文章
Miss Chen
2018年04月03日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 3-8' tall; it branches occasionally in the upper half. The stems are light green, terete, usually glabrous, and sometimes glaucous. The alternate leaves are up to 12" long and 12" across, becoming gradually smaller as they ascend the stems. These leaves spread outward from their stems on narrowly winged petioles and they have a tendency to droop. The lower to middle leaves have 3-7 large lobes and smooth to coarsely dentate margins. The lobes of these leaves are elliptic to ovate in shape; the terminal lobes of some leaves are subdivided into 2 smaller lobes. Sometimes the lower leaves are pinnate with a pair of basal leaflets and a lobed terminal leaflet. The uppermost leaves on the flowering stalks are much smaller in size and lanceolate to ovate in shape; they lack lobes. The upper leaf surface is dark green and hairless to sparingly short-hairy, while the lower leaf surface is pale-medium green and glabrous to sparingly hairy.
Flowering Plants
The upper stems terminate in either individual or cyme-like clusters of flowerheads on stalks 2" or more in length. Each flowerhead spans about 2-3" across; it has a daisy-like structure consisting of a globoid central cone that is surrounded by 6-12 ray florets. The central cone is light green while immature, but it later becomes yellow and resembles a pincushion to some extent because of the corollas of its tubular disk florets. The petaloid rays surrounding the central cone are yellow, oblong in shape, and drooping. The base of each flowerhead is defined by 8-15 floral bracts (phyllaries); these bracts are light green, oblong-ovate in shape, and hairless to hairy. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts about 1-2 months. Each disk floret is replaced by an oblongoid achene (3-4.5 mm. in length) that has a crown of tiny blunt teeth at its apex. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. Clonal colonies of plants are often formed from the long rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, moist conditions, and fertile loam or silt-loam. At a site that is too sunny and dry, the leaves may droop excessively and wither away, otherwise this plant is easy to cultivate. In some areas, it may spread aggressively by means of its rhizomes.
Range & Habitat: Cutleaf Coneflower is widely distributed and occasional to locally common in most areas of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include open bottomland forests, moist meadows in wooded areas, woodland borders, moist thickets, sloughs in partially shaded areas, low areas along rivers, partially shaded river banks, calcareous seeps, margins of poorly drained fields, and pastures. Occasionally, this species is grown in flower gardens. It prefers partially shaded areas that are poorly drained and may be prone to occasional flooding during the spring.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract many kinds of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, predatory wasps, butterflies, skippers, moths, and various kinds of flies. Insects that feed destructively on the Cutleaf Coneflower include the leaf beetle Sumitrosis inequalis, Uroleucon rudbeckiae (Golden Glow Aphid), larvae of the fruit fly Strauzia intermedia, leaf-mining larvae of the moth Marmara auratella, and larvae of the butterfly, Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot). Other insects that feed on this and other coneflowers (Rudbeckia spp.) include the larvae of gall flies, larvae of the sawfly Macrophya simillima, and larvae of some Tortricid moths. Larvae of such moths as Synchlora aerata (Wavy-Lined Emerald) and Eupithecia miserulata (Common Pug) feed on the florets. A bird, the Common Goldfinch, eats the seeds to a limited extent. The foliage of Cutleaf Coneflower may be somewhat poisonous to some mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: A flower garden in Urbana, Illinois, and an area that is adjacent to a pond at Crystal Lake Park in the same city.
Comments: This is a tall-growing wildflower with a rather lanky appearance. A cultivar of this species, called 'Golden Glow' has double flowerheads with more ray florets (greater than 12) than the wild form. Cutleaf Coneflower is one of several Rudbeckia spp. with yellow flowerheads. It has larger and more widely separated disk florets than these other species, which provides the mature central cone of its flowerheads with a slight pincushion appearance. The central cones of Cutleaf Coneflower are light green to yellow (depending on their maturity), while the central cones of other Rudbeckia spp. are dark brown to black (e.g., Rudbeckia hirta, Rudbeckia triloba, & Rudbeckia fulgida) or grey to brown (e.g., Rudbeckia pinnata). The leaves of Cutleaf Coneflower have 3-7 deep lobes, while the leaves of other Rudbeckia spp. have fewer lobes or none. An exception is Rudbeckia pinnata (Yellow Coneflower), which has leaves with as many lobes. However, the lobes on its leaves are more narrow than those of Cutleaf Coneflower. Other common names of Rudbeckia laciniata include Green-headed Coneflower and Wild Golden Glow.
Flowering Plants
The upper stems terminate in either individual or cyme-like clusters of flowerheads on stalks 2" or more in length. Each flowerhead spans about 2-3" across; it has a daisy-like structure consisting of a globoid central cone that is surrounded by 6-12 ray florets. The central cone is light green while immature, but it later becomes yellow and resembles a pincushion to some extent because of the corollas of its tubular disk florets. The petaloid rays surrounding the central cone are yellow, oblong in shape, and drooping. The base of each flowerhead is defined by 8-15 floral bracts (phyllaries); these bracts are light green, oblong-ovate in shape, and hairless to hairy. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts about 1-2 months. Each disk floret is replaced by an oblongoid achene (3-4.5 mm. in length) that has a crown of tiny blunt teeth at its apex. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. Clonal colonies of plants are often formed from the long rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, moist conditions, and fertile loam or silt-loam. At a site that is too sunny and dry, the leaves may droop excessively and wither away, otherwise this plant is easy to cultivate. In some areas, it may spread aggressively by means of its rhizomes.
Range & Habitat: Cutleaf Coneflower is widely distributed and occasional to locally common in most areas of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include open bottomland forests, moist meadows in wooded areas, woodland borders, moist thickets, sloughs in partially shaded areas, low areas along rivers, partially shaded river banks, calcareous seeps, margins of poorly drained fields, and pastures. Occasionally, this species is grown in flower gardens. It prefers partially shaded areas that are poorly drained and may be prone to occasional flooding during the spring.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract many kinds of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, predatory wasps, butterflies, skippers, moths, and various kinds of flies. Insects that feed destructively on the Cutleaf Coneflower include the leaf beetle Sumitrosis inequalis, Uroleucon rudbeckiae (Golden Glow Aphid), larvae of the fruit fly Strauzia intermedia, leaf-mining larvae of the moth Marmara auratella, and larvae of the butterfly, Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot). Other insects that feed on this and other coneflowers (Rudbeckia spp.) include the larvae of gall flies, larvae of the sawfly Macrophya simillima, and larvae of some Tortricid moths. Larvae of such moths as Synchlora aerata (Wavy-Lined Emerald) and Eupithecia miserulata (Common Pug) feed on the florets. A bird, the Common Goldfinch, eats the seeds to a limited extent. The foliage of Cutleaf Coneflower may be somewhat poisonous to some mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: A flower garden in Urbana, Illinois, and an area that is adjacent to a pond at Crystal Lake Park in the same city.
Comments: This is a tall-growing wildflower with a rather lanky appearance. A cultivar of this species, called 'Golden Glow' has double flowerheads with more ray florets (greater than 12) than the wild form. Cutleaf Coneflower is one of several Rudbeckia spp. with yellow flowerheads. It has larger and more widely separated disk florets than these other species, which provides the mature central cone of its flowerheads with a slight pincushion appearance. The central cones of Cutleaf Coneflower are light green to yellow (depending on their maturity), while the central cones of other Rudbeckia spp. are dark brown to black (e.g., Rudbeckia hirta, Rudbeckia triloba, & Rudbeckia fulgida) or grey to brown (e.g., Rudbeckia pinnata). The leaves of Cutleaf Coneflower have 3-7 deep lobes, while the leaves of other Rudbeckia spp. have fewer lobes or none. An exception is Rudbeckia pinnata (Yellow Coneflower), which has leaves with as many lobes. However, the lobes on its leaves are more narrow than those of Cutleaf Coneflower. Other common names of Rudbeckia laciniata include Green-headed Coneflower and Wild Golden Glow.
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求助
Kiersten_27
2018年04月02日
Does anyone have any idea what is happening to my air plant? It’s drying and browning from the center outward and even the smallest pup is completely dried out.
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Mohamad.hamidizade：Just a few drops of water
Mohamad.hamidizade：In the soil I say, drink water every day
meriunkat：@Kiersten_27 okay then like @Mohamad.hamidizade said you need to separate the pups from the mother since she has bloomed it is very possible she will perish
Kiersten_27：@meriunkat I soak it for 10-15 minutes in Luke warm water. And the mother plant has bloomed because it has pups, but the pups haven’t bloomed.
Kiersten_27：@Mohamad.hamidizade I know, but the cores of each plant were completely dried out and brown
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年04月01日
Description: This perennial wildflower consists of a small tuft of basal leaves and flowering stalks; a tufted plant is typically about 6" tall and 6" across. The basal leaves are usually divided into 3-5 leaflets; these leaflets are divided into narrow lobes and they may have a few teeth along their margins. There is a variety of Early Buttercup (var. apricus) with basal leaves that are shallowly divided into wide lobes or teeth, but it is uncommon. Each basal leaf has a long slender petiole. The flowering stalks are light green to purplish brown; each stalk has 1-2 cauline leaves. The cauline leaves are smaller in size than the basal leaves; they are either sessile or short-stalked. The cauline leaves are undivided, or they have 2-3 small lobes. Both basal and cauline leaves are medium green and either glabrous or silky-hairy. Both the flowering stalks and the petioles of basal leaves are usually silky-hairy.
