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Miss Chen
2018年05月20日
Description: This biennial plant is 1-2' tall, branching occasionally. The stems are light green, terete, and covered with spreading hairs; these hairs are often glandular. The alternate leaves are simple-pinnate; they are usually divided into 3-5 leaflets (rarely 7). The leaf blades are up to 5" long and 3" across; the petioles of these leaves become shorter as they ascend the stems. The leaflets of each blade are ovate, broadly ovate, oblong, or oblanceolate in shape; they are shallowly to deeply cleft and bluntly dentate along their margins. Often, the terminal leaflets are more deeply cleft than the lateral leaflets. Both leaf blades and petioles are more or less hairy. The upper surfaces of mature blades are medium to dark green; however, theClose-up of Flower earliest leaf-blades of the year have upper surfaces with silver-grey blotches. The upper stems terminate in racemes of 4-12 flowers; often there are a few secondary racemes that develop from the axils of the upper leaves. Buds and flowers are typically concentrated toward the apex of each raceme, while the developing fruits are located below on spreading pedicels. These pedicels are glandular-hairy and about ½" long. Each flower is about ½" across when it is in bloom; it consists of a 5-lobed corolla, a calyx with 5 sepals, 5 stamens, a slender style, and an ovary. The corolla can vary in color from pale lavender to deep blue-violet. The green sepals are linear-lanceolate and hairy; they become recurved during and after the blooming period. The style of each flower divides into 2 parts toward the middle of its length, while the stamens have finely hairy filaments and brownish anthers. The blooming period occurs during the late spring and lasts about a month. Each flower is replaced by an ovoid seed capsule that divides into 2 parts to release its seeds. This plant reproduces by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight to light shade, moist conditions, and a rather rich loam or silt-loam containing organic matter. After the flowering period, more shade from canopy trees is tolerated because this plant dies down. While this plant doesn't grow on rocks like some ferns, it tolerates soil that is somewhat thin and rocky from underlying bedrock if there is enough moisture.
Range & Habitat: The native Forest Phacelia occurs occasionally in the southern half of Illinois, while in the northern half of the state it is rare or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist areas of deciduous woodlands and rocky woodlands, rocky banks and low areas along woodland streams, moist depressions of bluffs, bottoms of sandstone canyons, and lower slopes of ravines. This wildflower is typically found in various moist areas of rocky woodlands.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract primarily bees (long-tongued & short-tongued); less common floral visitors include butterflies, skippers, and wasps. The foliage of Phacelia spp. (Phacelias) is eaten by the the oligophagous Scelolyperus wilcoxi (Skeletonizing Leaf Beetle sp.). Information about the edibility of the foliage to mammalian herbivores is unavailable.
Photographic Location: The bottom of a sandstone canyon along a woodland stream at the Portland Arch in west-central Indiana.
Comments: Forest Phacelia is another lovely woodland wildflower in the Waterleaf family. This species and other Phacelia spp. (Phacelias) are closely related to the Hydrophyllum spp. (Waterleaf species), which also occur in woodlands and bloom at about the same time. Among the species in Illinois, the style of a Phacelia is divided toward the middle of its length, while the style of a Waterleaf is divided toward its apex; this is the easiest way to distinguish these two groups of very similar wildflowers. Compared to other Phacelias in Illinois, Forest Phacelia usually has larger flowers (about ½" across, if not more) and the lobes of its corollas are smooth, rather than conspicuously fringed. Some species of Waterleaf are similar to it, but they lack tripartite leaves or the lobes of their corollas are less widely spreading when the flowers are blooming. If all else fails, they can be distinguished by their styles, as described above. Another common of Phacelia bipinnatifida is Loose-Flowered Phacelia.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight to light shade, moist conditions, and a rather rich loam or silt-loam containing organic matter. After the flowering period, more shade from canopy trees is tolerated because this plant dies down. While this plant doesn't grow on rocks like some ferns, it tolerates soil that is somewhat thin and rocky from underlying bedrock if there is enough moisture.
Range & Habitat: The native Forest Phacelia occurs occasionally in the southern half of Illinois, while in the northern half of the state it is rare or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist areas of deciduous woodlands and rocky woodlands, rocky banks and low areas along woodland streams, moist depressions of bluffs, bottoms of sandstone canyons, and lower slopes of ravines. This wildflower is typically found in various moist areas of rocky woodlands.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract primarily bees (long-tongued & short-tongued); less common floral visitors include butterflies, skippers, and wasps. The foliage of Phacelia spp. (Phacelias) is eaten by the the oligophagous Scelolyperus wilcoxi (Skeletonizing Leaf Beetle sp.). Information about the edibility of the foliage to mammalian herbivores is unavailable.
Photographic Location: The bottom of a sandstone canyon along a woodland stream at the Portland Arch in west-central Indiana.
Comments: Forest Phacelia is another lovely woodland wildflower in the Waterleaf family. This species and other Phacelia spp. (Phacelias) are closely related to the Hydrophyllum spp. (Waterleaf species), which also occur in woodlands and bloom at about the same time. Among the species in Illinois, the style of a Phacelia is divided toward the middle of its length, while the style of a Waterleaf is divided toward its apex; this is the easiest way to distinguish these two groups of very similar wildflowers. Compared to other Phacelias in Illinois, Forest Phacelia usually has larger flowers (about ½" across, if not more) and the lobes of its corollas are smooth, rather than conspicuously fringed. Some species of Waterleaf are similar to it, but they lack tripartite leaves or the lobes of their corollas are less widely spreading when the flowers are blooming. If all else fails, they can be distinguished by their styles, as described above. Another common of Phacelia bipinnatifida is Loose-Flowered Phacelia.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月20日
Description: This annual plant is about ½–1½' tall and usually unbranched. The central stem is green, 4-angled, and pubescent or hairy. The alternate leaves are up to 3½" long and ¾" across. They are lanceolate, finely pubescent, and smooth or slightly undulate along the margins. Near the base of the upper surface of each leaf, there is a major vein and 2 sides veins that are clearly visible. At the axils of the middle to upper leaves, there are small clusters of bracts and flowers. Each flower is surrounded by several green linear bracts that are hairy or pubescent; these bracts are about 1/6" (4.5 mm.) in length and they are longer than the flowers. The green flowers are staminate (male), pistillate (female), or perfect (male & female). These different kinds of flowers can appear together in the same clusters. All of these flowers have 4 green sepals and no petals. Each staminate flower has 4 stamens, while each female flower has a superior ovary with a style. The perfect flowers have both types of reproductive organs. The blooming period occurs during the summer and lasts about 2-3 months. Cross-pollination of the flowers is by the wind. Each flower with an ovary develops a single ovoid achene. The root system consists of a tuft of fibrous roots. This plant reproduces by reseeding itself and it often forms colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade, moist to slightly dry conditions, and a loamy soil. This species also tolerates partial sun and rocky soil. Generally, it prefers shaded areas where there is little competition from other low-growing plants.
Range & Habitat: The native Pennsylvania Pellitory is a common plant that occurs in most counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic deciduous woodlands, savannas (underneath trees), thickets, limestone glades, areas along cliff bases, fence rows with woody vegetation, shaded areas along buildings and stone walls, barren areas underneath yard trees, and small openings in hedges. This plant occurs in both natural and disturbed areas.
Faunal Associations: Information about floral-fauna relationships for this species is limited. The caterpillars of the butterfly Vanessa atalanta (Red Admiral) feed on the foliage of Pennsylvania Pellitory and other members of the Nettle family. The seeds are eaten by Melospiza lincolnii (Lincoln's Sparrow) during its fall migration through the eastern prairie region (Martin et al., 1951/1961). There is some evidence that deer browse on the foliage, as populations of Pennsylvania Pellitory increased in a savanna after White-Tailed Deer were removed from this habitat (Bradstreet & Bowles, 2003, p. 48).
Photographic Location: Along a stone wall near a back alley in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This inconspicuous little plant is easy to overlook. Notwithstanding its lack of showy flowers, this species should be included in more field guides of wildflowers. Pennsylvania Pellitory superficially resembles some Acalypha spp. from the Spurge family, but its leaves lack teeth and its flowers are surrounded by several linear bracts. The flowers of Acalypha spp. are surrounded by a single lobed bract, and their leaves are serrated along the margins. Unlike some other members of the Nettle family, Pennsylvania Pellitory lacks stinging hairs and its foliage is harmless. It is usually a shorter plant than other members of the Nettle family, and its leaves are less broad (¾" across or less).
Cultivation: The preference is light shade, moist to slightly dry conditions, and a loamy soil. This species also tolerates partial sun and rocky soil. Generally, it prefers shaded areas where there is little competition from other low-growing plants.
Range & Habitat: The native Pennsylvania Pellitory is a common plant that occurs in most counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic deciduous woodlands, savannas (underneath trees), thickets, limestone glades, areas along cliff bases, fence rows with woody vegetation, shaded areas along buildings and stone walls, barren areas underneath yard trees, and small openings in hedges. This plant occurs in both natural and disturbed areas.
Faunal Associations: Information about floral-fauna relationships for this species is limited. The caterpillars of the butterfly Vanessa atalanta (Red Admiral) feed on the foliage of Pennsylvania Pellitory and other members of the Nettle family. The seeds are eaten by Melospiza lincolnii (Lincoln's Sparrow) during its fall migration through the eastern prairie region (Martin et al., 1951/1961). There is some evidence that deer browse on the foliage, as populations of Pennsylvania Pellitory increased in a savanna after White-Tailed Deer were removed from this habitat (Bradstreet & Bowles, 2003, p. 48).
