FIELD-SORREL 



Calyx. — Of six sepals; three outer spreading, three inner 

 hirger and continuing to grow after flowering and so pro- 

 tecting the akene. 



Corolla. — Wanting. 



Stamens. — Six, borne at the base of the calyx, exserted. 



Pistil. — One, with three styles. 



Fruit. — Akene, granular, surrounded by the calyx. 



PolKnated by bumblebees, honey-bees, and small butter- 

 flies. 



This weed can be found in fence corners or hugging 

 close to the walls of a building and sometimes taking 

 entire possession of a neglected field. Its basal, arrow- 

 headed leaves, pleasantly acid to the taste, mark it 

 unmistakably. 



This is the plant whose blossoms often cover large 

 areas with a reddish yellow, misty cloud about the last 

 of May, onl}^ to disappear after ripening thousands of 

 seeds to come up the following spring. Each tiny 

 spire is small and inconspicuous, but sorrel stands by 

 sorrel until the total makes myriads and the field 

 glows in red or reddish gold with almost a metallic re- 

 flection. The plant is not long-lived, will easily die 

 out, and cultivation drives it away. 



SZ 



