文章
Miss Chen
2017年12月22日
Description: This perennial wildflower is about 1-2' tall, branching occasionally to frequently. It is ascending to erect, although some of the side branches may sprawl across the ground in open areas. The central stem and side branches are light green, hairless, and terete or angular in cross-section. The alternate compound leaves are odd-pinnate with 5-15 pairs of leaflets and a terminal leaflet; the compound leaves are up to 3" long and they have short petioles. Individual leaflets are 3/8" long and 1/8" across; they are medium green, oblong, hairless, and smooth along their margins. Each leaflet has a very shortFloral Spike petiole and a tiny pointed tip. Upper stems terminate in individual spikes of flowers that are short and cylindrical in shape; individual flowers and their bracts are densely crowded together along the length of each spike in all directions. The petals of these flowers are medium purple or rose-pink (rarely white), while their sepals and bracts are green-white. Each flower has 5 petals, 5 sepals, 5 stamens, and a pistil with a single style. The petals are oblanceolate or obovate and longer than the sepals. The short sepals are lanceolate with green tips and white bases. Underneath each flower, there is a lanceolate bract with an elongated tip that is awn-like. The exerted stamens have white or pale purple filaments and orange to brown stamens. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late summer and lasts about 1-2 months. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each flower is replaced by a short seedpod with a slender beak that is largely enclosed by the persistent sepals; each seedpod contains 1-2 smooth seeds. As the seeds mature, the floral spikes become dark brown. The root system consists of a short stout taproot with fibrous rootlets. This wildflower reproduces by reseeding itself. Individual plants typically live less than 8 years.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sunlight (at least one-half day of sunlight), moist to slightly dry conditions, and a thin rocky soil. The pH of the soil should lie within the range 6.0–8.0; strongly acidic soil should be avoided. This wildflower will adapt to ordinary clay-loam garden soil if its location is sunny and well-drained; however, it is intolerant of competition from taller and more aggressive plants.
Range & Habitat: Leafy Prairie Clover has been observed in only a few counties in northern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Today, it is restricted to 2-3 small colonies in Will County; the populations of the remaining colonies have been extirpated by development or over-collection. Leafy Prairie Clover also occurs in Tennessee and Alabama. Populations have declined in all three states. This native plant is quite rare and it is listed as 'endangered' by both the state of Illinois and the Federal government. In Illinois, habitats are restricted to mesic dolomite prairies and rocky riverbanks. In Tennessee and Alabama, habitats are restricted to cedar glades and meadows along the edges of cedar glades.
Faunal Associations: Floral visitors of Leafy Prairie Clover are probably similar to the floral visitors of Dalea purpurea (Purple Prairie Clover); the insect visitors of the latter include many kinds of bees (short-tongued & long-tongued), butterflies, flies, and occasional wasps. These insects are attracted to the nectar and/or pollen of the flowers. The caterpillars of the butterfly Colias cesonia (Dogface Sulfur) feeds on the foliage of Dalea spp. (Prairie Clovers) and other species in the Bean family. Other insects that feed on Prairie Clovers include Apion amaurum (Weevil sp.), Apion capitone (Weevil sp.), and Pachybrachis othonus (Cylindrical Leaf Beetle sp.); none of these records are specific to Leafy Prairie Clover, however. The foliage of Leafy Prairie Clover is highly palatable to mammalian herbivores, including deer, rabbits, groundhogs, cattle, horses, and others. In Illinois, rabbits have been a major cause of plant mortality for this species. This rare wildflower should be protected from such animals where their populations are excessive.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois; the photographed plant was obtained from a specialist nursery using horticultural sources, rather than wild-collected material.
Comments: Unfortunately, this attractive wildflower is approaching extinction in natural areas. Compared to other Dalea spp. (Prairie Clovers), it has a more leafy appearance. Leafy Prairie Clover can be distinguished from other Prairie Clovers in Illinois by the number of leaflets per compound leaf (typically 21-25, although there can be fewer or more leaflets than this). Both Dalea purpurea (Purple Prairie Clover) and Dalea candida (White Prairie Clover) have fewer leaflets per compound leaf (less than 10). As it common name suggests, White Prairie Clover has flowers with white petals. The floral bracts of Purple Prairie Clover are shorter than those of Leafy Prairie as they lack the awn-like tips of the latter. A species that is found in neighboring states (although not Illinois), Dalea villosa (Silky Prairie Clover) has abundant leaflets, but its foliage is covered with abundant silky hairs. In contrast, Leafy Prairie Clover has hairless foliage.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sunlight (at least one-half day of sunlight), moist to slightly dry conditions, and a thin rocky soil. The pH of the soil should lie within the range 6.0–8.0; strongly acidic soil should be avoided. This wildflower will adapt to ordinary clay-loam garden soil if its location is sunny and well-drained; however, it is intolerant of competition from taller and more aggressive plants.
Range & Habitat: Leafy Prairie Clover has been observed in only a few counties in northern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Today, it is restricted to 2-3 small colonies in Will County; the populations of the remaining colonies have been extirpated by development or over-collection. Leafy Prairie Clover also occurs in Tennessee and Alabama. Populations have declined in all three states. This native plant is quite rare and it is listed as 'endangered' by both the state of Illinois and the Federal government. In Illinois, habitats are restricted to mesic dolomite prairies and rocky riverbanks. In Tennessee and Alabama, habitats are restricted to cedar glades and meadows along the edges of cedar glades.
Faunal Associations: Floral visitors of Leafy Prairie Clover are probably similar to the floral visitors of Dalea purpurea (Purple Prairie Clover); the insect visitors of the latter include many kinds of bees (short-tongued & long-tongued), butterflies, flies, and occasional wasps. These insects are attracted to the nectar and/or pollen of the flowers. The caterpillars of the butterfly Colias cesonia (Dogface Sulfur) feeds on the foliage of Dalea spp. (Prairie Clovers) and other species in the Bean family. Other insects that feed on Prairie Clovers include Apion amaurum (Weevil sp.), Apion capitone (Weevil sp.), and Pachybrachis othonus (Cylindrical Leaf Beetle sp.); none of these records are specific to Leafy Prairie Clover, however. The foliage of Leafy Prairie Clover is highly palatable to mammalian herbivores, including deer, rabbits, groundhogs, cattle, horses, and others. In Illinois, rabbits have been a major cause of plant mortality for this species. This rare wildflower should be protected from such animals where their populations are excessive.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois; the photographed plant was obtained from a specialist nursery using horticultural sources, rather than wild-collected material.
Comments: Unfortunately, this attractive wildflower is approaching extinction in natural areas. Compared to other Dalea spp. (Prairie Clovers), it has a more leafy appearance. Leafy Prairie Clover can be distinguished from other Prairie Clovers in Illinois by the number of leaflets per compound leaf (typically 21-25, although there can be fewer or more leaflets than this). Both Dalea purpurea (Purple Prairie Clover) and Dalea candida (White Prairie Clover) have fewer leaflets per compound leaf (less than 10). As it common name suggests, White Prairie Clover has flowers with white petals. The floral bracts of Purple Prairie Clover are shorter than those of Leafy Prairie as they lack the awn-like tips of the latter. A species that is found in neighboring states (although not Illinois), Dalea villosa (Silky Prairie Clover) has abundant leaflets, but its foliage is covered with abundant silky hairs. In contrast, Leafy Prairie Clover has hairless foliage.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年12月22日
Description: This perennial plant is unbranched or sparsely branched in the upper half, and 1-2½' tall. The pale green central stem has light longitudinal lines. The alternate compound leaves are oddly pinnate and about 2-7" long, consisting of 3-9 pale green leaflets. Each leaflet is linear or narrowly oblanceolate, about 1" long and less than ¼" across. The margins are smooth, and the underside of each leaflet has numerous translucent dots. Both the stems and leaves are hairless. There is a short cylindrical spike of white flowers at the terminus of the central stem and each of the major side stems. This spike is about 1-3" tall and ¾" across. The small flowers form a wreath around the bottom of the spike, which moves upward as the season progresses. Each flower is about ¼" across, with 5 petals and 5 white stamens. The flowers often have a pleasant fragrance. The blooming occurs during early to mid-summer and lasts about a month. The seeds fall a short distance from the mother plant when the wind shakes the cylindrical spikes. The root system consists of a central taproot that can extend 5' into the ground.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, clay, sand, or gravel. This plant is slow to develop, but otherwise easy. Foliar disease isn't troublesome. Drought resistance is very good.
Range & Habitat: The native White Prairie Clover occurs occasionally in scattered counties of Illinois, but it is rare or absent in the SE section of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, savannas, openings in upland forests, and limestone glades. It is rarely observed in highly disturbed areas. Recovery from occasional wildfires is good.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract bumblebees, Halictid bees (including green metallic bees), plasterer bees (Colletes spp.), Sphecid wasps, Tiphiid wasps, Syrphid flies, thick-headed flies (Conopidae), and small butterflies. Two oligolectic plasterer bees, Colletes robertsonii and Colletes wilmattae, visit the flowers of White Prairie Clover (Robertson, 1929; Krombein et al., 1979). Other insects feed on the seeds, foliage, and other parts of this plant. They include such species as the larvae of two butterflies, Colias cesonia (Dogface Sulphur) and Hemiargus isola (Reakirt's Blue), the seed-eating larvae of two weevils, Apion amaurum and Apion capitone, and Melanoplus keeleri luridus (Keeler's Grasshopper); see Opler & Krizek (1984), Sauer (2005), and Campbell et al. (1974). This plant is palatable and high in protein, therefore it is readily consumed by mammalian herbivores of all kinds, including rabbits, groundhogs, deer, and livestock. This can cause difficulties in establishing this plant in some areas. It is possible that small rodents may carry the seeds to their dens. Because of their high mortality rate, some of the seeds will remain uneaten, and thus are dispersed by these rodents.
