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Miss Chen
2018年06月29日
Miss Chen
Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum tectorum) are low growing evergreen succulent plants that look a little like rubbery roses. They are considered alpine or rock garden plants, because of their hardiness and drought resistance. The original rosette, the ‘Hen’ produces tiny rosette offsets that are known as the ‘Chicks’. The name Sempervivium is Latin for “live forever”. They don’t really live forever, but since they produce so many ‘chicks’ or plantlets, they seem to last forever. Plus, they remain evergreen throughout the year, even in cold climates. Hens and Chicks are also tough, drought-resistant plants. Leaves: Thick, fleshy pads arranged in 3 to 4-inch rosettes. The leaves are usually pointed and some have purple tips. There are varieties with green leaves and shades of red. Flowers: Mature plants produce an odd looking thick flower stalk with star-shaped flowers at the tip of mauve-pink or red. The flower stalk extends 8 to 12 inches before blooming. Once the plant blooms, the mother plant dies. Botanical 1000584808_1000014626_1530286250 Sempervivum tectorum Common Names Hens and Chicks, Houseleek, Roof House Leek Hardiness Zone Hens and Chicks are widely adaptable and will be reliably perennial in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 - 11. Sun Exposure Full sun to partial shade. Hens and Chicks prefer a spot in full sun but will appreciate some afternoon shade, in extremely hot climates. Mature Size These are not tall plants, except when they stretch out to flower. Expect your Hens and Chicks plants to reach 3 to 6 inches (h) x 6 to 12 inches (w) Bloom Period Hens and Chicks are not grown for their flowers, but when they do, it is usually during summer. Suggested Varieties of Hens and Chicks There are hundreds of varieties, but you’ll probably need to go to a specialty nursery or catalog to find most of them. Most nurseries simply sell the common Hens and Chicks. Sempervivum tectorum ‘Boissieri’ - Bronze tinged leaves rusty tips. Sempervivum tectorum ‘Sunset’ - Bright green leaves with shades of red and orange. Sempervivum tectorum ‘Oddity’ - Bright green leaves with quilled edges and black tips. Sempervivum arachnoideum (Cobweb houseleek) - Related species with white threads, like a web, across the rosette. Using Hens and Chicks in Your Garden Design You can use Hens and Chicks in the garden, but they can get lost. Planting a large patch or using them along edges will help them stand out. Planting them in a pot and raising it off the ground will make them more or a feature. A classic way to feather them is in strawberry pots, although you’ll need to divide them as they outgrow the pot. They are also a natural with hypertufa planters or any kind of stone container. If you have a rock garden or rock wall, you have the perfect environment for growing Hens and Chicks. Tuck them into the crevices or let them drape over a rock wall. Stone provides the perfect balance of drainage, radiant heat, and root protection. Another option is mixing Hens and Chicks with creeping sedum, to make a nice lawn alternative in no traffic areas.
How to Grow Hens and Chicks Soil: Hens and Chicks, as with most succulents, need excellent drainage. Poor, sandy soil would be just fine. You could work some peat into heavier soil, to lighten it and improve drainage. Soil pH should be in the neutral range, 6.6 to 7.5. Planting Hens and Chicks: Hens and Chicks can be grown from seeds, seedlings or by dividing offsets. Don’t plant your Hens and Chicks too deeply. Dig a shallow hole and spread the roots. Cover to the crown of the plant and tamp the soil gently so that the plant is firm in the ground. Water lightly, but you don’t need to water newly planted Hens and Chicks every day, the way you would with non-succulents. Hens and Chicks need to let their roots dry out between waterings. Growing Hens and Chicks from Seed: Seeds can be sprinkled on top of a soil or gravel mix and kept moderately moist until they germinate. Once they sprout, sprinkle some fine gravel around them as mulch. Seeds are usually started in pots and then transferred to the garden as seedlings. You can start your seeds in the fall and transplant in the spring. Dividing Hens and Chicks: Hens and Chicks will spread by underground roots. During the growing season, expect each plant multiplies itself by at last 4, by producing little offset plantlets all around the perimeter of the ‘Hen’. These are the ‘Chicks’. The Chicks can be snapped off and replanted elsewhere at any time. Caring for Your Hens and Chicks Plants Once established, maintenance of hens and chicks is minimal. You’ll need to remove the old hens, after they flower, and divide chicks as needed. Except in extremely hot, dry situations, you won’t even need to give them supplemental water. No fertilizer is needed. Pests & Problems Hens and Chicks usually grow problem free, unless they are exposed to too much moisture. Crown rot will occur in wet soils. Some varieties can get Endophyllum rust, a fungus disease. Both problems can be prevented if grown in dry conditions.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月29日
Miss Chen
Sedum plants come in a wide variety of heights, colors, and forms. Showy Stonecrop, the taller plants in the genus Sedum, are popular garden plants that are extremely easy to grow. Although lovely, sedums are often taken for granted in the garden, partly because they don’t bloom until the fall, but also because they require so little care from the gardener. The thick leaves of these succulent plants are able to withstand both drought and rainy weather.
