NATIVE ANNUALS OF THE PACIFIC STATES. ') I 



yellow petals. It is much sought after, and is often displayed in flor- 

 ists' windows alongside of rich exotics. Flora has been very lavish with 

 this beautiful gift. One may catch its sweet fragrance at almost every 

 turn during its blossoming season. 



After some of the earlier flowers have spent their sweetness on the 

 spring-time air, our hills begin to assume a golden hue. A stranger 

 might wonder what caused the transition, but those familiar with this 

 coast will know it is the faithful little Baeria gracilis, coming always 

 in her appointed time, and congregating in great communities, dis- 

 playing their rich vesture, vying with the very sunshine. One feels an 

 impulse to go and fling himself down upon the golden tapestry in utter 

 forgetfulness of all, save nature and nature's God. 



A number of interesting varieties of lupine add to our pleasing col- 

 lection of annuals. They are found widely scattered over the coast, 

 varying in color from white to purple. 



Meconopsis is a showy specimen of the poppy family, its flaming 1 

 orange or scarlet blossoms making a very attractive appearance during 

 the late spring. 



The California poppy emblem of our State Floral Society and 

 golden symbol of our "Golden State" is the pride of every Californian's 

 heart. But I will leave it to one more competent to portray the quali- 

 tes of this incomparable flower. 



Many other annuals distinguished for the beauty of their blossoms 

 might be named, but some thought must be given to the useful. Yet 

 we may not consistently separate the one from the other, for "beauty 

 hath its use." Holland says, "Whatever elevates, inspires, refreshes 

 any human soul, is useful to "that soul/' and every one will agree that 

 usefulness is always beautiful. 



Among the large list of annuals indigenous to this western coast we 

 find a great assortment of plants containing inestimable economic 

 values. One of the most important is the clover, of which a number of, 

 varieties are prized for the beauty of their flowers, and all are valuable, 

 as forage plants. 



Burr clover (Medicago denticulata) , although sometimes considered 

 a pest in our lawns, is a valuable food for cattle, even the little burrs 

 containing much nourishment. 



Sweet clover (Melilotus} grows to 'great perfection, and is valued for 

 its delicious honey-like odor. It attains a height of from two to six 

 feet. Its long stalks with its dark green foliage and racemes of dainty 

 flowers, yellow or white, form a striking and pleasing house decoration. 

 The flowers are used as flavoring in several preparations, and act as 

 a preventive of moths when placed with woolens and furs. 



We all are familiar with mustard and its many useful qualities. 



