USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Hingham > History of the town of Hingham, Massachusetts, vol 1 > Part 11
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In the following list of plants native to or occurring in Hing- ham, the names have been given in accordance with the recent. edition of Gray's Manual, 1890. There have been numerous. changes since the previous edition of 1848, and the student will therefore find this harmony with the last edition of great service to him in the identification of species.
The names of the introduced species are printed in italics, that they may be thus readily distinguished from those indigenous to the town.
PHANOGAMOUS OR FLOWERING PLANTS.
POLYPETALOUS EXOGENS.
1. RANUNCULACEAE. (CROWFOOT FAMILY.)
THE Ranunculaceae are mostly natives of cool regions, few being found within the tropics, and these generally in elevated situations.
The leaves are much divided, hence the popular name of crow- foot applied to some of the species. Flowers both regular and irregular, - some exhibiting remarkable forms, as those of the wild Columbine.
Our flora is greatly enriched by plants of this family, and the fields and groves owe much of their beauty to them. Among those most common are the Buttercups, spangling the grass with their golden petals ; the Marsh Marigold of the swamps and wet meadows; the Clematis, or Virgin's Bower, gracefully climbing over bushes in shady thickets, displaying in profusion its beau- tiful cymes of flowers; the Wood Anemone, with its delicate white petals, often tinged with purple; and the showy wild Columbine, delighting by its varied hues the visitor to its rocky recesses.
The Peony, so commonly cultivated in the gardens, belongs to this family.
Most of the species contain a very acrid juice, rendering them highly injurious as food, in a fresh state. Fortunately, heat and dryness deprive the plants of their poisonous character ; otherwise the cattle would suffer from its effects in partaking of hay from the pastures. Cooked or dried the species of this town are harm- less. There are genera, however, having exceedingly poisonous properties, - such as the Helleborus, the Aconitum, and the Del- phinium. As species of these are common in gardens under the names Monkshood, Wolfsbane, Larkspur, and Hellebore, care' should be taken that children do not carry the flowers in their mouths.
Clematis, L.
Virginiana, L. Virgin's Bower.
Anemone, Tourn.
cylindrica, Gray. Long-fruited Anemone.
Virginiana, L. Virginian Anemone.
nemorosa, L. Wind-flower. Wood Anemone.
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History of Hingham.
Hepatica, Dill. triloba, Chaix. Round-lobed Hepatica.
Anemonella, Spach. thalictroides, Spach. Rue Anemone. Thalictrum, Tourn.
dioicum, L. Early Meadow-rue. purpurascens, L. Purplish Meadow-rue. polygamum, Muhl. Tall Meadow-rue.
Ranunculus, Tourn.
aquatilis, L. var. trichophyllus, Gray. White Water-crowfoot. Cymbalaria, Pursh. Seaside Crowfoot.
abortivus, L. Small-flowered Crowfoot.
abortivus, L. var. micranthus, Gray. sceleratus, L. Cursed Crowfoot.
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Pennsylvanicus, L. f. Bristling Crowfoot.
fascicularis, Muhl. Early Crowfoot. repens, L. Creeping Crowfoot.
bulbosus, L. Bulbous Buttercup. acris, L. Tall Buttercup. Ficaria, L.
Caltha, L. palustris, L. Marsh Marigold.
Coptis, Salisb. trifolia, Salisb. Goldthread.
Aquilegia, Tourn. Canadensis, L. Columbine.
Actæa, L.
alba, Bigel. White Baneberry.
2. BERBERIDACEAE. (BARBERRY FAMILY.)
The only plant of this order found within the borders of Hing- ham is the well known beautiful shrub, the Barberry, introduced from Europe. The stamens of the flowers are peculiarly sensi tive, springing back against the pistil on being lightly touched. The fruit is extensively used as a preserve, and boiled with sugar produces an excellent jelly.
Berberis, L.
vulgaris, L. Barberry.
