文章
Miss Chen
2017年12月19日
Description: This annual plant is ½-2' tall, branching occasionally. Shorter plants are erect, while taller plants are inclined to sprawl. The slender hairless stems are initially light green, but become reddish brown. The alternate compound leaves are medium to dark green. They have petioles with nectaries that attract insects. Each compound leaf has up to 20 leaflets, which are somewhat sensitive to touch. A leaflet is about 2/3" long and 1/3" across. It is hairless and oblong. The bright yellow flowers appear along the major stems near the axils of the leaves. They are about 1" across, and have an open, irregular shape. Each flower has 5 rounded petals that vary in relative size, and there are about 10 reddish stamens. There is no floral scent. The blooming period is quite long, from mid-summer to fall. During the fall, pods develop that are initially hairy green, but later become hairless and dark brown. They are about 2½" long, ¾" across, and rather flat. The seeds are dark brown, rather flat, and slightly pitted. The root system consists of a central taproot and smaller auxillary roots.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and average to dry conditions. The soil can contain sand, loam, gravel, or clay, to which this plant will add nitrogen. It favors poor soil because of reduced competition from other plants. Partridge Pea is easy to grow, but can spread readily in dry, open situations. It's not usually bothered by disease.
Range & Habitat: The native Partridge Pea is widespread and locally common in Illinois, except in some northern counties, where it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, savannas, limestone glades, abandoned fields, open areas along railroads and roadsides. Sometimes Partridge Pea is deliberately planted to stabilize banks around ditches and other areas, from where it frequently escapes. This plant favors disturbed areas.
Faunal Associations: Long-tongued bees are responsible for pollination of the flowers, which includes such visitors as honeybees, bumblebees, long-horned bees (Melissodes spp.), and leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.). They are attracted to the food pollen of the purple anthers, and are then dusted by the reproductive pollen of the yellow anthers. Two species of bees, Anthophora walshii and Svastra atripes atripes, are oligoleges of Partridge Pea. Sometimes leaf-cutting bees cut off portions of the petals for their brood chambers. The flowers are usually cross-pollinated by insects, but sometimes they are self-pollinating. The petiolar nectaries attract a completely different assortment of insects, which includes such visitors as Halictid bees, wasps, flies, and ants (Robertson, 1929). Unusual visitors to the nectaries are velvet ants (Mutillidae), which are hairy wingless wasps (in the case of the females). The caterpillars of several sulfur butterflies feed on the foliage of this plant, including Eurema lisa (Little Sulfur), Eurema nicippe (Sleepy Orange), and Phoebis sennae cubule (Cloudless Sulfur); see Opler & Krizek (1984). Other insects that feed on Partridge Pea include Cerotoma trifurcata (Bean Leaf Beetle) and Sennius cruentatus (Partridge Pea Seed Beetle); see Clark et al. (2004) and Vestal (1913). The seeds are an important food source for the Bobwhite Quail and Greater Prairie Chicken (Martin et al., 1951/1961; Yeatter, 1943). Because the foliage is strongly cathartic, it is usually avoided by grazing animals (Georgia, 1913). However, White-Tailed Deer occasionally browse on the foliage in limited amounts.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Judge Webber Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is one of the few annual plants of the prairie that are non-parasitic on the roots of perennial plants. The Partridge Pea is quite attractive in regards to both its foliage and flowering habit, providing quick bloom during the first year of a wild flower garden.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and average to dry conditions. The soil can contain sand, loam, gravel, or clay, to which this plant will add nitrogen. It favors poor soil because of reduced competition from other plants. Partridge Pea is easy to grow, but can spread readily in dry, open situations. It's not usually bothered by disease.
Range & Habitat: The native Partridge Pea is widespread and locally common in Illinois, except in some northern counties, where it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, savannas, limestone glades, abandoned fields, open areas along railroads and roadsides. Sometimes Partridge Pea is deliberately planted to stabilize banks around ditches and other areas, from where it frequently escapes. This plant favors disturbed areas.
Faunal Associations: Long-tongued bees are responsible for pollination of the flowers, which includes such visitors as honeybees, bumblebees, long-horned bees (Melissodes spp.), and leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.). They are attracted to the food pollen of the purple anthers, and are then dusted by the reproductive pollen of the yellow anthers. Two species of bees, Anthophora walshii and Svastra atripes atripes, are oligoleges of Partridge Pea. Sometimes leaf-cutting bees cut off portions of the petals for their brood chambers. The flowers are usually cross-pollinated by insects, but sometimes they are self-pollinating. The petiolar nectaries attract a completely different assortment of insects, which includes such visitors as Halictid bees, wasps, flies, and ants (Robertson, 1929). Unusual visitors to the nectaries are velvet ants (Mutillidae), which are hairy wingless wasps (in the case of the females). The caterpillars of several sulfur butterflies feed on the foliage of this plant, including Eurema lisa (Little Sulfur), Eurema nicippe (Sleepy Orange), and Phoebis sennae cubule (Cloudless Sulfur); see Opler & Krizek (1984). Other insects that feed on Partridge Pea include Cerotoma trifurcata (Bean Leaf Beetle) and Sennius cruentatus (Partridge Pea Seed Beetle); see Clark et al. (2004) and Vestal (1913). The seeds are an important food source for the Bobwhite Quail and Greater Prairie Chicken (Martin et al., 1951/1961; Yeatter, 1943). Because the foliage is strongly cathartic, it is usually avoided by grazing animals (Georgia, 1913). However, White-Tailed Deer occasionally browse on the foliage in limited amounts.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Judge Webber Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is one of the few annual plants of the prairie that are non-parasitic on the roots of perennial plants. The Partridge Pea is quite attractive in regards to both its foliage and flowering habit, providing quick bloom during the first year of a wild flower garden.
