Plate 25, fig. 5
The Cinquefoils receive this name from the French and it refers to the
five-parted leaves. The Shrubby Cinquefoil has yellow blossoms on erect
shrubby stems that form good-sized bushes, or may be only a few inches
tall at high elevations. They occur in meadows, along brooks and on
gravel-slides at 6000-12000 ft., and bear flowers all summer.
PEA FAMILY
Golden Banner Thermopsis montana
Plate 27, fig. 1
The bright yellow flowers of the Golden Banner occur in open spikes on
plants 1-3 ft. high, and bloom in late spring. They may be found in
meadows at 3000-11000 ft. The plants are supposed to poison stock, and
several cases of the poisoning of children who have eaten the seeds are
also reported.
Silvery Lupine Lupinus argenteus
Plate 27, fig. 2
The Silvery Lupine, so named on account of the foliage, has blue to
purple flowers arranged in open spikes which bloom in early summer. The
plants are somewhat spreading and bush-like and grow 1-3 ft. high on
prairies and in meadows at 5000-9000 ft.
Prairie Clover Petalostemon purpureus
Plate 27, fig. 3
The Prairie Clover bears tiny rose-pink to purple blossoms in small but
crowded heads. An albino form is occasionally found. The stems grow 6
in.-3 ft. tall on plains and prairies at 4000-7000 ft. and the flowers
bloom all summer.
[Illustration: Plate 27
PEA FAMILY
1 Golden Banner: Thermopsis montana
2 Silvery Lupine: Lupinus argenteus
3 Prairie Clover: Petalostemon purpureus
4 Wild Sweet Pea: Lathyrus ornatus
5 Purple Vetch: Vicia americana]
Wild Sweet Pea Lathyrus ornatus
Plate 27, fig. 4
The flowers of the Wild Sweet Pea are purple and white and blossom in
the spring and early summer. The stems are low, 4-12 in., and occur on
plains and prairies at 4000-8000 ft.
Purple Vetch Vicia americana
Plate 27, fig. 5
The Purple Vetch bears blue to purple flowers in loose clusters on
climbing or scrambling stems 1-1/2-3-1/2 ft. long. They bloom in spring
and early summer and may be found on prairies and in rich river valleys
at 4000-10000 ft.
Loco Aragalus Lamberti
Plate 28, fig. 1
The flowers of the Loco are deep red-purple or white, often turning blue
with age. They occur in open spikes on stems 4-12 in. tall and bloom in
spring and summer. The plants occur on plains, prairies, hills and
table-lands at 4000-9000 ft. The Loco is very poisonous to stock. After
acquiring a taste for the plant they will eat nothing else and die from
the effects in a few months or one or two years. In this way, millions
of dollars of stock are lost annually. A cure for the disease has been
found recently.
Alfalfa Medicago sativa
Plate 28, fig. 2
The small blue to purple blossoms of Alfalfa grow in loose, small heads
on branching plants that attain a height of 1-2 ft. They bloom all
summer long. The plant has escaped from cultivation and grows thriftily
at 5000-6000 ft. Alfalfa forms a most nourishing fodder for horses and
cattle and has been cultivated for ages in Southern Europe. When sown in
deep, rich soils, few plants yield so heavy a crop. During the World
War, meal was made from the dried and ground plants and used as a
substitute for flour.
[Illustration: Plate 28
PEA FAMILY
1 Loco: Aragalus Lamberti
2 Alfalfa: Medicago sativa
3 Alpine Clover: Trifolium dasyphyllum
4 Psoralea: Psoralea tenuiflora
5 Dwarf Clover: Trifolium nanum
6 Prairie Pea: Astragalus hypoglottis
7 Rose Locust: Robinia neo-mexicana]
Alpine Clover Trifolium dasyphyllum
Plate 28, fig. 3
The flowers of the Alpine Clover have a cream-white standard and
rose-purple wings and keel. They are clustered in heads on stemless
plants which form mats or cushions 4-20 in. across and grow only on
alpine peaks at 12000-14000 ft. They bloom in midsummer. The name
“Clover” comes from the Latin word meaning “club” and refers to the
resemblance between the leaf and the 3-headed club of Hercules. The
clubs of playing-cards are also no doubt an imitation of the cloverleaf.
