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Miss Chen
2018年05月13日
Description: This small perennial orchid produces a low rosette of evergreen basal leaves. Individual leaves are 1½-2½" long and ¾-1½" across; they are ovate or broadly elliptic and smooth along their margins. There are 5-7 primary veins per leaf; they are parallel. These veins are interconnected through a network of secondary veins. Both the primary and secondary veins are accented in white, while the remaining leaf surface is dark green. The basal leaves taper abruptly to petiole-like bases that are short and winged, where they are also accented in white along their central veins. After several years, a spike-like raceme of flowers develops from the basal rosette that is 4-14" tall and more or less erect. The central stalk of this inflorescence is light green, glandular-pubescent, and terete. Along the lower two-thirds of its length, there are widely separated leafy bracts. These bracts are small in size (about ½" in length), linear-lanceolate in shape, and ascending to erect. Along the upper one-third of the central stalk, the small flowers are densely distributed, facing in all directions.
The sepals and petals of these flowers (3 of each per flower) are white or greenish white, while their inferior ovaries are green and glandular-pubescent. The upper sepal and 2 lateral petals of each flower are merged together to form a hood with a slightly upturned outer rim, while the 2 lateral sepals are free and the lower petal forms an open pouch with a minute down-turned beak. These petals and sepals are 3.5-5.5 mm. long; the outer surfaces of the hood and lateral sepals are minutely pubescent. The ovaries are 6-8 mm. long, ellipsoid in shape, and ascending. At the bases of the ovaries, there are ascending floral bracts. These bracts are green, glandular-pubescent, linear-lanceolate in shape, and ascending; they are about the same length as the ovaries. The blooming period occurs during mid- to late summer, lasting about 3-4 weeks. There is no noticeable floral fragrance. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by seed capsules that become ovoid in shape and brown at maturity. At this time, these capsules split open into several sections to release their minute seeds to the wind. The root system consists of a shallow creeping rhizome with coarse fibrous roots. After flowering, this rhizome forms 1-3 clonal offsets. The clonal offsets become independent on their rhizomes, while the original rhizome dies. The evergreen basal leaves persist for at least 1½ years (at least 2 summers and 1 winter).
Cultivation: The preference is medium shade to dappled sunlight, mesic to dry-mesic conditions, and an acidic loose soil that contains loam, loess (wind-blown silt from a prior ice age), or glacial till with decaying organic matter. The site should be protected from drying winds and it should be relatively humid. The root system of this orchid benefits from an endomycorrhizal association with certain kinds of fungi. This orchid has been successfully cultivated indoors in terrariums (Ugiansky, 2010). It should not be collected from the wild, which can easily destroy local populations.
Range & Habitat: The native Downy Rattlesnake-Plantain is uncommon in Illinois, occurring mostly in northern and southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland woodlands, north-facing wooded slopes, bluffs, large wooded ravines or sandstone canyons, sandstone glades, and woodlands damaged by logging. On rare occasions, this orchid has also been found in forested bogs. It is often associated with such canopy trees as oaks, pines, Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), or sugar maple (Acer saccharum). This orchid usually occurs in high Faunal Associations: The small flowers are cross-pollinated by bees, including bumblebees (Bombus spp.) and green metallic bees (e.g., Augochlora spp., Augochlorella spp.); see ILPIN and Homoya (1993) for more information. Aside from this, little is known about floral-faunal relationships for this orchid. The evergreen leaves may be browsed by deer and the rhizomes may be eaten by chipmunks or mice, but additional study of such potential threats is required.
Photographic Location: A rocky bluff dominated by Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) at a nature preserve in east-central Indiana.
Comments: While the flowers of Downy Rattlesnake-Plantain are rather small, the reticulated patterns of its basal leaves are very ornate and unique, making this orchid easy to identity. In spite of its common name, this orchid is not closely-related to plantains (Plantago spp.); its leaves have a shape that is similar to some of the common broad-leaved plantains. The common name is also inspired by the superficial resemblance of the leaves' reticulated patterns to the skin of a rattlesnake. The inflorescence of Downy Rattlesnake-Plantain resembles those of the Lady Tresses' Orchids (Spiranthes spp.), although they have dissimilar leaves. The flowers of the former orchid differ from those of the latter by the pouch-like structure of their lower lips, which is lacking in the flowers of Lady Tresses' Orchids. There are other orchid species in the Goodyera genus, but their ranges are located outside of Illinois, mostly to the north or northeast.
The sepals and petals of these flowers (3 of each per flower) are white or greenish white, while their inferior ovaries are green and glandular-pubescent. The upper sepal and 2 lateral petals of each flower are merged together to form a hood with a slightly upturned outer rim, while the 2 lateral sepals are free and the lower petal forms an open pouch with a minute down-turned beak. These petals and sepals are 3.5-5.5 mm. long; the outer surfaces of the hood and lateral sepals are minutely pubescent. The ovaries are 6-8 mm. long, ellipsoid in shape, and ascending. At the bases of the ovaries, there are ascending floral bracts. These bracts are green, glandular-pubescent, linear-lanceolate in shape, and ascending; they are about the same length as the ovaries. The blooming period occurs during mid- to late summer, lasting about 3-4 weeks. There is no noticeable floral fragrance. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by seed capsules that become ovoid in shape and brown at maturity. At this time, these capsules split open into several sections to release their minute seeds to the wind. The root system consists of a shallow creeping rhizome with coarse fibrous roots. After flowering, this rhizome forms 1-3 clonal offsets. The clonal offsets become independent on their rhizomes, while the original rhizome dies. The evergreen basal leaves persist for at least 1½ years (at least 2 summers and 1 winter).
Cultivation: The preference is medium shade to dappled sunlight, mesic to dry-mesic conditions, and an acidic loose soil that contains loam, loess (wind-blown silt from a prior ice age), or glacial till with decaying organic matter. The site should be protected from drying winds and it should be relatively humid. The root system of this orchid benefits from an endomycorrhizal association with certain kinds of fungi. This orchid has been successfully cultivated indoors in terrariums (Ugiansky, 2010). It should not be collected from the wild, which can easily destroy local populations.
Range & Habitat: The native Downy Rattlesnake-Plantain is uncommon in Illinois, occurring mostly in northern and southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland woodlands, north-facing wooded slopes, bluffs, large wooded ravines or sandstone canyons, sandstone glades, and woodlands damaged by logging. On rare occasions, this orchid has also been found in forested bogs. It is often associated with such canopy trees as oaks, pines, Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), or sugar maple (Acer saccharum). This orchid usually occurs in high Faunal Associations: The small flowers are cross-pollinated by bees, including bumblebees (Bombus spp.) and green metallic bees (e.g., Augochlora spp., Augochlorella spp.); see ILPIN and Homoya (1993) for more information. Aside from this, little is known about floral-faunal relationships for this orchid. The evergreen leaves may be browsed by deer and the rhizomes may be eaten by chipmunks or mice, but additional study of such potential threats is required.
Photographic Location: A rocky bluff dominated by Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) at a nature preserve in east-central Indiana.
Comments: While the flowers of Downy Rattlesnake-Plantain are rather small, the reticulated patterns of its basal leaves are very ornate and unique, making this orchid easy to identity. In spite of its common name, this orchid is not closely-related to plantains (Plantago spp.); its leaves have a shape that is similar to some of the common broad-leaved plantains. The common name is also inspired by the superficial resemblance of the leaves' reticulated patterns to the skin of a rattlesnake. The inflorescence of Downy Rattlesnake-Plantain resembles those of the Lady Tresses' Orchids (Spiranthes spp.), although they have dissimilar leaves. The flowers of the former orchid differ from those of the latter by the pouch-like structure of their lower lips, which is lacking in the flowers of Lady Tresses' Orchids. There are other orchid species in the Goodyera genus, but their ranges are located outside of Illinois, mostly to the north or northeast.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月10日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is about 4-6" tall, consisting of 1-2 basal leaves and a flowering stalk with a single flower. Immature plants produce a single leaf and fail to flower, while mature plants that bloom produce a pair of leaves. The basal leaves are up to 6" long and 2" across. They are elliptic, lanceolate, or narrowly ovate, and smooth (entire) along their margins. The upper leaf surface is mottled pale green and brownish or grayish green, while the lower leaf surface is pale to medium green. Both leaf surfaces are glabrous; the upper leaf surface is often waxy. The leaves often curve upward slightly from the midvein to the margins. A naked flowering stalk develops between the basal leaves of mature plants. This stalk is light green to reddish brown and glabrous; it nods downward at its apex, where the flower occurs.
Each nodding flower is about 1½" long and across; it consists of 6 white tepals, 6 stamens with long yellow anthers, and a slender style with a stigma that has 3 lobes that spread outward. The tepals are linear-lanceolate and strongly recurved, while the stamens and style are exerted. The blooming period occurs during mid-spring and lasts about 2 weeks. Each fertilized flower is replaced by a 3-chambered seed capsule that is ovoid and about ¾" long. Each chamber of the seed capsule contains 2 rows of flattened seeds. The root system consists of a corm that is several inches below the surface of the ground; this corm produces fibrous roots at its base and occasionally sends out underground stolons that can form new plants a few inches away from the mother plant. White Trout Lily can produce large colonies of plants if it is left undisturbed for several decades.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the spring, moist to mesic conditions, and a rich loamy soil with decaying leaf mould. Situations involving more shade are tolerated later in the year. The foliage withers away during the summer. It takes several years for a new plant to fully develop and bloom. Corms can be transplanted successfully during the fall, while the establishment of new plants from seeds is difficult and slow.
