文章
Miss Chen
2018年02月11日
Description: This small wildflower is 3-9" tall. Sometimes it branches from the base, otherwise the stems are unbranched. The stems are light green, 4-sided, and slightly to moderately hairy, especially along the angles of the sides. Pairs of opposite leaves occur along the stems. The leaf blades are ½–¾" long and about one-half as much across; they are lanceolate, ovate, or oval, while their revolute margins are smooth to crenate with a few blunt teeth. Generally, the upper leaves are more slender and less likely to have teeth than the lower leaves. The upper leaves are sessile, while the lower leaves have short petioles about 1/8" (3 mm.) long. The upper leaf surface is medium green and hairless to sparsely pubescent, while the lower surface is pale green and sparsely to densely pubescent. In this variety of Small Skullcap, all of the hairs lack sticky glandular secretions.
Close-up of Flowers
Individual flowers develop from axils of the upper leaves; this occurs along the upper half of each plant. Each flower is about 1/3" (8 mm.) long, consisting of a tubular corolla with upper and lower lips, a short 2-lipped calyx, 4 stamens, and a pistil with a single style that is cleft at its tip. The corolla is light blue to blue-violet, except for a white patch on the lower lip that is covered with blue-violet dots. The upper lip is short and recurved along its margin, while the lower lip is long and usually divided into 3 lobes with undulate margins. The calyx is usually greenish red and hairy; there is a prominent protuberance along the back of its upper lip. The pedicels are about 1/8" (3 mm.) long, greenish red, and hairy. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer and lasts about 1½ months. On each plant, only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. In addition to these flowers, there are also cleistogamous flowers that are self-fertile and inconspicuous. The flowers are replaced by 2-lipped seed capsules with concave upper sides. At maturity, the capsules split open into 2 parts to release the seeds. Individual seeds are about 1 mm. long, ovoid, and indented on one side; their surfaces are covered with minute spiky tubercles. The root system produces rhizomes with tuberous swellings at intervals. This wildflower can spread vegetatively by the rhizomes, or it can reseed itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, dry conditions, and shallow soil containing some sandy or rocky material. This wildflower will adapt to sunny rock gardens and does not tolerate much competition from taller plants.
Range & Habitat: This variety of the native Small Skullcap is occasional in the northern half of Illinois and uncommon in the southern half of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include hill prairies, upland prairies, gravel and sand prairies, barren savannas, thinly wooded bluffs and slopes, rock ledges, limestone glades, and abandoned fields. Small Skullcap usually occurs where the ground vegetation is somewhat sparse, and it probably benefits from occasional wildfires.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by various bees, including Mason bees (Osmia spp., Hoplitis pilosifrons), Little Carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), and Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp.). Bees usually suck nectar from the flowers, although some of them also collect pollen. Less common floral visitors include skippers and Syrphid flies, which are less effective at cross-pollination. Insects that are known to feed on the foliage of Small Skullcap include the caterpillars of Prochoreutis inflatella (Skullcap Skeletonizer Moth), the leaf beetles Phyllobrotica lengi and Phyllobrotica limbata, and Asphaera lustrans (Shiny Flea Beetle). The foliage of Scutellaria spp. (Skullcaps) are usually bitter and avoided by mammalian herbivores. It is possible that the tiny tuberculate seeds of Small Skullcap, when they are wet, can cling to the feathers of birds, the feet of animals, and the shoes of humans. By this means, they may be distributed to new areas.
Photographic Location: The Coneflower Hill Prairie near Lake Shelbyville in Moultrie County, Illinois.
Comments: Small Skullcap is easily overlooked because of its diminutive size, but its flowers are very attractive when they are viewed up-close. The variety of Small Skullcap that is described here, var. missouriensis, has hairs that lack glandular secretions, while var. parvula and var. australis have foliage with some glandular hairs. Otherwise, these different varieties are similar to each other. Regardless of variety, Small Skullcap can be distinguished from other species in its genus by the small size of individual plants (3-9" tall), the small size of its flowers (about 1/3" long), and its form of inflorescence: flowers are produced individually from the axils of the leaves, rather than in terminal or axillary racemes. Scientific synonyms of Scutellaria parvula missouriensis include Scutellaria parvula leonardii and Scutellaria leonardii. As a result of these other scientific names, this variety of Small Skullcap is sometimes referred to as Leonard's Skullcap.
Close-up of Flowers
Individual flowers develop from axils of the upper leaves; this occurs along the upper half of each plant. Each flower is about 1/3" (8 mm.) long, consisting of a tubular corolla with upper and lower lips, a short 2-lipped calyx, 4 stamens, and a pistil with a single style that is cleft at its tip. The corolla is light blue to blue-violet, except for a white patch on the lower lip that is covered with blue-violet dots. The upper lip is short and recurved along its margin, while the lower lip is long and usually divided into 3 lobes with undulate margins. The calyx is usually greenish red and hairy; there is a prominent protuberance along the back of its upper lip. The pedicels are about 1/8" (3 mm.) long, greenish red, and hairy. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer and lasts about 1½ months. On each plant, only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. In addition to these flowers, there are also cleistogamous flowers that are self-fertile and inconspicuous. The flowers are replaced by 2-lipped seed capsules with concave upper sides. At maturity, the capsules split open into 2 parts to release the seeds. Individual seeds are about 1 mm. long, ovoid, and indented on one side; their surfaces are covered with minute spiky tubercles. The root system produces rhizomes with tuberous swellings at intervals. This wildflower can spread vegetatively by the rhizomes, or it can reseed itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, dry conditions, and shallow soil containing some sandy or rocky material. This wildflower will adapt to sunny rock gardens and does not tolerate much competition from taller plants.
Range & Habitat: This variety of the native Small Skullcap is occasional in the northern half of Illinois and uncommon in the southern half of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include hill prairies, upland prairies, gravel and sand prairies, barren savannas, thinly wooded bluffs and slopes, rock ledges, limestone glades, and abandoned fields. Small Skullcap usually occurs where the ground vegetation is somewhat sparse, and it probably benefits from occasional wildfires.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by various bees, including Mason bees (Osmia spp., Hoplitis pilosifrons), Little Carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), and Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp.). Bees usually suck nectar from the flowers, although some of them also collect pollen. Less common floral visitors include skippers and Syrphid flies, which are less effective at cross-pollination. Insects that are known to feed on the foliage of Small Skullcap include the caterpillars of Prochoreutis inflatella (Skullcap Skeletonizer Moth), the leaf beetles Phyllobrotica lengi and Phyllobrotica limbata, and Asphaera lustrans (Shiny Flea Beetle). The foliage of Scutellaria spp. (Skullcaps) are usually bitter and avoided by mammalian herbivores. It is possible that the tiny tuberculate seeds of Small Skullcap, when they are wet, can cling to the feathers of birds, the feet of animals, and the shoes of humans. By this means, they may be distributed to new areas.
Photographic Location: The Coneflower Hill Prairie near Lake Shelbyville in Moultrie County, Illinois.
