Var. alpìna, Gaud., is a decumbent or prostrate form, with shorter (2–4´´ long) less spreading leaves.—Maine to Minn., and northward.
§ 2. SABÌNA. Aments terminal; leaves mostly opposite, of two forms, i.e., awl-shaped and loose, and scale-shaped, appressed-imbricated and crowded, the latter with a resiniferous gland on the back.
2. J. Sabìna, L., var. procúmbens, Pursh. A procumbent, prostrate or sometimes creeping shrub; scale-like leaves acute; berry on short recurved peduncles, 3–5´´ in diameter.—Rocky banks, borders of swamps, etc., N. Eng. to N. Minn., and northward.
3. J. Virginiàna, L. (Red Cedar or Savin.) From a shrub to a tree 60–90° high, pyramidal in form; scale-like leaves obtuse or acutish, entire; berries on straight peduncles, about 3´´ in diameter.—Dry hills or deep swamps, common. Bark shreddy, and heart-wood red and aromatic.
10. TÁXUS, Tourn. Yew.
Flowers mostly diœcious, or sometimes monœcious, axillary from scaly buds; the sterile small and globular, formed of a few naked stamens; anther-cells 3–8 under a shield-like somewhat lobed connective. Fertile flowers solitary, scaly-bracted at base, consisting merely of an erect sessile ovule, with an annular disk, which becomes cup-shaped around its base and at length pulpy and berry-like, globular and red, nearly enclosing the nut-like seed. Cotyledons 2.—Leaves evergreen, flat, mucronate, rigid, scattered, 2-ranked. (The classical name, probably from τόξον, a bow; the wood anciently used for bows.)
1. T. Canadénsis, Willd. (American Yew. Ground Hemlock.) A low straggling bush, the stems diffusely spreading; leaves linear, green both sides. (T. baccata, var. Canadensis, Willd.)—Moist banks and hills, especially under evergreens; Newf. to N. J., Iowa, Minn., and northward.
Class II. MONOCOTYLEDONOUS or ENDOGENOUS PLANTS.
Stems with no manifest distinction into bark, wood, and pith, but the woody fibre and vessels in bundles or threads which are irregularly imbedded in the cellular tissue; perennial trunks destitute of annual layers. Leaves mostly parallel-veined (nerved) and sheathing at the base, seldom separating by an articulation, almost always alternate or scattered and not toothed. Parts of the flower commonly in threes. Embryo with a single cotyledon, and the leaves of the plumule alternate.
Order 108. HYDROCHARIDÀCEÆ. (Frog's-bit Family.)