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GOLDEN NATURE GUIDES

Birds
Flowers Trees
Inseets
Stars
Reptiles and Amphibians
Mammals
Seashores Fishes
Weather
Roeks and Minerals
GOLDEN REGIONAL GUIDES
The Ameriean Southwest
The Ameriean Southeast
IN PREPARATION:
The Ameriean Northwest
These books available in two editions:
limp Bound $1.00 De luxe Cloth $2.50
FLOWERS
A GOLDEN NATURE GUIDE
;y
r
134 PAINTINGS IN FULL COLOR
LOWERS
A GUIDE TO FAMILIAR AMERICAN WILDFLOWERS
by
HERBERT S. ZIM, Ph.D.
and
ALEXANDER C. MARTIN, Ph.D.
Senior Biologist, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
ILLUSTRATED BY RUDOLF FREUND
Sponsored by
The Wildlife Management Institute
A GOL DEN NATURE GUIDE
GOLDEN PRESS NEW YORK
J
FOREWORD
Thi s book is a gui de to the most common groups of
Ameri can wildfowers: the Violets, Conefowers, Mi l k
weeds, Asters, and the l i ke. To hel p the begi nner i dentify
these fower groups and common ki nds of wi l dfowers, the
book i ncl udes 134 pai nti ngs i n full color. Some 200 ki nds
of fowers are shown i n the color pl ates, and these are
typi cal of the major groups of Ameri can foweri ng pl ants.
Even if the actual fower you fnd i s not illustrated, the
col or pl ates may help you i dentify it as, for exampl e, a
ki nd of Loosestrife, Orchi d, or Lupi ne.
There are more ki nds of wildfowers than there are
words i n thi s book. Our selecti on i ncl udes the most com
mon and wi dely di stri buted plants. It stresses those wi th
showy fowers an those whi ch the amateur is l i kely to
see. Thi s di fcult selecti on was ai ded by expert advi ce
and assistance. We are grateful for the fne co-operati on
of Neil Hotchkiss, Franci s Uhl er, and A. L. Nel son, all of
the U.S. Fi sh and Wi l dl i fe Service. P. L. Ri cker of the
Wild Flower Preservati on Society gave suggesti ons and
made available the excllent photographs i n his collec
ti on. The staf of the New York Botani cal Garden, espe
ci ally Frank C. McKeever, Carol H. Woodward, El i zabeth
Hal l , and Elizabeth McConnel l, were most helpful .
H. S.Z.
A.C. M.
Copyright 1950 by Golden Press, Inc. All Rights Re1erved, Including the Right of Reproduction in Whole or
in Port in Any Form. Designed and Produced by Artists and Writers Preu, Inc. Printed in the U.S.A. by
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Pnnting and lithographing Compory. Publuhed by Golden Press, Inc., Rockefelfer enter, New York 20.
HOW TO USE THI S BOOK
You can use thi s book better if you know the uni que
features i n i t . I n t he frst pl ace, t he fowers are arranged
i n four groups, accordi ng to col or, as shown on the col or
chart bel ow.
pages 55-87
Orange ta yellow pages 89-123
Cream to white pages 125-151
Many wi l dfowers, such as the Asters, Col umbi nes, and
Morning- gl ori es, occur i n several col ors. These have been
put wi th the col or t hat i s most common, t hough several
shades may be i l l ustrated on the same pl ate. At the end
of each col or secti on are l i sted wi l dfowers whi ch have
not been i ncl uded, even t hough some are of that col or.
These wi l l be found under thei r predomi nat i ng col or i n
another secti on.
To hel p begi nners know wi l dfowers, the pl ants are pre
sented mai nl y i n gr oups (or genera), rather than by ki nds
(or speci es). You may t hus see a group of Genti ans, Asters,
Vi ol ets, or Sunfowers at a gl ance. Note the si mi l ari ti es
wi thi n each group as wel l as the diversi ti es i n col or and
form. These poi nts enabl e you t o recogni ze fowers that
8
are not i l l ustrated. By sel ecti ng i mportant genera this book
i s abl e to present many types of fowers which grow wi de
l y over our country. However, some speci es whi ch are very
common, very i mportant, or have no cl ose rel atives have
been treated separatel y.
The col or of a fower i s your key. But keep i n mi nd that
shades of col or vary among di ferent speci es of the same
genus, and even among pl ants of the same speci es. A .
fower you have found may be of a diferent col or from
the one i l l ustrated. But the form of the fower and the
general fel d appearance of the pl ant shoul d hel p you.
When you start to i dentify an unknown pl ant, l ook at
the range maps frst. They wi l l i ndi cate whether the
fowers i l l ustrated on that page occur where you have
found your speci men. The deeper the pi nk, the greater
the number of pl ants. Even wi thi n the broad l i mits of thei r
known ranges plants vary. Some are restricted to wood
l ands, meadows, swamps, roadsi des, .or where favorabl e
conditi ons prevai l .
Thumb through this book at
odd moments and you wi l l
soon be fami l iar enough with
fowers to recognize some at
si ght. You may even be abl e
to i dentify the pl ants by thei r
general form, habi t of growth, or shape of the l eaves
before the fowers have opened. In your rambl es you may
fnd rare pl ants that are not i n the book at al l . You may
then want to use more advanced books or perhaps seek
the ai d of an ex
pert. To remember the names of the pl ants
you have found and i dentifed, keep a record of those
you see. Note the date and pl ace where your speci men
was found. Your record wi l l be a qui ck reference for you
to use agai n and agai n.
SEEING FLOWERS
WHERE TO LOOK Wi l dfowers grow a l most every
where. You' l l fnd them i n deserts, swamps, and fel ds, on
mountai ns, roadsi des, and ci ty l ots-i n al l parts of our
country. From the wi ndow of an express trai n tear i ng
t hr ough New York suburbs on a Jul y morni ng, 27 ki nds
were seen i n a hal f- hour. On a short country wal k you can
see twi ce as many. And i f that wal k t akes you along a
meadow, past a marsh, through woods, and by a beach,
mor e ki nds of pl ants wi l l be seen t han on any si ngl e type
of l and, no matter how pi cturesque.
Fl owers are i n bl oom every month of the year i n some
part of t hi s country. Onl y a few are found duri ng the
wi nter, when most pl ants are resti ng, but spr i ng i s barel y
under way before fowers are out. Some push up t hr ough
snow. Many bl oom before thei r l eaves are out . A general
rush of bl oomi ng comes l ater i n the spri ng, fol l owed by a
sl ackeni ng in earl y summer and a fnal spl urge i n l ate
summer and earl y fal l . Thi s pattern vari es from pl ace to
pl ace. Mountai n and desert wi l dfowers have s horter,
more bri l l i ant seasons. Fi el d and waysi de pl ants are more
conspi cuous i n the fal l . I n thi s book the season of bl oomi ng
i s given for every pl ant.
WHAT TO SEE Fl owers are far more i ntri gui ng than
many peopl e suspect. A fl ower i s more than a spl ash of
col or and a desi gn. Each part of a fower usual l y has a
task to perfor m, and the whol e fower has the essenti al
j ob of reproduci ng the pl ant. So the detai l ed fl oral parts
may prove fasci nati ng once you get to know t hem. Fl owers
9
10
TRILLIUM (page 19)
A monocot plant. leaves with paral
lel veins. Flower ports usually in
threes or multiples of three.
BUTTER-AND-EGGS (page 120)
on irregular flower
A dicot plant. leaves with neHed veins.
Flower parts usually in fours or fives.
FIELD DAISY (page 143)
THE PARTS OF A FlOWER
have but one goal -produci ng seed-but they do not al l
go about i t the same way. Some spread thei r pol l en by
wi nd. Others attract and even trap i nsects to perform t hi s
essenti al functi on. The speci al foral structures devel oped
i n di ferent pl ant gr oups have made fowers as vari ed
and as di sti nctivel y beauti f ul as t hey are. look cl osel y.
These str uctures are worth seei ng.
F l owers have much in common despite di ferences i n
appearance. The essenti al parts of every flower are t he
pisti l s (femal e parts) and t he stamens ( mal e parts). The
stamens produce pol l en grai ns whi ch, t hr ough ferti l i za
ti on, enabl e the ovul es i n the pi sti l to devel op i nto seeds.
Around these basi c organs, fowers usual l y have a r i ng
of showy petal s, the attractive par t of t he fower we see
frst. The sepal s are a ri ng of s mal l er, general l y green
bracts bel ow the petal s. The pattern of these parts vari es.
Someti mes t he petal s are fused i nto a t ube; someti mes the
sepal s are col ored. Vari ati ons i n the number and arrange
ment of pi sti l s and stamens, pl us the col or and s hape of
the petal s and sepal s, hel p us i denti fy the di ferent fowers.
FLOWERS AND WEEDS A fower i s, of course, onl y
one par t of a pl ant. But we al so us e the wor d l oosel y t o
mean a fower i ng pl ant. Many fower i ng pl ants are i mpor
tant to us, provi di ng materi al s for food, c l ot hi ng, and shel
ter. Other ki nds fouri sh wher e we don' t want them, com
peti ng wi th cul tivated pl ants. We cal l t hese "weeds. " Most
weeds are active, hardy fl oweri ng pl ants that t hrive i n
poor s oi l and under adverse condi ti ons. Some weeds have
smal l , i nconspi cuous fowers and may produce many
seeds. Weeds are worth knowi ng. Some are good to eat.
Even if they are not very attractive, they are l i kel y to be
i mportant pl ants.
11
12
. WI LDFLOWER CONSERVATI ON Wi l dfowers are
one of our nati on's i rrepl aceabl e assets. They have but
l i mited economi c val ue-no fortunes have been made
i n them. But attracti ve, showy fl owers ofer us a ki nd of
enj oyment aforded by few other t hi ngs i n nat ur. e. As wi th
other natural resources, we once thought fowers to be
unl i mi ted. Now we know better. I n some areas, especi al l y
near l arge ci ti es, wi l dfl owers have been over-pi cked. Some
ki nds have compl etel y di sappeared from pl aces where
they once were common. Trai l i ng Arbutus, Fri nged Gen
ti ans, and a number of li l i es and Orchi ds are sel dom seen
nowadays. Wi l dfowers are the ki nd of resource we do not
mi ss t i l l they are gone. And then regret does no good.
learn to enjoy fowers where they grow and l earn to
l eave them for others to enjoy, too. Do not pi ck them i n
parks or other protected areas. I f you do want to pi ck one
for study, be sure that others are growi ng i n the vi ci nity
of the one you have s potted. I f the pl aces they grow ar e
not di sturbed, wi l dfowers wi l l reseed the area, or wi l l
conti nue to spr ead by underground stems or bul bs. The
Wi l d Fl ower Preservati on Soci ety, 37 40 Ol i ver Street,
Washi ngton 15, D. C. , has l i sts of pl ants whi ch shoul d be
protected i n di ferent secti ons of our country. I t wi l l co
operate wi th i ndi vi dual s or groups who want to take an
acti ve part i n preservi ng our native wi l dfowers, or restor
i ng them al ong roadsi des where they no l onger grow. As
l ong as you real i ze that the enj oyment of fowers is some
thi ng to be shared wi th others, our wi l dfowers wi l l be safe.
AMATEUR ACTIVITIES
The best way to enj oy wi l dfowers is to observe them
and study them ri ght where they are growi ng. Begi nners
can l earn more from an hour wi th l ive fowers than from
a day with dead, dri ed ones.
When you l ook at a fl oweri ng pl ant, l ook for detai l s
of the fower, fruit, stem, and l eaves. Us e a magni fyi ng
gl ass. The more you l ook, the more you wi l l see, and the
more i nterest i ng fl owers wi l l become. See where t he pl ant
i s growi ng and what other pl ants grow wi t h i t.
After you know some of the more common wi l dfowers,
turn your attenti on to thei r rel ati ves. Fi nd di ferent mem
bers of the Pea or of the Composi te fami l i es and note
how s i mi l ar is the fower pattern wi thi n a pl ant gr oup.
looki ng at wi l dfowers wi l l al ways be enjoyabl e, but
after a whi l e you may want to do more.
PHOTOGRAPHI NG FLOWERS Most fowers can be
easi l y photographed wi th a camera and a portrai t l ens
attachment. The portrai t l ens makes it possi bl e to come
wi thi n a foot or t wo of the fl ower and sti l l st ay i n focus.
Pract i ce frst on l arge meadow or roadsi de fowers, l i ke
the Dai sy, Sunfl ower, or Mi l kweed. After you have had
some success, t r y smal l er fl owers and woodl and pl ants
that grow in the shade. For these a tri pod and a fas hbul b
may be necessary. Col or fl m makes i t possi bl e f or t he
amateur to get stri ki ng pi ctures of fl owers t o enjoy al l
wi nter.
13
14
GROWING WILDFLOWERS Cul ti vated fowers have
been devel oped from wi l d speci es that may al so grow in
gardens. A wi l dfower garden can be most attracti ve and
wi l l gi ve you a chance t o study fowers at your l ei sure.
Growi ng wi l dfowers does not requi re much techni cal
ski l l . Every amateur who makes t he efort can succeed.