Photographic Location: Photographs were taken at the Lincoln Book Bindery in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: White Prairie Clover often occurs in the same habitats as Dalea purpurea (Purple Prairie Clover) – the two are often seen together, although the former begins blooming about 2 weeks earlier than the latter. However, White Prairie Clover is the less common of the two plants. The most obvious difference between them is the coloration of their flowers. In addition, White Prairie Clover tends to have more elongated flowering spikes with hair-like bracts, and its foliage is longer, sparser, with a lighter shade of green. Prior to blooming, it blends into the background of grasses and other forbs rather well, and is easy to overlook.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, clay, sand, or gravel. This plant is slow to develop, but otherwise easy. Foliar disease isn't troublesome. Drought resistance is very good.
Range & Habitat: The native White Prairie Clover occurs occasionally in scattered counties of Illinois, but it is rare or absent in the SE section of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, savannas, openings in upland forests, and limestone glades. It is rarely observed in highly disturbed areas. Recovery from occasional wildfires is good.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract bumblebees, Halictid bees (including green metallic bees), plasterer bees (Colletes spp.), Sphecid wasps, Tiphiid wasps, Syrphid flies, thick-headed flies (Conopidae), and small butterflies. Two oligolectic plasterer bees, Colletes robertsonii and Colletes wilmattae, visit the flowers of White Prairie Clover (Robertson, 1929; Krombein et al., 1979). Other insects feed on the seeds, foliage, and other parts of this plant. They include such species as the larvae of two butterflies, Colias cesonia (Dogface Sulphur) and Hemiargus isola (Reakirt's Blue), the seed-eating larvae of two weevils, Apion amaurum and Apion capitone, and Melanoplus keeleri luridus (Keeler's Grasshopper); see Opler & Krizek (1984), Sauer (2005), and Campbell et al. (1974). This plant is palatable and high in protein, therefore it is readily consumed by mammalian herbivores of all kinds, including rabbits, groundhogs, deer, and livestock. This can cause difficulties in establishing this plant in some areas. It is possible that small rodents may carry the seeds to their dens. Because of their high mortality rate, some of the seeds will remain uneaten, and thus are dispersed by these rodents.
Photographic Location: Photographs were taken at the Lincoln Book Bindery in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: White Prairie Clover often occurs in the same habitats as Dalea purpurea (Purple Prairie Clover) – the two are often seen together, although the former begins blooming about 2 weeks earlier than the latter. However, White Prairie Clover is the less common of the two plants. The most obvious difference between them is the coloration of their flowers. In addition, White Prairie Clover tends to have more elongated flowering spikes with hair-like bracts, and its foliage is longer, sparser, with a lighter shade of green. Prior to blooming, it blends into the background of grasses and other forbs rather well, and is easy to overlook.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年12月22日
Description: This parasitic vine is a summer annual up to several feet long that branches occasionally. The stems are yellow to orange, more or less terete, glabrous, and about 1 mm. across. These stems curl around the stems of suitable host plants, climbing upward and often smothering them. Sessile suckers (haustoria) occur along these stems at frequent intervals, causing them to have a warty or bumpy appearance. These suckers extract water and nutrients from the host plants. There are no leaves and this vine does not produce chlorophyll; it is totally dependent for survival on its host plants. As the vine continues to grow, dense clusters of 5-25 flowers are occasionally produced. Each flower is about 3 mm. across, consisting of a light green to yellowish green calyx with 5 lobes, a white corolla with 5 triangular or ovate-triangular lobes with incurved tips, 5 exserted stamens, and a light green to yellowish green ovary with a pair of short styles with knobby stigmas. The glabrous calyx is short-campanulate (bell-shaped) and each lobe either overlaps adjacent lobes slightly or it is non-overlapping. The circumference of the calyx is circular (round), rather than angled. Individual calyx lobes are usually oval in shape with obtuse or rounded tips. Fertile anthers are up to 0.5 mm. in length and bright yellow, becoming light brown as they wither away.
The pedicels of the flowers are light green to yellowish green, glabrous, and very short (0.5-2.0 mm. in length). These pedicels are initially terete and about 1 mm. across, but they may become swollen and angular as their flowers develop. Sometimes solitary bracts occur at the bases of flower clusters, or at the bases of individual pedicels. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall, lasting about 1 month. The flowers are either mildly fragrant or not noticeably fragrant; in the absence of cross-pollination, they are self-fertile. As the flowers continue to mature, their ovaries (developing seed capsules) swell in size, becoming 2-3.5 mm. across and subgloboid (depressed-globular) in shape. Immature seed capsules are light green, becoming yellowish orange as they begin to mature, and finally turning light brown to brown at full maturity. These capsules eventually split open irregularly to release their tiny seeds (up to 4 seeds per capsule). The seeds can spread to other areas by wind or water. Individual seeds are 1.0-1.5 mm. in length, ovoid-angular in shape, and dull yellow to brown. The seed surfaces are minutely pitted (requires 20x magnification or higher to see). While an elementary root system develops from a newly germinated seed, it soon withers away as the seedling becomes attached to a host plant.
Cultivation: This parasitic vine requires a suitable host plant in order to survive. Examples of such host plants include Baptisia australis (Blue Wild Indigo), Trifolium spp. (Clover), Medicago sativa (Alfalfa), Beta vulgaris (Sugar Beet), Solanum tuberosum (Potato), Polygonaceae (Smartweeds & Knotweeds), Allium cepa (Onion), and many others. Unsuitable host plants include Glycine max (Soybean), Equisteum arvense (Field Horsetail), and most grasses and sedges. Field Dodder occurs in drier habitats than many other Cuscuta spp. (Dodder species). It is typically found in either sandy or non-sandy areas where there is full sun or partial sun. The seeds can persist in the soil and remain viable for several years.
Range & Habitat: Field Dodder (Cuscuta campestris) is occasional throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Field Dodder is one of the more common Dodder species in Illinois and it is widely distributed in North America. Habitats include banks of rivers, fields, croplands, neglected flower gardens, and waste areas. This dodder is considered a significant pest of several field crops. It is found primarily in disturbed areas.
Faunal Associations: Robertson (1929) observed small bees sucking nectar from the flowers of Cuscuta spp. (Dodder species), including Halictid bees (Lasioglossum) and plasterer bees (Colletes). Such floral visitors appear to be uncommon. Various aphids are able to suck juices from dodder vines and successfully reproduce, weakening them substantially (Harvey, 1966). Aphids that have adapted particularly well to these parasitic vines include Aphis craccivora (Cowpea Aphid), Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Potato Aphid), and Myzus persicae (Green Peach Aphid). Mammalian herbivores seem to avoid plants that are badly infested with dodder. These parasitic vines may be toxic to such animals if they are eaten in sufficient quantity. Nonetheless, should such animals consume these parasitic vines with their host plants, the seeds of dodder can pass through their digestive tracts and remain viable for several years. Because the tiny seeds of these vines become sticky when they are wet, they are probably spread to other areas by the feet or fur of mammals, the feet or feathers of birds, and the shoes of people. Agricultural machines may spread this vine into different fields through the use of contaminated crop-seed. Some materials that are used in gardens (e.g., contaminated mulch & soil) may also facilitate its spread.
Photographic Location: A flower garden at a city park in Champaign, Illinois, where this dodder infested Baptisia australis (Blue Wild Indigo).
Comments: Field Dodder (Cuscuta campestris) can be distinguished from some Dodder species (Cuscuta spp.) in Illinois by the 5-lobed corollas of its flowers: the lobes of these corollas have very acute tips that are incurved. A similar species, Common Dodder (Cuscuta gronovii), also has 5-lobed corollas, but the tips of its lobes are more blunt and they are less incurved. Field Dodder is also similar to Prairie Dodder (Cuscuta pentagona). This latter species has more angular calyces, while its seed capsules are slightly smaller in size and less depressed in shape. Prairie Dodder also has shorter anthers and shorter seeds. In the past, Field Dodder was considered a variety of Prairie Dodder (Cuscuta pentagona calycina), but they are now regarded as distinct (Costea et al., 2006; Costea et al., 2015). Other common names of Cuscuta campestris include Large-seeded Alfalfa Dodder and Golden Dodder, while another scientific synonym of this species is Cuscuta arvensis.
The pedicels of the flowers are light green to yellowish green, glabrous, and very short (0.5-2.0 mm. in length). These pedicels are initially terete and about 1 mm. across, but they may become swollen and angular as their flowers develop. Sometimes solitary bracts occur at the bases of flower clusters, or at the bases of individual pedicels. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall, lasting about 1 month. The flowers are either mildly fragrant or not noticeably fragrant; in the absence of cross-pollination, they are self-fertile. As the flowers continue to mature, their ovaries (developing seed capsules) swell in size, becoming 2-3.5 mm. across and subgloboid (depressed-globular) in shape. Immature seed capsules are light green, becoming yellowish orange as they begin to mature, and finally turning light brown to brown at full maturity. These capsules eventually split open irregularly to release their tiny seeds (up to 4 seeds per capsule). The seeds can spread to other areas by wind or water. Individual seeds are 1.0-1.5 mm. in length, ovoid-angular in shape, and dull yellow to brown. The seed surfaces are minutely pitted (requires 20x magnification or higher to see). While an elementary root system develops from a newly germinated seed, it soon withers away as the seedling becomes attached to a host plant.
