文章
Miss Chen
2018年08月09日
Description: This plant is a summer annual about 3-5' tall that branches dichotomously. The stems are green or purple and largely hairless, although young stems often have conspicuous hairs. The alternate leaves are up to 8" long and 6" across (excluding the petioles). They are ovate or ovate-cordate in outline, but pinnately lobed. These lobes are somewhat shallow and pointed at their tips; there are usually 2-3 of these lobes on each side of the leaf blade. The margin of each leaf may have a few secondary lobes or coarse dentate teeth, otherwise it is smooth or slightly undulate. The leaves may be slightly pubescent when young, but become hairless with age; the upper surface of each leaf is often dark green and dull. The foliage of Jimsonweed exudes a bitter rank odor.
Individual flowers occur where the stems branch dichotomously; the upper stems also terminate in individual flowers. The funnelform corolla of each flower is up to 5" long and 2" across when fully open; its outer rim has 5 shallow lobes. Each of these lobes forms an acute point in the middle.The corolla is white or pale violet throughout, except at the throat of the flower, where thick veins of dark violet occur. The light green calyx is shorter than the corolla and conspicuously divided along its length by 5 membranous wings. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts about 2 months. The flowers usually don't open up until midnight and close early in the morning; less often, the flowers may bloom toward the middle of the day, especially when it is cloudy. Individual flowers last only a single day. Each flower is replaced by a hard fruit that is dry and spiny; it is about 1½" long, 1" across, and spheroid-ovoid in shape. Underneath each fruit is a truncated remnant of the calyx that curves sharply downward. These fruits are initially green, but become brown with maturity; they divide into 4 segments to release the seeds. The large seeds are dull, irregular, and dark-colored; their surface may be pitted or slightly reticulated. The root system consists of taproot that is shallow for the size of the plant; it branches frequently. Jimsonweed spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and a rich fertile soil with high nitrogen content. This type of soil is necessary to supply the nutrients that are required by the prodigious growth of this annual plant. The foliage is often pitted by tiny holes that are made by flea beetles (the same or similar species that attack eggplant). The seeds can remain viable in the ground for several years.
Range & Habitat: Jimsonweed is a fairly common plant that has been observed in most counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is probably adventive from tropical America and it was first observed in the United States at the Jamestown colony during the 17th century. Typical habitats include cropland (particularly corn fields), fallow fields, old feed lots, piles of soil at construction sites, mounds of decomposed mulch and discarded vegetation, urban vacant lots, and miscellaneous waste areas. Disturbed areas with open fertile soil are strongly preferred.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by nectar-seeking Sphinx moths. Various species of beetles are attracted by the flowers, especially at night, where they steal nectar and chomp on the pollen. The foliage and other parts of Jimsonweed are a source of food for several flea beetles (Epitrix spp.), Three-lined Potato Beetle (Lema daturaphila), Colorado Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata), Clavate Tortoise Beetle (Plagiometriona clavata), and larvae of the Pink-spotted Hawk Moth (Agrius cingulata); see Clark et al. (2004) and Covell (1984/2005). The foliage and seeds contain an impressive assortment of toxic alkaloids that can be fatal to mammalian herbivores and humans. Some of these alkaloids are mildly narcotic and hallucinogenic. The immature seeds are especially poisonous; as few as 20 seeds can fatally poison a child. It is doubtful that birds make any use of these toxic seeds. Humans help to spread the seeds around through activities that are related to agriculture, construction, and landscaping.
Photographic Location: Near piles of soil at a vacant lot in Champaign, Illinois. These piles of soil were dumped and occasionally carried off by trucks in relation to off-site construction and landscaping activities.
Comments: The common name 'Jimsonweed' is probably a corruption of 'Jamestown Weed,' referring to where this species was first observed in North America. Another common name that is often used for this species is 'Thornapple.' Two varieties of Jimsonweed have been described. The typical variety has green stems and white flowers, while var. tatula has purple stems and either pale violet or purple-striped flowers. Jimsonweed has a distinct appearance, making it easy to identify.
The only other Datura spp. in Illinois, Datura wrightii (Angel's Trumpet), rarely naturalizes in the wild. It is sometimes cultivated in flower gardens because of its attractive flowers. Angel's Trumpet is a hairier plant with unlobed leaves and larger flowers. The corolla of its flowers ranges from 5-8" in length, while the corolla of Jimsonweed's flowers is about 3–5" in length. Both of these Datura spp. have flowers that bloom during the night. Another species in the Nightshade family, Nicandra physalodes (Shoofly Plant), also rarely naturalizes in the wild. The Shoofly Plant has foliage that is similar to Jimsonweed, but its funnelform flowers are much smaller (less than 1½" long and across). Unlike Jimsonweed, the flowers of Shoofly Plant are strictly diurnal.
Individual flowers occur where the stems branch dichotomously; the upper stems also terminate in individual flowers. The funnelform corolla of each flower is up to 5" long and 2" across when fully open; its outer rim has 5 shallow lobes. Each of these lobes forms an acute point in the middle.The corolla is white or pale violet throughout, except at the throat of the flower, where thick veins of dark violet occur. The light green calyx is shorter than the corolla and conspicuously divided along its length by 5 membranous wings. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts about 2 months. The flowers usually don't open up until midnight and close early in the morning; less often, the flowers may bloom toward the middle of the day, especially when it is cloudy. Individual flowers last only a single day. Each flower is replaced by a hard fruit that is dry and spiny; it is about 1½" long, 1" across, and spheroid-ovoid in shape. Underneath each fruit is a truncated remnant of the calyx that curves sharply downward. These fruits are initially green, but become brown with maturity; they divide into 4 segments to release the seeds. The large seeds are dull, irregular, and dark-colored; their surface may be pitted or slightly reticulated. The root system consists of taproot that is shallow for the size of the plant; it branches frequently. Jimsonweed spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and a rich fertile soil with high nitrogen content. This type of soil is necessary to supply the nutrients that are required by the prodigious growth of this annual plant. The foliage is often pitted by tiny holes that are made by flea beetles (the same or similar species that attack eggplant). The seeds can remain viable in the ground for several years.
