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Miss Chen
2018年04月23日
Description: This is a perennial plant that is about 2-3' tall. It has a stout central stem with four prominent ridges, while much smaller side stems may appear above the leaf axils in the upper half of the plant. The opposite leaves are up to 5" long and 2½" across. They are broadly ovate or lanceolate, coarsely serrated, and have deep venation. The lower leaves have short stout petioles, while the upper leaves are sessile. At the end of each stem is a terminal spike of numerous small flowers from 1-5" long. The flowers are white or light lavender with some purple near the base of the lower lip. Each flower is about 1/3" (8 mm.) long, with a greatly reduced upper lip and a long lower lip with a complicated structure. This lower lip functions as a landing pad for insect visitors, above which are two pairs of lateral petal-like extensions. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late summer, and lasts about 1½ months. There is no noticeable scent to the flowers. Each flower produces four round, coarsely pitted seeds with scattered white hairs. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. This plant spreads readily to form sizeable colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist conditions, and a fertile loamy soil. American Germander can tolerate poorly drained conditions, but not much drought. It is occasionally bothered by foliar disease, particularly powdery mildew, when the plant is under stress, but not to the same degree as Wild Bergamot and other susceptible members of the Mint family. This plant can spread aggressively under moist conditions, and is rather weedy.
Range & Habitat: This is a common native plant that occurs in every county of Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist black soil prairies, edges of bottomland forests, thickets, moist meadows along rivers, edges of marshes, and around seeps. American Germander can also be found in more developed areas, such as abandoned fields, partially shaded vacant lots, poorly drained waste areas, and along ditches near roads and railroads.
Faunal Associations: Long-tongued bees are the most important pollinators, including bumblebees, honeybees, Anthophorine bees, Cuckoo bees, Miner bees, and Leaf-Cutting bees. These bees collect pollen or suck nectar from the flowers. Other flower-visiting insects include Green Metallic bees, Bee flies, Thick-Headed flies, and various butterflies or skippers. Hummingbirds and Hummingbird moths are unusual visitors seeking nectar. Mammalian herbivores don't bother this plant because of the bitter leaves.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken in a partially shaded waste area near a road in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This native plant is easy to confuse with other members of the Mint family, including the Eurasian species. It can be distinguished from all of them by the complicated structure of the long lower lip versus the greatly reduced size of the upper lip in the flowers. Some plants have a slight pubescence on the calyx and bracts, which are identified as var. boreale, while others lacking this pubescence are identified as var. virginicum. The former variety is absent from the southwestern counties of Illinois, while the latter variety occurs in every county. The unpleasant-tasting leaves were assumed to have medicinal value during pioneer days.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist conditions, and a fertile loamy soil. American Germander can tolerate poorly drained conditions, but not much drought. It is occasionally bothered by foliar disease, particularly powdery mildew, when the plant is under stress, but not to the same degree as Wild Bergamot and other susceptible members of the Mint family. This plant can spread aggressively under moist conditions, and is rather weedy.
Range & Habitat: This is a common native plant that occurs in every county of Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist black soil prairies, edges of bottomland forests, thickets, moist meadows along rivers, edges of marshes, and around seeps. American Germander can also be found in more developed areas, such as abandoned fields, partially shaded vacant lots, poorly drained waste areas, and along ditches near roads and railroads.
Faunal Associations: Long-tongued bees are the most important pollinators, including bumblebees, honeybees, Anthophorine bees, Cuckoo bees, Miner bees, and Leaf-Cutting bees. These bees collect pollen or suck nectar from the flowers. Other flower-visiting insects include Green Metallic bees, Bee flies, Thick-Headed flies, and various butterflies or skippers. Hummingbirds and Hummingbird moths are unusual visitors seeking nectar. Mammalian herbivores don't bother this plant because of the bitter leaves.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken in a partially shaded waste area near a road in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This native plant is easy to confuse with other members of the Mint family, including the Eurasian species. It can be distinguished from all of them by the complicated structure of the long lower lip versus the greatly reduced size of the upper lip in the flowers. Some plants have a slight pubescence on the calyx and bracts, which are identified as var. boreale, while others lacking this pubescence are identified as var. virginicum. The former variety is absent from the southwestern counties of Illinois, while the latter variety occurs in every county. The unpleasant-tasting leaves were assumed to have medicinal value during pioneer days.
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Miss Chen
2018年04月22日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 1-3' tall, branching sparingly. The stems are round, hairless, and dull green to reddish brown. They may be slightly glaucous. The larger leaves are doubly compound, while the smaller upper leaves may be singly compound. They are arranged alternately along the stems. In each compound leaf, the leaflets form groups of three (trifoliate). A lower compound leaf may be 12" long and 6" across, while the upper compound leaves are much smaller. There is a sheath at the base of each compound leaf. A typical leaflet is about 1" long and ½" across. It is dull green with a smooth surface and edges, and oval, ovate, or oblanceolate in shape. The terminal leaflet has a conspicuous petiole, while the side leaflets are usually sessile, or nearly so. Some of the upper stems terminate in compound umbels of tiny yellow flowers. When fully mature, a compound umbel will span about 4-7" and consist of about 12-15 umbellets. The umbellets will be widely spaced, giving the compound umbel and airy appearance. Each umbellet will consist of about 12 flowers. Each flower is less than 1/8" (3 mm.) across and has 5 yellow petals. The blooming period occurs during late spring or early summer and lasts about one month. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each flower is eventually replaced by a 5-angled fruit. The root system consists of taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun and dry conditions. Poor soil is preferred, consisting of clay, rocky material, or some sand, as this reduces the competition from other plants. This plant adapts well to slopes, although it may not remain very erect. Disease doesn't appear to disfigure the foliage very often. Drought resistance is very good.
Range & Habitat: The native Yellow Pimpernel occurs occasionally in northern and central Illinois, but is uncommon or absent in southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include dry upland prairies, edges of hill prairies, upland savannas, rocky upland forests, bluffs, areas along woodland paths, eroded clay banks in semi-shaded areas, and thickets. This plant typically occurs at the edge of dry wooded areas, especially where slopes occur.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract small bees, wasps (including parasitic wasps), flies, and beetles. These insects seek nectar primarily, although some bees may collect pollen and some flies and beetles may feed on pollen. Some of the fly visitors include Syrphid flies, Tachinid flies, Chloropid flies, March flies, and Blow flies, while bee visitors include Nomadine bees, Little Carpenter bees, Halictid bees, Carder bees, and Andrenid bees. The caterpillars of the butterflies Papilio polyxenes asterias (Black Swallowtail) and Papilio joanae (Ozark Swallowtail) feed on the foliage of this plant; the latter insect has not been observed in Illinois, although it has been found in Missouri and western Kentucky. Little information is available about this plant's relationships to birds and mammals as a possible food source.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken along a path in an upland woodland near Charleston, Illinois, and at the edge of a hill prairie in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: Among members of the Carrot family, Yellow Pimpernel has an unusual appearance because the leaflets lack any lobes or teeth. This makes the species easy to identify in the field. Also, the compound umbels are unusually open and airy in appearance. This member of the Carrot family is rarely seen in cultivation, but should be grown more often as the tiny flowers attract many beneficial insects.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun and dry conditions. Poor soil is preferred, consisting of clay, rocky material, or some sand, as this reduces the competition from other plants. This plant adapts well to slopes, although it may not remain very erect. Disease doesn't appear to disfigure the foliage very often. Drought resistance is very good.
Range & Habitat: The native Yellow Pimpernel occurs occasionally in northern and central Illinois, but is uncommon or absent in southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include dry upland prairies, edges of hill prairies, upland savannas, rocky upland forests, bluffs, areas along woodland paths, eroded clay banks in semi-shaded areas, and thickets. This plant typically occurs at the edge of dry wooded areas, especially where slopes occur.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract small bees, wasps (including parasitic wasps), flies, and beetles. These insects seek nectar primarily, although some bees may collect pollen and some flies and beetles may feed on pollen. Some of the fly visitors include Syrphid flies, Tachinid flies, Chloropid flies, March flies, and Blow flies, while bee visitors include Nomadine bees, Little Carpenter bees, Halictid bees, Carder bees, and Andrenid bees. The caterpillars of the butterflies Papilio polyxenes asterias (Black Swallowtail) and Papilio joanae (Ozark Swallowtail) feed on the foliage of this plant; the latter insect has not been observed in Illinois, although it has been found in Missouri and western Kentucky. Little information is available about this plant's relationships to birds and mammals as a possible food source.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken along a path in an upland woodland near Charleston, Illinois, and at the edge of a hill prairie in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: Among members of the Carrot family, Yellow Pimpernel has an unusual appearance because the leaflets lack any lobes or teeth. This makes the species easy to identify in the field. Also, the compound umbels are unusually open and airy in appearance. This member of the Carrot family is rarely seen in cultivation, but should be grown more often as the tiny flowers attract many beneficial insects.
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Miss Chen
2018年04月22日
Description: This perennial herbaceous plant forms a semi-evergreen rosette of basal leaves up to 10" across. During the spring, this plant bolts, producing one or more erect to ascending stems with alternate leaves; these stems are 1½–3½' long. The stems are light green or yellowish green, terete, and somewhat brittle; they are usually glabrous below, while above they usually have hairs that are arranged in lines. The basal leaves and lower alternate leaves are up to 5" long and 2" across (excluding their petioles); they are cordate to ovate in shape and slightly to strongly toothed along their margins. The petioles of these leaves are winged and up to 5" long (usually shorter for the lower alternate leaves than basal leaves). As the alternate leaves ascend their stems, they become smaller in size, more narrow in shape (lanceolate-ovate to elliptic), and their winged petioles gradually become shorter.
Uppermost alternate leaves are often sessile or nearly so. The middle to uppermost alternate leaves have margins that are slightly toothed or toothless (entire). The teeth of all leaves, when they are present, are crenate to serrate. The upper leaf surface is dull medium green and sparsely covered with short stiff hairs, while the lower leaf surface is hairy primarily along the major veins. With age, some leaves may lose their hairs. The central stem and any upper secondary stems terminate in panicles of flowerheads about ½–1½' long and about one-half to one-third as much across. Together, these inflorescences often resemble a compound panicle of flowerheads. Individual flowerheads are about ½" (12 mm.) across, consisting of 8-12 pistillate ray florets that surround a dense head of 10-15 perfect disk florets. The petaloid rays are widely spreading, narrowly oblong in shape, and usually white (rarely lavender). The corollas of the disk florets are up to 5 mm. (nearly ¼") long and narrowly tubular with 5 uppers lobes; they are initially yellow, but later become pink or light purple.
The base of each flowerhead is surrounded by phyllaries (scale-like floral bracts) in several overlapping series. Individual phyllaries are greenish, linear-lanceolate in shape, and variable in size; they are appressed together or slightly spreading. The midsections of these phyllaries are dark green and linear in shape throughout; the tips of these phyllaries taper gradually into narrow stiff tips. The branches of each inflorescence and peduncles of the flowerheads are light green and sparsely hairy. Along the branches of each inflorescence, there are leafy bracts up to 1" long that are linear to narrowly elliptic in shape. The blooming period occurs from late summer to mid-autumn, lasting about 1 month for a colony of plants. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by achenes with small tufts of whitish hair; they are distributed by the wind. Individual achenes are about 2 mm. long, ellipsoid-oblongoid, slightly compressed, purplish brown or brown, and longitudinally ribbed. The root system is fibrous and short-rhizomatous; older plants often develop a small woody caudex. Sometimes, clonal offsets develop from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: This plant prefers full or partial sunlight and mesic to dry conditions. A variety of soil types are tolerated, including those that contain loam, clay-loam, sandy-loam, or rocky material. This plant is not difficult to cultivate, although it should be watered during hot dry spells of the summer.
Range & Habitat: White Arrowleaf Aster is occasional throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map). This map is derived from information in Jones (1989). Habitats include upland savannas, sandy savannas, woodland edges, small meadows in upland areas, rocky glades, thickets, abandoned fields, roadsides, and areas near railroads. This plant is found in both high quality and disturbed habitats. It probably benefits from occasional fires in wooded areas, or other kinds of disturbance that thin-out the tree canopy.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract a wide variety of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, bee flies (Bombyliidae), wasps, butterflies, and skippers. Aster species (Symphyotrichum spp.) require cross-pollination from these insects in order to produce fertile seeds. The caterpillars of a butterfly, Phyciodes tharos (Pearl Crescent), feed on the leaves of asters, especially smooth-leaved species. Many moth species feed on the foliage and other parts of asters (see Moth Table), as do many other insects (see Insect Table), including leaf beetles, lace bugs, plant bugs, stink bugs, aphids, leafhoppers, larvae of leaf-mining flies, and larvae of fruit flies. Some vertebrate animals use aster species as a source of food. For example, the Wild Turkey and Ruffed Grouse feed on the seeds and young foliage. Deer, rabbits, groundhogs, and many domesticated farm animals also feed on the foliage, particularly when it is young.
Photographic Location: An upland meadow at Moraine View State Park in McLean County, Illinois.
