文章
Miss Chen
2018年04月04日
Description: This herbaceous perennial wildflower is 3-6' tall and unbranched or sparingly so. The central stem is green, stout, and terete, bluntly angular, or ribbed; it is sparsely short-pubescent along the upper half of its length, becoming glabrous below. Alternate compound leaves occur along the entire length of the stem that are evenly pinnate with 6-12 pairs of leaflets. Individual leaflets are 1¼-2½" long and ½-1" across; they are oblong-elliptic in shape and smooth along their margins. The upper leaflet surface is medium green or bluish green and hairless, while the lower surface is pale green or bluish green, often glaucous, and hairless. At the base of each leaflet, there is a short petiolule (basal stalklet) 1/8" (3 mm.) long or less. The petioles of compound leaves are 2-6" long, light green, grooved along their upper surfaces, and either sparsely short-pubescent or hairless. At the base of each petiole, there is a pair of small stipules that are linear-lanceolate in shape and tardily deciduous. Along the upper side of each petiole near its base, there is a small gland that functions as an extra-floral nectary; this gland is often dome-shaped and dark gray-purple, with or without a short stalk at its base. The crushed foliage has an unpleasant scent.
Both terminal and axillary inflorescences are produced. The terminal inflorescence is ½-1' long, consisting of either a raceme or panicle of flowers. The axillary inflorescences are up to ½' long, consisting of racemes of flowers. Individual flowers are about ¾" across, consisting of 5 spreading yellow petals, 5 spreading greenish yellow sepals, 10 stamens with dark brown anthers, and a pistil with a style that curls upward at its tip. The sepals are smaller than the petals; the former are joined together at the base and obovate in shape. The stamens are organized into three groups: the lower 3 stamens have long filaments and long anthers, the middle 4 stamens have short filaments and long anthers, while the upper 3 stamens have short filaments and short anthers. Of these, the lower and middle stamens are fertile, while the upper stamens are sterile. The slender green styles are covered with short appressed hairs. The flowers are without nectaries. The stalks of each inflorescence are green, often angular, and usually short-pubescent. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late summer for about 3-4 weeks.
Shortly afterwards, the flowers are replaced by drooping seedpods. These seedpods are narrowly oblong in shape and flattened with single-seeded segments. They are initially green and their sides are covered with appressed short hairs, but they become dark brown and more hairless at maturity, dividing into two parts along its length to release the seeds. Individual seeds are a little less than ¼" long, dark-colored, oblongoid-ovoid in shape, flattened, and more pointed on one end than the other. The shallow root system is fibrous and long-rhizomatous. Small colonies of clonal plants often develop from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist well-drained conditions, and soil containing loam, sand, rocky material, or other soil types. The root system does not add nitrogen to the soil, unlike many species in the closely related Bean family (Fabaceae). This tall flowering plant is easy to cultivate in gardens.
Range & Distribution: The native Maryland Senna is widely distributed throughout Illinois, but it is relatively uncommon (see Distribution Map). Populations of this species appear to be declining. Habitats include moist prairies, openings in wooded areas, thickets, savannas, riverbanks, and limestone glades. Occasionally this wildflower is cultivated in gardens. In wooded natural areas, some disturbance is required to reduce competition from trees and shrubs.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by bumblebees, which collect pollen from the flowers. The extra-floral nectaries attract ants and occasionally flies, which feed on the nectar. The foliage of Maryland Senna and the closely related Wild Senna (Senna hebecarpa) is consumed by caterpillars of the butterflies Eurema nicippe (Sleepy Orange), Phoebis philea (Orange-barred Sulfur), and Phoebis sennae (Cloudless Sulfur). The foliage is also eaten by the caterpillars of Epargyreus clarus (Silver-Spotted Skipper) and Ascalapha odorata (Black Witch), while the flowers are eaten by caterpillars of the polyphagous moth, Pleuroprucha insulsaria (Common Tan Wave). A negro bug, Cydnoides ciliatus orientis, has been found in association with Maryland Senna, other Senna spp. (Sennas), and Cassia spp. (Partridge Peas); they are possible host plants of this insect. Because the foliage is somewhat toxic and cathartic, it is usually avoided by White-Tailed Deer and other mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: A woodland opening at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: A scientific synonym of this species is Cassia marilandica. Another common name of this wildflower is Southern Wild Senna, because its range doesn't extend as far north as a closely related species, Senna hebecarpa (Wild Senna). These two species are very similar in appearance and they are occasionally confused with each other. The flowers of Maryland Senna have styles with short appressed hairs, while the flowers of Wild Senna have styles with long spreading hairs. Maryland Senna also tends to produce fewer flowers than Wild Senna, although variations in environmental conditions can produce exceptions to this rule.
Both terminal and axillary inflorescences are produced. The terminal inflorescence is ½-1' long, consisting of either a raceme or panicle of flowers. The axillary inflorescences are up to ½' long, consisting of racemes of flowers. Individual flowers are about ¾" across, consisting of 5 spreading yellow petals, 5 spreading greenish yellow sepals, 10 stamens with dark brown anthers, and a pistil with a style that curls upward at its tip. The sepals are smaller than the petals; the former are joined together at the base and obovate in shape. The stamens are organized into three groups: the lower 3 stamens have long filaments and long anthers, the middle 4 stamens have short filaments and long anthers, while the upper 3 stamens have short filaments and short anthers. Of these, the lower and middle stamens are fertile, while the upper stamens are sterile. The slender green styles are covered with short appressed hairs. The flowers are without nectaries. The stalks of each inflorescence are green, often angular, and usually short-pubescent. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late summer for about 3-4 weeks.
Shortly afterwards, the flowers are replaced by drooping seedpods. These seedpods are narrowly oblong in shape and flattened with single-seeded segments. They are initially green and their sides are covered with appressed short hairs, but they become dark brown and more hairless at maturity, dividing into two parts along its length to release the seeds. Individual seeds are a little less than ¼" long, dark-colored, oblongoid-ovoid in shape, flattened, and more pointed on one end than the other. The shallow root system is fibrous and long-rhizomatous. Small colonies of clonal plants often develop from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist well-drained conditions, and soil containing loam, sand, rocky material, or other soil types. The root system does not add nitrogen to the soil, unlike many species in the closely related Bean family (Fabaceae). This tall flowering plant is easy to cultivate in gardens.
Range & Distribution: The native Maryland Senna is widely distributed throughout Illinois, but it is relatively uncommon (see Distribution Map). Populations of this species appear to be declining. Habitats include moist prairies, openings in wooded areas, thickets, savannas, riverbanks, and limestone glades. Occasionally this wildflower is cultivated in gardens. In wooded natural areas, some disturbance is required to reduce competition from trees and shrubs.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by bumblebees, which collect pollen from the flowers. The extra-floral nectaries attract ants and occasionally flies, which feed on the nectar. The foliage of Maryland Senna and the closely related Wild Senna (Senna hebecarpa) is consumed by caterpillars of the butterflies Eurema nicippe (Sleepy Orange), Phoebis philea (Orange-barred Sulfur), and Phoebis sennae (Cloudless Sulfur). The foliage is also eaten by the caterpillars of Epargyreus clarus (Silver-Spotted Skipper) and Ascalapha odorata (Black Witch), while the flowers are eaten by caterpillars of the polyphagous moth, Pleuroprucha insulsaria (Common Tan Wave). A negro bug, Cydnoides ciliatus orientis, has been found in association with Maryland Senna, other Senna spp. (Sennas), and Cassia spp. (Partridge Peas); they are possible host plants of this insect. Because the foliage is somewhat toxic and cathartic, it is usually avoided by White-Tailed Deer and other mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: A woodland opening at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: A scientific synonym of this species is Cassia marilandica. Another common name of this wildflower is Southern Wild Senna, because its range doesn't extend as far north as a closely related species, Senna hebecarpa (Wild Senna). These two species are very similar in appearance and they are occasionally confused with each other. The flowers of Maryland Senna have styles with short appressed hairs, while the flowers of Wild Senna have styles with long spreading hairs. Maryland Senna also tends to produce fewer flowers than Wild Senna, although variations in environmental conditions can produce exceptions to this rule.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年04月04日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is largely unbranched and up to 6' tall. The stout central stem is light green, and slightly hairy in the upper stem and at the base of the upper compound leaves. The compound leaves are evenly pinnate with about 5-10 pairs of leaflets. The gray-green to medium green leaflets are individually up to 2½" long and ¾" across. Each leaflet is oblong or elliptic-oblong and smooth along the margins; it has a small pointed tip and a short petiolule (basal stalklet) that is 1/8" (3 mm.) in length or less. On the upper side of a petiole near its base is a small club-shaped gland; it is ovoid or dome-shaped above a short stalk. This gland secretes nectar to attract certain kinds of insects (see below for more information). At the base of each petiole, there is a pair of small linear-lanceolate stipules; they are tardily deciduous.
