文章
Miss Chen
2018年02月25日
Description: This annual plant is unbranched. It is usually 4-12" tall, and rarely becomes taller. The central stem is light green and deeply grooved, with lines of small white hairs along the ridges. The alternate leaves are also light green, and strongly clasp the stem. However, at the top of the stem are a pair of opposite leaves. These leaves are up to 1" long and nearly as wide. They are broadly cordate, with wavy or dentate margins that are slightly ciliate. Along the margins, the leaves may assume a purplish color in bright sunlight. There is a milky sap in both the stem and leaves. From each leaf axil in the upper half of the plant, are 1-3 flowers, although only one of these will be in bloom at the same time. Each flower is deep violet or purple and about ½" across. It has a short tubular corolla with 5 spreading lobes. There are darker lines of purple that converge toward the throat of the flower. The throat is whiter than the rest of the flower, from which emerges a prominent white pistil and several stamens.
The blooming period occurs during the early summer and lasts about a month. There is no floral fragrance. This plant also produces self-pollinating flowers on the lower half of the stem, whose petals never open. The ovaries develop into small oval capsules, which split open into 3 parts to about the middle. This releases the numerous tiny seeds, which are lens-shaped and reddish brown. They are dispersed readily by the wind, and can be carried a considerable distance. The root system consists of a taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is full sunlight, and mesic to slightly dry soil. This plant flourishes best in poor soil that is either gravelly or sandy. It doesn't tolerate much competition from taller plants. Foliar disease is not a significant problem during the period of active growth and blooming, after which this plant will fade away.
Range & Habitat: The native Venus' Looking Glass is fairly common in the southern half of Illinois, but uncommon or absent in many areas of the northern half (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to slightly dry sand prairies, gravel prairies, upland areas of black soil prairies, sandy savannas, lake borders, abandoned fields, and areas along railroads and roadsides, especially where it is gravelly or sandy. The habitats where this plant occurs have sparser and lower vegetation than many other areas as a result of poor soil or disturbance.
Faunal Associations: Small bees are the most common visitors of the flowers. This includes Little Carpenter bees, Plasterer bees, Green Metallic bees, and other Halictine bees. The Plasterer bee Colletes brevicornis is an oligolege of Venus' Looking Glass. Other insect visitors include bumblebees, flies, small butterflies, and skippers. The seeds are too small to be of any interest to birds. Mammalian herbivores may consume this plant, although it is of minor importance as a food source.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken in a waste area along a gravel road near Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: When it is sunny, the flowers open up during the morning, and remain open for the rest of the day. They are attractive, but rather small. The common name of this plant probably refers to the shiny seeds of a related European species. The seeds of Venus' Looking Glass are too tiny to appear shiny to the unaided human eye. In form and color, the flowers of this plant resemble the flowers of Campanula americana (Tall Bellflower), but the former are much smaller. An older scientific name for this plant is Specularia perfoliata.
The blooming period occurs during the early summer and lasts about a month. There is no floral fragrance. This plant also produces self-pollinating flowers on the lower half of the stem, whose petals never open. The ovaries develop into small oval capsules, which split open into 3 parts to about the middle. This releases the numerous tiny seeds, which are lens-shaped and reddish brown. They are dispersed readily by the wind, and can be carried a considerable distance. The root system consists of a taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is full sunlight, and mesic to slightly dry soil. This plant flourishes best in poor soil that is either gravelly or sandy. It doesn't tolerate much competition from taller plants. Foliar disease is not a significant problem during the period of active growth and blooming, after which this plant will fade away.
Range & Habitat: The native Venus' Looking Glass is fairly common in the southern half of Illinois, but uncommon or absent in many areas of the northern half (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to slightly dry sand prairies, gravel prairies, upland areas of black soil prairies, sandy savannas, lake borders, abandoned fields, and areas along railroads and roadsides, especially where it is gravelly or sandy. The habitats where this plant occurs have sparser and lower vegetation than many other areas as a result of poor soil or disturbance.
Faunal Associations: Small bees are the most common visitors of the flowers. This includes Little Carpenter bees, Plasterer bees, Green Metallic bees, and other Halictine bees. The Plasterer bee Colletes brevicornis is an oligolege of Venus' Looking Glass. Other insect visitors include bumblebees, flies, small butterflies, and skippers. The seeds are too small to be of any interest to birds. Mammalian herbivores may consume this plant, although it is of minor importance as a food source.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken in a waste area along a gravel road near Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: When it is sunny, the flowers open up during the morning, and remain open for the rest of the day. They are attractive, but rather small. The common name of this plant probably refers to the shiny seeds of a related European species. The seeds of Venus' Looking Glass are too tiny to appear shiny to the unaided human eye. In form and color, the flowers of this plant resemble the flowers of Campanula americana (Tall Bellflower), but the former are much smaller. An older scientific name for this plant is Specularia perfoliata.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年02月25日
Description: This is a herbaceous perennial plant about 2-4' tall and mostly unbranched, except toward the apex. The central stem is round, glabrous, and occasionally glaucous. The grey- or blue-green alternate leaves are up to 15" long and 1" across. They are linear, although wider at the base, where the leaves wrap around the stem in sheaths, than at the tip. They are also glabrous, with parallel venation and smooth margins, tending to bend downward towards the middle. The light violet to blue-violet flowers occur in small clusters on hairless flowering stems at the top of the plant. Underneath each inflorescence are 2 small bracts, each up to 3" long and less than ½" across. Each flower is about 1" across, with 3 rounded petals, 6 bright yellow anthers, and fine spidery violet hairs near the base. The flowers open up during the morning and close by the afternoon in sunny weather, but remain open longer on cloudy days. There is no floral scent.
The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer, and lasts about 1½ months, during which time only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. The mature seed capsules split into 3 sections, each capsule releasing 3-6 oval to oblong, brown seeds. The root system is thick, fleshy, and fibrous, sending off occasional offshoots nearby.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist to slightly dry conditions. The soil can contain loam, clay, gravel, or sand – this plant is very adaptable. Sometimes the leaves develop brown blotches or turn yellow in response to harsh weather conditions, competition from other plants, or age.
Range & Habitat: The native Ohio Spiderwort is a common plant throughout Illinois, except in the SE, where it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). It is often found in moist to mesic black soil prairies and sand prairies. Other habitats include sandy black oak savannas, Bur Oak savannas, limestone glades, thickets and woodland borders, moist meadows near woods or rivers, roadside ditches, and areas along railroads (including the ballast). Plants are usually widely scattered, but sometimes appear in sizable colonies in disturbed areas.
Faunal Associations: The most important pollinators of the flowers are long-tongued bees, especially bumblebees. Other visitors include Halictine bees and Syrphid flies. However, the Syrphid flies feed on stray pollen and are non-pollinating. Spiderwort is rarely bothered by insects, although Lema collaris (Leaf Beetle sp.) reportedly feeds on the foliage. Mammalian herbivores also eat the plant, including the White-Tailed Deer, Cottontail Rabbit, Box Turtles, and livestock. The foliage is non-toxic to these animals.
Photographic Location: The close-up photograph of the flowers was taken along a railroad in Champaign, Illinois, while the photographs of the flowering plant and close-up of the stem were taken at the wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois. Ohio Spiderwort is more resistant to the application of herbicides along railroads than most plants, which is one reason why it remains common in such areas.
Comments: This is probably the most common Spiderwort in Illinois. The flowers are short-lived, but beautiful, particularly when they are viewed close-up. Ohio Spiderwort can be readily distinguished from Virginia Spiderwort by the absence of conspicuous hairs on the flowering stems near the inflorescence, and the greyish or bluish appearance of the thin leaves. It also tends to be taller and more spindly in appearance than other species of Spiderwort, and has smaller bracts subtending the inflorescence. The leaves and stems are reported to be edible – fresh or cooked.
The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer, and lasts about 1½ months, during which time only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. The mature seed capsules split into 3 sections, each capsule releasing 3-6 oval to oblong, brown seeds. The root system is thick, fleshy, and fibrous, sending off occasional offshoots nearby.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist to slightly dry conditions. The soil can contain loam, clay, gravel, or sand – this plant is very adaptable. Sometimes the leaves develop brown blotches or turn yellow in response to harsh weather conditions, competition from other plants, or age.
Range & Habitat: The native Ohio Spiderwort is a common plant throughout Illinois, except in the SE, where it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). It is often found in moist to mesic black soil prairies and sand prairies. Other habitats include sandy black oak savannas, Bur Oak savannas, limestone glades, thickets and woodland borders, moist meadows near woods or rivers, roadside ditches, and areas along railroads (including the ballast). Plants are usually widely scattered, but sometimes appear in sizable colonies in disturbed areas.
Faunal Associations: The most important pollinators of the flowers are long-tongued bees, especially bumblebees. Other visitors include Halictine bees and Syrphid flies. However, the Syrphid flies feed on stray pollen and are non-pollinating. Spiderwort is rarely bothered by insects, although Lema collaris (Leaf Beetle sp.) reportedly feeds on the foliage. Mammalian herbivores also eat the plant, including the White-Tailed Deer, Cottontail Rabbit, Box Turtles, and livestock. The foliage is non-toxic to these animals.
Photographic Location: The close-up photograph of the flowers was taken along a railroad in Champaign, Illinois, while the photographs of the flowering plant and close-up of the stem were taken at the wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois. Ohio Spiderwort is more resistant to the application of herbicides along railroads than most plants, which is one reason why it remains common in such areas.
Comments: This is probably the most common Spiderwort in Illinois. The flowers are short-lived, but beautiful, particularly when they are viewed close-up. Ohio Spiderwort can be readily distinguished from Virginia Spiderwort by the absence of conspicuous hairs on the flowering stems near the inflorescence, and the greyish or bluish appearance of the thin leaves. It also tends to be taller and more spindly in appearance than other species of Spiderwort, and has smaller bracts subtending the inflorescence. The leaves and stems are reported to be edible – fresh or cooked.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年02月25日
Description: This perennial wildflower is ½-1½' tall. The erect central stem is light to medium green, terete, glabrous, and usually unbranched. Sheathed leaves with long floppy blades alternate along this stem. The leaf blades are 4-12" long and up to ¾" across; they are medium green, linear-lanceolate, parallel-veined, and mostly glabrous, except for occasional hairs where the blades emerge from the sheaths. The sheaths are glabrous with parallel veins; sometimes they have purple veins.
Flowering Plant
The central stem terminates in an umbel-like cyme of flowers and a pair of large leafy bracts. These bracts have the same characteristics as the alternate leaves, and they are similar in size. The slender pedicels of the flowers are about ½-1" in length; they are light green to purple, glandular-hairy, and rather floppy. Individual flowers are 1-1¼" across, consisting of 3 blue-violet or rose petals, 3 light green sepals with glandular-hairy exteriors, 6 stamens with hairy filaments and yellow anthers, and a pistil. The sepals are lanceolate-ovate, while the petals are ovate-oval; the petals are a little longer than the sepals. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer and lasts about 1½ months. Usually, only 1-2 flowers are in bloom at the same time. The flowers are usually open only in the morning, except on cloudy days, when they may remain open a little longer. Each flower lasts only a single day and there is no noticeable fragrance. The flowers are replaced by seed capsules about ¼" long that are 3-celled; they are oblongoid-ovoid or oblongoid-obovoid in shape. Eventually, each seed capsule splits open into 3 parts, releasing 2-6 seeds. The seeds are about 2-3 mm. in length, tan or gray, broadly oblongoid, and somewhat flattened; each seed has a heavily ridged outer margin and it is indented along one side with a point in the middle. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. This wildflower often spreads vegetatively by means of its rhizomes, forming colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry-mesic conditions, and sandy soil, although it readily adapts to other kinds of soil. On fertile ground, competition from taller plants is poorly tolerated.
Range & Habitat: The native Prairie Spiderwort is an uncommon plant that is found primarily in west-central Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is state-listed as 'threatened.' It is more common in areas further to the west. Habitats include upland sand prairies, hill prairies, barren areas along railroads, and roadside embankments. This wildflower can be found in both disturbed and high quality natural areas, especially where it is sandy.
