文章
Miss Chen
2018年01月19日
Description: This perennial wildflower is 1–2½' tall and unbranched. The central stem is light green, slightly ridged, and glabrous to hairy. The alternate leaves occur along the entire length of the stem in widely spreading pseudo-whorls. The lowest leaves are 4-6" long and about ¼" across, becoming gradually smaller as they ascend the stem. The leaves are medium green, linear in shape, sessile, and glabrous to short-pubescent. Each stem terminates in a spike or narrow raceme of flowerheads about 2-8" long. These flowerheads are relatively few in number, and on rare occasions only a single flowerhead may be produced. Each flat-topped flowerhead is about ½–1" across, consisting of 15-45 pink disk florets above and overlapping floral bracts (phyllaries) below. There are no ray florets. Individual disk florets are tubular in shape; each of these florets has 5 recurved slender lobes at its apex. Each disk floret has a bifurcated style that is white to light pink; it is often strongly exerted and recurved.
The scaly bracts are green, glabrous to hairy, and relatively large in size; they are either straight and loosely arranged around the base of each flowerhead, or they are strongly recurved. The bracts are lanceolate, broadly lanceolate, or deltoid in shape and their tips are pointed, rather than rounded. The flowerheads are either sessile (or nearly so), or they can have peduncles up to 1¼" long. At the base of each peduncle (or sessile flowerhead), there is a small leafy bract that is linear in shape. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late summer and lasts about 1 month. The flowerheads bloom from the top to the bottom. With maturation, the disk florets are replaced by small achenes that are bullet-shaped and pubescent; each achene has a tuft of feathery bristles at its apex. The achenes are distributed by the wind to some extent. The root system consists of a globoid corm with fibrous roots below. Sometimes vegetative offsets are produced.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry-mesic to dry conditions, and a barren soil containing rocky material or some sand.
Central Stem & Leaves
Range & Habitat: The native Scaly Blazingstar is occasional in southern Illinois and absent elsewhere in the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include hill prairies, limestone or sandstone glades, ledges of sunny cliffs, openings in upland rocky woodlands, and barren savannas. This wildflower is found in high quality natural areas. Occasional wildfires are beneficial because the encroachment of woody vegetation is reduced.
Faunal Assocations: The flowerheads are cross-pollinated primarily by bumblebees, butterflies, and skippers. In general, several insect species feed on Liatris spp. (Blazingstars). These species include: the caterpillars of Schinia sanguinea (Blazingstar Flower Moth), which feed on the florets and developing seeds; the caterpillars of Papaipema beeriana (Blazingstar Borer Moth) and Carmenta anthracipennis (Liatris Borer Moth), which bore through the stems; and the aphids Aphis laciniariae and Aphis craccivora, which suck plant juices. The foliage and flowerheads of Blazingstars are edible to many mammalian herbivores, including cattle, horses, sheep, goats, deer, rabbits, and groundhogs. Where these mammals are abundant, Blazingstar populations usually decline.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Scaly Blazingstar is highly variable across its range and several varieties have been described. Generally, all of these varieties have relatively large floral bracts with pointed tips that are either loosely arranged or recurved along the bottoms of the flowerheads. However, there is considerable variability in the following characteristics: 1) the size of individual flowerheads can be variable with 15-45 (or more) disk florets, 2) the flowerheads can be sessile or they can have short to medium-length peduncles, 3) the leaves and stems can be glabrous to hairy, and 4) the floral bracts that define the base of each flowerhead can be either straight or strongly recurved. Scaly Blazingstar differs from other Liatris spp. (Blazingstars) primarily by the characteristics of its scaly floral bracts, which provide it with a rather odd appearance.
The scaly bracts are green, glabrous to hairy, and relatively large in size; they are either straight and loosely arranged around the base of each flowerhead, or they are strongly recurved. The bracts are lanceolate, broadly lanceolate, or deltoid in shape and their tips are pointed, rather than rounded. The flowerheads are either sessile (or nearly so), or they can have peduncles up to 1¼" long. At the base of each peduncle (or sessile flowerhead), there is a small leafy bract that is linear in shape. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late summer and lasts about 1 month. The flowerheads bloom from the top to the bottom. With maturation, the disk florets are replaced by small achenes that are bullet-shaped and pubescent; each achene has a tuft of feathery bristles at its apex. The achenes are distributed by the wind to some extent. The root system consists of a globoid corm with fibrous roots below. Sometimes vegetative offsets are produced.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry-mesic to dry conditions, and a barren soil containing rocky material or some sand.
Central Stem & Leaves
Range & Habitat: The native Scaly Blazingstar is occasional in southern Illinois and absent elsewhere in the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include hill prairies, limestone or sandstone glades, ledges of sunny cliffs, openings in upland rocky woodlands, and barren savannas. This wildflower is found in high quality natural areas. Occasional wildfires are beneficial because the encroachment of woody vegetation is reduced.
Faunal Assocations: The flowerheads are cross-pollinated primarily by bumblebees, butterflies, and skippers. In general, several insect species feed on Liatris spp. (Blazingstars). These species include: the caterpillars of Schinia sanguinea (Blazingstar Flower Moth), which feed on the florets and developing seeds; the caterpillars of Papaipema beeriana (Blazingstar Borer Moth) and Carmenta anthracipennis (Liatris Borer Moth), which bore through the stems; and the aphids Aphis laciniariae and Aphis craccivora, which suck plant juices. The foliage and flowerheads of Blazingstars are edible to many mammalian herbivores, including cattle, horses, sheep, goats, deer, rabbits, and groundhogs. Where these mammals are abundant, Blazingstar populations usually decline.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Scaly Blazingstar is highly variable across its range and several varieties have been described. Generally, all of these varieties have relatively large floral bracts with pointed tips that are either loosely arranged or recurved along the bottoms of the flowerheads. However, there is considerable variability in the following characteristics: 1) the size of individual flowerheads can be variable with 15-45 (or more) disk florets, 2) the flowerheads can be sessile or they can have short to medium-length peduncles, 3) the leaves and stems can be glabrous to hairy, and 4) the floral bracts that define the base of each flowerhead can be either straight or strongly recurved. Scaly Blazingstar differs from other Liatris spp. (Blazingstars) primarily by the characteristics of its scaly floral bracts, which provide it with a rather odd appearance.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年01月19日
Description: This perennial plant is 2-5' and unbranched. The central stem is green or dark red, and it has short stiff hairs. The leaves toward the base are up to 12" long and 1" wide, becoming progessively shorter and narrower as they alternate up the stalk. The leaves are sufficiently crowded together that they appear whorled. They are narrowly lanceolate or linear, dull green or bluish green, and usually slightly pubescent. The margins are smooth or slightly ciliate.
The central stem terminates in an erect spike-like inflorescence with pink or purplish pink composite flowers. This inflorescence is about ½–1½' long, with the composite flowers more or less densely distributed along its length. The individual flowers are crowded together into buttons about 1" across. Each flower has 5 lobes that spread outward from the corolla tube, from which emerges a long divided style that is often curly. There is no floral scent. The blooming period occurs from late summer to early fall and lasts about 3 weeks for individual plants. Like other Liatris spp., the flowers of Rough Blazingstar begin to bloom at the top of the flowering stalk, and gradually bloom downward as the season progresses. The achenes have large tufts of stiff hair that are light greyish brown, which enables them to be distributed several feet by the wind. The root system consists of a woody corm. Occasionally, offsets develop a short distance from the mother plant, creating small colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, clay, sand, or rocky material. However, this plant typically grows in less fertile acidic soil that is rather rocky or sandy. This plant is easy to grow under well-drained conditions, but has a tendency to flop over while in flower if it is spoiled with rich soil or too much moisture. Foliar disease is rarely a problem, and drought resistant is very good, with only a few lower leaves withering away.
Range & Habitat: The native Rough Blazingstar is occasional in central and northern Illinois, but it is uncommon or absent in SE Illinois (see Distribution Map). This wildflower is widely distributed, but rarely forms large colonies in native habitats, unlike Liatris pychnostachya (Prairie Blazingstar). Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, gravel prairies, hill prairies, bald knobs, openings in rocky upland forests, sandy Black Oak woodlands, savannas, limestone glades, dry clay banks above ditches, and open areas along railroads, particularly where prairie remnants occur.
Faunal Associations: Primarily long-tongued bees, butterflies, skippers, and bee flies visit the flowers. Among the long-tongued bees, this includes honeybees, bumblebees, Little Carpenter bees, Miner bees, and Leaf-Cutting bees. Butterfly visitors include Monarchs, Painted Ladies, Black Swallowtails, Sulfurs, and others. Other visitors include Green Metallic bees and other Halictine bees. The latter bees collect pollen primarily, and are not effective pollinators. The caterpillars of the rare Schinia florida (Glorious Flower Moth) feed on the flowers and seed capsules of this and other Liatris spp. Mammmalian herbivores, large and small, readily eat the foliage and stems, including rabbits, deer, groundhogs, and livestock. Sometimes small rodents will dig up the corms and eat them. Consequently, this plant may be scarce where there is an overpopulation of these animals.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Red Bison Railroad Prairie in Savoy, Illinois, Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois, and the wildflower garden of the webmaster.
Comments: This is a beautiful plant while it is flowering, although the blooming period is rather short. It is possible to extend the season of bloom by planting other Liatris spp, which usually bloom earlier in the year. Among the taller blazingstars, this species prefers drier locations, and can be distinguished from them by the large size of its buttons of flowers. The corms were used as an emergency survival food among some tribes of Amerindians.
The central stem terminates in an erect spike-like inflorescence with pink or purplish pink composite flowers. This inflorescence is about ½–1½' long, with the composite flowers more or less densely distributed along its length. The individual flowers are crowded together into buttons about 1" across. Each flower has 5 lobes that spread outward from the corolla tube, from which emerges a long divided style that is often curly. There is no floral scent. The blooming period occurs from late summer to early fall and lasts about 3 weeks for individual plants. Like other Liatris spp., the flowers of Rough Blazingstar begin to bloom at the top of the flowering stalk, and gradually bloom downward as the season progresses. The achenes have large tufts of stiff hair that are light greyish brown, which enables them to be distributed several feet by the wind. The root system consists of a woody corm. Occasionally, offsets develop a short distance from the mother plant, creating small colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, clay, sand, or rocky material. However, this plant typically grows in less fertile acidic soil that is rather rocky or sandy. This plant is easy to grow under well-drained conditions, but has a tendency to flop over while in flower if it is spoiled with rich soil or too much moisture. Foliar disease is rarely a problem, and drought resistant is very good, with only a few lower leaves withering away.
Range & Habitat: The native Rough Blazingstar is occasional in central and northern Illinois, but it is uncommon or absent in SE Illinois (see Distribution Map). This wildflower is widely distributed, but rarely forms large colonies in native habitats, unlike Liatris pychnostachya (Prairie Blazingstar). Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, gravel prairies, hill prairies, bald knobs, openings in rocky upland forests, sandy Black Oak woodlands, savannas, limestone glades, dry clay banks above ditches, and open areas along railroads, particularly where prairie remnants occur.
