  in  a  bud. 

Verrucose;  warty;  covered  with  wart  like 
excresences. 

Versatile  anther.  When  it  is  fixed  by  the 
middle  on  the  point  of  the  filament,  and 
moves  round  lightly  and  readily,— as  in 
the  Grasses  &c. 

Vertical,  or  vertically;  in  a  perpendicular 


GLOSSARY. 


433 


direction;    from  the  zenith,  or  highest 
point,  directly  downwards 

Vertical  leaves.  When  they  stand  edge 
up,  or  present  their  margins— and  not 
their  faces— to  the  earth  and  sky;  indic- 
ative rather  of  Phyllodia,  than  of  true 
leaves. 

Verticil;  a  whorl ;  flowers,  leaves,  or  other 
organs,  arranged  in  a  horizontal  ring, 
Around  a  stem,  or  at  its  summit. 

Verticilldnter.  A  spurious  verticil ;  a  con- 
densed cyme,  or  cluster  resembling  a 
verticil,— "as  in  many  LABIATE. 

Verticillate;  growing  or  arranged  in  a  ver- 
ticil, or  whorl,  or  horizontal  ring. 

Vesiclf*.    Little  bladder-like  vessels. 

Vesicular,  or  veticulose;  made  of,  or  re 
sembling,  little  bladders. 

Vespertine  flowers.  Those  which  expand 
in  the  evening. 

Vexillum.  The  banner,  or  broad  upper 
petal  of  a  papilionaceous  corolla. 

Vtllose,  or  villous;  velvety;  clothed  with 
numerous,  and  rather  long,  soft  hairs. 

Villm  (plural,  vitti).  The  velvet  like  pu- 
bescence on  a  villous  plant. 


Virescent;  inclining  to,  or  becoming,  green. 

V'irgate;  wand  like;  long,  slender,  and 
straight. 

Viridescent;  greenish. 

Viscid;  clammy ;  covered  with  a  sticky  or 
adhesive  moisture. 

Viscid  pubescent;  with  a  clammy  pubes- 
cence. 

Vittx  Fillets ;  linear  receptacles  of  oily 
matter  on  the  carpels  of  Umbelliferous 
plants. 

Viviparous;  producing  a  collateral  off- 
spring by  means  of  bulbs ;  or  having  the 
seeds  to  germinate  before  they  are  de- 
tached from  the  parent  plant. 

Volubile;  ascending  spirally,  or  climbing  by 
embracing  another  object.  See  Twining. 

Wavy;  see  undulate. 

Whorl;  see  verticil. 

Winged;  having  a  thin,  extended  margin. 

Wings.  The  side  petals  of  a  papilionaceous 
corolla ;  also,  the  membranous  expansion 
at  the  summit  or  margin  of  certain  peri- 
carps, and  on  the  sides  of  some  petioles. 

Woolly;  clothed  with  a  long  curled  or  mat- 
ted pubescence,  resembling  wool. 


19 


ABBREVIATIONS 


NAMES  OF  THE  PEINCIPAL  AUTHORS  QUOTED  IN  THIS  W011K. 


Ach.  Eric  Acharius,  Swedish  Bo- 
tanist. 

Adam.    Michel  Adanson,  French. 

Agardh.    Car.  Ad.  Agardh,  Swedish. 

Ait.    Wm.  &  Wm.  T.  Aiton,  English. 

All.   Car.  Allioni,  Italian. 

A.  DC.  Alphonse  De  Candolle,  French. 

Bartl.  Friedr.  Gottl.  Bartling.  Ger- 
man. 

Bartr.  John  &  Wm.  Bartram,  Ameri- 
can. 

Beauv,    Palisot  de  Beauvois,  French. 

Benth.    George  Bentham,  English. 

Bess.    Wilib.  Besser,  German, 

Blume.    Carl  Ludw.  Blume,  German. 

Bronn.    Heinr.  Geo.  Bronn,  German. 

Brot.    Felix  Avellar  Brotero,  Portu- 


Carey,  John,  English. 

C.  A.  Mey,  Carl  Amt.  Meyer,  German. 

Cass.  Alex.  Hen.  Garb,  de  Cassini. 
Italian. 

Cliav.   M  Chavannes,  French. 

Chois.   Jaq.  Denis  Choisy,  French. 

Golden,  Cadwallader,  American. 

Correa.  Abbe*  Correa  de  Serra.  Por- 
tuguese. 

Crantz.  Heinr.  Joh.  Nepom.  Crantz, 
German. 

DO.  Aug.  Pyramus  De  Candolle. 
French. 

DC.  (Alph.)  Alphonse  De  Candolle, 
French. 

Decaisne,  Joseph,  French. 

(434) 


Desf.  Eene  L.  Desfontaines,  French. 
De  Theis.  Alex,  de  Theis,  French. 
Dillen.   Joh.  Jac.  Dillenius,  German. 
Don.    David  &  Geo.  Don,  English. 
Duby.   Jean  Etienne  Duby,  French. 
Duham.  Hen.  L.  Duhamel,  French. 
Dunal.  Michel  Felix  Dunal,  French. 
Elirh.    Friedrich  Ehrhart,  German. 
Ell.    Stephen  Elliott,  American.  ' 
Endl.  Steph  Endlicher,  Hungarian. 
Engclmann,  George,  American. 
Pl:  Cestr.   Flora   Cestrica:    By  Wm. 

Darlington,  1  vol.  12mo,  1853. 
Forst.    George   (John,    &c.)    Forster, 

English. 

Fries.   Elias  Fries,  German 
Gaertn.   Jos.  &  Carl  Friedr.  Gaertner, 

German. 

Gaudich.  M.  Ch.  Gaudichaud,  French.. 
Glox.    Benj.  Petr.  Gloxin,  German. 
Gooden.    Saml.  Goodenough,  English. 
Gray,  Asa,  American. 
11.  B.  K.   Humboldt,  Bonpland,  and 

Kunth. 
Hall,  or  Hdlcr.   Albert   von    Haller. 

Dutch. 
Hoffm.   Geo,    Fr.  (et  al.)  Hoffmann, 

German. 
Hoffmsg.  J.  C.  Count  Hoffmannsegg, 

German. 

Hook.  Sir  Wm.  J.  Hooker,  English. 
Ifuds.    Wm.  Hudson,  English. 
Jacq.  Nich.  Joseph  Jacquin,  German. 
Juss.   Ant.  Laur.  de  Jussieu  Frencli. 


ABBREVIATION. 


435 


K<.dm.  Pehr,  Swedish. 

Koch.  Wilh.  Dan.  Jos.  Koch, German. 

Kunth.  Car.  Sigism.  Kunth,  German. 

L     Car.  Linnaeus,  Swedish. 

Lam.  J.  Bapt.  Monet  de  la  Marck, 
French. 

Lamb.    A.  B.  Lambert.  English. 

Less.  Chr.  Fr.  Leasing,  German. 

Lestib.  Fr.  Jos.  Lestiboudois,  Bel- 
gian. 

Lindl.  John  Lindley,  English. 

Link.  Heinr.  Friedr.  Link,  German. 

Loddig.  Conrad  Loddiges,  English. 

Marsh.  Humphry  Marshall,  Amer- 
ican. 

Mart.  Carl  Friedr.  Phil,  von  Martius. 
German. 

Medik.  Fried.  Casim.  Medikus,  Ger- 
man. 

Hey.  (C.  A.}  Carl.  Ant.  Meyer,  Ger- 
man. 

Mich.  Pet.  Ant  Micheli,  Italian. 

Mitt.  Philip  Miller,  English. 

Mirb.  C.  F.  Brisseau-Mirbel,  French. 

Moench.  Conrad  Moench,  German. 

Moris.  Guiseppe  Giacento,  Italian. 

Muhl.  Henry  Muhlenberg,  Amer- 
ican. 

MX.  Andr.  Michaux,  French. 

Neck.  Natal.  Jos.  de  Necker,  French. 

Nees.  Chr.  Gottfr.  Nees  von  Esen- 
beck,  German. 

Null.  Thomas  Nuttall,  Anglo-Amer- 
ican. 

Pers.  Chr.  Henri  Persoon,  Dutch  ? 

Pold.    Hans  Friederich,  German. 

Pair.  J.  L.  Marie  Poiret,  French. 

Pursh.   Fredk.  Pursh. 

Pre-tl.  Carl  Boriwog  Presl,  Hunga- 
rian. 

R(tf.  orRafm.  C.  Rafinesque- Schmaltz, 
Sicilian. 

R.  Br.  Robert  Brown,  English. 

Rich.  Louis  Claude  Richard,  French. 

Risso.  A  Risso,  French  ? 


Roxb.  Win   Roxburgh,  English. 
Rumph.     Geo.     Everh.     Rumphius, 

Dutch. 

Salisb.  Richd.  Anth.  Salisbury,  Eng- 
lish. 

Sain.  Gaatano.  Savi,  Italian. 
Schott.  Heinrich  Schott.  German 
Schrad.     Heinr.    Adolph.    Schrader, 

German. 
Shreb.   Joh.  Chr.  Dan.  von  Schreber, 

German. 

Shum.    Chr.    Fr.    Schumacher,   Ger- 
man. 

Scop.  Joh.  Ant.  Scopoli,  Italian. 
Ser.  Nich.  Charles  Seringe,  Swiss? 
Sieb.  &c  Zucc.    Siebold  and  Zuccarim, 

Dutch? 

Smith.  Sir  James  Edward,  English. 
Sibth.  Joh.  Sibthorp,  English. 
Soland.   Dan.    Conr.  Solander,  Swed- 
ish. 

Sprenff.  Kurt  Sprengel,  German. 
Sw.  Olaus  Swartz,  Swedish. 
Theis    (De).    Alexandra    de   Theis, 

French. 

Tode.  Heinr.  Jul.  Tode,  German. 
Torr.  8f  Gr.  Jno.  Torrey  &  Asa  Gray, 
-  American. 
Tournef.    Jos.  Pitton  de  Tournefort, 

French. 

Trin.  Car.  Bern.  Trinius,  German. 
Vahl.  Martin  Vahl,  Danish. 
Vaitt.  Sebastian  Vaillant,  French. 
Vent.       Etienne     Pierre    Ventenat, 

French. 

VilL  D.  Villars,  French. 
Valt.    Thomas  Walter,  Anglo -Amer- 
ican. 
Wangenh.      Fr.    Ad.    Jul.    Wangen- 

heim,  German. 
Weih.  Aug.  Weihe,  German. 
Willd.  Carl  Ludw.  Willdenow,   Ger- 
man. 
With.  Win.  Withering,  English. 


INDEX 


NATURAL    ORDERS,   GENERA  AND   SPECIES 


OF  THE  PLANTS  DESCRIBED    OE   KEFEBEED   TO  IN   THIS   WOBK. 


PAGE. 

PAGE. 

