30 KEY AND FLORA 



but only 1 cell ovule-bearing ; the l-seeded utricle inclosed 

 by the base of the perianth.* 



1. P. cordata L. Pickerel Weed. Stem stout, erect, 2-4 ft. high. 

 Leaves long, from heart-shaped to lanceolate and often halberd- 

 shaped ; apex and basal lobes obtuse, finely nerved. Spike dense, 

 2-4 in. long ; peduncles inclosed by the spathe. Perianth hairy, blue, 

 the upper lip with 2 yellow spots ; tube 6-ribbed, curved,- rather longer 

 than the lobes. Ovary oblong. In ponds and slow streams.* 



9. JTINCACE.ffi;. Rush Family 



Grass-like perennial or annual herbs, mostly growing on 

 wet soil. Stems mostly erect but sometimes creeping, simple 

 or branched, naked or leafy and jointed. Leaves cylindrical, 

 sheathing at the base, very slender and pointed or flattened 

 and grass-like. Flowers in cymes or panicles, which may be 

 very loose and spreading, or so compact as to form a head, 

 sometimes with a rigid scape prolonged beyond the flower 

 cluster. Flowers usually bracted. Perianth of 6 nearly equal, 

 scale-like, persistent divisions. Stamens 3 or 6, inserted on 

 the base of the perianth. Ovary free, 1- or 3-celled, many- 

 ovuled ; style single ; stigmas 3, usually hairy. Fruit a 1- or 

 3-celled, 3-many-seeded capsule. [Most species flower late in 

 the season, and their identification is too difficult for one 

 without considerable experience.]* 



10. LILIACE.S;. Lily Family 



Mostly herbs. Flowers actinomorphic. Perianth free from 

 the ovary. Stamens nearly always 6, one before each division 

 of the perianth. Ovary usually 3-celled; fruit a pod or berry, 

 few-many-seeded. 



Except in the genus Trillium the divisions of the perianth 

 are colored nearly alike. 