The central stem terminates in either a raceme or panicle of flowers about ½-1' long. In addition, smaller racemes of flowers often develop from the axils of upper compound leaves. Each flower is about ¾" across; it has 5 pale yellow sepals, 5 yellow petals, 10 stamens with dark brown anthers, and a pistil with spreading white hairs. The petals have a tendency to turn white as they age, while the hairy pistil eventually develops into a seedpod. In each flower, the stamens are divided into 3 groups: the lower 3 stamens have long anthers and long filaments, the middle 4 stamens have long anthers and short filaments, while the upper 3 anthers have short anthers and short filaments. Of these, the lower and middle stamens are fertile, while the upper stamens are sterile. The flowers have no nectaries. The blooming period is mid- to late summer, which lasts about a month. There is no noticeable floral scent. The flattened seedpods are about 3-4" long, ½" across, and dark brown when they are fully mature; each seedpod has 10-18 segments, and each segment contains a single seed that is less than than ¼" long. The seeds are ovoid-rhombic in shape and flattened; they are nearly as wide as they are long. The root system consists of fibrous roots and rhizomes. This plant often forms vegetative colonies from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is partial to full sun, and moist to mesic conditions. A rich loamy soil is preferred, although sandy and rocky soil are also tolerated. This plant can become quite tall when the soil is fertile and moist; it may flop over while the flowers and seedpods are developing.
Range & Habitat: The native Wild Senna occurs in scattered counties throughout Illinois; it is perhaps a little more common in the east than the west (see Distribution Map). This species is occasional in some areas, and uncommon or absent in others. Populations in the wild are probably declining as a result of modern development. Habitats include moist meadows near rivers, savannas, fens, pastures, and roadsides. Some disturbance is beneficial when it reduces competition from shrubs and trees. Occasionally, Wild Senna is found in flower gardens because of the showy flowers.
Faunal Associations: The flowers atttract bumblebees primarily, which seek pollen. Halictid bees also visit the flowers for pollen, but are less likely to achieve cross-pollination. The extra-floral nectaries, on the other hand, attract primarily ants and a few other insects, including ladybird beetles and flies. It is possible that some of these insects protect the plant from other insects that would attack the foliage. The caterpillars of some Sulfur butterflies rely on the foliage of Senna spp. (Sennas) as a source of food. In Illinois, this includes Eurema nicippe (Sleepy Orange), Phoebis philea (Orange-Barred Sulfur), and Phoebis sennae eubule (Cloudless Sulfur). Other insects that feed on Sennas include caterpillars of the moths Ascalapha odorata (Black Witch) and Pleuroprucha insulsaria (Common Tan Wave); caterpillars of the last species feed on the flowers. Mammalian herbivores usually avoid consumption of the foliage, which has purgative properties. The seeds may be eaten by some upland gamebirds, particularly the Bobwhite.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken of plants growing in an herbal garden at Meadowbrook Park, Urbana, Illinois, and in the wildflower garden of the webmaster in the same city.
Comments: This is a striking plant while in bloom and it has attractive foliage. It is difficult to distinguish Wild Senna from Senna marilandica (Maryland Senna), which has a very similar appearance. Generally, Wild Senna has a more northern distribution than Maryland Senna, but in Illinois their ranges overlap. On Wild Senna, the pistils of the flowers have long white hairs, while in Maryland Senna these hairs are shorter and more appressed. Wild Senna has a tendency to produce a greater abundance of flowers than Maryland Senna, although this characteristic is influenced by environmental conditions, such as the abundance of sunlight. Another scientific name for Wild Senna is Cassia hebecarpa.
The central stem terminates in either a raceme or panicle of flowers about ½-1' long. In addition, smaller racemes of flowers often develop from the axils of upper compound leaves. Each flower is about ¾" across; it has 5 pale yellow sepals, 5 yellow petals, 10 stamens with dark brown anthers, and a pistil with spreading white hairs. The petals have a tendency to turn white as they age, while the hairy pistil eventually develops into a seedpod. In each flower, the stamens are divided into 3 groups: the lower 3 stamens have long anthers and long filaments, the middle 4 stamens have long anthers and short filaments, while the upper 3 anthers have short anthers and short filaments. Of these, the lower and middle stamens are fertile, while the upper stamens are sterile. The flowers have no nectaries. The blooming period is mid- to late summer, which lasts about a month. There is no noticeable floral scent. The flattened seedpods are about 3-4" long, ½" across, and dark brown when they are fully mature; each seedpod has 10-18 segments, and each segment contains a single seed that is less than than ¼" long. The seeds are ovoid-rhombic in shape and flattened; they are nearly as wide as they are long. The root system consists of fibrous roots and rhizomes. This plant often forms vegetative colonies from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is partial to full sun, and moist to mesic conditions. A rich loamy soil is preferred, although sandy and rocky soil are also tolerated. This plant can become quite tall when the soil is fertile and moist; it may flop over while the flowers and seedpods are developing.
Range & Habitat: The native Wild Senna occurs in scattered counties throughout Illinois; it is perhaps a little more common in the east than the west (see Distribution Map). This species is occasional in some areas, and uncommon or absent in others. Populations in the wild are probably declining as a result of modern development. Habitats include moist meadows near rivers, savannas, fens, pastures, and roadsides. Some disturbance is beneficial when it reduces competition from shrubs and trees. Occasionally, Wild Senna is found in flower gardens because of the showy flowers.
Faunal Associations: The flowers atttract bumblebees primarily, which seek pollen. Halictid bees also visit the flowers for pollen, but are less likely to achieve cross-pollination. The extra-floral nectaries, on the other hand, attract primarily ants and a few other insects, including ladybird beetles and flies. It is possible that some of these insects protect the plant from other insects that would attack the foliage. The caterpillars of some Sulfur butterflies rely on the foliage of Senna spp. (Sennas) as a source of food. In Illinois, this includes Eurema nicippe (Sleepy Orange), Phoebis philea (Orange-Barred Sulfur), and Phoebis sennae eubule (Cloudless Sulfur). Other insects that feed on Sennas include caterpillars of the moths Ascalapha odorata (Black Witch) and Pleuroprucha insulsaria (Common Tan Wave); caterpillars of the last species feed on the flowers. Mammalian herbivores usually avoid consumption of the foliage, which has purgative properties. The seeds may be eaten by some upland gamebirds, particularly the Bobwhite.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken of plants growing in an herbal garden at Meadowbrook Park, Urbana, Illinois, and in the wildflower garden of the webmaster in the same city.