Range & Habitat: Jimsonweed is a fairly common plant that has been observed in most counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is probably adventive from tropical America and it was first observed in the United States at the Jamestown colony during the 17th century. Typical habitats include cropland (particularly corn fields), fallow fields, old feed lots, piles of soil at construction sites, mounds of decomposed mulch and discarded vegetation, urban vacant lots, and miscellaneous waste areas. Disturbed areas with open fertile soil are strongly preferred.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by nectar-seeking Sphinx moths. Various species of beetles are attracted by the flowers, especially at night, where they steal nectar and chomp on the pollen. The foliage and other parts of Jimsonweed are a source of food for several flea beetles (Epitrix spp.), Three-lined Potato Beetle (Lema daturaphila), Colorado Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata), Clavate Tortoise Beetle (Plagiometriona clavata), and larvae of the Pink-spotted Hawk Moth (Agrius cingulata); see Clark et al. (2004) and Covell (1984/2005). The foliage and seeds contain an impressive assortment of toxic alkaloids that can be fatal to mammalian herbivores and humans. Some of these alkaloids are mildly narcotic and hallucinogenic. The immature seeds are especially poisonous; as few as 20 seeds can fatally poison a child. It is doubtful that birds make any use of these toxic seeds. Humans help to spread the seeds around through activities that are related to agriculture, construction, and landscaping.
Photographic Location: Near piles of soil at a vacant lot in Champaign, Illinois. These piles of soil were dumped and occasionally carried off by trucks in relation to off-site construction and landscaping activities.
Comments: The common name 'Jimsonweed' is probably a corruption of 'Jamestown Weed,' referring to where this species was first observed in North America. Another common name that is often used for this species is 'Thornapple.' Two varieties of Jimsonweed have been described. The typical variety has green stems and white flowers, while var. tatula has purple stems and either pale violet or purple-striped flowers. Jimsonweed has a distinct appearance, making it easy to identify.
The only other Datura spp. in Illinois, Datura wrightii (Angel's Trumpet), rarely naturalizes in the wild. It is sometimes cultivated in flower gardens because of its attractive flowers. Angel's Trumpet is a hairier plant with unlobed leaves and larger flowers. The corolla of its flowers ranges from 5-8" in length, while the corolla of Jimsonweed's flowers is about 3–5" in length. Both of these Datura spp. have flowers that bloom during the night. Another species in the Nightshade family, Nicandra physalodes (Shoofly Plant), also rarely naturalizes in the wild. The Shoofly Plant has foliage that is similar to Jimsonweed, but its funnelform flowers are much smaller (less than 1½" long and across). Unlike Jimsonweed, the flowers of Shoofly Plant are strictly diurnal.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年08月06日
Description: This perennial herbaceous plant consists of a pair of leaves that are nearly basal and a single raceme of flowers. The leaf blades are 5-10" long, 3-5" across, and more or less erect; they are oval-ovate in shape and smooth (entire) along their margins. Both the lower and upper leaf surfaces are medium to dark green, glabrous, and sometimes slightly glaucous. Leaf venation is parallel. The leaves taper into petioles about 1½–3" long that wrap around a short basal stalk that is partially underground. Between the leaves, there develops a raceme of flowers about 4-9" long. This raceme is shorter than the leaves and it tends to nod toward its apex; there are 6-16 flowers per raceme. The central stalk of the raceme is medium green, terete, somewhat slender, and glabrous. The nodding flowers usually occur along one side of the raceme from pedicels that are up to ½" long; these pedicels are light green, terete, and glabrous. At the bases of these pedicels, there are solitary floral bracts. These floral bracts are up to 8 mm. (1/3") long, light green to nearly white, and narrowly lanceolate to ovate in shape; they are shorter than the corresponding pedicels.
The white corollas of these flowers are about 8 mm. (1/3") long and similarly across; they are campanulate (bell-shaped) with 6 short lobes that curve outward. Within the corolla of each flower, there are 6 stamens with short filaments and a single style with a tripartite stigma. The ovary of each flower has 3 cells. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer, lasting about 3 weeks. The flowers are quite fragrant. When the flowers are successfully cross-pollinated from the pollen of genetically distinct plants, they develop red berries that are 6-8 mm. across and globoid in shape (one berry per fertile flower). The interior of each berry is juicy, containing 1-6 seeds. These seeds are 3-4 mm. long and light brown with darker scar tissue at their bases; they are more or less ovoid in shape, but also rather irregular and chunky. In North America, most flowering plants fail to produce berries. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. Dense colonies of clonal plants are produced from the dense network of rhizomes; these colonies tend to exclude other species of plants.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight to medium shade, moist to mesic conditions, and a rich loamy soil with abundant organic material. Once it becomes established, this plant is long-lived, and it will spread slowly via its rhizomes. The leaves remain green throughout the summer until frost occurs during the autumn. Propagation of new plants is easiest by division of the rhizomes. If you want Lily-of-the-Valley to produce the attractive red berries, then you will need to plant genetically distinct plants in proximity to each other from two or more sources.
Range & Habitat: Lily-of-the-Valley has escaped from cultivation primarily in NE Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is uncommon in natural areas. This species was introduced into the United States from Europe as an ornamental plant; it is often grown in gardens because of the attractive foliage and flowers. In addition to the typical European variety that is described here (Convallaria majalis majalis), there is also a North American variety of Lily-of-the-Valley (Convallaria majalis montana) that is native to the region of the Appalachian mountains. However, this North American variety is cultivated much less often than the European variety of Lily-of-the-Valley, and it has not naturalized in Illinois to anyone's knowledge. In Illinois, the European variety of Lily-of-the-Valley has naturalized in such habitats as tamarack bogs, rich deciduous woodlands, pioneer cemetery prairies, oak savannas near pioneer cemetery prairies, and abandoned homestead sites. At some of these habitats, Lily-of-the-Valley was deliberately introduced, where it has persisted for several decades, notwithstanding long neglect.
Faunal Associations: Bumblebees and honeybees collect pollen from the flowers of Lily-of-the-Valley; nectar may not be produced (Vandepitte, 2010; Müller 1873/1883). Among bumblebee species, Bombus vagans and Bombus pensylvanicus have been observed to visit the flowers (Mathews, 1912). Insects that feed on the foliage and other parts of this plant are limited in number. An insect that was accidentally introduced into North America from Europe, Lilioceris lilii (Lily Leaf Beetle), feeds on the leaves, while an aphid, Macrosiphum pechumani, sucks sap from this plant (Clark et al., 2004; Blackman & Eastop, 2013). The red berries probably attract birds and possibly some rodents, although because these berries are rarely produced in North America, it is unknown which species would consume them. According to Eriksson (1999), the seeds of these berries are eaten by voles and wood rats in Europe. Because all parts of Lily-of-the-Valley contain cardiac glycosides that are toxic, it is largely ignored by mammalian herbivores. Overall, the ecological value of this plant appears to be low.
