Fig 27. Ovoid Spike-rush. Eleocharis ovata (Roth.) R. & S.
Ovoid Spike-rush. Eleocharis ovata (Roth.) R. & S. Spike ovoid, 4–10 mm. long, achene pale to chestnut brown, shining, obovate-oblong, compressed, about 1 mm. long, bearing a triangular tubercle at the apex, and six to eight barbed bristles, 1.3–1.7 mm. long, very variable. Not troublesome except in low land.
Fig 28. Slender Rush. Juncus tenuis Willd.
Slender Rush. Juncus tenuis Willd. Seeds light brown to amber color, translucent, flattened, oval, half oval, oblong, ovoid, the acute apex curved to one side, about 0.3 mm. long. Dry to moist soil, almost throughout North America, now migrating to all parts of the world. A very common, grass-like rush in this state, seldom recognized by any one under any name, except by a first-rate botanist.
Fig 29. Field Garlic. Wild Garlic. Allium vineale L.
Field Garlic. Wild Garlic. Allium vineale L. Seeds not seen, apparently seldom produced; bulblets (b) light yellow or almost white, obovoid to elliptical, 7–8 mm. long, when dry. Introduced from Europe. Troublesome in pastures and tainting the flavor of butter; in wheat it taints the flavor of flour. Persistent when introduced. The illustration of grains of wheat (a) are given for comparison.
Fig 30. Slender Nettle. Urtica gracilis Ait.
Slender Nettle. Urtica gracilis Ait. Achenes compressed, lens-shaped, ovate, rarely oval, faces similar, smooth, dull and grayish brown, .9–1.1 mm. long. Native of this country. Compared with U. dioica, this achene is thinner and shorter. Prominent in low pastures.
Fig 31. Knot-Grass. Polygonum aviculare L.
Knot-Grass. Polygonum aviculare L. This door-yard weed is in no sense a grass. Achenes unequally 3-sided, ovoid, acute, angles obtuse, surface, dull, light to dark reddish brown, finely granular and striate lengthwise. 1.8–2.2 mm. long, usually with the remains of calyx attached. Native of this country. Common about door-yards.
Fig 32. Wild Buckwheat. Polygonum Convolvulus L.
Wild Buckwheat. Polygonum Convolvulus L. Achenes dull, jet-black, equally 3-sided, elliptical to obovoid, minutely granular often with faint longitudinal striation, the faces often more or less concave, the angles rounded, 2.5–3.5 mm. long, sometimes with the remains of calyx attached. Introduced from Europe. Often climbing up corn stalks.
Fig 33. Erect Knotweed. Polygonum erectum L.
Erect Knotweed. Polygonum erectum L. Achenes dull, light to dark brown, unequally 3-sided, ovoid or rhombic, finely granular and striate lengthwise, the faces sometimes concave, the angles rounded, 2.5–3 mm. long, sometimes with the remains of calyx attached. Native to this country. Of little account.
Fig 34. Smart-weed. Polygonum Hydropiper L.
Smart-weed. Polygonum Hydropiper L. Achene dull, granular, light to dark reddish brown, lenticular, acutely and narrowly or broadly elliptical, or 3-sided, apex acute, concave on the sides, angles obtuse, 2–3 mm. long, sometimes with the remains of the dotted calyx attached. Introduced from Europe. Wet land.
Fig 35. Dock-leaved or Pale Persicaria. Polygonum lapathifolium L.
Dock-leaved or Pale Persicaria. Polygonum lapathifolium L. Achene shining, dark to chestnut brown, 2–2.2 mm. long, flattened, circular to broadly ovate with abruptly pointed apex, the base obtuse or bearing the remains of the thin calyx. Introduced from Europe. Low wet places.
Shore Knotweed. Polygonum littorale Link. So far as the achenes are concerned, they are identical with those of P. aviculare above described. Native of this country. On hard or thin places, especially when newly graded.
