文章
Miss Chen
2018年01月06日
Description: This herbaceous perennial wildflower is 1½–3' tall with each stem branching occasionally in the upper half. Because of vegetative offsets, multiple stems usually develop. The pale to medium green stems are strongly winged from the decurrent leaves; they are usually canescent, but some populations of plants can have either glabrous or hairy stems. The alternate leaves are up to 3" long and 1" across; they are pale to medium green, lanceolate to narrowly ovate, smooth along their margins, and canescent to glabrous. The base of each leaf clasps the stem, forming decurrent extensions of the leaf along the stem below.
The upper stems terminate in individual flowerheads about 1" across. Each flowerhead has a globoid center about ½" across that consists of many disk florets that are purple to brown. Surrounding the center of the flowerhead, there are 8-14 ray florets. The petaloid rays of these latter florets are bright yellow, V-shaped (narrow at the base, broad at the tip), and slightly drooping; the tip of each ray is defined by 3 rounded lobes. At the bottom of each flowerhead, there is a single series of floral bracts that are pale green and lanceolate in shape; they become recurved when the flowerheads are in bloom. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts about 2 months. The rays fall to the ground, while the disk florets in the globoid center develop into small achenes. Each achene is about 1.0 in length or a little longer and bullet-shaped; there is a crown of awned scales at its apex. The root system is fibrous, forming vegetative offsets.
Winged Stem & Leaves
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, wet to moist conditions, and a slightly acid soil. This wildflower will wilt if it is allowed to dry out. Temporary flooding is tolerated.
Range & Habitat: Purple-Headed Sneezeweed is common in southern Illinois and uncommon in central Illinois, where it is native; in the northern section of the state, where this wildflower is rare, local populations probably derive from escaped cultivated plants (see Distribution Map). Habitats include thinly wooded swamps, soggy riverbottom meadows, wet prairies, moist swales in upland prairies, moist depressions in rocky glades, borders of sinkhole ponds, ditches, pastures, and abandoned fields. This wildflower is found in both high quality and disturbed habitats.
Faunal Associations: The flowerheads offer nectar and pollen as floral rewards to a wide range of insect visitors, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, and skippers. Various insects feed on the leaves, pith of the stems, and other parts of Helenium spp. (Sneezeweeds). These species include the caterpillars of the butterfly Nathalis iole (Dainty Sulfur), the caterpillars of Papaipema impecuniosa (Aster Borer Moth) and Papaipema rigida (Rigid Sunflower Borer Moth), and Smicronyx discoideus (Sneezeweed Weevil). Most of these insects also feed on other herbaceous species in the Aster family. The Greater Prairie Chicken eats the seeds and dried flowerheads of Helenium spp. to a limited extent. Because the foliage is bitter-tasting and toxic, it is avoided by cattle and other mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: If you can find a sufficiently damp location for it, Purple-Headed Sneezeweed is worth cultivating because of its attractive foliage and flowerheads. Generally, Sneezeweeds (Helenium spp.) can be distinguished from other species in the Aster family by the globoid centers of their flowerheads, their V-shaped and 3-lobed petaloid rays, and their strongly winged stems from the decurrent leaves. Purple-Headed Sneezeweed is easily distinguished from Helenium autumnale (Common Sneezeweed) by the purple to brown globoid centers of its flowerheads; the globoid centers of the latter species are yellow. Another species in Illinois, Helenium amarum (Bitterweed), has very narrow leaves and it prefers drier habitats. Another scientific name of Purple-Headed Sneezeweed is Helenium nudiflorum.
The upper stems terminate in individual flowerheads about 1" across. Each flowerhead has a globoid center about ½" across that consists of many disk florets that are purple to brown. Surrounding the center of the flowerhead, there are 8-14 ray florets. The petaloid rays of these latter florets are bright yellow, V-shaped (narrow at the base, broad at the tip), and slightly drooping; the tip of each ray is defined by 3 rounded lobes. At the bottom of each flowerhead, there is a single series of floral bracts that are pale green and lanceolate in shape; they become recurved when the flowerheads are in bloom. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts about 2 months. The rays fall to the ground, while the disk florets in the globoid center develop into small achenes. Each achene is about 1.0 in length or a little longer and bullet-shaped; there is a crown of awned scales at its apex. The root system is fibrous, forming vegetative offsets.
Winged Stem & Leaves
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, wet to moist conditions, and a slightly acid soil. This wildflower will wilt if it is allowed to dry out. Temporary flooding is tolerated.
Range & Habitat: Purple-Headed Sneezeweed is common in southern Illinois and uncommon in central Illinois, where it is native; in the northern section of the state, where this wildflower is rare, local populations probably derive from escaped cultivated plants (see Distribution Map). Habitats include thinly wooded swamps, soggy riverbottom meadows, wet prairies, moist swales in upland prairies, moist depressions in rocky glades, borders of sinkhole ponds, ditches, pastures, and abandoned fields. This wildflower is found in both high quality and disturbed habitats.
Faunal Associations: The flowerheads offer nectar and pollen as floral rewards to a wide range of insect visitors, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, and skippers. Various insects feed on the leaves, pith of the stems, and other parts of Helenium spp. (Sneezeweeds). These species include the caterpillars of the butterfly Nathalis iole (Dainty Sulfur), the caterpillars of Papaipema impecuniosa (Aster Borer Moth) and Papaipema rigida (Rigid Sunflower Borer Moth), and Smicronyx discoideus (Sneezeweed Weevil). Most of these insects also feed on other herbaceous species in the Aster family. The Greater Prairie Chicken eats the seeds and dried flowerheads of Helenium spp. to a limited extent. Because the foliage is bitter-tasting and toxic, it is avoided by cattle and other mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: If you can find a sufficiently damp location for it, Purple-Headed Sneezeweed is worth cultivating because of its attractive foliage and flowerheads. Generally, Sneezeweeds (Helenium spp.) can be distinguished from other species in the Aster family by the globoid centers of their flowerheads, their V-shaped and 3-lobed petaloid rays, and their strongly winged stems from the decurrent leaves. Purple-Headed Sneezeweed is easily distinguished from Helenium autumnale (Common Sneezeweed) by the purple to brown globoid centers of its flowerheads; the globoid centers of the latter species are yellow. Another species in Illinois, Helenium amarum (Bitterweed), has very narrow leaves and it prefers drier habitats. Another scientific name of Purple-Headed Sneezeweed is Helenium nudiflorum.