Comments: Small Skullcap is easily overlooked because of its diminutive size, but its flowers are very attractive when they are viewed up-close. The variety of Small Skullcap that is described here, var. missouriensis, has hairs that lack glandular secretions, while var. parvula and var. australis have foliage with some glandular hairs. Otherwise, these different varieties are similar to each other. Regardless of variety, Small Skullcap can be distinguished from other species in its genus by the small size of individual plants (3-9" tall), the small size of its flowers (about 1/3" long), and its form of inflorescence: flowers are produced individually from the axils of the leaves, rather than in terminal or axillary racemes. Scientific synonyms of Scutellaria parvula missouriensis include Scutellaria parvula leonardii and Scutellaria leonardii. As a result of these other scientific names, this variety of Small Skullcap is sometimes referred to as Leonard's Skullcap.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年02月10日
Description: This perennial wildflower forms a small clump of basal leaves about 6-12" across, later developing leafy flowering stalks about 2' tall. The blades of the basal leaves are 2-5" long and about 3/8" (9 mm.) across, tapering gradually into slender petioles about 1-3" long (3-8" total length). The blades of the alternate leaves are 2-4" long and about 3/8" (9 mm.) across; they are sessile or clasp the flowering stalks slightly. Both basal and alternate leaves are medium green and hairy on both their lower and upper sides; they are linear-oblong or linear-oblanceolate and usually smooth along their margins. Sometimes a few widely spaced and shallow teeth are visible along the leaf margins.
The flowering stalks are light green or pale brownish green, terete, and unbranched; they are covered with abundant spreading hairs. Alternate leaves with ascending blades are restricted to the lower one-half of each stalk, while the upper half of the stalk is naked. Each stalk terminates in a single flowerhead about 2–2½" across. Numerous disk florets are concentrated in the center of the flowerhead; they are dark brown or black. The ray florets are located along the margins of the flowerhead, forming 8-13 petal-like yellow rays. The disk florets are fertile, while the ray florets are sterile. The base of each flowerhead is defined by an overlapping series of floral bracts (phyllaries) that are green, hairy, and lanceolate-oblong in shape. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts 1-2 months. At maturity, the disk florets are replaced by oblongoid achenes
g. At its apex, each achene has a crown of tiny scales. The root system is fibrous. This wildflower reproduces by reseeding itself.
Stem & Leaves
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry-mesic conditions, and a thin rocky soil that is calcareous (typically containing limestone or dolomite). Because this is one of the less aggressive coneflowers, taller and more aggressive plants should be kept away from it.
Range & Habitat: The native Missouri Coneflower has been found in only a few counties in southern Illinois (see Distribution Map); it is considered rare and state-listed as 'endangered.' This wildflower is found primarily in hilly areas of Arkansas and Missouri; in neighboring states, it is rare. Habitats consist of hill prairies, limestone and dolomite glades, and barren scrubby savannas in upland areas. This wildflower is found in high quality natural areas. While it is less popular than some other Rudbeckia spp. (Black-Eyed Coneflowers), it is also cultivated in gardens.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract a wide variety of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, beetles, butterflies, and skippers. Two species of bee are specialist pollinators (oligoleges) of this and other Rudbeckia spp. (Black-Eyed Coneflowers): Andrena rudbeckiae and Heterosarus rudbeckiae. Miscellaneous insects feed on the foliage and other parts of these species: this includes the caterpillars of the butterflies Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) and Chlosyne gorgone (Gorgone Checkerspot), the caterpillars of several moths, the leaf beetles Microrhopala excavata and Paria thoracica, and some aphids (see the Insect Table for a listing of these species).
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This perennial coneflower looks like a Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) with skinny leaves (usually less than ½" across). It is one of the coneflowers with widely spreading rays that don't droop downward. Like some other species in this genus, the petaloid rays along the margins of the flowerheads appear to be solid yellow to the human eye, but to bees and other flower-visiting insects they appear to be bicolored instead. This is because the outer one-half of each ray reflects ultraviolet light, while the inner one-half doesn't. Unlike the human eye, the eyes of bees and many other insects can detect ultraviolet light. Therefore, the flowerheads are actually more showy than one would assume.
The flowering stalks are light green or pale brownish green, terete, and unbranched; they are covered with abundant spreading hairs. Alternate leaves with ascending blades are restricted to the lower one-half of each stalk, while the upper half of the stalk is naked. Each stalk terminates in a single flowerhead about 2–2½" across. Numerous disk florets are concentrated in the center of the flowerhead; they are dark brown or black. The ray florets are located along the margins of the flowerhead, forming 8-13 petal-like yellow rays. The disk florets are fertile, while the ray florets are sterile. The base of each flowerhead is defined by an overlapping series of floral bracts (phyllaries) that are green, hairy, and lanceolate-oblong in shape. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts 1-2 months. At maturity, the disk florets are replaced by oblongoid achenes
g. At its apex, each achene has a crown of tiny scales. The root system is fibrous. This wildflower reproduces by reseeding itself.
Stem & Leaves
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry-mesic conditions, and a thin rocky soil that is calcareous (typically containing limestone or dolomite). Because this is one of the less aggressive coneflowers, taller and more aggressive plants should be kept away from it.
Range & Habitat: The native Missouri Coneflower has been found in only a few counties in southern Illinois (see Distribution Map); it is considered rare and state-listed as 'endangered.' This wildflower is found primarily in hilly areas of Arkansas and Missouri; in neighboring states, it is rare. Habitats consist of hill prairies, limestone and dolomite glades, and barren scrubby savannas in upland areas. This wildflower is found in high quality natural areas. While it is less popular than some other Rudbeckia spp. (Black-Eyed Coneflowers), it is also cultivated in gardens.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract a wide variety of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, beetles, butterflies, and skippers. Two species of bee are specialist pollinators (oligoleges) of this and other Rudbeckia spp. (Black-Eyed Coneflowers): Andrena rudbeckiae and Heterosarus rudbeckiae. Miscellaneous insects feed on the foliage and other parts of these species: this includes the caterpillars of the butterflies Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) and Chlosyne gorgone (Gorgone Checkerspot), the caterpillars of several moths, the leaf beetles Microrhopala excavata and Paria thoracica, and some aphids (see the Insect Table for a listing of these species).
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This perennial coneflower looks like a Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) with skinny leaves (usually less than ½" across). It is one of the coneflowers with widely spreading rays that don't droop downward. Like some other species in this genus, the petaloid rays along the margins of the flowerheads appear to be solid yellow to the human eye, but to bees and other flower-visiting insects they appear to be bicolored instead. This is because the outer one-half of each ray reflects ultraviolet light, while the inner one-half doesn't. Unlike the human eye, the eyes of bees and many other insects can detect ultraviolet light. Therefore, the flowerheads are actually more showy than one would assume.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年02月10日
Description: This somewhat prickly shrub is about ½-3' tall, branching occasionally. It is usually erect, but taller plants sometimes sprawl. The prickles on the woody stems are slender and straight, and pairs of prickles often occur on opposite sides of the stems. On new growth, the hairless stems are either green or pinkish red, later turning brown. The alternate compound leaves usually consist of 5-7 leaflets (oddly pinnate); a few short stems may have only 3 leaflets. The central stem of each compound leaf is slightly hairy. Each ovate leaflet is about 2" long and 1" across, with strongly serrated margins. The underside of each leaflet is glabrous or only sparsely pubescent. At the base of each compound leaf are two prominent stipules, each terminating in a single pointed tip.
