THE COMPOSITE FAMILY. 235 



XL. THE COMPOSITE FAMILY. COMPOSITE. 



MATERIAL REQUIRED. 



Specimens of the common dandelion in flower, others with the fruits 



in different stages of development. 

 Similar specimens of robin's-plantain, Erigeron bellidifolius, Muhl. (or 



other species of Erigeron), plantain-leaved everlasting, Antennaria 



plantaginifolia. Hook., golden ragwort, Senecio aureus, L. 

 Later in the season, yarrow, A chillea Millefoiium, L., mayweed, Anthe- 



mis Cotula, DC., oxeye daisy, Chrysanthemum Leucanthemum, L., 



wild lettuce, Lactuca Canadensis, L, 

 In the fall, asters, goldenrods, and various species of Bidens, Prenan 



thes, and other late flowering composites. 



THE DANDELION. Taraxacum officinale, Weber. 

 Distribution. 



Where were the specimens gathered? Does the plant 

 manifest any choice of locality or surroundings? Is it an 

 indigenous or introduced species ? 



General Characters. 



With a perfect specimen in hand, note the several parts 

 of the plant and write a brief description, including an 

 account of the form, structure, and apparent duration of 

 the root, the stem (so short that the plant is said to be 

 acaulescent), the position and form of the leaves, the 

 character of the inflorescence and its support, and any 

 conspicuous peculiarities, such as taste, color of the latex, 

 etc. 



