Heath Family. — Ericaceæ
| Trailing Arbutus. | Epigæa repens. |
| May flower. | |
| Ground Laurel. |
Found in the woods, or clearings near woods, and upland pastures, during April. It particularly favors pine woods.
The branching leafy stalk is low, and trailing close to the ground under dry leaves and dead grass; it is tough and woody-fibred, and rough-hairy to the touch; rather slender. Its color is rusty brown, and very rich in tone.
The oval leaf is heart-shaped at the base, with a strong midrib which is somewhat taut and gives the entire margin usually an undulating character; the fibre is tough, and rough to the touch. The color is a strong positive green, more or less worm-eaten, and rust-spotted; it is evergreen. The leaves are set, on slender rough stems, alternately, at irregular intervals, and more closely near the flowers. The new leaves come after the blossoming time.
The flower has a tubular corolla, spreading into 5 rounded points; its color varies from an exquisite white to a deeply tinted rose; the inconspicuous stamens show only as a feathery, pale yellow ring in the centre. The 5-parted, pale green calyx is set around with 5 similar leafy bracts. The blossoms, on their little foot-stems, are gathered in close clusters along the ends of the stalk and branches. They exhale a sweet and spicy fragrance.
The plant, with its green and rusty leaves, hugs the earth so closely that often only the tips of the flowery clusters show here and there among the dried leaves, which almost conceal them from their friendly enemies, whose love of their beauty knows no better manner of exhibiting itself than by tearing the vine up by its roots. This selfish ignorance is fast exterminating the lovely flower in the populous districts of New England,—already it has become in certain place as mere tradition. As though in revenge, nature keeps fast the secret of its growth, and the Arbutus refuses to live in man’s care for more than one or two seasons.
| Cassandra. | Cassandra calyculata. |
| Leather-leaf. |
Found in April and May, in marshes and swamps, sometimes standing in water to the depth of two feet.
This shrub, about 3 or 4 feet high, branches often, and is tough-fibred; the bark when new is smooth, but is inclined to become frayed and to split when it is old. The color is brown, of a golden hue.
The leaf is oval, widest near the tip, the midrib is prominent beneath, the margin is entire and slightly thickened on the edge, the texture is coarse grained and tough, but not thick; while the upper surface is smooth and shining, the underside is dull. It is evergreen; in color green, rusty underneath. The arrangement is alternate, and close together, and the leaves are so set as to point upwards; their short stems are often reddish.
The corolla is a small 5-pointed bell, curved inwards at the throat and spreading its points to show the thread-like, green pistil; of a fine smooth texture and pure white; the 5-parted calyx is curved closely to the bell,—white, or yellow, or tawny-tinted; at its base are found 2 little rusty, or white bracts. The flowers are set on short rusty stems which grow from the angles of the leaves, and turn downward.
It is worth the effort to discover the shy Cassandra’s haunts, in order to see the bush, its slender branches set close with pretty hanging bells beneath the alert leaves, that stand upright above them, in watchful military rows.
| Marsh Andromeda. | Andromeda polifolia. |
| Wild Rosemary. |
Found in swamps and marsh lands, in May.
This shrub grows between 1 and 2 feet high; it is branching, leafy, and slender, with a woody fibre. The bark on the young shoots is smooth and firm, when old it is rough and inclined to split.
The leaf is evergreen. In shape it is long and needle-like, a resemblance caused by its closely rolled edges which give it a stiff erectness of bearing; the texture is firm and dry, its upper surface being slightly grained, though it is smooth underneath. In color it is a dark, rich green, pale beneath. The leaves are set, on very short tawny stems, close together, and alternately.
The mouth of the small bell-shaped flower is almost closed; its oval form is diversified by the little pinched folds which run up from between its 5 little tips. In color it is a rosy tinted white; the little 5-parted calyx being colored like the corolla. The bells are set on short white foot-stems that are enfolded by tiny greenish-pink bracts; they are close gathered in small groups, and nod at the ends of the branches.
The fine-pointed leaves, whatever the angle from which they spring, all turn upward, giving a curious flat and conventionally decorative effect to the branches.
Privet Andromeda. Andromeda ligustrina.
Found in moist wayside thickets and swamps; blossoming in June.
