Part 12

The leaf is round, or oval, showing the midrib and veins, with an entire margin whose edge curls under, and a tough leathery fibre. It is evergreen, dark and strong in color, the ribs and veins being whitish. It is set on a short, margined, reddish stem, which is protected at the ground by an enfolding dark sheath.

The 5 petals of the flower form a cup; they are thin and waxen in texture, and are pale greenish-white; the 10 yellow-tipped white stamens huddle all together in the upper part of the cup; the long curved pistil is down-bent; the calyx is 5-parted, flat, and green. Several flowers on short, down-turned, green-reddish stems, are placed together upon a slender, erect, green stem which rises from the ground; it is tinted reddish at its base, and midway its length bears one small red-green bract.

There is a smack of individuality about this plant; it presents an appearance of being self-sufficing, and exclusive, though growing in more or less numerous companionship with its kindred.

[Illustration: SHINLEAF: Pyrola elliptica.]

*Small Pyrola.* _Pyrola secunda._

Found in woodlands during June and July.

The 3- to 6-inch-long flower-stem springs, along with several leaves, from the top of an underground, somewhat square, stalk.

The leaf is oval, with a somewhat pointed tip, a midrib that is strong and prominent above as well as beneath, and a finely scalloped margin; its texture is thin and firm, and its surface glossy; it is evergreen. Set on slender trough-like short stems, the leaves form a small group. In color a fine, clear green.

The flower is small; the 5 obtuse-pointed, greenish-white petals curve in the shape of a bell, the slightly curving, green pistil protruding; the 5-parted calyx is very small and greenish. The flowers, on their little foot-stems, are set along the stem in a nodding row, whose weight, apparently, pulls the erect stem to one side. A few tiny leafkins occur on this stem.

When the flowers fall, the little 5-scalloped seed-pods with the long pistils remain long in their places. The buds do not open in regular sequence, as is usual among blossoms similarly arranged.

[Illustration: SMALL PYROLA: P. secunda.]

*One-flowered Pyrola.* _Moneses grandiflora._

Found usually in pine woods, by shaded brooks, in June.

The small, round, and pale stalk runs along the earth just under its surface, and terminates in a rosette of a few leaves, loosely lying upon the ground, and a flower stem from 2 to 4 inches high.

The round leaf is very smooth underneath, while the ribs and veins we prominent above; the margin is finely notched, and the texture is thin. In color a rich, cool green.

The 5-pointed petals of the flower are a shallow shell-shape; their margins curl under somewhat, their texture is thin and waxen, and their surface is smooth to the touch; color, white, inclined to ivory. The 10 white stamens have curious 2-horned, dull-yellow tips,--they lie back, with a quick curve, in the hollows of the petals; the bright green pistil bends, or curves downward; the flat 5-parted calyx is very small. The single flower is set on the crook-like tip of the pale-green flower-stem, which bears one or two tiny pale bracts.

This boldly curved crook of the flower-stem is completely straightened when the petals fall,--the seed-box is held upright. Like most of its tribe this is a gregarious little plant, and grows in plantations.

[Illustration: ONE-FLOWERED PYROLA: Moneses grandiflora.]

*Prince’s Pine.* _Chimaphila umbellata._ *Pipsissewa.*

Found in dry woods during July.

The simple leafy stalk varies from 4 to 10 inches in height, and is round, tough-fibred, and woody at the base. Color, green.

The oblong leaf is widest toward the tip, and tapering toward the base; the margin is notched, the texture is fine, firm, and thick, with a smooth and shining surface. The color is dark green, lighter beneath; it is evergreen. The leaves, on very short stems, grow in whorls of 5 (generally speaking), about the stalk.

The flower has 5 rounded, concave, white petals, with a rose colored ring marked in its center; the 10 pinkish stamens are set around the large, conical, green pistil, whose summit is flat and sticky; the small 5-parted calyx is green. Several flowers, on short curving stems, grow in a cluster, from the top of the flower-stem.

Pipsissewa’s seed-cases are interesting; they are round and brown, and, borne upright on the end of the slender stems, are truly decorative in aspect, and with the shining green leaves remain unchanged by winter’s cold. In Maine the plant is called “Love-in-winter.”

[Illustration: PRINCE’S PINE: Chimaphila umbellata.]

*Spotted Wintergreen.* _Chimaphila maculata._

Found in dry woods, commonly under evergreen trees, in July.

The dull red, tough stem, 5 or 6 inches in height, bears one or two whorls of leaves.

