成长记
Sandrine Ng Lai
2018年02月22日
I now added "Umbrella plant aka schefflera plant" in my "garden"
2
0
文章
Miss Chen
2018年02月22日
Description: This perennial plant is 1½–3' tall and more or less erect. It is usually unbranched below, while branching occasionally above. The stems are light green or light blue, glabrous, and often glaucous; they are usually terete, although sometimes the stems are narrowly furrowed. Alternate leaves occur along the entire length of these stems, becoming gradually smaller in size as they ascend. These leaves are up to 6" long and 1¼" across, although they are typically about one-half of this size. The leaves are oblong-ovate, oblong-obovate, lanceolate, or ovate in shape, while their margins are either entire (toothless) or sparingly and bluntly toothed. Both lower and upper leaves clasp their stems. The upper leaf surface is medium green to grayish blue, glabrous, and sometimes glaucous, while the lower leaf surface is light green or light grayish blue, glabrous, and sometimes glaucous. A reticulated network of secondary veins is usually visible on the lower surface of each leaf.
The central stem terminates in a panicle of flowerheads about ½–1' long and about one-half as much across; smaller panicles of flowers often develop from lateral upper stems and the axils of upper leaves. Each flowerhead is ½–1" across, consisting of 15-30 ray florets that surround a dense head of numerous disk florets. The petaloid rays of the flowerheads are light lavender or light blue-violet (rarely white), widely spreading, and narrowly oblong in shape. The corollas of the disk florets are 3-6 mm. long, tubular in shape, and 5-lobed along their upper rims. During the blooming period, they change in color from whitish yellow to purplish red, eventually turning brown afterwards. The short-triangular lobes of these corollas are erect or ascending. Surrounding the base of each flowerhead, there are glabrous phyllaries (floral bracts) in several series that are erect or appressed together; they are linear-oblong in shape or sometimes wider. These phyllaries are mostly light green or light bluish green; they have either dark green markings at their tips or solitary vertical veins that are dark green.
The branches and peduncles of the panicle are light green or light grayish blue, terete, glabrous, and sometimes glaucous; solitary leafy bracts up to 2" long and ½" occur where the branches divide. The characteristics of these leafy bracts are similar to those of the leaves. The blooming period occurs from late summer to early autumn, lasting about 3-4 weeks for a colony of plants. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by achenes with small tufts of tawny (less often white) hair; they are distributed by the wind. Individual achenes are 2-3 mm. long, narrowly oblongoid-oblanceoloid in shape, slightly flattened, and variably colored (usually some shade of gray or brown with whitish fine ribs). The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous; older plants may develop small woody caudices. Occasionally, clonal offsets are produced from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, mesic conditions, and soil containing loam, clay-loam, sandy loam, or some rocky material. This plant usually remains erect while in bloom and it is able to tolerate hot dry weather if it is not too prolonged. The foliage is occasional marred by powdery mildew and other foliar diseases to some extent; good air circulation reduces this vulnerability. Smooth Blue Aster is easy to cultivate in gardens if taller and more aggressive plants are kept away from it.
Range & Habitat: The native Smooth Blue Aster occurs occasionally in most counties of Illinois, but it is uncommon or absent in western and SE Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic black soil prairies, hill prairies, savannas, rocky open woodlands, sandy woodlands, woodland edges, thickets, limestone glades, and roadside embankments. Smooth Blue Aster is usually found in higher quality natural areas where the original ground flora is intact. It is sometimes cultivated in gardens because of its attractive foliage and flowerheads.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract honeybees, bumblebees, cuckoo bees (Triepeolus spp., Coelioxys spp.), digger bees (Melissodes spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees (Agapostemon spp., Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp.), Andrenid bees (including the oligolectic bee, Andrena asteris), Sphecid wasps, Syrphid flies (Eristalis spp., Helophilus spp., Syrphus spp., Toxomerus spp.), Muscid flies, butterflies, and skippers (see Graenicher). Other insects feed destructively on the leaves, flowerheads, and other parts of Smooth Blue Aster. These species include a leaf beetle (Ophraella pilosa), larvae of a leaf-mining fly (Nemorimyza posticata), larvae of the Papery Blister Gall Midge (Asteromyia laeviana), the Short-winged Meadow Katydid (Conocephalus brevipennis), and caterpillars of a butterfly, the Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos); see Clark et al. (2004), Needham et al. (1928), Felt (1917), Gangwere (1961), and Opler & Krizek (1984). The Insect Table and Moth Table list additional insects that feed on this and other asters (Symphyotrichum spp.). Two upland gamebirds, the Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey, feed on both the leaves and seeds of asters. The Tree Sparrow and White-footed Mouse also eat the seeds. The young foliage of these plants is browsed occasionally by various mammalian herbivores, including deer, rabbits, groundhogs, horses, cattle, and sheep.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a restored prairie of Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois, and at a small restored prairie along a drainage ditch in the same city.
Comments: Smooth Blue Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve) has many attractive qualities – they include its adaptability, beautiful flowerheads, attractive foliage, and flowering stems that usually remain erect. It's surprising that this aster is not grown more often in flower gardens. Smooth Blue Aster can be distinguished from other asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) primarily by the lack of hairs on its smooth foliage and stems; its foliage often has grayish or bluish tints. Other asters tend to have leaves that are hairy or rough-textured, while others have stems with lines of hair. Another distinctive characteristic is the lack of petioles – the leaves of Smooth Blue Aster clasp their stems. A scientific synonym of this plant is Aster laevis.
The central stem terminates in a panicle of flowerheads about ½–1' long and about one-half as much across; smaller panicles of flowers often develop from lateral upper stems and the axils of upper leaves. Each flowerhead is ½–1" across, consisting of 15-30 ray florets that surround a dense head of numerous disk florets. The petaloid rays of the flowerheads are light lavender or light blue-violet (rarely white), widely spreading, and narrowly oblong in shape. The corollas of the disk florets are 3-6 mm. long, tubular in shape, and 5-lobed along their upper rims. During the blooming period, they change in color from whitish yellow to purplish red, eventually turning brown afterwards. The short-triangular lobes of these corollas are erect or ascending. Surrounding the base of each flowerhead, there are glabrous phyllaries (floral bracts) in several series that are erect or appressed together; they are linear-oblong in shape or sometimes wider. These phyllaries are mostly light green or light bluish green; they have either dark green markings at their tips or solitary vertical veins that are dark green.
The branches and peduncles of the panicle are light green or light grayish blue, terete, glabrous, and sometimes glaucous; solitary leafy bracts up to 2" long and ½" occur where the branches divide. The characteristics of these leafy bracts are similar to those of the leaves. The blooming period occurs from late summer to early autumn, lasting about 3-4 weeks for a colony of plants. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by achenes with small tufts of tawny (less often white) hair; they are distributed by the wind. Individual achenes are 2-3 mm. long, narrowly oblongoid-oblanceoloid in shape, slightly flattened, and variably colored (usually some shade of gray or brown with whitish fine ribs). The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous; older plants may develop small woody caudices. Occasionally, clonal offsets are produced from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, mesic conditions, and soil containing loam, clay-loam, sandy loam, or some rocky material. This plant usually remains erect while in bloom and it is able to tolerate hot dry weather if it is not too prolonged. The foliage is occasional marred by powdery mildew and other foliar diseases to some extent; good air circulation reduces this vulnerability. Smooth Blue Aster is easy to cultivate in gardens if taller and more aggressive plants are kept away from it.
Range & Habitat: The native Smooth Blue Aster occurs occasionally in most counties of Illinois, but it is uncommon or absent in western and SE Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic black soil prairies, hill prairies, savannas, rocky open woodlands, sandy woodlands, woodland edges, thickets, limestone glades, and roadside embankments. Smooth Blue Aster is usually found in higher quality natural areas where the original ground flora is intact. It is sometimes cultivated in gardens because of its attractive foliage and flowerheads.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract honeybees, bumblebees, cuckoo bees (Triepeolus spp., Coelioxys spp.), digger bees (Melissodes spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees (Agapostemon spp., Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp.), Andrenid bees (including the oligolectic bee, Andrena asteris), Sphecid wasps, Syrphid flies (Eristalis spp., Helophilus spp., Syrphus spp., Toxomerus spp.), Muscid flies, butterflies, and skippers (see Graenicher). Other insects feed destructively on the leaves, flowerheads, and other parts of Smooth Blue Aster. These species include a leaf beetle (Ophraella pilosa), larvae of a leaf-mining fly (Nemorimyza posticata), larvae of the Papery Blister Gall Midge (Asteromyia laeviana), the Short-winged Meadow Katydid (Conocephalus brevipennis), and caterpillars of a butterfly, the Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos); see Clark et al. (2004), Needham et al. (1928), Felt (1917), Gangwere (1961), and Opler & Krizek (1984). The Insect Table and Moth Table list additional insects that feed on this and other asters (Symphyotrichum spp.). Two upland gamebirds, the Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey, feed on both the leaves and seeds of asters. The Tree Sparrow and White-footed Mouse also eat the seeds. The young foliage of these plants is browsed occasionally by various mammalian herbivores, including deer, rabbits, groundhogs, horses, cattle, and sheep.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a restored prairie of Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois, and at a small restored prairie along a drainage ditch in the same city.
