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Miss Chen
2018年05月04日
Description: This perennial wildflower is ½–1½' tall with an erect stem that is unbranched or sparingly branched toward the apex where the inflorescence occurs. The central stem is medium green, glabrous, and terete; it occasionally has fine longitudinal ridges. There are both basal leaves and alternate leaves. The blades of the basal leaves are up to 1¼" long and 1" across; they are oval to orbicular in shape,Raceme of Flowers medium green, glabrous, and smooth or undulate along their margins. The slender petioles of the basal leaves are usually longer than the blades. The alternate leaves are produced sparingly along the central stem; they are up to 2" long and 1" across, medium green, and glabrous. The alternate leaves are oblong-ovate in shape and their margins are smooth, undulate, or bluntly dentate; at the base, each alternate leaf is sessile or short-petioled. The central stem terminates in a raceme of flowers; the flowers usually bloom in the upper half of the raceme, while their siliques (narrowly cylindrical seedpods) develop below. Each flower consists of 4 petals, 4 sepals, 6 stamens, and a pistil with a single style; when the flower is fully open, it spans about ½" across. The petals are white with rounded tips. The glabrous sepals are initially green, but they become yellow as they age. The petals are much longer than the sepals. Each flower has a slender pedicel about ½" long. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring and lasts about 3 weeks. The flowers are sometimes fragrant. Each flower is replaced by a slender hairless silique about 1" long that is somewhat flattened. The siliques are ascending to erect; they eventually divide into two parts to release their seeds. These seeds are ovoid, somewhat flattened, and wingless; they are arranged in a single row in each silique. Each plant has a swollen tuberous rootstock at the base of the central stem; this tuberous rootstock has spreading fibrous roots that occasionally produce small tubers. New plants are created from either the seeds or tubers.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun or dappled sunlight, wet to moist conditions, and a loose fertile loam with organic material. Shallow standing water is tolerated if it is temporary; full sun is tolerated if the ground is consistently moist. Most growth and development occurs during the spring before the canopy trees leaf out.
Range & Habitat: The native Spring Cress is occasional to locally common in most areas of Illinois; it is less common or absent in the SW section of the state (see Distribution Map). This species may be less common than in the past. Habitats include low woodlands along rivers, edges of vernal pools in woodlands, damp depressions in rocky bluffs, woodland seeps and springs, and damp meadows.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), mason bees (Osmia spp.), little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), Halictid bees (Augochlorella spp., Halictus spp., & Lasioglossum spp.), Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.), bee flies (Bombylius spp.), dance flies (Empis spp.), Syrphid flies (miscellaneous), small- to medium-sized butterflies (miscellaneous), and skippers (miscellaneous). Some of the bees also collect pollen. The flea beetles Phyllotreta oblonga and Phyllotreta bipustulata feed on Spring Cress and other Cardamine spp. (Bitter Cress species). Mammalian herbivores usually avoid the consumption of Spring Cress because its foliage is pungent and somewhat bitter.
Photographic Location: A low woodland along the Sangamon river in Piatt County, Illinois.
Comments: Spring Cress is one of the more attractive members of the Mustard family as its flowers are fairly large (spanning about ½" across). This wildflower favors the more damp areas of woodlands and it is sometimes found in soggy meadows. Another native species, Cardamine douglassii (Purple Cress), is very similar to Spring Cress. Both species prefer similar habitats, bloom during the spring, and their flowers and foliage are similar to each other. Purple Cress differs from Spring Cress by the purplish-pink tint of its flower petals, sepals that are dark purple and hairy, and stems that are hairy toward the base. It has a tendency to bloom about 2 weeks before Spring Cress. Other Cardamine spp. (Bitter Cress species) in Illinois have either smaller flowers (about ¼" across or less) or at least some of their leaves are deeply divided into lobes (either pinnately or palmately). Spring Cress (and other species in the genus) isn't classified as an Arabis sp. (Rock Cress) because of its wingless seeds; the seeds of Rock Cresses have winged membranous margins of varying widths.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun or dappled sunlight, wet to moist conditions, and a loose fertile loam with organic material. Shallow standing water is tolerated if it is temporary; full sun is tolerated if the ground is consistently moist. Most growth and development occurs during the spring before the canopy trees leaf out.
Range & Habitat: The native Spring Cress is occasional to locally common in most areas of Illinois; it is less common or absent in the SW section of the state (see Distribution Map). This species may be less common than in the past. Habitats include low woodlands along rivers, edges of vernal pools in woodlands, damp depressions in rocky bluffs, woodland seeps and springs, and damp meadows.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), mason bees (Osmia spp.), little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), Halictid bees (Augochlorella spp., Halictus spp., & Lasioglossum spp.), Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.), bee flies (Bombylius spp.), dance flies (Empis spp.), Syrphid flies (miscellaneous), small- to medium-sized butterflies (miscellaneous), and skippers (miscellaneous). Some of the bees also collect pollen. The flea beetles Phyllotreta oblonga and Phyllotreta bipustulata feed on Spring Cress and other Cardamine spp. (Bitter Cress species). Mammalian herbivores usually avoid the consumption of Spring Cress because its foliage is pungent and somewhat bitter.
Photographic Location: A low woodland along the Sangamon river in Piatt County, Illinois.
Comments: Spring Cress is one of the more attractive members of the Mustard family as its flowers are fairly large (spanning about ½" across). This wildflower favors the more damp areas of woodlands and it is sometimes found in soggy meadows. Another native species, Cardamine douglassii (Purple Cress), is very similar to Spring Cress. Both species prefer similar habitats, bloom during the spring, and their flowers and foliage are similar to each other. Purple Cress differs from Spring Cress by the purplish-pink tint of its flower petals, sepals that are dark purple and hairy, and stems that are hairy toward the base. It has a tendency to bloom about 2 weeks before Spring Cress. Other Cardamine spp. (Bitter Cress species) in Illinois have either smaller flowers (about ¼" across or less) or at least some of their leaves are deeply divided into lobes (either pinnately or palmately). Spring Cress (and other species in the genus) isn't classified as an Arabis sp. (Rock Cress) because of its wingless seeds; the seeds of Rock Cresses have winged membranous margins of varying widths.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月04日
Description: This plant is an annual or biennial from 2-6' tall. Usually, it is unbranched, although sometimes a few side stems will develop from the lower central stem. The central stem is light green, terete, slightly grooved, and hairy. The alternate leaves are up to 6" long and 2" across, tapering to slender petioles. They are medium to dark green, elliptic to ovate in shape, and their margins are serrated. The texture of the leaves is somewhat rough; they are hairy along the major veins of their undersides. The central stem terminates in a spike of flowers about ½–2' long. From the axils of the upper leaves, secondary spikes of flowers may develop, but these are much shorter (about 1–6" in length). The rachis (central stalk) of each spike is similar to the central stem. The flowers are about 1" across; their corollas vary in color from light to dark violet-blue, depending on the local ecotype.
Each corolla has 5 spreading lobes that are divided nearly to the base; they are ovate to obovate in shape. Each corolla has a satiny appearance under bright light, and it tends to have margins that twist and curl. The corolla is often white toward the center, rather than blue-violet. At the center of the corolla is the apex of a 5-angled ovary from which a light violet style is strongly exerted. This style bends downward from the flower, but curls upward near its tip; the small stigma is white and divided into 3 lobes. Each flower also has 5 stamens. The light green calyx is tubular-campanulate in shape with 5 narrow green ridges and 5 long narrow teeth around its upper rim; these teeth curl backward when the flower opens. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall, lasting about 1½ months. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by seed capsules that are 5-angled and rather flat-topped. The root system consists of a taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and a rich loamy soil. During a drought, this plant often drops its lower leaves. Depending on moisture conditions and the fertility of the soil, the size of this plant can be highly variable.
Range & Habitat: American Bellflower is a common plant that occurs in most counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include moist to slightly dry deciduous woodlands, disturbed open woodlands, woodland borders, and thickets. This plant is often found along woodland paths, and it appears to prefer slightly disturbed areas.
Faunal Associations: Long-tongued bees are the primary pollinators of the flowers, including bumblebees and leaf-cutting bees (Megachilidae). Among the latter, is the oligolectic bee Megachile campanulae campanulae. Other visitors of the flowers include Halictid bees, butterflies, and skippers. These insects seek nectar, and some of the bees collect pollen from the anthers. Syrphid flies may feed on the pollen, but they are not effective pollinators. Deer occasionally eat the flowers and foliage.
Photographic Location: The edge of a wooded area at Crystal Lake Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Sometimes this plant is called "Tall Bellflower." The older scientific name is Campanula americana, but it has been reassigned to its own genus because of the unique structure of the flowers. The flowers of this tall-growing plant are showy, but individually short-lived. However, new flowers are produced in succession higher up on the spike. The other members of the Bellflower family that occur in Illinois, whether native or introduced, have bell-shaped (campanulate) flowers, while the flowers of the American Bellflower have a more open design with widely spreading lobes. As a result, this species is easy to identify.
