文章
Miss Chen
2018年03月07日
Description: This perennial vine is up to 12' long and slightly woody. The young stems are angular or terete, slightly pubescent, and green or red. Older stems become hairless, brown, and woody, otherwise they resemble the young stems. Pairs of opposite leaves occur at intervals along the vine. These leaves are simple or compound; if the latter, they are odd pinnate. Simple leaves and leaflets are up to 3" long and 2" across. They are ovate or cordate-ovate in shape, smooth along their margins, and largely hairless; sometimes 1 or 2 lateral lobes are present. The major veins of each leaf are parallel, while the secondary veins criss-cross between them. These veins are often elevated and conspicuous on the lower surface. The petioles (basal stalks) of the leaves and petiolules (basal stalklets) of the leaflets are slender and slightly pubescent.
From the axils of the upper leaves, develops one or more flowers on long ascending pedicels; these flowers nod downward. Each flower is about ½-¾" long and bell-shaped. It consists of 4 thick leathery sepals and no petals; within the flower, there are several stamens and styles. The sepals are glabrous to slightly pubescent and light purple, except near their recurved tips, where they are light green or white. The blooming period occurs during the summer (usually mid-summer) and lasts about 1-2 months. Each flower is replaced by a cluster of flattened achenes with long beaks; these beaks are persistent styles. The tips of these styles are slightly hairy, becoming hairless with age. The achenes are light green or burgundy; clustered together, they have a spidery appearance. The achenes become brown or black with age. They are blown about by the wind to a limited extent.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and soil that is loamy or rocky. Full sun and drier conditions are also tolerated, but the leaves have a tendency to turn yellow during hot dry weather.
Range & Habitat: The native Pitcher's Leather Flower is occasional to common throughout Illinois, except for the upper two tiers of counties in NE and north-central areas of the state, where it is absent (see Distribution Map). This is one of the more common Clematis spp. in Illinois. Habitats include open woodlands, rocky bluffs, woodland borders, areas along woodland paths, powerline clearances through wooded areas, thickets, and fence rows. This species tolerates human-caused disturbance to some extent; it doesn't spread to new areas readily because of the large size of its achenes.
Faunal Associations: Bumblebees pollinate the flowers, where they suck nectar and collect pollen. Other insects feed destructively on the foliage, flowers, or stems of Pitcher's Leather Flower and other Clematis spp. These insects include flower-feeding thrips (Thrips varipes), the Clematis Flower Midge (Prodiplosis floricola), the Clematis Bud Gall Midge (Contarinia clematidis), larvae of a leaf-mining fly (Phytomyza loewii), caterpillars of the Brown Bark Carpet Moth (Horisme intestinata), caterpillars of the moths, Spotted Thyris (Thyris maculata) and Mournful Thyris (Thyris sepulchralis), and the Peach Leaf-roll Aphid (Myzus varians). These vines are summer hosts of this introduced aphid. The foliage is probably poisonous to mammalian herbivores. Pitcher's Leather Flower provides useful cover and nesting habitat for many songbirds in open wooded areas and other habitats where this vine occurs.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a powerline clearance in Busey Woods of Urbana, Illinois, and a roadside fence row in rural Champaign County, Illinois.
Comments: The Clematis spp. that are Leather Flowers have similar-appearing bell-shaped flowers that nod downward. Other Clematis spp., such as Clematis virginiana (Virgin's Bower), have showier flowers with spreading white sepals and conspicuous stamens and styles. However, both groups of Clematis spp. have clusters of flattened achenes with long beaks that are persistent styles. Pitcher's Leather Flower is somewhat variable in appearance, especially in the western part of its range. There are significant variations in the size of its leaves or leaflets, the thickness of its leaves or leaflets, the elevation of the veins on the undersides of its leaves or leaflets, the size of its flowers (larger in areas west of Illinois), the color of its flowers, and the hairiness of its achenes. Pitcher's Leather Flower has a similar appearance to Clematis viorna (Leather Flower). However, the persistent styles of Pitcher's Leather Flower are glabrous to short-hairy toward their tips, while the persistent styles of Leather Flower have abundant plumose hairs. Sometimes the leaf undersides of Pitcher's Leather Flower have conspicuous elevated veins, while the leaf undersides of Leather Flower are more smooth. However, this distinction is not always reliable. Leather Flower is an uncommon species that occurs in only a few counties in southern Illinois. It is more common outside of the state in areas that are further to the east and south.
From the axils of the upper leaves, develops one or more flowers on long ascending pedicels; these flowers nod downward. Each flower is about ½-¾" long and bell-shaped. It consists of 4 thick leathery sepals and no petals; within the flower, there are several stamens and styles. The sepals are glabrous to slightly pubescent and light purple, except near their recurved tips, where they are light green or white. The blooming period occurs during the summer (usually mid-summer) and lasts about 1-2 months. Each flower is replaced by a cluster of flattened achenes with long beaks; these beaks are persistent styles. The tips of these styles are slightly hairy, becoming hairless with age. The achenes are light green or burgundy; clustered together, they have a spidery appearance. The achenes become brown or black with age. They are blown about by the wind to a limited extent.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and soil that is loamy or rocky. Full sun and drier conditions are also tolerated, but the leaves have a tendency to turn yellow during hot dry weather.
Range & Habitat: The native Pitcher's Leather Flower is occasional to common throughout Illinois, except for the upper two tiers of counties in NE and north-central areas of the state, where it is absent (see Distribution Map). This is one of the more common Clematis spp. in Illinois. Habitats include open woodlands, rocky bluffs, woodland borders, areas along woodland paths, powerline clearances through wooded areas, thickets, and fence rows. This species tolerates human-caused disturbance to some extent; it doesn't spread to new areas readily because of the large size of its achenes.
Faunal Associations: Bumblebees pollinate the flowers, where they suck nectar and collect pollen. Other insects feed destructively on the foliage, flowers, or stems of Pitcher's Leather Flower and other Clematis spp. These insects include flower-feeding thrips (Thrips varipes), the Clematis Flower Midge (Prodiplosis floricola), the Clematis Bud Gall Midge (Contarinia clematidis), larvae of a leaf-mining fly (Phytomyza loewii), caterpillars of the Brown Bark Carpet Moth (Horisme intestinata), caterpillars of the moths, Spotted Thyris (Thyris maculata) and Mournful Thyris (Thyris sepulchralis), and the Peach Leaf-roll Aphid (Myzus varians). These vines are summer hosts of this introduced aphid. The foliage is probably poisonous to mammalian herbivores. Pitcher's Leather Flower provides useful cover and nesting habitat for many songbirds in open wooded areas and other habitats where this vine occurs.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a powerline clearance in Busey Woods of Urbana, Illinois, and a roadside fence row in rural Champaign County, Illinois.
Comments: The Clematis spp. that are Leather Flowers have similar-appearing bell-shaped flowers that nod downward. Other Clematis spp., such as Clematis virginiana (Virgin's Bower), have showier flowers with spreading white sepals and conspicuous stamens and styles. However, both groups of Clematis spp. have clusters of flattened achenes with long beaks that are persistent styles. Pitcher's Leather Flower is somewhat variable in appearance, especially in the western part of its range. There are significant variations in the size of its leaves or leaflets, the thickness of its leaves or leaflets, the elevation of the veins on the undersides of its leaves or leaflets, the size of its flowers (larger in areas west of Illinois), the color of its flowers, and the hairiness of its achenes. Pitcher's Leather Flower has a similar appearance to Clematis viorna (Leather Flower). However, the persistent styles of Pitcher's Leather Flower are glabrous to short-hairy toward their tips, while the persistent styles of Leather Flower have abundant plumose hairs. Sometimes the leaf undersides of Pitcher's Leather Flower have conspicuous elevated veins, while the leaf undersides of Leather Flower are more smooth. However, this distinction is not always reliable. Leather Flower is an uncommon species that occurs in only a few counties in southern Illinois. It is more common outside of the state in areas that are further to the east and south.
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September是柚子绿茶味儿的
2018年03月03日
阿九春播日记：2018.3.3洋桔梗播种，种类：惊艳系列：绿/茶/深茶，百变系列：新香槟，露西塔：紫；育苗环境：半露养，12孔育苗盘，发发得育苗土，8～9小时日照
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小馒头331：等更新
小馒头331：我也播了，没发芽，请问小洋播种有诀窍吗？
文章
Miss Chen
2018年02月25日
Description: This annual plant is unbranched. It is usually 4-12" tall, and rarely becomes taller. The central stem is light green and deeply grooved, with lines of small white hairs along the ridges. The alternate leaves are also light green, and strongly clasp the stem. However, at the top of the stem are a pair of opposite leaves. These leaves are up to 1" long and nearly as wide. They are broadly cordate, with wavy or dentate margins that are slightly ciliate. Along the margins, the leaves may assume a purplish color in bright sunlight. There is a milky sap in both the stem and leaves. From each leaf axil in the upper half of the plant, are 1-3 flowers, although only one of these will be in bloom at the same time. Each flower is deep violet or purple and about ½" across. It has a short tubular corolla with 5 spreading lobes. There are darker lines of purple that converge toward the throat of the flower. The throat is whiter than the rest of the flower, from which emerges a prominent white pistil and several stamens.
