文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月07日
For people living in Britain and Ireland, Candytuft in the form of a cultivar is associated with neat, edged flowerbeds in gardens and parks in the height of summer.
Identification
The flowers of Burnt Candytuft, a dwarf rock plant, are 3 to 6 mm across and have four notched petals; they are variable in colour and can be white, pink or mauve. Stems range from 3 to 35 cm tall and have a rather woody base.
Distribution
Burnt Candytuft is found in the western and central Mediterranean from Spain eastwards to Greece and also in Sardinia, Sicily and Crete.
Habitat
This member of the brassicaceae (Cabbage family, formerly known as cruciferae) grows in rocky habitats in the hills and mountains.
Blooming Times
Burnt Candytuft blooms in springtime.
Identification
The flowers of Burnt Candytuft, a dwarf rock plant, are 3 to 6 mm across and have four notched petals; they are variable in colour and can be white, pink or mauve. Stems range from 3 to 35 cm tall and have a rather woody base.
Distribution
Burnt Candytuft is found in the western and central Mediterranean from Spain eastwards to Greece and also in Sardinia, Sicily and Crete.
Habitat
This member of the brassicaceae (Cabbage family, formerly known as cruciferae) grows in rocky habitats in the hills and mountains.
Blooming Times
Burnt Candytuft blooms in springtime.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月07日
Most gardeners hate Ground Elder because its creeping underground stems (known as rhizomes) spread so rapidly, often producing dense patches on roadside verges, in churchyards and on riverbanks. Once established this perennial plant is very difficult to eradicate.
Identification
Although Ground Elder can grow up to a metre tall, half that height is more normal. The hollow stems are grooved but hairless and the leaves are darkish green in early springtime, turning yellower in summer. Flat-topped umbels of white flowers bearing a passing resemblance to the flowers of an Elder tree are the origin of this plant's common name..
Distribution
Found throughout Britain and Ireland, Ground Elder occurs also in most parts of mainland Europe and in Asia. As an introduced alien species this plant is a nuisance weed in North America, New Zealand and Australia.
It is considered possible that the Romans may have introduced ground elder to Britain; a clue as to why they might have done so can be found in one of its many other common names: Gout Weed!
Habitat
Ground Elder favours damp soil and shady locations, but it copes well with soil disturbance and so is often associated with waste land and the margins of rubbish tips.
Blooming Times
The first flowers appear in May and are usually past their (unspectacular) best by the end of July; however, cutting before the flowering season is ineffective as a control mechanism because this plant is propagated mainly via its spreading roots; leave even the tiniest piece in the ground and it will quickly give rise to a new plant.
Uses
Even Ground Elder has its uses. At one time this common wildflower was grown as a pot herb, and it was also used in herbal remedies for arthritis and gout.
Identification
Although Ground Elder can grow up to a metre tall, half that height is more normal. The hollow stems are grooved but hairless and the leaves are darkish green in early springtime, turning yellower in summer. Flat-topped umbels of white flowers bearing a passing resemblance to the flowers of an Elder tree are the origin of this plant's common name..
Distribution
Found throughout Britain and Ireland, Ground Elder occurs also in most parts of mainland Europe and in Asia. As an introduced alien species this plant is a nuisance weed in North America, New Zealand and Australia.
It is considered possible that the Romans may have introduced ground elder to Britain; a clue as to why they might have done so can be found in one of its many other common names: Gout Weed!
Habitat
Ground Elder favours damp soil and shady locations, but it copes well with soil disturbance and so is often associated with waste land and the margins of rubbish tips.
Blooming Times
The first flowers appear in May and are usually past their (unspectacular) best by the end of July; however, cutting before the flowering season is ineffective as a control mechanism because this plant is propagated mainly via its spreading roots; leave even the tiniest piece in the ground and it will quickly give rise to a new plant.
Uses
Even Ground Elder has its uses. At one time this common wildflower was grown as a pot herb, and it was also used in herbal remedies for arthritis and gout.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月07日
Sneezewort is an attractive perennial plant that thrives on clay and tolerates acidic soils.
Identification
This downy perennial wildflower, typically 30 cm tall but occasionally exceeding 0.5m, has apungent scent (hence its common name).
Many other common names have been given to this wildflower including Sneezeweed Yarrow, Bastard Pellitory, Wild Pellitory, and White Tansy.
Habitat
Sneezewort is most often found on damp acidgrassland and frequently beside streams, especially on heavy clay-based soils. Other sites where you are likely to find Sneezewort include heathland, watermeadows and marshes.
Blooming Times
The flowers first appear in July and sneezewort usually continues blooming into September.
Uses
Like its close relative Yarrow, this plant has many traditional uses. The roots were used to induce sneezing (not to cure it!).
Chewing the roots of Sneezewort was a recommended treatment (if nopt a guaranteed cure) for toothache - although whether the offending tooth was to be sneezed out of its socket remains unclear! In the past, dried and powdered leaves from this plant were been used as a 'sneezing powder'. Medicinal properties are also claimed for an essential oil that can be extracted from Sneezewort leaves which, despite being bitter tasting, have also been used in salads. Given that this wildflower is known to be seriously poisonous to some farm animals, including cattle and horses, we cannot recommend Sneezewort for human consumption.
