文章
Miss Chen
2018年05月09日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant develops 1-2 compound basal leaves during the spring. The blades of these leaves are 3-7" long and 3-7" across; they are ascending to more or less parallel with the ground. Each leaf blade is divided into 3 leaflets (1 terminal & 2 lateral leaflets). In less developed leaves, the leaflets are pinnate-pinnatifid, ultimately dividing into narrow parallel lobes. However, in more developed leaves, each leaflet divides into 3 subleaflets, and these subleaflets are pinnate-pinnatifid, ultimately dividing into narrow lobes. The ultimate lobes of these leaves are ¼–½" long and about 3 mm. (1/8") across; they are linear, linear-elliptic, or linear-oblanceolate in shape with entire (toothless) margins and bluntly acute tips. The upper leaf surface is grayish green to medium green, glabrous, and sometimes slightly glaucous, while the lower leaf surface is white to greenish white, glabrous, and very glaucous. For each compound leaf, the petiolule (basal stalklet) of the terminal leaflet is longer than those of the 2 lateral leaflets. The petioles of the compound leaves are 3-6" long and ascending; they are pale red to pale reddish green, terete, glabrous, and often glaucous.
An inflorescence consisting of a raceme of flowers sometimes develops shortly after the formation of basal leaves. This inflorescence is 6-12" tall and it is either erect or ascending. The peduncle (basal stalk) of the inflorescence is pale red or pale yellowish green, terete, glabrous, and glaucous. Each raceme has 3-10 pendant flowers. The corolla of the pendant flower is ½–¾" long, mostly white, narrowly obcordoid in shape, and somewhat flattened. Two fused outer petals form the rounded nectar spurs (above), the lateral sides, and the pair of of upturned lips (below) of the corolla. Two fused inner petals form a pair of transverse crests and a pair of small inner claws near the entrance of the corolla. The small lips are shaped like keeled hoods with translucent parallel veins. The flat crests are half-cordate in shape, slightly wrinkled, slightly undulate, and white; sometimes they are pinkish along their bases. Inserted within the corolla is a pistil with a single style and several stamens. There are also a pair of tiny sepals; they are about 2-3 mm. long, linear-lanceolate in shape, and light pink with whitish margins. The nodding pedicels of the flowers are pale green or pale reddish green, terete, glabrous, and sometimes glaucous; they are up to ¼" long. At the bases of these pedicels, there are solitary floral bracts about 3-5 mm. long; they are ovate to obovate in shape and light pink with whitish margins.
The blooming period occurs during mid-spring for about 2-3 weeks. The flowers have a sweet fragrance. Afterwards, fertile flowers are replaced by drooping seed capsules that become about 12 mm. (½") long at maturity; these capsules are ovoid in shape and somewhat flattened. Each capsule divides into 2 parts to release its seeds; there are several seeds per capsule. The seeds are 1-2 mm. long, short-reniform in shape, and obscurely reticulate; each seed has an attached elaiosome (food appendage). The foliage dies down by mid-summer. The root system consists of a cluster of yellow globoid corms and fibrous roots.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight to medium shade, mesic conditions, and a loose loamy soil with decaying organic matter. Growth and development occur during the spring. Germination of the seeds can be slow and difficult, although it may be possible to start new plants by separating some of the corms. Insects and disease organisms are rarely troublesome.
Range & Habitat: The native Squirrel Corn occurs primarily in NE, east-central, and the southern tip of Illinois, where it is uncommon (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies toward the western range limit of this species; it is more common further to the east. Habitats include mesic deciduous woodlands, wooded bluffs, wooded slopes, ravines, and shaded stream banks. Squirrel Corn is found in high quality woodlands in Illinois, where the native ground flora is intact. It is one of the spring wildflowers that is threatened by the invasion of Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) and some Eurasian shrubs, particularly Amur Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii).
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated primarily by queen bumblebees. Both nectar and pollen are available as floral rewards. The seeds are distributed to some extent by ants because of their elaisomes (food appendages). Because the foliage is toxic, it is usually avoided by mammalian herbivores. The overall value of this plant to faunal wildlife is low.
Photographic Location: A deciduous woodland at Jim Smith's farm in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: This is another wonderful spring wildflower that can be found in eastern deciduous woodlands. Both the foliage and flowers of Squirrel Corn (Dicentra canadensis) are similar in appearance to those of Dutchman's Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria). Both of these species are found in similar habitats and their blooming periods overlap (Squirrel Corn begins to bloom about 1 week later). However, Dutchman's Breeches is by far the more common wildflower in Illinois. The flowers of Squirrel Corn have short rounded nectar spurs, while those of Dutch's Breeches are longer and more narrow. The basal leaves of these two species are very difficult to distinguish, although those of Squirrel Corn appear to have slightly longer ultimate lobes on average. The corms of these two species are also different in appearance: the corms of Squirrel Corn are yellow and globoid in shape, while the corms of Dutchman's Breeches are pink and more ovoid in shape.
An inflorescence consisting of a raceme of flowers sometimes develops shortly after the formation of basal leaves. This inflorescence is 6-12" tall and it is either erect or ascending. The peduncle (basal stalk) of the inflorescence is pale red or pale yellowish green, terete, glabrous, and glaucous. Each raceme has 3-10 pendant flowers. The corolla of the pendant flower is ½–¾" long, mostly white, narrowly obcordoid in shape, and somewhat flattened. Two fused outer petals form the rounded nectar spurs (above), the lateral sides, and the pair of of upturned lips (below) of the corolla. Two fused inner petals form a pair of transverse crests and a pair of small inner claws near the entrance of the corolla. The small lips are shaped like keeled hoods with translucent parallel veins. The flat crests are half-cordate in shape, slightly wrinkled, slightly undulate, and white; sometimes they are pinkish along their bases. Inserted within the corolla is a pistil with a single style and several stamens. There are also a pair of tiny sepals; they are about 2-3 mm. long, linear-lanceolate in shape, and light pink with whitish margins. The nodding pedicels of the flowers are pale green or pale reddish green, terete, glabrous, and sometimes glaucous; they are up to ¼" long. At the bases of these pedicels, there are solitary floral bracts about 3-5 mm. long; they are ovate to obovate in shape and light pink with whitish margins.
The blooming period occurs during mid-spring for about 2-3 weeks. The flowers have a sweet fragrance. Afterwards, fertile flowers are replaced by drooping seed capsules that become about 12 mm. (½") long at maturity; these capsules are ovoid in shape and somewhat flattened. Each capsule divides into 2 parts to release its seeds; there are several seeds per capsule. The seeds are 1-2 mm. long, short-reniform in shape, and obscurely reticulate; each seed has an attached elaiosome (food appendage). The foliage dies down by mid-summer. The root system consists of a cluster of yellow globoid corms and fibrous roots.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight to medium shade, mesic conditions, and a loose loamy soil with decaying organic matter. Growth and development occur during the spring. Germination of the seeds can be slow and difficult, although it may be possible to start new plants by separating some of the corms. Insects and disease organisms are rarely troublesome.
Range & Habitat: The native Squirrel Corn occurs primarily in NE, east-central, and the southern tip of Illinois, where it is uncommon (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies toward the western range limit of this species; it is more common further to the east. Habitats include mesic deciduous woodlands, wooded bluffs, wooded slopes, ravines, and shaded stream banks. Squirrel Corn is found in high quality woodlands in Illinois, where the native ground flora is intact. It is one of the spring wildflowers that is threatened by the invasion of Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) and some Eurasian shrubs, particularly Amur Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii).
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated primarily by queen bumblebees. Both nectar and pollen are available as floral rewards. The seeds are distributed to some extent by ants because of their elaisomes (food appendages). Because the foliage is toxic, it is usually avoided by mammalian herbivores. The overall value of this plant to faunal wildlife is low.
