1. JUSSIÆ̀A, L.
Calyx-tube elongated, not at all prolonged beyond the ovary; the lobes 4–6, herbaceous and persistent. Petals 4–9. Stamens twice as many as the petals. Capsule 4–6-celled, usually long, opening between the ribs. Seeds very numerous.—Herbs (ours glabrous perennials), with mostly entire and alternate leaves, and axillary yellow flowers, in summer. (Dedicated to Bernard de Jussieu, the founder of the Natural System of Botany.)
1. J. decúrrens, DC. Stem erect (1–2° high), branching, winged by the decurrent lanceolate leaves; calyx-lobes 4, as long as the petals; capsule oblong-club-shaped, wing-angled; seeds in several rows in each cell.—Wet places, Va. to Fla., west to S. Ill., Ark., and La.
2. J. rèpens, L. Stem creeping, or floating and rooting; leaves oblong, tapering into a slender petiole; flowers large, long-peduncled; calyx-lobes and obovate petals 5; pod woody, cylindrical, with a tapering base; seeds quadrate, in 1 row in each cell, adherent to the spongy endocarp.—In water, Ill. and Ky. to E. Kan., Ark., and Tex.
2. LUDWÍGIA, L. False Loosestrife.
Calyx-tube not at all prolonged beyond the ovary; the lobes 4, usually persistent. Petals 4, often small or wanting. Stamens 4. Capsule short or cylindrical, many-seeded. Seeds minute, naked.—Perennial herbs, with axillary (rarely capitate) flowers, through summer and autumn. (Named for C. G. Ludwig, Professor of Botany at Leipsic, contemporary with Linnæus.)
[*] Leaves all alternate, sessile or nearly so.
[+] Flowers peduncled in the upper axils, with conspicuous yellow petals (4–8´´ long), equalling the ovate or lanceolate foliaceous lobes of the calyx.
1. L. alternifòlia, L. (Seed-box.) Smooth or nearly so, branched (3° high); leaves lanceolate to linear-lanceolate, acute or pointed at both ends; capsules cubical, rounded at base, wing-angled.—Swamps, E. Mass. to Fla., west to Mich., E. Kan., and La.
2. L. hirtélla, Raf. Hairy all over; stems nearly simple (1–2° high); leaves oblong, or the upper lanceolate, blunt at both ends; capsules nearly as in the last, but scarcely wing-angled.—Moist pine barrens, N. J. to Fla. and Tex.