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2015Contributions from the Botanical Department of the
University of Nebraska.

NEW SERIES, XVIII.

Sixteenth Annual Report of the Botanist

OF THE NEBRASKA STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE

(A Preliminary Account of the Plants of Nebraska which are Reput d
to be Poisonous, or Suspected of Being So.)

By Charles E. Bessey, Ph.D.

Extracted from the Annual Report of the Nebraska State
Board of Agriculture, 1901.

Distributed September 1, 1902.

LINCOLN, NEBRASKA,
U. S. A.

BftmaREPORT OF THE BOTANIST.*

PRELIMINARY ACCOUNT OF THE PLANTS OF NEBRASKA
WHICH ARE REPUTED TO BE POISONOUS, OR
ARE SUSPECTED OF BEING SO.

BY CHARLES E. BESSEY, PH. D., BOTANIST TO THE BOAJtD.

I. IMPORTANCE OF A KNOWLEDGE OF POISONOUS PLANTS.

1.	When we remember that from one hundred to one hundred and
fifty of the plants of Nebraska are known to be more or less poisonous,
or are suspected of being1 so, it at once becomes evident that a fair
knowledge of these plants is of considerable importance to the people
of the state. This is especially true of those persons who are much
in the fields and forests where they are likely to come in contact with
harmful plants. Scarcely a year passes in which there are not ac-
counts of the death of children and even of older persons from eating
the roots, berries or other parts of some poisonous plants. To these
cases we may add those, much less serious but still very annoying, to
say the least, in which the poison affects the skin only, producing
inflammation, vesication and eventually desquamation, as is so well
shown in case of Poison Ivy poisoning. Strange as it may seem there
are many persons who are very sensitive to the poison of Poison Ivy
and other similar plants and yet who are not able to distinguish the
harmful from the harmless species. Many specimens have been re-
ferred to me for identification as poisonous to the touch which turned
out to be quite harmless. On the other hand I have known of cases
where the Poison Ivy was planted for ornament about the house with
no suspicion of its true nature.

2.	Again there is a widespread opinion that annually the stockmen
lose many animals on account of the eating' of poisonous plants.
Scarcely a season passes without reports of such losses, especially
in the western parts of the state. It is not possible to estimate the
aggregate amount of such losses, but it certainly is large enough to
warrant more attention than has hitherto been given to the subject.
Anything* which brings losses to so important an industry as that of
the growing of stock is worthy of the most serious consideration, and

* This is the Sixteenth Annual Report.

(95)

p4583096

NEBRASKA STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

no pains should be spared to give aid to those who are suffering in
this way. The importance of the stock interests is so great that
whatever affects them, at once affects the state. When the animals
on the farms and ranges are suffering the loss falls upon the state as
well as upon the immediate owners.

3.	It is on these accounts that this report has been prepared, and
it is hoped that it may contribute to a better understanding of the
plants of the state, and that through its suggestions may come a
more careful study of the plants of the state, so that eventually it
may be possible for any one to distinguish the harmful from the harm-
less species.

II. SOME LOWER PLANTS REPUTED TO BE HARMFUL.

4.	I will not take time here to discuss the lower plants with any
fulness, since to do so would require far more space than can be
allotted to this report. I may merely refer briefly to a few, and to
indicate their nature in the most general terms.

5.	Bacteria are, as everybody now knows, very minute plants. These
are so small that in many cases as many as three millions could lie
side by side in a single layer on the top of an ordinary pin head. Yet
in spite of their extreme smallness they are among the most harmful
of plants, and it is now known that in many cases the harmful effect
is due to a poison which they contain, apd which passes out into the
tissues in which they are living. Thus in the case of those which
produce diseases of animals it is rarely the direct action of the bac-
teria which is particularly harmful, but on the contrary it is the
poison which is secreted by them which kills or otherwise injures the
tissues. In this way bacteria are to be regarded as truly poisonous
plants, and it is proper that they should be included in this list. As
a full discussion would be impossible at this time I will content myself
with this reference, and the statement that bacteria gain access to
the bodies of men and domestic animals by direct contact, and that
if proper care be taken they may be kept out of the system. Some are
taken in through filthy water, some gain access through the air which
often carries them for some distance, while still more enter through
a slight wound, as a scratch or prick in the skin. It is known that
in some cases insects carry the bacteria, and that when these puncture
the skin (as in the case of mosquitoes) some of the bacteria are ad-
mitted to the wound.

6.	Algae, which include the familiar 'pond scums' and so-called 'frog-
spittles,' and many other water plants, are generally regarded with
suspicion. It is a common remark that a pond is in a very bad condi-
tion when it is 'all covered with a green scum.' Now it should be
known that most of the green scum on ponds is quite harmless, and
that a pond is none the worse on account of the fact that plants of
this kind are growing in it. In fact it is pretty certain that in mostREPORT OF THE BOTANIST.

97

cases the green plants are good evidence'that the water is not foul,
for it is well known to botanists that where the water is foul 'pond
scums' will not thrive. Ponds are not the most desirable things to
have near one's house, but if we must have ponds they are no worse
for being green. There are, however, a few green water plants of
the 'pond scum' kind that are thought to be harmful. I now refer
to certain very small spherical plants known as 'Bur-balls' (Rivularia
fluitans) which sometimes have been found in ponds in such numbers
as to become a menace to the health of domestic animals. Some years
ago in Minnesota many cattle suddenly died under circumstances
which appeared to indicate that the cause was to be found in plants
of this kind.* Shortly after drinking of the water containing these
organisms the cattle suddenly died. Care was taken to eliminate
other sources of injury, and the conclusion was reached that the algae
were the cause of the trouble.

7.	Fungi include so many plants which are poisonous that it is quite
impossible to give them as much space here as they deserve. At an-
other time it may be well to discuss them at length, but now I must
be content to notice a few only.

8.	One of the most common of the poisonous fungi is the Ergot,
which occurs as a parasite on the heads of rye, wild rye, wild wheat
grass, and many other species of grasses. It is a parasite which
attacks the young kernels of the plant on which it is found, and at the
last it develops into a blackish grain from half an inch to an inch
long and an eighth of an inch thick. In some grasses it is smaller,
but in the heads of rye it has the dimensions given. Many years ago
I saw much ergot on Kentucky Blue Grass, and in this case the effect
was disastrous, many animals being greatly injured by the poison.
About twenty years ago a severe outbreak of ergotism occurred in
Kansas, and on examination it was shown that the ergot was present
in the heads of Wild Rye which had been made into hay, and on
which the animals fed. The Wild Wheat Grass in eastern Nebraska
is quite commonly affected with this fungus, but I have no records
of any outbreak of ergotism on account of its occurrence on this
grass. I find that the ergot drops out of the chaff very easily, and
suspect that before the hay is fed, most of the ergot has fallen off,
and. perhaps in this way the cattle are spared. The effect of the
ergot poison on young cattle is to produce gangrenous sores, often
of such virulence as to result in the loss of the hoofs or even the
lower leg. The effect on pregnant females is well known, and doubt-
less many of the cases of abortion where the cause has appeared to
be mysterious could have been traced to the presence of ergot in the
pasturage or hay.

9.	A word should perhaps be said here in regard to Corn Smut, a

* Sonic Algae of Minnesota Supposed to be Poisonous, by J. C. Arthur, in Bulletin of
the Minnesota Academy of Natural Sciences, Volume XI. (1883.)

798

NEBRASKA STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

fungus which is very common in most fields of corn, and which has
been supposed by many veterinarians to be of the nature of ergot.
In fact it is not at all uncommon to find that the Smut is spoken of
as closely related to the ergot, and as having the same properties.
Some years ago Professor Henry of the University of Wisconsin made
a careful experiment with this smut, feeding it to a couple of cows
for a considerable period of time with no toxic results. He came to
the conclusion that if there was any poison in the smut of the general
nature ©f that in the ergot, or any other poison in fact, it must be
present in very small quantity, so small as to be of no account.

10.	I can not take up the poisonous toadstools which are common
everywhere. I refer to the umbrella-shaped plants of various colors,
from white to yellow, brown and black, which grow on manure heaps,
in the woods, or on the open ground. They vary in size from an inch
or less to six or more inches in height and width. Some of these plants
are not poisonous, and yield wholesome food for our tables, but others
which are scarcely to be distinguished from these are virulently
poisonous. The common Mushroom sold by the grocers is an ex-
ample of a useful food plant in the midst of this group of poisonous
plants. I can not too forcibly insist upon the danger of collecting
and eating the wild toadstools to be found in every locality. Too
many of them are poisonous for any one to risk eating them. Better
omit eating some which are not poisonous than to incur the risk of
illness and perhaps death by trying to distinguish the good from the
bad.

III. SOME HIGHER PLANTS REPUTED TO BE HARMFUL.

11.	Joint-rushes (Equisetum of several species) have been suspected
of possessing poisonous properties. One of the most common species
(Equisetum arvense) is a leafless, much branched plant, from eight to
twelve inches high, and of a bright green color, often found growing
along roadsides and railroad tracks. It may be recognized at once
by the fact that the stems are so loosely jointed that they may be
pulled apart very easily, whence one of the common names. They have
been called 'Horsetails' also, probably on account of the bushy ap-
pearance of some of the species. All of the species have a great
amount of silica in their stems, and this is so pronounced that some
were, and probably are yet used for the purpose of scouring cutlery
and other metal utensils. On this account these species are still
known in some places as 'scouring rushes,' although they are now
rarely if ever used for this purpose. In Europe a related species
(Equisetum palustre) is said to be fatal to horses 'when hay contam-
inated with it is fed to them in considerable quantity.'* We learn
also that 'a case of the poisoning of horses by eating the field horse-

* Stock-poisoning Plants of Montana, by V. K. Chesnut and E. V. Wilcox, in Bulletin
26 of the Division of Botany of th« United States Department of Agriculture. (1901.)report of the botanist.

99

tail (Equisetum arvense) was reported to the United States Department
of Agriculture from Connecticut in 1871, and one of horses and sheep
from Vermont in 1899, and also in 1900.'* It is evident from the fore-
going- that we must include these plants in our list, although it may
be regarded as probable that the harmful action is due not td its
containing poison, but to 'its harsh, scouring action in the month and
intestinal tract.' Jonesf confirms the poisonousness of the Joint-rushes
for horses in Vermont, The species which he experimented with is
Equisetum arvense, which is very common throughout Nebraska. Stock-
men should therefore be on their guard in feeding 'wild hay' in which
these plants are often found.