Photographic Location: A deciduous woodland at Jim Smith's farm in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: This is another wonderful spring wildflower that can be found in eastern deciduous woodlands. Both the foliage and flowers of Squirrel Corn (Dicentra canadensis) are similar in appearance to those of Dutchman's Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria). Both of these species are found in similar habitats and their blooming periods overlap (Squirrel Corn begins to bloom about 1 week later). However, Dutchman's Breeches is by far the more common wildflower in Illinois. The flowers of Squirrel Corn have short rounded nectar spurs, while those of Dutch's Breeches are longer and more narrow. The basal leaves of these two species are very difficult to distinguish, although those of Squirrel Corn appear to have slightly longer ultimate lobes on average. The corms of these two species are also different in appearance: the corms of Squirrel Corn are yellow and globoid in shape, while the corms of Dutchman's Breeches are pink and more ovoid in shape.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年05月09日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is about 3-10" tall, producing from its rootstock both basal leaves and fertile shoots with cauline leaves. The basal leaves are separate from the fertile shoots; they help to store energy for next year's fertile shoots. A fertile shoot consists of a single flowering stalk with a whorl of 3 leaves. Each leaf is up to 3" long and across, but palmately cleft into 3-5 narrow lobes with dentate teeth along the margins. The basal leaves have a similar appearance to the cauline leaves; both types of leaves are greyish green to medium green and largely hairless. The central stalk is greyish green to medium green, glabrous or slightly pubescent, terete, and unbranched. This stalk terminates into a short raceme of white flowers that becomes longer as it matures. This inflorescence is rather floppy; the flowers open up and become more erect in the presence of sunshine on warm spring days.
Each flower is about ½" across when fully open, consisting of 4 predominately white petals, 4 green or purple sepals, several stamens with conspicuous yellow anthers, and a single pistil. The petals are lanceolate-oblong and sometimes tinted with pink or light purple. The sepals are oblong and shorter than the petals. The slender pedicels are at least as long as the flowers; they are light green to purplish green and terete. The blooming period occurs during mid-spring and lasts about 2 weeks. The flowers are quite fragrant. Each flower is replaced by an elongated seedpod that has a short beak (i.e., a silique); this seedpod is held more or less erect. The seeds are arranged in a single row within the seedpods; they are ovoid and somewhat flattened in shape. The root system produces fleshy rhizomes that are jointed and knobby; they are parallel to the surface of the ground and fairly shallow. In addition to these rhizomes and their secondary roots, the root system produces small fleshy tubers. This plant often forms vegetative colonies from its spreading rhizomes; it also reproduces by seed.
Cultivation: Its easiest to start plants from pieces of the rhizome. These should be planted a little below the surface of the ground in an area with sparse ground cover that receives shade during the summer. Cutleaf Toothwort develops quickly and it is one of the earlier spring wildflowers of woodlands. The foliage turns yellow and fades away by the end of spring. This plant typically grows in dappled sunlight before the trees leaf out; it prefers moist to mesic conditions and a rich loamy soil with decaying leaves.
Range & Habitat: The native Cutleaf Toothwort is a common plant that occurs in nearly every county of Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include deciduous mesic woodlands, floodplain woodlands, wooded bluffs, and upland savannas. The presence of this species in a woodlands indicates that its soil has never been plowed under or subjected to heavy construction activities. However, this species can survive some disturbance caused by occasional grazing and less disruptive activities of human society. When the introduced Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard) invades a woodlands, this is one of the spring wildflowers that declines in abundance.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts both long-tongued and short-tongued bees, including honey bees, bumblebees, mason bees (Osmia spp.), cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp.), and Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.). Less often, the nectar of the flowers attracts early spring butterflies and Bombylius major (Giant Bee Fly). Short-tongued bees also collect pollen from the flowers. Caterpillars of the butterflies Pieris napi oleraceae (Mustard White) and Pieris virginiensis (West Virginia White) feed on the foliage of Dentaria spp. (Toothworts); however, the former butterfly has not been observed in Illinois since the late 19th century, while the latter butterfly is found in areas that are SE of the state. Other insect feeders include the flea beetles Phyllotreta bipustulata and Phyllotreta zimmermanni. The tubers of Toothworts were a minor food source of Ectopistes migratorius (Passenger Pigeon); this bird species became extinct in the United States during the early 20th century.
Photographic Location: An upland savanna in McLean County, Illinois, and a mesic woodland in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Cutleaf Toothwort is the only native Dentaria sp. (Toothwort) in Illinois. Other species of Toothwort can be found in areas to the east and north of Illinois, including Indiana. The species Dentaria diphylla (Two-Leaved Toothwort) has been observed in Kane County, Illinois, where it is probably adventive. This latter species has two cauline leaves on each flowering stalk, while Cutleaf Toothwort usually has three. Both the basal and cauline leaves of Two-Leaved Toothwort have broader lobes than those found on the leaves of Cutleaf Toothwort. Some authorities have merged the Toothworts into the genus Cardamine (Bitter Cress), in which case the scientific name of Cutleaf Toothwort is Cardamine concatenata.
Each flower is about ½" across when fully open, consisting of 4 predominately white petals, 4 green or purple sepals, several stamens with conspicuous yellow anthers, and a single pistil. The petals are lanceolate-oblong and sometimes tinted with pink or light purple. The sepals are oblong and shorter than the petals. The slender pedicels are at least as long as the flowers; they are light green to purplish green and terete. The blooming period occurs during mid-spring and lasts about 2 weeks. The flowers are quite fragrant. Each flower is replaced by an elongated seedpod that has a short beak (i.e., a silique); this seedpod is held more or less erect. The seeds are arranged in a single row within the seedpods; they are ovoid and somewhat flattened in shape. The root system produces fleshy rhizomes that are jointed and knobby; they are parallel to the surface of the ground and fairly shallow. In addition to these rhizomes and their secondary roots, the root system produces small fleshy tubers. This plant often forms vegetative colonies from its spreading rhizomes; it also reproduces by seed.
Cultivation: Its easiest to start plants from pieces of the rhizome. These should be planted a little below the surface of the ground in an area with sparse ground cover that receives shade during the summer. Cutleaf Toothwort develops quickly and it is one of the earlier spring wildflowers of woodlands. The foliage turns yellow and fades away by the end of spring. This plant typically grows in dappled sunlight before the trees leaf out; it prefers moist to mesic conditions and a rich loamy soil with decaying leaves.
Range & Habitat: The native Cutleaf Toothwort is a common plant that occurs in nearly every county of Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include deciduous mesic woodlands, floodplain woodlands, wooded bluffs, and upland savannas. The presence of this species in a woodlands indicates that its soil has never been plowed under or subjected to heavy construction activities. However, this species can survive some disturbance caused by occasional grazing and less disruptive activities of human society. When the introduced Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard) invades a woodlands, this is one of the spring wildflowers that declines in abundance.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts both long-tongued and short-tongued bees, including honey bees, bumblebees, mason bees (Osmia spp.), cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp.), and Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.). Less often, the nectar of the flowers attracts early spring butterflies and Bombylius major (Giant Bee Fly). Short-tongued bees also collect pollen from the flowers. Caterpillars of the butterflies Pieris napi oleraceae (Mustard White) and Pieris virginiensis (West Virginia White) feed on the foliage of Dentaria spp. (Toothworts); however, the former butterfly has not been observed in Illinois since the late 19th century, while the latter butterfly is found in areas that are SE of the state. Other insect feeders include the flea beetles Phyllotreta bipustulata and Phyllotreta zimmermanni. The tubers of Toothworts were a minor food source of Ectopistes migratorius (Passenger Pigeon); this bird species became extinct in the United States during the early 20th century.
Photographic Location: An upland savanna in McLean County, Illinois, and a mesic woodland in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Cutleaf Toothwort is the only native Dentaria sp. (Toothwort) in Illinois. Other species of Toothwort can be found in areas to the east and north of Illinois, including Indiana. The species Dentaria diphylla (Two-Leaved Toothwort) has been observed in Kane County, Illinois, where it is probably adventive. This latter species has two cauline leaves on each flowering stalk, while Cutleaf Toothwort usually has three. Both the basal and cauline leaves of Two-Leaved Toothwort have broader lobes than those found on the leaves of Cutleaf Toothwort. Some authorities have merged the Toothworts into the genus Cardamine (Bitter Cress), in which case the scientific name of Cutleaf Toothwort is Cardamine concatenata.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年05月08日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is about ½–1½' tall. It consists of a loose cluster of basal leaves on long petioles and a flowering stalk with a few alternate leaves. The basal leaves are up to 4" long and across; they are palmately cleft into about 5 deep lobes, which are in turn divided into 2-3 shallow secondary lobes. These leaves are usually sparsely pubescent and they may have a few dentate teeth along the margins. Their petioles are pubescent or hairy and rather stout. The alternate leaves are clustered near the base of the flowering stalk and they are few in number; their appearance is similar to the basal leaves. Both the basal and alternate leaves are pale greyish green to green. The flowering stalk is more or less erect, terete, stout, and rather fleshy. This stalk is whitish green or whitish red and it is usually covered with fine white hairs; less often, it is glabrous. A raceme of flowers about 3-8" long occurs at the apex of this stalk; each raceme has 6-24 flowers.
