文章
Miss Chen
2018年04月03日
Description: This perennial wildflower is about 1½-2½' tall, branching occasionally. Low basal leaves are produced initially that are oval in shape and dentate along their margins; their bases are rounded to slightly cordate. Later, stems are produced that are light green with spreading white hairs. The alternate leaves are up to 5" long and 2½" across, becoming smaller and more narrow as they ascend the stems. Alternate leaves are ovate, broadly elliptic, or elliptic in shape, and dentate along their margins. The upper surface of each leaf is either hairless or sparsely covered with short appressed hairs; it is medium to dark green. The base of each alternate leaf tapers to a winged petiole; the base of the petiole is either sessile or clasps the stem.
The upper stems terminate in individual flowerheads spanning 2-3" across. Each flowerhead consists of 10-20 ray florets surrounding numerous tiny disk florets. The petal-like rays of the ray florets are yellow to orange-yellow with notched tips; they spread outward from the center of the flowerhead. The tiny disk florets are dark brownish purple and tubular-shaped. Each disk floret has 5 tiny lobes along its upper rim that are erect, rather than spreading outward. Each disk floret has a divided style with blunt tips. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer into the fall and lasts about 2 months. The mature achenes are oblongoid, 4-angled, and black; the upper end of each achene is truncate with a minute crown of tiny teeth (the pappus). Each achene is about 3 mm. in length or a little less. These achenes are light weight and can be blown about by the wind, but they usually don't stray far from the mother plant. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. In open disturbed areas, vegetative colonies are often formed from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is partial to full sun, moist to mesic conditions, and loamy or rocky soil that contains organic material. At a dry sunny site, there is a tendency for the leaves to wilt and the flowerheads may not develop properly. This coneflower requires cross-pollination with genetically distinct plants to produce viable seeds.
Range & Habitat: Sullivant's Coneflower is an uncommon native wildflower that is found primarily in scattered counties in the eastern half of Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats of this coneflower are rather variable: they include moist rocky woodlands, savannas and barrens, woodland openings and edges, moist meadows, limestone glades, moist rocky ledges, fens, hillside seeps, and swamps. Sullivant's Coneflower is typically found in high quality natural habitats, but it will temporarily colonize open disturbed areas.
Faunal Associations: Like other Rudbeckia spp., the showy flowerheads of Sullivant's Coneflower attract their fair share of pollinating insects; both nectar and pollen are available as floral rewards. Floral insect visitors include bees (leaf-cutting bees, Andrenid bees, Halictid bees), small butterflies and skippers, various flies (especially Syrphid flies and bee flies), and sometimes beetles (soldier beetles, weevils). Several moth caterpillars are known to feed on Rudbeckia spp.; they are usually found on the flowerheads, and include such species as Chlorochlamys chloroleuca (Blackberry Looper Moth), Eupithecia miserulata (Common Eupithecia), Synchlora aerata (Wavy-Lined Emerald), and Homoeosoma electellum (Sunflower Moth). Mammalian herbivores that browse on the foliage include deer, rabbits, groundhogs, cattle, and other farm animals.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Orange Coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida) is quite variable in appearance from one site to another. Consequently, this species has been a source of taxonomic problems that continues to this day. Some authorities classify Orange Coneflower as a single species consisting of several varieties, while others regard it as a complex of several closely-related species. Here, Sullivant's Coneflower is treated as a variety of Orange Coneflower. Sullivant's Coneflower can be distinguished from these other varieties by its larger flowerheads (typically 2-3" across) and the shape of its leaves. Other varieties of Rudbeckia fulgida that may be encountered in Illinois include: Rudbeckia fulgida fulgida (Orange Coneflower), which has more slender leaves and smaller flowerheads (1-2" across); Rudbeckia fulgida deamii (Deam's Coneflower), which has more hairy stems, smaller flowerheads (1-2" across), and larger upper leaves; and Rudbeckia fulgida speciosa (Showy Coneflower), which has slightly smaller flowerheads (1½-2½" across) and lower leaves that are more narrow and shallowly cleft. Among these different varieties, Sullivant's coneflower is the one that is most often cultivated in gardens. It is also possible to confuse Sullivant's Coneflower with the common Rudbeckia hirta (Black-Eyed Susan) in appearance, but it can be distinguished from the latter species as follows: 1) Sullivant's Coneflower has foliage that is less hairy, 2) its leaves have petioles that are conspicuously winged, 3) each of its achenes has a crown of tiny teeth, and 4) it is a perennial. In contrast, Black-Eyed Susan has more hairy foliage, its petioles lack conspicuous wings, its achenes are truncate at the apex, and it is usually annual or biennial in habit.
The upper stems terminate in individual flowerheads spanning 2-3" across. Each flowerhead consists of 10-20 ray florets surrounding numerous tiny disk florets. The petal-like rays of the ray florets are yellow to orange-yellow with notched tips; they spread outward from the center of the flowerhead. The tiny disk florets are dark brownish purple and tubular-shaped. Each disk floret has 5 tiny lobes along its upper rim that are erect, rather than spreading outward. Each disk floret has a divided style with blunt tips. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer into the fall and lasts about 2 months. The mature achenes are oblongoid, 4-angled, and black; the upper end of each achene is truncate with a minute crown of tiny teeth (the pappus). Each achene is about 3 mm. in length or a little less. These achenes are light weight and can be blown about by the wind, but they usually don't stray far from the mother plant. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. In open disturbed areas, vegetative colonies are often formed from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is partial to full sun, moist to mesic conditions, and loamy or rocky soil that contains organic material. At a dry sunny site, there is a tendency for the leaves to wilt and the flowerheads may not develop properly. This coneflower requires cross-pollination with genetically distinct plants to produce viable seeds.
Range & Habitat: Sullivant's Coneflower is an uncommon native wildflower that is found primarily in scattered counties in the eastern half of Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats of this coneflower are rather variable: they include moist rocky woodlands, savannas and barrens, woodland openings and edges, moist meadows, limestone glades, moist rocky ledges, fens, hillside seeps, and swamps. Sullivant's Coneflower is typically found in high quality natural habitats, but it will temporarily colonize open disturbed areas.
Faunal Associations: Like other Rudbeckia spp., the showy flowerheads of Sullivant's Coneflower attract their fair share of pollinating insects; both nectar and pollen are available as floral rewards. Floral insect visitors include bees (leaf-cutting bees, Andrenid bees, Halictid bees), small butterflies and skippers, various flies (especially Syrphid flies and bee flies), and sometimes beetles (soldier beetles, weevils). Several moth caterpillars are known to feed on Rudbeckia spp.; they are usually found on the flowerheads, and include such species as Chlorochlamys chloroleuca (Blackberry Looper Moth), Eupithecia miserulata (Common Eupithecia), Synchlora aerata (Wavy-Lined Emerald), and Homoeosoma electellum (Sunflower Moth). Mammalian herbivores that browse on the foliage include deer, rabbits, groundhogs, cattle, and other farm animals.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Orange Coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida) is quite variable in appearance from one site to another. Consequently, this species has been a source of taxonomic problems that continues to this day. Some authorities classify Orange Coneflower as a single species consisting of several varieties, while others regard it as a complex of several closely-related species. Here, Sullivant's Coneflower is treated as a variety of Orange Coneflower. Sullivant's Coneflower can be distinguished from these other varieties by its larger flowerheads (typically 2-3" across) and the shape of its leaves. Other varieties of Rudbeckia fulgida that may be encountered in Illinois include: Rudbeckia fulgida fulgida (Orange Coneflower), which has more slender leaves and smaller flowerheads (1-2" across); Rudbeckia fulgida deamii (Deam's Coneflower), which has more hairy stems, smaller flowerheads (1-2" across), and larger upper leaves; and Rudbeckia fulgida speciosa (Showy Coneflower), which has slightly smaller flowerheads (1½-2½" across) and lower leaves that are more narrow and shallowly cleft. Among these different varieties, Sullivant's coneflower is the one that is most often cultivated in gardens. It is also possible to confuse Sullivant's Coneflower with the common Rudbeckia hirta (Black-Eyed Susan) in appearance, but it can be distinguished from the latter species as follows: 1) Sullivant's Coneflower has foliage that is less hairy, 2) its leaves have petioles that are conspicuously winged, 3) each of its achenes has a crown of tiny teeth, and 4) it is a perennial. In contrast, Black-Eyed Susan has more hairy foliage, its petioles lack conspicuous wings, its achenes are truncate at the apex, and it is usually annual or biennial in habit.
0
0
文章
Miss Chen
2018年04月03日
Description: This woody vine produces stems up to 15' long that trail along the ground; some of the flowering stems are more erect and up to 4' tall. Old stems are brown and woody with scattered hooked prickles. Young stems are green with scattered hooked prickles; they are also more or less hairy. Alternate compound leaves occur at intervals along the stems. They are usually trifoliate with 3 leaflets; less often, compound leaves with 5 leaflets occur. These leaflets are up to 3" long and 1" across; they are ovate, doubly serrate along the margins, and mostly hairless. The underside of each leaflet is pale green, rather than white or velvety. Most leaflets have wedge-shaped bottoms and tips that taper gradually. The terminal leaflet has a short petiole (petiolule), while the lateral leaflets are sessile. Each compound leaf is connected to the stem by a long petiole. At the base of this petiole, there is a pair of small linear stipules.
Flowers & Leaflets
Young stems often terminate in a corymb of 1-5 flowers. Each flower is about 1-1¼" across when fully open; it consists of 5 white petals, 5 lanceolate green sepals, and numerous stamens that surround a green cluster of carpels. The petals are longer than the sepals and they often have a somewhat wrinkled appearance. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer and lasts about 1-2 months. The flowers open up during the day and close at night. Each fertilized flower is replaced by a compound drupe up to 1" long that is longer than it is broad. A fully ripened drupe becomes purple-black or black and it has a tart-sweet flavor. This drupe does not detach from its receptacle easily. The root system consists of a woody taproot. This woody vine spreads by reseeding itself; sometimes, the tips of young stems will root in the ground, forming vegetative offsets.
Cultivation: This plant typically grows in full to partial sun and mesic to dry conditions. It tolerates different kinds of soil, including those containing loam, clay-loam, sand, or rocky material.
Range & Habitat: The native Common Dewberry is common in the southern half of Illinois; it is less common or absent in the northern half of the state, particularly in the NW area (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to dry savannas and sandy savannas, woodland borders, meadows in wooded areas, and abandoned fields. Common Dewberry is found in both sandy and non-sandy habitats. Occasional wildfires that remove tall woody vegetation tend to increase the population of Common Dewberry.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract both long-tongued and short-tongued bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, Mason bees, Leaf-Cutting bees, Cuckoo bees (Nomadine), and Miner bees (Eucerine). These insects suck nectar or collect pollen. The flowers also attract butterflies, skippers, and various flies. Insects that feed on various parts of Common Dewberry and other Rubus spp. include Siphonophora rubi (Blackberry Aphid; sucks juices), Edwardsiana rosae (Rose Leafhopper; sucks juices), Metallus rubi (Blackberry Leafminer; sawfly maggot tunnels through leaves), Agrilus ruficollis (Red-Necked Cane Borer; beetle grub bores through stems), and the caterpillars of many moths. The drupes of Common Dewberry and other Rubus spp. are an important source of summer food to many upland gamebirds and songbirds (see Bird Table). The Raccoon, Fox Squirrel, Eastern Chipmunk, White-Footed Mouse, and other mammals also eat the fruits, while the Cottontail Rabbit and White-Tailed Deer browse on the leaves and stems.
Photographic Location: A meadow in a wooded area at Orchid Hill in Vermilion County, Illinois; a sandy meadow at Irwin Prairie State Nature Preserve in Lucas County, Ohio; and the Indiana Dunes State Park in NW Indiana.
Comments: The compound drupes (fruits) of Common Dewberry are edible to humans; when they are fully ripened, their flavor is pleasant. Common Dewberry can be distinguished from most Rubus spp. (Blackberries) by its vine-like habit. There are other Rubus spp. that are woody vines in various areas of the state, but they are less common. One of them, Rubus trivialis (Southern Dewberry) is restricted to southern Illinois. Its appearance and growth habit is similar to Common Dewberry, but the young stems of Southern Dewberry usually have sharp bristles and prickles. The young stems of Common Dewberry have soft hairs and prickles, but not sharp bristles. The leaves of Southern Dewberry are evergreen, while those of Common Dewberry are deciduous. The appearance of Common Dewberry is somewhat variable across its broad range, although different varieties have not been described for Illinois.
Flowers & Leaflets
Young stems often terminate in a corymb of 1-5 flowers. Each flower is about 1-1¼" across when fully open; it consists of 5 white petals, 5 lanceolate green sepals, and numerous stamens that surround a green cluster of carpels. The petals are longer than the sepals and they often have a somewhat wrinkled appearance. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer and lasts about 1-2 months. The flowers open up during the day and close at night. Each fertilized flower is replaced by a compound drupe up to 1" long that is longer than it is broad. A fully ripened drupe becomes purple-black or black and it has a tart-sweet flavor. This drupe does not detach from its receptacle easily. The root system consists of a woody taproot. This woody vine spreads by reseeding itself; sometimes, the tips of young stems will root in the ground, forming vegetative offsets.
