文章
Miss Chen
2017年12月21日
Description: This wildflower is a summer annual about 6-12" tall that branches occasionally; it is ascending to erect. The stems are light green, terete, and hairy. The alternate leaves are 1–2½" long and about one-third as much across; they are elliptic to oblong, flat, and smooth along their margins. Both the upper and lower sides are hairy. The upper surface is mediumPlant with Seedpods green, while the lower surface is gray-green. Each leaf has a single central vein that is prominent. The petioles are hairy and short (less than 1/8" or 3 mm. long). Occasionally, racemes of 1-4 flowers are produced oppositely from some of the leaves. The peduncle (central stalk) of each raceme is 1½–4" long, while the short pedicels of the flowers are about 1/8" long (except the pedicel of the terminal flower, which is often longer). Both peduncles and pedicels are hairy. At the base of each raceme, there is a pair of large persistent stipules about ½" long. These stipules are joined together, becoming gradually wider toward their pointed tips. Individual flowers are about 1/3" (8 mm.) long; they have a typical pea-like flower structure: the yellow petals form an upright banner and a projecting keel that is enclosed by a pair of lateral wings. Each calyx is light green and covered with long hairs; it has five long teeth. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall for about 2-3 months. Usually, only a few (if any) flowers are in bloom at the same time. The flowers are replaced by inflated seedpods that are short-oblongoid in shape. The seedpods are initially light green, but they later turn dark brown or black at maturity. Full-sized seedpods are 1–1½" long and about one-third as much across; each seedpod contains several seeds, which can rattle if it is shook. The seeds are distributed in part by the wind, which can blow the inflated seedpods across open ground. The root system consists of a taproot. This wildflower reproduces by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, dry-mesic to dry conditions, and barren soil containing sand, gravel, or clay. This wildflower is intolerant of competition from taller ground vegetation.
Range & Habitat: The native Rattlebox is occasional in the southern half of Illinois, while in the northern half of the state it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include sand prairies, gravel prairies, clay prairies, sandy and rocky savannas, upland savannas, rocky glades, openings and small meadows in upland woodlands, fallow fields, and areas along railroads. Rattlebox prefers dry open areas with a history of disturbance.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated primarily by long-tongued bees, including bumblebees (Bombus spp.), Carder bees (Anthidium spp.), Cuckoo bees (Coelioxys spp.), and large Leaf-Cutting bees (Megachile spp.). Sometimes the flowers are visited by small butterflies or skippers, but they are less effective at cross-pollination. The caterpillars of Utetheisa bella (Bella Moth) feed on the foliage of Rattlebox. In addition, there have been reports of the butterfly caterpillars of Callophrys irus (Frosted Elfin) and the skipper caterpillars of Erynnis baptisiae (Wild Indigo Duskywing) feeding on the foliage. The foliage of Rattlebox is toxic to herbivorous mammals, particularly horses, and it is generally avoided by them as a food source. However, sometimes White-Tailed Deer chomp off the tops of individual plants.
Photographic Location: An upland woodland opening at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is the only Crotalaria sp. (Rattlebox) in Illinois. There are other species in this genus that are located in the southern and western states; they are often perennials with more showy flowers. Rattlebox is easy to identify when its inflated seedpods are present; they are large in size in relation to the rest of the plant and tend to stand out. There are other legumes that produce inflated seedpods (e.g., Baptisia spp.), but they usually have compound leaves.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, dry-mesic to dry conditions, and barren soil containing sand, gravel, or clay. This wildflower is intolerant of competition from taller ground vegetation.
Range & Habitat: The native Rattlebox is occasional in the southern half of Illinois, while in the northern half of the state it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include sand prairies, gravel prairies, clay prairies, sandy and rocky savannas, upland savannas, rocky glades, openings and small meadows in upland woodlands, fallow fields, and areas along railroads. Rattlebox prefers dry open areas with a history of disturbance.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated primarily by long-tongued bees, including bumblebees (Bombus spp.), Carder bees (Anthidium spp.), Cuckoo bees (Coelioxys spp.), and large Leaf-Cutting bees (Megachile spp.). Sometimes the flowers are visited by small butterflies or skippers, but they are less effective at cross-pollination. The caterpillars of Utetheisa bella (Bella Moth) feed on the foliage of Rattlebox. In addition, there have been reports of the butterfly caterpillars of Callophrys irus (Frosted Elfin) and the skipper caterpillars of Erynnis baptisiae (Wild Indigo Duskywing) feeding on the foliage. The foliage of Rattlebox is toxic to herbivorous mammals, particularly horses, and it is generally avoided by them as a food source. However, sometimes White-Tailed Deer chomp off the tops of individual plants.
Photographic Location: An upland woodland opening at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is the only Crotalaria sp. (Rattlebox) in Illinois. There are other species in this genus that are located in the southern and western states; they are often perennials with more showy flowers. Rattlebox is easy to identify when its inflated seedpods are present; they are large in size in relation to the rest of the plant and tend to stand out. There are other legumes that produce inflated seedpods (e.g., Baptisia spp.), but they usually have compound leaves.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年12月21日
Description: This plant is a winter annual (less often, a spring annual) about 1' tall. It consists of a rosette of basal leaves up to 6" across, from which one or flowering stalks develop. The basal leaves are bipinnate to pinnate-pinnatifid; they have long slender petioles. Simple leaflets are divided into 3 or more deep lobes that are oblong-oblanceolate in shape. Compound leaflets are divided into 3 or more subleaflets; individual subleaflets are divided into 3 or more deep lobes that are oblong-oblanceolate in shape. The petiolules (basal stalklets) of the leaflets and subleaflets are very slender and short. The foliage of Large-Bracted Corydalis (both leaves and petioles) is greyish green and glabrous.
The flowering stalks are sprawling, ascending, or erect, reaching up to 1¼' in length. Normally, they are unbranched, although occasionally a flowering stalk will branch and develop lateral flowering stalks. These stalks are greyish green and glabrous. Each stalk terminates in a spike-like raceme of several flowers. Each flower has a yellow corolla about ¾" long that is tubular-conical in shape (broader in front than in the back); this corolla consists of 2 outer petals and 2 inner petals. The upper outer petal forms a short upper lip in front that curls upward, and it has a rather long blunt spur in back. The lower outer petal forms a rounded lower lip that functions as a landing pad for visiting insects. The two inner petals are largely hidden by the outer petals, although they can be seen as a white lining within the throat of the corolla. Behind the upper lip of the upper petal, there is a crested protuberance that is greenish yellow to yellow. There is a similar protuberance underneath the lower lip of the lower petal. The sepals of the flowers are small and insignificant. Underneath each flower, there is a single bract about ½" long. This bract is greyish green, glabrous, and either ovate or divided into lobes with short blunt tips. A typical raceme will have some flower buds toward its apex, about 2-8 flowers in bloom near the middle, and developing seedpods below.
The blooming period for plants that are winter annuals occurs during late spring, while plants that are spring annuals bloom during mid-summer. A typical plant will remain in bloom for up to a month. Each seedpod is about 1" long, greyish green, glabrous, cylindrical in shape, and slightly flattened, terminating in a slender beak at its tip; it contains about 6-12 seeds. Relative to the axis of the spike-like raceme, the seedpods are erect to ascending, often bending upward slightly. The small seeds are black, shiny, globoid, and somewhat flattened. Each seed has a dull white elaisome (food appendage) that is laterally attached; the elaisome darkens and withers away with age. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, mesic to dry conditions, and sandy soil. Large-Bracted Corydalis also grows readily in gravelly or loamy soil; if it is grown in moist loamy soil, taller and more aggressive plant species should be kept away from it. Foliar disease and insects are not normally troublesome. The seeds will germinate after a short dormancy period; they can be planted during the fall or early spring.
