文章
Miss Chen
2018年05月09日
Description: This perennial wildflower is up to 3½' tall (including the inflorescence). It has a single erect stem about 1-2' tall that terminates in a pseudo-whorl of 5-6 spreading trifoliate leaves. The stem is light green and either hairless or sparsely hairy. Each trifoliate leaf has a slender petiole about 1½-5" long and 3 leaflets that are 2-5" long and 1½-3" across; the terminal leaflet is larger in size than the lateral leaflets. The leaflets are ovate to broadly ovate in shape with long narrow tips; their margins are smooth and sometimes slightly ciliate. The upper leaflet surface is medium to dark green and hairless, while the lower leaflet surface is pale green and sparsely hairy along the veins. The petiolules (basal stalklets) of the lateral leaflets are less than ¼" long, while the petiolule of each terminal leaflet is 1-3" long.
From the central stem, a narrow raceme or raceme-like panicle of flowers develops that is 1-2' long; this raceme can be erect, ascending, or lean over to one side. The central stalk of the raceme is light to medium green, terete or somewhat angular, and covered with stiff short hairs. The flowers are sparsely to moderately distributed along the central stalk on short pedicels about ¼" long. The slender pedicels are light green to reddish green and covered with short stiff hairs. Individual flowers are up to 1/3" (8 mm.) long with a typical pea-like floral structure consisting of a banner, 2 lateral wings, and 2 petals that form an inner keel. These petals are light pink to rosy pink. Each flower has a light green to whitish green calyx that is short-tubular with shallow lobes; it is often ciliate or slightly hairy.
The blooming period occurs during the summer for about 1-2 months. Usually, relatively few flowers are in bloom at the same time. There is no noticeable floral scent. The flowers are later replaced by flattened loments (seedpods) about ½-1½" long; these loments are initially green, they later turn brown at maturity. The sides of each loment are covered with short hooked hairs. Each loment is divided into 1-4 segments (each one about 1/3" or 8 mm. long); the segments have upper sides that are slightly concave and lower sides that are convex or angular-convex. At the front of each loment, there is a narrow stipe about ¼" long. Each loment can break apart along each pair of its segments; each segment contains a single reniform seed that is somewhat flattened. The root system consists of a taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to medium shade, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and loamy soil with decaying organic matter. However, clay-loam and rocky soil are also tolerated.
Distribution Map
Range & Habitat: The native Pointed-Leaved Tick Trefoil is occasional throughout Illinois, except for some areas of southern Illinois, where it is uncommon or absent. Habitats consist of upland woodlands that are often rocky, moist to mesic woodlands, woodland borders along roads and railroads, and areas along woodland paths. This wildflower can be found in both disturbed and higher quality woodlands that are dominated by various deciduous trees.
Faunal Associations: Robertson (1929) observed the Halictid bee, Lasioglossum versatus, collecting pollen from the flowers. Other insects that may visit the flowers include bumblebees and other long-tongued bees. While the caterpillars of several butterflies and skippers feed on the foliage of Desmodium spp. (Tick Trefoils), they are usually found in savannas and prairies, rather than the shady woodlands that Pointed-Leaved Tick Trefoil prefers. Other insects that feed on this group of plants include the aphid Microparsus variabilis, the thrips Echinothrips americanus and Neohydatothrips desmodianus, the leaf-mining larvae of the Buprestid beetles Pachyschelus confusus and Pachyschelus laevigatus, the larvae of the seed weevil Apion decoloratum, and several leaf beetles: Anomoea laticlavia, Bassareus lituratus, Cerotoma trifurcata, Colapsis brunnea, Cryptocephalus insertus, Odontata dorsalis, Pachybrachis nigricornis, Pachybrachis othonus, Phyllecthris dorsalis, and Saxinis omogera. Some vertebrate animals also use Tick Trefoils as a food source: the Wild Turkey and Bobwhite eat the seeds, while the White-Tailed Deer, Cottontail Rabbit, and various domesticated animals (cattle, horses, sheep, etc.) browse on the foliage. The seed-bearing loments have the capacity to cling to the feathers of birds, fur of mammals, and clothing of humans: in this manner, the seeds are spread to new areas.
Photographic Location: Along a woodland path of a state park in east-central Illinois.
Comments: Pointed-Leaved Tick Trefoil is relatively easy to identify because it is one of two species of its genus within Illinois that produces a single pseudo-whorl of leaves. The other species that has this characteristic, Desmodium nudiflorum (Naked-Flowered Tick Trefoil), differs by producing its inflorescence on a naked stalk that is entirely separate from the central stem of its leaves. The inflorescence of Pointed-Leaved Tick Trefoil is produced above its pseudo-whorl of leaves; they both derive from the same central stem. Other Desmodium spp. (Tick Trefoils) produce their leaves alternately along their stems, instead of being bunched together in a pseudo-whorl.
From the central stem, a narrow raceme or raceme-like panicle of flowers develops that is 1-2' long; this raceme can be erect, ascending, or lean over to one side. The central stalk of the raceme is light to medium green, terete or somewhat angular, and covered with stiff short hairs. The flowers are sparsely to moderately distributed along the central stalk on short pedicels about ¼" long. The slender pedicels are light green to reddish green and covered with short stiff hairs. Individual flowers are up to 1/3" (8 mm.) long with a typical pea-like floral structure consisting of a banner, 2 lateral wings, and 2 petals that form an inner keel. These petals are light pink to rosy pink. Each flower has a light green to whitish green calyx that is short-tubular with shallow lobes; it is often ciliate or slightly hairy.
The blooming period occurs during the summer for about 1-2 months. Usually, relatively few flowers are in bloom at the same time. There is no noticeable floral scent. The flowers are later replaced by flattened loments (seedpods) about ½-1½" long; these loments are initially green, they later turn brown at maturity. The sides of each loment are covered with short hooked hairs. Each loment is divided into 1-4 segments (each one about 1/3" or 8 mm. long); the segments have upper sides that are slightly concave and lower sides that are convex or angular-convex. At the front of each loment, there is a narrow stipe about ¼" long. Each loment can break apart along each pair of its segments; each segment contains a single reniform seed that is somewhat flattened. The root system consists of a taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to medium shade, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and loamy soil with decaying organic matter. However, clay-loam and rocky soil are also tolerated.
