206 FAMILIAR FEATURES OF THE ROADSIDE. 



frequently found on the woodland road in the North ; 

 this grows from two to four feet high and bears in- 

 conspicuous white or greenish flor- 

 ets, enveloped in purplish scales. 

 The leaves are also very variable. 

 These three species of Prenan- 

 thes are characterized by droop- 

 ing flowers. 



Another species . common 

 throughout the extreme North is 

 P. racemosa ; this bears pur- 

 plish flowers which are nearly 

 erect. The stem rises from two to 

 five feet in height, and bears ob- 

 long, lance-shaped leaves, toothed, smooth, 

 the upper ones slightly clasping the main 

 stem, and the lower ones ta- 

 pering into margined stems 

 next to the main stalk. 

 The tall rattlesnake root has 

 but one rival of imposing stature ; that 

 is the marvelous ragweed. Whenever 

 we see a slender climbing stalk beside 

 the road, it is pretty sure to be one of 

 these two giant weeds, which spend the 

 greater part of spring and summer in an effort to 

 reach the sky. 



Prenanthes 

 altissima. 



