文章
Miss Chen
2018年08月09日
Description: This plant is a summer annual about 2-6' tall that is unbranched below, but branched above, with erect to ascending stems. The stems are light green to dark red, terete, and either glabrous or sparsely short-pubescent. Pairs of opposite compound leaves are widely spaced along the stems. Individual compound leaves are up to 5" long and 3½" across; they are usually bipinnate with narrowly linear lobes (about 1 mm. across) that are light to medium green and glabrous. The compound leaves are either sessile or they have short petioles up to ¼" long.
The upper stems terminate in individual flowerheads about 2-3" across that are on long naked peduncles (4-8" long). The peduncles have characteristics that are similar to the stems. Each flowerhead consists of about 8 ray florets that surround numerous tiny disk florets. The ray florets are sterile, while the disk florets are perfect and fertile. The petaloid extensions of the ray florets are white, pink, or magenta; sometimes they are bicolored. In addition, these petaloid extensions are obovate in shape and their outer edges are shallowly cleft. The circular perimeter of the disk florets spans about ½" across; it is relatively small in relation to the diameter of the flowerhead. Individual disk florets are about ¼" long, bright yellow, and narrowly cylindrical. At the base of the flowerhead, there are floral bracts (phyllaries) in 2 series; there are about 8 floral bractsDistribution Map in each series. The outer floral bracts are green and lanceolate, while the inner floral bracts are purple and ovate. Both types of bracts are about ½" in length. Together, the floral bracts form a shallow cup at the base of the flowerhead. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer into the fall, lasting 2-3 months. Afterwards, the disk florets of each flowerhead are replaced by narrowly cylindrical-angular achenes about ½" long. Each slightly curved achene is slightly swollen toward its outer tip, where there is a minute beak. A pair of awns about 1 mm. in length is sometimes present at this beak. The outer surface of each mature achene is dark-colored. The root system consists of a taproot. This plants reproduces by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, mesic or dry-mesic conditions, and a mildly acidic to alkaline soil containing loam, clay loam, gravel, or sand. Once the seeds germinate, growth and development is rapid. Wild plants tend to be shorter and bloom less abundantly than garden plants in fertile soil, otherwise they appear much the same.
Range & Habitat: The introduced Common Cosmos rarely naturalizes in Illinois, where it has been reported in only a few counties. Wild populations of this plant rarely persist. Common Cosmos was introduced into the United States as an ornamental flowering plant from Mexico or tropical America, and it is still commonly cultivated. Habitats include fallow or abandoned fields, roadsides, areas along railroads, and waste areas. Habitats with a history of disturbance and relatively open ground are preferred.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about the floral-faunal relationships for this introduced plant in North America. Butterflies and possibly other insects visit the flowers for nectar and/or pollen. Insects that feed destructively on Cosmos spp. include Macrosteles fascifrons (Aster Leafhopper) and the polyphagous caterpillars of Rachiplusia ou (Gray Looper Moth).
Photographic Location: A fallow field near Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: Because of its attractive flowers, fine fern-like foliage, and ease of cultivation, it is easy to understand why Common Cosmos remains a popular garden plant. There are many cultivars to choose from. While Common Cosmos occasionally reseeds itself, it has not been invasive in Illinois. It is easy to identify in the wild because nothing else closely resembles it, except other non-native Cosmos spp., that so far have not escaped from cultivation within the state. Some Coreopsis spp. have finely divided foliage and similar flowerheads, but they tend to be shorter plants and their flowerheads are usually yellow.
The upper stems terminate in individual flowerheads about 2-3" across that are on long naked peduncles (4-8" long). The peduncles have characteristics that are similar to the stems. Each flowerhead consists of about 8 ray florets that surround numerous tiny disk florets. The ray florets are sterile, while the disk florets are perfect and fertile. The petaloid extensions of the ray florets are white, pink, or magenta; sometimes they are bicolored. In addition, these petaloid extensions are obovate in shape and their outer edges are shallowly cleft. The circular perimeter of the disk florets spans about ½" across; it is relatively small in relation to the diameter of the flowerhead. Individual disk florets are about ¼" long, bright yellow, and narrowly cylindrical. At the base of the flowerhead, there are floral bracts (phyllaries) in 2 series; there are about 8 floral bractsDistribution Map in each series. The outer floral bracts are green and lanceolate, while the inner floral bracts are purple and ovate. Both types of bracts are about ½" in length. Together, the floral bracts form a shallow cup at the base of the flowerhead. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer into the fall, lasting 2-3 months. Afterwards, the disk florets of each flowerhead are replaced by narrowly cylindrical-angular achenes about ½" long. Each slightly curved achene is slightly swollen toward its outer tip, where there is a minute beak. A pair of awns about 1 mm. in length is sometimes present at this beak. The outer surface of each mature achene is dark-colored. The root system consists of a taproot. This plants reproduces by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, mesic or dry-mesic conditions, and a mildly acidic to alkaline soil containing loam, clay loam, gravel, or sand. Once the seeds germinate, growth and development is rapid. Wild plants tend to be shorter and bloom less abundantly than garden plants in fertile soil, otherwise they appear much the same.
Range & Habitat: The introduced Common Cosmos rarely naturalizes in Illinois, where it has been reported in only a few counties. Wild populations of this plant rarely persist. Common Cosmos was introduced into the United States as an ornamental flowering plant from Mexico or tropical America, and it is still commonly cultivated. Habitats include fallow or abandoned fields, roadsides, areas along railroads, and waste areas. Habitats with a history of disturbance and relatively open ground are preferred.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about the floral-faunal relationships for this introduced plant in North America. Butterflies and possibly other insects visit the flowers for nectar and/or pollen. Insects that feed destructively on Cosmos spp. include Macrosteles fascifrons (Aster Leafhopper) and the polyphagous caterpillars of Rachiplusia ou (Gray Looper Moth).
Photographic Location: A fallow field near Champaign, Illinois.
Comments: Because of its attractive flowers, fine fern-like foliage, and ease of cultivation, it is easy to understand why Common Cosmos remains a popular garden plant. There are many cultivars to choose from. While Common Cosmos occasionally reseeds itself, it has not been invasive in Illinois. It is easy to identify in the wild because nothing else closely resembles it, except other non-native Cosmos spp., that so far have not escaped from cultivation within the state. Some Coreopsis spp. have finely divided foliage and similar flowerheads, but they tend to be shorter plants and their flowerheads are usually yellow.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年08月03日
Description: This plant is a summer annual about 3-5' tall. It often branches toward the base of the plant, while the upper stems remain unbranched. These stems are light green and covered with long glandular hairs. The lower to middle leaves are palmately compound with 3-7 leaflets, while the upper leaves are simple. These leaves are alternate and become smaller in size as they ascend the stems. The compound leaves span up to 6-8" across; the lower compound leaves have long stout petioles, while the upper compound leaves have short stout petioles or they are sessile. These petioles are light green and covered with glandular hairs. At the base of each petiole, there is a pair of small spiny stipules. The leaflets of the compound leaves are narrowly ovate, oblanceolate, or lanceolate in shape, and their margins are smooth or serrated. Both sides of these leaflets are covered with short glandular hairs; their upper surfaces are medium to dark green. The simple leaves are broadly lanceolate to cordate-ovate, sessile to clasping along each upper stem, and smaller in size than the compound leaves; otherwise they have similar characteristics. The glandular hairs of the foliage provide the plant with a fetid scent.
The upper stems terminate in large racemes of flowers. These flowers are crowded together toward the apex of each raceme, while scattered seedpods develop below. Each flower spans about 1–1½" across (excluding the stamens), consisting of 4 white to pink petals, 4 light green sepals, 6 long-exerted stamens, and a pistil with a short style. The erect to ascending petals are oblanceolate with well-rounded margins, becoming linear (or clawed) near the base of the flower. The stamens have long slender filaments about 2-3" long. The sepals are linear-lanceolate and much smaller than the petals; they bend away from the base of the flower with age. Each flower has an ascending pedicel. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts 1½–3 months. Each flower is replaced by a cylindrical seedpod on a long narrow stipe. Both the seedpod and the stipe are glabrous. Each seedpod contains several seeds. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: Spider Flower adapts to full or partial sun, moist to slightly dry conditions, and different kinds of soil, including those containing loam, clay-loam, or gravel. It requires warm weather and a long growing season to fully develop from seed.
Range & Habitat: Spider Flower has naturalized in Illinois in widely scattered areas (see Distribution Map). Aside from its cultivation in gardens, this species is uncommon and rarely persists. It was introduced into North America from tropical South America as an ornamental plant. Habitats include vacant lots, edges of yards, gravelly shores along rivers, and miscellaneous waste areas. It is usually found in habitats with a history of disturbance.
Faunal Associations: In its native tropical habitat, the pollinators of the flowers are primarily bats (Machado et al., 2006), which seek nectar. Sphingid moths also visit the flowers, but they are regarded as nectar thieves. In Illinois and other temperate areas, the pollinators of the flowers are currently unknown. Various beetles appear to be attracted to the flowers, and flies or small bees probably seek nectar or pollen from them. However, the mouthparts and body size of these insects are too small to function as effective pollinators. Other insects that are attracted to Spider Flower and other Cleome spp. include Phyllotreta cruciferae (Crucifer Flea Beetle) and Phyllotreta striolata (Striped Flea Beetle), which chew small holes in the leaves. On rare occasions, the caterpillars of Pieris rapae (Cabbage Butterfly) have been observed to feed on the foliage. According to some observations in western United States, the Ring-Necked Pheasant and Mourning Dove eat the seeds of Cleome spp. to a limited extent. The fetid foliage is rejected by cattle when there is more palatable food available.
Photographic Location: A vacant lot in Urbana, Illinois, where a few plants were growing wild.
Comments: The showy flowers have an odd structure and appearance, although this is not unusual for Cleome spp. (Bee Plants, etc.) and the related Polanisia spp. (Clammyweed). Among the species in this group that naturalize in Illinois, Spider Flower has showier flowers than most and the filaments of its stamens are exceptionally long (2-3" in length). It is also larger in size than these other species (up to 5' tall). The closely related Cleome serrulata (Rocky Mountain Bee Plant) is occasionally adventive from the Western states. It has compound leaves with only 3 leaflets, while the compound leaves of Spider Flower usually have 5-7 leaflets. Species of Clammyweed are distinguished from Cleome spp. primarily by their seedpods, which lack stipes (a beak-like structure in front of the seedpod). An older scientific name for Spider Flower is Cleome spinosa, which refers to the spiny stipules.
The upper stems terminate in large racemes of flowers. These flowers are crowded together toward the apex of each raceme, while scattered seedpods develop below. Each flower spans about 1–1½" across (excluding the stamens), consisting of 4 white to pink petals, 4 light green sepals, 6 long-exerted stamens, and a pistil with a short style. The erect to ascending petals are oblanceolate with well-rounded margins, becoming linear (or clawed) near the base of the flower. The stamens have long slender filaments about 2-3" long. The sepals are linear-lanceolate and much smaller than the petals; they bend away from the base of the flower with age. Each flower has an ascending pedicel. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts 1½–3 months. Each flower is replaced by a cylindrical seedpod on a long narrow stipe. Both the seedpod and the stipe are glabrous. Each seedpod contains several seeds. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: Spider Flower adapts to full or partial sun, moist to slightly dry conditions, and different kinds of soil, including those containing loam, clay-loam, or gravel. It requires warm weather and a long growing season to fully develop from seed.
