Stems第18页 - 绿手指 - 养花技巧、花生病了怎么办、花园打理和设计

2018年02月21日

Description: This perennial wildflower consists of a semi-evergreen rosette of basal leaves from late fall to early spring, after which it develops a tuft of unbranched stems that have alternate leaves below and inflorescences above. During this latter period of active growth, Dune Goldenrod becomes ¾-2½' long with erect to ascending stems. The central stem of each plant is reddish green, terete, and rather narrow; there are usually fine hairs that are arranged in lines toward the apex, while toward the bottom the stem becomes glabrous. The lower cauline leaves are 3-6" long and ½-1" across; they are medium green, elliptic-oblanceolate in shape, hairless, and often sharply serrated along their margins. The upper cauline leaves are 1-3½" long and ¼-½" across (or sometimes less wide); they are medium green, narrowly elliptic in shape, hairless, and usually smooth along their margins. Both the lower and upper cauline leaves are ascending. The lower cauline leaves taper gradually to petiole-like bases, while the upper cauline leaves are sessile. The basal leaves are similar to the cauline leaves, except they are somewhat wider.

The central stem terminates in a narrow panicle of flowerheads about 3-10" long and 1-2½" across. In each panicle, the flowerheads bloom from top to bottom. The panicle is sparingly branched; the branches and peduncles of the panicle are light green, narrowly terete, and often slightly pubescent and resinous. Small leafy bracts (up to 1" long & 1/8" across) occur along the branches of the panicle, including the central axis. The flowerheads have relatively long peduncles (¼-½ in length) that equal or exceed the length of individual flowerheads. Each flowerhead is about 1/6" (4-5 mm.) across and 1/4" (7 mm.) long, consisting of 7-10 yellow ray florets and slightly more disk florets that are golden yellow. Each disk floret consists of a narrow tubular corolla with 5 spreading lobes. Both ray and disk florets are fertile and capable of producing achenes. The base of each flowerhead has narrow floral bracts (phyllaries) in 2-3 overlapping series; they are light green or pale yellowish green, more or less oblong in shape, hairless, and slightly resinous. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts about 1-2 months. During the fall, the florets are replaced by small bullet-shaped achenes (2-3 mm. in length) with small tufts of hair; the achenes are sparsely to moderately hairy. They are distributed by the wind. The root system consists of a small caudex with fibrous roots and short rhizomes. Vegetative offsets are occasionally formed.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun, mesic to dry conditions, and very sandy soil. Rocky soil is also tolerated.
Distribution Map
Range & Habitat: According to available records at herbariums, Dune Goldenrod does not occur in Illinois. However, it has been found in all three counties of Indiana that border Lake Michigan, where it is listed as a 'threatened' plant. Because it can be found across the state border in Indiana, it is possible that Dune Goldenrod exists, or at one time existed, as a rare plant in Illinois along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Outside of the state, habitats consist of sand dunes, drier areas of beaches, and rocky shorelines along Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. This wildflower is usually found on semi-stabilized sand dunes that are several hundred feet away from the lake shoreline; it can be located on the lower slope, upper slope, or the flattened top of a dune, usually in proximity to Beach Grass (Ammophila breviligulata).

Faunal Associations: The following information applies to Solidago spp. (goldenrods) in general as very little floral-faunal information is available about Dune Goldenrod specifically. The flowerheads are visited by a wide variety of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, small- to medium-sized butterflies, and beetles. Several Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.) and a Plasterer bee (Colletes simulans armata) are oligolectic visitors of the flowerheads: their larvae require goldenrod pollen for proper growth and development. Other insects feed on the plant or flower tissues of goldenrods; these species include the caterpillars of Schinia nundina (Goldenrod Flower Moth) and many other moths, several species of aphids (mostly Uroleucon spp.), the leafhoppers Neokolla hieroglyphica and Scaphytopius acutus, the treehopper Campylenchia latipes, Corythucha marmorata (Chrysanthemum Lace Bug), Homaemus aeneifrons aeneifrons and other stink bugs, Lopidea media (Goldenrod Plant Bug) and other plant bugs, several leaf beetles (Microrhopala spp., Ophraella spp., Trirhabda spp., & others), Eurosta solidaginis (Goldenrod Gall Fly), and grasshoppers that consume broad-leaved plants. Among vertebrate animals, the seeds are eaten by the Eastern Goldfinch, Pine Siskin, and other songbirds, while the leaves and flowerheads are eaten by the Greater Prairie Chicken. White-Tailed Deer and Cottontail Rabbits feed on the foliage of goldenrods occasionally.

Photographic Location: The upper slope of a large sand dune near Lake Michigan at Indiana Dunes State Park in NW Indiana.

Comments: This interesting goldenrod is one variety of a highly variable species, Solidago simplex, which has a total of about 8 varieties that are currently recognized. Most of these varieties, like Dune Goldenrod, are habitat specialists with restricted ranges. Therefore, Dune Goldenrod is the only variety that one is likely to encounter in Illinois or one of the neighboring states. Another species, Solidago speciosa (Showy Goldenrod), can be found in sandy savannas and stabilized foredunes near Lake Michigan, and it is possible to confuse depauperate specimens of this species with Dune Goldenrod. However, Showy Goldenrod has a more branched panicle with shorter peduncles, its cauline leaves vary less in size as they ascend the central stem, and its achenes are hairless. Another species, Solidago uliginosa (Bog Goldenrod), also has an appearance that is similar to Dune Goldenrod, but it inhabits wetlands. Bog Goldenrod has fewer leaves along its stems and its floral bracts (phyllaries) are yellow, rather than green or yellowish green. Other scientific names of Dune Goldenrod include the following: Solidago racemosa gillmanii, Solidago spathulata gillmanii, Solidago gillmanii, and Solidago deamii.

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2018年02月20日

Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is up to 3' tall, branching occasionally. The stems have scattered white or yellow spines. The alternate leaves are up to 6" long and 3" across, and have short petioles. They are broadly lanceolate or ovate, but rather angular along the margins, which are slightly ciliate. There are white hairs and scattered spines along the central vein on the underside of each leaf.

