文章
Miss Chen
2018年06月10日
Description: This herbaceous perennial wildflower is 8-24" tall and either unbranched or sparingly branched. The stems are erect, ascending, or sprawling; they are terete to slightly angular, light green to pale gray-red, and usually hairless. Pairs of opposite leaves about 1-3" long and 1/8–3/8" (3-10 mm.) across occur at intervals along the stems. These leaves are linear to linear-lanceolate, smooth or remotely toothed along their margins, and usually hairless; they clasp the stems. The upper surface of each leaf is hairless, medium green, and sometimes tinted purple.
Ascending to widely spreading racemes of 8-20 flowers develop from the axils of the middle to upper leaves; sometimes a single leaf in a pair of these leaves will fail to develop a raceme, forming a secondary leafy shoot instead. At maturity, these racemes are as long or longer than the leaves. The central stem and pedicels of each raceme are light green, slender, terete, and hairless (or nearly so). The pedicels are ½–¾" long. At the base of each pedicel, there is a linear leafy bract that is shorter than the pedicel. The flowers are ¼" across or a little wider, consisting of a pale blue or white corolla with 4 petal-like lobes, a short light green calyx with 4 lanceolate teeth, 2 stamens, and a pistil with a single style. Fine blue lines radiate from the throat of each corolla. The blooming period occurs from late spring to to early fall, lasting several months. For each plant, only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. The flowers are replaced by seed capsules about ¼" across that are heart-shaped and flattened; they are slightly more wide than tall. Each seed capsule has 2 cells; each cell has several tiny seeds. The root systemDistribution Map is rhizomatous or stoloniferous, forming vegetative offsets.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, wet to moist conditions, and soil with some organic matter to retain moisture. Temporary flooding is readily tolerated. This boreal species prefers cool moist weather.
Range & Habitat: The native Marsh Speedwell is uncommon and state-listed as 'threatened.' It has been found in only a few counties in central and NE Illinois. Illinois lies along the southern range-limit for this species. In addition to North America, it also occurs in Eurasia. Habitats include marshes, wet meadows, low areas along springs, low muddy areas along ponds, and swamps.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about floral-faunal relationships for this and other Veronica spp. The flowers are visited by small bees and flies, which seek primarily nectar. The caterpillars of the butterfly Junonia coenia (Buckeye) feed on the foliage of Veronica spp. The foliage is not known to be toxic to mammalian herbivores or geese, and it may be eaten occasionally by them.
Photographic Location: The photograph was taken at a nature preserve in Cook County, Illinois, by Lisa Culp (Copyright © 2009).
Comments: Other common names of Veronica scutellata are Skullcap Speedwell and Narrow-Leaved Speedwell. This delicate wildflower is somewhat similar to Water Speedwell (Veronica anagallis-aquatica) and American Brooklime (Veronica americana); these species occupy similar wetland habitats and bloom at about the same time of year. Marsh Speedwell differs from the latter two species by its narrow leaves (less than ½" across). These native species should not be confused with introduced Veronica spp. that are weedy annuals. Species in this latter group prefer drier disturbed areas and they tend to be smaller in size with much shorter leaves.
Ascending to widely spreading racemes of 8-20 flowers develop from the axils of the middle to upper leaves; sometimes a single leaf in a pair of these leaves will fail to develop a raceme, forming a secondary leafy shoot instead. At maturity, these racemes are as long or longer than the leaves. The central stem and pedicels of each raceme are light green, slender, terete, and hairless (or nearly so). The pedicels are ½–¾" long. At the base of each pedicel, there is a linear leafy bract that is shorter than the pedicel. The flowers are ¼" across or a little wider, consisting of a pale blue or white corolla with 4 petal-like lobes, a short light green calyx with 4 lanceolate teeth, 2 stamens, and a pistil with a single style. Fine blue lines radiate from the throat of each corolla. The blooming period occurs from late spring to to early fall, lasting several months. For each plant, only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. The flowers are replaced by seed capsules about ¼" across that are heart-shaped and flattened; they are slightly more wide than tall. Each seed capsule has 2 cells; each cell has several tiny seeds. The root systemDistribution Map is rhizomatous or stoloniferous, forming vegetative offsets.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, wet to moist conditions, and soil with some organic matter to retain moisture. Temporary flooding is readily tolerated. This boreal species prefers cool moist weather.
Range & Habitat: The native Marsh Speedwell is uncommon and state-listed as 'threatened.' It has been found in only a few counties in central and NE Illinois. Illinois lies along the southern range-limit for this species. In addition to North America, it also occurs in Eurasia. Habitats include marshes, wet meadows, low areas along springs, low muddy areas along ponds, and swamps.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about floral-faunal relationships for this and other Veronica spp. The flowers are visited by small bees and flies, which seek primarily nectar. The caterpillars of the butterfly Junonia coenia (Buckeye) feed on the foliage of Veronica spp. The foliage is not known to be toxic to mammalian herbivores or geese, and it may be eaten occasionally by them.
Photographic Location: The photograph was taken at a nature preserve in Cook County, Illinois, by Lisa Culp (Copyright © 2009).
Comments: Other common names of Veronica scutellata are Skullcap Speedwell and Narrow-Leaved Speedwell. This delicate wildflower is somewhat similar to Water Speedwell (Veronica anagallis-aquatica) and American Brooklime (Veronica americana); these species occupy similar wetland habitats and bloom at about the same time of year. Marsh Speedwell differs from the latter two species by its narrow leaves (less than ½" across). These native species should not be confused with introduced Veronica spp. that are weedy annuals. Species in this latter group prefer drier disturbed areas and they tend to be smaller in size with much shorter leaves.
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成长记
Lolney
2018年06月09日
I now added "Whopper® Red With Green Leaf Begonia. Water: Medium. Fertilize: Every two weeks. General Information: Whopper begonias offer super-sized performance which means maximum enjoyment for customers. Whopper is a big, vigorous plant that will fill out beds and large containers equally well. Truly a 50 MPH drive-by color to ... Spacing: 10 - 14'' (25 - 36cm) Scientific Name: Begonia x benariensis Height: 30 - 34'' (76 - 86cm) Exposure: Shade, Partial Sun, Sun" in my "garden"
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年06月08日
Description: This plant is a summer annual about 1-4½' tall, branching occasionally. The stems are light green to purple, more or less terete, and glabrous. Leaves are usually opposite, although some of the uppermost leaves may be alternate. The leaf blades are 2-6" long and ½-1½" across; they are lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate and coarsely serrated along their margins; some of the lower leaves often have 1-2 smaller basal lobes. The upper blade surface is medium green and glabrous, while the lower blade surface is pale-medium green and glabrous. During the autumn, the leaf blades often become purplish green or purple. The petioles are up to 2" long and usually narrow, although some of them may be partially winged.
The upper stems terminate in 1-3 flowerheads each on peduncles about ½-4" long. The peduncles are light green or purplish green, more or less terete, and glabrous. Each flowerhead spans ½-1¼" across (excluding the leafy bracts), consisting of numerous disk florets and usually no ray florets. When ray florets occur, they are insignificant and few in number. The corollas of the disk florets are yellow to orange, narrowly tubular in shape, and about 3 mm. (1/8") long; each corolla has 4-5 recurved to ascending lobes along its upper rim. The disk florets are perfect, while the ray florets, if they are present, are sterile. Surrounding the disk florets are about 8 floral bracts (phyllaries) that are yellowish brown or yellowish black, ovate in shape, and glabrous; they are about 6 mm. (¼") long. Originating from below both the disk florets and floral bracts, but spreading outward, there are 3-8 leafy bracts about ½-1½" long. The leafy bracts are green, glabrous, and oblanceolate, elliptic, or oblong in shape. The blooming period occurs from late summer into the fall, lasting about 1-2 months. The disk florets are replaced by awned achenes that are about 5-6 mm. in length (excluding the awns), oblanceolate in shape, and somewhat flattened. At the apex of each achene, there are 4 barbed awns consisting of two longer outer awns (about 4 mm. in length) and two shorter inner awns (about 2 mm. in length). However, because the 2 inner awns are fragile and often become detached, some achenes will have only 2-3 awns (or even less, should the outer awns become detached). The root system consists of a shallow branching taproot. This plant reproduces by reseeding itself, occasionally forming colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to moderate shade and wet to moist conditions. Various types of soil are tolerated, including those that contain loam, silt, and clay. This plant is somewhat weedy.
Range & Habitat: The native Purple-Stemmed Tickseed is occasional in the northern half of Illinois, becoming uncommon or absent in the southern half of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats consist of marshes, muddy areas of seasonal wetlands, streambanks, swamps, and ditches. Areas with a history of disturbance from flooding or other causes are preferred.
Faunal Associations: Robertson (1929) observed bumblebees sucking nectar from the flowerheads of Purple-Stemmed Tickseed. It is also likely that Halictid bees and miscellaneous flies also visit the flowerheads for nectar or pollen. The following aphids suck plant juices from this and other Bidens spp.: Aphis coreopsidis, Pemphigus tartareus, and Uroleucon chrysanthemi. The following leaf beetles feed on these plants and similar members of the Aster family: Calligrapha bidenticola, Calligrapha californica, and Calligrapha elegans. Other insects include foliage-consuming caterpillars of the butterfly Nathalis iole (Dainty Sulphur) and flowerhead-consuming larvae of the fruit fly Icterica seriata. The caterpillars of several moths feed on the foliage, feed on the flowerheads, or bore through the stems of Bidens spp. These species include Cirrhophanus triangulifer (Goldenrod Stowaway), Condica confederate (The Confederate), Condica mobilis (Mobile Groundling), and Epiblema otiosana (Bidens Borer Moth). Some vertebrate animals also feed on these plants. Such turtles as Chelydra serpentina (Snapping Turtle), Chrysemys picta (Painted Turtle), and Emys blandingii (Blanding's Turtle) eat the foliage or seeds (Ernst et al., 1994; Lagler, 1943). Several ducks, upland gamebirds, and granivorous songbirds also eat the seeds, including such species as the Wood Duck, Mallard, Black Duck, Wild Turkey, Ring-Necked Pheasant, Greater Prairie Chicken, Bobwhite Quail, Purple Finch, Common Redpoll, Swamp Sparrow, Pine Grosbeak, and Eastern Goldfinch (Martin et al., 1951/1961; Eastman, 2003). The foliage is eaten by the White-Tailed Deer and Cottontail Rabbit, although it is not a preferred source of food. Because the barbed awns of the achenes can cling to the fur of animals and the clothing of humans, they can be carried considerable distances to new locations.