Cultivation: This parasitic vine requires a suitable host plant in order to survive. Examples of such host plants include Baptisia australis (Blue Wild Indigo), Trifolium spp. (Clover), Medicago sativa (Alfalfa), Beta vulgaris (Sugar Beet), Solanum tuberosum (Potato), Polygonaceae (Smartweeds & Knotweeds), Allium cepa (Onion), and many others. Unsuitable host plants include Glycine max (Soybean), Equisteum arvense (Field Horsetail), and most grasses and sedges. Field Dodder occurs in drier habitats than many other Cuscuta spp. (Dodder species). It is typically found in either sandy or non-sandy areas where there is full sun or partial sun. The seeds can persist in the soil and remain viable for several years.
Range & Habitat: Field Dodder (Cuscuta campestris) is occasional throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Field Dodder is one of the more common Dodder species in Illinois and it is widely distributed in North America. Habitats include banks of rivers, fields, croplands, neglected flower gardens, and waste areas. This dodder is considered a significant pest of several field crops. It is found primarily in disturbed areas.
Faunal Associations: Robertson (1929) observed small bees sucking nectar from the flowers of Cuscuta spp. (Dodder species), including Halictid bees (Lasioglossum) and plasterer bees (Colletes). Such floral visitors appear to be uncommon. Various aphids are able to suck juices from dodder vines and successfully reproduce, weakening them substantially (Harvey, 1966). Aphids that have adapted particularly well to these parasitic vines include Aphis craccivora (Cowpea Aphid), Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Potato Aphid), and Myzus persicae (Green Peach Aphid). Mammalian herbivores seem to avoid plants that are badly infested with dodder. These parasitic vines may be toxic to such animals if they are eaten in sufficient quantity. Nonetheless, should such animals consume these parasitic vines with their host plants, the seeds of dodder can pass through their digestive tracts and remain viable for several years. Because the tiny seeds of these vines become sticky when they are wet, they are probably spread to other areas by the feet or fur of mammals, the feet or feathers of birds, and the shoes of people. Agricultural machines may spread this vine into different fields through the use of contaminated crop-seed. Some materials that are used in gardens (e.g., contaminated mulch & soil) may also facilitate its spread.
Photographic Location: A flower garden at a city park in Champaign, Illinois, where this dodder infested Baptisia australis (Blue Wild Indigo).
Comments: Field Dodder (Cuscuta campestris) can be distinguished from some Dodder species (Cuscuta spp.) in Illinois by the 5-lobed corollas of its flowers: the lobes of these corollas have very acute tips that are incurved. A similar species, Common Dodder (Cuscuta gronovii), also has 5-lobed corollas, but the tips of its lobes are more blunt and they are less incurved. Field Dodder is also similar to Prairie Dodder (Cuscuta pentagona). This latter species has more angular calyces, while its seed capsules are slightly smaller in size and less depressed in shape. Prairie Dodder also has shorter anthers and shorter seeds. In the past, Field Dodder was considered a variety of Prairie Dodder (Cuscuta pentagona calycina), but they are now regarded as distinct (Costea et al., 2006; Costea et al., 2015). Other common names of Cuscuta campestris include Large-seeded Alfalfa Dodder and Golden Dodder, while another scientific synonym of this species is Cuscuta arvensis.
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文章
张祥明
2017年12月21日
1.病虫害引起的
它的叶片发黑最主要的因素是病虫伤害造成的。其中褐斑病就是最主要的病害。这种病一般都是在室内通风不好、闷热高湿或者是过线不足的情况下发生的，叶片刚开始的时候会产生一些褐斑，以后就会不断的扩大，而且还会在叶片上出现很多的黑色小点，这样叶子就会慢慢的发黑，严重的就会掉落下来，每年的4月到5月的时候就是发病最厉害的时候。
防治：在发病的叶片很少的时候，我们可以把它们给摘除掉，并且还要去烧毁了就可以了。另外还可以用一些药物喷洒也是可以有效进行防治的。如果是家庭盆栽上面发现很少病斑的话，可以检查检查它们的根系，如果有的已经烂掉了，那就可以将它腐烂的地方给剪掉，并且再用重新干净新鲜的培养土再次栽好。换盆之后记得要多喷水，少浇水。只要让盆里面的土是湿润的就可以了。
2.长期缺少光照
平安树如果长时间的被放在屋里面，没有办法充分的享受到阳光照射，叶子也是很容易发黑的。那我们就需要找一个光照比较多的环境，特别是在冬天的时候，不能把它放在半阴凉或者隐蔽的地方，应该把它放在一个充足的光照下养护。到了夏天的时候还要进行一半的遮阳就可以了。
3.浇水不当引起的
浇水是养花过程中最频繁也最重要的一个步骤，特别是在冬天的时候，需要进行干湿交替浇水，平安树本身就比较喜欢湿润一点的环境，它的叶片比较厚，可以很好的防止水分的流失，所以这时候浇水就可以用干湿交换的方式进行，在夏天或者是生长比较旺盛的时候，需要的水分是比较多的，这时候我们一定要给它浇足水了。
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文章
权问薇
2017年12月21日
1.提前移盆
在冬天的时候我们就要把它搬到房间里了，因为这时候外面的温度太低了，对它开花是不太好的。提前的给它进行保温，这样才能让它还是在夏天和秋天一样，温度正好是它开花时的温度，不会让环境发生太大的变化。开花也会很正常了。
2.浇水
因为鸡冠花本身是非常害怕有积水的，所以我们在平时对它浇水的时候一定要控制好浇水的量。尤其是在冬天到来的时候，本身温度已经不是很高了，这时候生长的也是比较的缓慢的，再对它浇水的话，是不能让它很好吸收的，还反而让它盆子里面容易产生积水，进而让它的根也受到了很大的影响。所以浇水一定要减少。
3.温度
在冬天的时候我们一定要保证温度是合适的，不能太高了也不能太低了。必须是满足它开花的温度，这样子才能促进它花蕾的孕育，在北方的时候一般房间内是有暖气的，所以温度是没有问题的。但是在南方的话，冬天的室内温度一般要保持在18度左右最好，不然上冻之后，会容易让它的整个植株枯萎。就不能很好的在元旦开花。
4.病虫害
在它开花的之前的时候，病虫害也是很影响它开花的时间的，一般情况下，我们可以平时没事的看下它的叶子上面或者是花蕾上面有没有一些小虫子，有的话就要及时的用一些化学溶液进行喷洒，直接把那些虫子杀死了，不让它的植株受到伤害，对它按时的开花也是非常重要的。
5.光照
最后一个要说的是光照，基本上每一种植物想要开花的话，光照都是不能少的。尤其是鸡冠花，它本身也是非常的喜欢阳光的，所以在冬天的时候一定要把它放在阳光比较充足的地方，才能让它的营养更加的充分，以便于更好的开花。
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文章
权问薇
2017年12月21日
1.光照一定要足够
在蒜香藤开花之前的时候，一定要注意它光照的享受。尤其是在元旦这个比较冷的季节，一定要保持充足的光照，最好是让它可以一整天的都晒到太阳，这样才能满足它对光照的需要。让它在开花的时候也会更加的好看的。我相信任何植物想要开出美丽花的话，光照都是一个比较重要的前提。
2.温度很重要
它比较喜欢温暖一点的地方，在冬天的时候南方的温度还可以，但是在北方就比较的冷，所以这个时候我们要把它提前及时的搬到房间内，并且还要让房间内的温度不能小于5度了。不然长时间小于这个温度的话，就会让它容易冻坏了。所以一定要让它的温度是适合的，这样就可以让它在元旦的时候开出更多的花。
3.要及时的疏蕾
一般等到它要开花的时候，都是要提前孕育花蕾的。但是时间会比较的长，在孕育花蕾到开花的这段之间都需要消耗掉大量的养分的。这时候我们一定要及时的疏蕾，如果不及时的话，这样就会特别难保证它有足够的养分来去供它开花。有的甚至还会一朵花都看不到，所以在这个时候以要提前的疏蕾，让它更够有更多的养分，不是说越多越好的。
4.施肥和水分的控制
在这个季节的时候，一般对水分的需要就不要很多了，我们应该尽量的少给它浇一些水，来维持它正常的生长。另外要千万记住的是，在开花之前是不能施加肥料的，不然就会容易让它的花蕾掉下，所以在什么时候进行施肥也是非常的重要的，不能够乱施了，这样就可以让它开出花。
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Miss Chen
2017年12月21日
Description: This wildflower is a summer annual about 6-12" tall that branches occasionally; it is ascending to erect. The stems are light green, terete, and hairy. The alternate leaves are 1–2½" long and about one-third as much across; they are elliptic to oblong, flat, and smooth along their margins. Both the upper and lower sides are hairy. The upper surface is mediumPlant with Seedpods green, while the lower surface is gray-green. Each leaf has a single central vein that is prominent. The petioles are hairy and short (less than 1/8" or 3 mm. long). Occasionally, racemes of 1-4 flowers are produced oppositely from some of the leaves. The peduncle (central stalk) of each raceme is 1½–4" long, while the short pedicels of the flowers are about 1/8" long (except the pedicel of the terminal flower, which is often longer). Both peduncles and pedicels are hairy. At the base of each raceme, there is a pair of large persistent stipules about ½" long. These stipules are joined together, becoming gradually wider toward their pointed tips. Individual flowers are about 1/3" (8 mm.) long; they have a typical pea-like flower structure: the yellow petals form an upright banner and a projecting keel that is enclosed by a pair of lateral wings. Each calyx is light green and covered with long hairs; it has five long teeth. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall for about 2-3 months. Usually, only a few (if any) flowers are in bloom at the same time. The flowers are replaced by inflated seedpods that are short-oblongoid in shape. The seedpods are initially light green, but they later turn dark brown or black at maturity. Full-sized seedpods are 1–1½" long and about one-third as much across; each seedpod contains several seeds, which can rattle if it is shook. The seeds are distributed in part by the wind, which can blow the inflated seedpods across open ground. The root system consists of a taproot. This wildflower reproduces by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, dry-mesic to dry conditions, and barren soil containing sand, gravel, or clay. This wildflower is intolerant of competition from taller ground vegetation.
