文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月02日
Family - Polygalaceae
Stems - To +20cm tall, erect, single from the base, from a small taproot, herbaceous, dichotomously branching, purplish near the base, 4-angled, glabrous.
Leaves - At least the most basal sets whorled, all leaves sessile, glabrous, entire, acute, linear-lanceolate, with single costa, to +/-2.5cm long, +4mm broad. Upper leaves reduced to bracts by the inflorescence.
Inflorescence - Terminal and lateral indeterminate racemes, to +2cm long, 5mm in diameter. Pedicels to .6mm long. Pedicels and axis glabrous.
Flowers - Petals 3, united into a 3-lobed tube, folded around the pistil and stamens, purplish at the apex. The middle lobe fringed (with 5 fringes). Stamens minute, 6-8, adnate to the corolla tube, in two rows. Anthers yellow. Ovary superior, green, subglobose to compressed, glabrous, 1mm long, 2-locular, 2-ovuled. Sepals 5, unequal. The uppermost sepal to 1mm long, green, acute. The lower 2 sepals -1mm long, with a purple midvein, acute. The lateral 2 sepals ovate, whitish-green, with a purple midvein, to 1.5mm long. Capsules to +2mm long. Seeds black, pilosulous, to +2mm long.
Flowering - May - October.
Habitat - Rocky glades, prairies, open woods, fallow fields, eroded open slopes, upland flats, typically in acid soils.
Origin - Native to U.S.
Other info. - This little species can be found scattered throughout Missouri. This is an easy species to overlook in the field as it is small and non-distinct.
Steyermark breaks the Missouri material into 5 varieties based on leaf arrangement and size, inflorescence size, flower color, and branch arrangement. The variety described above is most likely variety isocycla Fern., which is the most common variety found in Missouri. Some varieties integrate but others are more readily separated. I won't go into the rest of the varieties here.
Stems - To +20cm tall, erect, single from the base, from a small taproot, herbaceous, dichotomously branching, purplish near the base, 4-angled, glabrous.
Leaves - At least the most basal sets whorled, all leaves sessile, glabrous, entire, acute, linear-lanceolate, with single costa, to +/-2.5cm long, +4mm broad. Upper leaves reduced to bracts by the inflorescence.
Inflorescence - Terminal and lateral indeterminate racemes, to +2cm long, 5mm in diameter. Pedicels to .6mm long. Pedicels and axis glabrous.
Flowers - Petals 3, united into a 3-lobed tube, folded around the pistil and stamens, purplish at the apex. The middle lobe fringed (with 5 fringes). Stamens minute, 6-8, adnate to the corolla tube, in two rows. Anthers yellow. Ovary superior, green, subglobose to compressed, glabrous, 1mm long, 2-locular, 2-ovuled. Sepals 5, unequal. The uppermost sepal to 1mm long, green, acute. The lower 2 sepals -1mm long, with a purple midvein, acute. The lateral 2 sepals ovate, whitish-green, with a purple midvein, to 1.5mm long. Capsules to +2mm long. Seeds black, pilosulous, to +2mm long.
Flowering - May - October.
Habitat - Rocky glades, prairies, open woods, fallow fields, eroded open slopes, upland flats, typically in acid soils.
Origin - Native to U.S.
Other info. - This little species can be found scattered throughout Missouri. This is an easy species to overlook in the field as it is small and non-distinct.
Steyermark breaks the Missouri material into 5 varieties based on leaf arrangement and size, inflorescence size, flower color, and branch arrangement. The variety described above is most likely variety isocycla Fern., which is the most common variety found in Missouri. Some varieties integrate but others are more readily separated. I won't go into the rest of the varieties here.
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Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月02日
Family - Plantaginaceae
Stems - Plants acaulescent, from a big taproot.
Leaves - All basal, linear to linear-oblong, mostly entire but with a few small whitish tubercles on each margin, glabrous to sparse pilose adaxially, pilose abaxially, with 2-4 main side nerves (nerves run parallel to the midrib), dull-green, to 17cm long, -1cm broad, rounded to subacute at the apex.
Inflorescence - Many long-pedunculate flower spikes. Scapes to 30cm long, terete, solid, green, antrorse appressed pubescent in the upper 2/3, pilose at the base. Spikes to 7-8cm long, +/-8mm in diameter, very densely-flowered. Rachis densely pilose. Each flower subtended by 1 subulate bract. Bracts 4-5mm long, 1-1.7mm broad, green with translucent margins. Margins pilose basally.
Flowers - Sessile. Sepals 4, joined at the base, green with large translucent margins, rounded at the apex, to +4mm long, 2mm broad, pilose externally, glabrous internally, completely enveloping the ovary of the flower. Ovary green, glabrous, shiny, 4mm long, +2mm in diameter, with a transverse suture in the basal 1/3, 2-celled. Corolla 4-lobed, translucent. The two lateral lobes larger than the dorsal and ventral lobes, to +3mm long, 2-3mm broad, rounded at the apices, glabrous. Corolla tube short (-1mm long) ferruginous. Stamens 4, adnate to the corolla tube, alternating with the corolla lobes, only the anthers exserted. Anthers yellow, .6mm long, .3mm broad, sagittate. Style absent. Stigma included, 1-1.5mm long.
Flowering - May - July.
Habitat - Disturbed sites, waste places, railroads.
Origin - Native to U.S.
Other info. - This species has been reported in just two Missouri counties (St. Louis and Scott) and is much more common in the southeastern U.S.
The plant can be identified by its long, thin leaves, pubescent flowering scapes, and pilose calices.
Stems - Plants acaulescent, from a big taproot.
Leaves - All basal, linear to linear-oblong, mostly entire but with a few small whitish tubercles on each margin, glabrous to sparse pilose adaxially, pilose abaxially, with 2-4 main side nerves (nerves run parallel to the midrib), dull-green, to 17cm long, -1cm broad, rounded to subacute at the apex.
Inflorescence - Many long-pedunculate flower spikes. Scapes to 30cm long, terete, solid, green, antrorse appressed pubescent in the upper 2/3, pilose at the base. Spikes to 7-8cm long, +/-8mm in diameter, very densely-flowered. Rachis densely pilose. Each flower subtended by 1 subulate bract. Bracts 4-5mm long, 1-1.7mm broad, green with translucent margins. Margins pilose basally.