Bridesmaids at Westountry weddings used to carry posies of Sneezewort in the belief that doing so would ensure a happy life for the bride and groom. Checking the county-by-county divorce rates might show whether Achillea ptarmica is an effective potion in this respect!
Identification
This downy perennial wildflower, typically 30 cm tall but occasionally exceeding 0.5m, has apungent scent (hence its common name).
Many other common names have been given to this wildflower including Sneezeweed Yarrow, Bastard Pellitory, Wild Pellitory, and White Tansy.
Habitat
Sneezewort is most often found on damp acidgrassland and frequently beside streams, especially on heavy clay-based soils. Other sites where you are likely to find Sneezewort include heathland, watermeadows and marshes.
Blooming Times
The flowers first appear in July and sneezewort usually continues blooming into September.
Uses
Like its close relative Yarrow, this plant has many traditional uses. The roots were used to induce sneezing (not to cure it!).
Chewing the roots of Sneezewort was a recommended treatment (if nopt a guaranteed cure) for toothache - although whether the offending tooth was to be sneezed out of its socket remains unclear! In the past, dried and powdered leaves from this plant were been used as a 'sneezing powder'. Medicinal properties are also claimed for an essential oil that can be extracted from Sneezewort leaves which, despite being bitter tasting, have also been used in salads. Given that this wildflower is known to be seriously poisonous to some farm animals, including cattle and horses, we cannot recommend Sneezewort for human consumption.
Bridesmaids at Westountry weddings used to carry posies of Sneezewort in the belief that doing so would ensure a happy life for the bride and groom. Checking the county-by-county divorce rates might show whether Achillea ptarmica is an effective potion in this respect!
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月07日
Why are we so fascinated with the orchid? Is it its uniquely-orchid posture, bending at the top as if to get closer to you? Is it its seemingly open-eyed, glaring petals, each petal a glorious display of form and color? Or is it because each orchid plant elicits in you that extraordinary feeling of witnessing nature at its most exuberant?
Just ask 10 orchid lovers why their fascination with the exotic flower, and you'll get 10 different answers. And you might be surprised to realize that this delicate flower that comes in such different looks belongs to the largest plant families in the world, with more than 30,000 species of orchid in over 800 genera. Exotic Flower these differ widely from one another, some weighing as much as a ton, with huge 30-inch petals.
Habitat: Orchids are proliferated across most countries, although the natural habit of many species is in the tropics where the majority of the species grow on the trunks and branches of trees for support. In the temperate zones, such as Southern Australia, the flower orchid grows mostly on the ground.
It is easy to understand why people fall prey to the obsession with orchids. It is difficult to get close to a fresh plant in full bloom and not get smitten by its fascinating and all-too-rare unique looks. Today, more than ever, millions of people are devoted to planting and growing orchids, and the orchid remains a favorite amongst many as a precious gift to give to loved ones.
There are two growth types of orchids: The first, known as Monopodial Orchids, have a central stem of growth and no pseudo bulbs; they produce new growth from the crown of the plant, and flowers are produced from the stem between the leaves.
The second known as Symbodial Orchids possess a rhizome which sends out a shoot. This develops into a stem and leaves and eventually produces flowers. Later, a new shoot develops from the base of this growth.
Just ask 10 orchid lovers why their fascination with the exotic flower, and you'll get 10 different answers. And you might be surprised to realize that this delicate flower that comes in such different looks belongs to the largest plant families in the world, with more than 30,000 species of orchid in over 800 genera. Exotic Flower these differ widely from one another, some weighing as much as a ton, with huge 30-inch petals.
Habitat: Orchids are proliferated across most countries, although the natural habit of many species is in the tropics where the majority of the species grow on the trunks and branches of trees for support. In the temperate zones, such as Southern Australia, the flower orchid grows mostly on the ground.
It is easy to understand why people fall prey to the obsession with orchids. It is difficult to get close to a fresh plant in full bloom and not get smitten by its fascinating and all-too-rare unique looks. Today, more than ever, millions of people are devoted to planting and growing orchids, and the orchid remains a favorite amongst many as a precious gift to give to loved ones.
There are two growth types of orchids: The first, known as Monopodial Orchids, have a central stem of growth and no pseudo bulbs; they produce new growth from the crown of the plant, and flowers are produced from the stem between the leaves.
The second known as Symbodial Orchids possess a rhizome which sends out a shoot. This develops into a stem and leaves and eventually produces flowers. Later, a new shoot develops from the base of this growth.
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文章
Dummer. ゛☀
2017年08月07日
Gypsophilia, popularly known as Baby's Breath, is a bushy plant with branching habit bearing dainty small flowers on long slender stems. It is native to Central and Eastern Europe. Baby's Breath is a tender and delicate annual. Gypsophilia is a popular flower to accent bouquets, corsages and flower vases, especially as dried flower., besides being a popular flower in the home garden as well.
Facts About Gypsophilia
Gypsophilia is distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere.
Most commonly known as "Baby's breath", the tiny gypsophilia flower is produced on numerous, fragile stems and is most commonly used a filler, but is widely enjoyed as a dried flower, especially as an accent at Christmas.
Gypsophilia is available year round.
"Baby's Breath" is available in either pink or white varieties. Perhaps the most popular variety is called Million Star. Two other varieties commonly found are New Love and Party Time.