Comments: White Arrowleaf Aster has a history of taxonomic instability. It has been regarded as a variety of Symphyotrichum cordifolium (Heart-leaved Aster) and Symphyotrichum sagittifolium (Arrow-leaved Aster) in the past. It is also similar to Symphyotrichum drummondii (Drummond's Aster). Some taxonomists consider Symphyotrichum sagittifolium to be a synonym for Symphyotrichum urophyllum, however A.G. Jones (1989) ultimately separated them taxonomically. White Arrowleaf Aster can be considered distinct from the preceding aster species in this group by the following characteristics: 1) the petaloid rays of this aster are usually white, rather than lavender, 2) the alternate leaves of this aster tend to be more narrow in shape, 3) the phyllaries of this aster have midsections that are dark green and linear in shape throughout their length, rather than narrowly diamond-shaped and dark green toward their tips, and 4) the phyllaries of this aster tend to have tips that are more tapered and stiff. White Arrowleaf Aster is also less hairy than Drummond's Aster. A scientific synonym of White Arrowleaf Aster is Aster urophyllus.
Uppermost alternate leaves are often sessile or nearly so. The middle to uppermost alternate leaves have margins that are slightly toothed or toothless (entire). The teeth of all leaves, when they are present, are crenate to serrate. The upper leaf surface is dull medium green and sparsely covered with short stiff hairs, while the lower leaf surface is hairy primarily along the major veins. With age, some leaves may lose their hairs. The central stem and any upper secondary stems terminate in panicles of flowerheads about ½–1½' long and about one-half to one-third as much across. Together, these inflorescences often resemble a compound panicle of flowerheads. Individual flowerheads are about ½" (12 mm.) across, consisting of 8-12 pistillate ray florets that surround a dense head of 10-15 perfect disk florets. The petaloid rays are widely spreading, narrowly oblong in shape, and usually white (rarely lavender). The corollas of the disk florets are up to 5 mm. (nearly ¼") long and narrowly tubular with 5 uppers lobes; they are initially yellow, but later become pink or light purple.
The base of each flowerhead is surrounded by phyllaries (scale-like floral bracts) in several overlapping series. Individual phyllaries are greenish, linear-lanceolate in shape, and variable in size; they are appressed together or slightly spreading. The midsections of these phyllaries are dark green and linear in shape throughout; the tips of these phyllaries taper gradually into narrow stiff tips. The branches of each inflorescence and peduncles of the flowerheads are light green and sparsely hairy. Along the branches of each inflorescence, there are leafy bracts up to 1" long that are linear to narrowly elliptic in shape. The blooming period occurs from late summer to mid-autumn, lasting about 1 month for a colony of plants. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by achenes with small tufts of whitish hair; they are distributed by the wind. Individual achenes are about 2 mm. long, ellipsoid-oblongoid, slightly compressed, purplish brown or brown, and longitudinally ribbed. The root system is fibrous and short-rhizomatous; older plants often develop a small woody caudex. Sometimes, clonal offsets develop from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: This plant prefers full or partial sunlight and mesic to dry conditions. A variety of soil types are tolerated, including those that contain loam, clay-loam, sandy-loam, or rocky material. This plant is not difficult to cultivate, although it should be watered during hot dry spells of the summer.
Range & Habitat: White Arrowleaf Aster is occasional throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map). This map is derived from information in Jones (1989). Habitats include upland savannas, sandy savannas, woodland edges, small meadows in upland areas, rocky glades, thickets, abandoned fields, roadsides, and areas near railroads. This plant is found in both high quality and disturbed habitats. It probably benefits from occasional fires in wooded areas, or other kinds of disturbance that thin-out the tree canopy.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract a wide variety of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, bee flies (Bombyliidae), wasps, butterflies, and skippers. Aster species (Symphyotrichum spp.) require cross-pollination from these insects in order to produce fertile seeds. The caterpillars of a butterfly, Phyciodes tharos (Pearl Crescent), feed on the leaves of asters, especially smooth-leaved species. Many moth species feed on the foliage and other parts of asters (see Moth Table), as do many other insects (see Insect Table), including leaf beetles, lace bugs, plant bugs, stink bugs, aphids, leafhoppers, larvae of leaf-mining flies, and larvae of fruit flies. Some vertebrate animals use aster species as a source of food. For example, the Wild Turkey and Ruffed Grouse feed on the seeds and young foliage. Deer, rabbits, groundhogs, and many domesticated farm animals also feed on the foliage, particularly when it is young.
Photographic Location: An upland meadow at Moraine View State Park in McLean County, Illinois.
Comments: White Arrowleaf Aster has a history of taxonomic instability. It has been regarded as a variety of Symphyotrichum cordifolium (Heart-leaved Aster) and Symphyotrichum sagittifolium (Arrow-leaved Aster) in the past. It is also similar to Symphyotrichum drummondii (Drummond's Aster). Some taxonomists consider Symphyotrichum sagittifolium to be a synonym for Symphyotrichum urophyllum, however A.G. Jones (1989) ultimately separated them taxonomically. White Arrowleaf Aster can be considered distinct from the preceding aster species in this group by the following characteristics: 1) the petaloid rays of this aster are usually white, rather than lavender, 2) the alternate leaves of this aster tend to be more narrow in shape, 3) the phyllaries of this aster have midsections that are dark green and linear in shape throughout their length, rather than narrowly diamond-shaped and dark green toward their tips, and 4) the phyllaries of this aster tend to have tips that are more tapered and stiff. White Arrowleaf Aster is also less hairy than Drummond's Aster. A scientific synonym of White Arrowleaf Aster is Aster urophyllus.
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Miss Chen
2018年04月22日
Description: This perennial wildflower is 1½–3' tall and more or less erect, forming occasional side branches. The stems usually have lines of hair, although sometimes they are glabrous; young stems are light to medium green, while older stems become brown. The alternate leaves along these stems are up to 4" long and ¾" across; they are narrowly ovate, lanceolate, or oblanceolate, smooth along the margins, and sessile. The upper surface of each leaf is dark green and hairless. The central stem terminates in a panicle of flowerheads that is usually longer than wide; some of the side stems also produce flowerheads in smaller panicles. The branches of each panicle are stiffly ascending; they are covered with small scale-like bracts. Each flowerhead is about ¾–1½" across, consisting of 15-25 ray florets and a similar number of disk florets. The ray florets are lavender to blue-violet, while the disk florets are yellow to reddish purple. Both kinds of florets are fertile. The base of each mature flowerhead (the involucre) is often shaped like a top or turban (turbinate) and it is about 7-11 mm. in length. The exterior of the involucre is covered with appressed scales (phyllaries) in several series; the apex of each scale is obtuse, rather than pointed. The blooming period occurs during early to mid-fall and lasts about 3 weeks. Each floret is replaced by an achene with a tuft of tawny hairs. This small achene is oblongoid with several ribs and often finely pubescent. On mature plants, the root system consists of a woody caudex with fibrous roots underneath. Occasionally, rhizomes are produced that can form vegetative offsets.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, mesic to slightly dry conditions, and a loamy or rocky soil with a somewhat acidic pH. The lower leaves often become withered or discolored before the blooming period occurs during the fall. If this wildflower is spoiled in the garden with fertilizer and too much water, it may become top-heavy and require staking later in the year.
Range & Habitat: The native Turbinate Aster is occasional in the southern half of Illinois and absent in the northern half of the state (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies in the NE corner of its range in the United States. Habitats include prairies, savannas, openings in upland woodlands, borders of upland woodlands, thinly wooded slopes and bluffs, cliffs, rocky glades, and roadsides. This species is often found where sandstone, chert, or granite is close to the surface of the ground.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract various bees, bee flies, butterflies, skippers, and other insects. Bee visitors include honeybees, bumblebees, leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), digger bees (Melissodes spp.), and Halictid bees. The caterpillars of the butterflies Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) and Phyciodes tharos (Pearl Crescent) feed on the foliage of asters (Symphyotrichum spp.); the caterpillars of many species of moths also feed on various parts of asters. Leaf Beetles that often feed on asters include Exema canadensis, Microrhopala xerene, Ophraella pilosa, and Sumitrosis inaequalis. The value of asters to vertebrate animals is somewhat limited. The Wild Turkey sometimes eats the seeds and foliage; White-Tailed Deer and the Cottontail Rabbit also eat the foliage.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This aster is one of the last wildflowers to bloom during the fall. It has attractive flowerheads that are larger than average in size; underneath these flowerheads, the stiffly ascending branches appear nearly naked because their scale-like bracts are so small. The Turbinate Aster (Symphyotrichum turbinellum) can be distinguished from other asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) as follows: 1) its flowerheads are at least ¾" across, 2) the branches of each panicle are covered with small scale-like bracts, 3) the leaves along the stems are sessile and never cordate at the base, 4) the margins of the leaves are entire or slightly crenate, 5) the tips of the phyllaries are obtuse, rather than pointed, and 6) the stems often have lines of hairs. Sometimes, this wildflower is called the Prairie Aster, but it is more common in savannas or thin upland woodlands (at least in Illinois).
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, mesic to slightly dry conditions, and a loamy or rocky soil with a somewhat acidic pH. The lower leaves often become withered or discolored before the blooming period occurs during the fall. If this wildflower is spoiled in the garden with fertilizer and too much water, it may become top-heavy and require staking later in the year.
Range & Habitat: The native Turbinate Aster is occasional in the southern half of Illinois and absent in the northern half of the state (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies in the NE corner of its range in the United States. Habitats include prairies, savannas, openings in upland woodlands, borders of upland woodlands, thinly wooded slopes and bluffs, cliffs, rocky glades, and roadsides. This species is often found where sandstone, chert, or granite is close to the surface of the ground.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract various bees, bee flies, butterflies, skippers, and other insects. Bee visitors include honeybees, bumblebees, leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), digger bees (Melissodes spp.), and Halictid bees. The caterpillars of the butterflies Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) and Phyciodes tharos (Pearl Crescent) feed on the foliage of asters (Symphyotrichum spp.); the caterpillars of many species of moths also feed on various parts of asters. Leaf Beetles that often feed on asters include Exema canadensis, Microrhopala xerene, Ophraella pilosa, and Sumitrosis inaequalis. The value of asters to vertebrate animals is somewhat limited. The Wild Turkey sometimes eats the seeds and foliage; White-Tailed Deer and the Cottontail Rabbit also eat the foliage.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This aster is one of the last wildflowers to bloom during the fall. It has attractive flowerheads that are larger than average in size; underneath these flowerheads, the stiffly ascending branches appear nearly naked because their scale-like bracts are so small. The Turbinate Aster (Symphyotrichum turbinellum) can be distinguished from other asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) as follows: 1) its flowerheads are at least ¾" across, 2) the branches of each panicle are covered with small scale-like bracts, 3) the leaves along the stems are sessile and never cordate at the base, 4) the margins of the leaves are entire or slightly crenate, 5) the tips of the phyllaries are obtuse, rather than pointed, and 6) the stems often have lines of hairs. Sometimes, this wildflower is called the Prairie Aster, but it is more common in savannas or thin upland woodlands (at least in Illinois).
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Miss Chen
2018年04月22日
Description: This is a perennial plant about 1-3' tall that branches occasionally, often leaning toward one side. The stems are light green or reddish brown, and they have lines of white hairs. The alternate leaves are up to 4½" long and ½" across, becoming much smaller as they ascend the stems. They are narrowly lanceolate, oblanceolate, or elliptic, becoming linear near the flowerheads. There are usually a few teeth toward the tips of the larger leaves, otherwise they have smooth margins. Some hairs may be present along the major veins on the undersides of the leaves. The upper leaf surface is medium green, while the lower leaf surface is light green. The upper stems and some of the side stems produce panicles of flowerheads up to 10" long and 6" across. Each flowerhead has numerous small disk florets that are surrounded by about 8-12 ray florets. The corollas of the disk florets are initially pale yellow, but they later become brown or reddish purple; they are short-tubular in shape and 5-lobed. The petaloid rays are white and linear-oblong in shape. A typical flowerhead is about 1/3" (8 mm.) across. Each flowerhead is subtended by small green bracts (phyllaries) that are appressed together, or they are only slightly spreading.
The blooming period occurs from late summer to the fall, lasting about 1-2 months. There is little or no floral scent. The small achenes are slightly pubescent and they have small tufts of white hair. Distribution of the achenes is by wind. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous; an older plant may develop a small caudex. Clonal offsets occasionally develop from the rhizomes. This plant occasionally forms colonies at favorable sites.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to partial sun and moist conditions. Full sun is tolerated if the site is not too dry. Growth is best in rich organic soil, or a moisture retaining clay-loam. During dry weather, the lower leaves often wither away, and stressed out plants are vulnerable to many kinds of foliar disease.
Range & Habitat: The native Calico Aster occurs in most counties of Illinois, where it is native and quite common (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist meadows near woodlands and rivers, floodplain forests and flatwoods, woodland borders, seeps and swamps, semi-shaded sloughs near fields, and moist depressions in waste areas. This plant is primarily a woodland species, but it often strays into moist sunny areas nearby. It prefers areas with a history of disturbance.
