文章
Miss Chen
2018年07月22日
Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) spears are the new shoots of asparagus plants that grow in spring. Asparagus grows from seed, and plants live 20 to 30 years in good growing conditions. In U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 8, asparagus is hardy, and plants grow 3 to 5 feet tall. Young asparagus shoots can sometimes cause skin irritation, and the red berries produced by female asparagus plants are poisonous.
Asparagus Roots
Asparagus root systems are called crowns. Asparagus growers start plants from seed and sell asparagus crowns that are one or two years old. Each crown has a central bud, and thick roots spreading out sideways. Shoots grow from the central bud.
Asparagus roots grow horizontally, not vertically. Over time, they form a wide, tuberous mat. When growing asparagus, it's important to select a growing area that can be left undisturbed for years. After planting, asparagus roots should not be moved.
Asparagus Plants
Asparagus plants develop many branched stems, which die down at the end of the growing season. Shoots develop daily on asparagus plants in spring. Newly planted crowns can produce shoots five or six weeks after planting. After a crop of young shoots is harvested, later shoots are allowed to develop so the plants can store energy for next year's crop.
As shoots grow, they produce many stems, which branch off into smaller stems. Rings of thin, hairlike structures appear on the smaller stems, which give mature asparagus plants a feathery appearance. True asparagus leaves are scalelike and tiny, and they can be seen most easily on new shoots. Asparagus stems turn yellow and wither in fall, often after the first frost.
Female and Male Asparagus
Asparagus plants are female or male. Female plants produce more stems than male plants, but the stems are thinner. Female asparagus plants also produce bright red summer berries, which contain the plant's seeds. Seeds from fallen berries can create problems the following year, when the asparagus bed becomes overrun with asparagus seedlings.
Newer varieties of asparagus are mostly male or all male plants. Male plants put all their energy into shoot production and don't waste energy on producing fruit. They also don't create problems with asparagus seedlings.
New Varieties
New asparagus varieties offer disease resistance and a range of colors. Asparagus "Jersey Knight" (Asparagus officinalis "Jersey Knight") is resistant to rust, fusarium wilt, and root and crown rot. Asparagus "Purple Passion" (Asparagus "Purple Passion") features purple spears, though these turn green when cooked. "Jersey Knight" and "Purple Passion" are hardy in USDA zones 3 through 10.
Asparagus "Jersey Giant" (Asparagus officinalis "Jersey Giant"), which is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 7, produces green spears with purple bracts. Bracts are leaflike structures. "Jersey Giant" produces two to three times more spears than some older varieties.
Asparagus Roots
Asparagus root systems are called crowns. Asparagus growers start plants from seed and sell asparagus crowns that are one or two years old. Each crown has a central bud, and thick roots spreading out sideways. Shoots grow from the central bud.
Asparagus roots grow horizontally, not vertically. Over time, they form a wide, tuberous mat. When growing asparagus, it's important to select a growing area that can be left undisturbed for years. After planting, asparagus roots should not be moved.
Asparagus Plants
Asparagus plants develop many branched stems, which die down at the end of the growing season. Shoots develop daily on asparagus plants in spring. Newly planted crowns can produce shoots five or six weeks after planting. After a crop of young shoots is harvested, later shoots are allowed to develop so the plants can store energy for next year's crop.
As shoots grow, they produce many stems, which branch off into smaller stems. Rings of thin, hairlike structures appear on the smaller stems, which give mature asparagus plants a feathery appearance. True asparagus leaves are scalelike and tiny, and they can be seen most easily on new shoots. Asparagus stems turn yellow and wither in fall, often after the first frost.
Female and Male Asparagus
Asparagus plants are female or male. Female plants produce more stems than male plants, but the stems are thinner. Female asparagus plants also produce bright red summer berries, which contain the plant's seeds. Seeds from fallen berries can create problems the following year, when the asparagus bed becomes overrun with asparagus seedlings.
Newer varieties of asparagus are mostly male or all male plants. Male plants put all their energy into shoot production and don't waste energy on producing fruit. They also don't create problems with asparagus seedlings.
New Varieties
New asparagus varieties offer disease resistance and a range of colors. Asparagus "Jersey Knight" (Asparagus officinalis "Jersey Knight") is resistant to rust, fusarium wilt, and root and crown rot. Asparagus "Purple Passion" (Asparagus "Purple Passion") features purple spears, though these turn green when cooked. "Jersey Knight" and "Purple Passion" are hardy in USDA zones 3 through 10.
Asparagus "Jersey Giant" (Asparagus officinalis "Jersey Giant"), which is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 7, produces green spears with purple bracts. Bracts are leaflike structures. "Jersey Giant" produces two to three times more spears than some older varieties.
0
0
文章
Miss Chen
2018年07月09日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant consists of a rosette of 2-8 basal leaves and a single flowering stalk. The glabrous basal leaves are up to 12" long and ¼" across; they are linear with parallel veins, flattened and solid in cross-section, rather than round and hollow. The basal leaves are rather floppy and often curve downward near the middle, rather than remaining erect. They are green or greyish green, but turn yellow and wither away after the flowers bloom. The flowering stalk is up to 18" long and stiffly erect; it is round or terete and solid in cross-section. This stalk is devoid of cauline leaves and terminates in an umbel of 15-40 flowers that spans about 2" across. Each flower is about ¼" across and consists of 6 white tepals, 6 stamens with conspicuous anthers, and a single slender style. Each tepal may have a line along the middle of its outer/lower surface that is light green, light purple, or light brown. The white filaments of the stamens are narrowly triangular as they become more narrow at their tips where the anthers occur. Each flower has a slender pedicel up to 1" long. At the base of the umbel, there are often 1-3 membranous bracts that originally enclosed the buds of the flowers.
The blooming period occurs from late summer to early fall and lasts about 1 month. The flowers are fragrant. Each flower is replaced by a green seed capsule that is 3-celled and has 3 rounded lobes. Each capsule contains several seeds that are small, black, and shiny. Unlike some Allium spp., no aerial bulbets are produced. The root system consists of an elongated bulb with fibrous roots at the bottom. This plant reproduces by its seeds and vegetative offsets. It often forms clumps of plants.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to dry conditions, and a rich loamy soil. This plant can spread aggressively by either its seeds or vegetative offsets. Clumps of plants are easily divided and the divided clumps can be planted in new locations. This plant is winter hardy in all areas of Illinois.