ABELMOSCHUS, 

66     JSGOPODI0M, 

151   AMYGDAUTS, 

esculentus, 

66           Podograria, 

151           communis, 

ABIES, 

337    JEscuLus, 

88    APIUM, 

alba, 

338           Hippocastanum 

88           graveolens, 

balsamea, 

337           Pa  via, 

88   AQUIFOLIACKS, 

,  Canadensis, 

337    ,<ETHUSA, 

151    ARACRS, 

excelsa, 

338           Cynapium, 

151    ARACHIS, 

Frascri, 

337    AGROSTEMMA, 

56           hypogsea, 

nigra, 

338           Githago, 

56     ARAUACE^E, 

ABUTILON, 

65    AGROSXIS, 

373    ARAI.IA  , 

AvicennaB, 

65           vulgaris, 

373           nudicaulis, 

ANACARDIACE^E, 

77    AILANTHUS, 

76           quinquefolia 

ANDROMEDA, 

213           gland  ulosa, 

76           racemosa, 

Mariana, 

213    AUSMACSLE, 

347           spinosa, 

ANDROPOGON, 

410    ALLIUM, 

354    ARCHEMORA, 

furcatus, 

411           Canadense. 

355           rigida, 

macrourus, 

411           Cepa, 

355    ARCTOSTAPHYLOS, 

scoparius, 

410          Porrum, 

356           Uva.ursi, 

ANONACE.S, 

36           sativum, 

355    ARGEMONE, 

ANTHEMIS, 

185          Schcenoprasum, 

357           Mexicana, 

arvensis, 

187           vineale, 

355     ARISuEMA, 

nobilis, 

185    ALNUS, 

327           triphyllum, 

ANTHOXANTH0M, 

398           incana, 

328     ARISTOLOCHIACEjE, 

odoratum, 

398           serrulata, 

327    ARISTOLOCHIA, 

ACERAO&&:, 

89   ALOPECURCS. 

370           Serpentaria, 

ACER, 

89           pratensis, 

372           Sipho, 

dasycarpum, 

90    ALTH^A, 

63    ARMENIACA, 

nigrum, 

90           offlcinalis, 

63           dasycarpa, 

platauoides, 

90           rosea, 

64           vulgaris, 

Pseudo-platanus, 

89   AMARANTACEJZ, 

275   ARMORACIA, 

rubrum, 

91    AMARANTUS, 

275           rusticana, 

saccharinum, 

90           albus, 

278    ARRHENTATHERUM, 

ACIIILLEA, 

187           chlorostachys, 

275           avenaceum, 

millefolium, 

187           hybridus, 

275    ARTEMISIA, 

Ptarmica, 

187           retroflexus, 

275           Abrotanum, 

ACONTTtTM, 

33          spinosus, 

277           Absinthium, 

Napellus, 

33    AMBROSIA, 

176           Dracnnculus, 

ACORUS, 

346           artemisisefolia, 

176    ARUNDINARIA, 

Calamus, 

346           triflda, 

176          macrosperma, 

AcnXOMERIS, 

182    AMPELOPSIS, 

84    ASARUM, 

suarrosa, 

182           quinquefolia, 

84           Canadeuso, 

(436) 

PAGE. 
113 

150 
150 
216 
344 
103 
104 
155 
155 
156 
156 
155 
156 
148 
149 
211 
211 
40 
41 
344 
345 
268 
268 
268 
268 
114 
115 
114 
48 
48 
396 
396 
190 
191 
190 
190 
388 
388 
269 
2G9 


IXDEX. 


437 


ASCLEPIADACE^E, 

PAGE. 
261 

CAIYCANTHUS, 

PAGE. 

135 

Virginlca, 

PAGE. 
266 

ASCLEPIAS, 

261 

floridus, 

135 

ClCER, 

103 

Cornuti  , 

261 

glaucus, 

135 

arietinum, 

103 

tuberosa, 

263 

laevigatus, 

135 

CICHORIUM, 

200 

ASIMIXA, 

36 

CAMELIXA, 

49 

Endivia, 

•         202 

triloba, 

36 

sativa, 

49 

Intybus, 

200 

ASPARAGUS, 

351 

CAXNABIS, 

299 

CICUTA, 

152 

officinalis, 

352 

sativa, 

299 

maculata, 

152 

ASTER, 

171 

CAPRIFOLIACE^:, 

160 

CIXICIFUGA, 

33 

ericoides, 

172 

CAPSELLA, 

50 

racemosa, 

34 

AVEXA  , 

393 

Bursa-pastoris, 

50 

ClRSIUM, 

195 

nuda, 

395 

CAPSICUM, 

255 

altissimum, 

199 

sativa, 

394 

annuum, 

255 

arvense, 

197 

AZALEA  , 

214 

CAREX, 

361 

discolor, 

196 

nudiflora, 

214 

stricta, 

363 

horridulum, 

197 

tentaculata, 

362 

lanceolatum, 

195 

BAPTISTA  , 
australis, 
tinctoria, 
BARBAREA, 

107 

108 
108 
43 

vulpinoidea, 
CARUM, 
Carui, 
CARPIXUS. 
Americana, 

362 
150 
150 
322 
322 

muticum, 
pumilum, 
CITRULLUS, 
vulgaris, 
CLETHRA, 

199 
196 
140 
140 
216 

prsecox, 
vulgaris, 
BATATAS, 
edulis 

43 
44 

247 
247 

CARYA  , 
alba, 
amara, 

304 
304 
306 

acuminata, 
alni  folia, 

CNIDOSCOLUS, 

215 
215 
289 

BEXZOIX, 
odoriferum, 
BERBERIDACEJE, 
BKRBERIS, 
Canadensis, 
vulgaris, 

2S6 
286 
36 
37 
37 
37 

glabra, 
microcarpa, 
olivzeformis, 
sulcata, 
tomentosa, 
CARYOPHYLLACFLE, 
CASSIA, 

306 
306 
304 
305 
305 
56 
109 

stimulosa, 
COMPOSITE, 
COMPTOXIA, 
asplenifolia, 

COXIFER^E, 
COXIUM, 

maculatum, 

289 
167 
324 
324 
333 
153 
153 

BETA, 
vulgaris, 
BETULACR/E, 
BETULA, 
alba, 

272 
272 
324 
324 
325 
09*7 

Chamsecrista, 
occidentalis, 
Mar  i  land  ica, 
CASTAXEA, 
pumila, 

110 
110 
109 
318 
319 

CONVOLVULUS, 
arvensis, 
Coras, 
trifolia, 

246 
237 
247 
30 
31 

exceisa, 

0*1 

vesca, 

318 

CORIANDRUM, 

153 

nia, 

OZi 

CATALPA, 

221 

sativum, 

155 

nigra, 
papyracea, 

BlDENS, 

bipinnata, 
chrysanthemoides, 

326 
325 
183 
184 
183 

1  oo 

bignonioidcs, 
CELASTRACKE, 
CELASTRUS, 
scandens, 
CELTIS, 

222 
86 
86 
86 
203 

CORXACE^E, 
CORNUS, 

florida, 
CORYI.US, 
Americana, 

157 

157 
158 
320 
322 

BIGXOXIACE^E, 

BIITUM, 

capitatuni, 
BORRAGIXACE/E, 

loo 

220 
274 
274 
241 

crassifolia, 
occidentalis, 
pumila, 
CEXCHRUS, 
tribuloides, 

294 
293 

294 
406 
406 

Avellana, 
rostrata, 
CRAT^EGUS, 
cordata, 
Crus-galli, 

320 
322 
131 
131 
131 

campestris, 
olcracea, 
BROMKUACE.E, 

46 
44 
349 

CE.VTAUREA  , 
Calcitrapa, 
Cyanus, 
nigra, 

193 
194 
194 
194 

oxyacantha, 
CRUCIFER^E, 
CUCUMIS, 
Anguria, 

131 

42 
138 
140 

mollis, 

387 

CERASTITJM, 
viscosum, 

59 
59 

melo, 
sativus, 

139 
139 

racemosus, 
secalinus, 
BROUSSOXETIA, 
papyrifera, 
BRUXELLA, 

387 
386 
296 
296 
237 

vulgatum, 
CERCLS, 
Canadensis, 

ClIELmOXIUM, 

59 
108 
108 
41 

CuCURBITACKffl, 
CUCURBITA, 

Melopepo, 
Pepo, 

138 
142 
142 
142 

vulgaris, 

238 

QSSIOPODUCKX, 

41 
270 

verrucosa, 
CCPRESSUS, 

143 
340 

ClIKXOPODIUM, 

271 

thyoidep  , 

340 

CALAMAGROSTIS, 

STfi 

album, 

271 

CUPULIFf^R^E 

307 

arenaria, 

376 

ambrosioiiies, 

272 

CUSCUTA, 

249 

Canadensis, 

376 

hybridum, 

271 

Gronovii, 

250 

CALTHA, 

30 

CHIMAPHILA, 

215 

epilinum, 

249 

palustris, 

30 

umbellata, 

215 

CYDOXIA, 

134 

CALYCAXTHACK<£, 

135 

CHIO.VAXTHUS, 

2C6 

vulgaris, 

134 

438 


IXDEX. 


-  Japonica, 

PAGE. 

135    FABA, 

PAGE. 

150           lanatum, 

PAGE. 
148 

CYNARA, 

194 

vulgar  is, 

105 

HEUCHERA, 

•  144 

Cardunculus, 

195 

FAGOPYRUM, 

283 

Americana, 

144 

Scolymus, 

195 

esculentum, 

283 

HIBISCUS, 

67 

CYNODOJJ, 

377 

FAGUS, 

319 

Syriacus, 

67 

Dactylon, 

377 

ferruginea, 

319 

Trionum, 

67 

CYNOGLOSSUM, 

245 

FEDIA  , 

166 

HOLCUS, 

396 

Morisoni, 

245 

olitoria, 

166 

lanatus, 

396 

offlcinale, 

245 

FESTUCA  , 

385 

HORDEUM, 

392 

CYPERACE^E, 

358 

elatior, 

385 

distichum, 

393 

CYPERUS, 

359 

Ficus, 

294 

vulgare, 

393 

phymatodes, 

359 

Carica, 

294 

HUMUI.US, 

299 

rotundus, 

360 

F(ESICULUM, 

149 

Lupulus, 

300 

strigosus, 

359 

vulgare, 

149 

HYOSCYAMUS, 

•257 

FRAGARIA  , 

123 

niger, 

258 

DACTYLIS, 
glomerata 
DATURA, 
Stramonium, 
DAUCUS, 
Car  ota, 
DELPHINIUM, 

379 
379 
258 
258 
146 
146 
31 

vesca, 
Virgiuiana, 
FRAXIXUS, 
Americana, 
pubescens, 
sambucifolia, 
viridis, 

123 
125 
266 
266 
267 
267 
267 

HYPERICACE^E, 
HYPERICUM, 
perforatum, 
HYSSOPUS, 
xofflcinalis, 

ILEX, 

Cassine, 

54 
54 
54 

235 

235 

216 
217 

Ajacis, 
Consolida, 
elatum, 
DIGITALIS, 

32 
31 
32 

226 

GAULTHERIA, 
procumbens 
GAYLUSSACIA, 
dumosa, 

212 
212 
208 
209 

glabra, 
Isevigata, 
opaca, 
verticillata, 

217 
217 
216 

217 

purpurea, 
DIOSPYROS, 
Virginiana, 
DIPSACE^E, 
DIPSACUS, 
Fullonum, 
sylvestris, 

226 
217 
218 
167 
167 
167 
167 

frondosa, 
resinosa, 
GENISTA, 
tinctoria, 
GENTIANACE.*, 
GERANIACK<E, 
GERANIUK, 

208 
208 
96 
96 
260 

INDIGOFERA, 

Anil, 
tinctoria, 
INULA, 
Helenium, 

IPOMffiA  , 

Nil, 

102 
103 
102 
175 
176 
249 
249 

Carolinian  um, 

71 

purpurea, 

249 

EBENACTLE, 

217 

maculatum, 

71 

ECHLVOSPERMUM, 

244 

pusillum  , 

71 

JUGLANDACE^;, 

302 

Lappula, 

244 

GEUM, 

..20 

JUGLANS, 

302 

ECHIUM, 

241 

rivale, 

120 

cinerea, 

303 

vulgare, 

242 

GLEDITSCHIA, 

111 

nigra, 

303 

ELEUSINE, 

378 

triacanthos, 

111 

regia, 

302 

Indica, 

278 

GLYCERIA, 

JUNCACE.*:, 

358 

EXSLENIA, 

262 

fluitans, 

381 

JuNcrs, 

358 

albida, 

263 

GOSSYPIUM, 

67 

bufbnius, 

358 

ERECHTHITES, 

191 

herbaceum. 