The tough, woody stalk, erect, branching, and leafy, is covered with a smooth, light gray bark. It grows from 3 to 6, or more, feet in height.
The small leaves are from 1 to 2 inches long, tapering at both ends; they are alternate, on very short foot-stems. The margin is entire, or very finely notched, surface smooth, and texture firm. Color, green.
The small, bell-shaped flower is nearly round, with 5 tiny, recurved points at the top. It is inconspicuous in color, being of a dull greenish white, the tawny stamens showing within. The flowers, on short, curved stems, hang from one side of the twigs, on the ends of the branches.
The seed-case is small, round, brown, and 5-parted; it is especially noticeable in winter and early spring, and is at all times more attractive to the eye than the colorless flowers,—it adds a graceful touch to the winter bouquet gathered by the twig-loving wayfarer.
| Pink Azalea. | Rhododendron nudiflorum. |
| Swamp Pink. | |
| Honeysuckle. |
Found in swamps, moist woods, and on hillsides in May.
This woody-fibred, branching, and leafy shrub, varies in height from 3 to 6 feet; it has a light, warm-gray bark, nearly smooth to the touch.
The charming leaf is oval in shape, tapering at both ends, with an entire margin; its texture is thin, and the fine surface bears a few soft short scattering hairs. In color it is a light pure golden green. The growth is alternate, and somewhat clustering.
The large flower is, in shape, a long slender tube spreading at the top into 5 long-pointed divisions with a fold in the center of each; the 5 stamens and pistil are all long and slender, extending their curving ends far out from the tube; the calyx is hardly noticeable. The color of the corolla varies from pale to deep rose-pink, the tone deepening toward the base of the tube, while the stamens and pistil are rosy crimson,—the tip of the pistil is pinkish-brown. The flowers grow in groups of 5 or more, on short pale green stems, from the ends of the branches. They are very fragrant.
The very essence of spring seems to dwell in the pink and green colors and the spicy breath of this Azalea. The gesture in dropping its flowers is graceful,—the blossom, sliding down the long pistil, hangs swaying on its tip for some time before it finally drops softly to the earth. The branches, especially the lower ones, swing out from the bush in long free curves.
White Azalea. Rhododendron viscosum.
Found in swamps and wet lands during July.
This shrub grows from 4 to 6 or even 7 feet high, and branches less regularly than the Pink Azalea, and is somewhat less leafy in habit; it is rather slender, woody-fibred, and the bark is dry and slightly rough. In color, reddish-gray.
The oval leaf is widest near the tip whose extreme point is noticeably sharp; its midrib is marked, and the margin is entire, the edge and underside of the midrib being hairy; the texture is thin and firm, the upper surface glossy. The color of the new growths is a fine green (less golden than its sister) which becomes dark when older. The leaves grow in clustered groups.
The flower is smaller than the earlier Azalea, and its points are more curled; it is pure white in color, the outside of the tube being covered with tiny red hairs which are sticky to the touch. The white stamens, with their straw-colored tips, are shorter than the pistil which is faintly pink-tinted, with a darker tip. The calyx is not observable without close inspection; the green foot-stems are very short; and the flowers are grouped terminally upon the twigs.
There is a reddish tinge to the bud, and the flower is delightfully odorous, and the blooming time is pleasantly prolonged.
Low Blueberry. Vaccinium vacillans.
Found in dry uplands, and light woods, in May.
The woody, branching stalk, from 1 to 2 feet high, has a smooth, thin, green bark.
The oval leaves are small, about an inch long, unbroken on the edge, and set opposite each other on scarcely perceptible stems; they are rather few in number, fine in texture, smooth, and of a light green color.
The small, bell-like corolla is slightly contracted at the top, 5-parted, with the small tips rolled back. Color white, more or less tinged and streaked with light red. There are 10 orange-tipped stamens, and 1 pale green pistil; the 5-parted calyx is green, tinged with red. The flowers hang on short stems, drooping in clusters of 5 to 7, or more, from the ends of the twigs.
The flowers appear while the leafage still shows the red flush of the new growth. The green twiggery of this low bush gives an early promise of spring, long before the leaves think of showing themselves. The round, sweet and juicy berries, dark blue with a fine bloom, surrounded by the harmonious green of the leafage, have a decided charm of color too rarely noted by those who seek them for their edible qualities only.
| Deerberry. | Vaccinium stamineum. |
| Squaw Huckleberry. |
Found in June, in dry woods.