The flowers occur individually or in small loose clusters. Each flower is about ¾–1" across, consisting of 5 spreading petals (rarely more), 5 spreading sepals, a ring of numerous stamens, and a dense cluster of pistils in the center. The yellow petals are oblong or elliptic-oblong in shape; they are longer than wide. The green or yellowish green sepals are ovate in shape and usually hairy; they are shorter than the petals. The blooming period occurs during mid-spring and lasts about 2-3 weeks. Each flower is replaced by a dense cluster of beaked achenes spanning about 1/3" across. These achenes are orbicular and flat-sided (about 2.5–3.0 mm. across); their beaks are straight or curved (about 1.5–2 mm. long), while their sides are smooth. The root system consists of a tuft of thickened fibrous roots. This wildflower spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, mesic to dry conditions, and a rather poor soil containing rocky material or sand. This buttercup is a candidate for rock gardens.
Range & Habitat: Early Buttercup occurs occasionally throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include upland woodlands, thinly wooded bluffs, rocky savannas and sandy savannas, hill prairies, sand prairies, rocky glades, and pastures. This wildflower is found in rather dry areas where there is sparse ground vegetation.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract primarily bees and Syrphid flies. Bee visitors of Early Buttercup's flowers include honeybees, Little Carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), Cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), Mason bees (Osmia spp.), Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp., & others), and Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.). Less common visitors of the flowers include butterflies, skippers, and miscellaneous flies (other than Syrphid). The seeds and foliage of Ranunculus spp. (buttercups) are eaten to a limited extent by the Wild Turkey, Ruffed Grouse, and Ring-Necked Pheasant. The seeds are also eaten to a limited extent by the Eastern Chipmunk, Gray Squirrel, Fox Squirrel, and voles. During the winter, Snow Buntings feed on the seeds of some buttercup species in fields and pastures. Because of the toxic foliage, Early Buttercup and other buttercups are often rejected by cattle and other mammalian herbivores as a source of food.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This buttercup is the earliest to bloom. Among the many Ranunculus spp. (buttercups) in Illinois, Early Buttercup can be distinguished by its diminutive size, relatively large flowers (at least ¾" across), and deeply lobed leaves (except for var. apricus). Both the blades of the basal leaves and the petals of the flowers are longer than they are wide; other buttercups often have leaf blades and flower petals that are about as wide as they are long. Mature specimens of Early Buttercup produce fibrous roots that are slightly swollen and fleshy, although not truly tuberous.
The flowers occur individually or in small loose clusters. Each flower is about ¾–1" across, consisting of 5 spreading petals (rarely more), 5 spreading sepals, a ring of numerous stamens, and a dense cluster of pistils in the center. The yellow petals are oblong or elliptic-oblong in shape; they are longer than wide. The green or yellowish green sepals are ovate in shape and usually hairy; they are shorter than the petals. The blooming period occurs during mid-spring and lasts about 2-3 weeks. Each flower is replaced by a dense cluster of beaked achenes spanning about 1/3" across. These achenes are orbicular and flat-sided (about 2.5–3.0 mm. across); their beaks are straight or curved (about 1.5–2 mm. long), while their sides are smooth. The root system consists of a tuft of thickened fibrous roots. This wildflower spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, mesic to dry conditions, and a rather poor soil containing rocky material or sand. This buttercup is a candidate for rock gardens.
Range & Habitat: Early Buttercup occurs occasionally throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include upland woodlands, thinly wooded bluffs, rocky savannas and sandy savannas, hill prairies, sand prairies, rocky glades, and pastures. This wildflower is found in rather dry areas where there is sparse ground vegetation.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract primarily bees and Syrphid flies. Bee visitors of Early Buttercup's flowers include honeybees, Little Carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), Cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), Mason bees (Osmia spp.), Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp., & others), and Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.). Less common visitors of the flowers include butterflies, skippers, and miscellaneous flies (other than Syrphid). The seeds and foliage of Ranunculus spp. (buttercups) are eaten to a limited extent by the Wild Turkey, Ruffed Grouse, and Ring-Necked Pheasant. The seeds are also eaten to a limited extent by the Eastern Chipmunk, Gray Squirrel, Fox Squirrel, and voles. During the winter, Snow Buntings feed on the seeds of some buttercup species in fields and pastures. Because of the toxic foliage, Early Buttercup and other buttercups are often rejected by cattle and other mammalian herbivores as a source of food.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This buttercup is the earliest to bloom. Among the many Ranunculus spp. (buttercups) in Illinois, Early Buttercup can be distinguished by its diminutive size, relatively large flowers (at least ¾" across), and deeply lobed leaves (except for var. apricus). Both the blades of the basal leaves and the petals of the flowers are longer than they are wide; other buttercups often have leaf blades and flower petals that are about as wide as they are long. Mature specimens of Early Buttercup produce fibrous roots that are slightly swollen and fleshy, although not truly tuberous.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年04月01日
Description: This perennial herbaceous plant is 1½–3¼' tall, branching occasionally to frequently. The stems are light green to brownish red, terete, and hairless to hairy. Sessile leaves alternate along the stems. The early leaves of this plant, after it emerges from the ground during the spring, are trifoliate-pinnatifid in structure. and their leaflets are sessile. The middle leaflet is cleft into 1-2 pairs of larger lateral lobes and a prominent terminal lobe; it also has smaller cleft lobes or coarse teeth along its margins. The lateral leaflets are more asymmetric in shape; the lateral leaflets typically are cleft into 1-2 larger outer lobes, 0-1 larger inner lobes, and there are several smaller lobes or coarse teeth along their margins. The lobes of these early leaves are oblong-lanceolate to linear-lanceolate in shape. Later leaves are trifoliate with simple leaflets; their sessile leaflets are 2–3½" long, narrowly lanceolate or elliptic in shape, and the margins of these leaflets are coarsely serrate or double-serrate (or rarely shallowly cleft). The upper leaf surface is yellowish green to medium green and sparsely short-pubescent to hairless, while the lower leaf surface is more pale and sparsely to abundantly glandular short-pubescent. Young leaves are more yellowish and hairy than mature leaves. At the leaf bases, there are pairs of persistent leafy stipules about ½–1" long; they are sessile. Individual stipules are ovate to reniform-orbicular in shape; they are shallowly cleft or coarsely serrated along their margins. The upper and lower surfaces of the stipules are similar to those of the leaves.
Upper stems terminate in either individual flowers or small cymes of 2-5 flowers. The branches of the cymes and pedicels of the flowers are slender and hairless to sparsely short-pubescent; the pedicels are ½–2" long. Individual flowers are ¾–1¼" across when they are fully open. Each flower consists of a short-cylindrical calyx with 5 upright teeth, 5 spreading white petals, 10-20 stamens, and 5 clustered pistils. The calyx is about ¼" long, light green to red, and hairless to sparsely short-pubescent; its small teeth are triangular in shape. The petals are narrowly elliptic or narrowly oblanceolate-elliptic in shape. The stamens have short filaments and light brown to dark brown anthers. The blooming period occurs from early to mid-summer, lasting about 2-3 weeks. Afterwards, individual flowers are replaced by 5 clustered follicles that are partially exserted from the persistent calyx. Individual follicles are about ½" long, 3-angled-ovoid in shape with slender beaks, and few-seeded; they eventually split open to release their seeds. Mature individual seeds are about 2.5 mm. long, reddish brown, broadly oblongoid-ellipsoid in shape, flattened along one side, and minutely pitted. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. During the autumn, the foliage of this plant becomes pinkish yellow or red.
Cultivation: The preference is mesic to dry-mesic conditions, partial sun, and clay-loam, loam, or rocky ground. This wildflower should be cultivated more often.
Range & Habitat: The native American Ipecac (Porteranthus stipulatus) occurs occasionally in the southern half of Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is absent or rare (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the northern range-limit of this species. Habitats include upland woodlands, rocky wooded slopes, upland savannas, and limestone glades. Oak trees (Quercus spp.) are usually the dominant canopy trees in these habitats. Occasional wildfires are probably beneficial in maintaining populations of this species. It usually occurs in higher quality natural areas.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract primarily bees, including Anthophorine bees (Anthophora spp.), little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), resin bees (Heriades spp.), mason bees (Hoplitis spp., Osmia spp.), leaf-cutter bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees (Lasioglossum spp.), and dagger bees (Calliopsis spp.). Other insect pollinators include nectar-seeking butterflies, skippers, bee flies (Bombyliidae), and thick-headed flies (Conopidae); see Robertson (1929) and Rudolph et al. (2006). The foliage is toxic to mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: An upland woodland along Lake Charleston in Coles County, Illinois, and the wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: American Ipecac (Porteranthus stipulatus) has a distinctive appearance, particularly during the relatively short period when it is in bloom. The stipules of this plant are unusually large in size and persistent. Another similar species, Bowman's Root (Porteranthus trifoliatus), occurs further to the east in the Appalachian Mountains, but it has not been found in Illinois as a native or naturalized wildflower. Compared to American Ipecac, this latter species has much smaller stipules along its stems and they are early-deciduous, rather than persistent. Bowman's Root has flowers with slightly longer petals and a longer cylindrical calyx; the leaflets of this plant are also wider than those of American Ipecac. Both of these plants have been referred to as Indian Physic, and some authorities assign them to the Gillenia genus. Thus, a scientific synonym of American Ipecac is Gillenia stipulata.