Distribution Map
Range & Habitat: The native Pointed-Leaved Tick Trefoil is occasional throughout Illinois, except for some areas of southern Illinois, where it is uncommon or absent. Habitats consist of upland woodlands that are often rocky, moist to mesic woodlands, woodland borders along roads and railroads, and areas along woodland paths. This wildflower can be found in both disturbed and higher quality woodlands that are dominated by various deciduous trees.
Faunal Associations: Robertson (1929) observed the Halictid bee, Lasioglossum versatus, collecting pollen from the flowers. Other insects that may visit the flowers include bumblebees and other long-tongued bees. While the caterpillars of several butterflies and skippers feed on the foliage of Desmodium spp. (Tick Trefoils), they are usually found in savannas and prairies, rather than the shady woodlands that Pointed-Leaved Tick Trefoil prefers. Other insects that feed on this group of plants include the aphid Microparsus variabilis, the thrips Echinothrips americanus and Neohydatothrips desmodianus, the leaf-mining larvae of the Buprestid beetles Pachyschelus confusus and Pachyschelus laevigatus, the larvae of the seed weevil Apion decoloratum, and several leaf beetles: Anomoea laticlavia, Bassareus lituratus, Cerotoma trifurcata, Colapsis brunnea, Cryptocephalus insertus, Odontata dorsalis, Pachybrachis nigricornis, Pachybrachis othonus, Phyllecthris dorsalis, and Saxinis omogera. Some vertebrate animals also use Tick Trefoils as a food source: the Wild Turkey and Bobwhite eat the seeds, while the White-Tailed Deer, Cottontail Rabbit, and various domesticated animals (cattle, horses, sheep, etc.) browse on the foliage. The seed-bearing loments have the capacity to cling to the feathers of birds, fur of mammals, and clothing of humans: in this manner, the seeds are spread to new areas.
Photographic Location: Along a woodland path of a state park in east-central Illinois.
Comments: Pointed-Leaved Tick Trefoil is relatively easy to identify because it is one of two species of its genus within Illinois that produces a single pseudo-whorl of leaves. The other species that has this characteristic, Desmodium nudiflorum (Naked-Flowered Tick Trefoil), differs by producing its inflorescence on a naked stalk that is entirely separate from the central stem of its leaves. The inflorescence of Pointed-Leaved Tick Trefoil is produced above its pseudo-whorl of leaves; they both derive from the same central stem. Other Desmodium spp. (Tick Trefoils) produce their leaves alternately along their stems, instead of being bunched together in a pseudo-whorl.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年05月09日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is about 3-10" tall, producing from its rootstock both basal leaves and fertile shoots with cauline leaves. The basal leaves are separate from the fertile shoots; they help to store energy for next year's fertile shoots. A fertile shoot consists of a single flowering stalk with a whorl of 3 leaves. Each leaf is up to 3" long and across, but palmately cleft into 3-5 narrow lobes with dentate teeth along the margins. The basal leaves have a similar appearance to the cauline leaves; both types of leaves are greyish green to medium green and largely hairless. The central stalk is greyish green to medium green, glabrous or slightly pubescent, terete, and unbranched. This stalk terminates into a short raceme of white flowers that becomes longer as it matures. This inflorescence is rather floppy; the flowers open up and become more erect in the presence of sunshine on warm spring days.
Each flower is about ½" across when fully open, consisting of 4 predominately white petals, 4 green or purple sepals, several stamens with conspicuous yellow anthers, and a single pistil. The petals are lanceolate-oblong and sometimes tinted with pink or light purple. The sepals are oblong and shorter than the petals. The slender pedicels are at least as long as the flowers; they are light green to purplish green and terete. The blooming period occurs during mid-spring and lasts about 2 weeks. The flowers are quite fragrant. Each flower is replaced by an elongated seedpod that has a short beak (i.e., a silique); this seedpod is held more or less erect. The seeds are arranged in a single row within the seedpods; they are ovoid and somewhat flattened in shape. The root system produces fleshy rhizomes that are jointed and knobby; they are parallel to the surface of the ground and fairly shallow. In addition to these rhizomes and their secondary roots, the root system produces small fleshy tubers. This plant often forms vegetative colonies from its spreading rhizomes; it also reproduces by seed.
Cultivation: Its easiest to start plants from pieces of the rhizome. These should be planted a little below the surface of the ground in an area with sparse ground cover that receives shade during the summer. Cutleaf Toothwort develops quickly and it is one of the earlier spring wildflowers of woodlands. The foliage turns yellow and fades away by the end of spring. This plant typically grows in dappled sunlight before the trees leaf out; it prefers moist to mesic conditions and a rich loamy soil with decaying leaves.
Range & Habitat: The native Cutleaf Toothwort is a common plant that occurs in nearly every county of Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include deciduous mesic woodlands, floodplain woodlands, wooded bluffs, and upland savannas. The presence of this species in a woodlands indicates that its soil has never been plowed under or subjected to heavy construction activities. However, this species can survive some disturbance caused by occasional grazing and less disruptive activities of human society. When the introduced Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard) invades a woodlands, this is one of the spring wildflowers that declines in abundance.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts both long-tongued and short-tongued bees, including honey bees, bumblebees, mason bees (Osmia spp.), cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp.), and Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.). Less often, the nectar of the flowers attracts early spring butterflies and Bombylius major (Giant Bee Fly). Short-tongued bees also collect pollen from the flowers. Caterpillars of the butterflies Pieris napi oleraceae (Mustard White) and Pieris virginiensis (West Virginia White) feed on the foliage of Dentaria spp. (Toothworts); however, the former butterfly has not been observed in Illinois since the late 19th century, while the latter butterfly is found in areas that are SE of the state. Other insect feeders include the flea beetles Phyllotreta bipustulata and Phyllotreta zimmermanni. The tubers of Toothworts were a minor food source of Ectopistes migratorius (Passenger Pigeon); this bird species became extinct in the United States during the early 20th century.
