文章
Miss Chen
2018年07月10日
Description: This herbaceous plant is a winter or spring annual, producing leafy and flowering stems about 4-18" (10-45 cm.) long. These stems branch primarily near the base of the plant and they are ascending to widely sprawling. Individual stems are whitish green to light reddish green, terete, and woolly-pubescent. Alternate leaves occur along these stems that are ¾-2" (2-5 cm.) long and about one-half as much across; they are broadly oblong in outline, while their structure is deeply bipinnatifid. The ultimate leaf segments are 1.5-5.0 mm. long and about one-third as much across; these segments are oblong-acute in shape. The leaves are pale green and they are covered with short woolly pubescence that becomes more sparse with age. The short petioles are relatively broad, flattened, and whitish green to nearly white; they usually have simple or pinnate lobes along their margins that resemble the leaf segments.
The upper stems terminate in individual flowerheads that span about ¾-1¼" (2-3 cm.) across; these flowerheads have peduncles that are 1½-6" (4-15 cm.) in length. These peduncles are pale green, terete, and woolly-pubescent. Usually, small alternate bracts occur along the peduncles that resemble the leaves. Each daisy-like flowerhead has 10-18 ray florets that surround numerous disk florets; the ray florets are fertile and pistillate, while the disk florets are fertile and perfect. The petaloid rays of the ray florets are white, oblong in shape, and notched at their tips. The tiny corollas of the disk florets are yellow, tubular in shape, and 5-lobed at their apices; these lobes are triangular in shape. Alongside the disk florets, there are chaffy scales about 4 mm. in length. These scales are oblanceolate in shape and their tips are acute; sometimes these tips are awn-like. At the base of each flowerhead, there are 1-2 series of phyllaries (floral bracts) that are broadly oblong in shape. Individual phyllaries have convex central ridges that are light green, wide membranous margins that are white to light brown, and woolly pubescence; the phyllaries become chaffy with age. The foliage of this plant lacks a significant fragrance, although the crushed flowerheads are mildly fragrant (resembling apple-pineapple). The flowerheads are solid, lacking hollow centers. The blooming period usually occurs from late spring to mid-summer, lasting about 1-2 months, although some plants may bloom later in the year.
At maturity, the seedheads are ovoid in shape. The achenes are 1.5-2.5 mm. in length, oblanceoloid in shape, and slightly 4-angled; they are truncate at their apices, where they lack tufts of hair or significant scales. The sides of mature achenes have longitudinal ribs that are readily visible. The achenes are distributed to a limited extent by wind and probably by water at some locations. The root system consists of a shallow much-branched taproot or it is fibrous. Reproduction is by seeds.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and a calcareous soil containing clay-loam, loam, silt, gravel, or sand. Drought tolerance is good. The seeds can remain viable in the ground for 10 years or more (Kay, 1971).
Range & Habitat: Field Chamomile has been found in scattered locations across Illinois (see Distribution Map), but this non-native plant is relatively uncommon within the state. It was introduced into North America from Eurasia, where it is native. In Illinois, habitats consist of fallow fields, roadsides, flood zones along drainage canals and retention ponds, vacant lots and abandoned homestead sites, and waste areas. Highly disturbed areas are preferred.
Faunal Associations: The flowerheads probably attract small bees, various flies (including Syrphid flies), and other insects. Both nectar and pollen are available as floral rewards to such visitors. Insects that feed destructively on Field Chamomile and other Anthemis spp. include Polymerus basalis (Red-Spotted Aster Mirid) and two aphids, Macrosiphoniella tanacetaria and Macrosiphoniella tapuskae. The former aphid is typically found on the flowerheads, peduncles, and upper stems, while the latter aphid is typically found on the lower leaves. The polyphagous caterpillars of a moth, Orthonama obstipata (The Gem), have been reported to feed on mayweeds by Covell (1984/2005). Field Chamomile belongs to the group of plants that are commonly referred to as mayweeds in Europe. The foliage of Field Chamomile is probably browsed sparingly by mammalian herbivores, while Canada Geese seem to avoid it. Because the seeds can pass through the gastrointestinal tracts of both cattle and pigeons and remain viable (Kay, 1971), these animals may spread them to new areas. It is also possible for the seeds to cling to the bottoms of the muddy shoes of people and the muddy hoofs of animals, by which means they can spread to new areas.
Photographic Location: Along a drainage canal and retention pond area in Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: Field Chamomile (Anthemis arvensis) is one of the plants that are commonly referred to as mayweeds. Examples of these species include Anthemis cotula (Dog Fennel), Chamaemelum nobile (Roman Chamomile), Matricaria recutita (German Chamomile), and Tripleurospermum perforatum (Scentless Chamomile). As a group, they are difficult to distinguish from each other. All of these species have daisy-like flowerheads that resemble those of Leucanthemum vulgare (Ox-Eye Daisy), but their foliage is deeply dissected (typically bipinnatifid). Field Chamomile can be distinguished from other mayweeds by its flat leaf-segments (rather than terete leaf-segments), by the presence and shape of the chaffy scales in its flowerheads, by the woolly pubescence of its foliage, and by the appearance of its achenes. The foliage of Field Chamomile lacks the pleasant fragrance of Roman Chamomile, nor does it possess the unpleasant odor of Dog Fennel. Similar to German Chamomile, the crushed flowerheads of Field Chamomile are mildly fragrant, but it has completely solid flowerheads, whereas the flowerheads of German Chamomile have interiors that are partly hollow.
The upper stems terminate in individual flowerheads that span about ¾-1¼" (2-3 cm.) across; these flowerheads have peduncles that are 1½-6" (4-15 cm.) in length. These peduncles are pale green, terete, and woolly-pubescent. Usually, small alternate bracts occur along the peduncles that resemble the leaves. Each daisy-like flowerhead has 10-18 ray florets that surround numerous disk florets; the ray florets are fertile and pistillate, while the disk florets are fertile and perfect. The petaloid rays of the ray florets are white, oblong in shape, and notched at their tips. The tiny corollas of the disk florets are yellow, tubular in shape, and 5-lobed at their apices; these lobes are triangular in shape. Alongside the disk florets, there are chaffy scales about 4 mm. in length. These scales are oblanceolate in shape and their tips are acute; sometimes these tips are awn-like. At the base of each flowerhead, there are 1-2 series of phyllaries (floral bracts) that are broadly oblong in shape. Individual phyllaries have convex central ridges that are light green, wide membranous margins that are white to light brown, and woolly pubescence; the phyllaries become chaffy with age. The foliage of this plant lacks a significant fragrance, although the crushed flowerheads are mildly fragrant (resembling apple-pineapple). The flowerheads are solid, lacking hollow centers. The blooming period usually occurs from late spring to mid-summer, lasting about 1-2 months, although some plants may bloom later in the year.
At maturity, the seedheads are ovoid in shape. The achenes are 1.5-2.5 mm. in length, oblanceoloid in shape, and slightly 4-angled; they are truncate at their apices, where they lack tufts of hair or significant scales. The sides of mature achenes have longitudinal ribs that are readily visible. The achenes are distributed to a limited extent by wind and probably by water at some locations. The root system consists of a shallow much-branched taproot or it is fibrous. Reproduction is by seeds.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and a calcareous soil containing clay-loam, loam, silt, gravel, or sand. Drought tolerance is good. The seeds can remain viable in the ground for 10 years or more (Kay, 1971).
Range & Habitat: Field Chamomile has been found in scattered locations across Illinois (see Distribution Map), but this non-native plant is relatively uncommon within the state. It was introduced into North America from Eurasia, where it is native. In Illinois, habitats consist of fallow fields, roadsides, flood zones along drainage canals and retention ponds, vacant lots and abandoned homestead sites, and waste areas. Highly disturbed areas are preferred.
Faunal Associations: The flowerheads probably attract small bees, various flies (including Syrphid flies), and other insects. Both nectar and pollen are available as floral rewards to such visitors. Insects that feed destructively on Field Chamomile and other Anthemis spp. include Polymerus basalis (Red-Spotted Aster Mirid) and two aphids, Macrosiphoniella tanacetaria and Macrosiphoniella tapuskae. The former aphid is typically found on the flowerheads, peduncles, and upper stems, while the latter aphid is typically found on the lower leaves. The polyphagous caterpillars of a moth, Orthonama obstipata (The Gem), have been reported to feed on mayweeds by Covell (1984/2005). Field Chamomile belongs to the group of plants that are commonly referred to as mayweeds in Europe. The foliage of Field Chamomile is probably browsed sparingly by mammalian herbivores, while Canada Geese seem to avoid it. Because the seeds can pass through the gastrointestinal tracts of both cattle and pigeons and remain viable (Kay, 1971), these animals may spread them to new areas. It is also possible for the seeds to cling to the bottoms of the muddy shoes of people and the muddy hoofs of animals, by which means they can spread to new areas.