The leaves, about 2 inches long, are tapering at the tip, with a few small notches on the margin; they are thick, and leathery, with a smooth surface, and are set in whorls of 4 or 5 on short foot-stems. In color, dark green, with the ribs marked out by broad lines of light.

In general form, the flower is much like that of the Pipsissewa. The petals are white, the stamens pale cream, and the pistil green.

This form of the Pipsissewa is less common in the New England than in the Middle States. Its variegated leaves are a pleasing, somewhat rare note in our winter leafage.

[Illustration: SPOTTED WINTERGREEN: C. maculata.]

*Wintergreen.* _Gaultheria procumbens._

Found during July in woods, and along the edges of woods.

The creeping stalk sends up an erect stem, leafy at the top, about 4 or 5 inches high, woody-fibred and tough, and smooth to the touch. Its color is green,--red toward the root.

The leaf is a broad oval, with a rounded tip, an obscurely notched margin, of a tough and thick fibre, and smooth, polished surface. It is evergreen: when old a dark green, often bronzy; more yellow-green, tinged with dull red, when young. The alternate leaves, on very short stems, are clustered at the top of the stalk.

The small bell-shaped flower is minutely 5-parted, and all white. The flowers, on short curving stems, grow singly from the angles of the leaves, hanging their bells downward.

The fruit is round and small, a bright cherry red in color; it ripens in the fall and remains throughout snow-time, always ready to lend its glowing color, with the bronzy leaves that surround it, to a winter bouquet from the woods. The new shoots put forth from the ground in June, and are called “youngsters” in the country; they have an aromatic, pungent flavor, and going “youngstering” is a favorite diversion of childhood. The plant is a great colonist, and year after year its plantations thrive in the same localities.

[Illustration: WINTERGREEN: Gaultheria procumbens.]

*False Beech Drops.* _Monotropa Hypopitys._ *Pine Sap.*

Found growing upon the roots of pine or oak trees, from June to September.

The single and erect stalk is about 6 or 8 inches high; thick, fleshy, and smooth, or downy. It is pale at the foot, deepening to a crimson-red near the flowers.

The small and sheath-like bracts are indeterminate in shape, thin and dry. In color yellow-red, turning blackish when withered. A few only occur upon the stalk.

The small flowers are irregularly vase-shaped, and composed of 8 or 10 narrow fleshy parts with crinkled tips; they are set on short stems, in the clasp of a bract, and arranged in terminal groups of 2 to 5 in number. The color is rosy-red, with yellow tips,--flowers, bracts, and the top of the stalk following the same scheme of color.

A parasite, growing upon the roots, and, though not unpleasing in general aspect when perfectly fresh, betraying the base quality of its nature when mature, for an unwholesome mould spreads over its parts as it grows old. When first opened the flowers turn down, but become erect with age.

[Illustration: FALSE BEECH DROPS: Monotropa Hypopitys.]

*Indian Pipe.* _Monotropa uniflora._ *Corpse Plant.*

Found in dark, damp woods, from June to August.

The thick, round, flower-stem varies from 3 to 8 inches in height, and is fleshy, smooth, and clammy. Its color is white, or faintly flesh-tinted.

The small, scaly bracts, which serve for leaves, are white.

The large bell-shaped flower is formed of 5 long, narrow, fleshy white parts, whose tips flare a little. The 10 stamens are dull tawny. The flowers are nodding, usually solitary, though sometimes 2 or even 3 are grouped on one stem.

A parasitic growth on roots and decaying vegetable matter, speedily turning black when gathered, the Indian Pipe displays none of the pleasing attributes commonly associated with healthful sun-loving vegetation. It is, by nature, designed for the semi-twilight of the dark forest, and illy bears transportation into the brighter light of the open; even in the shadows of the woods, it is often found covered by dead leaves.

[Illustration: INDIAN PIPE: M. uniflora.]

PRIMROSE FAMILY.

PRIMULACEÆ.

*Star-flower.* _Trientalis Americana._ *Star Anemone.* *Star-of-Bethlehem.* *Chickweed Wintergreen.*

Found in moist shade during May.

This very slender and smooth little stalk grows from 3 to 5 inches in height, bears one or two sheath-like leaves near the root, and terminates in a whorl of leaves at the top. It is green, slightly reddish at the foot.

The long leaf is sharp-pointed at both ends, with an entire margin, a thin and delicate texture which shows plainly the pattern-like tracery of the ribs and veins, and a shining surface; the color is a full green. 6, or more, leaves, of unequal size, spread in a whorl upon the summit of the stalk.