Each flower is about ¾–1" across, consisting of 5 petal-like sepals, 4 petals, 3 inner pistils, and stamens. The sepals spread outward from the center of the flower and they are usually some shade of purple or blue-violet; far less often, they are white. The upper sepal forms a long nectar spur behind the rest of the flower; this spur angles upward and it is fairly straight. A few cobwebby hairs may occur along the nectar spur and the posterior surface of the sepals. The upper two petals are quite small and usually white toward the base; they extend backward into the nectar spur. The lower two petals are quite hairy and usually purple or blue-violet like the sepals. These small petals surround the whitish opening that leads to the nectar spur. The pedicels are up to ¾" long and they are usually pubescent. The blooming period occurs during the late spring, lasting about 3 weeks. Each fertile flower is replaced by three spreading follicles (a seed capsule that splits open along one side). Each follicle is oblongoid and angular, terminating in a short beak; it contains several chunky seeds. The root system is tuberous and can form clonal offsets.
Cultivation: The preference is light dappled shade or partial sun, mesic to slightly dry conditions, and soil containing loam, clay-loam, or rocky material. Vegetative growth and flowering proceed quickly during the spring. This wildflower can be cultivated successfully in gardens.
Range & Habitat: The native Dwarf Larkspur occurs occasionally in the southern half of Illinois, while in the upper half of the state it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the upper range limit of this species. Habitats include mesic woodlands, moist ravines and thinly wooded slopes (often rocky), thinly wooded bluffs, and partially shaded cliffs along river banks. This species displays a preference for hilly deciduous woodlands.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by long-tongued bees primarily, including bumblebees, Anthophorid bees (Anthophora spp., Ptilothrix bombiformis, Synhalonia speciosa), and miner bees (Osmia spp.). These insects suck nectar and sometimes collect pollen. Other floral visitors include the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, Giant Bee Fly (Bombylius major), swallowtail butterflies (Papilio spp.), other butterflies, skippers, and Sphinx moths. However, the bee fly, butterflies, skippers, and moths are probably less effective pollinators. Insect that feed destructively on Spring Larkspur and other larkspurs (Delphinium spp.) include the aphid Brachycaudus rociadae (found on stems & leaves), flower-eating caterpillars of the moth Heliothis phloxiphagus (Dark-spotted Straw), and maggots of a leaf-miner fly, Phytomyza aconiti. The foliage of Dwarf Larkspur is toxic to most mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: A wildflower garden at Crystal Lake Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The attractive flowers have the shape of the little starmen in children's cartoons. Dwarf Larkspur is shorter and blooms earlier than other Delphinium spp. – this is an adaptation to its woodland habitat. It is distinctive in having 3 widely spreading follicles per flower, while many other Delphinium spp. have follicles that are more or less united at the base. There is some variation in color of the flowers, appearance of the leaves, and hairiness of the stalks and leaves across different populations of Dwarf Larkspur. The only other species in this genus that is native to Illinois, Delphinium carolinianum (Tall Larkspur), consists of an eastern subspecies with pale blue to blue-violet flowers and a western subspecies with pale blue or white flowers (the latter subspecies is often called Prairie Larkspur). Compared to Dwarf Larkspur, Tall Larkspur has more finely divided leaves. Various larkspurs (Delphinium spp.) are often cultivated in flower gardens, but they are usually native to areas that lie west of Illinois, or they are annual species (Consolida spp.) from the Mediterranean area of Europe.
Each flower is about ¾–1" across, consisting of 5 petal-like sepals, 4 petals, 3 inner pistils, and stamens. The sepals spread outward from the center of the flower and they are usually some shade of purple or blue-violet; far less often, they are white. The upper sepal forms a long nectar spur behind the rest of the flower; this spur angles upward and it is fairly straight. A few cobwebby hairs may occur along the nectar spur and the posterior surface of the sepals. The upper two petals are quite small and usually white toward the base; they extend backward into the nectar spur. The lower two petals are quite hairy and usually purple or blue-violet like the sepals. These small petals surround the whitish opening that leads to the nectar spur. The pedicels are up to ¾" long and they are usually pubescent. The blooming period occurs during the late spring, lasting about 3 weeks. Each fertile flower is replaced by three spreading follicles (a seed capsule that splits open along one side). Each follicle is oblongoid and angular, terminating in a short beak; it contains several chunky seeds. The root system is tuberous and can form clonal offsets.
Cultivation: The preference is light dappled shade or partial sun, mesic to slightly dry conditions, and soil containing loam, clay-loam, or rocky material. Vegetative growth and flowering proceed quickly during the spring. This wildflower can be cultivated successfully in gardens.
Range & Habitat: The native Dwarf Larkspur occurs occasionally in the southern half of Illinois, while in the upper half of the state it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the upper range limit of this species. Habitats include mesic woodlands, moist ravines and thinly wooded slopes (often rocky), thinly wooded bluffs, and partially shaded cliffs along river banks. This species displays a preference for hilly deciduous woodlands.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by long-tongued bees primarily, including bumblebees, Anthophorid bees (Anthophora spp., Ptilothrix bombiformis, Synhalonia speciosa), and miner bees (Osmia spp.). These insects suck nectar and sometimes collect pollen. Other floral visitors include the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, Giant Bee Fly (Bombylius major), swallowtail butterflies (Papilio spp.), other butterflies, skippers, and Sphinx moths. However, the bee fly, butterflies, skippers, and moths are probably less effective pollinators. Insect that feed destructively on Spring Larkspur and other larkspurs (Delphinium spp.) include the aphid Brachycaudus rociadae (found on stems & leaves), flower-eating caterpillars of the moth Heliothis phloxiphagus (Dark-spotted Straw), and maggots of a leaf-miner fly, Phytomyza aconiti. The foliage of Dwarf Larkspur is toxic to most mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: A wildflower garden at Crystal Lake Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The attractive flowers have the shape of the little starmen in children's cartoons. Dwarf Larkspur is shorter and blooms earlier than other Delphinium spp. – this is an adaptation to its woodland habitat. It is distinctive in having 3 widely spreading follicles per flower, while many other Delphinium spp. have follicles that are more or less united at the base. There is some variation in color of the flowers, appearance of the leaves, and hairiness of the stalks and leaves across different populations of Dwarf Larkspur. The only other species in this genus that is native to Illinois, Delphinium carolinianum (Tall Larkspur), consists of an eastern subspecies with pale blue to blue-violet flowers and a western subspecies with pale blue or white flowers (the latter subspecies is often called Prairie Larkspur). Compared to Dwarf Larkspur, Tall Larkspur has more finely divided leaves. Various larkspurs (Delphinium spp.) are often cultivated in flower gardens, but they are usually native to areas that lie west of Illinois, or they are annual species (Consolida spp.) from the Mediterranean area of Europe.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月08日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is ½–1½' long; it has ascending to sprawling stems that branch occasionally. The stems are purplish green to dark reddish purple, sharply 4-angled, stiff, and glabrous to softly hairy. At intervals along these stems, there are pairs of opposite leaves; they are more or less sessile. The leaves are ¾–1½" long and about one-third to two-thirds as much across; they are lanceolate, ovate, or ovate-cordate in shape, while their margins are sparingly toothed and slightly ciliate. The tips of the leaves are acute, while their bases are rounded to slightly cordate. The upper and lower leaf surfaces are yellowish green, medium green, or dark green; they are glandular-punctate and often softly hairy along the major veins. Leaf venation is pinnate. The foliage of this plant has a strong mint aroma, especially when it is crushed. Small cymes or dome-shaped panicles of flowers occur from the axils of the middle to upper leaves, and they also terminate the upper stems. The branches and pedicels of these inflorescences are similar to the stems in their characteristics, except they are more slender.