Comments: Smooth Blue Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve) has many attractive qualities – they include its adaptability, beautiful flowerheads, attractive foliage, and flowering stems that usually remain erect. It's surprising that this aster is not grown more often in flower gardens. Smooth Blue Aster can be distinguished from other asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) primarily by the lack of hairs on its smooth foliage and stems; its foliage often has grayish or bluish tints. Other asters tend to have leaves that are hairy or rough-textured, while others have stems with lines of hair. Another distinctive characteristic is the lack of petioles – the leaves of Smooth Blue Aster clasp their stems. A scientific synonym of this plant is Aster laevis.
0
0
文章
Miss Chen
2018年02月22日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is up to 2' tall, branching occasionally to create a bushy appearance. The hairy stems are green initially, but often become brown when the plant matures. The alternate leaves are up to 3" long and ¼" across toward the base of the plant, becoming less than 1" long and 1/8" (3 mm.) across near the flowering stems. They are linear in form and have smooth edges, often with a fine pubescence. The lower leaves usually shrivel and fall off by the time the compound flowers bloom during the fall. These flowers are very numerous and have a daisy-like appearance. Each compound flower is a little less than ½" across, and consists of numerous yellow disk florets, which are surrounded by about 12 white ray florets. There is no noticeable floral scent. There are numerous needle-like green bracts on the flowering stems, giving this plant a heath-like appearance. The little seeds have tufts of white hairs, and are distributed by the wind. The root system is rhizomatous.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and average to dry conditions. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, clay, or gravelly material; alkaline soil is tolerated. This plant withstands drought. It often spreads vegetatively to form colonies, especially in open disturbed areas.
Range & Habitat: The native Heath Aster is found in most counties of Illinois, but it is absent from some counties in the western and SE areas of the state (see Distribution Map). Overall, it is occasional to locally common. Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, gravel prairies, dolomite prairies, hill prairies, savannas, openings in dry rocky forests, limestone glades, areas along roadsides and railroads, and pastures. It can be found in both high quality habitats and disturbed areas.
Faunal Associations: A wide variety of insects are attracted to the flowers, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, moths, beetles, and plant bugs. Bee visitors include honeybees, bumblebees, cuckoo bees, little carpenter bees, leaf-cutting bees, Halictid bees, plasterer bees, and Andrenid bees. Wasp visitors include thread-waisted wasps, bee wolves, spider wasps, sand wasps, paper wasps, Ichneumonid wasps, and Braconid wasps. Among the flies, are such visitors as bee flies, Syrphid flies, thick-headed flies, Tachinid flies, Muscid flies, and others. Various insects suck juices from the plant, including aphids, lace bugs, and plant bugs. The caterpillars of the butterfly Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) feed on the foliage or flowers, as does the caterpillars of many moth species (see Moth Table). Wild Turkeys nibble on the seeds and foliage to a limited extent. Mammalian herbivores, including the White-Tailed Deer, Cottontail Rabbit, and various kinds of livestock, also feed on the tender growth of young plants occasionally, but are less likely to bother mature plants later in the year.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Loda Cemetery Prairie in Iroquois County, Illinois.
Comments: The Heath Aster has a wide distribution, and there is some variability in regards to its size and appearance across different locations. Sometimes it will hybridize with other species of asters, such as Symphyotrichum novae-angliae. The Heath Aster differs from other asters with small white flowerheads primarily by its short, narrow leaves (never more than 3" long and ¼" across). Also, its flowerheads tend to be smaller in size and they have fewer ray florets (about 12) than many other aster species. A scientific synonym of this plant is Aster ericoides.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and average to dry conditions. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, clay, or gravelly material; alkaline soil is tolerated. This plant withstands drought. It often spreads vegetatively to form colonies, especially in open disturbed areas.
Range & Habitat: The native Heath Aster is found in most counties of Illinois, but it is absent from some counties in the western and SE areas of the state (see Distribution Map). Overall, it is occasional to locally common. Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, gravel prairies, dolomite prairies, hill prairies, savannas, openings in dry rocky forests, limestone glades, areas along roadsides and railroads, and pastures. It can be found in both high quality habitats and disturbed areas.
Faunal Associations: A wide variety of insects are attracted to the flowers, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, moths, beetles, and plant bugs. Bee visitors include honeybees, bumblebees, cuckoo bees, little carpenter bees, leaf-cutting bees, Halictid bees, plasterer bees, and Andrenid bees. Wasp visitors include thread-waisted wasps, bee wolves, spider wasps, sand wasps, paper wasps, Ichneumonid wasps, and Braconid wasps. Among the flies, are such visitors as bee flies, Syrphid flies, thick-headed flies, Tachinid flies, Muscid flies, and others. Various insects suck juices from the plant, including aphids, lace bugs, and plant bugs. The caterpillars of the butterfly Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) feed on the foliage or flowers, as does the caterpillars of many moth species (see Moth Table). Wild Turkeys nibble on the seeds and foliage to a limited extent. Mammalian herbivores, including the White-Tailed Deer, Cottontail Rabbit, and various kinds of livestock, also feed on the tender growth of young plants occasionally, but are less likely to bother mature plants later in the year.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Loda Cemetery Prairie in Iroquois County, Illinois.
Comments: The Heath Aster has a wide distribution, and there is some variability in regards to its size and appearance across different locations. Sometimes it will hybridize with other species of asters, such as Symphyotrichum novae-angliae. The Heath Aster differs from other asters with small white flowerheads primarily by its short, narrow leaves (never more than 3" long and ¼" across). Also, its flowerheads tend to be smaller in size and they have fewer ray florets (about 12) than many other aster species. A scientific synonym of this plant is Aster ericoides.
0
0
文章
Miss Chen
2018年02月22日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is ½–2½' tall and usually unbranched. The central stem is 4-angled, usually with scattered hairs along the ridges, but not the sides (see Stem Photo). The opposite leaves are up to 3½" long and 1"Whorls of Flowers across. They are usually lanceolate or narrowly ovate, with serrate or crenate margins. The petioles of the lower leaves are about ¼" or slightly longer, while the upper leaves have shorter petioles or are sessile. Both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves are hairless or nearly so – if hairs are present, they are most likely to occur along the lower mid-vein of the leaves. The central stem terminates in a spike-like inflorescence that has whorls of flowers at intervals along its length. This inflorescence can vary from 2-8" in length. The tubular corolla of each flower is about 1/3" long and divided into 2 lips. The hairy upper lip functions as a protective hood, while the lower lip is divided into 3 lobes (a central lobe and two smaller side lobes), which functions as a landing pad for visiting insects. The flowers are light pink or white, often with rosy pink splotches within the throat. The green calyx is hairless and at least half as long as the tube of the corolla (not including the lips). It is divided into 5 triangular segments that curl outward as the ovaries mature. The blooming period occurs during the summer and lasts about 1-2 months. Each flower is replaced by 4 black nutlets that are oblong in shape. The root system consists of a taproot and rhizomes. This plant often forms vegetative colonies, like many other members of the Mint family.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun and moist conditions. This plant also tolerates light shade and full sun. The soil should contain sufficient organic material to retain moisture. If this plant dries out, the leaves have a tendency to turn yellow or brown, and the entire plant may die.
Range & Habitat: Smooth Hedge Nettle occurs in most counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. This plant is occasional in southern and central Illinois, but uncommon or absent in the northern counties. Habitats include ravines in floodplain forests, moist meadows along rivers or woodlands, thickets, and various kinds of wetlands, including swamps, seeps, and ditches. It can be found in either high quality habitats or rather degraded sites.