Photographic Location: A shaded streambank at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This plant and other Bidens spp. are occasionally parasitized by various Cuscuta spp. (Dodders); the latter are vine-like plants without chlorophyll that often occur in wetlands. Because its ray florets are insignificant or absent, Purple-Stemmed Tickseed is one of the less showy species in this genus. It is relatively easy to confuse this species with other species in this genus that share this characteristic. In particular, Bidens comosa (Leafy-Bracted Tickseed) is similar in appearance. This latter species can be distinguished by the shorter petioles of its leaves (which are often winged), its longer leafy bracts (up to 2½" long), and the yellowish color of its stems. In addition, the corollas of the disk florets for this species have 4 lobes more often than 5 lobes, while the reverse is true for Purple-Stemmed Tickseed. The achenes of Purple-Stemmed Tickseed are also distinct: each of its achenes has 2 long outer awns and 2 short inner awns, although these awns (particularly the inner ones) often break off.
The upper stems terminate in 1-3 flowerheads each on peduncles about ½-4" long. The peduncles are light green or purplish green, more or less terete, and glabrous. Each flowerhead spans ½-1¼" across (excluding the leafy bracts), consisting of numerous disk florets and usually no ray florets. When ray florets occur, they are insignificant and few in number. The corollas of the disk florets are yellow to orange, narrowly tubular in shape, and about 3 mm. (1/8") long; each corolla has 4-5 recurved to ascending lobes along its upper rim. The disk florets are perfect, while the ray florets, if they are present, are sterile. Surrounding the disk florets are about 8 floral bracts (phyllaries) that are yellowish brown or yellowish black, ovate in shape, and glabrous; they are about 6 mm. (¼") long. Originating from below both the disk florets and floral bracts, but spreading outward, there are 3-8 leafy bracts about ½-1½" long. The leafy bracts are green, glabrous, and oblanceolate, elliptic, or oblong in shape. The blooming period occurs from late summer into the fall, lasting about 1-2 months. The disk florets are replaced by awned achenes that are about 5-6 mm. in length (excluding the awns), oblanceolate in shape, and somewhat flattened. At the apex of each achene, there are 4 barbed awns consisting of two longer outer awns (about 4 mm. in length) and two shorter inner awns (about 2 mm. in length). However, because the 2 inner awns are fragile and often become detached, some achenes will have only 2-3 awns (or even less, should the outer awns become detached). The root system consists of a shallow branching taproot. This plant reproduces by reseeding itself, occasionally forming colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to moderate shade and wet to moist conditions. Various types of soil are tolerated, including those that contain loam, silt, and clay. This plant is somewhat weedy.
Range & Habitat: The native Purple-Stemmed Tickseed is occasional in the northern half of Illinois, becoming uncommon or absent in the southern half of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats consist of marshes, muddy areas of seasonal wetlands, streambanks, swamps, and ditches. Areas with a history of disturbance from flooding or other causes are preferred.
Faunal Associations: Robertson (1929) observed bumblebees sucking nectar from the flowerheads of Purple-Stemmed Tickseed. It is also likely that Halictid bees and miscellaneous flies also visit the flowerheads for nectar or pollen. The following aphids suck plant juices from this and other Bidens spp.: Aphis coreopsidis, Pemphigus tartareus, and Uroleucon chrysanthemi. The following leaf beetles feed on these plants and similar members of the Aster family: Calligrapha bidenticola, Calligrapha californica, and Calligrapha elegans. Other insects include foliage-consuming caterpillars of the butterfly Nathalis iole (Dainty Sulphur) and flowerhead-consuming larvae of the fruit fly Icterica seriata. The caterpillars of several moths feed on the foliage, feed on the flowerheads, or bore through the stems of Bidens spp. These species include Cirrhophanus triangulifer (Goldenrod Stowaway), Condica confederate (The Confederate), Condica mobilis (Mobile Groundling), and Epiblema otiosana (Bidens Borer Moth). Some vertebrate animals also feed on these plants. Such turtles as Chelydra serpentina (Snapping Turtle), Chrysemys picta (Painted Turtle), and Emys blandingii (Blanding's Turtle) eat the foliage or seeds (Ernst et al., 1994; Lagler, 1943). Several ducks, upland gamebirds, and granivorous songbirds also eat the seeds, including such species as the Wood Duck, Mallard, Black Duck, Wild Turkey, Ring-Necked Pheasant, Greater Prairie Chicken, Bobwhite Quail, Purple Finch, Common Redpoll, Swamp Sparrow, Pine Grosbeak, and Eastern Goldfinch (Martin et al., 1951/1961; Eastman, 2003). The foliage is eaten by the White-Tailed Deer and Cottontail Rabbit, although it is not a preferred source of food. Because the barbed awns of the achenes can cling to the fur of animals and the clothing of humans, they can be carried considerable distances to new locations.
Photographic Location: A shaded streambank at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This plant and other Bidens spp. are occasionally parasitized by various Cuscuta spp. (Dodders); the latter are vine-like plants without chlorophyll that often occur in wetlands. Because its ray florets are insignificant or absent, Purple-Stemmed Tickseed is one of the less showy species in this genus. It is relatively easy to confuse this species with other species in this genus that share this characteristic. In particular, Bidens comosa (Leafy-Bracted Tickseed) is similar in appearance. This latter species can be distinguished by the shorter petioles of its leaves (which are often winged), its longer leafy bracts (up to 2½" long), and the yellowish color of its stems. In addition, the corollas of the disk florets for this species have 4 lobes more often than 5 lobes, while the reverse is true for Purple-Stemmed Tickseed. The achenes of Purple-Stemmed Tickseed are also distinct: each of its achenes has 2 long outer awns and 2 short inner awns, although these awns (particularly the inner ones) often break off.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年06月08日
Description: This perennial wildflower is 1-2' tall, consisting of a cluster of unbranched flowering stems that are ascending to erect. The stems are light green to purplish green, terete, and nearly glabrous; the upper halves of the stems are often sparsely short-pubescent in lines underneath the petioles of the leaves. Pairs of leaves occur at fairly frequent intervals along the stems; both the leaves and stems contain a milky latex. These leaves are 2-5" long and ¼-1½" across; they are narrowly elliptic to ovate-elliptic in shape and smooth along their margins. Leaf tips taper gradually to acute points, while leaf bases are wedge-shaped. Leaf venation is pinnate with a prominent midvein and curving lateral veins. The upper leaf surface is medium to dark green, while the lower leaf surface is light to medium green; both surfaces are glabrous or nearly so (sometimes sparse fine hairs may occur along the lower sides of the central veins). The narrow petioles are ¼-¾" in length; they are light green to purplish green and grooved along their upper sides.
One or more umbels of flowers about 1½-2½" across are produced from the axils of the upper leaves; each umbel has 20-50 white to pinkish white flowers. The umbels are held more or less erect on rather stout peduncles about ½-2" long. Each flower is about ¼" across, consisting of 5 corolla lobes (or petals), 5 sepals, 5 hoods with horns, and a central reproductive column (gynostegium). The reflexed corolla lobes are generally white, although they are often pinkish along the undersides towards their tips. The white hoods are erect and scoop-shaped; the horns of these hoods are slender, curved slightly inward, and exerted. The inconspicuous sepals are pale green or pale purplish green, lanceolate-oblong in shape, and shorter than the corolla lobes. The pedicels are ¾-1¼" long, whitish green to pale purplish green, terete, and minutely pubescent. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer (or sometimes later), lasting about 1-2 months. The flowers are mildly fragrant. Afterwards, fertile flowers are replaced by lanceoloid seedpods (follicles) about 2½-3" long. The outer surfaces of these seedpods are smooth and glabrous. Immature seedpods are held erect, but they droop downward at maturity to release their seeds. These seeds have expanded coats, but they lack comas (tufts of hair); they are capable of floating on water for extended periods of time, thereby distributing them to new locations (Edwards et al., 1994). The root system consists of a woody crown. Decumbent stems on moist ground can develop rootlets, forming clonal offsets.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to medium shade, wet to consistently moist conditions, and soil containing abundant organic matter. Standing water is tolerated if it is temporary.
Range & Habitat: The native White Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias perennis) is occasional in southern Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is absent (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the northern range limit of this species. Habitats include floodplain and bottomland woodlands, swamps (including Bald Cypress swamps), borders of ponds and streams in shady areas, and ditches. This milkweed is usually found in higher quality wetlands that are semi-shaded to shaded.
Faunal Associations: Little is known specifically about the floral-faunal relationships of White Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias perennis). The white flowers are probably cross-pollinated by various bees, wasps, butterflies, and moths. The floral reward of such visitors is nectar. Other insects feed on the foliage, seeds, roots, plant juices, and other parts of milkweeds. These insect feeders include stem- and root-boring larvae of Tetraopes tetrophthalmus (Red Milkweed Beetle), stem-boring larvae of the weevil Rhyssomatus lineaticollis, Labidomera clivicollis (Swamp Milkweed Beetle), Lygus kalmii (Small Milkweed Bug) and Oncopeltus fasciatus (Large Milkweed Bug), several aphid species, caterpillars of the butterfly Danaus plexippus (Monarch), and caterpillars of a few moths (see the Insect Table for a more complete listing of these species). Because the milky latex of the foliage is bitter-tasting and toxic, White Swamp Milkweed and other milkweeds are rarely eaten by mammalian herbivores. However, the seeds are a minor source of food to the White-Footed Mouse (Whitaker, 1966).
