文章
Miss Chen
2018年05月01日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 1-3' tall and sparingly branched. The round stems are green to reddish green and glabrous or pubescent. At first, only basal leaves are produced, but later there are alternate leaves along the stems. These leaves are ternately compound (divided into groups of 3 leaflets) and they have long petioles that are glabrous or pubescent. Each leaflet is up to 3" long and 2" across; it is usually obovate in shape with a wedge-shaped bottom, but it divides into 3 rounded lobes. Each of these lobes is often subdivided into several secondary lobes, resembling large rounded teeth. The upper surface of each leaflet is glabrous and there may be areas with a whitish bloom. The leaflets can be sessile or stalked. The upper stems produce flowers individually or in groups of 2-3.
Each flower is about 1½" long and it hangs downward from a long stalk. This flower has 5 petals, 5 petal-like sepals, and strongly exerted stamens and styles. Each petal is yellow and rounded toward the tip, but its base consists of a long nectar spur that is pale red to purplish red. The sepals are ovate in shape and they are the same color as the nectar spurs. The nectar spurs of mature flowers are erect (parallel to each other) or slightly spreading. The anthers of the stamens are bright yellow. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer and lasts about a month. There is no floral scent. Each flower is replaced by 5 pod-shaped follicles that have long beaks. Each follicle splits open along one side to release the shiny black seeds. The root system is fibrous and rhizomes are occasionally produced.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to partial sun, moist to dry conditions, and soil that is loamy, rocky, or slightly sandy. Mature plants can also tolerate full sun, although young plants require some shade from neighboring vegetation. Once it becomes established, this plant is easy to maintain.
Range & Habitat: The native Wild Columbine occurs occasionally in most areas of Illinois, although it is uncommon or absent in south-central Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include rocky open woodlands, wooded slopes, sandy savannas, thinly wooded bluffs, partially shaded areas of cliffs, limestone glades, fens and bogs, openings in logged woodlands, and areas along railroad tracks. Occasional wildfires and other kinds of disturbance in wooded areas are probably beneficial in maintaining populations of this plant.
Faunal Associations: Bumblebees and the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird visit the flowers for nectar; bumblebees may also collect pollen for their larvae. Short-tongued Halictid bees collect pollen from the flowers, but they are less effective at cross-pollination. The larvae of various insects feed on Wild Columbine, including those of Erynnis lucilius (Columbine Duskywing), Papaipema leucostigma (Borer Moth sp.), Pristophora aquiligae (Columbine Sawfly), and several Phytomyza spp. (Leaf Miner Flies). Because the foliage is toxic, it is little bothered by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: Along a cliff at the Shady Rest Nature Preserve in Piatt County, Illinois.
Comments: This is the only Aquilegia sp. (Columbine) that is native to Illinois. Other species in this genus occur in the Western states. The flowers of Wild Columbine are colorful and attractive, and the foliage is attractive as well. The cultivated Columbines that are sold by nurseries usually have Aquilegia vulgaris (European Columbine) as one or both of the parents. European Columbine rarely escapes from cultivation. It can be distinguished from Wild Columbine by spreading nectar spurs and weakly exerted stamens. While the flowers of Wild Columbine are always some shade of red, the flowers of cultivated Columbines are often other colors, including pink and blue.
Each flower is about 1½" long and it hangs downward from a long stalk. This flower has 5 petals, 5 petal-like sepals, and strongly exerted stamens and styles. Each petal is yellow and rounded toward the tip, but its base consists of a long nectar spur that is pale red to purplish red. The sepals are ovate in shape and they are the same color as the nectar spurs. The nectar spurs of mature flowers are erect (parallel to each other) or slightly spreading. The anthers of the stamens are bright yellow. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer and lasts about a month. There is no floral scent. Each flower is replaced by 5 pod-shaped follicles that have long beaks. Each follicle splits open along one side to release the shiny black seeds. The root system is fibrous and rhizomes are occasionally produced.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to partial sun, moist to dry conditions, and soil that is loamy, rocky, or slightly sandy. Mature plants can also tolerate full sun, although young plants require some shade from neighboring vegetation. Once it becomes established, this plant is easy to maintain.
Range & Habitat: The native Wild Columbine occurs occasionally in most areas of Illinois, although it is uncommon or absent in south-central Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include rocky open woodlands, wooded slopes, sandy savannas, thinly wooded bluffs, partially shaded areas of cliffs, limestone glades, fens and bogs, openings in logged woodlands, and areas along railroad tracks. Occasional wildfires and other kinds of disturbance in wooded areas are probably beneficial in maintaining populations of this plant.
Faunal Associations: Bumblebees and the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird visit the flowers for nectar; bumblebees may also collect pollen for their larvae. Short-tongued Halictid bees collect pollen from the flowers, but they are less effective at cross-pollination. The larvae of various insects feed on Wild Columbine, including those of Erynnis lucilius (Columbine Duskywing), Papaipema leucostigma (Borer Moth sp.), Pristophora aquiligae (Columbine Sawfly), and several Phytomyza spp. (Leaf Miner Flies). Because the foliage is toxic, it is little bothered by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: Along a cliff at the Shady Rest Nature Preserve in Piatt County, Illinois.
Comments: This is the only Aquilegia sp. (Columbine) that is native to Illinois. Other species in this genus occur in the Western states. The flowers of Wild Columbine are colorful and attractive, and the foliage is attractive as well. The cultivated Columbines that are sold by nurseries usually have Aquilegia vulgaris (European Columbine) as one or both of the parents. European Columbine rarely escapes from cultivation. It can be distinguished from Wild Columbine by spreading nectar spurs and weakly exerted stamens. While the flowers of Wild Columbine are always some shade of red, the flowers of cultivated Columbines are often other colors, including pink and blue.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月01日
Description: This terrestrial orchid develops a single basal leaf during the fall that persists through the winter until the flowering period beginning in late spring. This basal leaf is 3½-8" long and 1-3" across; it is broadly elliptic or oblong-ovate in shape and smooth along the margins. The orientation of the basal leaf is ascending to horizontal with the ground. The upper leaf surface is dark green with fine white veins and glabrous; the veins are parallel to each other. The lower leaf surface is green, purplish green, or dull purple. At the base of the leaf, there is a short petiole that pokes above the ground surface. This basal leaf originates from the oldest corm of the root system. During the late spring or early summer, the basal leaf withers away and a raceme of flowers about 6-20" tall is sometimes produced. Each raceme will have about 8-16 flowers; they are laxly distributed along the flowering stalk. A large majority of plants fail to produce flowers during any given year, either because they are too small and immature, or environmental conditions are unfavorable.