Faunal Associations: The florets of Calico Aster have shorter nectar tubes than many other species of asters, and they seem to attract a wide variety of insects, particularly in sunny areas. More common insect visitors include short-tongued bees, wasps, and flies, and less common visitors include long-tongued bees, small butterflies, skippers, beetles, and plant bugs. These insects seek nectar primarily, although the short-tongued bees may collect pollen, while some beetles and flies feed on the pollen. Caterpillars of the butterflies, Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) and Phyciodes tharos (Pearl Crescent), feed on the foliage of asters (Symphyotrichum spp.), as do the caterpillars of many kinds of moths (see Moth Table). The White-Tailed Deer and Cottontail Rabbit browse on the foliage occasionally.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This aster is more attractive in woodland areas, where it has a delicate appearance. It closely resembles Symphyotrichum pilosum (Frost Aster), Symphyotrichum ericoides (Heath Aster), and other species in the genus with small white flowerheads. The Calico Aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum) is a somewhat lanky plant with smaller flowerheads (about 1/3" or 8 mm. across) and fewer ray florets per flowerhead (about 10) than many similar asters (Symphyotrichum spp.). In this regard, it is similar to the Heath Aster, but the latter species is a more compact plant with leaves that are shorter and more narrow than those of the Calico Aster. While the Heath Aster is often found in open prairies, the Calico Aster usually doesn't stray far from woodland and semi-shaded wetland areas. Its common name refers to the diverse colors of the disk florets as they mature. Another common name of this species is the Side-Flowering Aster, and another scientific name is Aster lateriflorus.
The blooming period occurs from late summer to the fall, lasting about 1-2 months. There is little or no floral scent. The small achenes are slightly pubescent and they have small tufts of white hair. Distribution of the achenes is by wind. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous; an older plant may develop a small caudex. Clonal offsets occasionally develop from the rhizomes. This plant occasionally forms colonies at favorable sites.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to partial sun and moist conditions. Full sun is tolerated if the site is not too dry. Growth is best in rich organic soil, or a moisture retaining clay-loam. During dry weather, the lower leaves often wither away, and stressed out plants are vulnerable to many kinds of foliar disease.
Range & Habitat: The native Calico Aster occurs in most counties of Illinois, where it is native and quite common (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist meadows near woodlands and rivers, floodplain forests and flatwoods, woodland borders, seeps and swamps, semi-shaded sloughs near fields, and moist depressions in waste areas. This plant is primarily a woodland species, but it often strays into moist sunny areas nearby. It prefers areas with a history of disturbance.
Faunal Associations: The florets of Calico Aster have shorter nectar tubes than many other species of asters, and they seem to attract a wide variety of insects, particularly in sunny areas. More common insect visitors include short-tongued bees, wasps, and flies, and less common visitors include long-tongued bees, small butterflies, skippers, beetles, and plant bugs. These insects seek nectar primarily, although the short-tongued bees may collect pollen, while some beetles and flies feed on the pollen. Caterpillars of the butterflies, Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) and Phyciodes tharos (Pearl Crescent), feed on the foliage of asters (Symphyotrichum spp.), as do the caterpillars of many kinds of moths (see Moth Table). The White-Tailed Deer and Cottontail Rabbit browse on the foliage occasionally.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This aster is more attractive in woodland areas, where it has a delicate appearance. It closely resembles Symphyotrichum pilosum (Frost Aster), Symphyotrichum ericoides (Heath Aster), and other species in the genus with small white flowerheads. The Calico Aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum) is a somewhat lanky plant with smaller flowerheads (about 1/3" or 8 mm. across) and fewer ray florets per flowerhead (about 10) than many similar asters (Symphyotrichum spp.). In this regard, it is similar to the Heath Aster, but the latter species is a more compact plant with leaves that are shorter and more narrow than those of the Calico Aster. While the Heath Aster is often found in open prairies, the Calico Aster usually doesn't stray far from woodland and semi-shaded wetland areas. Its common name refers to the diverse colors of the disk florets as they mature. Another common name of this species is the Side-Flowering Aster, and another scientific name is Aster lateriflorus.
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Miss Chen
2018年04月22日
Description: From late fall to spring, this perennial wildflower exists as a small basal rosette of leaves spanning up to 4½" across. As warmer weather arrives, it bolts, developing one or more flowering stems that are 1-3' long. These stems can be erect, ascending, or sprawling; they are sparingly branched, slender, light green, terete, and glabrous. Alternate leaves along the stems are about 1½–3" long and 1/8–1/4" (3-6 mm.) across; they are linear-lanceolate or narrowly elliptic, medium green, glabrous, and sessile. The leaf margins are either rolled inward and smooth or shallowly and sparingly toothed. Each alternate leaf has a single central vein that is prominent.
The central stem (and any lateral stems) terminates in a rather airy panicle of flowerheads about 6-9" long and a little less across. Generally, the flowerheads are more or less erect in relation to the panicle, which often leans sideways to some extent; the flowerheads are not secund (always facing upward away from the ground). The ascending branches of the panicle are slender, light green, and glabrous. Individual flowerheads develop from terminal branches that are usually ½" or more in length. Several small leafy bracts occur along the terminal branches; these bracts are linear in shape and less than ¼" in length. Larger leafy bracts can occur on non-terminal branches. Each flowerhead is about ½" across, consisting of 15-25 white ray florets and 10-20 yellow disk florets; the disk florets later become reddish purple. At the base of each flowerhead, thereDistribution Map are small appressed floral bracts in 3-5 series that surround the involucre; this involucre is 3-6 mm. long. The floral bracts have dark green tips, otherwise they are light green; these dark green tips are rhombic-obovate or rhombic-oblanceolate in shape. The blooming period occurs from late summer to early fall and lasts about 1 month. The florets are replaced by small achenes with sessile tufts of white hair, which are distributed by the wind. Individual achenes are bullet-shaped with 3-5 prominent ribs and they are pale pink to straw-colored. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous; on an older plant, a small caudex may develop. Vegetative offsets are sometimes formed by the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and sandy soil. Individual plants may lean to the side when they bloom.
Range & Habitat: The native Rice Button Aster is an uncommon plant that is found primarily in sandy areas of NE Illinois; elsewhere in the state, it is rare or absent. Illinois lies close to the northern range limit of this species. Habitats include dry-mesic sandy savannas, interdunal swales, moist meadows, areas along sandy paths, and abandoned fields. Rather oddly, Rice Button Aster gravitates toward either fairly dry or poorly drained habitats.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract numerous insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, and beetles. Among the bees, honeybees, bumblebees, green metallic bees, dagger bees (e.g., Calliopsis), and oligolectic Andrenid bees (e.g., Andrena asteroides) are known to visit the flowerheads of Rice Button Aster. For many of these insect visitors, Symphyotrichum spp. (Asters) are an important source of late-season nectar and pollen. Other insects feed on the foliage, suck plant juices, bore through the stalks and roots, or gnaw on the flowerheads and developing seeds. These insects include long-horned beetles, leaf beetles, aphids, leafhoppers, lace bugs, plant bugs, fly larvae (Cecidomyiidae), and caterpillars of butterflies and moths. The Wild Turkey occasionally feeds on the leaves and seedheads, while White-Tailed Deer and the Cottontail Rabbit browse on the foliage.
Photographic Location: A sandy savanna at Hooper Branch Savanna Nature Preserve in Iroquois County, Illinois.
Comments: This is one of many white-flowered asters that can be found in Illinois. Rice Button Aster is a slender and delicate-looking plant that is rather variable across its range: different varieties have been described. It is perhaps most similar in appearance to Symphyotrichum racemosum (syn. Symphyotrichum vimineum, syn. Symphyotrichum fragile), which also has small white flowerheads. The latter species differs from Rice Button Aster by its slightly smaller flowerheads (1/3" or 8 mm. across); these flowerheads are more secund (facing upward away from the ground) and they are usually produced in greater abundance. Furthermore, the terminal branches of its flowerheads are usually shorter than those of the Rice Button Aster. An alternative scientific name of Rice Button Aster is Aster dumosus.
The central stem (and any lateral stems) terminates in a rather airy panicle of flowerheads about 6-9" long and a little less across. Generally, the flowerheads are more or less erect in relation to the panicle, which often leans sideways to some extent; the flowerheads are not secund (always facing upward away from the ground). The ascending branches of the panicle are slender, light green, and glabrous. Individual flowerheads develop from terminal branches that are usually ½" or more in length. Several small leafy bracts occur along the terminal branches; these bracts are linear in shape and less than ¼" in length. Larger leafy bracts can occur on non-terminal branches. Each flowerhead is about ½" across, consisting of 15-25 white ray florets and 10-20 yellow disk florets; the disk florets later become reddish purple. At the base of each flowerhead, thereDistribution Map are small appressed floral bracts in 3-5 series that surround the involucre; this involucre is 3-6 mm. long. The floral bracts have dark green tips, otherwise they are light green; these dark green tips are rhombic-obovate or rhombic-oblanceolate in shape. The blooming period occurs from late summer to early fall and lasts about 1 month. The florets are replaced by small achenes with sessile tufts of white hair, which are distributed by the wind. Individual achenes are bullet-shaped with 3-5 prominent ribs and they are pale pink to straw-colored. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous; on an older plant, a small caudex may develop. Vegetative offsets are sometimes formed by the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and sandy soil. Individual plants may lean to the side when they bloom.
Range & Habitat: The native Rice Button Aster is an uncommon plant that is found primarily in sandy areas of NE Illinois; elsewhere in the state, it is rare or absent. Illinois lies close to the northern range limit of this species. Habitats include dry-mesic sandy savannas, interdunal swales, moist meadows, areas along sandy paths, and abandoned fields. Rather oddly, Rice Button Aster gravitates toward either fairly dry or poorly drained habitats.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract numerous insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, and beetles. Among the bees, honeybees, bumblebees, green metallic bees, dagger bees (e.g., Calliopsis), and oligolectic Andrenid bees (e.g., Andrena asteroides) are known to visit the flowerheads of Rice Button Aster. For many of these insect visitors, Symphyotrichum spp. (Asters) are an important source of late-season nectar and pollen. Other insects feed on the foliage, suck plant juices, bore through the stalks and roots, or gnaw on the flowerheads and developing seeds. These insects include long-horned beetles, leaf beetles, aphids, leafhoppers, lace bugs, plant bugs, fly larvae (Cecidomyiidae), and caterpillars of butterflies and moths. The Wild Turkey occasionally feeds on the leaves and seedheads, while White-Tailed Deer and the Cottontail Rabbit browse on the foliage.
Photographic Location: A sandy savanna at Hooper Branch Savanna Nature Preserve in Iroquois County, Illinois.
Comments: This is one of many white-flowered asters that can be found in Illinois. Rice Button Aster is a slender and delicate-looking plant that is rather variable across its range: different varieties have been described. It is perhaps most similar in appearance to Symphyotrichum racemosum (syn. Symphyotrichum vimineum, syn. Symphyotrichum fragile), which also has small white flowerheads. The latter species differs from Rice Button Aster by its slightly smaller flowerheads (1/3" or 8 mm. across); these flowerheads are more secund (facing upward away from the ground) and they are usually produced in greater abundance. Furthermore, the terminal branches of its flowerheads are usually shorter than those of the Rice Button Aster. An alternative scientific name of Rice Button Aster is Aster dumosus.
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Miss Chen
2018年04月14日
A normal planting depth of 1 to 3 inches protects seed potato pieces from frost damage even during a hard freeze. Potato leaves survive light frosts with little injury, but leaves and stems die back to the ground in colder temperatures. Seed potatoes send up new shoots to replace frost-killed tops. Protecting plants during the last frosts of spring preserves the advantage gardeners gain from early planting.
Planting Times
Gardeners could plant potatoes as soon as the ground thaws in spring and dries enough to work without compacting. Planting in March, several weeks before the last frost date in most areas, gives potatoes a chance for a longer growing season. The extra days increase yields, since potato tubers stop growing when soil heats to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Late frosts might kill early potato plants back to the ground, but potatoes nearly always recover. Early plantings exposed to long periods of cold rainy weather could fail for other reasons. Cold and wet conditions delay sprouting and cause seed pieces to rot.
Critical Temperatures
Light frosts cause little harm to potato plants, but the difference between a harmless light frost and a heavy frost measures only a few degrees. Temperatures between 29 and 32 degrees Fahrenheit cause light frost, but temperatures from 25 to 28 degrees inflict serious damage to potatoes. In the fall, a hard freeze of 24 degrees or below ends the season, but a brief hard freeze in spring only kills potato plants to ground level. Elevation and ground slope influence the severity of frosts. Potatoes planted on depressed ground sit in frost pockets that collect cold air. Potatoes growing on slopes at higher levels experience warmer temperatures and less frost damage.
Protection
Planting potatoes in mounded rows warms soil faster than flat row systems and it encourages early sprouting. A light mulch of straw over newly emerged potato plants traps ground warmth and protects the tender plants from freezing temperatures. Row covers offer better protection, increasing night temperatures in the potato row by 5 degrees Fahrenheit, according to master gardener Patti O'Neal on the Jeffco Gardener website. Fabric row covers work better than either plastic or paper. Any cover that contacts leaves conducts enough heat to burn leaf tips but will protect other parts of the plant.