Range & Habitat: The native White Trout Lily is a common plant that occurs in every county of Illinois, except for Jo Davies county in the extreme NW corner of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic deciduous woodlands and gentle slopes in wooded areas. An abundance of this plant indicates that a woodlands has never been subjected to the plow or bulldozed over. White Trout Lily is one of the spring wildflowers that is threatened by the spread of Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard) in wooded areas.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are primarily pollinated by both long-tongued and short-tongued bees, including honeybees, mason bees (Osmia spp.), cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), digger bees (Synhalonia belfragii), Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp.), plasterer bees (Colletes inaequalis), and Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.). The bees suck nectar from the flowers; honeybees and short-tongued bees also collect pollen. An oligolectic bee of Erythronium spp. (Trout Lilies) is Andrena erythronii. Less typical insects visiting the flowers for nectar include the Giant Bee Fly (Bombylius major), butterflies, and skippers. Trout Lilies (Erythronium spp.) are occasionally eaten by White-tailed Deer, but the damage is usually minor because of the low stature and ephemeral nature of the foliage.
Photographic Location: A deciduous woodlands at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: White Trout Lily usually blooms a little earlier than other spring wildflowers in woodlands; this blooming period is short, and immature plants that don't bloom always outnumber mature plants. Both the flowers and foliage are attractive (especially if the latter is mottled). The other Trout Lilies in Illinois are less common; they include Erythronium americanum (Yellow Trout Lily) and Erythronium mesochoreum (Prairie Trout Lily). Yellow Trout Lily has yellow flowers and the lobes of its stigmas are united, rather than spreading. Prairie Trout Lily resembles a White Trout Lily with unmottled foliage. However, it produces a larger seed capsule (about 1" long) that nods downward from its stalk, sometimes touching the ground. White Trout Lily has a smaller seed capsule (about ¾" long) that remains more or less erect on its stalk. The flowers of Prairie Trout Lily are light blue-violet more often than those of White Trout Lily, and its basal leaves tend to be less broad and more strongly folded upward along their midveins.
Each nodding flower is about 1½" long and across; it consists of 6 white tepals, 6 stamens with long yellow anthers, and a slender style with a stigma that has 3 lobes that spread outward. The tepals are linear-lanceolate and strongly recurved, while the stamens and style are exerted. The blooming period occurs during mid-spring and lasts about 2 weeks. Each fertilized flower is replaced by a 3-chambered seed capsule that is ovoid and about ¾" long. Each chamber of the seed capsule contains 2 rows of flattened seeds. The root system consists of a corm that is several inches below the surface of the ground; this corm produces fibrous roots at its base and occasionally sends out underground stolons that can form new plants a few inches away from the mother plant. White Trout Lily can produce large colonies of plants if it is left undisturbed for several decades.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the spring, moist to mesic conditions, and a rich loamy soil with decaying leaf mould. Situations involving more shade are tolerated later in the year. The foliage withers away during the summer. It takes several years for a new plant to fully develop and bloom. Corms can be transplanted successfully during the fall, while the establishment of new plants from seeds is difficult and slow.
Range & Habitat: The native White Trout Lily is a common plant that occurs in every county of Illinois, except for Jo Davies county in the extreme NW corner of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic deciduous woodlands and gentle slopes in wooded areas. An abundance of this plant indicates that a woodlands has never been subjected to the plow or bulldozed over. White Trout Lily is one of the spring wildflowers that is threatened by the spread of Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard) in wooded areas.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are primarily pollinated by both long-tongued and short-tongued bees, including honeybees, mason bees (Osmia spp.), cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), digger bees (Synhalonia belfragii), Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp.), plasterer bees (Colletes inaequalis), and Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.). The bees suck nectar from the flowers; honeybees and short-tongued bees also collect pollen. An oligolectic bee of Erythronium spp. (Trout Lilies) is Andrena erythronii. Less typical insects visiting the flowers for nectar include the Giant Bee Fly (Bombylius major), butterflies, and skippers. Trout Lilies (Erythronium spp.) are occasionally eaten by White-tailed Deer, but the damage is usually minor because of the low stature and ephemeral nature of the foliage.
Photographic Location: A deciduous woodlands at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: White Trout Lily usually blooms a little earlier than other spring wildflowers in woodlands; this blooming period is short, and immature plants that don't bloom always outnumber mature plants. Both the flowers and foliage are attractive (especially if the latter is mottled). The other Trout Lilies in Illinois are less common; they include Erythronium americanum (Yellow Trout Lily) and Erythronium mesochoreum (Prairie Trout Lily). Yellow Trout Lily has yellow flowers and the lobes of its stigmas are united, rather than spreading. Prairie Trout Lily resembles a White Trout Lily with unmottled foliage. However, it produces a larger seed capsule (about 1" long) that nods downward from its stalk, sometimes touching the ground. White Trout Lily has a smaller seed capsule (about ¾" long) that remains more or less erect on its stalk. The flowers of Prairie Trout Lily are light blue-violet more often than those of White Trout Lily, and its basal leaves tend to be less broad and more strongly folded upward along their midveins.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月09日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant develops 1-2 compound basal leaves during the spring. The blades of these leaves are 3-7" long and 3-7" across; they are ascending to more or less parallel with the ground. Each leaf blade is divided into 3 leaflets (1 terminal & 2 lateral leaflets). In less developed leaves, the leaflets are pinnate-pinnatifid, ultimately dividing into narrow parallel lobes. However, in more developed leaves, each leaflet divides into 3 subleaflets, and these subleaflets are pinnate-pinnatifid, ultimately dividing into narrow lobes. The ultimate lobes of these leaves are ¼–½" long and about 3 mm. (1/8") across; they are linear, linear-elliptic, or linear-oblanceolate in shape with entire (toothless) margins and bluntly acute tips. The upper leaf surface is grayish green to medium green, glabrous, and sometimes slightly glaucous, while the lower leaf surface is white to greenish white, glabrous, and very glaucous. For each compound leaf, the petiolule (basal stalklet) of the terminal leaflet is longer than those of the 2 lateral leaflets. The petioles of the compound leaves are 3-6" long and ascending; they are pale red to pale reddish green, terete, glabrous, and often glaucous.
An inflorescence consisting of a raceme of flowers sometimes develops shortly after the formation of basal leaves. This inflorescence is 6-12" tall and it is either erect or ascending. The peduncle (basal stalk) of the inflorescence is pale red or pale yellowish green, terete, glabrous, and glaucous. Each raceme has 3-10 pendant flowers. The corolla of the pendant flower is ½–¾" long, mostly white, narrowly obcordoid in shape, and somewhat flattened. Two fused outer petals form the rounded nectar spurs (above), the lateral sides, and the pair of of upturned lips (below) of the corolla. Two fused inner petals form a pair of transverse crests and a pair of small inner claws near the entrance of the corolla. The small lips are shaped like keeled hoods with translucent parallel veins. The flat crests are half-cordate in shape, slightly wrinkled, slightly undulate, and white; sometimes they are pinkish along their bases. Inserted within the corolla is a pistil with a single style and several stamens. There are also a pair of tiny sepals; they are about 2-3 mm. long, linear-lanceolate in shape, and light pink with whitish margins. The nodding pedicels of the flowers are pale green or pale reddish green, terete, glabrous, and sometimes glaucous; they are up to ¼" long. At the bases of these pedicels, there are solitary floral bracts about 3-5 mm. long; they are ovate to obovate in shape and light pink with whitish margins.
The blooming period occurs during mid-spring for about 2-3 weeks. The flowers have a sweet fragrance. Afterwards, fertile flowers are replaced by drooping seed capsules that become about 12 mm. (½") long at maturity; these capsules are ovoid in shape and somewhat flattened. Each capsule divides into 2 parts to release its seeds; there are several seeds per capsule. The seeds are 1-2 mm. long, short-reniform in shape, and obscurely reticulate; each seed has an attached elaiosome (food appendage). The foliage dies down by mid-summer. The root system consists of a cluster of yellow globoid corms and fibrous roots.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight to medium shade, mesic conditions, and a loose loamy soil with decaying organic matter. Growth and development occur during the spring. Germination of the seeds can be slow and difficult, although it may be possible to start new plants by separating some of the corms. Insects and disease organisms are rarely troublesome.
Range & Habitat: The native Squirrel Corn occurs primarily in NE, east-central, and the southern tip of Illinois, where it is uncommon (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies toward the western range limit of this species; it is more common further to the east. Habitats include mesic deciduous woodlands, wooded bluffs, wooded slopes, ravines, and shaded stream banks. Squirrel Corn is found in high quality woodlands in Illinois, where the native ground flora is intact. It is one of the spring wildflowers that is threatened by the invasion of Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) and some Eurasian shrubs, particularly Amur Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii).
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated primarily by queen bumblebees. Both nectar and pollen are available as floral rewards. The seeds are distributed to some extent by ants because of their elaisomes (food appendages). Because the foliage is toxic, it is usually avoided by mammalian herbivores. The overall value of this plant to faunal wildlife is low.