Faunal Associations: Primarily long-tongued bees, butterflies, skippers, and bee flies visit the flowers. Among the long-tongued bees, this includes honeybees, bumblebees, Little Carpenter bees, Miner bees, and Leaf-Cutting bees. Butterfly visitors include Monarchs, Painted Ladies, Black Swallowtails, Sulfurs, and others. Other visitors include Green Metallic bees and other Halictine bees. The latter bees collect pollen primarily, and are not effective pollinators. The caterpillars of the rare Schinia florida (Glorious Flower Moth) feed on the flowers and seed capsules of this and other Liatris spp. Mammmalian herbivores, large and small, readily eat the foliage and stems, including rabbits, deer, groundhogs, and livestock. Sometimes small rodents will dig up the corms and eat them. Consequently, this plant may be scarce where there is an overpopulation of these animals.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Red Bison Railroad Prairie in Savoy, Illinois, Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois, and the wildflower garden of the webmaster.
Comments: This is a beautiful plant while it is flowering, although the blooming period is rather short. It is possible to extend the season of bloom by planting other Liatris spp, which usually bloom earlier in the year. Among the taller blazingstars, this species prefers drier locations, and can be distinguished from them by the large size of its buttons of flowers. The corms were used as an emergency survival food among some tribes of Amerindians.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年01月18日
Description: This biennial plant is usually unbranched and 3-8' tall. The central stem is terete and glabrous, light green or reddish green (sometimes with purple streaks), and often glaucous. The alternate leaves are light green to dark green, sometimes with purple edges or a yellowish cast. They are up to 10" long, 3" across, and lanceolate-oblong in shape. The largest leaves have deep pinnate lobes, while the smaller leaves have shallow pinnate lobes or none; they are wider at their bases than at their tips, and their bases clasp the stem. Occasionally, the leaves have widely spaced small teeth along their margins and short fine hairs along the underside of their central veins. The leaf surface can be shiny or dull.
The small dandelion-like flowerheads occur in a narrow panicle up to 2' long at the apex of the plant. The petaloid rays of the florets are yellow or slightly reddish orange. Each flowerhead is about 1/3" (8 mm.) across, consisting of 12-25 ray florets. Around the base of each flowerhead, there are several floral bracts (phyllaries) in several series that are appressed together and vary in size. These bracts are light green and glabrous; sometimes they are tinted purple or red. The blooming period occurs during late summer or early fall, lasting about 3-4 weeks. There is no noticeable floral scent. The flowers are replaced by dark brown achenes with tufts of white hair, which are attached together by thread-like beaks. Each achene has a central longitudinal ridge with some black splotches on either side; they are ovoid, flattened in shape, and slightly curved. The length of the achenes is equal to, or greater than, the length of their attached beaks. The inflorescence often has buds, flowers, and achenes existing together in different stages of development. The achenes are distributed by the wind. The root system consists of a thick deep taproot. There is a white latex in the root, leaves, and stems.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist to slightly dry conditions. Growth is best in fertile loamy soil, although poor gravelly soil and clay-loam are also tolerated. This plant varies considerably in size depending on growing conditions. It is somewhat weedy.
Range & Habitat: The native Wild Lettuce is a common plant that occurs in almost all counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to slightly dry black soil prairies, clay prairies, gravel prairies, openings in woodlands, thickets, savannas, lake borders and riverbanks, limestone glades, fence rows, pastures and abandoned fields, powerline clearances, areas along railroads and roadsides, vacant lots, and miscellaneous waste areas. This plant is more common in degraded prairies and disturbed habitats, although it can also be found in high-quality habitats.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the small flowers attract bees primarily, such as the leaf-cutting bee Megachile latimanus and the Halictid bee Lasioglossum lustrans (Robertson, 1929; Estes & Thorp, 1975). The caterpillars of some moths feed on Lactuca spp. These species include Autographa precationis (Common Looper Moth), Grammia virgo (Virgin Tiger Moth), and Cucullia intermedia (Intermediate Cucullia); the caterpillars of the last of these moths feed on the florets. Several aphid species use Lactuca spp. as host plants; they include Hyperomyzus lactucae (Currant-Sowthistle Aphid), Nasonovia ribisnigri (Currant-Lettuce Aphid), Prociphilus erigeronensis (White Aster Root Aphid), Uroleucon ambrosiae (Brown Ambrosia Aphid), Uroleucon gravicorne, Uroleucon pseudambrosiae (False Ambrosia Aphid), Uroleucon sonchella (Sowthistle Aphid), and Pemphigus bursarius (Lettuce Root Aphid). Among vertebrate animals, the Eastern Goldfinch occasionally eats the seeds. Notwithstanding the bitter white latex in the foliage, mammalian herbivores occasionally browse on the foliage of this plant. The Cottontail Rabbit eats the tender leaves of first-year plants, while White-Tailed Deer eats the tops off of more mature plants. Horses, cattle, and sheep also feed on this plant.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is a common and weedy plant with a highly variable appearance. It resembles the non-native Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce), however the latter has gray achenes that are always shorter than the thread-like beaks that attach them to tufts of hair. Also, the leaves of Prickly Lettuce tend to be more blue in appearance, and they have stout prickly hairs along the central veins on the underside of their leaves. Wild Lettuce can be distinguished from other native Lactuca spp. by the color of its flowers, the appearance of its achenes with attached tufts of hairs, and the absence of hairs on its stems and leaves (aside from the scattered non-prickly hairs that may appear along the central veins on the underside of the leaves).
The small dandelion-like flowerheads occur in a narrow panicle up to 2' long at the apex of the plant. The petaloid rays of the florets are yellow or slightly reddish orange. Each flowerhead is about 1/3" (8 mm.) across, consisting of 12-25 ray florets. Around the base of each flowerhead, there are several floral bracts (phyllaries) in several series that are appressed together and vary in size. These bracts are light green and glabrous; sometimes they are tinted purple or red. The blooming period occurs during late summer or early fall, lasting about 3-4 weeks. There is no noticeable floral scent. The flowers are replaced by dark brown achenes with tufts of white hair, which are attached together by thread-like beaks. Each achene has a central longitudinal ridge with some black splotches on either side; they are ovoid, flattened in shape, and slightly curved. The length of the achenes is equal to, or greater than, the length of their attached beaks. The inflorescence often has buds, flowers, and achenes existing together in different stages of development. The achenes are distributed by the wind. The root system consists of a thick deep taproot. There is a white latex in the root, leaves, and stems.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist to slightly dry conditions. Growth is best in fertile loamy soil, although poor gravelly soil and clay-loam are also tolerated. This plant varies considerably in size depending on growing conditions. It is somewhat weedy.
Range & Habitat: The native Wild Lettuce is a common plant that occurs in almost all counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to slightly dry black soil prairies, clay prairies, gravel prairies, openings in woodlands, thickets, savannas, lake borders and riverbanks, limestone glades, fence rows, pastures and abandoned fields, powerline clearances, areas along railroads and roadsides, vacant lots, and miscellaneous waste areas. This plant is more common in degraded prairies and disturbed habitats, although it can also be found in high-quality habitats.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the small flowers attract bees primarily, such as the leaf-cutting bee Megachile latimanus and the Halictid bee Lasioglossum lustrans (Robertson, 1929; Estes & Thorp, 1975). The caterpillars of some moths feed on Lactuca spp. These species include Autographa precationis (Common Looper Moth), Grammia virgo (Virgin Tiger Moth), and Cucullia intermedia (Intermediate Cucullia); the caterpillars of the last of these moths feed on the florets. Several aphid species use Lactuca spp. as host plants; they include Hyperomyzus lactucae (Currant-Sowthistle Aphid), Nasonovia ribisnigri (Currant-Lettuce Aphid), Prociphilus erigeronensis (White Aster Root Aphid), Uroleucon ambrosiae (Brown Ambrosia Aphid), Uroleucon gravicorne, Uroleucon pseudambrosiae (False Ambrosia Aphid), Uroleucon sonchella (Sowthistle Aphid), and Pemphigus bursarius (Lettuce Root Aphid). Among vertebrate animals, the Eastern Goldfinch occasionally eats the seeds. Notwithstanding the bitter white latex in the foliage, mammalian herbivores occasionally browse on the foliage of this plant. The Cottontail Rabbit eats the tender leaves of first-year plants, while White-Tailed Deer eats the tops off of more mature plants. Horses, cattle, and sheep also feed on this plant.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This is a common and weedy plant with a highly variable appearance. It resembles the non-native Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce), however the latter has gray achenes that are always shorter than the thread-like beaks that attach them to tufts of hair. Also, the leaves of Prickly Lettuce tend to be more blue in appearance, and they have stout prickly hairs along the central veins on the underside of their leaves. Wild Lettuce can be distinguished from other native Lactuca spp. by the color of its flowers, the appearance of its achenes with attached tufts of hairs, and the absence of hairs on its stems and leaves (aside from the scattered non-prickly hairs that may appear along the central veins on the underside of the leaves).
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年01月17日
Description: This perennial plant is up to 2½' tall, branching frequently from the upper axils of the leaves, and having a shrubby appearance. The base of the plant is occasionally semi-woody, but the upper stems are herbaceous and green. The entire plant is devoid of hairs. The opposite leaves are up to 3" long and ¾" across. The pairs of leaves rotate by 90° as they ascend the stems. They are oblong or lanceolate with blunt tips, and are sessile against the stems. The margins are smooth, while the underside of each leaf is light green and devoid of black dots.
Numerous clusters of yellow flowers occur at the ends of the upper stems. Each flower is about ½–¾" across, with 5 rounded petals, and numerous long stamens surrounding a stigma that is slender and flask-shaped. The flowers have a mild buttercup-like fragrance. The blooming period occurs from early to mid-summer and lasts about a month. The small seeds are distributed to some extent by the wind. The root system consists of a central taproot and short rhizomes. This plant tends to spread vegetatively in sunny open areas.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and average to dry conditions. Different kinds of soil are readily tolerated, including those with substantial amounts of loam, gravel, sand, or clay. However, poor soil is often preferred because of the reduced competition from taller plants.
Range & Habitat: Round-Fruited St. John's Wort is widely distributed in Illinois, but it occurs only occasionally (see Distribution Map). It is least common in SE Illinois. This is a native wildflower. Habitats include mesic to dry gravel prairies, sand prairies, hill prairies, rocky open woodlands, thickets, scrubby barrens, rocky bluffs overlooking major rivers, limestone glades, dry banks of lakes, and open areas along roadsides.
Faunal Associations: Bumblebees and other long-tongued bees are probably the most important pollinators of the flowers. Other visitors include Halictine bees, beetles, and Syrphid flies, but they are less effective at pollination. All of these insects collect or feed on the abundant pollen, because the flowers offer no nectar. The caterpillars of the butterfly Strymon melinus (Gray Hairstreak) reportedly eat the seed capsules, although it is not a preferred host plant. The caterpillars of the moth Nedra ramosula (Gray Half-Spot) feed on the foliage. Like other St. John's Worts, the foliage of this species contains a toxic chemical that causes photosensitive skin reactions, particularly in light-skinned animals, and can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, mammalian herbivores usually leave this plant alone if other food sources are available.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Crystal Lake Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This plant can be easily distinguished from similar St. John's Worts by the absence of black dots on the flower petals and undersides of the leaves. The flowers tends to be larger than Hypericum punctatum (Spotted St. John's Wort), but smaller than Hypericum kalmii (Kalm's St. John's Wort), and Hypericum pyramidatum (Great S. John' Wort). This is an attractive plant while in the early to middle stages of bloom, although later losses some of its appeal because of the persistance of older brown petals near the seed capsules.