Chitting
Forcing potatoes to sprout before planting, or chitting, adds to the growing season without adding risk of frost damage. Potatoes sprout after a month in storage at temperatures of 55 degrees Fahrenheit, if exposed to indirect lighting. Allowing seed potatoes to develop 1/2-inch sprouts before planting guarantees early growth in safely controlled conditions. Cut the sprouting potatoes into pieces at least 1/2 inch thick, with one or more sprouts per piece. Give the cut surfaces a day to harden off and plant just before the last frost date. Plant the pieces flat side down and be careful not to break the sprouts as you cover the row with soil.
Planting Times
Gardeners could plant potatoes as soon as the ground thaws in spring and dries enough to work without compacting. Planting in March, several weeks before the last frost date in most areas, gives potatoes a chance for a longer growing season. The extra days increase yields, since potato tubers stop growing when soil heats to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Late frosts might kill early potato plants back to the ground, but potatoes nearly always recover. Early plantings exposed to long periods of cold rainy weather could fail for other reasons. Cold and wet conditions delay sprouting and cause seed pieces to rot.
Critical Temperatures
Light frosts cause little harm to potato plants, but the difference between a harmless light frost and a heavy frost measures only a few degrees. Temperatures between 29 and 32 degrees Fahrenheit cause light frost, but temperatures from 25 to 28 degrees inflict serious damage to potatoes. In the fall, a hard freeze of 24 degrees or below ends the season, but a brief hard freeze in spring only kills potato plants to ground level. Elevation and ground slope influence the severity of frosts. Potatoes planted on depressed ground sit in frost pockets that collect cold air. Potatoes growing on slopes at higher levels experience warmer temperatures and less frost damage.
Protection
Planting potatoes in mounded rows warms soil faster than flat row systems and it encourages early sprouting. A light mulch of straw over newly emerged potato plants traps ground warmth and protects the tender plants from freezing temperatures. Row covers offer better protection, increasing night temperatures in the potato row by 5 degrees Fahrenheit, according to master gardener Patti O'Neal on the Jeffco Gardener website. Fabric row covers work better than either plastic or paper. Any cover that contacts leaves conducts enough heat to burn leaf tips but will protect other parts of the plant.
Chitting
Forcing potatoes to sprout before planting, or chitting, adds to the growing season without adding risk of frost damage. Potatoes sprout after a month in storage at temperatures of 55 degrees Fahrenheit, if exposed to indirect lighting. Allowing seed potatoes to develop 1/2-inch sprouts before planting guarantees early growth in safely controlled conditions. Cut the sprouting potatoes into pieces at least 1/2 inch thick, with one or more sprouts per piece. Give the cut surfaces a day to harden off and plant just before the last frost date. Plant the pieces flat side down and be careful not to break the sprouts as you cover the row with soil.
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Miss Chen
2018年04月08日
A close relative to other vining crops such as zucchini, melons and squash, the cucumber (Cucumis sativus) grows as an annual vine that does not survive frost. Its prickly stems clamber across the warm soil surface, producing yellow flowers that later become the familiar elongated fruits. Cucumbers are harvested when immature and small. Ripe cucumbers are large and plump with yellow skin, watery flesh and a bitter flavor. Plant cucumbers in a sunny garden plot two weeks after the last spring frost.
Types
Cucumber plants spread and take up at least 25 square feet in the vegetable garden. Regular cucumbers often produce vines as long as 8 to 10 feet. Look at the seed packet or seedling label to learn the size of a mature plant. Bush cucumbers genetically develop much shorter stems and a compact overall plant size. Bush types make exceptional choices for small-sized gardens or for growing in containers. Either type may be grown on a trellis of an appropriate height to meet the mature length of the cucumber variety's stems.
Planting Options
Cucumbers may be grown in rows or hills. Row planting requires a long furrow that is 1/2 to 1 inch deep. Place seeds in the furrow spaced 12 inches apart. If you know the cucumber variety is very large growing, increase the spacing in the furrow to 18 to 36 inches apart. Another planting option for cucumber planting is sowing in hills. Make a wide basin about 10 inches wide and 1 inch deep. Place four or five seeds in the hill, each spaced 2 to 3 inches apart across the basin.
Row Spacing
Space additional straight rows of cucumbers at least 36 inches apart. Space hills 36 inches apart as well. Increase the distance among rows or hills up to 5 feet if the cucumber variety is known to grow large. Planting cucumbers too closely together causes leaves and vines to compete with each other for sunlight and reduces air circulation, which can encourage diseases. A dense matrix of cucumber vines also is difficult to navigate later when you walk through the patch to harvest fruits.
Vegetable Garden Planning
Cucumbers do not cross-pollinate other vining crops in the garden, contrary to a common American garden myth. While you don't want crops growing into each other to create a tangle of vines, misshapen or poorly tasting cucumbers because of the pollen from nearby melons, squashes or zucchini plants. Only other cucumber varieties cross-pollinate -- all are the same botanical species. Cross-pollination does not affect cucumber fruit features or qualities, but it does yield hybridized seeds.
Types
Cucumber plants spread and take up at least 25 square feet in the vegetable garden. Regular cucumbers often produce vines as long as 8 to 10 feet. Look at the seed packet or seedling label to learn the size of a mature plant. Bush cucumbers genetically develop much shorter stems and a compact overall plant size. Bush types make exceptional choices for small-sized gardens or for growing in containers. Either type may be grown on a trellis of an appropriate height to meet the mature length of the cucumber variety's stems.
Planting Options
Cucumbers may be grown in rows or hills. Row planting requires a long furrow that is 1/2 to 1 inch deep. Place seeds in the furrow spaced 12 inches apart. If you know the cucumber variety is very large growing, increase the spacing in the furrow to 18 to 36 inches apart. Another planting option for cucumber planting is sowing in hills. Make a wide basin about 10 inches wide and 1 inch deep. Place four or five seeds in the hill, each spaced 2 to 3 inches apart across the basin.
Row Spacing
Space additional straight rows of cucumbers at least 36 inches apart. Space hills 36 inches apart as well. Increase the distance among rows or hills up to 5 feet if the cucumber variety is known to grow large. Planting cucumbers too closely together causes leaves and vines to compete with each other for sunlight and reduces air circulation, which can encourage diseases. A dense matrix of cucumber vines also is difficult to navigate later when you walk through the patch to harvest fruits.
Vegetable Garden Planning
Cucumbers do not cross-pollinate other vining crops in the garden, contrary to a common American garden myth. While you don't want crops growing into each other to create a tangle of vines, misshapen or poorly tasting cucumbers because of the pollen from nearby melons, squashes or zucchini plants. Only other cucumber varieties cross-pollinate -- all are the same botanical species. Cross-pollination does not affect cucumber fruit features or qualities, but it does yield hybridized seeds.
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Miss Chen
2018年04月06日
Description: This perennial wildflower is 4-12" tall; it is branched at the base and often branched above. The ascending to erect stems are light to medium green, hairy, and terete. Alternate trifoliate leaves occur at intervals along the stems. The leaflets are ½-1½" long and 4-8 mm. across; they are elliptic in shape, while their margins are entire (smooth) and ciliate. The upper leaflet surface is medium green and glabrous to sparsely short-pubescent, while the lower leaflet surface is light green and sparsely short-pubescent. The petioles of the trifoliate leaves are up to ¼" long, light green, and hairy. The base of each petiole and a portion of the adjacent stem are surrounded by a pair of of green to brown stipules; each stipule tapers to a ciliate beak. The terminal leaflets have petiolules (basal stalklets) up to ¼" long, while the lateral leaflets are sessile (or nearly so). Leaf venation is pinnate; the veins along the upper leaflet surfaces often appear to be shiny. The flowers are produced individually (rare in clusters) from the axils of the leaves. The pedicels of the flowers are up to ¼" long. Each flower has 5 yellow petals, a light green calyx with 4-5 lobes, and the enclosed reproductive organs. The petals are arranged in a pea-like floral structure, consisting of a large banner, a pair of forward-projecting wings, and an enclosed keel. The flowers are oriented either laterally (with erect banners) or they are held erect (with the banners at the bottom).
The blooming period occurs from late spring to late summer, lasting about 1½-3 months. Only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. The flowers are replaced by small seedpods consisting of two segments: the first segment is infertile and stipe-like in shape, while the second segment contains a single seed. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, mesic to dry conditions, and a somewhat acidic infertile soil where there is reduced competition from other kinds of ground vegetation.
Range & Habitat: The native Pencil Flower is fairly common in southern Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is rare or absent (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the northern range limit of this species. Habitats consist of upland rocky woodlands, bluffs, upland savannas, sandstone glades, prairies, and fields. Pencil Flower occurs in both higher quality natural areas and disturbed areas, especially where sandstone is close to the ground surface.
Faunal Associations: The flowers of Pencil Flower are cross-pollinated primarily by bees (Robertson, 1929). This is one of the host plants of a leaf beetle, Sumitrosis ancoroides. The foliage is highly palatable to hoofed mammalian herbivores (Banta & Thro, 1995).
Photographic Location: An upland rocky woodland in southern Illinois.
Comments: Because it produces relatively few flowers at the same time and it is relatively small in size, Pencil Flower is fairly easy to overlook. It can be distinguished from similar species in the Bean family by the shiny veins on its leaves, stipules with beak-like ciliate tips, and asymmetrical seedpods (a narrow infertile segment followed by a broader fertile segment). There is some variability of this species across its range in regards to the hairiness of its stems, the erectness of its stems, whether flowers are produced individually or in small groups, etc. At the present time, these are regarded as variations of a single polymorphic species.
The blooming period occurs from late spring to late summer, lasting about 1½-3 months. Only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. The flowers are replaced by small seedpods consisting of two segments: the first segment is infertile and stipe-like in shape, while the second segment contains a single seed. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, mesic to dry conditions, and a somewhat acidic infertile soil where there is reduced competition from other kinds of ground vegetation.
Range & Habitat: The native Pencil Flower is fairly common in southern Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is rare or absent (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the northern range limit of this species. Habitats consist of upland rocky woodlands, bluffs, upland savannas, sandstone glades, prairies, and fields. Pencil Flower occurs in both higher quality natural areas and disturbed areas, especially where sandstone is close to the ground surface.
Faunal Associations: The flowers of Pencil Flower are cross-pollinated primarily by bees (Robertson, 1929). This is one of the host plants of a leaf beetle, Sumitrosis ancoroides. The foliage is highly palatable to hoofed mammalian herbivores (Banta & Thro, 1995).
Photographic Location: An upland rocky woodland in southern Illinois.
Comments: Because it produces relatively few flowers at the same time and it is relatively small in size, Pencil Flower is fairly easy to overlook. It can be distinguished from similar species in the Bean family by the shiny veins on its leaves, stipules with beak-like ciliate tips, and asymmetrical seedpods (a narrow infertile segment followed by a broader fertile segment). There is some variability of this species across its range in regards to the hairiness of its stems, the erectness of its stems, whether flowers are produced individually or in small groups, etc. At the present time, these are regarded as variations of a single polymorphic species.
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Miss Chen
2018年04月06日
Description: This plant is a trailing or climbing annual vine about 3-9' long that branches occasionally. The slender stems are light green, gray-green, or dull red, terete, and hairy; they can climb by twining around the stems or branches of neighboring plants. Alternate trifoliate leaves occur at intervals along the stems. The leaflets are 1-2" long and ½–1¼" across; the terminal leaflet is usually a little larger than the lateral leaflets. The leaflets are broadly lanceolate to ovate with well-rounded bases and smooth margins; the terminal leaflet has a short stalk at its base (petiolule), while the lateral leaflets are nearly sessile. For this variety of Strophostyles helvula, the leaflets lack obtuse basal lobes, unlike the typical variety. The upper leaflet surfaces are medium green and hairless (or nearly so), while their lowers surfaces are pale green and hairless (or nearly so). The slender petioles of the trifoliate leaves are about 1-2" long; they are usually slightly pubescent. At the base of each petiole, there is a pair of tiny linear-lanceolate stipules.
At the axils of some leaves, there develops individual stalks (peduncles) of flowers; these stalks are 3-6" long. At the apex of each stalk, there is a dense cluster of 3-10 nearly sessile flowers; usually only 1-2 flowers are in bloom at the same time. Each flower is about 1/3" long or a little more, its petals consisting of a large rounded banner, a pair of slender lateral petals, and a narrow keel that is curled upward. These petals are light pink to pink, fading to white or pale green; at the bottom of the banner, there is a small patch of yellow. At the base of each flower, there is a short tubular calyx with 5 teeth; this calyx is sparsely hairy. At the base of each calyx, there are lanceolate tiny bracts with pointed tips that are about the same length as the calyx. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts about 2 months. Each fertile flower is replaced by a cylindrical seedpod that is 2–3½" long at maturity. The seedpod is initially green, but later becomes dark brown; it is nearly glabrous to sparsely hairy. Individual seeds are about ¼" long, oblongoid in shape, and pubescent. Each seedpod eventually divides into two parts to disperse the seeds.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and soil containing sand, loam, silt, or gravelly soil. The root system can fix nitrogen in the soil.
