USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Hingham > History of the town of Hingham, Massachusetts, vol 1 > Part 12
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intermedia, Hayne, var. Americana, D C.
29. HAMAMELIDEA. (WITCH-HAZEL FAMILY.)
Trees and shrubs. The well-known tree, the Witch Hazel, is common in our damp woods. It is peculiar in blossoming late in autumn, when the wintry winds betoken early death to the flowers, and in not maturing its fruit until the succeeding sum- mer. The divining rods of those who seek metals or water in the earth through their agency are formed from the small branches of this trec ; hence the common name. The plants of the family are harmless. An extract of one species is much used as a medicine externally, and sometimes internally, with reputed advantage.
Hamamelis, L.
Virginiana, L. Witch-Hazel.
30. HALORAGEZ. (WATER-MILFOIL FAMILY.)
Water and swamp plants, with inconspicuous flowers, having no noticeable properties.
Myriophyllum, Vaill.
ambiguum, Nutt. Water Milfoil.
ambiguum, Nutt., var. limosum, Torr.
105
The Botany of Hingham.
Proserpinaca, L. palustris, L. Mermaid-weed. pectinacea, Lam. Callitriche, L. verna, L. Water Starwort.
31. MELASTOMACEZ. (MELASTOMA FAMILY.)
A tropical family, one genus only being found in temperate regions, and of this genus one species is a native of Hingham. It is strikingly beautiful, and fully worthy of the name it bears, - the Meadow Beauty.
Rhexia, L.
Virginica, L. Meadow Beauty.
32. LYTHRACEA. (LOOSESTRIFE FAMILY.)
This family is represented in Hingham by two genera, the species of which are found in marshes or swamps. The plants are all astringent.
Lythrum, L.
Hyssopifolia L. Loosestrife.
Salicaria, L. Spiked Loosestrife. Very rare.
Decodon, Gmel.
verticillatus, Ell. Swamp Loosestrife.
33. ONAGRACEA. (EVENING PRIMROSE FAMILY.)
Herbs with perfect and symmetrical flowers. The most showy plants in Hingham belonging to this family are the Primroses, and the Willow Herb. The cultivated ornamental plants belonging here are the Fuchsias, natives of South America and southern North America. All are harmless.
Circaa, Tourn.
Lutetiana, L. Enchanter's Nightshade.
Epilobium, L. angustifolium, L. Willow-herb. lineare, Muhl. coloratum, Muhl.
Œnothera, L. biennis, L. Evening Primrose. fruticosa, L. Very rare. pumila, L.
Ludwigia, L. alternifolia, L. Seed-box. Not common.
palustris, Ell. Water Purslane.
34. CUCURBITACEZ. (GOURD FAMILY.)
Succulent herbs that creep or twine by tendrils. This family, which yields in cultivation several highly-valued vegetables, -
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History of Hingham.
the Cucumber, Squash, Watermelon and Muskmelon, - is known to the Hingham flora only by two introduced weeds.
Sicyos, L.
angulatus, L. Star Cucumber.
Echinocystis, Torr. & Gr. lobata, Torr. & Gr. Wild Balsam-apple.
35. FICOIDEA.
An order separated from the Caryophyllaceae. Represented here by an insignificant weed having no important properties.
Mollugo, L.
verticillata, L. Carpet-weed.
36. UMBELLIFERA. ( PARSLEY FAMILY.)
Herbs. Flowers, except in very rare cases and these not of Hingham species, in umbels. The genera and the species of the order are very numerous, and vary much in their properties. They are generally aromatic, some being harmless, while many are very noxious. Of the latter, the Cicuta maculata (Water Hemlock), the Cicuta bulbifera (narrow-leaved Hemlock), the Æthusa cynapium (Fool's Parsley), and the Sium lineare (Water Parsnip) are all deadly poisons when taken into the system.
The seeds are stated to be always harmless, and many of them are in common use, as Anise, Carraway, Dill, and Coriander. The roots and herbage of several yield wholesome food, as the Carrot and Parsnip.
Hydrocotyle, Tourn. Americana, L. Pennywort.
Sanicula, Tourn.
Marylandica, L. Sanicle.
Marylandica, var. Canadensis, Torr.