The upper stems terminate in small clusters of star-shaped flowers with hairy pedicels. These flowers are white or light violet, about ¾" across, and have 5 petals that are united at the base. Near the center, there are 5 elongated yellow anthers that are very prominent. There is no noticeable floral scent. The blooming period can occur from early summer to early fall, and typically lasts about 1½ months. Afterwards, round fruits develop that are a little more than ½" across and half-enclosed by a papery calyx. They become yellow when mature, but are not edible to humans. Each fruit contains numerous seeds that are glossy yellow and flattened. The root system has creeping underground rhizomes, which are responsible for the vegetative spread of this plant.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and moist to dry conditions. Horse Nettle grows readily in loamy or sandy soil, and probably other soil types as well. It is a rather weedy plant that can become aggressive at disturbed sites.

Range & Habitat: The native Horse Nettle occurs in every county of Illinois and it is very common (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, clay prairies, sand prairies, openings and edges of woodlands, abandoned fields, areas along roadsides and railroads, yards and gardens, vacant lots, and other waste areas. This plant is most typically observed in disturbed areas, but it can be found occasionally even in high quality habitats.

Faunal Associations: Bumblebees visit the flowers to collect pollen, using 'buzz pollination,' which involves the rapid vibration of thoracic muscles. The caterpillars of the day-flying moth Synanthedon rileyana (Riley's Clearwing) feed on Horse Nettle. This moth is a wasp mimic. The mature yellow fruits are eaten, to a limited extent, by the Ring-Necked Pheasant, Bobwhite, Wild Turkey, Eastern Striped Skunk, and possibly small rodents, thereby promoting the distribution of the seeds and spread of this plant. They are apparently more immune to the reduced toxicity of the mature fruit than humans. Experimental studies have shown that the seeds can pass unharmed through the digestive tracts of livestock. Mammalian herbivores avoid eating the stems and foliage of this plant because of their scattered spines and toxicity; the latter is the result of solanum, an alkaloid compound that also occurs in other members of the Nightshade family.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the webmaster's apartment complex in Urbana, Illinois, and a gravelly area along a railroad in Champaign, Illinois.

Comments: Horse Nettle is widely regarded as a weed with some justication, but it is also one of the native wildflowers of the prairie. The fruits are benefical to wildlife. Because of the intense competition among plants and their root systems, this plant is less aggressive in prairie habitats than in disturbed sites around developed areas.

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2018年02月13日

Description: This perennial plant is about 4-10' tall and remains unbranched, except for the panicle of flowering stems near the apex. The central stem is thick, hairless, and four-sided. The large opposite leaves are up to 8" long and 5" across, which join together around the central stem to form a cup that can hold water, hence the name of the plant. These leaves are broadly lanceolate to cordate, coarsely toothed, and have a rough, sandpapery texture. The yellow composite flowers bloom during early to mid-summer for about 1-1½ months. Each sunflower-like composite flower is about 3-4" across, consisting of numerous yellow disk florets that are surrounded by 18-40 yellow or pale yellow ray florets. The infertile disk florets protrude somewhat from the center and are rather conspicuous, while the ray florets are fertile. The latter produce thin achenes, each with a well-developed marginal wing, which are dispersed to some extent by the wind. The root system consists of a central taproot, and abundant shallow rhizomes that help to spread the plant vegetatively, often forming substantial colonies.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist loamy soil. This plant may drop some of its lower leaves in response to a drought. Sometimes, the leaves and buds of distressed plants turn brown, growth becomes stunted, and blossums abort in response to disease or drought. Another problem is that Cup Plant may topple over during a rainstorm with strong winds, particularly while it is blooming, or situated on a slope.

Range & Habitat: The native Cup Plant occurs throughout Illinois, except for a few southern counties (see Distribution Map). It is fairly common. Typical habitats include moist black soil prairies, moist meadows near rivers, low-lying woodland edges and thickets, fens and seeps, lake borders, fence rows, and along ditches near railroads.

Faunal Associations: Long-tongued bees, butterflies, and skippers are common visitors and the most important pollinators of the flowers. Some short-tongued bees, wasps, bee flies, and other kinds of flies also visit the flowers for pollen or nectar. The larvae of an Antistrophus sp. (Gall Wasp sp.) feed within the stems of this plant, and may attract the hyperparasitic wasp Eurytoma lutea. Various birds, especially goldfinches, are very fond of the seeds, and drink water from the cups formed by the leaves. Because of the tendency to form dense colonies, this plant provides good cover for birds, which often lurk among the leaves during the heat of the day, searching for insects or pausing to rest. Large herbivores, especially cattle, may eat the eat leaves of Cup Plant, especially those of immature plants.

Photographic Location: The photographs of the flowering plants and perfoliate leaves were taken at a small restored prairie in Urbana, Illinois, while the photograph of the flowerhead close-up was taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: This is an imposing, but attractive plant when it is in bloom. Cup Plant is easy to distinguish from other Silphium spp., as well as various sunflowers, by the perfoliate leaves that can hold water, and the hairless four-angled stems.

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2018年02月13日

Description: A mature specimen of this perennial plant ranges from 6-12' tall. The central stem is thick, light to medium green, and has conspicuous white hairs. There is some branching into flowering stems in the upper part of the plant. The basal leaves are 12-24" long and about half as wide. They are covered in fine white hairs, broadly lanceolate in overall shape, but deeply lobed or pinnatifid. The leaves become much smaller as they ascend up the stem.

Flowering Stalks
The inflorescence is very tall and elongated, with yellow composite flowers about 3-4" across. They resemble wild sunflowers in overall size, shape, and structure. However, like other Silphium spp., the small tubular disk florets are sterile, while the ray florets are fertile. There is little floral scent. A mature Compass Plant has 6-30 of these composite flowers, which bloom during mid-summer for about 1½ months. The seeds are large-sized, but flat and light, and can be carried several feet by the wind. A large central taproot can extend 15 ft. into the ground. A resinous substance is produced by the upper stem when the plant is blooming. This plant can live up to 100 years.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and moist to slightly dry conditions. A deep loamy soil is preferred for the central taproot. It takes several years for a seedling to develop into a full-sized mature plant. Mature plants are easy to maintain, resist drought, and can handle competition from other plants. If planted on a slope, there is a tendency to flop over, particularly while blooming.

