Pulse Family. — Leguminosæ
| Wild Lupine. | Lupinus perennis. |
| Old-Maids’ Bonnets. | |
| Wild Pea. |
Found in barren sandy fields, in June.
The tough, woody-fibred, round stalk is about 1 or 2 feet high, erect and leafy, with a rough, hairy surface. The color is light green, with a considerable showing of red.
The leaf is divided into 5 to 15 long narrow leaflets which radiate from a common center (“palmate”), each showing a strong midrib, with an entire margin; the texture is thin, and fine, and pleasing to the touch; the color is a soft green, paler underneath, showing a hint of red at the edge, the tip, and again at the stem. The leaves are set on stems, and arranged in little groups alternately.
The flower has 5 petals: the upper is broad, erect, and much folded back; the side petals are closed about the lower petal, which is not observable until the blossom is ready to fall, when it pushes itself, and the stamens, forward. The upright petal is a deep beautiful red-purple or dark violet, the side petals are violet, lined with blue, the lower petal is tipped with purple; the calyx is 2-parted and green. The flowers, set on short red-purple stems, are arranged loosely in a long terminal spike. The blossom is odorous.
In bud scarcely a trace of the purple tint shows, petals and calyx being pink and greenish-white,—even when the upright petal first turns back, only a few dainty flecks of dark color may be discerned; with maturity the purple and blue increase in depth. The blossoms at the base of the spike begin to open earliest. Not the least of the Lupine’s attractions is the graceful curve of the stalk,—rarely is the flower-spike stiffly erect. It is a communistic plant, spreading all over a sand plain and making it a field of blue in blossom time, the roots buried firmly and to a surprising depth in the loose soil.
| Vetch. | Vicia Cracca. |
| Tare. |
Found along the borders of thickets, and in fields among grasses and grains, in June and July.
The climbing, leafy stalk grows from 1 to 2 feet high; it is tough-fibred, and much grooved with fine lines. Color, green.
The compound leaf is composed of 20 or more side leaflets, and terminates in a tendril; the leaflets are small and narrow, and are tipped with little needle-like bristles; the surface is finely downy. The leaves, on very short stems, are alternate and clasping by a pair of half-arrow-shaped wings. The color is grayish-green.
The flower is small, and shaped like the bean blossom; its color is a fresh, light, bluish-violet tint, the broad upper petal being faintly lined with darker violet; the calyx is unequally 5-parted, and colored like the corolla. The flowers are densely crowded in long, one-sided curving spikes that grow from the angles of the leaves.
The leafage of this plant affords a good example of the refined green generally found accompanying flowers of a blue or violet hue; its stalk is perhaps a little awkward in gesture, but not so the flexible curving flower-clusters. It grows in communities, and seen from a little distance forms a beautiful mass of blue.
Wild Indigo. Baptisia tinctoria.
Found in dry sandy soil in uplands and light woods, blossoming in June and July.
The round stalk, from 2 to 3 feet high, is tough-fibred, and extremely smooth; color, green.
The leaf is divided into 3 small wedge-shaped leaflets, tapering at the base; it has an entire edge, a smooth and very fine surface, of a rich, dark gray-green color. The leaves are alternate, on very short foot-stems.
The corolla of the small pea-shaped blossom is of a clear yellow color, with a light green calyx. The flowers, on short curved stems, grow along the ends of the branches, in slender, elongated clusters, or spires,—the clusters sometimes branch, and are sometimes leafy.
Both the flower and leaf in withering turn black. The plant is attractive in its leafage, which is fine in quality and rich in color; when growing in the open it has a round, compact, bushy top, and a general air of trigness, often unnoted under less favorable conditions.
Wild Senna. Cassia Marilandica.
Found in rich ground by the wayside, in July and August.
The smooth, tough stalk, growing from 3 to 4 feet high, is light green in color.
The compound leaf has from 6 to 9 pairs of narrow oblong leaflets; the midrib of each leaflet extends a little beyond the margin at the tip of the blade; the surface is smooth, and the texture firm and fine. The foot-stems of the leaves show the gland-like swellings frequently seen in members of this family. The leaves are alternate, and green in color, tending toward yellow-green, lighter beneath.
The flower has 5 slightly unequal petals, 3 standing close together, and 2 spreading more widely, while the calyx has 5 long divisions turned backward; there are 10 stamens in 3 sets—one set of 3 is short and rounded at the tip, a second set of 4, opposite the first, is somewhat longer, while the third set of 3 is longer still. The petals and stamens are of a rich soft yellow, the latter being tipped with a very dark brown, while the calyx is a fine greenish-yellow. The blossoms are in loose clusters, on short flower-stems, from the angles of the upper leaves.
The fineness of texture, and the quality of color, accentuated by the irregular dashes of dark of the stamen-tips, give to the Wild Senna the distinguishing air of “style.” The leaves seem slightly sensitive to the touch, and inclined to droop with much handling.
