222 WILD FLOWER FAMILIES 



Many of the Goldenrods are so similar in 

 appearance that it is difficult to distinguish the 

 species, but the Lance-leaved variety is so distinct 

 that it can be told at a glance. It belongs in fact 

 to such a different type of plant that the botanists 

 have placed it in a genus distinct from that of the 

 true Goldenrods. The long narrow leaves with 

 smooth margins have no stems, and the fragrant 

 flowers are borne in clustered heads that give the 

 plant the appearance of having a flat top. 

 Because of this the variety is not nearly so attrac- 

 tive as many of the true Goldenrods. 



A\'ith the many people who pass the summer 

 months along the shores of the Atlantic, the Sea- 

 side Goldenrod is an especial favorite. This 

 species is more robust than most of the others, 

 and its great masses of golden flowers stand out 

 in bold relief along the borders of the salt marshes 

 or against the background of the sea. It was a 

 favorite of Celia Thaxter's, whose beautiful lines 

 will always give the plant an especial charm : 



Graceful, tossing plumes of glowing gold, 

 Waving lonely on the rocky ledge ; 



Leaning seaward, lovely to behold, 

 Clinging to the high cliff's ragged edge. 



Asters. September and October are the show 

 months for the great group of native Asters. 

 Their violet-blue tints make a perfect comple- 