3. NYMPHAACEAE. (WATER-LILY FAMILY.)
An aquatic order, one species of which is the beautiful and sweet-scented Water-lily of our ponds.
Brasenia, Schreb. peltata, Pursh. Water-shield.
Nymphæa, Tourn. odorata, Ait. Water-lily.
Nuphar, Smith.
advena, Ait. f. Yellow Water-lily.
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The Botany of Hingham.
4. SARRACENIACEA. (PITCHER-PLANT FAMILY.)
The only Hingham species is the Side-saddle Flower. The leaves are singularly formed in a swollen tube and are generally more or less filled with water, containing drowned insects.
Sarracenia, Tourn.
purpurea, L. Pitcher-plant.
5. PAPAVERACEAE. (POPPY FAMILY.)
Three species only are found in this town, and but one of these is indigenous, - the beautiful Blood-root, so called from the color of its juice. This, if taken into the stomach, acts as an emetic and a purgative. The juice of some of the species has highly narcotic properties, - that of the Papaver somniferum, dried in the sun, forming the Opium of commerce.
Argemone, L.
Mexicana, L. Prickly Poppy. Waste places. Rare. Chelidonium, L. majus, L. Celandine.
Sanguinaria, Dill.
Canadensis, L. Blood-root.
6. FUMARIACEAE. (FUMITORY FAMILY.)
An order containing many beautiful plants which have a watery juice. The flowers are irregular. But two species are found in Hingham.
Corydalis, Vent. glauca, Pursh. Pale Corydalis.
Fumaria, Tourn. officinalis, L. Fumitory.
7. CRUCIFERAE. (MUSTARD FAMILY.)
An exceedingly useful family to man, furnishing many of the vegetables which he uses for food or as condiments, such as Turnips, Cabbages, Radishes, Cauliflowers, Cress, and Mustard. They all contain nitrogen, hence their highly nutritious qualities. Many of them have also an essential oil containing sulphur. Though acrid and pungent to the taste, none of them are poi- sonous. Plants of this family are easily recognized by their having four petals, which are regular and placed opposite to each other in pairs, forming a cross. This has given them the name of Cruciferæ.
Nasturtium, R. Br. officinale, R. Br. Water-cress. palustre, D C. Marsh-cress. Armoracia, Fries, Horse-radish.
Cardamine, Tourn.
hirsuta, L. Bitter Cress. hirsuta, var. sylvatica, Gray.
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History of Hingham.
Arabis, L. Canadensis, L. Sickle-pod.
Barbarea, R. Br. vulgaris, R. Br. Winter Cress.
Sisymbrium, Tourn. officinale, Scop. Hedge Mustard.
Brassica, Tourn. nigra, Koch. Black Mustard. campestris, L. Rutabaga.
Capsella, Medic. Bursa-pastoris, Manch. Shepherd's Purse.
Thlaspi, Tourn. arvense, L. Field Penny Cress. Rare.
Lepidium, Tourn. Virginicum, L. Peppergrass. ruderale, L. campestre, L. Field Pepper Grass. Rare.
Cakile, Tourn.
Americana, Nutt. Sea-Rocket.
Raphanus, Tourn. Raphanistrum, L. Wild Radish.
8. CISTACEAE. (ROCK-ROSE FAMILY.)
Low, shrubby plants with regular flowers, possessed of no marked properties.
Helianthemum, Tourn. Canadense, Mx. Rock-rose. Frost Weed.
Lechea, Kalm. major, L. Pin Weed.
thymifolia, Mx. minor, L.
minor, L., var. maritima, Gray in herb. tenuifolia, Mx.
9. VIOLACEA. (VIOLET FAMILY.)
A family well known by the profusion of flowers of several species found everywhere within the town. Only one genus is represented in Hingham, - the Viola. All its species here are stemless, with a single exception. The Pansy and the great Purple Violet of the gardens belong to this order. The roots generally possess an acrid, sometimes an emetic property, which has led to their use in medicine.
