文章
Miss Chen
2018年03月04日
Description: This wildflower is an annual or biennial that initially forms a rosette of basal leaves, followed by a much-branched flowering plant that is about 1-4' tall. The basal leaves and opposite leaves of the flowering plant are similar to each other, except that the former are longer in length and less deltoid in outline. The stems are light green to pale purplish green, terete, and moderately to densely covered with spreading glandular hairs. The opposite leaves are up to 3" long and 2" across; they are medium green to purplish green, lanceolate to ovate-deltoid in outline, and bipinnatifid with 3-7 pairs of primary lobes. Usually, the opposite leaves are short-hairy, especially on their lower surfaces. They are mostly sessile, although lower leaves have short petioles. The outer stems terminate in small clusters of 1-3 flowers. Individual flowers are 1¼–1½" long; each flower has a trumpet-shaped yellow corolla, a short green calyx with 5 teeth, 4 stamens, and a single slender style. The calyx is covered with glandular hairs and its teeth are pinnatifid. Along the outer rim of the corolla, there are 5 rounded lobes; they are widely spreading. Within the corolla, there are 1-3 thick lines of reddish brown streaks or dots. The pedicels of the flowers are ½–2" long and glandular hairy. The blooming period occurs from late summer to early fall and lasts about a month. On an individual plant, several flowers can be in bloom at the same time. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each flower is replaced by an ovoid seed capsule about ½" long that has a slender beak at its apex. Each capsule contains many seeds. The root system consists of a taproot and small feeder roots; the latter parasitize the roots of Oak trees for water and nutrients. This wildflower reproduces by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is partial to full sun, mesic to dry conditions, and sandy soil. It is desirable that a host plant (e.g., an Oak) be present in the vicinity.
Range & Habitat: The native Fern-Leaf False Foxglove is occasional in sandy areas of NE Illinois and rare to absent elsewhere in the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include sandy upland forests, sandy upland savannas, sandy thickets, and stabilized sand dunes near Lake Michigan. In all of these habitats, Oak trees are typically present, particularly Quercus velutina (Black Oak).
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated primarily by bumblebees, which suck nectar and collect pollen. Other possible floral visitors include other long-tongued bees and the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. The flea beetles Capraita circumdata and Kuschelina horni feed on Aureolaria spp. (False Foxgloves). The caterpillars of a Noctuid Moth, Rhodoecia aurantiago, bores into the seed capsules of these species, and the aphid Aphis gerardiae has been observed to suck juices from Fern-Leaf False Foxglove specifically.
Photographic Location: A sandy Oak savanna at the Hooper Branch Savanna Nature Preserve in Iroquois County, Illinois.
Comments: This wildflower has attractive flowers and ornamental foliage. Fern-Leaf False Foxglove differs from other Aureolaria spp. (False Foxgloves) in Illinois by its bipinnatifid leaves, pinnatifid calyx teeth, and glandular hairs on its stems and pedicels. Other False Foxgloves in the state have simple or pinnatifid leaves, simple calyx teeth, and either non-glandular hairs or no hairs on its stems and pedicels. The flowers of Fern-Leaf False Foxglove are a little shorter (1½" or less) than the flowers of these other species, and it is usually more branched and bushy in appearance. Because of these distinctive characteristics, Fern-Leaf False Foxglove is easy to identify in the field. Across its range in the eastern United States, different varieties have been described.
Cultivation: The preference is partial to full sun, mesic to dry conditions, and sandy soil. It is desirable that a host plant (e.g., an Oak) be present in the vicinity.
Range & Habitat: The native Fern-Leaf False Foxglove is occasional in sandy areas of NE Illinois and rare to absent elsewhere in the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include sandy upland forests, sandy upland savannas, sandy thickets, and stabilized sand dunes near Lake Michigan. In all of these habitats, Oak trees are typically present, particularly Quercus velutina (Black Oak).
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated primarily by bumblebees, which suck nectar and collect pollen. Other possible floral visitors include other long-tongued bees and the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. The flea beetles Capraita circumdata and Kuschelina horni feed on Aureolaria spp. (False Foxgloves). The caterpillars of a Noctuid Moth, Rhodoecia aurantiago, bores into the seed capsules of these species, and the aphid Aphis gerardiae has been observed to suck juices from Fern-Leaf False Foxglove specifically.
Photographic Location: A sandy Oak savanna at the Hooper Branch Savanna Nature Preserve in Iroquois County, Illinois.
Comments: This wildflower has attractive flowers and ornamental foliage. Fern-Leaf False Foxglove differs from other Aureolaria spp. (False Foxgloves) in Illinois by its bipinnatifid leaves, pinnatifid calyx teeth, and glandular hairs on its stems and pedicels. Other False Foxgloves in the state have simple or pinnatifid leaves, simple calyx teeth, and either non-glandular hairs or no hairs on its stems and pedicels. The flowers of Fern-Leaf False Foxglove are a little shorter (1½" or less) than the flowers of these other species, and it is usually more branched and bushy in appearance. Because of these distinctive characteristics, Fern-Leaf False Foxglove is easy to identify in the field. Across its range in the eastern United States, different varieties have been described.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年03月04日
Description: This perennial herbaceous plant is 2½–4½' tall, sending up one or more leafy stems that are branched above. The central stem is more or less erect, while the lateral stems are ascending. All stems are light green to purple, terete, and moderately to densely pubescent. Pairs of opposite leaves occur along these stems, becoming gradually smaller in size as they ascend. These leaves are 2½–7" long, ¾–2½" across, lanceolate to elliptic in outline, and shallowly to deeply pinnatifid, although the lowest leaves may be bipinnatifid, while the uppermost leaves may be nearly unlobed. The lobes of the leaves are irregular in size and shape; they are often lanceolate, triangular, triangular-curved (shaped like a cresting wave), or rounded. In addition, the leaf margins may be undulate and they may have a few coarse teeth. The leaf surface is yellow green, medium to dark green, or purplish green; the lower leaf surface is slightly more pale than the upper leaf surface. In addition, the leaf surface is sparsely covered with very short hairs.
The leaves are nearly sessile to short-petioled; their petioles are slightly winged and sparsely short-pubescent. The central stem and lateral stems terminate in racemes of flowers with leafy bracts that are about ½–1¼' long. The leafy bracts are ¾–2½" long and ¼–¾" across; these bracts are lanceolate or elliptic in shape and they usually have 2 or more shallow to moderately deep lobes, although some bracts may lack lobes. Except for their smaller size and fewer lobes, the leafy bracts are similar to the leaves below the floral racemes. Individual flowers are about 1½–2¼" long, consisting of a large yellow corolla with 5 spreading lobes, a light green calyx with 5 ascending to spreading lobes, 4 stamens, and an ovary with a single slender style. The corolla is tubular-campanulate (tubular and bell-shaped) in shape, becoming wider towards its mouth; it has a hairless exterior. The lobes of the corolla are oval-orbicular in shape, slightly overlapping, and similar in size. The calyx tube is about ½–¾" long, campanulate in shape, finely ridged, and covered with short fine pubescence.
The lobes of the calyx are elliptic or lanceolate in shape, medium green, and sparsely covered with very short pubescence. The central stalks of the racemes and pedicels of the flowers are light green, terete, and pubescent. In addition, the pedicels are 3-8 mm. long and upturned when the flowers bloom, becoming somewhat longer afterwards when the seed capsules develop. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early autumn, lasting about 1–1½ months. There is no noticeable floral scent. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by ovoid-globoid seed capsules about ½–¾" long that are brown and glabrous. The capsules eventually split open to release theirs seeds. These seeds are about 2 mm. long, ellipsoid-oblong in shape, somewhat flattened, and slightly winged. The root system consists of a caudex with fibrous roots, some of which attach themselves to the roots of trees in the white oak group, from which they withdraw water and nutrients. As a result, this plant is a hemiparasite (partially parasitic).
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, mesic to dry conditions, sandy loam, clay-loam or rocky soil. The seeds should be planted near a host plant (a tree in the white oak group). This plant will not harm its host plant to any significant degree if the latter is larger in size than a sapling.