Comments: This is a striking plant while in bloom and it has attractive foliage. It is difficult to distinguish Wild Senna from Senna marilandica (Maryland Senna), which has a very similar appearance. Generally, Wild Senna has a more northern distribution than Maryland Senna, but in Illinois their ranges overlap. On Wild Senna, the pistils of the flowers have long white hairs, while in Maryland Senna these hairs are shorter and more appressed. Wild Senna has a tendency to produce a greater abundance of flowers than Maryland Senna, although this characteristic is influenced by environmental conditions, such as the abundance of sunlight. Another scientific name for Wild Senna is Cassia hebecarpa.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年04月04日
Description: This herbaceous plant is a short-lived perennial that forms a rosette of basal leaves; it later bolts to form a flowering stalk that becomes 1–3' tall. The basal leaves are 2½–6" long and 1–3½" across and variably shaped; they are ovate, obovate, oblanceolate, or broadly elliptic in outline. The majority of basal leaves are pinnatifid with a larger terminal lobe and 1-3 pairs of smaller lateral lobes. These lobes are rounded, shallow to deep, and somewhat undulate. Some basal leaves lack significant lobes, however, and their margins are merely undulate. In addition, some basal leaves may have blunt dentate teeth. The whitish and relatively stout petioles of the basal leaves are ¾–3½" long; they are concave above, convex below, and sparsely to moderately hairy.
The flowering stalk is light to medium green, sparsely to moderately hairy, and 4-angled. Along the lower one-half of its length, there are 0-2 pairs of opposite leaves (usually a single pair). The opposite leaves are 1–3" long, ¼–1" across, and sessile (or nearly so); they are elliptic to broadly elliptic in shape or, less often, shallowly pinnatifid. The margins of the opposite leaves are either toothless or they may have blunt dentate teeth. The leaf surfaces of both basal and opposite leaves are medium to dark green, sometimes with purplish coloration; they are sparsely hairy. Leaf venation is pinnate. The inflorescence consists of a spike-like raceme of whorled flowers about ½–1½' long; the whorls of flowers are remotely spaced along the central stalk, and there are 4-12 flowers per whorl (typically about 6). Each flower is about ¾–1" long, consisting of a light blue-violet or lavender corolla, a medium green calyx, 2 fertile stamens and 2 infertile residual stamens, a slender style with a bifurcated tip, and a 4-celled ovary.
The corolla is tubular-funnel shaped (widest at its mouth, tapering gradually toward its base) and two-lipped. The upper lip is smaller in size and divided into 3 rounded lobes (1 upper lobe and 2 lateral lobes), while the lower lip is larger in size, slightly notched, and often whitish. The 2-lipped calyx has 3 small upper teeth that are little more than awns and 2 larger lower teeth that taper into awn-like tips; the entire calyx is angular-ribbed and wider at its mouth than its base. The outer surface of the corolla has sparse fine pubescence, while the outer surface of the calyx is sparsely hairy. The pedicels of the flowers are less than ¼" long and pubescent. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer, lasting about 1 month. Afterwards, each flower is replaced by 4 dark brown to black nutlets that are about 2 mm. in length. and ovoid in shape. The root system consists of a shallow crown with coarse fibrous roots.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and soil containing sand, rocky material, or gravel. However, ordinary garden soil containing loam or clay-loam is acceptable if competition from taller plants is eliminated or reduced. Northern ecotypes of this plant are more likely to be winter-hardy in colder regions.
Range & Habitat: Lyre-leaved Sage (Salvia lyrata) is occasional in southern Illinois, where it is native (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the northwestern range-limit of this plant. Habitats include upland woodlands in rocky areas, areas adjacent to woodland paths, rocky semi-wooded slopes, upland savannas, edges and upper slopes of bluffs, limestone or sandstone glades, sandbars and gravel bars along rivers, semi-shaded roadsides, and pastures. This plant is sometimes cultivated in flower gardens, especially cultivars with purplish foliage. Outside of the state, Lyre-leaved Sage is often found in sandy habitats. In Illinois, it is found in both high quality habitats and more degraded sites.
Faunal Associations: Smith et al. (2012) observed large carpenter bees (Xylocopa), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile), and mason bees (Hoplitis, Osmia) visiting the flowers (probably for nectar). Mourning Doves eat the seeds (Lewis, 1993). The foliage of this plant is probably avoided as a food source by most mammalian herbivores. It is possible that the awn-like tips of the calyces may cling to the fur of mammals, dispersing the seeds to new areas.
Photographic Location: Along a woodland path at the Portland Arch Nature Preserve in west-central Indiana.
Comments: Except for Wild Blue Sage (Salvia azurea), Lyre-leaved Sage (Salvia lyrata) is the only native sage (Salvia) in Illinois. All of the others are either adventive from areas further to the west, or they were introduced from abroad as ornamental plants and culinary herbs. Lyre-leaved Sage is remarkable for the variability of its basal leaves. Because other sages and similar species in the Mint family in Illinois have mostly opposite leaves, rather than basal leaves, it is relatively easy to identify. Another common name of this plant is Cancer Weed.
The flowering stalk is light to medium green, sparsely to moderately hairy, and 4-angled. Along the lower one-half of its length, there are 0-2 pairs of opposite leaves (usually a single pair). The opposite leaves are 1–3" long, ¼–1" across, and sessile (or nearly so); they are elliptic to broadly elliptic in shape or, less often, shallowly pinnatifid. The margins of the opposite leaves are either toothless or they may have blunt dentate teeth. The leaf surfaces of both basal and opposite leaves are medium to dark green, sometimes with purplish coloration; they are sparsely hairy. Leaf venation is pinnate. The inflorescence consists of a spike-like raceme of whorled flowers about ½–1½' long; the whorls of flowers are remotely spaced along the central stalk, and there are 4-12 flowers per whorl (typically about 6). Each flower is about ¾–1" long, consisting of a light blue-violet or lavender corolla, a medium green calyx, 2 fertile stamens and 2 infertile residual stamens, a slender style with a bifurcated tip, and a 4-celled ovary.
The corolla is tubular-funnel shaped (widest at its mouth, tapering gradually toward its base) and two-lipped. The upper lip is smaller in size and divided into 3 rounded lobes (1 upper lobe and 2 lateral lobes), while the lower lip is larger in size, slightly notched, and often whitish. The 2-lipped calyx has 3 small upper teeth that are little more than awns and 2 larger lower teeth that taper into awn-like tips; the entire calyx is angular-ribbed and wider at its mouth than its base. The outer surface of the corolla has sparse fine pubescence, while the outer surface of the calyx is sparsely hairy. The pedicels of the flowers are less than ¼" long and pubescent. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer, lasting about 1 month. Afterwards, each flower is replaced by 4 dark brown to black nutlets that are about 2 mm. in length. and ovoid in shape. The root system consists of a shallow crown with coarse fibrous roots.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and soil containing sand, rocky material, or gravel. However, ordinary garden soil containing loam or clay-loam is acceptable if competition from taller plants is eliminated or reduced. Northern ecotypes of this plant are more likely to be winter-hardy in colder regions.
Range & Habitat: Lyre-leaved Sage (Salvia lyrata) is occasional in southern Illinois, where it is native (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the northwestern range-limit of this plant. Habitats include upland woodlands in rocky areas, areas adjacent to woodland paths, rocky semi-wooded slopes, upland savannas, edges and upper slopes of bluffs, limestone or sandstone glades, sandbars and gravel bars along rivers, semi-shaded roadsides, and pastures. This plant is sometimes cultivated in flower gardens, especially cultivars with purplish foliage. Outside of the state, Lyre-leaved Sage is often found in sandy habitats. In Illinois, it is found in both high quality habitats and more degraded sites.
Faunal Associations: Smith et al. (2012) observed large carpenter bees (Xylocopa), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile), and mason bees (Hoplitis, Osmia) visiting the flowers (probably for nectar). Mourning Doves eat the seeds (Lewis, 1993). The foliage of this plant is probably avoided as a food source by most mammalian herbivores. It is possible that the awn-like tips of the calyces may cling to the fur of mammals, dispersing the seeds to new areas.
