文章
Miss Chen
2018年05月27日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is about 1½–2' tall; it consists of a central stalk with 3 spreading terminal leaves. The stalk is light green and hairless. The leaves are up to 6½" long and across; they are broadly obovate or broadly rhombic-oval, smooth along the margins, and hairless. The base of each leaf is wedge-shaped, while the terminal end tapers to a blunt tip. The major veins of each leaf are parallel; there are also branching side veins. A mature plant produces a single flower on a nodding peduncle about 1–2½" long. This flower is about 2" across, consisting of 3 white spreading petals, 3 green sepals, 6 stamens (anthers & filaments), and a creamy central ovary. The pale yellow anthers are twice as long as their filaments. At the tip of the ovary, there are 3 recurved stigmas. Only rarely are the petals of the flowers brownish purple. The flower hangs from its peduncle a little above or a little below the leaves.
The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring. The seed capsule that replaces the flower is 6-angled; it splits open at maturity to release the seeds. The foliage withers away during the summer. The vertical central root is slightly swollen near the base of the plant; it branches into secondary fibrous roots. Small vegetative colonies are occasionally produced from spreading rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the spring, followed by light to medium shade. The soil should be evenly moist, fertile, and loamy, with a layer of decaying leaves on its surface to protect the plant from drying out. Trilliums are slow to develop from seed and take many years to reach maturity. Most growth and development occurs during the spring before the canopy trees fully leaf out.
Range & Habitat: The native White Trillium is occasional in the northern half of Illinois, and uncommon or absent in the southern half of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include rich deciduous woodlands, wooded slopes, large shady ravines, and rocky bluffs. This species is found in high quality woodlands where the original ground flora is still intact.
Faunal Associations: Few insects visit the flowers of Trillium spp. (trilliums), even though their flowers are rather showy; records for this particular species have not been found. The caterpillars of the moths Clepsis melaleucana (Black-Patched Clepsis) and Euplexia benesimilis (American Angle Shades) occasionally feed on the foliage of Trilliums. The seeds are distributed by ants because of their food appendages. White-Tailed Deer readily graze on the foliage of trilliums; they seem to prefer it.
Photographic Location: Deciduous woodlands at Shades State Park, Pine Hills State Nature Preserve, and the Potholes in west-central Indiana.
Comments: Other common names for this species are the Declined Trillium and Drooping Trillium. This is one of the white-flowered trilliums (Trillium spp.) in Illinois. It is much larger and blooms later than Trillium nivale (Snow Trillium), and its flowers are less erect and somewhat smaller than those of Trillium grandiflorum (Large-Flowered Trillium). This latter species has straight stigmas, while the stigmas of White Trillium are recurved and spreading. It is easy to confuse this species with Trillium cernuum (Nodding Trillium), which also has white nodding flowers. This latter species has somewhat smaller leaves and flowers, and the peduncles of its flowers are usually shorter (less than 1¼" long). This latter species has anthers that are about the same length as their filaments, while White Trillium has anthers that are about twice as long as their filaments.
The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring. The seed capsule that replaces the flower is 6-angled; it splits open at maturity to release the seeds. The foliage withers away during the summer. The vertical central root is slightly swollen near the base of the plant; it branches into secondary fibrous roots. Small vegetative colonies are occasionally produced from spreading rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the spring, followed by light to medium shade. The soil should be evenly moist, fertile, and loamy, with a layer of decaying leaves on its surface to protect the plant from drying out. Trilliums are slow to develop from seed and take many years to reach maturity. Most growth and development occurs during the spring before the canopy trees fully leaf out.
Range & Habitat: The native White Trillium is occasional in the northern half of Illinois, and uncommon or absent in the southern half of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include rich deciduous woodlands, wooded slopes, large shady ravines, and rocky bluffs. This species is found in high quality woodlands where the original ground flora is still intact.
Faunal Associations: Few insects visit the flowers of Trillium spp. (trilliums), even though their flowers are rather showy; records for this particular species have not been found. The caterpillars of the moths Clepsis melaleucana (Black-Patched Clepsis) and Euplexia benesimilis (American Angle Shades) occasionally feed on the foliage of Trilliums. The seeds are distributed by ants because of their food appendages. White-Tailed Deer readily graze on the foliage of trilliums; they seem to prefer it.
Photographic Location: Deciduous woodlands at Shades State Park, Pine Hills State Nature Preserve, and the Potholes in west-central Indiana.
Comments: Other common names for this species are the Declined Trillium and Drooping Trillium. This is one of the white-flowered trilliums (Trillium spp.) in Illinois. It is much larger and blooms later than Trillium nivale (Snow Trillium), and its flowers are less erect and somewhat smaller than those of Trillium grandiflorum (Large-Flowered Trillium). This latter species has straight stigmas, while the stigmas of White Trillium are recurved and spreading. It is easy to confuse this species with Trillium cernuum (Nodding Trillium), which also has white nodding flowers. This latter species has somewhat smaller leaves and flowers, and the peduncles of its flowers are usually shorter (less than 1¼" long). This latter species has anthers that are about the same length as their filaments, while White Trillium has anthers that are about twice as long as their filaments.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年05月25日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 1-1½' tall, consisting of both basal leaves and a flowering stem with a pair of opposite leaves. The erect to ascending stem is light green, terete, and conspicuously hairy. Both types of leaves are up to 6" long and 4" across (excluding the petioles); they are bipinnatifid, consisting of 1-3 pairs of primary lateral lobes and a primary terminal lobe. The primary lateral lobes are up to 2" long and 1" across, while the primary terminal lobe is up to 2" long and 2" across. Both types of lobes have shallow to moderately deep secondary lobes with rounded tips. For mature leaves, the upper leaf surface is yellowish green to dark green and glabrous, while the lower leaf surface is pale green and pubescent to hairy. Immature leaves may have short appressed hairs on their upper surfaces. The petioles of the leaves are up to 4" long and sparsely hairy. There is little difference in the appearance of the basal and opposite leaves, although the latter have shorter petioles. The foliage contains a yellow-orange sap.
The upper stem terminates in either an individual flower or an umbel of 2-4 flowers. Each flower is about 1¼-2¼" across, consisting of 4 yellow petals, 2 early-deciduous sepals, numerous stamens with golden yellow anthers, and a pistil with a single stout style and knobby stigma. The petals are orbicular-obovate in shape, while the sepals are light green and very hairy. The ovary of the pistil is ¼-½" in length, narrowly ovoid in shape, more or less yellow, and finely hairy. The pedicels are ¼-2" long, light green, hairy, and terete; they are ascending to erect while the flowers are in bloom. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring, lasting about 2-3 weeks. In the absence of insect pollination, the flowers can self-pollinate. Shortly afterward, the flowers are replaced by ovoid seed capsules about ¾-1" long that nod from their pedicels; these capsules are 4-segmented and densely hairy. Numerous seeds are released after each capsule splits apart. They are dark brown and about 1.5 mm. in diameter; there is a white fringe of oil bodies (elaisomes) along one side of each seed. The root system consists of a woody caudex with coarse fibrous roots.