Gypsophila is primarily used as a fill er flower to accent greens and fill voids between flowers.
Baby's Breath makes a very nice dried flower that can be used to decorate any thing from wreaths to craft projects.
.The dainty flowered Gypsophila is commonly used in floral arrangements and gypsophilia plants bring beauty to the garden when grown in clumps.
Varieties of Gypsophilia
Gypsophilia elegans- Tall annual summer flower with clouds of tiny blooms.
Gypsophilia muralis - Annual plant types for borders and bedding.
Gypsophilia paniculata (Baby's Breath) - Perennial variety with tall, multi-branched stems and clusters of tiny, delicate flowers, which can be good filler in bouquets.
Gypsophilia repens - Low-growing perennial trailing plants for borders and rock gardens.
Propagation of Gypsophilia
Seeds are the main means of propagation for Baby's Breath. You can directly sow the seeds of Gypsophilia into your flower garden or start indoors for a jump start on the year. Sow them after the soil has begun to warm in the spring. Baby's Breath do not like frost, so if started indoors, transplant them outdoors after the last frost date. Space plants eight inches apart.
How to Grow Gypsophilia
Baby's Breath like full to partial sun.
They prefer rich, light soils, and are not fond of clay.
They also do not like dry conditions. Their rapid growth demands that they are watered during dry periods.
Add a general purpose fertilizer before planting if the soil is poor.
Once your Baby's Breath germinates in 10 to 15 days, they will grow rapidly. For a continuous bloom, plant them in succession every two to three weeks.
Insect and disease problems are not too common. If insect or disease problems occur, treat early with organic or chemical insect repellents and fungicide.
Gypsophilia Plant Care
Place 4-8 inches of cool water in a clean bucket and add preservative according to the manufacture's instructions on the package. (Use warm water -at most 100 F -if the buds are tight , in order to promote more rapid opening.)
Remove the gypsophilia from its sleeve and fluff the bunches for better air circulation.Cut the stems 2 inches and place in the solution.
Avoid overcrowding the bucket, placing approximately 4-6 bunches per bucket after fluffing.
Keep the flowers away from sources of ethylene gas such as ripe fruits and decaying plant material. Sources of carbon monoxide must also be avoided.
Sensitive to heat, drafts and other drying environments.
After two days in the solution, place the flowers in clean water. This water should be changed every day and the stems should be trimmed approximately 0.5 inch every two or three days to promote longevity.
Baby's -Breath is ethylene- and water-stress sensitive. Water stress can rapidly induce ethylene production and thereby reduce flower life. In short, do not allow flowers to dry (inside or outside coolers), as shorter life will surely result.
Facts About Gypsophilia
Gypsophilia is distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere.
Most commonly known as "Baby's breath", the tiny gypsophilia flower is produced on numerous, fragile stems and is most commonly used a filler, but is widely enjoyed as a dried flower, especially as an accent at Christmas.
Gypsophilia is available year round.
"Baby's Breath" is available in either pink or white varieties. Perhaps the most popular variety is called Million Star. Two other varieties commonly found are New Love and Party Time.
Gypsophila is primarily used as a fill er flower to accent greens and fill voids between flowers.
Baby's Breath makes a very nice dried flower that can be used to decorate any thing from wreaths to craft projects.
.The dainty flowered Gypsophila is commonly used in floral arrangements and gypsophilia plants bring beauty to the garden when grown in clumps.
Varieties of Gypsophilia
Gypsophilia elegans- Tall annual summer flower with clouds of tiny blooms.
Gypsophilia muralis - Annual plant types for borders and bedding.
Gypsophilia paniculata (Baby's Breath) - Perennial variety with tall, multi-branched stems and clusters of tiny, delicate flowers, which can be good filler in bouquets.
Gypsophilia repens - Low-growing perennial trailing plants for borders and rock gardens.
Propagation of Gypsophilia
Seeds are the main means of propagation for Baby's Breath. You can directly sow the seeds of Gypsophilia into your flower garden or start indoors for a jump start on the year. Sow them after the soil has begun to warm in the spring. Baby's Breath do not like frost, so if started indoors, transplant them outdoors after the last frost date. Space plants eight inches apart.
How to Grow Gypsophilia
Baby's Breath like full to partial sun.
They prefer rich, light soils, and are not fond of clay.
They also do not like dry conditions. Their rapid growth demands that they are watered during dry periods.
Add a general purpose fertilizer before planting if the soil is poor.
Once your Baby's Breath germinates in 10 to 15 days, they will grow rapidly. For a continuous bloom, plant them in succession every two to three weeks.
Insect and disease problems are not too common. If insect or disease problems occur, treat early with organic or chemical insect repellents and fungicide.
Gypsophilia Plant Care
Place 4-8 inches of cool water in a clean bucket and add preservative according to the manufacture's instructions on the package. (Use warm water -at most 100 F -if the buds are tight , in order to promote more rapid opening.)
Remove the gypsophilia from its sleeve and fluff the bunches for better air circulation.Cut the stems 2 inches and place in the solution.
Avoid overcrowding the bucket, placing approximately 4-6 bunches per bucket after fluffing.
Keep the flowers away from sources of ethylene gas such as ripe fruits and decaying plant material. Sources of carbon monoxide must also be avoided.
Sensitive to heat, drafts and other drying environments.
