color; the stamens are protruding, spirally curled, and brownish;
the rays, from 8 to 15 in number, are long, and broad, and colored a
brilliant orange-yellow. The leafy cup, which encloses the head, is
composed of several rows of green parts; the heads grow singly from the
summit of the stalk, or by twos and threes, on stems, from the angles
of the leaves. This is a towering plant, whose brilliant flowers and
vigorous leafage render it an effective feature of the wild hedgerow.
Its tuberous root is sometimes cooked as a vegetable, and in a raw
state is eaten by men and boys.
[Illustration: WILD SUNFLOWER: Helianthus tuberosus.]
*Bushy Goldenrod.* _Solidago lanceolata._
Found during August, growing in open, dry fields, and waysides.
The stalk reaches about 3 feet in height; it is leafy, and branching
widely, slender, and rough to the touch. Color, green.
The leaf is like a grass blade, very narrow and long, pointed at both
ends, with an entire margin, and parallel veins; the texture is thin,
the edge and midrib slightly rough. In color gray-green.
The disc flowers are few, the ray flowers very short, from 10 to 18 in
number. The heads are arranged in small flat-topped clusters.
The branches are so nicely graduated in length that they form a
large-topped flowery summit to the slender stalk, the buds opening in
the center first. The green is tempered to a more perfect harmony with
the yellow bloom than is usual among the Goldenrods, and the cup is of
so yellow a hue it scarcely shows a trace of green.
[Illustration: BUSHY GOLDENROD: Solidago lanceolata.]
*White Goldenrod.* _Solidago bicolor._
*Silver-rod.*
Found in August and September growing in dry soil, often in light shade.
The stalk is noticeably erect, and usually single, of coarse fibre, and
rough to the touch; 1 or 2 feet high. Green.
The leaf is narrow, and tapering to a point at both ends, with a sharp
tip. The margin of the lower leaves is notched, the upper leaves are
entire. They sit close upon the stalk in alternate arrangement. The
color is a homely green.
The rays are from 4 to 12 in number; and cream colored, like the disc
flowers. The small heads are gathered in crowded groups, set in the
angles of the small, pale, upper leaves, forming a long club-shaped
spike.
Sometimes the plant is slightly hairy, and occasionally the lower
leaves are oval in shape, and furnished with stems. The bloom begins
at the tip of the spike, whose gesture deserves the name of “rod”
more nearly than its more graceful sisters. If not well-nourished the
blossoms are apt to be ragged, and dingy in color.
[Illustration: WHITE GOLDENROD: S. bicolor.]
*Plume Goldenrod.* _Solidago juncea._
Found in August and September, in grassy fields, growing to the height
of 2 or 3 feet.
The graceful and elegant stalk is smooth, round, and shining. Color,
light yellow-green.
The upper leaves are lance-shaped, long-pointed at either end, with
entire margins; they spring from the stalk with a noticeable arch. The
lower leaves are larger, more nearly oval, lengthening to a margined
base or stem; they are sometimes sparingly notched. In arrangement
alternate, with small leaves putting forth from the angles. Color, a
yellowish-green.
The ray flowers are from 8 to 12 in number. The heads are arranged, in
little spires, along the upper sides of slender stems, which form a
long, spreading, curving plume.
This is perhaps the handsomest of the clan in growth. It dries well for
winter decoration.
[Illustration: PLUME GOLDENROD: S. juncea.]
*Common Goldenrod.* _Solidago Canadensis._
*Tall Goldenrod.*
Found by the wayside, hedgerows, thickets and fields, everywhere;
common: blossoming in August and September.
The round, leafy stem is stout and tall, sometimes reaching to the
height of 6 feet; it is rough-downy, or hairy, to the touch, and of a
light yellowish-gray color.
The oval leaf is long, tapering at both ends; usually notched on the
edge, slightly rough above, and downy beneath; it is coarse in texture,
and in the quality of its green color.
The flower-heads are small, and bright yellow; they grow on curving
branchlets in a many-sided plume, on the top of the stalk.
[Illustration: COMMON GOLDENROD: S. Canadensis--⅔ life size.]
