文章
Miss Chen
2018年05月11日
Description: This perennial wildflower is ¾–2' tall with erect to ascending stems. These stems are sometimes branched at the base, otherwise they are unbranched (except when axillary inflorescences are present). The stems are light green, 4-angled, and glabrous to sparsely hairy. At intervals along these stems, there are whorls of 4 leaves. The leaves are up to 2½" long and 1" across, lanceolate-ovate to ovate, medium green, sessile, and sparsely pubescent on both the lower and upper sides. Their margins are smooth and ciliate. Each leaf has 3 prominent parallel veins. Usually, the leaves toward the middle of each stem are largest. Each major stem terminates in a dichotomously forked inflorescence that produces only a few flowers; sometimes smaller inflorescences develop from the axils of the upper leaves. Like the stems, the branches of each inflorescence are 4-angled, light green, and glabrous to sparsely hairy. At each fork of the inflorescence, there are 0-4 small bracts that are linear or linear-lanceolate in shape.
The flowers occur individually along these branches and they are usually sessile (or nearly so). Each flower is about 1/8" (3 mm.) across, consisting of a corolla with 4 lobes, a double-ovoid ovary, 4 stamens, and a pair of styles. The corolla is usually greenish white or greenish yellow; less often, it is purple. The immature ovary is green, bristly, and 2-celled. The blooming period usually occurs during the early summer and lasts about a month. At maturity, each ovary becomes a dry fruit that is black or dark brown, globoid in shape, and covered with hooked bristles. One cell of this fruit produces a single nutlet, while the other cell becomes a small fleshy elaiosome (food appendage). The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. This wildflower spreads by reseeding itself or vegetatively through its rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight to medium shade, mesic to dry conditions, and a loamy or rocky soil with some decaying organic matter (e.g., fallen leaves). The foliage usually remains in good condition throughout the summer.
Range & Habitat: The native Wild Licorice is occasional to locally common throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to dry deciduous woodlands, bluffs, woodland borders, areas along woodland paths, thickets, and limestone glades.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are visited sparingly by small bees and miscellaneous flies; these insects usually seek nectar. The caterpillars of several moths feed on Galium spp. (Bedstraws), including Lobocleta ossularia (Drab Brown Wave), Pleuroprucha insulsaria (Common Tan Wave), Scopula limboundata (Large Lace Border), Epirrhoe alternata (White-banded Toothed Carpet), and Hyles gallii (Galium Sphinx). Bedstraws are summer hosts of Myzus cerasi (Black Cherry Aphid); another aphid, Aphis gossypii (Cotton Aphid), has been found on the leaves of Wild Licorice. Among vertebrate animals, the Eastern Box Turtle occasionally eats the foliage of bedstraws in woodlands; White-tailed Deer also eat the foliage of these plants to a limited extent. The hooked bristles of the fruits can cling to the fur of mammals and the clothing of humans; this distributes the seeds into new areas. Because each fruit contains an elaiosome that is attractive to ants, these insects also help to distribute the seeds.
Photographic Location: A deciduous woodland at Pine Hills Nature Preserve in west-central Indiana.
Comments: While the flowers are not very showy, the foliage is reasonably attractive. Wild Licorice has larger leaves than most Galium spp. (Bedstraws). In addition to this characteristic, it can be distinguished from other bedstraws by its whorls of 4 leaves, pubescent leaves, bristly fruit, and/or flowers that are sessile along the branches of each inflorescence. A very similar species, Galium lanceolatum (Lance-Leaved Wild Licorice), has hairless leaves that are more narrow toward their tips, and its flowers are usually purple. Both of these species prefer shaded habitats that are rather dry.
The flowers occur individually along these branches and they are usually sessile (or nearly so). Each flower is about 1/8" (3 mm.) across, consisting of a corolla with 4 lobes, a double-ovoid ovary, 4 stamens, and a pair of styles. The corolla is usually greenish white or greenish yellow; less often, it is purple. The immature ovary is green, bristly, and 2-celled. The blooming period usually occurs during the early summer and lasts about a month. At maturity, each ovary becomes a dry fruit that is black or dark brown, globoid in shape, and covered with hooked bristles. One cell of this fruit produces a single nutlet, while the other cell becomes a small fleshy elaiosome (food appendage). The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. This wildflower spreads by reseeding itself or vegetatively through its rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight to medium shade, mesic to dry conditions, and a loamy or rocky soil with some decaying organic matter (e.g., fallen leaves). The foliage usually remains in good condition throughout the summer.
Range & Habitat: The native Wild Licorice is occasional to locally common throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to dry deciduous woodlands, bluffs, woodland borders, areas along woodland paths, thickets, and limestone glades.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are visited sparingly by small bees and miscellaneous flies; these insects usually seek nectar. The caterpillars of several moths feed on Galium spp. (Bedstraws), including Lobocleta ossularia (Drab Brown Wave), Pleuroprucha insulsaria (Common Tan Wave), Scopula limboundata (Large Lace Border), Epirrhoe alternata (White-banded Toothed Carpet), and Hyles gallii (Galium Sphinx). Bedstraws are summer hosts of Myzus cerasi (Black Cherry Aphid); another aphid, Aphis gossypii (Cotton Aphid), has been found on the leaves of Wild Licorice. Among vertebrate animals, the Eastern Box Turtle occasionally eats the foliage of bedstraws in woodlands; White-tailed Deer also eat the foliage of these plants to a limited extent. The hooked bristles of the fruits can cling to the fur of mammals and the clothing of humans; this distributes the seeds into new areas. Because each fruit contains an elaiosome that is attractive to ants, these insects also help to distribute the seeds.
Photographic Location: A deciduous woodland at Pine Hills Nature Preserve in west-central Indiana.
Comments: While the flowers are not very showy, the foliage is reasonably attractive. Wild Licorice has larger leaves than most Galium spp. (Bedstraws). In addition to this characteristic, it can be distinguished from other bedstraws by its whorls of 4 leaves, pubescent leaves, bristly fruit, and/or flowers that are sessile along the branches of each inflorescence. A very similar species, Galium lanceolatum (Lance-Leaved Wild Licorice), has hairless leaves that are more narrow toward their tips, and its flowers are usually purple. Both of these species prefer shaded habitats that are rather dry.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月10日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is about 4-6" tall, consisting of 1-2 basal leaves and a flowering stalk with a single flower. Immature plants produce a single leaf and fail to flower, while mature plants that bloom produce a pair of leaves. The basal leaves are up to 6" long and 2" across. They are elliptic, lanceolate, or narrowly ovate, and smooth (entire) along their margins. The upper leaf surface is mottled pale green and brownish or grayish green, while the lower leaf surface is pale to medium green. Both leaf surfaces are glabrous; the upper leaf surface is often waxy. The leaves often curve upward slightly from the midvein to the margins. A naked flowering stalk develops between the basal leaves of mature plants. This stalk is light green to reddish brown and glabrous; it nods downward at its apex, where the flower occurs.
Each nodding flower is about 1½" long and across; it consists of 6 white tepals, 6 stamens with long yellow anthers, and a slender style with a stigma that has 3 lobes that spread outward. The tepals are linear-lanceolate and strongly recurved, while the stamens and style are exerted. The blooming period occurs during mid-spring and lasts about 2 weeks. Each fertilized flower is replaced by a 3-chambered seed capsule that is ovoid and about ¾" long. Each chamber of the seed capsule contains 2 rows of flattened seeds. The root system consists of a corm that is several inches below the surface of the ground; this corm produces fibrous roots at its base and occasionally sends out underground stolons that can form new plants a few inches away from the mother plant. White Trout Lily can produce large colonies of plants if it is left undisturbed for several decades.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the spring, moist to mesic conditions, and a rich loamy soil with decaying leaf mould. Situations involving more shade are tolerated later in the year. The foliage withers away during the summer. It takes several years for a new plant to fully develop and bloom. Corms can be transplanted successfully during the fall, while the establishment of new plants from seeds is difficult and slow.
