文章
Miss Chen
2018年06月16日
Description: This perennial wildflower is an emergent aquatic about 3-8' tall, consisting of a small cluster of 2-5 deciduous basal leaves and a tall flowering stalk. The blades of basal leaves are 6-21" long and about one-third as much across; they are lanceolate to ovate in shape and smooth (entire) along their margins. The upper blade surface is pale green and glabrous, while the lower blade surface is whitish green and glaucous. Fine hairs are often present along the base, central veins, and margins of the blade underside. The erect petioles of basal leaves are 1½-3' long; they develop from a basal sheath. The petioles and basal sheath remain buoyant in water as a result of internal air cavities. The ascending blades diverge from their sheathed petioles at an angle. Leaf venation is pinnate with lateral veins that are parallel, curving toward the blade tips as they approach the margins.
An erect or ascending stalk about 4-8' tall terminates in a floral panicle about 4-18" long with a leafy bract at its base that is early-deciduous. The lateral branches of the panicle are ascending to drooping and slightly zigzag; they are reddish brown, but covered with a white powdery bloom. The whitish purple flowers develop in pairs along these lateral branches, where they bloom in succession. Adjacent pairs of flowers are spaced about 3 mm. from each other. A pair of large floral bracts are located at the base of each pair of flowers; these bracts are powdery white. Each flower is about 10-17 mm. long, consisting of 3 sepals, 3 petals, an ovary with a single style, a single fertile stamen, and 3 staminodia (sterile stamens). The membranous sepals are about 2 mm. long and insignificant. The petals join together at the base, forming a short corolla tube. The fertile stamen and staminodia are highly modified petaloid structures; they are purple to whitish purple and showy. The hooded staminodium has a pair of trigger-like appendages that, when they are depressed, release an elastic style with a cup-shaped stigma, enabling cross-pollination of the flower. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late summer, lasting about 1 month (in Illinois). Afterwards, fertile flowers areDistribution Map replaced by globoid-ovoid seed capsules. Each capsule contains a single large seed about 8 mm. long that is dark brown, globoid-ovoid in shape, and smooth. The root system is rhizomatous, from which clonal colonies of plants are produced.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, wet ground with up to 1½' of water, and muddy or clay soil with organic matter. This wildflower can be propagated by either its seeds or division of its rhizomes. It is hardy to Zone 5 or Zone 6 if the rhizomes are protected by standing water during the winter and a northern ecotype is selected.
Range & Habitat: The native Powdery Thalia has been found in Alexander County at the southern tip of Illinois, where it is rare and state-listed as 'endangered.' Elsewhere in the state, it is absent. Illinois lies along the northern range limit of this species; it is more common in areas further south. Habitats include margins of ponds, marshes, swamps, and wet ditches along roads. Powdery Thalia is cultivated occasionally as an ornamental plant for ponds and wetland gardens.
Faunal Associations: The unusual flowers rely on explosive secondary pollination. The anther of the fertile stamen drops pollen grains onto a depression of the elastic style (immediately behind its stigma) during evening hours. The following morning, flower-visiting insects can trigger an appendage of the hooded staminodium, releasing the elastic style with its load of pollen. This area of the style strikes near the insect's head. The flowers of Powdery Thalia are cross-pollinated by nectar-seeking carpenter bees (Xylocopa virginica) and possibly large bumblebees (Bombus spp.); flies and other smaller insects often become trapped by the elastic styles of the flowers and die. Such floral visitors as large butterflies and hummingbirds are able to feed on nectar without triggering the explosive mechanism of pollen delivery; they are considered nectar thieves. The caterpillars of Calpodes ethlius (Brazilian Skipper) feed on the leaves of Powdery Thalia; they are leaf-rollers. This skipper does not successfully overwinter in Illinois, but it migrates northward and can reach the state during the summer. The large seeds are eaten by the Mallard, Lesser Scaup, and probably other ducks (Martin & Uhler, 1939).
Photographic Location: A botanical garden in Chicago, Illinois. The photographs were taken by Rita Ryan (Copyright © 2012).
Comments: Powdery Thalia is the only species in the Arrowroot family that is native to Illinois. It is a tropical-looking plant with large showy leaves and unusual purple flowers. The only other species of this genus that is native to the United States, Thalia geniculata (Alligator Flag), is found primarily in areas along the Gulf coast. It differs from Powdery Thalia by the lack of white powdery bloom on its foliage and flowers. In addition, the lateral floral branches of Alligator Flag are more zigzag than those of Powdery Thalia because adjacent pairs of its flowers are more widely spaced (at least 5 mm. apart).
An erect or ascending stalk about 4-8' tall terminates in a floral panicle about 4-18" long with a leafy bract at its base that is early-deciduous. The lateral branches of the panicle are ascending to drooping and slightly zigzag; they are reddish brown, but covered with a white powdery bloom. The whitish purple flowers develop in pairs along these lateral branches, where they bloom in succession. Adjacent pairs of flowers are spaced about 3 mm. from each other. A pair of large floral bracts are located at the base of each pair of flowers; these bracts are powdery white. Each flower is about 10-17 mm. long, consisting of 3 sepals, 3 petals, an ovary with a single style, a single fertile stamen, and 3 staminodia (sterile stamens). The membranous sepals are about 2 mm. long and insignificant. The petals join together at the base, forming a short corolla tube. The fertile stamen and staminodia are highly modified petaloid structures; they are purple to whitish purple and showy. The hooded staminodium has a pair of trigger-like appendages that, when they are depressed, release an elastic style with a cup-shaped stigma, enabling cross-pollination of the flower. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late summer, lasting about 1 month (in Illinois). Afterwards, fertile flowers areDistribution Map replaced by globoid-ovoid seed capsules. Each capsule contains a single large seed about 8 mm. long that is dark brown, globoid-ovoid in shape, and smooth. The root system is rhizomatous, from which clonal colonies of plants are produced.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, wet ground with up to 1½' of water, and muddy or clay soil with organic matter. This wildflower can be propagated by either its seeds or division of its rhizomes. It is hardy to Zone 5 or Zone 6 if the rhizomes are protected by standing water during the winter and a northern ecotype is selected.
Range & Habitat: The native Powdery Thalia has been found in Alexander County at the southern tip of Illinois, where it is rare and state-listed as 'endangered.' Elsewhere in the state, it is absent. Illinois lies along the northern range limit of this species; it is more common in areas further south. Habitats include margins of ponds, marshes, swamps, and wet ditches along roads. Powdery Thalia is cultivated occasionally as an ornamental plant for ponds and wetland gardens.
Faunal Associations: The unusual flowers rely on explosive secondary pollination. The anther of the fertile stamen drops pollen grains onto a depression of the elastic style (immediately behind its stigma) during evening hours. The following morning, flower-visiting insects can trigger an appendage of the hooded staminodium, releasing the elastic style with its load of pollen. This area of the style strikes near the insect's head. The flowers of Powdery Thalia are cross-pollinated by nectar-seeking carpenter bees (Xylocopa virginica) and possibly large bumblebees (Bombus spp.); flies and other smaller insects often become trapped by the elastic styles of the flowers and die. Such floral visitors as large butterflies and hummingbirds are able to feed on nectar without triggering the explosive mechanism of pollen delivery; they are considered nectar thieves. The caterpillars of Calpodes ethlius (Brazilian Skipper) feed on the leaves of Powdery Thalia; they are leaf-rollers. This skipper does not successfully overwinter in Illinois, but it migrates northward and can reach the state during the summer. The large seeds are eaten by the Mallard, Lesser Scaup, and probably other ducks (Martin & Uhler, 1939).
Photographic Location: A botanical garden in Chicago, Illinois. The photographs were taken by Rita Ryan (Copyright © 2012).
Comments: Powdery Thalia is the only species in the Arrowroot family that is native to Illinois. It is a tropical-looking plant with large showy leaves and unusual purple flowers. The only other species of this genus that is native to the United States, Thalia geniculata (Alligator Flag), is found primarily in areas along the Gulf coast. It differs from Powdery Thalia by the lack of white powdery bloom on its foliage and flowers. In addition, the lateral floral branches of Alligator Flag are more zigzag than those of Powdery Thalia because adjacent pairs of its flowers are more widely spaced (at least 5 mm. apart).
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Miss Chen
2018年06月14日
Description: This perennial plant is 1½–3½' tall, branching occasionally. The stems are light green or light reddish green, glabrous, and glaucous. The compound leaves are up to 1' long and 8" across (excluding their petioles), becoming smaller as they ascend the stems; they are alternate, green, and glabrous. The lower leaves are double-pinnate, while the upper leaves are often simple-pinnate. The petioles of the lower leaves are long, while those of the upper leaves are much shorter or absent. The leaflets are up to 3" long and 1/3" (8 mm.) across; they are linear to lanceolate-linear, dentate, and sometimes cleft into narrow lobes. The axils of the upper leaves often have sessile clusters of ovoid bulblets. The upper stems terminate in compound umbels of small white flowers.
Each compound umbel spans about 2-4" across and it consists of about 8 umbellets. Each umbellet has about 16 flowers. There are neither bracts nor bractlets at the base of the compound umbel and its umbellets, although a small sessile leaf may occur near the base of the compound umbel. Each flower spans about 1/8" (3 mm.) across or a little less, consisting of 5 white petals, 5 stamens, 2 styles, and an ovary. The blooming period occurs during late summer to early autumn and it lasts about one month. There is no noticeable floral scent. A pair of seeds are contained in each fruit (schizocarp). These fruits are about 1/8" (3 mm.) long; they are somewhat flattened, ovoid-oblongoid in shape, and slightly notched at their apices. The root system consists of a cluster of elongated fleshy roots. The foliage, seeds, and fleshy roots are toxic (especially the latter). This plant reproduces by seeds and aerial bulblets.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to full sun, wet conditions, and a mucky or mossy soil. This plant requires soil that is saturated with moisture throughout the year.
Range & Habitat: The native Bulblet-Bearing Water Hemlock is an uncommon plant that occurs primarily in the northern half of Illinois, especially in the NE area of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include both sandy and non-sandy marshes, swamps, and borders of lakes and ponds. This species is normally found in high quality wetlands.