Daucus, Tourn. Carota, L. Carrot.
Heracleum, L.
lanatum, Mx. Cow-parsnip.
Pastinaca, L. sativa, L. Parsnip.
Angelica, L. atropurpurea, L. Great Angelica.
Cœlopleurum, Ledeb. Gmelini, Ledeb. Coast Angelica. Æthusa, L. Cynapium, L. Fool's Parsley.
Ligusticum, L. Scoticum, L. Lovage. Thaspium, Nutt. aureum, Nutt. Meadow Parsnip. Rare.
107
The Botany of Hingham.
Cicuta, L.
maculata, L. Water Hemlock. bulbifera, L. Narrow-leaved Hemlock.
Sium, Touru.
cicutæfolium, Gmel. Water Parsnip.
Osmorrhiza, Raf.
longistylis, D C. Sweet Cicely.
37. ARALIACEAE. (GINSENG FAMILY.)
The properties of the plants of this family are much the same generally as in those of the Umbellifera. Some species furnish valuable medicines, as Ginseng, Sarsaparilla, and Spikenard. The order is represented in Hingham by one genus only.
Aralia, Tourn.
racemosa, L. Spikenard.
hispida, Vent. Bristly Sarsaparilla. Rare.
nudicaulis, L. Wild Sarsaparilla.
trifolia, Decsne & Planch. Dwarf Ginseng.
38. CORNACEAE. (DOGWOOD FAMILY.)
Trees and shrubs, very rarely herbs. There are two genera in Hingham, - Cornus and Nyssa. Of the former a number of spe- cies are common in all parts of the town. The bark is very astringent and that of the C. florida is used sometimes medicinally as a tonic. The Nyssa is represented by the tree known as Tupelo, which in autumn adorns our forests with its bright crimson foliage.
Cornus, Tourn.
Canadensis, L. Bunch-berry.
florida, L. Flowering Dogwood.
circinata, L'Her. Round-leaved Dogwood.
sericea, L. Silky Dogwood.
paniculata, L'Her. Panicled Dogwood.
alternifolia, Lf. Alternate-leaved Dogwood. Nyssa, L.
sylvatica, Marsh. Tupelo.
GAMOPETALOUS EXOGENS.
39. CAPRIFOLIACEÆE. (HONEYSUCKLE FAMILY.)
Mostly shrubs, often twining, and rarely herbs. All have oppo- site leaves. The fine genus Viburnum enriches our flora with several species of great beauty. Some of the plants are used medicinally, as emetic and cathartic properties prevail in many. Triosteum perfoliatum, Fever-wort, has much reputation for effects similar to those of Ipecac.
108
History of Hingham.
Sambucus, Tourn.
Canadensis, L. Elder. racemosa, L. Red-berried Elder.
Viburnum, L.
acerifolium, L. Maple-leaved Arrow-wood. dentatum, L. Toothed Arrow-wood.
cassinoides, L. Withe-rod. Lentago, L. Sweet Arrow-wood.
Triosteum, L. perfoliatum, L. Fever-wort.
Lonicera, L.
sempervirens, Ait. Trumpet-Honeysuckle.
Diervilla, Tourn.
trifida, Monch. Bush-Honeysuckle. Very rare.
40. RUBIACEAE. (MADDER FAMILY.)
Trees, shrubs, and herbs. Represented in Hingham but by a single shrub, the Button-bush, and by a few herbs, but among these last is one of rare beauty, far too little appreciated, the Mitchella repens, Partridge berry. This sweet little plant adorned with fragrant twin flowers, bright polished evergreen leaves, and showy scarlet berries is worthy of much more notice than is given it.
Though our species do not furnish products of noticeable value, the family includes plants of great importance to man. Madder, so serviceable in the arts, is from the root of one of the species. Others furnish some of our most-highly prized medicines, as Peru- vian Bark, Quinine, Cinchona, Ipecacuana, etc. Coffee, the common luxury of our tables, is the product of a tree of this family.
Houstonia, L.
cærulea, L. Bluets. purpurea, L., var. longifolia, Gray.
Cephalanthus, L. occidentalis, L. Button-bush. Mitchella, L.
repens, L. Partridge-berry.
Galium, L.
