文章
Miss Chen
2018年01月19日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 1–1½' tall and unbranched. The central stem is largely hairless, except for a few hairs near the inflorescence. The leaves are up to 8" long and 1/3" (8 mm.) across, becoming smaller and fewer as they ascend the stem. These leaves appear whorled because of their density, but they actually alternate around the stem.
They are linear, sessile, and hairless, while their margins are smooth. A short spike-like raceme of compound flowers about 2-4" long occurs at the top of the stem. They are pink or purplish pink, and quite showy. A compound flower consists of about 15-25 tubular flowers that are crowded together into a head spanning about 1" across. Each flower has 5 small lobes that curl outward, while a divided style protrudes from the center. This style is white or pinkish white, and rather long and curly. Each compound flower is subtended by green bracts that form a smooth, cylindrical surface about 1½" long. The blooming period is mid- to late summer, and lasts about a month. There is no floral scent. The achenes later develop bristly hairs that aid in their dispersal. The root system consists of a corm, which may occasionally produce offsets.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, poor soil, and dry conditions. This plant often grows on hills or slopes amid rocky material, but it also tolerates loamy soil if the site is well-drained. Drought tolerance is excellent, and foliar disease is not a significant problem at most locations. This plant doesn't compete well against taller, more aggressive plants on fertile soil where there is level ground.
Range & Habitat: The native Cylindrical Blazingstar is a fairly uncommon plant that occurs primarily in northern and western Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is rare or absent in other areas. Habitats include dry upland areas of black soil prairies, hill prairies, openings in rocky upland woods, oak savannas, limestone glades, rocky bluffs and cliffs along major rivers, moist sand flats near Lake Michigan, and shoulders of highways. This plant is typically found in marginal areas that are little disturbed by modern development.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are visited primarily by long-tongued bees, butterflies, skippers, and bee flies. Some short-tongued bees may visit the flowers to collect pollen, but they are not effective pollinators. The caterpillars of the rare Schinia gloriosa (Glorious Flower Moth) feed on the flowers and seed capsules of this and other Liatris spp. Mammalian herbivores readily consume all parts of this plant, including rabbits, groundhogs, deer, and livestock. Prairie and Meadow Voles sometimes eat the corms. An overpopulation of these animals can make the establishment of this plant difficult in some areas.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a wildflower garden near the Red Bison Railroad Prairie in Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: This is another lovely Blazingstar; it is much shorter than most of the others, and tends to bloom earlier. Cylindrical Blazingstar is easy to identify because of the smooth cylindrical surface formed by the green bracts subtending the flowers; this cylindrical surface is longer and larger than what is encountered in other Blazingstars that occur in Illinois. Amerindians would sometimes eat the corms of Blazingstars, although this was considered starvation food.
They are linear, sessile, and hairless, while their margins are smooth. A short spike-like raceme of compound flowers about 2-4" long occurs at the top of the stem. They are pink or purplish pink, and quite showy. A compound flower consists of about 15-25 tubular flowers that are crowded together into a head spanning about 1" across. Each flower has 5 small lobes that curl outward, while a divided style protrudes from the center. This style is white or pinkish white, and rather long and curly. Each compound flower is subtended by green bracts that form a smooth, cylindrical surface about 1½" long. The blooming period is mid- to late summer, and lasts about a month. There is no floral scent. The achenes later develop bristly hairs that aid in their dispersal. The root system consists of a corm, which may occasionally produce offsets.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, poor soil, and dry conditions. This plant often grows on hills or slopes amid rocky material, but it also tolerates loamy soil if the site is well-drained. Drought tolerance is excellent, and foliar disease is not a significant problem at most locations. This plant doesn't compete well against taller, more aggressive plants on fertile soil where there is level ground.
Range & Habitat: The native Cylindrical Blazingstar is a fairly uncommon plant that occurs primarily in northern and western Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is rare or absent in other areas. Habitats include dry upland areas of black soil prairies, hill prairies, openings in rocky upland woods, oak savannas, limestone glades, rocky bluffs and cliffs along major rivers, moist sand flats near Lake Michigan, and shoulders of highways. This plant is typically found in marginal areas that are little disturbed by modern development.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are visited primarily by long-tongued bees, butterflies, skippers, and bee flies. Some short-tongued bees may visit the flowers to collect pollen, but they are not effective pollinators. The caterpillars of the rare Schinia gloriosa (Glorious Flower Moth) feed on the flowers and seed capsules of this and other Liatris spp. Mammalian herbivores readily consume all parts of this plant, including rabbits, groundhogs, deer, and livestock. Prairie and Meadow Voles sometimes eat the corms. An overpopulation of these animals can make the establishment of this plant difficult in some areas.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a wildflower garden near the Red Bison Railroad Prairie in Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: This is another lovely Blazingstar; it is much shorter than most of the others, and tends to bloom earlier. Cylindrical Blazingstar is easy to identify because of the smooth cylindrical surface formed by the green bracts subtending the flowers; this cylindrical surface is longer and larger than what is encountered in other Blazingstars that occur in Illinois. Amerindians would sometimes eat the corms of Blazingstars, although this was considered starvation food.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年01月19日
Description: This perennial plant is 2-5' and unbranched. The central stem is green or dark red, and it has short stiff hairs. The leaves toward the base are up to 12" long and 1" wide, becoming progessively shorter and narrower as they alternate up the stalk. The leaves are sufficiently crowded together that they appear whorled. They are narrowly lanceolate or linear, dull green or bluish green, and usually slightly pubescent. The margins are smooth or slightly ciliate.
The central stem terminates in an erect spike-like inflorescence with pink or purplish pink composite flowers. This inflorescence is about ½–1½' long, with the composite flowers more or less densely distributed along its length. The individual flowers are crowded together into buttons about 1" across. Each flower has 5 lobes that spread outward from the corolla tube, from which emerges a long divided style that is often curly. There is no floral scent. The blooming period occurs from late summer to early fall and lasts about 3 weeks for individual plants. Like other Liatris spp., the flowers of Rough Blazingstar begin to bloom at the top of the flowering stalk, and gradually bloom downward as the season progresses. The achenes have large tufts of stiff hair that are light greyish brown, which enables them to be distributed several feet by the wind. The root system consists of a woody corm. Occasionally, offsets develop a short distance from the mother plant, creating small colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, clay, sand, or rocky material. However, this plant typically grows in less fertile acidic soil that is rather rocky or sandy. This plant is easy to grow under well-drained conditions, but has a tendency to flop over while in flower if it is spoiled with rich soil or too much moisture. Foliar disease is rarely a problem, and drought resistant is very good, with only a few lower leaves withering away.
Range & Habitat: The native Rough Blazingstar is occasional in central and northern Illinois, but it is uncommon or absent in SE Illinois (see Distribution Map). This wildflower is widely distributed, but rarely forms large colonies in native habitats, unlike Liatris pychnostachya (Prairie Blazingstar). Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, gravel prairies, hill prairies, bald knobs, openings in rocky upland forests, sandy Black Oak woodlands, savannas, limestone glades, dry clay banks above ditches, and open areas along railroads, particularly where prairie remnants occur.
