文章
Miss Chen
2018年06月24日
Description: This perennial wildflower is ¾-2½' tall, abundantly branched, and sprawling across adjacent vegetation. The stems are light to medium green, sharply 4-angled and sparsely rough-edged from short stiff hairs. Along these stems are whorls of 4-6 sessile leaves; whorls of 5-6 leaves sometimes occur where the stem branches, otherwise there are 4 leaves per whorl. Individual leaves are up to 1" (25 mm.) long and ¼" (6 mm.) across; they are medium to dark green and narrowly elliptic or narrowly elliptic-oblanceolate in shape. The leaf margins are without teeth and rough-edged from short stiff hairs. There is a single prominent vein per leaf.
Both terminal and axillary cymes of 1-3 flowers are produced. Individual flowers are 1/8" (3 mm.) across or a little less; each flower has a white corolla with 3 (less often 4) spreading lobes, a bifurcated two-celled ovary with a pair of styles, and 3 (less often 4) stamens. The surface of the ovary is green and smooth. The pedicels of the flowers or fruits are up to 1" long, straight, and angular; their edges are smooth. The blooming period occurs during the summer for about 2-3 months. Usually, only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. Each flower is replaced by a two-celled seedpod that is about 1/8" (3 mm.) across. The seedpod changes color as it matures from green, to purple, and black. Each cell of the pod is globoid-ovoid in shape, smooth, and single-seeded. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, wet to moist conditions, and soil containing loam, clay-loam, sand, or gravel. Standing water is readily tolerated if it is temporary.
Range & Habitat: The native Stiff Bedstraw is occasional in northern Illinois, and uncommon or absent in the rest of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include marshes, fens, low areas along rivers and ponds, swamps, wet sand prairies, prairie swales, and ditches. Stiff Bedstraw is usually found in higher quality wetlands in Illinois.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by flies and small bees. The caterpillars of some moths feed on the foliage or flower tissues of Galium spp. These species include: Epirrhoe alternata (White-Bordered Toothed Carpet), Hyles gallii (Galium Sphinx), Lobocleta ossularia (Drab Brown Wave), and Scopula inductata (Soft-Lined Wave). The species Myzus cerasi (Black Cherry Aphid) uses Galium spp. as summer hosts. Three plant bugs in Illinois are known to feed on these plants: Criocoris saliens, Polymerus proximus, and the introduced Polymerus unifasciatus. White-Tailed Deer browse on the foliage sparingly or not at all. Because the bristly hairs of the stems and leaves can cling to passing objects, animals may play a minor role in spreading the seeds to new locations.
Photographic Location: A wet sand prairie at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in NW Indiana.
Comments: Stiff Bedstraw is unusual because its corollas can have 3-4 lobes on the same plant. In Illinois, the only other bedstraw with 3 lobes on its corollas is Small Bedstraw (Galium trifidum). This latter species is similar to Stiff Bedstraw, but smaller in size and slightly more bristly. In particular, the pedicels of Small Bedstraw are bristly and curved, while those of Stiff Bedstraw are smooth and straight. While Stiff Bedstraw is scattered throughout Illinois, Small Bedstraw is restricted to northern Illinois and a sandy area of central Illinois. This latter species has a more northern distribution and prefers a cool climate.
Both terminal and axillary cymes of 1-3 flowers are produced. Individual flowers are 1/8" (3 mm.) across or a little less; each flower has a white corolla with 3 (less often 4) spreading lobes, a bifurcated two-celled ovary with a pair of styles, and 3 (less often 4) stamens. The surface of the ovary is green and smooth. The pedicels of the flowers or fruits are up to 1" long, straight, and angular; their edges are smooth. The blooming period occurs during the summer for about 2-3 months. Usually, only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. Each flower is replaced by a two-celled seedpod that is about 1/8" (3 mm.) across. The seedpod changes color as it matures from green, to purple, and black. Each cell of the pod is globoid-ovoid in shape, smooth, and single-seeded. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, wet to moist conditions, and soil containing loam, clay-loam, sand, or gravel. Standing water is readily tolerated if it is temporary.
Range & Habitat: The native Stiff Bedstraw is occasional in northern Illinois, and uncommon or absent in the rest of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include marshes, fens, low areas along rivers and ponds, swamps, wet sand prairies, prairie swales, and ditches. Stiff Bedstraw is usually found in higher quality wetlands in Illinois.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by flies and small bees. The caterpillars of some moths feed on the foliage or flower tissues of Galium spp. These species include: Epirrhoe alternata (White-Bordered Toothed Carpet), Hyles gallii (Galium Sphinx), Lobocleta ossularia (Drab Brown Wave), and Scopula inductata (Soft-Lined Wave). The species Myzus cerasi (Black Cherry Aphid) uses Galium spp. as summer hosts. Three plant bugs in Illinois are known to feed on these plants: Criocoris saliens, Polymerus proximus, and the introduced Polymerus unifasciatus. White-Tailed Deer browse on the foliage sparingly or not at all. Because the bristly hairs of the stems and leaves can cling to passing objects, animals may play a minor role in spreading the seeds to new locations.
Photographic Location: A wet sand prairie at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in NW Indiana.
Comments: Stiff Bedstraw is unusual because its corollas can have 3-4 lobes on the same plant. In Illinois, the only other bedstraw with 3 lobes on its corollas is Small Bedstraw (Galium trifidum). This latter species is similar to Stiff Bedstraw, but smaller in size and slightly more bristly. In particular, the pedicels of Small Bedstraw are bristly and curved, while those of Stiff Bedstraw are smooth and straight. While Stiff Bedstraw is scattered throughout Illinois, Small Bedstraw is restricted to northern Illinois and a sandy area of central Illinois. This latter species has a more northern distribution and prefers a cool climate.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年06月24日
Anyone can learn how to container garden. Seriously. I used to be a confirmed slayer of all plants. My thumb was not green, it was a destroyer of green. However, over time I learned how to keep plants in containers alive, at least for the most part. I still do kill plants--on a fairly regular basis--but have come to the conclusion that all gardeners do. It's just part of the deal. All you can hope for is that the pleasure of gardening will outweigh the inevitable pain of losing plants. But the good news is that there can be huge joy in container gardening and you can learn how to do it.
1.Learn Basics of Succulent Planters
Growing a succulent container garden is easy and immensely satisfying. By nature, succulent plants are tenacious, vigorous plants with low-moisture needs—they have evolved to thrive in some of the world's harshest conditions, so they are generally very easy to care for. In fact, the biggest challenge to most succulent plants is avoiding excessive nurturing—they don't do very well if they are overwatered and overfed. This makes them perfect for the gardener who doesn't have a lot of time to spend on tending plants.
Design Considerations
Although most succulents are not typically grown for their blooms, they come in an amazing array of colors and leaf textures, and combining them in interesting ways is a large part of the fun. Colors and textures that you wouldn’t think would go together can make beautiful arrangements.
The plants you choose and how you arrange them is a personal choice, but it is important to choose plants that are in scale to one another and to the container in which you'll plant them. Small containers call for miniature varieties, while huge pots can take very tall specimens.
Because succulents store their nutrients and water in their leaves, the root systems are quite compact. This means that you can crowd plants quite close together in containers.
Choice of Containers
Perhaps more than with any other container garden, the pot choice is key. Because the roots of succulents are relatively shallow, they can thrive and look fabulous in a shallow, wide bowl or dish. Just make sure that your pot has good drainage, or be prepared to drill your own holes in the bottom of the container. Standing water in a container can mean death to succulent plants.
Soil for Succulents
Equally important is the soil used in a succulent planter. You can buy any number of potting mixes designed expressly for succulent container gardening. Look for words like "cactus mix" or "succulent mix" on the labels.
You can also easily make your own succulent potting soil. Ordinary potting soil is usually a bit too fluffy and not gritty enough for a succulent planter, but if you blend equal parts potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite or pumice, you will have a very suitable succulent mix soil that will work for your planters.
Plant Selection
There are hundreds, if not thousands of succulent plants to choose from. When choosing your plants, be aware that they may have varying light and care requirements. It’s best to check the plant tag for specifics and to make sure that the plants you intend for the container have similar needs.
Although virtually all succulents do well in hot, dry conditions, that isn't to say they all thrive in direct, hot sun all day long. Contrary to popular belief, most succulents do best if they are in the direct sun for only a few hours a day. Although all need some bright, indirect light, many need protection from getting scorched in the mid-day sun.
Succulents can actually suffer from sunburn, so when you first buy them, it's best to give them an adjustment period. Similar to the “hardening off” process by which tender plants are acclimated to the outdoors, succulents should be hardened off by exposing them gradually to increasingly long periods of direct sunlight.
Most garden centers today have entire sections devoted to succulent plants, and the plants are often organized by size. Sample planters may be available for you to copy, or you can experiment with arrangments of different plants right in the store to see how they look together.
1.Learn Basics of Succulent Planters
Growing a succulent container garden is easy and immensely satisfying. By nature, succulent plants are tenacious, vigorous plants with low-moisture needs—they have evolved to thrive in some of the world's harshest conditions, so they are generally very easy to care for. In fact, the biggest challenge to most succulent plants is avoiding excessive nurturing—they don't do very well if they are overwatered and overfed. This makes them perfect for the gardener who doesn't have a lot of time to spend on tending plants.
Design Considerations
Although most succulents are not typically grown for their blooms, they come in an amazing array of colors and leaf textures, and combining them in interesting ways is a large part of the fun. Colors and textures that you wouldn’t think would go together can make beautiful arrangements.
The plants you choose and how you arrange them is a personal choice, but it is important to choose plants that are in scale to one another and to the container in which you'll plant them. Small containers call for miniature varieties, while huge pots can take very tall specimens.
Because succulents store their nutrients and water in their leaves, the root systems are quite compact. This means that you can crowd plants quite close together in containers.
Choice of Containers
Perhaps more than with any other container garden, the pot choice is key. Because the roots of succulents are relatively shallow, they can thrive and look fabulous in a shallow, wide bowl or dish. Just make sure that your pot has good drainage, or be prepared to drill your own holes in the bottom of the container. Standing water in a container can mean death to succulent plants.
Soil for Succulents
Equally important is the soil used in a succulent planter. You can buy any number of potting mixes designed expressly for succulent container gardening. Look for words like "cactus mix" or "succulent mix" on the labels.
You can also easily make your own succulent potting soil. Ordinary potting soil is usually a bit too fluffy and not gritty enough for a succulent planter, but if you blend equal parts potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite or pumice, you will have a very suitable succulent mix soil that will work for your planters.
Plant Selection
There are hundreds, if not thousands of succulent plants to choose from. When choosing your plants, be aware that they may have varying light and care requirements. It’s best to check the plant tag for specifics and to make sure that the plants you intend for the container have similar needs.
Although virtually all succulents do well in hot, dry conditions, that isn't to say they all thrive in direct, hot sun all day long. Contrary to popular belief, most succulents do best if they are in the direct sun for only a few hours a day. Although all need some bright, indirect light, many need protection from getting scorched in the mid-day sun.
Succulents can actually suffer from sunburn, so when you first buy them, it's best to give them an adjustment period. Similar to the “hardening off” process by which tender plants are acclimated to the outdoors, succulents should be hardened off by exposing them gradually to increasingly long periods of direct sunlight.
Most garden centers today have entire sections devoted to succulent plants, and the plants are often organized by size. Sample planters may be available for you to copy, or you can experiment with arrangments of different plants right in the store to see how they look together.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年06月21日
Description: This perennial plant is ¾–2½' long. It either floats on water or sprawls across the ground. The stems are light green to red (often the latter), glabrous to sparsely pubescent, and terete. Alternate leaves along these stems are 1¼–3" long and ½–1" across; they are elliptic, oblong-elliptic, oblanceolate, or oblong-oblanceolate in shape and smooth along their margins. The leaves are usually glossy green in appearance, although sometimes they develop patches of red or yellow. The upper leaf surface is glabrous, while the lower leaf surface is glabrous to sparsely pubescent. The leaf bases taper gradually into slender petioles about ½–2" long. Individual flowers develop from the axils of the middle to upper leaves on erect to semi-erect pedicels about 1–3" long. Each flower is about 1" across, consisting of 5 yellow petals, 5 light green sepals, 10 yellow stamens, and a narrowly cylindrical pistil with a single style. The petals are obovate in shape with pale pinnate nerves, while the smaller sepals are lanceolate. Compared to the size of the flower, both the stamens and style are relatively short. Between the apex of the pedicel and the bottom of the pistil, there is a pair of tiny bractlets (about 1.0–1.5 mm. in length). The blooming period occurs from late spring to early fall, lasting several months. The flowers are diurnal.
Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by cylindrical seed capsules about 1–1½" long. Each seed capsule has 5 narrow cells, and each cell contains a row of seeds. The seeds are enclosed in chunky outer coatings (endocarps); they are about 1.0-1.5 mm. in length. The root system is fibrous and fleshy. When the nodes of the stems lie on wet ground, they are capable of developing new fibrous roots, from which new plants are produced vegetatively. Sometimes the root system produces small bladders that keep individual plants more buoyant in the water. This plant often forms large colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, wet conditions, and muddy soil, although this plant can adapt to shallow water as a floating aquatic. Creeping Water Primrose (Ludwigia peploides glabrescens) can spread aggressively in shallow wetlands and muddy areas. It is potentially invasive.
Range & Habitat: Creeping Water Primrose is locally common and native to southern Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is uncommon and probably adventive in most areas (see Distribution Map). This species is slowly spreading northward. Habitats include borders of ponds, shallow areas of lakes, sluggish streams, swamps, marshes, and ditches. In some of these habitats, Creeping Water Primrose can become the dominant shoreline plant, forming large colonies.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated primarily by bees, including honeybees, digger bees (Eucerine), and Halictid bees. Other visitors, such as flies and skippers, are less effective at cross-pollination. These insects obtain nectar and/or pollen from the flowers. Some insects feed destructively on Creeping Water Primrose. This includes the flea beetles, Altica litigata and Lysathia ludoviciana, and a leafhopper, Draeculacephala inscripta. The Mallard and possibly other ducks feed on the seed capsules. Because of the large dense colonies that this plant often forms, it provides good cover along shorelines for various insects, frogs, and other wetland wildlife.
Photographic Location: Muddy shore of a pond in southern Illinois.
Comments: Creeping Water Primrose has showy flowers and attractive foliage. Unfortunately, it is sometimes too aggressive for its own good. It can be distinguished from other Ludwigia spp. by its larger 5-petaled flowers and sprawling semi-aquatic habit. Across its range in the United States and tropical America, different varieties of this species have been described, although only var. glabrescens has been found in Illinois. This variety can be distinguished by its more glabrous foliage. Another scientific name of this wetland plant is Jussiaea repens glabrescens, while an alternative common name is Creeping Primrose Willow.
Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by cylindrical seed capsules about 1–1½" long. Each seed capsule has 5 narrow cells, and each cell contains a row of seeds. The seeds are enclosed in chunky outer coatings (endocarps); they are about 1.0-1.5 mm. in length. The root system is fibrous and fleshy. When the nodes of the stems lie on wet ground, they are capable of developing new fibrous roots, from which new plants are produced vegetatively. Sometimes the root system produces small bladders that keep individual plants more buoyant in the water. This plant often forms large colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, wet conditions, and muddy soil, although this plant can adapt to shallow water as a floating aquatic. Creeping Water Primrose (Ludwigia peploides glabrescens) can spread aggressively in shallow wetlands and muddy areas. It is potentially invasive.
Range & Habitat: Creeping Water Primrose is locally common and native to southern Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is uncommon and probably adventive in most areas (see Distribution Map). This species is slowly spreading northward. Habitats include borders of ponds, shallow areas of lakes, sluggish streams, swamps, marshes, and ditches. In some of these habitats, Creeping Water Primrose can become the dominant shoreline plant, forming large colonies.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated primarily by bees, including honeybees, digger bees (Eucerine), and Halictid bees. Other visitors, such as flies and skippers, are less effective at cross-pollination. These insects obtain nectar and/or pollen from the flowers. Some insects feed destructively on Creeping Water Primrose. This includes the flea beetles, Altica litigata and Lysathia ludoviciana, and a leafhopper, Draeculacephala inscripta. The Mallard and possibly other ducks feed on the seed capsules. Because of the large dense colonies that this plant often forms, it provides good cover along shorelines for various insects, frogs, and other wetland wildlife.
Photographic Location: Muddy shore of a pond in southern Illinois.
Comments: Creeping Water Primrose has showy flowers and attractive foliage. Unfortunately, it is sometimes too aggressive for its own good. It can be distinguished from other Ludwigia spp. by its larger 5-petaled flowers and sprawling semi-aquatic habit. Across its range in the United States and tropical America, different varieties of this species have been described, although only var. glabrescens has been found in Illinois. This variety can be distinguished by its more glabrous foliage. Another scientific name of this wetland plant is Jussiaea repens glabrescens, while an alternative common name is Creeping Primrose Willow.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年06月21日
Description: This is a perennial wildflower about 1½-3½' tall that branches occasionally. The stems are light green, red, brown, or nearly white; they are terete and glabrous (except for an uncommon variety with pubescent stems). The alternate leaves are 1¼-4" long and ¼-¾" across; they are narrowly lanceolate or elliptic, smooth along their margins; sometimes their margins are slightly ciliate or they are tinted red. The leaves are light to medium green and glabrous (except for an uncommon variety with pubescent leaves). The leaves are sessile or they have short petioles (less than ½" in length). Leaf venation is pinnate.
Along the upper half of each plant, solitary flowers develop from the axils of the leaves on short pedicels (about 1/8" in length). Each flower is ½-¾" across, consisting of 4 yellow petals, 4 light green sepals, 4 short stamens, and a pistil with a short style. The tip of the style is light green and globular. The petals are oval to obovate in shape, while the sepals are ovate-cordate in shape; both petals and sepals are about the same length. The sepals are glabrous and smooth along their margins; sometimes their margins are slightly ciliate or tinted red. The blooming period occurs during the summer for about 2 months. Each flower remains intact for only a single day; the petals are early-deciduous andDistribution Map become detached when they are exposed to even minor disturbance. Later in the year, the flowers are replaced by seed capsules (about ¼" in length) with a cubic shape that turn brown at maturity. The tiny seeds are released from each capsule by a small pore at its apex. These capsules can float on water or be blown about by the wind, distributing the seeds to new areas. Individual seeds are 0.5-1.0 mm. in length and narrowly ellipsoid in shape. The root system is fleshy and fibrous.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, wet to moist conditions, and an acidic sandy soil, although other soil types are tolerated.
Range & Habitat: The native Seedbox is occasional in most areas of Illinois, except in parts of central and northern Illinois, where it is either uncommon, rare, or absent. Habitats include openings in floodplain woodlands, sandy swamps, acidic gravelly seeps, low areas along streams and ponds, wet prairies, wet sand prairies, and roadside ditches. The pubescent variety of Seedbox, Ludwigia alternifolia pubescens, occurs in southern Illinois, where it is uncommon.
Faunal Associations: According to Robertson (1929), the flowers of Seedbox are visited primarily by bees, including Halictid bees (Augochlorella spp., Halictus spp., & Lasioglossum spp.) and leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.); the bees suck nectar or collect pollen from the flowers. Less common floral visitors include Sphecid wasps, small butterflies, beetles, and other insects. Some insects also feed on the foliage and other parts of Seedbox. These species include the leaf beetle Colaspis suggona, the flea beetle Altica litigata, and caterpillars of the moth Eudryas unio (Pearly Wood Nymph). White-Tailed Deer occasionally browse on the foliage during the summer.
Photographic Location: Edge of a sandy swamp at the Heron Boardwalk in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: Seedbox has showier flowers than most Ludwigia spp., and its cubic seed capsules have a distinct appearance. As a result, it is fairly easily to identify when either the flowers or seed capsules are present. Species in this genus are usually found in wetlands. Species in a related genus of the Evening Primrose family, Epilobium spp. (Willow-Herbs), have similar foliage and prefer similar habitats. They can be distinguished from Ludwigia spp. by their narrowly cylindrical seedpods and the presence of tufts of hair on their seeds.
Along the upper half of each plant, solitary flowers develop from the axils of the leaves on short pedicels (about 1/8" in length). Each flower is ½-¾" across, consisting of 4 yellow petals, 4 light green sepals, 4 short stamens, and a pistil with a short style. The tip of the style is light green and globular. The petals are oval to obovate in shape, while the sepals are ovate-cordate in shape; both petals and sepals are about the same length. The sepals are glabrous and smooth along their margins; sometimes their margins are slightly ciliate or tinted red. The blooming period occurs during the summer for about 2 months. Each flower remains intact for only a single day; the petals are early-deciduous andDistribution Map become detached when they are exposed to even minor disturbance. Later in the year, the flowers are replaced by seed capsules (about ¼" in length) with a cubic shape that turn brown at maturity. The tiny seeds are released from each capsule by a small pore at its apex. These capsules can float on water or be blown about by the wind, distributing the seeds to new areas. Individual seeds are 0.5-1.0 mm. in length and narrowly ellipsoid in shape. The root system is fleshy and fibrous.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, wet to moist conditions, and an acidic sandy soil, although other soil types are tolerated.
Range & Habitat: The native Seedbox is occasional in most areas of Illinois, except in parts of central and northern Illinois, where it is either uncommon, rare, or absent. Habitats include openings in floodplain woodlands, sandy swamps, acidic gravelly seeps, low areas along streams and ponds, wet prairies, wet sand prairies, and roadside ditches. The pubescent variety of Seedbox, Ludwigia alternifolia pubescens, occurs in southern Illinois, where it is uncommon.
Faunal Associations: According to Robertson (1929), the flowers of Seedbox are visited primarily by bees, including Halictid bees (Augochlorella spp., Halictus spp., & Lasioglossum spp.) and leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.); the bees suck nectar or collect pollen from the flowers. Less common floral visitors include Sphecid wasps, small butterflies, beetles, and other insects. Some insects also feed on the foliage and other parts of Seedbox. These species include the leaf beetle Colaspis suggona, the flea beetle Altica litigata, and caterpillars of the moth Eudryas unio (Pearly Wood Nymph). White-Tailed Deer occasionally browse on the foliage during the summer.
Photographic Location: Edge of a sandy swamp at the Heron Boardwalk in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: Seedbox has showier flowers than most Ludwigia spp., and its cubic seed capsules have a distinct appearance. As a result, it is fairly easily to identify when either the flowers or seed capsules are present. Species in this genus are usually found in wetlands. Species in a related genus of the Evening Primrose family, Epilobium spp. (Willow-Herbs), have similar foliage and prefer similar habitats. They can be distinguished from Ludwigia spp. by their narrowly cylindrical seedpods and the presence of tufts of hair on their seeds.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年06月21日
Description: This perennial plant is 1-4' tall. It is erect and usually remains unbranched. The central stem is light to medium green, terete or angular, and glabrous to sparsely hairy. The alternate leaves are up to 5" long and 2" wide; they are oblanceolate, obovate, ovate, or broadly elliptic in shape, and their margins are serrated. The lower leaves clasp the central stem, while the upper leaves are sessile. The upper surfaces of leaves are medium to dark green and sparingly covered with short hairs. The central stem terminates in a spike-like raceme of flowers about ½-2' long.
The flowers are 1-1½" long, angled upward, and densely distributed along the raceme. Each flower has a blue-violet corolla (rarely white) that is narrowly bell-shaped (campanulate) and 2-lipped. The upper lip has 2 slender erect lobes that curve slightly inward or backward, while the lower lip has 3 descending lobes that are oblong-lanceolate. Near the throat of the flower at the base of the lower lobes, there is a pair of small white patches. The green calyx is deeply divided into 5 linear-lanceolate teeth; it is conspicuously hairy. The calyx teeth are long and spreading. The blooming period occurs from late summer into fall, lasting about 2 months. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by capsules containing small seeds. These seeds are probably distributed by wind or water to some extent. The root system consists of a central taproot, fromDistribution Map which occasional basal offshoots are produced.