Range & Habitat: The native White Trout Lily is a common plant that occurs in every county of Illinois, except for Jo Davies county in the extreme NW corner of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic deciduous woodlands and gentle slopes in wooded areas. An abundance of this plant indicates that a woodlands has never been subjected to the plow or bulldozed over. White Trout Lily is one of the spring wildflowers that is threatened by the spread of Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard) in wooded areas.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are primarily pollinated by both long-tongued and short-tongued bees, including honeybees, mason bees (Osmia spp.), cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), digger bees (Synhalonia belfragii), Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp.), plasterer bees (Colletes inaequalis), and Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.). The bees suck nectar from the flowers; honeybees and short-tongued bees also collect pollen. An oligolectic bee of Erythronium spp. (Trout Lilies) is Andrena erythronii. Less typical insects visiting the flowers for nectar include the Giant Bee Fly (Bombylius major), butterflies, and skippers. Trout Lilies (Erythronium spp.) are occasionally eaten by White-tailed Deer, but the damage is usually minor because of the low stature and ephemeral nature of the foliage.
Photographic Location: A deciduous woodlands at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: White Trout Lily usually blooms a little earlier than other spring wildflowers in woodlands; this blooming period is short, and immature plants that don't bloom always outnumber mature plants. Both the flowers and foliage are attractive (especially if the latter is mottled). The other Trout Lilies in Illinois are less common; they include Erythronium americanum (Yellow Trout Lily) and Erythronium mesochoreum (Prairie Trout Lily). Yellow Trout Lily has yellow flowers and the lobes of its stigmas are united, rather than spreading. Prairie Trout Lily resembles a White Trout Lily with unmottled foliage. However, it produces a larger seed capsule (about 1" long) that nods downward from its stalk, sometimes touching the ground. White Trout Lily has a smaller seed capsule (about ¾" long) that remains more or less erect on its stalk. The flowers of Prairie Trout Lily are light blue-violet more often than those of White Trout Lily, and its basal leaves tend to be less broad and more strongly folded upward along their midveins.
Each nodding flower is about 1½" long and across; it consists of 6 white tepals, 6 stamens with long yellow anthers, and a slender style with a stigma that has 3 lobes that spread outward. The tepals are linear-lanceolate and strongly recurved, while the stamens and style are exerted. The blooming period occurs during mid-spring and lasts about 2 weeks. Each fertilized flower is replaced by a 3-chambered seed capsule that is ovoid and about ¾" long. Each chamber of the seed capsule contains 2 rows of flattened seeds. The root system consists of a corm that is several inches below the surface of the ground; this corm produces fibrous roots at its base and occasionally sends out underground stolons that can form new plants a few inches away from the mother plant. White Trout Lily can produce large colonies of plants if it is left undisturbed for several decades.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the spring, moist to mesic conditions, and a rich loamy soil with decaying leaf mould. Situations involving more shade are tolerated later in the year. The foliage withers away during the summer. It takes several years for a new plant to fully develop and bloom. Corms can be transplanted successfully during the fall, while the establishment of new plants from seeds is difficult and slow.
Range & Habitat: The native White Trout Lily is a common plant that occurs in every county of Illinois, except for Jo Davies county in the extreme NW corner of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic deciduous woodlands and gentle slopes in wooded areas. An abundance of this plant indicates that a woodlands has never been subjected to the plow or bulldozed over. White Trout Lily is one of the spring wildflowers that is threatened by the spread of Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard) in wooded areas.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are primarily pollinated by both long-tongued and short-tongued bees, including honeybees, mason bees (Osmia spp.), cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), digger bees (Synhalonia belfragii), Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp.), plasterer bees (Colletes inaequalis), and Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.). The bees suck nectar from the flowers; honeybees and short-tongued bees also collect pollen. An oligolectic bee of Erythronium spp. (Trout Lilies) is Andrena erythronii. Less typical insects visiting the flowers for nectar include the Giant Bee Fly (Bombylius major), butterflies, and skippers. Trout Lilies (Erythronium spp.) are occasionally eaten by White-tailed Deer, but the damage is usually minor because of the low stature and ephemeral nature of the foliage.
Photographic Location: A deciduous woodlands at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: White Trout Lily usually blooms a little earlier than other spring wildflowers in woodlands; this blooming period is short, and immature plants that don't bloom always outnumber mature plants. Both the flowers and foliage are attractive (especially if the latter is mottled). The other Trout Lilies in Illinois are less common; they include Erythronium americanum (Yellow Trout Lily) and Erythronium mesochoreum (Prairie Trout Lily). Yellow Trout Lily has yellow flowers and the lobes of its stigmas are united, rather than spreading. Prairie Trout Lily resembles a White Trout Lily with unmottled foliage. However, it produces a larger seed capsule (about 1" long) that nods downward from its stalk, sometimes touching the ground. White Trout Lily has a smaller seed capsule (about ¾" long) that remains more or less erect on its stalk. The flowers of Prairie Trout Lily are light blue-violet more often than those of White Trout Lily, and its basal leaves tend to be less broad and more strongly folded upward along their midveins.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月10日
Description: This herbaceous parasitic plant is 4-18" tall. Small plants are often unbranched, but large plants are paniculately branched with stiff ascending stems. These stems are initially cream, tan, or purple-striped, but they turn brown with age. The surface of each stem is mostly glabrous, but sometimes it is slightly pubescent. The leaves are reduced to insignificant scales; they are located underneath some of the flowers. Along the length of the stems are alternate flowers; the lower stems have cleistogamous (self-fertile) flowers, while the upper stems have perfect flowers that are usually sterile. The cleistogamous flowers are small and bud-like in shape, while the perfect flowers have tubular corollas with short calyces.
The corolla of a perfect flower is about 1/3" (8 mm.) in length, cream- and purple-colored, with 4 short lobes along its outer rim. Each calyx is cream-colored with 5 purple-striped teeth; it is much shorter than the corolla of a perfect flower. Each perfect flower has a single style and four stamens; the latter are hidden within the corolla. The blooming period occurs from late summer into the fall. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each fertile flower is replaced by a small ovoid seed capsule about ¼" (6 mm.) long; it contains numerous tiny seeds that can be blown about by the wind. The root system is fibrous. Sometimes large colonies of this plant can be found.
Cultivation: This parasitic plant contains no chlorophyll and obtains its nutrients from the roots of Fagus grandifolia (American Beech). Without the presence of this tree, Beechdrops cannot survive.
Range & Habitat: The native Beechdrops is uncommon in Illinois; it is found in a few counties of the southern and SE regions of the state (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies at the western range limit of both Beechdrops and the American Beech; both species are more common further to the east. Habitats include mesic woodlands and rocky wooded slopes where American Beech and Sugar Maple trees are usually codominant.
Faunal Associations: Very little information is available about floral-faunal relationships for this species. The perfect flowers may be visited occasionally by long-tongued bees. The ecological value of Beechdrops to animals appears to be low.
Photographic Location: A rocky wooded slope in west central Indiana where American Beech was present.
Comments: From a distance, this plant looks like it is dead, even when it is in bloom, resembling an elongated skeletal hand that has poked up from the ground. When examined up-close, however, it is an interesting plant with beautiful cream and purple-striped flowers and similarly colored stems. Beechdrops is a member of a small group of parasitic plants in the Broomrape family (Orobanchaceae). None of these species are very common in Illinois, and they should be protected in the areas where they occur. Other species in this family tend to be more stout and less branched than Beechdrops; they also produce larger flowers with similar tubular corollas (exceeding ½" in length). These species don't compete directly with Beechdrops because they are parasitic on the roots of plants other than American Beech; typical hosts are oak trees and various members of the Aster family.
The corolla of a perfect flower is about 1/3" (8 mm.) in length, cream- and purple-colored, with 4 short lobes along its outer rim. Each calyx is cream-colored with 5 purple-striped teeth; it is much shorter than the corolla of a perfect flower. Each perfect flower has a single style and four stamens; the latter are hidden within the corolla. The blooming period occurs from late summer into the fall. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each fertile flower is replaced by a small ovoid seed capsule about ¼" (6 mm.) long; it contains numerous tiny seeds that can be blown about by the wind. The root system is fibrous. Sometimes large colonies of this plant can be found.
Cultivation: This parasitic plant contains no chlorophyll and obtains its nutrients from the roots of Fagus grandifolia (American Beech). Without the presence of this tree, Beechdrops cannot survive.
Range & Habitat: The native Beechdrops is uncommon in Illinois; it is found in a few counties of the southern and SE regions of the state (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies at the western range limit of both Beechdrops and the American Beech; both species are more common further to the east. Habitats include mesic woodlands and rocky wooded slopes where American Beech and Sugar Maple trees are usually codominant.
Faunal Associations: Very little information is available about floral-faunal relationships for this species. The perfect flowers may be visited occasionally by long-tongued bees. The ecological value of Beechdrops to animals appears to be low.
Photographic Location: A rocky wooded slope in west central Indiana where American Beech was present.