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Miss Chen
2018年01月06日
Description: This perennial wildflower forms a low leafy rosette about 6-10" across. Individual basal leaves are 3-5" long and 1-1¾" across; each leaf is odd-pinnate with 3-6 pairs of lateral leaflets and a terminal leaflet. There are also secondary leaflets that are inserted between some pairs of lateral leaflets; these secondary leaflets are quite small and poorly developed. These leaflets are oriented away from the center of the rosette, forming an oblique angle with the rachis (central stalk of the compound leaf).
Individual leaflets are oblanceolate in shape, shallowly cleft, coarsely dentate, and slightly ciliate along their margins; they are somewhat variable and irregular. During the growing season, the upper leaf surface is medium green and sparsely covered with short appressed hairs, while the lower leaf surface is light green and hairy primarily along the rachis and major veins. Flowering stalks develop from the center of the rosette, becoming 5-10" tall at maturity. Each stalk terminates in an umbel of 3 nodding flowers. The flowering stalks (peduncles) are reddish green to reddish purple, terete, and densely hairy. There is a pair of leafy bracts at the base of each umbel that are deeply cleft with linear to linear-oblong segments. These bracts are reddish green to reddish purple and hairy. Sometimes pairs of leafy bractlets develop along the hairy pedicels of the flowers; these bractlets are also deeply cleft with linear segments. IndividualDistribution Map flowers are ½-1" long and similarly across. Each flower consists of 5 pale red to purplish red sepals, 5 white to pale red petals, a central cluster of pistils, and numerous stamens that are arranged in a ring. The sepals extend along the entire length of the flower and they are joined together at the base; each sepal is deltate in shape and hairy. Each flower also has 5 linear floral bracts (one floral bract between each adjacent pair of sepals). These floral bracts are the same color as the sepals and hairy; they extend outward from the sepals. The petals are largely hidden by the long sepals as the flower barely opens. The blooming period can occur from early to late spring and lasts about 1-2 months. Afterwards, each flower becomes erect and develops a dense cluster of achenes with long feathery tails. These achenes are distributed by the wind. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. This wildflower can form small clonal colonies of plants from the rhizomes. A rosette of low basal leaves persists through the winter; these winter leaves are often reddish purple.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, mesic to dry conditions, and a barren soil that is rocky, gravelly, or sandy. Young plants should be kept well-watered during hot summer weather as Prairie Smoke is adapted to a somewhat cool northern climate. Competition from taller and more aggressive plants is not tolerated.
Range & Habitat: The native Prairie Smoke is restricted to northern Illinois, where it is uncommon. Elsewhere in the state, it is absent. In Illinois, habitats consist of dry gravelly prairies and hill prairies. In other states (e.g., Michigan), this plant has been found in sand prairies and alvars (a habitat that is dominated by limestone slabs). This conservative species is found in high quality prairies where the vegetation is neither too dense nor tall.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by bumblebees, which seek primarily nectar from the flowers (personal observation, 2011; Choberka et al., 2000). These insects are strong enough to force their way into the flowers. The adults of a leaf beetle, Graphops marcassita, have been observed to feed on Prairie Smoke (Clark et al., 2004). The larvae of this beetle may also feed on the roots.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Prairie Smoke is an attractive little plant that should be cultivated more often. The reddish flowers remain attractive for 2-3 months during both the blooming period and afterwards as the achenes develop. It is an easy plant to identify because no other Geum sp. (Avens) within Illinois develops achenes with long feathery tails. Only one other species in this genus, Geum rivale (Water Avens), also produces large reddish flowers. However, Water Avens prefers much wetter habitats than Prairie Smoke. Within the state, other species in this genus produce more conventional flowers with 5 spreading petals that are white or yellow.
Individual leaflets are oblanceolate in shape, shallowly cleft, coarsely dentate, and slightly ciliate along their margins; they are somewhat variable and irregular. During the growing season, the upper leaf surface is medium green and sparsely covered with short appressed hairs, while the lower leaf surface is light green and hairy primarily along the rachis and major veins. Flowering stalks develop from the center of the rosette, becoming 5-10" tall at maturity. Each stalk terminates in an umbel of 3 nodding flowers. The flowering stalks (peduncles) are reddish green to reddish purple, terete, and densely hairy. There is a pair of leafy bracts at the base of each umbel that are deeply cleft with linear to linear-oblong segments. These bracts are reddish green to reddish purple and hairy. Sometimes pairs of leafy bractlets develop along the hairy pedicels of the flowers; these bractlets are also deeply cleft with linear segments. IndividualDistribution Map flowers are ½-1" long and similarly across. Each flower consists of 5 pale red to purplish red sepals, 5 white to pale red petals, a central cluster of pistils, and numerous stamens that are arranged in a ring. The sepals extend along the entire length of the flower and they are joined together at the base; each sepal is deltate in shape and hairy. Each flower also has 5 linear floral bracts (one floral bract between each adjacent pair of sepals). These floral bracts are the same color as the sepals and hairy; they extend outward from the sepals. The petals are largely hidden by the long sepals as the flower barely opens. The blooming period can occur from early to late spring and lasts about 1-2 months. Afterwards, each flower becomes erect and develops a dense cluster of achenes with long feathery tails. These achenes are distributed by the wind. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. This wildflower can form small clonal colonies of plants from the rhizomes. A rosette of low basal leaves persists through the winter; these winter leaves are often reddish purple.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, mesic to dry conditions, and a barren soil that is rocky, gravelly, or sandy. Young plants should be kept well-watered during hot summer weather as Prairie Smoke is adapted to a somewhat cool northern climate. Competition from taller and more aggressive plants is not tolerated.