Range & Habitat: This native wildflower is occasional throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map); the map does not differentiate between var. missouriensis and the typical variety, Strophostyles helvula helvula (Trailing Fuzzy Bean). Missouri Fuzzy Bean is less common than the typical variety and it is found primarily in counties along the Mississippi River. Habitats of both varieties include open woodlands (including sandy and rocky woodlands), thickets and sandy thickets, riverbanks, sand bars and gravel bars along rivers, abandoned fields, and areas along railroads. Habitats with some history of disturbance are preferred.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by bees, especially Large Leaf-Cutting bees (Megachile spp.) and bumblebees. One bee species, Megachile integra, is a specialist pollinator (oligolege) of Strophostyles spp. (Fuzzy Beans). Both nectar and pollen are available as floral rewards. Missouri Fuzzy Bean also has extra-floral nectaries, which attract primarily wasps, flies, ants, and small Halictid bees. The extra-floral nectaries may prevent nectar thieves (e.g., ants) from stealing nectar from the flowers, or they may attract insects (e.g., ants & wasps) that help to protect the plant from insects that feed on the foliage. Insect feeders of the foliage include the caterpillars of Thorybes bathyllus (Southern Cloudywing), Epargyreus clarus (Silver-Spotted Skipper), and Urbanus proteus (Long-Tailed Skipper). The leaf beetles Cerotoma trifurcata and Sumitrosis ancoroides also feed on the foliage. The seeds are eaten by such birds as the Wild Turkey, Bobwhite, and Mourning Dove, while the foliage is readily consumed by cattle, deer, and probably other mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Missouri Fuzzy Bean is one of several species in the Fabaceae (Bean family) that are vines. It has fairly typical pea-like flowers for species in this family, except that the keels of the flowers curl upward in an odd manner. Another distinctive characteristic of Strophostyles spp. (Fuzzy Beans) is the production of dense clusters of flowers on long stalks (although only a few flowers bloom at the same time per cluster). The common name 'Fuzzy Bean' refers to the hairiness of the seedpods and/or the pubescent seeds of many species in this genus. As already mentioned, Missouri Fuzzy Bean differs from the typical variety, Strophostyles helvula helvula (Trailing Fuzzy Bean), by the lack of obtuse basal lobes on its leaflets. Because of this characteristic, Missouri Fuzzy Bean can be difficult to distinguish from Strophostyles umbellata (Perennial Fuzzy Bean), which has similar leaflets. For Missouri Fuzzy Bean, the tiny bracts at the base of each flower are about as long as the calyx and they have pointed tips. In contrast, the tiny bracts of Perennial Fuzzy Bean are only one-half as long as the calyx and they have blunt tips. Another species, Strophostyles leiosperma (Small Fuzzy Bean), has smaller leaves and flowers, while the calyx of each flower is densely hairy. Sometimes the scientific name Strophostyles helvula is spelled 'Strophostyles helvola,' which is apparently incorrect.
At the axils of some leaves, there develops individual stalks (peduncles) of flowers; these stalks are 3-6" long. At the apex of each stalk, there is a dense cluster of 3-10 nearly sessile flowers; usually only 1-2 flowers are in bloom at the same time. Each flower is about 1/3" long or a little more, its petals consisting of a large rounded banner, a pair of slender lateral petals, and a narrow keel that is curled upward. These petals are light pink to pink, fading to white or pale green; at the bottom of the banner, there is a small patch of yellow. At the base of each flower, there is a short tubular calyx with 5 teeth; this calyx is sparsely hairy. At the base of each calyx, there are lanceolate tiny bracts with pointed tips that are about the same length as the calyx. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts about 2 months. Each fertile flower is replaced by a cylindrical seedpod that is 2–3½" long at maturity. The seedpod is initially green, but later becomes dark brown; it is nearly glabrous to sparsely hairy. Individual seeds are about ¼" long, oblongoid in shape, and pubescent. Each seedpod eventually divides into two parts to disperse the seeds.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and soil containing sand, loam, silt, or gravelly soil. The root system can fix nitrogen in the soil.
Range & Habitat: This native wildflower is occasional throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map); the map does not differentiate between var. missouriensis and the typical variety, Strophostyles helvula helvula (Trailing Fuzzy Bean). Missouri Fuzzy Bean is less common than the typical variety and it is found primarily in counties along the Mississippi River. Habitats of both varieties include open woodlands (including sandy and rocky woodlands), thickets and sandy thickets, riverbanks, sand bars and gravel bars along rivers, abandoned fields, and areas along railroads. Habitats with some history of disturbance are preferred.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by bees, especially Large Leaf-Cutting bees (Megachile spp.) and bumblebees. One bee species, Megachile integra, is a specialist pollinator (oligolege) of Strophostyles spp. (Fuzzy Beans). Both nectar and pollen are available as floral rewards. Missouri Fuzzy Bean also has extra-floral nectaries, which attract primarily wasps, flies, ants, and small Halictid bees. The extra-floral nectaries may prevent nectar thieves (e.g., ants) from stealing nectar from the flowers, or they may attract insects (e.g., ants & wasps) that help to protect the plant from insects that feed on the foliage. Insect feeders of the foliage include the caterpillars of Thorybes bathyllus (Southern Cloudywing), Epargyreus clarus (Silver-Spotted Skipper), and Urbanus proteus (Long-Tailed Skipper). The leaf beetles Cerotoma trifurcata and Sumitrosis ancoroides also feed on the foliage. The seeds are eaten by such birds as the Wild Turkey, Bobwhite, and Mourning Dove, while the foliage is readily consumed by cattle, deer, and probably other mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Missouri Fuzzy Bean is one of several species in the Fabaceae (Bean family) that are vines. It has fairly typical pea-like flowers for species in this family, except that the keels of the flowers curl upward in an odd manner. Another distinctive characteristic of Strophostyles spp. (Fuzzy Beans) is the production of dense clusters of flowers on long stalks (although only a few flowers bloom at the same time per cluster). The common name 'Fuzzy Bean' refers to the hairiness of the seedpods and/or the pubescent seeds of many species in this genus. As already mentioned, Missouri Fuzzy Bean differs from the typical variety, Strophostyles helvula helvula (Trailing Fuzzy Bean), by the lack of obtuse basal lobes on its leaflets. Because of this characteristic, Missouri Fuzzy Bean can be difficult to distinguish from Strophostyles umbellata (Perennial Fuzzy Bean), which has similar leaflets. For Missouri Fuzzy Bean, the tiny bracts at the base of each flower are about as long as the calyx and they have pointed tips. In contrast, the tiny bracts of Perennial Fuzzy Bean are only one-half as long as the calyx and they have blunt tips. Another species, Strophostyles leiosperma (Small Fuzzy Bean), has smaller leaves and flowers, while the calyx of each flower is densely hairy. Sometimes the scientific name Strophostyles helvula is spelled 'Strophostyles helvola,' which is apparently incorrect.
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Miss Chen
2018年04月05日
Description: This perennial herbaceous plant is 1¼–4' tall, producing either solitary or multiple leafy stems from the same root system. The stems are light green, reddish green, or light to medium brown; they are terete and sparsely to moderately short-pubescent. Abundant alternate leaves occur along each stem that become gradually smaller in size as they ascend. The leaf blades are 1-4" long and ¼–1" across; they are elliptic to broadly elliptic, or lanceolate-elliptic, or oblanceolate-elliptic in shape. The margins of leaf blades are entire (toothless) to slightly toothed toward their tips and they are short-ciliate. The upper blade surface is yellowish green or medium green and sparsely covered with minute stiff hairs, providing it with a slightly rough texture; the lower blade surface is light to medium green and glabrous to short-pubescent along the major veins. The leaf blades are either sessile or they have short petioles. Each stem terminates in a cylindrical panicle of flowerheads about 4-10" long. The branches and peduncles of the panicle are light green and more or less covered with short hairs that are usually glandular. Leafy bracts up to 1" long and ¼" across occur along these branches and at the bases of peduncles; these bracts are similar in appearance to the leaves, except they are smaller in size. Individual flowerheads are about 6 mm. (¼") long and 3-4 mm. across.
Each flowerhead has 5-10 ray florets that surround a dense head of 8-20 disk florets. The ray florets are pistillate (female), while the disk florets are perfect (both male and female). The spreading petaloid rays of the flowerhead are golden yellow and narrowly oblong in shape. The tubular corollas of the disk florets are yellow and they have 5 narrow lobes along their upper rims. The base of each flowerhead has a cylindrical urn-shape that is tapered at its base; it is surrounded by phyllaries (floral bracts) in about 4 overlapping series. The phyllaries are light green, linear-lanceolate in shape, and either minutely pubescent or glandular-pubescent (usually the latter); these phyllaries are strongly recurved toward their tips. The blooming period occurs from late summer to mid-autumn, lasting about 3-4 weeks. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by achenes with small tufts of hair; they are distributed by the wind. The bodies of these achenes are about 3 mm. long, bullet-shaped, and either glabrous or slightly short-pubescent. The root system is fibrous and sometimes long-rhizomatous; an older plant usually develops a swollen caudex. This plant spreads by reseeding itself or it can form clonal offspring from rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, mesic to dry conditions, and a somewhat acidic soil containing rocky material or sand. This plant will adapt to cultivation, however it may require staking to prevent it from toppling over.
Range & Habitat: Downy Ragged Goldenrod is native to southern Illinois, where it is uncommon, while elsewhere within the state it is absent (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the northern range-limit of this plant; it occurs primarily in south-central and southeast USA. Habitats include upland woodlands, upland savannas, thinly wooded rocky bluffs, thickets, glades with acidic bedrock, and rocky prairies. In the wooded habitats where this plant occurs, they are typically dominated by oaks and hickories. Outside of Illinois, Downy Ragged Goldenrod also occurs in sandy mixed woodlands (where both hardwood deciduous trees and conifers are present). This plant is normally found in high quality natural areas. Occasional wildfires are probably beneficial in maintaining its populations.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about the floral-faunal relationships of Downy Ragged Goldenrod specifically. This goldenrod is a significant source of nectar for migrating Monarch butterflies in Arkansas (Rudolph et al., 2006) and the larvae of a leaf beetle, Microrhopala excavata, mine its leaves (Clark et al., 2004). For goldenrods (Solidago spp.) in general, the nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract a wide variety of insects, including honeybees, bumblebees, little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), leaf-cutter bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees, masked bees (Hylaeus spp.), Andrenid bees, wasps, Syrphid flies and other flies, butterflies, skippers, and beetles. Several Andrenid bees are oligoleges (specialist pollinators) of goldenrods; this includes Andrena hirticincta, Andrena nubecula, Andrena placata, Andrena simplex, and Andrena solidaginis. In addition, a plasterer bee, Colletes simulans armata, is an oligolege of goldenrods. A wide variety of insects feed destructively on the foliage, flowerheads, stems, roots, and plant juices of various goldenrods. These species include leaf beetles (Microrhopala spp., Ophraella spp., Trirhabda spp.), larvae of leaf-miner flies (Calycomyza spp.), larvae of gall flies (Asteromyia spp., Rhopalomyia spp.), plant bugs (Lygus spp., Polymerus spp., Slaterocoris spp.), Corythucha marmorata (Goldenrod Lace Bug), aphids (Uroleucon spp.), treehoppers (Stictocephala spp.), Aonidomytilus solidaginis (Goldenrod Scale), larvae of Gelechiid moths (Dichomeris spp.), larvae of Schinia nundina (Goldenrod Flower Moth) and other Noctuid moths, larvae of Tortricid moths (Epiblema spp., Eucosma spp., Phaneta spp.), and grasshoppers (Melanoplus spp.); see Clark et al. (2004), Spencer & Steyskal (1986), Felt (1917), Aldrich & Osten-Sacken (1905), Knight (1941), Watson (1928), Wheeler et al. (1983), Cranshaw (2004), Hottes & Frison (1931), Blackman & Eastop (2013), Dennis (1952), Covell (1984/2005), Miller (1987), and Vickery & Kevan (1985) for more information. Vertebrate animals use goldenrods as a source of food to a more limited extent. The seeds of these plants are eaten by such birds as the Indigo Bunting, American Goldfinch, Slate-colored Junco, and Tree Sparrow; the Greater Prairie Chicken feeds on the foliage and flowerheads (DeVore et al., 2004; Martin et al., 1951/1961; Yeatter, 1943). Occasionally, the White-tailed Deer and Cottontail Rabbit also feed on the young foliage of goldenrods (Sotala & Kirkpatrick, 1973; Martin et al., 1951/1961). These plants are a source of food for the Prairie Vole (Cole & Batzli, 1979) and probably other voles.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Sometimes this species is called 'Downy Goldenrod.' There is some variability in the width of leaves, presence of teeth on the leaves, abundance of pubescence, and presence of glandular hairs on this goldenrod across its range. Downy Ragged Goldenrod (Solidago petiolaris) is easy to identify in Illinois because of the recurved phyllaries (floral bracts) of its flowerheads; this is the only goldenrod within the state that has this characteristic, and it is rare among goldenrods (Solidago spp.) elsewhere. One species with this characteristic is Stout Goldenrod (Solidago squarrosa). This latter species is found primarily in northeastern United States. Stout Goldenrod has larger lower leaves than Downy Ragged Goldenrod (Solidago petiolaris), and its lower leaves have more teeth. Overall, it is a less hairy plant than Downy Ragged Goldenrod. The remaining goldenrod with recurved phyllaries, Wright's Goldenrod (Solidago wrightii), is difficult to distinguish from Downy Ragged Goldenrod. Because Wright's Goldenrod occurs some distance away in the southwestern area of the United States, it won't be considered any further.
