文章
Miss Chen
2018年06月15日
Description: This perennial plant is 3-5' tall, branching sparingly to occasionally. It has greenish stems that are angular and winged. The alternate leaves are up to 5" long and 1½" across; they are lanceolate-oblong to elliptic-oblong in shape and slightly serrated along their margins. The leaves are either sessile or their bases clasp the stems. Upper stems terminate in flowerheads spanning about 1½-2" across; they are usually produced in abundance. Each flowerhead has a slightly flattened to globoid head of yellow disk florets that is surrounded by yellow ray florets. The petaloid rays of the latter florets are narrowly triangular in shape (broader at their tips than at their bases). The tips of these unusual rays are doubly notched, creating an interesting effect. The tubular corollas of the tiny disk florets are less than 1/8" across. The blooming period occurs during the autumn for 1-2 months. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by achenes that lack tufts of hair; they are distributed in part by water. The root system is shallow and fibrous.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, wet to moist conditions, and soil containing loam or silt that is relatively high in organic material. Common Sneezeweed can appear sloppy and unkempt, particularly if it is allowed to dry out.
Range & Habitat: The native Common Sneezeweed occurs throughout Illinois, where it is quite common in the central and northern sections of the state (see Distribution Map). In southern Illinois, this plant is less common or absent. Habitats include moist black soil prairies, moist meadows in wooded areas, moist meadows along rivers, moist open woodlands, soggy thickets, fens, marshes, poorly drained pastures and abandoned fields, low areas along streams and ponds, and ditches. It is not uncommon to find this plant growing within a few feet of water in both disturbed areas and higher quality habitats. Recovery from fire is poor.
Faunal Associations: Probably the most common visitors to the flowers are long-tongued bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, long-horned bees (Melissodes spp.), cuckoo bees (Coelioxys spp., Triepeolus spp.), and leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.). Other visitors include Halictid bees, Sphecid wasps, Vespid wasps, Syrphid flies, butterflies, and beetles. Most of these insects suck nectar, although some bees also collect pollen and some beetles feed on the pollen. The aphids Aphis vernoniae and Uroleucon tardae suck plant juices from Common Sneezeweed, while the caterpillars of Papaipema rigida (Rigid Sunflower Borer Moth) bore through its stems and feed on the pith. Mammalian herbivores usually don't feed on this plant because its foliage is toxic and bitter. There have been reports of severe poisoning for livestock that have consumed this plant, producing such symptoms as congestion of the kidneys and liver, formation of necrotic areas in the lungs, and irritation of the digestive tract. Not surprisingly, Common Sneezeweed is considered an 'increaser' in grazed meadows.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken near a drainage ditch at Judge Webber Park in Urbana, Illinois, and in a wetland area of Weaver Park of the same city.
Comments: Notwithstanding its common name, this plant doesn't cause sneezing or hay fever during the autumn – its pollen is distributed by insects, rather than the wind. Common Sneezeweed blooms quite late in the year, providing some fall color when other plants have finished blooming. A similar species, Helenium flexuosum (Purple-Headed Sneezeweed), differs from Common Sneezeweed by having disk florets that are purple, rather than yellow, and its foliage is more soft-hairy. This latter species is native to southern Illinois.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, wet to moist conditions, and soil containing loam or silt that is relatively high in organic material. Common Sneezeweed can appear sloppy and unkempt, particularly if it is allowed to dry out.
Range & Habitat: The native Common Sneezeweed occurs throughout Illinois, where it is quite common in the central and northern sections of the state (see Distribution Map). In southern Illinois, this plant is less common or absent. Habitats include moist black soil prairies, moist meadows in wooded areas, moist meadows along rivers, moist open woodlands, soggy thickets, fens, marshes, poorly drained pastures and abandoned fields, low areas along streams and ponds, and ditches. It is not uncommon to find this plant growing within a few feet of water in both disturbed areas and higher quality habitats. Recovery from fire is poor.
Faunal Associations: Probably the most common visitors to the flowers are long-tongued bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, long-horned bees (Melissodes spp.), cuckoo bees (Coelioxys spp., Triepeolus spp.), and leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.). Other visitors include Halictid bees, Sphecid wasps, Vespid wasps, Syrphid flies, butterflies, and beetles. Most of these insects suck nectar, although some bees also collect pollen and some beetles feed on the pollen. The aphids Aphis vernoniae and Uroleucon tardae suck plant juices from Common Sneezeweed, while the caterpillars of Papaipema rigida (Rigid Sunflower Borer Moth) bore through its stems and feed on the pith. Mammalian herbivores usually don't feed on this plant because its foliage is toxic and bitter. There have been reports of severe poisoning for livestock that have consumed this plant, producing such symptoms as congestion of the kidneys and liver, formation of necrotic areas in the lungs, and irritation of the digestive tract. Not surprisingly, Common Sneezeweed is considered an 'increaser' in grazed meadows.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken near a drainage ditch at Judge Webber Park in Urbana, Illinois, and in a wetland area of Weaver Park of the same city.
Comments: Notwithstanding its common name, this plant doesn't cause sneezing or hay fever during the autumn – its pollen is distributed by insects, rather than the wind. Common Sneezeweed blooms quite late in the year, providing some fall color when other plants have finished blooming. A similar species, Helenium flexuosum (Purple-Headed Sneezeweed), differs from Common Sneezeweed by having disk florets that are purple, rather than yellow, and its foliage is more soft-hairy. This latter species is native to southern Illinois.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年06月14日
Description: This biennial or short-lived perennial plant is 3-6' tall, branching occasionally. The stout stems are terete, glabrous, and sometimes glaucous; they are pale green, pink, or reddish purple, often with prominent longitudinal veins. The lower portion of the central stem is hollow. The compound leaves are odd-pinnate or doubly odd-pinnate; they alternate along the stems. The lower compound leaves are up to 1½' long and ¾' across; the upper compound leaves are much smaller. Each division of a compound leaf typically has 3-7 leaflets. The bases of petioles are partially enclosed by their sheaths; otherwise they are similar to the stems in appearance, although more slender. The glabrous leaflets are 1½-4" long and ½-1¼" across; they are oblong-elliptic with wedge-shaped bottoms, tapered tips, and dentate margins. Sometimes the leaflets fold upward along the length of their central veins. Leaflet venation is pinnate. The lateral veins of leaflets extend to the notches between the teeth, rather than to their tips, along the leaflet margins.
The upper stems occasionally produce compound umbels of small white flowers. These compound umbels are up to 6" across and consist of 10-20 umbellets. Individual umbels are dome-shaped on top, rather than flat. Individual umbellets have about 12-15 flowers that are clustered together. Each flower is about 1/8" across, consisting of 5 white petals, an insignificant calyx, 5 white stamens, and a divided style. The tiny petals are constricted at their bases, and they have notched tips. The blooming period occurs during mid-summer, lasting about 1 month. The flowers have a slight fragrance that is sometimes detectable. Afterwards, each flower is replaced by a small angular fruit containing a pair of seeds. The root system consists of several fleshy roots at the base of the plant; they are ovoid or oblongoid in shape. These fleshy roots are exceptionally poisonous; the stems and foliage are somewhat less poisonous. This plant spreads by reseeding itself into neighboring areas.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun and wet to moist conditions. Some standing water is tolerated, if it is temporary. Either loamy or sandy soil is acceptable to this plant; it should contain some organic material to retain moisture. Foliar disease isn't a significant problem for healthy plants in an appropriate location.
Range & Habitat: The native Water Hemlock has been observed in nearly all counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map); it is occasional to locally common. Habitats include moist open woodlands, swamps, wet prairies, prairie swales, marshes, seeps, and roadside ditches. Water Hemlock prefers moister locations than the introduced Conium maculatum (Poison Hemlock), and so these two species rarely compete with each other for the same ecological niche. It is not uncommon to find Water Hemlock growing where Iris virginica shrevei (Blue Flag Iris) also occurs.
Faunal Associations: The exposed nectar of the flowers attract primarily insects with short mouthparts. These floral visitors include leafcutter bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees, cuckoo bees (Sphecodes spp.), plasterer bees (Colletes spp.), masked bees (Hylaeus spp.), Sphecid wasps, Vespid wasps, Tiphiid wasps, spider wasps (Pompilidae), velvet ants (Mutillidae), cuckoo wasps (Chrysididae), Eucoilid wasps, Braconid wasps, soldier flies (Stratiomyidae), Syrphid flies, thick-headed flies (Conopidae), Tachinid flies, flesh flies (Sarcophagidae), Muscid flies, and miscellaneous beetles (Robertson, 1929). The larvae of a butterfly, Papilio polyxenes (Black Swallowtail), feed on the foliage of Water Hemlock, while the larvae of a moth, Epermenia cicutaella, feed on the flowers and immature fruits. Several aphids suck plant juices from this plant, including Cavariella aegopodii (Carrot-Willow Aphid), Cavariella pastinacae (Parsnip-Willow Aphid), and Hyadaphis foeniculi (Honeysuckle-Fennel Aphid). Other insect feeders include Apion pensylvanicum (a weevil), Orthops scutellatus (Carrot Plant Bug), Paroxyna atlantica (Atlantic Grasshopper), and Paroxyna clavuliger (Olive-Green Swamp Grasshopper); see Pepper (1965), Blackman & Eastop (2013), Majka et al. (2007), Wheeler et al. (1983), and Harms & Grodowitz (2009). The toxic foliage and roots are usually left undisturbed by mammalian herbivores, although cattle and other livestock sometimes eat this plant with dire results. The fleshy roots are especially toxic: just a small piece can be fatal.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken of plants in a wet prairie along an abandoned railroad in Champaign County, Illinois. There was 2 ft. of standing water around the base of the plants as the result of a recent heavy rainfall, although at other times the site is merely moist.
Comments: Water Hemlock is a reasonably attractive and eloquent plant, while the flowers provide nectar to many beneficial insects. It is fairly easy to distinguish Water Hemlock from other members of the Carrot family because of its double compound leaves and rather large leaflets that are rarely lobed. Many other members of the Carrot family have only simple compound leaves, or their leaflets are much smaller in size, or their leaflets are deeply lobed. On Water Hemlock, the lateral veins of the leaflets extend to the notches between the teeth, rather than to their tips, along the leaf margins. Apparently, no other member of the Carrot family in Illinois has this characteristic.
The upper stems occasionally produce compound umbels of small white flowers. These compound umbels are up to 6" across and consist of 10-20 umbellets. Individual umbels are dome-shaped on top, rather than flat. Individual umbellets have about 12-15 flowers that are clustered together. Each flower is about 1/8" across, consisting of 5 white petals, an insignificant calyx, 5 white stamens, and a divided style. The tiny petals are constricted at their bases, and they have notched tips. The blooming period occurs during mid-summer, lasting about 1 month. The flowers have a slight fragrance that is sometimes detectable. Afterwards, each flower is replaced by a small angular fruit containing a pair of seeds. The root system consists of several fleshy roots at the base of the plant; they are ovoid or oblongoid in shape. These fleshy roots are exceptionally poisonous; the stems and foliage are somewhat less poisonous. This plant spreads by reseeding itself into neighboring areas.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun and wet to moist conditions. Some standing water is tolerated, if it is temporary. Either loamy or sandy soil is acceptable to this plant; it should contain some organic material to retain moisture. Foliar disease isn't a significant problem for healthy plants in an appropriate location.
Range & Habitat: The native Water Hemlock has been observed in nearly all counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map); it is occasional to locally common. Habitats include moist open woodlands, swamps, wet prairies, prairie swales, marshes, seeps, and roadside ditches. Water Hemlock prefers moister locations than the introduced Conium maculatum (Poison Hemlock), and so these two species rarely compete with each other for the same ecological niche. It is not uncommon to find Water Hemlock growing where Iris virginica shrevei (Blue Flag Iris) also occurs.
Faunal Associations: The exposed nectar of the flowers attract primarily insects with short mouthparts. These floral visitors include leafcutter bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees, cuckoo bees (Sphecodes spp.), plasterer bees (Colletes spp.), masked bees (Hylaeus spp.), Sphecid wasps, Vespid wasps, Tiphiid wasps, spider wasps (Pompilidae), velvet ants (Mutillidae), cuckoo wasps (Chrysididae), Eucoilid wasps, Braconid wasps, soldier flies (Stratiomyidae), Syrphid flies, thick-headed flies (Conopidae), Tachinid flies, flesh flies (Sarcophagidae), Muscid flies, and miscellaneous beetles (Robertson, 1929). The larvae of a butterfly, Papilio polyxenes (Black Swallowtail), feed on the foliage of Water Hemlock, while the larvae of a moth, Epermenia cicutaella, feed on the flowers and immature fruits. Several aphids suck plant juices from this plant, including Cavariella aegopodii (Carrot-Willow Aphid), Cavariella pastinacae (Parsnip-Willow Aphid), and Hyadaphis foeniculi (Honeysuckle-Fennel Aphid). Other insect feeders include Apion pensylvanicum (a weevil), Orthops scutellatus (Carrot Plant Bug), Paroxyna atlantica (Atlantic Grasshopper), and Paroxyna clavuliger (Olive-Green Swamp Grasshopper); see Pepper (1965), Blackman & Eastop (2013), Majka et al. (2007), Wheeler et al. (1983), and Harms & Grodowitz (2009). The toxic foliage and roots are usually left undisturbed by mammalian herbivores, although cattle and other livestock sometimes eat this plant with dire results. The fleshy roots are especially toxic: just a small piece can be fatal.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken of plants in a wet prairie along an abandoned railroad in Champaign County, Illinois. There was 2 ft. of standing water around the base of the plants as the result of a recent heavy rainfall, although at other times the site is merely moist.