Each corolla has 5 spreading lobes that are divided nearly to the base; they are ovate to obovate in shape. Each corolla has a satiny appearance under bright light, and it tends to have margins that twist and curl. The corolla is often white toward the center, rather than blue-violet. At the center of the corolla is the apex of a 5-angled ovary from which a light violet style is strongly exerted. This style bends downward from the flower, but curls upward near its tip; the small stigma is white and divided into 3 lobes. Each flower also has 5 stamens. The light green calyx is tubular-campanulate in shape with 5 narrow green ridges and 5 long narrow teeth around its upper rim; these teeth curl backward when the flower opens. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall, lasting about 1½ months. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by seed capsules that are 5-angled and rather flat-topped. The root system consists of a taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and a rich loamy soil. During a drought, this plant often drops its lower leaves. Depending on moisture conditions and the fertility of the soil, the size of this plant can be highly variable.
Range & Habitat: American Bellflower is a common plant that occurs in most counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include moist to slightly dry deciduous woodlands, disturbed open woodlands, woodland borders, and thickets. This plant is often found along woodland paths, and it appears to prefer slightly disturbed areas.
Faunal Associations: Long-tongued bees are the primary pollinators of the flowers, including bumblebees and leaf-cutting bees (Megachilidae). Among the latter, is the oligolectic bee Megachile campanulae campanulae. Other visitors of the flowers include Halictid bees, butterflies, and skippers. These insects seek nectar, and some of the bees collect pollen from the anthers. Syrphid flies may feed on the pollen, but they are not effective pollinators. Deer occasionally eat the flowers and foliage.
Photographic Location: The edge of a wooded area at Crystal Lake Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Sometimes this plant is called "Tall Bellflower." The older scientific name is Campanula americana, but it has been reassigned to its own genus because of the unique structure of the flowers. The flowers of this tall-growing plant are showy, but individually short-lived. However, new flowers are produced in succession higher up on the spike. The other members of the Bellflower family that occur in Illinois, whether native or introduced, have bell-shaped (campanulate) flowers, while the flowers of the American Bellflower have a more open design with widely spreading lobes. As a result, this species is easy to identify.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月04日
Description: This annual plant consists of sprawling stems with pairs of opposite leaves. The stems are up to 5 cm. (2") long; they are whitish green and occasionally branch. The opposite leaves are 3-4 mm. long and about half as much across; they are medium green, ovate-oblong or obovate-oblong, and smooth along their margins. Each leaf tapers to a short petiole. There are separate male and female flowers on each plant (monoecious) at the axils of the leaves. These flowers are very small (less than 1/8" across) and greenish. Each male flower produces a single stamen, while each female flowers produces a single pistil with a pair of styles. These flowers have neither petals nor sepals. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer and lasts 1-2 months. The fruit of each female flower is 4-celled; it has a double-ovoid shape (similar to the fruit of a Galium sp.) and a short peduncle. Each cell of the fruit contains a single nutlet. This plant reproduces primarily by reseeding itself; it can reproduce vegetatively by forming rootlets at the axils of the leaves.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to dappled sunlight, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and barren soil that is devoid of competing ground vegetation. This plant is often found on compacted soil containing clay, glacial till, or rocky material.
Range & Habitat: The native Terrestrial Starwort occurs occasionally in the southern half of Illinois; it is largely absent in the northern half of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include barren areas of hilly upland woodlands (particularly those that are dominated by oaks), edges of bluffs, footpaths in wooded areas, shaded gravelly seeps, and rocky riverbanks.
Faunal Associations: Information about floral-faunal relationships for this species is unavailable.
Photographic Location: Along a bluff in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: This is probably the smallest terrestrial flowering plant in Illinois (Lemma minor, or Lesser Pondweed, is even smaller, but it floats on water). To see the flowers and fruits near the axils of the leaves, a 10x hand lens is required. Terrestrial Starwort resembles a low-growing moss, but it is more leafy in appearance. Other species in this genus are submerged or emergent aquatic plants; these Callitriche spp. are referred to as Water Starworts, and they are small in size as well. The submerged leaves of these latter species are linear in shape, but their emergent leaves resemble those of Terrestrial Starwort. While the fruits of Terrestrial Starwort have short peduncles, the fruits of Water Starworts are sessile, or nearly so.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to dappled sunlight, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and barren soil that is devoid of competing ground vegetation. This plant is often found on compacted soil containing clay, glacial till, or rocky material.
Range & Habitat: The native Terrestrial Starwort occurs occasionally in the southern half of Illinois; it is largely absent in the northern half of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include barren areas of hilly upland woodlands (particularly those that are dominated by oaks), edges of bluffs, footpaths in wooded areas, shaded gravelly seeps, and rocky riverbanks.
Faunal Associations: Information about floral-faunal relationships for this species is unavailable.
Photographic Location: Along a bluff in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: This is probably the smallest terrestrial flowering plant in Illinois (Lemma minor, or Lesser Pondweed, is even smaller, but it floats on water). To see the flowers and fruits near the axils of the leaves, a 10x hand lens is required. Terrestrial Starwort resembles a low-growing moss, but it is more leafy in appearance. Other species in this genus are submerged or emergent aquatic plants; these Callitriche spp. are referred to as Water Starworts, and they are small in size as well. The submerged leaves of these latter species are linear in shape, but their emergent leaves resemble those of Terrestrial Starwort. While the fruits of Terrestrial Starwort have short peduncles, the fruits of Water Starworts are sessile, or nearly so.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月03日
Description: This perennial plant is about 2-3' tall, branching occasionally. This member of the Nettle family lacks stinging hairs. The stems are light green, 4-angled or round, and glabrous or slightly pubescent. The leaves are usually opposite along the stems, but sometimes they are alternate. They are ovate or ovate-lanceolate, up to 4" long and 2½" across, and have long slender petioles. The upper surface of each leaf is dark green (in the shade) and glabrous or slightly pubescent; a central vein and 2 parallel secondary veins are readily observable. The margins are coarsely serrated. Spikes of green or greenish white flowers appear from the axils of the upper leaves. They are straight and angle upward from the axis of the central stem. The flowering spikes are about ½–3" long; sometimes they are terminal, but more often they will develop additional leaves beyond the flowers. False Nettle is usually dioecious, with male and female flowers produced on separate plants. Male flowers are distributed along the spikes in bunches, while female flowers are produced along the spikes more or less continuously. These flowers are very small and lack petals. Each male flower has a 4-parted calyx and 4 stamens, while the calyx of the female flower is tubular with 2-4 teeth. The blooming period is mid-summer to early fall, and lasts about 1-2 months. There is no floral scent; pollination is by wind. The fruit consists of a small achene. This description applies to the typical woodland variety of False Nettle, Boehmeria cylindrica cylindrica. The other variety of False Nettle, Boehmeria cylindrica drummondiana, grows in the sun and has a somewhat different appearance.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade, moist conditions, and rich loamy soil. In sunnier locations, this plant prefers wetter ground and the foliage may become yellowish green.
Range & Habitat: The native False Nettle is a common plant that occurs in most counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include wet to mesic deciduous woodlands, especially in floodplain and bottomland areas, as well as various wetlands, including swamps, low areas along rivers, borders of small streams, seeps, and sandy marshes. False Nettle can be found in both degraded and higher quality habitats.
Faunal Associations: The flowers don't attact many insects because they are wind-pollinated. Caterpillars of the butterflies Polygonia comma (Comma), Polygonia interrogationis (Question Mark), and Vanessa atalanta (Red Admiral) feed on the foliage of False Nettle; caterpillars of the moth Bomolocha manalis (Flowing-Line Bomolocha) also feed on this plant (Wagner, 2005; Bouseman & Sternburg, 2001). Larvae of a fly, Neolasioptera boehmeriae, form spindle-shaped galls on the stems. Because the foliage lacks stinging hairs and it is non-toxic, mammalian herbivores probably browse on this plant occasionally.
Photographic Location: Along a woodland path at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Sometimes people instinctively shy away from this plant thinking that it has stinging hairs – in fact, this is not the case, hence the common name. In Illinois, the two members of the Nettle family with stinging hairs are Laportea canadensis (Wood Nettle) and Urtica dioica (Stinging Nettle). The latter species has been introduced from Europe. The other common member of the Nettle family without stinging hairs, Pilea pumila (Clearweed), is a hairless annual plant with translucent stems and shiny leaves. Clearweed has terminal flowering spikes that are usually shorter than the petioles of the leaves, while the flowering spikes of False Nettle are usually longer than the petioles, and leaves are often produced beyond the flowers.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade, moist conditions, and rich loamy soil. In sunnier locations, this plant prefers wetter ground and the foliage may become yellowish green.
Range & Habitat: The native False Nettle is a common plant that occurs in most counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include wet to mesic deciduous woodlands, especially in floodplain and bottomland areas, as well as various wetlands, including swamps, low areas along rivers, borders of small streams, seeps, and sandy marshes. False Nettle can be found in both degraded and higher quality habitats.
Faunal Associations: The flowers don't attact many insects because they are wind-pollinated. Caterpillars of the butterflies Polygonia comma (Comma), Polygonia interrogationis (Question Mark), and Vanessa atalanta (Red Admiral) feed on the foliage of False Nettle; caterpillars of the moth Bomolocha manalis (Flowing-Line Bomolocha) also feed on this plant (Wagner, 2005; Bouseman & Sternburg, 2001). Larvae of a fly, Neolasioptera boehmeriae, form spindle-shaped galls on the stems. Because the foliage lacks stinging hairs and it is non-toxic, mammalian herbivores probably browse on this plant occasionally.
