文章
Miss Chen
2018年02月22日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is ½–2½' tall and usually unbranched. The central stem is 4-angled, usually with scattered hairs along the ridges, but not the sides (see Stem Photo). The opposite leaves are up to 3½" long and 1"Whorls of Flowers across. They are usually lanceolate or narrowly ovate, with serrate or crenate margins. The petioles of the lower leaves are about ¼" or slightly longer, while the upper leaves have shorter petioles or are sessile. Both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves are hairless or nearly so – if hairs are present, they are most likely to occur along the lower mid-vein of the leaves. The central stem terminates in a spike-like inflorescence that has whorls of flowers at intervals along its length. This inflorescence can vary from 2-8" in length. The tubular corolla of each flower is about 1/3" long and divided into 2 lips. The hairy upper lip functions as a protective hood, while the lower lip is divided into 3 lobes (a central lobe and two smaller side lobes), which functions as a landing pad for visiting insects. The flowers are light pink or white, often with rosy pink splotches within the throat. The green calyx is hairless and at least half as long as the tube of the corolla (not including the lips). It is divided into 5 triangular segments that curl outward as the ovaries mature. The blooming period occurs during the summer and lasts about 1-2 months. Each flower is replaced by 4 black nutlets that are oblong in shape. The root system consists of a taproot and rhizomes. This plant often forms vegetative colonies, like many other members of the Mint family.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun and moist conditions. This plant also tolerates light shade and full sun. The soil should contain sufficient organic material to retain moisture. If this plant dries out, the leaves have a tendency to turn yellow or brown, and the entire plant may die.
Range & Habitat: Smooth Hedge Nettle occurs in most counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. This plant is occasional in southern and central Illinois, but uncommon or absent in the northern counties. Habitats include ravines in floodplain forests, moist meadows along rivers or woodlands, thickets, and various kinds of wetlands, including swamps, seeps, and ditches. It can be found in either high quality habitats or rather degraded sites.
Faunal Associations: Primarily long-tongued bees pollinate the flowers, where they seek nectar primarily. Short-tongued bees sometimes collect pollen, while flower flies feed on the pollen, but they are not very effective pollinators. Occasionally butterflies or skippers may visit the flowers, but they aren't very effective at pollinating the flowers either. The bitter foliage of this and other Stachys spp. is not often consumed by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: A swampy area of Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is a typical member of the Mint family. It is easy to overlook, because this Hedge Nettle sp. tends to be rather small-sized and non-descript, almost looking like a lanky Prunella vulgaris (Self-Heal) at first glance. Identifying Smooth Hedge Nettle correctly can be rather tricky, so here are some of the key features to look for: 1) The calyx is hairless; 2) the petioles of the lower leaves are usually ¼" or longer, and 3) there are hairs on the ridges of the 4-angled central stem, but not on the sides. There is also a hairy form of this plant, referred to as Stachys tenuifolia hispida by some authorities and Stachys hispida by others, that also occurs in Illinois. It has foliage that is more hairy, and there are also some hairs along the edges of the calyx of each flower. However, it is similar to Smooth Hedge Nettle in that the central stem has hairs along the ridges, but not on the sides.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun and moist conditions. This plant also tolerates light shade and full sun. The soil should contain sufficient organic material to retain moisture. If this plant dries out, the leaves have a tendency to turn yellow or brown, and the entire plant may die.
Range & Habitat: Smooth Hedge Nettle occurs in most counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. This plant is occasional in southern and central Illinois, but uncommon or absent in the northern counties. Habitats include ravines in floodplain forests, moist meadows along rivers or woodlands, thickets, and various kinds of wetlands, including swamps, seeps, and ditches. It can be found in either high quality habitats or rather degraded sites.
Faunal Associations: Primarily long-tongued bees pollinate the flowers, where they seek nectar primarily. Short-tongued bees sometimes collect pollen, while flower flies feed on the pollen, but they are not very effective pollinators. Occasionally butterflies or skippers may visit the flowers, but they aren't very effective at pollinating the flowers either. The bitter foliage of this and other Stachys spp. is not often consumed by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: A swampy area of Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is a typical member of the Mint family. It is easy to overlook, because this Hedge Nettle sp. tends to be rather small-sized and non-descript, almost looking like a lanky Prunella vulgaris (Self-Heal) at first glance. Identifying Smooth Hedge Nettle correctly can be rather tricky, so here are some of the key features to look for: 1) The calyx is hairless; 2) the petioles of the lower leaves are usually ¼" or longer, and 3) there are hairs on the ridges of the 4-angled central stem, but not on the sides. There is also a hairy form of this plant, referred to as Stachys tenuifolia hispida by some authorities and Stachys hispida by others, that also occurs in Illinois. It has foliage that is more hairy, and there are also some hairs along the edges of the calyx of each flower. However, it is similar to Smooth Hedge Nettle in that the central stem has hairs along the ridges, but not on the sides.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年02月22日
Description: This perennial plant is about 1½-3' tall and either unbranched or sparingly so. The 4-angled central stem is light green to dark purple and covered with fine hairs on all sides. The opposite leaves are up to 4" long and 1¾" across. They are lanceolate-oblong to ovate-oblong in shape, finely serrated along their margins, and either sessile against the stem or with short petioles (less than 1/3" or 8 mm. in length). The upper leaf surface is medium to dark green and finely short-hairy, while the lower surface is light green and finely hairy, especially along the lower sides of major veins. The foliage has an unpleasant bitter smell. The central stem terminates in a spike of flowers about 4-8" long. This spike consists of about 4-12 whorls of flowers, each whorl having several flowers. Each flower is about ½" long, consisting of a short-tubular corolla with 2 lips, a short-tubular calyx with 5 narrow triangular teeth, and the inserted reproductive organs. The corolla is white to light pink with splotches of rosy pink. The upper lip of the corolla is undivided and hairy along its upper surface, while the lower lip is divided into 3 lobes (a central lobe and 2 smaller side lobes). The calyx is green to purplish green and finely hairy. The calyx is green or purplish green; its teeth extend to more than one-half of the length of the corolla tube (excluding the length of the lips). The central stalk of the floral spike is green to dark purple and covered with fine hairs on all sides. The blooming period occurs during the summer and lasts about 1-2 months. Sometimes the flowers have a mild fragrance.
After the blooming period, the flowers are replaced by open seed capsules; each capsule contains 4 small nutlets. The root system is rhizomatous and tuberous. Hairy Hedge Nettle often forms clonal colonies of varying size.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, moist conditions, and soil that is loamy or sandy. The foliage is rarely bothered by either disease or insects.
Range & Habitat: The native Hairy Hedge Nettle occurs primarily in central and northern Illinois, where it is occasional. In southern Illinois, it is either absent or uncommon (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist prairies, edges of marshes, moist meadows in wooded areas, borders of bottomland woodlands, soggy thickets, prairie swales, roadside ditches, edges of fields, and fence rows. Hairy Hedge Nettle can occur in either sandy or non-sandy habitats that are variable in their level of disturbance.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are visited by nectar-seeking bees primarily, including bumblebees, leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), digger bees (Melissodes spp.), little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), and Anthophorid bees (Anthophora spp.). Sometimes the flowers are visited by butterflies, skippers, and moths, but they are not very effective at cross-pollination. Small bees also visit the flowers to collect pollen. The seeds of Stachys spp. (Hedge Nettles) and other members of the Mint family are eaten by Sehirus cinctus (White-Margined Burrower Bug). Because the foliage is bitter and hairy, it is not favored as a food source by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: The photograph was taken in an overgrown moist area between an abandoned railroad and a roadside in Champaign County, Illinois.