Range & Habitat: Large-flowered False Foxglove (Aureolaria grandiflora) is occasional in western and northern Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the eastern range-limit of this plant. Its range occurs primarily in north-central and south-central USA. Habitats include upland oak savannas, edges of limestone glades, thinly wooded bluffs, open woodlands, woodland borders along roadsides, and wooded slopes at the edges of fens. This plant is found in habitats where trees in the white oak group are present in slightly disturbed to high quality natural areas.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract primarily bumblebees. Other floral visitors include the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, long-horned bees (Melissodes spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees (Lasioglossum spp.), and Syrphid flies (Robertson, 1929). Syrphid flies, which feed on the pollen, are unlikely to be effective at cross-pollinating the flowers. Other insects feed on either the foliage, sap, or developing seeds of False Foxgloves (Aureolaria spp.). These insects include the larvae of two butterflies, Euphydryas phaeton ozarkae (Baltimore) and Junonia coenia (Buckeye), and the larvae of two moths, Pyrrhia aurantiago (Orange Sallow) and Endothenia hebesana (Verbena Bud Moth). Other insects that have been observed to feed on False Foxgloves include an aphid, Aphis gerardiae, and a skeletonizing leaf beetle, Kuschelina horni.
Photographic Location: Beside an oak tree in a savanna not far from the edge of a fen in Lake County, Illinois.
Comments: Large-flowered False Foxglove (Aureolaria grandiflora) is one of three Aureolaria spp. in Illinois, although there are additional species outside of the state further to the east and south. They are all hemiparasites on the roots of other plants, especially oaks (Quercus spp.). Smooth False Foxglove (Aureolaria flava) has a similar appearance to Large-flowered False Foxglove, except it has hairless stems, hairless pedicels, and hairless calyces on its flowers. In addition, the leafy floral bracts of Smooth False Foxglove are more likely to lack teeth or lobes along their margins. Another species, Fern-leaved False Foxglove (Aureolaria pedicularis), has smaller-sized flowers (1–1½" long) and it is more likely to occur in sandy places where trees in the black oak group occur. The leaves of this latter species are more likely to be bipinnatifid, while the lobes of its calyces are toothed or lobed themselves, instead of smooth along their margins.
Downy False Foxglove (Aureolaria virginica) doesn't occur in Illinois, although it is found in neighboring Indiana. This latter species also has a similar appearance to Large-flowered False Foxglove, except its middle to upper leaves are less lobed or unlobed, and the pedicels of its flowers are shorter (only 1-3 mm. long). The flowers of Downy False Foxglove also tend to be a little shorter in length (1¼–1¾"). Across its range, Large-flowered False Foxglove has been divided into different varieties by some authorities. So far, the only variety that has been reported from Illinois is Aureolaria grandiflora pulchra. At one time, Aureolaria spp. were classified in the Gerardia genus. Thus, a scientific synonym of Large-flowered False Foxglove is Gerardia grandiflora. Another common name for this species is Western False Foxglove, because its range doesn't extend as far to the east as other Aureolaria spp. in eastern North America.
The leaves are nearly sessile to short-petioled; their petioles are slightly winged and sparsely short-pubescent. The central stem and lateral stems terminate in racemes of flowers with leafy bracts that are about ½–1¼' long. The leafy bracts are ¾–2½" long and ¼–¾" across; these bracts are lanceolate or elliptic in shape and they usually have 2 or more shallow to moderately deep lobes, although some bracts may lack lobes. Except for their smaller size and fewer lobes, the leafy bracts are similar to the leaves below the floral racemes. Individual flowers are about 1½–2¼" long, consisting of a large yellow corolla with 5 spreading lobes, a light green calyx with 5 ascending to spreading lobes, 4 stamens, and an ovary with a single slender style. The corolla is tubular-campanulate (tubular and bell-shaped) in shape, becoming wider towards its mouth; it has a hairless exterior. The lobes of the corolla are oval-orbicular in shape, slightly overlapping, and similar in size. The calyx tube is about ½–¾" long, campanulate in shape, finely ridged, and covered with short fine pubescence.
The lobes of the calyx are elliptic or lanceolate in shape, medium green, and sparsely covered with very short pubescence. The central stalks of the racemes and pedicels of the flowers are light green, terete, and pubescent. In addition, the pedicels are 3-8 mm. long and upturned when the flowers bloom, becoming somewhat longer afterwards when the seed capsules develop. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early autumn, lasting about 1–1½ months. There is no noticeable floral scent. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by ovoid-globoid seed capsules about ½–¾" long that are brown and glabrous. The capsules eventually split open to release theirs seeds. These seeds are about 2 mm. long, ellipsoid-oblong in shape, somewhat flattened, and slightly winged. The root system consists of a caudex with fibrous roots, some of which attach themselves to the roots of trees in the white oak group, from which they withdraw water and nutrients. As a result, this plant is a hemiparasite (partially parasitic).
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, mesic to dry conditions, sandy loam, clay-loam or rocky soil. The seeds should be planted near a host plant (a tree in the white oak group). This plant will not harm its host plant to any significant degree if the latter is larger in size than a sapling.
Range & Habitat: Large-flowered False Foxglove (Aureolaria grandiflora) is occasional in western and northern Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the eastern range-limit of this plant. Its range occurs primarily in north-central and south-central USA. Habitats include upland oak savannas, edges of limestone glades, thinly wooded bluffs, open woodlands, woodland borders along roadsides, and wooded slopes at the edges of fens. This plant is found in habitats where trees in the white oak group are present in slightly disturbed to high quality natural areas.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract primarily bumblebees. Other floral visitors include the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, long-horned bees (Melissodes spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees (Lasioglossum spp.), and Syrphid flies (Robertson, 1929). Syrphid flies, which feed on the pollen, are unlikely to be effective at cross-pollinating the flowers. Other insects feed on either the foliage, sap, or developing seeds of False Foxgloves (Aureolaria spp.). These insects include the larvae of two butterflies, Euphydryas phaeton ozarkae (Baltimore) and Junonia coenia (Buckeye), and the larvae of two moths, Pyrrhia aurantiago (Orange Sallow) and Endothenia hebesana (Verbena Bud Moth). Other insects that have been observed to feed on False Foxgloves include an aphid, Aphis gerardiae, and a skeletonizing leaf beetle, Kuschelina horni.
Photographic Location: Beside an oak tree in a savanna not far from the edge of a fen in Lake County, Illinois.
Comments: Large-flowered False Foxglove (Aureolaria grandiflora) is one of three Aureolaria spp. in Illinois, although there are additional species outside of the state further to the east and south. They are all hemiparasites on the roots of other plants, especially oaks (Quercus spp.). Smooth False Foxglove (Aureolaria flava) has a similar appearance to Large-flowered False Foxglove, except it has hairless stems, hairless pedicels, and hairless calyces on its flowers. In addition, the leafy floral bracts of Smooth False Foxglove are more likely to lack teeth or lobes along their margins. Another species, Fern-leaved False Foxglove (Aureolaria pedicularis), has smaller-sized flowers (1–1½" long) and it is more likely to occur in sandy places where trees in the black oak group occur. The leaves of this latter species are more likely to be bipinnatifid, while the lobes of its calyces are toothed or lobed themselves, instead of smooth along their margins.
Downy False Foxglove (Aureolaria virginica) doesn't occur in Illinois, although it is found in neighboring Indiana. This latter species also has a similar appearance to Large-flowered False Foxglove, except its middle to upper leaves are less lobed or unlobed, and the pedicels of its flowers are shorter (only 1-3 mm. long). The flowers of Downy False Foxglove also tend to be a little shorter in length (1¼–1¾"). Across its range, Large-flowered False Foxglove has been divided into different varieties by some authorities. So far, the only variety that has been reported from Illinois is Aureolaria grandiflora pulchra. At one time, Aureolaria spp. were classified in the Gerardia genus. Thus, a scientific synonym of Large-flowered False Foxglove is Gerardia grandiflora. Another common name for this species is Western False Foxglove, because its range doesn't extend as far to the east as other Aureolaria spp. in eastern North America.
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Miss Chen
2018年03月04日
Description: This perennial plant is about 1¾-2¾' tall and unbranched. The central stem is light green, round in cross-section (terete), and glabrous to finely pubescent. The opposite leaves are up to 6" long and 3" across. They are ovate-oblong or broadly lanceolate, with smooth margins that may undulate up and down. The leaves often curl upward from the pinkish central vein. The upper surface of the foliage is mostly glabrous and yellowish green to dark green (depending on light conditions), while the lower surface is light green and softly pubescent (at least along the major veins). Leaf venation is pinnate. The central stem terminates with 1-6 umbels of flowers; there may be a few axillary umbels from some of the upper leaves as well. Each rounded umbel is about 2-3" across. These flowers have the typical structure for milkweeds; they are pale purple to deep purple, sometimes with greenish or rosy tints. However, the central reproductive column and the bases of the deflexed petals are more pale than the rest of the flower.
