Part 11

The corolla of the small, irregular flower is in 2 divisions, the upper one with 2 narrow, upright parts, between which the stamens show; the lower one with 3 broad equal lobes; the color varies from deep lavender to light, and from a bluish to a pinkish tone, the lower division is marked with a broad white wedge-shaped spot near the throat. The small calyx has 5 thread-like divisions, green, tinged with lavender. From 3 to 4 flowers blossom at once on the top of the stem.

This little Lobelia flourishes especially in the limestone regions of the Green Mountains. It grows in communities among the short grass, beside some wayside spring or runlet; the flowers, all facing in the same direction, appear as though turned to greet the wayfarer. It is a plant of delicate finish and color, with a lithe and graceful gesture.

[Illustration: BROOK LOBELIA: L. Kalmii.]

*Indian Tobacco.* _Lobelia inflata._

Found in damp places, and along roadside ditches, in August.

The leafy, sometimes branching stalk grows from 12 to 18 inches, and is not large, though less slender than the Spiked Lobelia, its texture being also coarser; it is very slightly rough to the touch, and light green in color.

The leaves near the foot are about an inch long, and a blunt oval shape; near the top they become smaller and narrower; with coarsely toothed margins, a thin texture, and dull green color. They clasp the stalk alternately.

The flowers are smaller than the other Lobelias mentioned; the corolla is lilac, with a white spot on the lower lip; the calyx, whose 5 divisions are thread-like, is purplish-green. The flowers, on their little foot-stems, are placed in a scattering fashion upon the stalk to form a long terminal spike; each flower is supported by a little leaf or bract.

As the blossoms fall the seed-pods swell into a round and inflated shape, which, together with the scantiness of its bloom, gives the spike an untidy look, unusual in this class of delicate forms and elegant proportions.

[Illustration: INDIAN TOBACCO: L. inflata.]

*Cardinal Flower.* _Lobelia cardinalis._

Found on the margins of small streams, in light shade, and in low moist ground, from July to October.

The single, rather large stalk is round, and somewhat irregularly grooved, smooth to the touch, and a full green color. It grows from 2 to 4 feet high.

The leaves are generally from 2 to 3 inches in length, tapering at both ends with the veins distinctly showing, and irregularly toothed margins; their texture is fine, and the color a full dark green. They are set immediately upon the stalk, in an alternate arrangement.

The irregular corolla is somewhat 2-lipped, with a long slender tube which is split down its upper side; the lower lip is broad and 3-cleft, the upper being narrow and in 2 parts; its color is a deep and glowing red, with a darker spot near the throat upon the lower lip. The pistil and 5 stamens, which curve outwards noticeably, are of a lighter red color with fine gray tips; the calyx is 5-parted and green. The flowers are arranged in a long, usually one-sided, spike.

Coming into bloom when the midsummer vegetation is growing dusty, this plant fills the eye with the richness of its dark green leafage toned into perfect accord with the glowing hue of its flowers,--their color a truly royal one, of unusual depth as well as brilliancy. The Cardinal Flower should not be plucked ruthlessly, lest it be exterminated, an ever-present danger to the beautiful annuals man appreciates. It can be cultivated from the seed with considerable success.

[Illustration: CARDINAL FLOWER: L. cardinalis.]

CAMPANULA FAMILY.

CAMPANULACEÆ.

*Venus’ Looking-glass.* _Specularia perfoliata._

Found in blossom from June through July, among the grass, in open fields, and on hills.

The simple stalk grows from 12 to 20 inches high; it is somewhat angled, and roughened on the angles; rather weak in fibre it leans against the surrounding vegetation. It is of a light green color.

The small, shell-shaped leaf is broad, heart-shaped at the base, with a scalloped margin. The leaves are strung on the stalk, alternately, at short distances; they are stiffish in texture, and light green in color.

The deeply divided 5-pointed corolla is a deep reddish-violet; there are 5 stamens, and the pistil is 3-parted; the long, cylindrical, green calyx has 5 slender points. The flowers grow from the angles of the leaves, there being usually a number open at once toward the top of the stalk.

The lower flower buds do not open, ripening their seeds without the show of blossoming. As the flowering season advances the stalk lengthens out into a long wand, strung with shell-like little green leaves, each one holding in its hollow a seed-case.

