成长记
ajlarasati
2018年01月12日
Day 3. Some are already sprouting, while the others hmmmm still need more 'motivation'. I guess. hehe
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Miss Chen
2018年01月12日
Description: This small perennial wildflower is about 3-6" tall, consisting of a rosette of basal leaves and one or more flowering stems with opposite leaves. The basal leaves are about ½" long, medium green, elliptic or oblanceolate in shape, glabrous, and smooth along their margins. The unbranched stems are light green, 4-angled, glabrous, and more or less erect. The opposite leaves, which are widely spaced along each stem, are ¼" long or less, medium green, linear-elliptic in shape, glabrous, sessile, and smooth along their margins. Each stem terminates in 1-2 flowers (usually only one). The flowers have slender pedicels that are light green and glabrous. Individual flowers are 3/8" (10 mm.) across, consisting of a light green tubular calyx with 4 linear lobes, a narrowly tubular corolla with 4 petal-like lobes, 4 stamens, and a pistil with a single style that is bifurcated at its tip. The petal-like lobes of the corolla are pale blue-violet (rarely white), ovate in shape, and widely spreading. At the base of the lobes, the corolla is yellow.
Two types of flowers are produced: those with long stamens and a short style, and those with short stamens and a long style. Regardless of the flower type, both stamens and style are inserted within the corolla or barely visible at its mouth. The blooming period occurs during the late spring and lasts about 3 weeks. The flowers are replaced by 2-lobed seed-capsules about 1/8" (3 mm.) across. The capsule contains several small seeds with minute pebbly surfaces (when viewed under magnification). This wildflower has shallow fibrous roots and slender rhizomes, forming tufts of flowering plants.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and either sandy or thin rocky soil that is somewhat acidic. Most growth and development occurs during the spring. This wildflower will adapt to rock gardens.
Range & Habitat: The native Quaker Ladies is found along the easternmost tier of counties and scattered areas of southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is an uncommon species in this state. Habitats include sand prairies, sandy savannas, sandy paths in wooded areas, sandstone glades and ledges, and damp rocky areas along upland streams. This wildflower occurs in higher quality habitats with sparse ground vegetation.
Faunal Associations: The flowers of Quaker Ladies attract Little Carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), Green Metallic bees and other Halictid bees, bee flies (Bombyliidae), and small butterflies. Blanchon (1901) observed the butterfly Boloria bellona (Meadow Fritillary) as a frequent visitor of the flowers. Both nectar and pollen are available as floral rewards. According to Covell (1984/2005), Houstonia spp. (Bluets) are host plants for caterpillars of the moth Thyris maculata (Spotted Thyris). It is doubtful that mammalian herbivores make much use of the foliage of Quaker Ladies, considering its low stature and sparseness.
Photographic Location: A mossy path in a sandy woodland in NW Ohio near the Oak Openings region.
Comments: This wildflower is dainty, delicate, and wonderful. It is perhaps the most aesthetically pleasing of the small wildflowers in its genus. In Illinois, Quaker Ladies can be distinguished from other Bluets (Houstonia spp.) by the patch of yellow at the center of its corolla. In addition, the opening of its corolla is more narrow than most Bluets and the lobes of its corolla are relatively larger in size and more widely spreading. A species that does not occur within the state, Mountain Bluets (Houstonia serpyllifolia), shares these characteristics with Quaker Ladies. Mountain Bluets differs by having oval-shaped basal leaves that creep across the ground. This latter species is found primarily in the Appalachian mountains. Other common names of Houstonia caerulea are Azure Bluets and Innocence.
Two types of flowers are produced: those with long stamens and a short style, and those with short stamens and a long style. Regardless of the flower type, both stamens and style are inserted within the corolla or barely visible at its mouth. The blooming period occurs during the late spring and lasts about 3 weeks. The flowers are replaced by 2-lobed seed-capsules about 1/8" (3 mm.) across. The capsule contains several small seeds with minute pebbly surfaces (when viewed under magnification). This wildflower has shallow fibrous roots and slender rhizomes, forming tufts of flowering plants.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and either sandy or thin rocky soil that is somewhat acidic. Most growth and development occurs during the spring. This wildflower will adapt to rock gardens.
Range & Habitat: The native Quaker Ladies is found along the easternmost tier of counties and scattered areas of southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is an uncommon species in this state. Habitats include sand prairies, sandy savannas, sandy paths in wooded areas, sandstone glades and ledges, and damp rocky areas along upland streams. This wildflower occurs in higher quality habitats with sparse ground vegetation.
Faunal Associations: The flowers of Quaker Ladies attract Little Carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), Green Metallic bees and other Halictid bees, bee flies (Bombyliidae), and small butterflies. Blanchon (1901) observed the butterfly Boloria bellona (Meadow Fritillary) as a frequent visitor of the flowers. Both nectar and pollen are available as floral rewards. According to Covell (1984/2005), Houstonia spp. (Bluets) are host plants for caterpillars of the moth Thyris maculata (Spotted Thyris). It is doubtful that mammalian herbivores make much use of the foliage of Quaker Ladies, considering its low stature and sparseness.
Photographic Location: A mossy path in a sandy woodland in NW Ohio near the Oak Openings region.
Comments: This wildflower is dainty, delicate, and wonderful. It is perhaps the most aesthetically pleasing of the small wildflowers in its genus. In Illinois, Quaker Ladies can be distinguished from other Bluets (Houstonia spp.) by the patch of yellow at the center of its corolla. In addition, the opening of its corolla is more narrow than most Bluets and the lobes of its corolla are relatively larger in size and more widely spreading. A species that does not occur within the state, Mountain Bluets (Houstonia serpyllifolia), shares these characteristics with Quaker Ladies. Mountain Bluets differs by having oval-shaped basal leaves that creep across the ground. This latter species is found primarily in the Appalachian mountains. Other common names of Houstonia caerulea are Azure Bluets and Innocence.