Range & Habitat: The native Large-Bracted Corydalis is an uncommon plant that occurs in a few counties in western Illinois (see Distribution Map). Prior to 1986, it was incorrectly identified as another species of Corydalis. Recently, several large populations of Large-Bracted Corydalis have been discovered, therefore it is more common in Illinois than previously believed. However, it is still state-listed as 'threatened.' This species is more common in the south-central states; western Illinois lies at the northeast corner of its range. Habitats include sand prairies, sandy fallow fields, and sandy or gravelly areas along roads and railroads (including the ballast). Disturbed areas are preferred, particularly where ant hills occur. Occasional wildfires, sand blow-outs, and overgrazing by herbivores are probably beneficial in maintaining populations of this plant.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated by bumblebees. The oily appendages of the seeds (elaisomes) attract ants (particularly Pheidole bicarinata), which undoubtedly help to disperse the seeds. The poisonous foliage is avoided by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Both the flowers and foliage are quite attractive. Large-Bracted Corydalis can be distinguished from other Corydalis spp. by its long yellow flowers (exceeding 2/3" or 15 mm. in length) and their large leafy bracts (exceeding 1/3" or 8 mm. in length). Other Corydalis spp. in Illinois have shorter bracts and/or shorter flowers. Large-Bracted Corydalis also differs from some Corydalis spp. by the crested protuberances behind the lips of its flowers (as opposed to protuberances that lack crests). In contrast to the seedpods of the similar Corydalis aurea (Golden Corydalis), the seedpods of Large-Bracted Corydalis are more erect and they lack constrictions between their seeds (they are not torulose). There are other varieties of Corydalis curvisiliqua, but they occur in states that lie southwest of Illinois.
The flowering stalks are sprawling, ascending, or erect, reaching up to 1¼' in length. Normally, they are unbranched, although occasionally a flowering stalk will branch and develop lateral flowering stalks. These stalks are greyish green and glabrous. Each stalk terminates in a spike-like raceme of several flowers. Each flower has a yellow corolla about ¾" long that is tubular-conical in shape (broader in front than in the back); this corolla consists of 2 outer petals and 2 inner petals. The upper outer petal forms a short upper lip in front that curls upward, and it has a rather long blunt spur in back. The lower outer petal forms a rounded lower lip that functions as a landing pad for visiting insects. The two inner petals are largely hidden by the outer petals, although they can be seen as a white lining within the throat of the corolla. Behind the upper lip of the upper petal, there is a crested protuberance that is greenish yellow to yellow. There is a similar protuberance underneath the lower lip of the lower petal. The sepals of the flowers are small and insignificant. Underneath each flower, there is a single bract about ½" long. This bract is greyish green, glabrous, and either ovate or divided into lobes with short blunt tips. A typical raceme will have some flower buds toward its apex, about 2-8 flowers in bloom near the middle, and developing seedpods below.
The blooming period for plants that are winter annuals occurs during late spring, while plants that are spring annuals bloom during mid-summer. A typical plant will remain in bloom for up to a month. Each seedpod is about 1" long, greyish green, glabrous, cylindrical in shape, and slightly flattened, terminating in a slender beak at its tip; it contains about 6-12 seeds. Relative to the axis of the spike-like raceme, the seedpods are erect to ascending, often bending upward slightly. The small seeds are black, shiny, globoid, and somewhat flattened. Each seed has a dull white elaisome (food appendage) that is laterally attached; the elaisome darkens and withers away with age. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, mesic to dry conditions, and sandy soil. Large-Bracted Corydalis also grows readily in gravelly or loamy soil; if it is grown in moist loamy soil, taller and more aggressive plant species should be kept away from it. Foliar disease and insects are not normally troublesome. The seeds will germinate after a short dormancy period; they can be planted during the fall or early spring.
Range & Habitat: The native Large-Bracted Corydalis is an uncommon plant that occurs in a few counties in western Illinois (see Distribution Map). Prior to 1986, it was incorrectly identified as another species of Corydalis. Recently, several large populations of Large-Bracted Corydalis have been discovered, therefore it is more common in Illinois than previously believed. However, it is still state-listed as 'threatened.' This species is more common in the south-central states; western Illinois lies at the northeast corner of its range. Habitats include sand prairies, sandy fallow fields, and sandy or gravelly areas along roads and railroads (including the ballast). Disturbed areas are preferred, particularly where ant hills occur. Occasional wildfires, sand blow-outs, and overgrazing by herbivores are probably beneficial in maintaining populations of this plant.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated by bumblebees. The oily appendages of the seeds (elaisomes) attract ants (particularly Pheidole bicarinata), which undoubtedly help to disperse the seeds. The poisonous foliage is avoided by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Both the flowers and foliage are quite attractive. Large-Bracted Corydalis can be distinguished from other Corydalis spp. by its long yellow flowers (exceeding 2/3" or 15 mm. in length) and their large leafy bracts (exceeding 1/3" or 8 mm. in length). Other Corydalis spp. in Illinois have shorter bracts and/or shorter flowers. Large-Bracted Corydalis also differs from some Corydalis spp. by the crested protuberances behind the lips of its flowers (as opposed to protuberances that lack crests). In contrast to the seedpods of the similar Corydalis aurea (Golden Corydalis), the seedpods of Large-Bracted Corydalis are more erect and they lack constrictions between their seeds (they are not torulose). There are other varieties of Corydalis curvisiliqua, but they occur in states that lie southwest of Illinois.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年12月21日
Description: This plant is a summer annual about 6-20" tall that branches occasionally to frequently; it is usually ascending or erect. The central stem and any lateral stems are terete, slightly angular, or ribbed; they are pale to medium green and more or less pubescent with branched hairs, becoming more glabrous toward the base of the plant. Narrow alternate leaves are spaced moderately to widely along the stems; they are up to 2" long and 1/8" (3 mm.) across. The leaves are medium green, linear in shape, smooth along their margins, thick-textured, and sessile; they have a tendency to be slightly recurved, rather than straight. Similar to the stems, the leaves are slightly pubescent with branched hairs, becoming more glabrous toward the base of the plant. A single prominent vein extends along the length of each leaf. The upper stems terminate in floral spikes of flowers about 1-6" long and a little less than ½" across. Individual flowers are perfect, consisting of a single sepal, an ovary with a short bifurcated style, and 1-3 stamens; there are no petals. These tiny flowers are largely hidden by their ascending bracts, which are about ½" long, ovate to lanceolate in shape, pubescent, and membranous along their margins. The blooming period occurs from late summer into the fall. The flowers are wind-pollinated. They are replaced by flattened vertical achenes that are 2.5-4.5 mm. long and 2-3.5 mm. across. Each achene is ovate to obovate with a narrow winged margin about 0.2-0.3 mm. across; it contains a single seed. The achenes are distributed by the wind. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, mesic to dry conditions, and very sandy soil. Most growth and development occurs during the summer.
Range & Habitat: The native American Bugseed is a rare plant in Illinois; it is found along Lake Michigan and scattered localities elsewhere within the northern half of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include beaches and sand dunes along Lake Michigan, sand dunes along the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, dry sand prairies, sandy hill prairies, sandy areas along railroads, and barren waste areas. This plant prefers disturbed sandy areas that are subject to wind erosion where vegetation is sparse.