Cultivation: The Celandine Poppy should be grown in dappled sunlight underneath a tree, or along the foundation of a building in partial shade. It adapts best to rich loamy soil and moist to mesic conditions. Most vegetative growth and development occurs during the spring before the trees fully leaf out. This plant adapts to flower gardens readily.
Range & Habitat: The native Celandine Poppy is an uncommon plant that occurs primarily in southern Illinois; it has also been observed in Vermilion and Cook counties further to the north (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic deciduous woodlands, lower slopes of ravines, bases and lower slopes of bluffs, and rocky banks of streams. The Celandine Poppy is found in high quality woodlands; it is one of the woodland wildflowers that is threatened by the invasion of Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard) and Microstegium vimineum (Japanese Stiltgrass).
Faunal Associations: Little is known about the floral-faunal relationships for this species. The flowers provide only pollen as a reward to floral visitors. MacRae (1991) has observed adults of some metallic wood-boring beetles (Acmaeodera spp.) visiting the flowers. It is also likely that the flowers are visited by various bees and flies. The seeds are distributed to new locations by ants, which are attracted to their oily appendages (elaisomes). Woodland mice eat the seeds. The toxic foliage is avoided by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: A flower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The Celandine Poppy has attractive flowers and foliage. It resembles another species of the Poppy family, Celandine (Chelidonium majus), but the latter has yellow flowers that are smaller in size (¾" across or less) and its seed capsules are hairless, narrowly cylindrical, and erect. Celandine is a somewhat weedy species that was introduced from Europe; it is a biennial that blooms during the summer. Other species of the Poppy family in Illinois have flowers that are white, pink, orange-red, or purplish red. Most of these species have been introduced from Eurasia, although one of them, Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is native to Illinois. Another common name of Stylophorum diphyllum is the Wood Poppy.
The upper stem terminates in either an individual flower or an umbel of 2-4 flowers. Each flower is about 1¼-2¼" across, consisting of 4 yellow petals, 2 early-deciduous sepals, numerous stamens with golden yellow anthers, and a pistil with a single stout style and knobby stigma. The petals are orbicular-obovate in shape, while the sepals are light green and very hairy. The ovary of the pistil is ¼-½" in length, narrowly ovoid in shape, more or less yellow, and finely hairy. The pedicels are ¼-2" long, light green, hairy, and terete; they are ascending to erect while the flowers are in bloom. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring, lasting about 2-3 weeks. In the absence of insect pollination, the flowers can self-pollinate. Shortly afterward, the flowers are replaced by ovoid seed capsules about ¾-1" long that nod from their pedicels; these capsules are 4-segmented and densely hairy. Numerous seeds are released after each capsule splits apart. They are dark brown and about 1.5 mm. in diameter; there is a white fringe of oil bodies (elaisomes) along one side of each seed. The root system consists of a woody caudex with coarse fibrous roots.
Cultivation: The Celandine Poppy should be grown in dappled sunlight underneath a tree, or along the foundation of a building in partial shade. It adapts best to rich loamy soil and moist to mesic conditions. Most vegetative growth and development occurs during the spring before the trees fully leaf out. This plant adapts to flower gardens readily.
Range & Habitat: The native Celandine Poppy is an uncommon plant that occurs primarily in southern Illinois; it has also been observed in Vermilion and Cook counties further to the north (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic deciduous woodlands, lower slopes of ravines, bases and lower slopes of bluffs, and rocky banks of streams. The Celandine Poppy is found in high quality woodlands; it is one of the woodland wildflowers that is threatened by the invasion of Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard) and Microstegium vimineum (Japanese Stiltgrass).
Faunal Associations: Little is known about the floral-faunal relationships for this species. The flowers provide only pollen as a reward to floral visitors. MacRae (1991) has observed adults of some metallic wood-boring beetles (Acmaeodera spp.) visiting the flowers. It is also likely that the flowers are visited by various bees and flies. The seeds are distributed to new locations by ants, which are attracted to their oily appendages (elaisomes). Woodland mice eat the seeds. The toxic foliage is avoided by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: A flower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The Celandine Poppy has attractive flowers and foliage. It resembles another species of the Poppy family, Celandine (Chelidonium majus), but the latter has yellow flowers that are smaller in size (¾" across or less) and its seed capsules are hairless, narrowly cylindrical, and erect. Celandine is a somewhat weedy species that was introduced from Europe; it is a biennial that blooms during the summer. Other species of the Poppy family in Illinois have flowers that are white, pink, orange-red, or purplish red. Most of these species have been introduced from Eurasia, although one of them, Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is native to Illinois. Another common name of Stylophorum diphyllum is the Wood Poppy.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年05月25日
Description: This perennial wildflower is about 6-12" tall and unbranched, or sparingly so. Both fertile and infertile shoots are produced; the latter develop later in the year and don't produce flowers. The central stem is light green to pale purplish green and glabrous to moderately pubescent. The opposite leaves are up to 3" long and 1¼" across; they are ovate, lanceolate, oblanceolate, elliptic, or broadly oblong. The upper surface of these leaves is medium to dark green and finely pubescent (sometimes sparsely); their margins are smooth (entire) and ciliate. The leaf bases are sessile or nearly sessile, while their tips are either acute or blunt; lower leaves are more likely to have short petioles and blunt tips than upper leaves.
The central stem of each fertile shoot produces a terminal cyme of flowers; occasional individual flowers may develop from the axils of the upper leaves. Each flower is about ½" across, consisting of 5 green sepals, 5 white petals (looking like 10 petals, because each petal is deeply bifurcated), a white ovary with 3 styles at its apex, and 10 stamens with reddish brown anthers. The petals are about the same length or a little longer than the sepals. Each sepal is lanceolate to ovate and pubescent. The pedicel of each flower is up to 1" long and pubescent. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring and lasts about a month. Each flower is replaced by an ovoid capsule that is open at its apex; it has 6 curved teeth around its upper rim. Each capsule contains many small seeds that are globoid, somewhat flattened, and minutely warty. Each seed is often slightly notched on one side. The root system consists of a taproot with slender fibrous roots. Small colonies of plants are occasionally formed.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight to light shade during the spring, followed by light to medium shade. The soil should be well-drained but consistently moist, with an abundance of organic matter and a layer of decaying leaves. It should also be somewhat acidic. Shallow rocky ground and slopes help to reduce competition from taller plants.
Range & Habitat: The native Star Chickweed is a rare plant in Illinois, where it is state-listed as 'endangered.' It has been found in Pope County of southern Illinois, and a few counties in NE Illinois (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies at the NW corner of the range for this species. It is more common in the southern half of Indiana and other states. Habitats include edges of rocky meadows, rocky wooded slopes, wooded bluffs, and the upper slopes of sandstone ravines. Outside of Illinois, another typical habitat is rich mesic woodlands. This conservative species is found in high quality woodlands, especially where sandstone is close to the ground surface.