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文章
张祥明
2017年12月18日
不发芽的原因
1.温度与湿度，过高或过低的温度、过湿过干的环境都会影响发芽的情况；
2.种子的质量，种子是否是新鲜的，还是存放年头过长的，且颗粒是否完整饱满等；
3.若是自己采集的种子，在存放时环境是否通风干燥等；
4.蓝目菊的种子外层有一层硬壳，若在播种前未将此壳剥离，也会影响种子发芽的。
处理方法
应该选择在秋季9月进行，温度在18度至20度之间，这样就会有更多的种子能发出芽来。若是春季3月进行也可以，但要注意控制好温度。
在挑选种子时尽量选择颗粒较大，比较完整的。同时也要确保是新鲜的种子，若是自己采集时，一定要放在阴凉干燥的地方存储。
在播种前先把它坚硬的外壳剥掉，如果直播，可能会出现无一发芽的现象。剥掉壳之后可以用潮湿的纸巾包裹住，或是放在潮湿的沙土上，然后用塑料薄膜在进行包裹，中午时可以打开换气与洒水，其它时间在包裹上。这样会大大增加种子的发芽率。
当种子露出白白的肚皮时，就可以放在花盆中播种了。
若遇到此情况的友友们可以参考一下本文，看看到底是哪个环节出一问题，导致种子不发芽。
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年12月18日
Description: This perennial wildflower consists of a low rosette of basal leaves up to 1½' across and a flowering stalk about 1½–2' tall. The floppy basal leaves are 6-12" long and 1/3" (8 mm.) across; they are medium to dark green, linear in shape, parallel-veined, glabrous, and smooth along their margins. Along the underside of each basal leaf, there is a prominent mid-rib. The erect central stalk is slender, light to medium green, and glabrous; it terminates in a spike-like raceme of flowers that is several inches in length. Underneath the floral spike, there are usually 1-3 bracts along the stalk. These bracts are green, linear to linear-lanceolate in shape, and up to ¾" long. Each flower is ¾–1" across, consisting of 6 tepals, 6 stamens with bright yellow anthers, and a green central ovary with a slender style. The tepals are light blue-violet to nearly white; they are oblong in shape and spread widely from the center of the flower. Each tepal (petal or petal-like sepal) has 1-3 poorly defined veins along its length.
At the base of each flower, there is a single linear bract up to ¾" long that is early-deciduous. The slender pedicel of each flower is about the same length as the bract. The flowers begin to bloom from the bottom of the raceme and continue to bloom upward toward the apex; each flower lasts only 2-3 days. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring and lasts about 2-3 weeks. Each fertilized flower is replaced by a 3-celled seed capsule that is about 1/3" in length and nearly as much across. Each seed capsule contains many small seeds that are black and shiny. The basal leaves turn yellow and wither away by mid-summer. The root system consists of a bulb with fibrous roots. This wildflower reproduces by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, moist conditions, and rich loamy soil. Wild Hyacinth is slow to develop, but fairly long-lived. Vegetative growth and development occurs during the cool weather of spring, when adequate moisture is essential.
Range & Habitat: Wild Hyacinth is found occasionally throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include moist black soil prairies, moist savannas, moist open woodlands (particularly along the banks of streams), rocky wooded slopes, and limestone glades. This species is typically found in high quality habitats, whether prairies or woodlands.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract their fair share of insects, including many bees and flies, and occasional butterflies and wasps. Most of these insects seek nectar from the flowers, although some short-tongued bees also collect pollen. Bee visitors include honeybees, bumblebees, Cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), and Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp., etc.). Other floral-faunal relationships are poorly understood. White-Tailed Deer occasionally chomp off the tops of the basal leaves. Both the foliage and bulbs are not known to be toxic to mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: Along a woodland stream in Douglas or Coles County in east-central Illinois.
Comments: Wild Hyacinth has attractive flowers that are conspicuous during the spring. It is usually found in woodland habitats, but also occurs in prairies. Wild Hyacinth differs from the less common Camassia angusta (Prairie Hyacinth) in several ways, among them: 1) It has slightly larger flowers than the latter, 2) its flowers are usually a slightly lighter shade of blue-violet, 3) its seed capsules are about as broad as long, while Prairie Hyacinth has seed capsules that are slightly longer than broad, 4) the bracts of its flowering stalk are less persistent than those of Prairie Hyacinth, and 5) it blooms earlier in the spring.
At the base of each flower, there is a single linear bract up to ¾" long that is early-deciduous. The slender pedicel of each flower is about the same length as the bract. The flowers begin to bloom from the bottom of the raceme and continue to bloom upward toward the apex; each flower lasts only 2-3 days. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring and lasts about 2-3 weeks. Each fertilized flower is replaced by a 3-celled seed capsule that is about 1/3" in length and nearly as much across. Each seed capsule contains many small seeds that are black and shiny. The basal leaves turn yellow and wither away by mid-summer. The root system consists of a bulb with fibrous roots. This wildflower reproduces by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, moist conditions, and rich loamy soil. Wild Hyacinth is slow to develop, but fairly long-lived. Vegetative growth and development occurs during the cool weather of spring, when adequate moisture is essential.