Photographic Location: A swamp in southern Illinois.
Comments: This is one of several white-flowered milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) in Illinois. It differs from these other species by its preference for shaded wetland habitats. The only other milkweed within the state that reliably prefers wetlands, Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed), is a taller plant with pink flowers; it also prefers wetlands that are more sunny. White Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias perennis) is unique among milkweeds within the state by its seeds, which lack comas (tufts of hair). Instead of wind-distribution, this milkweed relies on water to distribute its seeds to new locations. In addition to this characteristic, White Swamp Milkweed can be distinguished from other white-flowered milkweeds by the shape of its leaves, which are more narrow than those of Asclepias variegata (White Milkweed), but more broad than those of Asclepias verticillata (Whorled Milkweed). However, across its range, the leaves of White Swamp Milkweed can vary significantly in their average width. Another common name of Asclepias perennis is Thin-Leaved Milkweed.
One or more umbels of flowers about 1½-2½" across are produced from the axils of the upper leaves; each umbel has 20-50 white to pinkish white flowers. The umbels are held more or less erect on rather stout peduncles about ½-2" long. Each flower is about ¼" across, consisting of 5 corolla lobes (or petals), 5 sepals, 5 hoods with horns, and a central reproductive column (gynostegium). The reflexed corolla lobes are generally white, although they are often pinkish along the undersides towards their tips. The white hoods are erect and scoop-shaped; the horns of these hoods are slender, curved slightly inward, and exerted. The inconspicuous sepals are pale green or pale purplish green, lanceolate-oblong in shape, and shorter than the corolla lobes. The pedicels are ¾-1¼" long, whitish green to pale purplish green, terete, and minutely pubescent. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer (or sometimes later), lasting about 1-2 months. The flowers are mildly fragrant. Afterwards, fertile flowers are replaced by lanceoloid seedpods (follicles) about 2½-3" long. The outer surfaces of these seedpods are smooth and glabrous. Immature seedpods are held erect, but they droop downward at maturity to release their seeds. These seeds have expanded coats, but they lack comas (tufts of hair); they are capable of floating on water for extended periods of time, thereby distributing them to new locations (Edwards et al., 1994). The root system consists of a woody crown. Decumbent stems on moist ground can develop rootlets, forming clonal offsets.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to medium shade, wet to consistently moist conditions, and soil containing abundant organic matter. Standing water is tolerated if it is temporary.
Range & Habitat: The native White Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias perennis) is occasional in southern Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is absent (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the northern range limit of this species. Habitats include floodplain and bottomland woodlands, swamps (including Bald Cypress swamps), borders of ponds and streams in shady areas, and ditches. This milkweed is usually found in higher quality wetlands that are semi-shaded to shaded.
Faunal Associations: Little is known specifically about the floral-faunal relationships of White Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias perennis). The white flowers are probably cross-pollinated by various bees, wasps, butterflies, and moths. The floral reward of such visitors is nectar. Other insects feed on the foliage, seeds, roots, plant juices, and other parts of milkweeds. These insect feeders include stem- and root-boring larvae of Tetraopes tetrophthalmus (Red Milkweed Beetle), stem-boring larvae of the weevil Rhyssomatus lineaticollis, Labidomera clivicollis (Swamp Milkweed Beetle), Lygus kalmii (Small Milkweed Bug) and Oncopeltus fasciatus (Large Milkweed Bug), several aphid species, caterpillars of the butterfly Danaus plexippus (Monarch), and caterpillars of a few moths (see the Insect Table for a more complete listing of these species). Because the milky latex of the foliage is bitter-tasting and toxic, White Swamp Milkweed and other milkweeds are rarely eaten by mammalian herbivores. However, the seeds are a minor source of food to the White-Footed Mouse (Whitaker, 1966).
Photographic Location: A swamp in southern Illinois.
Comments: This is one of several white-flowered milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) in Illinois. It differs from these other species by its preference for shaded wetland habitats. The only other milkweed within the state that reliably prefers wetlands, Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed), is a taller plant with pink flowers; it also prefers wetlands that are more sunny. White Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias perennis) is unique among milkweeds within the state by its seeds, which lack comas (tufts of hair). Instead of wind-distribution, this milkweed relies on water to distribute its seeds to new locations. In addition to this characteristic, White Swamp Milkweed can be distinguished from other white-flowered milkweeds by the shape of its leaves, which are more narrow than those of Asclepias variegata (White Milkweed), but more broad than those of Asclepias verticillata (Whorled Milkweed). However, across its range, the leaves of White Swamp Milkweed can vary significantly in their average width. Another common name of Asclepias perennis is Thin-Leaved Milkweed.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年06月08日
Description: This perennial wildflower is highly variable in size (2-6' tall), depending on environmental conditions. The central stem branches occasionally, forming ascending lateral stems; these stems are light green, terete, and glabrous. The opposite leaves are up to 6" long and 1½" across, although they are more typically about 3" long and ½" across. They are narrowly lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate in shape, smooth (entire) along their margins, and glabrous. Upper leaf surfaces are medium to dark green, although they can become yellowish green or pale green in response to bright sunlight and hot dry conditions. The leaves are either sessile or their bases clasp the stems. Upper stems terminate in pink umbels of flowers spanning about 2-3½" across. Each flower is about ¼" across, consisting of 5 upright whitish hoods and 5 surrounding pink petals that droop downward in the manner of most milkweeds. The blooming period occurs during late summer and lasts about a month. The flowers exude a pleasant fragrance that resembles cinnamon. Afterwards, successfully cross-pollinated flowers are replaced by seedpods. The seedpods (follicles) are 3-4" long and narrowly lanceoloid-ellipsoid in shape. Immature seedpods are light green, smooth, and glabrous, turning brown at maturity. Each seedpod splits open along one side to release its seeds. These seeds have large tufts of white hair and they are distributed by the wind during the fall. The root system is rhizomatous, from which clonal colonies of plants occasionally develop.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, wet to moist conditions, and soil containing mucky clay, rich loam, or silt with rotting organic material. Occasional flooding is tolerated if it is temporary. Tolerance to hot dry conditions is poor. The leaves have a tendency to become more broad in shape in response to shady conditions.
Range & Habitat: The native Swamp Milkweed is a fairly common plant that occurs in nearly all counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include open to partially shaded areas in floodplain forests, swamps, thickets, moist black soil prairies, low areas along rivers and ponds, seeps and fens, marshes, and drainage ditches. Swamp Milkweed can be found in both high quality and degraded habitats.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are very popular with many kinds of insects, including bumblebees, honeybees, long-horned bees (Melissodes spp., Svastra spp.), Halictid bees, Sphecid wasps, Vespid wasps, Tiphiid wasps, Spider wasps, Mydas flies, thick-headed flies, Tachinid flies, Swallowtail butterflies, Greater Fritillaries, Monarch butterflies, and skippers. Another occasional visitor of the flowers is the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. All of these visitors seek nectar. Some insects feed destructively on the foliage and other parts of Swamp Milkweed and other Asclepias spp. (milkweeds). These insect feeders include caterpillars of the butterfly Danaus plexippes (Monarch), Labidomera clavicollis (Swamp Milkweed Leaf Beetle), Oncopeltus fasciatus (Large Milkweed Bug), and Aphis nerii (Yellow Milkweed Aphid). The latter aphid often congregates on the upper stems and young leaves (see Insect Table for other insects that feed on milkweeds). Mammalian herbivores leave this plant alone because the foliage is both bitter and toxic, containing cardiac glycosides.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois, and at Weaver Park of the same city.
Comments: This is usually an attractive and elegant plant. It is almost the only milkweed in Illinois that favors wetland habitats. Swamp Milkweed is easily distinguished from other milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) by its erect umbels of pink flowers, tall branching habit, and relatively narrow leaves. Other milkweeds with pink flowers, such as Asclepias syriaca (Common Milkweed) and Asclepias sullivantii (Prairie Milkweed), are shorter and less branched plants with wider leaves. Sometimes stray plants of Swamp Milkweed occur in drier areas; these specimens are usually much shorter and little branched, but their leaves remain narrow in shape.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, wet to moist conditions, and soil containing mucky clay, rich loam, or silt with rotting organic material. Occasional flooding is tolerated if it is temporary. Tolerance to hot dry conditions is poor. The leaves have a tendency to become more broad in shape in response to shady conditions.
Range & Habitat: The native Swamp Milkweed is a fairly common plant that occurs in nearly all counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include open to partially shaded areas in floodplain forests, swamps, thickets, moist black soil prairies, low areas along rivers and ponds, seeps and fens, marshes, and drainage ditches. Swamp Milkweed can be found in both high quality and degraded habitats.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are very popular with many kinds of insects, including bumblebees, honeybees, long-horned bees (Melissodes spp., Svastra spp.), Halictid bees, Sphecid wasps, Vespid wasps, Tiphiid wasps, Spider wasps, Mydas flies, thick-headed flies, Tachinid flies, Swallowtail butterflies, Greater Fritillaries, Monarch butterflies, and skippers. Another occasional visitor of the flowers is the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. All of these visitors seek nectar. Some insects feed destructively on the foliage and other parts of Swamp Milkweed and other Asclepias spp. (milkweeds). These insect feeders include caterpillars of the butterfly Danaus plexippes (Monarch), Labidomera clavicollis (Swamp Milkweed Leaf Beetle), Oncopeltus fasciatus (Large Milkweed Bug), and Aphis nerii (Yellow Milkweed Aphid). The latter aphid often congregates on the upper stems and young leaves (see Insect Table for other insects that feed on milkweeds). Mammalian herbivores leave this plant alone because the foliage is both bitter and toxic, containing cardiac glycosides.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois, and at Weaver Park of the same city.
