Part 6

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*White Geum.* _Geum album._

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

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

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

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

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

*Common Agrimony.* _Agrimonia Eupatoria._

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*Tall Cinquefoil.* _Potentilla arguta._

Found among tall grasses in fields and meadows in June.

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

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

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

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

*Silvery Cinquefoil.* _Potentilla argentea._

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SAXIFRAGE FAMILY.

SAXIFRAGACEÆ.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Found on moist banks and in light woods in May.

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

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

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

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

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

Found on wooded slopes, in moist nooks during May.

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

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

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

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

*Wild Currant.* _Ribes floridum._

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

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

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

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

The small fruit is black.

*Grass of Parnassus.* _Parnassia Caroliniana._

Found in moist ground from July to September.

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

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

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

ORPINE FAMILY.

CRASSULACEÆ.

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

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

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

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

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

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

SUNDEW FAMILY.

DROSERACEÆ.

*Sundew.* _Drosera rotundifolia._

Found on swampy ground in July and August.

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

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

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

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

WITCH HAZEL FAMILY.

HAMAMELIDEÆ.

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

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

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

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

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

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

EVENING PRIMROSE FAMILY.

ONAGRACEÆ.

*Day and Night Primrose.* _Œnothera pumila._

Found in June on sandy banks and dry pastures.

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

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