Range & Habitat: The native Prairie Smoke is restricted to northern Illinois, where it is uncommon. Elsewhere in the state, it is absent. In Illinois, habitats consist of dry gravelly prairies and hill prairies. In other states (e.g., Michigan), this plant has been found in sand prairies and alvars (a habitat that is dominated by limestone slabs). This conservative species is found in high quality prairies where the vegetation is neither too dense nor tall.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by bumblebees, which seek primarily nectar from the flowers (personal observation, 2011; Choberka et al., 2000). These insects are strong enough to force their way into the flowers. The adults of a leaf beetle, Graphops marcassita, have been observed to feed on Prairie Smoke (Clark et al., 2004). The larvae of this beetle may also feed on the roots.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Prairie Smoke is an attractive little plant that should be cultivated more often. The reddish flowers remain attractive for 2-3 months during both the blooming period and afterwards as the achenes develop. It is an easy plant to identify because no other Geum sp. (Avens) within Illinois develops achenes with long feathery tails. Only one other species in this genus, Geum rivale (Water Avens), also produces large reddish flowers. However, Water Avens prefers much wetter habitats than Prairie Smoke. Within the state, other species in this genus produce more conventional flowers with 5 spreading petals that are white or yellow.
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Miss Chen
2018年01月05日
Description: This perennial plant is unbranched and about ¾–1½' tall. The central stem is slightly reddish and has lines of minute white hairs that are difficult to see. The leaves are up to 3" long and 1¼" across. They are oppositely arranged along the central stem, except at the apex of the plant, where they occur in a whorl of 3-7 smaller leaves. They are lanceolate, sessile, and have smooth margins. On each leaf, there may be minute pubescence along the central vein at the base, otherwise the texture tends to be shiny. Two smaller side veins run parallel to the central vein. One or more clusters of 1-8 flowers occur at or near the apex of the plant. The inflorescence is sessile at the topmost whorl of leaves, otherwise the flowers occur on short stalks from the axils of the upper opposite leaves. The violet-blue flowers are about 2" long and 1" across when fully open. The corolla is tubular and vase-shaped, but divides into 5 small triangular lobes that reflex outward. Within the corolla, there is a prominent stigma with a divided white tip, which is surrounded by 5 stamens with white anthers. The outer sides of the corolla contain some patches of greenish violet, while it becomes whitish green near the base on the inside.
The blooming period occurs during the fall, and lasts about a month. There is no noticeable floral fragrance. The seed capsules split into 2 sections, releasing numerous small seeds that can be dispersed by wind or water. The root system consists of a long stout taproot with a few lateral roots.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and average to dry soil. The soil texture can consist of rich loam, clay-loam, or contain some gravel. Prairie Gentian is often difficult to start from seed, but fairly easy to establish from transplants. Foliar disease rarely bothers the leaves. This plant is quite drought resistant.
Range & Habitat: The native Prairie Gentian is uncommon in NE Illinois, while it is rare or absent elsewhere within the state (see Distribution Map). This is an indicator plant of original prairie and other high quality habitats. Such habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, gravelly hill prairies, barrens with stunted trees or shrubs, limestone glades, and prairie remnants along railroads. Occasionally, Prairie Gentian forms small loose colonies. It adapts well to a regimen of occasional spring wildfires, as this removes some of the grassy debris that can smother this plant.
Faunal Associations: Bumblebees are attracted to the nectar of the flowers and cross-pollinate them. Some beetles may knaw on the flowers or eat the seeds, such as Epicauta pensylvanica (Black Blister Beetle). The seeds are too small to be of much interest to birds. Most mammalian herbivores usually don't bother this plant because the leaves are bitter, although White-Tailed Deer may chomp off the upper half of its leafy stems. Overall, the value of this plant to wildlife is low.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Loda Cemetery Prairie in Iroquois County, Illinois.
Comments: This is one of the most beautiful plants on the prairie during the fall, with exceptionally vivid blue-violet flowers. Prairie Gentian can be distinguished from other gentians that occur within the state by its more open corolla and its small, reflexed lobes. It is also has fine white hairs on the stems and at the base of the leaves, but they are often hard to see. Another scientific name for this plant is Gentiana puberula; another common name is 'Downy Gentian.'
The blooming period occurs during the fall, and lasts about a month. There is no noticeable floral fragrance. The seed capsules split into 2 sections, releasing numerous small seeds that can be dispersed by wind or water. The root system consists of a long stout taproot with a few lateral roots.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and average to dry soil. The soil texture can consist of rich loam, clay-loam, or contain some gravel. Prairie Gentian is often difficult to start from seed, but fairly easy to establish from transplants. Foliar disease rarely bothers the leaves. This plant is quite drought resistant.
Range & Habitat: The native Prairie Gentian is uncommon in NE Illinois, while it is rare or absent elsewhere within the state (see Distribution Map). This is an indicator plant of original prairie and other high quality habitats. Such habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, gravelly hill prairies, barrens with stunted trees or shrubs, limestone glades, and prairie remnants along railroads. Occasionally, Prairie Gentian forms small loose colonies. It adapts well to a regimen of occasional spring wildfires, as this removes some of the grassy debris that can smother this plant.
Faunal Associations: Bumblebees are attracted to the nectar of the flowers and cross-pollinate them. Some beetles may knaw on the flowers or eat the seeds, such as Epicauta pensylvanica (Black Blister Beetle). The seeds are too small to be of much interest to birds. Most mammalian herbivores usually don't bother this plant because the leaves are bitter, although White-Tailed Deer may chomp off the upper half of its leafy stems. Overall, the value of this plant to wildlife is low.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Loda Cemetery Prairie in Iroquois County, Illinois.
Comments: This is one of the most beautiful plants on the prairie during the fall, with exceptionally vivid blue-violet flowers. Prairie Gentian can be distinguished from other gentians that occur within the state by its more open corolla and its small, reflexed lobes. It is also has fine white hairs on the stems and at the base of the leaves, but they are often hard to see. Another scientific name for this plant is Gentiana puberula; another common name is 'Downy Gentian.'