Range & Habitat: This is a typical plant of black soil prairies in the tallgrass region. It often co-occurs with Andropogon gerardii (Big Bluestem). Other habitats include sand prairies, savannas, glades, and areas along railroads. Compass Plant is fairly common throughout most of Illinois, except in the SE and scattered western counties, where it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). This plant recovers from occasional fires readily. Compass Plant is native to Illinois.

Faunal Associations: Long-tongued bees are the primary pollinators of the flowers, including bumblebees, Miner bees, large Leaf-Cutting bees, and others. Short-tongued Halictine bees and Syrphid flies also visit the flowers, but they are less effective at pollination. Occasionally, Sulfur butterflies and Monarchs may visit the flowers for nectar. Several species of insects are specialist feeders of Compass Plant. This includes the uncommon Okanagana balli (Prairie Cicada), whose grubs feed on the large taproot, while a Rynchites sp. (Silphium Beetle) and its larvae feed on the flower heads and stems. The larvae of Antistrophus rufus and Antistrophus minor (Gall Wasp spp.) feed within the stems, forming galls that are not visible from the outside. Nonetheless, they attract the hyperparasitic wasp Eurytoma lutea, whose larvae feed on these gall formers. Similarly, the larvae of Mordellistena aethiops (Tumbling Flower Beetle sp.) feed within the stems, while the adults may eat the flowers. The oligolectic aphid Iowana frisoni sucks the juices from the flowering stems.

Photographic Location: The photographs of the flowering stalks and flowerheads were taken at the Lincoln Book Bindery in Urbana, Illinois, while the photograph of the lower leaves was taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: The common name derives from the belief by pioneers that the leaves of Compass Plant pointed in a north-south direction. While this is probably true more often than not, it is not always reliable. The resin was used by Indian children as a chewing gum. With its imposing heighth, interesting leaves, and abundant yellow flowers, Compass Plant is an extraordinary plant. No tallgrass prairie is complete without a sizeable population of them.

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Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 2-3' tall and unbranched, except for the upper flowering stems. The stems are covered with fine white hairs, as are the leaves, on both the upper and lower sides. These leaves are up to 4" long and 2" wide, light to medium green, lanceolate to ovate, with a fuzzy texture and smooth edges. They occur in opposite pairs, rotating 90° degrees as they ascend the stem. Small clusters of bright red or scarlet flowers occur at the top of the plant. The star-shaped flowers have 5 narrow petals that flare abruptly outward from a long tubular calyx that is about 1" long. The flowers are about ¾–1" across, and have exerted stamens with grey anthers. The calyx is light green, longitudinally ridged, and covered with sticky hairs that trap climbing insects. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late summer and lasts about a month. There is no floral scent. The small black seeds usually fall only a short distance from the mother plant. The root system consists of a taproot.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun in moist to slightly dry soil. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, clay-loam, or rocky material. Royal Catchfly is fairly easy to grow, but it is somewhat slower to develop than other plants and resents excessive shading. During drought, the lower leaves may turn yellow and fall off the plant. Plants begin to bloom while small in size, but it takes several years to reach their full potential.

Range & Habitat: The native Royal Catchfly occurs in widely scattered counties in Illinois, primarily in areas near Chicago, East St. Louis, and some SE counties (see Distribution Map). It is a rare plant that has endangered status in Illinois. Habitats include mesic black soil prairies, openings in upland forests, savannas, scrubby barrens, and open areas along roadsides and railroads. Because this forb is showy and available through the nursery trade, it has been introduced elsewhere around the state in prairie restorations and flower gardens.

Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts the larger butterflies, such as Papilio polyxenes asterias (Black Swallowtail), and the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. Aphids suck juices from the upper stems occasionally. There is little or no information regarding this plant's relationships to birds and animals at the present time.

Photographic Location: The photograph was taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: Red is an uncommon color among prairie plants because many pollinating insects (e.g., bees) are insensitive to this range of the light spectrum. However, some butterflies perceive red, and for this reason are attracted to such flowers. The flowers of Royal Catchfly have a design that favors butterflies as pollinating agents: They have a proboscis that is sufficiently long to reach the nectar at the bottom of the long narrow tube that is formed by the calyx, while the flared petals provide a colorful landing platform for their legs. The only other plant that resembles Royal Catchfly in Illinois is Silene virginica (Fire Pink). This latter species also has bright red flowers, but the tips of its petals are slightly notched. Fire Pink is a shorter plant that occurs in and around woodland areas, often on clay or rocky banks, and is not found in prairies.

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Description: This annual plant is about ½–1½' tall. It has stems that are unbranched or sparingly branched below, becoming more branched above; they are ascending to erect. The stems are light green, terete, slender, and glabrous to minutely pubescent. In addition, there are usually sticky patches along the stems between adjacent pairs of leaves; these sticky patches are often discolored and they may have dead insects, spider webs, and other debris clinging to them. The nodes of the stems, where pairs of leaves occur, are somewhat swollen and enveloped by short sheaths with membranous upper margins. Opposite leaves are sparsely distributed along the entire length of each stem, where they are sessile. These leaves are up to 2" long and 10 mm. across, although they are usually about one-half that size. The leaves are linear-lanceolate or linear-elliptic in shape, while their margins are entire (toothless) and minutely ciliate. The upper and lower surfaces of leaves are light green or light-medium green; they are glabrous to sparsely and minutely pubescent, except at their bases, where some white hairs occur. The leaves usually have conspicuous central veins, along which they are either flat or angled slightly upward. The upper stems terminate in small clusters of flowers (one floral cluster per stem); each floral cluster has relatively few flowers (typically only 2-4). The pedicels are up to 12 mm. (½" long), light green, terete, and slender.