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Miss Chen
2018年01月12日
Description: This perennial herbaceous plant is 1-3' tall, consisting of a rosette of leaves from which a flowering stalk develops. The basal leaves are up to 6" long and 2" across, tapering to a narrow petiole. They are ovate or oblanceolate, usually with smooth margins, and have scattered white hairs that are ½" or less. The flowering stalk is variably hairy, with a few small leaves alternating along the lower half. The upper half of the stalk is either leafless, or has a few tiny leaves that resemble bracts. Generally, the lower stalk is conspicuously hairy (particularly near the bases of the leaves), while the upper stalk has few or no hairs, except where the flowers occur. This stalk terminates in a panicle of composite flowers. Each composite flower is about ½–¾" across, consisting of a head with 15-30 yellow ray florets. The ray florets have tips that are truncated, ending in 5 small teeth. The blooming period is mid-summer to early fall, and lasts about 1-2 months. Beneath the ray florets, there is a cylindrical arrangement of narrow bracts. These bracts are green or purplish green. The slender stems within the panicle have glandular hairs that are ½" or less; like the bracts, these stems are green or purplish green. The florets are eventually replaced by achenes with white or brown tufts of hair. These achenes are spindle-shaped, tapering at both ends; they are dispersed by the wind. The root system consists of a short crown with fibrous roots underneath; sometimes rhizomes are produced, enabling vegetative reproduction.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, and moist to slightly dry conditions. Gronovius' Hawkweed normally grows in soil that is sandy or rocky, which reduces competition from other plants. The height of this species is variable, depending on such factors as light and moisture levels.
Range & Habitat: The native Gronovius' Hawkweed is scattered throughout Illinois, except for many counties in the NW and central areas of the state (see Distribution Map). Depending on the area, it is occasional to rare or absent. Habitats include moist to mesic sand prairies, sandy thickets, openings in rocky or sandy woodlands, savannas, bluffs, and edges of fields. Where this plant grows in shade, it is usually taller and grows in drier locations. Where it is sunny, this plant is usually shorter and prefers moister locations.
Faunal Associations: The nectar or pollen of the flowers probably attracts many kinds of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, bee flies, and beetles. The seedheads are eaten by the Wild Turkey, while the foliage is eaten by mammalian herbivores, including deer and rabbits.
Photographic Location: Along a sandy path in a Black Oak savanna at Hooper Branch Savanna Nature Preserve in Iroquois County, Illinois.
Comments: Another common name for this species is Hairy Hawkweed, although this name is also used for Hieracium longipilum. The Hieracium spp. are another group of plants that can be tricky to identify. They fall into two broad groups: short stoloniferous plants that consist of leafy rosettes, and taller plants with a flowering stalk that is more or less leafy. The former group is dominated by introduced species from Europe, while the latter group consists of native species. Gronovius' Hawkweed is similar in appearance to Hieracium longipilum (Hairy Hawkweed) and Hieracium scabrum (Rough Hawkweed). It differs from the former by having fewer and shorter hairs of ½" or less, and differs from the latter by the absence of leaves on the upper flowering stalk that are any larger than tiny bracts. Gronovius' Hawkweed has spindle-shaped achenes (tapering on both ends), while Rough Hawkweed has bullet-shaped achenes that taper only at the bottom. Other native Hieracium spp. have hairless foliage and stalks, conspicuous teeth along the margins of the leaves, or flowers that are 1" across or more.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, and moist to slightly dry conditions. Gronovius' Hawkweed normally grows in soil that is sandy or rocky, which reduces competition from other plants. The height of this species is variable, depending on such factors as light and moisture levels.
Range & Habitat: The native Gronovius' Hawkweed is scattered throughout Illinois, except for many counties in the NW and central areas of the state (see Distribution Map). Depending on the area, it is occasional to rare or absent. Habitats include moist to mesic sand prairies, sandy thickets, openings in rocky or sandy woodlands, savannas, bluffs, and edges of fields. Where this plant grows in shade, it is usually taller and grows in drier locations. Where it is sunny, this plant is usually shorter and prefers moister locations.
Faunal Associations: The nectar or pollen of the flowers probably attracts many kinds of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, bee flies, and beetles. The seedheads are eaten by the Wild Turkey, while the foliage is eaten by mammalian herbivores, including deer and rabbits.
Photographic Location: Along a sandy path in a Black Oak savanna at Hooper Branch Savanna Nature Preserve in Iroquois County, Illinois.
Comments: Another common name for this species is Hairy Hawkweed, although this name is also used for Hieracium longipilum. The Hieracium spp. are another group of plants that can be tricky to identify. They fall into two broad groups: short stoloniferous plants that consist of leafy rosettes, and taller plants with a flowering stalk that is more or less leafy. The former group is dominated by introduced species from Europe, while the latter group consists of native species. Gronovius' Hawkweed is similar in appearance to Hieracium longipilum (Hairy Hawkweed) and Hieracium scabrum (Rough Hawkweed). It differs from the former by having fewer and shorter hairs of ½" or less, and differs from the latter by the absence of leaves on the upper flowering stalk that are any larger than tiny bracts. Gronovius' Hawkweed has spindle-shaped achenes (tapering on both ends), while Rough Hawkweed has bullet-shaped achenes that taper only at the bottom. Other native Hieracium spp. have hairless foliage and stalks, conspicuous teeth along the margins of the leaves, or flowers that are 1" across or more.
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Miss Chen
2018年01月11日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant consists of a rosette of basal leaves. The mature leaves are about 3-5" across, palmately lobed, and orbicular or slightly cordate in shape. Their margins are coarsely serrate or dentate, often with straight white hairs along the major veins on the underside of each leaf. The petioles are longer than the leaves. They have straight white hairs that are quite long and conspicuous. From the center of the rosette emerge several flowering stems that are 2-4' tall. These stems are without leaves and have straight white hairs like the petioles. Each stem terminates in a narrow panicle of green flowers. Sometimes the flowers have reddish tints when exposed to the sun. Each flower is about 1/8" (3 mm.) long, consisting of a bottle-shaped calyx that is divided into 5 lobes. There are 5 inconspicuous petals within the calyx, while 5 stamens with orange anthers are exerted beyond the calyx. The blooming period is usually early summer, and lasts about a month. There is no floral scent. Small capsules develop, containing tiny unwinged seeds, which are dispersed by the wind. The central root stock is stout and short, dividing into coarse roots.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to full sun, and mesic to dry conditions. This plant prefers rocky soil, but will grow in clay-loam,loam, or sandy soil. Once established, it is an easy plant to grow.
