Iparslei^ JTamil?. 



Meadow Parsnip. Zizia aurea. 



Found in meadow grass lands, in May and June. 



The sparingly branched stalk, from 2 to 3 feet high, is tough- 

 fibred, and smooth, though channeled with many fine grooves; it is 

 hollow, with an aromatic smell, and usually tends to a dull red color. 



The 2- or 3-times divided leaf has narrow leaflets, tapering to the 

 tip, and sharply toothed on the edge ; the surface is smooth, and the 

 texture firm ; the color a strong, full-toned green. The leaves are few, 

 at long intervals, on short foot-stems that widen into a leafly membrane, 

 partly clasping the main stalk. 



The minute yellow flower has 5 petals, turned in toward the 

 center ; the stamens and pistil are small, and the calyx is of a pale 

 yellow-green color ; the flowers grow in flat-tojDped clusters, from 2 

 to 3 inches broad, or larger. 



In the hand, the Meadow Parsnip seems a little coarse in color and 

 texture, but its aspect is pleasing when seen lifting its bright yellow 

 green-ribbed parasols above the meadow grass. 



208 



