1. L. aquática, L., var. tenuifòlia, Hoffm. Leaves (with no blade distinct from the petiole) awl-shaped or thread-form.—Brackish river-banks and shores, Lab. to N. J., and far north and west. (Eu., Asia, etc.)
12. GRATÌOLA, L. Hedge-Hyssop.
Calyx 5-parted, the narrow divisions nearly equal. Upper lip of corolla entire or 2-cleft, the lower 3-cleft. Fertile stamens 2, included, posterior; the anterior mere sterile filaments, or wanting. Style dilated or 2-lipped at the apex. Capsule 4-valved, many-seeded.—Low herbs, mostly perennials, some apparently annuals, with opposite sessile leaves, and axillary 1-flowered peduncles, usually with 2 bractlets at the base of the calyx. Flowering all summer; all inhabiting wet or damp places. (Name from gratia, grace or favor, on account of supposed excellent medicinal properties.)
§ 1. Anthers with a broad connective, the cells transverse; stems mostly diffusely branched, or creeping at base, soft viscid-pubescent or smooth; corollas 4–6´´ long; bractlets foliaceous, equalling the calyx.
[*] Sterile filaments minute or none; corolla whitish, with the tube yellowish.
1. G. Virginiàna, L. Stem clammy-puberulent above (4–6´ high); leaves lanceolate with narrow base, acute, entire or sparingly toothed, peduncles almost equalling the leaves (½–1´ long); pod ovoid (2´´ long).—Very common.
2. G. sphærocárpa, Ell. Smooth, rather stout (5–10´ high); leaves lance-ovate or oblong to oval-obovate (1–2´ long), toothed; peduncles scarcely longer than the calyx and the large (3´´) globular pod.—N. J. and Md. to Ill., south to Fla. and Tex.
[*][*] Sterile filaments slender, tipped with a little head; leaves short (½–1' long).
3. G. viscòsa, Schwein. Clammy-pubescent or glandular; leaves ovate-lanceolate or oblong, acute, toothed, mostly shorter than the peduncles; corolla whitish, yellow within.—Ky. to N. C. and Ga.
4. G. aùrea, Muhl. Nearly glabrous; leaves lanceolate or oblong-linear, entire, equalling the peduncles; corolla golden-yellow (½´ long).—Sandy swamps, Vt. and N. H. to Ohio, and south to Fla.