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Miss Chen
2018年01月05日
Description: During the first year, this plant develops a rosette of basal leaves. During the second year, this biennial plant bolts to become 3-7' tall at maturity, branching above. The stems are light green, angular or terete, and moderately to densely covered with spreading white hairs. Alternate leaves occur along these stems that have ascending blades; they are sessile or short-petiolate. The leaf blades are up to 7" long and 1" across, although they are usually about one-half of the maximum size. The leaves are narrowly lanceolate or elliptic in shape, while their margins are entire (toothless) or slightly dentate. The leaf surfaces are yellowish green or medium green and glabrous to slightly pubescent (usually becoming more glabrous with age). However, during the autumn, the leaves often become reddish in response to cold weather. The upper stems terminate in open panicles of floral spikes that are up to 2½' long and across. In each spike, the sessile flowers bloom gradually from the bottom to the top with flower buds above and developing seed capsules below.
Each flower is about ½" long and across, consisting of 4 white to pink petals, a narrow calyx tube with 4 green to red sepals at its apex, 8 long-exserted stamens, and an inferior ovary with a long-exserted style. The petals are oblanceolate in shape, tapering to narrow clawed bases; they are arranged in a semi-circle above the reproductive organs. The sepals are linear-lanceolate, short-pubescent, and strongly recurved or deflexed (bent downward or away from the petals). The stamens have white filaments and slender yellow anthers. The slender style is white; it has a 4-lobed stigma at its apex. The branches of the inflorescence are light green or reddish green, angular or terete, and short-pubescent. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to mid-autumn, lasting about 1-2 months. The flowers are replaced by seed capsules that are 6-8 mm. long, fusiform (spindle-shaped), slightly 4-ribbed, and short-pubescent. Each capsule contains a few seeds.
Cultivation: This biennial plant prefers full sunlight and more or less mesic conditions. It tolerates many kinds of soil, include those that contain loam, clay, gravel, or sand.
Range & Habitat: The native Biennial Gaura occurs in most counties of Illinois, where it is occasional to locally common (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic prairies, meadows in wooded areas, limestone glades, abandoned fields, gravelly banks along rivers, roadside embankments, areas along railroads, and waste areas. Biennial Gaura prefers disturbed areas where there is reduced competition from other plants, although it is occasionally found in higher quality habitats.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by long-tongued bees (especially bumblebees) and nectar-seeking moths, including the Northern Corn Earworm Moth (Heliothis zea). Other insects feed destructively on the foliage, flowers, developing seed capsules, and plant sap of Biennial Gaura. Insects in this latter group include aphids (Macrosiphum gaurae, Macrosiphum pseudorosae), leaf-mining larvae of a Momphid moth (Mompha argentimaculella), gall-forming larvae of a a Momphid moth (Mompha rufocristatella), and larvae of the Primrose Moth (Schinia florida) and Gaura Moth (Schinia gaura). Larvae of the latter two moths feed on the flowers and developing seed capsules. The adults of these two moths often hide near the flowers of Biennial Gaura during the day; they are well-camouflaged because of their pinkish or reddish colors. This plant's relationships with vertebrate animals is currently unavailable.
Photographic Location: The photographs of plants were taken along a railroad in Champaign, Illinois, and at a prairie of Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: During late summer when this tall plant is in full bloom, its lanky stems and flowering spikes have a tendency to sway with each passing breeze. Biennial Gaura (Gaura biennis) has not received much attention because of its untidy appearance and slightly weedy nature. However, it provides attractive flowers during the hot and dreary month of August, when other plants are usually dormant. Biennial Gaura closely resembles Large-flowered Gaura (Gaura longiflora), except this latter species has short appressed hairs along its stems, rather than long and widely spreading hairs. Large-flowered Gaura has a more western distribution than Biennial Gaura, and it is less common in Illinois. Another species with a more western distribution, Small-flowered Gaura (Gaura parviflora), has more densely pubescent leaves, a less branched inflorescence, and smaller flowers than Biennial Gaura. Small-flowered Gaura is uncommon in Illinois, where it is adventive.
Each flower is about ½" long and across, consisting of 4 white to pink petals, a narrow calyx tube with 4 green to red sepals at its apex, 8 long-exserted stamens, and an inferior ovary with a long-exserted style. The petals are oblanceolate in shape, tapering to narrow clawed bases; they are arranged in a semi-circle above the reproductive organs. The sepals are linear-lanceolate, short-pubescent, and strongly recurved or deflexed (bent downward or away from the petals). The stamens have white filaments and slender yellow anthers. The slender style is white; it has a 4-lobed stigma at its apex. The branches of the inflorescence are light green or reddish green, angular or terete, and short-pubescent. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to mid-autumn, lasting about 1-2 months. The flowers are replaced by seed capsules that are 6-8 mm. long, fusiform (spindle-shaped), slightly 4-ribbed, and short-pubescent. Each capsule contains a few seeds.
Cultivation: This biennial plant prefers full sunlight and more or less mesic conditions. It tolerates many kinds of soil, include those that contain loam, clay, gravel, or sand.
Range & Habitat: The native Biennial Gaura occurs in most counties of Illinois, where it is occasional to locally common (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic prairies, meadows in wooded areas, limestone glades, abandoned fields, gravelly banks along rivers, roadside embankments, areas along railroads, and waste areas. Biennial Gaura prefers disturbed areas where there is reduced competition from other plants, although it is occasionally found in higher quality habitats.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by long-tongued bees (especially bumblebees) and nectar-seeking moths, including the Northern Corn Earworm Moth (Heliothis zea). Other insects feed destructively on the foliage, flowers, developing seed capsules, and plant sap of Biennial Gaura. Insects in this latter group include aphids (Macrosiphum gaurae, Macrosiphum pseudorosae), leaf-mining larvae of a Momphid moth (Mompha argentimaculella), gall-forming larvae of a a Momphid moth (Mompha rufocristatella), and larvae of the Primrose Moth (Schinia florida) and Gaura Moth (Schinia gaura). Larvae of the latter two moths feed on the flowers and developing seed capsules. The adults of these two moths often hide near the flowers of Biennial Gaura during the day; they are well-camouflaged because of their pinkish or reddish colors. This plant's relationships with vertebrate animals is currently unavailable.
