Yellow and Orange 



across, 12 to 15 erect hairy carpels, with spreading sharp 



beaks. 

 Preferred Habitat— Esza^td from cultivation to waste sandy loam, 



fields, roadsides. 

 Flowering Season — August — October. 

 Distribution — Common or frequent, except at the extreme North. 



There was a time, not many years ago, when this now com- 

 mon and often troublesome weed was imported from India and 

 tenderly cultivated in flower gardens. In the Orient it and allied 

 species are grown for their fibre, which is utilized for cordage and 

 cloth ; but the equally valuable plant now running wild here has 

 yet to furnish American men with a profitable industry. Although 

 the blossom is next of kin to the veiny Chinese bell-flower, or 

 striped abutilon, so common in greenhouses, its appearance is 

 quite different. 



St. Andrew's Cross 



{Ascyrum hypericoides) St. John's-wort family 

 {A. Crux-Andreae of Gray) 



Flowers — Yellow, ^ to ^ in. across, terminal and from the leaf 

 axils. Calyx of 4 sepals in 2 pairs ; 4 narrow, oblong petals ; 

 stamens numerous ; 2 styles. Stem : Much branched and 

 spreading from base, 5 to 10 in. high, leafy. Leaves: Oppo- 

 site, oblong, small, seated on stem. 



Preferred Habitat — Dry, sandy soil ; pine barrens. 



Flowering Season — July — August. 



Distribution — Nantucket Island (Mass.), westward to Illinois, south 

 to Florida and Texas. 



Because the four pale yellow petals of this flower approach 

 each other in pairs, suggesting a cross with equals arms, the plant 

 was given its name by Linnaeus in 1753. St. Peter's-wort {A. 

 stans), a similar plant, found in the same localities, in bloom at 

 the same time, has larger flowers in small clusters at the tips only 

 of its upright branches. 



Common St. John's-wort 



{Hypericum perforatum) St. John's-wort family 



Flowers — Bright yellow, i in. across or less, several or many in 

 terminal clusters. Calyx of 5 lance-shaped sepals; 5 petals 

 dotted with black; numerous stamens in 3 sets; 3 styles, 



3iS 