Photographic Location: A wooded area at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois, and a flower garden in the same city.
Comments: In addition to its cultivation in gardens, Lily-of-the-Valley has economic significance in the perfume and pharmaceutical industries. For the latter, it has been used as a source of heart medication. There are two varieties of Lily-of-the-Valley: the typical European variety (Convallaria majalis majalis) and the North American variety (Convallaria majalis montana). This latter variety can be distinguished by its larger floral bracts (at least 10 mm. in length) and the fine green lines along the midribs of its tepals (the tepals have been joined together to form a bell-shaped corolla for each flower). As compared to the European variety, the North American variety also appears to be less aggressive in forming large dense colonies of clonal plants.
The white corollas of these flowers are about 8 mm. (1/3") long and similarly across; they are campanulate (bell-shaped) with 6 short lobes that curve outward. Within the corolla of each flower, there are 6 stamens with short filaments and a single style with a tripartite stigma. The ovary of each flower has 3 cells. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer, lasting about 3 weeks. The flowers are quite fragrant. When the flowers are successfully cross-pollinated from the pollen of genetically distinct plants, they develop red berries that are 6-8 mm. across and globoid in shape (one berry per fertile flower). The interior of each berry is juicy, containing 1-6 seeds. These seeds are 3-4 mm. long and light brown with darker scar tissue at their bases; they are more or less ovoid in shape, but also rather irregular and chunky. In North America, most flowering plants fail to produce berries. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. Dense colonies of clonal plants are produced from the dense network of rhizomes; these colonies tend to exclude other species of plants.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight to medium shade, moist to mesic conditions, and a rich loamy soil with abundant organic material. Once it becomes established, this plant is long-lived, and it will spread slowly via its rhizomes. The leaves remain green throughout the summer until frost occurs during the autumn. Propagation of new plants is easiest by division of the rhizomes. If you want Lily-of-the-Valley to produce the attractive red berries, then you will need to plant genetically distinct plants in proximity to each other from two or more sources.
Range & Habitat: Lily-of-the-Valley has escaped from cultivation primarily in NE Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is uncommon in natural areas. This species was introduced into the United States from Europe as an ornamental plant; it is often grown in gardens because of the attractive foliage and flowers. In addition to the typical European variety that is described here (Convallaria majalis majalis), there is also a North American variety of Lily-of-the-Valley (Convallaria majalis montana) that is native to the region of the Appalachian mountains. However, this North American variety is cultivated much less often than the European variety of Lily-of-the-Valley, and it has not naturalized in Illinois to anyone's knowledge. In Illinois, the European variety of Lily-of-the-Valley has naturalized in such habitats as tamarack bogs, rich deciduous woodlands, pioneer cemetery prairies, oak savannas near pioneer cemetery prairies, and abandoned homestead sites. At some of these habitats, Lily-of-the-Valley was deliberately introduced, where it has persisted for several decades, notwithstanding long neglect.
Faunal Associations: Bumblebees and honeybees collect pollen from the flowers of Lily-of-the-Valley; nectar may not be produced (Vandepitte, 2010; Müller 1873/1883). Among bumblebee species, Bombus vagans and Bombus pensylvanicus have been observed to visit the flowers (Mathews, 1912). Insects that feed on the foliage and other parts of this plant are limited in number. An insect that was accidentally introduced into North America from Europe, Lilioceris lilii (Lily Leaf Beetle), feeds on the leaves, while an aphid, Macrosiphum pechumani, sucks sap from this plant (Clark et al., 2004; Blackman & Eastop, 2013). The red berries probably attract birds and possibly some rodents, although because these berries are rarely produced in North America, it is unknown which species would consume them. According to Eriksson (1999), the seeds of these berries are eaten by voles and wood rats in Europe. Because all parts of Lily-of-the-Valley contain cardiac glycosides that are toxic, it is largely ignored by mammalian herbivores. Overall, the ecological value of this plant appears to be low.
Photographic Location: A wooded area at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois, and a flower garden in the same city.
Comments: In addition to its cultivation in gardens, Lily-of-the-Valley has economic significance in the perfume and pharmaceutical industries. For the latter, it has been used as a source of heart medication. There are two varieties of Lily-of-the-Valley: the typical European variety (Convallaria majalis majalis) and the North American variety (Convallaria majalis montana). This latter variety can be distinguished by its larger floral bracts (at least 10 mm. in length) and the fine green lines along the midribs of its tepals (the tepals have been joined together to form a bell-shaped corolla for each flower). As compared to the European variety, the North American variety also appears to be less aggressive in forming large dense colonies of clonal plants.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年08月06日
Description: This plant is a summer annual about 1-3' long. It can be erect or sprawl across the ground like a vine. The round stems are smooth and hairless. The hairless alternate leaves are up to 5" long and 2" across. They are ovate, lanceolate-ovate, or slightly cordate. Their margins are smooth and their veins run parallel to each other. The base of each leaf is sessile or clasping, and it has a membranous sheath that wraps around the stem. This sheath is about 1" long and has green longitudinal veins, otherwise it is white or greenish white. The upper edge of the sheath is usually hairless, although it has fine upright hairs for an uncommon variety of this species.
Occasionally, a single flower on a stalk about 1-2" long is produced from the leaf axils. This flower is about ½–1" across, consisting of 2 large blue petals, 1 small white petal, 3 sepals, 5-6 stamens, and a long white style. The sepals are usually pale white and translucent. The upper stamens have showy yellow anthers; they are sterile, but help to attract insects to the flower. The lower stamens are longer than the upper stamens and fertile, although their anthers are less showy. An upturned spathe that lies underneath the flower is green and about 1-2" long. The upper margins of this spathe are free all the way to the base. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall, and lasts about 1-2 months. Each flower blooms during the morning for a single day, hence the common name. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each flower is replaced by a seed capsule that has 2 cells, each cell containing 2 seeds. These seeds are dark brown or black and have a surface that is bumpy and rough (rugose). The root system is fibrous. This plant can root at the leaf nodes on moist ground, forming new plants vegetatively. At favorable sites, the Asiatic Dayflower forms colonies that can exclude other species of plants.
Cultivation: Partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and a fertile soil that is loamy or slightly sandy are preferred. This plant also tolerates full sun and light shade. Occasionally, it can spread aggressively and become a pest.
