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Miss Chen
2018年05月24日
Description: This herbaceous perennial wildflower is about 1½–3' tall and either unbranched or sparingly so. The central stem usually leans over to one side; it is terete, glabrous, and light green while young, however sometimes it becomes blue-gray or burgundy-gray and glaucous with age. Along the central stem and any lateral stems there are alternate leaves up to 5" long and ¾" across; these leaves become gradually smaller as they ascend the stem(s). The leaves are medium to dark green, elliptic-oblong to elliptic in shape, smooth to serrated along their margins (usually the latter), hairless or nearly so, and sessile. The upper surface of each leaf has a prominent central vein and faint lateral veins. At the axils of the middle to upper leaves, there develops small clusters of 1-12 flowerheads. In addition, the central stem may terminate in a small panicle of flowerheads up to 3" long and 1½" across.
Each flowerhead is about 3 mm. (1/8") across or a little wider, consisting of 4-5 ray florets that surround a similar number of disk florets. The short-tubular corollas of the disk florets are golden yellow and 5-lobed. The petaloid rays are yellow and elliptic-oblong in shape. Around the base of each flowerhead, there are light to medium green bracts (phyllaries) in about 3 overlapping series; these bracts are glabrous and oblong in shape. The short pedicels of the flowers and the branches of any terminal inflorescence are light to medium green, terete, and hairless or nearly so. The blooming period occurs from late summer into the fall, lasting about 1 month. Fertile florets are replaced by small bullet-shaped achenes that are finely pubescent; each achene has a small tuft of hairs. The achenes are distributed by the wind. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. Occasionally, small loose colonies of plants will develop at favorable sites.
Cultivation: The preference is medium shade to partial sun, mesic to dry-mesic conditions, and soil that contains loam, clay-loam, or some rocky material. During dry weather, some of the lower leaves may wither away, otherwise they usually remain in good condition.
Range & Habitat: The native Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod is occasional in the far eastern, southern, and west-central areas of Illinois, but it is rare or absent elsewhere in the state (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the western range-limit of this species; it is more common in Indiana and other eastern states. Habitats include upland woodlands, woodland openings, bluffs, upper slopes of ravines, and rocky cliffs in shaded or partially shaded areas. This species is usually found in higher quality habitats consisting of upland woodland areas where deciduous trees (especially oaks) are dominant.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers can attract a wide variety of insects, especially short-tongued bees, wasps, and flies. The caterpillars of Gnorimoschema gallaeastrella and other species of moths feed on goldenrods (see Moth Table). Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod is one of the host plants of the leaf beetle Microrhopala xerene, the leafhopper Prescottia lobata, and the larvae of such polyphagous leaf-miner flies as Calycomyza jucunda, Nemorimyza posticata, and Ophiomyia texana. Other insects that feed on goldenrods (Solidago spp.) include aphids, treehoppers, spittlebugs, plant bugs, stink bugs, the larvae of fruit flies, and grasshoppers. The seeds of goldenrods are eaten sparingly by the Indigo Bunting, Slate-Colored Junco, Tree Sparrow, Eastern Goldfinch, and other songbirds. White-Tailed Deer are especially likely to feed on the foliage of goldenrods in woodlands.
Photographic Location: A rocky upland woodlands in west-central Indiana.
Comments: This distinctive goldenrod is both elegant and shade-tolerant. Of the many goldenrod species that occur in Illinois, only two species produce primarily axillary clusters of flowers: Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod (Solidago caesia) and Zigzag Goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis). Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod is typically found in upland woodlands, while Zigzag Goldenrod is more often found in lowland woodlands. Zigzag Goldenrod has much wider leaves (exceeding 1¼" across) that are ovate and coarsely serrated; the leaves of this latter species have petioles, while the leaves of Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod are sessile. Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod sometimes develops glaucous stems that are blue-gray or burgundy-gray, while the stems of Zigzag Goldenrod are consistently green.
Each flowerhead is about 3 mm. (1/8") across or a little wider, consisting of 4-5 ray florets that surround a similar number of disk florets. The short-tubular corollas of the disk florets are golden yellow and 5-lobed. The petaloid rays are yellow and elliptic-oblong in shape. Around the base of each flowerhead, there are light to medium green bracts (phyllaries) in about 3 overlapping series; these bracts are glabrous and oblong in shape. The short pedicels of the flowers and the branches of any terminal inflorescence are light to medium green, terete, and hairless or nearly so. The blooming period occurs from late summer into the fall, lasting about 1 month. Fertile florets are replaced by small bullet-shaped achenes that are finely pubescent; each achene has a small tuft of hairs. The achenes are distributed by the wind. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. Occasionally, small loose colonies of plants will develop at favorable sites.
Cultivation: The preference is medium shade to partial sun, mesic to dry-mesic conditions, and soil that contains loam, clay-loam, or some rocky material. During dry weather, some of the lower leaves may wither away, otherwise they usually remain in good condition.
Range & Habitat: The native Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod is occasional in the far eastern, southern, and west-central areas of Illinois, but it is rare or absent elsewhere in the state (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the western range-limit of this species; it is more common in Indiana and other eastern states. Habitats include upland woodlands, woodland openings, bluffs, upper slopes of ravines, and rocky cliffs in shaded or partially shaded areas. This species is usually found in higher quality habitats consisting of upland woodland areas where deciduous trees (especially oaks) are dominant.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers can attract a wide variety of insects, especially short-tongued bees, wasps, and flies. The caterpillars of Gnorimoschema gallaeastrella and other species of moths feed on goldenrods (see Moth Table). Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod is one of the host plants of the leaf beetle Microrhopala xerene, the leafhopper Prescottia lobata, and the larvae of such polyphagous leaf-miner flies as Calycomyza jucunda, Nemorimyza posticata, and Ophiomyia texana. Other insects that feed on goldenrods (Solidago spp.) include aphids, treehoppers, spittlebugs, plant bugs, stink bugs, the larvae of fruit flies, and grasshoppers. The seeds of goldenrods are eaten sparingly by the Indigo Bunting, Slate-Colored Junco, Tree Sparrow, Eastern Goldfinch, and other songbirds. White-Tailed Deer are especially likely to feed on the foliage of goldenrods in woodlands.
Photographic Location: A rocky upland woodlands in west-central Indiana.
Comments: This distinctive goldenrod is both elegant and shade-tolerant. Of the many goldenrod species that occur in Illinois, only two species produce primarily axillary clusters of flowers: Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod (Solidago caesia) and Zigzag Goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis). Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod is typically found in upland woodlands, while Zigzag Goldenrod is more often found in lowland woodlands. Zigzag Goldenrod has much wider leaves (exceeding 1¼" across) that are ovate and coarsely serrated; the leaves of this latter species have petioles, while the leaves of Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod are sessile. Blue-Stemmed Goldenrod sometimes develops glaucous stems that are blue-gray or burgundy-gray, while the stems of Zigzag Goldenrod are consistently green.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月24日
Description: This perennial herbaceous plant is 2–3½' long and more or less erect. The central stem is light green, hairless, terete, and unbranched. Alternate leaves occur along the entire length of the central stem. However, toward the base of the stem, these leaves are reduced to membranous bracts without petioles. For fully developed leaves, their blades are 2½–5" long and 1½–3" across; they are ovate in shape and toothless along their margins. Sometimes the leaf margins bend downward and inward. The leaf bases are rounded to truncate, while their tips are acute. The upper leaf surface is medium green, hairless, and shiny, while the lower leaf surface is whitish green, finely pubescent, and dull. Leaf venation is parallel. The petioles are usually as long as the leaf blades to which they are attached, or even longer. These petioles are light green or light reddish green, narrowly concave above, convex below, and hairless; they are ascending. Sometimes pairs of slender twining tendrils are produced from the axils of the upper leaves; such tendrils are few in number. Solitary umbels of flowers about 1½–3" across are produced from the lower bracts and above the petiole-bases of the lower to middle leaves on long ascending peduncles (floral stalks). These peduncles are up to 6" long, light green or light reddish green, terete, and hairless.
Each umbel has 15-45 flowers on slender pedicels (floral stalklets). Because this plant is dioecious, some plants produce only male (staminate) flowers, while other plants produce only female (pistillate) flowers. Each male flower has 6 yellowish green or green spreading tepals and 6 stamens with whitish or yellowish anthers. Each female flower has 6 yellowish green or green spreading tepals and a green central ovary with 3 prominent stigmas. The tepals of both male and female flowers are elliptic, oblong-lanceolate, or oblong-oblanceolate in shape. Both male and female flowers are 6-8 mm. (1/4"–1/3") across. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer, lasting about 3 weeks. The flowers have a mild carrion-like odor. Afterwards, the female flowers are replaced by berries. At maturity, these berries are 6-8 mm. (1/4"–1/3") across, blue-violet, and globoid in shape. The interior of each berry is juicy and contains 1-5 seeds. The root stock is tuberous.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to light shade, moist to mesic conditions, and loamy soil with ample amounts of organic matter. Growth and development are very rapid during the spring, but once the flowers and immature fruits are produced, there is little new growth.
Range & Habitat: Illinois Carrion Flower (Smilax illinoensis) is widely scattered throughout Illinois, where it is native and uncommon (see Distribution Map). Habitats include woodlands in river valleys, wooded areas along roads, and thickets. Southern Illinois lies along the southern range-limit for this species, which occurs primarily in the Upper Midwest in the Great Lakes region (eastern Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and northern Illinois). Illinois Carrion Flower is found in both higher quality natural areas and more degraded habitats with a history of light to moderate disturbance. It probably benefits from occasional wildfires.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract many kinds of flies, including blow flies (Calliphora spp., Lucilia spp.), Muscid flies, and flesh flies (Helicobia spp., Sarcophaga spp.). Halictid bees and miscellaneous beetles also visit the flowers to a lesser extent. Various insects feeds on the foliage or suck plant juices from Smilax spp. (Greenbrier, Carrion Flower). These insect species include Neoprociphilus aceris (Woolly Maple Aphid), the larvae of gall flies (Cecidomyiidae), the larvae of several moths, and others (see the Insect Table for more information). White-tailed Deer like to browse on the foliage of Smilax spp., especially non-thorny Carrion Flower species. Mammals that eat the berries include the Virginia Opossum, Raccoon, Fox Squirrel, and American Black Bear. In addition, the berries are often eaten by such upland gamebirds and fructivorous songbirds as the Cedar Waxwing, Northern Cardinal, Gray Catbird, Veery, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Ruffed Grouse, and Wild Turkey. The Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey also feed on the young leaves (see Bird Table).
Photographic Location: A wooded area near a river and a roadside in rural Champaign County, Illinois.
Comments: Illinois Carrion Flower (Smilax illinoensis) was not recognized as a distinct species until 1968. It has characteristics that are intermediate between the Common Carrion Flower (Smilax lasioneuron) and Upright Carrion Flower (Smilax ecirrhata). It is possible that Illinois Carrion Flower is a naturally occurring and well-established hybrid between these two species. Common Carrion Flower is a sprawling vine up to 8' long that produces abundant tendrils. It has petioles that are shorter than the leaf blades and its umbels tend to have more flowers or fruits than those of Illinois Carrion Flower. Upright Carrion Flower can be distinguished by its slightly wider leaves that have blunt tips and slightly cordate bases. The petioles of its leaves are shorter than the blades. This latter species never produces tendrils, it tends to be a little shorter in height, and its umbels tend to have fewer flowers (usually less than 20). In contrast, Illinois Carrion Flower has leaves with more tapered acute tips and rounded to truncate bases; its petioles are usually as long or longer than its leaves, and its umbels usually have 20 or more flowers.