Cultivation: This plant typically grows in full to partial sun and mesic to dry conditions. It tolerates different kinds of soil, including those containing loam, clay-loam, sand, or rocky material.
Range & Habitat: The native Common Dewberry is common in the southern half of Illinois; it is less common or absent in the northern half of the state, particularly in the NW area (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to dry savannas and sandy savannas, woodland borders, meadows in wooded areas, and abandoned fields. Common Dewberry is found in both sandy and non-sandy habitats. Occasional wildfires that remove tall woody vegetation tend to increase the population of Common Dewberry.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract both long-tongued and short-tongued bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, Mason bees, Leaf-Cutting bees, Cuckoo bees (Nomadine), and Miner bees (Eucerine). These insects suck nectar or collect pollen. The flowers also attract butterflies, skippers, and various flies. Insects that feed on various parts of Common Dewberry and other Rubus spp. include Siphonophora rubi (Blackberry Aphid; sucks juices), Edwardsiana rosae (Rose Leafhopper; sucks juices), Metallus rubi (Blackberry Leafminer; sawfly maggot tunnels through leaves), Agrilus ruficollis (Red-Necked Cane Borer; beetle grub bores through stems), and the caterpillars of many moths. The drupes of Common Dewberry and other Rubus spp. are an important source of summer food to many upland gamebirds and songbirds (see Bird Table). The Raccoon, Fox Squirrel, Eastern Chipmunk, White-Footed Mouse, and other mammals also eat the fruits, while the Cottontail Rabbit and White-Tailed Deer browse on the leaves and stems.
Photographic Location: A meadow in a wooded area at Orchid Hill in Vermilion County, Illinois; a sandy meadow at Irwin Prairie State Nature Preserve in Lucas County, Ohio; and the Indiana Dunes State Park in NW Indiana.
Comments: The compound drupes (fruits) of Common Dewberry are edible to humans; when they are fully ripened, their flavor is pleasant. Common Dewberry can be distinguished from most Rubus spp. (Blackberries) by its vine-like habit. There are other Rubus spp. that are woody vines in various areas of the state, but they are less common. One of them, Rubus trivialis (Southern Dewberry) is restricted to southern Illinois. Its appearance and growth habit is similar to Common Dewberry, but the young stems of Southern Dewberry usually have sharp bristles and prickles. The young stems of Common Dewberry have soft hairs and prickles, but not sharp bristles. The leaves of Southern Dewberry are evergreen, while those of Common Dewberry are deciduous. The appearance of Common Dewberry is somewhat variable across its broad range, although different varieties have not been described for Illinois.
0
0
文章
Miss Chen
2018年04月01日
Description: This perennial herbaceous plant is 1½–3¼' tall, branching occasionally to frequently. The stems are light green to brownish red, terete, and hairless to hairy. Sessile leaves alternate along the stems. The early leaves of this plant, after it emerges from the ground during the spring, are trifoliate-pinnatifid in structure. and their leaflets are sessile. The middle leaflet is cleft into 1-2 pairs of larger lateral lobes and a prominent terminal lobe; it also has smaller cleft lobes or coarse teeth along its margins. The lateral leaflets are more asymmetric in shape; the lateral leaflets typically are cleft into 1-2 larger outer lobes, 0-1 larger inner lobes, and there are several smaller lobes or coarse teeth along their margins. The lobes of these early leaves are oblong-lanceolate to linear-lanceolate in shape. Later leaves are trifoliate with simple leaflets; their sessile leaflets are 2–3½" long, narrowly lanceolate or elliptic in shape, and the margins of these leaflets are coarsely serrate or double-serrate (or rarely shallowly cleft). The upper leaf surface is yellowish green to medium green and sparsely short-pubescent to hairless, while the lower leaf surface is more pale and sparsely to abundantly glandular short-pubescent. Young leaves are more yellowish and hairy than mature leaves. At the leaf bases, there are pairs of persistent leafy stipules about ½–1" long; they are sessile. Individual stipules are ovate to reniform-orbicular in shape; they are shallowly cleft or coarsely serrated along their margins. The upper and lower surfaces of the stipules are similar to those of the leaves.
Upper stems terminate in either individual flowers or small cymes of 2-5 flowers. The branches of the cymes and pedicels of the flowers are slender and hairless to sparsely short-pubescent; the pedicels are ½–2" long. Individual flowers are ¾–1¼" across when they are fully open. Each flower consists of a short-cylindrical calyx with 5 upright teeth, 5 spreading white petals, 10-20 stamens, and 5 clustered pistils. The calyx is about ¼" long, light green to red, and hairless to sparsely short-pubescent; its small teeth are triangular in shape. The petals are narrowly elliptic or narrowly oblanceolate-elliptic in shape. The stamens have short filaments and light brown to dark brown anthers. The blooming period occurs from early to mid-summer, lasting about 2-3 weeks. Afterwards, individual flowers are replaced by 5 clustered follicles that are partially exserted from the persistent calyx. Individual follicles are about ½" long, 3-angled-ovoid in shape with slender beaks, and few-seeded; they eventually split open to release their seeds. Mature individual seeds are about 2.5 mm. long, reddish brown, broadly oblongoid-ellipsoid in shape, flattened along one side, and minutely pitted. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. During the autumn, the foliage of this plant becomes pinkish yellow or red.
Cultivation: The preference is mesic to dry-mesic conditions, partial sun, and clay-loam, loam, or rocky ground. This wildflower should be cultivated more often.
Range & Habitat: The native American Ipecac (Porteranthus stipulatus) occurs occasionally in the southern half of Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is absent or rare (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the northern range-limit of this species. Habitats include upland woodlands, rocky wooded slopes, upland savannas, and limestone glades. Oak trees (Quercus spp.) are usually the dominant canopy trees in these habitats. Occasional wildfires are probably beneficial in maintaining populations of this species. It usually occurs in higher quality natural areas.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract primarily bees, including Anthophorine bees (Anthophora spp.), little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), resin bees (Heriades spp.), mason bees (Hoplitis spp., Osmia spp.), leaf-cutter bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees (Lasioglossum spp.), and dagger bees (Calliopsis spp.). Other insect pollinators include nectar-seeking butterflies, skippers, bee flies (Bombyliidae), and thick-headed flies (Conopidae); see Robertson (1929) and Rudolph et al. (2006). The foliage is toxic to mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: An upland woodland along Lake Charleston in Coles County, Illinois, and the wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: American Ipecac (Porteranthus stipulatus) has a distinctive appearance, particularly during the relatively short period when it is in bloom. The stipules of this plant are unusually large in size and persistent. Another similar species, Bowman's Root (Porteranthus trifoliatus), occurs further to the east in the Appalachian Mountains, but it has not been found in Illinois as a native or naturalized wildflower. Compared to American Ipecac, this latter species has much smaller stipules along its stems and they are early-deciduous, rather than persistent. Bowman's Root has flowers with slightly longer petals and a longer cylindrical calyx; the leaflets of this plant are also wider than those of American Ipecac. Both of these plants have been referred to as Indian Physic, and some authorities assign them to the Gillenia genus. Thus, a scientific synonym of American Ipecac is Gillenia stipulata.
Upper stems terminate in either individual flowers or small cymes of 2-5 flowers. The branches of the cymes and pedicels of the flowers are slender and hairless to sparsely short-pubescent; the pedicels are ½–2" long. Individual flowers are ¾–1¼" across when they are fully open. Each flower consists of a short-cylindrical calyx with 5 upright teeth, 5 spreading white petals, 10-20 stamens, and 5 clustered pistils. The calyx is about ¼" long, light green to red, and hairless to sparsely short-pubescent; its small teeth are triangular in shape. The petals are narrowly elliptic or narrowly oblanceolate-elliptic in shape. The stamens have short filaments and light brown to dark brown anthers. The blooming period occurs from early to mid-summer, lasting about 2-3 weeks. Afterwards, individual flowers are replaced by 5 clustered follicles that are partially exserted from the persistent calyx. Individual follicles are about ½" long, 3-angled-ovoid in shape with slender beaks, and few-seeded; they eventually split open to release their seeds. Mature individual seeds are about 2.5 mm. long, reddish brown, broadly oblongoid-ellipsoid in shape, flattened along one side, and minutely pitted. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. During the autumn, the foliage of this plant becomes pinkish yellow or red.
Cultivation: The preference is mesic to dry-mesic conditions, partial sun, and clay-loam, loam, or rocky ground. This wildflower should be cultivated more often.
Range & Habitat: The native American Ipecac (Porteranthus stipulatus) occurs occasionally in the southern half of Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is absent or rare (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the northern range-limit of this species. Habitats include upland woodlands, rocky wooded slopes, upland savannas, and limestone glades. Oak trees (Quercus spp.) are usually the dominant canopy trees in these habitats. Occasional wildfires are probably beneficial in maintaining populations of this species. It usually occurs in higher quality natural areas.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract primarily bees, including Anthophorine bees (Anthophora spp.), little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), resin bees (Heriades spp.), mason bees (Hoplitis spp., Osmia spp.), leaf-cutter bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees (Lasioglossum spp.), and dagger bees (Calliopsis spp.). Other insect pollinators include nectar-seeking butterflies, skippers, bee flies (Bombyliidae), and thick-headed flies (Conopidae); see Robertson (1929) and Rudolph et al. (2006). The foliage is toxic to mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: An upland woodland along Lake Charleston in Coles County, Illinois, and the wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: American Ipecac (Porteranthus stipulatus) has a distinctive appearance, particularly during the relatively short period when it is in bloom. The stipules of this plant are unusually large in size and persistent. Another similar species, Bowman's Root (Porteranthus trifoliatus), occurs further to the east in the Appalachian Mountains, but it has not been found in Illinois as a native or naturalized wildflower. Compared to American Ipecac, this latter species has much smaller stipules along its stems and they are early-deciduous, rather than persistent. Bowman's Root has flowers with slightly longer petals and a longer cylindrical calyx; the leaflets of this plant are also wider than those of American Ipecac. Both of these plants have been referred to as Indian Physic, and some authorities assign them to the Gillenia genus. Thus, a scientific synonym of American Ipecac is Gillenia stipulata.
0
0
文章
Miss Chen
2018年04月01日
Description: This perennial wildflower is 1-1¾' tall, producing one or more leafy stems from the root system that are erect to ascending. These stems are light green to reddish purple, terete, and usually unbranched; they are rough-canescent above and mostly glabrous below. Alternate leaves occur along these stems that are variable in size: toward the bottom of each central stem, the leaf blades are small and scale-like, while along the middle to upper parts of the stem they are 1-2½" long and ¼-¾" across. The middle to upper leaf blades are narrowly lanceolate to ovate and smooth to finely serrated along their margins; the margins are often slightly ciliate. The typical variety of Seneca Snakeroot has narrow leaf blades less than ½" across, while var. latifolia has wider leaf blades that sometimes exceed ½" across. The upper blade surface is yellowish to medium green and glabrous to sparsely canescent, while the lower blade surface is pale green and sparsely canescent. The petioles of the leaves are 1/8" (3 mm.) long or less.
The central stem (and any lateral stems) terminates in a spike-like raceme of flowers about 1½-3" long; the small flowers are arranged densely along the central stalk of the raceme, blooming from the bottom to the top. The central stalk of the raceme is light green and canescent. Individual flowers are about 1/8" (3 mm.) across, consisting of 3 white petals, 2 white petaloid sepals, 3 light green to purple non-petaloid sepals, 8 stamens that are arranged in 2 rows, and a pistil with a single style. The petals form a tubular corolla around the reproductive organs of the flower, while the petaloid sepals form lateral wings. One of the petals is usually fringed. The inconspicuous pedicels of the flowers are less than 1/8" (3 mm.) in length. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer and lasts about 3-4 weeks. The flowers are replaced by 2-celled seed capsules that 2-4 mm. long, 3-4 mm. across, and somewhat flattened. Each cell of the capsule contains a single lanceoloid seed about 1/8" long that is slightly hairy toward the bottom. The root system consists of a slightly woody crown or taproot with secondary fibrous roots.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, dry-mesic conditions, and soil containing loam, clay-loam, or rocky material.
Range & Habitat: Seneca Snakeroot is occasional in northern and central Illinois, while in the southern part of the state it is largely absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland gravel prairies, hill prairies, savannas, wooded slopes along rivers or lakes, and abandoned fields. Occasional wildfires and other kinds of disturbance are beneficial if they reduce competition from woody vegetation.
Faunal Associations: Various small to medium-sized bees visit the flowers for nectar or pollen. Caterpillars of the moth, Phytometra rhodarialis (Pink-Border Yellow), feed on Polygala spp. (Milkworts). Mammalian herbivores probably feed on the foliage only to a limited extent, if at all, because of its bitterness.
Photographic Location: The Coneflower Hill Prairie near Lake Shelbyville in Moultrie County, Illinois. The photographed plant is the wide-leaved variety of Seneca Snakeroot, Polygala senega latifolia.
Comments: The flowers of Seneca Snakeroot have a bud-like appearance even when they are open. For this species, there is some significant variability in the width of the leaves and the size of the seed capsules and their seeds. In Illinois, other Polygala spp. (Milkworts) have non-white flowers or their leaves are whorled, rather than alternate. They also tend to be smaller in size overall than Seneca Snakeroot. Therefore, it is fairly easy to distinguish Seneca Snakeroot from these other species. This species also superficially resembles some Persicaria spp. (Smartweeds) with white flowers, however the latter have conspicuous ochreae (sheaths) that wrap around their stems and they prefer wetter habitats. Seneca Snakeroot also has floral racemes that superficially resemble those of Orbexilum pedunculatum (Sampson's Snakeroot), but the latter species can be easily distinguished by its trifoliate leaves.