Range & Habitat: Wild Hyacinth is found occasionally throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include moist black soil prairies, moist savannas, moist open woodlands (particularly along the banks of streams), rocky wooded slopes, and limestone glades. This species is typically found in high quality habitats, whether prairies or woodlands.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract their fair share of insects, including many bees and flies, and occasional butterflies and wasps. Most of these insects seek nectar from the flowers, although some short-tongued bees also collect pollen. Bee visitors include honeybees, bumblebees, Cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), and Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp., etc.). Other floral-faunal relationships are poorly understood. White-Tailed Deer occasionally chomp off the tops of the basal leaves. Both the foliage and bulbs are not known to be toxic to mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: Along a woodland stream in Douglas or Coles County in east-central Illinois.
Comments: Wild Hyacinth has attractive flowers that are conspicuous during the spring. It is usually found in woodland habitats, but also occurs in prairies. Wild Hyacinth differs from the less common Camassia angusta (Prairie Hyacinth) in several ways, among them: 1) It has slightly larger flowers than the latter, 2) its flowers are usually a slightly lighter shade of blue-violet, 3) its seed capsules are about as broad as long, while Prairie Hyacinth has seed capsules that are slightly longer than broad, 4) the bracts of its flowering stalk are less persistent than those of Prairie Hyacinth, and 5) it blooms earlier in the spring.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年12月18日
Description: This perennial plant consists of a rosette of basal leaves up to 1½' across and one or more flowering stalks up to 2½' tall. The strap-shaped basal leaves are up to 14" long and 1" across; they are linear, smooth along the margins, and glabrous. Their veins are parallel. These basal leaves are rather floppy and they often arch downward or sprawl across the ground in the absence of support from other vegetation. The basal leaves wither away by mid-summer. The flowering stalks are erect, slender, hairless, and leafless. Each stalk terminates in a raceme of about 20-80 flowers. Each flower consists of 6 lavender to pale blue-violet tepals, 6 stamens with golden yellow anthers, and a light green pistil with a short slender style. Each flower spans about ¾" across when it is fully open. The pedicels of the flowers are slender, green, and deciduous, unless the flower is successfully cross-pollinated. Underneath each flower, there is often a persistent bract about ¾" long that is thread-like in appearance. After the flowers begin blooming on the raceme, there can be 3-20 (or more) of these bracts underneath. Several flowers bloom in a ring at the same time, which forms at the bottom of the raceme and moves upward. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer and can last up to 1 month for a colony of plants. The flowers that are successfully cross-pollinated form seed capsules that are ovoid-oblongoid in shape. Each capsule contains several seeds. The root system consists of a bulb with secondary fibrous roots at the bottom. This plant reproduces by forming offsets from the bulbs and by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and a fertile loamy soil. This plant is rarely bothered by disease and insect pests. It is somewhat slow to develop, especially from seeds.
Range & Habitat: In Illinois, Prairie Hyacinth is a rare plant that has been observed in Macon and Peoria counties only (see Distribution Map). At the present time, only one population of plants is known to exist within the state at a railroad prairie. Apparently, the other population has been extirpated. In neighboring states, Prairie Hyacinth has been observed in prairies and thinly-wooded areas. This native species is state-listed as 'endangered' in Illinois.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract both long-tongued and short-tongued bees, which suck nectar or collect pollen. Other visitors of the flowers include various flies, butterflies, skippers, wasps, and beetles, which suck nectar or feed on pollen. Aside from these flower-visiting insects, little information is available about floral-faunal relations for this wildflower.
Photographic Location: The webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This little-known species is sometimes confused with Camassia scilloides (Wild Hyacinth), which is more common within the state. Both species are attractive wildflowers with similar habitat preferences. Their appearance is quite similar, which can make them difficult to tell apart. Prairie Hyacinth begins to flower about a month later than Wild Hyacinth and there is little overlap in their blooming periods; this is one good reason why they should be considered separate species. The flowering stalk of Prairie Hyacinth has 3-20 (or more) persistent bracts underneath the blooming flowers, while Wild Hyacinth has 0-2 deciduous bracts underneath the flowers of its stalks. The seed capsules of Prairie Hyacinth are longer than they are wide, while the seed capsules of Wild Hyacinth are about as long as they are wide. The flowers of Prairie Hyacinth tend to have shorter styles, shorter stamens, and tepals that are a little shorter and more deeply colored, but these distinctions are less reliable, or they require the careful use of a ruler or measuring tape in the field.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and a fertile loamy soil. This plant is rarely bothered by disease and insect pests. It is somewhat slow to develop, especially from seeds.
Range & Habitat: In Illinois, Prairie Hyacinth is a rare plant that has been observed in Macon and Peoria counties only (see Distribution Map). At the present time, only one population of plants is known to exist within the state at a railroad prairie. Apparently, the other population has been extirpated. In neighboring states, Prairie Hyacinth has been observed in prairies and thinly-wooded areas. This native species is state-listed as 'endangered' in Illinois.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract both long-tongued and short-tongued bees, which suck nectar or collect pollen. Other visitors of the flowers include various flies, butterflies, skippers, wasps, and beetles, which suck nectar or feed on pollen. Aside from these flower-visiting insects, little information is available about floral-faunal relations for this wildflower.