Comments: Water Hemlock is a reasonably attractive and eloquent plant, while the flowers provide nectar to many beneficial insects. It is fairly easy to distinguish Water Hemlock from other members of the Carrot family because of its double compound leaves and rather large leaflets that are rarely lobed. Many other members of the Carrot family have only simple compound leaves, or their leaflets are much smaller in size, or their leaflets are deeply lobed. On Water Hemlock, the lateral veins of the leaflets extend to the notches between the teeth, rather than to their tips, along the leaf margins. Apparently, no other member of the Carrot family in Illinois has this characteristic.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年06月14日
Description: This perennial plant is 1½–3½' tall, branching occasionally. The stems are light green or light reddish green, glabrous, and glaucous. The compound leaves are up to 1' long and 8" across (excluding their petioles), becoming smaller as they ascend the stems; they are alternate, green, and glabrous. The lower leaves are double-pinnate, while the upper leaves are often simple-pinnate. The petioles of the lower leaves are long, while those of the upper leaves are much shorter or absent. The leaflets are up to 3" long and 1/3" (8 mm.) across; they are linear to lanceolate-linear, dentate, and sometimes cleft into narrow lobes. The axils of the upper leaves often have sessile clusters of ovoid bulblets. The upper stems terminate in compound umbels of small white flowers.
Each compound umbel spans about 2-4" across and it consists of about 8 umbellets. Each umbellet has about 16 flowers. There are neither bracts nor bractlets at the base of the compound umbel and its umbellets, although a small sessile leaf may occur near the base of the compound umbel. Each flower spans about 1/8" (3 mm.) across or a little less, consisting of 5 white petals, 5 stamens, 2 styles, and an ovary. The blooming period occurs during late summer to early autumn and it lasts about one month. There is no noticeable floral scent. A pair of seeds are contained in each fruit (schizocarp). These fruits are about 1/8" (3 mm.) long; they are somewhat flattened, ovoid-oblongoid in shape, and slightly notched at their apices. The root system consists of a cluster of elongated fleshy roots. The foliage, seeds, and fleshy roots are toxic (especially the latter). This plant reproduces by seeds and aerial bulblets.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to full sun, wet conditions, and a mucky or mossy soil. This plant requires soil that is saturated with moisture throughout the year.
Range & Habitat: The native Bulblet-Bearing Water Hemlock is an uncommon plant that occurs primarily in the northern half of Illinois, especially in the NE area of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include both sandy and non-sandy marshes, swamps, and borders of lakes and ponds. This species is normally found in high quality wetlands.
Faunal Associations: Like other members of the Carrot family, the nectar of the flowers is accessible to insects with short mouthparts, therefore they will attract such visitors as flies, wasps, beetles, and small bees. Some of these insects may collect or feed on the pollen as well. The caterpillars of a butterfly, Papilio polyxenes asterias (Black Swallowtail), feed on the foliage. Other insects that feed on water hemlock species (Cicuta spp.) include stem-boring larvae of a weevil (Apion pensylvanicum), flower- and fruit-eating larvae of an Epermeniid moth (Epermenia cicutaella), flower- and fruit-eating nymphs and adults of Orthops scutellatus (Carrot Plant Bug), Cavariella aegopodii (Carrot-Willow Aphid) and other Cavariella spp., and Hyadaphis foeniculi (Honeysuckle-Fennel Aphid); see Majka et al. (2007), Covell (1984/2005), Wheeler et al. (1983), Blackman & Eastop (2013), and Pepper (1965). The poisonous seeds are not eaten by birds, while the poisonous foliage and roots are usually avoided by mammalian herbivores. Consumption of the fleshy roots and other parts of this plant by either mammalian herbivores or humans can cause convulsions and death.
Photographic Location: A sandy marsh at the Heron Boardwalk in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: Bulblet-Bearing Water Hemlock is highly unusual because it bears clusters of bulblets in the upper leaf axils. With the exception of Ranunculus ficaria (Lesser Celandine), I can think of no other plant in Illinois that has this characteristic. Some Allium spp. (Onions) produce bulblets instead of flowers in their umbels, but their bulblets are not produced from the axils of leaves. Another species that occurs within the state, Cicuta maculata (Water Hemlock) is more common. Water Hemlock is a larger plant than Bulblet-Bearing Water Hemlock and it has broader leaflets (more than 1/3" or 8 mm. across). Water Hemlock blooms during mid-summer before Bulblet-Bearing Water Hemlock begins to bloom. Another white-flowered member of the Carrot family, Sium suave (Water Parsnip), often blooms at the same time as Bulblet-Bearing Water Hemlock and it occurs in the same wetland habitats. Water Parsnip has about 3 lanceolate bracts at the base of its compound umbels and its leaves are always simple-pinnate. Another similar species that blooms late, Oxypolis rigidior (Cowbane), also has leaves that are simple-pinnate. In contrast, the lower leaves of Bulblet-Bearing Water Hemlock are double-pinnate.
Each compound umbel spans about 2-4" across and it consists of about 8 umbellets. Each umbellet has about 16 flowers. There are neither bracts nor bractlets at the base of the compound umbel and its umbellets, although a small sessile leaf may occur near the base of the compound umbel. Each flower spans about 1/8" (3 mm.) across or a little less, consisting of 5 white petals, 5 stamens, 2 styles, and an ovary. The blooming period occurs during late summer to early autumn and it lasts about one month. There is no noticeable floral scent. A pair of seeds are contained in each fruit (schizocarp). These fruits are about 1/8" (3 mm.) long; they are somewhat flattened, ovoid-oblongoid in shape, and slightly notched at their apices. The root system consists of a cluster of elongated fleshy roots. The foliage, seeds, and fleshy roots are toxic (especially the latter). This plant reproduces by seeds and aerial bulblets.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to full sun, wet conditions, and a mucky or mossy soil. This plant requires soil that is saturated with moisture throughout the year.
Range & Habitat: The native Bulblet-Bearing Water Hemlock is an uncommon plant that occurs primarily in the northern half of Illinois, especially in the NE area of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include both sandy and non-sandy marshes, swamps, and borders of lakes and ponds. This species is normally found in high quality wetlands.
Faunal Associations: Like other members of the Carrot family, the nectar of the flowers is accessible to insects with short mouthparts, therefore they will attract such visitors as flies, wasps, beetles, and small bees. Some of these insects may collect or feed on the pollen as well. The caterpillars of a butterfly, Papilio polyxenes asterias (Black Swallowtail), feed on the foliage. Other insects that feed on water hemlock species (Cicuta spp.) include stem-boring larvae of a weevil (Apion pensylvanicum), flower- and fruit-eating larvae of an Epermeniid moth (Epermenia cicutaella), flower- and fruit-eating nymphs and adults of Orthops scutellatus (Carrot Plant Bug), Cavariella aegopodii (Carrot-Willow Aphid) and other Cavariella spp., and Hyadaphis foeniculi (Honeysuckle-Fennel Aphid); see Majka et al. (2007), Covell (1984/2005), Wheeler et al. (1983), Blackman & Eastop (2013), and Pepper (1965). The poisonous seeds are not eaten by birds, while the poisonous foliage and roots are usually avoided by mammalian herbivores. Consumption of the fleshy roots and other parts of this plant by either mammalian herbivores or humans can cause convulsions and death.
Photographic Location: A sandy marsh at the Heron Boardwalk in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: Bulblet-Bearing Water Hemlock is highly unusual because it bears clusters of bulblets in the upper leaf axils. With the exception of Ranunculus ficaria (Lesser Celandine), I can think of no other plant in Illinois that has this characteristic. Some Allium spp. (Onions) produce bulblets instead of flowers in their umbels, but their bulblets are not produced from the axils of leaves. Another species that occurs within the state, Cicuta maculata (Water Hemlock) is more common. Water Hemlock is a larger plant than Bulblet-Bearing Water Hemlock and it has broader leaflets (more than 1/3" or 8 mm. across). Water Hemlock blooms during mid-summer before Bulblet-Bearing Water Hemlock begins to bloom. Another white-flowered member of the Carrot family, Sium suave (Water Parsnip), often blooms at the same time as Bulblet-Bearing Water Hemlock and it occurs in the same wetland habitats. Water Parsnip has about 3 lanceolate bracts at the base of its compound umbels and its leaves are always simple-pinnate. Another similar species that blooms late, Oxypolis rigidior (Cowbane), also has leaves that are simple-pinnate. In contrast, the lower leaves of Bulblet-Bearing Water Hemlock are double-pinnate.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年06月12日
Description: This is a submerged or floating aquatic plant (about ½–12' long) that branches at right angles (90°). The jointed stems are pale green to reddish purple, glabrous, and fragile, often dividing into smaller segments. Along these stems, there are whorls of 5-14 divided leaves that curve upward; these leaves are 1-4 cm. long. The leaves are more crowded toward the growing tips of stems than elsewhere; they are medium to dark green and glabrous. Both stems and leaves have a tendency to be somewhat stiff and brittle, especially when they are coated with lime in calcareous water. Each leaf divides dichotomously into 2-4 segments (rarely more); these segments are narrowly linear (up to 0.5 mm. across) and flattened. Each leaf segment is conspicuously toothed along one side, while it is smooth (entire) on the other side.
Coontail is monoecious, forming male (staminate) and female (pistillate) flowers on the same plant. Both types of flowers are produced in the axils of the leaves and they are sessile. Female flowers occur individually, while male flowers occur either individually or in pairs. Both types of flowers are very small in size (about 2 mm. in length), and they have involucres consisting of 8-14 floral bracts that surround the reproductive organs. These bracts are translucent and broadly oblong; their tips are truncate and fringed. There are neither sepals nor petals. Each female flower has a single pistil with a long slender style, while each male flower has 8-14 anthers that are sessile or nearly so (very short or absent filaments). The blooming period occurs intermittently during the summer and early autumn. Cross-pollination is accomplished through water currents. However, only a few flowers, if any, are produced by individual plants. The female flowers are replaced by 3-spined achenes. The body of each mature achene is 4-6 mm. long, ovoid in shape, slightly flattened, and wingless along its sides. Each achene has 2 basal spines and a single spine at its apex; these spines are 0.5-12.0 mm. in length and they are either straight or curved. Coontail has no real root system, although it is able to anchor itself in mud or sand through either lodged stems or the development of modified leaves. By late autumn, winter turions (tight buds of leaves) develop at the tips of stems that sink to the bottom of a body of water, where they remain until spring of the following year. Growth and development begin again with the return of warmer weather. In addition to its achenes and winter turions, Coontail reproduces vegetatively whenever its stems divide into smaller segments.Distribution Map
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and relatively clear water up to 9' deep that has adequate levels of nutrients; water pH can be mildly acidic to alkaline. At the water's bottom, the soil should consist of mud, sandy mud, or muddy gravel. Coontail is more tolerant of shade than the majority of aquatic plants and it is able to tolerate some turbidity in the water if it is not excessive. This aquatic plant can adapt to sites with either stagnant water or slow-moving currents where there is some protection from wind and waves. Because of its phytotoxic properties, Coontail can inhibit the growth of phytoplankton and blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). At some locations, it can spread aggressively and become a pest.
Range & Habitat: The native Coontail is occasional to common throughout Illinois. This species is native to a wide area of North America, from where it has spread to other parts of the world. Habitats include quiet inlets of lakes, ponds, rivers with slow-moving currents, marshes, and springs. Generally, Coontail is typically found in bodies of water with muddy bottoms, although it also occurs where the water bottom contains some sand or rocky material. Sometimes Coontail is cultivated as an aquarium plant. It has also been introduced deliberately into polluted bodies of water in bioremediation projects because of its ability to absorb suspended particles of chromium, lead, arsenic, and other chemicals.
Faunal Associations: The leaves of Coontail provide hiding places for small aquatic organisms and its leaves are sometimes grazed by snails. Both the foliage and seeds of this aquatic plant are eaten by the American Coot (Fulica americana), many species of waterfowl (see the Waterfowl Table), and some turtles (Legler, 1943; Ernst et al., 1994), including the Musk Turtle (Sternotherus odoratus), Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina), Blanding's Turtle (Emys blandingii), Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta), River Cooter (Pseudemys concinna), and Slider (Trachemys scripta). This aquatic plant is also eaten by carp and, to a lesser extent, by muskrats. The foliage and seeds of Coontail can spread to new wetlands through human activity. For example, when people dump the content of aquariums into waterways that contain Coontail, it can easily establish itself in such habitats. Similarly, because Coontail can cling to anchors, boat trailers, fishing nets, and dredging equipment, it may be transported considerable distances from one body water to another.
Photographic Location: In shallow water of a sandy marsh at the Heron Boardwalk in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: Coontail superficially resembles some Chara spp., even though the latter are actually algae, rather than vascular plants. Coontail can be distinguished by its leaf segments, which have teeth along only one of 2 sides (rather than both), and its crushed foliage lacks the distinctive garlic or skunk-like smell that is so typical of many Chara spp. A closely related species, Ceratophyllum echinatum (Spiny Hornwort), is also found in Illinois, but it is less common. Compared to Coontail, Spiny Hornwort has softer foliage and its leaf segments either lack teeth or they have less conspicuous teeth along one side of their leaf segments. In addition, the achenes of Spiny Hornwort are shallowly winged along their sides, and each winged side of an achene has 3-10 spiny teeth. Although they have apical and basal spines, the achenes of Coontail lack spiny teeth along their sides. Another common name of Ceratophyllum demersum is Common Hornwort.