Faunal Associations: Like other members of the Carrot family, the nectar of the flowers is accessible to insects with short mouthparts, therefore they will attract such visitors as flies, wasps, beetles, and small bees. Some of these insects may collect or feed on the pollen as well. The caterpillars of a butterfly, Papilio polyxenes asterias (Black Swallowtail), feed on the foliage. Other insects that feed on water hemlock species (Cicuta spp.) include stem-boring larvae of a weevil (Apion pensylvanicum), flower- and fruit-eating larvae of an Epermeniid moth (Epermenia cicutaella), flower- and fruit-eating nymphs and adults of Orthops scutellatus (Carrot Plant Bug), Cavariella aegopodii (Carrot-Willow Aphid) and other Cavariella spp., and Hyadaphis foeniculi (Honeysuckle-Fennel Aphid); see Majka et al. (2007), Covell (1984/2005), Wheeler et al. (1983), Blackman & Eastop (2013), and Pepper (1965). The poisonous seeds are not eaten by birds, while the poisonous foliage and roots are usually avoided by mammalian herbivores. Consumption of the fleshy roots and other parts of this plant by either mammalian herbivores or humans can cause convulsions and death.
Photographic Location: A sandy marsh at the Heron Boardwalk in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: Bulblet-Bearing Water Hemlock is highly unusual because it bears clusters of bulblets in the upper leaf axils. With the exception of Ranunculus ficaria (Lesser Celandine), I can think of no other plant in Illinois that has this characteristic. Some Allium spp. (Onions) produce bulblets instead of flowers in their umbels, but their bulblets are not produced from the axils of leaves. Another species that occurs within the state, Cicuta maculata (Water Hemlock) is more common. Water Hemlock is a larger plant than Bulblet-Bearing Water Hemlock and it has broader leaflets (more than 1/3" or 8 mm. across). Water Hemlock blooms during mid-summer before Bulblet-Bearing Water Hemlock begins to bloom. Another white-flowered member of the Carrot family, Sium suave (Water Parsnip), often blooms at the same time as Bulblet-Bearing Water Hemlock and it occurs in the same wetland habitats. Water Parsnip has about 3 lanceolate bracts at the base of its compound umbels and its leaves are always simple-pinnate. Another similar species that blooms late, Oxypolis rigidior (Cowbane), also has leaves that are simple-pinnate. In contrast, the lower leaves of Bulblet-Bearing Water Hemlock are double-pinnate.
Each compound umbel spans about 2-4" across and it consists of about 8 umbellets. Each umbellet has about 16 flowers. There are neither bracts nor bractlets at the base of the compound umbel and its umbellets, although a small sessile leaf may occur near the base of the compound umbel. Each flower spans about 1/8" (3 mm.) across or a little less, consisting of 5 white petals, 5 stamens, 2 styles, and an ovary. The blooming period occurs during late summer to early autumn and it lasts about one month. There is no noticeable floral scent. A pair of seeds are contained in each fruit (schizocarp). These fruits are about 1/8" (3 mm.) long; they are somewhat flattened, ovoid-oblongoid in shape, and slightly notched at their apices. The root system consists of a cluster of elongated fleshy roots. The foliage, seeds, and fleshy roots are toxic (especially the latter). This plant reproduces by seeds and aerial bulblets.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to full sun, wet conditions, and a mucky or mossy soil. This plant requires soil that is saturated with moisture throughout the year.
Range & Habitat: The native Bulblet-Bearing Water Hemlock is an uncommon plant that occurs primarily in the northern half of Illinois, especially in the NE area of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include both sandy and non-sandy marshes, swamps, and borders of lakes and ponds. This species is normally found in high quality wetlands.
Faunal Associations: Like other members of the Carrot family, the nectar of the flowers is accessible to insects with short mouthparts, therefore they will attract such visitors as flies, wasps, beetles, and small bees. Some of these insects may collect or feed on the pollen as well. The caterpillars of a butterfly, Papilio polyxenes asterias (Black Swallowtail), feed on the foliage. Other insects that feed on water hemlock species (Cicuta spp.) include stem-boring larvae of a weevil (Apion pensylvanicum), flower- and fruit-eating larvae of an Epermeniid moth (Epermenia cicutaella), flower- and fruit-eating nymphs and adults of Orthops scutellatus (Carrot Plant Bug), Cavariella aegopodii (Carrot-Willow Aphid) and other Cavariella spp., and Hyadaphis foeniculi (Honeysuckle-Fennel Aphid); see Majka et al. (2007), Covell (1984/2005), Wheeler et al. (1983), Blackman & Eastop (2013), and Pepper (1965). The poisonous seeds are not eaten by birds, while the poisonous foliage and roots are usually avoided by mammalian herbivores. Consumption of the fleshy roots and other parts of this plant by either mammalian herbivores or humans can cause convulsions and death.
Photographic Location: A sandy marsh at the Heron Boardwalk in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: Bulblet-Bearing Water Hemlock is highly unusual because it bears clusters of bulblets in the upper leaf axils. With the exception of Ranunculus ficaria (Lesser Celandine), I can think of no other plant in Illinois that has this characteristic. Some Allium spp. (Onions) produce bulblets instead of flowers in their umbels, but their bulblets are not produced from the axils of leaves. Another species that occurs within the state, Cicuta maculata (Water Hemlock) is more common. Water Hemlock is a larger plant than Bulblet-Bearing Water Hemlock and it has broader leaflets (more than 1/3" or 8 mm. across). Water Hemlock blooms during mid-summer before Bulblet-Bearing Water Hemlock begins to bloom. Another white-flowered member of the Carrot family, Sium suave (Water Parsnip), often blooms at the same time as Bulblet-Bearing Water Hemlock and it occurs in the same wetland habitats. Water Parsnip has about 3 lanceolate bracts at the base of its compound umbels and its leaves are always simple-pinnate. Another similar species that blooms late, Oxypolis rigidior (Cowbane), also has leaves that are simple-pinnate. In contrast, the lower leaves of Bulblet-Bearing Water Hemlock are double-pinnate.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年06月11日
Description: This annual or biennial plant is 1-4' tall, branching occasionally. The green or reddish stems are glabrous to slightly hairy. The opposite compound leaves are odd-pinnate, dividing into 3-7 slender segments. Compound leaves are up to 8" long and 4" across; they are much wider at their bases than toward their tips. The leaflets are slightly ciliate and coarsely dentate; sometimes they are divided into narrow pointed lobes. From terminal stems, or from the axils of upper leaves, there develops from 1 to 3 flowerheads on slender and slightly hairy stalks. An individual plant may have several flowerheads in bloom at the same time. Each daisy-like flowerhead is about 2" across, consisting of 8-10 ray florets that surround numerous disk florets. The tiny corollas of the disk florets are tubular in shape and golden yellow, while the petaloid rays are bright yellow and oblong-elliptic in shape. Each flowerhead is subtended by 12-18 green outer bracts (phyllaries) that are each about ¾" long, linear in shape, coarsely ciliate, and rather contorted. Less visible, there are also several inner bracts that are pale yellow and lanceolate in shape. The blooming period occurs from late summer to early fall, lasting about 1-2 months. The flowers are slightly fragrant, which becomes quite noticeable in a large colony of plants. The dark brown achenes are rather flat and rough-textured with central longitudinal ridges; they are about 1½–2 times as long as they are wide. These achenes lack significant awns at their apices. The root system consists of a shallow branching taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and wet to moist conditions. The soil should be rich in organic material. This plant is easy to grow, but tends to be aggressive at a disturbed site that is sunny and moist. It can form large colonies by reseeding itself. This species of Bidens appears to have some tolerance of hot dry weather.
Range & Habitat: Long-Bracted Tickseed Sunflower is occasional in the southern half of Illinois and NE Illinois, but it is rare or absent in the remaining northern counties (see Distribution Map). This plant is native. Habitats include moist prairies, prairie swales, low areas along ponds and streams, gravelly seeps, ditches along railroads and roadsides, muddy fields, and miscellaneous waste areas. It usually occurs in or around poorly drained areas that are prone to standing water, or near sources of more or less permanent water. Disturbed areas are favored because of reduced competition from deep-rooted perennial plants.
Faunal Associations: The flowerheads are popular with many kinds of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, and beetles. Typical bee visitors include bumblebees, cuckoo bees (Epeolus spp., Coelioxys spp.), long-horned bees (Melissodes spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), green metallic bees, plasterer bees (Colletes spp.), and Andrenid bees (Calliopsis spp., Heterosarus spp.). The caterpillars of the butterfly Nathalis iole (Dainty Sulfur) are known to favor the foliage of Bidens spp. as a food source. The caterpillars of several moths feed on the foliage, flowerheads, or the pith of stems, including Epiblema otiosana (Bidens Borer Moth), Condica mobilis (Mobile Groundling), Condica confederata (The Confederate), Cirrhophanus triangulifer (Goldenrod Stowaway), and Palthis asopialis (Faint-Spotted Palthis). Other insect feeders include leaf beetles (Calligrapha spp.), larvae of the fruit fly Icterica seriata, and several aphid species.
The seeds are eaten by small rodents and various birds, including the Ring-Necked Pheasant, Bobwhite, Swamp Sparrow, and Purple Finch. The foliage is eaten occasionally by the Cottontail Rabbit. Even though their awns are tiny or absent, the achenes of Bidens polylepis can cling to the the fur of animals or clothing of humans; this is largely because of their rough edges. Small rodents can carry the achenes to their dens for some distance from the mother plants.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a prairie swale in Meadowbrook Park, Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is one of the more pretty and drought-tolerant Bidens spp. that occasionally strays from wetlands to moist prairies. Long-Bracted Tickseed Sunflower can be distinguished from other Bidens spp. by its attractive flowers and slender pinnate foliage. It has a very similar appearance to Bidens aristosa (Tickseed Sunflower). However, the flowerheads of this latter species are individually subtended by 8-10 outer bracts (phyllaries); these bracts are shorter, less hairy, and less contorted than those of Bidens polylepis. The achenes of Bidens aristosa usually have pairs of conspicuous awns at their apices, otherwise they are very similar in appearance to those of Bidens polylepis. However, a rare variety of the Tickseed Sunflower, Bidens aristosa mutica, also has achenes that lack significant awns. Because of its distinct outer bracts and awnless achenes, Long-Bracted Tickseed Sunflower is usually classified as a distinct species (Mohlenbrock, 2002). Scientific synonyms of this species are Bidens aristosa retrorsa and Bidens involucrata.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and wet to moist conditions. The soil should be rich in organic material. This plant is easy to grow, but tends to be aggressive at a disturbed site that is sunny and moist. It can form large colonies by reseeding itself. This species of Bidens appears to have some tolerance of hot dry weather.
