文章
Miss Chen
2018年08月27日
Poinsettias produce deep red blooms in winter, adding color to holiday tables. A tropical perennial plant, poinsettias can survive and bloom for many years with proper care. Poinsettias do not require high levels of light, one of the reasons they are favored as a potted plant. The flowers of the poinsettia are actually modified leaf structures called bracts. Once these have wilted and begun to die off, the poinsettia requires a thorough pruning. Poinsettias may also require some trimming throughout the growing season in order to remain full and healthy.
Step 1
Trim off the leaves on each poinsettia stem once the plant finishes blooming in March, leaving just three to four leaves on each stem. Cut the stems back to half their former height with shears.
Step 2
Trim off the top of each stem when they are 4 to 6 inches long in summer. Cut off the top 1/2 inch of each tip, as this helps the poinsettia grow full and bushy.
Step 3
Trim off the growing tips on each stem a second time in August if the stems have put on at least an additional 5 inches of growth since the last pruning.
Step 4
Cut out any damaged or dead leaves throughout the growing period. Remove these where they emerge from the stems.
Step 1
Trim off the leaves on each poinsettia stem once the plant finishes blooming in March, leaving just three to four leaves on each stem. Cut the stems back to half their former height with shears.
Step 2
Trim off the top of each stem when they are 4 to 6 inches long in summer. Cut off the top 1/2 inch of each tip, as this helps the poinsettia grow full and bushy.
Step 3
Trim off the growing tips on each stem a second time in August if the stems have put on at least an additional 5 inches of growth since the last pruning.
Step 4
Cut out any damaged or dead leaves throughout the growing period. Remove these where they emerge from the stems.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年08月26日
Hostas (Hosta spp.), also called plantain lily, funkia or August lily are cool customers in the shade garden. These herbaceous perennials die back in fall and live through winter in a dormant state, only to grow again the following spring. Hostas have some simple fall grooming needs. If they grow in containers or gardens in warmer climates, you'll also want to tuck them in to maintain a consistent soil temperature.
Hosta Notes
Hostas do best in dappled shade or with two to three hours of morning sun. A well-draining, organic soil that stays moist, never soggy keeps these woodland plants growing and healthy. Garden hostas grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 8. A few extend past these limits. The old-fashioned August lily (Hosta plantanginea) grows in USDA zones 3 through 9 and Siebold's hostas (Hosta sieboldiana "Elegans") grow in USDA zones 4 through 9.
Basic Trimming
Trim dead leaves down to the ground in late fall to prevent crown rot and to discourage rodents and slugs from adopting the pile for winter shelter. Whenever you groom hostas, clean shears and wipe cutting surfaces, which can become pitted, with a half-and-half mixture of rubbing alcohol and water to guard against transmission of fungal infections or rots.
End of Season Care
When air temperatures begin to drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night, the outer leaves begin to droop and leaf production in the center of each crown stops. Eventually, all of the leaves will become desiccated and drop over. It's important for your hostas to continue to receive 1 inch of water throughout the fall, but if soil deficiencies necessitate fertilizing hostas, stop feeding them in July or early August or you'll force them to continue to produce leaves. This growth will be pale and tender, making the whole plant -- including its crown and roots -- susceptible to frost damage. Wait until leaves fall over to groom hostas because they are needed after flowering to produce food for next year's growth.
Preparing Container Hostas for Winter
If you have the space, sink potted hosta plants into the soil to keep the soil temperature from fluctuating. If the pots cannot be buried, move the plant containers into a sheltered area once you've trimmed the plants. Put them against a wall under an overhang or in an unheated building so the pots can't collect water over winter.
Mulch to Regulate Temperature
In USDA zones 6 through 9 or if your hostas are in containers, mulch hostas with a 3- to 4-inch layer of pine straw to even out soil temperatures. All hostas grow and flower best when subjected to a period of freezing or near-freezing temperatures during their dormant periods. An Auburn University study found that, although the number of days or weeks varies by variety and cultivar, chilling encourages earlier emergence and better growth. Mulching keeps soil from heating and cooling each day and night, interrupting chilling periods. Mulch is not necessary in USDA zones below 6 where winter temperatures stay well below freezing for months.
Hosta Notes
Hostas do best in dappled shade or with two to three hours of morning sun. A well-draining, organic soil that stays moist, never soggy keeps these woodland plants growing and healthy. Garden hostas grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 8. A few extend past these limits. The old-fashioned August lily (Hosta plantanginea) grows in USDA zones 3 through 9 and Siebold's hostas (Hosta sieboldiana "Elegans") grow in USDA zones 4 through 9.
Basic Trimming
Trim dead leaves down to the ground in late fall to prevent crown rot and to discourage rodents and slugs from adopting the pile for winter shelter. Whenever you groom hostas, clean shears and wipe cutting surfaces, which can become pitted, with a half-and-half mixture of rubbing alcohol and water to guard against transmission of fungal infections or rots.
End of Season Care
When air temperatures begin to drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night, the outer leaves begin to droop and leaf production in the center of each crown stops. Eventually, all of the leaves will become desiccated and drop over. It's important for your hostas to continue to receive 1 inch of water throughout the fall, but if soil deficiencies necessitate fertilizing hostas, stop feeding them in July or early August or you'll force them to continue to produce leaves. This growth will be pale and tender, making the whole plant -- including its crown and roots -- susceptible to frost damage. Wait until leaves fall over to groom hostas because they are needed after flowering to produce food for next year's growth.
Preparing Container Hostas for Winter
If you have the space, sink potted hosta plants into the soil to keep the soil temperature from fluctuating. If the pots cannot be buried, move the plant containers into a sheltered area once you've trimmed the plants. Put them against a wall under an overhang or in an unheated building so the pots can't collect water over winter.
Mulch to Regulate Temperature
In USDA zones 6 through 9 or if your hostas are in containers, mulch hostas with a 3- to 4-inch layer of pine straw to even out soil temperatures. All hostas grow and flower best when subjected to a period of freezing or near-freezing temperatures during their dormant periods. An Auburn University study found that, although the number of days or weeks varies by variety and cultivar, chilling encourages earlier emergence and better growth. Mulching keeps soil from heating and cooling each day and night, interrupting chilling periods. Mulch is not necessary in USDA zones below 6 where winter temperatures stay well below freezing for months.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年08月14日
Kalanchoes are perennial, short-day-blooming succulent plants that bear bunches of small blossoms on branching bracts. They are typically grown indoors, but can be placed outside whenever temperatures are warm enough, or if winter temperatures don't get low enough to harm them. Grown indoors or outside, kalanchoes still need bright light, dry periods between watering and room to spread their root system.
Hardiness Zone
While temperatures of 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit will keep the Kalanchoes in bloom, freezing temperatures can kill them. In zones 10 and 11, they can be planted directly in the landscape with minimal winter protection and will function as perennials. Even a few hours of temperatures near 40 degrees can kill unprotected kalanachoes.
Location
Kalanchoes are lovely in or out of bloom, but need short daylight hours to produce blooms. Kalanchoes planted where nighttime lighting reaches the leaves may not produce blooms as often as those planted where they have long stretches of darkness at night. In zones 10 and 11, summertime direct sunlight can burn the leaves. Planted near a deciduous tree with dappled shade, kalanchoes benefit from more winter sun and less summer sun.
Moving Indoors
North of zone 11, kalanchoes are grown as summer annuals, or must be planted in pots so they can be moved indoors when frost threatens. If they are set outdoors in an area with intense, full sunlight, they must be gradually adjusted to the lower light levels they will experience indoors.
Considerations
Heavy winds can break the succulent stems of kalanchoes or even uproot them. Place the container in a sheltered area. Kalanchoes also do not "play well" with other plants, in that they have a very demanding root system. They need plenty of root space from other plants and particularly don't compete well with grass. The more root room they have in the ground or in their containers, the larger the plant will grow and the more bloom clusters it can support.
Hardiness Zone
While temperatures of 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit will keep the Kalanchoes in bloom, freezing temperatures can kill them. In zones 10 and 11, they can be planted directly in the landscape with minimal winter protection and will function as perennials. Even a few hours of temperatures near 40 degrees can kill unprotected kalanachoes.
Location
Kalanchoes are lovely in or out of bloom, but need short daylight hours to produce blooms. Kalanchoes planted where nighttime lighting reaches the leaves may not produce blooms as often as those planted where they have long stretches of darkness at night. In zones 10 and 11, summertime direct sunlight can burn the leaves. Planted near a deciduous tree with dappled shade, kalanchoes benefit from more winter sun and less summer sun.
Moving Indoors
North of zone 11, kalanchoes are grown as summer annuals, or must be planted in pots so they can be moved indoors when frost threatens. If they are set outdoors in an area with intense, full sunlight, they must be gradually adjusted to the lower light levels they will experience indoors.
Considerations
Heavy winds can break the succulent stems of kalanchoes or even uproot them. Place the container in a sheltered area. Kalanchoes also do not "play well" with other plants, in that they have a very demanding root system. They need plenty of root space from other plants and particularly don't compete well with grass. The more root room they have in the ground or in their containers, the larger the plant will grow and the more bloom clusters it can support.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年08月13日
Potted mums are usually treated as annual flowers because they cannot tolerate the cold conditions during the winter months. Most potted varieties are known as florist's mums since they are sold as a living seasonal bouquet. A different mum variety, called hardy mum, is typically grown as a bedding plant. Tender, potted mums can survive the winter months with proper care and protection from frost, providing you with a second year of flowering the following fall.
Remove the mums from the pot they came in once flowering completes. Divide the roots of the separate plants. Most purchased mums come three or more plants to a pot.
Replant the mums into 6-inch diameter pots filled with standard potting soil, planting one plant per pot. Plant the mums at the same depth they were growing at in the previous pot.
Cut back the old flower stems on each mum plant. Trim the stems after the foliage begins to die back naturally.
