There are many kinds of Epilobium, differing from Chamaenerion chiefly
in the calyx-tube, which is prolonged beyond the ovary.
[Sidenote: =Willow Herb=
_Epilòbium Franciscànum_
=Pink
Spring
Northwest=]
A perennial, not especially pretty, with a stout, reddish stem, from
one to three feet tall, slightly downy above, and dull green leaves,
mostly smooth and the lower ones opposite. The flowers are less than
half an inch across, with bright or pale, purplish-pink petals, deeply
notched and not spreading. This grows in wet spots around San Francisco.
There are several kinds of Gayophytum; differing from Epilobium in the
capsule and seeds, and easily distinguished from them by the hairy
buds; leaves alternate, long, narrow, and toothless; flowers small;
petals four, white or pink, with very short claws; stamens, with
swinging anthers, eight, four shorter and usually sterile; capsule
club-shaped. The species are difficult to distinguish, because of the
smallness of the flowers.
[Sidenote: _Gayophýtum eriospérmum_
=White
Summer
Cal., Oreg.=]
A delicate little plant, with smooth, purplish stems, exceedingly
slender branches, dull green leaves, and pretty little flowers, an
eighth of an inch to half an inch across, white, with a little yellow
in the center, fading to pink. This grows in sandy soil, at rather high
altitudes, in Yosemite.
[Illustration: Willow-herb--Epilobium Franciscanum.