Faunal Associations: Two grasshopper species, Melanoplus foedus (Foedus Grasshopper) and Melanoplus packardii (Packard's Grasshopper), sometimes feed on the foliage of bugseed (Corispermum). These grasshoppers are found in west-central and northwest Illinois. Information about floral-faunal relationships for this genus is very limited and more field work is needed.
Photographic Location: Sand dunes along Lake Michigan in Indiana Dunes State Park.
Comments: This is one of the typical beach plants along southern Lake Michigan. For a long time, most authorities regarded this plant as an introduced European species, Corispermum hyssopifolium (Hyssop-Leaved Bugseed), but there is growing archeological evidence that bugseed has been present in North America for thousands of years. Because of minor differences in the characteristics of North American herbarium specimens from their counterparts in Europe, several native species of bugseed have been described. One of these is the plant that is described here, Corispermum americanum (American Bugseed). Another species in this genus that is sometimes found in Illinois, Corispermum nitidum (Shiny Bugseed), has more narrow floral bracts that reveal its winged achenes. The bracts of American Bugseed, in contrast, hide most of its winged achenes from outside observation.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, mesic to dry conditions, and very sandy soil. Most growth and development occurs during the summer.
Range & Habitat: The native American Bugseed is a rare plant in Illinois; it is found along Lake Michigan and scattered localities elsewhere within the northern half of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include beaches and sand dunes along Lake Michigan, sand dunes along the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, dry sand prairies, sandy hill prairies, sandy areas along railroads, and barren waste areas. This plant prefers disturbed sandy areas that are subject to wind erosion where vegetation is sparse.
Faunal Associations: Two grasshopper species, Melanoplus foedus (Foedus Grasshopper) and Melanoplus packardii (Packard's Grasshopper), sometimes feed on the foliage of bugseed (Corispermum). These grasshoppers are found in west-central and northwest Illinois. Information about floral-faunal relationships for this genus is very limited and more field work is needed.
Photographic Location: Sand dunes along Lake Michigan in Indiana Dunes State Park.
Comments: This is one of the typical beach plants along southern Lake Michigan. For a long time, most authorities regarded this plant as an introduced European species, Corispermum hyssopifolium (Hyssop-Leaved Bugseed), but there is growing archeological evidence that bugseed has been present in North America for thousands of years. Because of minor differences in the characteristics of North American herbarium specimens from their counterparts in Europe, several native species of bugseed have been described. One of these is the plant that is described here, Corispermum americanum (American Bugseed). Another species in this genus that is sometimes found in Illinois, Corispermum nitidum (Shiny Bugseed), has more narrow floral bracts that reveal its winged achenes. The bracts of American Bugseed, in contrast, hide most of its winged achenes from outside observation.
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文章
Miss Chen
2017年12月21日
Description: This is an annual wildflower about 1½–3' tall that branches occasionally. The stems are medium green and glabrous. The leaves are up to 6" long and 4" across (excluding the petioles); they are simple- or double-pinnate, medium green, and glabrous. The leaflets (or lobes) are up to 2" long and less than ¼" across; they are linear, linear-lanceolate, or linear-oblanceolate. The upper stems terminate in flowerheads that individually span about 1-2" across. Each flowerhead has 6-12 ray florets that surround numerous disk florets. The ray florets are reddish brown toward the center of the flowerhead, but become golden yellow toward their tips; less often, they may be reddish brown throughout. Each ray floret becomes wider toward its tip, which is divided into 3 large teeth. The tiny disk florets have corollas that are reddish brown and tubular in shape; each corolla has 4 tiny teeth along its upper rim. The base of each flowerhead is surrounded by glabrous brown bracts (phyllaries); the outer bracts at the very bottom of the flowerhead are small and triangular in shape, while the inner bracts are much larger in size and ovate in shape. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts about 1-2 months. The fertile disk florets are replaced by small achenes that lack tufts of hair. The root system is fibrous. This wildflower reproduces by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: Preferred growing conditions consist of full sun and moist to mesic sandy soil. However, other kinds of soil are readily tolerated, including those that contain loam, clay-loam, or some gravel. Depending on the cultivar or local ecotype, there is considerable variability in the size of flowerheads and the height of plants.
Range & Habitat: Plains Coreopsis has naturalized in scattered locations throughout Illinois, where it is generally uncommon (see Distribution Map). This introduced species is native to the region of the Great Plains in North America; most local populations in Illinois are descendants of plants that have escaped from cultivation. Habitats include sand prairies, rocky glades, areas along railroads, roadsides, and waste areas, particularly where the soil is rather barren. This species is cultivated in gardens because of the attractive flowerheads.
Faunal Associations: The flowerheads of Coreopsis spp. provide nectar and pollen to a wide variety of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, and beetles. The caterpillars of the moths Synchlora aerata (Wavy-Lined Emerald) and Tornos scolopacinarius (Dimorphic Gray) feed on the foliage of Coreopsis spp. and similar plants. Another insect that feeds on the foliage of these species is the leaf beetle, Calligrapha californica, which has been found specifically on Plains Coreopsis.
Photographic Location: A flower garden at the Arboretum of the University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: During the blooming period, Plains Coreopsis produces showy flowerheads in abundance. This species can be distinguished from other wildflowers by the ray florets of its flowerheads, which are yellow-maroon or maroon (reddish brown). Sometimes the ray florets of Rudbeckia hirta (Black-Eyed Susan) and Rudbeckia fulgida (Orange Coneflower) are partially maroon, but their ray florets have narrow tips that lack large teeth. Furthermore, the leaves of these latter species are not pinnately divided, unlike those of Plains Coreopsis. Other Coreopsis spp. in Illinois are perennial plants; they have ray florets that are yellow throughout. Another common name of Coreopsis tinctoria is Golden Coreopsis.
Cultivation: Preferred growing conditions consist of full sun and moist to mesic sandy soil. However, other kinds of soil are readily tolerated, including those that contain loam, clay-loam, or some gravel. Depending on the cultivar or local ecotype, there is considerable variability in the size of flowerheads and the height of plants.
Range & Habitat: Plains Coreopsis has naturalized in scattered locations throughout Illinois, where it is generally uncommon (see Distribution Map). This introduced species is native to the region of the Great Plains in North America; most local populations in Illinois are descendants of plants that have escaped from cultivation. Habitats include sand prairies, rocky glades, areas along railroads, roadsides, and waste areas, particularly where the soil is rather barren. This species is cultivated in gardens because of the attractive flowerheads.
Faunal Associations: The flowerheads of Coreopsis spp. provide nectar and pollen to a wide variety of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, and beetles. The caterpillars of the moths Synchlora aerata (Wavy-Lined Emerald) and Tornos scolopacinarius (Dimorphic Gray) feed on the foliage of Coreopsis spp. and similar plants. Another insect that feeds on the foliage of these species is the leaf beetle, Calligrapha californica, which has been found specifically on Plains Coreopsis.
Photographic Location: A flower garden at the Arboretum of the University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: During the blooming period, Plains Coreopsis produces showy flowerheads in abundance. This species can be distinguished from other wildflowers by the ray florets of its flowerheads, which are yellow-maroon or maroon (reddish brown). Sometimes the ray florets of Rudbeckia hirta (Black-Eyed Susan) and Rudbeckia fulgida (Orange Coneflower) are partially maroon, but their ray florets have narrow tips that lack large teeth. Furthermore, the leaves of these latter species are not pinnately divided, unlike those of Plains Coreopsis. Other Coreopsis spp. in Illinois are perennial plants; they have ray florets that are yellow throughout. Another common name of Coreopsis tinctoria is Golden Coreopsis.