Faunal Associations: Primarily long-tongued bees, butterflies, skippers, and bee flies visit the flowers. Among the long-tongued bees, this includes honeybees, bumblebees, Little Carpenter bees, Miner bees, and Leaf-Cutting bees. Butterfly visitors include Monarchs, Painted Ladies, Black Swallowtails, Sulfurs, and others. Other visitors include Green Metallic bees and other Halictine bees. The latter bees collect pollen primarily, and are not effective pollinators. The caterpillars of the rare Schinia florida (Glorious Flower Moth) feed on the flowers and seed capsules of this and other Liatris spp. Mammmalian herbivores, large and small, readily eat the foliage and stems, including rabbits, deer, groundhogs, and livestock. Sometimes small rodents will dig up the corms and eat them. Consequently, this plant may be scarce where there is an overpopulation of these animals.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Red Bison Railroad Prairie in Savoy, Illinois, Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois, and the wildflower garden of the webmaster.
Comments: This is a beautiful plant while it is flowering, although the blooming period is rather short. It is possible to extend the season of bloom by planting other Liatris spp, which usually bloom earlier in the year. Among the taller blazingstars, this species prefers drier locations, and can be distinguished from them by the large size of its buttons of flowers. The corms were used as an emergency survival food among some tribes of Amerindians.
The central stem terminates in an erect spike-like inflorescence with pink or purplish pink composite flowers. This inflorescence is about ½–1½' long, with the composite flowers more or less densely distributed along its length. The individual flowers are crowded together into buttons about 1" across. Each flower has 5 lobes that spread outward from the corolla tube, from which emerges a long divided style that is often curly. There is no floral scent. The blooming period occurs from late summer to early fall and lasts about 3 weeks for individual plants. Like other Liatris spp., the flowers of Rough Blazingstar begin to bloom at the top of the flowering stalk, and gradually bloom downward as the season progresses. The achenes have large tufts of stiff hair that are light greyish brown, which enables them to be distributed several feet by the wind. The root system consists of a woody corm. Occasionally, offsets develop a short distance from the mother plant, creating small colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, clay, sand, or rocky material. However, this plant typically grows in less fertile acidic soil that is rather rocky or sandy. This plant is easy to grow under well-drained conditions, but has a tendency to flop over while in flower if it is spoiled with rich soil or too much moisture. Foliar disease is rarely a problem, and drought resistant is very good, with only a few lower leaves withering away.
Range & Habitat: The native Rough Blazingstar is occasional in central and northern Illinois, but it is uncommon or absent in SE Illinois (see Distribution Map). This wildflower is widely distributed, but rarely forms large colonies in native habitats, unlike Liatris pychnostachya (Prairie Blazingstar). Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, gravel prairies, hill prairies, bald knobs, openings in rocky upland forests, sandy Black Oak woodlands, savannas, limestone glades, dry clay banks above ditches, and open areas along railroads, particularly where prairie remnants occur.
Faunal Associations: Primarily long-tongued bees, butterflies, skippers, and bee flies visit the flowers. Among the long-tongued bees, this includes honeybees, bumblebees, Little Carpenter bees, Miner bees, and Leaf-Cutting bees. Butterfly visitors include Monarchs, Painted Ladies, Black Swallowtails, Sulfurs, and others. Other visitors include Green Metallic bees and other Halictine bees. The latter bees collect pollen primarily, and are not effective pollinators. The caterpillars of the rare Schinia florida (Glorious Flower Moth) feed on the flowers and seed capsules of this and other Liatris spp. Mammmalian herbivores, large and small, readily eat the foliage and stems, including rabbits, deer, groundhogs, and livestock. Sometimes small rodents will dig up the corms and eat them. Consequently, this plant may be scarce where there is an overpopulation of these animals.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Red Bison Railroad Prairie in Savoy, Illinois, Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois, and the wildflower garden of the webmaster.
Comments: This is a beautiful plant while it is flowering, although the blooming period is rather short. It is possible to extend the season of bloom by planting other Liatris spp, which usually bloom earlier in the year. Among the taller blazingstars, this species prefers drier locations, and can be distinguished from them by the large size of its buttons of flowers. The corms were used as an emergency survival food among some tribes of Amerindians.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年01月18日
Description: This perennial plant is 2-5' tall and unbranched, except for short stems bearing flowerheads in the upper half. The stout central stem is slightly ridged and covered with white hairs. The trifoliate leaves occur alternately along the stem on short petioles. Each leaflet is up to 3" long and 1" across, usually ovate in shape, with smooth margins, widely scattered white hairs, and a prominent central vein. Sometimes the surface of the leaves has a silky sheen. The apex of the central stem and some upper side stems terminate in elongated heads of flowers about 2-5" long and half as much across. Each flowerhead has numerous hairy bracts, from which the small white flowers barely protrude. Each flower is a little less than ½" long, and has 5 white petals with a patch of purple near its throat. There is a large upper petal and two smaller side petals, while the remaining petals are usually hidden from view. There is no floral scent. The blooming period occurs from late summer to early fall and lasts about a month. After blooming, the flowerheads gradually turn brown. The root system consists of a central taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions. This plant is adaptable to different kinds of soil that contain significant amounts of loam, clay, sand, or rocky material. It adds nitrogen to the soil, and is easy to grow. Drought resistance is very good, although some of the lower leaves may turn yellow and fall off the plant.
Range & Habitat: Round-Headed Bush Clover occurs in most counties of Illinois, although it less common in the SE section of the state (see Distribution Map). This native wildflower is occasional to locally common. Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, gravel prairies, hill prairies, loamy savannas and sandy savannas, limestone glades, sand dunes near Lake Michigan, and open areas along railroads and roadsides.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are visited primarily by long- or short-tongued bees, such as bumblebees, large Leaf-Cutting bees, Andrenid bees, and others. Butterflies may suck nectar from the flowers, but they are not effective pollinators. The caterpillars of several species of skippers feed on the foliage, including Thorybes bathyllus (Southern Cloudywing), Thorybes pylades (Northern Cloudywing), Achalarus lyciades (Hoary Edge), and Epargyreus clarus (Silver-Spotted Skipper). The caterpillars of several moths also feed on the foliage, including Utetheisa bella (Bella Moth), Dasylophia anguina (Black-Spotted Prominent), and Ptichodis herbarum (Common Ptichodis). Other insects feeding on this plant include Everes comyntas (Eastern-Tailed Blue), Tetralopha scortealis (Lespedeza Webworm), Pachybrachis carbonarius (Leaf Beetle sp.), Calomycterus setarius (Imported Long-Horned Beetle), and various Alydus spp. (Broad-Headed Bugs). Because it is high in protein and palatable, many mammalian herbivores eat the plant during different growth stages, including deer, rabbits, groundhogs, and livestock. An overpopulation of these animals may interfere with this plant's establishment. The seeds are eaten primarily by upland gamebirds, including the Mourning Dove, Bobwhite, and Wild Turkey. During the winter, the seeds are eaten by the Slate-Colored Junco.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is a robust and beneficial plant, although not particularly showy. It is fairly easy to distinguish this plant from other members of the Bean family, such as the tick trefoils and other bush clovers, by the stout bristly flowerheads and their small white flowers. However, there is some variability in the appearance of this plant across different localities.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions. This plant is adaptable to different kinds of soil that contain significant amounts of loam, clay, sand, or rocky material. It adds nitrogen to the soil, and is easy to grow. Drought resistance is very good, although some of the lower leaves may turn yellow and fall off the plant.