Each flowerhead has 5-10 ray florets that surround a dense head of 8-20 disk florets. The ray florets are pistillate (female), while the disk florets are perfect (both male and female). The spreading petaloid rays of the flowerhead are golden yellow and narrowly oblong in shape. The tubular corollas of the disk florets are yellow and they have 5 narrow lobes along their upper rims. The base of each flowerhead has a cylindrical urn-shape that is tapered at its base; it is surrounded by phyllaries (floral bracts) in about 4 overlapping series. The phyllaries are light green, linear-lanceolate in shape, and either minutely pubescent or glandular-pubescent (usually the latter); these phyllaries are strongly recurved toward their tips. The blooming period occurs from late summer to mid-autumn, lasting about 3-4 weeks. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by achenes with small tufts of hair; they are distributed by the wind. The bodies of these achenes are about 3 mm. long, bullet-shaped, and either glabrous or slightly short-pubescent. The root system is fibrous and sometimes long-rhizomatous; an older plant usually develops a swollen caudex. This plant spreads by reseeding itself or it can form clonal offspring from rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, mesic to dry conditions, and a somewhat acidic soil containing rocky material or sand. This plant will adapt to cultivation, however it may require staking to prevent it from toppling over.
Range & Habitat: Downy Ragged Goldenrod is native to southern Illinois, where it is uncommon, while elsewhere within the state it is absent (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the northern range-limit of this plant; it occurs primarily in south-central and southeast USA. Habitats include upland woodlands, upland savannas, thinly wooded rocky bluffs, thickets, glades with acidic bedrock, and rocky prairies. In the wooded habitats where this plant occurs, they are typically dominated by oaks and hickories. Outside of Illinois, Downy Ragged Goldenrod also occurs in sandy mixed woodlands (where both hardwood deciduous trees and conifers are present). This plant is normally found in high quality natural areas. Occasional wildfires are probably beneficial in maintaining its populations.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about the floral-faunal relationships of Downy Ragged Goldenrod specifically. This goldenrod is a significant source of nectar for migrating Monarch butterflies in Arkansas (Rudolph et al., 2006) and the larvae of a leaf beetle, Microrhopala excavata, mine its leaves (Clark et al., 2004). For goldenrods (Solidago spp.) in general, the nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract a wide variety of insects, including honeybees, bumblebees, little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), leaf-cutter bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees, masked bees (Hylaeus spp.), Andrenid bees, wasps, Syrphid flies and other flies, butterflies, skippers, and beetles. Several Andrenid bees are oligoleges (specialist pollinators) of goldenrods; this includes Andrena hirticincta, Andrena nubecula, Andrena placata, Andrena simplex, and Andrena solidaginis. In addition, a plasterer bee, Colletes simulans armata, is an oligolege of goldenrods. A wide variety of insects feed destructively on the foliage, flowerheads, stems, roots, and plant juices of various goldenrods. These species include leaf beetles (Microrhopala spp., Ophraella spp., Trirhabda spp.), larvae of leaf-miner flies (Calycomyza spp.), larvae of gall flies (Asteromyia spp., Rhopalomyia spp.), plant bugs (Lygus spp., Polymerus spp., Slaterocoris spp.), Corythucha marmorata (Goldenrod Lace Bug), aphids (Uroleucon spp.), treehoppers (Stictocephala spp.), Aonidomytilus solidaginis (Goldenrod Scale), larvae of Gelechiid moths (Dichomeris spp.), larvae of Schinia nundina (Goldenrod Flower Moth) and other Noctuid moths, larvae of Tortricid moths (Epiblema spp., Eucosma spp., Phaneta spp.), and grasshoppers (Melanoplus spp.); see Clark et al. (2004), Spencer & Steyskal (1986), Felt (1917), Aldrich & Osten-Sacken (1905), Knight (1941), Watson (1928), Wheeler et al. (1983), Cranshaw (2004), Hottes & Frison (1931), Blackman & Eastop (2013), Dennis (1952), Covell (1984/2005), Miller (1987), and Vickery & Kevan (1985) for more information. Vertebrate animals use goldenrods as a source of food to a more limited extent. The seeds of these plants are eaten by such birds as the Indigo Bunting, American Goldfinch, Slate-colored Junco, and Tree Sparrow; the Greater Prairie Chicken feeds on the foliage and flowerheads (DeVore et al., 2004; Martin et al., 1951/1961; Yeatter, 1943). Occasionally, the White-tailed Deer and Cottontail Rabbit also feed on the young foliage of goldenrods (Sotala & Kirkpatrick, 1973; Martin et al., 1951/1961). These plants are a source of food for the Prairie Vole (Cole & Batzli, 1979) and probably other voles.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Sometimes this species is called 'Downy Goldenrod.' There is some variability in the width of leaves, presence of teeth on the leaves, abundance of pubescence, and presence of glandular hairs on this goldenrod across its range. Downy Ragged Goldenrod (Solidago petiolaris) is easy to identify in Illinois because of the recurved phyllaries (floral bracts) of its flowerheads; this is the only goldenrod within the state that has this characteristic, and it is rare among goldenrods (Solidago spp.) elsewhere. One species with this characteristic is Stout Goldenrod (Solidago squarrosa). This latter species is found primarily in northeastern United States. Stout Goldenrod has larger lower leaves than Downy Ragged Goldenrod (Solidago petiolaris), and its lower leaves have more teeth. Overall, it is a less hairy plant than Downy Ragged Goldenrod. The remaining goldenrod with recurved phyllaries, Wright's Goldenrod (Solidago wrightii), is difficult to distinguish from Downy Ragged Goldenrod. Because Wright's Goldenrod occurs some distance away in the southwestern area of the United States, it won't be considered any further.
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Miss Chen
2018年04月05日
Description: This climbing non-woody vine is a herbaceous perennial up to 8' long that branches occasionally. The light green to purple stems are terete, slightly speckled, glabrous, and often glaucous. Alternate leaves up to 3½" long and 2½" across occur at intervals along each stem; they are ovate-oval to broadly ovate-lanceolate in shape, smooth along their margins, and parallel-veined. The upper surfaces of the leaves are medium green and glabrous, while their lower surfaces are pale green and hairless. There are no hairs along the raised veins on the leaf undersides. The petioles of the leaves are up to 1¾" long, light green, and hairless. At the base of most petioles, there is a pair of tendrils that can cling to adjacent vegetation or objects for support. At the base of each stem on the vine, there is an appressed to slightly spreading sheath that is usually bladeless.
Individual umbels of flowers are produced from the axils of the middle to upper leaves of each mature vine. Each umbel is connected to the stem by a long stout peduncle about 4-10" long. The peduncles are 4-8 times longer than the petioles of adjacent leaves; they are similar in appearance to the stems. Individual umbels are about 1½–3" across, consisting of 20-120 flowers on slender pedicels; when fully developed, they are globoid in shape. Like other species in this genus, Smooth Carrion Flower is dioecious; some vines produce only staminate (male) flowers, while other vines produce only pistillate (female) flowers. The green to yellowish green staminate flowers are individually about ¼" across, consisting of 6 lanceolate tepals and 6 stamens with white anthers. The green to yellowish green pistillate flowers are individually about ¼" across, consisting of 6 lanceolate tepals and a pistil with 3 flattened stigmata. The tepals of both kinds of flowers are often recurved. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer and lasts about 3 weeks. The flowers often have a carrion-like scent, but itsDistribution Map presence and strength varies with the local ecotype. Staminate flowers wither away after blooming, while pistillate flowers are replaced by globoid fleshy berries. Individual berries are about ¼" across and contain about 3-5 seeds; they are dark blue and glaucous at maturity. At the end of the growing season, the entire vine dies down to the ground.
Cultivation: Smooth Carrion Flower prefers full or partial sun and more or less mesic conditions. It flourishes in different kinds of soil, including those that are rocky or loamy. In a shady situation, this vine may fail to produce flowers.
Range & Habitat: According to official records, Smooth Carrion Flower is rare in Illinois. However, in neighboring states this vine has been found in many counties and it is regarded as more common. It is possible that some records of Smilax lasioneura (Common Carrion Flower) in Illinois are based on misidentifications and it was Smooth Carrion Flower that was observed. These two species are very similar in appearance and easily confused. Habitats of the native Smooth Carrion Flower include savannas, thickets, prairies, rocky upland woodlands, woodland openings, woodland borders, and fence rows. Occasional wildfires appear to be beneficial in managing populations of this species.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated primarily by small bees, miscellaneous flies, and beetles. Fly visitors include Flesh flies, Blow flies, Muscid flies, Syrphid flies, mosquitoes, and other species. The bees suck nectar or collect pollen, while the flies and beetles suck nectar or feed on pollen. The butterfly Megisto cymela (Little Wood Satyr) has been observed sucking nectar from Carrion Flower as well. Insects that feed on the foliage of Smilax spp. (whether Greenbriers or Carrion Flowers) include the flea beetle Pachyonychus paradoxus, the thrips Ctenothrips bridwelli, and the caterpillars of several moths, including Acrolepiopsis incertella (Carrion Flower Moth), Phosphila miselioides (Spotted Phosphila), Phosphila turbulenta (Turbulent Phosphila), and Phyprosopus callitrichoides (Curve-Lined Owlet). In addition to these species, the caterpillars of Papaipema unimoda (Meadow Rue Borer Moth) sometimes bore into the stems of Carrion Flowers. The berries of Smilax spp. are eaten by some upland gamebirds and songbirds (see the Bird Table); the Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey also eat the young leaves and buds of these vines. The berries are a minor source of food to some mammals: this includes the Black Bear, Opossum, Raccoon, Fox Squirrel, and Gray Squirrel. The leaves and stems are browsed by the White-Tailed Deer and Cottontail Rabbit.
Photographic Location: The Loda Cemetery Prairie in the southwest corner of Iroquois County, Illinois.
Comments: Species in the Smilax genus fall into two large groups: woody vines with prickles or bristles (Green Briers, Catbriers) and non-woody vines that are devoid of prickles or bristles (Carrion Flowers). In Illinois, there are 5 species of Carrion Flower that are currently recognized; some of these species were regarded as mere varieties of Smilax herbacea in the past. Smooth Carrion Flower can be distinguished from similar species using one or more of the following criteria: 1) the undersides of its leaves are pale green and totally hairless, 2) its umbel-bearing peduncles are at least 4 times longer than the petioles of adjacent leaves, and 3) it is a climbing or sprawling vine with numerous tendrils. The very similar Smilax lasioneura (Common Carrion Flower) has fine hairs along the veins of its leaf undersides (and sometimes between the veins as well) while its peduncles are less than 4 times the length of the petioles of the adjacent leaves. Another similar species, Smilax pulverulenta (Powdery Carrion Flower), has leaf undersides that are medium green and it also has fine hairs along its veins. The remaining Carrion Flowers in Illinois are shorter vines with an upright habit of growth and they have much fewer, if any, tendrils.
Individual umbels of flowers are produced from the axils of the middle to upper leaves of each mature vine. Each umbel is connected to the stem by a long stout peduncle about 4-10" long. The peduncles are 4-8 times longer than the petioles of adjacent leaves; they are similar in appearance to the stems. Individual umbels are about 1½–3" across, consisting of 20-120 flowers on slender pedicels; when fully developed, they are globoid in shape. Like other species in this genus, Smooth Carrion Flower is dioecious; some vines produce only staminate (male) flowers, while other vines produce only pistillate (female) flowers. The green to yellowish green staminate flowers are individually about ¼" across, consisting of 6 lanceolate tepals and 6 stamens with white anthers. The green to yellowish green pistillate flowers are individually about ¼" across, consisting of 6 lanceolate tepals and a pistil with 3 flattened stigmata. The tepals of both kinds of flowers are often recurved. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer and lasts about 3 weeks. The flowers often have a carrion-like scent, but itsDistribution Map presence and strength varies with the local ecotype. Staminate flowers wither away after blooming, while pistillate flowers are replaced by globoid fleshy berries. Individual berries are about ¼" across and contain about 3-5 seeds; they are dark blue and glaucous at maturity. At the end of the growing season, the entire vine dies down to the ground.
Cultivation: Smooth Carrion Flower prefers full or partial sun and more or less mesic conditions. It flourishes in different kinds of soil, including those that are rocky or loamy. In a shady situation, this vine may fail to produce flowers.