The central stem (and any lateral stems) terminates in a spike-like raceme of flowers about 1½-3" long; the small flowers are arranged densely along the central stalk of the raceme, blooming from the bottom to the top. The central stalk of the raceme is light green and canescent. Individual flowers are about 1/8" (3 mm.) across, consisting of 3 white petals, 2 white petaloid sepals, 3 light green to purple non-petaloid sepals, 8 stamens that are arranged in 2 rows, and a pistil with a single style. The petals form a tubular corolla around the reproductive organs of the flower, while the petaloid sepals form lateral wings. One of the petals is usually fringed. The inconspicuous pedicels of the flowers are less than 1/8" (3 mm.) in length. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer and lasts about 3-4 weeks. The flowers are replaced by 2-celled seed capsules that 2-4 mm. long, 3-4 mm. across, and somewhat flattened. Each cell of the capsule contains a single lanceoloid seed about 1/8" long that is slightly hairy toward the bottom. The root system consists of a slightly woody crown or taproot with secondary fibrous roots.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, dry-mesic conditions, and soil containing loam, clay-loam, or rocky material.
Range & Habitat: Seneca Snakeroot is occasional in northern and central Illinois, while in the southern part of the state it is largely absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland gravel prairies, hill prairies, savannas, wooded slopes along rivers or lakes, and abandoned fields. Occasional wildfires and other kinds of disturbance are beneficial if they reduce competition from woody vegetation.
Faunal Associations: Various small to medium-sized bees visit the flowers for nectar or pollen. Caterpillars of the moth, Phytometra rhodarialis (Pink-Border Yellow), feed on Polygala spp. (Milkworts). Mammalian herbivores probably feed on the foliage only to a limited extent, if at all, because of its bitterness.
Photographic Location: The Coneflower Hill Prairie near Lake Shelbyville in Moultrie County, Illinois. The photographed plant is the wide-leaved variety of Seneca Snakeroot, Polygala senega latifolia.
Comments: The flowers of Seneca Snakeroot have a bud-like appearance even when they are open. For this species, there is some significant variability in the width of the leaves and the size of the seed capsules and their seeds. In Illinois, other Polygala spp. (Milkworts) have non-white flowers or their leaves are whorled, rather than alternate. They also tend to be smaller in size overall than Seneca Snakeroot. Therefore, it is fairly easy to distinguish Seneca Snakeroot from these other species. This species also superficially resembles some Persicaria spp. (Smartweeds) with white flowers, however the latter have conspicuous ochreae (sheaths) that wrap around their stems and they prefer wetter habitats. Seneca Snakeroot also has floral racemes that superficially resemble those of Orbexilum pedunculatum (Sampson's Snakeroot), but the latter species can be easily distinguished by its trifoliate leaves.
0
0
文章
Miss Chen
2018年04月01日
Description: This biennial wildflower is 4-12" tall, developing one or more leafy stems from a taproot. These stems are erect, ascending, or sprawling; they are light green, glabrous, angular, and usually unbranched (although they may branch after the blooming period). Numerous alternate leaves occur along each stem that are ascending to widely spreading. Individual leaves are narrowly oblong or narrowly oblong-oblanceolate and smooth along their margins; they are medium green, glabrous, and sessile. Each leaf has a single prominent vein.
Each stem terminates in a spike-like raceme of purple flowers about ¾-4" in length. The central stalk of the raceme is light green to purplish green and glabrous. Each flower is about ¼" long and across when it is fully open, consisting of 3 petals, 5 sepals, several inserted stamens, and a pistil with a single style. Two sepals are enlarged, rosy pink to purple, and petaloid, forming a pair of lateral wings. The remaining three sepals are smaller in size, light green to purple, and ovate in shape. The 3 petals form a fringed tubular structure that surrounds the stamens and style; they are rosy pink to purple, often becoming more white toward their tips. The short glabrous pedicels of the flowers are light green to purple, slender, and often nodding. Sometimes a few cleistogamous (self-fertile) flowers develop toward the base of the raceme; they are bud-like and inconspicuous. The blooming period occurs from early to mid-summer and lasts about 3 weeks. Only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. Afterwards, they are replaced by 2-celled seed capsules; each cell of a capsule contains a single hairy seed. In addition to the above-ground flowers, Purple Milkwort also produces cleistogamous flowers along underground stems. The root system consists of a taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, mesic to dry conditions, and sandy soil.
Range & Habitat: The native Purple Milkwort is occasional in sandy areas of the northern half of Illinois, while in the southern half of the state it is absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats consist of upland sand prairies, upland sandy savannas, interdunal flats and stabilized sand dunes, and abandoned sandy fields. Habitat destruction, off-road vehicle use, and trampling by park visitors in heavily populated areas are threats to current populations of this plant.
Faunal Associations: Information about floral-faunal relationships for Purple Milkwort and other milkworts (Polygala spp.) is limited. The flowers of Purple Milkwort are cross-pollinated by masked bees (Hylaeus spp.) and other small bees. Even though Purple Milkwort and other milkworts have bitter foliage, they are sometimes grazed by White-Tailed Deer and possibly other herbivores (Martin et al., 1951/1961).
Photographic Location: A stabilized sand dune with scattered oak trees at Indiana Dunes State Park in NW Indiana.
Comments: The flowers of Purple Milkwort are small, but attractive and ornamental, resembling miniature orchid flowers if they are examined closely. It can be distinguished from other milkworts (Polygala spp.) in Illinois by its slender racemes with distinct pedicels and purple flowers. Other milkworts have stout floral spikes with pedicels that are absent or hidden, or they have slender racemes with white flowers. Pink Milkwort (Polygala incarnata) is something of an exception, but it has floral spikes that are more dense and leaves that are scale-like. In addition, the tubular structure of its flowers is more elongated than the corresponding structure of Purple Milkwort's flowers. Another common name of Polygala polygama is Racemed Milkwort.
Each stem terminates in a spike-like raceme of purple flowers about ¾-4" in length. The central stalk of the raceme is light green to purplish green and glabrous. Each flower is about ¼" long and across when it is fully open, consisting of 3 petals, 5 sepals, several inserted stamens, and a pistil with a single style. Two sepals are enlarged, rosy pink to purple, and petaloid, forming a pair of lateral wings. The remaining three sepals are smaller in size, light green to purple, and ovate in shape. The 3 petals form a fringed tubular structure that surrounds the stamens and style; they are rosy pink to purple, often becoming more white toward their tips. The short glabrous pedicels of the flowers are light green to purple, slender, and often nodding. Sometimes a few cleistogamous (self-fertile) flowers develop toward the base of the raceme; they are bud-like and inconspicuous. The blooming period occurs from early to mid-summer and lasts about 3 weeks. Only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. Afterwards, they are replaced by 2-celled seed capsules; each cell of a capsule contains a single hairy seed. In addition to the above-ground flowers, Purple Milkwort also produces cleistogamous flowers along underground stems. The root system consists of a taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, mesic to dry conditions, and sandy soil.
Range & Habitat: The native Purple Milkwort is occasional in sandy areas of the northern half of Illinois, while in the southern half of the state it is absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats consist of upland sand prairies, upland sandy savannas, interdunal flats and stabilized sand dunes, and abandoned sandy fields. Habitat destruction, off-road vehicle use, and trampling by park visitors in heavily populated areas are threats to current populations of this plant.
Faunal Associations: Information about floral-faunal relationships for Purple Milkwort and other milkworts (Polygala spp.) is limited. The flowers of Purple Milkwort are cross-pollinated by masked bees (Hylaeus spp.) and other small bees. Even though Purple Milkwort and other milkworts have bitter foliage, they are sometimes grazed by White-Tailed Deer and possibly other herbivores (Martin et al., 1951/1961).
Photographic Location: A stabilized sand dune with scattered oak trees at Indiana Dunes State Park in NW Indiana.
Comments: The flowers of Purple Milkwort are small, but attractive and ornamental, resembling miniature orchid flowers if they are examined closely. It can be distinguished from other milkworts (Polygala spp.) in Illinois by its slender racemes with distinct pedicels and purple flowers. Other milkworts have stout floral spikes with pedicels that are absent or hidden, or they have slender racemes with white flowers. Pink Milkwort (Polygala incarnata) is something of an exception, but it has floral spikes that are more dense and leaves that are scale-like. In addition, the tubular structure of its flowers is more elongated than the corresponding structure of Purple Milkwort's flowers. Another common name of Polygala polygama is Racemed Milkwort.
0
0
文章
Miss Chen
2018年03月31日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is about 1-3' tall and unbranched, except for a few flowering stems near the apex. The central stem may have fine white hairs, otherwise it is glabrous. The opposite leaves are up to 5" long and 2" across, becoming smaller as they ascend the stem. They are yellowish green to medium-dark green, ovate to lanceolate-oblong, devoid of hairs, and have widely spaced teeth along their margins. The leaves are sessile or they clasp the stem; sometimes they are slightly cordate at the base.
An elongated panicle of flowers occurs at the apex of the central stem, and smaller panicles of flowers may occur on upper side stems. The stems of each inflorescence (peduncles and pedicels) are usually covered with fine white hairs. Each tubular flower is about 1" long, with 2 upper lobes and 3 lower lobes; the lower lobes do not project outward any further than the upper lobes. On the outer surface, the corolla is light violet or purple and covered with fine hairs, while the inner surface is white. The lower inner surface of the corolla is smooth and lacks ridges. The anthers and style are inserted within the corolla. The calyx of this penstemon is divided into rather long linear-lanceolate segments that are about 1/3" (8 mm.) long. The blooming period occurs during late spring or early summer and lasts about a month. There is no floral scent. The flowers are replaced by small capsules containing numerous seeds. These small seeds can be carried several feet by gusts of wind. The root system consists of a taproot. The flowering stalk dies down after the blooming period, although it is replaced by low basal leaves that persist until the spring of the following year.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, rich loamy soil, and moist to mesic conditions. Like other penstemons, this species rarely has problems with foliar disease.
Close-up of Leaf
Range & Habitat: The native Long-Sepal Penstemon occurs occasionally in eastern and southern Illinois, but it is rare or absent in northwestern areas of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include open rocky woodlands, woodland borders, oak savannas, moist meadows within woodlands, pastures, black soil prairies, and edges of old cemeteries. This species appears in both high quality habitats and more disturbed areas.
Faunal Associations: Long-tongued bees are the most important pollinators of the flowers, including honeybees, bumblebees, Anthophorine bees, digger bees, mason bees, and leaf-cutting bees, which seek nectar primarily. Less important visitors include Halictid bees, Sphinx moths, and hummingbirds. The caterpillars of the moth Elaphria chalcedonia (Chalcedony Midget) may feed on the foliage of this penstemon. The foliage of penstemons is not a preferred food source for most mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: The photograph of the flowers was taken at Prospect Cemetery Prairie in Ford County, Illinois, while the photograph of the leaf was taken in Vermilion County, Illinois, at the edge of an old cemetery in a wooded area.
Comments: This species has reasonably attractive flowers, and it should be cultivated in wildflower gardens more often. Long-Sepal Penstemon resembles Penstemon digitalis (Foxglove Penstemon) somewhat, but it is usually a little smaller and has light violet or purple flowers, while Foxglove Penstemon has white flowers that are at most tinged with violet. Long-Sepal Penstemon also has longer sepals. Another native penstemon, Penstemon hirsutus (Hairy Penstemon), also has pinkish flowers, but the corolla of its flowers is more constricted at the mouth and its stems are more hairy. Other features to consider while identifying a penstemon species include the presence or absence of ridges on the lower inner surface of the corolla, the presence or absence of hairs on the leaves, and whether or not the lower lip of the corolla extends further forward than the upper lip.
An elongated panicle of flowers occurs at the apex of the central stem, and smaller panicles of flowers may occur on upper side stems. The stems of each inflorescence (peduncles and pedicels) are usually covered with fine white hairs. Each tubular flower is about 1" long, with 2 upper lobes and 3 lower lobes; the lower lobes do not project outward any further than the upper lobes. On the outer surface, the corolla is light violet or purple and covered with fine hairs, while the inner surface is white. The lower inner surface of the corolla is smooth and lacks ridges. The anthers and style are inserted within the corolla. The calyx of this penstemon is divided into rather long linear-lanceolate segments that are about 1/3" (8 mm.) long. The blooming period occurs during late spring or early summer and lasts about a month. There is no floral scent. The flowers are replaced by small capsules containing numerous seeds. These small seeds can be carried several feet by gusts of wind. The root system consists of a taproot. The flowering stalk dies down after the blooming period, although it is replaced by low basal leaves that persist until the spring of the following year.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, rich loamy soil, and moist to mesic conditions. Like other penstemons, this species rarely has problems with foliar disease.
Close-up of Leaf
Range & Habitat: The native Long-Sepal Penstemon occurs occasionally in eastern and southern Illinois, but it is rare or absent in northwestern areas of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include open rocky woodlands, woodland borders, oak savannas, moist meadows within woodlands, pastures, black soil prairies, and edges of old cemeteries. This species appears in both high quality habitats and more disturbed areas.