Faunal Associations: The flowers of Star Chickweed attract cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), mason bees (Osmia spp.), Halictid bees (Augochlorella spp., Lasioglossum spp.), Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.), the Giant Bee Fly (Bombylius major), Syrphid flies, and other miscellaneous flies. Butterflies and skippers are rare visitors of the flowers. These insects are attracted primarily to the nectar of the flowers, although some of the bees collect pollen for their larvae and some of the flies feed on pollen as adults. Insects that feed on Stellaria spp., including possibly this chickweed, are the aphid Abstrusomyzus phloxae, the Pale Tortoise Beetle (Cassida flaveola), and caterpillars of a moth, Lobocleta ossularia (Drab Brown Wave). Information about this chickweed's ecological relationships with vertebrate animals is currently unavailable.
Photographic Location: The edge of a rocky meadow and the wooded upper slope of a sandstone ravine at Shades State Park in west-central Indiana.
Comments: Of all the chickweeds (whether native or introduced), Star Chickweed is arguably the most attractive. It's a pity that this species isn't more common in Illinois. The only other chickweed in Illinois that resembles it is Myosoton aquaticum (Water Chickweed), which is native to Eurasia. This latter species can become larger in size than Star Chickweed, and its leaves are usually more broad toward their bases. Even more importantly, the flowers of Water Chickweed have 5 styles and its seed capsules have 5 teeth. In contrast, Star Chickweed has flowers with 3 styles and seed capsules with 6 teeth. Water Chickweed, as its common name suggests, also prefers damp water-logged habitats, such as roadside ditches and low areas along rivers. Other common names of Stellaria pubera are Giant Chickweed and Great Chickweed; these names sometimes refer to Myosoton aquaticum as well.
The central stem of each fertile shoot produces a terminal cyme of flowers; occasional individual flowers may develop from the axils of the upper leaves. Each flower is about ½" across, consisting of 5 green sepals, 5 white petals (looking like 10 petals, because each petal is deeply bifurcated), a white ovary with 3 styles at its apex, and 10 stamens with reddish brown anthers. The petals are about the same length or a little longer than the sepals. Each sepal is lanceolate to ovate and pubescent. The pedicel of each flower is up to 1" long and pubescent. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring and lasts about a month. Each flower is replaced by an ovoid capsule that is open at its apex; it has 6 curved teeth around its upper rim. Each capsule contains many small seeds that are globoid, somewhat flattened, and minutely warty. Each seed is often slightly notched on one side. The root system consists of a taproot with slender fibrous roots. Small colonies of plants are occasionally formed.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight to light shade during the spring, followed by light to medium shade. The soil should be well-drained but consistently moist, with an abundance of organic matter and a layer of decaying leaves. It should also be somewhat acidic. Shallow rocky ground and slopes help to reduce competition from taller plants.
Range & Habitat: The native Star Chickweed is a rare plant in Illinois, where it is state-listed as 'endangered.' It has been found in Pope County of southern Illinois, and a few counties in NE Illinois (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies at the NW corner of the range for this species. It is more common in the southern half of Indiana and other states. Habitats include edges of rocky meadows, rocky wooded slopes, wooded bluffs, and the upper slopes of sandstone ravines. Outside of Illinois, another typical habitat is rich mesic woodlands. This conservative species is found in high quality woodlands, especially where sandstone is close to the ground surface.
Faunal Associations: The flowers of Star Chickweed attract cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), mason bees (Osmia spp.), Halictid bees (Augochlorella spp., Lasioglossum spp.), Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.), the Giant Bee Fly (Bombylius major), Syrphid flies, and other miscellaneous flies. Butterflies and skippers are rare visitors of the flowers. These insects are attracted primarily to the nectar of the flowers, although some of the bees collect pollen for their larvae and some of the flies feed on pollen as adults. Insects that feed on Stellaria spp., including possibly this chickweed, are the aphid Abstrusomyzus phloxae, the Pale Tortoise Beetle (Cassida flaveola), and caterpillars of a moth, Lobocleta ossularia (Drab Brown Wave). Information about this chickweed's ecological relationships with vertebrate animals is currently unavailable.
Photographic Location: The edge of a rocky meadow and the wooded upper slope of a sandstone ravine at Shades State Park in west-central Indiana.
Comments: Of all the chickweeds (whether native or introduced), Star Chickweed is arguably the most attractive. It's a pity that this species isn't more common in Illinois. The only other chickweed in Illinois that resembles it is Myosoton aquaticum (Water Chickweed), which is native to Eurasia. This latter species can become larger in size than Star Chickweed, and its leaves are usually more broad toward their bases. Even more importantly, the flowers of Water Chickweed have 5 styles and its seed capsules have 5 teeth. In contrast, Star Chickweed has flowers with 3 styles and seed capsules with 6 teeth. Water Chickweed, as its common name suggests, also prefers damp water-logged habitats, such as roadside ditches and low areas along rivers. Other common names of Stellaria pubera are Giant Chickweed and Great Chickweed; these names sometimes refer to Myosoton aquaticum as well.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月25日
Spike of FlowersDescription: This perennial wildflower is 3-12" tall, consisting of an unbranched flowering stalk, 1-2 basal leaves, and a few alternate leaves. Usually, individual plants are less than 7" tall. The basal leaves are 1-6" long and ¼-¾" across; they are lanceolate, oblanceolate, or elliptic in shape, while their margins are smooth. The alternate leaves are located along the lower half of the flowering stalk; they are often bladeless and sheath-like, but sometimes there are blades ¾-2½" long and about ¼" across. When alternate blades are present, they are narrowly lanceolate, oblanceolate, or elliptic, and their margins are smooth. Both basal and alternate leaves are medium to dark green and glabrous. The erect central stalk is medium to dark green, terete, and relatively narrow; it is glabrous below, becoming short-pubescent and glandular above. This stalk terminates in a spike of flowers about ¾-4" long. The flowers of each spike are densely arranged into 3-ranks (a double spiral). Each flower has 6 white tepals, a green ovary, and other reproductive organs. The tepals form a tubular corolla about 4-5 mm. long that is slightly curved and nodding. The corolla has an upper hood consisting of 3 fused tepals, a lower lip consisting of a single tepal, and 2 lateral tepals. As each flower develops, the lateral tepals become free toward the base and extend along the sides of the corolla. The lower lip extends to about the same length, or slightly beyond the hood. This lip is somewhat recurved, narrowly oval in shape, and its margins are slightly undulate and crisped. At the base of the lip, there is a pair of slender curved callosities (resembling minute claw-like extensions). The interior of the corolla is usually white, otherwise it is pale cream. The ovary is medium green, ovoid-oblongoid in shape, usually short-pubescent, and about 4-5 mm. long (although it becomes larger after the blooming period). Partially obscuring the ovary, there is a green bract (about 5-8 mm. in length) that is lanceolate-elliptic, short-pubescent, and glandular. The blooming period occurs during the early fall, sometimes extending into mid-fall. The flowers bloom from the bottom to the top of the raceme. Afterwards, the seed capsules develop, becoming about the same length as the bracts; they are sessile and ovoid-oblongoid in shape. Eventually, these capsules release numerous minute seeds that are carried aloft by air currents. The root system consists of a few roots that are fleshy and fibrous.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight to light shade, moist to mesic conditions that are well-drained, and soil containing loam or clay-loam with some decaying organic matter. In addition to these requirements, appropriate strains of a fungus or fungi should be present in the soil that can form a symbiotic association with the root system.