Fi nd out, by observati on and readi ng, the soi l and l i ght
requi rements of the fl owers you wi sh t o gr ow or trans
pl ant. If possi bl e, take some soi l wi th them when trans
pl ant i ng. Un l ess condi ti ons are kept very much the same,
the transpl ants may not thri ve. Once a wi l dfl ower garden
i s started, one may even attempt pl ant breedi ng and
per haps produce new vari eti es by crossi ng or hybri di zi ng,
or si mpl y by sel ecti ng and pl anti ng seeds of t he best
pl ants. Col chi ci ne and other chemi cal s may be tri ed to
produce l arger or doubl ed fowers.
USEFUL WILD PLANTS Wi l d pl ants were of consi d
erabl e i mportance to our forefathers, and many are sti l l
used medi ci nal l y and as foods. Do you know that Mi l k
weed shoots, Groundnuts, Arrowheads, and Marsh Mari
gol ds ar e nutri ti ous and tasty? Medi ci nal pl ants i ncl ude
.
Foxgl oves (Di gital i s) , Genti ans, and Wi ntergreen. Other
pl ants worth knowi ng can be used i n teas and toni cs. You
may wi sh to fi nd out more about edi bl e, medi ci nal , and
other useful pl ants-i t's knowl edge t hat may be of val ue
i n an emergency.
COLLECTI NG FLOWERS Everyone l i kes to col l ect, but
too many peopl e start fower col l ecti ons and too few make
col l ecti ons t hey can use. Thi nk twi ce before you start. I t's
easy to press a dozen or more fowers, but what wi l l that
teach you about pl ants that you coul dn't fnd out by study
i ng them al ive? Postpone maki ng a col l ecti on ti l l you
know the most common fowers in your vi ci nity and are
ready to start a seri ous study of pl ants. Remember that if
a col l ector fai l s to observe, hi s work is of l i ttl e val ue. But i f
an observer takes notes, they wi l l add i mmeasurabl y to the
val ue of hi s col l ecti on.
I f you pl an to col l ect, read one of the more advanced
books t o get hel p. locate the materi al s you need to make
a pl ant press. Don't forget a notebook to keep a record
of your speci mens. Start wi th common weeds and practi ce
ti l l you can press fowers wi thout spoi l i ng them. Then go
about your col l ecti ng systemati cal l y, keepi ng i n mi nd that
maki ng a col l ecti on does not permi t anyone to vi ol ate state
l aws protecti ng wi l dfowers.
SPECIAL COLLECTI ONS I f you col l ect, your col lecti on
wi l l be a speci al i zed one right from the start. I f not hi ng
el se, it wi l l be a regi onal col l ecti on-one of l ocal pl ants.
But other speci al col l ecti ons are possi bl e. You can col
l ect pl ants of diferent habi tats: swamp pl ants, mountai n
pl ants, or desert pl ants. By speci al i zi ng i n some pl ant
communi ty, you can see how pl ants ft i nto the l i fe of a
seashore or a prai ri e, or a woodl ot. You can pay speci al
attenti on to pl ant groups, such as Asters, Gol denrods, or
Orchi ds. Per haps you may become especi al l y i nterested i n
spri ng fowers or fal l fowers.
When you col l ect fowers, you can al so col l ect frui ts,
seed pods, or seeds. Many smal l seeds are curi ous and
attracti ve when vi ewed through a magni fyi ng gl ass. They
can be stored i n gl ass vi al s or cel l ophane envel opes.
15
16
What' s more, you can attempt to rai se these wi l dfowers
from seed. It may be more di fcul t than growing Mari
gol ds or Petuni as, but the results are much more sati sfyi ng.
MORE I NFORMATI ON There are about 50,000 ki nds
of floweri ng pl ants i n the United States. Thi s gui de can
ofer onl y a bri ef i ntroducti on to a few of t hem. larger
fel d gui des and reference manual s often concentrate on
one secti on of the country. Use them as you need more
detai l s. Botany texts may help you understand how pl ants
work and how they devel oped. Here are a few books
that you may want to read as you progress:
Plants, A Guide to Plant Hobbies by Herbert S. Zim (Harcourt, Brace
and Co., New York). An introduction to the major plant groups
and the families of fowering plants, with a guide to plant col
lecting and experimenting.
The World of Plant Life by Clarence J. Hylander (The Macmillan Co.,
New York). A comprehensive book, devoted mostly to fowering
plants, which tells about families of plants, uses, and character-
istics.

Wild Flowers by Homer D. House (The Macmillan Co., New York). A
well-known guide to most of the eastern fowers, illustrated with
excellent colored plates.
Field Book of Western Wild Flowers by Margaret Armstrong (G. P.
Putnam's Sons, New York). An aid in making more accurate iden
tifcation of the many varied and difcult kinds of western fowers.
American Wildfowers by Harold N. Moldenke (D. Van Nostrand Co.,
New York). An unusual guide to the herbaceous fowering plants
of the entire country with emphasis on the major families.
CARDI NAL FLOWER Thi s stri ki ng pl ant of riCh, moi st
eastern woodl ands and brooksi des i s the onl y red Lobel i a.
Others ore bl ue or white (see page 70). Over- pi cki ng has
made the Car di nal Fl ower so r ar e i t now needs protecti on.
When t hi s pl ant is grown i n gardens, hummi ngbi rds often
vi si t its t ube- l i ke fowers. Cardi nal
Fl owers gr ow 2 to 4 feet taiL-Sum
mer and early fall. Lobelia Family.
18
BEEBALMS These tal l , coarse, aromati c mi nts are al so
cal l ed Wi l d Bergamot, Oswego Tea, Horsemi nt. They vary
i n col or from scar l et red to pal e l avender. The bri l l i ant
red-fowered Oswego Tea grows i n moi st pl aces, but t he
other Beebal ms prefer dry waysi des and fencerows. Some
are nati ve; others, brought from
Europe, have gone wi l d. I ndi ans and
earl y sett l ers brewed medi ci nal tea
from the l eaves. -Summer and early
fall. Mint Family.
19
TRI LLI UMS Tri l l i ums ar e handsome spri ng pl ants of
moi st eastern woodl ands and western mountai ns. As thei r
name i mpl i es, they are constructed on a t hreefol d pl an:
3 l eafets, 3 green sepal s, and 3 petal s whi ch var y i n col or
from the deep, purpl e-red of the common Wake-robi n
t hrough pi nk to pure whi te. There
are about 15 speci es-most grow a
foot or so hi gh, usual l y in ri ch soi l .
The fowers ri pen i nto reddi sh or
purpl e berri es. -Spring. Lily Family.
GI LIAS About 100 of the 120 ki nds of Gi l i a grow i n
thi s country, mai nl y i n western deserts and mou ntai ns.
Dwarfed speci es are typi cal of both these habi tats. More
commonl y, Gi l i as grow on open sl opes and dry hi l l si des.
They are vari abl e and not easi l y di sti ngui shed from one
another. Al l have t ubul ar, funnel - or bel l -shaped, 5-pet
al ed fowers. On some the fl owers cl uster at t he top of the
pl ant; i n others they scatter al ong the verti cal stem. Gi l i as
vary i n col or fr om scarl et to pi nk, bl ue, purpl e, yel l ow,
and whi te.
21
Gi l i as gr ow fr om 5 i nches to 2 feet tal l , wi th rough or
sti cky stems. The thi n l eaves general l y al ternate al ong
t hem. The seeds are al so sti cky when wet. Some are eaten
by gamebi rds and by desert rodents. One of t he best
known Gi l i as i s the Scarl et Gi l i a or Skyrocket, a pl ant t hat
covers western hi l l si des and has a
rather disagreeabl e odor. Other com
mon Gi l i as i ncl ude Bl ue Desert Gi l i a,
Birds Eyes, Downy Gi l i a, and Pri ckl y
Gi l i a.-Spring to fal l . Phl ox Family.
22
WILD PI NKS These are common in both East and
West, especial l y i n fel ds, open woods, and rocky upl ands.
They range in col or from the scar l et I ndi an Pink of the
Northwest and the crimson Wi l d Pink of the East to the
pink Catchfy and the purpl e to white Moss Campion
of al pi ne regions. Some are l ow,
branchi ng pl ants with fnel y divided,
prickl y l eaves. Others have sl ender,
erect stems. -Summer and early fall.
Pink Family.
l
23
MORNING-GLORI ES Thi s tropi cal gr oup of some 75
speci es i ncl udes the sweet potato. Some were i ntroduced
from South Ameri ca. Mor ni ng- gl ori es thri ve i n good soi l
under a great var iety of condi ti ons, especi al l y i n the
South. The bel l -shaped, pl eated fowers on twi ni ng and
trai l i ng, hai ry stems, range from scar
l et to pi nk, white, bl ue, and purpl e.
The l arge seeds are occasi onal l y
eaten by game- bi rds.-Summer and
fall. Morning-glory Family.
24
CLOVERS Cl over grows most abundantl y i n the East,
but 55 of its 75 s peci es are Wester n. Most of the common
ki nds have been i ntroduced from Europe

. Our honey and

bumbl ebees pol l i nate the Cl overs and hel p account for
t hei r wi despread di stri buti on. Cl overs grow from 8 i nches
to 2 feet hi gh in open fel ds, meadows, l awns, and road
si des. Most have the wel l - known gl obul ar fowerhead,
made of many ti ny, tubular forets, rangi ng i n col or from
red to pi nk, yel l ow, and creamy whi te. The l eaf has 3
l eafets wi th toothed edges and is mar ked i n some speci es
25
wi th a l i ghter green tri angl e on the top. A few western
speci es of Cl over have as many as 6 or 7 l eafets.
Red, Al si ke, and White Cl over enri ch the soi l , are ex
cel l ent for l i vestock, and provi de our best honey. The
smal l , hard seeds of western Cl overs are i mportant foods
for quai l and other bi rds. Hop and
Bur- cl over ( page 1 09) do not bel ong
to t hi s t rue Cl over group. Red Cl o
ver i s the Vermont state fower.
Late spring to early fall. Pea Family.
26
PAI NTEDCUPS On prai ries and hillsi des of the West,
a common fower i s the bri l l iant Pai ntedcup or I ndi an
Pai ntbrush. The red or yel l ow stai n on the cl uster of l eaf
t i ps near the fower i s characteri sti c. Pai ntedcups (35
speci es) usual l y grow with erect, bunched stems 1 2 to 20
i nches hi gh. Most are red; some ar e
r ed and yel l ow or j ust yel l ow. One
species i s the state fower of Wyo
mi ng.-Spring and
'
summer. Figwort
Family.
27
GODUIAS A number of species of Godeti as are found
i n meadows, on hi l l si des, and on mountai n sl opes t hr ough
out the West. One pi nk-fowered ki nd i s cal l ed Farewel l
to-spri ng. The l arge, 4- petal ed fowers, pi nk to l i l ac and
purpl e, and t he narrow, al ternate l eaves grow on smooth,
branchi ng stems about 2 feet high.
Godetias are showy fowers. Most
of them cl ose at night.-Spring and
early summer. Evening Primrose
Family.

28
COLUMBI NES Col umbi nes -among the most gracef ul
and attracti ve wi l dfowers-are found i n open woods and
mount ai n meadows. The eastern speci es i s scarl et and
yel l ow. One i n t he Rocki es i s bl ue; another i s red. The
Bl ue Col umbi ne-someti mes a very pal e bl ue-i s the Col
orado state fower. The Northwest has a whi te-fowered
speci es.
Col umbi ne l eaves al l have 3 neatl y scal l oped l eafets.
The fowers, each wi th 5 petal s taper i ng of i nto a l ong
spur, hang noddi ng on sl ender, ri gi d stal ks. They are pol
l i nated by bees and ot her l ong-tongued i nsects. The pl ants
grow 2 to 3 feel tal l . Al l are perenni al s, growi ng anew
each year from the undergr ound rootstock. Many garden
vari eti es of Col umbi nes have been devel oped. The fower
mat ures i nto an erect, brown capsul e contai ni ng many
bl ack, shi ny seeds. Cl ose rel ati ves of Col umbi nes are
Monkshood, a western pl ant wi th
deep bl ue fowers and a poi sonous
root, and larkspur, whi ch bears i ts
bl ue, purpl e, or scarl et fowers i n
l ong, l oose spi kes. -Spring and early
summer. Buttercup Family.
30
MALLOWS Thi s large and wi dely di stri buted group of
over 30 speci es ranges in col or from scar l et to purpl e,
pi nk, yel l ow, and whi te; i n hei ght, from 1 to 6 feet. Some
are nati ves of our western prai ri es and pl ai ns, where they
col or wi de areas. Rose Mal l ow favors shores and sal t
marshes. The gay fowers, l i ke mi ni a
t ur e Hol l yhocks, gr ow al ong the
s l i ghtl y hai ry stem or i n ter mi nal
spi kes. -Spring and summer. Mal
low Family.
RED MAI DS Thi s l ow, succul ent-stemmed pl ant, al s o
known as Pi nk Mai ds and Ki sses, i s abundant i n Cal i
forni a and common i n nei ghbor i ng western areas. I t pre
fers cul ti vated ground, but a l so grows on hi l l si des an d
al ong t h e sea coast. Th e 5- petal ed fowers ar e usual l y
magenta to rose and occasi onal l y
whi te. The s mal l , bl ack, s hi ny seeds
are an i mportant food for wester n
songbi r ds and rodents. -Spring. Pur
slane Family.