Faunal Associations: Long-tongued bees are the most important pollinators of the flowers, including honeybees, bumblebees, Anthophorine bees, digger bees, mason bees, and leaf-cutting bees, which seek nectar primarily. Less important visitors include Halictid bees, Sphinx moths, and hummingbirds. The caterpillars of the moth Elaphria chalcedonia (Chalcedony Midget) may feed on the foliage of this penstemon. The foliage of penstemons is not a preferred food source for most mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: The photograph of the flowers was taken at Prospect Cemetery Prairie in Ford County, Illinois, while the photograph of the leaf was taken in Vermilion County, Illinois, at the edge of an old cemetery in a wooded area.
Comments: This species has reasonably attractive flowers, and it should be cultivated in wildflower gardens more often. Long-Sepal Penstemon resembles Penstemon digitalis (Foxglove Penstemon) somewhat, but it is usually a little smaller and has light violet or purple flowers, while Foxglove Penstemon has white flowers that are at most tinged with violet. Long-Sepal Penstemon also has longer sepals. Another native penstemon, Penstemon hirsutus (Hairy Penstemon), also has pinkish flowers, but the corolla of its flowers is more constricted at the mouth and its stems are more hairy. Other features to consider while identifying a penstemon species include the presence or absence of ridges on the lower inner surface of the corolla, the presence or absence of hairs on the leaves, and whether or not the lower lip of the corolla extends further forward than the upper lip.
0
0
文章
Miss Chen
2018年03月31日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 3-9' tall, consisting of a central stem that is more or less erect, and occasional lateral stems in the upper half of the plant that are ascending. These stems are light green, terete, glabrous to sparsely pubescent, and often glaucous. The alternate leaves can be quite large, up to 18" long and 18" across, becoming smaller as they ascend the stems. They have 3-5 palmate lobes; both the sinuses and tips of the lobes are acutely angled. The leaf margins are coarsely dentate. The upper leaf surfaces are medium to dark green and glabrous, while the lower leaf surfaces are pale green and glabrous to sparsely pubescent.
The petioles are usually a little shorter than the leaves (up to 8" long); they are light green and glabrous to sparsely pubescent. At the base of each petiole, there is a pair of linear stipules about ¼" in length. The central and upper stems terminate in one or more panicles of flowers up to 2' long and 2' across. The branches and pedicels of these panicles are light green and glabrous to sparsely pubescent. There are small leafy bracts (less than 3" long) that are located where the branches of the panicle diverge. The flowers tend to be organized into clusters near the tips of the terminal branches; their pedicels are up to 1" long. Because Glade Mallow is dioecious, each flowering plant has either all male (staminate) or all female (pistillate) flowers, but not both. Each male flower is about ½-¾" across, consisting of a short-tubular calyx with 5 broad teeth, 5 white petals, and several stamens; the latter are joined together into a narrow white column. At the apex of this column, the stamens become separated into short white filaments and small plumes of tan to pink anthers. The calyx is light green and glabrous, while the petals are widely spreading and obovate to oblanceolate in shape.
Each female flower is about ½-¾" across, consisting of a short-tubular calyx with 5 broad teeth, 5 white petals, and a compound pistil with several white styles. The calyx is light green and glabrous, while the petals are widely spreading and obovate in shape. The blooming period occurs from early to mid-summer, lasting about 1 month. There is a pleasant floral fragrance. Afterwards, the female flowers are replaced by dry fruits (schizocarps); there are 8-10 seeds per fruit that are probably distributed to some extent by water. The root system consists of a hollow taproot that branches occasionally, and it also produces rhizomes. Colonies of plants can develop from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is partial to full sun, moist conditions, and soil consisting of loam or silt-loam with decaying organic matter. This plant doesn't like to dry out, and the leaves will wilt rapidly and become ragged in appearance if this is allowed to happen. It may also topple over in a strong wind, particularly when the flowering stage is reached. Therefore, plant the Glade Mallow in a moist, sheltered location. Disease does not appear to be a significant problem. Propagation can be accomplished by seed through cold moist stratification or by division of the rhizomes.
Habitat & Range: The Glade Mallow is an uncommon plant that occurs sporadically in the northern half of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. This plant is endemic to the Midwest. Habitats include river-bottom prairies, soggy thickets, openings in floodplain forests, terraces along rivers, low areas along streams, and depressions along railroads. This plant doesn't occur in glades in the hillier parts of southern Illinois, contrary to what its common name suggests. Occasional wildfires, particularly during the spring or autumn, are probably beneficial as this reduces the encroachment of woody vegetation.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by bumblebees (Bombus spp.), Halictid bees (Lasioglossum spp.), and Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.); they are also visited by Syrphid flies and Calliphorid flies. These insects are attracted to the nectar and pollen of the flowers (Iltis, 1963). The foliage of Glade Mallow is readily browsed by cattle and other farm animals, and it may also be consumed by deer. Because this is a large leafy plant that often forms colonies, it provides significant cover for a variety of vertebrate animals and insects.
Photographic Location: Dave Monk's postage stamp prairie in downtown Champaign, Illinois, and a wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois. The population of plants at the former location no longer exists.
Comments: Overall, this wildflower is very showy while it is in bloom. It is the only member of the genus that occurs in Illinois. Because of its unisexual flowers, the Glade Mallow is one of the more unusual members of the Mallow family. Its range is restricted to only a few states in the Midwest. Its flowers are much smaller in size than those of the native Rose Mallows (Hibiscus spp.) and rare Kankakee Mallow (Iliamna remota), but they are more numerous. The most similar species to the Glade Mallow is the River Mallow (Sida hermaphrodita). Like the Glade Mallow, the River Mallow is a tall-growing mallow with small white flowers that are produced in abundance; both of these species prefer similar damp habitats. This latter species, however, has bisexual flowers and the lobes of its palmate leaves are more narrow and pointed than those of the Glade Mallow. The River Mallow is not found in Illinois; it has a more eastern distribution.
The petioles are usually a little shorter than the leaves (up to 8" long); they are light green and glabrous to sparsely pubescent. At the base of each petiole, there is a pair of linear stipules about ¼" in length. The central and upper stems terminate in one or more panicles of flowers up to 2' long and 2' across. The branches and pedicels of these panicles are light green and glabrous to sparsely pubescent. There are small leafy bracts (less than 3" long) that are located where the branches of the panicle diverge. The flowers tend to be organized into clusters near the tips of the terminal branches; their pedicels are up to 1" long. Because Glade Mallow is dioecious, each flowering plant has either all male (staminate) or all female (pistillate) flowers, but not both. Each male flower is about ½-¾" across, consisting of a short-tubular calyx with 5 broad teeth, 5 white petals, and several stamens; the latter are joined together into a narrow white column. At the apex of this column, the stamens become separated into short white filaments and small plumes of tan to pink anthers. The calyx is light green and glabrous, while the petals are widely spreading and obovate to oblanceolate in shape.
Each female flower is about ½-¾" across, consisting of a short-tubular calyx with 5 broad teeth, 5 white petals, and a compound pistil with several white styles. The calyx is light green and glabrous, while the petals are widely spreading and obovate in shape. The blooming period occurs from early to mid-summer, lasting about 1 month. There is a pleasant floral fragrance. Afterwards, the female flowers are replaced by dry fruits (schizocarps); there are 8-10 seeds per fruit that are probably distributed to some extent by water. The root system consists of a hollow taproot that branches occasionally, and it also produces rhizomes. Colonies of plants can develop from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is partial to full sun, moist conditions, and soil consisting of loam or silt-loam with decaying organic matter. This plant doesn't like to dry out, and the leaves will wilt rapidly and become ragged in appearance if this is allowed to happen. It may also topple over in a strong wind, particularly when the flowering stage is reached. Therefore, plant the Glade Mallow in a moist, sheltered location. Disease does not appear to be a significant problem. Propagation can be accomplished by seed through cold moist stratification or by division of the rhizomes.
Habitat & Range: The Glade Mallow is an uncommon plant that occurs sporadically in the northern half of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. This plant is endemic to the Midwest. Habitats include river-bottom prairies, soggy thickets, openings in floodplain forests, terraces along rivers, low areas along streams, and depressions along railroads. This plant doesn't occur in glades in the hillier parts of southern Illinois, contrary to what its common name suggests. Occasional wildfires, particularly during the spring or autumn, are probably beneficial as this reduces the encroachment of woody vegetation.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by bumblebees (Bombus spp.), Halictid bees (Lasioglossum spp.), and Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.); they are also visited by Syrphid flies and Calliphorid flies. These insects are attracted to the nectar and pollen of the flowers (Iltis, 1963). The foliage of Glade Mallow is readily browsed by cattle and other farm animals, and it may also be consumed by deer. Because this is a large leafy plant that often forms colonies, it provides significant cover for a variety of vertebrate animals and insects.
Photographic Location: Dave Monk's postage stamp prairie in downtown Champaign, Illinois, and a wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois. The population of plants at the former location no longer exists.
Comments: Overall, this wildflower is very showy while it is in bloom. It is the only member of the genus that occurs in Illinois. Because of its unisexual flowers, the Glade Mallow is one of the more unusual members of the Mallow family. Its range is restricted to only a few states in the Midwest. Its flowers are much smaller in size than those of the native Rose Mallows (Hibiscus spp.) and rare Kankakee Mallow (Iliamna remota), but they are more numerous. The most similar species to the Glade Mallow is the River Mallow (Sida hermaphrodita). Like the Glade Mallow, the River Mallow is a tall-growing mallow with small white flowers that are produced in abundance; both of these species prefer similar damp habitats. This latter species, however, has bisexual flowers and the lobes of its palmate leaves are more narrow and pointed than those of the Glade Mallow. The River Mallow is not found in Illinois; it has a more eastern distribution.
0
0
文章
Miss Chen
2018年03月31日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 1-2' tall, branching occasionally. The stems are sharply 4-angled and usually glabrous, although scattered hairs may occur along the ridges on relatively new growth. The opposite leaves are up to 3½" long and 2" across. They are sessile against the stem, or have very short petioles. The leaves are broadly lanceolate or ovate, with serrate margins that are often ciliate. The upper surface of each leaf is often finely pubescent, while a few hairs may occur along the major veins on the lower surface. The upper surface is green or yellowish green, sometimes with scattered purple spots or a purplish tint along the margin. The upper stems terminate in dome-shaped flowerheads (a single flowerhead per stem). These flowerheads are about 1½–3" across. A small wreath of flowers first appears toward the center of the flowerhead, and spreads gradually towards the outer edge of the flowerhead.
Each narrow flower is about 1" long, and has a corolla that is deeply divided into prominent upper and lower lips. The upper lip is nearly tubular and contains the exerted stamens, while the lower lip is somewhat wider and has a narrow lobe at its tip that curls downward. The corolla is white or pink, with purple dots on the lower lip, and white hairs on the upper lip. The calyx of each flower is tubular and hairy, with 5 pointed lobes at its tip. Immediately beneath each flowerhead are 5 leafy bracts that are triangular-shaped. These bracts often have ciliate margins, and they are often colored faded pink or purple. The blooming period occurs during the late spring or early summer and lasts about a month. There is no floral scent, although the foliage exudes an oregano scent. The nutlets are dispersed to some extent by the wind. The root system produces abundant rhizomes, enabling vegetative reproduction.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun and somewhat dry conditions. This species often grows in soil that is somewhat thin and rocky, which reduces competition from other species of plants. The lower leaves will fall off the stems during drought; in stressed-out plants, the foliage may become discolored and diseased.
Range & Habitat: The native Bradbury's Bee Balm occurs occasionally in the southern half of Illinois, while elsewhere within the state it is rare or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include rocky upland forests, savannas, thickets, limestone or sandstone glades, bluffs, meadows in wooded areas, pastures, and roadsides. This species probably benefits from occasional wildfires to create clearings in woodland areas.
Faunal Associations: Long-tongued bees (especially bumblebees), butterflies, skippers, Hummingbird moths, beeflies, and hummingbirds visit the flowers for nectar. The small black bee Doufourea monardae is a specialist pollinator of Monarda spp. Short-tongued Halictid bees may visit the flowers to collect pollen; they are unable to reach the nectar. Caterpillars of the moths Sphinx eremitus (Hermit Sphinx), Anterastria teratophora (Gray Marvel), Pyrausta orphisalis (Pyralid Moth sp.), and Pyrausta signatalis (Pyralid Moth sp.) feed destructively on Monarda spp. (Bee Balms). Other insect feeders include the scentless plant bug Arhyssus nigristernum, the leaf-footed bug Euthochtha galeator, the aphid Hyalomyzus monardae, and the leaf beetle Physonota unipunctata. Mammalian herbivores usually avoid consumption of Monarda spp. – it is possible that the oregano scent of the foliage deters them.
Photographic Location: An upland savanna at Warbler Woods in Coles County, Illinois, and a restored prairie at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Bradbury's Bee Balm is fairly easy to identify. Like other Monarda spp., the large flowers have a distinctive appearance that is showy and attractive. Bradbury' Bee Balm differs from other Monarda spp. in Illinois by its sessile or nearly sessile leaves, and the purple dots on the lower lip of the corolla. It is also shorter in stature and blooms earlier. The species Monarda russeliana of some authors is probably the same species as Monarda bradburiana.