Comments: This is usually an attractive and elegant plant. It is almost the only milkweed in Illinois that favors wetland habitats. Swamp Milkweed is easily distinguished from other milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) by its erect umbels of pink flowers, tall branching habit, and relatively narrow leaves. Other milkweeds with pink flowers, such as Asclepias syriaca (Common Milkweed) and Asclepias sullivantii (Prairie Milkweed), are shorter and less branched plants with wider leaves. Sometimes stray plants of Swamp Milkweed occur in drier areas; these specimens are usually much shorter and little branched, but their leaves remain narrow in shape.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年06月08日
Description: This plant is a summer annual that often branches at the base, otherwise it is usually unbranched. The erect or sprawling stems are about ½–1' long. They are light green, glabrous, and eitherFlower & Foliage round or angular in circumference. Pairs of opposite leaves occur at intervals along these stems. They are up to 2½" long, ¼" across, linear or linear-lanceolate, smooth along the margins, and glabrous. Each leaf clasps the stem at the base, where it often has a pair of small shallow lobes (i.e., it is auriculate). Along the upper surface of each leaf, there is a conspicuous central vein that runs along its length. From 1-7 flowers are produced in tight clusters in the upper axil of each leaf. These flowers are sessile, or nearly so. Usually, fewer flowers are produced per axil in the upper leaves (about 1-3) than in the lower leaves (about 3-7). Each flower is about ¼" across, consisting of 4 rounded petals that are pink or purple, a tubular calyx that is divided into 4 segments that form ridges at their edges, 4 or 8 stamens with yellow anthers, and a stout central style. The calyx is initially green or purple, but it later becomes red when the seeds begin to ripen. In the middle of each calyx segment, there is a secondary ridge along its length; these 4 secondary ridges are slightly less pronounced than the 4 primary ridges between the segments of the calyx. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts about 2-3 months. Individual flowers are short-lived. An ovoid seed capsule develops within the surrounding calyx that causes it to swell in diameter. This capsule contains numerous tiny seeds that are shiny and yellow. These seeds are small enough to be blown about by the wind, and they probably float on water. The root system consists of a shallow tuft of roots. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, wet conditions, and muddy soil. The seeds germinate better if they are temporarily submerged in water, and then left in muddy soil. This emulates their natural habitat.
Range & Habitat: The native Scarlet Toothcup is an occasional to locally common plant in most areas of Illinois, except in the upper two tiers of counties, where it is largely absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include muddy shores of ponds, mud flats along rivers, ditches, limestone quarries, and grassy areas that are prone to occasional flooding. This species tolerates disturbs conditions in wetlands.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts various insects, including small bees (Little Carpenter, Halictid), Syrphid flies, Tachinid flies, and small- to medium-sized butterflies (Whites, Sulfurs, & others). The bees also collect pollen. The seed capsules are eaten by ducks during the fall and winter, including Anas platyrhynchos (Mallard), Anas acuta (Northern Pintail), and Anas crecca (Green-Winged Teal). The foliage is not known to be toxic, and it is probably eaten by Branta canadensis (Canada Goose).
Photographic Location: Along the muddy shore of a pond in Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: The common name, 'Scarlet Toothcup,' refers to the appearance of the fruits when they begin to ripen during the fall. Another common name for this species is 'Purple Ammannia,' which refers to the color of the flowers. Scarlet Toothcup is a wetland species that is not very showy and often overlooked, although it is useful as a source of food for waterfowl. The only other species in this genus that occurs in Illinois, Ammannia robusta (Robust Toothcup), was formerly regarded as a subspecies of Scarlet Toothcup, or Ammannia coccinea robusta. However, genetic analysis has revealed that it is a distinct species. Robust Toothcup occurs primarily in NE Illinois and has an appearance that is similar to Scarlet Toothcup. The petals of its flowers are light pink to pink and there are only 1-3 flowers (or seed capsules) per leaf axil, whereas Scarlet Toothcup has flower petals that range from pink to purple and there are often 3-5 flowers (or seed capsules) per axil among the lower leaves (and sometimes even more). Another wetland species in the Loosestrife family with a similar appearance is Rotala ramosior (Wheelwort). Unlike the preceding Toothcup species, Wheelwort has only a single flower or seed capsule per leaf axil, and the petals of its flowers are white. Whereas the Toothcup species have leaves that clasp their stems, the leaves of Wheelwort are sessile.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, wet conditions, and muddy soil. The seeds germinate better if they are temporarily submerged in water, and then left in muddy soil. This emulates their natural habitat.
Range & Habitat: The native Scarlet Toothcup is an occasional to locally common plant in most areas of Illinois, except in the upper two tiers of counties, where it is largely absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include muddy shores of ponds, mud flats along rivers, ditches, limestone quarries, and grassy areas that are prone to occasional flooding. This species tolerates disturbs conditions in wetlands.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts various insects, including small bees (Little Carpenter, Halictid), Syrphid flies, Tachinid flies, and small- to medium-sized butterflies (Whites, Sulfurs, & others). The bees also collect pollen. The seed capsules are eaten by ducks during the fall and winter, including Anas platyrhynchos (Mallard), Anas acuta (Northern Pintail), and Anas crecca (Green-Winged Teal). The foliage is not known to be toxic, and it is probably eaten by Branta canadensis (Canada Goose).
Photographic Location: Along the muddy shore of a pond in Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: The common name, 'Scarlet Toothcup,' refers to the appearance of the fruits when they begin to ripen during the fall. Another common name for this species is 'Purple Ammannia,' which refers to the color of the flowers. Scarlet Toothcup is a wetland species that is not very showy and often overlooked, although it is useful as a source of food for waterfowl. The only other species in this genus that occurs in Illinois, Ammannia robusta (Robust Toothcup), was formerly regarded as a subspecies of Scarlet Toothcup, or Ammannia coccinea robusta. However, genetic analysis has revealed that it is a distinct species. Robust Toothcup occurs primarily in NE Illinois and has an appearance that is similar to Scarlet Toothcup. The petals of its flowers are light pink to pink and there are only 1-3 flowers (or seed capsules) per leaf axil, whereas Scarlet Toothcup has flower petals that range from pink to purple and there are often 3-5 flowers (or seed capsules) per axil among the lower leaves (and sometimes even more). Another wetland species in the Loosestrife family with a similar appearance is Rotala ramosior (Wheelwort). Unlike the preceding Toothcup species, Wheelwort has only a single flower or seed capsule per leaf axil, and the petals of its flowers are white. Whereas the Toothcup species have leaves that clasp their stems, the leaves of Wheelwort are sessile.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年06月08日
Description: This perennial wildflower is 2½–5' tall. The stout central stem is unbranched, terete, and light green, reddish green, or brownish green; it is covered with long hairs that are white or light brown. Along each stem, there are widely spreading alternate leaves. These leaves are odd-pinnate and up to 2' long and ½' across; each leaf has 9-17 primary leaflets and smaller secondary leaflets. The secondary leaflets are located between pairs of primary leaflets. Individual primary leaflets are 2-3" long and about one-third as much across; they are narrowly lanceolate, narrowly oblanceolate, or elliptic with wedge-shaped bottoms and acute tips. Leaflet margins are coarsely dentate. The upper surface of each leaflet is yellowish green and hairless, while the lower surface is short-pubescent. Secondary leaflets are similar to the primary leaflets, but they are much smaller in size (less than 1" long). Both the petiole and rachis of each compound leaf are pubescent; quite often, they have sparse long hairs. At the base of each leaf, there is a pair of large stipules that are fan-shaped and either coarsely dentate or cleft with pointed lobes.
The central stem terminates in a long spike-like raceme about ¾–2½' long. Robust plants also produce secondary racemes from the axils of the upper leaves that are shorter than the terminal raceme. These racemes are usually more or less erect, although longer racemes sometimes bend sideways to become nearly horizontal with the ground. The central stalk of the raceme is light green, terete, and short-pubescent. Numerous small flowers about ¼" across occur along the length of the raceme on short stalks about 1/8" long. Individual flowers consist of a tubular green calyx, 5 yellow petals, about 10 stamens, and a central pistil. The tubular calyx is turbinate in shape and 10-ribbed. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late summer and lasts about 1-2 months. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by 1-2 seeded fruits about ¼" across. These small fruits have numerous hooked prickles along the upper rims of their persistent calyxes. Immature fruits are green, while mature fruits are brown. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. Clonal colonies of plants are often produced.
Cultivation: Swamp Agrimony prefers full sun to light shade, moist conditions, and loamy, silty, gravelly, or sandy soil. It tolerates temporary flooding during the spring.
Range & Habitat: Swamp Agrimony is occasional throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include openings in floodplain woodlands, swamps, soggy thickets, gravelly seeps, riverbottom prairies and prairie swales, and roadside ditches. The preceding habitats can be either sandy or non-sandy.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract small bees and flower flies (Syrphidae). Larvae of the midge, Contarinia agrimoniae, feed on the flower buds, flowers, & developing seeds of Agrimonia spp. and other species in the Rose family, while an aphid, Macrosiphum agrimoniellum, sucks juices from the flowering stems. Insects that feed on the foliage of Agrimonia spp. include larvae of a sawfly (Fenella nigrita), larvae of a Gelechiid moth (Anacampsis agrimoniella), and larvae of a Tischeriid moth (Coptotriche agrimoniella). Because the foliage is bitter-tasting and high in tannins, it is usually avoided by mammalian herbivores. The bur-like fruits can cling to the fur of mammals, the feathers of birds, and the clothing of humans, which spreads the seeds to new locations.
Photographic Location: Near Cowle's Bog at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in NW Indiana, where it was moist, partially shaded, and sandy.
Comments: Compared to other Agrimonia spp. in Illinois, Swamp Agrimony is easy to identify because its compound leaves have more primary leaflets (9-17) and its primary leaflets are more narrow in shape. To a greater extent than other species in this genus, Swamp Agrimony prefers habitats that are sunny and wet. Only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time; they are short-lived and not very showy because of their small size.