Flowering Plant with Dead Flying Insect

Each flower is about 4-5 mm. across, consisting of an open-ovoid calyx with 6 teeth, 5 small petals, 10 stamens, and a pistil with 3 styles. The petals are usually white, although sometimes they are pink or purple to a greater or lesser degree. Some plants produce bicolored petals that are white above and purple below, while other plants produce flowers that lack petals. These petals are obovate in shape and notched at their tips. A mature calyx is about 6-9 mm. long and about one-half as much across. Each calyx has 10 longitudinal ribs that are slightly elevated, angular-convex, and relatively thick; they are separated by narrow shallow furrows. The ribs of the calyx are often a slightly darker shade of green than the furrows; the calyx overall is light-medium green, glabrous, and sticky. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer, lasting about 1 month for a colony of plants. However, some plants may bloom later in the year in response to disturbance. The flowers are diurnal, opening up in response to bright sunlight. There is no noticeable floral scent. Mature seeds are less than 1 mm. in length, reniform (kidney-shaped), minutely bumpy across their surfaces, and black; they are distributed to some extent by the wind. The root system consists of a branching taproot. Reproduction is entirely by seeds.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and rather dry conditions. Poor gravelly, cindery, or sandy soil is preferred, as this reduces competition from other plants. In open situations with exposed topsoil, this plant can reseed itself readily, becoming rather weedy.

Range & Habitat: Sleepy Catchfly occurs in most counties of Illinois, where it is widely distributed and native (see Distribution Map). Depending on the area, this plant is occasional to common. Habitats include gravel prairies, hill prairies, dry sand prairies, rocky glades, thinly wooded bluffs, pastures in upland areas, abandoned fields, areas along railroads, and roadsides. Sleepy Catchfly is more common in habitats that have been subjected to occasional wildfires, or that have been disturbed by human activities.

Faunal Associations: Primarily flies and small bees visit the flowers for nectar or pollen. Flies and other small insects can become stuck on the sticky surface of the calyx, while ants can become stuck on the sticky patches of stems. Sleepy Catchfly is not able to absorb nutrients from these trapped insects, however, in the manner of a carnivorous plant. An aphid, Aphis sambuci (Elder Aphid), uses Silene spp. as summer host plants, feeding on the sap of their roots. There are also two tortoise beetles, Cassida flaveola (Pale Tortoise Beetle) and Cassida azurea (Neon Tortoise Beetle), that have been introduced into North America to control such Eurasian weeds as Silene vulgaris (Bladder Campion) and Silene pratensis (White Campion). It is possible that these tortoise beetles may feed on some native Silene spp. in open weedy areas, although this has not been demonstrated for Sleepy Catchfly.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken near an abandoned railroad in Urbana, Illinois, on black cindery ground.

Comments: Sleepy Catchfly is a highly variable plant that is easily overlooked, except where it occurs in substantial colonies and happens to be in bloom. The plant in the photographs is a form of Sleepy Catchfly with bicolored flowers, Silene antirrhina bicolor, which is supposed to be uncommon. Plants that produce flowers without petals are referred to as Silene antirrhina apetala, while plants without sticky patches on their stems are referred to as Silene antirrhina deaneana; see Mohlenbrock (2001) for a short discussion of these forms. Prior to flowering, Sleepy Catchfly resembles some species of chickweed (Stellaria spp.) with grass-like leaves. However, Sleepy Catchfly can be distinguished from these species by the sticky patches on its stems. In addition, the flowers of Sleepy Catchfly differ from those of chickweeds by having larger bladder-shaped calyces, as described above. There are also non-native Silene spp. that resemble Sleepy Catchfly to some extent (e.g., Silene conica, Silene dichotoma, and Silene gallica). These species also lack sticky patches on their stems, and their flowers can differ in such characteristics as the number of styles, the number of stamens, the number of ribs or veins along the sides of their calyces, the number of teeth along the upper rims of their calyces, and the presence of hairs or bristles along the sides of their calyces.

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Description: This perennial wildflower is woody at the base and only 4-10" tall. The lower stems have shredded bark that is grey-brown, while the upper stems are non-woody and light green to red. Most branching occurs toward the base of each plant; the stems have a tendency to sprawl across the ground as they become longer. Alternate trifoliate leaves develop primarily from the base of each stem. Individual leaflets are up to 1½" long and ½" across; the middle leaflet is usually longer than the 2 lateral leaflets. The shape of each leaflet is oblanceolate, terminating in a truncate tip with 3 large teeth. The leaflets are evergreen with a somewhat thick leathery texture; their upper surfaces are medium to dark green and shiny, while their lower surfaces are pale green and often slightly pubescent. During the winter, the leaflets often become tinted with red. Each trifoliate leaf has a long petiole up to 2" long; this petiole is light green to red and it has a pair of large linear-lanceolate stipules at its base. Some of the upper stems terminate in cymes or compound cymes of 1-12 flowers. Each flower is up to ½" across, consisting of 5 white petals, a light green calyx with 5 ovate teeth, a dense cluster of pistils, and 20-30 stamens. Adjacent to the calyx of the flower, there are 5 light green bracteoles (tiny bracts); these bracteoles are linear-oblong and shorter than the teeth of the calyx. The slender white styles of the pistils spread laterally from the center of the flower. The branches of each cyme are terete, light green, and often pubescent. At the base of each fork in the cyme, there is a pair of small lanceolate bracts.

The blooming period occurs during the summer and lasts about 2-3 months. At maturity, each flower produces a cluster of hairy brown achenes. The root system is woody and can produce vegetative offsets from underground runners. Older plants may produce a caudex.

Cultivation: The preference is plenty of sun, dry conditions, and well-drained soil that is rocky, gravelly, or sandy. This plant can adapt to a rock garden if it is sunny and well-drained. Because this is a boreal species, it dislikes excessive heat during the summer.