Range & Habitat: The native Rattlebox is occasional in the southern half of Illinois, while in the northern half of the state it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include sand prairies, gravel prairies, clay prairies, sandy and rocky savannas, upland savannas, rocky glades, openings and small meadows in upland woodlands, fallow fields, and areas along railroads. Rattlebox prefers dry open areas with a history of disturbance.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated primarily by long-tongued bees, including bumblebees (Bombus spp.), Carder bees (Anthidium spp.), Cuckoo bees (Coelioxys spp.), and large Leaf-Cutting bees (Megachile spp.). Sometimes the flowers are visited by small butterflies or skippers, but they are less effective at cross-pollination. The caterpillars of Utetheisa bella (Bella Moth) feed on the foliage of Rattlebox. In addition, there have been reports of the butterfly caterpillars of Callophrys irus (Frosted Elfin) and the skipper caterpillars of Erynnis baptisiae (Wild Indigo Duskywing) feeding on the foliage. The foliage of Rattlebox is toxic to herbivorous mammals, particularly horses, and it is generally avoided by them as a food source. However, sometimes White-Tailed Deer chomp off the tops of individual plants.
Photographic Location: An upland woodland opening at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is the only Crotalaria sp. (Rattlebox) in Illinois. There are other species in this genus that are located in the southern and western states; they are often perennials with more showy flowers. Rattlebox is easy to identify when its inflated seedpods are present; they are large in size in relation to the rest of the plant and tend to stand out. There are other legumes that produce inflated seedpods (e.g., Baptisia spp.), but they usually have compound leaves.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, dry-mesic to dry conditions, and barren soil containing sand, gravel, or clay. This wildflower is intolerant of competition from taller ground vegetation.
Range & Habitat: The native Rattlebox is occasional in the southern half of Illinois, while in the northern half of the state it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include sand prairies, gravel prairies, clay prairies, sandy and rocky savannas, upland savannas, rocky glades, openings and small meadows in upland woodlands, fallow fields, and areas along railroads. Rattlebox prefers dry open areas with a history of disturbance.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated primarily by long-tongued bees, including bumblebees (Bombus spp.), Carder bees (Anthidium spp.), Cuckoo bees (Coelioxys spp.), and large Leaf-Cutting bees (Megachile spp.). Sometimes the flowers are visited by small butterflies or skippers, but they are less effective at cross-pollination. The caterpillars of Utetheisa bella (Bella Moth) feed on the foliage of Rattlebox. In addition, there have been reports of the butterfly caterpillars of Callophrys irus (Frosted Elfin) and the skipper caterpillars of Erynnis baptisiae (Wild Indigo Duskywing) feeding on the foliage. The foliage of Rattlebox is toxic to herbivorous mammals, particularly horses, and it is generally avoided by them as a food source. However, sometimes White-Tailed Deer chomp off the tops of individual plants.
Photographic Location: An upland woodland opening at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is the only Crotalaria sp. (Rattlebox) in Illinois. There are other species in this genus that are located in the southern and western states; they are often perennials with more showy flowers. Rattlebox is easy to identify when its inflated seedpods are present; they are large in size in relation to the rest of the plant and tend to stand out. There are other legumes that produce inflated seedpods (e.g., Baptisia spp.), but they usually have compound leaves.
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Miss Chen
2017年12月21日
Description: This plant is a winter annual (less often, a spring annual) about 1' tall. It consists of a rosette of basal leaves up to 6" across, from which one or flowering stalks develop. The basal leaves are bipinnate to pinnate-pinnatifid; they have long slender petioles. Simple leaflets are divided into 3 or more deep lobes that are oblong-oblanceolate in shape. Compound leaflets are divided into 3 or more subleaflets; individual subleaflets are divided into 3 or more deep lobes that are oblong-oblanceolate in shape. The petiolules (basal stalklets) of the leaflets and subleaflets are very slender and short. The foliage of Large-Bracted Corydalis (both leaves and petioles) is greyish green and glabrous.
The flowering stalks are sprawling, ascending, or erect, reaching up to 1¼' in length. Normally, they are unbranched, although occasionally a flowering stalk will branch and develop lateral flowering stalks. These stalks are greyish green and glabrous. Each stalk terminates in a spike-like raceme of several flowers. Each flower has a yellow corolla about ¾" long that is tubular-conical in shape (broader in front than in the back); this corolla consists of 2 outer petals and 2 inner petals. The upper outer petal forms a short upper lip in front that curls upward, and it has a rather long blunt spur in back. The lower outer petal forms a rounded lower lip that functions as a landing pad for visiting insects. The two inner petals are largely hidden by the outer petals, although they can be seen as a white lining within the throat of the corolla. Behind the upper lip of the upper petal, there is a crested protuberance that is greenish yellow to yellow. There is a similar protuberance underneath the lower lip of the lower petal. The sepals of the flowers are small and insignificant. Underneath each flower, there is a single bract about ½" long. This bract is greyish green, glabrous, and either ovate or divided into lobes with short blunt tips. A typical raceme will have some flower buds toward its apex, about 2-8 flowers in bloom near the middle, and developing seedpods below.
The blooming period for plants that are winter annuals occurs during late spring, while plants that are spring annuals bloom during mid-summer. A typical plant will remain in bloom for up to a month. Each seedpod is about 1" long, greyish green, glabrous, cylindrical in shape, and slightly flattened, terminating in a slender beak at its tip; it contains about 6-12 seeds. Relative to the axis of the spike-like raceme, the seedpods are erect to ascending, often bending upward slightly. The small seeds are black, shiny, globoid, and somewhat flattened. Each seed has a dull white elaisome (food appendage) that is laterally attached; the elaisome darkens and withers away with age. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, mesic to dry conditions, and sandy soil. Large-Bracted Corydalis also grows readily in gravelly or loamy soil; if it is grown in moist loamy soil, taller and more aggressive plant species should be kept away from it. Foliar disease and insects are not normally troublesome. The seeds will germinate after a short dormancy period; they can be planted during the fall or early spring.
Range & Habitat: The native Large-Bracted Corydalis is an uncommon plant that occurs in a few counties in western Illinois (see Distribution Map). Prior to 1986, it was incorrectly identified as another species of Corydalis. Recently, several large populations of Large-Bracted Corydalis have been discovered, therefore it is more common in Illinois than previously believed. However, it is still state-listed as 'threatened.' This species is more common in the south-central states; western Illinois lies at the northeast corner of its range. Habitats include sand prairies, sandy fallow fields, and sandy or gravelly areas along roads and railroads (including the ballast). Disturbed areas are preferred, particularly where ant hills occur. Occasional wildfires, sand blow-outs, and overgrazing by herbivores are probably beneficial in maintaining populations of this plant.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated by bumblebees. The oily appendages of the seeds (elaisomes) attract ants (particularly Pheidole bicarinata), which undoubtedly help to disperse the seeds. The poisonous foliage is avoided by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Both the flowers and foliage are quite attractive. Large-Bracted Corydalis can be distinguished from other Corydalis spp. by its long yellow flowers (exceeding 2/3" or 15 mm. in length) and their large leafy bracts (exceeding 1/3" or 8 mm. in length). Other Corydalis spp. in Illinois have shorter bracts and/or shorter flowers. Large-Bracted Corydalis also differs from some Corydalis spp. by the crested protuberances behind the lips of its flowers (as opposed to protuberances that lack crests). In contrast to the seedpods of the similar Corydalis aurea (Golden Corydalis), the seedpods of Large-Bracted Corydalis are more erect and they lack constrictions between their seeds (they are not torulose). There are other varieties of Corydalis curvisiliqua, but they occur in states that lie southwest of Illinois.