Photographic Location: Along a stone wall near a back alley in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This inconspicuous little plant is easy to overlook. Notwithstanding its lack of showy flowers, this species should be included in more field guides of wildflowers. Pennsylvania Pellitory superficially resembles some Acalypha spp. from the Spurge family, but its leaves lack teeth and its flowers are surrounded by several linear bracts. The flowers of Acalypha spp. are surrounded by a single lobed bract, and their leaves are serrated along the margins. Unlike some other members of the Nettle family, Pennsylvania Pellitory lacks stinging hairs and its foliage is harmless. It is usually a shorter plant than other members of the Nettle family, and its leaves are less broad (¾" across or less).
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Miss Chen
2018年05月20日
Description: This perennial wildflower is ½–2' tall. At the base of each plant, there is a small rosette of basal leaves spanning about 6-8" across. The blades of the basal leaves are typically 2-3" long and 2" across; they are cordate-orbicular to cordate-oval in shape, crenate-dentate along their margins, and hairless. The slender petioles of the basal leaves are as long as the blades. A flowering stalk develops from the center of each rosette. Along this stalk, there are usually 2-3 alternate leaves. The alternate leaves are smaller in size than the basal leaves and pinnatifid in shape. Both the alternate leaves and the stalk are hairless during the blooming period and thereafter. The stalk terminates in a flat-headed panicle (or corymb) of flowerheads. The branches of this panicle are slender and hairless. Each daisy-like flowerhead is ½–¾" across; in the center there are numerous golden yellow disk florets, which are surrounded by 6-16 yellow ray florets. Both the disk and ray florets are fertile. Surrounding the base of the flowerhead, there are numerous linear green bracts in a single series. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring and lasts about 3 weeks. Each floret is replaced by a bullet-shaped achene with a small tuft of white hairs. The achenes are distributed by the wind. The short rootstock has spreading fibrous roots and it produces rhizomes (or stolons). Vegetative colonies of plants are often produced in favorable habitats.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, wet to mesic conditions, and soil with abundant organic matter to retain moisture. Plants that grow in sunlight require more moisture than plants growing in shade.
Range & Habitat: Golden Ragwort is occasional throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include wet to mesic deciduous woodlands, damp woodland openings, woodland borders, moist sandy savannas, sandy swamps, seeps and edges of springs, banks of rivers and lakes, slopes of rocky ravines, glades, moist meadows, roadside embankments, and abandoned fields. Golden Ragwort is more shade-tolerant than many other ragworts (Packera spp.) in the state.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract small bees and flies primarily. Among the bees, are such visitors as little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), and various Halictid bees. Among the flies, are such visitors as Syrphid flies, Tachinid flies, and miscellaneous others. The caterpillars of a moth, Orthonama obstipata (The Gem), feed on ragworts (Packera spp.). The foliage is shunned by most mammalian herbivores because of its toxicity, although sheep are more tolerant and will eat it.
Photographic Location: An opening in a sandy swamp at the Irwin Prairie State Nature Preserve in NW Ohio.
Comments: Goldenrod Ragwort (Packera aurea) is an attractive spring wildflower. In Illinois, the perennial Packera spp. (Ragworts) differ from each other by the shape of their basal leaves. Among these, Golden Ragwort has the most orbicular basal leaves; each basal blade is slightly to strongly indented at the base where it is joined by the petiole. Other perennial Ragworts have more slender basal leaves that are usually oval to elliptic in shape. One of them, Packera plattensis (Prairie Ragwort), has conspicuous hairs on its leaves and stems, while mature plants of Golden Ragwort are hairless. A scientific synonym of Golden Ragwort is Senecio aureus, and it is sometimes referred to as 'Heart-Leaved Ragwort' or 'Heart-Leaved Groundsel.'
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, wet to mesic conditions, and soil with abundant organic matter to retain moisture. Plants that grow in sunlight require more moisture than plants growing in shade.
Range & Habitat: Golden Ragwort is occasional throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include wet to mesic deciduous woodlands, damp woodland openings, woodland borders, moist sandy savannas, sandy swamps, seeps and edges of springs, banks of rivers and lakes, slopes of rocky ravines, glades, moist meadows, roadside embankments, and abandoned fields. Golden Ragwort is more shade-tolerant than many other ragworts (Packera spp.) in the state.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract small bees and flies primarily. Among the bees, are such visitors as little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), and various Halictid bees. Among the flies, are such visitors as Syrphid flies, Tachinid flies, and miscellaneous others. The caterpillars of a moth, Orthonama obstipata (The Gem), feed on ragworts (Packera spp.). The foliage is shunned by most mammalian herbivores because of its toxicity, although sheep are more tolerant and will eat it.
Photographic Location: An opening in a sandy swamp at the Irwin Prairie State Nature Preserve in NW Ohio.
Comments: Goldenrod Ragwort (Packera aurea) is an attractive spring wildflower. In Illinois, the perennial Packera spp. (Ragworts) differ from each other by the shape of their basal leaves. Among these, Golden Ragwort has the most orbicular basal leaves; each basal blade is slightly to strongly indented at the base where it is joined by the petiole. Other perennial Ragworts have more slender basal leaves that are usually oval to elliptic in shape. One of them, Packera plattensis (Prairie Ragwort), has conspicuous hairs on its leaves and stems, while mature plants of Golden Ragwort are hairless. A scientific synonym of Golden Ragwort is Senecio aureus, and it is sometimes referred to as 'Heart-Leaved Ragwort' or 'Heart-Leaved Groundsel.'
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Miss Chen
2018年05月19日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is about 1-2½' tall, branching occasionally. The stems are light green to reddish purple, terete, and glabrous (var. longistylis) to hairy (var. villicaulis). The alternate leaves are ternately compound; the lower compound leaves are up to 9" long and 9" across, while the upper compound leaves are much smaller in size. Each compound leaf is divided into 3 compound leaflets; the terminal compound leaflet is the largest. Each compound leaflet is further divided into 3 subleaflets; the terminal subleaflet is the largest, sometimes appearing to be divided into 3 even smaller subleaflets. The subleaflets are 1-4" long, ½-1½" across, and lanceolate to oval-ovate shape in shape; their margins are coarsely serrated-crenate or shallowly cleft. The upper subleaflet surface is yellowish green to green and nearly glabrous (var. longistylis) to moderately covered with appressed hairs (var. villicaulis).
The petioles of compound leaves are light green to reddish purple and up to 6" in length. The petiolules of leaflets are light green to reddish green and up to 2" long, while those of subleaflets are nearly sessile to ¼" (6 mm.) long. The foliage of this plant releases a mild anise fragrance when it is rubbed. The upper stems terminate in compound umbels of white flowers about 1½-3" across. There are about 3-6 umbellets per compound umbel on rays (floral stalks) up to 2" long. An umbellet has 7-16 flowers that are clustered together on rays (floral stalklets) up to ¼" (6 mm.) long. Each flower (about 3 mm. across) has 5 white petals with incurved tips, 5 white stamens, a pistil with a divided white style (stylopodium), and an insignificant calyx that is light green. At the base of each compound umbel, there are several linear-lanceolate bracts with ciliate margins; they are up to 8 mm. in length. At the base of each umbellet, there are several linear-lanceolate bractlets with ciliate margins; they are also up to 8 mm. in length.
The blooming period occurs during the late spring or early summer, lasting about 2-3 weeks. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by 2-seeded fruits (schizocarps). While these fruits are still immature, the persistent divided style is 2.0-3.5 mm. in length (it is smaller than this when the flowers are still in bloom). The small seeds are narrowly ellipsoid-oblanceoloid, 5-ribbed, and slightly bristly along their ribs. The root system consists of a cluster of fleshy roots with a strong anise fragrance.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight to moderate shade, moist to mesic conditions, and rich loamy soil with decaying organic matter. In a garden situation, this plant will probably thrive in a sheltered area underneath a deciduous tree.
Range & Habitat: The native Aniseroot occurs in most counties of central and northern Illinois, where it is occasional to locally common; in southern Illinois, it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). This map combines information for both varieties of Aniseroot; the typical variety is slightly more common than the hairy variety (var. villicaulis). Habitats include moist to mesic deciduous woodlands and gentle slopes of wooded ravines, where a variety of deciduous trees are dominant. Aniseroot can be found in average to high quality natural areas.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract small to medium-sized bees, wasps, beetles, and flies, including cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), mason bees (Osmia spp.), Halictid bees (Agapostemon spp., Augochloropsis spp., Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp.), masked bees (Hylaeus spp.), Syrphid flies, bee flies (Bombyliidae), dance flies (Empis spp.), Tachinid flies, and Anthomyiid flies. The caterpillars of the butterfly Papilio polyxenes asturias (Black Swallowtail) feed on the foliage. The slightly bristly seeds may cling to the fur of mammals, the feathers of birds, and the clothing of humans to some extent, dispersing them to new locations.
Photographic Location: A mesic deciduous woodland at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Aniseroot (Osmorhiza longistylis) can be distinguished from many similar species in the Carrot family by the anise fragance of its foliage and roots. This species closely resembles Sweet Cicely (Osmorhiza claytonii) and they are often confused with each other. However, Sweet Cicely has only 4-7 flowers per umbellet, while Aniseroot has 7-16 flowers per umbellet. While the fruits of these two species are still immature, the persistent styles of Sweet Cicely are 1.0-2.0 mm. in length, while the persistent styles of Aniseroot are 2.0-3.5 mm. in length. The foliage and roots of Aniseroot have a stronger anise scent than those of Sweet Cicely, and its root can be used as a substitute for black licorice.
