|
ACADIA NATURE NOTES
| Volume 5 |
Spring Number, 1939 |
Number 1 |
FLOWERS BLUE
BLUE EYED GRASS
May - July
Sisyrinchium angustifolium - Iris family.
A common resident of sunny fields and meadows.
| Root |
Fibrous. |
 |
| Stem |
Two-edged, grass-like, slender, rigid, erect, rarely forking,
about three to ten inches high. |
| Leaves |
Usually all fastened at the base of the stem, rigid,
rough-edged, shorter than the stem and grass-like,
3" to 10" long. |
| Flowers |
Bluish to light violet, with yellow center, about
one-half inch across. Six petals, 3-celled ovary. |
| Fruit |
A capsule, large brown seeds. |
Named for its obvious resemblance to grass.
The blossom opens to the sun for one day, then closes, never to open
again.
FLOWERS BLUE
COMMON BLUE VIOLET
Late May - June
Viola cucullata - Violet family
Low grounds, fields and marshes.
| Rootstock |
Short and thick. |
 |
| Leaves |
Smooth, deep green, roundish, heart-shaped, wavy-edged,
the sides rolled inward when young, blade 2" to 4" long, 1" to
2-1/2" wide. |
| Flowers |
Deep or pale violet-blue, sometimes striped blue and
white; five sepals, extending into ears at base, five unequal petals,
lower one spurred at base, lateral ones bearded. One petal, stigma
bent. |
Pollinated by bumblebees or self-fertilized.
It produces close to the ground on short stems, often hidden under the
leaves, the merest apologies for flowers -- no petals, no nectar,
half-closed. They look like flowers that have not developed, but
within each are stamens and ovules. The home pollen fertilizes the
pistil and soon the wretched little flower is changed to a plump,
healthy capsule full of seeds. Those curious blossoms are produced
throughout the entire summer.
|