Photographic Location: The webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This little-known species is sometimes confused with Camassia scilloides (Wild Hyacinth), which is more common within the state. Both species are attractive wildflowers with similar habitat preferences. Their appearance is quite similar, which can make them difficult to tell apart. Prairie Hyacinth begins to flower about a month later than Wild Hyacinth and there is little overlap in their blooming periods; this is one good reason why they should be considered separate species. The flowering stalk of Prairie Hyacinth has 3-20 (or more) persistent bracts underneath the blooming flowers, while Wild Hyacinth has 0-2 deciduous bracts underneath the flowers of its stalks. The seed capsules of Prairie Hyacinth are longer than they are wide, while the seed capsules of Wild Hyacinth are about as long as they are wide. The flowers of Prairie Hyacinth tend to have shorter styles, shorter stamens, and tepals that are a little shorter and more deeply colored, but these distinctions are less reliable, or they require the careful use of a ruler or measuring tape in the field.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年12月17日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 2-4' tall, branching occasionally. It forms a rosette of basal leaves, which usually wither away prior to the blooming period. These basal leaves may be triangular-cordate or palmately lobed. The slender stems are usually glabrous and glaucous; the lower central stem is often terete (furrowed along all sides), while the upper stems are round in circumference. The alternate leaves are up to 5" long and 6" across (excluding their petioles), becoming smaller as they ascend the stems. Each of these leaves is deeply divided into palmate lobes, which are often deeply divided into secondary lobes. The leaves are usually glabrous and glaucous like the stems; their petioles are up to 6" long. The upper stems terminate in one or more flowers on long peduncles (flowering stalks). Each flower is 1-2" across, consisting of 5 magenta petals, 5 green sepals, and a central column of stamens and styles. The outer edge of each petal is slightly fringed and truncate, while the sepals are triangular-ovate with pointed tips. There are no floral bracts underneath the sepals. The blooming period occurs during the summer and lasts about 2 months. There is no floral scent. Each flower matures into a whorl of flattened seeds. Each seed is rectangular, reticulated and pitted along the sides, with little or no pubescence. The root system consists of a woody taproot that is often swollen at the base. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions. Poor soil containing sand, gravel, or clay is preferred, as this reduces competition from neighboring plants. This plant has a tendency to lean over while in bloom, especially if the soil is too moist and rich.
Range & Habitat: The Fringed Poppy Mallow is an uncommon plant that has naturalized in only two or three counties in Illinois (Peoria and Dupage). The webmaster has observed this species at a prairie restoration in Champaign County (see Distribution Map). The Fringed Poppy Mallow is native to the southern Great Plains, where it is more common. Habitats include upland areas of sand prairies, gravel prairies, savannas with scant ground vegetation, and abandoned fields. This species may appear unexpectedly in a prairie restoration as a result of contaminated seed. In Illinois, it is not aggressive.
Faunal Associations: Bees are probably the most important visitors of the flowers. Deer, rabbits, and other mammalian herbivores eat the foliage of Poppy Mallows readily. Rabbits often eat the lower leaves of the Fringed Poppy Mallow (including the lower leaves of the photographed plant), while deer occasionally chomp off the upper half of the foliage.
Photographic Location: A restored prairie at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Among the few Callirhoe spp. (Poppy Mallows) that occur in Illinois, the Fringed Poppy Mallow is the tallest. It is a lanky plant with slender stems and finger-like foliage. Some Callirhoe spp. have floral bracts underneath the sepals of each flower; these floral bracts have a leafy or papery-membranous appearance. However, the Fringed Poppy Mallow lacks such bracts. It is also rather distinctive because of the fringed outer edge of its petals, which becomes more pronounced as the flowers mature. Other Poppy Mallows have flowers with unfringed petals.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions. Poor soil containing sand, gravel, or clay is preferred, as this reduces competition from neighboring plants. This plant has a tendency to lean over while in bloom, especially if the soil is too moist and rich.
Range & Habitat: The Fringed Poppy Mallow is an uncommon plant that has naturalized in only two or three counties in Illinois (Peoria and Dupage). The webmaster has observed this species at a prairie restoration in Champaign County (see Distribution Map). The Fringed Poppy Mallow is native to the southern Great Plains, where it is more common. Habitats include upland areas of sand prairies, gravel prairies, savannas with scant ground vegetation, and abandoned fields. This species may appear unexpectedly in a prairie restoration as a result of contaminated seed. In Illinois, it is not aggressive.
Faunal Associations: Bees are probably the most important visitors of the flowers. Deer, rabbits, and other mammalian herbivores eat the foliage of Poppy Mallows readily. Rabbits often eat the lower leaves of the Fringed Poppy Mallow (including the lower leaves of the photographed plant), while deer occasionally chomp off the upper half of the foliage.
Photographic Location: A restored prairie at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Among the few Callirhoe spp. (Poppy Mallows) that occur in Illinois, the Fringed Poppy Mallow is the tallest. It is a lanky plant with slender stems and finger-like foliage. Some Callirhoe spp. have floral bracts underneath the sepals of each flower; these floral bracts have a leafy or papery-membranous appearance. However, the Fringed Poppy Mallow lacks such bracts. It is also rather distinctive because of the fringed outer edge of its petals, which becomes more pronounced as the flowers mature. Other Poppy Mallows have flowers with unfringed petals.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年12月17日
Description: This is an unbranched perennial plant about 1-2' tall. Side stems may develop from upper leaf axils if the central stem is damaged. This stout central stem is 4-angled and it is covered with short white hairs that are usually appressed. The opposite leaves are up to 3½" long and 1½" across. They are broadly oblong to lanceolate in shape, and have smooth, slightly ciliate margins. The lower leaves have short stout petioles, while the upper leaves are sessile. They have deep pinnate venation and are covered with a white pubescence. The upper half of the central stem is perforated by whorled clusters of flowers. Each cluster of flowers is about 2-3" across and in the shape of a flattened sphere, with the flowers arranged in circular rows. The flowers are white, light pink, or lavender, and individually slightly less than ½" long. There are two prominent lips, with small purple spots on the lower one, and fine hairs in the back. The blooming period occurs during early summer and lasts about a month. Neither the flowers nor the leaves have a noticeable scent. The root system consists of a taproot, which forms offshoots occasionally by means of short rhizomes. The seeds are quite small, and distributed by the wind to some extent.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and mesic to dry conditions. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, clay, or gravel; limestone and a high pH are tolerated. The foliage can be affected by the usual diseases that attack other mints, and often appear rather ragged by mid-summer. This plant has greater tolerance to drought than most other members of Mint family.
