200 FAMILIAR FEATURES OF THE ROADSIDE. 



weed {Selenium autumnale), which may be from one 

 to six feet high. The flowers, about half an inch 

 broad, are yellow-rayed and have 

 duller yellow disks ; sometimes the 

 brighter rays droop. The leaves 

 are lance-shaped and toothed. This 

 weed blooms in September. 



Along our roadsides in the 

 East is a common European weed 

 whose white-rayed ilowers closely 

 resemble daisies ; this is the May- 

 weed or chamomile {Anthemis Cotu- 

 Sneezeweed. la). Its finely cut leaves and small 

 flower heads, with yellow centers in 

 high relief, are sufiicient means for its recognition ; 

 but, by Ijruising the leaves the strong familiar odor 

 of chamomile proves the identity of the low-grow- 

 ing plant beyond a doubt. The common daisy {Chry- 

 santhemum Leucant]iemu77i) we may find still in 

 bloom beside the chamomile. 



Golden ragwort or squawweed (Senecio aureus) 

 is common in the lowlands, and blooms as early 

 as May or June. It grows from one to three 

 feet high, has a very variable leaf, and bears pret- 

 ty golden-yellow flowers which look like small, 

 deep yellow daisies. It is one of the first mem- 

 bers of the Composite family to bloom, and we 



