USA > Indiana > LaPorte County > History of La Porte County, Indiana > Part 31
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" This district is divided by the Alleghanies into two distinct regions. This happens less from the height of these ridges, acting as a barrier to the migration of plants, than from the peculiar circumstances of soil, in the wide-spread basin of the Ohio. The consequence of the horizontal stratification of the rocks, everywhere of a yielding character, is here seen in the narrow and winding water-courses, flowing with a gentle and uniform current, the height of the waters ever varying, from the frequent rains ; lakes, too, being entirely absent, and still water of any description, or even mill-seats, rarely to be met with ;- when these circumstances are taken into consideration, the unexpected scarcity of aquatics seems less surprising. But, on the other hand, notwithstanding the borders of the water-courses in many places are subject to over- flow, marshes are singularly rare (this is said of the Ohio basin); to which must be added the almost total absence of pine-woods, occa- sioned, no doubt, by the small proportion of sandy or gravelly soil.
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
Accordingly, on comparing the flora of the Ohio basin with that of the Atlantic States, in similar latitudes, the absent species are found to consist, for the most part, either of aquatics, of marsh- plants, or of such as are adapted to an arid soil, while, on the other hand, many plants make their appearance which are unknown east of the mountains. Whether this is to be attributed in any degree to the prevalence of limestone in the West, we do not possess suffi- cient data to determine; yet some plants are said to be confined to limestone soil, though, it would seem, far less exclusively than in the case of saline plants. We will here enumerate some of the most characteristic plants of each region.
"In the western section, among the trees, Tilia heterophylla, Esculus pallida, the Virgilia, the Locust, Gleditschia triacanthos and brachycarpa, the Gymnocladus, the Wild Cherry, Quercus imbricaria and macrocarpa, the Cotton-wood, confined to the banks of rivers; Ulmus fulva and the Wild Mulberry, the Pecan-nut, Hickory, the Hackberry, Carya sulcata, the Planera, Fraxinus quadrangulata ;- among shrubs, Hibiscus militaris, Rhus aromatica, Darlingtonia brachyloba and glandulosa, Gallenia stipulacea, Rosa rubifolia, an Adelia, Euonymus obovatus, a Rhamnus, an Amorpha, Celtis tenuifolia, the Hamiltonian, and Hydrangea nivea; it is here, too, that the parasitic Mistletoe most abonnds, and its evergreen tufts adhering to the branches of the trees compensate to a certain degree for the absence of Pines ;- of climbing plants, we may name Menispermum Lyoni, Momordica echinata, two Gonolobi, and the Enslenia, Vitis riparia and another species, and Aristolo- chia Sipho and tomentosa ;- among herbaceous plants, the delicate vernal Erigenia, the Stylipus, Collinsia verna, the Jeffersonia, Meconopsis petiolata and diphylla, Dentaria maxima, Hesperis pinnatifida, the Polanisia, Silene regia and rotundifolia, Trifolium reflexnm and stolonifernm, Onosmodium molle; various Phacelias, Hydrophyllums and Ellisias; the Nemophila, Dracocephalum ? cordatum, the Isanthns, the Synandra; two or three Hedeomas, Scutellarias and Verbenas; Seymeria macrophylla, Gerardia auric- ulata, Capraria multifida. Pachysandra procumbens, some Delphin- iams and Hypericums, Sedum pulchellum and ternatum, Cacalia reniformis and suaveolens, Polymnia Canadensis and Uvedalia, Parthenium integrifolium, Bellis integrifolia, and various other Compositæ; the Frasera, Plantago cordata, Euphorbia dentata and others, Erythromium albidum, two or three Heucheras, Aconitum uncinatum, some species of Phlox, Talinum teretifolium, the Zan- thorhiza, Baptisia alba and australis, Paronychia dichotoma, Smila- cina? umbellulata, Spermacoce glabra, Gentiana amarylloides, Valeriana pauciflora, and Actinomeris helianthoides :- among gra- mineous plants, Uniola latifolia, the Diarrhena, a Melica, some Carices, etc .:- and, notwithstanding what has been said above of aquatic plants, a few make their way throughout this region, but seem to occur more frequently west of the Mississippi river, as the Hydropeltis, Nuphar advena, the Podostemon and Schollera, the
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
Pontederia; and we can name one which seems to be peculiar, the Heteranthera ovalis."-Encyclopedia of Geography.