Bring the mums indoors once the outdoor temperature drops below 60 degrees F. Place the mums in a sunny window. Leave mums outdoors in areas with warm winters.
Water the mums when the top of the soil begins to feel dry. Provide enough water to moisten the soil but avoid overwatering, which can cause soggy soil conditions.
Pinch off the top inch of each shoot once the shoots are approximately 6 inches long. Pinching causes lateral branching and further flower bud formation. Continue to pinch the plants until late July.
Move the plants outdoors once nighttime temperatures are regularly above 60 degrees F in spring. Bring the plants indoors temporarily if a late season frost is expected.
Remove the mums from the pot they came in once flowering completes. Divide the roots of the separate plants. Most purchased mums come three or more plants to a pot.
Replant the mums into 6-inch diameter pots filled with standard potting soil, planting one plant per pot. Plant the mums at the same depth they were growing at in the previous pot.
Cut back the old flower stems on each mum plant. Trim the stems after the foliage begins to die back naturally.
Bring the mums indoors once the outdoor temperature drops below 60 degrees F. Place the mums in a sunny window. Leave mums outdoors in areas with warm winters.
Water the mums when the top of the soil begins to feel dry. Provide enough water to moisten the soil but avoid overwatering, which can cause soggy soil conditions.
Pinch off the top inch of each shoot once the shoots are approximately 6 inches long. Pinching causes lateral branching and further flower bud formation. Continue to pinch the plants until late July.
Move the plants outdoors once nighttime temperatures are regularly above 60 degrees F in spring. Bring the plants indoors temporarily if a late season frost is expected.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年08月11日
The bright shades of phlox are a welcome sight in the garden after a long winter. Whether it's the first sign of spring creeping phlox or the tall plants of summer, there is a phlox that fits every garden and provides colorful blooms almost all season long. Good for cut flowers, tall garden phlox also attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Bloom Time
A common spring sight, creeping phlox produces a dense, low-growing mat of color. Blooming from April through to June, creeping phlox is available in a wide assortment of colors including pink, white, mauve, red, blue and purple and makes a striking statement along garden edges. Garden phlox grow to 4 feet of brilliant color and bloom July through to mid-September. A low-maintenance plant, garden phlox is available in bright shades of magenta, white, pink, red and blue.
Planting
All phlox prefer full sun, but will perform well in partial shade. Plant in moist, well-drained soil that has been amended with a few inches of compost. Garden phlox can mature to 2 feet in width at its base, so when planting, give them plenty of room to spread. Dig a hole comparable in size to the container the plant was grown in and ensure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface when planted. Fill in the hole, water the plant well and add a layer of mulch to help maintain moisture and deter weeds. All phlox are hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 4.
Care
Add a layer of compost and mulch each spring to continue to deter weeds and keep the soil moist. Deadhead the faded flowers on garden phlox to promote new and continued blooms and prevent reseeding. Divide the plants every three years and in the fall after the first heavy frost cut tall garden phlox back to 2 inches above the base of the plant. Powdery mildew is a common affliction of phlox, and dividing regularly and providing added air circulation can help reduce the severity of the disease. Powdery mildew will not harm the plant, but it does cause the leaves and stems to develop a grayish white coating, which may turn yellow, and fall off the plant. As a result, mildew-resistant cultivars are becoming available at garden centers.
Phlox History
It was John Bartram in the 1740s who introduced phlox to England where it was then grown in many estate gardens. It became a garden staple in the 1850s as people found more leisure time and gardening became popular with many home owners. In 1837 alternative varieties of phlox began to emerge, and garden phlox remained popular until the 1930s when annuals took over as the garden plant of choice. It wasn't until the 1990s that perennials bounced back onto the gardening scene and the phlox has remained a common site in many perennials gardens ever since.
Bloom Time
A common spring sight, creeping phlox produces a dense, low-growing mat of color. Blooming from April through to June, creeping phlox is available in a wide assortment of colors including pink, white, mauve, red, blue and purple and makes a striking statement along garden edges. Garden phlox grow to 4 feet of brilliant color and bloom July through to mid-September. A low-maintenance plant, garden phlox is available in bright shades of magenta, white, pink, red and blue.
Planting
All phlox prefer full sun, but will perform well in partial shade. Plant in moist, well-drained soil that has been amended with a few inches of compost. Garden phlox can mature to 2 feet in width at its base, so when planting, give them plenty of room to spread. Dig a hole comparable in size to the container the plant was grown in and ensure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface when planted. Fill in the hole, water the plant well and add a layer of mulch to help maintain moisture and deter weeds. All phlox are hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 4.
Care
Add a layer of compost and mulch each spring to continue to deter weeds and keep the soil moist. Deadhead the faded flowers on garden phlox to promote new and continued blooms and prevent reseeding. Divide the plants every three years and in the fall after the first heavy frost cut tall garden phlox back to 2 inches above the base of the plant. Powdery mildew is a common affliction of phlox, and dividing regularly and providing added air circulation can help reduce the severity of the disease. Powdery mildew will not harm the plant, but it does cause the leaves and stems to develop a grayish white coating, which may turn yellow, and fall off the plant. As a result, mildew-resistant cultivars are becoming available at garden centers.
Phlox History
It was John Bartram in the 1740s who introduced phlox to England where it was then grown in many estate gardens. It became a garden staple in the 1850s as people found more leisure time and gardening became popular with many home owners. In 1837 alternative varieties of phlox began to emerge, and garden phlox remained popular until the 1930s when annuals took over as the garden plant of choice. It wasn't until the 1990s that perennials bounced back onto the gardening scene and the phlox has remained a common site in many perennials gardens ever since.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年08月11日
Perennials live for at least three years, although some survive for much longer. Many perennial species die back to the ground in winter and regrow in the spring. To identify purple perennials, note their foliage, form and flower type. Purple perennials add deep to bright color to the landscape, and some species attract pollinating wildlife, such as hummingbirds, butterflies or bees, with their nectar. Plant species that bloom at different times during the growing season for constant color.
Early Bloomers
Early blooming perennials start producing flowers in spring, which lasts from March through May. Purple-flowering species include the bugle weed (Ajuga reptans), a 6- to 9-inch-tall perennial that spreads as a ground cover. Bugle weed blooms with small, purple, blue and white flowers that stand on inflorescences. Flowers have a forked lower petal and attract bees. Turkish veronica (Veronica liwanensis) blooms in late spring with purple to blue flowers on tall racemes. The small blossoms grow from the bottom to the top. Turkish veronica grows to 2 feet tall and has lustrous, evergreen leaves. This perennial can be grown as a spreading ground cover.
Summer Bloomers
The summer blooming season begins in June and lasts through August. The purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) produces purple, pink and white daisylike blooms with dark gold centers in summer. The conflower's long-lasting blossoms grow from 2 1/2 to 5 inches in diameter and have 12 to 20 drooping petals. Purple coneflowers have rough leaves, hairy stems and grow from 1 to 3 feet tall. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia ) blooms through the summer months with fragrant spikes of small, pale to deep purple blossoms. Lavender has aromatic, gray-green foliage and grows from 2 to 3 feet tall. It grows in upright clumps and has stippled leaves that turn silvery in winter.
Late Summer to Fall Bloomers
Late-blooming purple perennials produce flowers from August until September, though sometimes blossoms last until the first killing frost. Catmint (Nepeta spp.) blooms in late summer with tall spikes of violet to blue flowers. This relative of the catnip plant has fragrant flowers and foliage and grows from 12 to 36 inches tall. Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) flowers from July through October. This aromatic perennial produces tall spikes of purple-blue flowers and grows in an upright form. Russian sage grows from 36 to 60 inches tall and has gray-green, fragrant foliage.
Season-Long Bloomers
Some purple perennials bloom for much of the growing season. These include the creeping heliotrope (Heliotropium amplexicaule), which flowers from summer through fall. This spreading plant produces clusters of tiny, tublular, blue to purple blossoms and grows from 6 to 12 inches tall. Bergamot (Monarda hybrids) bloom all summer long with purple, red or pink flowers. This perennial's flowers have spiky, thin petals and upright stamens. Bergamot grows from 2 to 4 feet tall and attracts bees, hummingbirds and butterflies.
Early Bloomers
Early blooming perennials start producing flowers in spring, which lasts from March through May. Purple-flowering species include the bugle weed (Ajuga reptans), a 6- to 9-inch-tall perennial that spreads as a ground cover. Bugle weed blooms with small, purple, blue and white flowers that stand on inflorescences. Flowers have a forked lower petal and attract bees. Turkish veronica (Veronica liwanensis) blooms in late spring with purple to blue flowers on tall racemes. The small blossoms grow from the bottom to the top. Turkish veronica grows to 2 feet tall and has lustrous, evergreen leaves. This perennial can be grown as a spreading ground cover.
Summer Bloomers
The summer blooming season begins in June and lasts through August. The purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) produces purple, pink and white daisylike blooms with dark gold centers in summer. The conflower's long-lasting blossoms grow from 2 1/2 to 5 inches in diameter and have 12 to 20 drooping petals. Purple coneflowers have rough leaves, hairy stems and grow from 1 to 3 feet tall. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia ) blooms through the summer months with fragrant spikes of small, pale to deep purple blossoms. Lavender has aromatic, gray-green foliage and grows from 2 to 3 feet tall. It grows in upright clumps and has stippled leaves that turn silvery in winter.
Late Summer to Fall Bloomers
Late-blooming purple perennials produce flowers from August until September, though sometimes blossoms last until the first killing frost. Catmint (Nepeta spp.) blooms in late summer with tall spikes of violet to blue flowers. This relative of the catnip plant has fragrant flowers and foliage and grows from 12 to 36 inches tall. Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) flowers from July through October. This aromatic perennial produces tall spikes of purple-blue flowers and grows in an upright form. Russian sage grows from 36 to 60 inches tall and has gray-green, fragrant foliage.