Aparine, L. Cleavers.
circazans, Mx. Wild Liquorice.
trifidum, L. Small Bedstraw.
asprellum, Mx. Rough Bedstraw. triflorum, Mx. Sweet-scented Bedstraw.
41. COMPOSITAE. (COMPOSITE FAMILY.)
The compound flowers of early botanists. The plants of this order are readily recognized by their flowers being grouped in
109
The Botany of Hingham.
numbers upon a common receptacle, the enlarged head of the flower stalk, and by the anthers of the stamens cohering in a tube. The marginal flowers generally have strap-shaped corollas, which, extending as rays around the receptacle, are often very showy, while the interior ones of the disk having only tubular corollas are comparatively insignificant. This gives the impression to observers unfamiliar with botanical details that only a single flower is seen where many are aggregated.
Take the Sunflower, so called, for an example; the very name of which implies it is one flower. In this case each of the yellow rays surrounding the whole receptacle is the corolla of a single marginal flower, those of the disk having no such rays. The greater portion of the Composite of our town are of this charac- ter. The flowers of some have the corollas all strap-shaped or ligulate, as this form is called, as may be seen in the Dandelion and many others.
The Composite, considering the vast number of species, do not furnish many useful products to man. A few supply food, as the Artichoke, Salsify, and Lettuce. The root of the Chickory is used extensively as a substitute for coffee. From the seeds of the Sun- flower and some others an oil is expressed which is valuable. A bitter principle, found in several species, combined with other properties, has led to the use of many of them medicinally, par- tieularly Wormwood, Camomile, Arnica, Artemisia, and Elecam- pane. Some are quite poisonous, as Arniea.
As objects of beauty many of the cultivated species of the order surpass those of any other in the autumnal season. How greatly should we feel the loss of the Asters, the Chrysanthemums, the Dahlias, and the varieties of Coreopsis from our flower gardens when nearly all their earlier companions " are faded and gone."
Vernonia, Schreb. noveboracensis, Willd. Iron Weed. Rare.
Mikania, Willd.
scandens, L. Hemp Weed.
Eupatorium, Tourn.
purpureum, L. Trumpet Weed. teucrifolium, Willd. sessilifolium, L. Boneset.
perfoliatum, L. Thoroughwort.
Solidago, L.
cæsia, L. Golden Rod. latifolia, L. bicolor, L. sempervirens, L.
puberula, Nutt. odora, Ait. speciosa, Nutt. rugosa, Mill. Elliottii, Torr. & Gr.
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History of Hingham.
neglecta, Torr. & Gr.
neglecta, Torr. & Gr., var. linoides, Gray. juncea, Ait. serotina, Ait. serotina, var. gigantea, Gray.
Canadensis, L. nemoralis, Ait. lanceolata, L. tenuifolia, Pursh.
Sericocarpus, Nees. solidagineus, Nees. White-topped Aster. conyzoides, Nees.
Aster, L.
corymbosus, Ait. macrophyllus, L. Nova-Anglia, L.
patens, Ait. undulatus, L. cordifolius, L. lævis, L. ericoides, L.
multiflorus, Ait.
dumosus, L. vimineus, Lam.
diffusus, Ait. paniculatus, Lam. salicifolius, Ait.
Novi-Belgii, L.
Novi-Belgii, var. litoreus, Gray. puniceus, L. umbellatus, Mill.
linariifolius, L. acuminatus, Mx. subulatus, Mx.
Erigeron, L.
bellidifolius, Muhl. Robin's Plantain. Philadelphicus, L. Fleabane. annuus, Pers. strigosus, Muhl. Daisy Fleabane. Canadensis, L. Horse-weed.
Pluchea, Cass. camphorata, D C. Marsh Fleabane.
Antennaria, Gært. plantaginifolia, Hook. Plantain-leaved Everlasting.
Anaphalis, D C. magaritacea, Benth. & Hook. Pearly Everlasting. Gnaphalium, L. polycephalum, Mx. Everlasting. uliginosum, L. Cudweed.
Inula, L. Helenium, L. Elecampane. Rare.
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The Botany of Hingham.
Iva, L. frutescens, L. Marsh Elder.
Ambrosia, Tourn. artemisiafolia, L. Roman Wormwood.
