Part 47

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.