*Noble Goldenrod.* _Solidago speciosa._
Found during September growing in dry soil, near the woods often.
The smooth, round, single stalk varies from 3 to 6 feet in height. Its
color is a fine dark red.
The leaf is long and narrow, and tapers at both ends; its margin is
entire, the edge being a little rough, and the midrib is strong and
curving, and a trifle taut, which fulls the blade; the texture is fine
and thick, and the surface is smooth. The color is yellow-green. The
leaves are set alternately upon the stalk.
The stamens of the disc flowers are long; the rays 5 or 6 in number;
full-toned yellow in color. The heads are rather large, and are
arranged in a large pyramid-shaped terminal spike.
A strikingly handsome plant, with its strong red stems, which color
also tempers the green of its foliage into an excellent harmony with
the numerous flowers. Its manner of growth in circular settlements of
many plants together is a very individual trait.
[Illustration: NOBLE GOLDENROD: S. speciosa.]
*Small Spike Goldenrod.* _Solidago nemoralis._
Found in September along dry roadsides and in sandy fields.
The stalk, which seldom grows higher than 2 feet, is single, and very
leafy, of a strong fibre, and slightly rough, or not quite smooth to
the touch. It is grayish green in color.
Disc flowers are few, the rays are seldom more than 8 in number,
arranged in little one-sided spires to form a close, leafy, spike-like
plume. The color is very clear in hue.
Common to all localities favorable to the Goldenrods, and, as observed,
reaching its fullness of bloom in September rather than in August.
[Illustration: SMALL SPIKE GOLDENROD: S. nemoralis.]
*Broad-leaved Goldenrod.* _Solidago latifolia._
Found in September and October on the edges of woods, and moist copses.
The stalk grows from 1 to 3 feet high; it is often zigzag in gesture or
angular, is leafy, smooth to the touch, and woody-fibred. Its color is
green.
The broadly-oval leaf tapers at both ends, the margin is cut in sharp
slender teeth, ribs are marked, and the surface is rough to the touch.
Color, yellowish green.
The disc flowers are small, and the ray flowers are few, from 4 to 6 in
number; in color they are clear yellow. The cups are pale green, and
the heads are gathered, in small clusters, on the end of the stalk, and
in the angles of the upper leaves.
This is a pleasing variation from the common types of the Goldenrods;
its prolonged leafy stem, slender in growth, and strung with small
clusters of yellow flowers, is less showy, but more refined in general
bearing than many others.
[Illustration: BROAD-LEAVED GOLDENROD: S. latifolia.]
*Wreath Goldenrod.* _Solidago cæsia._
Found, during September and October, growing in rich woods or on the
borders of thickets.
The very slender, curving, stalk varies from 10 to 18 inches, or more,
in height; it often branches near the end, and is leafy all the way;
smooth. Clear green in color.
The leaf is long-oval in shape, tapering at both ends, with a sharp
tip; it has a strong midrib, the margin is notched with sharp
teeth, the texture is thin, and surface smooth. Green in color. The
arrangement is alternate, the leaves being set on the stalk near
together.
The ray flowers, 4 or 5 in number, are small; the little heads are
clustered upon the stalk in the angles of the leaves for a considerable
part of its length. The color is a pleasing yellow.
These slender, swaying, golden wreaths of bloom love best a shady wood
road, though they bear transplanting into gardens fairly well.
[Illustration: WREATH GOLDENROD: S. cæsia.]
*Upland White Aster.* _Aster ptarmicoides._
Found among rocks, in dry soil, in August.
The stalk, erect in bearing, from 1 to 2 feet in height, is single, and
very slender; smooth at the foot, though rough above. Of a gray-green
color.
The leaf is like a grass blade, long, and narrow, with an entire
margin, and noticeable midrib; the upper surface is rough, the edge
being harsh to the touch, the under surface is shining. Color,
gray-green. Arranged alternately, and clasping the stalk with an upward
curve.
The disc flowers are small; of a pale yellow-green. The ray flowers, 15
or 20 in number, are short, pointed; pure white. The heads are arranged
in a flat-topped loose cluster.
When the disc flowers mature they turn to a light brown color; at one
period of development the pale pistils are prominent. There is an
individual excellence about this Aster, existing especially in the
curve of its leaf.