Each narrow flower is about 1" long, and has a corolla that is deeply divided into prominent upper and lower lips. The upper lip is nearly tubular and contains the exerted stamens, while the lower lip is somewhat wider and has a narrow lobe at its tip that curls downward. The corolla is white or pink, with purple dots on the lower lip, and white hairs on the upper lip. The calyx of each flower is tubular and hairy, with 5 pointed lobes at its tip. Immediately beneath each flowerhead are 5 leafy bracts that are triangular-shaped. These bracts often have ciliate margins, and they are often colored faded pink or purple. The blooming period occurs during the late spring or early summer and lasts about a month. There is no floral scent, although the foliage exudes an oregano scent. The nutlets are dispersed to some extent by the wind. The root system produces abundant rhizomes, enabling vegetative reproduction.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun and somewhat dry conditions. This species often grows in soil that is somewhat thin and rocky, which reduces competition from other species of plants. The lower leaves will fall off the stems during drought; in stressed-out plants, the foliage may become discolored and diseased.
Range & Habitat: The native Bradbury's Bee Balm occurs occasionally in the southern half of Illinois, while elsewhere within the state it is rare or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include rocky upland forests, savannas, thickets, limestone or sandstone glades, bluffs, meadows in wooded areas, pastures, and roadsides. This species probably benefits from occasional wildfires to create clearings in woodland areas.
Faunal Associations: Long-tongued bees (especially bumblebees), butterflies, skippers, Hummingbird moths, beeflies, and hummingbirds visit the flowers for nectar. The small black bee Doufourea monardae is a specialist pollinator of Monarda spp. Short-tongued Halictid bees may visit the flowers to collect pollen; they are unable to reach the nectar. Caterpillars of the moths Sphinx eremitus (Hermit Sphinx), Anterastria teratophora (Gray Marvel), Pyrausta orphisalis (Pyralid Moth sp.), and Pyrausta signatalis (Pyralid Moth sp.) feed destructively on Monarda spp. (Bee Balms). Other insect feeders include the scentless plant bug Arhyssus nigristernum, the leaf-footed bug Euthochtha galeator, the aphid Hyalomyzus monardae, and the leaf beetle Physonota unipunctata. Mammalian herbivores usually avoid consumption of Monarda spp. – it is possible that the oregano scent of the foliage deters them.
Photographic Location: An upland savanna at Warbler Woods in Coles County, Illinois, and a restored prairie at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Bradbury's Bee Balm is fairly easy to identify. Like other Monarda spp., the large flowers have a distinctive appearance that is showy and attractive. Bradbury' Bee Balm differs from other Monarda spp. in Illinois by its sessile or nearly sessile leaves, and the purple dots on the lower lip of the corolla. It is also shorter in stature and blooms earlier. The species Monarda russeliana of some authors is probably the same species as Monarda bradburiana.
0
0
文章
Miss Chen
2018年03月30日
Description: This plant is a summer annual about ½–2½' tall and more or less erect. It is unbranched, or branches occasionally in the upper half. The angular stems have bristly white hairs; these hairs are less abundant on the upper stems. The alternate leaves are up to 2½" long and 1" across, becoming smaller as theyFlowering Spike ascend the stems. They are lanceolate to ovate in shape and crenate or bluntly dentate along the margins. The upper surface of each leaf is largely hairless, while the lower surface has a few hairs along the major veins. The lower leaves have short petioles, while the upper leaves are sessile. The central stem terminates in a spike-like raceme of flowers that extends to about one-half the length of the plant. Some of the upper side stems may terminate in shorter racemes. Each raceme has alternate leafy bracts that are similar in appearance to the leaves below, except that they are smaller. A single flower develops from the base of each bract on a short petiole; usually a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. Each flower is up to 1/3" (8 mm.) long; it consists of a tubular corolla with 5 spreading lobes and a short tubular calyx with 5 teeth that are long and spreading. The corolla is light blue-violet, light purple, or white. It has a cleft upper lip consisting of 2 small lobes and a cleft lower lip consisting of 3 lobes that are somewhat larger. The interior of the corolla is primarily white; its lower interior has 2 small yellow patches and tufts of fine white hair. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer through the fall and lasts about 2-3 months. There is no noticeable floral scent. After the corolla withers away, a globoid seed capsule develops that is about 1/3" (8 mm.) across. This capsule is completely enclosed by the persistent green calyx. There are several conspicuous ribs along the sides of this calyx. The seed capsule is divided into 2 cells and contains numerous tiny seeds; these seeds are small enough to be blown about by the wind. The root system consists of a taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, moist to dry conditions, and a soil that contains loam, clay loam, or rocky material. Poor soil is readily tolerated, although this will stunt the growth of the plants somewhat.
Range & Habitat: The native Indian Tobacco is a fairly common plant that occurs in most areas of Illinois; it is less common or absent in a few areas of northern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include open deciduous woodlands, savannas, thickets, areas along woodland paths, powerline clearances in wooded areas, partially shaded seeps, and abandoned fields. This species prefers areas with a history of disturbance, particularly when this removes some of the overhead canopy in wooded areas. It is somewhat weedy.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts small bees, mainly Halictid bees. The acrid foliage is highly toxic and avoided by mammalian herbivores, including White-Tailed Deer. The tiny seeds appear to be of little interest to birds.
Photographic Location: A powerline clearance in Busey Woods at Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Notwithstanding the common name, the foliage of Indian Tobacco should be neither chewed nor smoked as it is highly acrid and toxic. While Indian Tobacco is an annual, other Lobelia spp. (Lobelias) in Illinois are perennials with larger flowers. Indian Tobacco resembles Lobelia spicata (Pale-Spiked Lobelia), but the latter has slightly larger flowers (up to ½" long) and its stems have shorter hairs or they are glabrous. Another species, Lobelia kalmii (Kalm's Lobelia), occurs in various wetlands and is uncommon in Illinois. It has larger flowers, more narrow leaves, and lacks spreading hairs on its stems. Indian Tobacco is distinctive because its calyxes become conspicuously inflated from the developing seed capsules; this makes it relatively easy to identify. The calyxes of other Lobelias don't inflate after the corollas of their flowers have withered away.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, moist to dry conditions, and a soil that contains loam, clay loam, or rocky material. Poor soil is readily tolerated, although this will stunt the growth of the plants somewhat.
Range & Habitat: The native Indian Tobacco is a fairly common plant that occurs in most areas of Illinois; it is less common or absent in a few areas of northern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include open deciduous woodlands, savannas, thickets, areas along woodland paths, powerline clearances in wooded areas, partially shaded seeps, and abandoned fields. This species prefers areas with a history of disturbance, particularly when this removes some of the overhead canopy in wooded areas. It is somewhat weedy.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts small bees, mainly Halictid bees. The acrid foliage is highly toxic and avoided by mammalian herbivores, including White-Tailed Deer. The tiny seeds appear to be of little interest to birds.
Photographic Location: A powerline clearance in Busey Woods at Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Notwithstanding the common name, the foliage of Indian Tobacco should be neither chewed nor smoked as it is highly acrid and toxic. While Indian Tobacco is an annual, other Lobelia spp. (Lobelias) in Illinois are perennials with larger flowers. Indian Tobacco resembles Lobelia spicata (Pale-Spiked Lobelia), but the latter has slightly larger flowers (up to ½" long) and its stems have shorter hairs or they are glabrous. Another species, Lobelia kalmii (Kalm's Lobelia), occurs in various wetlands and is uncommon in Illinois. It has larger flowers, more narrow leaves, and lacks spreading hairs on its stems. Indian Tobacco is distinctive because its calyxes become conspicuously inflated from the developing seed capsules; this makes it relatively easy to identify. The calyxes of other Lobelias don't inflate after the corollas of their flowers have withered away.
0
0
文章
Miss Chen
2018年03月29日
Description: This perennial plant is sparsely branched and up to 2½' tall. The stems have fine white hairs. The alternate compound leaves are trifoliate and have slender primary petioles about ¼–¾" long. The leaflets are up to 1½" long and ½" across. They have smooth margins and are oblong, except for a tiny point at the tip.
The flowers occur in crowded heads on short peduncles in the upper portions of the stems. The lower flowers are cleistogamous and inconspicuous; they are capable of forming fertile seeds without the pollination of insects. The upper flowers are about ¼" across and have a typical pea-like structure. This consists of a broad upper petal, and two smaller side petals that parallel a jutting lower lip. The petals of these flowers are pink, although the base of the upper petal is rose pink. These flowers remain clustered along the stems amid the leaves. The blooming period is late summer or early fall, and lasts about 3 weeks. There is no floral scent. The root system consists of a deep taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and mesic to dry conditions. This plant grows readily in soil that is loamy, rocky, or sandy. It has excellent drought resistance. It's easy to start plants from seeds or transplants, and foliar disease is rarely troublesome. Soil with below average pH is tolerated, if not actually preferred. Sometimes this plant has trouble competing against taller, more aggressive plants in fertile soil.
Range & Habitat: The native Slender Bush Clover is occasional in the southwestern section of Illinois, but it is uncommon or absent elsewhere (see Distribution Map). Habitats include drier areas of black soil and sandy prairies, hill prairies, rocky upland forests and sandy forests, savannas and sandy savannas, scrubby barrens with poor soil, limestone glades, bluffs, and banks along lakes. The woodland areas where this plant occurs are often dominated by oak trees.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are visited by long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, flies, small butterflies, and skippers. These insects seek nectar, although the bees also collect pollen. Among these visitors, bees are probably the most effective pollinators of the flowers. The caterpillars of some species of skippers feed on the foliage, including Thorybes bathyllus (Southern Cloudywing), Thorybes pylades (Northern Cloudywing), and Achalarus lyciades (Hoary Edge). The seeds are eaten by some upland gamebirds, particularly the Bobwhite, and occasionally the Wild Turkey. Mammalian herbivores of all kinds readily feed on Slender Bush Clover, including deer, rabbits, groundhogs, and livestock. An overpopulation of these animals can make the establishment of this plant difficult in some areas.
Photographic Location: The photograph was taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The flowers of Slender Bush Clover are attractive, but small-sized. This plant has a more delicate appearance than Lespedeza capitata (Round-Headed Bush Clover), with greener leaves and pinker flowers.
The flowers occur in crowded heads on short peduncles in the upper portions of the stems. The lower flowers are cleistogamous and inconspicuous; they are capable of forming fertile seeds without the pollination of insects. The upper flowers are about ¼" across and have a typical pea-like structure. This consists of a broad upper petal, and two smaller side petals that parallel a jutting lower lip. The petals of these flowers are pink, although the base of the upper petal is rose pink. These flowers remain clustered along the stems amid the leaves. The blooming period is late summer or early fall, and lasts about 3 weeks. There is no floral scent. The root system consists of a deep taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and mesic to dry conditions. This plant grows readily in soil that is loamy, rocky, or sandy. It has excellent drought resistance. It's easy to start plants from seeds or transplants, and foliar disease is rarely troublesome. Soil with below average pH is tolerated, if not actually preferred. Sometimes this plant has trouble competing against taller, more aggressive plants in fertile soil.
Range & Habitat: The native Slender Bush Clover is occasional in the southwestern section of Illinois, but it is uncommon or absent elsewhere (see Distribution Map). Habitats include drier areas of black soil and sandy prairies, hill prairies, rocky upland forests and sandy forests, savannas and sandy savannas, scrubby barrens with poor soil, limestone glades, bluffs, and banks along lakes. The woodland areas where this plant occurs are often dominated by oak trees.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are visited by long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, flies, small butterflies, and skippers. These insects seek nectar, although the bees also collect pollen. Among these visitors, bees are probably the most effective pollinators of the flowers. The caterpillars of some species of skippers feed on the foliage, including Thorybes bathyllus (Southern Cloudywing), Thorybes pylades (Northern Cloudywing), and Achalarus lyciades (Hoary Edge). The seeds are eaten by some upland gamebirds, particularly the Bobwhite, and occasionally the Wild Turkey. Mammalian herbivores of all kinds readily feed on Slender Bush Clover, including deer, rabbits, groundhogs, and livestock. An overpopulation of these animals can make the establishment of this plant difficult in some areas.
Photographic Location: The photograph was taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The flowers of Slender Bush Clover are attractive, but small-sized. This plant has a more delicate appearance than Lespedeza capitata (Round-Headed Bush Clover), with greener leaves and pinker flowers.
0
0
文章
Miss Chen
2018年03月29日
Description: This perennial plant is 1½–3' tall and largely unbranched, except for several flowering stems toward the apex. The stems are covered with long white hairs. The alternate compound leaves are trifoliate. Each compound leaf has a short hairy petiole with a pair of narrow stipules about 1/10" (2.5 mm.) long at its base. The individual leaflets are up to 2" long and 1½" across. They are oval, oval-orbiculate, or obovate, and have smooth margins. Their upper surface is finely pubescent, while their lower surface is softly hairy. The upper stems terminate in rather short spike-like racemes of flowers about 1-3" long. The hairy flowering stalks (peduncles) are often longer than either the leaflets or the inflorescence. The spike-like racemes have whorls of flowers that are densely crowded together. Each flower is about 1/3" (8 mm.) long and cream-colored, usually with a purple spot at the base. It has a typical pea-like flower structure, consisting of a standard and keel. The calyx lobes are longer than the flowers. They are hairy, narrow, and taper to a sharp point, turning brown with maturity. This species of bush clover rarely produces cleistogamous flowers. The blooming period occurs during the late summer and lasts about 3 weeks. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each flower is replaced by a seedpod that is short, flat-sided, and pubescent, with its outer tip consisting of a short beak. This seedpod is about the same length or shorter than the calyx lobes. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, mesic to dry conditions, and an acid soil containing sand or rocky material. Full sunlight or light shade, and more fertile soil are also tolerated. Hairy Bush Clover fixes nitrogen in the soil.