Flowering Plant
The hoods are much taller than the horns; the latter curve inward toward the reproductive column and appear spike-like (but are slightly thicker toward the base). The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer, and lasts about one month. The flowers have a pleasant fragrance. If cross-pollination occurs, the flowers are replaced by seedpods (follicles) that are held erect. These seedpods are up to 6" long and 1" across; they are narrowly lanceoloid in shape. They have a smooth surface and are finely short-pubescent or canescent. The seeds have large tufts of white hair; they are distributed by the wind. The root system consists of a fleshy taproot and rhizomes; small colonies of plants are sometimes produced from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun and mesic conditions; this plant also tolerates light shade and full sun, as well as considerable variations in the moisture regime. Immature plants are inclined to wilt during a drought, and should be watered. The soil can consist of moisture-retaining loam or clay-loam. The plants make rapid growth during the late spring until they flower and form seedpods, then they gradually degenerate. It takes 3 years or more for a small transplant or seedling to reach flowering size. The leaves have tendency to turn yellow and curl in response to dry sunny conditions, or when they become old.
Range & Habitat: The native Purple Milkweed is an occasional plant that is widely distributed in Illinois (see Distribution Map). However, it is uncommon or absent in some areas of NW, central, and east-central Illinois. Habitats include lower slopes of hill prairies, meadows in wooded areas, thickets and woodland borders, bluffs and open woodlands, oak savannas, glades, and roadsides. This plant usually occurs along prairie edges near wooded areas, rather than in open prairie. It is usually found in higher quality habitats.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts long-tongued bees, butterflies, and skippers. To a lesser extent, green metallic bees and other Halictid bees may visit the flowers, but they are less effective at pollination. Another unusual visitor of the flowers is the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. Among the butterflies, such visitors as the Pipevine Swallowtail, Giant Swallowtail, American Painted Lady, Red Admiral, Clouded Sulfur, Eastern Tailed-Blue, Regal Fritillary, Great Spangled Fritillary, and many others have been reported. A group of oligophagous insects feed on milkweeds. They include caterpillars of the butterfly Danaus plexippes (Monarch); caterpillars of the moths Cycnia inopinatus (Unexpected Cycnia) and Cycnia tenera (Delicate Cycnia); the aphids Aphis asclepiadis, Aphis nerii, and Myzocallis asclepiadis; Lygaeus kalmii (Small Milkweed Bug) and Oncopeltus fasciatus (Large Milkweed Bug); and Tetraopes tetrophthalmus (Red Milkweed Beetle). Mammalian herbivores rarely consume Purple Milkweed and other milkweeds because of the bitter-tasting, toxic foliage, which contains cardiac glycosides.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois, and at the Coneflower Hill Prairie near Lake Shelbyville in east-central Illinois.
Comments: The flowers of Purple Milkweed are quite attractive. This species is less aggressive than Asclepias syriaca (Common Milkweed), which it resembles somewhat in appearance. However, the flowers of Purple Milkweed are usually a deeper color of purple and more likely to occur in terminal umbels at the apex of the central stem, rather than as axillary umbels between the upper leaves. The seedpods of Purple Milkweed are smooth, while the seedpods of Common Milkweed have soft prickles. Purple Milkweed also resembles Asclepias rubra (Red Milkweed), but the horns on the flowers of the latter species are straight and about as tall as the hoods, while the horns of Purple Milkweed are shorter than the hoods and curve inward toward the reproductive column of the flowers.
Flowering Plant
The hoods are much taller than the horns; the latter curve inward toward the reproductive column and appear spike-like (but are slightly thicker toward the base). The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer, and lasts about one month. The flowers have a pleasant fragrance. If cross-pollination occurs, the flowers are replaced by seedpods (follicles) that are held erect. These seedpods are up to 6" long and 1" across; they are narrowly lanceoloid in shape. They have a smooth surface and are finely short-pubescent or canescent. The seeds have large tufts of white hair; they are distributed by the wind. The root system consists of a fleshy taproot and rhizomes; small colonies of plants are sometimes produced from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun and mesic conditions; this plant also tolerates light shade and full sun, as well as considerable variations in the moisture regime. Immature plants are inclined to wilt during a drought, and should be watered. The soil can consist of moisture-retaining loam or clay-loam. The plants make rapid growth during the late spring until they flower and form seedpods, then they gradually degenerate. It takes 3 years or more for a small transplant or seedling to reach flowering size. The leaves have tendency to turn yellow and curl in response to dry sunny conditions, or when they become old.
Range & Habitat: The native Purple Milkweed is an occasional plant that is widely distributed in Illinois (see Distribution Map). However, it is uncommon or absent in some areas of NW, central, and east-central Illinois. Habitats include lower slopes of hill prairies, meadows in wooded areas, thickets and woodland borders, bluffs and open woodlands, oak savannas, glades, and roadsides. This plant usually occurs along prairie edges near wooded areas, rather than in open prairie. It is usually found in higher quality habitats.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts long-tongued bees, butterflies, and skippers. To a lesser extent, green metallic bees and other Halictid bees may visit the flowers, but they are less effective at pollination. Another unusual visitor of the flowers is the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. Among the butterflies, such visitors as the Pipevine Swallowtail, Giant Swallowtail, American Painted Lady, Red Admiral, Clouded Sulfur, Eastern Tailed-Blue, Regal Fritillary, Great Spangled Fritillary, and many others have been reported. A group of oligophagous insects feed on milkweeds. They include caterpillars of the butterfly Danaus plexippes (Monarch); caterpillars of the moths Cycnia inopinatus (Unexpected Cycnia) and Cycnia tenera (Delicate Cycnia); the aphids Aphis asclepiadis, Aphis nerii, and Myzocallis asclepiadis; Lygaeus kalmii (Small Milkweed Bug) and Oncopeltus fasciatus (Large Milkweed Bug); and Tetraopes tetrophthalmus (Red Milkweed Beetle). Mammalian herbivores rarely consume Purple Milkweed and other milkweeds because of the bitter-tasting, toxic foliage, which contains cardiac glycosides.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois, and at the Coneflower Hill Prairie near Lake Shelbyville in east-central Illinois.
Comments: The flowers of Purple Milkweed are quite attractive. This species is less aggressive than Asclepias syriaca (Common Milkweed), which it resembles somewhat in appearance. However, the flowers of Purple Milkweed are usually a deeper color of purple and more likely to occur in terminal umbels at the apex of the central stem, rather than as axillary umbels between the upper leaves. The seedpods of Purple Milkweed are smooth, while the seedpods of Common Milkweed have soft prickles. Purple Milkweed also resembles Asclepias rubra (Red Milkweed), but the horns on the flowers of the latter species are straight and about as tall as the hoods, while the horns of Purple Milkweed are shorter than the hoods and curve inward toward the reproductive column of the flowers.
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Miss Chen
2018年03月02日
Description: This perennial plant is up to 6" tall (rarely taller), consisting of a basal rosette of leaves and an erect stem bearing the inflorescence. Species in this genus are dioecious, with individual plants bearing either staminate (male) or pistallate (female) flowers. The basal leaves are up to 3½" long and 2" across; they are obovate in shape with long petioles and their margins are smooth. Mature basal leaves have 3-5 conspicuous veins. The upper surfaces of these leaves are light to medium green and glabrous to appressed-hairy, while their lower surfaces are whitish green and densely appressed-hairy. Sometimes basal leaves become more glabrous with age. During the spring, a central stem develops from the basal leaves. This central stem is densely covered with appressed white hairs; along its length, there are a few alternate leaves. These leaves clasp the stem and they are erect or ascending. Individual alternate leaves are up to 1½" long, narrowly lanceolate or elliptic in shape, and smooth to undulate; they tend to be more hairy than the basal leaves. At the apex of the central stem is a small cluster of about 3-6 staminate or pistillate flowerheads.