Photographic Location: Along a drainage canal and retention pond area in Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: Field Chamomile (Anthemis arvensis) is one of the plants that are commonly referred to as mayweeds. Examples of these species include Anthemis cotula (Dog Fennel), Chamaemelum nobile (Roman Chamomile), Matricaria recutita (German Chamomile), and Tripleurospermum perforatum (Scentless Chamomile). As a group, they are difficult to distinguish from each other. All of these species have daisy-like flowerheads that resemble those of Leucanthemum vulgare (Ox-Eye Daisy), but their foliage is deeply dissected (typically bipinnatifid). Field Chamomile can be distinguished from other mayweeds by its flat leaf-segments (rather than terete leaf-segments), by the presence and shape of the chaffy scales in its flowerheads, by the woolly pubescence of its foliage, and by the appearance of its achenes. The foliage of Field Chamomile lacks the pleasant fragrance of Roman Chamomile, nor does it possess the unpleasant odor of Dog Fennel. Similar to German Chamomile, the crushed flowerheads of Field Chamomile are mildly fragrant, but it has completely solid flowerheads, whereas the flowerheads of German Chamomile have interiors that are partly hollow.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年07月10日
Description: This herbaceous plant is a winter or spring annual that forms a low rosette of several basal leaves up to 4 cm. (1½") across. Individual basal leaves are 0.5–2 cm. (¼–¾") long and about one-third to one-half as much across; they are elliptic to broadly elliptic in shape, bluntly dentate toward their tips, and sessile. The leaf surface is medium green to reddish green (rarely red); its upper surface has sparse minute pubescence, while its lower surface is glabrous. Each rosette of basal leaves develops 1–15 flowering stalks that are 2.5 cm. (1") to 7.5 cm. (3") tall. These stalks are light green, reddish green, or red; they are short-pubescent, terete, and either erect or arching upward. The flowering stalks terminate in either solitary flowers or umbels of flowers (usually the latter); there are 2–10 flowers per umbel. Sometimes 1–2 secondary stalks will originate from an umbel of flowers to produce secondary umbels of flowers, making an inflorescence a partially compound umbel of flowers.
The secondary flowering stalks are similar to the primary flowering stalks, except they are usually shorter. The secondary umbels of flowers are similar to the primary umbels of flowers, except they tend to have fewer flowers. The pedicels of the flowers (or seed capsules) are 3–25 mm. (1/8–1") in length and erect to upwardly arching. Compared to the flowering stalks (peduncles), the pedicels are shorter and more slender, although they become longer as the seed capsules develop. Individual flowers are about 2 mm. across and 4 mm. long; each flower has a green calyx with 5 erect teeth, a white tubular corolla with 5 ascending lobes, 5 inserted stamens with short filaments, and a light green ovary with a single short style. The calyx is 5-angular from 5 ridges and it has sparse minute pubescence. The teeth of the calyx extend above the lobes of the corolla. Individual lobes of the corolla are lanceolate in shape. The teeth of the calyx are narrowly deltate to deltate in shape and a little shorter than the angular calyx-tube.
At the base of each umbel (or secondary umbel) of flowers, there are 2 or more leafy bracts that resemble the basal leaves, except they are smaller in size (less than 0.5 cm. or ¼" in length) and they lack teeth; sometimes they form a small rosette. The blooming period occurs from from early to late spring, lasting about 1 month. The flowers are inconspicuous. Afterwards, they are replaced by small seed capsules. These capsules are about 3 mm. long and ovoid in shape; each capsule eventually divides into 5 sections to release several seeds. These seeds are small enough to be blown about by the wind. Mature seeds are about 1 mm. long, 0.75 mm. across, 3-angled, and dark brown to black; the seed surface has a network of minute ridges and pits. The root system consists of a slender taproot. This plant reproduces by reseeding itself. It dies down no later than mid-summer.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, mesic to dry conditions, and a barren soil containing sand, gravel, clay, or rocky debris. Most growth and development occurs during the spring, which happens very quickly.
Range & Habitat: Western Rock Jasmine (Androsace occidentalis) is a native plant in Illinois, where it occurs occasionally in western and northern Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). This plant is more common in drier areas to the west of Illinois. In Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan, this plant is rare and state-listed as 'threatened' or 'endangered.' Habitats include gravel hill prairies, upland sand prairies, upland dolomite prairies, gravelly or sandy areas along railroads, roadsides, pastures, fallow fields, and waste ground. In Illinois, Western Rock Jasmine occurs in both higher quality natural areas and disturbed areas on exposed ground soil where it is dry and sunny.
Faunal Associations: This plant becomes more common in pastures that are moderately to heavily grazed by cattle as this reduces competition from taller and more aggressive plants (Patton & Nyren, 2015).
Photographic Location: Found on waste ground along an alley way in Urbana, Illinois. This dumped waste ground contained broken bricks and pieces of concrete.
Comments: This tiny plant has inconspicuous flowers and it is easily overlooked. When the stalks with umbels of flowers are produced, it fairly easy to identify, however. Western Rock Jasmine (Androsace occidentalis) is the only species of its genus that has been found in Illinois. Further to the west, however, there are several Rock Jasmine species (Androsace spp.). These more western species tend to be less weedy in appearance and they have showier flowers. Other common names for Androsace occidentalis are Western Rock Primrose and Western Fairy Candelabra. Sometimes this plant is simply referred to as Rock Jasmine, Rock Primrose, or Fairy Candelabra.
The secondary flowering stalks are similar to the primary flowering stalks, except they are usually shorter. The secondary umbels of flowers are similar to the primary umbels of flowers, except they tend to have fewer flowers. The pedicels of the flowers (or seed capsules) are 3–25 mm. (1/8–1") in length and erect to upwardly arching. Compared to the flowering stalks (peduncles), the pedicels are shorter and more slender, although they become longer as the seed capsules develop. Individual flowers are about 2 mm. across and 4 mm. long; each flower has a green calyx with 5 erect teeth, a white tubular corolla with 5 ascending lobes, 5 inserted stamens with short filaments, and a light green ovary with a single short style. The calyx is 5-angular from 5 ridges and it has sparse minute pubescence. The teeth of the calyx extend above the lobes of the corolla. Individual lobes of the corolla are lanceolate in shape. The teeth of the calyx are narrowly deltate to deltate in shape and a little shorter than the angular calyx-tube.
At the base of each umbel (or secondary umbel) of flowers, there are 2 or more leafy bracts that resemble the basal leaves, except they are smaller in size (less than 0.5 cm. or ¼" in length) and they lack teeth; sometimes they form a small rosette. The blooming period occurs from from early to late spring, lasting about 1 month. The flowers are inconspicuous. Afterwards, they are replaced by small seed capsules. These capsules are about 3 mm. long and ovoid in shape; each capsule eventually divides into 5 sections to release several seeds. These seeds are small enough to be blown about by the wind. Mature seeds are about 1 mm. long, 0.75 mm. across, 3-angled, and dark brown to black; the seed surface has a network of minute ridges and pits. The root system consists of a slender taproot. This plant reproduces by reseeding itself. It dies down no later than mid-summer.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, mesic to dry conditions, and a barren soil containing sand, gravel, clay, or rocky debris. Most growth and development occurs during the spring, which happens very quickly.
Range & Habitat: Western Rock Jasmine (Androsace occidentalis) is a native plant in Illinois, where it occurs occasionally in western and northern Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). This plant is more common in drier areas to the west of Illinois. In Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan, this plant is rare and state-listed as 'threatened' or 'endangered.' Habitats include gravel hill prairies, upland sand prairies, upland dolomite prairies, gravelly or sandy areas along railroads, roadsides, pastures, fallow fields, and waste ground. In Illinois, Western Rock Jasmine occurs in both higher quality natural areas and disturbed areas on exposed ground soil where it is dry and sunny.
Faunal Associations: This plant becomes more common in pastures that are moderately to heavily grazed by cattle as this reduces competition from taller and more aggressive plants (Patton & Nyren, 2015).
Photographic Location: Found on waste ground along an alley way in Urbana, Illinois. This dumped waste ground contained broken bricks and pieces of concrete.
Comments: This tiny plant has inconspicuous flowers and it is easily overlooked. When the stalks with umbels of flowers are produced, it fairly easy to identify, however. Western Rock Jasmine (Androsace occidentalis) is the only species of its genus that has been found in Illinois. Further to the west, however, there are several Rock Jasmine species (Androsace spp.). These more western species tend to be less weedy in appearance and they have showier flowers. Other common names for Androsace occidentalis are Western Rock Primrose and Western Fairy Candelabra. Sometimes this plant is simply referred to as Rock Jasmine, Rock Primrose, or Fairy Candelabra.
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Miss Chen
2018年07月05日
A ripe rind is one sign a butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata) is ready to pick, and there are other signs. An annual winter squash vine, butternut squash grows 3/4 to 1 1/2 feet tall with a vine 10 to 15 feet long. Creamy-white to orange-yellow flowers appear in late spring and orange-fleshed fruits develop, which ripen in fall. Changes in the vine and changes in the color and texture of the fruit are some signs to look for that tell you butternut squash is ready for harvesting.
Days From Sowing
Providing severe weather conditions such as drought or prolonged cold temperatures don't occur, butternut squash fruits ripen a predictable number of days after sowing. In regular growing conditions, it takes 80 to 100 days after the seed was sown.
Drought stresses plants, and may speed up ripening. However, cold weather slows down butternut squash growth, and then fruit may ripen later than expected.
Vine Condition
When butternut squash fruits are ready for picking, the vine has done its job. It stops growing and begins to die back. If your butternut squash vine stops producing new shoots and leaves, and the existing leaves begin to yellow and wilt, the fruit is probably nearly ripe.
Skin Appearance
Butternut squash skin is light whitish-green, smooth and shiny while the fruit is growing. As they ripen, the fruits turn deep tan and become dull and dry.