The flowering stalks are sprawling, ascending, or erect, reaching up to 1¼' in length. Normally, they are unbranched, although occasionally a flowering stalk will branch and develop lateral flowering stalks. These stalks are greyish green and glabrous. Each stalk terminates in a spike-like raceme of several flowers. Each flower has a yellow corolla about ¾" long that is tubular-conical in shape (broader in front than in the back); this corolla consists of 2 outer petals and 2 inner petals. The upper outer petal forms a short upper lip in front that curls upward, and it has a rather long blunt spur in back. The lower outer petal forms a rounded lower lip that functions as a landing pad for visiting insects. The two inner petals are largely hidden by the outer petals, although they can be seen as a white lining within the throat of the corolla. Behind the upper lip of the upper petal, there is a crested protuberance that is greenish yellow to yellow. There is a similar protuberance underneath the lower lip of the lower petal. The sepals of the flowers are small and insignificant. Underneath each flower, there is a single bract about ½" long. This bract is greyish green, glabrous, and either ovate or divided into lobes with short blunt tips. A typical raceme will have some flower buds toward its apex, about 2-8 flowers in bloom near the middle, and developing seedpods below.
The blooming period for plants that are winter annuals occurs during late spring, while plants that are spring annuals bloom during mid-summer. A typical plant will remain in bloom for up to a month. Each seedpod is about 1" long, greyish green, glabrous, cylindrical in shape, and slightly flattened, terminating in a slender beak at its tip; it contains about 6-12 seeds. Relative to the axis of the spike-like raceme, the seedpods are erect to ascending, often bending upward slightly. The small seeds are black, shiny, globoid, and somewhat flattened. Each seed has a dull white elaisome (food appendage) that is laterally attached; the elaisome darkens and withers away with age. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, mesic to dry conditions, and sandy soil. Large-Bracted Corydalis also grows readily in gravelly or loamy soil; if it is grown in moist loamy soil, taller and more aggressive plant species should be kept away from it. Foliar disease and insects are not normally troublesome. The seeds will germinate after a short dormancy period; they can be planted during the fall or early spring.
Range & Habitat: The native Large-Bracted Corydalis is an uncommon plant that occurs in a few counties in western Illinois (see Distribution Map). Prior to 1986, it was incorrectly identified as another species of Corydalis. Recently, several large populations of Large-Bracted Corydalis have been discovered, therefore it is more common in Illinois than previously believed. However, it is still state-listed as 'threatened.' This species is more common in the south-central states; western Illinois lies at the northeast corner of its range. Habitats include sand prairies, sandy fallow fields, and sandy or gravelly areas along roads and railroads (including the ballast). Disturbed areas are preferred, particularly where ant hills occur. Occasional wildfires, sand blow-outs, and overgrazing by herbivores are probably beneficial in maintaining populations of this plant.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated by bumblebees. The oily appendages of the seeds (elaisomes) attract ants (particularly Pheidole bicarinata), which undoubtedly help to disperse the seeds. The poisonous foliage is avoided by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Both the flowers and foliage are quite attractive. Large-Bracted Corydalis can be distinguished from other Corydalis spp. by its long yellow flowers (exceeding 2/3" or 15 mm. in length) and their large leafy bracts (exceeding 1/3" or 8 mm. in length). Other Corydalis spp. in Illinois have shorter bracts and/or shorter flowers. Large-Bracted Corydalis also differs from some Corydalis spp. by the crested protuberances behind the lips of its flowers (as opposed to protuberances that lack crests). In contrast to the seedpods of the similar Corydalis aurea (Golden Corydalis), the seedpods of Large-Bracted Corydalis are more erect and they lack constrictions between their seeds (they are not torulose). There are other varieties of Corydalis curvisiliqua, but they occur in states that lie southwest of Illinois.
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Miss Chen
2017年12月21日
Description: This is an annual wildflower about 1½–3' tall that branches occasionally. The stems are medium green and glabrous. The leaves are up to 6" long and 4" across (excluding the petioles); they are simple- or double-pinnate, medium green, and glabrous. The leaflets (or lobes) are up to 2" long and less than ¼" across; they are linear, linear-lanceolate, or linear-oblanceolate. The upper stems terminate in flowerheads that individually span about 1-2" across. Each flowerhead has 6-12 ray florets that surround numerous disk florets. The ray florets are reddish brown toward the center of the flowerhead, but become golden yellow toward their tips; less often, they may be reddish brown throughout. Each ray floret becomes wider toward its tip, which is divided into 3 large teeth. The tiny disk florets have corollas that are reddish brown and tubular in shape; each corolla has 4 tiny teeth along its upper rim. The base of each flowerhead is surrounded by glabrous brown bracts (phyllaries); the outer bracts at the very bottom of the flowerhead are small and triangular in shape, while the inner bracts are much larger in size and ovate in shape. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts about 1-2 months. The fertile disk florets are replaced by small achenes that lack tufts of hair. The root system is fibrous. This wildflower reproduces by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: Preferred growing conditions consist of full sun and moist to mesic sandy soil. However, other kinds of soil are readily tolerated, including those that contain loam, clay-loam, or some gravel. Depending on the cultivar or local ecotype, there is considerable variability in the size of flowerheads and the height of plants.
Range & Habitat: Plains Coreopsis has naturalized in scattered locations throughout Illinois, where it is generally uncommon (see Distribution Map). This introduced species is native to the region of the Great Plains in North America; most local populations in Illinois are descendants of plants that have escaped from cultivation. Habitats include sand prairies, rocky glades, areas along railroads, roadsides, and waste areas, particularly where the soil is rather barren. This species is cultivated in gardens because of the attractive flowerheads.
Faunal Associations: The flowerheads of Coreopsis spp. provide nectar and pollen to a wide variety of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, and beetles. The caterpillars of the moths Synchlora aerata (Wavy-Lined Emerald) and Tornos scolopacinarius (Dimorphic Gray) feed on the foliage of Coreopsis spp. and similar plants. Another insect that feeds on the foliage of these species is the leaf beetle, Calligrapha californica, which has been found specifically on Plains Coreopsis.
Photographic Location: A flower garden at the Arboretum of the University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: During the blooming period, Plains Coreopsis produces showy flowerheads in abundance. This species can be distinguished from other wildflowers by the ray florets of its flowerheads, which are yellow-maroon or maroon (reddish brown). Sometimes the ray florets of Rudbeckia hirta (Black-Eyed Susan) and Rudbeckia fulgida (Orange Coneflower) are partially maroon, but their ray florets have narrow tips that lack large teeth. Furthermore, the leaves of these latter species are not pinnately divided, unlike those of Plains Coreopsis. Other Coreopsis spp. in Illinois are perennial plants; they have ray florets that are yellow throughout. Another common name of Coreopsis tinctoria is Golden Coreopsis.
Cultivation: Preferred growing conditions consist of full sun and moist to mesic sandy soil. However, other kinds of soil are readily tolerated, including those that contain loam, clay-loam, or some gravel. Depending on the cultivar or local ecotype, there is considerable variability in the size of flowerheads and the height of plants.
Range & Habitat: Plains Coreopsis has naturalized in scattered locations throughout Illinois, where it is generally uncommon (see Distribution Map). This introduced species is native to the region of the Great Plains in North America; most local populations in Illinois are descendants of plants that have escaped from cultivation. Habitats include sand prairies, rocky glades, areas along railroads, roadsides, and waste areas, particularly where the soil is rather barren. This species is cultivated in gardens because of the attractive flowerheads.
Faunal Associations: The flowerheads of Coreopsis spp. provide nectar and pollen to a wide variety of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, and beetles. The caterpillars of the moths Synchlora aerata (Wavy-Lined Emerald) and Tornos scolopacinarius (Dimorphic Gray) feed on the foliage of Coreopsis spp. and similar plants. Another insect that feeds on the foliage of these species is the leaf beetle, Calligrapha californica, which has been found specifically on Plains Coreopsis.
Photographic Location: A flower garden at the Arboretum of the University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: During the blooming period, Plains Coreopsis produces showy flowerheads in abundance. This species can be distinguished from other wildflowers by the ray florets of its flowerheads, which are yellow-maroon or maroon (reddish brown). Sometimes the ray florets of Rudbeckia hirta (Black-Eyed Susan) and Rudbeckia fulgida (Orange Coneflower) are partially maroon, but their ray florets have narrow tips that lack large teeth. Furthermore, the leaves of these latter species are not pinnately divided, unlike those of Plains Coreopsis. Other Coreopsis spp. in Illinois are perennial plants; they have ray florets that are yellow throughout. Another common name of Coreopsis tinctoria is Golden Coreopsis.