Photographic Location: An upland savanna in McLean County, Illinois, and a mesic woodland in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Cutleaf Toothwort is the only native Dentaria sp. (Toothwort) in Illinois. Other species of Toothwort can be found in areas to the east and north of Illinois, including Indiana. The species Dentaria diphylla (Two-Leaved Toothwort) has been observed in Kane County, Illinois, where it is probably adventive. This latter species has two cauline leaves on each flowering stalk, while Cutleaf Toothwort usually has three. Both the basal and cauline leaves of Two-Leaved Toothwort have broader lobes than those found on the leaves of Cutleaf Toothwort. Some authorities have merged the Toothworts into the genus Cardamine (Bitter Cress), in which case the scientific name of Cutleaf Toothwort is Cardamine concatenata.
Each flower is about ½" across when fully open, consisting of 4 predominately white petals, 4 green or purple sepals, several stamens with conspicuous yellow anthers, and a single pistil. The petals are lanceolate-oblong and sometimes tinted with pink or light purple. The sepals are oblong and shorter than the petals. The slender pedicels are at least as long as the flowers; they are light green to purplish green and terete. The blooming period occurs during mid-spring and lasts about 2 weeks. The flowers are quite fragrant. Each flower is replaced by an elongated seedpod that has a short beak (i.e., a silique); this seedpod is held more or less erect. The seeds are arranged in a single row within the seedpods; they are ovoid and somewhat flattened in shape. The root system produces fleshy rhizomes that are jointed and knobby; they are parallel to the surface of the ground and fairly shallow. In addition to these rhizomes and their secondary roots, the root system produces small fleshy tubers. This plant often forms vegetative colonies from its spreading rhizomes; it also reproduces by seed.
Cultivation: Its easiest to start plants from pieces of the rhizome. These should be planted a little below the surface of the ground in an area with sparse ground cover that receives shade during the summer. Cutleaf Toothwort develops quickly and it is one of the earlier spring wildflowers of woodlands. The foliage turns yellow and fades away by the end of spring. This plant typically grows in dappled sunlight before the trees leaf out; it prefers moist to mesic conditions and a rich loamy soil with decaying leaves.
Range & Habitat: The native Cutleaf Toothwort is a common plant that occurs in nearly every county of Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include deciduous mesic woodlands, floodplain woodlands, wooded bluffs, and upland savannas. The presence of this species in a woodlands indicates that its soil has never been plowed under or subjected to heavy construction activities. However, this species can survive some disturbance caused by occasional grazing and less disruptive activities of human society. When the introduced Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard) invades a woodlands, this is one of the spring wildflowers that declines in abundance.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts both long-tongued and short-tongued bees, including honey bees, bumblebees, mason bees (Osmia spp.), cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp.), and Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.). Less often, the nectar of the flowers attracts early spring butterflies and Bombylius major (Giant Bee Fly). Short-tongued bees also collect pollen from the flowers. Caterpillars of the butterflies Pieris napi oleraceae (Mustard White) and Pieris virginiensis (West Virginia White) feed on the foliage of Dentaria spp. (Toothworts); however, the former butterfly has not been observed in Illinois since the late 19th century, while the latter butterfly is found in areas that are SE of the state. Other insect feeders include the flea beetles Phyllotreta bipustulata and Phyllotreta zimmermanni. The tubers of Toothworts were a minor food source of Ectopistes migratorius (Passenger Pigeon); this bird species became extinct in the United States during the early 20th century.
Photographic Location: An upland savanna in McLean County, Illinois, and a mesic woodland in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Cutleaf Toothwort is the only native Dentaria sp. (Toothwort) in Illinois. Other species of Toothwort can be found in areas to the east and north of Illinois, including Indiana. The species Dentaria diphylla (Two-Leaved Toothwort) has been observed in Kane County, Illinois, where it is probably adventive. This latter species has two cauline leaves on each flowering stalk, while Cutleaf Toothwort usually has three. Both the basal and cauline leaves of Two-Leaved Toothwort have broader lobes than those found on the leaves of Cutleaf Toothwort. Some authorities have merged the Toothworts into the genus Cardamine (Bitter Cress), in which case the scientific name of Cutleaf Toothwort is Cardamine concatenata.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月08日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 1-3' tall; it is unbranched toward the base, but branches occasionally in the upper half. The light green stems are glabrous and occasionally glaucous; they are slightly wider and angular at the bases of petioles. The compound leaves are trifoliate. The lower compound leaves have long petioles, while the upper compound leaves are sessile, or nearly so. Elongated membranous sheaths can be found at the bases of petioles. The leaflets of the compound leaves are up to 4" long and 2" across, becoming smaller as they ascend the stems. Individual leaflets are ovate, elliptic or lanceolate in shape, doubly serrated along their margins, and glabrous. Some of the lower leaflets may be shallowly to deeply cleft along their margins, forming 1-2 lobes. The leaflets are rounded or wedged-shaped at their bases, where they have winged petiolules (basal stalklets). The upper surface of leaflets is medium to dark green.
The upper stems terminate in compound umbels of tiny white flowers. These umbels are somewhat irregular and span about 1½-3" across. Each umbel divides into about 3-10 umbellets, while each umbellet consists of 3-10 flowers. Neither umbels nor umbellets have any significant floral bracts. Each flower is less than 3 mm. (1/8") across, consisting of 5 white petals, 5 white stamens, a conical pistil that is light green, and a short-tubular calyx that is green and without teeth. The petals usually curve inward at their tips. The blooming period occurs during early to mid-summer, lasts about 1 month. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each flower is replaced by an elongated ribbed fruit (schizocarp) that tapers at both ends. These fruits are initially green, but they later become dark-colored; each fruit consists of 2 seeds. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself; it occasionally forms colonies at favorable sites.
Cultivation: The preference is medium to light shade, moist to mesic conditions, and a loamy soil with decaying organic material.
Range & Habitat: The native Honewort is a common plant that occurs in most areas of Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic deciduous woodlands (especially Sugar Maple & Basswood woodlands), woodland borders, edges of shady seeps, wooded areas along springs and streams, wooded bluffs, fence rows that are overgrown with trees, and shady edges of yards. This species adapts well to shaded areas with a history of light to moderate disturbance. It can also be found in higher quality woodlands with more conservative species.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp., Sphecodes spp.), masked bees (Hylaeus spp.), Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.), cuckoo wasps (Hedychrum spp.), wild carrot wasps (Gasteruption spp.), Ichneumonid wasps, Syrphid flies, dance flies (Empis spp.), bee flies (Bombyliidae), thick-headed flies (Conopidae), Tachinid flies, Chloropid flies, long-horned beetles (Cerambycidae), leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae), tumbling flower beetles (Mordellidae), and other insects. Insect that feed destructively on Honewort include the leaf-mining larvae of Euleia heraclei (Hogweed Picture-Winged Fly), Cavariella aegopodii (Willow-Carrot Aphid), Hyadaphis foeniculi (Fennel Aphid), leaf-mining larvae of the moth Epermenia pimpinella, and caterpillars of the butterfly Papilio polyxenes asterius (Black Swallowtail). Information about this plant's relationships to vertebrate animals is scarce. White-Tailed Deer browse occasionally on the foliage. When colonies of plants develop, they provide cover for a variety of invertebrate and vertebrate animals.