Faunal Associations: The flowers offer only pollen as a reward to insect visitors. These floral visitors include honeybees, bumblebees, Halictid bees, and Syrphid flies. However, most Syrphid flies are too small to be effective at cross-pollination. The foliage, and sometimes the flowers, of Tradescantia spp. are eaten by such leaf beetles as Lema collaris, Lema longipennis, Oulema cornuta, and Oulema elongata. In sandy habitats, Spharagemon collare (Mottled Sand Grasshopper) also feeds on Prairie Spiderwort. The non-toxic foliage is readily eaten by rabbits and other mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Other common names of Tradescantia bracteata are Long-Bracted Spiderwort and Sticky Spiderwort. Prairie Spiderwort can be distinguished from other Tradescantia spp. in Illinois by its diminutive size (1½' tall or less) and the glandular hairs on its sepals and pedicels. The most similar species in Illinois is Virginia Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiensis). Virginia Spiderwort is slightly taller 1-2½' than Prairie Spiderwort, and the hairs on its sepals and pedicels are glandless. Another species in this genus, Ohio Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis), lacks hair on its sepals and pedicels, its foliage is more blue-gray, and it is significantly taller (2-3' tall).
Flowering Plant
The central stem terminates in an umbel-like cyme of flowers and a pair of large leafy bracts. These bracts have the same characteristics as the alternate leaves, and they are similar in size. The slender pedicels of the flowers are about ½-1" in length; they are light green to purple, glandular-hairy, and rather floppy. Individual flowers are 1-1¼" across, consisting of 3 blue-violet or rose petals, 3 light green sepals with glandular-hairy exteriors, 6 stamens with hairy filaments and yellow anthers, and a pistil. The sepals are lanceolate-ovate, while the petals are ovate-oval; the petals are a little longer than the sepals. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer and lasts about 1½ months. Usually, only 1-2 flowers are in bloom at the same time. The flowers are usually open only in the morning, except on cloudy days, when they may remain open a little longer. Each flower lasts only a single day and there is no noticeable fragrance. The flowers are replaced by seed capsules about ¼" long that are 3-celled; they are oblongoid-ovoid or oblongoid-obovoid in shape. Eventually, each seed capsule splits open into 3 parts, releasing 2-6 seeds. The seeds are about 2-3 mm. in length, tan or gray, broadly oblongoid, and somewhat flattened; each seed has a heavily ridged outer margin and it is indented along one side with a point in the middle. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. This wildflower often spreads vegetatively by means of its rhizomes, forming colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry-mesic conditions, and sandy soil, although it readily adapts to other kinds of soil. On fertile ground, competition from taller plants is poorly tolerated.
Range & Habitat: The native Prairie Spiderwort is an uncommon plant that is found primarily in west-central Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is state-listed as 'threatened.' It is more common in areas further to the west. Habitats include upland sand prairies, hill prairies, barren areas along railroads, and roadside embankments. This wildflower can be found in both disturbed and high quality natural areas, especially where it is sandy.
Faunal Associations: The flowers offer only pollen as a reward to insect visitors. These floral visitors include honeybees, bumblebees, Halictid bees, and Syrphid flies. However, most Syrphid flies are too small to be effective at cross-pollination. The foliage, and sometimes the flowers, of Tradescantia spp. are eaten by such leaf beetles as Lema collaris, Lema longipennis, Oulema cornuta, and Oulema elongata. In sandy habitats, Spharagemon collare (Mottled Sand Grasshopper) also feeds on Prairie Spiderwort. The non-toxic foliage is readily eaten by rabbits and other mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Other common names of Tradescantia bracteata are Long-Bracted Spiderwort and Sticky Spiderwort. Prairie Spiderwort can be distinguished from other Tradescantia spp. in Illinois by its diminutive size (1½' tall or less) and the glandular hairs on its sepals and pedicels. The most similar species in Illinois is Virginia Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiensis). Virginia Spiderwort is slightly taller 1-2½' than Prairie Spiderwort, and the hairs on its sepals and pedicels are glandless. Another species in this genus, Ohio Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis), lacks hair on its sepals and pedicels, its foliage is more blue-gray, and it is significantly taller (2-3' tall).
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年02月24日
Description: This perennial plant is 3-7' tall, branching occasionally. The central stem is rather stout, green or reddish purple, and glaucous or slightly pubescent. The alternate leaves are ternately compound: A primary compound leaf divides into 3 secondary compound leaves, while each secondary compound leaf has 3 leaflets. Each leaflet is about ¾–2" long and half as much across. It is rounded at the base, and either unlobed or with 2-3 lobes toward the outer edge (usually a large middle lobe and 2 smaller side lobes). The margin of each leaflet turns downward slightly. The light green or white lower surface has a waxy appearance that is covered with glandular hairs. These hairs will glisten when they are exposed to sunlight. The lower surface of a leaflet also has a reticulated network of conspicuous veins. The foliage, when crushed in the hand, will produce a skunk-like smell.
Female Plant with Immature Fruits
Occasionally, the upper stems will produce panicles of flowers that are up to 2' long and about half as much across. Individual plants are usually unisexual, producing either male or female flowers. A male flower has 4-5 light green sepals that spread outward, while conspicuous white stamens with yellow or brown anthers occupy the center. Each male flower is about 1/3" long. The male flowers usually droop downward from slender pedicels, and together have an airy appearance that is rather pleasant. The female flowers are shaped like small green burs and have numerous short pistils. They are less attractive than the male flowers. The blooming period is from late spring to early summer, and lasts about 3 weeks. There is no floral scent. Pollination is by wind. The flowers are replaced by small achenes that are ribbed and pointed at both ends. The root system has rhizomes, which enables vegetative colonies to form. This plant gradually dies down during the summer, but forms new vegetation at the base during the fall.
Cultivation: The preference is moist to slight dry conditions, and partial to full sun. This plant usually grows in fairly typical garden soil, such as a rich loam or clay loam. The height of a plant can vary considerably depending on fertility of the soil, moisture conditions, and maturity. Vegetative growth is very rapid during the spring. This species of Meadow Rue appears to tolerate full sun and droughty conditions better than most.
Range & Habitat: Waxy Meadow Rue is widely distributed in Illinois, where it is native. This plant occurs occasionally in central and northern Illinois, but it is less common or absent in southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic black soil prairies, thickets and woodland borders, savannas, and areas along railroads and roadsides, especially where remnant prairies occur.
Faunal Associations: Because the flowers are wind-pollinated, few insects visit the flowers. Occasionally bees gather pollen from the anthers of the male flowers, while various kinds of beetles eat the pollen. Because the foliage has a foul scent, it probably is not a preferred food source for mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the Red Bison Railroad Prairie in Savoy, Illinois. The plants were growing in full sunlight under mesic conditions.
Comments: This plant is reasonably attractive while in bloom, but this doesn't last very long. The various Thalictrum spp. have very similar flowers, but can be distinguished by their foliage. Waxy Meadow Rue has glandular hairs on the undersides of the leaflets (which glisten in the sunlight), and the foliage has a foul scent when it is crushed. Another species, Thalictrum dasycarpum (Purple Meadow Rue), has a very similar appearance, but the hairs on the undersides of the leaflets (if present) are non-glandular, while the foliage has little scent. Either of these plants can occur in prairies. Another species that is fairly common in Illinois, Thalictrum dioicum (Early Meadow Rue), is a shorter plant that blooms earlier and occurs in woodlands. However, the terminal leaflets of this species have 5 lobes toward the outer margin, while the terminal leaflets of Waxy and Purple Meadow Rue have only 3 lobes.
Female Plant with Immature Fruits
Occasionally, the upper stems will produce panicles of flowers that are up to 2' long and about half as much across. Individual plants are usually unisexual, producing either male or female flowers. A male flower has 4-5 light green sepals that spread outward, while conspicuous white stamens with yellow or brown anthers occupy the center. Each male flower is about 1/3" long. The male flowers usually droop downward from slender pedicels, and together have an airy appearance that is rather pleasant. The female flowers are shaped like small green burs and have numerous short pistils. They are less attractive than the male flowers. The blooming period is from late spring to early summer, and lasts about 3 weeks. There is no floral scent. Pollination is by wind. The flowers are replaced by small achenes that are ribbed and pointed at both ends. The root system has rhizomes, which enables vegetative colonies to form. This plant gradually dies down during the summer, but forms new vegetation at the base during the fall.
Cultivation: The preference is moist to slight dry conditions, and partial to full sun. This plant usually grows in fairly typical garden soil, such as a rich loam or clay loam. The height of a plant can vary considerably depending on fertility of the soil, moisture conditions, and maturity. Vegetative growth is very rapid during the spring. This species of Meadow Rue appears to tolerate full sun and droughty conditions better than most.
Range & Habitat: Waxy Meadow Rue is widely distributed in Illinois, where it is native. This plant occurs occasionally in central and northern Illinois, but it is less common or absent in southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic black soil prairies, thickets and woodland borders, savannas, and areas along railroads and roadsides, especially where remnant prairies occur.
Faunal Associations: Because the flowers are wind-pollinated, few insects visit the flowers. Occasionally bees gather pollen from the anthers of the male flowers, while various kinds of beetles eat the pollen. Because the foliage has a foul scent, it probably is not a preferred food source for mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the Red Bison Railroad Prairie in Savoy, Illinois. The plants were growing in full sunlight under mesic conditions.
Comments: This plant is reasonably attractive while in bloom, but this doesn't last very long. The various Thalictrum spp. have very similar flowers, but can be distinguished by their foliage. Waxy Meadow Rue has glandular hairs on the undersides of the leaflets (which glisten in the sunlight), and the foliage has a foul scent when it is crushed. Another species, Thalictrum dasycarpum (Purple Meadow Rue), has a very similar appearance, but the hairs on the undersides of the leaflets (if present) are non-glandular, while the foliage has little scent. Either of these plants can occur in prairies. Another species that is fairly common in Illinois, Thalictrum dioicum (Early Meadow Rue), is a shorter plant that blooms earlier and occurs in woodlands. However, the terminal leaflets of this species have 5 lobes toward the outer margin, while the terminal leaflets of Waxy and Purple Meadow Rue have only 3 lobes.
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Miss Chen
2018年02月24日
Description: This perennial wildflower is 1-2' tall, sending up one or more stems from the base that are unbranched or sparingly branched. The stems are light green, terete, and hairy. Alternate compound leaves are widely spreading; they are odd-pinnate with 9-25 leaflets. Individual leaflets are up to 1" long and ¼" across; they are medium green to grayish green, oblong to narrowly elliptic in shape, and smooth along their margins. Upper surfaces of the leaflets are hairless to silky-hairy, while their lower surfaces are pubescent to silky-hairy. Each leaflet has a prominent central vein. The central stalk (rachis) and petiole of each compound leaf is pubescent. At the base of each petiole, there is a pair of small stipules about ¼" long. The stems terminate in short dense racemes about 2-3" long that are covered in buds and bicolored flowers facing all directions. The racemes are held a little above the foliage on short peduncles. Individual flowers are ¾" long and across, consisting of 5 petals, a short tubular calyx with 5 teeth, 10 stamens, and a pistil. Each flower has a typical pea-like floral structure, consisting of an upright banner and a pair of lateral wings that project forward to enclose the keel. The broad banner is white to pale greenish yellow, while the wings are deep rosy pink. The pedicels of the flowers and their calyces are light green and pubescent. The blooming period occurs from early to mid-summer and lasts about 3 weeks. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by widely spreading seedpods about 1½-3" long. These seedpods are initially light green, but later turn brown; they are silky-hairy. The seedpods are narrowly cylindrical and slightly flattened in shape; each pod contains several seeds that are reniform and somewhat flattened. The root system consists of a deep taproot.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, mesic to dry conditions, and an acidic sandy soil. Goat's Rue adds nitrogen to the soil.
Range & Habitat: The native Goat's Rue is occasional in all areas of Illinois, except the east-central section, where it is absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland sand prairies, sandy hill prairies, sand dunes, upland sandy savannas, upland rocky savannas, and sandstone glades. In more wooded areas, Goat's Rue typically occurs where oaks are the dominant trees.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp., Hoplitis spp.) and possibly other long-tongued bees. The caterpillars of the skipper, Thorybes bathyllus (Southern Cloudywing), feed on the foliage of Goat's Rue and other species in the Bean family. Other insect feeders include caterpillars of the moth Semiothisa eremiata (Three-lined Angle), seed-eating larvae of two straight-snouted weevils (Apion segnipes, Apion perforicolle), the plant bug Teleorhinus tephrosicola, the blister beetle Epicauta murina, and several leaf beetles (Bassareus lituratus, Odontota horni, Odontota notata, Pachybrachis othonus, Phyllecthris gentilis). Among vertebrate animals, the seeds are eaten by the Wild Turkey, while cattle have been observed to browse on the foliage. The roots contain rotenone, which is toxic to insects and fish.