Each umbel has 15-45 flowers on slender pedicels (floral stalklets). Because this plant is dioecious, some plants produce only male (staminate) flowers, while other plants produce only female (pistillate) flowers. Each male flower has 6 yellowish green or green spreading tepals and 6 stamens with whitish or yellowish anthers. Each female flower has 6 yellowish green or green spreading tepals and a green central ovary with 3 prominent stigmas. The tepals of both male and female flowers are elliptic, oblong-lanceolate, or oblong-oblanceolate in shape. Both male and female flowers are 6-8 mm. (1/4"–1/3") across. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer, lasting about 3 weeks. The flowers have a mild carrion-like odor. Afterwards, the female flowers are replaced by berries. At maturity, these berries are 6-8 mm. (1/4"–1/3") across, blue-violet, and globoid in shape. The interior of each berry is juicy and contains 1-5 seeds. The root stock is tuberous.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to light shade, moist to mesic conditions, and loamy soil with ample amounts of organic matter. Growth and development are very rapid during the spring, but once the flowers and immature fruits are produced, there is little new growth.
Range & Habitat: Illinois Carrion Flower (Smilax illinoensis) is widely scattered throughout Illinois, where it is native and uncommon (see Distribution Map). Habitats include woodlands in river valleys, wooded areas along roads, and thickets. Southern Illinois lies along the southern range-limit for this species, which occurs primarily in the Upper Midwest in the Great Lakes region (eastern Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and northern Illinois). Illinois Carrion Flower is found in both higher quality natural areas and more degraded habitats with a history of light to moderate disturbance. It probably benefits from occasional wildfires.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract many kinds of flies, including blow flies (Calliphora spp., Lucilia spp.), Muscid flies, and flesh flies (Helicobia spp., Sarcophaga spp.). Halictid bees and miscellaneous beetles also visit the flowers to a lesser extent. Various insects feeds on the foliage or suck plant juices from Smilax spp. (Greenbrier, Carrion Flower). These insect species include Neoprociphilus aceris (Woolly Maple Aphid), the larvae of gall flies (Cecidomyiidae), the larvae of several moths, and others (see the Insect Table for more information). White-tailed Deer like to browse on the foliage of Smilax spp., especially non-thorny Carrion Flower species. Mammals that eat the berries include the Virginia Opossum, Raccoon, Fox Squirrel, and American Black Bear. In addition, the berries are often eaten by such upland gamebirds and fructivorous songbirds as the Cedar Waxwing, Northern Cardinal, Gray Catbird, Veery, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Ruffed Grouse, and Wild Turkey. The Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey also feed on the young leaves (see Bird Table).
Photographic Location: A wooded area near a river and a roadside in rural Champaign County, Illinois.
Comments: Illinois Carrion Flower (Smilax illinoensis) was not recognized as a distinct species until 1968. It has characteristics that are intermediate between the Common Carrion Flower (Smilax lasioneuron) and Upright Carrion Flower (Smilax ecirrhata). It is possible that Illinois Carrion Flower is a naturally occurring and well-established hybrid between these two species. Common Carrion Flower is a sprawling vine up to 8' long that produces abundant tendrils. It has petioles that are shorter than the leaf blades and its umbels tend to have more flowers or fruits than those of Illinois Carrion Flower. Upright Carrion Flower can be distinguished by its slightly wider leaves that have blunt tips and slightly cordate bases. The petioles of its leaves are shorter than the blades. This latter species never produces tendrils, it tends to be a little shorter in height, and its umbels tend to have fewer flowers (usually less than 20). In contrast, Illinois Carrion Flower has leaves with more tapered acute tips and rounded to truncate bases; its petioles are usually as long or longer than its leaves, and its umbels usually have 20 or more flowers.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月24日
Description: This plant is an unbranched herbaceous perennial that becomes 1-3' tall at maturity. The central stem is light green, light gray, or purplish green; it is terete and glabrous. The lower leaves are reduced to scale-like bracts, while the middle to upper leaves are 3-5" long and 2½–4" across. The latter are either alternate, opposite, or arranged in whorls of 3 along the central stem, differing little in size; they are broadly ovate to ovate-orbicular in shape and smooth (entire) along their margins. The primary veins are parallel. The upper surface of these leaves is medium green and glabrous, while the lower surface is light green and sparsely hairy; hairs are more common along the lower sides of larger veins than elsewhere. The petioles are light green, light gray, or purplish green; they are 2–3½" long, glabrous, slightly concave above, and convex below. The petioles are always shorter than the corresponding leaves to which they are attached. Sometimes a few tendrils are produced near the upper leaves, although they are often absent. Umbels of 6-25 flowers are produced from ascending peduncles (floral stalks) up to 6" long; these umbels are about ¾–1½" across. The peduncles are light green, slender, and glabrous. These pedunculate umbels of flowers are produced from the bract-like lower leaves and sometimes from the larger middle leaves. These inflorescences usually do not occur every year. Because Upright Carrion Flower (Smilax ecirrhata) is dioecious, male (staminate) and female (pistillate) flowers are produced on separate plants. Male flowers are about ¼" across, consisting of 6 green tepals and 6 stamens with white anthers. Female flowers are about ¼" across, consisting 6 green tepals and a superior ovary with 3 recurved stigmas.
The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer, lasting about 2 weeks. The flowers have an unpleasant odor that resembles decaying carrion. Afterwards, fertile female flowers are replaced by berries that become mature during late summer or autumn. Mature berries are about 8 mm. (1/3") across, dark blue-violet to black, and globoid in shape; the fleshy interiors of these berries contain 1-6 seeds. This plant reproduces by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to light shade, moist to mesic conditions, and a relatively loose soil containing loam and decaying organic matter. Plants that are grown in moderate to dense shade often fail to produce flowers and berries. Most growth and development occur during the spring and early summer.
Range & Habitat: The native Upright Carrion Flower is occasional in the northern half of Illinois, while in the southern half of the state it is rare or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic deciduous woodlands, bottoms of wooded bluffs, shady ravines, banks of woodland streams, open woodlands, and thickets. Populations of this plant are threatened by the overpopulation of White-tailed Deer, invasion of non-native shrubs and Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata), and habitat destruction from development. It is a fairly conservative species that is found in high quality natural areas.
Faunal Associations: The stinky flowers of Upright Carrion Flower are cross-pollinated by various kinds of flies, including Anthomyiid flies, Calliphorid flies, Muscid flies, and flesh flies (Sarcophagidae). They are also visited by Halictid bees (including green metallic bees) and miscellaneous beetles. Both nectar and pollen are available as floral rewards (the latter is found only on plants with male flowers); see Graenicher (1902) for more information. Various insects are known to feed destructively on the foliage and other parts of Smilax spp. (Greenbrier, Carrion Flower). Examples include the leaf beetle Pachyonychus paradoxus, larvae of Dasineura smilacifolia (Smilax Leaf Midge) and Camptoneuromyia rubifolia (Smilax Blister Midge), and larvae of such moths as Proleucoptera smilaciella, Phosphila miselioides (Spotted Phosphila), Phosphila turbulenta (Turbulent Phosphila), Phyprosopus callitrichoides (Curve-lined Owlet), Pseudogalleria inimicella (Inimical Borer Moth), and Papaipema unimoda (Meadow Rue Borer Moth); see Clark et al. (2004), Felt (1917), Needham et al. (1928), Wagner (2005), and Miller (1987). Another insect feeder, Neoprociphilus aceris (Woolly Maple Aphid), uses Smilax spp. as summer hosts, sucking juices from their stems and leaves (Blackman & Eastop, 2013). Upland gamebirds, songbirds, and other birds feed on the berries, spreading their seeds to new locations. These species include the Wood Duck, Ruffed Grouse, Wild Turkey, Cardinal, American Crow, Catbird, Brown Thrasher, American Robin, Fox Sparrow, and several thrushes (see the Bird Table for a more complete list of these species). The Black Bear, Opossum, Raccoon, Fox Squirrel, and Gray Squirrel also feed on the fruit, while White-tailed Deer browse on the leaves and stems (Martin et al., 1951/1961; Augustine, 1997).
Photographic Location: The Spitler Woods State Natural Area near Decatur, Illinois.
Comments: Among the various Smilax spp. that occur in Illinois, Upright Carrion Flower (Smilax ecirrhata) is one of the shortest and most erect. The only other species with this characteristic within the state, Illinois Carrion Flower (Smilax illinoensis), differs by having leaves that become smaller as they ascend upward, leaves that are more narrowly shaped and more rounded at their bases (rather than cordate), petioles that are as long or longer than the corresponding leaves to which they are attached, and umbels with more flowers. This latter species is less common than Upright Carrion Flower. Two other species, Common Carrion Flower (Smilax lasioneuron) and Smooth Carrion Flower (Smilax herbacea) are climbing vines up to 6-8' long that have abundant tendrils. Other Smilax spp. in Illinois are woody vines that are even longer; they are commonly referred to as Catbriers or Greenbriers. Another spelling of the scientific name for Upright Carrion Flower is Smilax ecirrata.
The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer, lasting about 2 weeks. The flowers have an unpleasant odor that resembles decaying carrion. Afterwards, fertile female flowers are replaced by berries that become mature during late summer or autumn. Mature berries are about 8 mm. (1/3") across, dark blue-violet to black, and globoid in shape; the fleshy interiors of these berries contain 1-6 seeds. This plant reproduces by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to light shade, moist to mesic conditions, and a relatively loose soil containing loam and decaying organic matter. Plants that are grown in moderate to dense shade often fail to produce flowers and berries. Most growth and development occur during the spring and early summer.
Range & Habitat: The native Upright Carrion Flower is occasional in the northern half of Illinois, while in the southern half of the state it is rare or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic deciduous woodlands, bottoms of wooded bluffs, shady ravines, banks of woodland streams, open woodlands, and thickets. Populations of this plant are threatened by the overpopulation of White-tailed Deer, invasion of non-native shrubs and Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata), and habitat destruction from development. It is a fairly conservative species that is found in high quality natural areas.
Faunal Associations: The stinky flowers of Upright Carrion Flower are cross-pollinated by various kinds of flies, including Anthomyiid flies, Calliphorid flies, Muscid flies, and flesh flies (Sarcophagidae). They are also visited by Halictid bees (including green metallic bees) and miscellaneous beetles. Both nectar and pollen are available as floral rewards (the latter is found only on plants with male flowers); see Graenicher (1902) for more information. Various insects are known to feed destructively on the foliage and other parts of Smilax spp. (Greenbrier, Carrion Flower). Examples include the leaf beetle Pachyonychus paradoxus, larvae of Dasineura smilacifolia (Smilax Leaf Midge) and Camptoneuromyia rubifolia (Smilax Blister Midge), and larvae of such moths as Proleucoptera smilaciella, Phosphila miselioides (Spotted Phosphila), Phosphila turbulenta (Turbulent Phosphila), Phyprosopus callitrichoides (Curve-lined Owlet), Pseudogalleria inimicella (Inimical Borer Moth), and Papaipema unimoda (Meadow Rue Borer Moth); see Clark et al. (2004), Felt (1917), Needham et al. (1928), Wagner (2005), and Miller (1987). Another insect feeder, Neoprociphilus aceris (Woolly Maple Aphid), uses Smilax spp. as summer hosts, sucking juices from their stems and leaves (Blackman & Eastop, 2013). Upland gamebirds, songbirds, and other birds feed on the berries, spreading their seeds to new locations. These species include the Wood Duck, Ruffed Grouse, Wild Turkey, Cardinal, American Crow, Catbird, Brown Thrasher, American Robin, Fox Sparrow, and several thrushes (see the Bird Table for a more complete list of these species). The Black Bear, Opossum, Raccoon, Fox Squirrel, and Gray Squirrel also feed on the fruit, while White-tailed Deer browse on the leaves and stems (Martin et al., 1951/1961; Augustine, 1997).
Photographic Location: The Spitler Woods State Natural Area near Decatur, Illinois.