Season-Long Bloomers
Some purple perennials bloom for much of the growing season. These include the creeping heliotrope (Heliotropium amplexicaule), which flowers from summer through fall. This spreading plant produces clusters of tiny, tublular, blue to purple blossoms and grows from 6 to 12 inches tall. Bergamot (Monarda hybrids) bloom all summer long with purple, red or pink flowers. This perennial's flowers have spiky, thin petals and upright stamens. Bergamot grows from 2 to 4 feet tall and attracts bees, hummingbirds and butterflies.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年08月09日
Description: This herbaceous plant is a winter or summer annual about 4-18" tall and similarly across; it branches dichotomously. Initially, a few basal leaves develop during the autumn or spring, but during late spring this plant bolts The stems of bolting plants are medium green, terete, and glabrous. Alternate leaves occur along the entire length of these stems, becoming smaller in size as they ascend. They vary in size from ½–3½" long and similarly across. The leaves are medium green, glabrous, and bipinnatifid or tripinnatifid in structure; they branch dichotomously and somewhat irregularly, forming narrowly linear to filiform lobes. These lobes are up to ¾" (20 mm.) long and about 0.5–1 mm. across. The narrow petioles of the leaves are nearly zero to 2" long; they are mostly green and glabrous, although the bases of these petioles have sheaths with white- to brown-membranous margins.
Both axillary and terminal umbels of flowers are produced in abundance. These umbels are usually compound, consisting of 2-3 umbellets (rarely with 4 umbellets), although sometimes they are simple. The compound umbels span about ¾–1¼" (20-32 mm.) across; their peduncles (basal stalks) are ¼–1" (6-24 mm.) long. The rays (basal stalklets) of the umbellets are ascending and divergent; they are ¼–¾" (6-20 mm.) in length. Individual umbellets span ¼–½" (6-12 mm.) across, consisting of 5-15 flowers; their pedicels are nearly zero to ¼" long. The peduncles, rays, and pedicels of each compound umbel are medium green, glabrous, and straight. Both the umbels and umbellets lack floral bracts. Individual flowers are only 1-2 mm. across when they are fully open. Each flower consists of 5 white petals, a toothless green calyx, 5 stamens, and a 2-celled ovary with a pair of short styles. The blooming period occurs during the summer and autumn, lasting about 2-3 months. Only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time.
Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by dry fruits (schizocarps); immature fruits are light green, while mature fruits turn brown; the latter soon fall to the ground. Each schizocarp consists of 2 hairless seeds. Individual seeds are 1.0–1.5 mm. long and asymmetrically ellipsoid in shape; one side of each seed is flat to slightly concave, while the other side is convex and conspicuously ribbed (3 ribs that are separated by 2 furrows). The root system consists of a slender taproot. This plant reproduces by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and moist conditions; a variety of soil types are tolerated. This plant will colonize drier ground, but it is vulnerable to hot dry weather. In some situations, this plant can spread aggressively, although this has not been a problem (thus far) in Illinois.
Range & Habitat: The non-native Fir-leaved Celery is a rare weed in Illinois. So far, it has occurred only in Champaign County (see Distribution Map). It is probably native to subtropical areas of Central and South America. However, it has spread to both subtropical and temperate areas throughout the world. Illinois appears to lie along the northern range-limit of this species; it is more common in southeastern and southwestern United States. In Illinois, Fir-leaved Celery was growing in low shrubbery near a parking lot in downtown Champaign, Illinois. It also occurred nearby in weedy turf grass along a roadside. In general, habitats of this plant include cropland, abandoned fields, roadside ditches, areas along railroads, gardens, neglected lawns, and areas around landscape shrubs. Fire and regular mowing are not tolerated. Nonetheless, this plant prefers habitats with a history of disturbance.
Faunal Associations: Floral-faunal relationships for Fir-leaved Celery are not well-understood for North America. Occasionally, White-tailed Deer browse on the foliage (Everitt et al., 1999). Livestock, including dairy cattle, sometimes browse on the foliage of this plant, as there have been some concerns about whether or not it can taint the flavor of milk.
Photographic Location: Low shrubbery and weedy turfgrass in downtown Champaign, Illinois, where this plant has persisted for several years. One of the photographs was taken indoors.
Comments: Sometimes the scientific name of Fir-leaved Celery is spelled Ciclospermum leptophyllum, and another scientific name of this plant is Apium leptophyllum. It also has other common names, including Marsh Parsley and Slender Celery. Fir-leaved Celery is remarkable for its narrowly lobed leaves and abundant umbels of tiny flowers. It is possible to confuse this plant with two other groups of annual plants in the Carrot family, viz. species of Mock Bishop-weed (Ptilimnium spp.) and Scaleseed (Spermolepis spp.), as they also have leaves with very narrow lobes and small white flowers. Species of Mock Bishop-weed differ by having larger compound umbels of flowers with more umbellets and the presence of floral bracts at the bases of their compound umbels. Species of Scaleseed can be distinguished by the bractlets at the bases of their umbellets and the presence of tubercles or bristles on their seeds. In contrast, Fir-leaved Celery lacks both floral bracts and bractlets and its seeds lack tubercles or bristles.
Both axillary and terminal umbels of flowers are produced in abundance. These umbels are usually compound, consisting of 2-3 umbellets (rarely with 4 umbellets), although sometimes they are simple. The compound umbels span about ¾–1¼" (20-32 mm.) across; their peduncles (basal stalks) are ¼–1" (6-24 mm.) long. The rays (basal stalklets) of the umbellets are ascending and divergent; they are ¼–¾" (6-20 mm.) in length. Individual umbellets span ¼–½" (6-12 mm.) across, consisting of 5-15 flowers; their pedicels are nearly zero to ¼" long. The peduncles, rays, and pedicels of each compound umbel are medium green, glabrous, and straight. Both the umbels and umbellets lack floral bracts. Individual flowers are only 1-2 mm. across when they are fully open. Each flower consists of 5 white petals, a toothless green calyx, 5 stamens, and a 2-celled ovary with a pair of short styles. The blooming period occurs during the summer and autumn, lasting about 2-3 months. Only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time.
Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by dry fruits (schizocarps); immature fruits are light green, while mature fruits turn brown; the latter soon fall to the ground. Each schizocarp consists of 2 hairless seeds. Individual seeds are 1.0–1.5 mm. long and asymmetrically ellipsoid in shape; one side of each seed is flat to slightly concave, while the other side is convex and conspicuously ribbed (3 ribs that are separated by 2 furrows). The root system consists of a slender taproot. This plant reproduces by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and moist conditions; a variety of soil types are tolerated. This plant will colonize drier ground, but it is vulnerable to hot dry weather. In some situations, this plant can spread aggressively, although this has not been a problem (thus far) in Illinois.
Range & Habitat: The non-native Fir-leaved Celery is a rare weed in Illinois. So far, it has occurred only in Champaign County (see Distribution Map). It is probably native to subtropical areas of Central and South America. However, it has spread to both subtropical and temperate areas throughout the world. Illinois appears to lie along the northern range-limit of this species; it is more common in southeastern and southwestern United States. In Illinois, Fir-leaved Celery was growing in low shrubbery near a parking lot in downtown Champaign, Illinois. It also occurred nearby in weedy turf grass along a roadside. In general, habitats of this plant include cropland, abandoned fields, roadside ditches, areas along railroads, gardens, neglected lawns, and areas around landscape shrubs. Fire and regular mowing are not tolerated. Nonetheless, this plant prefers habitats with a history of disturbance.
Faunal Associations: Floral-faunal relationships for Fir-leaved Celery are not well-understood for North America. Occasionally, White-tailed Deer browse on the foliage (Everitt et al., 1999). Livestock, including dairy cattle, sometimes browse on the foliage of this plant, as there have been some concerns about whether or not it can taint the flavor of milk.
Photographic Location: Low shrubbery and weedy turfgrass in downtown Champaign, Illinois, where this plant has persisted for several years. One of the photographs was taken indoors.
Comments: Sometimes the scientific name of Fir-leaved Celery is spelled Ciclospermum leptophyllum, and another scientific name of this plant is Apium leptophyllum. It also has other common names, including Marsh Parsley and Slender Celery. Fir-leaved Celery is remarkable for its narrowly lobed leaves and abundant umbels of tiny flowers. It is possible to confuse this plant with two other groups of annual plants in the Carrot family, viz. species of Mock Bishop-weed (Ptilimnium spp.) and Scaleseed (Spermolepis spp.), as they also have leaves with very narrow lobes and small white flowers. Species of Mock Bishop-weed differ by having larger compound umbels of flowers with more umbellets and the presence of floral bracts at the bases of their compound umbels. Species of Scaleseed can be distinguished by the bractlets at the bases of their umbellets and the presence of tubercles or bristles on their seeds. In contrast, Fir-leaved Celery lacks both floral bracts and bractlets and its seeds lack tubercles or bristles.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年07月31日
Description: This little plant is a winter or spring annual about 2-6" tall. A mature plant becomes tufted at the base, sending up multiple stems. These stems are green and pubescent. The opposite leaves are up to ¾" long and about half as much across. These leaves are broadly oblong or ovate-oblong, green, and pubescent; they have conspicuous central veins, smooth margins, and sessile bases.