Faunal Associations: Primarily long-tongued bees pollinate the flowers, where they seek nectar primarily. Short-tongued bees sometimes collect pollen, while flower flies feed on the pollen, but they are not very effective pollinators. Occasionally butterflies or skippers may visit the flowers, but they aren't very effective at pollinating the flowers either. The bitter foliage of this and other Stachys spp. is not often consumed by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: A swampy area of Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is a typical member of the Mint family. It is easy to overlook, because this Hedge Nettle sp. tends to be rather small-sized and non-descript, almost looking like a lanky Prunella vulgaris (Self-Heal) at first glance. Identifying Smooth Hedge Nettle correctly can be rather tricky, so here are some of the key features to look for: 1) The calyx is hairless; 2) the petioles of the lower leaves are usually ¼" or longer, and 3) there are hairs on the ridges of the 4-angled central stem, but not on the sides. There is also a hairy form of this plant, referred to as Stachys tenuifolia hispida by some authorities and Stachys hispida by others, that also occurs in Illinois. It has foliage that is more hairy, and there are also some hairs along the edges of the calyx of each flower. However, it is similar to Smooth Hedge Nettle in that the central stem has hairs along the ridges, but not on the sides.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun and moist conditions. This plant also tolerates light shade and full sun. The soil should contain sufficient organic material to retain moisture. If this plant dries out, the leaves have a tendency to turn yellow or brown, and the entire plant may die.
Range & Habitat: Smooth Hedge Nettle occurs in most counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. This plant is occasional in southern and central Illinois, but uncommon or absent in the northern counties. Habitats include ravines in floodplain forests, moist meadows along rivers or woodlands, thickets, and various kinds of wetlands, including swamps, seeps, and ditches. It can be found in either high quality habitats or rather degraded sites.
Faunal Associations: Primarily long-tongued bees pollinate the flowers, where they seek nectar primarily. Short-tongued bees sometimes collect pollen, while flower flies feed on the pollen, but they are not very effective pollinators. Occasionally butterflies or skippers may visit the flowers, but they aren't very effective at pollinating the flowers either. The bitter foliage of this and other Stachys spp. is not often consumed by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: A swampy area of Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is a typical member of the Mint family. It is easy to overlook, because this Hedge Nettle sp. tends to be rather small-sized and non-descript, almost looking like a lanky Prunella vulgaris (Self-Heal) at first glance. Identifying Smooth Hedge Nettle correctly can be rather tricky, so here are some of the key features to look for: 1) The calyx is hairless; 2) the petioles of the lower leaves are usually ¼" or longer, and 3) there are hairs on the ridges of the 4-angled central stem, but not on the sides. There is also a hairy form of this plant, referred to as Stachys tenuifolia hispida by some authorities and Stachys hispida by others, that also occurs in Illinois. It has foliage that is more hairy, and there are also some hairs along the edges of the calyx of each flower. However, it is similar to Smooth Hedge Nettle in that the central stem has hairs along the ridges, but not on the sides.
0
0
文章
Miss Chen
2018年02月22日
Description: This perennial plant is about 1½-3' tall and either unbranched or sparingly so. The 4-angled central stem is light green to dark purple and covered with fine hairs on all sides. The opposite leaves are up to 4" long and 1¾" across. They are lanceolate-oblong to ovate-oblong in shape, finely serrated along their margins, and either sessile against the stem or with short petioles (less than 1/3" or 8 mm. in length). The upper leaf surface is medium to dark green and finely short-hairy, while the lower surface is light green and finely hairy, especially along the lower sides of major veins. The foliage has an unpleasant bitter smell. The central stem terminates in a spike of flowers about 4-8" long. This spike consists of about 4-12 whorls of flowers, each whorl having several flowers. Each flower is about ½" long, consisting of a short-tubular corolla with 2 lips, a short-tubular calyx with 5 narrow triangular teeth, and the inserted reproductive organs. The corolla is white to light pink with splotches of rosy pink. The upper lip of the corolla is undivided and hairy along its upper surface, while the lower lip is divided into 3 lobes (a central lobe and 2 smaller side lobes). The calyx is green to purplish green and finely hairy. The calyx is green or purplish green; its teeth extend to more than one-half of the length of the corolla tube (excluding the length of the lips). The central stalk of the floral spike is green to dark purple and covered with fine hairs on all sides. The blooming period occurs during the summer and lasts about 1-2 months. Sometimes the flowers have a mild fragrance.
After the blooming period, the flowers are replaced by open seed capsules; each capsule contains 4 small nutlets. The root system is rhizomatous and tuberous. Hairy Hedge Nettle often forms clonal colonies of varying size.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, moist conditions, and soil that is loamy or sandy. The foliage is rarely bothered by either disease or insects.
Range & Habitat: The native Hairy Hedge Nettle occurs primarily in central and northern Illinois, where it is occasional. In southern Illinois, it is either absent or uncommon (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist prairies, edges of marshes, moist meadows in wooded areas, borders of bottomland woodlands, soggy thickets, prairie swales, roadside ditches, edges of fields, and fence rows. Hairy Hedge Nettle can occur in either sandy or non-sandy habitats that are variable in their level of disturbance.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are visited by nectar-seeking bees primarily, including bumblebees, leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), digger bees (Melissodes spp.), little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), and Anthophorid bees (Anthophora spp.). Sometimes the flowers are visited by butterflies, skippers, and moths, but they are not very effective at cross-pollination. Small bees also visit the flowers to collect pollen. The seeds of Stachys spp. (Hedge Nettles) and other members of the Mint family are eaten by Sehirus cinctus (White-Margined Burrower Bug). Because the foliage is bitter and hairy, it is not favored as a food source by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: The photograph was taken in an overgrown moist area between an abandoned railroad and a roadside in Champaign County, Illinois.
Comments: This plant has an unsettled taxonomic history. At the present time, I prefer to use the scientific name Stachys palustris arenicola from the Field Guide to Indiana Wildflowers (2000) by Kay Yatskievych. Older authorities, such as A. G. Jones or Britton & Brown, called this species Stachys arenicola. In contrast, Mohlenbrock (1986, 2002) probably refers to this species as a variety of Stachys palustris or Stachys pilosa. Hairy Hedge Nettle can be distinguished from other Stachys spp. (Hedge Nettles) by the presence of fine hairs on all 4 sides of its central stem, the general hairiness of its leaves, the absence of petioles exceeding 1/3" (8 mm.) in length, the length of its toothed calyx in relation to the corolla tube (exceeding one-half of its length), and the shape of its calyx teeth. All of the Hedge Nettles differ from the similar Teucrium canadense (American Germander) by having flowers with well-defined upper lips.
After the blooming period, the flowers are replaced by open seed capsules; each capsule contains 4 small nutlets. The root system is rhizomatous and tuberous. Hairy Hedge Nettle often forms clonal colonies of varying size.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, moist conditions, and soil that is loamy or sandy. The foliage is rarely bothered by either disease or insects.
Range & Habitat: The native Hairy Hedge Nettle occurs primarily in central and northern Illinois, where it is occasional. In southern Illinois, it is either absent or uncommon (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist prairies, edges of marshes, moist meadows in wooded areas, borders of bottomland woodlands, soggy thickets, prairie swales, roadside ditches, edges of fields, and fence rows. Hairy Hedge Nettle can occur in either sandy or non-sandy habitats that are variable in their level of disturbance.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are visited by nectar-seeking bees primarily, including bumblebees, leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), digger bees (Melissodes spp.), little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), and Anthophorid bees (Anthophora spp.). Sometimes the flowers are visited by butterflies, skippers, and moths, but they are not very effective at cross-pollination. Small bees also visit the flowers to collect pollen. The seeds of Stachys spp. (Hedge Nettles) and other members of the Mint family are eaten by Sehirus cinctus (White-Margined Burrower Bug). Because the foliage is bitter and hairy, it is not favored as a food source by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: The photograph was taken in an overgrown moist area between an abandoned railroad and a roadside in Champaign County, Illinois.
Comments: This plant has an unsettled taxonomic history. At the present time, I prefer to use the scientific name Stachys palustris arenicola from the Field Guide to Indiana Wildflowers (2000) by Kay Yatskievych. Older authorities, such as A. G. Jones or Britton & Brown, called this species Stachys arenicola. In contrast, Mohlenbrock (1986, 2002) probably refers to this species as a variety of Stachys palustris or Stachys pilosa. Hairy Hedge Nettle can be distinguished from other Stachys spp. (Hedge Nettles) by the presence of fine hairs on all 4 sides of its central stem, the general hairiness of its leaves, the absence of petioles exceeding 1/3" (8 mm.) in length, the length of its toothed calyx in relation to the corolla tube (exceeding one-half of its length), and the shape of its calyx teeth. All of the Hedge Nettles differ from the similar Teucrium canadense (American Germander) by having flowers with well-defined upper lips.