The blooming period occurs during the early summer and lasts about a month. There is no floral fragrance. This plant also produces self-pollinating flowers on the lower half of the stem, whose petals never open. The ovaries develop into small oval capsules, which split open into 3 parts to about the middle. This releases the numerous tiny seeds, which are lens-shaped and reddish brown. They are dispersed readily by the wind, and can be carried a considerable distance. The root system consists of a taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is full sunlight, and mesic to slightly dry soil. This plant flourishes best in poor soil that is either gravelly or sandy. It doesn't tolerate much competition from taller plants. Foliar disease is not a significant problem during the period of active growth and blooming, after which this plant will fade away.
Range & Habitat: The native Venus' Looking Glass is fairly common in the southern half of Illinois, but uncommon or absent in many areas of the northern half (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to slightly dry sand prairies, gravel prairies, upland areas of black soil prairies, sandy savannas, lake borders, abandoned fields, and areas along railroads and roadsides, especially where it is gravelly or sandy. The habitats where this plant occurs have sparser and lower vegetation than many other areas as a result of poor soil or disturbance.
Faunal Associations: Small bees are the most common visitors of the flowers. This includes Little Carpenter bees, Plasterer bees, Green Metallic bees, and other Halictine bees. The Plasterer bee Colletes brevicornis is an oligolege of Venus' Looking Glass. Other insect visitors include bumblebees, flies, small butterflies, and skippers. The seeds are too small to be of any interest to birds. Mammalian herbivores may consume this plant, although it is of minor importance as a food source.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken in a waste area along a gravel road near Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: When it is sunny, the flowers open up during the morning, and remain open for the rest of the day. They are attractive, but rather small. The common name of this plant probably refers to the shiny seeds of a related European species. The seeds of Venus' Looking Glass are too tiny to appear shiny to the unaided human eye. In form and color, the flowers of this plant resemble the flowers of Campanula americana (Tall Bellflower), but the former are much smaller. An older scientific name for this plant is Specularia perfoliata.
The blooming period occurs during the early summer and lasts about a month. There is no floral fragrance. This plant also produces self-pollinating flowers on the lower half of the stem, whose petals never open. The ovaries develop into small oval capsules, which split open into 3 parts to about the middle. This releases the numerous tiny seeds, which are lens-shaped and reddish brown. They are dispersed readily by the wind, and can be carried a considerable distance. The root system consists of a taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is full sunlight, and mesic to slightly dry soil. This plant flourishes best in poor soil that is either gravelly or sandy. It doesn't tolerate much competition from taller plants. Foliar disease is not a significant problem during the period of active growth and blooming, after which this plant will fade away.
Range & Habitat: The native Venus' Looking Glass is fairly common in the southern half of Illinois, but uncommon or absent in many areas of the northern half (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to slightly dry sand prairies, gravel prairies, upland areas of black soil prairies, sandy savannas, lake borders, abandoned fields, and areas along railroads and roadsides, especially where it is gravelly or sandy. The habitats where this plant occurs have sparser and lower vegetation than many other areas as a result of poor soil or disturbance.
Faunal Associations: Small bees are the most common visitors of the flowers. This includes Little Carpenter bees, Plasterer bees, Green Metallic bees, and other Halictine bees. The Plasterer bee Colletes brevicornis is an oligolege of Venus' Looking Glass. Other insect visitors include bumblebees, flies, small butterflies, and skippers. The seeds are too small to be of any interest to birds. Mammalian herbivores may consume this plant, although it is of minor importance as a food source.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken in a waste area along a gravel road near Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: When it is sunny, the flowers open up during the morning, and remain open for the rest of the day. They are attractive, but rather small. The common name of this plant probably refers to the shiny seeds of a related European species. The seeds of Venus' Looking Glass are too tiny to appear shiny to the unaided human eye. In form and color, the flowers of this plant resemble the flowers of Campanula americana (Tall Bellflower), but the former are much smaller. An older scientific name for this plant is Specularia perfoliata.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年02月25日
Description: This perennial wildflower is ½-1½' tall. The erect central stem is light to medium green, terete, glabrous, and usually unbranched. Sheathed leaves with long floppy blades alternate along this stem. The leaf blades are 4-12" long and up to ¾" across; they are medium green, linear-lanceolate, parallel-veined, and mostly glabrous, except for occasional hairs where the blades emerge from the sheaths. The sheaths are glabrous with parallel veins; sometimes they have purple veins.
Flowering Plant
The central stem terminates in an umbel-like cyme of flowers and a pair of large leafy bracts. These bracts have the same characteristics as the alternate leaves, and they are similar in size. The slender pedicels of the flowers are about ½-1" in length; they are light green to purple, glandular-hairy, and rather floppy. Individual flowers are 1-1¼" across, consisting of 3 blue-violet or rose petals, 3 light green sepals with glandular-hairy exteriors, 6 stamens with hairy filaments and yellow anthers, and a pistil. The sepals are lanceolate-ovate, while the petals are ovate-oval; the petals are a little longer than the sepals. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer and lasts about 1½ months. Usually, only 1-2 flowers are in bloom at the same time. The flowers are usually open only in the morning, except on cloudy days, when they may remain open a little longer. Each flower lasts only a single day and there is no noticeable fragrance. The flowers are replaced by seed capsules about ¼" long that are 3-celled; they are oblongoid-ovoid or oblongoid-obovoid in shape. Eventually, each seed capsule splits open into 3 parts, releasing 2-6 seeds. The seeds are about 2-3 mm. in length, tan or gray, broadly oblongoid, and somewhat flattened; each seed has a heavily ridged outer margin and it is indented along one side with a point in the middle. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. This wildflower often spreads vegetatively by means of its rhizomes, forming colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry-mesic conditions, and sandy soil, although it readily adapts to other kinds of soil. On fertile ground, competition from taller plants is poorly tolerated.
Range & Habitat: The native Prairie Spiderwort is an uncommon plant that is found primarily in west-central Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is state-listed as 'threatened.' It is more common in areas further to the west. Habitats include upland sand prairies, hill prairies, barren areas along railroads, and roadside embankments. This wildflower can be found in both disturbed and high quality natural areas, especially where it is sandy.
Faunal Associations: The flowers offer only pollen as a reward to insect visitors. These floral visitors include honeybees, bumblebees, Halictid bees, and Syrphid flies. However, most Syrphid flies are too small to be effective at cross-pollination. The foliage, and sometimes the flowers, of Tradescantia spp. are eaten by such leaf beetles as Lema collaris, Lema longipennis, Oulema cornuta, and Oulema elongata. In sandy habitats, Spharagemon collare (Mottled Sand Grasshopper) also feeds on Prairie Spiderwort. The non-toxic foliage is readily eaten by rabbits and other mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Other common names of Tradescantia bracteata are Long-Bracted Spiderwort and Sticky Spiderwort. Prairie Spiderwort can be distinguished from other Tradescantia spp. in Illinois by its diminutive size (1½' tall or less) and the glandular hairs on its sepals and pedicels. The most similar species in Illinois is Virginia Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiensis). Virginia Spiderwort is slightly taller 1-2½' than Prairie Spiderwort, and the hairs on its sepals and pedicels are glandless. Another species in this genus, Ohio Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis), lacks hair on its sepals and pedicels, its foliage is more blue-gray, and it is significantly taller (2-3' tall).
Flowering Plant
The central stem terminates in an umbel-like cyme of flowers and a pair of large leafy bracts. These bracts have the same characteristics as the alternate leaves, and they are similar in size. The slender pedicels of the flowers are about ½-1" in length; they are light green to purple, glandular-hairy, and rather floppy. Individual flowers are 1-1¼" across, consisting of 3 blue-violet or rose petals, 3 light green sepals with glandular-hairy exteriors, 6 stamens with hairy filaments and yellow anthers, and a pistil. The sepals are lanceolate-ovate, while the petals are ovate-oval; the petals are a little longer than the sepals. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer and lasts about 1½ months. Usually, only 1-2 flowers are in bloom at the same time. The flowers are usually open only in the morning, except on cloudy days, when they may remain open a little longer. Each flower lasts only a single day and there is no noticeable fragrance. The flowers are replaced by seed capsules about ¼" long that are 3-celled; they are oblongoid-ovoid or oblongoid-obovoid in shape. Eventually, each seed capsule splits open into 3 parts, releasing 2-6 seeds. The seeds are about 2-3 mm. in length, tan or gray, broadly oblongoid, and somewhat flattened; each seed has a heavily ridged outer margin and it is indented along one side with a point in the middle. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. This wildflower often spreads vegetatively by means of its rhizomes, forming colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry-mesic conditions, and sandy soil, although it readily adapts to other kinds of soil. On fertile ground, competition from taller plants is poorly tolerated.