Range & Habitat: According to official records, Garlic Chives has not naturalized in Illinois, even though it is often cultivated as a garden plant. This is surprising, considering its aggressive nature. However, the webmaster has observed clumps of naturalized plants that were growing in 3 different locations in the Champaign-Urbana area in Champaign County, Illinois (see Distribution Map). Garlic Chives has naturalized in parts of Wisconsin, Iowa, and Nebraska, and it seems likely that this plant has naturalized in other counties of Illinois as well. It is native to China and parts of SE Asia. So far, habitats in Illinois include a degraded meadow in a wooded area, the bank of a drainage ditch, and the edge of a yard along a sidewalk. Several clumps of Garlic Chives have persisted in the meadow for several years.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, and skippers. Some of the bees probably collect pollen as well. The foliage has a garlic scent, which is repugnant to many mammalian herbivores. However, young leaves are edible to humans in limited amounts.
Photographic Location: Along a sidewalk in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Garlic Chives is often grown in gardens because of its attractive flowers and the culinary properties of the leaves. This plant is fairly easy to identify because it blooms later than other native or naturalized Allium spp., usually in late summer or early fall. The basal leaves of Garlic Chives resemble those of the native Allium cernuum (Nodding Onion), but the latter species has umbels that hang downward and it blooms during mid-summer. The flowering umbels of Garlic Chives resemble those of the native Allium stellatum (Cliff Onion), but the latter has basal leaves that are more narrow and upright. Other Allium spp. differ from Garlic Chives because they bloom earlier in the year, or they produce aerial bulbets, or they have basal leaves that are round and hollow in cross-section.
The blooming period occurs from late summer to early fall and lasts about 1 month. The flowers are fragrant. Each flower is replaced by a green seed capsule that is 3-celled and has 3 rounded lobes. Each capsule contains several seeds that are small, black, and shiny. Unlike some Allium spp., no aerial bulbets are produced. The root system consists of an elongated bulb with fibrous roots at the bottom. This plant reproduces by its seeds and vegetative offsets. It often forms clumps of plants.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to dry conditions, and a rich loamy soil. This plant can spread aggressively by either its seeds or vegetative offsets. Clumps of plants are easily divided and the divided clumps can be planted in new locations. This plant is winter hardy in all areas of Illinois.
Range & Habitat: According to official records, Garlic Chives has not naturalized in Illinois, even though it is often cultivated as a garden plant. This is surprising, considering its aggressive nature. However, the webmaster has observed clumps of naturalized plants that were growing in 3 different locations in the Champaign-Urbana area in Champaign County, Illinois (see Distribution Map). Garlic Chives has naturalized in parts of Wisconsin, Iowa, and Nebraska, and it seems likely that this plant has naturalized in other counties of Illinois as well. It is native to China and parts of SE Asia. So far, habitats in Illinois include a degraded meadow in a wooded area, the bank of a drainage ditch, and the edge of a yard along a sidewalk. Several clumps of Garlic Chives have persisted in the meadow for several years.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, and skippers. Some of the bees probably collect pollen as well. The foliage has a garlic scent, which is repugnant to many mammalian herbivores. However, young leaves are edible to humans in limited amounts.
Photographic Location: Along a sidewalk in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Garlic Chives is often grown in gardens because of its attractive flowers and the culinary properties of the leaves. This plant is fairly easy to identify because it blooms later than other native or naturalized Allium spp., usually in late summer or early fall. The basal leaves of Garlic Chives resemble those of the native Allium cernuum (Nodding Onion), but the latter species has umbels that hang downward and it blooms during mid-summer. The flowering umbels of Garlic Chives resemble those of the native Allium stellatum (Cliff Onion), but the latter has basal leaves that are more narrow and upright. Other Allium spp. differ from Garlic Chives because they bloom earlier in the year, or they produce aerial bulbets, or they have basal leaves that are round and hollow in cross-section.
0
0
文章
Miss Chen
2018年07月08日
Description: This herbaceous plant is a biennial or short-lived perennial that becomes 4-8' tall. The stout central stem is unbranched or sparingly branched; it is light green, terete, and more or less hairy. The blades of the alternate leaves are up to 8" long and across; they are palmately lobed (with 3-7 blunt lobes each) and crenate along their margins. Each leaf blade is orbicular or oval in outline and indented at the base where the petiole joins the blade. The upper surface of each leaf blade is medium green, slightly pubescent to hairless, and wrinkled from fine veins; the lower surface is light green and pubescent. The petioles of the leaves are as long or a little longer than their blades; they are light green and hairy.
The central stem terminates in a spike-like raceme of flowers; axillary flowers are produced from the axils of the upper leaves as well. These flowers occur individually or in small clusters along the central stem; they nod sideways from short hairy pedicels. Each flower spans about 3-5" when it is fully open; it has 5 petals, 5 sepals, 6-9 sepal-like bracts, and a columnar structure in the center with the reproductive organs (stamens toward the tip, thread-like stigmas below). The overlapping petals provide the flower with a funnelform shape; they are usually some shade of white, pink, or purplish red. The sepals are light green, ovate, and much smaller than the petals. The bracts of each flower are located underneath the sepals; they are light green, hairy, ovate, and joined together at the base. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer into the fall; a colony of plants will bloom for about 2 months. Each flower is replaced by a fruit containing a ring of 15-20 seeds (technically, a schizocarp). These seeds are oval, flattened, and notched on one side. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.Central Stem & Flowerbud
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and a fertile loamy soil. Lower leaves will wither away during hot dry weather. Hollyhock is vulnerable to foliar disease, including rust.
