文章
Miss Chen
2018年06月07日
Description: This perennial herbaceous plant has petioled basal leaves up to 6" (15 cm.) tall. The basal leaves are trifoliate and usually evergreen. The petioles of these leaves are 2-6" (5-15 cm.) long, more or less erect, light green, terete, and sparsely to moderately hairy. Individual leaflets of basal leaves are 1-3" long and a little less across; they are broadly obovate overall and wedge-shaped (cuneate) at the base. The margins of these leaflets are sharply divided (cleft) into shallow to moderately deep rounded lobes, and often slightly ciliate; the middle to outer margins are coarsely serrated or dentate. The upper leaf surface is medium to dark green (becoming dark purplish red during the winter), while the lower leaf surface is a slightly lighter shade of green. Both leaf surfaces are sparsely short-hairy. The leaflets are either sessile or they have short petiolules (basal stalklets).
Occasionally, small cymes of 3-7 flowers are produced directly from the root system. These inflorescences are about as tall as the petioled basal leaves or a little taller. The peduncle, its branches, and pedicels of an inflorescence are light green, sparsely to moderately hairy, and rather slender. Narrow leafy bracts up to ½" in length occur where the branches of the peduncle and the pedicels diverge from each other. Pedicels of the flowers are up to ½" in length. Individual flowers are ½–¾" across, consisting of 5 yellow petals, 5 light green sepals that are joined together at the base, a dense ring of 40 or more stamens with yellow anthers, and a small central cluster of 2-6 carpels with slender styles. The petals are elliptic to broadly elliptic in shape and widely spreading; they are longer than the sepals. The sepals are sparsely to moderately hairy and deltate (triangular) in shape. The blooming period usually occurs intermittently from late spring to early summer, lasting about 1 month. The petals fall from the flowers after only 1 or 2 days. Afterwards, the carpels (pistils) mature into flattened achenes about 2 mm. in length. (one achene per carpel); these achenes are finelyDistribution Map short-hairy. Prior to the maturity of the achenes, the styles break off from their achenes at the base. These styles lack hooks. The root system has shallow reddish rhizomes and secondary fibrous roots. Clonal colonies of plants of varying size are produced from the rhizomes; this is the primary method of reproduction.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sunlight to light shade, more or less mesic conditions, and soil containing rocky material, clay, loam, or humus. The soil pH should be moderately acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0). This plant dislikes hot summer weather and it requires some protection from the afternoon sun. In Illinois, areas with reduced competition from heavy leaf-fall and other ground vegetation are preferred.
Habitats: Barren Strawberry (Waldsteinia fragarioides) has been found only once in Illinois as a wild plant in Pope County, where it is regarded as a native wildflower. As a result, it has been listed as 'state-endangered.' Because this isolated population has not been relocated since its discovery, it is possible that Barren Strawberry has been extirpated from the state. The primary range of this wildflower occurs in the Appalachian Mountains and boreal areas of NE USA, the upper Midwest, and adjacent areas of southern Canada. In Illinois, this wildflower is most likely to occur in such habitats as sandstone or limestone ledges with thin layers of soil and humus, the rocky banks of woodland streams, and the rocky sides of wooded bluffs, especially if they face toward the north or east. So far, Barren Strawberry has occurred only in a high quality natural area of the state.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about floral-faunal relationships for this wildflower. Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.) have been observed to visit the flowers for nectar and/or pollen (Krombein et al., 1979); it is likely that other small bees and other small insects visit the flowers as well. It has been reported that White-tailed Deer avoid browsing on the foliage (Hill, 2003).
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The leaves of Barren Strawberry (Waldsteinia fragarioides) superficially resemble those of Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana), but it produces dry achenes rather than colorful fruits and yellow flowers rather than white flowers. This native wildflower should not be confused with a very similar species that is often cultivated in ornamental gardens, namely the Siberian Barren Strawberry (Waldsteinia ternata). Many mass-market nurseries that claim to be selling the native Barren Strawberry are actually selling this latter species instead. The native Barren Strawberry differs from the latter species in the following ways: 1) its flowers have more narrow petals than the latter species, 2) there are no bractlets on its sepals, unlike the latter species, and 3) its leaflets are less deeply divided into lobes than the latter species. The light green bractlets on the sepals of Siberian Barren Strawberry are about one-third to one-half of the length of its sepals, and they are either linear or narrowly lanceolate in shape. Solitary bractlets occur between each pair of sepals. The petals of Siberian Barren Strawberry are oval to nearly orbicular in shape; adjacent petals on its flowers frequently overlap each other. Recently, some botanists have reassigned the native Barren Strawberry to another genus on the basis of genetic evidence. As a result, it is sometimes referred to as Geum fragarioides. Unlike most native Geum spp., however, the styles of native Barren Strawberry are neither persistent nor hooked. This means that animals and birds are unlikely to be important agents in the dispersal of its seeds. Another common name for this native species is Appalachian Barren Strawberry.
Occasionally, small cymes of 3-7 flowers are produced directly from the root system. These inflorescences are about as tall as the petioled basal leaves or a little taller. The peduncle, its branches, and pedicels of an inflorescence are light green, sparsely to moderately hairy, and rather slender. Narrow leafy bracts up to ½" in length occur where the branches of the peduncle and the pedicels diverge from each other. Pedicels of the flowers are up to ½" in length. Individual flowers are ½–¾" across, consisting of 5 yellow petals, 5 light green sepals that are joined together at the base, a dense ring of 40 or more stamens with yellow anthers, and a small central cluster of 2-6 carpels with slender styles. The petals are elliptic to broadly elliptic in shape and widely spreading; they are longer than the sepals. The sepals are sparsely to moderately hairy and deltate (triangular) in shape. The blooming period usually occurs intermittently from late spring to early summer, lasting about 1 month. The petals fall from the flowers after only 1 or 2 days. Afterwards, the carpels (pistils) mature into flattened achenes about 2 mm. in length. (one achene per carpel); these achenes are finelyDistribution Map short-hairy. Prior to the maturity of the achenes, the styles break off from their achenes at the base. These styles lack hooks. The root system has shallow reddish rhizomes and secondary fibrous roots. Clonal colonies of plants of varying size are produced from the rhizomes; this is the primary method of reproduction.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sunlight to light shade, more or less mesic conditions, and soil containing rocky material, clay, loam, or humus. The soil pH should be moderately acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0). This plant dislikes hot summer weather and it requires some protection from the afternoon sun. In Illinois, areas with reduced competition from heavy leaf-fall and other ground vegetation are preferred.
Habitats: Barren Strawberry (Waldsteinia fragarioides) has been found only once in Illinois as a wild plant in Pope County, where it is regarded as a native wildflower. As a result, it has been listed as 'state-endangered.' Because this isolated population has not been relocated since its discovery, it is possible that Barren Strawberry has been extirpated from the state. The primary range of this wildflower occurs in the Appalachian Mountains and boreal areas of NE USA, the upper Midwest, and adjacent areas of southern Canada. In Illinois, this wildflower is most likely to occur in such habitats as sandstone or limestone ledges with thin layers of soil and humus, the rocky banks of woodland streams, and the rocky sides of wooded bluffs, especially if they face toward the north or east. So far, Barren Strawberry has occurred only in a high quality natural area of the state.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about floral-faunal relationships for this wildflower. Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.) have been observed to visit the flowers for nectar and/or pollen (Krombein et al., 1979); it is likely that other small bees and other small insects visit the flowers as well. It has been reported that White-tailed Deer avoid browsing on the foliage (Hill, 2003).