The flowering stalk is pale green or pale purplish green, terete, and glabrous; it is surrounded by a tight basal sheath toward its base. The flowers are about ¾-1" long and a little less across, consisting of 3 sepals, 3 petals, and the reproductive organs; nectar spurs are lacking. The sepals spread outward from the center of the flower to a greater or lesser degree, and they are more or less equally spaced from each other. These sepals are narrowly oblanceolate or narrowly oblong, pale green or pale yellow, becoming purplish toward their tips. The two upper petals are narrowly oblanceolate or narrowly oblong and colored similarly to the sepals; these petals are adjacent to each other, functioning as a protective hood over the reproductive organs. The lower petal is the lip of the flower; it is oblanceolate or obovate and primarily white with speckles of purple or magenta. The lip is depressed in its center and its margins are elevated and undulate. The relatively stout pedicels of the flowers are about ¾" long, while the floral bracts are less than ¼" long and early-deciduous. The blooming period lasts about 2-3 weeks (late spring to early summer) and the flowers lack noticeable fragrance. In the absence of insect pollination, they are self-fertile. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by seed capsules about ¾-1" long that are broadly ellipsoid in shape with multiple narrow ridges along their sides. These capsules nod downward from their pedicels along the raceme; later in the year, they split open to release abundant tiny seeds. These seeds are easily distributed to new areas via wind currents.
The root system consists of 1-4 bulbous corms that are connected by slender rhizomes. These corms are up to 1" across and individually they can persist for 2 years. On a healthy plant, a new corm is produced each year. Fibrous roots originate from the bases of the corms. Small colonies of clonal plants can develop from the spread of these corms.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the fall, winter, and spring; light levels during the summer are unimportant because live leaves are not present during this time of year. Significant photosynthesis can occur in temperatures that are only slightly above freezing. The root system of this orchid benefits from (and may require) a symbiotic relationship with compatible mycorrhizal fungi. Otherwise, this orchid may fail to flourish. It can be slowly propagated by separating its corms to establish new plants. Propagation by seed is very difficult and rarely successful. A moist to mesic loamy soil with abundant organic material is preferred. Soil pH can vary from mildly acidic to neutral.
Range & Habitat: The native Putty-Root Orchid is occasional toward the southern tip of Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). In spite of its lack of abundance, this is one of the more common orchids within the state. Habitats include rich mesic woodlands, wooded areas (e.g., terraces) above streams, damp depressions in upland rocky woodlands, the bottoms of sandstone canyons, areas near the bases of wooded slopes, and the bottoms or lower slopes of ravines. The Putty-Root Orchid is specifically adapted to deciduous woodlands where such canopy trees as Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) and American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) are present. It is found in above average to high quality natural areas. Such invasive species as Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) and Japanese Stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) present a significant threat to maintaining populations of this orchid within the state should they continue to spread.
Faunal Associations: Various bees are likely pollinators of this orchid. A Halictid bee, Lasioglossum oblongum, has been observed visiting the flowers. Such insects are lured to this orchid's flowers by deception, as no nectar is present to reward such floral visitors. There is a potential risk of White-tailed Deer browsing on the flowering stalks and basal leaves, but more specific information about this is currently unavailable.
Photographic Location: A hilly woodland in east-central Illinois; the photographed orchid was located at the base of a wooded slope on a terrace above a stream.
Comments: The flowers of this orchid are reasonably attractive, although their muted colors can make them difficult to spot in a woodland. The basal leaf is also attractive, which persists during the winter while disappearing during the summer! This odd characteristic takes advantage of the greater amount of light that is available when deciduous trees are leafless. In the past, a mucilaginous substance was obtained from the bulb-like corms that could be used to repair pottery and crockery, hence the name 'Putty-Root.' Another common name of this orchid is 'Adam-and-Eve,' which refers to the pair of corms that are connected together by a slender rhizome in the root system. The range of the Putty-Root Orchid partially overlaps a similar species, the Cranefly Orchid (Tipularia discolor), and it is possible to confuse these two species. The flowers of Putty-Root Orchid lack nectar spurs, while the flowers of Cranefly Orchid have nectar spurs that are long and slender. The racemes of the latter orchid tend to have more flowers (12-30) and these flowers are more white than those of the Putty-Root Orchid. There are also differences in the appearance of their basal leaves. The basal leaf of Putty-Root Orchid has white veins on a dark green background, while the basal leaf of Cranefly Orchid lacks white veins. The basal leaf of this latter orchid is also shaped differently (a little shorter and more wide) and its underside is usually a deeper shade of purple.
The flowering stalk is pale green or pale purplish green, terete, and glabrous; it is surrounded by a tight basal sheath toward its base. The flowers are about ¾-1" long and a little less across, consisting of 3 sepals, 3 petals, and the reproductive organs; nectar spurs are lacking. The sepals spread outward from the center of the flower to a greater or lesser degree, and they are more or less equally spaced from each other. These sepals are narrowly oblanceolate or narrowly oblong, pale green or pale yellow, becoming purplish toward their tips. The two upper petals are narrowly oblanceolate or narrowly oblong and colored similarly to the sepals; these petals are adjacent to each other, functioning as a protective hood over the reproductive organs. The lower petal is the lip of the flower; it is oblanceolate or obovate and primarily white with speckles of purple or magenta. The lip is depressed in its center and its margins are elevated and undulate. The relatively stout pedicels of the flowers are about ¾" long, while the floral bracts are less than ¼" long and early-deciduous. The blooming period lasts about 2-3 weeks (late spring to early summer) and the flowers lack noticeable fragrance. In the absence of insect pollination, they are self-fertile. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by seed capsules about ¾-1" long that are broadly ellipsoid in shape with multiple narrow ridges along their sides. These capsules nod downward from their pedicels along the raceme; later in the year, they split open to release abundant tiny seeds. These seeds are easily distributed to new areas via wind currents.
The root system consists of 1-4 bulbous corms that are connected by slender rhizomes. These corms are up to 1" across and individually they can persist for 2 years. On a healthy plant, a new corm is produced each year. Fibrous roots originate from the bases of the corms. Small colonies of clonal plants can develop from the spread of these corms.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the fall, winter, and spring; light levels during the summer are unimportant because live leaves are not present during this time of year. Significant photosynthesis can occur in temperatures that are only slightly above freezing. The root system of this orchid benefits from (and may require) a symbiotic relationship with compatible mycorrhizal fungi. Otherwise, this orchid may fail to flourish. It can be slowly propagated by separating its corms to establish new plants. Propagation by seed is very difficult and rarely successful. A moist to mesic loamy soil with abundant organic material is preferred. Soil pH can vary from mildly acidic to neutral.
Range & Habitat: The native Putty-Root Orchid is occasional toward the southern tip of Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). In spite of its lack of abundance, this is one of the more common orchids within the state. Habitats include rich mesic woodlands, wooded areas (e.g., terraces) above streams, damp depressions in upland rocky woodlands, the bottoms of sandstone canyons, areas near the bases of wooded slopes, and the bottoms or lower slopes of ravines. The Putty-Root Orchid is specifically adapted to deciduous woodlands where such canopy trees as Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) and American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) are present. It is found in above average to high quality natural areas. Such invasive species as Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) and Japanese Stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) present a significant threat to maintaining populations of this orchid within the state should they continue to spread.
Faunal Associations: Various bees are likely pollinators of this orchid. A Halictid bee, Lasioglossum oblongum, has been observed visiting the flowers. Such insects are lured to this orchid's flowers by deception, as no nectar is present to reward such floral visitors. There is a potential risk of White-tailed Deer browsing on the flowering stalks and basal leaves, but more specific information about this is currently unavailable.
Photographic Location: A hilly woodland in east-central Illinois; the photographed orchid was located at the base of a wooded slope on a terrace above a stream.