Range & Habitat: The native Prairie Spiderwort is an uncommon plant that is found primarily in west-central Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is state-listed as 'threatened.' It is more common in areas further to the west. Habitats include upland sand prairies, hill prairies, barren areas along railroads, and roadside embankments. This wildflower can be found in both disturbed and high quality natural areas, especially where it is sandy.
Faunal Associations: The flowers offer only pollen as a reward to insect visitors. These floral visitors include honeybees, bumblebees, Halictid bees, and Syrphid flies. However, most Syrphid flies are too small to be effective at cross-pollination. The foliage, and sometimes the flowers, of Tradescantia spp. are eaten by such leaf beetles as Lema collaris, Lema longipennis, Oulema cornuta, and Oulema elongata. In sandy habitats, Spharagemon collare (Mottled Sand Grasshopper) also feeds on Prairie Spiderwort. The non-toxic foliage is readily eaten by rabbits and other mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Other common names of Tradescantia bracteata are Long-Bracted Spiderwort and Sticky Spiderwort. Prairie Spiderwort can be distinguished from other Tradescantia spp. in Illinois by its diminutive size (1½' tall or less) and the glandular hairs on its sepals and pedicels. The most similar species in Illinois is Virginia Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiensis). Virginia Spiderwort is slightly taller 1-2½' than Prairie Spiderwort, and the hairs on its sepals and pedicels are glandless. Another species in this genus, Ohio Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis), lacks hair on its sepals and pedicels, its foliage is more blue-gray, and it is significantly taller (2-3' tall).
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年02月24日
Description: This is a perennial plant that branches sparingly, and it is up to 3½' tall. The alternate leaves are bipinnately or ternately compound, and tend to be aggregated toward the base of the plant. The basal leaves are up to 12" long and 6" across, while smaller leaves are sparsely distributed along the middle and upper portions of the stems. Sometimes there are minute stiff hairs at the base of the petioles where the compound leaves meet the stem. The leaflets have large blunt teeth, and often occur in pairs or triplets, with the terminal leaflets achieving the largest size. Each leaflet is up to 1" long and ½" across, lanceolate or ovate, and has wedge-shaped lower margins. The overall appearance of the leaves resembles Italian Parsley.
Flowering Plant in Prairie
Rounded compound umbels of light yellow flowers occur at the ends of the central stem and major side stems. Each umbel is about 3" across, and is composed of 12-20 umbellets. Each umbellet consists of a similar number of tiny flowers, each one with 5 petals. There is no noticeable floral scent. The blooming period occurs during the late spring or early summer, and lasts about a month. The root system consists of a central taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun and mesic conditions. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, sand, or rocky material. Light shade is tolerated, but growth will be less robust and flowering less abundant. Hairy-Jointed Meadow Parsnip develops rapidly during the spring, and is usually taller than the surrounding plants when the blooming period begins. After flowering, the condition of the plant rapidly deteriorates.
Range & Habitat: This native plant occurs occasionally in scattered counties of Illinois. Its distribution is oddly bifurcated, consisting primarily of counties in east-central and west-central Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic black soil prairies, openings in forests and woodland borders, sandy savannas, rocky bluffs, and the borders of lakes. This plant occurs in prairies to a greater extent than has been realized in the past.
Faunal Associations: Many kinds of insects are attracted to the flowers, especially short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, and beetles. The caterpillars of the butterfly Papilio polyxenes asterias (Black Swallowtail) feed on the foliage and flowers. This plant is not known to be toxic, and is probably consumed occasionally by various mammalian herbivores, although information about this is limited.
Photographic Location: The photographs of the flowering plant and compound leaf were taken at Loda Cemetery Prairie in Iroquois County, Illinois. The photograph of the umbels and upper leaves was taken at a woodland in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: This native member of the Carrot family should be grown more often in wildflower gardens. Sometimes it is called 'Hairy Meadow Parnsip,' but conspicuous hairs occur only at the base of the petioles of compound leaves, and these are not easy to see unless you know where to look. This plant resembles the weedy and aggressive Pastinaca sativa (Wild Parsnip), but the latter has flat compound umbels of yellow flowers, while Hairy-Jointed Meadow Parsnip has compound umbels of pale yellow flowers that are more rounded. There are also significant differences in the structure of the compound leaves between these two species.
Flowering Plant in Prairie
Rounded compound umbels of light yellow flowers occur at the ends of the central stem and major side stems. Each umbel is about 3" across, and is composed of 12-20 umbellets. Each umbellet consists of a similar number of tiny flowers, each one with 5 petals. There is no noticeable floral scent. The blooming period occurs during the late spring or early summer, and lasts about a month. The root system consists of a central taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun and mesic conditions. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, sand, or rocky material. Light shade is tolerated, but growth will be less robust and flowering less abundant. Hairy-Jointed Meadow Parsnip develops rapidly during the spring, and is usually taller than the surrounding plants when the blooming period begins. After flowering, the condition of the plant rapidly deteriorates.
Range & Habitat: This native plant occurs occasionally in scattered counties of Illinois. Its distribution is oddly bifurcated, consisting primarily of counties in east-central and west-central Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic black soil prairies, openings in forests and woodland borders, sandy savannas, rocky bluffs, and the borders of lakes. This plant occurs in prairies to a greater extent than has been realized in the past.
Faunal Associations: Many kinds of insects are attracted to the flowers, especially short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, and beetles. The caterpillars of the butterfly Papilio polyxenes asterias (Black Swallowtail) feed on the foliage and flowers. This plant is not known to be toxic, and is probably consumed occasionally by various mammalian herbivores, although information about this is limited.
Photographic Location: The photographs of the flowering plant and compound leaf were taken at Loda Cemetery Prairie in Iroquois County, Illinois. The photograph of the umbels and upper leaves was taken at a woodland in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: This native member of the Carrot family should be grown more often in wildflower gardens. Sometimes it is called 'Hairy Meadow Parnsip,' but conspicuous hairs occur only at the base of the petioles of compound leaves, and these are not easy to see unless you know where to look. This plant resembles the weedy and aggressive Pastinaca sativa (Wild Parsnip), but the latter has flat compound umbels of yellow flowers, while Hairy-Jointed Meadow Parsnip has compound umbels of pale yellow flowers that are more rounded. There are also significant differences in the structure of the compound leaves between these two species.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年02月24日
Description: This perennial wildflower consists of a rosette, or clustered rosettes, of basal leaves from which one or more flowering stalks develop. The ascending to spreading basal leaves are 1-6" long and 1/8–1/2" (3-12 mm.) across; they areColonies of Flowering Plants dark green, linear-oblanceolate in shape, smooth along their margins, and mostly hairless. The leaves of plants that are under stress from drought may become grayish green. Individual flowerheads develop at the apex of unbranched stalks that are 4-12" high; these flowering stalks are more or less erect. The stalks are rather stout and more or less finely pubescent. Individual flowerheads span 1-1¾" across, consisting of 10-30 ray florets that surround a dense cluster of 50 or more disk florets. The petal-like rays of the ray florets are ¼–¾" long, bright yellow, oblong in shape, and divided into 3 blunt teeth at their tips. The tiny disk florets are golden yellow, tubular in shape, and lobed along their upper rims. Both ray and disk florets are fertile. Around the base of each flowerhead, there are green floral bracts (phyllaries) in 2-3 series. Individual floral bracts are about ¼" in length, finely pubescent, and oblong-ovate with rounded tips. The blooming period usually occurs from late spring to early summer. A colony of plants may bloom for about a month. The florets are replaced by small achenes that are angular and finely pubescent; they become mature during the summer. At the apex of each achene, there is a tiny crown of 5 or more chaffy scales that are lanceolate in shape. The achenes are distributed by gravity and wind, although they usually don't travel far from the mother plant. The root system consists of a short stout caudex that eventually branches, forming a cluster of plants from vegetative offsets.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, well-drained mesic to dry conditions, and a gritty alkaline soil containing gravel or rocky material. This wildflower can be cultivated in rock gardens. The seeds require no winter dormancy and should be sowed during the same year that they are produced.
Range & Habitat: Lakeside Daisy is a rare native wildflower in Illinois, having been found in only Tazewell and Will counties (see Distribution Map). It is state-listed as 'endangered' and federally listed as 'threatened.' At one time, this wildflower was extirpated from the wild in Illinois, although it still existed in private gardens in the Chicago area. More recently, it has been successfully reintroduced in various natural areas of the state. The largest population in the United States exists in Marblehead Peninsula along Lake Erie in Ohio. Habitats consist of dry dolomite prairies and gravel prairies, gravelly hill prairies, sand-gravel terraces along major rivers, ledges along cliffs, and limestone quarries. This wildflower is found in rocky areas with sparse vegetation and can tolerate minor amounts of disturbance.