Each flower is 6-8 mm. (1/4" to 1/3") in length, consisting of a tubular corolla with 4 spreading lobes, a tubular calyx with 5 teeth, 2 strongly exserted stamens, and a 4-parted ovary with a strongly exserted style. The corolla is pink or lavender (rarely white) and softly hairy along its exterior; its 4 lobes are similar in size. The calyx is light green to light reddish purple with 10 raised nerves that are a darker shade of green or reddish purple; it is glandular-punctate. The teeth of the calyx are triangular in shape and similar in size; they are shorter than the tube of the calyx. The filaments of the stamens are white to light purple, while their anthers are pink to lavender, becoming brown with age. The slender style is white to light purple; it has a bifurcated tip. The calyx is noticeably shorter than the corolla, while the stamens and style are almost twice the length of the corolla. The blooming period occurs from late summer to mid-autumn, lasting about 1½ months. Afterwards, each flower is replaced by 4 tiny brown nutlets. These nutlets are about 1 mm. long, about 0.7 mm. across, broadly ellipsoid and bluntly 3-angled in shape; they are small enough to be blown about by the wind. The root system is fibrous, forming small root-buds for next year's stems.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to medium shade, mesic to dry conditions, and shallow rocky soil that is somewhat acidic. Excessive moisture on the leaves can cause a rust-fungus to develop. This plant can also adapt to ordinary garden soil if taller and more aggressive ground vegetation is kept away from it.
Range & Habitat: The native American Dittany is occasional to locally common in SW Illinois and the southern tip of Illinois (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the northern range-limit of this plant. Habitats include upland rocky woodlands, thinly wooded bluffs, upper wooded slopes, and semi-shaded areas of sandstone cliffs. American Dittany is found in association with upland oak-hickory woodlands, especially where sandstone is close to the soil surface. It is usually found in high quality natural areas where ground vegetation is relatively sparse.
Faunal Associations: Very little information is currently available about the floral-faunal relationships of this plant. The flowers are probably cross-pollinated by various flies (Blanchan, 1900) and also bees. According to Rudolph et al. (2006), it is a moderately important nectar plant of migrating Monarch butterflies during the autumn. The caterpillars of a monophagous or oligophagous moth, Stephensia cunilae, mine the leaves (Braun, 1948). This plant is also recorded as one of the hosts of a polyphagous leaf beetle, Capraita circumdata (Clark et al., 2004). Because of the strong mint fragrance of the foliage, mammalian herbivores (deer, groundhogs, etc.) usually avoid its consumption.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: American Dittany (Cunila origanoides) can adapt to shade gardens and its pinkish flowers provide a welcome alternative to the more common autumn-blooming goldenrods and asters. The common name of this plant may refer to its resemblance to a Mediterranean species, Dittany of Crete (Origanum dictamnus). American Dittany also resembles the cultivated culinary herbs, Oregano (Origanum vulgare) and Marjoram (Origanum majorana), except its flowers have only 2 fertile stamens rather than 4 fertile stamens, its leaves are usually larger in size, and its leaf tips are more acute than those of the latter species. American Dittany can be distinguished from other similar species in the Mint family by means of a combination of the following characteristics: 1) the presence of only 2 fertile stamens, rather than 4 fertile stamens, on its flowers, 2) the strongly exserted stamens and style of its flowers, 3) the conspicuous punctate glands on its leaves and the calyces of its flowers, 4) the lack of conspicuous lips on its flowers, 3) the similarity of the 5 teeth on its calyces, 4) the relatively broad shape of its leaves that taper into acute tips, 5) the sessile nature of its leaves, and 6) the strong mint fragrance of its foliage. In addition to American Dittany, Cunila origanoides has several other common names in circulation; they include Stone Mint, Common Dittany, Sweet Horsemint, Frost Mint, Frost Flowers, and Fairy Skirts. During early frosts of the autumn, this plant sometimes forms white 'frost flowers' near its stem bases; they develop from the bursting and freezing of exposed sap.
Each flower is 6-8 mm. (1/4" to 1/3") in length, consisting of a tubular corolla with 4 spreading lobes, a tubular calyx with 5 teeth, 2 strongly exserted stamens, and a 4-parted ovary with a strongly exserted style. The corolla is pink or lavender (rarely white) and softly hairy along its exterior; its 4 lobes are similar in size. The calyx is light green to light reddish purple with 10 raised nerves that are a darker shade of green or reddish purple; it is glandular-punctate. The teeth of the calyx are triangular in shape and similar in size; they are shorter than the tube of the calyx. The filaments of the stamens are white to light purple, while their anthers are pink to lavender, becoming brown with age. The slender style is white to light purple; it has a bifurcated tip. The calyx is noticeably shorter than the corolla, while the stamens and style are almost twice the length of the corolla. The blooming period occurs from late summer to mid-autumn, lasting about 1½ months. Afterwards, each flower is replaced by 4 tiny brown nutlets. These nutlets are about 1 mm. long, about 0.7 mm. across, broadly ellipsoid and bluntly 3-angled in shape; they are small enough to be blown about by the wind. The root system is fibrous, forming small root-buds for next year's stems.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to medium shade, mesic to dry conditions, and shallow rocky soil that is somewhat acidic. Excessive moisture on the leaves can cause a rust-fungus to develop. This plant can also adapt to ordinary garden soil if taller and more aggressive ground vegetation is kept away from it.
Range & Habitat: The native American Dittany is occasional to locally common in SW Illinois and the southern tip of Illinois (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the northern range-limit of this plant. Habitats include upland rocky woodlands, thinly wooded bluffs, upper wooded slopes, and semi-shaded areas of sandstone cliffs. American Dittany is found in association with upland oak-hickory woodlands, especially where sandstone is close to the soil surface. It is usually found in high quality natural areas where ground vegetation is relatively sparse.
Faunal Associations: Very little information is currently available about the floral-faunal relationships of this plant. The flowers are probably cross-pollinated by various flies (Blanchan, 1900) and also bees. According to Rudolph et al. (2006), it is a moderately important nectar plant of migrating Monarch butterflies during the autumn. The caterpillars of a monophagous or oligophagous moth, Stephensia cunilae, mine the leaves (Braun, 1948). This plant is also recorded as one of the hosts of a polyphagous leaf beetle, Capraita circumdata (Clark et al., 2004). Because of the strong mint fragrance of the foliage, mammalian herbivores (deer, groundhogs, etc.) usually avoid its consumption.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: American Dittany (Cunila origanoides) can adapt to shade gardens and its pinkish flowers provide a welcome alternative to the more common autumn-blooming goldenrods and asters. The common name of this plant may refer to its resemblance to a Mediterranean species, Dittany of Crete (Origanum dictamnus). American Dittany also resembles the cultivated culinary herbs, Oregano (Origanum vulgare) and Marjoram (Origanum majorana), except its flowers have only 2 fertile stamens rather than 4 fertile stamens, its leaves are usually larger in size, and its leaf tips are more acute than those of the latter species. American Dittany can be distinguished from other similar species in the Mint family by means of a combination of the following characteristics: 1) the presence of only 2 fertile stamens, rather than 4 fertile stamens, on its flowers, 2) the strongly exserted stamens and style of its flowers, 3) the conspicuous punctate glands on its leaves and the calyces of its flowers, 4) the lack of conspicuous lips on its flowers, 3) the similarity of the 5 teeth on its calyces, 4) the relatively broad shape of its leaves that taper into acute tips, 5) the sessile nature of its leaves, and 6) the strong mint fragrance of its foliage. In addition to American Dittany, Cunila origanoides has several other common names in circulation; they include Stone Mint, Common Dittany, Sweet Horsemint, Frost Mint, Frost Flowers, and Fairy Skirts. During early frosts of the autumn, this plant sometimes forms white 'frost flowers' near its stem bases; they develop from the bursting and freezing of exposed sap.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年05月08日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 1-3' tall; it is unbranched toward the base, but branches occasionally in the upper half. The light green stems are glabrous and occasionally glaucous; they are slightly wider and angular at the bases of petioles. The compound leaves are trifoliate. The lower compound leaves have long petioles, while the upper compound leaves are sessile, or nearly so. Elongated membranous sheaths can be found at the bases of petioles. The leaflets of the compound leaves are up to 4" long and 2" across, becoming smaller as they ascend the stems. Individual leaflets are ovate, elliptic or lanceolate in shape, doubly serrated along their margins, and glabrous. Some of the lower leaflets may be shallowly to deeply cleft along their margins, forming 1-2 lobes. The leaflets are rounded or wedged-shaped at their bases, where they have winged petiolules (basal stalklets). The upper surface of leaflets is medium to dark green.