67 

bulbosus, 

358 

hieracifolia, 

192 

GRAMINE^E 

365 

efi'usus, 

358 

ERICACEAE, 

207 

GROSSULACE^, 

136 

JUNIPERUS, 

342 

ERIGERON, 

172 

GYMNOCLADUS, 

110 

communis, 

342 

annuum, 

174 

Canadensis, 

111 

Virginiana, 

342 

Canadense, 

173 

strigosum  , 
EBODIUM, 

174 

71 

HAMAMELACE^;, 
HAMAMKIJS,       < 

144 
144 

KALMIA  , 

angustifolia, 

213 
214 

cicutarium, 

71 

Virginica, 

144 

latifolia, 

214 

ERVUM, 

105 

HEDEOMA, 

232 

Lens, 

105 

pulegioides, 

232 

LABIATyE, 

228 

EUONYMUS, 

87 

HEDERA, 

LACTUCA, 

205 

atropurpureus, 

87 

Helix, 

157 

elongata, 

205 

EUPATORIUM, 

170 

HELIANTHUS, 

181 

Scariola, 

205 

perfoliatum, 

170 

annuus, 

181 

LAGENARIA, 

138 

purpureum, 

171 

tuberosus, 

181 

vulgar  is, 

138 

EUPHORBIACE^, 

287 

HEMEROCAI.LIS, 

352 

LAMIUM, 

239 

EUPHORBIA, 

287 

flava, 

352 

amplexicaulo, 

239 

Esula, 

289 

fulva, 

352 

I^APORTEA  , 

299 

hypericifolia, 
Ipecacuanha}, 

288 
288 

HBPATICA  , 
acutiloba, 

26 

26 

Cauadensis, 
LAPPA, 

299 

200 

Lathyrus, 

289 

triloba, 

26 

major. 

200 

maculata, 

288 

HERACLEUM, 

148    LARIX, 

338 

INDEX. 


439 


Americana, 

PAGE. 

339    MALVA, 

PAGE. 

64           Europsea, 

PAGE. 

266 

Cedrus, 

339 

crispa, 

65 

OXAGRACE^E, 

135 

Europeea, 

339 

rotundifolia, 

64 

ORIGAXUM, 

236 

LAURACE.E, 

285 

sylvestris, 

65 

Marjorana, 

236 

LAVAXDULA, 

230 

MARTYXIA, 

222 

ORXITHOGALUM, 

352 

vera, 

230 

proboscidea, 

222 

umbellatum, 

353 

LEERSIA, 

369 

MARRUBIUM, 

238 

ORYZA, 

369 

oryzoides, 

369 

vulgare, 

238 

sativa, 

369 

LEGOIIXOS.S, 

93 

MARUTA, 

185 

OSTRYA, 

396 

IJ<:O.\TODOX, 

202 

Cotula, 

185 

Virginica 

323 

autumnale, 

202 

MEDICAGO, 

99 

OXALIDACELE, 

72 

LEOXURUS, 

240 

lupulina, 

100 

OXALIS, 

72 

Cardiaca, 

240 

sativa, 

99 

stricta, 

73 

LEITCA  XTHEMUM  , 

188 

MELIACE^S, 

69 

vulgare, 

189 

MELIA, 

69 

LJGUSTRUM, 

265 

Azedarach, 

69 

PAXICCM, 

401 

vulgare 
LILIACE^E, 

265 
851 

MELILOTUS, 
alba, 

99 
99 

capillare, 
Crus-galli, 

402 
403 

IJLIUM, 

357 

offlcinalis, 

99 

glabrum, 

402 

album, 

357 

MELISSA, 

237 

sanguinale, 

402 

bulbiferum, 

357 

offlcinalis, 

237 

PAPAVERACE^B, 

40 

Canadense, 

357 

MEXTHA, 

230 

PAPAVER, 

40 

lancifolium, 

357 

arvensis, 

231 

dubuim, 

40 

superbum, 

357 

Canadensis, 

231 

somniferum, 

40 

LlXACE.'E, 

70 

piperita, 

231 

PASPALUM, 

401 

ifimx, 

70 

viridis, 

231 

setaceum, 

401 

usitatissimum, 

70 

MOLLUGO, 

59 

PASTINACA, 

147 

LJXARIA, 

225 

verticillata, 

59 

sativa, 

147 

vulgaris, 

225 

MOXARDA, 

232 

PATTLOWNIA, 

226 

LlQl'IDAMBAR, 

145 

diclyma, 

232 

imperialis, 

226 

styraciflua, 

145 

punctata, 

233 

PERSICA, 

112 

LlKl:tl>KNDROX, 

35 

MOMORDICA, 

141 

laevis, 

118 

Tulipifera, 

35 

balsamina, 

141 

vulgaris, 

113 

LlTHOSPERMUM, 

243 

MORUS, 

294 

PETROSELINUM, 

152 

arvense, 

243 

alba, 

295 

sativum, 

152 

LOBELIACEJE, 

206 

multicaulis, 

296 

PHALARJS, 

398 

LOBELIA, 

206 

nigra, 

296 

arundinacea, 

400 

cardinalis, 

207 

rubra, 

295 

Canariensis, 

401 

inflata, 

206 

MUHLEXBERGIA, 

375 

PHASEOLUS, 

107 

LOLICM, 

388 

ditfusa, 

375 

lunatus, 

107 

perenue, 

389 

Mexican  a, 

375 

nanus, 

107 

LOXICERA, 

160 

MYRICACEUB, 

323 

vulgaris, 

107 

Capritblium, 

160 

MYRICA, 

323 

PHLEUM, 

872 

grata, 

160 

cerifera. 

324 

pratense, 

372 

Periclymenum, 

160 

Gale, 

324 

PHORADEXDROX, 

287 

sempervirens, 

161 

flavescens, 

287 

LORAXTHACE^E, 

286 

NASTURTIUM, 

43 

PHRAGMITES, 

387 

LYCIUM, 

256 

offlcinale, 

43 

communis, 

387 

Barbarum, 

256 

NEGUXDO, 

92 

PHYSALIS, 

256 

LYCOPERSICUM, 

250 

aceroides, 

92 

Alkekengi, 

256 

cerasiforme, 

251 

NEPETA, 

234 

viscosa, 

256 

esculentum, 

250 

Cataria, 

234 

PHYTOLACCACEJ3, 

270 

Glechoma, 

234 

PHYTOLACCA, 

270 

MADURA, 

297 

NlCOTIAXA, 

259 

decandra, 

270 

aurantiaca, 

297 

Tabacum, 

259 

Pixus, 

334 

MAGXOUACE^, 

34 

NYSSA, 

159 

inops, 

334 

MAGXOLIA, 

34 

multiflora, 

159 

mitis, 

335 

acuminata, 

35 

palustris, 

336 

conspicua, 

35 

(EXOTHERA, 

136 

resinosa, 

335 

cordata, 

35 

Biennis, 

136 

rigida, 

335 

Fraseri, 

35 

fruticosa, 

136 

Strobus, 

336 

glauca, 

34 

grandiflora, 

136 

taeda, 

335 

grandinora. 

35 

OCIMUM, 

229 

PlSDM, 

106 

macrophylla, 

35 

basilicum, 

230 

sativum, 

106 

purpurea, 

35 

OLEACK.K, 

264 

PLAXTAGIXACE^:, 

218 

Umbrella, 

35 

OLEA, 

266 

PLANT  AGO, 

218 

MALVACE.E, 

63 

Americana, 

266 

lanceolata, 

220 

440 


IXDEX. 


PAGE. 

PAGE. 

PAGE. 

major, 

218 

imbricaria, 

312 

graveolens, 

74 

PLATANACE^E, 

301 

illicifolia, 

315 

RHUS, 

77 

PLATANUS, 

301 

macrocarpa, 

308 

copallina, 

78 

occidentals. 

301 

nigra, 

313 

Cotinus, 

81 

POA, 

381 

obtusiloba, 

308 

glabra, 

78 

annua, 

382 

olivaeformis, 

308 

Toxicodendron, 

80 

compressa, 

383 

palustris, 

317 

typhina, 

78 

pra  tense, 

383 

Phellos, 

312 

venenata, 

79 

serotina, 

382 

Prinus, 

310 

trivialis, 

382 

rubra, 

316 

SABBATIA, 

260 

PODOPHYIXUM, 

38 

tinctoria, 

315 

angularis, 

260 

peltatum, 

38 

vireus, 

312 

SANGUIXARIA, 

42 

POLYGALACE,E, 

92 

C*?^,                                   -    '  *  "  ' 

Canadensis, 

42 

POL  VGA  LA, 

92 

RANUNCULACELE, 

26 

SACCHARUM, 

410 

senega, 

92 

RANUNCULUS, 

27 

officinarum, 

410 

POLYGONACE^!, 

278 

acris, 

28 

SAGITTARIA, 

347 

POLYGONUM, 

278 

bulbosus, 

28 

variabilis, 

348 

arifolium, 

282 

muricatus, 

30 

SALICACE^E, 

328 

aviculare, 

281 

repens, 

39 

SALIX, 

328 

Hydropiper, 

280 

RAPHANUS, 

52 

alba, 

329 

orientale, 

279 

Raphanistrum, 

54 

Babylonica, 

329 

Pennsy  Ivanicum  , 

279 

sativus, 

52 

fragilis, 

329 

Persicaria, 

279 

RHABINACK*, 

85 

viminalis, 

328 

sagittatum, 

282 

RHAMNUS, 

85 

SALISBURIA, 

343 

POPULUS, 

330 

catharticus, 

86 

adiantifolia, 

344 

alba, 

332 

RHEUM, 

284 

SALVIA, 

233 

augulata, 

331 

Rhaponticum  , 

285 

lyrata, 

234 

balsamifera, 

332 

RHODODENDRON, 

214 

offlcinalis, 

233 

dilatata, 
Grseca, 

332 
331 

maximum, 
RISES, 

214 
136 

SAMBUCUS, 
Canadensis 

162 
'162 

grandidentata, 

330 

nigrum, 

137 

SAPINDACELE, 

87 

monilifera, 

331 

rubrum, 

137 

SAPOXARIA  , 

58 

tremuloides, 

330 

uva-crispa, 

136 

offlcinalis, 

58 

PORTULACACE^E, 

62 

RJCINUS, 

289 

SASSAFRAS, 

285 

PORTDLACA, 

62 

communis, 

289 

offlcinale, 

285 

Gilliesii, 

63 

ROBINIA, 

100 

SATUREJA  , 

235 

grandiflora, 

63 

hispida, 

101 

hortensis, 

235 

oleracea, 

62 

Pseud-acacia, 

101 

SAXIFRAGACEJJ, 

143 

POTENTILLA, 

122 

viscosa, 

101 

SAXIFRAGA, 

143 

Canadensis, 

122 

ROSACES, 

112 

Pennsylvania, 

143 

Norvegica, 

122 

ROSA, 

129 

Virginieusis, 

143 

PRUNUS, 

115 

Carolina, 

130 

SQLLA, 

353 

Americana, 
avium, 

116 
117 

laevigata, 
lucida, 

130 
130 

Frascri, 
SCIRPUS, 

353 
361 

Caroliniana. 