Faunal Associations: Both nectar and pollen are available from the flowerheads, which attract bees, flies, beetles, butterflies, and skippers. Floral bee visitors include bumblebees, small carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), and Halictid bees. Cross-pollination is required because individual plants are genetically self-incompatible. Insects that feed on the Lakeside Daisy include grasshoppers and the larvae of an unidentified weevil; the latter feeds on the seeds. The flowering stalks are eaten occasionally by the White-Tailed Deer and Cottontail Rabbit. In the Western states, related species in the Hymenoxys/Tetraneuris complex are known to have toxic leaves that can poison cattle and sheep, however the toxicity of the more eastern Lakeside Daisy has not been determined.
Photographic Location: A botanical garden in the Chicago area. The photographs of the Lakeside Daisy were taken by Jim Ault (Copyright © 2010).
Comments: The Lakeside Daisy is an attractive plant. This wildflower is rare because of its restrictive habitat requirements and the limited distribution of its seeds. Lakeside Daisy is one of several spring-blooming species in the Aster family that have yellow flowerheads and rosettes of basal leaves. It can be distinguished from these other species by its narrow dark green leaves, unbranched flowering stalks, three-toothed rays, and achenes with tiny crowns of scales (rather than a tufts of hairs). Other closely related species exist in the Western states. The Lakeside Daisy is sometimes classified as var. glabra of the western Hymenoxys acaulis. However, this latter species differs by having fewer ray florets (less than 15), floral bracts (phyllaries) with awned pointed tips, and basal leaves that are gray-green with silky hairs.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, well-drained mesic to dry conditions, and a gritty alkaline soil containing gravel or rocky material. This wildflower can be cultivated in rock gardens. The seeds require no winter dormancy and should be sowed during the same year that they are produced.
Range & Habitat: Lakeside Daisy is a rare native wildflower in Illinois, having been found in only Tazewell and Will counties (see Distribution Map). It is state-listed as 'endangered' and federally listed as 'threatened.' At one time, this wildflower was extirpated from the wild in Illinois, although it still existed in private gardens in the Chicago area. More recently, it has been successfully reintroduced in various natural areas of the state. The largest population in the United States exists in Marblehead Peninsula along Lake Erie in Ohio. Habitats consist of dry dolomite prairies and gravel prairies, gravelly hill prairies, sand-gravel terraces along major rivers, ledges along cliffs, and limestone quarries. This wildflower is found in rocky areas with sparse vegetation and can tolerate minor amounts of disturbance.
Faunal Associations: Both nectar and pollen are available from the flowerheads, which attract bees, flies, beetles, butterflies, and skippers. Floral bee visitors include bumblebees, small carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), and Halictid bees. Cross-pollination is required because individual plants are genetically self-incompatible. Insects that feed on the Lakeside Daisy include grasshoppers and the larvae of an unidentified weevil; the latter feeds on the seeds. The flowering stalks are eaten occasionally by the White-Tailed Deer and Cottontail Rabbit. In the Western states, related species in the Hymenoxys/Tetraneuris complex are known to have toxic leaves that can poison cattle and sheep, however the toxicity of the more eastern Lakeside Daisy has not been determined.
Photographic Location: A botanical garden in the Chicago area. The photographs of the Lakeside Daisy were taken by Jim Ault (Copyright © 2010).
Comments: The Lakeside Daisy is an attractive plant. This wildflower is rare because of its restrictive habitat requirements and the limited distribution of its seeds. Lakeside Daisy is one of several spring-blooming species in the Aster family that have yellow flowerheads and rosettes of basal leaves. It can be distinguished from these other species by its narrow dark green leaves, unbranched flowering stalks, three-toothed rays, and achenes with tiny crowns of scales (rather than a tufts of hairs). Other closely related species exist in the Western states. The Lakeside Daisy is sometimes classified as var. glabra of the western Hymenoxys acaulis. However, this latter species differs by having fewer ray florets (less than 15), floral bracts (phyllaries) with awned pointed tips, and basal leaves that are gray-green with silky hairs.
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Miss Chen
2018年02月21日
Description: This perennial plant is usually 4-12" tall and unbranched. There is a rosette of 2-6 strap-like basal leaves that are individually about 3-8" long and 1/3" (8 mm.) across. They are linear to linear-oblanceolate with smooth margins, and usually wither away before the flowers bloom. On robust specimens, there may be 1 or 2 small leaves on the lower flowering stalk. The flowering stalk is up to 1' tall, with 6-12 flowers occurring on the upper half. These flowers are arranged on the stalk as intertwined double spirals – as a result, the individual spirals are not readily discernible. The flowering stalk is light green and covered more or less with white glandular hairs. At the base of each flower, there is a conspicuous green bract that is curved and narrowly ovate. Each flower is about 1/3" (8 mm.) long, consisting of 3Flowering Stalk white sepals and 3 white petals. The upper sepal and upper two petals are fused together and form a curved hood that curls upward at its tip, forming a small upper lip with 3 lobes. The lower petal has a prominent lip that hangs downward and has a crystalline appearance, while the lateral sepals are linear and non-spreading. Together, these sepals and petals form a tubular-shaped flower that nods downward. The blooming period can occur from late summer until the fall, and lasts about a month. There is usually a mild floral scent. Some plants may form cleistogamous flowers. Fertilized flowers are replaced by pods containing the tiny seeds, which are easily carried aloft by the wind. These pods may be capable of photosynthesis while they are green. The root system consists of a cluster of fleshy roots at the base of the plant that are finger-like in shape, and occasional rhizomes may be produced. This orchid can reproduce from the seeds of the flowers, or it may form offsets from rhizomes. Normal growth and development won't occur unless the root system forms an endomycorrhizal association with the appropriate species of fungus.
Cultivation: For most ecotypes of this orchid, the preference is full or partial sun and moist sandy soil. Some ecotypes appear to flourish in thin rocky soil that is rather dry. Taller, more aggressive plants can out-compete this orchid for the available light, so it prefers rather open ground vegetation. Starting plants from seed is quite difficult; on the other hand, this orchid is easier to transplant than most others. Cultivars of this orchid species are available from the mass horticultural market, while local ecotypes are next to impossible to obtain.
Range & Habitat: Nodding Ladies' Tresses occurs occasionally throughout Illinois, where it is native; for an orchid species, it is fairly common (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist sand prairies, sandy savannas, areas adjacent to paths in sandy woodlands, shrubby bogs, sandy pannes near lakes, gravelly seeps, limestone glades, bluffs, sandy pits, ditches, and abandoned fields. This orchid typically occurs in somewhat disturbed areas of high quality habitats, and appears to respond positively to occasional wildfires. Individual plants are usually scattered about, rather than forming dense colonies.
Faunal Associations: Both long-tongued and short-tongued bees occasionally visit the flowers for nectar. The seeds are too small to be of any interest to birds. The foliage can be eaten by various mammalian herbivores, including rabbits, groundhogs, and deer, while the fleshy roots are probably eaten by pocket gophers when individual plants stray into drier areas.
Photographic Location: The photographed plant was growing in a sandy swale at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in NW Indiana.
Comments: While rather small-sized, the bright white spike of flowers provides a striking contrast with the background vegetation and is fairly easy to spot. The individual flowers are attractive, particularly when they are viewed close-up; in particular, the lower lip has an intricate crystalline pattern that can vary significantly from flower to flower. Unlike the Ladies' Tresses orchids that form a single spiral of flowers, such as Spiranthes lacera (Slender Ladies' Tresses), the Nodding Ladies' Tresses falls into the group of Spiranthes spp. with double intertwined spirals that are difficult to discern because of the density of flowers on the spike. The Spiranthes spp. in this group are distinguished from each other primarily by considering the variation in the structure of their flowers and the shape of their leaves. Nodding Ladies' Tresses can be distinguished from these other species by the downward curve of its tubular flowers, providing them with a 'nodding' appearance.
Cultivation: For most ecotypes of this orchid, the preference is full or partial sun and moist sandy soil. Some ecotypes appear to flourish in thin rocky soil that is rather dry. Taller, more aggressive plants can out-compete this orchid for the available light, so it prefers rather open ground vegetation. Starting plants from seed is quite difficult; on the other hand, this orchid is easier to transplant than most others. Cultivars of this orchid species are available from the mass horticultural market, while local ecotypes are next to impossible to obtain.
Range & Habitat: Nodding Ladies' Tresses occurs occasionally throughout Illinois, where it is native; for an orchid species, it is fairly common (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist sand prairies, sandy savannas, areas adjacent to paths in sandy woodlands, shrubby bogs, sandy pannes near lakes, gravelly seeps, limestone glades, bluffs, sandy pits, ditches, and abandoned fields. This orchid typically occurs in somewhat disturbed areas of high quality habitats, and appears to respond positively to occasional wildfires. Individual plants are usually scattered about, rather than forming dense colonies.
Faunal Associations: Both long-tongued and short-tongued bees occasionally visit the flowers for nectar. The seeds are too small to be of any interest to birds. The foliage can be eaten by various mammalian herbivores, including rabbits, groundhogs, and deer, while the fleshy roots are probably eaten by pocket gophers when individual plants stray into drier areas.