The flowerheads are about ¼–½" long and a little less across; they have phyllaries (floral bracts) at their bases that are light green and hairy, otherwise they consist of white disk florets. The staminate florets have brownish tubular anthers, while the pistillate florets are fluffy white from an abundance of styles. The blooming period occurs during mid- to late spring, lasting about 2-3 weeks. There is no noticeable floral scent. While the flowers are capable of cross-pollination by means of either wind or insects, they are also capable of self-pollination. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by achenes that resemble small brown nutlets with white resinous dots, to which small tufts of white hair are attached. They are distributed by the wind. The flower-bearing part of the plant dies down during the summer, but the rosette of basal leaves persists. Occasionally, this plant forms stolons that can take root a short distance from the mother plant, forming clonal offsets. There is a strong tendency to form colonies, sometimes consisting of all staminate or pistillate plants.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade and average to dry conditions. This plant often flourishes in poor soil that contains sand, rocky material, or clay. Young growth during the spring is rarely bothered by disease, although the semi-evergreen basal leaves often become discolored and withered with age.
Range & Habitat: Plantain-Leaved Pussytoes has been found in most of the counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is both native and common. Habitats include hill prairies, openings in upland forests, wooded slopes, bluffs, limestone glades, areas along woodland paths, disturbed open woodlands, thickets, pastures, and abandoned fields. Both sandy and non-sandy areas can provide suitable habitat. This little plant favors areas with reduced ground competition that are partially sunny. Occasional wildfires are probably beneficial as this reduces competition from woody vines and shrubs.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are visited primarily by small bees and flies. Among the bees, this includes Andrenid bees, Halictid bees, and cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), while fly visitors consist primarily of Syrphid flies and, to a lesser extent, flesh flies, blow flies, Muscid flies, and others. Insects that feed on Plantain-leaved Pussytoes and other Antennaria spp. (Pussytoes) include larvae of the fly Chromatomyia syngenesiae (Chrysanthemum Leafminer), gall-forming larvae of the flies Aspondylia antennariae (Everlasting Bud Midge) and Rhopalomyia antennariae (Pussytoes Bud Midge), larvae of Tebenna gnaphaliella (Everlasting Tebenna Moth), caterpillars of the butterfly Vanessa virginiensis (American Painted Lady), and the aphid Pleotrichophorus antennarius. To a limited extent, the Bobwhite Quail eats the seeds, while the White-Tailed Deer and Cottontail Rabbit browse on the foliage.
Photographic Location: The photograph of the pistillate flowerheads was taken along a woodland path at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois, while the remaining photographs were taken at a hilly woodland in east-central Illinois.
Comments: Plantain-leaved Pussytoes can be readily distinguished from Antennaria neglecta (Field Pussytoes) by its basal leaves. The latter species has basal leaves that are single-veined and more narrow. Field Pussytoes is also more typical of open habitats, rather than woodland areas. Because Plantain-leaved Pussytoes is a rather variable species, it is often divided into different varieties or subspecies; some authorities even divide it into different species (Mohlenbrock, 2002). These distinctions take into consideration the length of phyllaries (floral bracts) in pistillate (female) plants, and the hairiness or shape of the basal leaves. No attempt has been made to make such fine distinctions here. Some authorities state that these plants are wind-pollinated, while others emphasize the role of insects in cross-pollination.
The flowerheads are about ¼–½" long and a little less across; they have phyllaries (floral bracts) at their bases that are light green and hairy, otherwise they consist of white disk florets. The staminate florets have brownish tubular anthers, while the pistillate florets are fluffy white from an abundance of styles. The blooming period occurs during mid- to late spring, lasting about 2-3 weeks. There is no noticeable floral scent. While the flowers are capable of cross-pollination by means of either wind or insects, they are also capable of self-pollination. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by achenes that resemble small brown nutlets with white resinous dots, to which small tufts of white hair are attached. They are distributed by the wind. The flower-bearing part of the plant dies down during the summer, but the rosette of basal leaves persists. Occasionally, this plant forms stolons that can take root a short distance from the mother plant, forming clonal offsets. There is a strong tendency to form colonies, sometimes consisting of all staminate or pistillate plants.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade and average to dry conditions. This plant often flourishes in poor soil that contains sand, rocky material, or clay. Young growth during the spring is rarely bothered by disease, although the semi-evergreen basal leaves often become discolored and withered with age.
Range & Habitat: Plantain-Leaved Pussytoes has been found in most of the counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is both native and common. Habitats include hill prairies, openings in upland forests, wooded slopes, bluffs, limestone glades, areas along woodland paths, disturbed open woodlands, thickets, pastures, and abandoned fields. Both sandy and non-sandy areas can provide suitable habitat. This little plant favors areas with reduced ground competition that are partially sunny. Occasional wildfires are probably beneficial as this reduces competition from woody vines and shrubs.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are visited primarily by small bees and flies. Among the bees, this includes Andrenid bees, Halictid bees, and cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), while fly visitors consist primarily of Syrphid flies and, to a lesser extent, flesh flies, blow flies, Muscid flies, and others. Insects that feed on Plantain-leaved Pussytoes and other Antennaria spp. (Pussytoes) include larvae of the fly Chromatomyia syngenesiae (Chrysanthemum Leafminer), gall-forming larvae of the flies Aspondylia antennariae (Everlasting Bud Midge) and Rhopalomyia antennariae (Pussytoes Bud Midge), larvae of Tebenna gnaphaliella (Everlasting Tebenna Moth), caterpillars of the butterfly Vanessa virginiensis (American Painted Lady), and the aphid Pleotrichophorus antennarius. To a limited extent, the Bobwhite Quail eats the seeds, while the White-Tailed Deer and Cottontail Rabbit browse on the foliage.
Photographic Location: The photograph of the pistillate flowerheads was taken along a woodland path at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois, while the remaining photographs were taken at a hilly woodland in east-central Illinois.
Comments: Plantain-leaved Pussytoes can be readily distinguished from Antennaria neglecta (Field Pussytoes) by its basal leaves. The latter species has basal leaves that are single-veined and more narrow. Field Pussytoes is also more typical of open habitats, rather than woodland areas. Because Plantain-leaved Pussytoes is a rather variable species, it is often divided into different varieties or subspecies; some authorities even divide it into different species (Mohlenbrock, 2002). These distinctions take into consideration the length of phyllaries (floral bracts) in pistillate (female) plants, and the hairiness or shape of the basal leaves. No attempt has been made to make such fine distinctions here. Some authorities state that these plants are wind-pollinated, while others emphasize the role of insects in cross-pollination.
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Miss Chen
2018年03月02日
Description: This perennial plant is about 1-2½' tall. The stems have scattered white hairs and there is little branching, except for the production of long stalks for the flowers. The leaves occur in 1 or 2 whorls along the stem, usually in groups of 2 or 3. They are up to 5" long and across, and have long petioles with scattered white hairs. Each major leaf is divided into 2 or 3 deep lobes, which are in turn divided into 2 or 3 shallower lobes. Because these divisions are rather sharp, the leaves are cleft. Furthermore, the margins are coarsely serrate or dentate. The leaves are often light green or yellowish green in bright sunlight.
From the upper axil of each leaf, there occasionally develops a long stalk with a single flower about ¾" across when it is fully open. This flower consists of 5 white or greenish white sepals (looking like petals), and numerous stamens with yellow or light brown anthers surrounding a compound head of pistils. This pistillate head is green and prickly in appearance. This compound head becomes larger and more elongated as the sepals fall off. It is about ¾–1" long and up to ½" across, eventually turning into a fluffy mass with numerous dark seeds. These seeds are eventually distributed by the wind. The root system is rhizomatous, often producing vegetative offsets from the mother plant. Tall Anemone produces an allelopathic substance, protoanemonin, which inhibits seed germination and seedling growth in many species of plants.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to full sun. The soil should contain loam with some organic material to retain moisture. Mature plants resist drought fairly well, and the leaves are not often subject to foliar disease.
Range & Habitat: The native Tall Anemone is a fairly common plant that occurs throughout Illinois, except for a few southern counties (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic black soil prairies, savannas, open woodlands, woodland borders, thickets, and limestone glades. It usually doesn't stray far from wooded areas.