[Illustration: UPLAND WHITE ASTER: Aster ptarmicoides.]
*White Wood Aster.* _Aster corymbosus._
Found in moist woods during July and August.
The stalk, 12 or 15 inches high, branches near the top, and is
sometimes zigzag in growth; slender, and smooth. In color a strong rich
purple, or green, streaked with red or purple.
The lower leaves are heart-shaped, the upper long-oval, with tapering
points; the margin notched, and the texture thin. Color green, lighter
underneath. Set on short stems, and arranged alternately.
The disc flowers are few, and yellow; the 4 to 8 ray flowers are about
a half inch long, narrow, delicate in texture, arranged in a scattering
row, and pure white in color. The cups are small; the heads grouped in
loose, leafy terminal clusters.
Perhaps the most daintily finished of the white Asters, it is also the
most shy, loving shady nooks and lonely places amongst trees.
[Illustration: WHITE WOOD ASTER: A. corymbosus.]
*New England Aster.* _Aster Novæ-Angliæ._
Found in September in moist fields and waysides.
The strong stalk varies much in height (from 3 to 7 or 8 feet); it
branches somewhat at the summit and bears many leaves, and is hairy to
the touch. In color green, or purplish.
The leaf is lance-shaped, with a pointed tip, and a heart-shaped base,
an entire margin, and hairy surface. The color is a fine, cool green.
The leaves clasp the stalk closely, and are arranged alternately, and
near together.
The disc flowers are yellow, inclining to purplish, gathered in a
large, noticeable tuft; the ray flowers are large and long (15 to 20
in number), of fine texture, and of a rich deep violet or almost royal
purple color. The cup is large, sticky, and its many tips turn abruptly
outward; green in color. The heads are set on short, sometimes leafy,
stems in small terminal groups.
A singularly handsome Aster, with a fine, free gesture, and admirable
color harmony.
[Illustration: NEW ENGLAND ASTER: A. Novæ-Angliæ.]
*Starry White Aster.* _Aster multiflorus._
Found in August and September, in dry open fields, and waste places.
The stalk (from 1 to 2 feet in height) is leafy and shrubby in growth,
and the branches are long and curving; it is slender, and rough to the
touch. Green.
The lowest leaves are broad lance-shaped, pointed at each end, the
margin sometimes notched; the upper leaves are long, and narrow, with
an entire margin, and diminishing in size till they become line-like
near the top of the stalk. The midrib shows plainly, the texture
is firm. The color is gray-green, rather dark. The leaves are set
immediately upon the stalk, closely and irregularly, and generally
alternate.
The disc flowers are few; yellow, changing to brown. The ray flowers
are fine and small, 10 to 15 in number; white. The cups very small;
silvery green. The heads are arranged in profusion along the leafy
branches.
The feathery prettiness of these curving spires of green and white
loses nothing of its attraction because of its plentiful growth in
barren places amidst the one-toned monotony of the Goldenrods. The
quality of its green deserves especial regard.
[Illustration: STARRY WHITE ASTER: A. multiflorus.]
*Early Purple Aster.* _Aster puniceus._
Found in August in damp or swampy places.
The stalk varies from 3 to 5 feet in height, and is widely branching;
the fibre is coarse, and it is roughened by hairs. The color is green,
very often becoming purple near the foot.
The leaf is a long oval (near the foot sometimes fully 3 inches long),
with strong and hairy midrib, and a slightly notched margin; the edge
and upper surface are disagreeably rough to the touch. In color light
green, the midrib sometimes purple. The arrangement is alternate.
The disc flowers are yellow, turning to tawny; the ray flowers (20 to
30 in number) are long, and of a delicate light purple. The cups are
composed of several rows of long, fine, spreading green parts. The
heads are arranged in small groups, set on short stems, which rise from
the angles of the leaves.
Though somewhat awkward in manner of growth the blossoms of this early
Aster are very pretty and profuse. The rays, as they lie folded in the
bud, are silvery pale.
[Illustration: EARLY PURPLE ASTER: A. puniceus.]