Cultivation: The preference is wet to moist soil and partial sun. Full sun is tolerated if the soil is consistently moist, and light shade is also acceptable. The soil should be fertile and loamy. This plant withstands occasional flooding, but it will become muddy and ragged-looking if it receives too much abuse. The small seeds require light to germinate. Great Blue Lobelia can be highly variable in height, depending on environmental conditions and its stage of development.
Range & Habitat: The native Great Blue Lobelia occurs throughout Illinois, except for a few counties in southern Illinois. It is occasional to locally common. Typical habitats include moist black soil prairies, soggy meadows near rivers, low areas along rivers and ponds, floodplain and bottomland woodlands, woodland borders, bottoms of sandstone canyons along streams, swamps, fens, gravelly seeps and springs, ditches, and moist areas of pastures. Great Blue Lobelia can be found in both disturbed areas and high quality habitats.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract primarily bumblebees and other long-tongued bees (Anthophora spp., Melissodes spp., Svastra spp.). Less common visitors include the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, large butterflies, and Halictid bees. The Halictid bees collect pollen only and they are non-pollinating. The caterpillars of a moth, Enigmogramma basigera (Pink-washed Looper Moth), feed on the foliage of Great Blue Lobelia (Schweitzer & Roberts, 2007). Most mammalian herbivores don't eat this plant because the foliage contains several toxic alkaloids, chief among them being lobeline and lobelanine. These toxic substances produce symptoms that resemble nicotine poisoning. However, it has been reported that deer occasionally eat this plant, perhaps enjoying greater immunity to these toxic substances than other animals. The seeds are too small to be of much value to birds.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a garden of the Anita Purves Nature Center in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Great Blue Lobelia is a lovely plant that produces some welcome diversity with its violet-blue flowers during late summer or fall, when forbs with yellow flowers are typically dominant. Unfortunately, its value to wildlife is rather limited. Among the Lobelia spp. with bluish flowers in Illinois, Great Blue Lobelia has the largest flowers and they are usually a more deep shade of blue-violet, making it easy to identify.
The flowers are 1-1½" long, angled upward, and densely distributed along the raceme. Each flower has a blue-violet corolla (rarely white) that is narrowly bell-shaped (campanulate) and 2-lipped. The upper lip has 2 slender erect lobes that curve slightly inward or backward, while the lower lip has 3 descending lobes that are oblong-lanceolate. Near the throat of the flower at the base of the lower lobes, there is a pair of small white patches. The green calyx is deeply divided into 5 linear-lanceolate teeth; it is conspicuously hairy. The calyx teeth are long and spreading. The blooming period occurs from late summer into fall, lasting about 2 months. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by capsules containing small seeds. These seeds are probably distributed by wind or water to some extent. The root system consists of a central taproot, fromDistribution Map which occasional basal offshoots are produced.
Cultivation: The preference is wet to moist soil and partial sun. Full sun is tolerated if the soil is consistently moist, and light shade is also acceptable. The soil should be fertile and loamy. This plant withstands occasional flooding, but it will become muddy and ragged-looking if it receives too much abuse. The small seeds require light to germinate. Great Blue Lobelia can be highly variable in height, depending on environmental conditions and its stage of development.
Range & Habitat: The native Great Blue Lobelia occurs throughout Illinois, except for a few counties in southern Illinois. It is occasional to locally common. Typical habitats include moist black soil prairies, soggy meadows near rivers, low areas along rivers and ponds, floodplain and bottomland woodlands, woodland borders, bottoms of sandstone canyons along streams, swamps, fens, gravelly seeps and springs, ditches, and moist areas of pastures. Great Blue Lobelia can be found in both disturbed areas and high quality habitats.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract primarily bumblebees and other long-tongued bees (Anthophora spp., Melissodes spp., Svastra spp.). Less common visitors include the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, large butterflies, and Halictid bees. The Halictid bees collect pollen only and they are non-pollinating. The caterpillars of a moth, Enigmogramma basigera (Pink-washed Looper Moth), feed on the foliage of Great Blue Lobelia (Schweitzer & Roberts, 2007). Most mammalian herbivores don't eat this plant because the foliage contains several toxic alkaloids, chief among them being lobeline and lobelanine. These toxic substances produce symptoms that resemble nicotine poisoning. However, it has been reported that deer occasionally eat this plant, perhaps enjoying greater immunity to these toxic substances than other animals. The seeds are too small to be of much value to birds.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a garden of the Anita Purves Nature Center in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Great Blue Lobelia is a lovely plant that produces some welcome diversity with its violet-blue flowers during late summer or fall, when forbs with yellow flowers are typically dominant. Unfortunately, its value to wildlife is rather limited. Among the Lobelia spp. with bluish flowers in Illinois, Great Blue Lobelia has the largest flowers and they are usually a more deep shade of blue-violet, making it easy to identify.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月21日
Description: This perennial wildflower is ½-1½' tall and either branched or unbranched. The slender stem(s) is light green to purple. Alternate leaves about ½-2" long and 1-5 mm. across occur along the stem(s). The leaves are light to medium green, linear to linear-oblong in shape, and usually smooth along their margins. The central stem and any lateral stems terminate in racemes of flowers; the flowers are distributed sparsely along the rachis of each raceme. Each flower is ¼-½" across, consisting of a 2-lipped tubular corolla that is light blue (rarely white), a bell-shaped (campanulate) calyx with 5 slender teeth that are light green to purple, 5 stamens, and a 2-celled ovary with a single style. The stamens tightly surround the style. The upper lip of the corolla is divided into 2 small narrow lobes, while the lower lip is divided into 3 large lobes. At the base of the corolla's lower lip, there is a conspicuous patch of white; sometimes this patch becomes yellow along its upper boundary near the throat of the corolla. The corolla is hairless throughout, while sometimes the bottom of the calyx is pubescent. The slender pedicels of the flowers are ¼-1" long; they are light green to purple and either glabrous or minutely pubescent. Toward the middle of each pedicel there is a tiny linear bractlet; at the base of each pedicel there is a linear bract that is about the same length as the pedicel. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts about 1 month. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by seed capsules about 4 mm. across; each capsule splits open at its apex to release numerous tiny seeds that are narrowly oblongoid and compressed (somewhat flattened) in shape. The seeds are small enough to be blown about by the wind or transported by water. The root system is shallow and fibrous.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, wet to consistently moist conditions, and soil that is sandy to sandy-peaty and calcareous. Episodic periods of shallow water are tolerated.
Range & Habitat: The native Kalm's Lobelia occurs in northern Illinois, where it is uncommon (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the southern range limit of this species. Habitats include grassy fens, wet sandy meadows, borders of interdunal swales, low areas along springs, and bogs. This conservative species is found in high quality wetlands where the original flora remains intact.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about floral-faunal relationships for this species. The flowers are probably cross-pollinated by various bees and small butterflies. Like other Lobelia spp., Kalm's Lobelia has an acrid sap that is more or less toxic to mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: A fen in NE Illinois. The photographs were taken by Lisa Culp, Copyright © 2011.
Comments: This is one of the less common Lobelia species in Illinois. Kalm's Lobelia has a delicate beauty that derives from its pastel blue flowers and slender foliage. It is somewhat similar in appearance to Pale-Spiked Lobelia (Lobelia spicata), but its leaves are more narrow (less than ¼" across). Other Lobelia species in the state also have wider leaves, and some species have larger flowers. Another common name of Lobelia kalmii is Brook Lobelia.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, wet to consistently moist conditions, and soil that is sandy to sandy-peaty and calcareous. Episodic periods of shallow water are tolerated.
Range & Habitat: The native Kalm's Lobelia occurs in northern Illinois, where it is uncommon (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the southern range limit of this species. Habitats include grassy fens, wet sandy meadows, borders of interdunal swales, low areas along springs, and bogs. This conservative species is found in high quality wetlands where the original flora remains intact.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about floral-faunal relationships for this species. The flowers are probably cross-pollinated by various bees and small butterflies. Like other Lobelia spp., Kalm's Lobelia has an acrid sap that is more or less toxic to mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: A fen in NE Illinois. The photographs were taken by Lisa Culp, Copyright © 2011.
Comments: This is one of the less common Lobelia species in Illinois. Kalm's Lobelia has a delicate beauty that derives from its pastel blue flowers and slender foliage. It is somewhat similar in appearance to Pale-Spiked Lobelia (Lobelia spicata), but its leaves are more narrow (less than ¼" across). Other Lobelia species in the state also have wider leaves, and some species have larger flowers. Another common name of Lobelia kalmii is Brook Lobelia.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月21日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is usually unbranched and 2–3½' tall. The central stem is light green, terete, and sparingly to densely hairy. The alternate leaves are up 6" long and 1½" across, but they are typically about one-half of this maximum size. The rough-textured leaves are lanceolate in shape and coarsely serrated along their margins; they have a tendency to curl upward along their central veins. The lower leaves have short petioles, while the upper ones are sessile. The undersides of leaves usually have fine hairs.
The central stem terminates in a spike-like raceme of showy red flowers (rarely white). This raceme is about ½–1½' long. The red corolla of each flower has a narrow tubular structure that is upright and terminates in grayish white reproductive organs; these organs nod downward. Beneath this are 2 narrow lateral lobes and a lower lip that is 3-lobed. The green calyx is deeply divided into 5 linear teeth that spread outward. The flowers are held at an upward angle in relation to the stem; they are about 1–1½" long and ¾–1" across. The blooming period occurs from late summer to early fall, lasting about 1–1½ months. There is no floral scent. The small seeds can be carried aloft by the wind. The root system consists of a taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to full sun, and wet to moist conditions. Cardinal Flower adapts to loam, sandy loam, or gravelly soil; the soil should contain some organic matter to retain moisture. This plant doesn't like to dry out and it has a reputation of being temperamental and short-lived. It is easier to establish this plant using transplants, as the seeds are quite small and the young seedlings are rather fragile.
Range & Habitat: The native Cardinal Flower has been observed in most counties of Illinois; it is occasional to locally common in southern Illinois, while in northern and central Illinois it tends to be less common or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include wet prairies, prairie swales, openings in floodplain and bottomland woodlands, soggy meadows along rivers and streams, gravelly seeps and springs, borders of ponds, edges of small marshes, and ditches. These habitats include both sandy and non-sandy areas. Cardinal Flower is often found in sunny areas near sources of water, or it is found in open woodland areas where moist depressions occur.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird and various Swallowtail butterflies, including such species as Papilio polyxenes asterias (Black Swallowtail), Papilio troilus (Spicebush Swallowtail), and Battus philenor (Pipevine Swallowtail). Sometimes the larger bumblebees will steal nectar through slits in the tubular corolla. Halictid bees sometimes gather pollen, but they are ineffective at pollination. The larvae of a polyphagous fly, Metopomyza scutellata, mine the leaves of Cardinal Flower. The caterpillars of a moth, Enigmogramma basigera (Pink-washed Looper Moth), also feed on the leaves (Schweitzer & Roberts, 2007). The seeds are too small to be of much interest to birds. Mammalian herbivores usually don't consume this plant because of the toxic white latex in the foliage. While it's a beautiful plant, the ecological value of Cardinal Flower to wildlife is relatively low.
Photographic Location: Most of the photographs were taken by the webmaster at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois; the plants were growing in a prairie swale. The photograph of a Cardinal Plant with rare white flowers was taken by Paul Showers (Copyright © 2013) in northeast Illinois.
Comments: The Cardinal Flower has striking red flowers that remind me of the Northern Cardinal and other exotic birds. Red is an unusual color in wildflowers – an attribute that it shares with Silene regia (Royal Catchfly) and Silene virginica (Fire Pink). Plants with red flowers typically attract hummingbirds; sometimes they also attract Swallowtail butterflies because their compound eyes, unlike those of bees, can detect the color red. The Cardinal Flower is often sold at garden centers, but such plants are often hybrids or special cultivars. One such hybrid is Lobelia X speciosa, which is a genetic cross of Lobelia cardinalis and Lobelia siphilitica (Great Blue Lobelia). This hybrid can naturalize in the wild, and resembles the former species to a greater extent than the latter. Its flowers are often magenta or deep rose, rather than brilliant red.