Photographic Location: Along a woodland path at the Portland Arch Nature Preserve in west-central Indiana.
Comments: Except for Wild Blue Sage (Salvia azurea), Lyre-leaved Sage (Salvia lyrata) is the only native sage (Salvia) in Illinois. All of the others are either adventive from areas further to the west, or they were introduced from abroad as ornamental plants and culinary herbs. Lyre-leaved Sage is remarkable for the variability of its basal leaves. Because other sages and similar species in the Mint family in Illinois have mostly opposite leaves, rather than basal leaves, it is relatively easy to identify. Another common name of this plant is Cancer Weed.
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Miss Chen
2018年04月04日
Description: This perennial herbaceous plant is 3-6' tall, branching occasionally. The stems are light green, terete, and sometimes slightly furrowed; they are covered with spreading hairs. The lower to middle leaves usually have 3-5 deep lobes; they are up to 8" long and 4½" across. The upper leaves usually lack lobes; they are up to 3" long and 1" across. The lobes of the lower to middle leaves are more or less lanceolate in shape and coarsely dentate along their margins; the terminal lobes usually taper to petiole-like bases. The upper leaves are elliptic, lanceolate, or ovate in shape, while their margins are sparsely to moderately dentate. The upper leaf surfaces are medium green and rough-textured from short stiff hairs that are sparsely distributed, while the lower leaf surfaces are light-medium green and hairy, especially along the undersides of major veins. The petioles of alternate leaves are up to 1½" long, becoming shorter as they ascend the stems; the uppermost leaves are often sessile, or nearly so. The petioles are pubescent to hairy.
The upper stems terminate in solitary flowerheads on long peduncles. The peduncles are up to 8" long, light green, terete, and hairy. The daisy-like flowerheads are 2–3½" across, consisting of 10-20 ray florets that surround numerous disk florets. The central disks of the flowerheads are hemispheric in shape; they are fragrant after being crushed. The petaloid rays are bright yellow, narrowly oblong, and slightly notched at their tips; they are widely spreading. The corollas of the disk florets are narrowly tubular in shape and dark reddish purple (at least above). The ray florets are infertile, while the disk florets are fertile. Around the base of each flowerhead, there are many overlapping phyllaries (floral bracts). Individual phyllaries are up to ½" long, light-medium green, linear-lanceolate in shape, and pubescent. The blooming period occurs during mid- to late summer, lasting about 1–1½ months. Afterwards, fertile disk florets are replaced by narrow achenes. These achenes are 2-3 mm. long, dark-colored, and narrow in shape; their apices are truncate, sometimes with minute scales. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and soil consisting of loam or sandy loam. This plant is relatively easy to cultivate, although it may topple over if it is spoiled by too much water or fertilizer.
Range & Habitat: Sweet Coneflower is occasional in most areas of Illinois, where it is native. It tends to be more common in central and northern Illinois than in the southern section of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include black soil prairies, sand prairies, cemetery prairies, typical savannas and sandy savannas, thickets, openings in deciduous woodlands, woodland borders, gravelly seeps, banks of streams, and banks of ditches. This plant is often cultivated in flower gardens, from where it occasionally escapes. Sweet Coneflower is usually found in higher quality natural areas, although it also colonizes disturbed areas. Fidelity to any particular habitat is low.
Faunal Associations: Many kinds of insects visit the flowerheads for either nectar or pollen. These species include little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), Epeoline cuckoo bees, digger bees (Melissodes spp., Svastra spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees, dagger bees (Heterosarus spp.), Sphecid wasps, Vespid wasps, Syrphid flies, bee flies (Bombyliidae), Tachinid flies, small- to medium-sized butterflies, skippers, beetles, and true bugs (Robertson, 1929). Among these species, bees are the most important pollinators. One bee species, Heterosarus rudbeckiae, is an oligolege (specialist pollinator) of Rudbeckia spp. Other insects feed destructively on the foliage, flowerheads, and roots of Sweet Coneflower and other Rudbeckia spp. They include larvae of a leaf-mining fly (Calycomyza frickiana), Asphondylia rudbeckiaeconspicua (Coneflower Gall Midge), Neolasioptera rudbeckiae (Coneflower Stem Midge), larvae of another gall fly (Lestodiplosis rudbeckiae), larvae of a sawfly (Macrophya simillima), and a few aphids (Uroleucon leonardi, Uroleucon rudbeckiae); see Spencer & Steyskal (1986), Felt (1917), Smith (2006), and Blackman & Eastop (2013). The caterpillars of a butterfly, Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot), sometimes feed on Rudbeckia spp. as host plants, as do the caterpillars of such moths as Epiblema carolinana (Gray-blotched Epiblema), Epiblema tandana, Epiblema tripartitana, Eupithecia miserulata (Common Pug), and Synchlora aerata (Wavy-lined Emerald); see Opler & Krizek (1984), Miller (1987), and Wagner (2005).
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a prairie garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Sweet Coneflower (Rudbeckia subtomentosa) is also called Fragrant Coneflower. It is more long-lived than two similar species, Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) and Brown-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia triloba). Compared to the Black-eyed Susan, Sweet Coneflower is a taller plant with many deeply lobed leaves. The leaves of Black-eyed Susan lack lobes. Compared to Brown-eyed Susan, the flowerheads of Sweet Coneflower are larger in size with longer and more abundant petaloid rays. Otherwise they are quite similar to each other in appearance. Another species, Orange Coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida), also lacks lobes on its leaves and it is a shorter plant. All of these species are native to Illinois and they sometimes share the same habitats.
The upper stems terminate in solitary flowerheads on long peduncles. The peduncles are up to 8" long, light green, terete, and hairy. The daisy-like flowerheads are 2–3½" across, consisting of 10-20 ray florets that surround numerous disk florets. The central disks of the flowerheads are hemispheric in shape; they are fragrant after being crushed. The petaloid rays are bright yellow, narrowly oblong, and slightly notched at their tips; they are widely spreading. The corollas of the disk florets are narrowly tubular in shape and dark reddish purple (at least above). The ray florets are infertile, while the disk florets are fertile. Around the base of each flowerhead, there are many overlapping phyllaries (floral bracts). Individual phyllaries are up to ½" long, light-medium green, linear-lanceolate in shape, and pubescent. The blooming period occurs during mid- to late summer, lasting about 1–1½ months. Afterwards, fertile disk florets are replaced by narrow achenes. These achenes are 2-3 mm. long, dark-colored, and narrow in shape; their apices are truncate, sometimes with minute scales. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and soil consisting of loam or sandy loam. This plant is relatively easy to cultivate, although it may topple over if it is spoiled by too much water or fertilizer.
Range & Habitat: Sweet Coneflower is occasional in most areas of Illinois, where it is native. It tends to be more common in central and northern Illinois than in the southern section of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include black soil prairies, sand prairies, cemetery prairies, typical savannas and sandy savannas, thickets, openings in deciduous woodlands, woodland borders, gravelly seeps, banks of streams, and banks of ditches. This plant is often cultivated in flower gardens, from where it occasionally escapes. Sweet Coneflower is usually found in higher quality natural areas, although it also colonizes disturbed areas. Fidelity to any particular habitat is low.