After two days in the solution, place the flowers in clean water. This water should be changed every day and the stems should be trimmed approximately 0.5 inch every two or three days to promote longevity.
Baby's -Breath is ethylene- and water-stress sensitive. Water stress can rapidly induce ethylene production and thereby reduce flower life. In short, do not allow flowers to dry (inside or outside coolers), as shorter life will surely result.
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求助
Camden Crace
2017年08月06日
So i have this euphorbia trigona. i accidentaly left it in the rain for about ten minuets as soon as i saw this i took the plant out of the wet soil and put it in dry soil. Was this the right thing to do?
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sarajordan2993：if you have super high temps during the day , the soil should dry out . if it doesnt within about 5-7 days , replant . if you replant , itll only disturb the roots & plant itself . it does more harm to replant , than having wet soil
sunnyzou：nothing to be worried.actually no need to replant
文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月06日
Description: This perennial plant is about ½–1½' and unbranched, except for some upper side stems near the inflorescence. Often, several stems will emerge from the same rootstock; they remain reasonably erect. The basal leaves have long petioles, and are about 1" across. They are usually cordate or orbicular and their margins are bluntly dentate. The basal leaves often wither away by flowering time. Along the slender central stem are alternate leaves. These leaves are linear and about ½–2" long. They usually angle upward from the stem, and then curve outward. Usually the foliage and stems are without hairs, although sometimes they are slightly pubescent.
The central stem (and some of the side stems) terminates in either a solitary flower, or a short raceme of 2-3 flowers. These flowers are violet and bell-shaped. A typical flower is about ¾" long, and tends to hang toward from a slender pedicel. The corolla has 5 short lobes that curve outward. The interior of a flower is white or pale violet near the base, while a long violet style projects slightly beyond the outer rim of the corolla. This style terminates into a tripartite white stigma. The green calyx divides into 5 slender segments that are slightly recurved. The blooming period occurs from early to late summer, and lasts about 2-3 months. There is no noticeable floral scent. The flowers are replaced by ovoid capsules that contain numerous tiny seeds. These seeds are easily dispersed by gusts of wind. The root system consists of a taproot.
Cultivation: This little plant prefers full sunlight and moist to dry conditions. It typically grows in shallow rocky soil, but will flourish in ordinary garden soil if taller, more aggressive plants are kept away. Harebell is surprisingly easy to grow, notwithstanding its delicate appearance. It tolerates alkaline soil.
Range & Habitat: The native Harebell is an uncommon plant that occurs primarily in northern Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is more common in areas to the north and east of Illinois. Habitats include sandy Black Oak savannas, hill prairies, crevices of sandstone, limestone, or dolomite cliffs, and shallow rocky soil along streams. It also occurs along roadsides in neighboring states. Generally, Harebell is found in high quality habitats where there are rocky slopes. It also cultivated in gardens.
Faunal Associations: Various bees often visit the flowers, where they seek nectar. While the foliage is potentially edible to mammalian herbivores, only the basal leaves are sufficiently large to attract much attention from them. The seeds are too small to be of any interest to birds.
Photographic Location: The photographs of the flowers were taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois, while the photograph of the basal leaves was taken at the Japan House of the University of Illinois in the same city.
Comments: This is a charming little plant. Harebell is distributed in both the Old World and New World, and may be variable across its large range. The native Campanula aparinoides (Marsh Bellflower) has smaller flowers and is found in wetland areas. Sometimes non-native bellflowers escape into the wild, such as Campanula rapunculoides (Creeping Bellflower), but they have broader foliage and larger flowers.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月06日
Description: This perennial plant consists of a rosette of basal leaves up to 1½' across and one or more flowering stalks up to 2½' tall. The strap-shaped basal leaves are up to 14" long and 1" across; they are linear, smooth along the margins, and glabrous. Their veins are parallel. These basal leaves are rather floppy and they often arch downward or sprawl across the ground in the absence of support from other vegetation. The basal leaves wither away by mid-summer. The flowering stalks are erect, slender, hairless, and leafless. Each stalk terminates in a raceme of about 20-80 flowers. Each flower consists of 6 lavender to pale blue-violet tepals, 6 stamens with golden yellow anthers, and a light green pistil with a short slender style. Each flower spans about ¾" across when it is fully open. The pedicels of the flowers are slender, green, and deciduous, unless the flower is successfully cross-pollinated. Underneath each flower, there is often a persistent bract about ¾" long that is thread-like in appearance. After the flowers begin blooming on the raceme, there can be 3-20 (or more) of these bracts underneath. Several flowers bloom in a ring at the same time, which forms at the bottom of the raceme and moves upward. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer and can last up to 1 month for a colony of plants. The flowers that are successfully cross-pollinated form seed capsules that are ovoid-oblongoid in shape. Each capsule contains several seeds. The root system consists of a bulb with secondary fibrous roots at the bottom. This plant reproduces by forming offsets from the bulbs and by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and a fertile loamy soil. This plant is rarely bothered by disease and insect pests. It is somewhat slow to develop, especially from seeds.