The central stem terminates in a long spike-like raceme about ¾–2½' long. Robust plants also produce secondary racemes from the axils of the upper leaves that are shorter than the terminal raceme. These racemes are usually more or less erect, although longer racemes sometimes bend sideways to become nearly horizontal with the ground. The central stalk of the raceme is light green, terete, and short-pubescent. Numerous small flowers about ¼" across occur along the length of the raceme on short stalks about 1/8" long. Individual flowers consist of a tubular green calyx, 5 yellow petals, about 10 stamens, and a central pistil. The tubular calyx is turbinate in shape and 10-ribbed. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late summer and lasts about 1-2 months. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by 1-2 seeded fruits about ¼" across. These small fruits have numerous hooked prickles along the upper rims of their persistent calyxes. Immature fruits are green, while mature fruits are brown. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. Clonal colonies of plants are often produced.
Cultivation: Swamp Agrimony prefers full sun to light shade, moist conditions, and loamy, silty, gravelly, or sandy soil. It tolerates temporary flooding during the spring.
Range & Habitat: Swamp Agrimony is occasional throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include openings in floodplain woodlands, swamps, soggy thickets, gravelly seeps, riverbottom prairies and prairie swales, and roadside ditches. The preceding habitats can be either sandy or non-sandy.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract small bees and flower flies (Syrphidae). Larvae of the midge, Contarinia agrimoniae, feed on the flower buds, flowers, & developing seeds of Agrimonia spp. and other species in the Rose family, while an aphid, Macrosiphum agrimoniellum, sucks juices from the flowering stems. Insects that feed on the foliage of Agrimonia spp. include larvae of a sawfly (Fenella nigrita), larvae of a Gelechiid moth (Anacampsis agrimoniella), and larvae of a Tischeriid moth (Coptotriche agrimoniella). Because the foliage is bitter-tasting and high in tannins, it is usually avoided by mammalian herbivores. The bur-like fruits can cling to the fur of mammals, the feathers of birds, and the clothing of humans, which spreads the seeds to new locations.
Photographic Location: Near Cowle's Bog at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in NW Indiana, where it was moist, partially shaded, and sandy.
Comments: Compared to other Agrimonia spp. in Illinois, Swamp Agrimony is easy to identify because its compound leaves have more primary leaflets (9-17) and its primary leaflets are more narrow in shape. To a greater extent than other species in this genus, Swamp Agrimony prefers habitats that are sunny and wet. Only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time; they are short-lived and not very showy because of their small size.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年06月08日
Description: This perennial plant is 1–3½' tall, consisting of tufts of basal leaves that emerge directly from a spreading rootstock. These basal leaves are erect and sword-shaped, resembling the basal leaves of Iris spp. (Irises), but more green. They are flattened (on one side more than the other), smooth along the margins, and have parallel veins. There is often an off-center ridge/indentation along the length of each leaf. Sometimes the base of the leaves or their margins are slightly red. Some leaves develop a cylindrical spadix that is about 2–4" in length and semi-erect. This spadix is covered with tiny greenish yellow flowers in a diamond-shaped pattern. Each flower has 6 tepals and 6 stamens. The spathe is regarded as absent by some authorities, while others consider the spathe to be a bract-like extension of the basal leaf. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer and lasts about a month. Both the crushed foliage and rootstocks have a pleasant aromatic fragrance. Because Sweet Flag is a sterile polyploid species, it doesn't produce any fruit with fertile seeds. The root system consists of shallow branching rhizomes that are stout and knobby; they have a brown exterior and white interior. Tufts of basal leaves occur at intervals along these rhizomes, while coarse fibrous roots develop below. This plant spreads vegetatively by its rhizomes and often forms colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun and wet mucky ground or shallow water along shores. This species is semi-aquatic. It is fairly easy to establish from pieces of the rhizome.
Range & Habitat: The non-native Sweet Flag occurs occasionally throughout Illinois, although it is less common or absent in the NW and southern areas of the state (see Distribution Map). It was introduced into North America for medicinal, ornamental, and other purposes. Sweet Flag is native to India, central Asia, and probably Eastern Europe. Habitats include sedge meadows that are prone to flooding, edges of small lakes and ponds, marshes, swamps, seeps and springs, and wetland restorations. Even though this is an introduced plant, it has been found in both high quality and degraded wetlands.
Faunal Associations: Muskrats are fond of the rootstocks and readily consume them. Otherwise, little information is available about floral-faunal relationships.
Photographic Location: Along the shore of a small lake at a city park in Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: The rootstocks of this aromatic plant are used as a natural insecticide and an ingredient of perfumes. They were used by Amerindians for various medicinal purposes, and reportedly induce hallucinations if eaten in sufficiently large quantities. These properties are primarily the result of Alpha-asarone and Beta-asarone; the latter has been found to be carcinogenic. As a consequence, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the use of the rootstocks as a food additive. A similar species, Acorus americanus (American Sweet Flag), is restricted to the northern half of North America. It is virtually identical to Acorus calamus (Sweet Flag), except that it has several prominent veins along the length of each leaf. Sweet Flag has a single prominent vein on each leaf that is marked by an off-center ridge/indentation along its length. Another difference is that American Sweet Flag is a fertile diploid that produces fruit with viable seeds. In the past, this species was regarded as a variety of Sweet Flag, and it was referred to as Acorus calamus americanus. American Sweet Flag contains Alpha-asarone, but it lacks significant amounts of the carcinogenic Beta-asarone – therefore, it may be safer to use in the preparations that are described above. The Acorus spp. (Sweet Flags) were classified in the Araceae (Arum family) in the past, but they have been reclassified to their own family, the Acoraceae, as a result of recent chromosomal studies.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun and wet mucky ground or shallow water along shores. This species is semi-aquatic. It is fairly easy to establish from pieces of the rhizome.
Range & Habitat: The non-native Sweet Flag occurs occasionally throughout Illinois, although it is less common or absent in the NW and southern areas of the state (see Distribution Map). It was introduced into North America for medicinal, ornamental, and other purposes. Sweet Flag is native to India, central Asia, and probably Eastern Europe. Habitats include sedge meadows that are prone to flooding, edges of small lakes and ponds, marshes, swamps, seeps and springs, and wetland restorations. Even though this is an introduced plant, it has been found in both high quality and degraded wetlands.
Faunal Associations: Muskrats are fond of the rootstocks and readily consume them. Otherwise, little information is available about floral-faunal relationships.
Photographic Location: Along the shore of a small lake at a city park in Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: The rootstocks of this aromatic plant are used as a natural insecticide and an ingredient of perfumes. They were used by Amerindians for various medicinal purposes, and reportedly induce hallucinations if eaten in sufficiently large quantities. These properties are primarily the result of Alpha-asarone and Beta-asarone; the latter has been found to be carcinogenic. As a consequence, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the use of the rootstocks as a food additive. A similar species, Acorus americanus (American Sweet Flag), is restricted to the northern half of North America. It is virtually identical to Acorus calamus (Sweet Flag), except that it has several prominent veins along the length of each leaf. Sweet Flag has a single prominent vein on each leaf that is marked by an off-center ridge/indentation along its length. Another difference is that American Sweet Flag is a fertile diploid that produces fruit with viable seeds. In the past, this species was regarded as a variety of Sweet Flag, and it was referred to as Acorus calamus americanus. American Sweet Flag contains Alpha-asarone, but it lacks significant amounts of the carcinogenic Beta-asarone – therefore, it may be safer to use in the preparations that are described above. The Acorus spp. (Sweet Flags) were classified in the Araceae (Arum family) in the past, but they have been reclassified to their own family, the Acoraceae, as a result of recent chromosomal studies.
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成长记
Pommy Mommy
2018年06月07日
Strawberries have sprouted a few more flowers and a few green berries are turning red.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年06月07日
Description: This perennial herbaceous plant has petioled basal leaves up to 6" (15 cm.) tall. The basal leaves are trifoliate and usually evergreen. The petioles of these leaves are 2-6" (5-15 cm.) long, more or less erect, light green, terete, and sparsely to moderately hairy. Individual leaflets of basal leaves are 1-3" long and a little less across; they are broadly obovate overall and wedge-shaped (cuneate) at the base. The margins of these leaflets are sharply divided (cleft) into shallow to moderately deep rounded lobes, and often slightly ciliate; the middle to outer margins are coarsely serrated or dentate. The upper leaf surface is medium to dark green (becoming dark purplish red during the winter), while the lower leaf surface is a slightly lighter shade of green. Both leaf surfaces are sparsely short-hairy. The leaflets are either sessile or they have short petiolules (basal stalklets).
Occasionally, small cymes of 3-7 flowers are produced directly from the root system. These inflorescences are about as tall as the petioled basal leaves or a little taller. The peduncle, its branches, and pedicels of an inflorescence are light green, sparsely to moderately hairy, and rather slender. Narrow leafy bracts up to ½" in length occur where the branches of the peduncle and the pedicels diverge from each other. Pedicels of the flowers are up to ½" in length. Individual flowers are ½–¾" across, consisting of 5 yellow petals, 5 light green sepals that are joined together at the base, a dense ring of 40 or more stamens with yellow anthers, and a small central cluster of 2-6 carpels with slender styles. The petals are elliptic to broadly elliptic in shape and widely spreading; they are longer than the sepals. The sepals are sparsely to moderately hairy and deltate (triangular) in shape. The blooming period usually occurs intermittently from late spring to early summer, lasting about 1 month. The petals fall from the flowers after only 1 or 2 days. Afterwards, the carpels (pistils) mature into flattened achenes about 2 mm. in length. (one achene per carpel); these achenes are finelyDistribution Map short-hairy. Prior to the maturity of the achenes, the styles break off from their achenes at the base. These styles lack hooks. The root system has shallow reddish rhizomes and secondary fibrous roots. Clonal colonies of plants of varying size are produced from the rhizomes; this is the primary method of reproduction.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sunlight to light shade, more or less mesic conditions, and soil containing rocky material, clay, loam, or humus. The soil pH should be moderately acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0). This plant dislikes hot summer weather and it requires some protection from the afternoon sun. In Illinois, areas with reduced competition from heavy leaf-fall and other ground vegetation are preferred.