Skin Texture
A change in skin texture is another sign of ripeness in butternut squash. Slightly soft when the fruit is growing, butternut squash skin becomes very tough when the fruit is ripe.
Harvest Time
When butternut squash fruit are ready to harvest, cut the stems with pruning shears or a sharp knife.
Cut the squash stems 1 inch from the fruit, and put them in a cool, dark, dry place. Don't allow the fruit to touch each other. Store the squash at 50 degrees Fahrenheit and 50 to 75 percent humidity and it will keep for two to three months. Check the fruit every one or two weeks, and remove and discard any that look diseased or have begun to decay.
Days From Sowing
Providing severe weather conditions such as drought or prolonged cold temperatures don't occur, butternut squash fruits ripen a predictable number of days after sowing. In regular growing conditions, it takes 80 to 100 days after the seed was sown.
Drought stresses plants, and may speed up ripening. However, cold weather slows down butternut squash growth, and then fruit may ripen later than expected.
Vine Condition
When butternut squash fruits are ready for picking, the vine has done its job. It stops growing and begins to die back. If your butternut squash vine stops producing new shoots and leaves, and the existing leaves begin to yellow and wilt, the fruit is probably nearly ripe.
Skin Appearance
Butternut squash skin is light whitish-green, smooth and shiny while the fruit is growing. As they ripen, the fruits turn deep tan and become dull and dry.
Skin Texture
A change in skin texture is another sign of ripeness in butternut squash. Slightly soft when the fruit is growing, butternut squash skin becomes very tough when the fruit is ripe.
Harvest Time
When butternut squash fruit are ready to harvest, cut the stems with pruning shears or a sharp knife.
Cut the squash stems 1 inch from the fruit, and put them in a cool, dark, dry place. Don't allow the fruit to touch each other. Store the squash at 50 degrees Fahrenheit and 50 to 75 percent humidity and it will keep for two to three months. Check the fruit every one or two weeks, and remove and discard any that look diseased or have begun to decay.
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Miss Chen
2018年07月02日
If you think the gardening season is limited to spring, summer and fall, think again. A surprising number of vegetables grow well throughout the winter, and with a little help from a greenhouse, you'll hardly miss your summer garden.
Greens
Many of the typical garden salad greens are suitable for a winter garden. Plant lettuce, spinach, mustard, chard, kale and collards in September for harvest in late winter.
Herbs
In the herb garden, try sage, parsley, cilantro, rosemary and thyme. These usually grow well in areas with mild winters.
Other Vegetables
Plant broccoli, cabbage, kale, collards, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, celery, onions and turnips in September for use in late winter and early spring. Start beets, carrots and peas in August for harvest throughout the winter.
Warm Weather Crops
While tomatoes, sweet potatoes, peppers and eggplants rarely survive the entire winter, they can be planted in a greenhouse during the late winter for an early harvest that spring. If you're fortunate enough to have a heated greenhouse, nearly all warm weather crops will grow throughout the winter.
Greens
Many of the typical garden salad greens are suitable for a winter garden. Plant lettuce, spinach, mustard, chard, kale and collards in September for harvest in late winter.
Herbs
In the herb garden, try sage, parsley, cilantro, rosemary and thyme. These usually grow well in areas with mild winters.
Other Vegetables
Plant broccoli, cabbage, kale, collards, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, celery, onions and turnips in September for use in late winter and early spring. Start beets, carrots and peas in August for harvest throughout the winter.
Warm Weather Crops
While tomatoes, sweet potatoes, peppers and eggplants rarely survive the entire winter, they can be planted in a greenhouse during the late winter for an early harvest that spring. If you're fortunate enough to have a heated greenhouse, nearly all warm weather crops will grow throughout the winter.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年06月04日
Description: This wildflower is a winter or spring annual about 1-3' tall. Initially, a low rosette of basal leaves is formed, but later there develops an erect central stem that is unbranched below and dichotomously branched above. The central and upper stems are light green, terete or angular, and either glabrous or lined with short fine hairs. The basal leaves are up to 2½" long and ¾" across; they are medium green, glabrous, oblanceolate, and smooth along their margins. The cauline leaves (up to 3" long & 1"Clusters of Flowers across) occur in opposite pairs along the central and upper stems, where they are either sessile or clasp the stems slightly. The lower cauline leaves are oblong and smooth along the margins (see Lower Leaves), while the upper cauline leaves are lanceolate with lower teeth that are dentate. Like the basal leaves, the cauline leaves are medium green and glabrous; sometimes they are slightly ciliate along their margins. The upper stems terminate in flat-headed clusters (or dense cymes) of white flowers; each cluster spans about ½–1½" across. There is a pair of small leafy bracts where the stalks of the inflorescence dichotomously branch; these bracts are lanceolate in shape. Each flower has a small funnelform corolla with 5 spreading lobes; this corolla is white and spans about 1/6" (4 mm.) across. At the base of the flower, there is a small green calyx with 5 teeth; this calyx is much shorter than the corolla. Exerted from the corolla, there are 3 stamens and a single style. The blooming period occurs during late spring to early summer and lasts about 3 weeks. The flowers are very fragrant. Each flower is replaced by a 3-celled fruit spanning about 3 mm. long and 2 mm. across (size is variable); one cell contains a single seed, while the remaining cells are empty. An empty cell is about the same size as the fertile cell; the shape of a 3-celled fruit is globoid-angular, rather than sharply triangular. This wildflower occasionally forms loose colonies of plants.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun or dappled sunlight, consistently moist conditions, and soil containing organic matter along with some sand or rocky material. Most growth and development occurs during the spring. The seed can remain viable in the ground for about 5 years.
Range & Habitat: Northern Corn Salad is rare in Illinois, occurring in three NE counties and two counties in the southern half of the state (see Distribution Map). It is native and state-listed as 'endangered.' This species is slightly more common in Indiana. Habitats include bottomland meadows in sandstone canyons, springs at the base of cliffs, rocky banks along woodland streams, and sandy slopes in wooded areas. In Illinois, this species is found in high quality natural areas, although it has been found in fields, roadsides, and other disturbed habitats in other states.
Faunal Associations: Little is known about floral-faunal relationships for this species. The nectar of the flowers probably attracts bees and occasional butterflies. The foliage of Valerianella spp. is readily eaten by cattle and probably other mammalian herbivores. The European species, Valerianella locusta (Mâche, Lamb's Lettuce), is cultivated as a source of salad greens for humans; it has blue flowers.
Photographic Location: A bottomland meadow in a sandstone canyon at the Portland Arch in west-central Indiana.
Comments: This is one of the more attractive Valerianella spp. because its flowers are larger than average in size and they are very fragrant. This is also one of the taller species in this genus. Another species with similar-sized flowers, Valerianella chenopodifolia (Great Lakes Corn Salad), differs by having fruits that are sharply triangular in cross-section; like Northern Corn Salad, it is quite rare in Illinois. Authorities differ on how the variations of Northern Corn Salad should be classified. Mohlenbrock (2002) divides Northern Corn Salad into three different species: Valerianella intermedia, Valerianella patellaria, and Valerianella umbilicata. This tripartite division is based on minute variations in the size and shape of the fruits. Other authors (Yatskievych, 2000; Kartez, 1994) consider such variations insignificant and recognize only Valerianella umbilicata as a valid species. Another common name of Valerianella umbilicata is Navel-Fruited Corn Salad.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun or dappled sunlight, consistently moist conditions, and soil containing organic matter along with some sand or rocky material. Most growth and development occurs during the spring. The seed can remain viable in the ground for about 5 years.
Range & Habitat: Northern Corn Salad is rare in Illinois, occurring in three NE counties and two counties in the southern half of the state (see Distribution Map). It is native and state-listed as 'endangered.' This species is slightly more common in Indiana. Habitats include bottomland meadows in sandstone canyons, springs at the base of cliffs, rocky banks along woodland streams, and sandy slopes in wooded areas. In Illinois, this species is found in high quality natural areas, although it has been found in fields, roadsides, and other disturbed habitats in other states.
Faunal Associations: Little is known about floral-faunal relationships for this species. The nectar of the flowers probably attracts bees and occasional butterflies. The foliage of Valerianella spp. is readily eaten by cattle and probably other mammalian herbivores. The European species, Valerianella locusta (Mâche, Lamb's Lettuce), is cultivated as a source of salad greens for humans; it has blue flowers.
Photographic Location: A bottomland meadow in a sandstone canyon at the Portland Arch in west-central Indiana.