A branching, leafy shrub, which grows from 2 to 4 feet high; its stalk is stout, and woody, and covered with a gray bark.
The oval leaf seems rather small for the size of the bush; it has an entire margin, a firm texture that is somewhat tough-fibred, and smooth surface. Color, light green, and pale beneath. The leaves are set on very short stems, alternately.
The small bell-shaped corolla spreads into 5 outward curving points; it is white. The stamens form a close, pointed cluster about the pistil and hang out from the flower bell,—they are dull orange in color; the small calyx is green. These bells swing on slender stems, from the angles of little leaves, in thick clusters along the lower sides of the branches.
The Deerberry’s branches stretch out in a nearly horizontal direction; its profusion of pretty bells begin to open while still undeveloped, and are about a fortnight in coming to their full beauty, to which a pleasing touch of individuality is given by the orange-tipped stamens. The fruit is flat to the taste, and gives the bush its second folk-name.
Mountain Laurel. Kalmia latifolia.
Found in rocky pastures, uplands and light woods, and swampy grounds, in June.
This is a large shrub varying in height from 4 to 8 feet, and occasionally taller. Its stalk and branches are more or less twisted and angular in growth, and woody, of a fibre compact and tough; the old growths are covered with a roughened gray bark.
The beautiful leaf is evergreen; of an oval shape, with a tapering tip, an entire margin, strong midrib, a firm fine texture, and a smooth surface. The color is a fine dark green in the old growths, a light vigorous green when new. The leaves, on very short stems, are usually placed alternately, but are sometimes opposite each other, and toward the end of the branches are clustered.
The corolla is bowl-shaped, with 5 or 6 points; around the middle of this bowl are 10 little pockets,—each one of which holds the tip of a stamen until it is ready to spring out and scatter its pollen,—these pockets, or sacs, projecting on the outside of the bowl, form little spurs all around it. The color of the flower is white, or pink; in the bottom of the bowl a 10-pointed star is outlined in dark crimson, and flecks of crimson occur just above the little pockets. The tiny seed-box in the center is green; the elastic stamens are silky white; the little calyx is green; the flower-stems pale and sticky. The flowers form large and conspicuous clusters on the ends of the branches.
The flowers and buds have a pretty shell-like quality. Shortly after flowering, the vigorous light green shoots put forth, and the ripening seed-boxes take on a crimson hue, making the Laurel pasture all aglow a second time with rich color. This 5-angled seed-box, turned to brown, remains throughout the winter in pleasing contrast to the fine evergreen leafage.
Pale Laurel. Kalmia glauca.
Found in cold bogs and swamps, during June.
This shrub is between 1 and 2 feet in height; it is woody-fibred, hard and firm, with a thin, close bark. The branches are curious in growth, being formed of short sections that are two-edged and somewhat flat; these sections are placed alternately and at right angles to each other. The color is a dark rich brown.
The leaf is oblong, with a blunt tip, and a noticeably rolled-under edge; the surface is glossy above, and the texture is tough. It is evergreen, dark above and whitey-green underneath, the midrib being yellowish. The leaves grow in pairs, upon very short stems that spring from the section-joints, at right angles to each other.
The flower is small, similar to the Mountain Laurel; of a clear light crimson color, with dark-tipped stamens. The blossoms are set on dull crimson-red stems, and arranged in terminal groups.
This is rather rare, and not easy to become acquainted with owing to its preference for swamp holes. The tiny seed-pods on their thread stems are very pretty.
Sheep’s Laurel. Kalmia angustifolia.
Found on upland slopes and hilly pastures, in June.
This branching, very leafy, bush is 18 inches to 2 or 3 feet in height, with a woody fibre, and tough bark. The new shoots are green, the older growths turning to reddish-brown.
The leaf is a long oval, with a rolled-under edge; not large, but otherwise like that of the Mountain Laurel. It is evergreen, the old growths dark and dull, with rusty spots of weather-wear; the fresh leaves are bright green, the midrib being yellow, with a hint of pink underneath. The leaves are set on short stems, and placed in little groups near together.