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Miss Chen
2017年12月20日
Description: Fertile shoots of this perennial plant are 1½–3' tall, while infertile shoots consist of tufted basal leaves. The basal leaves are erect, ascending, or widely spreading; they are 3-6" long, ½–1" across, elliptic or elliptic-oblanceolate in shape, and entire (toothless) along their margins. The slender petioles of basal leaves are 1-4" long. The upper and lower surfaces of basal leaves are light-medium green and either glabrous (var. lanceolata) or irregularly covered with white hairs (var. villosa). Fertile shoots produce one or more stems from the base of each plant; these stems are ascending to erect, although their bases may rest on the ground. The stems are light-medium green, terete, and either glabrous (var. lanceolata) or irregularly covered with white hairs (var. villosa). Pairs of sessile opposite leaves occur primarily along the lower one-half of each plant.
Individual opposite leaves are either unlobed, or they may have 1-4 basal/lateral lobes and a terminal lobe. Unlobed opposite leaves are 1-4" long, linear-elliptic to elliptic in shape, and entire along their margins. Other opposite leaves have lobes that are ½–3" long, linear-elliptic to elliptic in shape, and entire along their margins. Some opposite leaves may have 1-2 short basal lobes, while other opposite leaves may have 2 basal lobes and 2 lateral lobes that are longer. The upper and lower surfaces of opposite leaves are light-medium green and either glabrous (var. lanceolata) or irregularly covered with white hairs (var. villosa). The stems terminate in solitary flowerheads on long naked peduncles (flowering stalks) up to 12" long. Each flowerhead spans 2-3" across, consisting of about 8 sterile ray florets that surround a dense head of numerous fertile disk florets. The petaloid rays of the flowerhead are yellow, oblanceolate to obovate in shape, and 4-lobed along their tips. In addition to the 4 primary lobes, some secondary lobes may be present, providing the tips of the petaloid rays with a ragged appearance.
The corollas of the disk florets are about 6 mm. (¼") in length, yellow, tubular in shape, and 4-5 lobed. At the base of each flowerhead, there is a single series of about 8 phyllaries (inner floral bracts). These phyllaries are about 8-10 mm. long, yellowish green to yellowish brown, and deltate-oval in shape; they are appressed along the bases of the petals when the flowerhead is in bloom. Slightly below the base of the flowerhead, there is a single series of 8 outer bracts that are similar to the phyllaries, except they are more green and lanceolate-ovate in shape. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer, lasting about 1 month for a colony of plants. Afterwards, the disk florets are replaced by achenes that are about 3 mm. long, 3 mm. across (including the membranous wings), brown, and flattened (slightly convex on one side and slightly concave on the other side). The tips of these achenes soon become truncate because their paired awns are early-deciduous. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous, often forming colonies of clonal plants.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, mesic to dry conditions, and poor soil containing sandy or rocky material. This plant will adapt to soil containing fertile loam if it is well-drained and taller plants are kept away from it. This plant is easy to grow from transplants. In open areas with exposed ground, it may spread aggressively.
Range & Habitat: The native Sand Coreopsis occurs in NE Illinois, counties along the Illinois River, SW Illinois, and scattered counties elsewhere within the state (see Distribution Map). In Illinois, it is an uncommon plant. Habitats include mesic to dry sand prairies, gravel prairies, hill prairies, limestone glades, thinly wooded bluffs, areas along railroads, and roadsides. Some local populations, particularly in heavily populated NE Illinois, may be plants that have escaped cultivation. In addition, some populations within the state are the result of habitat restoration efforts.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract many kinds of insect visitors, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, day-flying moths, and beetles. A long-tongued bee, Melissodes coreopsis) is an oligolege (specialist pollinator) of Coreopsis spp. Some insects feed destructively on the plant juices, flowerheads, and other parts of Sand Coreopsis and other Coreopsis spp. These species include the Ragweed Leaf Beetle (Calligrapha bidenticola) and Coreopsis Leaf Beetle (Calligrapha californica coreopsivora), the Red-spotted Aster Mirid (Polymerus basalis), an aphid (Uroleucon reynoldense), and the larvae of such moths as the Dimorphic Gray (Tornos scolopacinarius), Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata), and Common Tan Wave (Pleuroprucha insulsaria); see Clark et al. (2004), Knight (1941), Blackman & Eastop (2013), Covell (1984/2005), and Wagner (2005) for more information. The larvae of the latter two moths feed on the flowerheads. Mammalian herbivores occasionally browse on the foliage of Coreopsis spp., including rabbits, groundhogs, deer, horses, and livestock.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a sand prairie of Kickapoo State Park in Vermilion County, Illinois, and at a flower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Another common name for this plant is Lance-leaved Coreopsis, even though the leaves are usually more broad toward their tips than near their bases. Sand Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata) can be distinguished from other Coreopsis spp. primarily by the lack of lobes on its basal leaves and some of its opposite leaves. Different populations of Sand Coreopsis can vary significantly in the hairiness of the stems and leaves, ranging from glabrous (var. lanceolata) to conspicuously hairy (var. villosa). It has been suggested that the hairy variety may be the result of a naturally occurring hybrid of Coreopsis lanceolata with Coreopsis pubescens, or that it should be considered a distinct species (see Flora of North America, Vol. 21, at: www.efloras.org). Sand Coreopsis is often grown in flower gardens because of its showy flowerheads. As a result, many cultivars have been developed, including those that are double-flowered and bicolored.
Individual opposite leaves are either unlobed, or they may have 1-4 basal/lateral lobes and a terminal lobe. Unlobed opposite leaves are 1-4" long, linear-elliptic to elliptic in shape, and entire along their margins. Other opposite leaves have lobes that are ½–3" long, linear-elliptic to elliptic in shape, and entire along their margins. Some opposite leaves may have 1-2 short basal lobes, while other opposite leaves may have 2 basal lobes and 2 lateral lobes that are longer. The upper and lower surfaces of opposite leaves are light-medium green and either glabrous (var. lanceolata) or irregularly covered with white hairs (var. villosa). The stems terminate in solitary flowerheads on long naked peduncles (flowering stalks) up to 12" long. Each flowerhead spans 2-3" across, consisting of about 8 sterile ray florets that surround a dense head of numerous fertile disk florets. The petaloid rays of the flowerhead are yellow, oblanceolate to obovate in shape, and 4-lobed along their tips. In addition to the 4 primary lobes, some secondary lobes may be present, providing the tips of the petaloid rays with a ragged appearance.
The corollas of the disk florets are about 6 mm. (¼") in length, yellow, tubular in shape, and 4-5 lobed. At the base of each flowerhead, there is a single series of about 8 phyllaries (inner floral bracts). These phyllaries are about 8-10 mm. long, yellowish green to yellowish brown, and deltate-oval in shape; they are appressed along the bases of the petals when the flowerhead is in bloom. Slightly below the base of the flowerhead, there is a single series of 8 outer bracts that are similar to the phyllaries, except they are more green and lanceolate-ovate in shape. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer, lasting about 1 month for a colony of plants. Afterwards, the disk florets are replaced by achenes that are about 3 mm. long, 3 mm. across (including the membranous wings), brown, and flattened (slightly convex on one side and slightly concave on the other side). The tips of these achenes soon become truncate because their paired awns are early-deciduous. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous, often forming colonies of clonal plants.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, mesic to dry conditions, and poor soil containing sandy or rocky material. This plant will adapt to soil containing fertile loam if it is well-drained and taller plants are kept away from it. This plant is easy to grow from transplants. In open areas with exposed ground, it may spread aggressively.