32
SHOOTI NGSTARS The droopi ng fowers of thi s pl ant,
wi th i ts 5 i nverted petal s, often occur in cl usters of 5, at
the top of a bare stal k 8 to 20 i nches hi gh. The smooth,
thi cki sh l eaves al l grow from the base of the stem. Shoot
i ngstars range i n col or from red to pi nk and pal e l aven
der. They are commonl y found on
moi st hi l l sides, i n open woods, and
on prai ri es i n the western and mid
dl e states. These pl ants are some
ti mes cul ti vated. - Spring. Primrose
Family.
F I RE WE E DS As the name i mpl i es, Fi reweeds grow
abundant l y on burnt-over ground, someti mes bl anketi n g
hi l l si des wi th pi nk or l avender bl ossoms. Th e wi despread
Fi reweeds are common i n wooded parts of our Northeast
and Northwest, and throughout the enti re Northern hem
i sphere. Several rel ated speci es are
mostl y s mal l er and l ack showy fl ow
ers. The seeds, tufted with white
hai rs, make the pl ants l ook shaggy
i n the fal l , before they scatter.
-Summer. Evening Primrose Family.
34
THI STLES Some native and some European Thistles have
become pernici ous weeds, crowdi ng fi el ds, pastures, and
roadsi des. Al l have the wel l -known fowerhead, wi th spi ny
bracts, l eaves, and stem, 1 to 4 feet hi gh. Fl owers range
from pi nk to pur pl e, yel l ow, and whi te. They are ri ch i n
nectar f or bees and butterfi es. The
seeds ar e eaten by gol dfnches, and
roots of some species were used as
food by l ndians. -Spring and sum
mer. Composite Family.
35
SPI DERFLOWERS These tal l , very handsome, some
what bushy herbs grow i n western waste pl aces and al ong
roadsi des and ri ver banks. The l oose fower cl usters i n
pi nk, l i l ac, or yel l ow ar e borne at t he t op of smooth stems
3 t o 8 feet hi gh. The seeds form i n l ong, fat pods, whiCh
are eaten by wi l dl i fe. Spi derfowers
are someti mes cal l ed Beepl ant or
Skunkweed because of the unpl eas
ant s mel l of thei r crushed fol i age.
Spring to early fa//. Caper Family.
ORCHI DS Orchids are one of the world's l argest and
most i nterest i ng fami l ies of pl ants. But of over 1 0,000
speci es onl y 1 40 grow in North Ameri ca. Orchi ds are
hi ghl y speci al i zed for i nsect pol l i nat i on. One of thei r 3
petal s is modi fed i nto a conspi cuous "l i p, " whi ch secretes
nectar. Thi s i s very noti ceable in the lady Sl i ppers, those
famed pi nk, whi te, and yel l ow Orchids of northern woods.
The Showy lady Sl i pper is Mi nnesota's state fower. The
l eaves of some Orchi ds are smal l ; other Orchids have a
pai r of broad l eaves cl ose to t he gr ound. Most grow i n
ri ch, moist soi l i n open woods or i n bogs. They r un i n
37
col or from pink to pur pl e, orange, yel l ow, and white. A
few, in humi d parts of the South, and many i n the tropics
grow on trees, but these ai r pl ants are not parasites.
Vani l l a fl avoring is made from the pod of an orchid.
Wi l d Orchi ds come up year after year from thick,
feshy roots. They grow s l owl y, are
hard to transpl ant, and ar e exceed
i ngl y difcul t to grow from their very
mi nute seeds. For these reasons
Orchids shoul d not be picked. -Late
spring and summer. Orchid Family.
38
KNOTWEEDS About 20 species of Knotweeds thrive
a l ong roadsi des, in wet meadows, and in marshes. They
are spreadi ng weeds, 1 to 4 feet hi gh, wi th sl ender c l usters
of smal l pi nk to whi te fowers. Cl osel y rel ated are such
cl i mbi ng pl ants as Cl i mbi ng Buckwheat, Smarteed, and
Tearthumbs. The rather l arge, dark
seeds of Knotweeds are choi ce foods
of waterfowl and gamebi r ds. -Sum
mer to fall. Buckwheat Family.
39
MEADOW BEAUTI ES The attractive, 4- petal ed Mea
dow Beauti es are nati ves of wet, grassy fats and sandy
pi ne barrens i n the South. The showy, del i cate fowers
range from pi nk to l avender to purpl e, wi th l ong, arched,
bri ght yel l ow stamens. These pl ants, someti mes cal l ed
Deergrass, grow 1 0 to 20 i nches hi gh,
wi th squari sh stems l ike Mi nts. The
seeds ar e i n a 4-cel l ed, bur- l ike
capsul e. -Summer. Meadow Beauty
Family.
40
BOUNCI NG BET This hardy, widel y di stri buted Euro
pean Pi nk, 1 to 2 feet hi gh, t hri ves a l ong embankments
and in other waste pl aces, where i t spreads. by under
ground stems. The bl ooms, wi th a characteri sti c spi cy odor,
are i n profuse, fatti sh cl usters. The scal l oped petal s r ange
. fr om pi nk to whi t e. When cr ushed i n
water, t he t hi ck, oval l eaves f or m a
l ather. Hence another common name
-Soapwort. -Summer and fall. Pink
Family.
41
ROSE GENTI ANS These delicatel y fragrant, pi nk to
whi te, gracef ul pl ants grow i n moist meadows and savan
nahs, and al ong the s andy coast-mai nl y i n the Southeast.
Some are found in bracki sh marshes. The Rose Gentians
branch often and usual l y grow 1 to 3 feet high. The
l arge bl ooms with yel l ow star like
centers form on sl ender stal ks. The
s mal l , symmetrical , opposi te l eaves
have no stal ks at aiL-Summer to
fa//. Gentian Family.
FI LAREES Fi l arees are most abundant in the orchards
of Cal i forni a and i n fel ds and other open pl aces i n the
West, where 5 speci es are known. Onl y one s pecies
occurs i n the East, and thi s spari ngl y. These cut- l eaved,
spreadi ng annual s wi th thei r Gerani um- l i ke fowers are
an important food for l i vestock and
wi l dl i fe. The name Fi l aree ( Spani sh
for pi n- l i ke) refers to the hard, awl
shaped seeds, whi ch are eaten by
many ki nds of bi rds. - Winter and
early spring. Gerani um Family.
WI LD GERANI UMS Of 25 speci es of Wi ld Gerani ums,
about 1 0 are found i n the East and more i n the West.
They are more cl osel y rel ated to Fi l arees than to potted
Gerani ums. Some, l i ke the common Wi l d Gerani um, prefer
woodl ands. The Cal i forni a Gerani um and numerous west
ern speci es prefer open pl aces. The
fowers are 5- petal ed; l avender,
pi nk, and whi te. The pl ants are
loosel y br anched, wi th fnel y cut
l eaves. -Spring and early summer.
Gerani um Family.
BEGGARWEEDS The fat, fuzzy "seeds" rel ished by
quail and wi l d t urkey are far more fami liar t han the
fower. They stick tight to cl othing duri ng autumn wal ks
i n ol d fel ds; hence the pl ants get such names as Sti ck
tights, Ticktrefoi l , and Tickcl overs. Of some 1 60 species,
50 are found i n the United States
mainl y i n the Southeast. The smal l ,
pea- l ike fowers are magenta, viol et,
and sometimes white. The wand- l i ke
stems grow 1 to 4 feet hi gh. -Sum
mer and early fall. Pea Family.
45
TRAILING ARBUTUS Trai l i ng Arbutus or Mayfower,
state fower of Massachusetts, i s cheri shed as one of the
ear l i est spr i ng fowers. There i s onl y one speci es i n thi s
country. Formerl y common i n rocky eastern woodl ands
and sandy soi l s, Arbutus has become scar ce from carel ess
pi cki ng. Thi s tough creeper, wi th
coarse, hai ry, evergreen l eaves, has
smal l pi nk or white t ubul ar fowers
wi th a spi cy fragrance. They are pol
l i nated by fi es and bees. -Late win
ter to early spring. Heath Family.
46
PURPLE CONEFLOWER$ These attractive pl ants grow
i n t he fel ds and roadsides of our midl and states and are
sometimes cul tivated. The fowerheads ar e showy, with
l ong, droopi ng magenta or purpl e petal s, each notched
at the ti p. The smooth, someti mes s lightl y hairy stems are
2 to 4 feet tal l . The basal l eaves are
coarse and sharpl y toothed; those
higher on the stem are s mal l er, with
shal l ow teeth. - Early summer to
early fall. Composite Family.
MI LKWORTS Most Milkworts are tropi cal . Ours grow
mai nl y i n the moist meadows of the Southeast. These
dai nty pl ants wi th smal l and general l y narrow l eaves have
thei r pur ple, pi nk, orange, or whi te fl owers at the top of
sl ender stems. The bl ooms may be i n compact, Cl over- l i ke
heads, spi kes, or fat-topped c l us
ters, or they may grow si ngl y, as in
the smal l , showy Fri nged Mi l kwort.
-Late spring and summer. Milkwort
Family.
48
FLEABANES These pl ants resembl e Asters, but thei r
fowerheads usual l y have 2 or 3 rows of petal - like rays.
Magenta and vi ol et Fl eabanes provi de vivi d spl ashes of
col or i n al pi ne meadows of the West. The wel l -known
Daisy Fl eabane grows i n eastern fel ds and roadsi des.
Some of the l ess showy, pal e-fow
ered species are common weeds of
hayfel ds and fal l ow gr ound - 8
inches to over 2 feet high.-Summer.
Composite Family. _
49
SPRI NG BEAUTI ES In masses of thousands on ri ver
food pl ai ns or in open woods, the frai l Spri ng Beauti es,
6 to 12 i nches hi gh, make a stri ki ng di spl ay. The i ncon
spi cuous, del i cate, pi nk to whi te fowers, vei ned wi th
deeper pi nk, remai n open onl y i n the bri ght l i ght. These
succul ent pl ants have starchy bul bs,
whi ch the I ndi ans ate. I n the West
there are several rel atives of the
Spri ng Beauti es, al l smal l -fowered
too.-Spring. Purslane Family.
50
GERARDI AS The varied species of Gerardi as al l have
dai nty, showy fowers on wi ry, wi del y branched stems,
1 to 2 feet hi gh. The funnel - l i ke corol l as are red, purple,
vi olet, or - rarel y -whi te. These eastern and mi dl and
pl ants prefer moi st habi tats; one speci es grows i n s al t
marshes. The Foxgl oves are tal l er
rel ati ves of the Gerardi as, wi th yel
l ow fowers and di vi ded l eaves. -
Summer to fall. Figwort Family.
51
JOEPYEWEED The ti ny, l avender, and rarel y whi te
fowers of Joepyeweed are borne in fuzzy, fat-topped
masses. The coarsel y toothed l eaves enci.cl e the tal l 2-
to 1 2-foot stem. Joepyeweed i s wi despread i n the East,
in low gr ound al ong roadsi des. Of the 50 or so rel ated
speci es, Boneset, wi th whi ti sh fowers
and pai red, r ough l eaves, i s most
common. - Late summer and fa//.
Composite Family.
LOOSESTRI FES loosestrifes are sl ender, col orful pl ants
typi cal of Eastern marshes, moist meadows, and swamps.
Several rel ated speci es are aquati c. Our tal l est, most
showy loosestr ife has been natural ized from Europe.
Sever al nati ve speci es have smal l er, pi nk or l avender
fowers, growi ng i n a l oose spi ke or
al ong the 4-si ded stems . . The l ong,
toot hl ess l eaves usual l y grow oppo
site one another. - Summer to fall.
Loosestrife Family.
53
MI LKWEEDS Stout-stemmed Mi l kweeds are tal l pl ants
that grow 2 to 5 feet high. Their broad
f
owe_r cl usters are
red to pi nk, l i l ac, and cream-white. Al l parts of the pl ant
contain a mi l ky j uice, l atex, which gives Mi l kweed its
name. Mi l kweeds are abundant i n ol d fel ds, meadows,
marshes, and moist roadsides. The
seeds, with thei r famil iar "para
chutes," sai l of i n the wind. -Sum
mer and fall. Milkweed Family.
54
The fol lowi ng plants are covered in other sections of this
book because they are predomi nantly of some other
col ors, but they i nclude one or more speci es that do ft
i nto the RED, PI NK, AND MAGENTA color group:
Page
1 1 0 Adderstongues
Asters . .
Blazing-stars
Bluets
.................... 56-7
........................... 58
Eri ogonums ............... .
Eveni ng Pri mroses ......... . . ..... .
Hawkweeds
Penstemons .................... .
77
1 23
1 1 3
1 00
62-3
Pi psissewas . . . .............. ....... ....... 1 36
Woodsorrels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
I RONWEEDS The fowerheads of I ronweeds resembl e
smal l , dar k pur pl e Thistl es, but the pl ants ar e free of
spi nes. The l eaves, l ong and cl osel y toothed, are di ferent
too. I ronweeds (3 to 8 feet) grow i n moi st meadows and
roadsi des i n the eastern and mi ddl e states. Some 1 0
species occur, al l pur pl e i n col or,
rarel y whi te. The best known are Tal l
I ronweed an d New York I ronweed.
-Early fall. Composite Family.