The upper stems terminate in small cymes or individual flowers; sometimes the lower cymes branch into secondary cymes of flowers. The peduncles and pedicels of these cymes are light green and pubescent. At the base of each peduncle, there is a pair of green leaf-like bracts. These bracts are broadly lanceolate-oblong or lanceolate-ovate, pubescent, and smooth along the margins; some of the upper bracts have thin translucent margins toward their tips (i.e., they are slightly scarious). These translucent margins are more apparent in mature or dried-out plants than young specimens. The flowers at the tips of the pedicels are up to ¼" across when they are fully open. Each flower has 5 white petals, 5 green sepals, 5 white styles, and 5 stamens with pale yellow anthers. Each petal has several pale lines at its base, while its tip is notched. The sepals are lanceolate and hairy; their margins are translucent. The blooming period occurs during the spring and lasts about 1 month; this is one of the earliest wildflowers to bloom during the spring. The flowers open up during spring days that are sunny and warm. Some plants begin to bloom when they are only 1" tall. Each flower is replaced by a cylindrical capsule containing manyDistribution Map small seeds. Each seed capsule is straight to slightly curved; there are 10 small teeth along its upper rim. The seeds are brown, somewhat flattened, and minutely warty or pebbly. The root system consists mostly of thin fibrous roots. This plant spreads by reseeding itself and it often forms small colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, moist to slightly dry conditions, and sterile soil with little ground vegetation. In Illinois, this little plant completes its growth cycle during the spring.
Range & Habitat: Small Mouse-Eared Chickweed is occasional in central and NE Illinois, while in other areas of the state it is uncommon or absent. This plant was accidentally introduced into the United States from Europe. Habitats consist of fields, disturbed grassy meadows, areas along roads, barren ground in lawns, and waste areas. Areas with a history of disturbance and environmental degradation are strongly preferred. This little plant tolerates road salt and other run-off chemicals better than most kinds of turf-grass; it also tolerates hardpan clay and gravel better than turf-grass.
Faunal Associations: Like other Chickweeds (Cerastium spp., Stellaria spp.), the flowers of this species attract small bees and Syrphid flies. While the foliage of Small Mouse-Eared Chickweed is potentially edible to rabbits, it is rarely eaten because of its diminutive size and early spring growth. Small granivorous songbirds (e.g., sparrows) may use the seeds as a minor source of food.
Photographic Location: A barren area along a roadside in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: There are several Cerastium spp. (Mouse-Eared Chickweeds) in Illinois and they are difficult to distinguish from each other. I believe that the species in the photograph above is Cerastium pumilum (Small Mouse-Eared Chickweed) for the following reasons: 1) It is a short-lived annual that completes its life-cycle during the spring, 2) Each of its flowers has 5 stamens and 5 styles, 3) Its flowers always have 5 petals, and 4) Its floral bracts usually lack translucent margins, except for some of the upper bracts on mature plants. Other Mouse-Eared Chickweeds are perennials (e.g., Cerastium fontanum), or they have flowers with 10 stamens (e.g., Cerastium brachypetalum, Cerastium glomeratum), or they produce flowers with 4 petals (e.g., Cerastium diffusum), or all of their bracts have conspicuous translucent margins (e.g., Cerastium semidecandrum).
The upper stems terminate in small cymes or individual flowers; sometimes the lower cymes branch into secondary cymes of flowers. The peduncles and pedicels of these cymes are light green and pubescent. At the base of each peduncle, there is a pair of green leaf-like bracts. These bracts are broadly lanceolate-oblong or lanceolate-ovate, pubescent, and smooth along the margins; some of the upper bracts have thin translucent margins toward their tips (i.e., they are slightly scarious). These translucent margins are more apparent in mature or dried-out plants than young specimens. The flowers at the tips of the pedicels are up to ¼" across when they are fully open. Each flower has 5 white petals, 5 green sepals, 5 white styles, and 5 stamens with pale yellow anthers. Each petal has several pale lines at its base, while its tip is notched. The sepals are lanceolate and hairy; their margins are translucent. The blooming period occurs during the spring and lasts about 1 month; this is one of the earliest wildflowers to bloom during the spring. The flowers open up during spring days that are sunny and warm. Some plants begin to bloom when they are only 1" tall. Each flower is replaced by a cylindrical capsule containing manyDistribution Map small seeds. Each seed capsule is straight to slightly curved; there are 10 small teeth along its upper rim. The seeds are brown, somewhat flattened, and minutely warty or pebbly. The root system consists mostly of thin fibrous roots. This plant spreads by reseeding itself and it often forms small colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, moist to slightly dry conditions, and sterile soil with little ground vegetation. In Illinois, this little plant completes its growth cycle during the spring.
Range & Habitat: Small Mouse-Eared Chickweed is occasional in central and NE Illinois, while in other areas of the state it is uncommon or absent. This plant was accidentally introduced into the United States from Europe. Habitats consist of fields, disturbed grassy meadows, areas along roads, barren ground in lawns, and waste areas. Areas with a history of disturbance and environmental degradation are strongly preferred. This little plant tolerates road salt and other run-off chemicals better than most kinds of turf-grass; it also tolerates hardpan clay and gravel better than turf-grass.
Faunal Associations: Like other Chickweeds (Cerastium spp., Stellaria spp.), the flowers of this species attract small bees and Syrphid flies. While the foliage of Small Mouse-Eared Chickweed is potentially edible to rabbits, it is rarely eaten because of its diminutive size and early spring growth. Small granivorous songbirds (e.g., sparrows) may use the seeds as a minor source of food.
Photographic Location: A barren area along a roadside in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: There are several Cerastium spp. (Mouse-Eared Chickweeds) in Illinois and they are difficult to distinguish from each other. I believe that the species in the photograph above is Cerastium pumilum (Small Mouse-Eared Chickweed) for the following reasons: 1) It is a short-lived annual that completes its life-cycle during the spring, 2) Each of its flowers has 5 stamens and 5 styles, 3) Its flowers always have 5 petals, and 4) Its floral bracts usually lack translucent margins, except for some of the upper bracts on mature plants. Other Mouse-Eared Chickweeds are perennials (e.g., Cerastium fontanum), or they have flowers with 10 stamens (e.g., Cerastium brachypetalum, Cerastium glomeratum), or they produce flowers with 4 petals (e.g., Cerastium diffusum), or all of their bracts have conspicuous translucent margins (e.g., Cerastium semidecandrum).
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Miss Chen
2018年07月31日
Description: This plant is a winter or spring annual that becomes 4-16" tall, usually forming a tuft of leafy stems that are ascending to sprawling. These stems are branched at the base near the crown of the plant, otherwise they are unbranched. Individual stems are light green, terete, and glandular-hairy. Pairs of opposite leaves occur along these stems (typically at intervals of 1-2½"). These leaves are ¾-2" long, 5-9 mm. across, and elliptic, oblong-lanceolate, or oblong-oblanceolate in shape. The leaf margins are smooth (entire) and slightly ciliate. The leaf surfaces are medium green and either sparsely short-pubescent or hairless. Each leaf has a prominent central vein.
The upper stems terminate in either cymes or compound cymes of flowers (usually the latter); these cymes are dichotomously branched and variable in size. Each terminal branch of the inflorescence typically has 3 flowers with divergent slender pedicels up to 1¼" long. While the flower buds are nodding, the flowers are more erect. Similar to the stems, the branches and pedicels of each inflorescence are light green, terete, and glandular-pubescent. At the base of each pair of branches in an inflorescence, there is a pair of leafy bracts up to ¾" and 5 mm. across. These bracts are lanceolate in shape and they lack membranous margins. The flowers are up to ¼" across while they are in bloom. Each flower has 5 white petals with notched tips, 5 green sepals, an ovary with 5 styles, and 10 stamens (usually). The sepals are lanceolate in shape with membranous margins and short-pubescent; they are about 3-5 mm. long. The petals are the same length or a little longer than the sepals. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer, lasting about 1 month. Usually, only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. Sometimes cleistogamous flowers that fail to open are produced.Distribution Map Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by cylindrical seed capsules that become 8-12 mm. long at maturity. Like the flowerbuds, they tend to nod downward. Mature seed capsules are membranous, light tan, longitudinally veined, and often slightly curved; they are more than twice as long as the sepals. Each seed capsule has an open rim at its apex with 10 tiny teeth. Each seed capsule contains several tiny seeds about 0.5 mm. in length. The seeds are obovoid, somewhat flattened, brownish, and minutely tuberculate (warty). The root system system consists of a shallow spreading taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade and moist conditions. Nodding Chickweed is not particular about soil. Most growth and development occurs during the spring when the weather is cool and moist, after which the foliage dies down.
Range & Habitat: The native Nodding Chickweed is occasional to locally common in most areas of Illinois. Habitats include floodplain woodlands, streambanks in wooded areas, ravines and ledges along streams, gravel bars along rivers, weedy meadows, nursery plots, and moist waste areas. Nodding Chickweed occurs in both natural areas and human-mediated environments. In natural areas, it tends to occur in places where there is some disturbance by the action of water (e.g., soil erosion or deposits of gravel).
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by honeybees, Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp.), small butterflies, Syrphid flies, and other flies (Robertson, 1929). Both nectar and pollen are available as floral rewards. The caterpillars and cutworms of various moths are known to feed on chickweeds (Stellaria spp., Cerastium spp.). These moth species include Haematopis grataria (Chickweed Geometer), Lobocleta ossularia (Drab Brown Wave), Agrotis venerabilis (Venerable Dart), Hyles lineata (White-Lined Sphinx), Feltia jaculifera (Dingy Cutworm), Xestia badinodis (Spot-Sided Cutworm), and Xanthorhoe ferrugata (Red Twin-Spot). Vertebrate animals also feed on these plants to some extent. Various sparrows and other granivorous songbirds eat the seeds, while deer, rabbits, and domesticated farm animals (cattle, horses, sheep, & pigs) occasionally browse on the foliage.
Photographic Location: A gravel bar along a river in a wooded area of Pine Hills State Nature Preserve in west-central Indiana.
Comments: Notwithstanding its weedy appearance and habits, this is one of the native chickweeds in Illinois. It is a rather floppy plant with small white flowers. Nodding Chickweed can be distinguished from other chickweeds (Stellaria spp., Cerastium spp.) by the shape of its leaves, diffuse inflorescence, and structure of its flowers. In particular, the pedicels of its flowers are rather long (1" in length or more) and divergent, while its flowerbuds and seed capsules nod downward. Among the Mouse-Eared Chickweeds (Cerastium spp.), Nodding Chickweed has rather long and narrow leaves. Some authorities consider the more western Cerastium brachypodum to be a variety of Nodding Chickweed, or Cerastium nutans obtectum. This latter species (or variety) tends to have more hairy leaves and its pedicels are shorter (less than 1" in length).