Range & Habitat: The Asiatic Dayflower is a common plant that occurs in most counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map). It appears to be spreading into all areas of the state. Habitats include edges of floodplain forests, thickets, edges of gardens and yards, areas along buildings, fence rows, vacant lots, and waste areas. This plant prefers disturbed areas, although it occasionally invades natural areas. As the common name implies, it was introduced into the United States from East Asia, probably for horticultural purposes.
Faunal Associations: Primarily bees pollinate the flowers. The foliage is eaten by Neolema sexpunctata (Six-Spotted Beetle). Occasionally, the seeds are eaten by upland gamebirds and songbirds, including the Mourning Dove, Bobwhite, and Redwing Blackbird. The foliage of Dayflowers is a preferred food source of the White-Tailed Deer.
Photographic Location: A small colony of Asiatic Dayflower was flourishing between the shrubbery of a commercial bank and a city sidewalk in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The flowers of this species have a "true blue" color that is found in few other plants. Usually, most "blue" flowers are closer to violet or purple. The Asiatic Dayflower has become the most common Commelina sp. (Dayflower) in Illinois for reasons that are not entirely clear. Like the native Commelina erecta (Erect Dayflower), its flowers have a small lower petal that is white, whereas the flowers of other Commelina spp. within the state have a lower petal that is blue or violet. The Erect Dayflower differs from the Asiatic Dayflower in a number of characteristics, including the following: 1) It has more narrow leaves than the latter; 2) The upper margins of each upturned spathe are united together about 1/3 the length of the spathe from the base, rather than running free from each other; 3) Each seed capsule has 3 cells containing 1 seed each, rather than 2 cells containing 2 seeds each; 4) It is a more erect plant than the latter; and 5) Its seeds are lighter-colored with a smooth surface, rather than dark and rugose.
Occasionally, a single flower on a stalk about 1-2" long is produced from the leaf axils. This flower is about ½–1" across, consisting of 2 large blue petals, 1 small white petal, 3 sepals, 5-6 stamens, and a long white style. The sepals are usually pale white and translucent. The upper stamens have showy yellow anthers; they are sterile, but help to attract insects to the flower. The lower stamens are longer than the upper stamens and fertile, although their anthers are less showy. An upturned spathe that lies underneath the flower is green and about 1-2" long. The upper margins of this spathe are free all the way to the base. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall, and lasts about 1-2 months. Each flower blooms during the morning for a single day, hence the common name. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each flower is replaced by a seed capsule that has 2 cells, each cell containing 2 seeds. These seeds are dark brown or black and have a surface that is bumpy and rough (rugose). The root system is fibrous. This plant can root at the leaf nodes on moist ground, forming new plants vegetatively. At favorable sites, the Asiatic Dayflower forms colonies that can exclude other species of plants.
Cultivation: Partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and a fertile soil that is loamy or slightly sandy are preferred. This plant also tolerates full sun and light shade. Occasionally, it can spread aggressively and become a pest.
Range & Habitat: The Asiatic Dayflower is a common plant that occurs in most counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map). It appears to be spreading into all areas of the state. Habitats include edges of floodplain forests, thickets, edges of gardens and yards, areas along buildings, fence rows, vacant lots, and waste areas. This plant prefers disturbed areas, although it occasionally invades natural areas. As the common name implies, it was introduced into the United States from East Asia, probably for horticultural purposes.
Faunal Associations: Primarily bees pollinate the flowers. The foliage is eaten by Neolema sexpunctata (Six-Spotted Beetle). Occasionally, the seeds are eaten by upland gamebirds and songbirds, including the Mourning Dove, Bobwhite, and Redwing Blackbird. The foliage of Dayflowers is a preferred food source of the White-Tailed Deer.
Photographic Location: A small colony of Asiatic Dayflower was flourishing between the shrubbery of a commercial bank and a city sidewalk in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The flowers of this species have a "true blue" color that is found in few other plants. Usually, most "blue" flowers are closer to violet or purple. The Asiatic Dayflower has become the most common Commelina sp. (Dayflower) in Illinois for reasons that are not entirely clear. Like the native Commelina erecta (Erect Dayflower), its flowers have a small lower petal that is white, whereas the flowers of other Commelina spp. within the state have a lower petal that is blue or violet. The Erect Dayflower differs from the Asiatic Dayflower in a number of characteristics, including the following: 1) It has more narrow leaves than the latter; 2) The upper margins of each upturned spathe are united together about 1/3 the length of the spathe from the base, rather than running free from each other; 3) Each seed capsule has 3 cells containing 1 seed each, rather than 2 cells containing 2 seeds each; 4) It is a more erect plant than the latter; and 5) Its seeds are lighter-colored with a smooth surface, rather than dark and rugose.
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Miss Chen
2018年08月03日
Description: This plant is a summer annual about 3-5' tall. It often branches toward the base of the plant, while the upper stems remain unbranched. These stems are light green and covered with long glandular hairs. The lower to middle leaves are palmately compound with 3-7 leaflets, while the upper leaves are simple. These leaves are alternate and become smaller in size as they ascend the stems. The compound leaves span up to 6-8" across; the lower compound leaves have long stout petioles, while the upper compound leaves have short stout petioles or they are sessile. These petioles are light green and covered with glandular hairs. At the base of each petiole, there is a pair of small spiny stipules. The leaflets of the compound leaves are narrowly ovate, oblanceolate, or lanceolate in shape, and their margins are smooth or serrated. Both sides of these leaflets are covered with short glandular hairs; their upper surfaces are medium to dark green. The simple leaves are broadly lanceolate to cordate-ovate, sessile to clasping along each upper stem, and smaller in size than the compound leaves; otherwise they have similar characteristics. The glandular hairs of the foliage provide the plant with a fetid scent.
The upper stems terminate in large racemes of flowers. These flowers are crowded together toward the apex of each raceme, while scattered seedpods develop below. Each flower spans about 1–1½" across (excluding the stamens), consisting of 4 white to pink petals, 4 light green sepals, 6 long-exerted stamens, and a pistil with a short style. The erect to ascending petals are oblanceolate with well-rounded margins, becoming linear (or clawed) near the base of the flower. The stamens have long slender filaments about 2-3" long. The sepals are linear-lanceolate and much smaller than the petals; they bend away from the base of the flower with age. Each flower has an ascending pedicel. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts 1½–3 months. Each flower is replaced by a cylindrical seedpod on a long narrow stipe. Both the seedpod and the stipe are glabrous. Each seedpod contains several seeds. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: Spider Flower adapts to full or partial sun, moist to slightly dry conditions, and different kinds of soil, including those containing loam, clay-loam, or gravel. It requires warm weather and a long growing season to fully develop from seed.