0
0
求助
Cristina Tide
2018年02月22日
what's the name of this plant?
0
0
Titi：Es una araucaria, planta Chilena
成长记
Avacha
2018年02月21日
The plant is feeling the spring coming! It grows in all directions. Maybe next winter we can even see its blossom? 😊🌺 #schlumbergera #growth #Gamora
0
0
文章
Miss Chen
2018年02月21日
Description: Initially, this herbaceous perennial plant forms a rosette of 4-7 basal leaves that are widely spreading to ascending. These basal leaves are medium green, glabrous, and usually elliptic in shape; they are longitudinally keeled below (and indented above), while their margins are entire (toothless). A mature plant bolts during the late spring orFlowering Spike early summer to develop an erect flowering stalk about ¾–2½' (20-75 cm.) tall. Below the rachis of the inflorescence, this stalk is medium green, terete, glabrous, and up to ¼" (5-6 mm.) in diameter. About 3-5 alternate leaves are located toward the base of the stalk; they are 2-10" (5-25 cm.) long and 4-12 mm. across. These lower leaves are grass-like in appearance, linear in shape, and entire along their margins; they sometimes wither away prior to the blooming period. The upper leaves along the stalk are reduced to little more than sheaths with lanceolate tips. Above the uppermost leaf, both the peduncle and rachis of the floral spike are medium green, terete, and short-pubescent with non-glandular hairs. About 10-40 flowers are arranged along the rachis in either an open or dense single spiral (latter sometimes appearing to be 2 spirals). Individual flowers are 6-10 mm. long, their 3 petals and petaloid upper sepal forming a white tube-like structure with an upper and lower lip. In addition, there are 2 petaloid lateral sepals that are white, linear in shape, and straight, rather than arching; they are also slightly declined and diverge laterally to some extent from the tube-like structure of the flower. The lower lip of the corolla has crisped margins, while the smaller upper lip is less crisped. The interior of the lower lip is pale yellow. There are also solitary bracts at the bases of the flowers. These bracts are up to ½" long (or slightly longer), ovate with tapered tips, light green, glabrous, and more or less erect, curving to the side of the flowers. The flowers are slightly ascending, widely spreading, or slightly descending, and their tubular structures are arch slightly downward. At the base of the lower lip within each flower, there is a pair of minute calli (protuberances) up to 1 mm. long that are narrowly lanceoloid and often slightly hooked. In Illinois, the blooming period occurs during mid- to late summer, lasting about 3-4 weeks for a colony of plants. However, this orchid can bloom earlier in the year in areas that lie south of the state. After the blooming period, the flowers are replaced by seed capsules about 8 mm. in length that are broadly ellipsoid in shape; they eventually release their minute seeds to the wind. The root system is shallow and spreading, consisting of several fibrous roots that are thick and fleshy. Occasionally, clonal offsets develop from the tips of these fleshy roots.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and soil containing silt-loam, sandy loam, or acidic rocky material. A little shade is also tolerated. Northern ecotypes of this orchid are winter hardy to at least Zone 5, although it is rarely, if ever, found in cultivation. Plants transplanted from the wild cannot be expected to survive and this should not be done.
Range & Habitat: Grass-leaved Ladies' Tresses is native to widely scattered areas in the southern half of Illinois, where it is rare and state-listed as 'endangered.' Illinois lies along the northern range limit of this species. Populations of this orchid in Illinois have been static or slowly declining; it is more common in SE United States. Habitats include rocky open woodlands, grassy meadows, upland prairies, abandoned fields, and roadsides (even lawns in SE United States). Even though this is considered a conservative species, Grass-leaved Ladies' Tresses is sometimes found in areas with a history of disturbance if it is not too severe.
Distribution Map
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated primarily by long-tongued bees, including honeybees (Catling, 1983). Occasionally, they are also visited by butterflies and skippers, although these latter insects are not regarded as effective pollinators. Nectar is the floral reward for these visitors. The foliage of Grass-leaved Ladies' Tresses and similar orchids is vulnerable to snails and slugs, especially during the early summer when the weather is wet. In addition, the adults of a weevil, Stethobaris ovata, have been observed to feed on the foliage (Raddoch & Raddoch, 2008). The foliage of this orchid is also vulnerable to White-tailed Deer and other mammalian herbivores, and thus the protection of a sufficiently tall fence may be required to prevent such predation.
Photographic Location: A prairie in Fayette County, Illinois. The photograph was taken by Keith & Patty Horn (Copyright © 2015). The photographed floral spike has a dense single spiral of flowers.
Comments: This orchid is sometimes called Spring Ladies' Tresses because it blooms during the spring in Florida and along the Gulf coast of SE United States. In Illinois, however, it blooms later during the summer. Grass-leaved Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes vernalis) has some key characteristics that are useful in distinguishing it from other similar species: 1) its lateral sepals are free to the base, straight but slightly declined, and spread laterally to some extent, 2) its flowers are relatively long, usually exceeding 6 mm. in length, 3) the interior of the lower lip of its flowers is pale yellow, rather than white, green, or bright yellow, 4) its flowers are arranged in a single spiral, although this spiral can vary from quite open to quite dense, 5) it is rather tall for species in its genus, and 6) it usually blooms earlier. The more common Nodding Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes cernua) differs by having its flowers arranged in twin spirals, the peduncle and rachis of its inflorescence have glandular pubescence, the tube-like structure of its flowers is more downward arching or nodding, and usually its lateral sepals are more elevated relative to this tube-like structure. Another species, Slender Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes lacera), differs by having basal leaves that are more broad in shape, smaller flowers (about 5 mm. in length), and the interior of the lower lip of its flowers is greenish. Yet another species, Great Plains Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes magnicamporum), differs by having its flowers arranged in a double spiral, the peduncle and rachis of its inflorescence are glandular pubescent, the lower lip of its flowers is pale yellow not only within its interior, but also along its exterior (usually), its lateral sepals are more elevated relative to the rest of the flower and they often arch upward, its flowers are more fragrant, and they bloom later (during the autumn).
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and soil containing silt-loam, sandy loam, or acidic rocky material. A little shade is also tolerated. Northern ecotypes of this orchid are winter hardy to at least Zone 5, although it is rarely, if ever, found in cultivation. Plants transplanted from the wild cannot be expected to survive and this should not be done.
Range & Habitat: Grass-leaved Ladies' Tresses is native to widely scattered areas in the southern half of Illinois, where it is rare and state-listed as 'endangered.' Illinois lies along the northern range limit of this species. Populations of this orchid in Illinois have been static or slowly declining; it is more common in SE United States. Habitats include rocky open woodlands, grassy meadows, upland prairies, abandoned fields, and roadsides (even lawns in SE United States). Even though this is considered a conservative species, Grass-leaved Ladies' Tresses is sometimes found in areas with a history of disturbance if it is not too severe.
Distribution Map
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated primarily by long-tongued bees, including honeybees (Catling, 1983). Occasionally, they are also visited by butterflies and skippers, although these latter insects are not regarded as effective pollinators. Nectar is the floral reward for these visitors. The foliage of Grass-leaved Ladies' Tresses and similar orchids is vulnerable to snails and slugs, especially during the early summer when the weather is wet. In addition, the adults of a weevil, Stethobaris ovata, have been observed to feed on the foliage (Raddoch & Raddoch, 2008). The foliage of this orchid is also vulnerable to White-tailed Deer and other mammalian herbivores, and thus the protection of a sufficiently tall fence may be required to prevent such predation.
Photographic Location: A prairie in Fayette County, Illinois. The photograph was taken by Keith & Patty Horn (Copyright © 2015). The photographed floral spike has a dense single spiral of flowers.