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The leaves of Barren Strawberry (Waldsteinia fragarioides) superficially resemble those of Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana), but it produces dry achenes rather than colorful fruits and yellow flowers rather than white flowers. This native wildflower should not be confused with a very similar species that is often cultivated in ornamental gardens, namely the Siberian Barren Strawberry (Waldsteinia ternata). Many mass-market nurseries that claim to be selling the native Barren Strawberry are actually selling this latter species instead. The native Barren Strawberry differs from the latter species in the following ways: 1) its flowers have more narrow petals than the latter species, 2) there are no bractlets on its sepals, unlike the latter species, and 3) its leaflets are less deeply divided into lobes than the latter species. The light green bractlets on the sepals of Siberian Barren Strawberry are about one-third to one-half of the length of its sepals, and they are either linear or narrowly lanceolate in shape. Solitary bractlets occur between each pair of sepals. The petals of Siberian Barren Strawberry are oval to nearly orbicular in shape; adjacent petals on its flowers frequently overlap each other. Recently, some botanists have reassigned the native Barren Strawberry to another genus on the basis of genetic evidence. As a result, it is sometimes referred to as Geum fragarioides. Unlike most native Geum spp., however, the styles of native Barren Strawberry are neither persistent nor hooked. This means that animals and birds are unlikely to be important agents in the dispersal of its seeds. Another common name for this native species is Appalachian Barren Strawberry.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年06月07日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant produces a stem about ½–1' long that often sprawls across the ground or leans against adjacent vegetation. This stem is light green and glabrous. The alternate leaves are up to 2½" long and 2" across; they are orbicular-cordate to cordate, medium green, mostly hairless, and crenate along their margins. While some young leaves are initially pubescent, they later become mostly hairless. The petioles of these leaves are light green and hairless; they are about as long as the leaves. At the base of each petiole, there is a pair of large stipules up to 1" long. These stipules are light green, lanceolate to ovate in shape, and hairless; they have conspicuous narrow teeth along their margins. Individual flowers develop from the axils of the leaves on slender pedicels. These pedicels are up to 4" long; they are erect to ascending, light green, and hairless. The apices of these pedicels are abruptly curved downward so that the flowers are more or less horizontal.
Each flower is about ¾" across, consisting of 5 white rounded petals, 5 light green sepals, a pistil, and inserted stamens. The two lower lateral petals have patches of fine white hairs (or beards) near the throat of the flower, while the lowermost petal has purple veins that function as nectar guides. The nectar spur of the flower is rather short and blunt. The throat of the flower is white, rather than yellow. The sepals are linear-lanceolate in shape and hairless; they are shorter than the petals. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer, lasting about 1½ months for a colony of plants. There is no noticeable floral scent. If these flowers are cross-pollinated, they will produce ovoid seedpods that are about ¼" in length and glabrous. Later in the year, inconspicuous cleistogamous flowers are produced; they are self-fertile and lack showy petals. At maturity, each seedpod splits open into 3 parts to eject its seeds. These seeds are about 2 mm. across, globoid in shape, and brown. The root system produces rhizomes and fibrous secondary roots. This plant can form clonal offsets through its rhizomes. It sometimes forms colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and a rich loamy soil. This species doesn't invade lawns because its stems are too long. It is relatively easy to cultivate in gardens.
Range & Habitat: The native Striped White Violet is fairly common in the southern half of Illinois, but in the northern half of the state it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic deciduous woodlands, banks of rivers and streams in shaded areas, open woodlands, woodland borders, moist meadows, shrubby hedges, and ditches. This violet is found in both high quality natural areas and more degraded sites that have a history of minor to moderate disturbance.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract bees, including bumblebees, long-horned bees (Synhalonia spp.), mason bees (Osmia spp.), and Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.). One of these species, Andrena violae (Violet Andrenid Bee), is a specialist pollinator (oligolege) of violets (Viola spp.). Sometimes the Giant Bee Fly (Bombylius major), butterflies, and skippers visit the flowers for nectar, but they are less effective at pollination. Other insects use the leaves and other parts of violets as sources of food. These insects include the larvae of gall flies, the larvae of sawflies, the caterpillars of various moths, the caterpillars of Fritillary butterflies, aphids, and others; see the Insect Table for a list of these species. The seeds of violets are distributed to some extent by ants because of their oily coatings. Some upland gamebirds and small rodents eat the seeds to a limited extent, including the Mourning Dove, Ruffed Grouse, Bobwhite Quail, Wild Turkey, and White-footed Mouse. In addition, the foliage of violets is eaten to a limited extent by the Cottontail Rabbit, while their rhizomes are eaten by the Eastern Chipmunk.
Photographic Location: A wooded area of Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois; a flower garden in Urbana, Illinois; a deciduous woodlands at Goll's Woods Nature Preserve in NW Ohio; a deciduous woodlands at the Portland Arch in west-central, Indiana.
Comments: Striped White Violet (Viola striata) is a rather tall and attractive species that blooms later than most violets (Viola spp.). It also has a longer than average period of bloom than most violets because its flowers are produced as the stems become longer. There are several species of violets in Illinois that produce white flowers. The Striped White Violet belongs to a group of violets in which the leaves and flowers are produced from stems – the other violets belong to a group in which their flowers and leaves are produced directly from their root systems. The Striped White Violet has unusually large stipules (up to 1" long) at the bases of its petioles; the margins of these stipules have abundant fringe-like teeth. These two characteristics separate this species from other white-flowered violets in Illinois. A similar species, the Canada Violet (Viola canadensis), produces white flowers from stems, but its stipules are quite small and they lack conspicuous teeth along their margins. A form of the Common Blue Violet (Viola pratincola alba) also produces white flowers, but this is a stemless violet. Other common names for Viola striata are Cream Violet and Pale Violet.
Each flower is about ¾" across, consisting of 5 white rounded petals, 5 light green sepals, a pistil, and inserted stamens. The two lower lateral petals have patches of fine white hairs (or beards) near the throat of the flower, while the lowermost petal has purple veins that function as nectar guides. The nectar spur of the flower is rather short and blunt. The throat of the flower is white, rather than yellow. The sepals are linear-lanceolate in shape and hairless; they are shorter than the petals. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer, lasting about 1½ months for a colony of plants. There is no noticeable floral scent. If these flowers are cross-pollinated, they will produce ovoid seedpods that are about ¼" in length and glabrous. Later in the year, inconspicuous cleistogamous flowers are produced; they are self-fertile and lack showy petals. At maturity, each seedpod splits open into 3 parts to eject its seeds. These seeds are about 2 mm. across, globoid in shape, and brown. The root system produces rhizomes and fibrous secondary roots. This plant can form clonal offsets through its rhizomes. It sometimes forms colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and a rich loamy soil. This species doesn't invade lawns because its stems are too long. It is relatively easy to cultivate in gardens.
Range & Habitat: The native Striped White Violet is fairly common in the southern half of Illinois, but in the northern half of the state it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic deciduous woodlands, banks of rivers and streams in shaded areas, open woodlands, woodland borders, moist meadows, shrubby hedges, and ditches. This violet is found in both high quality natural areas and more degraded sites that have a history of minor to moderate disturbance.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract bees, including bumblebees, long-horned bees (Synhalonia spp.), mason bees (Osmia spp.), and Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.). One of these species, Andrena violae (Violet Andrenid Bee), is a specialist pollinator (oligolege) of violets (Viola spp.). Sometimes the Giant Bee Fly (Bombylius major), butterflies, and skippers visit the flowers for nectar, but they are less effective at pollination. Other insects use the leaves and other parts of violets as sources of food. These insects include the larvae of gall flies, the larvae of sawflies, the caterpillars of various moths, the caterpillars of Fritillary butterflies, aphids, and others; see the Insect Table for a list of these species. The seeds of violets are distributed to some extent by ants because of their oily coatings. Some upland gamebirds and small rodents eat the seeds to a limited extent, including the Mourning Dove, Ruffed Grouse, Bobwhite Quail, Wild Turkey, and White-footed Mouse. In addition, the foliage of violets is eaten to a limited extent by the Cottontail Rabbit, while their rhizomes are eaten by the Eastern Chipmunk.