Range & Habitat: This species has an odd bifurcated distribution, occurring in NE and southern Illinois, but hardly anywhere else in the state (see Distribution Map). Hairy Bush Clover is an occasional plant in these areas, where it is native. Habitats include upland oak woodland that are rocky or sandy, oak savannas that are rocky or sandy, and sandstone glades. In NE Illinois, this species occurs in sandy areas that are dominated by Black Oaks, while in southern Illinois it occurs in areas that are hilly and rocky. Occasional wildfires are probably beneficial to this species as this opens up the forest canopy.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract bees primarily, including bumblebees, Leaf-Cutting bees, and Halictid bees. The short-tongued bee Calliopsis andreniformis often visits the flowers of Lespedeza spp. Butterflies may visit the flowers for nectar, but they are non-pollinating. The foliage is eaten by the caterpillars of various skippers and moths. This includes such skipper species as Thorybes pylades (Northern Cloudywing), Thorybes bathyllus (Southern Cloudywing), and Epargyreus clarus (Silver-Spotted Skipper), and such moth species as Utetheisa bella (Bella Moth), Ptichodis herbarum (Common Ptichodis), and Dasylopha anguina (Black-Spotted Prominent). The seeds are eaten by the Bobwhite Quail and Wild Turkey, while the foliage is eaten by the Cottontail Rabbit and White-Tailed Deer. The foliage is non-toxic and highly palatable to mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: The photos were taken at a sandy savanna and a sandy path of the Hooper Branch Savanna Nature Preserve in Iroquois County, Illinois. The dominant tree in this area is Quercus velutina (Black Oak).
Comments: Hairy Bush Clover is one of several Lespedeza spp. that occur in Oak woodlands or savannas. This species is not very showy as the small flowers are partially hidden by the long calyx lobes. It can be distinguished from these other species by its cream-colored flowers, unusually broad leaves, and very hairy stems. A distinguishing characteristic are the long peduncles, which are often longer than the leaflets and spike-like racemes. This can be readily observed in the photographs. Other bush clovers, such as Lespedeza capitata (Round-Headed Bush Clover), usually have shorter peduncles.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, mesic to dry conditions, and an acid soil containing sand or rocky material. Full sunlight or light shade, and more fertile soil are also tolerated. Hairy Bush Clover fixes nitrogen in the soil.
Range & Habitat: This species has an odd bifurcated distribution, occurring in NE and southern Illinois, but hardly anywhere else in the state (see Distribution Map). Hairy Bush Clover is an occasional plant in these areas, where it is native. Habitats include upland oak woodland that are rocky or sandy, oak savannas that are rocky or sandy, and sandstone glades. In NE Illinois, this species occurs in sandy areas that are dominated by Black Oaks, while in southern Illinois it occurs in areas that are hilly and rocky. Occasional wildfires are probably beneficial to this species as this opens up the forest canopy.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract bees primarily, including bumblebees, Leaf-Cutting bees, and Halictid bees. The short-tongued bee Calliopsis andreniformis often visits the flowers of Lespedeza spp. Butterflies may visit the flowers for nectar, but they are non-pollinating. The foliage is eaten by the caterpillars of various skippers and moths. This includes such skipper species as Thorybes pylades (Northern Cloudywing), Thorybes bathyllus (Southern Cloudywing), and Epargyreus clarus (Silver-Spotted Skipper), and such moth species as Utetheisa bella (Bella Moth), Ptichodis herbarum (Common Ptichodis), and Dasylopha anguina (Black-Spotted Prominent). The seeds are eaten by the Bobwhite Quail and Wild Turkey, while the foliage is eaten by the Cottontail Rabbit and White-Tailed Deer. The foliage is non-toxic and highly palatable to mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: The photos were taken at a sandy savanna and a sandy path of the Hooper Branch Savanna Nature Preserve in Iroquois County, Illinois. The dominant tree in this area is Quercus velutina (Black Oak).
Comments: Hairy Bush Clover is one of several Lespedeza spp. that occur in Oak woodlands or savannas. This species is not very showy as the small flowers are partially hidden by the long calyx lobes. It can be distinguished from these other species by its cream-colored flowers, unusually broad leaves, and very hairy stems. A distinguishing characteristic are the long peduncles, which are often longer than the leaflets and spike-like racemes. This can be readily observed in the photographs. Other bush clovers, such as Lespedeza capitata (Round-Headed Bush Clover), usually have shorter peduncles.
0
0
文章
Miss Chen
2018年03月29日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is ½–2' tall or long, branching occasionally. The stems are light green to brown, terete, and sparsely appressed-pubescent; they are erect, ascending, or sprawling. Alternate trifoliate leaves occur along these stems, becoming smaller in size toward the tips or apices of these stems. The leaflets are ½–1½" long and about one-half to one-third as much across; they are oblong-elliptic to broadly oblong-elliptic in shape and their margins are entire (toothless). Usually, the terminal leaflets are slightly larger in size than the lateral leaflets. The upper surface of these leaflets is medium green and hairless to sparsely appressed-pubescent, while the lower surface of these leaflets is light green or whitish green and moderately to densely appressed-pubescent. Leaflet venation is pinnate with prominent central veins and weaker lateral veins; the lateral veins are straight and run parallel to each other. Petioles of trifoliate leaves are ¼–1½" long; they are light green, terete, and sparsely appressed-pubescent. The petiolules (basal stalklets) of the terminal leaflets are 2-5 mm. long, while the petiolules of the lateral leaflets are 0.5–1 mm. long. At the bases of petioles along the stems, there are pairs of small stipules. These stipules are 2-5 mm. long and linear in shape; they have a tendency to wither early.
Leafy Plant with Seedpods
Racemes and/or sparingly branched panicles of 3-8 flowers are produced on long ascending peduncles from either the axils of upper leaves or directly from the upper stems. These peduncles extend beyond the compound leaves. The inflorescences are also produced from the axils of middle leaves, although their peduncles tend to be about as long as the petioles of compound leaves. Each flower is about 6-10 mm. in length, consisting of a light green calyx with 5 teeth, 5 whitish purple to purple petals, 10 stamens, and a pistil with a single style. The flowers have a typical pea-like floral structure, consisting of a large upright banner (upper petal), a pair of wings that are slightly spreading and extend forward (2 lower outer petals), and an inner keel that extends forward (2 lower inner petals). The wings of each flower are slightly shorter than its keel. At the base of the banner, there is an arch-shaped patch of dark rosy purple. The calyx is sparsely appressed pubescent and it extends to about one-half of the length of the flower. The pedicels of the flowers are short (1-4 mm. in length). In addition to the preceding chasmogamous flowers, there are also inconspicuous cleistogamous (self-fertile) flowers that develop from the axils of the leaves. These cleistogamous flowers are held close to the stems on short pedicels (1-4 mm. in length). The blooming period occurs from mid- to late summer, lasting about 1 month.
Afterwards, fertile flowers are replaced by small seedpods that become 4-7 mm. long at maturity, the latter changing in color from green to dark brown. Usually, the chasmogamous flowers don't produce seedpods, while the cleistogamous flowers almost always do. The seedpods are orbicular-ovate in shape and flattened, tapering abruptly at their tips into short beaks; they are sparsely appressed-pubescent along their sides. Each seedpod contains a single reniform (kidney-shaped) seed. The root system consists of a taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, dry-mesic conditions, and somewhat sterile soil containing some clay or rocky material. Competition from taller and more aggressive ground vegetation is not well-tolerated. This legume fixes nitrogen in the soil.
Range & Habitat: The native Violet Bush Clover is occasional in the southern half of Illinois, while in the northern half of the state it is uncommon (see Distribution Map). However, it can be found in scattered areas throughout the state. Habitats include upland rocky woodlands, thinly wooded bluffs along rivers, upland savannas, hill prairies, dry grassy openings in upland woodlands, and roadside embankments along hilly woodlands. Violet Bush Clover is found primarily in average to high quality natural areas. It probably benefits from occasional wildfires that reduce competition from woody vegetation.
Faunal Associations: The chasmogamous flowers of Violet Bush Clover are cross-pollinated primarily by bees, including leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), digger bees (Melissodes spp.) and Halictid bees. Small butterflies and skippers may also visit these flowers, but they are less effective at cross-pollination. The showier chasmogamous flowers of Violet Bush Clover probably require insect cross-pollination before they can produce seedpods, while the cleistogamous flowers do not. Miscellaneous insects feed destructively on the foliage, seeds, and other parts of bush clovers (Lespedeza spp.). These insects include the seed-eating larvae of a weevil (Coelocephalapion decoloratum), various leaf beetles and their larvae (Anomoea laticlavia, Odontota horni, Phyllecthris dorsalis, etc.), foliage-eating larvae of a sawfly (Atomacera debilis), seed-eating broad-headed bugs (Alydus spp.), an aphid (Microparsus singularis), the Prairie Walking Stick (Diapheromera velii), and Tick Trefoil Thrips (Neohydatothrips desmodianus); see Sauer (2005), Clark et al. (2004), Smith (2006), Schaefer (1980), Blackman & Eastop (2013), Arment (2006), and Stannard (1968). The caterpillars of some skippers feed on the foliage of bush clovers; these species include the Hoary Edge (Achalarus lyciades), Southern Duskywing (Thorybes bathyllus), and Northern Duskywing (Thorybes pylades). In addition, the larvae of some moths feed on these plants. Examples of such moths include the Bella Moth (Utetheisa bella), Common Ptichodis (Ptichodis herbarum), Black-spotted Prominent (Dasylophia anguina), a Cosmopterigid moth (Triclonella pergandeella), and a Gracillariid moth (Parectopa lespedezaefoliella); see Opler & Krizek (1984) Covell (1984/2005), and Needham et al. (1928). The larvae of the last two moths are leaf-miners. Among vertebrate animals, the seeds of bush clovers are eaten by the Ruffed Grouse, Wild Turkey, Bobwhite Quail, Mourning Dove, and Slate-colored Junco; they are also eaten by the Prairie Deer Mouse. The foliage is palatable to White-tailed Deer and other hoofed mammalian herbivores, including cattle (Martin et al., 1951/1961; Whitaker, 1966; Georgia, 1913).
Photographic Location: A grassy opening of an upland woodland at Merwin Nature Preserve in McLain County, Illinois.
Comments: In the past, Violet Bush Clover was referred to as Lespedeza violacea, while another species, Wand-like Bush Clover, was referred to as Lespedeza intermedia. However, it is now thought that the original herbarium specimen of Lespedeza violacea actually refers to Wand-like Bush Clover. Therefore, the appropriate scientific name for Violet Bush Clover (as described here) is Lespedeza frutescens. This changeover in names will be, no doubt, a source of confusion in the future. Because the flowers of Violet Bush Clover are more violet than those of Wand-like Bush Clover, the common names have been retained. Violet Bush Clover is one of several bush clovers (Lespedeza spp.) that occur in Illinois; most of them are native. It can be distinguished from similar species by its semi-erect habit, the long peduncles of its inflorescences (for chasmogamous flowers), the presence of inconspicuous cleistogamous flowers near its stems, and the structure of its flowers (their wings are shorter than their keels). Other bush clovers are either more erect or they are widely spreading vines. Bush clovers can be distinguished from similar-appearing tick trefoils (Desmodium spp.) by their seedpods: bush clovers have short single-seeded pods that are non-sticky, while tick trefoils have longer multiseeded pods that can cling to various surfaces by their hooked hairs.
Leafy Plant with Seedpods
Racemes and/or sparingly branched panicles of 3-8 flowers are produced on long ascending peduncles from either the axils of upper leaves or directly from the upper stems. These peduncles extend beyond the compound leaves. The inflorescences are also produced from the axils of middle leaves, although their peduncles tend to be about as long as the petioles of compound leaves. Each flower is about 6-10 mm. in length, consisting of a light green calyx with 5 teeth, 5 whitish purple to purple petals, 10 stamens, and a pistil with a single style. The flowers have a typical pea-like floral structure, consisting of a large upright banner (upper petal), a pair of wings that are slightly spreading and extend forward (2 lower outer petals), and an inner keel that extends forward (2 lower inner petals). The wings of each flower are slightly shorter than its keel. At the base of the banner, there is an arch-shaped patch of dark rosy purple. The calyx is sparsely appressed pubescent and it extends to about one-half of the length of the flower. The pedicels of the flowers are short (1-4 mm. in length). In addition to the preceding chasmogamous flowers, there are also inconspicuous cleistogamous (self-fertile) flowers that develop from the axils of the leaves. These cleistogamous flowers are held close to the stems on short pedicels (1-4 mm. in length). The blooming period occurs from mid- to late summer, lasting about 1 month.