56
ASTERS Asters number some 150 species in the United
States. Most occur i n the East where, with Gol denrod, they
fl l spangl ed fel ds in l ate summer and fal l . Each star- l ike,
mul tipetol ed fower is actual l y a compact c l uster, cal l ed
a "fowerheod. " The center (disk) fowers ore bri ght yel
l ow; the outer (roy) fl owers, often mistaken for petal s,
vary from bl ue and purpl e to white. When studyi ng Asters,
l ook at the basal l eaves as wel l as those near the top of
the pl ant, since they hel p i n identifcati on.
Asters or e typical pl ants of open fel ds and roadsides,
but there are woodl and, swamp, and seasi de species too.
They grow and spread from perenni al rootstocks. Best
known Asters i ncl ude the New Engl and Aster (tal l , wi th
deep purpl e fowers), someti mes cul ti vated; the New York
Aster ( bl ue-vi ol et fl owers: thi n, smooth l eaves); the
Heart-l eaved Aster ( heart-shaped l eaves at the base of
the stem, and smal l l i l ac fowers). The
Whi te Woodl and Aster has a zig
zag stem, smal l whi te fowers, and
smooth, heart-shaped l eaves. -Late
summer to /ate fall. Composite
Family.
58
BLAZI NG-STARS These slender, handsome plants grow
i n dry gr ound al ong roadsi des and i n fel ds, especi al l y i n
the prai ri es. The magenta to purpl e, rarel y whi te, fower
heads are arranged compactl y ar ound the upper port of
the central stal k. The narrow l eaves radi ate from the lower
port of the stem, whi ch grows 1 to 4
feet hi gh, present i ng a somewhat
feathery appearance; hence one of
i ts common names, Goyfeather .
Late summer to fall. Composite
Family.
59
VETCHES These smooth vi nes, cl i mbi ng by tendr i l s at
t he t i p of t hei r del i cate l eaves, favor cul ti vated fel ds and
borders of t hi ckets. Some 25 speci es, nati ve and natural
i zed, are scattered t hroughout t he Uni ted States. They
make excel l ent fodder. Seeds and
fol i age ar e eaten by wi l dl i fe. The
Common Vetch, whi ch ori gi nated i n
Europe, i s the most preval ent. The
pea- l i ke fowers vary from purpl e t o
bl ue to whi te. -late spring t o fall.
Pea Family.
60
are annual s; some perennial s. A few have come over
from Europe. Two principal types grow here. One is
erect, with sl ender, branched spi kes of smal l fowers;
the other is a low or prostrate pl ant wi th more showy,
l oosel y cl ustered fowers. Vervai ns
vary i n col or from pur pl e to bl ue to
white and favor waste pl aces, dry
fel d borders, and roadsi des. -Sum
mer to early fall. Vervain Family.
61
BRODI EAS These pretty, del i cate, grassy-l eaved, west
ern wi l dfowers prefer meadows and sunny hi l l si des. Best
known are the Wi l d Hyaci nth, Fi recracker Fl ower, and
Gol den Brodi ea. Thei r bel l -shaped fl owers are general l y
pal e bl ue or vi ol et ( rarel y yel l ow or cri mson) and occur
i n l oose cl usters on twi sted, bare
stems, 6 to 20 i nches hi gh. I ndi ans
at e the smal l bul bs, whi ch t hey cal l ed
"grass nuts. "-Spring to summer. Lily
Family.
62
PENSTEMONS Most of the 250 speci es of these showy
fowers are bl ue, l avender, or purpl e, but some are red,
yel l ow, and even whi te. Many are common i n the West.
I n Col orado, Utah, and t hrough the Rocky Mountai ns the
Penstemons are abundant al ong rai l road embankments
and in open fel ds, where they merge i nto masses of bri l
l i ant col or . Thei r r ange extends up to the rocky s oi l s of
t he t i mber l i ne. Onl y about a dozen are f ound i n t he East.
Penstemons favor moi st soi l , usual l y i n open, rocky
pl aces. They grow 1 to 3 feet hi gh, wi th erect stems, often
63
branchi ng at the base-though the growth patter n vari es.
The leaves are smooth and usually opposi te. The fowers are
i n l oose cl usters; each i s t ubul ar wi th a spreadi ng l i p.
One of the common names, Beardtongue, refers to hai ry
ti pped stamens that often protr ude beyond the petal s.
Some al pi ne speci es of Penstemons
are popul ar rock-garden pl ants. A
l arge-fowered, col orf ul hybri d i s
grown i n western gardens. -Spring
and summer. Figwort Family.
64
VI OLETS The fami l i ar, fragrant, del i cate Vi ol ets are
common i n moist fel ds, woodl ands, and roadsi des i n both
the East and West. four states ( I l l . , N. J. , R. 1 . , Wi s. ) have
adopted the Vi ol et as thei r state fower. Vi ol ets are l ow,
l eafy pl ants, rarel y growi ng more than 1 0 i nches hi gh.
The attractive fowers have 5 dai nty petal s, whi ch var y i n
col or f r om deep pur pl e and bl ue to yel l ow and whi te.
Oddl y, t hey are usual l y steri l e. Smal l er fowers that form
l ower on the pl ant devel op i nto smal l , 3-si ded capsul es,
contai ni ng the seeds.
Not al l Vi ol ets have the typi cal heart-shaped l eaf.
65
Some have deepl y i ndented, narrow l eaves. The Common
and Western Bl ue Vi ol ets, Dog Vi ol et, and Bi rdfoot Vi olet
ore bl ui sh. Of the white speci es, the Canada Vi ol et i s best
known. The Yel l ow Vi ol ets appear on page 1 1 2. Over 300
speci es of Vi ol ets i n the wor l d have been descri bed, and
near l y 1 00 of t hem ar e found i n t hi s
country. The Pansy and most cul ti
vated Viol ets are descendants of
wi l d European speci es, not of the
eastern Fi el d Pansy. - Spring and
early summer. Violet Family.
66
HEPATI CAS The i nconspi cuous, most fami l iar Hepaticas
are among the frst woodl and harbi ngers of spri ng. They
vary from l i l ac or bl uish to whi te. The t hi ck, coarse l eaves
are 3-l obed and l ast through the wi nter, al t hough by
spri ng they are discol ored. Leaf and fower stems are very
hai ry. Hepati cas prefer the ri ch,
l eafmol d soi l s of open woods and
forest sl opes. Two s peci es grow i n
t he East. - Early spring. Crowfoot
Family.
67
BLUECURLS These aromati c pl ants grow in fel ds and
dry, open pl aces. The western speci es have a stronger,
l ess pl easant odor t han the common eastern ki nd. The
dense cl usters of smal l fowers, wi th l ong, cur l i ng stamens,
give the pl ant i ts name. The sl ender stems, 2 to 5 feet hi gh,
are square, l i ke most Mi nts. The
l eaves are opposi te. Bl uecur l s were
once used as medi ci ne by the I ndi ans
and by earl y Spani sh settl ers.-Sum
mer and fal l . Mi nt Family.
PASQUEFLOWERS Purpl e, vi ol et, and someti mes white
sepal s give the cup-shaped Pasquefower its col or. The
fower has no petal s. These l ow (6 to 1 4 i nches hi gh) prai
ri e pl ants consi st mai nl y of a cl uster of dense, hai ry, div
i ded l eaves-i n the center of whi ch the fowerstal k ap
pears. After the fower is gone, si l ky
seeds wi th l ong, feathery tai l s form
i n cl usters. I t i s the state fower of
Sout h Dak ot a.-Summer t o fal l.
Crowfoot Family.
SELFHEAL Sel fheal , a hardy perenni al of European
ori gi n, is now wi del y di stri buted in the East i n open woods,
fel ds, roadsi des, and pastures. Thi s l ow pl ant, 6 to 1 2
i nches h i gh, has smal l spi kes of bl ue or pur pl e fowers.
Both of i ts common names, Sel fheal and Heal al l , i ndi cate
the pl ant was once used medi ci nal l y
-for sore throats and other mi nor
ai l ments. There i s onl y one speci es
i n t h i s c o u nt r y. -Su mmer. Mi nt
Family.
LOBELIAS Most Lobel i as are bl ue to pur pl e-fowered.
(The scar l et Car di nal Fl ower, a true Lobel i a, page 1 7, i s
an excepti on. ) Al l prefer moi st ground al ong brooks on
wet banks and i n meadows. A few speci es grow i n marsh
margi ns, and one occurs on sandy
shores, partl y i mmersed i n water.
The showy fowers are arranged i n
l oose spi kes whi ch termi nate the 1 - to
2-foot stem. Each fower occurs at
the base of a l eaf. -Summer and fall.
Lobelia Family.
VENUS LOOKI NGGLASS The smal l , rounded, scal l oped
l eaves cl aspi ng the stem and enfol di ng t he fower are
fel d marks for t hi s very common speci es. These wi de
spread annual s of fi el ds, gardens, and roadsi des have
dai nty pur pl e to bl ue fowers of two disti nct types. The
l ower fowers ar e smal l and are
sel f- pol l i nated. Hi gher up, the fow
ers are l arger and are pol l i nated by
bees. Pl ants are 1 to 2 feet hi gh.
Summer t o early fall. Bellfower
Family.
71
BLUE TOADFLAX Thi s sl ender pl ant is common on dry,
sandy soi l s,. i n open fel ds, and on dry meadows. I ndi vi du
al l y, the pl ants are smal l and frai l , but i n favor abl e si tua
ti ons they bl anket l arge areas. The l avender or vi ol et
fowers have a doubl e l i p and end i n a curved spur . The
mi nute l eaves are mai nl y cl ustered
at the base of the wand- l i ke stem,
5 to 20 i nches hi gh. Bl ue Toadfax i s
a cl ose rel ati ve of Butter-and-eggs
( page 1 20). -Summer to fall. Figwort
Family.
BELLFLOWERS The del i cate, bel l -shaped purpl i sh, bl u
i sh, or whi te fowers hang on sl ender, recurved stal ks. The
l eaves grow l ow on the erect stem, 1 to 2 feet hi gh. The
common Bel l fower i s European, but other l ess wi despread
and equal l y attracti ve speci es are nati ve. They grow most
abundant l y in the East, in moi st,
shady fel ds, in marshes, and on
mountai n sl opes. Some hardy speci es
are cul ti vated. Al l have a bitter,
mi l ky j ui ce. -Summer to fall. Bell
fower Family.
NEMOPHI LAS Nemophi l as are l ow, spreadi ng pl ants
wi th scanty fol i age and comparati vel y l arge, attracti ve
saucer-shaped fowers scattered si ngl y on sl ender stems.
Most ar e native to the Pacifc Coast, where about a dozen
speci es grow i n meadows and on hi l l si des i n l i ght shade.
The pal e-bl ue to pur pl e, 5- petal ed
fowers are white i n the center. Some
speci es grow under cul ti vati on. -
Spring. Water/eaf Family.
75
CHI CORY A European pl ant, Chi cory is now abundant
i n the Uni ted States, growi ng i n pastures, roadsi des, and
waste pl aces. The l i ght bl ue fowers ( r arel y pi nki sh or
whi te) grow cl ose al ong stif- branchi ng stems 1 to 5 feet
hi gh. The fowers soon wi ther i n the sunl i ght. Mi l l i ons of
pounds of Chi cory root, i mported or
grown l ocal l y, are roasted as a cof
fee substi tute. - Summer and fall.
Composite Family.
76
BLUEBELLS Bl uebel l s or Cowsl i ps grow in moist, ri ch
bottoml ands, someti mes i n extensi ve, col orf ul masses. The
smooth, erect stem, 1 to 2 feet hi gh, wi th i ts l arge foppy
l eaves, is topped by a l oose c l uster of cup-shaped fl ow
ers; these are pi nki sh on openi ng,
l ater becomi ng bl ue or l avender.
Bel l fowers ( page 73) are someti mes
confus
e
d wi th Bl uebel l s. - Spring.
Borage Family.
77
BLUETS Bl uets-among the dai nti est and most peti te of
our wi l dfowers-grow in dry c l eari ngs, meadows, and
open woods. Al s o cal l ed Quaker Ladi es and I nnocence,
they are found i n smal l col oni es, maki ng attracti ve patch
es of col or . The ti ny, 4- petal ed fowers vary i n the several
speci es. The most common Bl uet i s
pal e bl ui sh, nearl y white, whi l e
others are general l y more purpl e.
They are pol l i nated by bees and
smal l butterfi es. -Spring and sum
mer. Madder Family.
78
GENTI ANS The Genti ans, usual l y 1 to 2 feet hi gh, vary
in appearance, col or, and habi tat. About a dozen speci es
grow i n the East, l ess than hal f thi s number i n the West.
Fl ower shapes vary from a deep funnel to a shal l ow
saucer; col or, from vi ol et to greeni sh bl ue; and habi tat,
from moi st woods to marshes and wet meadows. Al l Gen
ti ans have smooth l eaves, growi ng opposi te on the stem.
The fowers are i n smal l c l usters or grow i ndi vi dual l y at
the ends of branches. The t i ny seeds f or m i n a t hi n cap
sul e, whi ch spl i ts open when ri pe.
79
The famed Fri nged Genti an produces i ts vase- l i ke,
deepl y fr i nged, vi ol et- bl ue fl ower i n its second year of
growth. The Bott l e or Cl osed Genti an is most common i n
the East. The Soapwort Genti an of
t
he West resembl es i t
cl osel y. Gent i an roots are used medi ci nal l y as a toni c.
Some are comparati vel y rare wi thi n
t hei r r ange and s houl d be pi cked
wi th care. They are di fcul t to cul ti
vate. -late summer and fal l . Gentian
Family.