Comments: Among the various Smilax spp. that occur in Illinois, Upright Carrion Flower (Smilax ecirrhata) is one of the shortest and most erect. The only other species with this characteristic within the state, Illinois Carrion Flower (Smilax illinoensis), differs by having leaves that become smaller as they ascend upward, leaves that are more narrowly shaped and more rounded at their bases (rather than cordate), petioles that are as long or longer than the corresponding leaves to which they are attached, and umbels with more flowers. This latter species is less common than Upright Carrion Flower. Two other species, Common Carrion Flower (Smilax lasioneuron) and Smooth Carrion Flower (Smilax herbacea) are climbing vines up to 6-8' long that have abundant tendrils. Other Smilax spp. in Illinois are woody vines that are even longer; they are commonly referred to as Catbriers or Greenbriers. Another spelling of the scientific name for Upright Carrion Flower is Smilax ecirrata.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月23日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is unbranched and up to 2½' tall. The central stem is ascending, rather than stiffly erect. It is green to light green, slightly hairy, and sometimes zigzags between the alternate leaves. These leaves are up to 6" long and 3" across. They are broadly ovate, smooth along the margins, and usually glabrous on the upper surface. Their venation is parallel, while at the base they are mostly sessile against the stem. The central stem terminates in a rather flat panicle of 20-80 white flowers. This panicle is about 4" long and 2" across; its whitish green stalks are softly hairy. Each flower is about 1/6" across, consisting of 6 tepals, 6 stamens, and a central pistil with a short stout style. These floral parts are white, except for the anthers of the stamens, which are cream or pale yellow. The filaments of the stamens are narrowly triangular, while the tepals are oblong-linear.
The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer and lasts about 3 weeks. Each flower is replaced by a few-seeded berry. Individual berries are about ¼" across and globular; they become bright red, or red and purple-striped at maturity. The root system consists of stout rhizomes with secondary fibrous roots. This plant sometimes forms loose vegetative colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to partial sun, moist to slightly dry conditions, and a fertile loamy soil with abundant organic material (i.e., decaying leaves). Sandy and rocky soil are also tolerated.
Range & Habitat: False Solomon's Seal is a common plant that occurs in every county of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include mesic to dry deciduous woodlands, rocky wooded slopes, bluffs, and Black Oak foredunes near Lake Michigan.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated by small bees, flies, and beetles. The bees collect pollen from the flowers, while flies and beetles feed on pollen. The flowers appear to attract more than the usual number of beetles, including Seed Beetles, Long-Horned Beetles, Click Beetles, Blister Beetles, Tumbling Flower Beetles, Flower Scarab Beetles (Trichiotinus spp.), and Pedilid Beetles (Pedilus spp.). The berries are eaten occasionally by woodland birds, including the Ruffed Grouse and Veery; they are also eaten by the White-Footed Mouse. These animals spread the seeds into new areas. The foliage is browsed occasionally by the White-Tailed Deer.
Photographic Location: Along the slope of a wooded bluff in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: This interesting plant produces attractive flowers and berries. It has a similar appearance to Smilacina stellata (Starry False Solomon's Seal), but the latter species produces a raceme of flowers, rather than a branching panicle. The flowers of Starry False Solomon's Seal are somewhat larger in size and fewer in number (less than 20 per raceme), and its leaves are more narrow. Another species, Polygonatum commutatum (Solomon's Seal), has very similar foliage, but its leaves slightly clasp the central stem. The flowers of Solomon's Seal have a very different appearance; their corolla is tubular-shaped and greenish white. Furthermore, the flowers of Solomon's Seal hang from the central stem in small umbels of 1-5 flowers; these umbels develop from the base of each leaf. The scientific name of Smilacina racemosa is something of a misnomer as this species produces flowers in panicles, rather than racemes. Another common name for this species is Solomon's Plume, although it appears to be passing out of fashion.
The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer and lasts about 3 weeks. Each flower is replaced by a few-seeded berry. Individual berries are about ¼" across and globular; they become bright red, or red and purple-striped at maturity. The root system consists of stout rhizomes with secondary fibrous roots. This plant sometimes forms loose vegetative colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to partial sun, moist to slightly dry conditions, and a fertile loamy soil with abundant organic material (i.e., decaying leaves). Sandy and rocky soil are also tolerated.
Range & Habitat: False Solomon's Seal is a common plant that occurs in every county of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include mesic to dry deciduous woodlands, rocky wooded slopes, bluffs, and Black Oak foredunes near Lake Michigan.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated by small bees, flies, and beetles. The bees collect pollen from the flowers, while flies and beetles feed on pollen. The flowers appear to attract more than the usual number of beetles, including Seed Beetles, Long-Horned Beetles, Click Beetles, Blister Beetles, Tumbling Flower Beetles, Flower Scarab Beetles (Trichiotinus spp.), and Pedilid Beetles (Pedilus spp.). The berries are eaten occasionally by woodland birds, including the Ruffed Grouse and Veery; they are also eaten by the White-Footed Mouse. These animals spread the seeds into new areas. The foliage is browsed occasionally by the White-Tailed Deer.
Photographic Location: Along the slope of a wooded bluff in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: This interesting plant produces attractive flowers and berries. It has a similar appearance to Smilacina stellata (Starry False Solomon's Seal), but the latter species produces a raceme of flowers, rather than a branching panicle. The flowers of Starry False Solomon's Seal are somewhat larger in size and fewer in number (less than 20 per raceme), and its leaves are more narrow. Another species, Polygonatum commutatum (Solomon's Seal), has very similar foliage, but its leaves slightly clasp the central stem. The flowers of Solomon's Seal have a very different appearance; their corolla is tubular-shaped and greenish white. Furthermore, the flowers of Solomon's Seal hang from the central stem in small umbels of 1-5 flowers; these umbels develop from the base of each leaf. The scientific name of Smilacina racemosa is something of a misnomer as this species produces flowers in panicles, rather than racemes. Another common name for this species is Solomon's Plume, although it appears to be passing out of fashion.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月23日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 1–2½' tall and usually erect. It is unbranched or branched sparingly. The terete central stem and any lateral stems are mostly pale green to pale reddish green, hairless to densely pubescent, and somewhat swollen at the bases of leaves, where it is sometimes reddish purple. The lowermost and uppermost leaves are usually opposite, while the middle leaves occur in whorls of 4. They are up to 4" long and 1½" across, elliptic or lanceolate in shape, smooth along the margins, and sessile. The upper surface of each leaf is yellowish green, greyish green, or medium green, and hairless, while the lower leaf surface is more pale and hairless to finely pubescent. The central stem terminates in a panicle of flowers up to 8" long and about 3-4" across. On robust plants, 1-2 additional panicles may be produced from upper lateral stems. Pairs of small leafy bracts occur wherever a panicle branches. The erect central stalk, ascending branches, and clustered pedicels of the panicle are pale to medium green, terete, and hairless to finely pubescent. The flowers occur individually or in groups of 2-3 at the tips of long lateral branches on short pedicels. These pedicels are less than ¼" long.
Each flower is about ¾" across, consisting of 5 white fringed petals, a light green calyx that is bell-shaped (campanulate) with 5 broad teeth along its upper rim, a pistil with 3 slender white styles, and 10 stamens with slender white filaments. Each fringed petal has 8-12 linear lobes along its broad outer edge, while at the base it becomes quite narrow. The outer surface of each calyx is light green and hairless to finely pubescent; it often has faint longitudinal veins that are a darker shade of green. The blooming period occurs during mid- to late summer, lasting about 3-4 weeks. There is no noticeable floral scent. The flowers remain open during the evening, night, and early morning. In the presence of bright sunlight, they have a tendency to close-up during the middle of the day. Each flower is replaced by an ovoid seed capsule with 6 teeth along its upper rim; each capsule contains several seeds. The flattened seeds are reniform or reniform-orbicular with a fine pebbly surface. The root system consists of a deep white taproot. An older plant may tiller from its base, sending up multiple stems from the same taproot. Starry Campion reproduces by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade or partial sun, mesic to dry conditions, and soil containing loam, clay-loam, or a little rocky material. When exposed to full sunlight, the leaves become yellowish green and they are less attractive. Sometimes the stems lean sideways when this plant is grown in the fertile soil of flower gardens.
Range & Habitat: The native Starry Campion is widely distributed in Illinois, where it occurs occasionally in most counties (see Distribution Map). There are two varieties of Starry Campion that can be found throughout the state, Silene stellata stellata and Silene stellata scabrella. The typical variety of this species is hairless (or nearly so), while var. scabrella is quite pubescent, as indicated above. Habitats include upland rocky woodlands, wooded slopes, savannas, shaded banks of rivers, meadows near wooded areas, and cemetery prairies. This conservative species is usually found in higher quality natural areas. Fire and other kinds of disturbance are beneficial if they reduce dense shade from Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple) and invasive shrubs.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated primarily by moths and, to a lesser extent, by bumblebees. These insects suck nectar from the flowers. The caterpillars of a rare Noctuid moth, Hadena ectypa (Campion Coronet), feed primarily on the flowers and developing seed capsules of Starry Campion. This moth also sucks nectar from the flowers of this plant (Nelson, 2012). The caterpillars of a closely related moth, Hadena capsularis (Capsule Moth), feed on the flowers and developing seed capules of several species in the Pink family, including Silene spp. The caterpillars of this latter moth may also feed on Starry Campion. Another insect, Aphis sambuci (Elder Aphid), uses Silene spp. as summer hosts and feeds on the sap of their roots. Among vertebrate animals, White-tailed Deer occasionally chomp off the tops of Starry Campion (personal observation), even though its foliage, like other Silene spp., probably contains some saponins and alkaloids that are known to be at least mildly toxic.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden at the apartment complex of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois. The plants in the photographs are the pubescent variety of Starry Campion, or Silene stellata scabrella.
Comments: The flowers of Starry Campion are quite beautiful. It should be grown more often in flower gardens. This species is easy to identity because of its deeply fringed petals and whorled leaves. Other white-flowered Silene spp. (campions) lack deeply fringed petals and their leaves always occur in opposite pairs. While the flowers of Starry Campion are perfect (bisexual), the flowers of some campions are dioecious (individual plants have either all male flowers or all female flowers, but not both). An example of a dioecious species in this genus is the introduced Silene pratensis (Evening Campion).
Each flower is about ¾" across, consisting of 5 white fringed petals, a light green calyx that is bell-shaped (campanulate) with 5 broad teeth along its upper rim, a pistil with 3 slender white styles, and 10 stamens with slender white filaments. Each fringed petal has 8-12 linear lobes along its broad outer edge, while at the base it becomes quite narrow. The outer surface of each calyx is light green and hairless to finely pubescent; it often has faint longitudinal veins that are a darker shade of green. The blooming period occurs during mid- to late summer, lasting about 3-4 weeks. There is no noticeable floral scent. The flowers remain open during the evening, night, and early morning. In the presence of bright sunlight, they have a tendency to close-up during the middle of the day. Each flower is replaced by an ovoid seed capsule with 6 teeth along its upper rim; each capsule contains several seeds. The flattened seeds are reniform or reniform-orbicular with a fine pebbly surface. The root system consists of a deep white taproot. An older plant may tiller from its base, sending up multiple stems from the same taproot. Starry Campion reproduces by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade or partial sun, mesic to dry conditions, and soil containing loam, clay-loam, or a little rocky material. When exposed to full sunlight, the leaves become yellowish green and they are less attractive. Sometimes the stems lean sideways when this plant is grown in the fertile soil of flower gardens.
Range & Habitat: The native Starry Campion is widely distributed in Illinois, where it occurs occasionally in most counties (see Distribution Map). There are two varieties of Starry Campion that can be found throughout the state, Silene stellata stellata and Silene stellata scabrella. The typical variety of this species is hairless (or nearly so), while var. scabrella is quite pubescent, as indicated above. Habitats include upland rocky woodlands, wooded slopes, savannas, shaded banks of rivers, meadows near wooded areas, and cemetery prairies. This conservative species is usually found in higher quality natural areas. Fire and other kinds of disturbance are beneficial if they reduce dense shade from Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple) and invasive shrubs.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated primarily by moths and, to a lesser extent, by bumblebees. These insects suck nectar from the flowers. The caterpillars of a rare Noctuid moth, Hadena ectypa (Campion Coronet), feed primarily on the flowers and developing seed capsules of Starry Campion. This moth also sucks nectar from the flowers of this plant (Nelson, 2012). The caterpillars of a closely related moth, Hadena capsularis (Capsule Moth), feed on the flowers and developing seed capules of several species in the Pink family, including Silene spp. The caterpillars of this latter moth may also feed on Starry Campion. Another insect, Aphis sambuci (Elder Aphid), uses Silene spp. as summer hosts and feeds on the sap of their roots. Among vertebrate animals, White-tailed Deer occasionally chomp off the tops of Starry Campion (personal observation), even though its foliage, like other Silene spp., probably contains some saponins and alkaloids that are known to be at least mildly toxic.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden at the apartment complex of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois. The plants in the photographs are the pubescent variety of Starry Campion, or Silene stellata scabrella.