Photographic Location: A deciduous woodland at Jim Smith's farm in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: This is another wonderful spring wildflower that can be found in eastern deciduous woodlands. Both the foliage and flowers of Squirrel Corn (Dicentra canadensis) are similar in appearance to those of Dutchman's Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria). Both of these species are found in similar habitats and their blooming periods overlap (Squirrel Corn begins to bloom about 1 week later). However, Dutchman's Breeches is by far the more common wildflower in Illinois. The flowers of Squirrel Corn have short rounded nectar spurs, while those of Dutch's Breeches are longer and more narrow. The basal leaves of these two species are very difficult to distinguish, although those of Squirrel Corn appear to have slightly longer ultimate lobes on average. The corms of these two species are also different in appearance: the corms of Squirrel Corn are yellow and globoid in shape, while the corms of Dutchman's Breeches are pink and more ovoid in shape.
An inflorescence consisting of a raceme of flowers sometimes develops shortly after the formation of basal leaves. This inflorescence is 6-12" tall and it is either erect or ascending. The peduncle (basal stalk) of the inflorescence is pale red or pale yellowish green, terete, glabrous, and glaucous. Each raceme has 3-10 pendant flowers. The corolla of the pendant flower is ½–¾" long, mostly white, narrowly obcordoid in shape, and somewhat flattened. Two fused outer petals form the rounded nectar spurs (above), the lateral sides, and the pair of of upturned lips (below) of the corolla. Two fused inner petals form a pair of transverse crests and a pair of small inner claws near the entrance of the corolla. The small lips are shaped like keeled hoods with translucent parallel veins. The flat crests are half-cordate in shape, slightly wrinkled, slightly undulate, and white; sometimes they are pinkish along their bases. Inserted within the corolla is a pistil with a single style and several stamens. There are also a pair of tiny sepals; they are about 2-3 mm. long, linear-lanceolate in shape, and light pink with whitish margins. The nodding pedicels of the flowers are pale green or pale reddish green, terete, glabrous, and sometimes glaucous; they are up to ¼" long. At the bases of these pedicels, there are solitary floral bracts about 3-5 mm. long; they are ovate to obovate in shape and light pink with whitish margins.
The blooming period occurs during mid-spring for about 2-3 weeks. The flowers have a sweet fragrance. Afterwards, fertile flowers are replaced by drooping seed capsules that become about 12 mm. (½") long at maturity; these capsules are ovoid in shape and somewhat flattened. Each capsule divides into 2 parts to release its seeds; there are several seeds per capsule. The seeds are 1-2 mm. long, short-reniform in shape, and obscurely reticulate; each seed has an attached elaiosome (food appendage). The foliage dies down by mid-summer. The root system consists of a cluster of yellow globoid corms and fibrous roots.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight to medium shade, mesic conditions, and a loose loamy soil with decaying organic matter. Growth and development occur during the spring. Germination of the seeds can be slow and difficult, although it may be possible to start new plants by separating some of the corms. Insects and disease organisms are rarely troublesome.
Range & Habitat: The native Squirrel Corn occurs primarily in NE, east-central, and the southern tip of Illinois, where it is uncommon (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies toward the western range limit of this species; it is more common further to the east. Habitats include mesic deciduous woodlands, wooded bluffs, wooded slopes, ravines, and shaded stream banks. Squirrel Corn is found in high quality woodlands in Illinois, where the native ground flora is intact. It is one of the spring wildflowers that is threatened by the invasion of Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) and some Eurasian shrubs, particularly Amur Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii).
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated primarily by queen bumblebees. Both nectar and pollen are available as floral rewards. The seeds are distributed to some extent by ants because of their elaisomes (food appendages). Because the foliage is toxic, it is usually avoided by mammalian herbivores. The overall value of this plant to faunal wildlife is low.
Photographic Location: A deciduous woodland at Jim Smith's farm in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: This is another wonderful spring wildflower that can be found in eastern deciduous woodlands. Both the foliage and flowers of Squirrel Corn (Dicentra canadensis) are similar in appearance to those of Dutchman's Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria). Both of these species are found in similar habitats and their blooming periods overlap (Squirrel Corn begins to bloom about 1 week later). However, Dutchman's Breeches is by far the more common wildflower in Illinois. The flowers of Squirrel Corn have short rounded nectar spurs, while those of Dutch's Breeches are longer and more narrow. The basal leaves of these two species are very difficult to distinguish, although those of Squirrel Corn appear to have slightly longer ultimate lobes on average. The corms of these two species are also different in appearance: the corms of Squirrel Corn are yellow and globoid in shape, while the corms of Dutchman's Breeches are pink and more ovoid in shape.
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Miss Chen
2018年05月07日
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is about ¾-1' tall and unbranched. A typical plant produces a single basal leaf on a long hairy petiole and a flowering stalk with a pair of cauline leaves near its apex. However, not all plants produce flowers. The central stalk is light green to reddish green, terete, rather stout, and quite hairy. One cauline leaf is sessile, while the other cauline leaf has a short petiole up to 2" long. The petioles of the basal and cauline leaves have characteristics that are similar to the flowering stalk. The basal leaves are up to 10" long and 10" across, while the cauline leaves are up to 8" long and 8" across. Both types of leaves have about 5 palmate lobes and their margins are doubly serrated and shallowly cleft. During the blooming period, these leaves are wrinkled, hairy, and smaller in size, but later in the year they become more smooth, less hairy (or even glabrous), and full-sized. The color of the leaves may change from yellowish green during the spring to medium-dark green during the summer.
A flowering plant produces a single terminal flower on a short pedicel (up to 2" long); this pedicel is similar to the central stem in its characteristics. The flower is about ¾" across, consisting of 3 deciduous sepals, no petals, approximately 40 spreading stamens, and approximately 10 clustered pistils in the center. The greenish white sepals drop early and they are not present while the flower is in bloom. The stamens have white filaments and yellow or greenish yellow anthers. The slightly flattened pistils have short beaks and they are initially pale green. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring and lasts about 2-3 weeks. By mid- to late summer, the pistils have been replaced by a small tight cluster of bright red berries. Each berry contains 1-2 black shiny seeds. The root system consists of knotty yellow rhizomes and fibrous roots. This plant reproduces by clonal offsets from its rhizomes and by seed. It occasionally forms small colonies.
Cultivation: This plant prefers dappled sunlight during the spring and light to moderate shade during the summer. It prefers moist to mesic conditions and a fertile loamy soil with an abundance of leaf mould. Wild plants are little bothered by disease, although stressed out cultivated plants can be attacked by leaf blight and other diseases. Slugs eat seedlings and the foliage of mature plants, while root knot nematodes occasionally attack the root system. Starting plants from seeds is slow, while vegetative propagation from rhizomes is easier and faster.
Range & Habitat: The native Goldenseal occurs occasionally in scattered counties throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map), although populations have been declining because of habitat destruction and over-collection of the rhizomes. Habitats include moist to mesic deciduous woodlands, wooded bluffs, and areas along woodland paths. A limited amount of disturbance is beneficial when it reduces excessive shade from the overhead canopy.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by small Halictid bees (Lasioglossum spp.) and masked bees (Hylaeus spp.) primarily; they are also visited by Syrphid flies and larger bees (Sinclair et al., 2000). Presumably birds or small mammals eat the berries and help to distribute the seeds, but little specific information is available about this. Little is known about the attractiveness of the foliage as a food source to mammalian herbivores, although it is probably toxic to them like most members of the Buttercup family.
Photographic Location: A deciduous woodland in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: Goldenseal has a unique appearance because of the wrinkled palmate foliage (while young), unusual petal-less flowers, and beaked red fruits. As a result, it is easy to identity at either the flowering or fruiting stage. The biggest threat to this species is over-collection of the rhizomes for herbal medicine; these rhizomes can sell for $100/lb. on the wholesale market. They contain the alkaloids hydrastine, berberine, and canadine. Hydrastine is used for feminine complaints, berberine has anti-bacterial and anti-protozoan properties, and canadine is a sedative and muscle relaxant. Under the CITES convention, it is illegal to export the rhizomes and other parts of rare wild-collected plants in the United States. The common name of this plant refers to the yellow rhizomes.
A flowering plant produces a single terminal flower on a short pedicel (up to 2" long); this pedicel is similar to the central stem in its characteristics. The flower is about ¾" across, consisting of 3 deciduous sepals, no petals, approximately 40 spreading stamens, and approximately 10 clustered pistils in the center. The greenish white sepals drop early and they are not present while the flower is in bloom. The stamens have white filaments and yellow or greenish yellow anthers. The slightly flattened pistils have short beaks and they are initially pale green. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring and lasts about 2-3 weeks. By mid- to late summer, the pistils have been replaced by a small tight cluster of bright red berries. Each berry contains 1-2 black shiny seeds. The root system consists of knotty yellow rhizomes and fibrous roots. This plant reproduces by clonal offsets from its rhizomes and by seed. It occasionally forms small colonies.
Cultivation: This plant prefers dappled sunlight during the spring and light to moderate shade during the summer. It prefers moist to mesic conditions and a fertile loamy soil with an abundance of leaf mould. Wild plants are little bothered by disease, although stressed out cultivated plants can be attacked by leaf blight and other diseases. Slugs eat seedlings and the foliage of mature plants, while root knot nematodes occasionally attack the root system. Starting plants from seeds is slow, while vegetative propagation from rhizomes is easier and faster.