Flowers - Sessile. Sepals 4, joined at the base, green with large translucent margins, rounded at the apex, to +4mm long, 2mm broad, pilose externally, glabrous internally, completely enveloping the ovary of the flower. Ovary green, glabrous, shiny, 4mm long, +2mm in diameter, with a transverse suture in the basal 1/3, 2-celled. Corolla 4-lobed, translucent. The two lateral lobes larger than the dorsal and ventral lobes, to +3mm long, 2-3mm broad, rounded at the apices, glabrous. Corolla tube short (-1mm long) ferruginous. Stamens 4, adnate to the corolla tube, alternating with the corolla lobes, only the anthers exserted. Anthers yellow, .6mm long, .3mm broad, sagittate. Style absent. Stigma included, 1-1.5mm long.
Flowering - May - July.
Habitat - Disturbed sites, waste places, railroads.
Origin - Native to U.S.
Other info. - This species has been reported in just two Missouri counties (St. Louis and Scott) and is much more common in the southeastern U.S.
The plant can be identified by its long, thin leaves, pubescent flowering scapes, and pilose calices.
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Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月02日
Family - Asclepiadaceae
Stems - Stout, erect, herbaceous, to 1.5m tall, 4-angled (the angles rounded), tomentoulose, with milky sap.
Leaves - Opposite, decussate, short petiolate. Petioles to -1cm long. Blades to +/-20cm long, +/-10cm broad, entire, tomentose (tomentoulose) and light green below, darker green and sparse tomentoulose above, often with purplish midrib adaxially, ovate-oblong to ovate-lanceolate or elliptic, rounded at base, acute at apex. Veins of the leaf anistomosing before the margins of the leaf (best viewed abaxially).
Inflorescence - Axillary, pedunculate, globose umbels on the apical 1/2 of the stem. Peduncles to +/-6cm long, tomentose. Flowers +/-100 per umbel. Pedicels tomentose, to 4cm long, typically with some purplish tinge.
Flowers - Petals 5, reflexed, subulate, to 9mm long, 3-4mm broad, acute, entire, glabrous internally, pubescent externally. Hoods creamy whitish-purple, 4-5mm tall, attached basally to column, glabrous. Horns to 2mm long, whitish-purple, curved inward and touching the top of the anther column. Column dark purple and whitish at the apex, 2-3mm long and broad. Anther sacs 2mm long, connective dark purplish-brown. Sepals 5, green, pubescent externally, glabrous internally, reflexed, shorter than the petals.
Flowering - May - August.
Habitat - Fields, open woods, roadsides, railroads, waste ground.
Origin - Native to U.S.
Other info. - This robust species can be found throughout most of Missouri but seems to be uncommon in the south-central portion of the state. Like the majority of the milkweeds, this species bleeds a profuse amount of milky sap when injured. The plant is toxic if ingested. This species can be mistaken with another, A. purpurescens L., but the latter has more purple flowers, inflorescences which are at the apex of the plant, and smooth fruits. The fruits of A. syriaca have small protuberances on them. Both species are quite striking and are visited frequently by insects in search of nectar.
Plants of the genus Asclepias have their pollen gathered in small sacs known as pollinia. The pollinia are buried within the other flora organs and cannot be seen without dissecting the flowers. As insects crawl amongst and feed upon the flowers of Asclepias their feet and appendages slip into slits in the gynostegium of the flower and get snagged on these pollinia. The pollinia will then be carried by the insects to other flowers on different plants to assure varied pollination. This amazing process can be seen in the picture below as a small larva feeding upon the flowers of A. syriaca can be seen with a pair of pollinia attached to one of its feet.
Stems - Stout, erect, herbaceous, to 1.5m tall, 4-angled (the angles rounded), tomentoulose, with milky sap.
Leaves - Opposite, decussate, short petiolate. Petioles to -1cm long. Blades to +/-20cm long, +/-10cm broad, entire, tomentose (tomentoulose) and light green below, darker green and sparse tomentoulose above, often with purplish midrib adaxially, ovate-oblong to ovate-lanceolate or elliptic, rounded at base, acute at apex. Veins of the leaf anistomosing before the margins of the leaf (best viewed abaxially).
Inflorescence - Axillary, pedunculate, globose umbels on the apical 1/2 of the stem. Peduncles to +/-6cm long, tomentose. Flowers +/-100 per umbel. Pedicels tomentose, to 4cm long, typically with some purplish tinge.
Flowers - Petals 5, reflexed, subulate, to 9mm long, 3-4mm broad, acute, entire, glabrous internally, pubescent externally. Hoods creamy whitish-purple, 4-5mm tall, attached basally to column, glabrous. Horns to 2mm long, whitish-purple, curved inward and touching the top of the anther column. Column dark purple and whitish at the apex, 2-3mm long and broad. Anther sacs 2mm long, connective dark purplish-brown. Sepals 5, green, pubescent externally, glabrous internally, reflexed, shorter than the petals.
Flowering - May - August.
Habitat - Fields, open woods, roadsides, railroads, waste ground.
Origin - Native to U.S.
Other info. - This robust species can be found throughout most of Missouri but seems to be uncommon in the south-central portion of the state. Like the majority of the milkweeds, this species bleeds a profuse amount of milky sap when injured. The plant is toxic if ingested. This species can be mistaken with another, A. purpurescens L., but the latter has more purple flowers, inflorescences which are at the apex of the plant, and smooth fruits. The fruits of A. syriaca have small protuberances on them. Both species are quite striking and are visited frequently by insects in search of nectar.
Plants of the genus Asclepias have their pollen gathered in small sacs known as pollinia. The pollinia are buried within the other flora organs and cannot be seen without dissecting the flowers. As insects crawl amongst and feed upon the flowers of Asclepias their feet and appendages slip into slits in the gynostegium of the flower and get snagged on these pollinia. The pollinia will then be carried by the insects to other flowers on different plants to assure varied pollination. This amazing process can be seen in the picture below as a small larva feeding upon the flowers of A. syriaca can be seen with a pair of pollinia attached to one of its feet.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月02日
Family - Chenopodiaceae
Stems - From a big taproot, erect, herbaceous but stout, much-branched, terete to ribbed, green, glabrescent but minutely villous, to +/-60cm tall.