Photographic Location: The photographed plant was growing in a sandy swale at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in NW Indiana.
Comments: While rather small-sized, the bright white spike of flowers provides a striking contrast with the background vegetation and is fairly easy to spot. The individual flowers are attractive, particularly when they are viewed close-up; in particular, the lower lip has an intricate crystalline pattern that can vary significantly from flower to flower. Unlike the Ladies' Tresses orchids that form a single spiral of flowers, such as Spiranthes lacera (Slender Ladies' Tresses), the Nodding Ladies' Tresses falls into the group of Spiranthes spp. with double intertwined spirals that are difficult to discern because of the density of flowers on the spike. The Spiranthes spp. in this group are distinguished from each other primarily by considering the variation in the structure of their flowers and the shape of their leaves. Nodding Ladies' Tresses can be distinguished from these other species by the downward curve of its tubular flowers, providing them with a 'nodding' appearance.
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Miss Chen
2018年02月13日
Description: This plant has a vase-like rosette of large basal leaves that are spade-shaped (cordate). Each leaf has a thick sandpapery texture, particularly on the underside, and is up to 18" long and 12" wide. On young leaves, the upper surface is relatively hairless and shiny, while older leaves become dull and rough. The lower surface is light green and pubescent. The leaf margins are coarsely serrated or dentate. The petioles are about 6" long, rather narrow and wiry, and light green or brown. The overall appearance is similar to a rhubarb plant, except the petioles are more slender. A naked flowering stalk emerges from the base of the plant, ranging in height from 3' to 10' in height. This stalk is green or red, and largely hairless. The upper part of the stalk divides gracefully into a panicle of yellow composite flowers and spherical green buds. Each compound flower is about 2-3" across, and consists of 15-30 ray florets with rather pointed tips surrounding numerous disk florets. There is no noticeable floral scent. The blooming period usually occurs from late summer to early fall, and lasts about a month for an individual plant. Prairie Dock usually blooms later than other Silphium spp. It has a stout taproot that can penetrate the soil to about 12' deep, and may form offsets only a short distance away from the mother plant. The rather light, flattened achenes can be carried several feet by the wind; they are without tufts of hair.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, a deep loamy soil, and moist to slightly dry conditions. Rocky or gravelly soil is tolerated. Drought tolerance is very good. Prairie Dock is rather slow to develop, but very reliable and nearly indestructible when mature. Patches of brown may develop when the leaves are damaged by drought, windstorms, or passing animals. It is a long-lived plant.
Range & Habitat: The native Prairie Dock occurs in most of Illinois, except for a few counties in the south and NW (see Distribution Map). It is a common plant. Habitats include moist to dry black soil prairies, gravel prairies, shrub prairies, hill prairies, savannas, seeps, limestone glades, and prairie remnants along roadsides and railroads. The exceptional height of the flowering stalk is probably useful in keeping the flowers above the taller grasses, such as Andropogon gerardii (Big Bluestem). Recovery from occasional wildfires is very good.
Panicles of Flowerheads
Faunal Associations: The composite flowers attract long-tongued bees primarily, including honeybees, bumblebees, and Miner bees. Other flower visitors include Halictine bees, bee flies, and the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. The grubs of Okanagana balli (Prairie Cicada) feed on the large taproot; this is an uncommon prairie insect that emerges during mid-summer. Both the larvae and adults of the Silphium Beetle (Rynchites sp.) feed on the flowerheads and stems of this and other Silphium spp. The larvae of Antistrophus rufus and Antistrophus minor (Gall Wasp spp.) feed on the flowering stem of Prairie Dock, forming invisible galls. The larvae of these species attract the hyperparasitic wasp Eurytoma lutea, whose larvae feed on these gall-formers. The larvae of Mordellistena aethiops (Tumbling Flower Beetle sp.) also feed within the stem, while the adults may feed on the flowerheads. The oligolectic Iowana frisoni (Aphid sp.) sucks juices from the flowering stem. Goldfinches eat the seeds, and may help to disperse them. Large mammalian herbivores, such as cattle and the American Bison, readily eat the foliage and stems of Prairie Dock; however, the coarse sandpapery leaves of mature plants are not attractive to the Cottontail Rabbit, which prefers vegetation that is shorter and more tender.
Photographic Location: The photograph of the flowerhead close-up was taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, the photograph of the panicles of flowerheads was taken along a railroad in Champaign, while the photograph of the basal leaves was taken at Dave Monk's postage stamp prairie in the latter city. Both Urbana and Champaign are in Illinois.
Comments: This is a typical plant of mesic black soil prairies that competes successfully with tall prairie grasses. It has an impressive and unusual appearance, like something out of the Stone Age when Columbian mastodons and other megafauna inhabited the prairies of North America.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, a deep loamy soil, and moist to slightly dry conditions. Rocky or gravelly soil is tolerated. Drought tolerance is very good. Prairie Dock is rather slow to develop, but very reliable and nearly indestructible when mature. Patches of brown may develop when the leaves are damaged by drought, windstorms, or passing animals. It is a long-lived plant.
Range & Habitat: The native Prairie Dock occurs in most of Illinois, except for a few counties in the south and NW (see Distribution Map). It is a common plant. Habitats include moist to dry black soil prairies, gravel prairies, shrub prairies, hill prairies, savannas, seeps, limestone glades, and prairie remnants along roadsides and railroads. The exceptional height of the flowering stalk is probably useful in keeping the flowers above the taller grasses, such as Andropogon gerardii (Big Bluestem). Recovery from occasional wildfires is very good.
Panicles of Flowerheads
Faunal Associations: The composite flowers attract long-tongued bees primarily, including honeybees, bumblebees, and Miner bees. Other flower visitors include Halictine bees, bee flies, and the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. The grubs of Okanagana balli (Prairie Cicada) feed on the large taproot; this is an uncommon prairie insect that emerges during mid-summer. Both the larvae and adults of the Silphium Beetle (Rynchites sp.) feed on the flowerheads and stems of this and other Silphium spp. The larvae of Antistrophus rufus and Antistrophus minor (Gall Wasp spp.) feed on the flowering stem of Prairie Dock, forming invisible galls. The larvae of these species attract the hyperparasitic wasp Eurytoma lutea, whose larvae feed on these gall-formers. The larvae of Mordellistena aethiops (Tumbling Flower Beetle sp.) also feed within the stem, while the adults may feed on the flowerheads. The oligolectic Iowana frisoni (Aphid sp.) sucks juices from the flowering stem. Goldfinches eat the seeds, and may help to disperse them. Large mammalian herbivores, such as cattle and the American Bison, readily eat the foliage and stems of Prairie Dock; however, the coarse sandpapery leaves of mature plants are not attractive to the Cottontail Rabbit, which prefers vegetation that is shorter and more tender.
Photographic Location: The photograph of the flowerhead close-up was taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, the photograph of the panicles of flowerheads was taken along a railroad in Champaign, while the photograph of the basal leaves was taken at Dave Monk's postage stamp prairie in the latter city. Both Urbana and Champaign are in Illinois.
Comments: This is a typical plant of mesic black soil prairies that competes successfully with tall prairie grasses. It has an impressive and unusual appearance, like something out of the Stone Age when Columbian mastodons and other megafauna inhabited the prairies of North America.
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Miss Chen
2018年02月13日
Description: A mature specimen of this perennial plant ranges from 6-12' tall. The central stem is thick, light to medium green, and has conspicuous white hairs. There is some branching into flowering stems in the upper part of the plant. The basal leaves are 12-24" long and about half as wide. They are covered in fine white hairs, broadly lanceolate in overall shape, but deeply lobed or pinnatifid. The leaves become much smaller as they ascend up the stem.
Flowering Stalks
The inflorescence is very tall and elongated, with yellow composite flowers about 3-4" across. They resemble wild sunflowers in overall size, shape, and structure. However, like other Silphium spp., the small tubular disk florets are sterile, while the ray florets are fertile. There is little floral scent. A mature Compass Plant has 6-30 of these composite flowers, which bloom during mid-summer for about 1½ months. The seeds are large-sized, but flat and light, and can be carried several feet by the wind. A large central taproot can extend 15 ft. into the ground. A resinous substance is produced by the upper stem when the plant is blooming. This plant can live up to 100 years.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and moist to slightly dry conditions. A deep loamy soil is preferred for the central taproot. It takes several years for a seedling to develop into a full-sized mature plant. Mature plants are easy to maintain, resist drought, and can handle competition from other plants. If planted on a slope, there is a tendency to flop over, particularly while blooming.
Range & Habitat: This is a typical plant of black soil prairies in the tallgrass region. It often co-occurs with Andropogon gerardii (Big Bluestem). Other habitats include sand prairies, savannas, glades, and areas along railroads. Compass Plant is fairly common throughout most of Illinois, except in the SE and scattered western counties, where it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). This plant recovers from occasional fires readily. Compass Plant is native to Illinois.
