WILD SPIKENARD. 



In rich; uncleared ground or thick- 

 ets this species^ which also belongs 

 to the Lily Familj^ grows in abund- 

 ance. The angular stem,, which grows 

 from one to three feet in lengthy is 

 alternately set with large., wavy- 

 edged pointed leaves and^ during 

 May and June., is terminated with a 

 flowering spike., each tiny white flow- 

 er of which has a perfectly formed 

 six-parted perianth. 



Later in the year a cluster of small 

 purple or magenta berries is to be 

 seen in place of the white blossoms. 

 This berry-method of dispersing the 

 seeds is one used by a great- many 



plants and is very successful. Birds eating the berries of- 

 ten carry the seeds for miles from the place of their growth 

 before dropping them. 



Somewhat similar to Spikenard in form and arrangement 

 of stem and leaves is the well known Solomon's Seal which 

 grows abundantly in all rich woods. If we pull up one of 

 the roots we may easily understand the name; the thick 

 perennial rootstock is scarred and sealed in many places,, 

 each representing the seat of the plant stem of a previous 

 year. The flowers of Solomon's Seal are little greenish 

 bells suspended in pairs below the leaves at their junctions 

 with the main stem. 



Still another form of lily grows along the banks of wood- 

 land streams or brooks^ a small dainty species usually known 

 as the Dog-tooth Violet or yellow Adder's-tongue. The 

 name violet of course is a misnomer for it is a true lily with 

 the usual perfect six-parted,, bell-like perianth. The single 

 straw-colored blossom grows^ nodding from a slender stem 

 rising from between two clasping spotted leaves. It is often 

 appropriately termed the Trout Lily because it blooms along 

 trout brooks and again known as the Fawn Lily, because of 

 the leaves, which are green, spotted with purple and white. 