Comments: This plant has an unsettled taxonomic history. At the present time, I prefer to use the scientific name Stachys palustris arenicola from the Field Guide to Indiana Wildflowers (2000) by Kay Yatskievych. Older authorities, such as A. G. Jones or Britton & Brown, called this species Stachys arenicola. In contrast, Mohlenbrock (1986, 2002) probably refers to this species as a variety of Stachys palustris or Stachys pilosa. Hairy Hedge Nettle can be distinguished from other Stachys spp. (Hedge Nettles) by the presence of fine hairs on all 4 sides of its central stem, the general hairiness of its leaves, the absence of petioles exceeding 1/3" (8 mm.) in length, the length of its toothed calyx in relation to the corolla tube (exceeding one-half of its length), and the shape of its calyx teeth. All of the Hedge Nettles differ from the similar Teucrium canadense (American Germander) by having flowers with well-defined upper lips.
After the blooming period, the flowers are replaced by open seed capsules; each capsule contains 4 small nutlets. The root system is rhizomatous and tuberous. Hairy Hedge Nettle often forms clonal colonies of varying size.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, moist conditions, and soil that is loamy or sandy. The foliage is rarely bothered by either disease or insects.
Range & Habitat: The native Hairy Hedge Nettle occurs primarily in central and northern Illinois, where it is occasional. In southern Illinois, it is either absent or uncommon (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist prairies, edges of marshes, moist meadows in wooded areas, borders of bottomland woodlands, soggy thickets, prairie swales, roadside ditches, edges of fields, and fence rows. Hairy Hedge Nettle can occur in either sandy or non-sandy habitats that are variable in their level of disturbance.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are visited by nectar-seeking bees primarily, including bumblebees, leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), digger bees (Melissodes spp.), little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), and Anthophorid bees (Anthophora spp.). Sometimes the flowers are visited by butterflies, skippers, and moths, but they are not very effective at cross-pollination. Small bees also visit the flowers to collect pollen. The seeds of Stachys spp. (Hedge Nettles) and other members of the Mint family are eaten by Sehirus cinctus (White-Margined Burrower Bug). Because the foliage is bitter and hairy, it is not favored as a food source by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: The photograph was taken in an overgrown moist area between an abandoned railroad and a roadside in Champaign County, Illinois.
Comments: This plant has an unsettled taxonomic history. At the present time, I prefer to use the scientific name Stachys palustris arenicola from the Field Guide to Indiana Wildflowers (2000) by Kay Yatskievych. Older authorities, such as A. G. Jones or Britton & Brown, called this species Stachys arenicola. In contrast, Mohlenbrock (1986, 2002) probably refers to this species as a variety of Stachys palustris or Stachys pilosa. Hairy Hedge Nettle can be distinguished from other Stachys spp. (Hedge Nettles) by the presence of fine hairs on all 4 sides of its central stem, the general hairiness of its leaves, the absence of petioles exceeding 1/3" (8 mm.) in length, the length of its toothed calyx in relation to the corolla tube (exceeding one-half of its length), and the shape of its calyx teeth. All of the Hedge Nettles differ from the similar Teucrium canadense (American Germander) by having flowers with well-defined upper lips.
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Miss Chen
2018年02月21日
Description: Initially, this herbaceous perennial plant forms a rosette of 4-7 basal leaves that are widely spreading to ascending. These basal leaves are medium green, glabrous, and usually elliptic in shape; they are longitudinally keeled below (and indented above), while their margins are entire (toothless). A mature plant bolts during the late spring orFlowering Spike early summer to develop an erect flowering stalk about ¾–2½' (20-75 cm.) tall. Below the rachis of the inflorescence, this stalk is medium green, terete, glabrous, and up to ¼" (5-6 mm.) in diameter. About 3-5 alternate leaves are located toward the base of the stalk; they are 2-10" (5-25 cm.) long and 4-12 mm. across. These lower leaves are grass-like in appearance, linear in shape, and entire along their margins; they sometimes wither away prior to the blooming period. The upper leaves along the stalk are reduced to little more than sheaths with lanceolate tips. Above the uppermost leaf, both the peduncle and rachis of the floral spike are medium green, terete, and short-pubescent with non-glandular hairs. About 10-40 flowers are arranged along the rachis in either an open or dense single spiral (latter sometimes appearing to be 2 spirals). Individual flowers are 6-10 mm. long, their 3 petals and petaloid upper sepal forming a white tube-like structure with an upper and lower lip. In addition, there are 2 petaloid lateral sepals that are white, linear in shape, and straight, rather than arching; they are also slightly declined and diverge laterally to some extent from the tube-like structure of the flower. The lower lip of the corolla has crisped margins, while the smaller upper lip is less crisped. The interior of the lower lip is pale yellow. There are also solitary bracts at the bases of the flowers. These bracts are up to ½" long (or slightly longer), ovate with tapered tips, light green, glabrous, and more or less erect, curving to the side of the flowers. The flowers are slightly ascending, widely spreading, or slightly descending, and their tubular structures are arch slightly downward. At the base of the lower lip within each flower, there is a pair of minute calli (protuberances) up to 1 mm. long that are narrowly lanceoloid and often slightly hooked. In Illinois, the blooming period occurs during mid- to late summer, lasting about 3-4 weeks for a colony of plants. However, this orchid can bloom earlier in the year in areas that lie south of the state. After the blooming period, the flowers are replaced by seed capsules about 8 mm. in length that are broadly ellipsoid in shape; they eventually release their minute seeds to the wind. The root system is shallow and spreading, consisting of several fibrous roots that are thick and fleshy. Occasionally, clonal offsets develop from the tips of these fleshy roots.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and soil containing silt-loam, sandy loam, or acidic rocky material. A little shade is also tolerated. Northern ecotypes of this orchid are winter hardy to at least Zone 5, although it is rarely, if ever, found in cultivation. Plants transplanted from the wild cannot be expected to survive and this should not be done.
Range & Habitat: Grass-leaved Ladies' Tresses is native to widely scattered areas in the southern half of Illinois, where it is rare and state-listed as 'endangered.' Illinois lies along the northern range limit of this species. Populations of this orchid in Illinois have been static or slowly declining; it is more common in SE United States. Habitats include rocky open woodlands, grassy meadows, upland prairies, abandoned fields, and roadsides (even lawns in SE United States). Even though this is considered a conservative species, Grass-leaved Ladies' Tresses is sometimes found in areas with a history of disturbance if it is not too severe.
Distribution Map
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated primarily by long-tongued bees, including honeybees (Catling, 1983). Occasionally, they are also visited by butterflies and skippers, although these latter insects are not regarded as effective pollinators. Nectar is the floral reward for these visitors. The foliage of Grass-leaved Ladies' Tresses and similar orchids is vulnerable to snails and slugs, especially during the early summer when the weather is wet. In addition, the adults of a weevil, Stethobaris ovata, have been observed to feed on the foliage (Raddoch & Raddoch, 2008). The foliage of this orchid is also vulnerable to White-tailed Deer and other mammalian herbivores, and thus the protection of a sufficiently tall fence may be required to prevent such predation.
