Page:The Living Flora of West Virginia and The Fossil Flora of West Virginia.pdf/39

Rh northeastern section. Bicuculla eximina (L.), Millsp., we have found only upon the highest peaks of the Alleghanies.

Of the rambling crucifers, Sisymbrium Thaliana (L.) Celak, finds a home in Fayette County, and Lepidium campestre (L.), R. Br., is the worst and most prevalent weed in the cultivated portions of the northeastern section.

Nearly all the violets lend their beauty to the adornment of the woods and meadows ; Viola pedata, ''var. bicolor, Pursh., with flowers as large as the cultivated pansy and fully as beautiful, is frequent among the Devonian shales of the northeast; Viola primulacfolia, L., comes in from the coast as far as four degrees; and Viola hastata'', Mx., is quite plentiful in the southern section.

Although Sida hermaphrodita (L.), Rusby, has not been found in the Alleghanies as yet, it is not at all rare along the New and Great Kanawha Rivers, from Quinnimont to the Ohio, and thence down that river to the limits of the State. Hibiscus Moscheutos, L., is found not only along the bottoms of the Great Kanawha, but also in the northeastern part of the State, while H. Trionum, L., is a quite common weed in gardens.

All of the native species of Aesculus, together with the var. hybrida of octandra, are found in the State. Ailanthus glandulosus is becoming a most troublesome weed in many sections, especially in the northern counties.

Among the Leguminals we have re-discovered Astragalus Carolinianus, L., which from our specimens is considered by Professor Britton to be indistinct from A. Canadensis, L., and as it has priority of publication, the latter well-known name becomes a synonym. Another important discovery in this genus is that A. distortus, T. and G., habits the Devonian shales of Hardy County, the only station known for the species east of the Mississippi valley. This species is here associated with Opuntia polyacantha. Haw, in great quantity, giving this peculiar spot in the Alleghanies much the appearance of an arid waste in Arizona. Stylosanthes hamata (L.), Britt., here ventures farther east than has heretofore been supposed, and finds congenial soil along New River in Fayette County. Lespedeza striata (Thunb.), H. & A., spreads profusely throughout the southwestern portion of the State. A new clover, Trifolium