Range & Habitat: Spider Flower has naturalized in Illinois in widely scattered areas (see Distribution Map). Aside from its cultivation in gardens, this species is uncommon and rarely persists. It was introduced into North America from tropical South America as an ornamental plant. Habitats include vacant lots, edges of yards, gravelly shores along rivers, and miscellaneous waste areas. It is usually found in habitats with a history of disturbance.
Faunal Associations: In its native tropical habitat, the pollinators of the flowers are primarily bats (Machado et al., 2006), which seek nectar. Sphingid moths also visit the flowers, but they are regarded as nectar thieves. In Illinois and other temperate areas, the pollinators of the flowers are currently unknown. Various beetles appear to be attracted to the flowers, and flies or small bees probably seek nectar or pollen from them. However, the mouthparts and body size of these insects are too small to function as effective pollinators. Other insects that are attracted to Spider Flower and other Cleome spp. include Phyllotreta cruciferae (Crucifer Flea Beetle) and Phyllotreta striolata (Striped Flea Beetle), which chew small holes in the leaves. On rare occasions, the caterpillars of Pieris rapae (Cabbage Butterfly) have been observed to feed on the foliage. According to some observations in western United States, the Ring-Necked Pheasant and Mourning Dove eat the seeds of Cleome spp. to a limited extent. The fetid foliage is rejected by cattle when there is more palatable food available.
Photographic Location: A vacant lot in Urbana, Illinois, where a few plants were growing wild.
Comments: The showy flowers have an odd structure and appearance, although this is not unusual for Cleome spp. (Bee Plants, etc.) and the related Polanisia spp. (Clammyweed). Among the species in this group that naturalize in Illinois, Spider Flower has showier flowers than most and the filaments of its stamens are exceptionally long (2-3" in length). It is also larger in size than these other species (up to 5' tall). The closely related Cleome serrulata (Rocky Mountain Bee Plant) is occasionally adventive from the Western states. It has compound leaves with only 3 leaflets, while the compound leaves of Spider Flower usually have 5-7 leaflets. Species of Clammyweed are distinguished from Cleome spp. primarily by their seedpods, which lack stipes (a beak-like structure in front of the seedpod). An older scientific name for Spider Flower is Cleome spinosa, which refers to the spiny stipules.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年08月03日
Description: This perennial vine is semi-woody and up to 30' long. Young stems are green, glabrous, and terete, while older stems are brownish green to brown. Opposite pairs of compound leaves occur at intervals along the stems. These compound leaves are odd-pinnate and they usually have 5 leaflets. The long petioles of these compound leaves can lean or bend around neighboring objects for support; tendrils are not present. This vine can climb small trees, fences, and similar objects; in more open areas, it sprawls across the ground. The leaflets are up to 3" long and 1½" across; they are ovate or ovate-cordate, glabrous, and smooth along their margins. The upper surface of each leaflet is medium green, while the lower surface is dull light green; its major veins are parallel. Each leaflet has a petiolule (or small stalk) at its base of varying length.
From the axils of the upper leaves, there develops flat-headed panicles of flowers. The flowers are usually bisexual, although monoecious vines (with separate male and female flowers) may occur. Each bisexual flower has 4 petal-like white sepals (less often 5), many long stamens, and 5-6 pistils with elongated styles toward the center. Both the stamens and styles of the pistils are white or cream-colored. True petals are absent. The branches and branchlets of the panicle are green and slender. The blooming period occurs from late summer into fall, typically lasting about 1½ months. The flowers have a strong sweet fragrance. After the blooming period, each flower is replaced by a cluster of achenes with long spreading styles. These persistent styles are covered with long white hairs, which provides them with a feathery appearance. The large achenes are ovoid and flattened in shape; they are thinly covered with appressed silky hairs. Because of their feathery styles, the achenes are distributed to some extent by the wind. This perennial vine reproduces by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: Autumn Clematis thrives in full sun to light shade, moist to slightly dry conditions, and a loam or clay-loam soil. It also tolerates gravelly soil and probably sandy soil as well. This vine can smother small shrubs and is rather aggressive; sometimes it even climbs up the trunk of trees to occupy the lower branches.
Range & Habitat: Autumn Clematis has naturalized in widely scattered locations across Illinois (see Distribution Map). This vine is undoubtedly more common than official records indicate, and its abundance within the natural areas of the state is still growing. Habitats include edges of woodlands, thickets, fence rows, areas along railroads and roads, and waste land. Autumn Clematis is native to East Asia and it is often cultivated as an ornamental plant. This species can be considered somewhat invasive.
Faunal Associations: The caterpillars of the moths Horisme intestinata (Brown Bark Carpet), Thyris maculata (Spotted Thyris), and Thyris sepulchralis (Mournful Thyris) feed on the foliage of Clematis spp. The caterpillars of the latter two species are leaf-rollers. There is a lack of information about floral insect visitors for Autumn Clematis, but they are probably similar to the visitors of the native Clematis virginiana (Virgin's Bower). The insect visitors of this latter species include Halictid bees, various kinds of wasps, and an abundance of flies. Most of these insects are seeking nectar from the flowers, although some of them may feed on the pollen or collect it. Because the foliage of Autumn Clematis is toxic, it is not eaten by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Like the native Clematis virginiana (Virgin's Bower), Autumn Clematis has showy white flowers. The latter is often found in drier habitats than the former and it blooms later in the year. These two species of Clematis are easy to distinguish: Virgin's Bower has leaflets that are shallowly cleft and dentate, while the leaflet margins of Autumn Clematis are smooth (or nearly so). During the late summer or fall, when the achenes develop, it is also possible to distinguish these species according to their styles: Autumn Clematis has feathery styles, while the styles of Virgin's Bower are more smooth. Other Clematis spp. that occur in natural areas of Illinois have nodding purplish flowers with a very different appearance; they are called 'Leather Flower' vines. Because the leaflets of some Leather Flower vines have smooth margins, it is possible to confuse these species with Autumn Clematis when the flowers are not in bloom. Another scientific name of Autumn Clematis is Clematis dioscoreifolia.
From the axils of the upper leaves, there develops flat-headed panicles of flowers. The flowers are usually bisexual, although monoecious vines (with separate male and female flowers) may occur. Each bisexual flower has 4 petal-like white sepals (less often 5), many long stamens, and 5-6 pistils with elongated styles toward the center. Both the stamens and styles of the pistils are white or cream-colored. True petals are absent. The branches and branchlets of the panicle are green and slender. The blooming period occurs from late summer into fall, typically lasting about 1½ months. The flowers have a strong sweet fragrance. After the blooming period, each flower is replaced by a cluster of achenes with long spreading styles. These persistent styles are covered with long white hairs, which provides them with a feathery appearance. The large achenes are ovoid and flattened in shape; they are thinly covered with appressed silky hairs. Because of their feathery styles, the achenes are distributed to some extent by the wind. This perennial vine reproduces by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: Autumn Clematis thrives in full sun to light shade, moist to slightly dry conditions, and a loam or clay-loam soil. It also tolerates gravelly soil and probably sandy soil as well. This vine can smother small shrubs and is rather aggressive; sometimes it even climbs up the trunk of trees to occupy the lower branches.
Range & Habitat: Autumn Clematis has naturalized in widely scattered locations across Illinois (see Distribution Map). This vine is undoubtedly more common than official records indicate, and its abundance within the natural areas of the state is still growing. Habitats include edges of woodlands, thickets, fence rows, areas along railroads and roads, and waste land. Autumn Clematis is native to East Asia and it is often cultivated as an ornamental plant. This species can be considered somewhat invasive.
Faunal Associations: The caterpillars of the moths Horisme intestinata (Brown Bark Carpet), Thyris maculata (Spotted Thyris), and Thyris sepulchralis (Mournful Thyris) feed on the foliage of Clematis spp. The caterpillars of the latter two species are leaf-rollers. There is a lack of information about floral insect visitors for Autumn Clematis, but they are probably similar to the visitors of the native Clematis virginiana (Virgin's Bower). The insect visitors of this latter species include Halictid bees, various kinds of wasps, and an abundance of flies. Most of these insects are seeking nectar from the flowers, although some of them may feed on the pollen or collect it. Because the foliage of Autumn Clematis is toxic, it is not eaten by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Like the native Clematis virginiana (Virgin's Bower), Autumn Clematis has showy white flowers. The latter is often found in drier habitats than the former and it blooms later in the year. These two species of Clematis are easy to distinguish: Virgin's Bower has leaflets that are shallowly cleft and dentate, while the leaflet margins of Autumn Clematis are smooth (or nearly so). During the late summer or fall, when the achenes develop, it is also possible to distinguish these species according to their styles: Autumn Clematis has feathery styles, while the styles of Virgin's Bower are more smooth. Other Clematis spp. that occur in natural areas of Illinois have nodding purplish flowers with a very different appearance; they are called 'Leather Flower' vines. Because the leaflets of some Leather Flower vines have smooth margins, it is possible to confuse these species with Autumn Clematis when the flowers are not in bloom. Another scientific name of Autumn Clematis is Clematis dioscoreifolia.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年08月03日
Description: This annual or biennial plant is usually 1½–3' high, branching occasionally. The stems are variously colored, ranging from green to reddish brown. The lower stems can be quite hairy, while the upper stems are nearly hairless. The alternate leaves are up to 8" long and 2" across, becoming smaller as they ascend the stems. They are lanceolate, elliptic, or oblanceolate in overall shape, and either pinnatifid or dentate; the upper leaves have margins that are more smooth (entire). Each leaf narrows gradually to a petiole-like base, where it is either sessile or clasps the stem. There are usually conspicuous hairs along the central vein of the lower leaf surface.
The upper stems terminate in long inflorescences that are either spike-like, or they are open branching panicles. Widely spaced along the flowering stalks, there are sessile or nearly sessile flowerheads and short triangular bracts. These flowerheads are about 1-1½" across and they have 10-20 ray florets. The petaloid rays of these florets are light blue, fading to white; there are 5 tiny teeth at the tip of each petaloid ray. Toward the center of each flowerhead, there are several light blue stamens with blue anthers. The flowerheads bloom during the morning, and close-up later in the day, unless the skies are cloudy. The blooming period can occur from early summer to early fall, depending on the weather and the timing of disturbances (such as occasional mowing). The achenes are oblongoid and 5-ribbed; there is a pair of small scales at the apex of each achene. The root system consists of a stout taproot. Common Chicory spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: Common Chicory appears to prefer full sun and a heavy soil that contains clay or gravel. This plant is typically found in locations that are mesic to dry, and it withstands drought rather well. Road salt and alkaline conditions are tolerated better than most plants. The foliage can appear rather battered-looking by the end of a hot dry summer.
Range & Habitat: The non-native Common Chicory has been reported in nearly all areas of Illinois, except a few counties in the NW and SE sections of the state (see Distribution Map). It is quite possible that Common Chicory occurs in those counties as well. This plant originated from Eurasia, and was present in Illinois by the late 19th century. It has been spreading steadily ever since and has become common, particularly in disturbed open areas. Typical habitats include pastures, abandoned fields, areas along roadsides and railroads, grassy areas that are not mowed regularly, undeveloped real estate lots, and other waste areas. Occasionally, Common Chicory colonizes disturbed areas of natural habitats (e.g., early stages of a prairie restoration), but it is not a serious invader of such natural areas in the long run.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract short-tongued bees and probably other insects. Both nectar and pollen are available as floral rewards. The foliage of Common Chicory is eaten by Melanoplus bivittatus (Two-Striped Grasshopper), Melanoplus femurrubrum (Red-Legged Grasshopper), and probably other grasshoppers. The larvae of a lizard beetle, Acropteroxys gracilis, bore through the stems of this plant, while the caterpillars of the moth, Pyrrhia exprimens (Purple-Lined Sallow), feed on the the flowers, buds, and developing achenes. Because the foliage contains a bitter white latex, it is probably not preferred as a food source by mammalian herbivores, although cattle and sheep reportedly eat the basal leaves.