This, in a general way, gives the flora of the northern part of the United States. As La Porte county partakes of the general nature of this section, -in climate, soil, elevation, etc.,-for it is a part of it, we may expect to find its flora to be about the same.
We shall now proceed to enumerate, and partially describe, the plants which we find constituting this flora. In doing so we shall give the technical and common names of them,-the technical names, so that those who are disposed to do so may the more readily consult works treating on these things when they find a plant to which they wish to give more than ordinary study; and the common names, so that there will be no need to consult any special work to find out what any particular plant is unless there is a special canse impelling to it. But in giving the common names of the plants we find a little difficulty staring us in the face; and that is that different localities apply different names to the same plant. If at any time there should a doubt arise from this cause as to what plant is intended, then the remedy will be to consult a work on botany under the technical name given in which the plant intended will be described. Certainly there are hours of profitable study in the flora of La Porte county.
THIE FLORA OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
In giving this list of plants we have made no attempt to com- pletely catalogue the flora of the county, but have selected those which are most common and important. The various botanies analyze the plants in slightly different ways, but we think that by the method which we have adopted any plant given can be found in any of the standard works.
ORDER I. RANUNCULACEA. (Crowfoot Family.)
1. Clematis. (Virgin's Bower.)
1. Clematis Viorna. (Leather Flower.) A vine, and may be known by its thick sepals, which are reflected at points, and of a purplish color.
2. Clematis Virginiana. (Common Virgin's Bower.)
These two plants possess medical properties, and are used in can- cerons ulcers and severe headaches.
2. Hepatica. (Liver-leaf. Hepatica. Liverwort.) 1. Hepatica acutiloba. This is one of the earliest harbingers of spring. It varies in color from white to pink and purple. It seeks moist places; and as a medicine it is a mild demulcent , tonic and astringent.
3. Delphinium. (Larkspur.)
1. Delphinium azureum. (Azure Larkspur.) Cultivated in gardens.
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
4. Hydrastis. (Orange Root or Yellow Puccoon.)
1. Hydrastis Canadensis. This plant is not common, and grows in moist places. It is used as a tonic and aperient.
5. Acta. (Baneberry.)
1. Acta spicata. (Red Baneberry.) Berries red, on slender pedicels. Not uncommon in the woods.
> 2. Actæa alba. (White Baneberry.) Berries white. This plant is mentioned as a violent purgative.
6. Cimicifuga. (Bugbane.)
1. Cimicifuga racemosa. (Black Snakeroot.) A tall, leafy plant, with the aspect of an Actæa, found in upland woods. It affects the nervous system, perhaps in a sedative way. Dangerous in large doses.
ORDER II. MAGNOLIACEA. (Magnolia Family.)
1. Liriodendron. (Tulip Tree.)
1. Liriodendron Tulipifera. (The " Poplar.") Common for- est tree, and makes one of the most useful kinds of lumber. It is used as a stimulant tonic, and for chronic rheumatism and dyspep- sia.
ORDER III. ANONACEA. (Custard-Apple Family.)
1. Asimina. (North American Papaw.)
1. Asimina triloba. (Common Papaw.) A small beautiful tree. The fruit is yellowish, fragrant, eatable, and ripe in October.
ORDER IV. BERBERIDACEAE. (Barberry Family.)
1. Jeffersonia. (Twin Leaf.)
1. Jeffersonia diphylla. Often found growing side by side with Blood-root, and for which the flower is sometimes taken. The root is an emetic in large doses, and a tonic and expectorant in small doses.
