both ends with the veins distinctly showing, and irregularly toothed
margins; their texture is fine, and the color a full dark green. They
are set immediately upon the stalk, in an alternate arrangement.
The irregular corolla is somewhat 2-lipped, with a long slender tube
which is split down its upper side; the lower lip is broad and 3-cleft,
the upper being narrow and in 2 parts; its color is a deep and glowing
red, with a darker spot near the throat upon the lower lip. The pistil
and 5 stamens, which curve outwards noticeably, are of a lighter red
color with fine gray tips; the calyx is 5-parted and green. The flowers
are arranged in a long, usually one-sided, spike.
Coming into bloom when the midsummer vegetation is growing dusty, this
plant fills the eye with the richness of its dark green leafage toned
into perfect accord with the glowing hue of its flowers,--their color a
truly royal one, of unusual depth as well as brilliancy. The Cardinal
Flower should not be plucked ruthlessly, lest it be exterminated, an
ever-present danger to the beautiful annuals man appreciates. It can be
cultivated from the seed with considerable success.
[Illustration: CARDINAL FLOWER: L. cardinalis.]
CAMPANULA FAMILY.
CAMPANULACEÆ.
*Venus’ Looking-glass.* _Specularia perfoliata._
Found in blossom from June through July, among the grass, in open
fields, and on hills.
The simple stalk grows from 12 to 20 inches high; it is somewhat
angled, and roughened on the angles; rather weak in fibre it leans
against the surrounding vegetation. It is of a light green color.
The small, shell-shaped leaf is broad, heart-shaped at the base, with a
scalloped margin. The leaves are strung on the stalk, alternately, at
short distances; they are stiffish in texture, and light green in color.
The deeply divided 5-pointed corolla is a deep reddish-violet; there
are 5 stamens, and the pistil is 3-parted; the long, cylindrical, green
calyx has 5 slender points. The flowers grow from the angles of the
leaves, there being usually a number open at once toward the top of the
stalk.
The lower flower buds do not open, ripening their seeds without
the show of blossoming. As the flowering season advances the stalk
lengthens out into a long wand, strung with shell-like little green
leaves, each one holding in its hollow a seed-case.
[Illustration: VENUS’ LOOKING-GLASS: Specularia perfoliata.]
*Harebell.* _Campanula rotundifolia._
Found during July and August in rocky soil, along roadside thickets; in
damp shade, or on exposed and barren uplands.
The stems of this lovely plant are very slender, like leafy wands, from
10 to 16 inches in height; they are firm and fine in fibre, smooth and
shining, and bronzy-green.
The grass-like leaf is about an inch long, fine and thin and smooth;
its color betrays the violet hues that temper all the green parts of
the plant.
The blossom varies in size rather noticeably. Its corolla is shaped
like a bell with 5 small pointed tips which curve outward to show the
long lavender pistil with its malachite-green tip; the texture of
the bell is delicately thin and yet firm, and the color an exquisite
violet, which ranges from pale lavender, or even almost white, to a
reddish-purple hue. The green calyx is 5-parted, its divisions very
slender, half as long as the bell, and clinging closely to its shape.
The many blossoms nod on thread-like stems.
In early spring the Harebell plant consists of a tuffet of small,
round, slightly notched leaves, on spreading stems; these mostly
disappear when the flowering stems begin to rise. In part, the swaying,
flexile grace of gesture belonging to these flowers may be due to the
light way in which the bells are caught in their tiny calices. When
advanced in maturity the pistil becomes 3-parted and loses its vivid
green tip. The Harebell is commonly credited with a love of shade, but
it is frequently found in the crevices of exposed rock-ledges; and a
favorite haunt, in one instance, is a bare mountain ridge, covered only
by thick dry gray mosses, where these lovely bells nod amidst the Ebony
Fern leaves (_A. ebeneum_), in thrifty vigor under the broad sunlight.
[Illustration: HAREBELL: Campanula rotundifolia.]
