文章
Miss Chen
2018年01月12日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant forms a low rosette of basal leaves, from which a flowering stalk about 2-5' tall develops. Alternate leaves occur along the lower one-half of this stalk, becoming smaller in size and more widely separated above. The unbranched central stalk is pale green, terete, and rather stout. This stalk is densely long-hairy below, becoming sparsely long-hairy and/or short-pubescent above; the long hairs are either white or brown. The basal and lower alternate leaves are 3-8" long and ¾–1¾" across; they are usually oblanceolate in shape and their margins are entire (toothless). The middle to upper alternate leaves are linear-lanceolate or elliptic in shape and their margins are entire (toothless). The basal and lower alternate leaves have long white hairs or long brown hairs that are 1/3–1" in length; these hairs are most abundant along the margins, central veins, and bases of the leaves. The upper surface of both basal and alternate leaves is medium green, while the lower surface of these leaves is pale green. The central stem terminates in a cylindrical panicle of flowerheads about ½–1½' in length; this panicle is longer than it is across. Both the lateral branches and peduncles (basal stalks) of the flowerheads are short (less than 2½" in length). The central stalk, lateral branches, and peduncles are pale green, terete, and glandular-hairy.
The flowerheads are ½–1" across when they are fully open, consisting of 30-80 fertile ray florets and no disk florets. The spreading petaloid rays of these florets are yellow and linear in shape; their tips are truncate and 5-toothed. The base of the flowerhead is cylindrical-campanulate (cylindrically bell-shaped) or cylindrical-urceolate (cylindrically urn-shaped); it is surrounded by several phyllaries (floral bracts) in a single series. These phyllaries are linear-lanceolate in shape, appressed, pale green, and glandular-hairy. Some of the glandular hairs on the phyllaries have black bases. There are also secondary floral bracts that are much smaller in size; they are located at the base of the flowerhead. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to late summer, lasting about 1 month for a colony of plants. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by achenes with tufts of tawny hair at their apices; they are distributed by the wind. The achenes are 3-4 mm. long, dark-colored, and fusiform (spindle-shaped); there are no thread-like beaks connecting the tufts of hair to the achenes. The root system consists of a caudex or short crown with fibrous roots.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, mesic to dry conditions, and soil containing loam, clay-loam, sand, or rocky material.
Range & Habitat: Long-bearded Hawkweed is a native plant that has been found in most areas of Illinois, although it is now widely scattered and uncommon (see Distribution Map). Populations of this plant have declined with the destruction of prairie habitat. Habitats include black soil prairies, clay prairies, sand prairies, prairie remnants along railroads, typical savannas and sandy savannas, upland rocky woodlands, and disturbed areas along railroads. Long-bearded Hawkweed occurs primarily in high quality natural areas.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about the floral-faunal relationships for Long-bearded Hawkweed. Gangwere (1961) reported that Spharagemon bolli (Boll's Grasshopper) feeds on the dry leaves of this plant. The flowerheads of hawkweeds (Hieracium spp.) are cross-pollinated primarily by little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), Halictid bees (including green metallic bees), and other bees. Some aphids feed on the sap of these plants, including Nasonovia ribisnigri (Currant-Lettuce Aphid) and Uroleucon sonchi (Sow Thistle Aphid); see Blackman & Eastop (2013). The Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey feed on the basal leaves and seeds of hawkweeds, while their foliage is sometimes browsed by the White-tailed Deer and Cottontail Rabbit (Martin et al., 1951/1961). However, Georgia (1913) states that cattle and other domesticated livestock usually avoid the hairy bitter foliage of these plants.
Photographic Location: A prairie in Fayette County, Illinois. The photographs were taken by Keith & Patty Horn (Copyright © 2015).
Comments: The native Long-bearded Hawkweed can be distinguished from other hawkweeds (Hieracium spp.) by the exceptionally long hairs (1/3–1" in length) of its basal leaves, lower alternate leaves, and lower flowering stalk. Other hawkweeds in Illinois have hairs that are less than 1/3" long. In addition to having shorter hairs on its foliage, a similar native species, Hieracium gronovius (Gronovius' Hawkweed), has slightly smaller flowerheads with fewer ray florets (20-40). Another common name of Hieracium longipilum is Long-haired Hawkweed.
The flowerheads are ½–1" across when they are fully open, consisting of 30-80 fertile ray florets and no disk florets. The spreading petaloid rays of these florets are yellow and linear in shape; their tips are truncate and 5-toothed. The base of the flowerhead is cylindrical-campanulate (cylindrically bell-shaped) or cylindrical-urceolate (cylindrically urn-shaped); it is surrounded by several phyllaries (floral bracts) in a single series. These phyllaries are linear-lanceolate in shape, appressed, pale green, and glandular-hairy. Some of the glandular hairs on the phyllaries have black bases. There are also secondary floral bracts that are much smaller in size; they are located at the base of the flowerhead. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to late summer, lasting about 1 month for a colony of plants. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by achenes with tufts of tawny hair at their apices; they are distributed by the wind. The achenes are 3-4 mm. long, dark-colored, and fusiform (spindle-shaped); there are no thread-like beaks connecting the tufts of hair to the achenes. The root system consists of a caudex or short crown with fibrous roots.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, mesic to dry conditions, and soil containing loam, clay-loam, sand, or rocky material.