Upper stems terminate in either individual flowers or small cymes of 2-5 flowers. The branches of the cymes and pedicels of the flowers are slender and hairless to sparsely short-pubescent; the pedicels are ½–2" long. Individual flowers are ¾–1¼" across when they are fully open. Each flower consists of a short-cylindrical calyx with 5 upright teeth, 5 spreading white petals, 10-20 stamens, and 5 clustered pistils. The calyx is about ¼" long, light green to red, and hairless to sparsely short-pubescent; its small teeth are triangular in shape. The petals are narrowly elliptic or narrowly oblanceolate-elliptic in shape. The stamens have short filaments and light brown to dark brown anthers. The blooming period occurs from early to mid-summer, lasting about 2-3 weeks. Afterwards, individual flowers are replaced by 5 clustered follicles that are partially exserted from the persistent calyx. Individual follicles are about ½" long, 3-angled-ovoid in shape with slender beaks, and few-seeded; they eventually split open to release their seeds. Mature individual seeds are about 2.5 mm. long, reddish brown, broadly oblongoid-ellipsoid in shape, flattened along one side, and minutely pitted. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. During the autumn, the foliage of this plant becomes pinkish yellow or red.
Cultivation: The preference is mesic to dry-mesic conditions, partial sun, and clay-loam, loam, or rocky ground. This wildflower should be cultivated more often.
Range & Habitat: The native American Ipecac (Porteranthus stipulatus) occurs occasionally in the southern half of Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is absent or rare (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the northern range-limit of this species. Habitats include upland woodlands, rocky wooded slopes, upland savannas, and limestone glades. Oak trees (Quercus spp.) are usually the dominant canopy trees in these habitats. Occasional wildfires are probably beneficial in maintaining populations of this species. It usually occurs in higher quality natural areas.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract primarily bees, including Anthophorine bees (Anthophora spp.), little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), resin bees (Heriades spp.), mason bees (Hoplitis spp., Osmia spp.), leaf-cutter bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees (Lasioglossum spp.), and dagger bees (Calliopsis spp.). Other insect pollinators include nectar-seeking butterflies, skippers, bee flies (Bombyliidae), and thick-headed flies (Conopidae); see Robertson (1929) and Rudolph et al. (2006). The foliage is toxic to mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: An upland woodland along Lake Charleston in Coles County, Illinois, and the wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: American Ipecac (Porteranthus stipulatus) has a distinctive appearance, particularly during the relatively short period when it is in bloom. The stipules of this plant are unusually large in size and persistent. Another similar species, Bowman's Root (Porteranthus trifoliatus), occurs further to the east in the Appalachian Mountains, but it has not been found in Illinois as a native or naturalized wildflower. Compared to American Ipecac, this latter species has much smaller stipules along its stems and they are early-deciduous, rather than persistent. Bowman's Root has flowers with slightly longer petals and a longer cylindrical calyx; the leaflets of this plant are also wider than those of American Ipecac. Both of these plants have been referred to as Indian Physic, and some authorities assign them to the Gillenia genus. Thus, a scientific synonym of American Ipecac is Gillenia stipulata.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年03月31日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 2-4' tall and usually unbranched, except near the apex where the flowers occur. The central stem is light green, round, and usually hairless. Sometimes fine purple streaks occur along the stem. The opposite leaves are up to 6" long and 1" across. They are narrowly ovate or ovate-oblong, with smooth margins and conspicuous pinnate and secondary venation. The margins are slightly ciliate, otherwise the leaves are hairless. The lower leaves have short petioles, while some of the upper leaves may be sessile and rounded at the base.
The central stem and a few secondary stems near the apex of the plant terminate in rather flat-headed or gently rounded panicles of flowers. These flowering stems (peduncles) are often finely pubescent. The individual flowers are about 1" long and ½–¾" across, and can occur in a variety of colors, including bright rosy pink, lavender, and white. Each flower has a long tubular corolla with 5 spreading petals that are well-rounded and overlap slightly. The tubular calyx is green (sometimes with purplish tints) and much smaller than the corolla. The teeth of this calyx are long and narrow. Sometimes the calyx is pubescent or hairy. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late summer and lasts about 1½ months. The flowers are quite fragrant. The small seed capsules have 3-cells and are oval in shape. Each cell usually contains 2 small seeds. The root system consists of a taproot. Small clumps of plants are often formed.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, moist conditions, and fertile loamy soil. Light shade is tolerated, but flowers will be produced less abundantly. In full sun, the leaves have a tendency to turn yellowish green and the plants are in greater danger of drying out. Sometimes the leaves are attacked by various kinds of foliar disease, such as powdery mildew. This appears to occur less often among plants growing in the wild than among the cultivated strains that are typically grown in flower gardens.
Range & Habitat: The native Summer Phlox has been observed in most counties of Illinois, except in the NW where it is often absent (see Distribution Map). While this plant is widely distributed here and there, it is rather uncommon in natural habitats, occurring as isolated clumps of plants. Some populations are undoubtedly derived from cultivated forms of the plant that have escaped. Habitats include openings in moist to mesic woodlands, woodland borders, thickets, and semi-shaded areas along rivers. Because of the attractive flowers, Summer Phlox is quite common in flower gardens.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts butterflies, skippers, and moths, including Hummingbird moths and Sphinx moths. Other insects don't have long enough mouthparts to extract the nectar from the base of the corolla. Small flower flies may feed on the pollen, but are not effective pollinators. Some insects suck juices from Phlox spp., including Lopidea davisi (Phlox Scarlet Plant Bug) and Poecilocapsus lineatus (Four-Lined Plant Bug), while the adults of Epicauta pensylvanica (Black Blister Beetle) eat the flowers or foliage. The caterpillars of some moth species feed on the foliage or flowers as well, including Lacinipolia olivacea (Olive Arches) and Heliothis phloxiphagus (Spotted Straw). Mammalian herbivores occasionally eat the foliage of this and other Phlox spp., including deer, rabbits, and livestock.
Photographic Location: A moist woodland edge at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Summer Phlox is the largest of the Phlox spp. in Illinois. This plant is easy to identify because of its leaves, which have conspicuous secondary veins on their upper surface. In other Phlox spp., only the central vein is prominent. A mature specimen of Summer Phlox will have some leaves that easily exceed ½" in width, while the leaves of other Phlox spp. are less than ½" in width. Summer Phlox usually blooms later than other species in this genus, although its blooming period may overlap with Phlox glaberrima (Smooth Phlox) to a limited extent. Another common name for Phlox paniculata is Garden Phlox.
The central stem and a few secondary stems near the apex of the plant terminate in rather flat-headed or gently rounded panicles of flowers. These flowering stems (peduncles) are often finely pubescent. The individual flowers are about 1" long and ½–¾" across, and can occur in a variety of colors, including bright rosy pink, lavender, and white. Each flower has a long tubular corolla with 5 spreading petals that are well-rounded and overlap slightly. The tubular calyx is green (sometimes with purplish tints) and much smaller than the corolla. The teeth of this calyx are long and narrow. Sometimes the calyx is pubescent or hairy. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late summer and lasts about 1½ months. The flowers are quite fragrant. The small seed capsules have 3-cells and are oval in shape. Each cell usually contains 2 small seeds. The root system consists of a taproot. Small clumps of plants are often formed.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, moist conditions, and fertile loamy soil. Light shade is tolerated, but flowers will be produced less abundantly. In full sun, the leaves have a tendency to turn yellowish green and the plants are in greater danger of drying out. Sometimes the leaves are attacked by various kinds of foliar disease, such as powdery mildew. This appears to occur less often among plants growing in the wild than among the cultivated strains that are typically grown in flower gardens.
Range & Habitat: The native Summer Phlox has been observed in most counties of Illinois, except in the NW where it is often absent (see Distribution Map). While this plant is widely distributed here and there, it is rather uncommon in natural habitats, occurring as isolated clumps of plants. Some populations are undoubtedly derived from cultivated forms of the plant that have escaped. Habitats include openings in moist to mesic woodlands, woodland borders, thickets, and semi-shaded areas along rivers. Because of the attractive flowers, Summer Phlox is quite common in flower gardens.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts butterflies, skippers, and moths, including Hummingbird moths and Sphinx moths. Other insects don't have long enough mouthparts to extract the nectar from the base of the corolla. Small flower flies may feed on the pollen, but are not effective pollinators. Some insects suck juices from Phlox spp., including Lopidea davisi (Phlox Scarlet Plant Bug) and Poecilocapsus lineatus (Four-Lined Plant Bug), while the adults of Epicauta pensylvanica (Black Blister Beetle) eat the flowers or foliage. The caterpillars of some moth species feed on the foliage or flowers as well, including Lacinipolia olivacea (Olive Arches) and Heliothis phloxiphagus (Spotted Straw). Mammalian herbivores occasionally eat the foliage of this and other Phlox spp., including deer, rabbits, and livestock.
Photographic Location: A moist woodland edge at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Summer Phlox is the largest of the Phlox spp. in Illinois. This plant is easy to identify because of its leaves, which have conspicuous secondary veins on their upper surface. In other Phlox spp., only the central vein is prominent. A mature specimen of Summer Phlox will have some leaves that easily exceed ½" in width, while the leaves of other Phlox spp. are less than ½" in width. Summer Phlox usually blooms later than other species in this genus, although its blooming period may overlap with Phlox glaberrima (Smooth Phlox) to a limited extent. Another common name for Phlox paniculata is Garden Phlox.
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Miss Chen
2018年03月31日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is about 1-3' tall and unbranched, except for a few flowering stems near the apex. The central stem may have fine white hairs, otherwise it is glabrous. The opposite leaves are up to 5" long and 2" across, becoming smaller as they ascend the stem. They are yellowish green to medium-dark green, ovate to lanceolate-oblong, devoid of hairs, and have widely spaced teeth along their margins. The leaves are sessile or they clasp the stem; sometimes they are slightly cordate at the base.