Range & Habitat: The non-native Hollyhock occasionally escapes from cultivation, but it rarely persists. Escaped plants have been collected primarily in NE and east central Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include areas along railroads, roadsides, vacant lots, and waste areas, especially in urban areas. Areas with a history of disturbance are preferred. Because of the showy flowers, Hollyhock is often cultivated in gardens. It is native to Eurasia.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by several kinds of bees. Various insects feed on the leaves and other parts of Hollyhock. These include caterpillars of Pyrgus communis (Common Checkered Skipper), caterpillars of the butterflies Vanessa cardui (Painted Lady) and Strymon melinus (Gray Hairstreak), and caterpillars of such moths as Acontia aprica (Exposed Bird-Dropping Moth), Anomis erosa (Yellow Scallop Moth), Autographa precationis (Common Looper Moth), Mamestra configurata (Bertha Armyworm), and Astrotischeria omissa (Bouseman et al., 2006; Wagner, 2005; Covell, 1984/2005; Needham et al., 1928). Other insects that feed on Hollyhock include both adults and larvae of Apion longirostre (Hollyhock Weevil), adults of Popillia japonica (Japanese Beetle), Acyrthosiphon malvae (Geranium Aphid) and Aphis gossypii (Cotton Aphid), Brooksetta althaeae (Hollyhock Plant Bug), and larvae of the flies Calycomyza malvae and Melanagromyza hicksi (Cranshaw, 2004; personal observation; Blackman & Eastop, 2013; Pepper, 1965; Knight, 1941; Spencer & Steyskal, 1986). The foliage is palatable to cattle and other hoofed mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: The photograph of the flower was taken at The Arboretum in Urbana, Illinois; the photographs of the stem and leaf were taken at a flower garden of the same city.
Comments: The meaning of the common name is probably 'Holy Mallow.' Hollyhock is one of the taller members of the Mallow family. It superficially resembles one of the native Hibiscus spp. (Rose Mallows), which are perennial wetland plants. Hollyhock differs in having floral bracts that are ovate, while a Rose Mallow has floral bracts that are narrowly linear. The structures of their fruits also differ: the fruit of Hollyhock consists of a ring of seeds, while the fruit of Rose Mallow is a 5-celled capsule. Some of the taller Malva spp. (Mallows) also resemble Hollyhock, but they have only 1-3 bracts per flower; Hollyhock has 6-9 bracts per flower. An alternative scientific name for this species is Althaea rosea.
The central stem terminates in a spike-like raceme of flowers; axillary flowers are produced from the axils of the upper leaves as well. These flowers occur individually or in small clusters along the central stem; they nod sideways from short hairy pedicels. Each flower spans about 3-5" when it is fully open; it has 5 petals, 5 sepals, 6-9 sepal-like bracts, and a columnar structure in the center with the reproductive organs (stamens toward the tip, thread-like stigmas below). The overlapping petals provide the flower with a funnelform shape; they are usually some shade of white, pink, or purplish red. The sepals are light green, ovate, and much smaller than the petals. The bracts of each flower are located underneath the sepals; they are light green, hairy, ovate, and joined together at the base. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer into the fall; a colony of plants will bloom for about 2 months. Each flower is replaced by a fruit containing a ring of 15-20 seeds (technically, a schizocarp). These seeds are oval, flattened, and notched on one side. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.Central Stem & Flowerbud
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and a fertile loamy soil. Lower leaves will wither away during hot dry weather. Hollyhock is vulnerable to foliar disease, including rust.
Range & Habitat: The non-native Hollyhock occasionally escapes from cultivation, but it rarely persists. Escaped plants have been collected primarily in NE and east central Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include areas along railroads, roadsides, vacant lots, and waste areas, especially in urban areas. Areas with a history of disturbance are preferred. Because of the showy flowers, Hollyhock is often cultivated in gardens. It is native to Eurasia.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by several kinds of bees. Various insects feed on the leaves and other parts of Hollyhock. These include caterpillars of Pyrgus communis (Common Checkered Skipper), caterpillars of the butterflies Vanessa cardui (Painted Lady) and Strymon melinus (Gray Hairstreak), and caterpillars of such moths as Acontia aprica (Exposed Bird-Dropping Moth), Anomis erosa (Yellow Scallop Moth), Autographa precationis (Common Looper Moth), Mamestra configurata (Bertha Armyworm), and Astrotischeria omissa (Bouseman et al., 2006; Wagner, 2005; Covell, 1984/2005; Needham et al., 1928). Other insects that feed on Hollyhock include both adults and larvae of Apion longirostre (Hollyhock Weevil), adults of Popillia japonica (Japanese Beetle), Acyrthosiphon malvae (Geranium Aphid) and Aphis gossypii (Cotton Aphid), Brooksetta althaeae (Hollyhock Plant Bug), and larvae of the flies Calycomyza malvae and Melanagromyza hicksi (Cranshaw, 2004; personal observation; Blackman & Eastop, 2013; Pepper, 1965; Knight, 1941; Spencer & Steyskal, 1986). The foliage is palatable to cattle and other hoofed mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: The photograph of the flower was taken at The Arboretum in Urbana, Illinois; the photographs of the stem and leaf were taken at a flower garden of the same city.
Comments: The meaning of the common name is probably 'Holy Mallow.' Hollyhock is one of the taller members of the Mallow family. It superficially resembles one of the native Hibiscus spp. (Rose Mallows), which are perennial wetland plants. Hollyhock differs in having floral bracts that are ovate, while a Rose Mallow has floral bracts that are narrowly linear. The structures of their fruits also differ: the fruit of Hollyhock consists of a ring of seeds, while the fruit of Rose Mallow is a 5-celled capsule. Some of the taller Malva spp. (Mallows) also resemble Hollyhock, but they have only 1-3 bracts per flower; Hollyhock has 6-9 bracts per flower. An alternative scientific name for this species is Althaea rosea.
0
0
文章
Miss Chen
2018年07月03日
Description: This plant is a summer annual about 2-7' tall that branches occasionally. The stems are terete (circular in cross-section), and pubescent. The alternate leaves are up to 8" long and across (excluding the petioles). They are cordate or orbicular-cordate, slightly dentate along their margins, and more or less pubescent. The primary veins of the leaves are arranged palmately. The petioles are up to 4" long and pubescent as well. The foliage of the entire plant is mostly light green, although the upper surfaces of the leaves are dull green.
From the axils of the upper leaves, there occasionally develops a single flower about ¾" across. It consists of 5 petals that are orange-yellow or yellow, 5 sepals that are pubescent and light green, and numerous stamens with golden yellow anthers that surround the pistil in a loose cluster. The flowering stalk of each flower is about 1" long, which is much shorter than the petioles of the leaves. The blooming period usually occurs from late summer to early fall, and lasts about 1-2 months. The flowers are sparingly produced and short-lived. Each flower is replaced by a fruit about ¾" across. It is initially light green, but rather quickly turns brown or black with maturity. This fruit consists of a ring of about 10-15 flattened seedpods. Each seedpod has a stout beak and contains about 5-15 seeds. Each seed is greyish brown, somewhat flattened, and either reniform (kidney-shaped) or cordate (heart-shaped). The root system consists of a stout white taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: Velvetleaf is typically found in full sun, mesic conditions, and a fertile soil consisting of loam or clay-loam. The fertility of the soil, particularly the level of nitrogen, has a strong influence on the size of the plant. The seeds can remain viable in the soil for at least 20 years, if not considerably longer.
