riDabber Jfamil^. 



Button-bush. CepTialantlius ocoidentalis. 



Found on low, moist ground, and along borders of ponds, in June 

 and July. 



A shrub from 3 to 5 feet high, with a stout, woody stem, covered 

 with a smooth reddish-brown bark. 



The leaf, tapering at both ends, is 3 or 4 inches long, on a short 

 foot-stem ; the surface is usually smooth, and the texture tough ; of a 

 strong green color. 



The small, tubular flower is 4-parted at the top, and of a dull, 

 white color. Many flowers are set together in a dense, round head, 

 with the pistils radiating in all directions. These sweet-scented flower- 

 balls grow on foot-stems, 2 or 3 inches long, in clusters of 3 to 5 or 7, 

 from the 6nds of the branches. 



The Button-balls ripen in October, and are then noticeable among 

 the plentiful pods and berries of the season. They are dull red and 

 green in color, turning to a fine brown with the touch of frost. Picked 

 early in the season they make a pleasing addition to the pod-gatherer's 

 winter collection. 



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