[Illustration: VENUS’ LOOKING-GLASS: Specularia perfoliata.]

*Harebell.* _Campanula rotundifolia._

Found during July and August in rocky soil, along roadside thickets; in damp shade, or on exposed and barren uplands.

The stems of this lovely plant are very slender, like leafy wands, from 10 to 16 inches in height; they are firm and fine in fibre, smooth and shining, and bronzy-green.

The grass-like leaf is about an inch long, fine and thin and smooth; its color betrays the violet hues that temper all the green parts of the plant.

The blossom varies in size rather noticeably. Its corolla is shaped like a bell with 5 small pointed tips which curve outward to show the long lavender pistil with its malachite-green tip; the texture of the bell is delicately thin and yet firm, and the color an exquisite violet, which ranges from pale lavender, or even almost white, to a reddish-purple hue. The green calyx is 5-parted, its divisions very slender, half as long as the bell, and clinging closely to its shape. The many blossoms nod on thread-like stems.

In early spring the Harebell plant consists of a tuffet of small, round, slightly notched leaves, on spreading stems; these mostly disappear when the flowering stems begin to rise. In part, the swaying, flexile grace of gesture belonging to these flowers may be due to the light way in which the bells are caught in their tiny calices. When advanced in maturity the pistil becomes 3-parted and loses its vivid green tip. The Harebell is commonly credited with a love of shade, but it is frequently found in the crevices of exposed rock-ledges; and a favorite haunt, in one instance, is a bare mountain ridge, covered only by thick dry gray mosses, where these lovely bells nod amidst the Ebony Fern leaves (_A. ebeneum_), in thrifty vigor under the broad sunlight.

[Illustration: HAREBELL: Campanula rotundifolia.]

*Bellflower.* _Campanula rapunculoides._

Found in July on dry roadsides, and along walls and fences.

The stalk is single and leafy, slender, and slightly rough with hairs, from 2 to 4 feet in height; light green.

The root-leaves are small, and heart-shaped, with scalloped margins, set on stems that are sometimes 6 inches long. The lowest leaves along the stalk are shaped like an Indian arrow-point; the upper leaves are long and narrow: the margins are irregularly toothed, they are thin in texture, hairy, and light green; and are set on short broad stems which clasp the stalk alternately.

The corolla is bell-shaped with 5 outward-curving, tapering tips, and a beautiful violet-blue color; the pistil is 3-parted, protruding, and purple tinted; the green calyx is 5-parted, its divisions abruptly turned back. The flowers are set along one side of the stalk in the angles of the small upper leaves, forming a long wand-like spire.

Although the flowers bloom first at the base of the spire, frequently, when the tip has begun to hang out its noticeable bells, fresh buds will push forth far below, and open beside the old dried blossoms at the foot,--for the withered flower clings long to the calyx.

[Illustration: BELLFLOWER: C. rapunculoides.]

HEATH FAMILY.

ERICACEÆ.

*Trailing Arbutus.* _Epigæa repens._ *May flower.* *Ground Laurel.*

Found in the woods, or clearings near woods, and upland pastures, during April. It particularly favors pine woods.

The branching leafy stalk is low, and trailing close to the ground under dry leaves and dead grass; it is tough and woody-fibred, and rough-hairy to the touch; rather slender. Its color is rusty brown, and very rich in tone.

The oval leaf is heart-shaped at the base, with a strong midrib which is somewhat taut and gives the entire margin usually an undulating character; the fibre is tough, and rough to the touch. The color is a strong positive green, more or less worm-eaten, and rust-spotted; it is evergreen. The leaves are set, on slender rough stems, alternately, at irregular intervals, and more closely near the flowers. The new leaves come after the blossoming time.

The flower has a tubular corolla, spreading into 5 rounded points; its color varies from an exquisite white to a deeply tinted rose; the inconspicuous stamens show only as a feathery, pale yellow ring in the centre. The 5-parted, pale green calyx is set around with 5 similar leafy bracts. The blossoms, on their little foot-stems, are gathered in close clusters along the ends of the stalk and branches. They exhale a sweet and spicy fragrance.