Range & Habitat: The native Prairie Alumroot occurs occasionally in the northern 2/3 of Illinois, but is rare or absent in southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland areas of black soil prairies, hill prairies, gravel prairies, sand prairies, limestone glades, and rocky upland woodlands. Generally, Prairie Alumroot favors areas with poor rocky soil where there is reduced competition from taller plants.
Faunal Associations: Small bees pollinate the flowers, including Halictid bees and Plasterer bees (Colletidae). The seeds are too small to be of any interest to birds, while the relationship of this plant to mammals is uncertain.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the edge of the postage stamp prairie of Dave Monk in Champaign, Illinois. This plant was underneath a small tree.
Comments: This plant has a similar appearance to Heuchera americana (Common Alumroot). Generally, Prairie Alumroot has straight white hairs on the petioles of the leaves and the flowering stems, while Common Alumroot has short appressed hairs (lying against the flowering stems or petioles), or is devoid of conspicuous hairs. The flowers of Prairie Alumroot are slightly larger in size (about 1/8" or 3 mm. long), while those of Common Alumroot are about 1/10" (2.5 mm.) long. The flowers of Prairie Alumroot are often longer at the top than the bottom, while those of Common Alumroot are more symmetrical. Across different localities, there are significant variations in the characteristics of this plant, and different varieties have been identified. In Illinois, var. grayana has flowers that are strongly asymmetric, while var. affinis (as illustrated in a photograph above) has flowers that are only slightly asymmetric. Plants with reddish leaves and silver markings have been introduced by the nursery trade, which are sometimes grown in flower gardens. The wild plant, however, isn't very showy.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to full sun, and mesic to dry conditions. This plant prefers rocky soil, but will grow in clay-loam,loam, or sandy soil. Once established, it is an easy plant to grow.
Range & Habitat: The native Prairie Alumroot occurs occasionally in the northern 2/3 of Illinois, but is rare or absent in southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland areas of black soil prairies, hill prairies, gravel prairies, sand prairies, limestone glades, and rocky upland woodlands. Generally, Prairie Alumroot favors areas with poor rocky soil where there is reduced competition from taller plants.
Faunal Associations: Small bees pollinate the flowers, including Halictid bees and Plasterer bees (Colletidae). The seeds are too small to be of any interest to birds, while the relationship of this plant to mammals is uncertain.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the edge of the postage stamp prairie of Dave Monk in Champaign, Illinois. This plant was underneath a small tree.
Comments: This plant has a similar appearance to Heuchera americana (Common Alumroot). Generally, Prairie Alumroot has straight white hairs on the petioles of the leaves and the flowering stems, while Common Alumroot has short appressed hairs (lying against the flowering stems or petioles), or is devoid of conspicuous hairs. The flowers of Prairie Alumroot are slightly larger in size (about 1/8" or 3 mm. long), while those of Common Alumroot are about 1/10" (2.5 mm.) long. The flowers of Prairie Alumroot are often longer at the top than the bottom, while those of Common Alumroot are more symmetrical. Across different localities, there are significant variations in the characteristics of this plant, and different varieties have been identified. In Illinois, var. grayana has flowers that are strongly asymmetric, while var. affinis (as illustrated in a photograph above) has flowers that are only slightly asymmetric. Plants with reddish leaves and silver markings have been introduced by the nursery trade, which are sometimes grown in flower gardens. The wild plant, however, isn't very showy.
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Miss Chen
2018年01月11日
Description: This perennial plant is 3-5' tall, branching occasionally and becoming rather bushy in open situations. The stems are light green to reddish green, variably pubescent or hairy, and terete to slightly angular. Pairs of opposite leaves are distributed evenly along these stems. These leaves are 2½–5" long and 1–3½" across; they are cordate-ovate, ovate, or lanceolate in shape, while their margins are coarsely serrated. The upper leaf surface is medium to dark green and usually rough-textured from minute stiff hairs, while the lower leaf surface is light green and glabrous to short-pubescent. Primary veins of the leaves are pinnately arranged. On each leaf, 2 prominent lateral veins become separated from the central vein near its base. Secondary veins of the leaves form reticulated networks that are visible on the leaf undersides. The petioles are up to ¾" long, partially winged, and more or less pubescent. The upper stems terminate in flowerheads spanning about 1½–3" across; these flowerheads are usually more or less erect. Each flowerhead consists of 8-20 ray florets that surround numerous disk florets. The petaloid rays of each flowerhead are yellow to deep golden yellow, oblong or oblong-elliptic in shape, and slightly notched at their tips.
The tiny corollas of both the ray florets and disk florets are short-tubular in shape, deep golden yellow to orange-yellow, and 5-lobed; the corolla lobes of these florets are triangular in shape and spreading to recurved. Both the ray florets and disk florets of the flowerheads are fertile. At the base of each flowerhead, there are several outer phyllaries (floral bracts) that are arranged in a single series. These phyllaries are light to medium green, more or less pubescent, and oblong-ovate in shape, tapering abruptly to blunt tips that are somewhat recurved. There are also several inner phyllaries that are arranged in a single series. These phyllaries are similar to the outer phyllaries, but their tips are appressed along the base of the flowerhead, rather than recurved. The peduncles of the flowerheads are 1-6" long, light green, terete to slightly angular, and more or less pubescent. The blooming period occurs from early summer to late summer, lasting about 2-3 months for a colony of plants. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by achenes that are 4-5 mm. long, oblongoid-oblanceoloid in shape, somewhat flattened, and dark-colored. These achenes lack tufts of hair, nor do they have significant scales at their apices. The root system is fibrous.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and loamy soil, although rocky ground and clay-loam are tolerated. This plant is easy to cultivate and it has a long blooming period during the summer. Some double-flowered cultivars are available.