The upper stems terminate in compound umbels of tiny white flowers. These umbels are somewhat irregular and span about 1½-3" across. Each umbel divides into about 3-10 umbellets, while each umbellet consists of 3-10 flowers. Neither umbels nor umbellets have any significant floral bracts. Each flower is less than 3 mm. (1/8") across, consisting of 5 white petals, 5 white stamens, a conical pistil that is light green, and a short-tubular calyx that is green and without teeth. The petals usually curve inward at their tips. The blooming period occurs during early to mid-summer, lasts about 1 month. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each flower is replaced by an elongated ribbed fruit (schizocarp) that tapers at both ends. These fruits are initially green, but they later become dark-colored; each fruit consists of 2 seeds. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself; it occasionally forms colonies at favorable sites.
Cultivation: The preference is medium to light shade, moist to mesic conditions, and a loamy soil with decaying organic material.
Range & Habitat: The native Honewort is a common plant that occurs in most areas of Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic deciduous woodlands (especially Sugar Maple & Basswood woodlands), woodland borders, edges of shady seeps, wooded areas along springs and streams, wooded bluffs, fence rows that are overgrown with trees, and shady edges of yards. This species adapts well to shaded areas with a history of light to moderate disturbance. It can also be found in higher quality woodlands with more conservative species.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp., Sphecodes spp.), masked bees (Hylaeus spp.), Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.), cuckoo wasps (Hedychrum spp.), wild carrot wasps (Gasteruption spp.), Ichneumonid wasps, Syrphid flies, dance flies (Empis spp.), bee flies (Bombyliidae), thick-headed flies (Conopidae), Tachinid flies, Chloropid flies, long-horned beetles (Cerambycidae), leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae), tumbling flower beetles (Mordellidae), and other insects. Insect that feed destructively on Honewort include the leaf-mining larvae of Euleia heraclei (Hogweed Picture-Winged Fly), Cavariella aegopodii (Willow-Carrot Aphid), Hyadaphis foeniculi (Fennel Aphid), leaf-mining larvae of the moth Epermenia pimpinella, and caterpillars of the butterfly Papilio polyxenes asterius (Black Swallowtail). Information about this plant's relationships to vertebrate animals is scarce. White-Tailed Deer browse occasionally on the foliage. When colonies of plants develop, they provide cover for a variety of invertebrate and vertebrate animals.
Photographic Location: Busey Woods at Urbana, Illinois, where there are areas of moist to mesic deciduous woodlands.
Comments: Honewort is a woodland wildflower that blooms in the shade during the summer. Its white flowers are quite small and not very showy, which is quite typical of wildflower species that adapt to this type of habitat. Because their are many members of the Carrot family with umbels of small white flowers, they can be difficult to identify. Honewort can be distinguished from similar species by the following characteristics: 1) It has hairless leaves and stems, 2) it has trifoliate leaves with leaflets that are sometimes cleft, 3) its leaflets are elliptic to ovate, rather than narrowly linear, 4) its umbels of white flowers are compound, rather than simple, and 5) it has no significant floral bracts at the bases of either umbels or umbellets. If this isn't sufficient to produce an identification (this is a difficult group of plants), then consider the following two characteristics of the leaflets: Theirs margin are usually doubly serrate, and the bases of leaflets taper to winged petiolules (sometimes they are quite short).
The upper stems terminate in compound umbels of tiny white flowers. These umbels are somewhat irregular and span about 1½-3" across. Each umbel divides into about 3-10 umbellets, while each umbellet consists of 3-10 flowers. Neither umbels nor umbellets have any significant floral bracts. Each flower is less than 3 mm. (1/8") across, consisting of 5 white petals, 5 white stamens, a conical pistil that is light green, and a short-tubular calyx that is green and without teeth. The petals usually curve inward at their tips. The blooming period occurs during early to mid-summer, lasts about 1 month. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each flower is replaced by an elongated ribbed fruit (schizocarp) that tapers at both ends. These fruits are initially green, but they later become dark-colored; each fruit consists of 2 seeds. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself; it occasionally forms colonies at favorable sites.
Cultivation: The preference is medium to light shade, moist to mesic conditions, and a loamy soil with decaying organic material.
Range & Habitat: The native Honewort is a common plant that occurs in most areas of Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic deciduous woodlands (especially Sugar Maple & Basswood woodlands), woodland borders, edges of shady seeps, wooded areas along springs and streams, wooded bluffs, fence rows that are overgrown with trees, and shady edges of yards. This species adapts well to shaded areas with a history of light to moderate disturbance. It can also be found in higher quality woodlands with more conservative species.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp., Sphecodes spp.), masked bees (Hylaeus spp.), Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.), cuckoo wasps (Hedychrum spp.), wild carrot wasps (Gasteruption spp.), Ichneumonid wasps, Syrphid flies, dance flies (Empis spp.), bee flies (Bombyliidae), thick-headed flies (Conopidae), Tachinid flies, Chloropid flies, long-horned beetles (Cerambycidae), leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae), tumbling flower beetles (Mordellidae), and other insects. Insect that feed destructively on Honewort include the leaf-mining larvae of Euleia heraclei (Hogweed Picture-Winged Fly), Cavariella aegopodii (Willow-Carrot Aphid), Hyadaphis foeniculi (Fennel Aphid), leaf-mining larvae of the moth Epermenia pimpinella, and caterpillars of the butterfly Papilio polyxenes asterius (Black Swallowtail). Information about this plant's relationships to vertebrate animals is scarce. White-Tailed Deer browse occasionally on the foliage. When colonies of plants develop, they provide cover for a variety of invertebrate and vertebrate animals.
Photographic Location: Busey Woods at Urbana, Illinois, where there are areas of moist to mesic deciduous woodlands.
Comments: Honewort is a woodland wildflower that blooms in the shade during the summer. Its white flowers are quite small and not very showy, which is quite typical of wildflower species that adapt to this type of habitat. Because their are many members of the Carrot family with umbels of small white flowers, they can be difficult to identify. Honewort can be distinguished from similar species by the following characteristics: 1) It has hairless leaves and stems, 2) it has trifoliate leaves with leaflets that are sometimes cleft, 3) its leaflets are elliptic to ovate, rather than narrowly linear, 4) its umbels of white flowers are compound, rather than simple, and 5) it has no significant floral bracts at the bases of either umbels or umbellets. If this isn't sufficient to produce an identification (this is a difficult group of plants), then consider the following two characteristics of the leaflets: Theirs margin are usually doubly serrate, and the bases of leaflets taper to winged petiolules (sometimes they are quite short).
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年05月08日
Description: This plant is a winter or spring annual. A typical plant consists of a rosette of basal leaves about 8" across and several flowering stalks about 8" long. The blades of the basal leaves are up to 3" long and 2" across; they are pinnately compound, dull green to greyish blue, and hairless. The small lobes of the blades taper to obtuse points. The basal leaves have long slender petioles that are about as long as the blades. Alternate leaves occur along the flowering stalks. They are similar in appearance to the basal leaves, except that they are smaller in size and their petioles are shorter. The flowering stalks are are pale green to pale reddish green, hairless, and somewhat glaucous; they are sprawling, ascending, or erect. Each stalk terminates in a raceme of flowers up to 3" long. Each flower has a corolla consisting of 2 outer petals that are pale yellow to yellow and 2 inner petals that are more white and membranous. The upper outer petal forms a fringed upper lip in front and a rounded nectar spur in back; the top of the upper lip has a greenish yellow keel that may be slightly winged or crested. The lower outer petal forms a lower lip that functions as a landing pad for visiting insects; the bottom of the lower lip also has a greenish yellow keel that is similar to the upper keel. The inner petals are largely hidden by the outer petals, except when the flower is fully open; at that time, they are pale white or greenish yellow.