Viola, Tourn.
lanceolata, L. Lance-leaved Violet.
primulæfolia, L. Primrose-leaved Violet. blanda, Willd. Sweet White Violet. palmata, L. Common Blue Violet. palmata, L., var. cucullata, Gray. Rolled leafed Violet. sagittata, Ait. Arrow-leaved Violet.
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The Botany of Hingham.
pedata, L. Bird-foot Violet. canina, L., var. Muhlenbergii, Gray. Dog Violet.
10. CARYOPHYLLACEAE. (PINK FAMILY.)
Herbs with entire, opposite leaves, except that the upper ones are sometimes alternate, and with regular, symmetrical flowers. The stems are usually swollen at the joints. They are all harm- less in their properties.
Dianthus, L.
Armeria, L. Deptford Pink. deltoides, L. Maiden Pink.
Saponaria, L. officinalis, L. Soapwort. Vaccaria, L.
Silene, L
cucubalus, Wibel. Bladder Campion. Armeria, L. Sweet-William Catch-fly. , antirrhina, L. Sleepy Catch-fly. noctiflora, L. Night-flowering Catch-fly.
Lychnis, Tourn. vespertina. Sibth. Rare. Githago, Lam. Corn Cockle. Rare.
Arenaria, L.
serpyllifolia, L. Thyme-leaved Sandwort. lateriflora, L.
Stellaria, L. media, Smith. Chickweed.
longifolia, Muhl. Long-leaved Chickweed. uliginosa, Murr. Swamp Chickweed. graminea, L.
Cerastium, L. rulgatum, L. Mouse-ear Chickweed. arvense, L.
Sagina, L. procumbens, L. Pearlwort.
Buda, Adans. rubra, Dumort. Sandwort. marina, Dumort. Sea-shore Sandwort.
Spergula, L. arvensis, L. Corn Spurrey.
Gypsophila, L. muralis, L.
11. PORTULACACEAE. (PURSLANE FAMILY.)
Succulent low herbs with regular but unsymmetrical flowers. The Claytonia, justly called the Spring Beauty, belongs to this family. The common Purslane is our only species, and this springs up abundantly in cultivated and waste grounds. It does not appear to be generally known as a very palatable food. Cooked
96
History of Hingham.
as " greens," and properly served, it vies with the best in furnish- ing an attractive dish. The plants should not be too old. None of the species are harmful. The beautiful Portulaca of the gar- dens is of this Family.
Portulaca, Tourn.
oleracea, L. Common Purslane.
12. HYPERICACEAE. (ST. JOHN'S-WORT FAMILY.)
The plants of this family are all herbs in Hingham, though found as shrubs and even trees in other regions. They have opposite, dotted leaves, and an astringent, resinous juice, which in some species is very acrid, as in the H. perforatum. This is some- times used as a gargle, and internally in dysenteric cases.
Hypericum, Tourn.
ellipticum, Hook. perforatum, L. St. John's-wort.
maculatum, Walt. mutilum, L. Canadense, L. nudicaule, Walt.
Elodes, Adans.
campanulata, Pursh. Marsh St. John's-wort.
13. MALVACEAE. (MALLOWS FAMILY.)
The plants of this family native within the town are all herbs. Elsewhere they are found as shrubs, and sometimes as trees. They form a very natural order. The species all have regular flowers and alternate leaves, and all abound in a muci- laginous substance, which is found in great quantity, particularly in the roots of many. This is much used in medicine as an emollient.
None of the plants have deleterious properties. The young foliage of some has been used to boil as a vegetable.
Cultivated species of several of the genera are seen in gar- dens ; as the Althea and Hollyhock.
Malva, L. sylvestris, L. rotundifolia, L. Mallow.
Abutilon, Tourn.
Avicenna, Gærtn. Velvet Leaf. Rare.
Hibiscus, L.