Photographic Location: The photographs of plants were taken along a railroad in Champaign, Illinois, and at a prairie of Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: During late summer when this tall plant is in full bloom, its lanky stems and flowering spikes have a tendency to sway with each passing breeze. Biennial Gaura (Gaura biennis) has not received much attention because of its untidy appearance and slightly weedy nature. However, it provides attractive flowers during the hot and dreary month of August, when other plants are usually dormant. Biennial Gaura closely resembles Large-flowered Gaura (Gaura longiflora), except this latter species has short appressed hairs along its stems, rather than long and widely spreading hairs. Large-flowered Gaura has a more western distribution than Biennial Gaura, and it is less common in Illinois. Another species with a more western distribution, Small-flowered Gaura (Gaura parviflora), has more densely pubescent leaves, a less branched inflorescence, and smaller flowers than Biennial Gaura. Small-flowered Gaura is uncommon in Illinois, where it is adventive.
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巴黎铁塔
2018年01月03日
1.肥料不适
在培育它的时候，我们都是选择一些腐叶土、河沙土等等，然后把它们和少量的有机肥料混合在一起，配置成培养基质。这样它在前期会更容易活下来。然后等到每年3到10月的时候，每隔上2星期就要给它施加一次液肥，这样就可以让叶色更浓绿，如果以上这些没有做到的话，那它的营养就没有供应上，叶片发黄也是难免的。所以施肥也是要适当的。
2.湿度不适
在它生长期的时候，一定要经常保持土壤湿润，还不能让空气太干燥了，不然湿度就会降低，这样叶子也会变得无光泽，甚至枯黄。我们可以在空气干燥的时候，经常向它的叶片上喷水，来提高空气的湿度，这样就能让它的叶色浓绿。由此可见湿度也是影响叶片颜色的一个原因。
3.光照不适
它是非常害怕强光的，如果不小心让它受到强光照射，就会让叶子发黄。它一般是比较喜欢半阴环境的，而且耐阴时间很长，就算是待在阴暗地方1到2个月也是没事的。所以在平时养护它的时候，如果真的太给它晒太阳，那只能接受一些明亮的散射光。
4.浇水不适
虽说它湿润的环境，可是也不能让水分太充足了，不然就会让盆土过于湿润，造成根部溃烂，营养了植株的营养传送，进而让叶子发黄。所以浇水一定要适量，才能保持叶色浓绿。
5.病害引起
当温度极高和湿度极高时，它就会容易出现一些病害，这些病害会直接给它的植株造成影响，让其没有办法正常生长，进而也让营养缺失，导致叶子发黄，那我们就需要及时发现及时防治，防止叶子受到伤害。
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Miss Chen
2018年01月03日
Description: This wildflower is a summer annual about 1½–3' tall that is either unbranched or very sparingly branched. The central stem is erect, stout, terete, and covered with fuzzy hairs that are white, gray, or brown. Opposite leaves occur along the lower one-third of the stem. The leaves are up to 4" long and ¾" across. They are narrowly elliptic to elliptic or narrowly oblanceolate to oblanceolate in shape; their margins are smooth. At the base, the leaves are sessile or they have short petioles; their outer tips are blunt. The upper leaf surface is medium green, white along the margins, and sparsely covered with silky hairs. The lower leaf surface is pale green and more densely covered with silky hairs. The central stem is slightly swollen and reddish at the bases of the opposite leaves. The central stem terminates in a spike of flowers about 1½–4" long and there are usually 1-3 lateral spikes of flowers that are either sessile or on short peduncles. These lateral spikes are usually shorter in length than the terminal spike.
The terminal spike and its peduncle often lean to one side toward the apex of the plant. Each spike is densely packed with white woolly flowers that are arranged in 5 spirals (if the spike is long enough to determine this). Individual flowers are initially conical in shape, but they soon swell to become shaped like a short vase with a short narrow neck. The exterior of the flower is dominated by a white woolly calyx that is about 4-6 mm. long and across at maturity. The calyx has 5 tiny teeth at its apex that are cream-colored or pink. Inserted within the apex of the calyx are 5 stamens and a style; there are no petals. The filaments of the stamens are joined together to form an inner tubular structure that contains the ovary (or seed capsule). The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts 2-3 months. Each flower matures into a single-seeded cottony fruit that often develops a pair of crests along its lower sides. A crest consists of a succession of dentate teeth. The cottony fruits are blown about by the wind. The seeds are 1.0–1.5 mm. long, ovoid, somewhat flattened, and brown. The root system consists of a taproot. This wildflower reproduces by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry conditions, and sandy soil with sparse ground vegetation. Gravelly soil is also tolerated.
Range & Habitat: The Large Cottonweed is occasional in sandy areas of NE Illinois and the western half of the state, where it is native; elsewhere, this plant is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats consist of sandy hill prairies, dry sand prairies, sand dunes, sunny open areas in sandy savannas, sandy fields, areas along sandy paths, and sandy or gravelly areas along railroads. To some extent, Large Cottonweed has extended its range along railroads. Disturbed areas are preferred. Occasional wildfires are probably beneficial in reducing the encroachment of herbaceous perennials and woody vegetation.
Faunal Associations: Information about floral-faunal relationships for this species is sparse. The flowers are probably wind-pollinated or self-fertile, rather than insect-pollinated. The thrips, Haplothrips malifloris, feeds on the leaves of Large Cottonweed and similar species. It is possible that the toothed fruits can cling to the fur of mammals or the feathers of birds, but this has not been well-documented. If it is true, such animal-mediated dispersal would help to spread the seeds into new areas.
Photographic Location: A sunny area near a sandy path at the Hooper Branch Savanna Nature Preserve in Iroquois County, Illinois.
Comments: This strange-looking wildflower immediately catches one's attention when it is encountered while in bloom or in fruit. The floral spikes are exceptionally white and cottony. The only other species in this genus that can be found in Illinois is Froelichia gracilis (Slender Cottonweed), which is probably adventive from the region of the Southern Plains. It is similar in appearance to Large Cottonweed, but less showy. Slender Cottonweed differs from Large Cottonweed by its shorter height (less than 2' tall), more slender leaves (less than ½" across), and shorter floral spikes (1½" or less). It also tends to branch more at the base, producing sprawling stems. Species in this genus are also referred to by the somewhat ominous name, 'Snakecotton.' Thus, Froelichia floridana is sometimes referred to as 'Plains Snakecotton.'