Leaves - Alternate, sessile. Blade tapering to the base, with 3-4 coarse teeth per margin, acute, glabrous or with very few hairs, to +4cm long, 1cm broad, linear-oblong, green, lighter underneath.
Inflorescence - Open, loose spikes terminating each stem and branch. Flowers sessile, the lowest subtended by a greatly reduced foliaceous bract. Flowers compact at first but quickly expanding in fruit.
Flowers - Minute, green. Sepals green, convergent, keeled, 5, to 1mm long in flower, longer in fruit, dark green, mostly glabrous, subtended by white lanose hairs. Stigmas 3, erect, white, .7-1mm long. Ovary green, superior, globose, glabrous but surrounded by lanose hairs, .3-.7mm broad in flower, quickly expanding in fruit and becoming disk-shaped. Fruit winged, to 4mm broad. Wing white, +/-1mm broad, erose-margined. Seed dark purple, broadly conic, hard, 2mm broad.
Flowering - June - October.
Habitat - Sand bars, gravel bars, sandy fields, railroads, sandy roadsides.
Origin - Native to U.S.
Other info. - This interesting species can be found throughout Missouri along the major waterways and in sandy areas. The plant is simple to identify becasue of its round, winged fruits and choice of habitat.
Stems - From a big taproot, erect, herbaceous but stout, much-branched, terete to ribbed, green, glabrescent but minutely villous, to +/-60cm tall.
Leaves - Alternate, sessile. Blade tapering to the base, with 3-4 coarse teeth per margin, acute, glabrous or with very few hairs, to +4cm long, 1cm broad, linear-oblong, green, lighter underneath.
Inflorescence - Open, loose spikes terminating each stem and branch. Flowers sessile, the lowest subtended by a greatly reduced foliaceous bract. Flowers compact at first but quickly expanding in fruit.
Flowers - Minute, green. Sepals green, convergent, keeled, 5, to 1mm long in flower, longer in fruit, dark green, mostly glabrous, subtended by white lanose hairs. Stigmas 3, erect, white, .7-1mm long. Ovary green, superior, globose, glabrous but surrounded by lanose hairs, .3-.7mm broad in flower, quickly expanding in fruit and becoming disk-shaped. Fruit winged, to 4mm broad. Wing white, +/-1mm broad, erose-margined. Seed dark purple, broadly conic, hard, 2mm broad.
Flowering - June - October.
Habitat - Sand bars, gravel bars, sandy fields, railroads, sandy roadsides.
Origin - Native to U.S.
Other info. - This interesting species can be found throughout Missouri along the major waterways and in sandy areas. The plant is simple to identify becasue of its round, winged fruits and choice of habitat.
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Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月02日
Family - Brassicaceae
Stems - Repent, decumbent, or ascending, multiple from the base, radiating from a central point, from a long taproot, to 30cm long, herbaceous, terete, glabrous, green.
Leaves - Alternate, petiolate, pinnate, to 4-5cm long, 2cm broad, glabrous. Divisions of the leaves opposite, lobed or divided again, acute, linear-elliptic to linear oblong. Apices of ultimate divisions with a somewhat hardened point.
Inflorescence - Small raceme to 4cm long, opposite one of the stem leaves, compact in flower, quickly elongating in fruit. Axis glabrous. Pedicels to 2mm long in fruit.
Flowers - Greenish, minute. Petals absent. Sepals 4, to 1mm long, .75mm broad, strongly cupped, glabrous, with scarious margins, acute to rounded at the apex. Stamens 2, to .75mm long. Filaments white, swollen at the base, glabrous, succulent. Anthers purple, .1mm long. Staminodia 4, shorter than the stamens, one staminode arising on each side of the fertile stamens, with minute green nectaries at the base between the fertile stamen and the staminode. Ovary superior, green, glabrous, 1mm broad, .8mm long, compressed. Style absent. Stigma sessile between the two halves of the ovary. Fruits glabrous, 3-4mm broad, 2mm long, slightly compressed, sub-biglobose, 2-seeded.
Flowering - April - October.
Habitat - Waste ground, open places, lawns.
Origin - Native to Europe.
Other info. - This sprawling weed can be found in just a handful of southeast Missouri counties but is spreading. The plant is easy to ID in the field because of its spreading stems, pinnate leaves, and biglobose fruits. The species epithet "didymus" means "the testes" referring to the fruits.
Stems - Repent, decumbent, or ascending, multiple from the base, radiating from a central point, from a long taproot, to 30cm long, herbaceous, terete, glabrous, green.
Leaves - Alternate, petiolate, pinnate, to 4-5cm long, 2cm broad, glabrous. Divisions of the leaves opposite, lobed or divided again, acute, linear-elliptic to linear oblong. Apices of ultimate divisions with a somewhat hardened point.
Inflorescence - Small raceme to 4cm long, opposite one of the stem leaves, compact in flower, quickly elongating in fruit. Axis glabrous. Pedicels to 2mm long in fruit.
Flowers - Greenish, minute. Petals absent. Sepals 4, to 1mm long, .75mm broad, strongly cupped, glabrous, with scarious margins, acute to rounded at the apex. Stamens 2, to .75mm long. Filaments white, swollen at the base, glabrous, succulent. Anthers purple, .1mm long. Staminodia 4, shorter than the stamens, one staminode arising on each side of the fertile stamens, with minute green nectaries at the base between the fertile stamen and the staminode. Ovary superior, green, glabrous, 1mm broad, .8mm long, compressed. Style absent. Stigma sessile between the two halves of the ovary. Fruits glabrous, 3-4mm broad, 2mm long, slightly compressed, sub-biglobose, 2-seeded.
Flowering - April - October.
Habitat - Waste ground, open places, lawns.
Origin - Native to Europe.
Other info. - This sprawling weed can be found in just a handful of southeast Missouri counties but is spreading. The plant is easy to ID in the field because of its spreading stems, pinnate leaves, and biglobose fruits. The species epithet "didymus" means "the testes" referring to the fruits.
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Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月01日
Family - Berberidaceae
Stems - From rhizomes, to +/-50cm tall, erect, herbaceous, multiple from the base, glaucous, terete, green with purple at the base, glabrous.