Photographic Location: Along a woodland path at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Sometimes people instinctively shy away from this plant thinking that it has stinging hairs – in fact, this is not the case, hence the common name. In Illinois, the two members of the Nettle family with stinging hairs are Laportea canadensis (Wood Nettle) and Urtica dioica (Stinging Nettle). The latter species has been introduced from Europe. The other common member of the Nettle family without stinging hairs, Pilea pumila (Clearweed), is a hairless annual plant with translucent stems and shiny leaves. Clearweed has terminal flowering spikes that are usually shorter than the petioles of the leaves, while the flowering spikes of False Nettle are usually longer than the petioles, and leaves are often produced beyond the flowers.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月03日
Description: This perennial plant is 1-3' tall and unbranched or sparingly branched. The central stem is light to dark green, 4-angled, and covered with long white hairs. The opposite leaves are up to 3½" long and 1½" across. They are ovate or lanceolate-ovate in shape, serrated along their margins, and often ciliate. The lower surface of each leaf is light to medium green and densely pubescent to nearly glabrous; in the latter case, there are scattered hairs along the central and some of the lateral veins. The upper leaf surface is medium to dark green; it has either scattered appressed hairs or it is glabrous. The petioles are about ½-1¼" long and covered with spreading hairs. Small secondary leaves often develop from the axils of the leaves on the central stem.
The central stem (and any major side stems) terminates in several whorls of flowers. The whorls of flowers occur above the axils of the upper leaves, or they may occur above pairs of leafy bracts that are sometimes inconspicuous. The flowers in each whorl are densely crowded together. Each flower is up to ½" long, consisting of a short-tubular calyx with 5 teeth, a 2-lipped corolla, 2 exerted stamens, and a slender style that is divided at its tip. The calyx is light green and exceedingly hairy along the margins of its teeth; the upper teeth are longer than the lower teeth. The corolla is light purple or white and it has purple dots on the lower lip; the outer surface of this corolla is finely pubescent on the upper side. The lower lip is divided into 3 lobes, while the upper lip functions as a protective hood. The blooming period occurs during the summer and lasts about 1-1½ months. Each flower is replaced by 4 ovoid nutlets. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. Clonal colonies of plants often develop from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to light shade, moist to mesic conditions, and a rich loamy soil with decaying leaf mold. This species also grows in soil that is somewhat rocky.
Range & Habitat: The native Hairy Wood Mint occurs occasionally throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic deciduous woodlands, areas along woodland paths, woodland borders, woodland openings, limestone glades, and thickets. Minor disturbance is desirable if it removes excessive shade from the overhead canopy.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated primarily by long-tongued bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), mason bees (Osmia spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), cuckoo bees (Epeolus spp.), long-horned bees (Melissodes spp.), and Anthophorid bees (Anthophora spp.). Other visitors of the flowers include Halictid bees, wasps, bee flies (Bombyliidae), thick-headed flies (Conopidae), Syrphid flies, butterflies, and skippers. These insects seek nectar primarily, although some of the Halictid bees collect pollen and some flies feed on the pollen. There are few records of insects feeding destructively on Hairy Wood Mint, although a polyphagous aphid, Aphis coreopsidis, uses this plant as a summer host. The foliage probably isn't attractive to mammalian herbivores as a food source.
Photographic Location: Along a woodland path at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is another member of the Mint family with pairs of opposite leaves and relatively small tubular flowers. Hairy Wood Mint (Blephilia hirsuta) has unusually hairy stems and the dense hairy whorls of flowers are rather conspicuous. These dense whorls of flowers distinguish the genus Blephilia from many other members of the Mint family. The only other member of this genus that occurs in Illinois is Downy Wood Mint (Blephilia ciliata). Downy Wood Mint has leaves that are sessile or they have short petioles (less than ½"), and its stems are short-pubescent to pubescent. Hairy Wood Mint, on the other hand, has leaves with longer petioles and its stems have spreading white hairs that are quite long. Downy Wood Mint prefers habitats that are somewhat sunnier and drier; it is sometimes found in prairies and savannas.
The central stem (and any major side stems) terminates in several whorls of flowers. The whorls of flowers occur above the axils of the upper leaves, or they may occur above pairs of leafy bracts that are sometimes inconspicuous. The flowers in each whorl are densely crowded together. Each flower is up to ½" long, consisting of a short-tubular calyx with 5 teeth, a 2-lipped corolla, 2 exerted stamens, and a slender style that is divided at its tip. The calyx is light green and exceedingly hairy along the margins of its teeth; the upper teeth are longer than the lower teeth. The corolla is light purple or white and it has purple dots on the lower lip; the outer surface of this corolla is finely pubescent on the upper side. The lower lip is divided into 3 lobes, while the upper lip functions as a protective hood. The blooming period occurs during the summer and lasts about 1-1½ months. Each flower is replaced by 4 ovoid nutlets. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. Clonal colonies of plants often develop from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to light shade, moist to mesic conditions, and a rich loamy soil with decaying leaf mold. This species also grows in soil that is somewhat rocky.
Range & Habitat: The native Hairy Wood Mint occurs occasionally throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic deciduous woodlands, areas along woodland paths, woodland borders, woodland openings, limestone glades, and thickets. Minor disturbance is desirable if it removes excessive shade from the overhead canopy.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated primarily by long-tongued bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), mason bees (Osmia spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), cuckoo bees (Epeolus spp.), long-horned bees (Melissodes spp.), and Anthophorid bees (Anthophora spp.). Other visitors of the flowers include Halictid bees, wasps, bee flies (Bombyliidae), thick-headed flies (Conopidae), Syrphid flies, butterflies, and skippers. These insects seek nectar primarily, although some of the Halictid bees collect pollen and some flies feed on the pollen. There are few records of insects feeding destructively on Hairy Wood Mint, although a polyphagous aphid, Aphis coreopsidis, uses this plant as a summer host. The foliage probably isn't attractive to mammalian herbivores as a food source.
Photographic Location: Along a woodland path at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is another member of the Mint family with pairs of opposite leaves and relatively small tubular flowers. Hairy Wood Mint (Blephilia hirsuta) has unusually hairy stems and the dense hairy whorls of flowers are rather conspicuous. These dense whorls of flowers distinguish the genus Blephilia from many other members of the Mint family. The only other member of this genus that occurs in Illinois is Downy Wood Mint (Blephilia ciliata). Downy Wood Mint has leaves that are sessile or they have short petioles (less than ½"), and its stems are short-pubescent to pubescent. Hairy Wood Mint, on the other hand, has leaves with longer petioles and its stems have spreading white hairs that are quite long. Downy Wood Mint prefers habitats that are somewhat sunnier and drier; it is sometimes found in prairies and savannas.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月03日
Description: This perennial wildflower is 2-6' tall and usually unbranched. The central stem is light green to purplish green, terete, and glabrous. Opposite pairs of leaves about 3-8" long and 1-3" across occur along this stem; they are lanceolate-elliptic to ovate and smooth along their margins. Both the tips and bottoms of the leaves are wedge-shaped, rather than rounded. The upper leaf surface is medium to dark green and glabrous, while the lower surface is pale to medium green and glabrous (or nearly so). The leaves are widely spreading and remain more or less the same size along the stem. The distinct petioles are ½-2" long and light green. The foliage contains a milky latex.
The stem terminates in one or more umbels of flowers spanning 2-4" across. The umbels are relatively open and the flowers droop somewhat from their pedicels. Each flower is about ¼" across and ½" long, consisting of 5 petals that hang downward, 5 curved cylindrical hoods that surround a central column, and the reproductive organs. The insignificant sepals are hidden by the petals. Each hood has an exerted horn. The flowers are bicolored: the petals are green or pale purple, while the hoods and column are white or light pink. The slender pedicels are 1-2" long, light green, and either glabrous or minutely short-pubescent. The blooming period occurs during the summer for about a month. Afterwards, fertile flowers are replaced by erect seedpods (follicles) that are up to 6" long and ¾" across; they are narrowly lanceoloid in shape. During the fall, each seedpod splits open along one side to release its seeds. The seeds have tufts of hair at their apices; they are distributed by the wind. The root system consists of a taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is partial or dappled sunlight, mesic conditions, and a rich loam or sandy loam with organic matter. The location should be protected from prevailing winds.
Range & Habitat: Poke Milkweed is widely distributed across Illinois, but it is relatively uncommon. Illinois lies along the western range limit of this species. Habitats consist of woodland openings, rich mesic woodlands, sandy woodlands, upland rocky woodlands, wooded slopes, areas along paths in woodlands, and woodland borders. Poke Milkweed is found in deciduous woodlands where oaks, maples, and similar trees are dominant.
Faunal Associations: The flowers of Poke Milkweed attract bumblebees and butterflies, including the Monarch and Great Spangle Fritillary butterflies. These insects suck nectar from the flowers. Other insects feed on the foliage, flower tissues, seedpods, pith of the stems, or plant juices. The following beetles have been found on Poke Milkweed: Chrysochus auratus (Dogbane Beetle) and Labidomera clivicollis (Swamp Milkweed Leaf Beetle). Other insects that feed on milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) include larvae of Tetraopes basalis (Milkweed Longhorn) and Tetraopes tetrophthalmus (Red Milkweed Beetle), larvae of Rhyssomatus lineaticollis (Milkweed Stem Weevil), Lygaeus kalmii (Small Milkweed Bug) and Oncopeltus fasciatus (Large Milkweed Bug), Aphis asclepiadis and other aphids, caterpillars of the moths Cycnia inopinatus (Unexpected Cycnia) and Cycnia tenera (Delicate Cycnia), and caterpillars of the butterfly Danaus plexippus (Monarch). Mammalian herbivores usually avoid consumption of milkweeds because their foliage contains toxic cardiac glycosides and it is bitter-tasting.