Fig 36. Pennsylvania Persicaria, Polygonum Pennsylvanicum L.
Pennsylvania Persicaria, Polygonum Pennsylvanicum L. Achene shining, jet-black, flattened, surface very slightly uneven and granular nearly circular with a short abrupt apex, edge rounded, 2.5–3 mm. long, often bearing the remains of the calyx. Native to this country. Occasional in annual crops.
Fig 37. Lady's Thumb. Polygonum Persicaria L.
Lady's Thumb. Polygonum Persicaria L. Achene shining, jet-black, surface finely uneven, much flattened with rounded edges or with 3 nearly equal concave faces, the edges faintly angled along the center, broadly ovate, base obtuse or bearing a portion of the calyx, apex abruptly pointed, 2–2.3 long. Introduced from Europe. Waste places and stubble ground.
Fig 38. Climbing False Buckwheat. Polygonum scandens L.
Climbing False Buckwheat. Polygonum scandens L. Achene black, shining, in cross-section sides flat or concave, corners rounded, obovate, in vertical outline sides rounded to an obtuse apex, from rounded sides to base slightly concave, base acute, 3.5–4 mm. long when freed from the persistent base of the calyx. Woods and shady places. Not prominent as a weed.
Fig 39. Sorrel. Sour Dock. Rumex Acetosa L.
Sorrel. Sour Dock. Rumex Acetosa L. Calyx-wings broadly ovate or orbicular, heart-shaped 3.5–4.5 mm. long, achene shining, with 3 equal sides, broadly oval, both ends abruptly pointed, the thin edges usually lighter colored than the dark brown or black convex faces, 1.5–2 mm. long. Introduced from Europe. Not common.
Fig 40.Sheep Sorrel. Rumex Acetosella L.
Sheep Sorrel. Rumex Acetosella L. Achenes usually closely covered by dull reddish brown, finally roughened calyx, which is removed with difficulty; achenes shining with 3 equal sides, broadly oval, the base rounded, the apex abruptly pointed, sides convex, reddish brown or amber color, corners obtuse, darker colored. Native of this country, though in large part introduced from Europe. Very common in thin sandy meadows.
Fig 41. Narrow-leaved or Curled Dock. Rumex crispus L.
Narrow-leaved or Curled Dock. Rumex crispus L. Achene covered by 3 brown heart-shaped calyx-wings, which are 2.5–3.5 mm. long, each bearing an ovoid, acute tubercle; one of them is 1.5 mm. long, the other two smaller. Achene ovoid, 3-angled, shining, rich reddish-brown, 1.3–1.8 mm. long, .7–1.4 mm. wide, in transverse section the angles prominent, convex sides and angles concave near the base; base abruptly acute; when viewed vertically sides and angles concave near the apex; apex abruptly acute, compare these notes with those concerning R. obtusifolius. Introduced from Europe. Very common on low land and in meadows.
Broad-leaved or Bitter Dock. Rumex obtusifolius L. Achene covered by three brown, hastate-deltoid calyx-wings, which are about 4 mm. long, each bearing an ovoid-elliptical tubercle, one of them 1.5 mm. long, the other two very narrow, rudimentary. Achenes ovoid, 3-angled, less polished than those of R. crispus, light brown, 2–2.4 mm. long, 1–1.4 mm. wide, angles in transverse section slight, sides convex, usually in a greater degree than in the specie just named, vertically sides and angles very slightly concave or straight near the base which is abruptly acute; sides and angles near the apex scarcely concave or straight; apex acute. Introduced from Europe. Not very common.
Fig 43. Patience Dock. Rumex Patientia L.
Patience Dock. Rumex Patientia L. Calyx-wings circular-heart shaped, 4–6 mm. long, one of them bearing a prominent ovoid tubercle; achene ovoid-elliptical, 3-angled, somewhat polished, shining, light-brown, 2.5–3.5 mm. long, 1.7–2 mm. wide, angles prominent, sides straight, in transverse section, not counting the angles, base rounded, not counting the abrupt point, when seen vertically, the sides near the apex are straight or slightly concave. Introduced from Europe. Not common.