Range & Habitat: Spider Flower has naturalized in Illinois in widely scattered areas (see Distribution Map). Aside from its cultivation in gardens, this species is uncommon and rarely persists. It was introduced into North America from tropical South America as an ornamental plant. Habitats include vacant lots, edges of yards, gravelly shores along rivers, and miscellaneous waste areas. It is usually found in habitats with a history of disturbance.
Faunal Associations: In its native tropical habitat, the pollinators of the flowers are primarily bats (Machado et al., 2006), which seek nectar. Sphingid moths also visit the flowers, but they are regarded as nectar thieves. In Illinois and other temperate areas, the pollinators of the flowers are currently unknown. Various beetles appear to be attracted to the flowers, and flies or small bees probably seek nectar or pollen from them. However, the mouthparts and body size of these insects are too small to function as effective pollinators. Other insects that are attracted to Spider Flower and other Cleome spp. include Phyllotreta cruciferae (Crucifer Flea Beetle) and Phyllotreta striolata (Striped Flea Beetle), which chew small holes in the leaves. On rare occasions, the caterpillars of Pieris rapae (Cabbage Butterfly) have been observed to feed on the foliage. According to some observations in western United States, the Ring-Necked Pheasant and Mourning Dove eat the seeds of Cleome spp. to a limited extent. The fetid foliage is rejected by cattle when there is more palatable food available.
Photographic Location: A vacant lot in Urbana, Illinois, where a few plants were growing wild.
Comments: The showy flowers have an odd structure and appearance, although this is not unusual for Cleome spp. (Bee Plants, etc.) and the related Polanisia spp. (Clammyweed). Among the species in this group that naturalize in Illinois, Spider Flower has showier flowers than most and the filaments of its stamens are exceptionally long (2-3" in length). It is also larger in size than these other species (up to 5' tall). The closely related Cleome serrulata (Rocky Mountain Bee Plant) is occasionally adventive from the Western states. It has compound leaves with only 3 leaflets, while the compound leaves of Spider Flower usually have 5-7 leaflets. Species of Clammyweed are distinguished from Cleome spp. primarily by their seedpods, which lack stipes (a beak-like structure in front of the seedpod). An older scientific name for Spider Flower is Cleome spinosa, which refers to the spiny stipules.
The upper stems terminate in large racemes of flowers. These flowers are crowded together toward the apex of each raceme, while scattered seedpods develop below. Each flower spans about 1–1½" across (excluding the stamens), consisting of 4 white to pink petals, 4 light green sepals, 6 long-exerted stamens, and a pistil with a short style. The erect to ascending petals are oblanceolate with well-rounded margins, becoming linear (or clawed) near the base of the flower. The stamens have long slender filaments about 2-3" long. The sepals are linear-lanceolate and much smaller than the petals; they bend away from the base of the flower with age. Each flower has an ascending pedicel. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts 1½–3 months. Each flower is replaced by a cylindrical seedpod on a long narrow stipe. Both the seedpod and the stipe are glabrous. Each seedpod contains several seeds. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: Spider Flower adapts to full or partial sun, moist to slightly dry conditions, and different kinds of soil, including those containing loam, clay-loam, or gravel. It requires warm weather and a long growing season to fully develop from seed.
Range & Habitat: Spider Flower has naturalized in Illinois in widely scattered areas (see Distribution Map). Aside from its cultivation in gardens, this species is uncommon and rarely persists. It was introduced into North America from tropical South America as an ornamental plant. Habitats include vacant lots, edges of yards, gravelly shores along rivers, and miscellaneous waste areas. It is usually found in habitats with a history of disturbance.
Faunal Associations: In its native tropical habitat, the pollinators of the flowers are primarily bats (Machado et al., 2006), which seek nectar. Sphingid moths also visit the flowers, but they are regarded as nectar thieves. In Illinois and other temperate areas, the pollinators of the flowers are currently unknown. Various beetles appear to be attracted to the flowers, and flies or small bees probably seek nectar or pollen from them. However, the mouthparts and body size of these insects are too small to function as effective pollinators. Other insects that are attracted to Spider Flower and other Cleome spp. include Phyllotreta cruciferae (Crucifer Flea Beetle) and Phyllotreta striolata (Striped Flea Beetle), which chew small holes in the leaves. On rare occasions, the caterpillars of Pieris rapae (Cabbage Butterfly) have been observed to feed on the foliage. According to some observations in western United States, the Ring-Necked Pheasant and Mourning Dove eat the seeds of Cleome spp. to a limited extent. The fetid foliage is rejected by cattle when there is more palatable food available.
Photographic Location: A vacant lot in Urbana, Illinois, where a few plants were growing wild.
Comments: The showy flowers have an odd structure and appearance, although this is not unusual for Cleome spp. (Bee Plants, etc.) and the related Polanisia spp. (Clammyweed). Among the species in this group that naturalize in Illinois, Spider Flower has showier flowers than most and the filaments of its stamens are exceptionally long (2-3" in length). It is also larger in size than these other species (up to 5' tall). The closely related Cleome serrulata (Rocky Mountain Bee Plant) is occasionally adventive from the Western states. It has compound leaves with only 3 leaflets, while the compound leaves of Spider Flower usually have 5-7 leaflets. Species of Clammyweed are distinguished from Cleome spp. primarily by their seedpods, which lack stipes (a beak-like structure in front of the seedpod). An older scientific name for Spider Flower is Cleome spinosa, which refers to the spiny stipules.
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Miss Chen
2018年08月01日
Description: This plant is a summer annual about 2-5' tall (in more tropical climates, it is a perennial). More or less erect, Mexican Tea branches occasionally to frequently; Small side branches frequently develop from the axils of the leaves. The stems are terete to slightly angular, hairless, conspicuously veined, and variably colored – often some combination of olive green, dull red, and cream. The alternate leaves are up to 4" long and 1½" across; they are ovate to narrowly ovate, medium green to yellow-green or red-green, and hairless. The bases of these leaves are always wedge-shaped and never rounded. The leaf undersides are never white-mealy. The leaf margins are highly variable, even on the same plant – smooth, undulate, bluntly dentate, or somewhat pinnatifid. The upper leaves are smaller in size than the moderate to lower leaves, and their leaf margins are more smooth. Both the stems and leaves have minute glands that secrete an aromatic oil; they exude a somewhat musky medicinal scent.