12.	Brakes (Pteridium aquilinum) have been reported as poisonous to
horses and cattle in this country and England.! These are large coarse
ferns growing in woodlands and the land recently cleared of trees. It
has not been recorded as occurring in Nebraska, but as it is found in
Iowa, and also in the Black Hills, it is quite likely that it may yet
be found to be a native of this state also.

13.	Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is described as 'poisonous' in
works on Medical Botany, and IialstedS says it 'may poison goats
which feed upon it,' and that it is 'irritating to the skin and may even
produce blisters.'

IV. THE FAMILIES AND SPECIES OF FLOWERING PLANTS
REPUTED TO BE POISONOUS.

The !Lily Family (Liliaceae).

14.	While the plants of this family are remarkable for their beauty
it is well known that many of the species contain a dangerous poison,
as in Meadow Saffron (Colchicum autumnale), American Hellebore
(Veratrum viride), Lily of the Valley (Gonvattaria majalis), the bulbs of
Crown Imperial (FritiUaria imperials), and Tulip (Tulipa gesneHana),
etc. A few species have been noted for their poisonousness to stock.

15.	Death Camas (Zygadenus venenosus) is a native of the northwest,
and probably enters our territory at its extreme northwestern limit.
Other species of this genus (Z. elegans and Z. nuttallii) also, are found
in considerable quantities, but we know little as to their physiological
effect when taken into the alimentary canal. The plants are from a
few inches to a couple of feet high, and have a single unbranched
stem, which bears five or six long, narrow leaves. At the top of the
stem is an elongated cluster of small greenish flowers. The plant

♦Stock-poisoning Plants of Montana, by V. K, Chestnut and E. V. Wilcox, in Bulletin
28 of the Division of Botany of the United States Department of Agriculture. (1901.)

t Are our native Horsetails or Ferns Poisonous? by L. R. Jones, in Proceedings of the
twenty-second Annual Meeting of the Society for the Promotion of Agricultural
Science, h.eld at Denver, Colorado, 1901.

t Stock-poisoning Hants of Montana, by V. K. Chesnut and E. V. Wilcox, hi Bulletin
26 of the Division of Botany of the United States Department of Agriculture. (1901.)

§The Poisonous Plants of New Jersey, in Bulletin 185 of the N. J. Agricultural Ex-
periment Station. (1899.)100

NEBRASKA STATE BOARD OP AGRICULTURE.

grows from a small bulb, and this is the part which is the most
actively poisonous. The first species named above has been very
thoroughly studied by Chesnut and Wilcox* who proved by experi-
ments that both leaves and bulbs are poisonous to stock. There is
need of similar work on the other species which occur in this state.

16.	According to Halstedt certain species of Birthwort (of the genus
Trillium) are poisonous, but I have no evidence as to the extent of
the injury which follows the eating of their roots and other under-
ground parte. As we have but one species (Trillium nivale), sometimes
called the Early Wake-Robin, and this quite restricted as to its occur-
rence in the state, we need have little fear in regard to it. This species
is very abundant in the valley of the Weeping Water Creek, and in a
few other ptkces in the extreme eastern counties.

17.	The Sand JAly (beueocrinum mortianum) has been accused of con-
taining a poisonous principle, but Chesnut and Wilcox doubt the just-
ness of this accusation. It does not appear probable to me that this
low plant with its very deep-lying bulb, pure white, fragrant flowers,
and scanty leaves is a poison-bearer.

The Calla-Lily Family (Araceae).

18.	This family, which contains some useful plants, as the Calamus
(Aoorus calamus), is in general characterized by the presence of an
acrid poison. Fortunately the acridity is so marked that few persons
or animals are ever tempted to eat of the plants in sufficient quantity
to do much harm. Among the native species of this family is the so-
called Indian Turnip (Arisaema triphyllum), called also the 'Jack-in-the-
Pulpit.' The latter name is given on account of the peculiar flower
cluster which consists of a thick spike surrounded below, and covered
above, with a hood-shaped cover. The plant grows sparingly in moist
places in the eastern part of the state, and attains a height of about
a foot. It grows from a fleshy corm about an inch in diameter, and of
an intensely acrid nature.

The Grass Family (Qramineae).

19.	In all the very large family of the Qrasses, numbering 3,500 or
more species, there are but two that I know to be poisonous, namely
the Bearded Darnel (Lolium temulentum), and another related species
(L. linicola). It is true that some studies recently made by Dr. Peters
seem to show that under certain conditions the common Sorghum may
develop a poison, but this is quite certainly a pathological product in
a plant which is ordinarily wholesome. This family includes not only
the species used for hay and pasturage, but also the grains of various
kinds, as wheat, rye, oats, barley, maize, sorghum, broom-corn, etc.

* Stock-poisoning Plants of Montana, by V. K. Chesnut and E. V. Wilcox, in Bulletin
26 of the Division of Botany of the United States Department of Agriculture. (1901.)

f The Poisonous Plants of New Jersey, in Bulletin 136 of the N. J. Agricultural Ex-
periment Station. (1899.)REPOBT OF THE BOTANIST.

101

It must be remembered also that clovers, alfalfa, etc. are not here
included, although they are often spoken of as grasses. The true
grasses are plants with narrow leaves, which are sheathing below, and
which grow on stems which have enlarged 'joints,' and very commonly
are hollow. Maize and sorghum are notable exceptions to the general
rule that the stems are hollow.

20.	There are from 140 to 160 species of grasses in Nebraska, and
unless the Bearded Darnel, referred to above, has reached the state in
its spreading westward, none of these are poisonous in their normal
condition. The Darnel is an Old World plant which has come to
America as a weed, and it has been moving westward for many years,
until it is now reported from Kansas; so that we are quite certain to
have it among our weedy grasses in the near future. Its seeds are
the poisonous part of the plant, the foliage being harmless. The grass
looks much like another weedy species, also from the Old World, viz.,
the Quack Grass (Agropyrum repens), but may be distinguished by the
fact that the spikelets (flower clusters) in the heads are placed edgewise
in Darnel instead of flatwise on the stem as in Quack Grass. It will
be well for farmers and others to be on the lookout for this foreign
intruder.

The Ibis Family (Iridaeeae).

21.	The plants which are most notable in this family are often called
'Blue Flags,' but I much prefer the pretty name of Iris. They have
narrow leaves, and these sometimes are so narrow as to resemble the
leaves of the grasses; in fact one of the common species in Nebraska
bears the name of 'Blue-eyed Grass* (8isyrinchium campestre), and is
often thought to be a real grass by those Nvho are not versed in plant
lore. The plants of this family are acrid, and some are used in
medicine.

22.	Wild Iris (Iris versicolor) which is common in many parts of Ne-
braska, growing in swales and draws, Is said to be poisonous by
Halsted.*

23.	I have had the Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium campestre) accused
of being poisonous to the touch, but I am confident that this is an
error.

The Orchid Family (OrcfMaceae).

24.	The Orchids are among the most interesting of the plants which
grow anywhere. Their flowers are of wonderful complexity, and
many possess great beauty in addition to their interesting structure.
They are mostly tropical, and there many live attached to the trunks
and branches of trees, their strange flowers hanging down from
slender flowerstalks. In Nebraska there are a few species, but all of
ours live on the ground.

•The Poisonous Plants of New Jersey, in Bulletin 135 of the N. J. Agricultural Ex-
perimental Station. (1890.)102

NEBRASKA STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

25. The Ladies' Slippers (Cypri-
pedium hirsutum and 0. candi-
dum), are among the best known
of our orchids. They are leafy
plants a foot or less in height
bearing a single slipper-shaped
flower at the tbp of the stem.
In the first specie© the flower is
yellow, while in the second it is
white. Other species are found
in the states eastward, and
among them is one of great
beauty, viz., the * Showy Ladies'
Slipper* (C. regime). I am not
aware that this species has been
found in Nebraska, but as it oc-
curs in Iowa, I may well speak
of it. Some years ago it was
found out that this magnificent
plant is quite poisonous to the
touch for many persons. Cases
of severe poisoning have been
reported in the scientific jour-
nals, and it is now considered as
well established that the plants
are really poisonous. It is now
held also that the yellow species
(Fig. l)# mentioned above is

Fig. 1.—Yellow Ladies' Slipper (Cypripedium ,	^	,

hirmtum), one-third natural size. (From P^sonous, and this makes it
Chesnut, u. S. Department Agriculture.) likely that the other species is
to be included a a well. Although I am quite susceptible to contact
poisons I have never experienced any unpleasant effects from handling
any of the Ladies' Slippers.

The Buttercup Family (Ranunculaceae).

26.	Buttercups are among the prettiest of the simple spring flowers,
and many are accordingly found in cultivation in gardens. The plants
are mostly herbaceous, and the flowers are characterized by having
all of their organs quite separate from one another, there being none
of that growing together of parts which is so noticeable in most other
kinds of flowers. The species are mostly pervaded with an acrid-
poisonous principle, which is so pronounced in some species as to be
virulently harmful.

27.	Some of the species of buttercups proper (Ranunculus) are very

*Note—All o the illustrations in this report are from the bulletins prepared by V.
K. Chesnut and issued by the Division of Botany of the United States Department of
Agriculture.REPORT OP THE BOTANIST.