Comments: From a distance, this plant looks like it is dead, even when it is in bloom, resembling an elongated skeletal hand that has poked up from the ground. When examined up-close, however, it is an interesting plant with beautiful cream and purple-striped flowers and similarly colored stems. Beechdrops is a member of a small group of parasitic plants in the Broomrape family (Orobanchaceae). None of these species are very common in Illinois, and they should be protected in the areas where they occur. Other species in this family tend to be more stout and less branched than Beechdrops; they also produce larger flowers with similar tubular corollas (exceeding ½" in length). These species don't compete directly with Beechdrops because they are parasitic on the roots of plants other than American Beech; typical hosts are oak trees and various members of the Aster family.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月10日
Description: This wildflower is a spring annual about 4-16" tall; it branches occasionally and is more or less erect. The stems are rather thick and succulent, pale green to pale purple, and glaucous; they have widely scattered to dense tufts of long white hairs. The lower leaves are opposite, while the upper leaves are alternate; they are widely spreading. Each leaf is up to 4" long and 1" across; it is simple pinnate or pinnate-pinnatifid in structure and oblong-ovate in outline. There are 7-13 narrow leaflets (or narrow lobes) on each leaf; they can be opposite or alternate. Each leaflet has 3-5 large teeth or cleft lobes. The upper surface of each leaf is medium to dark green and hairy. At the base of each leaf, there is a stout petiole that is flattened on top and somewhat hairy.
Individual flowers up to ¼" across are produced from the axils of the upper leaves; their pedicels are short, slender, and hairy. Each flower has a white or pale blue corolla with 5 petal-like lobes and a hairy green calyx with 5 large teeth. There may be fine purple lines within the interior of the corolla and tiny specks of purple on the petal-like lobes. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer and lasts about 1½ months. The flowers open up during the day; only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. The corollas soon fall off, while the teeth of the calyxes become enlarged, spreading outward from their seed capsules. Each seed capsule is globoid, slightly bifid, and hairy; it contains 4 seeds. The seeds are brown, ovoid, and finely pitted. The root system consists of a taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to light shade, moist to mesic conditions, and a fertile loamy soil with abundant organic matter. Most vegetative growth occurs during the spring; the foliage turns yellow and withers away during the summer.
Range & Habitat: The native Aunt Lucy is occasional to locally common in most areas of Illinois, except the SE section of the state, where it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include deciduous woodlands, gardens and nurseries, partially shaded areas along buildings, and waste places. This wildflower prefers locations where the ground vegetation is scant as a result of overhead shade or a recent disturbance.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts various kinds of bees, including mason bees (Osmia spp.), little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), Halictid bees, and Andrenid bees. Bee flies (Bombyliidae) are also attracted to the nectar of the flowers, while Syrphid flies feed mostly on the pollen. According to Ada Georgia in A Manual of Weeds (1913), the bruised foliage of Aunt Lucy has a rank disagreeable odor, therefore it is avoided by livestock and probably other mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: The webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois, where this wildflower developed spontaneously.
Comments: Aunt Lucy is an oddball member of the Waterleaf family. It is not very showy and often omitted from many wildflower guides. Aunt Lucy occurs in two quite different habitats: deciduous woodlands and disturbed areas where the ground is bare or lightly mulched. In the former habitat, it is one of our native spring wildflowers, while in the latter habitat it is a minor weed of nurseries and bare open ground in cities. The leaves of Aunt Lucy are fairly distinctive and help to distinguish it from many other kinds of plants. It resembles to some extent Floerkia proserpinacoides (False Mermaid), except the latter species has greenish flowers with only 3 petals and 3 sepals, and its leaflets (or lobes) are more narrow and smooth.
Individual flowers up to ¼" across are produced from the axils of the upper leaves; their pedicels are short, slender, and hairy. Each flower has a white or pale blue corolla with 5 petal-like lobes and a hairy green calyx with 5 large teeth. There may be fine purple lines within the interior of the corolla and tiny specks of purple on the petal-like lobes. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer and lasts about 1½ months. The flowers open up during the day; only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. The corollas soon fall off, while the teeth of the calyxes become enlarged, spreading outward from their seed capsules. Each seed capsule is globoid, slightly bifid, and hairy; it contains 4 seeds. The seeds are brown, ovoid, and finely pitted. The root system consists of a taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to light shade, moist to mesic conditions, and a fertile loamy soil with abundant organic matter. Most vegetative growth occurs during the spring; the foliage turns yellow and withers away during the summer.
Range & Habitat: The native Aunt Lucy is occasional to locally common in most areas of Illinois, except the SE section of the state, where it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include deciduous woodlands, gardens and nurseries, partially shaded areas along buildings, and waste places. This wildflower prefers locations where the ground vegetation is scant as a result of overhead shade or a recent disturbance.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts various kinds of bees, including mason bees (Osmia spp.), little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), Halictid bees, and Andrenid bees. Bee flies (Bombyliidae) are also attracted to the nectar of the flowers, while Syrphid flies feed mostly on the pollen. According to Ada Georgia in A Manual of Weeds (1913), the bruised foliage of Aunt Lucy has a rank disagreeable odor, therefore it is avoided by livestock and probably other mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: The webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois, where this wildflower developed spontaneously.
Comments: Aunt Lucy is an oddball member of the Waterleaf family. It is not very showy and often omitted from many wildflower guides. Aunt Lucy occurs in two quite different habitats: deciduous woodlands and disturbed areas where the ground is bare or lightly mulched. In the former habitat, it is one of our native spring wildflowers, while in the latter habitat it is a minor weed of nurseries and bare open ground in cities. The leaves of Aunt Lucy are fairly distinctive and help to distinguish it from many other kinds of plants. It resembles to some extent Floerkia proserpinacoides (False Mermaid), except the latter species has greenish flowers with only 3 petals and 3 sepals, and its leaflets (or lobes) are more narrow and smooth.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月09日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is about 4-8" tall. It consists of a rosette of basal leaves spanning about 6" across. These basal leaves are greyish green to green and glabrous. Each of these leaves is ternately compound and divided into 3 primary leaflets, while each primary leaflet is divided into 3 secondary leaflets. These secondary leaflets are pinnately cleft into linear or oblanceolate lobes. The long petioles of the compound leaves are slender and glabrous; they are pale red, tan, or brown. From the center of the rosette, there develops a semi-erect raceme of 2-6 pairs of white flowers on a long peduncle (flowering stalk). This raceme tends to bend to one side, while the flowers droop upside-down from their pedicels. Both the peduncle and pedicels are pale red or yellowish brown, terete, glabrous, and sometimes glaucous. The pedicels are about ¼" in length; in the middle of each pedicel, there is a pair of tiny linear bracts.
Each flower is about ¾" long and assumes the form of an upside-down Dutchman's Breeches, hence the common name of the plant. It consists of 2 outer petals that are white and 2 inner petals that are pale yellow. The two outer petals form two nectar spurs that are long and spreading; they are joined together at the base. The two inner petals are much smaller and form the base of the flower; they have small wings that curl upward. The 2 sepals of each flower are white and more or less ovate in shape; they are much shorter than the petals. The blooming period occurs from early to mid-spring and lasts about 2-3 weeks. There is no noticeable floral scent. The flowers are replaced by oblongoid-ovoid seed capsules that taper into points at both ends. These capsules eventually split apart into 2 segments to release their seeds. The root system consists of a bulbous base with fleshy scales and secondary roots.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight of woodlands, mesic conditions, and a fertile loamy soil with abundant organic matter. This plant develops early and can resist moderate frost without damage.
Range & Habitat: Dutchman's Breeches is a common plant that occurs in nearly every county of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include deciduous mesic woodlands, especially along gentle slopes, ravines, or ledges along streams. This species occurs in original woodland that has never been plowed under or bulldozed over. It's abundance in such woodlands can be highly variable – from uncommon to common.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts long-tongued bees primarily, including honeybees, bumblebees, mason bees (Osmia spp.), and Anthophorid bees (Anthophora ursina, Synhalonia spp., Habropoda laboriosus). Less common visitors include short-tongued Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.), Bombylius major (Giant Bee Fly), various butterflies, and skippers. The butterflies and skippers are not effective cross-pollinators of the flowers. Because the seeds have elaisomes (fleshy or oily appendages), they are distributed by ants. Ants carry the seeds to their nests, eat the elaisomes, and discard the seeds some distance from the mother plant. The foliage is toxic to mammalian herbivores and it is not often eaten by them.