Faunal Associations: Small bees and flower flies visit the flowers occasionally for pollen. Bee visitors include Plasterer bees (Colletes spp.) and Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp., etc.). Mammalian herbivores usually leave this plant alone because the foliage contains a blistering agent that can irritate the mouth parts and digestive tract. When this plant forms colonies, it provides a minor source of cover for small animals.
Photographic Location: Photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This curious plant offers different attractions at different times of the year. During early summer, white flowers are produced, which are soon replaced by long-lasting thimble-shaped seedheads. During the fall, these seedheads slowly distintegrate into white cottony masses that remain attractive all winter. Tall Anemone can be easily distinguished from Anemone canadensis (Canada Anemone) because its leaves have conspicuous petioles, while the leaves of the latter species are sessile or perfoliate. Distinguishing Tall Anemone from Anemone cylindrica (Thimbleweed) is a bit trickier, but examination of the following characteristics are helpful: 1) the former species has a shorter, more prickly central head that is greater than 1/3" across, while the latter has a central head that is 1/3" across or less and is at least twice as long as it is wide; 2) the leaves of the former species are sharply tripartite (cleft) and have sharper dentation or serration along the margins, while the leaves of the latter are more likely to be palmate and less cleft and more blunt and fewer teeth along the margins.
From the upper axil of each leaf, there occasionally develops a long stalk with a single flower about ¾" across when it is fully open. This flower consists of 5 white or greenish white sepals (looking like petals), and numerous stamens with yellow or light brown anthers surrounding a compound head of pistils. This pistillate head is green and prickly in appearance. This compound head becomes larger and more elongated as the sepals fall off. It is about ¾–1" long and up to ½" across, eventually turning into a fluffy mass with numerous dark seeds. These seeds are eventually distributed by the wind. The root system is rhizomatous, often producing vegetative offsets from the mother plant. Tall Anemone produces an allelopathic substance, protoanemonin, which inhibits seed germination and seedling growth in many species of plants.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to full sun. The soil should contain loam with some organic material to retain moisture. Mature plants resist drought fairly well, and the leaves are not often subject to foliar disease.
Range & Habitat: The native Tall Anemone is a fairly common plant that occurs throughout Illinois, except for a few southern counties (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic black soil prairies, savannas, open woodlands, woodland borders, thickets, and limestone glades. It usually doesn't stray far from wooded areas.
Faunal Associations: Small bees and flower flies visit the flowers occasionally for pollen. Bee visitors include Plasterer bees (Colletes spp.) and Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp., etc.). Mammalian herbivores usually leave this plant alone because the foliage contains a blistering agent that can irritate the mouth parts and digestive tract. When this plant forms colonies, it provides a minor source of cover for small animals.
Photographic Location: Photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This curious plant offers different attractions at different times of the year. During early summer, white flowers are produced, which are soon replaced by long-lasting thimble-shaped seedheads. During the fall, these seedheads slowly distintegrate into white cottony masses that remain attractive all winter. Tall Anemone can be easily distinguished from Anemone canadensis (Canada Anemone) because its leaves have conspicuous petioles, while the leaves of the latter species are sessile or perfoliate. Distinguishing Tall Anemone from Anemone cylindrica (Thimbleweed) is a bit trickier, but examination of the following characteristics are helpful: 1) the former species has a shorter, more prickly central head that is greater than 1/3" across, while the latter has a central head that is 1/3" across or less and is at least twice as long as it is wide; 2) the leaves of the former species are sharply tripartite (cleft) and have sharper dentation or serration along the margins, while the leaves of the latter are more likely to be palmate and less cleft and more blunt and fewer teeth along the margins.
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Miss Chen
2018年03月01日
Description: This plant is a herbaceous perennial that becomes 1¼–2½' tall when it flowers. The central stem is light green, terete, sparsely hairy, and unbranched. Alternate compound leaves occur primarily along the lower one-half of this stem; they are odd-pinnate with 3-9 primary leaflets (usually about 5). In addition to the primary leaflets, there is usually a single pair of secondary leaflets on each compound leaf; these secondary leaflets are much smaller in size. Successive pairs of primary leaflets become gradually larger in size, while the terminal primary leaflet is the largest in size, for each compound leaf. The terminal primary leaflets are 2–3½" long and 1¼–2" across; all primary leaflets are obovate to broadly ellipsoid in shape, while their margins are coarsely dentate-crenate. The secondary leaflets are less than ½" long and lanceolate to elliptic in shape. All of the leaflets are sessile.
The upper leaflet surface is medium green or yellowish green and hairless (or nearly so), while the lower leaflet surface is light or whitish green and sparsely hairy along the undersides of primary veins. In addition, the lower leaflet surface usually has minute glandular hairs that can glisten in bright sunlight (a 10x hand lens may be necessary to see them). The petioles and rachises of the compound leaves are light green and sparsely hairy; they are flat or finely grooved along their upper surfaces, while their lower surfaces are convex. Pairs of stipules up to 1" long occur at the petiole bases of compound leaves. These stipules are either unlobed and lanceolate in shape, or they are divided into 2-3 lanceolate lobes. The central stem terminates in either an unbranched raceme or sparingly branched racemes of flowers. The racemes are spike-like in appearance and they are ½–1¼' long. If lateral racemes are present, they are shorter than the central raceme. The flowers are distributed alternately along each raceme. Each flower is about ¼" across or slightly larger in size, consisting of 5 yellow petals, 5 green sepals, 5-15 stamens, and a burry green hypanthium containing a pair of carpels (female reproductive organs). The rachis of each raceme is light to medium green, terete, sparsely hairy below, and short glandular-hairy above. The pedicels of the flowers are short (less than ¼" long).
The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early autumn, lasting about 3 weeks. There is no noticeable floral scent. The burry fruits (mature hypanthia) are 3-4 mm. long and slightly less across; they are obconic-hemispheric below, tapering to a knobby apex above. Around the middle of each fruit, there are 2-3 rows of hooked spines that are widely spreading to ascending (mainly the latter). The obconic-hemispheric section of the fruit may have shallow longitudinal grooves, or such grooves may be lacking. The entire fruit is covered with very short glandular hairs. These fruits usually nod or hang downward from their pedicels. Each fruit contains are pair of seeds. The root system is fibrous, occasionally forming narrow spindle-shaped tubers.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to light shade, mesic to dry-mesic conditions, and soil containing loam, clay-loam, glacial till, or rocky material.
Range & Habitat: The native Woodland Agrimony is occasional in the southern half of Illinois and NE Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland woodlands, upland savannas, rocky bluffs, and openings in upland woodlands. This plant is found in higher quality natural areas.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by Halictid bees, other small bees, Syrphid flies, and other flies. Insects that feed destructively on species of Agrimony (Agrimonia spp.) include the aphids Macrosiphum agrimoniellum and Macrosiphum pallidum, larvae of the gall fly Contarinia agrimoniae, larvae of the sawfly Fenella nigrita, and larvae of the moths Anacampsis agrimoniella and Coptotriche agrimoniella (Blackman & Eastop, 2013; Felt, 1917; Smith, 2006; Covell, 1984/2005; Microleps website, 2010). There is some evidence that White-tailed Deer browse on Woodland Agrimony (Agrimonia rostellata), reducing its abundance in wooded areas (Dávalos et al., 2014). The burry fruits can cling to the fur of mammals (cattle, sheep, deer), feathers of birds, and clothing of people, spreading the seeds to new areas.
Photographic Location: An opening in an upland woodland at Merwin Nature Preserve in McLain County, Illinois.
Comments: The different species of Agrimony (Agrimonia spp.) all have spike-like racemes of small yellow flowers and compound leaves that are odd-pinnate. Their compound leaves are unusual in having smaller secondary leaflets interspersed between the larger primary leaflets. Because they are similar in appearance, different species of Agrimony can be difficult to identify. Woodland Agrimony (Agrimonia rostellata) can be distinguished from these other species of Agrimony by examining its fruits: 1) its burry fruits tend to be smaller in size (3-4 mm. long), 2) they have fewer bristles that are spreading to ascending, and 3) they are more hemispheric below and develop a knob-like beak above, rather than being obconic below and with a more tapered beak above. In addition to its fruits, Woodland Agrimony can be distinguished from some species of Agrimony by the short glandular hairs on its floral stalks, the scarcity of secondary leaflets on its compound leaves, the presence of minute glandular hairs on the lower sides of its leaflets (this can be difficult to see), and its greater tendency to develop branching racemes of flowers. Overall, Woodland Agrimony tends to be less robust and smaller in size than other species of Agrimony within the state.