The upper stems terminate in either cymes or compound cymes of flowers (usually the latter); these cymes are dichotomously branched and variable in size. Each terminal branch of the inflorescence typically has 3 flowers with divergent slender pedicels up to 1¼" long. While the flower buds are nodding, the flowers are more erect. Similar to the stems, the branches and pedicels of each inflorescence are light green, terete, and glandular-pubescent. At the base of each pair of branches in an inflorescence, there is a pair of leafy bracts up to ¾" and 5 mm. across. These bracts are lanceolate in shape and they lack membranous margins. The flowers are up to ¼" across while they are in bloom. Each flower has 5 white petals with notched tips, 5 green sepals, an ovary with 5 styles, and 10 stamens (usually). The sepals are lanceolate in shape with membranous margins and short-pubescent; they are about 3-5 mm. long. The petals are the same length or a little longer than the sepals. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer, lasting about 1 month. Usually, only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. Sometimes cleistogamous flowers that fail to open are produced.Distribution Map Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by cylindrical seed capsules that become 8-12 mm. long at maturity. Like the flowerbuds, they tend to nod downward. Mature seed capsules are membranous, light tan, longitudinally veined, and often slightly curved; they are more than twice as long as the sepals. Each seed capsule has an open rim at its apex with 10 tiny teeth. Each seed capsule contains several tiny seeds about 0.5 mm. in length. The seeds are obovoid, somewhat flattened, brownish, and minutely tuberculate (warty). The root system system consists of a shallow spreading taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade and moist conditions. Nodding Chickweed is not particular about soil. Most growth and development occurs during the spring when the weather is cool and moist, after which the foliage dies down.
Range & Habitat: The native Nodding Chickweed is occasional to locally common in most areas of Illinois. Habitats include floodplain woodlands, streambanks in wooded areas, ravines and ledges along streams, gravel bars along rivers, weedy meadows, nursery plots, and moist waste areas. Nodding Chickweed occurs in both natural areas and human-mediated environments. In natural areas, it tends to occur in places where there is some disturbance by the action of water (e.g., soil erosion or deposits of gravel).
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by honeybees, Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp.), small butterflies, Syrphid flies, and other flies (Robertson, 1929). Both nectar and pollen are available as floral rewards. The caterpillars and cutworms of various moths are known to feed on chickweeds (Stellaria spp., Cerastium spp.). These moth species include Haematopis grataria (Chickweed Geometer), Lobocleta ossularia (Drab Brown Wave), Agrotis venerabilis (Venerable Dart), Hyles lineata (White-Lined Sphinx), Feltia jaculifera (Dingy Cutworm), Xestia badinodis (Spot-Sided Cutworm), and Xanthorhoe ferrugata (Red Twin-Spot). Vertebrate animals also feed on these plants to some extent. Various sparrows and other granivorous songbirds eat the seeds, while deer, rabbits, and domesticated farm animals (cattle, horses, sheep, & pigs) occasionally browse on the foliage.
Photographic Location: A gravel bar along a river in a wooded area of Pine Hills State Nature Preserve in west-central Indiana.
Comments: Notwithstanding its weedy appearance and habits, this is one of the native chickweeds in Illinois. It is a rather floppy plant with small white flowers. Nodding Chickweed can be distinguished from other chickweeds (Stellaria spp., Cerastium spp.) by the shape of its leaves, diffuse inflorescence, and structure of its flowers. In particular, the pedicels of its flowers are rather long (1" in length or more) and divergent, while its flowerbuds and seed capsules nod downward. Among the Mouse-Eared Chickweeds (Cerastium spp.), Nodding Chickweed has rather long and narrow leaves. Some authorities consider the more western Cerastium brachypodum to be a variety of Nodding Chickweed, or Cerastium nutans obtectum. This latter species (or variety) tends to have more hairy leaves and its pedicels are shorter (less than 1" in length).
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Miss Chen
2018年07月31日
Description: This plant is a winter or spring annual that becomes 4-10" tall. It has a small tuft of erect to ascending leafy stems; these stems are light green to dark purple, terete, and hairy. Along each stem, there are pairs of sessile opposite leaves at intervals. Individual leaves are up to ¾" long and about half as much across; they are medium green, bluntly ovate, broadly oblong, or obovate with smooth margins. Both the lower and upper surfaces of each leaf are covered with hairs. The hairs on the stems and leaves may have a sticky texture from minute glandular secretions.
Each stem terminates in a dense cluster of flowers; in addition, individual or small clusters of flowers may develop from the axils of the upper leaves. Each small flower is about ¼" across, consisting of 5 white petals, 5 green sepals, 10 stamens, and a pistil with 5 styles. The tips of the petals are notched. The lanceolate sepals have long forward-pointing hairs and membranous margins. The hairy pedicel of each flower is no longer than 5 mm. (1/5") in length, even when it has transformed into a seed capsule. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer and lasts about 3-4 weeks. Each flower transforms into a cylindrical seed capsule that is up to twice the length of the persistent sepals. This seed capsule is membranous along the sides and open at the apex, where there are 10 tiny teeth. At the bottom of this capsule, there are several tiny seeds. Each seed is obovoid or heart-shaped, somewhat flattened, and minutely pebbly on the outer surface. The root system is shallow and fibrous. This plant spreads by reseeding itself; it often forms colonies in favorable habitats.
Cultivation: This little weed prefers partial to full sun and moist to slightly dry conditions. It is often found in soil containing loam, clay-loam, or other material. This species can invade lawns to some extent.
Range & Habitat: Glomerate Mouse-Eared Chickweed is occasional throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is not native. Habitats include openings in rocky woodlands, grassy meadows, lawns, pastures, fallow fields, roadsides, and waste ground. Areas with a history of disturbance are preferred. This species is native to Eurasia.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract small bees (Halictid & others) and flies (Syrphid & others). The caterpillars of the moths Agrostis venerabilis (Venerable Dart), Haematopis grataria (Chickweed Geometer), and Lobocleta ossularia (Drab Brown Wave) feed on chickweeds. Among vertebrate animals, the Mourning Dove and various sparrows occasionally eat the seeds, while the foliage is eaten by the Cottontail Rabbit and Woodchuck.
Photographic Location: A lawn at a state park in west-central Indiana.
Comments: The distinctive characteristic of this chickweed is its dense cluster(s) of flowers. In particular, the pedicels of the flowers are the same length or shorter than the sepals (5 mm. or less). Several other species of chickweeds are similar in appearance, but at least some of their pedicels exceed 5 mm. in length (particularly when their flowers have transformed into seed capsules). The sepals of Glomerate Mouse-Eared Chickweed are somewhat unusual because they are covered with long forward-pointing hairs that may extend beyond their margins; other species of chickweed have sepals with shorter hairs. In general, the various species in the Cerastium genus are called "Mouse-Eared Chickweeds" because of the shape and hairiness of their leaves; these species usually have 10 stamens and 5 styles per flower. A scientific synonym of Glomerate Mouse-Eared Chickweed is Cerastium viscosum. Because of this defunct scientific name, this species is sometimes called "Clammy Mouse-Eared Chickweed."
Each stem terminates in a dense cluster of flowers; in addition, individual or small clusters of flowers may develop from the axils of the upper leaves. Each small flower is about ¼" across, consisting of 5 white petals, 5 green sepals, 10 stamens, and a pistil with 5 styles. The tips of the petals are notched. The lanceolate sepals have long forward-pointing hairs and membranous margins. The hairy pedicel of each flower is no longer than 5 mm. (1/5") in length, even when it has transformed into a seed capsule. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer and lasts about 3-4 weeks. Each flower transforms into a cylindrical seed capsule that is up to twice the length of the persistent sepals. This seed capsule is membranous along the sides and open at the apex, where there are 10 tiny teeth. At the bottom of this capsule, there are several tiny seeds. Each seed is obovoid or heart-shaped, somewhat flattened, and minutely pebbly on the outer surface. The root system is shallow and fibrous. This plant spreads by reseeding itself; it often forms colonies in favorable habitats.
Cultivation: This little weed prefers partial to full sun and moist to slightly dry conditions. It is often found in soil containing loam, clay-loam, or other material. This species can invade lawns to some extent.
Range & Habitat: Glomerate Mouse-Eared Chickweed is occasional throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is not native. Habitats include openings in rocky woodlands, grassy meadows, lawns, pastures, fallow fields, roadsides, and waste ground. Areas with a history of disturbance are preferred. This species is native to Eurasia.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract small bees (Halictid & others) and flies (Syrphid & others). The caterpillars of the moths Agrostis venerabilis (Venerable Dart), Haematopis grataria (Chickweed Geometer), and Lobocleta ossularia (Drab Brown Wave) feed on chickweeds. Among vertebrate animals, the Mourning Dove and various sparrows occasionally eat the seeds, while the foliage is eaten by the Cottontail Rabbit and Woodchuck.
Photographic Location: A lawn at a state park in west-central Indiana.
Comments: The distinctive characteristic of this chickweed is its dense cluster(s) of flowers. In particular, the pedicels of the flowers are the same length or shorter than the sepals (5 mm. or less). Several other species of chickweeds are similar in appearance, but at least some of their pedicels exceed 5 mm. in length (particularly when their flowers have transformed into seed capsules). The sepals of Glomerate Mouse-Eared Chickweed are somewhat unusual because they are covered with long forward-pointing hairs that may extend beyond their margins; other species of chickweed have sepals with shorter hairs. In general, the various species in the Cerastium genus are called "Mouse-Eared Chickweeds" because of the shape and hairiness of their leaves; these species usually have 10 stamens and 5 styles per flower. A scientific synonym of Glomerate Mouse-Eared Chickweed is Cerastium viscosum. Because of this defunct scientific name, this species is sometimes called "Clammy Mouse-Eared Chickweed."