2. Podophyllum. (Mandrake. May-Apple.)
1. Podophyllum peltatum. (Common May-Apple.) This is among our more curious and interesting plants; is very plentiful. It is an active and certain cathartic.
ORDER V. PAPAVERACEÆ. (Poppy Family.)
1. Stylophorum. (Celandine.) 1. Stylophorum diphyllum A pale green herb found under fences, by roadsides, etc.
2. Sanguinaria. (Blood-root.)
1. Sanguinaria Canadensis. (Blood-root.) An interesting plant of the woods, and appears in the early spring. It is an acrid emetic, and also an expectorant. The plant occupies a high place in med- icine.
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
ORDER VI. CRUCIFERA. (Mustard Family.)
1. Nasturtium. (Water-Cress.)
1. Nasturtium Armoracia. (Horse-Radish.) Escaped from cul- tivation. Not very common. It is a valuable stimulant, as pro- moting appetite and invigorating digestion.
2. Dentaria. (Tooth-wort. Pepper-root.)
1. Dentaria laciniata. (Pepper-root.) The root-stock consists of several tubers of a pungent taste; leaves usually in a whorl about half way up.
3. Cardamine. (Bitter-Cress.)
1. Cardamine hirsuta. (Small Bitter-Cress.) A variable plant common in wet places throughout the United States.
4. Barbarca. (Winter-Cress.)
1. Barbarea vulgaris. (Common Winter-Cress.) Found in wet places, in old fields, along brook-sides, etc.
5. Sinapis. (Mustard.)
1. Sinapis nigra. (Black Mustard.) Found in cultivated grounds and waste places; very common.
2. Sinapis alba. (White Mustard.) A native of Europe; cul- tivated, with slight escapement from cultivation. These plants are very useful in medicine, being used as a laxative, emetic, stimulant and rubefacient, according to doses given.
6. Camelina. (False Flax.)
1. Camelina satira. (Gold-of-Pleasure.) Found in cultivated fields,-especially in flax fields. Came from Europe, where it is said to be cultivated for the oil which its seeds afford.
7. Capsella. (Shepherd's Purse.)
1. Capsella Bursa-Pastoris. (Shepherd's Purse.) Found every- where, in fields, pastures and roadsides.
S. Lepidium. (Pepper-Grass.)
1. Lepidium Virginicum. (Wild Tongue-Grass.) Taste pun- gent, like that of the garden pepper grass; found in dry fields and on the roadsides.
ORDER VII. VIOLACEA. (The Violet Family.)
1. Solea. (Green Violet.)
1. Solea concolor. A strictly erect plant in the woods.
2. Viola. (Violet. Heart's-Ease.)
1. Viola lanceolata. (Lance-leaved Violet.) Found growing in wet meadows.
2. Viola cucullata. (Common blue Violet.) Found growing almost everywhere.
ORDER VIII. CARYOPHYLLACEE. (Pink Family.)
1. Saponaria. (Soap-wort.)
1. Saponaria officinalis. (Cominon Soap-wort. Bouncing Bet.)
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
Cultivated in gardens; sparingly escaped from cultivation. Sapo- nin, obtained from it, is said to be poison.
2. Lychnis. (Lychnis Cockle.)
1. Lychnis Githago. (Corn Cockle.) Found in wheat and in old fields, a well-known weed, and handsome, but a great nuisance to the farmers. Imported from Europe.
ORDER IX, PORTULACACEA. (Purslane Family.)
1. Portulaca. (Purslane.)
1. Portulaca oleracea. (Common Purslane.) An abundant and rapidly growing weed in the gardens; seemingly impossible to exterminate it. It is a cooling diuretic, and is recommended in scurvy, and affections of the urinary organs.
ORDER X. TILIACEÆ. (Linden family.)