Fig 44. Willow-leaved Dock. Rumex Mexicanus Meisn. Rumex salicifolius Weinm.
Willow-leaved Dock. Rumex Mexicanus Meisn. Rumex salicifolius Weinm. Calyx-wings triangular-ovate, about 3 mm. long, each bearing a large tubercle; achene dark reddish brown, smooth, shining, 1.8–2.2 mm. long, ovoid, angles prominent, the sides viewed transversely rounded, the sides of the base as viewed vertically, rounded, straight or slightly concave, near the apex straight or concave. A native of Northeastern North America. Not common.
Fig 45.Spreading Orache. Atriplex patula L.
Spreading Orache. Atriplex patula L. Seeds are likely to occur in either of three different guises, depending upon the degree of their ripeness or the amount of threshing to which they have been subjected.
Achenes thin, dull, granular, gray, closely fitting the seed; seed jet-black, shining, flattened, nearly circular, edge bluntly rounded, and notched in one place, a groove leading from one side of a margined protuberance part way to the center of the face, 1.5–1.8 mm. in diameter. Introduced from Europe. Seldom troublesome.
Pigweed. Lamb's Quarters. Chenopodium album L. Seeds are likely to occur in either of three different guises dependent upon the degree of their ripeness or the amount of threshing to which they have been subjected. The figure shows these conditions admirably.
Seeds black, dull or somewhat glistening, gray if not pretty clean; nearly circular; somewhat lens-shaped, one side usually more nearly flattened than the other 1–1.4 mm. in diameter, the edge bluntly rounded, the more convex side bearing a curved groove leading from one side of the marginal protuberance to near the center of the face, surface finely uneven, often with a faintly evident radiating striation. Introduced from Europe. Very common in annual crops.
Fig 47. Mexican Tea. Chenopodium ambrosioides L.
Mexican Tea. Chenopodium ambrosioides L. Note remarks under last preceding description concerning different stages of cleaning. Seeds smooth, shining, reddish brown, to black, thickly double convex with scarcely a trace of a hem-like margin, circular, short kidney-shaped or ovate with a notch on the edge, .6-.8 mm. long. Introduced from tropical America. Not prominent.
Fig 48. Jerusalem Oak. Chenopodium Botrys L.
Jerusalem Oak. Chenopodium Botrys L. Concerning different states of cleaning, note remarks above under C. album.
Seeds perfectly cleaned with great difficulty, brown to black or gray, when imperfectly cleaned, slightly flatted on two sides, circular or round, kidney-shaped, sometimes with a hem-like margin, on one side a faint groove from the margin to near the center of the face, .6-.8 mm. in diameter. Introduced from Europe. Not prominent.
Fig 49. Oak-leaved Goosefoot. Chenopodium glaucum L.
Oak-leaved Goosefoot. Chenopodium glaucum L. Concerning the different stages of cleaning note remarks above under C. album.
Seeds brown to black, more or less slightly granular, shining, flattened on two sides, circular edge bluntly rounded, with a single notch from which on one side extends a slight depression toward the center of the face, .5-.8 mm. in diameter. Introduced from Europe. Occasional on moist soil.
Fig 50. Maple-leaved Goosefoot. Chenopodium hybridum L.
Maple-leaved Goosefoot. Chenopodium hybridum L. Concerning the different stages of cleaning, note remarks above under C. album.
Seeds black, shining, greenish gray if not fully cleaned, nearly circular, lens-shaped, equally convex, 1.2–1.8 mm. in diameter, with a notch on the edge, from which on one side a groove leads to near the center of the face, surface finely uneven, often with a faintly evident radiating striation. Native of this country. Of little importance.
Many-seeded Goosefoot. Chenopodium polyspermum L. Concerning different stages of cleaning, note remarks above under C. album.
Seeds finely glandular, shining, jet-black, greenish gray, when not fully cleaned, nearly circular or broadly kidney-shaped, sides equally convex, .6–1.1 mm. in diameter, with a notch on the edge from which on one side, a groove leads to near the center of the face. Introduced from Europe.
Fig 52.Winged Pigweed. Cycloloma atriplicifolium (Spreng.) Coulter.
Winged Pigweed. Cycloloma atriplicifolium (Spreng.) Coulter. Seeds are likely to occur in either of three different guises depending upon the degree their ripeness or the amount of threshing to which they have been subjected. See the figure of this species. Seeds granular, circular, dull, jet-black, or gray in case the thin ovary remains, 1.3–1.7 mm. in diameter, lower face convex, the upper slightly convex if mature, with a slight notch on the rounded edge, the lower face bearing a slight curved groove, leading from the notch to near the center, the upper face with a light spot at the center. Introduced from western United States. A tumble weed, not common.
Fig 53. Russian Thistle. Salsola Kali tenuifolia G. F. W. Mey.
Russian Thistle. Salsola Kali tenuifolia G. F. W. Mey. This is not a thistle nor a cactus, but a pigweed. Concerning different stages of cleaning, note remarks above under Chenopodium album (see the figures). Seeds conical, the apex flattened or concave, both sides showing the long coiled embryo, light gray in color, about 2 mm. in diameter. Introduced from northern Europe into the north west and from there into Michigan. Well advertised, though not of high rank as a weed in this state. A tumble weed.
Western Water Hemp. Acnida tuberculata Moq. Seeds smooth, highly polished, brown to jet-black, double convex, nearly circular, with a slight notch at one edge, .6-.8 mm. in diameter, smaller, lighter colored, and thin margins less conspicuous than those found on the seeds of Amaranthus circaezans. There are three varieties with seeds much the same as these. Native of low ground in central and southern Michigan.
Fig 55. Prostrate Amaranth. Amaranthus blitoides S. Wats.
Prostrate Amaranth. Amaranthus blitoides S. Wats. Seeds smooth, highly polished, jet-black, double convex, nearly circular, with a slight notch at one edge, 1.4–1.5 mm. in diameter. Introduced from west of the Rocky Mountains. It thrives on sandy and gravelly banks. Margin of this seed is less pronounced than in either of the other three noticed above. Found almost everywhere in fields of Michigan. Introduced from tropical America. Very common in annual hoed crops.
Fig 56. Tumble weed. Amaranthus graecizans L.
Tumble weed. Amaranthus graecizans L. Seeds smooth, highly polished, jet-black, double convex, nearly circular with a slight notch at one edge, .7–1 mm. in diameter. Compare with Acnida. Introduced from tropical America. It needs sand or gravel.
Fig 57. Slender Pigweed. Amaranthus hybridus L. (A. chlorostachys).
Slender Pigweed. Amaranthus hybridus L. (A. chlorostachys). Seeds smooth, highly polished, jet-black, double convex, broadly ovate, with a slight notch at the narrow extremity, 1.1–1.4 mm. long. Distinguished from the preceding species by having a seed ovate instead of circular. Introduced from tropical America. Not abundant.
Fig 58. Rough Pigweeds. Amaranthus retroflexus L.
Rough Pigweeds. Amaranthus retroflexus L. Sometimes incorrectly called red-root. Seeds smooth, highly polished, jet-black, double convex, broadly ovate, with a slight notch at the narrow end, .9–1.2 mm. long. The seeds of this and the next preceding are ovate, while those of the first two are very nearly circular. When seen edgewise, the hem-like margin of this seed is less prominent then in either of the preceding three noticed above. Found almost everywhere in annual crops. Introduced from tropical America.
Fig 59. Knawel. Scleranthus annuus L.
Knawel. Scleranthus annuus L. As the seed is single for each flower, it is unnecessary for the ovary to open; the small, hardened, ten-angled calyx with its five thick lobes aid in protecting and distributing the seed within. The seed is seldom seen. Calyx straw colored, obovoid, 2 mm. long besides the five spreading, membranaceous lobes, which are nearly as long. A low spreading plant, resembling some kinds of chickweed.
Fig 60. Carpet-Weed. Mollugo verticillata L.
Carpet-Weed. Mollugo verticillata L. Seeds orange-red, shining, flattened, kidney-shaped or ovoid, .4-.6 mm. long, concave on the thinner edge from which protrudes a nipple-like point, a low central ridge passing over the rounded edge. Native of warmer America. Needing sand.
Fig 61. Cockle. Agrostemma Githago L.
Cockle. Agrostemma Githago L. Flowers rose-colored; pod erect, ovoid, about 16 mm. long; seeds dark brown to black, wedge-shaped-triangular, appearing as though the two extremities were bent together; surface covered with curved rows of conspicuous teeth, one side 3–3.5 mm. long. Introduced from Europe. In no sense a weed except in wheat fields.
Thyme-leaved Sandwort. Arenaria serpyllifolia L. Flowers white; seeds reddish brown to lead color, slightly flattened, circular to short-kidney-shaped. Each side covered with 4–5 curved rows of smooth, oval tubercles, giving the appearance of having two extremities bent together, about 5 mm. in diameter. Naturalized from Europe, delighting in light, poor soil. When well grown it becomes a tumbleweed.
Larger Mouse-ear Chickweed. Cerastium vulgatum L. Flowers white; pods cylindrical; seeds light-reddish yellow to dark reddish brown; slightly flattened, 4-sided, 2 of them straight, converging, one rounded, the other narrow and notched. Some of them ovoid, others nearly circular, covered with a few irregularly curved rows of tubercles, .4-.8 mm. in diameter. In large part introduced from Europe, though a native of this continent.
Bouncing Bet. Soapwort. Saponaria officinalis L. Flowers white; seeds dark lead-color, flattened, short-kidney-shaped to circular with notch on one side, 2 mm. across, more or less, with 6–7 curved rows of short, shiny tubercles. Naturalized from Europe, delighting in sandy soil.
Fig 65. Cow-herb. Saponaria Vaccaria L.
Cow-herb. Saponaria Vaccaria L. Seed dull, jet-black, slightly roughened by great numbers of minute points, nearly spherical, 2.3 mm. in diameter. An annual very troublesome in spring wheat. Introduced from Europe.
Fig 66. Sleepy Catch-Fly. Silene antirrhina L.
Sleepy Catch-Fly. Silene antirrhina L. Flowers pink; seeds lead-color, slightly flattened, circular to short-kidney-shaped, each side covered with 5–6 curved rows of pointed tubercles giving the appearance of having two blunt extremities bent together, .5-.7 mm. across. Compare seeds with those of Arenaria above described. When in flower, two of the upper internodes are glutinous. Only found on thin soil.
Fig 67. Forked Catch-fly. Silene dichotoma Ehrh.
Forked Catch-fly. Silene dichotoma Ehrh. Seeds reddish-brown, flattened, the three sides and the corners rounded, thickest at one corner narrowing to the side opposite; seed scar in the middle of the narrow side, four curved rows of tubercles on either side of the seed extending to the scar, diameter 1.3 mm., the thick edge concave, containing 6–7 rows of tubercles.
Fig 68. Bladder Campion. Silene latifolia (Mill.) Britton & Randle. Silene (Moench) Garcke.
Bladder Campion. Silene latifolia (Mill.) Britton & Randle. Silene (Moench) Garcke. Flowers white; pod covered by an inflated calyx, seeds dull grayish brown, flattened, wedge-shaped, oval or 3-sided, 1–1.7 mm. across, 5–7 curved rows or tubercles on each side. Naturalized from Europe.