Range & Habitat: The native False Sunflower occurs throughout Illinois, except for a few southern counties (see Distribution Map). It is a fairly common plant, favoring areas that have some history of disturbance. Habitats include black soil prairies, river-bottom prairies, grassy meadows in wooded areas, open woodlands, woodland borders, savannas, thickets, limestone glades, banks of streams, and areas along railroads where prairie remnants occur. False Sunflower is grown in flower gardens, from which it sometimes escapes into neighboring waste areas. This plant is also used in prairie restorations, even though it is more typically found in or around wooded areas.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract a wide variety of insects, including honeybees, bumblebees, little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), digger bees (Melissodes spp.), cuckoo bees (Coelioxys spp., Triepeolus spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees (Agapostemon spp., Lasioglossum spp.), Andrenid bees (Andrena spp., Heterosarus spp.), thread-waisted wasps (Ammophila spp.) and other wasps, Syrphid flies (Eristalis spp., Toxomerus spp.), bee flies (Exoprosopa spp.), the Goldenrod Soldier Beetle (Chauliognathus pennsylanicus) and other beetles, Painted Lady butterflies (Vanessa spp.) and other butterflies, and skippers (Robertson, 1929). These floral visitors cross-pollinate the flowerheads. Other insects feed on the leaves, stems, seeds, and other parts of False Sunflower. These species include a leaf beetle (Physonota helianthi), leaf-mining larvae of a Tischeriid moth (Astrotischeria heliopsisella), stem-boring larvae of the Rigid Sunflower Borer Moth (Papaipema rigida), floret- and seed-eating larvae of a fly (Melanagromyza virens), and a seed bug (Lygaeus turcicus); see Clark et al. (2004), Microleps website (2010), Covell (1984/2005), Marcovitch (1916), and Hoffman (1996). Little is known about this plant's relationships to vertebrate animals, but they are probably similar to those of sunflowers (Helianthus spp.). Hoofed mammalian herbivores probably browse on the young foliage, while upland gamebirds, granivorous songbirds, and small rodents probably eat the seeds.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Kaufman Lake Park in Champaign, Illinois, near some trees.
Comments: False Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides) is not considered a true sunflower (Helianthus sp.) because both the ray and disk florets of its flowerheads can produce seeds. In contrast, only the disk florets of sunflowers can produce seeds. In contrast to both False Sunflower and true sunflowers, only the ray florets of Silphium spp. can produce seeds, while their disk florets are seedless. All of these species are relatively large and robust plants that produce showy flowerheads with yellow rays, and they prefer habitats that are at least partly sunny. False Sunflower resembles many sunflower species, particularly those that are found in and around woodlands. In addition to the difference in the fertility of their florets, False Sunflower can be distinguished by its more erect flowerheads, by the rather stout and blunt-tipped phyllaries on its flowerheads, and by the arrangement of its outer phyllaries in a single series. In contrast, most sunflower species have flowerheads that nod sideways, their phyllaries are either more slender (linear-lanceolate in shape) or they are triangular with acute tips, and they have several overlapping series of outer phyllaries.
The tiny corollas of both the ray florets and disk florets are short-tubular in shape, deep golden yellow to orange-yellow, and 5-lobed; the corolla lobes of these florets are triangular in shape and spreading to recurved. Both the ray florets and disk florets of the flowerheads are fertile. At the base of each flowerhead, there are several outer phyllaries (floral bracts) that are arranged in a single series. These phyllaries are light to medium green, more or less pubescent, and oblong-ovate in shape, tapering abruptly to blunt tips that are somewhat recurved. There are also several inner phyllaries that are arranged in a single series. These phyllaries are similar to the outer phyllaries, but their tips are appressed along the base of the flowerhead, rather than recurved. The peduncles of the flowerheads are 1-6" long, light green, terete to slightly angular, and more or less pubescent. The blooming period occurs from early summer to late summer, lasting about 2-3 months for a colony of plants. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by achenes that are 4-5 mm. long, oblongoid-oblanceoloid in shape, somewhat flattened, and dark-colored. These achenes lack tufts of hair, nor do they have significant scales at their apices. The root system is fibrous.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and loamy soil, although rocky ground and clay-loam are tolerated. This plant is easy to cultivate and it has a long blooming period during the summer. Some double-flowered cultivars are available.
Range & Habitat: The native False Sunflower occurs throughout Illinois, except for a few southern counties (see Distribution Map). It is a fairly common plant, favoring areas that have some history of disturbance. Habitats include black soil prairies, river-bottom prairies, grassy meadows in wooded areas, open woodlands, woodland borders, savannas, thickets, limestone glades, banks of streams, and areas along railroads where prairie remnants occur. False Sunflower is grown in flower gardens, from which it sometimes escapes into neighboring waste areas. This plant is also used in prairie restorations, even though it is more typically found in or around wooded areas.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract a wide variety of insects, including honeybees, bumblebees, little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), digger bees (Melissodes spp.), cuckoo bees (Coelioxys spp., Triepeolus spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees (Agapostemon spp., Lasioglossum spp.), Andrenid bees (Andrena spp., Heterosarus spp.), thread-waisted wasps (Ammophila spp.) and other wasps, Syrphid flies (Eristalis spp., Toxomerus spp.), bee flies (Exoprosopa spp.), the Goldenrod Soldier Beetle (Chauliognathus pennsylanicus) and other beetles, Painted Lady butterflies (Vanessa spp.) and other butterflies, and skippers (Robertson, 1929). These floral visitors cross-pollinate the flowerheads. Other insects feed on the leaves, stems, seeds, and other parts of False Sunflower. These species include a leaf beetle (Physonota helianthi), leaf-mining larvae of a Tischeriid moth (Astrotischeria heliopsisella), stem-boring larvae of the Rigid Sunflower Borer Moth (Papaipema rigida), floret- and seed-eating larvae of a fly (Melanagromyza virens), and a seed bug (Lygaeus turcicus); see Clark et al. (2004), Microleps website (2010), Covell (1984/2005), Marcovitch (1916), and Hoffman (1996). Little is known about this plant's relationships to vertebrate animals, but they are probably similar to those of sunflowers (Helianthus spp.). Hoofed mammalian herbivores probably browse on the young foliage, while upland gamebirds, granivorous songbirds, and small rodents probably eat the seeds.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Kaufman Lake Park in Champaign, Illinois, near some trees.