119 

rubiginosa, 

130 

puugens  , 

361 

Cerasus, 

118 

setigera, 

130 

SCROPHULARIACELE, 

223 

Chicasa, 

116 

RUBIACTLE, 

163 

SECALE, 

392 

maritima, 

116 

RUBIA  , 

163 

cereale, 

392 

Pennsylvanica, 

118 

Tinctorum  , 

164 

SEXECIO, 

192 

Virginiana, 

119 

RUBUS, 

125 

aureus, 

193 

Spinosa, 

115 

Canadensis, 

127 

vulgar  is, 

193 

serotina, 

119 

cuneifolius, 

128 

SESAMUM, 

223 

PYRUS, 

132 

Idseus, 

126 

Indicum, 

223 

Americana, 

134 

Nutkanus, 

126 

SETARIA, 

404 

aucuparia, 

134 

occidentals, 

127 

glauca, 

404 

communis, 

132 

odoratus, 

125 

Italica, 

405 

coronaria 

133 

strigosus, 

126 

verticillata, 

406 

malus, 

132 

villosus, 

128 

viridis, 

404 

RUDBECKIA, 

180 

SICYOS, 

141 

QUAMOCLIT, 

249 

fulgida, 

180 

angulatus, 

141 

vulgar  is, 

249 

hirta, 

180 

SIDA, 

65 

QUERCUS, 

307 

RUMEX, 

283 

spinosa, 

65 

alba, 

309 

Acetosella, 

284 

SINAPIS, 

47 

iiquatica. 

314 

crispus, 

283 

alba, 

47 

Castanea', 

311 

obtusifolius, 

284 

arvensis, 

47 

cocciuea, 

315 

RUTACEJ3, 

74 

nierra. 

47 

falcata, 

314 

RUTA, 

74     SISYJU3KIUM, 

44 

INDEX. 


441 


officinale, 

PAGE. 

44    TECOMA, 

PAGE. 

220 

racemosa, 

PAGE. 
293 

SMILACKS 

350 

radicans, 

221 

UMBELLIFER^E, 

145 

SMILAX, 

350 

TEUCRIUM, 

240 

URTICACKS, 

291 

herbacea, 

351 

Canadense, 

241 

URTICA, 

297 

rotundifolia, 

350 

THALICTRUM, 

27 

dioica, 

298 

SOLAXACEJJ, 

250 

Cornuti, 

27 

urens, 

"298 

SOLAN  UM, 

251 

THUJA, 

339 

Caroliniense, 

253 

occidentals, 

340 

VACCINIUM, 

209 

Dulcamara, 

251 

orientalis, 

340 

corymbosum, 

210 

esculentum, 

253 

THYMUS, 

236 

macrocarpon, 

209 

nigrum, 

251 

Scrpyllum, 

237 

Oxy  coccus, 

210 

tuberosum, 

253 

vulgaris, 

236 

Pennsylvanicum, 

210 

SOIJDAGO, 

175 

TILIACKS, 

68 

vaccillans, 

210 

uemoralis, 

175 

TlLJA, 

68 

VALERIANACE^E, 

165 

odor  a, 

175 

Americana, 

68 

VERBASCUM, 

224 

SOXCHUS, 

205 

Europaea, 

68 

Blattaria, 

224 

arveusis, 

206 

heterophylla, 

69 

Lychnitis, 

224 

asper, 

206 

pubescens, 

69 

Thapsus, 

224 

oleraceus, 

205 

TII.LAXDSIA, 

349 

VERBENACE^:, 

228 

SORGHUM, 

411 

usneoides, 

350 

VERBENA, 

228 

cernuum, 

412 

TRAGOPOGON, 

203 

offlcinalis, 

228 

nutans, 

411 

porrifolium, 

203 

urticsefolia, 

228 

saccharatum 

412 

TRIGONELLA, 

99 

VERNONIA, 

170 

vulgare, 

412 

ccerulea, 

99 

Noveboracensis, 

170 

SPERGULA  , 

60 

TRIFOI.IUM, 

96 

VERONICA, 

227 

arvensis, 

60 

agrarium, 

98 

peregrina, 

227 

SPIGELIA  , 

165 

arvense, 

96 

VIBURNUM, 

162 

Mariiandica, 

165 

medium, 

98 

Lentago, 

162 

SPINACIA, 

274 

pratense, 

97 

Opulus, 

163 

oleracea, 

274 

procumbeus, 

99 

VICIA, 

106 

SPIR^JA, 

120 

reflexum, 

98 

sativa, 

106 

fllipendula, 

120 

repens, 

98 

VITACE^?, 

81 

opulifolia, 

120 

stolonil'erum. 

98 

Vras,      ' 

81 

tomentosa, 

120 

TRIOSTEUM, 

161 

sestivalis, 

82 

ulmifolia, 

120 

perfoliatum, 

161 

cordifolia, 

83 

STELI.ARIA, 

59 

TRIPSACUM, 

407 

Labrusca, 

82 

media, 

59 

dactyloides, 

407 

vinifera, 

81 

SYMPIIORICARPUS, 

161 

TRi'ncuM, 

389 

vulpina, 

84 

racemosus, 

161 

repeus, 

390 

SYMPHYTUM, 

243 

vulgare, 

389 

WISTARIA, 

101 

officinale, 

243 

TROP;EOLACE.E, 

73 

Chouensis, 

102 

SYMPLOCARPUS, 

345 

TROP.EOLUM, 

73 

frutesccns, 

10'2 

foetidus, 

345 

majus, 

73 

SYRINGA, 

265 

TUSSILAGO, 

171 

XANTHICM, 

178 

Persica, 

265 

Farfara, 

171 

spinosum, 

179 

vulgaris, 

265 

TYPUACE^S, 

347 

strumarium, 

179 

TYPHA, 

347 

TANACETUM, 

189 

angustifolia, 

347 

ZANTHOXYLUM, 

75 

vulgare, 

189 

latifolia, 

347 

Americanum, 

75 

TARAXACUM, 

203 

Carolinianum, 

76 

Dens-leonis, 

203 

UI.MUS, 

292 

TAXODIUM, 

341 

alata, 

293 

ZEA, 

407 

distichum, 

341 

Americana, 

292 

Mays, 

409 

TAXUS, 

343 

campestris, 

293 

ZlZANAIA, 

370 

baccata, 

343 

fulva, 

292  |         aquatica, 

370 

INDEX 

OP 
ENGLISH   AND   FOREIGN    NAMES. 

[French,  German  and  Spanish  names  in  italics.] 


PAGK 

Abele-tree 332 

Acacia,  Rose 101 

Aconite 33 

Actinomeris,  squarrose 182 

Ailanthus 76 

Alder 327 

"     Candle 328 

"     Common 328 

"     Speckled 328 

"     Black 217 

"     White 215 

Ale-hoof 234 

Almond 113 

"       Flowering 114 

"       Sweet 114 

"       Bitter 114 

Alum-root 144 

Amaranth  Family 275 

Amaranth 275 

Green 275 

Green-spiked 275 

Thorny 278 

White 278 

Amer  can  Aspen 330 

Andromeda 213 

Angelica  Tree 156 

Apple 132 

"      Common 132 

"      Crab 134 

Apricot 114 

"        Black 115 

"        Common 114 

«      Moor-park 114 

[442] 


PjkGB 

Arbor- Vitse 339 

' ;          American 340 

"          Chinese 340 

Arrow-head 347 

Artichoke 194 

Aram  Family 344 

Ash 266 

"  Black 267 

"   Green 267 

"   Red 267 

"   Water 267 

"   White 26r- 

Asparagus 35  A 

Aster 171 

"     China 172 

"    Heath-like 172 

Avens 120 

"      Purple 121 

"      Water 121 

L'Abricotier 114 

L' Absinthe 190 

Acederilla 284 

AcMga 272 

Achicoria 200 

Ackerurinde.    Die 247 

Acore  odorant 346 

Acoro  Calamo 346 

Agripalma, 240 

L'  Agripaurm 240 

L'Ati 355 

Ail  des  Vignes 355 

Ajedr'ea 236 

Ajo 355 


IJSTDEX. 


443 


PAGE 

Alamo  tie  Lombardia 332 

Albahaca 230 

Albaricoque 114 

Alcachofa 195 

Alcaravea 150 

Alfalfa 99 

Algo'don 67 

Alhena 265 

Alouette  Pied,  d' 31 

Amapdla 40 

Amargon 203 

Ampfer.  Kramer 284 

«  Saner 284 

Andorn.  Der  Weisse 238 

Anserine  blanche 271 

Apfelbaum.  Der 132 

Apio  hortense 150 

Aprikosenbaum.  Der 114 

L'Arachide 104 

Arbol  de  Castor 35 

Arroz 369 

Artichaud 195 

ArtischoJfe.  Die 195 

Asperge 352 

Aubergine  rouge 253 

Avena 394 

Avoine  cultiv&e , .  . . .  394 

"  elev'ee 396 

Axenjo 190 

Balm,  Common 237 

Balsam  Apple 141 

Barberry  Family 37 

Barberry 37 

Barbary  Box-thorn 256 

Barley 392 

"      Four-rowed 393 

"  Two-rowed 393 

Bass-wood 68 

"  White 69 

Bastard  Jasmine 256 

Bayberry 323 

Bead-tree  Family  69 

Bead-tree 69 

Bean 107 

Bunch 107 

Carolina 107 

Dwarf. 107 

Horse 105 

Kidney 107 

"     Lima, . .  .107 


PAGE 

Bean,  Magothy-bay 110 

"     Pole 107 

"     String 107 

"     Windsor 105 

Bean-tree 222 

Bearberry 211 

Beard  Grass 410 

Bee  Balm. 232 

Beech,  American 319 

Beet,  Garden 272 

"     Sugar 272 

Beggar's  Lice 245 

Beggar-ticks. 183 

Benne 223 

Bignonia  Family 220 

Bilsted 145 

Bind-weed 247 

"          Rough 350 

Birch  Family 324 

Birch 324 

Black 326 

Canoe 325 

Cherry 327 

Paper 325 

Red 326 

Sweet 327 

White 325 

Yellow 327 

Birth  wort  Family 268 

Birthwort 268 

Bitter-nut 306 

Bitter-sweet 252 

"         "      Climbing 86 

Bitter-weed 176 

Blackberry 128 

"          Lawton 128 

Sand 128 

Black  Caps 127 

Blackjack 313 

Black  Thorn 115 

Bladder  Ketmia 67 

Bleeding-heart 118 

Elite,  Strawberry 274 

Bloodroot 42 

Blueberry 209 

Dwarf. .' 210 

"         Low 210 

"        Swamp 211 

Blue  Bonnets,  of  the  Scotch 194 

Blue-bottle 194 


444 


INDEX. 


