BUCKWHEAT FAMILY. 



POLYGONACE^. 



Red Sorrel. Rumex Acetoaella. 



Sheep Sorrel. 

 Horse Sorrel. 



Found everywhere in impoverished soil during May and June. 



Many slender, leafy stems from 6 to 12 inches in height, and 

 bearing flowers terminally, spring from a foot-tuffet of leaves. 



The lower leaves are pointed, with long and flaring wing-like bases 

 (" halberd-shape ") ; they are set on long grooved stems ; the upper 

 leaves are similar in shape, or lack the winged bases, and are set on 

 short stems. Their margins are entire and their texture is thick, juicy, 

 and porous, with a smooth surface ; gray-green in color. They are acid 

 to the taste. 



The very tiny flower has 6 petal-like parts, and many stamens, and 

 is in color a bright yellow-green, turning to reddish- or crimson-tawny. 

 The flowers are arranged irregularly on branching stems in a feathery 

 spire. 



Spreading by underground runners, the Red Sorrel colors the dry 

 fields of early summer with its rich hues, and children love its fresh 

 leaves for their tart flavor; but few give its feathery plumes their meed 

 of praise, since it is nothing more than " a common weed." 



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