Comments: This is one of the more attractive Valerianella spp. because its flowers are larger than average in size and they are very fragrant. This is also one of the taller species in this genus. Another species with similar-sized flowers, Valerianella chenopodifolia (Great Lakes Corn Salad), differs by having fruits that are sharply triangular in cross-section; like Northern Corn Salad, it is quite rare in Illinois. Authorities differ on how the variations of Northern Corn Salad should be classified. Mohlenbrock (2002) divides Northern Corn Salad into three different species: Valerianella intermedia, Valerianella patellaria, and Valerianella umbilicata. This tripartite division is based on minute variations in the size and shape of the fruits. Other authors (Yatskievych, 2000; Kartez, 1994) consider such variations insignificant and recognize only Valerianella umbilicata as a valid species. Another common name of Valerianella umbilicata is Navel-Fruited Corn Salad.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月19日
Description: This wildflower is a winter annual or biennial about ½–1½' tall that is unbranched or branches occasionally. The stems are light green, terete or angular, and covered with long white hairs. The alternate leaves are ½–2" long and about one-third as wide; they are light green, oblong or oblanceolate, smooth and ciliate along the margins, and usually hairy on both the upper and lower surfaces. Each leaf has aFlowers & Upper Leaves prominent central vein. The leaves are mostly sessile against their stems; the lowest leaves taper to petiole-like bases. The central stem and upper lateral stems (if present) terminate in elongated racemes of small white flowers about 2-8" long. Each raceme has about 8-24 flowers on a hairy stalk; there are no bracts alongside the flowers. The flowers bloom toward the apex of each raceme, where it is typically curled like a scorpion's tail; the hairy ovoid fruits develop below. Each flower is 1/8" across, consisting of a white corolla with 5 rounded lobes, a hairy calyx with 5 lanceolate sepals, 5 stamens (inconspicuous), and a pistil. Sometimes the hairs of the calyx are hooked at their tips. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer and lasts about 2 months. The racemes become longer as their dry fruits (seed capsules) develop; these fruits have pedicels that are more or less erect. At this stage of development, the pedicels are a little shorter than their fruits. Each fruit contains 4 seeds. The root system consists of a taproot and secondary fibrous roots. This wildflower reproduces by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, moist to dry conditions, and barren soil containing sand, gravel, or clay. Most growth and development occurs during the spring.
Range & Habitat: The native Spring Scorpion Grass is occasional to locally common in the southern half of Illinois, while in the northern half of the state it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland open woodlands, barren wooded slopes, areas along woodland paths, sandy savannas, sand prairies, fields, roadside embankments, and areas along railroads. This little wildflower occurs in barren areas where there is little ground vegetation – frequently where there is some history of disturbance. Occasionally, it is found in damp areas.
Faunal Associations: Small bees and small butterflies visit the flowers for nectar. Robertson (1929) observed only two floral visitors: the Halictid bee Augochlorella striata and the butterfly Pontia protodice (Checkered White). The flea beetle Longitarsus melanurus feeds on the foliage of Spring Scorpion Grass and other species in the Borage family. LeConte's Sparrow and possibly other birds eat the seeds of this wildflower and the closely related Myosotis macrosperma (Big-Seeded Scorpion Grass); this was observed at Tucker's Prairie in Missouri. The hairy fruits can cling to the fur of mammals and clothing of humans; this helps to distribute the seeds to new locations.
Photographic Location: A wooded slope near Charleston, Illinois.
Comments: This wildflower has small flowers and is fairly easy to overlook. In spite of its common name, Spring Scorpion Grass is a member of the Borage family, rather than the Grass family (Poaceae). This species is very similar to Myosotis macrosperma (Big-Seeded Scorpion Grass); sometimes they are considered different varieties of the same species. According to Mohlenbrock (2002), Spring Scorpion Grass has fruits with more erect pedicels and smaller seeds than Big-Fruited Scorpion Grass; in Illinois, the latter is restricted to a few southern counties. Another similar species is Buglossoides arvense (Corn Gromwell). Corn Gromwell has leafy bracts alongside its flowers, while the flowers of Spring Scorpion Grass (and other Myosotis spp.) lack such bracts. There are also several Myosotis spp. (Forget-Me-Not species) from Europe that occasionally escape from cultivation. These introduced species have blue flowers. Another common name of Myosotis verna is White Forget-Me-Not.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, moist to dry conditions, and barren soil containing sand, gravel, or clay. Most growth and development occurs during the spring.
Range & Habitat: The native Spring Scorpion Grass is occasional to locally common in the southern half of Illinois, while in the northern half of the state it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland open woodlands, barren wooded slopes, areas along woodland paths, sandy savannas, sand prairies, fields, roadside embankments, and areas along railroads. This little wildflower occurs in barren areas where there is little ground vegetation – frequently where there is some history of disturbance. Occasionally, it is found in damp areas.
Faunal Associations: Small bees and small butterflies visit the flowers for nectar. Robertson (1929) observed only two floral visitors: the Halictid bee Augochlorella striata and the butterfly Pontia protodice (Checkered White). The flea beetle Longitarsus melanurus feeds on the foliage of Spring Scorpion Grass and other species in the Borage family. LeConte's Sparrow and possibly other birds eat the seeds of this wildflower and the closely related Myosotis macrosperma (Big-Seeded Scorpion Grass); this was observed at Tucker's Prairie in Missouri. The hairy fruits can cling to the fur of mammals and clothing of humans; this helps to distribute the seeds to new locations.
Photographic Location: A wooded slope near Charleston, Illinois.
Comments: This wildflower has small flowers and is fairly easy to overlook. In spite of its common name, Spring Scorpion Grass is a member of the Borage family, rather than the Grass family (Poaceae). This species is very similar to Myosotis macrosperma (Big-Seeded Scorpion Grass); sometimes they are considered different varieties of the same species. According to Mohlenbrock (2002), Spring Scorpion Grass has fruits with more erect pedicels and smaller seeds than Big-Fruited Scorpion Grass; in Illinois, the latter is restricted to a few southern counties. Another similar species is Buglossoides arvense (Corn Gromwell). Corn Gromwell has leafy bracts alongside its flowers, while the flowers of Spring Scorpion Grass (and other Myosotis spp.) lack such bracts. There are also several Myosotis spp. (Forget-Me-Not species) from Europe that occasionally escape from cultivation. These introduced species have blue flowers. Another common name of Myosotis verna is White Forget-Me-Not.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月13日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is about 3-6" tall. It consists of a tuft of basal leaves that develops during the late spring and persists through the winter. These leaves are up to 3" long and across; they have slender petioles up to 6" long. Each leaf is palmately divided into 3 lobes; the lobes are oval-ovate and approximately the same size. The smooth upper surface of each leaf can be green, brownish green, reddish brown, or contain patches of the preceding colors; usually, the upper surface is more green during the summer, but become reddish brown during the winter. The leaf margins are smooth; for var. acuta, the tips of the lobes are rather pointed in mature leaves.
A mature plant will produce a tuft of flowers on long stalks during early to mid-spring, by which time the basal leaves that persisted during the winter may have withered away. Each flower occurs on a naked hairy stalk about 3-4" long; this stalk is often reddish green or reddish brown. The flower may be erect or it may nod on its stalk. Each flower is up to 1" across, consisting of 5-11 petal-like sepals, a green cluster of carpels in its center, and numerous white stamens surrounding the carpels. The sepals are white, pastel pink, or pastel blue; each sepal is oblong-oval in shape. At the base of each flower, there are 3 leafy bracts that are lanceolate, ovate, or oval in shape. These bracts are reddish green or reddish brown, hairy across the outer surface, and shorter than the sepals. The blooming period occurs during early to mid-spring and lasts about 2-3 weeks for a colony of plants; however, individual flowers are short-lived. The carpels turn brown and become beaked achenes that are often pubescent. The root system consists of a tuft of fibrous roots. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the spring and light shade during the summer. The basal leaves should be left undisturbed during the winter. The soil should be well-drained, loamy, and can contain some rocky material, including pieces of limestone; a thin-layer of decaying leaves is also beneficial.
Range & Habitat: The native Sharp-Lobed Hepatica is occasional in wooded areas of central and northern Illinois; it is uncommon or absent in southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland deciduous woodlands, rocky bluffs, the slopes of bluffs, and limestone cliffs (where some shade occurs). Sharp-Lobed Hepatica occurs in high quality wooded areas where the original flora is largely intact. Sometimes it is cultivated as a rock garden plant. While Sharp-Lobed Hepatica is native to North America, the typical variety of Hepatica, Hepatica nobilis nobilis, occurs in Eurasia.
Faunal Associations: Small bees collect pollen from the flowers, while Syrphid flies and other flies feed on the pollen. Bee visitors include honeybees, Small Carpenter bees, Andrenid bees, and Halictid bees. Nectar is not provided by the flowers. Chipmunks reportedly eat the achenes. The brownish green basal leaves are poisonous and somewhat camoflaged; it seems unlikely that they are eaten by mammalian herbivores to any significant extent.
Photographic Location: The photographs of the blue and white flowers were taken at Kickapoo State Park, Vermilion County, Illinois, while the photographs of the pink flowers and basal leaf were taken on a sloping bank of the Sangamon river in Allerton Park, Piatt County, Illinois.
Comments: The flowers of Sharp-Lobed Hepatica bloom earlier than most spring-blooming wildflowers of woodlands. They are delicately attractive and have a tendency to blow about on their slender stems in the wind. Another native variety of this plant species is Hepatica nobilis obtusa (Round-Lobed Hepatica), which has a very similar appearance, except that the lobes of its basal leaves are well-rounded rather than pointed. This latter variety is apparently restricted to NE Illinois. Sometimes these two varieties intergrade where their ranges overlap. Some authorities refer to Sharp-Lobed Hepatica as Hepatica acutiloba, while Round-Lobed Hepatica is referred to as Hepatica americana. Another common name for Hepatica is Liverleaf, which refers to the appearance and shape of the leaves.