Faunal Associations: Long-tongued bees are the primary pollinators of the flowers, including bumblebees, Miner bees, large Leaf-Cutting bees, and others. Short-tongued Halictine bees and Syrphid flies also visit the flowers, but they are less effective at pollination. Occasionally, Sulfur butterflies and Monarchs may visit the flowers for nectar. Several species of insects are specialist feeders of Compass Plant. This includes the uncommon Okanagana balli (Prairie Cicada), whose grubs feed on the large taproot, while a Rynchites sp. (Silphium Beetle) and its larvae feed on the flower heads and stems. The larvae of Antistrophus rufus and Antistrophus minor (Gall Wasp spp.) feed within the stems, forming galls that are not visible from the outside. Nonetheless, they attract the hyperparasitic wasp Eurytoma lutea, whose larvae feed on these gall formers. Similarly, the larvae of Mordellistena aethiops (Tumbling Flower Beetle sp.) feed within the stems, while the adults may eat the flowers. The oligolectic aphid Iowana frisoni sucks the juices from the flowering stems.
Photographic Location: The photographs of the flowering stalks and flowerheads were taken at the Lincoln Book Bindery in Urbana, Illinois, while the photograph of the lower leaves was taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The common name derives from the belief by pioneers that the leaves of Compass Plant pointed in a north-south direction. While this is probably true more often than not, it is not always reliable. The resin was used by Indian children as a chewing gum. With its imposing heighth, interesting leaves, and abundant yellow flowers, Compass Plant is an extraordinary plant. No tallgrass prairie is complete without a sizeable population of them.
Flowering Stalks
The inflorescence is very tall and elongated, with yellow composite flowers about 3-4" across. They resemble wild sunflowers in overall size, shape, and structure. However, like other Silphium spp., the small tubular disk florets are sterile, while the ray florets are fertile. There is little floral scent. A mature Compass Plant has 6-30 of these composite flowers, which bloom during mid-summer for about 1½ months. The seeds are large-sized, but flat and light, and can be carried several feet by the wind. A large central taproot can extend 15 ft. into the ground. A resinous substance is produced by the upper stem when the plant is blooming. This plant can live up to 100 years.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and moist to slightly dry conditions. A deep loamy soil is preferred for the central taproot. It takes several years for a seedling to develop into a full-sized mature plant. Mature plants are easy to maintain, resist drought, and can handle competition from other plants. If planted on a slope, there is a tendency to flop over, particularly while blooming.
Range & Habitat: This is a typical plant of black soil prairies in the tallgrass region. It often co-occurs with Andropogon gerardii (Big Bluestem). Other habitats include sand prairies, savannas, glades, and areas along railroads. Compass Plant is fairly common throughout most of Illinois, except in the SE and scattered western counties, where it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). This plant recovers from occasional fires readily. Compass Plant is native to Illinois.
Faunal Associations: Long-tongued bees are the primary pollinators of the flowers, including bumblebees, Miner bees, large Leaf-Cutting bees, and others. Short-tongued Halictine bees and Syrphid flies also visit the flowers, but they are less effective at pollination. Occasionally, Sulfur butterflies and Monarchs may visit the flowers for nectar. Several species of insects are specialist feeders of Compass Plant. This includes the uncommon Okanagana balli (Prairie Cicada), whose grubs feed on the large taproot, while a Rynchites sp. (Silphium Beetle) and its larvae feed on the flower heads and stems. The larvae of Antistrophus rufus and Antistrophus minor (Gall Wasp spp.) feed within the stems, forming galls that are not visible from the outside. Nonetheless, they attract the hyperparasitic wasp Eurytoma lutea, whose larvae feed on these gall formers. Similarly, the larvae of Mordellistena aethiops (Tumbling Flower Beetle sp.) feed within the stems, while the adults may eat the flowers. The oligolectic aphid Iowana frisoni sucks the juices from the flowering stems.
Photographic Location: The photographs of the flowering stalks and flowerheads were taken at the Lincoln Book Bindery in Urbana, Illinois, while the photograph of the lower leaves was taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The common name derives from the belief by pioneers that the leaves of Compass Plant pointed in a north-south direction. While this is probably true more often than not, it is not always reliable. The resin was used by Indian children as a chewing gum. With its imposing heighth, interesting leaves, and abundant yellow flowers, Compass Plant is an extraordinary plant. No tallgrass prairie is complete without a sizeable population of them.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年02月11日
Description: This wildflower is a winter annual about 4-12" tall. The stems are either unbranched, or they branch at the base of each plant; they are pale red, terete, glabrous, and glaucous. Alternate leaves are arranged somewhat densely around the stems; they are about ½-1" long, 2-3 mm. across, and ascending to widely spreading. Individual leaves are pale green, linear in shape, subterete (circular, but slightly flattened in cross-section), and glabrous. The leaf bases slightly clasp the stems; each leaf has a pair of minute auricles (ear-like lobes) at its base.
Each stem terminates in a cyme of flowers up to 6" across. Each cyme has 3-7 horizontal branches that are spaced widely apart; the flowers are densely arranged along the upper sides of these branches (typically 10-40 flowers per branch). The flowers are sessile or nearly sessile (on pedicels less than 1 mm. in length). Each flower spans about ½" across, consisting of 4 pink petals (rarely white), 4 pale green sepals, a cluster of 4 pistils, and 8 stamens. The petals and sepals are linear-lanceolate in shape; the petals are about twice the length of the sepals. The narrowly ovoid pistils are light pink (less often white) during the blooming period; each pistil has a single style. The anthers are initially dark red, but they turn black shortly afterwards. Among the flowers, there are bracts that resemble the leaves, except theyDistribution Map are about one-half the size of the latter. The blooming period occurs during late spring to early summer, lasting about 1 month. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by clusters of 4 spreading follicles; these follicles are about ¼" long, narrowly ovoid in shape, and prominently beaked. Immature follicles are pale green, but at maturity they turn brown. Eventually, each follicle splits open along one side to release numerous seeds. The root system is fibrous. This wildflower spreads by reseeding itself. At favorable sites, it often forms colonies of plants.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry conditions, and thin rocky soil. Partial sun is tolerated, although there will be a greater tendency for individual plants to sprawl in the direction of greater light. Seeds typically germinate in the fall, allowing young plants to overwinter in a dormant state. Most growth and development occur during the spring. The leaves wither away during the hot weather of summer as individual plants die down. This plant has a crassula acid metabolism (CAM) that enables it to survive in xeric conditions. Like other sedums (Sedum spp.), Widow's Cross can be cultivated in sunny rock gardens.
Range & Habitat: The native Widow's Cross occurs in southern Illinois, where it is uncommon. Illinois lies along the northern range of this species. Habitats include rocky cliffs, exposed rocky ledges, and rocky glades, particularly in areas where there is exposed flat bedrock. The underlying bedrock in these habitats consists of sandstone, limestone, or chert. Widow's Cross is a highly specialized plant that is found in high quality natural areas.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about floral-faunal relationships for this species. Generally, the flowers of sedums (Sedum spp.) are cross-pollinated by small bees (Andrena spp., etc.) and probably other insects. Both nectar and pollen are available as floral rewards to such visitors. In areas where Widow's Cross and other sedums are cultivated (especially nurseries and greenhouses), they may be attacked by Aphis sedi (Sedum Aphid). This aphid was introduced into North America from Eurasia.
Photographic Location: A rocky ledge in southern Illinois.
Comments: Other common names for Widow's Cross (Sedum pulchellum) are Limestone Stonecrop and Rock Stonecrop. Widow's Cross is normally an attractive little plant with pink flowers. It is one of only a few native Sedum spp. that are found in the rocky hills of southern Illinois and the surrounding area. Several species of cultivated sedums from Eurasia occasionally escape and naturalize in open disturbed habitats, but they usually don't persist (with the exception of Sedum acre). Widow's Cross can be distinguished from these other species by its pink 4-petaled flowers, widely spreading branches of its inflorescence, and small linear leaves that are nearly terete. Other sedums often have white or yellow flowers, flowers with 5 petals, inflorescences with ascending branches, or leaves that are more flattened and wide than those of Widow's Cross.