Coontail is monoecious, forming male (staminate) and female (pistillate) flowers on the same plant. Both types of flowers are produced in the axils of the leaves and they are sessile. Female flowers occur individually, while male flowers occur either individually or in pairs. Both types of flowers are very small in size (about 2 mm. in length), and they have involucres consisting of 8-14 floral bracts that surround the reproductive organs. These bracts are translucent and broadly oblong; their tips are truncate and fringed. There are neither sepals nor petals. Each female flower has a single pistil with a long slender style, while each male flower has 8-14 anthers that are sessile or nearly so (very short or absent filaments). The blooming period occurs intermittently during the summer and early autumn. Cross-pollination is accomplished through water currents. However, only a few flowers, if any, are produced by individual plants. The female flowers are replaced by 3-spined achenes. The body of each mature achene is 4-6 mm. long, ovoid in shape, slightly flattened, and wingless along its sides. Each achene has 2 basal spines and a single spine at its apex; these spines are 0.5-12.0 mm. in length and they are either straight or curved. Coontail has no real root system, although it is able to anchor itself in mud or sand through either lodged stems or the development of modified leaves. By late autumn, winter turions (tight buds of leaves) develop at the tips of stems that sink to the bottom of a body of water, where they remain until spring of the following year. Growth and development begin again with the return of warmer weather. In addition to its achenes and winter turions, Coontail reproduces vegetatively whenever its stems divide into smaller segments.Distribution Map
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and relatively clear water up to 9' deep that has adequate levels of nutrients; water pH can be mildly acidic to alkaline. At the water's bottom, the soil should consist of mud, sandy mud, or muddy gravel. Coontail is more tolerant of shade than the majority of aquatic plants and it is able to tolerate some turbidity in the water if it is not excessive. This aquatic plant can adapt to sites with either stagnant water or slow-moving currents where there is some protection from wind and waves. Because of its phytotoxic properties, Coontail can inhibit the growth of phytoplankton and blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). At some locations, it can spread aggressively and become a pest.
Range & Habitat: The native Coontail is occasional to common throughout Illinois. This species is native to a wide area of North America, from where it has spread to other parts of the world. Habitats include quiet inlets of lakes, ponds, rivers with slow-moving currents, marshes, and springs. Generally, Coontail is typically found in bodies of water with muddy bottoms, although it also occurs where the water bottom contains some sand or rocky material. Sometimes Coontail is cultivated as an aquarium plant. It has also been introduced deliberately into polluted bodies of water in bioremediation projects because of its ability to absorb suspended particles of chromium, lead, arsenic, and other chemicals.
Faunal Associations: The leaves of Coontail provide hiding places for small aquatic organisms and its leaves are sometimes grazed by snails. Both the foliage and seeds of this aquatic plant are eaten by the American Coot (Fulica americana), many species of waterfowl (see the Waterfowl Table), and some turtles (Legler, 1943; Ernst et al., 1994), including the Musk Turtle (Sternotherus odoratus), Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina), Blanding's Turtle (Emys blandingii), Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta), River Cooter (Pseudemys concinna), and Slider (Trachemys scripta). This aquatic plant is also eaten by carp and, to a lesser extent, by muskrats. The foliage and seeds of Coontail can spread to new wetlands through human activity. For example, when people dump the content of aquariums into waterways that contain Coontail, it can easily establish itself in such habitats. Similarly, because Coontail can cling to anchors, boat trailers, fishing nets, and dredging equipment, it may be transported considerable distances from one body water to another.
Photographic Location: In shallow water of a sandy marsh at the Heron Boardwalk in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: Coontail superficially resembles some Chara spp., even though the latter are actually algae, rather than vascular plants. Coontail can be distinguished by its leaf segments, which have teeth along only one of 2 sides (rather than both), and its crushed foliage lacks the distinctive garlic or skunk-like smell that is so typical of many Chara spp. A closely related species, Ceratophyllum echinatum (Spiny Hornwort), is also found in Illinois, but it is less common. Compared to Coontail, Spiny Hornwort has softer foliage and its leaf segments either lack teeth or they have less conspicuous teeth along one side of their leaf segments. In addition, the achenes of Spiny Hornwort are shallowly winged along their sides, and each winged side of an achene has 3-10 spiny teeth. Although they have apical and basal spines, the achenes of Coontail lack spiny teeth along their sides. Another common name of Ceratophyllum demersum is Common Hornwort.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月12日
Description: This perennial plant is about ½–2' tall; it branches regularly. The stems are hairless and hollow. Basal leaves are produced early in the year, while alternate leaves are produced along the stems. The blades of these leaves are up to 4" long and 4" across; they are orbicular-cordate, finely crenate along the margins, and glabrous. Their venation is palmate. The petioles of the basal leaves are up to 6" long, while the petioles of the alternate leaves are shorter than this. The upper stems produce small clusters of bright yellow flowers on short petioles. Each flower spans about ¾–1½" across; it consists of 5-9 petal-like sepals, a thick ring of abundant stamens, and a cluster of carpels in the center. There are no true petals. The sepals are bright yellow, well-rounded, and slightly overlapping. The blooming period occurs during mid-spring and lasts about a month. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each of the carpels matures into a seedpod that contains several seeds. This seedpod is flattened and recurved; it splits open along the upper side to release the seeds (technically, it is a follicle). The root system consists of a short crown with fibrous roots. This plant spreads by reseeding itself. It occasionally forms loose colonies at favorable sites.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, wet conditions, and mucky soil. Shallow standing water is tolerated. Growth and development begin early in the year.
Range & Habitat: The native Marsh Marigold occurs primarily in central and northern Illinois, where it is occasional. In southern Illinois, it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). This circumboreal species also occurs in Eurasia, where it is native as well. Habitats include various wetlands, including vernal pools in low woodlands, swamps, soggy meadows in river floodplains, marshes, fens, seeps and springs, and ditches. Marsh Marigold prefers sunny areas where the soil is consistently wet from underground seepage of water, although it occurs in other wetlands as well.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract flies and bees primarily. This includes Bombylius major (Giant Bee Fly), Syrphid flies, Halictid bees, honey bees, and others. Two leaf beetles are occasionally found on the foliage of Marsh Marigold: Plateumaris nitida and Hydrothassa vittata. It is possible that they eat the foliage. For other herbivores, specific information for Marsh Marigold is lacking. Because the acrid foliage contains toxic alkaloids and glycosides, it is usually avoided by mammalian herbivores. The seeds of plants in the closely related Ranunculus genus are eaten by the Wood Duck, Sora Rail, and some upland gamebirds. The seeds of such plants are also eaten by the Meadow Vole, Eastern Chipmunk, and other small rodents.
Photographic Location: Near the Collinson Marsh in Vermilion County. Several colonies of Marsh Marigold were growing in a ditch along a field where there was underground seepage of water from a neighboring bluff.
Comments: In sunny wetlands, Marsh Marigold is one of the first wildflowers to bloom during the spring. The flowers are showy and conspicuous because of their bright color and relatively large size. The foliage is an attractive bright green. This species is not a true marigold of the Aster family, in spite of its common name. Instead, it is closely related to the many Ranunculus spp. (Buttercups) that occur within the state. The various species of Buttercups have smaller flowers (less than ¾" across) and they usually bloom later in the year.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, wet conditions, and mucky soil. Shallow standing water is tolerated. Growth and development begin early in the year.
Range & Habitat: The native Marsh Marigold occurs primarily in central and northern Illinois, where it is occasional. In southern Illinois, it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). This circumboreal species also occurs in Eurasia, where it is native as well. Habitats include various wetlands, including vernal pools in low woodlands, swamps, soggy meadows in river floodplains, marshes, fens, seeps and springs, and ditches. Marsh Marigold prefers sunny areas where the soil is consistently wet from underground seepage of water, although it occurs in other wetlands as well.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract flies and bees primarily. This includes Bombylius major (Giant Bee Fly), Syrphid flies, Halictid bees, honey bees, and others. Two leaf beetles are occasionally found on the foliage of Marsh Marigold: Plateumaris nitida and Hydrothassa vittata. It is possible that they eat the foliage. For other herbivores, specific information for Marsh Marigold is lacking. Because the acrid foliage contains toxic alkaloids and glycosides, it is usually avoided by mammalian herbivores. The seeds of plants in the closely related Ranunculus genus are eaten by the Wood Duck, Sora Rail, and some upland gamebirds. The seeds of such plants are also eaten by the Meadow Vole, Eastern Chipmunk, and other small rodents.
Photographic Location: Near the Collinson Marsh in Vermilion County. Several colonies of Marsh Marigold were growing in a ditch along a field where there was underground seepage of water from a neighboring bluff.
Comments: In sunny wetlands, Marsh Marigold is one of the first wildflowers to bloom during the spring. The flowers are showy and conspicuous because of their bright color and relatively large size. The foliage is an attractive bright green. This species is not a true marigold of the Aster family, in spite of its common name. Instead, it is closely related to the many Ranunculus spp. (Buttercups) that occur within the state. The various species of Buttercups have smaller flowers (less than ¾" across) and they usually bloom later in the year.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月12日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant becomes 3-7' tall, forming either a solitary or a cluster of central stems that branch occasionally to abundantly. The central stems are light green, vertically veined, glabrous, and sometimes glaucous; they are terete (circular in circumference), except for the decurrent bases of the leaves. This latter characteristic causes them to appear heavily winged. Spreading to drooping alternate leaves occur along the entire length of these stems at regular intervals, becoming gradually smaller in size as they ascend. The leaves of the central stems are up to 7" long and 1½" across; they are oblong-lanceolate in shape, while their margins are entire (toothless) and often slightly wavy (vertically) or undulate (horizontally). These leaves taper gradually, forming narrow acute tips, while their bases strongly clasp the central stems. The basal margins of these leaves extend downward 1-3" along their stems, forming pairs of wings up to ¾" across. The upper leaf surface is medium to dark green and glabrous, while the lower leaf surface is a slightly lighter shade of green, glabrous, and sometimes glaucous. Leaf venation is pinnate; the central veins of these leaves are prominent, particularly toward their bases. Slender ascending lateral stems develop from the axils of the leaves, particularly along the middle to upper leaves of the central stems. The alternate leaves of these lateral stems are up to 3" long and ½" across; they are elliptic or linear-lanceolate in shape, entire along their margins, and either sessile or decurrent at their bases. When their bases are decurrent, the basal margins of these secondary leaves extend downward up to 1" along their stems, forming pairs of wings up to ¼" across.
The central stems terminate in large panicles of flowerheads (up to 2' long and 2' across) that are more or less dome-shaped. On robust plants, many lateral stems will also terminate in smaller panicles of flowerheads. The branches of these inflorescences are similar to the stems, except they are less winged from the decurrent bases of their leafy bracts. These bracts are up 3" long and ½" across and they are similar in appearance to the leaves of lateral stems, although they can become smaller in size. Each daisy-like flowerhead is ¾–1" across, consisting of 40-60 ray florets that surround a dense head of 180+ disk florets. The ray florets are pistillate (female), while the disk florets are perfect (male and female). The petaloid rays of these flowerheads are linear-oblong in shape and white (rarely lavender or light purple). The corollas of the disk florets are about 2 mm. long, yellow, tubular in shape, and 5-lobed along their upper rims. Around the base of each flowerhead, light green phyllaries (floral scales) are arranged in about 3 overlapping series. These phyllaries are linear-oblanceolate in shape, membranous along their margins, and appressed together. When the flowerhead blooms, these phyllaries form an involucre that is shaped like a shallow plate or flat disk. The peduncles (basal stalks) of these flowerheads are up to 3" long. The blooming period occurs during late summer into autumn, lasting about 1-2 months. Afterwards, the fertile florets are replaced by achenes about 1.5–2.5 mm. in length. These achenes are obovoid, somewhat flattened, and slightly winged along their margins; solitary pairs of awn-like scales occur at their apices. The achenes can be blown about by the wind or float on water. The root system is shallow and fibrous.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, wet to moist conditions, and fertile soil containing loam, clay-loam, or silty deposits. However, this plant can adapt to drier conditions in gardens if it is watered during dry spells. Growth and development from seed is usually rapid, as this plant can bloom during the first year. Some stakes or a wire cage may be necessary to keep it upright in a flower garden or rain garden.
Range & Habitat: The Decurrent False Aster is largely restricted to several counties in central and SW Illinois, where it is found along the floodplain of the Illinois River (see Distribution Map). This species has also been found at Lake County in NE Illinois, where it is adventive. Outside of Illinois, a few small colonies of plants have been found along the floodplain of the Mississippi River in eastern Missouri. Decurrent False Aster is a rare plant that is listed as 'threatened' in Illinois, and it is also listed as 'threatened' at the Federal level of the United States. Populations of this plant can vary considerably from year-to-year depending on the pattern of precipitation and flooding along the Illinois River and Mississippi River. Flood-control projects, wetland habitat destruction, and excessive sediment in the water during floods can undermine the long-term survival of this plant. Habitats include riverbottom prairies, shallow marshes, and mud flats along major rivers. This is a conservative species that is found in wetland habitats along rivers that are prone to occasional flooding. Such floods reduce competition from other herbaceous plants and woody vegetation.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about the floral-faunal relationships of Decurrent False Aster (Boltonia decurrens), although it is probably similar to the more common False Aster (Boltonia asteroides). Pollinators of the flowerheads probably consist of long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, and beetles. Both nectar and pollen are available as floral rewards. One bee species, Perdita boltoniae, is a specialist pollinator (oligolege) of Boltonia spp., and another bee, Melissodes boltoniae, may be a weak oligolege of these plants (Robertson, 1929). The larvae of a beetle, Microrhopala xerene, mine the leaves of False Aster and other species in the Aster family (Clark et al, 2004). The relationship of Decurrent False Aster to vertebrate animals is probably similar to many wetland asters (Aster spp.).
Photographic Location: A flower garden in Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: This rare wildflower adapts to gardens readily and it should be cultivated more often. Decurrent False Aster (Boltonia decurrens) is similar in appearance to False Aster (Boltonia asteroides), except the latter species lacks decurrent wings along its stems. Decurrent False Aster also lacks the wandering rhizomes of the latter species, although it is capable of developing more than one shoot from its root system. Decurrent False Aster is sometimes classified as a variety of this latter species, or Boltonia asteroides decurrens. False asters (Boltonia spp.) differ from asters (Aster spp., Symphyotrichum spp., etc.) by lacking tufts of hair on the apices of their achenes. Instead, the achenes of false asters have awn-like scales in pairs. In addition, the bases of their flowerheads (involucres) are more flattened in appearance (shaped like a shallow dish or flat disk), while those of asters are more cup-like or turban-shaped (turbinate). The flowerheads of False Asters resemble those of fleabanes (Erigeron spp.), except the flowerheads of the latter bloom earlier in the year and their achenes have sessile tufts of bristly hairs.