The 3-parted leaves of the clovers fold together and “sleep” at night.
The cultivated clovers are valuable as fodder and the white-flowered
species makes beautiful lawns.
Psoralea Psoralea tenuiflora
Plate 28, fig. 4
Psoralea bears its small blue to purplish flowers in open spikes on
branching plants 1-4 ft. tall. They bloom in early summer and are found
on dry plains and hills at 4000-8000 ft. Some species of this genus are
used in medicine and one, _Psoralea esculenta_, has a tuberous root that
is edible.
Dwarf Clover Trifolium nanum
Plate 28, fig. 5
The pink to rose-purple flowers of the Dwarf Clover occur usually in
pairs on prostrate or spreading stems in the high mountains. They bloom
in midsummer and are found only at 9000-14000 ft. The Latin name for the
genus means “three-leaves,” and the 3-parted leaf is characteristic of
practically all clovers.
Prairie Pea Astragalus hypoglottis
Plate 28, fig. 6
The flowers of the Prairie Pea are usually blue to purple, rarely
whitish or yellowish. They occur in dense heads on procumbent or
ascending stems 4-8 in. long and bloom in midsummer. The plants are
found in meadows and river valleys at 4000-9000 ft.
Rose Locust Robinia neo-mexicana
Plate 28, fig. 7
The Rose Locust is a shrub or tree 3-15 ft. tall, which grows along
streams at 4000-7000 ft. The flowers are white to rose-colored with a
touch of yellow on the standard and keel, and their large showy clusters
come into bloom in spring and early summer. It is the handsomest of the
locusts, and should be cultivated wherever winters are not too severe.
STONECROP FAMILY
Rose Crown Clementsia rhodantha
Plate 30, fig. 1
The rose-pink to nearly white flowers of the Rose Crown are crowded into
heads at the ends of stiff stems 4-20 in. tall. They bloom in midsummer
and may be found in meadows and bogs and along streams at high
altitudes, 10000-13000 ft.
King’s Crown, Roseroot Rhodiola Rosea
Plate 30, fig. 3
The tiny deep red-purple flowers of the King’s Crown are crowded into
dense roundish heads at the ends of unbranched stems 4-12 in. high. They
bloom in midsummer and are found only on alpine peaks at 9000-14000 ft.
The plant is used in Greenland as a salad, and the leaves in poultices
for headache. The root has a pleasant rose-like odor, which gives rise
to the name Roseroot, sometimes used for this species.
Stonecrop Sedum stenopetalum
Plate 30, fig. 8
The yellow flowers of the Stonecrop occur in loose clusters at the ends
of stems 1-8 in. high. The plants possess succulent leaves which store
water and thus enable them to grow in dry, rocky or gravelly situations.
They are found at 4000-12000 ft. and bloom all summer.
SAXIFRAGE FAMILY
Fairy Saxifrage Saxifraga chrysantha
Plate 30, fig. 2
The dainty little Fairy Saxifrage grows but 1-3 in. high from a cluster
of tiny leaves, and bears at the end of a slender stem a single yellow
blossom. The lower half of the petal is dotted with many orange spots.
The flowers bloom in midsummer. They are alpine dwellers only and are
found among rocks at 11000-14000 ft. The name “saxifrage” is from the
Latin meaning “rock-breaker” and refers to the habit some saxifrages
have of living on rocks.
Brook Saxifrage Saxifraga punctata
Plate 30, fig. 5
The Brook Saxifrage takes its name from its love of springy places and
stream banks. The flowers are white and delicate and bloom in early
summer. The plants are 1-3 ft. tall and occur at 8000-12000 ft.
Dotted Saxifrage Saxifraga bronchialis
Plate 30, fig. 7
The Dotted Saxifrage has white or pale pink flowers with orange and
purple dots on the petals. They bloom all summer. The plants are small
and slender, 3-8 in. high and occur on rocks and gravel-slides at
6000-13000 ft.