Range & Habitat: Round-Headed Bush Clover occurs in most counties of Illinois, although it less common in the SE section of the state (see Distribution Map). This native wildflower is occasional to locally common. Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, gravel prairies, hill prairies, loamy savannas and sandy savannas, limestone glades, sand dunes near Lake Michigan, and open areas along railroads and roadsides.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are visited primarily by long- or short-tongued bees, such as bumblebees, large Leaf-Cutting bees, Andrenid bees, and others. Butterflies may suck nectar from the flowers, but they are not effective pollinators. The caterpillars of several species of skippers feed on the foliage, including Thorybes bathyllus (Southern Cloudywing), Thorybes pylades (Northern Cloudywing), Achalarus lyciades (Hoary Edge), and Epargyreus clarus (Silver-Spotted Skipper). The caterpillars of several moths also feed on the foliage, including Utetheisa bella (Bella Moth), Dasylophia anguina (Black-Spotted Prominent), and Ptichodis herbarum (Common Ptichodis). Other insects feeding on this plant include Everes comyntas (Eastern-Tailed Blue), Tetralopha scortealis (Lespedeza Webworm), Pachybrachis carbonarius (Leaf Beetle sp.), Calomycterus setarius (Imported Long-Horned Beetle), and various Alydus spp. (Broad-Headed Bugs). Because it is high in protein and palatable, many mammalian herbivores eat the plant during different growth stages, including deer, rabbits, groundhogs, and livestock. An overpopulation of these animals may interfere with this plant's establishment. The seeds are eaten primarily by upland gamebirds, including the Mourning Dove, Bobwhite, and Wild Turkey. During the winter, the seeds are eaten by the Slate-Colored Junco.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is a robust and beneficial plant, although not particularly showy. It is fairly easy to distinguish this plant from other members of the Bean family, such as the tick trefoils and other bush clovers, by the stout bristly flowerheads and their small white flowers. However, there is some variability in the appearance of this plant across different localities.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年01月18日
Description: This is a biennial plant that becomes 2-5' tall during its second year. During the first year, a rosette of spreading to ascending basal leaves develops that is up to 1' across. Individual basal leaves are up to 6" long and 2" across; they are elliptic-oblanceolate to obovate in shape, while their margins are unlobed to shallowly pinnatifid, occasionally sinuous (horizontally wavy), and dentate-prickly. During the second year, this plant develops an erect central stem that is unbranched below, while branching occasionally above. The stems are light green, terete, glabrous, and often glaucous. Alternate leaves occur along the entire length of these stems, becoming gradually smaller above; their blades are widely spreading to ascending. The blades of these alternate leaves are up to 8" long and 2" across; they are elliptic-oblanceolate to oblanceolate in shape, while their margins are unlobed to moderately pinnatifid, occasionally sinuous, and dentate-prickly.
The upper surface of both basal and alternate leaves is yellowish green to medium green, glabrous and sometimes glaucous, while their lower surface is light green, glabrous, and sometimes glaucous. In addition, abundant prickles occur along the central vein of the lower leaf surface, while sparse prickles sometimes occur along the major lateral veins. The bases of alternate leaves clasp their stems with short rounded auricles (ear-like basal lobes) that are dentate-prickly and occasionally sinuous. The tips of these leaves are bluntly angled to acute. Both the stems and leaves of this plant contain a brown latex. The central stem and sometimes upper lateral stems terminate in panicles of flowerheads; these panicles are variable in size, but on larger plants they become up to 1½' long and 1' across. The branches of each inflorescence are more slender than the stems, otherwise they share similar characteristics. Small bractlets occur where these branches divide. The flowerheads often fail to open, but they are self-fertile. Those flowerheads that do open (on bright sunny days during the morning), can vary considerably in size, depending on the local ecotype; their diameter varies from 4-6 mm. in some areas to 12-18 mm. in other areas. Each flowerhead has 20-55 widely spreading ray florets and no disk florets. The petaloid rays of the flowerhead are narrowly oblong in shape; their tips are truncate and 5-toothed. The petaloid rays are usually light blue, but sometimes they are white to yellow. The tips of the petaloid rays, where the teeth occur, are often pale bronze.
The bases of flowerheads (involucres) are up to 15-20 mm. long and cylindrical-lanceoloid to lanceoloid in shape; they achieve their maximum size shortly after blooming. Around the base of each flowerhead, the floral bracts (involucral bracts) are arranged in several series; inner floral bracts are longer than outer floral bracts. They are linear-lanceolate in shape (upper-inner bracts) to ovate in shape (lower-outer bracts) and appressed together; these bracts are light green with white to purplish red margins, and they are glabrous. The blooming period occurs during the summer and early autumn, lasting 1½–3 months. Afterwards, the flowerheads are replaced by dense clusters of achenes. Mature achenes are about 4 mm. long, broadly ellipsoid-flattened in shape, and black mottled with brown; each side of an achene has a single central rib (less often 2-3 ribs). At the apex of each achene, there is a white thread-like beak about 4 mm. long, and attached to the apex of this beak is a tuft of white hairs spanning about 15-20 mm. across (individual hairs are 7-10 mm. long). These achenes are distributed by the wind. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, mesic to dry conditions, and soil containing sandy loam, loam, clay-loam, or loess. First-year rosettes of basal leaves may die down during winter, but new leaves are regenerated from the taproot during the spring. Open ground with exposed topsoil facilitates germination of the seed. Cultivation of this plant is not difficult, but it is rather weedy-looking and its flowerheads often fail to open.
Range & Habitat: The native Prairie Lettuce is rare in Illinois and state-listed as 'endangered.' It has been found primarily in the northern and west-central sections of the state (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the eastern range-limit of this species; it is more common in many areas of central and western United States. Populations of Prairie Lettuce have declined in Illinois, where it is found in such habitats as mesic to dry prairies and hill prairies. Disturbed areas of high quality natural habitats (mainly prairies) are preferred. This wildflower probably benefits from the disturbance provided by occasional wildfires and grazing by American Bison; this animal prefers to graze on grasses rather than forbs.
Faunal Associations: Little is known specifically about the relationships of Prairie Lettuce to various fauna. The flowerheads of this plant are probably cross-pollinated by various long-tongued and short-tongued bees. Insects that feed destructively on both cultivated and various species of wild lettuce (Lactuca spp.) consist primarily of aphids and larvae of polyphagous moths. The webmaster observed unidentified blackish aphids feeding on the upper stems and inflorescence branches of Prairie Lettuce. Both White-tailed Deer and the Cottontail Rabbit occasionally browse on the foliage of this plant; the latter animal fed on some of the basal leaves of Prairie Lettuce while it was being cultivated in a garden by the webmaster.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: There are several native and non-native lettuce species (Lactuca spp.) that exist as wildflowers in Illinois. Most of these species are similar in appearance and they can be difficult to distinguish; the presence of both flowerheads and achenes are often required for correct identification. Prairie Lettuce (Lactuca ludoviciana) can be distinguished from many lettuce species by the brown latex of its foliage (rather than white latex). The rays of its flowerheads are often blue, rather than yellow, and the involucres (bract-covered bases) of these flowerheads are usually larger in size (up to 15-20 mm. long). The achenes of Prairie Lettuce have single-ribbed sides (less often 2-3 ribbed) and they have long thread-like beaks that are attached to relatively large tufts of hair (15-20 mm. across). A common Eurasian species, Prickly Lettuce (Lactuca serriola), differs from Prairie Lettuce by having flowerheads with pale yellow rays only (never blue), shorter involucres (up to 10-12 mm. long), and achenes with 5-7 ribs per side, to which are attached smaller tufts of white hair (only 7-10 mm. across).