Range & Habitat: Downy Wood Mint occurs occasionally in scattered counties in Illinois – it has been reported most often from counties in the NE and west-central areas of the state (see Distribution Map). This plant is native to Illinois. Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, dolomite prairies, thickets, savannas, limestone bluffs, and limestone glades.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract long-tongued and short-tongued bees, bee flies, Syrphid flies, butterflies, and skippers. The numerous bee visitors include honeybees, bumblebees, Anthophorine bees, little carpenter bees, leaf-cutting bees, Halictine bees, masked bees, and others. The small seeds are unlikely to be of much interest to birds, nor is the foliage an attractive source of food to mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Loda Cemetery Prairie in Iroquois County, Illinois.
Comments: This plant can be easily confused with some of the weedier Eurasian mints, but should not be destroyed because it is not particularly common in Illinois. Notwithstanding its common name, Downy Wood Mint occurs in open areas more often than woodlands, unlike other members of the genus, such as Blephilia hirsuta (Hairy Wood Mint). The stems of the latter species have long spreading hairs, while the stems of Downy Wood Mint usually have short appressed hairs. Other common names for Blephilia ciliata are 'Ohio Horsemint' and 'Pagoda Plant.'
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and mesic to dry conditions. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, clay, or gravel; limestone and a high pH are tolerated. The foliage can be affected by the usual diseases that attack other mints, and often appear rather ragged by mid-summer. This plant has greater tolerance to drought than most other members of Mint family.
Range & Habitat: Downy Wood Mint occurs occasionally in scattered counties in Illinois – it has been reported most often from counties in the NE and west-central areas of the state (see Distribution Map). This plant is native to Illinois. Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, dolomite prairies, thickets, savannas, limestone bluffs, and limestone glades.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract long-tongued and short-tongued bees, bee flies, Syrphid flies, butterflies, and skippers. The numerous bee visitors include honeybees, bumblebees, Anthophorine bees, little carpenter bees, leaf-cutting bees, Halictine bees, masked bees, and others. The small seeds are unlikely to be of much interest to birds, nor is the foliage an attractive source of food to mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Loda Cemetery Prairie in Iroquois County, Illinois.
Comments: This plant can be easily confused with some of the weedier Eurasian mints, but should not be destroyed because it is not particularly common in Illinois. Notwithstanding its common name, Downy Wood Mint occurs in open areas more often than woodlands, unlike other members of the genus, such as Blephilia hirsuta (Hairy Wood Mint). The stems of the latter species have long spreading hairs, while the stems of Downy Wood Mint usually have short appressed hairs. Other common names for Blephilia ciliata are 'Ohio Horsemint' and 'Pagoda Plant.'
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年12月16日
Description: This wildflower consists of a low rosette of basal leaves up to 6" across; a mature plant will produce one or more flowering stalks about ½–1' tall. The blades of the basal leaves are up to 3" long and 2½" across; they have stout hairy petioles up to 1½" long. The basal leaves are more or less oval in shape, crenate along their margins, palmately veined, and hairy on both their upper and lower surfaces; the upper surface of each leaf is medium green, while the lower surface is pale green or pale purplish green. Each flowering stalk is stout, erect, terete, light green, and very hairy; it has small alternate leaves up to 1¼" long and ½" across, which become gradually smaller as they ascend toward the inflorescence. The alternate leaves are similar to the basal leaves, except they are ovate in shape and smaller in size. Each alternate leaf is sessile or it clasps the stalk.
The inflorescence consists of a stout spike of small flowers about 2-6" long. These flowers are densely clustered along the spike, facing in all directions. Underneath each flower, there is a small leafy bract that is lanceolate. Each flower has a 2-lipped corolla that is cream-colored or pale yellow, and a calyx consisting of 4 green sepals that are elliptic and hairy. The corolla is about 5 mm. long and slightly longer than the calyx; the upper lip of the corolla is unlobed, while the irregular lower lip is unlobed or divided into 2-3 lobes. Each flower has a pair of exserted stamens and a slender white style. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer, lasting about 3 weeks for a colony of plants. The flowers bloom gradually from the bottom of the spike to its apex. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by small 2-celled seed capsules; each capsule contains several seeds. The root system consists of a cluster of coarse fibrous roots; an older plant may form a small caudex. This wildflower occasionally forms colonies at favorable sites.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry conditions, and a barren acidic soil that is sandy or gravelly. Partial sun is also acceptable. This wildflower grows slowly and doesn't tolerate competition from taller, more aggressive plants. It is adaptable to sunny rock gardens and there are few problems with pests and disease.