Photographic Location: A mesic area of Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois, and an upland woodlands in McLean County, Illinois.
Comments: This is a delightful spring wildflower of woodlands – both the flowers and foliage are attractive. Dutchman's Breeches is one of the earlier woodland wildflowers to bloom. The only other species with a similar appearance is Dicentra canadensis (Squirrel Corn). Squirrel Corn also occurs in mesic deciduous woodlands and blooms only a little later than Dutchman's Breeches. The nectar spurs of Squirrel Corn are shorter and more rounded than those of Dutchman's Breeches, and its white flowers are fragrant. It also has a root system that produces small edible tubers. Within the Fumitory family, Dicentra spp. differ from Corydalis spp. by the structure of their flowers – the former have flowers with 2 nectar spurs, while the latter have flowers with a single nectar spur.
Each flower is about ¾" long and assumes the form of an upside-down Dutchman's Breeches, hence the common name of the plant. It consists of 2 outer petals that are white and 2 inner petals that are pale yellow. The two outer petals form two nectar spurs that are long and spreading; they are joined together at the base. The two inner petals are much smaller and form the base of the flower; they have small wings that curl upward. The 2 sepals of each flower are white and more or less ovate in shape; they are much shorter than the petals. The blooming period occurs from early to mid-spring and lasts about 2-3 weeks. There is no noticeable floral scent. The flowers are replaced by oblongoid-ovoid seed capsules that taper into points at both ends. These capsules eventually split apart into 2 segments to release their seeds. The root system consists of a bulbous base with fleshy scales and secondary roots.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight of woodlands, mesic conditions, and a fertile loamy soil with abundant organic matter. This plant develops early and can resist moderate frost without damage.
Range & Habitat: Dutchman's Breeches is a common plant that occurs in nearly every county of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include deciduous mesic woodlands, especially along gentle slopes, ravines, or ledges along streams. This species occurs in original woodland that has never been plowed under or bulldozed over. It's abundance in such woodlands can be highly variable – from uncommon to common.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts long-tongued bees primarily, including honeybees, bumblebees, mason bees (Osmia spp.), and Anthophorid bees (Anthophora ursina, Synhalonia spp., Habropoda laboriosus). Less common visitors include short-tongued Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.), Bombylius major (Giant Bee Fly), various butterflies, and skippers. The butterflies and skippers are not effective cross-pollinators of the flowers. Because the seeds have elaisomes (fleshy or oily appendages), they are distributed by ants. Ants carry the seeds to their nests, eat the elaisomes, and discard the seeds some distance from the mother plant. The foliage is toxic to mammalian herbivores and it is not often eaten by them.
Photographic Location: A mesic area of Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois, and an upland woodlands in McLean County, Illinois.
Comments: This is a delightful spring wildflower of woodlands – both the flowers and foliage are attractive. Dutchman's Breeches is one of the earlier woodland wildflowers to bloom. The only other species with a similar appearance is Dicentra canadensis (Squirrel Corn). Squirrel Corn also occurs in mesic deciduous woodlands and blooms only a little later than Dutchman's Breeches. The nectar spurs of Squirrel Corn are shorter and more rounded than those of Dutchman's Breeches, and its white flowers are fragrant. It also has a root system that produces small edible tubers. Within the Fumitory family, Dicentra spp. differ from Corydalis spp. by the structure of their flowers – the former have flowers with 2 nectar spurs, while the latter have flowers with a single nectar spur.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月09日
Description: This perennial wildflower consists of a short leafy stem (4-12" tall) and a flowering stalk (1½-3' long) that are separated from each other at the base. The leafy stem is erect, light green to reddish green, and short-pubescent; it has 1-2 pseudo-whorls of 3 compound leaves at its apex. The compound leaves are trifoliate with slender petioles about 2-3" long. Individual leaflets are 2-3½" long and 1½-2½" across; they are lanceolate-ovate to oval in shape and their margins are smooth. The upper surface of the leaflets is medium green and short-pubescent to glabrous, while their lower surface is pale green and glabrous. The terminal leaflet of each trifoliate leaf has a slender petiolule (basal stalklet) up to ¾" long, while the lateral leaflets have slender petiolules less than 1/8" long. The erect to ascending flowering stalk is light green to reddish green and short-pubescent; it is usually leafless, although a less common variety of Naked-Flowered Tick Trefoil has 1-2 trifoliate leaves. The upper part of the flowering stalk consists of a raceme or narrow panicle of flowers up to 1' long. The flowers are arranged along the stalk in widely spaced pseudo-whorls. The pedicels of the flowers and lateral branches (if any) are about ½-¾" long.
Individual flowers consist of 5 whitish pink or pale lavender petals, a short tubular calyx with blunt teeth that is greenish red to white, several stamens with white filaments, and a pistil with a single style. The corolla of each flower has a typical pea-like structure consisting of an erect banner, a straight horizontal keel, and a pair of spreading wings. The calyx is short-pubescent and its bottom tooth is larger in size than the others. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late summer for about 1 month. On each plant, only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time and they are not noticeably fragrant. The flowers are replaced by flattened seedpods called 'loments.' The loments usually have 2-3 one-seeded segments (less often, 1 or 4 segments); the upper side of each segment is straight or slightly concave, while the lower side is convex or rhombic. The lateral sides of each loment are covered with short hooked hairs; each loment has a long stipe (about ½" long) at its base and a shorter beak (less than ¼" long) at its tip. Each segment of the loment is about 8 mm. (1/3") long. The root system consists of a short broad taproot or caudex. This wildflower reproduces by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is light to medium shade, mesic conditions, and a slightly to moderately acidic soil containing sand, rocky material, or loam with decaying organic matter. The root system of this wildflower fixes nitrogen into the soil via symbiotic bacteria.
Range & Habitat: Naked-Flowered Tick Trefoil is occasional in central and southern Illinois, while in the northern section of the state it is uncommon (see Distribution Map); it is native. Habitats consist of mesic beech-maple woodlands, sandy oak woodlands, and rocky woodlands where sandstone is present. This wildflower occurs in higher quality woodlands where the native ground flora is intact.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by bumblebees, other long-tongued bees, and Halictid bees; these visitors collect pollen. Nectar is not available as a floral reward. Other insects feed on the foliage and other parts of Desmodium spp. (Tick Trefoils). These species include the caterpillars of several skippers, butterflies, and moths; the leaf-mining larvae of the Buprestid beetles Pachyschelus confusus and Pachyschelus laevigatus; the larvae of the seed weevil Apion decoloratum; the thrips Echinothrips americanus and Neohydatothrips desmodianus; and the aphid Microparsus variabilis. There are also several leaf beetles that feed on the foliage of tick trefoils: Anomoea laticlavia, Bassareus lituratus, Cerotoma trifurcata, Colaspis brunnea, Cryptocephalus insertus, Odontata dorsalis, Pachybrachis nigricornis, Pachybrachis othonus, Phyllecthris dorsalis, and Saxinis omogera. Some vertebrate animals also use these plants as a food source. The seeds are eaten by the Wild Turkey and Bobwhite, while the foliage is palatable to deer, rabbits, horses, cattle, and other mammalian herbivores. Because of the height of the flowering stalk (up to 3') and the habitat (woodlands), White-tailed Deer are probably the primary transporters of the seeds of Naked-Flowered Tick Trefoil as the loments (seedpods) can cling to fur.
Photographic Location: A sandy woodland at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in NW Indiana.
Comments: Naked-Flowered Tick Trefoil is usually easy to identify because, unlike other Desmodium spp. (Tick Trefoils), it produces its leaves and flowers on separate stalks (except for an uncommon variety). While other species in this genus produce leaves that are clearly alternate, Naked-Flowered Tick Trefoil produces its leaves in pseudo-whorls. This species also has loments (a type of seedpod) with straight or slightly concave upper sides above their segments. In contrast, most species of tick trefoil have loments with convex upper sides above their segments. Naked-Flowered Tick Trefoil also prefers shady woodlands, while other species of tick trefoil usually prefer partially shaded savannas or sunny prairies.