Range & Habitat: The native Goldenseal occurs occasionally in scattered counties throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map), although populations have been declining because of habitat destruction and over-collection of the rhizomes. Habitats include moist to mesic deciduous woodlands, wooded bluffs, and areas along woodland paths. A limited amount of disturbance is beneficial when it reduces excessive shade from the overhead canopy.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by small Halictid bees (Lasioglossum spp.) and masked bees (Hylaeus spp.) primarily; they are also visited by Syrphid flies and larger bees (Sinclair et al., 2000). Presumably birds or small mammals eat the berries and help to distribute the seeds, but little specific information is available about this. Little is known about the attractiveness of the foliage as a food source to mammalian herbivores, although it is probably toxic to them like most members of the Buttercup family.
Photographic Location: A deciduous woodland in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: Goldenseal has a unique appearance because of the wrinkled palmate foliage (while young), unusual petal-less flowers, and beaked red fruits. As a result, it is easy to identity at either the flowering or fruiting stage. The biggest threat to this species is over-collection of the rhizomes for herbal medicine; these rhizomes can sell for $100/lb. on the wholesale market. They contain the alkaloids hydrastine, berberine, and canadine. Hydrastine is used for feminine complaints, berberine has anti-bacterial and anti-protozoan properties, and canadine is a sedative and muscle relaxant. Under the CITES convention, it is illegal to export the rhizomes and other parts of rare wild-collected plants in the United States. The common name of this plant refers to the yellow rhizomes.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年05月07日
Description: This perennial wildflower is 1½–3' tall and usually unbranched. The central stem is hairy. The alternate leaves are up to 6" long and 1½" across; they are medium to dark green and elliptic in shape. The leaf margins are smooth and ciliate; on rare occasions, a few teeth may occur along the outer margins. Each leaf tapers gradually to a wedge-shaped base and a short petiole. The upper and lower surfaces of each leaf are hairless to somewhat hairy. At the upper axil of each leaf, there are 1-3 small nodding flowers that are light green. Each flower is about ¼" long, consisting of 5 linear sepals, 5 oblong petals, 5 stamens, and a pistil. The pedicel of each flower is about ½" long and hairy. Near the base of each pedicel, there is a pair of linear stipules (leafy bracts) up to ¼" long. Terminal flowers are not produced.
The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer and lasts about 1–1½ months. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each fertile flower is replaced by a seed capsule about ½–¾" long. The seed capsules are light green, ovoid-oblongoid in shape, and hairless. At maturity, each capsule splits into 3 sections to release the seeds. The root system is is fibrous and rhizomatous. Clonal colonies of plants are occasionally formed from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight to medium shade, moist to mesic conditions, and a rich loamy soil with abundant organic matter (e.g., fallen leaves). Some rocky material (e.g., limestone) is also tolerated. The pH of the soil should be mildly acid, neutral, or basic.
Range & Habitat: The native Green Violet is occasional in most areas of Illinois, except in the NW section, where it is absent (see Distribution Map). Overall, it is more common in hilly areas of southern Illinois than in the glaciated areas of northern Illinois. Habitats include moist to mesic deciduous woodlands, wooded slopes, shaded terraces along streams, and damp ravines, particularly where calcareous rocky material is close to the surface of the ground. This species is fairly conservative and normally found in high quality woodlands where the original ground flora is still intact.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about floral-faunal relationships for this species. Robertson observed a green metallic bee, Augochlorella striata, sucking nectar from the flowers; however, insect visitors to the non-showy flowers are uncommon. The polyphagous insect, Acrosternum hilaris (Green Stink Bug; a.k.a. Chinavia hilare) sucks juices from the foliage. White-Tailed Deer often chomp off the tops of this plant. It is possible that upland gamebirds and the White-Footed Mouse feed on the seeds, which are rather large in size.
Photographic Location: A shaded ravine in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: This atypical member of the Violet family is primarily a foliage plant; the small flowers are largely hidden by the leaves and non-showy. The seed capsules of Green Violet are very similar in appearance to those of other violets (Viola spp.), although they are somewhat larger in size; the seed capsules of both the Green Violet and other violets divide into 3 longitudinal sections to release their seeds. There is also some similarity in the structure of their respective flowers. Looking at this plant, most people would never guess that it is a violet.
The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer and lasts about 1–1½ months. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each fertile flower is replaced by a seed capsule about ½–¾" long. The seed capsules are light green, ovoid-oblongoid in shape, and hairless. At maturity, each capsule splits into 3 sections to release the seeds. The root system is is fibrous and rhizomatous. Clonal colonies of plants are occasionally formed from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight to medium shade, moist to mesic conditions, and a rich loamy soil with abundant organic matter (e.g., fallen leaves). Some rocky material (e.g., limestone) is also tolerated. The pH of the soil should be mildly acid, neutral, or basic.
Range & Habitat: The native Green Violet is occasional in most areas of Illinois, except in the NW section, where it is absent (see Distribution Map). Overall, it is more common in hilly areas of southern Illinois than in the glaciated areas of northern Illinois. Habitats include moist to mesic deciduous woodlands, wooded slopes, shaded terraces along streams, and damp ravines, particularly where calcareous rocky material is close to the surface of the ground. This species is fairly conservative and normally found in high quality woodlands where the original ground flora is still intact.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about floral-faunal relationships for this species. Robertson observed a green metallic bee, Augochlorella striata, sucking nectar from the flowers; however, insect visitors to the non-showy flowers are uncommon. The polyphagous insect, Acrosternum hilaris (Green Stink Bug; a.k.a. Chinavia hilare) sucks juices from the foliage. White-Tailed Deer often chomp off the tops of this plant. It is possible that upland gamebirds and the White-Footed Mouse feed on the seeds, which are rather large in size.
Photographic Location: A shaded ravine in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: This atypical member of the Violet family is primarily a foliage plant; the small flowers are largely hidden by the leaves and non-showy. The seed capsules of Green Violet are very similar in appearance to those of other violets (Viola spp.), although they are somewhat larger in size; the seed capsules of both the Green Violet and other violets divide into 3 longitudinal sections to release their seeds. There is also some similarity in the structure of their respective flowers. Looking at this plant, most people would never guess that it is a violet.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年05月05日
Description: This perennial wildflower is 1-3' tall and unbranched. The erect central stem is light green to pale purple, terete, glabrous, and often glaucous. A non-flowering plant has a single compound leaf at the apex of this stem, while a flowering plant has two compound leaves. The lower compound leaf of a flowering plant is located toward the middle of the central stem, where it is divided into a whorl of 3 compound leaflets. Each compound leaflet is ternately divided into 9 simple subleaflets that are arranged in groups of 3 (2 lateral groups and a terminal group). Less often, a compound leaflet may be divided into 15 simple subleaflets that consist of 2 additional lateral groups. The basal stalks (petiolules) of the compound leaflets are long and ascending; they are light green and glabrous. The subleaflets are 1-3" long and ¾-2" across (or occasionally wider); they are broadly ovate-oblong to obovate-oblong in shape and smooth along their margins, terminating in 2-5 cleft lobes with blunt tips. The upper surface of the subleaflets is glabrous and either gray-green, yellowish green, or medium green, while the lower surface is pale green and glabrous. The slender basal stalklets of the subleaflets are light green and glabrous. The upper compound leaf of a flowering plant is located under the inflorescence. This compound leaf resembles the lower compound leaf, except its 3 compound leaflets are smaller in size because they have only 3 subleaflets each.
On a flowering plant, the central stem terminates in a floral panicle about 1-3" long that is rounded or elongated; each panicle usually has 5-30 flowers (rarely more). Individual flowers are about 1/3" (8 mm.) across, consisting of 6 petaloid sepals, insignificant petals, 6 stamens, and an ovoid ovary with a beak-like style. Depending on the local ecotype, the oblanceolate sepals are greenish yellow, greenish brown, or greenish purple. Underneath each flower, there are 3-4 green bractlets that resemble sepals. The branching stalks of the panicle are light green, glabrous, and ascending. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring before the leaves have fully developed. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by berry-like seeds that are about 1/3" across, globoid in shape, glabrous, and glaucous. These seeds are initially green, but they later become bright blue at maturity during the summer. The seed coat is fleshy and contains carbohydrates. The root system is rhizomatous and fibrous.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the spring, followed by light shade during the summer, at a location that has average moisture levels and fertile loamy soil. The soil should also contain abundant organic matter from decaying leaves and other plant materials, as typically occurs underneath trees. The large seeds are difficult to germinate. However, once it becomes established at a favorable site, Blue Cohosh is long-lived.
Range & Habitat: The native Blue Cohosh occurs occasionally in central Illinois, northern Illinois, and the Shawnee Hills of southern Illinois. In other areas of southern Illinois, this wildflower is uncommon or absent. Habitats include rich mesic woodlands, bluffs, and wooded slopes of large ravines. This relatively conservative wildflower can be found in woodlands dominated by either oaks or maples where the native ground flora is still intact.