Comments: The flowers of this orchid are reasonably attractive, although their muted colors can make them difficult to spot in a woodland. The basal leaf is also attractive, which persists during the winter while disappearing during the summer! This odd characteristic takes advantage of the greater amount of light that is available when deciduous trees are leafless. In the past, a mucilaginous substance was obtained from the bulb-like corms that could be used to repair pottery and crockery, hence the name 'Putty-Root.' Another common name of this orchid is 'Adam-and-Eve,' which refers to the pair of corms that are connected together by a slender rhizome in the root system. The range of the Putty-Root Orchid partially overlaps a similar species, the Cranefly Orchid (Tipularia discolor), and it is possible to confuse these two species. The flowers of Putty-Root Orchid lack nectar spurs, while the flowers of Cranefly Orchid have nectar spurs that are long and slender. The racemes of the latter orchid tend to have more flowers (12-30) and these flowers are more white than those of the Putty-Root Orchid. There are also differences in the appearance of their basal leaves. The basal leaf of Putty-Root Orchid has white veins on a dark green background, while the basal leaf of Cranefly Orchid lacks white veins. The basal leaf of this latter orchid is also shaped differently (a little shorter and more wide) and its underside is usually a deeper shade of purple.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月01日
Description: This perennial wildflower is 4-8" tall. A non-flowering plant produces a whorl of trifoliate basal leaves on slender stems; each basal leaf typically has 3 leaflets on a long slender petiole. The basal stems are light green to reddish purple, unbranched, terete, and hairless; the stems of flowering plants are similar. Individual leaflets are up to 1½" long and 1" across; they are obovate or broadly oblong in shape. The outer margin of each leaflet has 3 blunt lobes, otherwise the margins are usually smooth. Sometimes there are 1-2 blunt teeth along the outer margin of a leaflet. The upper surface of each leafletFlowers is medium green to purplish green and hairless, while the lower surface is pale green and hairless. A reticulate network of veins is conspicuous on the lower surface. At the base of each leaflet, there is a slender stalk (petiolule) about ¼" long. Toward the middle of its stem, a flowering plant sometimes produces a whorl of cauline leaves that resembles the whorled basal leaves. At its apex, this stem terminates in a whorl of trifoliate leaves or simple leaflets (sometimes including a combination of the two). These terminal leaves and leaflets resemble the leaves and leaflets of the basal and cauline leaves. Immediately above the terminal leaves or leaflets is a loose umbel of 1-5 flowers. The slender pedicels of the flowers are up to 1½" long. The diurnal flowers are ½–1" across; the central flower is usually a little larger in size than any lateral flowers. Each flower has 5-10 petal-like sepals, a dense cluster of small green pistils in the center, and a ring of conspicuous stamens. The petal-like sepals are white or pinkish white, while the stamens have white filaments and yellow anthers. There are no true petals. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring for about 3 weeks. Each flower is replaced by a cluster of 4-15 achenes. Each achene is about 1/3" (8 mm.) in length, terminating in a slightly hooked beak. Inside each achene, there is a single seed. The root system consists of fibrous roots; the upper roots near the base of a plant are somewhat fleshy and swollen. This wildflower spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: Rue Anemone is best planted under deciduous trees. It prefers dappled sunlight during the spring, but tolerates considerable shade later in the year. Moisture levels should be mesic to slightly dry, and the soil should contain loose loam and rotting organic material. Most growth and develop occurs during the spring; it is not aggressive.
Range & Habitat: Rue Anemone is occasional throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include mesic to dry deciduous woodlands, wooded slopes, and thinly wooded bluffs. This wildflower is usually found in above-average to high quality woodlands where the original ground flora is largely intact.
Faunal Associations: The flowers offer only pollen as a reward to insect visitors. Typical floral visitors include various bees, Syrphid flies, and bee flies (Bombyliidae); the bees usually collect pollen, while the flies feed on pollen. Some of these insects explore the showy flowers for nectar in vain. Honeybees, little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), mason bees (Osmia spp.), Halictid bees, and Andrenid bees have been observed as visitors to the flowers. Because the foliage is toxic and relatively inconspicuous, it is usually ignored by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: Near the top of a wooded slope in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: Rue Anemone (Anemonella thalictroides) is one of many showy wildflowers that develop in deciduous woodlands during the spring. Both the flowers and foliage are quite attractive. Because the flowers move around easily in the wind, it is sometimes called 'Windflower.' Another scientific name of this species is Thalictrum thalictroides. Rue Anemone resembles Enemion biternatum (False Rue Anemone), but its flowers have more petaloid sepals (typically 6-9), while the flowers of False Rue Anemone have only 5 petaloid sepals. Furthermore, its leaves and flowers are arranged in whorls to a greater extent than those of False Rue Anemone. While Rue Anemone is sometimes assigned to the Thalictrum genus, other Thalictrum spp. in Illinois are much larger plants with wind-pollinated dioecious flowers. The leaflets of these species are similar to those of Rue Anemone, however their flowers are quite distinct.
Cultivation: Rue Anemone is best planted under deciduous trees. It prefers dappled sunlight during the spring, but tolerates considerable shade later in the year. Moisture levels should be mesic to slightly dry, and the soil should contain loose loam and rotting organic material. Most growth and develop occurs during the spring; it is not aggressive.
Range & Habitat: Rue Anemone is occasional throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include mesic to dry deciduous woodlands, wooded slopes, and thinly wooded bluffs. This wildflower is usually found in above-average to high quality woodlands where the original ground flora is largely intact.
Faunal Associations: The flowers offer only pollen as a reward to insect visitors. Typical floral visitors include various bees, Syrphid flies, and bee flies (Bombyliidae); the bees usually collect pollen, while the flies feed on pollen. Some of these insects explore the showy flowers for nectar in vain. Honeybees, little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), mason bees (Osmia spp.), Halictid bees, and Andrenid bees have been observed as visitors to the flowers. Because the foliage is toxic and relatively inconspicuous, it is usually ignored by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: Near the top of a wooded slope in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: Rue Anemone (Anemonella thalictroides) is one of many showy wildflowers that develop in deciduous woodlands during the spring. Both the flowers and foliage are quite attractive. Because the flowers move around easily in the wind, it is sometimes called 'Windflower.' Another scientific name of this species is Thalictrum thalictroides. Rue Anemone resembles Enemion biternatum (False Rue Anemone), but its flowers have more petaloid sepals (typically 6-9), while the flowers of False Rue Anemone have only 5 petaloid sepals. Furthermore, its leaves and flowers are arranged in whorls to a greater extent than those of False Rue Anemone. While Rue Anemone is sometimes assigned to the Thalictrum genus, other Thalictrum spp. in Illinois are much larger plants with wind-pollinated dioecious flowers. The leaflets of these species are similar to those of Rue Anemone, however their flowers are quite distinct.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月01日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant produces basal leaves 4-9" long and 1½-3½" across on short petioles (usually 2-3 per bulb). The basal leaves are ovate-oval to ovate-elliptic, light to medium green, hairless, and smooth along the margins. Their petioles are reddish, hairless, and wrapped in a basal sheath below. These leaves develop during the spring and wither away by early summer. During early to mid-summer, there develops a naked flowering stalk about ½-1½' tall. This stalk is terete, glabrous, and reddish to pale green; at its base, there is a papery sheath. The stalk terminates in a single rounded umbel of flowers spanning 1-2" across; there are typically 20-40 flowers per umbel. At the base of this umbel, there is a pair of deciduous bracts. Each flower is about ¼" across, consisting of 6 white to translucent white tepals, a light green to pale yellow ovary, 6 stamens with pale yellow anthers, and a single white style. At the base of each flower, there is a slender pedicel that is white to greenish white. The blooming period occurs during the summer and lasts about 2 weeks. Both the flowers and foliage exude an onion-like odor. After the blooming period, the ovary of each flower matures into a 3-celled seed capsule; each cell contains a single globoid seed that becomes black at maturity. The root system consists of an ovoid bulb with fibrous roots at its base. Offsets often develop, producing clonal colonies of plants.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the spring when the basal leaves develop, while during the summer considerable shade is tolerated as the basal leaves have withered away. The soil should consist of a rich loose loam with abundant organic matter, while moisture levels should be more or less mesic. It is easiest to introduce new plants into an area by dividing and transplanting the bulbs during the fall.