Photographic Location: A prairie in Fayette County, Illinois. The photograph was taken by Keith & Patty Horn (Copyright © 2015). The photographed floral spike has a dense single spiral of flowers.
Comments: This orchid is sometimes called Spring Ladies' Tresses because it blooms during the spring in Florida and along the Gulf coast of SE United States. In Illinois, however, it blooms later during the summer. Grass-leaved Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes vernalis) has some key characteristics that are useful in distinguishing it from other similar species: 1) its lateral sepals are free to the base, straight but slightly declined, and spread laterally to some extent, 2) its flowers are relatively long, usually exceeding 6 mm. in length, 3) the interior of the lower lip of its flowers is pale yellow, rather than white, green, or bright yellow, 4) its flowers are arranged in a single spiral, although this spiral can vary from quite open to quite dense, 5) it is rather tall for species in its genus, and 6) it usually blooms earlier. The more common Nodding Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes cernua) differs by having its flowers arranged in twin spirals, the peduncle and rachis of its inflorescence have glandular pubescence, the tube-like structure of its flowers is more downward arching or nodding, and usually its lateral sepals are more elevated relative to this tube-like structure. Another species, Slender Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes lacera), differs by having basal leaves that are more broad in shape, smaller flowers (about 5 mm. in length), and the interior of the lower lip of its flowers is greenish. Yet another species, Great Plains Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes magnicamporum), differs by having its flowers arranged in a double spiral, the peduncle and rachis of its inflorescence are glandular pubescent, the lower lip of its flowers is pale yellow not only within its interior, but also along its exterior (usually), its lateral sepals are more elevated relative to the rest of the flower and they often arch upward, its flowers are more fragrant, and they bloom later (during the autumn).
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and soil containing silt-loam, sandy loam, or acidic rocky material. A little shade is also tolerated. Northern ecotypes of this orchid are winter hardy to at least Zone 5, although it is rarely, if ever, found in cultivation. Plants transplanted from the wild cannot be expected to survive and this should not be done.
Range & Habitat: Grass-leaved Ladies' Tresses is native to widely scattered areas in the southern half of Illinois, where it is rare and state-listed as 'endangered.' Illinois lies along the northern range limit of this species. Populations of this orchid in Illinois have been static or slowly declining; it is more common in SE United States. Habitats include rocky open woodlands, grassy meadows, upland prairies, abandoned fields, and roadsides (even lawns in SE United States). Even though this is considered a conservative species, Grass-leaved Ladies' Tresses is sometimes found in areas with a history of disturbance if it is not too severe.
Distribution Map
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated primarily by long-tongued bees, including honeybees (Catling, 1983). Occasionally, they are also visited by butterflies and skippers, although these latter insects are not regarded as effective pollinators. Nectar is the floral reward for these visitors. The foliage of Grass-leaved Ladies' Tresses and similar orchids is vulnerable to snails and slugs, especially during the early summer when the weather is wet. In addition, the adults of a weevil, Stethobaris ovata, have been observed to feed on the foliage (Raddoch & Raddoch, 2008). The foliage of this orchid is also vulnerable to White-tailed Deer and other mammalian herbivores, and thus the protection of a sufficiently tall fence may be required to prevent such predation.
Photographic Location: A prairie in Fayette County, Illinois. The photograph was taken by Keith & Patty Horn (Copyright © 2015). The photographed floral spike has a dense single spiral of flowers.
Comments: This orchid is sometimes called Spring Ladies' Tresses because it blooms during the spring in Florida and along the Gulf coast of SE United States. In Illinois, however, it blooms later during the summer. Grass-leaved Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes vernalis) has some key characteristics that are useful in distinguishing it from other similar species: 1) its lateral sepals are free to the base, straight but slightly declined, and spread laterally to some extent, 2) its flowers are relatively long, usually exceeding 6 mm. in length, 3) the interior of the lower lip of its flowers is pale yellow, rather than white, green, or bright yellow, 4) its flowers are arranged in a single spiral, although this spiral can vary from quite open to quite dense, 5) it is rather tall for species in its genus, and 6) it usually blooms earlier. The more common Nodding Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes cernua) differs by having its flowers arranged in twin spirals, the peduncle and rachis of its inflorescence have glandular pubescence, the tube-like structure of its flowers is more downward arching or nodding, and usually its lateral sepals are more elevated relative to this tube-like structure. Another species, Slender Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes lacera), differs by having basal leaves that are more broad in shape, smaller flowers (about 5 mm. in length), and the interior of the lower lip of its flowers is greenish. Yet another species, Great Plains Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes magnicamporum), differs by having its flowers arranged in a double spiral, the peduncle and rachis of its inflorescence are glandular pubescent, the lower lip of its flowers is pale yellow not only within its interior, but also along its exterior (usually), its lateral sepals are more elevated relative to the rest of the flower and they often arch upward, its flowers are more fragrant, and they bloom later (during the autumn).
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年02月21日
Description: This perennial plant is usually 4-12" tall and unbranched. There is a rosette of 2-6 strap-like basal leaves that are individually about 3-8" long and 1/3" (8 mm.) across. They are linear to linear-oblanceolate with smooth margins, and usually wither away before the flowers bloom. On robust specimens, there may be 1 or 2 small leaves on the lower flowering stalk. The flowering stalk is up to 1' tall, with 6-12 flowers occurring on the upper half. These flowers are arranged on the stalk as intertwined double spirals – as a result, the individual spirals are not readily discernible. The flowering stalk is light green and covered more or less with white glandular hairs. At the base of each flower, there is a conspicuous green bract that is curved and narrowly ovate. Each flower is about 1/3" (8 mm.) long, consisting of 3Flowering Stalk white sepals and 3 white petals. The upper sepal and upper two petals are fused together and form a curved hood that curls upward at its tip, forming a small upper lip with 3 lobes. The lower petal has a prominent lip that hangs downward and has a crystalline appearance, while the lateral sepals are linear and non-spreading. Together, these sepals and petals form a tubular-shaped flower that nods downward. The blooming period can occur from late summer until the fall, and lasts about a month. There is usually a mild floral scent. Some plants may form cleistogamous flowers. Fertilized flowers are replaced by pods containing the tiny seeds, which are easily carried aloft by the wind. These pods may be capable of photosynthesis while they are green. The root system consists of a cluster of fleshy roots at the base of the plant that are finger-like in shape, and occasional rhizomes may be produced. This orchid can reproduce from the seeds of the flowers, or it may form offsets from rhizomes. Normal growth and development won't occur unless the root system forms an endomycorrhizal association with the appropriate species of fungus.
Cultivation: For most ecotypes of this orchid, the preference is full or partial sun and moist sandy soil. Some ecotypes appear to flourish in thin rocky soil that is rather dry. Taller, more aggressive plants can out-compete this orchid for the available light, so it prefers rather open ground vegetation. Starting plants from seed is quite difficult; on the other hand, this orchid is easier to transplant than most others. Cultivars of this orchid species are available from the mass horticultural market, while local ecotypes are next to impossible to obtain.
