文章
Miss Chen
2018年06月11日
Description: This herbaceous plant is a summer annual about 1-2½' tall that branches occasionally to frequently. The terete to slightly angular stems are light green, purplish green, or purple, and they are glabrous. Pairs of opposite trifoliate leaves occur along these stems, although some of the uppermost leaves are usually simple and alternate. The trifoliate leaves are up to 4" long and 3" across in outline, while their petioles are up to 1½" long. The petioles are light green to purplish green and mostly glabrous, except for some sparse pubescence along the narrow grooves of their upper sides. The terminal leaflets are about 1½-2" long and ½-¾" across; they are narrowly lanceolate to lanceolate in shape and coarsely dentate along their margins. The petiolules (basal stalklets) of terminal leaflets are about ¾" long and slender. The lateral leaflets are about 1-1½" long and ½-¾" across; they are lanceolate in shape and coarsely dentate along their margins. The petiolules of lateral leaflets are very short (up to 3 mm. long). The upper surfaces of leaflets are medium green and glabrous, while their lower surfaces are pale green and glabrous (or nearly so). During autumn, the leaflets often turn purple in response to cold weather.
Upper stems terminate in either individual or small clusters of 2-3 flowerheads. The peduncles of these flowerheads are relatively short (up to 12 mm. or ½" long). Each flowerhead is about 3-6 mm. across (excluding the outer bracts), consisting of 10-20 disk florets and no ray florets. The corollas of disk florets are yellow, short-tubular in shape, and 5-lobed; they are about 3 mm. long. Originating from the base of each flowerhead, there are 2-5 leafy outer bracts. The outer bracts are medium green, narrowly oblanceolate or elliptic in shape, and glabrous (or nearly so); they are up to 1½" (4 cm.) long and 8 mm. across (usually about one-half the maximum size, but highly variable). Around the base of each flowerhead, there are several inner bracts. These inner bracts are 4-6 mm. long, light green or yellowish green, oblong-ovate in shape, and appressed together in a slightly overlapping single series. The blooming occurs from late summer into the fall, lasting about 1½-2 months. In the absence of cross-pollination, the disk florets are self-fertile. Afterwards, the disk florets are replaced by achenes with pairs of awns. The achenes (excluding their awns) are about 4 mm. long, 1-1.5 mm. across, and flattened-oblanceoloid in shape; they are truncate at their apices, while their outer sides have faint midribs. The barbed awns of these achenes (2 awns per achene) are about 1 mm. in length. Mature achenes are greenish brown to dark brown.
The root system is shallow and fibrous. This plant reproduces primarily by reseeding itself. The lower nodes of its stems can develop rootlets when they contact moist ground. Occasionally, colonies of plants of variable size will develop at favorable sites.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, wet to moist conditions, and soil containing loam or decaying organic material. Sometimes this plant establishes itself on fallen logs or the lower trunks of trees. Standing water is tolerated if it is temporary.
Range & Habitat: The native Swamp Beggar's Ticks is occasional in southern and central Illinois, while in the northern section of the state it is rare or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include swamps, banks of lakes, margins of ponds, low areas along rivers, and limestone sinkholes. This plant can be found in either disturbed or higher quality wetlands, favoring humid areas where there is some protection from the wind.
Faunal Associations: The non-showy flowerheads attract relatively few insect pollinators, although sometimes bees (including Halictid bees) and flies (including Syrphid, Tachinid, and bee flies) will either collect or feed on the nectar and pollen. In general, the foliage, stems, and other parts of Bidens spp. are a source of food for such insects as aphids (including Aphis coreopsidis & Brachycauda helichrysi), larvae of the fruit fly Icterica seriata, larvae of the leaf-mining flies Chromatomyia syngenesiae and Phytobia allecta, caterpillars of the butterfly Nathalis iole (Dainty Sulfur), larvae of several moths (including Cirrhophanus triangulifer and Epiblema otiosana), and leaf beetles (Calligrapha bidenticola & Calligrapha californica). See the Insect Table for a more complete listing of these species. The achenes or seedheads of Bidens spp. are consumed by some species of waterfowl, upland gamebirds, and songbirds, including the Mallard, Wood Duck, Greater Prairie Chicken, Ring-Necked Pheasant, Bobwhite Quail, Purple Finch, Common Redpoll, and Swamp Sparrow (Martin et al., 1951/1961; Havera, 1999; Schwartz, 1945). In addition, the Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina), Blanding's Turtle (Emys blandingii), and the Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) sometimes feed on the seeds and possibly the foliage of these plants (Lagler, 1943; Ernst et al., 1994). The foliage is browsed sparingly by White-Tailed Deer and the Cottontail Rabbit. The awned achenes can cling to the feathers of birds, the fur of mammals, and the clothing of humans, which spreads Swamp Beggar's Ticks and other Bidens spp. to new locations.
Photographic Location: Border of a lake at Walnut Point State Park in Douglas County.
Comments: This is one of the Bidens spp. in Illinois with non-showy flowerheads because it lacks ray florets. Species in this group are often referred to as "Beggar's Ticks." Once the flowerheads are produced, Swamp Beggar's Ticks (Bidens discoidea) is fairly easy to distinguish from two similar species with 2-awned achenes, namely Common Beggar's Ticks (Bidens frondosa) and Tall Beggar's Ticks (Bidens vulgata). Most noticeably, the flowerheads of Swamp Beggar's Ticks have fewer outer bracts (typically 3-4) than those of Common Beggar's Ticks (typically 6-11) and Tall Beggar's Ticks (typically 13-20). In addition to having fewer outer bracts than these species, it also has smaller achenes with shorter awns. In contrast to the preceding species, other non-showy Bidens spp. in Illinois, such as Purple-Stemmed Tickseed (Bidens connata) and Three-Lobed Beggar's Ticks (Bidens comosa), can be distinguished from the preceding species by their 3- or 4-awned achenes. Sometimes Nodding Bur-Marigold (Bidens cernua) also lacks ray florets, but it has only simple leaves and its achenes are 4-awned. In comparison to the preceding Bidens spp., Swamp Beggar's Ticks has a rather delicate appearance because of its thin leaves and relatively small size.
Upper stems terminate in either individual or small clusters of 2-3 flowerheads. The peduncles of these flowerheads are relatively short (up to 12 mm. or ½" long). Each flowerhead is about 3-6 mm. across (excluding the outer bracts), consisting of 10-20 disk florets and no ray florets. The corollas of disk florets are yellow, short-tubular in shape, and 5-lobed; they are about 3 mm. long. Originating from the base of each flowerhead, there are 2-5 leafy outer bracts. The outer bracts are medium green, narrowly oblanceolate or elliptic in shape, and glabrous (or nearly so); they are up to 1½" (4 cm.) long and 8 mm. across (usually about one-half the maximum size, but highly variable). Around the base of each flowerhead, there are several inner bracts. These inner bracts are 4-6 mm. long, light green or yellowish green, oblong-ovate in shape, and appressed together in a slightly overlapping single series. The blooming occurs from late summer into the fall, lasting about 1½-2 months. In the absence of cross-pollination, the disk florets are self-fertile. Afterwards, the disk florets are replaced by achenes with pairs of awns. The achenes (excluding their awns) are about 4 mm. long, 1-1.5 mm. across, and flattened-oblanceoloid in shape; they are truncate at their apices, while their outer sides have faint midribs. The barbed awns of these achenes (2 awns per achene) are about 1 mm. in length. Mature achenes are greenish brown to dark brown.
The root system is shallow and fibrous. This plant reproduces primarily by reseeding itself. The lower nodes of its stems can develop rootlets when they contact moist ground. Occasionally, colonies of plants of variable size will develop at favorable sites.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, wet to moist conditions, and soil containing loam or decaying organic material. Sometimes this plant establishes itself on fallen logs or the lower trunks of trees. Standing water is tolerated if it is temporary.