Range & Habitat: Long-bearded Hawkweed is a native plant that has been found in most areas of Illinois, although it is now widely scattered and uncommon (see Distribution Map). Populations of this plant have declined with the destruction of prairie habitat. Habitats include black soil prairies, clay prairies, sand prairies, prairie remnants along railroads, typical savannas and sandy savannas, upland rocky woodlands, and disturbed areas along railroads. Long-bearded Hawkweed occurs primarily in high quality natural areas.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about the floral-faunal relationships for Long-bearded Hawkweed. Gangwere (1961) reported that Spharagemon bolli (Boll's Grasshopper) feeds on the dry leaves of this plant. The flowerheads of hawkweeds (Hieracium spp.) are cross-pollinated primarily by little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), Halictid bees (including green metallic bees), and other bees. Some aphids feed on the sap of these plants, including Nasonovia ribisnigri (Currant-Lettuce Aphid) and Uroleucon sonchi (Sow Thistle Aphid); see Blackman & Eastop (2013). The Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey feed on the basal leaves and seeds of hawkweeds, while their foliage is sometimes browsed by the White-tailed Deer and Cottontail Rabbit (Martin et al., 1951/1961). However, Georgia (1913) states that cattle and other domesticated livestock usually avoid the hairy bitter foliage of these plants.
Photographic Location: A prairie in Fayette County, Illinois. The photographs were taken by Keith & Patty Horn (Copyright © 2015).
Comments: The native Long-bearded Hawkweed can be distinguished from other hawkweeds (Hieracium spp.) by the exceptionally long hairs (1/3–1" in length) of its basal leaves, lower alternate leaves, and lower flowering stalk. Other hawkweeds in Illinois have hairs that are less than 1/3" long. In addition to having shorter hairs on its foliage, a similar native species, Hieracium gronovius (Gronovius' Hawkweed), has slightly smaller flowerheads with fewer ray florets (20-40). Another common name of Hieracium longipilum is Long-haired Hawkweed.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年01月12日
Description: This perennial herbaceous plant is 1-3' tall, consisting of a rosette of leaves from which a flowering stalk develops. The basal leaves are up to 6" long and 2" across, tapering to a narrow petiole. They are ovate or oblanceolate, usually with smooth margins, and have scattered white hairs that are ½" or less. The flowering stalk is variably hairy, with a few small leaves alternating along the lower half. The upper half of the stalk is either leafless, or has a few tiny leaves that resemble bracts. Generally, the lower stalk is conspicuously hairy (particularly near the bases of the leaves), while the upper stalk has few or no hairs, except where the flowers occur. This stalk terminates in a panicle of composite flowers. Each composite flower is about ½–¾" across, consisting of a head with 15-30 yellow ray florets. The ray florets have tips that are truncated, ending in 5 small teeth. The blooming period is mid-summer to early fall, and lasts about 1-2 months. Beneath the ray florets, there is a cylindrical arrangement of narrow bracts. These bracts are green or purplish green. The slender stems within the panicle have glandular hairs that are ½" or less; like the bracts, these stems are green or purplish green. The florets are eventually replaced by achenes with white or brown tufts of hair. These achenes are spindle-shaped, tapering at both ends; they are dispersed by the wind. The root system consists of a short crown with fibrous roots underneath; sometimes rhizomes are produced, enabling vegetative reproduction.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, and moist to slightly dry conditions. Gronovius' Hawkweed normally grows in soil that is sandy or rocky, which reduces competition from other plants. The height of this species is variable, depending on such factors as light and moisture levels.
Range & Habitat: The native Gronovius' Hawkweed is scattered throughout Illinois, except for many counties in the NW and central areas of the state (see Distribution Map). Depending on the area, it is occasional to rare or absent. Habitats include moist to mesic sand prairies, sandy thickets, openings in rocky or sandy woodlands, savannas, bluffs, and edges of fields. Where this plant grows in shade, it is usually taller and grows in drier locations. Where it is sunny, this plant is usually shorter and prefers moister locations.
Faunal Associations: The nectar or pollen of the flowers probably attracts many kinds of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, bee flies, and beetles. The seedheads are eaten by the Wild Turkey, while the foliage is eaten by mammalian herbivores, including deer and rabbits.
Photographic Location: Along a sandy path in a Black Oak savanna at Hooper Branch Savanna Nature Preserve in Iroquois County, Illinois.
Comments: Another common name for this species is Hairy Hawkweed, although this name is also used for Hieracium longipilum. The Hieracium spp. are another group of plants that can be tricky to identify. They fall into two broad groups: short stoloniferous plants that consist of leafy rosettes, and taller plants with a flowering stalk that is more or less leafy. The former group is dominated by introduced species from Europe, while the latter group consists of native species. Gronovius' Hawkweed is similar in appearance to Hieracium longipilum (Hairy Hawkweed) and Hieracium scabrum (Rough Hawkweed). It differs from the former by having fewer and shorter hairs of ½" or less, and differs from the latter by the absence of leaves on the upper flowering stalk that are any larger than tiny bracts. Gronovius' Hawkweed has spindle-shaped achenes (tapering on both ends), while Rough Hawkweed has bullet-shaped achenes that taper only at the bottom. Other native Hieracium spp. have hairless foliage and stalks, conspicuous teeth along the margins of the leaves, or flowers that are 1" across or more.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, and moist to slightly dry conditions. Gronovius' Hawkweed normally grows in soil that is sandy or rocky, which reduces competition from other plants. The height of this species is variable, depending on such factors as light and moisture levels.
Range & Habitat: The native Gronovius' Hawkweed is scattered throughout Illinois, except for many counties in the NW and central areas of the state (see Distribution Map). Depending on the area, it is occasional to rare or absent. Habitats include moist to mesic sand prairies, sandy thickets, openings in rocky or sandy woodlands, savannas, bluffs, and edges of fields. Where this plant grows in shade, it is usually taller and grows in drier locations. Where it is sunny, this plant is usually shorter and prefers moister locations.
Faunal Associations: The nectar or pollen of the flowers probably attracts many kinds of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, bee flies, and beetles. The seedheads are eaten by the Wild Turkey, while the foliage is eaten by mammalian herbivores, including deer and rabbits.