Range & Habitat: In Illinois, Prairie Hyacinth is a rare plant that has been observed in Macon and Peoria counties only (see Distribution Map). At the present time, only one population of plants is known to exist within the state at a railroad prairie. Apparently, the other population has been extirpated. In neighboring states, Prairie Hyacinth has been observed in prairies and thinly-wooded areas. This native species is state-listed as 'endangered' in Illinois.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract both long-tongued and short-tongued bees, which suck nectar or collect pollen. Other visitors of the flowers include various flies, butterflies, skippers, wasps, and beetles, which suck nectar or feed on pollen. Aside from these flower-visiting insects, little information is available about floral-faunal relations for this wildflower.
Photographic Location: The webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This little-known species is sometimes confused with Camassia scilloides (Wild Hyacinth), which is more common within the state. Both species are attractive wildflowers with similar habitat preferences. Their appearance is quite similar, which can make them difficult to tell apart. Prairie Hyacinth begins to flower about a month later than Wild Hyacinth and there is little overlap in their blooming periods; this is one good reason why they should be considered separate species. The flowering stalk of Prairie Hyacinth has 3-20 (or more) persistent bracts underneath the blooming flowers, while Wild Hyacinth has 0-2 deciduous bracts underneath the flowers of its stalks. The seed capsules of Prairie Hyacinth are longer than they are wide, while the seed capsules of Wild Hyacinth are about as long as they are wide. The flowers of Prairie Hyacinth tend to have shorter styles, shorter stamens, and tepals that are a little shorter and more deeply colored, but these distinctions are less reliable, or they require the careful use of a ruler or measuring tape in the field.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月06日
Description: This perennial plant is ¾-1½' tall and unbranched. It is usually erect, but sometimes sprawls across the ground. The central stem is light green and hairy; it rarely twines about the stems of adjacent plants, fences, or other objects. Alternate leaves about 1½-3" long and about one-half as much across occur along the central stem. They are yellowish green to dull green, oblong-cordate in shape, smooth along their margins, and slightly to moderately hairy. The leaf bases are usually cordate (less often truncate or rounded), while their tips are blunt or pointed. Each leaf usually has a short petiole about ½" long or less; sometimes the upper leaves are sessile. Occasionally, individual flowers develop from the axils of the leaves; there are 1-4 flowers per plant. Each flower is about 2-3" long and 2" across, consisting of a white (rarely pink) funnelform corolla with 5 shallow lobes, 5 light green sepals, several stamens, and a pistil with 2 white stigmata. At the base of the flower, 2 sepal-like bracts surround the sepals; these bracts are light green and ovate. The pedicel is 1" long or less.
The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer and lasts about 1-2 months. On any given day, only 0-1 flowers are in bloom per plant. Each large flower opens up during the early morning and closes at around noon; it lasts only a single day. Fertilized flowers are replaced by globoid seed capsules; each capsule is 2-celled and about 1/3" across. Each cell of the capsule contains a single large seed. The root system is rhizomatous, occasionally forming vegetative offsets.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry conditions, and soil containing sand, rocky material, or clay.
Range & Habitat: The native Erect Bindweed is found primarily in central and northern Illinois, where it is uncommon (see Distribution Map). Populations of this species have declined across the state. Habitats consist of upland sand prairies, gravel prairies, hill prairies, open rocky woodlands, limestone glades, and roadside embankments. Erect Bindweed tends to increase in response to occasional wildfires as this reduces woody vegetation and excess debris. This is an indicator plant of high quality prairies.
Faunal Associations: Little is known about floral-faunal relationships for Erect Bindweed, although there is some information available about its more weedy relatives, e.g. Calystegia sepium (Hedge Bindweed). The flowers are cross-pollinated primarily by miscellaneous long-tongued bees. The caterpillars of Agrius cingulatus (Pink-Spotted Hawk Moth) require bindweed as a food source; the caterpillars of Emmelina monodactyla (Common Plume Moth) and Bedellia somnulentella (Morning Glory Leafminer) also feed on the foliage of species in the Bindweed family. Several beetles feed on the foliage and other parts of these same species: Typophorus nigritus (Sweet Potato Leaf Beetle), Strongylocassis atripes and other tortoise beetles, Chaetocnema confinis (Sweet Potato Flea Beetle), the stem-boring beetle Phaea monostigma, and the seed weevil Megacerus discoidus. One insect, Charidotella sexpunctata (Golden Tortoise Beetle), has been found on the foliage of Erect Bindweed specifically. There are also records of upland gamebirds eating the seeds of bindweed species: the Bobwhite, Ring-Necked Pheasant, and Prairie Chicken.
Photographic Location: The Coneflower Hill Prairie near Lake Shelbyville in Moultrie County, Illinois. The flowers are mostly closed because the photograph was taken after the blooming period during the morning.
