COMPOSITE FAMILY 



•;'• iL 



Stem. — Rigid, rather stout, simple or 

 branched at the summits, smooth or 

 slightly ridged. 



Leaves. — Alternate, lanceolate or ob- 

 long, firm, smooth, acute or acuminate, 

 serrate, serrulate, or nearly entire, nar- 

 rowed at base, often with a tiny leaf wing 

 at either side of the petiole. Midvein 

 prominent beneath; veinlets obscure or 

 wanting. Lower leaves are large, long- 

 petioled; the upper ones smaller and 

 sessile. 



Flower-heads. — Bright yellow, borne 

 in a loose, branching panicle. Rays 

 small, seven to twelve, fertile. Disk- 

 florets about fifteen. Bracts of the invo- 

 lucre minute, yellowish, in three or four 

 rows. Pappus yellow-white. 



Leaf of Earl '^^^ Early Goldenrod appearing 



soiiddgTjSncea, by the roadside in the June tangle 



3 to 5 in. long . j« ^« ^ • r .1 



IS a distinct surprise, tor these are 

 the days of Bouncing- Bet and Wild Sweet Clover 

 romping along the railway track, and Golden- 

 rod, beautiful as it is, seems just a little out of 

 due time; a charming guest, but a trifle early 

 for the party. 



36 