The solitary flowers occur on pedicels with glandular hairs, and are about 2½-3" across. The flower buds also have glandular hairs. Each flower consists of 5 pink petals (rarely white), 5 green pointed sepals, numerous bright yellow stamens, and a pistil structure at the center of the flower that is flat and wide. There is a typical rose fragrance. The blooming period occurs during early summer and lasts about a month. Later, bright red rose hips appear that are often slightly flattened when compared to other wild roses, although not always. The root system consists of a deep central taproot that branches occasionally. From shallow rhizomes, this plant can spread vegetatively, forming small colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, average to dry moisture conditions, and soil that contains loam, clay-loam, or sandy loam. Other kinds of soil are also tolerated. This plant is more resistant to foliar disease than most horticultural roses. It is faster and easier to start plants using cuttings, as seeds are often slow to germinate and develop. Improved germination may result if they are exposed to an acid treatment, simulating passage through an animal's gullet.
Range & Habitat: The native Pasture Rose occurs throughout Illinois, except for a few southern counties (see Distribution Map). It is quite common in many areas. Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, openings in woodlands, oak savannas, limestone glades, sand dunes near lakes, fence rows, abandoned fields, areas along railroads where prairie remnants remain, and waste areas where birds are likely to occur. This plant has considerable resistance to drought, and recovers readily from occasional wildfires.
Faunal Associations: The most important visitors to the flowers are long-tongued bees, such as bumblebees, Anthophorine bees, and Miner bees (e.g., Synhalonia speciosa). Green Metallic bees, Syrphid flies, and various beetles (e.g., Trichiotinus piger) visit the flowers, but they are less effective at pollination. All of these insect seek pollen, as the flowers provide no nectar. The caterpillars of many species of moths feed on this and other wild roses (see Moth Table). Other kinds of insects also feed on this plant, including Rhynchites bicolor (Rose Weevil; eats pith of woody stems, buds, & rose hips), Macrodactylus subspinosus (Rose Chafer Beetle), Edwardsiana rosae (Rose Leafhopper), Mordella spp. (Tumbling Flower Beetles; eat flowers), and Lepyronia gibbosa (Prairie Spittlebug). Several upland gamebirds and small mammals eat the rosehips, including the Greater Prairie Chicken, Ring-Necked Pheasant, Bobwhite, Cottontail Rabbit, Eastern Striped Skunk, and White-Footed Mouse. These animals help to disperse the seeds of the plant across considerable distances. The leaves, buds, and twigs are browsed by the White-Tailed Deer and Elk (once native to Illinois), notwithstanding the presence of occasional prickles.
Photographic Location: Photographs of the flower and compound leaf were taken at the Red Bison Railroad Prairie in Savoy, Illinois, while the photograph of the fruit was taken at a railroad prairie in Iroquois County of the same state.
Comments: Among the native wild roses that occur in Illinois, the Pasture Rose ranks high in its capacity to tolerate hot dry weather (rivaled only by the Sunshine Rose, R. arkansana). Distinguishing different species of roses (whether native or exotic) can be difficult. The Pasture Rose has narrow straight spines on its stems, while other species often have curved stout spines. Its stipules lack comb-like hairs (unlike the Multiflora Rose, Rosa multiflora, and other exotic roses), and the pistil structure is wide and flat, not tall and columnar like many climbing roses. Other features to consider are the number of leaflets per compound leaf, and the relative abundance or absence of hairs on the leaflets.
The solitary flowers occur on pedicels with glandular hairs, and are about 2½-3" across. The flower buds also have glandular hairs. Each flower consists of 5 pink petals (rarely white), 5 green pointed sepals, numerous bright yellow stamens, and a pistil structure at the center of the flower that is flat and wide. There is a typical rose fragrance. The blooming period occurs during early summer and lasts about a month. Later, bright red rose hips appear that are often slightly flattened when compared to other wild roses, although not always. The root system consists of a deep central taproot that branches occasionally. From shallow rhizomes, this plant can spread vegetatively, forming small colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, average to dry moisture conditions, and soil that contains loam, clay-loam, or sandy loam. Other kinds of soil are also tolerated. This plant is more resistant to foliar disease than most horticultural roses. It is faster and easier to start plants using cuttings, as seeds are often slow to germinate and develop. Improved germination may result if they are exposed to an acid treatment, simulating passage through an animal's gullet.
Range & Habitat: The native Pasture Rose occurs throughout Illinois, except for a few southern counties (see Distribution Map). It is quite common in many areas. Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, openings in woodlands, oak savannas, limestone glades, sand dunes near lakes, fence rows, abandoned fields, areas along railroads where prairie remnants remain, and waste areas where birds are likely to occur. This plant has considerable resistance to drought, and recovers readily from occasional wildfires.
Faunal Associations: The most important visitors to the flowers are long-tongued bees, such as bumblebees, Anthophorine bees, and Miner bees (e.g., Synhalonia speciosa). Green Metallic bees, Syrphid flies, and various beetles (e.g., Trichiotinus piger) visit the flowers, but they are less effective at pollination. All of these insect seek pollen, as the flowers provide no nectar. The caterpillars of many species of moths feed on this and other wild roses (see Moth Table). Other kinds of insects also feed on this plant, including Rhynchites bicolor (Rose Weevil; eats pith of woody stems, buds, & rose hips), Macrodactylus subspinosus (Rose Chafer Beetle), Edwardsiana rosae (Rose Leafhopper), Mordella spp. (Tumbling Flower Beetles; eat flowers), and Lepyronia gibbosa (Prairie Spittlebug). Several upland gamebirds and small mammals eat the rosehips, including the Greater Prairie Chicken, Ring-Necked Pheasant, Bobwhite, Cottontail Rabbit, Eastern Striped Skunk, and White-Footed Mouse. These animals help to disperse the seeds of the plant across considerable distances. The leaves, buds, and twigs are browsed by the White-Tailed Deer and Elk (once native to Illinois), notwithstanding the presence of occasional prickles.
Photographic Location: Photographs of the flower and compound leaf were taken at the Red Bison Railroad Prairie in Savoy, Illinois, while the photograph of the fruit was taken at a railroad prairie in Iroquois County of the same state.
Comments: Among the native wild roses that occur in Illinois, the Pasture Rose ranks high in its capacity to tolerate hot dry weather (rivaled only by the Sunshine Rose, R. arkansana). Distinguishing different species of roses (whether native or exotic) can be difficult. The Pasture Rose has narrow straight spines on its stems, while other species often have curved stout spines. Its stipules lack comb-like hairs (unlike the Multiflora Rose, Rosa multiflora, and other exotic roses), and the pistil structure is wide and flat, not tall and columnar like many climbing roses. Other features to consider are the number of leaflets per compound leaf, and the relative abundance or absence of hairs on the leaflets.