Comments: Unlike Erect Bindweed, most species in the Bindweed family are long twining vines that are adapted to thickets, overgrown meadows, and similar habitats. Most of these species are weedy annuals, although Ipomoea pandurata (Wild Sweet Potato) is a perennial with a tuberous swollen root. Species that are twining vines produce large showy flowers in abundance. While the flowers of Erect Bindweed are also large and showy, they are sparingly produced. All of these species have short-lived flowers that remain open during the morning of a single day. Other common names of Calystegia spithamaea are Dwarf Bindweed, Low Bindweed, and Low False Bindweed. An older scientific name of this species is Convolvulus spithamaeus.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年08月06日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 2-4' tall, branching occasionally. It forms a rosette of basal leaves, which usually wither away prior to the blooming period. These basal leaves may be triangular-cordate or palmately lobed. The slender stems are usually glabrous and glaucous; the lower central stem is often terete (furrowed along all sides), while the upper stems are round in circumference. The alternate leaves are up to 5" long and 6" across (excluding their petioles), becoming smaller as they ascend the stems. Each of these leaves is deeply divided into palmate lobes, which are often deeply divided into secondary lobes. The leaves are usually glabrous and glaucous like the stems; their petioles are up to 6" long. The upper stems terminate in one or more flowers on long peduncles (flowering stalks). Each flower is 1-2" across, consisting of 5 magenta petals, 5 green sepals, and a central column of stamens and styles. The outer edge of each petal is slightly fringed and truncate, while the sepals are triangular-ovate with pointed tips. There are no floral bracts underneath the sepals. The blooming period occurs during the summer and lasts about 2 months. There is no floral scent. Each flower matures into a whorl of flattened seeds. Each seed is rectangular, reticulated and pitted along the sides, with little or no pubescence. The root system consists of a woody taproot that is often swollen at the base. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions. Poor soil containing sand, gravel, or clay is preferred, as this reduces competition from neighboring plants. This plant has a tendency to lean over while in bloom, especially if the soil is too moist and rich.
Range & Habitat: The Fringed Poppy Mallow is an uncommon plant that has naturalized in only two or three counties in Illinois (Peoria and Dupage). The webmaster has observed this species at a prairie restoration in Champaign County (see Distribution Map). The Fringed Poppy Mallow is native to the southern Great Plains, where it is more common. Habitats include upland areas of sand prairies, gravel prairies, savannas with scant ground vegetation, and abandoned fields. This species may appear unexpectedly in a prairie restoration as a result of contaminated seed. In Illinois, it is not aggressive.
Faunal Associations: Bees are probably the most important visitors of the flowers. Deer, rabbits, and other mammalian herbivores eat the foliage of Poppy Mallows readily. Rabbits often eat the lower leaves of the Fringed Poppy Mallow (including the lower leaves of the photographed plant), while deer occasionally chomp off the upper half of the foliage.
Photographic Location: A restored prairie at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Among the few Callirhoe spp. (Poppy Mallows) that occur in Illinois, the Fringed Poppy Mallow is the tallest. It is a lanky plant with slender stems and finger-like foliage. Some Callirhoe spp. have floral bracts underneath the sepals of each flower; these floral bracts have a leafy or papery-membranous appearance. However, the Fringed Poppy Mallow lacks such bracts. It is also rather distinctive because of the fringed outer edge of its petals, which becomes more pronounced as the flowers mature. Other Poppy Mallows have flowers with unfringed petals.
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Miss Chen
2017年08月06日
Description: This plant is a summer annual about 6-20" tall that branches frequently; large specimens can be as wide as they are tall, resembling a tumbleweed in shape. The rather stout stems are light green, terete to slightly angular, and glabrous. Alternate leaves occur along these stems that are 1-2" long and ¼-½" across; they are medium green, glabrous, and oblanceolate with margins that are coarsely crenate, shallowly lobed, or undulate. Small upper leaves often have smooth margins. The leaves are slightly succulent with a thick texture. The upper stems terminate in racemes of flowers about 2-10" long. Individual flowers are up to ¼" across, consisting of 4 lavender to white petals, 4 green sepals, 6 stamens, and a pistil with a single style. The oblong-lanceolate sepals are about ¼" long and glabrous, while the oblong petals spread widely during the short period when a flower is in bloom. The ascending pedicels are green and glabrous.
The blooming period occurs from mid-summer into the fall, lasting about 3 months. Only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time toward the apex of the racemes. The flowers are replaced by elongated seedpods (silicles) about ½-¾" long. Each seedpod has a lower segment (up to ¼" long) that is ovoid-cylindrical in shape, and an upper segment (up to ½" long) that is lanceoloid with a long tapering beak. Between these two segments, the seedpod is slightly constricted. The upper segment contains a single seed, while the lower segment contains either a single seed or none. At maturity, the upper segment of each seedpod becomes detached from the lower segment, while the lower segment persists on the dried remains of the plant. The upper segment can float on water, and it is often carried off by the waves of the lake or sea. Eventually, the upper segment is deposited at another beach, thereby introducing its seed to a new area. The seed of the lower segment usually germinates in proximity to its mother plant, colonizing the same beach.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and very sandy soil. This plant also adapts to gravelly or rocky shorelines.
Range & Habitat: The native Sea Rocket is a rare plant in Illinois that is state-listed as 'threatened.' Its distribution is restricted to the shoreline of Lake Michigan in the NE section of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats consist of sandy beaches and, to a lesser extent, gravelly or rocky shorelines. Outside of the state, Sea Rocket can be found along the shore lines of other Great Lakes (except the northernmost areas); a closely related subspecies of Sea Rocket is also found along the Atlantic coast.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about floral-faunal relationships for this plant. Similar to other flowering plants in the Mustard family, Sea Rocket's flowers are probably cross-pollinated by small bees, flies, beetles, and small to medium-sized butterflies. There is a native flea beetle, Phyllotreta chalybeipennis, that feeds primarily, if not exclusively, on the foliage of Sea Rocket: its larvae form mines through the leaves. Other flea beetles that feed on the foliage of this plant include Phyllotreta crucifera (introduced from Europe), Phyllotreta punctulata, and Phyllotreta striolata (Clark et al., 2004). Larvae of a moth, the Rubbed Dart (Euxoa detersa), also referred to as the Sandhill Cutworm, feed primarily on the underground parts of Sea Rocket and many other plants in sandy areas (Covell, 1984/2005).