The terminal spike and its peduncle often lean to one side toward the apex of the plant. Each spike is densely packed with white woolly flowers that are arranged in 5 spirals (if the spike is long enough to determine this). Individual flowers are initially conical in shape, but they soon swell to become shaped like a short vase with a short narrow neck. The exterior of the flower is dominated by a white woolly calyx that is about 4-6 mm. long and across at maturity. The calyx has 5 tiny teeth at its apex that are cream-colored or pink. Inserted within the apex of the calyx are 5 stamens and a style; there are no petals. The filaments of the stamens are joined together to form an inner tubular structure that contains the ovary (or seed capsule). The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts 2-3 months. Each flower matures into a single-seeded cottony fruit that often develops a pair of crests along its lower sides. A crest consists of a succession of dentate teeth. The cottony fruits are blown about by the wind. The seeds are 1.0–1.5 mm. long, ovoid, somewhat flattened, and brown. The root system consists of a taproot. This wildflower reproduces by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry conditions, and sandy soil with sparse ground vegetation. Gravelly soil is also tolerated.
Range & Habitat: The Large Cottonweed is occasional in sandy areas of NE Illinois and the western half of the state, where it is native; elsewhere, this plant is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats consist of sandy hill prairies, dry sand prairies, sand dunes, sunny open areas in sandy savannas, sandy fields, areas along sandy paths, and sandy or gravelly areas along railroads. To some extent, Large Cottonweed has extended its range along railroads. Disturbed areas are preferred. Occasional wildfires are probably beneficial in reducing the encroachment of herbaceous perennials and woody vegetation.
Faunal Associations: Information about floral-faunal relationships for this species is sparse. The flowers are probably wind-pollinated or self-fertile, rather than insect-pollinated. The thrips, Haplothrips malifloris, feeds on the leaves of Large Cottonweed and similar species. It is possible that the toothed fruits can cling to the fur of mammals or the feathers of birds, but this has not been well-documented. If it is true, such animal-mediated dispersal would help to spread the seeds into new areas.
Photographic Location: A sunny area near a sandy path at the Hooper Branch Savanna Nature Preserve in Iroquois County, Illinois.
Comments: This strange-looking wildflower immediately catches one's attention when it is encountered while in bloom or in fruit. The floral spikes are exceptionally white and cottony. The only other species in this genus that can be found in Illinois is Froelichia gracilis (Slender Cottonweed), which is probably adventive from the region of the Southern Plains. It is similar in appearance to Large Cottonweed, but less showy. Slender Cottonweed differs from Large Cottonweed by its shorter height (less than 2' tall), more slender leaves (less than ½" across), and shorter floral spikes (1½" or less). It also tends to branch more at the base, producing sprawling stems. Species in this genus are also referred to by the somewhat ominous name, 'Snakecotton.' Thus, Froelichia floridana is sometimes referred to as 'Plains Snakecotton.'
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Miss Chen
2018年01月03日
Description: This perennial herbaceous plant is 1½–3½' tall, branching frequently in the upper half to create a bushy appearance. The slender stems are light green, glabrous, and terete (circular in cross-section). Along the entire length of these stems, there are abundant alternate leaves that become gradually smaller in size as they ascend. These leaves are 1½–4" long and 1.5–4 mm. (less than ¼") across; they are linear in shape, entire (toothless) along their margins, medium green, glabrous (hairless), and either sessile or short-petiolate. The leaves have prominent central veins, and some of the wider leaves have pairs of lateral veins that are also visible. The upper stems terminate in clusters of flowerheads that together form a collective inflorescence that is somewhat flat-headed or dome-shaped and irregular. Within this inflorescence, clusters of 3-7 flowerheads often occur that are sessile during the bud stage, although some of them develop short pedicels while they are in bloom. The branches of these floral clusters are similar to the stems, except they are more angular and occasionally short-hairy. Small leafy bracts up to 1" long occur where these branches divide; these bracts are linear in shape.
A mature flowerhead is about 3 mm. (1/8") across while in bloom, consisting of 10-12 ray florets and 4-7 disk florets. The petaloid rays of the flowerheads are short-oblong in shape, bright yellow, and ascending to widely spreading. The corollas of the disk florets are cylindrical in shape, 5-lobed, and bright yellow. At the base of each mature flowerhead, small phyllaries (floral bracts) occur in several overlapping series that are appressed together to form an involucre (a cup-shaped structure at the base of the flowerhead). For a mature flowerhead, this involucre is 4-6 mm. long and cylindrical in shape, tapering at its base. Individual phyllaries are elliptic-oblong in shape, light green to pale yellow, glabrous, and oily in appearance. The blooming period occurs from late summer to autumn, lasting about 1-2 months for a colony of plants. In the collective inflorescence of each plant, the flowerheads bloom gradually over a period of time, rather than all at once. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by achenes with small tufts of white hair; they are dispersed by the wind. These achenes are about 1 mm. long, bullet-shaped, and finely pubescent. The root system is fibrous and long-rhizomatous, often forming clonal colonies of plants.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, moist to dry conditions, and sandy soil, although this plant readily adapts to other kinds of soil containing loam, clay, silt, or gravel. Cool rainy weather or excessive overhead watering can make the lower leaves vulnerable to rust. During an extended drought, some of the lower leaves may wither away, which is normal. Overall, this little-known plant is easy to cultivate in gardens – perhaps too easy, as it is able to spread aggressively by means of its long rhizomes in the average garden situation.