Range & Habitat: The native Wild Leek occurs occasionally in central and northern Illinois, while in the southern section of the state it is rare or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic deciduous woodlands and wooded bluffs. The presence of this species is a sign that the original flora of a woodlands is still in intact. An introduced species, Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard), can shade out the basal leaves of Wild Leek during the spring, causing the latter to decline in abundance.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract various kinds of bees, including Halictid bees, masked bees (Hylaeus spp.), honeybees, bumblebees, and mason bees. These insects suck nectar or collect pollen. To a lesser extent, the flowers are visited by Syrphid flies, which suck nectar or feed on pollen. Occasionally, the maggots of some flies feed on the bulbs of some Allium spp. (Onions), although not necessarily Wild Leek; these species include Delia antiqua (Onion Maggot), some Eumerus spp., and some Tritoxa spp. The plant bugs, Lindbergocapsus ainsliei and Lindbergocapsus allii, also feed on Allium spp. (Onions). Another species, Thrips tabaci (Onion Thrips), sucks juices from the foliage. Deer and other mammalian herbivores rarely browse on the foliage of Wild Leek.
Photographic Location: A mesic deciduous woodlands at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This woodland wildflower is somewhat unusual because its foliage has withered away by the time the flowers bloom. Both the foliage and flowers are attractive; the latter help to brighten the gloomy corners of woodlands during the summer. Wild Leek has the widest basal leaves (1½–3½" across) of any Allium sp. in the state. A similar species, Allium burdickii (which is also called 'Wild Leek'), has basal leaves that are about ½-1½" across. Other wild Allium spp. have leaves that are narrow and strap-like (less than ½" across). Wild Leek has about 20-40 flowers in each umbel, while Allium burdickii has 10-20 flowers in each umbel. Wild Leek has reddish leaf petioles and flowering stalks that are often reddish at the base, while the petioles and stalks of Allium burdickii are light green throughout. This latter species is restricted to wooded areas in NE Illinois and it is less common.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the spring when the basal leaves develop, while during the summer considerable shade is tolerated as the basal leaves have withered away. The soil should consist of a rich loose loam with abundant organic matter, while moisture levels should be more or less mesic. It is easiest to introduce new plants into an area by dividing and transplanting the bulbs during the fall.
Range & Habitat: The native Wild Leek occurs occasionally in central and northern Illinois, while in the southern section of the state it is rare or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic deciduous woodlands and wooded bluffs. The presence of this species is a sign that the original flora of a woodlands is still in intact. An introduced species, Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard), can shade out the basal leaves of Wild Leek during the spring, causing the latter to decline in abundance.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract various kinds of bees, including Halictid bees, masked bees (Hylaeus spp.), honeybees, bumblebees, and mason bees. These insects suck nectar or collect pollen. To a lesser extent, the flowers are visited by Syrphid flies, which suck nectar or feed on pollen. Occasionally, the maggots of some flies feed on the bulbs of some Allium spp. (Onions), although not necessarily Wild Leek; these species include Delia antiqua (Onion Maggot), some Eumerus spp., and some Tritoxa spp. The plant bugs, Lindbergocapsus ainsliei and Lindbergocapsus allii, also feed on Allium spp. (Onions). Another species, Thrips tabaci (Onion Thrips), sucks juices from the foliage. Deer and other mammalian herbivores rarely browse on the foliage of Wild Leek.
Photographic Location: A mesic deciduous woodlands at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This woodland wildflower is somewhat unusual because its foliage has withered away by the time the flowers bloom. Both the foliage and flowers are attractive; the latter help to brighten the gloomy corners of woodlands during the summer. Wild Leek has the widest basal leaves (1½–3½" across) of any Allium sp. in the state. A similar species, Allium burdickii (which is also called 'Wild Leek'), has basal leaves that are about ½-1½" across. Other wild Allium spp. have leaves that are narrow and strap-like (less than ½" across). Wild Leek has about 20-40 flowers in each umbel, while Allium burdickii has 10-20 flowers in each umbel. Wild Leek has reddish leaf petioles and flowering stalks that are often reddish at the base, while the petioles and stalks of Allium burdickii are light green throughout. This latter species is restricted to wooded areas in NE Illinois and it is less common.
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Miss Chen
2018年04月30日
Description: This perennial plant produces 2-3 basal leaves during the spring. These leaves are typically 6-9" long and ¾-1½" across; they are linear-oblong or elliptic-oblong in shape with smooth margins and parallel venation. The leaf surfaces are pale green to medium green and glabrous. Leaf orientation is erect, ascending, or arched and sprawling. The petioles are very short and often hidden by ground litter; they are pale green and glabrous. By early summer, the basal leaves wither away. After a short dormant period, an erect flowering stalk is produced that is 6-20" tall. This stalk is pale green, glabrous, terete, unbranched, and naked (devoid of leaves); it is surrounded by a membranous sheath at its base. At the apex of this stalk, there is a rounded umbel of 10-20 flowers about ¾-1½" across. At the base of this umbel, there is a pair of small deciduous bracts. Each flower spans up to ¼" across, consisting of 6 white to greenish white tepals, 6 stamens, and a 3-lobed ovary with a single white style. The stamens are barely exerted above the tepals. The slender pedicels are light green to greenish white. The blooming period occurs from early to mid-summer for about 2-3 weeks. The flowers, like the foliage, have an onion-like scent. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by 3-celled seed capsules; there is only a single seed per cell. The capsules divide into 3 sections to release their seeds. The seeds are globoid, black, and shiny. The root system consists of an ovoid bulb with fibrous roots below. Usually, this bulb is enclosed by a fibrous sheath with one or more other bulbs. Clonal offsets from the production of new bulbs often occurs, resulting in dense colonies of plants.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the spring, while during the summer any light level is tolerated because the basal leaves have withered away by this time. Conditions should be more or less mesic; the soil should be loamy, fertile, and relatively loose with decaying organic material. Plants should not be transplanted when the basal leaves are present.
