There thou was first found.
It was then supposed to be endued with especial virtue, and was worn on the person to avert disaster.
The time-honored title of Simpler’s joy arose from the remuneration which this popular plant brought to the “Simplers”—as the gatherers of medicinal herbs were entitled.
Beard-tongue.
Pentstemon pubescens. Figwort Family.
Stem.—One or two feet high, clammy above. Leaves.—Opposite, oblong to lance-shaped. Flowers.—Dull purple or partly whitish, showy, in a slender open cluster. Calyx.—Five-parted. Corolla.—Tubular, slightly dilated, the throat nearly closed by a bearded palate; two-lipped, the upper lip two-lobed, the lower three-cleft. Stamens.—Four, one densely bearded sterile filament besides. Pistil.—One.
These handsome, showy flowers are found in summer in dry or rocky places. They are especially plentiful somewhat southward.
The white beard-tongue of more western localities is P. digitalis. This is a very effective plant, which sometimes reaches a height of five feet, having large inflated white flowers.
Self-heal. Heal-all.
Brunella vulgaris. Mint Family (p. [16]).
Stems.—Low. Leaves.—Opposite, oblong. Flowers.—Bluish-purple, in a spike or head. Calyx.—Two-lipped, upper lip with three short teeth, the lower two-cleft. Corolla.—Two-lipped, the upper lip arched, entire, the lower spreading, three-cleft. Stamens.—Four. Pistil.—One, two-lobed at the apex.