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Miss Chen
2018年07月30日
Description: This plant is a winter or spring annual about 4-16" tall that sometimes branches from the base, forming a tuft of leafy stems. Each erect to ascending stem is light green to pale purplish green, terete, and evenly glandular-pubescent. Several pairs of opposite leaves occur along each stem; sometimes tufts of smaller leaves develop from the axils of the lower opposite leaves. These leaves are up to 1" long and 1/5" (5 mm.) across; they are linear, linear-oblong, or oblong, and sessile against their stems. Each leaf is hairless on the upper surface with a single prominent vein; the lower surface is also hairless, except for some glandular hairs along the central vein. The leaf margins are smooth and ciliate.
Each stem terminates in a corymb (flat-headed cluster) or compound corymb of flowers. The peduncle of each corymb is similar to the stem, except that it has a pair of leafy bracts at its base; it can be several inches long. Compound corymbs have branched ascending peduncles. Each flower is up to ¼" across; it has 5 white petals, 5 green sepals, 10 stamens, and 3 tiny white styles at the apex of the light green ovary. The petals are cleft at their tips, while the sepals are glandular-pubescent. The pedicel of each flower is up to ½" long and glandular-pubescent. The leafy bracts are linear-lanceolate to ovate, glandular-pubescent on their undersides, and slightly membranous along their margins at maturity; they are smaller in size than the leaves (½" long or less). The blooming period occurs during the late spring and lasts about 3 weeks. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each flower is replaced by a cylindrical seed capsule that is up to 10 mm. (3/8") long. At maturity, this seed capsule becomes membranous and open at its apex; there are 6 small teeth along its upper rim. There are numerous small seeds within each capsule; each seed is pale brown, minutely warty, ovoid-obovoid in shape, and somewhat flattened. The root system consists of a slender branching taproot with fine fibrous roots. This plant spreads by reseeding itself and occasionally forms colonies.
Cultivation: Typical growing conditions consist of full sunlight and average levels of moisture. Three-styled Chickweed adapts readily to loam or clay-loam soil; sandy or gravelly soil may be tolerated as well. Because this chickweed is taller and more erect than most, regular mowing may inhibit its spread.
Range & Habitat: The adventive Three-Styled Chickweed is a rare weed in Illinois; it has been observed in only a few counties of south-central and east-central Illinois (see Distribution Map). This species is native to southern Europe and parts of Asia. The earliest collection of this species in the United States occurred in the state of Washington during the 1960's. Since that time, it has been observed in several other states (both eastern & western) and appears to be spreading. Habitats include disturbed areas with low grassy or weedy vegetation and the upper slopes of ditches. Recent construction activity mayClose-up of Flower have introduced this species to Champaign County in Illinois.
Faunal Associations: This information applies to chickweeds, both native and introduced, that are typically found in sunny meadows and similar habitats. The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract small bees (Halictid & others) and flies (Syrphid & others). The caterpillars of the moths Agrostis venerabilis (Venerable Dart), Haematopis grataria (Chickweed Geometer), and Lobocleta ossularia (Drab Brown Wave) feed on chickweeds. Among vertebrate animals, the seeds are a source of food for the Mourning Dove and various sparrows, while the foliage is occasionally eaten by the Cottontail Rabbit.
Photographic Location: The upper slope of a drainage ditch in Urbana, Illinois. If the photograph of the flower close-up is examined closely, it is possible to see the 3 tiny white styles; they are surrounded by the yellow anthers of the stamens.
Comments: Among Cerastium spp. (Mouse-Eared Chickweeds), this chickweed is highly unusual because its flowers have 3 styles, rather than 5 styles. This characteristic is more typical of Stellaria spp. (Chickweeds). However, other characteristics of its flowers (e.g., the presence of 10 stamens & the shape of its petals) and the even pubescence of its stems are more typical of the Mouse-Eared Chickweeds. Three-Styled Chickweed is a little taller than most of these species and its leaves are more slender. Otherwise, it is rather ordinary looking. Another common name is Doubtful Chickweed, which is derived from the scientific name.
Each stem terminates in a corymb (flat-headed cluster) or compound corymb of flowers. The peduncle of each corymb is similar to the stem, except that it has a pair of leafy bracts at its base; it can be several inches long. Compound corymbs have branched ascending peduncles. Each flower is up to ¼" across; it has 5 white petals, 5 green sepals, 10 stamens, and 3 tiny white styles at the apex of the light green ovary. The petals are cleft at their tips, while the sepals are glandular-pubescent. The pedicel of each flower is up to ½" long and glandular-pubescent. The leafy bracts are linear-lanceolate to ovate, glandular-pubescent on their undersides, and slightly membranous along their margins at maturity; they are smaller in size than the leaves (½" long or less). The blooming period occurs during the late spring and lasts about 3 weeks. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each flower is replaced by a cylindrical seed capsule that is up to 10 mm. (3/8") long. At maturity, this seed capsule becomes membranous and open at its apex; there are 6 small teeth along its upper rim. There are numerous small seeds within each capsule; each seed is pale brown, minutely warty, ovoid-obovoid in shape, and somewhat flattened. The root system consists of a slender branching taproot with fine fibrous roots. This plant spreads by reseeding itself and occasionally forms colonies.
Cultivation: Typical growing conditions consist of full sunlight and average levels of moisture. Three-styled Chickweed adapts readily to loam or clay-loam soil; sandy or gravelly soil may be tolerated as well. Because this chickweed is taller and more erect than most, regular mowing may inhibit its spread.
Range & Habitat: The adventive Three-Styled Chickweed is a rare weed in Illinois; it has been observed in only a few counties of south-central and east-central Illinois (see Distribution Map). This species is native to southern Europe and parts of Asia. The earliest collection of this species in the United States occurred in the state of Washington during the 1960's. Since that time, it has been observed in several other states (both eastern & western) and appears to be spreading. Habitats include disturbed areas with low grassy or weedy vegetation and the upper slopes of ditches. Recent construction activity mayClose-up of Flower have introduced this species to Champaign County in Illinois.
Faunal Associations: This information applies to chickweeds, both native and introduced, that are typically found in sunny meadows and similar habitats. The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract small bees (Halictid & others) and flies (Syrphid & others). The caterpillars of the moths Agrostis venerabilis (Venerable Dart), Haematopis grataria (Chickweed Geometer), and Lobocleta ossularia (Drab Brown Wave) feed on chickweeds. Among vertebrate animals, the seeds are a source of food for the Mourning Dove and various sparrows, while the foliage is occasionally eaten by the Cottontail Rabbit.
Photographic Location: The upper slope of a drainage ditch in Urbana, Illinois. If the photograph of the flower close-up is examined closely, it is possible to see the 3 tiny white styles; they are surrounded by the yellow anthers of the stamens.
Comments: Among Cerastium spp. (Mouse-Eared Chickweeds), this chickweed is highly unusual because its flowers have 3 styles, rather than 5 styles. This characteristic is more typical of Stellaria spp. (Chickweeds). However, other characteristics of its flowers (e.g., the presence of 10 stamens & the shape of its petals) and the even pubescence of its stems are more typical of the Mouse-Eared Chickweeds. Three-Styled Chickweed is a little taller than most of these species and its leaves are more slender. Otherwise, it is rather ordinary looking. Another common name is Doubtful Chickweed, which is derived from the scientific name.
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Miss Chen
2018年07月26日
Description: This plant is usually a winter annual, although sometimes it is a summer annual. It consists of a rosette of basal leaves up to 9" across, from which one or more flowering stalks develop that are little branched and up to 2½' tall (although individual plants can be much smaller than this). The basal leaves are up to 4½" long and ¾" across; they are elliptic, lanceolate, or oblanceolate, and pinnately lobed. The alternate leaves on the flowering stalks are much smaller in size and widely spaced; they are lanceolate, elliptic or linear in shape, and either smooth or slightly dentate along their margins. The bases of the alternate leaves are either sessile or they clasp their stalks with auriculate (ear-like) lobes. Both the basal and alternate leaves are medium to dark green and mostly hairless, although the lower sides of their central veins are often covered with appressed hairs. The terete stalks are light green to dark reddish purple (usually the latter), and they are usually glabrous above and appressed-hairy below.
Each stalk terminates in a raceme of small flowers. These flowers bloom only toward the tip of the raceme and they are short-lived. Each flower is a little less than 1/8" (3 mm.) across and consists of 4 white petals, 4 greenish sepals, a pistil with a single style, and several stamens. Plants that are winter annuals bloom during spring to mid-summer, while summer annuals bloom from mid-summer to fall. The flowers are replaced by seedpods that are obcordoid, somewhat compressed (flattened), and a little less than ¼" long. Each seedpod is divided into 2 cells and contains about 20 seeds. The slender pedicels of the seedpods are about ½-¾" long and ascending. The raceme elongates with maturity and can become up to 1½' long on large plants. The small seeds are yellowish to reddish brown, ovoid-oblongoid in shape, and shiny; they can remain viable in the ground for several years. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: Shepherd's Purse is typically found in full sun, mesic to dry conditions, and almost any kind of soil, including cracks in pavement. The size of this plant varies considerably with the fertility of the soil and availability of moisture. It is somewhat aggressive in reseeding itself.