Numerous clusters of yellow flowers occur at the ends of the upper stems. Each flower is about ½–¾" across, with 5 rounded petals, and numerous long stamens surrounding a stigma that is slender and flask-shaped. The flowers have a mild buttercup-like fragrance. The blooming period occurs from early to mid-summer and lasts about a month. The small seeds are distributed to some extent by the wind. The root system consists of a central taproot and short rhizomes. This plant tends to spread vegetatively in sunny open areas.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and average to dry conditions. Different kinds of soil are readily tolerated, including those with substantial amounts of loam, gravel, sand, or clay. However, poor soil is often preferred because of the reduced competition from taller plants.
Range & Habitat: Round-Fruited St. John's Wort is widely distributed in Illinois, but it occurs only occasionally (see Distribution Map). It is least common in SE Illinois. This is a native wildflower. Habitats include mesic to dry gravel prairies, sand prairies, hill prairies, rocky open woodlands, thickets, scrubby barrens, rocky bluffs overlooking major rivers, limestone glades, dry banks of lakes, and open areas along roadsides.
Faunal Associations: Bumblebees and other long-tongued bees are probably the most important pollinators of the flowers. Other visitors include Halictine bees, beetles, and Syrphid flies, but they are less effective at pollination. All of these insects collect or feed on the abundant pollen, because the flowers offer no nectar. The caterpillars of the butterfly Strymon melinus (Gray Hairstreak) reportedly eat the seed capsules, although it is not a preferred host plant. The caterpillars of the moth Nedra ramosula (Gray Half-Spot) feed on the foliage. Like other St. John's Worts, the foliage of this species contains a toxic chemical that causes photosensitive skin reactions, particularly in light-skinned animals, and can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, mammalian herbivores usually leave this plant alone if other food sources are available.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Crystal Lake Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This plant can be easily distinguished from similar St. John's Worts by the absence of black dots on the flower petals and undersides of the leaves. The flowers tends to be larger than Hypericum punctatum (Spotted St. John's Wort), but smaller than Hypericum kalmii (Kalm's St. John's Wort), and Hypericum pyramidatum (Great S. John' Wort). This is an attractive plant while in the early to middle stages of bloom, although later losses some of its appeal because of the persistance of older brown petals near the seed capsules.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年01月17日
Description: This perennial plant is up to 2½' tall, branching occasionally in the upper half. The hairless stems are red or green. The hairless opposite leaves are up to 2½" long and 1" across. They are oblong, oval, or bluntly lanceolate (with rounded tips), with a few pinnate or parallel veins and smooth margins. The leaves are often sessile or perfoliate, otherwise they have short petioles. Scattered translucent dots are observable on the underside of the leaves. Smaller leaves often appear in the upper axils of the larger leaves on major stems. Many of these stems terminate in tight clusters of yellow flowers. Each flower is a little less than ½" across, and has 5 petals. In the center, is a flask-shaped pistil that is surrounded by numerous yellow anthers on long styles. Numerous small dark dots can occur anywhere on the surface of the petals or the buds, often appearing in streaks. There is no floral scent. The blooming period occurs during mid-summer and lasts about a month. The seedpods split into 3 sections, exposing numerous tiny seeds, which are scattered by the wind when the stems sway back and forth. The root system consists of a branching taproot and short rhizomes. Vegetative colonies of this plant can develop from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and a rather lean soil, which reduces competition from taller plants. Rocky or gravelly soil is quite acceptable. Occasionally, the leaves turn brown in response to drought, otherwise this plant has few problems.
Range & Habitat: Spotted St. John's Wort occurs in every county of Illinois, where it is fairly common and native (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic black soil prairies, gravel prairies, open woodlands (rocky and otherwise), savannas, woodland borders, thickets, clay banks along rivers or lakes, and areas along roadsides and railroads.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract long-tongued and short-tongued bees, including bumblebees and Halictid bees. Beetles and Syrphid flies may also visit the flowers, but they are less effective pollinators. The reward of these insects is the abundant pollen, as the flowers produce no nectar. The caterpillars of the butterfly Strymon melinus (Gray Hairstreak) reportedly eat the seed capsules, while the caterpillars of the moth Nedra ramosula (Gray Half-Spot) feed on the foliage. Mammalian herbivores usually don't consume this plant because the leaves contain hypericin – a photosensitive toxin. Light-skinned animals are especially sensitive to this toxin, which can cause the skin to blister in sunlight. It can also cause gastrointestinal irritation.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Judge Webber Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The easiest way to distinguish Spotted St. John's Wort from other similar species involves an examination of the flower petals. Dark dots and streaks can appear anywhere on the upper surface of the yellow petals, whereas for other species of St. John's Wort such dots and streaks are confined near the margins of the petals, or they are completely absent. The common name of this plant refers to the feast day of St. John, which was celebrated in Medieval Europe at the time of the summer solstice (late June). This corresponded to the time when the European species Hypericum perforatum (Common St. John's Wort) typically blooms, and so the saint and wildflower became associated together.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and a rather lean soil, which reduces competition from taller plants. Rocky or gravelly soil is quite acceptable. Occasionally, the leaves turn brown in response to drought, otherwise this plant has few problems.
Range & Habitat: Spotted St. John's Wort occurs in every county of Illinois, where it is fairly common and native (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic black soil prairies, gravel prairies, open woodlands (rocky and otherwise), savannas, woodland borders, thickets, clay banks along rivers or lakes, and areas along roadsides and railroads.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract long-tongued and short-tongued bees, including bumblebees and Halictid bees. Beetles and Syrphid flies may also visit the flowers, but they are less effective pollinators. The reward of these insects is the abundant pollen, as the flowers produce no nectar. The caterpillars of the butterfly Strymon melinus (Gray Hairstreak) reportedly eat the seed capsules, while the caterpillars of the moth Nedra ramosula (Gray Half-Spot) feed on the foliage. Mammalian herbivores usually don't consume this plant because the leaves contain hypericin – a photosensitive toxin. Light-skinned animals are especially sensitive to this toxin, which can cause the skin to blister in sunlight. It can also cause gastrointestinal irritation.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Judge Webber Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The easiest way to distinguish Spotted St. John's Wort from other similar species involves an examination of the flower petals. Dark dots and streaks can appear anywhere on the upper surface of the yellow petals, whereas for other species of St. John's Wort such dots and streaks are confined near the margins of the petals, or they are completely absent. The common name of this plant refers to the feast day of St. John, which was celebrated in Medieval Europe at the time of the summer solstice (late June). This corresponded to the time when the European species Hypericum perforatum (Common St. John's Wort) typically blooms, and so the saint and wildflower became associated together.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年01月17日
Description: This shrubby perennial wildflower is abundantly branched and 2-4' tall. The lower stems are woody with shredded gray-brown bark, while the upper stems are green and slightly winged on opposite sides. The opposite leaves are up to 3" and ¾" across (usually about one-half this size); they are linear-oblong to oblong-elliptic in shape, smooth along their margins, and hairless. The upper surfaces of the leaves are medium green, while their lower surfaces are pale green; they are sessile or taper to short petioles. The upper stems terminates in small clusters of 3-7 flowers; additional clusters of flowers may appear along the 2 upper pairs of opposite leaves. Each flower is ¾–1" across, consisting of 5 yellow petals, 5 green sepals, a pistil with 3 united styles, and abundant stamens. The petals are much larger than the sepals.
The blooming period occurs during the summer and lasts about 2 months. Each flower is replaced by an ovoid-lanceoloid seed capsule about 1/3–1/2" (8-12 mm.) in length. At the apex of each seed capsule, the tips of the 3 styles persist and become separated. Each seed capsule is divided into 3 cells and divides into 3 parts at maturity to release the seeds. The small seeds are narrowly oblongoid, flattened, and black. The root system is woody and branching.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and somewhat barren rocky ground. This shrubby wildflower is readily cultivated in gardens.
Range & Habitat: The native Shrubby St. John's Wort is occasional in the southern half of Illinois and largely absent in the northern half of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland prairies, upland rocky woodlands and bluffs, rocky stream banks, edges of swamps, abandoned fields, pastures, and roadside embankments. Some local populations near urbanWoody Stems & Leaves areas may be escaped cultivated plants.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated primarily by bumblebees, which collect pollen for their larvae. Other insect visitors that seek pollen from the flowers include Syrphid flies and Halictid bees, but they are less effective at cross-pollination. Sometimes butterflies and wasps land on the flowers, but they are vainly seeking nectar -- the flowers offer only pollen from the abundant stamens as a floral reward. Insects that feed on Shrubby St. John's Wort and other Hypericum spp. include the aphid Brachysiphum hyperici, several leaf beetles, the caterpillars of the butterfly Strymon melinus (Gray Hairstreak), and the caterpillars of several moths. The Insect Table lists many of these species. Most mammalian herbivores avoid consumption of Hypericum spp. because their foliage contains varying amounts of the phototoxic chemical, hypericin. In the presence of light, this chemical can cause rashes to develop on light-skinned animals and it can irritate the gastrointestinal tract.
Photographic Location: A flower garden at the Arboretum of the University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Shrubby St. John's Wort has attractive flowers and foliage. It differs from many other Hypericum spp. by its woody lower stems. It is easy to confuse this species with the woody Hypericum kalmianum (Kalm's St. John's Wort), which is restricted to sandy areas near the Great Lakes (including Lake Michigan in NE Illinois). This latter species has 5-celled seed capsules with 5 style-tips, while Shrubby St. John's Wort has 3-celled seed capsules with 3 style-tips. There are also species of St. John's Wort that have 1-celled seed capsules with singular style-tips; some of these may be slightly woody at the base. A widely cultivated woody species, Hypericum frondosum (Golden St. John' Wort), has larger flowers (greater than 1" across) and wider leaves (greater than ¾" across) than Shrubby St. John's Wort. Golden St. John's Wort is native to the southeastern states, but not Illinois. Another scientific name of Shrubby St. John's Wort is Hypericum spathulatum.
The blooming period occurs during the summer and lasts about 2 months. Each flower is replaced by an ovoid-lanceoloid seed capsule about 1/3–1/2" (8-12 mm.) in length. At the apex of each seed capsule, the tips of the 3 styles persist and become separated. Each seed capsule is divided into 3 cells and divides into 3 parts at maturity to release the seeds. The small seeds are narrowly oblongoid, flattened, and black. The root system is woody and branching.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and somewhat barren rocky ground. This shrubby wildflower is readily cultivated in gardens.
Range & Habitat: The native Shrubby St. John's Wort is occasional in the southern half of Illinois and largely absent in the northern half of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland prairies, upland rocky woodlands and bluffs, rocky stream banks, edges of swamps, abandoned fields, pastures, and roadside embankments. Some local populations near urbanWoody Stems & Leaves areas may be escaped cultivated plants.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated primarily by bumblebees, which collect pollen for their larvae. Other insect visitors that seek pollen from the flowers include Syrphid flies and Halictid bees, but they are less effective at cross-pollination. Sometimes butterflies and wasps land on the flowers, but they are vainly seeking nectar -- the flowers offer only pollen from the abundant stamens as a floral reward. Insects that feed on Shrubby St. John's Wort and other Hypericum spp. include the aphid Brachysiphum hyperici, several leaf beetles, the caterpillars of the butterfly Strymon melinus (Gray Hairstreak), and the caterpillars of several moths. The Insect Table lists many of these species. Most mammalian herbivores avoid consumption of Hypericum spp. because their foliage contains varying amounts of the phototoxic chemical, hypericin. In the presence of light, this chemical can cause rashes to develop on light-skinned animals and it can irritate the gastrointestinal tract.
