OPEN WOODS 309 



Leaf, I, from a short rootstock, rounded, deeply lobed. Time, 

 April, May. 



Sepals, 7.. Petals, % to 12. Slamens, ma.ny. Pistil,!. Fruit, 

 an oblong, dry pod. Leaf-stalks, 6 to 14 inches tall. 



This beautiful, snowy flower of early spring grows on a naked 

 scape accompanied by a single large, round leaf, which enfolds 

 the bud and expands with the flower. Both come from a thick 

 rootstock filled with a blood-red juice, which stains the hands 

 picking the flower. 



There are many woods and low hillsides dotted with these pure 

 flowers in their season, which alone are worth a trip from the city 

 to see. 



13. Downy Yellow Violet 



V\ola pubescens. — Family, Violet. Color, yellow, often 

 streaked with brown or purple. Leaves, broad, generally two 

 on the stem, petioled, serrate, one half larger than the other. 

 Stipules, large. Time, May. 



Besides the pair of leaves there is a bract on the stem 

 below. The flowers, one or more, stand above the pair 

 of leaves, not large, softly yellow. Stem downy or rather 

 rough. 5 to 18 inches high. 



A beautiful spring flower, growing abundantly, often in large, 

 close patches. The plant gives an impression of much green and 

 little color. 



Bryant's "first flower of spring" is the yellow violet. 



" When beechen buds begin to swell, 



And woods the bluebird's warble know, 

 The yellow violet's modest bell 

 Peeps from the last year's leaves below. 



"Ere russet fields their green resume. 

 Sweet flower, I love, in forest bare, 

 To meet thee, when thy faint perfume 

 Alone is in the virgin air. 