Photographic Location: A sandy beach at Indiana Dunes State Park in NW Indiana.
Comments: This member of the Mustard family is quite unique and easy to identify: it has slightly succulent leaves and unusual seedpods with 2 segments. Sea Rocket is a pioneer species of sandy beaches, colonizing areas that only a few plant species can tolerate. Because its succulent leaves can store water, it is able to withstand the desiccating effect of sunlight and sand. The root system helps to bind and stabilize the sand, while the decayed remnants of foliage add organic material and nutrients to the impoverished soil. This enables other plants to colonize the beach, beginning the process of ecological succession.
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Miss Chen
2017年08月06日
Description: This perennial plant is 1-3½' tall and unbranched, except near the apex where the flowering stems occur. The stems are round and covered with fine white hairs. They are initially green, but often become brown with age. The alternate leaves are up to 4" long and 1½" across. They are sessile against the stem toward the top, but have short petioles near the bottom. These leaves are lanceolate, smooth or sparingly dentate, grey- or yellow-green, and finely pubescent. The smaller leaves near the flowerheads are much reduced in size and linear. Sometimes there are small leaves appearing in the upper axils of the larger leaves along the central stem.
The upper stems terminate in small corymbs of flowerheads. These flowerheads consist of 7-21 small creamy white florets. A floret is narrowly tubular with 5 small lobes and a protruding divided style. Each flowerhead is subtended by a cylinder of narrow green bracts; it is a little less than ½" long. The blooming period occurs during late summer or early fall, and lasts about a month. The achenes are long and cylindrical, grey or light brown, and have tufts of white hair (or sometimes tawny hair). These tufts of hair are often more striking in appearance than the flowers. Seed distribution is provided by the wind. The root system consists of a central taproot that can run deep into the ground. Sometimes, this plant will tiller at the base, sending up multiple stems from the taproot. However, it doesn't reproduce vegetatively by means of rhizomes, unlike many other prairie plants.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and dry conditions; a little shade is also tolerated. This plant prefers poor soil that contains too much clay, sand, or gravel, and it can thrive on slopes. Its toleration of drought is better than most plants in the tallgrass prairie. The leaves may turn yellow and start to shrivel away toward the end of the year, but this is normal. This plant doesn't spread aggressively.
Range & Habitat: The native False Boneset occurs occasionally in central and northern Illinois; in many areas of southern Illinois, it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitat includes dry upland areas of black soil prairies, gravel prairies, dolomite prairies, clay prairies, hill prairies, bluffs, limestone glades, open woodlands, and sandy savannas. False Boneset doesn't form large colonies, but is more likely to occur as sporadic plants. In moist areas with rich soil, it has trouble competing with taller, more aggressive forbs and grasses.
Faunal Associations: Bumblebees, leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees, and other bees visit the flowerheads for nectar and pollen (Mitchell, 1960/1962; Moure & Hurd, 1987). Butterflies, skippers, and probably other insects visit the flowerheads for nectar and/or pollen too. The caterpillars of some flower moths feed destructively on the flowerheads and developing seeds; they include such species as Schinia trifascia (Three-lined Flower Moth), Schinia oleagina (Oleagina Flower Moth), and Schinia grandimedia (False Boneset Flower Moth). The last moth occurs in areas that lie mostly west of Illinois. Other insects feeders include Lygus lineolaris (Tarnished Plant Bug) and other polyphagous stink bugs, Aphis coreopsidis (an aphid), and larvae of a Noctuid moth, Dichagyris grotei (Panzer, 2000; Vestal, 1913; Hottes & Frison, 1931). In addition, such grasshoppers as Melanoplus confusus (Little Pasture Grasshopper), Melanoplus differentialis (Differential Grasshopper), Melanoplus keeleri (Keeler's Grasshopper), and Melanoplus discolor (Contrasting Spur-throated Grasshopper) feed on False Boneset. The last grasshopper is monophagous on this plant, although it occurs in areas that lie west of Illinois (Campbell et al., 1974; Joern, 1985; Brust et al., 2008). Mammalian herbivores browse on False Boneset occasionally when little else is available, but its foliage is bitter and overall food value is low. In pastures, False Boneset is considered an 'increaser' because livestock are not particularly fond of it.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: False Boneset is similar in appearance to Tall Boneset (Eupatorium altissimum). However, the former plant has alternate leaves along its stems with only one conspicuous vein, while the latter has opposite leaves with three conspicuous veins. An older scientific name for False Boneset is Kuhnia eupatorioides.