Photographic Location: A flower garden at the Arboretum of the University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Shrubby St. John's Wort has attractive flowers and foliage. It differs from many other Hypericum spp. by its woody lower stems. It is easy to confuse this species with the woody Hypericum kalmianum (Kalm's St. John's Wort), which is restricted to sandy areas near the Great Lakes (including Lake Michigan in NE Illinois). This latter species has 5-celled seed capsules with 5 style-tips, while Shrubby St. John's Wort has 3-celled seed capsules with 3 style-tips. There are also species of St. John's Wort that have 1-celled seed capsules with singular style-tips; some of these may be slightly woody at the base. A widely cultivated woody species, Hypericum frondosum (Golden St. John' Wort), has larger flowers (greater than 1" across) and wider leaves (greater than ¾" across) than Shrubby St. John's Wort. Golden St. John's Wort is native to the southeastern states, but not Illinois. Another scientific name of Shrubby St. John's Wort is Hypericum spathulatum.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年01月12日
Description: This small perennial wildflower is about 3-6" tall, consisting of a rosette of basal leaves and one or more flowering stems with opposite leaves. The basal leaves are about ½" long, medium green, elliptic or oblanceolate in shape, glabrous, and smooth along their margins. The unbranched stems are light green, 4-angled, glabrous, and more or less erect. The opposite leaves, which are widely spaced along each stem, are ¼" long or less, medium green, linear-elliptic in shape, glabrous, sessile, and smooth along their margins. Each stem terminates in 1-2 flowers (usually only one). The flowers have slender pedicels that are light green and glabrous. Individual flowers are 3/8" (10 mm.) across, consisting of a light green tubular calyx with 4 linear lobes, a narrowly tubular corolla with 4 petal-like lobes, 4 stamens, and a pistil with a single style that is bifurcated at its tip. The petal-like lobes of the corolla are pale blue-violet (rarely white), ovate in shape, and widely spreading. At the base of the lobes, the corolla is yellow.
Two types of flowers are produced: those with long stamens and a short style, and those with short stamens and a long style. Regardless of the flower type, both stamens and style are inserted within the corolla or barely visible at its mouth. The blooming period occurs during the late spring and lasts about 3 weeks. The flowers are replaced by 2-lobed seed-capsules about 1/8" (3 mm.) across. The capsule contains several small seeds with minute pebbly surfaces (when viewed under magnification). This wildflower has shallow fibrous roots and slender rhizomes, forming tufts of flowering plants.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and either sandy or thin rocky soil that is somewhat acidic. Most growth and development occurs during the spring. This wildflower will adapt to rock gardens.
Range & Habitat: The native Quaker Ladies is found along the easternmost tier of counties and scattered areas of southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is an uncommon species in this state. Habitats include sand prairies, sandy savannas, sandy paths in wooded areas, sandstone glades and ledges, and damp rocky areas along upland streams. This wildflower occurs in higher quality habitats with sparse ground vegetation.
Faunal Associations: The flowers of Quaker Ladies attract Little Carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), Green Metallic bees and other Halictid bees, bee flies (Bombyliidae), and small butterflies. Blanchon (1901) observed the butterfly Boloria bellona (Meadow Fritillary) as a frequent visitor of the flowers. Both nectar and pollen are available as floral rewards. According to Covell (1984/2005), Houstonia spp. (Bluets) are host plants for caterpillars of the moth Thyris maculata (Spotted Thyris). It is doubtful that mammalian herbivores make much use of the foliage of Quaker Ladies, considering its low stature and sparseness.
Photographic Location: A mossy path in a sandy woodland in NW Ohio near the Oak Openings region.
Comments: This wildflower is dainty, delicate, and wonderful. It is perhaps the most aesthetically pleasing of the small wildflowers in its genus. In Illinois, Quaker Ladies can be distinguished from other Bluets (Houstonia spp.) by the patch of yellow at the center of its corolla. In addition, the opening of its corolla is more narrow than most Bluets and the lobes of its corolla are relatively larger in size and more widely spreading. A species that does not occur within the state, Mountain Bluets (Houstonia serpyllifolia), shares these characteristics with Quaker Ladies. Mountain Bluets differs by having oval-shaped basal leaves that creep across the ground. This latter species is found primarily in the Appalachian mountains. Other common names of Houstonia caerulea are Azure Bluets and Innocence.
Two types of flowers are produced: those with long stamens and a short style, and those with short stamens and a long style. Regardless of the flower type, both stamens and style are inserted within the corolla or barely visible at its mouth. The blooming period occurs during the late spring and lasts about 3 weeks. The flowers are replaced by 2-lobed seed-capsules about 1/8" (3 mm.) across. The capsule contains several small seeds with minute pebbly surfaces (when viewed under magnification). This wildflower has shallow fibrous roots and slender rhizomes, forming tufts of flowering plants.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and either sandy or thin rocky soil that is somewhat acidic. Most growth and development occurs during the spring. This wildflower will adapt to rock gardens.
Range & Habitat: The native Quaker Ladies is found along the easternmost tier of counties and scattered areas of southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is an uncommon species in this state. Habitats include sand prairies, sandy savannas, sandy paths in wooded areas, sandstone glades and ledges, and damp rocky areas along upland streams. This wildflower occurs in higher quality habitats with sparse ground vegetation.
Faunal Associations: The flowers of Quaker Ladies attract Little Carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), Green Metallic bees and other Halictid bees, bee flies (Bombyliidae), and small butterflies. Blanchon (1901) observed the butterfly Boloria bellona (Meadow Fritillary) as a frequent visitor of the flowers. Both nectar and pollen are available as floral rewards. According to Covell (1984/2005), Houstonia spp. (Bluets) are host plants for caterpillars of the moth Thyris maculata (Spotted Thyris). It is doubtful that mammalian herbivores make much use of the foliage of Quaker Ladies, considering its low stature and sparseness.
Photographic Location: A mossy path in a sandy woodland in NW Ohio near the Oak Openings region.
Comments: This wildflower is dainty, delicate, and wonderful. It is perhaps the most aesthetically pleasing of the small wildflowers in its genus. In Illinois, Quaker Ladies can be distinguished from other Bluets (Houstonia spp.) by the patch of yellow at the center of its corolla. In addition, the opening of its corolla is more narrow than most Bluets and the lobes of its corolla are relatively larger in size and more widely spreading. A species that does not occur within the state, Mountain Bluets (Houstonia serpyllifolia), shares these characteristics with Quaker Ladies. Mountain Bluets differs by having oval-shaped basal leaves that creep across the ground. This latter species is found primarily in the Appalachian mountains. Other common names of Houstonia caerulea are Azure Bluets and Innocence.
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求助
BeautifullyMad
2018年01月11日
Woke up this morning and my little green guy was like this in his pot. i dont know what happened but it keeps reoccurring in my plants /succulents. can someone please tell me whats going on?
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Ueca：This is rot, and results from the soil being kept too moist. Either water in longer intervals or get faster draining soil.
文章
Miss Chen
2018年01月11日
Description: This perennial plant is 3-5' tall, branching occasionally and becoming rather bushy in open situations. The stems are light green to reddish green, variably pubescent or hairy, and terete to slightly angular. Pairs of opposite leaves are distributed evenly along these stems. These leaves are 2½–5" long and 1–3½" across; they are cordate-ovate, ovate, or lanceolate in shape, while their margins are coarsely serrated. The upper leaf surface is medium to dark green and usually rough-textured from minute stiff hairs, while the lower leaf surface is light green and glabrous to short-pubescent. Primary veins of the leaves are pinnately arranged. On each leaf, 2 prominent lateral veins become separated from the central vein near its base. Secondary veins of the leaves form reticulated networks that are visible on the leaf undersides. The petioles are up to ¾" long, partially winged, and more or less pubescent. The upper stems terminate in flowerheads spanning about 1½–3" across; these flowerheads are usually more or less erect. Each flowerhead consists of 8-20 ray florets that surround numerous disk florets. The petaloid rays of each flowerhead are yellow to deep golden yellow, oblong or oblong-elliptic in shape, and slightly notched at their tips.
The tiny corollas of both the ray florets and disk florets are short-tubular in shape, deep golden yellow to orange-yellow, and 5-lobed; the corolla lobes of these florets are triangular in shape and spreading to recurved. Both the ray florets and disk florets of the flowerheads are fertile. At the base of each flowerhead, there are several outer phyllaries (floral bracts) that are arranged in a single series. These phyllaries are light to medium green, more or less pubescent, and oblong-ovate in shape, tapering abruptly to blunt tips that are somewhat recurved. There are also several inner phyllaries that are arranged in a single series. These phyllaries are similar to the outer phyllaries, but their tips are appressed along the base of the flowerhead, rather than recurved. The peduncles of the flowerheads are 1-6" long, light green, terete to slightly angular, and more or less pubescent. The blooming period occurs from early summer to late summer, lasting about 2-3 months for a colony of plants. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by achenes that are 4-5 mm. long, oblongoid-oblanceoloid in shape, somewhat flattened, and dark-colored. These achenes lack tufts of hair, nor do they have significant scales at their apices. The root system is fibrous.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and loamy soil, although rocky ground and clay-loam are tolerated. This plant is easy to cultivate and it has a long blooming period during the summer. Some double-flowered cultivars are available.
Range & Habitat: The native False Sunflower occurs throughout Illinois, except for a few southern counties (see Distribution Map). It is a fairly common plant, favoring areas that have some history of disturbance. Habitats include black soil prairies, river-bottom prairies, grassy meadows in wooded areas, open woodlands, woodland borders, savannas, thickets, limestone glades, banks of streams, and areas along railroads where prairie remnants occur. False Sunflower is grown in flower gardens, from which it sometimes escapes into neighboring waste areas. This plant is also used in prairie restorations, even though it is more typically found in or around wooded areas.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract a wide variety of insects, including honeybees, bumblebees, little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), digger bees (Melissodes spp.), cuckoo bees (Coelioxys spp., Triepeolus spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees (Agapostemon spp., Lasioglossum spp.), Andrenid bees (Andrena spp., Heterosarus spp.), thread-waisted wasps (Ammophila spp.) and other wasps, Syrphid flies (Eristalis spp., Toxomerus spp.), bee flies (Exoprosopa spp.), the Goldenrod Soldier Beetle (Chauliognathus pennsylanicus) and other beetles, Painted Lady butterflies (Vanessa spp.) and other butterflies, and skippers (Robertson, 1929). These floral visitors cross-pollinate the flowerheads. Other insects feed on the leaves, stems, seeds, and other parts of False Sunflower. These species include a leaf beetle (Physonota helianthi), leaf-mining larvae of a Tischeriid moth (Astrotischeria heliopsisella), stem-boring larvae of the Rigid Sunflower Borer Moth (Papaipema rigida), floret- and seed-eating larvae of a fly (Melanagromyza virens), and a seed bug (Lygaeus turcicus); see Clark et al. (2004), Microleps website (2010), Covell (1984/2005), Marcovitch (1916), and Hoffman (1996). Little is known about this plant's relationships to vertebrate animals, but they are probably similar to those of sunflowers (Helianthus spp.). Hoofed mammalian herbivores probably browse on the young foliage, while upland gamebirds, granivorous songbirds, and small rodents probably eat the seeds.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Kaufman Lake Park in Champaign, Illinois, near some trees.