80
POLEMONI UMS The sl ender-stemmed Pol emoni ums ( 8
i nches to 4 feet hi gh) grow i n cool open woods or on
moi st sl opes, mai nl y i n t he West. The bel l -shaped, funnel
l i ke fowers have 5 petal s, whi ch fuse i nto a shal l ow tube.
They range from bl ue to l i ght vi ol et and grow i n l oose,
arched, or noddi ng cl usters. The di
vi ded l eaves al ternate on the stem.
The frui t i s a dry capsul e. One of the
Pol emoni ums, cal l ed Jacob' s ladder,
i s common i n the Northwest. -Spring
and summer. Phlox Family.
8 1
CAMAS These showy pl ants, 1 to 2 feet hi gh, wi th
grassl i ke l eaves, are known as Camas or Wi l d Hyaci nt h.
They grow i n ri ch, damp banks and moi st meadows, whi ch
are someti mes bl anketed by t hese deep bl ue to whi te
fl owers. Camas i s cl osel y rel ated to the oni on. l ndi ans and
earl y settl ers rel i shed t he smal l ,
oni on- l i ke bul bs. One I ndi an war
was caused by t he whi te s

ttl ers'
trespassi ng on the ceremoni al Camas
fel ds of t he Nez Perce l ndi ans.
Spring. Lily Family.
82
BLUE-EYED-GRASS These star l i ke bl ue or vi ol et fow
ers, with yel l ow centers, are borne at the top of sl ender,
fattened stems, a foot or more hi gh. The narrow, grassli ke
l eaves, l yi ng cl ose to the stems, give the pl ant part of
i t s name. Bl ue-eyed- grass t hrives i n
moi st meadows and open pl aces.
The si mi l ar Gol den-eyed- grass of t he
Paci fc coast i s, of cou rse, yel l ow.
Spring and summer. Iris Fami ly.
83
PI CKERELWEEDS Pi ckerel weeds grow 1 to 3 feet hi gh.
for mi ng extensi ve beds i n s hal l ows of ponds and sl uggi sh
streams. They are often found wi t h Ar r owhead (page
1 50), but the Pi ckerel weed l eaf, someti mes qui te narrow,
i s t hi ck and gl ossy, wi th a rounded base. The ri ch bl ue
fower spi ke of Pi ckerel weed i s at
tracti ve i n l i l y ponds or outdoor
aquar i a. I ts seeds ar e eaten by wi l d
ducks. -Summer and early fall. Pi ck
erel weed Fami l y.
84
LUPI NES Of about 1 50 nati ve Ameri can speci es, most
are confned to the West. Onl y one i s common i n the
Northeast. These beauti ful , fi nger- l eaved pl ants abound
i n fel ds, ar i d pl ai ns, and deserts. Some prefer moi st soi l
al ong streams. Most are l t o 2 feet hi gh, but some al pi ne
lupi nes are 6 i nches or l ess. Fi ve petal s j oi n to form the
typi cal , del i cate pea-type fl owers, whi ch grow i n bl ue,
purpl e, pi nk, whi te, and yel l ow spi kes. Di ferentl y col ored
lupi nes often grow wi t hi n the same area.
The lupi ne l eaf usual ly has 5 to 7 l eafets, r adi ati ng
from a common stal k. The hard, smooth seeds, r i peni ng
i n narrow, fattened pods, ar e a val uabl e food f or some
western gamebi rds. The pl ants, however, are poi sonous
to catt l e. Lupi nes are wi del y cul ti vated as garden fowers.
The Texas state fl ower, t he Bl uebonnet, i s a Lupi ne. Lu
pi nes and Poppi es grow together i n
Cal iforni a fel ds and foot hi l l s, cover
i ng the gr ound wi th a mantl e of bl ue
and gol d.-Spring and summer. Pea
Family.
VI PERS BUGLOSS Vi pers Bugl oss, a nati ve of Europe,
has spread over pastures, roadsi des, and waste pl aces i n
eastern Uni ted States. The l oose spi kes of t ubul ar, showy
fowers r ange in col or from bl ue to purpl e. The cl osed
buds are pi nki sh and change col or as they open. The
hai r i ness of the l ow, branchi ng stems
( 1 to 2 feet hi gh) and narrow l eaves
gives the pl ant a si l very-greeni sh
appearance. I t i s someti mes cal l ed
Bl ueweed. -Summer. Borage Family.
DAYFLOWERS About 1 0 very si mi l ar speci es of Day
fower are quite common i n ri ch, moi st soi l ar ound dwel l
i ngs, al ong stream mar gi ns and fel d borders. The fl ower,
l i ght bl ue to vi ol et, i s usual l y set i n the hol l ow of a heart
shaped l eaf. I t opens for onl y a few hours, on bri ght,
warm days. The l eaves are smooth,
shi ny, and br i ght green. Dayfowers
grow 1 to 3 feet hi gh on mul ti
branched, recl i ni ng stems. - Early
summer and fall. Spiderwort Family.
88
The fol l owi ng pl ants are covered in other secti ons of thi s
book because they are predomi nant l y of some other
col ors, but they i ncl ude one or more speci es that do ft
i nto the PU,RPLE TO BLUE col or group:
. Adderstongues
Beebal ms
Col umbi nes
Fl eabanes
Gerardi as
Gi l i as
Godeti as
Jo
e
pyeweed
loosestrifes
Mal l ows
Mari posas
Meadow Beauti es
Mi l kweeds
Mi l kworts
Morni ng-gl ori es
Monkeyfowers
Orchi ds
Page
1 1 0
1 8
28-9
48
50
20-1
27
5 1
52
30
1 25
39
53
47
23
89
36-7
Purpl e Conefowers 46
Thi stl es 34
Wi l d Gerani ums 43
89
MONKEYFLOWERS Monkeyfowers grow i n moi st
pl aces t hroughout the country. The one common eastern
speci es, pur pl i sh- bl ue i n col or, favors woodl ands. The
more numerous western speci es (general l y gol den yel l ow)
grow al ong stream mar gi ns and i n mount ai n meadows.
Monkeyfl owers are abundant i n
Yosemi te Nat i onal Park. The l eaves,
usual l y smal l and toothed, grow op
posi te on the squari sh stems, 1 to 2
feet hi gh. -Summer and fall. Figwort
Family.
90
WOODSORRELS Of about 30 speci es in the Uni ted
States onl y one (Yel l ow Woodsorrel ) i s very common. I t
i s abundant i n gardens, fel ds, and waste pl aces. The
Vi ol et Woodsorrel -someti mes grown as a potted pl ant
i s a woodl and speci es. The cl over- l i ke l eaves of al l Wood
sorrel s are di vi ded i nto threes and
notched at t hei r t i p. They s hut at
ni ght. The pl ants have a pl easant,
aci d taste. - Spring and summer.
Woodsorrel Fami l y.
BUTTERFL YWEED Butterfyweed, 1 to 3 feet hi gh, is
one of the best- known and most br i l l i ant Mi l kweeds ( page
53). No other Mi l kweed has bri ght or ange to yel l ow
fowers in fat-topped erect cl usters at t he ends of the
br anches. Besi des, Butterfyweed has a watery sap, whi l e
t hat of ot her Mi l kweeds i s mi l ky. The
stem i s usual l y hai ry. I t prefers road
si de embankments and open mead
ows. -Summer and early fall. Milk
weed Family.
92
SUNFLOWERS Of about 60 nati ve speci es of Sun
fowers, about 40 occur east of the Rocki es. The " Russi an
Sunfower, " an i mportant crop pl ant, yi el di ng val uabl e oi l
from i ts seeds, i s a variety of the Common Sunfower,
whi ch may grow up to 12 feet hi gh. The Common Sun
fower i s the Kansas state fower . Another, the Jerusal em
Arti choke, i s grown as a crop pl ant for i ts tasty, edi bl e
tubers, whi ch are cooked and eaten l i ke potatoes.
Most Sunfowers, 2 to 6 feet h i gh, grow i n open fel ds,
meadows, roadsi des. A few tol erate the shade i n wood-
93
l ands. They are al l tal l , wi th r ough, stout stems and
coarse, toothed l eaves. The fowerhead i s composed of
many ray and di sk fl owers. The di sk fl owers vary in col or
and si ze i n di ferent speci es, fr om br awn t o yel l ow or
pur pl e. The r ay fowers, sual l y
from 1 0 to 25, are yel l ow. Wi l d Sun
fower seeds are nutri ti ous and are
an i mportant food for songbi rds and
gamebi rds. -Summer and fall. Com
posite Family.
94
YELLOW CONEFLOWERS These Dai sy- l i ke fowers
are wi del y di stri buted i n fi el ds and waste pl aces, i n dry,
sandy soi l s over central and eastern Uni ted States. Thei r
i nverted, cone- l i ke centers and downward- sl opi ng rays
set them of from the Sunfowers. Most Conefl owers have
gol den- yel l ow petal s. An excepti on are the Pur pl e Cone
fowers ( page 46). The coni cal center of Conefowers i s
at fi rst green and l ater becomes brown . A number of
cu l ti vated garden fowers have been devel oped from
them.
95
The Bl ack-eyed Susan or Yel l ow Dai sy, the state fower
of Maryl and, i s perhaps the best- known Conefower. I t
has l arge, gol den fowerheads and dark purpl e centers,
borne on tal l stems, 1 to 3 feet hi gh. The Tal l Conefower,
3 to 1 0 feet hi gh, wi th several l arge fower heads on the
branchi ng stems, i s another wel l
known member of t hi s group. I t pre
fers bottoml ands or moi st woods
from New Engl and south. -Summer.
Composite Family.
96
TARWEEDS These are heavi l y-scented, sti cky pl ants of
Paci fc coast fel ds, orchards, and dry hi l l si des. Most are
sl ender, 1 to 2 feet hi gh, occasi onal l y up to 3 feet. The
l ower part of the stem has narrow l eaves. The upper part
is more or l ess branched and bears the yel l owi sh or
cream- col ored fowers. The abun
dant Common Tarweed has l arge
yel l owi sh, Dai sy- l i ke " petal s, " ri nged
wi th red. -Summer and fall. Compo
site Family.
SNEEZEWEEDS Sneezeweeds vary in hei ght, form, and
habi tat, but al l hove yel l ow fowerheods, often wi th a
dark di sk. They grow in meadows and fel ds. A very
common southern speci es, Bi tterweed, is a troubl esome
weed i n upl and postures. Cows eat-
i ng it dur i ng a forage scarci ty gi ve
bitter-tasti ng mi l k. Two of the more
attracti ve Sneezeweeds ore cul ti vot
ed. -Summer and early fall. Com
posite Family.
98
JEWELWEEDS Two speci es, al so known as Touch-me
nots, grow i n the East and 3 i n the far West. They l i ke
moi st soi l and shady pl aces and grow l to 5 feet hi gh.
The orange- or yel l ow-spurred fowers droop from sl ender
br anchl ets. The r i pe seed pods expl ode when touched,
scatteri ng thei r seeds, whi ch are
eaten by several ki nds of bi rds. The
nectar of the fower i s a favori te of
hummi ngbi rds, and the sap i s re
puted to be a treatment for poi son
i vy. -Summer and early fall. Jewel
weed Family.
99
DAYLILY Thi s fami l i ar European i mmi gr ant has spread
wi del y. I t propagates by bu l bous roots and forms l arge
col oni es i n fel ds and al ong roadsi des. The fower stal k,
2 to 5 feet hi gh, i s t opped by a number of l arge buds,
one open i n g da i l y t o bec ome a
deep orange fower. The l ong, l i near
l eaves grow at i ts base. Among the
cul ti vated vari eti es of Dayl i l y i s an
attracti ve, fragrant, yel l ow speci es.
-Summer. Lily Family.
1 00
HAWKWEEDS Some 50 speci es of Hawkweeds, both
nati ve and natural i zed from Europe, are wi del y di stri b
uted. They prefer dry cl eari ngs, pastures, and roadsi des.
The erect unbranched, hai ry stem (1 to 3 feet hi gh) bears
yel l ow, orange, or reddish fowerheads at t he top. At
the base i s a rosette of hai ry l eaves.
The attracti ve Rattl esnakeweed i s a
Hawkweed of open, eastern wood
l ands. -Summer to early fall. Com
posite Family.
1 01
BUTTERCUPS There are about 40 speci es of Buttercups
in the Uni ted States, di stri buted wi del y in l ow moi st pl aces,
meadows, and marshes. A few even grow submerged i n
water. Some ar e creepers, but most ar e erect and br anch
i ng. They al l have shi ny, "varn i shed, " butter-yel l ow petal s
(occasi onal l y whi te), encl osi ng nu
mer ous stamens. The Bul b Butter cup
has adapted itsel f to l awns and
meadows. -Spring to fall. Crowfoot
Family.
1 02
CALI FORNI A POPPY The Cal iforni a Poppy, state
fower of Cal iforni a, i s one of the best- known western
fowers. I t i s abundant i n val l eys and foothi l l s of the
Paci fc coast and i n parts of the Rocki es, cover i ng l arge
areas wi th orange- gol den fowers, whi ch open dur i ng
the day. I t i s al so cul t ivated i n hor
ti cul t ur al for ms that vary i n col or t o
pi nk, cream, or whi te. -Spring. Pop
py Family.