Moscheutos, L. Swamp Rose-Mallow. Very rare.
14. TILIACEAE. (LINDEN FAMILY.)
Trees and shrubs, mostly natives of tropical regions. . Like the Malvaceæ, they all possess mucilaginous properties of whole- some character.
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The Botany of Hingham.
The Tilia Americana, the well-known Linden or Bass-wood, is native of the town, being generally found near the shore. The species of this family commonly set out as an ornamental tree, is the European Linden.
The inner bark of the trees of this family is very fibrous and strong. The jute of commerce is the product of one species.
Tilia, Tourn.
Americana, L. Linden. Basswood.
15. LINACEA. (FLAX FAMILY.)
An order of mostly herbaceous plants with regular and sym- metrical flowers. The genus Linum, the only one represented in Hingham, has a bark of exceedingly tenacious fibre, from one species of which is formed the Linen Thread and Cloth in common use. The same plant also furnishes seeds which yield the well- · known Linseed Oil, Linseed Cake, etc. The seeds are used ex- tensively in medicine, possessing as they do abundant mucilage, which is extracted by boiling water, producing thus Flax-seed tea. There are several other uses which the products of the plants serve, and it may perhaps be said that no one, not fur- nishing food, is more serviceable to man. There is but one species of the genus indigenous in our limits, the L. Virginianum. The other is the Common Flax, found sometimes springing up in fields from scattered seeds. Some species are mildly cathartic.
Linum, Tourn.
Virginianum, L. Wild Flax.
usitatissimum, L. Flax. Not common.
16. GERANIACEAE. (GERANIUM FAMILY.)
Chiefly herbs, with perfect but not always symmetrical flowers. The beauty of our gardens is largely due to plants of this family ; especially to the species of Pelargonium introduced from the Cape of Good Hope, where they are native, and to hybrid varieties.
The plants generally have an astringent property, and many have a disagreeable odor. The Herb Robert, not uncommon with us, affords a marked instance of this. There are, however, species which give out an aromatic and agreeable fragrance.
Some plants of the order have edible tubers, and others have leaves which are used as food, being pleasantly acid.
The G. maculatum, common in every part of the town, has very astringent roots. An infusion of them is used as a gargle. Geranium, Tourn.
maculatum, L. Wild Geranium.
Carolinianum, L. Carolina Geranium.
Robertianum, L. Herb Robert.
VOL. I .- 7
98
History of Hingham.
Impatiens, L.
fulva, Nutt. Touch-me-not.
Oxalis, L.
corniculata, L., var. stricta, Sav. Wood-Sorrel.
17. ILICINEÆE. (HOLLY FAMILY.)
Trees and shrubs. Interesting to us as containing the Holly, the Nemopanthes, and the several species of Ilex, all contrib- utors to the beauty of the forests and swamps. It is one of the species of Ilex which displays, late in the autumn and early winter a profusion of bright red berries, that never fail to attract the attention and admiration of beholders.
There is an astringent property in the bark and leaves of the Holly, and of other species of Ilex. The berries are purgative, and used medicinally.
Ilex, L.
opaca, Ait. Holly.
verticillata, Gray. Black Alder.
lævigata, Gray. Smooth Alder. Rare.
glabra, Gray. Inkberry. Not common.
Nemopanthes, Raf.
fascicularis, Raf. Mountain Holly. Rare.
18. CELASTRACEA. (STAFF-TREE FAMILY.)
Shrubs, rarely trees. One species only known to our flora, - the Celastrus scandens, or Waxwork.
The fruit of this, with its orange and scarlet hues, is very attractive in autumn, as displayed among the foliage of the shrubs or trees upon which it climbs.
The plants of this family have generally acrid and bitter prop- erties, sometimes emetic.
Celastrus, L. scandens, L. Waxwork.