*Bellflower.* _Campanula rapunculoides._
Found in July on dry roadsides, and along walls and fences.
The stalk is single and leafy, slender, and slightly rough with hairs,
from 2 to 4 feet in height; light green.
The root-leaves are small, and heart-shaped, with scalloped margins,
set on stems that are sometimes 6 inches long. The lowest leaves along
the stalk are shaped like an Indian arrow-point; the upper leaves are
long and narrow: the margins are irregularly toothed, they are thin in
texture, hairy, and light green; and are set on short broad stems which
clasp the stalk alternately.
The corolla is bell-shaped with 5 outward-curving, tapering tips, and
a beautiful violet-blue color; the pistil is 3-parted, protruding, and
purple tinted; the green calyx is 5-parted, its divisions abruptly
turned back. The flowers are set along one side of the stalk in the
angles of the small upper leaves, forming a long wand-like spire.
Although the flowers bloom first at the base of the spire, frequently,
when the tip has begun to hang out its noticeable bells, fresh buds
will push forth far below, and open beside the old dried blossoms at
the foot,--for the withered flower clings long to the calyx.
[Illustration: BELLFLOWER: C. rapunculoides.]
HEATH FAMILY.
ERICACEÆ.
*Trailing Arbutus.* _Epigæa repens._
*May flower.*
*Ground Laurel.*
Found in the woods, or clearings near woods, and upland pastures,
during April. It particularly favors pine woods.
The branching leafy stalk is low, and trailing close to the ground
under dry leaves and dead grass; it is tough and woody-fibred, and
rough-hairy to the touch; rather slender. Its color is rusty brown, and
very rich in tone.
The oval leaf is heart-shaped at the base, with a strong midrib which
is somewhat taut and gives the entire margin usually an undulating
character; the fibre is tough, and rough to the touch. The color is a
strong positive green, more or less worm-eaten, and rust-spotted; it is
evergreen. The leaves are set, on slender rough stems, alternately, at
irregular intervals, and more closely near the flowers. The new leaves
come after the blossoming time.
The flower has a tubular corolla, spreading into 5 rounded points;
its color varies from an exquisite white to a deeply tinted rose; the
inconspicuous stamens show only as a feathery, pale yellow ring in the
centre. The 5-parted, pale green calyx is set around with 5 similar
leafy bracts. The blossoms, on their little foot-stems, are gathered in
close clusters along the ends of the stalk and branches. They exhale a
sweet and spicy fragrance.
The plant, with its green and rusty leaves, hugs the earth so closely
that often only the tips of the flowery clusters show here and
there among the dried leaves, which almost conceal them from their
friendly enemies, whose love of their beauty knows no better manner
of exhibiting itself than by tearing the vine up by its roots. This
selfish ignorance is fast exterminating the lovely flower in the
populous districts of New England,--already it has become in certain
place as mere tradition. As though in revenge, nature keeps fast the
secret of its growth, and the Arbutus refuses to live in man’s care for
more than one or two seasons.
[Illustration: ARBUTUS: Epigæa repens.]
*Cassandra.* _Cassandra calyculata._
*Leather-leaf.*
Found in April and May, in marshes and swamps, sometimes standing in
water to the depth of two feet.
This shrub, about 3 or 4 feet high, branches often, and is
tough-fibred; the bark when new is smooth, but is inclined to become
frayed and to split when it is old. The color is brown, of a golden hue.
The leaf is oval, widest near the tip, the midrib is prominent beneath,
the margin is entire and slightly thickened on the edge, the texture
is coarse grained and tough, but not thick; while the upper surface
is smooth and shining, the underside is dull. It is evergreen; in
color green, rusty underneath. The arrangement is alternate, and close
together, and the leaves are so set as to point upwards; their short
stems are often reddish.
The corolla is a small 5-pointed bell, curved inwards at the throat and
spreading its points to show the thread-like, green pistil; of a fine
smooth texture and pure white; the 5-parted calyx is curved closely to
the bell,--white, or yellow, or tawny-tinted; at its base are found 2
little rusty, or white bracts. The flowers are set on short rusty stems
which grow from the angles of the leaves, and turn downward.