Photographic Location: Along a roadside in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The roots of Common Chicory have been roasted to create a coffee-substitute; they are also used as an ingredient in some herbal teas. The flowerheads are very beautiful, but short-lived. This species is easy to identify because of the appearance of these flowerheads – they are a lovely light blue, whereas similar plants in the Aster family usually have yellow flowerheads. However, some Lactuca spp. (Wild Lettuce) have light blue flowerheads that are smaller in size. These latter species produce achenes with tufts of hair, whereas the achenes of Common Chicory have only small scales.
The upper stems terminate in long inflorescences that are either spike-like, or they are open branching panicles. Widely spaced along the flowering stalks, there are sessile or nearly sessile flowerheads and short triangular bracts. These flowerheads are about 1-1½" across and they have 10-20 ray florets. The petaloid rays of these florets are light blue, fading to white; there are 5 tiny teeth at the tip of each petaloid ray. Toward the center of each flowerhead, there are several light blue stamens with blue anthers. The flowerheads bloom during the morning, and close-up later in the day, unless the skies are cloudy. The blooming period can occur from early summer to early fall, depending on the weather and the timing of disturbances (such as occasional mowing). The achenes are oblongoid and 5-ribbed; there is a pair of small scales at the apex of each achene. The root system consists of a stout taproot. Common Chicory spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: Common Chicory appears to prefer full sun and a heavy soil that contains clay or gravel. This plant is typically found in locations that are mesic to dry, and it withstands drought rather well. Road salt and alkaline conditions are tolerated better than most plants. The foliage can appear rather battered-looking by the end of a hot dry summer.
Range & Habitat: The non-native Common Chicory has been reported in nearly all areas of Illinois, except a few counties in the NW and SE sections of the state (see Distribution Map). It is quite possible that Common Chicory occurs in those counties as well. This plant originated from Eurasia, and was present in Illinois by the late 19th century. It has been spreading steadily ever since and has become common, particularly in disturbed open areas. Typical habitats include pastures, abandoned fields, areas along roadsides and railroads, grassy areas that are not mowed regularly, undeveloped real estate lots, and other waste areas. Occasionally, Common Chicory colonizes disturbed areas of natural habitats (e.g., early stages of a prairie restoration), but it is not a serious invader of such natural areas in the long run.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract short-tongued bees and probably other insects. Both nectar and pollen are available as floral rewards. The foliage of Common Chicory is eaten by Melanoplus bivittatus (Two-Striped Grasshopper), Melanoplus femurrubrum (Red-Legged Grasshopper), and probably other grasshoppers. The larvae of a lizard beetle, Acropteroxys gracilis, bore through the stems of this plant, while the caterpillars of the moth, Pyrrhia exprimens (Purple-Lined Sallow), feed on the the flowers, buds, and developing achenes. Because the foliage contains a bitter white latex, it is probably not preferred as a food source by mammalian herbivores, although cattle and sheep reportedly eat the basal leaves.
Photographic Location: Along a roadside in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: The roots of Common Chicory have been roasted to create a coffee-substitute; they are also used as an ingredient in some herbal teas. The flowerheads are very beautiful, but short-lived. This species is easy to identify because of the appearance of these flowerheads – they are a lovely light blue, whereas similar plants in the Aster family usually have yellow flowerheads. However, some Lactuca spp. (Wild Lettuce) have light blue flowerheads that are smaller in size. These latter species produce achenes with tufts of hair, whereas the achenes of Common Chicory have only small scales.
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Miss Chen
2018年08月03日
Description: This herbaceous plant is a summer annual. A typical plant is about 6" tall and 12" across; it is abundantly branched at the base, and occasionally branched above. The stems are ascending to sprawling, more or less terete, pale reddish green to reddish purple, and glabrous. Sometimes the stems have vertical stripes that are green alternating with red. Alternate leaves occur along the entire length of each stem; they are ¾–2" long and 6-15 mm. across. The leaves are elliptic-oblong, elliptic, broadly elliptic, or lanceolate; they are shallowly pinnatifid, coarsely dentate, and/or sinuate along their margins. The leaf bases are wedge-shaped, while their tips and lobes (if any) are blunt or acute. The upper leaf surface is medium green or bluish green and glabrous, while the lower leaf surface is white-mealy (farinose). The petioles are up to ½" long, light green to yellowish red, and glabrous. The stems eventually terminate in either spikes or panicles of interrupted clusters of flowers; there are also axillary spikes of flowers that develop from the upper leaves. Individual floral spikes are up to 2" long; there are several small flowers per cluster. Some flowers may have pedicels up to 0.5 mm. long. Each mature flower is about 2 mm. across, consisting of 3-5 greenish sepals, 3-5 stamens, and a pistil with a pair of styles; there are no petals. The sepals are lanceolate to ovate, bluntly tipped, and glabrous; they are either weakly keeled or flat. The stamens are exserted with yellow anthers. The rachises of floral spikes are glabrous.
The blooming period occurs from early summer to early autumn. However, individual plants remain in bloom for about 1 month; only a few flowers bloom at the same time. The flowers are cross-pollinated by the wind. Afterwards, the ovaries of the flowers develop into seeds (a single seed per flower); the orientation of these seeds may be vertical or horizontal. The persistent sepals cover only the edges of these seeds. Individual seeds are 0.5–1 mm. across, globular-flattened in shape, and dark brown to dark reddish brown. Thin membranes cover the seeds; they are easily removed. The root system consists of a shallow taproot with secondary roots that are fibrous. This plant reproduces by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, more or less mesic conditions, and soil containing some sand or loose loam. The size of individual plants is variable, depending on soil fertility and moisture conditions. Once the seeds have germinated in late spring, growth and development is rapid.
Range & Habitat: The adventive Oak-leaved Goosefoot is occasional in NE Illinois and uncommon elsewhere in the state (see Distribution Map). This plant is native to Eurasia. Habitats include cropland, gardens, construction sites, areas along railroads, roadsides, barnyards, and waste areas. Habitats with a history of disturbance are preferred, especially when this exposes the topsoil.
Faunal Associations: Various insects feed on the foliage, roots, and other parts of goosefoot species (Chenopodium spp.). These insect feeders include the Three-spotted Flea Beetle (Disonycha triangularis), larvae of the Spinach Leafminer Fly (Pegomya hyoscyami), the Chenopodium Aphid (Hayhurstia atriplicis) and Sugar Beet Root Aphid (Pemphigus betae), the Chenopodium Leafhopper (Norvellina chenopodii), and the larvae of such moths as the Flamboyant Twirler Moth (Chrysoesthia lingulacella), Hollow-spotted Blepharomastix (Blepharomastix ranalis), Chenopodium Scythris Moth (Scythris limbella), Eight-Spot (Amyna octo), Ragweed Borer Moth (Epiblema strenuana), and Morning Glory Plume Moth (Emmelina monodactyla). In addition, the caterpillars of two skippers, the Common Sootywing (Pholisora catullus) and Hayhurst's Scallopwing (Staphylus hayhurstii), also feed on these plants. Among vertebrate animals, upland gamebirds and many songbirds, especially sparrows, eat the seeds of goosefoot species (Martin et al., 1951/1961). The Bird Table provides a list of these species. Some small rodents also eat the seeds, including the Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel, Prairie Deer Mouse, and White-footed Mouse (Whitaker, 1966). White-tailed Deer browse on the foliage and seedheads of goosefoot species, including Oak-leaved Goosefoot. The seeds of these plants are able to pass through the digestive tract of this animal and remain viable. In this manner, the seeds are dispersed across considerable distances (Myers et al., 2004).
Photographic Location: Along a sidewalk in Urbana, Illinois, where some construction and landscaping activity occurred.
Comments: Oak-leaved Goosefoot (Chenopodium glaucum) can be distinguished from most goosefoot species (Chenopodium spp.) by the shape of its leaves. In addition, the undersides of its leaves are white-mealy, while the rest of the plant is glabrous or nearly so. The flowers of Oak-leaved Goosefoot are also glabrous, and their sepals cover only the margins of the developing ovaries or seeds. Other goosefoot species usually have differently shaped leaves, their flowers are more or less white-mealy, and their sepals cover most of the developing ovaries or seeds. Like other weedy goosefoot species, Oak-leaved Goosefoot has a preference for disturbed habitats with exposed topsoil. It is less erect than most of them, having a tendency to remain relatively low and sprawl across the ground. There is a variety of Oak-leaved Goosefoot, Chenopodium glaucum salinum, that is native to the western United States. It tends to have bluish foliage, while the lobes, teeth, and tips of its leaves are usually more narrow and pointed. There are no records of this variety occurring in Illinois at the present time.
The blooming period occurs from early summer to early autumn. However, individual plants remain in bloom for about 1 month; only a few flowers bloom at the same time. The flowers are cross-pollinated by the wind. Afterwards, the ovaries of the flowers develop into seeds (a single seed per flower); the orientation of these seeds may be vertical or horizontal. The persistent sepals cover only the edges of these seeds. Individual seeds are 0.5–1 mm. across, globular-flattened in shape, and dark brown to dark reddish brown. Thin membranes cover the seeds; they are easily removed. The root system consists of a shallow taproot with secondary roots that are fibrous. This plant reproduces by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, more or less mesic conditions, and soil containing some sand or loose loam. The size of individual plants is variable, depending on soil fertility and moisture conditions. Once the seeds have germinated in late spring, growth and development is rapid.
Range & Habitat: The adventive Oak-leaved Goosefoot is occasional in NE Illinois and uncommon elsewhere in the state (see Distribution Map). This plant is native to Eurasia. Habitats include cropland, gardens, construction sites, areas along railroads, roadsides, barnyards, and waste areas. Habitats with a history of disturbance are preferred, especially when this exposes the topsoil.
Faunal Associations: Various insects feed on the foliage, roots, and other parts of goosefoot species (Chenopodium spp.). These insect feeders include the Three-spotted Flea Beetle (Disonycha triangularis), larvae of the Spinach Leafminer Fly (Pegomya hyoscyami), the Chenopodium Aphid (Hayhurstia atriplicis) and Sugar Beet Root Aphid (Pemphigus betae), the Chenopodium Leafhopper (Norvellina chenopodii), and the larvae of such moths as the Flamboyant Twirler Moth (Chrysoesthia lingulacella), Hollow-spotted Blepharomastix (Blepharomastix ranalis), Chenopodium Scythris Moth (Scythris limbella), Eight-Spot (Amyna octo), Ragweed Borer Moth (Epiblema strenuana), and Morning Glory Plume Moth (Emmelina monodactyla). In addition, the caterpillars of two skippers, the Common Sootywing (Pholisora catullus) and Hayhurst's Scallopwing (Staphylus hayhurstii), also feed on these plants. Among vertebrate animals, upland gamebirds and many songbirds, especially sparrows, eat the seeds of goosefoot species (Martin et al., 1951/1961). The Bird Table provides a list of these species. Some small rodents also eat the seeds, including the Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel, Prairie Deer Mouse, and White-footed Mouse (Whitaker, 1966). White-tailed Deer browse on the foliage and seedheads of goosefoot species, including Oak-leaved Goosefoot. The seeds of these plants are able to pass through the digestive tract of this animal and remain viable. In this manner, the seeds are dispersed across considerable distances (Myers et al., 2004).
Photographic Location: Along a sidewalk in Urbana, Illinois, where some construction and landscaping activity occurred.