Photographic Location: Along a path in a sandy woodland at the Indiana Dunes State Park in NW Indiana.
Comments: This is a tall-growing milkweed with unusual bicolored flowers. In Illinois, only Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) and Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) are as tall and their flowers are usually more unicolored. In some areas of the United States, Poke Milkweed has been known to hybridize with Common Milkweed, producing plants with intermediate characteristics. So far, such hybrid plants have not been observed in Illinois. The common name, Poke Milkweed, refers to a junior synonym of this species, Asclepias phytolaccoides. This latter scientific name was no doubt inspired by the superficial resemblance of this milkweed's leaves to those of an unrelated species, Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana).
The stem terminates in one or more umbels of flowers spanning 2-4" across. The umbels are relatively open and the flowers droop somewhat from their pedicels. Each flower is about ¼" across and ½" long, consisting of 5 petals that hang downward, 5 curved cylindrical hoods that surround a central column, and the reproductive organs. The insignificant sepals are hidden by the petals. Each hood has an exerted horn. The flowers are bicolored: the petals are green or pale purple, while the hoods and column are white or light pink. The slender pedicels are 1-2" long, light green, and either glabrous or minutely short-pubescent. The blooming period occurs during the summer for about a month. Afterwards, fertile flowers are replaced by erect seedpods (follicles) that are up to 6" long and ¾" across; they are narrowly lanceoloid in shape. During the fall, each seedpod splits open along one side to release its seeds. The seeds have tufts of hair at their apices; they are distributed by the wind. The root system consists of a taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is partial or dappled sunlight, mesic conditions, and a rich loam or sandy loam with organic matter. The location should be protected from prevailing winds.
Range & Habitat: Poke Milkweed is widely distributed across Illinois, but it is relatively uncommon. Illinois lies along the western range limit of this species. Habitats consist of woodland openings, rich mesic woodlands, sandy woodlands, upland rocky woodlands, wooded slopes, areas along paths in woodlands, and woodland borders. Poke Milkweed is found in deciduous woodlands where oaks, maples, and similar trees are dominant.
Faunal Associations: The flowers of Poke Milkweed attract bumblebees and butterflies, including the Monarch and Great Spangle Fritillary butterflies. These insects suck nectar from the flowers. Other insects feed on the foliage, flower tissues, seedpods, pith of the stems, or plant juices. The following beetles have been found on Poke Milkweed: Chrysochus auratus (Dogbane Beetle) and Labidomera clivicollis (Swamp Milkweed Leaf Beetle). Other insects that feed on milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) include larvae of Tetraopes basalis (Milkweed Longhorn) and Tetraopes tetrophthalmus (Red Milkweed Beetle), larvae of Rhyssomatus lineaticollis (Milkweed Stem Weevil), Lygaeus kalmii (Small Milkweed Bug) and Oncopeltus fasciatus (Large Milkweed Bug), Aphis asclepiadis and other aphids, caterpillars of the moths Cycnia inopinatus (Unexpected Cycnia) and Cycnia tenera (Delicate Cycnia), and caterpillars of the butterfly Danaus plexippus (Monarch). Mammalian herbivores usually avoid consumption of milkweeds because their foliage contains toxic cardiac glycosides and it is bitter-tasting.
Photographic Location: Along a path in a sandy woodland at the Indiana Dunes State Park in NW Indiana.
Comments: This is a tall-growing milkweed with unusual bicolored flowers. In Illinois, only Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) and Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) are as tall and their flowers are usually more unicolored. In some areas of the United States, Poke Milkweed has been known to hybridize with Common Milkweed, producing plants with intermediate characteristics. So far, such hybrid plants have not been observed in Illinois. The common name, Poke Milkweed, refers to a junior synonym of this species, Asclepias phytolaccoides. This latter scientific name was no doubt inspired by the superficial resemblance of this milkweed's leaves to those of an unrelated species, Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana).
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Miss Chen
2018年05月02日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is ½–2' tall and unbranched. The central stem is light green, glabrous to pubescent, and slender. Several alternate leaves occur along this stem; the stem has a tendency to zigzag between pairs of succeeding leaves. The leaf blades are 2–5" long and ½–2" across; they are narrowly cordate, ovate-sagittate, or narrowly hastate with a pair of rounded basal lobes. The leaves are indented where the petioles join the blades, and their tips are narrowly acute to acute. Two varieties of this plant have been described: the typical variety (var. serpentaria) has leaves usually exceeding ¾" in wide that are cordate or ovate-sagittate in shape, while a narrow-leaved variety (var. hastata) has leaves less than ¾" across that are narrowly hastate in shape. Both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaf blades are medium green and glabrous. The slender petioles are light green and ¼–1¼" long. One or more solitary flowers are produced from the tips of lateral stems that are found at the base of the plant; these flowers are held slightly above the ground surface, lie directly on the ground surface, or they are buried by fallen leaves. The alternate leaves of these lateral stems have been reduced to bracts that are less than ¼" in length. The flowers are ½–¾" in length; they are shaped somewhat like an old-fashioned tobacco pipe. Each flower has a petaloid calyx that is tubular and curved, 6 stamens, and an inferior ovary with a single style and 3-lobed stigma. The petaloid calyx is somewhat constricted at the throat, while its narrow outer opening is surrounded by 3 blunt lobes that are joined together and spreading. The outer surface of the petaloid calyx varies in color from pale greenish purple to deep reddish brown (maroon) and it is more or less pubescent. In addition to the chasmogamous (insect-pollinated) flowers that have been described, sometimes smaller cleistogamous (self-fertile) flowers are produced. The blooming period occurs during the late spring or summer. Afterwards, fertile flowers are replaced by 6-valved seed capsules that are about ½" across at maturity and more or less globoid in shape. The outer surface of each seed capsule has 6 fine ridges along its outer surface that are equidistant and longitudinal. Eventually, these seed capsules split open to release their seeds (there are about 48 seeds per capsule). These seeds are 4-5 mm. long, compressed-obovoid in shape, and brown. The root system consists of a short knotty rhizome that has abundant fibrous roots below.
Cultivation: The preference is light to medium shade, mesic conditions, and a loamy soil with decaying organic matter (e.g., fallen leaves). As the flowers are not conspicuous, this is primarily a foliage plant for shade gardens or restoration of woodland habitat.
Range & Habitat: The native Virginia Snakeroot is uncommon to occasional in most areas of Illinois, except in the NW section of the state, where it is absent (see Distribution Map). The typical variety of this plant (Aristolochia serpentaria serpentaria) occurs in all of the areas that are indicated, while the narrow-leaved variety (Aristolochia serpentaria hastata) is restricted to the southern tip of Illinois, where it is rare. Illinois lies near the northern range-limit of this plant. Habitats include rich mesic woodlands, upland rocky woodlands, wooded slopes, and wooded ravines. This is a conservative species that is normally found in higher quality woodlands where the original ground flora is intact. It usually occurs in the forest understory as scattered solitary plants, rather than in colonies.
Faunal Associations: The odd-looking flowers are cross-pollinated primarily by flesh flies, fungus gnats, and possibly carrion beetles. After entering the flowers, these insects remain trapped in the calyx tube until the stamens mature, after which they escape carrying some of the pollen on their bodies. The floral reward of these insects is primarily nectar. The caterpillars of a butterfly, the Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor), feed on the foliage of Virginia Snakeroot (Aristolochia serpentaria), although more than one plant is required to complete their development. Because the foliage and roots are toxic and unpleasant-tasting, mammalian herbivores do not feed on this plant. The method of seed dispersal for this plant is something of a mystery, although it has been speculated that small rodents may carry the the seeds to caches, where they are eaten as food. Because such rodents have short life spans, not all of the seeds are eaten (Allard, 2002).
Photographic Location: A woodland in southern Illinois. The photographed plant is an example of the typical variety, or Aristolochia serpentaria serpentaria.
Comments: It is possible to identify Virginia Snakeroot (Aristolochia serpentaria) by the shape of its leaves and its relatively low stature. The flowers of this plant resemble those of Woolly Pipevine (Aristolochia tomentosa) and Dutchman's Pipe (Aristolochia macrophylla), although the flowers of Virginia Snakeroot are smaller in size and they are held much closer to the ground. The latter two plants are much longer vines that are distributed primarily in SE United States, although Woolly Pipevine also occurs as a native plant in the southern tip of Illinois. These two vines are also cultivated occasionally. Some authors have assigned Virginia Snakeroot to the Endodeca genus, although this classification is not universally accepted. For example, Mohlenbrock (2014) refers to the typical variety of this plant as Endodeca serpentaria, while the narrow-leaved variety is referred to as Endodeca hastata. There is also disagreement about whether or not plants with narrow leaves are worthy of status as a variety or a distinct species.
Cultivation: The preference is light to medium shade, mesic conditions, and a loamy soil with decaying organic matter (e.g., fallen leaves). As the flowers are not conspicuous, this is primarily a foliage plant for shade gardens or restoration of woodland habitat.