Range & Habitat: According to official records, Smooth Carrion Flower is rare in Illinois. However, in neighboring states this vine has been found in many counties and it is regarded as more common. It is possible that some records of Smilax lasioneura (Common Carrion Flower) in Illinois are based on misidentifications and it was Smooth Carrion Flower that was observed. These two species are very similar in appearance and easily confused. Habitats of the native Smooth Carrion Flower include savannas, thickets, prairies, rocky upland woodlands, woodland openings, woodland borders, and fence rows. Occasional wildfires appear to be beneficial in managing populations of this species.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated primarily by small bees, miscellaneous flies, and beetles. Fly visitors include Flesh flies, Blow flies, Muscid flies, Syrphid flies, mosquitoes, and other species. The bees suck nectar or collect pollen, while the flies and beetles suck nectar or feed on pollen. The butterfly Megisto cymela (Little Wood Satyr) has been observed sucking nectar from Carrion Flower as well. Insects that feed on the foliage of Smilax spp. (whether Greenbriers or Carrion Flowers) include the flea beetle Pachyonychus paradoxus, the thrips Ctenothrips bridwelli, and the caterpillars of several moths, including Acrolepiopsis incertella (Carrion Flower Moth), Phosphila miselioides (Spotted Phosphila), Phosphila turbulenta (Turbulent Phosphila), and Phyprosopus callitrichoides (Curve-Lined Owlet). In addition to these species, the caterpillars of Papaipema unimoda (Meadow Rue Borer Moth) sometimes bore into the stems of Carrion Flowers. The berries of Smilax spp. are eaten by some upland gamebirds and songbirds (see the Bird Table); the Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey also eat the young leaves and buds of these vines. The berries are a minor source of food to some mammals: this includes the Black Bear, Opossum, Raccoon, Fox Squirrel, and Gray Squirrel. The leaves and stems are browsed by the White-Tailed Deer and Cottontail Rabbit.
Photographic Location: The Loda Cemetery Prairie in the southwest corner of Iroquois County, Illinois.
Comments: Species in the Smilax genus fall into two large groups: woody vines with prickles or bristles (Green Briers, Catbriers) and non-woody vines that are devoid of prickles or bristles (Carrion Flowers). In Illinois, there are 5 species of Carrion Flower that are currently recognized; some of these species were regarded as mere varieties of Smilax herbacea in the past. Smooth Carrion Flower can be distinguished from similar species using one or more of the following criteria: 1) the undersides of its leaves are pale green and totally hairless, 2) its umbel-bearing peduncles are at least 4 times longer than the petioles of adjacent leaves, and 3) it is a climbing or sprawling vine with numerous tendrils. The very similar Smilax lasioneura (Common Carrion Flower) has fine hairs along the veins of its leaf undersides (and sometimes between the veins as well) while its peduncles are less than 4 times the length of the petioles of the adjacent leaves. Another similar species, Smilax pulverulenta (Powdery Carrion Flower), has leaf undersides that are medium green and it also has fine hairs along its veins. The remaining Carrion Flowers in Illinois are shorter vines with an upright habit of growth and they have much fewer, if any, tendrils.
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Miss Chen
2018年04月05日
Description: This herbaceous plant is an annual vine up to 25' long that develops multiple lanky stems. This vine can climb over adjacent vegetation and fences using its branched tendrils, otherwise it sprawls across the ground. The stems are light green, terete, furrowed, and quite hairy. The alternate leaves are up to 8" long and across (excluding the petioles); they are orbicular-angular with 3-5 palmate lobes that are shallow to moderately deep. Leaf margins are slightly serrated. The upper surface of each leaf is yellowish green or medium green and relatively hairless, while the lower surface is finely pubescent, especially along the lower veins. The petiole of each leaf is up to 5" long; it is light green, rather stout, and quite hairy. The leaf blade is strongly indented at the base where it is connected to the petiole. Occasionally, branched tendrils and racemes of flowers occur oppositely from the alternate leaves along the vine. Bur Cucumber is usually monoecious and produces both staminate (male) and pistillate (female) flowers on the same plant.
Each staminate flower has a green calyx with 5 teeth, a greenish white corolla with 5 spreading lobes, and a central column of stamens that is knobby at its apex. The teeth of the calyx are short and broad with recurved tips. The lobes of the corolla have a network of green lines on a white background. The staminate flowers are individually about 1/3" across and they tend to bloom in small clusters toward the apex of the raceme. Each pistillate flower has a large ovary that is enclosed within an ovoid fruit about ½" long. The surface of this fruit is covered with sharp spines and long white hairs; it is initially green, but later turns brown. A single style is exerted from the terminal end of this fruit. The pistillate flowers are bunched together in a short raceme; a typical raceme has 3-10 pistillate flowers. The peduncles and pedicels of both staminate and pistillate racemes are light green and pubescent. The blooming period occurs from late summer to early fall and lasts about 3 weeks. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each bur-like fruit contains a single large seed that is brown and flattened; this seed is tapered at one end more than the other and it has a rough surface. The root system consists of a shallow branched taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist conditions, and a fertile soil that is loamy or silty. During hot dry weather, the large leaves have a tendency to droop during the middle of the day, but they usually recover at night if there is adequate moisture in the ground. The seeds germinate after the soil becomes warm.
Range & Habitat: The native Bur Cucumber occurs occasionally in scattered counties across Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include openings in floodplain forests, moist meadows in floodplain areas, thickets, banks of ditches and rivers, and edges of fields. Moist disturbed areas are preferred.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts long-tongued bees (including honeybees & bumblebees), Sphecid wasps, Vespid wasps, and various kinds of flies. Wasps are especially attracted by the accessible nectar of the staminate flowers. Some of the bees also collect pollen from the staminate flowers. Insects that feed on the foliage, plant juices, and other parts of Bur Cucumber include the leaf beetle Acalymma gouldi, Acalymma vittatum (Striped Cucumber Beetle), Diabrotica undecimpunctata (Spotted Cucumber Beetle), Anasa armigera (Horned Squash Bug), the squash bug Anasa repetita, and the Coreid bug Leptoglossus gonagra. The spiny fruits of Bur Cucumber can cling to the fur of mammals, which helps to distribute the seeds. Mammalian herbivores usually shun the foliage as a food source. The fruit is inedible.
Photographic Location: A flood-prone meadow (or thicket) along a drainage ditch in Champaign, Illinois. This meadow became a thicket in some areas because of scattered shrubs and vines.
Comments: Bur Cucumber is easy to identify once it begins to flower and forms fruits. It differs from Echinocytis lobata (Wild Cucumber) by its hairy stems, whereas the latter species has smooth stems. Both of these species produce bur-like fruits, but the fruits of Wild Cucumber are larger (about 2" long) and occur individually, rather than in small clusters. The staminate flowers of Wild Cucumber are usually more showy and occur on longer racemes. The cultivated members of the Gourd family are originally from Central America, South America, or Eurasia. This includes cucumbers, summer squash, winter squash, and many melons. While these cultivated plants occasionally escape into neighboring areas, they rarely persist. They have yellow flowers that are variable in size (from small to very large), while their fleshy fruits are often edible and larger in size than their wild counterparts.
Each staminate flower has a green calyx with 5 teeth, a greenish white corolla with 5 spreading lobes, and a central column of stamens that is knobby at its apex. The teeth of the calyx are short and broad with recurved tips. The lobes of the corolla have a network of green lines on a white background. The staminate flowers are individually about 1/3" across and they tend to bloom in small clusters toward the apex of the raceme. Each pistillate flower has a large ovary that is enclosed within an ovoid fruit about ½" long. The surface of this fruit is covered with sharp spines and long white hairs; it is initially green, but later turns brown. A single style is exerted from the terminal end of this fruit. The pistillate flowers are bunched together in a short raceme; a typical raceme has 3-10 pistillate flowers. The peduncles and pedicels of both staminate and pistillate racemes are light green and pubescent. The blooming period occurs from late summer to early fall and lasts about 3 weeks. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each bur-like fruit contains a single large seed that is brown and flattened; this seed is tapered at one end more than the other and it has a rough surface. The root system consists of a shallow branched taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist conditions, and a fertile soil that is loamy or silty. During hot dry weather, the large leaves have a tendency to droop during the middle of the day, but they usually recover at night if there is adequate moisture in the ground. The seeds germinate after the soil becomes warm.
Range & Habitat: The native Bur Cucumber occurs occasionally in scattered counties across Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include openings in floodplain forests, moist meadows in floodplain areas, thickets, banks of ditches and rivers, and edges of fields. Moist disturbed areas are preferred.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts long-tongued bees (including honeybees & bumblebees), Sphecid wasps, Vespid wasps, and various kinds of flies. Wasps are especially attracted by the accessible nectar of the staminate flowers. Some of the bees also collect pollen from the staminate flowers. Insects that feed on the foliage, plant juices, and other parts of Bur Cucumber include the leaf beetle Acalymma gouldi, Acalymma vittatum (Striped Cucumber Beetle), Diabrotica undecimpunctata (Spotted Cucumber Beetle), Anasa armigera (Horned Squash Bug), the squash bug Anasa repetita, and the Coreid bug Leptoglossus gonagra. The spiny fruits of Bur Cucumber can cling to the fur of mammals, which helps to distribute the seeds. Mammalian herbivores usually shun the foliage as a food source. The fruit is inedible.
Photographic Location: A flood-prone meadow (or thicket) along a drainage ditch in Champaign, Illinois. This meadow became a thicket in some areas because of scattered shrubs and vines.
Comments: Bur Cucumber is easy to identify once it begins to flower and forms fruits. It differs from Echinocytis lobata (Wild Cucumber) by its hairy stems, whereas the latter species has smooth stems. Both of these species produce bur-like fruits, but the fruits of Wild Cucumber are larger (about 2" long) and occur individually, rather than in small clusters. The staminate flowers of Wild Cucumber are usually more showy and occur on longer racemes. The cultivated members of the Gourd family are originally from Central America, South America, or Eurasia. This includes cucumbers, summer squash, winter squash, and many melons. While these cultivated plants occasionally escape into neighboring areas, they rarely persist. They have yellow flowers that are variable in size (from small to very large), while their fleshy fruits are often edible and larger in size than their wild counterparts.
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Miss Chen
2018年04月04日
Description: This perennial herbaceous plant is 3-6' tall, branching occasionally. The stems are light green, terete, and sometimes slightly furrowed; they are covered with spreading hairs. The lower to middle leaves usually have 3-5 deep lobes; they are up to 8" long and 4½" across. The upper leaves usually lack lobes; they are up to 3" long and 1" across. The lobes of the lower to middle leaves are more or less lanceolate in shape and coarsely dentate along their margins; the terminal lobes usually taper to petiole-like bases. The upper leaves are elliptic, lanceolate, or ovate in shape, while their margins are sparsely to moderately dentate. The upper leaf surfaces are medium green and rough-textured from short stiff hairs that are sparsely distributed, while the lower leaf surfaces are light-medium green and hairy, especially along the undersides of major veins. The petioles of alternate leaves are up to 1½" long, becoming shorter as they ascend the stems; the uppermost leaves are often sessile, or nearly so. The petioles are pubescent to hairy.
The upper stems terminate in solitary flowerheads on long peduncles. The peduncles are up to 8" long, light green, terete, and hairy. The daisy-like flowerheads are 2–3½" across, consisting of 10-20 ray florets that surround numerous disk florets. The central disks of the flowerheads are hemispheric in shape; they are fragrant after being crushed. The petaloid rays are bright yellow, narrowly oblong, and slightly notched at their tips; they are widely spreading. The corollas of the disk florets are narrowly tubular in shape and dark reddish purple (at least above). The ray florets are infertile, while the disk florets are fertile. Around the base of each flowerhead, there are many overlapping phyllaries (floral bracts). Individual phyllaries are up to ½" long, light-medium green, linear-lanceolate in shape, and pubescent. The blooming period occurs during mid- to late summer, lasting about 1–1½ months. Afterwards, fertile disk florets are replaced by narrow achenes. These achenes are 2-3 mm. long, dark-colored, and narrow in shape; their apices are truncate, sometimes with minute scales. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and soil consisting of loam or sandy loam. This plant is relatively easy to cultivate, although it may topple over if it is spoiled by too much water or fertilizer.
Range & Habitat: Sweet Coneflower is occasional in most areas of Illinois, where it is native. It tends to be more common in central and northern Illinois than in the southern section of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include black soil prairies, sand prairies, cemetery prairies, typical savannas and sandy savannas, thickets, openings in deciduous woodlands, woodland borders, gravelly seeps, banks of streams, and banks of ditches. This plant is often cultivated in flower gardens, from where it occasionally escapes. Sweet Coneflower is usually found in higher quality natural areas, although it also colonizes disturbed areas. Fidelity to any particular habitat is low.
Faunal Associations: Many kinds of insects visit the flowerheads for either nectar or pollen. These species include little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), Epeoline cuckoo bees, digger bees (Melissodes spp., Svastra spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees, dagger bees (Heterosarus spp.), Sphecid wasps, Vespid wasps, Syrphid flies, bee flies (Bombyliidae), Tachinid flies, small- to medium-sized butterflies, skippers, beetles, and true bugs (Robertson, 1929). Among these species, bees are the most important pollinators. One bee species, Heterosarus rudbeckiae, is an oligolege (specialist pollinator) of Rudbeckia spp. Other insects feed destructively on the foliage, flowerheads, and roots of Sweet Coneflower and other Rudbeckia spp. They include larvae of a leaf-mining fly (Calycomyza frickiana), Asphondylia rudbeckiaeconspicua (Coneflower Gall Midge), Neolasioptera rudbeckiae (Coneflower Stem Midge), larvae of another gall fly (Lestodiplosis rudbeckiae), larvae of a sawfly (Macrophya simillima), and a few aphids (Uroleucon leonardi, Uroleucon rudbeckiae); see Spencer & Steyskal (1986), Felt (1917), Smith (2006), and Blackman & Eastop (2013). The caterpillars of a butterfly, Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot), sometimes feed on Rudbeckia spp. as host plants, as do the caterpillars of such moths as Epiblema carolinana (Gray-blotched Epiblema), Epiblema tandana, Epiblema tripartitana, Eupithecia miserulata (Common Pug), and Synchlora aerata (Wavy-lined Emerald); see Opler & Krizek (1984), Miller (1987), and Wagner (2005).
