378 Bicknell: Species of the Genus Hydastylus 



A somewhat distinct appearing form of the plant which would 

 seem to belong with true H. Californicus if two species are ever to 

 be distinguished is indicated by the specimens collected by Dr. 

 Bigelow on Lieutenant Whipple's expedition of 1853-4. These 

 are remarkable for their low stature as compared with their broad 

 leaves and stems, which are 3-6 mm. wide, and their stout spathes ; 

 the broad thin wings are notably broadened towards the top of the 

 stem but abruptly contracted at the spathe as in H. br achy pus, de- 

 cribed beyond, but unlike the latter the flowers are of the largest 

 size, becoming 18 mm. long, on slightly exserted pedicels, and the 

 spathes are much larger with the outer bract more united-clasping 

 and the inner one less obtuse. 



Quite an opposite extreme of development is shown by speci- 

 mens from Sonoma Co. collected by Michener and Bioletti. These 

 are remarkably tall and slender with short spathes and decidedly 

 exserted pedicels. 



v Hydastylus borealis sp. nov. 



Very close to H. Californicus but ordinarily much smaller and 



more slender, with spathes and flowers about one half the size, 



much smaller stamineal-column and anthers, smaller capsules and 



decidedly smaller seeds. 



Commonly 15 cm. high (6-30 cm.) not usually turning very 

 dark in drying and when young showing little discoloration ; roots 

 usually more slender and delicate than in H. Californicus, often 

 much elongated. Leaves commonly only 1—3 mm. wide, rarely 

 4 mm., often with abruptly linear tip, sometimes even almost sub- 

 caudate ; stem usually narrower than the leaves : spathe stiffy 

 erect, the inner bract 12-18 mm. long, slightly surpassed by the 

 outer one which is less united-clasping than Jn H. Californicus 

 usually only 3-4 mm.: flowers on closely erect slightly exserted 

 pedicels 15-22 mm. long ; perianth yellow, 8-10 mm. long, the 

 segments apparently mostly five-nerved : stamens 5-6 mm. high, 

 the anthers small, 2-2. 5 mm. long: styles 2.5-3 mrn - long: cap- 

 sules ellipsoid, 6—8 mm. long or sometimes narrower obovoid-ob- 

 long, and a little longer, 3.5-6 mm. wide: seeds .75-1 mm. in 

 diameter, globose, excavated on one side, finely pitted, often of a 

 semi-transparent reddish color. 



Vancouver Island to Whatcom County, Washington, growing 



on shores of fresh water lakes and flowering from early in July 