The central stem terminates in a spike-like raceme of showy red flowers (rarely white). This raceme is about ½–1½' long. The red corolla of each flower has a narrow tubular structure that is upright and terminates in grayish white reproductive organs; these organs nod downward. Beneath this are 2 narrow lateral lobes and a lower lip that is 3-lobed. The green calyx is deeply divided into 5 linear teeth that spread outward. The flowers are held at an upward angle in relation to the stem; they are about 1–1½" long and ¾–1" across. The blooming period occurs from late summer to early fall, lasting about 1–1½ months. There is no floral scent. The small seeds can be carried aloft by the wind. The root system consists of a taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to full sun, and wet to moist conditions. Cardinal Flower adapts to loam, sandy loam, or gravelly soil; the soil should contain some organic matter to retain moisture. This plant doesn't like to dry out and it has a reputation of being temperamental and short-lived. It is easier to establish this plant using transplants, as the seeds are quite small and the young seedlings are rather fragile.
Range & Habitat: The native Cardinal Flower has been observed in most counties of Illinois; it is occasional to locally common in southern Illinois, while in northern and central Illinois it tends to be less common or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include wet prairies, prairie swales, openings in floodplain and bottomland woodlands, soggy meadows along rivers and streams, gravelly seeps and springs, borders of ponds, edges of small marshes, and ditches. These habitats include both sandy and non-sandy areas. Cardinal Flower is often found in sunny areas near sources of water, or it is found in open woodland areas where moist depressions occur.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird and various Swallowtail butterflies, including such species as Papilio polyxenes asterias (Black Swallowtail), Papilio troilus (Spicebush Swallowtail), and Battus philenor (Pipevine Swallowtail). Sometimes the larger bumblebees will steal nectar through slits in the tubular corolla. Halictid bees sometimes gather pollen, but they are ineffective at pollination. The larvae of a polyphagous fly, Metopomyza scutellata, mine the leaves of Cardinal Flower. The caterpillars of a moth, Enigmogramma basigera (Pink-washed Looper Moth), also feed on the leaves (Schweitzer & Roberts, 2007). The seeds are too small to be of much interest to birds. Mammalian herbivores usually don't consume this plant because of the toxic white latex in the foliage. While it's a beautiful plant, the ecological value of Cardinal Flower to wildlife is relatively low.
Photographic Location: Most of the photographs were taken by the webmaster at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois; the plants were growing in a prairie swale. The photograph of a Cardinal Plant with rare white flowers was taken by Paul Showers (Copyright © 2013) in northeast Illinois.
Comments: The Cardinal Flower has striking red flowers that remind me of the Northern Cardinal and other exotic birds. Red is an unusual color in wildflowers – an attribute that it shares with Silene regia (Royal Catchfly) and Silene virginica (Fire Pink). Plants with red flowers typically attract hummingbirds; sometimes they also attract Swallowtail butterflies because their compound eyes, unlike those of bees, can detect the color red. The Cardinal Flower is often sold at garden centers, but such plants are often hybrids or special cultivars. One such hybrid is Lobelia X speciosa, which is a genetic cross of Lobelia cardinalis and Lobelia siphilitica (Great Blue Lobelia). This hybrid can naturalize in the wild, and resembles the former species to a greater extent than the latter. Its flowers are often magenta or deep rose, rather than brilliant red.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月18日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is unbranched and about 3-6' tall. The central stem is smooth and sometimes reddish. The alternate compound leaves are up to 2' long. They are often yellowish green, and become much smaller and sparser while ascending the central stem. Each compound leaf consists of 1-7 palmate leaflets that are aligned along each reddish leaf-stem in succession. Each leaflet is up to 6" long and across and has 2-5 cleft lobes. The margins are coarsely dentate.
The inflorescence occurs on a long naked stalk, consisting of a panicle of pink buds and flowers about 5-8" across. Each flower is about 1/3" across, consisting of 5 pink petals and numerous long white stamens with pink anthers. The overall appearance of the inflorescence resembles wind-tossed fluff or foam, and is quite beautiful. The flowers bloom from the bottom up, and have little or no fragrance. The blooming period occurs from early to mid-summer, and lasts about 3 weeks. Afterwards, straight reddish fruits develop that are about ¼–½" across. The root system consists of a taproot and rhizomes. Queen-of-the-Prairie tends to form colonies under moist conditions.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and wet to moist conditions. The soil should be high in organic content, and can contain a little sand. The cooler climate of the Great Lakes region is preferred, rather than hot, dry summer heat. Occasionally, the leaves become spotted from foliar disease, otherwise it is not subject to any special problems.
Range & Habitat: The native Queen-of-the-Prairie occurs primarily in scattered counties along the upper basin of the Illinois River and in the Chicago area. It has also been observed in east central Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it has been successfully introduced. This uncommon plant is listed as 'threatened' in Illinois. Habitats include moist black soil prairies, moist sand prairies, moist meadows along rivers in woodland areas, shrubby fens, and wet areas in or around seeps and springs. This is an indicator plant of high quality habitats, although in some areas it has been introduced as part of restoration efforts.
Faunal Associations: The colorful flowers provide pollen as a reward for insect visitors, but not nectar. Various species of bees collect pollen from the flowers and probably are the most important pollinators. Beetles and flies feed on the pollen. Wasps and butterflies may land on the flowers looking for nectar, but their search will be futile. Little is known about the floral-fauna relationships for birds and mammals. The foliage doesn't seem to be bothered by deer and other herbivorous mammals.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is a wonderful plant, if only it would bloom longer! In prairies, the pink flowers rise above the surrounding vegetation and can be seen from a considerable distance. It has a very distinctive appearance, and can't be confused with any other native plant. However, the introduced Filipendula ulmaria (Queen-of-the-Meadow) is somewhat similar. This latter species differs from Queen-of-the-Prairie by having white flowers and twisted fruits.
The inflorescence occurs on a long naked stalk, consisting of a panicle of pink buds and flowers about 5-8" across. Each flower is about 1/3" across, consisting of 5 pink petals and numerous long white stamens with pink anthers. The overall appearance of the inflorescence resembles wind-tossed fluff or foam, and is quite beautiful. The flowers bloom from the bottom up, and have little or no fragrance. The blooming period occurs from early to mid-summer, and lasts about 3 weeks. Afterwards, straight reddish fruits develop that are about ¼–½" across. The root system consists of a taproot and rhizomes. Queen-of-the-Prairie tends to form colonies under moist conditions.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and wet to moist conditions. The soil should be high in organic content, and can contain a little sand. The cooler climate of the Great Lakes region is preferred, rather than hot, dry summer heat. Occasionally, the leaves become spotted from foliar disease, otherwise it is not subject to any special problems.
Range & Habitat: The native Queen-of-the-Prairie occurs primarily in scattered counties along the upper basin of the Illinois River and in the Chicago area. It has also been observed in east central Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it has been successfully introduced. This uncommon plant is listed as 'threatened' in Illinois. Habitats include moist black soil prairies, moist sand prairies, moist meadows along rivers in woodland areas, shrubby fens, and wet areas in or around seeps and springs. This is an indicator plant of high quality habitats, although in some areas it has been introduced as part of restoration efforts.
Faunal Associations: The colorful flowers provide pollen as a reward for insect visitors, but not nectar. Various species of bees collect pollen from the flowers and probably are the most important pollinators. Beetles and flies feed on the pollen. Wasps and butterflies may land on the flowers looking for nectar, but their search will be futile. Little is known about the floral-fauna relationships for birds and mammals. The foliage doesn't seem to be bothered by deer and other herbivorous mammals.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is a wonderful plant, if only it would bloom longer! In prairies, the pink flowers rise above the surrounding vegetation and can be seen from a considerable distance. It has a very distinctive appearance, and can't be confused with any other native plant. However, the introduced Filipendula ulmaria (Queen-of-the-Meadow) is somewhat similar. This latter species differs from Queen-of-the-Prairie by having white flowers and twisted fruits.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月18日
Description: This perennial wildflower is 2-5' tall and usually unbranched, except where the inflorescence occurs. There are no basal leaves. The terete central stem is light green, purplish red, or yellowish brown; the typical variety is glabrous or sparsely short-pubescent, while var. pubens tends to be more pubescent. Alternate leaves occur along the entire length of the stem; they are ascending and slightly recurved. The lowermost leaves are small and scale-like, while the remaining leaves are 3-5" long, ½-1" across, and relatively uniform in size as they ascend the stem. The leaves are elliptic or lanceolate-elliptic in shape, smooth and short-ciliate along their margins, and either sessile or with short petioles. The upper leaf surface is medium to dark green, while the lower surface is pale green or whitish green. The upper and lower leaf surfaces of the typical variety are glabrous to sparsely short-pubescent. The upper leaf surface of var. pubens is sparsely to moderately short-pubescent or canescent, while the lower surface is moderately to densely short-pubescent or canescent.
The central stem terminates in a flat-headed panicle (compound corymb) of flowerheads about 3-12" across. Individual flowerheads are about ½" across, consisting of 5-12 ray florets that surround 12-25 disk florets. The petal-like corollas of the ray florets are white; the tubular corollas of the disk florets are yellow while in bloom, but become cream-colored or dingy white thereafter. Each disk floret has 5 spreading lobes. At the base of each flowerhead, there are 2-4 series of appressed floral bracts (phyllaries) that are narrowly oblong, green, and glabrous to short-pubescent. The branches of the inflorescence are light green or yellowish brown; they are either glabrous or short-pubescent. Leafy bracts about ½-1½" long occur along these branches; they are lanceolate to narrowly elliptic. The blooming period occurs from late summer into the fall, lasting 1-2 months. Both ray and disk florets are replaced by achenes with whitish tufts of hair. In each tuft of hair, the outermost hairs are bristly and short (less than 1 mm. in length), while the inner hairs are longer (3-6 mm. in length). Individual achenes are about 3 mm. (1/8") long, bullet-shaped, and sparsely short-pubescent. They are distributed by the wind. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. Occasionally, small colonies are formed from vegetative offsets.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, slightly wet to moist conditions, and calcareous soil that contains sandy-loam. The pH should be slightly acidic. This wildflower can adapt to other kinds of soil, although they are not preferred.
Range & Habitat: The native Flat-Topped Aster is occasional in NE Illinois and parts of central Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is uncommon or absent. Habitats include wet to moist sand prairies, moist sandy thickets, soggy meadows and openings in wooded areas, interdunal sloughs and swales near Lake Michigan, fens, and seeps. This wildflower is found in higher quality wetlands that are often sandy and calcareous.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, beetles, and other insects. The foliage, plant juices, roots, and other parts of Flat-Topped Aster and other asters are eaten by many insects. The caterpillars of an uncommon butterfly, Chlosyne harrisii (Harris' Checkerspot), feed on Flat-Topped Aster specifically. Other insect feeders include caterpillars of the moths Acrocercops astericola, Astrotischeria astericola, and Carmenta corni (Aster Borer Moth); see the Moth Table for other moth species that feed on asters. Asters are also host plants of Macrosteles quadrilineatus (Aster Leafhopper), various aphids (primarily Uroleucon spp.), the plant bug Plagiognathus cuneatus, the lace bugs Corythucha marmorata and Galeatus spinifrons, the leaf beetles Microrhopala excavata and Exema canadensis, caterpillars of the butterflies Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) and Phyciodes tharos (Pearl Crescent), larvae of Calycomyza humeralis (Aster Leafminer Fly), and larvae of small flies in the Tephritidae (Paroxyna albiceps, Tomoplagia obliqua, & Trupanea actinobola). Some vertebrate animals also feed on asters occasionally. The Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey feed on the seeds and foliage, while such songbirds as the Swamp Sparrow and Eastern Goldfinch also eat the seeds. The White-Tailed Deer and Cottontail Rabbit browse on the foliage; cattle, sheep, and other domesticated farm animals also browse on the foliage.