Range & Habitat: The native Swamp Beggar's Ticks is occasional in southern and central Illinois, while in the northern section of the state it is rare or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include swamps, banks of lakes, margins of ponds, low areas along rivers, and limestone sinkholes. This plant can be found in either disturbed or higher quality wetlands, favoring humid areas where there is some protection from the wind.
Faunal Associations: The non-showy flowerheads attract relatively few insect pollinators, although sometimes bees (including Halictid bees) and flies (including Syrphid, Tachinid, and bee flies) will either collect or feed on the nectar and pollen. In general, the foliage, stems, and other parts of Bidens spp. are a source of food for such insects as aphids (including Aphis coreopsidis & Brachycauda helichrysi), larvae of the fruit fly Icterica seriata, larvae of the leaf-mining flies Chromatomyia syngenesiae and Phytobia allecta, caterpillars of the butterfly Nathalis iole (Dainty Sulfur), larvae of several moths (including Cirrhophanus triangulifer and Epiblema otiosana), and leaf beetles (Calligrapha bidenticola & Calligrapha californica). See the Insect Table for a more complete listing of these species. The achenes or seedheads of Bidens spp. are consumed by some species of waterfowl, upland gamebirds, and songbirds, including the Mallard, Wood Duck, Greater Prairie Chicken, Ring-Necked Pheasant, Bobwhite Quail, Purple Finch, Common Redpoll, and Swamp Sparrow (Martin et al., 1951/1961; Havera, 1999; Schwartz, 1945). In addition, the Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina), Blanding's Turtle (Emys blandingii), and the Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) sometimes feed on the seeds and possibly the foliage of these plants (Lagler, 1943; Ernst et al., 1994). The foliage is browsed sparingly by White-Tailed Deer and the Cottontail Rabbit. The awned achenes can cling to the feathers of birds, the fur of mammals, and the clothing of humans, which spreads Swamp Beggar's Ticks and other Bidens spp. to new locations.
Photographic Location: Border of a lake at Walnut Point State Park in Douglas County.
Comments: This is one of the Bidens spp. in Illinois with non-showy flowerheads because it lacks ray florets. Species in this group are often referred to as "Beggar's Ticks." Once the flowerheads are produced, Swamp Beggar's Ticks (Bidens discoidea) is fairly easy to distinguish from two similar species with 2-awned achenes, namely Common Beggar's Ticks (Bidens frondosa) and Tall Beggar's Ticks (Bidens vulgata). Most noticeably, the flowerheads of Swamp Beggar's Ticks have fewer outer bracts (typically 3-4) than those of Common Beggar's Ticks (typically 6-11) and Tall Beggar's Ticks (typically 13-20). In addition to having fewer outer bracts than these species, it also has smaller achenes with shorter awns. In contrast to the preceding species, other non-showy Bidens spp. in Illinois, such as Purple-Stemmed Tickseed (Bidens connata) and Three-Lobed Beggar's Ticks (Bidens comosa), can be distinguished from the preceding species by their 3- or 4-awned achenes. Sometimes Nodding Bur-Marigold (Bidens cernua) also lacks ray florets, but it has only simple leaves and its achenes are 4-awned. In comparison to the preceding Bidens spp., Swamp Beggar's Ticks has a rather delicate appearance because of its thin leaves and relatively small size.
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成长记
kensong
2018年06月10日
From one pot it's now four after potting the rooted cuttings. Im wondering why The mother plant is sprouting new leaves with different colours. More reds.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年06月10日
Description: This is a slender, but erect, herbaceous perennial plant that is up to 5' tall. It branches occasionally along the upper half of its length. The green to reddish stems are four-angled, often with white appressed hairs. The opposite leaves are up to 6" long and 1" across. They are lanceolate, conspicuously veined, and their petioles are short. Leaf margins are coarsely serrated. The upper stems terminate in panicles of flowering spikes up to 1' long and about one-half as much across. Individual floral spikes are up to 5" long, and densely crowded all around with numerous blue-violet flowers. Individual flowers are up to ¼" long and similarly across. Each flower has a blue-violet corolla with 5 spreading lobes, a short-tubular calyx with 5 narrow teeth, 4 inserted stamens, and a pistil. The calyx is grayish green to dark red and about one-half as long as the corolla. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late summer, lasting about 1–1½ months. There is no noticeable floral scent. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by small nutlets (4 nutlets per flower). These nutlets are up to 2 mm. long, reddish brown, and oblongoid in shape. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. Small clonal colonies of plants are often produced from the rhizomes.
Floral Spikes
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sunlight, moist conditions, and soil consisting of fertile loam or wet muck. This plant tolerates standing water if it is temporary. This is a good plant to locate near a small river or pond in a sunny location.
Range & Habitat: Blue Vervain occurs in every county of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is fairly common and native. Habitats include riverbottom prairies, moist meadows in floodplain woodlands, soggy thickets, borders of rivers and ponds, marshes, ditches, fence rows, and pastures. This plant adapts readily to degraded wetlands and other disturbed areas, but it can be found in higher quality habitats as well.
Faunal Associations: The flowers of Blue Vervain attract many kinds of long-tongued and short-tongued bees, including honey bees, bumblebees, cuckoo bees (Triepeolus spp.), digger bees (Melissodes spp.), Halictid bees, and dagger bees (Calliopsis spp.), including the oligolectic Verbena Bee (Calliopsis verbenae). These bees seek primarily nectar, although some species collect pollen. Other floral visitors include Sphecid wasps, Vespid wasps, Syrphid flies, bee flies (Exoprosopa spp.), thick-headed flies (Physocephala spp.), small butterflies, skippers, and moths (Robertson, 1929). Other insects feed on the leaves and other parts of Blue Vervain and other Verbena spp. Examples of such insects include both adults and larvae of a flea beetle (Longitarsus suspectus), larvae of the Vervain Leaf Midge (Clinodiplosis verbenae), the Verbena Aphid (Macrosiphum verbenae), leaf-eating larvae of the Verbena Moth (Crambodes talidiformis), and larvae of the Verbena Bud Moth (Endothenia hebesana); see Clark et al. (2004), Felt (1917), Thomas (1877), Covell (1984/2005), and Miller (1987). Mammalian herbivores usually avoid eating this plant because of its bitter leaves – an exception is the Cottontail Rabbit, which may eat the foliage of young plants to a limited extent. Also, various songbirds occasionally eat the seeds, including the Cardinal, Swamp Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow, and Slate-Colored Junco (Martin et al., 1951/1961). Experimental studies have shown that these seeds can pass undamaged through the digestive tracts of cattle, therefore they are probably distributed to some extent by these seed-eating birds.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The flowers are often a pretty shade of blue-violet, but they are small in size. Among the various Verbena spp. in Illinois, Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata) is easy to identify because it is the only vervain with elegant spikes of flowers in this color range. Other Verbena spp. within the state, excluding introduced cultivated species, have white, pink, or lavender flowers.
Floral Spikes
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sunlight, moist conditions, and soil consisting of fertile loam or wet muck. This plant tolerates standing water if it is temporary. This is a good plant to locate near a small river or pond in a sunny location.
Range & Habitat: Blue Vervain occurs in every county of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is fairly common and native. Habitats include riverbottom prairies, moist meadows in floodplain woodlands, soggy thickets, borders of rivers and ponds, marshes, ditches, fence rows, and pastures. This plant adapts readily to degraded wetlands and other disturbed areas, but it can be found in higher quality habitats as well.
