pulse Jfamil^. 



Crimson Clover. Trifolium pratense. 



Found, from June to September, growing in meadows, fields, and 

 waysides. 



The stalk (from 6 to 15 inches high) is rather large, branching, 

 leafy, strong-fibred, grooved slightly, and roughened by the presence of 

 short hairs. Color, light green. 



The leaflets are 3, of varying shape, oval, long oval, or heart- 

 shaped ; the margin is slightly irregular, the texture thin ; the color is 

 a fine cool green, lighter underneath, and the upper surface of each 

 leaflet is marked with a pale triangular patch in the middle. The leaf 

 is set on a slender stem, with a pair of bristly-pointed, woolly, green 

 and white, membrane-like wings at the junction of the stalk ; the 

 arrangement is alternate. 



The corolla is large, its upper petal narrow and erect ; in color, all 

 . shades of crimson to a violet tint. The 5-parted calyx has long thread- 

 like feathery tips ; it is light green. The flower-head is large, close, 

 and round or oval ; it is set on a terminal or side stem. Beneath the 

 head, like a collar, are found 3 membrane-like leaves. 



The violet-crimson flower-head is modified, by the green calices, 

 into excellent harmony with the fine cool green of the leafage. 



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