19. RHAMNACEÆE. (BUCKTHORN FAMILY.)
Shrubs and small trees, represented in Hingham by the Rham- nus catharticus, the Buckthorn, and by the Ceanothus Ameri- canus, New-Jersey Tea.
The berries and bark of the Buckthorn are cathartic, and have been used in medicine. The leaves of the Ceanothus Americanus were much used during the American Revolution, by infusion, as a tea; hence the common name.
Rhamnus, Tourn.
cathartica, L. Buckthorn. Not common.
Ceanothus, L.
Americanus, L. New-Jersey Tea.
99
The Botany of Hingham.
20. VITACEZ. (VINE FAMILY.)
Climbing shrubs, represented in Hingham by two genera, - Vitis, the Grape, and Ampelopsis, the Virginia Creeper or Wood- bine. The estimable products of the vine are well known ; and, alas ! the effects of misuse of them too much so. The beauty of the Ampelopsis, as it climbs upon trees within its reach, espe- cially when its deeply tinted leaves in autumn contrast with the dark-green foliage of the Savin, affords a great charm to every observant eye.
Vitis, Tourn.
Labrusca, L. Fox Grape. æstivalis, Mx. Summer Grape.
Ampelopsis, Mx.
quinquefolia, Mx. Virginia Creeper. Woodbine.
21. SAPINDACEAE. (MAPLE FAMILY.)
Trees, shrubs, and herbs. This order enriches our flora with the Sugar Maple and the Red Maple. Among those introduced for ornamental purposes are the Horse Chestnut, several species of the Buckeye, and the Negundo or Ash-leaved Maple.
Narcotic and poisonous properties are found in some of the plants of the order ; yet bread is made from the seeds of one species. The nuts of the common Horse Chestnut contain a large proportion of starch, which renders them a very valuable food for cattle, swine, sheep, and horses. They are thus used extensively abroad, while here they are allowed to rot upon the ground. This is a matter worthy the consideration of those who have these trees upon their premises.
It is stated that the fruit and leaves of the Buckeye of Ohio, the Æsculus glabra, are quite poisonous. As this tree is found in cultivation with us, care should be taken not to confound the fruit with that of the common Horse Chestnut.
The bark of several species is bitter and astringent, sometimes used for tanning and dyeing, and also in medicine, as a substi- tute for Peruvian bark.
Acer, Tourn.
saccharinum, Wang. Sugar Maple.
rubrum, L. Red Maple.
22. ANACARDIACEAE. (SUMACH FAMILY.)
Trees or shrubs, with alternate leaves and inconspicuous flowers, having a resinous juice, which is acrid and sometimes poisonous. Some bear wholesome fruits ; others furnish valuable varnishes. We have in Hingham but one genus, - the Rhus.
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100
History of Hingham.
This includes the species best known to us as poisonous. One of them, Rhus venenata, or Poison Sumach, often called the Poison Dogwood, is found in nearly all our swamps. It is poi- sonous alike to the touch and taste, and at times imparts its noxious qualities to the atmosphere about it so as to cause per- sons inhaling it to be seriously affected. Common as this small tree is in Hingham, but few recognize it readily, and as it is particularly beautiful when colored by the tints of autumn, it is often collected, much to the suffering of those who handle it. It differs from the Rhus typhina and the Rhus glabra in having no serratures on the leaflets.
Another species of the same genus common with us is the Rhus toxicodendron, known generally as the Poison Ivy. This is also a very pernicious plant to handle, though upon many per- sons it seems to have no effect. Undoubtedly both the species are more dangerous at times than at others, and something prob- ably depends on the condition of the individual. This is cer- tainly true, and it should be a strong incentive for precaution that when a person has once been poisoned, the system is ever- after more susceptible to the noxious influence than before.
Rhus, L.
typhina, L. Stag-horn Sumach.
glabra, L. Smooth Sumach. copallina, L. Dwarf Sumach. venenata, D C. Poison Dogwood. Toxicodendron, L. Poison Ivy.