Range & Habitat: The native Virginia Snakeroot is uncommon to occasional in most areas of Illinois, except in the NW section of the state, where it is absent (see Distribution Map). The typical variety of this plant (Aristolochia serpentaria serpentaria) occurs in all of the areas that are indicated, while the narrow-leaved variety (Aristolochia serpentaria hastata) is restricted to the southern tip of Illinois, where it is rare. Illinois lies near the northern range-limit of this plant. Habitats include rich mesic woodlands, upland rocky woodlands, wooded slopes, and wooded ravines. This is a conservative species that is normally found in higher quality woodlands where the original ground flora is intact. It usually occurs in the forest understory as scattered solitary plants, rather than in colonies.
Faunal Associations: The odd-looking flowers are cross-pollinated primarily by flesh flies, fungus gnats, and possibly carrion beetles. After entering the flowers, these insects remain trapped in the calyx tube until the stamens mature, after which they escape carrying some of the pollen on their bodies. The floral reward of these insects is primarily nectar. The caterpillars of a butterfly, the Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor), feed on the foliage of Virginia Snakeroot (Aristolochia serpentaria), although more than one plant is required to complete their development. Because the foliage and roots are toxic and unpleasant-tasting, mammalian herbivores do not feed on this plant. The method of seed dispersal for this plant is something of a mystery, although it has been speculated that small rodents may carry the the seeds to caches, where they are eaten as food. Because such rodents have short life spans, not all of the seeds are eaten (Allard, 2002).
Photographic Location: A woodland in southern Illinois. The photographed plant is an example of the typical variety, or Aristolochia serpentaria serpentaria.
Comments: It is possible to identify Virginia Snakeroot (Aristolochia serpentaria) by the shape of its leaves and its relatively low stature. The flowers of this plant resemble those of Woolly Pipevine (Aristolochia tomentosa) and Dutchman's Pipe (Aristolochia macrophylla), although the flowers of Virginia Snakeroot are smaller in size and they are held much closer to the ground. The latter two plants are much longer vines that are distributed primarily in SE United States, although Woolly Pipevine also occurs as a native plant in the southern tip of Illinois. These two vines are also cultivated occasionally. Some authors have assigned Virginia Snakeroot to the Endodeca genus, although this classification is not universally accepted. For example, Mohlenbrock (2014) refers to the typical variety of this plant as Endodeca serpentaria, while the narrow-leaved variety is referred to as Endodeca hastata. There is also disagreement about whether or not plants with narrow leaves are worthy of status as a variety or a distinct species.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月02日
Close-up of InflorescenceDescription: This herbaceous perennial plant is 1½–2½' tall. It consists of a single basal leaf and single flowering stalk. The basal leaf has a long stout petiole that is up to 2' long and erect. This petiole is pale green, glabrous, and glaucous. The basal leaf is up to 2½' long and 2' across; it divides into 5-13 leaflets that are parallel with the ground. Each leaflet is up to 8" long and 2½" across, narrowly ovate, smooth along the margins, glabrous, and dark green. The 2 terminal leaflets may be deeply cleft into 2 or 3 lobes that resemble smaller leaflets. The naked flowering stalk is about ½–1' tall (not including the flower); it is whitish green, unbranched, erect, and hairless. At the apex of this stalk is a single flower that consists of a spathe and spadix. The spathe is about 2" long, pale green, glabrous, and glaucous. This spathe wraps around the base of the spadix, but it is partially open and pointed at the top. The spadix is about 6-12" long. The lower portion of the spadix is about 2" long and nearly surrounded by the spathe; it is cylindrical in shape and bears the male and/or female flowers. Most plants are monoecious with separate male and female flowers, but sometimes they are unisexual. The male flowers occur above the female flowers; they are both rather small and inconspicuous. The upper portion of the spadix is about 4-10" long and tapers gradually to a point. It is usually whitish green and remains more or less erect. The blooming period occurs during late spring and early summer and the flowers remain attractive for about a month. They may release a fungus-like scent that is not detectable by the human nose. Each flower is replaced by an ovoid mass of berries, which become orange-red by the end of the summer. The root system consists of a corm with secondary roots. This plant can spread by forming offsets or by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the spring and light shade during the summer. The soil should be moist and loamy with a layer of decaying leaves. This plant adapts to shady areas underneath trees and doesn't like to dry out. It has few problems with disease and insect pests.
Range & Habitat: The native Green Dragon occurs occasionally throughout most of Illinois, although it is uncommon or absent in the NW area of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist deciduous woodlands, shady seeps, and wooded areas adjacent to springs and vernal pools. The presence of this species is an indication that the original woodland flora is still intact. Green Dragon often occurs in the same habitats as the closely related Arisaema triphyllum (Jack-in-the-Pulpit), but the latter species is the more common of the two.
Faunal Associations: The flowers of Green Dragon attract simple flies (Nematocera), particularly fungus gnats. A thrip species, Ctenothrips bridwelli, has been observed feeding on Green Dragon in Illinois. The berries are eaten by the Wild Turkey, Wood Thrush, and possibly other woodland birds. Mammalian herbivores, including White-Tailed Deer, rarely feed on the foliage and corms as they are highly toxic. The toxic agent is calcium oxalate, which causes a burning sensation in the mouth, gastrointestinal distress, and possible damage to the kidneys.
Photographic Location: Near a vernal pool at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Green Dragon is an attractive foliage plant for shady places and the unusual flowers are interesting as well. This species resembles Arisaema triphyllum (Jack-in-the-Pulpit) somewhat, but the latter has only 3 leaflets per compound leaf. There are also differences in the structure of their flowers: the spadix of Green Dragon is much longer and strongly exerted from the spathe, while the spathe of Jack-in-the-Pulpit forms a hood over the spadix.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the spring and light shade during the summer. The soil should be moist and loamy with a layer of decaying leaves. This plant adapts to shady areas underneath trees and doesn't like to dry out. It has few problems with disease and insect pests.
Range & Habitat: The native Green Dragon occurs occasionally throughout most of Illinois, although it is uncommon or absent in the NW area of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist deciduous woodlands, shady seeps, and wooded areas adjacent to springs and vernal pools. The presence of this species is an indication that the original woodland flora is still intact. Green Dragon often occurs in the same habitats as the closely related Arisaema triphyllum (Jack-in-the-Pulpit), but the latter species is the more common of the two.
Faunal Associations: The flowers of Green Dragon attract simple flies (Nematocera), particularly fungus gnats. A thrip species, Ctenothrips bridwelli, has been observed feeding on Green Dragon in Illinois. The berries are eaten by the Wild Turkey, Wood Thrush, and possibly other woodland birds. Mammalian herbivores, including White-Tailed Deer, rarely feed on the foliage and corms as they are highly toxic. The toxic agent is calcium oxalate, which causes a burning sensation in the mouth, gastrointestinal distress, and possible damage to the kidneys.
Photographic Location: Near a vernal pool at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Green Dragon is an attractive foliage plant for shady places and the unusual flowers are interesting as well. This species resembles Arisaema triphyllum (Jack-in-the-Pulpit) somewhat, but the latter has only 3 leaflets per compound leaf. There are also differences in the structure of their flowers: the spadix of Green Dragon is much longer and strongly exerted from the spathe, while the spathe of Jack-in-the-Pulpit forms a hood over the spadix.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月01日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 1-3' tall and sparingly branched. The round stems are green to reddish green and glabrous or pubescent. At first, only basal leaves are produced, but later there are alternate leaves along the stems. These leaves are ternately compound (divided into groups of 3 leaflets) and they have long petioles that are glabrous or pubescent. Each leaflet is up to 3" long and 2" across; it is usually obovate in shape with a wedge-shaped bottom, but it divides into 3 rounded lobes. Each of these lobes is often subdivided into several secondary lobes, resembling large rounded teeth. The upper surface of each leaflet is glabrous and there may be areas with a whitish bloom. The leaflets can be sessile or stalked. The upper stems produce flowers individually or in groups of 2-3.
Each flower is about 1½" long and it hangs downward from a long stalk. This flower has 5 petals, 5 petal-like sepals, and strongly exerted stamens and styles. Each petal is yellow and rounded toward the tip, but its base consists of a long nectar spur that is pale red to purplish red. The sepals are ovate in shape and they are the same color as the nectar spurs. The nectar spurs of mature flowers are erect (parallel to each other) or slightly spreading. The anthers of the stamens are bright yellow. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer and lasts about a month. There is no floral scent. Each flower is replaced by 5 pod-shaped follicles that have long beaks. Each follicle splits open along one side to release the shiny black seeds. The root system is fibrous and rhizomes are occasionally produced.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to partial sun, moist to dry conditions, and soil that is loamy, rocky, or slightly sandy. Mature plants can also tolerate full sun, although young plants require some shade from neighboring vegetation. Once it becomes established, this plant is easy to maintain.
Range & Habitat: The native Wild Columbine occurs occasionally in most areas of Illinois, although it is uncommon or absent in south-central Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include rocky open woodlands, wooded slopes, sandy savannas, thinly wooded bluffs, partially shaded areas of cliffs, limestone glades, fens and bogs, openings in logged woodlands, and areas along railroad tracks. Occasional wildfires and other kinds of disturbance in wooded areas are probably beneficial in maintaining populations of this plant.