Wild Pea-nut. Amphicarpæa monoica.
Common in rich, open woodlands and damp wayside tangles, usually blossoming in August and September.
A vine: climbing over low vegetation by aid of its slender, twining, green stem.
The 3 leaflets of the compound leaf are very broad across the middle, especially the middle one, which is almost diamond-shaped; the margin is entire, the surface almost smooth, and the texture exceedingly thin; at the juncture of the foot-stem with the blade, and with the main stem, are small gland-like swellings; the alternate leaves, on slender stems, are of a light yellowish-green.
The slender pea-shaped blossom is lavender-tinted, with a pale green 4- to 5-notched calyx; the flowers grow in groups of from 4 to 7, on the end of a short flower-stem, that springs from the angle of the leaf.
The flowers occasionally ripen pods about 1 inch long, holding from 3 to 4 brown-mottled, bean-like seeds. The vine is said also to form subterranean seeds from rudimentary flowers, the seed being enclosed in a fleshy, pear-shaped pod; this perhaps may have been thought a good reason for giving to a slender and well-behaved little vine the opprobrious folk-name of Hog-Pea-nut! But those who know its true character will never degrade it to so low a level!
White Clover. Trifolium repens.
Found in chief profusion in June—though continuing to flower through the summer,—amidst grass, along the roadsides, and occasionally in woodland glades.
The creeping stalk sends up its erect leaf and flower-stems (of 3 to 6 inches height) in great profusion. It is green and pale.
The leaf is compound; the 3 leaflets are oval, slightly notched, or heart-shaped, with obscurely toothed margins; of fine texture, and smooth surface. In color it is a rather dark, cool green, sometimes faintly marked with a triangular band of lighter color on each leaflet.
The upper and larger petal of the little flower is slightly turned back; the color of the corolla is white, the small 5-parted calyx being green. The flowers, on their very tiny foot-stems, are gathered in a close, round head, which is set on a slender, light green stem that springs from the stalk.
As the flowers mature they turn downwards from the head: the trefoil leaf is of especial elegance in shape and color. Roadsides and lawns thickly strewn with these pretty Clover heads, sweeten the air with the wholesome grass-like fragrance of their odorous flowers,—they are beloved by bees.
| Alsatian Clover. | Trifolium hybridum. |
| Alsike. |
Found in June and July, in meadows and fields.
The stalk (from 8 to 12 inches in height) is branching, leafy at intervals, and curving in growth; it is slender, round, and finely grooved. Color light green, speckled with dull crimson.
The leaf is compound, the 3 leaflets small and narrow; the margin is finely notched, the texture delicate and smooth to the touch; the color is a cool light green, with no clover-markings. The leaf is set on slender grooved stems, with a pair of flaring wings at the junction with the stalk; the arrangement is alternate.
The small flower is very like the White Clover, but tinted a beautiful rose color. Set in a loose, small, round head, on a terminal or side stem.
When advanced in age the lower flowers of the head turn downwards, after the manner of the White Clover, which it closely resembles except for the color. It is honey sweet in perfume.
Crimson Clover. Trifolium pratense.
Found, from June to September, growing in meadows, fields, and waysides.
The stalk (from 6 to 15 inches high) is rather large, branching, leafy, strong-fibred, grooved slightly, and roughened by the presence of short hairs. Color, light green.
The leaflets are 3, of varying shape, oval, long oval, or heart-shaped; the margin is slightly irregular, the texture thin; the color is a fine cool green, lighter underneath, and the upper surface of each leaflet is marked with a pale triangular patch in the middle. The leaf is set on a slender stem, with a pair of bristly-pointed, woolly, green and white, membrane-like wings at the junction of the stalk; the arrangement is alternate.
The corolla is large, its upper petal narrow and erect; in color, all shades of crimson to a violet tint. The 5-parted calyx has long thread-like feathery tips; it is light green. The flower-head is large, close, and round or oval; it is set on a terminal or side stem. Beneath the head, like a collar, are found 3 membrane-like leaves.
The violet-crimson flower-head is modified, by the green calices, into excellent harmony with the fine cool green of the leafage.
| Yellow Clover. | Trifolium agrarium. |
| Hop Clover. |
Found, during June and July, in dry fields and waysides.
The stalk branches slightly, and is leafy; it is slender, round, and smooth, and grows from 6 to 12 inches high. The color is light green.
The 3 leaflets of the compound leaf are long and narrow, with an exceedingly fine texture and smooth surface. The leaves, on very short stems, are placed in groups, or singly and alternately, upon the stalk; at the base of the stem, and uniting with it for half its length, occur a pair of enfolding wings.
The flowers are very small, and gathered into a close head, that is set on a little stem growing from the angle of a leaf; the corollas are yellow, the minute calices being green.