The upper leaflet surface is medium green or yellowish green and hairless (or nearly so), while the lower leaflet surface is light or whitish green and sparsely hairy along the undersides of primary veins. In addition, the lower leaflet surface usually has minute glandular hairs that can glisten in bright sunlight (a 10x hand lens may be necessary to see them). The petioles and rachises of the compound leaves are light green and sparsely hairy; they are flat or finely grooved along their upper surfaces, while their lower surfaces are convex. Pairs of stipules up to 1" long occur at the petiole bases of compound leaves. These stipules are either unlobed and lanceolate in shape, or they are divided into 2-3 lanceolate lobes. The central stem terminates in either an unbranched raceme or sparingly branched racemes of flowers. The racemes are spike-like in appearance and they are ½–1¼' long. If lateral racemes are present, they are shorter than the central raceme. The flowers are distributed alternately along each raceme. Each flower is about ¼" across or slightly larger in size, consisting of 5 yellow petals, 5 green sepals, 5-15 stamens, and a burry green hypanthium containing a pair of carpels (female reproductive organs). The rachis of each raceme is light to medium green, terete, sparsely hairy below, and short glandular-hairy above. The pedicels of the flowers are short (less than ¼" long).
The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early autumn, lasting about 3 weeks. There is no noticeable floral scent. The burry fruits (mature hypanthia) are 3-4 mm. long and slightly less across; they are obconic-hemispheric below, tapering to a knobby apex above. Around the middle of each fruit, there are 2-3 rows of hooked spines that are widely spreading to ascending (mainly the latter). The obconic-hemispheric section of the fruit may have shallow longitudinal grooves, or such grooves may be lacking. The entire fruit is covered with very short glandular hairs. These fruits usually nod or hang downward from their pedicels. Each fruit contains are pair of seeds. The root system is fibrous, occasionally forming narrow spindle-shaped tubers.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to light shade, mesic to dry-mesic conditions, and soil containing loam, clay-loam, glacial till, or rocky material.
Range & Habitat: The native Woodland Agrimony is occasional in the southern half of Illinois and NE Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland woodlands, upland savannas, rocky bluffs, and openings in upland woodlands. This plant is found in higher quality natural areas.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by Halictid bees, other small bees, Syrphid flies, and other flies. Insects that feed destructively on species of Agrimony (Agrimonia spp.) include the aphids Macrosiphum agrimoniellum and Macrosiphum pallidum, larvae of the gall fly Contarinia agrimoniae, larvae of the sawfly Fenella nigrita, and larvae of the moths Anacampsis agrimoniella and Coptotriche agrimoniella (Blackman & Eastop, 2013; Felt, 1917; Smith, 2006; Covell, 1984/2005; Microleps website, 2010). There is some evidence that White-tailed Deer browse on Woodland Agrimony (Agrimonia rostellata), reducing its abundance in wooded areas (Dávalos et al., 2014). The burry fruits can cling to the fur of mammals (cattle, sheep, deer), feathers of birds, and clothing of people, spreading the seeds to new areas.
Photographic Location: An opening in an upland woodland at Merwin Nature Preserve in McLain County, Illinois.
Comments: The different species of Agrimony (Agrimonia spp.) all have spike-like racemes of small yellow flowers and compound leaves that are odd-pinnate. Their compound leaves are unusual in having smaller secondary leaflets interspersed between the larger primary leaflets. Because they are similar in appearance, different species of Agrimony can be difficult to identify. Woodland Agrimony (Agrimonia rostellata) can be distinguished from these other species of Agrimony by examining its fruits: 1) its burry fruits tend to be smaller in size (3-4 mm. long), 2) they have fewer bristles that are spreading to ascending, and 3) they are more hemispheric below and develop a knob-like beak above, rather than being obconic below and with a more tapered beak above. In addition to its fruits, Woodland Agrimony can be distinguished from some species of Agrimony by the short glandular hairs on its floral stalks, the scarcity of secondary leaflets on its compound leaves, the presence of minute glandular hairs on the lower sides of its leaflets (this can be difficult to see), and its greater tendency to develop branching racemes of flowers. Overall, Woodland Agrimony tends to be less robust and smaller in size than other species of Agrimony within the state.
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Miss Chen
2018年03月01日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is about 1½–2½' tall and unbranched or sparingly so. The lower central stem has long ascending hairs and short pubescent hairs, while the upper stem(s) has only short pubescent hairs; this stem (or stems) is terete (round in cross-section) and rather stout. The alternate leaves are odd-pinnate with 5-9 primary leaflets. Between adjacent pairs of primary leaflets, there is a single pair of secondary leaflets along the stalk (or rachis) of each compound leaf. The primary leaflets are up to 3" long and 1½" across; they are ovate, oval-ovate, or oblong-ovate in shape. The upper surface of each primary leaflet is dull green, hairless, and conspicuously veined; its margins are coarsely toothed. The lower surface of each primary leaflet is whitish green and pubescent. The secondary leaflets are much smaller in size than the primary leaflets, otherwise they share many of the same characteristics. The stalk (or rachis) of each compound leaf is light green and pubescent or hairy. At the base of each compound leaf, there is a pair of leafy stipules about 2/3" (16 mm.) long. The stipules are coarsely toothed or cleft with pointed lobes. The upper stem(s) terminates in a spike-like raceme of flowers up to 1' long. The flowers are sparsely distributed along the stalk of the raceme. Normally, this raceme is straight and erect, but sometimes it leans over to one side or curves slightly. The stalk of the raceme is covered with short pubescent hairs. Each flower is up to 1/3" (8 mm.) across; it has 5 yellow petals, 5 green sepals, and about 10 stamens. The petals are oblong in shape and spread outward while the flower is in bloom.
The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts about 1 month. Each flower is replaced by a green fruit that is broadly conical toward the bottom and pointed-turbinate toward the top. Along the upper rim of each fruit, there is a fringe of short hooked prickles. The fruits turn brown when they become mature. The root system is rhizomatous and fibrous.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, moist to dry conditions, and a reasonably fertile soil containing some loam.
Range & Habitat: The native Downy Agrimony is occasional to locally common in central and northern Illinois, but it is less common or absent in southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include open deciduous woodlands, savannas, thickets, small meadows in wooded areas, areas along woodland paths, and powerline clearances in wooded areas. Disturbance is beneficial if it reduces excessive shade from trees and other woody vegetation.
Faunal Associations: Little information is currently available about floral-faunal relationships for this species. According to Robertson (1929), Halictid bees collect pollen or suck nectar from the flowers. The hooked bristles of the fruits can cling to the fur of animals, the feathers of birds, or the clothing of humans. In this manner, the seeds can be transported for considerable distances.
Photographic Location: A powerline clearance at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Downy Agrimony is one of several Agrimonia spp. in Illinois. It can be distinguished from these other species by the short pubescent hairs on the stalks of its racemes; the other species have floral stalks that are long hairy or hairless. The leaves and leaflets of these Agrimonia spp. are rather similar to each other, except for Agrimonia parviflora (Swamp Agrimony). This latter species has more primary leaflets per compound leaf (about 11-17) and its primary leaflets are more narrow in shape. Swamp Agrimony prefers habitats that are more moist and sunny than other Agrimonia spp. in Illinois. Agrimony species are easily distinguished from other plants by the small secondary leaflets on their compound leaves; other plants with pinnate leaves typically lack such leaflets. Another common name of Agrimonia pubescens is Soft Agrimony.
The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts about 1 month. Each flower is replaced by a green fruit that is broadly conical toward the bottom and pointed-turbinate toward the top. Along the upper rim of each fruit, there is a fringe of short hooked prickles. The fruits turn brown when they become mature. The root system is rhizomatous and fibrous.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, moist to dry conditions, and a reasonably fertile soil containing some loam.
Range & Habitat: The native Downy Agrimony is occasional to locally common in central and northern Illinois, but it is less common or absent in southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include open deciduous woodlands, savannas, thickets, small meadows in wooded areas, areas along woodland paths, and powerline clearances in wooded areas. Disturbance is beneficial if it reduces excessive shade from trees and other woody vegetation.
