BLOE AND PURPLE 



BLUE LOBELIAS. 



Lobelia Family. 



There are several other blue lobelias which attract our atten- 

 tion from time to time, their flowers in general structure resem- 

 bling those of the Indian tobacco. 



The blossoms of L. puberula are bright blue, and half an 

 inch in length. They are found in moist sandy places to the 

 south and west. 



Z. spicata is a very common species. Its slender leafy stem 

 is from one to four feet high. Its small flowers resemble those 

 of Indian tobacco ; its pod, however, is not inflated, as is that of 

 the latter plant. 



WATER LOBELIAS. 



Lobelia Dortmanna. Lobelia Family. 



Six to eighteen inches high, growing in shallow water. Leaves. — 

 Tufted at the root; linear; growing beneath the water. Flowers. — Blue, 

 in a loose terminal cluster. Calyx. — Five-cleft. Corolla. — Somewhat two- 

 lipped. Stamens. — Five, united in a style. Pistil. — One. 



The water lobelia is found in the shallow water of ponds. 

 Its pretty, pale-blue flower clusters are noticeable from July to 

 September. 



AMERICAN PENNYROYAL. 



Lledeoma pulegioides. Mint Family. 



Stem. — Square; low ; erect ; branching. Z^df^'^j'.— Opposite ; aromatic ; 

 small, /y^twrj.— Purplish ; small; whorled in the axils of the leaves. Ca- 

 hx. — Two-lipped; upper lip three-toothed, the lower two-cleft. Corolla. — 

 'fwo-lipped ; upper erect, notched at apex, the lower spreading and three- 

 cleft. Fertile stamens.— Two. Pistil. — One, with a two-lobed style. 



This well-known, strong-scented little plant is found through- 

 out the greater part of the country, blossoming in midsummer. 

 Its taste and odor nearly resemble those of the true pennyroyal, 

 Mentha pulegium, of Europe. 



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