Photographic Location: The photograph of the flowering plant was taken by Keith & Patty Horn (Copyright © 2009) at a prairie in Fayette County, Illinois. The photograph of the plants with mature seedpods was taken by John Hilty at Hooper Branch Savanna Nature Preserve in Iroquois County, Illinois.
Comments: Because of its attractive bicolored flowers and widely spreading seedpods, Goat's Rue is fairly easy to identify. If only the foliage is present, then it is possible to confuse this wildflower with Amorpha canescens (Leadplant), Dalea foliosa (Leafy Prairie Clover), and possibly other species in the Bean family. These latter two species have very short seedpods and their flowers are much smaller in size than those of Goat's Rue. Across different populations of Goat's Rue, there is considerable variation in the hairiness of the foliage. Western populations that are found in sunny habitats often have leaflets that are densely covered with silky hairs, while eastern populations that occur in more shaded habitats have leaflets that are less conspicuously hairy.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, mesic to dry conditions, and an acidic sandy soil. Goat's Rue adds nitrogen to the soil.
Range & Habitat: The native Goat's Rue is occasional in all areas of Illinois, except the east-central section, where it is absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland sand prairies, sandy hill prairies, sand dunes, upland sandy savannas, upland rocky savannas, and sandstone glades. In more wooded areas, Goat's Rue typically occurs where oaks are the dominant trees.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp., Hoplitis spp.) and possibly other long-tongued bees. The caterpillars of the skipper, Thorybes bathyllus (Southern Cloudywing), feed on the foliage of Goat's Rue and other species in the Bean family. Other insect feeders include caterpillars of the moth Semiothisa eremiata (Three-lined Angle), seed-eating larvae of two straight-snouted weevils (Apion segnipes, Apion perforicolle), the plant bug Teleorhinus tephrosicola, the blister beetle Epicauta murina, and several leaf beetles (Bassareus lituratus, Odontota horni, Odontota notata, Pachybrachis othonus, Phyllecthris gentilis). Among vertebrate animals, the seeds are eaten by the Wild Turkey, while cattle have been observed to browse on the foliage. The roots contain rotenone, which is toxic to insects and fish.
Photographic Location: The photograph of the flowering plant was taken by Keith & Patty Horn (Copyright © 2009) at a prairie in Fayette County, Illinois. The photograph of the plants with mature seedpods was taken by John Hilty at Hooper Branch Savanna Nature Preserve in Iroquois County, Illinois.
Comments: Because of its attractive bicolored flowers and widely spreading seedpods, Goat's Rue is fairly easy to identify. If only the foliage is present, then it is possible to confuse this wildflower with Amorpha canescens (Leadplant), Dalea foliosa (Leafy Prairie Clover), and possibly other species in the Bean family. These latter two species have very short seedpods and their flowers are much smaller in size than those of Goat's Rue. Across different populations of Goat's Rue, there is considerable variation in the hairiness of the foliage. Western populations that are found in sunny habitats often have leaflets that are densely covered with silky hairs, while eastern populations that occur in more shaded habitats have leaflets that are less conspicuously hairy.
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Miss Chen
2018年02月24日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is ½–2' tall, producing one or more leafy stems that are erect, ascending, or sprawling. The wiry stems branch sparingly, and they are often curved, arching, or crooked. Young stems are whitish green to silver-colored and terete; they are moderately to densely covered with fine pubescence. Older stems are brown or purple and sparsely to moderately covered with fine pubescence. Alternate leaves occur along the entire length of each stem, becoming slightly smaller in size as they ascend. The leaves are ½–1¼" long and about 4-8 mm. across; they are oblong to elliptic in shape and entire (smooth) along their margins. The bases of leaves are sessile or clasp their stems slightly, while the tips of leaves are short-acute. Both the upper and lower surfaces of leaves are whitish green to silver-colored; they are moderately to densely covered with appressed fine pubescence. The upper stems terminate in one or more flowerheads. On a robust plant, this inflorescence resembles a little-branched open panicle up to ¾' long that has 6-18 flowerheads, otherwise the inflorescence consists of 1-2 short branches with 1-3 flowerheads at their tips or slightly below.
The wiry branches of the inflorescence are terete, whitish green to silver-colored, and moderately to densely covered with fine pubescence. Along the branches of larger inflorescences, there are leafy bracts that resemble the alternate leaves. The daisy-like flowerheads are about 1¼" across, consisting of 10-22 ray florets that surround numerous disk florets. The petaloid rays of the flowerheads are linear-oblong in shape, widely spreading, and lavender, deep lavender, or various shades of purple. The tiny corollas of the disk florets are tubular in shape with 5 lanceolate lobes along their upper rims; these lobes are erect to ascending. During the period of bloom, the corollas of the disk florets are white to pale pinkish purple; their anther tubes are yellow and their stigmas are lavender to purple. The blooming period occurs from late summer into autumn, lasting about 1 month for a colony of plants. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by achenes. These achenes are 2-3 mm. long and bullet-shaped with small tufts of hair at their apices; they are dispersed by the wind. The root system is fibrous and occasionally rhizomatous; older plants form short caudices. Occasionally, clonal offsets are produced from rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions. Almost any kind of soil is satisfactory if the site is well-drained, but this plant typically grows in poor soil that is rocky or sandy. A high pH is tolerated. Overall, this plant develops more slowly than most perennial asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) and it is a bit more difficult to grow. It doesn't tolerate much competition from taller ground vegetation. While the drought tolerance of mature plants is good, some of the lower leaves will wither away and fall from the stems.
Range & Habitat: The native Silky Aster occurs primarily in the northern tier of counties and in many counties along the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers (see Distribution Map). It is an uncommon plant that appears to be declining in abundance as a result of habitat destruction. These habitats include upland dolomite prairies, gravel prairies, sand prairies, hill prairies, stabilized sand dunes, upland sandy savannas, limestone glades, and prairie remnants along railroads. This is an indicator plant of high quality habitats in dry open areas.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract bumblebees, leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), green metallic bees (Agapostemon spp.), Syrphid flies, and small- to medium-sized butterflies, including the endangered Karner Blue (Lycaeides melissa samuelis); see Reed (1993) and Swengel & Swengel (2000). Syrphid flies are probably non-pollinating. A plant bug, Psallus astericola, feeds on Silky Aster (Knight, 1941). Other insects that feed of the foliage and other parts of asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) include leaf beetles, the larvae of leaf-mining flies, the larvae of gall flies, other plant bugs, aphids, the larvae of moths, the larvae of butterflies, and grasshoppers. Among mammals, the young foliage of these plants are browsed occasionally by rabbits, deer, groundhogs, cattle, horses, and sheep. However, Silky Aster may be an exception to this rule, as it was found to increase in abundance as a result of grazing (Brudvig et al., 2007). Among birds, the Wild Turkey also browses on the foliage of asters; this upland gamebird and the Tree Sparrow also eat their seeds (Martin et al., 1951/1961).
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is a truly beautiful little plant with attractive foliage and flowerheads. It's an excellent candidate as a wildflower in a sunny rock garden. In Illinois, Silky Aster (Symphyotrichum sericeum) can be distinguished from all other asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) within the state by its exceptional foliage, which has a silvery or silky appearance because of the numerous fine hairs covering its stems and leaves. It also has larger flowerheads (often exceeding 1" across) than most native or naturalized species of asters within the state. A scientific synonym of this plant is Aster sericeus.
The wiry branches of the inflorescence are terete, whitish green to silver-colored, and moderately to densely covered with fine pubescence. Along the branches of larger inflorescences, there are leafy bracts that resemble the alternate leaves. The daisy-like flowerheads are about 1¼" across, consisting of 10-22 ray florets that surround numerous disk florets. The petaloid rays of the flowerheads are linear-oblong in shape, widely spreading, and lavender, deep lavender, or various shades of purple. The tiny corollas of the disk florets are tubular in shape with 5 lanceolate lobes along their upper rims; these lobes are erect to ascending. During the period of bloom, the corollas of the disk florets are white to pale pinkish purple; their anther tubes are yellow and their stigmas are lavender to purple. The blooming period occurs from late summer into autumn, lasting about 1 month for a colony of plants. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by achenes. These achenes are 2-3 mm. long and bullet-shaped with small tufts of hair at their apices; they are dispersed by the wind. The root system is fibrous and occasionally rhizomatous; older plants form short caudices. Occasionally, clonal offsets are produced from rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions. Almost any kind of soil is satisfactory if the site is well-drained, but this plant typically grows in poor soil that is rocky or sandy. A high pH is tolerated. Overall, this plant develops more slowly than most perennial asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) and it is a bit more difficult to grow. It doesn't tolerate much competition from taller ground vegetation. While the drought tolerance of mature plants is good, some of the lower leaves will wither away and fall from the stems.
Range & Habitat: The native Silky Aster occurs primarily in the northern tier of counties and in many counties along the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers (see Distribution Map). It is an uncommon plant that appears to be declining in abundance as a result of habitat destruction. These habitats include upland dolomite prairies, gravel prairies, sand prairies, hill prairies, stabilized sand dunes, upland sandy savannas, limestone glades, and prairie remnants along railroads. This is an indicator plant of high quality habitats in dry open areas.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract bumblebees, leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), green metallic bees (Agapostemon spp.), Syrphid flies, and small- to medium-sized butterflies, including the endangered Karner Blue (Lycaeides melissa samuelis); see Reed (1993) and Swengel & Swengel (2000). Syrphid flies are probably non-pollinating. A plant bug, Psallus astericola, feeds on Silky Aster (Knight, 1941). Other insects that feed of the foliage and other parts of asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) include leaf beetles, the larvae of leaf-mining flies, the larvae of gall flies, other plant bugs, aphids, the larvae of moths, the larvae of butterflies, and grasshoppers. Among mammals, the young foliage of these plants are browsed occasionally by rabbits, deer, groundhogs, cattle, horses, and sheep. However, Silky Aster may be an exception to this rule, as it was found to increase in abundance as a result of grazing (Brudvig et al., 2007). Among birds, the Wild Turkey also browses on the foliage of asters; this upland gamebird and the Tree Sparrow also eat their seeds (Martin et al., 1951/1961).
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is a truly beautiful little plant with attractive foliage and flowerheads. It's an excellent candidate as a wildflower in a sunny rock garden. In Illinois, Silky Aster (Symphyotrichum sericeum) can be distinguished from all other asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) within the state by its exceptional foliage, which has a silvery or silky appearance because of the numerous fine hairs covering its stems and leaves. It also has larger flowerheads (often exceeding 1" across) than most native or naturalized species of asters within the state. A scientific synonym of this plant is Aster sericeus.
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Miss Chen
2018年02月23日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 1½–3' tall and largely unbranched, except near the inflorescence. The central stem is light green, terete, and glabrous to sparsely short-hairy. Alternate leaves occur along the central stem, becoming shorter and more narrow as they ascend. The lower leaves are up to 3" long and 1½" across; they are narrowly oval to ovate in shape and smooth along their margins. The middle leaves are up to 2½" long and ¾" across; they are narrowly lanceolate to lanceolate in shape and smooth along their margins. The upper leaves are up to 1¼" long and ¼" across; they are linear-oblong in shape and smooth along their margins. The upper leaf surfaces are medium to dark green and glabrous or nearly so, while their lower surfaces are light green and glabrous to short-hairy along the major veins. The petioles of these leaves are up to 2" long, becoming shorter as they ascend the stem – however the upper leaves are sessile. The petioles are light green, concave above and convex below, and glabrous to slightly hairy. In addition to the deciduous alternate leaves, this plant also produces a loose tuft of semi-evergreen basal leaves. These basal leaves are similar in appearance to the lower alternate leaves, except they are more broad (oval to oval-cordate in shape) and their margins are sometimes crenate-serrate. The petioles of basal leaves are up to 3" long. The central stem terminates in a panicle of flowerheads that is ½–1½' long and about one-half as much across. When a plant is in bloom, it often leans to one side because of the weight of the inflorescence.