Range & Habitat: Long-Bracted Tickseed Sunflower is occasional in the southern half of Illinois and NE Illinois, but it is rare or absent in the remaining northern counties (see Distribution Map). This plant is native. Habitats include moist prairies, prairie swales, low areas along ponds and streams, gravelly seeps, ditches along railroads and roadsides, muddy fields, and miscellaneous waste areas. It usually occurs in or around poorly drained areas that are prone to standing water, or near sources of more or less permanent water. Disturbed areas are favored because of reduced competition from deep-rooted perennial plants.
Faunal Associations: The flowerheads are popular with many kinds of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, and beetles. Typical bee visitors include bumblebees, cuckoo bees (Epeolus spp., Coelioxys spp.), long-horned bees (Melissodes spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), green metallic bees, plasterer bees (Colletes spp.), and Andrenid bees (Calliopsis spp., Heterosarus spp.). The caterpillars of the butterfly Nathalis iole (Dainty Sulfur) are known to favor the foliage of Bidens spp. as a food source. The caterpillars of several moths feed on the foliage, flowerheads, or the pith of stems, including Epiblema otiosana (Bidens Borer Moth), Condica mobilis (Mobile Groundling), Condica confederata (The Confederate), Cirrhophanus triangulifer (Goldenrod Stowaway), and Palthis asopialis (Faint-Spotted Palthis). Other insect feeders include leaf beetles (Calligrapha spp.), larvae of the fruit fly Icterica seriata, and several aphid species.
The seeds are eaten by small rodents and various birds, including the Ring-Necked Pheasant, Bobwhite, Swamp Sparrow, and Purple Finch. The foliage is eaten occasionally by the Cottontail Rabbit. Even though their awns are tiny or absent, the achenes of Bidens polylepis can cling to the the fur of animals or clothing of humans; this is largely because of their rough edges. Small rodents can carry the achenes to their dens for some distance from the mother plants.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a prairie swale in Meadowbrook Park, Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is one of the more pretty and drought-tolerant Bidens spp. that occasionally strays from wetlands to moist prairies. Long-Bracted Tickseed Sunflower can be distinguished from other Bidens spp. by its attractive flowers and slender pinnate foliage. It has a very similar appearance to Bidens aristosa (Tickseed Sunflower). However, the flowerheads of this latter species are individually subtended by 8-10 outer bracts (phyllaries); these bracts are shorter, less hairy, and less contorted than those of Bidens polylepis. The achenes of Bidens aristosa usually have pairs of conspicuous awns at their apices, otherwise they are very similar in appearance to those of Bidens polylepis. However, a rare variety of the Tickseed Sunflower, Bidens aristosa mutica, also has achenes that lack significant awns. Because of its distinct outer bracts and awnless achenes, Long-Bracted Tickseed Sunflower is usually classified as a distinct species (Mohlenbrock, 2002). Scientific synonyms of this species are Bidens aristosa retrorsa and Bidens involucrata.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月10日
Description: This herbaceous perennial wildflower is 8-24" tall and either unbranched or sparingly branched. The stems are erect, ascending, or sprawling; they are terete to slightly angular, light green to pale gray-red, and usually hairless. Pairs of opposite leaves about 1-3" long and 1/8–3/8" (3-10 mm.) across occur at intervals along the stems. These leaves are linear to linear-lanceolate, smooth or remotely toothed along their margins, and usually hairless; they clasp the stems. The upper surface of each leaf is hairless, medium green, and sometimes tinted purple.
Ascending to widely spreading racemes of 8-20 flowers develop from the axils of the middle to upper leaves; sometimes a single leaf in a pair of these leaves will fail to develop a raceme, forming a secondary leafy shoot instead. At maturity, these racemes are as long or longer than the leaves. The central stem and pedicels of each raceme are light green, slender, terete, and hairless (or nearly so). The pedicels are ½–¾" long. At the base of each pedicel, there is a linear leafy bract that is shorter than the pedicel. The flowers are ¼" across or a little wider, consisting of a pale blue or white corolla with 4 petal-like lobes, a short light green calyx with 4 lanceolate teeth, 2 stamens, and a pistil with a single style. Fine blue lines radiate from the throat of each corolla. The blooming period occurs from late spring to to early fall, lasting several months. For each plant, only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. The flowers are replaced by seed capsules about ¼" across that are heart-shaped and flattened; they are slightly more wide than tall. Each seed capsule has 2 cells; each cell has several tiny seeds. The root systemDistribution Map is rhizomatous or stoloniferous, forming vegetative offsets.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, wet to moist conditions, and soil with some organic matter to retain moisture. Temporary flooding is readily tolerated. This boreal species prefers cool moist weather.
Range & Habitat: The native Marsh Speedwell is uncommon and state-listed as 'threatened.' It has been found in only a few counties in central and NE Illinois. Illinois lies along the southern range-limit for this species. In addition to North America, it also occurs in Eurasia. Habitats include marshes, wet meadows, low areas along springs, low muddy areas along ponds, and swamps.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about floral-faunal relationships for this and other Veronica spp. The flowers are visited by small bees and flies, which seek primarily nectar. The caterpillars of the butterfly Junonia coenia (Buckeye) feed on the foliage of Veronica spp. The foliage is not known to be toxic to mammalian herbivores or geese, and it may be eaten occasionally by them.
Photographic Location: The photograph was taken at a nature preserve in Cook County, Illinois, by Lisa Culp (Copyright © 2009).
Comments: Other common names of Veronica scutellata are Skullcap Speedwell and Narrow-Leaved Speedwell. This delicate wildflower is somewhat similar to Water Speedwell (Veronica anagallis-aquatica) and American Brooklime (Veronica americana); these species occupy similar wetland habitats and bloom at about the same time of year. Marsh Speedwell differs from the latter two species by its narrow leaves (less than ½" across). These native species should not be confused with introduced Veronica spp. that are weedy annuals. Species in this latter group prefer drier disturbed areas and they tend to be smaller in size with much shorter leaves.
Ascending to widely spreading racemes of 8-20 flowers develop from the axils of the middle to upper leaves; sometimes a single leaf in a pair of these leaves will fail to develop a raceme, forming a secondary leafy shoot instead. At maturity, these racemes are as long or longer than the leaves. The central stem and pedicels of each raceme are light green, slender, terete, and hairless (or nearly so). The pedicels are ½–¾" long. At the base of each pedicel, there is a linear leafy bract that is shorter than the pedicel. The flowers are ¼" across or a little wider, consisting of a pale blue or white corolla with 4 petal-like lobes, a short light green calyx with 4 lanceolate teeth, 2 stamens, and a pistil with a single style. Fine blue lines radiate from the throat of each corolla. The blooming period occurs from late spring to to early fall, lasting several months. For each plant, only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. The flowers are replaced by seed capsules about ¼" across that are heart-shaped and flattened; they are slightly more wide than tall. Each seed capsule has 2 cells; each cell has several tiny seeds. The root systemDistribution Map is rhizomatous or stoloniferous, forming vegetative offsets.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, wet to moist conditions, and soil with some organic matter to retain moisture. Temporary flooding is readily tolerated. This boreal species prefers cool moist weather.
Range & Habitat: The native Marsh Speedwell is uncommon and state-listed as 'threatened.' It has been found in only a few counties in central and NE Illinois. Illinois lies along the southern range-limit for this species. In addition to North America, it also occurs in Eurasia. Habitats include marshes, wet meadows, low areas along springs, low muddy areas along ponds, and swamps.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about floral-faunal relationships for this and other Veronica spp. The flowers are visited by small bees and flies, which seek primarily nectar. The caterpillars of the butterfly Junonia coenia (Buckeye) feed on the foliage of Veronica spp. The foliage is not known to be toxic to mammalian herbivores or geese, and it may be eaten occasionally by them.
Photographic Location: The photograph was taken at a nature preserve in Cook County, Illinois, by Lisa Culp (Copyright © 2009).
Comments: Other common names of Veronica scutellata are Skullcap Speedwell and Narrow-Leaved Speedwell. This delicate wildflower is somewhat similar to Water Speedwell (Veronica anagallis-aquatica) and American Brooklime (Veronica americana); these species occupy similar wetland habitats and bloom at about the same time of year. Marsh Speedwell differs from the latter two species by its narrow leaves (less than ½" across). These native species should not be confused with introduced Veronica spp. that are weedy annuals. Species in this latter group prefer drier disturbed areas and they tend to be smaller in size with much shorter leaves.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月08日
Description: This perennial wildflower is 3-8' tall, branching sparingly. The large hollow stems are pale purple to dark purple, terete, glabrous, and often glaucous. Alternate compound leaves occur along the stems, primarily along the lower-half of each plant. The compound leaves are ½-2' long, ½-2' across, and widest at their bases. The structure of the compound leaves is bipinnate with 3-5 leaflets or subleaflets per division. The subleaflets are ¾-4½" long and ½-2½" across; they are more or less ovate in shape and their margins are serrated. Some subleaflets are shallowly to deeply cleft into lobes. The upper surface of the subleaflets is medium to dark green and glabrous, while the lower surface is pale or whitish green and glabrous. The subleaflets are either sessile or they have short petioles; they often have winged extensions at their bases that join the branches of the rachis. The petioles are long, stout, and conspicuously sheathed at their bases; both the petioles and their sheaths are green to light purple to dark purple, glabrous, and often glaucous.
