23 
Hosackia purshiana (Lotus americanus). Wild veteh. (Fig. 19.) 
An annual vetch widely distributed from Minnesota to Arkansas and west to the 
Pacific, in fields and open prairies. The erect branc at stems one 6 to 18 inches 
high, the trifoliate leaves nearly sessile, smooth to silky haired, the flowers 
small, solitary, and inconspicuous, the pods narrow, APRA ils: seeded, and 
about an inch long. is very common in the prairie region, especially along 
the Upper Missouri, and in some parts of California. It blooms all summer, 
and being readily eaten by all kinds of stock is on this account a valuable plant 
on the ranges, withstanding close pasturing and trampliug, and reseeding itself 
freely, no matter how closely it may be eaten down. Cattle and sheep become 
Fic. 19.—Wild vetch (Hosackia Fria. 20. tiem mi (Juneus 
purshiana). erardi) 
“rolling fat” on pea where this vetch abounds. It is one of the m 
promising native forage plants, and should be given an extended trial in ne 
vation, being bois ri adapted to the drier soils. 
Juncus gerardi Black grass. (Fig. 20.) 
A gs rush with somewhat harsh, slightly flattened sepes 1 to 2 feet high, common 
n tidewater marshes alon; 8 ie A tlantie coast and extending westward through 
di region of the Great Lakes It is the principal constituent of some of the 
marsh hay cut along the coast; it has a fair n. value, andi is kr teda as 
a forage plant which will grow where I 
Juncus nodosus. Big-headed bog rush. i 
A ves dh erect, smooth, stiff rush, 1 or 2 feet high, with very slender, Peiper um 
ing roo ks. The leaves are slender and long-pointed. This rush 
is common in boggy places and wet meadows in the prairie region, and is or : 