Several Flowerheads
The panicle has a rachis (central stalk) and several ascending primary branches; these branches divide into secondary and tertiary branches that terminate in daisy-like flowerheads. The rachis and branches are light green and glabrous to sparsely short-hairy; scale-like to linear leafy bracts up to ¾" long occur at intervals along these branches. Each flowerhead is about ½" across or slightly larger, consisting of 10-25 ray florets that surround numerous disk florets. The petaloid rays are lavender or light blue (rarely white), linear-oblong in shape, slightly notched at their tips, and widely spreading. The tiny corollas of the disk florets are tubular in shape with 5 ascending to spreading lobes along their upper rims; these corollas are initially yellow, but they later become purplish red and finally brown. Surrounding the base of each flowerhead, there are scale-like bracts (phyllaries) that are arranged in 3-5 series that are appressed together or slightly spreading. These floral bracts are about 2 mm. long, lanceolate in shape, and mostly light green, except toward their tips, where there are dark green patches that are diamond-shaped. The blooming period occurs from late summer into autumn, lasting about 1 month for a colony of plants. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by small bullet-shaped achenes (about 2 mm. in length) that have small tufts of hair at their apices. These achenes are distributed by the wind. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous; older plants may develop a short caudex.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun and mesic to dry conditions. This plant is rather indifferent to soil characteristics – it can flourish in soil that is loamy, sandy, rocky, or contains clay. This plant is easy to grow and drought resistant; the lower leaves are occasionally marred by powdery mildew and other foliar diseases.
Range & Habitat: The native Sky Blue Aster occurs occasionally in the northern and western halves of Illinois, but it is uncommon or absent elsewhere (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to dry prairies, sand prairies, hill prairies, rocky upland woodlands, upland savannas, upland sandy savannas, woodland borders, sandy meadows, limestone glades, and roadside embankments. This plant is usually found in higher quality natural areas where the original ground flora is still intact. Occasional wildfires or other disturbance that reduce competition from woody vegetation is beneficial in maintaining populations of this plant.
Faunal Associations: For Sky Blue Aster, the nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract bumblebees, digger bees (Melissodes spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees (Agapostemon spp., Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp.), Andrenid bees, Syrphid flies, bee flies (Bombyliidae), butterflies, skippers, miscellaneous beetles, and other insects (Reed, 1993). Bees that are specialist pollinators (oligoleges) of asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) and closely related composites include Andrena asteris, Andrena nubecula, Andrena simplex, Colletes simulans armatus, and Melissodes dentiventris. Other insects feed destructively on the leaves, flowerheads, and other parts of asters. These species include larvae of the Aster Leafminer Fly (Calycomyza humeralis), larvae of the Papery Blister Gall Midge (Asteromyia laeviana), larvae of fruit flies, plant bugs, the Goldenrod Lace Bug (Corythucha marmorata), aphids (especially Uroleucon spp.), the Aster Leafhopper (Macrosteles fascifrons), Blatchley's Walkingstick (Manomera blatchleyi), and grasshoppers (see the Insect Table for a listing of these and other species). In addition, larvae of the butterflies Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis) and Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos) feed on asters, as do larvae of the Aster Borer Moth (Carmenta corni), The Asteroid (Cucullia asteroides), and many other moths (see Moth Table). Among birds, the Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey browse on the leaves and seeds of asters; the Tree Sparrow also eats the seeds during the winter. Among mammals, the Cottontail Rabbit and White-Tailed Deer browse on the foliage, while the White-footed Mouse eats the seeds (Martin et al., 1951/1961). Groundhogs, cattle, horses, and other livestock also browse on the foliage, especially when it is young and tender.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: For the size of the plant, the inflorescence of Sky Blue Aster (Symphyotrichum oolentangiense) is rather large and showy. This species of aster closely resembles Short's Aster (Symphyotrichum shortii), even though the latter species is a woodland aster. However, the upper leaves of Short's Aster are often narrowly cordate, rather than narrowly lanceolate or linear, and its flowerheads are slightly larger in size. Another similar species, Smooth Blue Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve), has alternate leaves that are all sessile, while Sky Blue Aster has lower to middle leaves with petioles. Other asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) have hairier foliage, or their leaves are narrow throughout, or they have more cordate leaves, or their alternate leaves have toothed margins. Older scientific names for Sky Blue Aster include Aster azureus and Aster oolentangiensis, while another common name for this species is Azure Aster.
Several Flowerheads
The panicle has a rachis (central stalk) and several ascending primary branches; these branches divide into secondary and tertiary branches that terminate in daisy-like flowerheads. The rachis and branches are light green and glabrous to sparsely short-hairy; scale-like to linear leafy bracts up to ¾" long occur at intervals along these branches. Each flowerhead is about ½" across or slightly larger, consisting of 10-25 ray florets that surround numerous disk florets. The petaloid rays are lavender or light blue (rarely white), linear-oblong in shape, slightly notched at their tips, and widely spreading. The tiny corollas of the disk florets are tubular in shape with 5 ascending to spreading lobes along their upper rims; these corollas are initially yellow, but they later become purplish red and finally brown. Surrounding the base of each flowerhead, there are scale-like bracts (phyllaries) that are arranged in 3-5 series that are appressed together or slightly spreading. These floral bracts are about 2 mm. long, lanceolate in shape, and mostly light green, except toward their tips, where there are dark green patches that are diamond-shaped. The blooming period occurs from late summer into autumn, lasting about 1 month for a colony of plants. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by small bullet-shaped achenes (about 2 mm. in length) that have small tufts of hair at their apices. These achenes are distributed by the wind. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous; older plants may develop a short caudex.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun and mesic to dry conditions. This plant is rather indifferent to soil characteristics – it can flourish in soil that is loamy, sandy, rocky, or contains clay. This plant is easy to grow and drought resistant; the lower leaves are occasionally marred by powdery mildew and other foliar diseases.
Range & Habitat: The native Sky Blue Aster occurs occasionally in the northern and western halves of Illinois, but it is uncommon or absent elsewhere (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to dry prairies, sand prairies, hill prairies, rocky upland woodlands, upland savannas, upland sandy savannas, woodland borders, sandy meadows, limestone glades, and roadside embankments. This plant is usually found in higher quality natural areas where the original ground flora is still intact. Occasional wildfires or other disturbance that reduce competition from woody vegetation is beneficial in maintaining populations of this plant.
Faunal Associations: For Sky Blue Aster, the nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract bumblebees, digger bees (Melissodes spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees (Agapostemon spp., Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp.), Andrenid bees, Syrphid flies, bee flies (Bombyliidae), butterflies, skippers, miscellaneous beetles, and other insects (Reed, 1993). Bees that are specialist pollinators (oligoleges) of asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) and closely related composites include Andrena asteris, Andrena nubecula, Andrena simplex, Colletes simulans armatus, and Melissodes dentiventris. Other insects feed destructively on the leaves, flowerheads, and other parts of asters. These species include larvae of the Aster Leafminer Fly (Calycomyza humeralis), larvae of the Papery Blister Gall Midge (Asteromyia laeviana), larvae of fruit flies, plant bugs, the Goldenrod Lace Bug (Corythucha marmorata), aphids (especially Uroleucon spp.), the Aster Leafhopper (Macrosteles fascifrons), Blatchley's Walkingstick (Manomera blatchleyi), and grasshoppers (see the Insect Table for a listing of these and other species). In addition, larvae of the butterflies Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis) and Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos) feed on asters, as do larvae of the Aster Borer Moth (Carmenta corni), The Asteroid (Cucullia asteroides), and many other moths (see Moth Table). Among birds, the Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey browse on the leaves and seeds of asters; the Tree Sparrow also eats the seeds during the winter. Among mammals, the Cottontail Rabbit and White-Tailed Deer browse on the foliage, while the White-footed Mouse eats the seeds (Martin et al., 1951/1961). Groundhogs, cattle, horses, and other livestock also browse on the foliage, especially when it is young and tender.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: For the size of the plant, the inflorescence of Sky Blue Aster (Symphyotrichum oolentangiense) is rather large and showy. This species of aster closely resembles Short's Aster (Symphyotrichum shortii), even though the latter species is a woodland aster. However, the upper leaves of Short's Aster are often narrowly cordate, rather than narrowly lanceolate or linear, and its flowerheads are slightly larger in size. Another similar species, Smooth Blue Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve), has alternate leaves that are all sessile, while Sky Blue Aster has lower to middle leaves with petioles. Other asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) have hairier foliage, or their leaves are narrow throughout, or they have more cordate leaves, or their alternate leaves have toothed margins. Older scientific names for Sky Blue Aster include Aster azureus and Aster oolentangiensis, while another common name for this species is Azure Aster.
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Miss Chen
2018年02月23日
Description: This perennial herbaceous plant is 1–3½' tall, branching occasionally. The central stem and lateral stems are light green to dull red, terete, and sometimes shallowly grooved; they usually have vertical lines of white hairs. Older lower stems sometimes become brownish, woody-looking, and glabrous. Alternate leaves occur along the entire length of the stems, becoming gradually smaller in size as they ascend. These leaves are up to 5" long and ¾" across; they are narrowly lanceolate, elliptic, or elliptic-rhombic in shape, while their margins are entire (toothless) or sparingly serrated. Usually the lower to middle leaves have a few teeth along their middle to outer margins, while the upper leaves are entire. The leaves taper to acute tips, while their bases are wedge-shaped (cuneate); they are either sessile or taper gradually into short winged petioles. The upper leaf surface is medium to medium-dark green and glabrous, while the lower leaf surface is slightly more pale and usually glabrous (very young leaves may be sparsely short-pubescent below). A reticulated network of secondary veins is clearly visible on the lower side of each leaf, and sometimes it is also visible on the upper side. During cold autumn weather, sometimes the foliage becomes purple. The central stem terminates in a panicle of flowerheads up to 8" long and 4" across; smaller panicles of flowerheads are often produced from upper lateral stems and the axils of upper leaves.
Flowerheads, Leaves, & Leafy Bracts
The branches of these panicles are similar to the stems, except they tend to be more hairy and more grooved. Solitary leafy bracts up to 1½" long and 8 mm. across occur where these branches diverge, and they also occur at the bases of peduncles (basal stalks of the flowerheads). These peduncles are up to 1½" long. Each daisy-like flowerhead spans ½–¾" across, consisting of 20-40 ray florets that surround a dense head of numerous disk florets. The petaloid rays of a flowerhead are white and linear-oblong; when a flowerhead is fully open, they are widely spreading to somewhat declined. The corollas of disk florets 3-5 mm. long, tubular in shape, and 5-lobed along their rims; they are initially yellow, but later become orange-red. The lobes of the corollas are triangular in shape and ascending to widely spreading. The ray florets are fertile and pistillate, while the disk florets are fertile and perfect. Surrounding the base of each flowerhead, there are numerous phyllaries (scale-like floral bracts) in several series that are erect to ascending. The phyllaries are 2-4 mm. long, light to medium green, linear-oblong in shape, and glabrous. The blooming period occurs from late summer into autumn for 1-2 months. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by achenes with small tufts of white hair; they are dispersed by the wind. The achenes are about 1.5–2 mm. long, gray to dark gray, narrowly oblanceoloid in shape, slightly flattened, and finely pubescent. The root system is fibrous and long-rhizomatous. Clonal colonies of plants are often produced from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun and moist conditions. Favored locations are poorly drained areas that form pools of water temporarily, but later dry out. This plant can tolerate average levels of moisture and some drought, but it won't grow as large and its lower leaves may shrivel away. The soil can contain loam, clay, gravel, or even large rocks – this plant doesn't seem to care. Some foliar disease may occur, such as patches of rust or powdery mildew, but the foliage is usually in good shape during the blooming period of autumn. In damp open areas, this plant may spread aggressively by means of its rhizomes.