PAGE 

Blue  Devils : 242 

Blue  Tangles 208 

Blue-weed 242 

Bodock 297 

Boneset 110 

Borage  Family 241 

Bore-Cole. 45 

Bouncing  Bet 58 

Bow-wood 297 

Boxberry 213 

Box-elder 92 

Bramble 125 

Brier,  Running 127 

"      Common 128 

Broccoli 45 

Buckeye 89 

"      Red 88 

Buckthorn  Family 85 

Buckthorn 85 

Buckwheat  Family 278 

Buckwheat 283 

Bulrush 361 

Bugbane 33 

Burdock 200 

Bur-marigold 183 

Burning  Bush 87 

Bush  or  High-cranberry 163 

Butter  and  Eggs 225 

Buttercups 27 

Butterfly-weed 263 

Butter-nut 303 

Butter-weed 173 

Button-wood 301 

Barba  Cabruna 203 

Barddna  Lampazo 200 

Basilic 230 

Basilienkraut.  Gemeines 230 

Bassinet 28 

Batata  de  Malaga 247 

Bataten  Winde 247 

Batatin 253 

Baume  verte 231 

Baumwolle.  Die 67 

Berro 43 

Berza 44  i 

Bette-rave 272  | 

Birnbaum.  Der 132  j 

Ble.  Le 389  • 

"       Sarrasin 283  ! 

Bluet 194 


PAGE 

Bockbart.  Der 203 

Bohne.  Die  gemeine 107 

Bolsa  de  Pastor 50 

Bonnet  de  Prfrre 142 

Baton  de  Oro 28 

Bouillon  blanc. 224 

Bourse  de  Pasteur 50 

Brennessel.   Die 298 

Brombeerstrauch.  Der 128 

Brome  Seigle 386 

Bromo 386 

Brunela 238 

Brumlle.   Gemeine 238 

Brunnelle  ordinaire 238 

Brunnenkresse.   Die 43 

Buche.  Die \  319 

Buchweitzen.  Der .283 

Cabbage 44 

Curled \\  \\  45 

Head 45 

Headless 45 

Savoy 45 

Tree 45 

Turnip-rooted 46 

York 45 

Calabash 138 

Calamus 346 

Calico  Bush 214 

Camass 353 

Cane 388 

Cantaloupe 139 

Capsicum 255 

Caraway,  Common 150 

Cardinal-flower 207 

Cardoon .  194 

Carolina-allspice  Family 135 

Carolina-allspice 135 

Carolina  Potato 247 

Carpet-weed 59 

Carrot,  Garden . '. . .  . . . '. '. '......  146 

"      Wild 146 

Castor-oil  Plant 289 

Catalpa 221 

Catmint '.'.'..'.  234 

Catnip '. .  234 

Cat-tail  Family 347 

Cat-tail 347 

Cauliflower 45 

Cedar,  Deodar 339 

Cedar  of  Lebanon. . .  .339 


INDEX. 


445 


PAGE 

Cedar  White 340 

"      Red 342 

Celandine 41 

Celery 150 

Centaury 260 

Chamomile,  Garden 185 

Charlock 47 

"        Jointed 54 

Cheat 38* 

Checkerberry 212 

Cherry 115 

Black 119 

Choke 119 

English...: 118 

Evergreen 119 

Morello 118 

Mountain 117 

Red 

Sour 

Wild 

Wild  Red 


118 

118 

119 

118 

.- 386 

"     Upright 387 

Chestnut,  American 318 

"         Spanish 318 

Chick  weed,  Indian 59 

Larger  Mouse-ear. . .  59 

"         Mouse-ear 59 

Chinquapin 319 

Chives  or  Gives 357 

Cichory 200 

Cinque-foil 122 

Citron 140 

Clot-bur 178 

;       Thorney 180 

Clover- 96 

"      Buffalo 98 

"          T'        (Running) 98 

"      Bokhara 99 

"      Common 97 

"      Dutch 98 

"      Hop 98 

"          "     (Low) 99 

"      Red < 97 

"      Stone 96 

"      Tree 99 

"      Welsh 96 

"      White 98 

"      Yellow 98 

98 


PAGU 

Cockle-bur 179 

Colts-foot 171 

Comfrey 243 

Composite  Family 168 

Cone-flower 180 

Convolvulus  Family 246 

Cooper's  Reed 347 

Coriander 153 

Corn,  Broom 412 

"     Chocolate 412 

"     Guinea 412 

"     Indian • 407 

Corn-cockle 56 

Corn-mint 231 

Corn-salad 166 

Cornel  Family 157 

Cotton-plant 67 

Cotton-wood 331 

Cow  Bane 148 

"    Spotted 152 

Cowslip 30- 

Cranberry 209 

"          Small 210 

"          Upland 211 

Cranberry-tree 163 

Cranes-bill 71 

Crowfoot  Family 26 

Crowfoot 27 

Cucumber 138 

"        Jerusalem 140 

"         Prickly 140 

"        One-seeded  Star 141 

Cucumber-Tree,  Yellow 35 

"  "     Ear-leaved 35 

Cudweed 191 

Currant  Family 136 

Currant,  Black- 137 

Red 137 

Currants,  Zante 

Custard- Apple  Family 36 

Cymling 142 

Cypress 340 

"       Bald 341 

Cypress  Vine^ 249 

Calabaza 138 

(Mlelmse 138 

Cameline  culitvee 50 

Camomille  romaine 186 

Cana 387 

"     de  Azucar. ..  .410 


446 


INDEX. 


Gznamo 

FAGK 
299 

Date  Plum 

PAQS 
218 

Canne  a  Sucre     

.    ...   410 

Dead-nettle  

239 

Cdpucfuntt 

73 

Devil-wood 

266 

Oapucine.    Grande  

73 

Dew-berry  

127 

Cardencha  

168 
.    .    .  .    195 

Dock.                   

283 

Cardo  

4    Bitter. 

284 

Garotte  

..   146 

'    Broad-leaved  

284 

OdTvi  ... 

150 

'    Curled  
^    4    Narrow 

283 

283 

Cassis.  . 

137 

Castano 

318 

'    Sour 

283 

''      de  Indias  

88 

Dog's  Fennel  .... 

185 

Cebada  

393 

Dogwood  Common 

157 

Cebolla  

356 

Dodder 

249 
381 

Cebollino  

357 

Door-weed 

Ceguda  

153 

.Drop-wort 

120 

Ctleri.  GelerL  Der  

.   150 

Dr.  Tinker's  Weed  
Duke  of  Argyle's  Tea-tree. 

....    161 

256 
412 

Oenteno 

392 

Cerezo  

.  .   118 

Cerisier.  Le          .  . 

118 

.  ...    268 
96 

Ckantre    Jlerbe  au  

44 

Dyer's  Green  Weed 

Chanvre.  Le  

299 

JJat'ti/le  Pelnlonnt 

376 

Ckardon  aux   Anes  

197 

353 

a  Toulon  

168 

D&it  de  Lion 

203 

"        lanceott  

195 

Ebony  Family 

217 

Chataignier.  Le  

318 

Es-o-  Plant 

253 

Ckic.oree  sauvage.    . 

200 

Elderbush 

162 

Chien-dent 

390 

162 

Chirivia  

147 

Elecampane 

175 

Ciioufleurpotager 

44 

Elm 

292 

Oidno  

194 

"    American  
"     Corky  White  

292 
...    293 
293 

Oiboulette  

357 

Cit/ue  ordinaire  . 

153 

"     English      

Cilantro  .... 

155 

"    Red  
"     Slippery   

292 
2:)2 

Citrouille.   Lagrosse.. 

142 

Cognassier.    Le 

134 

"    W^eeDira1 

292 

Coticonibre.  Le  
Corazomillo  

139 
54 

"    White       

292 
.  .  .      293 
263 
266 

"     Winged  
Enslenia            

Coriandre  

155 

Correguela  

247 

European  Olive. 

Cotonnier.  Le. 

67 

Evening  Primrose  Family.  . 
Evening  Primrose. 

.  .  .    135 
.  ..      136 

Cotufa  

181 

Cresson  —  Al'enois  
de  fontaine  

51 

43 

Eye-bright  -  

206  288 
...    202 
...    202 

Daisy  

174 

"     Ox-eye. 

188 

275 

Damascene  

115 

JSrbsc  Geineine       ,        

...    106 

Dangle-berry.    . 

208 

181 

Dandelion  

203 

Krdbeerpiicinze    Die  

..    123 

Fall  

202 

Erd-nuss.  Die  

.  .  .    104 

Darnel  .  . 

.   388 

Esdraaon.  . 

.    100 

INDEX. 


447 


PAGE 

Espadana 347 

Espurrago 352 

Espinaca 275 

E«puela  de  Caballero 31 

Estragon 190 

Estramonio 258 

Fennel,  Garden 149 

Fever-bush 286 

Fever-root 161 

Fever-wort 161 

Fig-tree 294 

Figwort  Family 223 

Filbert 320 

«      Wild 322 

Fir,  Balm  of  Gilead 337 

u  Balsam 337 

"  Double  Balsam 337 

"  Norway 338 

Fire-weed 191 

Five-finger 122 

Flax  Family 70 

Flax 70 

•'     Mountain 93 

«     False     49 

*     Wild 50 

Flax- vine 249 

Flea-bane 174 

Flower-of-an-hour 67 

Foxglove 226 

Fringe-tree , 266 

Faerber-Roethe.  Die 165 

Fasoles 107 

Fdacnbaum.  Der 294 

FencheL  Der 149 

Fenouil 149 

Feve  de  Marais 105 

FSvier  a  trois  Epines.  Le Ill 

Fiffuier.  Le 294 

Filileterre 249 

Flachs.  Gemeiner 70 

Flachskraut.  Das 225 

Flachs-seide.    Die 249 

Fleoles  des  Pres 372 

F/dhkraut 279 

Floiive  odorante 398 

Fain  de  Mouton 396 

Framer.  Le 123 

Eramboisier 126 

Frambueso 126 

Fresera  .,                 123 


PAGE 

Froment.  Le 389 

Gage 115 

Galingale,  Bristle-spiked 359 

Garget 270 

Garlic 354 

"     Crow 355 

"     English 355 

"     Field... 355 

"     Garden 355 

' '     Meadow 355 

Gentian  Family 260 

Gentian,  Horse 161 

Geranium 71 

Germander 240 

Gherkins 140 

Gill 234 

Gingko 343 

Ginseng  Family 155 

Ginseng 155 

Grape,  Bullet  or  Bull 84 

"      Chicken 83 

Common  Wild 82 

Catawba 82 

Foreign 81 

Northern  Fox 82 

Southern  Fox 84 

Frost 83 

Isabella 82 

Little 82 

Wine 81 

Winter 83 

Grass,  Family 365 

Grass  Barn-yard.  .• 403 

Beach 376 

Beard 410 

Bengal 406 

Bent 373 

"     (Reed) 376 

Bermuda 377 

Black? 358 

Blue 383 

Blue  Joint 376 

Bottle 404 

Brome 386 

"     (Smooth) 387 

Bur 406 

Canary 398 

(Reed) 400 

Cat's-tail  . 372 

Cock's-foot.  . ,  .379 


448 


INDEX. 


Grass 

ti 
t> 

.( 

i 

*  < 

i 

i 

ti 

(4 

il 
(' 
t< 
f< 
( 

1 
( 

« 
|< 
K 

<i 

a 
« 
i 
i 
t 

Coco?  

PAGE 
360 
390 
378 
402 
402 
378 
379 
378 
377 
375 
396 
385 
385 
385 
402 
375 
370 
372 
372 
404 
404 
404 
407 
383 
406 

372 
373 
411 
411 
411 
381 
376 
381 
382 
382 
383 
382 
382 
383 
359 
360 
396 
403 
379 
401 
390 
389 
387 
362 

Grass  Sesame 

P.  03 

407 

Couch  

'      Spear. 