Photographic Location: A wooded area of Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois; a flower garden in Urbana, Illinois; a deciduous woodlands at Goll's Woods Nature Preserve in NW Ohio; a deciduous woodlands at the Portland Arch in west-central, Indiana.
Comments: Striped White Violet (Viola striata) is a rather tall and attractive species that blooms later than most violets (Viola spp.). It also has a longer than average period of bloom than most violets because its flowers are produced as the stems become longer. There are several species of violets in Illinois that produce white flowers. The Striped White Violet belongs to a group of violets in which the leaves and flowers are produced from stems – the other violets belong to a group in which their flowers and leaves are produced directly from their root systems. The Striped White Violet has unusually large stipules (up to 1" long) at the bases of its petioles; the margins of these stipules have abundant fringe-like teeth. These two characteristics separate this species from other white-flowered violets in Illinois. A similar species, the Canada Violet (Viola canadensis), produces white flowers from stems, but its stipules are quite small and they lack conspicuous teeth along their margins. A form of the Common Blue Violet (Viola pratincola alba) also produces white flowers, but this is a stemless violet. Other common names for Viola striata are Cream Violet and Pale Violet.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月07日
Description: This variety of Yellow Violet (Viola pubescens pubescens) forms 0-2 basal leaves from the rootstock during early to mid-spring. When they are present, the basal leaves are 1½-3" long and similarly across; they are oval-cordate or orbicular-cordate in shape and their margins are crenate-serrate. The upper surfaces of basal leaves are medium green and glabrous to sparsely short-pubescent, while their lower surfaces are light green and pubescent (especially along the major veins). The erect to ascending petioles of the basal leaves are are 2-5" long, light green, and pubescent. For this variety of Yellow Violet, only 1-2 leafy stems are produced per rootstalk. These stems are 4-10" long, light green, terete, and conspicuously pubescent; they are erect, ascending, or sprawling. Alternate leaves occur along each stem. These leaves are 2-4" long and 2-3½" across; they are ovate-cordate to oval-cordate in shape, while their margins are crenate-serrate and ciliate. The upper surfaces of alternate leaves are medium green, glabrous to sparsely short-pubescent, while their lower surfaces are light green and pubescent (especially along the major veins). The petioles of alternate leaves are ½-4" long, light green, and pubescent. At the petiole bases, there are pairs of leafy stipules about ¼-¾" long. The stipules are light green, lanceolate-oblong to lanceolate-ovate in shape, smooth (entire) or slightly toothed along their margins, and glabrous to pubescent.
Individual flowers are produced from the axils of alternate leaves. Each flower spans about ¾" across, consisting of 5 yellow petals, 5 light green sepals, 5 inserted stamens, and a pistil with an inserted style. Branched brownish purple veins occur along the lowest petal and, to a much lesser extent, the 2 lower lateral petals. At the bases of the 2 lower lateral petals, there are small tufts of hair. The lowest petal has a nectar spur that is short and blunt. The sepals are shorter than the petals, linear-lanceolate in shape, and glabrous. The slender pedicels of the flowers are 2-8" long, light green, pubescent, and ascending. The tips of the pedicels are curved, causing the flowers to nod partially. Toward the middle of each pedicel, there is a pair of tiny bractlets that are about 2 mm. long, light green, and linear-lanceolate in shape. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring, lasting about 1-1½ months. The flowers are often slightly fragrant. After the flowers with showy petals have finished blooming, cleistogamous flowers without petals are produced. Fertile flowers of both types are replaced by seed capsules about ½" long that are ovoid, bluntly 3-angled, and either glabrous orDistribution Map pubescent. Immature capsules are light green, but they later turn brown and split open into 3 parts, ejecting their seeds. The seeds are about 2.0-2.5 mm. long, ovoid-globoid in shape, slightly flattened, and tan-colored to brown. Each seed has a small oily appendage. The root system is rhizomatous and fibrous. The clonal plants are occasionally produced from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to light shade, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and a relatively loose soil containing loam or sandy loam with some decaying organic matter (e.g., fallen leaves). This violet doesn't tolerate mowing. It is able to flourish in areas that have pine needles as ground litter to a greater extent than many other plants.
Range & Habitat: The native Hairy Yellow Violet (Viola pubescens pubescens) is occasional in northern Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is apparently absent. It is less common within the state than another variety of this species, Smooth Yellow Violet (Viola pubescens eriocarpa). Habitats include mesic to upland woodlands, sandy woodlands, forested sand dunes, and areas along woodland paths.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated primarily by bees, including mason bees (Osmia spp.), little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), Anthophorid bees, Halictid bees, and Andrenid bees. Other insects that visit the flowers include bee flies (Bombylius major), small butterflies, and skippers. Bees suck nectar and collect pollen, while other floral visitors suck nectar. Some insects feed destructively on the foliage, plant juices, and other parts of violets (Viola spp.). These insect feeders include Neotoxoptera violae (Violet Aphid), Ametastegia pallipes (Violet Sawfly), Odontothrips pictipennis (a thrips), caterpillars of the moth Elaphria grata (Grateful Midget), and caterpillars of various Fritillary butterflies (Boloria spp., Speyeria spp.). Because of their oily appendages, the seeds are spread to new areas by ants. Among vertebrate animals, the seeds of violets are consumed by such birds as the Mourning Dove, Ruffed Grouse, Wild Turkey, and Slate-Colored Junco; and by such small rodents as the Pine Mouse and White-Footed Mouse (Martin et al., 1951/1961). The leaves and stems of these plants are eaten by the Cottontail Rabbit, Eastern Chipmunk, and Wood Turtle (Martin et al., 1951/1961; Wrazen & Svendsen, 1978; Ernst et al., 1994). White-Tailed Deer browse on the foliage very sparingly.
Photographic Location: A forested sand dune at the Indiana Dunes State Park in NW Indiana.
Comments: Because Hairy Yellow Violet (Viola pubescens pubescens) and Smooth Yellow Violet (Viola pubescens eriocarpa) intergrade, they are considered different varieties of the same species. Hairy Yellow Violet can be identified by the conspicuous pubescence on its stems, pedicels, and leaf undersides, while the stems, pedicels, and leaf undersides of Smooth Yellow Violet are slightly short-pubescent to nearly glabrous. Hairy Yellow Violet also differs from the latter variety by producing fewer basal leaves and leafy stems per rootstalk, and its stipules are usually larger in size and more rounded toward their tips. Plants with glabrous seed capsules have been classified as Viola pubescens peckii (Peck's Yellow Violet), but most botanists don't recognize this variety at the present time. Another common name of Viola pubescens pubescens is Downy Yellow Violet.
Individual flowers are produced from the axils of alternate leaves. Each flower spans about ¾" across, consisting of 5 yellow petals, 5 light green sepals, 5 inserted stamens, and a pistil with an inserted style. Branched brownish purple veins occur along the lowest petal and, to a much lesser extent, the 2 lower lateral petals. At the bases of the 2 lower lateral petals, there are small tufts of hair. The lowest petal has a nectar spur that is short and blunt. The sepals are shorter than the petals, linear-lanceolate in shape, and glabrous. The slender pedicels of the flowers are 2-8" long, light green, pubescent, and ascending. The tips of the pedicels are curved, causing the flowers to nod partially. Toward the middle of each pedicel, there is a pair of tiny bractlets that are about 2 mm. long, light green, and linear-lanceolate in shape. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring, lasting about 1-1½ months. The flowers are often slightly fragrant. After the flowers with showy petals have finished blooming, cleistogamous flowers without petals are produced. Fertile flowers of both types are replaced by seed capsules about ½" long that are ovoid, bluntly 3-angled, and either glabrous orDistribution Map pubescent. Immature capsules are light green, but they later turn brown and split open into 3 parts, ejecting their seeds. The seeds are about 2.0-2.5 mm. long, ovoid-globoid in shape, slightly flattened, and tan-colored to brown. Each seed has a small oily appendage. The root system is rhizomatous and fibrous. The clonal plants are occasionally produced from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to light shade, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and a relatively loose soil containing loam or sandy loam with some decaying organic matter (e.g., fallen leaves). This violet doesn't tolerate mowing. It is able to flourish in areas that have pine needles as ground litter to a greater extent than many other plants.