Faunal Associations: The flowers of Blue Vervain attract many kinds of long-tongued and short-tongued bees, including honey bees, bumblebees, cuckoo bees (Triepeolus spp.), digger bees (Melissodes spp.), Halictid bees, and dagger bees (Calliopsis spp.), including the oligolectic Verbena Bee (Calliopsis verbenae). These bees seek primarily nectar, although some species collect pollen. Other floral visitors include Sphecid wasps, Vespid wasps, Syrphid flies, bee flies (Exoprosopa spp.), thick-headed flies (Physocephala spp.), small butterflies, skippers, and moths (Robertson, 1929). Other insects feed on the leaves and other parts of Blue Vervain and other Verbena spp. Examples of such insects include both adults and larvae of a flea beetle (Longitarsus suspectus), larvae of the Vervain Leaf Midge (Clinodiplosis verbenae), the Verbena Aphid (Macrosiphum verbenae), leaf-eating larvae of the Verbena Moth (Crambodes talidiformis), and larvae of the Verbena Bud Moth (Endothenia hebesana); see Clark et al. (2004), Felt (1917), Thomas (1877), Covell (1984/2005), and Miller (1987). Mammalian herbivores usually avoid eating this plant because of its bitter leaves – an exception is the Cottontail Rabbit, which may eat the foliage of young plants to a limited extent. Also, various songbirds occasionally eat the seeds, including the Cardinal, Swamp Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow, and Slate-Colored Junco (Martin et al., 1951/1961). Experimental studies have shown that these seeds can pass undamaged through the digestive tracts of cattle, therefore they are probably distributed to some extent by these seed-eating birds.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The flowers are often a pretty shade of blue-violet, but they are small in size. Among the various Verbena spp. in Illinois, Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata) is easy to identify because it is the only vervain with elegant spikes of flowers in this color range. Other Verbena spp. within the state, excluding introduced cultivated species, have white, pink, or lavender flowers.
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成长记
Lolney
2018年06月09日
I now added "Whopper® Red With Green Leaf Begonia. Water: Medium. Fertilize: Every two weeks. General Information: Whopper begonias offer super-sized performance which means maximum enjoyment for customers. Whopper is a big, vigorous plant that will fill out beds and large containers equally well. Truly a 50 MPH drive-by color to ... Spacing: 10 - 14'' (25 - 36cm) Scientific Name: Begonia x benariensis Height: 30 - 34'' (76 - 86cm) Exposure: Shade, Partial Sun, Sun" in my "garden"
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年06月08日
Description: This plant is a summer annual about 1-4½' tall, branching occasionally. The stems are light green to purple, more or less terete, and glabrous. Leaves are usually opposite, although some of the uppermost leaves may be alternate. The leaf blades are 2-6" long and ½-1½" across; they are lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate and coarsely serrated along their margins; some of the lower leaves often have 1-2 smaller basal lobes. The upper blade surface is medium green and glabrous, while the lower blade surface is pale-medium green and glabrous. During the autumn, the leaf blades often become purplish green or purple. The petioles are up to 2" long and usually narrow, although some of them may be partially winged.
The upper stems terminate in 1-3 flowerheads each on peduncles about ½-4" long. The peduncles are light green or purplish green, more or less terete, and glabrous. Each flowerhead spans ½-1¼" across (excluding the leafy bracts), consisting of numerous disk florets and usually no ray florets. When ray florets occur, they are insignificant and few in number. The corollas of the disk florets are yellow to orange, narrowly tubular in shape, and about 3 mm. (1/8") long; each corolla has 4-5 recurved to ascending lobes along its upper rim. The disk florets are perfect, while the ray florets, if they are present, are sterile. Surrounding the disk florets are about 8 floral bracts (phyllaries) that are yellowish brown or yellowish black, ovate in shape, and glabrous; they are about 6 mm. (¼") long. Originating from below both the disk florets and floral bracts, but spreading outward, there are 3-8 leafy bracts about ½-1½" long. The leafy bracts are green, glabrous, and oblanceolate, elliptic, or oblong in shape. The blooming period occurs from late summer into the fall, lasting about 1-2 months. The disk florets are replaced by awned achenes that are about 5-6 mm. in length (excluding the awns), oblanceolate in shape, and somewhat flattened. At the apex of each achene, there are 4 barbed awns consisting of two longer outer awns (about 4 mm. in length) and two shorter inner awns (about 2 mm. in length). However, because the 2 inner awns are fragile and often become detached, some achenes will have only 2-3 awns (or even less, should the outer awns become detached). The root system consists of a shallow branching taproot. This plant reproduces by reseeding itself, occasionally forming colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to moderate shade and wet to moist conditions. Various types of soil are tolerated, including those that contain loam, silt, and clay. This plant is somewhat weedy.
Range & Habitat: The native Purple-Stemmed Tickseed is occasional in the northern half of Illinois, becoming uncommon or absent in the southern half of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats consist of marshes, muddy areas of seasonal wetlands, streambanks, swamps, and ditches. Areas with a history of disturbance from flooding or other causes are preferred.
Faunal Associations: Robertson (1929) observed bumblebees sucking nectar from the flowerheads of Purple-Stemmed Tickseed. It is also likely that Halictid bees and miscellaneous flies also visit the flowerheads for nectar or pollen. The following aphids suck plant juices from this and other Bidens spp.: Aphis coreopsidis, Pemphigus tartareus, and Uroleucon chrysanthemi. The following leaf beetles feed on these plants and similar members of the Aster family: Calligrapha bidenticola, Calligrapha californica, and Calligrapha elegans. Other insects include foliage-consuming caterpillars of the butterfly Nathalis iole (Dainty Sulphur) and flowerhead-consuming larvae of the fruit fly Icterica seriata. The caterpillars of several moths feed on the foliage, feed on the flowerheads, or bore through the stems of Bidens spp. These species include Cirrhophanus triangulifer (Goldenrod Stowaway), Condica confederate (The Confederate), Condica mobilis (Mobile Groundling), and Epiblema otiosana (Bidens Borer Moth). Some vertebrate animals also feed on these plants. Such turtles as Chelydra serpentina (Snapping Turtle), Chrysemys picta (Painted Turtle), and Emys blandingii (Blanding's Turtle) eat the foliage or seeds (Ernst et al., 1994; Lagler, 1943). Several ducks, upland gamebirds, and granivorous songbirds also eat the seeds, including such species as the Wood Duck, Mallard, Black Duck, Wild Turkey, Ring-Necked Pheasant, Greater Prairie Chicken, Bobwhite Quail, Purple Finch, Common Redpoll, Swamp Sparrow, Pine Grosbeak, and Eastern Goldfinch (Martin et al., 1951/1961; Eastman, 2003). The foliage is eaten by the White-Tailed Deer and Cottontail Rabbit, although it is not a preferred source of food. Because the barbed awns of the achenes can cling to the fur of animals and the clothing of humans, they can be carried considerable distances to new locations.
Photographic Location: A shaded streambank at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This plant and other Bidens spp. are occasionally parasitized by various Cuscuta spp. (Dodders); the latter are vine-like plants without chlorophyll that often occur in wetlands. Because its ray florets are insignificant or absent, Purple-Stemmed Tickseed is one of the less showy species in this genus. It is relatively easy to confuse this species with other species in this genus that share this characteristic. In particular, Bidens comosa (Leafy-Bracted Tickseed) is similar in appearance. This latter species can be distinguished by the shorter petioles of its leaves (which are often winged), its longer leafy bracts (up to 2½" long), and the yellowish color of its stems. In addition, the corollas of the disk florets for this species have 4 lobes more often than 5 lobes, while the reverse is true for Purple-Stemmed Tickseed. The achenes of Purple-Stemmed Tickseed are also distinct: each of its achenes has 2 long outer awns and 2 short inner awns, although these awns (particularly the inner ones) often break off.