103

acrid, as for example Ranunculus sceleratus, a common weedy plant of
low grounds. Its juice when applied to the skin produces blisters and
angry sores. Even the larger flowered species, as R. repens, is more or
less poisonous to the touch. The Anemonies (Anemone of several species)
are known to be more or less poisonous to the touch, or when taken in-
ternally. This applies also to the species of the closely related genus
Pulsatilla, which contains the Pasque-flowers. Here too should be
noticed the Baneberries (Actaea rubra), whose red berries and white
underground stems contain an active emetic poison when eaten by
children.*

28. The Larkspurs (Delphinium)

are however the most serious
pests among the poisonous
plants of this family, since they
are greedily eaten by stock in
the early spring with fatal re-
sults. The plants when they ap-
pear in the spring consist of
dark-green tufts of leaves which
are closely packed together. At
first they are quite low, but as
they grow rapidly they soon
attain a height of six to eight or
more inches and are then very
conspicuous plants on the
prairies. It is at this time that
they are the most dangerous to
stock, since their conspicuous-
ness attracts the hungry animals
in their search for food. In
western Nebraska there have
been serious losses reported to
me from stock eating the leaves
of Nelson's Larkspur (Delphinium
nelsoni). An outbreak of a serious
nature near Kimball, came to
my notice a few years ago, in
which many cattle were reported
to have perished. In this species
the plant is from eight to sixteen
inches high, the leaves are
divided into narrow segments, and the flowers are blue. Of course the
flowers, which appear in May and June, are not to be seen when the
cattle are suffering from eating the larkspurs, as It is found that

*The Poisonous Plants of the Vicinity of New York City, by Professor H. H. Rusby.
(1895.)

Fig 2.—Larkspur (Delphinium trieorne)y one-
third natural size. (From Chesnut, U. S.
Department Agriculture.)104

NEBRASKA STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

animals are in the habit of eating the leaves only during the early
spring when the forage is scanty. In the states farther west there are
several other species which have been very harmful. Thus Chesnut
and Wilcox* describes Delphinium glaucum and D. bicolor, which they find
to be fatally poisofious to stock in Montana. Other species of larkspur
have been found to be poisonous, as D. tricorne (Fig. 2), a common
eastern species, which has been fatal to cattle in Ohio.t In eastern
Nebraska the common wild larkspur is D. albescens, and it bears whitish
flowers on a tall stem (often three feet high). It is very common, and
yet I have had no accounts of any harm coming to cattle from eating
it; in fact I do not know whether cattle ever eat it. That it is
poisonous is very likely.

The Barberry Family (Berberidaceae).

29.	In this family we find the curious herb known by the names of
May-apple, Mandrake, Yellow-berry, and Indian Apple (Podophyllum
peltatum) and which consists of a stout stalk as thick as a lead pencil
and about a foot high, bearing two broad horizontal leaves on its
summit. In the fork of the stem close to the leaves is a creamy-white
flower two inches in diameter, and when this falls it is followed by
a soft, yellow berry nearly an inch in diameter. Under the ground the
plant develops long, stout, running stems, which have been used in
medicine. These underground stems (roots they are commonly called)
are poisonous, and care should be taken that children do not eat them.
The berry is harmless when ripe.

The Poppy Family (Papaveraceae).

30.	The type of this famity is the Poppy, which contains a milky juice
in which is found more or less of opium, a well-known medicine, but
at the same time a poison, also. We have a species of Wild Poppy
(Argemone intermedia) which grows throughout the greater part of the
state, and while it doubtless contains the poisonous principle, I have
had no accounts of its harmfulness. It is likely that its numerous
prickles serve the good purpose of keeping children and domestic
animals from meddling with it.

31.	Halstedt says that 'the juice of the Bloodroot (Sanguinaria can-
adensis) will poison some who touch it.' This plant occurs only along
the Missouri River, in the eastern counties. It sends up a single leaf
in the spring, and within this as it unrolls is a very pretty white flower,
an inch or so in diameter. The plant gets its name from the color of
its juice, which is like that of blood.

* Stock-poisoning Plants of Montana, by V. K. Chesnut and E. Y. Wilcox, in Bulletin
26, Division of Botany, United States Department of Agriculture. (1901.)

t Principal Poisonous Plants of the United States, by Y. K. Chesnut, Bulletin 20,
Division of Botany, United States Department of Agriculture. (1898.)

tThe Poisonous Plants of New Jersey, by B. D. Halsted, in Bulletin 135 of N. J.
Agricultural Experiment Station. (1899.)REPORT OF THE BOTANIST.

105

The Mustard Family (Cruciferae).

31a. In this family there is a pungent, irritating principle, but the
plants are not usually regarded as poisonous, and yet Dr. Rusby*
includes the common Horseradish (Roripa armoracia) in his list, saying
of it 'while it would not gen-
erally be regarded as a poisonous
article, yet used in excess it may
become so through its powerful
irritation of the urinary organs.

Johnson gives a case in which
this result was extreme and seri-
ous.'

The Pink Family
(Caryophyllaceae).

32.	Here are some of the most
attractive plants with which we
are acquainted, as the Pinks,

Carnations, Sweet Williams, etc.,

and yet with these are some
which are poisonous and must
therefore be avoided. For the
most part they have pretty
flowers and thus they are often
tolerated when otherwise they
would be at once eradicated.

33.	Corn Cockle (Agrostemma
githago) is an Old World plant
which has come into this coun-
try as a weed in wheat fields. It
grows to be nearly as tall as the
wheat, has narrow leaves which
stand two opposite one another

at each joint of the stem, and Fig. 3.—Corn Cockle (Agrostemma githago),-

rnnlr	one-third natural size, with seeds; at a,

pretty pink flowers nearly an natural size, and at 6, four times the natural
inch in diameter (Fig. 3). After size. (From Chesnut, U. S. Department
blossoming the plants develop Agriculture.)

many pods of black seeds. The latter are nearly an eighth of an inch
in diameter, and are irregularly rounded in shape and somewhat
roughened on the surface. A poisonous principle resides in the seeds
which renders them harmful and even dangerous. As the seeds are often
mingled with wheat there is constant danger that they may be ground
with the grain, and thus enter into the flour in sufficient quantity to
bring about harmful results. According to Chesnut the poisonous
principle is 'saponin,' and when taken in sufficient quantity it produces
'intense irritation of the whole digestive tract, vomiting, headache,

* The Poisonous Plants of the Vicinity of New York City, by H. H. Eusby. (1895.)100

NEBRASKA STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

nausea, vertigo, diarrhoea, hot skin, sharp pains in the spine, difficult
locomotion, and depressed breathing.' Evidently a weed which is
capable of producing such disagreeable symptoms should be very care-
fully eradicated from our wheat fields, especially since the bad effects
are manifest also in "stock which have fed upon grain containing these
baneful seeds.

34.	Bouncing Bet (Saponaria officinalis), is one of the commonly grown
ornamental plants in many gardens. Its pink flowers are rather pretty,
and its green foliage is not unpleasant. Yet this is a poisonous plant,
containing the same principle, saponin, as that which gives the Corn
Cockle such a bad reputation. In some portions of the country this
plant has run .wild, thus adding to the danger arising from its poison-
ousness. Even in Nebraska I have seen some evidence that it is
likely to escape and take to weedy habits.

The Pokeweed Family (Phytolaccaceae.)

35.	We have but one representative of this family of plants, namely
the Pokeweed (Phytolacca decandra), a tall, branching herb, with a
perennial root and annual stem. It is a smooth-leaved, strong-smelling

Fig. 4.—Pokeweed (Phytolacca decandra), one-half natural size. (From
Chesnut, U. S. Department Agriculture.)

plant, and it bears white flowers which are followed by dark-purple
fleshy berries (Fig. 4). The plant is a native of the United States, but
probably not of Nebraska. It has however followed the husbandman
as he has come upon the Plains, as have so many other weedy plants.REPORT OF THE BOTANIST.

107

It is now found in the southeastern part of the state, and doubtless
will gradually pass westward along with other alien species. It bears
the names Gajrget, Scoke and Poke in addition to Pokeweed, but the
last is to be preferred. It has long been known to possess poisonous
properties, but strange as it may appear the fresh shoots are used in
some localities as a subtitute for asparagus as a table delicacy. Con-
siderable care must be exercised in the preparation of the shoots for
food, no part of the root being taken, and at the same time the water
in which the shoots are first boiled must be rejected on account of the
poison contained in it.* Certainly the use of Pokeweed shoots for food
can not be commenced. The root is the most poisonous part, and cases
are on record of fatal cases of poisoning from mistaking them for
other fleshy roots. As indicated above the shoots are poisonous, and
so are the berries (to a less degree), and the seeds.

The Foub-o'clock Family (Nyctaginaceae).

36.	In old-fashioned gardens there are still to be seen the pretty
plants to which the name of 'Four-o'clock' (MiraMlis jalapa) has been
given in allusion to the habit they have of opening their flowers about
four o'clock in the afternoon. These cultivated plants are natives of
the warmer portions of America, hence one name by which they are
known,—'Marvel of Peru.' They contain a purgative and emetic prin-
ciple, and doubtless this indicates a poisonous action. The leaves are
said to be capable of producing severe inflammation.!

37.	We have several species of related ^genera growing wild in Ne-
braska. The most common of these is the Wild Four-o'clock (Allionia
nyctaginea), a smooth, large-jointed plant which grows rampantly in
rich soil and is regarded as a troublesome weed in some places. Its
flowers are of a pretty pink color, and are about half an inch in
diameter. They open in the afternoon, usually not far from four
o'clock, and therefore the name by which they are known is quite
proper. Some suspicion has been lodged against these plants, and I
therefore include them in this list, although I am not able at the
present time to determine whether they are actually poisonous or not.t

The Buckwheat Family (Polygonaceae.)

38.	This family is included here with considerable doubt. The plants

* Thirty Poisonous Plants of the United States, by V. K. Chesnut, in Farmers' Bul-
letin 86 of the U. S. Department of Agriculture. (1898.)

f The Medicinal Plants of the Philippines, by T. H. P. de Tavera, translated by J.
B.Thomas (1901.)

J Note—Since the foregoing was written Mr. Chesnut has supplied me with further
information in regard to the plants of this family. Pisonia erecta of Brazil is 'an ener-
getic irritant, the slightest contact with which causes serious inflammation.' The stems
of a Mexican Four-o'clock (Mirabilis dichotoma) are drastic, and the roots of species of
Boerhavia are emetic and laxative. Allionia incarnata is used in Mexico as a remedy
for diarrhoea, and it is said that the Arizona Indians make a decoction of A. nyctaginea
with which they wash their babies in order to make them sleep in the daytime. The
foregoing may suggest the necessity of a careful investigation of the properties of these
plants.108

NEBRASKA STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

contain for the most part an astringent principle, which has been
made use of in medicine. The Docks (Rumex, of several species) are
well known examples of this family, and these are freely used for food
(in 'greens') and medicines (from their roots). The Water-peppers
and Heartseases (Polygonum, of many species) contain tannin in such
quantities that one of the species (P. emersum) has been used in the
process of tanning.