An elongated panicle of flowers occurs at the apex of the central stem, and smaller panicles of flowers may occur on upper side stems. The stems of each inflorescence (peduncles and pedicels) are usually covered with fine white hairs. Each tubular flower is about 1" long, with 2 upper lobes and 3 lower lobes; the lower lobes do not project outward any further than the upper lobes. On the outer surface, the corolla is light violet or purple and covered with fine hairs, while the inner surface is white. The lower inner surface of the corolla is smooth and lacks ridges. The anthers and style are inserted within the corolla. The calyx of this penstemon is divided into rather long linear-lanceolate segments that are about 1/3" (8 mm.) long. The blooming period occurs during late spring or early summer and lasts about a month. There is no floral scent. The flowers are replaced by small capsules containing numerous seeds. These small seeds can be carried several feet by gusts of wind. The root system consists of a taproot. The flowering stalk dies down after the blooming period, although it is replaced by low basal leaves that persist until the spring of the following year.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, rich loamy soil, and moist to mesic conditions. Like other penstemons, this species rarely has problems with foliar disease.
Close-up of Leaf
Range & Habitat: The native Long-Sepal Penstemon occurs occasionally in eastern and southern Illinois, but it is rare or absent in northwestern areas of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include open rocky woodlands, woodland borders, oak savannas, moist meadows within woodlands, pastures, black soil prairies, and edges of old cemeteries. This species appears in both high quality habitats and more disturbed areas.
Faunal Associations: Long-tongued bees are the most important pollinators of the flowers, including honeybees, bumblebees, Anthophorine bees, digger bees, mason bees, and leaf-cutting bees, which seek nectar primarily. Less important visitors include Halictid bees, Sphinx moths, and hummingbirds. The caterpillars of the moth Elaphria chalcedonia (Chalcedony Midget) may feed on the foliage of this penstemon. The foliage of penstemons is not a preferred food source for most mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: The photograph of the flowers was taken at Prospect Cemetery Prairie in Ford County, Illinois, while the photograph of the leaf was taken in Vermilion County, Illinois, at the edge of an old cemetery in a wooded area.
Comments: This species has reasonably attractive flowers, and it should be cultivated in wildflower gardens more often. Long-Sepal Penstemon resembles Penstemon digitalis (Foxglove Penstemon) somewhat, but it is usually a little smaller and has light violet or purple flowers, while Foxglove Penstemon has white flowers that are at most tinged with violet. Long-Sepal Penstemon also has longer sepals. Another native penstemon, Penstemon hirsutus (Hairy Penstemon), also has pinkish flowers, but the corolla of its flowers is more constricted at the mouth and its stems are more hairy. Other features to consider while identifying a penstemon species include the presence or absence of ridges on the lower inner surface of the corolla, the presence or absence of hairs on the leaves, and whether or not the lower lip of the corolla extends further forward than the upper lip.
An elongated panicle of flowers occurs at the apex of the central stem, and smaller panicles of flowers may occur on upper side stems. The stems of each inflorescence (peduncles and pedicels) are usually covered with fine white hairs. Each tubular flower is about 1" long, with 2 upper lobes and 3 lower lobes; the lower lobes do not project outward any further than the upper lobes. On the outer surface, the corolla is light violet or purple and covered with fine hairs, while the inner surface is white. The lower inner surface of the corolla is smooth and lacks ridges. The anthers and style are inserted within the corolla. The calyx of this penstemon is divided into rather long linear-lanceolate segments that are about 1/3" (8 mm.) long. The blooming period occurs during late spring or early summer and lasts about a month. There is no floral scent. The flowers are replaced by small capsules containing numerous seeds. These small seeds can be carried several feet by gusts of wind. The root system consists of a taproot. The flowering stalk dies down after the blooming period, although it is replaced by low basal leaves that persist until the spring of the following year.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, rich loamy soil, and moist to mesic conditions. Like other penstemons, this species rarely has problems with foliar disease.
Close-up of Leaf
Range & Habitat: The native Long-Sepal Penstemon occurs occasionally in eastern and southern Illinois, but it is rare or absent in northwestern areas of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include open rocky woodlands, woodland borders, oak savannas, moist meadows within woodlands, pastures, black soil prairies, and edges of old cemeteries. This species appears in both high quality habitats and more disturbed areas.
Faunal Associations: Long-tongued bees are the most important pollinators of the flowers, including honeybees, bumblebees, Anthophorine bees, digger bees, mason bees, and leaf-cutting bees, which seek nectar primarily. Less important visitors include Halictid bees, Sphinx moths, and hummingbirds. The caterpillars of the moth Elaphria chalcedonia (Chalcedony Midget) may feed on the foliage of this penstemon. The foliage of penstemons is not a preferred food source for most mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: The photograph of the flowers was taken at Prospect Cemetery Prairie in Ford County, Illinois, while the photograph of the leaf was taken in Vermilion County, Illinois, at the edge of an old cemetery in a wooded area.
Comments: This species has reasonably attractive flowers, and it should be cultivated in wildflower gardens more often. Long-Sepal Penstemon resembles Penstemon digitalis (Foxglove Penstemon) somewhat, but it is usually a little smaller and has light violet or purple flowers, while Foxglove Penstemon has white flowers that are at most tinged with violet. Long-Sepal Penstemon also has longer sepals. Another native penstemon, Penstemon hirsutus (Hairy Penstemon), also has pinkish flowers, but the corolla of its flowers is more constricted at the mouth and its stems are more hairy. Other features to consider while identifying a penstemon species include the presence or absence of ridges on the lower inner surface of the corolla, the presence or absence of hairs on the leaves, and whether or not the lower lip of the corolla extends further forward than the upper lip.
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Miss Chen
2018年03月31日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 3-9' tall, consisting of a central stem that is more or less erect, and occasional lateral stems in the upper half of the plant that are ascending. These stems are light green, terete, glabrous to sparsely pubescent, and often glaucous. The alternate leaves can be quite large, up to 18" long and 18" across, becoming smaller as they ascend the stems. They have 3-5 palmate lobes; both the sinuses and tips of the lobes are acutely angled. The leaf margins are coarsely dentate. The upper leaf surfaces are medium to dark green and glabrous, while the lower leaf surfaces are pale green and glabrous to sparsely pubescent.
The petioles are usually a little shorter than the leaves (up to 8" long); they are light green and glabrous to sparsely pubescent. At the base of each petiole, there is a pair of linear stipules about ¼" in length. The central and upper stems terminate in one or more panicles of flowers up to 2' long and 2' across. The branches and pedicels of these panicles are light green and glabrous to sparsely pubescent. There are small leafy bracts (less than 3" long) that are located where the branches of the panicle diverge. The flowers tend to be organized into clusters near the tips of the terminal branches; their pedicels are up to 1" long. Because Glade Mallow is dioecious, each flowering plant has either all male (staminate) or all female (pistillate) flowers, but not both. Each male flower is about ½-¾" across, consisting of a short-tubular calyx with 5 broad teeth, 5 white petals, and several stamens; the latter are joined together into a narrow white column. At the apex of this column, the stamens become separated into short white filaments and small plumes of tan to pink anthers. The calyx is light green and glabrous, while the petals are widely spreading and obovate to oblanceolate in shape.
Each female flower is about ½-¾" across, consisting of a short-tubular calyx with 5 broad teeth, 5 white petals, and a compound pistil with several white styles. The calyx is light green and glabrous, while the petals are widely spreading and obovate in shape. The blooming period occurs from early to mid-summer, lasting about 1 month. There is a pleasant floral fragrance. Afterwards, the female flowers are replaced by dry fruits (schizocarps); there are 8-10 seeds per fruit that are probably distributed to some extent by water. The root system consists of a hollow taproot that branches occasionally, and it also produces rhizomes. Colonies of plants can develop from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is partial to full sun, moist conditions, and soil consisting of loam or silt-loam with decaying organic matter. This plant doesn't like to dry out, and the leaves will wilt rapidly and become ragged in appearance if this is allowed to happen. It may also topple over in a strong wind, particularly when the flowering stage is reached. Therefore, plant the Glade Mallow in a moist, sheltered location. Disease does not appear to be a significant problem. Propagation can be accomplished by seed through cold moist stratification or by division of the rhizomes.
Habitat & Range: The Glade Mallow is an uncommon plant that occurs sporadically in the northern half of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. This plant is endemic to the Midwest. Habitats include river-bottom prairies, soggy thickets, openings in floodplain forests, terraces along rivers, low areas along streams, and depressions along railroads. This plant doesn't occur in glades in the hillier parts of southern Illinois, contrary to what its common name suggests. Occasional wildfires, particularly during the spring or autumn, are probably beneficial as this reduces the encroachment of woody vegetation.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by bumblebees (Bombus spp.), Halictid bees (Lasioglossum spp.), and Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.); they are also visited by Syrphid flies and Calliphorid flies. These insects are attracted to the nectar and pollen of the flowers (Iltis, 1963). The foliage of Glade Mallow is readily browsed by cattle and other farm animals, and it may also be consumed by deer. Because this is a large leafy plant that often forms colonies, it provides significant cover for a variety of vertebrate animals and insects.
Photographic Location: Dave Monk's postage stamp prairie in downtown Champaign, Illinois, and a wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois. The population of plants at the former location no longer exists.
Comments: Overall, this wildflower is very showy while it is in bloom. It is the only member of the genus that occurs in Illinois. Because of its unisexual flowers, the Glade Mallow is one of the more unusual members of the Mallow family. Its range is restricted to only a few states in the Midwest. Its flowers are much smaller in size than those of the native Rose Mallows (Hibiscus spp.) and rare Kankakee Mallow (Iliamna remota), but they are more numerous. The most similar species to the Glade Mallow is the River Mallow (Sida hermaphrodita). Like the Glade Mallow, the River Mallow is a tall-growing mallow with small white flowers that are produced in abundance; both of these species prefer similar damp habitats. This latter species, however, has bisexual flowers and the lobes of its palmate leaves are more narrow and pointed than those of the Glade Mallow. The River Mallow is not found in Illinois; it has a more eastern distribution.