Faunal Associations: Bumblebees and the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird visit the flowers for nectar; bumblebees may also collect pollen for their larvae. Short-tongued Halictid bees collect pollen from the flowers, but they are less effective at cross-pollination. The larvae of various insects feed on Wild Columbine, including those of Erynnis lucilius (Columbine Duskywing), Papaipema leucostigma (Borer Moth sp.), Pristophora aquiligae (Columbine Sawfly), and several Phytomyza spp. (Leaf Miner Flies). Because the foliage is toxic, it is little bothered by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: Along a cliff at the Shady Rest Nature Preserve in Piatt County, Illinois.
Comments: This is the only Aquilegia sp. (Columbine) that is native to Illinois. Other species in this genus occur in the Western states. The flowers of Wild Columbine are colorful and attractive, and the foliage is attractive as well. The cultivated Columbines that are sold by nurseries usually have Aquilegia vulgaris (European Columbine) as one or both of the parents. European Columbine rarely escapes from cultivation. It can be distinguished from Wild Columbine by spreading nectar spurs and weakly exerted stamens. While the flowers of Wild Columbine are always some shade of red, the flowers of cultivated Columbines are often other colors, including pink and blue.
Each flower is about 1½" long and it hangs downward from a long stalk. This flower has 5 petals, 5 petal-like sepals, and strongly exerted stamens and styles. Each petal is yellow and rounded toward the tip, but its base consists of a long nectar spur that is pale red to purplish red. The sepals are ovate in shape and they are the same color as the nectar spurs. The nectar spurs of mature flowers are erect (parallel to each other) or slightly spreading. The anthers of the stamens are bright yellow. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer and lasts about a month. There is no floral scent. Each flower is replaced by 5 pod-shaped follicles that have long beaks. Each follicle splits open along one side to release the shiny black seeds. The root system is fibrous and rhizomes are occasionally produced.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade to partial sun, moist to dry conditions, and soil that is loamy, rocky, or slightly sandy. Mature plants can also tolerate full sun, although young plants require some shade from neighboring vegetation. Once it becomes established, this plant is easy to maintain.
Range & Habitat: The native Wild Columbine occurs occasionally in most areas of Illinois, although it is uncommon or absent in south-central Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include rocky open woodlands, wooded slopes, sandy savannas, thinly wooded bluffs, partially shaded areas of cliffs, limestone glades, fens and bogs, openings in logged woodlands, and areas along railroad tracks. Occasional wildfires and other kinds of disturbance in wooded areas are probably beneficial in maintaining populations of this plant.
Faunal Associations: Bumblebees and the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird visit the flowers for nectar; bumblebees may also collect pollen for their larvae. Short-tongued Halictid bees collect pollen from the flowers, but they are less effective at cross-pollination. The larvae of various insects feed on Wild Columbine, including those of Erynnis lucilius (Columbine Duskywing), Papaipema leucostigma (Borer Moth sp.), Pristophora aquiligae (Columbine Sawfly), and several Phytomyza spp. (Leaf Miner Flies). Because the foliage is toxic, it is little bothered by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: Along a cliff at the Shady Rest Nature Preserve in Piatt County, Illinois.
Comments: This is the only Aquilegia sp. (Columbine) that is native to Illinois. Other species in this genus occur in the Western states. The flowers of Wild Columbine are colorful and attractive, and the foliage is attractive as well. The cultivated Columbines that are sold by nurseries usually have Aquilegia vulgaris (European Columbine) as one or both of the parents. European Columbine rarely escapes from cultivation. It can be distinguished from Wild Columbine by spreading nectar spurs and weakly exerted stamens. While the flowers of Wild Columbine are always some shade of red, the flowers of cultivated Columbines are often other colors, including pink and blue.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月01日
Description: This perennial wildflower is 4-8" tall. A non-flowering plant produces a whorl of trifoliate basal leaves on slender stems; each basal leaf typically has 3 leaflets on a long slender petiole. The basal stems are light green to reddish purple, unbranched, terete, and hairless; the stems of flowering plants are similar. Individual leaflets are up to 1½" long and 1" across; they are obovate or broadly oblong in shape. The outer margin of each leaflet has 3 blunt lobes, otherwise the margins are usually smooth. Sometimes there are 1-2 blunt teeth along the outer margin of a leaflet. The upper surface of each leafletFlowers is medium green to purplish green and hairless, while the lower surface is pale green and hairless. A reticulate network of veins is conspicuous on the lower surface. At the base of each leaflet, there is a slender stalk (petiolule) about ¼" long. Toward the middle of its stem, a flowering plant sometimes produces a whorl of cauline leaves that resembles the whorled basal leaves. At its apex, this stem terminates in a whorl of trifoliate leaves or simple leaflets (sometimes including a combination of the two). These terminal leaves and leaflets resemble the leaves and leaflets of the basal and cauline leaves. Immediately above the terminal leaves or leaflets is a loose umbel of 1-5 flowers. The slender pedicels of the flowers are up to 1½" long. The diurnal flowers are ½–1" across; the central flower is usually a little larger in size than any lateral flowers. Each flower has 5-10 petal-like sepals, a dense cluster of small green pistils in the center, and a ring of conspicuous stamens. The petal-like sepals are white or pinkish white, while the stamens have white filaments and yellow anthers. There are no true petals. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring for about 3 weeks. Each flower is replaced by a cluster of 4-15 achenes. Each achene is about 1/3" (8 mm.) in length, terminating in a slightly hooked beak. Inside each achene, there is a single seed. The root system consists of fibrous roots; the upper roots near the base of a plant are somewhat fleshy and swollen. This wildflower spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: Rue Anemone is best planted under deciduous trees. It prefers dappled sunlight during the spring, but tolerates considerable shade later in the year. Moisture levels should be mesic to slightly dry, and the soil should contain loose loam and rotting organic material. Most growth and develop occurs during the spring; it is not aggressive.
Range & Habitat: Rue Anemone is occasional throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include mesic to dry deciduous woodlands, wooded slopes, and thinly wooded bluffs. This wildflower is usually found in above-average to high quality woodlands where the original ground flora is largely intact.
Faunal Associations: The flowers offer only pollen as a reward to insect visitors. Typical floral visitors include various bees, Syrphid flies, and bee flies (Bombyliidae); the bees usually collect pollen, while the flies feed on pollen. Some of these insects explore the showy flowers for nectar in vain. Honeybees, little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), mason bees (Osmia spp.), Halictid bees, and Andrenid bees have been observed as visitors to the flowers. Because the foliage is toxic and relatively inconspicuous, it is usually ignored by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: Near the top of a wooded slope in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: Rue Anemone (Anemonella thalictroides) is one of many showy wildflowers that develop in deciduous woodlands during the spring. Both the flowers and foliage are quite attractive. Because the flowers move around easily in the wind, it is sometimes called 'Windflower.' Another scientific name of this species is Thalictrum thalictroides. Rue Anemone resembles Enemion biternatum (False Rue Anemone), but its flowers have more petaloid sepals (typically 6-9), while the flowers of False Rue Anemone have only 5 petaloid sepals. Furthermore, its leaves and flowers are arranged in whorls to a greater extent than those of False Rue Anemone. While Rue Anemone is sometimes assigned to the Thalictrum genus, other Thalictrum spp. in Illinois are much larger plants with wind-pollinated dioecious flowers. The leaflets of these species are similar to those of Rue Anemone, however their flowers are quite distinct.
Cultivation: Rue Anemone is best planted under deciduous trees. It prefers dappled sunlight during the spring, but tolerates considerable shade later in the year. Moisture levels should be mesic to slightly dry, and the soil should contain loose loam and rotting organic material. Most growth and develop occurs during the spring; it is not aggressive.
Range & Habitat: Rue Anemone is occasional throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include mesic to dry deciduous woodlands, wooded slopes, and thinly wooded bluffs. This wildflower is usually found in above-average to high quality woodlands where the original ground flora is largely intact.
Faunal Associations: The flowers offer only pollen as a reward to insect visitors. Typical floral visitors include various bees, Syrphid flies, and bee flies (Bombyliidae); the bees usually collect pollen, while the flies feed on pollen. Some of these insects explore the showy flowers for nectar in vain. Honeybees, little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), mason bees (Osmia spp.), Halictid bees, and Andrenid bees have been observed as visitors to the flowers. Because the foliage is toxic and relatively inconspicuous, it is usually ignored by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: Near the top of a wooded slope in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: Rue Anemone (Anemonella thalictroides) is one of many showy wildflowers that develop in deciduous woodlands during the spring. Both the flowers and foliage are quite attractive. Because the flowers move around easily in the wind, it is sometimes called 'Windflower.' Another scientific name of this species is Thalictrum thalictroides. Rue Anemone resembles Enemion biternatum (False Rue Anemone), but its flowers have more petaloid sepals (typically 6-9), while the flowers of False Rue Anemone have only 5 petaloid sepals. Furthermore, its leaves and flowers are arranged in whorls to a greater extent than those of False Rue Anemone. While Rue Anemone is sometimes assigned to the Thalictrum genus, other Thalictrum spp. in Illinois are much larger plants with wind-pollinated dioecious flowers. The leaflets of these species are similar to those of Rue Anemone, however their flowers are quite distinct.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月01日
Description: This herbaceous perennial wildflower is about 2-4' tall; in open areas, it usually branches and has a bushy appearance. The stems are light green, terete, glabrous, and glaucous. The alternate leaves are up to 6" long and 2½" across; they are ovate to narrowly ovate, smooth along the margins, and usually hairless. The upper surface of each leaf is bright green, and glabrous, while the lower surface is pale green. Rarely, the lower surfaces of the leaves are pubescent. Each leaf has a slender petiole up to 1" long. The upper stems terminate in compact panicles of flowers.