Range & Habitat: Plains Grass-leaved Goldenrod occurs occasionally throughout Illinois, but it is more common in the northern and western areas of the state (see Distribution Map). This plant is native to the state. The distribution map is from Jones & Fuller (1955), rather than the ILPIN database, because of some inaccuracies in the latter. Habitats include black soil prairies, sand prairies, gravel prairies, railroad prairies, meadows along rivers, rocky glades, roadsides, areas along railroads, and sandy fields. Plains Grass-leaved Goldenrod is more typical of areas to the west in the Great Plains, but it is still locally common in some parts of the state.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract an abundance of bees, wasps, flies, small butterflies, skippers, moths, beetles, plant bugs, and stink bugs. A plasterer bee, Colletes simulans armata, and such Andrenid bees as Andrena hirticincta, Andrena nubecula, and Andrena simplex, are specialist pollinators (oligoleges) of goldenrods, including Euthamia spp. The Goldenrod Soldier Beetle (Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus), in particular, is a common visitor of the flowerheads. Other insects feed on the foliage and other parts of Plains Grass-leaved Goldenrod. These species include a leaf beetle, Exema byersi, and such grasshoppers as the Western Grass-green Grasshopper (Hesperotettix speciosus), Meadow Purple-striped Grasshopper (Hesperotettix viridis), Keeler's Grasshopper (Melanoplus keeleri luridus), and Scudder's Short-winged Grasshopper (Melanoplus scudderi latus); see Clark et al. (2004) and Campbell et al. (1974). It is not uncommon to find various insects hiding within the dense leafy stems and clustered flowerheads during the day, including moths, caterpillars, and predatory insects; Ambush Bugs (Phymata spp.) are particularly common. The foliage of goldenrods is eaten occasionally by mammalian herbivores, particularly when it is young and more tender.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken of plants growing in the webmaster's garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Different authorities don't agree on the distribution of Plains Grass-leaved Goldenrod (Euthamia gymnospermoides) within Illinois. For example, Mohenbrock (2002) and the ILPIN database restrict the distribution of this species to the northern and western areas of the state, while Jones & Fuller (1955) and A.G. Jones (1973) state that this species occurs in other areas of the state. In my experience, these latter authorities are correct, as I have encountered Plains Grass-leaved Goldenrod in some railroad prairies of east-central Illinois. It is easy to confuse this species with the more common Grass-leaved Goldenrod (Euthamia graminifolia). Plains Grass-leaved Goldenrod differs by having less than 20 florets per flowerhead (including both disk & ray florets), hairless stems, slightly more narrow leaves, and a more bushy appearance from densely branched stems. Grass-leaved Goldenrod, in contrast, has more than 20 florets per flowerhead, stems with lines of hair, slightly wider leaves, and a less branched appearance. Another species, Lake Grass-leaved Goldenrod (Euthamia remota), differs from Plains Grass-leaved Goldenrod by having slightly more slender leaves and shorter involucres (3-4 mm. long) on its mature flowerheads. Lake Grass-leaved Goldenrod probably should be reclassified as a disjunct population of Coastal Grass-leaved Goldenrod (Euthamia caroliniana); see efloras for more information.
A mature flowerhead is about 3 mm. (1/8") across while in bloom, consisting of 10-12 ray florets and 4-7 disk florets. The petaloid rays of the flowerheads are short-oblong in shape, bright yellow, and ascending to widely spreading. The corollas of the disk florets are cylindrical in shape, 5-lobed, and bright yellow. At the base of each mature flowerhead, small phyllaries (floral bracts) occur in several overlapping series that are appressed together to form an involucre (a cup-shaped structure at the base of the flowerhead). For a mature flowerhead, this involucre is 4-6 mm. long and cylindrical in shape, tapering at its base. Individual phyllaries are elliptic-oblong in shape, light green to pale yellow, glabrous, and oily in appearance. The blooming period occurs from late summer to autumn, lasting about 1-2 months for a colony of plants. In the collective inflorescence of each plant, the flowerheads bloom gradually over a period of time, rather than all at once. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by achenes with small tufts of white hair; they are dispersed by the wind. These achenes are about 1 mm. long, bullet-shaped, and finely pubescent. The root system is fibrous and long-rhizomatous, often forming clonal colonies of plants.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, moist to dry conditions, and sandy soil, although this plant readily adapts to other kinds of soil containing loam, clay, silt, or gravel. Cool rainy weather or excessive overhead watering can make the lower leaves vulnerable to rust. During an extended drought, some of the lower leaves may wither away, which is normal. Overall, this little-known plant is easy to cultivate in gardens – perhaps too easy, as it is able to spread aggressively by means of its long rhizomes in the average garden situation.
Range & Habitat: Plains Grass-leaved Goldenrod occurs occasionally throughout Illinois, but it is more common in the northern and western areas of the state (see Distribution Map). This plant is native to the state. The distribution map is from Jones & Fuller (1955), rather than the ILPIN database, because of some inaccuracies in the latter. Habitats include black soil prairies, sand prairies, gravel prairies, railroad prairies, meadows along rivers, rocky glades, roadsides, areas along railroads, and sandy fields. Plains Grass-leaved Goldenrod is more typical of areas to the west in the Great Plains, but it is still locally common in some parts of the state.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract an abundance of bees, wasps, flies, small butterflies, skippers, moths, beetles, plant bugs, and stink bugs. A plasterer bee, Colletes simulans armata, and such Andrenid bees as Andrena hirticincta, Andrena nubecula, and Andrena simplex, are specialist pollinators (oligoleges) of goldenrods, including Euthamia spp. The Goldenrod Soldier Beetle (Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus), in particular, is a common visitor of the flowerheads. Other insects feed on the foliage and other parts of Plains Grass-leaved Goldenrod. These species include a leaf beetle, Exema byersi, and such grasshoppers as the Western Grass-green Grasshopper (Hesperotettix speciosus), Meadow Purple-striped Grasshopper (Hesperotettix viridis), Keeler's Grasshopper (Melanoplus keeleri luridus), and Scudder's Short-winged Grasshopper (Melanoplus scudderi latus); see Clark et al. (2004) and Campbell et al. (1974). It is not uncommon to find various insects hiding within the dense leafy stems and clustered flowerheads during the day, including moths, caterpillars, and predatory insects; Ambush Bugs (Phymata spp.) are particularly common. The foliage of goldenrods is eaten occasionally by mammalian herbivores, particularly when it is young and more tender.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken of plants growing in the webmaster's garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Different authorities don't agree on the distribution of Plains Grass-leaved Goldenrod (Euthamia gymnospermoides) within Illinois. For example, Mohenbrock (2002) and the ILPIN database restrict the distribution of this species to the northern and western areas of the state, while Jones & Fuller (1955) and A.G. Jones (1973) state that this species occurs in other areas of the state. In my experience, these latter authorities are correct, as I have encountered Plains Grass-leaved Goldenrod in some railroad prairies of east-central Illinois. It is easy to confuse this species with the more common Grass-leaved Goldenrod (Euthamia graminifolia). Plains Grass-leaved Goldenrod differs by having less than 20 florets per flowerhead (including both disk & ray florets), hairless stems, slightly more narrow leaves, and a more bushy appearance from densely branched stems. Grass-leaved Goldenrod, in contrast, has more than 20 florets per flowerhead, stems with lines of hair, slightly wider leaves, and a less branched appearance. Another species, Lake Grass-leaved Goldenrod (Euthamia remota), differs from Plains Grass-leaved Goldenrod by having slightly more slender leaves and shorter involucres (3-4 mm. long) on its mature flowerheads. Lake Grass-leaved Goldenrod probably should be reclassified as a disjunct population of Coastal Grass-leaved Goldenrod (Euthamia caroliniana); see efloras for more information.