Comments: The flowers of Starry Campion are quite beautiful. It should be grown more often in flower gardens. This species is easy to identity because of its deeply fringed petals and whorled leaves. Other white-flowered Silene spp. (campions) lack deeply fringed petals and their leaves always occur in opposite pairs. While the flowers of Starry Campion are perfect (bisexual), the flowers of some campions are dioecious (individual plants have either all male flowers or all female flowers, but not both). An example of a dioecious species in this genus is the introduced Silene pratensis (Evening Campion).
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Miss Chen
2018年05月23日
Description: This perennial wildflower is ¾-3' tall and usually unbranched, except near the apex where the inflorescence occurs. Erect leafy stems may be produced individually or in small clusters. The central stem is is whitish green, 4-angled, and covered with either glandular or non-glandular hairs (or both). Pairs of opposite leaves occur along each stem. The leaf blades are 1-4" long and ¾-3" across; they are cordate in shape with coarse dentate-crenate margins. The upper blade surface is medium to dark green and either sparsely covered with short hairs or glabrous. The lower surface is slightly more pale and varies from densely hairy to sparsely hairy (rarely glabrous). The slender petioles are ½-2" long and hairy.
The central stem terminates in a raceme of flowers about 3-12" long. In addition, any upper lateral stems may produce smaller racemes of flowers. The racemes are narrow and usually only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. Individual flowers are ½-1" long. Each flower consists of a blue-violet or purple corolla with 2 lips, a short tubular calyx with 2 lips, 4 inserted stamens, and a pistil with an inserted style. The corolla is much longer than the calyx. The corolla is narrow and tubular at its base, but becomes more wide and swollen towards its lips. The upper lip of the corolla consists of a protective hood, while the lower lip is larger, more rounded, and somewhat lobed. There is usually a large patch of white along the inside of the lower lip that is speckled blue-violet or purple. The calyx is about 1/8" (3 mm.) long, whitish green, and covered with glandular hairs. A protuberance occurs along the upper side of each calyx. The pedicels of theDistribution Map flowers are very short (about 1/8" or 3 mm. in length). Underneath the flowers, there are leafy bracts of variable length: on some plants, they extend as far as the tips of the calyces, but no further, while on other plants they extend beyond the tips of the calyces. These bracts are ovate in shape. The blooming period typically occurs from late spring to mid-summer, lasting about 1 month. However, if a stem is damaged, this may delay flowering until later in the year. Afterward, the flowers are replaced by small dark nutlets. The root system is fibrous and either rhizomatous or stoloniferous.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight to medium shade, mesic conditions, and soil that contains loam, some calcareous sand, or rocky material (typically limestone). This wildflower is a good choice for shade gardens.
Range & Habitat: The native Heart-Leaved Skullcap is occasional throughout Illinois. Habitats include upland woodlands that are often rocky, bottomland woodlands, bluffs, woodland openings, shaded areas along cliffs, edges of limestone glades, and thickets. This wildflower is usually found in higher quality woodlands where the original ground flora is still intact.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by long-tongued bees, particularly bumblebees and Anthophorine bees (Anthophora spp.), which suck nectar and collect pollen. Short-tongued bees and Syrphid flies may also visit the flowers, but they are too small to be effective pollinators. Swallowtail butterflies and other butterflies occasionally visit the flowers, but they are also less effective at cross-pollination according to Robertson (1929). A few species of insects feed on the leaves of Heart-Leaved Skullcap and other skullcaps (Scutellaria spp.). These species include the skeletonizing leaf beetle Phyllobrotica limbata, Asphaera lustrans (Shiny Flea Beetle), larvae of Prochoreutis inflatella (Skullcap Skeletonizer Moth), and larvae of the moth Caloptilia scutellariella. The larvae of this last species are both blotch leaf-miners and leaf-folders. Because of its bitter taste and possible toxicity, mammalian herbivores rarely feed on the foliage.
Photographic Location: A floodplain woodland in Lake County, Illinois. The photographed plants are either Scutellaria ovata ovata or Scutellaria ovata bracteata. The photographs (Copyright © 2011) were taken by Paul Showers.
Comments: Unlike many other Scutellaria spp., this skullcap has mostly heart-shaped leaves with indented bases; sometimes the uppermost leaves have bases that are rounded, rather than indented. Across its range, Heart-Leaved Skullcap is highly variable and several subspecies have been recognized. In Illinois, three of these subspecies can be found: Scutellaria ovata ovata, Scutellaria ovata bracteata, and Scutellaria ovata rugosa. The first two subspecies occur throughout Illinois and they are distinguished by the size of the leafy bracts on their racemes: Scutellaria ovata ovata has leafy bracts that extend no farther than the calyces of the flowers, while Scutellaria ovata bracteata has leafy bracts that extend beyond the calyces of the flowers. The third subspecies, Scutellaria ovata rugosa, is only found in southern Illinois. It can be distinguished from the preceding subspecies by its small size (less than 1' tall) and small leaves (less than 1½" long).
The central stem terminates in a raceme of flowers about 3-12" long. In addition, any upper lateral stems may produce smaller racemes of flowers. The racemes are narrow and usually only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. Individual flowers are ½-1" long. Each flower consists of a blue-violet or purple corolla with 2 lips, a short tubular calyx with 2 lips, 4 inserted stamens, and a pistil with an inserted style. The corolla is much longer than the calyx. The corolla is narrow and tubular at its base, but becomes more wide and swollen towards its lips. The upper lip of the corolla consists of a protective hood, while the lower lip is larger, more rounded, and somewhat lobed. There is usually a large patch of white along the inside of the lower lip that is speckled blue-violet or purple. The calyx is about 1/8" (3 mm.) long, whitish green, and covered with glandular hairs. A protuberance occurs along the upper side of each calyx. The pedicels of theDistribution Map flowers are very short (about 1/8" or 3 mm. in length). Underneath the flowers, there are leafy bracts of variable length: on some plants, they extend as far as the tips of the calyces, but no further, while on other plants they extend beyond the tips of the calyces. These bracts are ovate in shape. The blooming period typically occurs from late spring to mid-summer, lasting about 1 month. However, if a stem is damaged, this may delay flowering until later in the year. Afterward, the flowers are replaced by small dark nutlets. The root system is fibrous and either rhizomatous or stoloniferous.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight to medium shade, mesic conditions, and soil that contains loam, some calcareous sand, or rocky material (typically limestone). This wildflower is a good choice for shade gardens.
Range & Habitat: The native Heart-Leaved Skullcap is occasional throughout Illinois. Habitats include upland woodlands that are often rocky, bottomland woodlands, bluffs, woodland openings, shaded areas along cliffs, edges of limestone glades, and thickets. This wildflower is usually found in higher quality woodlands where the original ground flora is still intact.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by long-tongued bees, particularly bumblebees and Anthophorine bees (Anthophora spp.), which suck nectar and collect pollen. Short-tongued bees and Syrphid flies may also visit the flowers, but they are too small to be effective pollinators. Swallowtail butterflies and other butterflies occasionally visit the flowers, but they are also less effective at cross-pollination according to Robertson (1929). A few species of insects feed on the leaves of Heart-Leaved Skullcap and other skullcaps (Scutellaria spp.). These species include the skeletonizing leaf beetle Phyllobrotica limbata, Asphaera lustrans (Shiny Flea Beetle), larvae of Prochoreutis inflatella (Skullcap Skeletonizer Moth), and larvae of the moth Caloptilia scutellariella. The larvae of this last species are both blotch leaf-miners and leaf-folders. Because of its bitter taste and possible toxicity, mammalian herbivores rarely feed on the foliage.
Photographic Location: A floodplain woodland in Lake County, Illinois. The photographed plants are either Scutellaria ovata ovata or Scutellaria ovata bracteata. The photographs (Copyright © 2011) were taken by Paul Showers.
Comments: Unlike many other Scutellaria spp., this skullcap has mostly heart-shaped leaves with indented bases; sometimes the uppermost leaves have bases that are rounded, rather than indented. Across its range, Heart-Leaved Skullcap is highly variable and several subspecies have been recognized. In Illinois, three of these subspecies can be found: Scutellaria ovata ovata, Scutellaria ovata bracteata, and Scutellaria ovata rugosa. The first two subspecies occur throughout Illinois and they are distinguished by the size of the leafy bracts on their racemes: Scutellaria ovata ovata has leafy bracts that extend no farther than the calyces of the flowers, while Scutellaria ovata bracteata has leafy bracts that extend beyond the calyces of the flowers. The third subspecies, Scutellaria ovata rugosa, is only found in southern Illinois. It can be distinguished from the preceding subspecies by its small size (less than 1' tall) and small leaves (less than 1½" long).
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Miss Chen
2018年05月22日
Description: This perennial plant is ¾–2½' tall and unbranched, except toward the apex where the flowers occur. The central stem is green to purple, 4-angled, and hairy to glandular-hairy. Often, the margins of the stem along its angles are shaded purple. The hairs of the stem are widely spreading. Pairs of opposite leaves occur along the entire length of the stem. These leaves are 1½–3" long and ¾–1¾" across; they are lanceolate-oblong to oval-ovate in shape, while their margins are crenate to crenate-serrate and ciliate. Generally, upper leaves are more narrow in shape than the leaves below. Leaf bases are truncate, rounded, or broadly wedge-shaped, while leaf tips are blunt. The upper leaf surface is medium to dark green and mostly glabrous, while the lower leaf surface is pale green and pubescent or hairy (especially along the major veins). The petioles are up to ¾" long with grooved upper surfaces; they are more or less hairy.
The central stem terminates in a spike-like raceme of flowers up to 4" long. In addition to this raceme, secondary racemes are sometimes produced from the axils of the upper leaves. The central stalk of each raceme is 4-angled, green to purplish green, and glandular-hairy; the hairs are widely spreading. Individual flowers along the raceme are ½-¾" long; their 2-lipped corollas are strongly ascending, but their mouths open laterally. Each flower consists of a pale to dark blue-violet corolla, a short green calyx, 4 inserted stamens, and a 4-lobed ovary with a single style. The corolla has a hood-like upper lip and a descending lower lip; the back and apex of the hood are more or less finely pubescent. The lower lip has irregular blotches of white (usually in pairs along the sides of a central blue-violet vein). In addition to these lips, there are also a pair of small lateral lobes. The lateral lobes are attached to the upper lip; they are often whitish and recurved. The calyx is glandular-hairy and shallowly divided into two lobes; there is a conspicuous protuberance on the back of the calyx.
The pedicels of the flowers are short (about 4 mm. in length), relatively stout, and pubescent. At the pedicel bases, there are pubescent leafy bracts up to 1¼" long and ½" across; they are lanceolate-oblong or elliptic-oblong in shape. The margins of these leafy bracts are ciliate and either toothless (entire) or sparingly crenate-serrate. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer, lasting about 3-4 weeks. Afterwards, the corollas become detached and wither away, while the persistent calyces become swollen and enclose the developing nutlets. There are 1-4 nutlets per calyx (often only 1 or 2). The small nutlets are minutely tuberculate. The calyces eventually split open to eject the nutlets; this may be caused in part by raindrop logistics. The root system is fibrous and short-rhizomatous.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to partial sun, mesic to dry-mesic conditions, and an acidic soil containing some organic material.
Range & Habitat: The native Hairy Skullcap is occasional in southern Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is largely absent (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the northern range-limit of this species. However, a northern outlier population occurs in SE Michigan and NW Indiana. Habitats include rocky woodlands, bluffs, wooded slopes, rocky areas along streams, and well-drained bottoms of sandstone canyons. Hairy Skullcap is found in higher quality natural areas. In some areas of southern Illinois, it is currently threatened by the spread of an invasive species, Japanese Stilt Grass (Microstegium vimineum).
