80 Scutellaria lateriflora. 



and nearly membranaceous. The branch-leaves are generally in 

 the proportion of one-half the size of those of the stem, partaking 

 of their variation in size, and becoming, like those of the stem, 

 semi-membranaceous in the shade. In exposed situations all the 

 leaves are strongly veined and somewhat wrinkled. This indeed 

 is an invariable character when the plant has enjoyed its natural or 

 favourite situations : any variation from it, as observable in the tall, 

 debile specimens obtained from dark- shaded places, being caused 

 by the influence of an uncongenial soil, and constant protection from 

 the sun. The proper juice of this plant is not uncommonly of a red 

 colour: hence the point of origin of the branches from the stem, the 

 petioles, and under sides of the leaves, and other parts of the her- 

 bage, are often tinged with this hue. 



Grows in damp places — in meadows, along the edges of pools, the 

 margins of ditches, rivulets, and the borders of larger waters, from 

 Canada to Carolina — very common. Flowers from July to Sep- 

 tember. 



This is the second species of the genus Scutellaria described in this 

 work, and to the chapter on the first, S. hyssopifolia, reference is 

 made for an account of the genus. The present species has obtain- 

 ed a notoriety which seldom falls to the lot of a plant so undeserv- 

 ing of any esteem. It has been long held up to the public as possessing 