Range & Habitat: The native Kittentails is restricted to the west-central and northwest sections of Illinois, where it is rare (see Distribution Map). This wildflower is state-listed as 'threatened.' Habitats include dry sand prairies, dry gravel prairies, hill prairies, barren savannas, thinly wooded bluffs, and sandy or gravelly riverbanks. This species is restricted to high quality habitats in natural areas; it is endemic to the Midwest and uncommon throughout its range.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by small bees, especially Halictid bees that seek nectar and/or pollen. The following Halictid bees have been observed to visit the flowers of Kittentails: Auglochlorella striata, Lasioglossum anomalum, and Lasioglossum vierecki (McKone et al., 1995; Moure & Hurd, 1987). Additional information about floral-faunal relationships is unavailable.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: While not particularly showy, Kittentails is an unusual little plant. It resembles some broad-leaved Plantago spp. (Plantains), but the floral spike of Kittentails is more stout and its flowers are insect-pollinated. The closest relatives (either Besseya spp. or Synthyris spp.) are found in mountainous areas of the western states. These latter species usually have flowers (or floral bracts) that are purple, otherwise they are similar in appearance to their eastern counterpart. Another scientific name of Kittentails is Wulfenia bullii.
The inflorescence consists of a stout spike of small flowers about 2-6" long. These flowers are densely clustered along the spike, facing in all directions. Underneath each flower, there is a small leafy bract that is lanceolate. Each flower has a 2-lipped corolla that is cream-colored or pale yellow, and a calyx consisting of 4 green sepals that are elliptic and hairy. The corolla is about 5 mm. long and slightly longer than the calyx; the upper lip of the corolla is unlobed, while the irregular lower lip is unlobed or divided into 2-3 lobes. Each flower has a pair of exserted stamens and a slender white style. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer, lasting about 3 weeks for a colony of plants. The flowers bloom gradually from the bottom of the spike to its apex. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by small 2-celled seed capsules; each capsule contains several seeds. The root system consists of a cluster of coarse fibrous roots; an older plant may form a small caudex. This wildflower occasionally forms colonies at favorable sites.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry conditions, and a barren acidic soil that is sandy or gravelly. Partial sun is also acceptable. This wildflower grows slowly and doesn't tolerate competition from taller, more aggressive plants. It is adaptable to sunny rock gardens and there are few problems with pests and disease.
Range & Habitat: The native Kittentails is restricted to the west-central and northwest sections of Illinois, where it is rare (see Distribution Map). This wildflower is state-listed as 'threatened.' Habitats include dry sand prairies, dry gravel prairies, hill prairies, barren savannas, thinly wooded bluffs, and sandy or gravelly riverbanks. This species is restricted to high quality habitats in natural areas; it is endemic to the Midwest and uncommon throughout its range.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by small bees, especially Halictid bees that seek nectar and/or pollen. The following Halictid bees have been observed to visit the flowers of Kittentails: Auglochlorella striata, Lasioglossum anomalum, and Lasioglossum vierecki (McKone et al., 1995; Moure & Hurd, 1987). Additional information about floral-faunal relationships is unavailable.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: While not particularly showy, Kittentails is an unusual little plant. It resembles some broad-leaved Plantago spp. (Plantains), but the floral spike of Kittentails is more stout and its flowers are insect-pollinated. The closest relatives (either Besseya spp. or Synthyris spp.) are found in mountainous areas of the western states. These latter species usually have flowers (or floral bracts) that are purple, otherwise they are similar in appearance to their eastern counterpart. Another scientific name of Kittentails is Wulfenia bullii.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年12月16日
Description: This perennial herbaceous plant is 2½–4' tall at maturity. It has a branched bushy shape above, but it is unbranched below. The root system often sends up more than one shoot; each shoot develops into a separate plant. The central stem of each plant is unbranched and naked below (to about 1' above the ground), but branched above; it is relatively stout, light green to gray, terete, glabrous, and usually glaucous. The widely spreading to ascending lateral stems have similar characteristics, except they are more slender. As a general rule, both the central stem and lateral stems become more gray and glaucous with age. Alternate trifoliate leaves occur along the lateral stems and upper stem where it branches. Individual leaflets are 1.5–4 cm. long and 0.8–2 cm. across; their size can vary significantly depending on the characteristics of the parent species and their relative dominance in genetic expression. Individual leaflets are oblanceolate to obovate in shape, while their margins are toothless and often revolute (folded downward).
The leaflet bases are wedge-shaped (cuneate), while their tips are more or less rounded. Young leaflets are medium green and glabrous, but with age they become bluish green or grayish green on their upper surface and whitened on their lower surface. A reticulated network of fine veins is visible on the whitened lower surface of older leaves. The petioles of lower to middle trifoliate leaves are 4-8 mm. long, while the upper trifoliate leaves are nearly sessile. The petioles are light green to gray, slender, and finely grooved above. The petiolules of the terminal leaflets are very short (about 1 mm. in length), while the lateral leaflets are almost sessile. The central stem terminates in a spike-like raceme of flowers about 1' long, while the upper lateral stems terminate in spike-like racemes of flowers about 4-8" long. These racemes are usually erect, although some of the lateral racemes may be ascending. The flowers are distributed somewhat loosely along these racemes, facing in all directions. The central stalks (rachises and peduncles) of these racemes are grayish green to gray, terete, glabrous, and usually glaucous. Each flower is about ¾" long, ½" tall, and ½" across, consisting of 5 yellow petals, a grayish green to gray short-tubular calyx, 10 inserted stamens, and a pistil.
