§ 2. NAUMBÚRGIA. Corolla very deeply 5- (or 6–7-) parted into linear divisions (somewhat purplish-dotted), with a small tooth in each sinus; filaments distinct, equal; leaves opposite, the lowest scale-like.
3. L. thyrsiflòra, L. (Tufted Loosestrife.) Smooth; stem simple (1–2° high); all but the lower leaves lanceolate, the axils of one or two middle pairs bearing short-peduncled head-like or spike-like clusters of small light yellow flowers.—Cold swamps, from Penn. to S. Ill., Iowa, and northwestward. June, July. (Eu.)
8. GLAÙX, Tourn. Sea-Milkwort.
Calyx bell-shaped, 5-cleft; lobes ovate, petal-like. Corolla wanting. Stamens 5, on the base of the calyx, alternate with its lobes. Capsule 5-valved, few-seeded.—A low and leafy fleshy perennial, with opposite oblong and entire sessile leaves, and solitary nearly sessile (purplish and white) flowers in their axils. (An ancient Greek name, from γλαυκός, sea-green.)
1. G. marítima, L.—Sea-shore of N. Eng. from Cape Cod northward. Also in subsaline soil, Minn. to Neb., and westward. June. (Eu.)
9. ANAGÁLLIS, Tourn. Pimpernel.
Calyx 5-parted. Corolla wheel-shaped, with almost no tube, 5-parted, longer than the calyx; the divisions broad. Stamens 5; filaments bearded. Capsule membranaceous, circumscissile, the top falling off like a lid, many-seeded.—Low, spreading or procumbent herbs, mostly annuals, with opposite or whorled entire leaves, and solitary flowers on axillary peduncles. (The ancient Greek name, probably from ἀνά, again, and ἀγάλλω, to delight in.)
A. arvénsis, L. (Common Pimpernel.) Leaves ovate, sessile, shorter than the peduncles; petals obovate, obtuse, fringed with minute teeth or stalked glands.—Waste sandy fields. June–Aug.—Flowers variable in size, scarlet, sometimes purple, blue, or white, quickly closing at the approach of bad weather; whence the English popular name of "Poor Man's Weather-glass." (Nat. from Eu.)
10. CENTÚNCULUS, Dill. Chaffweed.
Calyx 4–5-parted. Corolla shorter than the calyx, 4–5-cleft, wheel-shaped, with an urn-shaped short tube, usually withering on the summit of the pod (which is like that of Anagallis). Stamens 4 or 5; filaments beardless.—Small annuals, with alternate entire leaves, and solitary inconspicuous flowers in their axils. (Derivation obscure.)