Range & Habitat: The native Sand Coreopsis occurs in NE Illinois, counties along the Illinois River, SW Illinois, and scattered counties elsewhere within the state (see Distribution Map). In Illinois, it is an uncommon plant. Habitats include mesic to dry sand prairies, gravel prairies, hill prairies, limestone glades, thinly wooded bluffs, areas along railroads, and roadsides. Some local populations, particularly in heavily populated NE Illinois, may be plants that have escaped cultivation. In addition, some populations within the state are the result of habitat restoration efforts.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract many kinds of insect visitors, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, day-flying moths, and beetles. A long-tongued bee, Melissodes coreopsis) is an oligolege (specialist pollinator) of Coreopsis spp. Some insects feed destructively on the plant juices, flowerheads, and other parts of Sand Coreopsis and other Coreopsis spp. These species include the Ragweed Leaf Beetle (Calligrapha bidenticola) and Coreopsis Leaf Beetle (Calligrapha californica coreopsivora), the Red-spotted Aster Mirid (Polymerus basalis), an aphid (Uroleucon reynoldense), and the larvae of such moths as the Dimorphic Gray (Tornos scolopacinarius), Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata), and Common Tan Wave (Pleuroprucha insulsaria); see Clark et al. (2004), Knight (1941), Blackman & Eastop (2013), Covell (1984/2005), and Wagner (2005) for more information. The larvae of the latter two moths feed on the flowerheads. Mammalian herbivores occasionally browse on the foliage of Coreopsis spp., including rabbits, groundhogs, deer, horses, and livestock.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a sand prairie of Kickapoo State Park in Vermilion County, Illinois, and at a flower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Another common name for this plant is Lance-leaved Coreopsis, even though the leaves are usually more broad toward their tips than near their bases. Sand Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata) can be distinguished from other Coreopsis spp. primarily by the lack of lobes on its basal leaves and some of its opposite leaves. Different populations of Sand Coreopsis can vary significantly in the hairiness of the stems and leaves, ranging from glabrous (var. lanceolata) to conspicuously hairy (var. villosa). It has been suggested that the hairy variety may be the result of a naturally occurring hybrid of Coreopsis lanceolata with Coreopsis pubescens, or that it should be considered a distinct species (see Flora of North America, Vol. 21, at: www.efloras.org). Sand Coreopsis is often grown in flower gardens because of its showy flowerheads. As a result, many cultivars have been developed, including those that are double-flowered and bicolored.
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权问薇
2017年12月18日
扦插
时间的选择
这样的繁殖办法是很简单高效的，所以选用这种办法的花友还是很多的。时间最好选择在花谢之后进行，基本上已经到了6月了，这时候温度还没有涨的很高，比较适合植株的生长和伤口的愈合。
枝条的选择
要选择比较健壮的枝，这点就不用解释了吧，若是选择已经遭遇病虫的枝条一定会对日后的生长有影响。其次，最好要选择2年的枝，太嫩的枝条自身的存活能力有限，以后的生存能力也没有2年生的强。
操作的方法
将枝条剪至10cm长，只留上面两三片叶就可以，先进行消毒，再涂好生根粉，插好之后注意保持湿度，大约40-50天可以生根，移植的时候要注意保湿遮阳。
压条
时间的选择
这个可以稍微早一点，5月上就可以。这样7月上就能发根，9月中就可以移植了。但是移出来种植的话，要选择3-4月，这段时间温度是比较适宜的。
操作的方法
选择适当的，能做环剥的部位进行环剥，再将准备好的土用塑料膜抱在伤口处，平时记得浇水来保障水量充足。等到新长出来的根部达到一定数量的时候，就能拿下来栽种了，但如果根数不够，尽量要等到多一点再操作，这样有利于新株的存活。
好啦，上面就是这两种办法啦，友友们去试一下吧。
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八公
2017年12月18日
1.白粉病
白粉病是月季比较经常生的一种病害，它的危害非常大，大多数是在5月下旬的时候就会开始初次的进行侵染了，等到6、7月的时候就会开始不断地蔓延开来，当叶片受到伤害之后，表面上就会生上一层白色的粉末状物体，嫩梢上面也没有逃脱掉。严重的时候还会让叶片开始慢慢的脱落甚至死掉都是有可能的。那这时候我们就需要进行及时的针对性治疗，在春季生长的时候我们就可以交替的使用一些药物对它进行适当喷洒，喷过药物之后它的白粉位置就会变成暗灰色的，慢慢开始干缩并且消失。在秋雨时间的时候正是它突发的高峰期，这期间一定要多次进行喷洒药物，就可以把伤害降低最低，直接彻底防治。
2.黑斑病
这个也是香水月季最经常被感染的一种病症。它的残体一般还会跟着香水月季一起过冬，凭借着雨水或者浇水的时候就会飞溅传播起来，昆虫也是会传播的。一般引发病症最合适的温度是在26度左右，还是雨量比较多的季节，尤其是新栽种或者长势比较弱的植株更容易受到侵害，那我们就应该及时的清扫落叶，把一些生病叶子给及时摘掉，冬天的时候还要对那些生病的植株进行大幅度修剪，浇水也要注意，不能喷浇。
3.蚜虫
蚜虫也是直接的对它产生了很大的危害，它们会吸取植株嫩芽上面的汁液营养，这样就直接让那个花苞长得非常畸形，营养也跟不上去，还间接的容易让它感染其他的疾病。那我们就要及时的喷洒一些药物在它的植株上面，基本上是7天一次，喷上个2到3次就可以了。
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Miss Chen
2017年12月18日
Description: This perennial wildflower consists of a low rosette of basal leaves up to 1½' across and a flowering stalk about 1½–2' tall. The floppy basal leaves are 6-12" long and 1/3" (8 mm.) across; they are medium to dark green, linear in shape, parallel-veined, glabrous, and smooth along their margins. Along the underside of each basal leaf, there is a prominent mid-rib. The erect central stalk is slender, light to medium green, and glabrous; it terminates in a spike-like raceme of flowers that is several inches in length. Underneath the floral spike, there are usually 1-3 bracts along the stalk. These bracts are green, linear to linear-lanceolate in shape, and up to ¾" long. Each flower is ¾–1" across, consisting of 6 tepals, 6 stamens with bright yellow anthers, and a green central ovary with a slender style. The tepals are light blue-violet to nearly white; they are oblong in shape and spread widely from the center of the flower. Each tepal (petal or petal-like sepal) has 1-3 poorly defined veins along its length.
At the base of each flower, there is a single linear bract up to ¾" long that is early-deciduous. The slender pedicel of each flower is about the same length as the bract. The flowers begin to bloom from the bottom of the raceme and continue to bloom upward toward the apex; each flower lasts only 2-3 days. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring and lasts about 2-3 weeks. Each fertilized flower is replaced by a 3-celled seed capsule that is about 1/3" in length and nearly as much across. Each seed capsule contains many small seeds that are black and shiny. The basal leaves turn yellow and wither away by mid-summer. The root system consists of a bulb with fibrous roots. This wildflower reproduces by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, moist conditions, and rich loamy soil. Wild Hyacinth is slow to develop, but fairly long-lived. Vegetative growth and development occurs during the cool weather of spring, when adequate moisture is essential.