Comments: This orchid is sometimes called Spring Ladies' Tresses because it blooms during the spring in Florida and along the Gulf coast of SE United States. In Illinois, however, it blooms later during the summer. Grass-leaved Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes vernalis) has some key characteristics that are useful in distinguishing it from other similar species: 1) its lateral sepals are free to the base, straight but slightly declined, and spread laterally to some extent, 2) its flowers are relatively long, usually exceeding 6 mm. in length, 3) the interior of the lower lip of its flowers is pale yellow, rather than white, green, or bright yellow, 4) its flowers are arranged in a single spiral, although this spiral can vary from quite open to quite dense, 5) it is rather tall for species in its genus, and 6) it usually blooms earlier. The more common Nodding Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes cernua) differs by having its flowers arranged in twin spirals, the peduncle and rachis of its inflorescence have glandular pubescence, the tube-like structure of its flowers is more downward arching or nodding, and usually its lateral sepals are more elevated relative to this tube-like structure. Another species, Slender Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes lacera), differs by having basal leaves that are more broad in shape, smaller flowers (about 5 mm. in length), and the interior of the lower lip of its flowers is greenish. Yet another species, Great Plains Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes magnicamporum), differs by having its flowers arranged in a double spiral, the peduncle and rachis of its inflorescence are glandular pubescent, the lower lip of its flowers is pale yellow not only within its interior, but also along its exterior (usually), its lateral sepals are more elevated relative to the rest of the flower and they often arch upward, its flowers are more fragrant, and they bloom later (during the autumn).
0
0
文章
Miss Chen
2018年02月21日
Description: This perennial plant is usually 4-12" tall and unbranched. There is a rosette of 2-6 strap-like basal leaves that are individually about 3-8" long and 1/3" (8 mm.) across. They are linear to linear-oblanceolate with smooth margins, and usually wither away before the flowers bloom. On robust specimens, there may be 1 or 2 small leaves on the lower flowering stalk. The flowering stalk is up to 1' tall, with 6-12 flowers occurring on the upper half. These flowers are arranged on the stalk as intertwined double spirals – as a result, the individual spirals are not readily discernible. The flowering stalk is light green and covered more or less with white glandular hairs. At the base of each flower, there is a conspicuous green bract that is curved and narrowly ovate. Each flower is about 1/3" (8 mm.) long, consisting of 3Flowering Stalk white sepals and 3 white petals. The upper sepal and upper two petals are fused together and form a curved hood that curls upward at its tip, forming a small upper lip with 3 lobes. The lower petal has a prominent lip that hangs downward and has a crystalline appearance, while the lateral sepals are linear and non-spreading. Together, these sepals and petals form a tubular-shaped flower that nods downward. The blooming period can occur from late summer until the fall, and lasts about a month. There is usually a mild floral scent. Some plants may form cleistogamous flowers. Fertilized flowers are replaced by pods containing the tiny seeds, which are easily carried aloft by the wind. These pods may be capable of photosynthesis while they are green. The root system consists of a cluster of fleshy roots at the base of the plant that are finger-like in shape, and occasional rhizomes may be produced. This orchid can reproduce from the seeds of the flowers, or it may form offsets from rhizomes. Normal growth and development won't occur unless the root system forms an endomycorrhizal association with the appropriate species of fungus.
Cultivation: For most ecotypes of this orchid, the preference is full or partial sun and moist sandy soil. Some ecotypes appear to flourish in thin rocky soil that is rather dry. Taller, more aggressive plants can out-compete this orchid for the available light, so it prefers rather open ground vegetation. Starting plants from seed is quite difficult; on the other hand, this orchid is easier to transplant than most others. Cultivars of this orchid species are available from the mass horticultural market, while local ecotypes are next to impossible to obtain.
Range & Habitat: Nodding Ladies' Tresses occurs occasionally throughout Illinois, where it is native; for an orchid species, it is fairly common (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist sand prairies, sandy savannas, areas adjacent to paths in sandy woodlands, shrubby bogs, sandy pannes near lakes, gravelly seeps, limestone glades, bluffs, sandy pits, ditches, and abandoned fields. This orchid typically occurs in somewhat disturbed areas of high quality habitats, and appears to respond positively to occasional wildfires. Individual plants are usually scattered about, rather than forming dense colonies.
Faunal Associations: Both long-tongued and short-tongued bees occasionally visit the flowers for nectar. The seeds are too small to be of any interest to birds. The foliage can be eaten by various mammalian herbivores, including rabbits, groundhogs, and deer, while the fleshy roots are probably eaten by pocket gophers when individual plants stray into drier areas.
Photographic Location: The photographed plant was growing in a sandy swale at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in NW Indiana.
Comments: While rather small-sized, the bright white spike of flowers provides a striking contrast with the background vegetation and is fairly easy to spot. The individual flowers are attractive, particularly when they are viewed close-up; in particular, the lower lip has an intricate crystalline pattern that can vary significantly from flower to flower. Unlike the Ladies' Tresses orchids that form a single spiral of flowers, such as Spiranthes lacera (Slender Ladies' Tresses), the Nodding Ladies' Tresses falls into the group of Spiranthes spp. with double intertwined spirals that are difficult to discern because of the density of flowers on the spike. The Spiranthes spp. in this group are distinguished from each other primarily by considering the variation in the structure of their flowers and the shape of their leaves. Nodding Ladies' Tresses can be distinguished from these other species by the downward curve of its tubular flowers, providing them with a 'nodding' appearance.
Cultivation: For most ecotypes of this orchid, the preference is full or partial sun and moist sandy soil. Some ecotypes appear to flourish in thin rocky soil that is rather dry. Taller, more aggressive plants can out-compete this orchid for the available light, so it prefers rather open ground vegetation. Starting plants from seed is quite difficult; on the other hand, this orchid is easier to transplant than most others. Cultivars of this orchid species are available from the mass horticultural market, while local ecotypes are next to impossible to obtain.
Range & Habitat: Nodding Ladies' Tresses occurs occasionally throughout Illinois, where it is native; for an orchid species, it is fairly common (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist sand prairies, sandy savannas, areas adjacent to paths in sandy woodlands, shrubby bogs, sandy pannes near lakes, gravelly seeps, limestone glades, bluffs, sandy pits, ditches, and abandoned fields. This orchid typically occurs in somewhat disturbed areas of high quality habitats, and appears to respond positively to occasional wildfires. Individual plants are usually scattered about, rather than forming dense colonies.
Faunal Associations: Both long-tongued and short-tongued bees occasionally visit the flowers for nectar. The seeds are too small to be of any interest to birds. The foliage can be eaten by various mammalian herbivores, including rabbits, groundhogs, and deer, while the fleshy roots are probably eaten by pocket gophers when individual plants stray into drier areas.
Photographic Location: The photographed plant was growing in a sandy swale at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in NW Indiana.
Comments: While rather small-sized, the bright white spike of flowers provides a striking contrast with the background vegetation and is fairly easy to spot. The individual flowers are attractive, particularly when they are viewed close-up; in particular, the lower lip has an intricate crystalline pattern that can vary significantly from flower to flower. Unlike the Ladies' Tresses orchids that form a single spiral of flowers, such as Spiranthes lacera (Slender Ladies' Tresses), the Nodding Ladies' Tresses falls into the group of Spiranthes spp. with double intertwined spirals that are difficult to discern because of the density of flowers on the spike. The Spiranthes spp. in this group are distinguished from each other primarily by considering the variation in the structure of their flowers and the shape of their leaves. Nodding Ladies' Tresses can be distinguished from these other species by the downward curve of its tubular flowers, providing them with a 'nodding' appearance.
0
0
文章
Miss Chen
2018年02月21日
Description: This perennial plant is usually unbranched and up to 4' tall. The smooth central stem can be green or reddish. The alternate leaves are up to 6" long and 1½" wide, becoming slightly smaller as they ascend up the stem. They are narrowly lanceolate or oblong-elliptic, smooth along their margins, and largely devoid of hairs. In the upper half of the plant, there are often small leaves that develop from the upper axils of the primary leaves; they have a wing-like appearance. The showy inflorescence is up to 1' long, consisting of an erect panicle of small yellow compound flowers. The flowering stems don't curve outward and downward like many other goldenrods, but are held erect or curve upward. Each compound flower is about ¼" across, consisting of 4-10 ray florets surrounding the disk florets. The spacing of the ray florets tends to be irregular, and they may not open at the same time. These flowers occasionally have a mild fragrance. The blooming period occurs during late summer or early fall, and lasts about a month. Later, the achenes develop small tufts of hairs, and are dispersed by the wind. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous, occasionally forming vegetative offsets. In older mature plants, a woody caudex develops.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and slightly moist to slight dry conditions. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, sand, or rocky material. Occasionally, the leaves succumb to powdery mildew and other kinds of foliar disease, particularly after the blooming period is over in the fall. This plant is easy to grow, but can topple over if it is spoiled by excessive moisture or fertilizer.