Each stem terminates in a cyme of flowers up to 6" across. Each cyme has 3-7 horizontal branches that are spaced widely apart; the flowers are densely arranged along the upper sides of these branches (typically 10-40 flowers per branch). The flowers are sessile or nearly sessile (on pedicels less than 1 mm. in length). Each flower spans about ½" across, consisting of 4 pink petals (rarely white), 4 pale green sepals, a cluster of 4 pistils, and 8 stamens. The petals and sepals are linear-lanceolate in shape; the petals are about twice the length of the sepals. The narrowly ovoid pistils are light pink (less often white) during the blooming period; each pistil has a single style. The anthers are initially dark red, but they turn black shortly afterwards. Among the flowers, there are bracts that resemble the leaves, except theyDistribution Map are about one-half the size of the latter. The blooming period occurs during late spring to early summer, lasting about 1 month. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by clusters of 4 spreading follicles; these follicles are about ¼" long, narrowly ovoid in shape, and prominently beaked. Immature follicles are pale green, but at maturity they turn brown. Eventually, each follicle splits open along one side to release numerous seeds. The root system is fibrous. This wildflower spreads by reseeding itself. At favorable sites, it often forms colonies of plants.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry conditions, and thin rocky soil. Partial sun is tolerated, although there will be a greater tendency for individual plants to sprawl in the direction of greater light. Seeds typically germinate in the fall, allowing young plants to overwinter in a dormant state. Most growth and development occur during the spring. The leaves wither away during the hot weather of summer as individual plants die down. This plant has a crassula acid metabolism (CAM) that enables it to survive in xeric conditions. Like other sedums (Sedum spp.), Widow's Cross can be cultivated in sunny rock gardens.
Range & Habitat: The native Widow's Cross occurs in southern Illinois, where it is uncommon. Illinois lies along the northern range of this species. Habitats include rocky cliffs, exposed rocky ledges, and rocky glades, particularly in areas where there is exposed flat bedrock. The underlying bedrock in these habitats consists of sandstone, limestone, or chert. Widow's Cross is a highly specialized plant that is found in high quality natural areas.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about floral-faunal relationships for this species. Generally, the flowers of sedums (Sedum spp.) are cross-pollinated by small bees (Andrena spp., etc.) and probably other insects. Both nectar and pollen are available as floral rewards to such visitors. In areas where Widow's Cross and other sedums are cultivated (especially nurseries and greenhouses), they may be attacked by Aphis sedi (Sedum Aphid). This aphid was introduced into North America from Eurasia.
Photographic Location: A rocky ledge in southern Illinois.
Comments: Other common names for Widow's Cross (Sedum pulchellum) are Limestone Stonecrop and Rock Stonecrop. Widow's Cross is normally an attractive little plant with pink flowers. It is one of only a few native Sedum spp. that are found in the rocky hills of southern Illinois and the surrounding area. Several species of cultivated sedums from Eurasia occasionally escape and naturalize in open disturbed habitats, but they usually don't persist (with the exception of Sedum acre). Widow's Cross can be distinguished from these other species by its pink 4-petaled flowers, widely spreading branches of its inflorescence, and small linear leaves that are nearly terete. Other sedums often have white or yellow flowers, flowers with 5 petals, inflorescences with ascending branches, or leaves that are more flattened and wide than those of Widow's Cross.
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Miss Chen
2018年02月10日
Description: This perennial wildflower forms a small clump of basal leaves about 6-12" across, later developing leafy flowering stalks about 2' tall. The blades of the basal leaves are 2-5" long and about 3/8" (9 mm.) across, tapering gradually into slender petioles about 1-3" long (3-8" total length). The blades of the alternate leaves are 2-4" long and about 3/8" (9 mm.) across; they are sessile or clasp the flowering stalks slightly. Both basal and alternate leaves are medium green and hairy on both their lower and upper sides; they are linear-oblong or linear-oblanceolate and usually smooth along their margins. Sometimes a few widely spaced and shallow teeth are visible along the leaf margins.
The flowering stalks are light green or pale brownish green, terete, and unbranched; they are covered with abundant spreading hairs. Alternate leaves with ascending blades are restricted to the lower one-half of each stalk, while the upper half of the stalk is naked. Each stalk terminates in a single flowerhead about 2–2½" across. Numerous disk florets are concentrated in the center of the flowerhead; they are dark brown or black. The ray florets are located along the margins of the flowerhead, forming 8-13 petal-like yellow rays. The disk florets are fertile, while the ray florets are sterile. The base of each flowerhead is defined by an overlapping series of floral bracts (phyllaries) that are green, hairy, and lanceolate-oblong in shape. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts 1-2 months. At maturity, the disk florets are replaced by oblongoid achenes
g. At its apex, each achene has a crown of tiny scales. The root system is fibrous. This wildflower reproduces by reseeding itself.
Stem & Leaves
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry-mesic conditions, and a thin rocky soil that is calcareous (typically containing limestone or dolomite). Because this is one of the less aggressive coneflowers, taller and more aggressive plants should be kept away from it.
Range & Habitat: The native Missouri Coneflower has been found in only a few counties in southern Illinois (see Distribution Map); it is considered rare and state-listed as 'endangered.' This wildflower is found primarily in hilly areas of Arkansas and Missouri; in neighboring states, it is rare. Habitats consist of hill prairies, limestone and dolomite glades, and barren scrubby savannas in upland areas. This wildflower is found in high quality natural areas. While it is less popular than some other Rudbeckia spp. (Black-Eyed Coneflowers), it is also cultivated in gardens.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract a wide variety of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, beetles, butterflies, and skippers. Two species of bee are specialist pollinators (oligoleges) of this and other Rudbeckia spp. (Black-Eyed Coneflowers): Andrena rudbeckiae and Heterosarus rudbeckiae. Miscellaneous insects feed on the foliage and other parts of these species: this includes the caterpillars of the butterflies Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) and Chlosyne gorgone (Gorgone Checkerspot), the caterpillars of several moths, the leaf beetles Microrhopala excavata and Paria thoracica, and some aphids (see the Insect Table for a listing of these species).
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This perennial coneflower looks like a Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) with skinny leaves (usually less than ½" across). It is one of the coneflowers with widely spreading rays that don't droop downward. Like some other species in this genus, the petaloid rays along the margins of the flowerheads appear to be solid yellow to the human eye, but to bees and other flower-visiting insects they appear to be bicolored instead. This is because the outer one-half of each ray reflects ultraviolet light, while the inner one-half doesn't. Unlike the human eye, the eyes of bees and many other insects can detect ultraviolet light. Therefore, the flowerheads are actually more showy than one would assume.
The flowering stalks are light green or pale brownish green, terete, and unbranched; they are covered with abundant spreading hairs. Alternate leaves with ascending blades are restricted to the lower one-half of each stalk, while the upper half of the stalk is naked. Each stalk terminates in a single flowerhead about 2–2½" across. Numerous disk florets are concentrated in the center of the flowerhead; they are dark brown or black. The ray florets are located along the margins of the flowerhead, forming 8-13 petal-like yellow rays. The disk florets are fertile, while the ray florets are sterile. The base of each flowerhead is defined by an overlapping series of floral bracts (phyllaries) that are green, hairy, and lanceolate-oblong in shape. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts 1-2 months. At maturity, the disk florets are replaced by oblongoid achenes
g. At its apex, each achene has a crown of tiny scales. The root system is fibrous. This wildflower reproduces by reseeding itself.
Stem & Leaves
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry-mesic conditions, and a thin rocky soil that is calcareous (typically containing limestone or dolomite). Because this is one of the less aggressive coneflowers, taller and more aggressive plants should be kept away from it.
Range & Habitat: The native Missouri Coneflower has been found in only a few counties in southern Illinois (see Distribution Map); it is considered rare and state-listed as 'endangered.' This wildflower is found primarily in hilly areas of Arkansas and Missouri; in neighboring states, it is rare. Habitats consist of hill prairies, limestone and dolomite glades, and barren scrubby savannas in upland areas. This wildflower is found in high quality natural areas. While it is less popular than some other Rudbeckia spp. (Black-Eyed Coneflowers), it is also cultivated in gardens.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract a wide variety of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, beetles, butterflies, and skippers. Two species of bee are specialist pollinators (oligoleges) of this and other Rudbeckia spp. (Black-Eyed Coneflowers): Andrena rudbeckiae and Heterosarus rudbeckiae. Miscellaneous insects feed on the foliage and other parts of these species: this includes the caterpillars of the butterflies Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) and Chlosyne gorgone (Gorgone Checkerspot), the caterpillars of several moths, the leaf beetles Microrhopala excavata and Paria thoracica, and some aphids (see the Insect Table for a listing of these species).
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This perennial coneflower looks like a Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) with skinny leaves (usually less than ½" across). It is one of the coneflowers with widely spreading rays that don't droop downward. Like some other species in this genus, the petaloid rays along the margins of the flowerheads appear to be solid yellow to the human eye, but to bees and other flower-visiting insects they appear to be bicolored instead. This is because the outer one-half of each ray reflects ultraviolet light, while the inner one-half doesn't. Unlike the human eye, the eyes of bees and many other insects can detect ultraviolet light. Therefore, the flowerheads are actually more showy than one would assume.
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Miss Chen
2018年02月07日
Description: This annual plant is usually unbranched and 4-12" tall. The central stem is sharply angular and hairless. The alternate or opposite leaves are sessile against the stem, ranging up to 1½" in length and 1/6" (4 mm.) across. They have a prominent mid-vein, smooth margins, and are linear or oblong-linear in shape.
