Description of Blnezvccd. 223 



sometimes called the Canada thistle, 

 although it bears but little resemblance to 

 that weed. It is most common in Ontario, 

 New York and the states to the southward. 



Blueweed is both upright and spreading 

 in its habits of growth, each' plant having 

 several branches springing from a single 

 stock. It grows to the height of from one 

 to three feet, according to the character of 

 the soil which it infests. Its leaves are 

 rather large, and those which grow near- 

 est the crown .spread out so that they lie 

 near the surface of the ground. Both 

 leaves and stems are covered with numer- 

 ous hairs, which stififen with the advanc- 

 ing growth of the plant, which explains 

 why blueweed is not relished by live stock. 

 These hairs are also far from agreeable to 

 the touch when one tries to pull the plant. 

 Its flowers are large, and of a deep, rich 

 blue color, thus giving the fields where 

 blueweed grows a very beautiful appear- 

 ance at the season of the year when it is in 

 bloom. 



Blueweed is a biennial. During the first 

 season of its growth, it sends a strong tap 

 root down deep into the ground, and from 

 this several smaller roots branch off. Blue- 