Range & Habitat: The native Lesser Ladies' Tresses has been found mostly in southern and central Illinois, where it is uncommon (see Distribution Map). However, this species appears to be slowly spreading into other parts of the state. Habitats include moist to mesic woodlands, rocky upland woodlands, open woodlands, areas along paths in woodlands, edges of swamps, and semi-shaded areas along abandoned fields. Lesser Ladies' Tresses appears to flourish when disturbance reduces competition from shrubs, trees, and tall vegetation. Such disturbance may be related to fire, wind storms, or human actions. In the wooded habitats where this wildflower occurs, the dominant trees are deciduous.
Faunal Associations: Various kinds of bees visit the flowers of Spiranthes spp. (Ladies' Tresses Orchids) for nectar, including bumblebees, Halictid bees, leaf-cutter bees (Megachile spp.), and little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.). The foliage and flowers are browsed occasionally by mammalian herbivores, including the White-Tailed Deer, Cottontail Rabbit, and Groundhog. Because of its small size and inconspicuous nature, Lesser Ladies' Tresses can be overlooked by these herbivores, however.
Photographic Location: In a wooded area of a park in Champaign County, Illinois.
Comments: There are two varieties of Lesser Ladies' Tresses. The typical variety requires cross-pollination by insects to produce fertile seeds; it is found in several southern states. The other variety, Spiranthes ovalis erostella, has a more northern distribution that includes Illinois. This latter variety lacks some of the reproductive structures (specifically, the rostellum and viscidium) that prevent self-pollination. Therefore, in the absence of cross-pollination by insects, this variety of Lesser Ladies' Tresses is capable of self-pollination, increasing the likelihood that seeds will be produced. Lesser Ladies' Tresses can be distinguished from other Spiranthes spp. (Lady Tresses' Orchids) by its small size (typically 3-6" tall), small flowers (tepals less than 6 mm. long), and narrow flowering stalks. In particular, the base of the lower lip of each flower has a pair of slender curved callosities (resembling minute claw-like extensions) that are distinct for this species. In contrast, the callosities of a more common species, Spiranthes cernua (Nodding Ladies' Tresses), resemble a pair of wart-like protuberances at the base of the lower lip of each flower. This distinction usually requires a 10x hand lens to see.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight to light shade, moist to mesic conditions that are well-drained, and soil containing loam or clay-loam with some decaying organic matter. In addition to these requirements, appropriate strains of a fungus or fungi should be present in the soil that can form a symbiotic association with the root system.
Range & Habitat: The native Lesser Ladies' Tresses has been found mostly in southern and central Illinois, where it is uncommon (see Distribution Map). However, this species appears to be slowly spreading into other parts of the state. Habitats include moist to mesic woodlands, rocky upland woodlands, open woodlands, areas along paths in woodlands, edges of swamps, and semi-shaded areas along abandoned fields. Lesser Ladies' Tresses appears to flourish when disturbance reduces competition from shrubs, trees, and tall vegetation. Such disturbance may be related to fire, wind storms, or human actions. In the wooded habitats where this wildflower occurs, the dominant trees are deciduous.
Faunal Associations: Various kinds of bees visit the flowers of Spiranthes spp. (Ladies' Tresses Orchids) for nectar, including bumblebees, Halictid bees, leaf-cutter bees (Megachile spp.), and little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.). The foliage and flowers are browsed occasionally by mammalian herbivores, including the White-Tailed Deer, Cottontail Rabbit, and Groundhog. Because of its small size and inconspicuous nature, Lesser Ladies' Tresses can be overlooked by these herbivores, however.
Photographic Location: In a wooded area of a park in Champaign County, Illinois.
Comments: There are two varieties of Lesser Ladies' Tresses. The typical variety requires cross-pollination by insects to produce fertile seeds; it is found in several southern states. The other variety, Spiranthes ovalis erostella, has a more northern distribution that includes Illinois. This latter variety lacks some of the reproductive structures (specifically, the rostellum and viscidium) that prevent self-pollination. Therefore, in the absence of cross-pollination by insects, this variety of Lesser Ladies' Tresses is capable of self-pollination, increasing the likelihood that seeds will be produced. Lesser Ladies' Tresses can be distinguished from other Spiranthes spp. (Lady Tresses' Orchids) by its small size (typically 3-6" tall), small flowers (tepals less than 6 mm. long), and narrow flowering stalks. In particular, the base of the lower lip of each flower has a pair of slender curved callosities (resembling minute claw-like extensions) that are distinct for this species. In contrast, the callosities of a more common species, Spiranthes cernua (Nodding Ladies' Tresses), resemble a pair of wart-like protuberances at the base of the lower lip of each flower. This distinction usually requires a 10x hand lens to see.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月20日
Description: This perennial wildflower is ½–2' tall. At the base of each plant, there is a small rosette of basal leaves spanning about 6-8" across. The blades of the basal leaves are typically 2-3" long and 2" across; they are cordate-orbicular to cordate-oval in shape, crenate-dentate along their margins, and hairless. The slender petioles of the basal leaves are as long as the blades. A flowering stalk develops from the center of each rosette. Along this stalk, there are usually 2-3 alternate leaves. The alternate leaves are smaller in size than the basal leaves and pinnatifid in shape. Both the alternate leaves and the stalk are hairless during the blooming period and thereafter. The stalk terminates in a flat-headed panicle (or corymb) of flowerheads. The branches of this panicle are slender and hairless. Each daisy-like flowerhead is ½–¾" across; in the center there are numerous golden yellow disk florets, which are surrounded by 6-16 yellow ray florets. Both the disk and ray florets are fertile. Surrounding the base of the flowerhead, there are numerous linear green bracts in a single series. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring and lasts about 3 weeks. Each floret is replaced by a bullet-shaped achene with a small tuft of white hairs. The achenes are distributed by the wind. The short rootstock has spreading fibrous roots and it produces rhizomes (or stolons). Vegetative colonies of plants are often produced in favorable habitats.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, wet to mesic conditions, and soil with abundant organic matter to retain moisture. Plants that grow in sunlight require more moisture than plants growing in shade.
Range & Habitat: Golden Ragwort is occasional throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include wet to mesic deciduous woodlands, damp woodland openings, woodland borders, moist sandy savannas, sandy swamps, seeps and edges of springs, banks of rivers and lakes, slopes of rocky ravines, glades, moist meadows, roadside embankments, and abandoned fields. Golden Ragwort is more shade-tolerant than many other ragworts (Packera spp.) in the state.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract small bees and flies primarily. Among the bees, are such visitors as little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), and various Halictid bees. Among the flies, are such visitors as Syrphid flies, Tachinid flies, and miscellaneous others. The caterpillars of a moth, Orthonama obstipata (The Gem), feed on ragworts (Packera spp.). The foliage is shunned by most mammalian herbivores because of its toxicity, although sheep are more tolerant and will eat it.