Faunal Associations: Many kinds of insects visit the flowerheads for either nectar or pollen. These species include little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), Epeoline cuckoo bees, digger bees (Melissodes spp., Svastra spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees, dagger bees (Heterosarus spp.), Sphecid wasps, Vespid wasps, Syrphid flies, bee flies (Bombyliidae), Tachinid flies, small- to medium-sized butterflies, skippers, beetles, and true bugs (Robertson, 1929). Among these species, bees are the most important pollinators. One bee species, Heterosarus rudbeckiae, is an oligolege (specialist pollinator) of Rudbeckia spp. Other insects feed destructively on the foliage, flowerheads, and roots of Sweet Coneflower and other Rudbeckia spp. They include larvae of a leaf-mining fly (Calycomyza frickiana), Asphondylia rudbeckiaeconspicua (Coneflower Gall Midge), Neolasioptera rudbeckiae (Coneflower Stem Midge), larvae of another gall fly (Lestodiplosis rudbeckiae), larvae of a sawfly (Macrophya simillima), and a few aphids (Uroleucon leonardi, Uroleucon rudbeckiae); see Spencer & Steyskal (1986), Felt (1917), Smith (2006), and Blackman & Eastop (2013). The caterpillars of a butterfly, Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot), sometimes feed on Rudbeckia spp. as host plants, as do the caterpillars of such moths as Epiblema carolinana (Gray-blotched Epiblema), Epiblema tandana, Epiblema tripartitana, Eupithecia miserulata (Common Pug), and Synchlora aerata (Wavy-lined Emerald); see Opler & Krizek (1984), Miller (1987), and Wagner (2005).
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a prairie garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Sweet Coneflower (Rudbeckia subtomentosa) is also called Fragrant Coneflower. It is more long-lived than two similar species, Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) and Brown-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia triloba). Compared to the Black-eyed Susan, Sweet Coneflower is a taller plant with many deeply lobed leaves. The leaves of Black-eyed Susan lack lobes. Compared to Brown-eyed Susan, the flowerheads of Sweet Coneflower are larger in size with longer and more abundant petaloid rays. Otherwise they are quite similar to each other in appearance. Another species, Orange Coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida), also lacks lobes on its leaves and it is a shorter plant. All of these species are native to Illinois and they sometimes share the same habitats.
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Miss Chen
2018年04月03日
Description: This perennial shrub produces little-branched canes up to 6' long during the first year. These canes are initially erect, but they eventually arch sideways and downward – their tips sometimes reach the ground. First-year canes are vegetative and do not produce flowers and fruit. They are initially green, hairless, and glaucous, but later turn brown and woody during the winter. Scattered along the length of each cane are prickles that are short and curved. During the second year, these canes develop short branches that terminate in erect cymes or short racemes of flowers. Along the length of these canes, there are alternate compound leaves. These compound leaves are usually trifoliate; rarely are they palmate with 5 leaflets. The leaflets are up to 3" long and 2" across. They are cordate-ovate or ovate in shape and doubly serrate along the margins; some leaflets may be shallowly cleft. The upper surface of each leaflet has strong pinnate venation, while its lower surface is white tomentose (covered with white hairs that are very short and appressed). The terminate leaflet has a short slender petiole, while the lateral leaflets are sessile, or nearly so.
The flowers are bunched tightly together on the cymes/racemes. Each flower is about ½" across, consisting of 5 white petals, 5 green sepals, and numerous stamens that surround the multiple green carpels and their styles. The petals are elliptic or oblong, while the sepals are triangular-shaped and spreading; the petals are about the same length as the sepals. The blooming period occurs during the late spring or very early summer and lasts about 2-3 weeks. Each flower is replaced by a compound drupe that is ovoid and about 1/3" long when fully mature. This compound drupe is initially white, later becomes red, and finally turns black-purple when it is mature. Each drupe consists of multiple drupelets, each drupelet containing a single seed. The fleshy drupes are sweet and slightly tart in flavor; they detach cleanly and easily from their receptacles. The root system consists of a woody branching taproot. Vegetative offsets are often produced by the canes rooting at their tips.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and rich loamy soil. In areas that are too sunny and dry, the fruit may not develop properly without adequate rain. The canes also fail to set fruit if there is too much shade.
Range & Habitat: The native Black Raspberry is common in central and northern Illinois, but somewhat less common in the southern area of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include openings in deciduous woodlands, woodland borders, savannas, thickets, fence rows, overgrown vacant lots, powerline clearances in wooded areas, and partially shaded areas along buildings. Black Raspberry adapts well to human-related disturbance; it also occurs in higher quality natural areas.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts bees primarily, including honeybees, bumblebees, mason bees (Osmia spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), Halictid bees, and Andrenid bees. The short-tongued bees also collect pollen from the flowers. Less often, small butterflies and skippers may visit the flowers for nectar. Because raspberries are economically important, insects that feed on the foliage, stems, and fruit are fairly well known. Insects that chew on the foliage or suck sap include caterpillars of various moths, spider mites and flea beetles, and leafhoppers. Insects that bore through canes or roots include the caterpillars of some moths and grubs of various wood-boring beetles (see the Insect Table for a listing of these species). The fruit of both raspberries and blackberries is an important source of food for many upland gamebirds and songbirds (see Bird Table). Raccoons, fox squirrels, and chipmunks occasionally eat the fruit, while rabbits and deer browse on the foliage and stems.
Photographic Location: Along a fence row at the webmaster's apartment complex.
Comments: While the flowers of Black Raspberry are not very showy, the fruit has excellent flavor and is rather colorful. The prickly canes are unpleasant to walk through or mow around, although less so than many species of blackberries. While both raspberries and blackberries are members of the same genus (Rubus spp.), the drupes of raspberries detach cleanly and easily from their receptacles, while the drupes of blackberries do not. Other native raspberries in Illinois produce drupes that are red at maturity, rather than black-purple. When drupes are unavailable for observation, Black Raspberry can be identified by the following features: 1) the white petals of its flowers are narrow, rather than broad and overlapping, 2) its compound leaves are usually trifoliate, rather than palmate with 5 or more leaflets, 3) its leaflets are white-tomentose on their undersides, rather than some shade of green, and 4) young vegetative canes often have a white bloom that can be rubbed off (i.e., they are glaucous).
The flowers are bunched tightly together on the cymes/racemes. Each flower is about ½" across, consisting of 5 white petals, 5 green sepals, and numerous stamens that surround the multiple green carpels and their styles. The petals are elliptic or oblong, while the sepals are triangular-shaped and spreading; the petals are about the same length as the sepals. The blooming period occurs during the late spring or very early summer and lasts about 2-3 weeks. Each flower is replaced by a compound drupe that is ovoid and about 1/3" long when fully mature. This compound drupe is initially white, later becomes red, and finally turns black-purple when it is mature. Each drupe consists of multiple drupelets, each drupelet containing a single seed. The fleshy drupes are sweet and slightly tart in flavor; they detach cleanly and easily from their receptacles. The root system consists of a woody branching taproot. Vegetative offsets are often produced by the canes rooting at their tips.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and rich loamy soil. In areas that are too sunny and dry, the fruit may not develop properly without adequate rain. The canes also fail to set fruit if there is too much shade.
Range & Habitat: The native Black Raspberry is common in central and northern Illinois, but somewhat less common in the southern area of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include openings in deciduous woodlands, woodland borders, savannas, thickets, fence rows, overgrown vacant lots, powerline clearances in wooded areas, and partially shaded areas along buildings. Black Raspberry adapts well to human-related disturbance; it also occurs in higher quality natural areas.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts bees primarily, including honeybees, bumblebees, mason bees (Osmia spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), Halictid bees, and Andrenid bees. The short-tongued bees also collect pollen from the flowers. Less often, small butterflies and skippers may visit the flowers for nectar. Because raspberries are economically important, insects that feed on the foliage, stems, and fruit are fairly well known. Insects that chew on the foliage or suck sap include caterpillars of various moths, spider mites and flea beetles, and leafhoppers. Insects that bore through canes or roots include the caterpillars of some moths and grubs of various wood-boring beetles (see the Insect Table for a listing of these species). The fruit of both raspberries and blackberries is an important source of food for many upland gamebirds and songbirds (see Bird Table). Raccoons, fox squirrels, and chipmunks occasionally eat the fruit, while rabbits and deer browse on the foliage and stems.