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract various bees. Butterflies and skippers may also visit the flowers, but they are less effective at cross-pollination. The leaves of Hairy Skullcap and other Scutellaria spp. (Skullcaps) are attacked by several skeletonizing leaf beetles (Phyllobrotica spp.) and the Shining Flea Beetle (Asphaera lustrans). In particular, Phyllobrotica circumdata has been observed on Hairy Skullcap. The larvae of two micro-moths also feed on the foliage of Scutellaria spp. (Skullcaps): Caloptilia scutellariella and Prochoreutis inflatella. Larvae of the former moth are blotch leaf-miners, while larvae of the latter moth skeletonize the leaves. The bitter foliage is not eaten by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: A wooded sandstone canyon in southern Illinois.
Comments: This is another native species of Scutellaria (Skullcap) that could be cultivated in shaded gardens. Both the foliage and flowers are reasonably attractive. The bitter foliage does not have a mint fragrance. It is possible to confuse Hairy Skullcap (Scutellaria elliptica) with some of the other woodland Scutellaria spp. in Illinois. It differs from Heart-Leaved Skullcap (Scutellaria ovata) by having less wide leaves that lack cordate bases (with the possible exception of the lowermost leaves). It also differs from Downy Skullcap (Scutellaria incana) by having spreading glandular hairs on its stems, flowering stalks, and calyces. The foliage and calyces of Downy Skullcap are more short-pubescent or canescent and they lack glandular hairs. Another woodland species, Showy Skullcap (Scutellaria serrata), has glabrous foliage and larger flowers (1" in length or more). Across its range, Hairy Skullcap varies somewhat in the extent of its hairiness: the typical variety is less hairy than var. hirsuta.
The central stem terminates in a spike-like raceme of flowers up to 4" long. In addition to this raceme, secondary racemes are sometimes produced from the axils of the upper leaves. The central stalk of each raceme is 4-angled, green to purplish green, and glandular-hairy; the hairs are widely spreading. Individual flowers along the raceme are ½-¾" long; their 2-lipped corollas are strongly ascending, but their mouths open laterally. Each flower consists of a pale to dark blue-violet corolla, a short green calyx, 4 inserted stamens, and a 4-lobed ovary with a single style. The corolla has a hood-like upper lip and a descending lower lip; the back and apex of the hood are more or less finely pubescent. The lower lip has irregular blotches of white (usually in pairs along the sides of a central blue-violet vein). In addition to these lips, there are also a pair of small lateral lobes. The lateral lobes are attached to the upper lip; they are often whitish and recurved. The calyx is glandular-hairy and shallowly divided into two lobes; there is a conspicuous protuberance on the back of the calyx.
The pedicels of the flowers are short (about 4 mm. in length), relatively stout, and pubescent. At the pedicel bases, there are pubescent leafy bracts up to 1¼" long and ½" across; they are lanceolate-oblong or elliptic-oblong in shape. The margins of these leafy bracts are ciliate and either toothless (entire) or sparingly crenate-serrate. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer, lasting about 3-4 weeks. Afterwards, the corollas become detached and wither away, while the persistent calyces become swollen and enclose the developing nutlets. There are 1-4 nutlets per calyx (often only 1 or 2). The small nutlets are minutely tuberculate. The calyces eventually split open to eject the nutlets; this may be caused in part by raindrop logistics. The root system is fibrous and short-rhizomatous.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to partial sun, mesic to dry-mesic conditions, and an acidic soil containing some organic material.
Range & Habitat: The native Hairy Skullcap is occasional in southern Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is largely absent (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the northern range-limit of this species. However, a northern outlier population occurs in SE Michigan and NW Indiana. Habitats include rocky woodlands, bluffs, wooded slopes, rocky areas along streams, and well-drained bottoms of sandstone canyons. Hairy Skullcap is found in higher quality natural areas. In some areas of southern Illinois, it is currently threatened by the spread of an invasive species, Japanese Stilt Grass (Microstegium vimineum).
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract various bees. Butterflies and skippers may also visit the flowers, but they are less effective at cross-pollination. The leaves of Hairy Skullcap and other Scutellaria spp. (Skullcaps) are attacked by several skeletonizing leaf beetles (Phyllobrotica spp.) and the Shining Flea Beetle (Asphaera lustrans). In particular, Phyllobrotica circumdata has been observed on Hairy Skullcap. The larvae of two micro-moths also feed on the foliage of Scutellaria spp. (Skullcaps): Caloptilia scutellariella and Prochoreutis inflatella. Larvae of the former moth are blotch leaf-miners, while larvae of the latter moth skeletonize the leaves. The bitter foliage is not eaten by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: A wooded sandstone canyon in southern Illinois.
Comments: This is another native species of Scutellaria (Skullcap) that could be cultivated in shaded gardens. Both the foliage and flowers are reasonably attractive. The bitter foliage does not have a mint fragrance. It is possible to confuse Hairy Skullcap (Scutellaria elliptica) with some of the other woodland Scutellaria spp. in Illinois. It differs from Heart-Leaved Skullcap (Scutellaria ovata) by having less wide leaves that lack cordate bases (with the possible exception of the lowermost leaves). It also differs from Downy Skullcap (Scutellaria incana) by having spreading glandular hairs on its stems, flowering stalks, and calyces. The foliage and calyces of Downy Skullcap are more short-pubescent or canescent and they lack glandular hairs. Another woodland species, Showy Skullcap (Scutellaria serrata), has glabrous foliage and larger flowers (1" in length or more). Across its range, Hairy Skullcap varies somewhat in the extent of its hairiness: the typical variety is less hairy than var. hirsuta.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月22日
Description: This wildflower consists of a rosette of basal leaves and a flowering stalk about 1-3' tall. Individual basal leaves are up to 9" long and 3" across; they are oblong to ovate-oblong, crenate or smooth along their margins, and medium green. Basal leaves are glabrous to sparsely hairy on their upper surfaces, while their lower surfaces are sparsely to moderately hairy. Generally, young leaves are more hairy than older leaves. The inflorescence consists of a panicle of flowers, which develops from an erect central stalk. This stalk is fairly stout, terete, and densely covered with spreading hairs. The panicle is ellipsoid in shape, ½–1½' long, and about 1/3 as much across when it is fully extended. The branches of the panicle are ascending to spreading and usually pubescent. There is a single linear-lanceolate bract at each major fork of the branches. Depending on the size of the inflorescence, the flowers vary in abundance; they usually bloom at about the same time. Each flower is ¼" across, consisting of 5 narrow white petals, 5 green sepals that are joined together at the base, 10 stamens with white to orange-brown anthers, and 2 prominent pistils that are green and joined together. The sepals are triangular in shape and become recurved when the flowers bloom. The petals are longer than the sepals. The blooming period occurs during the late spring for 2-3 weeks. Each flower is replaced by a pair of beaked follicles; each follicle splits open along one side to release its seeds. The root system consists of a crown of fleshy fibrous roots and rhizomes. Clonal offsets from the rhizomes are often formed.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to partial sun, consistently moist conditions, high humidity, and thin rocky soil containing sandstone. The site should be protected from prevailing winds.
Range & Habitat: The native Forbe's Saxifrage is found in southern Illinois (where it is uncommon) and 3 counties in northern Illinois, where it is rare; it is absent from the remaining areas of the state (see Distribution Map). This map excludes the distribution of the more common typical variety, Saxifraga pensylvanica pensylvanica (Swamp Saxifrage). Habitats are largely restricted to the lower slopes of rocky bluffs (usually north-facing), moist ledges along sandstone ravines, and the lower slopes of sandstone canyons, particularly where some seepage of moisture occurs. These habitats are always found in wooded areas with varying amounts of shade. Forbe's Saxifrage is restricted to high quality natural areas.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated primarily by small bees, wasps, and various flies. Less common visitors include sawflies and beetles. These insects usually suck nectar, although some of the bees also collect pollen, while some flies and beetles prefer to feed on the pollen. These observations are from Graenicher.
Photographic Location: Lower slope of a sandstone canyon at the Portland Arch in west-central Indiana.
Comments: I have selected Vasey's taxonomic classification of Forbe's Saxifrage. This is something of a compromise. Some botanists in Illinois and Indiana (e.g., Mohlenbrock, 2002) classify Forbe's Saxifrage as a separate species, Saxifraga forbesii, rather than a variety of Saxifraga pensylvanica (Swamp Saxifrage). Other botanists don't recognize Forbe's Saxifrage at even the varietal level. Generally, Forbe's Saxifrage is supposed to have hairier basal leaves than Swamp Saxifrage, and the petals of its flowers are longer than the sepals. Swamp Saxifrage is supposed to have slightly smaller flowers, where the petals are about the same length as the sepals. Swamp Saxifrage is found primarily in the northern half of Illinois, where it is found in both sunny and shaded wetlands. The only other Saxifrage in Illinois is Saxifraga virginiensis (Early Saxifrage), which has been found only in Hardin County. This latter species is much smaller in size; it prefers drier upland areas and can bloom as early as mid-spring.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to partial sun, consistently moist conditions, high humidity, and thin rocky soil containing sandstone. The site should be protected from prevailing winds.
Range & Habitat: The native Forbe's Saxifrage is found in southern Illinois (where it is uncommon) and 3 counties in northern Illinois, where it is rare; it is absent from the remaining areas of the state (see Distribution Map). This map excludes the distribution of the more common typical variety, Saxifraga pensylvanica pensylvanica (Swamp Saxifrage). Habitats are largely restricted to the lower slopes of rocky bluffs (usually north-facing), moist ledges along sandstone ravines, and the lower slopes of sandstone canyons, particularly where some seepage of moisture occurs. These habitats are always found in wooded areas with varying amounts of shade. Forbe's Saxifrage is restricted to high quality natural areas.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated primarily by small bees, wasps, and various flies. Less common visitors include sawflies and beetles. These insects usually suck nectar, although some of the bees also collect pollen, while some flies and beetles prefer to feed on the pollen. These observations are from Graenicher.
Photographic Location: Lower slope of a sandstone canyon at the Portland Arch in west-central Indiana.
Comments: I have selected Vasey's taxonomic classification of Forbe's Saxifrage. This is something of a compromise. Some botanists in Illinois and Indiana (e.g., Mohlenbrock, 2002) classify Forbe's Saxifrage as a separate species, Saxifraga forbesii, rather than a variety of Saxifraga pensylvanica (Swamp Saxifrage). Other botanists don't recognize Forbe's Saxifrage at even the varietal level. Generally, Forbe's Saxifrage is supposed to have hairier basal leaves than Swamp Saxifrage, and the petals of its flowers are longer than the sepals. Swamp Saxifrage is supposed to have slightly smaller flowers, where the petals are about the same length as the sepals. Swamp Saxifrage is found primarily in the northern half of Illinois, where it is found in both sunny and shaded wetlands. The only other Saxifrage in Illinois is Saxifraga virginiensis (Early Saxifrage), which has been found only in Hardin County. This latter species is much smaller in size; it prefers drier upland areas and can bloom as early as mid-spring.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月22日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 1–2½' tall, branching occasionally. The stems are light green to pale red or purple, glabrous, and veined. The leaves are alternate, opposite, or basal. The basal and lower leaves are palmately divided into 5 leaflets; these compound leaves span up to 5" long and across, and their petioles are up to 6" long. The middle to upper leaves are trifoliate with 3 leaflets; they are smaller in size and usually sessile. The leaflets are up to 2½" long and 1" across; they are oblanceolate, elliptic, obovate, or ovate in shape. Each leaflet is shallowly cleft and coarsely serrated along the margins; the bottom of each leaflet is wedge-shaped and sessile. Both the leaves and their petioles (if any) are glabrous.