Range & Habitat: In Illinois, Three-Toothed Cinquefoil has been found only in Cook County (see Distribution Map), where it was probably native. Because this species has not been observed in any natural area of the state since 1895, it is probably extirpated within the state. The habitat of Three-Toothed Cinquefoil in Illinois was a gravel hill prairie. Outside of the state, it is found on treeless mountain tops and other upland rocky areas that are sunny; it also occurs along sandy banks. The range of this species extends from the upper Great Lakes to New England, and then northward to the Arctic Circle of Canada and Greenland. Small isolated populations still occur in the Appalachian Mountains as far south as northern Georgia.

Faunal Associations: Because this species is quite rare in Illinois and the surrounding area, information about floral-faunal relationships is unavailable. Like similar Potentilla spp. (Cinquefoil species), the flowers probably attract small bees and Syrphid flies.

Photographic Location: A rock garden at the Arboretum of the University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: Another scientific name of this species is Potentilla tridentata. Three-Toothed Cinquefoil was reclassified into its own genus as a result of genetic analysis, which revealed that it was more closely related to another boreal species, Sibbaldia procumbens (Sibbaldia). The trifoliate leaves of this latter species are similar to those of Three-Toothed Cinquefoil, but the flowers of Sibbaldia are less showy because of the small size of the petals. Three-Toothed Cinquefoil differs from Potentilla spp. by the lateral styles of its flowers; it also differs from many of these species by its woody lower stems and evergreen leaves.

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Description: This annual plant is 1-2½' tall, branching occasionally. The stems are light green and somewhat ridged. The lower stems often sprawl along the ground in open areas, otherwise this plant is erect. The compound leaves alternate along the stems. They are evenly pinnate, usually with 3 pairs of leaflets, and have long leaf stems (primary petioles). The obovate leaflets are individually 1½" long and 1" across. They are devoid of hairs and pale green on their undersides. There is an extra-floral nectary close to the lowest pair of leaflets on the upper side of each compound leaf. This nectary resembles a small brown spike. The foliage has a slightly rank odor.

One or two flowers develop from the upper axils of the compound leaves. These flowers have pedicels about 1" long and tend to nod slightly downward. They are about 1" across, and consist of 5 rounded yellow petals and 10 stamens; the petals are often slightly unequal in size. The flowers are subtended by a light green calyx that is divided into 5 folded sepals; these sepals are shorter than the petals and hairless. In Illinois, the blooming period occurs from late summer through the fall, and lasts about 1-2 months. There is no floral scent. A long seedpod develops from each flower that is 4-6" long, but only 1/3" across. This seedpod curves downward and resembles a sickle in its overall shape. The root system consists of taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and moist to slightly dry conditions. This plant tolerates different kinds of soil, from fertile loam to gravelly soil; in fact, it often thrives in railroad ballast. Drought tolerance is good, and the foliage is rarely bothered by foliar disease. It is somewhat slow to develop for an annual plant, and tends to bloom late in the year in Illinois.

Range & Habitat: Sicklepod has been reported from only a few counties in southern Illinois and in the Chicago area; it has been observed recently along a railroad track in Champaign County, where it is probably adventive from the south (see Distribution Map). This is a rare plant in Illinois, although it is more common in many south-central and southeastern states of the US; it also occurs in the American tropics. In southern Illinois, Sicklepod may be native, while elsewhere in the state it is definitely adventive from the south. Habitat information is scanty, but it has been observed in moist meadows along rivers, open areas along railroads, and in waste areas. Areas with a history of disturbance are preferred.

Faunal Associations: The extra-floral nectaries attract ants primarily; they may also attract some wasps, flies, or small bees. The pollen of the flowers attract long-tongued bees, such as bumblebees, Miner bees, and large Leaf-Cutting bees. The caterpillars of several species of Sulfur butterflies are known to feed on the foliage of Cassia spp., including Eurema lisa (Little Sulfur), Eurema nicippe (Sleepy Orange), and Phoebis sennae cubule (Cloudless Sulfur). Some upland gamebirds occasionally eat the seeds of Senna spp., especially the Bobwhite and Greater Prairie Chicken. Mammalian herbivores are unlikely to utilize this plant as a food source to any significant extent because of the unpleasant taste and toxic nature of the foliage, which has been found capable of poisoning livestock.

Photographic Location: Photographs were taken along a railroad in Savoy, Illinois.

Comments: This rare plant has attractive foliage, but blooms sparingly. Sicklepod resembles Senna marilandica (Maryland Senna) and Senna hebecarpa (Wild Senna) somewhat in appearance, but it is a shorter annual plant that has 1) fewer leaflets per compound leaf, 2) leaflets with a more obovate shape, and 3) seedpods that are more curved and slender. In the past, Sicklepod was assigned to the Bean family (Fabaceae), rather than the Caesalpinia family.

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Description: This wildflower is a winter annual about 4-12" tall. The stems are either unbranched, or they branch at the base of each plant; they are pale red, terete, glabrous, and glaucous. Alternate leaves are arranged somewhat densely around the stems; they are about ½-1" long, 2-3 mm. across, and ascending to widely spreading. Individual leaves are pale green, linear in shape, subterete (circular, but slightly flattened in cross-section), and glabrous. The leaf bases slightly clasp the stems; each leaf has a pair of minute auricles (ear-like lobes) at its base.

Each stem terminates in a cyme of flowers up to 6" across. Each cyme has 3-7 horizontal branches that are spaced widely apart; the flowers are densely arranged along the upper sides of these branches (typically 10-40 flowers per branch). The flowers are sessile or nearly sessile (on pedicels less than 1 mm. in length). Each flower spans about ½" across, consisting of 4 pink petals (rarely white), 4 pale green sepals, a cluster of 4 pistils, and 8 stamens. The petals and sepals are linear-lanceolate in shape; the petals are about twice the length of the sepals. The narrowly ovoid pistils are light pink (less often white) during the blooming period; each pistil has a single style. The anthers are initially dark red, but they turn black shortly afterwards. Among the flowers, there are bracts that resemble the leaves, except theyDistribution Map are about one-half the size of the latter. The blooming period occurs during late spring to early summer, lasting about 1 month. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by clusters of 4 spreading follicles; these follicles are about ¼" long, narrowly ovoid in shape, and prominently beaked. Immature follicles are pale green, but at maturity they turn brown. Eventually, each follicle splits open along one side to release numerous seeds. The root system is fibrous. This wildflower spreads by reseeding itself. At favorable sites, it often forms colonies of plants.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry conditions, and thin rocky soil. Partial sun is tolerated, although there will be a greater tendency for individual plants to sprawl in the direction of greater light. Seeds typically germinate in the fall, allowing young plants to overwinter in a dormant state. Most growth and development occur during the spring. The leaves wither away during the hot weather of summer as individual plants die down. This plant has a crassula acid metabolism (CAM) that enables it to survive in xeric conditions. Like other sedums (Sedum spp.), Widow's Cross can be cultivated in sunny rock gardens.