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Miss Chen
2018年02月09日
Description: This perennial wildflower is 1-3' tall, branching occasionally. The stems are medium green and minutely rough-pubescent to glabrous. The spreading alternate leaves are up to 6" long and 2" across; they are pinnatifid or double-pinnatifid with 5-11 lobes, medium green, and minutely rough-pubescent to glabrous. The slender lobes are linear-oblong and sometimes have 1-2 dentate teeth or smaller cleft lobes; they are 1/3" (8 mm.) across or less. Irregularities in the structure of the leaves are rather common. The petioles are up to 2" long.
Occasionally, the upper stems terminate in individual flowerheads on long naked stalks (peduncles). These stalks are 2-12" long and finely grooved. The flowerheads are about 1½–3" long and a little less across. Each flowerhead consists of a cylindrical head of numerous disk florets, which is surrounded by 4-11 drooping rays (ray florets). A mature head of disk florets is ¾–1¾" long; it is initially gray or greenish gray, later becoming dark brown. The rays are about ½–1¼" long, oblong in shape, and slightly notched at their tips; they are either yellow, maroon (reddish brown), or yellow with basal patches of maroon. The typical form of Mexican Hat has yellow rays, while plants with maroon rays are referred to as f.Distribution Map pulcherrima. The bottom of each flowerhead is defined by 2 series of small narrow bracts; these are largely hidden by the drooping rays. The blooming period occurs during the summer and lasts about 1-2 months. Fertile disk florets are replaced by small oblongoid achenes; each achene usually has one or more tiny scales at its apex. This plant spreads to new areas by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry conditions, and a relatively barren soil containing clay, gravel, or sand. On moist fertile ground, this wildflower has trouble competing with taller and more aggressive plants.
Range & Habitat: Mexican Hat is adventive from the the Great Plains and western states; the eastern boundary of its range extends into western Iowa and Missouri. In Illinois, naturalized populations of Mexican Hat are uncommon; they are found primarily in the northern and western sections of the state. Habitats include upland prairies, roadsides, areas along railroads, and barren waste areas. This wildflower is often cultivated in gardens, from which it sometimes escapes. In Illinois, Mexican Hat is found primarily in disturbed areas, where it may or may not persist.
Faunal Associations: Various insects are attracted to the nectar and pollen of the flowerheads. Floral visitors of Mexican Hat are probably similar to those insects that are known to visit the flowerheads of Ratibida pinnata (Yellow Coneflower). Likely visitors include various short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, beetles, and the occasional butterfly or skipper. The caterpillars of some moths are known to feed on Ratibida spp. (primarily the rays and florets). These species include Homoeosoma electellum (Sunflower Moth), Chlorochlamys chloroleuca (Blackberry Looper Moth), Eupithecia miserulata (Common Pug), Synchlora aerata (Wavy-Lined Emerald), and Epiblema iowana (Tortricid Moth sp.). The caterpillars of the latter moth feed on the roots.
Photographic Location: A flower garden in downtown Champaign, Illinois. The photographed plant is Ratibida columnifera pulcherrima.
Comments: This is a colorful prairie wildflower. Mexican Hat can be distinguished from Ratibida pinnata (Yellow Coneflower) by its long cylindrical heads, which usually exceed the length of the rays at maturity. The ovoid-globoid heads of Yellow Coneflower, in contrast, are much shorter than the length of their rays. Other common names of Ratibida columnifera are Long-Headed Coneflower and Prairie Coneflower. The common name that is used here, 'Mexican Hat,' refers to the fancied resemblance of the flowerhead to a sombrero.
Occasionally, the upper stems terminate in individual flowerheads on long naked stalks (peduncles). These stalks are 2-12" long and finely grooved. The flowerheads are about 1½–3" long and a little less across. Each flowerhead consists of a cylindrical head of numerous disk florets, which is surrounded by 4-11 drooping rays (ray florets). A mature head of disk florets is ¾–1¾" long; it is initially gray or greenish gray, later becoming dark brown. The rays are about ½–1¼" long, oblong in shape, and slightly notched at their tips; they are either yellow, maroon (reddish brown), or yellow with basal patches of maroon. The typical form of Mexican Hat has yellow rays, while plants with maroon rays are referred to as f.Distribution Map pulcherrima. The bottom of each flowerhead is defined by 2 series of small narrow bracts; these are largely hidden by the drooping rays. The blooming period occurs during the summer and lasts about 1-2 months. Fertile disk florets are replaced by small oblongoid achenes; each achene usually has one or more tiny scales at its apex. This plant spreads to new areas by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry conditions, and a relatively barren soil containing clay, gravel, or sand. On moist fertile ground, this wildflower has trouble competing with taller and more aggressive plants.
Range & Habitat: Mexican Hat is adventive from the the Great Plains and western states; the eastern boundary of its range extends into western Iowa and Missouri. In Illinois, naturalized populations of Mexican Hat are uncommon; they are found primarily in the northern and western sections of the state. Habitats include upland prairies, roadsides, areas along railroads, and barren waste areas. This wildflower is often cultivated in gardens, from which it sometimes escapes. In Illinois, Mexican Hat is found primarily in disturbed areas, where it may or may not persist.
Faunal Associations: Various insects are attracted to the nectar and pollen of the flowerheads. Floral visitors of Mexican Hat are probably similar to those insects that are known to visit the flowerheads of Ratibida pinnata (Yellow Coneflower). Likely visitors include various short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, beetles, and the occasional butterfly or skipper. The caterpillars of some moths are known to feed on Ratibida spp. (primarily the rays and florets). These species include Homoeosoma electellum (Sunflower Moth), Chlorochlamys chloroleuca (Blackberry Looper Moth), Eupithecia miserulata (Common Pug), Synchlora aerata (Wavy-Lined Emerald), and Epiblema iowana (Tortricid Moth sp.). The caterpillars of the latter moth feed on the roots.
Photographic Location: A flower garden in downtown Champaign, Illinois. The photographed plant is Ratibida columnifera pulcherrima.
Comments: This is a colorful prairie wildflower. Mexican Hat can be distinguished from Ratibida pinnata (Yellow Coneflower) by its long cylindrical heads, which usually exceed the length of the rays at maturity. The ovoid-globoid heads of Yellow Coneflower, in contrast, are much shorter than the length of their rays. Other common names of Ratibida columnifera are Long-Headed Coneflower and Prairie Coneflower. The common name that is used here, 'Mexican Hat,' refers to the fancied resemblance of the flowerhead to a sombrero.
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Miss Chen
2018年02月09日
Description: This is a perennial herbaceous plant up to 3' tall and branching frequently, often with a bushy appearance. The green or reddish stems are strongly four-angled and have scattered white hairs along the ridges. The opposite leaves are up to 2½" long and narrowly lanceolate or linear. They are sessile, and have smooth margins. The largest leaves are ¼ - ½" across. When damaged, the foliage releases a strong mint scent.
