No. 14.] FLOWERING PLANTS AND FERNS. 137 



(Harger), Danbury (H. C. Ryder), Salisbury (Mrs. C. S. 

 Phelps). June. 



The root is medicinal. 



DICOTYLEDONEAE. 



PIPERACEAE. PEPPER FAMILY. 



SAURURUS L. Lizard's Tail. 

 Saururus cernuus L. (nodding). 

 Lizard's Tail. 



Shallow water of rivers, ponds and marshes. Preston, in 

 the Shetucket River (W. A. Setchell, Graves), Franklin and 

 Spragne (Graves), along the Housatonic River from the 

 Sound northward as far as Oxford and Newtown (Harger, 

 Fames), and occasional in the southwestern part of the state 

 (Fames). July — Aug. 



SALICACEAE. WILLOW FAMILY. 

 SALIX L. Willow. Osier. 



Shrubs and trees with light soft wood used to some extent 

 for cabinet work and for fuel. Willow charcoal is considered one 

 of the best for medicinal and pharmaceutical use and for making 

 crayons and gunpowder. 



Willows are propagated with the greatest ease from cuttings, 

 and are extensively planted as ornamental and shade trees. They 

 often serve also to drain wet grounds, which they do by trans- 

 piring great quantities of water. 



In some parts of the country certain species are extensively 

 grown for osiers to be used in basket making and wickerwork. 

 The bark of most species of willow contains more or less of a 

 very bitter principle called salicin, used in medicine. 



Salix nigra Marsh, (black). 

 Black Willow. 



Rare or occasional. Low grounds and borders of ponds 

 and streams. May. 



The var. falcata (Pursh) Torr. (scythe-shaped) is occa- 

 sional to frequent in similar situations, being more plentiful 

 than the typical form. 



