162 PLANTS OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



V. scutellata. L. Marsh Speedwell. Grows about wet 

 places. 



V. anagallis. L. Water Speedwell. Flowers purple ; in 

 brooks. 



V. agrestis, L., and V. arvensis, L. Small weeds about gar- 

 dens ; introduced, as probably the two preceding were ; to which, 

 V. peregrina, L., of no more account, may be added. 



V. beccabunga. L. Brookline, from the German name of 

 the plant (bach, brook, and bunge, bunch), put into a Latin form ; 

 seems indigenous ; a rather handsome plant, about sluggish waters, 

 with beautiful blue flowers, and rather fleshy, mucilaginous stem 

 and leaves, and used sometimes for medicinal purposes. 



Several beautiful species have been introduced, and are culti- 

 vated in the larger flower-gardens. 



Leptandra. Nutt. 2. 1. 



Taken from the preceding genus by Mr. Nuttall ; only one 

 species certainly known. The capsule is ovate and acuminate, 

 not obcordate, as in the other ; named from its long and slender 

 stamens. 



L. Virginica. Nutt. Culver's Physic. Culver Root. Grows 

 in alluvial meadows ; stem 2-4 feet high, erect, 4 or 5-sided, 

 with whorled, lanceolate leaves, and a long, dense spike of white 

 flowers ; July. Root bitter and offensive ; its cathartic power 

 I have many times tested. A handsome plant, easily cul- 

 tivated. 



SCHWALBEA. L. 13. 2. 



/S. Americana. Willd. A simple, pubescent plant, with 

 lanceolate leaves, and terminal raceme of alternate flowers ; has 

 been found, by Dr. Greene, at Plymouth. Big, 