Photographic Location: Busey Woods at Urbana, Illinois, where there are areas of moist to mesic deciduous woodlands.
Comments: Honewort is a woodland wildflower that blooms in the shade during the summer. Its white flowers are quite small and not very showy, which is quite typical of wildflower species that adapt to this type of habitat. Because their are many members of the Carrot family with umbels of small white flowers, they can be difficult to identify. Honewort can be distinguished from similar species by the following characteristics: 1) It has hairless leaves and stems, 2) it has trifoliate leaves with leaflets that are sometimes cleft, 3) its leaflets are elliptic to ovate, rather than narrowly linear, 4) its umbels of white flowers are compound, rather than simple, and 5) it has no significant floral bracts at the bases of either umbels or umbellets. If this isn't sufficient to produce an identification (this is a difficult group of plants), then consider the following two characteristics of the leaflets: Theirs margin are usually doubly serrate, and the bases of leaflets taper to winged petiolules (sometimes they are quite short).
The upper stems terminate in compound umbels of tiny white flowers. These umbels are somewhat irregular and span about 1½-3" across. Each umbel divides into about 3-10 umbellets, while each umbellet consists of 3-10 flowers. Neither umbels nor umbellets have any significant floral bracts. Each flower is less than 3 mm. (1/8") across, consisting of 5 white petals, 5 white stamens, a conical pistil that is light green, and a short-tubular calyx that is green and without teeth. The petals usually curve inward at their tips. The blooming period occurs during early to mid-summer, lasts about 1 month. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each flower is replaced by an elongated ribbed fruit (schizocarp) that tapers at both ends. These fruits are initially green, but they later become dark-colored; each fruit consists of 2 seeds. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself; it occasionally forms colonies at favorable sites.
Cultivation: The preference is medium to light shade, moist to mesic conditions, and a loamy soil with decaying organic material.
Range & Habitat: The native Honewort is a common plant that occurs in most areas of Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic deciduous woodlands (especially Sugar Maple & Basswood woodlands), woodland borders, edges of shady seeps, wooded areas along springs and streams, wooded bluffs, fence rows that are overgrown with trees, and shady edges of yards. This species adapts well to shaded areas with a history of light to moderate disturbance. It can also be found in higher quality woodlands with more conservative species.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp., Sphecodes spp.), masked bees (Hylaeus spp.), Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.), cuckoo wasps (Hedychrum spp.), wild carrot wasps (Gasteruption spp.), Ichneumonid wasps, Syrphid flies, dance flies (Empis spp.), bee flies (Bombyliidae), thick-headed flies (Conopidae), Tachinid flies, Chloropid flies, long-horned beetles (Cerambycidae), leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae), tumbling flower beetles (Mordellidae), and other insects. Insect that feed destructively on Honewort include the leaf-mining larvae of Euleia heraclei (Hogweed Picture-Winged Fly), Cavariella aegopodii (Willow-Carrot Aphid), Hyadaphis foeniculi (Fennel Aphid), leaf-mining larvae of the moth Epermenia pimpinella, and caterpillars of the butterfly Papilio polyxenes asterius (Black Swallowtail). Information about this plant's relationships to vertebrate animals is scarce. White-Tailed Deer browse occasionally on the foliage. When colonies of plants develop, they provide cover for a variety of invertebrate and vertebrate animals.
Photographic Location: Busey Woods at Urbana, Illinois, where there are areas of moist to mesic deciduous woodlands.
Comments: Honewort is a woodland wildflower that blooms in the shade during the summer. Its white flowers are quite small and not very showy, which is quite typical of wildflower species that adapt to this type of habitat. Because their are many members of the Carrot family with umbels of small white flowers, they can be difficult to identify. Honewort can be distinguished from similar species by the following characteristics: 1) It has hairless leaves and stems, 2) it has trifoliate leaves with leaflets that are sometimes cleft, 3) its leaflets are elliptic to ovate, rather than narrowly linear, 4) its umbels of white flowers are compound, rather than simple, and 5) it has no significant floral bracts at the bases of either umbels or umbellets. If this isn't sufficient to produce an identification (this is a difficult group of plants), then consider the following two characteristics of the leaflets: Theirs margin are usually doubly serrate, and the bases of leaflets taper to winged petiolules (sometimes they are quite short).
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Miss Chen
2018年05月08日
Description: This plant is a winter or spring annual. A typical plant consists of a rosette of basal leaves about 8" across and several flowering stalks about 8" long. The blades of the basal leaves are up to 3" long and 2" across; they are pinnately compound, dull green to greyish blue, and hairless. The small lobes of the blades taper to obtuse points. The basal leaves have long slender petioles that are about as long as the blades. Alternate leaves occur along the flowering stalks. They are similar in appearance to the basal leaves, except that they are smaller in size and their petioles are shorter. The flowering stalks are are pale green to pale reddish green, hairless, and somewhat glaucous; they are sprawling, ascending, or erect. Each stalk terminates in a raceme of flowers up to 3" long. Each flower has a corolla consisting of 2 outer petals that are pale yellow to yellow and 2 inner petals that are more white and membranous. The upper outer petal forms a fringed upper lip in front and a rounded nectar spur in back; the top of the upper lip has a greenish yellow keel that may be slightly winged or crested. The lower outer petal forms a lower lip that functions as a landing pad for visiting insects; the bottom of the lower lip also has a greenish yellow keel that is similar to the upper keel. The inner petals are largely hidden by the outer petals, except when the flower is fully open; at that time, they are pale white or greenish yellow.