The upper stems terminate in 1-3 flowerheads each on peduncles about ½-4" long. The peduncles are light green or purplish green, more or less terete, and glabrous. Each flowerhead spans ½-1¼" across (excluding the leafy bracts), consisting of numerous disk florets and usually no ray florets. When ray florets occur, they are insignificant and few in number. The corollas of the disk florets are yellow to orange, narrowly tubular in shape, and about 3 mm. (1/8") long; each corolla has 4-5 recurved to ascending lobes along its upper rim. The disk florets are perfect, while the ray florets, if they are present, are sterile. Surrounding the disk florets are about 8 floral bracts (phyllaries) that are yellowish brown or yellowish black, ovate in shape, and glabrous; they are about 6 mm. (¼") long. Originating from below both the disk florets and floral bracts, but spreading outward, there are 3-8 leafy bracts about ½-1½" long. The leafy bracts are green, glabrous, and oblanceolate, elliptic, or oblong in shape. The blooming period occurs from late summer into the fall, lasting about 1-2 months. The disk florets are replaced by awned achenes that are about 5-6 mm. in length (excluding the awns), oblanceolate in shape, and somewhat flattened. At the apex of each achene, there are 4 barbed awns consisting of two longer outer awns (about 4 mm. in length) and two shorter inner awns (about 2 mm. in length). However, because the 2 inner awns are fragile and often become detached, some achenes will have only 2-3 awns (or even less, should the outer awns become detached). The root system consists of a shallow branching taproot. This plant reproduces by reseeding itself, occasionally forming colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to moderate shade and wet to moist conditions. Various types of soil are tolerated, including those that contain loam, silt, and clay. This plant is somewhat weedy.
Range & Habitat: The native Purple-Stemmed Tickseed is occasional in the northern half of Illinois, becoming uncommon or absent in the southern half of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats consist of marshes, muddy areas of seasonal wetlands, streambanks, swamps, and ditches. Areas with a history of disturbance from flooding or other causes are preferred.
Faunal Associations: Robertson (1929) observed bumblebees sucking nectar from the flowerheads of Purple-Stemmed Tickseed. It is also likely that Halictid bees and miscellaneous flies also visit the flowerheads for nectar or pollen. The following aphids suck plant juices from this and other Bidens spp.: Aphis coreopsidis, Pemphigus tartareus, and Uroleucon chrysanthemi. The following leaf beetles feed on these plants and similar members of the Aster family: Calligrapha bidenticola, Calligrapha californica, and Calligrapha elegans. Other insects include foliage-consuming caterpillars of the butterfly Nathalis iole (Dainty Sulphur) and flowerhead-consuming larvae of the fruit fly Icterica seriata. The caterpillars of several moths feed on the foliage, feed on the flowerheads, or bore through the stems of Bidens spp. These species include Cirrhophanus triangulifer (Goldenrod Stowaway), Condica confederate (The Confederate), Condica mobilis (Mobile Groundling), and Epiblema otiosana (Bidens Borer Moth). Some vertebrate animals also feed on these plants. Such turtles as Chelydra serpentina (Snapping Turtle), Chrysemys picta (Painted Turtle), and Emys blandingii (Blanding's Turtle) eat the foliage or seeds (Ernst et al., 1994; Lagler, 1943). Several ducks, upland gamebirds, and granivorous songbirds also eat the seeds, including such species as the Wood Duck, Mallard, Black Duck, Wild Turkey, Ring-Necked Pheasant, Greater Prairie Chicken, Bobwhite Quail, Purple Finch, Common Redpoll, Swamp Sparrow, Pine Grosbeak, and Eastern Goldfinch (Martin et al., 1951/1961; Eastman, 2003). The foliage is eaten by the White-Tailed Deer and Cottontail Rabbit, although it is not a preferred source of food. Because the barbed awns of the achenes can cling to the fur of animals and the clothing of humans, they can be carried considerable distances to new locations.
Photographic Location: A shaded streambank at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This plant and other Bidens spp. are occasionally parasitized by various Cuscuta spp. (Dodders); the latter are vine-like plants without chlorophyll that often occur in wetlands. Because its ray florets are insignificant or absent, Purple-Stemmed Tickseed is one of the less showy species in this genus. It is relatively easy to confuse this species with other species in this genus that share this characteristic. In particular, Bidens comosa (Leafy-Bracted Tickseed) is similar in appearance. This latter species can be distinguished by the shorter petioles of its leaves (which are often winged), its longer leafy bracts (up to 2½" long), and the yellowish color of its stems. In addition, the corollas of the disk florets for this species have 4 lobes more often than 5 lobes, while the reverse is true for Purple-Stemmed Tickseed. The achenes of Purple-Stemmed Tickseed are also distinct: each of its achenes has 2 long outer awns and 2 short inner awns, although these awns (particularly the inner ones) often break off.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年06月08日
Description: This annual plant is ½–3' tall, branching sparingly. The central stem is glabrous and occasionally angular. The opposite leaves are up to 5" long and 1" across, although usually smaller in size. They are linear-oblong to lanceolate-ovate, serrated along the margins, and hairless. These leaves are never lobed nor pinnately compound. At the base, the pairs of opposite leaves clasp the stem and nearly surround it (i.e., they're nearly connate), or they are sessile. The upper stems terminate in flowerheads about ½–1½" across. These flowerheads have a tendency to nod downward with age and the central head of disk florets becomes larger and more rounded. The corolla of each disk floret is yellow and narrowly tubular with 5 lobes. There are about 8 ray florets surrounding the disk florets, but sometimes they lack petaloid rays. When they are present, the petaloid rays are bright yellow and oblong-elliptic in shape; they are variable in length, depending on the local ecotype.
At the base of each flowerhead, there are both inner and outer bracts (phyllaries). The inner bracts are pale yellow, membranous along their margins, and rather broad, tapering to blunt tips. The outer bracts are green and oblong-linear. These latter bracts are about as long or longer than the petaloid rays, but they have a tendency to curl backward with age. There are about 6-10 outer bracts per flowerhead. The blooming period occurs from late summer to early fall and lasts about 1-2 months for a colony of plants. Each achene is oblongoid, although broader and somewhat truncated at its apex, where there are usually 4 barbed awns. The root system is shallow and branches frequently. This plant often forms colonies and spreads by reseeding itself; sometimes the lower portion of a stem will form rootlets at the leaf nodes when it lies against moist soil. Nodding Bur-Marigold is rather variable across its range. The leaves have a tendency to turn purple during the cool weather of autumn.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, wet conditions, and mucky soil. Occasional flooding is readily tolerated, although this species is not an emergent aquatic. Sometimes the leaves succumb to powdery mildew during the fall. This plant is less tolerant of dry conditions than other Bidens spp.
Range & Habitat: The native Nodding Bur-Marigold is common in central and northern Illinois, but occasional to absent in southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include swamps, bogs, seeps, marshes, edges of rivers and ponds, soggy meadows in floodplain areas, and ditches along roads and railroads. Nodding Bur-Marigold is often found in degraded wetlands, although it also occurs in higher quality wetlands.
Faunal Associations: Plants with showier flowers attract an abundance of bees, wasps, butterflies, skippers, moths, and various kinds of flies. Bee visitors include honey bees, bumblebees, long-horned bees (Melissodes spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), and plasterer bees (Colletes spp.). These insects suck nectar from the flowers; bees also collect pollen. The caterpillars of the butterfly Nathalis iole (Dainty Sulfur) feed on the foliage. The caterpillars of several species of moths also feed on Bidens spp., including Epiblema otiosana (Bidens Borer Moth), Cirrhophanus triangulifer (Goldenrod Stowaway), Condica mobilis (Mobile Groundling), and Condica confederata (The Confederate). Other insect feeders the leaf beetles Calligrapha bidenticola and Calligrapha californica, the fruit fly Icterica seriata, and several aphid species.