Range & Habitat: The native Panicled Aster occurs in most counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is common. Habitats include disturbed areas of moist prairies, prairie swales, openings and edges of floodplain woodlands, moist meadows along rivers, thickets, gravelly seeps, low areas along ponds and small lakes, edges of marshes, seasonal wetlands, roadside ditches, poorly drained gravelly areas of junkyards, fence rows, pastures, and abandoned fields. This plant often thrives in moist disturbed areas that are subjected to little or no mowing.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract many kinds of insects, including honeybees, bumblebees, leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees (including green metallic bees), Halictid cuckoo bees (Sphecodes spp.), oligolectic Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.), Crabonid wasps (Ectemnius spp. & others), bee wolves (Philanthus spp.), thread-waisted wasps (Ammophila spp.), paper wasps (Polistes spp.), Eumenine wasps, Ichneumonid wasps, Syrphid flies, bee flies (Bombyliidae), Tachinid flies, flesh flies (Helicobia spp. & others), bottle flies (Lucilia spp.), Muscid flies, butterflies (Vanessa spp. & others), skippers, and beetles. Other insects feed destructively on the leaves and other parts of the Panicled Aster (Aster lanceolatus). These species include the leaf beetles Microrhopala xerene, Ophraella pilosa, Paria thoracia, and Sumitrosis inaequalis; larvae of the leaf-mining flies Nemorimyza posticata, Ophiomyia texana, and Phytomyza albiceps; larvae of Asteromyia laeviana (Papery Blister-Gall Midge) and the gall fly Rhopalomyia asteriflorae; the aphid Uroleucon olivei; and caterpillars of a butterfly, Phyciodes tharos (Pearl Crescent); see Clark et al. (2004), Needham et al. (1928), Felt (1917), Blackman & Eastop (2013), and Opler & Krizek (1984). Other insects that feed on this aster and other asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) include the larvae of fruit flies, plant bugs, several aphids, grasshoppers, and the larvae of many moths. Vertebrate animals also use asters as a source of food. The Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey feed on the seeds and foliage of these plants, while the Tree Sparrow and White-footed Mouse feed on the seeds only. Mammalian herbivores also browse on the foliage of asters, including deer, rabbits, groundhogs, horses, cattle, and sheep. In particular, White-Tailed Deer are very fond of the foliage of Panicled Aster, browsing its leafy stems to within inches of the ground (Martin et al., 1951/1961; personal observations).
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a rock-filled ditch near Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Panicled Aster (Symphyotrichum lanceolatum) is rather showy when it is in bloom, even though it is often treated as an undesirable weed. This aster can be difficult to distinguish from other asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) that have small flowerheads with white petaloid rays. It has several characteristics that, when they are taken together, are useful in making a correct identification: 1) its flowerheads are usually ½" across or slightly more, 2) its flowerheads have at least 20 ray florets, 3) its leaves have wedged-shaped bases, rather than rounded or cordate (heart-shaped), 4) its mature leaves are hairless on both their upper and lower sides, 5) its stems usually have lines of fine white hairs, and 6) its panicles of flowerheads have conspicuous leafy bracts. Regarding nomenclature, alternative common names for this plant are 'Tall White Aster' and 'White Field Aster,' while older scientific names include Aster lanceolatus, Aster paniculatus and Aster simplex.
Flowerheads, Leaves, & Leafy Bracts
The branches of these panicles are similar to the stems, except they tend to be more hairy and more grooved. Solitary leafy bracts up to 1½" long and 8 mm. across occur where these branches diverge, and they also occur at the bases of peduncles (basal stalks of the flowerheads). These peduncles are up to 1½" long. Each daisy-like flowerhead spans ½–¾" across, consisting of 20-40 ray florets that surround a dense head of numerous disk florets. The petaloid rays of a flowerhead are white and linear-oblong; when a flowerhead is fully open, they are widely spreading to somewhat declined. The corollas of disk florets 3-5 mm. long, tubular in shape, and 5-lobed along their rims; they are initially yellow, but later become orange-red. The lobes of the corollas are triangular in shape and ascending to widely spreading. The ray florets are fertile and pistillate, while the disk florets are fertile and perfect. Surrounding the base of each flowerhead, there are numerous phyllaries (scale-like floral bracts) in several series that are erect to ascending. The phyllaries are 2-4 mm. long, light to medium green, linear-oblong in shape, and glabrous. The blooming period occurs from late summer into autumn for 1-2 months. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by achenes with small tufts of white hair; they are dispersed by the wind. The achenes are about 1.5–2 mm. long, gray to dark gray, narrowly oblanceoloid in shape, slightly flattened, and finely pubescent. The root system is fibrous and long-rhizomatous. Clonal colonies of plants are often produced from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun and moist conditions. Favored locations are poorly drained areas that form pools of water temporarily, but later dry out. This plant can tolerate average levels of moisture and some drought, but it won't grow as large and its lower leaves may shrivel away. The soil can contain loam, clay, gravel, or even large rocks – this plant doesn't seem to care. Some foliar disease may occur, such as patches of rust or powdery mildew, but the foliage is usually in good shape during the blooming period of autumn. In damp open areas, this plant may spread aggressively by means of its rhizomes.
Range & Habitat: The native Panicled Aster occurs in most counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is common. Habitats include disturbed areas of moist prairies, prairie swales, openings and edges of floodplain woodlands, moist meadows along rivers, thickets, gravelly seeps, low areas along ponds and small lakes, edges of marshes, seasonal wetlands, roadside ditches, poorly drained gravelly areas of junkyards, fence rows, pastures, and abandoned fields. This plant often thrives in moist disturbed areas that are subjected to little or no mowing.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract many kinds of insects, including honeybees, bumblebees, leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees (including green metallic bees), Halictid cuckoo bees (Sphecodes spp.), oligolectic Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.), Crabonid wasps (Ectemnius spp. & others), bee wolves (Philanthus spp.), thread-waisted wasps (Ammophila spp.), paper wasps (Polistes spp.), Eumenine wasps, Ichneumonid wasps, Syrphid flies, bee flies (Bombyliidae), Tachinid flies, flesh flies (Helicobia spp. & others), bottle flies (Lucilia spp.), Muscid flies, butterflies (Vanessa spp. & others), skippers, and beetles. Other insects feed destructively on the leaves and other parts of the Panicled Aster (Aster lanceolatus). These species include the leaf beetles Microrhopala xerene, Ophraella pilosa, Paria thoracia, and Sumitrosis inaequalis; larvae of the leaf-mining flies Nemorimyza posticata, Ophiomyia texana, and Phytomyza albiceps; larvae of Asteromyia laeviana (Papery Blister-Gall Midge) and the gall fly Rhopalomyia asteriflorae; the aphid Uroleucon olivei; and caterpillars of a butterfly, Phyciodes tharos (Pearl Crescent); see Clark et al. (2004), Needham et al. (1928), Felt (1917), Blackman & Eastop (2013), and Opler & Krizek (1984). Other insects that feed on this aster and other asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) include the larvae of fruit flies, plant bugs, several aphids, grasshoppers, and the larvae of many moths. Vertebrate animals also use asters as a source of food. The Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey feed on the seeds and foliage of these plants, while the Tree Sparrow and White-footed Mouse feed on the seeds only. Mammalian herbivores also browse on the foliage of asters, including deer, rabbits, groundhogs, horses, cattle, and sheep. In particular, White-Tailed Deer are very fond of the foliage of Panicled Aster, browsing its leafy stems to within inches of the ground (Martin et al., 1951/1961; personal observations).
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a rock-filled ditch near Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Panicled Aster (Symphyotrichum lanceolatum) is rather showy when it is in bloom, even though it is often treated as an undesirable weed. This aster can be difficult to distinguish from other asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) that have small flowerheads with white petaloid rays. It has several characteristics that, when they are taken together, are useful in making a correct identification: 1) its flowerheads are usually ½" across or slightly more, 2) its flowerheads have at least 20 ray florets, 3) its leaves have wedged-shaped bases, rather than rounded or cordate (heart-shaped), 4) its mature leaves are hairless on both their upper and lower sides, 5) its stems usually have lines of fine white hairs, and 6) its panicles of flowerheads have conspicuous leafy bracts. Regarding nomenclature, alternative common names for this plant are 'Tall White Aster' and 'White Field Aster,' while older scientific names include Aster lanceolatus, Aster paniculatus and Aster simplex.
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Miss Chen
2018年02月22日
Description: This perennial plant is 1½–3' tall and more or less erect. It is usually unbranched below, while branching occasionally above. The stems are light green or light blue, glabrous, and often glaucous; they are usually terete, although sometimes the stems are narrowly furrowed. Alternate leaves occur along the entire length of these stems, becoming gradually smaller in size as they ascend. These leaves are up to 6" long and 1¼" across, although they are typically about one-half of this size. The leaves are oblong-ovate, oblong-obovate, lanceolate, or ovate in shape, while their margins are either entire (toothless) or sparingly and bluntly toothed. Both lower and upper leaves clasp their stems. The upper leaf surface is medium green to grayish blue, glabrous, and sometimes glaucous, while the lower leaf surface is light green or light grayish blue, glabrous, and sometimes glaucous. A reticulated network of secondary veins is usually visible on the lower surface of each leaf.
The central stem terminates in a panicle of flowerheads about ½–1' long and about one-half as much across; smaller panicles of flowers often develop from lateral upper stems and the axils of upper leaves. Each flowerhead is ½–1" across, consisting of 15-30 ray florets that surround a dense head of numerous disk florets. The petaloid rays of the flowerheads are light lavender or light blue-violet (rarely white), widely spreading, and narrowly oblong in shape. The corollas of the disk florets are 3-6 mm. long, tubular in shape, and 5-lobed along their upper rims. During the blooming period, they change in color from whitish yellow to purplish red, eventually turning brown afterwards. The short-triangular lobes of these corollas are erect or ascending. Surrounding the base of each flowerhead, there are glabrous phyllaries (floral bracts) in several series that are erect or appressed together; they are linear-oblong in shape or sometimes wider. These phyllaries are mostly light green or light bluish green; they have either dark green markings at their tips or solitary vertical veins that are dark green.
The branches and peduncles of the panicle are light green or light grayish blue, terete, glabrous, and sometimes glaucous; solitary leafy bracts up to 2" long and ½" occur where the branches divide. The characteristics of these leafy bracts are similar to those of the leaves. The blooming period occurs from late summer to early autumn, lasting about 3-4 weeks for a colony of plants. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by achenes with small tufts of tawny (less often white) hair; they are distributed by the wind. Individual achenes are 2-3 mm. long, narrowly oblongoid-oblanceoloid in shape, slightly flattened, and variably colored (usually some shade of gray or brown with whitish fine ribs). The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous; older plants may develop small woody caudices. Occasionally, clonal offsets are produced from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, mesic conditions, and soil containing loam, clay-loam, sandy loam, or some rocky material. This plant usually remains erect while in bloom and it is able to tolerate hot dry weather if it is not too prolonged. The foliage is occasional marred by powdery mildew and other foliar diseases to some extent; good air circulation reduces this vulnerability. Smooth Blue Aster is easy to cultivate in gardens if taller and more aggressive plants are kept away from it.
Range & Habitat: The native Smooth Blue Aster occurs occasionally in most counties of Illinois, but it is uncommon or absent in western and SE Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic black soil prairies, hill prairies, savannas, rocky open woodlands, sandy woodlands, woodland edges, thickets, limestone glades, and roadside embankments. Smooth Blue Aster is usually found in higher quality natural areas where the original ground flora is intact. It is sometimes cultivated in gardens because of its attractive foliage and flowerheads.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract honeybees, bumblebees, cuckoo bees (Triepeolus spp., Coelioxys spp.), digger bees (Melissodes spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees (Agapostemon spp., Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp.), Andrenid bees (including the oligolectic bee, Andrena asteris), Sphecid wasps, Syrphid flies (Eristalis spp., Helophilus spp., Syrphus spp., Toxomerus spp.), Muscid flies, butterflies, and skippers (see Graenicher). Other insects feed destructively on the leaves, flowerheads, and other parts of Smooth Blue Aster. These species include a leaf beetle (Ophraella pilosa), larvae of a leaf-mining fly (Nemorimyza posticata), larvae of the Papery Blister Gall Midge (Asteromyia laeviana), the Short-winged Meadow Katydid (Conocephalus brevipennis), and caterpillars of a butterfly, the Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos); see Clark et al. (2004), Needham et al. (1928), Felt (1917), Gangwere (1961), and Opler & Krizek (1984). The Insect Table and Moth Table list additional insects that feed on this and other asters (Symphyotrichum spp.). Two upland gamebirds, the Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey, feed on both the leaves and seeds of asters. The Tree Sparrow and White-footed Mouse also eat the seeds. The young foliage of these plants is browsed occasionally by various mammalian herbivores, including deer, rabbits, groundhogs, horses, cattle, and sheep.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a restored prairie of Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois, and at a small restored prairie along a drainage ditch in the same city.