Comments: False Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides) is not considered a true sunflower (Helianthus sp.) because both the ray and disk florets of its flowerheads can produce seeds. In contrast, only the disk florets of sunflowers can produce seeds. In contrast to both False Sunflower and true sunflowers, only the ray florets of Silphium spp. can produce seeds, while their disk florets are seedless. All of these species are relatively large and robust plants that produce showy flowerheads with yellow rays, and they prefer habitats that are at least partly sunny. False Sunflower resembles many sunflower species, particularly those that are found in and around woodlands. In addition to the difference in the fertility of their florets, False Sunflower can be distinguished by its more erect flowerheads, by the rather stout and blunt-tipped phyllaries on its flowerheads, and by the arrangement of its outer phyllaries in a single series. In contrast, most sunflower species have flowerheads that nod sideways, their phyllaries are either more slender (linear-lanceolate in shape) or they are triangular with acute tips, and they have several overlapping series of outer phyllaries.
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Miss Chen
2018年01月11日
Description: This perennial wildflower consists of a rosette of basal leaves up to 1½' across, from which a flowering stalk develops that is 2-4' tall. The blades of the basal leaves are 2-7" long and 1-3" across; they are oval to ovate in shape and their margins are smooth (entire) or serrulate with sparse small teeth. The blades of basal leaves usually have rounded bottom and blunt tips. Their upper blade surfaces are medium green and rough-textured, while their lower surfaces are light green. In addition to their central veins, the basal leaves have 1-2 pairs of lateral veins that originate from the bases of their blades. The slender petioles of the basal leaves are 1-4" long and light green. The flowering stalk is light green to greenish red and glabrous to hairy; it is mostly naked, except for 1-2 pairs of opposite leaves below and a few alternate leaves above. The blades of opposite or alternate leaves are 1-3" long and ¼-¾" across; they are lanceolate or elliptic in shape and usually smooth (entire) along their margins. The blades surfaces of these leaves are similar to those of the basal leaves, while their petioles are either absent or up to ½" long.
The flowering stalk terminates in 1-12 flowerheads that are usually arranged in a panicle. The peduncles of these flowerheads are ½-6" long. Individual flowerheads are 1½-2½" across, consisting of 8-22 ray florets that surround numerous disk florets. The petaloid rays are yellow and oblong to elliptic in shape. The tiny disk florets have tubular corollas that are yellow and 5-lobed. Around the base of each flowerhead, there are several overlapping phyllaries (floral bracts). These phyllaries are 5-7 mm. long, light green, linear-lanceolate in shape, and ciliate along their margins. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall, lasting about 1 month for a colony of plants. Afterwards, the fertile disk florets are replaced by achenes about 3-4 mm. in length. These achenes are broadly oblongoid and somewhat flattened in shape; they have a pair of scale-like awns that are early-deciduous. The root system consists of a narrow taproot with shallow rhizomes. Vegetative colonies of plants are sometimes produced from these rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, mesic to dry conditions, and sandy soil. This wildflower will also adapt to partial sun and rocky soil. On deep fertile soil, it is not competitive with other species of plants. This is one of the less aggressive Helianthus spp. (sunflowers).
Range & Habitat: The native Western Sunflower is occasional in the northern half of Illinois, while in the southern section of the state it is uncommon or absent. Habitats include upland sand prairies, sandy hill prairies, upland sandy savannas, limestone and sandstone glades, sandy areas along railroads, and sandy abandoned fields. This sunflower is usually found in higher quality habitats where the original ground flora is still intact.
Faunal Associations: The pollinators of Western Sunflower are probably similar to those of other sunflowers that grow in relatively open areas. This includes such insects and long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, miscellaneous flies, and occasional butterflies. The following bees are oligoleges (specialist pollinators) of sunflowers (Helianthus spp.): Dufourea marginata, Andrena accepta, Andrena helianthi, Andrena aliciae, Melissodes agilis, and Pseudopanurgus rugosus. Other insects feed on the foliage, bore through the stems, feed on the florets and seeds, or suck plant juices from sunflowers. These species include: the leafhoppers Mesamia straminea and Mesamia nigridorsum; the aphids Uroleucon illini and Uroleucon rudbeckiae; the plant bugs Ilnacora stalii and Plagiognathus nigronitens; Haplorhynchities aeneus (Sunflower Head-Clipping Weevil) and Cylindrocopturus adspersus (Sunflower Stem Weevil); the leaf beetles Physonota helianthi and Trirhabda adela; Contarinia schulzi (Sunflower Midge) and Neotephritis finalis (Sunflower Seed Maggot); Melanoplus packardii (Packard's Grasshopper) and Sparagemon collare (Mottled Sand Grasshopper); and the flower thrips Heterothrips auranticornis (see Insect Table for a more complete listing of these species). In addition to these insects, the caterpillars of such butterflies as Chlosyne gorgone (Gorgone Checkerspot), Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot), and Vanessa cardui (Painted Lady) feed on sunflowers, as do the caterpillars of many moths (see Moth Table).
The seeds of wild sunflowers are a nutritious source of food for many birds, including the Mourning Dove, Eastern Goldfinch, White-Winged Crossbill, Bobwhite Quail, and several species of sparrows (see Bird Table). The seeds are also eaten by the Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrel, mice, and voles. White-Tailed Deer and other hoofed mammalian herbivores browse on the flowering stalks and leaves of sunflowers. Because the Plains Pocket Gopher prefers many of the same habitats as the Western Sunflower in Illinois (open sandy habitats that are well-drained), it likely feeds on the roots, foliage, and seeds of this sunflower in some areas of the state.
Photographic Location: A flower garden in Urbana, Illinois. Because of a hot dry summer, the foliage of the photographed plant was unusually yellow.
Comments: Because of its prominent basal leaves and nearly naked flowering stalks, the Western Sunflower has a very distinct appearance among Helianthus spp. (sunflowers). It resembles a petite Silphium terebinthinaceum (Prairie Dock), however the seeds of this latter wildflower are produced by the ray florets, rather than the disk florets. Also, the basal leaves of this latter wildflower are more toothed along their margins, more erect, and much larger in size. In spite of its distinct appearance, the Western Sunflower can form both natural and artificial hybrids with several species of sunflowers. One of these hybrids, Helianthus × cinereus, has Helianthus mollis (Downy Sunflower) as the other parent. The common name of this species, Western Sunflower, is somewhat misleading, because it isn't native to the western United States. Instead, its distribution is centered in the upper Midwest.