It is worth the effort to discover the shy Cassandra’s haunts, in order
to see the bush, its slender branches set close with pretty hanging
bells beneath the alert leaves, that stand upright above them, in
watchful military rows.
[Illustration: CASSANDRA: Cassandra calyculata.]
*Marsh Andromeda.* _Andromeda polifolia._
*Wild Rosemary.*
Found in swamps and marsh lands, in May.
This shrub grows between 1 and 2 feet high; it is branching, leafy, and
slender, with a woody fibre. The bark on the young shoots is smooth and
firm, when old it is rough and inclined to split.
The leaf is evergreen. In shape it is long and needle-like, a
resemblance caused by its closely rolled edges which give it a stiff
erectness of bearing; the texture is firm and dry, its upper surface
being slightly grained, though it is smooth underneath. In color it is
a dark, rich green, pale beneath. The leaves are set, on very short
tawny stems, close together, and alternately.
The mouth of the small bell-shaped flower is almost closed; its oval
form is diversified by the little pinched folds which run up from
between its 5 little tips. In color it is a rosy tinted white; the
little 5-parted calyx being colored like the corolla. The bells are
set on short white foot-stems that are enfolded by tiny greenish-pink
bracts; they are close gathered in small groups, and nod at the ends of
the branches.
The fine-pointed leaves, whatever the angle from which they spring, all
turn upward, giving a curious flat and conventionally decorative effect
to the branches.
[Illustration: MARSH ANDROMEDA: Andromeda polifolia.]
*Privet Andromeda.* _Andromeda ligustrina._
Found in moist wayside thickets and swamps; blossoming in June.
The tough, woody stalk, erect, branching, and leafy, is covered with a
smooth, light gray bark. It grows from 3 to 6, or more, feet in height.
The small leaves are from 1 to 2 inches long, tapering at both ends;
they are alternate, on very short foot-stems. The margin is entire, or
very finely notched, surface smooth, and texture firm. Color, green.
The small, bell-shaped flower is nearly round, with 5 tiny, recurved
points at the top. It is inconspicuous in color, being of a dull
greenish white, the tawny stamens showing within. The flowers, on
short, curved stems, hang from one side of the twigs, on the ends of
the branches.
The seed-case is small, round, brown, and 5-parted; it is especially
noticeable in winter and early spring, and is at all times more
attractive to the eye than the colorless flowers,--it adds a graceful
touch to the winter bouquet gathered by the twig-loving wayfarer.
[Illustration: PRIVET ANDROMEDA: A. ligustrina.]
*Pink Azalea.* _Rhododendron nudiflorum._
*Swamp Pink.*
*Honeysuckle.*
Found in swamps, moist woods, and on hillsides in May.
This woody-fibred, branching, and leafy shrub, varies in height from 3
to 6 feet; it has a light, warm-gray bark, nearly smooth to the touch.
The charming leaf is oval in shape, tapering at both ends, with an
entire margin; its texture is thin, and the fine surface bears a few
soft short scattering hairs. In color it is a light pure golden green.
The growth is alternate, and somewhat clustering.
The large flower is, in shape, a long slender tube spreading at the top
into 5 long-pointed divisions with a fold in the center of each; the 5
stamens and pistil are all long and slender, extending their curving
ends far out from the tube; the calyx is hardly noticeable. The color
of the corolla varies from pale to deep rose-pink, the tone deepening
toward the base of the tube, while the stamens and pistil are rosy
crimson,--the tip of the pistil is pinkish-brown. The flowers grow in
groups of 5 or more, on short pale green stems, from the ends of the
branches. They are very fragrant.
The very essence of spring seems to dwell in the pink and green colors
and the spicy breath of this Azalea. The gesture in dropping its
flowers is graceful,--the blossom, sliding down the long pistil, hangs
swaying on its tip for some time before it finally drops softly to the
earth. The branches, especially the lower ones, swing out from the bush
in long free curves.