Xanthium, Tourn.
Canadense, Mill. var. echinatum, Gray. Cockle-bur. Rudbeckia, L. hirta, L. Cone-flower.
Helianthus, L.
annuns, L. Sunflower. divaricatus, L. strumosus, L. decapetalus, L. tuberosus, L. Jerusalem Artichoke.
Coreopsis, L. tinctoria, Nutt. Not common.
Bidens, L.
frondosa, L. Beggar-ticks.
connata, Muhl. Swamp-ticks.
cernua, L. Smaller Swamp-ticks. chrysanthemoides, Mx. Larger Swamp-ticks.
Anthemis, L.
Cotula, D C. May-weed. arvensis, L. Corn Chamomile. Rare.
Achillea, L.
Millefolium, L. Yarrow.
Ptarmica, L. Sneeze-wort. Rare.
Chrysanthemum, Tourn. Leucanthemum, L. Daisy. White-weed.
Tanacetum, L. vulgare, L. Tansy.
Artemisia, L.
vulgaris, L. Mugwort.
Senecio, Tourn.
aureus, L. Golden Rag-wort. vulgaris, L. Groundsel.
Erechtites, Raf. hieracifolia, Raf. Fire-weed.
Arctium, L. Lappa, L., var. minus, Gray. Burdock.
Cnicus, Tourn. arvensis, Hoffm. Canada Thistle. lanceolatus, Hoffm. Common Thistle.
pumilus, Torr. Pasture Thistle. altissimus, Willd., var. discolor, Gray. Tall Thistle. muticus, Pursh. Swamp Thistle. horridulus, Pursh. Yellow Thistle.
Onopordon, Vaill.
Acanthium, L. Cotton Thistle.
112
History of Hingham.
Centaurea, L. nigra, L. Knapweed.
Krigia, Schreb. Virginica, Willd: Dwarf Dandelion. Cichorium, Tourn. Intybus, L. Chiccory.
Leontodon, L. autumnalis, L. Hawkbit. Fall Dandelion. Hieracium, Tourn.
Canadense, Mx. Canada Hawkweed. paniculatum, L. Panicled Hawkweed. venosum, L. Rattle-snake Hawkweed. scabrum, Mx. Rough Hawkweed.
Prenanthes, Vaill. altissima, L. serpentaria, Pursh.
Taraxacum, Hall. officinale, Weber. Dandelion.
Lactuca, Tourn.
Canadensis, L. Wild Lettuce. integrifolia, Bigel. leucophæa, Gray. Blue Lettuce. Rare. Sonchus, L. oleraceus, L. Sow-Thistle.
asper, Vill. Spiny-leaved Thistle.
42. LOBELIACEZ. (LOBELIA FAMILY.)
Herbs with a milky juice. All the species are poisonous. One of them, the Indian Tobacco, Lobelia inflata, a common plant of our town, is very much so, and has been used too freely in char- latan practice, - many deaths having resulted from such use. One of the most beautiful and showy plants of our wet meadows is the Lobelia Cardinalis, which exhibits its large and bright scarlet flowers in the summer and early autumn.
Lobelia, L.
cardinalis, L. Cardinal-flower. Dortmanna, L. Water Lobelia. spicata, Lam. inflata, L. Indian Tobacco.
43. CAMPANULACEA. (BELLWORT FAMILY.)
Like the Lobeliaceæ, the plants of this family are herbs with a milky juice, but unlike them, they are harmless. Indeed, the roots and young leaves of some of them are eaten for food.
The flowers are generally blue. They are so in our two species.
113
The Botany of Hingham.
Specularia, Heist. perfoliata, A. D C. Venus's Looking-glass.
Campanula, Tourn. rapunculoides, L. Bell-flower. Escaped from gardens.
44 ERICACEAE. (HEATH FAMILY.)
Shrubby and Herbaceous plants, - dear to us for the luxuries furnished in our rural walks and upon our tables ; for what would a season be to us without Huckleberries, Blueberries of many species, and Cranberries !
As objects of beauty and fragrance, how could we spare the Trailing Arbutus, the Cassandra, the Andromeda, the Clethra, the Rhododendron, and the Kalmia, in our wanderings. All these and many others of our flora make fragrant the air with the odors they exhale, or charm the eye by their beauty.