Leaves - Mostly one leaf per stem, triternate. Leaflets 3(4-5)-lobed a the apex, entire, glabrous, 4-5cm long, +/-3cm broad. Lobes of the leaflets acute, with a small whitish apex. Main veins of the leaflets arising from the base of the leaflet. All veins impressed above, expressed below. Lateral leaflets often oblique at the base.
Inflorescence - Axillary panicle to +4cm long. Peduncle to +3cm long, glabrous. Ech division of the panicle subtended a minute bract. Bracts 1-2mm long, acute, scarious on the margins.
Flowers - Petaloid sepals 6, yellow-green, spatulate, rounded at the apex, +/-5mm long, 2-3mm broad, with slightly darker veins, distinct. Petals smaller than the sepals, green, glabrous, hooded, 2mm long, 2mm broad at the apex. Stamens 6, ascending. Filaments green, glabrous, 1.5mm long. Anthers yellow, 1mm long, 1mm broad, bi-lobed. Ovary green, obovoid, glabrous, +2mm long, -2mm broad, slightly 3-sided, unilocular, with 3 ovules, tapering into a -1mm long style. Stigma minute. Placentation basal.
Flowering - March - May.
Habitat - Rich woods in valleys, ravines, north-facing wooded slopes, moist base of bluffs.
Origin - Native to U.S. and Asia.
Other info. - This species can be found scattered throughout most of Missouri but is generally found in the eastern half of the state. The plant can be identified in the field by its glaucous stems, ternately divided leaves (the leaf picture above is of just the terminal division of a leaf), its greenish flowers, and its brilliant blue seeds (which I have no pictures of at this time). The plant also has a thick root which was used medicinally by natives. A tea made from the root was used to treat a variety of ailments such as abdominal cramps, urinary tract infections, and problems with the uterus. The roots may also have contraceptive properties. The root of the plant contains glycosides and alkaloids and many people get a reaction from handling the roots. The seeds of the plant are toxic and should not be eaten.
Stems - From rhizomes, to +/-50cm tall, erect, herbaceous, multiple from the base, glaucous, terete, green with purple at the base, glabrous.
Leaves - Mostly one leaf per stem, triternate. Leaflets 3(4-5)-lobed a the apex, entire, glabrous, 4-5cm long, +/-3cm broad. Lobes of the leaflets acute, with a small whitish apex. Main veins of the leaflets arising from the base of the leaflet. All veins impressed above, expressed below. Lateral leaflets often oblique at the base.
Inflorescence - Axillary panicle to +4cm long. Peduncle to +3cm long, glabrous. Ech division of the panicle subtended a minute bract. Bracts 1-2mm long, acute, scarious on the margins.
Flowers - Petaloid sepals 6, yellow-green, spatulate, rounded at the apex, +/-5mm long, 2-3mm broad, with slightly darker veins, distinct. Petals smaller than the sepals, green, glabrous, hooded, 2mm long, 2mm broad at the apex. Stamens 6, ascending. Filaments green, glabrous, 1.5mm long. Anthers yellow, 1mm long, 1mm broad, bi-lobed. Ovary green, obovoid, glabrous, +2mm long, -2mm broad, slightly 3-sided, unilocular, with 3 ovules, tapering into a -1mm long style. Stigma minute. Placentation basal.
Flowering - March - May.
Habitat - Rich woods in valleys, ravines, north-facing wooded slopes, moist base of bluffs.
Origin - Native to U.S. and Asia.
Other info. - This species can be found scattered throughout most of Missouri but is generally found in the eastern half of the state. The plant can be identified in the field by its glaucous stems, ternately divided leaves (the leaf picture above is of just the terminal division of a leaf), its greenish flowers, and its brilliant blue seeds (which I have no pictures of at this time). The plant also has a thick root which was used medicinally by natives. A tea made from the root was used to treat a variety of ailments such as abdominal cramps, urinary tract infections, and problems with the uterus. The roots may also have contraceptive properties. The root of the plant contains glycosides and alkaloids and many people get a reaction from handling the roots. The seeds of the plant are toxic and should not be eaten.
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Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月01日
Family - Scrophulariaceae
Stems - To +3m tall, erect, typically simple, from large fleshy roots, glabrous, 4-angled, (the angles rounded), fluted with a single groove on each side of stem, herbaceous. Pith white.
Leaves - Opposite, decussate, petiolate. Petioles to +/-7cm long, often purplish above, with an adaxial groove, sparse glandular pubescent. Blades cordate to truncate at base, serrate, ovate, acuminate, dull green and glabrous above, light green and puberulent on veins below, to +15cm long, +/-9cm broad.
Inflorescence - Terminal and axillary thrysoid panicles to 30cm long(tall). Each division of inflorescence subtended by gradually smaller linear bracts. Lowest division of inflorescence subtended by foliaceous bracts. Peduncles and pedicels with glandular pubescence. Glands deep purple to black, (use a lens to see the color). Pedicels to 1.5cm long in flower, slightly longer in fruit.
Flowers - Corolla bilabiate, greenish, glabrous, 8-9mm long. Upper lip 2-lobed. Lobes rounded, reddish or at least with reddish margins, -3mm in diameter. Lower lip 3-lobed. Central lobe reflexed. Lobes 2mm long, rounded. Style exserted, greenish-white, often deflexed on the central lobe of the lower lip of the corolla, sparsely glandular pubescent or glabrous. Stamens 4, didynamous, one pair slightly exserted by the lower lip of the corolla. Filaments to 4mm long, greenish-white, glandular pubescent. Anthers yellow, 1.3mm broad. Staminode purplish, adnate to the upper lip of the corolla, included. Ovary superior, green, ovoid, 1.2mm long, 1.2mm in diameter, subtended by a thick yellow nectariferous ring, 2-locular. Placentation axile. Seeds(ovules) many. Calyx green, glabrous, 5-lobed. Lobes ovate, 2mm long, 1.5mm broad, rounded at the apex. Calyx tube to -1mm long.
Flowering - July - October.
Habitat - Rich woods, ravines, thickets, stream banks, woodland borders.
Origin - Native to U.S.
Other info. - This species is found throughout Missouri. When not in flower, this species can be confused with another species, Agastache nepetoides (L.) O. Ktze., from the Lamiaceae. When in flower, though, S. marilandica is unmistakable because of its tall size and big open thrysoid panicles.
Steyermark lists two forms for the plant based on leaf pubescence but even he admits they are probably not valid.