The central stems terminate in large panicles of flowerheads (up to 2' long and 2' across) that are more or less dome-shaped. On robust plants, many lateral stems will also terminate in smaller panicles of flowerheads. The branches of these inflorescences are similar to the stems, except they are less winged from the decurrent bases of their leafy bracts. These bracts are up 3" long and ½" across and they are similar in appearance to the leaves of lateral stems, although they can become smaller in size. Each daisy-like flowerhead is ¾–1" across, consisting of 40-60 ray florets that surround a dense head of 180+ disk florets. The ray florets are pistillate (female), while the disk florets are perfect (male and female). The petaloid rays of these flowerheads are linear-oblong in shape and white (rarely lavender or light purple). The corollas of the disk florets are about 2 mm. long, yellow, tubular in shape, and 5-lobed along their upper rims. Around the base of each flowerhead, light green phyllaries (floral scales) are arranged in about 3 overlapping series. These phyllaries are linear-oblanceolate in shape, membranous along their margins, and appressed together. When the flowerhead blooms, these phyllaries form an involucre that is shaped like a shallow plate or flat disk. The peduncles (basal stalks) of these flowerheads are up to 3" long. The blooming period occurs during late summer into autumn, lasting about 1-2 months. Afterwards, the fertile florets are replaced by achenes about 1.5–2.5 mm. in length. These achenes are obovoid, somewhat flattened, and slightly winged along their margins; solitary pairs of awn-like scales occur at their apices. The achenes can be blown about by the wind or float on water. The root system is shallow and fibrous.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, wet to moist conditions, and fertile soil containing loam, clay-loam, or silty deposits. However, this plant can adapt to drier conditions in gardens if it is watered during dry spells. Growth and development from seed is usually rapid, as this plant can bloom during the first year. Some stakes or a wire cage may be necessary to keep it upright in a flower garden or rain garden.
Range & Habitat: The Decurrent False Aster is largely restricted to several counties in central and SW Illinois, where it is found along the floodplain of the Illinois River (see Distribution Map). This species has also been found at Lake County in NE Illinois, where it is adventive. Outside of Illinois, a few small colonies of plants have been found along the floodplain of the Mississippi River in eastern Missouri. Decurrent False Aster is a rare plant that is listed as 'threatened' in Illinois, and it is also listed as 'threatened' at the Federal level of the United States. Populations of this plant can vary considerably from year-to-year depending on the pattern of precipitation and flooding along the Illinois River and Mississippi River. Flood-control projects, wetland habitat destruction, and excessive sediment in the water during floods can undermine the long-term survival of this plant. Habitats include riverbottom prairies, shallow marshes, and mud flats along major rivers. This is a conservative species that is found in wetland habitats along rivers that are prone to occasional flooding. Such floods reduce competition from other herbaceous plants and woody vegetation.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about the floral-faunal relationships of Decurrent False Aster (Boltonia decurrens), although it is probably similar to the more common False Aster (Boltonia asteroides). Pollinators of the flowerheads probably consist of long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, and beetles. Both nectar and pollen are available as floral rewards. One bee species, Perdita boltoniae, is a specialist pollinator (oligolege) of Boltonia spp., and another bee, Melissodes boltoniae, may be a weak oligolege of these plants (Robertson, 1929). The larvae of a beetle, Microrhopala xerene, mine the leaves of False Aster and other species in the Aster family (Clark et al, 2004). The relationship of Decurrent False Aster to vertebrate animals is probably similar to many wetland asters (Aster spp.).
Photographic Location: A flower garden in Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: This rare wildflower adapts to gardens readily and it should be cultivated more often. Decurrent False Aster (Boltonia decurrens) is similar in appearance to False Aster (Boltonia asteroides), except the latter species lacks decurrent wings along its stems. Decurrent False Aster also lacks the wandering rhizomes of the latter species, although it is capable of developing more than one shoot from its root system. Decurrent False Aster is sometimes classified as a variety of this latter species, or Boltonia asteroides decurrens. False asters (Boltonia spp.) differ from asters (Aster spp., Symphyotrichum spp., etc.) by lacking tufts of hair on the apices of their achenes. Instead, the achenes of false asters have awn-like scales in pairs. In addition, the bases of their flowerheads (involucres) are more flattened in appearance (shaped like a shallow dish or flat disk), while those of asters are more cup-like or turban-shaped (turbinate). The flowerheads of False Asters resemble those of fleabanes (Erigeron spp.), except the flowerheads of the latter bloom earlier in the year and their achenes have sessile tufts of bristly hairs.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月11日
Description: This perennial plant is about 3-5' tall, branching frequently in the upper half. The green stems are glabrous, terete, and slightly ribbed. The alternate leaves are up to 6" long and ¾" across, becoming smaller and more narrow as they ascend the stems. They are narrowly lanceolate to oblanceolate, smooth along their margins, and glabrous; the uppermost leaves are linear. Each leaf tapers gradually to a short petiole-like base. The upper stems terminate in showy panicles of flowerheads; these flowerheads are produced in abundance. Each daisy-like flowerhead is about ¾" across, consisting of about 60 ray florets that surround numerous disk florets. The petaloid rays of the flowerheads are bright white and linear in shape (less often, they are slightly pink or slightly purple), while the tiny tubular corollas of the disk florets are bright yellow. Flowerheads have bases that are shallow and spreading, rather than cylindrically shaped; these bases are covered with overlapping floral bracts (phyllaries) that are light green and narrowly lanceolate in shape. The branching stalks of the panicle are similar to the stems and largely naked, except for narrow leaf-like bracts up to 1" long.
The blooming period occurs from late summer into the fall and lasts about 1 month. The florets are replaced by oblongoid achenes that are somewhat flattened; they are slightly broader at their apices than their bottoms. The apex of each achene has minute scales and a pair of bristles, although the bristles are not always present. The achenes usually fall only a short distance from the mother plant, unless they are carried about by water. The root system sometimes produces stolons that form plantlets at their tips.
Cultivation: The preference is partial or full sun, wet to moist conditions, and a fertile loamy soil. This plant can tolerate standing water for short periods of time and doesn't seem to be bothered by foliar disease to the same extent as many Aster spp. (Asters).
Range & Habitat: The native False Aster occurs occasionally in most areas of Illinois; it is slightly more common in southern Illinois than other areas of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include openings in floodplain forests, soggy thickets, alluvial meadows, prairie swales, marshes, and ditches.
Faunal Associations: The flowerheads attract many kinds of insects because their nectar and pollen are readily accessible. These insect visitors include long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, moths, and beetles. A dagger bee, Perdita boltoniae, is an oligolege of Boltonia spp. Another bee that is somewhat oligolectic of these species is the long-horned bee, Melissodes boltoniae, which also visits the flowerheads of some Aster spp. False Aster is one of the host plants of a beetle, Microrhopala xerene, whose larvae mine the leaves. The ecological relationships of Boltonia spp. to vertebrate animals are probably similar to those of Aster spp. in wetland areas.
Photographic Location: A prairie swale at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: False Aster has attractive foliage and flowers. Different varieties of False Aster have been described; the one that is typically encountered in the state, var. recognita, has flowerheads about ¾" across. In Cook County, var. microcephala also occurs, which has flowerheads that are ½" across or less. While Boltonia spp. (false asters) closely resemble Aster spp. (asters) in appearance, they differ from each other in the following characteristic: The achenes of false asters have minutes scales and/or a pair of bristles at their apices, while the achenes of asters have tufts of hair. As a result, the achenes of asters are carried more readily by the wind into new areas. The other false asters in Illinois are uncommon and differ from Boltonia asteroides by their leaves: Boltonia diffusa interior has linear leaves throughout, while Boltonia decurrens has leaves that are decurrent against their stems (i.e., the base or basal margins of each leaf lies along the surface of the stem).
The blooming period occurs from late summer into the fall and lasts about 1 month. The florets are replaced by oblongoid achenes that are somewhat flattened; they are slightly broader at their apices than their bottoms. The apex of each achene has minute scales and a pair of bristles, although the bristles are not always present. The achenes usually fall only a short distance from the mother plant, unless they are carried about by water. The root system sometimes produces stolons that form plantlets at their tips.
Cultivation: The preference is partial or full sun, wet to moist conditions, and a fertile loamy soil. This plant can tolerate standing water for short periods of time and doesn't seem to be bothered by foliar disease to the same extent as many Aster spp. (Asters).
Range & Habitat: The native False Aster occurs occasionally in most areas of Illinois; it is slightly more common in southern Illinois than other areas of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include openings in floodplain forests, soggy thickets, alluvial meadows, prairie swales, marshes, and ditches.
Faunal Associations: The flowerheads attract many kinds of insects because their nectar and pollen are readily accessible. These insect visitors include long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, moths, and beetles. A dagger bee, Perdita boltoniae, is an oligolege of Boltonia spp. Another bee that is somewhat oligolectic of these species is the long-horned bee, Melissodes boltoniae, which also visits the flowerheads of some Aster spp. False Aster is one of the host plants of a beetle, Microrhopala xerene, whose larvae mine the leaves. The ecological relationships of Boltonia spp. to vertebrate animals are probably similar to those of Aster spp. in wetland areas.
Photographic Location: A prairie swale at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: False Aster has attractive foliage and flowers. Different varieties of False Aster have been described; the one that is typically encountered in the state, var. recognita, has flowerheads about ¾" across. In Cook County, var. microcephala also occurs, which has flowerheads that are ½" across or less. While Boltonia spp. (false asters) closely resemble Aster spp. (asters) in appearance, they differ from each other in the following characteristic: The achenes of false asters have minutes scales and/or a pair of bristles at their apices, while the achenes of asters have tufts of hair. As a result, the achenes of asters are carried more readily by the wind into new areas. The other false asters in Illinois are uncommon and differ from Boltonia asteroides by their leaves: Boltonia diffusa interior has linear leaves throughout, while Boltonia decurrens has leaves that are decurrent against their stems (i.e., the base or basal margins of each leaf lies along the surface of the stem).
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Miss Chen
2018年06月11日
Description: This annual plant is about 2–3½' tall, branching occasionally. The stems are light green, reddish green, or brown; they are often ribbed and slightly to moderately hairy. The opposite compound leaves are simple-pinnate, becoming smaller as they ascend the stems. These compound leaves are up to 10" long and 6" across; they consist of 3-5 leaflets and have petioles up to 2" long. The leaflets are up to 3" long and 1" across; they are lanceolate or narrowly ovate, coarsely toothed along the margins, and hairless. These leaflets have short petioles (petiolules) or they are sessile. In addition to the opposite compound leaves, some of the upper leaves may be alternate and simple.
The upper stems terminate in a single flowerhead on a long slender stalk (peduncle). This flowering stalk is more or less hairy and may have 1 or 2 simple leaves up to 1½" long. The flowerhead is about ¾–1" across and it is subtended by 11-20 leafy bracts. These bracts are oblanceolate to linear in shape and ciliate along their margins. The flowerhead contains several tiny florets that are tightly bunched together. Each yellow disk floret is tubular in shape with 5 tiny teeth along its upper rim. The ray florets are insignificant. The blooming period occurs from late summer to fall and lasts about 1-2 months. There is no noticeable floral scent. The florets are replaced by achenes up to ¼" long. These achenes are initially yellow-green in color, but they eventually become dark brown. Each achene is oblong and flattened; it is a little broader toward the top than the bottom. At the apex of each achene, there is a pair of slender barbed awns. The root system is strongly branched and rather shallow. This plant reproduces by its achenes only.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, wet to moist conditions, and a loamy or silty soil. Soil fertility and moisture availability can significantly influence the size of individual plants. Occasionally, the leaves are disfigured by various kinds of disease later in the year.
Range & Habitat: The native Tall Beggar's Ticks is an occasional plant that occurs in most areas of Illinois; it is uncommon or absent in the southwestern and north-central areas of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include openings in moist woodlands, woodland borders, areas adjacent to woodland paths, thickets and meadows in floodplain areas, marshes and seasonal wetlands, drainage ditches, and waste areas. Tall Beggar's Ticks is found in wooded areas to a greater extent than other Bidens spp., although it also occurs in sunny wetlands. Disturbed areas are strongly preferred; this species is rather weedy.
Faunal Associations: The flowers aren't very showy and attract few insect visitors. Occasionally, various bees and flies suck nectar from the disk florets. Pollen may be an occasional source of food for some of these insects. The caterpillars of the butterfly Nathalis iole (Dainty Sulfur) feed on the foliage of Bidens spp., as do the caterpillars of several moth species, including Cirrhophanus triangulifer (Goldenrod Stowaway), Epiblema otiosa (Bidens Borer Moth), Condica confederata (The Confederate), Palthis asopialis (Faint-Spotted Palthis), and Platysenta mobilis (Mobile Groundling). Various birds eat the seeds of Bidens spp. to a limited extent, including the Mallard, Ring-Necked Pheasant, Bobwhite Quail, Purple Finch, Common Redpoll, and Swamp Sparrow. The Cottontail Rabbit eats the foliage of Bidens spp. to a limited extent. The barbed achenes cling readily to the fur of mammals and the clothing of humans, which helps to distribute them into new areas.
Photographic Location: A roadside ditch along a wooded area near Judge Webber Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Tall Beggar's Ticks is often confused with Bidens frondosa (Common Beggar's Ticks) because of their similar appearance. Both species have non-showy flowerheads and they have compound leaves that are simple-pinnate. However, Tall Beggar's Ticks has 11-20 leafy bracts that surround each flowerhead, while Common Beggar's Ticks has only 7-10 leafy bracts per flowerhead. It is easy to see that the flowerhead in the upper photograph has more than 10 leafy bracts. Another species, Bidens discoidea, has even fewer leafy bracts than Common Beggar's Ticks. The barbed achenes of Tall Beggar's Ticks are very similar in appearance to those of Common Beggar's Ticks, although they are slightly larger in size. Other Bidens spp. in Illinois differ from the preceding species because they have showy flowerheads with conspicuous ray florets, and/or they have either simple leaves or compound leaves that are double-pinnate. Notwithstanding its common name, Tall Beggar's Ticks isn't substantially taller than Common Beggar's Ticks and many other Bidens spp.