Habitats: Barren Strawberry (Waldsteinia fragarioides) has been found only once in Illinois as a wild plant in Pope County, where it is regarded as a native wildflower. As a result, it has been listed as 'state-endangered.' Because this isolated population has not been relocated since its discovery, it is possible that Barren Strawberry has been extirpated from the state. The primary range of this wildflower occurs in the Appalachian Mountains and boreal areas of NE USA, the upper Midwest, and adjacent areas of southern Canada. In Illinois, this wildflower is most likely to occur in such habitats as sandstone or limestone ledges with thin layers of soil and humus, the rocky banks of woodland streams, and the rocky sides of wooded bluffs, especially if they face toward the north or east. So far, Barren Strawberry has occurred only in a high quality natural area of the state.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about floral-faunal relationships for this wildflower. Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.) have been observed to visit the flowers for nectar and/or pollen (Krombein et al., 1979); it is likely that other small bees and other small insects visit the flowers as well. It has been reported that White-tailed Deer avoid browsing on the foliage (Hill, 2003).
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The leaves of Barren Strawberry (Waldsteinia fragarioides) superficially resemble those of Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana), but it produces dry achenes rather than colorful fruits and yellow flowers rather than white flowers. This native wildflower should not be confused with a very similar species that is often cultivated in ornamental gardens, namely the Siberian Barren Strawberry (Waldsteinia ternata). Many mass-market nurseries that claim to be selling the native Barren Strawberry are actually selling this latter species instead. The native Barren Strawberry differs from the latter species in the following ways: 1) its flowers have more narrow petals than the latter species, 2) there are no bractlets on its sepals, unlike the latter species, and 3) its leaflets are less deeply divided into lobes than the latter species. The light green bractlets on the sepals of Siberian Barren Strawberry are about one-third to one-half of the length of its sepals, and they are either linear or narrowly lanceolate in shape. Solitary bractlets occur between each pair of sepals. The petals of Siberian Barren Strawberry are oval to nearly orbicular in shape; adjacent petals on its flowers frequently overlap each other. Recently, some botanists have reassigned the native Barren Strawberry to another genus on the basis of genetic evidence. As a result, it is sometimes referred to as Geum fragarioides. Unlike most native Geum spp., however, the styles of native Barren Strawberry are neither persistent nor hooked. This means that animals and birds are unlikely to be important agents in the dispersal of its seeds. Another common name for this native species is Appalachian Barren Strawberry.
Occasionally, small cymes of 3-7 flowers are produced directly from the root system. These inflorescences are about as tall as the petioled basal leaves or a little taller. The peduncle, its branches, and pedicels of an inflorescence are light green, sparsely to moderately hairy, and rather slender. Narrow leafy bracts up to ½" in length occur where the branches of the peduncle and the pedicels diverge from each other. Pedicels of the flowers are up to ½" in length. Individual flowers are ½–¾" across, consisting of 5 yellow petals, 5 light green sepals that are joined together at the base, a dense ring of 40 or more stamens with yellow anthers, and a small central cluster of 2-6 carpels with slender styles. The petals are elliptic to broadly elliptic in shape and widely spreading; they are longer than the sepals. The sepals are sparsely to moderately hairy and deltate (triangular) in shape. The blooming period usually occurs intermittently from late spring to early summer, lasting about 1 month. The petals fall from the flowers after only 1 or 2 days. Afterwards, the carpels (pistils) mature into flattened achenes about 2 mm. in length. (one achene per carpel); these achenes are finelyDistribution Map short-hairy. Prior to the maturity of the achenes, the styles break off from their achenes at the base. These styles lack hooks. The root system has shallow reddish rhizomes and secondary fibrous roots. Clonal colonies of plants of varying size are produced from the rhizomes; this is the primary method of reproduction.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sunlight to light shade, more or less mesic conditions, and soil containing rocky material, clay, loam, or humus. The soil pH should be moderately acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0). This plant dislikes hot summer weather and it requires some protection from the afternoon sun. In Illinois, areas with reduced competition from heavy leaf-fall and other ground vegetation are preferred.
Habitats: Barren Strawberry (Waldsteinia fragarioides) has been found only once in Illinois as a wild plant in Pope County, where it is regarded as a native wildflower. As a result, it has been listed as 'state-endangered.' Because this isolated population has not been relocated since its discovery, it is possible that Barren Strawberry has been extirpated from the state. The primary range of this wildflower occurs in the Appalachian Mountains and boreal areas of NE USA, the upper Midwest, and adjacent areas of southern Canada. In Illinois, this wildflower is most likely to occur in such habitats as sandstone or limestone ledges with thin layers of soil and humus, the rocky banks of woodland streams, and the rocky sides of wooded bluffs, especially if they face toward the north or east. So far, Barren Strawberry has occurred only in a high quality natural area of the state.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about floral-faunal relationships for this wildflower. Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.) have been observed to visit the flowers for nectar and/or pollen (Krombein et al., 1979); it is likely that other small bees and other small insects visit the flowers as well. It has been reported that White-tailed Deer avoid browsing on the foliage (Hill, 2003).
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The leaves of Barren Strawberry (Waldsteinia fragarioides) superficially resemble those of Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana), but it produces dry achenes rather than colorful fruits and yellow flowers rather than white flowers. This native wildflower should not be confused with a very similar species that is often cultivated in ornamental gardens, namely the Siberian Barren Strawberry (Waldsteinia ternata). Many mass-market nurseries that claim to be selling the native Barren Strawberry are actually selling this latter species instead. The native Barren Strawberry differs from the latter species in the following ways: 1) its flowers have more narrow petals than the latter species, 2) there are no bractlets on its sepals, unlike the latter species, and 3) its leaflets are less deeply divided into lobes than the latter species. The light green bractlets on the sepals of Siberian Barren Strawberry are about one-third to one-half of the length of its sepals, and they are either linear or narrowly lanceolate in shape. Solitary bractlets occur between each pair of sepals. The petals of Siberian Barren Strawberry are oval to nearly orbicular in shape; adjacent petals on its flowers frequently overlap each other. Recently, some botanists have reassigned the native Barren Strawberry to another genus on the basis of genetic evidence. As a result, it is sometimes referred to as Geum fragarioides. Unlike most native Geum spp., however, the styles of native Barren Strawberry are neither persistent nor hooked. This means that animals and birds are unlikely to be important agents in the dispersal of its seeds. Another common name for this native species is Appalachian Barren Strawberry.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年06月07日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant produces a stem about ½–1' long that often sprawls across the ground or leans against adjacent vegetation. This stem is light green and glabrous. The alternate leaves are up to 2½" long and 2" across; they are orbicular-cordate to cordate, medium green, mostly hairless, and crenate along their margins. While some young leaves are initially pubescent, they later become mostly hairless. The petioles of these leaves are light green and hairless; they are about as long as the leaves. At the base of each petiole, there is a pair of large stipules up to 1" long. These stipules are light green, lanceolate to ovate in shape, and hairless; they have conspicuous narrow teeth along their margins. Individual flowers develop from the axils of the leaves on slender pedicels. These pedicels are up to 4" long; they are erect to ascending, light green, and hairless. The apices of these pedicels are abruptly curved downward so that the flowers are more or less horizontal.
Each flower is about ¾" across, consisting of 5 white rounded petals, 5 light green sepals, a pistil, and inserted stamens. The two lower lateral petals have patches of fine white hairs (or beards) near the throat of the flower, while the lowermost petal has purple veins that function as nectar guides. The nectar spur of the flower is rather short and blunt. The throat of the flower is white, rather than yellow. The sepals are linear-lanceolate in shape and hairless; they are shorter than the petals. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer, lasting about 1½ months for a colony of plants. There is no noticeable floral scent. If these flowers are cross-pollinated, they will produce ovoid seedpods that are about ¼" in length and glabrous. Later in the year, inconspicuous cleistogamous flowers are produced; they are self-fertile and lack showy petals. At maturity, each seedpod splits open into 3 parts to eject its seeds. These seeds are about 2 mm. across, globoid in shape, and brown. The root system produces rhizomes and fibrous secondary roots. This plant can form clonal offsets through its rhizomes. It sometimes forms colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and a rich loamy soil. This species doesn't invade lawns because its stems are too long. It is relatively easy to cultivate in gardens.
Range & Habitat: The native Striped White Violet is fairly common in the southern half of Illinois, but in the northern half of the state it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic deciduous woodlands, banks of rivers and streams in shaded areas, open woodlands, woodland borders, moist meadows, shrubby hedges, and ditches. This violet is found in both high quality natural areas and more degraded sites that have a history of minor to moderate disturbance.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract bees, including bumblebees, long-horned bees (Synhalonia spp.), mason bees (Osmia spp.), and Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.). One of these species, Andrena violae (Violet Andrenid Bee), is a specialist pollinator (oligolege) of violets (Viola spp.). Sometimes the Giant Bee Fly (Bombylius major), butterflies, and skippers visit the flowers for nectar, but they are less effective at pollination. Other insects use the leaves and other parts of violets as sources of food. These insects include the larvae of gall flies, the larvae of sawflies, the caterpillars of various moths, the caterpillars of Fritillary butterflies, aphids, and others; see the Insect Table for a list of these species. The seeds of violets are distributed to some extent by ants because of their oily coatings. Some upland gamebirds and small rodents eat the seeds to a limited extent, including the Mourning Dove, Ruffed Grouse, Bobwhite Quail, Wild Turkey, and White-footed Mouse. In addition, the foliage of violets is eaten to a limited extent by the Cottontail Rabbit, while their rhizomes are eaten by the Eastern Chipmunk.
Photographic Location: A wooded area of Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois; a flower garden in Urbana, Illinois; a deciduous woodlands at Goll's Woods Nature Preserve in NW Ohio; a deciduous woodlands at the Portland Arch in west-central, Indiana.