Photographic Location: Along a sandy path in a Black Oak savanna at Hooper Branch Savanna Nature Preserve in Iroquois County, Illinois.
Comments: Another common name for this species is Hairy Hawkweed, although this name is also used for Hieracium longipilum. The Hieracium spp. are another group of plants that can be tricky to identify. They fall into two broad groups: short stoloniferous plants that consist of leafy rosettes, and taller plants with a flowering stalk that is more or less leafy. The former group is dominated by introduced species from Europe, while the latter group consists of native species. Gronovius' Hawkweed is similar in appearance to Hieracium longipilum (Hairy Hawkweed) and Hieracium scabrum (Rough Hawkweed). It differs from the former by having fewer and shorter hairs of ½" or less, and differs from the latter by the absence of leaves on the upper flowering stalk that are any larger than tiny bracts. Gronovius' Hawkweed has spindle-shaped achenes (tapering on both ends), while Rough Hawkweed has bullet-shaped achenes that taper only at the bottom. Other native Hieracium spp. have hairless foliage and stalks, conspicuous teeth along the margins of the leaves, or flowers that are 1" across or more.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年01月11日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 2-8' tall, branching occasionally along the upper one-half of its length. The stems are light green to reddish brown, terete, and hairy; the stem hairs are white, widely spreading, and slightly stiff. Either opposite or alternate leaves occur along lower to middle stems of this plant, while alternate leaves occur along the upper stems. There is some variation across populations to what extent the leaves are opposite or alternate. The leaf blades are up to 9" long and 4" across, although they are usually closer to one-third or one-half of this size. The leaf blades are lanceolate to ovate in shape and nearly entire (toothless) to serrate-dentate along their margins. The bases of leaf blades are wedge-shaped to rounded, while their tips are acute. The upper blade surface is medium green and nearly glabrous to minutely stiff-hairy, while the lower blade surface is pale-medium green and minutely stiff-hairy to short-pubescent. The hairiness of the leaf blades varies to some extent across different populations of plants. The petioles of the leaves are ¼–2½" long, becoming increasingly winged toward their blades; they are light green and minutely stiff-hairy to pubescent. The petioles become progressively shorter as they ascend along the stems. The upper stems terminate in one or more flowerheads on peduncles up to 8" long. The peduncles are similar to the stems in their characteristics.
Each flowerhead spans 2½–3½" across, consisting of a dense head of disk florets that are surrounded by 10-20 ray florets. The corollas of the disk florets are about ¼" long, narrowly tubular in shape, yellow, and 5-lobed at their apices. The petaloid rays of the flowerheads are yellow and elliptic-oblong in shape. At the base of each flowerhead, there are medium green phyllaries (floral bracts) that are arranged in 2-3 overlapping series. These phyllaries are lanceolate-triangular to ovate-triangular in shape and either appressed together or slightly spreading; their margins are usually ciliate. The blooming period occurs from late summer into autumn, lasting 1-2 months. Afterwards, fertile disk florets are replaced by achenes. At maturity, these achenes are about ¼" (6 mm.) long, oblongoid-oblanceoloid in shape, somewhat flattened, and glabrous to slightly downy. The apices of these achenes have tiny deciduous scales that soon fall off. The root system is fibrous, rhizomatous, and tuberous. The tubers are fusiform to rounded-chunky in appearance and relatively large (often 2" or more across). Clonal colonies of plants are often produced from the rhizomes and tubers.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, moist conditions, and soil containing fertile loam. During hot dry weather, the leaves may wilt conspicuously or the lower leaves may fall off, but this plant recovers readily after significant rainfall. Foliar disease usually isn't a problem until autumn, when powdery mildew on the leaves may develop. During a wind storm, this plant may topple over while it is in bloom. In open situations with reduced competition, this plant has a tendency to spread aggressively.
Range & Habitat: Jerusalem Artichoke occurs throughout most of Illinois, except a few counties in southern and NW Illinois (see Distribution Map). Overall, it is a fairly common plant; there are both native populations and plants that have escaped cultivation within the state. Habitats include moist to mesic black soil prairies, prairie remnants along railroads, moist meadows along rivers, woodland borders, thickets, roadsides and areas along railroads, slopes of ditches and drainage canals, and miscellaneous waste areas. Jerusalem Artichoke is usually more common in disturbed areas.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract primarily bees, including bumblebees, cuckoo bees (Triepeolus spp.), digger bees (Melissodes spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees, and Andrenid bees. Bees that are specialist pollinators (oligoleges) of sunflowers (Helianthus spp.) include a digger bee (Melissodes agilis), some Andrenid bees (Andrena accepta, Andrena aliciae, Andrena helianthi), a dagger bee (Pseudopanurgus rugosus), and a Halictid bee (Dufourea marginata marginata). Other floral visitors include Syrphid flies, bee flies (Bombyliidae), small to medium-sized butterflies, wasps, and beetles (Robertson, 1929, & others). These insects cross-pollinate the flowerheads. Other insects feed destructively on the foliage, stems, flowerheads, seeds, plant sap, and roots of sunflowers. The larvae of such butterflies as the Gorgone Checkerspot (Chlosyne gorgone), Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis) and Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) feed on the foliage of these plants, as do the larvae of such moths as the Arge Tiger Moth (Grammia arge) and Ruby Tiger Moth (Phragmatobia fuliginosa). Larvae of the Sunflower Moth (Homoeosoma electella) and Frothy Moth (Stibadium spumosum) feed on the seeds, while larvae of the Sunflower Borer Moth (Papaipema necopina) and Rigid Sunflower Borer Moth (Papaipema rigida) bore through the stems.