DANDELI ONS These common European weeds have
spread to nearl y every l awn. However, they ofer some
compensati on. Thei r roots contai n a drug used i n treati ng
the l i ver. The l eaves, very ri ch i n vi tami ns, are pri zed for
spri ng sal ads, and wi ne i s made from t he fowers. The
nati ve western Dandel i ons are al so
"honey" pl ants. Thei r seeds are eat
en extensi vely by bi rds. -Spring to
fall. Composite Family.
1 04
GOLDENRODS Some 1 25 speci es of Gol denrods grow
i n this country. Al l of them ore nati ve and most ore found
i n the East. Whi l e Gol denrods ore easy t o recogni ze,
speci es i denti fcati on i s di fcul t. Note the form of the basal
l eaves if you wont to be sure what Gol denrod you have
found. Goldenrods prefer open l ocati ons i n meadows
and fel ds and al ong roadsi des. A few ore adopted to
marshes, sandy beaches, deserts, and mountai ns. I n the
East, where they cover acre after acre i n the fal l , Gol den
rods ore very i mpressi ve. As a cause of hoyfever, they ore
not as obnoxi ous as is general l y bel i eved. The Ragweeds
cause pol l en-sensi ti ve peopl e much more suferi ng t han
do Gol denrods.
Gol denrods are general l y 2 to 4 feet hi gh, t hough some
occasi onal l y grow twi ce that hi gh. The stem i s often stout,
br anchi ng consi derabl y near the top. The tiny fower cl us
ters range from deep yel l ow i n the Showy and Seasi de
Gol denrods to pal er yel l ows and creamy whi te i n the
Si l verrod or White Gol denrod. Many ki nds are hai ry
and coarse; others, l i ke the Sl ender and Lance- l eaved
1 05
Gol denrods, are del i cate. Gol denrods usual l y have a
pungent odor, but several are pl easi ngl y fragr ant and
one, Sweet Gol denrod, i s ani se-scented. The l eaves of t hi s
speci es have been dri ed and used l ocal l y as a t ea or
toni c. Try i t; i t i s common through
out the East. Gol denrod i s the state
fower of Al abama, Kentucky, and
Nebraska. -Summer and fall. Com
posite Family.
1 06
RABBI TBRUSHES These resi nous wester n pl ants, wi th
thei r masses of smal l yel l ow fowers i n fati sh cl usters,
may be mistaken for Gol denrod, a near rel ati ve. The
l eaves are narrow and el ongated. Rabbi tbrushes grow
i n shrubby cl umps, about 3 feet hi gh. Over 70 speci es
make up a l arge part of the vegeta
ti on of our ari d pl ai ns, fur ni shi ng
food and cover for rabbits, deer and
antel ope, and other wi l dl ife. -Sum
mer and fal l . Composite Family.
STI CKTI GHTS Sti ckti ghts are common. Thei r fami l i ar
brown, pronged seeds attach themsel ves t o your cl othi ng
dur i ng a wal k i n fel ds or al ong roadsi des. The pl ants are
erect and br anched, 2 to 3 feet hi gh. The fowerheads
consi st of many t ubul ar forets-yel l ow, browni sh- yel l ow,
or green-usual l y wi th a seri es of
petal - l i ke, yel l ow ray fowers al ong
the out er margi n. Beggarti cks and
Bur Mari gol ds bel ong here. -Sum
mer and fall. Composite Family.
1 08
ST. JOHNSWORTS Some of these common pl ants,
wi th bri ght, vari ed-si zed yel l ow fowers, have come to us
from Asi a by way of Europe. They grow 4 i nches to 6 feet
tal l a l ong roadsi des, i n moist, open l ands, and even above
the ti mber l i ne. The erect stems someti mes br anch very
much near the top. The l eaves grow
opposite, cl aspi ng the stem. Some
are spotted wi th t i ny, transparent
dots. -Summer and early fall. St.
Johnswort Family.
YELLOW CLOVERS The yel l ow-fowered Hop and Bur
Cl overs are r el ated to t he r ed, pi nk, and white speci es
(pages 24-25). These l ow pl ants, onl y a few i nches hi gh,
gr ow i n l awns, orchards, fel ds, and roadsi des. The two
Hop Cl overs have tiny, co
m
pact fowerheads. Bur Cl over
has only 2 or 3 fowers i n a c l uster,
whi ch mat ures i nto coi l ed, bur - l i ke
seed pods wi th t i ny curved hooks.
-Spring and early summer. Pea
Family.
1 1 0
ADDERSTONGUES The del i ghtf ul Adderstongues are
l ow pl ants, 5 to 1 0 i nches hi gh, of moi st woodl ands and
mountai ns. The pai r of mottl ed l eaves, wi th a noddi ng,
6-parted fower-yel l ow, vi ol et, or whi te-ri si ng on a short
stal k between them, is characteri sti c.
Adderstongues grow from smal l
bul bs, whi ch ar e edi bl e when cook
ed. Western speci es are al so known
as Aval anche Li l i es. -Spring Lily
Family.
1 1 1
YELLOW ORCHI DS These Yel l ow Orchi ds bel ong wi th
the wel l - known speci es on pages 36-37. The Yel l ow Lady
s l i pper i s wi despread i n ri ch, moi st woodl ands. The Yel
l ow-fri nged Orchi ds bear smal l cl usters of feathery,
orange fowers on erect stal ks. Though qui te diferent
from the Ladysl i pper, they too have
al l the grace and rare beauty of the
Orchi d Fami l y. Fri nged Orchi ds are
al so whi te, pi nk and purpl e. -
Spring and summer. Orchid Family.
1 1 2
YELLOW VI OLETS These i ncl ude one of t he tal l est of
the Vi ol ets (Downy Yel l ow Vi ol et, 6 to 1 8 i nches hi gh) . Al l
Yel l ow Vi ol ets have heart-shaped l eaves and t he typi cal
vi ol et fower borne on rather short stems. Fl owers are a
pal e to l i ght yel l ow, someti mes streaked wi th brown or
purpl e. Hai ry stems and l eaves mar k
t he Downy Ye l l ow Vi ol et . The
smooth Yel l ow Vi ol et has more
l eaves than the Downy Yel l ow.
Spring. Violet Family.
1 1 3
EVENI NG PRI MROSES Some Eveni ng Pri mroses open
i n the l ate afternoon (as thei r name i mpl i es) and cl ose t he
next morni ng. The fowers vary i n si ze from moderate t o
l arge and, t hough general l y pure yel l ow, range to pi nk
or white i n some speci es. The pl ants usual l y have a rosette
of toothed l eaves and, in a few
speci es, there i s no erect stem. I n
others, t h e stems are 1 t o 4 feet hi gh.
-Summer and early fall. Evening
Primrose Family.
GROUNDSELS About 50 native speci es of Seneci o,
known as Groundsel , Ragwort, and Squaw-weed, usual l y
grow on t he open pl ai ns. They are herbs, wi th yel l ow
fl owes in fat-topped c lusters at the ends of stems, some
thi ng
.
l i ke t hose of a Yel l ow Aster. Some have s i mpl e, erect
stems. Others br anch at the base or
above. The l eaves al ternate on the
stem-some hai ry, some poi nted,
some di vi ded i nto narrow l obes.
Summer, fall, and wi nter. Composite
Family.
1 15
FOXGLOVES These erect, branched pl ants, 2 to 4 feet
tal l , grow i n open eastern woodl ands. The 1 0 speci es al l
have l arge, showy, yel l ow, t ubul ar, 5- petal ed fowers.
The l eaves are opposi te; some are fi nel y di vi ded. The
seeds of some speci es are wi nged. Foxgl oves are root
parasi tes. They become attached to
roots of trees and so gai n part of
thei r nouri shment. The Gerardi as
( page 50) wi th purpl e fowers are
cl ose rel ati ves. - Late summer to
early fall. Fi gwort Family.
1 1 6
WI NTERCRESS The 4-petal ed fowers show that these
pl ants bel ong wi th the many speci es of European and
nati ve Mustards. Other Mustards al so have yel l ow fowers
i n smal l c l usters. Wi ntercress or Yel l ow Rocket i s cul ti vated
abroad as a sal ad pl ant. The smooth stem, 1 to 2 feet
hi gh, bears cut and l obed l eaves.
The seed pods are 4-angl ed; 1 to 3
i nches l ong. -Spring and summer.
Mustard Family.
1 1 7
CI NQUEFOI LS The shi ny gol den Ci nquefoi l s, or Fi ve
fngers, bri ghten pastures, meadows, hi l l s, and roadsi des.
Common speci es are creepers, though a n umber grow
erect or even shr ub- l i ke, 1 to 3 feet hi gh. The toothed,
strawberry- l i ke l eaves are 3- or 5- l obed. There are over
1 00 s peci es of Ci nquefoi l , most l y i n
cool er areas. Fl owers, besi des yel
l ow, are white, red, and purpl e.
Summer and early fall. Rose Family.
1 1 8
MULLEI NS Great Mul l ei n is a very common European
pl ant of roadsi des, fi el ds, and dry waste pl aces. The
fower stal k i s a stout, erect candel abra, 2 to 7 feet tal l ,
wi th a basal rosette of l arge soft, hai ry l eaves. The 5- pet
al ed, l i ght yel l ow fowers open a few at a ti me, in a
branched spi ke. The smal l er Moth
Mul l ei n i s more s l ender, wi th smooth
l eaves and yel l ow, whi te, or pi nk
- fowers. -Summer and fall. Figwort
Family.
PARTRI DGE-PEAS These semi tropi cal pl ants have fern
l i ke l eaves and gol den yel l ow fowers. A dozen or so
speci es occur, most of them i n the South i n fel ds, road
si des, and waste pl aces. They are al so known as Sensi ti ve
Pl ants and Bee- bl ossom. The del i -
cate, compound l eaves, control l ed
by an un usual mechani sm, fol d s l ow
l y when touched. The hard seeds are
eat en by quai L-Summer and fall.
Senna Family.
1 20
BUTTER-AND-EGGS Butter- and- eggs, ori gi nal l y from
Europe, has spread over northern fel ds, pastures, road
si des, and ci ty l ots. The erect stems, 6 to 30 i nches hi gh,
are topped by yel l ow and or ange 2- l i pped fowers,
spurred at the base. Were these very bri ght, attracti ve
fowers rarer, they woul d arouse
greater admi rati on. The l eaves are
narrow, al ternate, and gray-green
i n col or. -Summer and early fall.
Figwort Family.
BELLWORTS These gracef ul pl ants grow from under
ground stems i n ri ch woods and bottoml ands. The nod
di ng, straw-col ored or l emon-yel l ow, bel l - shaped fowers
hang from t he sl ender stem, whi ch i s 6 to 1 8 i nches hi gh.
Bel ow t he fowers are l ance-shaped
l eaves, whi ch i n one of t he two com
mon eastern speci es are pi erced by
the stem. The seeds are in a 3-parted
capsul e. -Spring and early summer.
Li l y Family.
1 22
CREAMCUPS Thi s western fower grows i n moi st fel ds,
meadows, and hi l l si des. I t i s especi al l y abundant al ong
the Paci fc coast, where i t may cover enti re fel ds. As i ts
name i mpl i es, thi s pl ant has creamy-yel l ow, 6- petal ed
cup- l i ke fowers, borne on t hi n, l eafess stal ks. Creamcups
are low pl ants wi th nar row, hai ry
l eaves. The seeds devel op in narrow
,
poppy- l i ke pods. - Spring. Poppy
Family.
1 23
ERI OGONUMS Most of thi s l arge western gr oup of
about 200 s peci es have wi del y branched, umbrl l a- l i ke
c l usters of s mal l , yel l ow, white, pi nk, or orange- red fow
ers. The smal l l eaves are usual l y confi ned to a basal
rosette ar ound the l eafl ess stem, l to 3 feet hi gh. These
pl ants favor dry pl ai ns and pl ateaus.
A desert speci es wi th an i nfated stem
i s known as Desert Tr umpet. -Spring
to early summer. Buckwheat Family.
1 24
The fol l owi ng pl ants are covered in other secti ons of thic
book because they are predomi nant l y of some other
col ors, but they i ncl ude one or more speci es that do fl t
into the ORANGE TO YELLOW col or gr oup:
Bl ue-eyed-grass
Brodi eas
Cl overs
Col umbi nes
Gi l i as
Gromwel l s
lupi nes
Mal l ows
Mari posas
Mi l kworts
Orchi ds
Pai ntedcups
Pri ckl ypoppi es
Spi derfowers
Sweetc l overs
Vi ol ets
Page
82
61
24-5
28-9
20-1
1 41
84-5
30
1 25
47
36-7
26
1 51
35
1 42
64-5
1 25
MARI POSAS These graceful whi te, yel l ow, and l i l ac
fowers, up to 1 foot hi gh, grow i n meadows and hi l l si des.
They are common, often bl anketi ng desert foothi l l s in t he
spr i ng. The t ul i p- l i ke fower, sl ender stem, and grassl i ke
l eaves are characteri sti c, as are the smal l edi bl e bul bs,
used by the I ndi ans. They ar e known
al so as Mari posa l i l y, Mari posa Tul i p,
or Segol i l y. The l atter, a whi te spe
ci es, i s the Utah state fower. -Spring
and summer. Lily Family.