Range & Habitat: This is a common non-native plant that occurs in most counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include cropland (particularly corn and soybean fields), abandoned fields, vacant lots, construction sites, and waste areas. Velvetleaf typically occurs where the soil has been recently disturbed and the long dormant seeds are brought close to the soil surface. The seeds germinate during warm weather after the spring tilling of fields, and the new generation of plants develops and matures very quickly during the heat of summer, prior to the fall harvest. As a result, Velvetleaf is a major weed of cropland in Illinois. It was introduced into the United States from India as a possible source of bast.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract various kinds of bees, including bumblebees, long-horned bees (Melissodes spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), and Halictid bees. Occasionally, small- to medium-sized butterflies visit the flowers for nectar, while Syrphid flies feed on the pollen (Robertson, 1929). Some insects feed destructively on Velvet Leaf. Insects that feed on either the mature or developing seeds include Amara aenea (Common Sun Beetle), Anisodactylus sanctaecrucis (a ground beetle), Harpalus pensylvanicus (Pennsylvania Ground Beetle), Gryllus pennsylvanicus (Fall Field Cricket), larvae of Althaeus folkertsi (Velvetleaf Seed Beetle), Liorhyssus hyalinus (Hyaline Grass Bug), Niesthrea louisianica (Louisiana Hibiscus Bug), larvae of Helicoverpa zea (Corn Earworm Moth), and larvae of Heliothis virescens (Tobacco Budworm Moth); see White et al. (2007), Lundgren & Rosentrater (2007), and Gibb (1991). Some of these insects also feed on the flowers and their buds. The larvae of Calycomyza malvae (a leaf-miner fly) tunnel through the leaves, while Ophiomyia abutilivora (a leaf-miner fly) bore through the stems of Velvet Leaf (Spencer & Steyskal, 1986). The larvae of Pyrgus communis (Checkered Skipper) make folded-leaf nests, from which they feed (Barnes, 1999).
Photographic Location: A vacant lot in Urbana, Illinois. There is a small black bee visiting the flower in one of the photographs.
Comments: Velvetleaf is a rather tall and lanky plant with large leaves that is easy to identify in the field because there is really nothing else that resembles it. There are other weedy members of the Mallow family that have been introduced from abroad, but they are much smaller plants. Velvetleaf is about as tall as the native Hibiscus spp. (Rose Mallows), but the latter are perennials with darker foliage and much larger flowers. The seeds of Velvetleaf are reportedly edible. In an outdoor emergency, the soft leaves can be used as a substitute for toilet paper.
From the axils of the upper leaves, there occasionally develops a single flower about ¾" across. It consists of 5 petals that are orange-yellow or yellow, 5 sepals that are pubescent and light green, and numerous stamens with golden yellow anthers that surround the pistil in a loose cluster. The flowering stalk of each flower is about 1" long, which is much shorter than the petioles of the leaves. The blooming period usually occurs from late summer to early fall, and lasts about 1-2 months. The flowers are sparingly produced and short-lived. Each flower is replaced by a fruit about ¾" across. It is initially light green, but rather quickly turns brown or black with maturity. This fruit consists of a ring of about 10-15 flattened seedpods. Each seedpod has a stout beak and contains about 5-15 seeds. Each seed is greyish brown, somewhat flattened, and either reniform (kidney-shaped) or cordate (heart-shaped). The root system consists of a stout white taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: Velvetleaf is typically found in full sun, mesic conditions, and a fertile soil consisting of loam or clay-loam. The fertility of the soil, particularly the level of nitrogen, has a strong influence on the size of the plant. The seeds can remain viable in the soil for at least 20 years, if not considerably longer.
Range & Habitat: This is a common non-native plant that occurs in most counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include cropland (particularly corn and soybean fields), abandoned fields, vacant lots, construction sites, and waste areas. Velvetleaf typically occurs where the soil has been recently disturbed and the long dormant seeds are brought close to the soil surface. The seeds germinate during warm weather after the spring tilling of fields, and the new generation of plants develops and matures very quickly during the heat of summer, prior to the fall harvest. As a result, Velvetleaf is a major weed of cropland in Illinois. It was introduced into the United States from India as a possible source of bast.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract various kinds of bees, including bumblebees, long-horned bees (Melissodes spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), and Halictid bees. Occasionally, small- to medium-sized butterflies visit the flowers for nectar, while Syrphid flies feed on the pollen (Robertson, 1929). Some insects feed destructively on Velvet Leaf. Insects that feed on either the mature or developing seeds include Amara aenea (Common Sun Beetle), Anisodactylus sanctaecrucis (a ground beetle), Harpalus pensylvanicus (Pennsylvania Ground Beetle), Gryllus pennsylvanicus (Fall Field Cricket), larvae of Althaeus folkertsi (Velvetleaf Seed Beetle), Liorhyssus hyalinus (Hyaline Grass Bug), Niesthrea louisianica (Louisiana Hibiscus Bug), larvae of Helicoverpa zea (Corn Earworm Moth), and larvae of Heliothis virescens (Tobacco Budworm Moth); see White et al. (2007), Lundgren & Rosentrater (2007), and Gibb (1991). Some of these insects also feed on the flowers and their buds. The larvae of Calycomyza malvae (a leaf-miner fly) tunnel through the leaves, while Ophiomyia abutilivora (a leaf-miner fly) bore through the stems of Velvet Leaf (Spencer & Steyskal, 1986). The larvae of Pyrgus communis (Checkered Skipper) make folded-leaf nests, from which they feed (Barnes, 1999).
Photographic Location: A vacant lot in Urbana, Illinois. There is a small black bee visiting the flower in one of the photographs.
Comments: Velvetleaf is a rather tall and lanky plant with large leaves that is easy to identify in the field because there is really nothing else that resembles it. There are other weedy members of the Mallow family that have been introduced from abroad, but they are much smaller plants. Velvetleaf is about as tall as the native Hibiscus spp. (Rose Mallows), but the latter are perennials with darker foliage and much larger flowers. The seeds of Velvetleaf are reportedly edible. In an outdoor emergency, the soft leaves can be used as a substitute for toilet paper.