A mature plant will produce a tuft of flowers on long stalks during early to mid-spring, by which time the basal leaves that persisted during the winter may have withered away. Each flower occurs on a naked hairy stalk about 3-4" long; this stalk is often reddish green or reddish brown. The flower may be erect or it may nod on its stalk. Each flower is up to 1" across, consisting of 5-11 petal-like sepals, a green cluster of carpels in its center, and numerous white stamens surrounding the carpels. The sepals are white, pastel pink, or pastel blue; each sepal is oblong-oval in shape. At the base of each flower, there are 3 leafy bracts that are lanceolate, ovate, or oval in shape. These bracts are reddish green or reddish brown, hairy across the outer surface, and shorter than the sepals. The blooming period occurs during early to mid-spring and lasts about 2-3 weeks for a colony of plants; however, individual flowers are short-lived. The carpels turn brown and become beaked achenes that are often pubescent. The root system consists of a tuft of fibrous roots. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the spring and light shade during the summer. The basal leaves should be left undisturbed during the winter. The soil should be well-drained, loamy, and can contain some rocky material, including pieces of limestone; a thin-layer of decaying leaves is also beneficial.
Range & Habitat: The native Sharp-Lobed Hepatica is occasional in wooded areas of central and northern Illinois; it is uncommon or absent in southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland deciduous woodlands, rocky bluffs, the slopes of bluffs, and limestone cliffs (where some shade occurs). Sharp-Lobed Hepatica occurs in high quality wooded areas where the original flora is largely intact. Sometimes it is cultivated as a rock garden plant. While Sharp-Lobed Hepatica is native to North America, the typical variety of Hepatica, Hepatica nobilis nobilis, occurs in Eurasia.
Faunal Associations: Small bees collect pollen from the flowers, while Syrphid flies and other flies feed on the pollen. Bee visitors include honeybees, Small Carpenter bees, Andrenid bees, and Halictid bees. Nectar is not provided by the flowers. Chipmunks reportedly eat the achenes. The brownish green basal leaves are poisonous and somewhat camoflaged; it seems unlikely that they are eaten by mammalian herbivores to any significant extent.
Photographic Location: The photographs of the blue and white flowers were taken at Kickapoo State Park, Vermilion County, Illinois, while the photographs of the pink flowers and basal leaf were taken on a sloping bank of the Sangamon river in Allerton Park, Piatt County, Illinois.
Comments: The flowers of Sharp-Lobed Hepatica bloom earlier than most spring-blooming wildflowers of woodlands. They are delicately attractive and have a tendency to blow about on their slender stems in the wind. Another native variety of this plant species is Hepatica nobilis obtusa (Round-Lobed Hepatica), which has a very similar appearance, except that the lobes of its basal leaves are well-rounded rather than pointed. This latter variety is apparently restricted to NE Illinois. Sometimes these two varieties intergrade where their ranges overlap. Some authorities refer to Sharp-Lobed Hepatica as Hepatica acutiloba, while Round-Lobed Hepatica is referred to as Hepatica americana. Another common name for Hepatica is Liverleaf, which refers to the appearance and shape of the leaves.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月08日
Description: This plant is a winter or spring annual. A typical plant consists of a rosette of basal leaves about 8" across and several flowering stalks about 8" long. The blades of the basal leaves are up to 3" long and 2" across; they are pinnately compound, dull green to greyish blue, and hairless. The small lobes of the blades taper to obtuse points. The basal leaves have long slender petioles that are about as long as the blades. Alternate leaves occur along the flowering stalks. They are similar in appearance to the basal leaves, except that they are smaller in size and their petioles are shorter. The flowering stalks are are pale green to pale reddish green, hairless, and somewhat glaucous; they are sprawling, ascending, or erect. Each stalk terminates in a raceme of flowers up to 3" long. Each flower has a corolla consisting of 2 outer petals that are pale yellow to yellow and 2 inner petals that are more white and membranous. The upper outer petal forms a fringed upper lip in front and a rounded nectar spur in back; the top of the upper lip has a greenish yellow keel that may be slightly winged or crested. The lower outer petal forms a lower lip that functions as a landing pad for visiting insects; the bottom of the lower lip also has a greenish yellow keel that is similar to the upper keel. The inner petals are largely hidden by the outer petals, except when the flower is fully open; at that time, they are pale white or greenish yellow.
Each flower is about 1/3" to 1/2" (8-12 mm.) long and its pedicel is 1/4" (6 mm.) long or less. At the base of each pedicel, there is a single leafy bract up to 1/3" (8 mm.) long; this small bract is ovate or ovate-lanceolate. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late-spring, lasting about 1–1½ months. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each flower is replaced by a seedpod up to 2/3" (17 mm.) long. Each seedpod is dull green, hairless, slightly glaucous, and cylindrical in shape; several pale veins may be detectable that run along its length. The tip of each seedpod terminates in a beak. The surface of the seedpod between the seeds may be slightly constricted or unconstricted. Relative to the stalk of each raceme, the seedpods are erect or ascending, rather than widely spreading. The small seeds are about 1.0–1.5 mm. across, flattened, circular, shiny, and black. Fresh seeds have a small fleshy appendage that is white; this is an elaisome. The seedpods split open to release the seeds while they are still green. The root system consists of a slender taproot that branches abundantly. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun and moist to mesic conditions during the period of active growth during the spring. This plant will grow in many kinds of soil, but it is usually found in soil that contains sand or rocky material; it also adapts to loamy soil containing abundant organic matter and bark litter. The foliage gradually withers away during the summer.
Range & Habitat: The native Slender Corydalis is occasional in northern and western Illinois, but uncommon elsewhere in the state (see Distribution Map). Habits include open rocky woodlands, sandy savannas, ledges along thinly wooded bluffs, glades, gravelly areas along railroads (including the ballast), and mulched areas along buildings. Slender Corydalis prefers habitats with scant ground vegetation and a little shade. Occasional wildfires are beneficial as they reduce competition from woody vegetation and other plants.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated by long-tongued bees, particularly bumblebees. An aphid, Macrosiphum corydalis, sucks juices from the flowering stalks of Corydalis spp. The seeds are distributed to some extent by ants because of their elaisomes (food appendages). Mammalian herbivores avoid consumption of this plant because of its toxic foliage.
Photographic Location: A mulched area along a building on the campus of the University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois. At this location, Slender Corydalis was growing wild, like a weed. Many of the plants are periodically uprooted and destroyed by maintenance and grounds staff, but this species has persisted at this site for a number of years.
Comments: Among the Corydalis spp. with yellow flowers in Illinois, Slender Corydalis has smaller than average flowers (about 1/3–1/2" or 8-12 mm. in length). Only Corydalis flavula (Pale Corydalis) has smaller flowers (about 1/4–1/3" or 6-8 mm. in length), while the others have larger flowers (about 1/2–1" or 12-25 mm. in length). Pale Corydalis also has longer pedicels (1/4–3/4" or 6-19 mm. in length) than Slender Corydalis. The foliage of Slender Corydalis has a similar appearance to other Corydalis spp., except the lobes of its pinnately compound leaves have tips that are more blunt than some of the others. A closely related subspecies is Corydalis micrantha australis (Prairie Corydalis). This latter subspecies has longer seedpods (about 2/3–4/3" or 17-34 mm. in length) and longer flowering stalks that extend beyond the foliage. Other Corydalis spp. differ from Slender Corydalis by having constricted or knobby seedpods that are less erect, and some Corydalis spp. have larger seeds (1.5–2.0 mm. across).
Each flower is about 1/3" to 1/2" (8-12 mm.) long and its pedicel is 1/4" (6 mm.) long or less. At the base of each pedicel, there is a single leafy bract up to 1/3" (8 mm.) long; this small bract is ovate or ovate-lanceolate. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late-spring, lasting about 1–1½ months. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each flower is replaced by a seedpod up to 2/3" (17 mm.) long. Each seedpod is dull green, hairless, slightly glaucous, and cylindrical in shape; several pale veins may be detectable that run along its length. The tip of each seedpod terminates in a beak. The surface of the seedpod between the seeds may be slightly constricted or unconstricted. Relative to the stalk of each raceme, the seedpods are erect or ascending, rather than widely spreading. The small seeds are about 1.0–1.5 mm. across, flattened, circular, shiny, and black. Fresh seeds have a small fleshy appendage that is white; this is an elaisome. The seedpods split open to release the seeds while they are still green. The root system consists of a slender taproot that branches abundantly. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun and moist to mesic conditions during the period of active growth during the spring. This plant will grow in many kinds of soil, but it is usually found in soil that contains sand or rocky material; it also adapts to loamy soil containing abundant organic matter and bark litter. The foliage gradually withers away during the summer.
Range & Habitat: The native Slender Corydalis is occasional in northern and western Illinois, but uncommon elsewhere in the state (see Distribution Map). Habits include open rocky woodlands, sandy savannas, ledges along thinly wooded bluffs, glades, gravelly areas along railroads (including the ballast), and mulched areas along buildings. Slender Corydalis prefers habitats with scant ground vegetation and a little shade. Occasional wildfires are beneficial as they reduce competition from woody vegetation and other plants.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated by long-tongued bees, particularly bumblebees. An aphid, Macrosiphum corydalis, sucks juices from the flowering stalks of Corydalis spp. The seeds are distributed to some extent by ants because of their elaisomes (food appendages). Mammalian herbivores avoid consumption of this plant because of its toxic foliage.
Photographic Location: A mulched area along a building on the campus of the University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois. At this location, Slender Corydalis was growing wild, like a weed. Many of the plants are periodically uprooted and destroyed by maintenance and grounds staff, but this species has persisted at this site for a number of years.