1 26
DUTCHMANS-BREECHES Thi s is a fragrant, attractive
pl ant of ri ch eastern woods, often found wi th Spri ng
Beaut y and Yel l ow Adderstongue. The 4 to 8 cream t o
pi nk fowers hang on a sl ender stal k 6 to 1 2 i nches hi gh,
thei r doubl e- spurred cor ol l a stai ned wi th yel l ow. The
l eaves are al most fer n- l i ke. Another
speci es, Squi rrel Corn, has a si ngl e
spurred fl ower, si mi l ar to t hat of
the wester n Bl eedi ng- heart. -Spring.
Fumitory Family.
27
MEADOWRUES These tol l ( 1 to 7 feet), statel y pl ants
prefer meadows, rich woodl and borders, and other moi st,
open pl aces. There ore sever al speci es; those of the West
ore s mal l er t han the eastern ones. I n summer the upper
pdrt of the pl ant i s covered wi th mosses of smal l white or
greeni sh-whi te star l i ke fowers. The
l eaves, dai nti l y di vi ded i nto sub
groups of 3 l eafets, make the pl ants
even more ottrocti ve. -Summer to
early fall. Crowfoot Family.
RUE ANEMONE Thi s is a l ow (5 to 12 i nches), del i cate
woodl and pl ant with attractive, compound l eaves. Its
fowers, arranged i n cl usters of 2 or 3 on a sl ender stal k,
are usual l y white, someti mes ti nged wi th pi nk. The smal l ,
rounded, deep green leaves are l ong-stemmed and are
divided i nto groups of 3, resembl i ng
the fol i age of Meadowrue. Rue Ane
mone is common i n open woods.
Spring. Crowfoot Family.
BUGBANES These tal l herbs, 4 to 6 feet hi gh, of ri ch,
open woodl ands go under such names as Cohosh, Bl ack
Snakeroot, and Fai ry-candl es. The ti ny, whi te, feathery
bl ooms branch i n spi re- l i ke cl usters. Thei r unpl easant,
stal e odor attracts fl i es, whi ch pol l i nate the pl ant. The
l arge, compound l eaves are di vi ded
i nto shar pl y-toothed l eafets. The
frui t i s a many-seeded, purpl e cap
sul e. -Summer. Crowfoot Family.
SAXI FRAGES Most Saxi frages have mats of toothed,
rounded l eaves, growi ng at the base of bare, erect fower
stal ks, 2 to 1 5 i nches hi gh. They are often hai ry or sti cky.
The smal l whi te to greeni sh fowers are 5- petal ed, i n fat
ti sh c l usters. Many Saxi frages are northern pl ants of moi st
meadows and mountai n sl opes.
Some are common i n eastern wood
l ands. The roots were used as medi
ci ne. -

pring and summer. Saxifrage

Family.
BUNCHBERRY The fl owers of Bunchberry, al so known
as Dwarf Cornel , resembl e t hose of fower i ng Dogwood
and wi th good reason, for the pl ants are cl ose rel ati ves.
The 4 greeni sh- white "petal s, " set over a whorl of 4 to 6
l eaves, are act ual l y bracts surroundi ng a cl uster of ti ny,
green- or yel l ow- petal ed fowers. The unus ual symmetry
of the pl ant sets i t of from al l others. Bunchberry grows
i n cool northern woods, where i t is parti al to ri ch, aci d
soi l s. I n fal l the short stems, 2 to 8
i nches hi gh, are topped by cl usters
of scarl et berri es, whi ch give t hi s
attracti ve pl ant i t s name. - Spring
and summer. Dogwood Family.
FOAMFLOWERS Note the s mal l , hai ry, mapl e- l i ke
l eaves whi ch grow cl ose to the grou
n
d. The fower stal k,
often a foot hi gh, bears a l oose spi ke of fi ne, erect, white
' fowers with l ong orange stamens. These pl ants of ri ch
nort hern woods are very si mi l ar to the s mal l er, more
del i cate Mi treworts, one of whi ch has a pai r of smal l
l eaves halfway up the fower stal k.
Mi treworts ar e al so woodl and pl ants.
-Spring to early summer. Saxifrage
Family.
133
WI NTERGREENS Wi ntergreens ar e woodl and pl ants,
often growi ng i n the shade of evergreens. The s mal l , s hi ny,
deep- green l eaves ort ver y l ow stems, 2 to 5 i nches hi gh,
remai n on t he pl ant al l witer . When cr us hed, t hey exude
the fami l i ar wi ntergreen f r agr ance. The s mal l , whi te t ubu
l ar fowers mat ur e i nto ar omati c red
berri es, whi ch gamebi rds eat. Sal ol ,
a wes t er n s pe c i es, i s l ar ge r a n d
s hr ub- l i ke. -Summer. Heath Family.
1 34
SOLOMON-SEALS The greeni sh bel l -shaped fowers
of Sol omon-seal hang al ong the s l ender stal k. But the
smal l , starry, wh ite fl owers of Spi kenard or Fal se Sol o
mon-seal form a termi nal cl uster. Several speci es of Sol o
mon-seal and Spi kenard favor open northern woods. The
fl owers of Sol omon-seal ri pen i nto
pl ump, bl ue berri es; the Spi kenard,
i nto smal l er bronze or reddi sh ber
ri es. -Spring and early summer. Lily
Family.
CANADA MAYFLOWER Thi s ti ny, common pl ant that
carpets northern forests has a cl uster of sma l l whi te fowers
at its ti p. I t is al so known as Massachusetts Mayfower and
Fal se Li l y-of-the-val l ey. The shi ny l eaves are broad and
heart-shaped at t he base. Onl y 2 or 3 of them grow on
the short stem, whi ch i s 4 to 6 i nches
hi gh. The fowers ri pen i nto spotted,
greeni sh wh i te berri es, t ur ni ng to
dul l red in the fai L-Summer. Lily
Family.
PI PSI SSEWAS Common in deep, wel l - drai ned woods,
Pi psi ssewas are wi despread across the Northern states
and i n mountai n areas. The waxy whi te or pi nki sh fl owers,
5- petal ed and qui te fragrant, occur i n a gr oup of 3 or 4
at the top of the short, naked stal k. The nar row, l eathery
l eaves, 1 to 3 i nches l ong, are strong
l y toothed. I n one eastern s peci es t he
l eaves are mott l ed by l i ght mar ki ngs
al ong the mi d-vei ns. -Summer. Py
rola Family.
1 37
CHI CKWEEDS Of about 25 ki nds of Chi ckweeds, na
tive and natural i zed, onl y one, the Common Chi ckweed,
i s wi despread and wel l known. I t i s a smal l , weedy pl ant
of gardens, fel ds, and moi s t pl aces. The weak, recl i ni ng
5tems, often a foot l ong, bear pai rs of smal l oval l eaves.
The fowers have deepl y notched
whi te petal s and devel op i nto pa
pery capsu l es, contai ni ng smal l
seeds that songbi rds rel i sh. -Spring.
Pink Family.
YARROWS Th ese ar omat i c, l ac y- l eaved, g r ayi s h
green pl ants ar e topped wi th a fat head of s mal l , dul l
whi te (occasi onal l y purpl e) fowers. The common Yarrow
or Mi l foi l i s a typi cal roadsi de weed, growi ng 1 to 2 feet
h i gh in meadows and fel ds. Aro
mati c Yarrow was once used for
col ds and as a toni c. Several western
speci es i ncl ude a smal l er al pi ne rel
ati ve and one wi th a wool l y stem.
Summer and fall. Composite Family.
QUEEN-ANNES-LACE The fat-topped, l acy, dul l
whi te fower cl usters often have a s i ngl e dar k pur pl e
fower i n the center. The l eaves are fnel y di vi ded. Thi s
coarse weed thri ves i n cul ti vated fel ds and exposed
grounds. I t i s parti cul ar l y abundant i n t he Northeast,
where i t has spread wi del y. Queen
Annes- l ace or Wi l d Carrot i s one of
the worst European weeds. A smal l
er , l ess common speci es occurs i n
t he West. -Summer and early fall.
Parsley Family.
1 40
BEDSTRAWS Bedstraws are common herbs of open
woods and moi st fel ds. They vary i n form and habi t, but
al l are smal l and rather del i cate pl ants, 1 to 2 feet hi gh.
Thei r sl ender steis are often weak and recl i ni ng. A few
are covered with raspi ng " hai rs. The t i ny, 4-parted white
or yel l ow fowers are grouped ei ther
at the base of the l eaf or at the top
of the pl ant. The narrow l eaves are
i n pai rs or whorl s of 4 to 6. -Sum
mer. Madder Family.
1 41
GROMWELLS These are rough- hai red, sl ender pl ants,
common i n most western fel ds and roadsi des. Thei r s mal l
whi te, yel l ow, or orange fowers t op t he pl ant i n curved
cl usters. Except for col or, the Gromwel l s' fowers and
hai ry fol i age resembl e Forget-me
nots, rel ated bl ue-fowered pl ants.
The seeds are whi te and stony. The
roots were used by I ndi ans i n maki ng
a pur pl e dye. -Summer and early
fa//. Borage Family.
1 42
SWEETCLOVERS Despi te the name, Sweetcl overs are
not true Cl overs. These wi despread pl ants are of forei gn
ori gi n. They are general l y more abundant i n the West,
where they grow al ong hi ghways and in waste pl aces.
Sweetcl overs are rai sed l ocal l y as a forage crop and
produce fne honey. The bushy
pl ants, 2 to 5 feet hi gh, have sprays
of ti ny aromati c fl owers, cream
white to gol den yel l ow. Whi te i s
commonest. - Summer. Pea Family.
FIELD DAI SY The Fi el d Dai sy is beauti f ul and abundant
i n eastern fel ds and roadsi des. The pl ants, 1 to 2 feet
hi gh, grow i n cl umps, topped by whi te-rayed, yel l ow
centered fowerheads. Most of the toothed l eaves cl uster
at the base of the stem. Cul ti vated Chrysanthemums and
Dai si es are rel ati ves of the Fi el d
Dai sy; so i s Feverfew, a br anchi ng
speci es wi t h s mal l er fowers and
l eaves. -Summer and early fall.
Composite Family.
MAYWEEDS Several si mi l ar Dai sy- l i ke pl ants natu
r al i zed from Europe have spread t hrough the West, where
they are found i n barnyards, fel ds, waste pl aces, and
roadsi des. Bi r ds occasi onal l y eat t hei r seeds. Mayweeds
are common i n t he East a l so. The common speci es grows
6 to 1 8 i nches hi gh. I ts feathery
l eaves have a pungent, rott i ng odor.
Camomi l e tea i s made from the fow
ers. -Summer and fall. Composite
Family.
1 45
0
PARTRI DGEBERRY A fami l i ar pl ant, common in al l
ou r northern states an d i n Canada, i s thi s sl ender, ever
green creeper, whi ch takes root al ong its prostrate stem.
The smal l , shi ny, oval l eaves are whi te-vei ned and grow i n
opposite pai rs. The creom-white or pal e pi nk fowers are
4- petal ed. The petal s are united to
form a mi niature tube. The fowers
are i n pai rs, too. Each pai r eventu
al ly forms the aromati c, red part
ri dgeberry or twi nberry, whi ch i s
eaten by bi rds.-Spring to early
summer. Madder Family.
TOOTHWORTS These sl ender pl ants thri ve in moist
woods and al ong streams. The fowers, medi um smal l ,
whi te or pi nki sh, grow i n cl usters. Thei r 4 petal s are some
what cross- shaped. The smooth stems, 6 to 15 i nches hi gh,
bear toothed l eaves. The edi bl e, peppery root tastes l i ke
Watercress. A western speci es is al so
abundant, and meadows i n the coast
ranges are whi tened when i t bl ooms.
-Spring. Mustard Family.
147
MAYAPPLE large col oni es of Mayappl e grow in moi st
southeaster n woods. The si ngl e, medi um- l arge whi te
fower is at the j uncti on of the pai r of l arge, umbrel l a- l i ke
l eaves. The edi bl e l emon- yel l ow frui t has a strawberry
favor, but the root, stem, and l eaves are poi sonous. Dur
i ng the Mi ddl e Ages, Mayappl e, al so
known as Mandrake, was pri zed be

cause of its s upposed magi c proper

ti es. -late spring. Barberry Family.
POKEBERRI ES These tal l pl ants, 4 to 1 2 feet hi gh,
are common i n fal l ow fel ds and waste pl aces. The s mal l ,
whi ti sh fowers, someti mes ti nged wi th purpl e, grow i n
cl usters. The dar k purpl e berri es have earned f or the
pl ants the names l nkberry and Pokeweed. Bi rds eat the
berri es and may become i ntoxi cated
from them. The young shoots are
edi bl e when cooked, but the l arge
root i s poi sonous. -fa/1. Pokeweed
Family.
1 49
BLOODROOT The Bl oodroot-a frst si gn of spr i ng i n
the Northeast-has a beauti fu l , fragi l e fower. Th e c l ear,
whi te, l ong petal s radi ate from the gol den yel l ow center.
They cl ose i n the eveni ng. The si ngl e, i rregul ar l eaf wraps
around the fower stal k. The pl ant
has a mi l ky, acr i d, or ange sap.
Bl oodroot i s common al ong shaded
roadsi des and i n ri ch woods, grow
ing to a hei ght of 1 0 i nches. -Ear/y
spring. Poppy Family.