To a limited extent, the seeds of Bidens spp. are eaten by various kinds of birds, including the Mallard Duck, Swamp Sparrow, Purple Finch, and Common Redpoll (the latter during the winter). The foliage is occasionally eaten by the Cottontail Rabbit. The seeds of Bidens spp. are notorious for their ability to cling to the fur of animals, the feathers of birds, or the clothing of humans, by which means they are distributed far and wide.
Photographic Location: Along a drainage canal in Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: The attractiveness of the flowers is variable, depending upon the length of the petaloid rays, which are not always present. It is fairly easy to distinguish Nodding Bur-Marigold from other Bidens spp. because of its undivided leaves and achenes with 4 awns (rarely fewer). Plants with flowerheads that are large and showy can resemble Bidens laevis (Smooth Bur-Marigold), but this latter species doesn't occur in Illinois. The petaloid rays of Smooth Bur-Marigold are at least as long as the outer floral bracts (phyllaries) and it usually has showier flowers. When the flowerheads of Nodding Bur-Marigold lack petaloid rays, this species can be confused with Bidens connata (Purple-Stemmed Beggar's Tick) and Bidens comosa (Swamp Beggar's Tick). Nodding Bur-Marigold differs from these latter species by its leaves, which are sessile or they clasp and nearly surround the stem. Purple-Stemmed Beggar's Tick and Swamp Beggar's Tick have leaves with distinct petioles that are winged or unwinged. The flowerheads of Nodding Bur-Marigold nod downward with age, while the flowerheads of the latter two species usually remain more erect.
At the base of each flowerhead, there are both inner and outer bracts (phyllaries). The inner bracts are pale yellow, membranous along their margins, and rather broad, tapering to blunt tips. The outer bracts are green and oblong-linear. These latter bracts are about as long or longer than the petaloid rays, but they have a tendency to curl backward with age. There are about 6-10 outer bracts per flowerhead. The blooming period occurs from late summer to early fall and lasts about 1-2 months for a colony of plants. Each achene is oblongoid, although broader and somewhat truncated at its apex, where there are usually 4 barbed awns. The root system is shallow and branches frequently. This plant often forms colonies and spreads by reseeding itself; sometimes the lower portion of a stem will form rootlets at the leaf nodes when it lies against moist soil. Nodding Bur-Marigold is rather variable across its range. The leaves have a tendency to turn purple during the cool weather of autumn.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, wet conditions, and mucky soil. Occasional flooding is readily tolerated, although this species is not an emergent aquatic. Sometimes the leaves succumb to powdery mildew during the fall. This plant is less tolerant of dry conditions than other Bidens spp.
Range & Habitat: The native Nodding Bur-Marigold is common in central and northern Illinois, but occasional to absent in southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include swamps, bogs, seeps, marshes, edges of rivers and ponds, soggy meadows in floodplain areas, and ditches along roads and railroads. Nodding Bur-Marigold is often found in degraded wetlands, although it also occurs in higher quality wetlands.
Faunal Associations: Plants with showier flowers attract an abundance of bees, wasps, butterflies, skippers, moths, and various kinds of flies. Bee visitors include honey bees, bumblebees, long-horned bees (Melissodes spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), and plasterer bees (Colletes spp.). These insects suck nectar from the flowers; bees also collect pollen. The caterpillars of the butterfly Nathalis iole (Dainty Sulfur) feed on the foliage. The caterpillars of several species of moths also feed on Bidens spp., including Epiblema otiosana (Bidens Borer Moth), Cirrhophanus triangulifer (Goldenrod Stowaway), Condica mobilis (Mobile Groundling), and Condica confederata (The Confederate). Other insect feeders the leaf beetles Calligrapha bidenticola and Calligrapha californica, the fruit fly Icterica seriata, and several aphid species.
To a limited extent, the seeds of Bidens spp. are eaten by various kinds of birds, including the Mallard Duck, Swamp Sparrow, Purple Finch, and Common Redpoll (the latter during the winter). The foliage is occasionally eaten by the Cottontail Rabbit. The seeds of Bidens spp. are notorious for their ability to cling to the fur of animals, the feathers of birds, or the clothing of humans, by which means they are distributed far and wide.
Photographic Location: Along a drainage canal in Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: The attractiveness of the flowers is variable, depending upon the length of the petaloid rays, which are not always present. It is fairly easy to distinguish Nodding Bur-Marigold from other Bidens spp. because of its undivided leaves and achenes with 4 awns (rarely fewer). Plants with flowerheads that are large and showy can resemble Bidens laevis (Smooth Bur-Marigold), but this latter species doesn't occur in Illinois. The petaloid rays of Smooth Bur-Marigold are at least as long as the outer floral bracts (phyllaries) and it usually has showier flowers. When the flowerheads of Nodding Bur-Marigold lack petaloid rays, this species can be confused with Bidens connata (Purple-Stemmed Beggar's Tick) and Bidens comosa (Swamp Beggar's Tick). Nodding Bur-Marigold differs from these latter species by its leaves, which are sessile or they clasp and nearly surround the stem. Purple-Stemmed Beggar's Tick and Swamp Beggar's Tick have leaves with distinct petioles that are winged or unwinged. The flowerheads of Nodding Bur-Marigold nod downward with age, while the flowerheads of the latter two species usually remain more erect.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月08日
Description: This plant is a summer annual that often branches at the base, otherwise it is usually unbranched. The erect or sprawling stems are about ½–1' long. They are light green, glabrous, and eitherFlower & Foliage round or angular in circumference. Pairs of opposite leaves occur at intervals along these stems. They are up to 2½" long, ¼" across, linear or linear-lanceolate, smooth along the margins, and glabrous. Each leaf clasps the stem at the base, where it often has a pair of small shallow lobes (i.e., it is auriculate). Along the upper surface of each leaf, there is a conspicuous central vein that runs along its length. From 1-7 flowers are produced in tight clusters in the upper axil of each leaf. These flowers are sessile, or nearly so. Usually, fewer flowers are produced per axil in the upper leaves (about 1-3) than in the lower leaves (about 3-7). Each flower is about ¼" across, consisting of 4 rounded petals that are pink or purple, a tubular calyx that is divided into 4 segments that form ridges at their edges, 4 or 8 stamens with yellow anthers, and a stout central style. The calyx is initially green or purple, but it later becomes red when the seeds begin to ripen. In the middle of each calyx segment, there is a secondary ridge along its length; these 4 secondary ridges are slightly less pronounced than the 4 primary ridges between the segments of the calyx. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts about 2-3 months. Individual flowers are short-lived. An ovoid seed capsule develops within the surrounding calyx that causes it to swell in diameter. This capsule contains numerous tiny seeds that are shiny and yellow. These seeds are small enough to be blown about by the wind, and they probably float on water. The root system consists of a shallow tuft of roots. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, wet conditions, and muddy soil. The seeds germinate better if they are temporarily submerged in water, and then left in muddy soil. This emulates their natural habitat.
Range & Habitat: The native Scarlet Toothcup is an occasional to locally common plant in most areas of Illinois, except in the upper two tiers of counties, where it is largely absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include muddy shores of ponds, mud flats along rivers, ditches, limestone quarries, and grassy areas that are prone to occasional flooding. This species tolerates disturbs conditions in wetlands.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts various insects, including small bees (Little Carpenter, Halictid), Syrphid flies, Tachinid flies, and small- to medium-sized butterflies (Whites, Sulfurs, & others). The bees also collect pollen. The seed capsules are eaten by ducks during the fall and winter, including Anas platyrhynchos (Mallard), Anas acuta (Northern Pintail), and Anas crecca (Green-Winged Teal). The foliage is not known to be toxic, and it is probably eaten by Branta canadensis (Canada Goose).