Comments: False Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides) is not considered a true sunflower (Helianthus sp.) because both the ray and disk florets of its flowerheads can produce seeds. In contrast, only the disk florets of sunflowers can produce seeds. In contrast to both False Sunflower and true sunflowers, only the ray florets of Silphium spp. can produce seeds, while their disk florets are seedless. All of these species are relatively large and robust plants that produce showy flowerheads with yellow rays, and they prefer habitats that are at least partly sunny. False Sunflower resembles many sunflower species, particularly those that are found in and around woodlands. In addition to the difference in the fertility of their florets, False Sunflower can be distinguished by its more erect flowerheads, by the rather stout and blunt-tipped phyllaries on its flowerheads, and by the arrangement of its outer phyllaries in a single series. In contrast, most sunflower species have flowerheads that nod sideways, their phyllaries are either more slender (linear-lanceolate in shape) or they are triangular with acute tips, and they have several overlapping series of outer phyllaries.
The tiny corollas of both the ray florets and disk florets are short-tubular in shape, deep golden yellow to orange-yellow, and 5-lobed; the corolla lobes of these florets are triangular in shape and spreading to recurved. Both the ray florets and disk florets of the flowerheads are fertile. At the base of each flowerhead, there are several outer phyllaries (floral bracts) that are arranged in a single series. These phyllaries are light to medium green, more or less pubescent, and oblong-ovate in shape, tapering abruptly to blunt tips that are somewhat recurved. There are also several inner phyllaries that are arranged in a single series. These phyllaries are similar to the outer phyllaries, but their tips are appressed along the base of the flowerhead, rather than recurved. The peduncles of the flowerheads are 1-6" long, light green, terete to slightly angular, and more or less pubescent. The blooming period occurs from early summer to late summer, lasting about 2-3 months for a colony of plants. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by achenes that are 4-5 mm. long, oblongoid-oblanceoloid in shape, somewhat flattened, and dark-colored. These achenes lack tufts of hair, nor do they have significant scales at their apices. The root system is fibrous.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and loamy soil, although rocky ground and clay-loam are tolerated. This plant is easy to cultivate and it has a long blooming period during the summer. Some double-flowered cultivars are available.
Range & Habitat: The native False Sunflower occurs throughout Illinois, except for a few southern counties (see Distribution Map). It is a fairly common plant, favoring areas that have some history of disturbance. Habitats include black soil prairies, river-bottom prairies, grassy meadows in wooded areas, open woodlands, woodland borders, savannas, thickets, limestone glades, banks of streams, and areas along railroads where prairie remnants occur. False Sunflower is grown in flower gardens, from which it sometimes escapes into neighboring waste areas. This plant is also used in prairie restorations, even though it is more typically found in or around wooded areas.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract a wide variety of insects, including honeybees, bumblebees, little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), digger bees (Melissodes spp.), cuckoo bees (Coelioxys spp., Triepeolus spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees (Agapostemon spp., Lasioglossum spp.), Andrenid bees (Andrena spp., Heterosarus spp.), thread-waisted wasps (Ammophila spp.) and other wasps, Syrphid flies (Eristalis spp., Toxomerus spp.), bee flies (Exoprosopa spp.), the Goldenrod Soldier Beetle (Chauliognathus pennsylanicus) and other beetles, Painted Lady butterflies (Vanessa spp.) and other butterflies, and skippers (Robertson, 1929). These floral visitors cross-pollinate the flowerheads. Other insects feed on the leaves, stems, seeds, and other parts of False Sunflower. These species include a leaf beetle (Physonota helianthi), leaf-mining larvae of a Tischeriid moth (Astrotischeria heliopsisella), stem-boring larvae of the Rigid Sunflower Borer Moth (Papaipema rigida), floret- and seed-eating larvae of a fly (Melanagromyza virens), and a seed bug (Lygaeus turcicus); see Clark et al. (2004), Microleps website (2010), Covell (1984/2005), Marcovitch (1916), and Hoffman (1996). Little is known about this plant's relationships to vertebrate animals, but they are probably similar to those of sunflowers (Helianthus spp.). Hoofed mammalian herbivores probably browse on the young foliage, while upland gamebirds, granivorous songbirds, and small rodents probably eat the seeds.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Kaufman Lake Park in Champaign, Illinois, near some trees.
Comments: False Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides) is not considered a true sunflower (Helianthus sp.) because both the ray and disk florets of its flowerheads can produce seeds. In contrast, only the disk florets of sunflowers can produce seeds. In contrast to both False Sunflower and true sunflowers, only the ray florets of Silphium spp. can produce seeds, while their disk florets are seedless. All of these species are relatively large and robust plants that produce showy flowerheads with yellow rays, and they prefer habitats that are at least partly sunny. False Sunflower resembles many sunflower species, particularly those that are found in and around woodlands. In addition to the difference in the fertility of their florets, False Sunflower can be distinguished by its more erect flowerheads, by the rather stout and blunt-tipped phyllaries on its flowerheads, and by the arrangement of its outer phyllaries in a single series. In contrast, most sunflower species have flowerheads that nod sideways, their phyllaries are either more slender (linear-lanceolate in shape) or they are triangular with acute tips, and they have several overlapping series of outer phyllaries.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年01月11日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 2-8' tall, branching occasionally along the upper one-half of its length. The stems are light green to reddish brown, terete, and hairy; the stem hairs are white, widely spreading, and slightly stiff. Either opposite or alternate leaves occur along lower to middle stems of this plant, while alternate leaves occur along the upper stems. There is some variation across populations to what extent the leaves are opposite or alternate. The leaf blades are up to 9" long and 4" across, although they are usually closer to one-third or one-half of this size. The leaf blades are lanceolate to ovate in shape and nearly entire (toothless) to serrate-dentate along their margins. The bases of leaf blades are wedge-shaped to rounded, while their tips are acute. The upper blade surface is medium green and nearly glabrous to minutely stiff-hairy, while the lower blade surface is pale-medium green and minutely stiff-hairy to short-pubescent. The hairiness of the leaf blades varies to some extent across different populations of plants. The petioles of the leaves are ¼–2½" long, becoming increasingly winged toward their blades; they are light green and minutely stiff-hairy to pubescent. The petioles become progressively shorter as they ascend along the stems. The upper stems terminate in one or more flowerheads on peduncles up to 8" long. The peduncles are similar to the stems in their characteristics.
Each flowerhead spans 2½–3½" across, consisting of a dense head of disk florets that are surrounded by 10-20 ray florets. The corollas of the disk florets are about ¼" long, narrowly tubular in shape, yellow, and 5-lobed at their apices. The petaloid rays of the flowerheads are yellow and elliptic-oblong in shape. At the base of each flowerhead, there are medium green phyllaries (floral bracts) that are arranged in 2-3 overlapping series. These phyllaries are lanceolate-triangular to ovate-triangular in shape and either appressed together or slightly spreading; their margins are usually ciliate. The blooming period occurs from late summer into autumn, lasting 1-2 months. Afterwards, fertile disk florets are replaced by achenes. At maturity, these achenes are about ¼" (6 mm.) long, oblongoid-oblanceoloid in shape, somewhat flattened, and glabrous to slightly downy. The apices of these achenes have tiny deciduous scales that soon fall off. The root system is fibrous, rhizomatous, and tuberous. The tubers are fusiform to rounded-chunky in appearance and relatively large (often 2" or more across). Clonal colonies of plants are often produced from the rhizomes and tubers.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, moist conditions, and soil containing fertile loam. During hot dry weather, the leaves may wilt conspicuously or the lower leaves may fall off, but this plant recovers readily after significant rainfall. Foliar disease usually isn't a problem until autumn, when powdery mildew on the leaves may develop. During a wind storm, this plant may topple over while it is in bloom. In open situations with reduced competition, this plant has a tendency to spread aggressively.
Range & Habitat: Jerusalem Artichoke occurs throughout most of Illinois, except a few counties in southern and NW Illinois (see Distribution Map). Overall, it is a fairly common plant; there are both native populations and plants that have escaped cultivation within the state. Habitats include moist to mesic black soil prairies, prairie remnants along railroads, moist meadows along rivers, woodland borders, thickets, roadsides and areas along railroads, slopes of ditches and drainage canals, and miscellaneous waste areas. Jerusalem Artichoke is usually more common in disturbed areas.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract primarily bees, including bumblebees, cuckoo bees (Triepeolus spp.), digger bees (Melissodes spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees, and Andrenid bees. Bees that are specialist pollinators (oligoleges) of sunflowers (Helianthus spp.) include a digger bee (Melissodes agilis), some Andrenid bees (Andrena accepta, Andrena aliciae, Andrena helianthi), a dagger bee (Pseudopanurgus rugosus), and a Halictid bee (Dufourea marginata marginata). Other floral visitors include Syrphid flies, bee flies (Bombyliidae), small to medium-sized butterflies, wasps, and beetles (Robertson, 1929, & others). These insects cross-pollinate the flowerheads. Other insects feed destructively on the foliage, stems, flowerheads, seeds, plant sap, and roots of sunflowers. The larvae of such butterflies as the Gorgone Checkerspot (Chlosyne gorgone), Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis) and Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) feed on the foliage of these plants, as do the larvae of such moths as the Arge Tiger Moth (Grammia arge) and Ruby Tiger Moth (Phragmatobia fuliginosa). Larvae of the Sunflower Moth (Homoeosoma electella) and Frothy Moth (Stibadium spumosum) feed on the seeds, while larvae of the Sunflower Borer Moth (Papaipema necopina) and Rigid Sunflower Borer Moth (Papaipema rigida) bore through the stems.
The Moth Table shows additional moths that feed on sunflowers. Other insect feeders include leaf beetles (Exema dispar, Ophraella communa, Trirhabda adela), weevils, billbugs, plant bugs, the larvae of gall midges, the larvae of fruit flies, aphids, leafhoppers, treehoppers, grasshoppers, and thrips. The Insect Table shows more information about these insects. Among vertebrate animals, the seeds are an important source of food for many birds, including the Bobwhite Quail, Mourning Dove, White-winged Crossbill, and Eastern Goldfinch (see the Bird Table for more information). Mammals also use sunflowers in various ways. Their seeds are eaten by the Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel and other rodents, while the Plains Pocket Gopher feeds on their roots and the White-tailed Deer browses on their foliage (Martin et al., 1951/1961). The tuberous roots of Jerusalem Artichoke are particularly attractive to pigs (Georgia, 1913), whether domesticated or wild. Horses, cattle, sheep, and other domesticated farm animals browse on the foliage of these plants. When sunflowers grow near creeks or ponds, their stems are used by muskrats and beavers for the construction of their dens or dams. Large colonies of sunflowers provide protective cover for many kinds of wildlife.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken along the rocky slope of a drainage ditch at the Windsor Road Prairie in Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: A better name for this sunflower would be 'Indian Potato' because the native people of North America cultivated and ate the edible tubers, which are produced in substantial quantities. These tubers have fewer calories per gram than the familiar 'Irish Potato' (a South American plant), and they are better for diabetics because the carbohydrates and sugars can be assimilated by the digestive tract without insulin. However, the tubers can produce flatulence in some people. Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) can be distinguished from other perennial sunflowers (Helianthus spp.) by its longer petioles (often exceeding ½" in length) and wider leaves. Unlike most sunflowers, the stems of Jerusalem Artichoke are covered with spreading hairs. Finally, the phyllaries (floral bracts) of its flowerheads are more wide and triangular-shaped than those of most sunflowers; the latter usually have linear-lanceolate phyllaries. The Annual Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) differs from Jerusalem Artichoke by having even wider leaves that are more or less truncate at their bases, and the central disks of its flowerheads (where the disk florets occur) are more broad.