Individual flowers consist of 5 whitish pink or pale lavender petals, a short tubular calyx with blunt teeth that is greenish red to white, several stamens with white filaments, and a pistil with a single style. The corolla of each flower has a typical pea-like structure consisting of an erect banner, a straight horizontal keel, and a pair of spreading wings. The calyx is short-pubescent and its bottom tooth is larger in size than the others. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late summer for about 1 month. On each plant, only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time and they are not noticeably fragrant. The flowers are replaced by flattened seedpods called 'loments.' The loments usually have 2-3 one-seeded segments (less often, 1 or 4 segments); the upper side of each segment is straight or slightly concave, while the lower side is convex or rhombic. The lateral sides of each loment are covered with short hooked hairs; each loment has a long stipe (about ½" long) at its base and a shorter beak (less than ¼" long) at its tip. Each segment of the loment is about 8 mm. (1/3") long. The root system consists of a short broad taproot or caudex. This wildflower reproduces by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is light to medium shade, mesic conditions, and a slightly to moderately acidic soil containing sand, rocky material, or loam with decaying organic matter. The root system of this wildflower fixes nitrogen into the soil via symbiotic bacteria.
Range & Habitat: Naked-Flowered Tick Trefoil is occasional in central and southern Illinois, while in the northern section of the state it is uncommon (see Distribution Map); it is native. Habitats consist of mesic beech-maple woodlands, sandy oak woodlands, and rocky woodlands where sandstone is present. This wildflower occurs in higher quality woodlands where the native ground flora is intact.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by bumblebees, other long-tongued bees, and Halictid bees; these visitors collect pollen. Nectar is not available as a floral reward. Other insects feed on the foliage and other parts of Desmodium spp. (Tick Trefoils). These species include the caterpillars of several skippers, butterflies, and moths; the leaf-mining larvae of the Buprestid beetles Pachyschelus confusus and Pachyschelus laevigatus; the larvae of the seed weevil Apion decoloratum; the thrips Echinothrips americanus and Neohydatothrips desmodianus; and the aphid Microparsus variabilis. There are also several leaf beetles that feed on the foliage of tick trefoils: Anomoea laticlavia, Bassareus lituratus, Cerotoma trifurcata, Colaspis brunnea, Cryptocephalus insertus, Odontata dorsalis, Pachybrachis nigricornis, Pachybrachis othonus, Phyllecthris dorsalis, and Saxinis omogera. Some vertebrate animals also use these plants as a food source. The seeds are eaten by the Wild Turkey and Bobwhite, while the foliage is palatable to deer, rabbits, horses, cattle, and other mammalian herbivores. Because of the height of the flowering stalk (up to 3') and the habitat (woodlands), White-tailed Deer are probably the primary transporters of the seeds of Naked-Flowered Tick Trefoil as the loments (seedpods) can cling to fur.
Photographic Location: A sandy woodland at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in NW Indiana.
Comments: Naked-Flowered Tick Trefoil is usually easy to identify because, unlike other Desmodium spp. (Tick Trefoils), it produces its leaves and flowers on separate stalks (except for an uncommon variety). While other species in this genus produce leaves that are clearly alternate, Naked-Flowered Tick Trefoil produces its leaves in pseudo-whorls. This species also has loments (a type of seedpod) with straight or slightly concave upper sides above their segments. In contrast, most species of tick trefoil have loments with convex upper sides above their segments. Naked-Flowered Tick Trefoil also prefers shady woodlands, while other species of tick trefoil usually prefer partially shaded savannas or sunny prairies.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月08日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is about ½–1½' tall. It consists of a loose cluster of basal leaves on long petioles and a flowering stalk with a few alternate leaves. The basal leaves are up to 4" long and across; they are palmately cleft into about 5 deep lobes, which are in turn divided into 2-3 shallow secondary lobes. These leaves are usually sparsely pubescent and they may have a few dentate teeth along the margins. Their petioles are pubescent or hairy and rather stout. The alternate leaves are clustered near the base of the flowering stalk and they are few in number; their appearance is similar to the basal leaves. Both the basal and alternate leaves are pale greyish green to green. The flowering stalk is more or less erect, terete, stout, and rather fleshy. This stalk is whitish green or whitish red and it is usually covered with fine white hairs; less often, it is glabrous. A raceme of flowers about 3-8" long occurs at the apex of this stalk; each raceme has 6-24 flowers.
Each flower is about ¾–1" across, consisting of 5 petal-like sepals, 4 petals, 3 inner pistils, and stamens. The sepals spread outward from the center of the flower and they are usually some shade of purple or blue-violet; far less often, they are white. The upper sepal forms a long nectar spur behind the rest of the flower; this spur angles upward and it is fairly straight. A few cobwebby hairs may occur along the nectar spur and the posterior surface of the sepals. The upper two petals are quite small and usually white toward the base; they extend backward into the nectar spur. The lower two petals are quite hairy and usually purple or blue-violet like the sepals. These small petals surround the whitish opening that leads to the nectar spur. The pedicels are up to ¾" long and they are usually pubescent. The blooming period occurs during the late spring, lasting about 3 weeks. Each fertile flower is replaced by three spreading follicles (a seed capsule that splits open along one side). Each follicle is oblongoid and angular, terminating in a short beak; it contains several chunky seeds. The root system is tuberous and can form clonal offsets.
Cultivation: The preference is light dappled shade or partial sun, mesic to slightly dry conditions, and soil containing loam, clay-loam, or rocky material. Vegetative growth and flowering proceed quickly during the spring. This wildflower can be cultivated successfully in gardens.
Range & Habitat: The native Dwarf Larkspur occurs occasionally in the southern half of Illinois, while in the upper half of the state it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the upper range limit of this species. Habitats include mesic woodlands, moist ravines and thinly wooded slopes (often rocky), thinly wooded bluffs, and partially shaded cliffs along river banks. This species displays a preference for hilly deciduous woodlands.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by long-tongued bees primarily, including bumblebees, Anthophorid bees (Anthophora spp., Ptilothrix bombiformis, Synhalonia speciosa), and miner bees (Osmia spp.). These insects suck nectar and sometimes collect pollen. Other floral visitors include the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, Giant Bee Fly (Bombylius major), swallowtail butterflies (Papilio spp.), other butterflies, skippers, and Sphinx moths. However, the bee fly, butterflies, skippers, and moths are probably less effective pollinators. Insect that feed destructively on Spring Larkspur and other larkspurs (Delphinium spp.) include the aphid Brachycaudus rociadae (found on stems & leaves), flower-eating caterpillars of the moth Heliothis phloxiphagus (Dark-spotted Straw), and maggots of a leaf-miner fly, Phytomyza aconiti. The foliage of Dwarf Larkspur is toxic to most mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: A wildflower garden at Crystal Lake Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The attractive flowers have the shape of the little starmen in children's cartoons. Dwarf Larkspur is shorter and blooms earlier than other Delphinium spp. – this is an adaptation to its woodland habitat. It is distinctive in having 3 widely spreading follicles per flower, while many other Delphinium spp. have follicles that are more or less united at the base. There is some variation in color of the flowers, appearance of the leaves, and hairiness of the stalks and leaves across different populations of Dwarf Larkspur. The only other species in this genus that is native to Illinois, Delphinium carolinianum (Tall Larkspur), consists of an eastern subspecies with pale blue to blue-violet flowers and a western subspecies with pale blue or white flowers (the latter subspecies is often called Prairie Larkspur). Compared to Dwarf Larkspur, Tall Larkspur has more finely divided leaves. Various larkspurs (Delphinium spp.) are often cultivated in flower gardens, but they are usually native to areas that lie west of Illinois, or they are annual species (Consolida spp.) from the Mediterranean area of Europe.
Each flower is about ¾–1" across, consisting of 5 petal-like sepals, 4 petals, 3 inner pistils, and stamens. The sepals spread outward from the center of the flower and they are usually some shade of purple or blue-violet; far less often, they are white. The upper sepal forms a long nectar spur behind the rest of the flower; this spur angles upward and it is fairly straight. A few cobwebby hairs may occur along the nectar spur and the posterior surface of the sepals. The upper two petals are quite small and usually white toward the base; they extend backward into the nectar spur. The lower two petals are quite hairy and usually purple or blue-violet like the sepals. These small petals surround the whitish opening that leads to the nectar spur. The pedicels are up to ¾" long and they are usually pubescent. The blooming period occurs during the late spring, lasting about 3 weeks. Each fertile flower is replaced by three spreading follicles (a seed capsule that splits open along one side). Each follicle is oblongoid and angular, terminating in a short beak; it contains several chunky seeds. The root system is tuberous and can form clonal offsets.
Cultivation: The preference is light dappled shade or partial sun, mesic to slightly dry conditions, and soil containing loam, clay-loam, or rocky material. Vegetative growth and flowering proceed quickly during the spring. This wildflower can be cultivated successfully in gardens.