The upper stems and smaller side stems terminate in spikes of sessile flowers (up to 1' long) that are interspersed with small leafy bracts. The small greenish flowers are arranged in dense clusters along these spikes. Each flower is a little less than ¼" across, consisting of 5 green sepals, a rather flat pistil with tiny styles, and 5 stamens with large white anthers. The small sepals are ovate in shape and curved inward; they are neither hairy nor white-mealy. The anthers are the most conspicuous part of the flower. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer into the fall and lasts 2-3 months. The bisexual flowers are wind-pollinated, although they can also self-pollinate themselves. Each flower is replaced by a single tiny seed (achene); a thinDistribution Map membrane surrounding the seed is rather loose and easily removed. The seeds are round, flattened, black, and shiny; they are small enough to be blown about by the wind. The root system consists of a taproot.
Cultivation: Mexican Tea prefers full to partial sun and moist to slightly dry conditions. Growth is more robust in fertile loamy soil with abundant nitrogen, but it will adapt to other kinds of soil.
Range & Habitat: The non-native Mexican Tea is occasional in the southern half of Illinois, becoming uncommon or absent in the northern half of the state. It was introduced from tropical America as a medicinal herb. Habitats include fields, roadsides, vacant lots, and waste areas. Mexican Tea is still cultivated in gardens, from where it occasionally escapes and manages to reseed itself. Disturbed habitats of a relatively open character are strongly preferred.
Faunal Associations: Information that is specific to Mexican Tea is lacking (except for grazing mammals), therefore faunal-floral relationships for Chenopodium spp. in general will be presented. I suspect that some insects are deterred by the toxicity of the floral oil, and don't feed on this species to same extent as other Chenopodium spp. The caterpillars of two skippers, Pholisora catullus (Common Sootywing) and Staphylus hayhurstii (Hayhurst's Scallopwing), feed on the leaves of Chenopodium spp. Other insect feeders include moth caterpillars, flea beetles, leaf beetles, plant bugs, and aphids (see the Insect Table for a listing of these species). The tiny seeds are eaten by many small songbirds, particularly sparrows (see the Bird Table); some upland gamebirds (e.g., Bobwhite, Hungarian Partridge, & Ring-Necked Pheasant) also eat the seeds or seedheads. Small rodents eat the seeds, including the Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrel, White-Footed Mouse, and Prairie Deer Mouse. Because the foliage is toxic and probably distasteful, it is not eaten by grazing mammals; even goats refuse to eat this plant (see Georgia, 1913).
Photographic Location: A garden in downtown Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: Because of its anthelmintic properties, Mexican Tea has been used to remove intestinal worms. This is one of the reasons it is cultivated as a medicinal herb. This plant can be distinguished from other Chenopodium spp. by the shape of its leaves, the absence of white-mealiness on its leaf undersides and sepals, and the strong aroma of its foliage. Its lower to middle leaves have wedge-shaped bottoms, while the leaf bottoms of similar Chenopodium spp. are usually well-rounded. Sometimes the margins of these leaves are more wavy or pinnatifid than those of other species. This combination of factors makes Mexican Tea one of the easier Chenopodium spp. to identify. A variety of Mexican Tea that is without leafy bracts in its floral spikes has been referred to as Chenopodium ambrosioides anthelminticum. It is less common than the typical variety.
The upper stems and smaller side stems terminate in spikes of sessile flowers (up to 1' long) that are interspersed with small leafy bracts. The small greenish flowers are arranged in dense clusters along these spikes. Each flower is a little less than ¼" across, consisting of 5 green sepals, a rather flat pistil with tiny styles, and 5 stamens with large white anthers. The small sepals are ovate in shape and curved inward; they are neither hairy nor white-mealy. The anthers are the most conspicuous part of the flower. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer into the fall and lasts 2-3 months. The bisexual flowers are wind-pollinated, although they can also self-pollinate themselves. Each flower is replaced by a single tiny seed (achene); a thinDistribution Map membrane surrounding the seed is rather loose and easily removed. The seeds are round, flattened, black, and shiny; they are small enough to be blown about by the wind. The root system consists of a taproot.
Cultivation: Mexican Tea prefers full to partial sun and moist to slightly dry conditions. Growth is more robust in fertile loamy soil with abundant nitrogen, but it will adapt to other kinds of soil.
Range & Habitat: The non-native Mexican Tea is occasional in the southern half of Illinois, becoming uncommon or absent in the northern half of the state. It was introduced from tropical America as a medicinal herb. Habitats include fields, roadsides, vacant lots, and waste areas. Mexican Tea is still cultivated in gardens, from where it occasionally escapes and manages to reseed itself. Disturbed habitats of a relatively open character are strongly preferred.
Faunal Associations: Information that is specific to Mexican Tea is lacking (except for grazing mammals), therefore faunal-floral relationships for Chenopodium spp. in general will be presented. I suspect that some insects are deterred by the toxicity of the floral oil, and don't feed on this species to same extent as other Chenopodium spp. The caterpillars of two skippers, Pholisora catullus (Common Sootywing) and Staphylus hayhurstii (Hayhurst's Scallopwing), feed on the leaves of Chenopodium spp. Other insect feeders include moth caterpillars, flea beetles, leaf beetles, plant bugs, and aphids (see the Insect Table for a listing of these species). The tiny seeds are eaten by many small songbirds, particularly sparrows (see the Bird Table); some upland gamebirds (e.g., Bobwhite, Hungarian Partridge, & Ring-Necked Pheasant) also eat the seeds or seedheads. Small rodents eat the seeds, including the Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrel, White-Footed Mouse, and Prairie Deer Mouse. Because the foliage is toxic and probably distasteful, it is not eaten by grazing mammals; even goats refuse to eat this plant (see Georgia, 1913).
Photographic Location: A garden in downtown Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: Because of its anthelmintic properties, Mexican Tea has been used to remove intestinal worms. This is one of the reasons it is cultivated as a medicinal herb. This plant can be distinguished from other Chenopodium spp. by the shape of its leaves, the absence of white-mealiness on its leaf undersides and sepals, and the strong aroma of its foliage. Its lower to middle leaves have wedge-shaped bottoms, while the leaf bottoms of similar Chenopodium spp. are usually well-rounded. Sometimes the margins of these leaves are more wavy or pinnatifid than those of other species. This combination of factors makes Mexican Tea one of the easier Chenopodium spp. to identify. A variety of Mexican Tea that is without leafy bracts in its floral spikes has been referred to as Chenopodium ambrosioides anthelminticum. It is less common than the typical variety.