Comments: Among the Corydalis spp. with yellow flowers in Illinois, Slender Corydalis has smaller than average flowers (about 1/3–1/2" or 8-12 mm. in length). Only Corydalis flavula (Pale Corydalis) has smaller flowers (about 1/4–1/3" or 6-8 mm. in length), while the others have larger flowers (about 1/2–1" or 12-25 mm. in length). Pale Corydalis also has longer pedicels (1/4–3/4" or 6-19 mm. in length) than Slender Corydalis. The foliage of Slender Corydalis has a similar appearance to other Corydalis spp., except the lobes of its pinnately compound leaves have tips that are more blunt than some of the others. A closely related subspecies is Corydalis micrantha australis (Prairie Corydalis). This latter subspecies has longer seedpods (about 2/3–4/3" or 17-34 mm. in length) and longer flowering stalks that extend beyond the foliage. Other Corydalis spp. differ from Slender Corydalis by having constricted or knobby seedpods that are less erect, and some Corydalis spp. have larger seeds (1.5–2.0 mm. across).
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Miss Chen
2018年05月06日
Description: This wildflower is a winter annual about 4-12" tall that is unbranched. The central stem is light green, terete, and pubescent. The opposite leaves are up to 2" long and ¾" across; they are either medium green or yellowish green and either glabrous or pubescent (usually the latter). The lowest leaves are oval to orbicular with a few blunt teeth along their margins; they are smaller than the other leaves and there are petioles at their bases. The middle leaves are the largest and most conspicuous; they are oval to broadly lanceolate, often with a few blunt teeth along their margins, and their bases are either sessile or they clasp the stem. The uppermost leaves are usually lanceolate and smooth along their margins; their bases are either sessile or they clasp the stem.
The central stem terminates in a whorl of 2-6 flowers on slender pedicels up to 1" long. Sometimes individual flowers develop from the axils of the upper leaves as well; these axillary flowers have slender pedicels up to 1½" long. The pedicels are light green, terete, and pubescent. Each flower is ½-¾" across, consisting of a green calyx with 5 teeth and a blue/white corolla. The calyx is light green to purplish green; it is often pubescent and its teeth are narrowly triangular in shape. The corolla is short-tubular and it is divided into upper and lower lips. The upper lip is cleft into 2 large rounded lobes that are white, while the lower lip is cleft into 3 lobes. The 2 large outer lobes of the lower lip are light blue to blue-violet and rounded, while the tiny middle lobe of the lower lip is folded into a keel and hidden from view. This middle lobe contains the stamens and style of the flower.
The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring, lasting about 3 weeks. Afterwards, each flower is replaced by an globoid-ovoid capsule that contains a few large seeds. The root system consists of a slender taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself; it often forms colonies of variable size.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight to light shade, moist to mesic conditions, and a rich loamy soil. The size of individual plants is strongly influenced by moisture conditions and the fertility of the soil. The seeds should be planted during the summer so that they will germinate during the fall.
Range & Habitat: Blue-Eyed Mary occurs occasionally in NE and east central Illinois, but it tends to be less common elsewhere (see Distribution Map). At some high quality sites around the state, it is locally abundant. Habitats include moist to mesic deciduous woodlands, wooded lower slopes of river valleys, and areas along woodland paths. Sometimes Blue-Eyed Mary occurs in drier deciduous woodlands, in which case the individual plants will be smaller in size. Even though it tolerates minor levels of disturbance, this wildflower is an indicator species of high quality woodlands.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract honeybees, bumblebees, little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), long-horned bees (Synhalonia spp.), and mason bees (Osmia spp.). Less common flower visitors include dance flies (Empis spp.), the Giant Bee Fly (Bombylius major), butterflies, and skippers. Little else appears to be known about floral-faunal relationships for this species.
Photographic Location: Along a path in a deciduous woodlands at Allerton Park in Piatt County, Illinois, and the wooded lower slope of a river valley at Lodge Park in the same county.
Comments: The distinctive bicolored flowers are very beautiful, making Blue-Eyed Mary easy to identify. This woodland wildflower is unusual in having flowers that are close to a true blue color. The only other species in the genus that has been observed in Illinois is Collinsia violacea (Violet Collinsia). This latter wildflower is also a winter annual that has corollas with a deeper shade of purplish violet and more narrow lanceolate leaves. Violet Collinsia prefers sunnier habitats than Blue-Eyed Mary, and it is quite rare within the state, although more common in the Southern Plains region of the United States.
The central stem terminates in a whorl of 2-6 flowers on slender pedicels up to 1" long. Sometimes individual flowers develop from the axils of the upper leaves as well; these axillary flowers have slender pedicels up to 1½" long. The pedicels are light green, terete, and pubescent. Each flower is ½-¾" across, consisting of a green calyx with 5 teeth and a blue/white corolla. The calyx is light green to purplish green; it is often pubescent and its teeth are narrowly triangular in shape. The corolla is short-tubular and it is divided into upper and lower lips. The upper lip is cleft into 2 large rounded lobes that are white, while the lower lip is cleft into 3 lobes. The 2 large outer lobes of the lower lip are light blue to blue-violet and rounded, while the tiny middle lobe of the lower lip is folded into a keel and hidden from view. This middle lobe contains the stamens and style of the flower.
The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring, lasting about 3 weeks. Afterwards, each flower is replaced by an globoid-ovoid capsule that contains a few large seeds. The root system consists of a slender taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself; it often forms colonies of variable size.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight to light shade, moist to mesic conditions, and a rich loamy soil. The size of individual plants is strongly influenced by moisture conditions and the fertility of the soil. The seeds should be planted during the summer so that they will germinate during the fall.
Range & Habitat: Blue-Eyed Mary occurs occasionally in NE and east central Illinois, but it tends to be less common elsewhere (see Distribution Map). At some high quality sites around the state, it is locally abundant. Habitats include moist to mesic deciduous woodlands, wooded lower slopes of river valleys, and areas along woodland paths. Sometimes Blue-Eyed Mary occurs in drier deciduous woodlands, in which case the individual plants will be smaller in size. Even though it tolerates minor levels of disturbance, this wildflower is an indicator species of high quality woodlands.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract honeybees, bumblebees, little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), long-horned bees (Synhalonia spp.), and mason bees (Osmia spp.). Less common flower visitors include dance flies (Empis spp.), the Giant Bee Fly (Bombylius major), butterflies, and skippers. Little else appears to be known about floral-faunal relationships for this species.
Photographic Location: Along a path in a deciduous woodlands at Allerton Park in Piatt County, Illinois, and the wooded lower slope of a river valley at Lodge Park in the same county.
Comments: The distinctive bicolored flowers are very beautiful, making Blue-Eyed Mary easy to identify. This woodland wildflower is unusual in having flowers that are close to a true blue color. The only other species in the genus that has been observed in Illinois is Collinsia violacea (Violet Collinsia). This latter wildflower is also a winter annual that has corollas with a deeper shade of purplish violet and more narrow lanceolate leaves. Violet Collinsia prefers sunnier habitats than Blue-Eyed Mary, and it is quite rare within the state, although more common in the Southern Plains region of the United States.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月04日
Description: This plant is a winter annual or biennial up to 2½' tall that branches occasionally. A few basal leaves are produced during the fall, while alternate cauline leaves develop along the stems during the following spring. The stems are green, glabrous, and terete. The leaves are up to 4" long and ¾" across; they are pinnately compound with 3-15 leaflets. The leaflets are linear, oblanceolate, obovate, or orbicular in shape, becoming more narrow on the upper leaves; their margins are usually undulate, shallowly lobed, or dentate with a few blunt teeth. On each leaf, the terminal leaflet is as wide or wider than the remaining leaflets. Both the lower and upper sides of the leaves are green and glabrous. The upper stems terminate in racemes of small white flowers.
Each flower is about 3 mm. (1/8") long, consisting of 4 white petals, 4 light green sepals, a stout pistil, and several stamens. The mature pedicels (5-9 mm. in length) ultimately become longer than the flowers. Both the pedicels and the central stalk (rachis) of the raceme are green and glabrous. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer and lasts about 1-2 months. Each flower is replaced by a narrowly cylindrical seedpod (or silique) that is up to 1¼" long. The siliques are relatively straight and they spread outward slightly from the central stalk of each raceme. The tips of young siliques often surround the flowers and partially obscure them. Each silique contains a row of tiny seeds; these seeds are about 1 mm. in length, oblongoid-ovoid in shape, and brown. The root system consists of a tuft of shallow fibrous roots. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to partial sun, wet to moist conditions, and soil containing loam or sandy loam with decaying organic matter. This plant develops quickly during the spring when the weather is cool and moist.
Range & Habitat: The native Pennsylvania Bitter Cress occurs occasionally in most areas of Illinois; it tends to be less common or absent in the NW corner of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include wet to mesic deciduous woodlands (especially floodplain and bottomland woodlands), swamps, shady seeps and springs, the bottom of cliffs, low ground near streams, and areas along woodland paths. Pennsylvania Bitter Cress is occasionally found in slow-moving water of seasonal ditches and shallow streams, where it resembles an emergent-aquatic plant. This plant is found in both higher quality habitats and disturbed areas where there is partial to light shade and the ground is more or less moist. It is sometimes found in sandy areas where decaying organic material is abundant.