[Illustration: PINK AZALEA: Rhododendron nudiflorum.]
*White Azalea.* _Rhododendron viscosum._
Found in swamps and wet lands during July.
This shrub grows from 4 to 6 or even 7 feet high, and branches less
regularly than the Pink Azalea, and is somewhat less leafy in habit;
it is rather slender, woody-fibred, and the bark is dry and slightly
rough. In color, reddish-gray.
The oval leaf is widest near the tip whose extreme point is noticeably
sharp; its midrib is marked, and the margin is entire, the edge and
underside of the midrib being hairy; the texture is thin and firm, the
upper surface glossy. The color of the new growths is a fine green
(less golden than its sister) which becomes dark when older. The leaves
grow in clustered groups.
The flower is smaller than the earlier Azalea, and its points are
more curled; it is pure white in color, the outside of the tube being
covered with tiny red hairs which are sticky to the touch. The white
stamens, with their straw-colored tips, are shorter than the pistil
which is faintly pink-tinted, with a darker tip. The calyx is not
observable without close inspection; the green foot-stems are very
short; and the flowers are grouped terminally upon the twigs.
There is a reddish tinge to the bud, and the flower is delightfully
odorous, and the blooming time is pleasantly prolonged.
[Illustration: WHITE AZALEA: R. viscosum.]
*Low Blueberry.* _Vaccinium vacillans._
Found in dry uplands, and light woods, in May.
The woody, branching stalk, from 1 to 2 feet high, has a smooth, thin,
green bark.
The oval leaves are small, about an inch long, unbroken on the edge,
and set opposite each other on scarcely perceptible stems; they are
rather few in number, fine in texture, smooth, and of a light green
color.
The small, bell-like corolla is slightly contracted at the top,
5-parted, with the small tips rolled back. Color white, more or less
tinged and streaked with light red. There are 10 orange-tipped stamens,
and 1 pale green pistil; the 5-parted calyx is green, tinged with red.
The flowers hang on short stems, drooping in clusters of 5 to 7, or
more, from the ends of the twigs.
The flowers appear while the leafage still shows the red flush of the
new growth. The green twiggery of this low bush gives an early promise
of spring, long before the leaves think of showing themselves. The
round, sweet and juicy berries, dark blue with a fine bloom, surrounded
by the harmonious green of the leafage, have a decided charm of color
too rarely noted by those who seek them for their edible qualities
only.
[Illustration: LOW BLUEBERRY: Vaccinium vacillans.]
*Deerberry.* _Vaccinium stamineum._
*Squaw Huckleberry.*
Found in June, in dry woods.
A branching, leafy shrub, which grows from 2 to 4 feet high; its stalk
is stout, and woody, and covered with a gray bark.
The oval leaf seems rather small for the size of the bush; it has an
entire margin, a firm texture that is somewhat tough-fibred, and smooth
surface. Color, light green, and pale beneath. The leaves are set on
very short stems, alternately.
The small bell-shaped corolla spreads into 5 outward curving points; it
is white. The stamens form a close, pointed cluster about the pistil
and hang out from the flower bell,--they are dull orange in color; the
small calyx is green. These bells swing on slender stems, from the
angles of little leaves, in thick clusters along the lower sides of the
branches.
The Deerberry’s branches stretch out in a nearly horizontal direction;
its profusion of pretty bells begin to open while still undeveloped,
and are about a fortnight in coming to their full beauty, to which
a pleasing touch of individuality is given by the orange-tipped
stamens. The fruit is flat to the taste, and gives the bush its second
folk-name.
[Illustration: DEERBERRY: V. stamineum.]
*Mountain Laurel.* _Kalmia latifolia._
Found in rocky pastures, uplands and light woods, and swampy grounds,
in June.