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Miss Chen
2018年01月03日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 2-3½' tall. Sometimes it is slender and little branched, while at other times it branches frequently, creating a bushy appearance. The slender stems usually have lines of fine white hairs. The alternate leaves are linear and have smooth margins. The larger leaves have 3 conspicuous veins, although the smaller ones usually have only a single conspicuous vein. They are up to 4" long and 3/8" across, or slightly wider. Sometimes there are a few white hairs near the base of the leaves and along the central vein on the underside. There are clusters of small composite flowers at the apex of the plant and many of the upper side stems. These flower clusters are usually rather flat-headed, but they sometimes assume a round-headed appearance. Each composite flower is yellow, consisting of about 21-35 disk florets and ray florets (when considered together). It is only about 1/8" across – smaller than the composite flowers of other goldenrods.
These compound flowers often bloom gradually, rather than simultaneously, with older flowers turning brown while younger flowers are still in the bud stage. The blooming period is late summer to early fall, and lasts about 1 month. Sometimes there is a mild floral scent. The root system is fibrous, and new plants develop vegetatively from rhizomes. Overall, Grass-Leaved Goldenrod is rather variable across different localities.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and moist conditions. However, this plant tolerates drier conditions, and can be surprisingly drought tolerant. The soil should contain high amounts of organic matter; some varieties of this plant also grow in moist sandy soil. Powdery mildew seems to bother this goldenrod less often than many others. It is easy to grow, but can spread aggressively in moist sunny places.
Range & Habitat: Grass-Leaved Goldenrod occurs occasionally in most counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where this plant is native. However, it can be locally common in some wetlands areas. Habitats include moist black soil prairies, edges of marshes, sandy pannes between dunes, calcareous seeps, borders of lakes, abandoned fields, and ditches along railroads. Grass-Leaved Goldenrod occasionally occurs in drier habitats, but it has greater trouble competing with other forbs, such as Solidago canadensis (Canada Goldenrod), in such places.
Faunal Associations: The small flowers attract many kinds of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, moths, and beetles. Various wasps and a few beetle species, such as Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus (Goldenrod Soldier Beetle) and Epicauta pensylvanica (Black Blister Beetle), seem to be especially attracted to the flowers. The caterpillars of several species of moths eat various parts of this and other goldenrods (see Moth Table). The seeds are eaten by the Eastern Goldfinch and Swamp Sparrow to a limited extent, while the foliage is occasionally consumed in limited amounts by the Greater Prairie Chicken, Cottontail Rabbit, and White-Tailed Deer.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Grass-Leaved Goldenrod has more slender leaves than other goldenrods in Illinois, except for Euthamia gymnospermoides (Plains Grass-Leaved Goldenrod). However, there is only a single conspicuous vein in the largest leaves of this latter species, its stems are hairless, it has only 12-20 disk and ray florets in a compound flower (when considered together), and it is usually more branched and bushy in appearance. Grass-Leaved Goldenrod also differs from the latter species by preferring more soggy habitats.
These compound flowers often bloom gradually, rather than simultaneously, with older flowers turning brown while younger flowers are still in the bud stage. The blooming period is late summer to early fall, and lasts about 1 month. Sometimes there is a mild floral scent. The root system is fibrous, and new plants develop vegetatively from rhizomes. Overall, Grass-Leaved Goldenrod is rather variable across different localities.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and moist conditions. However, this plant tolerates drier conditions, and can be surprisingly drought tolerant. The soil should contain high amounts of organic matter; some varieties of this plant also grow in moist sandy soil. Powdery mildew seems to bother this goldenrod less often than many others. It is easy to grow, but can spread aggressively in moist sunny places.
Range & Habitat: Grass-Leaved Goldenrod occurs occasionally in most counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where this plant is native. However, it can be locally common in some wetlands areas. Habitats include moist black soil prairies, edges of marshes, sandy pannes between dunes, calcareous seeps, borders of lakes, abandoned fields, and ditches along railroads. Grass-Leaved Goldenrod occasionally occurs in drier habitats, but it has greater trouble competing with other forbs, such as Solidago canadensis (Canada Goldenrod), in such places.
Faunal Associations: The small flowers attract many kinds of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, moths, and beetles. Various wasps and a few beetle species, such as Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus (Goldenrod Soldier Beetle) and Epicauta pensylvanica (Black Blister Beetle), seem to be especially attracted to the flowers. The caterpillars of several species of moths eat various parts of this and other goldenrods (see Moth Table). The seeds are eaten by the Eastern Goldfinch and Swamp Sparrow to a limited extent, while the foliage is occasionally consumed in limited amounts by the Greater Prairie Chicken, Cottontail Rabbit, and White-Tailed Deer.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Grass-Leaved Goldenrod has more slender leaves than other goldenrods in Illinois, except for Euthamia gymnospermoides (Plains Grass-Leaved Goldenrod). However, there is only a single conspicuous vein in the largest leaves of this latter species, its stems are hairless, it has only 12-20 disk and ray florets in a compound flower (when considered together), and it is usually more branched and bushy in appearance. Grass-Leaved Goldenrod also differs from the latter species by preferring more soggy habitats.
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