39.	The Eriogonums (Eriogonum, of several species) are often more or
less woolly plants with some general resemblance to the Heartseases,
although some of the species are low with a few flowering stems spring-
ing from a woody root and a cluster of root-leaves. Our species grow
in the central and far western portions of' the state. In Montana they
have been suspected of being poisonous to stock, but I am not aware
that this has been confirmed by trial. Specimens have been sent to the
Department of Botany from the northwestern part of the state with
the suggestion that they were poisonous. Clearly they need investiga-
tion. According to Halsted seeds of Sorrel (Rumex acetosella) are said
to poison horses and sheep.*

The Quassia Family (Simarubaceae).

40.	The members of this tropical family of trees and shrubs are
pervaded with a bitter principle which is so marvellously intensified
in the Quassia tree (Picraena excelsa) of Jarnica, that its wood is used
in medicine. However it is said to be poisonous to insects. We have
no native representatives of this family in Nebraska, but one member,
the Ailanthus tree (Ailanthus glandulosa) of China, is commonly grown
for its ornamental foliage. Dr. Rusby points outt that the roots, bark
and leaves are very poisonous, and cites cases of persons who have
suffered from drinking water in which the roots penetrated.

The Nettle Family (Urticaceae).

41.	The plants of this family are well known on account of their
stinging hairs which are found abundantly scattered over the surfaces
of leaves and stems. Each hair is hollow, and the cavity is filled with
an acrid fluid which produces a burning sensation with severe local
inflammation, when applied to the skin. Our plants are species of two
genera (Urtica and Urticastrum). To the first belong the Great Nettle
(Urtica dioica), an Old World weed which has entered the eastern edge
of the state, and the Slender Nettle (TJrtica gracilis), a native plant
which is widely distributed in the state. The first is very virulent,
while the second is considerably less so. To the second genus belongs
the Wood Nettle (Urticastrum divaricatum) another virulent plant, second
only to the Great Nettle. These plants deserve to be included in the
list of external poisons.

*The Poisonous Plants of New Jersey, by B. D. Halsted, in Bulletin 135, N. J. Agri-
cultural Experiment Station. (1899.)

tThe Poisonous Plants of the Vicinity of New York City, by H. H. Rusby. (1895.)REPORT OF THE BOTANIST.

109

The Mulberry Family (Moraceae).

42.	According* to Halsted some persons are poisoned by the Osage
Orange (Toxylon pomiferum), the well-known shrub used so much in
Nebraska for hedges. He says* "a friend informs me that in working*
in Osage Orange hedges he has suffered considerably, and when the
thorn pierces the skin it leaves a poisoned wound."

43.	The other native species in this family, namely the Mulberry
(Moms rubra) and the Hop (Hamulus lupulus) in an allied family are as
far as I know entirely free from any poisonous properties.

The Spurge Family (Euphorbiaceae).

44.	In this family the plants possess a white, milky juice in which
there is generally more or less of poison. In some of the tropical species
this poison is so pronounced as to be fatal even in small doses. Our
species are mostly low annuals
with opposite leaves, and incon-
spicuous flowers, followed by
small three-seeded pods, which
burst open at maturity and ex-
pel the seeds. They must not be
confused with the genuine Milk-
weeds which will be taken up
later.

45.	The largest native species
is the Snow-on-the-Mountain (Eu-
phorMa marginata) a pretty weed
of the Plains, which has been
brought extensively into cultiva-
tion in flower gardens in this
country and Europe. It attains
a height of three to four feet,

and has bright-green, opposite
leaves on its erect stem. The
upper leaves are beautifully
margined with white, and these
give to the plant its ornamental
value, since the flowers them-
selves are inconspicuous (Fig. 5).

The honey of the flowers is said
to be poisonous, producing
vomiting and purging. Honey

so contaminated 'is hot and dis-	Fig. 5.—Snow-on-the-Mountain{Euphorbia

, , ,	marginata), one-third natural size, with

agreeable to„ the taste. The	seed pod at side natural size. (From

milky juice, which is very abun-	Chesnut, U. S. Department Agriculture.)

*The Poisonous Plants of New Jersey, by B. D. Halsted, in Bulletin 135, N. J. Agri-
cultural Experiment Station. (1899.)110

NEBRASKA STATE BOARD OP AGRICULTURE.

dant, is irritating* to the skin, often causing blistering*, and it is said
that the stockmen in Texas make use of the juice in branding* their
cattle, regarding it as 'superior to a red-hot iron for this purpose,
because the scar heals more 'satisfactorily.'* Other species are de-
scribed by Halstedt as poisonous to the touch for many persons.
Among those which are natives of Nebraska are the Flowering Spurge
(Euphorbia eorollata), two to three feet high, and a number of prostrate
species (E. serpyllifolia, E. maculata, E. glyptosperma, etc.), all of which
should be avoided by persons who are susceptible to this poison.

46.	The Crotons are hairy plants of this family, represented in our
liora by the Texan Croton (Croton texensis), a white-hairy, slender-
stemmed plant with narrow leaves and a spreading head of flowers at
the summit. As the genus is known to include virulently poisonous
species it is probable that this one also possesses a toxic principle. It
should be avoided.

47.	The Castor-oil Plant (Ricinus communis), a native of the Old World,
now much grown in this country for its oily seeds as well as for orna-
ment, is actively poisonous. The seeds are prettily marked and are
attractive to children, and many cases are on record of the death of
children who have eaten them. Some years ago my attention was called
to the fact that a number of horses were killed by eating the seeds
which were mixed with corn which had been brought to Lincoln from
some place in Missouri where the Castor-oil Plant is grown for its oil.

The Morning Glory Family (Convolvulaceae).

48.	This family of pretty plants, mostly climbers, seems not to merit
the suspicion of being poisonous which it is necessary to cast upon it.
The common Morning Glory of the gardens (Ipomoea purpurea) is a
good example of the family. I do not know of any complaint as to its
being poisonous, but a near relative, the Man-of-the-Earth (Ipomoea
pandurata) is included in Halsted's list of plants 'with somewhat poison-
ous underground parts.'? I have some reasons for suspecting that the
Big-rooted Morning Glory of~the Plains (Ipomoea leptophylla) is some-
what poisonous, but have not yet demonstrated it.

49.	One of the troublesome weeds of the cornfields in eastern Ne-
braska is the Wild Morning Glory (Convolvulus septum) which bears
large white or slightly pinkish flowers, of the shape of those of the
common Morning Glory. Every farmer knows about the long, white,
underground stems which are so abundant in a patch of these weeds.
Halsted has shown§ that these troublesome stems have an additional
bad quality, since they are 'quite poisonous to swine.'

* Principal Poisonous Plants of the United States, by V. K. Chesnut, in Bulletin 20
of the Division of Botany of the U. S. Department of Agriculture. (1898.)

fThe Poisonous Plants of New Jersey, by B. D. Halsted. in Bulletin 135 of the N. J.
Agricultural Experiment Station. (1899.)

J Ibid.

>1 Ibid.REPORT OF THE BOTANIST.

Ill

The Nightshade Family (Solamceae).

50.	Here we find some of the most useful food-plants, as the Potato
(Solatium esculentum), Tomato (Lycopersicum lycopersicum), and Egg-plant
{Solarium melongena), along with dangerous poisons, as the Deadly Night-
shade (Solarium dulcamara), Belladonna (Atropa belladonna) and Henbane
(Hyoscyamus niger). Certainly a
family with such contrasts is a
most interesting one. It is neces-
sary in dealing with the species of
these plants that we know quite
certainly what ones we have in h' nd,

or disastrous results may follow.

51.	The Black Nightshade (Solanum
nigrum) is one of the most common
of our native weedy plants. It
grows in yards and waste places,

attaining a height of a foot or
more, and branches so profusely
that it spreads over a good deal of
ground by the end of the year. It
is an annual and so dies down at
the end of the summer. Its flowers
are white or bluish, and about one
third of an inch in diameter (Fig.

6). The berries are black and
about one third of an inch in diam-
eter. According to Chesnut* the
plants are poisonous in all their
parts, and the poison is an alkaloid-
like substance named 'solanine.' It
is not destroyed by boiling, and is
not constant in amount in the

plant. On account of this incon- „	, XT. i ^ i i /« t

.	. Fig. 6.—Black Nightshade {Solatium ni-

stancy m the amount of solanine grum), one-third natural size. (From
in different parts of the plant we Chesnut, U.S. Department Agriculture.)
have conflicting reports in regard to the proper place of the plant.
By some the Black Nightshade is considered to be harmless, and the
berries are eaten in pies and other pastry, while by others the plant
is looked upon as one to be shunned at all times, as poisonous. The
fact is that poisoning does occur from eating the berries, and while
cattle seldom eat the foliage, 'cases of poisoning are recorded for
calves, sheep, goats, and swine.' In Nebraska while the people in
some places eat the berries, in other places the whole plant is looked
upon as poisonous.

* Principal Poisonous Plants of the United States, by V. K. Chesnut, in Bulletin 20,
Division of Botany, U. S. Department of Agriculture. (1898.)112

NEBRASKA STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

52. The Spreading Nightshade
{Solanum triflorum) is consider-
ably like the preceding*, but it
is much more spreading, with
little ability to stand upright.
It differs also in its leaves which
are much lobed, instead of being*
nearly or quite entire as in the
Black Nightshade. The flowers
are much like those of the Black
Nightshade, but the berries are
somewhat larger, and are some-
what flattened (Fig. 7). In some
parts of the state the people use
the berries for food, as in pies,
pastry, etc., apparently with
no bad effects. Whether the im-
munity enjoyed by the eaters of
these berries is due to mere
'good luck' can not be decided
at the present time, but 1
greatly fear that fatal cases may
appear if such eating becomes
common. Chesnut reports that
'complaints of the poisoning of
cattle have been sent in to the
Department from Nebraska, and
experiments on guinea pigs show
that berries sent in from that
state are poisonous.'*

53.	It should not be forgotten that the foliage and green fruits
('potato balls') of the potato (Solatium tuberosum) are poisonous, and
that this is especially true of the tubers which turn green by exposure
to the sun. In Montana pigs died from eating uncooked sprouted
potato tubers, but when cooked the same lot of tubers were fed with
no harmful results.!