Comments: Striped White Violet (Viola striata) is a rather tall and attractive species that blooms later than most violets (Viola spp.). It also has a longer than average period of bloom than most violets because its flowers are produced as the stems become longer. There are several species of violets in Illinois that produce white flowers. The Striped White Violet belongs to a group of violets in which the leaves and flowers are produced from stems – the other violets belong to a group in which their flowers and leaves are produced directly from their root systems. The Striped White Violet has unusually large stipules (up to 1" long) at the bases of its petioles; the margins of these stipules have abundant fringe-like teeth. These two characteristics separate this species from other white-flowered violets in Illinois. A similar species, the Canada Violet (Viola canadensis), produces white flowers from stems, but its stipules are quite small and they lack conspicuous teeth along their margins. A form of the Common Blue Violet (Viola pratincola alba) also produces white flowers, but this is a stemless violet. Other common names for Viola striata are Cream Violet and Pale Violet.
Each flower is about ¾" across, consisting of 5 white rounded petals, 5 light green sepals, a pistil, and inserted stamens. The two lower lateral petals have patches of fine white hairs (or beards) near the throat of the flower, while the lowermost petal has purple veins that function as nectar guides. The nectar spur of the flower is rather short and blunt. The throat of the flower is white, rather than yellow. The sepals are linear-lanceolate in shape and hairless; they are shorter than the petals. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer, lasting about 1½ months for a colony of plants. There is no noticeable floral scent. If these flowers are cross-pollinated, they will produce ovoid seedpods that are about ¼" in length and glabrous. Later in the year, inconspicuous cleistogamous flowers are produced; they are self-fertile and lack showy petals. At maturity, each seedpod splits open into 3 parts to eject its seeds. These seeds are about 2 mm. across, globoid in shape, and brown. The root system produces rhizomes and fibrous secondary roots. This plant can form clonal offsets through its rhizomes. It sometimes forms colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and a rich loamy soil. This species doesn't invade lawns because its stems are too long. It is relatively easy to cultivate in gardens.
Range & Habitat: The native Striped White Violet is fairly common in the southern half of Illinois, but in the northern half of the state it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic deciduous woodlands, banks of rivers and streams in shaded areas, open woodlands, woodland borders, moist meadows, shrubby hedges, and ditches. This violet is found in both high quality natural areas and more degraded sites that have a history of minor to moderate disturbance.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract bees, including bumblebees, long-horned bees (Synhalonia spp.), mason bees (Osmia spp.), and Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.). One of these species, Andrena violae (Violet Andrenid Bee), is a specialist pollinator (oligolege) of violets (Viola spp.). Sometimes the Giant Bee Fly (Bombylius major), butterflies, and skippers visit the flowers for nectar, but they are less effective at pollination. Other insects use the leaves and other parts of violets as sources of food. These insects include the larvae of gall flies, the larvae of sawflies, the caterpillars of various moths, the caterpillars of Fritillary butterflies, aphids, and others; see the Insect Table for a list of these species. The seeds of violets are distributed to some extent by ants because of their oily coatings. Some upland gamebirds and small rodents eat the seeds to a limited extent, including the Mourning Dove, Ruffed Grouse, Bobwhite Quail, Wild Turkey, and White-footed Mouse. In addition, the foliage of violets is eaten to a limited extent by the Cottontail Rabbit, while their rhizomes are eaten by the Eastern Chipmunk.
Photographic Location: A wooded area of Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois; a flower garden in Urbana, Illinois; a deciduous woodlands at Goll's Woods Nature Preserve in NW Ohio; a deciduous woodlands at the Portland Arch in west-central, Indiana.
Comments: Striped White Violet (Viola striata) is a rather tall and attractive species that blooms later than most violets (Viola spp.). It also has a longer than average period of bloom than most violets because its flowers are produced as the stems become longer. There are several species of violets in Illinois that produce white flowers. The Striped White Violet belongs to a group of violets in which the leaves and flowers are produced from stems – the other violets belong to a group in which their flowers and leaves are produced directly from their root systems. The Striped White Violet has unusually large stipules (up to 1" long) at the bases of its petioles; the margins of these stipules have abundant fringe-like teeth. These two characteristics separate this species from other white-flowered violets in Illinois. A similar species, the Canada Violet (Viola canadensis), produces white flowers from stems, but its stipules are quite small and they lack conspicuous teeth along their margins. A form of the Common Blue Violet (Viola pratincola alba) also produces white flowers, but this is a stemless violet. Other common names for Viola striata are Cream Violet and Pale Violet.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月05日
Description: This perennial wildflower is 4-8" in length (or longer), consisting of leafy stems with axillary flowers and seed capsules. The stems are light green and glabrous. The blades of alternate leaves are about 1-2½" long and ¾-1½" across; they are oval-cordate in shape and serrate-crenate along their margins. The base of each leaf blade is indented, while its tip is well-rounded to somewhat pointed. The upper blade surface is medium to dark green and glabrous, while the lower surface to light to medium green and glabrous. The slender petioles are about the same length as the leaf blades or shorter; they are light green and glabrous. At the base of each petiole, there is a pair of stipules up to ½" long. These stipules are linear-lanceolate in shape and coarsely toothed along their margins. Individual flowers develop from the axils of the leaves on slender pedicels about 1½-3" long; the flowers are usually held above the leaves. The pedicels are light green and glabrous; there is a pair of small linear bracts toward the middle of each pedicel.
Individual flowers are ½-¾" across, consisting of 5 pale blue-violet petals, 5 green sepals, and the reproductive organs. The style of each flower is bent downward at its tip, where it is not swollen. Dark blue-violet veins radiate away from the throat of each flower across the petals; the two lateral petals have tufts of white hair (or beards) toward their bases. The lower petal has a relatively long nectar spur about ¼" long; this spur is sometimes visible when the flower is viewed from the front (behind the upper 2 petals). The nectar spur is relatively stout and either straight or slightly hooked. The sepals are linear-lanceolate, sometimes toothed toward their bases, and hairless. The blooming period occurs during the middle of spring for about 1 month. Fertilized flowers produce an ovoid-oblongoid seed capsule about 1/3" long. This capsule splits open into 3 parts to fling the seeds from the mother plant. This wildflower also produces inconspicuous cleistogamous flowers during the summer, which are self-fertile; their seed capsules are similar to the earlier fertilized flowers. The small seeds are globoid in shape and light brown at maturity. The root system consists of a vertical crown with fibrous roots and horizontal rhizomes; clonal offsets are produced occasionally from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: During the spring, the preference is dappled sunlight to light shade, moist conditions, and a rich loamy soil with abundant organic material. Later in the year, more shade is tolerated.
Range & Habitat: The native Dog Violet is found primarily in NE Illinois (see Distribution Map). This wildflower is considered rare and it is state-listed as 'threatened.' Habitats include moist rich woodlands, swampy woodlands, and moist meadows in wooded areas. Sometimes this violet is found in slightly sandy habitats that are similar to the preceding ones. Dominant canopy trees in these habitats are typically ash, maple, or elm. Dog Violet is found in higher quality habitats where the original ground flora is still intact.
Faunal Associations: In this section, information about floral-faunal relationships applies to Viola spp. (Violets) in general. The flowers of violets are cross-pollinated primarily by various bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, Mason bees (Osmia spp.), Little Carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), digger bees (Synhalonia spp.), Halictid bees, and Andrenid bees. One bee species, Andrena violae (Violet Andrenid Bee), is a specialist pollinator of violets. Other floral visitors include bee flies (Bombylius spp.), small butterflies, skippers, and ants. Most of these insects suck nectar from the flowers, although some of the bees also collect pollen. Other insects feed on the foliage and other parts of violets. These insect feeders include the caterpillars of several Fritillary butterflies (Euptoieta claudia, Boloria spp., Speyeria spp.) and the caterpillars of several moths, including Elaphria grata (Grateful Midget), Eubaphe mendica (The Beggar), and Apantesis nais (Nais Tiger Moth). Other insect feeders include the thrips Odontothrips pictipennis, the aphid Neotoxoptera violae, and the larvae of Ametastegia pallipes (Violet Sawfly). Vertebrate animals feed on violets only to a limited extent. The White-Tailed Deer, Cottontail Rabbit, and Wood Turtle (Clemmys insculpta) sometimes browse on the foliage, while the White-Footed Mouse eats the seeds. Birds that feed on violets include the Mourning Dove (seeds), Ruffed Grouse (seed capsules, foliage), and Wild Turkey (seed capsules, rhizomes).
Photographic Location: A damp area of Goll Woods in NW Ohio, and a swampy woodland at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in NW Indiana.
Comments: This interesting species belongs to a small group of violets with blue-violet flowers, nectar spurs of above average length, and flowering leafy stems (as opposed to violets with basal leaves and flowers on separate non-leafy stalks). Aside from the Dog Violet, other species in this group include Viola labradorica (Alpine Violet), Viola adunca (Hook-Spurred Violet), and Viola walteri (Walter's Violet). While the Dog Violet has pale blue-violet flowers, these other violets often have medium to dark blue-violet flowers (among other minor differences). The Alpine Violet and Hook-Spurred Violet have a more northern boreal distribution, while Walter's Violet is more southern and Appalachian. None of these three species have been found in Illinois. Some authorities have proposed reducing the status of the Dog Violet to a variety of either the Alpine Violet or the Hook-Spurred Violet.
Individual flowers are ½-¾" across, consisting of 5 pale blue-violet petals, 5 green sepals, and the reproductive organs. The style of each flower is bent downward at its tip, where it is not swollen. Dark blue-violet veins radiate away from the throat of each flower across the petals; the two lateral petals have tufts of white hair (or beards) toward their bases. The lower petal has a relatively long nectar spur about ¼" long; this spur is sometimes visible when the flower is viewed from the front (behind the upper 2 petals). The nectar spur is relatively stout and either straight or slightly hooked. The sepals are linear-lanceolate, sometimes toothed toward their bases, and hairless. The blooming period occurs during the middle of spring for about 1 month. Fertilized flowers produce an ovoid-oblongoid seed capsule about 1/3" long. This capsule splits open into 3 parts to fling the seeds from the mother plant. This wildflower also produces inconspicuous cleistogamous flowers during the summer, which are self-fertile; their seed capsules are similar to the earlier fertilized flowers. The small seeds are globoid in shape and light brown at maturity. The root system consists of a vertical crown with fibrous roots and horizontal rhizomes; clonal offsets are produced occasionally from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: During the spring, the preference is dappled sunlight to light shade, moist conditions, and a rich loamy soil with abundant organic material. Later in the year, more shade is tolerated.