23. POLYGALACEA. (MILKWORT FAMILY.)
Herbaceous plants, one genus of which only occurs in Hing- ham, - the Polygala. The name " milkwort " was given from the supposed influence of the plants in increasing the secretion of milk in the animal system. The roots of several species are used medicinally, and those of one, the P. Senega, are found very serviceable in many affections. These are known to us as the- Senega root or Snake root.
Polygala, Tourn.
sanguinea, L. cruciata, L. verticillata, L. verticillata, var. ambigua. Nutt. polygama, Walt.
24. LEGUMINOSAS. (PULSE FAMILY.)
A very large family, six or seven thousand species being known. It embraces trees, shrubs, and herbs. The most of the plants have papilionaceous flowers, so called from their fancied re- semblance to butterflies. All the native species found in Hing-
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The Botany of Hingham.
ham have such flowers, except those of the genus Cassia. The fruit is always a legume or true pod ; but it varies, - being sim- ple, as in the Pea, or lobed, as in Desmodium. Within our bor- ders this great family is represented only by herbs, except in one introduced species, which has become naturalized, - the Robinia Pseudacacia, common Locust-tree.
Other trees and shrubs of the family occur that have been set out for ornamental purposes, as the Gleditchia or Three-thorned Acacia, the Red-bud or Judas-tree, the Laburnum, Wistaria, etc.
The Leguminosas stand high among the families of the vege- table kingdom in their usefulness to man, furnishing as they do much of the food used by him and his domestic animals, many of the resins, and a large portion of the dyes used in the arts. Among food products are Peas, Beans, and Clover ; among medi- cines, Liquorice, Senna, Balsams, and Gums ; among those used in the arts, Gums Senegal, Tragacanth, and Arabic; Indigo, Brazil-wood, Logwood, and Red Sandal-wood. But few of the plants have injurious properties. The indigo of our households is very poisonous. This is mentioned because of the danger of its being handled by children.
The leaves of our Cassia Marilandica can be used as a substi- tute for senna, having similar properties.
Lupinus, Tourn. perennis, L. Lupine.
Crotalaria, L.
sagittalis, L. Rattle-box. Not common.
Trifolium, Tourn. arvense, L. Rabbit-foot Clover.
pratense, L. Red Clover.
hybridum, L. Dutch Clover. repens, L. White Clover. agrarium, L. Yellow Clover. procumbens, L. Low Hop Clover.
Melilotus, Tourn.
officinalis, Willd. Yellow Melilot. alba, Lam. White Melilot.
Medicago, Tourn. sativa, L. lupulina, L. Black Medick.
Robinia, L. pseudacacia, L. Locust.
Tephrosia, Pers. Virginiana, Pers. Goat's Rue. Desmodium, Desv. nudiflorum, D C. acuminatum, D C. Canadense, D C. Marilandicum, Boott. rigidum, D C.
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History of Hingham.
Lespedeza, Mx.
procumbens, Mx. reticulata, Pers. Bush Clover. Stuvei, Nutt., var. intermedia, Watson.
polystachya, Mx. capitata, Mx.
Vicia, Tourn.
sativa, L. Vetch. tetrasperma, Loisel. hirsuta, Koch. Cracca, L.
Lathyrus, Tourn.
maritimus, Big. Beach-pea. palustris, L. Marsh-pea.
Apios, Boerh. tuberosa, Monch. Ground-nut.
Strophostyles, Ell.
angulosa, Ell. Kidney Bean.
Amphicarpæa, Ell.
monoica, Nutt. Hog Pea-nut.
Baptisia, Vent. tinctoria, R. Br. Wild Indigo. Cassia, Tourn.
Marilandica, L. Wild Senna.
Chamæcrista, L. Partridge Pea. nicitans, L. Wild Sensitive Plant.