Range & Habitat: The native Dwarf Larkspur occurs occasionally in the southern half of Illinois, while in the upper half of the state it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the upper range limit of this species. Habitats include mesic woodlands, moist ravines and thinly wooded slopes (often rocky), thinly wooded bluffs, and partially shaded cliffs along river banks. This species displays a preference for hilly deciduous woodlands.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by long-tongued bees primarily, including bumblebees, Anthophorid bees (Anthophora spp., Ptilothrix bombiformis, Synhalonia speciosa), and miner bees (Osmia spp.). These insects suck nectar and sometimes collect pollen. Other floral visitors include the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, Giant Bee Fly (Bombylius major), swallowtail butterflies (Papilio spp.), other butterflies, skippers, and Sphinx moths. However, the bee fly, butterflies, skippers, and moths are probably less effective pollinators. Insect that feed destructively on Spring Larkspur and other larkspurs (Delphinium spp.) include the aphid Brachycaudus rociadae (found on stems & leaves), flower-eating caterpillars of the moth Heliothis phloxiphagus (Dark-spotted Straw), and maggots of a leaf-miner fly, Phytomyza aconiti. The foliage of Dwarf Larkspur is toxic to most mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: A wildflower garden at Crystal Lake Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The attractive flowers have the shape of the little starmen in children's cartoons. Dwarf Larkspur is shorter and blooms earlier than other Delphinium spp. – this is an adaptation to its woodland habitat. It is distinctive in having 3 widely spreading follicles per flower, while many other Delphinium spp. have follicles that are more or less united at the base. There is some variation in color of the flowers, appearance of the leaves, and hairiness of the stalks and leaves across different populations of Dwarf Larkspur. The only other species in this genus that is native to Illinois, Delphinium carolinianum (Tall Larkspur), consists of an eastern subspecies with pale blue to blue-violet flowers and a western subspecies with pale blue or white flowers (the latter subspecies is often called Prairie Larkspur). Compared to Dwarf Larkspur, Tall Larkspur has more finely divided leaves. Various larkspurs (Delphinium spp.) are often cultivated in flower gardens, but they are usually native to areas that lie west of Illinois, or they are annual species (Consolida spp.) from the Mediterranean area of Europe.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月08日
Description: This perennial orchid is 1–2½' tall and usually unbranched. The central stem is round in circumference, rather stout, and densely covered with hair. Three or more leaves alternate along this stem. These leaves are up to 6" long and 4" across; they are oval-ovate to ovate, smooth along their margins, and pubescent. Parallel veins are readily observable along the upper surface of each leaf. The base of each leaf clasps the stem. The color of the foliage can vary from dark green to yellowish green, depending on growing conditions and the maturity of the plant. The central stem terminates in 1 or 2 flowers. Each flower is held above the foliage on a long stalk that has a single leafy bract behind the flower. This bract resembles the leaves, but it is smaller in size and lanceolate in shape. Like other orchids, each flower has 3 petals and 3 sepals. However, because two of these sepals are fused together, there appears to be only 2 sepals.
The lower petal is in the shape of a slipper or a pouch with an opening on top; it is bright yellow, shiny, and 1½–2" in length. Within the interior of this petal, there are frequently reddish brown dots. The 2 lateral petals are very narrow, more or less twisted, and 2–3½" in length. These 2 petals vary in color from greenish yellow to brownish purple and they have fine veins running from their bases to their tips. The sepals form an upper hood and a lower hood. They are broader and shorter than the lateral petals, otherwise their appearance is similar. Both the lateral petals and sepals are more or less pubescent. The reproductive organs are located toward the posterior of the slipper-like lower petal. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer and lasts about 3 weeks. There is usually no noticeable floral scent. If a flower is successfully pollinated by insects (often this doesn't occur), it will form a seedpod. When this seedpod splits open, the fine seeds are easily carried aloft by the wind. The root system consists of a tuft of fleshy fibrous roots. When several plants occur together, they are often clonal offsets of the mother plant.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to light shade, moist to slightly dry conditions, and a soil that consists of loam or sandy loam. Young plants require the presence of appropriate endomycorrhizal fungi in the soil in order to flourish. Starting plants from seed is the job of an expert, although it is possible to successfully transplant large plants that have been grown in a greenhouse. This is one of the easier orchids to maintain in a flower garden.
Range & Habitat: The native Yellow Lady's Slipper is an uncommon plant that is widely scattered across Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is less common than formerly, but still persists in colonies of variable size at several sites. Habitats include moist to dry deciduous woodlands, sandy woodlands and savannas, thinly wooded bluffs along rivers, wooded slopes, and forested bogs. The size of local populations can increase in response to fallen trees from windstorms, or occasional wildfires, as this reduces excessive shade from woody vegetation. Some authorities regard this orchid as a native variety of Cypripedium calceolus, which occurs in Eurasia. Under this system of classification, its scientific name is Cypripedium calceolus pubescens.
Faunal Associations: The showy flowers attract mostly small bees and various flies. In North America, Robertson (1929) and Stoutamire (1967) observed honeybees, little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), mason bees (Osmia spp.), Halictid bees (Agapostemon sp., Lasioglossum spp.), and Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.) visiting the flowers. Some of these bees were regarded as effective at cross-pollination of the flowers, while other bees became trapped in the flowers and died. Miscellaneous flies and beetles were also observed to visit the flowers, but they were regarded as ineffective pollinators. The showy flowers are deceptive because they induce insects to explore the flowers in the expectation of a reward, but they contain no nectar and their pollen is unavailable to them. Two insects have been observed to feed on the Yellow Lady's Slipper Orchid: adults and larvae of a weevil (Stethobaris ovata) and larvae of a Scathophagid fly (Parallelomma vittatum). Adults of this weevil feed on the shoots, buds, and flowers, while its larvae feed within the seedpods of this orchid. Larvae of the preceding fly are leaf-miners. White-tailed Deer readily consume the foliage of this and other orchids, and local populations may require a deer-resistant fence for protection where these animals are abundant.
Photographic Location: The slope of a wooded bluff in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: This is one of the largest and most attractive orchids in Illinois. It is more abundant than most species of orchid, although by no means common. While the flowers are in bloom, it is easy to identify this plant as a Cypripedium sp. (Lady's Slipper Orchid) because of the slipper-like lower petals. The only other species that it can be confused with, Cypripedium parviflorum (Small Yellow Lady's Slipper), has similar flowers that are smaller in size. The lateral petals of its flowers are less than 2" long, while the slipper-like lower petal is about ¾–1¼" in length. The flowers of this species are more likely to be fragrant. The Small Yellow Lady's Slipper usually has a pair of leaves toward the base of the central stem, while Yellow Lady's Slipper usually has 3-5 leaves along the central stem. Some authorities classify the Yellow Lady's Slipper as a variety of the Small Yellow Lady's Slipper, or Cypripedium parviflorum pubescens, rather than a distinct species. Regardless of its classification, when this orchid is not in bloom, it can superficially resemble Polygonatum commutatum (Solomon's Seal) and similar species in the Lily family. However, the central stem of this orchid and the upper surfaces of its leaves are pubescent, while the latter plants have stems and upper leaf surfaces that are waxy and glabrous.
The lower petal is in the shape of a slipper or a pouch with an opening on top; it is bright yellow, shiny, and 1½–2" in length. Within the interior of this petal, there are frequently reddish brown dots. The 2 lateral petals are very narrow, more or less twisted, and 2–3½" in length. These 2 petals vary in color from greenish yellow to brownish purple and they have fine veins running from their bases to their tips. The sepals form an upper hood and a lower hood. They are broader and shorter than the lateral petals, otherwise their appearance is similar. Both the lateral petals and sepals are more or less pubescent. The reproductive organs are located toward the posterior of the slipper-like lower petal. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer and lasts about 3 weeks. There is usually no noticeable floral scent. If a flower is successfully pollinated by insects (often this doesn't occur), it will form a seedpod. When this seedpod splits open, the fine seeds are easily carried aloft by the wind. The root system consists of a tuft of fleshy fibrous roots. When several plants occur together, they are often clonal offsets of the mother plant.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to light shade, moist to slightly dry conditions, and a soil that consists of loam or sandy loam. Young plants require the presence of appropriate endomycorrhizal fungi in the soil in order to flourish. Starting plants from seed is the job of an expert, although it is possible to successfully transplant large plants that have been grown in a greenhouse. This is one of the easier orchids to maintain in a flower garden.