.   383 
.    398 
396 

Crab  

'      Sweet-scented  Vernal. 
'      Velvet 

Crab  -.  

"     (Smooth)  
Crowfoot.         

1      Wire.  

383 

'      Wood  (Purple)  
'      Yard 

.   411 
.   378 
396 

Cut  

Dog's-tail 

Grass  of  the  Andes 

Dog's-tooth  

Green-brier 

350 

Drop  seed  ... 

Ground-Cherry  
Ground  Ivy. 

.    256 
234 

Feather.  ..."  
Fescue  

104 

"     (Meadow)  
"     (Tall)  .  . 

Groundsel 

.    192 

151 

Finger  

Goats-  weed                  

.    151 

"  Fiorin  "  

175 

Fox  tail 

"         "     Sweet  '  
Gold  of  Pleasure 

.    175 
.      50 

'  '          (Common)  .... 

'  '          (Meadow)  
Foxtail  

Grold  thread        

.      30 

.    136 
•    270 

"         (Bristly). 

li         (Green)  
Gama  

•    281 

Green  

•    138 

Hedo-ehoo1 

Prmrfl     TSnfrtlp 

•    138 
.   243 

Herds  (of  New  England 
and  New  York)  
Herds  (of  Pennsylvania). 
Indian. 

Gum,  Black  

•   159 
.    159 
.    271 

"         (Finger-spiked)..  . 
(Oat  like)  

•    164 

.   103 

Manna  .  . 

.      51 

Mat  -.  
Meadow  

.   234 

.    393 

(Dwarf)  

.   200 

(Early)  
(Flat  stalked)... 
(Fowl)  : 
(Rough)  
(Smooth)  
Nut  (of  Florida)  ?  

994 

Gremil  des  champs  

.    243 

.   137 

.   136 

.   106 

Gundelrel>e.  Die  

.   234 

"    (of  S.  Carolina)?.... 
Oat  .  .  . 

Gurke.  Die  ... 

.   139 

Gurltenbaum   Der 

35 

Old-witch  

Hack-berry. 

294 

Orchard  

Hackmatack  

.  339 

Panic  

Hardhack  

120 

Quitch  

Hawkbit  

.   202 

Ray  or  Rye  

Hawthorn.    .  . 

.   131 

Reed            

Haxle-nut 

320 

Sedge?..               

Beaked.. 

.   322 

INDEX. 


449 


PAGE 

Heal-all 238 

Heath  Family 207 

Hemlock 337 

"       Ground 343 

"       Common 153 

"       Poison 153 

"       Water 152 

Hemp 299 

Henbane 257 

"        Black  or  Common 258 

Hen-bit 239 

Herb  Gerade 151 

Hercules'  Club 156 

Hickory 304 

'•       Broom 306 

"       Mocker-nut 306 

"       Pecan 304 

"       Pig-nut 306 

"       Shag  or  Shell-bark 304 

•;       Small-fruited 306 

"       Thick  Shell-bark ."  305 

"       White-heart 306 

Hoarhound 238 

Hog- Apple 38 

Holly  Family 216 

Holty,  American 216 

Honeysuckle  Family 160 

Honeysuckle,  Italian 160 

Trumpet 161 

Wild 160 

Hop-vine 300 

Hornbeam 322 

Hop 323 

Horse-chestnut 88 

"             English 88 

Red-flowering. . .  88 

Horse-fly  Weed 108 

Horse-mint 232 

Horse-nettle 254 

Horseradish 48 

Horse  Sugar 218 

Horse-weed 173 

Hound's-tongue 245 

Huckleberry 208 

Black 208 

Dwarf 209 

l<           Sugar 210 

Tall...., 211 

Hyssop,  Garden 235 

Haba..                  105 


PACK 

Hafer.    Gemeiner 394 

"       Wieten 396 

Hanf.  Der 299 

Haricot 107 

Hasenklee.  Der 96 

Haya 319 

Hederich.Der 44 

Herbe  au  Chantre 44 

"     aux  Chats 234 

"     aux   Viperes 242 

Herzgespann.  Das 240 

Illtre.  Le 319 

Higulra 294 

Himbeerstaude.  Die 126 

Hinojo 144 

Hirtentasche.  Die. 50 

Hisepo 235 

Hoblon 300 

Honig-dorn.  Der Ill 

Honig- grass.    Wolliges 396 

Hop/en.  Der 300 

Houblon 300 

Houque  laineuse 396 

Hysope 235 

Imphee 412 

Indian-cress  Family 73 

Indian-cress 73 

Indian  Sage 170 

Indian  Turnip 344 

Indigo.. 102 

False 107 

"       Wild 108 

Ink-berry 217 

Iron-weed 170 

Iron  Wood 322 

Ivory  Plum 213 

Ivy 157 

' '    American 84 

"    English 157 

"   Irish 157 

Indigo 102 

Indigopflanze.  Die 102 

L'  Indigotier. 102 

hop.  Der 235 

Ivraie  vivace 389 

Jamestown-weed 258 

Jerusalem  Artichoke 181 

Jinkgo 344 

j  Judas-tree 108 

!  Juniper 342 


450 


IXDEX. 


Jaramago 

Johannisbeere.  Gemeine.  . . . 
"  Schwarze   . . 

Johanniskraut.  Das 

Joyo. 


PAGE 

.  44 

.  137 

.  137 

.  54 

.  389 

Kentucky  Coffee-tree 110 

Kentucky  Mahogany 110 

Knap-weed 194 

Knot-grass 281 

Knotweed 278 

"         Spotted 279 

Kohl-Rabi 45  j 

Kalamm.  Der 346 

Kamille.  Die 186 

Slinkende 185 

Kartendistel.  Aechte 168 

Kartoffd.  Die 253 

Katzenrnuenze.  Die 234 

Kermesbeere.  Die 270 

Richer.  Gemeine 103 

Kirschbaum.  Der 118 

Klee.  Weisser 98  : 

"     Der  Wiesen 97 

Klette.  Die 200 

Knauel-gras.  Geneines 379 

Knoblauch.  Der 355  i 

Kohl.  Der 44 

Koriander.  Der 155 

Korn  blume.  Die 194 

Kratsdistel.  Die 195 

Die  Acker. ...'..'.'.'.'.  197 

Kresse.  Kapuziner 73  ' 

Kuemmel.   Gemeiner 150 

Kuerbiss.  Der 138  I 

Lady's  Thumb 279  ! 

Lambkill 214 

Lamb's  Lettuce. 166 

Lamb's  Quarters 271 

Larch 338  j 

"    American 339  , 

"    Black 339  ' 

"     White 339 

Larkspur 31  ! 

Larkspur,  Bee 32  , 

Laurel  Family 285 

Laurel,  American 213 

"      Dwarf. 214 

"      Great 214 

"      Mountain 214 

"      Sheep 214 


Lavender,  Garden 

Leek,  Garden   

Lentil 

Lettuce,  Garden 

Lever- wood 

Life-everlasting 

Lilac 

"     Persian... 


PACK 
230 
356 
105 
205 
323 
191 
265 
265 


Lily  Family 3 

Lily. 


Day 

Japan 

Tiger 

Turk's  cap. 
White. . . 


357 
352 
357 
357 
35^7 
357 
"    Wild  Yellow  .............   357 

Lime-tree  ....................     68 

Linden  Family  ..............      68 

Linden,  European  .............     68 

Linn  ........................      68 

Liver-leaf  ....................     26 

Liverwort  ....................     27 

Lobelia  Family  ...............    206 

Lobelia  ......................    206 

Locust-tree  ..................   100 

Locust  ......................   101 

"      Clammy  ...............  -101 

Long  Moss  ...................   349 

Love-  Apple  ..................   250 

Lucerne  ......................     99 

Luzerne,  French  ..............     99 

Laitue.  La  ...................    205 

Lamier.  Le  ...................    239 

Lampazo  pequeno  ..............    199 

Larnpourde  ...................    179 

Lauch.  Der  ..................   355 


Lauch.   Der  Acker 

"      Gemeiner 

"      Der  Schnitt 

"  Weinbergs 

Lechuga 

Leindotter.  Der 

Lenteja 

Lentille.  La 

Lepidio 

LiebeS'Apfel.  Der 

Lierre  terrestre 

Lin.  Lino 

Linaria 

Linde.  Die. .  .  


355 
356 
357 
355 
205 

50 
105 
105 

51 
250 
234 

70 
225 

68 


INDEX. 


451 


P.GE 

Linse.  Gcmeine 105 

Liseron  des  champs 247 

Llanten 218 

Lcawenzahn.    Der 203 

Lolch.  Ausdauernder 389 

Luzerne.  La 99 

Madder  Family 163 

Madder 163 

Dyer's 164 

Madeira  Nut 302 

Maize 409 

Magnolia  Family 34 

Magnolia,  Great-leaved 35 

"         Small 34 

''         Laurel 34 

Mallow  Family 63 

Mallow 64 

"       Indian 65 

"       Marsh 63 

"       Rose 67 

Mallows,  Running  Low 64 

Mandrake 38 

Mangel  Wurtzel 274 

Many-berry 294 

Maple  Family 89 

Maple 89 

>'     Ash-leaved 92 

•'•     Bird's-eye 90 

'•     Black  Sugar 90 

'-'•     Curled 92 

••     Greater 89 

'•     Norway.. 90 

•'     Red 91 

"     Silver-leaved 90 

"     Sugar 90 

"     Swamp 91 

"     White 90 

Marj'  ram  Sweet 236 

Marsh  Marigold 30 

Masterwort 148 

Matrimony-vine 256 

May  Apple 38 

May-weed 185 

Meadow-rue 27 

Meadow-sweet 120 

Medick 99 

"      Black 100 

Melilot 99 

Melon. 138 

"      Musk 139 

•'      Water...                           .  140 


PACK 

Mexican  Tea 272 

Milfoil 187 

Milkwort  Family 92 

Milkwort 92 

Milkweed  Family 261 

Milkweed 261 

Millet 406 

'•     Indian 412 

Mint  Family 228 

Mint 230 

•'    Common 231 

Mistletoe  Family 286 

Mistletoe 287 

"         False 287 

Mocker-nut 306 

Monkshood 33 

Morning-glory 249 

Mother-wort 239 

Mountain  Ash,  American 134 

"             "  European 134 

Mouth-root 31 

Mulberry 295 

"         European  Black 296 

"         Red j 295 

White 224 

Mullein  Common 224 

"       Moth 224 

White 224 

Muscadine 84 

Mustard  Family 42 

Mustard,  Black 47 

"       Hedge 44 

"       White 47 

"       Wild 47 

Magnolier.  Le 35 

Majoran.  Der 236 

Majorana 236 

Malva  de  hoja  redonda 64 

Malve.  Rundladtrige. 64 

Mangold.    Gemeiner 272 

Mani 104 

Manne  de  Prusse 381 

Manzanilla 186 

"        fetida 185 

Manzdno 132 

Margarita  mayor 189 

Marjolaine.  La 236 

Maroute 185 

Maronnier  d' Inde 88 

Marrub  blanc 238 

Marrubio .  .  .238 


452 


INDEX. 


