成长记
Shami
2018年04月16日
7 of these pots are the poppies along with 3 pots of sunflowers. 🌻 I used soilless medium in planting them.
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Miss Chen
2018年04月06日
Description: This perennial wildflower is 4-12" tall; it is branched at the base and often branched above. The ascending to erect stems are light to medium green, hairy, and terete. Alternate trifoliate leaves occur at intervals along the stems. The leaflets are ½-1½" long and 4-8 mm. across; they are elliptic in shape, while their margins are entire (smooth) and ciliate. The upper leaflet surface is medium green and glabrous to sparsely short-pubescent, while the lower leaflet surface is light green and sparsely short-pubescent. The petioles of the trifoliate leaves are up to ¼" long, light green, and hairy. The base of each petiole and a portion of the adjacent stem are surrounded by a pair of of green to brown stipules; each stipule tapers to a ciliate beak. The terminal leaflets have petiolules (basal stalklets) up to ¼" long, while the lateral leaflets are sessile (or nearly so). Leaf venation is pinnate; the veins along the upper leaflet surfaces often appear to be shiny. The flowers are produced individually (rare in clusters) from the axils of the leaves. The pedicels of the flowers are up to ¼" long. Each flower has 5 yellow petals, a light green calyx with 4-5 lobes, and the enclosed reproductive organs. The petals are arranged in a pea-like floral structure, consisting of a large banner, a pair of forward-projecting wings, and an enclosed keel. The flowers are oriented either laterally (with erect banners) or they are held erect (with the banners at the bottom).
The blooming period occurs from late spring to late summer, lasting about 1½-3 months. Only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. The flowers are replaced by small seedpods consisting of two segments: the first segment is infertile and stipe-like in shape, while the second segment contains a single seed. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, mesic to dry conditions, and a somewhat acidic infertile soil where there is reduced competition from other kinds of ground vegetation.
Range & Habitat: The native Pencil Flower is fairly common in southern Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is rare or absent (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the northern range limit of this species. Habitats consist of upland rocky woodlands, bluffs, upland savannas, sandstone glades, prairies, and fields. Pencil Flower occurs in both higher quality natural areas and disturbed areas, especially where sandstone is close to the ground surface.
Faunal Associations: The flowers of Pencil Flower are cross-pollinated primarily by bees (Robertson, 1929). This is one of the host plants of a leaf beetle, Sumitrosis ancoroides. The foliage is highly palatable to hoofed mammalian herbivores (Banta & Thro, 1995).
Photographic Location: An upland rocky woodland in southern Illinois.
Comments: Because it produces relatively few flowers at the same time and it is relatively small in size, Pencil Flower is fairly easy to overlook. It can be distinguished from similar species in the Bean family by the shiny veins on its leaves, stipules with beak-like ciliate tips, and asymmetrical seedpods (a narrow infertile segment followed by a broader fertile segment). There is some variability of this species across its range in regards to the hairiness of its stems, the erectness of its stems, whether flowers are produced individually or in small groups, etc. At the present time, these are regarded as variations of a single polymorphic species.
The blooming period occurs from late spring to late summer, lasting about 1½-3 months. Only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. The flowers are replaced by small seedpods consisting of two segments: the first segment is infertile and stipe-like in shape, while the second segment contains a single seed. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, mesic to dry conditions, and a somewhat acidic infertile soil where there is reduced competition from other kinds of ground vegetation.
Range & Habitat: The native Pencil Flower is fairly common in southern Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is rare or absent (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the northern range limit of this species. Habitats consist of upland rocky woodlands, bluffs, upland savannas, sandstone glades, prairies, and fields. Pencil Flower occurs in both higher quality natural areas and disturbed areas, especially where sandstone is close to the ground surface.
Faunal Associations: The flowers of Pencil Flower are cross-pollinated primarily by bees (Robertson, 1929). This is one of the host plants of a leaf beetle, Sumitrosis ancoroides. The foliage is highly palatable to hoofed mammalian herbivores (Banta & Thro, 1995).
Photographic Location: An upland rocky woodland in southern Illinois.
Comments: Because it produces relatively few flowers at the same time and it is relatively small in size, Pencil Flower is fairly easy to overlook. It can be distinguished from similar species in the Bean family by the shiny veins on its leaves, stipules with beak-like ciliate tips, and asymmetrical seedpods (a narrow infertile segment followed by a broader fertile segment). There is some variability of this species across its range in regards to the hairiness of its stems, the erectness of its stems, whether flowers are produced individually or in small groups, etc. At the present time, these are regarded as variations of a single polymorphic species.
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Miss Chen
2018年04月05日
Description: This perennial herbaceous plant is 1¼–4' tall, producing either solitary or multiple leafy stems from the same root system. The stems are light green, reddish green, or light to medium brown; they are terete and sparsely to moderately short-pubescent. Abundant alternate leaves occur along each stem that become gradually smaller in size as they ascend. The leaf blades are 1-4" long and ¼–1" across; they are elliptic to broadly elliptic, or lanceolate-elliptic, or oblanceolate-elliptic in shape. The margins of leaf blades are entire (toothless) to slightly toothed toward their tips and they are short-ciliate. The upper blade surface is yellowish green or medium green and sparsely covered with minute stiff hairs, providing it with a slightly rough texture; the lower blade surface is light to medium green and glabrous to short-pubescent along the major veins. The leaf blades are either sessile or they have short petioles. Each stem terminates in a cylindrical panicle of flowerheads about 4-10" long. The branches and peduncles of the panicle are light green and more or less covered with short hairs that are usually glandular. Leafy bracts up to 1" long and ¼" across occur along these branches and at the bases of peduncles; these bracts are similar in appearance to the leaves, except they are smaller in size. Individual flowerheads are about 6 mm. (¼") long and 3-4 mm. across.
Each flowerhead has 5-10 ray florets that surround a dense head of 8-20 disk florets. The ray florets are pistillate (female), while the disk florets are perfect (both male and female). The spreading petaloid rays of the flowerhead are golden yellow and narrowly oblong in shape. The tubular corollas of the disk florets are yellow and they have 5 narrow lobes along their upper rims. The base of each flowerhead has a cylindrical urn-shape that is tapered at its base; it is surrounded by phyllaries (floral bracts) in about 4 overlapping series. The phyllaries are light green, linear-lanceolate in shape, and either minutely pubescent or glandular-pubescent (usually the latter); these phyllaries are strongly recurved toward their tips. The blooming period occurs from late summer to mid-autumn, lasting about 3-4 weeks. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by achenes with small tufts of hair; they are distributed by the wind. The bodies of these achenes are about 3 mm. long, bullet-shaped, and either glabrous or slightly short-pubescent. The root system is fibrous and sometimes long-rhizomatous; an older plant usually develops a swollen caudex. This plant spreads by reseeding itself or it can form clonal offspring from rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, mesic to dry conditions, and a somewhat acidic soil containing rocky material or sand. This plant will adapt to cultivation, however it may require staking to prevent it from toppling over.
Range & Habitat: Downy Ragged Goldenrod is native to southern Illinois, where it is uncommon, while elsewhere within the state it is absent (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the northern range-limit of this plant; it occurs primarily in south-central and southeast USA. Habitats include upland woodlands, upland savannas, thinly wooded rocky bluffs, thickets, glades with acidic bedrock, and rocky prairies. In the wooded habitats where this plant occurs, they are typically dominated by oaks and hickories. Outside of Illinois, Downy Ragged Goldenrod also occurs in sandy mixed woodlands (where both hardwood deciduous trees and conifers are present). This plant is normally found in high quality natural areas. Occasional wildfires are probably beneficial in maintaining its populations.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about the floral-faunal relationships of Downy Ragged Goldenrod specifically. This goldenrod is a significant source of nectar for migrating Monarch butterflies in Arkansas (Rudolph et al., 2006) and the larvae of a leaf beetle, Microrhopala excavata, mine its leaves (Clark et al., 2004). For goldenrods (Solidago spp.) in general, the nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract a wide variety of insects, including honeybees, bumblebees, little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), leaf-cutter bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees, masked bees (Hylaeus spp.), Andrenid bees, wasps, Syrphid flies and other flies, butterflies, skippers, and beetles. Several Andrenid bees are oligoleges (specialist pollinators) of goldenrods; this includes Andrena hirticincta, Andrena nubecula, Andrena placata, Andrena simplex, and Andrena solidaginis. In addition, a plasterer bee, Colletes simulans armata, is an oligolege of goldenrods. A wide variety of insects feed destructively on the foliage, flowerheads, stems, roots, and plant juices of various goldenrods. These species include leaf beetles (Microrhopala spp., Ophraella spp., Trirhabda spp.), larvae of leaf-miner flies (Calycomyza spp.), larvae of gall flies (Asteromyia spp., Rhopalomyia spp.), plant bugs (Lygus spp., Polymerus spp., Slaterocoris spp.), Corythucha marmorata (Goldenrod Lace Bug), aphids (Uroleucon spp.), treehoppers (Stictocephala spp.), Aonidomytilus solidaginis (Goldenrod Scale), larvae of Gelechiid moths (Dichomeris spp.), larvae of Schinia nundina (Goldenrod Flower Moth) and other Noctuid moths, larvae of Tortricid moths (Epiblema spp., Eucosma spp., Phaneta spp.), and grasshoppers (Melanoplus spp.); see Clark et al. (2004), Spencer & Steyskal (1986), Felt (1917), Aldrich & Osten-Sacken (1905), Knight (1941), Watson (1928), Wheeler et al. (1983), Cranshaw (2004), Hottes & Frison (1931), Blackman & Eastop (2013), Dennis (1952), Covell (1984/2005), Miller (1987), and Vickery & Kevan (1985) for more information. Vertebrate animals use goldenrods as a source of food to a more limited extent. The seeds of these plants are eaten by such birds as the Indigo Bunting, American Goldfinch, Slate-colored Junco, and Tree Sparrow; the Greater Prairie Chicken feeds on the foliage and flowerheads (DeVore et al., 2004; Martin et al., 1951/1961; Yeatter, 1943). Occasionally, the White-tailed Deer and Cottontail Rabbit also feed on the young foliage of goldenrods (Sotala & Kirkpatrick, 1973; Martin et al., 1951/1961). These plants are a source of food for the Prairie Vole (Cole & Batzli, 1979) and probably other voles.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Sometimes this species is called 'Downy Goldenrod.' There is some variability in the width of leaves, presence of teeth on the leaves, abundance of pubescence, and presence of glandular hairs on this goldenrod across its range. Downy Ragged Goldenrod (Solidago petiolaris) is easy to identify in Illinois because of the recurved phyllaries (floral bracts) of its flowerheads; this is the only goldenrod within the state that has this characteristic, and it is rare among goldenrods (Solidago spp.) elsewhere. One species with this characteristic is Stout Goldenrod (Solidago squarrosa). This latter species is found primarily in northeastern United States. Stout Goldenrod has larger lower leaves than Downy Ragged Goldenrod (Solidago petiolaris), and its lower leaves have more teeth. Overall, it is a less hairy plant than Downy Ragged Goldenrod. The remaining goldenrod with recurved phyllaries, Wright's Goldenrod (Solidago wrightii), is difficult to distinguish from Downy Ragged Goldenrod. Because Wright's Goldenrod occurs some distance away in the southwestern area of the United States, it won't be considered any further.