Each flower is about 1/3" to 1/2" (8-12 mm.) long and its pedicel is 1/4" (6 mm.) long or less. At the base of each pedicel, there is a single leafy bract up to 1/3" (8 mm.) long; this small bract is ovate or ovate-lanceolate. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late-spring, lasting about 1–1½ months. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each flower is replaced by a seedpod up to 2/3" (17 mm.) long. Each seedpod is dull green, hairless, slightly glaucous, and cylindrical in shape; several pale veins may be detectable that run along its length. The tip of each seedpod terminates in a beak. The surface of the seedpod between the seeds may be slightly constricted or unconstricted. Relative to the stalk of each raceme, the seedpods are erect or ascending, rather than widely spreading. The small seeds are about 1.0–1.5 mm. across, flattened, circular, shiny, and black. Fresh seeds have a small fleshy appendage that is white; this is an elaisome. The seedpods split open to release the seeds while they are still green. The root system consists of a slender taproot that branches abundantly. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun and moist to mesic conditions during the period of active growth during the spring. This plant will grow in many kinds of soil, but it is usually found in soil that contains sand or rocky material; it also adapts to loamy soil containing abundant organic matter and bark litter. The foliage gradually withers away during the summer.
Range & Habitat: The native Slender Corydalis is occasional in northern and western Illinois, but uncommon elsewhere in the state (see Distribution Map). Habits include open rocky woodlands, sandy savannas, ledges along thinly wooded bluffs, glades, gravelly areas along railroads (including the ballast), and mulched areas along buildings. Slender Corydalis prefers habitats with scant ground vegetation and a little shade. Occasional wildfires are beneficial as they reduce competition from woody vegetation and other plants.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated by long-tongued bees, particularly bumblebees. An aphid, Macrosiphum corydalis, sucks juices from the flowering stalks of Corydalis spp. The seeds are distributed to some extent by ants because of their elaisomes (food appendages). Mammalian herbivores avoid consumption of this plant because of its toxic foliage.
Photographic Location: A mulched area along a building on the campus of the University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois. At this location, Slender Corydalis was growing wild, like a weed. Many of the plants are periodically uprooted and destroyed by maintenance and grounds staff, but this species has persisted at this site for a number of years.
Comments: Among the Corydalis spp. with yellow flowers in Illinois, Slender Corydalis has smaller than average flowers (about 1/3–1/2" or 8-12 mm. in length). Only Corydalis flavula (Pale Corydalis) has smaller flowers (about 1/4–1/3" or 6-8 mm. in length), while the others have larger flowers (about 1/2–1" or 12-25 mm. in length). Pale Corydalis also has longer pedicels (1/4–3/4" or 6-19 mm. in length) than Slender Corydalis. The foliage of Slender Corydalis has a similar appearance to other Corydalis spp., except the lobes of its pinnately compound leaves have tips that are more blunt than some of the others. A closely related subspecies is Corydalis micrantha australis (Prairie Corydalis). This latter subspecies has longer seedpods (about 2/3–4/3" or 17-34 mm. in length) and longer flowering stalks that extend beyond the foliage. Other Corydalis spp. differ from Slender Corydalis by having constricted or knobby seedpods that are less erect, and some Corydalis spp. have larger seeds (1.5–2.0 mm. across).
Each flower is about 1/3" to 1/2" (8-12 mm.) long and its pedicel is 1/4" (6 mm.) long or less. At the base of each pedicel, there is a single leafy bract up to 1/3" (8 mm.) long; this small bract is ovate or ovate-lanceolate. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late-spring, lasting about 1–1½ months. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each flower is replaced by a seedpod up to 2/3" (17 mm.) long. Each seedpod is dull green, hairless, slightly glaucous, and cylindrical in shape; several pale veins may be detectable that run along its length. The tip of each seedpod terminates in a beak. The surface of the seedpod between the seeds may be slightly constricted or unconstricted. Relative to the stalk of each raceme, the seedpods are erect or ascending, rather than widely spreading. The small seeds are about 1.0–1.5 mm. across, flattened, circular, shiny, and black. Fresh seeds have a small fleshy appendage that is white; this is an elaisome. The seedpods split open to release the seeds while they are still green. The root system consists of a slender taproot that branches abundantly. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun and moist to mesic conditions during the period of active growth during the spring. This plant will grow in many kinds of soil, but it is usually found in soil that contains sand or rocky material; it also adapts to loamy soil containing abundant organic matter and bark litter. The foliage gradually withers away during the summer.
Range & Habitat: The native Slender Corydalis is occasional in northern and western Illinois, but uncommon elsewhere in the state (see Distribution Map). Habits include open rocky woodlands, sandy savannas, ledges along thinly wooded bluffs, glades, gravelly areas along railroads (including the ballast), and mulched areas along buildings. Slender Corydalis prefers habitats with scant ground vegetation and a little shade. Occasional wildfires are beneficial as they reduce competition from woody vegetation and other plants.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated by long-tongued bees, particularly bumblebees. An aphid, Macrosiphum corydalis, sucks juices from the flowering stalks of Corydalis spp. The seeds are distributed to some extent by ants because of their elaisomes (food appendages). Mammalian herbivores avoid consumption of this plant because of its toxic foliage.
Photographic Location: A mulched area along a building on the campus of the University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois. At this location, Slender Corydalis was growing wild, like a weed. Many of the plants are periodically uprooted and destroyed by maintenance and grounds staff, but this species has persisted at this site for a number of years.
Comments: Among the Corydalis spp. with yellow flowers in Illinois, Slender Corydalis has smaller than average flowers (about 1/3–1/2" or 8-12 mm. in length). Only Corydalis flavula (Pale Corydalis) has smaller flowers (about 1/4–1/3" or 6-8 mm. in length), while the others have larger flowers (about 1/2–1" or 12-25 mm. in length). Pale Corydalis also has longer pedicels (1/4–3/4" or 6-19 mm. in length) than Slender Corydalis. The foliage of Slender Corydalis has a similar appearance to other Corydalis spp., except the lobes of its pinnately compound leaves have tips that are more blunt than some of the others. A closely related subspecies is Corydalis micrantha australis (Prairie Corydalis). This latter subspecies has longer seedpods (about 2/3–4/3" or 17-34 mm. in length) and longer flowering stalks that extend beyond the foliage. Other Corydalis spp. differ from Slender Corydalis by having constricted or knobby seedpods that are less erect, and some Corydalis spp. have larger seeds (1.5–2.0 mm. across).