Photographic Location: An opening in a sandy swamp at the Irwin Prairie State Nature Preserve in NW Ohio.
Comments: Goldenrod Ragwort (Packera aurea) is an attractive spring wildflower. In Illinois, the perennial Packera spp. (Ragworts) differ from each other by the shape of their basal leaves. Among these, Golden Ragwort has the most orbicular basal leaves; each basal blade is slightly to strongly indented at the base where it is joined by the petiole. Other perennial Ragworts have more slender basal leaves that are usually oval to elliptic in shape. One of them, Packera plattensis (Prairie Ragwort), has conspicuous hairs on its leaves and stems, while mature plants of Golden Ragwort are hairless. A scientific synonym of Golden Ragwort is Senecio aureus, and it is sometimes referred to as 'Heart-Leaved Ragwort' or 'Heart-Leaved Groundsel.'
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, wet to mesic conditions, and soil with abundant organic matter to retain moisture. Plants that grow in sunlight require more moisture than plants growing in shade.
Range & Habitat: Golden Ragwort is occasional throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include wet to mesic deciduous woodlands, damp woodland openings, woodland borders, moist sandy savannas, sandy swamps, seeps and edges of springs, banks of rivers and lakes, slopes of rocky ravines, glades, moist meadows, roadside embankments, and abandoned fields. Golden Ragwort is more shade-tolerant than many other ragworts (Packera spp.) in the state.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract small bees and flies primarily. Among the bees, are such visitors as little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), and various Halictid bees. Among the flies, are such visitors as Syrphid flies, Tachinid flies, and miscellaneous others. The caterpillars of a moth, Orthonama obstipata (The Gem), feed on ragworts (Packera spp.). The foliage is shunned by most mammalian herbivores because of its toxicity, although sheep are more tolerant and will eat it.
Photographic Location: An opening in a sandy swamp at the Irwin Prairie State Nature Preserve in NW Ohio.
Comments: Goldenrod Ragwort (Packera aurea) is an attractive spring wildflower. In Illinois, the perennial Packera spp. (Ragworts) differ from each other by the shape of their basal leaves. Among these, Golden Ragwort has the most orbicular basal leaves; each basal blade is slightly to strongly indented at the base where it is joined by the petiole. Other perennial Ragworts have more slender basal leaves that are usually oval to elliptic in shape. One of them, Packera plattensis (Prairie Ragwort), has conspicuous hairs on its leaves and stems, while mature plants of Golden Ragwort are hairless. A scientific synonym of Golden Ragwort is Senecio aureus, and it is sometimes referred to as 'Heart-Leaved Ragwort' or 'Heart-Leaved Groundsel.'
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年05月18日
Description: This perennial wildflower forms a rosette of ascending to spreading basal leaves. Individual basal leaves are 6-12" long and 2-4" across; they are dull green, elliptic to ovate in shape, smooth along their margins, and hairless. The basal leaves have parallel veins and they are longitudinally pleated. During some years, Wood's Bunchflower produces an unbranched flowering stalk about 3-6' tall. Relatively few alternate leaves are located along the lower-half of each stalk. The alternate leaves are similar to the basal leaves, except their bases are more slender, and they become much smaller in size while ascending the flower stalk. The bases of these alternate leaves partially sheath each stalk. Each central stalk is light green, terete, and pubescent, terminating in an inflorescence about 1-2' long.
This inflorescence consists of either a narrow raceme or elongated panicle of flowers. On each inflorescence, the upper flowers are perfect, while the lower flowers are staminate (male). The peduncle, lateral branches, and pedicels of the inflorescence are light green and pubescent, becoming dark brown with age. When lateral branches are present, they are 2-8" long and ascending to spreading (usually the former). The pedicels of the flowers are short (less than ½" long). Usually, there are narrow leafy bracts less than ½" long at the bases of the branches and pedicels. Perfect flowers are ½-¾" across, consisting of 6 widely spreading tepals, a small superior ovary, 6 stamens, and 3 styles. The narrow tepals are reddish brown (maroon) overall. The tepals have pairs of dark red glands at their bases, while toward the middle of each tepal there is often a transverse band of pale green or pale yellow. The ovary of each flower is light green, finely short-pubescent, and ovoid-conical in shape. Staminate flowers are the same as perfect flowers, except they lack an ovary and styles. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late summer for about 1 month.
Afterwards, the perfect flowers are replaced by 3-celled seed capsules that become, when they are mature, about ¾-1" long and about one-half as much across. These capsules have 3 longitudinal lobes with sharp ridges; they are usually sparsely pubescent and change color from green to dark brown. Each capsule usually contains only 0-3 seeds, although sometimes there are more. The tan-colored angular seeds are up to ½" long and ¼" across. The root system is rhizomatous. Sometimes vegetative offsets develop from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight or light shade, moist conditions, and a rich soil that is often derived from glacial till. This wildflower has very few problems with insects pests and disease organisms. In any given year, entire colonies of plants may fail to produce flowers.
Range & Habitat: The native Wood's Bunchflower is restricted to central Illinois, where it is uncommon. In the past, this wildflower was state-listed as 'threatened,' but it was recently removed from this list as additional colonies of plants were discovered. Wood's Bunchflower is uncommon throughoutDistribution Map its range; it occurs primarily in Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri. Habitats include north- or east-facing wooded slopes along rivers, areas near streams in hilly woodlands, and shaded ravines. This wildflower is restricted to high quality deciduous woodlands where the original ground flora is still intact.
Faunal Associations: Almost nothing is known about floral-faunal relationships for Wood's Bunchflower. The maroon-colored flowers are probably cross-pollinated by flies and beetles. The caterpillars of a highly polyphagous moth, Xestia smithii (Smith's Dart), reportedly feed on this or a closely related species. Generally, Melanthium spp. (Bunchflowers) and the closely related Veratrum spp. (False Hellebores) have foliage, roots, and seeds that are considered highly poisonous to mammalian herbivores. There is some evidence that these plants are teratogenic, causing fatal birth defects in sheep. However, it is not uncommon to encounter specimens of Wood's Bunchflower that have been partially eaten by White-Tailed Deer.
Photographic Location: The photograph of the basal leaves was taken on a wooded slope facing a river in Vermilion County, Illinois, while the photograph of the seed capsules was taken in a hilly woodland near a stream in Coles County, Illinois.