The petioles of compound leaves are light green to reddish purple and up to 6" in length. The petiolules of leaflets are light green to reddish green and up to 2" long, while those of subleaflets are nearly sessile to ¼" (6 mm.) long. The foliage of this plant releases a mild anise fragrance when it is rubbed. The upper stems terminate in compound umbels of white flowers about 1½-3" across. There are about 3-6 umbellets per compound umbel on rays (floral stalks) up to 2" long. An umbellet has 7-16 flowers that are clustered together on rays (floral stalklets) up to ¼" (6 mm.) long. Each flower (about 3 mm. across) has 5 white petals with incurved tips, 5 white stamens, a pistil with a divided white style (stylopodium), and an insignificant calyx that is light green. At the base of each compound umbel, there are several linear-lanceolate bracts with ciliate margins; they are up to 8 mm. in length. At the base of each umbellet, there are several linear-lanceolate bractlets with ciliate margins; they are also up to 8 mm. in length.
The blooming period occurs during the late spring or early summer, lasting about 2-3 weeks. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by 2-seeded fruits (schizocarps). While these fruits are still immature, the persistent divided style is 2.0-3.5 mm. in length (it is smaller than this when the flowers are still in bloom). The small seeds are narrowly ellipsoid-oblanceoloid, 5-ribbed, and slightly bristly along their ribs. The root system consists of a cluster of fleshy roots with a strong anise fragrance.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight to moderate shade, moist to mesic conditions, and rich loamy soil with decaying organic matter. In a garden situation, this plant will probably thrive in a sheltered area underneath a deciduous tree.
Range & Habitat: The native Aniseroot occurs in most counties of central and northern Illinois, where it is occasional to locally common; in southern Illinois, it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). This map combines information for both varieties of Aniseroot; the typical variety is slightly more common than the hairy variety (var. villicaulis). Habitats include moist to mesic deciduous woodlands and gentle slopes of wooded ravines, where a variety of deciduous trees are dominant. Aniseroot can be found in average to high quality natural areas.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract small to medium-sized bees, wasps, beetles, and flies, including cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), mason bees (Osmia spp.), Halictid bees (Agapostemon spp., Augochloropsis spp., Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp.), masked bees (Hylaeus spp.), Syrphid flies, bee flies (Bombyliidae), dance flies (Empis spp.), Tachinid flies, and Anthomyiid flies. The caterpillars of the butterfly Papilio polyxenes asturias (Black Swallowtail) feed on the foliage. The slightly bristly seeds may cling to the fur of mammals, the feathers of birds, and the clothing of humans to some extent, dispersing them to new locations.
Photographic Location: A mesic deciduous woodland at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Aniseroot (Osmorhiza longistylis) can be distinguished from many similar species in the Carrot family by the anise fragance of its foliage and roots. This species closely resembles Sweet Cicely (Osmorhiza claytonii) and they are often confused with each other. However, Sweet Cicely has only 4-7 flowers per umbellet, while Aniseroot has 7-16 flowers per umbellet. While the fruits of these two species are still immature, the persistent styles of Sweet Cicely are 1.0-2.0 mm. in length, while the persistent styles of Aniseroot are 2.0-3.5 mm. in length. The foliage and roots of Aniseroot have a stronger anise scent than those of Sweet Cicely, and its root can be used as a substitute for black licorice.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月18日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant has an erect flowering stalk about 8-16" tall. Toward the lower middle of this unbranched stalk, there is a single pair of opposite leaves. These leaves are nearly sessile, oval-cordate, coarsely crenate or dentate along the margins, and often shallowly 3-lobed; they are about 2" long and 1¼" across. The flowering stalk is slender, light green, and pubescent. At the base of the plant, there are basal leaves on long petioles. Except for their petioles, they resemble the pair of opposite leaves. The inflorescence is an erect raceme; each flower is widely spaced from the others along the stalk. The pedicels of these flowers are quite short. Each white flower is a less than than ¼" across; it consists of 5 white petals, 10 yellow stamens, a pair of styles, a greenish white calyx with 5 short lobes, and a single-celled ovary. The petals are deeply pinnatifid, which provides them with a fringed appearance. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring. After the blooming period, each flower is replaced by an open capsule that contains many small seeds. These seeds are distributed by raindrop logistics (raindrops striking the capsule cause it to bend and fling some of its seeds). The root system can produce vegetative colonies from rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the spring, otherwise shade is tolerated. Bishop's Cap is usually found in mesic to dry areas of woodlands where the soil contains abundant organic matter, often where there is rocky ground. Most growth and development occurs during the spring when the soil is normally moist.
Range & Habitat: The native Bishop's Cap occurs occasionally in northern, east-central, west-central, and hilly areas of southern Illinois; in many central and south-central areas of the state, it appears to be absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland woodlands, wooded slopes, rocky bluffs, and shady ravines. The substrate of the rocky woodlands where this species occurs can consist of either limestone or sandstone. This species is usually found in high quality woodlands.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated by Syrphid flies and small short-tongued bees (including Halictid bees and Little Carpenter bees). These insects suck nectar from the flowers; the Syrphid flies also feed on the pollen, while the short-tongued bees collect pollen for their larvae. Aside from these insect visitors, little appears to be known about floral-faunal relationships for this species.
Photographic Location: A rocky wooded slope at Shades State Park in west-central Indiana.
Comments: The small delicate flowers are very attractive and fairy-like. Bishop's Cap can be distinguished from other similar wildflowers by the fringed appearance of its flower petals and the pair of nearly sessile leaves on its flowering stalk.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the spring, otherwise shade is tolerated. Bishop's Cap is usually found in mesic to dry areas of woodlands where the soil contains abundant organic matter, often where there is rocky ground. Most growth and development occurs during the spring when the soil is normally moist.
Range & Habitat: The native Bishop's Cap occurs occasionally in northern, east-central, west-central, and hilly areas of southern Illinois; in many central and south-central areas of the state, it appears to be absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland woodlands, wooded slopes, rocky bluffs, and shady ravines. The substrate of the rocky woodlands where this species occurs can consist of either limestone or sandstone. This species is usually found in high quality woodlands.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated by Syrphid flies and small short-tongued bees (including Halictid bees and Little Carpenter bees). These insects suck nectar from the flowers; the Syrphid flies also feed on the pollen, while the short-tongued bees collect pollen for their larvae. Aside from these insect visitors, little appears to be known about floral-faunal relationships for this species.
Photographic Location: A rocky wooded slope at Shades State Park in west-central Indiana.
Comments: The small delicate flowers are very attractive and fairy-like. Bishop's Cap can be distinguished from other similar wildflowers by the fringed appearance of its flower petals and the pair of nearly sessile leaves on its flowering stalk.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月18日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 1–2½' tall, branching occasionally. The central stem is terete, hairless, and usually light green (less often purplish green or purple). The alternate leaves are up to 7" long and 3½" across. They are light green or greyish green and hairless with a soft floppy texture. The leaves are ovate-oval or ovate-oblong in shape, smooth (entire) along their margins, and pinnately veined. The leaves usually taper to winged petioles up to 2½" long, although some of the upper leaves are sessile. The upper stems terminate in nodding cymes of flowers. Individual flowers are about ¾–1¼" in length.
The corolla of each flower is tubular at its base, but it is more bell-shaped (campanulate) toward its outer rim, where there are 5 shallow lobes that are barely discernible. Inserted within the corolla, there are 5 white stamens with light brown anthers and a white style that is long and slender. The small greyish green calyx of each flower is about ¼" (6 mm.) long; it is divided into 5 elliptic teeth. The flower buds are pink, bluish pink, or purple, while the corollas of mature flowers are light blue (rarely white or pink). The pedicels of the flowers are greyish green to purple, terete, and up to ¼" (6 mm.) long. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring, lasting about 3 weeks. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by 4-lobed fruits (schizocarps), which contain the nutlets (4 nutlets per flower). The small nutlets are dark brown, ovoid, and flattened on one side; their surfaces are minutely wrinkled or pitted. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant often forms colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to partial sun in moist areas with rich loamy soil. This plant develops very quickly during the spring after danger of hard frost has passed. Its foliage dies down by mid-summer.
Range & Habitat: Virginia Bluebells is a fairly common plant that occurs in most counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include floodplain woodlands, bottomland woodlands, mesic woodlands, and wooded bluffs. Sometimes this wildflower forms sizable colonies in semi-shaded floodplain areas along rivers or streams, where it often competes with Wood Nettle (Laportea canadensis). It is also cultivated in flower gardens.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by long-tongued bees primarily, including honeybees, bumblebees, Anthophorid bees (Anthophora spp., Synhalonia spp.), and mason bees (Osmia spp.); these insects obtain nectar and/or collect pollen. Other visitors of the flowers include the Giant Bee Fly (Bombylius major), butterflies, skippers, and Sphinx moths, including a hummingbird moth (Hemaris thysbe). This group of visitors suck nectar from the flowers. Halictid bees and Syrphid flies sometimes visit the flowers, but they are too small in size to be effective pollinators. In some areas, the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird has been observed to visit the flowers. White-Tailed Deer browse on the foliage occasionally during the spring. When this plant forms large colonies, it provides protective cover for many kinds of wildlife during the spring.
Photographic Location: A moist wooded area of Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: It is easy to see why Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica) is a favorite woodland wildflower. The pastel colors of the flowers and foliage are soft and soothing. There are other Mertensia spp. in the United States with a similar appearance, but they occur north or west of Illinois. They usually have smaller flowers and/or pubescent foliage.