The Moth Table shows additional moths that feed on sunflowers. Other insect feeders include leaf beetles (Exema dispar, Ophraella communa, Trirhabda adela), weevils, billbugs, plant bugs, the larvae of gall midges, the larvae of fruit flies, aphids, leafhoppers, treehoppers, grasshoppers, and thrips. The Insect Table shows more information about these insects. Among vertebrate animals, the seeds are an important source of food for many birds, including the Bobwhite Quail, Mourning Dove, White-winged Crossbill, and Eastern Goldfinch (see the Bird Table for more information). Mammals also use sunflowers in various ways. Their seeds are eaten by the Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel and other rodents, while the Plains Pocket Gopher feeds on their roots and the White-tailed Deer browses on their foliage (Martin et al., 1951/1961). The tuberous roots of Jerusalem Artichoke are particularly attractive to pigs (Georgia, 1913), whether domesticated or wild. Horses, cattle, sheep, and other domesticated farm animals browse on the foliage of these plants. When sunflowers grow near creeks or ponds, their stems are used by muskrats and beavers for the construction of their dens or dams. Large colonies of sunflowers provide protective cover for many kinds of wildlife.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken along the rocky slope of a drainage ditch at the Windsor Road Prairie in Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: A better name for this sunflower would be 'Indian Potato' because the native people of North America cultivated and ate the edible tubers, which are produced in substantial quantities. These tubers have fewer calories per gram than the familiar 'Irish Potato' (a South American plant), and they are better for diabetics because the carbohydrates and sugars can be assimilated by the digestive tract without insulin. However, the tubers can produce flatulence in some people. Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) can be distinguished from other perennial sunflowers (Helianthus spp.) by its longer petioles (often exceeding ½" in length) and wider leaves. Unlike most sunflowers, the stems of Jerusalem Artichoke are covered with spreading hairs. Finally, the phyllaries (floral bracts) of its flowerheads are more wide and triangular-shaped than those of most sunflowers; the latter usually have linear-lanceolate phyllaries. The Annual Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) differs from Jerusalem Artichoke by having even wider leaves that are more or less truncate at their bases, and the central disks of its flowerheads (where the disk florets occur) are more broad.
Each flowerhead spans 2½–3½" across, consisting of a dense head of disk florets that are surrounded by 10-20 ray florets. The corollas of the disk florets are about ¼" long, narrowly tubular in shape, yellow, and 5-lobed at their apices. The petaloid rays of the flowerheads are yellow and elliptic-oblong in shape. At the base of each flowerhead, there are medium green phyllaries (floral bracts) that are arranged in 2-3 overlapping series. These phyllaries are lanceolate-triangular to ovate-triangular in shape and either appressed together or slightly spreading; their margins are usually ciliate. The blooming period occurs from late summer into autumn, lasting 1-2 months. Afterwards, fertile disk florets are replaced by achenes. At maturity, these achenes are about ¼" (6 mm.) long, oblongoid-oblanceoloid in shape, somewhat flattened, and glabrous to slightly downy. The apices of these achenes have tiny deciduous scales that soon fall off. The root system is fibrous, rhizomatous, and tuberous. The tubers are fusiform to rounded-chunky in appearance and relatively large (often 2" or more across). Clonal colonies of plants are often produced from the rhizomes and tubers.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, moist conditions, and soil containing fertile loam. During hot dry weather, the leaves may wilt conspicuously or the lower leaves may fall off, but this plant recovers readily after significant rainfall. Foliar disease usually isn't a problem until autumn, when powdery mildew on the leaves may develop. During a wind storm, this plant may topple over while it is in bloom. In open situations with reduced competition, this plant has a tendency to spread aggressively.
Range & Habitat: Jerusalem Artichoke occurs throughout most of Illinois, except a few counties in southern and NW Illinois (see Distribution Map). Overall, it is a fairly common plant; there are both native populations and plants that have escaped cultivation within the state. Habitats include moist to mesic black soil prairies, prairie remnants along railroads, moist meadows along rivers, woodland borders, thickets, roadsides and areas along railroads, slopes of ditches and drainage canals, and miscellaneous waste areas. Jerusalem Artichoke is usually more common in disturbed areas.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract primarily bees, including bumblebees, cuckoo bees (Triepeolus spp.), digger bees (Melissodes spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees, and Andrenid bees. Bees that are specialist pollinators (oligoleges) of sunflowers (Helianthus spp.) include a digger bee (Melissodes agilis), some Andrenid bees (Andrena accepta, Andrena aliciae, Andrena helianthi), a dagger bee (Pseudopanurgus rugosus), and a Halictid bee (Dufourea marginata marginata). Other floral visitors include Syrphid flies, bee flies (Bombyliidae), small to medium-sized butterflies, wasps, and beetles (Robertson, 1929, & others). These insects cross-pollinate the flowerheads. Other insects feed destructively on the foliage, stems, flowerheads, seeds, plant sap, and roots of sunflowers. The larvae of such butterflies as the Gorgone Checkerspot (Chlosyne gorgone), Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis) and Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) feed on the foliage of these plants, as do the larvae of such moths as the Arge Tiger Moth (Grammia arge) and Ruby Tiger Moth (Phragmatobia fuliginosa). Larvae of the Sunflower Moth (Homoeosoma electella) and Frothy Moth (Stibadium spumosum) feed on the seeds, while larvae of the Sunflower Borer Moth (Papaipema necopina) and Rigid Sunflower Borer Moth (Papaipema rigida) bore through the stems.