This is a large shrub varying in height from 4 to 8 feet, and
occasionally taller. Its stalk and branches are more or less twisted
and angular in growth, and woody, of a fibre compact and tough; the old
growths are covered with a roughened gray bark.
The beautiful leaf is evergreen; of an oval shape, with a tapering tip,
an entire margin, strong midrib, a firm fine texture, and a smooth
surface. The color is a fine dark green in the old growths, a light
vigorous green when new. The leaves, on very short stems, are usually
placed alternately, but are sometimes opposite each other, and toward
the end of the branches are clustered.
The corolla is bowl-shaped, with 5 or 6 points; around the middle of
this bowl are 10 little pockets,--each one of which holds the tip of a
stamen until it is ready to spring out and scatter its pollen,--these
pockets, or sacs, projecting on the outside of the bowl, form little
spurs all around it. The color of the flower is white, or pink; in
the bottom of the bowl a 10-pointed star is outlined in dark crimson,
and flecks of crimson occur just above the little pockets. The tiny
seed-box in the center is green; the elastic stamens are silky white;
the little calyx is green; the flower-stems pale and sticky. The
flowers form large and conspicuous clusters on the ends of the branches.
The flowers and buds have a pretty shell-like quality. Shortly after
flowering, the vigorous light green shoots put forth, and the ripening
seed-boxes take on a crimson hue, making the Laurel pasture all aglow
a second time with rich color. This 5-angled seed-box, turned to
brown, remains throughout the winter in pleasing contrast to the fine
evergreen leafage.
[Illustration: MOUNTAIN LAUREL: Kalmia latifolia.]
*Pale Laurel.* _Kalmia glauca._
Found in cold bogs and swamps, during June.
This shrub is between 1 and 2 feet in height; it is woody-fibred, hard
and firm, with a thin, close bark. The branches are curious in growth,
being formed of short sections that are two-edged and somewhat flat;
these sections are placed alternately and at right angles to each
other. The color is a dark rich brown.
The leaf is oblong, with a blunt tip, and a noticeably rolled-under
edge; the surface is glossy above, and the texture is tough. It is
evergreen, dark above and whitey-green underneath, the midrib being
yellowish. The leaves grow in pairs, upon very short stems that spring
from the section-joints, at right angles to each other.
The flower is small, similar to the Mountain Laurel; of a clear light
crimson color, with dark-tipped stamens. The blossoms are set on dull
crimson-red stems, and arranged in terminal groups.
This is rather rare, and not easy to become acquainted with owing to
its preference for swamp holes. The tiny seed-pods on their thread
stems are very pretty.
[Illustration: PALE LAUREL: K. glauca.]
*Sheep’s Laurel.* _Kalmia angustifolia._
Found on upland slopes and hilly pastures, in June.
This branching, very leafy, bush is 18 inches to 2 or 3 feet in height,
with a woody fibre, and tough bark. The new shoots are green, the older
growths turning to reddish-brown.
The leaf is a long oval, with a rolled-under edge; not large, but
otherwise like that of the Mountain Laurel. It is evergreen, the old
growths dark and dull, with rusty spots of weather-wear; the fresh
leaves are bright green, the midrib being yellow, with a hint of pink
underneath. The leaves are set on short stems, and placed in little
groups near together.
The blossom is smaller and more shallow than the Mountain Laurel; it
is in color a strong dark pink, with the star design outlined in dark
crimson. The 10 stamens are shining, and pale pink, with crimson tips;
the curved pistil is light pink. The flowers, on tiny foot-stems, are
arranged in loose clusters, of a dozen or more, upon a short stem;
these clusters are placed in a whorl about the stalk, at the summit of
last year’s growth, and beneath the over-topping new shoot.
The old leaves bend downward, while the new stretch themselves upward,
holding their tips nearly erect.
[Illustration: SHEEP’S LAUREL: K. angustifolia.]
*Shinleaf.* _Pyrola elliptica._
Found in the woods in June.
The little underground stalk throws up a few leaves, and a flower stem
which reaches 6 or 8 inches in height.
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.