0
0
求助
💫sammie💫
2018年06月30日
Why are my golden sedum's leaves wrinkling like this? i water it every 5 days and take it outside to get sun for most of the day, i live in zone 8. am i overwatering, underwatering, or am i giving it too much sun? i'm still relatively new when it comes to plant care, and id appreciate help from anyone.
0
0
shirly mei：To me they look like you have been overwatering them. Make sure that you use cactus soil and only water them when the soil is completely dry. I leave my golden sedum all day outside too and I water them maybe every 2 weeks
Fion：Maybe the roots aren't growing.
meriunkat：succulents only need 6 hours of sunlight
WHdeckgardener：hi, hard to say...I have had success using good draining soil...cactus if possible. they like sun..or indirect sun. once established I only watered when the pot felt light. then good drink.
成长记
choya8684
2018年06月30日
夏天開始，日曬時間約早上8點到11點半，直射光，老葉枯了幾片，有點包起來，下葉軟軟的，昨天雖然補了一點水但似乎不夠，改移到小樹旁邊遮陰。
跟半個月前相比還是有長大
跟半個月前相比還是有長大
2
0
文章
Miss Chen
2018年06月29日
Spike of FlowerheadsDescription: This perennial plant is 2-5' tall and unbranched. The central stem is light green to purplish green, terete or slightly ridged, and glabrous to sparsely pubescent. The alternate leaves are up to 10" long and about 1/3" (8 mm.) across, becoming smaller as they ascend the stem. Because of their dense distribution, they appear almost whorled. The leaves are linear in shape and their margins are smooth (entire). Each leaf has a distinct central vein. Both the upper and lower leaf surfaces are light to medium green and glabrous to sparsely hairy. The central stem terminates in a wand-like spike of flowerheads about 4-18" in length. These flowerheads are densely crowded along the spike, facing in all directions; they bloom at the top of the spike first, opening later below. Each flowerhead is about 1/3" (8 mm.) across, consisting of 4-10 disk florets and no ray florets. The corolla of each disk floret is pink to purplish pink (rarely white) and narrowly tubular. The upper corolla divides in 5 small lobes that are lanceolate in shape and somewhat recurved. A deeply divided style is strongly exerted from the corolla; it is white to light pink, filiform, and sometimes slightly twisted or curved. Around the base of each flowerhead, there are appressed floral bracts (phyllaries) that are overlapping. These floral bracts are green to purple, glabrous, and oval in shape. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late summer, lasting about 3 weeks. There is no noticeable floral scent. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by small achenes with stiff bristles at their apices; these bristles are light brown. The root system consists of a corm with shallow fibrous roots. Colonies of plants are often formed by means of clonal offsets that involve the production of new corms.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, moist conditions, and sandy loam. Other soil types, such as loam and gravelly loam, are readily tolerated in cultivation. The soil should possess sufficient organic material to retain moisture. The height of this plant can vary considerably, depending on its maturity, soil moisture, and soil fertility. During hot dry weather, the lower leaves may wither away, otherwise this plant presents few problems.
Range & Habitat: The native Marsh Blazingstar occurs in NE Illinois and a few scattered counties elsewhere (see Distribution Map). It is an uncommon plant in the wild. Habitats include moist black soil prairies, moist sand prairies, prairie swales, edges of marshes and bogs, grassy fens, calcareous seeps, moist alkaline sandflats, and areas along railroads. This blazingstar is found primarily in higher quality natural areas, especially where it is sandy.
Faunal Associations: The flowerheads are cross-pollinated by bumblebees, long-horned bees (Melissodes spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), butterflies, and skippers. These insects suck nectar, although some of the bees also collect pollen for their larvae. Two uncommon prairie insects feed on Liatris spp. (blazingstars): caterpillars of Schinia sanguinea (Liatris Flower Moth) feed on the florets and developing seeds, while caterpillars of Carmenta anthracipennis (Liatris Borer Moth) bore through the stems. Mammalian herbivores eat this and other blazingstars readily; groundhogs and rabbits favor younger plants, while deer and livestock are more likely to browse on mature plants. The corms are eaten by the Prairie Vole and Meadow Vole. An overpopulation of these animals can make the establishment of this plant difficult in some areas.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a moist prairie in Meadowbrook Park, Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Marsh Blazingstar is a very attractive plant while in bloom, resembling a magic wand. It is more common in flower gardens than in the wild, although some cultivated plants may be hybrids with similar species. Among the various Liatris spp. (blazingstars) that are native to Illinois, Prairie Blazingstar (Liatris pycnostachya) probably resembles Marsh Blazingstar the most. However, this latter plant has floral bracts (phyllaries) that are strongly recurved, while the floral bracts of Marsh Blazingstar are appressed together and relatively smooth. Other blazingstars within the state are either shorter in height or they have larger flowerheads with more disk florets per head. While other blazingstars are typically found in mesic prairies and various upland habitats, Marsh Blazingstar is unusual in its preference for wetter habitats.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, moist conditions, and sandy loam. Other soil types, such as loam and gravelly loam, are readily tolerated in cultivation. The soil should possess sufficient organic material to retain moisture. The height of this plant can vary considerably, depending on its maturity, soil moisture, and soil fertility. During hot dry weather, the lower leaves may wither away, otherwise this plant presents few problems.
Range & Habitat: The native Marsh Blazingstar occurs in NE Illinois and a few scattered counties elsewhere (see Distribution Map). It is an uncommon plant in the wild. Habitats include moist black soil prairies, moist sand prairies, prairie swales, edges of marshes and bogs, grassy fens, calcareous seeps, moist alkaline sandflats, and areas along railroads. This blazingstar is found primarily in higher quality natural areas, especially where it is sandy.