Traditionally this species was used as a tea and a poultice for many ailments from fever to anxiety.
While I was out taking some of these pictures my co-worker Dan slipped and fell on this Copperhead:
Copperheads, Agkistrodon contortrix, are great snakes and this fine specimen didn't even try to bite and stayed very still so that we could take her picture.
Stems - To +3m tall, erect, typically simple, from large fleshy roots, glabrous, 4-angled, (the angles rounded), fluted with a single groove on each side of stem, herbaceous. Pith white.
Leaves - Opposite, decussate, petiolate. Petioles to +/-7cm long, often purplish above, with an adaxial groove, sparse glandular pubescent. Blades cordate to truncate at base, serrate, ovate, acuminate, dull green and glabrous above, light green and puberulent on veins below, to +15cm long, +/-9cm broad.
Inflorescence - Terminal and axillary thrysoid panicles to 30cm long(tall). Each division of inflorescence subtended by gradually smaller linear bracts. Lowest division of inflorescence subtended by foliaceous bracts. Peduncles and pedicels with glandular pubescence. Glands deep purple to black, (use a lens to see the color). Pedicels to 1.5cm long in flower, slightly longer in fruit.
Flowers - Corolla bilabiate, greenish, glabrous, 8-9mm long. Upper lip 2-lobed. Lobes rounded, reddish or at least with reddish margins, -3mm in diameter. Lower lip 3-lobed. Central lobe reflexed. Lobes 2mm long, rounded. Style exserted, greenish-white, often deflexed on the central lobe of the lower lip of the corolla, sparsely glandular pubescent or glabrous. Stamens 4, didynamous, one pair slightly exserted by the lower lip of the corolla. Filaments to 4mm long, greenish-white, glandular pubescent. Anthers yellow, 1.3mm broad. Staminode purplish, adnate to the upper lip of the corolla, included. Ovary superior, green, ovoid, 1.2mm long, 1.2mm in diameter, subtended by a thick yellow nectariferous ring, 2-locular. Placentation axile. Seeds(ovules) many. Calyx green, glabrous, 5-lobed. Lobes ovate, 2mm long, 1.5mm broad, rounded at the apex. Calyx tube to -1mm long.
Flowering - July - October.
Habitat - Rich woods, ravines, thickets, stream banks, woodland borders.
Origin - Native to U.S.
Other info. - This species is found throughout Missouri. When not in flower, this species can be confused with another species, Agastache nepetoides (L.) O. Ktze., from the Lamiaceae. When in flower, though, S. marilandica is unmistakable because of its tall size and big open thrysoid panicles.
Steyermark lists two forms for the plant based on leaf pubescence but even he admits they are probably not valid.
Traditionally this species was used as a tea and a poultice for many ailments from fever to anxiety.
While I was out taking some of these pictures my co-worker Dan slipped and fell on this Copperhead:
Copperheads, Agkistrodon contortrix, are great snakes and this fine specimen didn't even try to bite and stayed very still so that we could take her picture.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月01日
Family - Araliaceae
Stems - Solitary from big root, to 50cm tall ,glabrous, green, erect, herbaceous, fragrant.
Leaves - Whorled, 3 or 4 in number, palmately 5-foliate. Petioles glabrous, to 10cm long. Petiolules to +/-2cm long, glabrous, with a shallow adaxial groove. Leaflets to +/-10cm long, +/-6cm broad, abruptly acuminate, double serrate, obovate, glabrous.
Inflorescence - Solitary terminal pedunculate umbel with +/-25 flowers. Peduncle to +10cm long, glabrous. Pedicels to 3mm in flower, longer in fruit, glabrous.
Flowers - Petals whitish-green, +/-2mm long, 1.1mm broad, glabrous, slightly keeled abaxially, ovate to subulate, rounded at apex. Stamens 5, erect. Filaments glabrous, 2mm long, greenish-white. Anthers whitish, 1.1mm long. Style(s) green, glabrous, to 1.5mm long. Calyx green, glabrous, 2mm long in flower, 5-toothed. Teeth minute, broadly triangular, acute, .5mm long. Ovary inferior, 2-locular, with a nectariferous ring at apex. Drupes red when ripe, to 1cm broad, glabrous.
Flowering - June - July.
Habitat - Wooded slopes, moist ground.
Origin - Native to U.S.
Other info. - "Ginseng", as this popular species is often called, is becoming very rare in Missouri and over much of its range due to over-collecting for medicinal use. The plant is believed to have medicinal uses ranging from an being an aphrodisiac to a cancer fighter. Because of the high demand for the plant, it is rarely found growing wild.
Populations of this species have been successfully cultivated and this may be its only chance for survival as a species.
Stems - Solitary from big root, to 50cm tall ,glabrous, green, erect, herbaceous, fragrant.
Leaves - Whorled, 3 or 4 in number, palmately 5-foliate. Petioles glabrous, to 10cm long. Petiolules to +/-2cm long, glabrous, with a shallow adaxial groove. Leaflets to +/-10cm long, +/-6cm broad, abruptly acuminate, double serrate, obovate, glabrous.
Inflorescence - Solitary terminal pedunculate umbel with +/-25 flowers. Peduncle to +10cm long, glabrous. Pedicels to 3mm in flower, longer in fruit, glabrous.
Flowers - Petals whitish-green, +/-2mm long, 1.1mm broad, glabrous, slightly keeled abaxially, ovate to subulate, rounded at apex. Stamens 5, erect. Filaments glabrous, 2mm long, greenish-white. Anthers whitish, 1.1mm long. Style(s) green, glabrous, to 1.5mm long. Calyx green, glabrous, 2mm long in flower, 5-toothed. Teeth minute, broadly triangular, acute, .5mm long. Ovary inferior, 2-locular, with a nectariferous ring at apex. Drupes red when ripe, to 1cm broad, glabrous.
Flowering - June - July.
Habitat - Wooded slopes, moist ground.
Origin - Native to U.S.
Other info. - "Ginseng", as this popular species is often called, is becoming very rare in Missouri and over much of its range due to over-collecting for medicinal use. The plant is believed to have medicinal uses ranging from an being an aphrodisiac to a cancer fighter. Because of the high demand for the plant, it is rarely found growing wild.