Range & Habitat: Shepherd's Purse is a common plant that occurs in every county of Illinois (see Distribution Map). It was introduced into North America from Europe. Habitats include fields and pastures, areas along railroads and roadsides, gardens and lawns, construction sites, vacant lots, dirt paths, and waste ground. These habitats can be either sandy or non-sandy. Shepherd's Purse is found in highly disturbed areas, often where the soil surface has been exposed.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract mostly short-tongued bees and flies, including honeybees, Halictid bees, Andrenid bees, Syrphid flies, Tachinid flies, flesh flies (Sarcophagidae), and blow flies (Lucilia spp.). Less often, small butterflies and skippers suck nectar from the flowers (Robertson, 1929). The caterpillars of two butterflies, Anthocharis midea (Falcate Orangetip) and Pontia protodice (Checkered White), feed on Shepherd's Purse (Opler & Krizek, 1984). Other insect feeders include Entomoscelis americana (Red Turnip Beetle), several flea beetle species (Phyllotreta spp.), larvae of Liriomyza trifolii (American Serpentine Leafminer Fly), Holcostethus limbolarius (a stink bug), Myzus cerasi (Black Cherry Aphid), Lipaphis pseudobrassicae (False Cabbage Aphid), and Ceutorhynchus erysimi (a weevil); see Clark et al. (2004), Spencer & Steyskal (1986), Rider (2009), Blackman & Eastop (2013), and Majka et al. (2007). Information about this plant's relationships with vertebrate animals is more limited. White-tailed Deer browse on the leaves and flowering stalks: because the seeds of Shepherd's Purse can pass through the digestive tract of this animal and remain viable, they are spread to new areas (Myers et al., 2004). The Eastern Goldfinch sometimes eats the seeds, while the Prairie Vole (Microtus ochrogaster) feeds on the leaves of this plant to a limited extent (Martin et al., 1951/1961; Cook et al., 2004).
Photographic Location: A garden bed of an abandoned hotel in Urbana, Illinois, and an area along a bike path on the campus of the University of Illinois in the same city.
Comments: Shepherd's Purse is an easy plant to identify among members of the Mustard family because of the distinctive shape of its seedpods. This shape apparently resembles the leather purse of shepherds during the Middle Ages. The hairiness of the flowering stalks and the shape of the leaves is rather variable across different populations of plants. Sometimes the basal leaves are deeply lobed, while on other occasions they are shallowly lobed.
Each stalk terminates in a raceme of small flowers. These flowers bloom only toward the tip of the raceme and they are short-lived. Each flower is a little less than 1/8" (3 mm.) across and consists of 4 white petals, 4 greenish sepals, a pistil with a single style, and several stamens. Plants that are winter annuals bloom during spring to mid-summer, while summer annuals bloom from mid-summer to fall. The flowers are replaced by seedpods that are obcordoid, somewhat compressed (flattened), and a little less than ¼" long. Each seedpod is divided into 2 cells and contains about 20 seeds. The slender pedicels of the seedpods are about ½-¾" long and ascending. The raceme elongates with maturity and can become up to 1½' long on large plants. The small seeds are yellowish to reddish brown, ovoid-oblongoid in shape, and shiny; they can remain viable in the ground for several years. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: Shepherd's Purse is typically found in full sun, mesic to dry conditions, and almost any kind of soil, including cracks in pavement. The size of this plant varies considerably with the fertility of the soil and availability of moisture. It is somewhat aggressive in reseeding itself.
Range & Habitat: Shepherd's Purse is a common plant that occurs in every county of Illinois (see Distribution Map). It was introduced into North America from Europe. Habitats include fields and pastures, areas along railroads and roadsides, gardens and lawns, construction sites, vacant lots, dirt paths, and waste ground. These habitats can be either sandy or non-sandy. Shepherd's Purse is found in highly disturbed areas, often where the soil surface has been exposed.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract mostly short-tongued bees and flies, including honeybees, Halictid bees, Andrenid bees, Syrphid flies, Tachinid flies, flesh flies (Sarcophagidae), and blow flies (Lucilia spp.). Less often, small butterflies and skippers suck nectar from the flowers (Robertson, 1929). The caterpillars of two butterflies, Anthocharis midea (Falcate Orangetip) and Pontia protodice (Checkered White), feed on Shepherd's Purse (Opler & Krizek, 1984). Other insect feeders include Entomoscelis americana (Red Turnip Beetle), several flea beetle species (Phyllotreta spp.), larvae of Liriomyza trifolii (American Serpentine Leafminer Fly), Holcostethus limbolarius (a stink bug), Myzus cerasi (Black Cherry Aphid), Lipaphis pseudobrassicae (False Cabbage Aphid), and Ceutorhynchus erysimi (a weevil); see Clark et al. (2004), Spencer & Steyskal (1986), Rider (2009), Blackman & Eastop (2013), and Majka et al. (2007). Information about this plant's relationships with vertebrate animals is more limited. White-tailed Deer browse on the leaves and flowering stalks: because the seeds of Shepherd's Purse can pass through the digestive tract of this animal and remain viable, they are spread to new areas (Myers et al., 2004). The Eastern Goldfinch sometimes eats the seeds, while the Prairie Vole (Microtus ochrogaster) feeds on the leaves of this plant to a limited extent (Martin et al., 1951/1961; Cook et al., 2004).
Photographic Location: A garden bed of an abandoned hotel in Urbana, Illinois, and an area along a bike path on the campus of the University of Illinois in the same city.
Comments: Shepherd's Purse is an easy plant to identify among members of the Mustard family because of the distinctive shape of its seedpods. This shape apparently resembles the leather purse of shepherds during the Middle Ages. The hairiness of the flowering stalks and the shape of the leaves is rather variable across different populations of plants. Sometimes the basal leaves are deeply lobed, while on other occasions they are shallowly lobed.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年07月26日
Description: This plant is a winter annual or biennial that becomes ½–2' tall, branching very little except at the base. The round stems are more or less hairy. The alternate leaves are up to 1½" long and ¼" across. They are oblanceolate, lanceolate-oblong, or oblong-linear, and sessile at the base. The upper surface of each leaf has a single central vein, but radiating side veins are not visible. The leaves are more or less pubescent, although they occasionally have longer white hairs. Their margins are smooth and ciliate.
The nearly sessile flowers develop from the axils of the leaves in the upper portion of the stems. They are bunched together while in bloom or at the bud stage, but become more separated from each other as the flowering stems continue to elongate. Each flower is about ¼" long, consisting of a tubular white corolla with 5 small lobes and a hairy green calyx with 5 teeth that are linear-lanceolate. These teeth are about as long as the corolla. There are 5 stamens and a pistil that are inserted within the narrow throat of the corolla. The blooming period can occur from mid-spring to mid-summer and lasts about 2 months. Each flower is replaced by 4 nutlets. A nutlet is truncate at the base and tapers to a blunt round tip at the top. It is broadest a little below the middle, and has a greyish brown surface that is rough and wrinkled. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: This adaptable plant can be found in full or partial sun and mesic conditions in fertile loam, clay-loam, or sandy soil. Open areas are preferred where there is a scarcity of taller plants.
Close-up of FlowersRange & Habitat: Corn Gromwell is occasional to locally common in most areas of Illinois, except in the NW and SE, where it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). It is adventive in North America and native to Eurasia. Habitats include cropland consisting of winter wheat or rye, fallow fields, vacant lots, grassy areas along roadsides and railroads, and miscellaneous waste areas. This weed occurs primarily in fields or along railroads, but it also appears in run-down areas of cities. Corn Gromwell prefers disturbed areas, and doesn't invade high quality natural sites to any significant degree.
Faunal Associations: Little information is available about floral-faunal relations for this species. According to Muller of 19th century Germany, the flowers of Corn Gromwell have few insect visitors. Occasionally, they attracted White butterflies, bees, and Syrphid flies.
Photographic Location: A grassy vacant lot in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is a rather inconspicuous plant even while it is blooming. Corn Gromwell resembles many other weeds with small white flowers, but it has a distinguishing characteristic that sets it apart: The teeth of the hairy calyx are unusually long, slender, and conspicuous – about the same length as the flowers. Long after the corolla of a flower has withered away, the teeth of the calyx surround the nutlets on all sides and are much taller than them. Corn Gromwell resembles other members of the Borage family to some extent, including the native Lithospermum latifolium (American Gromwell) and introduced Lithospermum officinale (European Gromwell). However, these latter species have wider leaves with conspicuous side veins. Corn Gromwell is easily distinguished from the many weedy members of the Mustard family because its tubular flowers have 5 petal-like lobes, while the flowers of the latter have only 4 petals. An obsolete scientific name for this plant is Lithospermum arvense.
The nearly sessile flowers develop from the axils of the leaves in the upper portion of the stems. They are bunched together while in bloom or at the bud stage, but become more separated from each other as the flowering stems continue to elongate. Each flower is about ¼" long, consisting of a tubular white corolla with 5 small lobes and a hairy green calyx with 5 teeth that are linear-lanceolate. These teeth are about as long as the corolla. There are 5 stamens and a pistil that are inserted within the narrow throat of the corolla. The blooming period can occur from mid-spring to mid-summer and lasts about 2 months. Each flower is replaced by 4 nutlets. A nutlet is truncate at the base and tapers to a blunt round tip at the top. It is broadest a little below the middle, and has a greyish brown surface that is rough and wrinkled. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: This adaptable plant can be found in full or partial sun and mesic conditions in fertile loam, clay-loam, or sandy soil. Open areas are preferred where there is a scarcity of taller plants.
Close-up of FlowersRange & Habitat: Corn Gromwell is occasional to locally common in most areas of Illinois, except in the NW and SE, where it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). It is adventive in North America and native to Eurasia. Habitats include cropland consisting of winter wheat or rye, fallow fields, vacant lots, grassy areas along roadsides and railroads, and miscellaneous waste areas. This weed occurs primarily in fields or along railroads, but it also appears in run-down areas of cities. Corn Gromwell prefers disturbed areas, and doesn't invade high quality natural sites to any significant degree.
Faunal Associations: Little information is available about floral-faunal relations for this species. According to Muller of 19th century Germany, the flowers of Corn Gromwell have few insect visitors. Occasionally, they attracted White butterflies, bees, and Syrphid flies.