Each flowerhead has 5-10 ray florets that surround a dense head of 8-20 disk florets. The ray florets are pistillate (female), while the disk florets are perfect (both male and female). The spreading petaloid rays of the flowerhead are golden yellow and narrowly oblong in shape. The tubular corollas of the disk florets are yellow and they have 5 narrow lobes along their upper rims. The base of each flowerhead has a cylindrical urn-shape that is tapered at its base; it is surrounded by phyllaries (floral bracts) in about 4 overlapping series. The phyllaries are light green, linear-lanceolate in shape, and either minutely pubescent or glandular-pubescent (usually the latter); these phyllaries are strongly recurved toward their tips. The blooming period occurs from late summer to mid-autumn, lasting about 3-4 weeks. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by achenes with small tufts of hair; they are distributed by the wind. The bodies of these achenes are about 3 mm. long, bullet-shaped, and either glabrous or slightly short-pubescent. The root system is fibrous and sometimes long-rhizomatous; an older plant usually develops a swollen caudex. This plant spreads by reseeding itself or it can form clonal offspring from rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, mesic to dry conditions, and a somewhat acidic soil containing rocky material or sand. This plant will adapt to cultivation, however it may require staking to prevent it from toppling over.
Range & Habitat: Downy Ragged Goldenrod is native to southern Illinois, where it is uncommon, while elsewhere within the state it is absent (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the northern range-limit of this plant; it occurs primarily in south-central and southeast USA. Habitats include upland woodlands, upland savannas, thinly wooded rocky bluffs, thickets, glades with acidic bedrock, and rocky prairies. In the wooded habitats where this plant occurs, they are typically dominated by oaks and hickories. Outside of Illinois, Downy Ragged Goldenrod also occurs in sandy mixed woodlands (where both hardwood deciduous trees and conifers are present). This plant is normally found in high quality natural areas. Occasional wildfires are probably beneficial in maintaining its populations.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about the floral-faunal relationships of Downy Ragged Goldenrod specifically. This goldenrod is a significant source of nectar for migrating Monarch butterflies in Arkansas (Rudolph et al., 2006) and the larvae of a leaf beetle, Microrhopala excavata, mine its leaves (Clark et al., 2004). For goldenrods (Solidago spp.) in general, the nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract a wide variety of insects, including honeybees, bumblebees, little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), leaf-cutter bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees, masked bees (Hylaeus spp.), Andrenid bees, wasps, Syrphid flies and other flies, butterflies, skippers, and beetles. Several Andrenid bees are oligoleges (specialist pollinators) of goldenrods; this includes Andrena hirticincta, Andrena nubecula, Andrena placata, Andrena simplex, and Andrena solidaginis. In addition, a plasterer bee, Colletes simulans armata, is an oligolege of goldenrods. A wide variety of insects feed destructively on the foliage, flowerheads, stems, roots, and plant juices of various goldenrods. These species include leaf beetles (Microrhopala spp., Ophraella spp., Trirhabda spp.), larvae of leaf-miner flies (Calycomyza spp.), larvae of gall flies (Asteromyia spp., Rhopalomyia spp.), plant bugs (Lygus spp., Polymerus spp., Slaterocoris spp.), Corythucha marmorata (Goldenrod Lace Bug), aphids (Uroleucon spp.), treehoppers (Stictocephala spp.), Aonidomytilus solidaginis (Goldenrod Scale), larvae of Gelechiid moths (Dichomeris spp.), larvae of Schinia nundina (Goldenrod Flower Moth) and other Noctuid moths, larvae of Tortricid moths (Epiblema spp., Eucosma spp., Phaneta spp.), and grasshoppers (Melanoplus spp.); see Clark et al. (2004), Spencer & Steyskal (1986), Felt (1917), Aldrich & Osten-Sacken (1905), Knight (1941), Watson (1928), Wheeler et al. (1983), Cranshaw (2004), Hottes & Frison (1931), Blackman & Eastop (2013), Dennis (1952), Covell (1984/2005), Miller (1987), and Vickery & Kevan (1985) for more information. Vertebrate animals use goldenrods as a source of food to a more limited extent. The seeds of these plants are eaten by such birds as the Indigo Bunting, American Goldfinch, Slate-colored Junco, and Tree Sparrow; the Greater Prairie Chicken feeds on the foliage and flowerheads (DeVore et al., 2004; Martin et al., 1951/1961; Yeatter, 1943). Occasionally, the White-tailed Deer and Cottontail Rabbit also feed on the young foliage of goldenrods (Sotala & Kirkpatrick, 1973; Martin et al., 1951/1961). These plants are a source of food for the Prairie Vole (Cole & Batzli, 1979) and probably other voles.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Sometimes this species is called 'Downy Goldenrod.' There is some variability in the width of leaves, presence of teeth on the leaves, abundance of pubescence, and presence of glandular hairs on this goldenrod across its range. Downy Ragged Goldenrod (Solidago petiolaris) is easy to identify in Illinois because of the recurved phyllaries (floral bracts) of its flowerheads; this is the only goldenrod within the state that has this characteristic, and it is rare among goldenrods (Solidago spp.) elsewhere. One species with this characteristic is Stout Goldenrod (Solidago squarrosa). This latter species is found primarily in northeastern United States. Stout Goldenrod has larger lower leaves than Downy Ragged Goldenrod (Solidago petiolaris), and its lower leaves have more teeth. Overall, it is a less hairy plant than Downy Ragged Goldenrod. The remaining goldenrod with recurved phyllaries, Wright's Goldenrod (Solidago wrightii), is difficult to distinguish from Downy Ragged Goldenrod. Because Wright's Goldenrod occurs some distance away in the southwestern area of the United States, it won't be considered any further.
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Miss Chen
2018年03月30日
Description: This perennial wildflower consists of a pair of basal leaves and a flowering stalk. The basal leaves are 3-6" long and about one-half as much across; they are medium green, glabrous, oval-ovate in shape, slightly succulent, and smooth along their margins. The lower side of each basal leaf is slightly keeled. The inflorescence is an erect raceme about 4-10" tall that bears 5-30 flowers. The central stem of the raceme is light green, hairless, and rather stout. Individual flowers are about ¾–1" across, consisting of 3 sepals, 3 petals, and a short reproductive column. Each sepal is up to ½" long, greenish white, and linear in shape. The 2 lateral petals are up to ½" long, pale purple, filiform (worm-like) in shape, and drooping. The lower petal is the lip of the flower; it is about ½" long, pale purple, obovate in shape with faint purple veins, and either flat or gently curved. Above the base of the lip, there is an incurved reproductive column less than ¼" in length that is greenish.
Each flower has a slender pedicel about ¾" long that is reddish purple and glabrous. At the base of each pedicel, there is a small triangular bract. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer and lasts 3-4 weeks for a colony of plants. The flowers begin to bloom from the bottom of the raceme to its apex. There is no noticeable floral scent. Successfully fertilized flowers produce seed capsules about ½" long or a little longer. Individual capsules are erect on their pedicels; they are ellipsoid with several longitudinal veins. Eventually, they split open to release numerous tiny seeds, which are distributed by the wind. The root system consists of a bulbous corm and slightly fleshy fibrous roots. A new corm develops adjacently to the old corm, from which future flowers and leaves will be produced; the old corm eventually withers away.
Cultivation: Purple Twayblade prefers partial sunlight to light shade and moist to dry-mesic conditions in well-drained areas. This orchid adapts to many soil types, including rich loam, sandy loam, glacial till, and thin rocky soil with a slightly acid pH. To flourish, this orchid and its seeds require the presence of a particular strain of a Rhizoctonia/Tulasnella fungus. Otherwise, it cannot survive.
Range & Habitat: The native Purple Twayblade is widely distributed throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map). Depending on the area, its abundance varies from rare to occasional. Habitats include open upland woodlands, small openings in wooded areas from fallen trees, upland savannas and sandy savannas, sandstone glades and partially shaded cliffs, sparse thickets in barren areas, abandoned shrubby fields, pine plantations (if not too shady), and small meadows in wooded areas. Purple Twayblade is associated with oak-hickory woodlands and mixed woodlands (pines and deciduous trees) in mesic to upland areas. Because excessive shade from canopy trees and shrubs can cause entire colonies of plants to die out, occasional reduction of woody vegetation from wildfires, wind-thrown trees, etc., helps to maintain existing populations of this orchid.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about floral-faunal relationships. If the flowers are not cross-pollinated by insect visitors, they fail to develop seed capsules. Unfortunately, such insect visitors are uncommon and largely unknown at the present time. Charles Robertson observed the Anthomyiid fly Pegoplata juvenalis and the plant bug Lopidea medius (aka Lopidea media) visiting the flowers, but he did not regard them as effective pollinators. Christensen (1994) has suggested that the floral pollinators are flesh flies (Sarcophagidae) because the pale purple color and veins of the flowers may resemble carrion. It is possible that the flowers produce an odor that the relatively insensitive human nose cannot detect. The succulent basal leaves are browsed by both White-Tailed Deer and the Cottontail Rabbit. Where these animals are abundant, populations of this orchid may experience a significant decline from excessive herbivory.
Photographic Location: A small meadow in Vermilion County, Illinois, and a savanna in Champaign County, Illinois.
Comments: The flowers of this small orchid have an unusual spidery appearance. Lacking bright distinctive colors, they have a tendency to blend into the background. Because no other orchid in Illinois closely resembles Purple Twayblade, it is easy to identify. Its nearest relative in the state, Liparis loeselii (Lesser Twayblade), has less showy flowers that are smaller in size, yellow-green, and self-fertile. Instead of Purple Twayblade, other common names of Liparis liliifolia are Large Twayblade and Lily-Leaved Twayblade.
Each flower has a slender pedicel about ¾" long that is reddish purple and glabrous. At the base of each pedicel, there is a small triangular bract. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer and lasts 3-4 weeks for a colony of plants. The flowers begin to bloom from the bottom of the raceme to its apex. There is no noticeable floral scent. Successfully fertilized flowers produce seed capsules about ½" long or a little longer. Individual capsules are erect on their pedicels; they are ellipsoid with several longitudinal veins. Eventually, they split open to release numerous tiny seeds, which are distributed by the wind. The root system consists of a bulbous corm and slightly fleshy fibrous roots. A new corm develops adjacently to the old corm, from which future flowers and leaves will be produced; the old corm eventually withers away.
Cultivation: Purple Twayblade prefers partial sunlight to light shade and moist to dry-mesic conditions in well-drained areas. This orchid adapts to many soil types, including rich loam, sandy loam, glacial till, and thin rocky soil with a slightly acid pH. To flourish, this orchid and its seeds require the presence of a particular strain of a Rhizoctonia/Tulasnella fungus. Otherwise, it cannot survive.
Range & Habitat: The native Purple Twayblade is widely distributed throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map). Depending on the area, its abundance varies from rare to occasional. Habitats include open upland woodlands, small openings in wooded areas from fallen trees, upland savannas and sandy savannas, sandstone glades and partially shaded cliffs, sparse thickets in barren areas, abandoned shrubby fields, pine plantations (if not too shady), and small meadows in wooded areas. Purple Twayblade is associated with oak-hickory woodlands and mixed woodlands (pines and deciduous trees) in mesic to upland areas. Because excessive shade from canopy trees and shrubs can cause entire colonies of plants to die out, occasional reduction of woody vegetation from wildfires, wind-thrown trees, etc., helps to maintain existing populations of this orchid.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about floral-faunal relationships. If the flowers are not cross-pollinated by insect visitors, they fail to develop seed capsules. Unfortunately, such insect visitors are uncommon and largely unknown at the present time. Charles Robertson observed the Anthomyiid fly Pegoplata juvenalis and the plant bug Lopidea medius (aka Lopidea media) visiting the flowers, but he did not regard them as effective pollinators. Christensen (1994) has suggested that the floral pollinators are flesh flies (Sarcophagidae) because the pale purple color and veins of the flowers may resemble carrion. It is possible that the flowers produce an odor that the relatively insensitive human nose cannot detect. The succulent basal leaves are browsed by both White-Tailed Deer and the Cottontail Rabbit. Where these animals are abundant, populations of this orchid may experience a significant decline from excessive herbivory.
Photographic Location: A small meadow in Vermilion County, Illinois, and a savanna in Champaign County, Illinois.
