WEEDS 255 



spikes. Branches often dotted with little stalked glands. 

 Plant erect, i to 3 feet tall. 



71, Lady's-thumb 



P. Persicciria has bristly haired sheaths with pointed, lance- 

 shaped leaves, generally spotted near the middle with a dark- 

 brown, triangular figure, and flowers in dense, erect, peduncled 



spikes. 



72. Black Bindweed 



P. Convolvulus is a twining or prostrate species with hal- 

 berd or heart-shaped leaves, and greenish flowers in loose, 

 irregular axillary clusters. 



73. Stinging Nettle 



Uriica dibica. — Family, Nettle. Color, greenish. Leaves, 

 opposite, ovate, heart-shaped, downy underneath. Time, sum- 

 mer. 



The whole plant is furnished with stinging hairs. A small 

 gland, secreting a poisonous fluid, is at the base of each hair. If 

 one be touched, never so lightly, I can testify from experience 

 that the hand will burn and sting for hours afterwards. Height, 

 2 or 3 feet. Common around old out-buildings and barns, and 

 in waste places generally. 



Two other species may be mentioned ; neither of them quite 



so vicious. 



74. Slender Nettle 



U. gracilis is sparingly bristly, quite tall, 2 to 7 feet, with 



leaves lance-shaped, possessing heart-shaped or round bases, 



deeply serrate, on tall petioles. Flowers in axillary compound 



panicles. 



75. Small Nettle 



U. urens is small and coarse, provided with few stings. 

 Leaves deeply and sharply toothed, ovate, petioled, 3- to 5- 

 nerved. These species are found over the entire Atlantic coast. 



To this family l^elong our splendid elm-trees ; also, the fig and 

 banyan, as well as the hemp plant. 