Range & Habitat: Nodding Ladies' Tresses occurs occasionally throughout Illinois, where it is native; for an orchid species, it is fairly common (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist sand prairies, sandy savannas, areas adjacent to paths in sandy woodlands, shrubby bogs, sandy pannes near lakes, gravelly seeps, limestone glades, bluffs, sandy pits, ditches, and abandoned fields. This orchid typically occurs in somewhat disturbed areas of high quality habitats, and appears to respond positively to occasional wildfires. Individual plants are usually scattered about, rather than forming dense colonies.
Faunal Associations: Both long-tongued and short-tongued bees occasionally visit the flowers for nectar. The seeds are too small to be of any interest to birds. The foliage can be eaten by various mammalian herbivores, including rabbits, groundhogs, and deer, while the fleshy roots are probably eaten by pocket gophers when individual plants stray into drier areas.
Photographic Location: The photographed plant was growing in a sandy swale at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in NW Indiana.
Comments: While rather small-sized, the bright white spike of flowers provides a striking contrast with the background vegetation and is fairly easy to spot. The individual flowers are attractive, particularly when they are viewed close-up; in particular, the lower lip has an intricate crystalline pattern that can vary significantly from flower to flower. Unlike the Ladies' Tresses orchids that form a single spiral of flowers, such as Spiranthes lacera (Slender Ladies' Tresses), the Nodding Ladies' Tresses falls into the group of Spiranthes spp. with double intertwined spirals that are difficult to discern because of the density of flowers on the spike. The Spiranthes spp. in this group are distinguished from each other primarily by considering the variation in the structure of their flowers and the shape of their leaves. Nodding Ladies' Tresses can be distinguished from these other species by the downward curve of its tubular flowers, providing them with a 'nodding' appearance.
Cultivation: For most ecotypes of this orchid, the preference is full or partial sun and moist sandy soil. Some ecotypes appear to flourish in thin rocky soil that is rather dry. Taller, more aggressive plants can out-compete this orchid for the available light, so it prefers rather open ground vegetation. Starting plants from seed is quite difficult; on the other hand, this orchid is easier to transplant than most others. Cultivars of this orchid species are available from the mass horticultural market, while local ecotypes are next to impossible to obtain.
Range & Habitat: Nodding Ladies' Tresses occurs occasionally throughout Illinois, where it is native; for an orchid species, it is fairly common (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist sand prairies, sandy savannas, areas adjacent to paths in sandy woodlands, shrubby bogs, sandy pannes near lakes, gravelly seeps, limestone glades, bluffs, sandy pits, ditches, and abandoned fields. This orchid typically occurs in somewhat disturbed areas of high quality habitats, and appears to respond positively to occasional wildfires. Individual plants are usually scattered about, rather than forming dense colonies.
Faunal Associations: Both long-tongued and short-tongued bees occasionally visit the flowers for nectar. The seeds are too small to be of any interest to birds. The foliage can be eaten by various mammalian herbivores, including rabbits, groundhogs, and deer, while the fleshy roots are probably eaten by pocket gophers when individual plants stray into drier areas.
Photographic Location: The photographed plant was growing in a sandy swale at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in NW Indiana.
Comments: While rather small-sized, the bright white spike of flowers provides a striking contrast with the background vegetation and is fairly easy to spot. The individual flowers are attractive, particularly when they are viewed close-up; in particular, the lower lip has an intricate crystalline pattern that can vary significantly from flower to flower. Unlike the Ladies' Tresses orchids that form a single spiral of flowers, such as Spiranthes lacera (Slender Ladies' Tresses), the Nodding Ladies' Tresses falls into the group of Spiranthes spp. with double intertwined spirals that are difficult to discern because of the density of flowers on the spike. The Spiranthes spp. in this group are distinguished from each other primarily by considering the variation in the structure of their flowers and the shape of their leaves. Nodding Ladies' Tresses can be distinguished from these other species by the downward curve of its tubular flowers, providing them with a 'nodding' appearance.
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Miss Chen
2018年02月21日
Description: This perennial plant is usually unbranched and up to 4' tall. The smooth central stem can be green or reddish. The alternate leaves are up to 6" long and 1½" wide, becoming slightly smaller as they ascend up the stem. They are narrowly lanceolate or oblong-elliptic, smooth along their margins, and largely devoid of hairs. In the upper half of the plant, there are often small leaves that develop from the upper axils of the primary leaves; they have a wing-like appearance. The showy inflorescence is up to 1' long, consisting of an erect panicle of small yellow compound flowers. The flowering stems don't curve outward and downward like many other goldenrods, but are held erect or curve upward. Each compound flower is about ¼" across, consisting of 4-10 ray florets surrounding the disk florets. The spacing of the ray florets tends to be irregular, and they may not open at the same time. These flowers occasionally have a mild fragrance. The blooming period occurs during late summer or early fall, and lasts about a month. Later, the achenes develop small tufts of hairs, and are dispersed by the wind. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous, occasionally forming vegetative offsets. In older mature plants, a woody caudex develops.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and slightly moist to slight dry conditions. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, sand, or rocky material. Occasionally, the leaves succumb to powdery mildew and other kinds of foliar disease, particularly after the blooming period is over in the fall. This plant is easy to grow, but can topple over if it is spoiled by excessive moisture or fertilizer.
Habitat & Range: The native Showy Goldenrod occurs occasionally in the northern half of Illinois, and is uncommon or absent in the southern half (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to slightly dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, openings in rocky upland forests, Black Oak savannas, thickets, woodland borders, and abandoned fields.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract honeybees, bumblebees, ants, beetles, and the occasional moth or butterfly. Among the beetles, are such visitors as Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus (Goldenrod Soldier Beetle) and Epicauta pensylvanica (Black Blister Beetle). These insects seek nectar primarily. The caterpillars of many moths feed on various parts of this goldenrod and others (see Moth Table). Other insect feeders include various leafhoppers, lace bugs, plant bugs, and beetles. To a limited extent, the seeds are eaten by the Eastern Goldfinch and the Greater Prairie Chicken. Mammalian herbivores occasionally eat the leaves, stems, and flowers, including deer, rabbits, groundhogs, and livestock. When this plant is infected by a fungus (Coleosporium sp.), it can cause sickness and death in cattle and horses. Like other goldenrods, it may contain a hemolytic agent that is mildly poisonous to some herbivores.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: As the common and scientific names imply, this plant is very showy while in bloom. Showy Goldenrod can be distinguished from other goldenrods that occur in Illinois prairies by the following characteristics, when they are considered together: 1) the flowering stems of the inflorescence are held erect or curve upward, rather than outward and downward; 2) both the stems and leaves are hairless, or nearly so; 3) there are often smaller wing-like leaves in the upper axils of the primary leaves, particularly in the upper half of the central stem, and 4) the leaves lack teeth.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and slightly moist to slight dry conditions. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, sand, or rocky material. Occasionally, the leaves succumb to powdery mildew and other kinds of foliar disease, particularly after the blooming period is over in the fall. This plant is easy to grow, but can topple over if it is spoiled by excessive moisture or fertilizer.