Comments: The flowers of this small orchid have an unusual spidery appearance. Lacking bright distinctive colors, they have a tendency to blend into the background. Because no other orchid in Illinois closely resembles Purple Twayblade, it is easy to identify. Its nearest relative in the state, Liparis loeselii (Lesser Twayblade), has less showy flowers that are smaller in size, yellow-green, and self-fertile. Instead of Purple Twayblade, other common names of Liparis liliifolia are Large Twayblade and Lily-Leaved Twayblade.
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Miss Chen
2018年03月29日
Description: This perennial wildflower is 2½–5' tall, erect, and unbranched. The central stem is medium green, glabrous to short-pubescent, and terete. Numerous alternate leaves are arranged densely around the stem; they are widely spreading. The lower leaves are up to 12" long and 1½" across; they are broadly linear to elliptic oblong in shape. The middle to upper leaves become gradually smaller as they ascend the stem, becoming linear in shape and as little as 3" long. All of the leaves are medium green and their margins are smooth; they are usually hairless, except for their margins, which are often slightly ciliate. The lower leaves usually have petioles, while the middle to upper leaves are sessile. The inflorescence consists of a narrow raceme of flowerheads up to 2' long. The flowerheads begin to bloom from the top of inflorescence, then they gradually bloom below until the bottom is reached. Each inflorescence has 10-40 flowerheads. Each flowerhead is located at the apex of an ascending stalk (peduncle) about ½–3½" long; a stalk may branch to produce 2-3 flowerheads, but this is atypical. At the base of each stalk, there is a sessile leafy bract that resembles the upper leaves. Both the central stalk and lateral stalks of the raceme are short-pubescent.
Individual flowerheads span 1-2" across, consisting of 25-80 pink disk florets and no ray florets. The tubular disk florets have 5 spreading narrow lobes. The bifurcated styles are light pink and strongly exerted from the disk florets, providing the flowerheads with a shaggy appearance. At the base of each flowerhead, there are scale-like floral bracts (phyllaries) that are arranged together in about 5 overlapping series; they are ascending to slightly spreading, but neither recurved nor appressed. Individual floral bracts are oval or obovate in shape and ciliate along their margins; they become dark reddish purple when their flowerheads bloom, otherwise they are dull green. The blooming period occurs from late summer to mid-fall and lasts about 1½ months. The disk florets are replaced by bullet-shaped achenes, which have tufts of barbed tawny hairs. The root system consists of a bulb-like corm with fibrous roots. Vegetative offsets are produced from new corms.
Cultivation: This wildflower can adapt to full or partial sun, moist or mesic conditions, and different kinds of soil, including those that are loamy, sandy, or gravelly. It can tolerate a little more shade than other Liatris spp. (Blazingstars). In the garden, individual plants can become top-heavy during the blooming period and topple over, unless they are tied to stakes.
Range & Habitat: The native Savanna Blazingstar is found in west-central and NE Illinois, where it is rare; in other sections of the state, it is absent (see Distribution Map). This species is state-listed as 'threatened.' Habitats consist of oak savannas and prairies; sometimes these habitats are sandy. In other states, this species is found in rocky glades and savannas with pine trees. Savanna Blazingstar is found in high quality habitats. It is endemic to the Midwest.
Faunal Associations: The flowerheads attract butterflies and skippers primarily, especially Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus). The caterpillars of some oligophagous moths are known to feed on Liatris spp. (Blazingstars). These species include Schinia sanguinea (Bleeding Flower Moth), Schinia gloriosa (Glorious Flower Moth), Papaipema beeriana (Blazingstar Borer Moth), and Carmenta anthracipennis (Liatris Borer Moth). There is also an oligophagous aphid, Aphis laciniariae, that sucks juices from Blazingstars. The foliage is readily eaten by deer, rabbits, groundhogs, cattle, and other mammalian herbivores. Voles sometimes feed on the corms. This wildflower benefits from occasional wildfires as this reduces the encroachment of woody vegetation.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This blazingstar can become quite tall and it produces hefty flowerheads that are larger than those of other Liatris spp. (Blazingstars). It is a very beautiful plant that should be cultivated more often. Sometimes Savanna Blazingstar is considered a distinct species, in which case it is referred to as Liatris nieuwlandii. The typical variety of Liatris scariosa (Northern Blazingstar), is found in areas to the east of Illinois, and there is another variety that is found in New England. Savanna Blazingstar can be distinguished from Liatris aspera (Rough Blazingstar) by the ascending stalks of its flowerheads; the flowerheads of Rough Blazingstar are sessile (or nearly so) and they have fewer disk florets.
Individual flowerheads span 1-2" across, consisting of 25-80 pink disk florets and no ray florets. The tubular disk florets have 5 spreading narrow lobes. The bifurcated styles are light pink and strongly exerted from the disk florets, providing the flowerheads with a shaggy appearance. At the base of each flowerhead, there are scale-like floral bracts (phyllaries) that are arranged together in about 5 overlapping series; they are ascending to slightly spreading, but neither recurved nor appressed. Individual floral bracts are oval or obovate in shape and ciliate along their margins; they become dark reddish purple when their flowerheads bloom, otherwise they are dull green. The blooming period occurs from late summer to mid-fall and lasts about 1½ months. The disk florets are replaced by bullet-shaped achenes, which have tufts of barbed tawny hairs. The root system consists of a bulb-like corm with fibrous roots. Vegetative offsets are produced from new corms.
Cultivation: This wildflower can adapt to full or partial sun, moist or mesic conditions, and different kinds of soil, including those that are loamy, sandy, or gravelly. It can tolerate a little more shade than other Liatris spp. (Blazingstars). In the garden, individual plants can become top-heavy during the blooming period and topple over, unless they are tied to stakes.
Range & Habitat: The native Savanna Blazingstar is found in west-central and NE Illinois, where it is rare; in other sections of the state, it is absent (see Distribution Map). This species is state-listed as 'threatened.' Habitats consist of oak savannas and prairies; sometimes these habitats are sandy. In other states, this species is found in rocky glades and savannas with pine trees. Savanna Blazingstar is found in high quality habitats. It is endemic to the Midwest.
Faunal Associations: The flowerheads attract butterflies and skippers primarily, especially Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus). The caterpillars of some oligophagous moths are known to feed on Liatris spp. (Blazingstars). These species include Schinia sanguinea (Bleeding Flower Moth), Schinia gloriosa (Glorious Flower Moth), Papaipema beeriana (Blazingstar Borer Moth), and Carmenta anthracipennis (Liatris Borer Moth). There is also an oligophagous aphid, Aphis laciniariae, that sucks juices from Blazingstars. The foliage is readily eaten by deer, rabbits, groundhogs, cattle, and other mammalian herbivores. Voles sometimes feed on the corms. This wildflower benefits from occasional wildfires as this reduces the encroachment of woody vegetation.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This blazingstar can become quite tall and it produces hefty flowerheads that are larger than those of other Liatris spp. (Blazingstars). It is a very beautiful plant that should be cultivated more often. Sometimes Savanna Blazingstar is considered a distinct species, in which case it is referred to as Liatris nieuwlandii. The typical variety of Liatris scariosa (Northern Blazingstar), is found in areas to the east of Illinois, and there is another variety that is found in New England. Savanna Blazingstar can be distinguished from Liatris aspera (Rough Blazingstar) by the ascending stalks of its flowerheads; the flowerheads of Rough Blazingstar are sessile (or nearly so) and they have fewer disk florets.
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Miss Chen
2018年03月18日
Description: This perennial wildflower consists of a rosette of basal leaves that produces a single flowering stalk about ½–2' tall. The basal leaves are up to 5" long and 3" across; they are oval to obovate in shape, medium green on their upper surfaces, and bluntly dentate toward their tips. The alternate cauline leaves are smaller in size than the basal leaves; they are oblanceolate to oblong and clasp the flowering stalk. Both the basal and cauline leaves are more or less pubescent, particularly on their undersides.
The stout flowering stalk is terete, conspicuously hairy, and unbranched; it terminates in a corymb of several daisy-like flowerheads (typically 1-6 flowerheads, but sometimes more). Each flowerhead is ¾–1¼" across, consisting of 50-100 ray florets that surround numerous yellow disk florets in the center. The ray florets are usually white, less often they are light pink or light violet. The base of each flowerhead has an outer surface consisting of numerous green bracts (phyllaries); these floral bracts are linear in shape and organized into a single series. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer and lasts about 2-3 weeks. Both the ray and disk florets are fertile, each one producing a single bullet-shaped achene with a tuft of white hairs. These achenes are distributed by the wind. After the blooming period, the flowering stalks die down, but the basal leaves persist. The root system consists of a crown of fibrous roots; rhizomes or stolons are often produced, resulting in small colonies of plants.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight or partial sun and average to dry conditions. Different kinds of soil are acceptable, including those that contain clay-loam, rocky material, or sand. The best site consists of a partially shaded slope under trees where the ground vegetation is somewhat sparse.
Range & Habitat: The native Robin's Plantain is occasional throughout Illinois in suitable habitats, but it is more common in the northern and west-central sections of the state than elsewhere (see Distribution Map). Habitats include open rocky woodlands, wooded sand dunes, slopes of wooded bluffs, savannas and sandy savannas, banks of streams, and clearings in wooded areas. Robin's Plantain is found in less disturbed areas than other species in this genus.
Faunal Associations: The flowerheads attract small bees, various flies, small butterflies, and skippers. These insects seek nectar primarily, although some of the bees also collect pollen. The caterpillars of several moths feed on the flowers of Erigeron spp. (Fleabanes), including Schinia lynx (Lynx Flower Moth), Schinia obscurata (Obscure Flower Moth), Eupithecia miserulata (Common Pug), and Synchlora aerata (Wavy-Lined Emerald). Some aphids that feed on species in this genus include Aphis middletonii (Erigeron Root Aphid) and Prociphilus erigeronensis. The foliage is palatable to mammalian herbivores (rabbits, deer, livestock, etc.), while the seeds are eaten to a limited extent by the White-Footed Mouse and other small rodents.
Photographic Location: The photograph of the flowerheads was taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois, while the photograph of the basal leaves was taken on the slope of a wooded bluff in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: The flowerheads of Robin's Plantain are slightly larger than those of other Erigeron spp. (Fleabanes) and rather showy. Other fleabanes in the state are rather weedy annual or biennial species that lack the basal leaves of Robin's Plantain; they usually bloom a little later during the early summer and can be found in sunny habitats with a history of disturbance.
The stout flowering stalk is terete, conspicuously hairy, and unbranched; it terminates in a corymb of several daisy-like flowerheads (typically 1-6 flowerheads, but sometimes more). Each flowerhead is ¾–1¼" across, consisting of 50-100 ray florets that surround numerous yellow disk florets in the center. The ray florets are usually white, less often they are light pink or light violet. The base of each flowerhead has an outer surface consisting of numerous green bracts (phyllaries); these floral bracts are linear in shape and organized into a single series. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer and lasts about 2-3 weeks. Both the ray and disk florets are fertile, each one producing a single bullet-shaped achene with a tuft of white hairs. These achenes are distributed by the wind. After the blooming period, the flowering stalks die down, but the basal leaves persist. The root system consists of a crown of fibrous roots; rhizomes or stolons are often produced, resulting in small colonies of plants.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight or partial sun and average to dry conditions. Different kinds of soil are acceptable, including those that contain clay-loam, rocky material, or sand. The best site consists of a partially shaded slope under trees where the ground vegetation is somewhat sparse.
Range & Habitat: The native Robin's Plantain is occasional throughout Illinois in suitable habitats, but it is more common in the northern and west-central sections of the state than elsewhere (see Distribution Map). Habitats include open rocky woodlands, wooded sand dunes, slopes of wooded bluffs, savannas and sandy savannas, banks of streams, and clearings in wooded areas. Robin's Plantain is found in less disturbed areas than other species in this genus.