Numerous flattened heads of small white flowers (often with purple dots) occur at the ends of the upper stems. Each head is up to ¾" across and can contain up to 50 flowers. However, only a few of these are in bloom at the same time, beginning with the outer circle of flowers and ending towards the center. Each tubular flower is about 1/8" long and 2-lipped. The blooming period occurs during the middle of summer and lasts about a month. Each small flower produces 4 tiny, finely pitted, dull black seeds. These seeds are distributed to some extent by the wind. The root system produces rhizomes, which spread a short distance from the mother plant. Soon, a small colony of plants are formed vegetatively.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist to average conditions. The soil can contain loam, sand, clay, or gravel – this plant is not fussy about soil texture. During drought, the lower leaves will turn yellow and fall off. This plant is easy to grow, and less subject to foliar disease than some other mints, such as Monarda spp. However, stressed out plants sometimes succumb to rust.
Range & Habitat: The native Common Mountain Mint is widely distributed in Illinois, but it is uncommon or absent from southern Illinois and a few western counties (see Distribution Map). This plant is occasional to locally common in moist to mesic black soil prairies. Other habitats include moist sand prairies, moist meadows in woodland areas, thickets, fens, swamps, and rocky bluffs. This is probably the most common Mountain Mint in Illinois.
Faunal Associations: Many insects are strongly attracted to the flowers, including various bees, wasps, flies, small butterflies, and beetles. Typical visitors from these groups include honeybees, Cuckoo bees, Halictid bees, Sphecid wasps, Eumenine wasps, bee flies, Tachinid flies, Wedge-shaped beetles, and Pearl Cresecent butterflies. Most of these insects seek nectar. Mammalian herbivores and many leaf-chewing insects apparently find the mint fragrance of the leaves and stems repugnant, and rarely bother this plant.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a prairie of Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: The name 'Mountain Mint' is something of a misnomer, because this plant and other similar species in this genus do not usually occur in mountainous habitats. Common Mountain Mint is similar in appearance to Pycnanthemum tenuifolium (Slender Mountain Mint). It can be distinguished from the latter species by the white hairs along the ridges of its stems, and the occurrence of leaves greater than ¼" across. The stems of Slender Mounntain Mint lack hairs.
Numerous flattened heads of small white flowers (often with purple dots) occur at the ends of the upper stems. Each head is up to ¾" across and can contain up to 50 flowers. However, only a few of these are in bloom at the same time, beginning with the outer circle of flowers and ending towards the center. Each tubular flower is about 1/8" long and 2-lipped. The blooming period occurs during the middle of summer and lasts about a month. Each small flower produces 4 tiny, finely pitted, dull black seeds. These seeds are distributed to some extent by the wind. The root system produces rhizomes, which spread a short distance from the mother plant. Soon, a small colony of plants are formed vegetatively.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist to average conditions. The soil can contain loam, sand, clay, or gravel – this plant is not fussy about soil texture. During drought, the lower leaves will turn yellow and fall off. This plant is easy to grow, and less subject to foliar disease than some other mints, such as Monarda spp. However, stressed out plants sometimes succumb to rust.
Range & Habitat: The native Common Mountain Mint is widely distributed in Illinois, but it is uncommon or absent from southern Illinois and a few western counties (see Distribution Map). This plant is occasional to locally common in moist to mesic black soil prairies. Other habitats include moist sand prairies, moist meadows in woodland areas, thickets, fens, swamps, and rocky bluffs. This is probably the most common Mountain Mint in Illinois.
Faunal Associations: Many insects are strongly attracted to the flowers, including various bees, wasps, flies, small butterflies, and beetles. Typical visitors from these groups include honeybees, Cuckoo bees, Halictid bees, Sphecid wasps, Eumenine wasps, bee flies, Tachinid flies, Wedge-shaped beetles, and Pearl Cresecent butterflies. Most of these insects seek nectar. Mammalian herbivores and many leaf-chewing insects apparently find the mint fragrance of the leaves and stems repugnant, and rarely bother this plant.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a prairie of Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: The name 'Mountain Mint' is something of a misnomer, because this plant and other similar species in this genus do not usually occur in mountainous habitats. Common Mountain Mint is similar in appearance to Pycnanthemum tenuifolium (Slender Mountain Mint). It can be distinguished from the latter species by the white hairs along the ridges of its stems, and the occurrence of leaves greater than ¼" across. The stems of Slender Mounntain Mint lack hairs.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年02月09日
Description: This perennial herbaceous plant is 1-3' tall, branching frequently to create a bushy effect. The slender stems are hairless. The slender opposite leaves are up to 3" long and ¼" across. Each leaf is sessile, linear, and hairless, with a prominent central vein and smooth margins.
The upper stems terminate in small flat heads of flowers. The short tubular flowers are white, often with scattered purple dots, and individually about ¼" long. The corolla is divided into an upper lip and a lower lip with three lobes. The reproductive structures of each flower are white, except that the anthers are purple. The calyx is divided into several slender green lobes. The blooming period is early to mid-summer, and lasts about 1–1½ months. There is no floral scent, although the foliage has a mild mint scent and somewhat stronger minty taste. The small dark seeds are without tufts of hairs, but are small enough to be dispersed by gusts of wind. The root system consists of a taproot and rhizomes. Slender Mountain Mint can spread vegetatively, forming colonies of closely bunched plants.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and moist to slightly dry conditions. This plant often grows in rich loam, as well as soil containing rocky or gravelly material. Foliar disease is less troublesome for this mint species than many others. The leaves may assume a yellowish appearance during a major drought. This is an easy plant to grow.
Range & Habitat: The native Slender Mountain Mint occurs occasionally in every county of southern and central Illinois, but is less common and more sporadic in northern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to slightly dry black soil prairies, moist meadows and gravelly areas along rivers, openings in woodlands, moist thickets, acid gravel seeps, limestone glades, and abandoned fields.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are very attractive to many kinds of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, beetles, and plant bugs. These insects usually seek nectar. Among the wasps, are such visitors as Thread-Waisted wasps, Bee Wolves (Philanthus spp.), Scoliid wasps, Tiphiid wasps, Sand wasps, Spider wasps, and Eumenine wasps. Flies visitors include Soldier flies, Syrphid flies, Mydas flies, bee flies, Thick-Headed flies, and Tachinid flies. The seeds are too small to be of much interest to birds. Mammalian herbivores usually don't browse on this plant because of the minty taste; the foliage may contain anti-bacterial substances that disrupt the digestive process of herbivores.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This plant has a delicate, somewhat airy appearance. Slender Mountain Mint closely resembles Pycnanthemum virginianum (Common Mountain Mint), except that the former has hairless stems and leaves that never exceed ¼" across. Common Mountain Mint, on the other hand, has lines of white hairs on its stems, and some of the larger leaves will exceed ¼" across. This latter plant tends to be taller, stouter, and less branched in appearance; it also blooms a little later in the year. The photographed flowering plant is still in the bud stage, while the photographed flowerheads are beginning to bloom.