Habitat & Range: The native Showy Goldenrod occurs occasionally in the northern half of Illinois, and is uncommon or absent in the southern half (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to slightly dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, openings in rocky upland forests, Black Oak savannas, thickets, woodland borders, and abandoned fields.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract honeybees, bumblebees, ants, beetles, and the occasional moth or butterfly. Among the beetles, are such visitors as Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus (Goldenrod Soldier Beetle) and Epicauta pensylvanica (Black Blister Beetle). These insects seek nectar primarily. The caterpillars of many moths feed on various parts of this goldenrod and others (see Moth Table). Other insect feeders include various leafhoppers, lace bugs, plant bugs, and beetles. To a limited extent, the seeds are eaten by the Eastern Goldfinch and the Greater Prairie Chicken. Mammalian herbivores occasionally eat the leaves, stems, and flowers, including deer, rabbits, groundhogs, and livestock. When this plant is infected by a fungus (Coleosporium sp.), it can cause sickness and death in cattle and horses. Like other goldenrods, it may contain a hemolytic agent that is mildly poisonous to some herbivores.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: As the common and scientific names imply, this plant is very showy while in bloom. Showy Goldenrod can be distinguished from other goldenrods that occur in Illinois prairies by the following characteristics, when they are considered together: 1) the flowering stems of the inflorescence are held erect or curve upward, rather than outward and downward; 2) both the stems and leaves are hairless, or nearly so; 3) there are often smaller wing-like leaves in the upper axils of the primary leaves, particularly in the upper half of the central stem, and 4) the leaves lack teeth.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年02月21日
Description: This perennial plant is unbranched and about ½-2½' tall. The central stem is reddish or grayish green, terete, and densely covered with short white hairs. The alternate leaves are up to 4" long and ¾" across, becoming smaller as they ascend the stem. They are grayish green, narrowly lanceolate, elliptic, or oblanceolate in shape, tapering gradually to narrow petioles. The leaf margins are smooth (entire) or slightly serrate, while the leaf surfaces are canescent. In addition, there are usually small clusters of secondary leaves that are located along the axils of middle to upper leaves. These secondary leaves are much smaller in size than the alternate leaves, otherwise they are similar in appearance. The central stem terminates in a narrow inflorescence that is shaped like a wand, becoming gradually wider in the middle, and it has a tendency to nod. This inflorescence is typically 3-8" long; it is a narrow panicle of flowerheads with short lateral branches. Each flowerhead is up to ¼" across, consisting of 4-10 ray florets that surround a similar number of disk florets. The petaloid rays of the flowerheads are yellow; the tiny tubular corollas of the disk florets are also yellow. Around the base of each flowerhead, there are scale-like floral bracts (phyllaries) in several series; they are usually pale yellow or pale greenish yellow. The blooming period occurs during the fall and lasts about a month. The flowerheads occasionally have a slight fragrance. After the blooming period, the flowerheads are replaced by achenes that develop tufts of hair; they are dispersed by the wind. The root system consists of a small caudex (at least on older plants) with fibrous roots and rhizomes. At suitable locations, Field Goldenrod has a tendency to form clonal colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and dry-mesic to dry soil. Because of reduced competition, Field Goldenrod thrives best in soil containing sand, clay or gravel, but it will flourish in fertile soil as well. This plant is a good choice for difficult locations, such as sunny slopes or open areas with poor soil, where little else will grow.
Range & Habitat: The native Field Goldenrod occurs in most counties of Illinois, where it is occasional to locally common (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland areas of black soil prairies, gravel prairies, sand prairies, hill prairies, thinly wooded bluffs, sandy savannas, sand dunes, fence rows, abandoned fields, eroded clay banks, roadsides, and areas along railroads. In some western states, Field Goldenrod is considered a troublesome weed, but in Illinois it occurs primarily in areas that have little value to agriculture and ranching. This goldenrod is found in both degraded and higher quality habitats.
Faunal Associations: A wide variety of insects visit the flowers for pollen and nectar, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, Sphecid and Vespid wasps, flies, butterflies, moths, and beetles. Bee visitors include honey bees, little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), Halictid bees, plasterer bees (Colletes spp.), and Andrenid bees. Several Andrenid bees are oligoleges (specialist pollinators) of goldenrods. Fly visitors include Syrphid flies, Tachinid flies, flesh flies, blow flies, and Muscid flies. Other insects feed destructively on the foliage, florets, roots, and other parts of Field Goldenrod and other goldenrods. These insect feeders include Lopidea media (Goldenrod Plant Bug), Corythucha marmorata (Goldenrod Lace Bug), Hesperotettix viridis (Meadow Purple-Striped Grasshopper) and Melanoplus confusus (Little Pasture Grasshopper), the leaf beetles Longitarsus solidaginis and Ophraella sexvititta, the aphids Acuticauda solidaginifoliae and Uroleucon rudbeckiae, and Manomera blatchleyi (Blatchley's Walkingstick). In addition, the caterpillars of many moths feed on various parts of goldenrods (see Moth Table). Goldenrods are sources of food to some vertebrate animals. For example, the seeds, flowerheads, and leaves are eaten by the Greater Prairie Chicken and possibly other upland gamebirds; the Eastern Goldfinch also eats the seeds. Mammalian herbivores, such as groundhogs, rabbits, deer, and livestock, will browse on Field Goldenrod and other goldenrods occasionally, although they are not preferred as sources of food.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a prairie of Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: This small goldenrod blooms later than most goldenrods. Field Goldenrod can be distinguished from other goldenrods that occur in Illinois prairies and other open areas by the presence of secondary leaflets along the central stem and the presence of short fine hairs on both the leaves and central stem. In addition, the inflorescence is usually more narrow and wand-like than those of other goldenrods.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and dry-mesic to dry soil. Because of reduced competition, Field Goldenrod thrives best in soil containing sand, clay or gravel, but it will flourish in fertile soil as well. This plant is a good choice for difficult locations, such as sunny slopes or open areas with poor soil, where little else will grow.
Range & Habitat: The native Field Goldenrod occurs in most counties of Illinois, where it is occasional to locally common (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland areas of black soil prairies, gravel prairies, sand prairies, hill prairies, thinly wooded bluffs, sandy savannas, sand dunes, fence rows, abandoned fields, eroded clay banks, roadsides, and areas along railroads. In some western states, Field Goldenrod is considered a troublesome weed, but in Illinois it occurs primarily in areas that have little value to agriculture and ranching. This goldenrod is found in both degraded and higher quality habitats.
Faunal Associations: A wide variety of insects visit the flowers for pollen and nectar, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, Sphecid and Vespid wasps, flies, butterflies, moths, and beetles. Bee visitors include honey bees, little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), Halictid bees, plasterer bees (Colletes spp.), and Andrenid bees. Several Andrenid bees are oligoleges (specialist pollinators) of goldenrods. Fly visitors include Syrphid flies, Tachinid flies, flesh flies, blow flies, and Muscid flies. Other insects feed destructively on the foliage, florets, roots, and other parts of Field Goldenrod and other goldenrods. These insect feeders include Lopidea media (Goldenrod Plant Bug), Corythucha marmorata (Goldenrod Lace Bug), Hesperotettix viridis (Meadow Purple-Striped Grasshopper) and Melanoplus confusus (Little Pasture Grasshopper), the leaf beetles Longitarsus solidaginis and Ophraella sexvititta, the aphids Acuticauda solidaginifoliae and Uroleucon rudbeckiae, and Manomera blatchleyi (Blatchley's Walkingstick). In addition, the caterpillars of many moths feed on various parts of goldenrods (see Moth Table). Goldenrods are sources of food to some vertebrate animals. For example, the seeds, flowerheads, and leaves are eaten by the Greater Prairie Chicken and possibly other upland gamebirds; the Eastern Goldfinch also eats the seeds. Mammalian herbivores, such as groundhogs, rabbits, deer, and livestock, will browse on Field Goldenrod and other goldenrods occasionally, although they are not preferred as sources of food.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a prairie of Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: This small goldenrod blooms later than most goldenrods. Field Goldenrod can be distinguished from other goldenrods that occur in Illinois prairies and other open areas by the presence of secondary leaflets along the central stem and the presence of short fine hairs on both the leaves and central stem. In addition, the inflorescence is usually more narrow and wand-like than those of other goldenrods.
