A prime favorite among the flowers of spring is the TRAILING ARBUTUS
(_Epigaea repens_), a trailing plant of the Heath family, with branches
six to fifteen feet long and evergreen leaves, called Mayflower in New
England and Ground Laurel in the Southern States. It grows in sandy or
rocky soils, especially in the shade of evergreen trees, from Canada to
Texas. It is prized for its early blooming, and delicate flowers, now
gathered in considerable quantities for city flower markets. In the
early spring also the LUNGWORT (_Pulmonaria officinalis_) delights us
with its violet and blue flowers; as does also the LIVERWORT (_Hepatica
triloba_), the three-lobed leaves of which live through the winter. That
familiar little favorite, the sweet-scented LILY OF THE VALLEY
(_Convallaria majalis_), raises its tender string of blooms surrounded
by two large leaves in May. This is followed by the sweet-scented
WOODRUFF (_Asperula odorata_). In some districts the fresh leaves of the
woodruff are used for making May wine; when dried they emit an agreeable
scent, and are therefore frequently laid in wardrobes. Its leaves are
stellate, and its small blossoms are arranged in umbels. It grows from
nine to twelve inches high. Other plants found in the woods are the
FORGET-ME-NOT (_Myosotis silvatica_), and the CENTAURY (_Erythræa
Centaurium_). The rose-red blossoms of the latter are arranged in
clusters, and its leaves have medicinal properties. Late in the year
towards autumn the common LING or heather (_Calluna vulgaris_) opens
its red blooms. The leaves are small, and arranged in four rows along
the stem. The young heather contains a rich honey, and is consequently
much sought after by all kinds of insects.