54.	Doubtless the other species of Solanum in the state are more or
less poisonous, but both the Buffalo-bur {Solanum rostratum) and the
Horse Nettle {Solanum earolinense) are so fully armed with sharp
prickles that animals are kept from eating them.

55.	The Jimson Weed {Datura stramonium) is a well-known, large,
coarse, strong-smelling plant which grows abundantly in hog lots, and
waste places. Its flowers are large, white, and funnel-shaped, and

* Principal Poisonous Plants of the United States, by V. K. Chesnut. in Bulletin 20,
Division of Botany, U. S. Department of Agriculture. (1898.)

| The Stock-poisoning Plants of Montana, by V. K. Chesnut and E. V. Wilcox, in Bul-
letin 26, Division of Botany, U. S. Department of Agriculture. (1901.)

Fig. 7.—Spreading Nightshade (Solanum
triflorum), one-third natural size. (From
Chesnut, U. S. Department Agriculture.)REPORT OF THE BOTANIST.	ll3

these are followed by large
prickly fruits, an inch or more
in diameter (Fig. 8). The seeds,

which are numerous, are black,

and about an eighth of an inch
in diameter, with a rough sur-
face. The plant, which is a
native of the Old World, is
quite poisonous, the active
principles 'atropine' and 'hyos-
cyamine' being present in all
parts,—stem, leaves and seeds.

Many cases are on record of
human beings having been
poisoned by some parts of these
plants, and children especially
have suffered, as they often eat
the seeds. Domestic animals'

generally avoid eating the
leaves or other parts, yet a few
cases of poisoning are on
record.

The Dogbane Family
{Apocynaceaei.

56. The common name of this
family indicates the belief in
the poisonousness of the

species. We have two species, Fig.8.— Jimson Wee&{ Datura stramonium), with

i 0	r\ -U	seed-pod at side, one-third natural size. (From

namely, bpreadmg Dogbane chesnut, U. S. Department Agriculture.)
{Apoeynum androsaemifolium)

and Indian Hemp (Apoeynum cannabinum), both perennial herbs 2 to 4
feet high, with spreading branches, opposite leaves, and small whitish
or pink flowers in terminal, flattish clusters. The first has ovate
or oval leaves, while in the second they are oblong or lanceolate-
oblong. In the first the flower petals are spread out or even recurved,
while in the other they are nearly or quite erect. Both species are
rather common throughout the state on the prairies and in old fields.
They are supplied with a milky juice, and are known to be poisonous.*
On account of the toughness of their stems they are not inviting to
cattle, and this may be the reason why we have no cases of poisoning
reported. Halsted includes the second species in his list of plants 'with
somewhat poisonous underground parts.'t

*The Stock-poisoning Plants of Montana, by V. K. Chesnut and E. V. Wilcox, in
Bulletin 26, Division of Botany, U. S. Department of Agriculture. (1901.)

fThe Poisonous Plants of New Jersey, by D. B. Halsted, in Bulletin 135, N. J. Agri-
cultural Experiment Station. (1899.)

8114

NEBRASKA- STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

The Milkweed Family (Asclepiadaceae).

57.	Here are the plants to which the name 'Milkweed' is properly ap-
plied, although as already seen there are many other plants which
have a milky juice. These plants have opposite leaves, and showy
flowers of curious structure which produce large pods filled with silk-
plumed seeds. Many of them have long succulent underground stems
by which they are able to pass the winter in safety, and on this account
they are often weeds most difficult to eradicate. The milky juice, which
is generally very abundant, has been reported to me as an irritant
poison to some people. We have more than a dozen species, most of them
members of the genus Asclepias. One of the most common is the Showy
Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa), a large hairy plant with showy, pinkish
flowers in a dense terminal cluster. In Montana it has been under
suspicion, and some experiments made in that state show that there
is some ground for the ill repute in which it is held. In California a
related species (A. eriocarpa) 'is especially dreaded by sheep men.'*
Our Nebraska species need careful investigation.

The Figwort Family (Scrophulariaceae).

58.	The plants of this family are distinguished by their flowers which
have a gamopetalous two-lipped corolla, and a seed-pod containing
many seeds. A poisonous principle is present in the family, and it is
sufficiently strong in some cases to prove harmful, or even fatal. In
the wrestern part of the state there grows a low plant, the Red Syn-
thyris (SyntJiyris rubra), with a purplish spike of flowers, which is fol-
lowed by a much taller spike of seed-pods. In Montana this has been
accused of being poisonous to stock,f but it must be confessed that the
experiments do not prove the accusation. Some of the tests seem to,
indicate that some harm may follow the eating of the leaves. No reports
of poisoning by this plant have been received from Nebraska.

59.	Halstedt includes the Culver's-Root (Leptandra virgimca) among
the plants 'with somewhat poisonous underground parts.' As this plant
grows rather commonly in Nebraska it will be well to be on our guard
in dealing with it.

The Plum Family (Drupaceae).

60.	It has been known for a long time that a, deadly poison is de-
veloped in the foliage of certain species of the Plum Family, and it is
now definitely known that death has resulted from the eating of the
foliage. In a recent bulletin Chesnut§ discusses this matter so fully
that I can do no better than to quote directly from him. The most

*The Stock-poisoning Plants of Montana, by Y. K. Chesnut and E. V. Wilcox, in
Bulletin 26, Division of Botany, U. S. Department of Agriculture. (1901.)

t Ibid.

J The Poisonous Plants of New Jersey, by D. B. Halsted, in Bulletin 135, of the N. J.
Agricultural Experiment Station. (1899.)

\ Principal Poisonous Plants of the United States, by V. K. Chesnut, in Bulletin 20,
Division of Botany, U. S. Department of Agriculture. (1898.)REPORT OF THE BOTANIST.

115

poisonous species is the Wild
Black Cherry (Prunus serotina
(Fig*. 9), which is common in
eastern Nebraska, and from
thence eastward. Of it he says,
'Poisoning' is frequently caused
in cattle by eating' the wilted
leaves from branches thrown
carelessly within their reach,
or ignorantly offered as food.
Children occasionally die from
eating the kernels of the seed
or by swallowing the fruit
whole. The poison is formed
in the leaves of detached
branches by the chemical ac-
tion of two non-poisonous sub-
stances which are present In
the plant. Under certain con-
ditions these compounds liber-
ate prussic acid, one of the
most deadly poisons. The fresh
leaves are generally considered
harmless. As they begin to
wither, however, the acid is
formed, but as this is volatile
it disappears from the foliage
in a short time. These facts
thus serve to explain how it is
that only the partially wilted

Fig. 9.-

Wild Black Cherry (Prunus serotina),
one-tliird natural size. (From Chesnut, U.
S. Department Agriculture.)

leaves are considered poisonous.' We have several other species in the
state, namely, the Dwarf Wild Cherry (Prunus demissa) in central and
western Nebraska, and the Choke Cherry (Prunus virginiana) in the ex-
treme eastern part. The first is a shrub of not more than a few feet
in height bearing large black cherries much like those of the Wild
Black Cherry. It is so nearly related to the black cherry that there
can be no doubt as to the probability of its having the same poisonous
properties. In regard to all of the species of the genus Prunus,
Chesnut says 'the seeds of all varieties of cherries and plums, both
native and introduced, are subject to suspicion; the flesh of none of
the species is in any way poisonous.'

The Rose Family (Rosaceae).

61. Perhaps it may be allowable for me to call attention in this list
to the fact that one of the favorite fruits of the summer is disagree-116

NEBRASKA STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

ably poisonous to a few people. I refer to the Strawberry, which pro-
duces a most unpleasant inflammation in those who are so unfortunate
as to be affected. I have seen but few cases, and yet on inquiry I
find that this peculiarity is not as rare as one might suppose. It seems
quite odd to think of this luscious fruit as a poisonous one, and no
doubt all of my readers who are 'immune,' so to speak, and who may
eat all the strawberries they wish, will join me in thankfulness that
no such calamity has befallen us. I can not think of a more disagree-
able infirmity than one which would inhibit the eating of strawberries.

The Senna Family (Caesalpiniaceae).

62. Until recently the plants
of this family were placed in
the Bean Family to be noticed
next, but their flowers are not
at all bean-flower like, al-
though the pods resemble bean
pods. The one plant which
must be noticed here is the
Kentucky Coffee Tree (Gymno-
cladus dioica), a large, unarmed
tree which grows quite com-
monly in eastern and southern
Nebraska. It may be distin-
guished by the fact that it pro-
duces large, even pods which
hang from the tree long after
the leaves have fallen (Fig. 10).
The only other tree producing
bean-like pods is the Honey
Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos), a
related, thorny tree which
grows in nearly the same
portions, of the state. The two
trees may be distinguished by
the fact that the Coffee Tree
has thick, straight, even pods,
while the Honey Locust pods
are thin, and very crooked.
The Coffee Tree contains a
narcotic poison in its leaves,
and the pulp in the pods. The
pulp is quite dangerous to children, as it has a sweet taste. As these
trees are quite commonly planted for ornamental purposes this poison-
ous property should be known to the public.

Fig. 10.—Kentucky Coffee Tree (Gymno cladus
dioica), with pod at the side, both one-third
natural size. (From Chesnut, U. S. Depart-
ment Agriculture.)REPORT OF Tim BOTANIST.

117

The Bean Family (Papilionaceae).

63.	This immense family contains a large number of plants which
are of the greatest use to man, as beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, clovers,
lupines, alfalfa, sanfoin, vetches, besides many gums and medicines.
When we think of the clovers,

alfalfas and other related forage
plants it seems improbable that
a dangerous poison may lurk in
some of the wild species. And
yet this improbable thing is a
well-established fact, and there
are more poisonous plants, and
those suspected of being so, in
this family than in any other
with which I am acquainted. Dr.

Rusby has recently shown* that
the common Locust-tree (Robinia
pseudacacia) is poisonous as to
its roots and bark, and perhaps
also as to its flowers. He cites
cases of fatal results to children
who ate of the roots.