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求助
爱从零开始
2018年02月19日
求教！过年朋友送来2盆杜鹃，到家4天没浇水，2盆都不大精神了，马上都浇透，其中一盆恢复，另一盆依旧这个样，为啥？杜鹃怎么浇水？放在家里什么位置？
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爱从零开始：@三妹家（招加盟，收学员） 几天一浇？自带的花盆里土不多，而且漏水，浇上一点就都漏了，咋办？
三妹家（招加盟，收学员）：多浇水。
文章
Miss Chen
2018年02月13日
Description: This perennial plant is about 4-10' tall and remains unbranched, except for the panicle of flowering stems near the apex. The central stem is thick, hairless, and four-sided. The large opposite leaves are up to 8" long and 5" across, which join together around the central stem to form a cup that can hold water, hence the name of the plant. These leaves are broadly lanceolate to cordate, coarsely toothed, and have a rough, sandpapery texture. The yellow composite flowers bloom during early to mid-summer for about 1-1½ months. Each sunflower-like composite flower is about 3-4" across, consisting of numerous yellow disk florets that are surrounded by 18-40 yellow or pale yellow ray florets. The infertile disk florets protrude somewhat from the center and are rather conspicuous, while the ray florets are fertile. The latter produce thin achenes, each with a well-developed marginal wing, which are dispersed to some extent by the wind. The root system consists of a central taproot, and abundant shallow rhizomes that help to spread the plant vegetatively, often forming substantial colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist loamy soil. This plant may drop some of its lower leaves in response to a drought. Sometimes, the leaves and buds of distressed plants turn brown, growth becomes stunted, and blossums abort in response to disease or drought. Another problem is that Cup Plant may topple over during a rainstorm with strong winds, particularly while it is blooming, or situated on a slope.
Range & Habitat: The native Cup Plant occurs throughout Illinois, except for a few southern counties (see Distribution Map). It is fairly common. Typical habitats include moist black soil prairies, moist meadows near rivers, low-lying woodland edges and thickets, fens and seeps, lake borders, fence rows, and along ditches near railroads.
Faunal Associations: Long-tongued bees, butterflies, and skippers are common visitors and the most important pollinators of the flowers. Some short-tongued bees, wasps, bee flies, and other kinds of flies also visit the flowers for pollen or nectar. The larvae of an Antistrophus sp. (Gall Wasp sp.) feed within the stems of this plant, and may attract the hyperparasitic wasp Eurytoma lutea. Various birds, especially goldfinches, are very fond of the seeds, and drink water from the cups formed by the leaves. Because of the tendency to form dense colonies, this plant provides good cover for birds, which often lurk among the leaves during the heat of the day, searching for insects or pausing to rest. Large herbivores, especially cattle, may eat the eat leaves of Cup Plant, especially those of immature plants.
Photographic Location: The photographs of the flowering plants and perfoliate leaves were taken at a small restored prairie in Urbana, Illinois, while the photograph of the flowerhead close-up was taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is an imposing, but attractive plant when it is in bloom. Cup Plant is easy to distinguish from other Silphium spp., as well as various sunflowers, by the perfoliate leaves that can hold water, and the hairless four-angled stems.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist loamy soil. This plant may drop some of its lower leaves in response to a drought. Sometimes, the leaves and buds of distressed plants turn brown, growth becomes stunted, and blossums abort in response to disease or drought. Another problem is that Cup Plant may topple over during a rainstorm with strong winds, particularly while it is blooming, or situated on a slope.
Range & Habitat: The native Cup Plant occurs throughout Illinois, except for a few southern counties (see Distribution Map). It is fairly common. Typical habitats include moist black soil prairies, moist meadows near rivers, low-lying woodland edges and thickets, fens and seeps, lake borders, fence rows, and along ditches near railroads.
Faunal Associations: Long-tongued bees, butterflies, and skippers are common visitors and the most important pollinators of the flowers. Some short-tongued bees, wasps, bee flies, and other kinds of flies also visit the flowers for pollen or nectar. The larvae of an Antistrophus sp. (Gall Wasp sp.) feed within the stems of this plant, and may attract the hyperparasitic wasp Eurytoma lutea. Various birds, especially goldfinches, are very fond of the seeds, and drink water from the cups formed by the leaves. Because of the tendency to form dense colonies, this plant provides good cover for birds, which often lurk among the leaves during the heat of the day, searching for insects or pausing to rest. Large herbivores, especially cattle, may eat the eat leaves of Cup Plant, especially those of immature plants.
Photographic Location: The photographs of the flowering plants and perfoliate leaves were taken at a small restored prairie in Urbana, Illinois, while the photograph of the flowerhead close-up was taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is an imposing, but attractive plant when it is in bloom. Cup Plant is easy to distinguish from other Silphium spp., as well as various sunflowers, by the perfoliate leaves that can hold water, and the hairless four-angled stems.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年02月12日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 2-3' tall and unbranched, except for the upper flowering stems. The stems are covered with fine white hairs, as are the leaves, on both the upper and lower sides. These leaves are up to 4" long and 2" wide, light to medium green, lanceolate to ovate, with a fuzzy texture and smooth edges. They occur in opposite pairs, rotating 90° degrees as they ascend the stem. Small clusters of bright red or scarlet flowers occur at the top of the plant. The star-shaped flowers have 5 narrow petals that flare abruptly outward from a long tubular calyx that is about 1" long. The flowers are about ¾–1" across, and have exerted stamens with grey anthers. The calyx is light green, longitudinally ridged, and covered with sticky hairs that trap climbing insects. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late summer and lasts about a month. There is no floral scent. The small black seeds usually fall only a short distance from the mother plant. The root system consists of a taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun in moist to slightly dry soil. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, clay-loam, or rocky material. Royal Catchfly is fairly easy to grow, but it is somewhat slower to develop than other plants and resents excessive shading. During drought, the lower leaves may turn yellow and fall off the plant. Plants begin to bloom while small in size, but it takes several years to reach their full potential.
Range & Habitat: The native Royal Catchfly occurs in widely scattered counties in Illinois, primarily in areas near Chicago, East St. Louis, and some SE counties (see Distribution Map). It is a rare plant that has endangered status in Illinois. Habitats include mesic black soil prairies, openings in upland forests, savannas, scrubby barrens, and open areas along roadsides and railroads. Because this forb is showy and available through the nursery trade, it has been introduced elsewhere around the state in prairie restorations and flower gardens.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts the larger butterflies, such as Papilio polyxenes asterias (Black Swallowtail), and the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. Aphids suck juices from the upper stems occasionally. There is little or no information regarding this plant's relationships to birds and animals at the present time.