Photographic Location: Along the muddy shore of a pond in Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: The common name, 'Scarlet Toothcup,' refers to the appearance of the fruits when they begin to ripen during the fall. Another common name for this species is 'Purple Ammannia,' which refers to the color of the flowers. Scarlet Toothcup is a wetland species that is not very showy and often overlooked, although it is useful as a source of food for waterfowl. The only other species in this genus that occurs in Illinois, Ammannia robusta (Robust Toothcup), was formerly regarded as a subspecies of Scarlet Toothcup, or Ammannia coccinea robusta. However, genetic analysis has revealed that it is a distinct species. Robust Toothcup occurs primarily in NE Illinois and has an appearance that is similar to Scarlet Toothcup. The petals of its flowers are light pink to pink and there are only 1-3 flowers (or seed capsules) per leaf axil, whereas Scarlet Toothcup has flower petals that range from pink to purple and there are often 3-5 flowers (or seed capsules) per axil among the lower leaves (and sometimes even more). Another wetland species in the Loosestrife family with a similar appearance is Rotala ramosior (Wheelwort). Unlike the preceding Toothcup species, Wheelwort has only a single flower or seed capsule per leaf axil, and the petals of its flowers are white. Whereas the Toothcup species have leaves that clasp their stems, the leaves of Wheelwort are sessile.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, wet conditions, and muddy soil. The seeds germinate better if they are temporarily submerged in water, and then left in muddy soil. This emulates their natural habitat.
Range & Habitat: The native Scarlet Toothcup is an occasional to locally common plant in most areas of Illinois, except in the upper two tiers of counties, where it is largely absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include muddy shores of ponds, mud flats along rivers, ditches, limestone quarries, and grassy areas that are prone to occasional flooding. This species tolerates disturbs conditions in wetlands.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts various insects, including small bees (Little Carpenter, Halictid), Syrphid flies, Tachinid flies, and small- to medium-sized butterflies (Whites, Sulfurs, & others). The bees also collect pollen. The seed capsules are eaten by ducks during the fall and winter, including Anas platyrhynchos (Mallard), Anas acuta (Northern Pintail), and Anas crecca (Green-Winged Teal). The foliage is not known to be toxic, and it is probably eaten by Branta canadensis (Canada Goose).
Photographic Location: Along the muddy shore of a pond in Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: The common name, 'Scarlet Toothcup,' refers to the appearance of the fruits when they begin to ripen during the fall. Another common name for this species is 'Purple Ammannia,' which refers to the color of the flowers. Scarlet Toothcup is a wetland species that is not very showy and often overlooked, although it is useful as a source of food for waterfowl. The only other species in this genus that occurs in Illinois, Ammannia robusta (Robust Toothcup), was formerly regarded as a subspecies of Scarlet Toothcup, or Ammannia coccinea robusta. However, genetic analysis has revealed that it is a distinct species. Robust Toothcup occurs primarily in NE Illinois and has an appearance that is similar to Scarlet Toothcup. The petals of its flowers are light pink to pink and there are only 1-3 flowers (or seed capsules) per leaf axil, whereas Scarlet Toothcup has flower petals that range from pink to purple and there are often 3-5 flowers (or seed capsules) per axil among the lower leaves (and sometimes even more). Another wetland species in the Loosestrife family with a similar appearance is Rotala ramosior (Wheelwort). Unlike the preceding Toothcup species, Wheelwort has only a single flower or seed capsule per leaf axil, and the petals of its flowers are white. Whereas the Toothcup species have leaves that clasp their stems, the leaves of Wheelwort are sessile.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月08日
Description: This perennial plant consists of a rosette of basal leaves about 1' tall. The basal leaves are up to 7" long and 4" across (excluding the long petioles), and they are oval to ovate in shape. Their margins are smooth, while both the upper and lower surfaces are devoid of hairs. The leaf venation is parallel primarily, although there are secondary veins that radiate laterally to provide a slightly wrinkly appearance to the upper surface. The texture of these leaves is rather thick and fleshy. From the center of the rosette, a large whorled panicle of flowers develops during the summer that is up to 3' tall. This inflorescence is heavily branched and more or less erect. The green flowering stalks are hairless, and sometimes angular or finely ribbed along their length. At the base of each group of whorled branchlets, there are 3 deciduous green bracts that are lanceolate with elongated pointed tips.
The small flowers are individually about ¼" across. Each flower consists of 3 white petals, 3 green sepals, and 6 stamens. There is a small patch of yellow at the base of each petal, while the center of the flower is green. For this species of water plantain, the petals are about 50% longer than the sepals. The blooming period usually occurs during mid-summer and lasts about a month. Each flower is replaced by a flat whorl of seeds (technically, they are achenes). Each flat-sided seed is longer than broad, with a tiny beak at the top. The seeds are probably distributed by the movement of water. The root system consists of a cluster of shallow fibrous roots and rhizomes. This plant often forms colonies.
Cultivation: This emergent-aquatic plant prefers shallow water or wet mucky soil. The surrounding water should be slow-moving or stagnant. It can withstand droughty conditions better than most emergent-aquatic plants, although the foliage may become yellowish green in response. Full or partial sun is required, otherwise this plant may not bloom.
Range & Habitat: Large-Flowered Water Plantain is an uncommon plant that is found primarily in northern Illinois and scattered counties in central Illinois (see Distribution Map). This native plant occurs primarily in seasonal wetlands that are prone to drying out during summer droughts, including shallow marshes, edges of shallow ponds and lakes, sloughs and temporary pools in wet meadows or prairies, and shallow slow-moving streams. Like Alisma subcordatum (Small-Flowered Water Plantain), this species can tolerate considerable disturbance.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are visited by flower flies, small bees (usually Halictid bees), and small beetles (such as ladybird beetles) for their nectar or pollen. Two aphids, Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae (Waterlily Aphid) and Rhopalosiphum nigrum, suck plant juices from Alisma spp. during the summer. The latter aphid has been found only in Canada so far. Deer occasionally chomp off the panicles of flowers and the tops of the foliage. Apparently, waterfowl and other kinds of birds rarely eat the seeds.
Photographic Location: A seasonal wetland consisting of small pools of water at Judge Webber Park in Urbana, Illinois. The photographs were taken during a major drought when the pools of water had dried up – the plants produced large healthy panicles of flowers, nonetheless.
Comments: The large inflorescence of Alisma triviale has a rather ungainly appearance because the flowers are so small. The more common Alisma subcordatum (Small-Flowered Water Plantain) has even smaller flowers (only about 1/8" across), with the petals about the same length as the sepals. Otherwise, these two species are similar in appearance. In the past, they have been considered different varieties of the same species, Alisma plantago-aquatica americanum and Alisma plantago-aquatica parviflorum. The scientific name Alisma plantago-aquatica is commonly used for the water plantain of Eurasia. The common name refers to the similarity of the leaves to those of the common yard weed, Plantago major (Common Plantain).
The small flowers are individually about ¼" across. Each flower consists of 3 white petals, 3 green sepals, and 6 stamens. There is a small patch of yellow at the base of each petal, while the center of the flower is green. For this species of water plantain, the petals are about 50% longer than the sepals. The blooming period usually occurs during mid-summer and lasts about a month. Each flower is replaced by a flat whorl of seeds (technically, they are achenes). Each flat-sided seed is longer than broad, with a tiny beak at the top. The seeds are probably distributed by the movement of water. The root system consists of a cluster of shallow fibrous roots and rhizomes. This plant often forms colonies.
Cultivation: This emergent-aquatic plant prefers shallow water or wet mucky soil. The surrounding water should be slow-moving or stagnant. It can withstand droughty conditions better than most emergent-aquatic plants, although the foliage may become yellowish green in response. Full or partial sun is required, otherwise this plant may not bloom.
