Class XVII. Order IV. 169 



TRIFOLIUM PRATENSE. L. Red clover. Honeysuckle. 



Spikes dense ; steins ascending ; corollas une- 

 qual ; four of the calyx teeth equal 5 stipules awn- 

 ed. Sm. 



Stem oblique, somewhat branching, hairy toward the top. 

 Leafets ovate, with usually a white spot on the upper side, 

 somewhat hairy underneath. Stipules broad, membranous, rib- 

 bed, ending in a point or awn. Flowers red, in large ovate 

 spikes resembling heads, somewhat sweet scented. Calyx of 

 five segments, the lowest longest. Banner of the corolla long- 

 er than the wings and keel. The excellence of red clover for 

 hay is well known. It is extensively cultivated here alone, or in 

 combination with herds grass, (Phleum pratense.) In its wild 

 state it grows every where, and flowers from May to Septenv 

 ber. Perennial. 



TRIFOHUM OFFICINAI.E. L. Melilot. 



Legumes in racemes, naked, two seeded, wrink- 

 led, acute, stem erect. L. 



Stem upright, furrowed, two feet high. Leafets oblong or 

 iance-obovate, serrate, smooth. Spikes axillary and terminal, 

 on footstalks, many flowered. Flowers nodding, mostly to one 

 side, yellow. Calyx and pedicels hairy. Pods pendulous, 

 oval, tapering at both ends, hairy. This trefoil in drying ex- 

 hales an agreeable scent, similar to the sweet scented vernal 

 grass. Horses are said to be very fond of it. June, July. 

 It grows in great plenty on the borders of the marsh at South 

 Boston, Avhere it was probably introduced from Europe. 



211. HEDYSARUM. 

 HEDYSARUM FRUTESCENS. L. Shrubby Hedysarum. 



Leaves ternate, lance-oblong, obtuse, silky be- 

 neath ; stipules subulate ; racemes axillary, oya te, 