Faunal Associations: Both pollen and nectar are available as floral rewards to insect visitors. These visitors include miscellaneous flies (Syrphid, Tachinid, Muscid, etc.), parasitoid wasps (Braconid, Ichneumonid, etc.), small Halictid bees (Lasioglossum spp., etc.), and bumblebees (Robertson, 1929; Hannan & Prucher, 1996). Apparently, very few insects feed destructively on the foliage and other parts of Blue Cohosh. Caterpillars of the moth Clepsis melaleucana (Black-Patched Clepsis) and the plant bug Metriorrhynchomiris dislocatus have been observed to feed on this plant (Covell, 1984/2005; Knight, 1941). Both of these insects are polyphagous. Among vertebrate animals, both the White-Footed Mouse and Woodland Deer Mouse feed on the berry-like seeds of Blue Cohosh (Hamilton, 1941). However, because of the bright blue coloration of the fleshy seed coats and their carbohydrates, woodland birds are probably the primary dispersal agents of the seeds, which are known to be toxic to humans. Because the bitter-tasting foliage of this wildflower contains toxic glycosides and alkaloids, it is rarely eaten by White-Tailed Deer and other mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: A wooded bluff in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: Generally the subleaflets (or simple leaflets) of Blue Cohosh are remarkably similar in appearance to those of Meadow Rue species (Thalictrum spp.), except they are often grayish green or yellowish green and tend to have more terminal lobes (2-5) than the latter. However, the flowers and berry-like seeds of Blue Cohosh are quite different from those of Meadow Rue species, and they belong to separate plant families. In addition to the typical variety of Blue Cohosh that is described here, there is also a more eastern variety of this wildflower that is referred to as Giant Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides giganteum). Thus far, Giant Blue Cohosh has not been found in Illinois. It differs from the typical Blue Cohosh in having slightly larger flowers (about ½" across) that are deep mauve or purple; these flowers bloom about two weeks earlier before its foliage has unfolded. The subleaflets of Giant Blue Cohosh are slightly larger in size as well. It is often classified as a distinct species, Caulophyllum giganteum.
On a flowering plant, the central stem terminates in a floral panicle about 1-3" long that is rounded or elongated; each panicle usually has 5-30 flowers (rarely more). Individual flowers are about 1/3" (8 mm.) across, consisting of 6 petaloid sepals, insignificant petals, 6 stamens, and an ovoid ovary with a beak-like style. Depending on the local ecotype, the oblanceolate sepals are greenish yellow, greenish brown, or greenish purple. Underneath each flower, there are 3-4 green bractlets that resemble sepals. The branching stalks of the panicle are light green, glabrous, and ascending. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring before the leaves have fully developed. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by berry-like seeds that are about 1/3" across, globoid in shape, glabrous, and glaucous. These seeds are initially green, but they later become bright blue at maturity during the summer. The seed coat is fleshy and contains carbohydrates. The root system is rhizomatous and fibrous.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the spring, followed by light shade during the summer, at a location that has average moisture levels and fertile loamy soil. The soil should also contain abundant organic matter from decaying leaves and other plant materials, as typically occurs underneath trees. The large seeds are difficult to germinate. However, once it becomes established at a favorable site, Blue Cohosh is long-lived.
Range & Habitat: The native Blue Cohosh occurs occasionally in central Illinois, northern Illinois, and the Shawnee Hills of southern Illinois. In other areas of southern Illinois, this wildflower is uncommon or absent. Habitats include rich mesic woodlands, bluffs, and wooded slopes of large ravines. This relatively conservative wildflower can be found in woodlands dominated by either oaks or maples where the native ground flora is still intact.
Faunal Associations: Both pollen and nectar are available as floral rewards to insect visitors. These visitors include miscellaneous flies (Syrphid, Tachinid, Muscid, etc.), parasitoid wasps (Braconid, Ichneumonid, etc.), small Halictid bees (Lasioglossum spp., etc.), and bumblebees (Robertson, 1929; Hannan & Prucher, 1996). Apparently, very few insects feed destructively on the foliage and other parts of Blue Cohosh. Caterpillars of the moth Clepsis melaleucana (Black-Patched Clepsis) and the plant bug Metriorrhynchomiris dislocatus have been observed to feed on this plant (Covell, 1984/2005; Knight, 1941). Both of these insects are polyphagous. Among vertebrate animals, both the White-Footed Mouse and Woodland Deer Mouse feed on the berry-like seeds of Blue Cohosh (Hamilton, 1941). However, because of the bright blue coloration of the fleshy seed coats and their carbohydrates, woodland birds are probably the primary dispersal agents of the seeds, which are known to be toxic to humans. Because the bitter-tasting foliage of this wildflower contains toxic glycosides and alkaloids, it is rarely eaten by White-Tailed Deer and other mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: A wooded bluff in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: Generally the subleaflets (or simple leaflets) of Blue Cohosh are remarkably similar in appearance to those of Meadow Rue species (Thalictrum spp.), except they are often grayish green or yellowish green and tend to have more terminal lobes (2-5) than the latter. However, the flowers and berry-like seeds of Blue Cohosh are quite different from those of Meadow Rue species, and they belong to separate plant families. In addition to the typical variety of Blue Cohosh that is described here, there is also a more eastern variety of this wildflower that is referred to as Giant Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides giganteum). Thus far, Giant Blue Cohosh has not been found in Illinois. It differs from the typical Blue Cohosh in having slightly larger flowers (about ½" across) that are deep mauve or purple; these flowers bloom about two weeks earlier before its foliage has unfolded. The subleaflets of Giant Blue Cohosh are slightly larger in size as well. It is often classified as a distinct species, Caulophyllum giganteum.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年05月03日
Description: This plant is a biennial that consists of a rosette of basal leaves during the first year. The basal leaves are up to 6" long and 2" across; they are oblanceolate or obovate, dentate along the margins, and hairy underneath. Each basal leaf tapers to a petiole-like base that is long and slender, while its tip is acute to blunt. During the second year, one or more stems with alternate cauline leaves develop from the center of the rosette, which withers away. Upon reaching maturity, Toothed Rock Cress is 1½–3' tall. The erect to ascending stems are light green, finely pubescent, terete, and sparingly branched. The cauline leaves are up to 4" long and 1½" across; they are oblanceolate to obovate and dentate along their margins. The upper surface of each cauline leaf is sparingly covered with fine hairs or hairless, while the lower surface is conspicuously hairy. Each cauline leaf clasps the stem with a pair of basal lobes (it is auriculate). The upper stems terminate in floral racemes up to 1' long.
Each flower is about 1/8" (3 mm.) across, consisting of 4 sepals, 4 petals, an ovary with a short style, and several stamens with pale yellow or white anthers. The petals are white and oblanceolate; they barely extend beyond the sepals. The sepals are lanceolate-oblong, light green to reddish green, and finely hairy. The pedicel of each flower is short, stout, and conspicuously hairy. The blooming period occurs during the late spring or early summer and lasts about a month. Each flower is replaced by a slender cylindrical silique about ¾–1½" long that contains a single row of seeds. The siliques are ascending to spreading along the central stalk of the raceme; they can be curved or straight, but don't droop conspicuously. The outer surface of each silique is light green to reddish purple and glabrous or finely pubescent (usually the latter). The seeds are quite small (about 1 mm. long), oblongoid, and somewhat flattened; they lack winged margins. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: This plant is typically found in dappled sunlight to medium shade, moist conditions, and either fertile loamy soil or thin rocky soil with decaying organic matter.
Range & Habitat: The native Toothed Rock Cress occurs occasionally in northern and central Illinois, while in the southern section of the state it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic deciduous woodlands, wooded floodplain areas along rivers, banks of small streams, rocky bluffs, and shaded limestone cliffs.
Faunal Associations: The small flowers attract various bees, Syrphid flies, dance flies (Empis spp.), and miscellaneous other insects. The bee visitors include cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), Halictid bees, Andrenid bees, and little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.). The bees suck nectar or collect pollen, while the flies suck nectar or feed on pollen. Some flea beetles (e.g., Phyllotreta conjuncta and Phyllotreta punctulata) feed on species of Rock Cress (Boechera spp. and related genera).
Photographic Location: A low wooded area along a river in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: This is one of the woodland species of Rock Cress (Boechera spp. and related genera). As a group, they are usually tall-growing, but not very showy because of their small flowers. It can be somewhat tricky to distinguish these species and several physical characteristics should be considered. Toothed Rock Cress (Boechera dentata) has: 1) stems with pubescent hairs throughout, 2) terete siliques that are spreading to ascending (but not drooping nor stiffly erect), 3) auriculate leaves with basal lobes that clasp each stem throughout its length, and 4) very small flowers (about 1/8" or 3 mm. across). Other species of Rock Cress often have: 1) hairless stems or stems that are hairy only toward the bottom, 2) siliques that are flattened, droop downward, or are held stiffly erect, 3) cauline leaves that are sessile, or they have basal lobes that clasp each stem only toward the bottom, and 4) flowers that are slightly larger in size. Other scientific names of Toothed Rock Cress include Arabis dentata and Arabis shortii.