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文章
权问薇
2018年05月08日
一、注意养护方法
1、它平常要有足量的光，才能够不白白生长，但是给光不能过度，夏季阳光太强的时候一定适当遮阴。
2、至于给它浇水，一月一次就足够，切忌浇水过多。
3、养殖它的时候选取土壤要有自己的方法，它比较适合的是疏松的沙质土，而且花盆的排水性必须要可以。
4、等到玉树长到15公分左右要进行修剪或把顶部掐除，促进分枝，要避免只让枝叶受光，按照这几个步骤来基本上能够保证它的正常生长，可以不使它白白生长。
二、叶插繁殖
通过这一种方法能够重新制造出一盆这样的植株，而且不会白长。首先要把摘下的比较厚的叶子直接放置于土壤上，不需要浇水，然后把它放在干燥通风的地方，不能够让它直接待在阳光下面。这样的话，需要一两个月的时间它才会长出芽和根来。需要注意的是要摘取比较健康和壮实的叶片。
三、茎插繁殖
这一种方法也是重新获取一盆健康的植物的方法。首先要用消过毒的小刀切下一段茎，要保证每段茎有至少两个生长节点，然后把这段茎放到通风遮阴处风干两天，待刀口变干后就可以扦插到土壤中了。注意要剪取生长中的嫩枝扦插，插后要保证土壤有一定的湿度，20~30天就可以生根了。剪掉了一段茎后剩下的底部根茎留一段七厘米左右的小树桩即可，没多久新的叶子就会重新长出来。
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年05月07日
Description: This shrub is 3-8' tall, producing unbranched canes that are erect. Young tips of the central cane are light green and sometimes pubescent, otherwise the cane is woody with gray to brown bark. With age, this bark tears off into multicolored sheets, providing it with a tattered appearance. Pairs of opposite leaves occur at intervals along each cane. These leaves are about 4-6" long and 3-5" across; they are oval-ovate or oval-cordate and serrated along their margins. The upper surface of each leaf is medium to dark green and hairless, while the lower surface is pale green and either hairless or sparsely pubescent. The slender petioles are 2-6" long and either hairless or pubescent.
Each cane terminates in a flat-headed panicle (or compound cyme) of flowers about 3-6" across. In the center of the panicle, there are numerous fertile flowers that are very small in size, while around the outer margin of the panicle there are a few sterile flowers that are larger in size (about ¾" across). However, sterile flowers are occasionally absent in some populations of wild plants. Each fertile flower has a short light green calyx with insignificant teeth, 5 tiny white petals less than 1/8" (3 mm.) long, 8 or 10 stamens with long filaments, and a pistil with a pair of styles. The fertile flowers are either greenish white or cream-colored. Each sterile flower has 3-4 petaloid bracts that are large and white. The branches of the panicle are dull cream-colored and usually pubescent. The blooming period occurs from early to mid-summer. The fertile flowers are in bloomDistribution Map for only a short time, while the sterile flowers remain attractive until the autumn. Each fertile flower is replaced by a small 2-celled seed capsule about 1/8" (3 mm.) across that has a pair of tiny curved horns on its upper surface. The sides of the capsule are ribbed. Each capsule contains many tiny seeds that are flattened; they are small enough to be blown about by the wind or carried by currents of water. The root system can develop clonal offsets from underground runners. As a result, colonies of plants are often formed.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight to light shade, consistently damp conditions, and a moderately acidic to neutral soil that contains some decaying organic matter. To prevent a straggly appearance, this shrub can be cut back during the autumn. A humid area with some protection from the wind is desirable.
Range & Habitat: The native Wild Hydrangea is occasional to locally common in southern Illinois, uncommon in central Illinois, and largely absent from the northern section of the state. Habitats include shaded ravines, rocky stream banks in wooded areas, bottoms of bluffs and cliffs, low rocky ledges, and similar habitats in wooded areas. Wild Hydrangea is found in high quality natural areas. It is also cultivated in gardens.
Faunal Associations: The fertile flowers offer nectar and pollen to a wide range of visiting insects. These visitors include bumblebees, little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), Halictid bees, masked bees (Hylaeus spp.), miscellaneous wasps, mosquitoes, Syrphid flies, thick-headed flies, Muscid flies, dance flies (Empis spp.), tumbling flower beetles, and long-horned beetles. The foliage of Wild Hydrangea is eaten by the caterpillars of Darapsa versicolor (Hydrangea Sphinx) and Olethreutes ferriferana (Hydrangea Leaf-Tier Moth). Some polyphagous insects occasionally feed on this shrub; these species include the thrips Echinothrips americanus, the seed bug Kleidocerys resedae, the aphids Aphis rumicis and Aphis citricola, and the larvae of the long-horned beetle Stenocorus cinnamopterus. White-tailed Deer occasionally browse on the canes and leaves.
Photographic Location: The flowerhead was photographed at the Arboretum of the University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois. The leaves were photographed at the Potholes in west-central Indiana.
Comments: This fast-growing shrub is very attractive. The only other native hydrangea in Illinois is Hydrangea cinerea (Southern Wild Hydrangea), which is found in the southern section of the state. This latter species differs from Wild Hydrangea by the dense gray pubescence on the undersides of its leaves; it is sometimes considered a variety of Wild Hydrangea, rather than a distinct species. There are many cultivars of Wild Hydrangea in circulation. These cultivars tend to have more sterile flowers than the wild version of this species; there are even cultivars that produce only sterile flowers. While the latter cultivars are showier, they don't provide any nectar or pollen to flower-visiting insects. From an ecological perspective, this makes them less desirable.