Comments: Taxonomists are still divided regarding the classification of this wildflower: Some authorities refer to this species as Melanthium woodii (Wood's Bunchflower), as described here, while others refer to it as Veratrum woodii (Wood's False Hellebore). Perhaps additional genetic analysis will be helpful in resolving this conflict. The large basal leaves of Wood's Bunchflower are very conspicuous. This is one of the tallest wildflowers to bloom in woodlands during the summer, but the flowers are not produced reliably from year-to-year. The reason for this inconsistent flowering is not clear. Wood's Bunchflower is closely related to Melanthium virginicum (Virginia Bunchflower), but the latter species is found in damp sunny habitats. Virginia Bunchflower has white flowers, rather than maroon ones, and its leaves are more slender than those of Wood's Bunchflower. Both species are unusual in having conspicuous glands at the bases of their tepals.
This inflorescence consists of either a narrow raceme or elongated panicle of flowers. On each inflorescence, the upper flowers are perfect, while the lower flowers are staminate (male). The peduncle, lateral branches, and pedicels of the inflorescence are light green and pubescent, becoming dark brown with age. When lateral branches are present, they are 2-8" long and ascending to spreading (usually the former). The pedicels of the flowers are short (less than ½" long). Usually, there are narrow leafy bracts less than ½" long at the bases of the branches and pedicels. Perfect flowers are ½-¾" across, consisting of 6 widely spreading tepals, a small superior ovary, 6 stamens, and 3 styles. The narrow tepals are reddish brown (maroon) overall. The tepals have pairs of dark red glands at their bases, while toward the middle of each tepal there is often a transverse band of pale green or pale yellow. The ovary of each flower is light green, finely short-pubescent, and ovoid-conical in shape. Staminate flowers are the same as perfect flowers, except they lack an ovary and styles. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late summer for about 1 month.
Afterwards, the perfect flowers are replaced by 3-celled seed capsules that become, when they are mature, about ¾-1" long and about one-half as much across. These capsules have 3 longitudinal lobes with sharp ridges; they are usually sparsely pubescent and change color from green to dark brown. Each capsule usually contains only 0-3 seeds, although sometimes there are more. The tan-colored angular seeds are up to ½" long and ¼" across. The root system is rhizomatous. Sometimes vegetative offsets develop from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight or light shade, moist conditions, and a rich soil that is often derived from glacial till. This wildflower has very few problems with insects pests and disease organisms. In any given year, entire colonies of plants may fail to produce flowers.
Range & Habitat: The native Wood's Bunchflower is restricted to central Illinois, where it is uncommon. In the past, this wildflower was state-listed as 'threatened,' but it was recently removed from this list as additional colonies of plants were discovered. Wood's Bunchflower is uncommon throughoutDistribution Map its range; it occurs primarily in Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri. Habitats include north- or east-facing wooded slopes along rivers, areas near streams in hilly woodlands, and shaded ravines. This wildflower is restricted to high quality deciduous woodlands where the original ground flora is still intact.
Faunal Associations: Almost nothing is known about floral-faunal relationships for Wood's Bunchflower. The maroon-colored flowers are probably cross-pollinated by flies and beetles. The caterpillars of a highly polyphagous moth, Xestia smithii (Smith's Dart), reportedly feed on this or a closely related species. Generally, Melanthium spp. (Bunchflowers) and the closely related Veratrum spp. (False Hellebores) have foliage, roots, and seeds that are considered highly poisonous to mammalian herbivores. There is some evidence that these plants are teratogenic, causing fatal birth defects in sheep. However, it is not uncommon to encounter specimens of Wood's Bunchflower that have been partially eaten by White-Tailed Deer.
Photographic Location: The photograph of the basal leaves was taken on a wooded slope facing a river in Vermilion County, Illinois, while the photograph of the seed capsules was taken in a hilly woodland near a stream in Coles County, Illinois.
Comments: Taxonomists are still divided regarding the classification of this wildflower: Some authorities refer to this species as Melanthium woodii (Wood's Bunchflower), as described here, while others refer to it as Veratrum woodii (Wood's False Hellebore). Perhaps additional genetic analysis will be helpful in resolving this conflict. The large basal leaves of Wood's Bunchflower are very conspicuous. This is one of the tallest wildflowers to bloom in woodlands during the summer, but the flowers are not produced reliably from year-to-year. The reason for this inconsistent flowering is not clear. Wood's Bunchflower is closely related to Melanthium virginicum (Virginia Bunchflower), but the latter species is found in damp sunny habitats. Virginia Bunchflower has white flowers, rather than maroon ones, and its leaves are more slender than those of Wood's Bunchflower. Both species are unusual in having conspicuous glands at the bases of their tepals.
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文章
权问薇
2018年05月17日
一、采种与处理
我们应该在每年6月份的时候去采集它的种子，因为这时候它的果子已经成熟了，我们可以把那些自然落下的梅果拾在一起，然后堆放在阴凉地上，堆放时的温度不能超过15到30度，厚度大约在10 到15厘米之间就可以了，而且在堆放期间一定要经常的给它翻动一下，如果用手摸时，感觉很热，那我们就需要及时的给它通风和翻动，以便于降低温度，差不多等上半个月以后，它的果肉就会开始腐烂，这时候我们就可以把果子洗净，取出种子。等到种子取出来之后，我们把它们放在阴凉地方，让种子尽快晾干，然后再在种之前，用温水泡一下，再沙藏上20天，就可以去种了。
二、播种的时间
1.秋播
播种的话，我们可以选择在秋天播种，具体的时间就是立冬和小雪之间，这时候种子是不用怎么处理的，可以直接去种，发芽率是很高的。
2.春播
除了在秋天种，我们还可以在春天去种，具体的时间就是在春分的前后，这时候种的话，种子就要稍微的处理一下了，因为这时候种子不怎么容易发芽，所以我们一定要人工催芽一下，这样才能好发芽。
三、操作方法
畦面做好了之后，如果畦的长度为1.6米，那就可以种上6行，如果你的畦长是1.5米，那就只能种上5行。在种时，株距保持在3厘米，播完之后就可以马上盖土，土厚度为3厘米就可以。等到种子全部种完并盖好土之后，我们就要把它们耙平了。另外，如果你是家养的梅花，那我们只要把它种在盆里面就可以了，在种的时候，株距为3厘米，并且只需要种上1粒就可以了，然后同样的要盖土保湿，用不了多长时间，种子就会长出小苗了。
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年05月16日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is about 6" tall, although its stems can extend up to 1' long. Both basal leaves and stems with alternate leaves are produced; the latter usually sprawl across the ground. The stems are light green, reddish green, or brownish green, and glabrous to sparsely pubescent. The basal and alternate leaves are up to 3" long and across (excluding the petioles); they are yellowish green to dark green, trifoliate, and glabrous. The leaflets are obovate, broadly obovate, or rhombic in outline and their margins are shallowly to deeply cleft and coarsely dentate. The terminal leaflet has a longer petiolule (basal stalklet at its base) than either of the lateral leaflets. There is some variability in how broad and deeply cleft the leaflets are across different populations of plants. The petioles are up to 3" long, light green to reddish green, and glabrous to sparsely pubescent; they are grooved above and convex below.