The corolla of each flower is tubular at its base, but it is more bell-shaped (campanulate) toward its outer rim, where there are 5 shallow lobes that are barely discernible. Inserted within the corolla, there are 5 white stamens with light brown anthers and a white style that is long and slender. The small greyish green calyx of each flower is about ¼" (6 mm.) long; it is divided into 5 elliptic teeth. The flower buds are pink, bluish pink, or purple, while the corollas of mature flowers are light blue (rarely white or pink). The pedicels of the flowers are greyish green to purple, terete, and up to ¼" (6 mm.) long. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring, lasting about 3 weeks. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by 4-lobed fruits (schizocarps), which contain the nutlets (4 nutlets per flower). The small nutlets are dark brown, ovoid, and flattened on one side; their surfaces are minutely wrinkled or pitted. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant often forms colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to partial sun in moist areas with rich loamy soil. This plant develops very quickly during the spring after danger of hard frost has passed. Its foliage dies down by mid-summer.
Range & Habitat: Virginia Bluebells is a fairly common plant that occurs in most counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include floodplain woodlands, bottomland woodlands, mesic woodlands, and wooded bluffs. Sometimes this wildflower forms sizable colonies in semi-shaded floodplain areas along rivers or streams, where it often competes with Wood Nettle (Laportea canadensis). It is also cultivated in flower gardens.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by long-tongued bees primarily, including honeybees, bumblebees, Anthophorid bees (Anthophora spp., Synhalonia spp.), and mason bees (Osmia spp.); these insects obtain nectar and/or collect pollen. Other visitors of the flowers include the Giant Bee Fly (Bombylius major), butterflies, skippers, and Sphinx moths, including a hummingbird moth (Hemaris thysbe). This group of visitors suck nectar from the flowers. Halictid bees and Syrphid flies sometimes visit the flowers, but they are too small in size to be effective pollinators. In some areas, the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird has been observed to visit the flowers. White-Tailed Deer browse on the foliage occasionally during the spring. When this plant forms large colonies, it provides protective cover for many kinds of wildlife during the spring.
Photographic Location: A moist wooded area of Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: It is easy to see why Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica) is a favorite woodland wildflower. The pastel colors of the flowers and foliage are soft and soothing. There are other Mertensia spp. in the United States with a similar appearance, but they occur north or west of Illinois. They usually have smaller flowers and/or pubescent foliage.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月17日
Description: This perennial plant is about 1½–2½' tall, branching occasionally. The stems are light green and densely covered with white hairs. The alternate leaves are up to 5½" long and 2" across; they are lanceolate to ovate, smooth along the margins, and sessile. The upper surface of each leaf is dark green, sparsely covered with short hairs, and pinnately veined; the lower surface is light green and densely covered with short white hairs. The lateral veins are conspicuous on both sides of the leaves. The flowers bloom near the apex of the stems. They occur individually from the axils of the leaves; their pedicels are short. Each flower is about ¼" across, consisting of a hairy green calyx with 5 linear-lanceolate teeth and a pale yellow corolla with 5 spreading lobes and a narrow throat. The tube of the corolla is no longer than the teeth of the calyx. The reproductive organs are hidden within the corolla. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer. Only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. They are replaced by ovoid-globoid nutlets with an outer coat that is white, smooth, and hard. The root system consists of a taproot, which may send up more than one stem.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the spring and light to medium shade during the remainder of the year. The soil should be moist to slightly dry, fertile and loamy, containing abundant organic matter. The hard white seeds are difficult to germinate.
Range & Habitat: The native American Gromwell is scattered across Illinois; it is an uncommon plant (see Distribution Map). Populations of this species within the state have probably declined. Habitats include rich deciduous woodlands, wooded slopes, and shaded riverbanks. This conservative species prefers high quality woodlands where the original ground flora is largely intact.
Faunal Associations: The structure of the flowers suggests that the pollinators are long-tongued bees and butterflies. More specific information about floral-faunal relationships is currently unavailable.
Photographic Location: Toward the bottom of a moist wooded slope in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: American Gromwell is one of the woodland wildflowers that blooms during the spring, but it is often overlooked and many field guides fail to describe it, probably because its flowers are not very showy. American Gromwell resembles Lithospermum officinale (European Gromwell) in its overall appearance. This latter species produces flowers in flat-headed cymes and its leaves are more slender. In contrast, American Gromwell produces individual flowers from the axils of the leaves. Another European species, Buglossoides arvense (Corn Gromwell), produces individual flowers from the axils of the leaves, but these flowers are bright white and its leaves are smaller in size. Corn Gromwell produces nutlets that are brown and wrinkled, rather than smooth and white. Other Lithospermum spp. in Illinois are native prairie plants that also produce flowers in flat-headed cymes. The flowers of these latter species have longer corollas that are a brilliant yellow or orange-yellow.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the spring and light to medium shade during the remainder of the year. The soil should be moist to slightly dry, fertile and loamy, containing abundant organic matter. The hard white seeds are difficult to germinate.
Range & Habitat: The native American Gromwell is scattered across Illinois; it is an uncommon plant (see Distribution Map). Populations of this species within the state have probably declined. Habitats include rich deciduous woodlands, wooded slopes, and shaded riverbanks. This conservative species prefers high quality woodlands where the original ground flora is largely intact.
Faunal Associations: The structure of the flowers suggests that the pollinators are long-tongued bees and butterflies. More specific information about floral-faunal relationships is currently unavailable.
Photographic Location: Toward the bottom of a moist wooded slope in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: American Gromwell is one of the woodland wildflowers that blooms during the spring, but it is often overlooked and many field guides fail to describe it, probably because its flowers are not very showy. American Gromwell resembles Lithospermum officinale (European Gromwell) in its overall appearance. This latter species produces flowers in flat-headed cymes and its leaves are more slender. In contrast, American Gromwell produces individual flowers from the axils of the leaves. Another European species, Buglossoides arvense (Corn Gromwell), produces individual flowers from the axils of the leaves, but these flowers are bright white and its leaves are smaller in size. Corn Gromwell produces nutlets that are brown and wrinkled, rather than smooth and white. Other Lithospermum spp. in Illinois are native prairie plants that also produce flowers in flat-headed cymes. The flowers of these latter species have longer corollas that are a brilliant yellow or orange-yellow.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月17日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is about 2-4' tall and either branched or unbranched. The stems are light to medium green and abundantly covered with stiff white hairs that have the capacity to sting when they are rubbed against. The lower to middle leaves are alternate, while the upper leaves are opposite. These leaves are up to 6" long and 4" across; they are medium to dark green, ovate-cordate to oval-ovate in shape, and coarsely serrated or serrated-crenate. Young leaves are densely hairy and wrinkled in appearance, while older leaves become less hairy and wrinkled with age. Leaf venation is pinnate. The petioles are up to 4" long and abundantly covered with stinging hairs, like the stems. The leaves may have a few stinging hairs as well, particularly along the central veins of their undersides. Some plants have a tendency to loose many of their stinging hairs as the season progresses. Individual plants are either monoecious (separate male and female flowers on the same plant) or unisexual.
The male flowers occur in branching cymes from the axils of the leaves. These cymes spread outward from the stem and they are about the same length as the petioles of the leaves. Each male flower is greenish white to white and less than 1/8" (3 mm.) across, consisting of 5 narrow sepals, 5 stamens, and no petals. The female flowers occur in branching cymes toward the apex of the plant. These cymes are erect to spreading and 4" or more in length. Each female flower is more or less green and about 1/8" (3 mm.) across, consisting of 4 sepals of unequal size (2 large and 2 small) and an ovary with a long style. The blooming period usually occurs during mid- to late summer. The flowers are wind-pollinated. Each female flower is replaced by a small dry fruit that is curved and ovoid in shape. This plant often forms colonies of variable size.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to medium shade, moist conditions, and a fertile loamy soil with abundant organic matter. Because of its stinging hairs and tendency to spread, you probably would not want to cultivate this plant near the house, except possibly as a privacy barrier.
Range & Habitat: The native Wood Nettle is common in central and northern Illinois, but it is uncommon or absent in parts of southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist floodplain woodlands, moist bottomland woodlands, mesic woodlands, shady seeps, and other moist places in wooded areas. Various deciduous trees (e.g., elms, maples, or sycamore) dominate the habitats where the Wood Nettle occurs.
Faunal Associations: The caterpillars of the following butterflies feed on the foliage: Polygonia comma (Comma), Polygonia interrogationis (Question Mark), and Vanessa atalanta (Red Admiral). Other insect feeders include caterpillars of the moths Bomolocha edictalis (Large Bomolocha) and Bomolocha sordidula (Sordid Bomolocha), leaf-mining larvae of the fly Agromyza subnigripes, and the stink bug Proxys punctulatus. White-tailed Deer also browse on the foliage of Wood Nettle occasionally, notwithstanding the stinging hairs. When this plant forms dense colonies in wooded areas, it provides valuable cover for wildlife.
Photographic Location: A floodplain woodland in Vermilion County, Illinois. The Wood Nettle in the photographs wasn't in bloom.
Comments: This native plant is often mistaken for the introduced Urtica dioica (Stinging Nettle). Both species have stinging hairs and a similar appearance. However, the Wood Nettle has some alternate leaves, while Stinging Nettle has pairs of opposite leaves only. There are also differences in the characteristics of their flowers. Another similar species, Boehmeria cylindrica (False Nettle), also has opposite leaves, but it lacks stinging hairs altogether. Like other members of the Nettle family, the Wood Nettle lacks showy flowers because they are wind-pollinated, rather than pollinated by insects. Some people may regard this species as an undesirable woodland weed because of its stinging hairs and unassuming appearance, but it is an important host plant of some native butterflies.