Photographic Location: Along a fence row at the webmaster's apartment complex.
Comments: While the flowers of Black Raspberry are not very showy, the fruit has excellent flavor and is rather colorful. The prickly canes are unpleasant to walk through or mow around, although less so than many species of blackberries. While both raspberries and blackberries are members of the same genus (Rubus spp.), the drupes of raspberries detach cleanly and easily from their receptacles, while the drupes of blackberries do not. Other native raspberries in Illinois produce drupes that are red at maturity, rather than black-purple. When drupes are unavailable for observation, Black Raspberry can be identified by the following features: 1) the white petals of its flowers are narrow, rather than broad and overlapping, 2) its compound leaves are usually trifoliate, rather than palmate with 5 or more leaflets, 3) its leaflets are white-tomentose on their undersides, rather than some shade of green, and 4) young vegetative canes often have a white bloom that can be rubbed off (i.e., they are glaucous).
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Miss Chen
2018年04月02日
Description: This shrub develops first-year and second-year canes that are 2-6' high; the canes often bend or arch to one side, sometimes touching the ground at their tips. The slightly woody canes are light green to dark red, stout, angular, furrowed or ridged, and glabrous; they have sharp prickles less than ¼" long that are straight to slightly curved. The alternate leaves are palmately compound. First-year canes have palmate leaves with 5 leaflets; these leaflets are 3-5" long, 1-2¼" across, elliptic to ovate, and sharply toothed. Second-year canes have palmate leaves with 3 leaflets; these leaflets are similar to the leaflets of first-year canes, except they are a little smaller in size. The upper surface of the leaflets is medium green or yellowish green, indented along the veins, and either hairless or sparsely covered with appressed hairs. The lower surface of the leaflets is pale green with prominent veins; the vein undersides are either hairless or covered with appressed hairs, while the lower surface between the veins is hairless to sparsely hairy. The basal stalklets (petiolules) of the leaflets are light green or yellowish green and either hairless or covered with appressed hairs; they vary in length from 1/8" or 3 mm. (for lower lateral leaflets) to 1/2" or 6 mm. (for terminal leaflets). The petioles of the leaves are 2-4" long; they are light green to yellowish green and either hairless or covered with appressed hairs. The petioles have small prickles along their undersides. At the base of each petiole, there is a pair of deciduous linear stipules (less than ½" long).
Second-year canes develop elongated racemes of 5-20 flowers about 2-6" long. The peduncle and pedicels of each raceme are light green to yellowish green and more or less covered with appressed woolly hairs that are white to pale brown; these hairs are non-glandular. The pedicels are ascending to widely spreading. The leafy bracts of each raceme are small, inconspicuous, and deciduous. Individual flowers are about ¾-1" across, consisting of 5 white petals, 5 light green sepals, a greenish compound pistil with multiple styles, and a ring of many stamens. The widely spreading petals are oblong to elliptic in shape, while the sepals are lanceolate, recurved, and densely covered with appressed white hairs. The blooming period occurs during the late spring and lasts about 3 weeks. During the summer, the flowers are replaced by fruits that are compound drupes. At maturity, these compound drupes change from bright red to black; they are about 1/3-2/3" (8-16 mm.) in length and globoid to ovoid in shape. Each drupelet of a drupe contains a single yellow seed. Mature drupes are juicy and vary in flavor from sour to sweet-tart. Second-year canes die down after bearing fruits, but they are replaced by new canes from underground runners.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and soil containing loam, silt, sand, or gravel. At drier sites, this blackberry does better when it receives some protection from the afternoon sun.
Range & Habitat: The native Highbush Blackberry is occasional to locally common in most areas of Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is less common in the northern section of the state than elsewhere because Illinois lies close to its northern range limit. Habitats include savannas and sandy savannas, thickets and sandy thickets, riverbottom prairies and moist sand prairies, woodland borders, and acidic gravelly seeps. This blackberry is usually found in areas where there has been some disturbance from natural or human-related causes. It is a pioneer species.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract a variety of insects, especially long-tongued and short-tongued bees. Other floral visitors include wasps, flies, butterflies, and skippers. Other insects feed on the foliage, bore through the canes, or use other parts of blackberries as a food source. These species include the caterpillars of Satyrium liparops strigosum (Striped Hairstreak); also the caterpillars of such moths as Chlorochlamys chloroleuca (Blackberry Looper Moth), Olethreutes permundana (Raspberry Leafroller), Pennisetia marginata (Raspberry Crown Borer), and others (see Moth Table). Other insect feeders include the larvae of Hartigia trimaculata (Rose Shoot Sawfly) and Metallus rohweri (Blackberry Leafminer); Trioza tripunctata (Blackberry Psyllid); the treehoppers Stictocephala albescens and Stictocephala taurina; Typhlocyba rosae (Rose Leafhopper), Erythroneura octonotata (Eight-Spotted Leafhopper), and other leafhoppers; the aphids Amphorophora sensoriata, Aphis rubicola, and Aphis rubifolii; the plant bug Dicyphus famelicus; the larvae of such wood-boring beetles as Agrilus ruficollis (Red-Necked Cane Borer) and Oberea bimaculata (Raspberry Cane Borer); the leaf beetles Neochlamisus eubati and Neochlamisus gibbosus; and Byturus unicolor (Raspberry Fruitworm Beetle). The Insect Table provides a more complete listing of these various insect species. The fruits of blackberries are an important source of food to many upland gamebirds and songbirds (see Bird Table), and they are also eaten by such mammals as the Black Bear, Gray Fox, Red Fox, Opossum, Raccoon, Striped Skunk, Fox Squirrel, Gray Squirrel, Red Squirrel, Eastern Chipmunk, White-Footed Mouse, Woodland Deer Mouse, and Jumping Mouse. Notwithstanding the prickles, both the Cottontail Rabbit and White-Tailed Deer occasionally browse on the foliage and tender first-year canes. Blackberry thickets also provide nesting habitat for various songbirds, including the Cardinal, Yellow-Breasted Chat, Indigo Bunting, and Field Sparrow. Such thickets also provide good protective cover for many birds, mammals, and other wildlife.
Photographic Location: A moist sand prairie at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in NW Indiana.
Comments: Highbush Blackberry has a similar appearance to Rubus allegheniensis (Common Blackberry). Both of these species produce elongated racemes of flowers (or drupes) that have small and insignificant bracts. While the racemes of Highbush Blackberry have stalks with woolly non-glandular hairs, the racemes of Common Blackberry have stalks with sticky-glandular hairs. The drupes of Common Blackberry are usually longer (½-¾" ) than those of Highbush Blackberry, its leaflets are usually more broad in shape, and the petals of its flowers are slightly wider and tend to overlap. With the exception of the presence or absence of glandular hairs, these differences are more subtle than dramatic. Another common species, Rubus pensilvanicus (Leafy-Bracted Blackberry), produces its flowers (and drupes) in flat-headed corymbs that have large leafy bracts. As a result, its flowers and fruits are sometimes partially hidden by these bracts. In the Rubus genus, there has been excessive taxonomic splitting in the past. As a result, some older species of blackberry are now regarded as variants of current species of blackberry; Rubus ostryifolius and several others are considered scientific synonyms of Rubus argutus (Highbush Blackberry). Other common names of this species are Sawtooth Blackberry, Sharp-Toothed Blackberry, and Florida Prickly Blackberry.