Habitat & Range: The native Showy Goldenrod occurs occasionally in the northern half of Illinois, and is uncommon or absent in the southern half (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to slightly dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, openings in rocky upland forests, Black Oak savannas, thickets, woodland borders, and abandoned fields.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract honeybees, bumblebees, ants, beetles, and the occasional moth or butterfly. Among the beetles, are such visitors as Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus (Goldenrod Soldier Beetle) and Epicauta pensylvanica (Black Blister Beetle). These insects seek nectar primarily. The caterpillars of many moths feed on various parts of this goldenrod and others (see Moth Table). Other insect feeders include various leafhoppers, lace bugs, plant bugs, and beetles. To a limited extent, the seeds are eaten by the Eastern Goldfinch and the Greater Prairie Chicken. Mammalian herbivores occasionally eat the leaves, stems, and flowers, including deer, rabbits, groundhogs, and livestock. When this plant is infected by a fungus (Coleosporium sp.), it can cause sickness and death in cattle and horses. Like other goldenrods, it may contain a hemolytic agent that is mildly poisonous to some herbivores.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: As the common and scientific names imply, this plant is very showy while in bloom. Showy Goldenrod can be distinguished from other goldenrods that occur in Illinois prairies by the following characteristics, when they are considered together: 1) the flowering stems of the inflorescence are held erect or curve upward, rather than outward and downward; 2) both the stems and leaves are hairless, or nearly so; 3) there are often smaller wing-like leaves in the upper axils of the primary leaves, particularly in the upper half of the central stem, and 4) the leaves lack teeth.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and slightly moist to slight dry conditions. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, sand, or rocky material. Occasionally, the leaves succumb to powdery mildew and other kinds of foliar disease, particularly after the blooming period is over in the fall. This plant is easy to grow, but can topple over if it is spoiled by excessive moisture or fertilizer.
Habitat & Range: The native Showy Goldenrod occurs occasionally in the northern half of Illinois, and is uncommon or absent in the southern half (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to slightly dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, openings in rocky upland forests, Black Oak savannas, thickets, woodland borders, and abandoned fields.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract honeybees, bumblebees, ants, beetles, and the occasional moth or butterfly. Among the beetles, are such visitors as Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus (Goldenrod Soldier Beetle) and Epicauta pensylvanica (Black Blister Beetle). These insects seek nectar primarily. The caterpillars of many moths feed on various parts of this goldenrod and others (see Moth Table). Other insect feeders include various leafhoppers, lace bugs, plant bugs, and beetles. To a limited extent, the seeds are eaten by the Eastern Goldfinch and the Greater Prairie Chicken. Mammalian herbivores occasionally eat the leaves, stems, and flowers, including deer, rabbits, groundhogs, and livestock. When this plant is infected by a fungus (Coleosporium sp.), it can cause sickness and death in cattle and horses. Like other goldenrods, it may contain a hemolytic agent that is mildly poisonous to some herbivores.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: As the common and scientific names imply, this plant is very showy while in bloom. Showy Goldenrod can be distinguished from other goldenrods that occur in Illinois prairies by the following characteristics, when they are considered together: 1) the flowering stems of the inflorescence are held erect or curve upward, rather than outward and downward; 2) both the stems and leaves are hairless, or nearly so; 3) there are often smaller wing-like leaves in the upper axils of the primary leaves, particularly in the upper half of the central stem, and 4) the leaves lack teeth.
0
0
文章
Miss Chen
2018年02月21日
Description: This perennial plant is unbranched and about ½-2½' tall. The central stem is reddish or grayish green, terete, and densely covered with short white hairs. The alternate leaves are up to 4" long and ¾" across, becoming smaller as they ascend the stem. They are grayish green, narrowly lanceolate, elliptic, or oblanceolate in shape, tapering gradually to narrow petioles. The leaf margins are smooth (entire) or slightly serrate, while the leaf surfaces are canescent. In addition, there are usually small clusters of secondary leaves that are located along the axils of middle to upper leaves. These secondary leaves are much smaller in size than the alternate leaves, otherwise they are similar in appearance. The central stem terminates in a narrow inflorescence that is shaped like a wand, becoming gradually wider in the middle, and it has a tendency to nod. This inflorescence is typically 3-8" long; it is a narrow panicle of flowerheads with short lateral branches. Each flowerhead is up to ¼" across, consisting of 4-10 ray florets that surround a similar number of disk florets. The petaloid rays of the flowerheads are yellow; the tiny tubular corollas of the disk florets are also yellow. Around the base of each flowerhead, there are scale-like floral bracts (phyllaries) in several series; they are usually pale yellow or pale greenish yellow. The blooming period occurs during the fall and lasts about a month. The flowerheads occasionally have a slight fragrance. After the blooming period, the flowerheads are replaced by achenes that develop tufts of hair; they are dispersed by the wind. The root system consists of a small caudex (at least on older plants) with fibrous roots and rhizomes. At suitable locations, Field Goldenrod has a tendency to form clonal colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and dry-mesic to dry soil. Because of reduced competition, Field Goldenrod thrives best in soil containing sand, clay or gravel, but it will flourish in fertile soil as well. This plant is a good choice for difficult locations, such as sunny slopes or open areas with poor soil, where little else will grow.
Range & Habitat: The native Field Goldenrod occurs in most counties of Illinois, where it is occasional to locally common (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland areas of black soil prairies, gravel prairies, sand prairies, hill prairies, thinly wooded bluffs, sandy savannas, sand dunes, fence rows, abandoned fields, eroded clay banks, roadsides, and areas along railroads. In some western states, Field Goldenrod is considered a troublesome weed, but in Illinois it occurs primarily in areas that have little value to agriculture and ranching. This goldenrod is found in both degraded and higher quality habitats.
Faunal Associations: A wide variety of insects visit the flowers for pollen and nectar, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, Sphecid and Vespid wasps, flies, butterflies, moths, and beetles. Bee visitors include honey bees, little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), Halictid bees, plasterer bees (Colletes spp.), and Andrenid bees. Several Andrenid bees are oligoleges (specialist pollinators) of goldenrods. Fly visitors include Syrphid flies, Tachinid flies, flesh flies, blow flies, and Muscid flies. Other insects feed destructively on the foliage, florets, roots, and other parts of Field Goldenrod and other goldenrods. These insect feeders include Lopidea media (Goldenrod Plant Bug), Corythucha marmorata (Goldenrod Lace Bug), Hesperotettix viridis (Meadow Purple-Striped Grasshopper) and Melanoplus confusus (Little Pasture Grasshopper), the leaf beetles Longitarsus solidaginis and Ophraella sexvititta, the aphids Acuticauda solidaginifoliae and Uroleucon rudbeckiae, and Manomera blatchleyi (Blatchley's Walkingstick). In addition, the caterpillars of many moths feed on various parts of goldenrods (see Moth Table). Goldenrods are sources of food to some vertebrate animals. For example, the seeds, flowerheads, and leaves are eaten by the Greater Prairie Chicken and possibly other upland gamebirds; the Eastern Goldfinch also eats the seeds. Mammalian herbivores, such as groundhogs, rabbits, deer, and livestock, will browse on Field Goldenrod and other goldenrods occasionally, although they are not preferred as sources of food.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a prairie of Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: This small goldenrod blooms later than most goldenrods. Field Goldenrod can be distinguished from other goldenrods that occur in Illinois prairies and other open areas by the presence of secondary leaflets along the central stem and the presence of short fine hairs on both the leaves and central stem. In addition, the inflorescence is usually more narrow and wand-like than those of other goldenrods.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and dry-mesic to dry soil. Because of reduced competition, Field Goldenrod thrives best in soil containing sand, clay or gravel, but it will flourish in fertile soil as well. This plant is a good choice for difficult locations, such as sunny slopes or open areas with poor soil, where little else will grow.
Range & Habitat: The native Field Goldenrod occurs in most counties of Illinois, where it is occasional to locally common (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland areas of black soil prairies, gravel prairies, sand prairies, hill prairies, thinly wooded bluffs, sandy savannas, sand dunes, fence rows, abandoned fields, eroded clay banks, roadsides, and areas along railroads. In some western states, Field Goldenrod is considered a troublesome weed, but in Illinois it occurs primarily in areas that have little value to agriculture and ranching. This goldenrod is found in both degraded and higher quality habitats.