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a prairie garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Sweet Coneflower (Rudbeckia subtomentosa) is also called Fragrant Coneflower. It is more long-lived than two similar species, Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) and Brown-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia triloba). Compared to the Black-eyed Susan, Sweet Coneflower is a taller plant with many deeply lobed leaves. The leaves of Black-eyed Susan lack lobes. Compared to Brown-eyed Susan, the flowerheads of Sweet Coneflower are larger in size with longer and more abundant petaloid rays. Otherwise they are quite similar to each other in appearance. Another species, Orange Coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida), also lacks lobes on its leaves and it is a shorter plant. All of these species are native to Illinois and they sometimes share the same habitats.
The upper stems terminate in solitary flowerheads on long peduncles. The peduncles are up to 8" long, light green, terete, and hairy. The daisy-like flowerheads are 2–3½" across, consisting of 10-20 ray florets that surround numerous disk florets. The central disks of the flowerheads are hemispheric in shape; they are fragrant after being crushed. The petaloid rays are bright yellow, narrowly oblong, and slightly notched at their tips; they are widely spreading. The corollas of the disk florets are narrowly tubular in shape and dark reddish purple (at least above). The ray florets are infertile, while the disk florets are fertile. Around the base of each flowerhead, there are many overlapping phyllaries (floral bracts). Individual phyllaries are up to ½" long, light-medium green, linear-lanceolate in shape, and pubescent. The blooming period occurs during mid- to late summer, lasting about 1–1½ months. Afterwards, fertile disk florets are replaced by narrow achenes. These achenes are 2-3 mm. long, dark-colored, and narrow in shape; their apices are truncate, sometimes with minute scales. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and soil consisting of loam or sandy loam. This plant is relatively easy to cultivate, although it may topple over if it is spoiled by too much water or fertilizer.
Range & Habitat: Sweet Coneflower is occasional in most areas of Illinois, where it is native. It tends to be more common in central and northern Illinois than in the southern section of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include black soil prairies, sand prairies, cemetery prairies, typical savannas and sandy savannas, thickets, openings in deciduous woodlands, woodland borders, gravelly seeps, banks of streams, and banks of ditches. This plant is often cultivated in flower gardens, from where it occasionally escapes. Sweet Coneflower is usually found in higher quality natural areas, although it also colonizes disturbed areas. Fidelity to any particular habitat is low.
Faunal Associations: Many kinds of insects visit the flowerheads for either nectar or pollen. These species include little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), Epeoline cuckoo bees, digger bees (Melissodes spp., Svastra spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees, dagger bees (Heterosarus spp.), Sphecid wasps, Vespid wasps, Syrphid flies, bee flies (Bombyliidae), Tachinid flies, small- to medium-sized butterflies, skippers, beetles, and true bugs (Robertson, 1929). Among these species, bees are the most important pollinators. One bee species, Heterosarus rudbeckiae, is an oligolege (specialist pollinator) of Rudbeckia spp. Other insects feed destructively on the foliage, flowerheads, and roots of Sweet Coneflower and other Rudbeckia spp. They include larvae of a leaf-mining fly (Calycomyza frickiana), Asphondylia rudbeckiaeconspicua (Coneflower Gall Midge), Neolasioptera rudbeckiae (Coneflower Stem Midge), larvae of another gall fly (Lestodiplosis rudbeckiae), larvae of a sawfly (Macrophya simillima), and a few aphids (Uroleucon leonardi, Uroleucon rudbeckiae); see Spencer & Steyskal (1986), Felt (1917), Smith (2006), and Blackman & Eastop (2013). The caterpillars of a butterfly, Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot), sometimes feed on Rudbeckia spp. as host plants, as do the caterpillars of such moths as Epiblema carolinana (Gray-blotched Epiblema), Epiblema tandana, Epiblema tripartitana, Eupithecia miserulata (Common Pug), and Synchlora aerata (Wavy-lined Emerald); see Opler & Krizek (1984), Miller (1987), and Wagner (2005).
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a prairie garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Sweet Coneflower (Rudbeckia subtomentosa) is also called Fragrant Coneflower. It is more long-lived than two similar species, Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) and Brown-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia triloba). Compared to the Black-eyed Susan, Sweet Coneflower is a taller plant with many deeply lobed leaves. The leaves of Black-eyed Susan lack lobes. Compared to Brown-eyed Susan, the flowerheads of Sweet Coneflower are larger in size with longer and more abundant petaloid rays. Otherwise they are quite similar to each other in appearance. Another species, Orange Coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida), also lacks lobes on its leaves and it is a shorter plant. All of these species are native to Illinois and they sometimes share the same habitats.
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Miss Chen
2018年04月03日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 3-8' tall; it branches occasionally in the upper half. The stems are light green, terete, usually glabrous, and sometimes glaucous. The alternate leaves are up to 12" long and 12" across, becoming gradually smaller as they ascend the stems. These leaves spread outward from their stems on narrowly winged petioles and they have a tendency to droop. The lower to middle leaves have 3-7 large lobes and smooth to coarsely dentate margins. The lobes of these leaves are elliptic to ovate in shape; the terminal lobes of some leaves are subdivided into 2 smaller lobes. Sometimes the lower leaves are pinnate with a pair of basal leaflets and a lobed terminal leaflet. The uppermost leaves on the flowering stalks are much smaller in size and lanceolate to ovate in shape; they lack lobes. The upper leaf surface is dark green and hairless to sparingly short-hairy, while the lower leaf surface is pale-medium green and glabrous to sparingly hairy.
Flowering Plants
The upper stems terminate in either individual or cyme-like clusters of flowerheads on stalks 2" or more in length. Each flowerhead spans about 2-3" across; it has a daisy-like structure consisting of a globoid central cone that is surrounded by 6-12 ray florets. The central cone is light green while immature, but it later becomes yellow and resembles a pincushion to some extent because of the corollas of its tubular disk florets. The petaloid rays surrounding the central cone are yellow, oblong in shape, and drooping. The base of each flowerhead is defined by 8-15 floral bracts (phyllaries); these bracts are light green, oblong-ovate in shape, and hairless to hairy. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts about 1-2 months. Each disk floret is replaced by an oblongoid achene (3-4.5 mm. in length) that has a crown of tiny blunt teeth at its apex. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. Clonal colonies of plants are often formed from the long rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, moist conditions, and fertile loam or silt-loam. At a site that is too sunny and dry, the leaves may droop excessively and wither away, otherwise this plant is easy to cultivate. In some areas, it may spread aggressively by means of its rhizomes.
Range & Habitat: Cutleaf Coneflower is widely distributed and occasional to locally common in most areas of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include open bottomland forests, moist meadows in wooded areas, woodland borders, moist thickets, sloughs in partially shaded areas, low areas along rivers, partially shaded river banks, calcareous seeps, margins of poorly drained fields, and pastures. Occasionally, this species is grown in flower gardens. It prefers partially shaded areas that are poorly drained and may be prone to occasional flooding during the spring.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract many kinds of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, predatory wasps, butterflies, skippers, moths, and various kinds of flies. Insects that feed destructively on the Cutleaf Coneflower include the leaf beetle Sumitrosis inequalis, Uroleucon rudbeckiae (Golden Glow Aphid), larvae of the fruit fly Strauzia intermedia, leaf-mining larvae of the moth Marmara auratella, and larvae of the butterfly, Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot). Other insects that feed on this and other coneflowers (Rudbeckia spp.) include the larvae of gall flies, larvae of the sawfly Macrophya simillima, and larvae of some Tortricid moths. Larvae of such moths as Synchlora aerata (Wavy-Lined Emerald) and Eupithecia miserulata (Common Pug) feed on the florets. A bird, the Common Goldfinch, eats the seeds to a limited extent. The foliage of Cutleaf Coneflower may be somewhat poisonous to some mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: A flower garden in Urbana, Illinois, and an area that is adjacent to a pond at Crystal Lake Park in the same city.
Comments: This is a tall-growing wildflower with a rather lanky appearance. A cultivar of this species, called 'Golden Glow' has double flowerheads with more ray florets (greater than 12) than the wild form. Cutleaf Coneflower is one of several Rudbeckia spp. with yellow flowerheads. It has larger and more widely separated disk florets than these other species, which provides the mature central cone of its flowerheads with a slight pincushion appearance. The central cones of Cutleaf Coneflower are light green to yellow (depending on their maturity), while the central cones of other Rudbeckia spp. are dark brown to black (e.g., Rudbeckia hirta, Rudbeckia triloba, & Rudbeckia fulgida) or grey to brown (e.g., Rudbeckia pinnata). The leaves of Cutleaf Coneflower have 3-7 deep lobes, while the leaves of other Rudbeckia spp. have fewer lobes or none. An exception is Rudbeckia pinnata (Yellow Coneflower), which has leaves with as many lobes. However, the lobes on its leaves are more narrow than those of Cutleaf Coneflower. Other common names of Rudbeckia laciniata include Green-headed Coneflower and Wild Golden Glow.
Flowering Plants
The upper stems terminate in either individual or cyme-like clusters of flowerheads on stalks 2" or more in length. Each flowerhead spans about 2-3" across; it has a daisy-like structure consisting of a globoid central cone that is surrounded by 6-12 ray florets. The central cone is light green while immature, but it later becomes yellow and resembles a pincushion to some extent because of the corollas of its tubular disk florets. The petaloid rays surrounding the central cone are yellow, oblong in shape, and drooping. The base of each flowerhead is defined by 8-15 floral bracts (phyllaries); these bracts are light green, oblong-ovate in shape, and hairless to hairy. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts about 1-2 months. Each disk floret is replaced by an oblongoid achene (3-4.5 mm. in length) that has a crown of tiny blunt teeth at its apex. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. Clonal colonies of plants are often formed from the long rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, moist conditions, and fertile loam or silt-loam. At a site that is too sunny and dry, the leaves may droop excessively and wither away, otherwise this plant is easy to cultivate. In some areas, it may spread aggressively by means of its rhizomes.
Range & Habitat: Cutleaf Coneflower is widely distributed and occasional to locally common in most areas of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include open bottomland forests, moist meadows in wooded areas, woodland borders, moist thickets, sloughs in partially shaded areas, low areas along rivers, partially shaded river banks, calcareous seeps, margins of poorly drained fields, and pastures. Occasionally, this species is grown in flower gardens. It prefers partially shaded areas that are poorly drained and may be prone to occasional flooding during the spring.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract many kinds of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, predatory wasps, butterflies, skippers, moths, and various kinds of flies. Insects that feed destructively on the Cutleaf Coneflower include the leaf beetle Sumitrosis inequalis, Uroleucon rudbeckiae (Golden Glow Aphid), larvae of the fruit fly Strauzia intermedia, leaf-mining larvae of the moth Marmara auratella, and larvae of the butterfly, Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot). Other insects that feed on this and other coneflowers (Rudbeckia spp.) include the larvae of gall flies, larvae of the sawfly Macrophya simillima, and larvae of some Tortricid moths. Larvae of such moths as Synchlora aerata (Wavy-Lined Emerald) and Eupithecia miserulata (Common Pug) feed on the florets. A bird, the Common Goldfinch, eats the seeds to a limited extent. The foliage of Cutleaf Coneflower may be somewhat poisonous to some mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: A flower garden in Urbana, Illinois, and an area that is adjacent to a pond at Crystal Lake Park in the same city.
Comments: This is a tall-growing wildflower with a rather lanky appearance. A cultivar of this species, called 'Golden Glow' has double flowerheads with more ray florets (greater than 12) than the wild form. Cutleaf Coneflower is one of several Rudbeckia spp. with yellow flowerheads. It has larger and more widely separated disk florets than these other species, which provides the mature central cone of its flowerheads with a slight pincushion appearance. The central cones of Cutleaf Coneflower are light green to yellow (depending on their maturity), while the central cones of other Rudbeckia spp. are dark brown to black (e.g., Rudbeckia hirta, Rudbeckia triloba, & Rudbeckia fulgida) or grey to brown (e.g., Rudbeckia pinnata). The leaves of Cutleaf Coneflower have 3-7 deep lobes, while the leaves of other Rudbeckia spp. have fewer lobes or none. An exception is Rudbeckia pinnata (Yellow Coneflower), which has leaves with as many lobes. However, the lobes on its leaves are more narrow than those of Cutleaf Coneflower. Other common names of Rudbeckia laciniata include Green-headed Coneflower and Wild Golden Glow.
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