Populations of this species have been successfully cultivated and this may be its only chance for survival as a species.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月01日
Family - Dioscoreaceae
Stems - To +3m long, vining, twining, herbaceous, from thickened tubers, glabrous.
Leaves - Lower leaves in whorls of 4-many, petiolate, upper leaves whorled or alternate. Petioles to +6cm long, glabrous, thickened at the base. Blades cordate, entire, acute to acuminate, +/-12cm long, +/-10cm broad, typically with 9-11 veins, glabrous, shiny to dull green.
Inflorescence - Staminate inflorescences of axillary panicles to +/-10cm long. Axis of inflorescence glabrous. Each division if the panicles typically subtended by small subulate bracts. Bracts to 2mm long. Flowers sessile, typically 2 at a node. Flowers subtended by a broadly ovate bract. Bracts glabrous, scarious in the apical half, 1.2mm long and broad.
Pistillate inflorescences not seen.
Flowers - Staminate flowers - Perianth segments 6, green, glabrous, spreading, obovate to elliptic, -2mm long, with slightly scarious margins. Stamens 6, adnate at the base of the perianth segments, erect. Filaments green, glabrous, short, .2-.3mm long. Anthers bi-lobed, whitish, .2-.4mm broad.
Pistillate flowers not seen.
Flowering - April - June.
Habitat - Rich and/or rocky woods, talus slopes, thickets.
Origin - Native to U.S.
Other info. - This vine can be found in the southeastern corner of Missouri. The plant is easy to identify because of its whorled leaves. I did not get the chance to take pics of the pistillate inflorescences or flowers last season. Maybe this year...
Another species, D. villosa L., is very similar and many botanists think the two should be lumped as one species. Currently they are still separated on differences in their root structure and fruit size. D. villosa is also supposed to have 3 or less leaves at a node whereas D. quaternata has 4 or more. This characteristic doesn't always hold in the field however. Plants found anywhere in Missouri other than the southeast corner of the state are D. villosa.
Stems - To +3m long, vining, twining, herbaceous, from thickened tubers, glabrous.
Leaves - Lower leaves in whorls of 4-many, petiolate, upper leaves whorled or alternate. Petioles to +6cm long, glabrous, thickened at the base. Blades cordate, entire, acute to acuminate, +/-12cm long, +/-10cm broad, typically with 9-11 veins, glabrous, shiny to dull green.
Inflorescence - Staminate inflorescences of axillary panicles to +/-10cm long. Axis of inflorescence glabrous. Each division if the panicles typically subtended by small subulate bracts. Bracts to 2mm long. Flowers sessile, typically 2 at a node. Flowers subtended by a broadly ovate bract. Bracts glabrous, scarious in the apical half, 1.2mm long and broad.
Pistillate inflorescences not seen.
Flowers - Staminate flowers - Perianth segments 6, green, glabrous, spreading, obovate to elliptic, -2mm long, with slightly scarious margins. Stamens 6, adnate at the base of the perianth segments, erect. Filaments green, glabrous, short, .2-.3mm long. Anthers bi-lobed, whitish, .2-.4mm broad.
Pistillate flowers not seen.
Flowering - April - June.
Habitat - Rich and/or rocky woods, talus slopes, thickets.
Origin - Native to U.S.
Other info. - This vine can be found in the southeastern corner of Missouri. The plant is easy to identify because of its whorled leaves. I did not get the chance to take pics of the pistillate inflorescences or flowers last season. Maybe this year...
Another species, D. villosa L., is very similar and many botanists think the two should be lumped as one species. Currently they are still separated on differences in their root structure and fruit size. D. villosa is also supposed to have 3 or less leaves at a node whereas D. quaternata has 4 or more. This characteristic doesn't always hold in the field however. Plants found anywhere in Missouri other than the southeast corner of the state are D. villosa.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月01日
Family - Asclepiadaceae
Stems - Typically erect, +/-60cm tall, often purplish, weakly 4-angled, (the angles rounded), tomentoulose, from a taproot, simple, with milky sap, herbaceous.
Leaves - Opposite, decussate, short-petiolate, with more than 6 pairs per stem, variable in shape. Petioles 2-3mm long, often with a reddish tinge. Blades typically lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate or oblong, entire, (the margins wavy and minutely antrorse strigillose), to +/-9cm long, +/-4cm broad, reduced above, often ascending, pubescent above and below, acute with a slightly hardened tip. Venation anastomosing. Midrib distinctly whitish below.
Inflorescence - Typically 1-3 compound umbels near the apex of the stem. Umbels short-pedunculate, arising from the sides of the stem near the leaf nodes. Peduncles tomentose, 2-3mm long. Pedicels pilose, +/-1cm, long.
Flowers - Petals 5, light green, subulate, reflexed, +/-7mm long, 2.1mm broad, glabrous internally, sparse pubescent externally, sometimes with involute margins. Hoods reduced, not exceeding the anther column, glabrous, light green, -4mm long, +/-1mm broad. Anther column green, white at the apex, 3.5-4mm long. Horns absent. Pollinia 3mm long, long-beaked, translator deep purplish-brown. Pistils 2, 3mm long, greenish-white, glabrous.
Flowering - May - August.
Habitat - Rocky prairies and glades.
Origin - Native to U.S.
Other info. - This species is common if you explore its preferred habitat. The plant is absent in most of the north-central portions of the state though. The flowers of this species are not as showy as other members of the genus but attract many insects just the same. If you look closely at the close-up flower picture above you can see a partially exserted pollinia which was pulled free by an insect. For more about the pollination of the milkweeds, see the Asclepias syriaca page of this website.
Stems - Typically erect, +/-60cm tall, often purplish, weakly 4-angled, (the angles rounded), tomentoulose, from a taproot, simple, with milky sap, herbaceous.
Leaves - Opposite, decussate, short-petiolate, with more than 6 pairs per stem, variable in shape. Petioles 2-3mm long, often with a reddish tinge. Blades typically lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate or oblong, entire, (the margins wavy and minutely antrorse strigillose), to +/-9cm long, +/-4cm broad, reduced above, often ascending, pubescent above and below, acute with a slightly hardened tip. Venation anastomosing. Midrib distinctly whitish below.
Inflorescence - Typically 1-3 compound umbels near the apex of the stem. Umbels short-pedunculate, arising from the sides of the stem near the leaf nodes. Peduncles tomentose, 2-3mm long. Pedicels pilose, +/-1cm, long.