Range & Habitat: The native Widow's Cross occurs in southern Illinois, where it is uncommon. Illinois lies along the northern range of this species. Habitats include rocky cliffs, exposed rocky ledges, and rocky glades, particularly in areas where there is exposed flat bedrock. The underlying bedrock in these habitats consists of sandstone, limestone, or chert. Widow's Cross is a highly specialized plant that is found in high quality natural areas.

Faunal Associations: Very little is known about floral-faunal relationships for this species. Generally, the flowers of sedums (Sedum spp.) are cross-pollinated by small bees (Andrena spp., etc.) and probably other insects. Both nectar and pollen are available as floral rewards to such visitors. In areas where Widow's Cross and other sedums are cultivated (especially nurseries and greenhouses), they may be attacked by Aphis sedi (Sedum Aphid). This aphid was introduced into North America from Eurasia.

Photographic Location: A rocky ledge in southern Illinois.

Comments: Other common names for Widow's Cross (Sedum pulchellum) are Limestone Stonecrop and Rock Stonecrop. Widow's Cross is normally an attractive little plant with pink flowers. It is one of only a few native Sedum spp. that are found in the rocky hills of southern Illinois and the surrounding area. Several species of cultivated sedums from Eurasia occasionally escape and naturalize in open disturbed habitats, but they usually don't persist (with the exception of Sedum acre). Widow's Cross can be distinguished from these other species by its pink 4-petaled flowers, widely spreading branches of its inflorescence, and small linear leaves that are nearly terete. Other sedums often have white or yellow flowers, flowers with 5 petals, inflorescences with ascending branches, or leaves that are more flattened and wide than those of Widow's Cross.

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Description: This small wildflower is 3-9" tall. Sometimes it branches from the base, otherwise the stems are unbranched. The stems are light green, 4-sided, and slightly to moderately hairy, especially along the angles of the sides. Pairs of opposite leaves occur along the stems. The leaf blades are ½–¾" long and about one-half as much across; they are lanceolate, ovate, or oval, while their revolute margins are smooth to crenate with a few blunt teeth. Generally, the upper leaves are more slender and less likely to have teeth than the lower leaves. The upper leaves are sessile, while the lower leaves have short petioles about 1/8" (3 mm.) long. The upper leaf surface is medium green and hairless to sparsely pubescent, while the lower surface is pale green and sparsely to densely pubescent. In this variety of Small Skullcap, all of the hairs lack sticky glandular secretions.

Close-up of Flowers
Individual flowers develop from axils of the upper leaves; this occurs along the upper half of each plant. Each flower is about 1/3" (8 mm.) long, consisting of a tubular corolla with upper and lower lips, a short 2-lipped calyx, 4 stamens, and a pistil with a single style that is cleft at its tip. The corolla is light blue to blue-violet, except for a white patch on the lower lip that is covered with blue-violet dots. The upper lip is short and recurved along its margin, while the lower lip is long and usually divided into 3 lobes with undulate margins. The calyx is usually greenish red and hairy; there is a prominent protuberance along the back of its upper lip. The pedicels are about 1/8" (3 mm.) long, greenish red, and hairy. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer and lasts about 1½ months. On each plant, only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. In addition to these flowers, there are also cleistogamous flowers that are self-fertile and inconspicuous. The flowers are replaced by 2-lipped seed capsules with concave upper sides. At maturity, the capsules split open into 2 parts to release the seeds. Individual seeds are about 1 mm. long, ovoid, and indented on one side; their surfaces are covered with minute spiky tubercles. The root system produces rhizomes with tuberous swellings at intervals. This wildflower can spread vegetatively by the rhizomes, or it can reseed itself.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, dry conditions, and shallow soil containing some sandy or rocky material. This wildflower will adapt to sunny rock gardens and does not tolerate much competition from taller plants.

Range & Habitat: This variety of the native Small Skullcap is occasional in the northern half of Illinois and uncommon in the southern half of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include hill prairies, upland prairies, gravel and sand prairies, barren savannas, thinly wooded bluffs and slopes, rock ledges, limestone glades, and abandoned fields. Small Skullcap usually occurs where the ground vegetation is somewhat sparse, and it probably benefits from occasional wildfires.

Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by various bees, including Mason bees (Osmia spp., Hoplitis pilosifrons), Little Carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), and Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp.). Bees usually suck nectar from the flowers, although some of them also collect pollen. Less common floral visitors include skippers and Syrphid flies, which are less effective at cross-pollination. Insects that are known to feed on the foliage of Small Skullcap include the caterpillars of Prochoreutis inflatella (Skullcap Skeletonizer Moth), the leaf beetles Phyllobrotica lengi and Phyllobrotica limbata, and Asphaera lustrans (Shiny Flea Beetle). The foliage of Scutellaria spp. (Skullcaps) are usually bitter and avoided by mammalian herbivores. It is possible that the tiny tuberculate seeds of Small Skullcap, when they are wet, can cling to the feathers of birds, the feet of animals, and the shoes of humans. By this means, they may be distributed to new areas.

Photographic Location: The Coneflower Hill Prairie near Lake Shelbyville in Moultrie County, Illinois.