Photographic Location: The photograph was taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Red is an uncommon color among prairie plants because many pollinating insects (e.g., bees) are insensitive to this range of the light spectrum. However, some butterflies perceive red, and for this reason are attracted to such flowers. The flowers of Royal Catchfly have a design that favors butterflies as pollinating agents: They have a proboscis that is sufficiently long to reach the nectar at the bottom of the long narrow tube that is formed by the calyx, while the flared petals provide a colorful landing platform for their legs. The only other plant that resembles Royal Catchfly in Illinois is Silene virginica (Fire Pink). This latter species also has bright red flowers, but the tips of its petals are slightly notched. Fire Pink is a shorter plant that occurs in and around woodland areas, often on clay or rocky banks, and is not found in prairies.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun in moist to slightly dry soil. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, clay-loam, or rocky material. Royal Catchfly is fairly easy to grow, but it is somewhat slower to develop than other plants and resents excessive shading. During drought, the lower leaves may turn yellow and fall off the plant. Plants begin to bloom while small in size, but it takes several years to reach their full potential.
Range & Habitat: The native Royal Catchfly occurs in widely scattered counties in Illinois, primarily in areas near Chicago, East St. Louis, and some SE counties (see Distribution Map). It is a rare plant that has endangered status in Illinois. Habitats include mesic black soil prairies, openings in upland forests, savannas, scrubby barrens, and open areas along roadsides and railroads. Because this forb is showy and available through the nursery trade, it has been introduced elsewhere around the state in prairie restorations and flower gardens.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts the larger butterflies, such as Papilio polyxenes asterias (Black Swallowtail), and the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. Aphids suck juices from the upper stems occasionally. There is little or no information regarding this plant's relationships to birds and animals at the present time.
Photographic Location: The photograph was taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Red is an uncommon color among prairie plants because many pollinating insects (e.g., bees) are insensitive to this range of the light spectrum. However, some butterflies perceive red, and for this reason are attracted to such flowers. The flowers of Royal Catchfly have a design that favors butterflies as pollinating agents: They have a proboscis that is sufficiently long to reach the nectar at the bottom of the long narrow tube that is formed by the calyx, while the flared petals provide a colorful landing platform for their legs. The only other plant that resembles Royal Catchfly in Illinois is Silene virginica (Fire Pink). This latter species also has bright red flowers, but the tips of its petals are slightly notched. Fire Pink is a shorter plant that occurs in and around woodland areas, often on clay or rocky banks, and is not found in prairies.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年02月12日
Description: This perennial wildflower is woody at the base and only 4-10" tall. The lower stems have shredded bark that is grey-brown, while the upper stems are non-woody and light green to red. Most branching occurs toward the base of each plant; the stems have a tendency to sprawl across the ground as they become longer. Alternate trifoliate leaves develop primarily from the base of each stem. Individual leaflets are up to 1½" long and ½" across; the middle leaflet is usually longer than the 2 lateral leaflets. The shape of each leaflet is oblanceolate, terminating in a truncate tip with 3 large teeth. The leaflets are evergreen with a somewhat thick leathery texture; their upper surfaces are medium to dark green and shiny, while their lower surfaces are pale green and often slightly pubescent. During the winter, the leaflets often become tinted with red. Each trifoliate leaf has a long petiole up to 2" long; this petiole is light green to red and it has a pair of large linear-lanceolate stipules at its base. Some of the upper stems terminate in cymes or compound cymes of 1-12 flowers. Each flower is up to ½" across, consisting of 5 white petals, a light green calyx with 5 ovate teeth, a dense cluster of pistils, and 20-30 stamens. Adjacent to the calyx of the flower, there are 5 light green bracteoles (tiny bracts); these bracteoles are linear-oblong and shorter than the teeth of the calyx. The slender white styles of the pistils spread laterally from the center of the flower. The branches of each cyme are terete, light green, and often pubescent. At the base of each fork in the cyme, there is a pair of small lanceolate bracts.
The blooming period occurs during the summer and lasts about 2-3 months. At maturity, each flower produces a cluster of hairy brown achenes. The root system is woody and can produce vegetative offsets from underground runners. Older plants may produce a caudex.
Cultivation: The preference is plenty of sun, dry conditions, and well-drained soil that is rocky, gravelly, or sandy. This plant can adapt to a rock garden if it is sunny and well-drained. Because this is a boreal species, it dislikes excessive heat during the summer.
Range & Habitat: In Illinois, Three-Toothed Cinquefoil has been found only in Cook County (see Distribution Map), where it was probably native. Because this species has not been observed in any natural area of the state since 1895, it is probably extirpated within the state. The habitat of Three-Toothed Cinquefoil in Illinois was a gravel hill prairie. Outside of the state, it is found on treeless mountain tops and other upland rocky areas that are sunny; it also occurs along sandy banks. The range of this species extends from the upper Great Lakes to New England, and then northward to the Arctic Circle of Canada and Greenland. Small isolated populations still occur in the Appalachian Mountains as far south as northern Georgia.
Faunal Associations: Because this species is quite rare in Illinois and the surrounding area, information about floral-faunal relationships is unavailable. Like similar Potentilla spp. (Cinquefoil species), the flowers probably attract small bees and Syrphid flies.
Photographic Location: A rock garden at the Arboretum of the University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Another scientific name of this species is Potentilla tridentata. Three-Toothed Cinquefoil was reclassified into its own genus as a result of genetic analysis, which revealed that it was more closely related to another boreal species, Sibbaldia procumbens (Sibbaldia). The trifoliate leaves of this latter species are similar to those of Three-Toothed Cinquefoil, but the flowers of Sibbaldia are less showy because of the small size of the petals. Three-Toothed Cinquefoil differs from Potentilla spp. by the lateral styles of its flowers; it also differs from many of these species by its woody lower stems and evergreen leaves.
The blooming period occurs during the summer and lasts about 2-3 months. At maturity, each flower produces a cluster of hairy brown achenes. The root system is woody and can produce vegetative offsets from underground runners. Older plants may produce a caudex.
Cultivation: The preference is plenty of sun, dry conditions, and well-drained soil that is rocky, gravelly, or sandy. This plant can adapt to a rock garden if it is sunny and well-drained. Because this is a boreal species, it dislikes excessive heat during the summer.
Range & Habitat: In Illinois, Three-Toothed Cinquefoil has been found only in Cook County (see Distribution Map), where it was probably native. Because this species has not been observed in any natural area of the state since 1895, it is probably extirpated within the state. The habitat of Three-Toothed Cinquefoil in Illinois was a gravel hill prairie. Outside of the state, it is found on treeless mountain tops and other upland rocky areas that are sunny; it also occurs along sandy banks. The range of this species extends from the upper Great Lakes to New England, and then northward to the Arctic Circle of Canada and Greenland. Small isolated populations still occur in the Appalachian Mountains as far south as northern Georgia.
Faunal Associations: Because this species is quite rare in Illinois and the surrounding area, information about floral-faunal relationships is unavailable. Like similar Potentilla spp. (Cinquefoil species), the flowers probably attract small bees and Syrphid flies.