Second-year canes develop elongated racemes of 5-20 flowers about 2-6" long. The peduncle and pedicels of each raceme are light green to yellowish green and more or less covered with appressed woolly hairs that are white to pale brown; these hairs are non-glandular. The pedicels are ascending to widely spreading. The leafy bracts of each raceme are small, inconspicuous, and deciduous. Individual flowers are about ¾-1" across, consisting of 5 white petals, 5 light green sepals, a greenish compound pistil with multiple styles, and a ring of many stamens. The widely spreading petals are oblong to elliptic in shape, while the sepals are lanceolate, recurved, and densely covered with appressed white hairs. The blooming period occurs during the late spring and lasts about 3 weeks. During the summer, the flowers are replaced by fruits that are compound drupes. At maturity, these compound drupes change from bright red to black; they are about 1/3-2/3" (8-16 mm.) in length and globoid to ovoid in shape. Each drupelet of a drupe contains a single yellow seed. Mature drupes are juicy and vary in flavor from sour to sweet-tart. Second-year canes die down after bearing fruits, but they are replaced by new canes from underground runners.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and soil containing loam, silt, sand, or gravel. At drier sites, this blackberry does better when it receives some protection from the afternoon sun.
Range & Habitat: The native Highbush Blackberry is occasional to locally common in most areas of Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is less common in the northern section of the state than elsewhere because Illinois lies close to its northern range limit. Habitats include savannas and sandy savannas, thickets and sandy thickets, riverbottom prairies and moist sand prairies, woodland borders, and acidic gravelly seeps. This blackberry is usually found in areas where there has been some disturbance from natural or human-related causes. It is a pioneer species.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract a variety of insects, especially long-tongued and short-tongued bees. Other floral visitors include wasps, flies, butterflies, and skippers. Other insects feed on the foliage, bore through the canes, or use other parts of blackberries as a food source. These species include the caterpillars of Satyrium liparops strigosum (Striped Hairstreak); also the caterpillars of such moths as Chlorochlamys chloroleuca (Blackberry Looper Moth), Olethreutes permundana (Raspberry Leafroller), Pennisetia marginata (Raspberry Crown Borer), and others (see Moth Table). Other insect feeders include the larvae of Hartigia trimaculata (Rose Shoot Sawfly) and Metallus rohweri (Blackberry Leafminer); Trioza tripunctata (Blackberry Psyllid); the treehoppers Stictocephala albescens and Stictocephala taurina; Typhlocyba rosae (Rose Leafhopper), Erythroneura octonotata (Eight-Spotted Leafhopper), and other leafhoppers; the aphids Amphorophora sensoriata, Aphis rubicola, and Aphis rubifolii; the plant bug Dicyphus famelicus; the larvae of such wood-boring beetles as Agrilus ruficollis (Red-Necked Cane Borer) and Oberea bimaculata (Raspberry Cane Borer); the leaf beetles Neochlamisus eubati and Neochlamisus gibbosus; and Byturus unicolor (Raspberry Fruitworm Beetle). The Insect Table provides a more complete listing of these various insect species. The fruits of blackberries are an important source of food to many upland gamebirds and songbirds (see Bird Table), and they are also eaten by such mammals as the Black Bear, Gray Fox, Red Fox, Opossum, Raccoon, Striped Skunk, Fox Squirrel, Gray Squirrel, Red Squirrel, Eastern Chipmunk, White-Footed Mouse, Woodland Deer Mouse, and Jumping Mouse. Notwithstanding the prickles, both the Cottontail Rabbit and White-Tailed Deer occasionally browse on the foliage and tender first-year canes. Blackberry thickets also provide nesting habitat for various songbirds, including the Cardinal, Yellow-Breasted Chat, Indigo Bunting, and Field Sparrow. Such thickets also provide good protective cover for many birds, mammals, and other wildlife.
Photographic Location: A moist sand prairie at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in NW Indiana.
Comments: Highbush Blackberry has a similar appearance to Rubus allegheniensis (Common Blackberry). Both of these species produce elongated racemes of flowers (or drupes) that have small and insignificant bracts. While the racemes of Highbush Blackberry have stalks with woolly non-glandular hairs, the racemes of Common Blackberry have stalks with sticky-glandular hairs. The drupes of Common Blackberry are usually longer (½-¾" ) than those of Highbush Blackberry, its leaflets are usually more broad in shape, and the petals of its flowers are slightly wider and tend to overlap. With the exception of the presence or absence of glandular hairs, these differences are more subtle than dramatic. Another common species, Rubus pensilvanicus (Leafy-Bracted Blackberry), produces its flowers (and drupes) in flat-headed corymbs that have large leafy bracts. As a result, its flowers and fruits are sometimes partially hidden by these bracts. In the Rubus genus, there has been excessive taxonomic splitting in the past. As a result, some older species of blackberry are now regarded as variants of current species of blackberry; Rubus ostryifolius and several others are considered scientific synonyms of Rubus argutus (Highbush Blackberry). Other common names of this species are Sawtooth Blackberry, Sharp-Toothed Blackberry, and Florida Prickly Blackberry.
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Miss Chen
2018年04月01日
Description: This perennial wildflower consists of a small tuft of basal leaves and flowering stalks; a tufted plant is typically about 6" tall and 6" across. The basal leaves are usually divided into 3-5 leaflets; these leaflets are divided into narrow lobes and they may have a few teeth along their margins. There is a variety of Early Buttercup (var. apricus) with basal leaves that are shallowly divided into wide lobes or teeth, but it is uncommon. Each basal leaf has a long slender petiole. The flowering stalks are light green to purplish brown; each stalk has 1-2 cauline leaves. The cauline leaves are smaller in size than the basal leaves; they are either sessile or short-stalked. The cauline leaves are undivided, or they have 2-3 small lobes. Both basal and cauline leaves are medium green and either glabrous or silky-hairy. Both the flowering stalks and the petioles of basal leaves are usually silky-hairy.
The flowers occur individually or in small loose clusters. Each flower is about ¾–1" across, consisting of 5 spreading petals (rarely more), 5 spreading sepals, a ring of numerous stamens, and a dense cluster of pistils in the center. The yellow petals are oblong or elliptic-oblong in shape; they are longer than wide. The green or yellowish green sepals are ovate in shape and usually hairy; they are shorter than the petals. The blooming period occurs during mid-spring and lasts about 2-3 weeks. Each flower is replaced by a dense cluster of beaked achenes spanning about 1/3" across. These achenes are orbicular and flat-sided (about 2.5–3.0 mm. across); their beaks are straight or curved (about 1.5–2 mm. long), while their sides are smooth. The root system consists of a tuft of thickened fibrous roots. This wildflower spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, mesic to dry conditions, and a rather poor soil containing rocky material or sand. This buttercup is a candidate for rock gardens.
Range & Habitat: Early Buttercup occurs occasionally throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include upland woodlands, thinly wooded bluffs, rocky savannas and sandy savannas, hill prairies, sand prairies, rocky glades, and pastures. This wildflower is found in rather dry areas where there is sparse ground vegetation.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract primarily bees and Syrphid flies. Bee visitors of Early Buttercup's flowers include honeybees, Little Carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), Cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), Mason bees (Osmia spp.), Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp., & others), and Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.). Less common visitors of the flowers include butterflies, skippers, and miscellaneous flies (other than Syrphid). The seeds and foliage of Ranunculus spp. (buttercups) are eaten to a limited extent by the Wild Turkey, Ruffed Grouse, and Ring-Necked Pheasant. The seeds are also eaten to a limited extent by the Eastern Chipmunk, Gray Squirrel, Fox Squirrel, and voles. During the winter, Snow Buntings feed on the seeds of some buttercup species in fields and pastures. Because of the toxic foliage, Early Buttercup and other buttercups are often rejected by cattle and other mammalian herbivores as a source of food.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This buttercup is the earliest to bloom. Among the many Ranunculus spp. (buttercups) in Illinois, Early Buttercup can be distinguished by its diminutive size, relatively large flowers (at least ¾" across), and deeply lobed leaves (except for var. apricus). Both the blades of the basal leaves and the petals of the flowers are longer than they are wide; other buttercups often have leaf blades and flower petals that are about as wide as they are long. Mature specimens of Early Buttercup produce fibrous roots that are slightly swollen and fleshy, although not truly tuberous.
