I 
CHAPTER IV 
LIFE HISTORY OF AN ANGIOSPERM (ERYTHRONIUM 
AMERICANUM) 
This attractive little plant, commonly called the Dog’s Tooth 
Violet but related to the Lily, is found in the hollows of woods and 
may be seen in flower during the month of April in the Middle 
Fig. 27. —Dog’s-tooth violet (Erythronium americanum). Stages of 
development from the seed. 1-5 show the stage of development in each of five 
successive years. Full explanation in the text. 6, Bulb showing a surface bud 
(the sprout has been destroyed). {Gager After F. H. Blodgett.) 
Atlantic States. It consists of an underground stem bearing scales 
(modified leaves) which is termed a bulb. From the lower surface 
of the bulb are given off numerous slender rootlets which penetrate 
the soil and from the upper surface, a pair of oblong lance-shaped 
53 