A common native species, Lactuca canadensis (Wild Lettuce), differs by having leaves that lack stiff prickles along their margins, flowerheads with yellow to orange-yellow rays (never blue), shorter involucres (up to 10-15 mm. long), and achenes with smaller tufts of white hair (10-14 mm. across). Another native species, Lactuca biennis (Tall Blue Lettuce), has shorter involucres (up to 8-10 mm. long), achenes with 5-6 ribs per side, very short or no beaks on the achenes, and smaller tufts of hair (10-12 mm. across) that are light brown, rather than white. Another native species, Lactuca florida (Woodland Blue Lettuce), differs by having leaves with triangular-shaped terminal lobes, shorter involucres (up to 10-12 mm. long), achenes with 5-6 ribs per side, very short or no beaks on its achenes, and smaller tufts of white hair (8-10 mm. across). An uncommon native species, Lactuca hirsuta (Hairy Wild Lettuce), differs from Prairie Lettuce by having hairy stems, hairy leaves with ciliate margins, and flowerheads that sometimes have reddish rays, rather than yellow.
The upper surface of both basal and alternate leaves is yellowish green to medium green, glabrous and sometimes glaucous, while their lower surface is light green, glabrous, and sometimes glaucous. In addition, abundant prickles occur along the central vein of the lower leaf surface, while sparse prickles sometimes occur along the major lateral veins. The bases of alternate leaves clasp their stems with short rounded auricles (ear-like basal lobes) that are dentate-prickly and occasionally sinuous. The tips of these leaves are bluntly angled to acute. Both the stems and leaves of this plant contain a brown latex. The central stem and sometimes upper lateral stems terminate in panicles of flowerheads; these panicles are variable in size, but on larger plants they become up to 1½' long and 1' across. The branches of each inflorescence are more slender than the stems, otherwise they share similar characteristics. Small bractlets occur where these branches divide. The flowerheads often fail to open, but they are self-fertile. Those flowerheads that do open (on bright sunny days during the morning), can vary considerably in size, depending on the local ecotype; their diameter varies from 4-6 mm. in some areas to 12-18 mm. in other areas. Each flowerhead has 20-55 widely spreading ray florets and no disk florets. The petaloid rays of the flowerhead are narrowly oblong in shape; their tips are truncate and 5-toothed. The petaloid rays are usually light blue, but sometimes they are white to yellow. The tips of the petaloid rays, where the teeth occur, are often pale bronze.
The bases of flowerheads (involucres) are up to 15-20 mm. long and cylindrical-lanceoloid to lanceoloid in shape; they achieve their maximum size shortly after blooming. Around the base of each flowerhead, the floral bracts (involucral bracts) are arranged in several series; inner floral bracts are longer than outer floral bracts. They are linear-lanceolate in shape (upper-inner bracts) to ovate in shape (lower-outer bracts) and appressed together; these bracts are light green with white to purplish red margins, and they are glabrous. The blooming period occurs during the summer and early autumn, lasting 1½–3 months. Afterwards, the flowerheads are replaced by dense clusters of achenes. Mature achenes are about 4 mm. long, broadly ellipsoid-flattened in shape, and black mottled with brown; each side of an achene has a single central rib (less often 2-3 ribs). At the apex of each achene, there is a white thread-like beak about 4 mm. long, and attached to the apex of this beak is a tuft of white hairs spanning about 15-20 mm. across (individual hairs are 7-10 mm. long). These achenes are distributed by the wind. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, mesic to dry conditions, and soil containing sandy loam, loam, clay-loam, or loess. First-year rosettes of basal leaves may die down during winter, but new leaves are regenerated from the taproot during the spring. Open ground with exposed topsoil facilitates germination of the seed. Cultivation of this plant is not difficult, but it is rather weedy-looking and its flowerheads often fail to open.
Range & Habitat: The native Prairie Lettuce is rare in Illinois and state-listed as 'endangered.' It has been found primarily in the northern and west-central sections of the state (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the eastern range-limit of this species; it is more common in many areas of central and western United States. Populations of Prairie Lettuce have declined in Illinois, where it is found in such habitats as mesic to dry prairies and hill prairies. Disturbed areas of high quality natural habitats (mainly prairies) are preferred. This wildflower probably benefits from the disturbance provided by occasional wildfires and grazing by American Bison; this animal prefers to graze on grasses rather than forbs.
Faunal Associations: Little is known specifically about the relationships of Prairie Lettuce to various fauna. The flowerheads of this plant are probably cross-pollinated by various long-tongued and short-tongued bees. Insects that feed destructively on both cultivated and various species of wild lettuce (Lactuca spp.) consist primarily of aphids and larvae of polyphagous moths. The webmaster observed unidentified blackish aphids feeding on the upper stems and inflorescence branches of Prairie Lettuce. Both White-tailed Deer and the Cottontail Rabbit occasionally browse on the foliage of this plant; the latter animal fed on some of the basal leaves of Prairie Lettuce while it was being cultivated in a garden by the webmaster.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: There are several native and non-native lettuce species (Lactuca spp.) that exist as wildflowers in Illinois. Most of these species are similar in appearance and they can be difficult to distinguish; the presence of both flowerheads and achenes are often required for correct identification. Prairie Lettuce (Lactuca ludoviciana) can be distinguished from many lettuce species by the brown latex of its foliage (rather than white latex). The rays of its flowerheads are often blue, rather than yellow, and the involucres (bract-covered bases) of these flowerheads are usually larger in size (up to 15-20 mm. long). The achenes of Prairie Lettuce have single-ribbed sides (less often 2-3 ribbed) and they have long thread-like beaks that are attached to relatively large tufts of hair (15-20 mm. across). A common Eurasian species, Prickly Lettuce (Lactuca serriola), differs from Prairie Lettuce by having flowerheads with pale yellow rays only (never blue), shorter involucres (up to 10-12 mm. long), and achenes with 5-7 ribs per side, to which are attached smaller tufts of white hair (only 7-10 mm. across).
A common native species, Lactuca canadensis (Wild Lettuce), differs by having leaves that lack stiff prickles along their margins, flowerheads with yellow to orange-yellow rays (never blue), shorter involucres (up to 10-15 mm. long), and achenes with smaller tufts of white hair (10-14 mm. across). Another native species, Lactuca biennis (Tall Blue Lettuce), has shorter involucres (up to 8-10 mm. long), achenes with 5-6 ribs per side, very short or no beaks on the achenes, and smaller tufts of hair (10-12 mm. across) that are light brown, rather than white. Another native species, Lactuca florida (Woodland Blue Lettuce), differs by having leaves with triangular-shaped terminal lobes, shorter involucres (up to 10-12 mm. long), achenes with 5-6 ribs per side, very short or no beaks on its achenes, and smaller tufts of white hair (8-10 mm. across). An uncommon native species, Lactuca hirsuta (Hairy Wild Lettuce), differs from Prairie Lettuce by having hairy stems, hairy leaves with ciliate margins, and flowerheads that sometimes have reddish rays, rather than yellow.