The upper stems terminate in one or more compound umbels of flowers spanning 3-9" across; they are globoid in shape. Sometimes the peduncle of a compound umbel will branch and terminate in another compound umbel. Each compound umbel has 15-40 rays (floral branches) that terminate in small umbellets. Each umbellet has numerous greenish white to pale yellow flowers on pedicels about ½" in length. Each flower is up to ¼" across, consisting of 5 petals with incurved tips, a light green calyx without significant lobes, 5 stamens, and a pistil with a divided style. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer and lasts about 3 weeks. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by dry seed-like fruits (consisting of double achenes). The fruits are 5-8 mm. in length, oblongoid-ovoid in shape, and slightly flattened; each side of the fruit has 3 longitudinal ridges. Immature fruits are greenish yellow, turning brown at maturity. Each achene has a pair of lateral wings along its main body; it is convex and ridged on one side, while the other side is flat. The root system consists of a short stout taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, consistently wet to moist conditions, and loamy or sandy soil with decaying organic matter. Soil pH should be mildly acidic to alkaline. Standing water is well-tolerated. Individual plants can vary considerably in size depending on environmental conditions.
Range & Habitat: The native Great Angelica is occasional in northern Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include openings in bottomland woodlands, swamps, soggy thickets, edges of woodlands adjoining wetlands, marshes, fens, and seeps, including the lower slopes of hillside seeps. This robust wildflower is typically found in calcareous habitats with a stable supply of moisture.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract Syrphid flies, bee flies, Andrenid bees, and other small bees. These visitors are attracted primarily to the nectar of the flowers. A relatively small number of insects are known to feed on Great Angelica. These species include the aphids Aphis thaspii and Cavariella konoi, caterpillars of Papaipema birdi (Umbellifer Borer Moth) and Papaipema harrisii (Cow Parsnip Borer Moth), and caterpillars of the butterfly Papilio polyxenes asterius (Black Swallowtail).
Photographic Location: A woodland border near a fen at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in NW Indiana.
Comments: Great Angelica can be distinguished from similar species in the Carrot family by its large size, hollow purplish stems, and spherical compound umbels. Sometimes an aromatic Eurasia species, Angelica archangelica (Garden Angelica), is cultivated in gardens. It differs from Great Angelica by its biennial habit and greenish stems. So far, there are no records of Garden Angelica naturalizing in Illinois. A native perennial species, Angelica venenosa (Wood Angelica), is found in southern Illinois, where it occurs in dry rocky habitats. Wood Angelica has more narrow sheaths at the bases of its petioles than Great Angelica, and their are fine hairs on its fruits. Another common name of Angelica atropurpurea is Purple-Stemmed Angelica.
The upper stems terminate in one or more compound umbels of flowers spanning 3-9" across; they are globoid in shape. Sometimes the peduncle of a compound umbel will branch and terminate in another compound umbel. Each compound umbel has 15-40 rays (floral branches) that terminate in small umbellets. Each umbellet has numerous greenish white to pale yellow flowers on pedicels about ½" in length. Each flower is up to ¼" across, consisting of 5 petals with incurved tips, a light green calyx without significant lobes, 5 stamens, and a pistil with a divided style. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer and lasts about 3 weeks. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by dry seed-like fruits (consisting of double achenes). The fruits are 5-8 mm. in length, oblongoid-ovoid in shape, and slightly flattened; each side of the fruit has 3 longitudinal ridges. Immature fruits are greenish yellow, turning brown at maturity. Each achene has a pair of lateral wings along its main body; it is convex and ridged on one side, while the other side is flat. The root system consists of a short stout taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, consistently wet to moist conditions, and loamy or sandy soil with decaying organic matter. Soil pH should be mildly acidic to alkaline. Standing water is well-tolerated. Individual plants can vary considerably in size depending on environmental conditions.
Range & Habitat: The native Great Angelica is occasional in northern Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include openings in bottomland woodlands, swamps, soggy thickets, edges of woodlands adjoining wetlands, marshes, fens, and seeps, including the lower slopes of hillside seeps. This robust wildflower is typically found in calcareous habitats with a stable supply of moisture.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract Syrphid flies, bee flies, Andrenid bees, and other small bees. These visitors are attracted primarily to the nectar of the flowers. A relatively small number of insects are known to feed on Great Angelica. These species include the aphids Aphis thaspii and Cavariella konoi, caterpillars of Papaipema birdi (Umbellifer Borer Moth) and Papaipema harrisii (Cow Parsnip Borer Moth), and caterpillars of the butterfly Papilio polyxenes asterius (Black Swallowtail).
Photographic Location: A woodland border near a fen at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in NW Indiana.
Comments: Great Angelica can be distinguished from similar species in the Carrot family by its large size, hollow purplish stems, and spherical compound umbels. Sometimes an aromatic Eurasia species, Angelica archangelica (Garden Angelica), is cultivated in gardens. It differs from Great Angelica by its biennial habit and greenish stems. So far, there are no records of Garden Angelica naturalizing in Illinois. A native perennial species, Angelica venenosa (Wood Angelica), is found in southern Illinois, where it occurs in dry rocky habitats. Wood Angelica has more narrow sheaths at the bases of its petioles than Great Angelica, and their are fine hairs on its fruits. Another common name of Angelica atropurpurea is Purple-Stemmed Angelica.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月05日
Description: This perennial wildflower is 4-8" in length (or longer), consisting of leafy stems with axillary flowers and seed capsules. The stems are light green and glabrous. The blades of alternate leaves are about 1-2½" long and ¾-1½" across; they are oval-cordate in shape and serrate-crenate along their margins. The base of each leaf blade is indented, while its tip is well-rounded to somewhat pointed. The upper blade surface is medium to dark green and glabrous, while the lower surface to light to medium green and glabrous. The slender petioles are about the same length as the leaf blades or shorter; they are light green and glabrous. At the base of each petiole, there is a pair of stipules up to ½" long. These stipules are linear-lanceolate in shape and coarsely toothed along their margins. Individual flowers develop from the axils of the leaves on slender pedicels about 1½-3" long; the flowers are usually held above the leaves. The pedicels are light green and glabrous; there is a pair of small linear bracts toward the middle of each pedicel.
Individual flowers are ½-¾" across, consisting of 5 pale blue-violet petals, 5 green sepals, and the reproductive organs. The style of each flower is bent downward at its tip, where it is not swollen. Dark blue-violet veins radiate away from the throat of each flower across the petals; the two lateral petals have tufts of white hair (or beards) toward their bases. The lower petal has a relatively long nectar spur about ¼" long; this spur is sometimes visible when the flower is viewed from the front (behind the upper 2 petals). The nectar spur is relatively stout and either straight or slightly hooked. The sepals are linear-lanceolate, sometimes toothed toward their bases, and hairless. The blooming period occurs during the middle of spring for about 1 month. Fertilized flowers produce an ovoid-oblongoid seed capsule about 1/3" long. This capsule splits open into 3 parts to fling the seeds from the mother plant. This wildflower also produces inconspicuous cleistogamous flowers during the summer, which are self-fertile; their seed capsules are similar to the earlier fertilized flowers. The small seeds are globoid in shape and light brown at maturity. The root system consists of a vertical crown with fibrous roots and horizontal rhizomes; clonal offsets are produced occasionally from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: During the spring, the preference is dappled sunlight to light shade, moist conditions, and a rich loamy soil with abundant organic material. Later in the year, more shade is tolerated.
Range & Habitat: The native Dog Violet is found primarily in NE Illinois (see Distribution Map). This wildflower is considered rare and it is state-listed as 'threatened.' Habitats include moist rich woodlands, swampy woodlands, and moist meadows in wooded areas. Sometimes this violet is found in slightly sandy habitats that are similar to the preceding ones. Dominant canopy trees in these habitats are typically ash, maple, or elm. Dog Violet is found in higher quality habitats where the original ground flora is still intact.
Faunal Associations: In this section, information about floral-faunal relationships applies to Viola spp. (Violets) in general. The flowers of violets are cross-pollinated primarily by various bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, Mason bees (Osmia spp.), Little Carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), digger bees (Synhalonia spp.), Halictid bees, and Andrenid bees. One bee species, Andrena violae (Violet Andrenid Bee), is a specialist pollinator of violets. Other floral visitors include bee flies (Bombylius spp.), small butterflies, skippers, and ants. Most of these insects suck nectar from the flowers, although some of the bees also collect pollen. Other insects feed on the foliage and other parts of violets. These insect feeders include the caterpillars of several Fritillary butterflies (Euptoieta claudia, Boloria spp., Speyeria spp.) and the caterpillars of several moths, including Elaphria grata (Grateful Midget), Eubaphe mendica (The Beggar), and Apantesis nais (Nais Tiger Moth). Other insect feeders include the thrips Odontothrips pictipennis, the aphid Neotoxoptera violae, and the larvae of Ametastegia pallipes (Violet Sawfly). Vertebrate animals feed on violets only to a limited extent. The White-Tailed Deer, Cottontail Rabbit, and Wood Turtle (Clemmys insculpta) sometimes browse on the foliage, while the White-Footed Mouse eats the seeds. Birds that feed on violets include the Mourning Dove (seeds), Ruffed Grouse (seed capsules, foliage), and Wild Turkey (seed capsules, rhizomes).
Photographic Location: A damp area of Goll Woods in NW Ohio, and a swampy woodland at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in NW Indiana.
Comments: This interesting species belongs to a small group of violets with blue-violet flowers, nectar spurs of above average length, and flowering leafy stems (as opposed to violets with basal leaves and flowers on separate non-leafy stalks). Aside from the Dog Violet, other species in this group include Viola labradorica (Alpine Violet), Viola adunca (Hook-Spurred Violet), and Viola walteri (Walter's Violet). While the Dog Violet has pale blue-violet flowers, these other violets often have medium to dark blue-violet flowers (among other minor differences). The Alpine Violet and Hook-Spurred Violet have a more northern boreal distribution, while Walter's Violet is more southern and Appalachian. None of these three species have been found in Illinois. Some authorities have proposed reducing the status of the Dog Violet to a variety of either the Alpine Violet or the Hook-Spurred Violet.