Each flowerhead spans 2½–3½" across, consisting of a dense head of disk florets that are surrounded by 10-20 ray florets. The corollas of the disk florets are about ¼" long, narrowly tubular in shape, yellow, and 5-lobed at their apices. The petaloid rays of the flowerheads are yellow and elliptic-oblong in shape. At the base of each flowerhead, there are medium green phyllaries (floral bracts) that are arranged in 2-3 overlapping series. These phyllaries are lanceolate-triangular to ovate-triangular in shape and either appressed together or slightly spreading; their margins are usually ciliate. The blooming period occurs from late summer into autumn, lasting 1-2 months. Afterwards, fertile disk florets are replaced by achenes. At maturity, these achenes are about ¼" (6 mm.) long, oblongoid-oblanceoloid in shape, somewhat flattened, and glabrous to slightly downy. The apices of these achenes have tiny deciduous scales that soon fall off. The root system is fibrous, rhizomatous, and tuberous. The tubers are fusiform to rounded-chunky in appearance and relatively large (often 2" or more across). Clonal colonies of plants are often produced from the rhizomes and tubers.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, moist conditions, and soil containing fertile loam. During hot dry weather, the leaves may wilt conspicuously or the lower leaves may fall off, but this plant recovers readily after significant rainfall. Foliar disease usually isn't a problem until autumn, when powdery mildew on the leaves may develop. During a wind storm, this plant may topple over while it is in bloom. In open situations with reduced competition, this plant has a tendency to spread aggressively.
Range & Habitat: Jerusalem Artichoke occurs throughout most of Illinois, except a few counties in southern and NW Illinois (see Distribution Map). Overall, it is a fairly common plant; there are both native populations and plants that have escaped cultivation within the state. Habitats include moist to mesic black soil prairies, prairie remnants along railroads, moist meadows along rivers, woodland borders, thickets, roadsides and areas along railroads, slopes of ditches and drainage canals, and miscellaneous waste areas. Jerusalem Artichoke is usually more common in disturbed areas.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract primarily bees, including bumblebees, cuckoo bees (Triepeolus spp.), digger bees (Melissodes spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees, and Andrenid bees. Bees that are specialist pollinators (oligoleges) of sunflowers (Helianthus spp.) include a digger bee (Melissodes agilis), some Andrenid bees (Andrena accepta, Andrena aliciae, Andrena helianthi), a dagger bee (Pseudopanurgus rugosus), and a Halictid bee (Dufourea marginata marginata). Other floral visitors include Syrphid flies, bee flies (Bombyliidae), small to medium-sized butterflies, wasps, and beetles (Robertson, 1929, & others). These insects cross-pollinate the flowerheads. Other insects feed destructively on the foliage, stems, flowerheads, seeds, plant sap, and roots of sunflowers. The larvae of such butterflies as the Gorgone Checkerspot (Chlosyne gorgone), Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis) and Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) feed on the foliage of these plants, as do the larvae of such moths as the Arge Tiger Moth (Grammia arge) and Ruby Tiger Moth (Phragmatobia fuliginosa). Larvae of the Sunflower Moth (Homoeosoma electella) and Frothy Moth (Stibadium spumosum) feed on the seeds, while larvae of the Sunflower Borer Moth (Papaipema necopina) and Rigid Sunflower Borer Moth (Papaipema rigida) bore through the stems.
The Moth Table shows additional moths that feed on sunflowers. Other insect feeders include leaf beetles (Exema dispar, Ophraella communa, Trirhabda adela), weevils, billbugs, plant bugs, the larvae of gall midges, the larvae of fruit flies, aphids, leafhoppers, treehoppers, grasshoppers, and thrips. The Insect Table shows more information about these insects. Among vertebrate animals, the seeds are an important source of food for many birds, including the Bobwhite Quail, Mourning Dove, White-winged Crossbill, and Eastern Goldfinch (see the Bird Table for more information). Mammals also use sunflowers in various ways. Their seeds are eaten by the Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel and other rodents, while the Plains Pocket Gopher feeds on their roots and the White-tailed Deer browses on their foliage (Martin et al., 1951/1961). The tuberous roots of Jerusalem Artichoke are particularly attractive to pigs (Georgia, 1913), whether domesticated or wild. Horses, cattle, sheep, and other domesticated farm animals browse on the foliage of these plants. When sunflowers grow near creeks or ponds, their stems are used by muskrats and beavers for the construction of their dens or dams. Large colonies of sunflowers provide protective cover for many kinds of wildlife.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken along the rocky slope of a drainage ditch at the Windsor Road Prairie in Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: A better name for this sunflower would be 'Indian Potato' because the native people of North America cultivated and ate the edible tubers, which are produced in substantial quantities. These tubers have fewer calories per gram than the familiar 'Irish Potato' (a South American plant), and they are better for diabetics because the carbohydrates and sugars can be assimilated by the digestive tract without insulin. However, the tubers can produce flatulence in some people. Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) can be distinguished from other perennial sunflowers (Helianthus spp.) by its longer petioles (often exceeding ½" in length) and wider leaves. Unlike most sunflowers, the stems of Jerusalem Artichoke are covered with spreading hairs. Finally, the phyllaries (floral bracts) of its flowerheads are more wide and triangular-shaped than those of most sunflowers; the latter usually have linear-lanceolate phyllaries. The Annual Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) differs from Jerusalem Artichoke by having even wider leaves that are more or less truncate at their bases, and the central disks of its flowerheads (where the disk florets occur) are more broad.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年01月11日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 2-4' tall. It is either unbranched or sparingly branched toward the apex. The central stem is green or reddish brown; it has scattered short white hairs that are quite stiff, providing a sand-papery texture. The opposite leaves are up to 6" long and 2" across, becoming slightly smaller and more narrow as they ascend the stem. However, one or two of the uppermost leaves may alternate along the stem. These leaves are lanceolate or narrowly ovate, tapering gradually at the base. They have short thick petioles, smooth or slightly serrate margins, and a rather rough texture because of scattered short stiff hairs and fine bumps on the surface. In hot dry weather, the leaves often curl upward along the central vein.
Each composite flower is about 2½–3" across, occurring individually at the apex of the central stem and any upper lateral stems. It consists of 10-25 yellow ray florets surrounding numerous reddish brown or yellow disk florets (the latter is atypical). Sometimes the ray florets fold along their length and assume a star-like quality in response to hot dry weather. The floral bracts (phyllaries) surrounding the base of each composite flower are triangular in shape and appressed together in 2-3 overlapping series. There is little noticeable floral scent. The blooming period occurs from late summer to fall, lasting 1-2 months. The root system produces numerous rhizomes, which enables this plant to form dense colonies quickly. These colonies of Prairie Sunflower tend to exclude other plant species because the roots exude allelopathic chemicals that inhibit seed germination and growth of young plants. Because Prairie Sunflower is somewhat vulnerable to these chemicals itself, the plants in the middle of a colony sometimes die out, creating a "fairy ring" effect.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, clay loam, sand, or gravelly material. This plant is easy to grow, but can spread and become very aggressive. Patches of powdery mildew may occur on the leaves. It is sometimes shy to flower.
Range & Habitat: The native Prairie Sunflower occurs occasionally in central and northern Illinois, but is uncommon or absent in many areas of southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is locally common in some prairie remnants, particularly along railroads. Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, gravel prairies, sand prairies, hill prairies, limestone glades, and areas along railroads.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract bumblebees, Miner bees, large Leaf-Cutting bees, Halictine bees, bee flies, butterflies, and skippers. Typical butterfly visitors include Phyciodes tharos (Pearl Crescent), Vanessa cardui (Painted Lady), and Chlosyne spp. (Checkerspot butterflies). These insects seek nectar, although the bees also collect pollen. The caterpillars of the butterflies Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot), Chlosyne gorgone (Gorgon Checkerspot), and Vanessa cardui (Painted Lady) feed on the foliage of this and other sunflowers. The caterpillars of several species of moths and miscellaneous other insects feed on various parts of sunflowers (see Insect Table). This includes the larvae of Microrhapala cyanea (Leaf Miner Beetle) and Gnorimoschema sp. (Gall Moth sp.), the latter forming circular galls on the stems. The large and nutritious seeds are eaten by many kinds of upland gamebirds, songbirds, and small rodents (see Wildlife Table). The Eastern Pocket Gopher eats the roots, while deer and livestock browse on the foliage.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Dave Monk's postage stamp prairie in Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: Prairie Sunflower can be variable in appearance. With respect to the flowers, the disk florets are usually reddish brown (maroon), however sometimes they are yellow in appearance; there are usually 10-15 ray florets, but sometimes as many as 25. Similarly, the leaves are often 1" across or less, but sometimes wider. These variations may be the result of hybridization, or the existence of subspecies that remain to be identified. This sunflower species can be distinguished from others by the rough texture of its leaves and stems, the short stout petioles, and the lanceolate shape of its leaves. In addition, the floral bracts (phyllaries) are triangular in shape and more wide than those of most other sunflowers. Prairie Sunflower is more xerophytic than many other sunflowers in Illinois, favoring dry upland areas in full sunlight. Another scientific name for this plant is Helianthus rigidus, but it is considered obsolete.
Each composite flower is about 2½–3" across, occurring individually at the apex of the central stem and any upper lateral stems. It consists of 10-25 yellow ray florets surrounding numerous reddish brown or yellow disk florets (the latter is atypical). Sometimes the ray florets fold along their length and assume a star-like quality in response to hot dry weather. The floral bracts (phyllaries) surrounding the base of each composite flower are triangular in shape and appressed together in 2-3 overlapping series. There is little noticeable floral scent. The blooming period occurs from late summer to fall, lasting 1-2 months. The root system produces numerous rhizomes, which enables this plant to form dense colonies quickly. These colonies of Prairie Sunflower tend to exclude other plant species because the roots exude allelopathic chemicals that inhibit seed germination and growth of young plants. Because Prairie Sunflower is somewhat vulnerable to these chemicals itself, the plants in the middle of a colony sometimes die out, creating a "fairy ring" effect.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, clay loam, sand, or gravelly material. This plant is easy to grow, but can spread and become very aggressive. Patches of powdery mildew may occur on the leaves. It is sometimes shy to flower.