Photographic Location: A wet sand prairie at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in NW Indiana.
Comments: Flat-Topped Aster is an attractive wildflower that favors relatively open areas that are damp and sandy. Because of its flat-topped inflorescence, it is relatively easy to distinguish from other asters (Aster spp.) within the state. In particular, the prominent disk florets of the flowerheads are somewhat unusual in that they become dingy white or cream-colored shortly after they bloom, rather than orange-red or purple. The reason Flat-Topped Aster has been assigned to the Doellingeria genus is related to the different hair lengths of its tufted achenes: the outer hairs are less than 1 mm. in length, while the inner hairs are 3-6 mm. in length. Usually, asters have a uniform length for the hairs of their tufted achenes. An older scientific name of Flat-Topped Aster is Aster umbellatus.
The central stem terminates in a flat-headed panicle (compound corymb) of flowerheads about 3-12" across. Individual flowerheads are about ½" across, consisting of 5-12 ray florets that surround 12-25 disk florets. The petal-like corollas of the ray florets are white; the tubular corollas of the disk florets are yellow while in bloom, but become cream-colored or dingy white thereafter. Each disk floret has 5 spreading lobes. At the base of each flowerhead, there are 2-4 series of appressed floral bracts (phyllaries) that are narrowly oblong, green, and glabrous to short-pubescent. The branches of the inflorescence are light green or yellowish brown; they are either glabrous or short-pubescent. Leafy bracts about ½-1½" long occur along these branches; they are lanceolate to narrowly elliptic. The blooming period occurs from late summer into the fall, lasting 1-2 months. Both ray and disk florets are replaced by achenes with whitish tufts of hair. In each tuft of hair, the outermost hairs are bristly and short (less than 1 mm. in length), while the inner hairs are longer (3-6 mm. in length). Individual achenes are about 3 mm. (1/8") long, bullet-shaped, and sparsely short-pubescent. They are distributed by the wind. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. Occasionally, small colonies are formed from vegetative offsets.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, slightly wet to moist conditions, and calcareous soil that contains sandy-loam. The pH should be slightly acidic. This wildflower can adapt to other kinds of soil, although they are not preferred.
Range & Habitat: The native Flat-Topped Aster is occasional in NE Illinois and parts of central Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is uncommon or absent. Habitats include wet to moist sand prairies, moist sandy thickets, soggy meadows and openings in wooded areas, interdunal sloughs and swales near Lake Michigan, fens, and seeps. This wildflower is found in higher quality wetlands that are often sandy and calcareous.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, beetles, and other insects. The foliage, plant juices, roots, and other parts of Flat-Topped Aster and other asters are eaten by many insects. The caterpillars of an uncommon butterfly, Chlosyne harrisii (Harris' Checkerspot), feed on Flat-Topped Aster specifically. Other insect feeders include caterpillars of the moths Acrocercops astericola, Astrotischeria astericola, and Carmenta corni (Aster Borer Moth); see the Moth Table for other moth species that feed on asters. Asters are also host plants of Macrosteles quadrilineatus (Aster Leafhopper), various aphids (primarily Uroleucon spp.), the plant bug Plagiognathus cuneatus, the lace bugs Corythucha marmorata and Galeatus spinifrons, the leaf beetles Microrhopala excavata and Exema canadensis, caterpillars of the butterflies Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) and Phyciodes tharos (Pearl Crescent), larvae of Calycomyza humeralis (Aster Leafminer Fly), and larvae of small flies in the Tephritidae (Paroxyna albiceps, Tomoplagia obliqua, & Trupanea actinobola). Some vertebrate animals also feed on asters occasionally. The Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey feed on the seeds and foliage, while such songbirds as the Swamp Sparrow and Eastern Goldfinch also eat the seeds. The White-Tailed Deer and Cottontail Rabbit browse on the foliage; cattle, sheep, and other domesticated farm animals also browse on the foliage.
Photographic Location: A wet sand prairie at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in NW Indiana.
Comments: Flat-Topped Aster is an attractive wildflower that favors relatively open areas that are damp and sandy. Because of its flat-topped inflorescence, it is relatively easy to distinguish from other asters (Aster spp.) within the state. In particular, the prominent disk florets of the flowerheads are somewhat unusual in that they become dingy white or cream-colored shortly after they bloom, rather than orange-red or purple. The reason Flat-Topped Aster has been assigned to the Doellingeria genus is related to the different hair lengths of its tufted achenes: the outer hairs are less than 1 mm. in length, while the inner hairs are 3-6 mm. in length. Usually, asters have a uniform length for the hairs of their tufted achenes. An older scientific name of Flat-Topped Aster is Aster umbellatus.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月17日
Description: This perennial wildflower forms arching stems about 3-8' long that are unbranched or sparingly so. The base of each stem is spongy and swollen if it is submerged in water, otherwise it is more constricted and angular. Each stem is pale green to red and either glabrous or pubescent; it tends to be slightly woody at the base, but dies down to the ground each winter (at least in the Midwest). Both opposite leaves and whorls of 3 leaves can occur along the stems; they are up to 6" long and 1½" across. The leaves are elliptic in shape and smooth along their margins. The upper leaf surface is medium to dark green and glabrous, while the lower surface is pale to medium green and either glabrous or pubescent. The leaves taper gradually into short petioles (¼" or less) and long narrow tips.
Clusters of non-terminal flowers occur in the axils of the leaves. Individual flowers are up to 1" long and 1" across, consisting of 5 wrinkled purple petals, a short tubular calyx with 5 primary teeth alternating with 5 secondary teeth, 10 stamens of varying lengths, and a pistil with a style. Sometimes there are more calyx teeth and fewer stamens. The bell-shaped calyx is light green to cream-colored with rose tints; its primary teeth are ovate, while its secondary teeth are elevated above the primary teeth and they are linear. The slender secondary teeth are often contorted or crooked and they are ciliate along their margins. The pedicels of the flowers are light green, glabrous or pubescent, and short (about ¼" in length). There are 2 or more leafy bracts underneath each cluster of flowers; they are up to ¾" in lengthDistribution Map and lanceolate to ovate in shape. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall, lasting about 1-2 months. Each flower typically lasts only 1-2 days. During the autumn, the flowers are replaced by globoid seed capsules about ¼" across. Each capsule contains many chunky seeds; the seeds probably float on water. This wildflower reproduces clonally whenever its stem tips touch moist ground, where new plants will take root. As a result, colonies of clonal plants often form.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, wet to moist conditions, and soil that is mucky, peaty, or sandy (or some combination of the preceding). Swamp Loosestrife is usually an emergent aquatic plant in stagnant or slow-moving water. However, it also colonizes damp ground near shorelines.
Range & Habitat: Swamp Loosestrife is an uncommon wildflower that is found in scattered areas of Illinois. It is apparently absent in the NW and east-central areas of the state. Habitats include marshes and sandy marshes, swamps and sandy swamps, shorelines along ponds and small lakes, calcareous fens, and peaty bogs. Sometimes Swamp Loosestrife occurs on floating mats of vegetation in fens and bogs. It is usually found in high quality wetlands.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by honeybees, bumblebees, Swallowtail butterflies, and probably other insects. These visitors obtain primarily nectar from the flowers. The caterpillars of Darapsa versicolor (Hydrangea Sphinx) and Eudryas unio (Pearly Wood Nymph) feed on the foliage, while the caterpillars of Papaipema cataphracta (Burdock Borer Moth) and Papaipema sulphurata (Decodon Borer Moth) bore through the stems. The range of the rare Decodon Borer Moth is restricted to northeastern United States. The seed capsules of Swamp Loosestrife are eaten by several ducks: the Mallard, Black Duck, Blue-Winged Teal, Green-Winged Teal, and Wood Duck. Muskrats like to feed on the swollen and spongy underwater stems.
Photographic Location: Shoreline of a small lake at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in NW Indiana.
Comments: Swamp Loosestrife is both large in size and attractive, especially when it is in bloom. Its two closest relatives in Illinois, the native Lythrum alatum (Winged Loosestrife) and introduced Lythrum salicaria (Purple Loosestrife), prefer somewhat drier areas of wetlands. Compared to Swamp Loosestrife, both of these species have very similar purple flowers, but they are both erect in their habit of growth, rather than arching.
Clusters of non-terminal flowers occur in the axils of the leaves. Individual flowers are up to 1" long and 1" across, consisting of 5 wrinkled purple petals, a short tubular calyx with 5 primary teeth alternating with 5 secondary teeth, 10 stamens of varying lengths, and a pistil with a style. Sometimes there are more calyx teeth and fewer stamens. The bell-shaped calyx is light green to cream-colored with rose tints; its primary teeth are ovate, while its secondary teeth are elevated above the primary teeth and they are linear. The slender secondary teeth are often contorted or crooked and they are ciliate along their margins. The pedicels of the flowers are light green, glabrous or pubescent, and short (about ¼" in length). There are 2 or more leafy bracts underneath each cluster of flowers; they are up to ¾" in lengthDistribution Map and lanceolate to ovate in shape. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall, lasting about 1-2 months. Each flower typically lasts only 1-2 days. During the autumn, the flowers are replaced by globoid seed capsules about ¼" across. Each capsule contains many chunky seeds; the seeds probably float on water. This wildflower reproduces clonally whenever its stem tips touch moist ground, where new plants will take root. As a result, colonies of clonal plants often form.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, wet to moist conditions, and soil that is mucky, peaty, or sandy (or some combination of the preceding). Swamp Loosestrife is usually an emergent aquatic plant in stagnant or slow-moving water. However, it also colonizes damp ground near shorelines.
Range & Habitat: Swamp Loosestrife is an uncommon wildflower that is found in scattered areas of Illinois. It is apparently absent in the NW and east-central areas of the state. Habitats include marshes and sandy marshes, swamps and sandy swamps, shorelines along ponds and small lakes, calcareous fens, and peaty bogs. Sometimes Swamp Loosestrife occurs on floating mats of vegetation in fens and bogs. It is usually found in high quality wetlands.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by honeybees, bumblebees, Swallowtail butterflies, and probably other insects. These visitors obtain primarily nectar from the flowers. The caterpillars of Darapsa versicolor (Hydrangea Sphinx) and Eudryas unio (Pearly Wood Nymph) feed on the foliage, while the caterpillars of Papaipema cataphracta (Burdock Borer Moth) and Papaipema sulphurata (Decodon Borer Moth) bore through the stems. The range of the rare Decodon Borer Moth is restricted to northeastern United States. The seed capsules of Swamp Loosestrife are eaten by several ducks: the Mallard, Black Duck, Blue-Winged Teal, Green-Winged Teal, and Wood Duck. Muskrats like to feed on the swollen and spongy underwater stems.
Photographic Location: Shoreline of a small lake at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in NW Indiana.
Comments: Swamp Loosestrife is both large in size and attractive, especially when it is in bloom. Its two closest relatives in Illinois, the native Lythrum alatum (Winged Loosestrife) and introduced Lythrum salicaria (Purple Loosestrife), prefer somewhat drier areas of wetlands. Compared to Swamp Loosestrife, both of these species have very similar purple flowers, but they are both erect in their habit of growth, rather than arching.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月17日
Description: This perennial plant is 1-2½' tall, branching occasionally to abundantly. The stems are light green, terete, and appressed-pubescent. The opposite leaves are up to 3" long and 2" across; they have short slender petioles. The leaf blades are oval-cordate, oval, or ovate in shape, while their margins are dentate or dentate-crenate. The upper blade surface is light green and glabrous with a conspicuous network of veins. The upper stems terminate in flat-topped clusters of flowerheads. Each cluster of flowerheads spans about 1-3" across. Each flowerhead has about 40-50 disk florets that are pink, lavender, or blue. Each floret has a tiny tubular corolla with 5 spreading lobes and a strongly exerted style that is divided into two filiform parts. Around the base of each flowerhead, there are several floral bracts (phyllaries) that are arranged in 1-2 series; they are light green and linear in shape. The branches underneath each flowerhead cluster are light green and terete.
