Grass of Parnassus 

 (Parnassia glauca) 



Turtkhead (Chelone glabra) 



lb 



& Grass of Parnassus (Parnassia glauca) 

 Saxifrage Family (Saxifragaceae) 



The common name is misleading — it is not found on the Gre- 

 cian Mount Parnassus, and it is not a grass. It blooms late, 

 often in October, in limy springy areas, consistently associat- 

 ing with the bog lobelia. The petals possess greenish-gold 

 veins, and the flowers have false stamens (or staminodia), 

 which are divided into three parts but do not shed pollen. In 

 addition, there are true stamens and a very interesting pistil in 

 the center. 



# Turtlehead (Chelone glabra) 

 Figwort Family (Scrophulariaceae) 



Because the Chicago area is largely underlain with Niagaran 

 dolomitic limestone, there are lots of springy areas with alka- 

 line water. Some of these areas are called fens. In this type of 

 habitat occurs this flower, which, with a little imagination, 

 looks like the head of a turtle. Interestingly, the species in our 

 area has flowers which are usually tipped with green, but the 

 same species in the east often has pink tips to the flowers. 

 Wherever this plant is found, look in the vicinity for the beau- 

 tiful Baltimore butterfly. 



# Nodding Wild Onion (Allium cemuwn) 

 Lily Family (Liliaceae) 



Legend has it that the Chicago River got its name from the 

 Indian name for this plant, which apparently grew commonly 

 in the area. It does have the strong odor similar to that of many 

 cultivated vegetables in the genus Allium — leek, onion, gar- 

 lic, shallot, Welsh onion, chives, etc. We have a number of 

 local AUium species, including the rank-smelling wild leek, 

 which plant is responsible for the "ramp" festivals in the Great 

 Smok-, Mountains. 



Nodding Wild Onion (Allium cernuum) 



#? Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes cemua) 

 Orchid Family (Orchidaceae) 



While most orchids bloom in our area in spring and summer, 

 this is one that is often seen still flowering in autumn. In many 

 areas it is also our commonest orchid, sometimes being 

 observed in prairie remnants along railroad tracks. It is especi- 

 ally beautiful at the Illinois Beach State Park near Zion. See 

 the April issue of the Bulletin for the locations of this park and 

 some of our other interesting botanical areas. 