Each flower is about 1/3" to 1/2" (8-12 mm.) long and its pedicel is 1/4" (6 mm.) long or less. At the base of each pedicel, there is a single leafy bract up to 1/3" (8 mm.) long; this small bract is ovate or ovate-lanceolate. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late-spring, lasting about 1–1½ months. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each flower is replaced by a seedpod up to 2/3" (17 mm.) long. Each seedpod is dull green, hairless, slightly glaucous, and cylindrical in shape; several pale veins may be detectable that run along its length. The tip of each seedpod terminates in a beak. The surface of the seedpod between the seeds may be slightly constricted or unconstricted. Relative to the stalk of each raceme, the seedpods are erect or ascending, rather than widely spreading. The small seeds are about 1.0–1.5 mm. across, flattened, circular, shiny, and black. Fresh seeds have a small fleshy appendage that is white; this is an elaisome. The seedpods split open to release the seeds while they are still green. The root system consists of a slender taproot that branches abundantly. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun and moist to mesic conditions during the period of active growth during the spring. This plant will grow in many kinds of soil, but it is usually found in soil that contains sand or rocky material; it also adapts to loamy soil containing abundant organic matter and bark litter. The foliage gradually withers away during the summer.
Range & Habitat: The native Slender Corydalis is occasional in northern and western Illinois, but uncommon elsewhere in the state (see Distribution Map). Habits include open rocky woodlands, sandy savannas, ledges along thinly wooded bluffs, glades, gravelly areas along railroads (including the ballast), and mulched areas along buildings. Slender Corydalis prefers habitats with scant ground vegetation and a little shade. Occasional wildfires are beneficial as they reduce competition from woody vegetation and other plants.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated by long-tongued bees, particularly bumblebees. An aphid, Macrosiphum corydalis, sucks juices from the flowering stalks of Corydalis spp. The seeds are distributed to some extent by ants because of their elaisomes (food appendages). Mammalian herbivores avoid consumption of this plant because of its toxic foliage.
Photographic Location: A mulched area along a building on the campus of the University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois. At this location, Slender Corydalis was growing wild, like a weed. Many of the plants are periodically uprooted and destroyed by maintenance and grounds staff, but this species has persisted at this site for a number of years.
Comments: Among the Corydalis spp. with yellow flowers in Illinois, Slender Corydalis has smaller than average flowers (about 1/3–1/2" or 8-12 mm. in length). Only Corydalis flavula (Pale Corydalis) has smaller flowers (about 1/4–1/3" or 6-8 mm. in length), while the others have larger flowers (about 1/2–1" or 12-25 mm. in length). Pale Corydalis also has longer pedicels (1/4–3/4" or 6-19 mm. in length) than Slender Corydalis. The foliage of Slender Corydalis has a similar appearance to other Corydalis spp., except the lobes of its pinnately compound leaves have tips that are more blunt than some of the others. A closely related subspecies is Corydalis micrantha australis (Prairie Corydalis). This latter subspecies has longer seedpods (about 2/3–4/3" or 17-34 mm. in length) and longer flowering stalks that extend beyond the foliage. Other Corydalis spp. differ from Slender Corydalis by having constricted or knobby seedpods that are less erect, and some Corydalis spp. have larger seeds (1.5–2.0 mm. across).
Each flower is about 1/3" to 1/2" (8-12 mm.) long and its pedicel is 1/4" (6 mm.) long or less. At the base of each pedicel, there is a single leafy bract up to 1/3" (8 mm.) long; this small bract is ovate or ovate-lanceolate. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late-spring, lasting about 1–1½ months. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each flower is replaced by a seedpod up to 2/3" (17 mm.) long. Each seedpod is dull green, hairless, slightly glaucous, and cylindrical in shape; several pale veins may be detectable that run along its length. The tip of each seedpod terminates in a beak. The surface of the seedpod between the seeds may be slightly constricted or unconstricted. Relative to the stalk of each raceme, the seedpods are erect or ascending, rather than widely spreading. The small seeds are about 1.0–1.5 mm. across, flattened, circular, shiny, and black. Fresh seeds have a small fleshy appendage that is white; this is an elaisome. The seedpods split open to release the seeds while they are still green. The root system consists of a slender taproot that branches abundantly. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun and moist to mesic conditions during the period of active growth during the spring. This plant will grow in many kinds of soil, but it is usually found in soil that contains sand or rocky material; it also adapts to loamy soil containing abundant organic matter and bark litter. The foliage gradually withers away during the summer.
Range & Habitat: The native Slender Corydalis is occasional in northern and western Illinois, but uncommon elsewhere in the state (see Distribution Map). Habits include open rocky woodlands, sandy savannas, ledges along thinly wooded bluffs, glades, gravelly areas along railroads (including the ballast), and mulched areas along buildings. Slender Corydalis prefers habitats with scant ground vegetation and a little shade. Occasional wildfires are beneficial as they reduce competition from woody vegetation and other plants.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated by long-tongued bees, particularly bumblebees. An aphid, Macrosiphum corydalis, sucks juices from the flowering stalks of Corydalis spp. The seeds are distributed to some extent by ants because of their elaisomes (food appendages). Mammalian herbivores avoid consumption of this plant because of its toxic foliage.
Photographic Location: A mulched area along a building on the campus of the University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois. At this location, Slender Corydalis was growing wild, like a weed. Many of the plants are periodically uprooted and destroyed by maintenance and grounds staff, but this species has persisted at this site for a number of years.
Comments: Among the Corydalis spp. with yellow flowers in Illinois, Slender Corydalis has smaller than average flowers (about 1/3–1/2" or 8-12 mm. in length). Only Corydalis flavula (Pale Corydalis) has smaller flowers (about 1/4–1/3" or 6-8 mm. in length), while the others have larger flowers (about 1/2–1" or 12-25 mm. in length). Pale Corydalis also has longer pedicels (1/4–3/4" or 6-19 mm. in length) than Slender Corydalis. The foliage of Slender Corydalis has a similar appearance to other Corydalis spp., except the lobes of its pinnately compound leaves have tips that are more blunt than some of the others. A closely related subspecies is Corydalis micrantha australis (Prairie Corydalis). This latter subspecies has longer seedpods (about 2/3–4/3" or 17-34 mm. in length) and longer flowering stalks that extend beyond the foliage. Other Corydalis spp. differ from Slender Corydalis by having constricted or knobby seedpods that are less erect, and some Corydalis spp. have larger seeds (1.5–2.0 mm. across).
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成长记
pzsoofi
2018年05月08日
Somewhat elongated in full sun... how much light does this plant need????
#Succulent
#Succulent
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pzsoofi：@meriunkat thank for the tip! it might actually get more than that and pretty harsh too. Maybe summertime will help.
meriunkat：needs shade the rest of tge day
meriunkat：but not too harsh sunlight
meriunkat：about 6 hours every day
文章
Miss Chen
2018年05月07日
Description: This biennial plant is about 1–2½' tall, branching occasionally. The stems have a tendency to zigzag between leaves; they are light green, terete, and both short-pubescent and hairy. The alternate leaves are up to 6" long and 6" across. The lower leaves are pinnately cleft into 5 lobes; they are longer than wide, dentate along their margins, and slightly hairy. The earliest of these lower leaves have patches of greyish white or light green toward the middle of their upper surfaces, providing them with a water-stained appearance. The middle to upper leaves are orbicular and cleft into 5 lobes, resembling maple leaves; they are dentate along their margins and slightly hairy. The petioles of these leaves are rather long and stout; they are both short-pubescent and sparsely hairy.