The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early autumn, lasting about 1-2 months. There is no noticeable floral scent. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by achenes with small tufts of hair; they are distributed by the wind. The root system is highly rhizomatous; this plant readily forms colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, moist conditions, and soil containing loam or silt. There should be sufficient organic material in the soil to retain moisture. This plant can spread aggressively in moist open ground, otherwise it presents few problems. Drought tolerance is poor. Propagation is by seed or division of the rhizomes.
Range & Distribution: The native Mistflower occurs in the southern half of Illinois and the Chicago area (see Distribution Map). It is fairly common in southern Illinois, but uncommon or absent elsewhere. This plant was introduced into the Chicago area. Some local populations in the wild are probably the result of seeds or plants that have escaped cultivation. Habitats include river-bottom prairies, moist open woodlands, gravelly seeps, borders of lakes and rivers, moist meadows in wooded areas, bases of bluffs, and ditches. This plant usually occurs in poorly drained areas and near sources of water.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract long-tongued bees, butterflies, and skippers. Other occasional visitors include short-tongued bees, various flies, moths, and beetles. These insects seek nectar primarily, although the bees often collect pollen. Insects that feed on Eupatorium spp. (Bonesets) may also feed on Mistflower. Insect feeders of this group of plants include the caterpillars of such moths as Haploa clymene (Clymene Moth; eats foliage), Phragmatobia lineata (Lined Ruby Tiger Moth; eats foliage), Carmenta bassiformis (Eupatorium Borer Moth; bores into roots), and Schinia trifascia (Three-Lined Flower Moth; eats florets & developing seeds). Mammalian herbivores rarely consume Mistflower because of its bitter foliage.
Photographic Location: The photograph was taken along a drainage canal at Kaufman Lake Park in Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: Mistflower has attractive delicate flowers that are colored in pastel shades of pink, lavender, or blue. For this reason, it is often grown in flower gardens. This plant is closely related to the white-flowered Bonesets (Eupatorium spp.), and sometimes it is still referred to as Eupatorium coelestinum. Mistflower can be distinguished from the Bonesets primarily by its colorful flowers, relatively short stature, and broad opposite leaves that are heavily veined. While species of Joe-Pye Weed (Eupatoriadelphus spp.) have similar colorful flowers, they are taller plants with whorled leaves. All of these species are similar in that their flowerheads consist entirely of disk florets.
The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early autumn, lasting about 1-2 months. There is no noticeable floral scent. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by achenes with small tufts of hair; they are distributed by the wind. The root system is highly rhizomatous; this plant readily forms colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, moist conditions, and soil containing loam or silt. There should be sufficient organic material in the soil to retain moisture. This plant can spread aggressively in moist open ground, otherwise it presents few problems. Drought tolerance is poor. Propagation is by seed or division of the rhizomes.
Range & Distribution: The native Mistflower occurs in the southern half of Illinois and the Chicago area (see Distribution Map). It is fairly common in southern Illinois, but uncommon or absent elsewhere. This plant was introduced into the Chicago area. Some local populations in the wild are probably the result of seeds or plants that have escaped cultivation. Habitats include river-bottom prairies, moist open woodlands, gravelly seeps, borders of lakes and rivers, moist meadows in wooded areas, bases of bluffs, and ditches. This plant usually occurs in poorly drained areas and near sources of water.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract long-tongued bees, butterflies, and skippers. Other occasional visitors include short-tongued bees, various flies, moths, and beetles. These insects seek nectar primarily, although the bees often collect pollen. Insects that feed on Eupatorium spp. (Bonesets) may also feed on Mistflower. Insect feeders of this group of plants include the caterpillars of such moths as Haploa clymene (Clymene Moth; eats foliage), Phragmatobia lineata (Lined Ruby Tiger Moth; eats foliage), Carmenta bassiformis (Eupatorium Borer Moth; bores into roots), and Schinia trifascia (Three-Lined Flower Moth; eats florets & developing seeds). Mammalian herbivores rarely consume Mistflower because of its bitter foliage.
Photographic Location: The photograph was taken along a drainage canal at Kaufman Lake Park in Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: Mistflower has attractive delicate flowers that are colored in pastel shades of pink, lavender, or blue. For this reason, it is often grown in flower gardens. This plant is closely related to the white-flowered Bonesets (Eupatorium spp.), and sometimes it is still referred to as Eupatorium coelestinum. Mistflower can be distinguished from the Bonesets primarily by its colorful flowers, relatively short stature, and broad opposite leaves that are heavily veined. While species of Joe-Pye Weed (Eupatoriadelphus spp.) have similar colorful flowers, they are taller plants with whorled leaves. All of these species are similar in that their flowerheads consist entirely of disk florets.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月16日
Description: This perennial wildflower is 1½–6' tall, branching occasionally along the upper half of its length. The rather stout stems are light green to reddish purple (often the latter), terete to slightly grooved, and evenly covered with stiff spreading hairs. The alternate leaves are up to 6" long and 1¾" across, becoming gradually smaller along the upper half of each plant; they are narrowly lanceolate to lanceolate with poorly defined remote teeth along their margins. The leaves are yellowish green, medium green, or purple (sometimes the latter color during the fall); they are usually glabrous, except for some hairs along the central veins of their lower sides. Most leaves clasp the stems, although some of the smaller upper leaves are sessile.
The central stem terminates in a panicle of flowerheads; some lateral stems may produce smaller panicles of flowerheads. The branches of each panicle are ascending and usually hairy. Along these branches, there are linear-lanceolate leafy bracts up to 1" long. The outer branches terminate in flowerheads about ¾–1¼" across, consisting of 30-50 ray florets and a similar number of central disk florets. The petal-like rays are usually lavender, pale blue-violet, or purple (less often white); they are widely spreading and very slender. The tubular disk florets are 5-lobed; they are initially yellow, but later become dull red. At the base of each flowerhead, there are several overlapping bracts that are linear in shape, green, and hairless; they are rather loosely assembled around the base of the flowerhead and slightly spreading. The blooming period occurs from late summer into the fall and lasts about 2 months. Both disk and ray florets are fertile. The florets are replaced by bullet-shaped achenes about 1.5 mm. long that have small tufts of white hair; they are distributed by the wind. The root system is fibrous and short-rhizomatous, sometimes forming a small caudex on older plants.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun and wet to moist conditions. The soil should contain some organic material to retain moisture and it should be reasonably fertile. Sometimes, the leaves become diseased and rather battered in appearance by the end of the year; the lower leaves may turn brown and fall off in response to droughty conditions. The size of individual plants can be highly variable.
Range & Habitat: The native Swamp Aster is occasional in the northern half of Illinois, while in the southern half of the state it is uncommon or absent. Habitats include soggy thickets along streams, open swamps, fens and calcareous seeps, sedge meadows, and other wetlands. Swamp Aster is often found in higher quality wetlands where the native flora is still intact. It is primarily a boreal species that is found around the Great Lakes and other cool areas.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract a wide variety of insects, including honeybees, bumblebees, other miscellaneous bees, various wasps, bee flies and other miscellaneous flies, and various butterflies, skippers, and moths. The oligolectic bees, Andrena asteris and Andrena hirticincta, suck nectar and collect pollen from the flowerheads of Swamp Aster. Other insects feed on the foliage, suck plant juices, bore through the stalks and roots, or gnaw on the flowers and developing seeds of Symphyotrichum spp. (asters). These species include Microrhopala xerene and other leaf beetles, several aphids (mostly Uroleucon spp.), the stinkbug Trichopepla semivittata, the leafhopper Macrosteles quadrilineatus, the plant bug Plagiognathus cuneatus, Poecilocapsus lineatus (Four-Lined Plant Bug), Lygus lineolaris (Tarnished Plant Bug), and the larvae of Calycomyza humeralis (Aster Leafminer Fly). In addition to these insects, a large number of moth caterpillars feed on asters (see the Moth Table for a listing of these species), as do the caterpillars of the butterflies Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) and Phyciodes tharos (Pearl Crescent). Among vertebrate animals, the Wild Turkey eats the seeds and leaves occasionally, while the White-Tailed Deer and Cottontail Rabbit browse on the foliage.
Photographic Location: A low area along a pond at Weaver Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Except for Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (New England Aster), Swamp Aster has larger flowerheads than other Symphyotrichum spp. (asters) in Illinois and its flowerheads usually have more rays (about 30-50). It is a pretty hefty plant that is about as tall as New England Aster. This latter species has glandular hairs along its stems and its leaves are less shiny than those of Swamp Aster. Swamp Aster is divided into two varieties or subspecies: the typical variety/subspecies has evenly hairy purple stems, while variety/subspecies firmus (or lucidulous) has light green stems that are either hairless or the hairs are arranged in lines; sometimes the color of the stems is not reliable in making this distinction. The rhizomes of the typical variety/subspecies are supposed to be short, while the rhizomes of variety/subspecies firmus (or lucidulous) are supposed to be long. Some authors (e.g., Mohlenbrock, 2014), divide Swamp Aster into two separate species: Symphyotrichum puniceum and Symphyotrichum firmum. They have a similar distribution and are about equally common in Illinois. The preceding descriptive information and photos apply to Symphyotrichum puniceum puniceum. A scientific synonym of Swamp Aster is Aster puniceus.
The central stem terminates in a panicle of flowerheads; some lateral stems may produce smaller panicles of flowerheads. The branches of each panicle are ascending and usually hairy. Along these branches, there are linear-lanceolate leafy bracts up to 1" long. The outer branches terminate in flowerheads about ¾–1¼" across, consisting of 30-50 ray florets and a similar number of central disk florets. The petal-like rays are usually lavender, pale blue-violet, or purple (less often white); they are widely spreading and very slender. The tubular disk florets are 5-lobed; they are initially yellow, but later become dull red. At the base of each flowerhead, there are several overlapping bracts that are linear in shape, green, and hairless; they are rather loosely assembled around the base of the flowerhead and slightly spreading. The blooming period occurs from late summer into the fall and lasts about 2 months. Both disk and ray florets are fertile. The florets are replaced by bullet-shaped achenes about 1.5 mm. long that have small tufts of white hair; they are distributed by the wind. The root system is fibrous and short-rhizomatous, sometimes forming a small caudex on older plants.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun and wet to moist conditions. The soil should contain some organic material to retain moisture and it should be reasonably fertile. Sometimes, the leaves become diseased and rather battered in appearance by the end of the year; the lower leaves may turn brown and fall off in response to droughty conditions. The size of individual plants can be highly variable.
Range & Habitat: The native Swamp Aster is occasional in the northern half of Illinois, while in the southern half of the state it is uncommon or absent. Habitats include soggy thickets along streams, open swamps, fens and calcareous seeps, sedge meadows, and other wetlands. Swamp Aster is often found in higher quality wetlands where the native flora is still intact. It is primarily a boreal species that is found around the Great Lakes and other cool areas.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract a wide variety of insects, including honeybees, bumblebees, other miscellaneous bees, various wasps, bee flies and other miscellaneous flies, and various butterflies, skippers, and moths. The oligolectic bees, Andrena asteris and Andrena hirticincta, suck nectar and collect pollen from the flowerheads of Swamp Aster. Other insects feed on the foliage, suck plant juices, bore through the stalks and roots, or gnaw on the flowers and developing seeds of Symphyotrichum spp. (asters). These species include Microrhopala xerene and other leaf beetles, several aphids (mostly Uroleucon spp.), the stinkbug Trichopepla semivittata, the leafhopper Macrosteles quadrilineatus, the plant bug Plagiognathus cuneatus, Poecilocapsus lineatus (Four-Lined Plant Bug), Lygus lineolaris (Tarnished Plant Bug), and the larvae of Calycomyza humeralis (Aster Leafminer Fly). In addition to these insects, a large number of moth caterpillars feed on asters (see the Moth Table for a listing of these species), as do the caterpillars of the butterflies Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) and Phyciodes tharos (Pearl Crescent). Among vertebrate animals, the Wild Turkey eats the seeds and leaves occasionally, while the White-Tailed Deer and Cottontail Rabbit browse on the foliage.