The Moth Table shows additional moths that feed on sunflowers. Other insect feeders include leaf beetles (Exema dispar, Ophraella communa, Trirhabda adela), weevils, billbugs, plant bugs, the larvae of gall midges, the larvae of fruit flies, aphids, leafhoppers, treehoppers, grasshoppers, and thrips. The Insect Table shows more information about these insects. Among vertebrate animals, the seeds are an important source of food for many birds, including the Bobwhite Quail, Mourning Dove, White-winged Crossbill, and Eastern Goldfinch (see the Bird Table for more information). Mammals also use sunflowers in various ways. Their seeds are eaten by the Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel and other rodents, while the Plains Pocket Gopher feeds on their roots and the White-tailed Deer browses on their foliage (Martin et al., 1951/1961). The tuberous roots of Jerusalem Artichoke are particularly attractive to pigs (Georgia, 1913), whether domesticated or wild. Horses, cattle, sheep, and other domesticated farm animals browse on the foliage of these plants. When sunflowers grow near creeks or ponds, their stems are used by muskrats and beavers for the construction of their dens or dams. Large colonies of sunflowers provide protective cover for many kinds of wildlife.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken along the rocky slope of a drainage ditch at the Windsor Road Prairie in Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: A better name for this sunflower would be 'Indian Potato' because the native people of North America cultivated and ate the edible tubers, which are produced in substantial quantities. These tubers have fewer calories per gram than the familiar 'Irish Potato' (a South American plant), and they are better for diabetics because the carbohydrates and sugars can be assimilated by the digestive tract without insulin. However, the tubers can produce flatulence in some people. Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) can be distinguished from other perennial sunflowers (Helianthus spp.) by its longer petioles (often exceeding ½" in length) and wider leaves. Unlike most sunflowers, the stems of Jerusalem Artichoke are covered with spreading hairs. Finally, the phyllaries (floral bracts) of its flowerheads are more wide and triangular-shaped than those of most sunflowers; the latter usually have linear-lanceolate phyllaries. The Annual Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) differs from Jerusalem Artichoke by having even wider leaves that are more or less truncate at their bases, and the central disks of its flowerheads (where the disk florets occur) are more broad.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年01月11日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 2-4' tall. It is either unbranched or sparingly branched toward the apex. The central stem is green or reddish brown; it has scattered short white hairs that are quite stiff, providing a sand-papery texture. The opposite leaves are up to 6" long and 2" across, becoming slightly smaller and more narrow as they ascend the stem. However, one or two of the uppermost leaves may alternate along the stem. These leaves are lanceolate or narrowly ovate, tapering gradually at the base. They have short thick petioles, smooth or slightly serrate margins, and a rather rough texture because of scattered short stiff hairs and fine bumps on the surface. In hot dry weather, the leaves often curl upward along the central vein.
Each composite flower is about 2½–3" across, occurring individually at the apex of the central stem and any upper lateral stems. It consists of 10-25 yellow ray florets surrounding numerous reddish brown or yellow disk florets (the latter is atypical). Sometimes the ray florets fold along their length and assume a star-like quality in response to hot dry weather. The floral bracts (phyllaries) surrounding the base of each composite flower are triangular in shape and appressed together in 2-3 overlapping series. There is little noticeable floral scent. The blooming period occurs from late summer to fall, lasting 1-2 months. The root system produces numerous rhizomes, which enables this plant to form dense colonies quickly. These colonies of Prairie Sunflower tend to exclude other plant species because the roots exude allelopathic chemicals that inhibit seed germination and growth of young plants. Because Prairie Sunflower is somewhat vulnerable to these chemicals itself, the plants in the middle of a colony sometimes die out, creating a "fairy ring" effect.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, clay loam, sand, or gravelly material. This plant is easy to grow, but can spread and become very aggressive. Patches of powdery mildew may occur on the leaves. It is sometimes shy to flower.
Range & Habitat: The native Prairie Sunflower occurs occasionally in central and northern Illinois, but is uncommon or absent in many areas of southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is locally common in some prairie remnants, particularly along railroads. Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, gravel prairies, sand prairies, hill prairies, limestone glades, and areas along railroads.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract bumblebees, Miner bees, large Leaf-Cutting bees, Halictine bees, bee flies, butterflies, and skippers. Typical butterfly visitors include Phyciodes tharos (Pearl Crescent), Vanessa cardui (Painted Lady), and Chlosyne spp. (Checkerspot butterflies). These insects seek nectar, although the bees also collect pollen. The caterpillars of the butterflies Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot), Chlosyne gorgone (Gorgon Checkerspot), and Vanessa cardui (Painted Lady) feed on the foliage of this and other sunflowers. The caterpillars of several species of moths and miscellaneous other insects feed on various parts of sunflowers (see Insect Table). This includes the larvae of Microrhapala cyanea (Leaf Miner Beetle) and Gnorimoschema sp. (Gall Moth sp.), the latter forming circular galls on the stems. The large and nutritious seeds are eaten by many kinds of upland gamebirds, songbirds, and small rodents (see Wildlife Table). The Eastern Pocket Gopher eats the roots, while deer and livestock browse on the foliage.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Dave Monk's postage stamp prairie in Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: Prairie Sunflower can be variable in appearance. With respect to the flowers, the disk florets are usually reddish brown (maroon), however sometimes they are yellow in appearance; there are usually 10-15 ray florets, but sometimes as many as 25. Similarly, the leaves are often 1" across or less, but sometimes wider. These variations may be the result of hybridization, or the existence of subspecies that remain to be identified. This sunflower species can be distinguished from others by the rough texture of its leaves and stems, the short stout petioles, and the lanceolate shape of its leaves. In addition, the floral bracts (phyllaries) are triangular in shape and more wide than those of most other sunflowers. Prairie Sunflower is more xerophytic than many other sunflowers in Illinois, favoring dry upland areas in full sunlight. Another scientific name for this plant is Helianthus rigidus, but it is considered obsolete.