Occasionally, individual flowers develop from unbranched stalks about 2-5" long. These stalks are ascending to erect, green, and glabrous to pubescent. Each flower spans about ¾" across, consisting of 5 yellow petals, 5 light green sepals, numerous yellow stamens, and a cluster of pistils in the center of the flower. The petal bases are often pale yellow with fine veins functioning as nectar guides; the remainder of the petals are bright yellow and shiny. The petals are obovate with rounded tips; they are longer than the sepals. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer and lasts about 1½ months. After the petals fall away, the pistils are replaced by a cluster of flattened achenes with long beaks; these achenes are 2.5-3.5 mm. in length. The root system consists of a tuft of fibrous roots. The sprawling stems are able to form rootlets when their nodes establish contact with moist ground. Swamp Buttercup sometimes forms loose colonies of plants at favorable sites.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to light shade, wet to mesic conditions, and a fertile loamy soil with some decaying leaf mould. Standing water from spring rainfall is tolerated if it is temporary.
Range & Habitat: Swamp Buttercup is a common plant that occurs in most counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include moist to mesic deciduous woodlands, soggy areas along vernal pools, swamps, partially shaded areas of seeps, and areas along springs in woodlands. This species often grows in soggy areas of woodlands that are too wet for some invasive species, such as Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard). Therefore, populations of Swamp Buttercup remain reasonably secure. This plant is also able to tolerate some degradation of its habitat from other causes.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract their fair share of flower visitors, including little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), mason bees (Osmia spp.), Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp.), Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.), Syrphid flies, bee flies (Bombylius spp.), Muscid flies, Anthomyiid flies, skippers, and miscellaneous beetles. The bees suck nectar or collect pollen, while the flies and beetles suck nectar or feed on pollen. Other insects feed destructively on the foliage, roots, and other parts of Swamp Buttercup and other buttercups (Ranunculus spp.). These species include the leaf beetles Prasocuris ovalis and Prasocuris vittata, larvae of the sawflies Monophadnus pallescens and Stethomostus fuliginosus, Thecabius affinis (Poplar-Buttercup Aphid) and Thecabius gravicornis (Folded-Leaf Balsam Aphid), and larvae of the moth Sparganothis sulfureana (Sparganothis Leafroller). The foliage of buttercups is more or less toxic and it is avoided by mammalian herbivores. However, the seeds of these plants are eaten to a limited extent by the Wild Turkey, Cottontail Rabbit, Fox Squirrel, Gray Squirrel, Eastern Chipmunk, and Meadow Vole. The Wild Turkey reportedly browses on the foliage of buttercups, notwithstanding its toxicity (Martin et al., 1951/1961).
Photographic Location: A moist deciduous woodland at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: With the exception of the weedy Ranunculus abortivus (Small-Flowered Buttercup), this is probably the most common buttercup (Ranunculus spp.) in Illinois. It is possible to confuse Swamp Buttercup with similar species, especially Ranunculus hispidus (Hispid Buttercup), Ranunculus carolinianus (Carolina Buttercup), and the introduced Ranunculus repens (Creeping Buttercup). Unlike Swamp Buttercup, the stems of Hispid Buttercup have abundant spreading hairs and they are usually more erect. Carolina Buttercup is supposed to have longer achenes (3.5–5.0 mm. in length) than the preceding two species, however its status as a separate species is debatable. Some authorities consider Swamp Buttercup and Carolina Buttercup to be different varieties of Ranunculus hispidus (Duncan & Duncan, 1999; Yatskievych, 2000), although Mohlenbrock (2002) doesn't. The leaves of Creeping Buttercup are less deeply cleft and they are often splotched with pale green or white patterns. In addition, its achenes are less flattened than those of Swamp Buttercup.
Occasionally, individual flowers develop from unbranched stalks about 2-5" long. These stalks are ascending to erect, green, and glabrous to pubescent. Each flower spans about ¾" across, consisting of 5 yellow petals, 5 light green sepals, numerous yellow stamens, and a cluster of pistils in the center of the flower. The petal bases are often pale yellow with fine veins functioning as nectar guides; the remainder of the petals are bright yellow and shiny. The petals are obovate with rounded tips; they are longer than the sepals. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer and lasts about 1½ months. After the petals fall away, the pistils are replaced by a cluster of flattened achenes with long beaks; these achenes are 2.5-3.5 mm. in length. The root system consists of a tuft of fibrous roots. The sprawling stems are able to form rootlets when their nodes establish contact with moist ground. Swamp Buttercup sometimes forms loose colonies of plants at favorable sites.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to light shade, wet to mesic conditions, and a fertile loamy soil with some decaying leaf mould. Standing water from spring rainfall is tolerated if it is temporary.
Range & Habitat: Swamp Buttercup is a common plant that occurs in most counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include moist to mesic deciduous woodlands, soggy areas along vernal pools, swamps, partially shaded areas of seeps, and areas along springs in woodlands. This species often grows in soggy areas of woodlands that are too wet for some invasive species, such as Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard). Therefore, populations of Swamp Buttercup remain reasonably secure. This plant is also able to tolerate some degradation of its habitat from other causes.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract their fair share of flower visitors, including little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), mason bees (Osmia spp.), Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp.), Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.), Syrphid flies, bee flies (Bombylius spp.), Muscid flies, Anthomyiid flies, skippers, and miscellaneous beetles. The bees suck nectar or collect pollen, while the flies and beetles suck nectar or feed on pollen. Other insects feed destructively on the foliage, roots, and other parts of Swamp Buttercup and other buttercups (Ranunculus spp.). These species include the leaf beetles Prasocuris ovalis and Prasocuris vittata, larvae of the sawflies Monophadnus pallescens and Stethomostus fuliginosus, Thecabius affinis (Poplar-Buttercup Aphid) and Thecabius gravicornis (Folded-Leaf Balsam Aphid), and larvae of the moth Sparganothis sulfureana (Sparganothis Leafroller). The foliage of buttercups is more or less toxic and it is avoided by mammalian herbivores. However, the seeds of these plants are eaten to a limited extent by the Wild Turkey, Cottontail Rabbit, Fox Squirrel, Gray Squirrel, Eastern Chipmunk, and Meadow Vole. The Wild Turkey reportedly browses on the foliage of buttercups, notwithstanding its toxicity (Martin et al., 1951/1961).