Faunal Associations: Occasionally, small bees or flower flies (Syrphidae) visit the flowers, otherwise they attract few visitors. Caterpillars of the moth Evergestis pallidata (Purple-Backed Cabbage Worm) are known to feed on the foliage of Cardamine spp. (Bitter Cresses), while caterpillars of the butterfly Anthocharis midea (Falcate Orangetip) feed on the flowers, buds, and developing seedpods of these plants. Two aphids, Myzus cerasi (Black Cherry Aphid) and Rhopalosiphonius staphyleae (Mangold Aphid), use these plants as summer hosts. Information about floral-faunal relations for vertebrate animals is currently unavailable.
Photographic Location: Near or in a stream of a sandy woodland at the Indiana Dunes State Park in NW Indiana.
Comments: This spring wildflower of woodlands is not very showy and it is often overlooked. This plant has a similar appearance to other Bitter Cresses (Cardamine spp.) with small white flowers, including Cardamine hirsuta (Hairy Bitter Cress) and Cardamine parviflora arenicola (Small-Flowered Bitter Cress). Hairy Bitter Cress, an introduced species, is hairy toward the base and it has abundant basal leaves while the flowers are blooming. Pennsylvania Bitter Cress has very few, if any, basal leaves while the flowers are blooming, and its foliage is completely hairless (at least in Illinois). Small-Flowered Bitter Cress is usually a little smaller in size than Pennsylvania Bitter Cress and it has more narrow leaflets (up to ¼" across). The terminal leaflets of this species are about the same size as the non-terminal leaflets. Small-Flowered Bitter Cress is usually found in habitats that are drier and sunnier than Pennsylvania Bitter Cress, although it is occasionally found in moist woodlands and wetlands as well.
Each flower is about 3 mm. (1/8") long, consisting of 4 white petals, 4 light green sepals, a stout pistil, and several stamens. The mature pedicels (5-9 mm. in length) ultimately become longer than the flowers. Both the pedicels and the central stalk (rachis) of the raceme are green and glabrous. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer and lasts about 1-2 months. Each flower is replaced by a narrowly cylindrical seedpod (or silique) that is up to 1¼" long. The siliques are relatively straight and they spread outward slightly from the central stalk of each raceme. The tips of young siliques often surround the flowers and partially obscure them. Each silique contains a row of tiny seeds; these seeds are about 1 mm. in length, oblongoid-ovoid in shape, and brown. The root system consists of a tuft of shallow fibrous roots. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to partial sun, wet to moist conditions, and soil containing loam or sandy loam with decaying organic matter. This plant develops quickly during the spring when the weather is cool and moist.
Range & Habitat: The native Pennsylvania Bitter Cress occurs occasionally in most areas of Illinois; it tends to be less common or absent in the NW corner of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include wet to mesic deciduous woodlands (especially floodplain and bottomland woodlands), swamps, shady seeps and springs, the bottom of cliffs, low ground near streams, and areas along woodland paths. Pennsylvania Bitter Cress is occasionally found in slow-moving water of seasonal ditches and shallow streams, where it resembles an emergent-aquatic plant. This plant is found in both higher quality habitats and disturbed areas where there is partial to light shade and the ground is more or less moist. It is sometimes found in sandy areas where decaying organic material is abundant.
Faunal Associations: Occasionally, small bees or flower flies (Syrphidae) visit the flowers, otherwise they attract few visitors. Caterpillars of the moth Evergestis pallidata (Purple-Backed Cabbage Worm) are known to feed on the foliage of Cardamine spp. (Bitter Cresses), while caterpillars of the butterfly Anthocharis midea (Falcate Orangetip) feed on the flowers, buds, and developing seedpods of these plants. Two aphids, Myzus cerasi (Black Cherry Aphid) and Rhopalosiphonius staphyleae (Mangold Aphid), use these plants as summer hosts. Information about floral-faunal relations for vertebrate animals is currently unavailable.
Photographic Location: Near or in a stream of a sandy woodland at the Indiana Dunes State Park in NW Indiana.
Comments: This spring wildflower of woodlands is not very showy and it is often overlooked. This plant has a similar appearance to other Bitter Cresses (Cardamine spp.) with small white flowers, including Cardamine hirsuta (Hairy Bitter Cress) and Cardamine parviflora arenicola (Small-Flowered Bitter Cress). Hairy Bitter Cress, an introduced species, is hairy toward the base and it has abundant basal leaves while the flowers are blooming. Pennsylvania Bitter Cress has very few, if any, basal leaves while the flowers are blooming, and its foliage is completely hairless (at least in Illinois). Small-Flowered Bitter Cress is usually a little smaller in size than Pennsylvania Bitter Cress and it has more narrow leaflets (up to ¼" across). The terminal leaflets of this species are about the same size as the non-terminal leaflets. Small-Flowered Bitter Cress is usually found in habitats that are drier and sunnier than Pennsylvania Bitter Cress, although it is occasionally found in moist woodlands and wetlands as well.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年05月01日
Description: This terrestrial orchid develops a single basal leaf during the fall that persists through the winter until the flowering period beginning in late spring. This basal leaf is 3½-8" long and 1-3" across; it is broadly elliptic or oblong-ovate in shape and smooth along the margins. The orientation of the basal leaf is ascending to horizontal with the ground. The upper leaf surface is dark green with fine white veins and glabrous; the veins are parallel to each other. The lower leaf surface is green, purplish green, or dull purple. At the base of the leaf, there is a short petiole that pokes above the ground surface. This basal leaf originates from the oldest corm of the root system. During the late spring or early summer, the basal leaf withers away and a raceme of flowers about 6-20" tall is sometimes produced. Each raceme will have about 8-16 flowers; they are laxly distributed along the flowering stalk. A large majority of plants fail to produce flowers during any given year, either because they are too small and immature, or environmental conditions are unfavorable.
The flowering stalk is pale green or pale purplish green, terete, and glabrous; it is surrounded by a tight basal sheath toward its base. The flowers are about ¾-1" long and a little less across, consisting of 3 sepals, 3 petals, and the reproductive organs; nectar spurs are lacking. The sepals spread outward from the center of the flower to a greater or lesser degree, and they are more or less equally spaced from each other. These sepals are narrowly oblanceolate or narrowly oblong, pale green or pale yellow, becoming purplish toward their tips. The two upper petals are narrowly oblanceolate or narrowly oblong and colored similarly to the sepals; these petals are adjacent to each other, functioning as a protective hood over the reproductive organs. The lower petal is the lip of the flower; it is oblanceolate or obovate and primarily white with speckles of purple or magenta. The lip is depressed in its center and its margins are elevated and undulate. The relatively stout pedicels of the flowers are about ¾" long, while the floral bracts are less than ¼" long and early-deciduous. The blooming period lasts about 2-3 weeks (late spring to early summer) and the flowers lack noticeable fragrance. In the absence of insect pollination, they are self-fertile. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by seed capsules about ¾-1" long that are broadly ellipsoid in shape with multiple narrow ridges along their sides. These capsules nod downward from their pedicels along the raceme; later in the year, they split open to release abundant tiny seeds. These seeds are easily distributed to new areas via wind currents.
The root system consists of 1-4 bulbous corms that are connected by slender rhizomes. These corms are up to 1" across and individually they can persist for 2 years. On a healthy plant, a new corm is produced each year. Fibrous roots originate from the bases of the corms. Small colonies of clonal plants can develop from the spread of these corms.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the fall, winter, and spring; light levels during the summer are unimportant because live leaves are not present during this time of year. Significant photosynthesis can occur in temperatures that are only slightly above freezing. The root system of this orchid benefits from (and may require) a symbiotic relationship with compatible mycorrhizal fungi. Otherwise, this orchid may fail to flourish. It can be slowly propagated by separating its corms to establish new plants. Propagation by seed is very difficult and rarely successful. A moist to mesic loamy soil with abundant organic material is preferred. Soil pH can vary from mildly acidic to neutral.
Range & Habitat: The native Putty-Root Orchid is occasional toward the southern tip of Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). In spite of its lack of abundance, this is one of the more common orchids within the state. Habitats include rich mesic woodlands, wooded areas (e.g., terraces) above streams, damp depressions in upland rocky woodlands, the bottoms of sandstone canyons, areas near the bases of wooded slopes, and the bottoms or lower slopes of ravines. The Putty-Root Orchid is specifically adapted to deciduous woodlands where such canopy trees as Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) and American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) are present. It is found in above average to high quality natural areas. Such invasive species as Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) and Japanese Stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) present a significant threat to maintaining populations of this orchid within the state should they continue to spread.
Faunal Associations: Various bees are likely pollinators of this orchid. A Halictid bee, Lasioglossum oblongum, has been observed visiting the flowers. Such insects are lured to this orchid's flowers by deception, as no nectar is present to reward such floral visitors. There is a potential risk of White-tailed Deer browsing on the flowering stalks and basal leaves, but more specific information about this is currently unavailable.
Photographic Location: A hilly woodland in east-central Illinois; the photographed orchid was located at the base of a wooded slope on a terrace above a stream.