The male flowers occur in branching cymes from the axils of the leaves. These cymes spread outward from the stem and they are about the same length as the petioles of the leaves. Each male flower is greenish white to white and less than 1/8" (3 mm.) across, consisting of 5 narrow sepals, 5 stamens, and no petals. The female flowers occur in branching cymes toward the apex of the plant. These cymes are erect to spreading and 4" or more in length. Each female flower is more or less green and about 1/8" (3 mm.) across, consisting of 4 sepals of unequal size (2 large and 2 small) and an ovary with a long style. The blooming period usually occurs during mid- to late summer. The flowers are wind-pollinated. Each female flower is replaced by a small dry fruit that is curved and ovoid in shape. This plant often forms colonies of variable size.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to medium shade, moist conditions, and a fertile loamy soil with abundant organic matter. Because of its stinging hairs and tendency to spread, you probably would not want to cultivate this plant near the house, except possibly as a privacy barrier.
Range & Habitat: The native Wood Nettle is common in central and northern Illinois, but it is uncommon or absent in parts of southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist floodplain woodlands, moist bottomland woodlands, mesic woodlands, shady seeps, and other moist places in wooded areas. Various deciduous trees (e.g., elms, maples, or sycamore) dominate the habitats where the Wood Nettle occurs.
Faunal Associations: The caterpillars of the following butterflies feed on the foliage: Polygonia comma (Comma), Polygonia interrogationis (Question Mark), and Vanessa atalanta (Red Admiral). Other insect feeders include caterpillars of the moths Bomolocha edictalis (Large Bomolocha) and Bomolocha sordidula (Sordid Bomolocha), leaf-mining larvae of the fly Agromyza subnigripes, and the stink bug Proxys punctulatus. White-tailed Deer also browse on the foliage of Wood Nettle occasionally, notwithstanding the stinging hairs. When this plant forms dense colonies in wooded areas, it provides valuable cover for wildlife.
Photographic Location: A floodplain woodland in Vermilion County, Illinois. The Wood Nettle in the photographs wasn't in bloom.
Comments: This native plant is often mistaken for the introduced Urtica dioica (Stinging Nettle). Both species have stinging hairs and a similar appearance. However, the Wood Nettle has some alternate leaves, while Stinging Nettle has pairs of opposite leaves only. There are also differences in the characteristics of their flowers. Another similar species, Boehmeria cylindrica (False Nettle), also has opposite leaves, but it lacks stinging hairs altogether. Like other members of the Nettle family, the Wood Nettle lacks showy flowers because they are wind-pollinated, rather than pollinated by insects. Some people may regard this species as an undesirable woodland weed because of its stinging hairs and unassuming appearance, but it is an important host plant of some native butterflies.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月17日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 1-3' tall, branching sparingly. It is relatively short-lived. The foliage consists of basal leaves and bolting stems with alternate leaves; most vegetative growth occurs during the spring. The stems are light to medium green, glabrous, and terete; sometimes they are slightly angular or slightly furrowed. The leaves are up to 5" long and 2" across, becoming smaller as they ascend the stems. They are usually more or less ovate, serrated or dentate along their margins, medium green, and glabrous. The basal leaves and lower alternate leaves are often pinnately lobed (pinnatifid); these lobes occur in 1-4 pairs near the base of each leaf. The upper stems terminate in erect racemes of flowers about 6-18" in length. Sometimes shorter racemes of flowers also develop from the axils of the upper leaves.
Each flower is about ¼" (6 mm.) across, consisting of 4 petals that are pale violet to nearly white, 4 pale gray or pale violet sepals, 6 stamens with violet anthers, and a pistil with a stout style. The petals are oblanceolate in shape and longer than the sepals. The sepals are oblong in shape and usually glabrous, although the tips of sepals on young flowers are sometimes finely hairy. The pedicels of the flowers are about 6-8 mm. long, ascending, and glabrous; they are green, greenish violet, or violet. The rachises (central stalks) and peduncles (basal stalks) of the racemes are green or purplish green and glabrous. The blooming period occurs during the early summer and lasts about 3 weeks. The flowers are often fragrant, particularly in sunny locations. The flowers are replaced by glabrous siliques (narrowly cylindrical seedpods) that become about ½–1" long at maturity. Each silique contains a single row of oblongoid seeds. Immature siliques are green to dark violet. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to medium shade, wet to moist conditions, and rich loamy soil with abundant organic matter. This plant is able to tolerate temporary flooding.
Range & Habitat: The native Purple Rocket occurs occasionally in east central and NE Illinois, while in other areas of the state it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include wet to mesic deciduous woodlands, particularly in floodplain areas along rivers and low-lying areas that are prone to occasional flooding. This plant also occurs in soggy meadows near wooded areas, including sunny areas that are adjacent to small streams and drainage ditches. Purple Rocket is a non-weedy member of the Mustard family that usually occurs in higher quality natural areas, less often at degraded sites.
Faunal Associations: There is very little information about floral-faunal relationships for this species. In sunny areas, the nectar of the flowers attracts bees and butterflies; in particular, the butterfly Pieris rapae (Cabbage White) is strongly attracted to the flowers. In shady areas, the flowers appear to attract about the same number of bees, but fewer butterflies.
Photographic Location: Along a drainage ditch in a moist meadow at Judge Webber Park in Urbana, Illinois. This meadow is rather weedy and located near a wooded area. Purple Rocket also occurs in damp shady areas at Busey Woods in the same city.
Comments: This is one of the more unusual members of the Mustard family because it is native, non-weedy, and has pale violet flowers. As these flowers become older, their color fades to white. In sunny areas, the elongated racemes of flowers can become exceptionally long – often comprising the upper half of the plant, if not more. However, they tend to be a little shorter and less showy in shady areas. Purple Rocket (Iodanthus pinnatifidus) is fairly easy to identify in the field because it doesn't closely resemble any other member of the Mustard family. Perhaps the most similar species is Blue Mustard (Chorispora tenella). This introduced species is rare in Illinois; it differs from Purple Rocket in having pink or purplish pink flowers and glandular hairs on its stems and pedicels. The siliques of Blue Mustard curve upward and they have longer beaks. Another member of the Mustard family, the introduced Dame's Rocket (Hesperis matronalis), has much larger flowers that are rosy pink. The petals of its flowers are well-rounded and overlapping, while the petals of Purple Rocket are more narrow and don't overlap.
Each flower is about ¼" (6 mm.) across, consisting of 4 petals that are pale violet to nearly white, 4 pale gray or pale violet sepals, 6 stamens with violet anthers, and a pistil with a stout style. The petals are oblanceolate in shape and longer than the sepals. The sepals are oblong in shape and usually glabrous, although the tips of sepals on young flowers are sometimes finely hairy. The pedicels of the flowers are about 6-8 mm. long, ascending, and glabrous; they are green, greenish violet, or violet. The rachises (central stalks) and peduncles (basal stalks) of the racemes are green or purplish green and glabrous. The blooming period occurs during the early summer and lasts about 3 weeks. The flowers are often fragrant, particularly in sunny locations. The flowers are replaced by glabrous siliques (narrowly cylindrical seedpods) that become about ½–1" long at maturity. Each silique contains a single row of oblongoid seeds. Immature siliques are green to dark violet. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to medium shade, wet to moist conditions, and rich loamy soil with abundant organic matter. This plant is able to tolerate temporary flooding.
Range & Habitat: The native Purple Rocket occurs occasionally in east central and NE Illinois, while in other areas of the state it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include wet to mesic deciduous woodlands, particularly in floodplain areas along rivers and low-lying areas that are prone to occasional flooding. This plant also occurs in soggy meadows near wooded areas, including sunny areas that are adjacent to small streams and drainage ditches. Purple Rocket is a non-weedy member of the Mustard family that usually occurs in higher quality natural areas, less often at degraded sites.
Faunal Associations: There is very little information about floral-faunal relationships for this species. In sunny areas, the nectar of the flowers attracts bees and butterflies; in particular, the butterfly Pieris rapae (Cabbage White) is strongly attracted to the flowers. In shady areas, the flowers appear to attract about the same number of bees, but fewer butterflies.
Photographic Location: Along a drainage ditch in a moist meadow at Judge Webber Park in Urbana, Illinois. This meadow is rather weedy and located near a wooded area. Purple Rocket also occurs in damp shady areas at Busey Woods in the same city.
Comments: This is one of the more unusual members of the Mustard family because it is native, non-weedy, and has pale violet flowers. As these flowers become older, their color fades to white. In sunny areas, the elongated racemes of flowers can become exceptionally long – often comprising the upper half of the plant, if not more. However, they tend to be a little shorter and less showy in shady areas. Purple Rocket (Iodanthus pinnatifidus) is fairly easy to identify in the field because it doesn't closely resemble any other member of the Mustard family. Perhaps the most similar species is Blue Mustard (Chorispora tenella). This introduced species is rare in Illinois; it differs from Purple Rocket in having pink or purplish pink flowers and glandular hairs on its stems and pedicels. The siliques of Blue Mustard curve upward and they have longer beaks. Another member of the Mustard family, the introduced Dame's Rocket (Hesperis matronalis), has much larger flowers that are rosy pink. The petals of its flowers are well-rounded and overlapping, while the petals of Purple Rocket are more narrow and don't overlap.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月17日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 1-2' tall, branching sparingly. The stems are green, reddish green, or reddish brown, and they are glabrous to slightly hairy. When they are present, these hairs are curved or appressed against their stems. The alternate leaves are up to 6" long and 4" across (excluding the petioles); they are pinnately divided into 3-5 leaflets or deep lobes, and their margins are coarsely toothed or shallowly cleft. The lobes of these leaves are relatively narrow and they have acute tips. The earliest leaves in spring have small patches of white that are scattered across their upper surfaces; these white patches don't develop in later leaves. The petioles are up to 2" long, light green to reddish brown, and glabrous to short-pubescent; they are flat or furrowed along their upper sides and convex below. Each upper stem terminates in 1 or 2 cymes of flowers. The flowering stalks (or peduncles) of these cymes are up to 4" long; they are terete and glabrous to short-pubescent.
