Native US Flora - Two Original Botanical Chromolithograps, 1879

The image displays a collection of two chromolithographs depicting various plant species. These illustrations are characterized by their botanical accuracy and aesthetic appeal, typical of late 19th-century natural history publications. Each plate is labeled with the plant's scientific name, showcasing the diversity of flora found within the United States. The plants are rendered with great detail, highlighting their unique characteristics such as leaf shape, flower structure, and root systems. These chromolithographs likely served both an educational purpose for those interested in botany and horticulture, as well as an ornamental one, as they would have been quite decorative when framed or displayed in a book. The artwork reflects the meticulous work of Thomas Meehan, and the images were published by L.Prang and Company in Boston, known for their exquisite chromolithographic work in the 19th century. The book from which these plates come, "The Native Flowers and Ferns of the United States in Their Botanical, Horticultural, and Popular Aspects," serves as a testament to the rich botanical heritage of the United States and the period's appreciation for natural sciences. Here are brief descriptions of the two plants: 1. **Gerardia Pedicularia - Fern-Leaved False Foxglove**: This plant is known for its attractive fern-like foliage and tubular yellow flowers that resemble those of true foxgloves. Unlike true foxgloves, which belong to the genus Digitalis, the false foxglove is in the genus Gerardia and is native to North America. It typically grows in dry, sandy soils and open woods. 2. **Calochortus Luteus - Yellow Pretty-Grass**: Also known as Yellow Mariposa Lily, this plant is native to California's grassy and open areas. It features grass-like leaves and showy, cup-shaped yellow flowers with a fuzzy texture on the inside. The genus Calochortus is known for its variously colored "mariposa lilies" which are cherished for their ornamental value.