The upper stems terminate in floppy cymes of flowers. These flowers are about ¾" across when they are fully open, becoming more erect while in bloom. Each flower has a lavender or pale purplish pink corolla that consists of 5 spreading petals. At the base of this corolla, there is a hairy green calyx with 5 narrowly triangular teeth. Between each pair of teeth on the calyx, there is a short appendage that is strongly recurved. Toward the center of the corolla, there are 5 stamens with light to medium brown anthers and a slender white style that is divided toward its apex. The peduncles and pedicels of the cymes are light green, terete, and both short-pubescent and hairy; the peduncles are up to 6" long, while the pedicels are up to 1" long. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer, lasting about 3 weeks. Each flower is replaced by a 2-chambered capsule containing several seeds. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is light dappled shade, moist to mesic conditions, and a rich loamy soil containing abundant organic matter. Sometimes this plant succumbs to fusarium wilt and other wilt-causing fungi. In spite of its biennial habit, it is possible to maintain this plant in a woodland flower garden as it reseeds itself readily.
Range & Habitat: The native Great Waterleaf occurs occasionally in central and northern Illinois; it is less common or absent in the southern and extreme NW areas of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic deciduous woodlands, woodland borders, areas adjacent to woodland paths, shaded or partially shaded seeps, and shaded or partially shaded areas along rivers. This woodland wildflower begins to bloom after the leaves of the trees have partially developed.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract various kinds of bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, mason bees (Hoplitis spp., Osmia spp.), digger bees (Synhalonia spp.), Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.), and Halictid bees (Lasioglossum spp., etc.). An Andrenid bee, Andrena geranii, is a specialist pollinator (oligolege) of Hydrophyllum spp. Other insects that visit the flowers include Syrphid flies, dance flies (Empis spp.), butterflies, and skippers. Except for these flower visitors, surprisingly little appears to be known about floral-fauna relationships for this species. White-Tailed Deer probably browse on the foliage.
Photographic Location: A woodland flower garden on the campus of the University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois, and a deciduous woodland at Pine Hills State Nature Preserve in west-central Indiana.
Comments: Great Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum appendiculatum) is one of the more common Hydrophyllum spp. within the state and its flowers are the most attractive. This species has hairy stems and calyxes, and some of its leaves resemble maple leaves. A distinctive characteristic consists of the small recurved appendages between the teeth of its calyx, hence the "appendiculatum" in the scientific name. Other Hydrophyllum spp. lack these strongly recurved appendages and they have less showy flowers. Virginia Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum virginiana) and Canada Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum canadense) have less hairy stems, while Large-Leaved Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum macrophyllum) lacks cleft orbicular leaves that resemble maple leaves. The leaves of this latter species are always longer than broad, and they are pinnately divided to an even greater extent than the lower leaves of Great Waterleaf.
The upper stems terminate in floppy cymes of flowers. These flowers are about ¾" across when they are fully open, becoming more erect while in bloom. Each flower has a lavender or pale purplish pink corolla that consists of 5 spreading petals. At the base of this corolla, there is a hairy green calyx with 5 narrowly triangular teeth. Between each pair of teeth on the calyx, there is a short appendage that is strongly recurved. Toward the center of the corolla, there are 5 stamens with light to medium brown anthers and a slender white style that is divided toward its apex. The peduncles and pedicels of the cymes are light green, terete, and both short-pubescent and hairy; the peduncles are up to 6" long, while the pedicels are up to 1" long. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer, lasting about 3 weeks. Each flower is replaced by a 2-chambered capsule containing several seeds. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is light dappled shade, moist to mesic conditions, and a rich loamy soil containing abundant organic matter. Sometimes this plant succumbs to fusarium wilt and other wilt-causing fungi. In spite of its biennial habit, it is possible to maintain this plant in a woodland flower garden as it reseeds itself readily.
Range & Habitat: The native Great Waterleaf occurs occasionally in central and northern Illinois; it is less common or absent in the southern and extreme NW areas of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic deciduous woodlands, woodland borders, areas adjacent to woodland paths, shaded or partially shaded seeps, and shaded or partially shaded areas along rivers. This woodland wildflower begins to bloom after the leaves of the trees have partially developed.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract various kinds of bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, mason bees (Hoplitis spp., Osmia spp.), digger bees (Synhalonia spp.), Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.), and Halictid bees (Lasioglossum spp., etc.). An Andrenid bee, Andrena geranii, is a specialist pollinator (oligolege) of Hydrophyllum spp. Other insects that visit the flowers include Syrphid flies, dance flies (Empis spp.), butterflies, and skippers. Except for these flower visitors, surprisingly little appears to be known about floral-fauna relationships for this species. White-Tailed Deer probably browse on the foliage.
Photographic Location: A woodland flower garden on the campus of the University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois, and a deciduous woodland at Pine Hills State Nature Preserve in west-central Indiana.
Comments: Great Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum appendiculatum) is one of the more common Hydrophyllum spp. within the state and its flowers are the most attractive. This species has hairy stems and calyxes, and some of its leaves resemble maple leaves. A distinctive characteristic consists of the small recurved appendages between the teeth of its calyx, hence the "appendiculatum" in the scientific name. Other Hydrophyllum spp. lack these strongly recurved appendages and they have less showy flowers. Virginia Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum virginiana) and Canada Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum canadense) have less hairy stems, while Large-Leaved Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum macrophyllum) lacks cleft orbicular leaves that resemble maple leaves. The leaves of this latter species are always longer than broad, and they are pinnately divided to an even greater extent than the lower leaves of Great Waterleaf.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年05月07日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is about ¾-1' tall and unbranched. A typical plant produces a single basal leaf on a long hairy petiole and a flowering stalk with a pair of cauline leaves near its apex. However, not all plants produce flowers. The central stalk is light green to reddish green, terete, rather stout, and quite hairy. One cauline leaf is sessile, while the other cauline leaf has a short petiole up to 2" long. The petioles of the basal and cauline leaves have characteristics that are similar to the flowering stalk. The basal leaves are up to 10" long and 10" across, while the cauline leaves are up to 8" long and 8" across. Both types of leaves have about 5 palmate lobes and their margins are doubly serrated and shallowly cleft. During the blooming period, these leaves are wrinkled, hairy, and smaller in size, but later in the year they become more smooth, less hairy (or even glabrous), and full-sized. The color of the leaves may change from yellowish green during the spring to medium-dark green during the summer.
A flowering plant produces a single terminal flower on a short pedicel (up to 2" long); this pedicel is similar to the central stem in its characteristics. The flower is about ¾" across, consisting of 3 deciduous sepals, no petals, approximately 40 spreading stamens, and approximately 10 clustered pistils in the center. The greenish white sepals drop early and they are not present while the flower is in bloom. The stamens have white filaments and yellow or greenish yellow anthers. The slightly flattened pistils have short beaks and they are initially pale green. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring and lasts about 2-3 weeks. By mid- to late summer, the pistils have been replaced by a small tight cluster of bright red berries. Each berry contains 1-2 black shiny seeds. The root system consists of knotty yellow rhizomes and fibrous roots. This plant reproduces by clonal offsets from its rhizomes and by seed. It occasionally forms small colonies.
Cultivation: This plant prefers dappled sunlight during the spring and light to moderate shade during the summer. It prefers moist to mesic conditions and a fertile loamy soil with an abundance of leaf mould. Wild plants are little bothered by disease, although stressed out cultivated plants can be attacked by leaf blight and other diseases. Slugs eat seedlings and the foliage of mature plants, while root knot nematodes occasionally attack the root system. Starting plants from seeds is slow, while vegetative propagation from rhizomes is easier and faster.
Range & Habitat: The native Goldenseal occurs occasionally in scattered counties throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map), although populations have been declining because of habitat destruction and over-collection of the rhizomes. Habitats include moist to mesic deciduous woodlands, wooded bluffs, and areas along woodland paths. A limited amount of disturbance is beneficial when it reduces excessive shade from the overhead canopy.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by small Halictid bees (Lasioglossum spp.) and masked bees (Hylaeus spp.) primarily; they are also visited by Syrphid flies and larger bees (Sinclair et al., 2000). Presumably birds or small mammals eat the berries and help to distribute the seeds, but little specific information is available about this. Little is known about the attractiveness of the foliage as a food source to mammalian herbivores, although it is probably toxic to them like most members of the Buttercup family.