Each composite flower is about 2½–3" across, occurring individually at the apex of the central stem and any upper lateral stems. It consists of 10-25 yellow ray florets surrounding numerous reddish brown or yellow disk florets (the latter is atypical). Sometimes the ray florets fold along their length and assume a star-like quality in response to hot dry weather. The floral bracts (phyllaries) surrounding the base of each composite flower are triangular in shape and appressed together in 2-3 overlapping series. There is little noticeable floral scent. The blooming period occurs from late summer to fall, lasting 1-2 months. The root system produces numerous rhizomes, which enables this plant to form dense colonies quickly. These colonies of Prairie Sunflower tend to exclude other plant species because the roots exude allelopathic chemicals that inhibit seed germination and growth of young plants. Because Prairie Sunflower is somewhat vulnerable to these chemicals itself, the plants in the middle of a colony sometimes die out, creating a "fairy ring" effect.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, clay loam, sand, or gravelly material. This plant is easy to grow, but can spread and become very aggressive. Patches of powdery mildew may occur on the leaves. It is sometimes shy to flower.
Range & Habitat: The native Prairie Sunflower occurs occasionally in central and northern Illinois, but is uncommon or absent in many areas of southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is locally common in some prairie remnants, particularly along railroads. Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, gravel prairies, sand prairies, hill prairies, limestone glades, and areas along railroads.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract bumblebees, Miner bees, large Leaf-Cutting bees, Halictine bees, bee flies, butterflies, and skippers. Typical butterfly visitors include Phyciodes tharos (Pearl Crescent), Vanessa cardui (Painted Lady), and Chlosyne spp. (Checkerspot butterflies). These insects seek nectar, although the bees also collect pollen. The caterpillars of the butterflies Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot), Chlosyne gorgone (Gorgon Checkerspot), and Vanessa cardui (Painted Lady) feed on the foliage of this and other sunflowers. The caterpillars of several species of moths and miscellaneous other insects feed on various parts of sunflowers (see Insect Table). This includes the larvae of Microrhapala cyanea (Leaf Miner Beetle) and Gnorimoschema sp. (Gall Moth sp.), the latter forming circular galls on the stems. The large and nutritious seeds are eaten by many kinds of upland gamebirds, songbirds, and small rodents (see Wildlife Table). The Eastern Pocket Gopher eats the roots, while deer and livestock browse on the foliage.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Dave Monk's postage stamp prairie in Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: Prairie Sunflower can be variable in appearance. With respect to the flowers, the disk florets are usually reddish brown (maroon), however sometimes they are yellow in appearance; there are usually 10-15 ray florets, but sometimes as many as 25. Similarly, the leaves are often 1" across or less, but sometimes wider. These variations may be the result of hybridization, or the existence of subspecies that remain to be identified. This sunflower species can be distinguished from others by the rough texture of its leaves and stems, the short stout petioles, and the lanceolate shape of its leaves. In addition, the floral bracts (phyllaries) are triangular in shape and more wide than those of most other sunflowers. Prairie Sunflower is more xerophytic than many other sunflowers in Illinois, favoring dry upland areas in full sunlight. Another scientific name for this plant is Helianthus rigidus, but it is considered obsolete.
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Miss Chen
2018年01月11日
Description: This perennial wildflower consists of a rosette of basal leaves up to 1½' across, from which a flowering stalk develops that is 2-4' tall. The blades of the basal leaves are 2-7" long and 1-3" across; they are oval to ovate in shape and their margins are smooth (entire) or serrulate with sparse small teeth. The blades of basal leaves usually have rounded bottom and blunt tips. Their upper blade surfaces are medium green and rough-textured, while their lower surfaces are light green. In addition to their central veins, the basal leaves have 1-2 pairs of lateral veins that originate from the bases of their blades. The slender petioles of the basal leaves are 1-4" long and light green. The flowering stalk is light green to greenish red and glabrous to hairy; it is mostly naked, except for 1-2 pairs of opposite leaves below and a few alternate leaves above. The blades of opposite or alternate leaves are 1-3" long and ¼-¾" across; they are lanceolate or elliptic in shape and usually smooth (entire) along their margins. The blades surfaces of these leaves are similar to those of the basal leaves, while their petioles are either absent or up to ½" long.
The flowering stalk terminates in 1-12 flowerheads that are usually arranged in a panicle. The peduncles of these flowerheads are ½-6" long. Individual flowerheads are 1½-2½" across, consisting of 8-22 ray florets that surround numerous disk florets. The petaloid rays are yellow and oblong to elliptic in shape. The tiny disk florets have tubular corollas that are yellow and 5-lobed. Around the base of each flowerhead, there are several overlapping phyllaries (floral bracts). These phyllaries are 5-7 mm. long, light green, linear-lanceolate in shape, and ciliate along their margins. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall, lasting about 1 month for a colony of plants. Afterwards, the fertile disk florets are replaced by achenes about 3-4 mm. in length. These achenes are broadly oblongoid and somewhat flattened in shape; they have a pair of scale-like awns that are early-deciduous. The root system consists of a narrow taproot with shallow rhizomes. Vegetative colonies of plants are sometimes produced from these rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, mesic to dry conditions, and sandy soil. This wildflower will also adapt to partial sun and rocky soil. On deep fertile soil, it is not competitive with other species of plants. This is one of the less aggressive Helianthus spp. (sunflowers).
Range & Habitat: The native Western Sunflower is occasional in the northern half of Illinois, while in the southern section of the state it is uncommon or absent. Habitats include upland sand prairies, sandy hill prairies, upland sandy savannas, limestone and sandstone glades, sandy areas along railroads, and sandy abandoned fields. This sunflower is usually found in higher quality habitats where the original ground flora is still intact.