Comments: Small Skullcap is easily overlooked because of its diminutive size, but its flowers are very attractive when they are viewed up-close. The variety of Small Skullcap that is described here, var. missouriensis, has hairs that lack glandular secretions, while var. parvula and var. australis have foliage with some glandular hairs. Otherwise, these different varieties are similar to each other. Regardless of variety, Small Skullcap can be distinguished from other species in its genus by the small size of individual plants (3-9" tall), the small size of its flowers (about 1/3" long), and its form of inflorescence: flowers are produced individually from the axils of the leaves, rather than in terminal or axillary racemes. Scientific synonyms of Scutellaria parvula missouriensis include Scutellaria parvula leonardii and Scutellaria leonardii. As a result of these other scientific names, this variety of Small Skullcap is sometimes referred to as Leonard's Skullcap.

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Description: This perennial plant is 2½-5' tall; it is unbranched, or with a few small stems near the inflorescence. The central stem is ridged and slightly pubescent. The opposite leaves are greyish green, narrowly lanceolate, with serrated or dentate margins toward their tips. They are about 3-5" long and ¾" wide, becoming linear and shorter near the inflorescence. The foliage exudes a sage scent and has a sage taste.

There is one or more whorled spikes of flowers toward the apex of the plant that are up to 1' long. The corolla of these flowers ranges in color from pale blue to deep dark blue, usually with a lighter-colored throat. The corolla is short and tubular, dividing into a small upper lobe and a large lower lobe that functions as a landing pad for visiting insects. The tubular calyx is dull green, longitudinally ridged, pubescent, and bluntly toothed. Each flower is about ¾" long from top to bottom. The blooming period occurs during the late summer and fall, and lasts about 1-2 months. There is no floral scent. Only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. The root system consists of a large central taproot, from which several stems may be produced.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and dry, well-drained conditions. Different kinds of soil are acceptable, including those that contain significant amounts of loam, clay, or gravel. A high pH is tolerated. The seed germinates readily, often producing flowering plants during the first year. This is a surprisingly easy plant to grow, with few problems from disease. If the soil is too moist and fertile, or sunlight is insufficient, plants may become spindly and flop over while blooming later in the year.

Habitat & Range: Wild Blue Sage is a rare plant in Illinois with state-listed 'threatened' status. It has been reported from only a few scattered counties, primarily in central and southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Some authorities assume that this plant is adventive from the west, while others regard it as native to the state. Habitats include dry, upland areas of black soil prairies, gravel prairies, limestone glades, roadsides, and miscellaneous waste areas. This plant would likely thrive in dolomite prairies and hill prairies, although it has not been observed in such areas.

Faunal Associations: Long-tongued bees visit the flowers for nectar, especially bumblebees. Halictid bees occasionally collect pollen, but they are non-pollinating. Less often, butterflies and skippers may visit the flowers for nectar, including Epargyreus clarus (Silver-Spotted Skipper). The caterpillars of the moth Sphinx eremitus (Hermit Sphinx) may feed on the foliage. Mammalian herbivores usually avoid this plant as a food source – apparently they dislike the sage scent, or perhaps the scent is associated with indigestion from chemicals that disrupt bacterial populations in their digestive tracts.

Photographic Location: The photographs of the flowering plant and flower close-up were taken at Meadowbrook Park, Urbana, Illinois, while the photograph of the leaf was taken at the wildflower garden of the webmaster in the same city and state.

Comments: This is a wonderful plant with attractive blue flowers – a pleasant alternative to the preponderance of goldenrods and asters during the fall. It can be confused with no other plant within the state. Wild Blue Sage is more common in states that lie west of the Mississippi River, such as Nebraska and Missouri. In Illinois, only small remnant populations exist. A different variety occurs in some southeastern states, Salvia azurea azurea, which has less showy flowers. In the past, the scientific name for Salvia azurea grandiflora was Salvia pitcheri, and it is still referred to as Pitcher's Sage by some authorities.

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Description: This shrub is 2-8' tall, often branching near the base and toward the tips of older stems. Woody stems are terete and variably colored – usually some shade of yellowish tan, brown, or gray. Young woody stems are often short-pubescent, but they become glabrous with age. New shoots are light green and short-pubescent. Alternate leaves occur along young stems and shoots. The leaf blades are 1¾-4" long and ¼-¾" across; they are narrowly lanceolate, oblanceolate, or oblong-elliptic in shape and smooth to slightly crenate along their margins. The margins are often revolute (curved downward) as well. The upper surface of the leaf blades is medium green or grayish green and glabrous to sparsely short-pubescent, while the lower surface (for this variety of Prairie Willow) is short-pubescent and sometimes whitened. The petioles are ¼-½" in length and short-pubescent. At the base of the petioles, lanceolate stipules are sometimes found.

Because Prairie Willow is dioecious, different shrubs will develop either all male (staminate) catkins or all female (pistillate) catkins from the bud scales along twigs of the preceding year. Male catkins are ¼-¾" in length, becoming longer as they mature. They are covered with silvery hairs at first, but later become yellowish or reddish from the anthers of numerous florets. Each male floret consists of a pair of stamens and a hairy bract. Female catkins are ½-3" in length, becoming longer as they mature. Each female catkin has several greenish female florets along its length. A female floret consists of a greenish ovary about 4-8 mm. in length and a hairy bract. The ovary is narrowly lanceoloid in shape with an elongated beak; it is also short-pubescent with a pair of stigmata at its apex. The male and female florets have neither petals nor sepals. The blooming period occurs from early to mid-spring for about 1 week. Afterwards, the female florets develop into seed capsules that become light brown at maturity, when they split open to release tiny seeds that are embedded in cottony hairs. These seeds are dispersed by the wind. The root system is woody and branching. This shrub reproduces by reseeding itself.Distribution Map

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and soil that is loamy, gravelly, or sandy. New plants can be started by inserting cut-stems into the ground during the spring, where they will form roots. Prairie Willow is more tolerant of dry conditions than many other species in the genus. It is relatively slow-growing for a willow, usually remaining less than 4' tall, although sometimes Prairie Willow becomes larger when conditions are favorable.