Photographic Location: A moist deciduous woodland at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: With the exception of the weedy Ranunculus abortivus (Small-Flowered Buttercup), this is probably the most common buttercup (Ranunculus spp.) in Illinois. It is possible to confuse Swamp Buttercup with similar species, especially Ranunculus hispidus (Hispid Buttercup), Ranunculus carolinianus (Carolina Buttercup), and the introduced Ranunculus repens (Creeping Buttercup). Unlike Swamp Buttercup, the stems of Hispid Buttercup have abundant spreading hairs and they are usually more erect. Carolina Buttercup is supposed to have longer achenes (3.5–5.0 mm. in length) than the preceding two species, however its status as a separate species is debatable. Some authorities consider Swamp Buttercup and Carolina Buttercup to be different varieties of Ranunculus hispidus (Duncan & Duncan, 1999; Yatskievych, 2000), although Mohlenbrock (2002) doesn't. The leaves of Creeping Buttercup are less deeply cleft and they are often splotched with pale green or white patterns. In addition, its achenes are less flattened than those of Swamp Buttercup.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年05月13日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is about 3-6" tall. It consists of a tuft of basal leaves that develops during the late spring and persists through the winter. These leaves are up to 3" long and across; they have slender petioles up to 6" long. Each leaf is palmately divided into 3 lobes; the lobes are oval-ovate and approximately the same size. The smooth upper surface of each leaf can be green, brownish green, reddish brown, or contain patches of the preceding colors; usually, the upper surface is more green during the summer, but become reddish brown during the winter. The leaf margins are smooth; for var. acuta, the tips of the lobes are rather pointed in mature leaves.
A mature plant will produce a tuft of flowers on long stalks during early to mid-spring, by which time the basal leaves that persisted during the winter may have withered away. Each flower occurs on a naked hairy stalk about 3-4" long; this stalk is often reddish green or reddish brown. The flower may be erect or it may nod on its stalk. Each flower is up to 1" across, consisting of 5-11 petal-like sepals, a green cluster of carpels in its center, and numerous white stamens surrounding the carpels. The sepals are white, pastel pink, or pastel blue; each sepal is oblong-oval in shape. At the base of each flower, there are 3 leafy bracts that are lanceolate, ovate, or oval in shape. These bracts are reddish green or reddish brown, hairy across the outer surface, and shorter than the sepals. The blooming period occurs during early to mid-spring and lasts about 2-3 weeks for a colony of plants; however, individual flowers are short-lived. The carpels turn brown and become beaked achenes that are often pubescent. The root system consists of a tuft of fibrous roots. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the spring and light shade during the summer. The basal leaves should be left undisturbed during the winter. The soil should be well-drained, loamy, and can contain some rocky material, including pieces of limestone; a thin-layer of decaying leaves is also beneficial.
Range & Habitat: The native Sharp-Lobed Hepatica is occasional in wooded areas of central and northern Illinois; it is uncommon or absent in southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland deciduous woodlands, rocky bluffs, the slopes of bluffs, and limestone cliffs (where some shade occurs). Sharp-Lobed Hepatica occurs in high quality wooded areas where the original flora is largely intact. Sometimes it is cultivated as a rock garden plant. While Sharp-Lobed Hepatica is native to North America, the typical variety of Hepatica, Hepatica nobilis nobilis, occurs in Eurasia.
Faunal Associations: Small bees collect pollen from the flowers, while Syrphid flies and other flies feed on the pollen. Bee visitors include honeybees, Small Carpenter bees, Andrenid bees, and Halictid bees. Nectar is not provided by the flowers. Chipmunks reportedly eat the achenes. The brownish green basal leaves are poisonous and somewhat camoflaged; it seems unlikely that they are eaten by mammalian herbivores to any significant extent.
Photographic Location: The photographs of the blue and white flowers were taken at Kickapoo State Park, Vermilion County, Illinois, while the photographs of the pink flowers and basal leaf were taken on a sloping bank of the Sangamon river in Allerton Park, Piatt County, Illinois.
Comments: The flowers of Sharp-Lobed Hepatica bloom earlier than most spring-blooming wildflowers of woodlands. They are delicately attractive and have a tendency to blow about on their slender stems in the wind. Another native variety of this plant species is Hepatica nobilis obtusa (Round-Lobed Hepatica), which has a very similar appearance, except that the lobes of its basal leaves are well-rounded rather than pointed. This latter variety is apparently restricted to NE Illinois. Sometimes these two varieties intergrade where their ranges overlap. Some authorities refer to Sharp-Lobed Hepatica as Hepatica acutiloba, while Round-Lobed Hepatica is referred to as Hepatica americana. Another common name for Hepatica is Liverleaf, which refers to the appearance and shape of the leaves.
A mature plant will produce a tuft of flowers on long stalks during early to mid-spring, by which time the basal leaves that persisted during the winter may have withered away. Each flower occurs on a naked hairy stalk about 3-4" long; this stalk is often reddish green or reddish brown. The flower may be erect or it may nod on its stalk. Each flower is up to 1" across, consisting of 5-11 petal-like sepals, a green cluster of carpels in its center, and numerous white stamens surrounding the carpels. The sepals are white, pastel pink, or pastel blue; each sepal is oblong-oval in shape. At the base of each flower, there are 3 leafy bracts that are lanceolate, ovate, or oval in shape. These bracts are reddish green or reddish brown, hairy across the outer surface, and shorter than the sepals. The blooming period occurs during early to mid-spring and lasts about 2-3 weeks for a colony of plants; however, individual flowers are short-lived. The carpels turn brown and become beaked achenes that are often pubescent. The root system consists of a tuft of fibrous roots. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the spring and light shade during the summer. The basal leaves should be left undisturbed during the winter. The soil should be well-drained, loamy, and can contain some rocky material, including pieces of limestone; a thin-layer of decaying leaves is also beneficial.
Range & Habitat: The native Sharp-Lobed Hepatica is occasional in wooded areas of central and northern Illinois; it is uncommon or absent in southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland deciduous woodlands, rocky bluffs, the slopes of bluffs, and limestone cliffs (where some shade occurs). Sharp-Lobed Hepatica occurs in high quality wooded areas where the original flora is largely intact. Sometimes it is cultivated as a rock garden plant. While Sharp-Lobed Hepatica is native to North America, the typical variety of Hepatica, Hepatica nobilis nobilis, occurs in Eurasia.
Faunal Associations: Small bees collect pollen from the flowers, while Syrphid flies and other flies feed on the pollen. Bee visitors include honeybees, Small Carpenter bees, Andrenid bees, and Halictid bees. Nectar is not provided by the flowers. Chipmunks reportedly eat the achenes. The brownish green basal leaves are poisonous and somewhat camoflaged; it seems unlikely that they are eaten by mammalian herbivores to any significant extent.
Photographic Location: The photographs of the blue and white flowers were taken at Kickapoo State Park, Vermilion County, Illinois, while the photographs of the pink flowers and basal leaf were taken on a sloping bank of the Sangamon river in Allerton Park, Piatt County, Illinois.
Comments: The flowers of Sharp-Lobed Hepatica bloom earlier than most spring-blooming wildflowers of woodlands. They are delicately attractive and have a tendency to blow about on their slender stems in the wind. Another native variety of this plant species is Hepatica nobilis obtusa (Round-Lobed Hepatica), which has a very similar appearance, except that the lobes of its basal leaves are well-rounded rather than pointed. This latter variety is apparently restricted to NE Illinois. Sometimes these two varieties intergrade where their ranges overlap. Some authorities refer to Sharp-Lobed Hepatica as Hepatica acutiloba, while Round-Lobed Hepatica is referred to as Hepatica americana. Another common name for Hepatica is Liverleaf, which refers to the appearance and shape of the leaves.
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