The stalks terminate in dense cymes of flowers about 1-2" across; each cyme contains about 8-20 flowers. Each flower is about 8-12 mm. long, consisting of a corolla with 5 lobes, a hairy green calyx with 5 linear teeth, 5 stamens, and a slender white style that is divided at its tip. The corolla is white, pink, or light lavender; its oblong lobes spread apart only slightly when the flower is fully open. The stamens are strongly exerted from the corolla and quite conspicuous; they have hairy white filaments and brownish anthers. The pedicels of the flowers are up to 12 mm. (½") in length; they are terete and glabrous to short-pubescent. The blooming period occurs during late spring to early summer, lasting about 3-4 weeks; some plants may bloom a little earlier or later than this. Each flower is replaced by a seed capsule that splits open to release its seeds. The root system consists of a tuft of fibrous roots and rhizomes. Occasionally, this plant forms colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to light shade, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and a rich loamy soil with decaying leaves. This plant can be cultivated in gardens where there is some shade from deciduous trees.
Range & Habitat: The native Virginia Waterleaf is occasional to locally common in central and northern Illinois, while in southern Illinois it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include deciduous woodlands, savannas, areas along woodland paths, wooded slopes along rivers, bluffs, edges of clearings in wooded areas, and powerline clearances in wooded areas. This wildflower benefits from occasional disturbance if it removes excessive woody vegetation, and populations of this species decline in response to invasion from Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata).
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract bumblebees, long-horned bees (Synhalonia spp.), cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), mason bees (Osmia spp.), Halictid bees (Lasioglossum spp., Augochlorella spp., etc.), Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.), and bee flies (Bombyliidae). An Andrenid bee, Andrena geranii, is a specialist pollinator of Hydrophyllum spp. Syrphid flies sometimes feed on the pollen of the flowers, but they are less effective at cross-pollination. The foliage is browsed by White-tailed Deer occasionally.
Photographic Location: Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is probably the most common Hydrophyllum sp. in Illinois. Virginia Waterleaf has attractive flowers and foliage; it blooms a little later than most spring-blooming wildflowers in woodlands. The following characteristics distinguish this species from other Hydrophyllum spp. that occur in the state: 1) There are no curved appendages between the teeth of the calyx, 2) the stems are hairless, or they have lines of hairs that are curved or appressed against the stem, 3) the leaves are pinnately lobed and they are usually a little longer than wide, 4) the lobes of the corolla spread apart only a little, 5) the stamens and styles are longer than their corollas, and 6) the lobes of the leaves have acute tips. Other Hydrophyllum spp. have little appendages between the teeth of their calyxes, or they have stems with abundant spreading hairs, or they have palmately lobed leaves that are as wide as they are long, or the lobes of their corollas spread widely apart, or their stamens and styles are no longer than their corollas, or the lobes of their leaves have blunt tips. While this set of distinctions may sound complicated, it is usually easy to identify Virginia Waterleaf in the field.
The stalks terminate in dense cymes of flowers about 1-2" across; each cyme contains about 8-20 flowers. Each flower is about 8-12 mm. long, consisting of a corolla with 5 lobes, a hairy green calyx with 5 linear teeth, 5 stamens, and a slender white style that is divided at its tip. The corolla is white, pink, or light lavender; its oblong lobes spread apart only slightly when the flower is fully open. The stamens are strongly exerted from the corolla and quite conspicuous; they have hairy white filaments and brownish anthers. The pedicels of the flowers are up to 12 mm. (½") in length; they are terete and glabrous to short-pubescent. The blooming period occurs during late spring to early summer, lasting about 3-4 weeks; some plants may bloom a little earlier or later than this. Each flower is replaced by a seed capsule that splits open to release its seeds. The root system consists of a tuft of fibrous roots and rhizomes. Occasionally, this plant forms colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to light shade, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and a rich loamy soil with decaying leaves. This plant can be cultivated in gardens where there is some shade from deciduous trees.
Range & Habitat: The native Virginia Waterleaf is occasional to locally common in central and northern Illinois, while in southern Illinois it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include deciduous woodlands, savannas, areas along woodland paths, wooded slopes along rivers, bluffs, edges of clearings in wooded areas, and powerline clearances in wooded areas. This wildflower benefits from occasional disturbance if it removes excessive woody vegetation, and populations of this species decline in response to invasion from Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata).
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract bumblebees, long-horned bees (Synhalonia spp.), cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), mason bees (Osmia spp.), Halictid bees (Lasioglossum spp., Augochlorella spp., etc.), Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.), and bee flies (Bombyliidae). An Andrenid bee, Andrena geranii, is a specialist pollinator of Hydrophyllum spp. Syrphid flies sometimes feed on the pollen of the flowers, but they are less effective at cross-pollination. The foliage is browsed by White-tailed Deer occasionally.
Photographic Location: Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is probably the most common Hydrophyllum sp. in Illinois. Virginia Waterleaf has attractive flowers and foliage; it blooms a little later than most spring-blooming wildflowers in woodlands. The following characteristics distinguish this species from other Hydrophyllum spp. that occur in the state: 1) There are no curved appendages between the teeth of the calyx, 2) the stems are hairless, or they have lines of hairs that are curved or appressed against the stem, 3) the leaves are pinnately lobed and they are usually a little longer than wide, 4) the lobes of the corolla spread apart only a little, 5) the stamens and styles are longer than their corollas, and 6) the lobes of the leaves have acute tips. Other Hydrophyllum spp. have little appendages between the teeth of their calyxes, or they have stems with abundant spreading hairs, or they have palmately lobed leaves that are as wide as they are long, or the lobes of their corollas spread widely apart, or their stamens and styles are no longer than their corollas, or the lobes of their leaves have blunt tips. While this set of distinctions may sound complicated, it is usually easy to identify Virginia Waterleaf in the field.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月16日
Description: Depending on its stage of development, this herbaceous perennial plant is about 3-12" tall. It produces only basal leaves that are about 3-5" wide and across. Each of these basal leaves is wrapped around the stalk of a single flower (sometimes two stalks are produced) as the flower begins to bloom. The basal leaves continue to unfold to their fullest extent as the flowers wither away. Each basal leaf is oval-orbicular in outline and palmate-reticulately veined, with 5-9 major lobes and several minor lobes along the undulating margins. The palmate-reticulate venation is fairly prominent and provides the rather succulent leaves with a wrinkly appearance, especially on their lower surfaces. The color of the leaves on the upper surface is light green, sometimes with greyish or bluish tints, while the lower surface is whitish green. The terete petioles are about 4" long and rather stout. The foliage of this plant is glabrous and glaucous.
The flowering stalk is terete, stout, glabrous, and sometimes slightly reddish, terminating in a single large flower. This stalk is about 3-4" tall when the flower begins to bloom. The flower is about 1½–3" across, consisting of 8-16 white petals, a green oval pistil, and numerous stamens with prominent yellow anthers. The pistil has a pale yellow stigma at its apex. There are 2 light green sepals that are nearly as long as the petals, but they fall off the flowering stalk as soon as the flower begins to bloom. The blooming period occurs from early to mid-spring, lasting about 2 weeks. Each flower remains in bloom for only 1 or 2 days (when it is sunny), producing a fragrant scent. Afterwards, each flower is replaced by a seed capsule that becomes enlarged and eventually turns yellow, splitting open to release its seeds. The root system consists of thick reddish rhizomes with coarse fibrous roots. Both the foliage and the rhizomes contain an acrid reddish juice. This plants often forms vegetative colonies.
Cultivation: During early to mid-spring, this plant should have access to some sunlight, otherwise the flowers may fail to open. After the trees begin to form leaves later in the spring, considerable shade is tolerated. The soil should be fertile and loamy, with average moisture levels (by woodland standards). The foliage is not affected by disease significantly, although it will gradually wither away as the summer progresses.
Range & Habitat: Bloodroot is a common plant that occurs in most counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include rich deciduous woodlands, wooded slopes, edges of bluffs, shaded ravines, banks of rivers in wooded areas, and areas along woodland paths.
Faunal Associations: The pollen of the flowers attracts various kinds of bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp.), and Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.). Other insects that visit the flowers include Syrphid flies and beetles, which feed on the pollen (or search vainly for nectar). An aphid, Linosiphon sanguinarium, sucks plant juices from the leaf undersides. The seeds of Bloodroot are distributed by ants because of their fleshy appendages. This is a common method of seed distribution for woodland wildflowers, as wind speeds are greatly reduced in wooded areas. The foliage and rhizomes contain an acrid reddish juice and they are toxic. Consequently, this plant is not often eaten by mammalian herbivores, although White-Tailed Deer browse sparingly on the succulent leaves.
Photographic Location: A partially-shaded flower garden near Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Bloodroot is one of the spring ephemerals of deciduous woodlands. It has very showy flowers and unusual-looking, but attractive, foliage. Unfortunately, the flowers are relatively short-lived. Across different localities, there are significant variations in this plant, involving such characteristics as the number of petals and size of the flowers, and the appearance of the foliage. On rare occasions, light pink flowers are produced. The Amerindians created a red dye from the juice of the rhizomes. The juice of plants in this genus possesses anti-bacterial properties with possible pharmaceutical applications, including an anti-plaque mouthwash.