Range & Habitat: The native Yellow Lady's Slipper is an uncommon plant that is widely scattered across Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is less common than formerly, but still persists in colonies of variable size at several sites. Habitats include moist to dry deciduous woodlands, sandy woodlands and savannas, thinly wooded bluffs along rivers, wooded slopes, and forested bogs. The size of local populations can increase in response to fallen trees from windstorms, or occasional wildfires, as this reduces excessive shade from woody vegetation. Some authorities regard this orchid as a native variety of Cypripedium calceolus, which occurs in Eurasia. Under this system of classification, its scientific name is Cypripedium calceolus pubescens.
Faunal Associations: The showy flowers attract mostly small bees and various flies. In North America, Robertson (1929) and Stoutamire (1967) observed honeybees, little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), mason bees (Osmia spp.), Halictid bees (Agapostemon sp., Lasioglossum spp.), and Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.) visiting the flowers. Some of these bees were regarded as effective at cross-pollination of the flowers, while other bees became trapped in the flowers and died. Miscellaneous flies and beetles were also observed to visit the flowers, but they were regarded as ineffective pollinators. The showy flowers are deceptive because they induce insects to explore the flowers in the expectation of a reward, but they contain no nectar and their pollen is unavailable to them. Two insects have been observed to feed on the Yellow Lady's Slipper Orchid: adults and larvae of a weevil (Stethobaris ovata) and larvae of a Scathophagid fly (Parallelomma vittatum). Adults of this weevil feed on the shoots, buds, and flowers, while its larvae feed within the seedpods of this orchid. Larvae of the preceding fly are leaf-miners. White-tailed Deer readily consume the foliage of this and other orchids, and local populations may require a deer-resistant fence for protection where these animals are abundant.
Photographic Location: The slope of a wooded bluff in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: This is one of the largest and most attractive orchids in Illinois. It is more abundant than most species of orchid, although by no means common. While the flowers are in bloom, it is easy to identify this plant as a Cypripedium sp. (Lady's Slipper Orchid) because of the slipper-like lower petals. The only other species that it can be confused with, Cypripedium parviflorum (Small Yellow Lady's Slipper), has similar flowers that are smaller in size. The lateral petals of its flowers are less than 2" long, while the slipper-like lower petal is about ¾–1¼" in length. The flowers of this species are more likely to be fragrant. The Small Yellow Lady's Slipper usually has a pair of leaves toward the base of the central stem, while Yellow Lady's Slipper usually has 3-5 leaves along the central stem. Some authorities classify the Yellow Lady's Slipper as a variety of the Small Yellow Lady's Slipper, or Cypripedium parviflorum pubescens, rather than a distinct species. Regardless of its classification, when this orchid is not in bloom, it can superficially resemble Polygonatum commutatum (Solomon's Seal) and similar species in the Lily family. However, the central stem of this orchid and the upper surfaces of its leaves are pubescent, while the latter plants have stems and upper leaf surfaces that are waxy and glabrous.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月08日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is ½–1½' long; it has ascending to sprawling stems that branch occasionally. The stems are purplish green to dark reddish purple, sharply 4-angled, stiff, and glabrous to softly hairy. At intervals along these stems, there are pairs of opposite leaves; they are more or less sessile. The leaves are ¾–1½" long and about one-third to two-thirds as much across; they are lanceolate, ovate, or ovate-cordate in shape, while their margins are sparingly toothed and slightly ciliate. The tips of the leaves are acute, while their bases are rounded to slightly cordate. The upper and lower leaf surfaces are yellowish green, medium green, or dark green; they are glandular-punctate and often softly hairy along the major veins. Leaf venation is pinnate. The foliage of this plant has a strong mint aroma, especially when it is crushed. Small cymes or dome-shaped panicles of flowers occur from the axils of the middle to upper leaves, and they also terminate the upper stems. The branches and pedicels of these inflorescences are similar to the stems in their characteristics, except they are more slender.
Each flower is 6-8 mm. (1/4" to 1/3") in length, consisting of a tubular corolla with 4 spreading lobes, a tubular calyx with 5 teeth, 2 strongly exserted stamens, and a 4-parted ovary with a strongly exserted style. The corolla is pink or lavender (rarely white) and softly hairy along its exterior; its 4 lobes are similar in size. The calyx is light green to light reddish purple with 10 raised nerves that are a darker shade of green or reddish purple; it is glandular-punctate. The teeth of the calyx are triangular in shape and similar in size; they are shorter than the tube of the calyx. The filaments of the stamens are white to light purple, while their anthers are pink to lavender, becoming brown with age. The slender style is white to light purple; it has a bifurcated tip. The calyx is noticeably shorter than the corolla, while the stamens and style are almost twice the length of the corolla. The blooming period occurs from late summer to mid-autumn, lasting about 1½ months. Afterwards, each flower is replaced by 4 tiny brown nutlets. These nutlets are about 1 mm. long, about 0.7 mm. across, broadly ellipsoid and bluntly 3-angled in shape; they are small enough to be blown about by the wind. The root system is fibrous, forming small root-buds for next year's stems.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to medium shade, mesic to dry conditions, and shallow rocky soil that is somewhat acidic. Excessive moisture on the leaves can cause a rust-fungus to develop. This plant can also adapt to ordinary garden soil if taller and more aggressive ground vegetation is kept away from it.
Range & Habitat: The native American Dittany is occasional to locally common in SW Illinois and the southern tip of Illinois (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the northern range-limit of this plant. Habitats include upland rocky woodlands, thinly wooded bluffs, upper wooded slopes, and semi-shaded areas of sandstone cliffs. American Dittany is found in association with upland oak-hickory woodlands, especially where sandstone is close to the soil surface. It is usually found in high quality natural areas where ground vegetation is relatively sparse.
Faunal Associations: Very little information is currently available about the floral-faunal relationships of this plant. The flowers are probably cross-pollinated by various flies (Blanchan, 1900) and also bees. According to Rudolph et al. (2006), it is a moderately important nectar plant of migrating Monarch butterflies during the autumn. The caterpillars of a monophagous or oligophagous moth, Stephensia cunilae, mine the leaves (Braun, 1948). This plant is also recorded as one of the hosts of a polyphagous leaf beetle, Capraita circumdata (Clark et al., 2004). Because of the strong mint fragrance of the foliage, mammalian herbivores (deer, groundhogs, etc.) usually avoid its consumption.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: American Dittany (Cunila origanoides) can adapt to shade gardens and its pinkish flowers provide a welcome alternative to the more common autumn-blooming goldenrods and asters. The common name of this plant may refer to its resemblance to a Mediterranean species, Dittany of Crete (Origanum dictamnus). American Dittany also resembles the cultivated culinary herbs, Oregano (Origanum vulgare) and Marjoram (Origanum majorana), except its flowers have only 2 fertile stamens rather than 4 fertile stamens, its leaves are usually larger in size, and its leaf tips are more acute than those of the latter species. American Dittany can be distinguished from other similar species in the Mint family by means of a combination of the following characteristics: 1) the presence of only 2 fertile stamens, rather than 4 fertile stamens, on its flowers, 2) the strongly exserted stamens and style of its flowers, 3) the conspicuous punctate glands on its leaves and the calyces of its flowers, 4) the lack of conspicuous lips on its flowers, 3) the similarity of the 5 teeth on its calyces, 4) the relatively broad shape of its leaves that taper into acute tips, 5) the sessile nature of its leaves, and 6) the strong mint fragrance of its foliage. In addition to American Dittany, Cunila origanoides has several other common names in circulation; they include Stone Mint, Common Dittany, Sweet Horsemint, Frost Mint, Frost Flowers, and Fairy Skirts. During early frosts of the autumn, this plant sometimes forms white 'frost flowers' near its stem bases; they develop from the bursting and freezing of exposed sap.
Each flower is 6-8 mm. (1/4" to 1/3") in length, consisting of a tubular corolla with 4 spreading lobes, a tubular calyx with 5 teeth, 2 strongly exserted stamens, and a 4-parted ovary with a strongly exserted style. The corolla is pink or lavender (rarely white) and softly hairy along its exterior; its 4 lobes are similar in size. The calyx is light green to light reddish purple with 10 raised nerves that are a darker shade of green or reddish purple; it is glandular-punctate. The teeth of the calyx are triangular in shape and similar in size; they are shorter than the tube of the calyx. The filaments of the stamens are white to light purple, while their anthers are pink to lavender, becoming brown with age. The slender style is white to light purple; it has a bifurcated tip. The calyx is noticeably shorter than the corolla, while the stamens and style are almost twice the length of the corolla. The blooming period occurs from late summer to mid-autumn, lasting about 1½ months. Afterwards, each flower is replaced by 4 tiny brown nutlets. These nutlets are about 1 mm. long, about 0.7 mm. across, broadly ellipsoid and bluntly 3-angled in shape; they are small enough to be blown about by the wind. The root system is fibrous, forming small root-buds for next year's stems.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to medium shade, mesic to dry conditions, and shallow rocky soil that is somewhat acidic. Excessive moisture on the leaves can cause a rust-fungus to develop. This plant can also adapt to ordinary garden soil if taller and more aggressive ground vegetation is kept away from it.
