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PARSLEY FAMILY (UMBELLIFERAE).

This family can be readily recognized by the fact that the small yellow or white (sometimes tinged pinkish) flowers are borne in umbels. In addition the stems are usually hollow. The carrot, parsley and parsnip are some common cultivated vegetables that belong to this family.

Sanicle (Sanicula septentrionalis). An erect, slender plant 4-12 inches tall with small yellow flowers and bristly or burr-like fruit.

Sweet Cicely (Osmorhiza sp.). There are four species in this genus native to the park. They vary in height from 6-18 inches, are very leafy with white to purple flowers, in few-flowered umbels, and linear fruit. None of these are especially conspicuous or showy plants and are consequently not described specifically. See check list on page 29 for list of the four native species.

Hog Fennel (Lomatium sp.). This genus is represented by two species. They are both inhabitants of dry soils, particularly in rocky places, of the Hudsonian and lower Arctic-alpine zones. They are rarely over a few inches tall with the foliage and flower stalks appearing as if bunched or growing from a central point, as there is no visible stem. The flowers are white and sometimes yellow or purple and the foliage is 3 compound or dissected. See check list on page 29 for list of the two native species.

Hesperoginia (Hesperoginia stricklandi). A small tufted plant with no apparent stem, yellow flowers; and long stemmed 2 to 3 compound leaves, the leaflets oblong and acute. This plant also has a very stout root. It is found in dry soils of the Hudsonian zone and is known to occur only upon Mount Rainier.

Cow Parsnip (Heracleum lanatum). A tall, stout-stemmed plant (2-4 feet high) covered with fine silky white hairs with large ternately compound leaves and broad umbels of white flowers. The leaflets are round to heart-shaped in outline and 2-8 inches broad, irregularly lobed and with the margins irregularly toothed; the fruit is heart-shaped and attached at the pointed end. This plant is widely distributed in the park, being abundant in moist to well drained soils of the Hudsonian and upper Canadian zone.

Angelica (Angelica sp.). This genus is represented by two species in this area. They are stout plants that are often found in moist places, such as along stream banks, with large umbels of white flowers. They may be confused with the Cow Parsnip which they resemble superficially but in the case of Angelica the compound leaves are three branched and then twice pinnate. See check list on page 29 for species.

Water Hemlock (Cicuta sp.). This genus is represented by two species in Mt. Rainier National Park. Both are common plants of very wet to swampy soils and often the roots and lower portion of the stem are submerged in water. It is very poisonous if eaten. While the plant is not particularly attractive and while there is no real reason why it should be eaten there have been several cases throughout the west (none in Mt. Rainier National Park however) where portions of this plant have been accidentally or unknowingly, eaten with fatal results. The leaves are pinnately compound and the flowers are small, white and in fair-sized umbels. The plant is from 18-36 inches tall. (See check list on page 29.

DOGWOOD FAMILY (CORNACEAE).

This family is represented by three species, all of the genus Cornus. One of these is a beautiful tree, the second is a shrub and the third is a very common and beautiful herbaceous plant.

Pacific Tree Dogwood (Cornus nuttallii). While common at the lower elevations in the Puget Sound region this beautiful tree is only rarely seen in the park. The section where it is found in some abundance however, is in the region of Ohanapecosh Hot Springs in the southeast corner of the park. It grows to be 20-40 feet tall; the leaves are 3-4 inches long, ovate in outline, acute and opposite. The flowers are the striking feature of this tree. These are small, green and arranged in head-like clusters which are in turn surrounded by 5 to 6 large white showy petal-like bracts. The fruit is a bright shiny red. A more complete description of the species will be included in a future issue of Mt. Rainier National Park "Nature Notes" which will deal exclusively with the trees of this region.

Red-Osier Dogwood (Cornus stononifera). This is a much branched tall shrub found occasionally at the lower elevations of the park. The leaves are opposite, ovate in outline and acute; dark green upon the upper surface and light green below. The flowers are small, white and borne in open cymes instead of heads. The plant is from 6-12 feet tall.

Canadian Dogwood (Cornus canadensis). One of the most common and beautiful plants of the deeply-wooded Canadian zone. It is a perennial and grows to a height of 4-6 inches. The leaves, borne near the top of the stem, seem to be arranged in a whorl. Leaves are ovate in outline, acute, sessile upon the stem, and from 1-2 inches long. The flowers are small, green, and arranged in a compact head which is surrounded by 4 to 6 white petal-like bracts. In the late summer the plant is characterized by bunches of bright red berries which are very attractive and conspicuous. Thus, a second common name - Bunchberry has been given this plant.

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Descriptions continued...