The petioles are usually a little shorter than the leaves (up to 8" long); they are light green and glabrous to sparsely pubescent. At the base of each petiole, there is a pair of linear stipules about ¼" in length. The central and upper stems terminate in one or more panicles of flowers up to 2' long and 2' across. The branches and pedicels of these panicles are light green and glabrous to sparsely pubescent. There are small leafy bracts (less than 3" long) that are located where the branches of the panicle diverge. The flowers tend to be organized into clusters near the tips of the terminal branches; their pedicels are up to 1" long. Because Glade Mallow is dioecious, each flowering plant has either all male (staminate) or all female (pistillate) flowers, but not both. Each male flower is about ½-¾" across, consisting of a short-tubular calyx with 5 broad teeth, 5 white petals, and several stamens; the latter are joined together into a narrow white column. At the apex of this column, the stamens become separated into short white filaments and small plumes of tan to pink anthers. The calyx is light green and glabrous, while the petals are widely spreading and obovate to oblanceolate in shape.
Each female flower is about ½-¾" across, consisting of a short-tubular calyx with 5 broad teeth, 5 white petals, and a compound pistil with several white styles. The calyx is light green and glabrous, while the petals are widely spreading and obovate in shape. The blooming period occurs from early to mid-summer, lasting about 1 month. There is a pleasant floral fragrance. Afterwards, the female flowers are replaced by dry fruits (schizocarps); there are 8-10 seeds per fruit that are probably distributed to some extent by water. The root system consists of a hollow taproot that branches occasionally, and it also produces rhizomes. Colonies of plants can develop from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is partial to full sun, moist conditions, and soil consisting of loam or silt-loam with decaying organic matter. This plant doesn't like to dry out, and the leaves will wilt rapidly and become ragged in appearance if this is allowed to happen. It may also topple over in a strong wind, particularly when the flowering stage is reached. Therefore, plant the Glade Mallow in a moist, sheltered location. Disease does not appear to be a significant problem. Propagation can be accomplished by seed through cold moist stratification or by division of the rhizomes.
Habitat & Range: The Glade Mallow is an uncommon plant that occurs sporadically in the northern half of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. This plant is endemic to the Midwest. Habitats include river-bottom prairies, soggy thickets, openings in floodplain forests, terraces along rivers, low areas along streams, and depressions along railroads. This plant doesn't occur in glades in the hillier parts of southern Illinois, contrary to what its common name suggests. Occasional wildfires, particularly during the spring or autumn, are probably beneficial as this reduces the encroachment of woody vegetation.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by bumblebees (Bombus spp.), Halictid bees (Lasioglossum spp.), and Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.); they are also visited by Syrphid flies and Calliphorid flies. These insects are attracted to the nectar and pollen of the flowers (Iltis, 1963). The foliage of Glade Mallow is readily browsed by cattle and other farm animals, and it may also be consumed by deer. Because this is a large leafy plant that often forms colonies, it provides significant cover for a variety of vertebrate animals and insects.
Photographic Location: Dave Monk's postage stamp prairie in downtown Champaign, Illinois, and a wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois. The population of plants at the former location no longer exists.
Comments: Overall, this wildflower is very showy while it is in bloom. It is the only member of the genus that occurs in Illinois. Because of its unisexual flowers, the Glade Mallow is one of the more unusual members of the Mallow family. Its range is restricted to only a few states in the Midwest. Its flowers are much smaller in size than those of the native Rose Mallows (Hibiscus spp.) and rare Kankakee Mallow (Iliamna remota), but they are more numerous. The most similar species to the Glade Mallow is the River Mallow (Sida hermaphrodita). Like the Glade Mallow, the River Mallow is a tall-growing mallow with small white flowers that are produced in abundance; both of these species prefer similar damp habitats. This latter species, however, has bisexual flowers and the lobes of its palmate leaves are more narrow and pointed than those of the Glade Mallow. The River Mallow is not found in Illinois; it has a more eastern distribution.
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Miss Chen
2018年03月31日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 1-2' tall, branching occasionally. The stems are sharply 4-angled and usually glabrous, although scattered hairs may occur along the ridges on relatively new growth. The opposite leaves are up to 3½" long and 2" across. They are sessile against the stem, or have very short petioles. The leaves are broadly lanceolate or ovate, with serrate margins that are often ciliate. The upper surface of each leaf is often finely pubescent, while a few hairs may occur along the major veins on the lower surface. The upper surface is green or yellowish green, sometimes with scattered purple spots or a purplish tint along the margin. The upper stems terminate in dome-shaped flowerheads (a single flowerhead per stem). These flowerheads are about 1½–3" across. A small wreath of flowers first appears toward the center of the flowerhead, and spreads gradually towards the outer edge of the flowerhead.
Each narrow flower is about 1" long, and has a corolla that is deeply divided into prominent upper and lower lips. The upper lip is nearly tubular and contains the exerted stamens, while the lower lip is somewhat wider and has a narrow lobe at its tip that curls downward. The corolla is white or pink, with purple dots on the lower lip, and white hairs on the upper lip. The calyx of each flower is tubular and hairy, with 5 pointed lobes at its tip. Immediately beneath each flowerhead are 5 leafy bracts that are triangular-shaped. These bracts often have ciliate margins, and they are often colored faded pink or purple. The blooming period occurs during the late spring or early summer and lasts about a month. There is no floral scent, although the foliage exudes an oregano scent. The nutlets are dispersed to some extent by the wind. The root system produces abundant rhizomes, enabling vegetative reproduction.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun and somewhat dry conditions. This species often grows in soil that is somewhat thin and rocky, which reduces competition from other species of plants. The lower leaves will fall off the stems during drought; in stressed-out plants, the foliage may become discolored and diseased.
Range & Habitat: The native Bradbury's Bee Balm occurs occasionally in the southern half of Illinois, while elsewhere within the state it is rare or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include rocky upland forests, savannas, thickets, limestone or sandstone glades, bluffs, meadows in wooded areas, pastures, and roadsides. This species probably benefits from occasional wildfires to create clearings in woodland areas.
Faunal Associations: Long-tongued bees (especially bumblebees), butterflies, skippers, Hummingbird moths, beeflies, and hummingbirds visit the flowers for nectar. The small black bee Doufourea monardae is a specialist pollinator of Monarda spp. Short-tongued Halictid bees may visit the flowers to collect pollen; they are unable to reach the nectar. Caterpillars of the moths Sphinx eremitus (Hermit Sphinx), Anterastria teratophora (Gray Marvel), Pyrausta orphisalis (Pyralid Moth sp.), and Pyrausta signatalis (Pyralid Moth sp.) feed destructively on Monarda spp. (Bee Balms). Other insect feeders include the scentless plant bug Arhyssus nigristernum, the leaf-footed bug Euthochtha galeator, the aphid Hyalomyzus monardae, and the leaf beetle Physonota unipunctata. Mammalian herbivores usually avoid consumption of Monarda spp. – it is possible that the oregano scent of the foliage deters them.
Photographic Location: An upland savanna at Warbler Woods in Coles County, Illinois, and a restored prairie at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Bradbury's Bee Balm is fairly easy to identify. Like other Monarda spp., the large flowers have a distinctive appearance that is showy and attractive. Bradbury' Bee Balm differs from other Monarda spp. in Illinois by its sessile or nearly sessile leaves, and the purple dots on the lower lip of the corolla. It is also shorter in stature and blooms earlier. The species Monarda russeliana of some authors is probably the same species as Monarda bradburiana.
Each narrow flower is about 1" long, and has a corolla that is deeply divided into prominent upper and lower lips. The upper lip is nearly tubular and contains the exerted stamens, while the lower lip is somewhat wider and has a narrow lobe at its tip that curls downward. The corolla is white or pink, with purple dots on the lower lip, and white hairs on the upper lip. The calyx of each flower is tubular and hairy, with 5 pointed lobes at its tip. Immediately beneath each flowerhead are 5 leafy bracts that are triangular-shaped. These bracts often have ciliate margins, and they are often colored faded pink or purple. The blooming period occurs during the late spring or early summer and lasts about a month. There is no floral scent, although the foliage exudes an oregano scent. The nutlets are dispersed to some extent by the wind. The root system produces abundant rhizomes, enabling vegetative reproduction.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun and somewhat dry conditions. This species often grows in soil that is somewhat thin and rocky, which reduces competition from other species of plants. The lower leaves will fall off the stems during drought; in stressed-out plants, the foliage may become discolored and diseased.
Range & Habitat: The native Bradbury's Bee Balm occurs occasionally in the southern half of Illinois, while elsewhere within the state it is rare or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include rocky upland forests, savannas, thickets, limestone or sandstone glades, bluffs, meadows in wooded areas, pastures, and roadsides. This species probably benefits from occasional wildfires to create clearings in woodland areas.
Faunal Associations: Long-tongued bees (especially bumblebees), butterflies, skippers, Hummingbird moths, beeflies, and hummingbirds visit the flowers for nectar. The small black bee Doufourea monardae is a specialist pollinator of Monarda spp. Short-tongued Halictid bees may visit the flowers to collect pollen; they are unable to reach the nectar. Caterpillars of the moths Sphinx eremitus (Hermit Sphinx), Anterastria teratophora (Gray Marvel), Pyrausta orphisalis (Pyralid Moth sp.), and Pyrausta signatalis (Pyralid Moth sp.) feed destructively on Monarda spp. (Bee Balms). Other insect feeders include the scentless plant bug Arhyssus nigristernum, the leaf-footed bug Euthochtha galeator, the aphid Hyalomyzus monardae, and the leaf beetle Physonota unipunctata. Mammalian herbivores usually avoid consumption of Monarda spp. – it is possible that the oregano scent of the foliage deters them.