Each flower is about 1/8" (3 mm.) across, consisting of 4 sepals, 4 petals, an ovary with a short style, and several stamens with pale yellow or white anthers. The petals are white and oblanceolate; they barely extend beyond the sepals. The sepals are lanceolate-oblong, light green to reddish green, and finely hairy. The pedicel of each flower is short, stout, and conspicuously hairy. The blooming period occurs during the late spring or early summer and lasts about a month. Each flower is replaced by a slender cylindrical silique about ¾–1½" long that contains a single row of seeds. The siliques are ascending to spreading along the central stalk of the raceme; they can be curved or straight, but don't droop conspicuously. The outer surface of each silique is light green to reddish purple and glabrous or finely pubescent (usually the latter). The seeds are quite small (about 1 mm. long), oblongoid, and somewhat flattened; they lack winged margins. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: This plant is typically found in dappled sunlight to medium shade, moist conditions, and either fertile loamy soil or thin rocky soil with decaying organic matter.
Range & Habitat: The native Toothed Rock Cress occurs occasionally in northern and central Illinois, while in the southern section of the state it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic deciduous woodlands, wooded floodplain areas along rivers, banks of small streams, rocky bluffs, and shaded limestone cliffs.
Faunal Associations: The small flowers attract various bees, Syrphid flies, dance flies (Empis spp.), and miscellaneous other insects. The bee visitors include cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), Halictid bees, Andrenid bees, and little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.). The bees suck nectar or collect pollen, while the flies suck nectar or feed on pollen. Some flea beetles (e.g., Phyllotreta conjuncta and Phyllotreta punctulata) feed on species of Rock Cress (Boechera spp. and related genera).
Photographic Location: A low wooded area along a river in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: This is one of the woodland species of Rock Cress (Boechera spp. and related genera). As a group, they are usually tall-growing, but not very showy because of their small flowers. It can be somewhat tricky to distinguish these species and several physical characteristics should be considered. Toothed Rock Cress (Boechera dentata) has: 1) stems with pubescent hairs throughout, 2) terete siliques that are spreading to ascending (but not drooping nor stiffly erect), 3) auriculate leaves with basal lobes that clasp each stem throughout its length, and 4) very small flowers (about 1/8" or 3 mm. across). Other species of Rock Cress often have: 1) hairless stems or stems that are hairy only toward the bottom, 2) siliques that are flattened, droop downward, or are held stiffly erect, 3) cauline leaves that are sessile, or they have basal lobes that clasp each stem only toward the bottom, and 4) flowers that are slightly larger in size. Other scientific names of Toothed Rock Cress include Arabis dentata and Arabis shortii.
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求助
Samantha
2018年05月02日
What kind of succulent is this? Has velvet like leaf and stem
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meriunkat：@Samantha you're welcome :)
Fion：巧克力兔耳（Kalanchoe Adans）
Samantha：thank you!
meriunkat：also known as Kalanchoe Tomentosa Chocolate Soldier
meriunkat：Kalanchoe Chocolate Soldier 'Panda plant'
文章
Miss Chen
2018年05月02日
Close-up of InflorescenceDescription: This herbaceous perennial plant is 1½–2½' tall. It consists of a single basal leaf and single flowering stalk. The basal leaf has a long stout petiole that is up to 2' long and erect. This petiole is pale green, glabrous, and glaucous. The basal leaf is up to 2½' long and 2' across; it divides into 5-13 leaflets that are parallel with the ground. Each leaflet is up to 8" long and 2½" across, narrowly ovate, smooth along the margins, glabrous, and dark green. The 2 terminal leaflets may be deeply cleft into 2 or 3 lobes that resemble smaller leaflets. The naked flowering stalk is about ½–1' tall (not including the flower); it is whitish green, unbranched, erect, and hairless. At the apex of this stalk is a single flower that consists of a spathe and spadix. The spathe is about 2" long, pale green, glabrous, and glaucous. This spathe wraps around the base of the spadix, but it is partially open and pointed at the top. The spadix is about 6-12" long. The lower portion of the spadix is about 2" long and nearly surrounded by the spathe; it is cylindrical in shape and bears the male and/or female flowers. Most plants are monoecious with separate male and female flowers, but sometimes they are unisexual. The male flowers occur above the female flowers; they are both rather small and inconspicuous. The upper portion of the spadix is about 4-10" long and tapers gradually to a point. It is usually whitish green and remains more or less erect. The blooming period occurs during late spring and early summer and the flowers remain attractive for about a month. They may release a fungus-like scent that is not detectable by the human nose. Each flower is replaced by an ovoid mass of berries, which become orange-red by the end of the summer. The root system consists of a corm with secondary roots. This plant can spread by forming offsets or by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the spring and light shade during the summer. The soil should be moist and loamy with a layer of decaying leaves. This plant adapts to shady areas underneath trees and doesn't like to dry out. It has few problems with disease and insect pests.
Range & Habitat: The native Green Dragon occurs occasionally throughout most of Illinois, although it is uncommon or absent in the NW area of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist deciduous woodlands, shady seeps, and wooded areas adjacent to springs and vernal pools. The presence of this species is an indication that the original woodland flora is still intact. Green Dragon often occurs in the same habitats as the closely related Arisaema triphyllum (Jack-in-the-Pulpit), but the latter species is the more common of the two.
Faunal Associations: The flowers of Green Dragon attract simple flies (Nematocera), particularly fungus gnats. A thrip species, Ctenothrips bridwelli, has been observed feeding on Green Dragon in Illinois. The berries are eaten by the Wild Turkey, Wood Thrush, and possibly other woodland birds. Mammalian herbivores, including White-Tailed Deer, rarely feed on the foliage and corms as they are highly toxic. The toxic agent is calcium oxalate, which causes a burning sensation in the mouth, gastrointestinal distress, and possible damage to the kidneys.
Photographic Location: Near a vernal pool at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Green Dragon is an attractive foliage plant for shady places and the unusual flowers are interesting as well. This species resembles Arisaema triphyllum (Jack-in-the-Pulpit) somewhat, but the latter has only 3 leaflets per compound leaf. There are also differences in the structure of their flowers: the spadix of Green Dragon is much longer and strongly exerted from the spathe, while the spathe of Jack-in-the-Pulpit forms a hood over the spadix.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the spring and light shade during the summer. The soil should be moist and loamy with a layer of decaying leaves. This plant adapts to shady areas underneath trees and doesn't like to dry out. It has few problems with disease and insect pests.
Range & Habitat: The native Green Dragon occurs occasionally throughout most of Illinois, although it is uncommon or absent in the NW area of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist deciduous woodlands, shady seeps, and wooded areas adjacent to springs and vernal pools. The presence of this species is an indication that the original woodland flora is still intact. Green Dragon often occurs in the same habitats as the closely related Arisaema triphyllum (Jack-in-the-Pulpit), but the latter species is the more common of the two.
Faunal Associations: The flowers of Green Dragon attract simple flies (Nematocera), particularly fungus gnats. A thrip species, Ctenothrips bridwelli, has been observed feeding on Green Dragon in Illinois. The berries are eaten by the Wild Turkey, Wood Thrush, and possibly other woodland birds. Mammalian herbivores, including White-Tailed Deer, rarely feed on the foliage and corms as they are highly toxic. The toxic agent is calcium oxalate, which causes a burning sensation in the mouth, gastrointestinal distress, and possible damage to the kidneys.
Photographic Location: Near a vernal pool at Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Green Dragon is an attractive foliage plant for shady places and the unusual flowers are interesting as well. This species resembles Arisaema triphyllum (Jack-in-the-Pulpit) somewhat, but the latter has only 3 leaflets per compound leaf. There are also differences in the structure of their flowers: the spadix of Green Dragon is much longer and strongly exerted from the spathe, while the spathe of Jack-in-the-Pulpit forms a hood over the spadix.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年05月02日
Description: This perennial wildflower is about 1½' tall and 2' across. A single compound leaf and the inflorescence develop from a short stalk that is less than 1" long. The slender petiole of this leaf is about 1–1¼' long and erect; it is light green to dark red and glabrous. The blade of the compound leaf is divided into 3 segments; each of these segments is pinnately compound, consisting of 3-7 leaflets. The leaflets are up to 5" long and 2" across; they are ovate to obovate, medium green, hairless, and finely serrated along their margins. The inflorescence consists of a branching stalk of several umbels (usually 3); this inflorescence is about ¾' tall and hidden from above by the leaflets. Each globoid umbel spans about 1½–2" across, consisting of about 40 small flowers and their pedicels. The pedicels are pale green and glabrous or pubescent. Each greenish white flower is about 1/8" (3 mm.) across, consisting of 5 petals, 5 stamens, a pistil with 5 styles, and insignificant sepals. When the flower opens, the petals become strongly recurved. The strongly exerted stamens have white filaments and white anthers. The styles are very short and appressed together in the center of the flower. The ovoid-oblongoid ovary is shiny green.
The blooming period occurs during late spring to early summer and lasts about 2-3 weeks. The flowers are replaced by small blue-black berries; each fleshy berry is about ¼" across and contains 5 seeds. The root system consists of a vertical rootstock with fibrous secondary roots; long horizontal rhizomes are produced occasionally, from which clonal plants develop.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade, mesic conditions, and loamy, rocky, or sandy soil containing some loose organic matter.
Range & Habitat: The native Wild Sarsaparilla is occasional in northern Illinois, uncommon in west-central Illinois, and absent from the rest of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include rich woodlands, rocky woodlands, sandy woodlands, swamps, and forested bogs. This species adapts to a variety of wooded habitats.