Photographic Location: A deciduous woodland in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: Goldenseal has a unique appearance because of the wrinkled palmate foliage (while young), unusual petal-less flowers, and beaked red fruits. As a result, it is easy to identity at either the flowering or fruiting stage. The biggest threat to this species is over-collection of the rhizomes for herbal medicine; these rhizomes can sell for $100/lb. on the wholesale market. They contain the alkaloids hydrastine, berberine, and canadine. Hydrastine is used for feminine complaints, berberine has anti-bacterial and anti-protozoan properties, and canadine is a sedative and muscle relaxant. Under the CITES convention, it is illegal to export the rhizomes and other parts of rare wild-collected plants in the United States. The common name of this plant refers to the yellow rhizomes.
A flowering plant produces a single terminal flower on a short pedicel (up to 2" long); this pedicel is similar to the central stem in its characteristics. The flower is about ¾" across, consisting of 3 deciduous sepals, no petals, approximately 40 spreading stamens, and approximately 10 clustered pistils in the center. The greenish white sepals drop early and they are not present while the flower is in bloom. The stamens have white filaments and yellow or greenish yellow anthers. The slightly flattened pistils have short beaks and they are initially pale green. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring and lasts about 2-3 weeks. By mid- to late summer, the pistils have been replaced by a small tight cluster of bright red berries. Each berry contains 1-2 black shiny seeds. The root system consists of knotty yellow rhizomes and fibrous roots. This plant reproduces by clonal offsets from its rhizomes and by seed. It occasionally forms small colonies.
Cultivation: This plant prefers dappled sunlight during the spring and light to moderate shade during the summer. It prefers moist to mesic conditions and a fertile loamy soil with an abundance of leaf mould. Wild plants are little bothered by disease, although stressed out cultivated plants can be attacked by leaf blight and other diseases. Slugs eat seedlings and the foliage of mature plants, while root knot nematodes occasionally attack the root system. Starting plants from seeds is slow, while vegetative propagation from rhizomes is easier and faster.
Range & Habitat: The native Goldenseal occurs occasionally in scattered counties throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map), although populations have been declining because of habitat destruction and over-collection of the rhizomes. Habitats include moist to mesic deciduous woodlands, wooded bluffs, and areas along woodland paths. A limited amount of disturbance is beneficial when it reduces excessive shade from the overhead canopy.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by small Halictid bees (Lasioglossum spp.) and masked bees (Hylaeus spp.) primarily; they are also visited by Syrphid flies and larger bees (Sinclair et al., 2000). Presumably birds or small mammals eat the berries and help to distribute the seeds, but little specific information is available about this. Little is known about the attractiveness of the foliage as a food source to mammalian herbivores, although it is probably toxic to them like most members of the Buttercup family.
Photographic Location: A deciduous woodland in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: Goldenseal has a unique appearance because of the wrinkled palmate foliage (while young), unusual petal-less flowers, and beaked red fruits. As a result, it is easy to identity at either the flowering or fruiting stage. The biggest threat to this species is over-collection of the rhizomes for herbal medicine; these rhizomes can sell for $100/lb. on the wholesale market. They contain the alkaloids hydrastine, berberine, and canadine. Hydrastine is used for feminine complaints, berberine has anti-bacterial and anti-protozoan properties, and canadine is a sedative and muscle relaxant. Under the CITES convention, it is illegal to export the rhizomes and other parts of rare wild-collected plants in the United States. The common name of this plant refers to the yellow rhizomes.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月07日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant consists of a large tuft of basal leaves up to ½' tall, from which one or more flowering stalks develop that are 2–3½' tall. The blades of the basal leaves are 2½–4" across. They are more or less orbicular in overall shape, but with 5-9 lobes along their margins; these lobes are shallow and rounded. The blades are indented at the junction of the petioles, while their margins are coarsely crenate-dentate. The upper surfaces of the leaf blades are medium green and sometimes variegated; they have scattered short hairs and a rough texture. The slender petioles are light green and hairy; they are as long or longer than their blades. The tall flowering stalks are light green, terete, hairy, and without leaves. At the apex of each stalk, there is a narrow panicle of flowers about 3-8" long. The spreading branches of the panicle are light green and hairy, while the flowers are drooping. Each fully developed flower is 4.0–4.5 mm. long, consisting of a light green or reddish green calyx with 5 narrow lobes, 5 light green petals, 5 strongly exerted stamens with orange-red anthers, and 2 styles. The petals are smaller than the calyx and insignificant. The calyx is conspicuously swollen toward its base. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer and lasts about 3 weeks. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each flower is replaced by a small seed capsule that has 2 prominent beaks. There are numerous tiny seeds inside each capsule, which are small enough to be blown about by the wind. The root system consists of a crown with fibrous roots. The preceding description applies only to var. hirsuticaulis.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the spring, followed by light shade during the summer. The soil should be well-drained, mesic to dry, and loamy or rocky. This is primarily a foliage plant that can function as a ground cover if it is densely planted.
Range & Habitat: The native Woodland Alumroot is occasional in the southern half of Illinois, while in the northern half of the state it is rare or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland rocky woodlands, thinly wooded bluffs, and wooded slopes. This species is found in high quality habitats where oak trees are often present. The most commonly encountered variety of Woodland Alumroot within the state is var. hirsuticaulis.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract small bees, including Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp., & Augochlorella spp.) and the oligolectic Plasterer bee Colletes aestivalis. This latter bee is a specialist pollinator of Heuchera spp. Insects that prefer to feed on the foliage or juices of Heuchera spp. include the flea beetle Altica heucherae and the aphid Nasonovia heucherae. The bitter-tasting basal leaves are usually ignored by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: An upland rocky woodland at the Portland Arch in west-central Indiana.
Comments: Woodland Alumroot and other native Heuchera spp. are related to the commonly cultivated 'Coral Bells' of horticulture. However, the flowers of the native species are usually green and less showy. Across its range, different varieties of Woodland Alumroot have been identified. Compared to the typical variety, the variety that has been described here (var. hirsuticaulis) has flowering stalks and petioles that are more hairy. Otherwise, they are very similar. Another variety that has been recognized in Illinois, var. interior, has smaller flowers (3.0–3.5 mm. long) than var. hirsuticaulis. Another species in this genus that is sometimes encountered within the state is Heuchera richardsonii (Prairie Alumroot). It differs from the preceding varieties of Woodland Alumroot by its longer asymmetrical flowers (5.0–9.0 mm.). The flowers of Woodland Alumroot are more symmetrical (one side of the flower is about as long as another side).
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the spring, followed by light shade during the summer. The soil should be well-drained, mesic to dry, and loamy or rocky. This is primarily a foliage plant that can function as a ground cover if it is densely planted.
Range & Habitat: The native Woodland Alumroot is occasional in the southern half of Illinois, while in the northern half of the state it is rare or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland rocky woodlands, thinly wooded bluffs, and wooded slopes. This species is found in high quality habitats where oak trees are often present. The most commonly encountered variety of Woodland Alumroot within the state is var. hirsuticaulis.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract small bees, including Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp., & Augochlorella spp.) and the oligolectic Plasterer bee Colletes aestivalis. This latter bee is a specialist pollinator of Heuchera spp. Insects that prefer to feed on the foliage or juices of Heuchera spp. include the flea beetle Altica heucherae and the aphid Nasonovia heucherae. The bitter-tasting basal leaves are usually ignored by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: An upland rocky woodland at the Portland Arch in west-central Indiana.
Comments: Woodland Alumroot and other native Heuchera spp. are related to the commonly cultivated 'Coral Bells' of horticulture. However, the flowers of the native species are usually green and less showy. Across its range, different varieties of Woodland Alumroot have been identified. Compared to the typical variety, the variety that has been described here (var. hirsuticaulis) has flowering stalks and petioles that are more hairy. Otherwise, they are very similar. Another variety that has been recognized in Illinois, var. interior, has smaller flowers (3.0–3.5 mm. long) than var. hirsuticaulis. Another species in this genus that is sometimes encountered within the state is Heuchera richardsonii (Prairie Alumroot). It differs from the preceding varieties of Woodland Alumroot by its longer asymmetrical flowers (5.0–9.0 mm.). The flowers of Woodland Alumroot are more symmetrical (one side of the flower is about as long as another side).
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