ARROWHEADS Arrowheads are marsh and aquati c
pl ants that thri ve al ong ponds and margi ns of sl uggi sh
streams. Pure whi te, 3- petal ed, li l y- l i ke fowers are borne
i n a spi re 1 to 2 feet above the cl uster of arrow-shaped
l eaves. (I n a few speci es the l eaves are not ar row-shaped. )
Al gonqui n I ndi ans roasted the un
derground tubers, as di d the ear l y
settl ers. Ducks al so fnd them a pal
atabl e food. - Summer and early
fall. Water Plantain Family.
PRI CKLYPOPPI ES Over a hal f dozen speci es of these
bushy pl ants grow i n dry pl aces i n the West, where they
are al so known as Mexi can- poppy and Thi stl epoppy. The
showy, l arge white or yel l ow bl ooms are borne si ngl y at
the ends of br anched stal ks. The l eaves and stems of t he
pl ants, 2 to 3 feet hi gh, are covered
with shar p pri ckl es. They have a bit
ter, yel l ow j ui ce. The seed pod is an
obl ong capsul e f ul l of shot l i ke, round
seeds. -Summer. Poppy Family.
1 52
The fol l owi ng pl ants are covered in other secti ons of t hi s
book because they are predomi nant l y of some other
col ors, but they i ncl ude one or more speci es that do ft
i nto t he CREAM TO WHI TE col or group:
Asters
Bel l fowers
Bounci ng Bet
Brodi eas
Buttercups ( aquati c)
Camas
Cl overs
Col umbi nes
Eri ogonums
Eveni ng Pri mroses
Fl eabanes
Gi l i as
Gol denrods
Hepati cas
Joepyeweed
Knotweeds
Mi l kworts
Mor ni ng- gl ori es
Nemophi l as
Orchi ds
Penstemons
Rose Genti ans
Spri ng Beauti es
Tarweeds
Trai l i ng Arbutus
Tri l l i ums
Vervai ns
Vetches
Vi ol ets
Wi l d Gerani ums
Wi l d Pi nks
Page
56-7
73
40
61
1 01
8 1
24-5
28-9
1 23
1 1 3
48
20-1
1 04-5
66
5 1
38
47
23
74
36-7
62-3
41
49
96
45
1 9
60
59
64-5
43
22
1 53
I NDEX
Adderstongues, 1 1 0
-
Bl ue-eyed-grass, 82
Amateur Activities, 1 3- 1 5
-
Bl uets, 77
-
Arbutus, Trai l i ng, 45
-
Bl ueweed, 86
Arrowheads, 83, 1 50
-
Boneset, 51
-
Asters, 56-57
-
Bounci ng Bet, 40
-
Heart-l eaved, 57
-
Brodi eas, 61
-
New Engl and, 57
-
Gol den, 61
-
New York, 57 Bugbanes, 1 29
-
White Woodl and, 57 Bunchberry, 1 3 1
Aval anche Li l ies, 1 1 0 Bur Cl over, 1 09
Bur Mari gol d, 1 07
-
Beardtongue, 62-63 Butter-and-eggs, 1 20
Bedstraws, 1 40 Buttercups, 1 01
-
Beebal ms, 1 8 Bul b, 1 0 1
Beebl ossom, 1 1 9 Butterfyweed, 91
-
Beepl ant, 35
Beggarticks, 1 07 C_pl iforni a Poppy, 1 02
-
Beggarweeds, 44
-
Camas, 81
-
Bel l fowers, 73 Canada Mayfower, 1 35
-
Common, 73
-
Cardi nal Fl ower, 1 7
Bel l worts, 1 2 1
-
Catchfy, 22
-
Bergamot, Wi l d, 1 8 Chi ckweeds, 1 37
-
Bi rds Eyes, 2 1 Common, 1 37
Bitterweed, 97 - Chi cory, 75
Bl ack-eyed Susan, 95 Chrysanthemums, 1 43
Bl ack Snakeroot, 1 29 Ci nquefoi l s, 1 1 7
-
Bl azi ng-stars, 58
-
Cl i mbi ng Buckwheat, 38
Bl eedi ng-heart, 1 26
-
Cl overs, 24-25
Bl oodroot, 1 49
-
Al si ke, 25
- Bl ue Toadfax, 72
-
Bur, 1 09
-
Bl uebel ls, 76
-
Hop, 1 09
- Bl uebonnet, 85
-
Red, 25
-
Bl uecurl s, 67
-
White, 25
1 54
Yel l ow, 1 09
-
Fi recracker Fl ower, 61
Cohosh, 1 29 -
Fi reweeds, 33
Col l ecti ng Fl owers, 1 4- 1 5 Fi ve-fngers, 1 1 7
Col or Key, 7
-
Fl eabanes, 48
-
Col umbi nes, 28-29
-
Dai sy, 48
- Bl ue, 28 Fl oral Parts, 1 0- 1 1
- Conefl awers, 46, 94-95 Foamfawers, 1 32
- Purpl e, 46 Forget-me-nets, 1 41
-
Tal l , 94-95 Foxgl oves, 50, 1 1 5
Yel low, 94-95
Conservati on, 1 2
-
Gayfeather, 58
-
Cowsl i ps, 76
-
Genti ans, 78-79
Creamcups, 1 22
-
Bottle, 79
-
Fri nged, 79
Daisy, Fi el d, 1 43
-
Soapwort, 79
Yel low, 95
-
Gerani ums, Wi l d, 43
Dandel ions, 1 03 -
Cal iforni a, 43
-
Dayfowers, 87 - Gerardi as, 50, 1 1 5
Dayl i l y, 99 - Gi l i as, 20-2 1
-
Deergrass, 39 -
Bl ue Desert, 2 1
Desert Trumpet, 1 23 -
Downy, 2 1
Dogwood, 1 3 1
-
Pri ckly, 2 1
Dutchmans-breeches, 1 26
-
Scarl et, 2 1
Dwarf Cornel , 1 3 1
-
Godetias, 27
-
Gol den-eyed-grass, 82
Eriogonums, 1 23 Gol denrods, 1 04- 1 05
Eveni ng Pri mroses, 1 1 3 Lance-l eaved, 1 04
-
Seasi de, 1 04
Fai ry-candles, 1 29 Showy, 1 04
False Li l y-of-the-val ley, 1 35 Sl ender, 1 04
Fal se Sol omon-seal , 1 34 Sweet, 1 05
-
Farewel l -to-spri ng, 27 White, 1 04
Feverfew, 1 43
- Grass-nuts, 61
Fi el d Daisy, 1 43 Great Mul lei n, 1 1 8
-
Fi larees, 42 Gromwel l s, 1 41
1 55
Groundsel s, 1 1 4 Mandrake, 1 47
Growi ng Wi l dfowers, 1 4 Mari posas, 1 25
Li ly, 1 25
Hawkweeds, 1 00 Tul i p, 1 25
- Heal al l , 69 Mayappl e, 1 47
- Hepaticas, 66
- Mayfower, 45
Hop Clover, 1 09 Canada, 1 35
- Horsemi nt, 1 8 Massachusetts, 1 35
How To Use This Book, 7-8 Mayweeds, 1 44
- Hyaci nth, Wi l d, 61 , B 1
- Meadow Beauties, 39
Meadowrues, 1 27
l nkberry, 1 48 Mexican-poppy, 1 5 1
- I nnocence, 77 Mi l fQi l , 1 38
- I ronweeds, 55 -
Mi l kweeds, 53, 91
-
New York, 55 -
Mi l kworts, 47
- Tal l , 55
-
Fri nged, 47
Mitrewort, 1 32
- Jacob's Ladder, 80 Monkeyfowers, 89
Jerusal em Artichoke, 92
-
Monkshood, 29
Jewel weeds, 98 - Morni ng-gl ories, 23
-
Joepyeweed, 51 - Moss Campi on, 22
Mul l ei ns, 1 1 8
- Kisses, 3 1 Great, 1 1 8
- Knotweeds, 38 Moth, 1 1 8
Musto rd, 1 1 6
-
Lady Sl i ppers, 36
-
Showy, 36
Yellow, 1 1 1
-
Nemophi l as, 7 4
-
Larkspur, 29
-
Lobel i as, 1 7, 70
- Orchids, 36-37
-
Loosestrifes, 52
Yel low, 1 1 1
-
Lupi nes, 84-85
Yel l ow-fri nged, 1 1 1
- Oswego Tea, 1 8
-
Mal l ows, 30
- Rose, 30
-
Pai ntbrush, I ndi an, 26
r
1 56
-
Pai ntedcups, 26
- Sel fheal , 69
-
Pansy, 65 Senecio, 1 1 4
-
Fi el d, 65 Sensi ti ve Pl ant, 1 1 9
artridgeberry, 1 45
-
Shooti ngstars, 32
Partridge-peas, 1 1 9 Si l verrod, 1 04
Parts of a Fl ower, 1 0- 1 1
-
Skunkweed, 35
- Pasquefowers, 68
-
Skyrocket, 2 1
- Penstemons, 62-63
-
Smartweeds, 38
Photography, 1 3 Sneezeweeds, 97
- Pi ckerel weed, 83
-
Soopwort, 40
- Pi nk Maids, 31 Sol omon-seal s, 1 34
- Pi nks, Wi l d, 22 Fal se, 1 34
-
I ndi an, 22
-
Spi derfowers, 35
Pi psissewas, 1 36 Spi kenard, 1 34
Pokeberries, 1 48
-
Spri ng Beauties, 49
-
Pol emoni ums, 80 Squaw-weed, 1 1 4
Poppy, Cal iforni a, 1 02 Sq
u
i rrel Corn, 1 26
Pri ckl ypoppies, 1 5 1 Stickti ghts, 44, 1 07
Sunfowers, 92-93
- Quaker ladies, 77
Common, 92
Queen-Annes-l ace, 1 39
Russi an, 92
Sweetcl overs, 1 42
Rabbi tbrushes, 1 06
Ragwort, 1 1 4
Tarweeds, 96
Range Mops, 8
Common, 96
Rattl esnakeweed, 1 00
-
Tearthumbs, 38
-
Red Mai ds, 31
-
Thi stl es, 34
References, 1 6
Thi stl epoppy, 1 51
-
Rose Genti ans, 41
-
Ti ckcl overs, 44
Rue Anemone, 1 28
-
Ti cktrefoi l , 44
- Toadfax, Bl ue, 72
St. Johnsworts, 1 08 Toothworts, 1 46
Saxifrages, 1 30 T ouch-me-nots, 98
Segol i l y, 1 25 -
Trai l i ng Arbutus, 45
s
1 57
- Tri l l i ums, 1 9 - Vipers Bugl oss, 86
Weeds, 1 1
Useful Wi l d Pl ants, 1 4 What to See, 9-1 1
Where to Look, 9
Wi l d Carrot, 1 39
-
Vani l l a, 37
-
Wi l d Gerani ums, 43
-
Venus Looki nggl ass, 71 Wi l dfower
-
Vervai ns, 60 Conservati on, 1 2
-
Vetches, 59 Wi l dfower Preservation
- Common, 59 Soci ety, 1 2
- Vi ol ets, 64-65 Wi ntercress, 1 1 6
- Bi rdfoot, 65 Wi ntergreens, 1 33
1
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-
Canada, 65 Woodsorrel s, 90
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! .
-
Common Bl ue, 65 Vi ol et, 90
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Dog, 65
-
Yel low, 90

-
n
- Downy, 1 1 2

- Western Bl ue, 65 Yarrows, 1 38
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-
Yel l ow, 1 1 2 Yel l ow Rocket, 1 1 6

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\
RE CORD S
r
I .
FLOWERS
A GOL D E N NATU R E G U I D E
HERBERT S. ZI M, Ph. D. , outstandi ng authority
on sci ence educati on and formerl y Professor
of Educati on, Uni versity of I l l i nois, i s wel l
known in professi onal ci rc l es and to a wi de
readi ng publ i c. He is co- aut hor of the Gol den
Nat ur e Gui des: Birds, Flowers, Insects, Stars,
Trees, Reptiles and Amphi bians, Mammals,
Seashores, Fishes, Weather, and Rocks and
Minerals.
ALEXANDER C. MARTI N, Ph. D. , i s seni or bi ol
ogi st of the U. S. Fi sh and Wi l dl i fe Servi ce at
t he Patuxent Research Refuge i n Laur el ,
Maryl and. An authority on pl ants used by
wi l dl ife, and on the i denti fcati on of pl ants by
seeds an d frui ts, he i s the author al so of the
Gol den Nat ure Gui de Trees.
RUDOLF FREUND i s wel l known as a nature
arti st. He has i l l ustrated American Garden
Flowers and American Butterfies and Moths,
as wel l as many magazi ne arti cl es on nature
subj ects.
T H E G O L D E N N A T U R E G U I D E S
are an introduction to the world of nature,
presenting those things which are most com
mon and most easily seen. Each guide has
been written by an outstanding authority
on science education-Dr. Herbert S. Zim,
University of Illinois-in cooperation with
a noted specialist. Identifcation is made
easy by over 100 full-color paintings in each
book. These are rendered mostly from life
by an outstanding artist and have been
checked and rechecked by specialists.
Gol den Nat ure Gui des now avai l abl e:
BI RDS FLOWERS I NSECTS TREE S SEASHORES
STARS REPTI L ES AND AMPHI BI ANS
WEATHER MAMMALS FI SHES
ROCKS AND MI NERALS
5PONSOilED BY THE WI LDLI FE MANAGEMENT I NSTITUTE