Faunal Associations: A wide variety of insects visit the flowers for pollen and nectar, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, Sphecid and Vespid wasps, flies, butterflies, moths, and beetles. Bee visitors include honey bees, little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), Halictid bees, plasterer bees (Colletes spp.), and Andrenid bees. Several Andrenid bees are oligoleges (specialist pollinators) of goldenrods. Fly visitors include Syrphid flies, Tachinid flies, flesh flies, blow flies, and Muscid flies. Other insects feed destructively on the foliage, florets, roots, and other parts of Field Goldenrod and other goldenrods. These insect feeders include Lopidea media (Goldenrod Plant Bug), Corythucha marmorata (Goldenrod Lace Bug), Hesperotettix viridis (Meadow Purple-Striped Grasshopper) and Melanoplus confusus (Little Pasture Grasshopper), the leaf beetles Longitarsus solidaginis and Ophraella sexvititta, the aphids Acuticauda solidaginifoliae and Uroleucon rudbeckiae, and Manomera blatchleyi (Blatchley's Walkingstick). In addition, the caterpillars of many moths feed on various parts of goldenrods (see Moth Table). Goldenrods are sources of food to some vertebrate animals. For example, the seeds, flowerheads, and leaves are eaten by the Greater Prairie Chicken and possibly other upland gamebirds; the Eastern Goldfinch also eats the seeds. Mammalian herbivores, such as groundhogs, rabbits, deer, and livestock, will browse on Field Goldenrod and other goldenrods occasionally, although they are not preferred as sources of food.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a prairie of Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: This small goldenrod blooms later than most goldenrods. Field Goldenrod can be distinguished from other goldenrods that occur in Illinois prairies and other open areas by the presence of secondary leaflets along the central stem and the presence of short fine hairs on both the leaves and central stem. In addition, the inflorescence is usually more narrow and wand-like than those of other goldenrods.
0
0
文章
Miss Chen
2018年02月20日
Description: This perennial plant is about 1½–3' tall and unbranched, except for the flowering stalks near the apex. Missouri Goldenrod produces both fertile (flowering) and sterile (non-flowering) shoots. The central stem is light green to dark red, terete (round in circumference), and glabrous; the lower portion of this stem may become slightly woody with age. Along the entire length of this stem, there are alternate leaves that become smaller as they ascend. These leaves are up to 5" long and ¾" across; they are more or less elliptic in shape and serrated along their middle to outer margins. Each leaf usually has 3 prominent veins (a central vein & 2 lateral veins); the lateral veins are parallel with the central vein along much of its length. However, on many upper leaves only the central vein is prominent. The tips of the leaves are acute, while their bases taper gradually into petioles. Most of these petioles are 3 mm. or less in length, although the lowest leaves have longer petioles that are partially winged. From the axils of the middle to upper leaves, short tufts of small secondary leaves may develop. The upper leaf surface is medium green and glabrous, while the lower leaf surface is light green and glabrous.
Panicle of Flowerheads
A panicle of flowerheads up to 6" long and 4" across terminates the central stem of each fertile shoot. This panicle is pyramidal, obpyramidal, or rhomboid in outline; its branches are widely spreading to ascending and straight to somewhat recurved. These branches divide into short secondary branches and peduncles; the latter terminate in small flowerheads. The branches and peduncles are light green to nearly white and either glabrous or pubescent. Intermingled among these branches, there are small leafy bracts up to 1½" long and ¼" (6 mm.) across. Each flowerhead is about 3 mm. across and 5 mm. long; it consists of several disk florets that are surrounded by 6-12 ray florets. The tiny corollas of these florets are yellow to golden yellow; they are tubular in shape with 5 spreading to ascending lobes along their upper rims. The petaloid rays of the flowerheads are bright yellow, oblong in shape, and widely spreading. Surrounding the base of each flowerhead, there are phyllaries (floral bracts) in several overlapping series; they are about 2 mm. long, light green to light yellow, oblong in shape, glabrous, and appressed together. The blooming period usually occurs from mid-summer to late summer, lasting about 3 weeks for a colony of plants. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by achenes with small tufts of white hair at their apices. These achenes are about 2 mm. long and bullet-shaped; they are distributed by the wind.
The root system is mostly fibrous and rhizomatous; an older plant may produce a small caudex. Missouri Goldenrod reproduces by clonal offsets from the rhizomes and by reseeding itself. It often forms colonies that contain both fertile and infertile shoots.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to partial sun, mesic to dry conditions, and soil that contains loam, clay-loam, or rocky material. Like many goldenrod species, Missouri Goldenrod is easy to grow. While this goldenrod will spread in cultivation from its rhizomes, it is shorter and less aggressive than the common Canada Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis).
Range & Habitat: Missouri Goldenrod occurs occasionally in most areas of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include black soil prairies, clay prairies, dolomite prairies, hill prairies, limestone glades, prairie remnants along railroads, and thickets in upland areas. In Illinois, this goldenrod has high fidelity to prairies that can vary in their quality. Because of the destruction of prairie habitat, it is less common within the state than in the past.
Faunal Associations: Small bees, wasps, flies, and beetles visit the flowers for nectar and/or pollen, including Chauliognathus pennsylvanica (Goldenrod Soldier Beetle) and Epicauta pensylvanica (Black Blister Beetle). Many grasshopper species feed on the foliage of Missouri Goldenrod (see Grasshopper Table), as do the leaf beetles Microrhopala vittata, Trirhabda borealis, Trirhabda canadensis, Trirhabda convergens, and Trirhabda virgata. The caterpillars of many moth species feed on this and other goldenrods (see Moth Table). Other insect feeders include stink bugs, plant bugs, the larvae of small flies (Tephritidae), and thrips. The Greater Prairie Chicken eats the foliage, while the Eastern Goldfinch and various sparrows eat the seeds to a minor extent. Although goldenrods are not preferred as a food source, the White-Tailed Deer, Cottontail Rabbit, and livestock eat the foliage occasionally. Prairie Voles and Meadow Voles eat both the seeds and foliage.
Photographic Location: The Buffalo Trace Prairie at Lake-of-the-Woods, Champaign County, Illinois, and a wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Missouri Goldenrod (Solidago missouriensis) is rather variable across its range, making it difficult to distinguish from other goldenrods (Solidago spp.). More specifically, the shape of the inflorescence of this goldenrod is rather variable, the leaves vary in regards to how much smaller they become as they ascend the stems, and the flowering branches can be glabrous or pubescent. In particular, Missouri Goldenrod can be difficult to distinguish from Early Goldenrod (Solidago juncea). Both of these goldenrods bloom earlier than most goldenrods and they are found in similar habitats. While Early Goldenrod begins to bloom about 2 weeks earlier than Missouri Goldenrod, there blooming periods overlap to some extent. Usually the inflorescence of Early Goldenrod has flowering branches that are more recurved and widely spreading than those of Missouri Goldenrod, and it lacks 3-veined leaves. Another goldenrod that Missouri Goldenrod has some resemblance to, Giant Goldenrod (Solidago gigantea), differs by its greater height, later blooming period, and preference for damp habitats. The leaves of Giant Goldenrod vary little in size as they ascend the stems, while the leaves of Missouri Goldenrod are more likely to become smaller. Another rather variable species, Showy Goldenrod (Solidago speciosa), also differs by its greater height and later blooming period. In addition, it lacks the 3-veined leaves of Missouri Goldenrod, and the flowering branches of its panicles curve inward, rather than outward.
Panicle of Flowerheads
A panicle of flowerheads up to 6" long and 4" across terminates the central stem of each fertile shoot. This panicle is pyramidal, obpyramidal, or rhomboid in outline; its branches are widely spreading to ascending and straight to somewhat recurved. These branches divide into short secondary branches and peduncles; the latter terminate in small flowerheads. The branches and peduncles are light green to nearly white and either glabrous or pubescent. Intermingled among these branches, there are small leafy bracts up to 1½" long and ¼" (6 mm.) across. Each flowerhead is about 3 mm. across and 5 mm. long; it consists of several disk florets that are surrounded by 6-12 ray florets. The tiny corollas of these florets are yellow to golden yellow; they are tubular in shape with 5 spreading to ascending lobes along their upper rims. The petaloid rays of the flowerheads are bright yellow, oblong in shape, and widely spreading. Surrounding the base of each flowerhead, there are phyllaries (floral bracts) in several overlapping series; they are about 2 mm. long, light green to light yellow, oblong in shape, glabrous, and appressed together. The blooming period usually occurs from mid-summer to late summer, lasting about 3 weeks for a colony of plants. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by achenes with small tufts of white hair at their apices. These achenes are about 2 mm. long and bullet-shaped; they are distributed by the wind.