The flower has 7 nearly diamond-shaped parts, of a thin texture, and pure white color; they spread flat, their edges just overlapping in a 7-pointed star, the 7 long, and narrow, greenish divisions of the calyx alternating with them; the 10 thread-like stamens are white, with orange tips. A single flower, borne on a slender stem, rises from the whorl of leaves.

The number of the corolla-divisions sometimes varies, but 7 is the usual measure. It is noticeable that the flower-stem is set a trifle underneath the lap of the leaves, causing an inclination of the star to one side. A tiny leaf is found sitting on the stalk just under the leafy canopy.

[Illustration: STAR FLOWER: Trientalis Americana.]

*Loosestrife.* _Lysimachia quadrifolia._

Found in moist grounds, and woods, in June and July.

The single stalk, from 12 to 18 inches in height, is hairy and faintly ridgy, and light green in color.

The leaf is oval and pointed at both ends; from 2 to 3 inches long, with a strong midrib; the upper surface smooth to the touch, the lower hairy, and the color yellow-green. The leaves are set close on the stalk in whorls of fours and fives, with a single pair occurring near the foot of the stalk.

The divisions of the flower are 5, long-pointed, fine in texture, and light yellow, with a few tiny red streaks, and a bright red marking at their base; the 5 erect, pale yellow stamens, tipped with tawny, are united at the foot in a collar; the calyx-parts are 5, narrow, pointed, and light green. The flowers, set on thread-like stems spring from the angles of the leaves,--a flower for each leaf.

As many as six or seven whorls of leaves, four often accompanied by flowers, are found on a single stalk.

[Illustration: LOOSESTRIFE: Lysimachia quadrifolia.]

*Spike Loosestrife.* _Lysimachia stricta._

Found in moist lands and fields, in July.

The stalk, from 12 to 18 inches in height, is branching near the top, leafy, and smooth, but grooved beneath the branches; it is hollow, and has a stiff fibre; pale yellow-green.

The long and narrow oval leaf is sometimes 2 and 3 inches long and only ½ an inch in width; its texture is thin, its surface very smooth, and the margin entire. The color is a light yellow-green. The leaves clasp the stalk in pairs, which occur at right angles to each other, and are near together.

The flowers are about half an inch across, otherwise in color and shape exactly resembling _L. quadrifolia_; they are set on inch long stems, and arranged in irregular rings about the stalk, forming a noticeable feathery spike, 5 or 6 inches in length.

The blossoms open first at the bottom of the spike, several rings flowering at one time. The branches occur in pairs, symmetrically.

[Illustration: SPIKE LOOSESTRIFE: L. stricta.]

*----* _Steironema ciliatum._

Found in low places, and among shrubby growths, in July.

The single, smooth, 4-angled stalk is from 2 to 3 feet in height, and a shining, light green color, sometimes bronzy.

The leaf is long oval, blunt or very slightly heart-shaped at the base, tapering to a long and very sharp tip; the margin is entire, the ribs noticeable, and the upper surface is velvety to the touch; the color light green. The leaves are set on short stems, which are fringed with erect hairs along their upper edges, and arranged in pairs, the pairs being at right angles to each other.

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

This handsome plant takes kindly to garden cultivation.

[Illustration: ---- Steironema ciliatum.]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Illustration: COMMON PIMPERNEL: Anagallis arvensis.]

DOGBANE FAMILY.

APOCYNACEÆ.

*Spreading Dogbane.* _Apocynum androsæmifolium._

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

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

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

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

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

[Illustration: SPREADING DOGBANE: Apocynum androsæmifolium.]

*Indian Hemp.* _Apocynum cannabinum._

Found on river banks during July and August.

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

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

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

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

[Illustration: INDIAN HEMP: A. cannabinum.]

MILKWEED FAMILY.

ASCLEPIADACEÆ.

*Four-leaved Milkweed.* _Asclepias quadrifolia._

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

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

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

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

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

[Illustration: FOUR-LEAVED MILKWEED: Asclepias quadrifolia.]

*Sand Milkweed.* _Asclepias obtusifolia._

Found on sandy barrens and fields in July.

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

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

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

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

[Illustration: SAND MILKWEED: A. obtusifolia.]

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

Found in damp hollows and swamps, in July.

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

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

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

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

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

[Illustration: SWAMP MILKWEED: A. incarnata, var. pulchra.]

*Purple Milkweed.* _Asclepias purpurascens._

Found along dry roadsides in July.

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

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

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

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

[Illustration: PURPLE MILKWEED: A. purpurascens.]

*Poke Milkweed.* _Asclepias phytolaccoides._

Found in moist and shady banks in July.

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

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