Faunal Associations: The flowerheads are cross-pollinated by bumblebees, long-horned bees (Melissodes spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), butterflies, and skippers. These insects suck nectar, although some of the bees also collect pollen for their larvae. Two uncommon prairie insects feed on Liatris spp. (blazingstars): caterpillars of Schinia sanguinea (Liatris Flower Moth) feed on the florets and developing seeds, while caterpillars of Carmenta anthracipennis (Liatris Borer Moth) bore through the stems. Mammalian herbivores eat this and other blazingstars readily; groundhogs and rabbits favor younger plants, while deer and livestock are more likely to browse on mature plants. The corms are eaten by the Prairie Vole and Meadow Vole. An overpopulation of these animals can make the establishment of this plant difficult in some areas.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a moist prairie in Meadowbrook Park, Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Marsh Blazingstar is a very attractive plant while in bloom, resembling a magic wand. It is more common in flower gardens than in the wild, although some cultivated plants may be hybrids with similar species. Among the various Liatris spp. (blazingstars) that are native to Illinois, Prairie Blazingstar (Liatris pycnostachya) probably resembles Marsh Blazingstar the most. However, this latter plant has floral bracts (phyllaries) that are strongly recurved, while the floral bracts of Marsh Blazingstar are appressed together and relatively smooth. Other blazingstars within the state are either shorter in height or they have larger flowerheads with more disk florets per head. While other blazingstars are typically found in mesic prairies and various upland habitats, Marsh Blazingstar is unusual in its preference for wetter habitats.
0
0
文章
Miss Chen
2018年06月29日
Description: This plant is a summer annual about 2-8" tall and similarly across. Large plants are abundantly branched, although small plants are sometimes unbranched. The slender stems are green or reddish green, terete, and glandular-hairy. The leaves occur in opposite pairs or in whorls of 3. They are up to 1" long and ½" across, pinnately lobed, green, and glandular-hairy. Each leaf has 3-7 linear-oblong lobes and a few dentate teeth or small secondary lobes. Because of the sticky foliage, the entire plant may become brownish green if it becomes immersed in muddy water. Individual flowers are produced from the axils of the upper leaves (one flower per leaf axil).
Each flower has a tubular corolla up to ¼" long and a calyx with 5 linear-lanceolate teeth. The corolla is pale blue-violet, lavender, or nearly white, and weakly two-lipped. The upper lip has 1-2 shallow lobes, while the lower lip has 3 shallow lobes. There is no nectar spur on the corolla. The calyx is green and glandular-hairy. The pedicels are up to ¼" long, green or pale reddish green, terete, and glandular-hairy. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer into the fall. Individual plants may bloom intermittently for 1-2 months, if not longer. Each flower is replaced with an ovoid seed capsule that is about the same length as the calyx teeth (less than ¼" in length). Each capsule contains many tiny seeds that are light brown and dust-like. The seeds can be carried aloft by the wind or float on water. The root system consists of a shallow branching taproot and fibrous secondary roots. This plant reproduces by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to full sun, wet to moist conditions, and soil that is muddy, sandy, gravelly, or rocky. Growth and development occur primarily during the summer and early fall. This plant can tolerate occasional inundation by water if it is temporary. It is intolerant of competition from taller ground vegetation.
Range & Habitat: The native Obe-wan-Conobea occurs occasionally in most areas of Illinois, except in the NW, extreme north, and some south-central counties (see Distribution Map). Outside of Illinois, it is found in the Midwest and south-central states. Habitats include prairie swales, sand and gravel bars along rivers, muddy borders of ponds, edges of springs in wooded areas, rocky depressions in limestone bluffs, sandy ditches, edges of mud puddles, and gravelly areas around parking lots. This plant is often found in disturbed areas that are partially shaded; it is also found in higher quality habitats.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about floral-faunal relations for this plant. Small bees probably visit the flowers for nectar and possibly pollen. The glandular hairs of the foliage probably deter ants from robbing the nectar. It's possible that the tiny seeds can cling to the muddy feet or moist feathers of waterfowl (especially ducks and geese). When the waterfowl visit other wetlands, this would spread the seeds into new areas.
Photographic Location: Gravelly ground near a parking lot at a shopping mall in Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: This is another small annual plant of the Figwort family that produces small tubular flowers. Because of its diminutive size, Obe-Wan-Conobea is easy to overlook, especially when it isn't blooming. The small annual plants of the Figwort family occur in either dry areas or wetlands where there is scant or low ground vegetation. Obe-Wan-Conobea is found in wetlands or moist wooded areas. It differs from other plants in this group by its pinnately lobed leaves, which are sometimes whorled. This makes Obe-Wan-Conobea relatively easy to identify. The derivation of the strange common name comes from a publication of Floyd Swink, who named this plant after a character in the movie Star Wars, although the publisher did not discover this until after his book was already published (John White, personal communication). Another common name for this plant is Narrow-Leaved Paleseed, which was undoubtedly invented by a botanist. A scientific synonym for this species is Conobea multifida.
Each flower has a tubular corolla up to ¼" long and a calyx with 5 linear-lanceolate teeth. The corolla is pale blue-violet, lavender, or nearly white, and weakly two-lipped. The upper lip has 1-2 shallow lobes, while the lower lip has 3 shallow lobes. There is no nectar spur on the corolla. The calyx is green and glandular-hairy. The pedicels are up to ¼" long, green or pale reddish green, terete, and glandular-hairy. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer into the fall. Individual plants may bloom intermittently for 1-2 months, if not longer. Each flower is replaced with an ovoid seed capsule that is about the same length as the calyx teeth (less than ¼" in length). Each capsule contains many tiny seeds that are light brown and dust-like. The seeds can be carried aloft by the wind or float on water. The root system consists of a shallow branching taproot and fibrous secondary roots. This plant reproduces by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to full sun, wet to moist conditions, and soil that is muddy, sandy, gravelly, or rocky. Growth and development occur primarily during the summer and early fall. This plant can tolerate occasional inundation by water if it is temporary. It is intolerant of competition from taller ground vegetation.
Range & Habitat: The native Obe-wan-Conobea occurs occasionally in most areas of Illinois, except in the NW, extreme north, and some south-central counties (see Distribution Map). Outside of Illinois, it is found in the Midwest and south-central states. Habitats include prairie swales, sand and gravel bars along rivers, muddy borders of ponds, edges of springs in wooded areas, rocky depressions in limestone bluffs, sandy ditches, edges of mud puddles, and gravelly areas around parking lots. This plant is often found in disturbed areas that are partially shaded; it is also found in higher quality habitats.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about floral-faunal relations for this plant. Small bees probably visit the flowers for nectar and possibly pollen. The glandular hairs of the foliage probably deter ants from robbing the nectar. It's possible that the tiny seeds can cling to the muddy feet or moist feathers of waterfowl (especially ducks and geese). When the waterfowl visit other wetlands, this would spread the seeds into new areas.
