24 FLOWERS OF FIELD, HILL, AND SWAMP 



The genus skullcap may be known by its hooded calyx. The 

 upper sepal enlarged, concave, helmet-shaped, makes a singular 

 appendage, By pressing it open the 4 seed-like nutlets at its base 

 are disclosed. 



This species is a smooth-stemmed plant, with small (i-inch- 

 long) flowers, forming termirtal and axillary, one-sided racemes, 

 an inch or two long, pretty and delicate. The common name in- 

 dicates that it was considered a cure for hydrophobia, i to 2 

 feet high. 



6'. galericidata may often be found growing near the other, 

 with much larger flowers and much the same habit of growth. 

 The blue corolla is nearly an inch long. Leaves lieart-shaped 

 at base, i to 2 feet high. 



32. Mild Water-pepper or Smartweed 



Polygonum hydropiperoldes (many-kneed, alluding to joint- 

 ed stem). — Family, Buckwheat. Color, pale pink, sometimes 

 almost white. Leaves, narrow and lance-shaped, surrounding 

 the stem with slender, hairy sheaths. Time, summer. 



Several species of the smartweeds grow in wet places, in or near 

 running water or stagnant pools. 



Slender, erect spikes, 2 inches long, of pale-pink flowers, and 

 hairy, bristly, fringed sheaths mark this species. If tasted, the 

 juice is acid and pungent, i to 3 feet high. 



33 



Com>non Smartweed {P. hydrbpiper) has a lower growth, with 

 smooth, dotted, narrow leaves, and greenish flowers in nodding 

 spikes. 8 inches to 2 feet high. 



34 



Water Smartweed {F. acre) is taller, with limit of 5 feet. It 

 has larger and longer leaves, with white or purplish flowers in 

 stiff, upright spikes. From the base of the stem, which rests 

 upon the ground, rootlets spring. 