The flowering stalk is terete, stout, glabrous, and sometimes slightly reddish, terminating in a single large flower. This stalk is about 3-4" tall when the flower begins to bloom. The flower is about 1½–3" across, consisting of 8-16 white petals, a green oval pistil, and numerous stamens with prominent yellow anthers. The pistil has a pale yellow stigma at its apex. There are 2 light green sepals that are nearly as long as the petals, but they fall off the flowering stalk as soon as the flower begins to bloom. The blooming period occurs from early to mid-spring, lasting about 2 weeks. Each flower remains in bloom for only 1 or 2 days (when it is sunny), producing a fragrant scent. Afterwards, each flower is replaced by a seed capsule that becomes enlarged and eventually turns yellow, splitting open to release its seeds. The root system consists of thick reddish rhizomes with coarse fibrous roots. Both the foliage and the rhizomes contain an acrid reddish juice. This plants often forms vegetative colonies.
Cultivation: During early to mid-spring, this plant should have access to some sunlight, otherwise the flowers may fail to open. After the trees begin to form leaves later in the spring, considerable shade is tolerated. The soil should be fertile and loamy, with average moisture levels (by woodland standards). The foliage is not affected by disease significantly, although it will gradually wither away as the summer progresses.
Range & Habitat: Bloodroot is a common plant that occurs in most counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include rich deciduous woodlands, wooded slopes, edges of bluffs, shaded ravines, banks of rivers in wooded areas, and areas along woodland paths.
Faunal Associations: The pollen of the flowers attracts various kinds of bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp.), and Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.). Other insects that visit the flowers include Syrphid flies and beetles, which feed on the pollen (or search vainly for nectar). An aphid, Linosiphon sanguinarium, sucks plant juices from the leaf undersides. The seeds of Bloodroot are distributed by ants because of their fleshy appendages. This is a common method of seed distribution for woodland wildflowers, as wind speeds are greatly reduced in wooded areas. The foliage and rhizomes contain an acrid reddish juice and they are toxic. Consequently, this plant is not often eaten by mammalian herbivores, although White-Tailed Deer browse sparingly on the succulent leaves.
Photographic Location: A partially-shaded flower garden near Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Bloodroot is one of the spring ephemerals of deciduous woodlands. It has very showy flowers and unusual-looking, but attractive, foliage. Unfortunately, the flowers are relatively short-lived. Across different localities, there are significant variations in this plant, involving such characteristics as the number of petals and size of the flowers, and the appearance of the foliage. On rare occasions, light pink flowers are produced. The Amerindians created a red dye from the juice of the rhizomes. The juice of plants in this genus possesses anti-bacterial properties with possible pharmaceutical applications, including an anti-plaque mouthwash.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月16日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is about 1½–3' tall, branching occasionally. The stems are green, terete to angular, and either glabrous or sparsely hairy along two opposite lines. The opposite leaves are up to 5" long and 3" across; they are lanceolate to ovate in shape and smooth or slightly undulate along their margins. The upper leaf surface is yellowish green to dark green and glabrous (or nearly so), while the lower leaf surface is pale to medium green and glabrous to sparsely hairy along the undersides of the veins. The petioles are ¼–½" long. From the axils of the middle to upper leaves, there develops 1-3 flowers that are nearly sessile. Less often, such flowers will terminate a lateral stem that is up to 6" long, directly above a pair of leaves.
Each flower is about 2" long and 1½" across, consisting of a funnelform corolla that is pinkish lavender to bluish violet (rarely white, except at its base), a green short-tubular calyx with long slender teeth, 4 inserted stamens, and a pistil with an inserted style. The corolla is narrowly tubular at the base, but it spreads outward to form 5 rounded lobes. The lobes of the corolla have undulate edges and a delicate appearance. At the throat of the corolla, there are several fine veins that are purple and somewhat reticulated; they function as nectar guides for visiting insects. The tubular portion of the calyx is about ¼" long or a little less, while its teeth are ½–1" long, linear-lanceolate in shape, strongly ciliate along their margins, and 2-3 mm. across.
The blooming period occurs during the summer for 2-3 months. Each diurnal flower lasts only a single day; a single mature plant will have about 0-2 flowers in bloom during a typical summer day. The flowers are often partially hidden by the foliage. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by glabrous seed capsules that are up to ¾" long. Each of these capsules contains several seeds that are released explosively. Individual seeds are about 3 mm. (1/8") across, flattened-globoid in shape, and brown to dark brown. There is a less common form of this plant that produces non-showy cleistogamous flowers (f. cleistantha); it usually has more narrow leaves than the typical form (f. strepens).
Cultivation: The preference is light shade or partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and either loamy or rocky soil containing some organic matter. This plant is not often bothered by either disease and insect pests. It may fail to flower in areas with medium to dense shade.
Range & Habitat: The native Smooth Wild Petunia occurs occasionally in southern and central Illinois, while it is absent in the northern section of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic open woodlands, woodland edges, areas along woodland paths, thickets, thinly wooded slopes along rivers, and rocky banks of streams. In woodlands where there is an absence of fire or other disturbance, populations of this plant may decline because of excessive shade, particularly when those woodlands have become dominated by Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) and other woody vegetation that cast heavy shade.
Faunal Associations: The flowers have few visitors, although their nectar and pollen occasionally attract the smaller long-tongued bees (personal observation). Robertson (1929) observed the long-horned bee, Synhalonia speciosa, visiting the flowers of Smooth Wild Petunia. According to MacRae (1991), the adults of some metallic wood-boring beetles (Acmaeodera spp.) also visit the flowers. Sometimes pieces of the corolla are used by leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.) in the construction of their brood nests; these bees may also visit the flowers for nectar and pollen. The caterpillars of a butterfly, Junonia coenia (Buckeye), have been observed feeding on the foliage of Ruellia spp. (Wild Petunias). Otherwise, little is known about floral-faunal relationships for plants in this genus.
Photographic Location: Along a path in a mesic area of Busey Woods, Urbana, Illinois, and along the rocky bank of a stream in southern Illinois.
Comments: The flowers of Ruellia spp. (Wild Petunias) have a striking resemblance to the flowers of the cultivated Petunia (Petunia × hybrida), which has been introduced from South America and belongs to a different family of plants (Solanaceae). However, the flowers of Wild Petunias have less diversity of color. Mohlenbrock (2003) describes 4 Ruellia spp. in Illinois; some of these are restricted to the southern one-third of the state. Smooth Wild Petunia (Ruellia strepens) is very similar in appearance to Carolina Wild Petunia (Ruellia caroliniensis) and Stalked Wild Petunia (Ruellia pedunculata). Its calyx teeth are wider (2.0–3.0 mm. across), whereas the latter two species have linear calyx teeth that are only 1.0–1.5 mm. across. Stalked Wild Petunia also differs by producing terminal flowers on long lateral stems only, rather than non-terminal flowers from the axils of leaves, and its stems are more hairy. Some authors regard Smooth Wild Petunia and Carolina Wild Petunia as variants of the same species. The remaining species of this genus in Illinois, Hairy Wild Petunia Smooth (Ruellia humilis), is a shorter plant with much hairier stems and leaves than Smooth Wild Petunia. Hairy Wild Petunia also prefers habitats that are more sunny and dry, such as prairies.
Each flower is about 2" long and 1½" across, consisting of a funnelform corolla that is pinkish lavender to bluish violet (rarely white, except at its base), a green short-tubular calyx with long slender teeth, 4 inserted stamens, and a pistil with an inserted style. The corolla is narrowly tubular at the base, but it spreads outward to form 5 rounded lobes. The lobes of the corolla have undulate edges and a delicate appearance. At the throat of the corolla, there are several fine veins that are purple and somewhat reticulated; they function as nectar guides for visiting insects. The tubular portion of the calyx is about ¼" long or a little less, while its teeth are ½–1" long, linear-lanceolate in shape, strongly ciliate along their margins, and 2-3 mm. across.
The blooming period occurs during the summer for 2-3 months. Each diurnal flower lasts only a single day; a single mature plant will have about 0-2 flowers in bloom during a typical summer day. The flowers are often partially hidden by the foliage. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by glabrous seed capsules that are up to ¾" long. Each of these capsules contains several seeds that are released explosively. Individual seeds are about 3 mm. (1/8") across, flattened-globoid in shape, and brown to dark brown. There is a less common form of this plant that produces non-showy cleistogamous flowers (f. cleistantha); it usually has more narrow leaves than the typical form (f. strepens).
Cultivation: The preference is light shade or partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and either loamy or rocky soil containing some organic matter. This plant is not often bothered by either disease and insect pests. It may fail to flower in areas with medium to dense shade.
Range & Habitat: The native Smooth Wild Petunia occurs occasionally in southern and central Illinois, while it is absent in the northern section of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic open woodlands, woodland edges, areas along woodland paths, thickets, thinly wooded slopes along rivers, and rocky banks of streams. In woodlands where there is an absence of fire or other disturbance, populations of this plant may decline because of excessive shade, particularly when those woodlands have become dominated by Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) and other woody vegetation that cast heavy shade.
Faunal Associations: The flowers have few visitors, although their nectar and pollen occasionally attract the smaller long-tongued bees (personal observation). Robertson (1929) observed the long-horned bee, Synhalonia speciosa, visiting the flowers of Smooth Wild Petunia. According to MacRae (1991), the adults of some metallic wood-boring beetles (Acmaeodera spp.) also visit the flowers. Sometimes pieces of the corolla are used by leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.) in the construction of their brood nests; these bees may also visit the flowers for nectar and pollen. The caterpillars of a butterfly, Junonia coenia (Buckeye), have been observed feeding on the foliage of Ruellia spp. (Wild Petunias). Otherwise, little is known about floral-faunal relationships for plants in this genus.