The blossom is smaller and more shallow than the Mountain Laurel; it is in color a strong dark pink, with the star design outlined in dark crimson. The 10 stamens are shining, and pale pink, with crimson tips; the curved pistil is light pink. The flowers, on tiny foot-stems, are arranged in loose clusters, of a dozen or more, upon a short stem; these clusters are placed in a whorl about the stalk, at the summit of last year’s growth, and beneath the over-topping new shoot.
The old leaves bend downward, while the new stretch themselves upward, holding their tips nearly erect.
Shinleaf. Pyrola elliptica.
Found in the woods in June.
The little underground stalk throws up a few leaves, and a flower stem which reaches 6 or 8 inches in height.
The leaf is round, or oval, showing the midrib and veins, with an entire margin whose edge curls under, and a tough leathery fibre. It is evergreen, dark and strong in color, the ribs and veins being whitish. It is set on a short, margined, reddish stem, which is protected at the ground by an enfolding dark sheath.
The 5 petals of the flower form a cup; they are thin and waxen in texture, and are pale greenish-white; the 10 yellow-tipped white stamens huddle all together in the upper part of the cup; the long curved pistil is down-bent; the calyx is 5-parted, flat, and green. Several flowers on short, down-turned, green-reddish stems, are placed together upon a slender, erect, green stem which rises from the ground; it is tinted reddish at its base, and midway its length bears one small red-green bract.
There is a smack of individuality about this plant; it presents an appearance of being self-sufficing, and exclusive, though growing in more or less numerous companionship with its kindred.
Small Pyrola. Pyrola secunda.
Found in woodlands during June and July.
The 3- to 6-inch-long flower-stem springs, along with several leaves, from the top of an underground, somewhat square, stalk.
The leaf is oval, with a somewhat pointed tip, a midrib that is strong and prominent above as well as beneath, and a finely scalloped margin; its texture is thin and firm, and its surface glossy; it is evergreen. Set on slender trough-like short stems, the leaves form a small group. In color a fine, clear green.
The flower is small; the 5 obtuse-pointed, greenish-white petals curve in the shape of a bell, the slightly curving, green pistil protruding; the 5-parted calyx is very small and greenish. The flowers, on their little foot-stems, are set along the stem in a nodding row, whose weight, apparently, pulls the erect stem to one side. A few tiny leafkins occur on this stem.
When the flowers fall, the little 5-scalloped seed-pods with the long pistils remain long in their places. The buds do not open in regular sequence, as is usual among blossoms similarly arranged.
One-flowered Pyrola. Moneses grandiflora.
Found usually in pine woods, by shaded brooks, in June.
The small, round, and pale stalk runs along the earth just under its surface, and terminates in a rosette of a few leaves, loosely lying upon the ground, and a flower stem from 2 to 4 inches high.
The round leaf is very smooth underneath, while the ribs and veins we prominent above; the margin is finely notched, and the texture is thin. In color a rich, cool green.
The 5-pointed petals of the flower are a shallow shell-shape; their margins curl under somewhat, their texture is thin and waxen, and their surface is smooth to the touch; color, white, inclined to ivory. The 10 white stamens have curious 2-horned, dull-yellow tips,—they lie back, with a quick curve, in the hollows of the petals; the bright green pistil bends, or curves downward; the flat 5-parted calyx is very small. The single flower is set on the crook-like tip of the pale-green flower-stem, which bears one or two tiny pale bracts.
This boldly curved crook of the flower-stem is completely straightened when the petals fall,—the seed-box is held upright. Like most of its tribe this is a gregarious little plant, and grows in plantations.
| Prince’s Pine. | Chimaphila umbellata. |
| Pipsissewa. |
Found in dry woods during July.
The simple leafy stalk varies from 4 to 10 inches in height, and is round, tough-fibred, and woody at the base. Color, green.
The oblong leaf is widest toward the tip, and tapering toward the base; the margin is notched, the texture is fine, firm, and thick, with a smooth and shining surface. The color is dark green, lighter beneath; it is evergreen. The leaves, on very short stems, grow in whorls of 5 (generally speaking), about the stalk.