Comments: Oak-leaved Goosefoot (Chenopodium glaucum) can be distinguished from most goosefoot species (Chenopodium spp.) by the shape of its leaves. In addition, the undersides of its leaves are white-mealy, while the rest of the plant is glabrous or nearly so. The flowers of Oak-leaved Goosefoot are also glabrous, and their sepals cover only the margins of the developing ovaries or seeds. Other goosefoot species usually have differently shaped leaves, their flowers are more or less white-mealy, and their sepals cover most of the developing ovaries or seeds. Like other weedy goosefoot species, Oak-leaved Goosefoot has a preference for disturbed habitats with exposed topsoil. It is less erect than most of them, having a tendency to remain relatively low and sprawl across the ground. There is a variety of Oak-leaved Goosefoot, Chenopodium glaucum salinum, that is native to the western United States. It tends to have bluish foliage, while the lobes, teeth, and tips of its leaves are usually more narrow and pointed. There are no records of this variety occurring in Illinois at the present time.
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Miss Chen
2018年08月02日
Purple sage (Salvia leucophylla) is an evergreen plant that typically grows 3 to 6 feet tall, though some individual specimens have been known to reach 12 feet tall and 12 feet wide. Purple sage shrubs have aromatic gray-green vegetation, an attractive, airy form and fragrant lavender-pink blooms. They thrive in full sun but need no water once established, which makes them ideal for drought-tolerant landscaping. Plants also tolerate freezing temperatures. This distant relative of culinary sage is best pruned minimally, to support general plant health and encourage optimal flowering in the landscape.
Step 1
Prune purple sage only with a purpose, because any unnecessary trimming will only diminish the amount of attractive, fragrant flowers.
Step 2
Make major pruning cuts only when purple sage is dormant, near the end of the winter when the coldest temperatures have passed.
Step 3
Assess the shrub and its condition thoroughly before making any additional pruning cuts. First cut off dead, diseased or otherwise damaged branches and stems.
Step 4
Stand back to study the plant's symmetry and general proportions, walking all the way around if necessary. Make your next cuts to enhance overall balance.
Step 5
Trim lightly to remove dead branches and stems -- or to make corrective cuts you may have missed earlier -- at any time during the year.
Step 6
Deadhead spent purple sage flowers for a neater look if desired, but this isn't absolutely necessary because dried flowers look fine too -- and leaving them gives seeds a chance to develop and disperse.
Step 1
Prune purple sage only with a purpose, because any unnecessary trimming will only diminish the amount of attractive, fragrant flowers.
Step 2
Make major pruning cuts only when purple sage is dormant, near the end of the winter when the coldest temperatures have passed.
Step 3
Assess the shrub and its condition thoroughly before making any additional pruning cuts. First cut off dead, diseased or otherwise damaged branches and stems.
Step 4
Stand back to study the plant's symmetry and general proportions, walking all the way around if necessary. Make your next cuts to enhance overall balance.
Step 5
Trim lightly to remove dead branches and stems -- or to make corrective cuts you may have missed earlier -- at any time during the year.
Step 6
Deadhead spent purple sage flowers for a neater look if desired, but this isn't absolutely necessary because dried flowers look fine too -- and leaving them gives seeds a chance to develop and disperse.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年08月02日
Lamb's ear, known scientifically as Stachys byzantina, is a fuzzy plant with grayish-green leaves. It produces flowers in the spring and summer ranging in color from white to pink. In the early spring and late fall, lamb's ear creates a silvery coating on the ground that some find unappealing. Lamb's ear has a tendency to be invasive and often develops brown leaves near its base. You can remove unwanted or brown growth by pruning your lamb's ear plant in less than 10 minutes.
Step 1
Rinse your scissors or garden clippers to remove dirt and debris with warm water. Wipe the blades dry before sanitizing them with rubbing alcohol. Even though lamb's ear is a hardy plant, you should take these precautions to lessen the chance of infection from pruning.
Step 2
Cut dead or browning leaves from the entirety of the lamb's ear plant, allowing only healthy foliage to remain. Make the cuts about 1/4 inch away from the body of the plant, ensuring you do not damage any other leaves in the process. The cut should be as small and clean as possible to lessen the time your lamb's ear must devote to healing. Discard the pruned leaves.
Step 3
Remove areas of the lamb's ear you find unappealing or sections of the plant that have spread beyond their boundaries. It will continue to grow back, requiring regular pruning, but this lessens the overwhelming effect lamb's ear can have on your garden. Cut the unwanted growth as close to the ground or main plant as possible for maximum impact.
Step 1
Rinse your scissors or garden clippers to remove dirt and debris with warm water. Wipe the blades dry before sanitizing them with rubbing alcohol. Even though lamb's ear is a hardy plant, you should take these precautions to lessen the chance of infection from pruning.
Step 2
Cut dead or browning leaves from the entirety of the lamb's ear plant, allowing only healthy foliage to remain. Make the cuts about 1/4 inch away from the body of the plant, ensuring you do not damage any other leaves in the process. The cut should be as small and clean as possible to lessen the time your lamb's ear must devote to healing. Discard the pruned leaves.
Step 3
Remove areas of the lamb's ear you find unappealing or sections of the plant that have spread beyond their boundaries. It will continue to grow back, requiring regular pruning, but this lessens the overwhelming effect lamb's ear can have on your garden. Cut the unwanted growth as close to the ground or main plant as possible for maximum impact.
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Miss Chen
2018年08月01日
Description: This plant is a summer annual forming a mat of branching leafy stems up to 2' across. The stems are light green, pale red, or nearly white; they are terete, hairy, and slightly succulent. The stems are slightly swollen where the stipules of the leaves occur. Pairs of opposite leaves occur at intervals along the stems. Individual leaf blades are 3-11 mm. long and 2-6 mm. across; they are broadly oblong or ovate-oblong in shape and finely toothed along the upper margins. Leaf venation is palmate, although only the central veins are conspicuous. The upper blade surface is dull medium green and hairless to slightly hairy, while the lower surface is pale green to white and hairy. The tips of leaf blades are well-rounded, while their bases are rounded to slightly cordate and often asymmetric. Sometimes the margins of the leaf blades are tinted red. The short petioles are light green to nearly white and usually hairy.
Small clusters of 1-4 inflorescences develop from the axils of each pair of leaves. Each inflorescence is about 2 mm. across, consisting of a cup-like cyathium on a short stalk that contains a single pistillate flower on a short stalk and 4 staminate flowers. Each cyathium is light green and glabrous to slightly hairy; there are 4 red nectar glands with whitish petaloid appendages along the upper rim of each cyathium. The pistillate flower consists of a 3-lobed ovary with a divided style at its apex; the ovary is light green (while immature), ovoid-globoid in shape, and its lobes have spreading hairs. The stalk of the pistillate flower curves sideways or downward initially, but it later becomes erect at maturity. A staminate flower within the inflorescence consists of a single stamen. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer into fall for about 2 months. At maturity, the ovaries develop into 3-celled seed capsules; each cell of a capsule contains a single seed. The seeds are distributed, in part, by mechanical ejection. Individual seeds are about 1.0 mm. in length, oblongoid-rectangular in shape, and transversely ridged. The root system consists of a slender taproot that branches. The foliage of this plant contains a milky latex.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, dry-mesic to dry conditions, and barren soil containing sand, gravel, or clay. However, Green Creeping Spurge also adapts to soil containing fertile loam if disturbance removes taller ground vegetation. Because of its C4-metabolism and slightly succulent nature, this plant can withstand hot dry conditions.
Range & Habitat: Green Creeping Spurge is a rare plant in Illinois, where it has been accidentally introduced. It has been observed in NE Illinois and more recently in Champaign County (see Distribution Map). These records may underestimate its distribution within the state, however. Green Creeping Spurge is native to tropical America. Habitats include lawns, gardens, areas along railroads and roadsides, areas near parking lots, cracks of urban sidewalks, and barren waste places. Open sunny areas with a history of disturbance are preferred.
Faunal Associations: The nectaries of the flowers attract Syrphid flies, Halictid bees, and various ants (Lasius, Formica, & Forelius spp.). Some bees may also collect pollen. Two aphids suck juices from Chamaesyce spp. (Low Spurges): Macrosiphum euphorbiae and Macrosiphum gei. Other insect feeders include the plant bug, Semium hirtum, and the flea beetle, Glyptina leptosoma. The latter insect feeds on the roots. Because of the toxic white latex and its low stature, mammalian herbivores have little use for Green Creeping Spurge and other Chamaesyce spp. However, the following birds eat the seeds of these plants: Greater Prairie Chicken, Bobwhite, Mourning Dove, Horned Lark, and Chipping Sparrow (Martin et al., 1951/1961). Because of an oily food appendage on each seed (referred to as a 'caruncle'), ants probably play a role in distributing the seeds to new areas.
Photographic Location: Along a parking lot and a railroad in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Green Creeping Spurge is a relatively recent invader of Illinois. Because of its low habit and similarity to other Chamaesyce spp. (Low Spurges), this invasion has gone largely unnoticed. At a cursory glance, Green Creeping Spurge resembles a common native species, Prostrate Spurge (Chamaesyce maculata, formerly Chamaesyce supina), and the two species can be found together in the same habitats, particularly in some urban areas. The latter species differs from Green Creeping Spurge as follows: 1) its leaves are about 3 times as long as they are across, rather than 2 times as long as they are across, 2) its leaves often have a patch of dark red in their centers, 3) the lobes of its ovaries/capsules have appressed hairs, rather than spreading hairs, and 4) its mature seed capsules are often found below the leaves on curved stalks, rather than above the leaves on erect stalks. Scientific synonyms of Green Creeping Spurge include Euphorbia prostrata and Euphorbia chamaesyce. Another common name of this species is Prostrate Sandmat.
Small clusters of 1-4 inflorescences develop from the axils of each pair of leaves. Each inflorescence is about 2 mm. across, consisting of a cup-like cyathium on a short stalk that contains a single pistillate flower on a short stalk and 4 staminate flowers. Each cyathium is light green and glabrous to slightly hairy; there are 4 red nectar glands with whitish petaloid appendages along the upper rim of each cyathium. The pistillate flower consists of a 3-lobed ovary with a divided style at its apex; the ovary is light green (while immature), ovoid-globoid in shape, and its lobes have spreading hairs. The stalk of the pistillate flower curves sideways or downward initially, but it later becomes erect at maturity. A staminate flower within the inflorescence consists of a single stamen. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer into fall for about 2 months. At maturity, the ovaries develop into 3-celled seed capsules; each cell of a capsule contains a single seed. The seeds are distributed, in part, by mechanical ejection. Individual seeds are about 1.0 mm. in length, oblongoid-rectangular in shape, and transversely ridged. The root system consists of a slender taproot that branches. The foliage of this plant contains a milky latex.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, dry-mesic to dry conditions, and barren soil containing sand, gravel, or clay. However, Green Creeping Spurge also adapts to soil containing fertile loam if disturbance removes taller ground vegetation. Because of its C4-metabolism and slightly succulent nature, this plant can withstand hot dry conditions.
Range & Habitat: Green Creeping Spurge is a rare plant in Illinois, where it has been accidentally introduced. It has been observed in NE Illinois and more recently in Champaign County (see Distribution Map). These records may underestimate its distribution within the state, however. Green Creeping Spurge is native to tropical America. Habitats include lawns, gardens, areas along railroads and roadsides, areas near parking lots, cracks of urban sidewalks, and barren waste places. Open sunny areas with a history of disturbance are preferred.