Range & Habitat: Wild Hyacinth is found occasionally throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include moist black soil prairies, moist savannas, moist open woodlands (particularly along the banks of streams), rocky wooded slopes, and limestone glades. This species is typically found in high quality habitats, whether prairies or woodlands.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract their fair share of insects, including many bees and flies, and occasional butterflies and wasps. Most of these insects seek nectar from the flowers, although some short-tongued bees also collect pollen. Bee visitors include honeybees, bumblebees, Cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), and Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp., etc.). Other floral-faunal relationships are poorly understood. White-Tailed Deer occasionally chomp off the tops of the basal leaves. Both the foliage and bulbs are not known to be toxic to mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: Along a woodland stream in Douglas or Coles County in east-central Illinois.
Comments: Wild Hyacinth has attractive flowers that are conspicuous during the spring. It is usually found in woodland habitats, but also occurs in prairies. Wild Hyacinth differs from the less common Camassia angusta (Prairie Hyacinth) in several ways, among them: 1) It has slightly larger flowers than the latter, 2) its flowers are usually a slightly lighter shade of blue-violet, 3) its seed capsules are about as broad as long, while Prairie Hyacinth has seed capsules that are slightly longer than broad, 4) the bracts of its flowering stalk are less persistent than those of Prairie Hyacinth, and 5) it blooms earlier in the spring.
At the base of each flower, there is a single linear bract up to ¾" long that is early-deciduous. The slender pedicel of each flower is about the same length as the bract. The flowers begin to bloom from the bottom of the raceme and continue to bloom upward toward the apex; each flower lasts only 2-3 days. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring and lasts about 2-3 weeks. Each fertilized flower is replaced by a 3-celled seed capsule that is about 1/3" in length and nearly as much across. Each seed capsule contains many small seeds that are black and shiny. The basal leaves turn yellow and wither away by mid-summer. The root system consists of a bulb with fibrous roots. This wildflower reproduces by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, moist conditions, and rich loamy soil. Wild Hyacinth is slow to develop, but fairly long-lived. Vegetative growth and development occurs during the cool weather of spring, when adequate moisture is essential.
Range & Habitat: Wild Hyacinth is found occasionally throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include moist black soil prairies, moist savannas, moist open woodlands (particularly along the banks of streams), rocky wooded slopes, and limestone glades. This species is typically found in high quality habitats, whether prairies or woodlands.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract their fair share of insects, including many bees and flies, and occasional butterflies and wasps. Most of these insects seek nectar from the flowers, although some short-tongued bees also collect pollen. Bee visitors include honeybees, bumblebees, Cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), and Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp., etc.). Other floral-faunal relationships are poorly understood. White-Tailed Deer occasionally chomp off the tops of the basal leaves. Both the foliage and bulbs are not known to be toxic to mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: Along a woodland stream in Douglas or Coles County in east-central Illinois.
Comments: Wild Hyacinth has attractive flowers that are conspicuous during the spring. It is usually found in woodland habitats, but also occurs in prairies. Wild Hyacinth differs from the less common Camassia angusta (Prairie Hyacinth) in several ways, among them: 1) It has slightly larger flowers than the latter, 2) its flowers are usually a slightly lighter shade of blue-violet, 3) its seed capsules are about as broad as long, while Prairie Hyacinth has seed capsules that are slightly longer than broad, 4) the bracts of its flowering stalk are less persistent than those of Prairie Hyacinth, and 5) it blooms earlier in the spring.
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Miss Chen
2017年12月17日
Description: This plant is a summer annual about 6-20" tall that branches frequently; large specimens can be as wide as they are tall, resembling a tumbleweed in shape. The rather stout stems are light green, terete to slightly angular, and glabrous. Alternate leaves occur along these stems that are 1-2" long and ¼-½" across; they are medium green, glabrous, and oblanceolate with margins that are coarsely crenate, shallowly lobed, or undulate. Small upper leaves often have smooth margins. The leaves are slightly succulent with a thick texture. The upper stems terminate in racemes of flowers about 2-10" long. Individual flowers are up to ¼" across, consisting of 4 lavender to white petals, 4 green sepals, 6 stamens, and a pistil with a single style. The oblong-lanceolate sepals are about ¼" long and glabrous, while the oblong petals spread widely during the short period when a flower is in bloom. The ascending pedicels are green and glabrous.
The blooming period occurs from mid-summer into the fall, lasting about 3 months. Only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time toward the apex of the racemes. The flowers are replaced by elongated seedpods (silicles) about ½-¾" long. Each seedpod has a lower segment (up to ¼" long) that is ovoid-cylindrical in shape, and an upper segment (up to ½" long) that is lanceoloid with a long tapering beak. Between these two segments, the seedpod is slightly constricted. The upper segment contains a single seed, while the lower segment contains either a single seed or none. At maturity, the upper segment of each seedpod becomes detached from the lower segment, while the lower segment persists on the dried remains of the plant. The upper segment can float on water, and it is often carried off by the waves of the lake or sea. Eventually, the upper segment is deposited at another beach, thereby introducing its seed to a new area. The seed of the lower segment usually germinates in proximity to its mother plant, colonizing the same beach.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and very sandy soil. This plant also adapts to gravelly or rocky shorelines.
Range & Habitat: The native Sea Rocket is a rare plant in Illinois that is state-listed as 'threatened.' Its distribution is restricted to the shoreline of Lake Michigan in the NE section of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats consist of sandy beaches and, to a lesser extent, gravelly or rocky shorelines. Outside of the state, Sea Rocket can be found along the shore lines of other Great Lakes (except the northernmost areas); a closely related subspecies of Sea Rocket is also found along the Atlantic coast.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about floral-faunal relationships for this plant. Similar to other flowering plants in the Mustard family, Sea Rocket's flowers are probably cross-pollinated by small bees, flies, beetles, and small to medium-sized butterflies. There is a native flea beetle, Phyllotreta chalybeipennis, that feeds primarily, if not exclusively, on the foliage of Sea Rocket: its larvae form mines through the leaves. Other flea beetles that feed on the foliage of this plant include Phyllotreta crucifera (introduced from Europe), Phyllotreta punctulata, and Phyllotreta striolata (Clark et al., 2004). Larvae of a moth, the Rubbed Dart (Euxoa detersa), also referred to as the Sandhill Cutworm, feed primarily on the underground parts of Sea Rocket and many other plants in sandy areas (Covell, 1984/2005).
Photographic Location: A sandy beach at Indiana Dunes State Park in NW Indiana.
Comments: This member of the Mustard family is quite unique and easy to identify: it has slightly succulent leaves and unusual seedpods with 2 segments. Sea Rocket is a pioneer species of sandy beaches, colonizing areas that only a few plant species can tolerate. Because its succulent leaves can store water, it is able to withstand the desiccating effect of sunlight and sand. The root system helps to bind and stabilize the sand, while the decayed remnants of foliage add organic material and nutrients to the impoverished soil. This enables other plants to colonize the beach, beginning the process of ecological succession.
The blooming period occurs from mid-summer into the fall, lasting about 3 months. Only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time toward the apex of the racemes. The flowers are replaced by elongated seedpods (silicles) about ½-¾" long. Each seedpod has a lower segment (up to ¼" long) that is ovoid-cylindrical in shape, and an upper segment (up to ½" long) that is lanceoloid with a long tapering beak. Between these two segments, the seedpod is slightly constricted. The upper segment contains a single seed, while the lower segment contains either a single seed or none. At maturity, the upper segment of each seedpod becomes detached from the lower segment, while the lower segment persists on the dried remains of the plant. The upper segment can float on water, and it is often carried off by the waves of the lake or sea. Eventually, the upper segment is deposited at another beach, thereby introducing its seed to a new area. The seed of the lower segment usually germinates in proximity to its mother plant, colonizing the same beach.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and very sandy soil. This plant also adapts to gravelly or rocky shorelines.