Range & Habitat: The native Hairy Yellow Violet (Viola pubescens pubescens) is occasional in northern Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is apparently absent. It is less common within the state than another variety of this species, Smooth Yellow Violet (Viola pubescens eriocarpa). Habitats include mesic to upland woodlands, sandy woodlands, forested sand dunes, and areas along woodland paths.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated primarily by bees, including mason bees (Osmia spp.), little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), Anthophorid bees, Halictid bees, and Andrenid bees. Other insects that visit the flowers include bee flies (Bombylius major), small butterflies, and skippers. Bees suck nectar and collect pollen, while other floral visitors suck nectar. Some insects feed destructively on the foliage, plant juices, and other parts of violets (Viola spp.). These insect feeders include Neotoxoptera violae (Violet Aphid), Ametastegia pallipes (Violet Sawfly), Odontothrips pictipennis (a thrips), caterpillars of the moth Elaphria grata (Grateful Midget), and caterpillars of various Fritillary butterflies (Boloria spp., Speyeria spp.). Because of their oily appendages, the seeds are spread to new areas by ants. Among vertebrate animals, the seeds of violets are consumed by such birds as the Mourning Dove, Ruffed Grouse, Wild Turkey, and Slate-Colored Junco; and by such small rodents as the Pine Mouse and White-Footed Mouse (Martin et al., 1951/1961). The leaves and stems of these plants are eaten by the Cottontail Rabbit, Eastern Chipmunk, and Wood Turtle (Martin et al., 1951/1961; Wrazen & Svendsen, 1978; Ernst et al., 1994). White-Tailed Deer browse on the foliage very sparingly.
Photographic Location: A forested sand dune at the Indiana Dunes State Park in NW Indiana.
Comments: Because Hairy Yellow Violet (Viola pubescens pubescens) and Smooth Yellow Violet (Viola pubescens eriocarpa) intergrade, they are considered different varieties of the same species. Hairy Yellow Violet can be identified by the conspicuous pubescence on its stems, pedicels, and leaf undersides, while the stems, pedicels, and leaf undersides of Smooth Yellow Violet are slightly short-pubescent to nearly glabrous. Hairy Yellow Violet also differs from the latter variety by producing fewer basal leaves and leafy stems per rootstalk, and its stipules are usually larger in size and more rounded toward their tips. Plants with glabrous seed capsules have been classified as Viola pubescens peckii (Peck's Yellow Violet), but most botanists don't recognize this variety at the present time. Another common name of Viola pubescens pubescens is Downy Yellow Violet.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月05日
Description: This perennial wildflower consists of a low rosette of basal leaves spanning about 4-6" across, from which stalks of flowers develop directly from the crown. The blades of the basal leaves are up to 2½" long and across; for var. dilatata, they are usually divided into 5-7 palmate lobes. These lobes are finger-like in shape, somewhat variable in size, and extend up to half-way into the blade. Some of the larger lobes may be subdivided into smaller lobes, and the margins of the leaf blade may have a few dentate teeth. The upper surface of each leaf blade is medium to dark green and hairless, while the lower surface is light green and hairy along the veins. The petiole of each leaf is about as long as the blade and rather stout; it is conspicuously hairy on the lower side. Individual flowers about ¾–1" across are borne at the apex of ascending stalks that are as long or longer than the leaves.
Each flower has 5 spreading petals that are deep blue-violet (2 upper, 2 lateral, and 1 lower), and 5 sepals that are light green to purple. The 2 lateral petals have dense white hairs (or beards) near the throat of the flower, while the lower petal has a conspicuous patch of white with blue-violet veins. These petals converge into a short nectar spur that is surrounded by the sepals. The sepals are lanceolate-ovate and pubescent. The stalk of each flower is densely covered with spreading white hairs; it is light green to deep purple, and nods downward at the apex where the flower occurs. The blooming period occurs during mid-spring to late spring and lasts about 2-3 weeks. During the summer, inconspicuous flowers are produced that are self-fertile; they are not pollinated by insects, unlike the spring flowers. Each fertile flower is replaced by an oblongoid capsule containing many small brown seeds. When it is ripe, this capsule divides into 3 parts, mechanically ejecting the seeds several inches or feet from the mother plant. The rootstock consists of a short stout crown with fibrous roots underneath.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the spring, followed by partial sun or light shade during the summer. The basal leaves die down during the fall. The soil should contain some loam and be well-drained; some rocky or gritty material is also tolerated. This plant dislikes competition from taller ground vegetation.
Range & Habitat: This variety of Cleft Violet is uncommon in the southern two-thirds of Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is rare or absent (see Distribution Map). Local populations tend to be widely scattered from each other. Habitats include dry rocky woodlands, wooded upper slopes, and thinly wooded bluffs. Oak trees are often present at these habitats. The Cleft Violet is normally found in higher quality woodlands where the original ground flora is intact.
Faunal Associations: The flower nectar of violets attracts various bees (Andrenid bees, Mason bees, etc.), bee flies (Bombylius spp.), butterflies, and skippers. The caterpillars of several Fritillary butterflies and miscellaneous moths feed on the foliage of violets (see the Butterfly & Moth Table), as do the caterpillars of Ametastegia pallipes (Violet Sawfly), which skeletonize the leaves. The insect Odontothrips pictipennis (Thrips sp.) sucks juices from violets. The leaves and stems of violets are eaten to a limited extent by the Cottontail Rabbit, Eastern Chipmunk, Wild Turkey, and Ruffed Grouse; the seeds are eaten by the Slate-Colored Junco.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This variety of Cleft Violet is one of several violets with lobed leaves. In general, it is less deeply lobed than Viola pedata (Bird's Foot Violet) and Viola pedatifida (Prairie Violet), but more strongly lobed than Viola sagittata (Arrow-Leaved Violet) and Viola fimbriatula (Sand Violet). Even for a single plant of Cleft Violet, there can be significant variation on the number of lobes and their depth for each leaf. The flowers of this species are quite similar in appearance to those of other violets with blue-violet petals. Other common names of Viola palmata are Early Blue Violet and Blue Wood Violet. A scientific synonym for this species is Viola triloba dilatata. Where their ranges overlap, this variety of Cleft Violet may intergrade with the typical variety; the latter has fewer lobes on its leaves (usually 3 or none).
Each flower has 5 spreading petals that are deep blue-violet (2 upper, 2 lateral, and 1 lower), and 5 sepals that are light green to purple. The 2 lateral petals have dense white hairs (or beards) near the throat of the flower, while the lower petal has a conspicuous patch of white with blue-violet veins. These petals converge into a short nectar spur that is surrounded by the sepals. The sepals are lanceolate-ovate and pubescent. The stalk of each flower is densely covered with spreading white hairs; it is light green to deep purple, and nods downward at the apex where the flower occurs. The blooming period occurs during mid-spring to late spring and lasts about 2-3 weeks. During the summer, inconspicuous flowers are produced that are self-fertile; they are not pollinated by insects, unlike the spring flowers. Each fertile flower is replaced by an oblongoid capsule containing many small brown seeds. When it is ripe, this capsule divides into 3 parts, mechanically ejecting the seeds several inches or feet from the mother plant. The rootstock consists of a short stout crown with fibrous roots underneath.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the spring, followed by partial sun or light shade during the summer. The basal leaves die down during the fall. The soil should contain some loam and be well-drained; some rocky or gritty material is also tolerated. This plant dislikes competition from taller ground vegetation.