Faunal Associations: The flowerheads attract small bees, various flies, small butterflies, and skippers. These insects seek nectar primarily, although some of the bees also collect pollen. The caterpillars of several moths feed on the flowers of Erigeron spp. (Fleabanes), including Schinia lynx (Lynx Flower Moth), Schinia obscurata (Obscure Flower Moth), Eupithecia miserulata (Common Pug), and Synchlora aerata (Wavy-Lined Emerald). Some aphids that feed on species in this genus include Aphis middletonii (Erigeron Root Aphid) and Prociphilus erigeronensis. The foliage is palatable to mammalian herbivores (rabbits, deer, livestock, etc.), while the seeds are eaten to a limited extent by the White-Footed Mouse and other small rodents.
Photographic Location: The photograph of the flowerheads was taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois, while the photograph of the basal leaves was taken on the slope of a wooded bluff in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: The flowerheads of Robin's Plantain are slightly larger than those of other Erigeron spp. (Fleabanes) and rather showy. Other fleabanes in the state are rather weedy annual or biennial species that lack the basal leaves of Robin's Plantain; they usually bloom a little later during the early summer and can be found in sunny habitats with a history of disturbance.
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Miss Chen
2018年03月08日
Description: This perennial wildflower is 2–3½' tall, branching occasionally. The stems are medium green to brown and sparsely to densely covered with both hooked and straight hairs. Alternate compound leaves occur at intervals along these stems; the structure of the leaves is trifoliate. Each compound leaf has a hairy petiole up to ½" long; at the base of each petiole, there is a pair of tiny deciduous stipules that are linear-lanceolate in shape. Individual leaflets are up to 2½" long and 1¼" across; they are oval to narrowly oval in shape, smooth and slightly ciliate along their margins, and rough-textured. Their upper surfaces are medium green and sparsely covered with short stiff hairs, while their lower surfaces are light green and covered with similar hairs. The terminal leaflet is larger in size than the lateral leaflets; the lateral leaflets have very short petiolules (secondary petioles), while the petiolule of the terminal leaflet is up to ½" long.
The upper stems terminate in either panicles or racemes of flowers about ½–1½' long and about one-third as much across or less. The central stalk of a panicle branches either oppositely or in whorls of 3. Both the central stalk and its lateral branches (if any) are covered with hooked hairs. Individual flowers occur on short pedicels up to ½" long. Each flower is about ¼" long, consisting of 5 pink to rosy pink petals, a very short tubular calyx that is toothed, an ovary with a single style, and several stamens. The flower has a pea-like structure, consisting of an upper banner and two lateral wings that enclose a lower keel. At the base of the banner, there is a small patch of yellow. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts about 1–1½ months. Fertile flowers are replaced by small loments (segmented flat seedpods) about ½–¾" long. Each loment usually consists of 2-3 segments; the lower side of each segment is more rounded than the upper side. Loments have veryDistribution Map short stipes and sometimes terminal beaks; their sides are covered with hooked hairs. Each segment of a loment contains a single seed. The root system consists of a narrow caudex with fibrous roots. This wildflower reproduces by reseeding itself, sometimes forming small colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, dry-mesic conditions, and sandy or rocky soil. Nitrogen is added to the soil through a symbiotic association between the root system and mycorrhizal bacteria.
Range & Habitat: The native Obtuse-Leaved Tick Trefoil occurs in scattered locations in southern, western, and a few other areas in Illinois; it is uncommon within the state. Illinois lies along the NW range limit of this species. Habitats include open sandy woodlands, upland rocky woodlands, sandy savannas, woodland edges, rocky glades, and powerline clearances in sandy or rocky woodlands. Occasional wildfires or other disturbance tends to increase populations of this wildflower in the preceding habitats.
Faunal Associations: The flowers offer only pollen as a reward to insect visitors. These floral visitors consist primarily of bumblebees (Bombus spp.), long-horned bees (Melissodes spp.), and leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.). Other insects feed on the foliage, flowers, seedpods, or plant juices of Desmodium spp. (Tick Trefoil species). These insect feeders include such skipper caterpillars as Achalarus lyciades (Hoary Edge), Thorybes bathyllus (Southern Cloudywing), Thorybes pylades (Northern Cloudywing), and Epargyreus clarus (Silver-Spotted Skipper); the caterpillars of the butterflies Everes comyntas (Eastern Tailed Blue) and Strymon melinus (Gray Hairstreak) also feed on these plants. Other insects feeders include various beetles, stink bugs, aphids, thrips, and moths (see Insect Table for a listing of these species). Among vertebrate animals, the seeds are eaten by some upland gamebirds (Bobwhite, Wild Turkey) and small rodents (White-Footed Mouse, Deer Mouse), while the foliage is browsed by White-Tailed Deer and the Cottontail Rabbit. The foliage is also palatable to cattle, horses, and sheep. The seedpods cling readily to the fur of animals and the clothing of humans; as a result, the seeds are distributed to new locations.
Photographic Location: A sandy savanna at the Hooper Branch Savanna Nature Preserve in Iroquois County, Illinois.
Comments: This is one of several Desmodium spp. (Tick Trefoil species) in Illinois. Many of these species are found in savannas and open woodlands; their small pinkish flowers are very similar to each other. Obtuse-Leaved Tick Trefoil has wider leaflets than most other species in this genus (about 2-3 times as long as they are wide). Other critical features for identification include the following: 1) the stipules are tiny and deciduous, 2) the loments usually consist of only 2-3 segments, 3) the segments of the loments are rounded on both sides, although more so on their lower sides than their upper sides, and 4) the leaflets are relatively large (up to 2½" long and 1¼" across) and rough-textured. Another common name of this species is Stiff Tick Trefoil, which is derived from an obsolete scientific name, Desmodium rigidum.
The upper stems terminate in either panicles or racemes of flowers about ½–1½' long and about one-third as much across or less. The central stalk of a panicle branches either oppositely or in whorls of 3. Both the central stalk and its lateral branches (if any) are covered with hooked hairs. Individual flowers occur on short pedicels up to ½" long. Each flower is about ¼" long, consisting of 5 pink to rosy pink petals, a very short tubular calyx that is toothed, an ovary with a single style, and several stamens. The flower has a pea-like structure, consisting of an upper banner and two lateral wings that enclose a lower keel. At the base of the banner, there is a small patch of yellow. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts about 1–1½ months. Fertile flowers are replaced by small loments (segmented flat seedpods) about ½–¾" long. Each loment usually consists of 2-3 segments; the lower side of each segment is more rounded than the upper side. Loments have veryDistribution Map short stipes and sometimes terminal beaks; their sides are covered with hooked hairs. Each segment of a loment contains a single seed. The root system consists of a narrow caudex with fibrous roots. This wildflower reproduces by reseeding itself, sometimes forming small colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, dry-mesic conditions, and sandy or rocky soil. Nitrogen is added to the soil through a symbiotic association between the root system and mycorrhizal bacteria.
Range & Habitat: The native Obtuse-Leaved Tick Trefoil occurs in scattered locations in southern, western, and a few other areas in Illinois; it is uncommon within the state. Illinois lies along the NW range limit of this species. Habitats include open sandy woodlands, upland rocky woodlands, sandy savannas, woodland edges, rocky glades, and powerline clearances in sandy or rocky woodlands. Occasional wildfires or other disturbance tends to increase populations of this wildflower in the preceding habitats.
Faunal Associations: The flowers offer only pollen as a reward to insect visitors. These floral visitors consist primarily of bumblebees (Bombus spp.), long-horned bees (Melissodes spp.), and leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.). Other insects feed on the foliage, flowers, seedpods, or plant juices of Desmodium spp. (Tick Trefoil species). These insect feeders include such skipper caterpillars as Achalarus lyciades (Hoary Edge), Thorybes bathyllus (Southern Cloudywing), Thorybes pylades (Northern Cloudywing), and Epargyreus clarus (Silver-Spotted Skipper); the caterpillars of the butterflies Everes comyntas (Eastern Tailed Blue) and Strymon melinus (Gray Hairstreak) also feed on these plants. Other insects feeders include various beetles, stink bugs, aphids, thrips, and moths (see Insect Table for a listing of these species). Among vertebrate animals, the seeds are eaten by some upland gamebirds (Bobwhite, Wild Turkey) and small rodents (White-Footed Mouse, Deer Mouse), while the foliage is browsed by White-Tailed Deer and the Cottontail Rabbit. The foliage is also palatable to cattle, horses, and sheep. The seedpods cling readily to the fur of animals and the clothing of humans; as a result, the seeds are distributed to new locations.
Photographic Location: A sandy savanna at the Hooper Branch Savanna Nature Preserve in Iroquois County, Illinois.
Comments: This is one of several Desmodium spp. (Tick Trefoil species) in Illinois. Many of these species are found in savannas and open woodlands; their small pinkish flowers are very similar to each other. Obtuse-Leaved Tick Trefoil has wider leaflets than most other species in this genus (about 2-3 times as long as they are wide). Other critical features for identification include the following: 1) the stipules are tiny and deciduous, 2) the loments usually consist of only 2-3 segments, 3) the segments of the loments are rounded on both sides, although more so on their lower sides than their upper sides, and 4) the leaflets are relatively large (up to 2½" long and 1¼" across) and rough-textured. Another common name of this species is Stiff Tick Trefoil, which is derived from an obsolete scientific name, Desmodium rigidum.
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Miss Chen
2018年02月28日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is up to 2½' tall, forming occasional lateral stems. These stems are light green, hairless, and rather shiny. The shiny compound leaves are medium green, hairless, and odd-pinnate with 3 or 5 leaflets. The lower compound leaves have long petioles, which become shorter as the leaves alternate upward along the stems. The variable leaflets are up to 3" long and 2" across; they are lanceolate, ovate, cordate, or broadly oblong in shape, although the larger leaflets sometimes have 1-2 cleft lobes. Leaflet margins are serrated.
Compound Umbel
Flat to slightly rounded compound umbels of yellow flowers occur at the ends of the upper stems. Each compound umbel is about 2-3" across, and consists of about 12 umbellets. There are about 21 flowers in each umbellet; the central flower of each umbellet is sessile (or nearly so) during the blooming period. Each flower is about 1/8" (3 mm.) across; it has 5 incurved yellow petals, an insignificant calyx, a pistil, and 5 stamens. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer, and lasts about 1 month. There is no floral scent. The seeds are oblong and flattened, but not winged, with several lighter-colored longitudinal ridges. The root system consists of a dense cluster of coarse fibrous roots.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, although light shade under trees is tolerated. The soil should be moist and loamy, and can contain some rocky material. Foliar disease rarely occurs. The seeds can be difficult to germinate, otherwise this plant is easy to grow and maintain.
Range & Habitat: The native Golden Alexanders is occasional to locally common in most areas of Illinois, except for some southern and western counties, where it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist black soil prairies, openings in moist to mesic woodlands, areas along woodland paths, savannas, thickets, limestone glades, thinly wooded bluffs, powerline clearances in wooded areas, and abandoned fields. Golden Alexanders occurs in both degraded and higher quality habitats. It adapts readily to habitat restorations.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are attractive to many kinds of insects seeking pollen or nectar, especially short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, and beetles. Among the short-tongued bees are such visitors as Green Metallic bees, Masked bees, and Andrenid bees (including the oligolege, Andrena ziziae). Wasp visitors include Eumenine wasps, spider wasps, Ichneumonid wasps, and Crabronine wasps. Such long-tongued bees as bumblebees, cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.) also visit the flowers, as do some small butterflies and true bugs. Notwithstanding all of these visitors, this plant is capable of self-pollination. Caterpillars of the butterflies Papilio polyxenes asterius (Black Swallowtail) and Papilio joanae (Ozark Swallowtail) feed on the leaves and flowers, while caterpillars of Papaipema rigida (Rigid Sunflower Borer Moth) bore through the stems. Two aphids, Aphis saniculae and Aphis thaspii, suck plant juices from Golden Alexanders and similar species in the Carrot family.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Golden Alexanders should not be confused with Pastinaca sativa (Wild Parsnip), which is a weedy Eurasian biennial. The latter is taller, blooms later, and has more leaflets in each compound leaf. It can be particularly difficult to distinguish Golden Alexanders from Thaspium trifoliatum aureum (Yellow Meadow Parsnip), which is another native perennial plant. For the latter plant, the central flower of each umbellet has a short pedicel, the achenes are winged, and its basal leaves are simple, rather than trifoliate. Otherwise, these two species share nearly the same characteristics. Golden Alexanders is an excellent addition to a wildflower garden because it provides accessible nectar to many beneficial insects with short mouthparts during the spring and early summer when such flowers are relatively uncommon.