64.	The Loco-weeds, proper, be-
long to the genus Astragalus and
are common in the central and
western states. They are mostly
low plants, often woolly, and
bear spikes of pretty flowers,

resembling those of the peas
and beans. The species to which

attention has been mostly given	, .	. .

.	. , 7	,7. .	Fig. 11.—Loco-weed (Astragalus mohssimus),

is the Astragalus molhsstmus (Fig. one-third natural size. (From Chesnut, U.
11), a plant about eight inches or S. Department Agriculture.)

a foot in height, with compound leaves composed of from nine-
teen to twenty-seven oval, obtuse, silky-hairy leaflets, and a spike of
purple flowers. This, which may well be called the Common Loco-weed,
is found throughout all but the extreme eastern part of Nebraska. It
occurs in isolated cluiJips on the prairies, and is quite conspicuous, so
that cattle and horses are no doubt attracted to it on this account.
There has been much discussion in regard to the poisonousness of this
plant, some experimenters asserting" that it contains nothing harmful,
and some that they have fed large quantities to animals without bad
results, and yet the fact remains that the plant is poisonous. Chesnutf

*The Poisonous Plants of the Vicinity of New York City, by H. H. Rusby. (1895.)

t Principal Poisonous Plants of the United States, by V. K. Chesnut in Bulletin 20
Division of Botany, U. S. Deprrtment of Agriculture. (1898.)118

NEBRASKA STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

0 C

says of it: 'The damage done to the live-stock business by this weed
is immense.' There are sixteen other species of this genus growing
wild in Nebraska, and while little is known as to their poisonousness,
it is pretty certain that they will ultimately be found to possess the
same qualities.

65.	The Crazy-weeds are related to the
Loco-weeds, and in fact they are not gen-
erally distinguished from them. They be-
long, however, to another genus, namely,
Aragallus, which differs from the Loco-weeds,
proper, in having the front petals (keel) of
the flower sharp-pointed, instead of blunt
as they are iri the Loco-weeds. Otherwise
the plants look much alike. There are many
species of Crazy-weeds, but one of them has
attained notoriety in Nebraska as a poison-
ous plant, namely, Aragallus lambertii (Fig.
12). This is common from western Iowa to
the Rocky Mountains, and resembles the
Loco-weed described above, except that it
is usually smaller, not so leafy, the leaflets
are narrower, sharp pointed and less hairy,
and the flowers are not as numerous on the
spike, and are frequently much lighter
colored, often being nearly white. Its
poisonous action is quite similar to that of
the Loco-weed. Our two other species
probably possess the same properties. Other
species in Montana are known to be poison-
ous to sheep and horses.

66.	The Rattle-boa) (Crotatoria sagittalis) is
a spreading-hairy plant about a foot high,

FSnral bearing simple leaves, solitary yellow flow-
size. (From Chesnut, U. S. ers, and large brown pods which when ripe
Department Agriculture.) contain a number of loose rattling seeds
(Fig. 13). The plant is common in the rich lowlands of the eastern
part of the state, where it sometimes covers considerable areas. Nearly
twenty years ago my attention was first called to this plant as one
which contained a harmful principle, and at that time I witnessed an
experiment which indicated that jjoison is actually present in the green
plant, although the plants which were used were somewhat wilted. A
young horse was killed by being compelled to drink a quantity of water
in which the green plants had been crushed.

67. Among the prettiest species of this family are the Lupines (of theREPORT OF THE BOTANIST.

119

genus Lupinus), and yet it has
been shown beyond question
that some of the species are
poisonous. In Montana, where
they have been studied most
carefully, several species have
been proved to be harmful to
stock.* While none of the
Montana species referred to are
found in Nebraska I have no rea-
son for thinking that ours will
prove to be otherwise than
poisonous. Our species are con-
fined to the western portions of
the state, where they should be
watched carefully.

68. The White Tumbleweeds (spe-
cies of Psoralea) are spreading-
branched, white-hairy plants
growing on the prairies, and
bearing scattered (less commonly
spicate) flowers. The plants
often break off in the fall and
become 'tumbleweeds,' rolling
over the prairies and thus scat-
tering their seeds. One of our
most widely distributed species
is the Common White Tumbleweed
(Psoralea tenuiftora), and this has
been studied in Montanat where
it was shown to contain a poisonous principle. It is probable that of
our nine other species some at least contain similar deleterious prop-
erties, and the plants should be carefully watched.

t

Fig. 13.— Rattle-box (Crotalaria sagittalis),
one-third natural size. (From Chesnut, U.
S. Department Agriculture.)

The Stah-flower Family (Loasaceae).

69. The Star-flowers are erect, herbaceous plants with rough-pubescent
leaves, and terminal clusters of white or creamy, often large, star-
shaped flowers. We have several species, one of which (Mentzelia
oligospermia) is said by Halstedt to be poisonous to the touch. *

The Buckeye Family (Hippocastanaeeae).
70. The Buckeyes are all trees, and of these we have but one native

* Stock-poisoning Plants of Montana, by V. K. Chesnut and E. V. Wilcox, in Bulletin
26, Division of Botany, U. S. Department of Agriculture. (1901.)

flbid.

J The Poisonous Plants of New Jersey, by B. D. Halsted, in Bulletin 135, N". J. Agri-
cultural Experiment Station. (1899.)120

NEBRASKA STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

species, namely, the Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra) which occurs in
Pawnee, Richardson and Nemaha counties. The young shoots and the
large brown seeds are quite poisonous to stock.

The Sumac Family (Anacardiaceae).

71. These are woody plants ranging from weak climbers to small
trees. The Smooth Sumach (Rhus glabra) is our largest representative,
and as far as I am aware it possesses no harmful principle. So, too,
the Skunk Bush (Rhus trilobata) of central and western Nebraska, which
has a bad odor and nothing more; in fact I have often eaten the
pleasantly acid berries when on my botanizing trips.

72. The Poison Ivy (Rhus radi-
cans), a well-known climbing
vine, is one of the most trouble-
some of plants poisonous to
the touch. It grows through-
out the state, and although so
painful to so many people, it is
not commonly distinguished
from the harmless Virginia
Creeper (Parthenocissus quinque-
folia). Let it be remembered
that the Poison Ivy has three
leaflets in each leaf (Fig. 14),
and that the Virginia Creeper
has five. This fact will enable
anyone to tell the harmless
from the harmful plant. Much
has been written in regard to
the nature of the poison con-
tained in these plants. At one
time an investigator announced
that the poisonous material
consisted of certain virulent
bacteria which entered the
pores of the skin and set up a
violent inflammation. Dr. Piaff,
of Boston, announced a few
years ago that the active prin-
Fig. 14.—Poison Ivy (Rhus radicans), one-third ciple was a non-volatile oil

rent^gricultureT ^6SnUt' U'S'DePart" Which h® W succeeded in

separating from the foliage.
This is now the generally accepted view, but it must be remembered
that there are well-authenticated cases of poisoning without contact, which
could scarcely occur if the sole agent of infection is non-volatile. I
myself was once a victim of such poisoning without contact. An assist-REPORT OF THE BOTANIST.

121

ant brought into my laboratory a tin box full of plants, among which
were many flowering specimens of the Poison Ivy. The day was hot,
and the assistant had walked in the sun for a mile or more, in bringing
in the plants. Knowing my susceptibility to Poison Ivy poisoning he
warned me not to touch the tin box or its contents. I therefore told
him to open the box while I looked on and selected the plants which I
wished him to preserve for pressing. As the box was opened I leaned
over and looked in, being very careful not to come into contact with
the box or the plants. As the assistant took up plant after plant I
pointed to others and asked him in regard to the stations where he
secured them. I was very careful, as I had been very severely poisoned
many times before, and did not wish to have another experience of
the discomfort. Yet in a day or two I found myself suffering with
the usual inflammation, only the surfaces affected were those only
which had been directly exposed when I leaned over the box of plants.
My face was inflamed all over, except where my beard, mustache, eye-
brows, and nose made projecting protections. Above these there were
small areas entirely free from inflammation. The under side of my
eyebrows (the 'overhang') was thoroughly poisoned, and so was the
inside of my nose (the nostrils). My right hand was severely poisoned,
but here again the distribution of the inflammation was peculiar, being
confined to the parts which were directed downward as I pointed at the
various specimens in the box. Thus the proximal and middle joints of
the second, third and fourth fingers, and the under side of the wrist
of that hand were badly affected, while the upper side of the hand was
not poisoned at all. My left hand was not poisoned, and I account
for this by the fact that it was kept back and not used in indicating
plants to be examined by the assistant.

73.	As this matter of poisoning without direct contact has been and
is still disputed by some people, I shall be greatly obliged for informa-
tion in regard to cases of supposed poisoning in this way.

The Paksley Family (TJrribelliferae).

74.	The plants of this family are easily distinguished from all others
by the fact that the flowers (which are small) are arranged in more
or less flat-topped clusters, composed* of radiating flower-stalks. In
some cases these radiating stalks bear another set of still smaller
stalks which are the ones which bear the flowers. Another thing
which may enable one to be sure that the plant belongs to this family
is the fact that the seed-pod is below the flower, and that it contains
but two seeds. If these characters are taken together there need be
no question as to the relationship of any plant of this family. They
are all herbaceous, and mostly perennial, or at least biennial. Some
of them furnish valuable food-plants, as the Parsnip, Carrot, and Celery,
while others are used as condiments, as Coriander, Caraway, and
Parsley. There is, however, a dangerous poison in many of the species122	NEBRASKA STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

and it is probable that it is
present to a less extent in all.

75.	Water Hemlock (Gicuta
maculata) is a tall, smooth-
stemmed plant with more or
less of purple streaking and
spotting- on its surface. It
attains a height of three to
eight feet, and the stem is
hollow. The leaves are much
divided, and the leaflets are *
sharply serrated on the mar-
.gins (Fig. 15). The roots are
fleshy and spindle-shaped, and
each plant has several in a
cluster. The small flowers
are white, and are borne in
flat-topped clusters at the
summit of the plant. The
whole plant is poisonous but
the roots are the most viru-
lent. This is probably the
most deadly species of our
flowering plants. It is likely
that annually a considerable

Fig. 15.—Water Hemlock (Cicuta maculata), one- proportion of the damage
half natural size, with fruit at top, and section	limits is

of same at bottom, enlarged Ave times. (From (kme P°i»onous plants is
Chesnut, U. S. Department Agriculture.)	to be laid to this plant.