Range & Habitat: This variety of Cleft Violet is uncommon in the southern two-thirds of Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is rare or absent (see Distribution Map). Local populations tend to be widely scattered from each other. Habitats include dry rocky woodlands, wooded upper slopes, and thinly wooded bluffs. Oak trees are often present at these habitats. The Cleft Violet is normally found in higher quality woodlands where the original ground flora is intact.
Faunal Associations: The flower nectar of violets attracts various bees (Andrenid bees, Mason bees, etc.), bee flies (Bombylius spp.), butterflies, and skippers. The caterpillars of several Fritillary butterflies and miscellaneous moths feed on the foliage of violets (see the Butterfly & Moth Table), as do the caterpillars of Ametastegia pallipes (Violet Sawfly), which skeletonize the leaves. The insect Odontothrips pictipennis (Thrips sp.) sucks juices from violets. The leaves and stems of violets are eaten to a limited extent by the Cottontail Rabbit, Eastern Chipmunk, Wild Turkey, and Ruffed Grouse; the seeds are eaten by the Slate-Colored Junco.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This variety of Cleft Violet is one of several violets with lobed leaves. In general, it is less deeply lobed than Viola pedata (Bird's Foot Violet) and Viola pedatifida (Prairie Violet), but more strongly lobed than Viola sagittata (Arrow-Leaved Violet) and Viola fimbriatula (Sand Violet). Even for a single plant of Cleft Violet, there can be significant variation on the number of lobes and their depth for each leaf. The flowers of this species are quite similar in appearance to those of other violets with blue-violet petals. Other common names of Viola palmata are Early Blue Violet and Blue Wood Violet. A scientific synonym for this species is Viola triloba dilatata. Where their ranges overlap, this variety of Cleft Violet may intergrade with the typical variety; the latter has fewer lobes on its leaves (usually 3 or none).
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Miss Chen
2018年06月05日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant consists of a rosette of leaves about 6" across, from which flowering stalks develop directly from the rootstock. Each blade of a basal leaf is up to 3½" long and 2½" across, while its petiole is about as long as the blade. The leaf blades are deltoid-cordate to oval-cordate, glabrous or nearly so, palmately veined, and crenate along their margins. The petioles are rather stout, pale green, hairless or nearly so, and widely spreading to ascending. The ascending flowering stalks are about as tall as the leaves; the stalks are pale green to pale reddish green and hairless.
Each stalk nods downward at its apex and terminates in a single flower. Each flower is about ½–¾" across, consisting of 5 pale blue-violet petals and 5 pale green sepals. The lower lateral petals are bearded with white hairs near the throat of the flower; the lowest petal and upper lateral petals are beardless. The throat of the flower is white, and there are dark blue-violet veins on the lowest petal and lower lateral petals that function as nectar guides to flower-visiting insects. Sometimes the white throat of the flower is surrounded by a band of blue-violet that is slightly darker than the outer regions of the petals. At the back of each flower, there is a short blunt nectar spur. The blooming period occurs during mid- to late spring and lasts about 1½ months. Somewhat later, cleistogamous flowers are produced that are self-fertile; they lack showy petals. Each fertilized flower is replaced by a tripartite seed capsule. The small seeds in each capsule are dull light brown with oily elaisomes; they are ejected mechanically from the capsule. The root system consists of a short crown with thick rhizomes and fibrous roots. Reproduction occurs through the seeds and rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and a fertile loamy soil with abundant organic material.
Range & Habitat: The native Missouri Violet occurs occasionally throughout Illinois; it is more common in the southern half of the state than the northern half (see Distribution Map). Habitats include deciduous woodlands (bottomland or floodplain), woodland openings, areas along woodland paths, and rocky bluffs. The Missouri Violet doesn't occur in sunny areas to the same extent as Viola sororia sororia (Common Blue Violet) and its various color forms.
Faunal Associations: The flowers occasionally attract bees and other insects, including the oligolectic Andrena viola (Violet Andrenid Bee). These insects suck nectar from the flowers, although some of the bees collect pollen. The caterpillars of several Fritillary butterflies (Speyeria spp., Boloria spp., & Eupoieta claudia) eat the foliage of Viola spp. (Violets). Because of their oily elaisomes, the seeds are distributed in part by ants. The seeds of Violets are eaten to a limited extent by various birds and small rodents, including the Wild Turkey, Bobwhite, Mourning Dove, and White-Footed Mouse. The Wild Turkey also eats the foliage and fleshy rhizomes. Mammalian herbivores eat the foliage to a limited extent.
Photographic Location: Along a woodland path at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The Missouri Violet is very similar to Viola sororia sororia (Common Blue Violet). It differs from the latter species in the following ways: 1) the Missouri Violet has leaf blades that are more deltoid (triangular-shaped) and less rounded than the blades of the Common Blue Violet, 2) the flowers of Missouri Violet are a lighter shade of blue-violet and slightly smaller in size than the flowers of the Common Blue Violet, and 3) the seeds of Missouri Violet are a lighter shade of brown. The Missouri Violet is even more similar to Viola sororia priceana (Confederate Violet) because their flowers are about the same shade of blue-violet. However, the Confederate Violet has more rounded leaf blades, seeds that are a darker shade of brown, and it is often found in close proximity to the Common Blue Violet, with which it freely interbreeds. The Missouri Violet is classified as a variety of Viola sororia by some authorities, in which case its scientific name is Viola sororia missouriensis.
Each stalk nods downward at its apex and terminates in a single flower. Each flower is about ½–¾" across, consisting of 5 pale blue-violet petals and 5 pale green sepals. The lower lateral petals are bearded with white hairs near the throat of the flower; the lowest petal and upper lateral petals are beardless. The throat of the flower is white, and there are dark blue-violet veins on the lowest petal and lower lateral petals that function as nectar guides to flower-visiting insects. Sometimes the white throat of the flower is surrounded by a band of blue-violet that is slightly darker than the outer regions of the petals. At the back of each flower, there is a short blunt nectar spur. The blooming period occurs during mid- to late spring and lasts about 1½ months. Somewhat later, cleistogamous flowers are produced that are self-fertile; they lack showy petals. Each fertilized flower is replaced by a tripartite seed capsule. The small seeds in each capsule are dull light brown with oily elaisomes; they are ejected mechanically from the capsule. The root system consists of a short crown with thick rhizomes and fibrous roots. Reproduction occurs through the seeds and rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and a fertile loamy soil with abundant organic material.
Range & Habitat: The native Missouri Violet occurs occasionally throughout Illinois; it is more common in the southern half of the state than the northern half (see Distribution Map). Habitats include deciduous woodlands (bottomland or floodplain), woodland openings, areas along woodland paths, and rocky bluffs. The Missouri Violet doesn't occur in sunny areas to the same extent as Viola sororia sororia (Common Blue Violet) and its various color forms.
Faunal Associations: The flowers occasionally attract bees and other insects, including the oligolectic Andrena viola (Violet Andrenid Bee). These insects suck nectar from the flowers, although some of the bees collect pollen. The caterpillars of several Fritillary butterflies (Speyeria spp., Boloria spp., & Eupoieta claudia) eat the foliage of Viola spp. (Violets). Because of their oily elaisomes, the seeds are distributed in part by ants. The seeds of Violets are eaten to a limited extent by various birds and small rodents, including the Wild Turkey, Bobwhite, Mourning Dove, and White-Footed Mouse. The Wild Turkey also eats the foliage and fleshy rhizomes. Mammalian herbivores eat the foliage to a limited extent.