The upper stems terminate in a single flowerhead on a long slender stalk (peduncle). This flowering stalk is more or less hairy and may have 1 or 2 simple leaves up to 1½" long. The flowerhead is about ¾–1" across and it is subtended by 11-20 leafy bracts. These bracts are oblanceolate to linear in shape and ciliate along their margins. The flowerhead contains several tiny florets that are tightly bunched together. Each yellow disk floret is tubular in shape with 5 tiny teeth along its upper rim. The ray florets are insignificant. The blooming period occurs from late summer to fall and lasts about 1-2 months. There is no noticeable floral scent. The florets are replaced by achenes up to ¼" long. These achenes are initially yellow-green in color, but they eventually become dark brown. Each achene is oblong and flattened; it is a little broader toward the top than the bottom. At the apex of each achene, there is a pair of slender barbed awns. The root system is strongly branched and rather shallow. This plant reproduces by its achenes only.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, wet to moist conditions, and a loamy or silty soil. Soil fertility and moisture availability can significantly influence the size of individual plants. Occasionally, the leaves are disfigured by various kinds of disease later in the year.
Range & Habitat: The native Tall Beggar's Ticks is an occasional plant that occurs in most areas of Illinois; it is uncommon or absent in the southwestern and north-central areas of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include openings in moist woodlands, woodland borders, areas adjacent to woodland paths, thickets and meadows in floodplain areas, marshes and seasonal wetlands, drainage ditches, and waste areas. Tall Beggar's Ticks is found in wooded areas to a greater extent than other Bidens spp., although it also occurs in sunny wetlands. Disturbed areas are strongly preferred; this species is rather weedy.
Faunal Associations: The flowers aren't very showy and attract few insect visitors. Occasionally, various bees and flies suck nectar from the disk florets. Pollen may be an occasional source of food for some of these insects. The caterpillars of the butterfly Nathalis iole (Dainty Sulfur) feed on the foliage of Bidens spp., as do the caterpillars of several moth species, including Cirrhophanus triangulifer (Goldenrod Stowaway), Epiblema otiosa (Bidens Borer Moth), Condica confederata (The Confederate), Palthis asopialis (Faint-Spotted Palthis), and Platysenta mobilis (Mobile Groundling). Various birds eat the seeds of Bidens spp. to a limited extent, including the Mallard, Ring-Necked Pheasant, Bobwhite Quail, Purple Finch, Common Redpoll, and Swamp Sparrow. The Cottontail Rabbit eats the foliage of Bidens spp. to a limited extent. The barbed achenes cling readily to the fur of mammals and the clothing of humans, which helps to distribute them into new areas.
Photographic Location: A roadside ditch along a wooded area near Judge Webber Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Tall Beggar's Ticks is often confused with Bidens frondosa (Common Beggar's Ticks) because of their similar appearance. Both species have non-showy flowerheads and they have compound leaves that are simple-pinnate. However, Tall Beggar's Ticks has 11-20 leafy bracts that surround each flowerhead, while Common Beggar's Ticks has only 7-10 leafy bracts per flowerhead. It is easy to see that the flowerhead in the upper photograph has more than 10 leafy bracts. Another species, Bidens discoidea, has even fewer leafy bracts than Common Beggar's Ticks. The barbed achenes of Tall Beggar's Ticks are very similar in appearance to those of Common Beggar's Ticks, although they are slightly larger in size. Other Bidens spp. in Illinois differ from the preceding species because they have showy flowerheads with conspicuous ray florets, and/or they have either simple leaves or compound leaves that are double-pinnate. Notwithstanding its common name, Tall Beggar's Ticks isn't substantially taller than Common Beggar's Ticks and many other Bidens spp.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月11日
Description: This annual or biennial plant is 1-4' tall, branching occasionally. The green or reddish stems are glabrous to slightly hairy. The opposite compound leaves are odd-pinnate, dividing into 3-7 slender segments. Compound leaves are up to 8" long and 4" across; they are much wider at their bases than toward their tips. The leaflets are slightly ciliate and coarsely dentate; sometimes they are divided into narrow pointed lobes. From terminal stems, or from the axils of upper leaves, there develops from 1 to 3 flowerheads on slender and slightly hairy stalks. An individual plant may have several flowerheads in bloom at the same time. Each daisy-like flowerhead is about 2" across, consisting of 8-10 ray florets that surround numerous disk florets. The tiny corollas of the disk florets are tubular in shape and golden yellow, while the petaloid rays are bright yellow and oblong-elliptic in shape. Each flowerhead is subtended by 12-18 green outer bracts (phyllaries) that are each about ¾" long, linear in shape, coarsely ciliate, and rather contorted. Less visible, there are also several inner bracts that are pale yellow and lanceolate in shape. The blooming period occurs from late summer to early fall, lasting about 1-2 months. The flowers are slightly fragrant, which becomes quite noticeable in a large colony of plants. The dark brown achenes are rather flat and rough-textured with central longitudinal ridges; they are about 1½–2 times as long as they are wide. These achenes lack significant awns at their apices. The root system consists of a shallow branching taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and wet to moist conditions. The soil should be rich in organic material. This plant is easy to grow, but tends to be aggressive at a disturbed site that is sunny and moist. It can form large colonies by reseeding itself. This species of Bidens appears to have some tolerance of hot dry weather.
Range & Habitat: Long-Bracted Tickseed Sunflower is occasional in the southern half of Illinois and NE Illinois, but it is rare or absent in the remaining northern counties (see Distribution Map). This plant is native. Habitats include moist prairies, prairie swales, low areas along ponds and streams, gravelly seeps, ditches along railroads and roadsides, muddy fields, and miscellaneous waste areas. It usually occurs in or around poorly drained areas that are prone to standing water, or near sources of more or less permanent water. Disturbed areas are favored because of reduced competition from deep-rooted perennial plants.
Faunal Associations: The flowerheads are popular with many kinds of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, and beetles. Typical bee visitors include bumblebees, cuckoo bees (Epeolus spp., Coelioxys spp.), long-horned bees (Melissodes spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), green metallic bees, plasterer bees (Colletes spp.), and Andrenid bees (Calliopsis spp., Heterosarus spp.). The caterpillars of the butterfly Nathalis iole (Dainty Sulfur) are known to favor the foliage of Bidens spp. as a food source. The caterpillars of several moths feed on the foliage, flowerheads, or the pith of stems, including Epiblema otiosana (Bidens Borer Moth), Condica mobilis (Mobile Groundling), Condica confederata (The Confederate), Cirrhophanus triangulifer (Goldenrod Stowaway), and Palthis asopialis (Faint-Spotted Palthis). Other insect feeders include leaf beetles (Calligrapha spp.), larvae of the fruit fly Icterica seriata, and several aphid species.
The seeds are eaten by small rodents and various birds, including the Ring-Necked Pheasant, Bobwhite, Swamp Sparrow, and Purple Finch. The foliage is eaten occasionally by the Cottontail Rabbit. Even though their awns are tiny or absent, the achenes of Bidens polylepis can cling to the the fur of animals or clothing of humans; this is largely because of their rough edges. Small rodents can carry the achenes to their dens for some distance from the mother plants.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a prairie swale in Meadowbrook Park, Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is one of the more pretty and drought-tolerant Bidens spp. that occasionally strays from wetlands to moist prairies. Long-Bracted Tickseed Sunflower can be distinguished from other Bidens spp. by its attractive flowers and slender pinnate foliage. It has a very similar appearance to Bidens aristosa (Tickseed Sunflower). However, the flowerheads of this latter species are individually subtended by 8-10 outer bracts (phyllaries); these bracts are shorter, less hairy, and less contorted than those of Bidens polylepis. The achenes of Bidens aristosa usually have pairs of conspicuous awns at their apices, otherwise they are very similar in appearance to those of Bidens polylepis. However, a rare variety of the Tickseed Sunflower, Bidens aristosa mutica, also has achenes that lack significant awns. Because of its distinct outer bracts and awnless achenes, Long-Bracted Tickseed Sunflower is usually classified as a distinct species (Mohlenbrock, 2002). Scientific synonyms of this species are Bidens aristosa retrorsa and Bidens involucrata.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and wet to moist conditions. The soil should be rich in organic material. This plant is easy to grow, but tends to be aggressive at a disturbed site that is sunny and moist. It can form large colonies by reseeding itself. This species of Bidens appears to have some tolerance of hot dry weather.
Range & Habitat: Long-Bracted Tickseed Sunflower is occasional in the southern half of Illinois and NE Illinois, but it is rare or absent in the remaining northern counties (see Distribution Map). This plant is native. Habitats include moist prairies, prairie swales, low areas along ponds and streams, gravelly seeps, ditches along railroads and roadsides, muddy fields, and miscellaneous waste areas. It usually occurs in or around poorly drained areas that are prone to standing water, or near sources of more or less permanent water. Disturbed areas are favored because of reduced competition from deep-rooted perennial plants.
Faunal Associations: The flowerheads are popular with many kinds of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, and beetles. Typical bee visitors include bumblebees, cuckoo bees (Epeolus spp., Coelioxys spp.), long-horned bees (Melissodes spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), green metallic bees, plasterer bees (Colletes spp.), and Andrenid bees (Calliopsis spp., Heterosarus spp.). The caterpillars of the butterfly Nathalis iole (Dainty Sulfur) are known to favor the foliage of Bidens spp. as a food source. The caterpillars of several moths feed on the foliage, flowerheads, or the pith of stems, including Epiblema otiosana (Bidens Borer Moth), Condica mobilis (Mobile Groundling), Condica confederata (The Confederate), Cirrhophanus triangulifer (Goldenrod Stowaway), and Palthis asopialis (Faint-Spotted Palthis). Other insect feeders include leaf beetles (Calligrapha spp.), larvae of the fruit fly Icterica seriata, and several aphid species.
The seeds are eaten by small rodents and various birds, including the Ring-Necked Pheasant, Bobwhite, Swamp Sparrow, and Purple Finch. The foliage is eaten occasionally by the Cottontail Rabbit. Even though their awns are tiny or absent, the achenes of Bidens polylepis can cling to the the fur of animals or clothing of humans; this is largely because of their rough edges. Small rodents can carry the achenes to their dens for some distance from the mother plants.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a prairie swale in Meadowbrook Park, Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is one of the more pretty and drought-tolerant Bidens spp. that occasionally strays from wetlands to moist prairies. Long-Bracted Tickseed Sunflower can be distinguished from other Bidens spp. by its attractive flowers and slender pinnate foliage. It has a very similar appearance to Bidens aristosa (Tickseed Sunflower). However, the flowerheads of this latter species are individually subtended by 8-10 outer bracts (phyllaries); these bracts are shorter, less hairy, and less contorted than those of Bidens polylepis. The achenes of Bidens aristosa usually have pairs of conspicuous awns at their apices, otherwise they are very similar in appearance to those of Bidens polylepis. However, a rare variety of the Tickseed Sunflower, Bidens aristosa mutica, also has achenes that lack significant awns. Because of its distinct outer bracts and awnless achenes, Long-Bracted Tickseed Sunflower is usually classified as a distinct species (Mohlenbrock, 2002). Scientific synonyms of this species are Bidens aristosa retrorsa and Bidens involucrata.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月11日
Description: This annual plant is 1-3' tall, branching occasionally in the upper half. The stems are glabrous or they have a few scattered white hairs; they are often purple in bright sunlight, otherwise light green or reddish green. The compound leaves are usually odd-pinnate, consisting of 3 or 5 leaflets. Often, there are simple leaves near the flowerheads. These leaves occur oppositely along the stems, although some of the upper leaves may be alternate. The compound leaves have long petioles. The leaflets are up to 3" long and 1" across. They are lanceolate, coarsely serrated, and usually hairless, although their lower surface may be slightly pubescent. The tips of the leaflets are rather long and pointed. Some of the upper stems terminate in individual flowerheads about ¾–1" across on long stalks; some stalks may have 1-2 additional flowerheads that are smaller in size. The flowerheads consist of numerous disk florets that have golden yellow corollas; petaloid rays are absent. The flowerhead bases are surrounded by 6-10 leaf-like outer bracts (phyllaries); they are usually 8 in number. These narrow bracts are green and slightly ciliate. The blooming period occurs from late summer to early fall, lasting about 1-2 months. There is no noticeable floral scent. The dark achenes are flattened, each one terminating in a pair of long and slender awns. These awns have tiny barbs that point downward. Because of their light weight, the achenes can be blown about by wind. The root system consists of a shallow taproot that branches frequently. During the autumn, the leaves often turn purple.
Cultivation: The preference is partial to full sun and moist conditions; light shade is also tolerated. The soil should be reasonably fertile, with sufficient organic material to retain moisture. Occasional flooding and poor drainage is tolerated, if not preferred. This plant is easy to grow, often becoming a weedy pest. Sometimes it is found in more mesic situations, but individual plants will be smaller in size and less robust.
Range & Habitat: The native Common Beggar-Ticks occurs in most counties of Illinois, and it is quite common; official records probably underestimate its distribution in some areas (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist areas of black soil prairies, moist meadows near woodlands or rivers, openings in floodplain woodlands and young flatwoods, thickets, marshes, swamps, seeps, borders of ponds or lakes, poorly drained areas along railroads and roadsides, both cultivated and abandoned fields, banks of drainage canals, and miscellaneous waste areas. This plant likes disturbed areas.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attract fewer insects than Bidens spp. with showier flowers. Occasionally, they are visited by bumblebees, Halictid bees, wasps, bee flies, Tachinid flies, small butterflies, and other insects. The caterpillars of several species of moths feed on the foliage, pith of the stems, or flowerheads, including Epiblema otiosana (Bidens Borer Moth), Platysenta mobilis (Mobile Groundling), Condica confederata (The Confederate), Cirrophanus triangulifer (Goldenrod Stowaway), and Palthis asopialis (Faint-Spotted Palthis). Other insects that feed on this plant include the leaf beetles Calligrapha bidenticola and Calligrapha californica, larvae of the leaf-miner flies Chromatomyia syngensiae and Phytobia allecta, and several aphid species. The seeds are eaten by small rodents and various birds, including the Ring-Necked Pheasant, Bobwhite, Swamp Sparrow, and Purple Finch. The Cottontail Rabbit occasionally eats the foliage. The awns of the seeds readily cling to the fur of animals and clothing of humans, thereby spreading this plant far and wide.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken near a drainage ditch at Judge Webber Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is one of the more common Bidens spp. The species in this genus can be divided into two groups: those with showy flowers and those with non-showy flowers. Common Beggar-Ticks is a member of the latter group. The non-showy Bidens spp. in Illinois can be distinguished from each other by considering two characteristics: 1) whether most of the leaves are simple or pinnately compound, and 2) the number of outer bracts surrounding the flowerheads. Common Beggar-Ticks has pinnately compound leaves and about 8 outer bracts surrounding its flowerheads. It is quite similar in appearance to Bidens vulgata (Tall Beggar-Ticks), except that this latter plant has about 13 outer bracts surrounding its flowerheads.