Each upper stem terminates in 1-5 umbels of flowers. Each umbel is globoid or semi-globoid and spans up to ½" across; it consists of 20-60 tiny flowers and their pedicels. The stalk (or ray) of each umbel is up to 1" long. Each umbel has 1-3 perfect flowers (male & female reproductive organs), while the remaining flowers are staminate (male only). Whether perfect or staminate, each flower has a short green calyx with 5 ovate teeth, 5 greenish yellow petals that are obcordate in shape, and 5 exerted stamens with conspicuous anthers. The anthers are initially yellow, but they later become brown. In addition, each perfect flower has a bristly globoid ovary and a pair of long recurved styles. These styles are longer than the bristles of the ovary. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer and lasts about 2-3 weeks. Each bur-like fruit contains a pair of seeds. The root system is fibrous. Colonies often develop in favorable habitats.
Cultivation: This plant is typically found in partial sun to medium shade, moist to slightly dry conditions, and fertile loamy soil. While the flowers are not very showy, it can be used as a ground cover in shaded areas.
Range & Habitat: Common Black Snakeroot is occasional to common in most areas of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include deciduous woodlands, areas along woodland paths, thickets, shaded seeps, and fence rows that are overgrown with woody vegetation. Sometimes this species invades shaded areas of gardens. Tolerance to degradation of woodland habitat is above average.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract small bees (Halictid & Andrenid) and various flies. White-Tailed Deer and other mammalian herbivores avoid consumption of the foliage because of its bitter taste. The small prickly fruits can cling to the fur of mammals, feathers of birds, and clothing of humans; this helps to distribute the seeds to new locations.
Photographic Location: A mesic area of Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Common Black Snakeroot can be distinguished from other Sanicula spp. (Black Snakeroots) by its greenish yellow flowers. Other Black Snakeroots have greenish white flowers. The recurved styles of Common Black Snakeroot are longer than the prickles of the ovary, while other Black Snakeroots have more erect styles that are shorter or the same length as the prickles of their ovaries. The common name (Black Snakeroot) probably refers to the pioneer belief that the bitter roots were useful in treating snake bites, although this is highly doubtful. Another scientific name of Common Black Snakeroot is Sanicula gregaria, which resulted in the common name, 'Clustered Black Snakeroot.'
Each upper stem terminates in 1-5 umbels of flowers. Each umbel is globoid or semi-globoid and spans up to ½" across; it consists of 20-60 tiny flowers and their pedicels. The stalk (or ray) of each umbel is up to 1" long. Each umbel has 1-3 perfect flowers (male & female reproductive organs), while the remaining flowers are staminate (male only). Whether perfect or staminate, each flower has a short green calyx with 5 ovate teeth, 5 greenish yellow petals that are obcordate in shape, and 5 exerted stamens with conspicuous anthers. The anthers are initially yellow, but they later become brown. In addition, each perfect flower has a bristly globoid ovary and a pair of long recurved styles. These styles are longer than the bristles of the ovary. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer and lasts about 2-3 weeks. Each bur-like fruit contains a pair of seeds. The root system is fibrous. Colonies often develop in favorable habitats.
Cultivation: This plant is typically found in partial sun to medium shade, moist to slightly dry conditions, and fertile loamy soil. While the flowers are not very showy, it can be used as a ground cover in shaded areas.
Range & Habitat: Common Black Snakeroot is occasional to common in most areas of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include deciduous woodlands, areas along woodland paths, thickets, shaded seeps, and fence rows that are overgrown with woody vegetation. Sometimes this species invades shaded areas of gardens. Tolerance to degradation of woodland habitat is above average.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract small bees (Halictid & Andrenid) and various flies. White-Tailed Deer and other mammalian herbivores avoid consumption of the foliage because of its bitter taste. The small prickly fruits can cling to the fur of mammals, feathers of birds, and clothing of humans; this helps to distribute the seeds to new locations.
Photographic Location: A mesic area of Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Common Black Snakeroot can be distinguished from other Sanicula spp. (Black Snakeroots) by its greenish yellow flowers. Other Black Snakeroots have greenish white flowers. The recurved styles of Common Black Snakeroot are longer than the prickles of the ovary, while other Black Snakeroots have more erect styles that are shorter or the same length as the prickles of their ovaries. The common name (Black Snakeroot) probably refers to the pioneer belief that the bitter roots were useful in treating snake bites, although this is highly doubtful. Another scientific name of Common Black Snakeroot is Sanicula gregaria, which resulted in the common name, 'Clustered Black Snakeroot.'
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Miss Chen
2018年05月22日
Description: This herbaceous plant is a biennial or short-lived perennial; it is about 1-2' tall, branching occasionally. The stems are glabrous and light green; they are terete or somewhat angular. The alternate leaves are usually trifoliate, although some of the smaller upper leaves are simple. The lower leaves often appear to be palmate with 5 leaflets, but this is because each lateral leaflet has been deeply divided into 2 large lobes. In outline, the lower compound leaves are nearly orbicular in outline (up to 5" wide and 5" across, excluding the petioles) while the upper compound leaves are more narrow. The leaflets and large lobes are obovate, ovate, or broadly elliptic in shape, while their margins are coarsely double-serrated and sometimes cleft along their margins. Leaf venation within each leaflet and lobe is pinnate. The upper leaf surface is yellowish green (in bright sunlight) to dark green (in shade) and glabrous. The lower leaves have long petioles, while those of the upper leaves are much shorter. These petioles are light green, glabrous, and slightly sheathed at their bases; they are grooved above and convex below.
The upper stems terminate in small umbels or compound umbels of greenish white flowers. Each umbel consists of 1-4 umbellets and spans up to 2½" across. Each umbellet has 2-3 pistillate or perfect flowers and about 2-6 staminate flowers (less often, there will be 7-15 staminate flowers); these flowers form a tight cluster that is irregularly globular in shape. The perfect and pistillate flowers are more conspicous because of their bur-like ovaries. These ovaries are about 3-5 mm. in length, globoid-ovoid in shape, and green; their outer surfaces are covered with hooked prickles (about 1 mm. in length). Each flower has 5 greenish white petals and a green calyx with 5 linear-lanceolate lobes; these lobes are shorter than the prickles of the ovaries. The styles of perfect and pistillate flowers (less than 1 mm. in length) are also shorter than the prickles of the ovaries. Each staminate or perfect flower has 5 short stamens.
The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer and lasts about 3 weeks for a colony of plants. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each bur-like fruit contains 2 seeds. The root system is fibrous. This plant spreads by reseeding itself and it occasionally forms colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is light to medium shade, moist to slightly dry conditions, and a loamy soil with an abundance of organic matter.
Range & Habitat: Canadian Black Snakeroot is a common plant that occurs in nearly all counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include mesic deciduous woodlands, north-facing bluffs, areas along woodland paths, edges of shaded seeps, fence rows with woody vegetation, edges of yards underneath trees, and flower gardens in shady areas. This plant occurs in both natural habitats of varying quality and disturbed areas.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract few insect pollinators, although occasionally they are visited by Halictid bees (Lasioglossum spp.), masked bees (Hylaeus spp.), and Syrphid flies, which suck nectar. An aphid, Aphis clydesmithi, sucks plant juices at the stem base and root collar, while another aphid, Aphis saniculae, sucks plant juices from the undersides of the leaves. Canadian Black Snakeroot is the preferred host plant of the latter aphid. The bitter foliage is avoided by grazing livestock and probably other mammalian herbivores as well. The small burry fruits cling readily to the feathers of birds, fur of mammals, and clothing of humans; this helps to distribute the seeds far and wide.
Photographic Location: Underneath a lawn tree in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Canadian Black Snakeroot is not very showy, in part because it does not bloom until after the deciduous trees in woodlands have developed their leaves. Except for the bur-like ovaries, the flowers are inconspicuous. This species is well-adapted to the shady conditions that exist underneath trees during the summer, and it can become a minor weed along the edges of yards and in flower gardens. Except for Sanicula gregaria (Clustered Black Snakeroot), which has greenish yellow flowers, the various Sanicula spp. in Illinois have small greenish white flowers. The species of this latter group are rather difficult to distinguish. Canadian Black Snakeroot differs from Sanicula marilandica (Maryland Black Snakeroot) by its short styles, which are no longer than the prickles of its ovaries; the latter species has pairs of curved styles that are much longer than the prickles of its ovaries. Canadian Black Snakeroot differs from Sanicula trifoliata (Large-Fruited Black Snakeroot) by the size and shape of its burry fruits: The fruits of the former species are 3-5 mm. long and ovoid-globoid in shape, while the fruits of the latter species are at least 5.5 mm. in length and ovoid in shape. Furthermore, the calyx lobes of the latter species are as long or longer than the surrounding prickles, and its stamens are longer and more conspicuous than those Canadian Black Snakeroot.
The upper stems terminate in small umbels or compound umbels of greenish white flowers. Each umbel consists of 1-4 umbellets and spans up to 2½" across. Each umbellet has 2-3 pistillate or perfect flowers and about 2-6 staminate flowers (less often, there will be 7-15 staminate flowers); these flowers form a tight cluster that is irregularly globular in shape. The perfect and pistillate flowers are more conspicous because of their bur-like ovaries. These ovaries are about 3-5 mm. in length, globoid-ovoid in shape, and green; their outer surfaces are covered with hooked prickles (about 1 mm. in length). Each flower has 5 greenish white petals and a green calyx with 5 linear-lanceolate lobes; these lobes are shorter than the prickles of the ovaries. The styles of perfect and pistillate flowers (less than 1 mm. in length) are also shorter than the prickles of the ovaries. Each staminate or perfect flower has 5 short stamens.
The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer and lasts about 3 weeks for a colony of plants. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each bur-like fruit contains 2 seeds. The root system is fibrous. This plant spreads by reseeding itself and it occasionally forms colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is light to medium shade, moist to slightly dry conditions, and a loamy soil with an abundance of organic matter.
Range & Habitat: Canadian Black Snakeroot is a common plant that occurs in nearly all counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include mesic deciduous woodlands, north-facing bluffs, areas along woodland paths, edges of shaded seeps, fence rows with woody vegetation, edges of yards underneath trees, and flower gardens in shady areas. This plant occurs in both natural habitats of varying quality and disturbed areas.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract few insect pollinators, although occasionally they are visited by Halictid bees (Lasioglossum spp.), masked bees (Hylaeus spp.), and Syrphid flies, which suck nectar. An aphid, Aphis clydesmithi, sucks plant juices at the stem base and root collar, while another aphid, Aphis saniculae, sucks plant juices from the undersides of the leaves. Canadian Black Snakeroot is the preferred host plant of the latter aphid. The bitter foliage is avoided by grazing livestock and probably other mammalian herbivores as well. The small burry fruits cling readily to the feathers of birds, fur of mammals, and clothing of humans; this helps to distribute the seeds far and wide.
Photographic Location: Underneath a lawn tree in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Canadian Black Snakeroot is not very showy, in part because it does not bloom until after the deciduous trees in woodlands have developed their leaves. Except for the bur-like ovaries, the flowers are inconspicuous. This species is well-adapted to the shady conditions that exist underneath trees during the summer, and it can become a minor weed along the edges of yards and in flower gardens. Except for Sanicula gregaria (Clustered Black Snakeroot), which has greenish yellow flowers, the various Sanicula spp. in Illinois have small greenish white flowers. The species of this latter group are rather difficult to distinguish. Canadian Black Snakeroot differs from Sanicula marilandica (Maryland Black Snakeroot) by its short styles, which are no longer than the prickles of its ovaries; the latter species has pairs of curved styles that are much longer than the prickles of its ovaries. Canadian Black Snakeroot differs from Sanicula trifoliata (Large-Fruited Black Snakeroot) by the size and shape of its burry fruits: The fruits of the former species are 3-5 mm. long and ovoid-globoid in shape, while the fruits of the latter species are at least 5.5 mm. in length and ovoid in shape. Furthermore, the calyx lobes of the latter species are as long or longer than the surrounding prickles, and its stamens are longer and more conspicuous than those Canadian Black Snakeroot.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月21日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is ½–1½' tall, branching occasionally. The leafy stems have a tendency to lean to one side or sprawl across the ground. The stems are light green to reddish green, glabrous to hairy, and often somewhat angular. The alternate compound leaves are simple odd-pinnate and up to 8" long, consisting of about 5-15 leaflets. The petioles and rachises of these compound leaves are light green to reddish green and glabrous to hairy; they are grooved above and convex below. The leaflets are ¾-1¼" long and about one-third as much across; they are elliptic to broadly elliptic-oblong, smooth (entire) along their margins, medium green, glabrous (or nearly so), and sessile (or nearly so). The upper stems terminate in rather loose panicles of floppy or nodding flowers spanning 1½-3" across. Some panicles are also produced from the axils of upper leaves on long peduncles up to 6" long. The pedicels are up to 1" long.