Compound Umbel
Flat to slightly rounded compound umbels of yellow flowers occur at the ends of the upper stems. Each compound umbel is about 2-3" across, and consists of about 12 umbellets. There are about 21 flowers in each umbellet; the central flower of each umbellet is sessile (or nearly so) during the blooming period. Each flower is about 1/8" (3 mm.) across; it has 5 incurved yellow petals, an insignificant calyx, a pistil, and 5 stamens. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer, and lasts about 1 month. There is no floral scent. The seeds are oblong and flattened, but not winged, with several lighter-colored longitudinal ridges. The root system consists of a dense cluster of coarse fibrous roots.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, although light shade under trees is tolerated. The soil should be moist and loamy, and can contain some rocky material. Foliar disease rarely occurs. The seeds can be difficult to germinate, otherwise this plant is easy to grow and maintain.
Range & Habitat: The native Golden Alexanders is occasional to locally common in most areas of Illinois, except for some southern and western counties, where it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist black soil prairies, openings in moist to mesic woodlands, areas along woodland paths, savannas, thickets, limestone glades, thinly wooded bluffs, powerline clearances in wooded areas, and abandoned fields. Golden Alexanders occurs in both degraded and higher quality habitats. It adapts readily to habitat restorations.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are attractive to many kinds of insects seeking pollen or nectar, especially short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, and beetles. Among the short-tongued bees are such visitors as Green Metallic bees, Masked bees, and Andrenid bees (including the oligolege, Andrena ziziae). Wasp visitors include Eumenine wasps, spider wasps, Ichneumonid wasps, and Crabronine wasps. Such long-tongued bees as bumblebees, cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.) also visit the flowers, as do some small butterflies and true bugs. Notwithstanding all of these visitors, this plant is capable of self-pollination. Caterpillars of the butterflies Papilio polyxenes asterius (Black Swallowtail) and Papilio joanae (Ozark Swallowtail) feed on the leaves and flowers, while caterpillars of Papaipema rigida (Rigid Sunflower Borer Moth) bore through the stems. Two aphids, Aphis saniculae and Aphis thaspii, suck plant juices from Golden Alexanders and similar species in the Carrot family.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Golden Alexanders should not be confused with Pastinaca sativa (Wild Parsnip), which is a weedy Eurasian biennial. The latter is taller, blooms later, and has more leaflets in each compound leaf. It can be particularly difficult to distinguish Golden Alexanders from Thaspium trifoliatum aureum (Yellow Meadow Parsnip), which is another native perennial plant. For the latter plant, the central flower of each umbellet has a short pedicel, the achenes are winged, and its basal leaves are simple, rather than trifoliate. Otherwise, these two species share nearly the same characteristics. Golden Alexanders is an excellent addition to a wildflower garden because it provides accessible nectar to many beneficial insects with short mouthparts during the spring and early summer when such flowers are relatively uncommon.
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Miss Chen
2018年02月25日
Description: This perennial wildflower is ½-1½' tall. The erect central stem is light to medium green, terete, glabrous, and usually unbranched. Sheathed leaves with long floppy blades alternate along this stem. The leaf blades are 4-12" long and up to ¾" across; they are medium green, linear-lanceolate, parallel-veined, and mostly glabrous, except for occasional hairs where the blades emerge from the sheaths. The sheaths are glabrous with parallel veins; sometimes they have purple veins.
Flowering Plant
The central stem terminates in an umbel-like cyme of flowers and a pair of large leafy bracts. These bracts have the same characteristics as the alternate leaves, and they are similar in size. The slender pedicels of the flowers are about ½-1" in length; they are light green to purple, glandular-hairy, and rather floppy. Individual flowers are 1-1¼" across, consisting of 3 blue-violet or rose petals, 3 light green sepals with glandular-hairy exteriors, 6 stamens with hairy filaments and yellow anthers, and a pistil. The sepals are lanceolate-ovate, while the petals are ovate-oval; the petals are a little longer than the sepals. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer and lasts about 1½ months. Usually, only 1-2 flowers are in bloom at the same time. The flowers are usually open only in the morning, except on cloudy days, when they may remain open a little longer. Each flower lasts only a single day and there is no noticeable fragrance. The flowers are replaced by seed capsules about ¼" long that are 3-celled; they are oblongoid-ovoid or oblongoid-obovoid in shape. Eventually, each seed capsule splits open into 3 parts, releasing 2-6 seeds. The seeds are about 2-3 mm. in length, tan or gray, broadly oblongoid, and somewhat flattened; each seed has a heavily ridged outer margin and it is indented along one side with a point in the middle. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. This wildflower often spreads vegetatively by means of its rhizomes, forming colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry-mesic conditions, and sandy soil, although it readily adapts to other kinds of soil. On fertile ground, competition from taller plants is poorly tolerated.
Range & Habitat: The native Prairie Spiderwort is an uncommon plant that is found primarily in west-central Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is state-listed as 'threatened.' It is more common in areas further to the west. Habitats include upland sand prairies, hill prairies, barren areas along railroads, and roadside embankments. This wildflower can be found in both disturbed and high quality natural areas, especially where it is sandy.
Faunal Associations: The flowers offer only pollen as a reward to insect visitors. These floral visitors include honeybees, bumblebees, Halictid bees, and Syrphid flies. However, most Syrphid flies are too small to be effective at cross-pollination. The foliage, and sometimes the flowers, of Tradescantia spp. are eaten by such leaf beetles as Lema collaris, Lema longipennis, Oulema cornuta, and Oulema elongata. In sandy habitats, Spharagemon collare (Mottled Sand Grasshopper) also feeds on Prairie Spiderwort. The non-toxic foliage is readily eaten by rabbits and other mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Other common names of Tradescantia bracteata are Long-Bracted Spiderwort and Sticky Spiderwort. Prairie Spiderwort can be distinguished from other Tradescantia spp. in Illinois by its diminutive size (1½' tall or less) and the glandular hairs on its sepals and pedicels. The most similar species in Illinois is Virginia Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiensis). Virginia Spiderwort is slightly taller 1-2½' than Prairie Spiderwort, and the hairs on its sepals and pedicels are glandless. Another species in this genus, Ohio Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis), lacks hair on its sepals and pedicels, its foliage is more blue-gray, and it is significantly taller (2-3' tall).
Flowering Plant
The central stem terminates in an umbel-like cyme of flowers and a pair of large leafy bracts. These bracts have the same characteristics as the alternate leaves, and they are similar in size. The slender pedicels of the flowers are about ½-1" in length; they are light green to purple, glandular-hairy, and rather floppy. Individual flowers are 1-1¼" across, consisting of 3 blue-violet or rose petals, 3 light green sepals with glandular-hairy exteriors, 6 stamens with hairy filaments and yellow anthers, and a pistil. The sepals are lanceolate-ovate, while the petals are ovate-oval; the petals are a little longer than the sepals. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer and lasts about 1½ months. Usually, only 1-2 flowers are in bloom at the same time. The flowers are usually open only in the morning, except on cloudy days, when they may remain open a little longer. Each flower lasts only a single day and there is no noticeable fragrance. The flowers are replaced by seed capsules about ¼" long that are 3-celled; they are oblongoid-ovoid or oblongoid-obovoid in shape. Eventually, each seed capsule splits open into 3 parts, releasing 2-6 seeds. The seeds are about 2-3 mm. in length, tan or gray, broadly oblongoid, and somewhat flattened; each seed has a heavily ridged outer margin and it is indented along one side with a point in the middle. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. This wildflower often spreads vegetatively by means of its rhizomes, forming colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry-mesic conditions, and sandy soil, although it readily adapts to other kinds of soil. On fertile ground, competition from taller plants is poorly tolerated.
Range & Habitat: The native Prairie Spiderwort is an uncommon plant that is found primarily in west-central Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is state-listed as 'threatened.' It is more common in areas further to the west. Habitats include upland sand prairies, hill prairies, barren areas along railroads, and roadside embankments. This wildflower can be found in both disturbed and high quality natural areas, especially where it is sandy.
Faunal Associations: The flowers offer only pollen as a reward to insect visitors. These floral visitors include honeybees, bumblebees, Halictid bees, and Syrphid flies. However, most Syrphid flies are too small to be effective at cross-pollination. The foliage, and sometimes the flowers, of Tradescantia spp. are eaten by such leaf beetles as Lema collaris, Lema longipennis, Oulema cornuta, and Oulema elongata. In sandy habitats, Spharagemon collare (Mottled Sand Grasshopper) also feeds on Prairie Spiderwort. The non-toxic foliage is readily eaten by rabbits and other mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Other common names of Tradescantia bracteata are Long-Bracted Spiderwort and Sticky Spiderwort. Prairie Spiderwort can be distinguished from other Tradescantia spp. in Illinois by its diminutive size (1½' tall or less) and the glandular hairs on its sepals and pedicels. The most similar species in Illinois is Virginia Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiensis). Virginia Spiderwort is slightly taller 1-2½' than Prairie Spiderwort, and the hairs on its sepals and pedicels are glandless. Another species in this genus, Ohio Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis), lacks hair on its sepals and pedicels, its foliage is more blue-gray, and it is significantly taller (2-3' tall).
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Miss Chen
2018年02月21日
Description: Initially, this herbaceous perennial plant forms a rosette of 4-7 basal leaves that are widely spreading to ascending. These basal leaves are medium green, glabrous, and usually elliptic in shape; they are longitudinally keeled below (and indented above), while their margins are entire (toothless). A mature plant bolts during the late spring orFlowering Spike early summer to develop an erect flowering stalk about ¾–2½' (20-75 cm.) tall. Below the rachis of the inflorescence, this stalk is medium green, terete, glabrous, and up to ¼" (5-6 mm.) in diameter. About 3-5 alternate leaves are located toward the base of the stalk; they are 2-10" (5-25 cm.) long and 4-12 mm. across. These lower leaves are grass-like in appearance, linear in shape, and entire along their margins; they sometimes wither away prior to the blooming period. The upper leaves along the stalk are reduced to little more than sheaths with lanceolate tips. Above the uppermost leaf, both the peduncle and rachis of the floral spike are medium green, terete, and short-pubescent with non-glandular hairs. About 10-40 flowers are arranged along the rachis in either an open or dense single spiral (latter sometimes appearing to be 2 spirals). Individual flowers are 6-10 mm. long, their 3 petals and petaloid upper sepal forming a white tube-like structure with an upper and lower lip. In addition, there are 2 petaloid lateral sepals that are white, linear in shape, and straight, rather than arching; they are also slightly declined and diverge laterally to some extent from the tube-like structure of the flower. The lower lip of the corolla has crisped margins, while the smaller upper lip is less crisped. The interior of the lower lip is pale yellow. There are also solitary bracts at the bases of the flowers. These bracts are up to ½" long (or slightly longer), ovate with tapered tips, light green, glabrous, and more or less erect, curving to the side of the flowers. The flowers are slightly ascending, widely spreading, or slightly descending, and their tubular structures are arch slightly downward. At the base of the lower lip within each flower, there is a pair of minute calli (protuberances) up to 1 mm. long that are narrowly lanceoloid and often slightly hooked. In Illinois, the blooming period occurs during mid- to late summer, lasting about 3-4 weeks for a colony of plants. However, this orchid can bloom earlier in the year in areas that lie south of the state. After the blooming period, the flowers are replaced by seed capsules about 8 mm. in length that are broadly ellipsoid in shape; they eventually release their minute seeds to the wind. The root system is shallow and spreading, consisting of several fibrous roots that are thick and fleshy. Occasionally, clonal offsets develop from the tips of these fleshy roots.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and soil containing silt-loam, sandy loam, or acidic rocky material. A little shade is also tolerated. Northern ecotypes of this orchid are winter hardy to at least Zone 5, although it is rarely, if ever, found in cultivation. Plants transplanted from the wild cannot be expected to survive and this should not be done.