Photographic Location: Along a woodland path at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The Missouri Violet is very similar to Viola sororia sororia (Common Blue Violet). It differs from the latter species in the following ways: 1) the Missouri Violet has leaf blades that are more deltoid (triangular-shaped) and less rounded than the blades of the Common Blue Violet, 2) the flowers of Missouri Violet are a lighter shade of blue-violet and slightly smaller in size than the flowers of the Common Blue Violet, and 3) the seeds of Missouri Violet are a lighter shade of brown. The Missouri Violet is even more similar to Viola sororia priceana (Confederate Violet) because their flowers are about the same shade of blue-violet. However, the Confederate Violet has more rounded leaf blades, seeds that are a darker shade of brown, and it is often found in close proximity to the Common Blue Violet, with which it freely interbreeds. The Missouri Violet is classified as a variety of Viola sororia by some authorities, in which case its scientific name is Viola sororia missouriensis.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月05日
Description: This perennial wildflower is 4-8" in length (or longer), consisting of leafy stems with axillary flowers and seed capsules. The stems are light green and glabrous. The blades of alternate leaves are about 1-2½" long and ¾-1½" across; they are oval-cordate in shape and serrate-crenate along their margins. The base of each leaf blade is indented, while its tip is well-rounded to somewhat pointed. The upper blade surface is medium to dark green and glabrous, while the lower surface to light to medium green and glabrous. The slender petioles are about the same length as the leaf blades or shorter; they are light green and glabrous. At the base of each petiole, there is a pair of stipules up to ½" long. These stipules are linear-lanceolate in shape and coarsely toothed along their margins. Individual flowers develop from the axils of the leaves on slender pedicels about 1½-3" long; the flowers are usually held above the leaves. The pedicels are light green and glabrous; there is a pair of small linear bracts toward the middle of each pedicel.
Individual flowers are ½-¾" across, consisting of 5 pale blue-violet petals, 5 green sepals, and the reproductive organs. The style of each flower is bent downward at its tip, where it is not swollen. Dark blue-violet veins radiate away from the throat of each flower across the petals; the two lateral petals have tufts of white hair (or beards) toward their bases. The lower petal has a relatively long nectar spur about ¼" long; this spur is sometimes visible when the flower is viewed from the front (behind the upper 2 petals). The nectar spur is relatively stout and either straight or slightly hooked. The sepals are linear-lanceolate, sometimes toothed toward their bases, and hairless. The blooming period occurs during the middle of spring for about 1 month. Fertilized flowers produce an ovoid-oblongoid seed capsule about 1/3" long. This capsule splits open into 3 parts to fling the seeds from the mother plant. This wildflower also produces inconspicuous cleistogamous flowers during the summer, which are self-fertile; their seed capsules are similar to the earlier fertilized flowers. The small seeds are globoid in shape and light brown at maturity. The root system consists of a vertical crown with fibrous roots and horizontal rhizomes; clonal offsets are produced occasionally from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: During the spring, the preference is dappled sunlight to light shade, moist conditions, and a rich loamy soil with abundant organic material. Later in the year, more shade is tolerated.
Range & Habitat: The native Dog Violet is found primarily in NE Illinois (see Distribution Map). This wildflower is considered rare and it is state-listed as 'threatened.' Habitats include moist rich woodlands, swampy woodlands, and moist meadows in wooded areas. Sometimes this violet is found in slightly sandy habitats that are similar to the preceding ones. Dominant canopy trees in these habitats are typically ash, maple, or elm. Dog Violet is found in higher quality habitats where the original ground flora is still intact.
Faunal Associations: In this section, information about floral-faunal relationships applies to Viola spp. (Violets) in general. The flowers of violets are cross-pollinated primarily by various bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, Mason bees (Osmia spp.), Little Carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), digger bees (Synhalonia spp.), Halictid bees, and Andrenid bees. One bee species, Andrena violae (Violet Andrenid Bee), is a specialist pollinator of violets. Other floral visitors include bee flies (Bombylius spp.), small butterflies, skippers, and ants. Most of these insects suck nectar from the flowers, although some of the bees also collect pollen. Other insects feed on the foliage and other parts of violets. These insect feeders include the caterpillars of several Fritillary butterflies (Euptoieta claudia, Boloria spp., Speyeria spp.) and the caterpillars of several moths, including Elaphria grata (Grateful Midget), Eubaphe mendica (The Beggar), and Apantesis nais (Nais Tiger Moth). Other insect feeders include the thrips Odontothrips pictipennis, the aphid Neotoxoptera violae, and the larvae of Ametastegia pallipes (Violet Sawfly). Vertebrate animals feed on violets only to a limited extent. The White-Tailed Deer, Cottontail Rabbit, and Wood Turtle (Clemmys insculpta) sometimes browse on the foliage, while the White-Footed Mouse eats the seeds. Birds that feed on violets include the Mourning Dove (seeds), Ruffed Grouse (seed capsules, foliage), and Wild Turkey (seed capsules, rhizomes).
Photographic Location: A damp area of Goll Woods in NW Ohio, and a swampy woodland at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in NW Indiana.
Comments: This interesting species belongs to a small group of violets with blue-violet flowers, nectar spurs of above average length, and flowering leafy stems (as opposed to violets with basal leaves and flowers on separate non-leafy stalks). Aside from the Dog Violet, other species in this group include Viola labradorica (Alpine Violet), Viola adunca (Hook-Spurred Violet), and Viola walteri (Walter's Violet). While the Dog Violet has pale blue-violet flowers, these other violets often have medium to dark blue-violet flowers (among other minor differences). The Alpine Violet and Hook-Spurred Violet have a more northern boreal distribution, while Walter's Violet is more southern and Appalachian. None of these three species have been found in Illinois. Some authorities have proposed reducing the status of the Dog Violet to a variety of either the Alpine Violet or the Hook-Spurred Violet.
Individual flowers are ½-¾" across, consisting of 5 pale blue-violet petals, 5 green sepals, and the reproductive organs. The style of each flower is bent downward at its tip, where it is not swollen. Dark blue-violet veins radiate away from the throat of each flower across the petals; the two lateral petals have tufts of white hair (or beards) toward their bases. The lower petal has a relatively long nectar spur about ¼" long; this spur is sometimes visible when the flower is viewed from the front (behind the upper 2 petals). The nectar spur is relatively stout and either straight or slightly hooked. The sepals are linear-lanceolate, sometimes toothed toward their bases, and hairless. The blooming period occurs during the middle of spring for about 1 month. Fertilized flowers produce an ovoid-oblongoid seed capsule about 1/3" long. This capsule splits open into 3 parts to fling the seeds from the mother plant. This wildflower also produces inconspicuous cleistogamous flowers during the summer, which are self-fertile; their seed capsules are similar to the earlier fertilized flowers. The small seeds are globoid in shape and light brown at maturity. The root system consists of a vertical crown with fibrous roots and horizontal rhizomes; clonal offsets are produced occasionally from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: During the spring, the preference is dappled sunlight to light shade, moist conditions, and a rich loamy soil with abundant organic material. Later in the year, more shade is tolerated.
Range & Habitat: The native Dog Violet is found primarily in NE Illinois (see Distribution Map). This wildflower is considered rare and it is state-listed as 'threatened.' Habitats include moist rich woodlands, swampy woodlands, and moist meadows in wooded areas. Sometimes this violet is found in slightly sandy habitats that are similar to the preceding ones. Dominant canopy trees in these habitats are typically ash, maple, or elm. Dog Violet is found in higher quality habitats where the original ground flora is still intact.
