TURF AND WEEDS OF OLD LEYTONSTONE GARDEN. 245
the Leytonstone end of the Forest, but it is long since I
have seen it there.
Cat's-Ear (Hypochaeris radicata L.). This plant with its large
flat rosettes of dark green leaves, deep roots and long wiry
flower-scapes is too abundant. If, when one hopes to have
spudded up the whole plant, one of its fanglike roots is
left in the soil, it soon becomes as vigorous as ever.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Wiggers). The same remarks
apply to this as to Cat's-Ear.
Autumnal Hawkbit (Leontodon autumnalis L.). Scanty.
Mouse-eared Hawkweed (Hieracium Pilosella L.). Abundant
in a few parts : with its low growth and prostrate runners,
it escapes the mowing machine, the sulphur yellow flowers
and dark foliage, white beneath, make it a distinctly orna-
mental plant.
Self-heal (Prunella vulgaris L.). This forms extensive patches
with its creeping rootstock and mat of interwoven branches ;
it is not a very useful member of the turf community, but the
purple flowers are bright in late summer.
Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.). Not abundant, but
hard to exterminate.
Great Plantain (P. major L.). This is rooted out when observed.
Sheep's Sorrel (Rumex Acetosella L.). Not abundant; deeply
rooting with spreading orange roots.
Goose-corn (Juncus squarrosus L.). A single plant grew and
flourished, after removing an old Rhododendron bed from
the lawn and sowing with grass-seed, but it was killed
after two years, being unable to withstand frequent mowing.
It is probable that the seed was a survival from the Forest
flora.
Field Wood-rush (Luzula campestris Willd.). This charming
plant is abundant in some places, with its creeping rootstock
and tufts of glossy hairy grass-like leaves ; the dark brown
flowers appearing in April are apt to be mown off before they
open.
Sweet Vernal-grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum L.). Scanty.
Fine Bent-grass (Agrostis vulgaris With.). This is one of our
most abundant and valued grasses.
Yorkshire Fog (Holcus lanatus L.). This is scantily represented
and unwelcome in the turf.