Masse  d/cau 347 

Maulbeere  Weisse 295 

Mauve.  Petite 64 

Melilot  blanc.  Le 99 

Meliloto 99 

Melisa 237 

Mdisse.  Die.  Mellisse.  La 237 

Melocoton,  EL 113 

Melon.  Melone.  Die 139 

Melon  armizcleno 139 

Melon  d'eau 140 

Melone.  Die  Wasser 140 

Membrillero 134 

rita 231 

puntiaguda 231 

Menthe.  La 231 

Mielga 99 

Milenrama 187 

Millefeuille.  La 187 

Milleperluis 54 

Moehre.  Die 146 

Morelle  a  Grappes 270 

"       noire 251 

Morera 295 

Mostazo 47 

"       bianco 47 

Moutarde  blanche 47 

"       des  Capucins 48 

'l       noire 47 

Mu flier  linaire 225 

Murier  blanc 295 

Nasturtium 73 

Neckweed 227 

Nectarine 113 

Nettle  Family 291 

Nettle .;.  297 

'•      Small  Stinging 299 

•'      Stinging 298 

"      Wood ;...  299 

Nettle-tree 293 

Nightshade  Family 250 

Nightshade 251 

."          Woody 252 

Night  Willow  herb 136 

Nimble  Will 375 

Nine  Bark 121 

Nonesuch ]  00 

Nachtschatten.  Eifruechtiger 253 

"           Der  Schivarze 251 

Natterkopf.  Der 242 

Neguillon 56 


PAGE 

Nielle  des  Bles.  La 56 

Nbguera 302 

Nbyer  commun 302 

Oak  Family 307 

Oak 307 

Barren 313 

Barrens  White 308 

Bear 315 

Black 315 

Bur 308 

Chestnut 311 

Chestnut  White 310 

Chinquapin 311 

Common  White 309 

Laurel 313 

Live 312 

Mossy-cup  White 308 

Over-cup 308 

Pin 317 

Post 308 

Red 316 

Rough 308 

Scarlet 316 

Scrub 315 

Shingle 313 

Spanish 315 

Swamp  Chestnut 310 

Swamp  Spanish 317 

Water 314 

Willow 312 

Yellow 311 

Yellow-barked 315 

Oat 393 

Oats,  Common 394 

"     "Skinless" 395 

Okra 66 

Olive  Family 264 

Onion 354 

'•     Garden 356 

Osage-orange 297 

Osier 328 

"     Golden 329 

Oswego  Tea 232 

Oyster-plant 203 

ISCEil  de  bceuf 189 

L'Oianon 356 

Orge  commune.          393 

Ornitogalo 353 

Ortie.  Grande 298 

Ortiga ' 298 

muerta. . .  .239 


INDEX. 


453 


PAGE 

Oseil/e.   Petite 284 

Palma  Christ! 289 

Panax,  Five-leaved 156 

Papaw 36 

Paper  Mulberry 296 

Parsley  Family 145 

Parsley 152 

"       Curled 152 

u       Fool's 151 

Parsnip 147 

Cow 148 

"       Garden 147 

"       Guernsey 147 

"        Wild 149 

Partridge-berry 213 

Paspalum 401 

Paulownia 226 

Pea 106 

Chick 103 

Coffee 103 

Everlasting 106 

Garden 106 

Hamoos 103 

Sensitive 110 

Sweet 106 

Peach 112 

Peach-tree 113 

Peanut 103 

Pear 132 

Pear-tree 132 

Pecan-nut 304 

Pen nsylvanian  Poly gonum 279 

Pennyroyal,  American 232 

Pepper,  Bird 255 

"       Cayenne. . .  255 

"       Red ..I!   255 

Pepper-bush,  Sweet 215 

Peppergrass   50 

Wild 52 

Pepper-mint 231 

Pepperidge 159 

Persimmon 217 

Pigeon-berry 270 

Pine  Family. 333 

Pine 334 

"   Jersey 335 

"   Loblolly 335 

"   Long-leaved 336 

"  New  England „ 336 

"  Northern  Yellow. ..  .  335 


PAGB 

Pine,  Norway 335 

"     Old  Field 335 

"     Pitch 335 

"     Red 335 

"     Scrub 335 

"     Southern  Yellow 336 

"     Weymouth 336 

"     White 336 

Pink  Family 56 

Pink,  Carolina  or  Indian 165 

Pink-root 165 

Pin-weed 71 

Pipe-vine 268 

Pipsissewa 215 

Plane-tree  Family 301 

Plane-tree 301 

Plantain  Family 218 

Plantain 218 

"      Buckhorn 220 

"      Common 218 

"      English 220 

Pleurisy-root 264 

Plum 115 

Bullace 115 

Beach 116 

Chickasaw 117 

Common 115 

Red 116 

"     Sand 116 

"     Yellow. 116 

Poison  Elder 79 

Poison-ivy 80 

Poison-oak 80 

Poison  vine 80 

Pokeweed  Family 270 

Pokeweed 270 

Poke 270 

Poplar 330 

"      Athenian 331 

"      Balsam 332 

"      Italian 332 

"      Large 330 

"      Lombardy 332 

"      Silver.... 332 

Poplar,  Tulip 35 

Yellow 35 

Poppy  Family 40 

Poppy,  Field 40 

Opium 40 

Prickly 40 


454 


INDEX. 


PAGE 

Potato 251 

"     Common 253 

"     Irish 253 

Potentilla,  Norwegian 122 

Prickly  Ash 75 

•'       Northern 76 

"       Southern 76 

Pride  of  India 69 

Prim 265 

Prince's  Feather 279 

Privet 265 

Puccoon 42 

Pulse  Family 93 

Pumpkin 142 

Purslane  Family -62 

Purslane 62 

Black 288 

Milk 288 

Panais  potager 147 

Pappel.  Lombardische 332 

Pastndke.  Die. 147 

Pastisson 142 

Palate  jaune 247 

Patendtres.  Arbre  aux 69 

Patience  frisee 284 

Paturin  annuel 382 

"       applati 383 

"       desPres 383 

Pavot  batard 40 

Pecker.  Le 113 

Pepino 139 

Peral.  El 132 

Perexil 152 

Persicaire 279 

Persicaria 279 

Persil 152 

Petersilee.  Die 152 

Peuplier  Italien 332 

Pfeffer.  Spanischer 255 

Pfeffermuenze.  Die 231 

Pfirsehenbaum.  Der 113 

Pied  d'  Alouette 31 

Pied  de  Lievre 96 

Pimentero.  El 255 

Plantain  ordinaire 218 

Plaqueminier.  Le 218 

Poirier.  Le 132 

Pois  Ckiche.  Le 103 

Pots  cultive 106 

Poivre  d'  Inde. . .  .    255 


PAGE 

d' Amour 256 

Pomme  epineuse 258 

Pomme  de  terre 253 

Pommier.  Le 132 

Porreau 35$ 

Portulak.  Gemeiner 62 

Potiron 142 

Pourpier  potager 62 

Pseudo-lotus.  Der 218 

Puerro '   35^ 

Quamash,  Eastern. ...........   353 

Quercitron ; 315 

Quince-tree 134 

Queclte.  Gemeine 390 

Quittembaum.  Der 134 

Rabbit-foot \\\\     90 

Raccoon-berry 38 

Radish.  Garden 52 

"        Spanish 54 

"       Black  Turnip..  54 

Wild 54 

Ragged  Robin 194 

Ragged  Sailor 279 

Rag-weed 176 

"         Great 176 

Ragwort,  Golden 193 

Ranstead-weed 225 

Raspberry,  Antwerp 126 

Black 127 

Garden 126 

Rose-flowering 125 

White-flowering....    126 

Wild 127 

Wild  Red 126 

Rattle  Bush 108 

Rhubarb 284 

Red-bud 108 

Red-top 373 

"        False 382 

Reed 370 

"     Sea-sand 376 

"     Small  (Canadian) 376 

Reed 387 

Reed-mace 347 

Ribgrass 220 

Rice 369 

Common 369 

False 369 

Indian. 370 

Mountain..  .   370 


INDEX. 


455 


PAGE 

Rice,  Upland 370 

"     Wild 369 

Rose  Family 112 

Rose 129 

"      Cherokee 130 

';      Climbing. 130 

"      Dwarf  Wild 130 

"      Prairie 130 

"      Swamp 130 

"      Guelder 163 

Rose  Bay 214 

Rose-campion 56 

Rose  of  Sharon 67 

Rue  Family 74 

.  Rue,  Garden 74 

Rush  Family 358 

Rush 358 

"     Common 358 

"     Soft 358 

"     Chair-maker's 361 

Ruta-baga 46 

Rye 392 

'•    Common 392 

Rabano 48 

Rode.  Gemeine 56 

Radis.  Raifort 52 

Rainfarrn.  Der 189 

Ranunkd.  Knolliger 28 

Rehwasen 383 

Reiss.  Der 369 

Rettig.  Der 52 

"     Der  Meer 48 

Rheinweide.  Gemeine 265 

Ribes  negra 137 

"     roja 137 

Ricin  ordinaire.  Le 289 

Ricino 289 

Rispengras.  Jaeliriges 382 

'•           Wiesen 383 

Rittersporn.  Der 31 

Riz.  Le 369 

Roggen.  Gemeiner 392 

Rogyen-Trespe 386 

Rohr  Gemeines 387 

Rohrkolle.  Die 347 

Ronce.La 128 

Roqueite  des  Jardins 43 

Roseau  a  balais 387 

Rosskastanie.  Die 88 

Rubia..  164 


Ruch-yras.  Das 398 

Sage,  Garden 233 

Salad 205 

"     Curled 205 

"  Head 205 

Salisburia 344 

Salsify 203 

Sarsaparilla 156 

False 156 

Wild 155 

Sassafras 285 

Saxifrage  Family 143 

Saxifrage,  Pennsylvania 143 

Tall 143 

Scarcity  Root 274 

Scury-grass  43 

Sedge  Family 358 

Sedge 361 

•  "  Tussock 363 

Self-heal 237 

Seneka  Snake  root 93 

Senna.  American. 109 

"  Wild 109 

Sesame 223 

Sheep-berry 162 

Shepherd's  Purse 50 

Shrubby  Althas 67 

Sida 65 

Silkweed 261 

Silver  Bell 218 

Skunk  Cabbage 346 

Sloe 115 

Smart-weed 281 

Smilax  Family 350 

Snakeroot,  Tall 34 

Black 34 

"  Canada 269 

"  Virginia 269 

Sneeze-wort 187 

Snowball 163 

Snowberry 161 

Soap  berry  Family 87 

Soap-wort 58 

Sorgho 412 

Sorghum 411 

Sorrel.  Field 284 

"  Sheep 284 

Sow-thistle 205 

"  Common 205 

"  Spiny-leaved 206 


456 


INDEX. 