Range & Habitat: The native Sea Rocket is a rare plant in Illinois that is state-listed as 'threatened.' Its distribution is restricted to the shoreline of Lake Michigan in the NE section of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats consist of sandy beaches and, to a lesser extent, gravelly or rocky shorelines. Outside of the state, Sea Rocket can be found along the shore lines of other Great Lakes (except the northernmost areas); a closely related subspecies of Sea Rocket is also found along the Atlantic coast.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about floral-faunal relationships for this plant. Similar to other flowering plants in the Mustard family, Sea Rocket's flowers are probably cross-pollinated by small bees, flies, beetles, and small to medium-sized butterflies. There is a native flea beetle, Phyllotreta chalybeipennis, that feeds primarily, if not exclusively, on the foliage of Sea Rocket: its larvae form mines through the leaves. Other flea beetles that feed on the foliage of this plant include Phyllotreta crucifera (introduced from Europe), Phyllotreta punctulata, and Phyllotreta striolata (Clark et al., 2004). Larvae of a moth, the Rubbed Dart (Euxoa detersa), also referred to as the Sandhill Cutworm, feed primarily on the underground parts of Sea Rocket and many other plants in sandy areas (Covell, 1984/2005).
Photographic Location: A sandy beach at Indiana Dunes State Park in NW Indiana.
Comments: This member of the Mustard family is quite unique and easy to identify: it has slightly succulent leaves and unusual seedpods with 2 segments. Sea Rocket is a pioneer species of sandy beaches, colonizing areas that only a few plant species can tolerate. Because its succulent leaves can store water, it is able to withstand the desiccating effect of sunlight and sand. The root system helps to bind and stabilize the sand, while the decayed remnants of foliage add organic material and nutrients to the impoverished soil. This enables other plants to colonize the beach, beginning the process of ecological succession.
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Miss Chen
2017年12月16日
Description: This wildflower consists of a low rosette of basal leaves up to 6" across; a mature plant will produce one or more flowering stalks about ½–1' tall. The blades of the basal leaves are up to 3" long and 2½" across; they have stout hairy petioles up to 1½" long. The basal leaves are more or less oval in shape, crenate along their margins, palmately veined, and hairy on both their upper and lower surfaces; the upper surface of each leaf is medium green, while the lower surface is pale green or pale purplish green. Each flowering stalk is stout, erect, terete, light green, and very hairy; it has small alternate leaves up to 1¼" long and ½" across, which become gradually smaller as they ascend toward the inflorescence. The alternate leaves are similar to the basal leaves, except they are ovate in shape and smaller in size. Each alternate leaf is sessile or it clasps the stalk.
The inflorescence consists of a stout spike of small flowers about 2-6" long. These flowers are densely clustered along the spike, facing in all directions. Underneath each flower, there is a small leafy bract that is lanceolate. Each flower has a 2-lipped corolla that is cream-colored or pale yellow, and a calyx consisting of 4 green sepals that are elliptic and hairy. The corolla is about 5 mm. long and slightly longer than the calyx; the upper lip of the corolla is unlobed, while the irregular lower lip is unlobed or divided into 2-3 lobes. Each flower has a pair of exserted stamens and a slender white style. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer, lasting about 3 weeks for a colony of plants. The flowers bloom gradually from the bottom of the spike to its apex. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by small 2-celled seed capsules; each capsule contains several seeds. The root system consists of a cluster of coarse fibrous roots; an older plant may form a small caudex. This wildflower occasionally forms colonies at favorable sites.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry conditions, and a barren acidic soil that is sandy or gravelly. Partial sun is also acceptable. This wildflower grows slowly and doesn't tolerate competition from taller, more aggressive plants. It is adaptable to sunny rock gardens and there are few problems with pests and disease.
Range & Habitat: The native Kittentails is restricted to the west-central and northwest sections of Illinois, where it is rare (see Distribution Map). This wildflower is state-listed as 'threatened.' Habitats include dry sand prairies, dry gravel prairies, hill prairies, barren savannas, thinly wooded bluffs, and sandy or gravelly riverbanks. This species is restricted to high quality habitats in natural areas; it is endemic to the Midwest and uncommon throughout its range.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by small bees, especially Halictid bees that seek nectar and/or pollen. The following Halictid bees have been observed to visit the flowers of Kittentails: Auglochlorella striata, Lasioglossum anomalum, and Lasioglossum vierecki (McKone et al., 1995; Moure & Hurd, 1987). Additional information about floral-faunal relationships is unavailable.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: While not particularly showy, Kittentails is an unusual little plant. It resembles some broad-leaved Plantago spp. (Plantains), but the floral spike of Kittentails is more stout and its flowers are insect-pollinated. The closest relatives (either Besseya spp. or Synthyris spp.) are found in mountainous areas of the western states. These latter species usually have flowers (or floral bracts) that are purple, otherwise they are similar in appearance to their eastern counterpart. Another scientific name of Kittentails is Wulfenia bullii.
The inflorescence consists of a stout spike of small flowers about 2-6" long. These flowers are densely clustered along the spike, facing in all directions. Underneath each flower, there is a small leafy bract that is lanceolate. Each flower has a 2-lipped corolla that is cream-colored or pale yellow, and a calyx consisting of 4 green sepals that are elliptic and hairy. The corolla is about 5 mm. long and slightly longer than the calyx; the upper lip of the corolla is unlobed, while the irregular lower lip is unlobed or divided into 2-3 lobes. Each flower has a pair of exserted stamens and a slender white style. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer, lasting about 3 weeks for a colony of plants. The flowers bloom gradually from the bottom of the spike to its apex. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by small 2-celled seed capsules; each capsule contains several seeds. The root system consists of a cluster of coarse fibrous roots; an older plant may form a small caudex. This wildflower occasionally forms colonies at favorable sites.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry conditions, and a barren acidic soil that is sandy or gravelly. Partial sun is also acceptable. This wildflower grows slowly and doesn't tolerate competition from taller, more aggressive plants. It is adaptable to sunny rock gardens and there are few problems with pests and disease.
Range & Habitat: The native Kittentails is restricted to the west-central and northwest sections of Illinois, where it is rare (see Distribution Map). This wildflower is state-listed as 'threatened.' Habitats include dry sand prairies, dry gravel prairies, hill prairies, barren savannas, thinly wooded bluffs, and sandy or gravelly riverbanks. This species is restricted to high quality habitats in natural areas; it is endemic to the Midwest and uncommon throughout its range.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by small bees, especially Halictid bees that seek nectar and/or pollen. The following Halictid bees have been observed to visit the flowers of Kittentails: Auglochlorella striata, Lasioglossum anomalum, and Lasioglossum vierecki (McKone et al., 1995; Moure & Hurd, 1987). Additional information about floral-faunal relationships is unavailable.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: While not particularly showy, Kittentails is an unusual little plant. It resembles some broad-leaved Plantago spp. (Plantains), but the floral spike of Kittentails is more stout and its flowers are insect-pollinated. The closest relatives (either Besseya spp. or Synthyris spp.) are found in mountainous areas of the western states. These latter species usually have flowers (or floral bracts) that are purple, otherwise they are similar in appearance to their eastern counterpart. Another scientific name of Kittentails is Wulfenia bullii.