Faunal Associations: In this section, information about floral-faunal relationships applies to Viola spp. (Violets) in general. The flowers of violets are cross-pollinated primarily by various bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, Mason bees (Osmia spp.), Little Carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), digger bees (Synhalonia spp.), Halictid bees, and Andrenid bees. One bee species, Andrena violae (Violet Andrenid Bee), is a specialist pollinator of violets. Other floral visitors include bee flies (Bombylius spp.), small butterflies, skippers, and ants. Most of these insects suck nectar from the flowers, although some of the bees also collect pollen. Other insects feed on the foliage and other parts of violets. These insect feeders include the caterpillars of several Fritillary butterflies (Euptoieta claudia, Boloria spp., Speyeria spp.) and the caterpillars of several moths, including Elaphria grata (Grateful Midget), Eubaphe mendica (The Beggar), and Apantesis nais (Nais Tiger Moth). Other insect feeders include the thrips Odontothrips pictipennis, the aphid Neotoxoptera violae, and the larvae of Ametastegia pallipes (Violet Sawfly). Vertebrate animals feed on violets only to a limited extent. The White-Tailed Deer, Cottontail Rabbit, and Wood Turtle (Clemmys insculpta) sometimes browse on the foliage, while the White-Footed Mouse eats the seeds. Birds that feed on violets include the Mourning Dove (seeds), Ruffed Grouse (seed capsules, foliage), and Wild Turkey (seed capsules, rhizomes).
Photographic Location: A damp area of Goll Woods in NW Ohio, and a swampy woodland at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in NW Indiana.
Comments: This interesting species belongs to a small group of violets with blue-violet flowers, nectar spurs of above average length, and flowering leafy stems (as opposed to violets with basal leaves and flowers on separate non-leafy stalks). Aside from the Dog Violet, other species in this group include Viola labradorica (Alpine Violet), Viola adunca (Hook-Spurred Violet), and Viola walteri (Walter's Violet). While the Dog Violet has pale blue-violet flowers, these other violets often have medium to dark blue-violet flowers (among other minor differences). The Alpine Violet and Hook-Spurred Violet have a more northern boreal distribution, while Walter's Violet is more southern and Appalachian. None of these three species have been found in Illinois. Some authorities have proposed reducing the status of the Dog Violet to a variety of either the Alpine Violet or the Hook-Spurred Violet.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月05日
Description: This perennial wildflower is 6-14" tall, producing both basal and cauline leaves. The blades of both basal and cauline leaves are up to 4" long and 2½" across; they are medium to dark green, cordate or oval-cordate, palmately veined, and slightly crenate along their margins. The upper surfaces of the blades are hairless. For the typical variety of Canada Violet, the lower surfaces of the blades are largely hairless, except for fine hairs along the major veins. For var. rugulosa, these lower surfaces are more hairy. Basal leaves have longer petioles than cauline leaves. The flowering plants produce stems with alternate leaves. These stems are light green, somewhat angular, and sometimes finely pubescent. At the base of the petioles of each alternate leaf, there is a pair of linear-lanceolate stipules up to 1/3" (8 mm.) long; these stipules lack teeth.
Individual flowers are produced from the axils of the alternate leaves. The slender pedicels raise the flowers only a little above the foliage. Each flower is ½–¾" across, consisting of 5 white petals, 5 light green sepals, and a short nectar spur; the petals are much larger than the sepals. The reproductive organs are largely hidden within the throat of the flower. The lower petal has dark purple veins, while the two lateral petals have such veins to a lesser extent. The two lateral petals also have small tufts of hairs near the throat of the flower, where there is a conspicuous yellow patch. The back sides of the petals are light purple. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer and sometimes during the fall. Usually, only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. Later in the summer, inconspicuous cleistogamous flowers are produced, which are self-fertile. Each fertile flower is replaced by an ovoid seed capsule up to ½" long. This capsule is initially green, but it later turns brown and divides into 3 segments, flinging the seeds. The root system is fibrous and either rhizomatous or stoloniferous. Colonies of plants are often produced.
Cultivation: This violet prefers dappled sunlight to light shade during the spring, but tolerates greater shade during the summer. Other cultural requirements include more or less mesic conditions, a rich soil containing loam and decaying organic matter, and cool summer temperatures.
Range & Habitat: Canada Violet is a rare wildflower that is restricted to the northern two tiers of counties in Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is state-listed as "endangered." It is native to the driftless area of NW Illinois, while populations in NE Illinois may be descendants of plants that have escaped cultivation. Habitats include mesic deciduous woodlands and bluffs. Canada Violet is normally found in high quality woodlands, although escaped cultivated plants are likely to appear in more disturbed areas.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract primarily bees, including bumblebees, Little Carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), digger bees (Synhalonia spp.), Mason bees (Osmia spp.), and Andrenid bees. The Andrenid bee, Andrena violae, is an oligolectic visitor of violet flowers. Other floral visitors include bee flies and occasional skippers and butterflies. These latter insects seek nectar. The larvae of many moths and butterflies feed on the foliage of violets (see Lepidoptera Table). These larvae often hide during the day, but come out at night to feed. Other insects that feed on violets include Neotoxoptera violae (Violet Aphid), the larvae of Ametastegia pallipes (Violet Sawfly), and Odontothrips pictipennis (Thrips sp.). Among vertebrate animals, the Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey eat the seeds and fleshy roots. Other animals that occasionally feed on violets in wooded areas include the White-Tailed Deer (foliage), Eastern Chipmunk (stems & leaves), White-Footed Mouse (seeds), and Wood Turtle (Clemmys insculpta). However, the importance of violets as a food source to vertebrate animals is relatively low.
Photographic Location: Bob Vaiden's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Canada Violet is somewhat similar in appearance to Viola striata (Cream Violet). It differs from the latter by the yellow patch at the throat of its flowers, petals with pale purple backsides, and toothless stipules. Other white-flowered violets in the Midwest are stemless; they produce both flowers and leaves from the crown of the root system. The leaves of Canada Violet have tips that are more slender and elongated than those of most other violets, regardless of the color of their flowers. Both the flowers and foliage are attractive.
Individual flowers are produced from the axils of the alternate leaves. The slender pedicels raise the flowers only a little above the foliage. Each flower is ½–¾" across, consisting of 5 white petals, 5 light green sepals, and a short nectar spur; the petals are much larger than the sepals. The reproductive organs are largely hidden within the throat of the flower. The lower petal has dark purple veins, while the two lateral petals have such veins to a lesser extent. The two lateral petals also have small tufts of hairs near the throat of the flower, where there is a conspicuous yellow patch. The back sides of the petals are light purple. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer and sometimes during the fall. Usually, only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. Later in the summer, inconspicuous cleistogamous flowers are produced, which are self-fertile. Each fertile flower is replaced by an ovoid seed capsule up to ½" long. This capsule is initially green, but it later turns brown and divides into 3 segments, flinging the seeds. The root system is fibrous and either rhizomatous or stoloniferous. Colonies of plants are often produced.
Cultivation: This violet prefers dappled sunlight to light shade during the spring, but tolerates greater shade during the summer. Other cultural requirements include more or less mesic conditions, a rich soil containing loam and decaying organic matter, and cool summer temperatures.