The flowers occur individually or in small loose clusters. Each flower is about ¾–1" across, consisting of 5 spreading petals (rarely more), 5 spreading sepals, a ring of numerous stamens, and a dense cluster of pistils in the center. The yellow petals are oblong or elliptic-oblong in shape; they are longer than wide. The green or yellowish green sepals are ovate in shape and usually hairy; they are shorter than the petals. The blooming period occurs during mid-spring and lasts about 2-3 weeks. Each flower is replaced by a dense cluster of beaked achenes spanning about 1/3" across. These achenes are orbicular and flat-sided (about 2.5–3.0 mm. across); their beaks are straight or curved (about 1.5–2 mm. long), while their sides are smooth. The root system consists of a tuft of thickened fibrous roots. This wildflower spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, mesic to dry conditions, and a rather poor soil containing rocky material or sand. This buttercup is a candidate for rock gardens.
Range & Habitat: Early Buttercup occurs occasionally throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include upland woodlands, thinly wooded bluffs, rocky savannas and sandy savannas, hill prairies, sand prairies, rocky glades, and pastures. This wildflower is found in rather dry areas where there is sparse ground vegetation.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract primarily bees and Syrphid flies. Bee visitors of Early Buttercup's flowers include honeybees, Little Carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), Cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), Mason bees (Osmia spp.), Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp., & others), and Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.). Less common visitors of the flowers include butterflies, skippers, and miscellaneous flies (other than Syrphid). The seeds and foliage of Ranunculus spp. (buttercups) are eaten to a limited extent by the Wild Turkey, Ruffed Grouse, and Ring-Necked Pheasant. The seeds are also eaten to a limited extent by the Eastern Chipmunk, Gray Squirrel, Fox Squirrel, and voles. During the winter, Snow Buntings feed on the seeds of some buttercup species in fields and pastures. Because of the toxic foliage, Early Buttercup and other buttercups are often rejected by cattle and other mammalian herbivores as a source of food.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This buttercup is the earliest to bloom. Among the many Ranunculus spp. (buttercups) in Illinois, Early Buttercup can be distinguished by its diminutive size, relatively large flowers (at least ¾" across), and deeply lobed leaves (except for var. apricus). Both the blades of the basal leaves and the petals of the flowers are longer than they are wide; other buttercups often have leaf blades and flower petals that are about as wide as they are long. Mature specimens of Early Buttercup produce fibrous roots that are slightly swollen and fleshy, although not truly tuberous.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年03月31日
Description: This perennial wildflower consists of a rosette of basal leaves spanning ½-1' across and a more or less erect flowering stalk about ¾-2' tall. The basal leaves are 3-6" long (including the petioles). The leaf blades are oval, obovate, or orbicular in shape with dentate-crenate margins; they are medium green and glabrous. The petioles are light green to dull purple and as long as the blades; sometimes they are slightly winged and/or cobwebby-pubescent. The flowering stalk is light green to dull purple and terete; it may have some cobwebby pubescence toward the base, otherwise it is glabrous. About 2-3 alternate leaves occur along the stalk that are up ¾-2½" long; they are usually elliptic-pinnatifid or oblong-pinnatifid in shape with ragged lobes. The stalk terminates in a flat-headed panicle (or compound corymb) of flowerheads. Individual flowerheads are ½-¾" across. Each flowerhead has 8-16 ray florets that surround numerous disk florets in the center. The petaloid extensions of the ray florets are yellow, while the disk florets are orange-yellow. At the base of each flowerhead, there are light green bracts (phyllaries) in a single series that are linear-lanceolate. The blooming period occurs during late spring and lasts about 3 weeks. During the summer, both ray and disk florets are replaced by bullet-shaped achenes (about 2-3 mm. in length) with tufts of white hair. The achenes are distributed by the wind. The root system is fibrous, producing vegetative offsets from either rhizomes or stolons. At favorable sites, small colonies of plants occasionally develop.
Cultivation: The preference is moist to dry-mesic conditions, full to partial sunlight, and soil containing loam, sand, or rocky material.
Range & Habitat: The native Spoon-Leaved Ragwort is found in east-central Illinois and scattered areas elsewhere within the state, where it is rare (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the western range-limit for this species; it is more common further to the east. Habitats include rocky upland woodlands, edges of bluffs, limestone glades, loamy savannas, and sandy savannas. Occasional disturbance is beneficial if it reduces competition from woody vegetation.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), Halictid bees (Augochlorella spp., Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp.), Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.), Syrphid flies, Tachinid flies, and miscellaneous beetles. One bee species, Andrena gardineri, is a specialist pollinator (oligolege) of Packera spp. (ragworts). Another insect, Neacoryphus bicrucis (White-Crossed Seed Bug), feeds on the seeds of these plants, while the caterpillars of an uncommon butterfly, Calephelis borealis (Northern Metalmark), feed on the foliage of Spoon-Leaved Ragwort in particular. The foliage of this and other ragworts is toxic to many mammalian herbivores, although sheep are more tolerant of it (Georgia, 1913).
Photographic Location: A wildflower garden at Kitty Todd Nature Preserve in NW Ohio.
Comments: The different species of ragwort are distinguished from each other by the shape of their basal leaves and hairiness of individual plants. Spoon-Leaved Ragwort (Packera obovata) resembles Golden Ragwort (Packera aurea), except its leaves are not indented (cordate) where the petioles join the blades. It is also more likely to have narrowly winged petioles than the latter species. Spoon-Leaved Ragwort also resembles Prairie Ragwort (Packera plattensis), except it lacks the abundant cobwebby and mealy hairs of the latter during the blooming period. Spoon-Leaved Ragwort often has some cobwebby hairs toward the base of its stems and along its petioles, but not to the same extent as Prairie Ragwort. In addition, plants of the latter species are usually smaller in size. A scientific synonym of Spoon-leaved Ragwort is Senecio obovatus.
Cultivation: The preference is moist to dry-mesic conditions, full to partial sunlight, and soil containing loam, sand, or rocky material.
Range & Habitat: The native Spoon-Leaved Ragwort is found in east-central Illinois and scattered areas elsewhere within the state, where it is rare (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the western range-limit for this species; it is more common further to the east. Habitats include rocky upland woodlands, edges of bluffs, limestone glades, loamy savannas, and sandy savannas. Occasional disturbance is beneficial if it reduces competition from woody vegetation.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), Halictid bees (Augochlorella spp., Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp.), Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.), Syrphid flies, Tachinid flies, and miscellaneous beetles. One bee species, Andrena gardineri, is a specialist pollinator (oligolege) of Packera spp. (ragworts). Another insect, Neacoryphus bicrucis (White-Crossed Seed Bug), feeds on the seeds of these plants, while the caterpillars of an uncommon butterfly, Calephelis borealis (Northern Metalmark), feed on the foliage of Spoon-Leaved Ragwort in particular. The foliage of this and other ragworts is toxic to many mammalian herbivores, although sheep are more tolerant of it (Georgia, 1913).
Photographic Location: A wildflower garden at Kitty Todd Nature Preserve in NW Ohio.
Comments: The different species of ragwort are distinguished from each other by the shape of their basal leaves and hairiness of individual plants. Spoon-Leaved Ragwort (Packera obovata) resembles Golden Ragwort (Packera aurea), except its leaves are not indented (cordate) where the petioles join the blades. It is also more likely to have narrowly winged petioles than the latter species. Spoon-Leaved Ragwort also resembles Prairie Ragwort (Packera plattensis), except it lacks the abundant cobwebby and mealy hairs of the latter during the blooming period. Spoon-Leaved Ragwort often has some cobwebby hairs toward the base of its stems and along its petioles, but not to the same extent as Prairie Ragwort. In addition, plants of the latter species are usually smaller in size. A scientific synonym of Spoon-leaved Ragwort is Senecio obovatus.
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