Photographic Location: Gravelly ground near a parking lot at a shopping mall in Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: This is another small annual plant of the Figwort family that produces small tubular flowers. Because of its diminutive size, Obe-Wan-Conobea is easy to overlook, especially when it isn't blooming. The small annual plants of the Figwort family occur in either dry areas or wetlands where there is scant or low ground vegetation. Obe-Wan-Conobea is found in wetlands or moist wooded areas. It differs from other plants in this group by its pinnately lobed leaves, which are sometimes whorled. This makes Obe-Wan-Conobea relatively easy to identify. The derivation of the strange common name comes from a publication of Floyd Swink, who named this plant after a character in the movie Star Wars, although the publisher did not discover this until after his book was already published (John White, personal communication). Another common name for this plant is Narrow-Leaved Paleseed, which was undoubtedly invented by a botanist. A scientific synonym for this species is Conobea multifida.
0
0
文章
Miss Chen
2018年06月25日
Description: This herbaceous perennial wildflower is about 1-2' tall. Alternate compound leaves occur primarily along the lower half of each hairy stem. These leaves are odd-pinnate; they are up to 8" long and 2" across. The lower leaves have 5-7 leaflets, while the sessile upper leaves have 3 leaflets. The terminal leaflet is much larger than the lateral leaflets. The leaflets are coarsely serrated, slightly hairy, rough-textured, and medium green; the terminal leaflet is sometimes divided into 3 lobes. In addition to these leaflets, the lower leaves have tiny secondary leaflets that are inserted between the lateral leaflets.
The upper stems terminate in nodding cymes of flowers. The branches of each cyme are dark purple and very hairy. Each flower is ¾–1" across, consisting of 5 dull red to pale purple petals, 5 dark purple sepals, numerous stamens with yellow anthers, and numerous pistils in the center. Sometimes the inner sides of the petals are pale yellow; regardless of color, they are conspicuously veined. The hairy sepals are ovate in shape; they are about as long as the petals. Between each pair of sepals, there is a linear bract that is dark purple and hairy. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer and lasts about 1-2 months. Each pistil is replaced by a flattened achene with a long persistent style; the style is hooked toward its tip and often pubescent. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. Dense clumps of plants are often formed from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is partial to full sun, wet to moist conditions, and cool to mild summer temperatures. Various kinds of soil are tolerated.
Range & Habitat: Water Avens is restricted to northern Illinois, where it is rare and native (see Distribution Map). Because this species has not been observed in natural areas of the state for several decades, it may be extirpated because of destruction or degradation of habitat. Water Avens has a circumboreal distribution in North America, Europe, and Asia; northern Illinois lies at its southern range limit. Habitats include White Cedar fens (in Kane County), bogs, marshes, and soggy meadows. This species is sometimes cultivated in gardens.
Faunal Associations: According to Mueller (1873/1883), the flowers produce both nectar and pollen; they are pollinated primarily by bumblebees. Mueller also observed honeybees, long-beaked Syrphid flies (Rhingia sp.), and Sap beetles (Nitulidae) visiting the flowers for nectar or pollen. Because the achenes have persistent styles with hooked or jointed tips, it is possible that they are distributed by birds or mammals.
Photographic Location: A flower garden at the University of Illinois Arboretum in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is one of the more showy species in the genus. Other Geum spp. (Avens) have smaller flowers that are white or yellow. An exception is Geum triflorum (Prairie Smoke), which has nodding red to purple flowers. Unlike Water Avens, the petals of Prairie Smoke are mostly hidden by the sepals. The achenes of Prairie Smoke have long plumose styles that are distributed by the wind. In contrast, the achenes of Water Avens have styles that are jointed or hooked; they are probably distributed by animals, as noted above. Prairie Smoke typically occurs in dry gravelly prairies, while Water Avens is found in various wetland habitats. Another common name of Geum rivale is Purple Avens.
The upper stems terminate in nodding cymes of flowers. The branches of each cyme are dark purple and very hairy. Each flower is ¾–1" across, consisting of 5 dull red to pale purple petals, 5 dark purple sepals, numerous stamens with yellow anthers, and numerous pistils in the center. Sometimes the inner sides of the petals are pale yellow; regardless of color, they are conspicuously veined. The hairy sepals are ovate in shape; they are about as long as the petals. Between each pair of sepals, there is a linear bract that is dark purple and hairy. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer and lasts about 1-2 months. Each pistil is replaced by a flattened achene with a long persistent style; the style is hooked toward its tip and often pubescent. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. Dense clumps of plants are often formed from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is partial to full sun, wet to moist conditions, and cool to mild summer temperatures. Various kinds of soil are tolerated.
Range & Habitat: Water Avens is restricted to northern Illinois, where it is rare and native (see Distribution Map). Because this species has not been observed in natural areas of the state for several decades, it may be extirpated because of destruction or degradation of habitat. Water Avens has a circumboreal distribution in North America, Europe, and Asia; northern Illinois lies at its southern range limit. Habitats include White Cedar fens (in Kane County), bogs, marshes, and soggy meadows. This species is sometimes cultivated in gardens.
Faunal Associations: According to Mueller (1873/1883), the flowers produce both nectar and pollen; they are pollinated primarily by bumblebees. Mueller also observed honeybees, long-beaked Syrphid flies (Rhingia sp.), and Sap beetles (Nitulidae) visiting the flowers for nectar or pollen. Because the achenes have persistent styles with hooked or jointed tips, it is possible that they are distributed by birds or mammals.
Photographic Location: A flower garden at the University of Illinois Arboretum in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is one of the more showy species in the genus. Other Geum spp. (Avens) have smaller flowers that are white or yellow. An exception is Geum triflorum (Prairie Smoke), which has nodding red to purple flowers. Unlike Water Avens, the petals of Prairie Smoke are mostly hidden by the sepals. The achenes of Prairie Smoke have long plumose styles that are distributed by the wind. In contrast, the achenes of Water Avens have styles that are jointed or hooked; they are probably distributed by animals, as noted above. Prairie Smoke typically occurs in dry gravelly prairies, while Water Avens is found in various wetland habitats. Another common name of Geum rivale is Purple Avens.