Individual flowers are ½-¾" across, consisting of 5 pale blue-violet petals, 5 green sepals, and the reproductive organs. The style of each flower is bent downward at its tip, where it is not swollen. Dark blue-violet veins radiate away from the throat of each flower across the petals; the two lateral petals have tufts of white hair (or beards) toward their bases. The lower petal has a relatively long nectar spur about ¼" long; this spur is sometimes visible when the flower is viewed from the front (behind the upper 2 petals). The nectar spur is relatively stout and either straight or slightly hooked. The sepals are linear-lanceolate, sometimes toothed toward their bases, and hairless. The blooming period occurs during the middle of spring for about 1 month. Fertilized flowers produce an ovoid-oblongoid seed capsule about 1/3" long. This capsule splits open into 3 parts to fling the seeds from the mother plant. This wildflower also produces inconspicuous cleistogamous flowers during the summer, which are self-fertile; their seed capsules are similar to the earlier fertilized flowers. The small seeds are globoid in shape and light brown at maturity. The root system consists of a vertical crown with fibrous roots and horizontal rhizomes; clonal offsets are produced occasionally from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: During the spring, the preference is dappled sunlight to light shade, moist conditions, and a rich loamy soil with abundant organic material. Later in the year, more shade is tolerated.
Range & Habitat: The native Dog Violet is found primarily in NE Illinois (see Distribution Map). This wildflower is considered rare and it is state-listed as 'threatened.' Habitats include moist rich woodlands, swampy woodlands, and moist meadows in wooded areas. Sometimes this violet is found in slightly sandy habitats that are similar to the preceding ones. Dominant canopy trees in these habitats are typically ash, maple, or elm. Dog Violet is found in higher quality habitats where the original ground flora is still intact.
Faunal Associations: In this section, information about floral-faunal relationships applies to Viola spp. (Violets) in general. The flowers of violets are cross-pollinated primarily by various bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, Mason bees (Osmia spp.), Little Carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), digger bees (Synhalonia spp.), Halictid bees, and Andrenid bees. One bee species, Andrena violae (Violet Andrenid Bee), is a specialist pollinator of violets. Other floral visitors include bee flies (Bombylius spp.), small butterflies, skippers, and ants. Most of these insects suck nectar from the flowers, although some of the bees also collect pollen. Other insects feed on the foliage and other parts of violets. These insect feeders include the caterpillars of several Fritillary butterflies (Euptoieta claudia, Boloria spp., Speyeria spp.) and the caterpillars of several moths, including Elaphria grata (Grateful Midget), Eubaphe mendica (The Beggar), and Apantesis nais (Nais Tiger Moth). Other insect feeders include the thrips Odontothrips pictipennis, the aphid Neotoxoptera violae, and the larvae of Ametastegia pallipes (Violet Sawfly). Vertebrate animals feed on violets only to a limited extent. The White-Tailed Deer, Cottontail Rabbit, and Wood Turtle (Clemmys insculpta) sometimes browse on the foliage, while the White-Footed Mouse eats the seeds. Birds that feed on violets include the Mourning Dove (seeds), Ruffed Grouse (seed capsules, foliage), and Wild Turkey (seed capsules, rhizomes).
Photographic Location: A damp area of Goll Woods in NW Ohio, and a swampy woodland at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in NW Indiana.
Comments: This interesting species belongs to a small group of violets with blue-violet flowers, nectar spurs of above average length, and flowering leafy stems (as opposed to violets with basal leaves and flowers on separate non-leafy stalks). Aside from the Dog Violet, other species in this group include Viola labradorica (Alpine Violet), Viola adunca (Hook-Spurred Violet), and Viola walteri (Walter's Violet). While the Dog Violet has pale blue-violet flowers, these other violets often have medium to dark blue-violet flowers (among other minor differences). The Alpine Violet and Hook-Spurred Violet have a more northern boreal distribution, while Walter's Violet is more southern and Appalachian. None of these three species have been found in Illinois. Some authorities have proposed reducing the status of the Dog Violet to a variety of either the Alpine Violet or the Hook-Spurred Violet.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月28日
Description: This perennial wildflower is 2-6' tall and usually unbranched, except toward the apex where the flowerheads occur. The glabrous central stem is light green to purple. The alternate leaves are up to 8" long and 6" across (excluding the petioles), becoming gradually smaller as they ascend the central stem. They are quite variable in shape; the lower leaves are often divided palmately into 3 lobes (or less often 5 lobes), while the upper leaves often lack lobes (ovate or deltoid). The margins of the leaves are undulate, dentate, or entire (smooth). The upper surface of each leaf is medium to dark green and hairless, becoming yellowish green with age. The petioles are as long as the leaf blades or somewhat shorter. The foliage of this plant contains a white latex.
The central stem terminates in a panicle of flowerheads that is about as wide as it is tall; smaller panicles often develop from the axils of the upper leaves. The typical panicle will have 2-4 widely spreading branches at the apex of a central stalk (peduncle); from each of these branches, several flowerheads and their buds hang downward from shorter branches (pedicels). These branches are hairless or slightly pubescent and light green to pale purple. Each flowerhead is up to ¾" long and ½" across when it is fully open; it has 5-6 outer ray florets and no disk florets. The ray florets are greenish white, cream-colored, or greenish yellow. The cylindrical base of each flowerhead has about 5 primary bracts (phyllaries) that are light green and hairless; each of these bracts is linear in shape and about ½" in length. At the very bottom of each flowerhead, there are also several secondary bracts that are much shorter than the primary bracts. The blooming period occurs from late summer into the fall and lasts about a month. Each ray floret is replaced by an achene with a small tuft of hair; these hairs are either light tan (var. altissima) or orange-brown (var. cinnamomea). The achenes are distributed by the wind. The root system is tuberous. Sometimes this species forms small colonies of plants.
Cultivation: Preferred growing conditions consist of light shade to dappled sunlight and fertile loamy soil that is moist to slightly dry. Rocky or sandy soil is also tolerated. The size of individual plants can be highly variable depending on soil fertility, moisture conditions, and light levels.
Range & Habitat: The native Tall White Lettuce is occasional in southern and extreme eastern Illinois, otherwise it is rare or absent (see Distribution Map). This species is more common further to the east. Habitats include rich mesic woodlands, rocky upland woodlands, sandy woodlands, bluffs and shaded ravines, woodland borders, swamps and seeps, and shaded to partially shaded riverbanks. This species is found in deciduous woodlands where Sugar Maple, American Basswood, and/or American Beech are often present as canopy trees.
Faunal Associations: Information about floral-faunal relationships for this species is limited. Bumblebees suck nectar from the flowerheads and cross-pollinate them; Halictid bees, beetles, and other insects may feed on the pollen, but they are not effective pollinators. Even though it has a bitter taste, White-Tailed Deer occasionally browse on the foliage.
Photographic Location: A deciduous woodland at Turkey Run State Park in west-central Indiana.
Comments: Two major groups of woodland lettuce can be found in Illinois and neighboring states: species of Wild Lettuce (Lactuca spp.) and species of White Lettuce (Prenanthes spp.). Species in the former group have flowerheads that are erect or hang sideways, while species in the latter group have flowerheads that droop downward. Tall White Lettuce can be easily distinguished from other species of White Lettuce in Illinois by examining the primary bracts (or phyllaries) of the flowerheads: each flowerhead has 5 primary bracts (phyllaries) that are light green and hairless (less often there are 4 or 6 bracts). Other species of White Lettuce in Illinois have 8 or more primary bracts; depending on the species, these bracts may be hairy or pale purple. As a general rule, leaf shape is unreliable as a guide to identification because it is highly variable within each species of White Lettuce. Other common names that are sometimes applied to Prenanthes altissima and similar species include Lion's Foot and Rattlesnake Root.
The central stem terminates in a panicle of flowerheads that is about as wide as it is tall; smaller panicles often develop from the axils of the upper leaves. The typical panicle will have 2-4 widely spreading branches at the apex of a central stalk (peduncle); from each of these branches, several flowerheads and their buds hang downward from shorter branches (pedicels). These branches are hairless or slightly pubescent and light green to pale purple. Each flowerhead is up to ¾" long and ½" across when it is fully open; it has 5-6 outer ray florets and no disk florets. The ray florets are greenish white, cream-colored, or greenish yellow. The cylindrical base of each flowerhead has about 5 primary bracts (phyllaries) that are light green and hairless; each of these bracts is linear in shape and about ½" in length. At the very bottom of each flowerhead, there are also several secondary bracts that are much shorter than the primary bracts. The blooming period occurs from late summer into the fall and lasts about a month. Each ray floret is replaced by an achene with a small tuft of hair; these hairs are either light tan (var. altissima) or orange-brown (var. cinnamomea). The achenes are distributed by the wind. The root system is tuberous. Sometimes this species forms small colonies of plants.
Cultivation: Preferred growing conditions consist of light shade to dappled sunlight and fertile loamy soil that is moist to slightly dry. Rocky or sandy soil is also tolerated. The size of individual plants can be highly variable depending on soil fertility, moisture conditions, and light levels.
Range & Habitat: The native Tall White Lettuce is occasional in southern and extreme eastern Illinois, otherwise it is rare or absent (see Distribution Map). This species is more common further to the east. Habitats include rich mesic woodlands, rocky upland woodlands, sandy woodlands, bluffs and shaded ravines, woodland borders, swamps and seeps, and shaded to partially shaded riverbanks. This species is found in deciduous woodlands where Sugar Maple, American Basswood, and/or American Beech are often present as canopy trees.
Faunal Associations: Information about floral-faunal relationships for this species is limited. Bumblebees suck nectar from the flowerheads and cross-pollinate them; Halictid bees, beetles, and other insects may feed on the pollen, but they are not effective pollinators. Even though it has a bitter taste, White-Tailed Deer occasionally browse on the foliage.
Photographic Location: A deciduous woodland at Turkey Run State Park in west-central Indiana.