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权问薇
2017年12月20日
1.茎部扦插
多肉大卫就跟其它的多肉是一样的，繁殖方法也是很类似，但是由于它平时生长的比较慢，所以最经常用的便是扦插的方法。扦插的话，有时候会有茎插和叶插这两种，一般它经常会用茎插的方式。
我们首先可以找来比较新鲜的茎秆，然后用刀子把它们给截成一段一段的，接着是不能立即插进去的，需等到伤口地方晾干之后方可进行，等到晾晒一段时间之后，可以观察一下，如果伤口已恢复好了，那我们就可以开始扦插，因为它本身生长的就比较慢，所以生根也不会很快的，进而就需要我们耐心等待，在这个时期内，一定要把它养护好，例如随时保持土壤的湿润，但是也不能有积水存在。
2.叶部扦插
除了上面的茎部扦插，一般叶插的方法，也是多肉植物比较经常用到的，所以它也是可以用这种方法的。
首先我们可以先找来一些比较肥厚的叶片，先把要扦插的基质给准备好，常用的就是珍珠岩等一些比较疏松的介质放在土里面，然后就可以把准备好的叶片，慢慢的插在土面上，用不上多长的时间，就可以马上开始生根，细心的观察一下，我们就可以发现断断续续的就会从叶片的基部上面，开始长出来很多的小芽，再长上数日之后，就会成长为较小的植株，这样子叶插就算是完成了。另外就如同上面的茎插一样，在发芽之前，我们一定要精心呵护，可以进行适当的浇水，只要维持土壤是湿润状态就可以了，但是同样的绝对不能有积水存在。
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Miss Chen
2017年12月20日
Description: This perennial plant is 1–2½' tall and more or less erect. The central stem is unbranched below, while above it branches occasionally. The stems are medium green, terete, and mostly glabrous, except at the bases of leaves, where they have tufts of hair. Pairs of opposite sessile leaves are distributed evenly along the stems. Lobed leaves are 1-3" long and about one-half as much across (in outline), while unlobed leaves are up to 1" long and less than ¼" across; they are widely spreading to ascending. Each leaf is usually divided into 2 lateral lobes and a terminal lobe; some of the uppermost leaves and small axillary leaves lack lobes. Both lateral and terminal lobes are narrowly oblong in shape; the lateral lobes occur toward the middle of each leaf, where they diverge from each other at about a 60º angle. Both unlobed leaves and the bases of lobed leaves are narrowly oblong. The leaf margins are smooth (entire). Upper leaf surfaces are medium to dark green and glabrous, while lower leaf surfaces are medium green and glabrous. The upper stems terminate in either solitary or pairs of flowerheads (usually the former) on peduncles that are more or less erect and about ½–2" long. These peduncles are medium green, terete, and glabrous.
Each flowerhead spans about 1½–2" across, consisting of a dense head of numerous disk florets that are surrounded by about 8 ray florets. The tiny corollas of the disk florets are yellow, tubular in shape, and 4-5 lobed. The petaloid rays of the flowerheads are yellow, broadly oblong in shape, and somewhat truncate and ragged along their tips. Surrounding the base of each flowerhead, there are about 8 appressed phyllaries (inner floral bracts) in a single series; these phyllaries are yellowish green, broadly ovate in shape, and about 8 mm. long. Slightly below the base of each flowerhead, there are about 8 outer bracts that are ascending to erect; these outer bracts are green, glabrous, narrowly oblong in shape, and 8-12 mm. long. The blooming period occurs during early summer, lasting about 3 weeks. There is no noticeable floral scent. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by achenes. These achenes are about 5 mm. long, brown or grayish brown, oblong to elliptic-oblong in shape, slightly concave-convex, longitudinally and finely ridged, and hairless; the apices of these achenes are truncate, lacking hairs or significant scales. The root system is fibrous and long-rhizomatous, often forming colonies of clonal plants. During autumn, the deciduous foliage of this plant often acquires reddish tints.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, mesic to dry-mesic conditions, and soil containing loam, clay-loam, sandy loam, or some gravel. This plant is easy to cultivate. It may sprawl across the ground unless it receives full sun and rather lean treatment with fertilizer and water. While it can spread aggressively from its rhizomes, Prairie Coreopsis is more impressive when it is allowed to form clonal colonies. The foliage usually remains in good condition until hard frost during the autumn.
Range & Habitat: The native Prairie Coreopsis occurs occasionally in most counties of Illinois, but it is rare or absent in SE Illinois and some western counties (see Distribution Map). Habitats include well-drained black soil prairies, sand prairies, gravel prairies, hill prairies, thickets, open areas of rocky upland forests, savannas, limestone glades, and abandoned fields. Prairie Coreopsis is usually found in high quality natural areas because the dispersion of its seeds is rather limited and it is infrequently cultivated.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract many kinds of insects because of their abundance and accessibility. These floral visitors include digger bees (Melissodes spp.), cuckoo bees (Epeolus spp., Nomada spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees (including green metallic bees), dagger bees (Calliopsis spp., Heterosarus spp.), Sphecid wasps and other wasps, Syrphid flies (Eristalis spp. and others), bee flies (Exoprosopa spp. and others), thick-headed flies (Conopidae), Tachinid flies, bottle flies (Lucilia spp.), Muscid flies, butterflies, skippers, moths, and beetles (Robertson, 1929). A digger bee, Melissodes coreopsis, is an oligolege (specialist pollinator) of Coreopsis spp. Some insects feed destructively on the plant juices, flowerheads, and other parts of Prairie Coreopsis and other Coreopsis spp. These species include the Red-spotted Aster Mirid (Polymerus basalis), an aphid (Uroleucon reynoldense), the Ragweed Leaf Beetle (Calligrapha bidenticola) and Coreopsis Leaf Beetle (Calligrapha californica coreopsivora), and larvae of such moths as the Dimorphic Gray (Tornos scolopacinarius), Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata), and Common Tan Wave (Pleuroprucha insulsaria). The larvae of the latter two moths feed on the flowerheads. See Knight (1941), Blackman & Eastop (2013), Clark et al. (2004), Wagner (2005), and Covell (1984/2005) for more information. Mammalian herbivores occasionally browse on the foliage of Coreopsis spp., including rabbits, groundhogs, deer, horses, and livestock.
Photographic Location: Photographs were taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Among the many prairie wildflowers with showy yellow flowerheads, Prairie Coreopsis (Coreopsis palmata) has the advantage of flowering somewhat earlier in the summer than most of them. It also blooms before the warm-season prairie grasses develop rapidly in response to hot summer weather, allowing its flowerheads to be seen from a distance by flower-visiting insects. Prairie Coreopsis can be distinguished from Sand Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata) by its more deeply lobed and shorter leaves; these leaves are distributed evenly along the stems, while the leaves of Sand Coreopsis are more clustered toward the bottoms of the stems. In contrast, the leaves of Prairie Coreopsis have wider lobes than the leaves of Large-flowered Coreopsis (Coreopsis grandiflora) and Whorled Coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata). The leaves of these latter two species have lobes that are thread-like, rather than finger-like. Finally, Prairie Coreopsis is a much shorter plant that blooms earlier than Tall Coreopsis (Coreopsis tripteris). In addition, the deeply lobed leaves of this latter species are much larger in size.
Each flowerhead spans about 1½–2" across, consisting of a dense head of numerous disk florets that are surrounded by about 8 ray florets. The tiny corollas of the disk florets are yellow, tubular in shape, and 4-5 lobed. The petaloid rays of the flowerheads are yellow, broadly oblong in shape, and somewhat truncate and ragged along their tips. Surrounding the base of each flowerhead, there are about 8 appressed phyllaries (inner floral bracts) in a single series; these phyllaries are yellowish green, broadly ovate in shape, and about 8 mm. long. Slightly below the base of each flowerhead, there are about 8 outer bracts that are ascending to erect; these outer bracts are green, glabrous, narrowly oblong in shape, and 8-12 mm. long. The blooming period occurs during early summer, lasting about 3 weeks. There is no noticeable floral scent. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by achenes. These achenes are about 5 mm. long, brown or grayish brown, oblong to elliptic-oblong in shape, slightly concave-convex, longitudinally and finely ridged, and hairless; the apices of these achenes are truncate, lacking hairs or significant scales. The root system is fibrous and long-rhizomatous, often forming colonies of clonal plants. During autumn, the deciduous foliage of this plant often acquires reddish tints.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, mesic to dry-mesic conditions, and soil containing loam, clay-loam, sandy loam, or some gravel. This plant is easy to cultivate. It may sprawl across the ground unless it receives full sun and rather lean treatment with fertilizer and water. While it can spread aggressively from its rhizomes, Prairie Coreopsis is more impressive when it is allowed to form clonal colonies. The foliage usually remains in good condition until hard frost during the autumn.
Range & Habitat: The native Prairie Coreopsis occurs occasionally in most counties of Illinois, but it is rare or absent in SE Illinois and some western counties (see Distribution Map). Habitats include well-drained black soil prairies, sand prairies, gravel prairies, hill prairies, thickets, open areas of rocky upland forests, savannas, limestone glades, and abandoned fields. Prairie Coreopsis is usually found in high quality natural areas because the dispersion of its seeds is rather limited and it is infrequently cultivated.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract many kinds of insects because of their abundance and accessibility. These floral visitors include digger bees (Melissodes spp.), cuckoo bees (Epeolus spp., Nomada spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees (including green metallic bees), dagger bees (Calliopsis spp., Heterosarus spp.), Sphecid wasps and other wasps, Syrphid flies (Eristalis spp. and others), bee flies (Exoprosopa spp. and others), thick-headed flies (Conopidae), Tachinid flies, bottle flies (Lucilia spp.), Muscid flies, butterflies, skippers, moths, and beetles (Robertson, 1929). A digger bee, Melissodes coreopsis, is an oligolege (specialist pollinator) of Coreopsis spp. Some insects feed destructively on the plant juices, flowerheads, and other parts of Prairie Coreopsis and other Coreopsis spp. These species include the Red-spotted Aster Mirid (Polymerus basalis), an aphid (Uroleucon reynoldense), the Ragweed Leaf Beetle (Calligrapha bidenticola) and Coreopsis Leaf Beetle (Calligrapha californica coreopsivora), and larvae of such moths as the Dimorphic Gray (Tornos scolopacinarius), Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata), and Common Tan Wave (Pleuroprucha insulsaria). The larvae of the latter two moths feed on the flowerheads. See Knight (1941), Blackman & Eastop (2013), Clark et al. (2004), Wagner (2005), and Covell (1984/2005) for more information. Mammalian herbivores occasionally browse on the foliage of Coreopsis spp., including rabbits, groundhogs, deer, horses, and livestock.