Photographic Location: A grassy vacant lot in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is a rather inconspicuous plant even while it is blooming. Corn Gromwell resembles many other weeds with small white flowers, but it has a distinguishing characteristic that sets it apart: The teeth of the hairy calyx are unusually long, slender, and conspicuous – about the same length as the flowers. Long after the corolla of a flower has withered away, the teeth of the calyx surround the nutlets on all sides and are much taller than them. Corn Gromwell resembles other members of the Borage family to some extent, including the native Lithospermum latifolium (American Gromwell) and introduced Lithospermum officinale (European Gromwell). However, these latter species have wider leaves with conspicuous side veins. Corn Gromwell is easily distinguished from the many weedy members of the Mustard family because its tubular flowers have 5 petal-like lobes, while the flowers of the latter have only 4 petals. An obsolete scientific name for this plant is Lithospermum arvense.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年07月21日
Nothing says summer quite like zucchini for dinner. Sure, you can buy it all year, but there's something about the quality of a homegrown zucchini grown in your own garden and picked for supper that can't be found in the supermarket winter zucchinis shipped in from warmer areas. It's an easy plant to grow once you know a few of its likes and dislikes.
Step 1
Prepare the site for your zucchini seeds. If it's still dropping into the 40s at night, it's too cold for zucchini. In the garden, work some compost into the soil and mound it into hills about 12 inches high. Tamp it down well so it doesn't wash away in the next rain. Keep the hills about 3 feet apart.
Step 2
Start your seeds indoors in a simple potting soil and wait for the soil to warm, or plant the seeds or seedlings into the warm soil outside. Zucchini doesn't respond well to wet leaves or damp soil, so don't water unless the ground has become bone dry. The reason for the raised bed is to keep the moisture away from the leaves, forcing the roots to go deeper for moisture.
Step 3
Pack some hay around the seedlings to help keep the leaves dry. The plant will grow very quickly in warm weather and will use the energy collected in the large leaves to produce massive amounts of fruit. Fertilize by adding grass clippings around the base of the plant.
Step 4
Watch the plant closely when it starts blossoming. The first few days of blossoms are the male blossoms that don't produce fruit. The female blossoms will follow and will be pollinated by the male blossoms, so don't pick them.
Step 5
Pick the zucchini fruit when it's about 8 to 10 inches long for the best flavor and tenderness. Cut it off the vine with a sharp knife, being careful not to pull the vine when lifting the fruit.
Step 6
Protect your plant by handpicking any cucumber beetles. They lay their eggs under the leaves and multiply quickly, destroying the plant by sucking the sap from the vines and carrying disease.
Step 7
Plant flowers including marigolds, geraniums and dill around your squash plants. They will encourage bees and beneficial wasps to come and will help in the pollination of your zucchini blossoms, as well as killing any aphids that might come along.
Step 8
Spray your zucchini plants once a week with a solution of 1 part milk to 9 parts water. You can use any kind of milk available. This will keep your plants from getting powdery mildew, a serious threat to zucchini plants.
Step 1
Prepare the site for your zucchini seeds. If it's still dropping into the 40s at night, it's too cold for zucchini. In the garden, work some compost into the soil and mound it into hills about 12 inches high. Tamp it down well so it doesn't wash away in the next rain. Keep the hills about 3 feet apart.
Step 2
Start your seeds indoors in a simple potting soil and wait for the soil to warm, or plant the seeds or seedlings into the warm soil outside. Zucchini doesn't respond well to wet leaves or damp soil, so don't water unless the ground has become bone dry. The reason for the raised bed is to keep the moisture away from the leaves, forcing the roots to go deeper for moisture.
Step 3
Pack some hay around the seedlings to help keep the leaves dry. The plant will grow very quickly in warm weather and will use the energy collected in the large leaves to produce massive amounts of fruit. Fertilize by adding grass clippings around the base of the plant.
Step 4
Watch the plant closely when it starts blossoming. The first few days of blossoms are the male blossoms that don't produce fruit. The female blossoms will follow and will be pollinated by the male blossoms, so don't pick them.
Step 5
Pick the zucchini fruit when it's about 8 to 10 inches long for the best flavor and tenderness. Cut it off the vine with a sharp knife, being careful not to pull the vine when lifting the fruit.
Step 6
Protect your plant by handpicking any cucumber beetles. They lay their eggs under the leaves and multiply quickly, destroying the plant by sucking the sap from the vines and carrying disease.
Step 7
Plant flowers including marigolds, geraniums and dill around your squash plants. They will encourage bees and beneficial wasps to come and will help in the pollination of your zucchini blossoms, as well as killing any aphids that might come along.
Step 8
Spray your zucchini plants once a week with a solution of 1 part milk to 9 parts water. You can use any kind of milk available. This will keep your plants from getting powdery mildew, a serious threat to zucchini plants.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年07月15日
A winter garden fills the kitchen with healthy vegetables just when the weather turns cold. Planting a variety of veggies, from broccoli to beets, in August gives the seedlings time to establish themselves in the garden. As the weather cools and frost spreads over the garden, the leaves and roots of many cool-season vegetables become sweeter and tastier.
Cabbage Family
Members of the cabbage family (Brassicaceae or Cruciferae Family) are cool-weather vegetables that thrive in both early spring and late fall until frost. Depending on the species, these vegetables are also grown through the winter in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8b through 10. While most of the Brassicas are biennials, they are grown as annuals in the garden and harvested before they flower. Broccoli and cauliflower are exceptions; they are harvested after the flower heads appear, but while they are still immature, before they burst into bloom.
Brassica seedlings are set out in the garden in August for a fall or winter harvest. If the weather is still hot, protect the seedlings from the afternoon sun with shade cloth or sheets suspended on bamboo poles. As the hardiest of the cool-season vegetables, most Brassicas' flavor is enhanced by cold weather and a touch of frost.
Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) - 50 to 70 days.
Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) - 80 days.
Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) - 60 to 90 days.
Kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala).
Leafy Vegetables
Leafy vegetables include annuals and biennials, such as beet greens, that are grown as annuals. These cool-season vegetables are planted from August until 60 days before the first frost date.
Beets (Beta vularis) developed for both greens and roots, such as 'Bull's Blood,' which has deep red leaves and roots, are grown through the winter in USDA zones 10 and 11. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is also planted in late summer and fall in USDA zones 6 through 8a and in winter in USDA zones 8b through 10.
'Bull's Blood' beet -- 35 days for baby greens and 58 days for roots.
Chard or Swiss chard (Beta vularis var. cicla) -- 35 days for salads and 60 days for mature leaves.
Lettuce -- 40 to 90 days, depending on the variety .
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) -- 40 to 55 days.
Peas
Peas (Pisum sativum) thrive in cool weather. Plant peas in August or September for a fall crop, before the first frost arrives. Harvest dates vary depending on the variety, ranging from 54 to 72 days. Count back from the first frost date and allow an extra seven to 14 days so the peas have time to develop. If the weather is still hot, provide afternoon shade to protect the developing vines, flowers and pods. Peas grow best when allowed to climb a trellis.
Root Vegetables
Root vegetables that thrive in cool weather are often sweeter after a frost. Plant the seeds in loose, organically rich soil from August until approximately six to eight weeks before the first frost. Root vegetables may be grown in sun or in warm regions, in partial shade.
Beets (Beta vulgaris
var. crassa) - 45 to 65 days.
Carrots (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) - 50 to 80 days.
Radishes (Raphanus sativus) - 22 to 70 days.
Cabbage Family
Members of the cabbage family (Brassicaceae or Cruciferae Family) are cool-weather vegetables that thrive in both early spring and late fall until frost. Depending on the species, these vegetables are also grown through the winter in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8b through 10. While most of the Brassicas are biennials, they are grown as annuals in the garden and harvested before they flower. Broccoli and cauliflower are exceptions; they are harvested after the flower heads appear, but while they are still immature, before they burst into bloom.
Brassica seedlings are set out in the garden in August for a fall or winter harvest. If the weather is still hot, protect the seedlings from the afternoon sun with shade cloth or sheets suspended on bamboo poles. As the hardiest of the cool-season vegetables, most Brassicas' flavor is enhanced by cold weather and a touch of frost.
Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) - 50 to 70 days.
Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) - 80 days.
Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) - 60 to 90 days.
Kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala).
Leafy Vegetables
Leafy vegetables include annuals and biennials, such as beet greens, that are grown as annuals. These cool-season vegetables are planted from August until 60 days before the first frost date.
Beets (Beta vularis) developed for both greens and roots, such as 'Bull's Blood,' which has deep red leaves and roots, are grown through the winter in USDA zones 10 and 11. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is also planted in late summer and fall in USDA zones 6 through 8a and in winter in USDA zones 8b through 10.
'Bull's Blood' beet -- 35 days for baby greens and 58 days for roots.
Chard or Swiss chard (Beta vularis var. cicla) -- 35 days for salads and 60 days for mature leaves.
Lettuce -- 40 to 90 days, depending on the variety .
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) -- 40 to 55 days.
Peas
Peas (Pisum sativum) thrive in cool weather. Plant peas in August or September for a fall crop, before the first frost arrives. Harvest dates vary depending on the variety, ranging from 54 to 72 days. Count back from the first frost date and allow an extra seven to 14 days so the peas have time to develop. If the weather is still hot, provide afternoon shade to protect the developing vines, flowers and pods. Peas grow best when allowed to climb a trellis.
Root Vegetables
Root vegetables that thrive in cool weather are often sweeter after a frost. Plant the seeds in loose, organically rich soil from August until approximately six to eight weeks before the first frost. Root vegetables may be grown in sun or in warm regions, in partial shade.
Beets (Beta vulgaris
var. crassa) - 45 to 65 days.
Carrots (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) - 50 to 80 days.
Radishes (Raphanus sativus) - 22 to 70 days.
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