Each flower spans ½–¾" across, consisting of a tubular corolla with 5 widely spreading lobes and a very short calyx with 5 triangular teeth. The corolla is mostly pale blue and its lobes are narrow and star-like. Near the base of each lobe, there is a small patch of white or pale yellow. The narrow throat of each corolla is guarded by a ring of white hairs that face inward (probably to keep out ants & other nectar thieves). The branches of the panicle are green and hairless, becoming dark brown or black with age. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer and lasts about a month. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each fertilized flower is replaced by a pair of cylindrical follicles that are about 4-5" long. The follicles are glabrous and erect to ascending. Each follicle contains a a single row of small cylindrical seeds; it splits along one side to release them. The root system consists of a taproot. This wildflower spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade and moist conditions. Different soil types are tolerated, including those that contain clay-loam, rocky material, or sand. The foliage is rarely disfigured by herbivores or disease. More flowers are produced if there is some exposure to the sun.
Range & Habitat: The native Bluestar is occasional in southern and western Illinois; it is absent elsewhere (see Distribution Map). Habitats include rocky woodlands, shaded rocky ravines, gravelly seeps, borders of streams, limestone glades, and moist sandy meadows. Because of its attractive foliage and flowers, Bluestar is occasionally cultivated in gardens, from which it can escape. This is the only native Amsonia sp. in Illinois; other species in this genus are native to areas south of Illinois.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts the Ruby-throated Hummingbird and various long-tongued insects. These insect visitors include the Large Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa virginica), Hummingbird moths (Hemaris spp.), and various butterflies. An aphid, Macchiatiella rhamni, uses Bluestar as a summer host (Hottes & Frison, 1931). Because the foliage contains a white latex that is toxic, it is avoided by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: A wet prairie at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The star-like flowers are a heavenly shade of light blue and the foliage is an attractive bright green. No other native plant in Illinois resembles this species. The closest relatives of Bluestar in Illinois are Apocynum cannabinum (Common Dogbane) and Apocynum androsaemifolium (Spreading Dogbane). These latter two species have white to pinkish white flowers that are bell-shaped and smaller in size. While Bluestar has alternate leaves, Common Dogbane and Spreading Dogbane have opposite leaves. Sometimes other Amsonia spp. (Bluestars) are occasionally cultivated in gardens. They differ from the Bluestar that is described here by the shapes of their flowers and leaves. Another common name of Amsonia tabernaemontana is Blue Dogbane.
Each flower spans ½–¾" across, consisting of a tubular corolla with 5 widely spreading lobes and a very short calyx with 5 triangular teeth. The corolla is mostly pale blue and its lobes are narrow and star-like. Near the base of each lobe, there is a small patch of white or pale yellow. The narrow throat of each corolla is guarded by a ring of white hairs that face inward (probably to keep out ants & other nectar thieves). The branches of the panicle are green and hairless, becoming dark brown or black with age. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer and lasts about a month. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each fertilized flower is replaced by a pair of cylindrical follicles that are about 4-5" long. The follicles are glabrous and erect to ascending. Each follicle contains a a single row of small cylindrical seeds; it splits along one side to release them. The root system consists of a taproot. This wildflower spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade and moist conditions. Different soil types are tolerated, including those that contain clay-loam, rocky material, or sand. The foliage is rarely disfigured by herbivores or disease. More flowers are produced if there is some exposure to the sun.
Range & Habitat: The native Bluestar is occasional in southern and western Illinois; it is absent elsewhere (see Distribution Map). Habitats include rocky woodlands, shaded rocky ravines, gravelly seeps, borders of streams, limestone glades, and moist sandy meadows. Because of its attractive foliage and flowers, Bluestar is occasionally cultivated in gardens, from which it can escape. This is the only native Amsonia sp. in Illinois; other species in this genus are native to areas south of Illinois.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts the Ruby-throated Hummingbird and various long-tongued insects. These insect visitors include the Large Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa virginica), Hummingbird moths (Hemaris spp.), and various butterflies. An aphid, Macchiatiella rhamni, uses Bluestar as a summer host (Hottes & Frison, 1931). Because the foliage contains a white latex that is toxic, it is avoided by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: A wet prairie at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The star-like flowers are a heavenly shade of light blue and the foliage is an attractive bright green. No other native plant in Illinois resembles this species. The closest relatives of Bluestar in Illinois are Apocynum cannabinum (Common Dogbane) and Apocynum androsaemifolium (Spreading Dogbane). These latter two species have white to pinkish white flowers that are bell-shaped and smaller in size. While Bluestar has alternate leaves, Common Dogbane and Spreading Dogbane have opposite leaves. Sometimes other Amsonia spp. (Bluestars) are occasionally cultivated in gardens. They differ from the Bluestar that is described here by the shapes of their flowers and leaves. Another common name of Amsonia tabernaemontana is Blue Dogbane.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年05月01日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant produces basal leaves 4-9" long and 1½-3½" across on short petioles (usually 2-3 per bulb). The basal leaves are ovate-oval to ovate-elliptic, light to medium green, hairless, and smooth along the margins. Their petioles are reddish, hairless, and wrapped in a basal sheath below. These leaves develop during the spring and wither away by early summer. During early to mid-summer, there develops a naked flowering stalk about ½-1½' tall. This stalk is terete, glabrous, and reddish to pale green; at its base, there is a papery sheath. The stalk terminates in a single rounded umbel of flowers spanning 1-2" across; there are typically 20-40 flowers per umbel. At the base of this umbel, there is a pair of deciduous bracts. Each flower is about ¼" across, consisting of 6 white to translucent white tepals, a light green to pale yellow ovary, 6 stamens with pale yellow anthers, and a single white style. At the base of each flower, there is a slender pedicel that is white to greenish white. The blooming period occurs during the summer and lasts about 2 weeks. Both the flowers and foliage exude an onion-like odor. After the blooming period, the ovary of each flower matures into a 3-celled seed capsule; each cell contains a single globoid seed that becomes black at maturity. The root system consists of an ovoid bulb with fibrous roots at its base. Offsets often develop, producing clonal colonies of plants.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the spring when the basal leaves develop, while during the summer considerable shade is tolerated as the basal leaves have withered away. The soil should consist of a rich loose loam with abundant organic matter, while moisture levels should be more or less mesic. It is easiest to introduce new plants into an area by dividing and transplanting the bulbs during the fall.
Range & Habitat: The native Wild Leek occurs occasionally in central and northern Illinois, while in the southern section of the state it is rare or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic deciduous woodlands and wooded bluffs. The presence of this species is a sign that the original flora of a woodlands is still in intact. An introduced species, Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard), can shade out the basal leaves of Wild Leek during the spring, causing the latter to decline in abundance.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract various kinds of bees, including Halictid bees, masked bees (Hylaeus spp.), honeybees, bumblebees, and mason bees. These insects suck nectar or collect pollen. To a lesser extent, the flowers are visited by Syrphid flies, which suck nectar or feed on pollen. Occasionally, the maggots of some flies feed on the bulbs of some Allium spp. (Onions), although not necessarily Wild Leek; these species include Delia antiqua (Onion Maggot), some Eumerus spp., and some Tritoxa spp. The plant bugs, Lindbergocapsus ainsliei and Lindbergocapsus allii, also feed on Allium spp. (Onions). Another species, Thrips tabaci (Onion Thrips), sucks juices from the foliage. Deer and other mammalian herbivores rarely browse on the foliage of Wild Leek.
Photographic Location: A mesic deciduous woodlands at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This woodland wildflower is somewhat unusual because its foliage has withered away by the time the flowers bloom. Both the foliage and flowers are attractive; the latter help to brighten the gloomy corners of woodlands during the summer. Wild Leek has the widest basal leaves (1½–3½" across) of any Allium sp. in the state. A similar species, Allium burdickii (which is also called 'Wild Leek'), has basal leaves that are about ½-1½" across. Other wild Allium spp. have leaves that are narrow and strap-like (less than ½" across). Wild Leek has about 20-40 flowers in each umbel, while Allium burdickii has 10-20 flowers in each umbel. Wild Leek has reddish leaf petioles and flowering stalks that are often reddish at the base, while the petioles and stalks of Allium burdickii are light green throughout. This latter species is restricted to wooded areas in NE Illinois and it is less common.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the spring when the basal leaves develop, while during the summer considerable shade is tolerated as the basal leaves have withered away. The soil should consist of a rich loose loam with abundant organic matter, while moisture levels should be more or less mesic. It is easiest to introduce new plants into an area by dividing and transplanting the bulbs during the fall.
Range & Habitat: The native Wild Leek occurs occasionally in central and northern Illinois, while in the southern section of the state it is rare or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic deciduous woodlands and wooded bluffs. The presence of this species is a sign that the original flora of a woodlands is still in intact. An introduced species, Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard), can shade out the basal leaves of Wild Leek during the spring, causing the latter to decline in abundance.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract various kinds of bees, including Halictid bees, masked bees (Hylaeus spp.), honeybees, bumblebees, and mason bees. These insects suck nectar or collect pollen. To a lesser extent, the flowers are visited by Syrphid flies, which suck nectar or feed on pollen. Occasionally, the maggots of some flies feed on the bulbs of some Allium spp. (Onions), although not necessarily Wild Leek; these species include Delia antiqua (Onion Maggot), some Eumerus spp., and some Tritoxa spp. The plant bugs, Lindbergocapsus ainsliei and Lindbergocapsus allii, also feed on Allium spp. (Onions). Another species, Thrips tabaci (Onion Thrips), sucks juices from the foliage. Deer and other mammalian herbivores rarely browse on the foliage of Wild Leek.