Faunal Associations: Little information is currently available about floral-faunal relationships for this species. According to Robertson (1929), Halictid bees collect pollen or suck nectar from the flowers. The hooked bristles of the fruits can cling to the fur of animals, the feathers of birds, or the clothing of humans. In this manner, the seeds can be transported for considerable distances.
Photographic Location: A powerline clearance at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Downy Agrimony is one of several Agrimonia spp. in Illinois. It can be distinguished from these other species by the short pubescent hairs on the stalks of its racemes; the other species have floral stalks that are long hairy or hairless. The leaves and leaflets of these Agrimonia spp. are rather similar to each other, except for Agrimonia parviflora (Swamp Agrimony). This latter species has more primary leaflets per compound leaf (about 11-17) and its primary leaflets are more narrow in shape. Swamp Agrimony prefers habitats that are more moist and sunny than other Agrimonia spp. in Illinois. Agrimony species are easily distinguished from other plants by the small secondary leaflets on their compound leaves; other plants with pinnate leaves typically lack such leaflets. Another common name of Agrimonia pubescens is Soft Agrimony.
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Miss Chen
2018年02月28日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 4-7' tall and little branched, except for a few stems developing from the middle to upper leaf axils. The central stem is light green, glabrous, 4-angled, and strongly winged. The opposite leaves are up to 6" long and 3" across, while their petioles are up to 2" long. The leaves are lanceolate-ovate or cordate-ovate, medium to dark green, and hairless or nearly so; their margins are coarsely serrated. At the apex of a plant, young vegetation may be slightly pubescent. The central stem and major secondary stems terminate in individual spikes of flowers. Each spike is about 4-16" long and ¾–1" across; the length of each spike is highly variable depending on the size of each plant and its maturity. The flowers are densely crowded together all around the spike, although only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. Each flower consists of a tubular corolla about 1/3" (8 mm.) long and a tubular calyx about 1/4" (6 mm.) long. The pale yellow corolla has 2 upper lobes, 2 lateral lobes, and a single lower lobe that is the largest in size. These lobes are short and rounded. The light green calyx has 5 teeth and several veins along its sides; it is hairless or mostly hairless. Each flower has 4 stamens that are strongly exerted from the corolla and a divided style. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts 1-2 months. Individual flowers are short-lived. At maturity, each flower is replaced by 4 nutlets. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. Clonal colonies are often produced from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and a fertile loamy soil. This plant dislikes dry sunny areas, which will cause the foliage to wilt during a summer drought.
Range & Habitat: The native Yellow Giant Hyssop is occasional to locally common in most areas of Illinois, except in the NW and southern sections of the state, where it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include deciduous woodlands, woodland borders and openings, thickets, meadows in wooded areas, and powerline clearances in wooded areas. Occasional disturbance is beneficial if it reduces, but does not eliminate, the shade from canopy trees and other kinds of woody vegetation.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are visited by bees (e.g., honeybees, bumblebees, & Halictid bees), bee flies, and butterflies. These insects suck nectar, although some of the bees may collect pollen. Syrphid flies also visit the flowers to feed on pollen, but they are less effective at cross-pollination. The dense foliage of Yellow Giant Hyssop attracts its fair share of predatory insects, including parasitic wasps, spiders, ladybird beetles, and others. White-Tailed Deer leave the foliage alone because of its bitter taste.
Photographic Location: A powerline clearance at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The pale yellow flowers are not very showy because they seem small in comparison to the rest of the plant and only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. Thus, the attractiveness of Yellow Giant Hyssop consists primarily of its foliage. Other species in this genus that occur in Illinois are Agastache scrophulariaefolia (Blue Giant Hyssop) and Agastache foeniculum (Anise Hyssop). Blue Giant Hyssop is about the same size as Yellow Giant Hyssop and it has a similar appearance, except that the corolla of its flowers are blue and its stems are pubescent. Anise Hyssop has a shorter stature than the preceding species and its foliage has an anise scent; it also has flowers with blue corollas.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and a fertile loamy soil. This plant dislikes dry sunny areas, which will cause the foliage to wilt during a summer drought.
Range & Habitat: The native Yellow Giant Hyssop is occasional to locally common in most areas of Illinois, except in the NW and southern sections of the state, where it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include deciduous woodlands, woodland borders and openings, thickets, meadows in wooded areas, and powerline clearances in wooded areas. Occasional disturbance is beneficial if it reduces, but does not eliminate, the shade from canopy trees and other kinds of woody vegetation.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are visited by bees (e.g., honeybees, bumblebees, & Halictid bees), bee flies, and butterflies. These insects suck nectar, although some of the bees may collect pollen. Syrphid flies also visit the flowers to feed on pollen, but they are less effective at cross-pollination. The dense foliage of Yellow Giant Hyssop attracts its fair share of predatory insects, including parasitic wasps, spiders, ladybird beetles, and others. White-Tailed Deer leave the foliage alone because of its bitter taste.
Photographic Location: A powerline clearance at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The pale yellow flowers are not very showy because they seem small in comparison to the rest of the plant and only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. Thus, the attractiveness of Yellow Giant Hyssop consists primarily of its foliage. Other species in this genus that occur in Illinois are Agastache scrophulariaefolia (Blue Giant Hyssop) and Agastache foeniculum (Anise Hyssop). Blue Giant Hyssop is about the same size as Yellow Giant Hyssop and it has a similar appearance, except that the corolla of its flowers are blue and its stems are pubescent. Anise Hyssop has a shorter stature than the preceding species and its foliage has an anise scent; it also has flowers with blue corollas.
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Miss Chen
2018年02月28日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is up to 2½' tall, forming occasional lateral stems. These stems are light green, hairless, and rather shiny. The shiny compound leaves are medium green, hairless, and odd-pinnate with 3 or 5 leaflets. The lower compound leaves have long petioles, which become shorter as the leaves alternate upward along the stems. The variable leaflets are up to 3" long and 2" across; they are lanceolate, ovate, cordate, or broadly oblong in shape, although the larger leaflets sometimes have 1-2 cleft lobes. Leaflet margins are serrated.
Compound Umbel
Flat to slightly rounded compound umbels of yellow flowers occur at the ends of the upper stems. Each compound umbel is about 2-3" across, and consists of about 12 umbellets. There are about 21 flowers in each umbellet; the central flower of each umbellet is sessile (or nearly so) during the blooming period. Each flower is about 1/8" (3 mm.) across; it has 5 incurved yellow petals, an insignificant calyx, a pistil, and 5 stamens. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer, and lasts about 1 month. There is no floral scent. The seeds are oblong and flattened, but not winged, with several lighter-colored longitudinal ridges. The root system consists of a dense cluster of coarse fibrous roots.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, although light shade under trees is tolerated. The soil should be moist and loamy, and can contain some rocky material. Foliar disease rarely occurs. The seeds can be difficult to germinate, otherwise this plant is easy to grow and maintain.
Range & Habitat: The native Golden Alexanders is occasional to locally common in most areas of Illinois, except for some southern and western counties, where it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist black soil prairies, openings in moist to mesic woodlands, areas along woodland paths, savannas, thickets, limestone glades, thinly wooded bluffs, powerline clearances in wooded areas, and abandoned fields. Golden Alexanders occurs in both degraded and higher quality habitats. It adapts readily to habitat restorations.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are attractive to many kinds of insects seeking pollen or nectar, especially short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, and beetles. Among the short-tongued bees are such visitors as Green Metallic bees, Masked bees, and Andrenid bees (including the oligolege, Andrena ziziae). Wasp visitors include Eumenine wasps, spider wasps, Ichneumonid wasps, and Crabronine wasps. Such long-tongued bees as bumblebees, cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.) also visit the flowers, as do some small butterflies and true bugs. Notwithstanding all of these visitors, this plant is capable of self-pollination. Caterpillars of the butterflies Papilio polyxenes asterius (Black Swallowtail) and Papilio joanae (Ozark Swallowtail) feed on the leaves and flowers, while caterpillars of Papaipema rigida (Rigid Sunflower Borer Moth) bore through the stems. Two aphids, Aphis saniculae and Aphis thaspii, suck plant juices from Golden Alexanders and similar species in the Carrot family.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Golden Alexanders should not be confused with Pastinaca sativa (Wild Parsnip), which is a weedy Eurasian biennial. The latter is taller, blooms later, and has more leaflets in each compound leaf. It can be particularly difficult to distinguish Golden Alexanders from Thaspium trifoliatum aureum (Yellow Meadow Parsnip), which is another native perennial plant. For the latter plant, the central flower of each umbellet has a short pedicel, the achenes are winged, and its basal leaves are simple, rather than trifoliate. Otherwise, these two species share nearly the same characteristics. Golden Alexanders is an excellent addition to a wildflower garden because it provides accessible nectar to many beneficial insects with short mouthparts during the spring and early summer when such flowers are relatively uncommon.