Range & Habitat: The native Narrow-Leaved Wild Leek (Allium burdickii) is occasional in NE and east-central Illinois, while in the the rest of the state it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). This species is found primarily in the upper Midwest. Because Narrow-Leaved Wild Leek has not been reliably distinguished from the more common Wild Leek (Allium tricoccum) in the past, it is probably more common and widespread than official records indicate. Habitats include rich deciduous woodlands, wooded bluffs, wooded areas along rivers and streams, and cemetery prairies. Narrow-Leaved Wild Leek is an indicator that the original ground flora of a woodlands is still intact. It is currently threatened by the spread of an invasive European species, Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata), in wooded areas. Narrow-Leaved Wild Leek is found in higher quality natural areas.
Faunal Associations: The flower pollinators are probably similar to those of Allium tricoccum (Wild Leek), consisting of various bees and flies. Both nectar and pollen are available as floral rewards to such visitors. Insects that feed on the bulbs, foliage, flowers, or seeds are poorly understood for Narrow-Leaved Wild Leek (Allium burdickii). However, insects that are known to feed on one or more Allium spp. (Onions) include: the larvae of Delia antiqua (Onion Maggot), Eumerus strigatus (Onion Bulb Fly), and Eumerus tuberculatus (Lesser Bulb Fly); the plant bugs Lindbergocapsus ainsliei and Lindbergocapsus allii; and Thrips tabaci (Onion Thrips). Mammalian herbivores usually avoid consumption of the foliage.
Photographic Location: Mesic woodlands in Piatt County and Vermilion County in east-central Illinois; also a cemetery prairie in Champaign County, Illinois.
Comments: Some authorities consider Narrow-Leaved Wild Leek to be a variety of the more common Wild Leek, or Allium tricoccum burdickii (see eFloras, FNA Vol. 26, pp. 224-226), while other authorities consider this species to be distinct, Allium burdickii (Mohlenbrock, 2002). The latter viewpoint has been adopted here. Narrow-Leaved Wild Leek can be distinguished from Wild Leek by its more narrow leaves (less than 1½" across), greenish petioles (rather than reddish), fewer-flowered umbels (less than 21 flowers). The bulbs of Narrow-Leaved Wild Leek are also supposed to be smaller in size, and the stamens of its flowers may be less exerted than those of Wild Leek. Because the range of these two species (or varieties) overlap, it is possible that they hybridize. As a result, some collected or photographed specimens may be difficult to classify. Both of these species (or varieties) are distinct from other Allium spp. in Illinois by their wider leaves and the absence of these leaves when the flowers bloom.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the spring, while during the summer any light level is tolerated because the basal leaves have withered away by this time. Conditions should be more or less mesic; the soil should be loamy, fertile, and relatively loose with decaying organic material. Plants should not be transplanted when the basal leaves are present.
Range & Habitat: The native Narrow-Leaved Wild Leek (Allium burdickii) is occasional in NE and east-central Illinois, while in the the rest of the state it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). This species is found primarily in the upper Midwest. Because Narrow-Leaved Wild Leek has not been reliably distinguished from the more common Wild Leek (Allium tricoccum) in the past, it is probably more common and widespread than official records indicate. Habitats include rich deciduous woodlands, wooded bluffs, wooded areas along rivers and streams, and cemetery prairies. Narrow-Leaved Wild Leek is an indicator that the original ground flora of a woodlands is still intact. It is currently threatened by the spread of an invasive European species, Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata), in wooded areas. Narrow-Leaved Wild Leek is found in higher quality natural areas.
Faunal Associations: The flower pollinators are probably similar to those of Allium tricoccum (Wild Leek), consisting of various bees and flies. Both nectar and pollen are available as floral rewards to such visitors. Insects that feed on the bulbs, foliage, flowers, or seeds are poorly understood for Narrow-Leaved Wild Leek (Allium burdickii). However, insects that are known to feed on one or more Allium spp. (Onions) include: the larvae of Delia antiqua (Onion Maggot), Eumerus strigatus (Onion Bulb Fly), and Eumerus tuberculatus (Lesser Bulb Fly); the plant bugs Lindbergocapsus ainsliei and Lindbergocapsus allii; and Thrips tabaci (Onion Thrips). Mammalian herbivores usually avoid consumption of the foliage.
Photographic Location: Mesic woodlands in Piatt County and Vermilion County in east-central Illinois; also a cemetery prairie in Champaign County, Illinois.
Comments: Some authorities consider Narrow-Leaved Wild Leek to be a variety of the more common Wild Leek, or Allium tricoccum burdickii (see eFloras, FNA Vol. 26, pp. 224-226), while other authorities consider this species to be distinct, Allium burdickii (Mohlenbrock, 2002). The latter viewpoint has been adopted here. Narrow-Leaved Wild Leek can be distinguished from Wild Leek by its more narrow leaves (less than 1½" across), greenish petioles (rather than reddish), fewer-flowered umbels (less than 21 flowers). The bulbs of Narrow-Leaved Wild Leek are also supposed to be smaller in size, and the stamens of its flowers may be less exerted than those of Wild Leek. Because the range of these two species (or varieties) overlap, it is possible that they hybridize. As a result, some collected or photographed specimens may be difficult to classify. Both of these species (or varieties) are distinct from other Allium spp. in Illinois by their wider leaves and the absence of these leaves when the flowers bloom.
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Miss Chen
2018年04月30日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is about 1½–3' tall, branching occasionally. The light green to tan stems are terete and hairless (or nearly so). The opposite leaves are up to 5" long and 3½" across, becoming smaller as they ascend the stems. The lower leaves are cordate to cordate-ovate, while the upper leaves are broadly lanceolate to lanceolate. All of the leaves are largely hairless and strongly serrated-crenate along their margins; they are medium to dark green on their upper surfaces and light green on their lower surfaces. There are 3 prominent veins on the upper surface of each leaf (particularly the lower ones), while the lower surface has an elevated network of veins. The rather long petioles are ½–2½" in length.
The upper stems terminate in compound corymbs or flat-headed panicles of flowerheads that span 2-6" across. The branches of this inflorescence are light green and glabrous (or nearly so). Each flowerhead is about ½" across and contains 10-30 disk florets that have brilliant white corollas and styles. There are no ray florets. Each disk floret is about 3-5 mm. across when it is fully open, consisting of a small tubular corolla with 5 lobes that are spreading and pointed and a divided style that is strongly exerted from the corolla. At the base of each flowerhead, there is a single series of linear floral bracts that are light green and non-overlapping. The blooming period occurs from late summer through the fall, lasting about 2 months for a colony of plants. This is one of the last wildflowers to bloom during the fall. The flowers are often fragrant.
During autumn, each disk floret in a flowerhead is replaced by an achene with a small tuft of white hairs. These achenes are 2-3 mm. long, narrowly oblongoid in shape, 5-ribbed, and black; they are distributed by the wind. The root system consists of spreading rhizomes and shallow fibrous roots. This plant can spread vegetatively by means of its rhizomes, or it can reseed itself into new areas.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to light shade, moist to slightly dry conditions, and soil containing loam or clay-loam. Full sun in a dry situation can cause the leaves to turn yellow and wilt, otherwise this plant is easy to grow.