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Miss Chen
2017年08月06日
Description: This is an unbranched perennial plant about 1-2' tall. Side stems may develop from upper leaf axils if the central stem is damaged. This stout central stem is 4-angled and it is covered with short white hairs that are usually appressed. The opposite leaves are up to 3½" long and 1½" across. They are broadly oblong to lanceolate in shape, and have smooth, slightly ciliate margins. The lower leaves have short stout petioles, while the upper leaves are sessile. They have deep pinnate venation and are covered with a white pubescence. The upper half of the central stem is perforated by whorled clusters of flowers. Each cluster of flowers is about 2-3" across and in the shape of a flattened sphere, with the flowers arranged in circular rows. The flowers are white, light pink, or lavender, and individually slightly less than ½" long. There are two prominent lips, with small purple spots on the lower one, and fine hairs in the back. The blooming period occurs during early summer and lasts about a month. Neither the flowers nor the leaves have a noticeable scent. The root system consists of a taproot, which forms offshoots occasionally by means of short rhizomes. The seeds are quite small, and distributed by the wind to some extent.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and mesic to dry conditions. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, clay, or gravel; limestone and a high pH are tolerated. The foliage can be affected by the usual diseases that attack other mints, and often appear rather ragged by mid-summer. This plant has greater tolerance to drought than most other members of Mint family.
Range & Habitat: Downy Wood Mint occurs occasionally in scattered counties in Illinois – it has been reported most often from counties in the NE and west-central areas of the state (see Distribution Map). This plant is native to Illinois. Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, dolomite prairies, thickets, savannas, limestone bluffs, and limestone glades.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract long-tongued and short-tongued bees, bee flies, Syrphid flies, butterflies, and skippers. The numerous bee visitors include honeybees, bumblebees, Anthophorine bees, little carpenter bees, leaf-cutting bees, Halictine bees, masked bees, and others. The small seeds are unlikely to be of much interest to birds, nor is the foliage an attractive source of food to mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Loda Cemetery Prairie in Iroquois County, Illinois.
Comments: This plant can be easily confused with some of the weedier Eurasian mints, but should not be destroyed because it is not particularly common in Illinois. Notwithstanding its common name, Downy Wood Mint occurs in open areas more often than woodlands, unlike other members of the genus, such as Blephilia hirsuta (Hairy Wood Mint). The stems of the latter species have long spreading hairs, while the stems of Downy Wood Mint usually have short appressed hairs. Other common names for Blephilia ciliata are 'Ohio Horsemint' and 'Pagoda Plant.'
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Miss Chen
2017年08月06日
Description: This wildflower consists of a low rosette of basal leaves up to 6" across; a mature plant will produce one or more flowering stalks about ½–1' tall. The blades of the basal leaves are up to 3" long and 2½" across; they have stout hairy petioles up to 1½" long. The basal leaves are more or less oval in shape, crenate along their margins, palmately veined, and hairy on both their upper and lower surfaces; the upper surface of each leaf is medium green, while the lower surface is pale green or pale purplish green. Each flowering stalk is stout, erect, terete, light green, and very hairy; it has small alternate leaves up to 1¼" long and ½" across, which become gradually smaller as they ascend toward the inflorescence. The alternate leaves are similar to the basal leaves, except they are ovate in shape and smaller in size. Each alternate leaf is sessile or it clasps the stalk.
The inflorescence consists of a stout spike of small flowers about 2-6" long. These flowers are densely clustered along the spike, facing in all directions. Underneath each flower, there is a small leafy bract that is lanceolate. Each flower has a 2-lipped corolla that is cream-colored or pale yellow, and a calyx consisting of 4 green sepals that are elliptic and hairy. The corolla is about 5 mm. long and slightly longer than the calyx; the upper lip of the corolla is unlobed, while the irregular lower lip is unlobed or divided into 2-3 lobes. Each flower has a pair of exserted stamens and a slender white style. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer, lasting about 3 weeks for a colony of plants. The flowers bloom gradually from the bottom of the spike to its apex. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by small 2-celled seed capsules; each capsule contains several seeds. The root system consists of a cluster of coarse fibrous roots; an older plant may form a small caudex. This wildflower occasionally forms colonies at favorable sites.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry conditions, and a barren acidic soil that is sandy or gravelly. Partial sun is also acceptable. This wildflower grows slowly and doesn't tolerate competition from taller, more aggressive plants. It is adaptable to sunny rock gardens and there are few problems with pests and disease.
Range & Habitat: The native Kittentails is restricted to the west-central and northwest sections of Illinois, where it is rare (see Distribution Map). This wildflower is state-listed as 'threatened.' Habitats include dry sand prairies, dry gravel prairies, hill prairies, barren savannas, thinly wooded bluffs, and sandy or gravelly riverbanks. This species is restricted to high quality habitats in natural areas; it is endemic to the Midwest and uncommon throughout its range.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by small bees, especially Halictid bees that seek nectar and/or pollen. The following Halictid bees have been observed to visit the flowers of Kittentails: Auglochlorella striata, Lasioglossum anomalum, and Lasioglossum vierecki (McKone et al., 1995; Moure & Hurd, 1987). Additional information about floral-faunal relationships is unavailable.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: While not particularly showy, Kittentails is an unusual little plant. It resembles some broad-leaved Plantago spp. (Plantains), but the floral spike of Kittentails is more stout and its flowers are insect-pollinated. The closest relatives (either Besseya spp. or Synthyris spp.) are found in mountainous areas of the western states. These latter species usually have flowers (or floral bracts) that are purple, otherwise they are similar in appearance to their eastern counterpart. Another scientific name of Kittentails is Wulfenia bullii.
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