Faunal Associations: The pollinators of Western Sunflower are probably similar to those of other sunflowers that grow in relatively open areas. This includes such insects and long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, miscellaneous flies, and occasional butterflies. The following bees are oligoleges (specialist pollinators) of sunflowers (Helianthus spp.): Dufourea marginata, Andrena accepta, Andrena helianthi, Andrena aliciae, Melissodes agilis, and Pseudopanurgus rugosus. Other insects feed on the foliage, bore through the stems, feed on the florets and seeds, or suck plant juices from sunflowers. These species include: the leafhoppers Mesamia straminea and Mesamia nigridorsum; the aphids Uroleucon illini and Uroleucon rudbeckiae; the plant bugs Ilnacora stalii and Plagiognathus nigronitens; Haplorhynchities aeneus (Sunflower Head-Clipping Weevil) and Cylindrocopturus adspersus (Sunflower Stem Weevil); the leaf beetles Physonota helianthi and Trirhabda adela; Contarinia schulzi (Sunflower Midge) and Neotephritis finalis (Sunflower Seed Maggot); Melanoplus packardii (Packard's Grasshopper) and Sparagemon collare (Mottled Sand Grasshopper); and the flower thrips Heterothrips auranticornis (see Insect Table for a more complete listing of these species). In addition to these insects, the caterpillars of such butterflies as Chlosyne gorgone (Gorgone Checkerspot), Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot), and Vanessa cardui (Painted Lady) feed on sunflowers, as do the caterpillars of many moths (see Moth Table).
The seeds of wild sunflowers are a nutritious source of food for many birds, including the Mourning Dove, Eastern Goldfinch, White-Winged Crossbill, Bobwhite Quail, and several species of sparrows (see Bird Table). The seeds are also eaten by the Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrel, mice, and voles. White-Tailed Deer and other hoofed mammalian herbivores browse on the flowering stalks and leaves of sunflowers. Because the Plains Pocket Gopher prefers many of the same habitats as the Western Sunflower in Illinois (open sandy habitats that are well-drained), it likely feeds on the roots, foliage, and seeds of this sunflower in some areas of the state.
Photographic Location: A flower garden in Urbana, Illinois. Because of a hot dry summer, the foliage of the photographed plant was unusually yellow.
Comments: Because of its prominent basal leaves and nearly naked flowering stalks, the Western Sunflower has a very distinct appearance among Helianthus spp. (sunflowers). It resembles a petite Silphium terebinthinaceum (Prairie Dock), however the seeds of this latter wildflower are produced by the ray florets, rather than the disk florets. Also, the basal leaves of this latter wildflower are more toothed along their margins, more erect, and much larger in size. In spite of its distinct appearance, the Western Sunflower can form both natural and artificial hybrids with several species of sunflowers. One of these hybrids, Helianthus × cinereus, has Helianthus mollis (Downy Sunflower) as the other parent. The common name of this species, Western Sunflower, is somewhat misleading, because it isn't native to the western United States. Instead, its distribution is centered in the upper Midwest.
The flowering stalk terminates in 1-12 flowerheads that are usually arranged in a panicle. The peduncles of these flowerheads are ½-6" long. Individual flowerheads are 1½-2½" across, consisting of 8-22 ray florets that surround numerous disk florets. The petaloid rays are yellow and oblong to elliptic in shape. The tiny disk florets have tubular corollas that are yellow and 5-lobed. Around the base of each flowerhead, there are several overlapping phyllaries (floral bracts). These phyllaries are 5-7 mm. long, light green, linear-lanceolate in shape, and ciliate along their margins. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall, lasting about 1 month for a colony of plants. Afterwards, the fertile disk florets are replaced by achenes about 3-4 mm. in length. These achenes are broadly oblongoid and somewhat flattened in shape; they have a pair of scale-like awns that are early-deciduous. The root system consists of a narrow taproot with shallow rhizomes. Vegetative colonies of plants are sometimes produced from these rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, mesic to dry conditions, and sandy soil. This wildflower will also adapt to partial sun and rocky soil. On deep fertile soil, it is not competitive with other species of plants. This is one of the less aggressive Helianthus spp. (sunflowers).
Range & Habitat: The native Western Sunflower is occasional in the northern half of Illinois, while in the southern section of the state it is uncommon or absent. Habitats include upland sand prairies, sandy hill prairies, upland sandy savannas, limestone and sandstone glades, sandy areas along railroads, and sandy abandoned fields. This sunflower is usually found in higher quality habitats where the original ground flora is still intact.
Faunal Associations: The pollinators of Western Sunflower are probably similar to those of other sunflowers that grow in relatively open areas. This includes such insects and long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, miscellaneous flies, and occasional butterflies. The following bees are oligoleges (specialist pollinators) of sunflowers (Helianthus spp.): Dufourea marginata, Andrena accepta, Andrena helianthi, Andrena aliciae, Melissodes agilis, and Pseudopanurgus rugosus. Other insects feed on the foliage, bore through the stems, feed on the florets and seeds, or suck plant juices from sunflowers. These species include: the leafhoppers Mesamia straminea and Mesamia nigridorsum; the aphids Uroleucon illini and Uroleucon rudbeckiae; the plant bugs Ilnacora stalii and Plagiognathus nigronitens; Haplorhynchities aeneus (Sunflower Head-Clipping Weevil) and Cylindrocopturus adspersus (Sunflower Stem Weevil); the leaf beetles Physonota helianthi and Trirhabda adela; Contarinia schulzi (Sunflower Midge) and Neotephritis finalis (Sunflower Seed Maggot); Melanoplus packardii (Packard's Grasshopper) and Sparagemon collare (Mottled Sand Grasshopper); and the flower thrips Heterothrips auranticornis (see Insect Table for a more complete listing of these species). In addition to these insects, the caterpillars of such butterflies as Chlosyne gorgone (Gorgone Checkerspot), Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot), and Vanessa cardui (Painted Lady) feed on sunflowers, as do the caterpillars of many moths (see Moth Table).