Faunal Associations: The nectaries of the flowers attract Syrphid flies, Halictid bees, and various ants (Lasius, Formica, & Forelius spp.). Some bees may also collect pollen. Two aphids suck juices from Chamaesyce spp. (Low Spurges): Macrosiphum euphorbiae and Macrosiphum gei. Other insect feeders include the plant bug, Semium hirtum, and the flea beetle, Glyptina leptosoma. The latter insect feeds on the roots. Because of the toxic white latex and its low stature, mammalian herbivores have little use for Green Creeping Spurge and other Chamaesyce spp. However, the following birds eat the seeds of these plants: Greater Prairie Chicken, Bobwhite, Mourning Dove, Horned Lark, and Chipping Sparrow (Martin et al., 1951/1961). Because of an oily food appendage on each seed (referred to as a 'caruncle'), ants probably play a role in distributing the seeds to new areas.
Photographic Location: Along a parking lot and a railroad in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Green Creeping Spurge is a relatively recent invader of Illinois. Because of its low habit and similarity to other Chamaesyce spp. (Low Spurges), this invasion has gone largely unnoticed. At a cursory glance, Green Creeping Spurge resembles a common native species, Prostrate Spurge (Chamaesyce maculata, formerly Chamaesyce supina), and the two species can be found together in the same habitats, particularly in some urban areas. The latter species differs from Green Creeping Spurge as follows: 1) its leaves are about 3 times as long as they are across, rather than 2 times as long as they are across, 2) its leaves often have a patch of dark red in their centers, 3) the lobes of its ovaries/capsules have appressed hairs, rather than spreading hairs, and 4) its mature seed capsules are often found below the leaves on curved stalks, rather than above the leaves on erect stalks. Scientific synonyms of Green Creeping Spurge include Euphorbia prostrata and Euphorbia chamaesyce. Another common name of this species is Prostrate Sandmat.
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Miss Chen
2018年08月01日
Description: This perennial herbaceous plant consists of a tuft of decumbent leafy stems about 4-12" tall and similarly across. The stems are light green, terete, and more or less covered with short white-woolly hairs; they branch occasionally. Alternate leaves occur along these stems that are ½–2" long and ½–1" across; most of these leaves are located close to the ground where the lower stems sprawl. The leaves are deeply bipinnatifid or tripinnatifid and rather irregular in their branching patterns; their ultimate leaf segments are linear-filiform and short. The leaves are light-medium green and sparsely to moderately covered with very short white-woolly hairs. Solitary flowerheads about ½–1" across are produced from long peduncles up to 6" long. The peduncles are light green, terete, and more or less covered with short white-woolly hairs. Underneath the flowerheads, however, the peduncles become more swollen, slightly furrowed, and more densely covered with white-woolly hairs. Each flowerhead consists of 10-20 ray florets surrounding numerous disk florets; the disk florets are arranged together in a hemispheric head that has a solid interior. The ray florets are pistillate and fertile, while the disk florets are perfect and fertile. The petaloid rays of the flowerheads are white, broadly oblong-elliptic in shape, and widely spreading; their tips have 1-2 small notches.
The corollas of the disk florets are 2-3 mm. long, narrowly tubular in shape, and yellow; they have 5 spreading lobes at their apices. Between the corollas of the disk florets, there are chaffy scales; these scales are white-membranous along their margins and oblong in shape with rounded erose (somewhat frayed) tips. Around the base of each flowerhead, there are phyllaries (floral bracts) in several overlapping and appressed series that together form a shallow saucer-like shape. The phyllaries are lanceolate-oblong with blunt tips, light green with white-membranous margins, and more or less covered with short white-woolly hairs. The blooming period occurs during the summer and early autumn for 1½–3 months. Afterwards, fertile florets are replaced by small achenes about 1–1.5 mm. long. These achenes are oblongoid in shape, pale-colored, and slightly flattened or 3-angled; each achene has 3 filiform ribs on one side. The root system is fibrous, rhizomatous, and relatively shallow. This plant can spread by reseeding itself or by forming clonal offsets from the short rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and soil consisting of either loam or sandy loam. This plant is easy to cultivate and it occasionally spreads into adjacent areas.
Range & Habitat: Roman Chamomile has rarely naturalized in Illinois and thus far wild populations have been reported from only a few counties (see Distribution Map). Roman Chamomile is native to western Europe and it was introduced into North America as an ornamental and herbal plant for gardens. In North America, naturalized populations of this plant are found primarily in urban areas, including such habitats as areas near gardens, lawns, grassy roadsides, vacant lots, and construction sites. In Europe, it has been found in such habitats as grassy roadsides, sandy lawns in commons areas, and sandy pastures. Roman Chamomile is still cultivated in flower and herbal gardens, from where it occasionally escapes, but rarely persists. Areas with a history of disturbance are preferred.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads probably attract small bees and various flies; wasps and beetles may visit the flowerheads to a lesser extent. Two aphids, Macrosiphoniella tanacetaria and Macrosiphoniella tapuskae, are known to feed on Roman Chamomile (Blackman & Eastop, 2013). A polyphagous leafhopper, Empoasca erigeron, also feeds on this plant (Dmitriev & Dietrich, 2010). At the present time, information about this plant's relationships with granivorous birds and herbivorous mammals is unavailable.
Photographic Location: An ornamental garden at the Urbana Public Library of Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: There are several species of plants in the Aster family that have daisy-like flowerheads with white petaloid rays. Many of these species have been introduced into North America from Eurasia as garden plants, including Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). Roman Chamomile can be distinguished from most of these species by its highly fragrant foliage and crushed flowerheads, which have an apple-pineapple scent. One other species in this group that has naturalized in Illinois, German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomile), also has foliage and crushed flowerheads with a similar fruity scent. German Chamomile can be readily distinguished by its glabrous foliage, more erect habit, the hollow interior of its flowerheads, and the lack of chaffy scales between the disk florets. This latter plant is also an annual, rather than a perennial. Both of these species have been used as ingredients in Chamomile tea, and the chemical constituents of their flowerheads are said to have relaxing and soothing properties. An alternative scientific name for Roman Chamomile is Anthemis nobilis, and it has other common names, including Low Chamomile, English Chamomile, and Garden Chamomile.
The corollas of the disk florets are 2-3 mm. long, narrowly tubular in shape, and yellow; they have 5 spreading lobes at their apices. Between the corollas of the disk florets, there are chaffy scales; these scales are white-membranous along their margins and oblong in shape with rounded erose (somewhat frayed) tips. Around the base of each flowerhead, there are phyllaries (floral bracts) in several overlapping and appressed series that together form a shallow saucer-like shape. The phyllaries are lanceolate-oblong with blunt tips, light green with white-membranous margins, and more or less covered with short white-woolly hairs. The blooming period occurs during the summer and early autumn for 1½–3 months. Afterwards, fertile florets are replaced by small achenes about 1–1.5 mm. long. These achenes are oblongoid in shape, pale-colored, and slightly flattened or 3-angled; each achene has 3 filiform ribs on one side. The root system is fibrous, rhizomatous, and relatively shallow. This plant can spread by reseeding itself or by forming clonal offsets from the short rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and soil consisting of either loam or sandy loam. This plant is easy to cultivate and it occasionally spreads into adjacent areas.
Range & Habitat: Roman Chamomile has rarely naturalized in Illinois and thus far wild populations have been reported from only a few counties (see Distribution Map). Roman Chamomile is native to western Europe and it was introduced into North America as an ornamental and herbal plant for gardens. In North America, naturalized populations of this plant are found primarily in urban areas, including such habitats as areas near gardens, lawns, grassy roadsides, vacant lots, and construction sites. In Europe, it has been found in such habitats as grassy roadsides, sandy lawns in commons areas, and sandy pastures. Roman Chamomile is still cultivated in flower and herbal gardens, from where it occasionally escapes, but rarely persists. Areas with a history of disturbance are preferred.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads probably attract small bees and various flies; wasps and beetles may visit the flowerheads to a lesser extent. Two aphids, Macrosiphoniella tanacetaria and Macrosiphoniella tapuskae, are known to feed on Roman Chamomile (Blackman & Eastop, 2013). A polyphagous leafhopper, Empoasca erigeron, also feeds on this plant (Dmitriev & Dietrich, 2010). At the present time, information about this plant's relationships with granivorous birds and herbivorous mammals is unavailable.
Photographic Location: An ornamental garden at the Urbana Public Library of Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: There are several species of plants in the Aster family that have daisy-like flowerheads with white petaloid rays. Many of these species have been introduced into North America from Eurasia as garden plants, including Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). Roman Chamomile can be distinguished from most of these species by its highly fragrant foliage and crushed flowerheads, which have an apple-pineapple scent. One other species in this group that has naturalized in Illinois, German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomile), also has foliage and crushed flowerheads with a similar fruity scent. German Chamomile can be readily distinguished by its glabrous foliage, more erect habit, the hollow interior of its flowerheads, and the lack of chaffy scales between the disk florets. This latter plant is also an annual, rather than a perennial. Both of these species have been used as ingredients in Chamomile tea, and the chemical constituents of their flowerheads are said to have relaxing and soothing properties. An alternative scientific name for Roman Chamomile is Anthemis nobilis, and it has other common names, including Low Chamomile, English Chamomile, and Garden Chamomile.
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Miss Chen
2018年07月31日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 1-4' tall and usually unbranched, except sometimes at the base. The central stem is light green, short-pubescent, and 4-angled with shallow vertical grooves. At intervals, there occurs pairs of opposite leaves that become slightly shorter and more narrow as they ascend the stem. Each pair of leaves rotates about 90° from the pair of leaves either immediately above or below. The leaf blades are 1-3" long, 1/3-1¼" (8-31 mm.) across, and flat; they are ovate to oblong-lanceolate in shape and their margins are dentate to sparsely crenate. The upper surface of each leaf blade is medium green and sparsely short-pubescent, while the lower surface is slightly more pale and pubescent (at least along the central veins). On each leaf blade, there are usually 2 lateral veins that run parallel to the central central and a few secondary veins that branch from the central vein along its length. The petioles of the leaves are ¼-¾" long. The lowest leaves, which are wider, are often withered by the time that flowering occurs.
The flowers occur in dense axillary clusters along the upper half of each stem; these floral clusters are whorled and sessile. Individual flowers are about ¼" (6 mm.) long and 1/8" (3 mm.) across, consisting of a 2-lipped tubular corolla with 4 lobes, a calyx with 5 teeth that have spine-like tips, 4 stamens, and a pistil with an ovary that is divided into 4 parts. The corolla is white to pink and softly short-hairy along the exterior of the upper lobe, which functions as a protective hood. There is also a rounded lower lobe and two smaller lateral lobes. A patch of red occurs within the throat of the corolla. The calyx is light green, sparsely canescent along its exterior, and 5-veined. The corolla of the flower is about the same length as the calyx (including the tips of its teeth) or a little longer. The blooming period occurs fromDistribution Map early summer to early fall for about 2-3 months. Usually, only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time across several floral clusters. Each flower is replaced by a cluster of 4 small nutlets during the fall. Individual nutlets are oblongoid and 3-sided. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. Clonal colonies of plants are often formed from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and loamy, rocky, or sandy soil that is calcareous. Depending on fertility of the soil, moisture levels, and time of year, individual plants can vary considerably in their height.
Range & Habitat: False Motherwort is uncommon to occasional in both central and NE Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is rare or absent. This plant is not native to Illinois; it was accidentally introduced into North America from Eurasia. Habitats include dolomite prairies, sandy savannas near Lake Michigan, riverbanks, roadsides, and pastures. This plant is usually found in disturbed areas, although it sometimes occurs in higher quality habitats.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about floral-faunal relationships for this plant in North America, although they are probably similar to those for Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca), which is closely related to False Motherwort and more common. The flowers are likely pollinated by various bees, including bumblebees, little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), and Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp.), which seek nectar or collect pollen from the flowers. Syrphid flies may also visit the flowers to feed on pollen, but they are less effective at cross-pollination. The Currant Aphid (Cryptomyzus ribis) uses Leonurus spp. (Motherworts) as summer hosts. Because of the bitter foliage, it is unlikely that mammalian herbivores browse on False Motherwort to any significant extent.