The upper stems terminate in small flat heads of flowers. The short tubular flowers are white, often with scattered purple dots, and individually about ¼" long. The corolla is divided into an upper lip and a lower lip with three lobes. The reproductive structures of each flower are white, except that the anthers are purple. The calyx is divided into several slender green lobes. The blooming period is early to mid-summer, and lasts about 1–1½ months. There is no floral scent, although the foliage has a mild mint scent and somewhat stronger minty taste. The small dark seeds are without tufts of hairs, but are small enough to be dispersed by gusts of wind. The root system consists of a taproot and rhizomes. Slender Mountain Mint can spread vegetatively, forming colonies of closely bunched plants.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and moist to slightly dry conditions. This plant often grows in rich loam, as well as soil containing rocky or gravelly material. Foliar disease is less troublesome for this mint species than many others. The leaves may assume a yellowish appearance during a major drought. This is an easy plant to grow.
Range & Habitat: The native Slender Mountain Mint occurs occasionally in every county of southern and central Illinois, but is less common and more sporadic in northern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to slightly dry black soil prairies, moist meadows and gravelly areas along rivers, openings in woodlands, moist thickets, acid gravel seeps, limestone glades, and abandoned fields.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are very attractive to many kinds of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, beetles, and plant bugs. These insects usually seek nectar. Among the wasps, are such visitors as Thread-Waisted wasps, Bee Wolves (Philanthus spp.), Scoliid wasps, Tiphiid wasps, Sand wasps, Spider wasps, and Eumenine wasps. Flies visitors include Soldier flies, Syrphid flies, Mydas flies, bee flies, Thick-Headed flies, and Tachinid flies. The seeds are too small to be of much interest to birds. Mammalian herbivores usually don't browse on this plant because of the minty taste; the foliage may contain anti-bacterial substances that disrupt the digestive process of herbivores.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This plant has a delicate, somewhat airy appearance. Slender Mountain Mint closely resembles Pycnanthemum virginianum (Common Mountain Mint), except that the former has hairless stems and leaves that never exceed ¼" across. Common Mountain Mint, on the other hand, has lines of white hairs on its stems, and some of the larger leaves will exceed ¼" across. This latter plant tends to be taller, stouter, and less branched in appearance; it also blooms a little later in the year. The photographed flowering plant is still in the bud stage, while the photographed flowerheads are beginning to bloom.
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成长记
五花肉jia鱼
2018年02月09日
自己的单头不好看，到胜在有3仔
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五花肉jia鱼：@斑目 是的，有种自己怀孕的无措感。虽然没有怀过
斑目：仔仔要好好保护。我这突然出了几天太阳的时候，死了几个鼻屎仔。
文章
Miss Chen
2018年02月08日
Description: This herbaceous perennial wildflower is about 2-3' tall and abundantly branched above. The slender stems are light gray-green, terete, and canescent. Alternate compound leaves occur at intervals along these stems: they are either trifoliate (3 leaflets) or palmate (5 leaflets), spanning up to 3" long and across. The leaflets are up to 1½" long and 1/3" (8 mm.) across; they are gray-green, narrowly elliptic-oblong to oblong, and smooth along their margins.
Raceme of Flowers
The slender petioles are up to 1" long and usually shorter than the longer leaflets. At the base of each petiole, there is a pair of tiny linear stipules; these wither away with age. Occasionally, narrow racemes of blue-violet flowers are produced from the upper stems on long peduncles (up to 4" long). These racemes are 1½–3" long and loosely flowered; 1-4 flowers develop at intervals along each raceme. Individual pea-like flowers are up to ¼" long (6 mm.), consisting of 5 blue-violet petals and a short calyx with 5 teeth. The calyx of each flower is light green green to purple and more or less hairy. Each flower has a short slender petiole; at the base of each petiole, there is a tiny scale-like bract. The blooming period occurs from late spring to late summer and lasts about 1-2 months. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each flower is replaced by a small seedpod about ¼" long that is ovoid and somewhat flattened, terminating abruptly into a short beak. Each seedpod contains only a single seed. The root system consists of a long slender taproot that runs deep into the ground. This wildflower reproduces by reseedingDistribution Map itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry conditions, and soil that contains gravelly material, a little sand, or clay-loam. New plants can be started from seeds, but growth and development are slow. Established plants don't produce foliage until rather late in the spring, but they develop quickly thereafter from the nutrients inside their taproots. Resistance to drought is excellent.
Range & Habitat: The native Scurfy Pea is uncommon in Illinois, occurring from the NE section of the state to the west-central section in counties that are located near the Illinois river. Illinois lies along the eastern edge of its distribution. Habitats include hill prairies, dry upland prairies and gravel prairies, limestone glades, barren upland savannas, and areas along railroads. Scurfy Pea is usually found in high quality habitats, although it benefits from disturbance that reduces woody vegetation. In particular, it responds well to occasional wildfires.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated primarily by small to medium-sized bees, including the Digger bee Svastra obliqua, the Plasterer bee Colletes willistoni, and the Dagger bee Calliopsis andreniformis. These bees are attracted to the nectar of the flowers. Some grasshoppers eat the foliage, including Melanoplus femurrubrum (Red-Legged Grasshopper), Melanoplus foedus (Striped Sand Grasshopper), and Melanoplus packardii (Packard's Grasshopper). The caterpillars of the flower moth Schinia jaguarina feed on the developing seedpods, while the leaf beetle Luperosoma parallelum feeds on the foliage. The foliage of Scurfy Pea is occasionally browsed by White-Tailed Deer and Cottontail Rabbits, even though it has been reported to be mildly toxic to livestock. It is possible that some upland gamebirds and granivorous songbirds eat the seeds, but records about this are lacking.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This wildflower is more typical of prairies in regions that lie to the west of the Mississippi River. It has a rather loose bushy appearance with small blue-violet flowers. Two varieties of Scurfy Pea have been identified: the typical variety produces 1-2 flowers about 4-5 mm. long at intervals along each raceme, while var. floribunda produces 2-4 flowers about 6-7 mm. long at intervals along each raceme. Some specimens of Scurfy Pea may be intermediate in these characteristics and therefore difficult to classify according to variety. Scurfy Pea differs from similar species in the Bean family by having palmately compound leaves with 3-5 leaflets, a taller branching habit, petioles that are usually shorter than the leaflets, and rather loose racemes of small flowers. Another common name of this species is Wild Alfalfa; an older scientific name of this species is Psoralea tenuiflora.