Photographic Location: An upland savanna at Warbler Woods in Coles County, Illinois, and a restored prairie at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Bradbury's Bee Balm is fairly easy to identify. Like other Monarda spp., the large flowers have a distinctive appearance that is showy and attractive. Bradbury' Bee Balm differs from other Monarda spp. in Illinois by its sessile or nearly sessile leaves, and the purple dots on the lower lip of the corolla. It is also shorter in stature and blooms earlier. The species Monarda russeliana of some authors is probably the same species as Monarda bradburiana.
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Miss Chen
2018年03月30日
Description: This perennial herbaceous plant forms a rosette of basal leaves spanning ¾-2½' across. The basal leaves are ascending to widely spreading (usually the latter). Individually, these leaves are 4-18" long, ½-2¼" across, and sessile; they are oblong-lanceolate, oblong-oblanceolate, or oblong-elliptic in shape and their margins are finely dentate (denticulate) and, to a lesser extent, smooth (entire). The basal leaves are often folded upward along their margins, otherwise they are flat. The leaf surfaces are pale green, glabrous, and occasionally glaucous; sometimes they are speckled purple. The texture of these leaves is slightly succulent and stiff. At maturity, an erect flowering stalk (2-6' in length) develops from the rosette of basal leaves. This stalk is pale to medium green, terete, glabrous, and often glaucous. Along its length underneath the inflorescence, there are widely separated leafy bracts about ½-4" long that become smaller as they ascend the stalk. These bracts are linear-lanceolate, ascending to erect, and pale green. Toward the upper end of this stalk, there is a spike of 10-60 flowers about ½-2' long.
Each flower is ¾-1¼" long, approximately tubular in shape, whitish green or yellowish green, and ascending to erect. Each flower has a tubular corolla with 6 convex ridges, 6 narrowly triangular lobes that are held erect, 6 strongly exerted stamens, and an inferior ovary with exerted style. The tubular body of the corolla is about 2-3 times as long as its lobes; they are both pale green and glabrous. The filaments of the stamens are golden yellow; the long slender anthers are white, becoming brown and deciduous with age. The style is also golden yellow, except for its 3-lobed stigma, which is white. At the base of each flower, there is a membranous-leafy bract up to ½" long. The flowers are mostly sessile,Distribution Map although a few lower flowers may have very short pedicels. The blooming period occurs from early- to mid-summer. The flowers have a slight to moderate fragrance that is sweet and fruity. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by 3-celled seed capsules that become about ½" long at maturity. These capsules are globoid-ovoid in shape and angular. Within each cell of a capsule, there are 2 rows of flattened seeds. Mature seeds are black and half-orbicular in shape; they can be blown about by the wind. The root system consists of a bulbous caudex with fibrous roots below.
Cultivation: The preference is partial to full sun, dry-mesic to dry conditions, and either thin rocky soil or sandy soil where there is reduced competition from other ground vegetation. Eastern Agave (Manfreda virginica) can be cultivated as an ornamental plant in the back of a rock garden. While the flowers are not particularly showy, the basal leaves are attractive. Because Eastern Agave has a Crassula acid metabolism (CAM), like cacti and other desert plants, it is very drought tolerant.
Range & Habitat: The native Eastern Agave (Manfreda virginica) is occasional in southern Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is absent. Illinois lies along the northern range-limit of this species. Habitats include rocky openings in upland woodlands, rocky ledges and cliffs along rivers or streams, thinly wooded rocky slopes, upland savannas, and rocky glades (including chert, sandstone, and limestone). Outside of Illinois, this species has also been found in sandy habitats. It occurs in higher quality natural areas.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by Sphinx moths, Noctuid moths, and bumblebees (Groman & Pellmyr, 1999). Generally, the moths have been found to be more important pollinators than the bumblebees. These visitors suck nectar from the flowers; some of the bumblebees also collect pollen for their larvae. Aside from its pollination ecology, little is known about the floral-faunal relationships for this species.
Photographic Location: A thinly wooded rocky slope in southern Illinois.
Comments: This is the only member of the Agave family that is native to, or has naturalized in, Illinois. The distinctive Agave-like leaves and the tall spike of greenish flowers makes this species easy to identify when it is encountered in the wild. Unlike true Agaves (Agave spp.), the Eastern Agave (Manfreda virginica) can bloom multiple times during its lifespan. In contrast, the true Agaves bloom only once at the end of their lifespans after a period of several years (or even decades). The latter can be found in the desert SW and Florida of the United States, in Mexico, and other countries further to the south. Other scientific names of Eastern Agave are Polianthes virginica and Agave virginica. Other common names for this species are Virginia Agave and False Aloe. Sometimes Eastern Agave is assigned to the Lily family (Liliaceae) when the Agave family (Agavaceae) is reclassified as a subfamily of the former family.
Each flower is ¾-1¼" long, approximately tubular in shape, whitish green or yellowish green, and ascending to erect. Each flower has a tubular corolla with 6 convex ridges, 6 narrowly triangular lobes that are held erect, 6 strongly exerted stamens, and an inferior ovary with exerted style. The tubular body of the corolla is about 2-3 times as long as its lobes; they are both pale green and glabrous. The filaments of the stamens are golden yellow; the long slender anthers are white, becoming brown and deciduous with age. The style is also golden yellow, except for its 3-lobed stigma, which is white. At the base of each flower, there is a membranous-leafy bract up to ½" long. The flowers are mostly sessile,Distribution Map although a few lower flowers may have very short pedicels. The blooming period occurs from early- to mid-summer. The flowers have a slight to moderate fragrance that is sweet and fruity. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by 3-celled seed capsules that become about ½" long at maturity. These capsules are globoid-ovoid in shape and angular. Within each cell of a capsule, there are 2 rows of flattened seeds. Mature seeds are black and half-orbicular in shape; they can be blown about by the wind. The root system consists of a bulbous caudex with fibrous roots below.
Cultivation: The preference is partial to full sun, dry-mesic to dry conditions, and either thin rocky soil or sandy soil where there is reduced competition from other ground vegetation. Eastern Agave (Manfreda virginica) can be cultivated as an ornamental plant in the back of a rock garden. While the flowers are not particularly showy, the basal leaves are attractive. Because Eastern Agave has a Crassula acid metabolism (CAM), like cacti and other desert plants, it is very drought tolerant.
Range & Habitat: The native Eastern Agave (Manfreda virginica) is occasional in southern Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is absent. Illinois lies along the northern range-limit of this species. Habitats include rocky openings in upland woodlands, rocky ledges and cliffs along rivers or streams, thinly wooded rocky slopes, upland savannas, and rocky glades (including chert, sandstone, and limestone). Outside of Illinois, this species has also been found in sandy habitats. It occurs in higher quality natural areas.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by Sphinx moths, Noctuid moths, and bumblebees (Groman & Pellmyr, 1999). Generally, the moths have been found to be more important pollinators than the bumblebees. These visitors suck nectar from the flowers; some of the bumblebees also collect pollen for their larvae. Aside from its pollination ecology, little is known about the floral-faunal relationships for this species.
Photographic Location: A thinly wooded rocky slope in southern Illinois.
Comments: This is the only member of the Agave family that is native to, or has naturalized in, Illinois. The distinctive Agave-like leaves and the tall spike of greenish flowers makes this species easy to identify when it is encountered in the wild. Unlike true Agaves (Agave spp.), the Eastern Agave (Manfreda virginica) can bloom multiple times during its lifespan. In contrast, the true Agaves bloom only once at the end of their lifespans after a period of several years (or even decades). The latter can be found in the desert SW and Florida of the United States, in Mexico, and other countries further to the south. Other scientific names of Eastern Agave are Polianthes virginica and Agave virginica. Other common names for this species are Virginia Agave and False Aloe. Sometimes Eastern Agave is assigned to the Lily family (Liliaceae) when the Agave family (Agavaceae) is reclassified as a subfamily of the former family.
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Miss Chen
2018年03月30日
Description: This plant is a summer annual about ½–2½' tall and more or less erect. It is unbranched, or branches occasionally in the upper half. The angular stems have bristly white hairs; these hairs are less abundant on the upper stems. The alternate leaves are up to 2½" long and 1" across, becoming smaller as theyFlowering Spike ascend the stems. They are lanceolate to ovate in shape and crenate or bluntly dentate along the margins. The upper surface of each leaf is largely hairless, while the lower surface has a few hairs along the major veins. The lower leaves have short petioles, while the upper leaves are sessile. The central stem terminates in a spike-like raceme of flowers that extends to about one-half the length of the plant. Some of the upper side stems may terminate in shorter racemes. Each raceme has alternate leafy bracts that are similar in appearance to the leaves below, except that they are smaller. A single flower develops from the base of each bract on a short petiole; usually a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. Each flower is up to 1/3" (8 mm.) long; it consists of a tubular corolla with 5 spreading lobes and a short tubular calyx with 5 teeth that are long and spreading. The corolla is light blue-violet, light purple, or white. It has a cleft upper lip consisting of 2 small lobes and a cleft lower lip consisting of 3 lobes that are somewhat larger. The interior of the corolla is primarily white; its lower interior has 2 small yellow patches and tufts of fine white hair. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer through the fall and lasts about 2-3 months. There is no noticeable floral scent. After the corolla withers away, a globoid seed capsule develops that is about 1/3" (8 mm.) across. This capsule is completely enclosed by the persistent green calyx. There are several conspicuous ribs along the sides of this calyx. The seed capsule is divided into 2 cells and contains numerous tiny seeds; these seeds are small enough to be blown about by the wind. The root system consists of a taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, moist to dry conditions, and a soil that contains loam, clay loam, or rocky material. Poor soil is readily tolerated, although this will stunt the growth of the plants somewhat.