Compound Umbel
Flat to slightly rounded compound umbels of yellow flowers occur at the ends of the upper stems. Each compound umbel is about 2-3" across, and consists of about 12 umbellets. There are about 21 flowers in each umbellet; the central flower of each umbellet is sessile (or nearly so) during the blooming period. Each flower is about 1/8" (3 mm.) across; it has 5 incurved yellow petals, an insignificant calyx, a pistil, and 5 stamens. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer, and lasts about 1 month. There is no floral scent. The seeds are oblong and flattened, but not winged, with several lighter-colored longitudinal ridges. The root system consists of a dense cluster of coarse fibrous roots.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, although light shade under trees is tolerated. The soil should be moist and loamy, and can contain some rocky material. Foliar disease rarely occurs. The seeds can be difficult to germinate, otherwise this plant is easy to grow and maintain.
Range & Habitat: The native Golden Alexanders is occasional to locally common in most areas of Illinois, except for some southern and western counties, where it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist black soil prairies, openings in moist to mesic woodlands, areas along woodland paths, savannas, thickets, limestone glades, thinly wooded bluffs, powerline clearances in wooded areas, and abandoned fields. Golden Alexanders occurs in both degraded and higher quality habitats. It adapts readily to habitat restorations.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are attractive to many kinds of insects seeking pollen or nectar, especially short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, and beetles. Among the short-tongued bees are such visitors as Green Metallic bees, Masked bees, and Andrenid bees (including the oligolege, Andrena ziziae). Wasp visitors include Eumenine wasps, spider wasps, Ichneumonid wasps, and Crabronine wasps. Such long-tongued bees as bumblebees, cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.) also visit the flowers, as do some small butterflies and true bugs. Notwithstanding all of these visitors, this plant is capable of self-pollination. Caterpillars of the butterflies Papilio polyxenes asterius (Black Swallowtail) and Papilio joanae (Ozark Swallowtail) feed on the leaves and flowers, while caterpillars of Papaipema rigida (Rigid Sunflower Borer Moth) bore through the stems. Two aphids, Aphis saniculae and Aphis thaspii, suck plant juices from Golden Alexanders and similar species in the Carrot family.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Golden Alexanders should not be confused with Pastinaca sativa (Wild Parsnip), which is a weedy Eurasian biennial. The latter is taller, blooms later, and has more leaflets in each compound leaf. It can be particularly difficult to distinguish Golden Alexanders from Thaspium trifoliatum aureum (Yellow Meadow Parsnip), which is another native perennial plant. For the latter plant, the central flower of each umbellet has a short pedicel, the achenes are winged, and its basal leaves are simple, rather than trifoliate. Otherwise, these two species share nearly the same characteristics. Golden Alexanders is an excellent addition to a wildflower garden because it provides accessible nectar to many beneficial insects with short mouthparts during the spring and early summer when such flowers are relatively uncommon.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年02月28日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 1-2½' tall, branching sparingly in the upper half of the plant. The stems are hairless and round, with light green lines that run vertically. The basal leaves are undivided, up to 4" long and 3" across, and have petioles about 2-3" long. They are usually cordate or broadly ovate in overall shape, but with blunt or rounded tips. Otherwise, the leaves alternate up the stem, having progressively shorter petioles and a smaller size. The upper leaves are often ternately compound, and sometimes each leaflet is divided into three lobes. The surface of these leaves are often shiny, while their margins are serrate or crenate. There may be a purplish spot where the petiole meets the base of a leaf.
Compound Umbels of Flowers
The upper stems produce compound umbels of tiny yellow flowers. A typical umbel spans about 2-3" across, and consists of about 7-15 umbellets, which in turn have about 10-20 flowers. These flowers have short pedicels, except the central flower of each umbellet, which is sessile. Each flower has 5 yellow petals that barely open, and is less than 1/8" across. The blooming period occurs during late spring and lasts about a month. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each flower is replaced by a small fruit with 5 angular ribs – however, this fruit is not winged. The root system consists of a central taproot.
Cultivation: This plant prefers light shade to full sun, and mesic to dry conditions. The soil can contain loam, clay-loam, or some rocky material. This plant is easy to grow, and not much troubled by foliar disease.
Range & Habitat: The native Heartleaf Golden Alexanders is restricted to NE Illinois, where it is an uncommon plant (see Distribution Map). It also occurs in Hardin county of SE Illinois. Habitats include moist to dry black soil prairies, hill prairies, rocky upland woodlands, limestone glades, bluffs, abandoned fields, and roadsides. Usually, this species occurs in drier locations than Zizia aurea (Golden Alexanders).
Faunal Associations: Various kinds of insects visit the flowers primarily for nectar, especially small bees (Halictid, Andrenid, Nomadine) and flies (Chloropid, Tachinid, Muscid, Syrphid, etc.), as well as occasional beetles and plant bugs. The bees collect pollen as well, while some flies and beetles may feed on pollen. The caterpillars of Papilio polyxenes asterias (Black Swallowtail butterfly) feed on the foliage of this and other members of the Carrot family.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Heartleaf Golden Alexanders differs from its close relative, Zizia aurea (Golden Alexanders), by its simple basal leaves, while the latter species has lower leaves that are compound. It also closely resembles Thaspium trifoliatum var. aureum (Meadow Parsnip), but differs from this species in two ways: 1) The central flower of each umbellet is sessile, and 2) the angular fruits enclosing the seeds lack wings. The central flower of each umbellet for the Meadow Parsnip, on the other hand, has a short pedicel like the other flowers, and its angular fruits are strongly winged and somewhat flattened. These latter characteristics provide the Meadow Parsnip with a slight advantage in the distribution of its seeds by wind.
Compound Umbels of Flowers
The upper stems produce compound umbels of tiny yellow flowers. A typical umbel spans about 2-3" across, and consists of about 7-15 umbellets, which in turn have about 10-20 flowers. These flowers have short pedicels, except the central flower of each umbellet, which is sessile. Each flower has 5 yellow petals that barely open, and is less than 1/8" across. The blooming period occurs during late spring and lasts about a month. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each flower is replaced by a small fruit with 5 angular ribs – however, this fruit is not winged. The root system consists of a central taproot.
Cultivation: This plant prefers light shade to full sun, and mesic to dry conditions. The soil can contain loam, clay-loam, or some rocky material. This plant is easy to grow, and not much troubled by foliar disease.
Range & Habitat: The native Heartleaf Golden Alexanders is restricted to NE Illinois, where it is an uncommon plant (see Distribution Map). It also occurs in Hardin county of SE Illinois. Habitats include moist to dry black soil prairies, hill prairies, rocky upland woodlands, limestone glades, bluffs, abandoned fields, and roadsides. Usually, this species occurs in drier locations than Zizia aurea (Golden Alexanders).
Faunal Associations: Various kinds of insects visit the flowers primarily for nectar, especially small bees (Halictid, Andrenid, Nomadine) and flies (Chloropid, Tachinid, Muscid, Syrphid, etc.), as well as occasional beetles and plant bugs. The bees collect pollen as well, while some flies and beetles may feed on pollen. The caterpillars of Papilio polyxenes asterias (Black Swallowtail butterfly) feed on the foliage of this and other members of the Carrot family.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Heartleaf Golden Alexanders differs from its close relative, Zizia aurea (Golden Alexanders), by its simple basal leaves, while the latter species has lower leaves that are compound. It also closely resembles Thaspium trifoliatum var. aureum (Meadow Parsnip), but differs from this species in two ways: 1) The central flower of each umbellet is sessile, and 2) the angular fruits enclosing the seeds lack wings. The central flower of each umbellet for the Meadow Parsnip, on the other hand, has a short pedicel like the other flowers, and its angular fruits are strongly winged and somewhat flattened. These latter characteristics provide the Meadow Parsnip with a slight advantage in the distribution of its seeds by wind.
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