The flowering stalk terminates in 1-12 flowerheads that are usually arranged in a panicle. The peduncles of these flowerheads are ½-6" long. Individual flowerheads are 1½-2½" across, consisting of 8-22 ray florets that surround numerous disk florets. The petaloid rays are yellow and oblong to elliptic in shape. The tiny disk florets have tubular corollas that are yellow and 5-lobed. Around the base of each flowerhead, there are several overlapping phyllaries (floral bracts). These phyllaries are 5-7 mm. long, light green, linear-lanceolate in shape, and ciliate along their margins. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall, lasting about 1 month for a colony of plants. Afterwards, the fertile disk florets are replaced by achenes about 3-4 mm. in length. These achenes are broadly oblongoid and somewhat flattened in shape; they have a pair of scale-like awns that are early-deciduous. The root system consists of a narrow taproot with shallow rhizomes. Vegetative colonies of plants are sometimes produced from these rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, mesic to dry conditions, and sandy soil. This wildflower will also adapt to partial sun and rocky soil. On deep fertile soil, it is not competitive with other species of plants. This is one of the less aggressive Helianthus spp. (sunflowers).
Range & Habitat: The native Western Sunflower is occasional in the northern half of Illinois, while in the southern section of the state it is uncommon or absent. Habitats include upland sand prairies, sandy hill prairies, upland sandy savannas, limestone and sandstone glades, sandy areas along railroads, and sandy abandoned fields. This sunflower is usually found in higher quality habitats where the original ground flora is still intact.
Faunal Associations: The pollinators of Western Sunflower are probably similar to those of other sunflowers that grow in relatively open areas. This includes such insects and long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, miscellaneous flies, and occasional butterflies. The following bees are oligoleges (specialist pollinators) of sunflowers (Helianthus spp.): Dufourea marginata, Andrena accepta, Andrena helianthi, Andrena aliciae, Melissodes agilis, and Pseudopanurgus rugosus. Other insects feed on the foliage, bore through the stems, feed on the florets and seeds, or suck plant juices from sunflowers. These species include: the leafhoppers Mesamia straminea and Mesamia nigridorsum; the aphids Uroleucon illini and Uroleucon rudbeckiae; the plant bugs Ilnacora stalii and Plagiognathus nigronitens; Haplorhynchities aeneus (Sunflower Head-Clipping Weevil) and Cylindrocopturus adspersus (Sunflower Stem Weevil); the leaf beetles Physonota helianthi and Trirhabda adela; Contarinia schulzi (Sunflower Midge) and Neotephritis finalis (Sunflower Seed Maggot); Melanoplus packardii (Packard's Grasshopper) and Sparagemon collare (Mottled Sand Grasshopper); and the flower thrips Heterothrips auranticornis (see Insect Table for a more complete listing of these species). In addition to these insects, the caterpillars of such butterflies as Chlosyne gorgone (Gorgone Checkerspot), Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot), and Vanessa cardui (Painted Lady) feed on sunflowers, as do the caterpillars of many moths (see Moth Table).
The seeds of wild sunflowers are a nutritious source of food for many birds, including the Mourning Dove, Eastern Goldfinch, White-Winged Crossbill, Bobwhite Quail, and several species of sparrows (see Bird Table). The seeds are also eaten by the Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrel, mice, and voles. White-Tailed Deer and other hoofed mammalian herbivores browse on the flowering stalks and leaves of sunflowers. Because the Plains Pocket Gopher prefers many of the same habitats as the Western Sunflower in Illinois (open sandy habitats that are well-drained), it likely feeds on the roots, foliage, and seeds of this sunflower in some areas of the state.
Photographic Location: A flower garden in Urbana, Illinois. Because of a hot dry summer, the foliage of the photographed plant was unusually yellow.
Comments: Because of its prominent basal leaves and nearly naked flowering stalks, the Western Sunflower has a very distinct appearance among Helianthus spp. (sunflowers). It resembles a petite Silphium terebinthinaceum (Prairie Dock), however the seeds of this latter wildflower are produced by the ray florets, rather than the disk florets. Also, the basal leaves of this latter wildflower are more toothed along their margins, more erect, and much larger in size. In spite of its distinct appearance, the Western Sunflower can form both natural and artificial hybrids with several species of sunflowers. One of these hybrids, Helianthus × cinereus, has Helianthus mollis (Downy Sunflower) as the other parent. The common name of this species, Western Sunflower, is somewhat misleading, because it isn't native to the western United States. Instead, its distribution is centered in the upper Midwest.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年01月10日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 3-8' tall and largely unbranched, except where the flowers occur. The central stem is stout, round, light green to light red, and densely covered with short white hairs. The leaves occur alternately along the central stem, except for some of the lower leaves, which may occur oppositely from each other. These leaves are up to 12" long and 2" across. They are sessile against the stem, and narrowly lanceolate. Their upper and lower surfaces are light green and covered with fine white hairs. The margins of the leaves are smooth, or they may have widely spaced small teeth. Furthermore, the typical leaf folds upward from the central vein, and curls downward from the stem on account of its length.
From the axils of the upper leaves, there are short flowering stalks. Each of these stalks is more or less erect, bearing a single composite flower and possibly 1 or 2 leaves. Each composite flower is about 2–3½" across. There are 20-40 yellow ray florets, which surround numerous disk florets. Behind each composite flower, there are green bracts that are lanceolate or narrowly lanceolate; they are covered with fine white hairs as well. The blooming period is late summer to fall and lasts about 1 month. The achenes are linear-oblong with a pair of awns on top. They are blown about by the wind, or distributed by animals. The root system consists of fleshy, fibrous roots and rhizomes. Like other perennial sunflowers, this plant can form vegetative colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions. The soil can contain clay-loam, rocky material, or loess. This plant appears to have few problems with pests or foliar disease. It can grow tall and spread aggressively, and may flop over while in bloom if it is grown in moist rich soil.