Range & Habitat: The native White Snakeroot is a common plant that occurs in almost every county of Illinois (see Distribution Map); it is quite likely that this species occurs in every county. Habitats include moist to slightly dry deciduous woodlands, woodland borders, thickets, partially shaded to shady seeps, bluffs, woodland meadows along rivers, powerline clearances in woodlands, shady corners of pastures and yards, fence rows with woody vegetation, and overgrown vacant lots. This species is especially common in wooded areas that are rather disturbed and degraded, although it also occurs at higher quality sites.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts a variety of insects, including leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees, wasps, various flies (Syrphid, Tachinid, bee flies, & others), butterflies, and moths. The bees also collect pollen. The caterpillars of some moths are known to feed on the foliage and other parts of Eupatorium spp. (Bonesets), including White Snakeroot (probably). These species include Carmenta bassiformis (Eupatorium Borer Moth), Papaipema cataphracta (Burdock Borer Moth), Phragmatobia fuliginosa (Ruby Tiger Moth), Phragmatobia lineata (Lined Ruby Tiger Moth), and the Gracillariid moth Leucospilapteryx venustella. Other insect feeders include larvae of the gall flies Asphondylia eupatorii and Neolasioptera eupatorii, the aphids Uroleucon eupatoricolens and Uroleucon eupatorifoliae, and the leaf beetle Sumitrosis inaequalis. Because the foliage is bitter and toxic, mammalian herbivores usually avoid this plant as a food source. Sometimes cattle will eat it in overgrazed pastures, which can produce fatal results.
Photographic Location: A powerline clearance at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois, and a deciduous woodland in east-central Illinois.
Comments: The common name of this species derives from the erroneous belief among early settlers that the bitter rhizomes were beneficial in the treatment of snakebites. In fact, the foliage and rhizomes are highly toxic, causing fatalities from 'Milk Sickness' because the toxins can pass through the milk of dairy cattle to humans. White Snakeroot has been reassigned recently to the genus Ageratina, although it is still often referred to as Eupatorium rugosum. Normally, White Snakeroot is largely hairless, although some authorities describe a pubescent variety of this species. White Snakeroot resembles many of the white-flowered Eupatorium spp. (Bonesets), but these different species can be distinguished from each other by the appearance of their leaves. Among the species in this group, White Snakeroot has the broadest leaves; its lower leaves are cordate or broadly ovate, and these leaves have long petioles. White Snakeroot usually occurs in and around shady woodlands, while many of these other species are found in prairies and sunny wetlands.
The upper stems terminate in compound corymbs or flat-headed panicles of flowerheads that span 2-6" across. The branches of this inflorescence are light green and glabrous (or nearly so). Each flowerhead is about ½" across and contains 10-30 disk florets that have brilliant white corollas and styles. There are no ray florets. Each disk floret is about 3-5 mm. across when it is fully open, consisting of a small tubular corolla with 5 lobes that are spreading and pointed and a divided style that is strongly exerted from the corolla. At the base of each flowerhead, there is a single series of linear floral bracts that are light green and non-overlapping. The blooming period occurs from late summer through the fall, lasting about 2 months for a colony of plants. This is one of the last wildflowers to bloom during the fall. The flowers are often fragrant.
During autumn, each disk floret in a flowerhead is replaced by an achene with a small tuft of white hairs. These achenes are 2-3 mm. long, narrowly oblongoid in shape, 5-ribbed, and black; they are distributed by the wind. The root system consists of spreading rhizomes and shallow fibrous roots. This plant can spread vegetatively by means of its rhizomes, or it can reseed itself into new areas.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to light shade, moist to slightly dry conditions, and soil containing loam or clay-loam. Full sun in a dry situation can cause the leaves to turn yellow and wilt, otherwise this plant is easy to grow.
Range & Habitat: The native White Snakeroot is a common plant that occurs in almost every county of Illinois (see Distribution Map); it is quite likely that this species occurs in every county. Habitats include moist to slightly dry deciduous woodlands, woodland borders, thickets, partially shaded to shady seeps, bluffs, woodland meadows along rivers, powerline clearances in woodlands, shady corners of pastures and yards, fence rows with woody vegetation, and overgrown vacant lots. This species is especially common in wooded areas that are rather disturbed and degraded, although it also occurs at higher quality sites.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts a variety of insects, including leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees, wasps, various flies (Syrphid, Tachinid, bee flies, & others), butterflies, and moths. The bees also collect pollen. The caterpillars of some moths are known to feed on the foliage and other parts of Eupatorium spp. (Bonesets), including White Snakeroot (probably). These species include Carmenta bassiformis (Eupatorium Borer Moth), Papaipema cataphracta (Burdock Borer Moth), Phragmatobia fuliginosa (Ruby Tiger Moth), Phragmatobia lineata (Lined Ruby Tiger Moth), and the Gracillariid moth Leucospilapteryx venustella. Other insect feeders include larvae of the gall flies Asphondylia eupatorii and Neolasioptera eupatorii, the aphids Uroleucon eupatoricolens and Uroleucon eupatorifoliae, and the leaf beetle Sumitrosis inaequalis. Because the foliage is bitter and toxic, mammalian herbivores usually avoid this plant as a food source. Sometimes cattle will eat it in overgrazed pastures, which can produce fatal results.
Photographic Location: A powerline clearance at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois, and a deciduous woodland in east-central Illinois.
Comments: The common name of this species derives from the erroneous belief among early settlers that the bitter rhizomes were beneficial in the treatment of snakebites. In fact, the foliage and rhizomes are highly toxic, causing fatalities from 'Milk Sickness' because the toxins can pass through the milk of dairy cattle to humans. White Snakeroot has been reassigned recently to the genus Ageratina, although it is still often referred to as Eupatorium rugosum. Normally, White Snakeroot is largely hairless, although some authorities describe a pubescent variety of this species. White Snakeroot resembles many of the white-flowered Eupatorium spp. (Bonesets), but these different species can be distinguished from each other by the appearance of their leaves. Among the species in this group, White Snakeroot has the broadest leaves; its lower leaves are cordate or broadly ovate, and these leaves have long petioles. White Snakeroot usually occurs in and around shady woodlands, while many of these other species are found in prairies and sunny wetlands.
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Miss Chen
2018年04月30日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 1-3' tall and either unbranched or sparingly branched. The central stem and any secondary stems are light green, glabrous, and terete. Each plant has 1-4 alternate leaves that are widely spreading. Individual leaves are up to 1½' long and 1½' across (excluding the petiole); they are bipinnate or tripinnate, dividing into 3 primary leaflets and subdividing into 3-5 (rarely 7) ultimate leaflets. When tertiary leaflets are present, there are typically 3 secondary leaflets in each compound leaf. The ultimate leaflets (whether secondary or tertiary) are 1¼–3½" long, more or less ovate in shape, and coarsely toothed along their margins; some ultimate leaflets are sharply divided into 1-2 smaller lobes. The upper leaf surface is medium green and glabrous, while the lower leaf surface is slightly more pale and either glabrous or hairy along the major veins. The petioles are up to 6" long, light green, and glabrous.