Range & Habitat: Large-Flowered Water Plantain is an uncommon plant that is found primarily in northern Illinois and scattered counties in central Illinois (see Distribution Map). This native plant occurs primarily in seasonal wetlands that are prone to drying out during summer droughts, including shallow marshes, edges of shallow ponds and lakes, sloughs and temporary pools in wet meadows or prairies, and shallow slow-moving streams. Like Alisma subcordatum (Small-Flowered Water Plantain), this species can tolerate considerable disturbance.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are visited by flower flies, small bees (usually Halictid bees), and small beetles (such as ladybird beetles) for their nectar or pollen. Two aphids, Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae (Waterlily Aphid) and Rhopalosiphum nigrum, suck plant juices from Alisma spp. during the summer. The latter aphid has been found only in Canada so far. Deer occasionally chomp off the panicles of flowers and the tops of the foliage. Apparently, waterfowl and other kinds of birds rarely eat the seeds.
Photographic Location: A seasonal wetland consisting of small pools of water at Judge Webber Park in Urbana, Illinois. The photographs were taken during a major drought when the pools of water had dried up – the plants produced large healthy panicles of flowers, nonetheless.
Comments: The large inflorescence of Alisma triviale has a rather ungainly appearance because the flowers are so small. The more common Alisma subcordatum (Small-Flowered Water Plantain) has even smaller flowers (only about 1/8" across), with the petals about the same length as the sepals. Otherwise, these two species are similar in appearance. In the past, they have been considered different varieties of the same species, Alisma plantago-aquatica americanum and Alisma plantago-aquatica parviflorum. The scientific name Alisma plantago-aquatica is commonly used for the water plantain of Eurasia. The common name refers to the similarity of the leaves to those of the common yard weed, Plantago major (Common Plantain).
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Miss Chen
2018年06月08日
Description: This perennial plant is 1–3½' tall, consisting of tufts of basal leaves that emerge directly from a spreading rootstock. These basal leaves are erect and sword-shaped, resembling the basal leaves of Iris spp. (Irises), but more green. They are flattened (on one side more than the other), smooth along the margins, and have parallel veins. There is often an off-center ridge/indentation along the length of each leaf. Sometimes the base of the leaves or their margins are slightly red. Some leaves develop a cylindrical spadix that is about 2–4" in length and semi-erect. This spadix is covered with tiny greenish yellow flowers in a diamond-shaped pattern. Each flower has 6 tepals and 6 stamens. The spathe is regarded as absent by some authorities, while others consider the spathe to be a bract-like extension of the basal leaf. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer and lasts about a month. Both the crushed foliage and rootstocks have a pleasant aromatic fragrance. Because Sweet Flag is a sterile polyploid species, it doesn't produce any fruit with fertile seeds. The root system consists of shallow branching rhizomes that are stout and knobby; they have a brown exterior and white interior. Tufts of basal leaves occur at intervals along these rhizomes, while coarse fibrous roots develop below. This plant spreads vegetatively by its rhizomes and often forms colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun and wet mucky ground or shallow water along shores. This species is semi-aquatic. It is fairly easy to establish from pieces of the rhizome.
Range & Habitat: The non-native Sweet Flag occurs occasionally throughout Illinois, although it is less common or absent in the NW and southern areas of the state (see Distribution Map). It was introduced into North America for medicinal, ornamental, and other purposes. Sweet Flag is native to India, central Asia, and probably Eastern Europe. Habitats include sedge meadows that are prone to flooding, edges of small lakes and ponds, marshes, swamps, seeps and springs, and wetland restorations. Even though this is an introduced plant, it has been found in both high quality and degraded wetlands.
Faunal Associations: Muskrats are fond of the rootstocks and readily consume them. Otherwise, little information is available about floral-faunal relationships.
Photographic Location: Along the shore of a small lake at a city park in Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: The rootstocks of this aromatic plant are used as a natural insecticide and an ingredient of perfumes. They were used by Amerindians for various medicinal purposes, and reportedly induce hallucinations if eaten in sufficiently large quantities. These properties are primarily the result of Alpha-asarone and Beta-asarone; the latter has been found to be carcinogenic. As a consequence, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the use of the rootstocks as a food additive. A similar species, Acorus americanus (American Sweet Flag), is restricted to the northern half of North America. It is virtually identical to Acorus calamus (Sweet Flag), except that it has several prominent veins along the length of each leaf. Sweet Flag has a single prominent vein on each leaf that is marked by an off-center ridge/indentation along its length. Another difference is that American Sweet Flag is a fertile diploid that produces fruit with viable seeds. In the past, this species was regarded as a variety of Sweet Flag, and it was referred to as Acorus calamus americanus. American Sweet Flag contains Alpha-asarone, but it lacks significant amounts of the carcinogenic Beta-asarone – therefore, it may be safer to use in the preparations that are described above. The Acorus spp. (Sweet Flags) were classified in the Araceae (Arum family) in the past, but they have been reclassified to their own family, the Acoraceae, as a result of recent chromosomal studies.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun and wet mucky ground or shallow water along shores. This species is semi-aquatic. It is fairly easy to establish from pieces of the rhizome.
Range & Habitat: The non-native Sweet Flag occurs occasionally throughout Illinois, although it is less common or absent in the NW and southern areas of the state (see Distribution Map). It was introduced into North America for medicinal, ornamental, and other purposes. Sweet Flag is native to India, central Asia, and probably Eastern Europe. Habitats include sedge meadows that are prone to flooding, edges of small lakes and ponds, marshes, swamps, seeps and springs, and wetland restorations. Even though this is an introduced plant, it has been found in both high quality and degraded wetlands.
Faunal Associations: Muskrats are fond of the rootstocks and readily consume them. Otherwise, little information is available about floral-faunal relationships.
Photographic Location: Along the shore of a small lake at a city park in Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: The rootstocks of this aromatic plant are used as a natural insecticide and an ingredient of perfumes. They were used by Amerindians for various medicinal purposes, and reportedly induce hallucinations if eaten in sufficiently large quantities. These properties are primarily the result of Alpha-asarone and Beta-asarone; the latter has been found to be carcinogenic. As a consequence, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the use of the rootstocks as a food additive. A similar species, Acorus americanus (American Sweet Flag), is restricted to the northern half of North America. It is virtually identical to Acorus calamus (Sweet Flag), except that it has several prominent veins along the length of each leaf. Sweet Flag has a single prominent vein on each leaf that is marked by an off-center ridge/indentation along its length. Another difference is that American Sweet Flag is a fertile diploid that produces fruit with viable seeds. In the past, this species was regarded as a variety of Sweet Flag, and it was referred to as Acorus calamus americanus. American Sweet Flag contains Alpha-asarone, but it lacks significant amounts of the carcinogenic Beta-asarone – therefore, it may be safer to use in the preparations that are described above. The Acorus spp. (Sweet Flags) were classified in the Araceae (Arum family) in the past, but they have been reclassified to their own family, the Acoraceae, as a result of recent chromosomal studies.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月07日
Description: This perennial herbaceous plant has petioled basal leaves up to 6" (15 cm.) tall. The basal leaves are trifoliate and usually evergreen. The petioles of these leaves are 2-6" (5-15 cm.) long, more or less erect, light green, terete, and sparsely to moderately hairy. Individual leaflets of basal leaves are 1-3" long and a little less across; they are broadly obovate overall and wedge-shaped (cuneate) at the base. The margins of these leaflets are sharply divided (cleft) into shallow to moderately deep rounded lobes, and often slightly ciliate; the middle to outer margins are coarsely serrated or dentate. The upper leaf surface is medium to dark green (becoming dark purplish red during the winter), while the lower leaf surface is a slightly lighter shade of green. Both leaf surfaces are sparsely short-hairy. The leaflets are either sessile or they have short petiolules (basal stalklets).