Range & Habitat: Grass-leaved Ladies' Tresses is native to widely scattered areas in the southern half of Illinois, where it is rare and state-listed as 'endangered.' Illinois lies along the northern range limit of this species. Populations of this orchid in Illinois have been static or slowly declining; it is more common in SE United States. Habitats include rocky open woodlands, grassy meadows, upland prairies, abandoned fields, and roadsides (even lawns in SE United States). Even though this is considered a conservative species, Grass-leaved Ladies' Tresses is sometimes found in areas with a history of disturbance if it is not too severe.
Distribution Map
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated primarily by long-tongued bees, including honeybees (Catling, 1983). Occasionally, they are also visited by butterflies and skippers, although these latter insects are not regarded as effective pollinators. Nectar is the floral reward for these visitors. The foliage of Grass-leaved Ladies' Tresses and similar orchids is vulnerable to snails and slugs, especially during the early summer when the weather is wet. In addition, the adults of a weevil, Stethobaris ovata, have been observed to feed on the foliage (Raddoch & Raddoch, 2008). The foliage of this orchid is also vulnerable to White-tailed Deer and other mammalian herbivores, and thus the protection of a sufficiently tall fence may be required to prevent such predation.
Photographic Location: A prairie in Fayette County, Illinois. The photograph was taken by Keith & Patty Horn (Copyright © 2015). The photographed floral spike has a dense single spiral of flowers.
Comments: This orchid is sometimes called Spring Ladies' Tresses because it blooms during the spring in Florida and along the Gulf coast of SE United States. In Illinois, however, it blooms later during the summer. Grass-leaved Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes vernalis) has some key characteristics that are useful in distinguishing it from other similar species: 1) its lateral sepals are free to the base, straight but slightly declined, and spread laterally to some extent, 2) its flowers are relatively long, usually exceeding 6 mm. in length, 3) the interior of the lower lip of its flowers is pale yellow, rather than white, green, or bright yellow, 4) its flowers are arranged in a single spiral, although this spiral can vary from quite open to quite dense, 5) it is rather tall for species in its genus, and 6) it usually blooms earlier. The more common Nodding Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes cernua) differs by having its flowers arranged in twin spirals, the peduncle and rachis of its inflorescence have glandular pubescence, the tube-like structure of its flowers is more downward arching or nodding, and usually its lateral sepals are more elevated relative to this tube-like structure. Another species, Slender Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes lacera), differs by having basal leaves that are more broad in shape, smaller flowers (about 5 mm. in length), and the interior of the lower lip of its flowers is greenish. Yet another species, Great Plains Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes magnicamporum), differs by having its flowers arranged in a double spiral, the peduncle and rachis of its inflorescence are glandular pubescent, the lower lip of its flowers is pale yellow not only within its interior, but also along its exterior (usually), its lateral sepals are more elevated relative to the rest of the flower and they often arch upward, its flowers are more fragrant, and they bloom later (during the autumn).
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and soil containing silt-loam, sandy loam, or acidic rocky material. A little shade is also tolerated. Northern ecotypes of this orchid are winter hardy to at least Zone 5, although it is rarely, if ever, found in cultivation. Plants transplanted from the wild cannot be expected to survive and this should not be done.
Range & Habitat: Grass-leaved Ladies' Tresses is native to widely scattered areas in the southern half of Illinois, where it is rare and state-listed as 'endangered.' Illinois lies along the northern range limit of this species. Populations of this orchid in Illinois have been static or slowly declining; it is more common in SE United States. Habitats include rocky open woodlands, grassy meadows, upland prairies, abandoned fields, and roadsides (even lawns in SE United States). Even though this is considered a conservative species, Grass-leaved Ladies' Tresses is sometimes found in areas with a history of disturbance if it is not too severe.
Distribution Map
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated primarily by long-tongued bees, including honeybees (Catling, 1983). Occasionally, they are also visited by butterflies and skippers, although these latter insects are not regarded as effective pollinators. Nectar is the floral reward for these visitors. The foliage of Grass-leaved Ladies' Tresses and similar orchids is vulnerable to snails and slugs, especially during the early summer when the weather is wet. In addition, the adults of a weevil, Stethobaris ovata, have been observed to feed on the foliage (Raddoch & Raddoch, 2008). The foliage of this orchid is also vulnerable to White-tailed Deer and other mammalian herbivores, and thus the protection of a sufficiently tall fence may be required to prevent such predation.
Photographic Location: A prairie in Fayette County, Illinois. The photograph was taken by Keith & Patty Horn (Copyright © 2015). The photographed floral spike has a dense single spiral of flowers.
Comments: This orchid is sometimes called Spring Ladies' Tresses because it blooms during the spring in Florida and along the Gulf coast of SE United States. In Illinois, however, it blooms later during the summer. Grass-leaved Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes vernalis) has some key characteristics that are useful in distinguishing it from other similar species: 1) its lateral sepals are free to the base, straight but slightly declined, and spread laterally to some extent, 2) its flowers are relatively long, usually exceeding 6 mm. in length, 3) the interior of the lower lip of its flowers is pale yellow, rather than white, green, or bright yellow, 4) its flowers are arranged in a single spiral, although this spiral can vary from quite open to quite dense, 5) it is rather tall for species in its genus, and 6) it usually blooms earlier. The more common Nodding Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes cernua) differs by having its flowers arranged in twin spirals, the peduncle and rachis of its inflorescence have glandular pubescence, the tube-like structure of its flowers is more downward arching or nodding, and usually its lateral sepals are more elevated relative to this tube-like structure. Another species, Slender Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes lacera), differs by having basal leaves that are more broad in shape, smaller flowers (about 5 mm. in length), and the interior of the lower lip of its flowers is greenish. Yet another species, Great Plains Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes magnicamporum), differs by having its flowers arranged in a double spiral, the peduncle and rachis of its inflorescence are glandular pubescent, the lower lip of its flowers is pale yellow not only within its interior, but also along its exterior (usually), its lateral sepals are more elevated relative to the rest of the flower and they often arch upward, its flowers are more fragrant, and they bloom later (during the autumn).
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Miss Chen
2018年02月13日
Description: A mature specimen of this perennial plant ranges from 6-12' tall. The central stem is thick, light to medium green, and has conspicuous white hairs. There is some branching into flowering stems in the upper part of the plant. The basal leaves are 12-24" long and about half as wide. They are covered in fine white hairs, broadly lanceolate in overall shape, but deeply lobed or pinnatifid. The leaves become much smaller as they ascend up the stem.
Flowering Stalks
The inflorescence is very tall and elongated, with yellow composite flowers about 3-4" across. They resemble wild sunflowers in overall size, shape, and structure. However, like other Silphium spp., the small tubular disk florets are sterile, while the ray florets are fertile. There is little floral scent. A mature Compass Plant has 6-30 of these composite flowers, which bloom during mid-summer for about 1½ months. The seeds are large-sized, but flat and light, and can be carried several feet by the wind. A large central taproot can extend 15 ft. into the ground. A resinous substance is produced by the upper stem when the plant is blooming. This plant can live up to 100 years.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and moist to slightly dry conditions. A deep loamy soil is preferred for the central taproot. It takes several years for a seedling to develop into a full-sized mature plant. Mature plants are easy to maintain, resist drought, and can handle competition from other plants. If planted on a slope, there is a tendency to flop over, particularly while blooming.
Range & Habitat: This is a typical plant of black soil prairies in the tallgrass region. It often co-occurs with Andropogon gerardii (Big Bluestem). Other habitats include sand prairies, savannas, glades, and areas along railroads. Compass Plant is fairly common throughout most of Illinois, except in the SE and scattered western counties, where it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). This plant recovers from occasional fires readily. Compass Plant is native to Illinois.
Faunal Associations: Long-tongued bees are the primary pollinators of the flowers, including bumblebees, Miner bees, large Leaf-Cutting bees, and others. Short-tongued Halictine bees and Syrphid flies also visit the flowers, but they are less effective at pollination. Occasionally, Sulfur butterflies and Monarchs may visit the flowers for nectar. Several species of insects are specialist feeders of Compass Plant. This includes the uncommon Okanagana balli (Prairie Cicada), whose grubs feed on the large taproot, while a Rynchites sp. (Silphium Beetle) and its larvae feed on the flower heads and stems. The larvae of Antistrophus rufus and Antistrophus minor (Gall Wasp spp.) feed within the stems, forming galls that are not visible from the outside. Nonetheless, they attract the hyperparasitic wasp Eurytoma lutea, whose larvae feed on these gall formers. Similarly, the larvae of Mordellistena aethiops (Tumbling Flower Beetle sp.) feed within the stems, while the adults may eat the flowers. The oligolectic aphid Iowana frisoni sucks the juices from the flowering stems.
Photographic Location: The photographs of the flowering stalks and flowerheads were taken at the Lincoln Book Bindery in Urbana, Illinois, while the photograph of the lower leaves was taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The common name derives from the belief by pioneers that the leaves of Compass Plant pointed in a north-south direction. While this is probably true more often than not, it is not always reliable. The resin was used by Indian children as a chewing gum. With its imposing heighth, interesting leaves, and abundant yellow flowers, Compass Plant is an extraordinary plant. No tallgrass prairie is complete without a sizeable population of them.
Flowering Stalks
The inflorescence is very tall and elongated, with yellow composite flowers about 3-4" across. They resemble wild sunflowers in overall size, shape, and structure. However, like other Silphium spp., the small tubular disk florets are sterile, while the ray florets are fertile. There is little floral scent. A mature Compass Plant has 6-30 of these composite flowers, which bloom during mid-summer for about 1½ months. The seeds are large-sized, but flat and light, and can be carried several feet by the wind. A large central taproot can extend 15 ft. into the ground. A resinous substance is produced by the upper stem when the plant is blooming. This plant can live up to 100 years.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and moist to slightly dry conditions. A deep loamy soil is preferred for the central taproot. It takes several years for a seedling to develop into a full-sized mature plant. Mature plants are easy to maintain, resist drought, and can handle competition from other plants. If planted on a slope, there is a tendency to flop over, particularly while blooming.
Range & Habitat: This is a typical plant of black soil prairies in the tallgrass region. It often co-occurs with Andropogon gerardii (Big Bluestem). Other habitats include sand prairies, savannas, glades, and areas along railroads. Compass Plant is fairly common throughout most of Illinois, except in the SE and scattered western counties, where it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). This plant recovers from occasional fires readily. Compass Plant is native to Illinois.
Faunal Associations: Long-tongued bees are the primary pollinators of the flowers, including bumblebees, Miner bees, large Leaf-Cutting bees, and others. Short-tongued Halictine bees and Syrphid flies also visit the flowers, but they are less effective at pollination. Occasionally, Sulfur butterflies and Monarchs may visit the flowers for nectar. Several species of insects are specialist feeders of Compass Plant. This includes the uncommon Okanagana balli (Prairie Cicada), whose grubs feed on the large taproot, while a Rynchites sp. (Silphium Beetle) and its larvae feed on the flower heads and stems. The larvae of Antistrophus rufus and Antistrophus minor (Gall Wasp spp.) feed within the stems, forming galls that are not visible from the outside. Nonetheless, they attract the hyperparasitic wasp Eurytoma lutea, whose larvae feed on these gall formers. Similarly, the larvae of Mordellistena aethiops (Tumbling Flower Beetle sp.) feed within the stems, while the adults may eat the flowers. The oligolectic aphid Iowana frisoni sucks the juices from the flowering stems.