PAGE  I 

Spanish  Needles 184  ' 

Spearmint 231 

Speedwell,  Purslane 227 

Spice-wood 286 

Spikenard 155 

Spinach  or  Spinage 274 

Spindle  Tree 87 

Spoon-wood 214 

Spruce 337 

Black 338 

Double 338 

Hemlock 337 

Norway.- 338 

Single 338 

White 338 

Spurge  Family 287 

Spurge 287 

"      Caper 288 

"      Spotted 288 

"      Large  Spotted 288 

Spurge-nettle 289 

Spurrey 60 

"      Corn 61 

Squash 142 

"      Long-necked 143 

' '      Eound 142 

"      Warted 143 

Squaw-weed 193 

Squill 353 

Stagger-bush 213 

Staff-tree  Family 86 

Staff-tree 86 

Star  of  Bethlehem 352 

Star-thistle 193 

Steeple  Bush 120 

Stickseed 244 

"         Narrow-leaved 245 

St.  John's- wort  Family 54 

St  John's-wort 54 

Stone-weed 243 

Strawberry,  English 123 

"          Garden ,.  ..      .123 

Wild 125 

Strawberry-bush 135 

Styptic  Weed 110 

Succory 200 

"      Garden 202 

"      Wild 200 

Sugar-berry 294 

Sugar  Cane 410 


Sugar,  Chinese 

Sumach 

Chinese 

Common 

Dwarf 

Poison 

Smooth 

Stag-horn 

Venetian 

Sunflower 

Summer  Savory 

Swamp  Dogwood 

Sweet-basil 

Sweet  Bay 

Sweet  Brier 

Sweet-scented  Crab-tree 

Sweet  Fern 

Sweet  Flag 

Sweet  Gale  Family 

Sweet  Gale 

Sweet-gum 

Sweet  Potato 

Sweet-scented  Shrub 

Sycamore 89 

Saat-Mohn.  Der 

Salat.  Der.  . 


Salbie.  Die. 

Salsifis 

Salvia ' 

Sandia 

Sarriette.    La 

Saturey.    Die 

Sau  Bohne.  Die 

Sauge.    La 

Scarole.    La 

Schafgarbe.  Die 

Schierling.    Der 

Schneekenklee.     Der 

Schwingel,  Essbarer 

Seigle.  Le 

Senf.  Schwarzer 

"      IVeisser 

Serpolet 

Spared.    Der 

Spinat.   Der 

Spitzklette.  Die 

Spiizmuenze.  Die 

Stachelbeere.  Die 

Stechapfel.    Der 

FteinL  le.    Weisser 


PAGE 
412 

77 

76 

78 

78 

79 

7-8 

78 

81 

181 

235 

79 

229 

34 

130 

134 

324 

346 

323 

324 

145 

247 

135 

301 

40 

205 

233 

203 

233 

140 

236 

236 

105 

233 

202 

187 

153 

99 

381 

392 

47 

47 

237 

352 

275 

179 

231 

136 

258 

99 


INDEX. 


457 


PACK 

Stdnsame  Acker 243 

Tamarack  . .' 339 

Tansy 189 

Tare 61  106 

Tarragon 190 

Tea-berry 213 

'  Tear-thumb,  Arrow-leaved 282 

"  Halberd-leaved 282 

Teasel  Family 167 

Teasel 167 

"      Fuller's 168 

"      Wild 167 

Ten  o'clock 353 

Thistle. 195 

"         Canada 197 

"        Common 195 

"        Cursed 197 

"        Pasture 196 

"        Yellow 197 

"         Cotton 199 

Thimble-berry 127 

Thorn,  Cockspur 131 

"       English 131 

"       New  Castle 131 

u       Virginia 131 

"       Washington 131 

Thorn-apple 258 

Thorough-stem 170 

Thorough-wort 170 

Thyme 236 

"       Creeping 237 

"       Garden 236 

"       Standing 236 

Timothy  (of  Pennsylvania,  &c.).   372 

"      White 396 

Toad-flax 225 

Tobacco.. 259 

"     Tndian 206 

Tomato 250 

Cherry 251 

' '        Strawberry 256 

Tongue-grass 51 

Toothache-tree 76 

Tread-softly 289 

Trefoil,  Spanish 99 

Trumpet-creeper 221 

Trumpet-flower 220 

Tulip-tree 35 

Tupelo ,'.>•.'.   159 

Turnip 44 

20 


PAGB 

(  Turnip  Common T 46 

Turnip,  Swedish 46 

Tabac.  Le 259 

Taback.  Der 259 

Tabaco 259 

Tanaceto 189 

Tanaisie 189 

Taube-nessd.  Die 239 

Thymian.  Der 237 

Tilleul.  Le 68 

Tilo 68 

Tomate. 250 

Tomillo 237 

Topinambour 181 

Trebol 97 

"      bianco 98 

Trifle  blanch* 98 

"     des  Pr'ts 97 

Trigo 389 

' '     Saraceno 283 

Triolet 98 

Troene.  Le 265 

Tulipier.  Le .  „ 35 

Tulpenbaum.  Der 35 

Umbrella  Tree 35 

Unicorn-plant 222 

Uva-ursi 211 

Uva  espina 136 

Valerian  Family   165 

Vegetable  Marrow 138 

Velvet-leaf. 65 

Vervain  Family 228 

Vervain,  Common 228 

Vetch,  Common 106 

Viburnum 162 

Vine  Family 81 

Virginia  Creeper 84 

Viper's  Bugloss 241 

Verdolaga 62 

Vid.  La 81 

Vteh-gras.  Das 383 

Vigne.  La 81 

Vogelmilch.  Die 353 

Wahoo 293 

Walnut  Family 202 

Walnut 302 

'     Black 303 

'     English... 302 

'     White 303 

Water  Beech 322 


458 


INDEX. 


PACK 
Water-cress.  .*. 43 

Water-oats 370 

Water-Plantain  Family 347 

Water-pepper 281 

Wax-myrtle 324 

Wax  Pinks 63 

Wax-work 86 

Way-bread 218 

Wheat,  Spring 389 

"       Winter 389 

Whin 96 

White- weed 189 

Whitewood 68 

Wild  Allspice 286 

Wild  Columbo 260 

Wild  Ginger 269 

Wild  Hyacinth 353 

Wild  Ipecac 289 

Wild  Lemon 38 

Willow  Family 328 

Willow,  Basket 328 

Bedford 329 

Drooping 329 

Weeping 329 

White 329 

Yellow 329 

Winter-berry 217 

Winter-cress 43 

Wintergreen 213 

Wistaria 101 

"      Chinese 102 

;'      Woody, 102 

Witch-hazel  Family 144 

Witch-hazel 144 


PAGE 

Woad- waxen 96 

Wolfs-bane 33 

Woodbine,  American 160 

Wood  Sage 240 

Wood-sorrel  Family 72 

Wood-sorrel 72 

Worm-grass 165 

Wormwood 190 

Waizen.  Gemeiner 389 

Wallnus.  Die „ 302 

Wegetritt.  Der  grosse 218 

Weyewart.  Der 200 

Weinstock.  Der 81 

Wermuth.  Der 190 

Wiesen-Lieschgras.  Das 372 

Winter-kresse.  Die 43 

Wollkraut.  Das 224 

Wucherblume.  Die 189 

Wunderbaum.  Der 289 

Yarrow 187 

Yaupon 217 

Yew,  American 343 

' '     Common 343 

Yedra  terrettre 234 

Yerba  Carmin 270 

"     Mora 251 

' '     de  Santa  Barbara 43 

"     dela  Vibora 242 

Zanahoria 146 

Zarza 128 

Zederach.  Der 69 

Zucher-rohr.  Aechtes 410 

Zwiebel.  Die 356 


NAMES 


PLANTS   ILLUSTRATED   IN   THIS   WORK. 


PAGE 

Actinomeris,  Squarrose 182 

Amaranth,  Thorny 277 

"          Reflexed 276 

Apple 133 

Ash,  Prickly 75 

Arrowhead 348 

Avens,  Water 121 

Barberry 37 

Barley,  2-rowed 394 

Bearberry 211 

Bind-weed 248 

Birch,  Black  or  Red 326 

"      Canoe  or  Paper 325 

"      Sweet  or  Cherry 327 

"      White 325 

Blue-bottle 194 

Bugloss,  Viper's 242 

Carex 364 

Carrot 147 

Celandine 41 

Checkerberry 212 

Cherry,  Garden 117 

Chess  or  Cheat 386 

Chickweed 60 

Cichory  or  Succory,  Wild 201 

Clot-bur,  Thorny 179 

Clover,  Red 97 

Cockle-bur 178 

Corn-cockle 57 

Cotton-wood 331 

Cranes-bill 72 

Crowfoot,  Tall 29 

Cucumber 139 


PAGE 

Cypress 341 

Dandelion. 204 

Dogwood,  Flowering 158 

Enslenia 264 

Filbert  or  Hazel-nut 321 

Flax 70 

"     False     49 

Flea-bane,  Canada 173 

Foxtail,  Meadow 371 

Gingko  or  Jinkgo  Tree 344 

Goats-foot 151 

Goosefoot 271 

Grape,  Fox 83 

Grass,  Canary  (Reed) 400 

Couch  or  Quitch 391 

Foxtail 405 

Herd's  or  Red-top 374 

Orchard 380 

Meadow  (Common) 384 

Velvet 397 

Vernal  (Sweet-scented). . .  399 

Grass,  General  structure  of.. ...  368 

Gromwell,  Corn 244 

Groundsel 192 

Hemlock,  Water 152 

"       Poison 154 

Hickory,  Mocker-nut 305 

Hop 300 

Hound's-tongue,  Common 246 

Indian  Corn 408 

Larkspur,  Field 32 

Lucerne 100 

Madder,  Plant 164 

[459] 


460 


NAMES    OF   THE   PLANTS    ILLUSTRATED. 


PAGE 

Mallow,  Common 64 

"        Velvet-leaf  or  Indian ..     66 

Maple,  Red 91 

Mayweed 186 

Milkweed 262 

Monkshood 33 

Mulberry,  Paper. 296 

Mustard,  Field 48 

Nettle,  Horse 254 

"      Spurge v 290 

"      Stinging " 298 

Nettle-tree 293 

Nightshade 252 

Oak,  Black 316 

"    Black  Jack  or  Barren 314 

"    Bur  or  Over-cup 308 

"    Chestnut  (Swamp) 310 

"    Chestnut  or  Yellow 311 

"    Laurel  or  Shingle 313 

Live 312 

Pin  or  Swamp  Spanish. ...   317 

Post  or  Rough 308 

Red 317 

Scarlet 316 

Spanish 314 

White 309 

Willow 313 

Oat 395 

Ox-eye  Daisy  or  White-weed.  . .   188 

Parsnip,  Cow 148 

Parsley,  Fool's 151 

Pea 94 

"     Structure  of. 95 

Peanut 104 

Pine „ 334 

Pink,  Carolina 166 

Plantain,  Common 219 


Poison  Ivy 

Polygonum,  Pennsylvania!! 

Poppy,  Field 

"  Prickly 

Purslane 

Radish,  Cultivated. ... 

'•  Wild 

Ragweed,  Great 


Rue 

Sage,  Garden 

Senna,  Wild 

Shepherd's  Purse 

Snakeroot,  Virginia 

Soap  wort 

Spanish  Needles 

Spurrey 

St.  John's-wort 

Star-cucumber,  One-seeded 

Strawberry 

Sumach,  Poison 

"  Smooth 

Tear-thumb,  Arrow-leaved 

"  Halberd-leaved  . . . 

Ten  o'clock,  or  Star  of  Bethlehem 

Thistle,  Canada 

Thorn-apple 

Timothy 

Toad-flax 

Tobacco 

"  Indian. . . ., 

Trumpet  Creeper 

Virginia  Creeper 

Wax- work  or  Climbing  Staff-tree 

Willow,  White 

Winter-cherry 

Wormseed . .  


PAGE 

80 

280 

39 

41 

62 

52 

53 

177 

129 

74 

239 

109 

51 

269 

58 

184 

61 

55 

141 

123 

79 

78 

282 

281 

354 

198 

258 

373 

225 

259 

207 

221 

85 

87 

329 

257 

273 


667764 


LANDSCAPE 
ARCH. 
LIBRARY 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY