The leaf is large, and oval, with a pointed tip and widest at the base, where it tapers into a short stem; the margin is somewhat obscurely notched, the texture is coarse, showing 3 strong ribs, and the surface is rough. The color is a full, strong green. In growth, the leaves are generally opposite, though the upper leaves are often alternate. The disc flowers are small, tubular, and 5-pointed, of a dull yellow color; the stamens are protruding, spirally curled, and brownish; the rays, from 8 to 15 in number, are long, and broad, and colored a brilliant orange-yellow. The leafy cup, which encloses the head, is composed of several rows of green parts; the heads grow singly from the summit of the stalk, or by twos and threes, on stems, from the angles of the leaves. This is a towering plant, whose brilliant flowers and vigorous leafage render it an effective feature of the wild hedgerow. Its tuberous root is sometimes cooked as a vegetable, and in a raw state is eaten by men and boys. [Illustration: WILD SUNFLOWER: Helianthus tuberosus.] *Bushy Goldenrod.* _Solidago lanceolata._ Found during August, growing in open, dry fields, and waysides. The stalk reaches about 3 feet in height; it is leafy, and branching widely, slender, and rough to the touch. Color, green. The leaf is like a grass blade, very narrow and long, pointed at both ends, with an entire margin, and parallel veins; the texture is thin, the edge and midrib slightly rough. In color gray-green. The disc flowers are few, the ray flowers very short, from 10 to 18 in number. The heads are arranged in small flat-topped clusters. The branches are so nicely graduated in length that they form a large-topped flowery summit to the slender stalk, the buds opening in the center first. The green is tempered to a more perfect harmony with the yellow bloom than is usual among the Goldenrods, and the cup is of so yellow a hue it scarcely shows a trace of green. [Illustration: BUSHY GOLDENROD: Solidago lanceolata.] *White Goldenrod.* _Solidago bicolor._ *Silver-rod.* Found in August and September growing in dry soil, often in light shade. The stalk is noticeably erect, and usually single, of coarse fibre, and rough to the touch; 1 or 2 feet high. Green. The leaf is narrow, and tapering to a point at both ends, with a sharp tip. The margin of the lower leaves is notched, the upper leaves are entire. They sit close upon the stalk in alternate arrangement. The color is a homely green. The rays are from 4 to 12 in number; and cream colored, like the disc flowers. The small heads are gathered in crowded groups, set in the angles of the small, pale, upper leaves, forming a long club-shaped spike.