1. Tilia. (Linden. Basswood.)
. Tilia Americana. (Lime tree. Lin. Basswood.) A com- mon forest tree. Timber valuable; wood soft and white, used in cabinet work and in paneling carriages.
ORDER XI. LINACEE. (Flax Family.)
1. Linum. (Flax.)
1. Linum usitatissimum. (Common Flax.) Found occasionally in old fields and along the roadsides; introduced but become somewhat naturalized.
ORDER XII. GERANIACEE. (Gerania.)
1. Geranium. (Cranesbill.)
1. Geranium maculatum. (Spotted Geranium.) Found in the woods, etc. It is one of the best astringents; and is particularly' useful to infants and persons of very delicate stomachs. It is used in cases of diarrhea, chronic dysentery, and cholera infantum.
ORDER XIII. BALSAMINACEE. (Jewel Weeds.)
1. Impatiens. (Balsam.)
1. Impatiens pallida. (Pale Touch-me-not.) Found in wet, shady places.
2. Impatiens fulva. (Spotted Touch-me-not.) Grows on moist ground, and somewhat more common than the last.
ORDER XIV. ZANTHOXYLACEA.
1. Zanthoxylum. (Prickly-Ash.)
1. Zanthoxylum Americana. (Northern Prickly-Ash.) Found in most places in the United States. The bark is a bitter aromatic and a stimulant.
2. Ptelea. (Hop Tree.)
1. Ptelca trifoliata. (Shrubby Trefoil.) Quite odorous.
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
ORDER XV. ANACARDIACEA. (Cashew Family.)
1. Rhus. (Sumach.)
1. Rhus glabra. (Smooth Sumach.) Found in thickets and waste grounds. Berries red, and are astringent and refrigerant, and are almost a specific in sore mouth from mercurial salivation.
2. Rhus Toxicodendron. (Poison Ivy. Poison Oak.) Found vining on trees and along fences. It is poisonous, both by contact and by a volatile principle which it gives off.
ORDER XVI. VITACEE. (Vine Family.) 1. Vitis. (Grape Vine.)
1. Vitis labrusca. (Northern Fox-Grape.) It grows in woods and groves. The Isabella is a cultivated variety of this species.
2. Vitis æstivalis. (Summer Grape.) Berries deep blue, well flavored, but small. Found in woods and thickets.
3. Vitis cordifolia. (Winter Grape.) Berries nearly black, rather small, late, acid, but well flavored after frosts of November. Is found clinging to trees in woods and thickets.
2. Ampelopsis. (Virginian Creeper.)
1. Ampelopsis quinquefolia. (American Ivy. Woodbine.) A vigorous climber, found wild in woods and thickets; and often on fences and trees. It is cultivated as a covering for walls.
ORDER XVII. CELASTRACEE. (Staff-tree Family.)
1. Celastrus. (Staff-tree. Shrubby Bitter-Sweet. )
1. Celastrus scandens. (Climbing Bitter-Sweet.) A climbing shrub in woods and thickets, twining about other trees or each other, and ascending to a great height. It has emetic, diaphoretic and narcotic properties.
2. Euonymus. (Spindle Tree.)
1. Euonymus atropurpureus. (Burning Bush. Waahoo.) Found in shady woods; fruit of a bright red color. Its properties are not well known.
ORDER XVIII. ACERACELE. (Maples.)
1. Acer. (Maple.)
1. Acer rubrum. (Swamp Maple.) It is a common tenant of low woods, and is used in cabinet work. It is one of the first flowering trees of spring.
2. Acer dasycarpum. (White or Silver Maple). Found along the banks of streams.
3. Acer saccharinum. (Sugar or Rock Maple.) One of the most commou forest trees. From it the maple sugar is obtained.
ORDER XIX. LEGUMINOSE. (Leguminous Plants.) 1. Trifolium. (Clover. Trefoil.)