0
0
文章
Miss Chen
2018年06月17日
Description: This perennial wildflower forms arching stems about 3-8' long that are unbranched or sparingly so. The base of each stem is spongy and swollen if it is submerged in water, otherwise it is more constricted and angular. Each stem is pale green to red and either glabrous or pubescent; it tends to be slightly woody at the base, but dies down to the ground each winter (at least in the Midwest). Both opposite leaves and whorls of 3 leaves can occur along the stems; they are up to 6" long and 1½" across. The leaves are elliptic in shape and smooth along their margins. The upper leaf surface is medium to dark green and glabrous, while the lower surface is pale to medium green and either glabrous or pubescent. The leaves taper gradually into short petioles (¼" or less) and long narrow tips.
Clusters of non-terminal flowers occur in the axils of the leaves. Individual flowers are up to 1" long and 1" across, consisting of 5 wrinkled purple petals, a short tubular calyx with 5 primary teeth alternating with 5 secondary teeth, 10 stamens of varying lengths, and a pistil with a style. Sometimes there are more calyx teeth and fewer stamens. The bell-shaped calyx is light green to cream-colored with rose tints; its primary teeth are ovate, while its secondary teeth are elevated above the primary teeth and they are linear. The slender secondary teeth are often contorted or crooked and they are ciliate along their margins. The pedicels of the flowers are light green, glabrous or pubescent, and short (about ¼" in length). There are 2 or more leafy bracts underneath each cluster of flowers; they are up to ¾" in lengthDistribution Map and lanceolate to ovate in shape. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall, lasting about 1-2 months. Each flower typically lasts only 1-2 days. During the autumn, the flowers are replaced by globoid seed capsules about ¼" across. Each capsule contains many chunky seeds; the seeds probably float on water. This wildflower reproduces clonally whenever its stem tips touch moist ground, where new plants will take root. As a result, colonies of clonal plants often form.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, wet to moist conditions, and soil that is mucky, peaty, or sandy (or some combination of the preceding). Swamp Loosestrife is usually an emergent aquatic plant in stagnant or slow-moving water. However, it also colonizes damp ground near shorelines.
Range & Habitat: Swamp Loosestrife is an uncommon wildflower that is found in scattered areas of Illinois. It is apparently absent in the NW and east-central areas of the state. Habitats include marshes and sandy marshes, swamps and sandy swamps, shorelines along ponds and small lakes, calcareous fens, and peaty bogs. Sometimes Swamp Loosestrife occurs on floating mats of vegetation in fens and bogs. It is usually found in high quality wetlands.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by honeybees, bumblebees, Swallowtail butterflies, and probably other insects. These visitors obtain primarily nectar from the flowers. The caterpillars of Darapsa versicolor (Hydrangea Sphinx) and Eudryas unio (Pearly Wood Nymph) feed on the foliage, while the caterpillars of Papaipema cataphracta (Burdock Borer Moth) and Papaipema sulphurata (Decodon Borer Moth) bore through the stems. The range of the rare Decodon Borer Moth is restricted to northeastern United States. The seed capsules of Swamp Loosestrife are eaten by several ducks: the Mallard, Black Duck, Blue-Winged Teal, Green-Winged Teal, and Wood Duck. Muskrats like to feed on the swollen and spongy underwater stems.
Photographic Location: Shoreline of a small lake at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in NW Indiana.
Comments: Swamp Loosestrife is both large in size and attractive, especially when it is in bloom. Its two closest relatives in Illinois, the native Lythrum alatum (Winged Loosestrife) and introduced Lythrum salicaria (Purple Loosestrife), prefer somewhat drier areas of wetlands. Compared to Swamp Loosestrife, both of these species have very similar purple flowers, but they are both erect in their habit of growth, rather than arching.
Clusters of non-terminal flowers occur in the axils of the leaves. Individual flowers are up to 1" long and 1" across, consisting of 5 wrinkled purple petals, a short tubular calyx with 5 primary teeth alternating with 5 secondary teeth, 10 stamens of varying lengths, and a pistil with a style. Sometimes there are more calyx teeth and fewer stamens. The bell-shaped calyx is light green to cream-colored with rose tints; its primary teeth are ovate, while its secondary teeth are elevated above the primary teeth and they are linear. The slender secondary teeth are often contorted or crooked and they are ciliate along their margins. The pedicels of the flowers are light green, glabrous or pubescent, and short (about ¼" in length). There are 2 or more leafy bracts underneath each cluster of flowers; they are up to ¾" in lengthDistribution Map and lanceolate to ovate in shape. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall, lasting about 1-2 months. Each flower typically lasts only 1-2 days. During the autumn, the flowers are replaced by globoid seed capsules about ¼" across. Each capsule contains many chunky seeds; the seeds probably float on water. This wildflower reproduces clonally whenever its stem tips touch moist ground, where new plants will take root. As a result, colonies of clonal plants often form.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, wet to moist conditions, and soil that is mucky, peaty, or sandy (or some combination of the preceding). Swamp Loosestrife is usually an emergent aquatic plant in stagnant or slow-moving water. However, it also colonizes damp ground near shorelines.
Range & Habitat: Swamp Loosestrife is an uncommon wildflower that is found in scattered areas of Illinois. It is apparently absent in the NW and east-central areas of the state. Habitats include marshes and sandy marshes, swamps and sandy swamps, shorelines along ponds and small lakes, calcareous fens, and peaty bogs. Sometimes Swamp Loosestrife occurs on floating mats of vegetation in fens and bogs. It is usually found in high quality wetlands.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by honeybees, bumblebees, Swallowtail butterflies, and probably other insects. These visitors obtain primarily nectar from the flowers. The caterpillars of Darapsa versicolor (Hydrangea Sphinx) and Eudryas unio (Pearly Wood Nymph) feed on the foliage, while the caterpillars of Papaipema cataphracta (Burdock Borer Moth) and Papaipema sulphurata (Decodon Borer Moth) bore through the stems. The range of the rare Decodon Borer Moth is restricted to northeastern United States. The seed capsules of Swamp Loosestrife are eaten by several ducks: the Mallard, Black Duck, Blue-Winged Teal, Green-Winged Teal, and Wood Duck. Muskrats like to feed on the swollen and spongy underwater stems.
Photographic Location: Shoreline of a small lake at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in NW Indiana.
Comments: Swamp Loosestrife is both large in size and attractive, especially when it is in bloom. Its two closest relatives in Illinois, the native Lythrum alatum (Winged Loosestrife) and introduced Lythrum salicaria (Purple Loosestrife), prefer somewhat drier areas of wetlands. Compared to Swamp Loosestrife, both of these species have very similar purple flowers, but they are both erect in their habit of growth, rather than arching.
0
0