The plant, with its green and rusty leaves, hugs the earth so closely that often only the tips of the flowery clusters show here and there among the dried leaves, which almost conceal them from their friendly enemies, whose love of their beauty knows no better manner of exhibiting itself than by tearing the vine up by its roots. This selfish ignorance is fast exterminating the lovely flower in the populous districts of New England,--already it has become in certain place as mere tradition. As though in revenge, nature keeps fast the secret of its growth, and the Arbutus refuses to live in man’s care for more than one or two seasons.

[Illustration: ARBUTUS: Epigæa repens.]

*Cassandra.* _Cassandra calyculata._ *Leather-leaf.*

Found in April and May, in marshes and swamps, sometimes standing in water to the depth of two feet.

This shrub, about 3 or 4 feet high, branches often, and is tough-fibred; the bark when new is smooth, but is inclined to become frayed and to split when it is old. The color is brown, of a golden hue.

The leaf is oval, widest near the tip, the midrib is prominent beneath, the margin is entire and slightly thickened on the edge, the texture is coarse grained and tough, but not thick; while the upper surface is smooth and shining, the underside is dull. It is evergreen; in color green, rusty underneath. The arrangement is alternate, and close together, and the leaves are so set as to point upwards; their short stems are often reddish.

The corolla is a small 5-pointed bell, curved inwards at the throat and spreading its points to show the thread-like, green pistil; of a fine smooth texture and pure white; the 5-parted calyx is curved closely to the bell,--white, or yellow, or tawny-tinted; at its base are found 2 little rusty, or white bracts. The flowers are set on short rusty stems which grow from the angles of the leaves, and turn downward.

It is worth the effort to discover the shy Cassandra’s haunts, in order to see the bush, its slender branches set close with pretty hanging bells beneath the alert leaves, that stand upright above them, in watchful military rows.

[Illustration: CASSANDRA: Cassandra calyculata.]

*Marsh Andromeda.* _Andromeda polifolia._ *Wild Rosemary.*

Found in swamps and marsh lands, in May.

This shrub grows between 1 and 2 feet high; it is branching, leafy, and slender, with a woody fibre. The bark on the young shoots is smooth and firm, when old it is rough and inclined to split.

The leaf is evergreen. In shape it is long and needle-like, a resemblance caused by its closely rolled edges which give it a stiff erectness of bearing; the texture is firm and dry, its upper surface being slightly grained, though it is smooth underneath. In color it is a dark, rich green, pale beneath. The leaves are set, on very short tawny stems, close together, and alternately.

The mouth of the small bell-shaped flower is almost closed; its oval form is diversified by the little pinched folds which run up from between its 5 little tips. In color it is a rosy tinted white; the little 5-parted calyx being colored like the corolla. The bells are set on short white foot-stems that are enfolded by tiny greenish-pink bracts; they are close gathered in small groups, and nod at the ends of the branches.

The fine-pointed leaves, whatever the angle from which they spring, all turn upward, giving a curious flat and conventionally decorative effect to the branches.

[Illustration: MARSH ANDROMEDA: Andromeda polifolia.]

*Privet Andromeda.* _Andromeda ligustrina._

Found in moist wayside thickets and swamps; blossoming in June.

The tough, woody stalk, erect, branching, and leafy, is covered with a smooth, light gray bark. It grows from 3 to 6, or more, feet in height.

The small leaves are from 1 to 2 inches long, tapering at both ends; they are alternate, on very short foot-stems. The margin is entire, or very finely notched, surface smooth, and texture firm. Color, green.

The small, bell-shaped flower is nearly round, with 5 tiny, recurved points at the top. It is inconspicuous in color, being of a dull greenish white, the tawny stamens showing within. The flowers, on short, curved stems, hang from one side of the twigs, on the ends of the branches.

The seed-case is small, round, brown, and 5-parted; it is especially noticeable in winter and early spring, and is at all times more attractive to the eye than the colorless flowers,--it adds a graceful touch to the winter bouquet gathered by the twig-loving wayfarer.

[Illustration: PRIVET ANDROMEDA: A. ligustrina.]

*Pink Azalea.* _Rhododendron nudiflorum._ *Swamp Pink.* *Honeysuckle.*

Found in swamps, moist woods, and on hillsides in May.

This woody-fibred, branching, and leafy shrub, varies in height from 3 to 6 feet; it has a light, warm-gray bark, nearly smooth to the touch.