Raceme of Flowers
The slender petioles are up to 1" long and usually shorter than the longer leaflets. At the base of each petiole, there is a pair of tiny linear stipules; these wither away with age. Occasionally, narrow racemes of blue-violet flowers are produced from the upper stems on long peduncles (up to 4" long). These racemes are 1½–3" long and loosely flowered; 1-4 flowers develop at intervals along each raceme. Individual pea-like flowers are up to ¼" long (6 mm.), consisting of 5 blue-violet petals and a short calyx with 5 teeth. The calyx of each flower is light green green to purple and more or less hairy. Each flower has a short slender petiole; at the base of each petiole, there is a tiny scale-like bract. The blooming period occurs from late spring to late summer and lasts about 1-2 months. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each flower is replaced by a small seedpod about ¼" long that is ovoid and somewhat flattened, terminating abruptly into a short beak. Each seedpod contains only a single seed. The root system consists of a long slender taproot that runs deep into the ground. This wildflower reproduces by reseedingDistribution Map itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry conditions, and soil that contains gravelly material, a little sand, or clay-loam. New plants can be started from seeds, but growth and development are slow. Established plants don't produce foliage until rather late in the spring, but they develop quickly thereafter from the nutrients inside their taproots. Resistance to drought is excellent.
Range & Habitat: The native Scurfy Pea is uncommon in Illinois, occurring from the NE section of the state to the west-central section in counties that are located near the Illinois river. Illinois lies along the eastern edge of its distribution. Habitats include hill prairies, dry upland prairies and gravel prairies, limestone glades, barren upland savannas, and areas along railroads. Scurfy Pea is usually found in high quality habitats, although it benefits from disturbance that reduces woody vegetation. In particular, it responds well to occasional wildfires.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated primarily by small to medium-sized bees, including the Digger bee Svastra obliqua, the Plasterer bee Colletes willistoni, and the Dagger bee Calliopsis andreniformis. These bees are attracted to the nectar of the flowers. Some grasshoppers eat the foliage, including Melanoplus femurrubrum (Red-Legged Grasshopper), Melanoplus foedus (Striped Sand Grasshopper), and Melanoplus packardii (Packard's Grasshopper). The caterpillars of the flower moth Schinia jaguarina feed on the developing seedpods, while the leaf beetle Luperosoma parallelum feeds on the foliage. The foliage of Scurfy Pea is occasionally browsed by White-Tailed Deer and Cottontail Rabbits, even though it has been reported to be mildly toxic to livestock. It is possible that some upland gamebirds and granivorous songbirds eat the seeds, but records about this are lacking.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This wildflower is more typical of prairies in regions that lie to the west of the Mississippi River. It has a rather loose bushy appearance with small blue-violet flowers. Two varieties of Scurfy Pea have been identified: the typical variety produces 1-2 flowers about 4-5 mm. long at intervals along each raceme, while var. floribunda produces 2-4 flowers about 6-7 mm. long at intervals along each raceme. Some specimens of Scurfy Pea may be intermediate in these characteristics and therefore difficult to classify according to variety. Scurfy Pea differs from similar species in the Bean family by having palmately compound leaves with 3-5 leaflets, a taller branching habit, petioles that are usually shorter than the leaflets, and rather loose racemes of small flowers. Another common name of this species is Wild Alfalfa; an older scientific name of this species is Psoralea tenuiflora.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年02月07日
Description: This annual plant is 4-12" tall and usually unbranched. The central stem is angular and hairless. The leaves occur in whorls of 4 and are sessile against the stem. They are up to 1½" long and 1/3" (8 mm.) across, linear or linear-oblong in shape, with smooth margins. The central stem terminates in a dense spike of flowers up to 2-3" long and 1" across. These flowers are variable in color, ranging from purplish pink or pink to greenish white. Each flower is about 1/3" (8 mm.) across, consisting of 2 large sepals (called 'wings'), 3 tiny sepals, and 3 petals that form a narrow tube with a crest at its apex. The wings are the most conspicuous part of the flower and determine its color. They are broadly triangular (or deltoid) in shape, and lie to the right and left of the tubular petals. These wings persist on the spike long after the petals have fallen off, and have the appearance of sharp-pointed bracts. The narrow tubular petals are observable near the apex of the spike. They are usually some shade of pink, but quickly fade to brownish yellow, before falling off the spike. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall, and lasts about 1-2 months. When fertilization occurs, each flower is replaced by a 2-seeded capsule. The seeds are hairy. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist sandy soil. The pH should be somewhat acid. This plant can withstand occasional flooding if it is temporary.
Range & Habitat: Cross-Leaved Milkwort occurs primarily in NE Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is an uncommon plant and native to Illinois. Habitats include moist sand prairies, shrub prairies, sandy Black Oak savannas, and edges of sandy marshes. It also occurs along paths in these areas, preferring the reduced competition from taller plants.
Faunal Associations: Probably small to medium-sized long-tongued and short-tongued bees visit the flowers for nectar. Little information is available about this plant's value as a food source to birds or mammals.
Photographic Location: Along a path in the Hooper Branch Savanna Nature Preserve in Iroquois County, Illinois, where Cross-Leaved Milkwort occurred in a moist sand prairie that was somewhat shrubby and sunny moist areas of Black Oak Savanna. This area was prone to occasional flooding from heavy rains.
Comments: The thick spike of flowers of this odd little plant is very conspicuous and easy to spot. Cross-Leaved Milkwort is relatively easy to identify because of the bract-like wings that spread horizontally (left and right) from the center of each flower. In other species of Milkwort, these wings are held upright and resemble petals. The whorled leaves are another distinctive feature, as many species of Milkwort have alternate leaves. Another common name for this plant is 'Drumheads,' which refers to the shape of the stout spike of flowers. Different varieties of Cross-Leaved Milkwort have been described, but only Polygala cruciata aquilonia is known to occur in Illinois.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist sandy soil. The pH should be somewhat acid. This plant can withstand occasional flooding if it is temporary.
Range & Habitat: Cross-Leaved Milkwort occurs primarily in NE Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is an uncommon plant and native to Illinois. Habitats include moist sand prairies, shrub prairies, sandy Black Oak savannas, and edges of sandy marshes. It also occurs along paths in these areas, preferring the reduced competition from taller plants.
Faunal Associations: Probably small to medium-sized long-tongued and short-tongued bees visit the flowers for nectar. Little information is available about this plant's value as a food source to birds or mammals.
Photographic Location: Along a path in the Hooper Branch Savanna Nature Preserve in Iroquois County, Illinois, where Cross-Leaved Milkwort occurred in a moist sand prairie that was somewhat shrubby and sunny moist areas of Black Oak Savanna. This area was prone to occasional flooding from heavy rains.
Comments: The thick spike of flowers of this odd little plant is very conspicuous and easy to spot. Cross-Leaved Milkwort is relatively easy to identify because of the bract-like wings that spread horizontally (left and right) from the center of each flower. In other species of Milkwort, these wings are held upright and resemble petals. The whorled leaves are another distinctive feature, as many species of Milkwort have alternate leaves. Another common name for this plant is 'Drumheads,' which refers to the shape of the stout spike of flowers. Different varieties of Cross-Leaved Milkwort have been described, but only Polygala cruciata aquilonia is known to occur in Illinois.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年02月06日
Description: This perennial orchid is 1-3' tall and unbranched. The central stem is light green and glabrous. Along this stem, there are 2-5 alternate leaves up to 8" long and 2" across; these leaves become smaller in size as they ascend the stem and they are held more or less upright. The leaf blades are light to medium green, lanceolate-oblong to narrowly ovate, and smooth along their margins; their veins are parallel. The central stem terminates in an elongated raceme of flowers about 3-8" long and 2½" across.