The seeds of wild sunflowers are a nutritious source of food for many birds, including the Mourning Dove, Eastern Goldfinch, White-Winged Crossbill, Bobwhite Quail, and several species of sparrows (see Bird Table). The seeds are also eaten by the Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrel, mice, and voles. White-Tailed Deer and other hoofed mammalian herbivores browse on the flowering stalks and leaves of sunflowers. Because the Plains Pocket Gopher prefers many of the same habitats as the Western Sunflower in Illinois (open sandy habitats that are well-drained), it likely feeds on the roots, foliage, and seeds of this sunflower in some areas of the state.
Photographic Location: A flower garden in Urbana, Illinois. Because of a hot dry summer, the foliage of the photographed plant was unusually yellow.
Comments: Because of its prominent basal leaves and nearly naked flowering stalks, the Western Sunflower has a very distinct appearance among Helianthus spp. (sunflowers). It resembles a petite Silphium terebinthinaceum (Prairie Dock), however the seeds of this latter wildflower are produced by the ray florets, rather than the disk florets. Also, the basal leaves of this latter wildflower are more toothed along their margins, more erect, and much larger in size. In spite of its distinct appearance, the Western Sunflower can form both natural and artificial hybrids with several species of sunflowers. One of these hybrids, Helianthus × cinereus, has Helianthus mollis (Downy Sunflower) as the other parent. The common name of this species, Western Sunflower, is somewhat misleading, because it isn't native to the western United States. Instead, its distribution is centered in the upper Midwest.
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Miss Chen
2018年01月10日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 2-4' tall. It is unbranched, except for a few small flowering stems near the top of the plant. The stout central stem is covered with fine hairs. The opposite leaves are up to 4" long and 2½" across. They are broadly lanceolate, and either clasp the stem or are sessile. Fine soft hairs cover both the lower and upper sides of the leaves, which are greyish green or bluish green. Their margins are smooth, or have small blunt teeth. The composite flowers develop singly from upper stems, and span about 2½–4" across. A composite flower consists of numerous yellow disk florets, and 15-30 surrounding yellow ray florets. The central disk of a composite flower is initially brown because of the bracts of the disk florets, but it later turns yellow. The blooming period occurs from late summer to early fall, and lasts about 1-2 months. There is little scent to the flowers. The dark seeds have a shiny surface, but no tufts of hair. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. This plant tends to form dense colonies, in part because the root system exudes allelopathic chemicals that inhibit the growth of other species of plants.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions. Poor soil is preferred, containing sand, clay, or rocky material; this plant also grows readily in rich, loamy soil, in which case it will become taller. A soil with low pH is tolerated. It is best not to water or fertilize this plant, even during a drought, as it will become top heavy while blooming and fall over. Downy Sunflower is easy to grow and not subject to serious problems with foliar disease. It can spread aggressively.
Range & Habitat: The native Downy Sunflower occurs occasionally in the southern half of Illinois, as well as NE Illinois; it is rare or absent elsewhere, especially in NW Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, clay prairies, thickets, barrens with sparse vegetation, rocky glades, abandoned fields, and areas along roadsides and railroads. This plant tends to occur in high quality habitats.
Faunal Associations: Primarily bees visit the flowers for nectar or pollen, including bumblebees, Miner bees, large Leaf-Cutting bees, Cuckoo bees, Green Metallic bees, and other Halictid bees. Other occasional insect visitors of the flowers include bee flies and butterflies. The caterpillars of the butterflies Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) and Chlosyne gorgone (Gorgone Checkerspot) feed on the foliage, while the caterpillars of moths and other insects are known to feed on various parts of this and other sunflowers (see Insect Table). The seeds are popular with many kinds of birds, ground squirrels, and other small rodents. (Wildlife Table). Goldfinches, in particular, are partial to the seeds. Mammalian herbivores browse on this plant occasionally, including rabbits (younger plants), groundhogs, deer, and livestock.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Downy Sunflower is an attractive plant, whether in or out of bloom. It can be readily distinguished from other sunflowers by the fine soft hairs that heavily cover both the leaves and stems; the broad clasping leaves; and the greater number of ray florets in the compound flowers.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions. Poor soil is preferred, containing sand, clay, or rocky material; this plant also grows readily in rich, loamy soil, in which case it will become taller. A soil with low pH is tolerated. It is best not to water or fertilize this plant, even during a drought, as it will become top heavy while blooming and fall over. Downy Sunflower is easy to grow and not subject to serious problems with foliar disease. It can spread aggressively.
Range & Habitat: The native Downy Sunflower occurs occasionally in the southern half of Illinois, as well as NE Illinois; it is rare or absent elsewhere, especially in NW Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, clay prairies, thickets, barrens with sparse vegetation, rocky glades, abandoned fields, and areas along roadsides and railroads. This plant tends to occur in high quality habitats.
Faunal Associations: Primarily bees visit the flowers for nectar or pollen, including bumblebees, Miner bees, large Leaf-Cutting bees, Cuckoo bees, Green Metallic bees, and other Halictid bees. Other occasional insect visitors of the flowers include bee flies and butterflies. The caterpillars of the butterflies Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) and Chlosyne gorgone (Gorgone Checkerspot) feed on the foliage, while the caterpillars of moths and other insects are known to feed on various parts of this and other sunflowers (see Insect Table). The seeds are popular with many kinds of birds, ground squirrels, and other small rodents. (Wildlife Table). Goldfinches, in particular, are partial to the seeds. Mammalian herbivores browse on this plant occasionally, including rabbits (younger plants), groundhogs, deer, and livestock.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Downy Sunflower is an attractive plant, whether in or out of bloom. It can be readily distinguished from other sunflowers by the fine soft hairs that heavily cover both the leaves and stems; the broad clasping leaves; and the greater number of ray florets in the compound flowers.
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