PLATE LXXXI
BUTTERFLY-WEED.—A. tuberosa.
European Hawkweed. Devil’s Paintbrush.
Hieracium aurantiacum. Composite Family (p. [13]).
Stem.—Hairy, erect. Leaves.—Hairy, oblong, close to the ground. Flower-heads.—Orange-red, composed entirely of strap-shaped flowers, clustered.
In parts of New York and of New England the midsummer meadows are ablaze with the brilliant orange-red flowers of this striking European weed. It is among the more recent emigrants to this country and bids fair to become an annoyance to the farmer, hence its not altogether inappropriate title of devil’s paintbrush. In England it was called “Grimm the Collier,” on account of its black hairs and after a comedy of the same title which was popular during the reign of Queen Elizabeth. Both its common and generic names refer to an ancient superstition to the effect that birds of prey used the juice of this genus to strengthen their eyesight.
Oswego Tea. Bee Balm.
Monarda didyma. Mint Family (p. [16]).
Stem.—Square, erect, about two feet high. Leaves.—Opposite, ovate, pointed, aromatic; those near the flowers tinged with red. Flowers.—Bright red, clustered in a close round head. Calyx.—Reddish, five-toothed. Corolla.—Elongated, tubular, two-lipped. Stamens.—Two, elongated, protruding. Pistil.—One, with a two-lobed style, protruding.
We have so few red flowers that when one flashes suddenly upon us it gives us a pleasant thrill of wonder and surprise. Then red flowers know so well how to enhance their beauty by seeking an appropriate setting. They select the rich green backgrounds only found in moist, shady places, and are peculiarly charming when associated with a lonely marsh or a mountain brook. The bee balm especially haunts these cool nooks, and its rounded flower-clusters touch with warmth the shadows of the damp woods of midsummer. The Indians named the flower O-gee-chee—flaming flower, and are said to have made a tea-like decoction from the blossoms.
PLATE LXXXII
OSWEGO TEA.—M. didyma.