SOME PRAIRIE FLOWERS 97 
35. Milkweed. — The common milkweed may be known 
by its stout, unbranched stem (2 to 3 feet high); its thick, 
oblong, opposite leaves (4 to 8 inches 
long) ; and its milky juice. The dull 
purple flowers have a rich odor and 
grow in umbels from the axils of the 
leaves. Their structure is very 
complicated, and the stigma can be 
reached and pollinated by insects 
& 
only with 
great diffi- 
culty, so that 
from the many flowers only an occasional 
podis formed. For the seeds in this pod 
nature has provided a generous supply 
of long silken hairs, able to carry them 
long distances on the wings of the wind. 
36. Wild Flax.— A plant 12 inches 
or more in height, with blue flowers and 
MILKWEED 
WILp FLaAx © 
vated flax. This wild flax, however, is per- 
ennial. Itis ornamental and is often found 
in the flower garden. 
37. Yellow Flax.— Similar to the preced- 
narrow leaves, looking 
much like the culti- 
ing, but a smaller plant, and with yellow 
flowers ; easily recognized as a flax. 
38. Prairie Rose.— This is a beautiful 
rose growing on a homely shrub, the stems 
being crooked and very prickly and only a 
foot or two high. The root is killed with 
great difficulty, and the plant is therefore 
PRAIRIE ROSE 
In fruit. 
