Class XXL Order III. 



sheathing. The stem is erect, round, and smooth, with sever- 

 al branches. Heads of flowers alternate, sessile ; the lower- 

 most fertile, the uppermost barren, smaller, and more numer- 

 ous. In ditches at Cambridgeport, and elsewhere. July. 

 Perennial. 



250. TYPHA. 

 TYPHA LATIFOLIA. Z/. Water flag. Reed mace. 



Leaves somewhat ensiform ; barren and fertile 

 spikes approximated. L. 



The Typha latifolia is an inhabitant of a great variety of 

 climates and countries. It is common in deep waters, about 

 the margin of rivers and ponds. Leaves erect, linear-sword 

 shaped and very long. Stem five or six feet high, round, 

 straight, and smooth. The fertile flowers form a large, very 

 compact, cylindrical spike or ament, over and adjoining which 

 is a spike of barren flowers. The leaves of this plant are much 

 used in the manufacture of chairs. July. Perennial. 



251. COMPTONIA. 



CoMPTONIA ASPLENIFOLIA. Jilt. Sweet fern. 



. LlQUIDAMBAR ASPLEXIFOLIUM. L. 



This handsome shrub possesses a peculiar, and somewhat 

 spicy scent. It is pretty common on hills and in dry woods, at- 

 taining to the height of about two or three feet. Leaves alter- 

 nate, linear-lanceolate, the sides deeply indented or crenate, 

 with alternate segments. The barren flowers grow in cylindric- 

 al aments. The fertile floAvers produce small, smooth, ovate 

 nuts, invested with the permanent corolla, at first sight resem 

 bling a burr. May. 