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Miss Chen
2018年01月18日
Description: This biennial plant is usually unbranched and 3-8' tall. The central stem is terete and glabrous, light green or reddish green (sometimes with purple streaks), and often glaucous. The alternate leaves are light green to dark green, sometimes with purple edges or a yellowish cast. They are up to 10" long, 3" across, and lanceolate-oblong in shape. The largest leaves have deep pinnate lobes, while the smaller leaves have shallow pinnate lobes or none; they are wider at their bases than at their tips, and their bases clasp the stem. Occasionally, the leaves have widely spaced small teeth along their margins and short fine hairs along the underside of their central veins. The leaf surface can be shiny or dull.
The small dandelion-like flowerheads occur in a narrow panicle up to 2' long at the apex of the plant. The petaloid rays of the florets are yellow or slightly reddish orange. Each flowerhead is about 1/3" (8 mm.) across, consisting of 12-25 ray florets. Around the base of each flowerhead, there are several floral bracts (phyllaries) in several series that are appressed together and vary in size. These bracts are light green and glabrous; sometimes they are tinted purple or red. The blooming period occurs during late summer or early fall, lasting about 3-4 weeks. There is no noticeable floral scent. The flowers are replaced by dark brown achenes with tufts of white hair, which are attached together by thread-like beaks. Each achene has a central longitudinal ridge with some black splotches on either side; they are ovoid, flattened in shape, and slightly curved. The length of the achenes is equal to, or greater than, the length of their attached beaks. The inflorescence often has buds, flowers, and achenes existing together in different stages of development. The achenes are distributed by the wind. The root system consists of a thick deep taproot. There is a white latex in the root, leaves, and stems.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist to slightly dry conditions. Growth is best in fertile loamy soil, although poor gravelly soil and clay-loam are also tolerated. This plant varies considerably in size depending on growing conditions. It is somewhat weedy.
Range & Habitat: The native Wild Lettuce is a common plant that occurs in almost all counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to slightly dry black soil prairies, clay prairies, gravel prairies, openings in woodlands, thickets, savannas, lake borders and riverbanks, limestone glades, fence rows, pastures and abandoned fields, powerline clearances, areas along railroads and roadsides, vacant lots, and miscellaneous waste areas. This plant is more common in degraded prairies and disturbed habitats, although it can also be found in high-quality habitats.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the small flowers attract bees primarily, such as the leaf-cutting bee Megachile latimanus and the Halictid bee Lasioglossum lustrans (Robertson, 1929; Estes & Thorp, 1975). The caterpillars of some moths feed on Lactuca spp. These species include Autographa precationis (Common Looper Moth), Grammia virgo (Virgin Tiger Moth), and Cucullia intermedia (Intermediate Cucullia); the caterpillars of the last of these moths feed on the florets. Several aphid species use Lactuca spp. as host plants; they include Hyperomyzus lactucae (Currant-Sowthistle Aphid), Nasonovia ribisnigri (Currant-Lettuce Aphid), Prociphilus erigeronensis (White Aster Root Aphid), Uroleucon ambrosiae (Brown Ambrosia Aphid), Uroleucon gravicorne, Uroleucon pseudambrosiae (False Ambrosia Aphid), Uroleucon sonchella (Sowthistle Aphid), and Pemphigus bursarius (Lettuce Root Aphid). Among vertebrate animals, the Eastern Goldfinch occasionally eats the seeds. Notwithstanding the bitter white latex in the foliage, mammalian herbivores occasionally browse on the foliage of this plant. The Cottontail Rabbit eats the tender leaves of first-year plants, while White-Tailed Deer eats the tops off of more mature plants. Horses, cattle, and sheep also feed on this plant.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is a common and weedy plant with a highly variable appearance. It resembles the non-native Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce), however the latter has gray achenes that are always shorter than the thread-like beaks that attach them to tufts of hair. Also, the leaves of Prickly Lettuce tend to be more blue in appearance, and they have stout prickly hairs along the central veins on the underside of their leaves. Wild Lettuce can be distinguished from other native Lactuca spp. by the color of its flowers, the appearance of its achenes with attached tufts of hairs, and the absence of hairs on its stems and leaves (aside from the scattered non-prickly hairs that may appear along the central veins on the underside of the leaves).
The small dandelion-like flowerheads occur in a narrow panicle up to 2' long at the apex of the plant. The petaloid rays of the florets are yellow or slightly reddish orange. Each flowerhead is about 1/3" (8 mm.) across, consisting of 12-25 ray florets. Around the base of each flowerhead, there are several floral bracts (phyllaries) in several series that are appressed together and vary in size. These bracts are light green and glabrous; sometimes they are tinted purple or red. The blooming period occurs during late summer or early fall, lasting about 3-4 weeks. There is no noticeable floral scent. The flowers are replaced by dark brown achenes with tufts of white hair, which are attached together by thread-like beaks. Each achene has a central longitudinal ridge with some black splotches on either side; they are ovoid, flattened in shape, and slightly curved. The length of the achenes is equal to, or greater than, the length of their attached beaks. The inflorescence often has buds, flowers, and achenes existing together in different stages of development. The achenes are distributed by the wind. The root system consists of a thick deep taproot. There is a white latex in the root, leaves, and stems.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist to slightly dry conditions. Growth is best in fertile loamy soil, although poor gravelly soil and clay-loam are also tolerated. This plant varies considerably in size depending on growing conditions. It is somewhat weedy.
Range & Habitat: The native Wild Lettuce is a common plant that occurs in almost all counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to slightly dry black soil prairies, clay prairies, gravel prairies, openings in woodlands, thickets, savannas, lake borders and riverbanks, limestone glades, fence rows, pastures and abandoned fields, powerline clearances, areas along railroads and roadsides, vacant lots, and miscellaneous waste areas. This plant is more common in degraded prairies and disturbed habitats, although it can also be found in high-quality habitats.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the small flowers attract bees primarily, such as the leaf-cutting bee Megachile latimanus and the Halictid bee Lasioglossum lustrans (Robertson, 1929; Estes & Thorp, 1975). The caterpillars of some moths feed on Lactuca spp. These species include Autographa precationis (Common Looper Moth), Grammia virgo (Virgin Tiger Moth), and Cucullia intermedia (Intermediate Cucullia); the caterpillars of the last of these moths feed on the florets. Several aphid species use Lactuca spp. as host plants; they include Hyperomyzus lactucae (Currant-Sowthistle Aphid), Nasonovia ribisnigri (Currant-Lettuce Aphid), Prociphilus erigeronensis (White Aster Root Aphid), Uroleucon ambrosiae (Brown Ambrosia Aphid), Uroleucon gravicorne, Uroleucon pseudambrosiae (False Ambrosia Aphid), Uroleucon sonchella (Sowthistle Aphid), and Pemphigus bursarius (Lettuce Root Aphid). Among vertebrate animals, the Eastern Goldfinch occasionally eats the seeds. Notwithstanding the bitter white latex in the foliage, mammalian herbivores occasionally browse on the foliage of this plant. The Cottontail Rabbit eats the tender leaves of first-year plants, while White-Tailed Deer eats the tops off of more mature plants. Horses, cattle, and sheep also feed on this plant.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is a common and weedy plant with a highly variable appearance. It resembles the non-native Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce), however the latter has gray achenes that are always shorter than the thread-like beaks that attach them to tufts of hair. Also, the leaves of Prickly Lettuce tend to be more blue in appearance, and they have stout prickly hairs along the central veins on the underside of their leaves. Wild Lettuce can be distinguished from other native Lactuca spp. by the color of its flowers, the appearance of its achenes with attached tufts of hairs, and the absence of hairs on its stems and leaves (aside from the scattered non-prickly hairs that may appear along the central veins on the underside of the leaves).