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Miss Chen
2018年07月26日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 1½–3' tall and little branched. The central stem is light green to reddish brown, glabrous to slightly hairy, and terete or angular. The alternate leaves are up to 5" long, 2" across, and variable in shape; the lowest leaves are often cordate-oval, while the middle and upper leaves are ovate-lanceolate to lanceolate. All of these leaves have crenate or serrated margins; their upper surfaces are medium to dark green, while their lower surfaces are light green and short-hairy along the veins. The lower and middle leaves have slender petioles, while the upper leaves are more likely to be sessile. Sometimes short leafy stalks develop from the axils of the leaves on the central stem.
The central stem terminates in an elongated raceme of flowers up to 1' long. The flowers tend to nod downward along one side of the raceme on short pedicels. At the base of each pedicel, there is a small leafy bract that is linear-lanceolate in shape. Sometimes nodding flowers are produced from the axils of the upper leaves on longer pedicels. Each flower has a bell-shaped blue-violet corolla, 5 green sepals, 5 stamens, and an exerted style with 3 curled stigmas. The corolla is 1–1½" long and half as much across; it has 5 pointed lobes that are recurved. The sepals are linear-lanceolate in shape, widely spreading to recurved, and much smaller in size than the corolla. The style is white or pale purple. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts about a month. Each flower is replaced by a globoid seed capsule that contains several small seeds. The root system is rhizomatous. Occasionally, small colonies of plants are produced from the long rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, more or less mesic conditions, and a fertile loamy soil.
Range & Habitat: Creeping Bellflower naturalizes occasionally in northern Illinois and uncommonly in central Illinois; it is apparently rare or absent in southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). This species was introduced into North America from Europe as an ornamental plant. Habitats include open woodlands, savannas, thickets, fence rows, edges of yards, roadsides, and waste areas. Creeping Bellflower is often cultivated in gardens because of its showy flowers.
Faunal Associations: According to Müller (1873/1883), the flowers of Creeping Bellflower produce both nectar and pollen. Müller observed honeybees, bumblebees, Halictid bees, and other bees visiting the flowers for nectar or pollen in Germany; he also observed a Syrphid fly with a long proboscis (Rhingia sp.) sucking nectar from the flowers. Aside from these observations, further information about floral-faunal relationships for this species are unavailable.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a flower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Creeping Bellflower has very showy flowers. Among the Eurasian bellflowers that are cultivated, this is the species that most often escapes — in part because it is more commonly cultivated. A species that has naturalized less often in Illinois, Campanula glomerata (Clustered Bellflower), has more erect flowers that are clustered together at the apex each central stem. The flowers of this species have sepals that are longer and wider than those of Creeping Bellflower. The circumboreal Campanula rotundifolia (Harebells) and native Campanulastrum americanum (American Bellflower) are quite distinct from Creeping Bellflower. Harebells has linear leaves along its stems and its bell-shaped flowers are smaller in size (usually less than 1" in length) than those of creeping Bellflower. The flowers of American Bellflower have shallow corollas that are star-shaped with widely spreading lobes; the older scientific name of this latter species is Campanula americana.
The central stem terminates in an elongated raceme of flowers up to 1' long. The flowers tend to nod downward along one side of the raceme on short pedicels. At the base of each pedicel, there is a small leafy bract that is linear-lanceolate in shape. Sometimes nodding flowers are produced from the axils of the upper leaves on longer pedicels. Each flower has a bell-shaped blue-violet corolla, 5 green sepals, 5 stamens, and an exerted style with 3 curled stigmas. The corolla is 1–1½" long and half as much across; it has 5 pointed lobes that are recurved. The sepals are linear-lanceolate in shape, widely spreading to recurved, and much smaller in size than the corolla. The style is white or pale purple. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts about a month. Each flower is replaced by a globoid seed capsule that contains several small seeds. The root system is rhizomatous. Occasionally, small colonies of plants are produced from the long rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, more or less mesic conditions, and a fertile loamy soil.
Range & Habitat: Creeping Bellflower naturalizes occasionally in northern Illinois and uncommonly in central Illinois; it is apparently rare or absent in southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). This species was introduced into North America from Europe as an ornamental plant. Habitats include open woodlands, savannas, thickets, fence rows, edges of yards, roadsides, and waste areas. Creeping Bellflower is often cultivated in gardens because of its showy flowers.
Faunal Associations: According to Müller (1873/1883), the flowers of Creeping Bellflower produce both nectar and pollen. Müller observed honeybees, bumblebees, Halictid bees, and other bees visiting the flowers for nectar or pollen in Germany; he also observed a Syrphid fly with a long proboscis (Rhingia sp.) sucking nectar from the flowers. Aside from these observations, further information about floral-faunal relationships for this species are unavailable.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a flower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Creeping Bellflower has very showy flowers. Among the Eurasian bellflowers that are cultivated, this is the species that most often escapes — in part because it is more commonly cultivated. A species that has naturalized less often in Illinois, Campanula glomerata (Clustered Bellflower), has more erect flowers that are clustered together at the apex each central stem. The flowers of this species have sepals that are longer and wider than those of Creeping Bellflower. The circumboreal Campanula rotundifolia (Harebells) and native Campanulastrum americanum (American Bellflower) are quite distinct from Creeping Bellflower. Harebells has linear leaves along its stems and its bell-shaped flowers are smaller in size (usually less than 1" in length) than those of creeping Bellflower. The flowers of American Bellflower have shallow corollas that are star-shaped with widely spreading lobes; the older scientific name of this latter species is Campanula americana.