Photographic Location: A low area along a pond at Weaver Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Except for Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (New England Aster), Swamp Aster has larger flowerheads than other Symphyotrichum spp. (asters) in Illinois and its flowerheads usually have more rays (about 30-50). It is a pretty hefty plant that is about as tall as New England Aster. This latter species has glandular hairs along its stems and its leaves are less shiny than those of Swamp Aster. Swamp Aster is divided into two varieties or subspecies: the typical variety/subspecies has evenly hairy purple stems, while variety/subspecies firmus (or lucidulous) has light green stems that are either hairless or the hairs are arranged in lines; sometimes the color of the stems is not reliable in making this distinction. The rhizomes of the typical variety/subspecies are supposed to be short, while the rhizomes of variety/subspecies firmus (or lucidulous) are supposed to be long. Some authors (e.g., Mohlenbrock, 2014), divide Swamp Aster into two separate species: Symphyotrichum puniceum and Symphyotrichum firmum. They have a similar distribution and are about equally common in Illinois. The preceding descriptive information and photos apply to Symphyotrichum puniceum puniceum. A scientific synonym of Swamp Aster is Aster puniceus.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月16日
Description: This herbaceous plant is an annual vine about 3-6' long that branches occasionally. It often climbs over adjacent vegetation (or itself), creating a tangle of stems and leaves. The stems are light green, yellowish green, or red; they are strongly angular and prickly. The well-developed prickles are curved with their tips pointing downward. Alternate leaves are widely spaced along the stems. The leaf blades are up to 4" long and 1" across; they are narrowly sagittate to sagittate in shape and their margins are smooth and slightly ciliate with stiff hairs. The upper blade surfaces are medium green and hairless, while their lower surfaces are pale green and slightly prickly along their central veins.
The leaves are sessile or they have petioles up to 1" long. Near the base of each petiole, there is an oblique membranous sheath (ochrea) that wraps around the stem; this sheath is largely devoid of hairs and prickles. Both terminal and axillary flowers are produced on short spike-like racemes. The racemes are globoid or ovoid-globoid in shape and up to ½" long; they are produced individually or in pairs on long naked peduncles up to 6" long. The flowers are densely arranged along each raceme. Individual flowers are about 1/8" (3 mm.) long, consisting of 5 white to pink tepals, 8 short stamens, and an ovary with a tripartite style. At the base of each raceme, there is a pair of small green bracts. Similarly, at the base of each flower,Distribution Map there is a pair of tiny bracts that are greenish yellow and ovate. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer into the fall and lasts about 2-3 months. Each flower is replaced by a single dark seed that is about 3 mm. long, ovoid, and bluntly 3-angled. This herbaceous vine can form rootlets where the stems are decumbent on moist open ground.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, wet to moist conditions, and soil containing silty loam, sand, gravel, or peat moss. Most growth and development occurs during the summer. Temporary flooding is tolerated.
Range & Habitat: Arrow-Leaved Tearthumb is occasional throughout Illinois, where it is native. In addition to its distribution in eastern North America, this herbaceous vine also occurs in China. It is found in a variety of wetland habitats, including marshes, swamps, recently burned bogs, gravelly seeps, low areas along springs, and soggy thickets. The marshes, swamps, and soggy thickets where this vine occurs are sometimes sandy and sometimes non-sandy.
Faunal Associations: The floral-faunal relationships of Arrow-Leaved Tearthumb are similar to Persicaria spp. (Smartweeds). The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract primarily small bees, wasps, and flies. The leaves are eaten by the caterpillars of the butterflies Lycaena helloides (Purplish Copper) and Lycaena hyllus (Bronze Copper), while the flowers and developing seeds are eaten by the caterpillars of the butterfly Strymon melinus (Gray Hairstreak). Other insects that feed on this plant include flea beetles, aphids, stinkbugs, and the caterpillars of several moths. Various species of birds that occur in wetlands eat the seeds; these include Mallards and other dappling ducks, some rails, and granivorous songbirds (e.g., Bobolink, Swamp Sparrow, Redwing Blackbird). Because it often forms dense tangles of prickly stems and leaves, Tearthumb provides protective cover for various kinds of wildlife.
Photographic Location: A soggy sandy thicket at the Iroquois County Conservation Area in Illinois.
Comments: Arrow-Leaved Tearthumb is very similar to the more common Persicaria spp. (Smartweeds), except it is a sprawling vine rather than an erect plant. Because of its prickly stems, arrowhead-shaped leaves, and short dense heads of flowers, it is very easy to identify. Another native species that is a sprawling vine, Tracaulon arifolium (Hastate-Leaved Tearthumb), is very similar in appearance, except its leaves are hastate with spreading basal lobes. This uncommon vine also differs from Arrow-Leaved Tearthumb by its more flattened seeds and bifurcated styles (divided into two parts, rather than three). A scientific synonym of Arrow-Leaved Tearthumb is Polygonum sagittatum.
The leaves are sessile or they have petioles up to 1" long. Near the base of each petiole, there is an oblique membranous sheath (ochrea) that wraps around the stem; this sheath is largely devoid of hairs and prickles. Both terminal and axillary flowers are produced on short spike-like racemes. The racemes are globoid or ovoid-globoid in shape and up to ½" long; they are produced individually or in pairs on long naked peduncles up to 6" long. The flowers are densely arranged along each raceme. Individual flowers are about 1/8" (3 mm.) long, consisting of 5 white to pink tepals, 8 short stamens, and an ovary with a tripartite style. At the base of each raceme, there is a pair of small green bracts. Similarly, at the base of each flower,Distribution Map there is a pair of tiny bracts that are greenish yellow and ovate. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer into the fall and lasts about 2-3 months. Each flower is replaced by a single dark seed that is about 3 mm. long, ovoid, and bluntly 3-angled. This herbaceous vine can form rootlets where the stems are decumbent on moist open ground.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, wet to moist conditions, and soil containing silty loam, sand, gravel, or peat moss. Most growth and development occurs during the summer. Temporary flooding is tolerated.
Range & Habitat: Arrow-Leaved Tearthumb is occasional throughout Illinois, where it is native. In addition to its distribution in eastern North America, this herbaceous vine also occurs in China. It is found in a variety of wetland habitats, including marshes, swamps, recently burned bogs, gravelly seeps, low areas along springs, and soggy thickets. The marshes, swamps, and soggy thickets where this vine occurs are sometimes sandy and sometimes non-sandy.
Faunal Associations: The floral-faunal relationships of Arrow-Leaved Tearthumb are similar to Persicaria spp. (Smartweeds). The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract primarily small bees, wasps, and flies. The leaves are eaten by the caterpillars of the butterflies Lycaena helloides (Purplish Copper) and Lycaena hyllus (Bronze Copper), while the flowers and developing seeds are eaten by the caterpillars of the butterfly Strymon melinus (Gray Hairstreak). Other insects that feed on this plant include flea beetles, aphids, stinkbugs, and the caterpillars of several moths. Various species of birds that occur in wetlands eat the seeds; these include Mallards and other dappling ducks, some rails, and granivorous songbirds (e.g., Bobolink, Swamp Sparrow, Redwing Blackbird). Because it often forms dense tangles of prickly stems and leaves, Tearthumb provides protective cover for various kinds of wildlife.
Photographic Location: A soggy sandy thicket at the Iroquois County Conservation Area in Illinois.
Comments: Arrow-Leaved Tearthumb is very similar to the more common Persicaria spp. (Smartweeds), except it is a sprawling vine rather than an erect plant. Because of its prickly stems, arrowhead-shaped leaves, and short dense heads of flowers, it is very easy to identify. Another native species that is a sprawling vine, Tracaulon arifolium (Hastate-Leaved Tearthumb), is very similar in appearance, except its leaves are hastate with spreading basal lobes. This uncommon vine also differs from Arrow-Leaved Tearthumb by its more flattened seeds and bifurcated styles (divided into two parts, rather than three). A scientific synonym of Arrow-Leaved Tearthumb is Polygonum sagittatum.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月16日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant forms a small tuft of ascending to arching basal leaves about 4-12" (10-30 cm.) long. Individual basal leaves are about 1 mm. across, medium green, terete, and hairless (or nearly so). One or two erect floral stalks about 8-16" (20-40 cm.) long develop from the tuft of leaves; these stalks are about 1.5 mm. across, reddish brown, terete, and hairless. The foliage is reportedly aromatic when crushed. Each stalk has a narrow raceme of flowers about 3-10" (7.5-25 cm.) long; these flowers alternate along the stalk and they are sparsely distributed. Each flower is about 2 mm. across, consisting of 3 purplish green petals, 3 purplish green sepals, 3 fertile green pistils that are joined together, and 6 inconspicuous stamens. The outer sepals are orbicular-ovate in shape, while the inner petals have a flattened-pyriform shape. The stigmas of the pistils are white and feathery (plumose).
The slender pedicels of the flowers are 2-10 mm. long, ascending to erect, reddish brown, and hairless. The blooming period occurs during the summer and early autumn, lasting about 1-2 months for a large colony of plants. The flowers are cross-pollinated by the wind. Afterwards, the pistils develop into 3-celled fruits (schizocarps) about 7-9 mm. long and 1 mm. across. These fruits are narrowly oblongoid-oblanceoloid in shape and 3-angled; they are initially green, but later become brown. At maturity, these fruits divide longitudinally into 3 narrow sections, beginning at the bottom. The central axis of each fruit is 3-winged; there are 3 seeds per fruit. The seeds are similar in appearance to their fruits, but a little shorter and more slender. The root system consists of a whitish crown with fibrous roots.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, wet conditions, and a barren calcareous soil containing an abundance of sand or gravel. This plant is intolerant of competition from other ground vegetation. It is quite cold-hardy.
Range & Habitat: The native Slender Arrowgrass (Triglochin palustris) is rare in Illinois, where it is state-listed as 'endangered.' It is found in the NE section of the state and 2 counties toward the center of the state (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the southern range-limit of this species. In the United States, Slender Arrowgrass occurs in the New England region, Great Lakes area, Northern Plains, and scattered areas of the western states. It also occurs in Canada, Eurasia, and New Zealand. In Illinois, habitats consist primarily of fens, calcareous gravelly seeps, marl flats, and calcareous sandy pannes near Lake Michigan. This very conservative plant is restricted to high quality natural areas within the state.
Faunal Associations: Floral-faunal relationships of this plant in Illinois are not known. Further to the north in Canada and Alaska, the foliage and especially the whitish crowns are a preferred source of food for the adults and goslings of several species of geese, including Branta canadensis (Canada Goose), Branta bernicula nigricans (Black Brant Goose), and Chen caerulescens (Lesser Snow Goose). The foliage and crowns of Slender Arrowgrass (Triglochin palustris) are reportedly high in protein and low in fiber (Mulder et al., 1996; Prevett et al., 1985).
The foliage also contains hydrocyanic compounds that can be toxic to sheep and cattle if it is consumed in sufficient quantity. There is some evidence in Europe that the seeds of this plant can cling to the fur of deer and cattle. Thus, these animals can spread the seeds to new areas (Mouissie et al., 2005).
Photographic Location: A gravelly seep in McHenry County, Illinois.
Comments: This plant is not very showy and it is easily overlooked. The only other species of this genus that occurs in Illinois, Sea Arrowgrass (Triglochin maritima), is also very rare within the state and it occurs in similar areas. Sea Arrowgrass is a little larger and stouter than Slender Arrowgrass (Triglochin palustris) overall. Its fruits (schizocarps) have a wider ovoid shape and they divide into 6 sections (6 seeds per fruit), rather than 3 sections. Unlike Slender Arrowgrass, the central axis of its fruit is not winged. The wind-pollinated flowers of these plants are rather odd-looking because their feathery stigmas resemble tufts of hair that are typically found on seeds. An alternative spelling of the scientific name for Slender Arrowgrass is Triglochin palustre, and another common name of this plant is Marsh Arrowgrass.