The flowers open from the bottom of the head upward, the mature blossoms becoming dry and husky, and turning down after the manner of the hop, as the bloom continues towards the summit; the heads thus show a harmonious gradation of color from brownish-yellow at the base, through yellow, to the yellow-green of the buds at the top of the head. The plant often grows in clumps of a considerable size.
| Stone Clover. | Trifolium arvense. |
| Rabbit-Foot Clover. | |
| Pussy Plant. |
Found in August and September; growing in poor, dry soil.
The slender, branching stalk varies from 4 to 10 inches in height, and is smooth, or slightly rough, and light green.
The leaf has 3 long, narrow, and blunt-pointed leaflets,—their midribs conspicuous to the very tips; the margin is entire, the texture fine and downy to the touch, and the color is a rather light green. The leaves, on short stems, are arranged alternately and near together.
The small, greenish-white corolla is shorter than the calyx, which is long, and green, with 5 feathery tips that are rose colored and give to the head its peculiar gray-pink hue. The flower-heads are oblong; 2 or more are found on a branch.
A faint perfume belongs to the newly opened flowers. Doubtless the children’s name, “Pussy Plant,” points to the resemblance the silky, green-rose head bears to the pussy-willow catkins.
| Nonesuch. | Medicago lupulina. |
| Black Medick. |
Found, from July to September, in dry soil and barren fields.
The little stalk, frequently about 6 inches high, is apt to lie upon the ground, and is zigzag or twisted in manner, or occasionally curving; it is slightly rough, and downy near the top. In color green, rusty, and pale near the top.
The parts of the 3-divided leaf are long-oval, broadest at the notched tip, which is further marked by the sharp little projection of the midrib beyond the slightly irregular margin; the surface is rough to the touch, downy when young; the color is a cool gray-green. The leaves, on slight stems, are arranged in groups alternately. A pair of sharp-pointed, notched wings clasp the stalk at the junction of the stem.
The small and delicate corolla is yellow; the minute calyx is green. The flower-head is small and round; on a slender terminal or side stem.
When the seeds ripen the pods swell large and bean-shaped; they turn dark, almost black, and are woolly to the touch; each contains one round seed.
| Purple Clover. | Medicago sativa. |
| Alfalfa. | |
| Medick. | |
| Lucerne. |
Found, from July to September, in dry fields and sandy barrens.
The bushy, branching stalk reaches 2 or 3 feet in height; it is not very large, and is smooth; light green in color.
The 3 leaflets of the compound leaf are long and narrow, or a pointed-oblong shape, widest near the abruptly-tapering tip; the margin is very slightly irregular, except for a sharp little needle-point at the tip; the surface is downy. Each leaflet is provided with a tiny foot-stem, the middle having the longest one. The color is a cool green, lighter underneath; without markings. The leaves are set on slender stems, arranged in groups, alternately; a pair of slender, fine wings occur at the junction of the stalk.
The flower is smaller than that of the Crimson Clover; it has a fine texture, and the petals are a pure purple color, the upper petal, which is much curled back, being marked with delicate dark lines; the small calyx is pale green. The flower-head is a short and club-shaped spike.
An individual trait is the charming little jerk in the line at the spring of the central leaflet.
Tick Trefoil. Desmodium nudiflorum.
Found on sandbanks and in dry shade in July.
The root sends up a flower-stem, pale, slender and about 2 feet in height, and a stout, woody leaf-stem which is shorter, and gray.
The 3 leaflets of the compound leaf are broad-oval, entire, with many ribs and veins showing in the thin, somewhat papery texture, that is rough and dry to the touch; the color is grayish-green, paler underneath. Three or four leaves on their long strong stems are close set, one above the other, in an apparent whorl upon the summit of the short stem already described. Leaves occur also upon the flower-stems.
The flower is small; the upper petal is notched at the tip, and much turned back; the 4 others are caught by thread-like bases in the shallow 5-parted calyx; they are a clear lilac and white, the upper petal being marked with two purple patches; the calyx is pale reddish. The flowers on red foot-stems are arranged in little groups in a long spire upon the long stem which rises from the root.
One flower only blooms at a time. A tiny pointed leaf, or bract, as long as the calyx, is folded over the bud, but falls when the petals expand.
Wild Bean. Apios tuberosa.
Found on moist banks, among tangles of low bushes and sedges, in August.
This is a twining vine, leafy, rather slender, and slightly rough to the touch. In color, green, sometimes tinged with a dull red.
The leaf is compound, usually of 5 or 7 leaflets; these are oval, largest at the base, and tapering to the tip; the margin is entire, the fibre strong, and the surface slightly rough; color, a strong, full green. The leaves are alternate at intervals, springing from a strong joint.
The upper petal of the flower is broad, and hood like, the middle folded petal is like a beak beneath it, the side petals narrow and hanging like ribbons to tie the hood. Its color is brown-pink, the hood and beak darkest on the inside. The flowers are clustered together in a dense rounded head, set on a short stem that springs from a leaf-joint.
The front view of this flower carries out the fantastic suggestion of the hood shaped petal, for the beak looks like a strongly hooked nose far under its shadow. It is odorous.