The root system is mostly fibrous and rhizomatous; an older plant may produce a small caudex. Missouri Goldenrod reproduces by clonal offsets from the rhizomes and by reseeding itself. It often forms colonies that contain both fertile and infertile shoots.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to partial sun, mesic to dry conditions, and soil that contains loam, clay-loam, or rocky material. Like many goldenrod species, Missouri Goldenrod is easy to grow. While this goldenrod will spread in cultivation from its rhizomes, it is shorter and less aggressive than the common Canada Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis).
Range & Habitat: Missouri Goldenrod occurs occasionally in most areas of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include black soil prairies, clay prairies, dolomite prairies, hill prairies, limestone glades, prairie remnants along railroads, and thickets in upland areas. In Illinois, this goldenrod has high fidelity to prairies that can vary in their quality. Because of the destruction of prairie habitat, it is less common within the state than in the past.
Faunal Associations: Small bees, wasps, flies, and beetles visit the flowers for nectar and/or pollen, including Chauliognathus pennsylvanica (Goldenrod Soldier Beetle) and Epicauta pensylvanica (Black Blister Beetle). Many grasshopper species feed on the foliage of Missouri Goldenrod (see Grasshopper Table), as do the leaf beetles Microrhopala vittata, Trirhabda borealis, Trirhabda canadensis, Trirhabda convergens, and Trirhabda virgata. The caterpillars of many moth species feed on this and other goldenrods (see Moth Table). Other insect feeders include stink bugs, plant bugs, the larvae of small flies (Tephritidae), and thrips. The Greater Prairie Chicken eats the foliage, while the Eastern Goldfinch and various sparrows eat the seeds to a minor extent. Although goldenrods are not preferred as a food source, the White-Tailed Deer, Cottontail Rabbit, and livestock eat the foliage occasionally. Prairie Voles and Meadow Voles eat both the seeds and foliage.
Photographic Location: The Buffalo Trace Prairie at Lake-of-the-Woods, Champaign County, Illinois, and a wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Missouri Goldenrod (Solidago missouriensis) is rather variable across its range, making it difficult to distinguish from other goldenrods (Solidago spp.). More specifically, the shape of the inflorescence of this goldenrod is rather variable, the leaves vary in regards to how much smaller they become as they ascend the stems, and the flowering branches can be glabrous or pubescent. In particular, Missouri Goldenrod can be difficult to distinguish from Early Goldenrod (Solidago juncea). Both of these goldenrods bloom earlier than most goldenrods and they are found in similar habitats. While Early Goldenrod begins to bloom about 2 weeks earlier than Missouri Goldenrod, there blooming periods overlap to some extent. Usually the inflorescence of Early Goldenrod has flowering branches that are more recurved and widely spreading than those of Missouri Goldenrod, and it lacks 3-veined leaves. Another goldenrod that Missouri Goldenrod has some resemblance to, Giant Goldenrod (Solidago gigantea), differs by its greater height, later blooming period, and preference for damp habitats. The leaves of Giant Goldenrod vary little in size as they ascend the stems, while the leaves of Missouri Goldenrod are more likely to become smaller. Another rather variable species, Showy Goldenrod (Solidago speciosa), also differs by its greater height and later blooming period. In addition, it lacks the 3-veined leaves of Missouri Goldenrod, and the flowering branches of its panicles curve inward, rather than outward.
0
0
文章
Miss Chen
2018年02月20日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is unbranched and up to 3' tall. The central stem is slightly ridged, hairless, and green or reddish. The alternate leaves are up to 8" long and 1½" across, becoming much smaller as they ascend up the stem. They are lanceolate, oblanceolate, or narrowly ovate, while their margins are smooth or slightly serrated. Sometimes there are tiny hairs along the margins, otherwise the leaves are hairless. The leaves are sessile or taper gradually to a petiole-like base. Above their axils along the central stem are small wing-like leaflets. The inflorescence occurs at the apex of the plant, and consists of a panicle of flowering stems that often arch upward and outward like a fireworks display. There are numerous yellow composite flowers, each about ¼" across. From 4 to 12 ray florets can be observed around the disk florets, often unevenly spaced and not open at the same time. The flowers may have a mild fragrance. The blooming period occurs during mid- to late summer, and lasts about 1 to 1½ months. Later, the achenes develop with small tufts of hair, which are dispersed by wind. The root system consists of a short caudex (on old plants), which may produce rhizomes and vegetative offshoots.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, and mesic to slightly dry conditions. Moist conditions are tolerated, if the soil is reasonably well-drained. This plant is not fussy about soil texture, which can contain loam, clay, sand, or gravel. Foliar disease is not normally a problem until after the blooming period, when mildew and other diseases may appear.
Range & Habitat: The native Early Goldenrod is widely distributed throughout Illinois, occurring in most counties (see Distribution Map). It is occasional to locally common. Early Goldenrod occurs in mesic to slightly dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, gravel prairies, oak savannas, thickets, open areas of rocky upland woods, sunny waste areas, and abandoned fields. It is the earliest goldenrod to bloom in these habitats in Illinois.
Faunal Associations: Like other goldenrods, this plant attracts many kinds of insects to the flowers, including long-tongued and short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, moths, and beetles, including Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus (Goldenrod Soldier Beetle). The caterpillars of many moths feed on the foliage and other parts of this goldenrod (see Moth Table), while the adults of Cirrhophanus triangulifer (Goldenrod Stowaway Moth) like to hide in the flowers. Other insects feed on this and other goldenrods, including various lace bugs, leafhoppers, seed beetles, leaf beetles, and Lygus lineolaris (Tarnished Plant Bug). The Greater Prairie Chicken may feed on the foliage, while the Eastern Goldfinch, Tree Sparrow, and Swamp Sparrow eat the seeds to a limited extent. Mammalian herbivores may feed on the foliage if little else is available, including the White-Tailed Deer, Groundhog, Cottontail Rabbit, and livestock.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Loda Cemetery Prairie in Iroquois County, Illinois.
Comments: This is the earliest blooming goldenrod. It is an attractive, slender plant with a delicate appearance. Aside from its early bloom, Early Goldenrod can be distinguished from other goldenrods by the near or complete absence of hair on the stems and leaves (unlike Solidago nemoralis), the presence of winged leaflets above the leaf axils on the central stem (unlike Solidago canadensis), and an inflorescence that flares outward (rather than upward, like Solidago speciosa). No other goldenrod that occurs on prairies in Illinois has this combination of features.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, and mesic to slightly dry conditions. Moist conditions are tolerated, if the soil is reasonably well-drained. This plant is not fussy about soil texture, which can contain loam, clay, sand, or gravel. Foliar disease is not normally a problem until after the blooming period, when mildew and other diseases may appear.
Range & Habitat: The native Early Goldenrod is widely distributed throughout Illinois, occurring in most counties (see Distribution Map). It is occasional to locally common. Early Goldenrod occurs in mesic to slightly dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, gravel prairies, oak savannas, thickets, open areas of rocky upland woods, sunny waste areas, and abandoned fields. It is the earliest goldenrod to bloom in these habitats in Illinois.
Faunal Associations: Like other goldenrods, this plant attracts many kinds of insects to the flowers, including long-tongued and short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, moths, and beetles, including Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus (Goldenrod Soldier Beetle). The caterpillars of many moths feed on the foliage and other parts of this goldenrod (see Moth Table), while the adults of Cirrhophanus triangulifer (Goldenrod Stowaway Moth) like to hide in the flowers. Other insects feed on this and other goldenrods, including various lace bugs, leafhoppers, seed beetles, leaf beetles, and Lygus lineolaris (Tarnished Plant Bug). The Greater Prairie Chicken may feed on the foliage, while the Eastern Goldfinch, Tree Sparrow, and Swamp Sparrow eat the seeds to a limited extent. Mammalian herbivores may feed on the foliage if little else is available, including the White-Tailed Deer, Groundhog, Cottontail Rabbit, and livestock.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Loda Cemetery Prairie in Iroquois County, Illinois.
Comments: This is the earliest blooming goldenrod. It is an attractive, slender plant with a delicate appearance. Aside from its early bloom, Early Goldenrod can be distinguished from other goldenrods by the near or complete absence of hair on the stems and leaves (unlike Solidago nemoralis), the presence of winged leaflets above the leaf axils on the central stem (unlike Solidago canadensis), and an inflorescence that flares outward (rather than upward, like Solidago speciosa). No other goldenrod that occurs on prairies in Illinois has this combination of features.
0
0