Racemes of Flowers
The flowers are arranged somewhat densely all around the central stalk of the raceme, blooming from the bottom to the top. The flowers are usually bright rose-purple and less often pale rose-purple. Each flower is about 1" long and ¾" across, consisting of 3 petal-like sepals, 3 petals, the reproductive organs, and a nectar spur in the back (about 1" long) that nods downward. The upper sepal and two upper petals (about ¼" long) form a small hood (upper lip) above the reproductive organs. The lowest petal forms the lower lip of the flower (about ¾" long); it is deeply divided into 3 fan-shaped lobes that are barely fringed along their lower margins. The central lobe of the lower lip is larger than the lateral lobes; it usually has a small narrow notch in the middle of its lower margin. The lower sepals are about 1/3" long and form the sides of the flower; they extend further back than either the hood or the lower lip. Each flower has a stout ascending pedicel about 1" long. At the base of each pedicel, there is an ascending small bract (about ¾" long) that resembles a narrow leaf. The blooming period occurs during mid- to late summer and lasts about 3 weeks. Fertile flowers are replaced by erect seed capsules about ½–¾" long that are ellipsoid in shape. The capsules split open to release numerous tiny seeds that are dispersed by the wind. The root system consists of fleshy fibrous roots.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, moist conditions, and a slightly acidic soil that contains loam, silt, or gravel. Because the root system forms a symbiotic relationship with underground fungi, individual plants are difficult to transplant. During some years, this orchid may fail to flower.
Range & Habitat: Purple Fringeless Orchid is uncommon in southern and SE Illinois, while in other areas of the state it is absent. This is a native wildflower of Illinois. Habitats include moist meadows and prairies, prairie swales, openings in floodplain woodlands, swamps, moist thickets, gravelly seeps, streambanks, poorly drained fallow fields, and ditches. This orchid benefits from disturbance that reduces overhead trees and other kinds of competing vegetation. It is often found in seasonal wetlands that are flooded during the spring, but dry out during the summer.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts primarily large butterflies and Sphinx moths. The following floral visitors of Purple Fringeless Orchid have been observed: Danaus plexippus (Monarch), Papilio glaucus (Tiger Swallowtail), Papilio troilus (Spicebush Swallowtail), Speyeria cybele (Great Spangled Fritillary), Epargyreus clarus (Silver-Spotted Skipper), Amphion floridensis (Nessus Sphinx), Hemaris diffinis (Snowberry Clearwing), Hemaris thysbe (Hummingbird Clearwing), and Hyles lineata (White-Lined Sphinx). Various mammalian herbivores (deer, rabbits, cattle, etc.) sometimes browse on the foliage and flowers of this and other orchids. It may be necessary to place wire cages around individual plants or erect fences to prevent the destruction of local orchid populations by these animals.
Photographic Location: A prairie in Fayette County, Illinois. The photograph of the flowering plant was taken by Keith & Patty Horn (Copyright © 2009).
Comments: When this orchid is in full bloom, it is very eye-catching and beautiful. The only other species in Illinois that are even remotely similar, viz. Platanthera psycodes (Purple-Fringed Orchid) and Platanthera grandiflora (Large Purple-Fringed Orchid), have rose-purple flowers with strongly fringed lower lips. Because these latter orchids are found only in the northern section of the state, their ranges do not overlap with the more southern range of the Purple Fringeless Orchid.
Racemes of Flowers
The flowers are arranged somewhat densely all around the central stalk of the raceme, blooming from the bottom to the top. The flowers are usually bright rose-purple and less often pale rose-purple. Each flower is about 1" long and ¾" across, consisting of 3 petal-like sepals, 3 petals, the reproductive organs, and a nectar spur in the back (about 1" long) that nods downward. The upper sepal and two upper petals (about ¼" long) form a small hood (upper lip) above the reproductive organs. The lowest petal forms the lower lip of the flower (about ¾" long); it is deeply divided into 3 fan-shaped lobes that are barely fringed along their lower margins. The central lobe of the lower lip is larger than the lateral lobes; it usually has a small narrow notch in the middle of its lower margin. The lower sepals are about 1/3" long and form the sides of the flower; they extend further back than either the hood or the lower lip. Each flower has a stout ascending pedicel about 1" long. At the base of each pedicel, there is an ascending small bract (about ¾" long) that resembles a narrow leaf. The blooming period occurs during mid- to late summer and lasts about 3 weeks. Fertile flowers are replaced by erect seed capsules about ½–¾" long that are ellipsoid in shape. The capsules split open to release numerous tiny seeds that are dispersed by the wind. The root system consists of fleshy fibrous roots.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, moist conditions, and a slightly acidic soil that contains loam, silt, or gravel. Because the root system forms a symbiotic relationship with underground fungi, individual plants are difficult to transplant. During some years, this orchid may fail to flower.
Range & Habitat: Purple Fringeless Orchid is uncommon in southern and SE Illinois, while in other areas of the state it is absent. This is a native wildflower of Illinois. Habitats include moist meadows and prairies, prairie swales, openings in floodplain woodlands, swamps, moist thickets, gravelly seeps, streambanks, poorly drained fallow fields, and ditches. This orchid benefits from disturbance that reduces overhead trees and other kinds of competing vegetation. It is often found in seasonal wetlands that are flooded during the spring, but dry out during the summer.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts primarily large butterflies and Sphinx moths. The following floral visitors of Purple Fringeless Orchid have been observed: Danaus plexippus (Monarch), Papilio glaucus (Tiger Swallowtail), Papilio troilus (Spicebush Swallowtail), Speyeria cybele (Great Spangled Fritillary), Epargyreus clarus (Silver-Spotted Skipper), Amphion floridensis (Nessus Sphinx), Hemaris diffinis (Snowberry Clearwing), Hemaris thysbe (Hummingbird Clearwing), and Hyles lineata (White-Lined Sphinx). Various mammalian herbivores (deer, rabbits, cattle, etc.) sometimes browse on the foliage and flowers of this and other orchids. It may be necessary to place wire cages around individual plants or erect fences to prevent the destruction of local orchid populations by these animals.
Photographic Location: A prairie in Fayette County, Illinois. The photograph of the flowering plant was taken by Keith & Patty Horn (Copyright © 2009).
Comments: When this orchid is in full bloom, it is very eye-catching and beautiful. The only other species in Illinois that are even remotely similar, viz. Platanthera psycodes (Purple-Fringed Orchid) and Platanthera grandiflora (Large Purple-Fringed Orchid), have rose-purple flowers with strongly fringed lower lips. Because these latter orchids are found only in the northern section of the state, their ranges do not overlap with the more southern range of the Purple Fringeless Orchid.
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