WEEDS OF MAINE. 



249 



26. Yellow Wood Sorrel — Oxalis stricta. Roots producing li ng, underground, 

 branching stolons, which throw up at intervals new plants. Stem three inches to a foot 

 in height, branching. Leaves divided into three heart-shaped divisions. jF/oit'er*- yellow, 

 on long stalks. 



A very common native plant, found in fields and pastures. The 

 plant has a pleasant acid taste, and is often eaten by children. 

 Probably not very troublesome. 



Order 10. SUMACKS — ANACARDiACEiE. Mostly natives of the 

 ti'opics. The plants abound in a resinous juice, which in some 

 species is very poisonous. " In several the juice is white and 

 clammy, and afterwards turns black, and may be used as a var- 

 nish," (Emerson.) Some species furnish a good indelible ink. 



27. Poison Ivy. Poison Oak — Rhiis toxicndendron. Perennial. Stem shrubby, one 

 to three feet high, climbing by rootlets over rocks' and stumps, or ascending trees. 

 Leaves divided into three ovate leaflets; these from two to six inches long. Flowers 

 small, yellowish green, in slender racemose clusters. 



HH. 



Poison Ivy. 



This species is noticed here on account of its being very poison- 

 ous to many persons, as swollen and blistered hands, &c., have 

 often borne witness. I notice the following cure for the poison 

 of this plant in the " Gardener's Monthly," Vol. XI. (1869) page 

 248 : " Simply bathe the parts affected with hot water, as hot as 

 can be borne ; keep increasing tlie temperature till it can no 