The charming leaf is oval in shape, tapering at both ends, with an entire margin; its texture is thin, and the fine surface bears a few soft short scattering hairs. In color it is a light pure golden green. The growth is alternate, and somewhat clustering.

The large flower is, in shape, a long slender tube spreading at the top into 5 long-pointed divisions with a fold in the center of each; the 5 stamens and pistil are all long and slender, extending their curving ends far out from the tube; the calyx is hardly noticeable. The color of the corolla varies from pale to deep rose-pink, the tone deepening toward the base of the tube, while the stamens and pistil are rosy crimson,--the tip of the pistil is pinkish-brown. The flowers grow in groups of 5 or more, on short pale green stems, from the ends of the branches. They are very fragrant.

The very essence of spring seems to dwell in the pink and green colors and the spicy breath of this Azalea. The gesture in dropping its flowers is graceful,--the blossom, sliding down the long pistil, hangs swaying on its tip for some time before it finally drops softly to the earth. The branches, especially the lower ones, swing out from the bush in long free curves.

[Illustration: PINK AZALEA: Rhododendron nudiflorum.]

*White Azalea.* _Rhododendron viscosum._

Found in swamps and wet lands during July.

This shrub grows from 4 to 6 or even 7 feet high, and branches less regularly than the Pink Azalea, and is somewhat less leafy in habit; it is rather slender, woody-fibred, and the bark is dry and slightly rough. In color, reddish-gray.

The oval leaf is widest near the tip whose extreme point is noticeably sharp; its midrib is marked, and the margin is entire, the edge and underside of the midrib being hairy; the texture is thin and firm, the upper surface glossy. The color of the new growths is a fine green (less golden than its sister) which becomes dark when older. The leaves grow in clustered groups.

The flower is smaller than the earlier Azalea, and its points are more curled; it is pure white in color, the outside of the tube being covered with tiny red hairs which are sticky to the touch. The white stamens, with their straw-colored tips, are shorter than the pistil which is faintly pink-tinted, with a darker tip. The calyx is not observable without close inspection; the green foot-stems are very short; and the flowers are grouped terminally upon the twigs.

There is a reddish tinge to the bud, and the flower is delightfully odorous, and the blooming time is pleasantly prolonged.

[Illustration: WHITE AZALEA: R. viscosum.]

*Low Blueberry.* _Vaccinium vacillans._

Found in dry uplands, and light woods, in May.

The woody, branching stalk, from 1 to 2 feet high, has a smooth, thin, green bark.

The oval leaves are small, about an inch long, unbroken on the edge, and set opposite each other on scarcely perceptible stems; they are rather few in number, fine in texture, smooth, and of a light green color.

The small, bell-like corolla is slightly contracted at the top, 5-parted, with the small tips rolled back. Color white, more or less tinged and streaked with light red. There are 10 orange-tipped stamens, and 1 pale green pistil; the 5-parted calyx is green, tinged with red. The flowers hang on short stems, drooping in clusters of 5 to 7, or more, from the ends of the twigs.

The flowers appear while the leafage still shows the red flush of the new growth. The green twiggery of this low bush gives an early promise of spring, long before the leaves think of showing themselves. The round, sweet and juicy berries, dark blue with a fine bloom, surrounded by the harmonious green of the leafage, have a decided charm of color too rarely noted by those who seek them for their edible qualities only.

[Illustration: LOW BLUEBERRY: Vaccinium vacillans.]

*Deerberry.* _Vaccinium stamineum._ *Squaw Huckleberry.*

Found in June, in dry woods.

A branching, leafy shrub, which grows from 2 to 4 feet high; its stalk is stout, and woody, and covered with a gray bark.

The oval leaf seems rather small for the size of the bush; it has an entire margin, a firm texture that is somewhat tough-fibred, and smooth surface. Color, light green, and pale beneath. The leaves are set on very short stems, alternately.

The small bell-shaped corolla spreads into 5 outward curving points; it is white. The stamens form a close, pointed cluster about the pistil and hang out from the flower bell,--they are dull orange in color; the small calyx is green. These bells swing on slender stems, from the angles of little leaves, in thick clusters along the lower sides of the branches.