Flowers - Petals 5, light green, subulate, reflexed, +/-7mm long, 2.1mm broad, glabrous internally, sparse pubescent externally, sometimes with involute margins. Hoods reduced, not exceeding the anther column, glabrous, light green, -4mm long, +/-1mm broad. Anther column green, white at the apex, 3.5-4mm long. Horns absent. Pollinia 3mm long, long-beaked, translator deep purplish-brown. Pistils 2, 3mm long, greenish-white, glabrous.
Flowering - May - August.
Habitat - Rocky prairies and glades.
Origin - Native to U.S.
Other info. - This species is common if you explore its preferred habitat. The plant is absent in most of the north-central portions of the state though. The flowers of this species are not as showy as other members of the genus but attract many insects just the same. If you look closely at the close-up flower picture above you can see a partially exserted pollinia which was pulled free by an insect. For more about the pollination of the milkweeds, see the Asclepias syriaca page of this website.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年07月31日
Family - Fabaceae
Stems - To 45cm tall but typically less, erect to ascending, multiple from base, branching, from a taproot, typically purple at the base and on stems that face the sun, pilose, herbaceous, 4-angled.
Leaves - Alternate, petiolate, stipulate, trifoliolate. Stipules large, foliaceous, generally ovate, acuminate, to 1.5cm long, 5mm broad, glabrous adaxially, pilose abaxially, with 1-2 pointed lobes at the base or not. Petioles to +3cm long, sparse pilose. Lateral leaflets with petiolules to 1mm long and pilose. Petiolule of terminal leaflet to 4mm long. Leaflets elliptic to obovate or rhombic, entire or shallow serrate or sinuate in the apical 1/2, emarginate at the apex and with a short mucro. Lateral veins parallel. Blades sparse pilose adaxially, pilose abaxially.
Inflorescence - Axillary pedunculate racemes. Peduncle longer then the subtending leaf and pubescent as the stem, some hairs glandular. Raceme to 1cm long, dense in flower. Each flower subtended by a single minute bract. Bract linear, -1mm long. Pedicels to -1mm long in fruit, pilose.
Flowers - Corolla yellow, papilionaceous, to 5mm long. Standard to 3mm broad, mostly glabrous, typically with apical margins revolute. Keels apically fused. Wings connate basally to keels. Stamens diadelphous. Anthers pale yellow, to .1mm broad. Ovary green, glabrous, +1mm long, compressed. Style short, green. Calyx 5-lobed. Lobes attenuate, the longest to 1mm long, pilose externally, glabrous internally. Fruits dark brown to black when mature, reniform or cochleate, 3-4mm long, 2mm broad, compressed, sparse pilose, reticulate.
Flowering - February - December.
Habitat - Lawns, fields, waste ground, roadsides, railroads.
Origin - Native to Eurasia and Africa.
Other info. - This little species is a big time weed found throughout Missouri. The plant spreads easily and can form large colonies when left untouched. The small fruits of this plant turn black when ripened and look like small kidneys.
Stems - To 45cm tall but typically less, erect to ascending, multiple from base, branching, from a taproot, typically purple at the base and on stems that face the sun, pilose, herbaceous, 4-angled.
Leaves - Alternate, petiolate, stipulate, trifoliolate. Stipules large, foliaceous, generally ovate, acuminate, to 1.5cm long, 5mm broad, glabrous adaxially, pilose abaxially, with 1-2 pointed lobes at the base or not. Petioles to +3cm long, sparse pilose. Lateral leaflets with petiolules to 1mm long and pilose. Petiolule of terminal leaflet to 4mm long. Leaflets elliptic to obovate or rhombic, entire or shallow serrate or sinuate in the apical 1/2, emarginate at the apex and with a short mucro. Lateral veins parallel. Blades sparse pilose adaxially, pilose abaxially.
Inflorescence - Axillary pedunculate racemes. Peduncle longer then the subtending leaf and pubescent as the stem, some hairs glandular. Raceme to 1cm long, dense in flower. Each flower subtended by a single minute bract. Bract linear, -1mm long. Pedicels to -1mm long in fruit, pilose.
Flowers - Corolla yellow, papilionaceous, to 5mm long. Standard to 3mm broad, mostly glabrous, typically with apical margins revolute. Keels apically fused. Wings connate basally to keels. Stamens diadelphous. Anthers pale yellow, to .1mm broad. Ovary green, glabrous, +1mm long, compressed. Style short, green. Calyx 5-lobed. Lobes attenuate, the longest to 1mm long, pilose externally, glabrous internally. Fruits dark brown to black when mature, reniform or cochleate, 3-4mm long, 2mm broad, compressed, sparse pilose, reticulate.
Flowering - February - December.
Habitat - Lawns, fields, waste ground, roadsides, railroads.
Origin - Native to Eurasia and Africa.
Other info. - This little species is a big time weed found throughout Missouri. The plant spreads easily and can form large colonies when left untouched. The small fruits of this plant turn black when ripened and look like small kidneys.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年07月31日
Family - Apiaceae
Stems - Flowering stems to +/-25cm tall, branching or simple, single or multiple from the base, fragrant, carinate, villous to hirsute, herbaceous, erect, from a thick bulbous taproot.
Leaves - Alternate, petiolate, 3-4 times pinnately divided. Petioles sheathing at base and often purplish at base. Entire leaf to -20cm long, 10-15cm broad, pilose. Primary divisions opposite, all other divisions alternate. Ultimate divisions linear to linear-oblanceolate, mucronate with a small whitish tip (use a lens to see), 3-4mm long, -1mm broad, with ciliate margins.
Inflorescence - Single terminal compound umbel per stem. Rays to 2cm long, densely pilose. Umbellets subtended by an involucre densely pilose bractlets. Bractlets linear-attenuate, to 4-5mm long, -1mm broad, +/-13 in number. Flowers +/-15 per umbellet. Pedicels to 2mm in flower, longer in fruit.