Range & Habitat: Maximilian's Sunflower is an uncommon plant that occurs in NE Illinois, west central Illinois, and SW Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is adventive from the west in most, if not all, of these areas. It is possible, however, that Maximilian's Sunflower is native to a few of the western counties in Illinois where it occurs in high quality natural habitats. Habitats include rocky upland prairies, loess hill prairies, ledges of rocky cliffs, areas along railroads and roadsides, and waste ground. This plant is more common in states that lie west of the Mississippi River.
Faunal Associations: The flowers of this species probably attract many of the same insects as other sunflowers, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, butterflies and skippers, and beetles. These insects seek nectar or pollen. The seeds of sunflowers are an attractive food source to both birds and small mammals (see Wildlife Table). The caterpillars of the butterfly Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) feed on the foliage, while the caterpillars of several Papaipema spp. (Borer Moths) bore through the stems (see the Insect Table for additional species that feed on sunflowers). The foliage of young plants may be eaten by rabbits and groundhogs, while large plants are eaten by livestock.
Photographic Location: A city park in Champaign, Illinois, where a colony of plants occurred along a small lake.
Comments: Maximilian's Sunflower is named after an early botantical explorer of North America. This plant has attractive foliage and flowers, and it is easy to identify because of the unusual leaves. These narrow leaves are longer (up to 12") than the leaves of other Helianthus spp. in Illinois, and they have a distinctive light green or greyish green appearance because of their fine white hairs. Two native species, Helianthus grosseserratus (Sawtooth Sunflower) and Helianthus giganteus (Giant Sunflower), also have narrow leaves, but they are not covered with dense white hairs. Another species resembling Maximilian's Sunflower is Helianthus salicifolius (Willow Sunflower), which occurs in the southern Great Plains. The Willow Sunflower has narrow leaves that are even longer than Maximilian's Sunflower, but they are only ½" across or less. The Willow sunflower is not known to occur in Illinois at the present time, although a colony of 500 plants once existed in Cook County before it was destroyed by commercial development. These plants were undoubtedly adventive from the west. Sometimes the scientific name of Maximilian's Sunflower is spelled Helianthus maximilianii.
From the axils of the upper leaves, there are short flowering stalks. Each of these stalks is more or less erect, bearing a single composite flower and possibly 1 or 2 leaves. Each composite flower is about 2–3½" across. There are 20-40 yellow ray florets, which surround numerous disk florets. Behind each composite flower, there are green bracts that are lanceolate or narrowly lanceolate; they are covered with fine white hairs as well. The blooming period is late summer to fall and lasts about 1 month. The achenes are linear-oblong with a pair of awns on top. They are blown about by the wind, or distributed by animals. The root system consists of fleshy, fibrous roots and rhizomes. Like other perennial sunflowers, this plant can form vegetative colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions. The soil can contain clay-loam, rocky material, or loess. This plant appears to have few problems with pests or foliar disease. It can grow tall and spread aggressively, and may flop over while in bloom if it is grown in moist rich soil.
Range & Habitat: Maximilian's Sunflower is an uncommon plant that occurs in NE Illinois, west central Illinois, and SW Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is adventive from the west in most, if not all, of these areas. It is possible, however, that Maximilian's Sunflower is native to a few of the western counties in Illinois where it occurs in high quality natural habitats. Habitats include rocky upland prairies, loess hill prairies, ledges of rocky cliffs, areas along railroads and roadsides, and waste ground. This plant is more common in states that lie west of the Mississippi River.
Faunal Associations: The flowers of this species probably attract many of the same insects as other sunflowers, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, butterflies and skippers, and beetles. These insects seek nectar or pollen. The seeds of sunflowers are an attractive food source to both birds and small mammals (see Wildlife Table). The caterpillars of the butterfly Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) feed on the foliage, while the caterpillars of several Papaipema spp. (Borer Moths) bore through the stems (see the Insect Table for additional species that feed on sunflowers). The foliage of young plants may be eaten by rabbits and groundhogs, while large plants are eaten by livestock.
Photographic Location: A city park in Champaign, Illinois, where a colony of plants occurred along a small lake.
Comments: Maximilian's Sunflower is named after an early botantical explorer of North America. This plant has attractive foliage and flowers, and it is easy to identify because of the unusual leaves. These narrow leaves are longer (up to 12") than the leaves of other Helianthus spp. in Illinois, and they have a distinctive light green or greyish green appearance because of their fine white hairs. Two native species, Helianthus grosseserratus (Sawtooth Sunflower) and Helianthus giganteus (Giant Sunflower), also have narrow leaves, but they are not covered with dense white hairs. Another species resembling Maximilian's Sunflower is Helianthus salicifolius (Willow Sunflower), which occurs in the southern Great Plains. The Willow Sunflower has narrow leaves that are even longer than Maximilian's Sunflower, but they are only ½" across or less. The Willow sunflower is not known to occur in Illinois at the present time, although a colony of 500 plants once existed in Cook County before it was destroyed by commercial development. These plants were undoubtedly adventive from the west. Sometimes the scientific name of Maximilian's Sunflower is spelled Helianthus maximilianii.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年01月10日
Description: This herbaceous perennial wildflower is 3-8' tall and unbranched, except toward the apex where the flowering heads occur. The central stem is terete, light green or dark red (often the latter), and sparsely covered with stiff bristles. The middle to upper leaves are alternate, while the lower leaves are either alternate or opposite; they are up to 7" long and 1¼" across. The leaves are narrowly lanceolate and slightly toothed along their margins; they have short slender petioles up to ½" long. The upper surface of each leaf is rough-textured, while the lower surface is covered with fine short hairs
The upper stems terminate in several flowerheads. Each flowerhead spans 2–3½" across, consisting of 10-20 yellow ray florets and numerous yellow disk florets (typically about 60). The disk florets are fertile, while the ray florets are sterile. Individual ray florets are oblong in shape and petal-like, while the tiny disk florets are tubular-shaped with 5 spreading lobes. At the base of each flowerhead, there are several floral bracts (phyllaries) that are light green, linear in shape, and ciliate along their margins. They are arranged loosely together. The blooming period occurs from late summer into the fall and lasts about 1½ months. Each fertilized floret is replaced with an achene about 3-4 mm. long that is oblongoid in shape and somewhat flattened; there are 2 deciduous awns at its apex. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. This sunflower often forms vegetative clumps.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, moist conditions, and soil containing loam, sandy loam, or muck. The size of individual plants varies according to soil fertility and moisture levels.