Photographic Location: A sandy oak savanna near Lake Michigan at the Indiana Dunes State Park in NW Indiana.
Comments: Across different populations, the leaf blades of False Motherwort can vary significantly in their width and in the abundance or size of the teeth along their margins. This plant is sometimes referred to as Leonurus marrubiastrum, but it differs from Leonurus spp. (Motherworts) by the lack of cleft lobes on its leaves. Like Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca), False Motherwort can be distinguished from many other members of the Mint family by the spiny teeth of its calyces, the shape of its leaves, and other characteristics. Other common names of this plant are Lion's Tail and Horehound Motherwort.
The flowers occur in dense axillary clusters along the upper half of each stem; these floral clusters are whorled and sessile. Individual flowers are about ¼" (6 mm.) long and 1/8" (3 mm.) across, consisting of a 2-lipped tubular corolla with 4 lobes, a calyx with 5 teeth that have spine-like tips, 4 stamens, and a pistil with an ovary that is divided into 4 parts. The corolla is white to pink and softly short-hairy along the exterior of the upper lobe, which functions as a protective hood. There is also a rounded lower lobe and two smaller lateral lobes. A patch of red occurs within the throat of the corolla. The calyx is light green, sparsely canescent along its exterior, and 5-veined. The corolla of the flower is about the same length as the calyx (including the tips of its teeth) or a little longer. The blooming period occurs fromDistribution Map early summer to early fall for about 2-3 months. Usually, only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time across several floral clusters. Each flower is replaced by a cluster of 4 small nutlets during the fall. Individual nutlets are oblongoid and 3-sided. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. Clonal colonies of plants are often formed from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and loamy, rocky, or sandy soil that is calcareous. Depending on fertility of the soil, moisture levels, and time of year, individual plants can vary considerably in their height.
Range & Habitat: False Motherwort is uncommon to occasional in both central and NE Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is rare or absent. This plant is not native to Illinois; it was accidentally introduced into North America from Eurasia. Habitats include dolomite prairies, sandy savannas near Lake Michigan, riverbanks, roadsides, and pastures. This plant is usually found in disturbed areas, although it sometimes occurs in higher quality habitats.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about floral-faunal relationships for this plant in North America, although they are probably similar to those for Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca), which is closely related to False Motherwort and more common. The flowers are likely pollinated by various bees, including bumblebees, little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), and Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp.), which seek nectar or collect pollen from the flowers. Syrphid flies may also visit the flowers to feed on pollen, but they are less effective at cross-pollination. The Currant Aphid (Cryptomyzus ribis) uses Leonurus spp. (Motherworts) as summer hosts. Because of the bitter foliage, it is unlikely that mammalian herbivores browse on False Motherwort to any significant extent.
Photographic Location: A sandy oak savanna near Lake Michigan at the Indiana Dunes State Park in NW Indiana.
Comments: Across different populations, the leaf blades of False Motherwort can vary significantly in their width and in the abundance or size of the teeth along their margins. This plant is sometimes referred to as Leonurus marrubiastrum, but it differs from Leonurus spp. (Motherworts) by the lack of cleft lobes on its leaves. Like Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca), False Motherwort can be distinguished from many other members of the Mint family by the spiny teeth of its calyces, the shape of its leaves, and other characteristics. Other common names of this plant are Lion's Tail and Horehound Motherwort.
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Miss Chen
2018年07月31日
Description: This little plant is a winter or spring annual about 2-6" tall. A mature plant becomes tufted at the base, sending up multiple stems. These stems are green and pubescent. The opposite leaves are up to ¾" long and about half as much across. These leaves are broadly oblong or ovate-oblong, green, and pubescent; they have conspicuous central veins, smooth margins, and sessile bases.
The upper stems terminate in small cymes or individual flowers; sometimes the lower cymes branch into secondary cymes of flowers. The peduncles and pedicels of these cymes are light green and pubescent. At the base of each peduncle, there is a pair of green leaf-like bracts. These bracts are broadly lanceolate-oblong or lanceolate-ovate, pubescent, and smooth along the margins; some of the upper bracts have thin translucent margins toward their tips (i.e., they are slightly scarious). These translucent margins are more apparent in mature or dried-out plants than young specimens. The flowers at the tips of the pedicels are up to ¼" across when they are fully open. Each flower has 5 white petals, 5 green sepals, 5 white styles, and 5 stamens with pale yellow anthers. Each petal has several pale lines at its base, while its tip is notched. The sepals are lanceolate and hairy; their margins are translucent. The blooming period occurs during the spring and lasts about 1 month; this is one of the earliest wildflowers to bloom during the spring. The flowers open up during spring days that are sunny and warm. Some plants begin to bloom when they are only 1" tall. Each flower is replaced by a cylindrical capsule containing manyDistribution Map small seeds. Each seed capsule is straight to slightly curved; there are 10 small teeth along its upper rim. The seeds are brown, somewhat flattened, and minutely warty or pebbly. The root system consists mostly of thin fibrous roots. This plant spreads by reseeding itself and it often forms small colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, moist to slightly dry conditions, and sterile soil with little ground vegetation. In Illinois, this little plant completes its growth cycle during the spring.
Range & Habitat: Small Mouse-Eared Chickweed is occasional in central and NE Illinois, while in other areas of the state it is uncommon or absent. This plant was accidentally introduced into the United States from Europe. Habitats consist of fields, disturbed grassy meadows, areas along roads, barren ground in lawns, and waste areas. Areas with a history of disturbance and environmental degradation are strongly preferred. This little plant tolerates road salt and other run-off chemicals better than most kinds of turf-grass; it also tolerates hardpan clay and gravel better than turf-grass.
Faunal Associations: Like other Chickweeds (Cerastium spp., Stellaria spp.), the flowers of this species attract small bees and Syrphid flies. While the foliage of Small Mouse-Eared Chickweed is potentially edible to rabbits, it is rarely eaten because of its diminutive size and early spring growth. Small granivorous songbirds (e.g., sparrows) may use the seeds as a minor source of food.
Photographic Location: A barren area along a roadside in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: There are several Cerastium spp. (Mouse-Eared Chickweeds) in Illinois and they are difficult to distinguish from each other. I believe that the species in the photograph above is Cerastium pumilum (Small Mouse-Eared Chickweed) for the following reasons: 1) It is a short-lived annual that completes its life-cycle during the spring, 2) Each of its flowers has 5 stamens and 5 styles, 3) Its flowers always have 5 petals, and 4) Its floral bracts usually lack translucent margins, except for some of the upper bracts on mature plants. Other Mouse-Eared Chickweeds are perennials (e.g., Cerastium fontanum), or they have flowers with 10 stamens (e.g., Cerastium brachypetalum, Cerastium glomeratum), or they produce flowers with 4 petals (e.g., Cerastium diffusum), or all of their bracts have conspicuous translucent margins (e.g., Cerastium semidecandrum).
The upper stems terminate in small cymes or individual flowers; sometimes the lower cymes branch into secondary cymes of flowers. The peduncles and pedicels of these cymes are light green and pubescent. At the base of each peduncle, there is a pair of green leaf-like bracts. These bracts are broadly lanceolate-oblong or lanceolate-ovate, pubescent, and smooth along the margins; some of the upper bracts have thin translucent margins toward their tips (i.e., they are slightly scarious). These translucent margins are more apparent in mature or dried-out plants than young specimens. The flowers at the tips of the pedicels are up to ¼" across when they are fully open. Each flower has 5 white petals, 5 green sepals, 5 white styles, and 5 stamens with pale yellow anthers. Each petal has several pale lines at its base, while its tip is notched. The sepals are lanceolate and hairy; their margins are translucent. The blooming period occurs during the spring and lasts about 1 month; this is one of the earliest wildflowers to bloom during the spring. The flowers open up during spring days that are sunny and warm. Some plants begin to bloom when they are only 1" tall. Each flower is replaced by a cylindrical capsule containing manyDistribution Map small seeds. Each seed capsule is straight to slightly curved; there are 10 small teeth along its upper rim. The seeds are brown, somewhat flattened, and minutely warty or pebbly. The root system consists mostly of thin fibrous roots. This plant spreads by reseeding itself and it often forms small colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, moist to slightly dry conditions, and sterile soil with little ground vegetation. In Illinois, this little plant completes its growth cycle during the spring.
Range & Habitat: Small Mouse-Eared Chickweed is occasional in central and NE Illinois, while in other areas of the state it is uncommon or absent. This plant was accidentally introduced into the United States from Europe. Habitats consist of fields, disturbed grassy meadows, areas along roads, barren ground in lawns, and waste areas. Areas with a history of disturbance and environmental degradation are strongly preferred. This little plant tolerates road salt and other run-off chemicals better than most kinds of turf-grass; it also tolerates hardpan clay and gravel better than turf-grass.
Faunal Associations: Like other Chickweeds (Cerastium spp., Stellaria spp.), the flowers of this species attract small bees and Syrphid flies. While the foliage of Small Mouse-Eared Chickweed is potentially edible to rabbits, it is rarely eaten because of its diminutive size and early spring growth. Small granivorous songbirds (e.g., sparrows) may use the seeds as a minor source of food.
Photographic Location: A barren area along a roadside in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: There are several Cerastium spp. (Mouse-Eared Chickweeds) in Illinois and they are difficult to distinguish from each other. I believe that the species in the photograph above is Cerastium pumilum (Small Mouse-Eared Chickweed) for the following reasons: 1) It is a short-lived annual that completes its life-cycle during the spring, 2) Each of its flowers has 5 stamens and 5 styles, 3) Its flowers always have 5 petals, and 4) Its floral bracts usually lack translucent margins, except for some of the upper bracts on mature plants. Other Mouse-Eared Chickweeds are perennials (e.g., Cerastium fontanum), or they have flowers with 10 stamens (e.g., Cerastium brachypetalum, Cerastium glomeratum), or they produce flowers with 4 petals (e.g., Cerastium diffusum), or all of their bracts have conspicuous translucent margins (e.g., Cerastium semidecandrum).
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Miss Chen
2018年07月31日
Description: This plant is a winter or spring annual that becomes 4-10" tall. It has a small tuft of erect to ascending leafy stems; these stems are light green to dark purple, terete, and hairy. Along each stem, there are pairs of sessile opposite leaves at intervals. Individual leaves are up to ¾" long and about half as much across; they are medium green, bluntly ovate, broadly oblong, or obovate with smooth margins. Both the lower and upper surfaces of each leaf are covered with hairs. The hairs on the stems and leaves may have a sticky texture from minute glandular secretions.
Each stem terminates in a dense cluster of flowers; in addition, individual or small clusters of flowers may develop from the axils of the upper leaves. Each small flower is about ¼" across, consisting of 5 white petals, 5 green sepals, 10 stamens, and a pistil with 5 styles. The tips of the petals are notched. The lanceolate sepals have long forward-pointing hairs and membranous margins. The hairy pedicel of each flower is no longer than 5 mm. (1/5") in length, even when it has transformed into a seed capsule. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer and lasts about 3-4 weeks. Each flower transforms into a cylindrical seed capsule that is up to twice the length of the persistent sepals. This seed capsule is membranous along the sides and open at the apex, where there are 10 tiny teeth. At the bottom of this capsule, there are several tiny seeds. Each seed is obovoid or heart-shaped, somewhat flattened, and minutely pebbly on the outer surface. The root system is shallow and fibrous. This plant spreads by reseeding itself; it often forms colonies in favorable habitats.
