Part 6

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

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

[Illustration: WHITE GEUM: Geum album.]

*Common Agrimony.* _Agrimonia Eupatoria._

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

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

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

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

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

[Illustration: COMMON AGRIMONY: Agrimoniam Eupatoria.]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Illustration: FIVE-FINGER: Potentilla Canadensis.]

*Tall Cinquefoil.* _Potentilla arguta._

Found among tall grasses in fields and meadows in June.

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

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

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

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

[Illustration: TALL CINQUEFOIL: P. arguta.]

*Silvery Cinquefoil.* _Potentilla argentea._

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

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

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

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

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

[Illustration: SILVERY CINQUEFOIL: P. argentea.]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Illustration: SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL: P. fructicosa.]

SAXIFRAGE FAMILY.

SAXIFRAGACEÆ.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Illustration: EARLY SAXIFRAGE: Saxifraga Virginiensis.]

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

Found on moist banks and in light woods in May.

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

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

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

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

[Illustration: MITRE-WORT: Mitella diphylla.]

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

Found on wooded slopes, in moist nooks during May.

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

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

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

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

[Illustration: NANCY-OVER-THE-GROUND: Tiarella cordifolia.]

*Wild Currant.* _Ribes floridum._

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

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

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

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

The small fruit is black.

[Illustration: WILD CURRANT: Ribes floridum.]

*Grass of Parnassus.* _Parnassia Caroliniana._

Found in moist ground from July to September.

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

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

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

[Illustration: GRASS OF PARNASSUS: Parnassia Caroliniana.]

ORPINE FAMILY.

CRASSULACEÆ.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Illustration: LIVE-FOR-EVER: Sedum Telephium.]

SUNDEW FAMILY.

DROSERACEÆ.

*Sundew.* _Drosera rotundifolia._

Found on swampy ground in July and August.

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

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

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

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

[Illustration: ROUND-LEAVED SUNDEW: Drosera rotundifolia.]

WITCH HAZEL FAMILY.

HAMAMELIDEÆ.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Illustration: WITCH HAZEL: Hamamelis Virginiana.]

EVENING PRIMROSE FAMILY.

ONAGRACEÆ.

*Day and Night Primrose.* _Œnothera pumila._

Found in June on sandy banks and dry pastures.

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

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

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

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

[Illustration: DAY AND NIGHT PRIMROSE: Œnothera pumila.]

*Common Evening Primrose.* _Œnothera biennis._

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

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

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

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

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

[Illustration: COMMON EVENING PRIMROSE: Œ. biennis.]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Illustration: GREAT WILLOW HERB: Epilobium angustifolium.]

*Small Willow Herb.* _Epilobium coloratum._

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

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

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

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

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

[Illustration: SMALL WILLOW HERB: E. coloratum.]

*Enchanter’s Nightshade.* _Circæa alpina._

Found in cool damp shade during July and August.

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

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

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

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