Comments: Smooth Blue Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve) has many attractive qualities – they include its adaptability, beautiful flowerheads, attractive foliage, and flowering stems that usually remain erect. It's surprising that this aster is not grown more often in flower gardens. Smooth Blue Aster can be distinguished from other asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) primarily by the lack of hairs on its smooth foliage and stems; its foliage often has grayish or bluish tints. Other asters tend to have leaves that are hairy or rough-textured, while others have stems with lines of hair. Another distinctive characteristic is the lack of petioles – the leaves of Smooth Blue Aster clasp their stems. A scientific synonym of this plant is Aster laevis.
The central stem terminates in a panicle of flowerheads about ½–1' long and about one-half as much across; smaller panicles of flowers often develop from lateral upper stems and the axils of upper leaves. Each flowerhead is ½–1" across, consisting of 15-30 ray florets that surround a dense head of numerous disk florets. The petaloid rays of the flowerheads are light lavender or light blue-violet (rarely white), widely spreading, and narrowly oblong in shape. The corollas of the disk florets are 3-6 mm. long, tubular in shape, and 5-lobed along their upper rims. During the blooming period, they change in color from whitish yellow to purplish red, eventually turning brown afterwards. The short-triangular lobes of these corollas are erect or ascending. Surrounding the base of each flowerhead, there are glabrous phyllaries (floral bracts) in several series that are erect or appressed together; they are linear-oblong in shape or sometimes wider. These phyllaries are mostly light green or light bluish green; they have either dark green markings at their tips or solitary vertical veins that are dark green.
The branches and peduncles of the panicle are light green or light grayish blue, terete, glabrous, and sometimes glaucous; solitary leafy bracts up to 2" long and ½" occur where the branches divide. The characteristics of these leafy bracts are similar to those of the leaves. The blooming period occurs from late summer to early autumn, lasting about 3-4 weeks for a colony of plants. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by achenes with small tufts of tawny (less often white) hair; they are distributed by the wind. Individual achenes are 2-3 mm. long, narrowly oblongoid-oblanceoloid in shape, slightly flattened, and variably colored (usually some shade of gray or brown with whitish fine ribs). The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous; older plants may develop small woody caudices. Occasionally, clonal offsets are produced from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, mesic conditions, and soil containing loam, clay-loam, sandy loam, or some rocky material. This plant usually remains erect while in bloom and it is able to tolerate hot dry weather if it is not too prolonged. The foliage is occasional marred by powdery mildew and other foliar diseases to some extent; good air circulation reduces this vulnerability. Smooth Blue Aster is easy to cultivate in gardens if taller and more aggressive plants are kept away from it.
Range & Habitat: The native Smooth Blue Aster occurs occasionally in most counties of Illinois, but it is uncommon or absent in western and SE Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic black soil prairies, hill prairies, savannas, rocky open woodlands, sandy woodlands, woodland edges, thickets, limestone glades, and roadside embankments. Smooth Blue Aster is usually found in higher quality natural areas where the original ground flora is intact. It is sometimes cultivated in gardens because of its attractive foliage and flowerheads.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract honeybees, bumblebees, cuckoo bees (Triepeolus spp., Coelioxys spp.), digger bees (Melissodes spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees (Agapostemon spp., Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp.), Andrenid bees (including the oligolectic bee, Andrena asteris), Sphecid wasps, Syrphid flies (Eristalis spp., Helophilus spp., Syrphus spp., Toxomerus spp.), Muscid flies, butterflies, and skippers (see Graenicher). Other insects feed destructively on the leaves, flowerheads, and other parts of Smooth Blue Aster. These species include a leaf beetle (Ophraella pilosa), larvae of a leaf-mining fly (Nemorimyza posticata), larvae of the Papery Blister Gall Midge (Asteromyia laeviana), the Short-winged Meadow Katydid (Conocephalus brevipennis), and caterpillars of a butterfly, the Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos); see Clark et al. (2004), Needham et al. (1928), Felt (1917), Gangwere (1961), and Opler & Krizek (1984). The Insect Table and Moth Table list additional insects that feed on this and other asters (Symphyotrichum spp.). Two upland gamebirds, the Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey, feed on both the leaves and seeds of asters. The Tree Sparrow and White-footed Mouse also eat the seeds. The young foliage of these plants is browsed occasionally by various mammalian herbivores, including deer, rabbits, groundhogs, horses, cattle, and sheep.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a restored prairie of Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois, and at a small restored prairie along a drainage ditch in the same city.
Comments: Smooth Blue Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve) has many attractive qualities – they include its adaptability, beautiful flowerheads, attractive foliage, and flowering stems that usually remain erect. It's surprising that this aster is not grown more often in flower gardens. Smooth Blue Aster can be distinguished from other asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) primarily by the lack of hairs on its smooth foliage and stems; its foliage often has grayish or bluish tints. Other asters tend to have leaves that are hairy or rough-textured, while others have stems with lines of hair. Another distinctive characteristic is the lack of petioles – the leaves of Smooth Blue Aster clasp their stems. A scientific synonym of this plant is Aster laevis.
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Miss Chen
2018年02月22日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is up to 2' tall, branching occasionally to create a bushy appearance. The hairy stems are green initially, but often become brown when the plant matures. The alternate leaves are up to 3" long and ¼" across toward the base of the plant, becoming less than 1" long and 1/8" (3 mm.) across near the flowering stems. They are linear in form and have smooth edges, often with a fine pubescence. The lower leaves usually shrivel and fall off by the time the compound flowers bloom during the fall. These flowers are very numerous and have a daisy-like appearance. Each compound flower is a little less than ½" across, and consists of numerous yellow disk florets, which are surrounded by about 12 white ray florets. There is no noticeable floral scent. There are numerous needle-like green bracts on the flowering stems, giving this plant a heath-like appearance. The little seeds have tufts of white hairs, and are distributed by the wind. The root system is rhizomatous.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and average to dry conditions. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, clay, or gravelly material; alkaline soil is tolerated. This plant withstands drought. It often spreads vegetatively to form colonies, especially in open disturbed areas.
Range & Habitat: The native Heath Aster is found in most counties of Illinois, but it is absent from some counties in the western and SE areas of the state (see Distribution Map). Overall, it is occasional to locally common. Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, gravel prairies, dolomite prairies, hill prairies, savannas, openings in dry rocky forests, limestone glades, areas along roadsides and railroads, and pastures. It can be found in both high quality habitats and disturbed areas.
Faunal Associations: A wide variety of insects are attracted to the flowers, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, moths, beetles, and plant bugs. Bee visitors include honeybees, bumblebees, cuckoo bees, little carpenter bees, leaf-cutting bees, Halictid bees, plasterer bees, and Andrenid bees. Wasp visitors include thread-waisted wasps, bee wolves, spider wasps, sand wasps, paper wasps, Ichneumonid wasps, and Braconid wasps. Among the flies, are such visitors as bee flies, Syrphid flies, thick-headed flies, Tachinid flies, Muscid flies, and others. Various insects suck juices from the plant, including aphids, lace bugs, and plant bugs. The caterpillars of the butterfly Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) feed on the foliage or flowers, as does the caterpillars of many moth species (see Moth Table). Wild Turkeys nibble on the seeds and foliage to a limited extent. Mammalian herbivores, including the White-Tailed Deer, Cottontail Rabbit, and various kinds of livestock, also feed on the tender growth of young plants occasionally, but are less likely to bother mature plants later in the year.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Loda Cemetery Prairie in Iroquois County, Illinois.
Comments: The Heath Aster has a wide distribution, and there is some variability in regards to its size and appearance across different locations. Sometimes it will hybridize with other species of asters, such as Symphyotrichum novae-angliae. The Heath Aster differs from other asters with small white flowerheads primarily by its short, narrow leaves (never more than 3" long and ¼" across). Also, its flowerheads tend to be smaller in size and they have fewer ray florets (about 12) than many other aster species. A scientific synonym of this plant is Aster ericoides.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and average to dry conditions. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, clay, or gravelly material; alkaline soil is tolerated. This plant withstands drought. It often spreads vegetatively to form colonies, especially in open disturbed areas.
Range & Habitat: The native Heath Aster is found in most counties of Illinois, but it is absent from some counties in the western and SE areas of the state (see Distribution Map). Overall, it is occasional to locally common. Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, gravel prairies, dolomite prairies, hill prairies, savannas, openings in dry rocky forests, limestone glades, areas along roadsides and railroads, and pastures. It can be found in both high quality habitats and disturbed areas.
Faunal Associations: A wide variety of insects are attracted to the flowers, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, moths, beetles, and plant bugs. Bee visitors include honeybees, bumblebees, cuckoo bees, little carpenter bees, leaf-cutting bees, Halictid bees, plasterer bees, and Andrenid bees. Wasp visitors include thread-waisted wasps, bee wolves, spider wasps, sand wasps, paper wasps, Ichneumonid wasps, and Braconid wasps. Among the flies, are such visitors as bee flies, Syrphid flies, thick-headed flies, Tachinid flies, Muscid flies, and others. Various insects suck juices from the plant, including aphids, lace bugs, and plant bugs. The caterpillars of the butterfly Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) feed on the foliage or flowers, as does the caterpillars of many moth species (see Moth Table). Wild Turkeys nibble on the seeds and foliage to a limited extent. Mammalian herbivores, including the White-Tailed Deer, Cottontail Rabbit, and various kinds of livestock, also feed on the tender growth of young plants occasionally, but are less likely to bother mature plants later in the year.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Loda Cemetery Prairie in Iroquois County, Illinois.
Comments: The Heath Aster has a wide distribution, and there is some variability in regards to its size and appearance across different locations. Sometimes it will hybridize with other species of asters, such as Symphyotrichum novae-angliae. The Heath Aster differs from other asters with small white flowerheads primarily by its short, narrow leaves (never more than 3" long and ¼" across). Also, its flowerheads tend to be smaller in size and they have fewer ray florets (about 12) than many other aster species. A scientific synonym of this plant is Aster ericoides.
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Miss Chen
2018年02月22日
Description: This perennial plant is about 1½-3' tall and either unbranched or sparingly so. The 4-angled central stem is light green to dark purple and covered with fine hairs on all sides. The opposite leaves are up to 4" long and 1¾" across. They are lanceolate-oblong to ovate-oblong in shape, finely serrated along their margins, and either sessile against the stem or with short petioles (less than 1/3" or 8 mm. in length). The upper leaf surface is medium to dark green and finely short-hairy, while the lower surface is light green and finely hairy, especially along the lower sides of major veins. The foliage has an unpleasant bitter smell. The central stem terminates in a spike of flowers about 4-8" long. This spike consists of about 4-12 whorls of flowers, each whorl having several flowers. Each flower is about ½" long, consisting of a short-tubular corolla with 2 lips, a short-tubular calyx with 5 narrow triangular teeth, and the inserted reproductive organs. The corolla is white to light pink with splotches of rosy pink. The upper lip of the corolla is undivided and hairy along its upper surface, while the lower lip is divided into 3 lobes (a central lobe and 2 smaller side lobes). The calyx is green to purplish green and finely hairy. The calyx is green or purplish green; its teeth extend to more than one-half of the length of the corolla tube (excluding the length of the lips). The central stalk of the floral spike is green to dark purple and covered with fine hairs on all sides. The blooming period occurs during the summer and lasts about 1-2 months. Sometimes the flowers have a mild fragrance.
After the blooming period, the flowers are replaced by open seed capsules; each capsule contains 4 small nutlets. The root system is rhizomatous and tuberous. Hairy Hedge Nettle often forms clonal colonies of varying size.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, moist conditions, and soil that is loamy or sandy. The foliage is rarely bothered by either disease or insects.
