The small leaf is narrow and fine-pointed, with an entire margin; the texture is rather thick, and the surface is smooth; light green. The leaves are set upon the stalk alternately, and at regular intervals.
The small flower is 2-lipped, with a spur; the upper lip is divided into 2 sharp little points, the lower lip is larger and cut into 3 rounding scallops,—it presses against the upper with a prominent swelling near the throat of the corolla, the curving spur is thread-like; the texture is thin, and the color is a delicate lavender, with a white spot on the under lip; the calyx is 5-parted, and green. The flowers are set on short fine stems in a dainty terminal spire.
The stalk springs from a little mat of very leafy shoots, which lie on the ground, spreading outwards from the root. In color and general trigness of bearing this pretty plant presents a superficial resemblance to the Lobelias.
WILD TOAD FLAX: L. Canadensis.
| Cow Wheat. | Melampyrum Americanum. |
Found on the borders of light woods from July to September.
The stalk is 4 to 6 inches,—or perhaps more,—high; it is branching, leafy, woody-fibred, and slightly rough to the touch. In color, reddish-gray.
The lower leaves are long and narrow, with entire margins; the upper are broader and cut at the base into long spine-like notches; the surface is slightly rough. Color, yellow-green, growing lighter toward the flowers. They are set on the stalk in pairs.
The inconspicuous flowers are tubular and 2-lipped; greenish white, the lower lip being pale yellow; their calices 4-cleft, small, and green. They grow singly from the angles of the upper leaves.