Each cane terminates in a flat-headed panicle (or compound cyme) of flowers about 3-6" across. In the center of the panicle, there are numerous fertile flowers that are very small in size, while around the outer margin of the panicle there are a few sterile flowers that are larger in size (about ¾" across). However, sterile flowers are occasionally absent in some populations of wild plants. Each fertile flower has a short light green calyx with insignificant teeth, 5 tiny white petals less than 1/8" (3 mm.) long, 8 or 10 stamens with long filaments, and a pistil with a pair of styles. The fertile flowers are either greenish white or cream-colored. Each sterile flower has 3-4 petaloid bracts that are large and white. The branches of the panicle are dull cream-colored and usually pubescent. The blooming period occurs from early to mid-summer. The fertile flowers are in bloomDistribution Map for only a short time, while the sterile flowers remain attractive until the autumn. Each fertile flower is replaced by a small 2-celled seed capsule about 1/8" (3 mm.) across that has a pair of tiny curved horns on its upper surface. The sides of the capsule are ribbed. Each capsule contains many tiny seeds that are flattened; they are small enough to be blown about by the wind or carried by currents of water. The root system can develop clonal offsets from underground runners. As a result, colonies of plants are often formed.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight to light shade, consistently damp conditions, and a moderately acidic to neutral soil that contains some decaying organic matter. To prevent a straggly appearance, this shrub can be cut back during the autumn. A humid area with some protection from the wind is desirable.
Range & Habitat: The native Wild Hydrangea is occasional to locally common in southern Illinois, uncommon in central Illinois, and largely absent from the northern section of the state. Habitats include shaded ravines, rocky stream banks in wooded areas, bottoms of bluffs and cliffs, low rocky ledges, and similar habitats in wooded areas. Wild Hydrangea is found in high quality natural areas. It is also cultivated in gardens.
Faunal Associations: The fertile flowers offer nectar and pollen to a wide range of visiting insects. These visitors include bumblebees, little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), Halictid bees, masked bees (Hylaeus spp.), miscellaneous wasps, mosquitoes, Syrphid flies, thick-headed flies, Muscid flies, dance flies (Empis spp.), tumbling flower beetles, and long-horned beetles. The foliage of Wild Hydrangea is eaten by the caterpillars of Darapsa versicolor (Hydrangea Sphinx) and Olethreutes ferriferana (Hydrangea Leaf-Tier Moth). Some polyphagous insects occasionally feed on this shrub; these species include the thrips Echinothrips americanus, the seed bug Kleidocerys resedae, the aphids Aphis rumicis and Aphis citricola, and the larvae of the long-horned beetle Stenocorus cinnamopterus. White-tailed Deer occasionally browse on the canes and leaves.
Photographic Location: The flowerhead was photographed at the Arboretum of the University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois. The leaves were photographed at the Potholes in west-central Indiana.
Comments: This fast-growing shrub is very attractive. The only other native hydrangea in Illinois is Hydrangea cinerea (Southern Wild Hydrangea), which is found in the southern section of the state. This latter species differs from Wild Hydrangea by the dense gray pubescence on the undersides of its leaves; it is sometimes considered a variety of Wild Hydrangea, rather than a distinct species. There are many cultivars of Wild Hydrangea in circulation. These cultivars tend to have more sterile flowers than the wild version of this species; there are even cultivars that produce only sterile flowers. While the latter cultivars are showier, they don't provide any nectar or pollen to flower-visiting insects. From an ecological perspective, this makes them less desirable.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年05月07日
Description: This perennial wildflower is 1½–3' tall and usually unbranched. The central stem is hairy. The alternate leaves are up to 6" long and 1½" across; they are medium to dark green and elliptic in shape. The leaf margins are smooth and ciliate; on rare occasions, a few teeth may occur along the outer margins. Each leaf tapers gradually to a wedge-shaped base and a short petiole. The upper and lower surfaces of each leaf are hairless to somewhat hairy. At the upper axil of each leaf, there are 1-3 small nodding flowers that are light green. Each flower is about ¼" long, consisting of 5 linear sepals, 5 oblong petals, 5 stamens, and a pistil. The pedicel of each flower is about ½" long and hairy. Near the base of each pedicel, there is a pair of linear stipules (leafy bracts) up to ¼" long. Terminal flowers are not produced.
The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer and lasts about 1–1½ months. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each fertile flower is replaced by a seed capsule about ½–¾" long. The seed capsules are light green, ovoid-oblongoid in shape, and hairless. At maturity, each capsule splits into 3 sections to release the seeds. The root system is is fibrous and rhizomatous. Clonal colonies of plants are occasionally formed from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight to medium shade, moist to mesic conditions, and a rich loamy soil with abundant organic matter (e.g., fallen leaves). Some rocky material (e.g., limestone) is also tolerated. The pH of the soil should be mildly acid, neutral, or basic.
Range & Habitat: The native Green Violet is occasional in most areas of Illinois, except in the NW section, where it is absent (see Distribution Map). Overall, it is more common in hilly areas of southern Illinois than in the glaciated areas of northern Illinois. Habitats include moist to mesic deciduous woodlands, wooded slopes, shaded terraces along streams, and damp ravines, particularly where calcareous rocky material is close to the surface of the ground. This species is fairly conservative and normally found in high quality woodlands where the original ground flora is still intact.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about floral-faunal relationships for this species. Robertson observed a green metallic bee, Augochlorella striata, sucking nectar from the flowers; however, insect visitors to the non-showy flowers are uncommon. The polyphagous insect, Acrosternum hilaris (Green Stink Bug; a.k.a. Chinavia hilare) sucks juices from the foliage. White-Tailed Deer often chomp off the tops of this plant. It is possible that upland gamebirds and the White-Footed Mouse feed on the seeds, which are rather large in size.
Photographic Location: A shaded ravine in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: This atypical member of the Violet family is primarily a foliage plant; the small flowers are largely hidden by the leaves and non-showy. The seed capsules of Green Violet are very similar in appearance to those of other violets (Viola spp.), although they are somewhat larger in size; the seed capsules of both the Green Violet and other violets divide into 3 longitudinal sections to release their seeds. There is also some similarity in the structure of their respective flowers. Looking at this plant, most people would never guess that it is a violet.
The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer and lasts about 1–1½ months. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each fertile flower is replaced by a seed capsule about ½–¾" long. The seed capsules are light green, ovoid-oblongoid in shape, and hairless. At maturity, each capsule splits into 3 sections to release the seeds. The root system is is fibrous and rhizomatous. Clonal colonies of plants are occasionally formed from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight to medium shade, moist to mesic conditions, and a rich loamy soil with abundant organic matter (e.g., fallen leaves). Some rocky material (e.g., limestone) is also tolerated. The pH of the soil should be mildly acid, neutral, or basic.