Occasionally, small cymes of 3-7 flowers are produced directly from the root system. These inflorescences are about as tall as the petioled basal leaves or a little taller. The peduncle, its branches, and pedicels of an inflorescence are light green, sparsely to moderately hairy, and rather slender. Narrow leafy bracts up to ½" in length occur where the branches of the peduncle and the pedicels diverge from each other. Pedicels of the flowers are up to ½" in length. Individual flowers are ½–¾" across, consisting of 5 yellow petals, 5 light green sepals that are joined together at the base, a dense ring of 40 or more stamens with yellow anthers, and a small central cluster of 2-6 carpels with slender styles. The petals are elliptic to broadly elliptic in shape and widely spreading; they are longer than the sepals. The sepals are sparsely to moderately hairy and deltate (triangular) in shape. The blooming period usually occurs intermittently from late spring to early summer, lasting about 1 month. The petals fall from the flowers after only 1 or 2 days. Afterwards, the carpels (pistils) mature into flattened achenes about 2 mm. in length. (one achene per carpel); these achenes are finelyDistribution Map short-hairy. Prior to the maturity of the achenes, the styles break off from their achenes at the base. These styles lack hooks. The root system has shallow reddish rhizomes and secondary fibrous roots. Clonal colonies of plants of varying size are produced from the rhizomes; this is the primary method of reproduction.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sunlight to light shade, more or less mesic conditions, and soil containing rocky material, clay, loam, or humus. The soil pH should be moderately acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0). This plant dislikes hot summer weather and it requires some protection from the afternoon sun. In Illinois, areas with reduced competition from heavy leaf-fall and other ground vegetation are preferred.
Habitats: Barren Strawberry (Waldsteinia fragarioides) has been found only once in Illinois as a wild plant in Pope County, where it is regarded as a native wildflower. As a result, it has been listed as 'state-endangered.' Because this isolated population has not been relocated since its discovery, it is possible that Barren Strawberry has been extirpated from the state. The primary range of this wildflower occurs in the Appalachian Mountains and boreal areas of NE USA, the upper Midwest, and adjacent areas of southern Canada. In Illinois, this wildflower is most likely to occur in such habitats as sandstone or limestone ledges with thin layers of soil and humus, the rocky banks of woodland streams, and the rocky sides of wooded bluffs, especially if they face toward the north or east. So far, Barren Strawberry has occurred only in a high quality natural area of the state.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about floral-faunal relationships for this wildflower. Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.) have been observed to visit the flowers for nectar and/or pollen (Krombein et al., 1979); it is likely that other small bees and other small insects visit the flowers as well. It has been reported that White-tailed Deer avoid browsing on the foliage (Hill, 2003).
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The leaves of Barren Strawberry (Waldsteinia fragarioides) superficially resemble those of Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana), but it produces dry achenes rather than colorful fruits and yellow flowers rather than white flowers. This native wildflower should not be confused with a very similar species that is often cultivated in ornamental gardens, namely the Siberian Barren Strawberry (Waldsteinia ternata). Many mass-market nurseries that claim to be selling the native Barren Strawberry are actually selling this latter species instead. The native Barren Strawberry differs from the latter species in the following ways: 1) its flowers have more narrow petals than the latter species, 2) there are no bractlets on its sepals, unlike the latter species, and 3) its leaflets are less deeply divided into lobes than the latter species. The light green bractlets on the sepals of Siberian Barren Strawberry are about one-third to one-half of the length of its sepals, and they are either linear or narrowly lanceolate in shape. Solitary bractlets occur between each pair of sepals. The petals of Siberian Barren Strawberry are oval to nearly orbicular in shape; adjacent petals on its flowers frequently overlap each other. Recently, some botanists have reassigned the native Barren Strawberry to another genus on the basis of genetic evidence. As a result, it is sometimes referred to as Geum fragarioides. Unlike most native Geum spp., however, the styles of native Barren Strawberry are neither persistent nor hooked. This means that animals and birds are unlikely to be important agents in the dispersal of its seeds. Another common name for this native species is Appalachian Barren Strawberry.
Occasionally, small cymes of 3-7 flowers are produced directly from the root system. These inflorescences are about as tall as the petioled basal leaves or a little taller. The peduncle, its branches, and pedicels of an inflorescence are light green, sparsely to moderately hairy, and rather slender. Narrow leafy bracts up to ½" in length occur where the branches of the peduncle and the pedicels diverge from each other. Pedicels of the flowers are up to ½" in length. Individual flowers are ½–¾" across, consisting of 5 yellow petals, 5 light green sepals that are joined together at the base, a dense ring of 40 or more stamens with yellow anthers, and a small central cluster of 2-6 carpels with slender styles. The petals are elliptic to broadly elliptic in shape and widely spreading; they are longer than the sepals. The sepals are sparsely to moderately hairy and deltate (triangular) in shape. The blooming period usually occurs intermittently from late spring to early summer, lasting about 1 month. The petals fall from the flowers after only 1 or 2 days. Afterwards, the carpels (pistils) mature into flattened achenes about 2 mm. in length. (one achene per carpel); these achenes are finelyDistribution Map short-hairy. Prior to the maturity of the achenes, the styles break off from their achenes at the base. These styles lack hooks. The root system has shallow reddish rhizomes and secondary fibrous roots. Clonal colonies of plants of varying size are produced from the rhizomes; this is the primary method of reproduction.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sunlight to light shade, more or less mesic conditions, and soil containing rocky material, clay, loam, or humus. The soil pH should be moderately acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0). This plant dislikes hot summer weather and it requires some protection from the afternoon sun. In Illinois, areas with reduced competition from heavy leaf-fall and other ground vegetation are preferred.
Habitats: Barren Strawberry (Waldsteinia fragarioides) has been found only once in Illinois as a wild plant in Pope County, where it is regarded as a native wildflower. As a result, it has been listed as 'state-endangered.' Because this isolated population has not been relocated since its discovery, it is possible that Barren Strawberry has been extirpated from the state. The primary range of this wildflower occurs in the Appalachian Mountains and boreal areas of NE USA, the upper Midwest, and adjacent areas of southern Canada. In Illinois, this wildflower is most likely to occur in such habitats as sandstone or limestone ledges with thin layers of soil and humus, the rocky banks of woodland streams, and the rocky sides of wooded bluffs, especially if they face toward the north or east. So far, Barren Strawberry has occurred only in a high quality natural area of the state.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about floral-faunal relationships for this wildflower. Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.) have been observed to visit the flowers for nectar and/or pollen (Krombein et al., 1979); it is likely that other small bees and other small insects visit the flowers as well. It has been reported that White-tailed Deer avoid browsing on the foliage (Hill, 2003).
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The leaves of Barren Strawberry (Waldsteinia fragarioides) superficially resemble those of Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana), but it produces dry achenes rather than colorful fruits and yellow flowers rather than white flowers. This native wildflower should not be confused with a very similar species that is often cultivated in ornamental gardens, namely the Siberian Barren Strawberry (Waldsteinia ternata). Many mass-market nurseries that claim to be selling the native Barren Strawberry are actually selling this latter species instead. The native Barren Strawberry differs from the latter species in the following ways: 1) its flowers have more narrow petals than the latter species, 2) there are no bractlets on its sepals, unlike the latter species, and 3) its leaflets are less deeply divided into lobes than the latter species. The light green bractlets on the sepals of Siberian Barren Strawberry are about one-third to one-half of the length of its sepals, and they are either linear or narrowly lanceolate in shape. Solitary bractlets occur between each pair of sepals. The petals of Siberian Barren Strawberry are oval to nearly orbicular in shape; adjacent petals on its flowers frequently overlap each other. Recently, some botanists have reassigned the native Barren Strawberry to another genus on the basis of genetic evidence. As a result, it is sometimes referred to as Geum fragarioides. Unlike most native Geum spp., however, the styles of native Barren Strawberry are neither persistent nor hooked. This means that animals and birds are unlikely to be important agents in the dispersal of its seeds. Another common name for this native species is Appalachian Barren Strawberry.
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