Both the peduncles and pedicels of these panicles are light green to reddish green and glabrous to hairy. The campanulate (bell-shaped) flowers are up to 16 mm. (2/3") across. Each flower has 5 rounded petals that are light blue-violet, a short-tubular calyx with 5 triangular teeth, 5 stamens with white anthers, and a pistil with a slender white style that become tripartite toward its tip. The calyx is light green to reddish purple and glabrous to hairy. There are fine veins that run along the length of the petals. The stamens are the same length as, or shorter than, the petals of the flowers. The blooming period usually occurs during the late spring, lasting about 2-3 weeks. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by 3-celled seed capsules; these capsules are about 6 mm. (¼") in length and ovoid in shape; they are few-seeded. The root system consists of a short vertical crown with abundant fibrous roots. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade or dappled sun, more or less mesic conditions, and loamy soil with decaying organic matter. This plant is not aggressive; it is able to adapt to somewhat shady gardens that are located near deciduous trees.
Range & Habitat: The native Jacob's Ladder is an occasional to locally common plant that occurs in most areas of Illinois, except for some counties in the central portion of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include deciduous woodlands, lower wooded slopes, bases of bluffs, shaded banks of streams and rivers, bottoms of sandstone canyons, and areas along woodland paths. Jacob's Ladder is found in higher quality natural habitats that are dominated by various deciduous trees.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract bees primarily, including honeybees, bumblebees, little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), mason bees (Osmia spp.), cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), Halictid bees (Augochlorella spp., Lasioglossum spp.), and Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.). A species from this last group, Andrena polemonii, is a specialist pollinator (oligolege) of Polemonium spp. (Jacob's Ladder, Greek Valerian). The flowers are also visited by Bombylius major (Giant Bee Fly), butterflies, skippers, and moths, which seek nectar. The larvae of two moths, Coleophora polemoniella and Scrobipalpula polemoniella, mine the leaflets. An aphid, Nasonovia hottesi, sucks the sap of these plants.
Photographic Location: A flower garden at Crystal Lake Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is a rather floppy plant, although both the flowers and foliage are quite attractive. The bell-shaped flowers and compound leaves together provide Jacob's Ladder with a distinctive appearance. The only other species that resembles it, Polemonium vanbruntiae (Greek Valerian), which is native to some of the Eastern States, doesn't occur in the wild in Illinois. This latter species is more erect in habit, and it has slightly larger flowers with exerted stamens. The flowers of this latter species are usually a darker shade of blue than those of Jacob's Ladder. The common name of Polemonium reptans refers to the pairs of opposite leaflets on the compound leaves, which supposedly resemble a series of steps on a ladder in a dream by the biblical Jacob.
Both the peduncles and pedicels of these panicles are light green to reddish green and glabrous to hairy. The campanulate (bell-shaped) flowers are up to 16 mm. (2/3") across. Each flower has 5 rounded petals that are light blue-violet, a short-tubular calyx with 5 triangular teeth, 5 stamens with white anthers, and a pistil with a slender white style that become tripartite toward its tip. The calyx is light green to reddish purple and glabrous to hairy. There are fine veins that run along the length of the petals. The stamens are the same length as, or shorter than, the petals of the flowers. The blooming period usually occurs during the late spring, lasting about 2-3 weeks. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by 3-celled seed capsules; these capsules are about 6 mm. (¼") in length and ovoid in shape; they are few-seeded. The root system consists of a short vertical crown with abundant fibrous roots. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade or dappled sun, more or less mesic conditions, and loamy soil with decaying organic matter. This plant is not aggressive; it is able to adapt to somewhat shady gardens that are located near deciduous trees.
Range & Habitat: The native Jacob's Ladder is an occasional to locally common plant that occurs in most areas of Illinois, except for some counties in the central portion of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include deciduous woodlands, lower wooded slopes, bases of bluffs, shaded banks of streams and rivers, bottoms of sandstone canyons, and areas along woodland paths. Jacob's Ladder is found in higher quality natural habitats that are dominated by various deciduous trees.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract bees primarily, including honeybees, bumblebees, little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), mason bees (Osmia spp.), cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), Halictid bees (Augochlorella spp., Lasioglossum spp.), and Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.). A species from this last group, Andrena polemonii, is a specialist pollinator (oligolege) of Polemonium spp. (Jacob's Ladder, Greek Valerian). The flowers are also visited by Bombylius major (Giant Bee Fly), butterflies, skippers, and moths, which seek nectar. The larvae of two moths, Coleophora polemoniella and Scrobipalpula polemoniella, mine the leaflets. An aphid, Nasonovia hottesi, sucks the sap of these plants.
Photographic Location: A flower garden at Crystal Lake Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is a rather floppy plant, although both the flowers and foliage are quite attractive. The bell-shaped flowers and compound leaves together provide Jacob's Ladder with a distinctive appearance. The only other species that resembles it, Polemonium vanbruntiae (Greek Valerian), which is native to some of the Eastern States, doesn't occur in the wild in Illinois. This latter species is more erect in habit, and it has slightly larger flowers with exerted stamens. The flowers of this latter species are usually a darker shade of blue than those of Jacob's Ladder. The common name of Polemonium reptans refers to the pairs of opposite leaflets on the compound leaves, which supposedly resemble a series of steps on a ladder in a dream by the biblical Jacob.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月21日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 1–1½' tall. Infertile plants are unbranched, producing a single leaf from a long stalk, while fertile plants produce a pair of leaves on long petioles at the apex of this stalk. The stalks are light green to pale reddish green, glabrous, and terete (circular in circumference). The leaves of infertile plants are up to 1' long and 1' across; they are orbicular in outline, fully peltate, and deeply divided in 6-9 palmate lobes. The leaves of fertile plants are similar, although they are less orbicular in outline, only marginally peltate, and they tend to have fewer lobes (typically 5-6). The leaves of both infertile and fertile plants have lobes that are obovate in shape. The outer margins of these lobes are coarsely dentate and often shallowly cleft; less typically, they are coarsely crenate, slightly undulate, or smooth (entire). The upper leaf surface is medium to dark green and glabrous. On fertile plants, the ascending petioles of the leaves are 3-6" long, light green to pale reddish green, glabrous, and terete. The petioles join the leaf blades toward the inner margins of the latter. Each fertile plant produces a single nodding flower where the 2 petioles branch from each other.
This flower is about 1½" across, consisting of 6-9 white petals, 6 light green sepals, 12-18 stamens, and a superior ovary with a dome-shaped cluster of stigmata at its apex. Both the petals and sepals are oval-obovate in shape; the latter are glabrous and early-deciduous. The ovary is ovoid in shape and light green to pale yellow. The stamens have white filaments and yellow anthers. The pedicel of the flower is about 1½" long, light green to yellowish green, and glabrous. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring, lasting about 2-3 weeks. Individual flowers are short-lived; they have a pleasant fragrance. Each flower is replaced by an ovoid berry that is fleshy and contains several seeds. At maturity, this berry is about 1½" long and pale yellow. A berry is produced only when cross-pollination of the flower occurs. The root system is long-rhizomatous and fibrous. Mayapple often produces dense colonial colonies that exclude other spring-flowering plants.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight to light shade, moist to slightly dry conditions, and a rich loamy soil with abundant organic matter. This plant is easy to start from rhizomes and it will readily adapt to garden areas near deciduous trees. It is a strong colonizer and may spread aggressively in some situations. Young foliage is vulnerable to late-frost damage. The mature foliage dies down by the end of summer.
Range & Habitat: The native Mayapple is a common plant that occurs in every county of Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is found primarily in mesic deciduous woodlands, open woodlands, small woodland openings, savannas, and edges of hillside seeps in wooded areas. Mayapple occurs in high quality old-growth woodlands and also open woodlands that have some history of disturbance.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by bumblebees and other long-tongued bees. These insects collect pollen and possibly suck nectar. The larvae of a sawfly, Aglaostigma quattuordecimpunctatum, feed on the leaves of Mayapple (Smith, 2006). Adults of a thrips, Ctenothrips bridwelli, have been found on the foliage (Stannard, 1968). The foliage of Mayapple is avoided by mammalian herbivores because of its poisonous qualities and bitter taste. The seeds and rhizomes are also poisonous. The berries are edible if they are fully ripe; they are eaten by box turtles and possibly by such mammals as opossums, raccoons, and skunks. The seeds are distributed to new locations in the feces of these animals.
Photographic Location: A mesic deciduous woodland at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Mayapple is a familiar woodland plant with interesting foliage. The flowers are large and attractive, but they are sparingly produced and mostly hidden by the large leaves. Mayapple develops very quickly during the warmer days of spring. There is no other plant within the state that resembles it; the only other species in this genus occurs in Asia. People can eat the ripe berries in limited amounts, even though they may be mildly toxic. The flavor is bland and resembles an overripe melon.
This flower is about 1½" across, consisting of 6-9 white petals, 6 light green sepals, 12-18 stamens, and a superior ovary with a dome-shaped cluster of stigmata at its apex. Both the petals and sepals are oval-obovate in shape; the latter are glabrous and early-deciduous. The ovary is ovoid in shape and light green to pale yellow. The stamens have white filaments and yellow anthers. The pedicel of the flower is about 1½" long, light green to yellowish green, and glabrous. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring, lasting about 2-3 weeks. Individual flowers are short-lived; they have a pleasant fragrance. Each flower is replaced by an ovoid berry that is fleshy and contains several seeds. At maturity, this berry is about 1½" long and pale yellow. A berry is produced only when cross-pollination of the flower occurs. The root system is long-rhizomatous and fibrous. Mayapple often produces dense colonial colonies that exclude other spring-flowering plants.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight to light shade, moist to slightly dry conditions, and a rich loamy soil with abundant organic matter. This plant is easy to start from rhizomes and it will readily adapt to garden areas near deciduous trees. It is a strong colonizer and may spread aggressively in some situations. Young foliage is vulnerable to late-frost damage. The mature foliage dies down by the end of summer.
Range & Habitat: The native Mayapple is a common plant that occurs in every county of Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is found primarily in mesic deciduous woodlands, open woodlands, small woodland openings, savannas, and edges of hillside seeps in wooded areas. Mayapple occurs in high quality old-growth woodlands and also open woodlands that have some history of disturbance.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by bumblebees and other long-tongued bees. These insects collect pollen and possibly suck nectar. The larvae of a sawfly, Aglaostigma quattuordecimpunctatum, feed on the leaves of Mayapple (Smith, 2006). Adults of a thrips, Ctenothrips bridwelli, have been found on the foliage (Stannard, 1968). The foliage of Mayapple is avoided by mammalian herbivores because of its poisonous qualities and bitter taste. The seeds and rhizomes are also poisonous. The berries are edible if they are fully ripe; they are eaten by box turtles and possibly by such mammals as opossums, raccoons, and skunks. The seeds are distributed to new locations in the feces of these animals.
Photographic Location: A mesic deciduous woodland at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Mayapple is a familiar woodland plant with interesting foliage. The flowers are large and attractive, but they are sparingly produced and mostly hidden by the large leaves. Mayapple develops very quickly during the warmer days of spring. There is no other plant within the state that resembles it; the only other species in this genus occurs in Asia. People can eat the ripe berries in limited amounts, even though they may be mildly toxic. The flavor is bland and resembles an overripe melon.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月21日
Description: This annual plant is ½–2' tall, branching occasionally in the upper half. The stems are smooth, terete, glabrous, and translucent. They are light green, greyish green, or reddish green in appearance; some of the larger stems may be slightly ribbed. The opposite leaves are ¾–4" long and about one-half as much across. They are ovate, hairless, and coarsely serrated. Each leaf has a thin membranous texture with a prominent central vein and two conspicuous side veins. The upper surface is green or dark green, while the lower surface is light green or nearly white. The petioles of the leaves are quite long, frequently 1" in length or more.