The slender pedicels of the flowers are 2-10 mm. long, ascending to erect, reddish brown, and hairless. The blooming period occurs during the summer and early autumn, lasting about 1-2 months for a large colony of plants. The flowers are cross-pollinated by the wind. Afterwards, the pistils develop into 3-celled fruits (schizocarps) about 7-9 mm. long and 1 mm. across. These fruits are narrowly oblongoid-oblanceoloid in shape and 3-angled; they are initially green, but later become brown. At maturity, these fruits divide longitudinally into 3 narrow sections, beginning at the bottom. The central axis of each fruit is 3-winged; there are 3 seeds per fruit. The seeds are similar in appearance to their fruits, but a little shorter and more slender. The root system consists of a whitish crown with fibrous roots.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, wet conditions, and a barren calcareous soil containing an abundance of sand or gravel. This plant is intolerant of competition from other ground vegetation. It is quite cold-hardy.
Range & Habitat: The native Slender Arrowgrass (Triglochin palustris) is rare in Illinois, where it is state-listed as 'endangered.' It is found in the NE section of the state and 2 counties toward the center of the state (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the southern range-limit of this species. In the United States, Slender Arrowgrass occurs in the New England region, Great Lakes area, Northern Plains, and scattered areas of the western states. It also occurs in Canada, Eurasia, and New Zealand. In Illinois, habitats consist primarily of fens, calcareous gravelly seeps, marl flats, and calcareous sandy pannes near Lake Michigan. This very conservative plant is restricted to high quality natural areas within the state.
Faunal Associations: Floral-faunal relationships of this plant in Illinois are not known. Further to the north in Canada and Alaska, the foliage and especially the whitish crowns are a preferred source of food for the adults and goslings of several species of geese, including Branta canadensis (Canada Goose), Branta bernicula nigricans (Black Brant Goose), and Chen caerulescens (Lesser Snow Goose). The foliage and crowns of Slender Arrowgrass (Triglochin palustris) are reportedly high in protein and low in fiber (Mulder et al., 1996; Prevett et al., 1985).
The foliage also contains hydrocyanic compounds that can be toxic to sheep and cattle if it is consumed in sufficient quantity. There is some evidence in Europe that the seeds of this plant can cling to the fur of deer and cattle. Thus, these animals can spread the seeds to new areas (Mouissie et al., 2005).
Photographic Location: A gravelly seep in McHenry County, Illinois.
Comments: This plant is not very showy and it is easily overlooked. The only other species of this genus that occurs in Illinois, Sea Arrowgrass (Triglochin maritima), is also very rare within the state and it occurs in similar areas. Sea Arrowgrass is a little larger and stouter than Slender Arrowgrass (Triglochin palustris) overall. Its fruits (schizocarps) have a wider ovoid shape and they divide into 6 sections (6 seeds per fruit), rather than 3 sections. Unlike Slender Arrowgrass, the central axis of its fruit is not winged. The wind-pollinated flowers of these plants are rather odd-looking because their feathery stigmas resemble tufts of hair that are typically found on seeds. An alternative spelling of the scientific name for Slender Arrowgrass is Triglochin palustre, and another common name of this plant is Marsh Arrowgrass.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年06月15日
Description: This herbaceous perennial wildflower is 3-7' tall and largely unbranched, except for the short flowering stalks along the upper one-fourth of its length. The central stem is terete, light green, and either glabrous or canescent. The alternate leaves are 3-8" long and and 2-4" across; they are ovate to broadly ovate and crenate-dentate along their margins. Some leaves may have a pair of lobes that are shallow and broad. The upper leaf surface is yellowish green to medium green and glabrous (or nearly so), while the lower leaf surface is pale green and canescent. The slender petioles are 2-5" long and either light green or reddish green. At the base of each petiole, there is a pair of small linear stipules. The upper flowering stalks are 1½–3" long and canescent; each stalk has a single leaf and a single flower.
Individual flowers are 4-6" across and a similar length, consisting of 5 white or pink petals, 5 light or yellowish green sepals, a reproductive columnar structure with numerous stamens along its length and 5 styles with knobby stigmata at its apex. The persistent sepals are ovate and canescent (or tomentose); they are united at the base. Each flower usually has a reddish purple throat at the base of its petals, although sometimes this is absent. Directly underneath the sepals, there are about 12 linear bracts that curve upward; they are 1" in length. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts about 1 month. Individual flowers are short-lived; usually only 0-2 flowers are in bloom at the same time on a single plant. The flowers are replaced by seed capsules that are about 1–1¼" long and a little less across; they are globoid-ovoid, short-beaked, and glabrous. Each seed capsule contains a ring of seeds; individual seeds are reniform, flattened, and hairless. This wildflower spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, wet to consistently moist conditions, and soil containing loam, silt, or some sand with organic material.
Close-up of Flower
Range & Habitat: The native Swamp Rose Mallow is found in widely scattered localities along the eastern half of Illinois, where it is uncommon. Illinois lies near the NW range-limit for this species in North America. Swamp Rose Mallow is also found in east Asia, where some additional color forms exist. Habitats include marshes, open swamps, and low soggy areas along rivers and ponds. Along the Atlantic coast of the U.S., this wildflower is also found in brackish marshes. Because of its attractive flowers, Swamp Rose Mallow is cultivated occasionally in gardens; some cultivars display evidence of hybridization with other Hibiscus spp. (Rose Mallows).
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by bumblebees and other long-tongued bees, including Melitoma taurea and Ptilothrix bombiformis (Rose Mallow bee). The Rose Mallow bee is a specialist pollinator (oligolege) of native Hibiscus spp. (Rose Mallows); it sucks nectar and collects pollen from the flowers, while other long-tongued bees suck nectar primarily. The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird is another nectar-seeking visitor of the flowers. Some insects feed on various parts of Rose Mallows. The introduced pest, Popillia japonica (Japanese Beetle), gnaws on the flowers and young leaves, while the aphids Aphis gossypii and Macchiatiella rhamni suck plant juices. The caterpillars of Pyrgus communis (Common Checkered Skipper) and the butterfly Vanessa cardui (Painted Lady) sometimes feed on the leaves, while the caterpillars of the butterfly Strymon melinus (Gray Hairstreak) feed on the developing seeds. The caterpillars of several moths also feed on Rose Mallows, including Acontia delecta (Delightful Bird-Dropping Moth), Anomis erosa (Yellow Scallop Moth), Automeris io (Io Moth), and Eudryas unio (Pearly Wood Nymph).
Photographic Location: A prairie swale at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Swamp Rose Mallow has exotic oversized flowers that are very striking, particularly when they occur in a colony of plants. Other native Hibiscus spp. (Rose Mallows) in Illinois are similar to Swamp Rose Mallow in appearance and they are found in similar habitats. These species include Hibiscus lasiocarpos (Hairy Rose Mallow) and Hibiscus laevis (Halberd-Leaved Rose Mallow). Hairy Rose Mallow has felty leaves that are conspicuously hairy on both their upper and lower surfaces; Swamp Rose Mallow has leaves that are hairless (or nearly so) on their upper surfaces. Hairy Rose Mallow also has hairy ovaries/capsules, while the ovaries/capsules of Swamp Rose Mallow are glabrous. Sometimes Hairy Rose Mallow is regarded as a subspecies of Swamp Rose Mallow, or Hibiscus moscheutos lasiocarpos. The remaining similar species, Halberd-Leaved Rose Mallow, has leaves with divergent basal lobes (shaped like a halberd) or palmate lobes (maple-leaf shaped), leaf surfaces that are hairless on both the lower and upper sides, and seeds that are quite hairy. In contrast, Swamp Rose Mallow lacks such strongly lobed leaves, the lower surfaces of its leaves are canescent (or tomentose), and its seeds are hairless. In the past, the pink-flowered form of Swamp Rose Mallow that lacks a reddish purple throat was classified as a distinct species, Hibiscus palustris. However, it is now considered one of several color forms of Swamp Rose Mallow.
Individual flowers are 4-6" across and a similar length, consisting of 5 white or pink petals, 5 light or yellowish green sepals, a reproductive columnar structure with numerous stamens along its length and 5 styles with knobby stigmata at its apex. The persistent sepals are ovate and canescent (or tomentose); they are united at the base. Each flower usually has a reddish purple throat at the base of its petals, although sometimes this is absent. Directly underneath the sepals, there are about 12 linear bracts that curve upward; they are 1" in length. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts about 1 month. Individual flowers are short-lived; usually only 0-2 flowers are in bloom at the same time on a single plant. The flowers are replaced by seed capsules that are about 1–1¼" long and a little less across; they are globoid-ovoid, short-beaked, and glabrous. Each seed capsule contains a ring of seeds; individual seeds are reniform, flattened, and hairless. This wildflower spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, wet to consistently moist conditions, and soil containing loam, silt, or some sand with organic material.
Close-up of Flower
Range & Habitat: The native Swamp Rose Mallow is found in widely scattered localities along the eastern half of Illinois, where it is uncommon. Illinois lies near the NW range-limit for this species in North America. Swamp Rose Mallow is also found in east Asia, where some additional color forms exist. Habitats include marshes, open swamps, and low soggy areas along rivers and ponds. Along the Atlantic coast of the U.S., this wildflower is also found in brackish marshes. Because of its attractive flowers, Swamp Rose Mallow is cultivated occasionally in gardens; some cultivars display evidence of hybridization with other Hibiscus spp. (Rose Mallows).
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by bumblebees and other long-tongued bees, including Melitoma taurea and Ptilothrix bombiformis (Rose Mallow bee). The Rose Mallow bee is a specialist pollinator (oligolege) of native Hibiscus spp. (Rose Mallows); it sucks nectar and collects pollen from the flowers, while other long-tongued bees suck nectar primarily. The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird is another nectar-seeking visitor of the flowers. Some insects feed on various parts of Rose Mallows. The introduced pest, Popillia japonica (Japanese Beetle), gnaws on the flowers and young leaves, while the aphids Aphis gossypii and Macchiatiella rhamni suck plant juices. The caterpillars of Pyrgus communis (Common Checkered Skipper) and the butterfly Vanessa cardui (Painted Lady) sometimes feed on the leaves, while the caterpillars of the butterfly Strymon melinus (Gray Hairstreak) feed on the developing seeds. The caterpillars of several moths also feed on Rose Mallows, including Acontia delecta (Delightful Bird-Dropping Moth), Anomis erosa (Yellow Scallop Moth), Automeris io (Io Moth), and Eudryas unio (Pearly Wood Nymph).
Photographic Location: A prairie swale at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Swamp Rose Mallow has exotic oversized flowers that are very striking, particularly when they occur in a colony of plants. Other native Hibiscus spp. (Rose Mallows) in Illinois are similar to Swamp Rose Mallow in appearance and they are found in similar habitats. These species include Hibiscus lasiocarpos (Hairy Rose Mallow) and Hibiscus laevis (Halberd-Leaved Rose Mallow). Hairy Rose Mallow has felty leaves that are conspicuously hairy on both their upper and lower surfaces; Swamp Rose Mallow has leaves that are hairless (or nearly so) on their upper surfaces. Hairy Rose Mallow also has hairy ovaries/capsules, while the ovaries/capsules of Swamp Rose Mallow are glabrous. Sometimes Hairy Rose Mallow is regarded as a subspecies of Swamp Rose Mallow, or Hibiscus moscheutos lasiocarpos. The remaining similar species, Halberd-Leaved Rose Mallow, has leaves with divergent basal lobes (shaped like a halberd) or palmate lobes (maple-leaf shaped), leaf surfaces that are hairless on both the lower and upper sides, and seeds that are quite hairy. In contrast, Swamp Rose Mallow lacks such strongly lobed leaves, the lower surfaces of its leaves are canescent (or tomentose), and its seeds are hairless. In the past, the pink-flowered form of Swamp Rose Mallow that lacks a reddish purple throat was classified as a distinct species, Hibiscus palustris. However, it is now considered one of several color forms of Swamp Rose Mallow.
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