Photographic Location: The photographs of the flowering stalks and flowerheads were taken at the Lincoln Book Bindery in Urbana, Illinois, while the photograph of the lower leaves was taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The common name derives from the belief by pioneers that the leaves of Compass Plant pointed in a north-south direction. While this is probably true more often than not, it is not always reliable. The resin was used by Indian children as a chewing gum. With its imposing heighth, interesting leaves, and abundant yellow flowers, Compass Plant is an extraordinary plant. No tallgrass prairie is complete without a sizeable population of them.
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Miss Chen
2018年02月09日
Description: This perennial wildflower is 1-3' tall, branching occasionally. The stems are medium green and minutely rough-pubescent to glabrous. The spreading alternate leaves are up to 6" long and 2" across; they are pinnatifid or double-pinnatifid with 5-11 lobes, medium green, and minutely rough-pubescent to glabrous. The slender lobes are linear-oblong and sometimes have 1-2 dentate teeth or smaller cleft lobes; they are 1/3" (8 mm.) across or less. Irregularities in the structure of the leaves are rather common. The petioles are up to 2" long.
Occasionally, the upper stems terminate in individual flowerheads on long naked stalks (peduncles). These stalks are 2-12" long and finely grooved. The flowerheads are about 1½–3" long and a little less across. Each flowerhead consists of a cylindrical head of numerous disk florets, which is surrounded by 4-11 drooping rays (ray florets). A mature head of disk florets is ¾–1¾" long; it is initially gray or greenish gray, later becoming dark brown. The rays are about ½–1¼" long, oblong in shape, and slightly notched at their tips; they are either yellow, maroon (reddish brown), or yellow with basal patches of maroon. The typical form of Mexican Hat has yellow rays, while plants with maroon rays are referred to as f.Distribution Map pulcherrima. The bottom of each flowerhead is defined by 2 series of small narrow bracts; these are largely hidden by the drooping rays. The blooming period occurs during the summer and lasts about 1-2 months. Fertile disk florets are replaced by small oblongoid achenes; each achene usually has one or more tiny scales at its apex. This plant spreads to new areas by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry conditions, and a relatively barren soil containing clay, gravel, or sand. On moist fertile ground, this wildflower has trouble competing with taller and more aggressive plants.
Range & Habitat: Mexican Hat is adventive from the the Great Plains and western states; the eastern boundary of its range extends into western Iowa and Missouri. In Illinois, naturalized populations of Mexican Hat are uncommon; they are found primarily in the northern and western sections of the state. Habitats include upland prairies, roadsides, areas along railroads, and barren waste areas. This wildflower is often cultivated in gardens, from which it sometimes escapes. In Illinois, Mexican Hat is found primarily in disturbed areas, where it may or may not persist.
Faunal Associations: Various insects are attracted to the nectar and pollen of the flowerheads. Floral visitors of Mexican Hat are probably similar to those insects that are known to visit the flowerheads of Ratibida pinnata (Yellow Coneflower). Likely visitors include various short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, beetles, and the occasional butterfly or skipper. The caterpillars of some moths are known to feed on Ratibida spp. (primarily the rays and florets). These species include Homoeosoma electellum (Sunflower Moth), Chlorochlamys chloroleuca (Blackberry Looper Moth), Eupithecia miserulata (Common Pug), Synchlora aerata (Wavy-Lined Emerald), and Epiblema iowana (Tortricid Moth sp.). The caterpillars of the latter moth feed on the roots.
Photographic Location: A flower garden in downtown Champaign, Illinois. The photographed plant is Ratibida columnifera pulcherrima.
Comments: This is a colorful prairie wildflower. Mexican Hat can be distinguished from Ratibida pinnata (Yellow Coneflower) by its long cylindrical heads, which usually exceed the length of the rays at maturity. The ovoid-globoid heads of Yellow Coneflower, in contrast, are much shorter than the length of their rays. Other common names of Ratibida columnifera are Long-Headed Coneflower and Prairie Coneflower. The common name that is used here, 'Mexican Hat,' refers to the fancied resemblance of the flowerhead to a sombrero.
Occasionally, the upper stems terminate in individual flowerheads on long naked stalks (peduncles). These stalks are 2-12" long and finely grooved. The flowerheads are about 1½–3" long and a little less across. Each flowerhead consists of a cylindrical head of numerous disk florets, which is surrounded by 4-11 drooping rays (ray florets). A mature head of disk florets is ¾–1¾" long; it is initially gray or greenish gray, later becoming dark brown. The rays are about ½–1¼" long, oblong in shape, and slightly notched at their tips; they are either yellow, maroon (reddish brown), or yellow with basal patches of maroon. The typical form of Mexican Hat has yellow rays, while plants with maroon rays are referred to as f.Distribution Map pulcherrima. The bottom of each flowerhead is defined by 2 series of small narrow bracts; these are largely hidden by the drooping rays. The blooming period occurs during the summer and lasts about 1-2 months. Fertile disk florets are replaced by small oblongoid achenes; each achene usually has one or more tiny scales at its apex. This plant spreads to new areas by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry conditions, and a relatively barren soil containing clay, gravel, or sand. On moist fertile ground, this wildflower has trouble competing with taller and more aggressive plants.
Range & Habitat: Mexican Hat is adventive from the the Great Plains and western states; the eastern boundary of its range extends into western Iowa and Missouri. In Illinois, naturalized populations of Mexican Hat are uncommon; they are found primarily in the northern and western sections of the state. Habitats include upland prairies, roadsides, areas along railroads, and barren waste areas. This wildflower is often cultivated in gardens, from which it sometimes escapes. In Illinois, Mexican Hat is found primarily in disturbed areas, where it may or may not persist.
Faunal Associations: Various insects are attracted to the nectar and pollen of the flowerheads. Floral visitors of Mexican Hat are probably similar to those insects that are known to visit the flowerheads of Ratibida pinnata (Yellow Coneflower). Likely visitors include various short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, beetles, and the occasional butterfly or skipper. The caterpillars of some moths are known to feed on Ratibida spp. (primarily the rays and florets). These species include Homoeosoma electellum (Sunflower Moth), Chlorochlamys chloroleuca (Blackberry Looper Moth), Eupithecia miserulata (Common Pug), Synchlora aerata (Wavy-Lined Emerald), and Epiblema iowana (Tortricid Moth sp.). The caterpillars of the latter moth feed on the roots.
Photographic Location: A flower garden in downtown Champaign, Illinois. The photographed plant is Ratibida columnifera pulcherrima.
Comments: This is a colorful prairie wildflower. Mexican Hat can be distinguished from Ratibida pinnata (Yellow Coneflower) by its long cylindrical heads, which usually exceed the length of the rays at maturity. The ovoid-globoid heads of Yellow Coneflower, in contrast, are much shorter than the length of their rays. Other common names of Ratibida columnifera are Long-Headed Coneflower and Prairie Coneflower. The common name that is used here, 'Mexican Hat,' refers to the fancied resemblance of the flowerhead to a sombrero.
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Miss Chen
2018年02月05日
Description: This perennial plant is 1-3' tall and usually unbranched. The central stem is terete, smooth, and usually glabrous; it also has numerous purple spots or streaks. The opposite leaves are medium to dark green, often with a shiny upper surface, and they are sessile against the stem or nearly so. They are about 2½-4" long and ½-¾" across. The leaves are narrowly lanceolate to lanceolate in shape and smooth along their margins; they are widest near their bases, while their tips are long and slender. Both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves are glabrous. The central stem terminates in a panicle of flowers that is about 3-8" in length and longer than it is wide. The panicle of the typical subspecies (ssp. maculata) is cylindrical in shape (see Panicle Photo), while the panicle of spp. pyramidalis is pyramidal in shape (broader at the base than toward the apex). Individual flowers are about ¾" across, consisting of a pink, purple, or white corolla with 5 petal-like lobes, a green to purplish green calyx with 5 linear lobes (about ¼" in length), and the reproductive organs. The base of the corolla is narrowly tubular, while its petal-like lobes are obovate in shape. The calyx is shorter than the corolla and usually glabrous. The slender pedicels of the flowers are short (less than ½" in length). The blooming period occurs during the summer, lasting about 1-2 months. After the flowers wither away, they are replaced by ovoid seed capsules about 1/3" (8 mm.) in length. These capsules are 3-celled, and each cell of a capsule contains one or more seeds. The small seeds are distributed by the wind to a limited extent. The root system consists of a taproot.
Cultivation: Preferred habitat consists of full sun to light shade, moist conditions, and soil containing silt, loam, or sandy loam. There should be sufficient organic material to retain moisture. After flowering, this plant tends to die down. If conditions are not right, it can be short-lived.
Range & Habitat: The native Speckled Phlox occurs in scattered counties in the northern half of Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is an uncommon plant in the wild. Some populations may be plants that have escaped cultivation, as it is a popular garden plant. Habitats include bottomland woodlands, woodland openings, moist meadows along rivers, banks of rivers, fens, roadsides in wooded areas, and abandoned fields. Speckled Phlox typically occurs near woodlands or sources of water, rather than open prairie.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by nectar-seeking butterflies, skippers, and moths. Small Syrphid flies may eat the pollen of the flowers, but they are non-pollinating. Caterpillars of the moth Heliothis turbatus (Spotted Straw) feed destructively on the flowers and buds, while caterpillars of the moth Lacinipolia olivacea (Olive Arches) feed on the foliage. Some plant bugs suck the juices of Speckled Phlox and other Phlox spp., including Lopidea davisi (Phlox Scarlet Plant Bug) and Poecilocapsus lineatus (Four-Lined Plant Bug). The larvae of a long-horned beetle, Oberea flavipes, bore through the stems. Mammalian herbivores readily consume Speckled Phlox, including rabbits, groundhogs, and deer. It can be difficult to maintain populations of this uncommon plant when these animals are abundant.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a flower garden along a sidewalk in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is another lovely Phlox species (Phlox sp.) that is uncommonly encountered in the wild. Wild plants with white flowers, in particular, are quite rare. Speckled Phlox can be distinguished from other Phlox spp. in Illinois by its purple-spotted stems and elongated panicles of flowers. Unlike Speckled Phlox, other Phlox spp. within the state have panicles of flowers that are wider than they are tall. The photographed plant is a cultivar with white flowers, but it has features that are typical of wild plants. Its cylindrical panicle of flowers is a key characteristic of the typical subspecies, Phlox maculata maculata. Other common names of this plant include Spotted Phlox, Meadow Phlox, and Wild Sweet William.
Cultivation: Preferred habitat consists of full sun to light shade, moist conditions, and soil containing silt, loam, or sandy loam. There should be sufficient organic material to retain moisture. After flowering, this plant tends to die down. If conditions are not right, it can be short-lived.