Photographic Location: Photographs were taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Among the many prairie wildflowers with showy yellow flowerheads, Prairie Coreopsis (Coreopsis palmata) has the advantage of flowering somewhat earlier in the summer than most of them. It also blooms before the warm-season prairie grasses develop rapidly in response to hot summer weather, allowing its flowerheads to be seen from a distance by flower-visiting insects. Prairie Coreopsis can be distinguished from Sand Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata) by its more deeply lobed and shorter leaves; these leaves are distributed evenly along the stems, while the leaves of Sand Coreopsis are more clustered toward the bottoms of the stems. In contrast, the leaves of Prairie Coreopsis have wider lobes than the leaves of Large-flowered Coreopsis (Coreopsis grandiflora) and Whorled Coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata). The leaves of these latter two species have lobes that are thread-like, rather than finger-like. Finally, Prairie Coreopsis is a much shorter plant that blooms earlier than Tall Coreopsis (Coreopsis tripteris). In addition, the deeply lobed leaves of this latter species are much larger in size.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年12月20日
Description: Fertile shoots of this perennial plant are 1½–3' tall, while infertile shoots consist of tufted basal leaves. The basal leaves are erect, ascending, or widely spreading; they are 3-6" long, ½–1" across, elliptic or elliptic-oblanceolate in shape, and entire (toothless) along their margins. The slender petioles of basal leaves are 1-4" long. The upper and lower surfaces of basal leaves are light-medium green and either glabrous (var. lanceolata) or irregularly covered with white hairs (var. villosa). Fertile shoots produce one or more stems from the base of each plant; these stems are ascending to erect, although their bases may rest on the ground. The stems are light-medium green, terete, and either glabrous (var. lanceolata) or irregularly covered with white hairs (var. villosa). Pairs of sessile opposite leaves occur primarily along the lower one-half of each plant.
Individual opposite leaves are either unlobed, or they may have 1-4 basal/lateral lobes and a terminal lobe. Unlobed opposite leaves are 1-4" long, linear-elliptic to elliptic in shape, and entire along their margins. Other opposite leaves have lobes that are ½–3" long, linear-elliptic to elliptic in shape, and entire along their margins. Some opposite leaves may have 1-2 short basal lobes, while other opposite leaves may have 2 basal lobes and 2 lateral lobes that are longer. The upper and lower surfaces of opposite leaves are light-medium green and either glabrous (var. lanceolata) or irregularly covered with white hairs (var. villosa). The stems terminate in solitary flowerheads on long naked peduncles (flowering stalks) up to 12" long. Each flowerhead spans 2-3" across, consisting of about 8 sterile ray florets that surround a dense head of numerous fertile disk florets. The petaloid rays of the flowerhead are yellow, oblanceolate to obovate in shape, and 4-lobed along their tips. In addition to the 4 primary lobes, some secondary lobes may be present, providing the tips of the petaloid rays with a ragged appearance.
The corollas of the disk florets are about 6 mm. (¼") in length, yellow, tubular in shape, and 4-5 lobed. At the base of each flowerhead, there is a single series of about 8 phyllaries (inner floral bracts). These phyllaries are about 8-10 mm. long, yellowish green to yellowish brown, and deltate-oval in shape; they are appressed along the bases of the petals when the flowerhead is in bloom. Slightly below the base of the flowerhead, there is a single series of 8 outer bracts that are similar to the phyllaries, except they are more green and lanceolate-ovate in shape. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer, lasting about 1 month for a colony of plants. Afterwards, the disk florets are replaced by achenes that are about 3 mm. long, 3 mm. across (including the membranous wings), brown, and flattened (slightly convex on one side and slightly concave on the other side). The tips of these achenes soon become truncate because their paired awns are early-deciduous. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous, often forming colonies of clonal plants.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, mesic to dry conditions, and poor soil containing sandy or rocky material. This plant will adapt to soil containing fertile loam if it is well-drained and taller plants are kept away from it. This plant is easy to grow from transplants. In open areas with exposed ground, it may spread aggressively.
Range & Habitat: The native Sand Coreopsis occurs in NE Illinois, counties along the Illinois River, SW Illinois, and scattered counties elsewhere within the state (see Distribution Map). In Illinois, it is an uncommon plant. Habitats include mesic to dry sand prairies, gravel prairies, hill prairies, limestone glades, thinly wooded bluffs, areas along railroads, and roadsides. Some local populations, particularly in heavily populated NE Illinois, may be plants that have escaped cultivation. In addition, some populations within the state are the result of habitat restoration efforts.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract many kinds of insect visitors, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, day-flying moths, and beetles. A long-tongued bee, Melissodes coreopsis) is an oligolege (specialist pollinator) of Coreopsis spp. Some insects feed destructively on the plant juices, flowerheads, and other parts of Sand Coreopsis and other Coreopsis spp. These species include the Ragweed Leaf Beetle (Calligrapha bidenticola) and Coreopsis Leaf Beetle (Calligrapha californica coreopsivora), the Red-spotted Aster Mirid (Polymerus basalis), an aphid (Uroleucon reynoldense), and the larvae of such moths as the Dimorphic Gray (Tornos scolopacinarius), Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata), and Common Tan Wave (Pleuroprucha insulsaria); see Clark et al. (2004), Knight (1941), Blackman & Eastop (2013), Covell (1984/2005), and Wagner (2005) for more information. The larvae of the latter two moths feed on the flowerheads. Mammalian herbivores occasionally browse on the foliage of Coreopsis spp., including rabbits, groundhogs, deer, horses, and livestock.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a sand prairie of Kickapoo State Park in Vermilion County, Illinois, and at a flower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Another common name for this plant is Lance-leaved Coreopsis, even though the leaves are usually more broad toward their tips than near their bases. Sand Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata) can be distinguished from other Coreopsis spp. primarily by the lack of lobes on its basal leaves and some of its opposite leaves. Different populations of Sand Coreopsis can vary significantly in the hairiness of the stems and leaves, ranging from glabrous (var. lanceolata) to conspicuously hairy (var. villosa). It has been suggested that the hairy variety may be the result of a naturally occurring hybrid of Coreopsis lanceolata with Coreopsis pubescens, or that it should be considered a distinct species (see Flora of North America, Vol. 21, at: www.efloras.org). Sand Coreopsis is often grown in flower gardens because of its showy flowerheads. As a result, many cultivars have been developed, including those that are double-flowered and bicolored.
Individual opposite leaves are either unlobed, or they may have 1-4 basal/lateral lobes and a terminal lobe. Unlobed opposite leaves are 1-4" long, linear-elliptic to elliptic in shape, and entire along their margins. Other opposite leaves have lobes that are ½–3" long, linear-elliptic to elliptic in shape, and entire along their margins. Some opposite leaves may have 1-2 short basal lobes, while other opposite leaves may have 2 basal lobes and 2 lateral lobes that are longer. The upper and lower surfaces of opposite leaves are light-medium green and either glabrous (var. lanceolata) or irregularly covered with white hairs (var. villosa). The stems terminate in solitary flowerheads on long naked peduncles (flowering stalks) up to 12" long. Each flowerhead spans 2-3" across, consisting of about 8 sterile ray florets that surround a dense head of numerous fertile disk florets. The petaloid rays of the flowerhead are yellow, oblanceolate to obovate in shape, and 4-lobed along their tips. In addition to the 4 primary lobes, some secondary lobes may be present, providing the tips of the petaloid rays with a ragged appearance.
The corollas of the disk florets are about 6 mm. (¼") in length, yellow, tubular in shape, and 4-5 lobed. At the base of each flowerhead, there is a single series of about 8 phyllaries (inner floral bracts). These phyllaries are about 8-10 mm. long, yellowish green to yellowish brown, and deltate-oval in shape; they are appressed along the bases of the petals when the flowerhead is in bloom. Slightly below the base of the flowerhead, there is a single series of 8 outer bracts that are similar to the phyllaries, except they are more green and lanceolate-ovate in shape. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer, lasting about 1 month for a colony of plants. Afterwards, the disk florets are replaced by achenes that are about 3 mm. long, 3 mm. across (including the membranous wings), brown, and flattened (slightly convex on one side and slightly concave on the other side). The tips of these achenes soon become truncate because their paired awns are early-deciduous. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous, often forming colonies of clonal plants.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, mesic to dry conditions, and poor soil containing sandy or rocky material. This plant will adapt to soil containing fertile loam if it is well-drained and taller plants are kept away from it. This plant is easy to grow from transplants. In open areas with exposed ground, it may spread aggressively.