Cultivation: This little weed prefers partial to full sun and moist to slightly dry conditions. It is often found in soil containing loam, clay-loam, or other material. This species can invade lawns to some extent.
Range & Habitat: Glomerate Mouse-Eared Chickweed is occasional throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is not native. Habitats include openings in rocky woodlands, grassy meadows, lawns, pastures, fallow fields, roadsides, and waste ground. Areas with a history of disturbance are preferred. This species is native to Eurasia.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract small bees (Halictid & others) and flies (Syrphid & others). The caterpillars of the moths Agrostis venerabilis (Venerable Dart), Haematopis grataria (Chickweed Geometer), and Lobocleta ossularia (Drab Brown Wave) feed on chickweeds. Among vertebrate animals, the Mourning Dove and various sparrows occasionally eat the seeds, while the foliage is eaten by the Cottontail Rabbit and Woodchuck.
Photographic Location: A lawn at a state park in west-central Indiana.
Comments: The distinctive characteristic of this chickweed is its dense cluster(s) of flowers. In particular, the pedicels of the flowers are the same length or shorter than the sepals (5 mm. or less). Several other species of chickweeds are similar in appearance, but at least some of their pedicels exceed 5 mm. in length (particularly when their flowers have transformed into seed capsules). The sepals of Glomerate Mouse-Eared Chickweed are somewhat unusual because they are covered with long forward-pointing hairs that may extend beyond their margins; other species of chickweed have sepals with shorter hairs. In general, the various species in the Cerastium genus are called "Mouse-Eared Chickweeds" because of the shape and hairiness of their leaves; these species usually have 10 stamens and 5 styles per flower. A scientific synonym of Glomerate Mouse-Eared Chickweed is Cerastium viscosum. Because of this defunct scientific name, this species is sometimes called "Clammy Mouse-Eared Chickweed."
Each stem terminates in a dense cluster of flowers; in addition, individual or small clusters of flowers may develop from the axils of the upper leaves. Each small flower is about ¼" across, consisting of 5 white petals, 5 green sepals, 10 stamens, and a pistil with 5 styles. The tips of the petals are notched. The lanceolate sepals have long forward-pointing hairs and membranous margins. The hairy pedicel of each flower is no longer than 5 mm. (1/5") in length, even when it has transformed into a seed capsule. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer and lasts about 3-4 weeks. Each flower transforms into a cylindrical seed capsule that is up to twice the length of the persistent sepals. This seed capsule is membranous along the sides and open at the apex, where there are 10 tiny teeth. At the bottom of this capsule, there are several tiny seeds. Each seed is obovoid or heart-shaped, somewhat flattened, and minutely pebbly on the outer surface. The root system is shallow and fibrous. This plant spreads by reseeding itself; it often forms colonies in favorable habitats.
Cultivation: This little weed prefers partial to full sun and moist to slightly dry conditions. It is often found in soil containing loam, clay-loam, or other material. This species can invade lawns to some extent.
Range & Habitat: Glomerate Mouse-Eared Chickweed is occasional throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is not native. Habitats include openings in rocky woodlands, grassy meadows, lawns, pastures, fallow fields, roadsides, and waste ground. Areas with a history of disturbance are preferred. This species is native to Eurasia.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract small bees (Halictid & others) and flies (Syrphid & others). The caterpillars of the moths Agrostis venerabilis (Venerable Dart), Haematopis grataria (Chickweed Geometer), and Lobocleta ossularia (Drab Brown Wave) feed on chickweeds. Among vertebrate animals, the Mourning Dove and various sparrows occasionally eat the seeds, while the foliage is eaten by the Cottontail Rabbit and Woodchuck.
Photographic Location: A lawn at a state park in west-central Indiana.
Comments: The distinctive characteristic of this chickweed is its dense cluster(s) of flowers. In particular, the pedicels of the flowers are the same length or shorter than the sepals (5 mm. or less). Several other species of chickweeds are similar in appearance, but at least some of their pedicels exceed 5 mm. in length (particularly when their flowers have transformed into seed capsules). The sepals of Glomerate Mouse-Eared Chickweed are somewhat unusual because they are covered with long forward-pointing hairs that may extend beyond their margins; other species of chickweed have sepals with shorter hairs. In general, the various species in the Cerastium genus are called "Mouse-Eared Chickweeds" because of the shape and hairiness of their leaves; these species usually have 10 stamens and 5 styles per flower. A scientific synonym of Glomerate Mouse-Eared Chickweed is Cerastium viscosum. Because of this defunct scientific name, this species is sometimes called "Clammy Mouse-Eared Chickweed."
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Miss Chen
2018年07月30日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is tufted at the base, producing multiple stems up to 1½' long, although they are usually about one-half of this length or less. These stems are ascending to widely spreading; they are green or purple, terete (round in cross-section), and pubescent. The opposite leaves are up to 1" long and 1/3" across (or a little larger); they are variably shaped, including lanceolate-ovate, oval-oblong, or broadly oblanceolate. The leaves are pubescent, smooth along the margins, and sessile at the base; they have a prominent central vein on the upper surface. The stems often terminate in small cymes (flat-headed clusters) of 1-5 small flowers; both the peduncles and pedicelsClose-up of Flowers of these cymes are pubescent. At the base of each cyme, there is a pair of leafy bracts with thin translucent margins. Each flower is up to ¼" across, consisting of 5 green sepals, 5 white petals with notched tips, 10 stamens with pale yellow anthers, and 5 styles; some plants may produce flowers with fewer than 10 stamens. The sepals are lanceolate, pubescent, and translucent along their margins; they are about the same length as the petals. The blooming period occurs intermittently from late spring to early fall and may last several months for individual plants. Each flower is replaced by a cylindrical seed capsule with 10 small teeth along its upper rim. Each seed capsule containing several small seeds. The seeds are somewhat flattened and minutely warty or pebbly. The root system is mostly fibrous. This plant reproduces primarily by reseeding itself; it can also form vegetative offsets when the nodes of the lower stems develop rootlets while lying on moist ground.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade and moist to slightly dry conditions. This plant can tolerate a broad range of soils, including those that contain loam, clay-loam, and pebbly or gravelly material. Common Mouse-Eared Chickweed is more often found in fertile soil than other Cerastium spp. (Mouse-Eared Chickweeds). It is a larger plant that can tolerate more competition from other kinds of vegetation.
Range & Habitat: Common Mouse-Eared Chickweed occurs in every county of Illinois; it is quite common (see Distribution Map). This species was accidentally introduced into North America from Eurasia. Habitats include fields, pastures, lawns, gardens, roadsides, areas along railroads, areas adjacent to buildings, vacant lots, degraded grassy meadows, and waste areas. Areas with a history of disturbance provide preferred habitats.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract various bees and flies; these insects suck nectar primarily, although some Syrphid flies feed on the pollen and some of the smaller bees (e.g., Halictid bees) collect pollen for their larvae. The caterpillars of several moths feed on the foliage of Chickweeds (Cerastium spp., Stellaria spp.), including Agrostis venerabilis (Venerable Dart), Haematopis grataria (Chickweed Geometer), and Lobocleta ossularia (Drab Brown Wave). Sparrows and other small granivorous songbirds eat the seeds of Chickweeds. Because Common Mouse-Eared Chickweed is one of the larger Chickweeds that grows during the summer, the Cottontail Rabbit nibbles on its foliage occasionally.
Photographic Location: An area adjacent to a building in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This adaptable plant is probably the most common Cerastium sp. (Mouse-Eared Chickweed) in Illinois. Compared to the similar Stellaria spp. (Chickweeds), Mouse-Eared Chickweeds usually have more pubescent leaves and their flowers have 5 styles, rather than 3. Among the many Mouse-Eared Chickweeds that occur in Illinois (most of them are introductions from Eurasia), Common Mouse-Eared Chickweed is the only one with a perennial habit and it is often larger in size. It also blooms later in the year (typically during the summer), while the annual species of Mouse-Eared Chickweed bloom primarily during the spring. A scientific synonym of Common Mouse-Eared Chickweed is Cerastium vulgatum.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade and moist to slightly dry conditions. This plant can tolerate a broad range of soils, including those that contain loam, clay-loam, and pebbly or gravelly material. Common Mouse-Eared Chickweed is more often found in fertile soil than other Cerastium spp. (Mouse-Eared Chickweeds). It is a larger plant that can tolerate more competition from other kinds of vegetation.
Range & Habitat: Common Mouse-Eared Chickweed occurs in every county of Illinois; it is quite common (see Distribution Map). This species was accidentally introduced into North America from Eurasia. Habitats include fields, pastures, lawns, gardens, roadsides, areas along railroads, areas adjacent to buildings, vacant lots, degraded grassy meadows, and waste areas. Areas with a history of disturbance provide preferred habitats.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract various bees and flies; these insects suck nectar primarily, although some Syrphid flies feed on the pollen and some of the smaller bees (e.g., Halictid bees) collect pollen for their larvae. The caterpillars of several moths feed on the foliage of Chickweeds (Cerastium spp., Stellaria spp.), including Agrostis venerabilis (Venerable Dart), Haematopis grataria (Chickweed Geometer), and Lobocleta ossularia (Drab Brown Wave). Sparrows and other small granivorous songbirds eat the seeds of Chickweeds. Because Common Mouse-Eared Chickweed is one of the larger Chickweeds that grows during the summer, the Cottontail Rabbit nibbles on its foliage occasionally.
Photographic Location: An area adjacent to a building in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: This adaptable plant is probably the most common Cerastium sp. (Mouse-Eared Chickweed) in Illinois. Compared to the similar Stellaria spp. (Chickweeds), Mouse-Eared Chickweeds usually have more pubescent leaves and their flowers have 5 styles, rather than 3. Among the many Mouse-Eared Chickweeds that occur in Illinois (most of them are introductions from Eurasia), Common Mouse-Eared Chickweed is the only one with a perennial habit and it is often larger in size. It also blooms later in the year (typically during the summer), while the annual species of Mouse-Eared Chickweed bloom primarily during the spring. A scientific synonym of Common Mouse-Eared Chickweed is Cerastium vulgatum.
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Miss Chen
2018年07月30日
Description: This plant is a winter or spring annual about 4-16" tall that sometimes branches from the base, forming a tuft of leafy stems. Each erect to ascending stem is light green to pale purplish green, terete, and evenly glandular-pubescent. Several pairs of opposite leaves occur along each stem; sometimes tufts of smaller leaves develop from the axils of the lower opposite leaves. These leaves are up to 1" long and 1/5" (5 mm.) across; they are linear, linear-oblong, or oblong, and sessile against their stems. Each leaf is hairless on the upper surface with a single prominent vein; the lower surface is also hairless, except for some glandular hairs along the central vein. The leaf margins are smooth and ciliate.
Each stem terminates in a corymb (flat-headed cluster) or compound corymb of flowers. The peduncle of each corymb is similar to the stem, except that it has a pair of leafy bracts at its base; it can be several inches long. Compound corymbs have branched ascending peduncles. Each flower is up to ¼" across; it has 5 white petals, 5 green sepals, 10 stamens, and 3 tiny white styles at the apex of the light green ovary. The petals are cleft at their tips, while the sepals are glandular-pubescent. The pedicel of each flower is up to ½" long and glandular-pubescent. The leafy bracts are linear-lanceolate to ovate, glandular-pubescent on their undersides, and slightly membranous along their margins at maturity; they are smaller in size than the leaves (½" long or less). The blooming period occurs during the late spring and lasts about 3 weeks. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each flower is replaced by a cylindrical seed capsule that is up to 10 mm. (3/8") long. At maturity, this seed capsule becomes membranous and open at its apex; there are 6 small teeth along its upper rim. There are numerous small seeds within each capsule; each seed is pale brown, minutely warty, ovoid-obovoid in shape, and somewhat flattened. The root system consists of a slender branching taproot with fine fibrous roots. This plant spreads by reseeding itself and occasionally forms colonies.