[Illustration: Plate 30
STONECROP FAMILY
1 Rose Crown: Clementsia rhodantha
3 King’s Crown, Roseroot: Rhodiola rosea
8 Stonecrop: Sedum stenopetalum
SAXIFRAGE FAMILY
2 Fairy Saxifrage: Saxifraga chrysantha
4 Gooseberry: Ribes lacustre
5 Brook Saxifrage: Saxifraga punctata
6 Gooseberry: Ribes leptanthum
7 Dotted Saxifrage: Saxifraga bronchialis
9 Purple Saxifrage: Saxifraga Jamesii
10 Whiplash Saxifrage: Saxifraga flagellaris]
Purple Saxifrage Saxifraga Jamesii
Plate 30, fig. 9
The pale to deep rose-purple flowers of the Purple Saxifrage grow in
crowded spikes and form bright spots of color in rock-clefts and on
rocks at 8000-13000 ft. The stems are 4-8 in. tall and the flowers bloom
in early summer.
Whiplash Saxifrage Saxifraga flagellaris
Plate 30, fig. 10
This small plant with its yellow blossoms receives its name from the
presence of little whip-like runners at the base. The plants are only
1-8 in. tall and occur on alpine peaks among the rocks at 10000-14000
ft. They bloom all summer.
Gooseberry Ribes lacustre
Plate 30, fig. 4
This pink-flowered Gooseberry blooms in spring and early summer. It is a
shrubby plant about 1-3 ft. high and occurs in the mountains at
7000-12000 ft. The berry is red and covered with prickles.
Gooseberry Ribes leptanthum
Plate 30, fig. 6
The yellow-flowered Gooseberry blooms in early summer. It is a shrub
about 1-3 ft. in height and grows in the mountains at 6000-10000 ft. The
berry is black when ripe, and edible. The wild gooseberries are related
to the cultivated one and to the currant.
[Illustration: Plate 32
EVENING PRIMROSE FAMILY
1 Fireweed: Chamaenerium angustifolium
2 Scarlet Gaura: Gaura coccinea
3 Meriolix: Meriolix serrulata
4 Evening Primrose: Onagra biennis
MENTZELIA FAMILY
5 Evening Star: Mentzelia multiflora
CACTUS FAMILY
6 Prickly Pear: Opuntia humifusa
7 Purple Cactus: Cactus viviparus]
EVENING PRIMROSE FAMILY
Fireweed Chamaenerium angustifolium
Plate 32, fig. 1
The Fireweed, as the name indicates, is found on burnt areas especially,
though it also occurs in meadows and open woods and copses. The flowers
are pale pink to deep rose-purple and bloom all summer long. The plants
are widely distributed over the continent up to 10000 ft. and grow as
tall as 5 ft. The name “Willow Herb” is sometimes given on account of
the resemblance of the leaves to those of the willow. The Fireweed is
cultivated as an ornamental plant in England, where the leaves are also
used as an adulterant of tea. The foliage forms a wholesome vegetable
when boiled, and the young shoots or suckers make a good substitute for
asparagus. Beer and vinegar are made in Kamchatka by fermenting the
shoots and pith. The down on the seeds resembles cotton, but possesses
little tenacity, and the fibres are too brittle and short to be of any
value except in the adulteration of other material.
Scarlet Gaura Gaura coccinea
Plate 32, fig. 2
The pinkish or red flowers of the Scarlet Gaura grow on slender plants 6
in.-2 ft. tall and bloom in spring and summer. They may be found on
plains and prairies at 4000-5500 ft.
Meriolix Meriolix serrulata
Plate 32, fig. 3
Meriolix grows 6-15 in. tall and bears yellow flowers that bloom in
spring and summer. They are found on plains and hills at 4000-8000 ft.
Evening Primrose Onagra biennis
Plate 32, fig. 4
The fragrant yellow flowers of the Evening Primrose open in the evening
and wither the next morning. They bloom all summer and are visited
frequently by the pink night moth in search of nectar. The plants grow
1-3 ft. high and are found in valleys and on plains at 4000-10000 ft.
They were formerly cultivated in kitchen gardens in England for their
edible roots. When boiled these are very nutritious and wholesome, but
they have been eaten very little as a table vegetable since the use of
the potato became general. They are sweet to the taste, somewhat
resembling parsnips. A drug made from the Evening Primrose is used for
coughs, colds and asthmatic troubles, and an ointment for skin
affections is also obtained.
MENTZELIA FAMILY
Evening Star Mentzelia multiflora
Plate 32, fig. 5
As the name indicates, the yellow flowers of the Evening Star open in
the evening and close in the morning. They bloom all summer and are
found on branching plants 8 in.-2 ft. high. These occur on dry plains
and gravel-slides at 7000-9000 ft.