*Pointed-leaved Aster.* _Aster acuminatus._
Found in August in rich woods (Mountains of Vermont).
It grows about 1 foot high, and has a slender, sometimes zigzag stalk,
which is slightly rough, and bears the leaves and flowers clustered at
the top.
The leaf, from 2 to 4 inches long, tapers at tip and base, and is
coarsely toothed on the edge; the surface is a little hairy, and the
texture is thin; the leaves, set directly on the stalk, are alternate
at short distances, giving the effect of a whorl of leaves. Color green.
The flower-head has from 12 to 18 long, narrow, rays, white or
faintly tinted with violet, while the disc flowers are dull yellow.
The flower-heads are apt to be few, on slender stems in a branching
cluster, on the top of the stalk.
This Aster lacks richness of color, but has a certain charm of slender
growth peculiar to wood Asters; its few pale flowers set above the full
cluster of the broad pale leaves have an air of selection, unknown to
its more luxuriant relatives.
[Illustration: POINTED-LEAVED ASTER: A. acuminatus.]
*Broad-leaved Aster.* _Aster macrophyllus._
Found in the woods in September, generally in upland regions.
The single, very stout growing, stalk is between 1 and 2 feet in
height; it is slightly rough to the touch. In color light green.
The lowest leaves (generally 3 in number) are very conspicuous, being
especially large, and nearly round, with a heart-shaped base, and a
suddenly sharp tip; with many ribs, and the margins prettily cut in
rounding scallops, with tiny sharp teeth; these leaves are set on long
trough-like stems that clasp the stalk. The upper leaves become, very
abruptly, quite small; with fine-pointed tips, entire, slightly and
irregularly notched margins, and showing only the midrib; they are set
on very short stems, or, near the flowers, are placed immediately upon
the stalk. All the foliage is exceptionally thin in texture, and rough
on both surfaces; the arrangement is alternate. The color is a fine
gray-toned green.
The disc flower is small; yellow turning to brown; the rays, 12 to 16
in number, are long and slender, of a very delicate texture, and pale
lilac (sometimes nearly white it is asserted) in color. The cup is
cylindrical, and slightly sticky, as are the foot-stems. The heads are
arranged in a loose, terminal cluster.
An odor of camphor mingles with the sweet scent of these flowers, and
is distinctly perceptible at a distance. The decorative quality of the
leafage is of unique excellence.
[Illustration: BROAD-LEAVED ASTER: A. macrophyllus.]
*Pine Aster.* _Aster linariifolius._
Found chiefly on the edges of pine woods in September.
The stalk reaches from 1 to 2 feet in height; it is single, leafy,
slender, and rough to the touch. In color, pale green, tinged with red.
The leaf is long, and narrow, with an entire margin; the surface
covered with a minute down that is harsh to the touch; the fibre
is stiff. The color is green. The leaves are set upon the stalk,
irregularly, alternating, and numerous.
The disc flowers are yellow; the ray flowers, 12 to 20 in number, are
long and slender, and pale bluish-lavender in color. The heads are few,
and grow, on slender stems, either singly, or in a terminal flat-topped
cluster.
The stiff edges of the leaves and their rigid bearing are not unlike
the needles which carpet the favorite haunts this Aster loves. Though
not pleasant to pluck, on account of its harsh texture, this is a very
attractive plant to look upon.
[Illustration: PINE ASTER: A. linariifolius.]
*Variable-leaved Aster.* _Aster undulatus._
Found in dry woods, and thickets, during September.
The slender, branching stalk (2 to 3 feet high) is soft, with down, to
the touch. Light green in color. Leaning and swaying in gesture.
The leaves are very variable in shape, the lowest being decidedly
heart-shaped, and set on long margined stems (these margins somewhat
notched) that clasp the stalk with shallow wings; above, the leaves
are somewhat heart-shaped, and are set on short stems, that clasp the
stalk with broad wings; while the upper leaves are set immediately upon
the stalk, and clasp it by their prolonged bases. All the leaves have
tapering tips, entire, or very slightly, notched margins, with a rough
upper surface, while underneath it they are soft-hairy to the touch;
they are placed alternately. The color is cool green.