Photographic Location: A rock garden at the Arboretum of the University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Another scientific name of this species is Potentilla tridentata. Three-Toothed Cinquefoil was reclassified into its own genus as a result of genetic analysis, which revealed that it was more closely related to another boreal species, Sibbaldia procumbens (Sibbaldia). The trifoliate leaves of this latter species are similar to those of Three-Toothed Cinquefoil, but the flowers of Sibbaldia are less showy because of the small size of the petals. Three-Toothed Cinquefoil differs from Potentilla spp. by the lateral styles of its flowers; it also differs from many of these species by its woody lower stems and evergreen leaves.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年02月11日
Description: This wildflower is a winter annual about 4-12" tall. The stems are either unbranched, or they branch at the base of each plant; they are pale red, terete, glabrous, and glaucous. Alternate leaves are arranged somewhat densely around the stems; they are about ½-1" long, 2-3 mm. across, and ascending to widely spreading. Individual leaves are pale green, linear in shape, subterete (circular, but slightly flattened in cross-section), and glabrous. The leaf bases slightly clasp the stems; each leaf has a pair of minute auricles (ear-like lobes) at its base.
Each stem terminates in a cyme of flowers up to 6" across. Each cyme has 3-7 horizontal branches that are spaced widely apart; the flowers are densely arranged along the upper sides of these branches (typically 10-40 flowers per branch). The flowers are sessile or nearly sessile (on pedicels less than 1 mm. in length). Each flower spans about ½" across, consisting of 4 pink petals (rarely white), 4 pale green sepals, a cluster of 4 pistils, and 8 stamens. The petals and sepals are linear-lanceolate in shape; the petals are about twice the length of the sepals. The narrowly ovoid pistils are light pink (less often white) during the blooming period; each pistil has a single style. The anthers are initially dark red, but they turn black shortly afterwards. Among the flowers, there are bracts that resemble the leaves, except theyDistribution Map are about one-half the size of the latter. The blooming period occurs during late spring to early summer, lasting about 1 month. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by clusters of 4 spreading follicles; these follicles are about ¼" long, narrowly ovoid in shape, and prominently beaked. Immature follicles are pale green, but at maturity they turn brown. Eventually, each follicle splits open along one side to release numerous seeds. The root system is fibrous. This wildflower spreads by reseeding itself. At favorable sites, it often forms colonies of plants.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry conditions, and thin rocky soil. Partial sun is tolerated, although there will be a greater tendency for individual plants to sprawl in the direction of greater light. Seeds typically germinate in the fall, allowing young plants to overwinter in a dormant state. Most growth and development occur during the spring. The leaves wither away during the hot weather of summer as individual plants die down. This plant has a crassula acid metabolism (CAM) that enables it to survive in xeric conditions. Like other sedums (Sedum spp.), Widow's Cross can be cultivated in sunny rock gardens.
Range & Habitat: The native Widow's Cross occurs in southern Illinois, where it is uncommon. Illinois lies along the northern range of this species. Habitats include rocky cliffs, exposed rocky ledges, and rocky glades, particularly in areas where there is exposed flat bedrock. The underlying bedrock in these habitats consists of sandstone, limestone, or chert. Widow's Cross is a highly specialized plant that is found in high quality natural areas.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about floral-faunal relationships for this species. Generally, the flowers of sedums (Sedum spp.) are cross-pollinated by small bees (Andrena spp., etc.) and probably other insects. Both nectar and pollen are available as floral rewards to such visitors. In areas where Widow's Cross and other sedums are cultivated (especially nurseries and greenhouses), they may be attacked by Aphis sedi (Sedum Aphid). This aphid was introduced into North America from Eurasia.
Photographic Location: A rocky ledge in southern Illinois.
Comments: Other common names for Widow's Cross (Sedum pulchellum) are Limestone Stonecrop and Rock Stonecrop. Widow's Cross is normally an attractive little plant with pink flowers. It is one of only a few native Sedum spp. that are found in the rocky hills of southern Illinois and the surrounding area. Several species of cultivated sedums from Eurasia occasionally escape and naturalize in open disturbed habitats, but they usually don't persist (with the exception of Sedum acre). Widow's Cross can be distinguished from these other species by its pink 4-petaled flowers, widely spreading branches of its inflorescence, and small linear leaves that are nearly terete. Other sedums often have white or yellow flowers, flowers with 5 petals, inflorescences with ascending branches, or leaves that are more flattened and wide than those of Widow's Cross.
Each stem terminates in a cyme of flowers up to 6" across. Each cyme has 3-7 horizontal branches that are spaced widely apart; the flowers are densely arranged along the upper sides of these branches (typically 10-40 flowers per branch). The flowers are sessile or nearly sessile (on pedicels less than 1 mm. in length). Each flower spans about ½" across, consisting of 4 pink petals (rarely white), 4 pale green sepals, a cluster of 4 pistils, and 8 stamens. The petals and sepals are linear-lanceolate in shape; the petals are about twice the length of the sepals. The narrowly ovoid pistils are light pink (less often white) during the blooming period; each pistil has a single style. The anthers are initially dark red, but they turn black shortly afterwards. Among the flowers, there are bracts that resemble the leaves, except theyDistribution Map are about one-half the size of the latter. The blooming period occurs during late spring to early summer, lasting about 1 month. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by clusters of 4 spreading follicles; these follicles are about ¼" long, narrowly ovoid in shape, and prominently beaked. Immature follicles are pale green, but at maturity they turn brown. Eventually, each follicle splits open along one side to release numerous seeds. The root system is fibrous. This wildflower spreads by reseeding itself. At favorable sites, it often forms colonies of plants.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry conditions, and thin rocky soil. Partial sun is tolerated, although there will be a greater tendency for individual plants to sprawl in the direction of greater light. Seeds typically germinate in the fall, allowing young plants to overwinter in a dormant state. Most growth and development occur during the spring. The leaves wither away during the hot weather of summer as individual plants die down. This plant has a crassula acid metabolism (CAM) that enables it to survive in xeric conditions. Like other sedums (Sedum spp.), Widow's Cross can be cultivated in sunny rock gardens.
Range & Habitat: The native Widow's Cross occurs in southern Illinois, where it is uncommon. Illinois lies along the northern range of this species. Habitats include rocky cliffs, exposed rocky ledges, and rocky glades, particularly in areas where there is exposed flat bedrock. The underlying bedrock in these habitats consists of sandstone, limestone, or chert. Widow's Cross is a highly specialized plant that is found in high quality natural areas.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about floral-faunal relationships for this species. Generally, the flowers of sedums (Sedum spp.) are cross-pollinated by small bees (Andrena spp., etc.) and probably other insects. Both nectar and pollen are available as floral rewards to such visitors. In areas where Widow's Cross and other sedums are cultivated (especially nurseries and greenhouses), they may be attacked by Aphis sedi (Sedum Aphid). This aphid was introduced into North America from Eurasia.
Photographic Location: A rocky ledge in southern Illinois.
Comments: Other common names for Widow's Cross (Sedum pulchellum) are Limestone Stonecrop and Rock Stonecrop. Widow's Cross is normally an attractive little plant with pink flowers. It is one of only a few native Sedum spp. that are found in the rocky hills of southern Illinois and the surrounding area. Several species of cultivated sedums from Eurasia occasionally escape and naturalize in open disturbed habitats, but they usually don't persist (with the exception of Sedum acre). Widow's Cross can be distinguished from these other species by its pink 4-petaled flowers, widely spreading branches of its inflorescence, and small linear leaves that are nearly terete. Other sedums often have white or yellow flowers, flowers with 5 petals, inflorescences with ascending branches, or leaves that are more flattened and wide than those of Widow's Cross.
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