The petals are arranged in a typical pea-like floral structure, consisting of an upright banner and a forward-projecting pair of wings covering an interior keel. The lateral margins of the banner are curved away from the face of the flower, and the base of the banner may have a few small purplish splotches. The calyx is somewhat 2-lipped: its lower lip has 3 deltate-ovate teeth, while its upper lip is more or less convexly rounded. The slightly ascending pedicels of the flowers are 4-7 mm. long, slender, grayish green to gray, and glabrous. During the flower bud stage, there are also solitary floral bracts extending below the pedicels. These floral bracts are about the same length as the pedicels, linear-lanceolate in shape, and early-deciduous. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer, lasting about 3-4 weeks. There is no noticeable floral scent. Afterwards, fertile flowers are replaced by seedpods.
Mature seedpods are ¾" long, ½" across, obovoid-oblongoid in shape, somewhat inflated, and black; they are usually tapering in the front and abruptly rounded in the back. Each seedpod has a long slender stipe (about ½" long) that is straight and a short slender beak (about ¼" long) that is often somewhat curved. The walls of the mature pod are thin but firm; its usually contains a few seeds, otherwise it is hollow. The root system has thick rhizomes that are reddish brown and somewhat woody, from which more than one clonal plant can develop.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, mesic to dry conditions, and sandy loam, although heavier soils and the presence of gravel or rocky material is tolerated if drainage is good. Once danger of frost has passed, growth and development of an established plant is rapid. After the blooming period, this plant continues to grow, but at a much slower pace. This hybrid plant is adaptable to sunny situations, relatively long-lived, and easy to cultivate.
Range & Habitat: The native Deam's Wild Indigo is rare in Illinois, occurring as a natural hybrid in a single county (Kankakee County); see Distribution Map. It has also been found in a single county in NW Indiana, where it is also rare. In Illinois, Deam's Wild Indigo occurs in a sandy savanna and a sand prairie, where its two parent species, Baptisia alba macrophylla (White Wild Indigo) and Baptisia tinctoria (Yellow Wild Indigo), are also present. This hybrid species occurs in high quality natural areas that are usually sandy. Like other Baptisia spp. (Wild Indigo species), it probably benefits from occasional wildfires.
Faunal Associations: Various insects and their larvae feed on Baptisia spp. (Wild Indigo species). These species include the seed-eating larvae of a weevil (Apion rostrum), leaf-mining larvae of leaf beetles (Pachybrachis luridus, Pachybrachis trinotatus), seed-eating broad-headed bugs (Alydus conspersus, Alydus eurinus, Alydus pilosulus, Megalotomus quinquespinosus), leaf-mining larvae of a fly (Liriomyza baptisiae), larvae of the skippers Achalarus lyciades (Hoary Edge) and Erynnis baptisiae (Wild Indigo Duskywing), larvae of the butterfly Callophrys irus (Frosted Elfin), larvae of the Pyralid moths Pococera baptisiella (Wild Indigo Webworm Moth) and Sitochroa dasconalis (Pearly Indigo Borer Moth), larvae of the Tortricid moth Grapholita tristrigana (Three-lined Grapholita), and the oligophagous Neohydatothrips baptisiae (Wild Indigo Thrips); see Panzer et al. (2006), Clark et al. (2004), Bouseman et al. (2006), Bouseman & Sternburg (2001), Schaefer (1980), and Spencer & Steyskal (1986). Mammalian herbivores avoid consumption of Wild Indigo foliage because it is toxic to them.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: There is some disagreement among taxonomists regarding the classification of this hybrid plant. The ITIS and USDA, for example, consider Baptisia × deamii (Deam's Wild Indigo) to be a junior synonym of Baptisia × serenae (Serene Wild Indigo), which was originally described as a distinct species (Baptisia serenae) occurring along the SE coast of the United States. This view has been rejected because Baptisia × serenae is now widely considered a hybrid between Baptisia albescens (Spiked Wild Indigo) and Baptisia tinctoria (Yellow Wild Indigo), while Baptisia × deamii is considered a hybrid between Baptisia alba macrophylla (White Wild Indigo) and Baptisia tinctoria (Yellow Wild Indigo). This latter viewpoint is consistent with BONAP and Mohlenbrock (2014). Because both Baptisia alba macrophylla and Baptisia tinctoria have relatively broad ranges in the eastern United States and they are somewhat variable, specimens of Deam's Wild Indigo may exhibit significant variation in the size, shape, and hairiness of its leaves (if they are present, such hairs are restricted to the lower leaf surfaces). Deam's Wild Indigo can be readily distinguished from White Wild Indigo by its yellow flowers and usually smaller leaves, and it can be distinguished from Yellow Wild Indigo by its longer racemes (easily exceeding 4" in length), lack of branching on the lower central stem, and usually slightly larger leaves. Serene Wild Indigo, which is not found in Illinois, can be distinguished by the more cylindrical shape and reddish brown to purplish brown color of its mature seedpods.
The leaflet bases are wedge-shaped (cuneate), while their tips are more or less rounded. Young leaflets are medium green and glabrous, but with age they become bluish green or grayish green on their upper surface and whitened on their lower surface. A reticulated network of fine veins is visible on the whitened lower surface of older leaves. The petioles of lower to middle trifoliate leaves are 4-8 mm. long, while the upper trifoliate leaves are nearly sessile. The petioles are light green to gray, slender, and finely grooved above. The petiolules of the terminal leaflets are very short (about 1 mm. in length), while the lateral leaflets are almost sessile. The central stem terminates in a spike-like raceme of flowers about 1' long, while the upper lateral stems terminate in spike-like racemes of flowers about 4-8" long. These racemes are usually erect, although some of the lateral racemes may be ascending. The flowers are distributed somewhat loosely along these racemes, facing in all directions. The central stalks (rachises and peduncles) of these racemes are grayish green to gray, terete, glabrous, and usually glaucous. Each flower is about ¾" long, ½" tall, and ½" across, consisting of 5 yellow petals, a grayish green to gray short-tubular calyx, 10 inserted stamens, and a pistil.