76.	White-flowered Parsley
(Lomatium nudicaule) a common low prairie plant with much-divided
leaves, is known to be poisonous to stock.* The species of a related
genus, Musenium, are suspected of possessing poisonous properties. The
plants resemble those of the preceding species.

The Honeysuckle Family (Caprifoliaceae).

76a. Here we find many pretty and interesting plants, and it is quite
unexpected that any should be charged with being poisonous. The
Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium), Sheepberry (V. lentago), High-bush
Cranberry (I7, opulus), are well-known edible berries, and the Snowball
(V. opulus) and many kinds of Honeysuckles (species of Lonicera),
equally well-known ornamental plants. Yet here we find some danger-
ous poisons, as in the roots and bark of the Elder (Sambucus canadensis),
and the roots of the Feverwort (Triosteum perfoliatum). Both of these

* Stock-poisoning Plants of Montana, by Y. K. Ch( snut and E. Y. Wilcox, in Bulletin
26, Division of Botany, U. S. Department of Agriculture, (1901.)REPORT OF THE BOTANIST.

have been shown by Dr. Rusby* to be dangerously poisonous, and he
cites a case where several children died from the effects of eating the
first under distressing circumstances.

The Chicory Family (Cichoriaceae).

77.	In this family we have the bland and healthful Lettuce, the whole-
some Endive, and the nutritious Salsify, all freely used as foods, as well
as the Dandelion and Chicory, which supply 'greens' for those 'who like
that sort of thing.' The plants all contain a milky juice, and it is
known that in some cases this includes a narcotic principle. Perhaps
it is on this account that in Montana and Utah the Prairie Pink
(Lygodesmia juncea) 'has been suspected by stockmen of being poisonous
to stock.'! This plant is common in Nebraska, and is a low, spreading,
almost leafless plant, bearing pretty pink-like flowers at the ends of the
branches. I have not had any complaints from Nebraska in regard
to this plant.

The Ragweed Family (Ambrosiaceae).

78.	Here we find some of our worst weeds, as the Ragweeds, Marsh
Elders, and Cockleburs. The plants are mostly coarse, and possess an
acrid and bitter principle which makes them quite disagreeable to the
taste. Here too according to Halsted? we have a poisonous plant of no
mean importance, since he says 'the Cocklebur (XantMum strumarium)
has had many cases of death among swine attributed to it.' After
admitting that a part of the injury may be mechanical from the action
of the barbed spines on the burs, and the impaction of the burs in the
stomach, he continues, 'there are however instances upon record which
indicate that, in addition to the impaction in the stomach, the cockle-
bur seed has strictly poisonous properties, reducing the action of the
heart and causing death.' While I know of no case in Nebraska of any
injury, it will be well for us to keep an eye on these unsightly weeds.
We have here an additional reason for keeping them off from our farms.

The Sunflower Family (Compositae).

79.	This is the largest family of flowering plants, there being fully
ten or possibly eleven thousand species in existence. In Nebraska there
are between one hundred and fifty and two hundred native species
growing wild upon the prairies and the High Plains. To a great extent
they are not harmful as far as poisonousness is concerned, although
many are quite persistent and troublesome weeds. Within recent years
attention has been called to the fact that some of the species are
poisonous, and as some of these are natives of Nebraska it is proper
that they should be noticed here.

80.	The Tall Cone-flower (Rudbeckia laciniata) is a perennial, much-

*The Poisonous Plants of the Vicinity of New York City, by H. H. Rusby. (1895.)

t Stock-poisoning Plants of Montana, by V. K. Chesnut and E. V. Wilcox, in Bulletin
26, Division of Botany, U. S. Department of Agriculture. (1901.)

J The Poisonous Plants of New Jersey, by B. D. Halsted, in Bulletin 135, N. J. -Agri-
cultural Experiment Station. (1899.)124

NEBRASKA STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

branched, leafy plant three to
ten feet high, growing* in thickets
and in the borders of wood-
lands, and bearing heads of yel-
low flowers looking much like
those of many wild sunflowers.
In Montana it has been shown
pretty certainly to be fatally
poisonous to sheep, and in Mis-
souri it is said to be fatal to
swine.* The plant is common in
nearly all parts of the state.

81. The Sneezeweed (Helenium
autumnale) is a late-flowering
plant very common in all parts
of the state. It is a branching
plant, usually about two feet
high, bearing lance-shaped,
sharp-pointed leaves, and many
pretty, yellow, terminal flowers
(Fig. 16). According to Chesnutf
the poison 'exists principally in
the flowers,' and there appears
to be more poison in mature
than in the young plants. 'Sheep,
cattle, and horses that are un-
familiar with the plant are often
poisoned by it when driven to
localities where it is abundant.'
Halsted$ says that 'it frequently
poisons live stock, and may prove fatal.' I have never known of a case
of poisoning by this weed, but still have no doubt that poisoning does
occur in the state.

Fig. 16 —Sneeze weed (Helenium autumnale),
one-third natural size. (From Chesnut, U.
S. Department Agriculture.)

V. LIST OF POISONOUS PLANTS ARRANGED ACCORDING TO

THEIR EFFECTS.

In order that a reference to the foregoing descriptions may be made
more easily I have arranged the names of the poisonous plants here
described according to their effects, whether they are harmful to man,
or domestic animals, and whether they produce external or internal
effects. The numbers following the names indicate the paragraphs in
the preceding text.

* Stock-poisoning Plants of Montana, by V. K. Chesnut and E. Y. Wilcox, in Bulletin
26, Division of Botany, U. S. Department of Agriculture. (1901.)

t Principal Poisonous Plants of the United States, by V. K. Chesnut, in Bulletin 20,
Division of Botany, U. S. Department of Agriculture. (1898.)

X The Poisonous Plants of New Jersey, by B. D. Halsted, in Bulletin 135, N. J. Agri
cultural Experiment Station. (1899.)	REPORT OF THE BOTANIST.
A.	Plants poisonous to Man externally. .
Anemonies, 27.	Osage Orange, 42.
Blood-root, 31.	Poison Ivy, 72.
Buttercups, 27.	Red Cedar, 13.
Ladies' Slippers, 25.	Spurges, 45.
Milkweeds, 57.	Star-flowers, 69.
Nettles, 41.	
B.	Plants poisonous to Man internally.
Anemonies, 27.	Indian Turnip, 18.
Ailanthus, 40.	Jimson Weed, 55.
Bacteria, 5.	Locust-tree, 63.
Baneberries, 27.	Kentucky Coffee Tree, 62.
Black Nightshade, 5	1. May Apple, 29.
Bouncing- Bet, 34.	Pasque Flower, 27.
Castor-oil Plant, 47.	Pokeweed, 35.
Corn Cockle, 33.	Potato balls, 53.
Crotons, 46.	Snow-on-the-Mountain, 45.
Culver's Root, 59.	Strawberry, 61.
Elder, 76a.	Toadstools, 10.
Eeverwort, 76a.	Water Hemlock, 75.
Horseradish, 31a.	Wild Black Cherry, 60.
Indian ITemp, 56.	Wild Poppy, 30.
C. Plants more or less poisonous to Stock.	
Bacteria, 5.	Lupines, 67.
Birthwort, 16.	Milkweeds, 57.
Black Nightshade, 5	1. Morning Glories, 46, 47.
Brakes, 12.	Potato (sprouted), 53.
Buckeye, 70.	Prairie Pink, 77.
Bur-balls, 6.	Rattle-box, 66.
Castor-oil Plant, 47.	Red Cedar, 13.
Cocklebur, 78.	Red Synthyris, 58.
Corn Smut, 9.	Sneezeweed, 81.
Crazyweeds, 65.	Sorrel, 39.
Darnel, 19, 20.	Spreading Nightshade, 52.
Death Camas, 15.	Tall Coneflower, 80.
Ergot, 8.	Water Hemlock, 75.
Eriogonums, 39.	White-flowered Parsley, 76.
Jimson Weed, 55.	White Tumbleweeds, 68.
Joint-rushes, 11.	Wild Black Cherry, 60.
Larkspurs, 28.	Wild Iris, 22.
Loco-weeds, 64.	126

NEBRASKA STATE BOARD OB" AGRICULTURE.

VI. ALPHABETICAL INDEX TO ALL PLANT NAMES.

Here as in the preceding- list the numbers refer to the paragraphs

of this article.	
Acorns calamus, 18.	Bloodroot, 31.
Actaea rubra, 27.	Blue-eyed Grass, 21, 23.
Aesculus glabra, 70.	Blue Flags, 21.
Agropyrum repens, 20.	Boerhavia, 37.
Agrostemma githago, 33.	Bouncing Bet, 34.
Ailanthus, 40.	Brakes, 12.
Ailanthus glandulosa, 40.	Broom-corn, 19.
Alfalfa, 19.	Buckeye Family, 70.
Alfalfas, 63.	Buckeyes, 70.
Algae, 6.	Buckwheat Family, 38-40.
Allionia incarnata, 37.	Buffalo-burs 54.
Allionia nyctaginea, 37.	Bur-balls, 6.
Ambrosiaceae, 78.	Buttercup Family, 26-28.
American Hellebore, 14.	Buttercups, 26, 27.
Anacardiaeeae, 71-73.	Caesalpiniaceae, 62.
Anemone, 27.	Calamus, 18.
Anemonies, 27.	Calla-Lily Family, 18.
Apocynaceae, 56.	Caprifoliaceae, 76a.
Apocvnum androsaemifolium, 56.	Caraway, 74.
Apocynum cannabinum, 56.	Carnations, 32.
Araceae, 18.	Carrot, 74.
Aragallvis lambertii, 65.	Caryophyllaceae, 31-34.
Argemone intermedia, 30.	Castor-oil Plant, 47.
Arisaema triphyllum, 18.	Celery, 74.
Asclepiadaceae, 57.	Cherries, 60.
Asclepias, 57.	Chicory Family, 77.
Asclepias eriocarpa, 57.	Chicory, 77.
Asclepias speciosa, 57.	Choke Cherry, 60.
Astragalus mollissimus, 64.	Cichoriaceae, 77.
Atropa belladonna, 50.	Cicuta maculata, 75.
Bacteria, 5.	Clover, 19.
Baneberries, 27.	Clovers, 63.
Barberry Family,. 29.	Cockleburs, 78.
Barley, 19.	Coffee Tree, 62.
Bean Family, 62, 63-68.	Colchicum autumnale, 14.
Beans, 63.	Compositae, 79-81.
Bearded Darnel, 19, 20.	Convallaria majalis, 14.
Belladonna, 50.	Convolvulaceae, 48-49.
Berberidaceae, 29.	Convolvulus sepium, 49.
Big-rooted Morning Glory, 48.	Coriander, 74.
Birthwort, 16.	Corn, 9.
Black Haw, 76a.	Corn Cockle, 33.
Black Nightshade, 51, 52.	Corn Smut, 9.