The disc flowers are pale yellow at first, but become reddish-brown in
maturity. The ray flowers, 10 to 20 in number, are pale lavender or
lilac. The heads are arranged in loose clusters.
The color of this leafage, and its shapes, are very pleasing. Gray’s
_Manual_ states the color of its rays as “bright blue”!
[Illustration: VARIABLE-LEAVED ASTER: A. undulatus.]
*Later Purple Aster.* _Aster patens._
Found during September and October along the borders of dry woods and
thickets.
The stalk (from 1 to 2 and ½ feet high) is branching, and leafy, with
a fine texture, and smooth surface; slender and swaying in growth. Its
color is sometimes green, often a dull reddish-purple.
The leaf is long, and narrow, tapering at the tip, and partly clasping
the stalk at the base; the margin is slightly rough to the touch, the
texture is firm and thick, and the surface is smooth to the touch.
Color, a cool dark grayish-green. The arrangement is alternate.
The disc flowers are sometimes yellow, or often reddish-violet; the
rays, from 20 to 30, are a deep rich violet. The heads are set in
vase-shaped green cups, whose parts are overlapping; they are numerous
in large terminal clusters.
As the flowers mature, the rays curl inward around the disc, and
dry thus on the plant; its leafage is very fine in quality, and in
beautiful harmony with the rich brilliance of the blossoms.
[Illustration: LATER PURPLE ASTER: A. patens.]
*Branching Aster.* _Aster cordifolius._
Found in the latter part of September in shaded thickets and on dry
banks.
The stalk is often about 4 feet high, very widely branching, leafy, and
bearing a profusion of flowers; it has a coarse, very rough surface
usually. In color reddish.
The leaf has a heart-shaped base, and pointed tip, a slightly notched
or entire margin, and a coarse texture, the surface generally being
rough above and also on the underside of the midrib; the upper leaves
clasp the stalk, while the lower, and larger, leaves are set on short
hairy stems. In color, a rather dull green. They are numerous all the
way from foot to tip.
The many flower-heads, are small, with 14 to 20 delicate, short,
pale-lavender rays; the cups are smooth and shining, and are set on
leafy foot-stems, in large loose clusters.
Coming just as its purple and white sisters are departing, and as
though desiring to atone for their cessation, this delightful late
Aster fills the country roads and lanes with the generous abundance of
its misty gray-lavender bloom.
[Illustration: BRANCHING ASTER: A. cordifolius.]
LOBELIA FAMILY.
LOBELIACEÆ.
*Spiked Lobelia.* _Lobelia spicata._
Found in pastures and waysides during July and August.
The single, very erect stalk varies from 1 to 2 feet in height, and is
very slender, grooved, and noticeably twisted; its fibre is fine, and
near the foot it is hairy to the touch. In color green, with a trace of
red at the leaf.
The foot-leaves are large, and a wide oval in shape, and set on
margined stems; the upper leaves are a long narrow, oval shape,
diminishing in size to a mere line, and are set immediately upon
the stalk; the margins are irregularly notched, they are downy to
the touch, and light green, tending to yellow. Their arrangement is
alternate.
The small flower is 2-lipped, the lower lip being 3-parted with a
pair of swellings at the throat of the tube, the upper lip divided
by a cleft down the length of the tube; all parts of the corolla are
sharp-pointed, and flaring from the 5-parted calyx; the texture is fine
and smooth, and the color a pure pale lavender, faintly lined with
dark, white near the throat, and pinkish in the tube, the green calyx
being also tinted with pink. The flowers, on short foot-stems, are set
alternately, and close, in a long, very pretty spike.
There is something individual about the alert carriage of this plant,
its whole gesture is erect and animated. It grows numerously in
pastures, though in less close fellowship than its little brook sister.
[Illustration: SPIKED LOBELIA: Lobelia spicata.]
*Brook Lobelia.* _Lobelia Kalmii._
Found on moist ground in limestone soil, blossoming in July and August.
The erect, minutely angular stem, is slender, smooth and polished, fine
and at the same time strong in fibre; in color a light grass-green.
The small, narrow and grass-like leaf is about an inch long; towards
the root it broadens a little at the tip; color grass-green. The growth
is alternate.
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.