The petals are arranged in a typical pea-like floral structure, consisting of an upright banner and a forward-projecting pair of wings covering an interior keel. The lateral margins of the banner are curved away from the face of the flower, and the base of the banner may have a few small purplish splotches. The calyx is somewhat 2-lipped: its lower lip has 3 deltate-ovate teeth, while its upper lip is more or less convexly rounded. The slightly ascending pedicels of the flowers are 4-7 mm. long, slender, grayish green to gray, and glabrous. During the flower bud stage, there are also solitary floral bracts extending below the pedicels. These floral bracts are about the same length as the pedicels, linear-lanceolate in shape, and early-deciduous. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer, lasting about 3-4 weeks. There is no noticeable floral scent. Afterwards, fertile flowers are replaced by seedpods.
Mature seedpods are ¾" long, ½" across, obovoid-oblongoid in shape, somewhat inflated, and black; they are usually tapering in the front and abruptly rounded in the back. Each seedpod has a long slender stipe (about ½" long) that is straight and a short slender beak (about ¼" long) that is often somewhat curved. The walls of the mature pod are thin but firm; its usually contains a few seeds, otherwise it is hollow. The root system has thick rhizomes that are reddish brown and somewhat woody, from which more than one clonal plant can develop.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, mesic to dry conditions, and sandy loam, although heavier soils and the presence of gravel or rocky material is tolerated if drainage is good. Once danger of frost has passed, growth and development of an established plant is rapid. After the blooming period, this plant continues to grow, but at a much slower pace. This hybrid plant is adaptable to sunny situations, relatively long-lived, and easy to cultivate.
Range & Habitat: The native Deam's Wild Indigo is rare in Illinois, occurring as a natural hybrid in a single county (Kankakee County); see Distribution Map. It has also been found in a single county in NW Indiana, where it is also rare. In Illinois, Deam's Wild Indigo occurs in a sandy savanna and a sand prairie, where its two parent species, Baptisia alba macrophylla (White Wild Indigo) and Baptisia tinctoria (Yellow Wild Indigo), are also present. This hybrid species occurs in high quality natural areas that are usually sandy. Like other Baptisia spp. (Wild Indigo species), it probably benefits from occasional wildfires.
Faunal Associations: Various insects and their larvae feed on Baptisia spp. (Wild Indigo species). These species include the seed-eating larvae of a weevil (Apion rostrum), leaf-mining larvae of leaf beetles (Pachybrachis luridus, Pachybrachis trinotatus), seed-eating broad-headed bugs (Alydus conspersus, Alydus eurinus, Alydus pilosulus, Megalotomus quinquespinosus), leaf-mining larvae of a fly (Liriomyza baptisiae), larvae of the skippers Achalarus lyciades (Hoary Edge) and Erynnis baptisiae (Wild Indigo Duskywing), larvae of the butterfly Callophrys irus (Frosted Elfin), larvae of the Pyralid moths Pococera baptisiella (Wild Indigo Webworm Moth) and Sitochroa dasconalis (Pearly Indigo Borer Moth), larvae of the Tortricid moth Grapholita tristrigana (Three-lined Grapholita), and the oligophagous Neohydatothrips baptisiae (Wild Indigo Thrips); see Panzer et al. (2006), Clark et al. (2004), Bouseman et al. (2006), Bouseman & Sternburg (2001), Schaefer (1980), and Spencer & Steyskal (1986). Mammalian herbivores avoid consumption of Wild Indigo foliage because it is toxic to them.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: There is some disagreement among taxonomists regarding the classification of this hybrid plant. The ITIS and USDA, for example, consider Baptisia × deamii (Deam's Wild Indigo) to be a junior synonym of Baptisia × serenae (Serene Wild Indigo), which was originally described as a distinct species (Baptisia serenae) occurring along the SE coast of the United States. This view has been rejected because Baptisia × serenae is now widely considered a hybrid between Baptisia albescens (Spiked Wild Indigo) and Baptisia tinctoria (Yellow Wild Indigo), while Baptisia × deamii is considered a hybrid between Baptisia alba macrophylla (White Wild Indigo) and Baptisia tinctoria (Yellow Wild Indigo). This latter viewpoint is consistent with BONAP and Mohlenbrock (2014). Because both Baptisia alba macrophylla and Baptisia tinctoria have relatively broad ranges in the eastern United States and they are somewhat variable, specimens of Deam's Wild Indigo may exhibit significant variation in the size, shape, and hairiness of its leaves (if they are present, such hairs are restricted to the lower leaf surfaces). Deam's Wild Indigo can be readily distinguished from White Wild Indigo by its yellow flowers and usually smaller leaves, and it can be distinguished from Yellow Wild Indigo by its longer racemes (easily exceeding 4" in length), lack of branching on the lower central stem, and usually slightly larger leaves. Serene Wild Indigo, which is not found in Illinois, can be distinguished by the more cylindrical shape and reddish brown to purplish brown color of its mature seedpods.
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