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Miss Chen
2018年01月18日
Description: This plant is a spring annual, consisting of a small rosette of leaves up to 6" across and one or more flowering stalks up to 18" tall. Individual plants can bloom while they are a remarkably small size (only 2" across). The basal leaves are up to 3" long and ¾" across. They are light green, oblanceolate, and often pinnatifid with shallow lobes that are pointed at their tips. Their margins are often ciliate, slightly undulate, and sparingly dentate. Each flowering stalk is unbranched and devoid of leaves; it is largely hairless, although there may be a few scattered hairs along its length, especially near the top. Both the basal leaves and flowering stalks contain a white latex.
Each stalk terminates in a flowerhead about ½" across. This flowerhead consists of several spreading ray florets that are truncate with 5 teeth at their tips; these florets are bright golden yellow. The base of each flowerhead consists of 9-18 floral bracts in a single series; these bracts are lanceolate and about ¼" in length. They are erect while the flowerhead is blooming, but eventually become reflexed when the achenes mature. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to mid-summer and lasts about 2-3 months for a colony of plants. The small achenes are bullet-shaped (tapered at the base, but truncate at the top). Each achene has 5 small scales and a tuft of 5 hairs at its apex; the hairs are longer than the scales. These achenes are distributed by the wind. The root system consists of a tuft of fibrous roots. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, mesic to dry conditions, and an acidic sandy soil. Thin rocky soil is also acceptable if it doesn't consist of limestone.
Range & Habitat: The native Dwarf Dandelion occurs occasionally in sandy areas in the northern half of Illinois, otherwise it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to dry sand prairies, sandy savannas, sand dunes, sandy fields, sandy areas along paths and roadsides, and rocky glades without limestone. Occasional wildfires and other kinds of disturbance are probably beneficial in maintaining populations of this plant.
Faunal Associations: Information about floral-faunal relationships for this species is limited. It seems likely that the flowers are visited by various kinds of bees for nectar and pollen; they may attract butterflies and skippers as well.
Photographic Location: Along a sandy path in a burnt-over savanna in Iroquois County, Illinois.
Comments: Dwarf Dandelion is an adorable little plant that superficially resembles the common lawn weed, Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion). However, the Dwarf Dandelion has smaller flowerheads and light green basal leaves. There are several other Krigia spp. in Illinois; some differ from the Dwarf Dandelion by their flowering stalks, which can be branched with a few cauline leaves. The Dwarf Dandelion has unbranched flowering stalks that are without leaves. A species that doesn't occur in Illinois, Krigia occidentalis (Western Dwarf Dandelion), has the same kind of flowering stalks, but it has only 5-8 floral bracts at the base of each flowerhead. Another useful characteristic to consider are the number of hairs on the achenes: Dwarf Dandelion has only 5 hairs (or bristles) at the apex of each achene, while other Krigia spp. in Illinois have 20 or more hairs on the apex of their achenes. An exception is Krigia caespitosa (Opposite-Leaved Dwarf Dandelion), which has achenes without tufts of hair. Identifying the numerous species in Chicory Tribe of the Aster family can be tricky; most of these species have flowerheads with yellow ray florets and rosettes of basal leaves that appear similar to each other.
Each stalk terminates in a flowerhead about ½" across. This flowerhead consists of several spreading ray florets that are truncate with 5 teeth at their tips; these florets are bright golden yellow. The base of each flowerhead consists of 9-18 floral bracts in a single series; these bracts are lanceolate and about ¼" in length. They are erect while the flowerhead is blooming, but eventually become reflexed when the achenes mature. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to mid-summer and lasts about 2-3 months for a colony of plants. The small achenes are bullet-shaped (tapered at the base, but truncate at the top). Each achene has 5 small scales and a tuft of 5 hairs at its apex; the hairs are longer than the scales. These achenes are distributed by the wind. The root system consists of a tuft of fibrous roots. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, mesic to dry conditions, and an acidic sandy soil. Thin rocky soil is also acceptable if it doesn't consist of limestone.
Range & Habitat: The native Dwarf Dandelion occurs occasionally in sandy areas in the northern half of Illinois, otherwise it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to dry sand prairies, sandy savannas, sand dunes, sandy fields, sandy areas along paths and roadsides, and rocky glades without limestone. Occasional wildfires and other kinds of disturbance are probably beneficial in maintaining populations of this plant.
Faunal Associations: Information about floral-faunal relationships for this species is limited. It seems likely that the flowers are visited by various kinds of bees for nectar and pollen; they may attract butterflies and skippers as well.
Photographic Location: Along a sandy path in a burnt-over savanna in Iroquois County, Illinois.
Comments: Dwarf Dandelion is an adorable little plant that superficially resembles the common lawn weed, Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion). However, the Dwarf Dandelion has smaller flowerheads and light green basal leaves. There are several other Krigia spp. in Illinois; some differ from the Dwarf Dandelion by their flowering stalks, which can be branched with a few cauline leaves. The Dwarf Dandelion has unbranched flowering stalks that are without leaves. A species that doesn't occur in Illinois, Krigia occidentalis (Western Dwarf Dandelion), has the same kind of flowering stalks, but it has only 5-8 floral bracts at the base of each flowerhead. Another useful characteristic to consider are the number of hairs on the achenes: Dwarf Dandelion has only 5 hairs (or bristles) at the apex of each achene, while other Krigia spp. in Illinois have 20 or more hairs on the apex of their achenes. An exception is Krigia caespitosa (Opposite-Leaved Dwarf Dandelion), which has achenes without tufts of hair. Identifying the numerous species in Chicory Tribe of the Aster family can be tricky; most of these species have flowerheads with yellow ray florets and rosettes of basal leaves that appear similar to each other.
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Miss Chen
2018年01月17日
Description: This annual plant is a twining vine about 3-7' long. The stems are slightly pubescent, or have scattered white hairs. The larger alternate leaves are usually cordate, although leaves with 3 acute lobes are sometimes observed; smaller leaves are usually ovate. These leaves are 2-4" long and about half as much across. Their margins are smooth, while the upper leaf surface has scattered white hairs. The petioles are long, slender, and more or less pubescent.
From the base of these petioles, develops 1-3 white funnelform flowers from a short stalk. These flowers are up to 1" long and ¾" across. They are shallowly lobed. At the throat of each flower, is a single white stigma with a knobby head, which is closely surrounded by several white stamens with purple or white anthers. Rarely, a flower will have two knobby stigmata. There are 5 light green sepals that are lanceolate, pubsecent or hairy, and about 1/3" long. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer through the fall, and lasts about 2-3 months. Flowers bloom primarily during the morning; there is no noticeable floral scent. They are replaced by 2-valved seed capsules that are spherical and often hairy; these capsules are surrounded by 5 acute bracts. The large seeds are dark brown or black, with an irregular oblong shape and shiny surface. They rely primarily on the vining habit of the plant for their dispersal. The root system consists of a taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and moist to mesic conditions; this plant also tolerates drier locations. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, clay, or gravelly material. The stems will climb fences and taller plants if given a chance; in open areas, they sprawl about haphazardly.