Range & Habitat: The native Dog Violet is found primarily in NE Illinois (see Distribution Map). This wildflower is considered rare and it is state-listed as 'threatened.' Habitats include moist rich woodlands, swampy woodlands, and moist meadows in wooded areas. Sometimes this violet is found in slightly sandy habitats that are similar to the preceding ones. Dominant canopy trees in these habitats are typically ash, maple, or elm. Dog Violet is found in higher quality habitats where the original ground flora is still intact.
Faunal Associations: In this section, information about floral-faunal relationships applies to Viola spp. (Violets) in general. The flowers of violets are cross-pollinated primarily by various bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, Mason bees (Osmia spp.), Little Carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), digger bees (Synhalonia spp.), Halictid bees, and Andrenid bees. One bee species, Andrena violae (Violet Andrenid Bee), is a specialist pollinator of violets. Other floral visitors include bee flies (Bombylius spp.), small butterflies, skippers, and ants. Most of these insects suck nectar from the flowers, although some of the bees also collect pollen. Other insects feed on the foliage and other parts of violets. These insect feeders include the caterpillars of several Fritillary butterflies (Euptoieta claudia, Boloria spp., Speyeria spp.) and the caterpillars of several moths, including Elaphria grata (Grateful Midget), Eubaphe mendica (The Beggar), and Apantesis nais (Nais Tiger Moth). Other insect feeders include the thrips Odontothrips pictipennis, the aphid Neotoxoptera violae, and the larvae of Ametastegia pallipes (Violet Sawfly). Vertebrate animals feed on violets only to a limited extent. The White-Tailed Deer, Cottontail Rabbit, and Wood Turtle (Clemmys insculpta) sometimes browse on the foliage, while the White-Footed Mouse eats the seeds. Birds that feed on violets include the Mourning Dove (seeds), Ruffed Grouse (seed capsules, foliage), and Wild Turkey (seed capsules, rhizomes).
Photographic Location: A damp area of Goll Woods in NW Ohio, and a swampy woodland at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in NW Indiana.
Comments: This interesting species belongs to a small group of violets with blue-violet flowers, nectar spurs of above average length, and flowering leafy stems (as opposed to violets with basal leaves and flowers on separate non-leafy stalks). Aside from the Dog Violet, other species in this group include Viola labradorica (Alpine Violet), Viola adunca (Hook-Spurred Violet), and Viola walteri (Walter's Violet). While the Dog Violet has pale blue-violet flowers, these other violets often have medium to dark blue-violet flowers (among other minor differences). The Alpine Violet and Hook-Spurred Violet have a more northern boreal distribution, while Walter's Violet is more southern and Appalachian. None of these three species have been found in Illinois. Some authorities have proposed reducing the status of the Dog Violet to a variety of either the Alpine Violet or the Hook-Spurred Violet.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年06月05日
Description: This perennial wildflower is 6-14" tall, producing both basal and cauline leaves. The blades of both basal and cauline leaves are up to 4" long and 2½" across; they are medium to dark green, cordate or oval-cordate, palmately veined, and slightly crenate along their margins. The upper surfaces of the blades are hairless. For the typical variety of Canada Violet, the lower surfaces of the blades are largely hairless, except for fine hairs along the major veins. For var. rugulosa, these lower surfaces are more hairy. Basal leaves have longer petioles than cauline leaves. The flowering plants produce stems with alternate leaves. These stems are light green, somewhat angular, and sometimes finely pubescent. At the base of the petioles of each alternate leaf, there is a pair of linear-lanceolate stipules up to 1/3" (8 mm.) long; these stipules lack teeth.
Individual flowers are produced from the axils of the alternate leaves. The slender pedicels raise the flowers only a little above the foliage. Each flower is ½–¾" across, consisting of 5 white petals, 5 light green sepals, and a short nectar spur; the petals are much larger than the sepals. The reproductive organs are largely hidden within the throat of the flower. The lower petal has dark purple veins, while the two lateral petals have such veins to a lesser extent. The two lateral petals also have small tufts of hairs near the throat of the flower, where there is a conspicuous yellow patch. The back sides of the petals are light purple. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer and sometimes during the fall. Usually, only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. Later in the summer, inconspicuous cleistogamous flowers are produced, which are self-fertile. Each fertile flower is replaced by an ovoid seed capsule up to ½" long. This capsule is initially green, but it later turns brown and divides into 3 segments, flinging the seeds. The root system is fibrous and either rhizomatous or stoloniferous. Colonies of plants are often produced.
Cultivation: This violet prefers dappled sunlight to light shade during the spring, but tolerates greater shade during the summer. Other cultural requirements include more or less mesic conditions, a rich soil containing loam and decaying organic matter, and cool summer temperatures.
Range & Habitat: Canada Violet is a rare wildflower that is restricted to the northern two tiers of counties in Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is state-listed as "endangered." It is native to the driftless area of NW Illinois, while populations in NE Illinois may be descendants of plants that have escaped cultivation. Habitats include mesic deciduous woodlands and bluffs. Canada Violet is normally found in high quality woodlands, although escaped cultivated plants are likely to appear in more disturbed areas.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract primarily bees, including bumblebees, Little Carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), digger bees (Synhalonia spp.), Mason bees (Osmia spp.), and Andrenid bees. The Andrenid bee, Andrena violae, is an oligolectic visitor of violet flowers. Other floral visitors include bee flies and occasional skippers and butterflies. These latter insects seek nectar. The larvae of many moths and butterflies feed on the foliage of violets (see Lepidoptera Table). These larvae often hide during the day, but come out at night to feed. Other insects that feed on violets include Neotoxoptera violae (Violet Aphid), the larvae of Ametastegia pallipes (Violet Sawfly), and Odontothrips pictipennis (Thrips sp.). Among vertebrate animals, the Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey eat the seeds and fleshy roots. Other animals that occasionally feed on violets in wooded areas include the White-Tailed Deer (foliage), Eastern Chipmunk (stems & leaves), White-Footed Mouse (seeds), and Wood Turtle (Clemmys insculpta). However, the importance of violets as a food source to vertebrate animals is relatively low.
Photographic Location: Bob Vaiden's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Canada Violet is somewhat similar in appearance to Viola striata (Cream Violet). It differs from the latter by the yellow patch at the throat of its flowers, petals with pale purple backsides, and toothless stipules. Other white-flowered violets in the Midwest are stemless; they produce both flowers and leaves from the crown of the root system. The leaves of Canada Violet have tips that are more slender and elongated than those of most other violets, regardless of the color of their flowers. Both the flowers and foliage are attractive.
Individual flowers are produced from the axils of the alternate leaves. The slender pedicels raise the flowers only a little above the foliage. Each flower is ½–¾" across, consisting of 5 white petals, 5 light green sepals, and a short nectar spur; the petals are much larger than the sepals. The reproductive organs are largely hidden within the throat of the flower. The lower petal has dark purple veins, while the two lateral petals have such veins to a lesser extent. The two lateral petals also have small tufts of hairs near the throat of the flower, where there is a conspicuous yellow patch. The back sides of the petals are light purple. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer and sometimes during the fall. Usually, only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. Later in the summer, inconspicuous cleistogamous flowers are produced, which are self-fertile. Each fertile flower is replaced by an ovoid seed capsule up to ½" long. This capsule is initially green, but it later turns brown and divides into 3 segments, flinging the seeds. The root system is fibrous and either rhizomatous or stoloniferous. Colonies of plants are often produced.
Cultivation: This violet prefers dappled sunlight to light shade during the spring, but tolerates greater shade during the summer. Other cultural requirements include more or less mesic conditions, a rich soil containing loam and decaying organic matter, and cool summer temperatures.
Range & Habitat: Canada Violet is a rare wildflower that is restricted to the northern two tiers of counties in Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is state-listed as "endangered." It is native to the driftless area of NW Illinois, while populations in NE Illinois may be descendants of plants that have escaped cultivation. Habitats include mesic deciduous woodlands and bluffs. Canada Violet is normally found in high quality woodlands, although escaped cultivated plants are likely to appear in more disturbed areas.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract primarily bees, including bumblebees, Little Carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), digger bees (Synhalonia spp.), Mason bees (Osmia spp.), and Andrenid bees. The Andrenid bee, Andrena violae, is an oligolectic visitor of violet flowers. Other floral visitors include bee flies and occasional skippers and butterflies. These latter insects seek nectar. The larvae of many moths and butterflies feed on the foliage of violets (see Lepidoptera Table). These larvae often hide during the day, but come out at night to feed. Other insects that feed on violets include Neotoxoptera violae (Violet Aphid), the larvae of Ametastegia pallipes (Violet Sawfly), and Odontothrips pictipennis (Thrips sp.). Among vertebrate animals, the Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey eat the seeds and fleshy roots. Other animals that occasionally feed on violets in wooded areas include the White-Tailed Deer (foliage), Eastern Chipmunk (stems & leaves), White-Footed Mouse (seeds), and Wood Turtle (Clemmys insculpta). However, the importance of violets as a food source to vertebrate animals is relatively low.
Photographic Location: Bob Vaiden's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Canada Violet is somewhat similar in appearance to Viola striata (Cream Violet). It differs from the latter by the yellow patch at the throat of its flowers, petals with pale purple backsides, and toothless stipules. Other white-flowered violets in the Midwest are stemless; they produce both flowers and leaves from the crown of the root system. The leaves of Canada Violet have tips that are more slender and elongated than those of most other violets, regardless of the color of their flowers. Both the flowers and foliage are attractive.
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