The central stem terminates in a spike-like raceme of flowers. This raceme is about 1" long and ½" across. The flowers are variable in color, ranging from purplish pink, white, or green. An individual flower consists of two large sepals (i.e., the wings), three small sepals that are barely perceptible, and three small petals that form a narrow tube. One of these petals has a small crest at its tip. The wings are about 1/3" (8 mm.) long and ovate – they are the most prominent part of the flower and determine its color. The tiny tube of the petals has a similar color, but is short-lived, typically occurring near the apex of the inflorescence amid the wings. The stalk beneath the raceme has an irregular surface and spike-like remnants of the bracts where the older flowers occurred. The blooming period is from mid-summer to early fall, and lasts about 1-2 months for a colony of plants. Each flower is replaced by a capsule containing two seeds that are hairy. The root system consists of a slender taproot that has a wintergreen fragrance. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun and moist to dry conditions. Poor soil is preferred, as this reduces competition from other plant species. This plant often grows in soil that sandy or rocky, but will thrive in loamy soil as well if it receives adequate sunlight.
Range & Distribution: The native Field Milkwort occurs occasionally in most counties of Illinois. It is the most common Polygala spp. (Milkwort species) in the state. Habitats include moist to dry prairies, sand prairies, typical savannas and sandy savannas, woodland edges, glades, and abandoned fields.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts small to medium-sized long-tongued bees, short-tongue bees, and bee flies. Among the bees, are such visitors as Dagger bees, Miner bees, and Cuckoo bees. Little information is available about the food value of the Milkworts to birds and animals.
Photographic Location: A moist sand prairie at Hooper Branch Savanna Nature Preserve in Iroquois County, Illinois. The location was flooded earlier in the year, which is why the leaves have a muddy appearance.
Comments: As a group, the Milkworts have not received as much attention as they deserve. Some species, such as this one, have fairly attractive flowers. They are usually found in locations with acid sandy soil, but some species prefer dry sites with rocky material or loess. The Polygala spp. can be distinguished from each other by taking into consideration the following: 1) whether the leaves are alternate or whorled, 2) the shape, size, and color of the wings on the flowers, 3) the density of flowers on the spike or spike-like raceme, and 4) the conspicuousness of the tubular petals. The slender leaves of Field Milkwort are usually alternate, rather than whorled. This species has fairly large wings (about 1/3" or 8 mm.) that are ovate in shape. They are often purplish pink, but may turn white near the base. The density of flowers on the spike-like raceme is high, while the tubular petals are inconspicuous. Field Milkwort has a wide distribution in the Eastern United States, and different varieties have been described.
The central stem terminates in a spike-like raceme of flowers. This raceme is about 1" long and ½" across. The flowers are variable in color, ranging from purplish pink, white, or green. An individual flower consists of two large sepals (i.e., the wings), three small sepals that are barely perceptible, and three small petals that form a narrow tube. One of these petals has a small crest at its tip. The wings are about 1/3" (8 mm.) long and ovate – they are the most prominent part of the flower and determine its color. The tiny tube of the petals has a similar color, but is short-lived, typically occurring near the apex of the inflorescence amid the wings. The stalk beneath the raceme has an irregular surface and spike-like remnants of the bracts where the older flowers occurred. The blooming period is from mid-summer to early fall, and lasts about 1-2 months for a colony of plants. Each flower is replaced by a capsule containing two seeds that are hairy. The root system consists of a slender taproot that has a wintergreen fragrance. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun and moist to dry conditions. Poor soil is preferred, as this reduces competition from other plant species. This plant often grows in soil that sandy or rocky, but will thrive in loamy soil as well if it receives adequate sunlight.
Range & Distribution: The native Field Milkwort occurs occasionally in most counties of Illinois. It is the most common Polygala spp. (Milkwort species) in the state. Habitats include moist to dry prairies, sand prairies, typical savannas and sandy savannas, woodland edges, glades, and abandoned fields.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts small to medium-sized long-tongued bees, short-tongue bees, and bee flies. Among the bees, are such visitors as Dagger bees, Miner bees, and Cuckoo bees. Little information is available about the food value of the Milkworts to birds and animals.
Photographic Location: A moist sand prairie at Hooper Branch Savanna Nature Preserve in Iroquois County, Illinois. The location was flooded earlier in the year, which is why the leaves have a muddy appearance.
Comments: As a group, the Milkworts have not received as much attention as they deserve. Some species, such as this one, have fairly attractive flowers. They are usually found in locations with acid sandy soil, but some species prefer dry sites with rocky material or loess. The Polygala spp. can be distinguished from each other by taking into consideration the following: 1) whether the leaves are alternate or whorled, 2) the shape, size, and color of the wings on the flowers, 3) the density of flowers on the spike or spike-like raceme, and 4) the conspicuousness of the tubular petals. The slender leaves of Field Milkwort are usually alternate, rather than whorled. This species has fairly large wings (about 1/3" or 8 mm.) that are ovate in shape. They are often purplish pink, but may turn white near the base. The density of flowers on the spike-like raceme is high, while the tubular petals are inconspicuous. Field Milkwort has a wide distribution in the Eastern United States, and different varieties have been described.
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Miss Chen
2018年02月07日
Description: This annual plant is 4-12" tall and usually unbranched. The central stem is angular and hairless. The leaves occur in whorls of 4 and are sessile against the stem. They are up to 1½" long and 1/3" (8 mm.) across, linear or linear-oblong in shape, with smooth margins. The central stem terminates in a dense spike of flowers up to 2-3" long and 1" across. These flowers are variable in color, ranging from purplish pink or pink to greenish white. Each flower is about 1/3" (8 mm.) across, consisting of 2 large sepals (called 'wings'), 3 tiny sepals, and 3 petals that form a narrow tube with a crest at its apex. The wings are the most conspicuous part of the flower and determine its color. They are broadly triangular (or deltoid) in shape, and lie to the right and left of the tubular petals. These wings persist on the spike long after the petals have fallen off, and have the appearance of sharp-pointed bracts. The narrow tubular petals are observable near the apex of the spike. They are usually some shade of pink, but quickly fade to brownish yellow, before falling off the spike. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall, and lasts about 1-2 months. When fertilization occurs, each flower is replaced by a 2-seeded capsule. The seeds are hairy. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist sandy soil. The pH should be somewhat acid. This plant can withstand occasional flooding if it is temporary.
Range & Habitat: Cross-Leaved Milkwort occurs primarily in NE Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is an uncommon plant and native to Illinois. Habitats include moist sand prairies, shrub prairies, sandy Black Oak savannas, and edges of sandy marshes. It also occurs along paths in these areas, preferring the reduced competition from taller plants.
Faunal Associations: Probably small to medium-sized long-tongued and short-tongued bees visit the flowers for nectar. Little information is available about this plant's value as a food source to birds or mammals.
Photographic Location: Along a path in the Hooper Branch Savanna Nature Preserve in Iroquois County, Illinois, where Cross-Leaved Milkwort occurred in a moist sand prairie that was somewhat shrubby and sunny moist areas of Black Oak Savanna. This area was prone to occasional flooding from heavy rains.
Comments: The thick spike of flowers of this odd little plant is very conspicuous and easy to spot. Cross-Leaved Milkwort is relatively easy to identify because of the bract-like wings that spread horizontally (left and right) from the center of each flower. In other species of Milkwort, these wings are held upright and resemble petals. The whorled leaves are another distinctive feature, as many species of Milkwort have alternate leaves. Another common name for this plant is 'Drumheads,' which refers to the shape of the stout spike of flowers. Different varieties of Cross-Leaved Milkwort have been described, but only Polygala cruciata aquilonia is known to occur in Illinois.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist sandy soil. The pH should be somewhat acid. This plant can withstand occasional flooding if it is temporary.
Range & Habitat: Cross-Leaved Milkwort occurs primarily in NE Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is an uncommon plant and native to Illinois. Habitats include moist sand prairies, shrub prairies, sandy Black Oak savannas, and edges of sandy marshes. It also occurs along paths in these areas, preferring the reduced competition from taller plants.
Faunal Associations: Probably small to medium-sized long-tongued and short-tongued bees visit the flowers for nectar. Little information is available about this plant's value as a food source to birds or mammals.
Photographic Location: Along a path in the Hooper Branch Savanna Nature Preserve in Iroquois County, Illinois, where Cross-Leaved Milkwort occurred in a moist sand prairie that was somewhat shrubby and sunny moist areas of Black Oak Savanna. This area was prone to occasional flooding from heavy rains.
Comments: The thick spike of flowers of this odd little plant is very conspicuous and easy to spot. Cross-Leaved Milkwort is relatively easy to identify because of the bract-like wings that spread horizontally (left and right) from the center of each flower. In other species of Milkwort, these wings are held upright and resemble petals. The whorled leaves are another distinctive feature, as many species of Milkwort have alternate leaves. Another common name for this plant is 'Drumheads,' which refers to the shape of the stout spike of flowers. Different varieties of Cross-Leaved Milkwort have been described, but only Polygala cruciata aquilonia is known to occur in Illinois.
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