Photographic Location: Along a path in a mesic area of Busey Woods, Urbana, Illinois, and along the rocky bank of a stream in southern Illinois.
Comments: The flowers of Ruellia spp. (Wild Petunias) have a striking resemblance to the flowers of the cultivated Petunia (Petunia × hybrida), which has been introduced from South America and belongs to a different family of plants (Solanaceae). However, the flowers of Wild Petunias have less diversity of color. Mohlenbrock (2003) describes 4 Ruellia spp. in Illinois; some of these are restricted to the southern one-third of the state. Smooth Wild Petunia (Ruellia strepens) is very similar in appearance to Carolina Wild Petunia (Ruellia caroliniensis) and Stalked Wild Petunia (Ruellia pedunculata). Its calyx teeth are wider (2.0–3.0 mm. across), whereas the latter two species have linear calyx teeth that are only 1.0–1.5 mm. across. Stalked Wild Petunia also differs by producing terminal flowers on long lateral stems only, rather than non-terminal flowers from the axils of leaves, and its stems are more hairy. Some authors regard Smooth Wild Petunia and Carolina Wild Petunia as variants of the same species. The remaining species of this genus in Illinois, Hairy Wild Petunia Smooth (Ruellia humilis), is a shorter plant with much hairier stems and leaves than Smooth Wild Petunia. Hairy Wild Petunia also prefers habitats that are more sunny and dry, such as prairies.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年05月16日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is about 6" tall, although its stems can extend up to 1' long. Both basal leaves and stems with alternate leaves are produced; the latter usually sprawl across the ground. The stems are light green, reddish green, or brownish green, and glabrous to sparsely pubescent. The basal and alternate leaves are up to 3" long and across (excluding the petioles); they are yellowish green to dark green, trifoliate, and glabrous. The leaflets are obovate, broadly obovate, or rhombic in outline and their margins are shallowly to deeply cleft and coarsely dentate. The terminal leaflet has a longer petiolule (basal stalklet at its base) than either of the lateral leaflets. There is some variability in how broad and deeply cleft the leaflets are across different populations of plants. The petioles are up to 3" long, light green to reddish green, and glabrous to sparsely pubescent; they are grooved above and convex below.
Occasionally, individual flowers develop from unbranched stalks about 2-5" long. These stalks are ascending to erect, green, and glabrous to pubescent. Each flower spans about ¾" across, consisting of 5 yellow petals, 5 light green sepals, numerous yellow stamens, and a cluster of pistils in the center of the flower. The petal bases are often pale yellow with fine veins functioning as nectar guides; the remainder of the petals are bright yellow and shiny. The petals are obovate with rounded tips; they are longer than the sepals. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer and lasts about 1½ months. After the petals fall away, the pistils are replaced by a cluster of flattened achenes with long beaks; these achenes are 2.5-3.5 mm. in length. The root system consists of a tuft of fibrous roots. The sprawling stems are able to form rootlets when their nodes establish contact with moist ground. Swamp Buttercup sometimes forms loose colonies of plants at favorable sites.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to light shade, wet to mesic conditions, and a fertile loamy soil with some decaying leaf mould. Standing water from spring rainfall is tolerated if it is temporary.
Range & Habitat: Swamp Buttercup is a common plant that occurs in most counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include moist to mesic deciduous woodlands, soggy areas along vernal pools, swamps, partially shaded areas of seeps, and areas along springs in woodlands. This species often grows in soggy areas of woodlands that are too wet for some invasive species, such as Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard). Therefore, populations of Swamp Buttercup remain reasonably secure. This plant is also able to tolerate some degradation of its habitat from other causes.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract their fair share of flower visitors, including little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), mason bees (Osmia spp.), Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp.), Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.), Syrphid flies, bee flies (Bombylius spp.), Muscid flies, Anthomyiid flies, skippers, and miscellaneous beetles. The bees suck nectar or collect pollen, while the flies and beetles suck nectar or feed on pollen. Other insects feed destructively on the foliage, roots, and other parts of Swamp Buttercup and other buttercups (Ranunculus spp.). These species include the leaf beetles Prasocuris ovalis and Prasocuris vittata, larvae of the sawflies Monophadnus pallescens and Stethomostus fuliginosus, Thecabius affinis (Poplar-Buttercup Aphid) and Thecabius gravicornis (Folded-Leaf Balsam Aphid), and larvae of the moth Sparganothis sulfureana (Sparganothis Leafroller). The foliage of buttercups is more or less toxic and it is avoided by mammalian herbivores. However, the seeds of these plants are eaten to a limited extent by the Wild Turkey, Cottontail Rabbit, Fox Squirrel, Gray Squirrel, Eastern Chipmunk, and Meadow Vole. The Wild Turkey reportedly browses on the foliage of buttercups, notwithstanding its toxicity (Martin et al., 1951/1961).
Photographic Location: A moist deciduous woodland at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: With the exception of the weedy Ranunculus abortivus (Small-Flowered Buttercup), this is probably the most common buttercup (Ranunculus spp.) in Illinois. It is possible to confuse Swamp Buttercup with similar species, especially Ranunculus hispidus (Hispid Buttercup), Ranunculus carolinianus (Carolina Buttercup), and the introduced Ranunculus repens (Creeping Buttercup). Unlike Swamp Buttercup, the stems of Hispid Buttercup have abundant spreading hairs and they are usually more erect. Carolina Buttercup is supposed to have longer achenes (3.5–5.0 mm. in length) than the preceding two species, however its status as a separate species is debatable. Some authorities consider Swamp Buttercup and Carolina Buttercup to be different varieties of Ranunculus hispidus (Duncan & Duncan, 1999; Yatskievych, 2000), although Mohlenbrock (2002) doesn't. The leaves of Creeping Buttercup are less deeply cleft and they are often splotched with pale green or white patterns. In addition, its achenes are less flattened than those of Swamp Buttercup.
Occasionally, individual flowers develop from unbranched stalks about 2-5" long. These stalks are ascending to erect, green, and glabrous to pubescent. Each flower spans about ¾" across, consisting of 5 yellow petals, 5 light green sepals, numerous yellow stamens, and a cluster of pistils in the center of the flower. The petal bases are often pale yellow with fine veins functioning as nectar guides; the remainder of the petals are bright yellow and shiny. The petals are obovate with rounded tips; they are longer than the sepals. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer and lasts about 1½ months. After the petals fall away, the pistils are replaced by a cluster of flattened achenes with long beaks; these achenes are 2.5-3.5 mm. in length. The root system consists of a tuft of fibrous roots. The sprawling stems are able to form rootlets when their nodes establish contact with moist ground. Swamp Buttercup sometimes forms loose colonies of plants at favorable sites.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to light shade, wet to mesic conditions, and a fertile loamy soil with some decaying leaf mould. Standing water from spring rainfall is tolerated if it is temporary.
Range & Habitat: Swamp Buttercup is a common plant that occurs in most counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include moist to mesic deciduous woodlands, soggy areas along vernal pools, swamps, partially shaded areas of seeps, and areas along springs in woodlands. This species often grows in soggy areas of woodlands that are too wet for some invasive species, such as Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard). Therefore, populations of Swamp Buttercup remain reasonably secure. This plant is also able to tolerate some degradation of its habitat from other causes.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract their fair share of flower visitors, including little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), mason bees (Osmia spp.), Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp.), Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.), Syrphid flies, bee flies (Bombylius spp.), Muscid flies, Anthomyiid flies, skippers, and miscellaneous beetles. The bees suck nectar or collect pollen, while the flies and beetles suck nectar or feed on pollen. Other insects feed destructively on the foliage, roots, and other parts of Swamp Buttercup and other buttercups (Ranunculus spp.). These species include the leaf beetles Prasocuris ovalis and Prasocuris vittata, larvae of the sawflies Monophadnus pallescens and Stethomostus fuliginosus, Thecabius affinis (Poplar-Buttercup Aphid) and Thecabius gravicornis (Folded-Leaf Balsam Aphid), and larvae of the moth Sparganothis sulfureana (Sparganothis Leafroller). The foliage of buttercups is more or less toxic and it is avoided by mammalian herbivores. However, the seeds of these plants are eaten to a limited extent by the Wild Turkey, Cottontail Rabbit, Fox Squirrel, Gray Squirrel, Eastern Chipmunk, and Meadow Vole. The Wild Turkey reportedly browses on the foliage of buttercups, notwithstanding its toxicity (Martin et al., 1951/1961).
Photographic Location: A moist deciduous woodland at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: With the exception of the weedy Ranunculus abortivus (Small-Flowered Buttercup), this is probably the most common buttercup (Ranunculus spp.) in Illinois. It is possible to confuse Swamp Buttercup with similar species, especially Ranunculus hispidus (Hispid Buttercup), Ranunculus carolinianus (Carolina Buttercup), and the introduced Ranunculus repens (Creeping Buttercup). Unlike Swamp Buttercup, the stems of Hispid Buttercup have abundant spreading hairs and they are usually more erect. Carolina Buttercup is supposed to have longer achenes (3.5–5.0 mm. in length) than the preceding two species, however its status as a separate species is debatable. Some authorities consider Swamp Buttercup and Carolina Buttercup to be different varieties of Ranunculus hispidus (Duncan & Duncan, 1999; Yatskievych, 2000), although Mohlenbrock (2002) doesn't. The leaves of Creeping Buttercup are less deeply cleft and they are often splotched with pale green or white patterns. In addition, its achenes are less flattened than those of Swamp Buttercup.
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