Range & Habitat: The native Green Violet is occasional in most areas of Illinois, except in the NW section, where it is absent (see Distribution Map). Overall, it is more common in hilly areas of southern Illinois than in the glaciated areas of northern Illinois. Habitats include moist to mesic deciduous woodlands, wooded slopes, shaded terraces along streams, and damp ravines, particularly where calcareous rocky material is close to the surface of the ground. This species is fairly conservative and normally found in high quality woodlands where the original ground flora is still intact.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about floral-faunal relationships for this species. Robertson observed a green metallic bee, Augochlorella striata, sucking nectar from the flowers; however, insect visitors to the non-showy flowers are uncommon. The polyphagous insect, Acrosternum hilaris (Green Stink Bug; a.k.a. Chinavia hilare) sucks juices from the foliage. White-Tailed Deer often chomp off the tops of this plant. It is possible that upland gamebirds and the White-Footed Mouse feed on the seeds, which are rather large in size.
Photographic Location: A shaded ravine in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: This atypical member of the Violet family is primarily a foliage plant; the small flowers are largely hidden by the leaves and non-showy. The seed capsules of Green Violet are very similar in appearance to those of other violets (Viola spp.), although they are somewhat larger in size; the seed capsules of both the Green Violet and other violets divide into 3 longitudinal sections to release their seeds. There is also some similarity in the structure of their respective flowers. Looking at this plant, most people would never guess that it is a violet.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年05月07日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant consists of a large tuft of basal leaves up to ½' tall, from which one or more flowering stalks develop that are 2–3½' tall. The blades of the basal leaves are 2½–4" across. They are more or less orbicular in overall shape, but with 5-9 lobes along their margins; these lobes are shallow and rounded. The blades are indented at the junction of the petioles, while their margins are coarsely crenate-dentate. The upper surfaces of the leaf blades are medium green and sometimes variegated; they have scattered short hairs and a rough texture. The slender petioles are light green and hairy; they are as long or longer than their blades. The tall flowering stalks are light green, terete, hairy, and without leaves. At the apex of each stalk, there is a narrow panicle of flowers about 3-8" long. The spreading branches of the panicle are light green and hairy, while the flowers are drooping. Each fully developed flower is 4.0–4.5 mm. long, consisting of a light green or reddish green calyx with 5 narrow lobes, 5 light green petals, 5 strongly exerted stamens with orange-red anthers, and 2 styles. The petals are smaller than the calyx and insignificant. The calyx is conspicuously swollen toward its base. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer and lasts about 3 weeks. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each flower is replaced by a small seed capsule that has 2 prominent beaks. There are numerous tiny seeds inside each capsule, which are small enough to be blown about by the wind. The root system consists of a crown with fibrous roots. The preceding description applies only to var. hirsuticaulis.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the spring, followed by light shade during the summer. The soil should be well-drained, mesic to dry, and loamy or rocky. This is primarily a foliage plant that can function as a ground cover if it is densely planted.
Range & Habitat: The native Woodland Alumroot is occasional in the southern half of Illinois, while in the northern half of the state it is rare or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland rocky woodlands, thinly wooded bluffs, and wooded slopes. This species is found in high quality habitats where oak trees are often present. The most commonly encountered variety of Woodland Alumroot within the state is var. hirsuticaulis.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract small bees, including Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp., & Augochlorella spp.) and the oligolectic Plasterer bee Colletes aestivalis. This latter bee is a specialist pollinator of Heuchera spp. Insects that prefer to feed on the foliage or juices of Heuchera spp. include the flea beetle Altica heucherae and the aphid Nasonovia heucherae. The bitter-tasting basal leaves are usually ignored by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: An upland rocky woodland at the Portland Arch in west-central Indiana.
Comments: Woodland Alumroot and other native Heuchera spp. are related to the commonly cultivated 'Coral Bells' of horticulture. However, the flowers of the native species are usually green and less showy. Across its range, different varieties of Woodland Alumroot have been identified. Compared to the typical variety, the variety that has been described here (var. hirsuticaulis) has flowering stalks and petioles that are more hairy. Otherwise, they are very similar. Another variety that has been recognized in Illinois, var. interior, has smaller flowers (3.0–3.5 mm. long) than var. hirsuticaulis. Another species in this genus that is sometimes encountered within the state is Heuchera richardsonii (Prairie Alumroot). It differs from the preceding varieties of Woodland Alumroot by its longer asymmetrical flowers (5.0–9.0 mm.). The flowers of Woodland Alumroot are more symmetrical (one side of the flower is about as long as another side).
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the spring, followed by light shade during the summer. The soil should be well-drained, mesic to dry, and loamy or rocky. This is primarily a foliage plant that can function as a ground cover if it is densely planted.
Range & Habitat: The native Woodland Alumroot is occasional in the southern half of Illinois, while in the northern half of the state it is rare or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland rocky woodlands, thinly wooded bluffs, and wooded slopes. This species is found in high quality habitats where oak trees are often present. The most commonly encountered variety of Woodland Alumroot within the state is var. hirsuticaulis.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract small bees, including Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp., & Augochlorella spp.) and the oligolectic Plasterer bee Colletes aestivalis. This latter bee is a specialist pollinator of Heuchera spp. Insects that prefer to feed on the foliage or juices of Heuchera spp. include the flea beetle Altica heucherae and the aphid Nasonovia heucherae. The bitter-tasting basal leaves are usually ignored by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: An upland rocky woodland at the Portland Arch in west-central Indiana.
Comments: Woodland Alumroot and other native Heuchera spp. are related to the commonly cultivated 'Coral Bells' of horticulture. However, the flowers of the native species are usually green and less showy. Across its range, different varieties of Woodland Alumroot have been identified. Compared to the typical variety, the variety that has been described here (var. hirsuticaulis) has flowering stalks and petioles that are more hairy. Otherwise, they are very similar. Another variety that has been recognized in Illinois, var. interior, has smaller flowers (3.0–3.5 mm. long) than var. hirsuticaulis. Another species in this genus that is sometimes encountered within the state is Heuchera richardsonii (Prairie Alumroot). It differs from the preceding varieties of Woodland Alumroot by its longer asymmetrical flowers (5.0–9.0 mm.). The flowers of Woodland Alumroot are more symmetrical (one side of the flower is about as long as another side).
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