CACTUS FAMILY
Prickly Pear Opuntia humifusa
Plate 32, fig. 6
The Prickly Pear bears yellow flowers on low branching spiny stems. As
in all the members of the cactus family, the plants are leafless, the
stems having been modified into food-making and water-storing organs
that take the place of foliage. The flowers bloom in midsummer on
prairies and plains at 4000-7000 ft. The fruit of the Prickly Pear is
sometimes used as food, being collected and sold in the markets in some
localities. The juice is used for coloring confectionery, and in Mexico
a drink called “Colinche” is prepared from it. The old, fibrous parts of
the joints are made into commercial articles when hard and firm.
_Opuntia cochinellifera_ is extensively cultivated in Mexico for the
purpose of breeding the cochineal insect from which the finest crimson
dye is produced.
Purple Cactus Cactus viviparus
Plate 32, fig. 7
The many-petalled, starry blossoms of the Purple Cactus grow in groups
on ball-like fleshy stems which are but a few inches tall and covered
with radiating brown and yellow spines. They dot the prairies and
foothills at 3000-7000 ft. and bloom in midsummer.
PARSLEY FAMILY
Mountain Parsley Pseudocymopterus montanus
Plate 36, fig. 7
The tiny yellow flowers of the Mountain Parsley are grouped, as in all
the parsleys, in flat-topped clusters at the tip of the stem. They bloom
in early and midsummer. In alpine meadows the flowers are burnt orange
in color. The plants grow 1-2 ft. tall and may be found in forests,
woodlands and meadows at 7000-12000 ft. The Mountain Parsley is related
to the common parsley of kitchen gardens and also to Sweet Anise which
is used to flavor confectionery.
HONEYSUCKLE FAMILY
Twin Flower Linnaea borealis
Plate 36, fig. 4
As indicated by the name, the Twin Flowers grow in pairs. They are
drooping, bell-shaped pink blossoms with a delicate fragrance and bloom
in midsummer. The fragile stems are but 3-8 in. tall and are found in
the moist shade of pine and spruce forests at 8000-12000 ft. The
botanical name commemorates Linnaeus, the Father of Botany.
[Illustration: Plate 36
PARSLEY FAMILY
7 Mountain Parsley: Pseudocymopterus montanus
HONEYSUCKLE FAMILY
4 Twin Flower: Linnaea borealis
5 Snowberry: Symphoricarpus occidentalis
BLUEBELL FAMILY
1 Purple Bellflower: Campanula Parryi
2 Bluebell, Harebell: Campanula rotundifolia
6 Alpine Bluebell: Campanula uniflora
VALERIAN FAMILY
3 Valerian: Valeriana silvatica]
Snowberry Symphoricarpus occidentalis
Plate 36, fig. 5
The Snowberry bears its pale pink flowers in drooping clusters on the
spreading branches of bushes, which grow 2-5 ft. tall. They bloom in
midsummer and may be found in meadows and thickets at 3000-7000 ft. The
name refers to the snow-white berries which form the fruits.
BLUEBELL FAMILY
Purple Bellflower Campanula Parryi
Plate 36, fig. 1
The blossoms of the Purple Bellflower grow singly at the tips of slender
stems and bloom in midsummer. They do not droop, as do many of the
bluebells. They are found in mountain meadows at 7000-10000 ft. The
plants are unbranched and small, growing but 4-12 in. tall. The name of
the genus, _Campanula_, means “little bell.”
Bluebell, Harebell Campanula rotundifolia
Plate 36, fig. 2
The purple-blue flowers of the Bluebell droop gracefully at intervals
along their slender stems and bloom all summer long. The plants grow but
a few inches tall in the alpine regions where each bears but a single
blossom, but they are sometimes 3 ft. high at lower altitudes,
especially in the shade. They are found on foothills and in mountain
meadows and aspen woodlands at 6000-13000 ft. This species is the true
Bluebell of Scotland.
Alpine Bluebell Campanula uniflora
Plate 36, fig. 6
The Alpine Bluebell is a tiny plant, growing but 2-5 in. tall on account
of the effect of the high altitudes at which it lives. The single
blossom is a deep purple-blue and hangs from the tip of the fragile
stem. The botanical name of the species means “one-flowered.” The plants
bloom in early summer and must be sought in alpine meadows at
11000-14000 ft.