Range & Habitat: The native Small White Morning Glory occurs primarily in southern and western Illinois, where it is occasional. In the NE and extreme northern Illinois, this plant is apparently absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic black soil prairies, thickets, gravelly bars of streams and banks of lakes, moist meadows near rivers or woodlands, abandoned fields, areas along roadsides and railroads, and miscellaneous waste areas. This plant favors disturbed habitats.
Faunal Associations: Primarily long-tongued bees visit the flowers for nectar, including bumblebees and Little Carpenter bees, and such oligoleges as Melitoma taurea (Mallow Bee), Peponapis pruinosa pruinosa (Squash & Gourd Bee), and Cemolobus ipomoea (Morning Glory Bee). Some insects feed on the foliage of this plant, including the caterpillars of Emmelina monodictyla (Common Plume Moth) and several species of Tortoise Beetles. The seeds, as large as they are, are consumed by only a few upland gamebirds to a limited extent; this includes the Bobwhite and Ring-Necked Pheasant. Mammalian herbivores don't feed on this plant because the foliage is somewhat toxic and has a slightly rank smell.
Photographic Location: Photographs were taken along a railroad in Savoy, Illinois.
Comments: The flowers of this plant are smaller in size than other Morning Glories and Bindweeds. While the flowers of Convolvulus arvensis (Field Bindweed) have about the same length, they are broader when fully open (1" or more). There is some variability across local populations of Small White Morning Glory, particularly with regard to the hairiness of the plant. On rare occasions, the flowers may be pink or light purple. This plant will continue to bloom sporadically until late in the fall, when it is killed by frost.
From the base of these petioles, develops 1-3 white funnelform flowers from a short stalk. These flowers are up to 1" long and ¾" across. They are shallowly lobed. At the throat of each flower, is a single white stigma with a knobby head, which is closely surrounded by several white stamens with purple or white anthers. Rarely, a flower will have two knobby stigmata. There are 5 light green sepals that are lanceolate, pubsecent or hairy, and about 1/3" long. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer through the fall, and lasts about 2-3 months. Flowers bloom primarily during the morning; there is no noticeable floral scent. They are replaced by 2-valved seed capsules that are spherical and often hairy; these capsules are surrounded by 5 acute bracts. The large seeds are dark brown or black, with an irregular oblong shape and shiny surface. They rely primarily on the vining habit of the plant for their dispersal. The root system consists of a taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and moist to mesic conditions; this plant also tolerates drier locations. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, clay, or gravelly material. The stems will climb fences and taller plants if given a chance; in open areas, they sprawl about haphazardly.
Range & Habitat: The native Small White Morning Glory occurs primarily in southern and western Illinois, where it is occasional. In the NE and extreme northern Illinois, this plant is apparently absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic black soil prairies, thickets, gravelly bars of streams and banks of lakes, moist meadows near rivers or woodlands, abandoned fields, areas along roadsides and railroads, and miscellaneous waste areas. This plant favors disturbed habitats.
Faunal Associations: Primarily long-tongued bees visit the flowers for nectar, including bumblebees and Little Carpenter bees, and such oligoleges as Melitoma taurea (Mallow Bee), Peponapis pruinosa pruinosa (Squash & Gourd Bee), and Cemolobus ipomoea (Morning Glory Bee). Some insects feed on the foliage of this plant, including the caterpillars of Emmelina monodictyla (Common Plume Moth) and several species of Tortoise Beetles. The seeds, as large as they are, are consumed by only a few upland gamebirds to a limited extent; this includes the Bobwhite and Ring-Necked Pheasant. Mammalian herbivores don't feed on this plant because the foliage is somewhat toxic and has a slightly rank smell.
Photographic Location: Photographs were taken along a railroad in Savoy, Illinois.
Comments: The flowers of this plant are smaller in size than other Morning Glories and Bindweeds. While the flowers of Convolvulus arvensis (Field Bindweed) have about the same length, they are broader when fully open (1" or more). There is some variability across local populations of Small White Morning Glory, particularly with regard to the hairiness of the plant. On rare occasions, the flowers may be pink or light purple. This plant will continue to bloom sporadically until late in the fall, when it is killed by frost.
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Miss Chen
2018年01月17日
Description: This perennial plant is up to 2½' tall, branching frequently from the upper axils of the leaves, and having a shrubby appearance. The base of the plant is occasionally semi-woody, but the upper stems are herbaceous and green. The entire plant is devoid of hairs. The opposite leaves are up to 3" long and ¾" across. The pairs of leaves rotate by 90° as they ascend the stems. They are oblong or lanceolate with blunt tips, and are sessile against the stems. The margins are smooth, while the underside of each leaf is light green and devoid of black dots.
Numerous clusters of yellow flowers occur at the ends of the upper stems. Each flower is about ½–¾" across, with 5 rounded petals, and numerous long stamens surrounding a stigma that is slender and flask-shaped. The flowers have a mild buttercup-like fragrance. The blooming period occurs from early to mid-summer and lasts about a month. The small seeds are distributed to some extent by the wind. The root system consists of a central taproot and short rhizomes. This plant tends to spread vegetatively in sunny open areas.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and average to dry conditions. Different kinds of soil are readily tolerated, including those with substantial amounts of loam, gravel, sand, or clay. However, poor soil is often preferred because of the reduced competition from taller plants.
Range & Habitat: Round-Fruited St. John's Wort is widely distributed in Illinois, but it occurs only occasionally (see Distribution Map). It is least common in SE Illinois. This is a native wildflower. Habitats include mesic to dry gravel prairies, sand prairies, hill prairies, rocky open woodlands, thickets, scrubby barrens, rocky bluffs overlooking major rivers, limestone glades, dry banks of lakes, and open areas along roadsides.
Faunal Associations: Bumblebees and other long-tongued bees are probably the most important pollinators of the flowers. Other visitors include Halictine bees, beetles, and Syrphid flies, but they are less effective at pollination. All of these insects collect or feed on the abundant pollen, because the flowers offer no nectar. The caterpillars of the butterfly Strymon melinus (Gray Hairstreak) reportedly eat the seed capsules, although it is not a preferred host plant. The caterpillars of the moth Nedra ramosula (Gray Half-Spot) feed on the foliage. Like other St. John's Worts, the foliage of this species contains a toxic chemical that causes photosensitive skin reactions, particularly in light-skinned animals, and can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, mammalian herbivores usually leave this plant alone if other food sources are available.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Crystal Lake Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This plant can be easily distinguished from similar St. John's Worts by the absence of black dots on the flower petals and undersides of the leaves. The flowers tends to be larger than Hypericum punctatum (Spotted St. John's Wort), but smaller than Hypericum kalmii (Kalm's St. John's Wort), and Hypericum pyramidatum (Great S. John' Wort). This is an attractive plant while in the early to middle stages of bloom, although later losses some of its appeal because of the persistance of older brown petals near the seed capsules.
Numerous clusters of yellow flowers occur at the ends of the upper stems. Each flower is about ½–¾" across, with 5 rounded petals, and numerous long stamens surrounding a stigma that is slender and flask-shaped. The flowers have a mild buttercup-like fragrance. The blooming period occurs from early to mid-summer and lasts about a month. The small seeds are distributed to some extent by the wind. The root system consists of a central taproot and short rhizomes. This plant tends to spread vegetatively in sunny open areas.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and average to dry conditions. Different kinds of soil are readily tolerated, including those with substantial amounts of loam, gravel, sand, or clay. However, poor soil is often preferred because of the reduced competition from taller plants.