Range & Habitat: The native Prairie Willow occurs occasionally throughout Illinois; it has been observed in most counties. This variety of Prairie Willow is far more common than other varieties within the state. Habitats consist of black soil prairies, sand prairies, sandy shrub prairies, prairie remnants along railroads, sandy and non-sandy savannas, sandy thickets, barren rocky areas along bluffs, and gravelly seeps. This unusual willow can found in either moist lowland or drier upland areas.

Faunal Associations: The catkins of Prairie Willow attract primarily small bees and flies, including Cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp.), Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.), Syrphid flies, Calliphorid flies, Muscid flies, and others. Among the Andrenid bees, the following species are specialist pollinators (oligoleges) of willows (Salix spp.): Andrena bisalicis, Andrena erythrogaster, Andrena fenningeri, Andrena illinoiensis, Andrena mariae, and Andrena salictaria. These insects seek nectar and pollen from the florets of the catkins. Many other insects feed on the foliage, bore through the wood, or suck plant juices from willows. The following leaf beetles have been observed to feed on Prairie Willow: Chrysomela knabi (American Willow Leaf Beetle), Chrysomela lineatopunctata, Chrysomela scripta (Cottonwood Leaf Beetle), Crepidodera decora, Crepidodera nana, Cryptocephalus leucomelas, and Disonycha alternata (Striped Willow Flea Beetle). The Prairie Willow is also the preferred host plant for the leafhopper Empoasca humilis. Other insect feeders include the larvae of wood-boring beetles, weevils, the larvae of gall flies, plant bugs, stink bugs, aphids, the larvae of sawflies, and the caterpillars of many moths. Caterpillars of the butterflies Satyrium acadicum (Acadian Hairstreak) and Limenitis archippus (Viceroy) feed on the leaves of willows, as do the caterpillars of the skipper Erynnis icelus (Dreamy Duskywing). Among vertebrate animals, such birds as the Ruffed Grouse and White-Crowned Sparrow feed on the buds and catkins of willows. Other birds, such as the Northern Harrier, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, American Goldfinch, Gray Catbird, and Willow Flycatcher, often construct their nests in willow thickets. The twigs and leaves are often browsed by White-Tailed Deer and Elk.

Photographic Location: A sandy shrub prairie at Kitty Todd Nature Preserve in NW Ohio.

Comments: The typical variety of Prairie Willow (Salix humilis humilis) has been described here. Two less common varieties, Smooth Prairie Willow (Salix humilis hyporhysa) and Sage Willow (Salix humilis microphylla), also occur in Illinois. Unlike the typical Prairie Willow, Smooth Prairie Willow has leaves that are hairless (or nearly so) and its young shoots and stems are also hairless or less hairy. The margins of Smooth Prairie Willow's leaf blades are also less likely to be revolute (curved downward), otherwise it is almost identical to the typical variety and occupies similar habitats. The Sage Willow is quite different from the preceding two varieties in that it is a smaller shrub only 1-3' tall with smaller leaves (about ¾-2" long) and smaller catkins. It is also usually found in habitats that are more dry and barren than the preceding varieties. The Sage Willow has been classified as a distinct willow species in the past (Salix tristis), but it is now regarded (rightly or wrongly) as a variety of Prairie Willow. In general, the rather variable Prairie Willow can be distinguished from other willow species (Salix spp.) by its preference for drier habitats and small size, smooth to nearly smooth margins that lack conspicuous and abundant teeth, its pubescent shoots and leaf undersides (with the exception of var. hyporhysa), and lanceolate stipules.

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2018年02月10日

Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is about 1' tall, branching occasionally. The stems are light green and covered with white hairs. The opposite leaves are up to 2½" long and 1" wide, and broadly lanceolate, deltoid, or ovate in form. They are light green to green, with smooth margins, and are covered with white hairs on both the upper and lower sides. The leaves also have hairy petioles. The light lavender or light purple flowers are funnel-shaped, with 5 flared lobes, and range in length from 1½-2½". There are usually fine purple lines towards the center of the corolla that function as nectar guides to visiting insects. There is no noticeable floral scent. A flower typically opens during the morning and falls off the plant by evening. The overall appearance of Hairy Wild Petunia resembles cultivated petunias, but they are members of different plant families. The blooming period occurs from early summer to late summer, and lasts about 2 months. The root system is fibrous. The dark seeds are fairly large and fall to the ground not far from the mother plant.

Cultivation: It's quite adaptable, tolerating full or partial sun, moist to dry conditions, and practically any kind of soil. Under moist conditions with rich soil, however, this plant is unable to compete with taller, more aggressive plants. Disease doesn't seem to bother it.

Range & Habitat: This native plant occurs occasionally throughout Illinois, but it is most likely to be absent in the NW counties (see Distribution Map). Hairy Wild Petunia occurs in mesic to dry black soil prairies, gravelly hill prairies, dry open woodlands, limestone glades, bluffs, sandy cemeteries, sand flats, and areas along roadsides and railroads. This plant is typically found in areas with poor soil and sparse vegetative cover, where it occurs sporadically in short grass, rather than forming dense colonies.

Faunal Associations: Long-tongued bees are the most important pollinators of the flowers, including Anthophorid bees and Leaf-Cutting bees. The latter sometimes cut the petals, which are used in the construction of brood nests. Short-tongued bees and Syrphid flies also visit the flowers, but they collect stray pollen and are not effective pollinators. The light color and funnel-like shape of the diurnal flowers suggest that they may be visited by day-flying Sphinx moths and Hummingbird moths, but apparently this has not been observed. It has been reported that the caterpillars of the butterfly Junonia coenia (Buckeye) may feed on the foliage of Ruellia spp. occasionally.

Photographic Location: Photographs were taken at the Red Bison Railroad Prairie in Savoy, Illinois.

Comments: Because of its large and abundant flowers, the Hairy Wild Petunia is grown occasionally in flower gardens, particularly along borders, or in rock gardens. It's an attractive little plant. There is some variation in the shape and hairiness of the leaves, depending on the local ecotype. There are other Ruellia spp. with similar flowers that occur in woodland areas – they tend to be taller plants with less hairy leaves.

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