VALERIAN FAMILY
Valerian Valeriana silvatica
Plate 36, fig. 3
The tiny pale pink flowers of the Valerian grow in flat-topped clusters
at the tips of straight stiff stems, 1-3 ft. tall. They bloom in early
summer in fir and spruce forests at 8000-11000 ft. The botanical name of
this species refers to the fact that the plants are forest-lovers. Some
species of Valerian are used in medicine as a sedative and for various
nervous troubles, and one has an edible root. They have a strong
unpleasant odor which cats and rats like. The leaves are efficacious in
healing wounds.
ASTER FAMILY
Blazing Star Laciniaria punctata
Plate 37, fig. 1
The Blazing Star receives its name from the dense spikes of brilliant
red-purple blossoms. These bloom in late summer and autumn and are found
on prairies, plains and foothills at 3000-6000 ft. The plants are
unbranched and grow 6-18 in. tall. This species is the least beautiful
of several native blazing stars that deserve a place in the wild garden.
Blue Lettuce Lactuca pulchella
Plate 37, fig. 2
The pale blue-lavender flowers of the Blue Lettuce grow in clusters on
plants 3-6 ft. high. They bloom in midsummer and are found along
roadsides and in meadows at 3000-6000 ft. Several varieties of lettuce
have narcotic properties, while the value of the garden lettuce is too
well-known to need comment.
Sheath Flower Coleanthus grandiflorus
Plate 37, fig. 3
The pale yellow blossoms of the Sheath Flower hang from their stalks
like inverted thimbles and bloom in midsummer. The name refers to the
tiny bracts that sheathe the flower-heads closely and turn reddish brown
with age. The plants are much branched, 1-4 ft. tall, and occur in
meadows and thickets at 5000-9000 ft.
False Dandelion Agoseris glauca
Plate 37, fig. 4
The golden-yellow heads of the False Dandelion look very like those of
its namesake. They bloom in midsummer and are found on plants 1-3 ft.
tall, in mountain meadows and along brook-banks at 8000-11000 ft.
Goatsbeard, Salsify Tragopogon porrifolius
Plate 37, fig. 5
The Goatsbeard or Salsify bears large purple flower-heads with yellow
centers at the tips of stiff, straight stems, 2-4 ft. tall. The plants
have escaped from cultivation and may be found blooming all summer,
along roadsides and in meadows at 4000-7000 ft. The roots of the Salsify
are edible and are marketed under the name of “Oyster Plant.” The name
“Goatsbeard” refer to the clusters of stiff hairy fruits.
[Illustration: Plate 37
ASTER FAMILY
1 Blazing Star: Laciniaria punctata
2 Blue Lettuce: Lactuca pulchella
3 Sheath Flower: Coleanthus grandiflorus
4 False Dandelion: Agoseris glauca
5 Goatsbeard, Salsify: Tragopogon porrifolius
6 Rose Thistle: Carduus undulatus
7 Hawksbeard: Crepis runcinata]
Rose Thistle Carduus undulatus
Plate 37, fig. 6
The Rose Thistle is so named on account of the bright rose-purple
flower-heads, which bloom in summer and autumn. The plants are 2-5 ft.
tall and grow on plains, prairies and foothills at 5000-7000 ft. The
gray-green foliage is very spiny, but when bruised to destroy the spines
forms good food for cattle. Donkeys eat the plants, spines and all, and
seem to relish them. The Thistle is the badge of Scotland.
Hawksbeard Crepis runcinata
Plate 37, fig. 7
The Hawksbeard has dandelion-like flower-heads of a golden yellow, which
bloom in midsummer. The plants grow 1-2 ft. tall in mountain meadows and
bogs at 8000-11000 ft.
Prairie Goldenrod Solidago missouriensis
Plate 38, fig. 1
The flower clusters of the goldenrods vary from rather slender, stiff
spikes, which give the name to the group, to large, spreading, feathery
panicles. The Prairie Goldenrod belongs to the latter class and is only
medium-sized, both as to flower-clusters and plants, which are 8 in.-2
ft. tall. It blooms from midsummer to autumn and is most at home on the
prairies, though it also occurs in meadows and on gravel-slides at
3000-10000 ft. The Goldenrod is the state flower of Nebraska. The
botanical name for the genus comes from the Greek “to make whole” which
refers to the healing properties formerly attributed to the plant.