Range & Habitat: Canada Violet is a rare wildflower that is restricted to the northern two tiers of counties in Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is state-listed as "endangered." It is native to the driftless area of NW Illinois, while populations in NE Illinois may be descendants of plants that have escaped cultivation. Habitats include mesic deciduous woodlands and bluffs. Canada Violet is normally found in high quality woodlands, although escaped cultivated plants are likely to appear in more disturbed areas.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract primarily bees, including bumblebees, Little Carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), digger bees (Synhalonia spp.), Mason bees (Osmia spp.), and Andrenid bees. The Andrenid bee, Andrena violae, is an oligolectic visitor of violet flowers. Other floral visitors include bee flies and occasional skippers and butterflies. These latter insects seek nectar. The larvae of many moths and butterflies feed on the foliage of violets (see Lepidoptera Table). These larvae often hide during the day, but come out at night to feed. Other insects that feed on violets include Neotoxoptera violae (Violet Aphid), the larvae of Ametastegia pallipes (Violet Sawfly), and Odontothrips pictipennis (Thrips sp.). Among vertebrate animals, the Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey eat the seeds and fleshy roots. Other animals that occasionally feed on violets in wooded areas include the White-Tailed Deer (foliage), Eastern Chipmunk (stems & leaves), White-Footed Mouse (seeds), and Wood Turtle (Clemmys insculpta). However, the importance of violets as a food source to vertebrate animals is relatively low.
Photographic Location: Bob Vaiden's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Canada Violet is somewhat similar in appearance to Viola striata (Cream Violet). It differs from the latter by the yellow patch at the throat of its flowers, petals with pale purple backsides, and toothless stipules. Other white-flowered violets in the Midwest are stemless; they produce both flowers and leaves from the crown of the root system. The leaves of Canada Violet have tips that are more slender and elongated than those of most other violets, regardless of the color of their flowers. Both the flowers and foliage are attractive.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月05日
Description: This woody shrub is 2-6' tall, branching occasionally. The bark of the trunk and larger branches is gray and slightly rough, while the bark of the small branches and twigs is gray or gray-brown and more smooth. Opposite pairs of leaves develop from new growth. These leaves are up to 5" long and 4" across; they are usually 3-lobed (less often unlobed), coarsely dentate, and approximately oval in shape. The lobes of the leaves have pointed tips, while the leaf bases are cordate or rounded. The upper leaf surface is medium green and hairless, while the lower surface is pale green and pubescent. The leaf petioles are pale green and pubescent. At the base of each petiole, there is usually a pair of small linear stipules, which may wither away with age.
The flat-headed panicles (or compound cymes) of flowers develop from young branches. Individual panicles span about 1½–3" across. Individual flowers are about ¼" across, consisting of a white corolla with 5 petaloid lobes, a short green calyx with 5 small teeth, 5 strongly exerted stamens, and a central pistil. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer and lasts about 3 weeks. The flowers are replaced by ovoid-globoid berries about ¼" long that become blue-black at maturity. Each berry contains a single seed (or stone). The root system is woody and branching. During the fall, the leaves can assume different colors, including pink, magenta, red, or orange.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight to light shade, mesic to dry conditions, and a somewhat acidic soil that is rocky or sandy. This shrub will adapt to fertile loamy soil, but it is more likely to be displaced by taller shrubs.
Range & Habitat: The native Maple-Leaved Viburnum is occasional in northeast Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is rare or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland rocky woodlands, upland sandy woodlands, stabilized sand dunes with woody vegetation, and rocky wooded slopes. This is an understory plant in high quality wooded habitats where the shade is not too dense.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract Halictid bees, Andrenid bees, miscellaneous other bees, Syrphid flies, dance flies (Empididae), and miscellaneous other flies. To a lesser extent, the flowers are also visited by wasps, beetles, butterflies, and skippers. The caterpillars of several moths feed on Viburnums (primarily the foliage); see the Moth Table for a listing of these species. Other insect feeders include the caterpillars of the butterfly Celastrina argiolus (Spring/Summer Azure), the introduced Pyrrhalta viburni (Viburnum Leaf Beetle), the wood-boring larvae of Oberea deficiens (Long-Horned Beetle sp.) and Oberea tripunctata (Dogwood Twig Borer), and several aphid species. Viburnum berries are eaten by the Ruffed Grouse and many woodland songbirds (see Bird Table). To a lesser extent, these berries are also eaten by the White-Footed Mouse, Woodland Deer Mouse, Eastern Chipmunk, and various tree squirrels. White-Tailed Deer may browse on the twigs and leaves.
Photographic Location: An upland rocky woodland at the Portland Arch in west-central Indiana, where sandstone lies at or near the ground surface.
Comments: This is one of the smallest Viburnum spp., rarely exceeding 6' in height. The other small Viburnum sp. in Illinois, Viburnum rafinesquianum (Downy Arrow-Wood), has smaller leaves that lack pointed lobes. The only other native species in this genus that has pointed lobed leaves, Viburnum trilobum (American Cranberry Bush), has sterile white flowers that are much larger in size than the fertile flowers in the center of each inflorescence. There is also a very similar European species, Viburnum opulus (European Cranberry Bush), that also produces large sterile flowers; this latter species occasionally escapes from cultivation. The mature berries of these latter two species are shiny red. In contrast, Maple-Leaved Viburnum lacks such sterile flowers, and its mature berries are blue-black.
The flat-headed panicles (or compound cymes) of flowers develop from young branches. Individual panicles span about 1½–3" across. Individual flowers are about ¼" across, consisting of a white corolla with 5 petaloid lobes, a short green calyx with 5 small teeth, 5 strongly exerted stamens, and a central pistil. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer and lasts about 3 weeks. The flowers are replaced by ovoid-globoid berries about ¼" long that become blue-black at maturity. Each berry contains a single seed (or stone). The root system is woody and branching. During the fall, the leaves can assume different colors, including pink, magenta, red, or orange.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight to light shade, mesic to dry conditions, and a somewhat acidic soil that is rocky or sandy. This shrub will adapt to fertile loamy soil, but it is more likely to be displaced by taller shrubs.
Range & Habitat: The native Maple-Leaved Viburnum is occasional in northeast Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is rare or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland rocky woodlands, upland sandy woodlands, stabilized sand dunes with woody vegetation, and rocky wooded slopes. This is an understory plant in high quality wooded habitats where the shade is not too dense.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract Halictid bees, Andrenid bees, miscellaneous other bees, Syrphid flies, dance flies (Empididae), and miscellaneous other flies. To a lesser extent, the flowers are also visited by wasps, beetles, butterflies, and skippers. The caterpillars of several moths feed on Viburnums (primarily the foliage); see the Moth Table for a listing of these species. Other insect feeders include the caterpillars of the butterfly Celastrina argiolus (Spring/Summer Azure), the introduced Pyrrhalta viburni (Viburnum Leaf Beetle), the wood-boring larvae of Oberea deficiens (Long-Horned Beetle sp.) and Oberea tripunctata (Dogwood Twig Borer), and several aphid species. Viburnum berries are eaten by the Ruffed Grouse and many woodland songbirds (see Bird Table). To a lesser extent, these berries are also eaten by the White-Footed Mouse, Woodland Deer Mouse, Eastern Chipmunk, and various tree squirrels. White-Tailed Deer may browse on the twigs and leaves.
Photographic Location: An upland rocky woodland at the Portland Arch in west-central Indiana, where sandstone lies at or near the ground surface.
Comments: This is one of the smallest Viburnum spp., rarely exceeding 6' in height. The other small Viburnum sp. in Illinois, Viburnum rafinesquianum (Downy Arrow-Wood), has smaller leaves that lack pointed lobes. The only other native species in this genus that has pointed lobed leaves, Viburnum trilobum (American Cranberry Bush), has sterile white flowers that are much larger in size than the fertile flowers in the center of each inflorescence. There is also a very similar European species, Viburnum opulus (European Cranberry Bush), that also produces large sterile flowers; this latter species occasionally escapes from cultivation. The mature berries of these latter two species are shiny red. In contrast, Maple-Leaved Viburnum lacks such sterile flowers, and its mature berries are blue-black.
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