The flower has 5 rounded, concave, white petals, with a rose colored ring marked in its center; the 10 pinkish stamens are set around the large, conical, green pistil, whose summit is flat and sticky; the small 5-parted calyx is green. Several flowers, on short curving stems, grow in a cluster, from the top of the flower-stem.
Pipsissewa’s seed-cases are interesting; they are round and brown, and, borne upright on the end of the slender stems, are truly decorative in aspect, and with the shining green leaves remain unchanged by winter’s cold. In Maine the plant is called “Love-in-winter.”
Spotted Wintergreen. Chimaphila maculata.
Found in dry woods, commonly under evergreen trees, in July.
The dull red, tough stem, 5 or 6 inches in height, bears one or two whorls of leaves.
The leaves, about 2 inches long, are tapering at the tip, with a few small notches on the margin; they are thick, and leathery, with a smooth surface, and are set in whorls of 4 or 5 on short foot-stems. In color, dark green, with the ribs marked out by broad lines of light.
In general form, the flower is much like that of the Pipsissewa. The petals are white, the stamens pale cream, and the pistil green.
This form of the Pipsissewa is less common in the New England than in the Middle States. Its variegated leaves are a pleasing, somewhat rare note in our winter leafage.
Wintergreen. Gaultheria procumbens.
Found during July in woods, and along the edges of woods.
The creeping stalk sends up an erect stem, leafy at the top, about 4 or 5 inches high, woody-fibred and tough, and smooth to the touch. Its color is green,—red toward the root.
The leaf is a broad oval, with a rounded tip, an obscurely notched margin, of a tough and thick fibre, and smooth, polished surface. It is evergreen: when old a dark green, often bronzy; more yellow-green, tinged with dull red, when young. The alternate leaves, on very short stems, are clustered at the top of the stalk.
The small bell-shaped flower is minutely 5-parted, and all white. The flowers, on short curving stems, grow singly from the angles of the leaves, hanging their bells downward.
The fruit is round and small, a bright cherry red in color; it ripens in the fall and remains throughout snow-time, always ready to lend its glowing color, with the bronzy leaves that surround it, to a winter bouquet from the woods. The new shoots put forth from the ground in June, and are called “youngsters” in the country; they have an aromatic, pungent flavor, and going “youngstering” is a favorite diversion of childhood. The plant is a great colonist, and year after year its plantations thrive in the same localities.
| False Beech Drops. | Monotropa Hypopitys. |
| Pine Sap. |
Found growing upon the roots of pine or oak trees, from June to September.
The single and erect stalk is about 6 or 8 inches high; thick, fleshy, and smooth, or downy. It is pale at the foot, deepening to a crimson-red near the flowers.
The small and sheath-like bracts are indeterminate in shape, thin and dry. In color yellow-red, turning blackish when withered. A few only occur upon the stalk.
The small flowers are irregularly vase-shaped, and composed of 8 or 10 narrow fleshy parts with crinkled tips; they are set on short stems, in the clasp of a bract, and arranged in terminal groups of 2 to 5 in number. The color is rosy-red, with yellow tips,—flowers, bracts, and the top of the stalk following the same scheme of color.
A parasite, growing upon the roots, and, though not unpleasing in general aspect when perfectly fresh, betraying the base quality of its nature when mature, for an unwholesome mould spreads over its parts as it grows old. When first opened the flowers turn down, but become erect with age.
| Indian Pipe. | Monotropa uniflora. |
| Corpse Plant. |
Found in dark, damp woods, from June to August.
The thick, round, flower-stem varies from 3 to 8 inches in height, and is fleshy, smooth, and clammy. Its color is white, or faintly flesh-tinted.
The small, scaly bracts, which serve for leaves, are white.
The large bell-shaped flower is formed of 5 long, narrow, fleshy white parts, whose tips flare a little. The 10 stamens are dull tawny. The flowers are nodding, usually solitary, though sometimes 2 or even 3 are grouped on one stem.
A parasitic growth on roots and decaying vegetable matter, speedily turning black when gathered, the Indian Pipe displays none of the pleasing attributes commonly associated with healthful sun-loving vegetation. It is, by nature, designed for the semi-twilight of the dark forest, and illy bears transportation into the brighter light of the open; even in the shadows of the woods, it is often found covered by dead leaves.