Cultivation: Typical growing conditions consist of full sunlight and average levels of moisture. Three-styled Chickweed adapts readily to loam or clay-loam soil; sandy or gravelly soil may be tolerated as well. Because this chickweed is taller and more erect than most, regular mowing may inhibit its spread.
Range & Habitat: The adventive Three-Styled Chickweed is a rare weed in Illinois; it has been observed in only a few counties of south-central and east-central Illinois (see Distribution Map). This species is native to southern Europe and parts of Asia. The earliest collection of this species in the United States occurred in the state of Washington during the 1960's. Since that time, it has been observed in several other states (both eastern & western) and appears to be spreading. Habitats include disturbed areas with low grassy or weedy vegetation and the upper slopes of ditches. Recent construction activity mayClose-up of Flower have introduced this species to Champaign County in Illinois.
Faunal Associations: This information applies to chickweeds, both native and introduced, that are typically found in sunny meadows and similar habitats. The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract small bees (Halictid & others) and flies (Syrphid & others). The caterpillars of the moths Agrostis venerabilis (Venerable Dart), Haematopis grataria (Chickweed Geometer), and Lobocleta ossularia (Drab Brown Wave) feed on chickweeds. Among vertebrate animals, the seeds are a source of food for the Mourning Dove and various sparrows, while the foliage is occasionally eaten by the Cottontail Rabbit.
Photographic Location: The upper slope of a drainage ditch in Urbana, Illinois. If the photograph of the flower close-up is examined closely, it is possible to see the 3 tiny white styles; they are surrounded by the yellow anthers of the stamens.
Comments: Among Cerastium spp. (Mouse-Eared Chickweeds), this chickweed is highly unusual because its flowers have 3 styles, rather than 5 styles. This characteristic is more typical of Stellaria spp. (Chickweeds). However, other characteristics of its flowers (e.g., the presence of 10 stamens & the shape of its petals) and the even pubescence of its stems are more typical of the Mouse-Eared Chickweeds. Three-Styled Chickweed is a little taller than most of these species and its leaves are more slender. Otherwise, it is rather ordinary looking. Another common name is Doubtful Chickweed, which is derived from the scientific name.
Each stem terminates in a corymb (flat-headed cluster) or compound corymb of flowers. The peduncle of each corymb is similar to the stem, except that it has a pair of leafy bracts at its base; it can be several inches long. Compound corymbs have branched ascending peduncles. Each flower is up to ¼" across; it has 5 white petals, 5 green sepals, 10 stamens, and 3 tiny white styles at the apex of the light green ovary. The petals are cleft at their tips, while the sepals are glandular-pubescent. The pedicel of each flower is up to ½" long and glandular-pubescent. The leafy bracts are linear-lanceolate to ovate, glandular-pubescent on their undersides, and slightly membranous along their margins at maturity; they are smaller in size than the leaves (½" long or less). The blooming period occurs during the late spring and lasts about 3 weeks. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each flower is replaced by a cylindrical seed capsule that is up to 10 mm. (3/8") long. At maturity, this seed capsule becomes membranous and open at its apex; there are 6 small teeth along its upper rim. There are numerous small seeds within each capsule; each seed is pale brown, minutely warty, ovoid-obovoid in shape, and somewhat flattened. The root system consists of a slender branching taproot with fine fibrous roots. This plant spreads by reseeding itself and occasionally forms colonies.
Cultivation: Typical growing conditions consist of full sunlight and average levels of moisture. Three-styled Chickweed adapts readily to loam or clay-loam soil; sandy or gravelly soil may be tolerated as well. Because this chickweed is taller and more erect than most, regular mowing may inhibit its spread.
Range & Habitat: The adventive Three-Styled Chickweed is a rare weed in Illinois; it has been observed in only a few counties of south-central and east-central Illinois (see Distribution Map). This species is native to southern Europe and parts of Asia. The earliest collection of this species in the United States occurred in the state of Washington during the 1960's. Since that time, it has been observed in several other states (both eastern & western) and appears to be spreading. Habitats include disturbed areas with low grassy or weedy vegetation and the upper slopes of ditches. Recent construction activity mayClose-up of Flower have introduced this species to Champaign County in Illinois.
Faunal Associations: This information applies to chickweeds, both native and introduced, that are typically found in sunny meadows and similar habitats. The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract small bees (Halictid & others) and flies (Syrphid & others). The caterpillars of the moths Agrostis venerabilis (Venerable Dart), Haematopis grataria (Chickweed Geometer), and Lobocleta ossularia (Drab Brown Wave) feed on chickweeds. Among vertebrate animals, the seeds are a source of food for the Mourning Dove and various sparrows, while the foliage is occasionally eaten by the Cottontail Rabbit.
Photographic Location: The upper slope of a drainage ditch in Urbana, Illinois. If the photograph of the flower close-up is examined closely, it is possible to see the 3 tiny white styles; they are surrounded by the yellow anthers of the stamens.
Comments: Among Cerastium spp. (Mouse-Eared Chickweeds), this chickweed is highly unusual because its flowers have 3 styles, rather than 5 styles. This characteristic is more typical of Stellaria spp. (Chickweeds). However, other characteristics of its flowers (e.g., the presence of 10 stamens & the shape of its petals) and the even pubescence of its stems are more typical of the Mouse-Eared Chickweeds. Three-Styled Chickweed is a little taller than most of these species and its leaves are more slender. Otherwise, it is rather ordinary looking. Another common name is Doubtful Chickweed, which is derived from the scientific name.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年07月30日
Description: This plant is an annual about 3-8" tall that branches occasionally, and it is more or less erect. The stems, leaves, and calyx of the flowers are greyish green and hairless. The slender stems are irregularly angular. The opposite leaves are up to 1" long and ¾" across, becoming smaller as they ascend the stems. They are variably shaped, smooth along the margins, and sessile or slightly clasping the stems. The lower leaves are ovoid or ovate with blunt tips, while the upper leaves are often lanceolate or oblong. Their texture is slightly fleshy and succulent. There is no tuft of basal leaves at the base of the plant. The upper stems terminate in small cymes or flat-headed panicles of flowers; some cymes of flowers may be produced from the axils of the upper leaves as well. Each flower has a narrow tubular corolla that is about ½" long; at its apex, this corolla divides into 5 spreading lobes up to ¼" across. These petal-like lobes are narrow and pink. At the base of the flower, there is a tubular calyx with 5 lobes that are very narrow and long. These calyx lobes are appressed against the base of the tubular corolla and at least half its length (sometimes they are nearly as long as the corolla). At the narrow throat of the flower, there are several exserted stamens with yellow anthers. Each flower has a short pedicel at least 1/8" long. The blooming period occurs during the summer and early fall and lasts about 2-3 months. As older flowers begin to fade away, the area that is enclosed by the lobes of their calyxes begins to swell until ovoid seed capsules are formed. Each seed capsule is open at the top and has 5 recurved teeth along its upper rim. Each of these capsules contains several tiny seeds that can be blown about by the wind or float on water. The root system consists of shallow fibrous roots. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: Typical growing conditions are full sun and a moist soil that contains loam, clay-loam, or gravelly material. A limy soil and occasional flooding are tolerated.
Range & Habitat: Branching Centaury is an uncommon plant that is originally from Europe. It occurs primarily in a few counties in NE Illinois and does not appear to be spreading (see Distribution Map). The webmaster recently found a small colony of plants growing in Champaign County, Illinois. Habitats include moist depressions in grassy areas along roads and railroads. So far, this species is restricted to highly disturbed habitats.
Faunal Associations: Little information about floral-faunal relationships is available for this species. The structure of the flowers suggests that long-tongued bees, small butterflies, and skippers occasionally pollinate the flowers. One likely candidate is the butterfly Pieris rapae (Cabbage White), which is originally from Europe. The foliage of plants in the Gentian family is usually bitter and unattractive to most herbivores, although rabbits may nibble on the stems and leaves of Branching Centaury occasionally. The seeds are too small to be of much interest to birds.
Photographic Location: A moist grassy depression that was located a short distance away from a railroad in Urbana, Illinois. This area was mowed irregularly and prone to temporary flooding.
Comments: Branching Centaury is a small plant with delicate pink flowers. It has many characteristics in common with members of the Pink family (Caryophyllaceae), but it differs in having a calyx with long slender lobes that are at least half the length of the tubular corolla. According to official records, this is the only Centaurium sp. that has naturalized in Illinois. Some south-central and southwestern states have native Centaurium spp., but none of them have been observed in Illinois. These native species tend to have somewhat larger flowers and more narrow lower leaves. A closely related species from Europe, the biennial Centaurium erythraea (Forking Centaury), has been observed in Indiana and may occur somewhere in Illinois. The inflorescence of this latter species is less flat-headed and more vertical, while its flowers have shorter calyx lobes and slightly longer corolla lobes. The Centaurium spp. differ from the closely related Sabatia spp. (Rose Pinks) by having smaller flowers that are longer than they are across; they are always narrowly tubular at the base. The flowers of Rose Pinks have more open corollas with larger petal-like lobes, while the lobes of their calyxes are more spreading.
Cultivation: Typical growing conditions are full sun and a moist soil that contains loam, clay-loam, or gravelly material. A limy soil and occasional flooding are tolerated.
Range & Habitat: Branching Centaury is an uncommon plant that is originally from Europe. It occurs primarily in a few counties in NE Illinois and does not appear to be spreading (see Distribution Map). The webmaster recently found a small colony of plants growing in Champaign County, Illinois. Habitats include moist depressions in grassy areas along roads and railroads. So far, this species is restricted to highly disturbed habitats.
Faunal Associations: Little information about floral-faunal relationships is available for this species. The structure of the flowers suggests that long-tongued bees, small butterflies, and skippers occasionally pollinate the flowers. One likely candidate is the butterfly Pieris rapae (Cabbage White), which is originally from Europe. The foliage of plants in the Gentian family is usually bitter and unattractive to most herbivores, although rabbits may nibble on the stems and leaves of Branching Centaury occasionally. The seeds are too small to be of much interest to birds.
Photographic Location: A moist grassy depression that was located a short distance away from a railroad in Urbana, Illinois. This area was mowed irregularly and prone to temporary flooding.
Comments: Branching Centaury is a small plant with delicate pink flowers. It has many characteristics in common with members of the Pink family (Caryophyllaceae), but it differs in having a calyx with long slender lobes that are at least half the length of the tubular corolla. According to official records, this is the only Centaurium sp. that has naturalized in Illinois. Some south-central and southwestern states have native Centaurium spp., but none of them have been observed in Illinois. These native species tend to have somewhat larger flowers and more narrow lower leaves. A closely related species from Europe, the biennial Centaurium erythraea (Forking Centaury), has been observed in Indiana and may occur somewhere in Illinois. The inflorescence of this latter species is less flat-headed and more vertical, while its flowers have shorter calyx lobes and slightly longer corolla lobes. The Centaurium spp. differ from the closely related Sabatia spp. (Rose Pinks) by having smaller flowers that are longer than they are across; they are always narrowly tubular at the base. The flowers of Rose Pinks have more open corollas with larger petal-like lobes, while the lobes of their calyxes are more spreading.
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