Range & Habitat: The native Hairy Hedge Nettle occurs primarily in central and northern Illinois, where it is occasional. In southern Illinois, it is either absent or uncommon (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist prairies, edges of marshes, moist meadows in wooded areas, borders of bottomland woodlands, soggy thickets, prairie swales, roadside ditches, edges of fields, and fence rows. Hairy Hedge Nettle can occur in either sandy or non-sandy habitats that are variable in their level of disturbance.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are visited by nectar-seeking bees primarily, including bumblebees, leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), digger bees (Melissodes spp.), little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), and Anthophorid bees (Anthophora spp.). Sometimes the flowers are visited by butterflies, skippers, and moths, but they are not very effective at cross-pollination. Small bees also visit the flowers to collect pollen. The seeds of Stachys spp. (Hedge Nettles) and other members of the Mint family are eaten by Sehirus cinctus (White-Margined Burrower Bug). Because the foliage is bitter and hairy, it is not favored as a food source by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: The photograph was taken in an overgrown moist area between an abandoned railroad and a roadside in Champaign County, Illinois.
Comments: This plant has an unsettled taxonomic history. At the present time, I prefer to use the scientific name Stachys palustris arenicola from the Field Guide to Indiana Wildflowers (2000) by Kay Yatskievych. Older authorities, such as A. G. Jones or Britton & Brown, called this species Stachys arenicola. In contrast, Mohlenbrock (1986, 2002) probably refers to this species as a variety of Stachys palustris or Stachys pilosa. Hairy Hedge Nettle can be distinguished from other Stachys spp. (Hedge Nettles) by the presence of fine hairs on all 4 sides of its central stem, the general hairiness of its leaves, the absence of petioles exceeding 1/3" (8 mm.) in length, the length of its toothed calyx in relation to the corolla tube (exceeding one-half of its length), and the shape of its calyx teeth. All of the Hedge Nettles differ from the similar Teucrium canadense (American Germander) by having flowers with well-defined upper lips.
After the blooming period, the flowers are replaced by open seed capsules; each capsule contains 4 small nutlets. The root system is rhizomatous and tuberous. Hairy Hedge Nettle often forms clonal colonies of varying size.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, moist conditions, and soil that is loamy or sandy. The foliage is rarely bothered by either disease or insects.
Range & Habitat: The native Hairy Hedge Nettle occurs primarily in central and northern Illinois, where it is occasional. In southern Illinois, it is either absent or uncommon (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist prairies, edges of marshes, moist meadows in wooded areas, borders of bottomland woodlands, soggy thickets, prairie swales, roadside ditches, edges of fields, and fence rows. Hairy Hedge Nettle can occur in either sandy or non-sandy habitats that are variable in their level of disturbance.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are visited by nectar-seeking bees primarily, including bumblebees, leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), digger bees (Melissodes spp.), little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), and Anthophorid bees (Anthophora spp.). Sometimes the flowers are visited by butterflies, skippers, and moths, but they are not very effective at cross-pollination. Small bees also visit the flowers to collect pollen. The seeds of Stachys spp. (Hedge Nettles) and other members of the Mint family are eaten by Sehirus cinctus (White-Margined Burrower Bug). Because the foliage is bitter and hairy, it is not favored as a food source by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: The photograph was taken in an overgrown moist area between an abandoned railroad and a roadside in Champaign County, Illinois.
Comments: This plant has an unsettled taxonomic history. At the present time, I prefer to use the scientific name Stachys palustris arenicola from the Field Guide to Indiana Wildflowers (2000) by Kay Yatskievych. Older authorities, such as A. G. Jones or Britton & Brown, called this species Stachys arenicola. In contrast, Mohlenbrock (1986, 2002) probably refers to this species as a variety of Stachys palustris or Stachys pilosa. Hairy Hedge Nettle can be distinguished from other Stachys spp. (Hedge Nettles) by the presence of fine hairs on all 4 sides of its central stem, the general hairiness of its leaves, the absence of petioles exceeding 1/3" (8 mm.) in length, the length of its toothed calyx in relation to the corolla tube (exceeding one-half of its length), and the shape of its calyx teeth. All of the Hedge Nettles differ from the similar Teucrium canadense (American Germander) by having flowers with well-defined upper lips.
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求助
Jessica Vaughn
2018年02月22日
please help! this drosanthemum floribundum is dying and I can't find anything online on how to help it. I don't iverwater it and it's drought proof! Please help it's got green growing ends but the rest is dry and hard!
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Miss Chen
2018年02月21日
Description: Initially, this herbaceous perennial plant forms a rosette of 4-7 basal leaves that are widely spreading to ascending. These basal leaves are medium green, glabrous, and usually elliptic in shape; they are longitudinally keeled below (and indented above), while their margins are entire (toothless). A mature plant bolts during the late spring orFlowering Spike early summer to develop an erect flowering stalk about ¾–2½' (20-75 cm.) tall. Below the rachis of the inflorescence, this stalk is medium green, terete, glabrous, and up to ¼" (5-6 mm.) in diameter. About 3-5 alternate leaves are located toward the base of the stalk; they are 2-10" (5-25 cm.) long and 4-12 mm. across. These lower leaves are grass-like in appearance, linear in shape, and entire along their margins; they sometimes wither away prior to the blooming period. The upper leaves along the stalk are reduced to little more than sheaths with lanceolate tips. Above the uppermost leaf, both the peduncle and rachis of the floral spike are medium green, terete, and short-pubescent with non-glandular hairs. About 10-40 flowers are arranged along the rachis in either an open or dense single spiral (latter sometimes appearing to be 2 spirals). Individual flowers are 6-10 mm. long, their 3 petals and petaloid upper sepal forming a white tube-like structure with an upper and lower lip. In addition, there are 2 petaloid lateral sepals that are white, linear in shape, and straight, rather than arching; they are also slightly declined and diverge laterally to some extent from the tube-like structure of the flower. The lower lip of the corolla has crisped margins, while the smaller upper lip is less crisped. The interior of the lower lip is pale yellow. There are also solitary bracts at the bases of the flowers. These bracts are up to ½" long (or slightly longer), ovate with tapered tips, light green, glabrous, and more or less erect, curving to the side of the flowers. The flowers are slightly ascending, widely spreading, or slightly descending, and their tubular structures are arch slightly downward. At the base of the lower lip within each flower, there is a pair of minute calli (protuberances) up to 1 mm. long that are narrowly lanceoloid and often slightly hooked. In Illinois, the blooming period occurs during mid- to late summer, lasting about 3-4 weeks for a colony of plants. However, this orchid can bloom earlier in the year in areas that lie south of the state. After the blooming period, the flowers are replaced by seed capsules about 8 mm. in length that are broadly ellipsoid in shape; they eventually release their minute seeds to the wind. The root system is shallow and spreading, consisting of several fibrous roots that are thick and fleshy. Occasionally, clonal offsets develop from the tips of these fleshy roots.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and soil containing silt-loam, sandy loam, or acidic rocky material. A little shade is also tolerated. Northern ecotypes of this orchid are winter hardy to at least Zone 5, although it is rarely, if ever, found in cultivation. Plants transplanted from the wild cannot be expected to survive and this should not be done.
Range & Habitat: Grass-leaved Ladies' Tresses is native to widely scattered areas in the southern half of Illinois, where it is rare and state-listed as 'endangered.' Illinois lies along the northern range limit of this species. Populations of this orchid in Illinois have been static or slowly declining; it is more common in SE United States. Habitats include rocky open woodlands, grassy meadows, upland prairies, abandoned fields, and roadsides (even lawns in SE United States). Even though this is considered a conservative species, Grass-leaved Ladies' Tresses is sometimes found in areas with a history of disturbance if it is not too severe.
Distribution Map
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated primarily by long-tongued bees, including honeybees (Catling, 1983). Occasionally, they are also visited by butterflies and skippers, although these latter insects are not regarded as effective pollinators. Nectar is the floral reward for these visitors. The foliage of Grass-leaved Ladies' Tresses and similar orchids is vulnerable to snails and slugs, especially during the early summer when the weather is wet. In addition, the adults of a weevil, Stethobaris ovata, have been observed to feed on the foliage (Raddoch & Raddoch, 2008). The foliage of this orchid is also vulnerable to White-tailed Deer and other mammalian herbivores, and thus the protection of a sufficiently tall fence may be required to prevent such predation.
Photographic Location: A prairie in Fayette County, Illinois. The photograph was taken by Keith & Patty Horn (Copyright © 2015). The photographed floral spike has a dense single spiral of flowers.
Comments: This orchid is sometimes called Spring Ladies' Tresses because it blooms during the spring in Florida and along the Gulf coast of SE United States. In Illinois, however, it blooms later during the summer. Grass-leaved Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes vernalis) has some key characteristics that are useful in distinguishing it from other similar species: 1) its lateral sepals are free to the base, straight but slightly declined, and spread laterally to some extent, 2) its flowers are relatively long, usually exceeding 6 mm. in length, 3) the interior of the lower lip of its flowers is pale yellow, rather than white, green, or bright yellow, 4) its flowers are arranged in a single spiral, although this spiral can vary from quite open to quite dense, 5) it is rather tall for species in its genus, and 6) it usually blooms earlier. The more common Nodding Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes cernua) differs by having its flowers arranged in twin spirals, the peduncle and rachis of its inflorescence have glandular pubescence, the tube-like structure of its flowers is more downward arching or nodding, and usually its lateral sepals are more elevated relative to this tube-like structure. Another species, Slender Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes lacera), differs by having basal leaves that are more broad in shape, smaller flowers (about 5 mm. in length), and the interior of the lower lip of its flowers is greenish. Yet another species, Great Plains Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes magnicamporum), differs by having its flowers arranged in a double spiral, the peduncle and rachis of its inflorescence are glandular pubescent, the lower lip of its flowers is pale yellow not only within its interior, but also along its exterior (usually), its lateral sepals are more elevated relative to the rest of the flower and they often arch upward, its flowers are more fragrant, and they bloom later (during the autumn).
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and soil containing silt-loam, sandy loam, or acidic rocky material. A little shade is also tolerated. Northern ecotypes of this orchid are winter hardy to at least Zone 5, although it is rarely, if ever, found in cultivation. Plants transplanted from the wild cannot be expected to survive and this should not be done.
Range & Habitat: Grass-leaved Ladies' Tresses is native to widely scattered areas in the southern half of Illinois, where it is rare and state-listed as 'endangered.' Illinois lies along the northern range limit of this species. Populations of this orchid in Illinois have been static or slowly declining; it is more common in SE United States. Habitats include rocky open woodlands, grassy meadows, upland prairies, abandoned fields, and roadsides (even lawns in SE United States). Even though this is considered a conservative species, Grass-leaved Ladies' Tresses is sometimes found in areas with a history of disturbance if it is not too severe.
Distribution Map
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated primarily by long-tongued bees, including honeybees (Catling, 1983). Occasionally, they are also visited by butterflies and skippers, although these latter insects are not regarded as effective pollinators. Nectar is the floral reward for these visitors. The foliage of Grass-leaved Ladies' Tresses and similar orchids is vulnerable to snails and slugs, especially during the early summer when the weather is wet. In addition, the adults of a weevil, Stethobaris ovata, have been observed to feed on the foliage (Raddoch & Raddoch, 2008). The foliage of this orchid is also vulnerable to White-tailed Deer and other mammalian herbivores, and thus the protection of a sufficiently tall fence may be required to prevent such predation.
Photographic Location: A prairie in Fayette County, Illinois. The photograph was taken by Keith & Patty Horn (Copyright © 2015). The photographed floral spike has a dense single spiral of flowers.