The central stem and any secondary stems terminate in solitary racemes of flowers that are 1-2" long; these racemes become slightly longer when the flowers are replaced by berries. Each flower is about ¼" across or slightly wider, consisting 4-10 white petals, several inconspicuous sepals, 15-40 white stamens, and a pistil. The petals are widely spreading and narrowly elliptic in shape, while the stamens are long and showy. The style of the pistil is very short or absent, while the stigma of the pistil is short and stout. The ascending to widely spreading pedicels are up to ½" long (or slightly more) and they are noticeably more slender than the rachis (central stalk) of the raceme. The peduncle (basal stalk) of each raceme is up to 4" long. The blooming period occurs during late spring or early summer, lasting about 3 weeks. The flowers have a rosy fragrance. Afterwards, fertile flowers are replaced by ovoid berries that become 6-8 Distribution Mapmm. long at maturity. These berries are usually bright red and glossy at maturity, although there is a less common form of this plant that has white berries. Each berry contains a fleshy pulp and several seeds. Individual seeds are 3.0–3.5 mm. long, reddish brown, and wedge-shaped. The root system consists of a vertical rootstock with fibrous secondary rootlets below.
Cultivation: The preference is light to moderate shade, moist to mesic conditions, and a somewhat acidic soil consisting of sandy loam, loam, or clay-loam with decaying organic matter. The soil should contain abundant nitrogen, calcium, and other nutrients. The seeds are slow to germinate, typically taking 2 years or more under natural conditions. This plant prefers cool moist weather and it is winter hardy to at least Zone 4.
Range & Habitat: The native Red Baneberry occurs in northern Illinois, where it is uncommon. Illinois lies along the southern range-limit of this species. Habitats include moist to mesic woodlands, shady stream banks, and shaded areas where some seepage of ground water occurs. In Illinois, this plant is found in high quality natural areas where either deciduous trees or a mixture of deciduous trees and conifers occur. North of the state, it also occurs in conifer forests. Red Baneberry is able to survive occasional wildfires.
Faunal Associations: The flowers of Red Baneberry attract miscellaneous beetles, flies, and to a lesser extent Halictid bees (Pellmyr, 1985). Only pollen is available as a floral reward. Some vertebrate animals feed on the fruits or seeds of this plant. Examples of birds that eat the fruits include the Ruffed Grouse, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, American Robin, Wood Thrush, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Brown Thrasher, and Catbird. Examples of small mammals that eat the seeds (while usually rejecting the pulp) include the Woodland Deer Mouse, White-footed Mouse, Eastern Chipmunk, Red Squirrel, and Red-backed Vole (Crane, 1990; Martin et al., 1951/1961; Hamilton, 1941). Because the foliage is somewhat toxic, it is usually avoided by mammalian herbivores. All parts of this plant, including the fruit, are toxic to humans.
Photographic Location: A woodland in Lake County, Illinois. The photographs were taken by Paul Showers (Copyright © 2015).
Comments: Because of its attractive foliage, flowers, and bright red berries, Red Baneberry (Actaea rubra) is an excellent selection for cool shade gardens. It is similar in appearance to Doll's Eyes (Actaea pachypoda), except the latter species always has white berries. When Red Baneberry produces white berries, it can be distinguished from Doll's Eyes by its more slender pedicels (basal stalklets of the flowers or berries). The pedicels of Doll's Eyes are nearly as thick as the rachis (central stalk) of the floral raceme. Doll's Eyes tends to have longer racemes, but this distinction is not always reliable. The latter species can be found throughout Illinois.
The central stem and any secondary stems terminate in solitary racemes of flowers that are 1-2" long; these racemes become slightly longer when the flowers are replaced by berries. Each flower is about ¼" across or slightly wider, consisting 4-10 white petals, several inconspicuous sepals, 15-40 white stamens, and a pistil. The petals are widely spreading and narrowly elliptic in shape, while the stamens are long and showy. The style of the pistil is very short or absent, while the stigma of the pistil is short and stout. The ascending to widely spreading pedicels are up to ½" long (or slightly more) and they are noticeably more slender than the rachis (central stalk) of the raceme. The peduncle (basal stalk) of each raceme is up to 4" long. The blooming period occurs during late spring or early summer, lasting about 3 weeks. The flowers have a rosy fragrance. Afterwards, fertile flowers are replaced by ovoid berries that become 6-8 Distribution Mapmm. long at maturity. These berries are usually bright red and glossy at maturity, although there is a less common form of this plant that has white berries. Each berry contains a fleshy pulp and several seeds. Individual seeds are 3.0–3.5 mm. long, reddish brown, and wedge-shaped. The root system consists of a vertical rootstock with fibrous secondary rootlets below.
Cultivation: The preference is light to moderate shade, moist to mesic conditions, and a somewhat acidic soil consisting of sandy loam, loam, or clay-loam with decaying organic matter. The soil should contain abundant nitrogen, calcium, and other nutrients. The seeds are slow to germinate, typically taking 2 years or more under natural conditions. This plant prefers cool moist weather and it is winter hardy to at least Zone 4.
Range & Habitat: The native Red Baneberry occurs in northern Illinois, where it is uncommon. Illinois lies along the southern range-limit of this species. Habitats include moist to mesic woodlands, shady stream banks, and shaded areas where some seepage of ground water occurs. In Illinois, this plant is found in high quality natural areas where either deciduous trees or a mixture of deciduous trees and conifers occur. North of the state, it also occurs in conifer forests. Red Baneberry is able to survive occasional wildfires.
Faunal Associations: The flowers of Red Baneberry attract miscellaneous beetles, flies, and to a lesser extent Halictid bees (Pellmyr, 1985). Only pollen is available as a floral reward. Some vertebrate animals feed on the fruits or seeds of this plant. Examples of birds that eat the fruits include the Ruffed Grouse, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, American Robin, Wood Thrush, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Brown Thrasher, and Catbird. Examples of small mammals that eat the seeds (while usually rejecting the pulp) include the Woodland Deer Mouse, White-footed Mouse, Eastern Chipmunk, Red Squirrel, and Red-backed Vole (Crane, 1990; Martin et al., 1951/1961; Hamilton, 1941). Because the foliage is somewhat toxic, it is usually avoided by mammalian herbivores. All parts of this plant, including the fruit, are toxic to humans.
Photographic Location: A woodland in Lake County, Illinois. The photographs were taken by Paul Showers (Copyright © 2015).
Comments: Because of its attractive foliage, flowers, and bright red berries, Red Baneberry (Actaea rubra) is an excellent selection for cool shade gardens. It is similar in appearance to Doll's Eyes (Actaea pachypoda), except the latter species always has white berries. When Red Baneberry produces white berries, it can be distinguished from Doll's Eyes by its more slender pedicels (basal stalklets of the flowers or berries). The pedicels of Doll's Eyes are nearly as thick as the rachis (central stalk) of the floral raceme. Doll's Eyes tends to have longer racemes, but this distinction is not always reliable. The latter species can be found throughout Illinois.
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Miss Chen
2018年04月30日
Description: This perennial wildflower is 1–2½' tall and either unbranched or sparingly branched. The alternate compound leaves are 2- or 3-pinnate and large in size; the leaflets are organized into groups of 3 (less often 5). The lower compound leaves have long petioles, while the petioles of the upper compound leaves are shorter. The leaflets are up to 4" long and 2¼" across; they are more or less ovate in shape, while their margins are shallowly cleft and strongly toothed. Usually, the terminal leaflets are a little larger than the lateral leaflets; the terminal leaflets have slender petiolules (leaflet stalks), while the lateral leaflets are either sessile or they have slender petiolules. The upper surface of each leaflet is dull green and hairless; the lower surface is also hairless. A raceme of white flowers on a long naked peduncle develops from the axil of the uppermost compound leaf. Initially, this raceme is about 1½–3" long and short-cylindrical in shape, but it becomes longer (3-6") when its flowers are replaced with berries. Each raceme has 10-28 flowers on widely spreading pedicels; these pedicels are short (about ½"), glabrous, and stout.