With but few exceptions the plants of this family are entirely innocuous.
The leaves of the Rhododendron and the Kalmia, however, con- tain a narcotic principle which sometimes renders them poisonous.
Some of the species, as the Bearberry and the Chimaphila, are used medicinally, - infusions of the leaves being found serviceable.
Gaylussacia, H. B. K.
frondosa, Torr. & Gr. Dangleberry.
resinosa, Torr. & Gr. Black Huckleberry.
Vaccinium, L.
Pennsylvanicum, Lam. Dwarf Blueberry.
vacillans, Solander. Low Blueberry. corymbosum, L. Tall Blueberry. macrocarpon, Ait. Cranberry.
Chiogenes, Salis.
serpyllifolia, Salis. Creeping Snowberry. Very Rare.
Arctostaphylos, Adan.
Uva-ursi, Spreng. Bearberry.
Epigæa, L. repens, L. Mayflower.
Gaultheria, Kalm. procumbens, L. Checkerberry. Andromeda, L. ligustrina, Muhl.
Leucothoë, Don. racemosa, Gray.
Cassandra, Don. calyculata, Don. Leather-leaf. Kalmia, L. latifolia, L. Mountain Laurel. angustifolia, L. Sheep Laurel. Rhododendron, L.
viscosum, Torr. Swamp Honeysuckle. Rhodora, Don. Rhodora.
VOL. I .- 8
114
History of Hingham.
Clethra, Gronov.
alnifolia, L. White Alder.
Chimaphila, Pursh. umbellata, Nutt. Prince's Pine. maculata, Pursh. Spotted Wintergreen.
Pyrola, Tourn. secunda, L. Wintergreen. chlorantha, Swartz. elliptica, Nutt. rotundifolia, L.
Monotropa, L. uniflora, L. Indian Pipe.
Hypopitys, L. Pine-sap.
45. PLUMBAGINACEAE. (LEADWORT FAMILY.)
Seaside plants. Our species, the Sea Lavender or Marsh Rose- mary, is very common along our shores. The root is very as- tringent, and is much used in medicine, especially in cases of inflammation and ulceration of the throat.
Statice, Tourn.
Limonium, L. Marsh Rosemary.
46. PRIMULACEAE. (PRIMROSE FAMILY.)
None of the plants of this family serve important useful pur- poses, but all are harmless. The species are few in our flora, but they differ much in appearance and habits. The Trientalis is one of the most delicate of them and is often seen nestling in the thickets with its companions, the Anemones, bearing its beautiful star-shaped flowers ; while in contrast may be found in the wet swamps and stagnant waters, the Hottonia, a coarse plant with large inflated stems, interesting more from its peculiar character- istics than from its beauty.
Hottonia, L.
inflata, Ell. Featherfoil.
Trientalis, L. Americana, Pursh. Star-flower.
Lysimachia, Tourn.
quadrifolia, L. Loosestrife. stricta, Ait. nummularia, L. Moneywort.
Steironema, Raf. lanceolatum, Gray.
Anagallis, Tourn. arvensis, L. Pimpernel. Samolus, Tourn.
Valerandi, L. var. Americanus, Gray. Brookweed.
115
The Botany of Hingham.
47. OLEACEA (OLIVE FAMILY.)
Trees and shrubs. Though possessing bitter and astringent properties they are harmless. The Olive tree is one of the best known of the family, as its fruit and the oil it produces are eaten throughout the civilized world. Among the cultivated plants are the Common and Persian Lilacs, the Virginia Fringe tree, and the Jessamine. The species native to our flora are the White, Red, and Black Ash. The Privet is extensively naturalized in all parts of the town.
Ligustrum, Tourn. vulgare, L. Privet.
Fraxinus, Tourn.
Americana, L. White Ash.
pubescens, Lam. Red Ash. sambucifolia, Lam. Black Ash.
48. APOCYNACEAE. (DOGBANE FAMILY.)
Apocynum, Tourn. androsæmifolium, L. Dogbane. cannabinum, L. Indian Hemp.