Range & Habitat: The native Prairie Sunflower occurs occasionally in central and northern Illinois, but is uncommon or absent in many areas of southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is locally common in some prairie remnants, particularly along railroads. Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, gravel prairies, sand prairies, hill prairies, limestone glades, and areas along railroads.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract bumblebees, Miner bees, large Leaf-Cutting bees, Halictine bees, bee flies, butterflies, and skippers. Typical butterfly visitors include Phyciodes tharos (Pearl Crescent), Vanessa cardui (Painted Lady), and Chlosyne spp. (Checkerspot butterflies). These insects seek nectar, although the bees also collect pollen. The caterpillars of the butterflies Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot), Chlosyne gorgone (Gorgon Checkerspot), and Vanessa cardui (Painted Lady) feed on the foliage of this and other sunflowers. The caterpillars of several species of moths and miscellaneous other insects feed on various parts of sunflowers (see Insect Table). This includes the larvae of Microrhapala cyanea (Leaf Miner Beetle) and Gnorimoschema sp. (Gall Moth sp.), the latter forming circular galls on the stems. The large and nutritious seeds are eaten by many kinds of upland gamebirds, songbirds, and small rodents (see Wildlife Table). The Eastern Pocket Gopher eats the roots, while deer and livestock browse on the foliage.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Dave Monk's postage stamp prairie in Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: Prairie Sunflower can be variable in appearance. With respect to the flowers, the disk florets are usually reddish brown (maroon), however sometimes they are yellow in appearance; there are usually 10-15 ray florets, but sometimes as many as 25. Similarly, the leaves are often 1" across or less, but sometimes wider. These variations may be the result of hybridization, or the existence of subspecies that remain to be identified. This sunflower species can be distinguished from others by the rough texture of its leaves and stems, the short stout petioles, and the lanceolate shape of its leaves. In addition, the floral bracts (phyllaries) are triangular in shape and more wide than those of most other sunflowers. Prairie Sunflower is more xerophytic than many other sunflowers in Illinois, favoring dry upland areas in full sunlight. Another scientific name for this plant is Helianthus rigidus, but it is considered obsolete.
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成长记
ajlarasati
2018年01月10日
Cooking time. A little bit too late for harvest, but the "green" crowds never fail me.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年01月10日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 3-8' tall and largely unbranched, except where the flowers occur. The central stem is stout, round, light green to light red, and densely covered with short white hairs. The leaves occur alternately along the central stem, except for some of the lower leaves, which may occur oppositely from each other. These leaves are up to 12" long and 2" across. They are sessile against the stem, and narrowly lanceolate. Their upper and lower surfaces are light green and covered with fine white hairs. The margins of the leaves are smooth, or they may have widely spaced small teeth. Furthermore, the typical leaf folds upward from the central vein, and curls downward from the stem on account of its length.
From the axils of the upper leaves, there are short flowering stalks. Each of these stalks is more or less erect, bearing a single composite flower and possibly 1 or 2 leaves. Each composite flower is about 2–3½" across. There are 20-40 yellow ray florets, which surround numerous disk florets. Behind each composite flower, there are green bracts that are lanceolate or narrowly lanceolate; they are covered with fine white hairs as well. The blooming period is late summer to fall and lasts about 1 month. The achenes are linear-oblong with a pair of awns on top. They are blown about by the wind, or distributed by animals. The root system consists of fleshy, fibrous roots and rhizomes. Like other perennial sunflowers, this plant can form vegetative colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions. The soil can contain clay-loam, rocky material, or loess. This plant appears to have few problems with pests or foliar disease. It can grow tall and spread aggressively, and may flop over while in bloom if it is grown in moist rich soil.
Range & Habitat: Maximilian's Sunflower is an uncommon plant that occurs in NE Illinois, west central Illinois, and SW Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is adventive from the west in most, if not all, of these areas. It is possible, however, that Maximilian's Sunflower is native to a few of the western counties in Illinois where it occurs in high quality natural habitats. Habitats include rocky upland prairies, loess hill prairies, ledges of rocky cliffs, areas along railroads and roadsides, and waste ground. This plant is more common in states that lie west of the Mississippi River.
Faunal Associations: The flowers of this species probably attract many of the same insects as other sunflowers, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, butterflies and skippers, and beetles. These insects seek nectar or pollen. The seeds of sunflowers are an attractive food source to both birds and small mammals (see Wildlife Table). The caterpillars of the butterfly Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) feed on the foliage, while the caterpillars of several Papaipema spp. (Borer Moths) bore through the stems (see the Insect Table for additional species that feed on sunflowers). The foliage of young plants may be eaten by rabbits and groundhogs, while large plants are eaten by livestock.
Photographic Location: A city park in Champaign, Illinois, where a colony of plants occurred along a small lake.
Comments: Maximilian's Sunflower is named after an early botantical explorer of North America. This plant has attractive foliage and flowers, and it is easy to identify because of the unusual leaves. These narrow leaves are longer (up to 12") than the leaves of other Helianthus spp. in Illinois, and they have a distinctive light green or greyish green appearance because of their fine white hairs. Two native species, Helianthus grosseserratus (Sawtooth Sunflower) and Helianthus giganteus (Giant Sunflower), also have narrow leaves, but they are not covered with dense white hairs. Another species resembling Maximilian's Sunflower is Helianthus salicifolius (Willow Sunflower), which occurs in the southern Great Plains. The Willow Sunflower has narrow leaves that are even longer than Maximilian's Sunflower, but they are only ½" across or less. The Willow sunflower is not known to occur in Illinois at the present time, although a colony of 500 plants once existed in Cook County before it was destroyed by commercial development. These plants were undoubtedly adventive from the west. Sometimes the scientific name of Maximilian's Sunflower is spelled Helianthus maximilianii.
From the axils of the upper leaves, there are short flowering stalks. Each of these stalks is more or less erect, bearing a single composite flower and possibly 1 or 2 leaves. Each composite flower is about 2–3½" across. There are 20-40 yellow ray florets, which surround numerous disk florets. Behind each composite flower, there are green bracts that are lanceolate or narrowly lanceolate; they are covered with fine white hairs as well. The blooming period is late summer to fall and lasts about 1 month. The achenes are linear-oblong with a pair of awns on top. They are blown about by the wind, or distributed by animals. The root system consists of fleshy, fibrous roots and rhizomes. Like other perennial sunflowers, this plant can form vegetative colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions. The soil can contain clay-loam, rocky material, or loess. This plant appears to have few problems with pests or foliar disease. It can grow tall and spread aggressively, and may flop over while in bloom if it is grown in moist rich soil.
Range & Habitat: Maximilian's Sunflower is an uncommon plant that occurs in NE Illinois, west central Illinois, and SW Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is adventive from the west in most, if not all, of these areas. It is possible, however, that Maximilian's Sunflower is native to a few of the western counties in Illinois where it occurs in high quality natural habitats. Habitats include rocky upland prairies, loess hill prairies, ledges of rocky cliffs, areas along railroads and roadsides, and waste ground. This plant is more common in states that lie west of the Mississippi River.
Faunal Associations: The flowers of this species probably attract many of the same insects as other sunflowers, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, butterflies and skippers, and beetles. These insects seek nectar or pollen. The seeds of sunflowers are an attractive food source to both birds and small mammals (see Wildlife Table). The caterpillars of the butterfly Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) feed on the foliage, while the caterpillars of several Papaipema spp. (Borer Moths) bore through the stems (see the Insect Table for additional species that feed on sunflowers). The foliage of young plants may be eaten by rabbits and groundhogs, while large plants are eaten by livestock.
Photographic Location: A city park in Champaign, Illinois, where a colony of plants occurred along a small lake.
Comments: Maximilian's Sunflower is named after an early botantical explorer of North America. This plant has attractive foliage and flowers, and it is easy to identify because of the unusual leaves. These narrow leaves are longer (up to 12") than the leaves of other Helianthus spp. in Illinois, and they have a distinctive light green or greyish green appearance because of their fine white hairs. Two native species, Helianthus grosseserratus (Sawtooth Sunflower) and Helianthus giganteus (Giant Sunflower), also have narrow leaves, but they are not covered with dense white hairs. Another species resembling Maximilian's Sunflower is Helianthus salicifolius (Willow Sunflower), which occurs in the southern Great Plains. The Willow Sunflower has narrow leaves that are even longer than Maximilian's Sunflower, but they are only ½" across or less. The Willow sunflower is not known to occur in Illinois at the present time, although a colony of 500 plants once existed in Cook County before it was destroyed by commercial development. These plants were undoubtedly adventive from the west. Sometimes the scientific name of Maximilian's Sunflower is spelled Helianthus maximilianii.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年01月10日
Description: This herbaceous perennial wildflower is 3-8' tall and unbranched, except toward the apex where the flowering heads occur. The central stem is terete, light green or dark red (often the latter), and sparsely covered with stiff bristles. The middle to upper leaves are alternate, while the lower leaves are either alternate or opposite; they are up to 7" long and 1¼" across. The leaves are narrowly lanceolate and slightly toothed along their margins; they have short slender petioles up to ½" long. The upper surface of each leaf is rough-textured, while the lower surface is covered with fine short hairs
The upper stems terminate in several flowerheads. Each flowerhead spans 2–3½" across, consisting of 10-20 yellow ray florets and numerous yellow disk florets (typically about 60). The disk florets are fertile, while the ray florets are sterile. Individual ray florets are oblong in shape and petal-like, while the tiny disk florets are tubular-shaped with 5 spreading lobes. At the base of each flowerhead, there are several floral bracts (phyllaries) that are light green, linear in shape, and ciliate along their margins. They are arranged loosely together. The blooming period occurs from late summer into the fall and lasts about 1½ months. Each fertilized floret is replaced with an achene about 3-4 mm. long that is oblongoid in shape and somewhat flattened; there are 2 deciduous awns at its apex. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. This sunflower often forms vegetative clumps.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, moist conditions, and soil containing loam, sandy loam, or muck. The size of individual plants varies according to soil fertility and moisture levels.
Range & Habitat: The native Luxuriant Sunflower is found primarily in NE Illinois, where it is uncommon (see Distribution Map). Because this sunflower is a hybrid of Helianthus giganteus and Helianthus grosseserratus, it is usually found where the ranges of these two species intersect. Habitats include sedge meadows, calcareous fens, edges of sandy and non-sandy marshes, and moist prairies. This sunflower is found primarily in moist open areas.
Faunal Associations: The florets are cross-pollinated primarily by bees, including bumblebees, honeybees, and Andrenid bees. The following Andrenid bees are specialist pollinators of Helianthus spp. (Sunflowers): Andrena accepta, Andrena aliciae, and Andrena helianthi. Other insect pollinators include butterflies, bee flies, and the larger Syrphid flies. Many insects are known to feed on various parts of sunflowers, including aphids, leafhoppers, grasshoppers, leaf beetles, weevils, plant bugs, and others. Several of these species are listed in the Insect Table (excluding moths). Sunflowers are the preferred food plants for the larvae of two butterflies, Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) and Chlosyne gorgone (Gorgone Checkerspot). The larvae of several moth species also feed on sunflowers (see the Moth Table). Among vertebrate animals, sparrows, goldfinches, and other birds eat the large and nutritious seeds (see the Bird Table), as do some small rodents (Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrel, Meadow Vole, and White-Footed Mouse). White-Tailed Deer and the Cottontail Rabbit feed on the leaves and young stalks of sunflowers. Among wetland species, the Muskrat occasionally feeds on the stalks or uses them in the construction of its lodges. In general, the ecological value of this and other sunflowers to wildlife is high.
Photographic Location: A prairie at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois, where this species was introduced.
Alternate Leaves
Comments: This sunflower is usually taller than the surrounding vegetation and quite showy. Luxuriant Sunflower is similar in appearance to its parental species, Helianthus giganteus (Giant Sunflower) and Helianthus grosseserratus (Sawtooth Sunflower). This hybrid sunflower and its two parents can be distinguished from each other by examining their respective stems: Giant Sunflower has stems that are abundantly covered with long spreading hairs, while Sawtooth Sunflower has stems that are hairless and often glaucous. The Luxuriant Sunflower is intermediate between these two: its stems are sparsely covered with short bristly hairs. However, some authorities prefer to classify specimens with such stems as variants of the Giant Sunflower. All three of these sunflowers prefer open habitats that are somewhat damp. Such sunflowers rank among the preferred hosts of an uncommon parasitic plant, Cuscuta glomerata (Rope Dodder). Because of its dense mass of flowers, this is one of the more attractive Dodder species.
