VINES AND SHRUBS 



stead. By twining too tightly around the bark they inflict 

 additional injury. C. Gronovii varies considerably in size 

 of blossom and coarseness of stem. It is a curious but re- 

 pulsive plant. From Canada southward to Florida and Texas. 

 (See illustration, p. 434-) 



C. Coryli bears small flowers, few scales, and is parasitic on 

 hazel and other shrubs or coarse herbs. 

 Southern New England to Nebraska. 



C. arvensis has pale yellow stems with large, deeply fringed 

 scales. 



Dry soil from New York and Florida and across the 

 continent. 



In that singular book by Dr. Erasmus Darwin, Loves of the 

 Plants (published in 1791), he says of the cuscutas: 



"With sly approach they spread their dangerous charms, 

 And round their victims wind their wiry arms: 

 So by Scamander, where Laocoon stood, 

 Where Troy's proud turrets glittered in the wood, 

 ******* 

 Two serpent forms, incumbent on the main, 

 ******* 



Ring above ring, in many a tangled fold, 



Close and more close their writhing limbs surround." 



Trumpet Creeper. Trumpet-flower 



Tecoma radicans. — Family, Bignonia. Color, orange and red. 

 Leaves, pinnate, the leaflets numbering 9 to 11, one odd, terminal, 

 in shape ovate, acute at apex, toothed. Corolla, trumpet-shape, 

 large, 5-lobed. Calyx, 5-toothed. Stamens, 4. Flowers, clustered. 

 July and August. 



This plant, which is a troublesome weed in Ohio and other 

 Western States, is cultivated with us. The corolla is large, 

 trumpet-shape, flame-colored. Stems, strong, woody. The 

 plant climbs by little rootlets springing from the stem, and so 

 vigorously as to suffocate grape vines or whatever weaker 

 plant lies in its way. Once established, it is very difficult to 

 extirpate. The flitting humming-bird may occasionally be 

 seen nesting among the branches and sipping nectar from 

 the bright, trumpet - shaped blossoms. New Jersey to 

 Florida and westward. 



433 



