PINK FAMILY 



tions to farmers to destroy it. Possibly it is not easy 

 to destroy. 



Its marked characteristic is the odd, little, bubble- 

 shaped, pale green calyx which encloses a small pistil, 

 and the slender claws of five petals, which when they 

 emerge into the outer world broaden into a ten-spoked 

 wheel. This calyx has provoked many common 

 names: Whitebottle, Cow-Bell, Bubble Poppy. The 

 flowers appear in rather drooping clusters and the 

 effect of the plant is unique and beautiful. 



BOUNCING-BET. LADY BETTY 



Sapondria officinalis 



Saponaria, Soap wort; because the mucilaginous juices 

 of stem and root will make a lather in water. 



An escape from early gardens, now found by roadsides, 

 along railroad tracks and in neglected fields throughout 

 the north as far as the foot-hills of the Rockies; spreads 

 by underground stolons. From central Europe. June- 

 November. 



Stem. — One to two feet high, leafy, smooth, swollen 

 at the joints. 



Leaves. — Opposite, ovate, entire, acute at apex and dis- 

 tinctly three-veined. 



Flowers. — Pale pink or rose, single, rarely double, 

 or with petals cut, in loose terminal or axillary clusters. 



Calyx. — Cylindrical, five-toothed, pale green with 

 purplish tinge at apex; readily cutting down at one side. 



Petals. — Pink, five or more, long-clawed, border spread- 

 ing, with small crown at the base, usually notched. 



Stamens. — Ten, five usually maturing somewhat earlier 

 than the other five, inserted. 



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