Range & Habitat: The native Indian Tobacco is a fairly common plant that occurs in most areas of Illinois; it is less common or absent in a few areas of northern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include open deciduous woodlands, savannas, thickets, areas along woodland paths, powerline clearances in wooded areas, partially shaded seeps, and abandoned fields. This species prefers areas with a history of disturbance, particularly when this removes some of the overhead canopy in wooded areas. It is somewhat weedy.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts small bees, mainly Halictid bees. The acrid foliage is highly toxic and avoided by mammalian herbivores, including White-Tailed Deer. The tiny seeds appear to be of little interest to birds.
Photographic Location: A powerline clearance in Busey Woods at Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Notwithstanding the common name, the foliage of Indian Tobacco should be neither chewed nor smoked as it is highly acrid and toxic. While Indian Tobacco is an annual, other Lobelia spp. (Lobelias) in Illinois are perennials with larger flowers. Indian Tobacco resembles Lobelia spicata (Pale-Spiked Lobelia), but the latter has slightly larger flowers (up to ½" long) and its stems have shorter hairs or they are glabrous. Another species, Lobelia kalmii (Kalm's Lobelia), occurs in various wetlands and is uncommon in Illinois. It has larger flowers, more narrow leaves, and lacks spreading hairs on its stems. Indian Tobacco is distinctive because its calyxes become conspicuously inflated from the developing seed capsules; this makes it relatively easy to identify. The calyxes of other Lobelias don't inflate after the corollas of their flowers have withered away.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, moist to dry conditions, and a soil that contains loam, clay loam, or rocky material. Poor soil is readily tolerated, although this will stunt the growth of the plants somewhat.
Range & Habitat: The native Indian Tobacco is a fairly common plant that occurs in most areas of Illinois; it is less common or absent in a few areas of northern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include open deciduous woodlands, savannas, thickets, areas along woodland paths, powerline clearances in wooded areas, partially shaded seeps, and abandoned fields. This species prefers areas with a history of disturbance, particularly when this removes some of the overhead canopy in wooded areas. It is somewhat weedy.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts small bees, mainly Halictid bees. The acrid foliage is highly toxic and avoided by mammalian herbivores, including White-Tailed Deer. The tiny seeds appear to be of little interest to birds.
Photographic Location: A powerline clearance in Busey Woods at Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Notwithstanding the common name, the foliage of Indian Tobacco should be neither chewed nor smoked as it is highly acrid and toxic. While Indian Tobacco is an annual, other Lobelia spp. (Lobelias) in Illinois are perennials with larger flowers. Indian Tobacco resembles Lobelia spicata (Pale-Spiked Lobelia), but the latter has slightly larger flowers (up to ½" long) and its stems have shorter hairs or they are glabrous. Another species, Lobelia kalmii (Kalm's Lobelia), occurs in various wetlands and is uncommon in Illinois. It has larger flowers, more narrow leaves, and lacks spreading hairs on its stems. Indian Tobacco is distinctive because its calyxes become conspicuously inflated from the developing seed capsules; this makes it relatively easy to identify. The calyxes of other Lobelias don't inflate after the corollas of their flowers have withered away.
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Miss Chen
2018年03月30日
Description: This perennial plant is up to 6' tall and unbranched, except at the inflorescence. The central stem is stout and smooth. The leaves usually occur in whorls of 3-9 along the stem, although some of the upper leaves may occur along the stem in pairs or alternate individually. The leaves are individually up to 7" long and 1" across, rather stiff in texture, and sometimes curve upward along their margins. They are lanceolate or narrowly ovate, with smooth margins and parallel venation. Above the terminal leaves of the central stem, 1-12 flowers hang downward from stalks about 4-8" long that spread upward and outward. Some flowering stalks may also appear from the axils of the upper leaves. Each showy flower is about 3-4" across, with 6 tepals that flare outward and then curve strongly backward beyond the base of the flower. These tepals are yellowish orange or green near the base of the flower, and become orange to dark orange towards their tips. They have numerous brownish purple dots toward the throat of the flower. The stamens are quite conspicuous and strongly exerted from the base of the flower, with reddish brown to black anthers that are ½" long or longer in length. They surround a long whitish orange stigma that curls slightly upward and is orange or brown toward its tip. The blooming period occurs from early to mid-summer, and lasts about a month. There is no noticeable floral scent. The oblong 3-lobed seedpods contain closely stacked, flat seeds with thin papery wings – this enables them to be carried some distance by gusts of wind. The root system consists of a white bulb, from which new offsets may form.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, rich loamy soil, and moist conditions. An established plant, however, can withstand some drought. Growing this plant from seeds is slow and difficult, but relatively easy from bulbs or transplants. There is some tendency to flop over if there is inadequate support from neighboring plants.
Range & Habitat: The native Turk's Cap Lily occurs primarily in a few counties in southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). This is a rare plant in the wild in Illinois, although it is occasionally cultivated in gardens because of the showy flowers. Habitats include moist meadows in woodland areas, open woodlands and young flatwoods, thickets, and areas along lakes. This plant is occasionally introduced into natural areas outside of its original range.
Faunal Associations: Cross-pollination is required for fertile seeds. The large showy flowers appear to be designed to attract hummingbirds and larger day-flying insects, such as Sphinx moths, Hummingbird moths, long-tongued bees, and the larger butterflies. Charles Robertson in Flowers and Insects (1929) observed the Greater Fritillary, Monarch, and Spicebush Swallowtail butterflies as occasional visitors to Lilium superbum, which was probably Lilium michiganense, as the former species doesn't occur near Carlinville, Illinois. Larger herbivores, such as deer and livestock, will consume mature plants, while immature plants are vulnerable to small herbivores. Small rodents may eat the bulbs.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois, where this species was introduced.
Comments: This is a very beautiful plant. The Turk's Cap Lily can be distinguished from the more common Lilium michiganense (Michigan Lily) as follows: 1) the former species is restricted to southern Illinois, although it may be introduced elsewhere; 2) some of the anthers of the former are greater than ½" long, while the anthers of the latter species are always less than ½" long; 3) the former has white bulbs, while the latter has yellow bulbs, and 4) the former species may have a conspicuous 6-pointed green star at the base of the flower, although this feature isn't always present in some local ecotypes. The stamens of Turk's Cap Lily are even more strongly exerted from the throat of the flower than is the case for the Michigan Lily, and it tends to be a taller, more robust plant.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, rich loamy soil, and moist conditions. An established plant, however, can withstand some drought. Growing this plant from seeds is slow and difficult, but relatively easy from bulbs or transplants. There is some tendency to flop over if there is inadequate support from neighboring plants.
Range & Habitat: The native Turk's Cap Lily occurs primarily in a few counties in southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). This is a rare plant in the wild in Illinois, although it is occasionally cultivated in gardens because of the showy flowers. Habitats include moist meadows in woodland areas, open woodlands and young flatwoods, thickets, and areas along lakes. This plant is occasionally introduced into natural areas outside of its original range.
Faunal Associations: Cross-pollination is required for fertile seeds. The large showy flowers appear to be designed to attract hummingbirds and larger day-flying insects, such as Sphinx moths, Hummingbird moths, long-tongued bees, and the larger butterflies. Charles Robertson in Flowers and Insects (1929) observed the Greater Fritillary, Monarch, and Spicebush Swallowtail butterflies as occasional visitors to Lilium superbum, which was probably Lilium michiganense, as the former species doesn't occur near Carlinville, Illinois. Larger herbivores, such as deer and livestock, will consume mature plants, while immature plants are vulnerable to small herbivores. Small rodents may eat the bulbs.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois, where this species was introduced.
Comments: This is a very beautiful plant. The Turk's Cap Lily can be distinguished from the more common Lilium michiganense (Michigan Lily) as follows: 1) the former species is restricted to southern Illinois, although it may be introduced elsewhere; 2) some of the anthers of the former are greater than ½" long, while the anthers of the latter species are always less than ½" long; 3) the former has white bulbs, while the latter has yellow bulbs, and 4) the former species may have a conspicuous 6-pointed green star at the base of the flower, although this feature isn't always present in some local ecotypes. The stamens of Turk's Cap Lily are even more strongly exerted from the throat of the flower than is the case for the Michigan Lily, and it tends to be a taller, more robust plant.
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Miss Chen
2018年03月29日
Description: This perennial plant is sparsely branched and up to 2½' tall. The stems have fine white hairs. The alternate compound leaves are trifoliate and have slender primary petioles about ¼–¾" long. The leaflets are up to 1½" long and ½" across. They have smooth margins and are oblong, except for a tiny point at the tip.
The flowers occur in crowded heads on short peduncles in the upper portions of the stems. The lower flowers are cleistogamous and inconspicuous; they are capable of forming fertile seeds without the pollination of insects. The upper flowers are about ¼" across and have a typical pea-like structure. This consists of a broad upper petal, and two smaller side petals that parallel a jutting lower lip. The petals of these flowers are pink, although the base of the upper petal is rose pink. These flowers remain clustered along the stems amid the leaves. The blooming period is late summer or early fall, and lasts about 3 weeks. There is no floral scent. The root system consists of a deep taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and mesic to dry conditions. This plant grows readily in soil that is loamy, rocky, or sandy. It has excellent drought resistance. It's easy to start plants from seeds or transplants, and foliar disease is rarely troublesome. Soil with below average pH is tolerated, if not actually preferred. Sometimes this plant has trouble competing against taller, more aggressive plants in fertile soil.