1. Trifolium repens. (Creeping or White Clover.) Found everywhere. Excellent for bees.
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
2. Trifolium pratense. (Red Clover.) This is the clover so extensively cultivated in the fields.
2. Robinia. (Locust-Tree).
1. Robinia Pseudacacia. (Common Locust.) Tree common, . and is valuable timber. It is a tonic in small doses, and an emetic in large doses.
3. Baptisia. (False or Wild Indigo.)
1. Baptisia tinctoria. (Wild Indigo.) A plant with a bluish- green foliage, very bushy stem, and frequent in the dry soils.
2. Baptisia leucantha. (Wliite-flowered Wild Indigo.) Very conspicuous on the prairies; stem thick and from two to three feet high; perhaps vanishing on account of cultivation of prairies.
4. Cercis. (Judas Tree. Red-bud.)
1. Cercis Canadensis. (Red-bud.) A handsome tree, especially when in bloom. An old author, Gerarde, says of it: "This is the tree whereon Judas did hang himself, and not on the elder tree, as it is said." This perhaps accounts for its name.
5. Gleditschia. (Honey Locust.)
1. Gleditschia triacanthus. (Honey Locust or Three-thorned Acacia.) A fine tree. Its limbs are armed in a most formidable way with thorns from two to three inches long.
ORDER XX. ROSACEA. (Rose Family.)
1. Cerasus. (Cherry Tree.)
1. Cerasus serotina. (Black or Wild Cherry.) A large forest tree; used in cabinet work, fine grained, and receives a high pol- ish. Its bark has a bitter taste and is used as a tonic.
2. Cerasus Virginiana. (Choke Cherry.) A small tree or shrub, and is found in moist woods and hedges.
2. Prunus. (Plum Tree.)
1. Prunus Americana. (Red Plum. Yellow Plum.) Found in groves and low woods; somewhat thorny, -sometimes cultivated for its fruit.
2. Prunus spinosa. (Black Thorn.) A thorny shrub, 12 or 15 feet high; an importation from Europe.
3. Fragaria. (Strawberry.)
1. Fragaria Virginiana. (Scarlet or Wild Strawberry.) Found in fields and on prairie; fruit delicious and fragrant.
2. Fragaria vesca. (English Strawberry.) Found in fields and woods, and cultivated in gardens.
4. Rubus. (Bramble.)
1. Rubus villosus. (High Blackberry.) Well known, and very common; fruit subacid, and well-flavored.
2. Rubus Canadensis. (Low Blackberry. Dewberry.) Com- mon in fields and meadows, trailing several yards upon the ground. Fruit very sweet and juicy.
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IIISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
3. Rubus hispidus. (Running Swamp Blackberry.) Found in moist and wet places. The roots of the blackberry and dewberry are used as tonics, and they possess strong astringent qualities.
4. Rubus Idæus. {Garden Raspberry.) Cultivated. Stems shrubby,-from three to five feet high,-fruit delicious.
5. Rubus occidentalis. (Black Raspberry. Thimbleberry.) A tall slender bramble found in thickets, rocky fields, etc.
5. Rosa. (Rose.)
1. Rosa Carolina. (Carolina Rose. Swamp Rose.) A prickly shrub in swamps and damp woods. . Flowers varying between white and red.
2. Rosa lucida. (Shining or Wild Rose.) Found in dry woods. or thickets. Flowers a pale red.
3. Rosa setigera. (Michigan or Prairie Rose.) This splendid species is a native of Michigan; about 20 varieties are in cultiva- tion.
4. Rosa rubiginosa. (Eglantine. Sweet-Brier.) A stout, prickly shrub, naturalized in fields and along road-sides. Largely cultivated.
6. Pyrus. (Apple.)
1. Pyrus coronaria. (Crab Apple. Sweet-scented Crab-tree.) A small tree, with spreading branches. Fruit small and sour, but esteemed for preserves.
2. Pyrus arbutifolia. (Choke Berry.) Found in low, moist woodlands. Fruit astringent, and as large as a currant.
ORDER XXI. GROSSULACEA. (Currants and Gooseberries.)