Range & Habitat: The native Luxuriant Sunflower is found primarily in NE Illinois, where it is uncommon (see Distribution Map). Because this sunflower is a hybrid of Helianthus giganteus and Helianthus grosseserratus, it is usually found where the ranges of these two species intersect. Habitats include sedge meadows, calcareous fens, edges of sandy and non-sandy marshes, and moist prairies. This sunflower is found primarily in moist open areas.
Faunal Associations: The florets are cross-pollinated primarily by bees, including bumblebees, honeybees, and Andrenid bees. The following Andrenid bees are specialist pollinators of Helianthus spp. (Sunflowers): Andrena accepta, Andrena aliciae, and Andrena helianthi. Other insect pollinators include butterflies, bee flies, and the larger Syrphid flies. Many insects are known to feed on various parts of sunflowers, including aphids, leafhoppers, grasshoppers, leaf beetles, weevils, plant bugs, and others. Several of these species are listed in the Insect Table (excluding moths). Sunflowers are the preferred food plants for the larvae of two butterflies, Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) and Chlosyne gorgone (Gorgone Checkerspot). The larvae of several moth species also feed on sunflowers (see the Moth Table). Among vertebrate animals, sparrows, goldfinches, and other birds eat the large and nutritious seeds (see the Bird Table), as do some small rodents (Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrel, Meadow Vole, and White-Footed Mouse). White-Tailed Deer and the Cottontail Rabbit feed on the leaves and young stalks of sunflowers. Among wetland species, the Muskrat occasionally feeds on the stalks or uses them in the construction of its lodges. In general, the ecological value of this and other sunflowers to wildlife is high.
Photographic Location: A prairie at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois, where this species was introduced.
Alternate Leaves
Comments: This sunflower is usually taller than the surrounding vegetation and quite showy. Luxuriant Sunflower is similar in appearance to its parental species, Helianthus giganteus (Giant Sunflower) and Helianthus grosseserratus (Sawtooth Sunflower). This hybrid sunflower and its two parents can be distinguished from each other by examining their respective stems: Giant Sunflower has stems that are abundantly covered with long spreading hairs, while Sawtooth Sunflower has stems that are hairless and often glaucous. The Luxuriant Sunflower is intermediate between these two: its stems are sparsely covered with short bristly hairs. However, some authorities prefer to classify specimens with such stems as variants of the Giant Sunflower. All three of these sunflowers prefer open habitats that are somewhat damp. Such sunflowers rank among the preferred hosts of an uncommon parasitic plant, Cuscuta glomerata (Rope Dodder). Because of its dense mass of flowers, this is one of the more attractive Dodder species.
The upper stems terminate in several flowerheads. Each flowerhead spans 2–3½" across, consisting of 10-20 yellow ray florets and numerous yellow disk florets (typically about 60). The disk florets are fertile, while the ray florets are sterile. Individual ray florets are oblong in shape and petal-like, while the tiny disk florets are tubular-shaped with 5 spreading lobes. At the base of each flowerhead, there are several floral bracts (phyllaries) that are light green, linear in shape, and ciliate along their margins. They are arranged loosely together. The blooming period occurs from late summer into the fall and lasts about 1½ months. Each fertilized floret is replaced with an achene about 3-4 mm. long that is oblongoid in shape and somewhat flattened; there are 2 deciduous awns at its apex. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. This sunflower often forms vegetative clumps.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, moist conditions, and soil containing loam, sandy loam, or muck. The size of individual plants varies according to soil fertility and moisture levels.
Range & Habitat: The native Luxuriant Sunflower is found primarily in NE Illinois, where it is uncommon (see Distribution Map). Because this sunflower is a hybrid of Helianthus giganteus and Helianthus grosseserratus, it is usually found where the ranges of these two species intersect. Habitats include sedge meadows, calcareous fens, edges of sandy and non-sandy marshes, and moist prairies. This sunflower is found primarily in moist open areas.
Faunal Associations: The florets are cross-pollinated primarily by bees, including bumblebees, honeybees, and Andrenid bees. The following Andrenid bees are specialist pollinators of Helianthus spp. (Sunflowers): Andrena accepta, Andrena aliciae, and Andrena helianthi. Other insect pollinators include butterflies, bee flies, and the larger Syrphid flies. Many insects are known to feed on various parts of sunflowers, including aphids, leafhoppers, grasshoppers, leaf beetles, weevils, plant bugs, and others. Several of these species are listed in the Insect Table (excluding moths). Sunflowers are the preferred food plants for the larvae of two butterflies, Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) and Chlosyne gorgone (Gorgone Checkerspot). The larvae of several moth species also feed on sunflowers (see the Moth Table). Among vertebrate animals, sparrows, goldfinches, and other birds eat the large and nutritious seeds (see the Bird Table), as do some small rodents (Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrel, Meadow Vole, and White-Footed Mouse). White-Tailed Deer and the Cottontail Rabbit feed on the leaves and young stalks of sunflowers. Among wetland species, the Muskrat occasionally feeds on the stalks or uses them in the construction of its lodges. In general, the ecological value of this and other sunflowers to wildlife is high.
Photographic Location: A prairie at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois, where this species was introduced.
Alternate Leaves
Comments: This sunflower is usually taller than the surrounding vegetation and quite showy. Luxuriant Sunflower is similar in appearance to its parental species, Helianthus giganteus (Giant Sunflower) and Helianthus grosseserratus (Sawtooth Sunflower). This hybrid sunflower and its two parents can be distinguished from each other by examining their respective stems: Giant Sunflower has stems that are abundantly covered with long spreading hairs, while Sawtooth Sunflower has stems that are hairless and often glaucous. The Luxuriant Sunflower is intermediate between these two: its stems are sparsely covered with short bristly hairs. However, some authorities prefer to classify specimens with such stems as variants of the Giant Sunflower. All three of these sunflowers prefer open habitats that are somewhat damp. Such sunflowers rank among the preferred hosts of an uncommon parasitic plant, Cuscuta glomerata (Rope Dodder). Because of its dense mass of flowers, this is one of the more attractive Dodder species.
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