Range & Habitat: The native Speckled Phlox occurs in scattered counties in the northern half of Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is an uncommon plant in the wild. Some populations may be plants that have escaped cultivation, as it is a popular garden plant. Habitats include bottomland woodlands, woodland openings, moist meadows along rivers, banks of rivers, fens, roadsides in wooded areas, and abandoned fields. Speckled Phlox typically occurs near woodlands or sources of water, rather than open prairie.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by nectar-seeking butterflies, skippers, and moths. Small Syrphid flies may eat the pollen of the flowers, but they are non-pollinating. Caterpillars of the moth Heliothis turbatus (Spotted Straw) feed destructively on the flowers and buds, while caterpillars of the moth Lacinipolia olivacea (Olive Arches) feed on the foliage. Some plant bugs suck the juices of Speckled Phlox and other Phlox spp., including Lopidea davisi (Phlox Scarlet Plant Bug) and Poecilocapsus lineatus (Four-Lined Plant Bug). The larvae of a long-horned beetle, Oberea flavipes, bore through the stems. Mammalian herbivores readily consume Speckled Phlox, including rabbits, groundhogs, and deer. It can be difficult to maintain populations of this uncommon plant when these animals are abundant.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a flower garden along a sidewalk in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is another lovely Phlox species (Phlox sp.) that is uncommonly encountered in the wild. Wild plants with white flowers, in particular, are quite rare. Speckled Phlox can be distinguished from other Phlox spp. in Illinois by its purple-spotted stems and elongated panicles of flowers. Unlike Speckled Phlox, other Phlox spp. within the state have panicles of flowers that are wider than they are tall. The photographed plant is a cultivar with white flowers, but it has features that are typical of wild plants. Its cylindrical panicle of flowers is a key characteristic of the typical subspecies, Phlox maculata maculata. Other common names of this plant include Spotted Phlox, Meadow Phlox, and Wild Sweet William.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年02月03日
Description: Prior to developing an inflorescence, this perennial plant consists of one or more rosettes of basal leaves that are clustered together. They are medium green, sometimes with reddish tints. They are variable in shape, but tend to be ovate, obovate, or broadly lanceolate, and are up to 6" long and 2½" wide. Their margins are usually smooth. One or more flowering stalks emerge from the clustered rosettes during the spring, which are about 3' tall. They are hairless and light green, while the opposite leaves on these stalks are more lanceolate in shape than the basal leaves. Their edges often have tiny teeth, and the leaf surface is often shiny.
The white flowers occur in a panicle at the top of each flowering stem, and bloom during late spring or early summer for about a month. They are tubular in shape and about 1" long, with the corolla divided into a lower lip with 3 lobes and and an upper lip with 2 lobes. Somtimes there are fine lines of violet within the corolla, which function as nectar guides to visiting insects. There is no floral scent. The entire plant is hairless, except on the outer surface of the flowers. The flowering stalk eventually turns dark brown, developing numerous oval seed capsules, each containing numerous seeds. These seeds are gray, finely pitted, and irregularly angled. This inflorescence eventually falls over are the seeds have formed, helping to distribute them, but the basal leaves remain. The small seeds can also be carried aloft by the wind for short distances. The root system has short rhizomes, which often produce new plantlets around the base.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, average levels of moisture, and loamy soil. This plant matures quickly during the spring, and the flowering stalks often ascend above neighboring plants. It adapts well to cultivation, is not bothered by disease, and is easy to grow. Under severe drought conditions, however, the leaves may turn yellow and the plant will wilt.
Range & Habitat: The native Foxglove Penstemon occurs occasionally, except in some counties of central and NW Illinois, where it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). However, in other areas, it may be locally common. Habitats include mesic black soil prairies, openings in upland and floodplain forests, woodland borders, thickets, savannas, acid gravel seeps, pastures, and abandoned fields.
Faunal Associations: The tubular flowers of this plant attract long-tongued bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, Anthophorine bees, Miner bees, Mason bees, and large Leaf-Cutting bees. To a lesser extent, Halictid bees, butterflies, Sphinx moths, and hummingbirds may visit the flowers, but they are not effective pollinators. The caterpillars of the moth Elaphria chalcedonia (Chalcedony Midget) feed on the foliage of this and other beardtongues. There have been reports that the caterpillars of the butterfly Euphydryes phaeton (Baltimore) feed on the foliage of various beardtongues, but this does not appear to be the case in Illinois. The seeds are not often eaten by birds, nor is the foliage an attractive source of food to mammalian herbivores, although they may browse on it when little else is available.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is probably the easiest Penstemon sp. to grow in areas that lie east of the Mississippi river. The flowers are quite showy, and the plant is large enough to compete against many kinds of weeds. Another desirable feature is that the blooming period is rather long for an early season plant. Foxglove Penstemon can be distinguished from other members of the genus by the absence of hairs on the leaves and stems, a corolla that is primarily white on the outer surface (but sometimes with violet tints), the presence of tiny white hairs on the anthers (resembling small combs), and an absence of ridges on the lower inner surface of the corolla. The small hairs on the anthers can lodge against the hairs of a visiting bee, causing the stamens to bend downward to deposit pollen on the back of the insect, if it is sufficiently large in size.
The white flowers occur in a panicle at the top of each flowering stem, and bloom during late spring or early summer for about a month. They are tubular in shape and about 1" long, with the corolla divided into a lower lip with 3 lobes and and an upper lip with 2 lobes. Somtimes there are fine lines of violet within the corolla, which function as nectar guides to visiting insects. There is no floral scent. The entire plant is hairless, except on the outer surface of the flowers. The flowering stalk eventually turns dark brown, developing numerous oval seed capsules, each containing numerous seeds. These seeds are gray, finely pitted, and irregularly angled. This inflorescence eventually falls over are the seeds have formed, helping to distribute them, but the basal leaves remain. The small seeds can also be carried aloft by the wind for short distances. The root system has short rhizomes, which often produce new plantlets around the base.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, average levels of moisture, and loamy soil. This plant matures quickly during the spring, and the flowering stalks often ascend above neighboring plants. It adapts well to cultivation, is not bothered by disease, and is easy to grow. Under severe drought conditions, however, the leaves may turn yellow and the plant will wilt.
Range & Habitat: The native Foxglove Penstemon occurs occasionally, except in some counties of central and NW Illinois, where it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). However, in other areas, it may be locally common. Habitats include mesic black soil prairies, openings in upland and floodplain forests, woodland borders, thickets, savannas, acid gravel seeps, pastures, and abandoned fields.
Faunal Associations: The tubular flowers of this plant attract long-tongued bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, Anthophorine bees, Miner bees, Mason bees, and large Leaf-Cutting bees. To a lesser extent, Halictid bees, butterflies, Sphinx moths, and hummingbirds may visit the flowers, but they are not effective pollinators. The caterpillars of the moth Elaphria chalcedonia (Chalcedony Midget) feed on the foliage of this and other beardtongues. There have been reports that the caterpillars of the butterfly Euphydryes phaeton (Baltimore) feed on the foliage of various beardtongues, but this does not appear to be the case in Illinois. The seeds are not often eaten by birds, nor is the foliage an attractive source of food to mammalian herbivores, although they may browse on it when little else is available.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is probably the easiest Penstemon sp. to grow in areas that lie east of the Mississippi river. The flowers are quite showy, and the plant is large enough to compete against many kinds of weeds. Another desirable feature is that the blooming period is rather long for an early season plant. Foxglove Penstemon can be distinguished from other members of the genus by the absence of hairs on the leaves and stems, a corolla that is primarily white on the outer surface (but sometimes with violet tints), the presence of tiny white hairs on the anthers (resembling small combs), and an absence of ridges on the lower inner surface of the corolla. The small hairs on the anthers can lodge against the hairs of a visiting bee, causing the stamens to bend downward to deposit pollen on the back of the insect, if it is sufficiently large in size.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年02月03日
Description: This perennial plant is about 2-3' tall while in flower. There is a rosette of basal leaves up to 6" long and 4" wide on long petioles. They are medium green, sandpapery in texture, coarsely serrated along the margins, and broadly lanceolate, ovate, or cordate. From the middle of this rosette, a stout flowering stalk develops, which has smaller alternate leaves on short petioles. Usually there are erect side stems that each develop an inflorescence. An inflorescence consists of flat-headed clusters of small white flowerheads; usually, there are several of them bunched loosely together on the same plant. Each flowerhead is about 1/3" (8 mm.) across, consisting primarily of numerous disk florets, while the few ray florets are greatly reduced in size and barely perceptible. The overall effect is similar to a head of cauliflower. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer, and lasts about 2 months. There is no noticeable floral scent. Eventually, the flowerheads turn brown, and the achenes develop without tufts of hair. The central taproot is quite thickened and somewhat tuberous in appearance, while rhizomes promote the vegetative spread of this plant.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic conditions. However, a small amount of shade is tolerated, and the soil can vary from moist to slightly dry. A fertile loamy soil is preferred, although the presence of some sand or rocky material is tolerated. While established plants are fairly easy to grow, recent transplants can be temperamental. It is important to put the transplants into the ground after danger of hard frost has passed, but before the period of active growth occurs during the late spring and early summer. Foliar disease isn't a significant problem. During a drought, some of the lower leaves may turn yellow and wither away.
Range & Habitat: The native Wild Quinine occurs occasionally in the majority of counties in Illinois, however it is uncommon or absent in many areas of western and SE Illinois (see Distribution Map). In high quality habitats, Wild Quinine can be locally common, while in disturbed areas it is uncommon, possibly because of the limited dispersion of its seeds. Habitats include mesic black soil prairies, sand prairies, openings in rocky upland forests, savannas, scrubby barrens, limestone glades, and thickets.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract Halictine bees, wasps, flies, beetles, and plant bugs. The beetles usually feed on pollen, while the other insects seek nectar primarily. The fly visitors include Syrphid flies, Tachinid flies, Flesh flies, Muscid flies, Anthomyiid flies, and others. Wasp visitors include Crabronine wasps, Eumenine wasps, Cuckoo wasps, Braconid wasps, and others. Mammalian herbivores appear to ignore this plant as a food source because the leaves are sandpapery in texture and bitter-tasting.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a remnant prairie along an abandoned railroad in Champaign County, Illinois, and the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Don't be put off by the lack of conspicuous ray florets on the flowerheads – they are still quite showy, resembling small white pearls from a distance. The leaves are admittedly rather coarse, but they possess characteristics that help this plant to survive in the prairie (as well as one's flower garden). Because of the unique flowerheads, this plant can be confused with no other species in Illinois; there are some close relatives that occur in other states, however. Wild Quinine was used as a substitute for the bark of the Cinchona tree during World War I, when the supply of the latter was disrupted; this was an attempt to maintain the supply of quinine to treat malaria.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic conditions. However, a small amount of shade is tolerated, and the soil can vary from moist to slightly dry. A fertile loamy soil is preferred, although the presence of some sand or rocky material is tolerated. While established plants are fairly easy to grow, recent transplants can be temperamental. It is important to put the transplants into the ground after danger of hard frost has passed, but before the period of active growth occurs during the late spring and early summer. Foliar disease isn't a significant problem. During a drought, some of the lower leaves may turn yellow and wither away.
Range & Habitat: The native Wild Quinine occurs occasionally in the majority of counties in Illinois, however it is uncommon or absent in many areas of western and SE Illinois (see Distribution Map). In high quality habitats, Wild Quinine can be locally common, while in disturbed areas it is uncommon, possibly because of the limited dispersion of its seeds. Habitats include mesic black soil prairies, sand prairies, openings in rocky upland forests, savannas, scrubby barrens, limestone glades, and thickets.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract Halictine bees, wasps, flies, beetles, and plant bugs. The beetles usually feed on pollen, while the other insects seek nectar primarily. The fly visitors include Syrphid flies, Tachinid flies, Flesh flies, Muscid flies, Anthomyiid flies, and others. Wasp visitors include Crabronine wasps, Eumenine wasps, Cuckoo wasps, Braconid wasps, and others. Mammalian herbivores appear to ignore this plant as a food source because the leaves are sandpapery in texture and bitter-tasting.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a remnant prairie along an abandoned railroad in Champaign County, Illinois, and the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Don't be put off by the lack of conspicuous ray florets on the flowerheads – they are still quite showy, resembling small white pearls from a distance. The leaves are admittedly rather coarse, but they possess characteristics that help this plant to survive in the prairie (as well as one's flower garden). Because of the unique flowerheads, this plant can be confused with no other species in Illinois; there are some close relatives that occur in other states, however. Wild Quinine was used as a substitute for the bark of the Cinchona tree during World War I, when the supply of the latter was disrupted; this was an attempt to maintain the supply of quinine to treat malaria.
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