Evening Primrose Family. — Onagraceæ
Day and Night Primrose. Œnothera pumila.
Found in June on sandy banks and dry pastures.
Its single leafy stalk, from 12 to 15 inches in height, is very slightly hairy, and somewhat shining. It is pale in color, inclining to dull pinkish.
The root-leaves are round at the tip, tapering to the base, and set on long stems; the upper leaves are long, and narrow, with stem-like bases; the margins are entire, the texture close and velvety to the touch; in color dull green, the foot-leaves pinkish slightly. Set near together, and alternately.
The 4 petals of the flower are heart-shaped, and spreading with a shallow curve, of a thin texture, which shows the veins, and in color a beautiful clear yellow; the calyx-tube is about a half-inch long, the part which contains the seed-box is thick, grooved, and green, the upper part is slender, and tinged with red: the 4 calyx-divisions are dry and pale. The flowers are set in the angles of the upper leaves.
According to Dr. Gray the blossoms of this plant which open in early sunlight do not go to sleep until eleven o’clock at night. For a space beneath the flowers the close-set leaves cease and the somewhat curving stalk is bare.
Common Evening Primrose. Œnothera biennis.
Found in pastures and roadsides, beginning to bloom in July and continuing until frost-time.
The stout and leafy stalk grows from 1 to 4 feet high; it is woody-fibred, hairy, and light green in color.
The narrow, lance-shaped leaf tapers at each end, and has a strong midrib, an irregular margin, and a very downy surface; in color green. The upper leaves clasp the stalk by a stem-like base, the lower ones with a strong, little foot-stem; they are alternately placed.
The 4 large heart-shaped petals, of a fine, thin texture, are a pure light yellow color; the 8 stamens are orange-tipped, and the 4 divisions of the calyx are pale yellow; they turn back upon its tube with a twisting gesture. This calyx-tube is over an inch in length, the lower half, which contains the seed-box, is enlarged, grooved, sticky to the touch, and shining green; the upper part is slender, smooth, and not sticky, and pale yellow in color. The flowers are set close on the stalk in the hold of the leaves.
After its one night’s fragrant perfection, the withered blossom hangs for a day or two, before its calyx-tube severs itself from the seed-box as neatly as though cut by a knife. It is only by chance that the clarity of the flower’s yellow hue is seen, when, in some gray morning fog, a belated flower is caught full-blown. Sometimes the plant grows to the size of a bush; its fall seedling shows a flat tuffet of curious, white-marked lily-like leaves that hug the ground.
| Great Willow Herb. | Epilobium angustifolium. |
| Fire-weed. |
Found by the wayside, and on newly cleared or burned lands, blossoming from June through August.
It has a simple, tall, and swaying stalk, from 3 to 6 feet high; it is round, and smooth, of a fine fibre, and inclined to red in color.
The long, narrow leaf has a general resemblance to that of the willow; it is smooth, firm, and fine in texture, and of a cool dark grayish-green color, and silvery beneath, with a light midrib. The leaves are alternate on the stalk, without foot-stems.
The 4 rounded petals of the flower curve into a short foot, or claw, at the base; they are of a fine and delicate texture, and a bright, clear crimson-pink color; the 4 long, pointed divisions of the red-brown calyx alternate with the pink petals; the pistil is 4-parted and curled spirally at the tip; the stamens 8. The flowers are poised on the top of the slender, silky, violet-tinged pods, and arranged in a loose, long, and curving spike, on the top of the stalk.
The plant gains its name of “Fire-weed” from its habit of springing up on newly burned woodlands. Seen in the sunshine its coloring is brilliant. Its long curving slender pods, bursting open lengthwise, set free a mass of fine silky down, the wings of the tiny seeds.
Small Willow Herb. Epilobium coloratum.
Found in damp ground, in meadows and ditches, in blossom in August and September.
Its erect branching stalk grows from 1 to 2 feet high, and is strong-fibred, round, and smooth; color green, often a fine crimson.
The long, narrow leaf has a finely notched margin, a smooth surface, and a fine texture; dark gray-green in color. The arrangement is usually opposite, on very short foot-stems.
The small flower has 4 rounded petals, notched at the tip; they are a pale violet-tinted white; there are 8 small stamens, and a club-shaped pistil,—all pale yellow; the 4-parted calyx is green. The flower is set on the top of the slender pod.
In the autumn the mass of downy pods and crimson-red stems make of this unpretentious plant a pleasing bit of color; its fine qualities of texture contribute to its attractiveness.
Enchanter’s Nightshade. Circæa alpina.
Found in cool damp shade during July and August.
The thick and juicy stalk, which grows from 4 to 8, or even 10, inches in height, is round, and smooth, and branching. It is light green, red at the joints.
The heart-shaped leaf is rather large near the foot, with a coarsely notched margin, a thin texture, and smooth surface; light green in color. The leaves, on slender, short stems, are set in pairs, which occur at right angles to each other.
Its very tiny flower with the 2 round-tipped petals, 2 alternating thread stamens, and 2-parted calyx is all pure white, though the calyx-divisions, which turn downward, are slightly tinged with green. The flowers, on very tiny foot-stems, are scattered along very curving stems, which spring terminally, and from the angles of the upper leaves.
Found only in shady woods, this plant courts no notice, but gratifies its lovers with an indefinable charm of growth and color, as shy and evasive as the dim light of the silent woodland spaces it inhabits.