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Miss Chen
2018年07月25日
Description: This plant is a summer annual about 2-5' tall; it is more or less erect and branches occasionally. The stems are green or reddish green, angular, strongly veined, and hairless (or nearly so). The leaves are mostly opposite; their blades are up to 8" long and 4" across, while their petioles are up to 2" long. The leaf blades are double- or triple-pinnate, medium green, and hairless (or nearly so). The segments of the blades are ovate, lanceolate, or oblanceolate with blunt tips and wedge-shaped bottoms; the margins of these segments are irregularly cleft or dentate. Overall, the leaf blades have a fern-like appearance. The upper stems terminate in individual flowerheads on long peduncles. Each flowerhead is about ½" long and ¼" across; it has numerous disk florets in the center and 0-5 ray florets along its upper margin. The disk florets have corollas that are golden yellow and tubular in shape; each corolla has 5 tiny lobes along its upper rim. The yellow ray florets are petal-like; they are about 1/8" (3 mm.) long and oval to oblong in shape. Some flowerheads may lack petal-like extensions of the ray florets altogether. The base of the flowerhead is surrounded by green bracts; the linear inner bracts are much longer (about 1/3" or 8 mm. in length) than the outer bracts. The blooming period occurs during the late summer or early fall. Each flowerhead is replaced by a seedhead that is globoid in shape and spans about 1" across. The long narrow seeds (achenes) spread outward from the center in all directions. Each mature seed is linear in shape, 4-angled, and dark brown; it has 2-4 short awns at its tip. Each tiny awn has downward-pointed barbs. The root system consists of a branching taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: Partial or dappled sunlight, moist to mesic conditions, and a fertile loamy soil are preferred. However, this robust plant can adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions. The size of individual plants varies significantly, depending on moisture levels and soil fertility.
Range & Habitat: The native Spanish Needles is occasional to locally common in southern and central Illinois; it is mostly absent in the northern section of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include open woodlands, woodland borders, savannas, thickets, rocky glades, riverbanks, weedy meadows, vacant lots, partially shaded areas along buildings, areas along railroads and roadsides, abandoned fields, and waste areas. Habitats with a history of disturbance are preferred. In Illinois, Spanish Needles is more often found in drier habitats than other species in the genus.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract bees: these include honeybees, leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp., Coelioxys sayi, & Heriades leavitti), and Halictid bees (including green metallic bees). Other insect visitors of the flowers include Syrphid flies and the butterfly Pieris rapae (Cabbage White). Rather then visiting the flowers, other insects feed on the foliage and other parts of Bidens spp. These species include the caterpillars of the moths Cirrhophanus triangulifer (Goldenrod Stowaway), Condica confederata (The Confederate), Epiblema otiosana (Bidens Borer Moth), Palthis asopialis (Fainted-Spotted Palthis), Platysenta mobilis (Mobile Groundling), and Synchlora aerata (Wavy-Lined Emerald). The leaf beetles Calligrapha bidenticola and Calligrapha californica feed on the leaves of Bidens spp., while the aphid Aphis coreopsidis sucks juices from the flowering stalks. Many of these insects feed on similar plants in the Aster family. Seeds of Bidens spp. are eaten to a minor extent by various birds, including the Ring-Necked Pheasant, Bobwhite, Wood Duck, Purple Finch, and Common Redpoll. The foliage is sometimes eaten by the Cottontail Rabbit. The barbed awns of the seeds can cling to the fur of passing animals and the clothing of humans; in this manner, the seeds are distributed far and wide.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a small grove of trees along a railroad in Champaign, Illinois, and a vacant lot in Urbana, Illinois. In one photograph, a green metallic bee is visiting a flowerhead. Underneath this flowerhead, there are some greenish aphids sucking juices from the stalk, although they are difficult to see.
Comments: The arrangement of the trident-shaped seeds into globoid seedheads is very striking. The common name derives from the appearance of these seeds. Among the many Bidens spp. in Illinois, Spanish Needles is the oddball of the group. The seeds of Spanish Needles are longer and usually more slender than those of other Bidens spp. Spanish Needles also has differently shaped leaves – they are more pinnately divided into smaller leaf segments than the leaves of other Bidens spp. (which are sometimes simple, rather than compound). Finally, Spanish Needles seems to prefer drier habitats; other Bidens spp. are more likely to be found in various wetland habitats.
Cultivation: Partial or dappled sunlight, moist to mesic conditions, and a fertile loamy soil are preferred. However, this robust plant can adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions. The size of individual plants varies significantly, depending on moisture levels and soil fertility.
Range & Habitat: The native Spanish Needles is occasional to locally common in southern and central Illinois; it is mostly absent in the northern section of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include open woodlands, woodland borders, savannas, thickets, rocky glades, riverbanks, weedy meadows, vacant lots, partially shaded areas along buildings, areas along railroads and roadsides, abandoned fields, and waste areas. Habitats with a history of disturbance are preferred. In Illinois, Spanish Needles is more often found in drier habitats than other species in the genus.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract bees: these include honeybees, leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp., Coelioxys sayi, & Heriades leavitti), and Halictid bees (including green metallic bees). Other insect visitors of the flowers include Syrphid flies and the butterfly Pieris rapae (Cabbage White). Rather then visiting the flowers, other insects feed on the foliage and other parts of Bidens spp. These species include the caterpillars of the moths Cirrhophanus triangulifer (Goldenrod Stowaway), Condica confederata (The Confederate), Epiblema otiosana (Bidens Borer Moth), Palthis asopialis (Fainted-Spotted Palthis), Platysenta mobilis (Mobile Groundling), and Synchlora aerata (Wavy-Lined Emerald). The leaf beetles Calligrapha bidenticola and Calligrapha californica feed on the leaves of Bidens spp., while the aphid Aphis coreopsidis sucks juices from the flowering stalks. Many of these insects feed on similar plants in the Aster family. Seeds of Bidens spp. are eaten to a minor extent by various birds, including the Ring-Necked Pheasant, Bobwhite, Wood Duck, Purple Finch, and Common Redpoll. The foliage is sometimes eaten by the Cottontail Rabbit. The barbed awns of the seeds can cling to the fur of passing animals and the clothing of humans; in this manner, the seeds are distributed far and wide.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a small grove of trees along a railroad in Champaign, Illinois, and a vacant lot in Urbana, Illinois. In one photograph, a green metallic bee is visiting a flowerhead. Underneath this flowerhead, there are some greenish aphids sucking juices from the stalk, although they are difficult to see.
Comments: The arrangement of the trident-shaped seeds into globoid seedheads is very striking. The common name derives from the appearance of these seeds. Among the many Bidens spp. in Illinois, Spanish Needles is the oddball of the group. The seeds of Spanish Needles are longer and usually more slender than those of other Bidens spp. Spanish Needles also has differently shaped leaves – they are more pinnately divided into smaller leaf segments than the leaves of other Bidens spp. (which are sometimes simple, rather than compound). Finally, Spanish Needles seems to prefer drier habitats; other Bidens spp. are more likely to be found in various wetland habitats.
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