Comments: The flowers of this orchid are reasonably attractive, although their muted colors can make them difficult to spot in a woodland. The basal leaf is also attractive, which persists during the winter while disappearing during the summer! This odd characteristic takes advantage of the greater amount of light that is available when deciduous trees are leafless. In the past, a mucilaginous substance was obtained from the bulb-like corms that could be used to repair pottery and crockery, hence the name 'Putty-Root.' Another common name of this orchid is 'Adam-and-Eve,' which refers to the pair of corms that are connected together by a slender rhizome in the root system. The range of the Putty-Root Orchid partially overlaps a similar species, the Cranefly Orchid (Tipularia discolor), and it is possible to confuse these two species. The flowers of Putty-Root Orchid lack nectar spurs, while the flowers of Cranefly Orchid have nectar spurs that are long and slender. The racemes of the latter orchid tend to have more flowers (12-30) and these flowers are more white than those of the Putty-Root Orchid. There are also differences in the appearance of their basal leaves. The basal leaf of Putty-Root Orchid has white veins on a dark green background, while the basal leaf of Cranefly Orchid lacks white veins. The basal leaf of this latter orchid is also shaped differently (a little shorter and more wide) and its underside is usually a deeper shade of purple.
The flowering stalk is pale green or pale purplish green, terete, and glabrous; it is surrounded by a tight basal sheath toward its base. The flowers are about ¾-1" long and a little less across, consisting of 3 sepals, 3 petals, and the reproductive organs; nectar spurs are lacking. The sepals spread outward from the center of the flower to a greater or lesser degree, and they are more or less equally spaced from each other. These sepals are narrowly oblanceolate or narrowly oblong, pale green or pale yellow, becoming purplish toward their tips. The two upper petals are narrowly oblanceolate or narrowly oblong and colored similarly to the sepals; these petals are adjacent to each other, functioning as a protective hood over the reproductive organs. The lower petal is the lip of the flower; it is oblanceolate or obovate and primarily white with speckles of purple or magenta. The lip is depressed in its center and its margins are elevated and undulate. The relatively stout pedicels of the flowers are about ¾" long, while the floral bracts are less than ¼" long and early-deciduous. The blooming period lasts about 2-3 weeks (late spring to early summer) and the flowers lack noticeable fragrance. In the absence of insect pollination, they are self-fertile. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by seed capsules about ¾-1" long that are broadly ellipsoid in shape with multiple narrow ridges along their sides. These capsules nod downward from their pedicels along the raceme; later in the year, they split open to release abundant tiny seeds. These seeds are easily distributed to new areas via wind currents.
The root system consists of 1-4 bulbous corms that are connected by slender rhizomes. These corms are up to 1" across and individually they can persist for 2 years. On a healthy plant, a new corm is produced each year. Fibrous roots originate from the bases of the corms. Small colonies of clonal plants can develop from the spread of these corms.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the fall, winter, and spring; light levels during the summer are unimportant because live leaves are not present during this time of year. Significant photosynthesis can occur in temperatures that are only slightly above freezing. The root system of this orchid benefits from (and may require) a symbiotic relationship with compatible mycorrhizal fungi. Otherwise, this orchid may fail to flourish. It can be slowly propagated by separating its corms to establish new plants. Propagation by seed is very difficult and rarely successful. A moist to mesic loamy soil with abundant organic material is preferred. Soil pH can vary from mildly acidic to neutral.
Range & Habitat: The native Putty-Root Orchid is occasional toward the southern tip of Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). In spite of its lack of abundance, this is one of the more common orchids within the state. Habitats include rich mesic woodlands, wooded areas (e.g., terraces) above streams, damp depressions in upland rocky woodlands, the bottoms of sandstone canyons, areas near the bases of wooded slopes, and the bottoms or lower slopes of ravines. The Putty-Root Orchid is specifically adapted to deciduous woodlands where such canopy trees as Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) and American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) are present. It is found in above average to high quality natural areas. Such invasive species as Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) and Japanese Stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) present a significant threat to maintaining populations of this orchid within the state should they continue to spread.
Faunal Associations: Various bees are likely pollinators of this orchid. A Halictid bee, Lasioglossum oblongum, has been observed visiting the flowers. Such insects are lured to this orchid's flowers by deception, as no nectar is present to reward such floral visitors. There is a potential risk of White-tailed Deer browsing on the flowering stalks and basal leaves, but more specific information about this is currently unavailable.
Photographic Location: A hilly woodland in east-central Illinois; the photographed orchid was located at the base of a wooded slope on a terrace above a stream.
Comments: The flowers of this orchid are reasonably attractive, although their muted colors can make them difficult to spot in a woodland. The basal leaf is also attractive, which persists during the winter while disappearing during the summer! This odd characteristic takes advantage of the greater amount of light that is available when deciduous trees are leafless. In the past, a mucilaginous substance was obtained from the bulb-like corms that could be used to repair pottery and crockery, hence the name 'Putty-Root.' Another common name of this orchid is 'Adam-and-Eve,' which refers to the pair of corms that are connected together by a slender rhizome in the root system. The range of the Putty-Root Orchid partially overlaps a similar species, the Cranefly Orchid (Tipularia discolor), and it is possible to confuse these two species. The flowers of Putty-Root Orchid lack nectar spurs, while the flowers of Cranefly Orchid have nectar spurs that are long and slender. The racemes of the latter orchid tend to have more flowers (12-30) and these flowers are more white than those of the Putty-Root Orchid. There are also differences in the appearance of their basal leaves. The basal leaf of Putty-Root Orchid has white veins on a dark green background, while the basal leaf of Cranefly Orchid lacks white veins. The basal leaf of this latter orchid is also shaped differently (a little shorter and more wide) and its underside is usually a deeper shade of purple.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年04月29日
Too much water leads to root rot, while not enough causes splitting and hotness. If you get the seeds in the ground two to three weeks before the last winter frost, they'll be ready for eating radishes in 25 to 45 days. Radish seeds must remain moist for proper germination and sprouting to occur. This process takes five to 10 days. Implement a dedicated watering routine once the radish leaves appear. Proper watering practices ensure an ample amount of flavor and crunch.
Weeding
Pull out all weeds and keep them out during radish germination. If the seeds have to compete with nutrient-depleting weed roots, growth and yield will be stifled. Place a surveyor's stake at each end of the row where you'll be planting the seeds and then tie a string between the two. If any plant grows that isn't beneath this string, rip them out. Early and daily weeding practices will keep both you and the radishes from getting overwhelmed.
Preparing the Soil
Wait for the soil temperature to remain above 40 degrees. Rough up the soil with a garden fork and mix in 2 to 4 inches of organic compost. Apply 2 to 4 cups of all-purpose fertilizer over every 100 square feet of soil. Work the compost and fertilizer into the first 6 inches of the seedbed. Radishes do best when grown in sandy, well-draining soils. If you have clay-type soil, amend it with 3 inches of peat moss. Mix the peat moss in with the soil.
Planting
Plant the seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep in a row beneath the string. Spacing doesn't matter at this point, but try to plant a seed every ½ inch. If you want more than one crop, plant new seeds every 10 days while temperatures remain below 80 degrees. Hotter temperatures make radishes bitter and hollow. Spring and fall are the best times to plant radishes.
Watering
Radishes need water, but not too much. Radishes will thrive in a seedbed with proper drainage. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soaked. Don't allow the soil to completely dry out before watering. This causes the roots to crack. The soil should always feel wet to the touch. If you live in an arid climate where evaporation is a problem, mulch around the plants with a 2-inch layer of lawn clippings. The mulch keeps the weeds down.
Harvesting
Pull up ripe radishes after 25 to 45 days. Shake off the soil and wash them clean. Cut the leaves and root tip from the bulb with a sharp knife. Store uneaten radishes in the refrigerator inside a water-filled dish. The water keeps them from drying out and cracking.
Weeding
Pull out all weeds and keep them out during radish germination. If the seeds have to compete with nutrient-depleting weed roots, growth and yield will be stifled. Place a surveyor's stake at each end of the row where you'll be planting the seeds and then tie a string between the two. If any plant grows that isn't beneath this string, rip them out. Early and daily weeding practices will keep both you and the radishes from getting overwhelmed.
Preparing the Soil
Wait for the soil temperature to remain above 40 degrees. Rough up the soil with a garden fork and mix in 2 to 4 inches of organic compost. Apply 2 to 4 cups of all-purpose fertilizer over every 100 square feet of soil. Work the compost and fertilizer into the first 6 inches of the seedbed. Radishes do best when grown in sandy, well-draining soils. If you have clay-type soil, amend it with 3 inches of peat moss. Mix the peat moss in with the soil.
Planting
Plant the seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep in a row beneath the string. Spacing doesn't matter at this point, but try to plant a seed every ½ inch. If you want more than one crop, plant new seeds every 10 days while temperatures remain below 80 degrees. Hotter temperatures make radishes bitter and hollow. Spring and fall are the best times to plant radishes.
Watering
Radishes need water, but not too much. Radishes will thrive in a seedbed with proper drainage. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soaked. Don't allow the soil to completely dry out before watering. This causes the roots to crack. The soil should always feel wet to the touch. If you live in an arid climate where evaporation is a problem, mulch around the plants with a 2-inch layer of lawn clippings. The mulch keeps the weeds down.
Harvesting
Pull up ripe radishes after 25 to 45 days. Shake off the soil and wash them clean. Cut the leaves and root tip from the bulb with a sharp knife. Store uneaten radishes in the refrigerator inside a water-filled dish. The water keeps them from drying out and cracking.
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