The leaf has 3 long, narrow, and blunt-pointed leaflets,—their midribs conspicuous to the very tips; the margin is entire, the texture fine and downy to the touch, and the color is a rather light green. The leaves, on short stems, are arranged alternately and near together.
The small, greenish-white corolla is shorter than the calyx, which is long, and green, with 5 feathery tips that are rose colored and give to the head its peculiar gray-pink hue. The flower-heads are oblong; 2 or more are found on a branch.
A faint perfume belongs to the newly opened flowers. Doubtless the children’s name, “Pussy Plant,” points to the resemblance the silky, green-rose head bears to the pussy-willow catkins.
STONE CLOVER: T. arvense.
| Nonesuch. | Medicago lupulina. |
| Black Medick. |
Found, from July to September, in dry soil and barren fields.
The little stalk, frequently about 6 inches high, is apt to lie upon the ground, and is zigzag or twisted in manner, or occasionally curving; it is slightly rough, and downy near the top. In color green, rusty, and pale near the top.
The parts of the 3-divided leaf are long-oval, broadest at the notched tip, which is further marked by the sharp little projection of the midrib beyond the slightly irregular margin; the surface is rough to the touch, downy when young; the color is a cool gray-green. The leaves, on slight stems, are arranged in groups alternately. A pair of sharp-pointed, notched wings clasp the stalk at the junction of the stem.
The small and delicate corolla is yellow; the minute calyx is green. The flower-head is small and round; on a slender terminal or side stem.