Range & Habitat: The native Slender Bush Clover is occasional in the southwestern section of Illinois, but it is uncommon or absent elsewhere (see Distribution Map). Habitats include drier areas of black soil and sandy prairies, hill prairies, rocky upland forests and sandy forests, savannas and sandy savannas, scrubby barrens with poor soil, limestone glades, bluffs, and banks along lakes. The woodland areas where this plant occurs are often dominated by oak trees.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are visited by long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, flies, small butterflies, and skippers. These insects seek nectar, although the bees also collect pollen. Among these visitors, bees are probably the most effective pollinators of the flowers. The caterpillars of some species of skippers feed on the foliage, including Thorybes bathyllus (Southern Cloudywing), Thorybes pylades (Northern Cloudywing), and Achalarus lyciades (Hoary Edge). The seeds are eaten by some upland gamebirds, particularly the Bobwhite, and occasionally the Wild Turkey. Mammalian herbivores of all kinds readily feed on Slender Bush Clover, including deer, rabbits, groundhogs, and livestock. An overpopulation of these animals can make the establishment of this plant difficult in some areas.
Photographic Location: The photograph was taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The flowers of Slender Bush Clover are attractive, but small-sized. This plant has a more delicate appearance than Lespedeza capitata (Round-Headed Bush Clover), with greener leaves and pinker flowers.
The flowers occur in crowded heads on short peduncles in the upper portions of the stems. The lower flowers are cleistogamous and inconspicuous; they are capable of forming fertile seeds without the pollination of insects. The upper flowers are about ¼" across and have a typical pea-like structure. This consists of a broad upper petal, and two smaller side petals that parallel a jutting lower lip. The petals of these flowers are pink, although the base of the upper petal is rose pink. These flowers remain clustered along the stems amid the leaves. The blooming period is late summer or early fall, and lasts about 3 weeks. There is no floral scent. The root system consists of a deep taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and mesic to dry conditions. This plant grows readily in soil that is loamy, rocky, or sandy. It has excellent drought resistance. It's easy to start plants from seeds or transplants, and foliar disease is rarely troublesome. Soil with below average pH is tolerated, if not actually preferred. Sometimes this plant has trouble competing against taller, more aggressive plants in fertile soil.
Range & Habitat: The native Slender Bush Clover is occasional in the southwestern section of Illinois, but it is uncommon or absent elsewhere (see Distribution Map). Habitats include drier areas of black soil and sandy prairies, hill prairies, rocky upland forests and sandy forests, savannas and sandy savannas, scrubby barrens with poor soil, limestone glades, bluffs, and banks along lakes. The woodland areas where this plant occurs are often dominated by oak trees.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are visited by long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, flies, small butterflies, and skippers. These insects seek nectar, although the bees also collect pollen. Among these visitors, bees are probably the most effective pollinators of the flowers. The caterpillars of some species of skippers feed on the foliage, including Thorybes bathyllus (Southern Cloudywing), Thorybes pylades (Northern Cloudywing), and Achalarus lyciades (Hoary Edge). The seeds are eaten by some upland gamebirds, particularly the Bobwhite, and occasionally the Wild Turkey. Mammalian herbivores of all kinds readily feed on Slender Bush Clover, including deer, rabbits, groundhogs, and livestock. An overpopulation of these animals can make the establishment of this plant difficult in some areas.
Photographic Location: The photograph was taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The flowers of Slender Bush Clover are attractive, but small-sized. This plant has a more delicate appearance than Lespedeza capitata (Round-Headed Bush Clover), with greener leaves and pinker flowers.
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Miss Chen
2018年03月29日
Description: This perennial plant is 1½–3' tall and largely unbranched, except for several flowering stems toward the apex. The stems are covered with long white hairs. The alternate compound leaves are trifoliate. Each compound leaf has a short hairy petiole with a pair of narrow stipules about 1/10" (2.5 mm.) long at its base. The individual leaflets are up to 2" long and 1½" across. They are oval, oval-orbiculate, or obovate, and have smooth margins. Their upper surface is finely pubescent, while their lower surface is softly hairy. The upper stems terminate in rather short spike-like racemes of flowers about 1-3" long. The hairy flowering stalks (peduncles) are often longer than either the leaflets or the inflorescence. The spike-like racemes have whorls of flowers that are densely crowded together. Each flower is about 1/3" (8 mm.) long and cream-colored, usually with a purple spot at the base. It has a typical pea-like flower structure, consisting of a standard and keel. The calyx lobes are longer than the flowers. They are hairy, narrow, and taper to a sharp point, turning brown with maturity. This species of bush clover rarely produces cleistogamous flowers. The blooming period occurs during the late summer and lasts about 3 weeks. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each flower is replaced by a seedpod that is short, flat-sided, and pubescent, with its outer tip consisting of a short beak. This seedpod is about the same length or shorter than the calyx lobes. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, mesic to dry conditions, and an acid soil containing sand or rocky material. Full sunlight or light shade, and more fertile soil are also tolerated. Hairy Bush Clover fixes nitrogen in the soil.
Range & Habitat: This species has an odd bifurcated distribution, occurring in NE and southern Illinois, but hardly anywhere else in the state (see Distribution Map). Hairy Bush Clover is an occasional plant in these areas, where it is native. Habitats include upland oak woodland that are rocky or sandy, oak savannas that are rocky or sandy, and sandstone glades. In NE Illinois, this species occurs in sandy areas that are dominated by Black Oaks, while in southern Illinois it occurs in areas that are hilly and rocky. Occasional wildfires are probably beneficial to this species as this opens up the forest canopy.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract bees primarily, including bumblebees, Leaf-Cutting bees, and Halictid bees. The short-tongued bee Calliopsis andreniformis often visits the flowers of Lespedeza spp. Butterflies may visit the flowers for nectar, but they are non-pollinating. The foliage is eaten by the caterpillars of various skippers and moths. This includes such skipper species as Thorybes pylades (Northern Cloudywing), Thorybes bathyllus (Southern Cloudywing), and Epargyreus clarus (Silver-Spotted Skipper), and such moth species as Utetheisa bella (Bella Moth), Ptichodis herbarum (Common Ptichodis), and Dasylopha anguina (Black-Spotted Prominent). The seeds are eaten by the Bobwhite Quail and Wild Turkey, while the foliage is eaten by the Cottontail Rabbit and White-Tailed Deer. The foliage is non-toxic and highly palatable to mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: The photos were taken at a sandy savanna and a sandy path of the Hooper Branch Savanna Nature Preserve in Iroquois County, Illinois. The dominant tree in this area is Quercus velutina (Black Oak).
Comments: Hairy Bush Clover is one of several Lespedeza spp. that occur in Oak woodlands or savannas. This species is not very showy as the small flowers are partially hidden by the long calyx lobes. It can be distinguished from these other species by its cream-colored flowers, unusually broad leaves, and very hairy stems. A distinguishing characteristic are the long peduncles, which are often longer than the leaflets and spike-like racemes. This can be readily observed in the photographs. Other bush clovers, such as Lespedeza capitata (Round-Headed Bush Clover), usually have shorter peduncles.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, mesic to dry conditions, and an acid soil containing sand or rocky material. Full sunlight or light shade, and more fertile soil are also tolerated. Hairy Bush Clover fixes nitrogen in the soil.
Range & Habitat: This species has an odd bifurcated distribution, occurring in NE and southern Illinois, but hardly anywhere else in the state (see Distribution Map). Hairy Bush Clover is an occasional plant in these areas, where it is native. Habitats include upland oak woodland that are rocky or sandy, oak savannas that are rocky or sandy, and sandstone glades. In NE Illinois, this species occurs in sandy areas that are dominated by Black Oaks, while in southern Illinois it occurs in areas that are hilly and rocky. Occasional wildfires are probably beneficial to this species as this opens up the forest canopy.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract bees primarily, including bumblebees, Leaf-Cutting bees, and Halictid bees. The short-tongued bee Calliopsis andreniformis often visits the flowers of Lespedeza spp. Butterflies may visit the flowers for nectar, but they are non-pollinating. The foliage is eaten by the caterpillars of various skippers and moths. This includes such skipper species as Thorybes pylades (Northern Cloudywing), Thorybes bathyllus (Southern Cloudywing), and Epargyreus clarus (Silver-Spotted Skipper), and such moth species as Utetheisa bella (Bella Moth), Ptichodis herbarum (Common Ptichodis), and Dasylopha anguina (Black-Spotted Prominent). The seeds are eaten by the Bobwhite Quail and Wild Turkey, while the foliage is eaten by the Cottontail Rabbit and White-Tailed Deer. The foliage is non-toxic and highly palatable to mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: The photos were taken at a sandy savanna and a sandy path of the Hooper Branch Savanna Nature Preserve in Iroquois County, Illinois. The dominant tree in this area is Quercus velutina (Black Oak).
Comments: Hairy Bush Clover is one of several Lespedeza spp. that occur in Oak woodlands or savannas. This species is not very showy as the small flowers are partially hidden by the long calyx lobes. It can be distinguished from these other species by its cream-colored flowers, unusually broad leaves, and very hairy stems. A distinguishing characteristic are the long peduncles, which are often longer than the leaflets and spike-like racemes. This can be readily observed in the photographs. Other bush clovers, such as Lespedeza capitata (Round-Headed Bush Clover), usually have shorter peduncles.
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