Photographic Location: A mesic deciduous woodlands at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This woodland wildflower is somewhat unusual because its foliage has withered away by the time the flowers bloom. Both the foliage and flowers are attractive; the latter help to brighten the gloomy corners of woodlands during the summer. Wild Leek has the widest basal leaves (1½–3½" across) of any Allium sp. in the state. A similar species, Allium burdickii (which is also called 'Wild Leek'), has basal leaves that are about ½-1½" across. Other wild Allium spp. have leaves that are narrow and strap-like (less than ½" across). Wild Leek has about 20-40 flowers in each umbel, while Allium burdickii has 10-20 flowers in each umbel. Wild Leek has reddish leaf petioles and flowering stalks that are often reddish at the base, while the petioles and stalks of Allium burdickii are light green throughout. This latter species is restricted to wooded areas in NE Illinois and it is less common.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年04月30日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is about 1½–3' tall, branching occasionally. The light green to tan stems are terete and hairless (or nearly so). The opposite leaves are up to 5" long and 3½" across, becoming smaller as they ascend the stems. The lower leaves are cordate to cordate-ovate, while the upper leaves are broadly lanceolate to lanceolate. All of the leaves are largely hairless and strongly serrated-crenate along their margins; they are medium to dark green on their upper surfaces and light green on their lower surfaces. There are 3 prominent veins on the upper surface of each leaf (particularly the lower ones), while the lower surface has an elevated network of veins. The rather long petioles are ½–2½" in length.
The upper stems terminate in compound corymbs or flat-headed panicles of flowerheads that span 2-6" across. The branches of this inflorescence are light green and glabrous (or nearly so). Each flowerhead is about ½" across and contains 10-30 disk florets that have brilliant white corollas and styles. There are no ray florets. Each disk floret is about 3-5 mm. across when it is fully open, consisting of a small tubular corolla with 5 lobes that are spreading and pointed and a divided style that is strongly exerted from the corolla. At the base of each flowerhead, there is a single series of linear floral bracts that are light green and non-overlapping. The blooming period occurs from late summer through the fall, lasting about 2 months for a colony of plants. This is one of the last wildflowers to bloom during the fall. The flowers are often fragrant.
During autumn, each disk floret in a flowerhead is replaced by an achene with a small tuft of white hairs. These achenes are 2-3 mm. long, narrowly oblongoid in shape, 5-ribbed, and black; they are distributed by the wind. The root system consists of spreading rhizomes and shallow fibrous roots. This plant can spread vegetatively by means of its rhizomes, or it can reseed itself into new areas.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to light shade, moist to slightly dry conditions, and soil containing loam or clay-loam. Full sun in a dry situation can cause the leaves to turn yellow and wilt, otherwise this plant is easy to grow.
Range & Habitat: The native White Snakeroot is a common plant that occurs in almost every county of Illinois (see Distribution Map); it is quite likely that this species occurs in every county. Habitats include moist to slightly dry deciduous woodlands, woodland borders, thickets, partially shaded to shady seeps, bluffs, woodland meadows along rivers, powerline clearances in woodlands, shady corners of pastures and yards, fence rows with woody vegetation, and overgrown vacant lots. This species is especially common in wooded areas that are rather disturbed and degraded, although it also occurs at higher quality sites.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts a variety of insects, including leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees, wasps, various flies (Syrphid, Tachinid, bee flies, & others), butterflies, and moths. The bees also collect pollen. The caterpillars of some moths are known to feed on the foliage and other parts of Eupatorium spp. (Bonesets), including White Snakeroot (probably). These species include Carmenta bassiformis (Eupatorium Borer Moth), Papaipema cataphracta (Burdock Borer Moth), Phragmatobia fuliginosa (Ruby Tiger Moth), Phragmatobia lineata (Lined Ruby Tiger Moth), and the Gracillariid moth Leucospilapteryx venustella. Other insect feeders include larvae of the gall flies Asphondylia eupatorii and Neolasioptera eupatorii, the aphids Uroleucon eupatoricolens and Uroleucon eupatorifoliae, and the leaf beetle Sumitrosis inaequalis. Because the foliage is bitter and toxic, mammalian herbivores usually avoid this plant as a food source. Sometimes cattle will eat it in overgrazed pastures, which can produce fatal results.
Photographic Location: A powerline clearance at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois, and a deciduous woodland in east-central Illinois.
Comments: The common name of this species derives from the erroneous belief among early settlers that the bitter rhizomes were beneficial in the treatment of snakebites. In fact, the foliage and rhizomes are highly toxic, causing fatalities from 'Milk Sickness' because the toxins can pass through the milk of dairy cattle to humans. White Snakeroot has been reassigned recently to the genus Ageratina, although it is still often referred to as Eupatorium rugosum. Normally, White Snakeroot is largely hairless, although some authorities describe a pubescent variety of this species. White Snakeroot resembles many of the white-flowered Eupatorium spp. (Bonesets), but these different species can be distinguished from each other by the appearance of their leaves. Among the species in this group, White Snakeroot has the broadest leaves; its lower leaves are cordate or broadly ovate, and these leaves have long petioles. White Snakeroot usually occurs in and around shady woodlands, while many of these other species are found in prairies and sunny wetlands.
The upper stems terminate in compound corymbs or flat-headed panicles of flowerheads that span 2-6" across. The branches of this inflorescence are light green and glabrous (or nearly so). Each flowerhead is about ½" across and contains 10-30 disk florets that have brilliant white corollas and styles. There are no ray florets. Each disk floret is about 3-5 mm. across when it is fully open, consisting of a small tubular corolla with 5 lobes that are spreading and pointed and a divided style that is strongly exerted from the corolla. At the base of each flowerhead, there is a single series of linear floral bracts that are light green and non-overlapping. The blooming period occurs from late summer through the fall, lasting about 2 months for a colony of plants. This is one of the last wildflowers to bloom during the fall. The flowers are often fragrant.
During autumn, each disk floret in a flowerhead is replaced by an achene with a small tuft of white hairs. These achenes are 2-3 mm. long, narrowly oblongoid in shape, 5-ribbed, and black; they are distributed by the wind. The root system consists of spreading rhizomes and shallow fibrous roots. This plant can spread vegetatively by means of its rhizomes, or it can reseed itself into new areas.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun to light shade, moist to slightly dry conditions, and soil containing loam or clay-loam. Full sun in a dry situation can cause the leaves to turn yellow and wilt, otherwise this plant is easy to grow.
Range & Habitat: The native White Snakeroot is a common plant that occurs in almost every county of Illinois (see Distribution Map); it is quite likely that this species occurs in every county. Habitats include moist to slightly dry deciduous woodlands, woodland borders, thickets, partially shaded to shady seeps, bluffs, woodland meadows along rivers, powerline clearances in woodlands, shady corners of pastures and yards, fence rows with woody vegetation, and overgrown vacant lots. This species is especially common in wooded areas that are rather disturbed and degraded, although it also occurs at higher quality sites.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts a variety of insects, including leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees, wasps, various flies (Syrphid, Tachinid, bee flies, & others), butterflies, and moths. The bees also collect pollen. The caterpillars of some moths are known to feed on the foliage and other parts of Eupatorium spp. (Bonesets), including White Snakeroot (probably). These species include Carmenta bassiformis (Eupatorium Borer Moth), Papaipema cataphracta (Burdock Borer Moth), Phragmatobia fuliginosa (Ruby Tiger Moth), Phragmatobia lineata (Lined Ruby Tiger Moth), and the Gracillariid moth Leucospilapteryx venustella. Other insect feeders include larvae of the gall flies Asphondylia eupatorii and Neolasioptera eupatorii, the aphids Uroleucon eupatoricolens and Uroleucon eupatorifoliae, and the leaf beetle Sumitrosis inaequalis. Because the foliage is bitter and toxic, mammalian herbivores usually avoid this plant as a food source. Sometimes cattle will eat it in overgrazed pastures, which can produce fatal results.
Photographic Location: A powerline clearance at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois, and a deciduous woodland in east-central Illinois.
Comments: The common name of this species derives from the erroneous belief among early settlers that the bitter rhizomes were beneficial in the treatment of snakebites. In fact, the foliage and rhizomes are highly toxic, causing fatalities from 'Milk Sickness' because the toxins can pass through the milk of dairy cattle to humans. White Snakeroot has been reassigned recently to the genus Ageratina, although it is still often referred to as Eupatorium rugosum. Normally, White Snakeroot is largely hairless, although some authorities describe a pubescent variety of this species. White Snakeroot resembles many of the white-flowered Eupatorium spp. (Bonesets), but these different species can be distinguished from each other by the appearance of their leaves. Among the species in this group, White Snakeroot has the broadest leaves; its lower leaves are cordate or broadly ovate, and these leaves have long petioles. White Snakeroot usually occurs in and around shady woodlands, while many of these other species are found in prairies and sunny wetlands.
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