Comments: This orchid is sometimes called Spring Ladies' Tresses because it blooms during the spring in Florida and along the Gulf coast of SE United States. In Illinois, however, it blooms later during the summer. Grass-leaved Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes vernalis) has some key characteristics that are useful in distinguishing it from other similar species: 1) its lateral sepals are free to the base, straight but slightly declined, and spread laterally to some extent, 2) its flowers are relatively long, usually exceeding 6 mm. in length, 3) the interior of the lower lip of its flowers is pale yellow, rather than white, green, or bright yellow, 4) its flowers are arranged in a single spiral, although this spiral can vary from quite open to quite dense, 5) it is rather tall for species in its genus, and 6) it usually blooms earlier. The more common Nodding Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes cernua) differs by having its flowers arranged in twin spirals, the peduncle and rachis of its inflorescence have glandular pubescence, the tube-like structure of its flowers is more downward arching or nodding, and usually its lateral sepals are more elevated relative to this tube-like structure. Another species, Slender Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes lacera), differs by having basal leaves that are more broad in shape, smaller flowers (about 5 mm. in length), and the interior of the lower lip of its flowers is greenish. Yet another species, Great Plains Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes magnicamporum), differs by having its flowers arranged in a double spiral, the peduncle and rachis of its inflorescence are glandular pubescent, the lower lip of its flowers is pale yellow not only within its interior, but also along its exterior (usually), its lateral sepals are more elevated relative to the rest of the flower and they often arch upward, its flowers are more fragrant, and they bloom later (during the autumn).
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Miss Chen
2018年02月21日
Description: This perennial plant is usually unbranched and up to 4' tall. The smooth central stem can be green or reddish. The alternate leaves are up to 6" long and 1½" wide, becoming slightly smaller as they ascend up the stem. They are narrowly lanceolate or oblong-elliptic, smooth along their margins, and largely devoid of hairs. In the upper half of the plant, there are often small leaves that develop from the upper axils of the primary leaves; they have a wing-like appearance. The showy inflorescence is up to 1' long, consisting of an erect panicle of small yellow compound flowers. The flowering stems don't curve outward and downward like many other goldenrods, but are held erect or curve upward. Each compound flower is about ¼" across, consisting of 4-10 ray florets surrounding the disk florets. The spacing of the ray florets tends to be irregular, and they may not open at the same time. These flowers occasionally have a mild fragrance. The blooming period occurs during late summer or early fall, and lasts about a month. Later, the achenes develop small tufts of hairs, and are dispersed by the wind. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous, occasionally forming vegetative offsets. In older mature plants, a woody caudex develops.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and slightly moist to slight dry conditions. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, sand, or rocky material. Occasionally, the leaves succumb to powdery mildew and other kinds of foliar disease, particularly after the blooming period is over in the fall. This plant is easy to grow, but can topple over if it is spoiled by excessive moisture or fertilizer.
Habitat & Range: The native Showy Goldenrod occurs occasionally in the northern half of Illinois, and is uncommon or absent in the southern half (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to slightly dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, openings in rocky upland forests, Black Oak savannas, thickets, woodland borders, and abandoned fields.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract honeybees, bumblebees, ants, beetles, and the occasional moth or butterfly. Among the beetles, are such visitors as Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus (Goldenrod Soldier Beetle) and Epicauta pensylvanica (Black Blister Beetle). These insects seek nectar primarily. The caterpillars of many moths feed on various parts of this goldenrod and others (see Moth Table). Other insect feeders include various leafhoppers, lace bugs, plant bugs, and beetles. To a limited extent, the seeds are eaten by the Eastern Goldfinch and the Greater Prairie Chicken. Mammalian herbivores occasionally eat the leaves, stems, and flowers, including deer, rabbits, groundhogs, and livestock. When this plant is infected by a fungus (Coleosporium sp.), it can cause sickness and death in cattle and horses. Like other goldenrods, it may contain a hemolytic agent that is mildly poisonous to some herbivores.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: As the common and scientific names imply, this plant is very showy while in bloom. Showy Goldenrod can be distinguished from other goldenrods that occur in Illinois prairies by the following characteristics, when they are considered together: 1) the flowering stems of the inflorescence are held erect or curve upward, rather than outward and downward; 2) both the stems and leaves are hairless, or nearly so; 3) there are often smaller wing-like leaves in the upper axils of the primary leaves, particularly in the upper half of the central stem, and 4) the leaves lack teeth.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and slightly moist to slight dry conditions. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, sand, or rocky material. Occasionally, the leaves succumb to powdery mildew and other kinds of foliar disease, particularly after the blooming period is over in the fall. This plant is easy to grow, but can topple over if it is spoiled by excessive moisture or fertilizer.
Habitat & Range: The native Showy Goldenrod occurs occasionally in the northern half of Illinois, and is uncommon or absent in the southern half (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to slightly dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, openings in rocky upland forests, Black Oak savannas, thickets, woodland borders, and abandoned fields.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract honeybees, bumblebees, ants, beetles, and the occasional moth or butterfly. Among the beetles, are such visitors as Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus (Goldenrod Soldier Beetle) and Epicauta pensylvanica (Black Blister Beetle). These insects seek nectar primarily. The caterpillars of many moths feed on various parts of this goldenrod and others (see Moth Table). Other insect feeders include various leafhoppers, lace bugs, plant bugs, and beetles. To a limited extent, the seeds are eaten by the Eastern Goldfinch and the Greater Prairie Chicken. Mammalian herbivores occasionally eat the leaves, stems, and flowers, including deer, rabbits, groundhogs, and livestock. When this plant is infected by a fungus (Coleosporium sp.), it can cause sickness and death in cattle and horses. Like other goldenrods, it may contain a hemolytic agent that is mildly poisonous to some herbivores.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: As the common and scientific names imply, this plant is very showy while in bloom. Showy Goldenrod can be distinguished from other goldenrods that occur in Illinois prairies by the following characteristics, when they are considered together: 1) the flowering stems of the inflorescence are held erect or curve upward, rather than outward and downward; 2) both the stems and leaves are hairless, or nearly so; 3) there are often smaller wing-like leaves in the upper axils of the primary leaves, particularly in the upper half of the central stem, and 4) the leaves lack teeth.
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Miss Chen
2018年02月21日
Description: This perennial plant is unbranched and about ½-2½' tall. The central stem is reddish or grayish green, terete, and densely covered with short white hairs. The alternate leaves are up to 4" long and ¾" across, becoming smaller as they ascend the stem. They are grayish green, narrowly lanceolate, elliptic, or oblanceolate in shape, tapering gradually to narrow petioles. The leaf margins are smooth (entire) or slightly serrate, while the leaf surfaces are canescent. In addition, there are usually small clusters of secondary leaves that are located along the axils of middle to upper leaves. These secondary leaves are much smaller in size than the alternate leaves, otherwise they are similar in appearance. The central stem terminates in a narrow inflorescence that is shaped like a wand, becoming gradually wider in the middle, and it has a tendency to nod. This inflorescence is typically 3-8" long; it is a narrow panicle of flowerheads with short lateral branches. Each flowerhead is up to ¼" across, consisting of 4-10 ray florets that surround a similar number of disk florets. The petaloid rays of the flowerheads are yellow; the tiny tubular corollas of the disk florets are also yellow. Around the base of each flowerhead, there are scale-like floral bracts (phyllaries) in several series; they are usually pale yellow or pale greenish yellow. The blooming period occurs during the fall and lasts about a month. The flowerheads occasionally have a slight fragrance. After the blooming period, the flowerheads are replaced by achenes that develop tufts of hair; they are dispersed by the wind. The root system consists of a small caudex (at least on older plants) with fibrous roots and rhizomes. At suitable locations, Field Goldenrod has a tendency to form clonal colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and dry-mesic to dry soil. Because of reduced competition, Field Goldenrod thrives best in soil containing sand, clay or gravel, but it will flourish in fertile soil as well. This plant is a good choice for difficult locations, such as sunny slopes or open areas with poor soil, where little else will grow.
Range & Habitat: The native Field Goldenrod occurs in most counties of Illinois, where it is occasional to locally common (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland areas of black soil prairies, gravel prairies, sand prairies, hill prairies, thinly wooded bluffs, sandy savannas, sand dunes, fence rows, abandoned fields, eroded clay banks, roadsides, and areas along railroads. In some western states, Field Goldenrod is considered a troublesome weed, but in Illinois it occurs primarily in areas that have little value to agriculture and ranching. This goldenrod is found in both degraded and higher quality habitats.
Faunal Associations: A wide variety of insects visit the flowers for pollen and nectar, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, Sphecid and Vespid wasps, flies, butterflies, moths, and beetles. Bee visitors include honey bees, little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), Halictid bees, plasterer bees (Colletes spp.), and Andrenid bees. Several Andrenid bees are oligoleges (specialist pollinators) of goldenrods. Fly visitors include Syrphid flies, Tachinid flies, flesh flies, blow flies, and Muscid flies. Other insects feed destructively on the foliage, florets, roots, and other parts of Field Goldenrod and other goldenrods. These insect feeders include Lopidea media (Goldenrod Plant Bug), Corythucha marmorata (Goldenrod Lace Bug), Hesperotettix viridis (Meadow Purple-Striped Grasshopper) and Melanoplus confusus (Little Pasture Grasshopper), the leaf beetles Longitarsus solidaginis and Ophraella sexvititta, the aphids Acuticauda solidaginifoliae and Uroleucon rudbeckiae, and Manomera blatchleyi (Blatchley's Walkingstick). In addition, the caterpillars of many moths feed on various parts of goldenrods (see Moth Table). Goldenrods are sources of food to some vertebrate animals. For example, the seeds, flowerheads, and leaves are eaten by the Greater Prairie Chicken and possibly other upland gamebirds; the Eastern Goldfinch also eats the seeds. Mammalian herbivores, such as groundhogs, rabbits, deer, and livestock, will browse on Field Goldenrod and other goldenrods occasionally, although they are not preferred as sources of food.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a prairie of Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: This small goldenrod blooms later than most goldenrods. Field Goldenrod can be distinguished from other goldenrods that occur in Illinois prairies and other open areas by the presence of secondary leaflets along the central stem and the presence of short fine hairs on both the leaves and central stem. In addition, the inflorescence is usually more narrow and wand-like than those of other goldenrods.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and dry-mesic to dry soil. Because of reduced competition, Field Goldenrod thrives best in soil containing sand, clay or gravel, but it will flourish in fertile soil as well. This plant is a good choice for difficult locations, such as sunny slopes or open areas with poor soil, where little else will grow.
Range & Habitat: The native Field Goldenrod occurs in most counties of Illinois, where it is occasional to locally common (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland areas of black soil prairies, gravel prairies, sand prairies, hill prairies, thinly wooded bluffs, sandy savannas, sand dunes, fence rows, abandoned fields, eroded clay banks, roadsides, and areas along railroads. In some western states, Field Goldenrod is considered a troublesome weed, but in Illinois it occurs primarily in areas that have little value to agriculture and ranching. This goldenrod is found in both degraded and higher quality habitats.
Faunal Associations: A wide variety of insects visit the flowers for pollen and nectar, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, Sphecid and Vespid wasps, flies, butterflies, moths, and beetles. Bee visitors include honey bees, little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), Halictid bees, plasterer bees (Colletes spp.), and Andrenid bees. Several Andrenid bees are oligoleges (specialist pollinators) of goldenrods. Fly visitors include Syrphid flies, Tachinid flies, flesh flies, blow flies, and Muscid flies. Other insects feed destructively on the foliage, florets, roots, and other parts of Field Goldenrod and other goldenrods. These insect feeders include Lopidea media (Goldenrod Plant Bug), Corythucha marmorata (Goldenrod Lace Bug), Hesperotettix viridis (Meadow Purple-Striped Grasshopper) and Melanoplus confusus (Little Pasture Grasshopper), the leaf beetles Longitarsus solidaginis and Ophraella sexvititta, the aphids Acuticauda solidaginifoliae and Uroleucon rudbeckiae, and Manomera blatchleyi (Blatchley's Walkingstick). In addition, the caterpillars of many moths feed on various parts of goldenrods (see Moth Table). Goldenrods are sources of food to some vertebrate animals. For example, the seeds, flowerheads, and leaves are eaten by the Greater Prairie Chicken and possibly other upland gamebirds; the Eastern Goldfinch also eats the seeds. Mammalian herbivores, such as groundhogs, rabbits, deer, and livestock, will browse on Field Goldenrod and other goldenrods occasionally, although they are not preferred as sources of food.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a prairie of Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: This small goldenrod blooms later than most goldenrods. Field Goldenrod can be distinguished from other goldenrods that occur in Illinois prairies and other open areas by the presence of secondary leaflets along the central stem and the presence of short fine hairs on both the leaves and central stem. In addition, the inflorescence is usually more narrow and wand-like than those of other goldenrods.
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