Cultivation: The preference is partial to full sun and moist conditions; light shade is also tolerated. The soil should be reasonably fertile, with sufficient organic material to retain moisture. Occasional flooding and poor drainage is tolerated, if not preferred. This plant is easy to grow, often becoming a weedy pest. Sometimes it is found in more mesic situations, but individual plants will be smaller in size and less robust.
Range & Habitat: The native Common Beggar-Ticks occurs in most counties of Illinois, and it is quite common; official records probably underestimate its distribution in some areas (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist areas of black soil prairies, moist meadows near woodlands or rivers, openings in floodplain woodlands and young flatwoods, thickets, marshes, swamps, seeps, borders of ponds or lakes, poorly drained areas along railroads and roadsides, both cultivated and abandoned fields, banks of drainage canals, and miscellaneous waste areas. This plant likes disturbed areas.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attract fewer insects than Bidens spp. with showier flowers. Occasionally, they are visited by bumblebees, Halictid bees, wasps, bee flies, Tachinid flies, small butterflies, and other insects. The caterpillars of several species of moths feed on the foliage, pith of the stems, or flowerheads, including Epiblema otiosana (Bidens Borer Moth), Platysenta mobilis (Mobile Groundling), Condica confederata (The Confederate), Cirrophanus triangulifer (Goldenrod Stowaway), and Palthis asopialis (Faint-Spotted Palthis). Other insects that feed on this plant include the leaf beetles Calligrapha bidenticola and Calligrapha californica, larvae of the leaf-miner flies Chromatomyia syngensiae and Phytobia allecta, and several aphid species. The seeds are eaten by small rodents and various birds, including the Ring-Necked Pheasant, Bobwhite, Swamp Sparrow, and Purple Finch. The Cottontail Rabbit occasionally eats the foliage. The awns of the seeds readily cling to the fur of animals and clothing of humans, thereby spreading this plant far and wide.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken near a drainage ditch at Judge Webber Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is one of the more common Bidens spp. The species in this genus can be divided into two groups: those with showy flowers and those with non-showy flowers. Common Beggar-Ticks is a member of the latter group. The non-showy Bidens spp. in Illinois can be distinguished from each other by considering two characteristics: 1) whether most of the leaves are simple or pinnately compound, and 2) the number of outer bracts surrounding the flowerheads. Common Beggar-Ticks has pinnately compound leaves and about 8 outer bracts surrounding its flowerheads. It is quite similar in appearance to Bidens vulgata (Tall Beggar-Ticks), except that this latter plant has about 13 outer bracts surrounding its flowerheads.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月11日
Description: This herbaceous plant is a summer annual about 1-2½' tall that branches occasionally to frequently. The terete to slightly angular stems are light green, purplish green, or purple, and they are glabrous. Pairs of opposite trifoliate leaves occur along these stems, although some of the uppermost leaves are usually simple and alternate. The trifoliate leaves are up to 4" long and 3" across in outline, while their petioles are up to 1½" long. The petioles are light green to purplish green and mostly glabrous, except for some sparse pubescence along the narrow grooves of their upper sides. The terminal leaflets are about 1½-2" long and ½-¾" across; they are narrowly lanceolate to lanceolate in shape and coarsely dentate along their margins. The petiolules (basal stalklets) of terminal leaflets are about ¾" long and slender. The lateral leaflets are about 1-1½" long and ½-¾" across; they are lanceolate in shape and coarsely dentate along their margins. The petiolules of lateral leaflets are very short (up to 3 mm. long). The upper surfaces of leaflets are medium green and glabrous, while their lower surfaces are pale green and glabrous (or nearly so). During autumn, the leaflets often turn purple in response to cold weather.
Upper stems terminate in either individual or small clusters of 2-3 flowerheads. The peduncles of these flowerheads are relatively short (up to 12 mm. or ½" long). Each flowerhead is about 3-6 mm. across (excluding the outer bracts), consisting of 10-20 disk florets and no ray florets. The corollas of disk florets are yellow, short-tubular in shape, and 5-lobed; they are about 3 mm. long. Originating from the base of each flowerhead, there are 2-5 leafy outer bracts. The outer bracts are medium green, narrowly oblanceolate or elliptic in shape, and glabrous (or nearly so); they are up to 1½" (4 cm.) long and 8 mm. across (usually about one-half the maximum size, but highly variable). Around the base of each flowerhead, there are several inner bracts. These inner bracts are 4-6 mm. long, light green or yellowish green, oblong-ovate in shape, and appressed together in a slightly overlapping single series. The blooming occurs from late summer into the fall, lasting about 1½-2 months. In the absence of cross-pollination, the disk florets are self-fertile. Afterwards, the disk florets are replaced by achenes with pairs of awns. The achenes (excluding their awns) are about 4 mm. long, 1-1.5 mm. across, and flattened-oblanceoloid in shape; they are truncate at their apices, while their outer sides have faint midribs. The barbed awns of these achenes (2 awns per achene) are about 1 mm. in length. Mature achenes are greenish brown to dark brown.
The root system is shallow and fibrous. This plant reproduces primarily by reseeding itself. The lower nodes of its stems can develop rootlets when they contact moist ground. Occasionally, colonies of plants of variable size will develop at favorable sites.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, wet to moist conditions, and soil containing loam or decaying organic material. Sometimes this plant establishes itself on fallen logs or the lower trunks of trees. Standing water is tolerated if it is temporary.
Range & Habitat: The native Swamp Beggar's Ticks is occasional in southern and central Illinois, while in the northern section of the state it is rare or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include swamps, banks of lakes, margins of ponds, low areas along rivers, and limestone sinkholes. This plant can be found in either disturbed or higher quality wetlands, favoring humid areas where there is some protection from the wind.
Faunal Associations: The non-showy flowerheads attract relatively few insect pollinators, although sometimes bees (including Halictid bees) and flies (including Syrphid, Tachinid, and bee flies) will either collect or feed on the nectar and pollen. In general, the foliage, stems, and other parts of Bidens spp. are a source of food for such insects as aphids (including Aphis coreopsidis & Brachycauda helichrysi), larvae of the fruit fly Icterica seriata, larvae of the leaf-mining flies Chromatomyia syngenesiae and Phytobia allecta, caterpillars of the butterfly Nathalis iole (Dainty Sulfur), larvae of several moths (including Cirrhophanus triangulifer and Epiblema otiosana), and leaf beetles (Calligrapha bidenticola & Calligrapha californica). See the Insect Table for a more complete listing of these species. The achenes or seedheads of Bidens spp. are consumed by some species of waterfowl, upland gamebirds, and songbirds, including the Mallard, Wood Duck, Greater Prairie Chicken, Ring-Necked Pheasant, Bobwhite Quail, Purple Finch, Common Redpoll, and Swamp Sparrow (Martin et al., 1951/1961; Havera, 1999; Schwartz, 1945). In addition, the Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina), Blanding's Turtle (Emys blandingii), and the Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) sometimes feed on the seeds and possibly the foliage of these plants (Lagler, 1943; Ernst et al., 1994). The foliage is browsed sparingly by White-Tailed Deer and the Cottontail Rabbit. The awned achenes can cling to the feathers of birds, the fur of mammals, and the clothing of humans, which spreads Swamp Beggar's Ticks and other Bidens spp. to new locations.
Photographic Location: Border of a lake at Walnut Point State Park in Douglas County.
Comments: This is one of the Bidens spp. in Illinois with non-showy flowerheads because it lacks ray florets. Species in this group are often referred to as "Beggar's Ticks." Once the flowerheads are produced, Swamp Beggar's Ticks (Bidens discoidea) is fairly easy to distinguish from two similar species with 2-awned achenes, namely Common Beggar's Ticks (Bidens frondosa) and Tall Beggar's Ticks (Bidens vulgata). Most noticeably, the flowerheads of Swamp Beggar's Ticks have fewer outer bracts (typically 3-4) than those of Common Beggar's Ticks (typically 6-11) and Tall Beggar's Ticks (typically 13-20). In addition to having fewer outer bracts than these species, it also has smaller achenes with shorter awns. In contrast to the preceding species, other non-showy Bidens spp. in Illinois, such as Purple-Stemmed Tickseed (Bidens connata) and Three-Lobed Beggar's Ticks (Bidens comosa), can be distinguished from the preceding species by their 3- or 4-awned achenes. Sometimes Nodding Bur-Marigold (Bidens cernua) also lacks ray florets, but it has only simple leaves and its achenes are 4-awned. In comparison to the preceding Bidens spp., Swamp Beggar's Ticks has a rather delicate appearance because of its thin leaves and relatively small size.
Upper stems terminate in either individual or small clusters of 2-3 flowerheads. The peduncles of these flowerheads are relatively short (up to 12 mm. or ½" long). Each flowerhead is about 3-6 mm. across (excluding the outer bracts), consisting of 10-20 disk florets and no ray florets. The corollas of disk florets are yellow, short-tubular in shape, and 5-lobed; they are about 3 mm. long. Originating from the base of each flowerhead, there are 2-5 leafy outer bracts. The outer bracts are medium green, narrowly oblanceolate or elliptic in shape, and glabrous (or nearly so); they are up to 1½" (4 cm.) long and 8 mm. across (usually about one-half the maximum size, but highly variable). Around the base of each flowerhead, there are several inner bracts. These inner bracts are 4-6 mm. long, light green or yellowish green, oblong-ovate in shape, and appressed together in a slightly overlapping single series. The blooming occurs from late summer into the fall, lasting about 1½-2 months. In the absence of cross-pollination, the disk florets are self-fertile. Afterwards, the disk florets are replaced by achenes with pairs of awns. The achenes (excluding their awns) are about 4 mm. long, 1-1.5 mm. across, and flattened-oblanceoloid in shape; they are truncate at their apices, while their outer sides have faint midribs. The barbed awns of these achenes (2 awns per achene) are about 1 mm. in length. Mature achenes are greenish brown to dark brown.
The root system is shallow and fibrous. This plant reproduces primarily by reseeding itself. The lower nodes of its stems can develop rootlets when they contact moist ground. Occasionally, colonies of plants of variable size will develop at favorable sites.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, wet to moist conditions, and soil containing loam or decaying organic material. Sometimes this plant establishes itself on fallen logs or the lower trunks of trees. Standing water is tolerated if it is temporary.
Range & Habitat: The native Swamp Beggar's Ticks is occasional in southern and central Illinois, while in the northern section of the state it is rare or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include swamps, banks of lakes, margins of ponds, low areas along rivers, and limestone sinkholes. This plant can be found in either disturbed or higher quality wetlands, favoring humid areas where there is some protection from the wind.
Faunal Associations: The non-showy flowerheads attract relatively few insect pollinators, although sometimes bees (including Halictid bees) and flies (including Syrphid, Tachinid, and bee flies) will either collect or feed on the nectar and pollen. In general, the foliage, stems, and other parts of Bidens spp. are a source of food for such insects as aphids (including Aphis coreopsidis & Brachycauda helichrysi), larvae of the fruit fly Icterica seriata, larvae of the leaf-mining flies Chromatomyia syngenesiae and Phytobia allecta, caterpillars of the butterfly Nathalis iole (Dainty Sulfur), larvae of several moths (including Cirrhophanus triangulifer and Epiblema otiosana), and leaf beetles (Calligrapha bidenticola & Calligrapha californica). See the Insect Table for a more complete listing of these species. The achenes or seedheads of Bidens spp. are consumed by some species of waterfowl, upland gamebirds, and songbirds, including the Mallard, Wood Duck, Greater Prairie Chicken, Ring-Necked Pheasant, Bobwhite Quail, Purple Finch, Common Redpoll, and Swamp Sparrow (Martin et al., 1951/1961; Havera, 1999; Schwartz, 1945). In addition, the Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina), Blanding's Turtle (Emys blandingii), and the Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) sometimes feed on the seeds and possibly the foliage of these plants (Lagler, 1943; Ernst et al., 1994). The foliage is browsed sparingly by White-Tailed Deer and the Cottontail Rabbit. The awned achenes can cling to the feathers of birds, the fur of mammals, and the clothing of humans, which spreads Swamp Beggar's Ticks and other Bidens spp. to new locations.
Photographic Location: Border of a lake at Walnut Point State Park in Douglas County.