1. Ribes. (Currants and Gooseberries.)
1. Ribes floridum. (Wild Black Currant.) A handsome shrub in woods and hedges; somewhat rare. Fruit insipid.
2. Ribes rubrum. (Common Red Currant.) Fruit red, and universally eultivated in gardens. Grows even to the Arctic ocean.
3. Ribes Cynosbati. (Prickly Gooseberry.) A handsome shrub; berries prickly, brownish-purple, eatable.
4. Ribes rotundifolium. (Wild Gooseberry.) Found in woods. The fruit is purple, delicious, resembling the garden gooseberry.
ORDER XXII. HAMAMELACEE.E (Witch Hazel Family.)
1. Hamamelis. (Witch Hazel.)
1. Hamamelis Virginiana. (Common Witch Hazel.) A large shrub, and blooms in the autumn. " Amidst the reigning desola- tions of autumn and winter, this alone puts forth its yellow blos- soms." Its small branches have been used by the superstitious as " divining rods."
ORDER XXIII. BALSAMIFLUE. (Liquidum bars.) 1. Liquidumbar. (Sweet-Gum Tree.)
1. Liquidumbar Styraciflua. (Sweet Gum. Bilsted.) A forest tree; not very common. When wounded in summer, a gum of
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
an agreeable order exudes from the trunk. A syrup made from the bark may be used in summer diarrhea and dysentery.
ORDER XXIV. UMBELLIFERA. (Parsley Family.)
1. Sanicula. (Sanicle.)
1. Sanicula Marylandica. (Black Snakeroot.) Found in woods and thickets. Useful in intermittent fever.
ORDER XXV. ARALIACEE. (Araliads or Ginseng Family.)
1. Aralia. (Sarsaparilla.)
1. Aralia nudicaulis. (Wild Sarsaparilla.) A well-known plant, found in woods. Used largely as a medicine.
2. Aralia racemosa. (Pettymorrel. Spikenard.) Found in woods. Root pleasant to the taste, and esteemed as an ingredient in small beer; root aromatic.
3. Aralia spinosa. (Angelica Tree. Hercules' Club.) Found in damp woods. An infusion acts as an emetic and cathartic.
4. Aralia quinquefolia. (Ginseng.) Found in dry woods. Tuberous roots, which possess some medicinal qualities, but not much used.
ORDER XXVI. CORNACEA. (Dog-wood Family.) 1. Cornus. (Cornel. Dog-wood.)
1. Cornus sericea. (Red Osier. Kinnikinnick.) A shrub about eight feet high, with opposite, dusky, purple branches, and dark- red shoots.
2. Cornus florida. (Flowering Dogwood. Bunch-berry.) Found in the woods; very ornamental when in flower. Both this and the last are used as tonics and astringents.
2. Nyssa. (Tupelo. Pepperidge. Gum Tree.)
1. Nyssa multiflora. (Gum Tree.) A forest tree. The timber is not very valuable, yet it may be used for beetles, naves of wheels, and hatters' blocks.
ORDER XXVII. CAPRIFOLIACEA. (Honeysuckle Family.)
1. Lonicera. (Honeysuckle Woodbine.)
1. Lonicera sempervirens. (Trumpet Honeysuckle.) Found in moist groves. Cultivated.
2. Lonicera Periclymenum. (Woodbine Honeysuckle.) A woody climber; cultivated.
2. Triosteum. (Fever-wort. Horse-gentian.)
1. Triosteum perfoliatum. (Fever-wort.) A coarse, unattract- ive plant. The root is large and fleshy, and in much repute in medicine, having many of the properties of Ipecacuanha.
3. Sambucus. (Elder.)
1. Sambucus Canadensis. (Common Elder.) A common, well- known shrub; stem filled with light, porous pith, especially when young. Berries, dark purple.