The Deerberry’s branches stretch out in a nearly horizontal direction; its profusion of pretty bells begin to open while still undeveloped, and are about a fortnight in coming to their full beauty, to which a pleasing touch of individuality is given by the orange-tipped stamens. The fruit is flat to the taste, and gives the bush its second folk-name.

[Illustration: DEERBERRY: V. stamineum.]

*Mountain Laurel.* _Kalmia latifolia._

Found in rocky pastures, uplands and light woods, and swampy grounds, in June.

This is a large shrub varying in height from 4 to 8 feet, and occasionally taller. Its stalk and branches are more or less twisted and angular in growth, and woody, of a fibre compact and tough; the old growths are covered with a roughened gray bark.

The beautiful leaf is evergreen; of an oval shape, with a tapering tip, an entire margin, strong midrib, a firm fine texture, and a smooth surface. The color is a fine dark green in the old growths, a light vigorous green when new. The leaves, on very short stems, are usually placed alternately, but are sometimes opposite each other, and toward the end of the branches are clustered.

The corolla is bowl-shaped, with 5 or 6 points; around the middle of this bowl are 10 little pockets,--each one of which holds the tip of a stamen until it is ready to spring out and scatter its pollen,--these pockets, or sacs, projecting on the outside of the bowl, form little spurs all around it. The color of the flower is white, or pink; in the bottom of the bowl a 10-pointed star is outlined in dark crimson, and flecks of crimson occur just above the little pockets. The tiny seed-box in the center is green; the elastic stamens are silky white; the little calyx is green; the flower-stems pale and sticky. The flowers form large and conspicuous clusters on the ends of the branches.

The flowers and buds have a pretty shell-like quality. Shortly after flowering, the vigorous light green shoots put forth, and the ripening seed-boxes take on a crimson hue, making the Laurel pasture all aglow a second time with rich color. This 5-angled seed-box, turned to brown, remains throughout the winter in pleasing contrast to the fine evergreen leafage.

[Illustration: MOUNTAIN LAUREL: Kalmia latifolia.]

*Pale Laurel.* _Kalmia glauca._

Found in cold bogs and swamps, during June.

This shrub is between 1 and 2 feet in height; it is woody-fibred, hard and firm, with a thin, close bark. The branches are curious in growth, being formed of short sections that are two-edged and somewhat flat; these sections are placed alternately and at right angles to each other. The color is a dark rich brown.

The leaf is oblong, with a blunt tip, and a noticeably rolled-under edge; the surface is glossy above, and the texture is tough. It is evergreen, dark above and whitey-green underneath, the midrib being yellowish. The leaves grow in pairs, upon very short stems that spring from the section-joints, at right angles to each other.

The flower is small, similar to the Mountain Laurel; of a clear light crimson color, with dark-tipped stamens. The blossoms are set on dull crimson-red stems, and arranged in terminal groups.

This is rather rare, and not easy to become acquainted with owing to its preference for swamp holes. The tiny seed-pods on their thread stems are very pretty.

[Illustration: PALE LAUREL: K. glauca.]

*Sheep’s Laurel.* _Kalmia angustifolia._

Found on upland slopes and hilly pastures, in June.

This branching, very leafy, bush is 18 inches to 2 or 3 feet in height, with a woody fibre, and tough bark. The new shoots are green, the older growths turning to reddish-brown.

The leaf is a long oval, with a rolled-under edge; not large, but otherwise like that of the Mountain Laurel. It is evergreen, the old growths dark and dull, with rusty spots of weather-wear; the fresh leaves are bright green, the midrib being yellow, with a hint of pink underneath. The leaves are set on short stems, and placed in little groups near together.

The blossom is smaller and more shallow than the Mountain Laurel; it is in color a strong dark pink, with the star design outlined in dark crimson. The 10 stamens are shining, and pale pink, with crimson tips; the curved pistil is light pink. The flowers, on tiny foot-stems, are arranged in loose clusters, of a dozen or more, upon a short stem; these clusters are placed in a whorl about the stalk, at the summit of last year’s growth, and beneath the over-topping new shoot.

The old leaves bend downward, while the new stretch themselves upward, holding their tips nearly erect.

[Illustration: SHEEP’S LAUREL: K. angustifolia.]

*Shinleaf.* _Pyrola elliptica._

Found in the woods in June.

The little underground stalk throws up a few leaves, and a flower stem which reaches 6 or 8 inches in height.