Fig 69. Night-flowering Catch-Fly. Silene noctiflora L.
Night-flowering Catch-Fly. Silene noctiflora L. Flowers white; seeds dull grayish brown, very slightly flattened, oval or short kidney-shaped, nearly 1.5 mm. across, with 8–10 curved rows of tubercles on each side. Naturalized from Europe.
Fig 70. Spurry. Spergula arvensis L.
Spurry. Spergula arvensis L. Flowers white; seeds jet-black, except a narrowly winged, light-colored margin, slightly flattened, circular in outline 1–1.5 mm. across, with a slight notch on one side, surface often sprinkled with delicate, fragile, light-colored prickles. Introduced from Europe. Thriving on poor, sandy land.
Fig 71. Common Chickweed. Stellaria media (L.) Cyrill. Alsine media L.
Common Chickweed. Stellaria media (L.) Cyrill. Alsine media L. Flowers white; seeds reddish yellow to dark brown, somewhat flattened, nearly circular, each side covered with 5–6 curved rows of tubercles, giving the appearance of having the two extremities bent together, about 1 mm. in diameter. Introduced from Europe, thriving in cool weather in shade.
Fig 72. Purslane. Pussley. Portulaca oleracea L.
Purslane. Pussley. Portulaca oleracea L. Flowers yellow, seeds jet-black, shining, flattened, wedge-shaped, having three rounded nearly equal sides, broadly oval or almost circular, often having a curved tooth or point on one side, with 3–4 curved rows of minute tubercles. Seed .5-.8 mm. in diameter. Naturalized from the southwest. Every gardener knows how difficult it is to exterminate this weed.
Small-flowered Crowfoot. Ranunculus abortivus L. Achene light brown to straw colored, 0.8–1.2 mm. in diameter, oblong, 0.3 mm. thick, when seen in cross sections, surface uneven with minute wrinkles, pits and dots flattened, broad oval to circular, three-sided, bearing the remains of a short curved style. Rich, low woods, not a common weed.
Fig 74. Bitter or Tall Buttercup. Ranunculus acris L.
Bitter or Tall Buttercup. Ranunculus acris L. Achenes dull, dark brown, two-beaked, somewhat lens-shaped, 3–4 mm. long, one edge very slightly convex, the other prominently so, or somewhat semicircular in outline, hem-like margin, obscure. Introduced from Europe. Low land.
Fig 75. Bulbous Buttercup. Ranunculus bulbosus L.
Bulbous Buttercup. Ranunculus bulbosus L. Achenes dull brown, nearly circular, diameter 3–4 mm.; beak short, turned to one side, surrounded by a narrow, hem-like margin. In June, many meadows of New England and New York are yellow with great numbers of flowers. Introduced from Europe. Upland; fortunately not yet common in this state.
Fig 76. Creeping Buttercup. Ranunculus repens L.
Creeping Buttercup. Ranunculus repens L. Achenes plump, dull, light-brown, nearly circular, diameter 3–4 or more mm.; beak more or less hooked, hem-like margin conspicuous. This species usually seeds very sparingly, but when once introduced, it looses no time in spreading by creeping stems. Introduced from Europe. Moist land; a rapid spreader by runners.
Fig 77. Celandine. Chelidonium majus L.
Celandine. Chelidonium majus L. Yellow sap, yellow flowers; seeds dark brown to almost black, ovoid, 1.2–1.5 mm. long, with 10–12 curved vertical rows of small square depressions on each side; projecting from one side a prominent white or cream-colored ridge, irregularly wrinkled when dry. Introduced from Europe. Persistent.
Yellow or Small Alyssum. Alyssum alyssoides L. Flowers yellow; fruit nearly circular; seeds rich yellowish brown, about 1.5 mm. long, nearly straight on one edge, flattened slightly, convex on each side or one side flat, surrounded by a thin wing. Cotyledons accumbent. Introduced from Europe.