Range & Habitat: The native Sand Coreopsis occurs in NE Illinois, counties along the Illinois River, SW Illinois, and scattered counties elsewhere within the state (see Distribution Map). In Illinois, it is an uncommon plant. Habitats include mesic to dry sand prairies, gravel prairies, hill prairies, limestone glades, thinly wooded bluffs, areas along railroads, and roadsides. Some local populations, particularly in heavily populated NE Illinois, may be plants that have escaped cultivation. In addition, some populations within the state are the result of habitat restoration efforts.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract many kinds of insect visitors, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, day-flying moths, and beetles. A long-tongued bee, Melissodes coreopsis) is an oligolege (specialist pollinator) of Coreopsis spp. Some insects feed destructively on the plant juices, flowerheads, and other parts of Sand Coreopsis and other Coreopsis spp. These species include the Ragweed Leaf Beetle (Calligrapha bidenticola) and Coreopsis Leaf Beetle (Calligrapha californica coreopsivora), the Red-spotted Aster Mirid (Polymerus basalis), an aphid (Uroleucon reynoldense), and the larvae of such moths as the Dimorphic Gray (Tornos scolopacinarius), Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata), and Common Tan Wave (Pleuroprucha insulsaria); see Clark et al. (2004), Knight (1941), Blackman & Eastop (2013), Covell (1984/2005), and Wagner (2005) for more information. The larvae of the latter two moths feed on the flowerheads. Mammalian herbivores occasionally browse on the foliage of Coreopsis spp., including rabbits, groundhogs, deer, horses, and livestock.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a sand prairie of Kickapoo State Park in Vermilion County, Illinois, and at a flower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Another common name for this plant is Lance-leaved Coreopsis, even though the leaves are usually more broad toward their tips than near their bases. Sand Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata) can be distinguished from other Coreopsis spp. primarily by the lack of lobes on its basal leaves and some of its opposite leaves. Different populations of Sand Coreopsis can vary significantly in the hairiness of the stems and leaves, ranging from glabrous (var. lanceolata) to conspicuously hairy (var. villosa). It has been suggested that the hairy variety may be the result of a naturally occurring hybrid of Coreopsis lanceolata with Coreopsis pubescens, or that it should be considered a distinct species (see Flora of North America, Vol. 21, at: www.efloras.org). Sand Coreopsis is often grown in flower gardens because of its showy flowerheads. As a result, many cultivars have been developed, including those that are double-flowered and bicolored.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年12月20日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is up to 1' tall; its leafy stems are either unbranched or sparingly branched. The stems are light green or light reddish green, terete, and glabrous. Abundant alternate leaves occur along the entire length of each stem. These leaves are ¾–1½" long, ¼–½" across, and either sessile or short-petiolate; they are oblong-elliptic to broadly oblong-elliptic in shape and their margins are entire (toothless). The upper leaf surface is grayish green and glabrous, while the lower leaf surface is slightly more pale and glabrous. Leaf venation is pinnate. Some of the stems terminate in flat-topped clusters of white flowers spanning ¾–1½" across. Sometimes these flowers are tinted green or pink. Each flower is about ¼" across, consisting of a shallow bell-shaped corolla with 5 sepals (rarely 4), 5 short stamens, and an inferior ovary with a single short style. The sepals are lanceolate in shape with spreading tips when a flower is fully open.
The central stalk, branches, and pedicels of each inflorescence are light green to light reddish green, terete, and glabrous. Individual pedicels are up to ¼" long. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer, lasting about 1 month for a colony of plants. Usually, relatively few flowers are in bloom at the same time in each inflorescence. There is no noticeable floral scent. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by small oily drupes spanning about ¼" across. Each thin-fleshed drupe contains a single large seed that is globoid in shape. The drupes gradually change color from green to brown, and they are said to have a sweet taste while still immature. The root system is fibrous and long-rhizomatous. Colonies of clonal plants are often produced by the thick woody rhizomes. The fibrous roots send out underground suckers (haustoria) that parasitize other plants. As a result, Bastard Toadflax is hemiparasitic.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, mesic to dry conditions, and an acidic to neutral soil containing loam, sand, or rocky material. This plant is an alternate host of Comandra Blister Rust (Cronartium comandrae). This fungal disease also attacks hard pines (Pinus spp.). Bastard Toadflax is partially parasitic on the root systems of a wide variety of plants, including grasses, forbs, shrubs, and trees.
Range & Habitat: The native Bastard Toadflax occurs occasionally in most areas of Illinois, but it is less common in the southern section of the state (see Distribution Map). This plant can be locally abundant at some high quality sites. Habitats include black soil prairies, sand prairies, hill prairies, rocky open woodlands, thinly wooded ridges, sandy savannas, and barren areas with scrubby vegetation. Bastard Toadflax is usually found in higher quality natural areas with other native plants. Populations of this plant tend to increase when they are exposed to occasional wildfires or light to moderate grazing.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract Halictid bees (Lasioglossum spp.), Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.), soldier flies (Stratiomyidae), Syrphid flies, flesh flies (Sarcophagidae), Calliphorid flies, and Muscid flies. Less common floral visitors include various long-tongued bees, butterflies, and beetles (Robertson, 1929). The larvae of a moth, the Ochre-patched Epermeniid (Ochromolopis ramapoella), feed on the fruits of Bastard Toadflax. Other insects feeding on this plant include the polyphagous larvae of such Tortricid moths as the Oblique-banded Leafroller Moth (Choristoneura rosaceana), the Sparganothis Fruitworm (Sparganothis sulfureana), and the Pallid Leafroller Moth (Xenostemna pallorana); see Godfrey et al. (1987). It has been reported that the small oily fruits are eaten by birds and rodents (Hedgcock & Long, 1915; Mielke, 1957). Such animals may carry the fruits and their seeds for considerable distances, introducing this plant to new areas.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the Loda Cemetery Prairie in the southwest corner of Iroquois County, Illinois.
Comments: This is one of the few herbaceous plants of the prairie that produces edible fruits, although they are thin-fleshed and small in size. With age, the flesh of these fruits becomes dry. Because Bastard Toadflax (Comandra umbellata) is the only member of its genus that occurs in Illinois, it is relatively distinct in appearance and easy to identify. Some small-flowered chickweeds (Stellaria spp., Cerastium spp.) superficially resemble Bastard Toadflax, but they can be distinguished by the notched petals of their flowers and their foliage is often pubescent. A prairie species, Flowering Spurge (Euphorbia corolla), has superficially similar leafy stems while it is still young, but this species becomes taller later in the year and it also blooms later. While the foliage of Bastard Toadflax has clear sap, the foliage of Flowering Spurge has milky sap, like many other spurges (Euphorbia spp.).
The central stalk, branches, and pedicels of each inflorescence are light green to light reddish green, terete, and glabrous. Individual pedicels are up to ¼" long. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer, lasting about 1 month for a colony of plants. Usually, relatively few flowers are in bloom at the same time in each inflorescence. There is no noticeable floral scent. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by small oily drupes spanning about ¼" across. Each thin-fleshed drupe contains a single large seed that is globoid in shape. The drupes gradually change color from green to brown, and they are said to have a sweet taste while still immature. The root system is fibrous and long-rhizomatous. Colonies of clonal plants are often produced by the thick woody rhizomes. The fibrous roots send out underground suckers (haustoria) that parasitize other plants. As a result, Bastard Toadflax is hemiparasitic.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, mesic to dry conditions, and an acidic to neutral soil containing loam, sand, or rocky material. This plant is an alternate host of Comandra Blister Rust (Cronartium comandrae). This fungal disease also attacks hard pines (Pinus spp.). Bastard Toadflax is partially parasitic on the root systems of a wide variety of plants, including grasses, forbs, shrubs, and trees.
Range & Habitat: The native Bastard Toadflax occurs occasionally in most areas of Illinois, but it is less common in the southern section of the state (see Distribution Map). This plant can be locally abundant at some high quality sites. Habitats include black soil prairies, sand prairies, hill prairies, rocky open woodlands, thinly wooded ridges, sandy savannas, and barren areas with scrubby vegetation. Bastard Toadflax is usually found in higher quality natural areas with other native plants. Populations of this plant tend to increase when they are exposed to occasional wildfires or light to moderate grazing.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract Halictid bees (Lasioglossum spp.), Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.), soldier flies (Stratiomyidae), Syrphid flies, flesh flies (Sarcophagidae), Calliphorid flies, and Muscid flies. Less common floral visitors include various long-tongued bees, butterflies, and beetles (Robertson, 1929). The larvae of a moth, the Ochre-patched Epermeniid (Ochromolopis ramapoella), feed on the fruits of Bastard Toadflax. Other insects feeding on this plant include the polyphagous larvae of such Tortricid moths as the Oblique-banded Leafroller Moth (Choristoneura rosaceana), the Sparganothis Fruitworm (Sparganothis sulfureana), and the Pallid Leafroller Moth (Xenostemna pallorana); see Godfrey et al. (1987). It has been reported that the small oily fruits are eaten by birds and rodents (Hedgcock & Long, 1915; Mielke, 1957). Such animals may carry the fruits and their seeds for considerable distances, introducing this plant to new areas.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the Loda Cemetery Prairie in the southwest corner of Iroquois County, Illinois.
Comments: This is one of the few herbaceous plants of the prairie that produces edible fruits, although they are thin-fleshed and small in size. With age, the flesh of these fruits becomes dry. Because Bastard Toadflax (Comandra umbellata) is the only member of its genus that occurs in Illinois, it is relatively distinct in appearance and easy to identify. Some small-flowered chickweeds (Stellaria spp., Cerastium spp.) superficially resemble Bastard Toadflax, but they can be distinguished by the notched petals of their flowers and their foliage is often pubescent. A prairie species, Flowering Spurge (Euphorbia corolla), has superficially similar leafy stems while it is still young, but this species becomes taller later in the year and it also blooms later. While the foliage of Bastard Toadflax has clear sap, the foliage of Flowering Spurge has milky sap, like many other spurges (Euphorbia spp.).
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