VI. ALPHABETICAL INDEX TO ALL PLANT NAMES.

Here as in the preceding- list the numbers refer to the paragraphsREPORT OF THE BOTANIST.

127

Crazy-weeds, 65.

Crotalaria sagittalis, 66.
Crotons, 46.

Croton texensis, 46.

Crown Imperial, 14.
Cruciferae, 31 a.

Culver's-Eoot, 59.
Cypripedium candidum, 25.
Cypripedium hirsutum, 25.
Cypripedium reginae, 25.
Dandelion, 77.

Darnel, 19, 20.

Datura stramonium, 55.
Deadly Nightshade, 50.

Death Camas, 15.

Delphinium albescens, 28.
Delphinium bicolor, 28.
Delphinium glaucum, 28.
Delphinium nelsoni, 28.
Delphinium tricorne, 28.
Docks, 38.

Dogbane Family, 56.
Drupaceae, 60.

Dwarf Wild Cherry, 60.

Early Wake Robin, 16.
Egg-plant, 50.

Elder, 76a.

Endive, 77.

Equisetum arvense, 11.
Equisetum palustre, 11.
Ergot, 8.

Eriogonum, 39.

Eriogonums, 39.
Euphorbiaceae, 44-47.
Euphorbia corollata, 45.
Euphorbia glyptosperma, 45.
Euphorbia maculata, 45.
Euphorbia marginata, 45.
Euphorbia serpyllifolia, 45.
Fern, 12.

Henbane, 50.

Highbush Cranberry, 76a.
Feverwort, 76a.

Figwort Family, 58-59.
Flowering Spurge, 45.
Four-o'clock, 36.

Four-o'clock Family, 36-37.
Fritillaria imperialis, 14.
Frog-Spittles, 6.

Fungi, 7.

Garget, 35.

Gleditsia triacanthos, 62.
Gramineae, 19-20.

Grass Family, 19-20.

Great Nettle, 41.
Gymnocladus dioica, 62.
Heartseases, 38.

Helenium autumnale, 81.
Hippocastanaceae, 70.

Honey Locust, 62.
Honeysuckle Family, 76$.
Honeysuckles, 76a.

Hop, 43.

Horse Nettle, 54.
Horseradish, 31a.

Horsetails, 11.

Humulus lupulus, 43.
Hyoscyamus niger, 50.
Indian Apple, 29.

Indian Hemp, 56.

Indian Turnip, 18.

Ipomoea leptophylla, 48.
Ipomoea pandurata, 48.
Ipomoea purpurea, 48.
Iridaceae, 21-23.

Iris, 21.

Iris Family, 21-23.

Iris versicolor, 22.
Jack-in-the-Pulpit, 18.
Jimson Weed, 55.
Joint-rushes, 11.

Juniperus virginiana, 13.
Kentucky Blue-grass, 8.
Kentucky Coffee Tree, 62.
Ladies' Slipper, 25.
Larkspurs, 28.

Lentils, 63.

Leptandra virginica, 59.
Lettuce, 77.

Leucocrinum montanum, 17.
Liliaceae, 14-17.

Lily Family, 14-17.128

NEBRASKA STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

Lily-of-the-Valley, 14.
Loasaceae, 69.

Loco-weeds, 64, 65.

Locust-tree, 63.

Lolium linicola, 19.

Lolium temulentum, 19.
Lomatium nudicaule, 76.
Lonicera 76a.

Lupines, 63, 67.

Lupinus, 67.

Lycopersicum lycopersicum, 50.
Lygodesmia juncea, 77.

Maize, 19.

Mandrake, 29.

Man-of-the-Earth, 48.

Marsh Elders, 78.

Marvel of Peru, 36.

May Apple, 29.

Meadow Saffron, 14.

Mentzelia ologosperma, 69.
Milkweed Family, 57.
Milkweeds, 44, 57.

Mirabilis dichotoma, 37.
Mirabilis jalapa, 36.

Moraceae, 42-43.

Morning- Glory, 48.

Morning Glory Family, 48-49.
Morus rubra, 43.

Mulberry, 43.

Mulberry Family, 42-43.
Musenium, 76.

Mushroom, 10.

Mustard Family, 31a.

Nelson's Larkspur, 28.

Nettle Family, 41.

Nightshade Family, 50-55.
Nyctaginaceae, 36-37.

Oats, 19.

Ohio Buckeye, 70.

Orchidaeeae, 24-25.

Orchid Family, 24-25.

Osage Orange, 42.
Papaveraceae, 30-31.
Papilionaceae, 63-68.

Parsley, 74.

Parsley Family, 74-76.

Parsnip, 74.

Parthenocissus quinquefolia, 72.
Pasque-flowers, 27.

Peanuts, 63.

Peas, 63.

Phytolaccaceae, 35.

Phytolacca decandra, 35.
Picraena excelsa, 40.

Pink Family, 32-34.

Pinks, 32.

Pisonia erecta, 37.

Plum Family, 60.

Plums, 60.

Podophyllum peltatum, 21).
Poison Ivy, 72.

Poke, 35.

Pokeweed, 35.

Pokeweed Family, 35.
Polygonaceae, 38-40.

Polygonum emersum, 38.

Pond Scums, 6.

Poppy, 30.

Poppy Family, 30-31.

Potato, 50, 53.

Potato-balls, 53.

Prairie Pink, 77.

Prunus demissa, 60.

Prunus serotina, 60.

Prunus virginiana, 60.

Psoralea tenuiflora, 68.
Pteridium aquilinum, 12.
Pulsatilla, 27.

Quack Grass, 20.

Quassia, 40.

Quassia Family, 40.

Ragweed Family, 78.

Ragweeds, 78.

Ranunculaceae, 26-28.
Ranunculus repens, 27.
Ranunculus sceleratus, 27.
Rattle-box, 66.

Red Cedar, 13.

Red Synthyris, 58.

Rhus glabra, 71.

Rhus radicans, 72.

Rhus trilobata, 71.REPORT OF THE BOTANIST.

129

Ricinus communis, 47.

Rivularia fluitans, 6.

Robinia pseudacacia, 63.

Roripa armoracia, 31a.
Rosaceae, 61.

Rose Family, 61.

Rudbeckia laciniata, 80.
Rumex, 38.

Rumex acetosella, 39.

Rye, 8, 19.

Salsify, 77.

Sambucus canadensis, 76a.

Sand Lily, 17.

Sanfoin, 63.

Sanguinaria canadensis, 31.
Saponaria officinalis, 34.

Scoke, 35.

Scouring-rushes, 11.
Scrophulariaceae, 58-59.

Senna Family, 62.

Sheepberry, 76a.

Showy Ladies' Slipper, 25.
Showy Milkweed, 57.
Simarubaceae, 40.

Sisyrinchium campestre, 21, 23.
Skunk Bush, 71.

Slender Nettle, 41.

Smooth Sumach, 71.
Sneezeweed, 81.

Snowball, 76a.
Snow-on-the-Mountain, 45.
Solanaceae, 50-55.

Solanum carolinense, 54.
Solanum dulcamara, 50.
Solanum esculentum, 50, 53.
Solanum melongena, 50.
Solanum nigrum, 51.

Solanum rostratum, 54.
Solanum triflorum, 52.
Sorghum, 19.

Sorrel, 39.

Spreading Dogbane, 56.
Spreading Nightshade, 52.
Spurge Family, 44-47.
Star-flower Family, 69.
Star-flowers, 69.

Strawberry, 61.

Sumac Family, 71-73.
Sunflower Family, 79-81.
Sweet Williams, 32.

Synthyris rubra, 58.

Tall Cone-flower, 80.

Texan Croton, 46.

Toadstools, 10.

Tomato, 50.

Toxylon pomiferum, 42.
Trillium nivale, 16.

Triosteum perfoliatum, 76a.
Tulip, 14.

Tulipa gesneriana, 14.
Umbelliferae, 74-76.

Urtica, 41.

Urticaceae, 41.

Urtica dioica, 41.

LTrtica gracilis, 41.
Urticastrum, 41.

Urticastrum divaricatum, 41.
Veratrum viride, 14.

Vetches, 63.

Viburnum lentago, 76a.
Viburnum opulus, 76a.
Viburnum prunifolium, 76a.
Virginia Creeper, 72.

Water Hemlock, 75.
Water-peppers, 38.

Wheat, 19.

White-flowered Parsley, 76.
White Tumbleweeds, 68.

Wild Black Cherry, 60.

Wild Four-o'clock, 37.

Wild Iris, 22.

Wild Morning Glory, 49.

Wild Poppy, 30.

Wild Rye, 8.

Wild Wheat Grass, 8.

Wood Nettle, 41.

Xanthium strumarium, 78.
Yellow-berry, 29.

Zygadenus elegans, 15.
Zygadenus nuttallii, 15.
Zygadenus venenosus, 15.This book is a preservation facsimile produced for
the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
It is made in compliance with copyright law
and produced on acid-free archival

60# book weight paper
which meets the requirements of
ANSI/NISO Z39.48-1992 (permanence of paper).

Preservation facsimile printing and binding
by

Northern Micrographics
Brookhaven Bindery
La Crosse, Wisconsin
2015