Faunal Associations: Unfortunately, information is lacking about flower-visiting insects. The caterpillars of Papaipema araliae (Aralia Shoot Borer Moth) bore through the stems. The berries of Aralia spp. are eaten by some woodland songbirds, including the White-Throated Sparrow, Swainson's Thrush, and Wood Thrush. The berries of Aralia spp. are also eaten by some mammals, including the Red Fox, Eastern Skunk, and Eastern Chipmunk.
Photographic Location: A rocky woodland at The Potholes in west-central Indiana.
Comments: At one time, the roots of Wild Sarsaparilla were used as a substitute for genuine Sarsaparilla to flavor root beer, hence the common name of this woodland wildflower. Wild Sarsaparilla is related to the better known Panax quinquefolius (American Ginseng). This latter species differs from Wild Sarsaparilla by its palmate leaflets and red berries. Other Aralia spp. in Illinois are, in most cases, woody shrubs or trees. An exception is Aralia racemosa (American Spikenard), which is a much larger plant with more leaflets (9-21) per leaf segment.
The blooming period occurs during late spring to early summer and lasts about 2-3 weeks. The flowers are replaced by small blue-black berries; each fleshy berry is about ¼" across and contains 5 seeds. The root system consists of a vertical rootstock with fibrous secondary roots; long horizontal rhizomes are produced occasionally, from which clonal plants develop.
Cultivation: The preference is light shade, mesic conditions, and loamy, rocky, or sandy soil containing some loose organic matter.
Range & Habitat: The native Wild Sarsaparilla is occasional in northern Illinois, uncommon in west-central Illinois, and absent from the rest of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include rich woodlands, rocky woodlands, sandy woodlands, swamps, and forested bogs. This species adapts to a variety of wooded habitats.
Faunal Associations: Unfortunately, information is lacking about flower-visiting insects. The caterpillars of Papaipema araliae (Aralia Shoot Borer Moth) bore through the stems. The berries of Aralia spp. are eaten by some woodland songbirds, including the White-Throated Sparrow, Swainson's Thrush, and Wood Thrush. The berries of Aralia spp. are also eaten by some mammals, including the Red Fox, Eastern Skunk, and Eastern Chipmunk.
Photographic Location: A rocky woodland at The Potholes in west-central Indiana.
Comments: At one time, the roots of Wild Sarsaparilla were used as a substitute for genuine Sarsaparilla to flavor root beer, hence the common name of this woodland wildflower. Wild Sarsaparilla is related to the better known Panax quinquefolius (American Ginseng). This latter species differs from Wild Sarsaparilla by its palmate leaflets and red berries. Other Aralia spp. in Illinois are, in most cases, woody shrubs or trees. An exception is Aralia racemosa (American Spikenard), which is a much larger plant with more leaflets (9-21) per leaf segment.
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成长记
sofiag
2018年05月01日
My succs leaf just randomly shriveled up ??? It wasnt like this yesterday, and this morning it didnt look like that but upon looking closely at the photo i took earlier it did look slightly smaller...
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meriunkat：Too much sun, not enough water? :/
文章
Miss Chen
2018年05月01日
Description: This terrestrial orchid develops a single basal leaf during the fall that persists through the winter until the flowering period beginning in late spring. This basal leaf is 3½-8" long and 1-3" across; it is broadly elliptic or oblong-ovate in shape and smooth along the margins. The orientation of the basal leaf is ascending to horizontal with the ground. The upper leaf surface is dark green with fine white veins and glabrous; the veins are parallel to each other. The lower leaf surface is green, purplish green, or dull purple. At the base of the leaf, there is a short petiole that pokes above the ground surface. This basal leaf originates from the oldest corm of the root system. During the late spring or early summer, the basal leaf withers away and a raceme of flowers about 6-20" tall is sometimes produced. Each raceme will have about 8-16 flowers; they are laxly distributed along the flowering stalk. A large majority of plants fail to produce flowers during any given year, either because they are too small and immature, or environmental conditions are unfavorable.
The flowering stalk is pale green or pale purplish green, terete, and glabrous; it is surrounded by a tight basal sheath toward its base. The flowers are about ¾-1" long and a little less across, consisting of 3 sepals, 3 petals, and the reproductive organs; nectar spurs are lacking. The sepals spread outward from the center of the flower to a greater or lesser degree, and they are more or less equally spaced from each other. These sepals are narrowly oblanceolate or narrowly oblong, pale green or pale yellow, becoming purplish toward their tips. The two upper petals are narrowly oblanceolate or narrowly oblong and colored similarly to the sepals; these petals are adjacent to each other, functioning as a protective hood over the reproductive organs. The lower petal is the lip of the flower; it is oblanceolate or obovate and primarily white with speckles of purple or magenta. The lip is depressed in its center and its margins are elevated and undulate. The relatively stout pedicels of the flowers are about ¾" long, while the floral bracts are less than ¼" long and early-deciduous. The blooming period lasts about 2-3 weeks (late spring to early summer) and the flowers lack noticeable fragrance. In the absence of insect pollination, they are self-fertile. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by seed capsules about ¾-1" long that are broadly ellipsoid in shape with multiple narrow ridges along their sides. These capsules nod downward from their pedicels along the raceme; later in the year, they split open to release abundant tiny seeds. These seeds are easily distributed to new areas via wind currents.
The root system consists of 1-4 bulbous corms that are connected by slender rhizomes. These corms are up to 1" across and individually they can persist for 2 years. On a healthy plant, a new corm is produced each year. Fibrous roots originate from the bases of the corms. Small colonies of clonal plants can develop from the spread of these corms.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the fall, winter, and spring; light levels during the summer are unimportant because live leaves are not present during this time of year. Significant photosynthesis can occur in temperatures that are only slightly above freezing. The root system of this orchid benefits from (and may require) a symbiotic relationship with compatible mycorrhizal fungi. Otherwise, this orchid may fail to flourish. It can be slowly propagated by separating its corms to establish new plants. Propagation by seed is very difficult and rarely successful. A moist to mesic loamy soil with abundant organic material is preferred. Soil pH can vary from mildly acidic to neutral.
Range & Habitat: The native Putty-Root Orchid is occasional toward the southern tip of Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). In spite of its lack of abundance, this is one of the more common orchids within the state. Habitats include rich mesic woodlands, wooded areas (e.g., terraces) above streams, damp depressions in upland rocky woodlands, the bottoms of sandstone canyons, areas near the bases of wooded slopes, and the bottoms or lower slopes of ravines. The Putty-Root Orchid is specifically adapted to deciduous woodlands where such canopy trees as Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) and American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) are present. It is found in above average to high quality natural areas. Such invasive species as Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) and Japanese Stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) present a significant threat to maintaining populations of this orchid within the state should they continue to spread.
Faunal Associations: Various bees are likely pollinators of this orchid. A Halictid bee, Lasioglossum oblongum, has been observed visiting the flowers. Such insects are lured to this orchid's flowers by deception, as no nectar is present to reward such floral visitors. There is a potential risk of White-tailed Deer browsing on the flowering stalks and basal leaves, but more specific information about this is currently unavailable.
Photographic Location: A hilly woodland in east-central Illinois; the photographed orchid was located at the base of a wooded slope on a terrace above a stream.
Comments: The flowers of this orchid are reasonably attractive, although their muted colors can make them difficult to spot in a woodland. The basal leaf is also attractive, which persists during the winter while disappearing during the summer! This odd characteristic takes advantage of the greater amount of light that is available when deciduous trees are leafless. In the past, a mucilaginous substance was obtained from the bulb-like corms that could be used to repair pottery and crockery, hence the name 'Putty-Root.' Another common name of this orchid is 'Adam-and-Eve,' which refers to the pair of corms that are connected together by a slender rhizome in the root system. The range of the Putty-Root Orchid partially overlaps a similar species, the Cranefly Orchid (Tipularia discolor), and it is possible to confuse these two species. The flowers of Putty-Root Orchid lack nectar spurs, while the flowers of Cranefly Orchid have nectar spurs that are long and slender. The racemes of the latter orchid tend to have more flowers (12-30) and these flowers are more white than those of the Putty-Root Orchid. There are also differences in the appearance of their basal leaves. The basal leaf of Putty-Root Orchid has white veins on a dark green background, while the basal leaf of Cranefly Orchid lacks white veins. The basal leaf of this latter orchid is also shaped differently (a little shorter and more wide) and its underside is usually a deeper shade of purple.
The flowering stalk is pale green or pale purplish green, terete, and glabrous; it is surrounded by a tight basal sheath toward its base. The flowers are about ¾-1" long and a little less across, consisting of 3 sepals, 3 petals, and the reproductive organs; nectar spurs are lacking. The sepals spread outward from the center of the flower to a greater or lesser degree, and they are more or less equally spaced from each other. These sepals are narrowly oblanceolate or narrowly oblong, pale green or pale yellow, becoming purplish toward their tips. The two upper petals are narrowly oblanceolate or narrowly oblong and colored similarly to the sepals; these petals are adjacent to each other, functioning as a protective hood over the reproductive organs. The lower petal is the lip of the flower; it is oblanceolate or obovate and primarily white with speckles of purple or magenta. The lip is depressed in its center and its margins are elevated and undulate. The relatively stout pedicels of the flowers are about ¾" long, while the floral bracts are less than ¼" long and early-deciduous. The blooming period lasts about 2-3 weeks (late spring to early summer) and the flowers lack noticeable fragrance. In the absence of insect pollination, they are self-fertile. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by seed capsules about ¾-1" long that are broadly ellipsoid in shape with multiple narrow ridges along their sides. These capsules nod downward from their pedicels along the raceme; later in the year, they split open to release abundant tiny seeds. These seeds are easily distributed to new areas via wind currents.