25. ROSACEA. (ROSE FAMILY.)
This family, comprising trees, shrubs, and herbs, is an exceed- ingly valuable one to man, supplying him as it does with deli- cious fruits, and with flowers that delight his eye with their beauty and enchant him with their fragrance. Who can think of the Rose, of the Meadow Sweet, and of the many other shrubs and herbs that open their petals and exhale their fragrance to the. surrounding air; of the gorgeous blossoming of the Apple and the Pear, the Cherry and the Plum, or of the fruits of these which follow, in due season, without having his heart warmed with gratitude towards the great Giver of all good ? These all belong to this family, as do most of the berries we use for food, as the Strawberry, the Blackberry, and the Raspberry.
But few plants of the order have injurious properties, though some, as the Almond and the Peach, contain Prussic Acid, which is a deadly poison. It is found mostly in the seeds, but not to, an injurious degree, as partaken of by us.
Prunus, Tourn.
maritima, Wang. Beach Plum.
Pennsylvanica, L. f. Red Cherry. Virginiana, L. Choke Cherry. serotina, Ehrhart. Black Cherry. spinosa, L. var. insititia, sloe. Bullace Plum.
103
The Botany of Hingham.
Spiræa, L. salicifolia, L. Meadow-sweet. tomentosa, L. Hardhack.
Agrimonia, Tourn.
Eupatoria, L. Agrimony.
Geum, L. album, Gmelin. Avens. Potentilla, L. Norvegica, L. Five-finger. Canadensis, L. Low Five-finger. argentea, L. Silvery Five-finger. Anserina, L. Marsh Five-finger.
Fragaria, Tourn. Virginiana, Mill. Strawberry. vesca, L.
Rubus, Tourn. strigosus, Mx. Raspberry. occidentalis, L. Thimbleberry. villosus, Ait. High Blackberry. Canadensis, L. Low Blackberry. hispidus, L. Swamp Blackberry. Rosa, Tourn. Carolina, L. Swamp Rose. lucida, Ehrh. rubiginosa, L. Sweet-brier.
Cratægus, L. coccinea, L. Scarlet Thorn. Pyrus, L. arbutifolia, L. f. Choke Berry. aucuparia, Gært. European Mountain Ash.
Amelanchier, Medic. Canadensis, Torr. & Gr. Shad-bush.
26. SAXIFRAGACEA. (SAXIFRAGE FAMILY.)
This family is interesting to us as containing a considerable number of our cultivated plants rather than of indigenous ones, of which we have but few representatives. The most important one is the Gooseberry. None of them are harmful. The Hy- drangea, frequent in cultivation, and the Red Currant belong here.
Ribes, L.
oxyacanthoides, L. Gooseberry. Saxifraga, L.
Virginiensis, Mx. Early Saxifrage.
Pennsylvanica, L. Swamp Saxifrage. Chrysosplenium, Tourn. Americanum, Schwein. Golden Saxifrage.
104
History of Hingham.
27. CRASSULACEZ. (STONE-CROP FAMILY.)
Herbs, represented in Hingham by two genera, - Penthorum and Sedum. The plants of the latter are very succulent. The Houseleek, Sempervivum tectorum, well known by its thick, fleshy leaves, belongs to this order. None of the species have noxious qualities.
Penthorum, Gronov.
sedoides, L. Stone-crop.
Sedum, Tourn.
acre, L. Mossy Stone-crop.
Telephium, L. Live-forever.
28. DROSERACEÆE. (SUNDEW FAMILY.)
Delicate, small plants occurring in boggy grounds, and gener- ally covered with glandular hairs. One species of this family, the Dionæa muscipula, a native of North Carolina, is the cele- brated Venus's Flytrap, which has glands that exude a secretion of a character to attract flies. As soon as one alights upon the lobes of the leaf, which has projecting processes, they close upon the unfortunate insect.
Excepting a slight bitterness, the plants of this family have no marked qualities.
Drosera, L.
rotundifolia, L. Round-leaved Sundew.
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