(Plate XCII.)

Family

Rue.

Colour

Blue.

Odour

Scentless.

Range

Penn. southward and westward.

Time of Bloom

May-July.

Flowers: solitary, or a few together growing in the axils of the leaves. Calyx: five-parted with narrow segments. Corolla: salver-shaped, five-lobed. Stamens: four. Pistil: one, with a recurved style. Leaves: opposite; long; oblong; petioled. Stem: erect; four-sided; often branched; glabrous.

This large, bold flower is one of the very effective ones found in the thickets. It appears to be quite conscious of its beauty, and we feel that it intends to hold fast to its position as guardian of the leaves no matter what should come to pass. Unfortunately, its range is not farther east than Pennsylvania.

It is represented in colour in Plate CXVIII.