WEEDS OF ROADSIDES AND WASTE PLACES 9 



existence. Its roots are large and fibrous, taking firm hold 

 upon the soil ; the main stem is so short as not to appear 

 above the ground ; the broad flat leaves are borne on the 

 ends of long stems, forming a rosette on the soil surface, 

 so that the trampling of animals does not injure them. The 

 leaves are not palatable to higher animals and are eaten 

 by very few insects. 



In addition to these advantages the small inconspicuous 

 flowers are borne closely along the sides of the strong and 

 flexible stalks, upon which the seeds rapidly develop. 

 The seeds themselves are provided with a mucilaginous 

 covering, which when wet adheres to the fur of animals so 

 that they are likely to be carried in many directions. 



The Plantain is especially likely to take possession of 

 waste corners of the premises, as well as neglected places 

 along roadsides. In lawns it is a vexatious pest, requiring 

 constant attention to keep it out. The use of a sharp- 

 pointed hoe which wDl cut off the plant below the surface 

 is an effective remedy. During wet weather, the smaller 

 seedlings may readily be pulled up by hand. 



Weeds of Other Families 



Three common wayside weeds belong to the Evening 

 Primrose family — Fireweed or Willow-herb, Evening 

 Primrose, and Sundrops. The first named often springs 

 up where a fire has left a lot of ashes for the seeds to 

 sprout in. It is seldom really troublesome in cultivated 

 land, although its winged seeds must be scattered every- 

 where. 



The Evening Primrose is one of the most abundant 

 roadside plants. It is especially Ukely to take possession 

 of sloping banks and thrives either in open sunlight or in 

 partial shade. Under favorable conditions it grows to a 