49. ASCLEPIADACEAE. (MILKWEED FAMILY.)
Herbs and shrubs ; but in Hingham, herbs only which belong to the genus Asclepias, and all bear umbels of flowers. Like the Apocynacea, they have a milky juice, but the properties of this as well as the other parts of the plants are much less noxious. One of the most beautiful plants of New England is the A. tuberosa, which is exceedingly rare, if indeed it is yet to be found wild within the town limits.
Asclepias, L.
tuberosa, L. Butterfly-weed. incarnata, L. Swamp Milkweed.
Cornuti, Decaisne. Hedge Milkweed,
obtusifolia, Mx.
phytolaccoides, Pursh. Poke Milkweed.
quadrifolia, L. Four-leaved Milkweed. verticillata, L. Whorled Milkweed.
50. GENTIANACEZ. (GENTIAN FAMILY.)
Herbs. This family has furnished us with one of the most beautiful and interesting of the plants of our flora, the Fringed Gentian, and care should be taken to prevent its extermination, now seriously threatened. The only way to prevent this is to leave at least a portion of the flowers to mature and drop their seeds, it being an annual and propagated only in this way. All
116
History of Hingham.
the plants of the family have pervading them a very bitter princi- ple, which, affording a good tonic, has led to the extensive use of several of the species medicinally.
Gentiana, Tourn.
crinita, Frol. Fringed Gentian. Andrewsii, Griseb. Closed Gentian.
Bartonia, Muhl. tenella, Muhl.
Menyanthes, Tourn.
trifoliata, L. Buckbean. Not common.
51. BORRAGINACEAE. (BORAGE FAMILY.)
Mostly herbs. All our species are such, and all bristly or hairy. They are mucilaginous and harmless.
Myosotis, Dill.
arvensis, Hoffm. verna, Nutt. laxa, Lehm. palustris, With. Forget-me-not.
Symphytum, Tourn. officinale, L. Comfrey. Rare.
Echium, Tourn.
vulgare, L. Blue-weed. Rare.
Echinospermum, Lehm. Lappula, Lehm. Stick-seed. Rare.
Lythospernum, Tourn.
arvense, L. Corn Gromwell.
52. CONVOLVULACEA. (CONVOLVULUS FAMILY).
Mostly herbs, twining about other plants ; always so with those of our town. Two of these of the genns Cuscuta are parasitic upon the bark of the herbs or shrubs they climb upon. Some species are very ornamental in cultivation, as the Morning Glory and the Cypress vine.
The roots of the plants have generally a milky juice which is used in medicine as a purgative. The Sweet Potato is a valuable product of a plant of this family, native to the East Indies, but now cultivated in all tropical and semi-tropical regions, and even . to a considerable extent within the temperate zone. It will flourish well in Hingham and yield good-sized tubers, but they lack the sweetness of such as come from the Carolinas.
Convolvulus, Tourn. sepium, L. Hedge Bindweed. arvensis, L. Smaller Bindweed.
Cuscuta, Tourn. Gronovii, Willd. Dodder. compacta, Juss. Rare.
117
The Botany of Hingham.
53. SOLANACEAE. (NIGHTSHADE FAMILY.)
Herbs with us ; sometimes shrubs in other regions. This fam- ily furnishes that most valuable tuber, the potato; and also the nutritious and wholesome fruit of the Tomato and Egg plant. A narcotic alkaloid, however, pervades the species, rendering many noxious and some violently poisonous. Even the herbage of the potato and its raw fruit (not the tubers) contain too much of the alkaloid to be safe for food.
Tobacco, one of the most potent of all the enemies that man puts into his mouth, is a product of the Nicotiana Tabacum, a native of Central America.
Our wild species are all more or less poisonous, - the Datura tatula, or Thorn-apple, being the most so.
As might be supposed from the active narcotic character of the plants of this family, many furnish useful medicines.
Solanum, Tourn.
Dulcamara, L. Nightshade.
nigrum, L. Black Nightshade.
Physalis, L.
Virginiana, Mill. Ground Cherry. Rare.
Nicandra, Adans.
physaloides, Gært. Apple of Peru. Rare.
Datura, L.
Tatula, L. Purple Thorn-apple.