Comments: Two major groups of woodland lettuce can be found in Illinois and neighboring states: species of Wild Lettuce (Lactuca spp.) and species of White Lettuce (Prenanthes spp.). Species in the former group have flowerheads that are erect or hang sideways, while species in the latter group have flowerheads that droop downward. Tall White Lettuce can be easily distinguished from other species of White Lettuce in Illinois by examining the primary bracts (or phyllaries) of the flowerheads: each flowerhead has 5 primary bracts (phyllaries) that are light green and hairless (less often there are 4 or 6 bracts). Other species of White Lettuce in Illinois have 8 or more primary bracts; depending on the species, these bracts may be hairy or pale purple. As a general rule, leaf shape is unreliable as a guide to identification because it is highly variable within each species of White Lettuce. Other common names that are sometimes applied to Prenanthes altissima and similar species include Lion's Foot and Rattlesnake Root.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月27日
Description: This perennial wildflower is ¾-2' tall, consisting of a single central stem and 3 widely spreading leaves at its apex. This stem is light green to purplish green, terete, and glabrous. Individual leaves are 3-8" long and similarly across; they are oval-rhombic in shape, smooth along their margins, and sessile (or nearly so). The upper leaf surface is medium green and glabrous, while the lower surface is more pale; both surfaces are glabrous. Primary veins of the leaves are parallel, while secondary veins form an interlacing network. A flowering plant produces an erect to ascending peduncle about 1½-3" long, terminating in a single nodding flower that is held above the leaves. The peduncle is light green and glabrous. The flower is about 2" across, consisting of 3 maroon petals (reddish purple), 3 light green to greenish maroon sepals, 6 stamens, and a dark maroon ovary with 3 small recurved stigmata.
When the flower is open, both petals and sepals are widely spreading; they are about the same length and similar shape, although the sepals are more narrow. The petals and sepals are lanceolate to ovate in shape and glabrous. The relatively small stamens have anthers and filaments that are about the same length; the anthers have light gray to yellowish pollen. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring for about 2-3 weeks. The flowers often have an unpleasant scent. Afterwards, the ovary matures into a dark maroon fruit that is broadly ovoid, 6-angled, and about ½" long. This fruit contains several seeds. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. Clonal colonies of plants are often produced from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight or light shade during the spring, followed by shade during the summer. The soil should be more or less moist and contain loam with decaying organic matter. Some protection from prevailing winds is also desirable. It takes a long time for this trillium to mature from seed (typically 5-10 years). The foliage dies down later in the summer.
Range & Habitat: The native Red Trillium is a rare wildflower in Illinois, where it is state-listed as 'endangered.' It is restricted to a few counties in the northern section of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats consist of rich deciduous woodlands that are more or less mesic and wooded slopes. In such woodlands, Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum), American Basswood (Tilia americana), or oaks (Quercus spp.) are often dominant canopy trees. Further to the east, where it is more common, Red Trillium is associated with woodlands that are dominated by Sugar Maple and American Beech (Fagus grandifolia). This wildflower is sometimes cultivated in shaded gardens.
Faunal Associations: Because the petals of the flowers have the color of rotting flesh and often exude a similar odor, they probably attract flesh flies, carrion beetles, and similar insects. The polyphagous larvae of two moth species, Clepsis melaleucana (Black-Patched Clepsis) and Euplexia benesimilis (American Angle Shades), have been observed to feed on the leaves of Trillium spp. The foliage is also vulnerable to browsing by White-tailed Deer: This has caused the decline of trillium populations in some parts of Illinois. Food-appendages of the seeds are designed to attract ants and possibly other insects. As a result, the seeds of Trillium spp. can be carried several feet from the mother plant by these insects, thereby helping to spread these flowering plants into neighboring areas.
Photographic Location: A flower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This wildflower lacks a dominant common name: It has been referred to as Red Trillium, Purple Trillium, Ill-Scented Trillium, Stinking Benjamin, Stinking Willie, and Birthwort. In addition to maroon (reddish purple), the flowers of this species can be white, pink, yellow, or green. Some of these variations may be the result of hybridization with other Trillium spp. In Illinois, only plants with maroon-colored flowers have been encountered in the wild. Red Trillium is fairly easy to identify because it is the only maroon-flowered trillium within the state that holds its flower above the leaves on a more or less erect peduncle (flowering stalk). Two other species in Illinois, Trillium recurvatum (Prairie Trillium) and Trillium sessile (Sessile Trillium), also have maroon-colored flowers, but they are sessile. The white-flowered form of Red Trillium can be distinguished from other white-flowered Trillium spp. by its dark maroon ovary.
When the flower is open, both petals and sepals are widely spreading; they are about the same length and similar shape, although the sepals are more narrow. The petals and sepals are lanceolate to ovate in shape and glabrous. The relatively small stamens have anthers and filaments that are about the same length; the anthers have light gray to yellowish pollen. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring for about 2-3 weeks. The flowers often have an unpleasant scent. Afterwards, the ovary matures into a dark maroon fruit that is broadly ovoid, 6-angled, and about ½" long. This fruit contains several seeds. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. Clonal colonies of plants are often produced from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight or light shade during the spring, followed by shade during the summer. The soil should be more or less moist and contain loam with decaying organic matter. Some protection from prevailing winds is also desirable. It takes a long time for this trillium to mature from seed (typically 5-10 years). The foliage dies down later in the summer.
Range & Habitat: The native Red Trillium is a rare wildflower in Illinois, where it is state-listed as 'endangered.' It is restricted to a few counties in the northern section of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats consist of rich deciduous woodlands that are more or less mesic and wooded slopes. In such woodlands, Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum), American Basswood (Tilia americana), or oaks (Quercus spp.) are often dominant canopy trees. Further to the east, where it is more common, Red Trillium is associated with woodlands that are dominated by Sugar Maple and American Beech (Fagus grandifolia). This wildflower is sometimes cultivated in shaded gardens.
Faunal Associations: Because the petals of the flowers have the color of rotting flesh and often exude a similar odor, they probably attract flesh flies, carrion beetles, and similar insects. The polyphagous larvae of two moth species, Clepsis melaleucana (Black-Patched Clepsis) and Euplexia benesimilis (American Angle Shades), have been observed to feed on the leaves of Trillium spp. The foliage is also vulnerable to browsing by White-tailed Deer: This has caused the decline of trillium populations in some parts of Illinois. Food-appendages of the seeds are designed to attract ants and possibly other insects. As a result, the seeds of Trillium spp. can be carried several feet from the mother plant by these insects, thereby helping to spread these flowering plants into neighboring areas.
Photographic Location: A flower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This wildflower lacks a dominant common name: It has been referred to as Red Trillium, Purple Trillium, Ill-Scented Trillium, Stinking Benjamin, Stinking Willie, and Birthwort. In addition to maroon (reddish purple), the flowers of this species can be white, pink, yellow, or green. Some of these variations may be the result of hybridization with other Trillium spp. In Illinois, only plants with maroon-colored flowers have been encountered in the wild. Red Trillium is fairly easy to identify because it is the only maroon-flowered trillium within the state that holds its flower above the leaves on a more or less erect peduncle (flowering stalk). Two other species in Illinois, Trillium recurvatum (Prairie Trillium) and Trillium sessile (Sessile Trillium), also have maroon-colored flowers, but they are sessile. The white-flowered form of Red Trillium can be distinguished from other white-flowered Trillium spp. by its dark maroon ovary.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月27日
Description: This perennial wildflower develops an erect stem about 2-8" tall that has a whorl of 5-9 leaves at its apex. The stem is light green (sometimes tinted yellow or red), terete, glabrous, and relatively slender. The stems are either naked, or they have a few scale-like leaves that are inconspicuous. The larger whorled leaves at the apex are 1-4" long and ¼-1½" across; they are more or less medium green, lanceolate-elliptic to oblong-elliptic in shape, relatively smooth along their margins, and glabrous. These latter leaves taper gradually to acute tips, while their bases are narrowly wedge-shaped; they are either short-petioled or sessile. In each whorl, these leaves can vary significantly in size. Leaf venation is pinnate.
From the center of the whorled leaves, there develops 1-3 flowers on erect or ascending pedicels. The pedicels are ¾-2½" long, terete, light green (sometimes tinted yellow or red), glabrous, and slender. Each flower is about ½-¾" across, typically consisting of 7 white spreading petals, 7 light green sepals, 7 stamens with pale yellow anthers, and a light green ovary with a single white style. However, a flower can have as few as 5 petals, sepals, and stamens, or as many as 9. The petals are lanceolate-elliptic in shape, while the sepals are linear-lanceolate and glabrous. The petals are longer than the sepals. The blooming period is mid-spring to early summer (in Illinois & neighboring areas), lasting about 2-4 weeks. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by ovoid seed capsules that are 5-celled; they are shorter than the sepals. These capsules eventually split open to release their seeds. The root system is rhizomatous and fibrous; the rhizomes are slender and long.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade or dappled sunlight, moist conditions, an acidic soil containing peat and/or sand, and cool summer temperatures.
Range & Habitat: The native Starflower is rare in Illinois and state-listed as 'threatened.' It is restricted to the northern section of the state (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the southern range-limit of this species. Habitats include tamarack bogs, birch bogs, hummocks in sandy swamps, edges of sandy woodlands along swamps, and ravines leading out of bluffs. This wildflower is found in high-quality natural areas where either coniferous or deciduous trees are present.
Faunal Associations: Records of floral-faunal relationships for Starflower (Trientalis borealis) are sparse. The flowers attract Halictid bees, Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.), and Syrphid flies. All of these insects either collect or feed on pollen, as the flowers do not produce nectar. The Eastern Chipmunk sometimes eats the seeds/capsules of this wildflower. It is possible that other small rodents do this as well.
Photographic Location: A moist woodland along the edge of a sandy swamp in NW Indiana.
Comments: This delicate wildflower is unusual because it typically has 7-petaled flowers. The flowers of Starflower superficially resemble those of one of the showier chickweeds (e.g., Stellaria pubera), except their petals are usually more numerous and they are located above a conspicuous whorl of leaves. Two other species in the Trientalis genus have been described, but they don't occur in Illinois. One species from the Pacific northwest of North America, Trientalis latifolia, has pinkish flowers rather than white, while a European species, Trientalis europaea, has pedicels that are usually longer than the leaves. A more specific common name of Trientalis borealis is Northern Starflower.
From the center of the whorled leaves, there develops 1-3 flowers on erect or ascending pedicels. The pedicels are ¾-2½" long, terete, light green (sometimes tinted yellow or red), glabrous, and slender. Each flower is about ½-¾" across, typically consisting of 7 white spreading petals, 7 light green sepals, 7 stamens with pale yellow anthers, and a light green ovary with a single white style. However, a flower can have as few as 5 petals, sepals, and stamens, or as many as 9. The petals are lanceolate-elliptic in shape, while the sepals are linear-lanceolate and glabrous. The petals are longer than the sepals. The blooming period is mid-spring to early summer (in Illinois & neighboring areas), lasting about 2-4 weeks. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by ovoid seed capsules that are 5-celled; they are shorter than the sepals. These capsules eventually split open to release their seeds. The root system is rhizomatous and fibrous; the rhizomes are slender and long.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade or dappled sunlight, moist conditions, an acidic soil containing peat and/or sand, and cool summer temperatures.