Comments: This is one of the Bidens spp. in Illinois with non-showy flowerheads because it lacks ray florets. Species in this group are often referred to as "Beggar's Ticks." Once the flowerheads are produced, Swamp Beggar's Ticks (Bidens discoidea) is fairly easy to distinguish from two similar species with 2-awned achenes, namely Common Beggar's Ticks (Bidens frondosa) and Tall Beggar's Ticks (Bidens vulgata). Most noticeably, the flowerheads of Swamp Beggar's Ticks have fewer outer bracts (typically 3-4) than those of Common Beggar's Ticks (typically 6-11) and Tall Beggar's Ticks (typically 13-20). In addition to having fewer outer bracts than these species, it also has smaller achenes with shorter awns. In contrast to the preceding species, other non-showy Bidens spp. in Illinois, such as Purple-Stemmed Tickseed (Bidens connata) and Three-Lobed Beggar's Ticks (Bidens comosa), can be distinguished from the preceding species by their 3- or 4-awned achenes. Sometimes Nodding Bur-Marigold (Bidens cernua) also lacks ray florets, but it has only simple leaves and its achenes are 4-awned. In comparison to the preceding Bidens spp., Swamp Beggar's Ticks has a rather delicate appearance because of its thin leaves and relatively small size.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月10日
Description: This is a slender, but erect, herbaceous perennial plant that is up to 5' tall. It branches occasionally along the upper half of its length. The green to reddish stems are four-angled, often with white appressed hairs. The opposite leaves are up to 6" long and 1" across. They are lanceolate, conspicuously veined, and their petioles are short. Leaf margins are coarsely serrated. The upper stems terminate in panicles of flowering spikes up to 1' long and about one-half as much across. Individual floral spikes are up to 5" long, and densely crowded all around with numerous blue-violet flowers. Individual flowers are up to ¼" long and similarly across. Each flower has a blue-violet corolla with 5 spreading lobes, a short-tubular calyx with 5 narrow teeth, 4 inserted stamens, and a pistil. The calyx is grayish green to dark red and about one-half as long as the corolla. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late summer, lasting about 1–1½ months. There is no noticeable floral scent. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by small nutlets (4 nutlets per flower). These nutlets are up to 2 mm. long, reddish brown, and oblongoid in shape. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. Small clonal colonies of plants are often produced from the rhizomes.
Floral Spikes
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sunlight, moist conditions, and soil consisting of fertile loam or wet muck. This plant tolerates standing water if it is temporary. This is a good plant to locate near a small river or pond in a sunny location.
Range & Habitat: Blue Vervain occurs in every county of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is fairly common and native. Habitats include riverbottom prairies, moist meadows in floodplain woodlands, soggy thickets, borders of rivers and ponds, marshes, ditches, fence rows, and pastures. This plant adapts readily to degraded wetlands and other disturbed areas, but it can be found in higher quality habitats as well.
Faunal Associations: The flowers of Blue Vervain attract many kinds of long-tongued and short-tongued bees, including honey bees, bumblebees, cuckoo bees (Triepeolus spp.), digger bees (Melissodes spp.), Halictid bees, and dagger bees (Calliopsis spp.), including the oligolectic Verbena Bee (Calliopsis verbenae). These bees seek primarily nectar, although some species collect pollen. Other floral visitors include Sphecid wasps, Vespid wasps, Syrphid flies, bee flies (Exoprosopa spp.), thick-headed flies (Physocephala spp.), small butterflies, skippers, and moths (Robertson, 1929). Other insects feed on the leaves and other parts of Blue Vervain and other Verbena spp. Examples of such insects include both adults and larvae of a flea beetle (Longitarsus suspectus), larvae of the Vervain Leaf Midge (Clinodiplosis verbenae), the Verbena Aphid (Macrosiphum verbenae), leaf-eating larvae of the Verbena Moth (Crambodes talidiformis), and larvae of the Verbena Bud Moth (Endothenia hebesana); see Clark et al. (2004), Felt (1917), Thomas (1877), Covell (1984/2005), and Miller (1987). Mammalian herbivores usually avoid eating this plant because of its bitter leaves – an exception is the Cottontail Rabbit, which may eat the foliage of young plants to a limited extent. Also, various songbirds occasionally eat the seeds, including the Cardinal, Swamp Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow, and Slate-Colored Junco (Martin et al., 1951/1961). Experimental studies have shown that these seeds can pass undamaged through the digestive tracts of cattle, therefore they are probably distributed to some extent by these seed-eating birds.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The flowers are often a pretty shade of blue-violet, but they are small in size. Among the various Verbena spp. in Illinois, Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata) is easy to identify because it is the only vervain with elegant spikes of flowers in this color range. Other Verbena spp. within the state, excluding introduced cultivated species, have white, pink, or lavender flowers.
Floral Spikes
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sunlight, moist conditions, and soil consisting of fertile loam or wet muck. This plant tolerates standing water if it is temporary. This is a good plant to locate near a small river or pond in a sunny location.
Range & Habitat: Blue Vervain occurs in every county of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is fairly common and native. Habitats include riverbottom prairies, moist meadows in floodplain woodlands, soggy thickets, borders of rivers and ponds, marshes, ditches, fence rows, and pastures. This plant adapts readily to degraded wetlands and other disturbed areas, but it can be found in higher quality habitats as well.
Faunal Associations: The flowers of Blue Vervain attract many kinds of long-tongued and short-tongued bees, including honey bees, bumblebees, cuckoo bees (Triepeolus spp.), digger bees (Melissodes spp.), Halictid bees, and dagger bees (Calliopsis spp.), including the oligolectic Verbena Bee (Calliopsis verbenae). These bees seek primarily nectar, although some species collect pollen. Other floral visitors include Sphecid wasps, Vespid wasps, Syrphid flies, bee flies (Exoprosopa spp.), thick-headed flies (Physocephala spp.), small butterflies, skippers, and moths (Robertson, 1929). Other insects feed on the leaves and other parts of Blue Vervain and other Verbena spp. Examples of such insects include both adults and larvae of a flea beetle (Longitarsus suspectus), larvae of the Vervain Leaf Midge (Clinodiplosis verbenae), the Verbena Aphid (Macrosiphum verbenae), leaf-eating larvae of the Verbena Moth (Crambodes talidiformis), and larvae of the Verbena Bud Moth (Endothenia hebesana); see Clark et al. (2004), Felt (1917), Thomas (1877), Covell (1984/2005), and Miller (1987). Mammalian herbivores usually avoid eating this plant because of its bitter leaves – an exception is the Cottontail Rabbit, which may eat the foliage of young plants to a limited extent. Also, various songbirds occasionally eat the seeds, including the Cardinal, Swamp Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow, and Slate-Colored Junco (Martin et al., 1951/1961). Experimental studies have shown that these seeds can pass undamaged through the digestive tracts of cattle, therefore they are probably distributed to some extent by these seed-eating birds.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The flowers are often a pretty shade of blue-violet, but they are small in size. Among the various Verbena spp. in Illinois, Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata) is easy to identify because it is the only vervain with elegant spikes of flowers in this color range. Other Verbena spp. within the state, excluding introduced cultivated species, have white, pink, or lavender flowers.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月10日
Description: This herbaceous perennial wildflower is ½–2½' tall, branching occasionally. The stems are light green, terete, glabrous, and rather stout; sometimes there is a ring of purple where pairs of leaves join the stem. The opposite leaves are up to 4" long and 1½" across; they are lanceolate, elliptic, oblanceolate, or ovate in shape and either smooth or serrated along their margins. The leaf bases are sessile or clasp the stem. The upper surfaces of the leaves are medium green and hairless, while their lower surfaces are pale to medium green and hairless. Both axillary and terminal racemes of flowers are produced; individual racemes have 20-65 flowers and they are 2-6" long.
Individual flowers span about ¼" across, consisting of a green calyx with 4 lanceolate teeth, a pale blue or lavender corolla with 4 petaloid lobes, 2 stamens, and a pistil with a single style. Fine dark blue or purple lines radiate from the center of the corolla, which is slightly white or yellowish green. The slender ascending pedicels are about ¼" long. At the base of each pedicel, there is a linear green bract of the same length or a little shorter. The central stalk of each raceme, the pedicels, and the calyces of the flowers are either glabrous or glandular-pubescent. The blooming period occurs from late spring to late summer and lasts about 2-3 months. On each raceme, only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. Each flower is replaced by a 2-celled seed capsule that is about ¼" long, ovoid, slightly flattened, and slightly notched at its apex; the outer surface of the capsule is either glabrous or glandular-pubescent. Each cell of the capsule contains several tiny seeds, which are distributed to some extent by either wind or water. After the fertile shoots die down, they are replaced by sterile shoots during the fall. These sterile shoots consist of low rosettes of oval leaves that taper to winged petioles. The root system is fibrous and either rhizomatous or stoloniferous. This wildflower reproduces vegetatively and sexually.
Stem & LeavesCultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, wet to consistently moist conditions, and soil that is muddy or sandy-gravelly. Shallow running water and occasional submersion from flooding is tolerated. Depending on stage of development and growing conditions, the size of individual plants is rather variable.
Range & Habitat: The native Water Speedwell is occasional in NE Illinois, uncommon in central Illinois, and rare or absent in the southern section of the state (see Distribution Map). This species also occurs in Eurasia; some local populations may consist of introduced Eurasian plants. Habitats consist of various wetlands, including springs and seeps, muddy borders of ponds, temporary pools of water, and ditches.
Faunal Associations: Information is limited. Small bees and flower flies suck nectar from the flowers. The caterpillars of the butterfly Junonia coenia (Buckeye) occasionally feed on the foliage. The foliage is not known to be toxic to either mammalian herbivores or geese.
Photographic Location: Border of a pool of water at Judge Webber Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Because of the small size of its flowers, Water Speedwell is relatively inconspicuous. This is one of the wetland Veronica spp., rather than one of the weedy Veronica spp. that are found in lawns and along roadsides. Because of the variations of local populations across its wide distribution, Water Speedwell has an unstable taxonomic history. Some authorities refer to this species as Veronica catenata, Veronica comosa, and other scientific names. Because it is not uncommon to find specimens with mixed characteristics and there is a lack of consensus among authorities, these postulated species have been lumped together as variations of Veronica anagallis-aquatica. Water Speedwell differs from other wetland Veronica spp. by the large number of flowers/capsules per raceme (20-65) and its sessile or clasping leaves. It is much larger in size than the weedy Veronica spp. that are found on lawns and roadsides; species in this latter group usually produce individual flowers from the axils of the leaves, rather than racemes of numerous flowers.
Individual flowers span about ¼" across, consisting of a green calyx with 4 lanceolate teeth, a pale blue or lavender corolla with 4 petaloid lobes, 2 stamens, and a pistil with a single style. Fine dark blue or purple lines radiate from the center of the corolla, which is slightly white or yellowish green. The slender ascending pedicels are about ¼" long. At the base of each pedicel, there is a linear green bract of the same length or a little shorter. The central stalk of each raceme, the pedicels, and the calyces of the flowers are either glabrous or glandular-pubescent. The blooming period occurs from late spring to late summer and lasts about 2-3 months. On each raceme, only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. Each flower is replaced by a 2-celled seed capsule that is about ¼" long, ovoid, slightly flattened, and slightly notched at its apex; the outer surface of the capsule is either glabrous or glandular-pubescent. Each cell of the capsule contains several tiny seeds, which are distributed to some extent by either wind or water. After the fertile shoots die down, they are replaced by sterile shoots during the fall. These sterile shoots consist of low rosettes of oval leaves that taper to winged petioles. The root system is fibrous and either rhizomatous or stoloniferous. This wildflower reproduces vegetatively and sexually.
Stem & LeavesCultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, wet to consistently moist conditions, and soil that is muddy or sandy-gravelly. Shallow running water and occasional submersion from flooding is tolerated. Depending on stage of development and growing conditions, the size of individual plants is rather variable.
Range & Habitat: The native Water Speedwell is occasional in NE Illinois, uncommon in central Illinois, and rare or absent in the southern section of the state (see Distribution Map). This species also occurs in Eurasia; some local populations may consist of introduced Eurasian plants. Habitats consist of various wetlands, including springs and seeps, muddy borders of ponds, temporary pools of water, and ditches.
Faunal Associations: Information is limited. Small bees and flower flies suck nectar from the flowers. The caterpillars of the butterfly Junonia coenia (Buckeye) occasionally feed on the foliage. The foliage is not known to be toxic to either mammalian herbivores or geese.
Photographic Location: Border of a pool of water at Judge Webber Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Because of the small size of its flowers, Water Speedwell is relatively inconspicuous. This is one of the wetland Veronica spp., rather than one of the weedy Veronica spp. that are found in lawns and along roadsides. Because of the variations of local populations across its wide distribution, Water Speedwell has an unstable taxonomic history. Some authorities refer to this species as Veronica catenata, Veronica comosa, and other scientific names. Because it is not uncommon to find specimens with mixed characteristics and there is a lack of consensus among authorities, these postulated species have been lumped together as variations of Veronica anagallis-aquatica. Water Speedwell differs from other wetland Veronica spp. by the large number of flowers/capsules per raceme (20-65) and its sessile or clasping leaves. It is much larger in size than the weedy Veronica spp. that are found on lawns and roadsides; species in this latter group usually produce individual flowers from the axils of the leaves, rather than racemes of numerous flowers.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月10日
Description: This herbaceous perennial wildflower is 8-24" tall and either unbranched or sparingly branched. The stems are erect, ascending, or sprawling; they are terete to slightly angular, light green to pale gray-red, and usually hairless. Pairs of opposite leaves about 1-3" long and 1/8–3/8" (3-10 mm.) across occur at intervals along the stems. These leaves are linear to linear-lanceolate, smooth or remotely toothed along their margins, and usually hairless; they clasp the stems. The upper surface of each leaf is hairless, medium green, and sometimes tinted purple.
Ascending to widely spreading racemes of 8-20 flowers develop from the axils of the middle to upper leaves; sometimes a single leaf in a pair of these leaves will fail to develop a raceme, forming a secondary leafy shoot instead. At maturity, these racemes are as long or longer than the leaves. The central stem and pedicels of each raceme are light green, slender, terete, and hairless (or nearly so). The pedicels are ½–¾" long. At the base of each pedicel, there is a linear leafy bract that is shorter than the pedicel. The flowers are ¼" across or a little wider, consisting of a pale blue or white corolla with 4 petal-like lobes, a short light green calyx with 4 lanceolate teeth, 2 stamens, and a pistil with a single style. Fine blue lines radiate from the throat of each corolla. The blooming period occurs from late spring to to early fall, lasting several months. For each plant, only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. The flowers are replaced by seed capsules about ¼" across that are heart-shaped and flattened; they are slightly more wide than tall. Each seed capsule has 2 cells; each cell has several tiny seeds. The root systemDistribution Map is rhizomatous or stoloniferous, forming vegetative offsets.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, wet to moist conditions, and soil with some organic matter to retain moisture. Temporary flooding is readily tolerated. This boreal species prefers cool moist weather.