Range & Habitat: The native American Dittany is occasional to locally common in SW Illinois and the southern tip of Illinois (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the northern range-limit of this plant. Habitats include upland rocky woodlands, thinly wooded bluffs, upper wooded slopes, and semi-shaded areas of sandstone cliffs. American Dittany is found in association with upland oak-hickory woodlands, especially where sandstone is close to the soil surface. It is usually found in high quality natural areas where ground vegetation is relatively sparse.
Faunal Associations: Very little information is currently available about the floral-faunal relationships of this plant. The flowers are probably cross-pollinated by various flies (Blanchan, 1900) and also bees. According to Rudolph et al. (2006), it is a moderately important nectar plant of migrating Monarch butterflies during the autumn. The caterpillars of a monophagous or oligophagous moth, Stephensia cunilae, mine the leaves (Braun, 1948). This plant is also recorded as one of the hosts of a polyphagous leaf beetle, Capraita circumdata (Clark et al., 2004). Because of the strong mint fragrance of the foliage, mammalian herbivores (deer, groundhogs, etc.) usually avoid its consumption.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: American Dittany (Cunila origanoides) can adapt to shade gardens and its pinkish flowers provide a welcome alternative to the more common autumn-blooming goldenrods and asters. The common name of this plant may refer to its resemblance to a Mediterranean species, Dittany of Crete (Origanum dictamnus). American Dittany also resembles the cultivated culinary herbs, Oregano (Origanum vulgare) and Marjoram (Origanum majorana), except its flowers have only 2 fertile stamens rather than 4 fertile stamens, its leaves are usually larger in size, and its leaf tips are more acute than those of the latter species. American Dittany can be distinguished from other similar species in the Mint family by means of a combination of the following characteristics: 1) the presence of only 2 fertile stamens, rather than 4 fertile stamens, on its flowers, 2) the strongly exserted stamens and style of its flowers, 3) the conspicuous punctate glands on its leaves and the calyces of its flowers, 4) the lack of conspicuous lips on its flowers, 3) the similarity of the 5 teeth on its calyces, 4) the relatively broad shape of its leaves that taper into acute tips, 5) the sessile nature of its leaves, and 6) the strong mint fragrance of its foliage. In addition to American Dittany, Cunila origanoides has several other common names in circulation; they include Stone Mint, Common Dittany, Sweet Horsemint, Frost Mint, Frost Flowers, and Fairy Skirts. During early frosts of the autumn, this plant sometimes forms white 'frost flowers' near its stem bases; they develop from the bursting and freezing of exposed sap.
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求助
BeautifullyMad
2018年05月07日
Can anyone inform me on whats going on here? I have had him for al lest 4 to six months and its never been like this. i just moved but i dont think thats why. i also checked its stem and roots for rot but there is non. just the leaves turning black brown and drying up and dying..please help! its my favorit one.
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Fion：Sunburn.Meaty plants need sunshade in summer
meriunkat：Not enough water maybe too much sunlight
文章
Miss Chen
2018年05月07日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant consists of a large tuft of basal leaves up to ½' tall, from which one or more flowering stalks develop that are 2–3½' tall. The blades of the basal leaves are 2½–4" across. They are more or less orbicular in overall shape, but with 5-9 lobes along their margins; these lobes are shallow and rounded. The blades are indented at the junction of the petioles, while their margins are coarsely crenate-dentate. The upper surfaces of the leaf blades are medium green and sometimes variegated; they have scattered short hairs and a rough texture. The slender petioles are light green and hairy; they are as long or longer than their blades. The tall flowering stalks are light green, terete, hairy, and without leaves. At the apex of each stalk, there is a narrow panicle of flowers about 3-8" long. The spreading branches of the panicle are light green and hairy, while the flowers are drooping. Each fully developed flower is 4.0–4.5 mm. long, consisting of a light green or reddish green calyx with 5 narrow lobes, 5 light green petals, 5 strongly exerted stamens with orange-red anthers, and 2 styles. The petals are smaller than the calyx and insignificant. The calyx is conspicuously swollen toward its base. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer and lasts about 3 weeks. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each flower is replaced by a small seed capsule that has 2 prominent beaks. There are numerous tiny seeds inside each capsule, which are small enough to be blown about by the wind. The root system consists of a crown with fibrous roots. The preceding description applies only to var. hirsuticaulis.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the spring, followed by light shade during the summer. The soil should be well-drained, mesic to dry, and loamy or rocky. This is primarily a foliage plant that can function as a ground cover if it is densely planted.
Range & Habitat: The native Woodland Alumroot is occasional in the southern half of Illinois, while in the northern half of the state it is rare or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland rocky woodlands, thinly wooded bluffs, and wooded slopes. This species is found in high quality habitats where oak trees are often present. The most commonly encountered variety of Woodland Alumroot within the state is var. hirsuticaulis.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract small bees, including Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp., & Augochlorella spp.) and the oligolectic Plasterer bee Colletes aestivalis. This latter bee is a specialist pollinator of Heuchera spp. Insects that prefer to feed on the foliage or juices of Heuchera spp. include the flea beetle Altica heucherae and the aphid Nasonovia heucherae. The bitter-tasting basal leaves are usually ignored by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: An upland rocky woodland at the Portland Arch in west-central Indiana.
Comments: Woodland Alumroot and other native Heuchera spp. are related to the commonly cultivated 'Coral Bells' of horticulture. However, the flowers of the native species are usually green and less showy. Across its range, different varieties of Woodland Alumroot have been identified. Compared to the typical variety, the variety that has been described here (var. hirsuticaulis) has flowering stalks and petioles that are more hairy. Otherwise, they are very similar. Another variety that has been recognized in Illinois, var. interior, has smaller flowers (3.0–3.5 mm. long) than var. hirsuticaulis. Another species in this genus that is sometimes encountered within the state is Heuchera richardsonii (Prairie Alumroot). It differs from the preceding varieties of Woodland Alumroot by its longer asymmetrical flowers (5.0–9.0 mm.). The flowers of Woodland Alumroot are more symmetrical (one side of the flower is about as long as another side).
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the spring, followed by light shade during the summer. The soil should be well-drained, mesic to dry, and loamy or rocky. This is primarily a foliage plant that can function as a ground cover if it is densely planted.
Range & Habitat: The native Woodland Alumroot is occasional in the southern half of Illinois, while in the northern half of the state it is rare or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland rocky woodlands, thinly wooded bluffs, and wooded slopes. This species is found in high quality habitats where oak trees are often present. The most commonly encountered variety of Woodland Alumroot within the state is var. hirsuticaulis.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract small bees, including Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp., & Augochlorella spp.) and the oligolectic Plasterer bee Colletes aestivalis. This latter bee is a specialist pollinator of Heuchera spp. Insects that prefer to feed on the foliage or juices of Heuchera spp. include the flea beetle Altica heucherae and the aphid Nasonovia heucherae. The bitter-tasting basal leaves are usually ignored by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: An upland rocky woodland at the Portland Arch in west-central Indiana.
Comments: Woodland Alumroot and other native Heuchera spp. are related to the commonly cultivated 'Coral Bells' of horticulture. However, the flowers of the native species are usually green and less showy. Across its range, different varieties of Woodland Alumroot have been identified. Compared to the typical variety, the variety that has been described here (var. hirsuticaulis) has flowering stalks and petioles that are more hairy. Otherwise, they are very similar. Another variety that has been recognized in Illinois, var. interior, has smaller flowers (3.0–3.5 mm. long) than var. hirsuticaulis. Another species in this genus that is sometimes encountered within the state is Heuchera richardsonii (Prairie Alumroot). It differs from the preceding varieties of Woodland Alumroot by its longer asymmetrical flowers (5.0–9.0 mm.). The flowers of Woodland Alumroot are more symmetrical (one side of the flower is about as long as another side).
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