Range & Habitat: The native Starflower is rare in Illinois and state-listed as 'threatened.' It is restricted to the northern section of the state (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the southern range-limit of this species. Habitats include tamarack bogs, birch bogs, hummocks in sandy swamps, edges of sandy woodlands along swamps, and ravines leading out of bluffs. This wildflower is found in high-quality natural areas where either coniferous or deciduous trees are present.
Faunal Associations: Records of floral-faunal relationships for Starflower (Trientalis borealis) are sparse. The flowers attract Halictid bees, Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.), and Syrphid flies. All of these insects either collect or feed on pollen, as the flowers do not produce nectar. The Eastern Chipmunk sometimes eats the seeds/capsules of this wildflower. It is possible that other small rodents do this as well.
Photographic Location: A moist woodland along the edge of a sandy swamp in NW Indiana.
Comments: This delicate wildflower is unusual because it typically has 7-petaled flowers. The flowers of Starflower superficially resemble those of one of the showier chickweeds (e.g., Stellaria pubera), except their petals are usually more numerous and they are located above a conspicuous whorl of leaves. Two other species in the Trientalis genus have been described, but they don't occur in Illinois. One species from the Pacific northwest of North America, Trientalis latifolia, has pinkish flowers rather than white, while a European species, Trientalis europaea, has pedicels that are usually longer than the leaves. A more specific common name of Trientalis borealis is Northern Starflower.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年05月26日
Description: This perennial wildflower consists of a small rosette of basal leaves about 3-8" across, persisting from autumn to spring. These basal leaves are semi-evergreen, ¾-2½" long, and ½-2" across; they are oval-cordate in shape and their margins are crenate-serrate. The upper surfaces of basal leaves are medium green and sparsely to moderately short-pubescent, while their lower surfaces are light green and moderately to densely short-pubescent. Exposure to near-freezing temperatures sometimes causes the basal leaves to turn purple. The petioles of basal leaves are up to 2" long, slender, and short-pubescent. This wildflower bolts during the late spring to produce one or more leafy stems about 1½-3¼' long that are initially erect or ascending, although tending to sprawl across the ground later in the year. These stems are light green to purple, terete, and short-pubescent to pubescent throughout; this pubescence is not restricted to longitudinal lines. The stems are unbranched below, while they are sparingly to occasionally branched above.
Alternate leaves occur along these stems that are 1-4" long and ½-3" across (becoming smaller in size as they ascend the stems); they are cordate below, becoming cordate-ovate to lanceolate above. The margins of these alternate leaves are coarsely serrated below, becoming serrated to slightly crenate-serrate above. The upper surfaces of these leaves are moderate green and sparsely short-pubescent to densely short-pubescent, while their lower surfaces are light green and moderately to densely short-pubescent or pubescent throughout; this pubescence is not restricted to the major veins. When these leaves are exposed to bright sunlight, they may become yellowish green. Leaf texture tends to be stiff and rough. The petioles of alternate leaves are ½-2" long and their margins are more or less winged; they are moderately to densely short-pubescent. Sometimes small secondary leaves appear in the axils of these leaves. Each leafy stem terminates in a panicle of flowerheads about ½-2' long and about one-half as much across. In addition to the central stalk of the panicle, there are several ascending lateral branches along which most of the flowerheads occur on short peduncles (less than ½" long). The central stalk, branches and peduncles are light green to purple, terete, and evenly short-pubescent to pubescent.
Each flowerhead is about ½" across, consisting of 10-15 ray florets that surround 10-15 congested disk florets. The petaloid rays of these flowerheads are usually lavender or light violet (less often white) and linear-oblong in shape. The short-tubular disk florets are initially cream-colored to yellow, but they later become reddish purple. Each disk floret has 5 short lobes that are erect. Around the base of each flowerhead, the scale-like phyllaries (floral bracts) are arranged in several overlapping series; these phyllaries are appressed together, or nearly so. Individual phyllaries are 4-6 mm. in length, linear-lanceolate in shape, and light green, except for diamond-shaped patches of dark green near their apices. Leafy bracts occur along central stalk and lateral branches of the panicle that are up to 1" long and elliptic to linear-oblong in shape; they are slightly toothed to entire (smooth) along their margins. The blooming period occurs from late summer into autumn for 1-3 months. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by achenes with small tufts of white hair. The achenes are 2-3 mm. long, oblongoid-oblanceoloid in shape, slightly ribbed, and light to medium brown (sometimes with reddish or purplish tints). They are distributed by the wind. The root system is fibrous and short-rhizomatous. On older plants, a small woody caudex may develop. Clonal offsets are often produced from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, mesic to dry-mesic conditions, and soil containing loam, clay-loam, or some rocky material. This wildflower is usually easy to cultivate. The foliage may become discolored with age; lower leaves may wither away in response to hot dry conditions. There is a tendency for the flowering stems to sprawl across the ground during the autumn.
Range & Habitat: The native Drummond's Aster is common in central and northern Illinois, while in the southern section of the state it is occasional to locally common (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland woodlands, rocky woodlands, woodland openings, woodland borders, areas along woodland paths, disturbed open woodlands, upland savannas, thinly wooded bluffs, powerline clearances through wooded areas, thickets, partially shaded riverbanks, burnt-over vacant lots, edges of yards, and partially shaded areas along roadsides. Drummond's Aster can be found in both high quality natural areas and degraded sites. Occasional wildfires are beneficial when they reduce excessive shade from overhead canopy trees. The woodlands where this aster occurs are dominated by various deciduous trees, especially oaks (Quercus spp.).
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by honeybees, bumblebees, Halictid bees (including green metallic bees), Andrenid bees, miscellaneous wasps, Syrphid flies, Tachinid flies, Muscid flies, butterflies, skippers, moths, and other insects. Both nectar and pollen are available as floral awards to such visitors. The following bees are oligolectic visitors (pollinator specialists) of aster flowers: Andrena asteris, Andrena asteroides, Andrena hirticincta, Andrena nubecula, Andrena solidaginis, and Colletes simulans armata. Some of these oligoleges also visit goldenrod flowers. Other insects that are associated with Drummond's Aster and other asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) include leaf beetles, larvae of fruit flies and leaf-mining flies, plant bugs, lace bugs, stink bugs, aphids, leafhoppers, walkingsticks, caterpillars of butterflies, and caterpillars of many moths. These insects feed destructively on the leaves, flowers, developing seeds, stems, roots, or plant juices (see the Insect Table and Moth Table for more information about these species). In general, asters are less important to vertebrate animals. However, such upland gamebirds as the Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey feed occasionally on the foliage and seeds; such mammals as deer, rabbits, groundhogs, and livestock also feed on the foliage.
Photographic Location: Edge of a wooded area at Crystal Lake Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Drummond's Aster (Symphyotrichum drummondii) is part of a complex of similar species involving Arrow-Leaved Aster (Symphyotrichum sagittifolium), Heart-leaved Aster (Symphyotrichum cordifolium), and White Arrowleaf Aster (Symphyotrichum urophyllum). There has been a history of taxonomic instability involving the interrelationships between these 4 species. Some of these species are considered varieties of each other by some taxonomists, or they have been merged with other species within this complex. Drummond's Aster can be distinguished from other species (or varieties) in this complex by the evenly distributed pubescence along its stems and by the evenly distributed pubescence on the lower sides of its leaves. The abundance and conspicuousness of this pubescence can vary across different populations of plants in Illinois. Drummond's Aster also differs from Heart-leaved Aster by its winged petioles; this is a trait that it shares with the remaining species of this complex. Relatively recently, all of these species have been assigned to the Symphyotrichum genus; Drummond's Aster was referred to previously as Aster drummondii. While the individual flowerheads are relatively small, the inflorescence of this aster is often quite large and showy during the autumn.
Alternate leaves occur along these stems that are 1-4" long and ½-3" across (becoming smaller in size as they ascend the stems); they are cordate below, becoming cordate-ovate to lanceolate above. The margins of these alternate leaves are coarsely serrated below, becoming serrated to slightly crenate-serrate above. The upper surfaces of these leaves are moderate green and sparsely short-pubescent to densely short-pubescent, while their lower surfaces are light green and moderately to densely short-pubescent or pubescent throughout; this pubescence is not restricted to the major veins. When these leaves are exposed to bright sunlight, they may become yellowish green. Leaf texture tends to be stiff and rough. The petioles of alternate leaves are ½-2" long and their margins are more or less winged; they are moderately to densely short-pubescent. Sometimes small secondary leaves appear in the axils of these leaves. Each leafy stem terminates in a panicle of flowerheads about ½-2' long and about one-half as much across. In addition to the central stalk of the panicle, there are several ascending lateral branches along which most of the flowerheads occur on short peduncles (less than ½" long). The central stalk, branches and peduncles are light green to purple, terete, and evenly short-pubescent to pubescent.
Each flowerhead is about ½" across, consisting of 10-15 ray florets that surround 10-15 congested disk florets. The petaloid rays of these flowerheads are usually lavender or light violet (less often white) and linear-oblong in shape. The short-tubular disk florets are initially cream-colored to yellow, but they later become reddish purple. Each disk floret has 5 short lobes that are erect. Around the base of each flowerhead, the scale-like phyllaries (floral bracts) are arranged in several overlapping series; these phyllaries are appressed together, or nearly so. Individual phyllaries are 4-6 mm. in length, linear-lanceolate in shape, and light green, except for diamond-shaped patches of dark green near their apices. Leafy bracts occur along central stalk and lateral branches of the panicle that are up to 1" long and elliptic to linear-oblong in shape; they are slightly toothed to entire (smooth) along their margins. The blooming period occurs from late summer into autumn for 1-3 months. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by achenes with small tufts of white hair. The achenes are 2-3 mm. long, oblongoid-oblanceoloid in shape, slightly ribbed, and light to medium brown (sometimes with reddish or purplish tints). They are distributed by the wind. The root system is fibrous and short-rhizomatous. On older plants, a small woody caudex may develop. Clonal offsets are often produced from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, mesic to dry-mesic conditions, and soil containing loam, clay-loam, or some rocky material. This wildflower is usually easy to cultivate. The foliage may become discolored with age; lower leaves may wither away in response to hot dry conditions. There is a tendency for the flowering stems to sprawl across the ground during the autumn.