Flowers - Petals 5, yellow, glabrous, with an inflexed acuminate tip, 1.6-2mm long, .7mm broad. Stamens 5, spreading to erect. Filaments yellowish, +2mm long, glabrous. Anthers yellow, .6mm long. Styles 2, erect, 2.5mm long, curled, yellowish, glabrous, surrounded by an inflated nectary at base. Ovary inferior, green, glabrous, 1.5mm long, 2-locular. Sepals 5, whitish-green, acuminate, to .7mm long, glabrous. Fruits to 4mm long, 2.5mm broad, ellipsoid, pubescent, 2-seeded.
Flowering - April - May.
Habitat - Prairies, glades, rocky open ground.
Origin - Native to U.S.
Other info. - This little species is found in just a few counties in west-central Missouri. This species is easy to ID in the field. The fragrance and overall look of the plant (called gustalt by Doug Ladd), clearly place it in the Apiaceae. The big taproot is also a good indicator.
Stems - Flowering stems to +/-25cm tall, branching or simple, single or multiple from the base, fragrant, carinate, villous to hirsute, herbaceous, erect, from a thick bulbous taproot.
Leaves - Alternate, petiolate, 3-4 times pinnately divided. Petioles sheathing at base and often purplish at base. Entire leaf to -20cm long, 10-15cm broad, pilose. Primary divisions opposite, all other divisions alternate. Ultimate divisions linear to linear-oblanceolate, mucronate with a small whitish tip (use a lens to see), 3-4mm long, -1mm broad, with ciliate margins.
Inflorescence - Single terminal compound umbel per stem. Rays to 2cm long, densely pilose. Umbellets subtended by an involucre densely pilose bractlets. Bractlets linear-attenuate, to 4-5mm long, -1mm broad, +/-13 in number. Flowers +/-15 per umbellet. Pedicels to 2mm in flower, longer in fruit.
Flowers - Petals 5, yellow, glabrous, with an inflexed acuminate tip, 1.6-2mm long, .7mm broad. Stamens 5, spreading to erect. Filaments yellowish, +2mm long, glabrous. Anthers yellow, .6mm long. Styles 2, erect, 2.5mm long, curled, yellowish, glabrous, surrounded by an inflated nectary at base. Ovary inferior, green, glabrous, 1.5mm long, 2-locular. Sepals 5, whitish-green, acuminate, to .7mm long, glabrous. Fruits to 4mm long, 2.5mm broad, ellipsoid, pubescent, 2-seeded.
Flowering - April - May.
Habitat - Prairies, glades, rocky open ground.
Origin - Native to U.S.
Other info. - This little species is found in just a few counties in west-central Missouri. This species is easy to ID in the field. The fragrance and overall look of the plant (called gustalt by Doug Ladd), clearly place it in the Apiaceae. The big taproot is also a good indicator.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年07月31日
Family - Lauraceae
Stems - Stems to 5m tall, multiple from the base. Twigs glabrous, olive-brown, with small lenticels.
Inflorescence - Staminate flowers in a few-flowered (4-8) fascicle, emerging with the new leaves. Pedicels glabrous, to 3mm long (slightly longer in fruit).
Flowers - Petals absent. Sepals 6, greenish-yellow to scarious-yellow, 2.3mm long, 1.5mm broad, glabrous, rounded at the apex, oblong-obovate. Stamens 9 (in staminate flowers), alternating with smaller capitate staminodes. Filaments glabrous, to 1.8mm long. All floral organs united at the base. Reduced ovary in staminate flowers to -1mm long. Drupe bright red, ovoid, to 1cm long, 5mm broad.
Flowering - March - May.
Habitat - Low moist woods, bottoms, thickets along streams, base of bluffs, seeps along wooded slopes.
Origin - Native to U.S.
Other info. - This shrubby species is easy to identify in the field because of its habitat and its pleasant fragrance. When crushed, the leaves give off a lemon scent that is reminiscent of "Pledge" furniture polish. The small flowers of the plant are some of the first to be seen in the spring. They are short lived and the plant is typically seen with just leaves or in fruit. This is a dioeceous species, meaning plants will have either male or female flowers. Staminate plants typically have many more flowers than pistillate plants.
Natives used a tea made from all parts of the plant to treat ailments such as coughs, cramps, measels, and anemia. Oil from the fruits was applied to bruises. A tea made from the bark was used to expel parasitic worms. The tea is quite good, if a sweetener is added. (give me a break, I'm from the south)
A similar species, L. melissaefolium (Walt.) Blume, is extremely rare in Missouri and is endangered in North America. This latter species occurs in just one southern Missouri County (Ripley). L. melissaefolium has larger fruits than L. benzoin and more rhombic leaves. The leaves are shown below:
Stems - Stems to 5m tall, multiple from the base. Twigs glabrous, olive-brown, with small lenticels.
Inflorescence - Staminate flowers in a few-flowered (4-8) fascicle, emerging with the new leaves. Pedicels glabrous, to 3mm long (slightly longer in fruit).
Flowers - Petals absent. Sepals 6, greenish-yellow to scarious-yellow, 2.3mm long, 1.5mm broad, glabrous, rounded at the apex, oblong-obovate. Stamens 9 (in staminate flowers), alternating with smaller capitate staminodes. Filaments glabrous, to 1.8mm long. All floral organs united at the base. Reduced ovary in staminate flowers to -1mm long. Drupe bright red, ovoid, to 1cm long, 5mm broad.
Flowering - March - May.
Habitat - Low moist woods, bottoms, thickets along streams, base of bluffs, seeps along wooded slopes.
Origin - Native to U.S.
Other info. - This shrubby species is easy to identify in the field because of its habitat and its pleasant fragrance. When crushed, the leaves give off a lemon scent that is reminiscent of "Pledge" furniture polish. The small flowers of the plant are some of the first to be seen in the spring. They are short lived and the plant is typically seen with just leaves or in fruit. This is a dioeceous species, meaning plants will have either male or female flowers. Staminate plants typically have many more flowers than pistillate plants.
Natives used a tea made from all parts of the plant to treat ailments such as coughs, cramps, measels, and anemia. Oil from the fruits was applied to bruises. A tea made from the bark was used to expel parasitic worms. The tea is quite good, if a sweetener is added. (give me a break, I'm from the south)
A similar species, L. melissaefolium (Walt.) Blume, is extremely rare in Missouri and is endangered in North America. This latter species occurs in just one southern Missouri County (Ripley). L. melissaefolium has larger fruits than L. benzoin and more rhombic leaves. The leaves are shown below:
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