[Illustration: Plate 38
ASTER FAMILY
1 Prairie Goldenrod: Solidago missouriensis
2 Pussy’s Toes: Antennaria dioeca
3 Daisy: Erigeron macranthus
4 Purple Aster: Machaeranthera Bigelovii
5 Leafy Aster: Aster foliaceus
6 Gold-top: Gutierrezia sarothrae
7 Golden Eye: Chrysopsis villosa
8 Gum Weed: Grindelia squarrosa]
Pussy’s Toes Antennaria dioeca
Plate 38, fig. 2
The soft fuzzy balls that give this plant its name are the pistillate or
seed-bearing flowers, while the staminate or pollen-bearing ones grow in
heads on other stems. The botanical name for the genus refers to the
fact that the protruded brown anthers of the staminate heads sometimes
resemble the antennae of insects. The heads are creamy white with
rose-colored bracts enclosing them at the base, and bloom in spring and
early summer. The plants are 2-15 in. tall and grow on prairies and in
meadows and aspen woodland at 3000-10000 ft. The leaves are gray from
the white woolly hairs covering them, and grow in clusters at the base
of the flowering stems. These clusters usually form dense mats, the
leaves of which are sometimes chewed by children as Indian Tobacco or
Ladies’ Tobacco.
Daisy Erigeron macranthus
Plate 38, fig. 3
This Daisy has yellow disks surrounded by blue-purple rays. The name is
a corruption of Day’s Eye which refers to the resemblance of the yellow
center and its rays to the sun and its rays. The plants grow 1-3 ft.
tall in meadows, fir forests, aspen woodlands and on gravel-slides at
5000-10000 ft. and bloom in midsummer. They are beautiful enough to be
given a place in the garden.
Purple Aster Machaeranthera Bigelovii
Plate 38, fig. 4
The Aster differs from the Daisy in having fewer and broader
ray-flowers. This Aster has purple rays and yellow disks. It grows 1-4
ft. tall in meadows and on gravel-slides at 6000-10000 ft. and blooms in
midsummer.
Leafy Aster Aster foliaceus
Plate 38, fig. 5
The heads of the Leafy Aster have yellow disk-flowers and red-purple
rays. They bloom from midsummer to autumn. The plants grow 6 in.-2 ft.
tall in meadows and aspen woodlands at 7000-11000 ft. The word “aster”
comes from the Latin for “star” and refers to the rays surrounding the
yellow center.
Gold-top Gutierrezia sarothrae
Plate 38, fig. 6
The slender yellow heads of Gold-top grow in dense clusters on plants
1-3 ft. high. They bloom from midsummer to autumn and may be found on
prairies and plains at 3000-8000 ft. They are especially typical of
pastures and over-grazed areas.
Golden Eye Chrysopsis villosa
Plate 38, fig. 7
The name “Golden Eye” is a direct translation of the scientific name of
the genus. The flower-heads are entirely golden-yellow, ray-flowers as
well as disk-flowers, and they bloom in midsummer. The plants are
low-growing, 1-2 ft. high, and occur on prairies and gravel-slides and
in aspen woodlands at 3000-10000 ft.
Gum Weed Grindella squarrosa
Plate 38, fig. 8
The foliage of the Gum Weed oozes a sticky substance that gives the
plant its name. The flower-heads are golden-yellow and bloom from
midsummer to autumn. The plants are branched and grow 2-4 ft. tall,
along roadsides and in pastures at 3000-7000 ft. The entire plant is
used in medicine for certain lung troubles, and a salve is made from it
that is helpful in poison-ivy poisoning.
Cone Flower Ratibida columnaris
Plate 39, figs. 1, 6
The fertile flowers of the Cone Flower are grouped in cone-shaped heads,
which give the plant its name. The broad ray-flowers vary in color
through shades of pure yellow to brilliant orange-red, and this form is
sometimes cultivated in home gardens. The plants grow 1-3 ft. tall on
prairies and plains at 3000-7000 ft., and bear flowers all summer.
Golden Glow Rudbeckia laciniata
Plate 39, fig. 2