Each flower spans about ¼" across, consisting of 4-10 white petals, a dozen or more white stamens, and a superior ovary with a short stout style. At the tip of this style is a large persistent stigma that is translucent white (although it later becomes dark). The sepals are early-deciduous and insignificant. Each petal is narrowly oblanceolate and often truncate at its tip. The blooming period occurs from late spring to very early summer; it lasts about 2 weeks. The flowers are replaced by berries that are ovoid-globoid and up to 1/3" (8 mm.) in length. These berries become bright white when they are mature, while the pedicels and central axis of the raceme become bright red. At the outer end of each berry, there is a dark spot from the persistent stigma. Inside each berry, there are several seeds (fewer than 10). The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous.
Cultivation: Dappled sunlight to medium shade, moist to mesic conditions, and a fertile loamy soil with abundant organic matter is preferred. The compound leaves may become yellowish if they are exposed to excessive sunlight.
Range & Habitat: The native Doll's Eyes is occasional throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include rich deciduous woodlands, ravines, thinly wooded bluffs, the bases of bluffs, and shaded seeps. This species is found in high quality woodlands where the original ground flora is intact.
Faunal Associations: The flowers lack nectar and provide only pollen to visiting insects. These visitors are mainly Halictid bees; Robertson (1929) observed Augochlorella striata, Lasioglossum pectoralis, and Lasioglossum zephyrus. Various birds eat the white berries to a limited extent; this includes the Ruffed Grouse, Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker, and American Robin (Eastman, 1992; pp. 12-13). These birds help to distribute the seeds to a new areas. The White-Footed Mouse also eats the berries. Because the foliage is toxic from a cardiac glycoside, it is not eaten by mammalian herbivores. Other parts of this plant are toxic as well, although birds are apparently immune to the toxic effects of the berries. The overall value of this wildflower to wildlife is low.
Photographic Location: Deciduous woodlands in east-central Illinois.
Comments: This is one of many wonderful wildflowers that can be found in eastern deciduous woodlands during the spring. Doll's Eyes has attractive foliage and striking white berries, which become mature during the late summer or early fall. These berries resemble the eyes of old-fashioned china dolls, hence the common name. Another common name of this species is White Baneberry, which refers to the appearance of the berries and their toxic nature to humans. Another scientific name of this species is Actaea alba. The other species in this genus, Actaea rubra (Red Baneberry), is restricted to northern Illinois. This latter species has red berries (usually) and the pedicels of its flowers/berries are more slender than those of Doll's Eyes. Each berry of Red Baneberry contains more seeds (10 or more) than a berry of Doll's Eyes, and its seeds are smaller in size. However, there is an uncommon form of Red Baneberry that produces white berries.
Each flower spans about ¼" across, consisting of 4-10 white petals, a dozen or more white stamens, and a superior ovary with a short stout style. At the tip of this style is a large persistent stigma that is translucent white (although it later becomes dark). The sepals are early-deciduous and insignificant. Each petal is narrowly oblanceolate and often truncate at its tip. The blooming period occurs from late spring to very early summer; it lasts about 2 weeks. The flowers are replaced by berries that are ovoid-globoid and up to 1/3" (8 mm.) in length. These berries become bright white when they are mature, while the pedicels and central axis of the raceme become bright red. At the outer end of each berry, there is a dark spot from the persistent stigma. Inside each berry, there are several seeds (fewer than 10). The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous.
Cultivation: Dappled sunlight to medium shade, moist to mesic conditions, and a fertile loamy soil with abundant organic matter is preferred. The compound leaves may become yellowish if they are exposed to excessive sunlight.
Range & Habitat: The native Doll's Eyes is occasional throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include rich deciduous woodlands, ravines, thinly wooded bluffs, the bases of bluffs, and shaded seeps. This species is found in high quality woodlands where the original ground flora is intact.
Faunal Associations: The flowers lack nectar and provide only pollen to visiting insects. These visitors are mainly Halictid bees; Robertson (1929) observed Augochlorella striata, Lasioglossum pectoralis, and Lasioglossum zephyrus. Various birds eat the white berries to a limited extent; this includes the Ruffed Grouse, Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker, and American Robin (Eastman, 1992; pp. 12-13). These birds help to distribute the seeds to a new areas. The White-Footed Mouse also eats the berries. Because the foliage is toxic from a cardiac glycoside, it is not eaten by mammalian herbivores. Other parts of this plant are toxic as well, although birds are apparently immune to the toxic effects of the berries. The overall value of this wildflower to wildlife is low.
Photographic Location: Deciduous woodlands in east-central Illinois.
Comments: This is one of many wonderful wildflowers that can be found in eastern deciduous woodlands during the spring. Doll's Eyes has attractive foliage and striking white berries, which become mature during the late summer or early fall. These berries resemble the eyes of old-fashioned china dolls, hence the common name. Another common name of this species is White Baneberry, which refers to the appearance of the berries and their toxic nature to humans. Another scientific name of this species is Actaea alba. The other species in this genus, Actaea rubra (Red Baneberry), is restricted to northern Illinois. This latter species has red berries (usually) and the pedicels of its flowers/berries are more slender than those of Doll's Eyes. Each berry of Red Baneberry contains more seeds (10 or more) than a berry of Doll's Eyes, and its seeds are smaller in size. However, there is an uncommon form of Red Baneberry that produces white berries.
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权问薇
2018年04月27日
一、选择何种盆
1、最好是选择紫砂盆，因为它不仅看上去造型很美，而且它还非常透气。
2、选择陶土盆也是可以的，它的价钱比较实惠，也非常的透气，很适合养这种花。
3、还有一种比较大众化的盆，就是瓷盆，有些底部是有排水孔的，但是它的透气性不是很好。
4、还可以选择瓦盆，它的透气性是最好的，而且它的价格非常便宜，只是它的外形看上去不是很漂亮。
5、最后还可以选择塑料盆，它的透气性比较差劲，但是要是配置的土很好的话，并且塑料盆的底部有排水的孔，也可以用它来养花。
二、用何种土
1、它对于土的要求是比较高的，需要用腐殖质非常多的土，最好不要用黏土，砂土是最好的。在排水效果好，十分松软肥沃的土中，它才能长得好。
2、每两年要给它进行一次换土，要精心的配置，可以用烂掉的树叶加上泥炭或者是细细的沙子来调制，还可以在盆中加一些鸡鸭的粪便。
3、必须要给它安排透气性非常好的盆，要是土太干或者是水太多，它的根都会烂掉，这样叶就会变黄，掉落。等到它的土快干了再浇水，不要浇水太频繁。
4、在6-9月份要每半个月给它用一次液体的肥料，不论是化肥还是有机肥都是可以的，也可以去市场上买专用的肥料。
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