The upper stems terminate in several flowerheads. Each flowerhead spans 2–3½" across, consisting of 10-20 yellow ray florets and numerous yellow disk florets (typically about 60). The disk florets are fertile, while the ray florets are sterile. Individual ray florets are oblong in shape and petal-like, while the tiny disk florets are tubular-shaped with 5 spreading lobes. At the base of each flowerhead, there are several floral bracts (phyllaries) that are light green, linear in shape, and ciliate along their margins. They are arranged loosely together. The blooming period occurs from late summer into the fall and lasts about 1½ months. Each fertilized floret is replaced with an achene about 3-4 mm. long that is oblongoid in shape and somewhat flattened; there are 2 deciduous awns at its apex. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. This sunflower often forms vegetative clumps.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, moist conditions, and soil containing loam, sandy loam, or muck. The size of individual plants varies according to soil fertility and moisture levels.
Range & Habitat: The native Luxuriant Sunflower is found primarily in NE Illinois, where it is uncommon (see Distribution Map). Because this sunflower is a hybrid of Helianthus giganteus and Helianthus grosseserratus, it is usually found where the ranges of these two species intersect. Habitats include sedge meadows, calcareous fens, edges of sandy and non-sandy marshes, and moist prairies. This sunflower is found primarily in moist open areas.
Faunal Associations: The florets are cross-pollinated primarily by bees, including bumblebees, honeybees, and Andrenid bees. The following Andrenid bees are specialist pollinators of Helianthus spp. (Sunflowers): Andrena accepta, Andrena aliciae, and Andrena helianthi. Other insect pollinators include butterflies, bee flies, and the larger Syrphid flies. Many insects are known to feed on various parts of sunflowers, including aphids, leafhoppers, grasshoppers, leaf beetles, weevils, plant bugs, and others. Several of these species are listed in the Insect Table (excluding moths). Sunflowers are the preferred food plants for the larvae of two butterflies, Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) and Chlosyne gorgone (Gorgone Checkerspot). The larvae of several moth species also feed on sunflowers (see the Moth Table). Among vertebrate animals, sparrows, goldfinches, and other birds eat the large and nutritious seeds (see the Bird Table), as do some small rodents (Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrel, Meadow Vole, and White-Footed Mouse). White-Tailed Deer and the Cottontail Rabbit feed on the leaves and young stalks of sunflowers. Among wetland species, the Muskrat occasionally feeds on the stalks or uses them in the construction of its lodges. In general, the ecological value of this and other sunflowers to wildlife is high.
Photographic Location: A prairie at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois, where this species was introduced.
Alternate Leaves
Comments: This sunflower is usually taller than the surrounding vegetation and quite showy. Luxuriant Sunflower is similar in appearance to its parental species, Helianthus giganteus (Giant Sunflower) and Helianthus grosseserratus (Sawtooth Sunflower). This hybrid sunflower and its two parents can be distinguished from each other by examining their respective stems: Giant Sunflower has stems that are abundantly covered with long spreading hairs, while Sawtooth Sunflower has stems that are hairless and often glaucous. The Luxuriant Sunflower is intermediate between these two: its stems are sparsely covered with short bristly hairs. However, some authorities prefer to classify specimens with such stems as variants of the Giant Sunflower. All three of these sunflowers prefer open habitats that are somewhat damp. Such sunflowers rank among the preferred hosts of an uncommon parasitic plant, Cuscuta glomerata (Rope Dodder). Because of its dense mass of flowers, this is one of the more attractive Dodder species.
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Miss Chen
2018年01月10日
Description: This is an annual wildflower with a large and stout central stem about 3-9' tall, although occasionally smaller. Toward the apex of the plant, there may be a few side stems, but it is tall and columnar overall. The central stem is light green to reddish green, terete, and covered with stiff spreading hairs. The large alternate leaves are up to 8" long and 6" across – they have a tendency to droop downward from the long petioles. They are cordate, ovate-cordate, or ovate with fine dentate margins, although some of the small upper leaves may have smooth margins and a lanceolate shape. The upper surface of the leaves is dull green and covered with short stiff hairs, providing it with a sandpapery feel. The petioles are light green to reddish green, and covered with short stiff hairs; the upper surface of each petiole is channeled.
Colony of Blooming Plants
The daisy-like flowerheads consist of numerous central disk florets (each about 1/8" across) that are yellow to brown; they are surrounded by approximately 20-40 ray florets. The petal-like extensions of the ray flowers are yellow. Each flowerhead is about 3-5" across. At the bottom of each flowerhead, there are large overlapping bracts in 2-3 series. These floral bracts are dull green, stiffly hairy, and ovate in shape, tapering abruptly to form long narrow tips. An average plant will bear from 1-12 of these flowerheads, and bloom from mid- to late summer for about 1½ months. There is not much of a fragrance, although the florets have a musty smell that is peculiar to sunflowers. During the fall, the disk florets are replaced by large seeds that are ovoid and somewhat flattened in shapee; they are dispersed by gravity when the tall plants topple over during the winter. Like many other species in its genus, the Annual Sunflower exudes chemicals that kills off other kinds of vegetation. Thus, it has a tendency to form colonies that exclude other plants, particularly in disturbed areas.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, moist to slightly dry conditions, and a fertile loamy soil. However, this wildflower often thrives in soil with a high clay or gravel content. There is a natural tendency for the lower leaves to shrivel and drop whenever there are extended spells of hot dry weather. Powdery mildew sometimes attacks the leaves during the fall, but this is usually after the plant has finished blooming and is forming seeds. It is easy to start new plants from seeds.
Range & Habitat: The native Annual Sunflower occurs throughout Illinois; it is especially common in the central and northern areas of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include disturbed areas of mesic to dry prairies, meadows in wooded areas, cultivated and abandoned fields, pastures, areas along railroads and roads, and urban waste areas. Annual Sunflower may occur sporadically as individual plants, or in small to large colonies that persist year after year. This rather weedy wildflower can be controlled by summer wildfires or periodic mowing.
Faunal Associations: Long-tongued bees are the most important pollinators of the flowers, including the honeybee, bumblebees, digger bees (Melissodes spp.), and leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.). Short-tongued bees that are important visitors of the flowers include Halictid bees, alkali bees, and some Andrenid bees. Some bees are specialist pollinators (oligoleges) of sunflowers; the oligolectic bees Andrena accepta, Andrena helianthi, Dufourea marginatus, Melissodes agilis, and Pseudopanurgus rugosus have been observed to visit the flowers of Annual Sunflower. Visitors of lesser importance include bee flies, butterflies, skippers, and the Goldenrod Soldier Beetle (Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus). These insects are searching for nectar and pollen. In addition to these floral visitors, many insects feed on the leaves and other parts of Annual Sunflower (see Insect Table). Because the seeds are abundant, large-sized, and nutritious, they are an attractive food source to many vertebrate animals, including upland gamebirds, songbirds, ground squirrels, tree squirrels, and mice. To some extent, the seeds are distributed by these animals to new locations. Mammalian herbivores, such as rabbits, ground hogs, and deer, often consume the foliage, particularly from young plants. When this sunflower grows near sources of water, muskrats and beavers sometimes eat its stems and other parts; beavers also use the stems in the construction of their lodges and dams.
Photographic Location: The above photographs were taken along a railroad near Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: The Annual Sunflower is thought to be adventive from western United States. However, it was cultivated as a source of food by native Americans, and was likely introduced to Illinois by them prior to European settlement. The cultivated sunflower of modern agriculture is a self-pollinating hybrid of this plant and another annual sunflower that occurs in the Great Plains. Because of its large heart-shaped leaves, it is easy to distinguish the Annual Sunflower from other Helianthus spp. (Sunflowers) that occur in the Midwest.
Colony of Blooming Plants
The daisy-like flowerheads consist of numerous central disk florets (each about 1/8" across) that are yellow to brown; they are surrounded by approximately 20-40 ray florets. The petal-like extensions of the ray flowers are yellow. Each flowerhead is about 3-5" across. At the bottom of each flowerhead, there are large overlapping bracts in 2-3 series. These floral bracts are dull green, stiffly hairy, and ovate in shape, tapering abruptly to form long narrow tips. An average plant will bear from 1-12 of these flowerheads, and bloom from mid- to late summer for about 1½ months. There is not much of a fragrance, although the florets have a musty smell that is peculiar to sunflowers. During the fall, the disk florets are replaced by large seeds that are ovoid and somewhat flattened in shapee; they are dispersed by gravity when the tall plants topple over during the winter. Like many other species in its genus, the Annual Sunflower exudes chemicals that kills off other kinds of vegetation. Thus, it has a tendency to form colonies that exclude other plants, particularly in disturbed areas.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, moist to slightly dry conditions, and a fertile loamy soil. However, this wildflower often thrives in soil with a high clay or gravel content. There is a natural tendency for the lower leaves to shrivel and drop whenever there are extended spells of hot dry weather. Powdery mildew sometimes attacks the leaves during the fall, but this is usually after the plant has finished blooming and is forming seeds. It is easy to start new plants from seeds.
Range & Habitat: The native Annual Sunflower occurs throughout Illinois; it is especially common in the central and northern areas of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include disturbed areas of mesic to dry prairies, meadows in wooded areas, cultivated and abandoned fields, pastures, areas along railroads and roads, and urban waste areas. Annual Sunflower may occur sporadically as individual plants, or in small to large colonies that persist year after year. This rather weedy wildflower can be controlled by summer wildfires or periodic mowing.
Faunal Associations: Long-tongued bees are the most important pollinators of the flowers, including the honeybee, bumblebees, digger bees (Melissodes spp.), and leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.). Short-tongued bees that are important visitors of the flowers include Halictid bees, alkali bees, and some Andrenid bees. Some bees are specialist pollinators (oligoleges) of sunflowers; the oligolectic bees Andrena accepta, Andrena helianthi, Dufourea marginatus, Melissodes agilis, and Pseudopanurgus rugosus have been observed to visit the flowers of Annual Sunflower. Visitors of lesser importance include bee flies, butterflies, skippers, and the Goldenrod Soldier Beetle (Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus). These insects are searching for nectar and pollen. In addition to these floral visitors, many insects feed on the leaves and other parts of Annual Sunflower (see Insect Table). Because the seeds are abundant, large-sized, and nutritious, they are an attractive food source to many vertebrate animals, including upland gamebirds, songbirds, ground squirrels, tree squirrels, and mice. To some extent, the seeds are distributed by these animals to new locations. Mammalian herbivores, such as rabbits, ground hogs, and deer, often consume the foliage, particularly from young plants. When this sunflower grows near sources of water, muskrats and beavers sometimes eat its stems and other parts; beavers also use the stems in the construction of their lodges and dams.
Photographic Location: The above photographs were taken along a railroad near Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: The Annual Sunflower is thought to be adventive from western United States. However, it was cultivated as a source of food by native Americans, and was likely introduced to Illinois by them prior to European settlement. The cultivated sunflower of modern agriculture is a self-pollinating hybrid of this plant and another annual sunflower that occurs in the Great Plains. Because of its large heart-shaped leaves, it is easy to distinguish the Annual Sunflower from other Helianthus spp. (Sunflowers) that occur in the Midwest.
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