From the axil of each upper leaf, there develops a narrow raceme of flowers up to 1" long. This raceme is usually shorter than the petiole, slightly curved, and more or less horizontal. Each plant has separate male and/or female flowers that are less than 1/8" (3 mm.) long, and they are either greenish white or greenish yellow. The male flowers have no petals, 4 sepals, and 4 stamens, while the female flowers have no petals, 3 sepals, and 1 pistil. Toward the inner surface of the sepals are small scales. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall, lasting about 1 month. There is no floral scent. Cross-pollination of the flowers is by wind. The tiny achenes are green, sometimes with black stripes. They can be blown about by the wind, and in this manner spread to new areas.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade, moist to wet conditions, and rich loamy soil. The foliage is little bothered by disease and is it is usually quite attractive. Standing water is tolerated if it is temporary.
Range & Habitat: The native Clearweed is a common woodland plant that occurs in almost all counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include poorly drained areas of upland forests, floodplain forests, crevices in rocky canyons, and shady or partially shaded wetland areas, including seeps, borders of small streams, and low areas along vernal pools. The moist wooded areas where this plant occurs are typically dominated by such deciduous trees as Silver Maple, Sugar Maple, American Sycamore, River Birch, Green Ash, etc. Clearweed often forms large colonies by reseeding itself.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are wind-pollinated, therefore they don't attract many insects. The caterpillars of the following butterflies feed on the foliage of Clearweed: Nymphalis milberti (Milbert's Tortoiseshell), Polygonia comma (Comma), Polygonia interrogationis (Question Mark), and Vanessa atalanta (Red Admiral). These caterpillars feed on other members of the Nettle family as well. The larvae of a moth, Cosmopterix pulcherimella (Beautiful Cosmopterix Moth), mine the leaves. An aphid, Pseudasiphonaphis corni, uses Clearweed as a summer host, where they suck juices from the stems and flowering stalks. This species is also one of the host plants of a polyphagous leafhopper, Empoasca recurvata.
Photographic Location: The plants were growing in a shady area along a small stream at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The most unusual characteristic of this plant is the translucency of the foliage – this has been useful in biology classes to show the uptake of liquids from the roots into the stems and leaves. A less common species of Clearweed, Pilea fontana, has stems that are less translucent and its achenes are black, rather than green. Clearweed resembles other members of the Nettle family as well, but it lacks the stinging hairs that can be found on Urtica dioica (Stinging Nettle) and Laportea canadensis (Wood Nettle). While Boehmeria cylindrica (False Nettle) lacks stinging hairs, its stems aren't translucent and its racemes of flowers are more erect and longer than Clearweed's racemes.
From the axil of each upper leaf, there develops a narrow raceme of flowers up to 1" long. This raceme is usually shorter than the petiole, slightly curved, and more or less horizontal. Each plant has separate male and/or female flowers that are less than 1/8" (3 mm.) long, and they are either greenish white or greenish yellow. The male flowers have no petals, 4 sepals, and 4 stamens, while the female flowers have no petals, 3 sepals, and 1 pistil. Toward the inner surface of the sepals are small scales. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall, lasting about 1 month. There is no floral scent. Cross-pollination of the flowers is by wind. The tiny achenes are green, sometimes with black stripes. They can be blown about by the wind, and in this manner spread to new areas.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade, moist to wet conditions, and rich loamy soil. The foliage is little bothered by disease and is it is usually quite attractive. Standing water is tolerated if it is temporary.
Range & Habitat: The native Clearweed is a common woodland plant that occurs in almost all counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include poorly drained areas of upland forests, floodplain forests, crevices in rocky canyons, and shady or partially shaded wetland areas, including seeps, borders of small streams, and low areas along vernal pools. The moist wooded areas where this plant occurs are typically dominated by such deciduous trees as Silver Maple, Sugar Maple, American Sycamore, River Birch, Green Ash, etc. Clearweed often forms large colonies by reseeding itself.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are wind-pollinated, therefore they don't attract many insects. The caterpillars of the following butterflies feed on the foliage of Clearweed: Nymphalis milberti (Milbert's Tortoiseshell), Polygonia comma (Comma), Polygonia interrogationis (Question Mark), and Vanessa atalanta (Red Admiral). These caterpillars feed on other members of the Nettle family as well. The larvae of a moth, Cosmopterix pulcherimella (Beautiful Cosmopterix Moth), mine the leaves. An aphid, Pseudasiphonaphis corni, uses Clearweed as a summer host, where they suck juices from the stems and flowering stalks. This species is also one of the host plants of a polyphagous leafhopper, Empoasca recurvata.
Photographic Location: The plants were growing in a shady area along a small stream at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The most unusual characteristic of this plant is the translucency of the foliage – this has been useful in biology classes to show the uptake of liquids from the roots into the stems and leaves. A less common species of Clearweed, Pilea fontana, has stems that are less translucent and its achenes are black, rather than green. Clearweed resembles other members of the Nettle family as well, but it lacks the stinging hairs that can be found on Urtica dioica (Stinging Nettle) and Laportea canadensis (Wood Nettle). While Boehmeria cylindrica (False Nettle) lacks stinging hairs, its stems aren't translucent and its racemes of flowers are more erect and longer than Clearweed's racemes.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年05月21日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is about 1½–3' tall. It is more or less erect and either sparingly branched or unbranched. The stems are light green to dark purple, angular-terete, and slightly pubescent. Pairs of opposite leaves occur along each stem. The leaf blades are up to 5" long and 2½" across; they are dull green, hairless, ovate in shape, and crenate-dentate along their margins. The lower leaves have slender petioles up to one-half the length of their blades, while the upper leaves have much shorter petioles.
The upper stems terminate in slender spike-like racemes of flowers up to 1' long. In addition, secondary racemes are often produced from the uppermost pairs of leaves. The flowers are arranged in opposite pairs along the upper one-half or upper one-third of each raceme. The central stalk of the raceme is usually dark purple. Each flower is up to 1/3" (8 mm.) in length; it consists of a tubular-ovoid calyx and a slender corolla that is pale purplish white and divides into two lips. The small upper lip has a rounded edge, which is slightly indented in the middle; the long lower lip divides into 3 lobes, functioning as a landing pad for visiting insects. Within the corolla, there is a single style and 4 stamens. The small calyx is light green and hairless; it has 3 teeth that are long, slender, and purple along its upper/outer side, while the opposite side of the calyx has a pair of much smaller teeth. The pedicels of the flowers are very short; at the base of each pedicel, there is a pair of tiny bracts (bracteoles). While individual flowers are blooming, they are held horizontally; shortly afterwards, their corollas fall away and their calyces bend downward to become appressed against the stalk of their racemes. The blooming period occurs during the summer and lasts 1-2 months. Only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. Each flower produces a single seed that develops within the calyx. This plant reproduces by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: Lopseed prefers a sheltered location that provides light to medium shade, moist to mesic conditions, and a rich woodland soil with abundant organic matter.
Range & Habitat: The native Lopseed has been found in most counties of Illinois, however it is only occasionally encountered and its populations are scattered (Distribution Map). Habitats include rich deciduous woodlands in moist to mesic conditions. Lopseed is largely restricted to higher quality woodlands where the original ground flora is still intact. While it is little known, Lopseed has a wide distribution in North America and east-central Asia.
Faunal Associations: Small bees occasionally visit the flowers for nectar. Robertson (1928) observed only two bees, Ceratina dupla and Augochlorella striata, as floral visitors of Lopseed. The former species is a Little Carpenter bee, while the latter species is a Green Metallic bee. Other records of floral-faunal relationships are sparse. A polyphagous insect, Proxys punctulatus (Black Stink Bug), sucks juices from the foliage of Lopseed (and many other plants). White-Tailed Deer reportedly dislike this plant as a food source and don't graze on the foliage.
Photographic Location: Spitzler Woods in Macon County, Illinois. The photographs were taken during the autumn when the flowers were no longer in bloom.
Comments: This woodland plant is often overlooked because it lacks showy flowers. As a general rule, shade-loving woodland plants that bloom during the summer have small light-colored flowers because they have access to very limited amounts of energy from low levels of sunlight. Plants that grow in open woodlands or prairies have access to more sunlight and usually produce larger flowers. Woodland wildflowers that bloom in the spring can also produce large showy flowers, largely because the canopy trees haven't fully developed their leaves, and thus more sunlight reaches the ground vegetation. Lopseed is an unusual plant that has been assigned to its own plant family. It resembles members of the Mint family (Lamiaceae) in many ways, but each of its flowers produces only a single seed. In contrast, individual flowers of plants in the Mint family typically produce either 2 or 4 seeds.
The upper stems terminate in slender spike-like racemes of flowers up to 1' long. In addition, secondary racemes are often produced from the uppermost pairs of leaves. The flowers are arranged in opposite pairs along the upper one-half or upper one-third of each raceme. The central stalk of the raceme is usually dark purple. Each flower is up to 1/3" (8 mm.) in length; it consists of a tubular-ovoid calyx and a slender corolla that is pale purplish white and divides into two lips. The small upper lip has a rounded edge, which is slightly indented in the middle; the long lower lip divides into 3 lobes, functioning as a landing pad for visiting insects. Within the corolla, there is a single style and 4 stamens. The small calyx is light green and hairless; it has 3 teeth that are long, slender, and purple along its upper/outer side, while the opposite side of the calyx has a pair of much smaller teeth. The pedicels of the flowers are very short; at the base of each pedicel, there is a pair of tiny bracts (bracteoles). While individual flowers are blooming, they are held horizontally; shortly afterwards, their corollas fall away and their calyces bend downward to become appressed against the stalk of their racemes. The blooming period occurs during the summer and lasts 1-2 months. Only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. Each flower produces a single seed that develops within the calyx. This plant reproduces by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: Lopseed prefers a sheltered location that provides light to medium shade, moist to mesic conditions, and a rich woodland soil with abundant organic matter.
Range & Habitat: The native Lopseed has been found in most counties of Illinois, however it is only occasionally encountered and its populations are scattered (Distribution Map). Habitats include rich deciduous woodlands in moist to mesic conditions. Lopseed is largely restricted to higher quality woodlands where the original ground flora is still intact. While it is little known, Lopseed has a wide distribution in North America and east-central Asia.
Faunal Associations: Small bees occasionally visit the flowers for nectar. Robertson (1928) observed only two bees, Ceratina dupla and Augochlorella striata, as floral visitors of Lopseed. The former species is a Little Carpenter bee, while the latter species is a Green Metallic bee. Other records of floral-faunal relationships are sparse. A polyphagous insect, Proxys punctulatus (Black Stink Bug), sucks juices from the foliage of Lopseed (and many other plants). White-Tailed Deer reportedly dislike this plant as a food source and don't graze on the foliage.
Photographic Location: Spitzler Woods in Macon County, Illinois. The photographs were taken during the autumn when the flowers were no longer in bloom.
Comments: This woodland plant is often overlooked because it lacks showy flowers. As a general rule, shade-loving woodland plants that bloom during the summer have small light-colored flowers because they have access to very limited amounts of energy from low levels of sunlight. Plants that grow in open woodlands or prairies have access to more sunlight and usually produce larger flowers. Woodland wildflowers that bloom in the spring can also produce large showy flowers, largely because the canopy trees haven't fully developed their leaves, and thus more sunlight reaches the ground vegetation. Lopseed is an unusual plant that has been assigned to its own plant family. It resembles members of the Mint family (Lamiaceae) in many ways, but each of its flowers produces only a single seed. In contrast, individual flowers of plants in the Mint family typically produce either 2 or 4 seeds.
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