Range & Habitat: Round-Fruited St. John's Wort is widely distributed in Illinois, but it occurs only occasionally (see Distribution Map). It is least common in SE Illinois. This is a native wildflower. Habitats include mesic to dry gravel prairies, sand prairies, hill prairies, rocky open woodlands, thickets, scrubby barrens, rocky bluffs overlooking major rivers, limestone glades, dry banks of lakes, and open areas along roadsides.
Faunal Associations: Bumblebees and other long-tongued bees are probably the most important pollinators of the flowers. Other visitors include Halictine bees, beetles, and Syrphid flies, but they are less effective at pollination. All of these insects collect or feed on the abundant pollen, because the flowers offer no nectar. The caterpillars of the butterfly Strymon melinus (Gray Hairstreak) reportedly eat the seed capsules, although it is not a preferred host plant. The caterpillars of the moth Nedra ramosula (Gray Half-Spot) feed on the foliage. Like other St. John's Worts, the foliage of this species contains a toxic chemical that causes photosensitive skin reactions, particularly in light-skinned animals, and can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, mammalian herbivores usually leave this plant alone if other food sources are available.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Crystal Lake Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This plant can be easily distinguished from similar St. John's Worts by the absence of black dots on the flower petals and undersides of the leaves. The flowers tends to be larger than Hypericum punctatum (Spotted St. John's Wort), but smaller than Hypericum kalmii (Kalm's St. John's Wort), and Hypericum pyramidatum (Great S. John' Wort). This is an attractive plant while in the early to middle stages of bloom, although later losses some of its appeal because of the persistance of older brown petals near the seed capsules.
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Miss Chen
2018年01月17日
Description: This perennial plant is up to 2½' tall, branching occasionally in the upper half. The hairless stems are red or green. The hairless opposite leaves are up to 2½" long and 1" across. They are oblong, oval, or bluntly lanceolate (with rounded tips), with a few pinnate or parallel veins and smooth margins. The leaves are often sessile or perfoliate, otherwise they have short petioles. Scattered translucent dots are observable on the underside of the leaves. Smaller leaves often appear in the upper axils of the larger leaves on major stems. Many of these stems terminate in tight clusters of yellow flowers. Each flower is a little less than ½" across, and has 5 petals. In the center, is a flask-shaped pistil that is surrounded by numerous yellow anthers on long styles. Numerous small dark dots can occur anywhere on the surface of the petals or the buds, often appearing in streaks. There is no floral scent. The blooming period occurs during mid-summer and lasts about a month. The seedpods split into 3 sections, exposing numerous tiny seeds, which are scattered by the wind when the stems sway back and forth. The root system consists of a branching taproot and short rhizomes. Vegetative colonies of this plant can develop from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and a rather lean soil, which reduces competition from taller plants. Rocky or gravelly soil is quite acceptable. Occasionally, the leaves turn brown in response to drought, otherwise this plant has few problems.
Range & Habitat: Spotted St. John's Wort occurs in every county of Illinois, where it is fairly common and native (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic black soil prairies, gravel prairies, open woodlands (rocky and otherwise), savannas, woodland borders, thickets, clay banks along rivers or lakes, and areas along roadsides and railroads.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract long-tongued and short-tongued bees, including bumblebees and Halictid bees. Beetles and Syrphid flies may also visit the flowers, but they are less effective pollinators. The reward of these insects is the abundant pollen, as the flowers produce no nectar. The caterpillars of the butterfly Strymon melinus (Gray Hairstreak) reportedly eat the seed capsules, while the caterpillars of the moth Nedra ramosula (Gray Half-Spot) feed on the foliage. Mammalian herbivores usually don't consume this plant because the leaves contain hypericin – a photosensitive toxin. Light-skinned animals are especially sensitive to this toxin, which can cause the skin to blister in sunlight. It can also cause gastrointestinal irritation.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Judge Webber Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The easiest way to distinguish Spotted St. John's Wort from other similar species involves an examination of the flower petals. Dark dots and streaks can appear anywhere on the upper surface of the yellow petals, whereas for other species of St. John's Wort such dots and streaks are confined near the margins of the petals, or they are completely absent. The common name of this plant refers to the feast day of St. John, which was celebrated in Medieval Europe at the time of the summer solstice (late June). This corresponded to the time when the European species Hypericum perforatum (Common St. John's Wort) typically blooms, and so the saint and wildflower became associated together.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and a rather lean soil, which reduces competition from taller plants. Rocky or gravelly soil is quite acceptable. Occasionally, the leaves turn brown in response to drought, otherwise this plant has few problems.
Range & Habitat: Spotted St. John's Wort occurs in every county of Illinois, where it is fairly common and native (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic black soil prairies, gravel prairies, open woodlands (rocky and otherwise), savannas, woodland borders, thickets, clay banks along rivers or lakes, and areas along roadsides and railroads.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract long-tongued and short-tongued bees, including bumblebees and Halictid bees. Beetles and Syrphid flies may also visit the flowers, but they are less effective pollinators. The reward of these insects is the abundant pollen, as the flowers produce no nectar. The caterpillars of the butterfly Strymon melinus (Gray Hairstreak) reportedly eat the seed capsules, while the caterpillars of the moth Nedra ramosula (Gray Half-Spot) feed on the foliage. Mammalian herbivores usually don't consume this plant because the leaves contain hypericin – a photosensitive toxin. Light-skinned animals are especially sensitive to this toxin, which can cause the skin to blister in sunlight. It can also cause gastrointestinal irritation.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Judge Webber Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The easiest way to distinguish Spotted St. John's Wort from other similar species involves an examination of the flower petals. Dark dots and streaks can appear anywhere on the upper surface of the yellow petals, whereas for other species of St. John's Wort such dots and streaks are confined near the margins of the petals, or they are completely absent. The common name of this plant refers to the feast day of St. John, which was celebrated in Medieval Europe at the time of the summer solstice (late June). This corresponded to the time when the European species Hypericum perforatum (Common St. John's Wort) typically blooms, and so the saint and wildflower became associated together.
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成长记
Avacha
2018年01月16日
Now Gamora’s living in my office. The poor creauture is wet after the antifungal treatment (though I suppose it’s OK as this plant typically likes humid environment, including moisture on its leaves). After the course of treatment I’m planning to relocate it on the windowsill, where the temperature is mostly lower, not speaking now about summer, and the sun can at least reach the plant.
The temperature’s 23C here, on my office table, and 19C on the windowsill. The humidity is (unfortunately) low everywhere in this room - 28% (here) - 31% (windowsill). #schlumbergera #antifungal #relocation #conditions
The temperature’s 23C here, on my office table, and 19C on the windowsill. The humidity is (unfortunately) low everywhere in this room - 28% (here) - 31% (windowsill). #schlumbergera #antifungal #relocation #conditions
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成长记
Avacha
2018年01月16日
Found outgrowths on some segments of the plant today. They look like black spots, surrounded by white circles. I suppose that’s some kind of fungus, though if so - then why some of the spots are convex?🤨 Anyhow, the plant has become smaller after the removal of the affected segments 😐 #fungus #disease #pruning
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