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
4. Viburnum. (Laurestine. Arrow-wood.)
1. Viburnum prunifolium. (Black Haw.) Found in the woods and thickets. Flowers, white, succeeded by oval, blackish berries, which are sweet and eatable.
2. Viburnum dentatum. (Arrow-wood.) A shrub not un- common in damp woods and thickets; called "arrow-wood " from its long straight branches and young shoots.
ORDER XXVIII. COMPOSITE. (Asterworts.)
1. Vernonia. (Iron-weed.)
1. Vernonia Noveboracensis. (New York Vernonia. Iron- weed.) A tall, showy plant with numerous, large, dark purple flowers, found in the meadows and other moist places.
2. Vernonia fasciculata. (Iron-weed.) Found in woods and on prairies of the Western States; a coarse, purplish-green weed from three to ten feet high.
2. Eupatorium. (Thoroughwort. Boneset.)
1. Eupatorium fistulosum. (Trumpet weed.) Found in thick- ets; hollow its entire length.
2. Eupatorium rotundifolium. (Hoarhound.) A slender spe- cies, found in dry fields. A remedy used in pulmonary troubles.
3. Eupatorium perfoliatum. (Thoroughwort. Boneset.) A common, well-known plant; found on low grounds. The plant is bitter, and is used in medicine as a tonic.
4. Eupatorium ageratoides. (Nettle-leaved Eupatorium. White Snake-root.) A handsome species, found in the woods.
3. Erigeron. (Fleabane.)
1. Erigeron heterophyllum. (Common Fleabane.) A common weed, in fields and waste places.
2. Erigeron Canadense. (Horse-weed. Butterwced.) A very common annual plant of no beauty, growing by roadsides and in fields. The plant varies in size according to soil.
4. Inula. (Elecampane.)
1. Inula Helenium. (Common Elecampane.) A large, herba- ceous plant, common by roadsides. Its medical virtues are tonic and expectorant, and have long been esteemed.
5. Ambrosia. (Ragweed.)
1. Ambrosia trifida. (Great Ragweed.) Quite common; found in unused pastures, and along roadsides. Flowers. mean and in long, leafless spikes.
2. Ambrosia artemisiæfolia. (Hog-weed.) A common and troublesome weed of the field and garden, etc. It is far more worthy of its English name than it is of its Latin.
6. Xanthium. (Cocklebur.)
1. Xanthium Strumarium. (Clotweed. Common Cocklebur.) A coarse, rough plant, in old fields, etc. A nuisance to the farmer
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
7. Heliopsis. (Ox-eye.)
1. Heliopsis lævis. (Ox-eye.) A large, symmetrical plant; branches thickened at the summit, each terminating with a solid, yellow head.
8. Silphium. (Rosin Weed.)
1. Silphium laciniatum. (Polar Plant. Rosin Weed.) Found on the prairies. In an early day it produced great quantities of smoke when the prairies burned, on account of its resin.
2. Silphium terebinthinaceum. (Prairie Burdock.) A prairie plant; and like the above, it exudes a resinous matter. Stem from four to eight feet high.
9. Helianthus. (Sun-Flower.)
1. Helianthus annuus. (Common Sunflower.) This well- known plant is from South America. It is cultivated, and spar- ingly escaped from cultivation.
2. Helianthus lætiflorus. (Splendid Sunflower.) Found in barrens, and is a rough, but showy plant. Disk yellow.
10. Coreopsis. (Tick-seed.
1. Coreopsis tripteris. (Fall Coreopsis.) A tall, smooth, ele- gant species; found in dry soils.
11. Bidens. (Burr-Marigold.)
1. Bidens frondosa. (Common Beggar Ticks.) A common weed in moist, cultivated fields; stem about two feet high, sending out many spreading branches.
2. Bidens connata. (Common Beggar Ticks.) Found in swamps and ditches; stem from one to three feet high, smooth and four-furrowed, with opposite branches.
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