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Miss Chen
2017年12月16日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is about 3-6' tall and forms an erect, sparsely branched bush, although it is herbaceous. The stout central stem and upper side stems are smooth, light green or reddish purple, and glaucous. The compound leaves are trifoliate. They are usually greyish green or blue green, and hairless. Each leaflet is ovate or oblanceolate and pointed at both ends, with smooth margins, and about 2" long and ¾" across. The white flowers occur in erect spike-like racemes up to 2' long and are quite showy. They are typical pea flowers in overall structure, and about 1" long. There is no floral scent. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer and lasts about 1-1½ months. The flowers are replaced by large oblong seedpods, which are also rather showy. They are about 2" long and initially green, but later turn black. There is a stout deep taproot, and rhizomes that may form vegetative offsets. Once established, White Wild Indigo grows very quickly during the spring – it often towers above the surrounding plants by blooming time.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and moist to slightly dry soil. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, clay, gravelly material, or sand. This plant is not fussy about growing conditions, and is easy to grow. However, it dislikes alkaline soil and may fail to bloom in shady conditions. Like other wild indigos, this plant may take several years to reach blooming size, but it is long-lived. The roots increase nitrogen levels in the soil.
Range & Habitat: The native White Wild Indigo is widely distributed and occurs in almost every county of Illinois, but it is usually uncommon (see Distribution Map). In a few areas that are scattered around the state, this plant is locally common. Some local populations may be escaped cultivated plants, or the result of restoration efforts. Habitats include moist to dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, thickets, edges of marshes and sandy marshes, borders of lakes, limestone glades, and dry clay hills. White Wild Indigo is typically found in less disturbed habitats, partly because of limited seed dispersion. Occasional wildfires are readily tolerated.
Faunal Associations: Worker bumblebees pollinate the flowers. The caterpillars of some skippers and butterflies occasionally feed on the foliage, including Erynnis baptisiae (Wild Indigo Duskywing), Achelerus lyciades (Hoary Edge), Colias cesonia (Southern Dogface), and Colias eurythema (Orange Sulfur). The caterpillars of the moth Dasylophus anguina (Black-spotted Prominent) can also be found on the foliage. Another insect, Apion rostrum (Wild Indigo Weevil), feeds on this plant and other Baptisia spp. The adult weevils eat both the leaves and flowers, while their grubs stay in the pods and eat the seeds. Because White Wild Indigo is poisonous, it is not much bothered by mammalian herbivores. If cattle, horses, or other kinds of livestock consume sufficient quantities of this plant, they can be seriously poisoned.
Photographic Location: The photographs of the racemes and leaf close-up were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Large specimens of this wildflower are very striking while they are in bloom. White Wild Indigo is considerably taller than the related Baptisia bracteata (Cream Wild Indigo), which has spreading racemes of flowers that bloom earlier in the year. Other species of this genus in Illinois have yellow or blue-violet flowers. Another scientific name of White Wild Indigo is Baptisia leucantha.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and moist to slightly dry soil. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, clay, gravelly material, or sand. This plant is not fussy about growing conditions, and is easy to grow. However, it dislikes alkaline soil and may fail to bloom in shady conditions. Like other wild indigos, this plant may take several years to reach blooming size, but it is long-lived. The roots increase nitrogen levels in the soil.
Range & Habitat: The native White Wild Indigo is widely distributed and occurs in almost every county of Illinois, but it is usually uncommon (see Distribution Map). In a few areas that are scattered around the state, this plant is locally common. Some local populations may be escaped cultivated plants, or the result of restoration efforts. Habitats include moist to dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, thickets, edges of marshes and sandy marshes, borders of lakes, limestone glades, and dry clay hills. White Wild Indigo is typically found in less disturbed habitats, partly because of limited seed dispersion. Occasional wildfires are readily tolerated.
Faunal Associations: Worker bumblebees pollinate the flowers. The caterpillars of some skippers and butterflies occasionally feed on the foliage, including Erynnis baptisiae (Wild Indigo Duskywing), Achelerus lyciades (Hoary Edge), Colias cesonia (Southern Dogface), and Colias eurythema (Orange Sulfur). The caterpillars of the moth Dasylophus anguina (Black-spotted Prominent) can also be found on the foliage. Another insect, Apion rostrum (Wild Indigo Weevil), feeds on this plant and other Baptisia spp. The adult weevils eat both the leaves and flowers, while their grubs stay in the pods and eat the seeds. Because White Wild Indigo is poisonous, it is not much bothered by mammalian herbivores. If cattle, horses, or other kinds of livestock consume sufficient quantities of this plant, they can be seriously poisoned.
Photographic Location: The photographs of the racemes and leaf close-up were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Large specimens of this wildflower are very striking while they are in bloom. White Wild Indigo is considerably taller than the related Baptisia bracteata (Cream Wild Indigo), which has spreading racemes of flowers that bloom earlier in the year. Other species of this genus in Illinois have yellow or blue-violet flowers. Another scientific name of White Wild Indigo is Baptisia leucantha.
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Miss Chen
2017年12月15日
Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) are a common houseplant requiring filtered light and continually moist soil. They can reach 6 feet, but are typically 1 to 4 feet high. White flowers are highlighted against the plant's dark, glossy leaves. Both attractive and easy to grow, it is not needy. However, providing fertilizer will encourage blooms and help your peace lily thrive. And you can mix up a homemade fertilizer with ingredients you have on hand.
Epson Salt Fertilizer
Mix 1 tablespoon of Epsom Salts into 1 gallon of water in a jug or pitcher. Shake or stir the mixture thoroughly. Apply this solution to your peace lily every 4 to 6 weeks in place of a water application. Shake the container before each use.
Fish Tank Fertilizer
If you have a fish tank, save the water from a tank cleaning in a clean jug. Shake the water and apply to the base of the peace lily every month in place of a water application. This homemade fertilizer will provide much-needed nitrogen to your plant.
Vinegar Fertilizer
Mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar into 1 gallon of water in a jug or pitcher. Shake or stir the mixture and apply to your peace lily once every three months in place of an alternate monthly feeding. Vinegar contains acetic acid, and will increase the acidity of the soil slightly.
Milk or Juice Fertilizer
Rinse out empty milk cartons and apply it to the base of your peace lily. Milk contains nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium -- all components of a basic commercial fertilizer. Use the rinse water from apple or orange juice containers in the same manner to provide a potassium boost to your plant.
Epson Salt Fertilizer
Mix 1 tablespoon of Epsom Salts into 1 gallon of water in a jug or pitcher. Shake or stir the mixture thoroughly. Apply this solution to your peace lily every 4 to 6 weeks in place of a water application. Shake the container before each use.
Fish Tank Fertilizer
If you have a fish tank, save the water from a tank cleaning in a clean jug. Shake the water and apply to the base of the peace lily every month in place of a water application. This homemade fertilizer will provide much-needed nitrogen to your plant.
Vinegar Fertilizer
Mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar into 1 gallon of water in a jug or pitcher. Shake or stir the mixture and apply to your peace lily once every three months in place of an alternate monthly feeding. Vinegar contains acetic acid, and will increase the acidity of the soil slightly.
Milk or Juice Fertilizer
Rinse out empty milk cartons and apply it to the base of your peace lily. Milk contains nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium -- all components of a basic commercial fertilizer. Use the rinse water from apple or orange juice containers in the same manner to provide a potassium boost to your plant.
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