Range & Habitat: The native Marsh Speedwell is uncommon and state-listed as 'threatened.' It has been found in only a few counties in central and NE Illinois. Illinois lies along the southern range-limit for this species. In addition to North America, it also occurs in Eurasia. Habitats include marshes, wet meadows, low areas along springs, low muddy areas along ponds, and swamps.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about floral-faunal relationships for this and other Veronica spp. The flowers are visited by small bees and flies, which seek primarily nectar. The caterpillars of the butterfly Junonia coenia (Buckeye) feed on the foliage of Veronica spp. The foliage is not known to be toxic to mammalian herbivores or geese, and it may be eaten occasionally by them.
Photographic Location: The photograph was taken at a nature preserve in Cook County, Illinois, by Lisa Culp (Copyright © 2009).
Comments: Other common names of Veronica scutellata are Skullcap Speedwell and Narrow-Leaved Speedwell. This delicate wildflower is somewhat similar to Water Speedwell (Veronica anagallis-aquatica) and American Brooklime (Veronica americana); these species occupy similar wetland habitats and bloom at about the same time of year. Marsh Speedwell differs from the latter two species by its narrow leaves (less than ½" across). These native species should not be confused with introduced Veronica spp. that are weedy annuals. Species in this latter group prefer drier disturbed areas and they tend to be smaller in size with much shorter leaves.
Ascending to widely spreading racemes of 8-20 flowers develop from the axils of the middle to upper leaves; sometimes a single leaf in a pair of these leaves will fail to develop a raceme, forming a secondary leafy shoot instead. At maturity, these racemes are as long or longer than the leaves. The central stem and pedicels of each raceme are light green, slender, terete, and hairless (or nearly so). The pedicels are ½–¾" long. At the base of each pedicel, there is a linear leafy bract that is shorter than the pedicel. The flowers are ¼" across or a little wider, consisting of a pale blue or white corolla with 4 petal-like lobes, a short light green calyx with 4 lanceolate teeth, 2 stamens, and a pistil with a single style. Fine blue lines radiate from the throat of each corolla. The blooming period occurs from late spring to to early fall, lasting several months. For each plant, only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. The flowers are replaced by seed capsules about ¼" across that are heart-shaped and flattened; they are slightly more wide than tall. Each seed capsule has 2 cells; each cell has several tiny seeds. The root systemDistribution Map is rhizomatous or stoloniferous, forming vegetative offsets.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, wet to moist conditions, and soil with some organic matter to retain moisture. Temporary flooding is readily tolerated. This boreal species prefers cool moist weather.
Range & Habitat: The native Marsh Speedwell is uncommon and state-listed as 'threatened.' It has been found in only a few counties in central and NE Illinois. Illinois lies along the southern range-limit for this species. In addition to North America, it also occurs in Eurasia. Habitats include marshes, wet meadows, low areas along springs, low muddy areas along ponds, and swamps.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about floral-faunal relationships for this and other Veronica spp. The flowers are visited by small bees and flies, which seek primarily nectar. The caterpillars of the butterfly Junonia coenia (Buckeye) feed on the foliage of Veronica spp. The foliage is not known to be toxic to mammalian herbivores or geese, and it may be eaten occasionally by them.
Photographic Location: The photograph was taken at a nature preserve in Cook County, Illinois, by Lisa Culp (Copyright © 2009).
Comments: Other common names of Veronica scutellata are Skullcap Speedwell and Narrow-Leaved Speedwell. This delicate wildflower is somewhat similar to Water Speedwell (Veronica anagallis-aquatica) and American Brooklime (Veronica americana); these species occupy similar wetland habitats and bloom at about the same time of year. Marsh Speedwell differs from the latter two species by its narrow leaves (less than ½" across). These native species should not be confused with introduced Veronica spp. that are weedy annuals. Species in this latter group prefer drier disturbed areas and they tend to be smaller in size with much shorter leaves.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月08日
Description: This plant is a summer annual about 1-4½' tall, branching occasionally. The stems are light green to purple, more or less terete, and glabrous. Leaves are usually opposite, although some of the uppermost leaves may be alternate. The leaf blades are 2-6" long and ½-1½" across; they are lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate and coarsely serrated along their margins; some of the lower leaves often have 1-2 smaller basal lobes. The upper blade surface is medium green and glabrous, while the lower blade surface is pale-medium green and glabrous. During the autumn, the leaf blades often become purplish green or purple. The petioles are up to 2" long and usually narrow, although some of them may be partially winged.
The upper stems terminate in 1-3 flowerheads each on peduncles about ½-4" long. The peduncles are light green or purplish green, more or less terete, and glabrous. Each flowerhead spans ½-1¼" across (excluding the leafy bracts), consisting of numerous disk florets and usually no ray florets. When ray florets occur, they are insignificant and few in number. The corollas of the disk florets are yellow to orange, narrowly tubular in shape, and about 3 mm. (1/8") long; each corolla has 4-5 recurved to ascending lobes along its upper rim. The disk florets are perfect, while the ray florets, if they are present, are sterile. Surrounding the disk florets are about 8 floral bracts (phyllaries) that are yellowish brown or yellowish black, ovate in shape, and glabrous; they are about 6 mm. (¼") long. Originating from below both the disk florets and floral bracts, but spreading outward, there are 3-8 leafy bracts about ½-1½" long. The leafy bracts are green, glabrous, and oblanceolate, elliptic, or oblong in shape. The blooming period occurs from late summer into the fall, lasting about 1-2 months. The disk florets are replaced by awned achenes that are about 5-6 mm. in length (excluding the awns), oblanceolate in shape, and somewhat flattened. At the apex of each achene, there are 4 barbed awns consisting of two longer outer awns (about 4 mm. in length) and two shorter inner awns (about 2 mm. in length). However, because the 2 inner awns are fragile and often become detached, some achenes will have only 2-3 awns (or even less, should the outer awns become detached). The root system consists of a shallow branching taproot. This plant reproduces by reseeding itself, occasionally forming colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to moderate shade and wet to moist conditions. Various types of soil are tolerated, including those that contain loam, silt, and clay. This plant is somewhat weedy.
Range & Habitat: The native Purple-Stemmed Tickseed is occasional in the northern half of Illinois, becoming uncommon or absent in the southern half of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats consist of marshes, muddy areas of seasonal wetlands, streambanks, swamps, and ditches. Areas with a history of disturbance from flooding or other causes are preferred.
Faunal Associations: Robertson (1929) observed bumblebees sucking nectar from the flowerheads of Purple-Stemmed Tickseed. It is also likely that Halictid bees and miscellaneous flies also visit the flowerheads for nectar or pollen. The following aphids suck plant juices from this and other Bidens spp.: Aphis coreopsidis, Pemphigus tartareus, and Uroleucon chrysanthemi. The following leaf beetles feed on these plants and similar members of the Aster family: Calligrapha bidenticola, Calligrapha californica, and Calligrapha elegans. Other insects include foliage-consuming caterpillars of the butterfly Nathalis iole (Dainty Sulphur) and flowerhead-consuming larvae of the fruit fly Icterica seriata. The caterpillars of several moths feed on the foliage, feed on the flowerheads, or bore through the stems of Bidens spp. These species include Cirrhophanus triangulifer (Goldenrod Stowaway), Condica confederate (The Confederate), Condica mobilis (Mobile Groundling), and Epiblema otiosana (Bidens Borer Moth). Some vertebrate animals also feed on these plants. Such turtles as Chelydra serpentina (Snapping Turtle), Chrysemys picta (Painted Turtle), and Emys blandingii (Blanding's Turtle) eat the foliage or seeds (Ernst et al., 1994; Lagler, 1943). Several ducks, upland gamebirds, and granivorous songbirds also eat the seeds, including such species as the Wood Duck, Mallard, Black Duck, Wild Turkey, Ring-Necked Pheasant, Greater Prairie Chicken, Bobwhite Quail, Purple Finch, Common Redpoll, Swamp Sparrow, Pine Grosbeak, and Eastern Goldfinch (Martin et al., 1951/1961; Eastman, 2003). The foliage is eaten by the White-Tailed Deer and Cottontail Rabbit, although it is not a preferred source of food. Because the barbed awns of the achenes can cling to the fur of animals and the clothing of humans, they can be carried considerable distances to new locations.
Photographic Location: A shaded streambank at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This plant and other Bidens spp. are occasionally parasitized by various Cuscuta spp. (Dodders); the latter are vine-like plants without chlorophyll that often occur in wetlands. Because its ray florets are insignificant or absent, Purple-Stemmed Tickseed is one of the less showy species in this genus. It is relatively easy to confuse this species with other species in this genus that share this characteristic. In particular, Bidens comosa (Leafy-Bracted Tickseed) is similar in appearance. This latter species can be distinguished by the shorter petioles of its leaves (which are often winged), its longer leafy bracts (up to 2½" long), and the yellowish color of its stems. In addition, the corollas of the disk florets for this species have 4 lobes more often than 5 lobes, while the reverse is true for Purple-Stemmed Tickseed. The achenes of Purple-Stemmed Tickseed are also distinct: each of its achenes has 2 long outer awns and 2 short inner awns, although these awns (particularly the inner ones) often break off.
The upper stems terminate in 1-3 flowerheads each on peduncles about ½-4" long. The peduncles are light green or purplish green, more or less terete, and glabrous. Each flowerhead spans ½-1¼" across (excluding the leafy bracts), consisting of numerous disk florets and usually no ray florets. When ray florets occur, they are insignificant and few in number. The corollas of the disk florets are yellow to orange, narrowly tubular in shape, and about 3 mm. (1/8") long; each corolla has 4-5 recurved to ascending lobes along its upper rim. The disk florets are perfect, while the ray florets, if they are present, are sterile. Surrounding the disk florets are about 8 floral bracts (phyllaries) that are yellowish brown or yellowish black, ovate in shape, and glabrous; they are about 6 mm. (¼") long. Originating from below both the disk florets and floral bracts, but spreading outward, there are 3-8 leafy bracts about ½-1½" long. The leafy bracts are green, glabrous, and oblanceolate, elliptic, or oblong in shape. The blooming period occurs from late summer into the fall, lasting about 1-2 months. The disk florets are replaced by awned achenes that are about 5-6 mm. in length (excluding the awns), oblanceolate in shape, and somewhat flattened. At the apex of each achene, there are 4 barbed awns consisting of two longer outer awns (about 4 mm. in length) and two shorter inner awns (about 2 mm. in length). However, because the 2 inner awns are fragile and often become detached, some achenes will have only 2-3 awns (or even less, should the outer awns become detached). The root system consists of a shallow branching taproot. This plant reproduces by reseeding itself, occasionally forming colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to moderate shade and wet to moist conditions. Various types of soil are tolerated, including those that contain loam, silt, and clay. This plant is somewhat weedy.
Range & Habitat: The native Purple-Stemmed Tickseed is occasional in the northern half of Illinois, becoming uncommon or absent in the southern half of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats consist of marshes, muddy areas of seasonal wetlands, streambanks, swamps, and ditches. Areas with a history of disturbance from flooding or other causes are preferred.
Faunal Associations: Robertson (1929) observed bumblebees sucking nectar from the flowerheads of Purple-Stemmed Tickseed. It is also likely that Halictid bees and miscellaneous flies also visit the flowerheads for nectar or pollen. The following aphids suck plant juices from this and other Bidens spp.: Aphis coreopsidis, Pemphigus tartareus, and Uroleucon chrysanthemi. The following leaf beetles feed on these plants and similar members of the Aster family: Calligrapha bidenticola, Calligrapha californica, and Calligrapha elegans. Other insects include foliage-consuming caterpillars of the butterfly Nathalis iole (Dainty Sulphur) and flowerhead-consuming larvae of the fruit fly Icterica seriata. The caterpillars of several moths feed on the foliage, feed on the flowerheads, or bore through the stems of Bidens spp. These species include Cirrhophanus triangulifer (Goldenrod Stowaway), Condica confederate (The Confederate), Condica mobilis (Mobile Groundling), and Epiblema otiosana (Bidens Borer Moth). Some vertebrate animals also feed on these plants. Such turtles as Chelydra serpentina (Snapping Turtle), Chrysemys picta (Painted Turtle), and Emys blandingii (Blanding's Turtle) eat the foliage or seeds (Ernst et al., 1994; Lagler, 1943). Several ducks, upland gamebirds, and granivorous songbirds also eat the seeds, including such species as the Wood Duck, Mallard, Black Duck, Wild Turkey, Ring-Necked Pheasant, Greater Prairie Chicken, Bobwhite Quail, Purple Finch, Common Redpoll, Swamp Sparrow, Pine Grosbeak, and Eastern Goldfinch (Martin et al., 1951/1961; Eastman, 2003). The foliage is eaten by the White-Tailed Deer and Cottontail Rabbit, although it is not a preferred source of food. Because the barbed awns of the achenes can cling to the fur of animals and the clothing of humans, they can be carried considerable distances to new locations.
Photographic Location: A shaded streambank at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This plant and other Bidens spp. are occasionally parasitized by various Cuscuta spp. (Dodders); the latter are vine-like plants without chlorophyll that often occur in wetlands. Because its ray florets are insignificant or absent, Purple-Stemmed Tickseed is one of the less showy species in this genus. It is relatively easy to confuse this species with other species in this genus that share this characteristic. In particular, Bidens comosa (Leafy-Bracted Tickseed) is similar in appearance. This latter species can be distinguished by the shorter petioles of its leaves (which are often winged), its longer leafy bracts (up to 2½" long), and the yellowish color of its stems. In addition, the corollas of the disk florets for this species have 4 lobes more often than 5 lobes, while the reverse is true for Purple-Stemmed Tickseed. The achenes of Purple-Stemmed Tickseed are also distinct: each of its achenes has 2 long outer awns and 2 short inner awns, although these awns (particularly the inner ones) often break off.
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