Class VIII. Order IU. 93 



This shrub, like some others of the genus to which it be- 

 longs, varies considerably in size, and sometimes rises into a small 

 tree. The leaves are oblong-oval, acute, mucronated, obsolete- 

 ly serrulate, paler and somewhat downy underneath. The flow- 

 ers, which appear early in May, before the leaves are fully ex- 

 panded, are oblong, larger than in the last species, white, acid 

 to c'le taste, containing much honey. They grow in lateral 

 clusters or corymbs, and make a handsome appearance. Ber- 

 ries sweet, acid. Swamps and Avct pastures. Perennial. 



TRIGYNM. 



116. POLYGONUM. 

 POLYGONUM AVICULARE. L. Knot grass. 



Stem procumbent, herbaceous ; leaves lance- 

 oval ; flowers axillary, subsessile. with eight sta- 

 mens and three styles. 



A hardy weed growing every where, and even common 

 among the bricks and paving stones. Stem slender, spreading, 

 striated, interrupted with frequent joints, branching ; the joints 

 furnished with short stipules. Leaves oblong-oval, smooth. 

 Flowers minute, white, in the axils of the leaves. All summer. 

 Perennial. 



POLYGONUM HYDROPIPER. L. Water pepper. 



Stamens six ; styles two, half united ; leaves 

 lanceolate, spotless, waved ; spike filiform, nodding ; 

 stem erect. Sm. 



Well known for its intense acrimony. Leaves lanceolate, 

 chiefly smooth. Stipules loose, glabrous, fringed with hairs at 

 *op. Spikes of flowers, slender and nodding. Michaux ob- 

 served eight, and never less than seven stamens in this plant in 

 America. Rubbish in low grounds, ditches, Scr. August, Sep- 

 tember. Ann u al . 