Afterwards, fertile flowers are replaced by small seedpods that become 4-7 mm. long at maturity, the latter changing in color from green to dark brown. Usually, the chasmogamous flowers don't produce seedpods, while the cleistogamous flowers almost always do. The seedpods are orbicular-ovate in shape and flattened, tapering abruptly at their tips into short beaks; they are sparsely appressed-pubescent along their sides. Each seedpod contains a single reniform (kidney-shaped) seed. The root system consists of a taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, dry-mesic conditions, and somewhat sterile soil containing some clay or rocky material. Competition from taller and more aggressive ground vegetation is not well-tolerated. This legume fixes nitrogen in the soil.
Range & Habitat: The native Violet Bush Clover is occasional in the southern half of Illinois, while in the northern half of the state it is uncommon (see Distribution Map). However, it can be found in scattered areas throughout the state. Habitats include upland rocky woodlands, thinly wooded bluffs along rivers, upland savannas, hill prairies, dry grassy openings in upland woodlands, and roadside embankments along hilly woodlands. Violet Bush Clover is found primarily in average to high quality natural areas. It probably benefits from occasional wildfires that reduce competition from woody vegetation.
Faunal Associations: The chasmogamous flowers of Violet Bush Clover are cross-pollinated primarily by bees, including leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), digger bees (Melissodes spp.) and Halictid bees. Small butterflies and skippers may also visit these flowers, but they are less effective at cross-pollination. The showier chasmogamous flowers of Violet Bush Clover probably require insect cross-pollination before they can produce seedpods, while the cleistogamous flowers do not. Miscellaneous insects feed destructively on the foliage, seeds, and other parts of bush clovers (Lespedeza spp.). These insects include the seed-eating larvae of a weevil (Coelocephalapion decoloratum), various leaf beetles and their larvae (Anomoea laticlavia, Odontota horni, Phyllecthris dorsalis, etc.), foliage-eating larvae of a sawfly (Atomacera debilis), seed-eating broad-headed bugs (Alydus spp.), an aphid (Microparsus singularis), the Prairie Walking Stick (Diapheromera velii), and Tick Trefoil Thrips (Neohydatothrips desmodianus); see Sauer (2005), Clark et al. (2004), Smith (2006), Schaefer (1980), Blackman & Eastop (2013), Arment (2006), and Stannard (1968). The caterpillars of some skippers feed on the foliage of bush clovers; these species include the Hoary Edge (Achalarus lyciades), Southern Duskywing (Thorybes bathyllus), and Northern Duskywing (Thorybes pylades). In addition, the larvae of some moths feed on these plants. Examples of such moths include the Bella Moth (Utetheisa bella), Common Ptichodis (Ptichodis herbarum), Black-spotted Prominent (Dasylophia anguina), a Cosmopterigid moth (Triclonella pergandeella), and a Gracillariid moth (Parectopa lespedezaefoliella); see Opler & Krizek (1984) Covell (1984/2005), and Needham et al. (1928). The larvae of the last two moths are leaf-miners. Among vertebrate animals, the seeds of bush clovers are eaten by the Ruffed Grouse, Wild Turkey, Bobwhite Quail, Mourning Dove, and Slate-colored Junco; they are also eaten by the Prairie Deer Mouse. The foliage is palatable to White-tailed Deer and other hoofed mammalian herbivores, including cattle (Martin et al., 1951/1961; Whitaker, 1966; Georgia, 1913).
Photographic Location: A grassy opening of an upland woodland at Merwin Nature Preserve in McLain County, Illinois.
Comments: In the past, Violet Bush Clover was referred to as Lespedeza violacea, while another species, Wand-like Bush Clover, was referred to as Lespedeza intermedia. However, it is now thought that the original herbarium specimen of Lespedeza violacea actually refers to Wand-like Bush Clover. Therefore, the appropriate scientific name for Violet Bush Clover (as described here) is Lespedeza frutescens. This changeover in names will be, no doubt, a source of confusion in the future. Because the flowers of Violet Bush Clover are more violet than those of Wand-like Bush Clover, the common names have been retained. Violet Bush Clover is one of several bush clovers (Lespedeza spp.) that occur in Illinois; most of them are native. It can be distinguished from similar species by its semi-erect habit, the long peduncles of its inflorescences (for chasmogamous flowers), the presence of inconspicuous cleistogamous flowers near its stems, and the structure of its flowers (their wings are shorter than their keels). Other bush clovers are either more erect or they are widely spreading vines. Bush clovers can be distinguished from similar-appearing tick trefoils (Desmodium spp.) by their seedpods: bush clovers have short single-seeded pods that are non-sticky, while tick trefoils have longer multiseeded pods that can cling to various surfaces by their hooked hairs.
0
0
文章
Miss Chen
2018年03月29日
Description: This perennial plant is ½–1½' tall and abundantly branched, particularly along the upper two-thirds of its length. The pale green stems are sparsely to moderately covered with white hairs that are upwardly appressed or ascending. Small leaves about 8-15 mm. (1/3–2/3") long and about one-third as much across occur along the stems: they are alternate,Seed Capsules & Leafy Bracts opposite, or whorled. The leaf blades are green (turning yellow during the fall), smooth and ciliate along their margins, and elliptic-oblong with blunt tips; the base of each leaf blade is sessile, or it is has a short petiole. The upper surfaces of the blades are hairless to sparsely hairy, while the lower surfaces of the blades are usually hairy, particularly along the midveins. Similar to the hairs on the stems, the hairs on the leaves are appressed or curve outward toward their tips. The middle to upper stems produce overlapping panicles of flowers. Individual panicles are longer than they are wide, and they produce leafy bracts that are similar to the leaves, except the former are smaller in size. The small flowers are borne individually on the secondary and tertiary branches of the panicles. Each flower is about 2 mm. long and a little less across, consisting of 5 persistent purplish red petals, 5 ascending green sepals (sometimes becoming red later), 3 or more stamens, and a 3-celled ovary with short stigmata at its apex (there are no filaments). Each flower has a short slender pedicel about 1 mm. long. The blooming period occurs during the late summer for about a month; only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. The flowers are probably cross-pollinated by wind, at least in part. Each flower is replaced by an ovoid seed capsule about 2 mm. long that typically contains 2-3 seeds; because of the persistent petals and sepals, it is purplish red or greenish red in appearance. The 2 outer sepals are the same length or longer than the seed capsule (2 mm. in length or more) and they are linear in shape. The 3 inner sepals are shorter than the seed capsule (less than 2 mm. in length) and they are ovate in shape. After the seed capsules open, the small seeds are dispersed primarily by gravity and usually fall only a short distance from the mother plant. During the late fall, the flowering plant withers away and it is replaced by a low rosette of little-branched stems with whorled or opposite leaves; this rosette spans about 3-4" across and usually survives the winter until it is replaced by a flowering plant during the next spring. The basal leaves are similar to the cauline leaves of the flowering plant, except they are more wide in shape (oval-ovate). The root system consists of a slender taproot with fibrous secondary roots; sometimes the taproot is barely distinguishable from these secondary roots.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to dry conditions, and either sandy or very rocky soil. The seeds are slow to germinate, often remaining dormant for several years.
Range & Habitat: The native Small Pinweed is an uncommon plant that is found in NE Illinois and scattered locations elsewhere in the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include sand prairies, openings and edges of sandy oak woodlands, sandy oak savannas, rocky bluffs and cliffs, partially wooded sand dunes near Lake Michigan, and edges of sandy marshes. In many areas, populations of Small Pinweed have declined as a result of habitat destruction from various development projects. Like other Lechea spp. (Pinweeds), it is adapted to occasional disturbance (wildfires, shifting dunes), but dislikes extreme orLower Stem & Leaves more frequent modifications of its environment.
Faunal Associations: In general, very little is known about the floral-fauna relationships of Lechea spp. (Pinweeds); they have not been studied adequately, thus some of the following information is speculative. The flowers offer no nectar to insect visitors; only pollen is available as a food reward. It is possible that various flies, small bees, and other small insects are minor pollinators of the flowers, which are self-fertile and probably cross-pollinated by the wind. It has been found that White-Tailed Deer preferentially browse on Lechea maritima (Beach Pinweed) in Virginia (see Keiper, 1990), and thus they may browse on other Pinweeds in other areas as well.
Photographic Location: Edge of a sandy oak woodland that is located near a wet sand prairie at the Iroquois County Conservation Area in Iroquois County, Illinois.
Comments: In most of Illinois, Lechea spp. (Pinweeds) are restricted to sandy habitats, although in southern Illinois some species (including Small Pinweed) can be found along cliffs and upland woodlands that are rocky. The various species are very similar to each other in appearance and can be difficult to differentiate. The presence of mature fruits on a prospective plant greatly facilitates its identification and, to a lesser extent, the shape of the leaves and type of hairs on the stems facilitates species identification as well. Small Pinweed can be distinguished from other similar Pinweed species as follows: 1) it has wider leaves than some other species, which are more linear in shape, 2) the hairs on its stems are upwardly appressed or ascending, rather than widely spreading or absent, 3) the seed capsules are ovoid in shape, rather than globoid or subgloboid, and 4) the outer sepals of Small Pinweed are longer than the inner sepals and they are as long or longer than the seed capsules. The only other Pinweed in Illinois with the last characteristic is Lechea tenuifolia (Slender Pinweed), which differs by having linear leaves and it tends to be smaller in size. Another common name of Lechea minor is Thyme-Leaved Pinweed.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to dry conditions, and either sandy or very rocky soil. The seeds are slow to germinate, often remaining dormant for several years.
Range & Habitat: The native Small Pinweed is an uncommon plant that is found in NE Illinois and scattered locations elsewhere in the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include sand prairies, openings and edges of sandy oak woodlands, sandy oak savannas, rocky bluffs and cliffs, partially wooded sand dunes near Lake Michigan, and edges of sandy marshes. In many areas, populations of Small Pinweed have declined as a result of habitat destruction from various development projects. Like other Lechea spp. (Pinweeds), it is adapted to occasional disturbance (wildfires, shifting dunes), but dislikes extreme orLower Stem & Leaves more frequent modifications of its environment.
Faunal Associations: In general, very little is known about the floral-fauna relationships of Lechea spp. (Pinweeds); they have not been studied adequately, thus some of the following information is speculative. The flowers offer no nectar to insect visitors; only pollen is available as a food reward. It is possible that various flies, small bees, and other small insects are minor pollinators of the flowers, which are self-fertile and probably cross-pollinated by the wind. It has been found that White-Tailed Deer preferentially browse on Lechea maritima (Beach Pinweed) in Virginia (see Keiper, 1990), and thus they may browse on other Pinweeds in other areas as well.
Photographic Location: Edge of a sandy oak woodland that is located near a wet sand prairie at the Iroquois County Conservation Area in Iroquois County, Illinois.
Comments: In most of Illinois, Lechea spp. (Pinweeds) are restricted to sandy habitats, although in southern Illinois some species (including Small Pinweed) can be found along cliffs and upland woodlands that are rocky. The various species are very similar to each other in appearance and can be difficult to differentiate. The presence of mature fruits on a prospective plant greatly facilitates its identification and, to a lesser extent, the shape of the leaves and type of hairs on the stems facilitates species identification as well. Small Pinweed can be distinguished from other similar Pinweed species as follows: 1) it has wider leaves than some other species, which are more linear in shape, 2) the hairs on its stems are upwardly appressed or ascending, rather than widely spreading or absent, 3) the seed capsules are ovoid in shape, rather than globoid or subgloboid, and 4) the outer sepals of Small Pinweed are longer than the inner sepals and they are as long or longer than the seed capsules. The only other Pinweed in Illinois with the last characteristic is Lechea tenuifolia (Slender Pinweed), which differs by having linear leaves and it tends to be smaller in size. Another common name of Lechea minor is Thyme-Leaved Pinweed.
0
0
文章
Miss Chen
2018年03月27日
Description: This perennial herbaceous wildflower is 1-3' tall and semi-erect to erect in habit. Its stems are light green to purplish brown, angular or terete, glabrous, and sometimes glaucous. Alternate compound leaves occur along these stems at intervals; they are widely spreading to ascending and evenly pinnate. Each compound leaf consists of 4-10 pairs of leaflets along a rachis (central stalk) that is light green to purplish brown and glabrous. The tip of each compound leaf terminates in a branched tendril that can cling to adjacent vegetation, fences, and other objects.
Individual leaflets are 1-2" long and ½-1¼" across; they are oval-ovate in shape, smooth along their margins, and glabrous. The upper leaflet surface is medium green, while the lower surface is pale green. Each leaflet has a short narrow petiole at its base that connects to the rachis of the compound leaf. Where each compound leaf joins the stem, there is a pair of leafy stipules about ½-1" in length. Each stipule is half-cordate in shape, forming a rounded basal lobe, where there are 1-3 small secondary lobes with blunt tips. Narrow racemes of 5-12 flowers (about 2½-5" in length) are borne on long naked peduncles that are shorter than the compound leaves. Individual flowers are ½-¾" long, consisting of 5 white or cream-colored petals, a light green to nearly white tubular calyx with 5 teeth, several hidden stamens, and a pistil with a single style. Each flower has aDistribution Map typical pea-like floral structure, where one upper petal forms the banner (or standard), 2 lateral petals form the wings, and 2 petals form the keel that is enclosed by the wings. The pedicels of the flowers are short and narrow. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer. Each flower is replaced by a 2-valved seedpod that becomes 2-3" long at maturity. Each seedpod is cylindrical, somewhat flattened, and glabrous, tapering at its tip into a curved beak. When they are fully mature, the seedpods divide into 2 parts to release their seeds. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, moist to dry conditions, sandy or rocky soil with some organic matter, and relatively cool temperatures during the summer.