54. SCROPHULARIACEAE. (FIGWORT FAMILY.)
Mostly herbs. A very large family of plants, inhabitants alike of cold and warm climates, and though properly classed together by natural affinities, yet exhibiting great diversity of character. One, a native of Japan, is a tree forty feet in height, and hav- ing a trunk two to three feet in diameter, yet bearing clusters of blossoms similar to those of the common Foxglove. We may contrast with this the Limosella, a plant from one to two inches in height, which grows in the tidal mud of the shores. The family is well represented in Hingham by the Gerardias, the Veronicas, and other well-known genera.
The properties of the plants are not such as to inspire the lov- ing feelings towards them that are excited by the Rosacea, the Labiata, and some others, for they are acrimonious and dele- terious. One of them, a commonly cultivated species of the genus Digitalis, the Foxglove, is violently poisonous. This and several others of kindred nature afford to man some compensa- tion for their noxious qualities by furnishing medicines of great value. Many of the species are highly ornamental.
118
History of Hingham.
Verbascum, L.
Thapsus, L. Mullein. Blattaria, L. Moth Mullein.
Linaria, L.
Canadensis, Dumont. Toad-Flax. vulgaris, Mill. Butter-and-Eggs.
Scrophularia, Tourn.
nodosa, L. var. Marilandica, Gray. Figwort. Rare.
Chelone, Tourn.
glabra, L. Snake-head.
Mimulus, L. ringens, L. Monkey-flower.
Gratiola, L.
aurea, Muhl. Hedge Hyssop.
Ilysanthes, Raf.
riparia, Raf. False Pimpernel.
Veronica, L.
Anagallis, L. Water Speedwell.
scutellata, L. Marsh Speedwell.
serpyllifolia, L. Thyme-leaved Speedwell.
peregrina, L. Purslane Speedwell.
arvensis, L. Corn Speedwell.
agrestis, L. Field Speedwell.
Gerardia, L.
pedicularia, L. Gerardia.
flava, L. Downy Gerardia.
quercifolia, Pursh. Oak-leaved Gerardia.
purpurea, L. Purple Gerardia.
maritima, Raf. Seaside Gerardia. tenuifolia, Vahl. Slender Gerardia.
Pedicularis, Tourn. Canadensis, L. Louse-wort.
Melampyrum, Tourn. Americanum, Mx. Cow-wheat.
55. OROBANCHACEÆE. (BROOM-RAPE FAMILY.)
Plants without leaves ; low, fleshy, and of a reddish-brown or yellowish-brown color. All parasites upon the roots of other plants. There are in Hingham but two species, one of which exists upon the roots of the Beech and is consequently found only under the shade of this tree. The plants are astringent and bitter.
Aphyllon, Mitch. uniflorum, Torr. & Gr. Cancer-root.
Epiphegus, Nutt.
Virginiana, Bart. Beech-drops.
119
The Botany of Hingham.
56. LENTIBULARIACEAE. (BLADDERWORT FAMILY.)
Aquatic herbs. Represented in Hingham by one genus, the Utricularia. The species are generally immersed, sometimes deeply, and have leaves much dissected, having upon them little bladders which being filled with air cause the plant to bear the flowers above the water. One species, the U. gibba has been found rooted in the marginal mud of a pond.
The plants have no noxious properties.
Utricularia, L.
inflata, Walt. Inflated Bladderwort. vulgaris, L. Greater Bladderwort. gibba, L. Dwarf Bladderwort. intermedia, Hayne.
57. VERBENACEAE. (VERVAIN FAMILY.)
Trees, shrubs, and herbs ; with us, herbs only, and confined to two species. The plants of this family are harmless and differ but little from those of the next in general characteristics; but they lack the aromatic fragrance that makes the Labiata attractive.
The Teak wood of India, so renowned for its durability, is the product of a tree of this order, of large dimensions, having a height of about one hundred feet.
Verbena, Tourn. hastata, L. Blue Vervain. urticafolia, L. White Vervain.
58. LABIATAE. (MINT FAMILY.)
A family of pleasing and useful herbs ; pleasing by the aroma they exhale and useful in many ways to man. No species is harmful or, as the botanist Wood states, even suspicious. To it belong the Peppermint, Spearmint, Pennyroyal, Sage, Thyme, Lavender, Hoarhound, Catnip, and other well-known herbs.
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