The root system consists of 1-4 bulbous corms that are connected by slender rhizomes. These corms are up to 1" across and individually they can persist for 2 years. On a healthy plant, a new corm is produced each year. Fibrous roots originate from the bases of the corms. Small colonies of clonal plants can develop from the spread of these corms.
Cultivation: The preference is dappled sunlight during the fall, winter, and spring; light levels during the summer are unimportant because live leaves are not present during this time of year. Significant photosynthesis can occur in temperatures that are only slightly above freezing. The root system of this orchid benefits from (and may require) a symbiotic relationship with compatible mycorrhizal fungi. Otherwise, this orchid may fail to flourish. It can be slowly propagated by separating its corms to establish new plants. Propagation by seed is very difficult and rarely successful. A moist to mesic loamy soil with abundant organic material is preferred. Soil pH can vary from mildly acidic to neutral.
Range & Habitat: The native Putty-Root Orchid is occasional toward the southern tip of Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). In spite of its lack of abundance, this is one of the more common orchids within the state. Habitats include rich mesic woodlands, wooded areas (e.g., terraces) above streams, damp depressions in upland rocky woodlands, the bottoms of sandstone canyons, areas near the bases of wooded slopes, and the bottoms or lower slopes of ravines. The Putty-Root Orchid is specifically adapted to deciduous woodlands where such canopy trees as Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) and American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) are present. It is found in above average to high quality natural areas. Such invasive species as Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) and Japanese Stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) present a significant threat to maintaining populations of this orchid within the state should they continue to spread.
Faunal Associations: Various bees are likely pollinators of this orchid. A Halictid bee, Lasioglossum oblongum, has been observed visiting the flowers. Such insects are lured to this orchid's flowers by deception, as no nectar is present to reward such floral visitors. There is a potential risk of White-tailed Deer browsing on the flowering stalks and basal leaves, but more specific information about this is currently unavailable.
Photographic Location: A hilly woodland in east-central Illinois; the photographed orchid was located at the base of a wooded slope on a terrace above a stream.
Comments: The flowers of this orchid are reasonably attractive, although their muted colors can make them difficult to spot in a woodland. The basal leaf is also attractive, which persists during the winter while disappearing during the summer! This odd characteristic takes advantage of the greater amount of light that is available when deciduous trees are leafless. In the past, a mucilaginous substance was obtained from the bulb-like corms that could be used to repair pottery and crockery, hence the name 'Putty-Root.' Another common name of this orchid is 'Adam-and-Eve,' which refers to the pair of corms that are connected together by a slender rhizome in the root system. The range of the Putty-Root Orchid partially overlaps a similar species, the Cranefly Orchid (Tipularia discolor), and it is possible to confuse these two species. The flowers of Putty-Root Orchid lack nectar spurs, while the flowers of Cranefly Orchid have nectar spurs that are long and slender. The racemes of the latter orchid tend to have more flowers (12-30) and these flowers are more white than those of the Putty-Root Orchid. There are also differences in the appearance of their basal leaves. The basal leaf of Putty-Root Orchid has white veins on a dark green background, while the basal leaf of Cranefly Orchid lacks white veins. The basal leaf of this latter orchid is also shaped differently (a little shorter and more wide) and its underside is usually a deeper shade of purple.
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年05月01日
Description: This perennial wildflower is 4-8" tall. A non-flowering plant produces a whorl of trifoliate basal leaves on slender stems; each basal leaf typically has 3 leaflets on a long slender petiole. The basal stems are light green to reddish purple, unbranched, terete, and hairless; the stems of flowering plants are similar. Individual leaflets are up to 1½" long and 1" across; they are obovate or broadly oblong in shape. The outer margin of each leaflet has 3 blunt lobes, otherwise the margins are usually smooth. Sometimes there are 1-2 blunt teeth along the outer margin of a leaflet. The upper surface of each leafletFlowers is medium green to purplish green and hairless, while the lower surface is pale green and hairless. A reticulate network of veins is conspicuous on the lower surface. At the base of each leaflet, there is a slender stalk (petiolule) about ¼" long. Toward the middle of its stem, a flowering plant sometimes produces a whorl of cauline leaves that resembles the whorled basal leaves. At its apex, this stem terminates in a whorl of trifoliate leaves or simple leaflets (sometimes including a combination of the two). These terminal leaves and leaflets resemble the leaves and leaflets of the basal and cauline leaves. Immediately above the terminal leaves or leaflets is a loose umbel of 1-5 flowers. The slender pedicels of the flowers are up to 1½" long. The diurnal flowers are ½–1" across; the central flower is usually a little larger in size than any lateral flowers. Each flower has 5-10 petal-like sepals, a dense cluster of small green pistils in the center, and a ring of conspicuous stamens. The petal-like sepals are white or pinkish white, while the stamens have white filaments and yellow anthers. There are no true petals. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring for about 3 weeks. Each flower is replaced by a cluster of 4-15 achenes. Each achene is about 1/3" (8 mm.) in length, terminating in a slightly hooked beak. Inside each achene, there is a single seed. The root system consists of fibrous roots; the upper roots near the base of a plant are somewhat fleshy and swollen. This wildflower spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: Rue Anemone is best planted under deciduous trees. It prefers dappled sunlight during the spring, but tolerates considerable shade later in the year. Moisture levels should be mesic to slightly dry, and the soil should contain loose loam and rotting organic material. Most growth and develop occurs during the spring; it is not aggressive.
Range & Habitat: Rue Anemone is occasional throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include mesic to dry deciduous woodlands, wooded slopes, and thinly wooded bluffs. This wildflower is usually found in above-average to high quality woodlands where the original ground flora is largely intact.
Faunal Associations: The flowers offer only pollen as a reward to insect visitors. Typical floral visitors include various bees, Syrphid flies, and bee flies (Bombyliidae); the bees usually collect pollen, while the flies feed on pollen. Some of these insects explore the showy flowers for nectar in vain. Honeybees, little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), mason bees (Osmia spp.), Halictid bees, and Andrenid bees have been observed as visitors to the flowers. Because the foliage is toxic and relatively inconspicuous, it is usually ignored by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: Near the top of a wooded slope in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: Rue Anemone (Anemonella thalictroides) is one of many showy wildflowers that develop in deciduous woodlands during the spring. Both the flowers and foliage are quite attractive. Because the flowers move around easily in the wind, it is sometimes called 'Windflower.' Another scientific name of this species is Thalictrum thalictroides. Rue Anemone resembles Enemion biternatum (False Rue Anemone), but its flowers have more petaloid sepals (typically 6-9), while the flowers of False Rue Anemone have only 5 petaloid sepals. Furthermore, its leaves and flowers are arranged in whorls to a greater extent than those of False Rue Anemone. While Rue Anemone is sometimes assigned to the Thalictrum genus, other Thalictrum spp. in Illinois are much larger plants with wind-pollinated dioecious flowers. The leaflets of these species are similar to those of Rue Anemone, however their flowers are quite distinct.
Cultivation: Rue Anemone is best planted under deciduous trees. It prefers dappled sunlight during the spring, but tolerates considerable shade later in the year. Moisture levels should be mesic to slightly dry, and the soil should contain loose loam and rotting organic material. Most growth and develop occurs during the spring; it is not aggressive.
Range & Habitat: Rue Anemone is occasional throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is native. Habitats include mesic to dry deciduous woodlands, wooded slopes, and thinly wooded bluffs. This wildflower is usually found in above-average to high quality woodlands where the original ground flora is largely intact.
Faunal Associations: The flowers offer only pollen as a reward to insect visitors. Typical floral visitors include various bees, Syrphid flies, and bee flies (Bombyliidae); the bees usually collect pollen, while the flies feed on pollen. Some of these insects explore the showy flowers for nectar in vain. Honeybees, little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), mason bees (Osmia spp.), Halictid bees, and Andrenid bees have been observed as visitors to the flowers. Because the foliage is toxic and relatively inconspicuous, it is usually ignored by mammalian herbivores.
Photographic Location: Near the top of a wooded slope in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Comments: Rue Anemone (Anemonella thalictroides) is one of many showy wildflowers that develop in deciduous woodlands during the spring. Both the flowers and foliage are quite attractive. Because the flowers move around easily in the wind, it is sometimes called 'Windflower.' Another scientific name of this species is Thalictrum thalictroides. Rue Anemone resembles Enemion biternatum (False Rue Anemone), but its flowers have more petaloid sepals (typically 6-9), while the flowers of False Rue Anemone have only 5 petaloid sepals. Furthermore, its leaves and flowers are arranged in whorls to a greater extent than those of False Rue Anemone. While Rue Anemone is sometimes assigned to the Thalictrum genus, other Thalictrum spp. in Illinois are much larger plants with wind-pollinated dioecious flowers. The leaflets of these species are similar to those of Rue Anemone, however their flowers are quite distinct.
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