Range & Habitat: Pale Vetchling is native to Illinois, where it is uncommon and state-listed as 'threatened.' It is found primarily in northern Illinois, although there are a few isolated populations in the southern part of the state. This wildflower is more common in areas lying north of the state. Habitats include upland woodlands, upland savannas, sandy bluffs, wooded slopes, the slopes of rocky ravines, and riverbanks. In Illinois, Pale Vetchling often occurs where oak trees are dominant.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated by bumblebees and other long-tongued bees, where they seek nectar and pollen. The caterpillars of the butterfly Glaucopsyche lygdamus (Silvery Blue) sometimes feed on vetchlings (Lathyrus spp.), although they are more often found on Vetches (Vicia spp.); this insect has a boreal range that is similar to Pale Vetchling. An aphid, Nearctaphis crataegifoliae, and other aphids may feed on this plant as well. The Ruffed Grouse sometimes eats the seeds and foliage of vetchlings.
Photographic Location: A woodland in NE Illinois. The photograph was taken by Tobin Fraley (Copyright © 2010).
Comments: Pale Vetchling is one of several Lathyrus spp. (vetchlings) in Illinois. Sometimes it is referred to as 'Cream Pea' or 'Cream Peavine.' This species can be distinguished from others in this genus by its white or cream-colored flowers, relatively broad leaflets, and distinctive stipules, which have rounded basal lobes with one or more secondary lobes. Other species in this genus often have purple-lavender flowers, narrow leaflets (less than one-third as wide as long), and their stipules lack secondary lobes. Pale Vetchling would probably be adaptable to cultivation in partially shaded gardens.
Individual leaflets are 1-2" long and ½-1¼" across; they are oval-ovate in shape, smooth along their margins, and glabrous. The upper leaflet surface is medium green, while the lower surface is pale green. Each leaflet has a short narrow petiole at its base that connects to the rachis of the compound leaf. Where each compound leaf joins the stem, there is a pair of leafy stipules about ½-1" in length. Each stipule is half-cordate in shape, forming a rounded basal lobe, where there are 1-3 small secondary lobes with blunt tips. Narrow racemes of 5-12 flowers (about 2½-5" in length) are borne on long naked peduncles that are shorter than the compound leaves. Individual flowers are ½-¾" long, consisting of 5 white or cream-colored petals, a light green to nearly white tubular calyx with 5 teeth, several hidden stamens, and a pistil with a single style. Each flower has aDistribution Map typical pea-like floral structure, where one upper petal forms the banner (or standard), 2 lateral petals form the wings, and 2 petals form the keel that is enclosed by the wings. The pedicels of the flowers are short and narrow. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer. Each flower is replaced by a 2-valved seedpod that becomes 2-3" long at maturity. Each seedpod is cylindrical, somewhat flattened, and glabrous, tapering at its tip into a curved beak. When they are fully mature, the seedpods divide into 2 parts to release their seeds. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, moist to dry conditions, sandy or rocky soil with some organic matter, and relatively cool temperatures during the summer.
Range & Habitat: Pale Vetchling is native to Illinois, where it is uncommon and state-listed as 'threatened.' It is found primarily in northern Illinois, although there are a few isolated populations in the southern part of the state. This wildflower is more common in areas lying north of the state. Habitats include upland woodlands, upland savannas, sandy bluffs, wooded slopes, the slopes of rocky ravines, and riverbanks. In Illinois, Pale Vetchling often occurs where oak trees are dominant.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated by bumblebees and other long-tongued bees, where they seek nectar and pollen. The caterpillars of the butterfly Glaucopsyche lygdamus (Silvery Blue) sometimes feed on vetchlings (Lathyrus spp.), although they are more often found on Vetches (Vicia spp.); this insect has a boreal range that is similar to Pale Vetchling. An aphid, Nearctaphis crataegifoliae, and other aphids may feed on this plant as well. The Ruffed Grouse sometimes eats the seeds and foliage of vetchlings.
Photographic Location: A woodland in NE Illinois. The photograph was taken by Tobin Fraley (Copyright © 2010).
Comments: Pale Vetchling is one of several Lathyrus spp. (vetchlings) in Illinois. Sometimes it is referred to as 'Cream Pea' or 'Cream Peavine.' This species can be distinguished from others in this genus by its white or cream-colored flowers, relatively broad leaflets, and distinctive stipules, which have rounded basal lobes with one or more secondary lobes. Other species in this genus often have purple-lavender flowers, narrow leaflets (less than one-third as wide as long), and their stipules lack secondary lobes. Pale Vetchling would probably be adaptable to cultivation in partially shaded gardens.
0
0
文章
Miss Chen
2018年03月27日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant consists of a twining vine up to 20-30' long. It will climb adjacent vegetation readily, or sprawl across the ground in open areas. The terete stems are usually hairless, but sometimes pubescent, and often reddish purple. Along the stems are alternate leaves up to 6" long and 4" across. These leaves are usually cordate and hairless, although sometimes the smaller leaves are ovate. They have long hairless petioles and smooth margins. Both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves are olive green, while the petioles are often reddish purple.
Flowering stalks develop from the axils of the leaves; each flowering stalk has a cluster of 1-5 funnelform flowers. The corolla of each flower is white, except for rosy pink or reddish purple coloration deep within its throat. The corolla has 5 shallow lobes; it is about 2½-3" across when it is fully open and similarly in length. The stamens of the flower are white; they project slightly from the throat of the corolla. The blunt overlapping sepals are light green, hairless, and about ½-¾" long; they often have narrow ridges. The flowers bloom during the morning (or during the afternoon on cloudy days), and they are individually short-lived. However, a typical plant will bloom for about 2 months during mid- to late summer. Each flower is replaced by a 2-celled capsule that contains 2-4 seeds. These flat seeds are conspicuously hairy along their outer edges, and pubescent elsewhere. The root system produces a large tuber that can lie several feet beneath the ground surface and weigh up to 20-30 lb.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun and mesic to dry conditions. The type of soil is not particularly important; this plant often grows where there are rocky or gravelly slopes. Growth can be rampant where the soil is moist and fertile; this plant can smother surrounding vegetation and it prefers some kind of structural support. Drought resistance is very good.
Range & Habitat: The native Wild Sweet Potato occurs occasionally in most counties of Illinois, except in the extreme north and NW areas of the state, where it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland woodlands, edges of prairies near woodlands, rocky streambanks, thickets, fence rows, abandoned fields, and areas along railroads and roadsides. This plant is more often seen in disturbed habitats, but it can be found in higher quality habitats as well.
Faunal Associations: The flowers primarily attract long-tongued bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, and digger bees (Melissodes spp.). Some oligolectic bees that visit the flowers of the Wild Sweet Potato and other Ipomoea spp. include Melitoma taurea (Mallow Bee) and Cemolobus ipomoea (Morning Glory Bee). These insects seek nectar primarily, although the oligolectic bees collect pollen as well. Less common visitors to the flowers include nectar-seeking swallowtail butterflies, skippers, and sphinx moths. Like other Ipomoea spp., Wild Sweet Potato attracts numerous tortoise beetles and other beetles that feed on the foliage. These species include Agroiconota bivittata (Striped Tortoise Beetle), Charidotella purpurata (Tortoise Beetle sp.), Charidotella sexpunctata (Golden Tortoise Beetle), Chelymorpha cassidea (Argus Tortoise Beetle), Jonthonota nigripes (Black-Legged Tortoise Beetle), Opacinota bisignata (Tortoise Beetle sp.), Strongylocassis atripes (Tortoise Beetle sp.), Chaetocnema confinis (Sweet Potato Flea Beetle), and Typophorus nigritus (Sweet Potato Leaf Beetle). Larvae of the Sweet Potato Flea Beetle and Sweet Potato Leaf Beetle also feed on the roots. Larvae of a long-horned beetle, Phaea monostigma, bore through the stems of Ipomoea spp. The caterpillars of such moths as Agrius cingulatus (Pink-Spotted Hawk Moth), Bedellia somnulentella (Sweet Potato Leaf-Miner), and Emmelina monodactyla (Morning Glory Plume Moth) also feed on these plants. Because the foliage is bitter and somewhat toxic, it is avoided by mammalian herbivores as a food source. Because its long leafy stems often form dense thicket tangles, Wild Sweet Potato provides excellent cover for birds and other kinds of wildlife during the summer and early fall.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken near an abandoned railroad in Champaign County, Illinois. The plant was growing along a gravelly slope, where it clambered over Conium maculatum (Poison Hemlock).
Comments: The common name of this plant species refers to the large tuberous root, which is edible (barely) after being cooked. Another common name, Man-of-the-Earth, also refers to this large tuberous root. It was one of the food sources of native Amerindians. The Wild Sweet Potato is fairly easy to distinguish from other members of the Morning Glory family by its large white flowers with pinkish purple throats and its heart-shaped leaves. Perhaps its most unusual feature (aside from the root) is the hairiness of its seeds; other Morning Glory and Bindweed species usually have smooth seeds.
Flowering stalks develop from the axils of the leaves; each flowering stalk has a cluster of 1-5 funnelform flowers. The corolla of each flower is white, except for rosy pink or reddish purple coloration deep within its throat. The corolla has 5 shallow lobes; it is about 2½-3" across when it is fully open and similarly in length. The stamens of the flower are white; they project slightly from the throat of the corolla. The blunt overlapping sepals are light green, hairless, and about ½-¾" long; they often have narrow ridges. The flowers bloom during the morning (or during the afternoon on cloudy days), and they are individually short-lived. However, a typical plant will bloom for about 2 months during mid- to late summer. Each flower is replaced by a 2-celled capsule that contains 2-4 seeds. These flat seeds are conspicuously hairy along their outer edges, and pubescent elsewhere. The root system produces a large tuber that can lie several feet beneath the ground surface and weigh up to 20-30 lb.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun and mesic to dry conditions. The type of soil is not particularly important; this plant often grows where there are rocky or gravelly slopes. Growth can be rampant where the soil is moist and fertile; this plant can smother surrounding vegetation and it prefers some kind of structural support. Drought resistance is very good.
Range & Habitat: The native Wild Sweet Potato occurs occasionally in most counties of Illinois, except in the extreme north and NW areas of the state, where it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland woodlands, edges of prairies near woodlands, rocky streambanks, thickets, fence rows, abandoned fields, and areas along railroads and roadsides. This plant is more often seen in disturbed habitats, but it can be found in higher quality habitats as well.
Faunal Associations: The flowers primarily attract long-tongued bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, and digger bees (Melissodes spp.). Some oligolectic bees that visit the flowers of the Wild Sweet Potato and other Ipomoea spp. include Melitoma taurea (Mallow Bee) and Cemolobus ipomoea (Morning Glory Bee). These insects seek nectar primarily, although the oligolectic bees collect pollen as well. Less common visitors to the flowers include nectar-seeking swallowtail butterflies, skippers, and sphinx moths. Like other Ipomoea spp., Wild Sweet Potato attracts numerous tortoise beetles and other beetles that feed on the foliage. These species include Agroiconota bivittata (Striped Tortoise Beetle), Charidotella purpurata (Tortoise Beetle sp.), Charidotella sexpunctata (Golden Tortoise Beetle), Chelymorpha cassidea (Argus Tortoise Beetle), Jonthonota nigripes (Black-Legged Tortoise Beetle), Opacinota bisignata (Tortoise Beetle sp.), Strongylocassis atripes (Tortoise Beetle sp.), Chaetocnema confinis (Sweet Potato Flea Beetle), and Typophorus nigritus (Sweet Potato Leaf Beetle). Larvae of the Sweet Potato Flea Beetle and Sweet Potato Leaf Beetle also feed on the roots. Larvae of a long-horned beetle, Phaea monostigma, bore through the stems of Ipomoea spp. The caterpillars of such moths as Agrius cingulatus (Pink-Spotted Hawk Moth), Bedellia somnulentella (Sweet Potato Leaf-Miner), and Emmelina monodactyla (Morning Glory Plume Moth) also feed on these plants. Because the foliage is bitter and somewhat toxic, it is avoided by mammalian herbivores as a food source. Because its long leafy stems often form dense thicket tangles, Wild Sweet Potato provides excellent cover for birds and other kinds of wildlife during the summer and early fall.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken near an abandoned railroad in Champaign County, Illinois. The plant was growing along a gravelly slope, where it clambered over Conium maculatum (Poison Hemlock).
Comments: The common name of this plant species refers to the large tuberous root, which is edible (barely) after being cooked. Another common name, Man-of-the-Earth, also refers to this large tuberous root. It was one of the food sources of native Amerindians. The Wild Sweet Potato is fairly easy to distinguish from other members of the Morning Glory family by its large white flowers with pinkish purple throats and its heart-shaped leaves. Perhaps its most unusual feature (aside from the root) is the hairiness of its seeds; other Morning Glory and Bindweed species usually have smooth seeds.
0
0