Range & Habitat: The native Drummond's Aster is common in central and northern Illinois, while in the southern section of the state it is occasional to locally common (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland woodlands, rocky woodlands, woodland openings, woodland borders, areas along woodland paths, disturbed open woodlands, upland savannas, thinly wooded bluffs, powerline clearances through wooded areas, thickets, partially shaded riverbanks, burnt-over vacant lots, edges of yards, and partially shaded areas along roadsides. Drummond's Aster can be found in both high quality natural areas and degraded sites. Occasional wildfires are beneficial when they reduce excessive shade from overhead canopy trees. The woodlands where this aster occurs are dominated by various deciduous trees, especially oaks (Quercus spp.).
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by honeybees, bumblebees, Halictid bees (including green metallic bees), Andrenid bees, miscellaneous wasps, Syrphid flies, Tachinid flies, Muscid flies, butterflies, skippers, moths, and other insects. Both nectar and pollen are available as floral awards to such visitors. The following bees are oligolectic visitors (pollinator specialists) of aster flowers: Andrena asteris, Andrena asteroides, Andrena hirticincta, Andrena nubecula, Andrena solidaginis, and Colletes simulans armata. Some of these oligoleges also visit goldenrod flowers. Other insects that are associated with Drummond's Aster and other asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) include leaf beetles, larvae of fruit flies and leaf-mining flies, plant bugs, lace bugs, stink bugs, aphids, leafhoppers, walkingsticks, caterpillars of butterflies, and caterpillars of many moths. These insects feed destructively on the leaves, flowers, developing seeds, stems, roots, or plant juices (see the Insect Table and Moth Table for more information about these species). In general, asters are less important to vertebrate animals. However, such upland gamebirds as the Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey feed occasionally on the foliage and seeds; such mammals as deer, rabbits, groundhogs, and livestock also feed on the foliage.
Photographic Location: Edge of a wooded area at Crystal Lake Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Drummond's Aster (Symphyotrichum drummondii) is part of a complex of similar species involving Arrow-Leaved Aster (Symphyotrichum sagittifolium), Heart-leaved Aster (Symphyotrichum cordifolium), and White Arrowleaf Aster (Symphyotrichum urophyllum). There has been a history of taxonomic instability involving the interrelationships between these 4 species. Some of these species are considered varieties of each other by some taxonomists, or they have been merged with other species within this complex. Drummond's Aster can be distinguished from other species (or varieties) in this complex by the evenly distributed pubescence along its stems and by the evenly distributed pubescence on the lower sides of its leaves. The abundance and conspicuousness of this pubescence can vary across different populations of plants in Illinois. Drummond's Aster also differs from Heart-leaved Aster by its winged petioles; this is a trait that it shares with the remaining species of this complex. Relatively recently, all of these species have been assigned to the Symphyotrichum genus; Drummond's Aster was referred to previously as Aster drummondii. While the individual flowerheads are relatively small, the inflorescence of this aster is often quite large and showy during the autumn.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年05月23日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is up to 8" tall and unbranched, except at the base. Both fertile and infertile shoots occur; they form low mats of vegetation across the ground, although fertile shoots with flowers are taller. The succulent stems are terete, light green or pink, and glabrous or finely short-pubescent. The lower leaves of fertile shoots and all leaves of infertile shoots are up to ¾" long and ½" across. These leaves are light green, obovate to nearly orbicular in shape, smooth along their margins, and glabrous; they are whorled in groups of 3 along the stems. The upper leaves of fertile shoots are up to ½" long and ¼" across. These latter leaves are light green, rhombic-elliptic in shape, smooth along their margins, and glabrous; they are either alternate or whorled in groups of 3 along the stems. Both types of leaves are fleshy. The stems of fertile shoots terminate in cymes of flowers. Each flat-topped cyme has about 3 (less often 4) widely spreading branches of flowers; these branches are white to light green, terete, and finely short-pubescent. There are usually 10-25 flowers per cyme; these flowers are sessile, or nearly so.
At the base of each flower, there is a leafy bract that resembles the upper leaves of fertile shoots, except it is smaller in size. Each flower is about ½" across or a little more, consisting of 4 narrow white petals, 4 light green sepals, 8 stamens, and 4 erect to ascending white pistils (or carpels) in the center. The anthers of the stamens have a silvery appearance while they are immature, but they later become red or purple. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer, lasting about 1 month for a colony of plants. The flowers are slightly fragrant. Afterwards, each flower is replaced by 4 divergent follicles containing the seeds. These follicles are narrowly lanceoloid in shape and 4-5 mm. (a little less than ¼") in length. About 6-12 tiny seeds (individually about 1.0 mm. long & 0.5 mm. across) are contained in each follicle. At maturity, each follicle splits open along one side, releasing the seeds; they are small enough to be carried aloft by the wind. The root system is fibrous. When the sprawling stems establish contact with moist ground, they can form the rootlets of clonal plants at their nodes. Thus, reproduction is by seed or clonal offsets.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to light shade, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and a loamy or rocky soil with decaying leaf mould. The foliage is little-bothered by insects and disease. There should be some protection from prevailing winds and hot afternoon sun. This plant is somewhat resistant to drought because of its fleshy leaves and stems, which store water; this drought resistance is enhanced by its Crassula Acid Metabolism (CAM).
Range & Habitat: The native Wild Stonecrop occurs occasionally in widely scattered sites in southern, central, and NE Illinois; it is absent from the NW area of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include wooded ravines, partially shaded banks along rivers and streams, lightly shaded cliffs, and rocky wooded slopes. This plant is usually found on slopes where there is little ground vegetation. It is normally found in or near woodlands.
Faunal Associations: The flower nectar and pollen of stonecrops (Sedum spp.) attract various kinds of bees, including Andrena forbesii (Krombein et al., 1979). Less often, wasps and flies visit flowers of these plants. Insects that feed on the foliage of Wild Stonecrop (Sedum ternatum) include the Sedum Aphid (Aphis sedi) and the aphid Aphis acrita. The Eastern Chipmunk eats the roots of this plant (Wrazen & Svendsen, 1978).
Photographic Location: A partially shaded riverbank in Vermilion County, Illinois, and a rocky wooded slope at the Portland Arch Nature Preserve in west-central Indiana.
Comments: Both the flowers and the foliage are quite attractive; this native species should be grown in flower gardens more often. Wild Stonecrop is the only Sedum sp. that is native to central and northern Illinois; other Sedum spp. that have naturalized in this portion of the state have been introduced from abroad for horticultural purposes. In southern Illinois, there are 2 additional native Sedum spp. that are uncommon. Wild Stonecrop is fairly easy to distinguish from other Sedum spp., whether native or introduced, because it has nearly orbicular leaves in whorls of 3 and flowers with 4 white petals. Other Sedum spp. usually have more narrow leaves that are opposite or alternate, and their flowers often have 5 petals that are white, yellow, or pink. Another common name for Sedum ternatum is Three-leaved Stonecrop.
At the base of each flower, there is a leafy bract that resembles the upper leaves of fertile shoots, except it is smaller in size. Each flower is about ½" across or a little more, consisting of 4 narrow white petals, 4 light green sepals, 8 stamens, and 4 erect to ascending white pistils (or carpels) in the center. The anthers of the stamens have a silvery appearance while they are immature, but they later become red or purple. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer, lasting about 1 month for a colony of plants. The flowers are slightly fragrant. Afterwards, each flower is replaced by 4 divergent follicles containing the seeds. These follicles are narrowly lanceoloid in shape and 4-5 mm. (a little less than ¼") in length. About 6-12 tiny seeds (individually about 1.0 mm. long & 0.5 mm. across) are contained in each follicle. At maturity, each follicle splits open along one side, releasing the seeds; they are small enough to be carried aloft by the wind. The root system is fibrous. When the sprawling stems establish contact with moist ground, they can form the rootlets of clonal plants at their nodes. Thus, reproduction is by seed or clonal offsets.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to light shade, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and a loamy or rocky soil with decaying leaf mould. The foliage is little-bothered by insects and disease. There should be some protection from prevailing winds and hot afternoon sun. This plant is somewhat resistant to drought because of its fleshy leaves and stems, which store water; this drought resistance is enhanced by its Crassula Acid Metabolism (CAM).
Range & Habitat: The native Wild Stonecrop occurs occasionally in widely scattered sites in southern, central, and NE Illinois; it is absent from the NW area of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include wooded ravines, partially shaded banks along rivers and streams, lightly shaded cliffs, and rocky wooded slopes. This plant is usually found on slopes where there is little ground vegetation. It is normally found in or near woodlands.
Faunal Associations: The flower nectar and pollen of stonecrops (Sedum spp.) attract various kinds of bees, including Andrena forbesii (Krombein et al., 1979). Less often, wasps and flies visit flowers of these plants. Insects that feed on the foliage of Wild Stonecrop (Sedum ternatum) include the Sedum Aphid (Aphis sedi) and the aphid Aphis acrita. The Eastern Chipmunk eats the roots of this plant (Wrazen & Svendsen, 1978).
Photographic Location: A partially shaded riverbank in Vermilion County, Illinois, and a rocky wooded slope at the Portland Arch Nature Preserve in west-central Indiana.
Comments: Both the flowers and the foliage are quite attractive; this native species should be grown in flower gardens more often. Wild Stonecrop is the only Sedum sp. that is native to central and northern Illinois; other Sedum spp. that have naturalized in this portion of the state have been introduced from abroad for horticultural purposes. In southern Illinois, there are 2 additional native Sedum spp. that are uncommon. Wild Stonecrop is fairly easy to distinguish from other Sedum spp., whether native or introduced, because it has nearly orbicular leaves in whorls of 3 and flowers with 4 white petals. Other Sedum spp. usually have more narrow leaves that are opposite or alternate, and their flowers often have 5 petals that are white, yellow, or pink. Another common name for Sedum ternatum is Three-leaved Stonecrop.
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