Fig 79. Yellow Rocket. Winter Cress. Barbarea vulgaris R. Br. (Barbarea Barbarea L. Mac. M.)
Yellow Rocket. Winter Cress. Barbarea vulgaris R. Br. (Barbarea Barbarea L. Mac. M.) Seeds roughened, dull, light brown, irregularly flattened, broad oval, circular-oval, circular-oblong, cotyledons accumbent. Introduced from Europe.
Fig 80.Hoary Alyssum. Berteroa incana (L.) D. C.
Hoary Alyssum. Berteroa incana (L.) D. C. Flowers white; pods oval, flattened; seeds reddish brown, circular, broad oval, or rhombic in outline, about 1.5 mm. in diameter, flat on one side showing a slight groove, the other side convex, irregular owing to pressure in the pod. Cotyledons accumbent. Introduced from Europe. A thrifty weed of the mustard family.
Fig 81. Charlock. Brassica arvensis (L.) B. S. P.
Charlock. Brassica arvensis (L.) B. S. P. Pods tipped with a flattened elongated-conic, often 1-seeded beak. See also cuts of rutabaga and black mustard. Introduced from Europe. See statements last above.
Fig 82. Rutabaga. Brassica campestris L.
Rutabaga. Brassica campestris L. Seed dull, light or dark reddish brown, roughened by an indistinct net work of ridges, very nearly spherical, 1.4–1.8 mm. in diameter. Much cultivated, inclined to escape. Included here for comparison with other species. Introduced from Europe.
Fig 83. Indian Mustard. Brassica juncea (L.) Cossos.
Indian Mustard. Brassica juncea (L.) Cossos. See also cuts of turnip and black mustard. Introduced from Europe.
Fig 84. Black Mustard. Brassica nigra (L.) Koch.
Black Mustard. Brassica nigra (L.) Koch. Seeds dark brown to reddish brown, 1–1.7 mm., spherical, or broadly oblong, not flattened. The surface of well developed specimens presents a delicate but evident net work of fine ridges which appear under the lens as dark lines. The scar (hilum) is a whitish, elevated spot, at one extremity of the oblong seeds. See cuts of seeds of turnip. Introduced from Europe. A vigorous persistent weed.
Fig 85. Small Fruited False-Flax. Camelina microcarpa Andrz.
Small Fruited False-Flax. Camelina microcarpa Andrz. Flowers small, yellow; pods pear-shaped, flattened, about 6 mm. long, surrounded by a vertical ridge; seeds reddish brown, granular, usually broad-oval, about 1 mm. long, slightly flattened, the vertical ridge much less prominent than in C. sativa. When wet the seed is soon covered with mucilage. Not yet very common. Naturalized from Europe.
Fig 86. False Flax. Camelina saliva (L.) Crantz.
False Flax. Camelina saliva (L.) Crantz. The common name is derived from the fact that it is a weed of flax fields in Europe. Flowers small, yellowish; pods pear-shaped, slightly flattened, 8–10 mm. long, surrounded by a vertical ridge. Seeds reddish yellow, granular, usually oval, 2–3 mm. long, one side flat or roundish, the other furnished with a prominent vertical or oblique ridge. Seed incumbent. When wet the seed is soon covered with mucilage. Naturalized from Europe.
Fig 87.Shepherd's Purse. Capsella Bursa-pastoris (L.) Medic. Bursa Bursa-pastoris (L.) Britton.
Shepherd's Purse. Capsella Bursa-pastoris (L.) Medic. Bursa Bursa-pastoris (L.) Britton. Flowers small, white; pods flat, nearly triangular, about 4 mm. long. Seeds reddish yellow, granular, oblong, slightly flattened, 1 mm. or less long. Each side usually bearing two longitudinal grooves, separating the surface into three nearly equal parts, these grooves indicating the position of the parts of the embryo. When placed in water, a copious coat of transparent mucilage appears on the surface. In Nevada and Colorado a great pest in fields of Alfalfa.