The flower buds form early and remain attractive well in winter. If the deer didn’t eat them, Sedum would be a perfect plant. Growth Habit and Leaves: Border Stonecrops are a small section of the hundreds of species of Sedum. These taller growing Sedums have thick stems, fleshy leaves and tight flower heads that start out looking similar to heads of broccoli. Most are sturdy enough to stand upright on their own, with a few varieties that have a nice trailing quality, suitable for containers. Flowers: Tall sedum flowers tend to come in shades of pink and mauve, that start out pale and deepen as they mature. The flower heads are attractive from bud through to their dried stage and are usually left standing tall throughout winter. The stems are even strong enough to hold a few inches of snow, capping the flower tops. Botanical Name Sedum Common Names Showy Stonecrop, Border Stonecrop Hardiness Zones Actual hardiness always has some variability, depending on the type of sedum you are growing and your growing conditions for the year. However, sedum plants tend to be tough and adaptable. You can expect them to survive in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 - 10. Mature Plant Size Most tall sedum varieties stand upright and form a well-behaved mound, but there are a few, like "Matrona" that naturally flop over. In general, expect the mature size of your sedum plants to be 6 - 24 inches (H) x 12 - 24 inches (W).
Sun Exposure for Sedums Sedums will grow best in full sun. They are very drought tolerant, but stonecrops can get sun scald in extremely hot, dry conditions. Sedums can be grown successfully in partial shade, but the plants might not be as sturdy and upright as they would be in full sun. Bloom Time Although sedum flowers don't open until late summer / early fall, the flower heads form early in the season. They start off a green color, like a broccoli bud, and slowly change color, usually from a pink to a mauve. The earlier, paler color is actually the flower in bloom. The mauve color is generally when the flower head is starting to dry. But sedum flowers tend to look good in all their stages, making them a great plant for a long season of interest. Using Stonecrops in Your Garden Design Sedum look especially good in a small mass planting that takes center stage in autumn. Because they look good all season, sedums are suitable for edging, as specimen plants and in containers. Smaller varieties are good choices for rock gardens and walls. Sedums make long-lasting cut flowers and are great for attracting butterflies and other pollinators. The Best Sedum Varieties to Grow Sedum "Autumn Joy" - Still a favorite because it is such a wonderful, beautiful performer. Sedum spectabile "Brilliant" - A clearer pink than most Sedum flowers. Sedum "Vera Jamison" - Burgandy leaves and mauve flowers with a trailing habit. Sedum "Black Jack" - Deep burgundy, almost black foliage and strong upright habit. Sedum "Cloud Nine" - Variegated Foliage Sedum Growing Tips Sedums are extremely easy to grow. They prefer a well-drained soil but can tolerate rainy weather as well. Extreme heat and lack of sun both cause Sedum to get a bit leggy. Pruning the plants back in early July will encourage them to get bushier and to grow sturdier, but it can result in smaller flowers. Most of the sedum seed offered is for the low growing, ground cover varieties, not tall sedum. Taller sedums tend to be hybrids, and they won't grow true from seed. You will usually need to start off with plants or divisions. Caring for Your Stonecrop Plants Stonecrop flowers bloom only once; late in the season. Stonecrops do not need deadheading and often look good right through the winter. After several years, the center of Sedum plants will show signs of dying out, a sure sign they need dividing. Dividing them is a good idea at that point, to keep the plant vigorous. Stem cuttings can be taken at any time, to propagate more Sedum. More Drought Tolerant Succulent Plants to Grow Sedums are not the only easy to grow succulent plants for your garden, although they do tend to be hardier than most other succulents. If you are interested in growing more of these fascinating drought-tolerant plants others you might try include Aeonium, Agave, Crassula, Echeveria, Euphorbia, Ice Plants (Lampranthus), Kalanchoe, and Senecio. Many of these also make great houseplants.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月29日
Miss Chen
Spike of FlowerheadsDescription: This perennial plant is 2-5' tall and unbranched. The central stem is light green to purplish green, terete or slightly ridged, and glabrous to sparsely pubescent. The alternate leaves are up to 10" long and about 1/3" (8 mm.) across, becoming smaller as they ascend the stem. Because of their dense distribution, they appear almost whorled. The leaves are linear in shape and their margins are smooth (entire). Each leaf has a distinct central vein. Both the upper and lower leaf surfaces are light to medium green and glabrous to sparsely hairy. The central stem terminates in a wand-like spike of flowerheads about 4-18" in length. These flowerheads are densely crowded along the spike, facing in all directions; they bloom at the top of the spike first, opening later below. Each flowerhead is about 1/3" (8 mm.) across, consisting of 4-10 disk florets and no ray florets. The corolla of each disk floret is pink to purplish pink (rarely white) and narrowly tubular. The upper corolla divides in 5 small lobes that are lanceolate in shape and somewhat recurved. A deeply divided style is strongly exerted from the corolla; it is white to light pink, filiform, and sometimes slightly twisted or curved. Around the base of each flowerhead, there are appressed floral bracts (phyllaries) that are overlapping. These floral bracts are green to purple, glabrous, and oval in shape. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late summer, lasting about 3 weeks. There is no noticeable floral scent. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by small achenes with stiff bristles at their apices; these bristles are light brown. The root system consists of a corm with shallow fibrous roots. Colonies of plants are often formed by means of clonal offsets that involve the production of new corms. Cultivation: The preference is full sun, moist conditions, and sandy loam. Other soil types, such as loam and gravelly loam, are readily tolerated in cultivation. The soil should possess sufficient organic material to retain moisture. The height of this plant can vary considerably, depending on its maturity, soil moisture, and soil fertility. During hot dry weather, the lower leaves may wither away, otherwise this plant presents few problems. Range & Habitat: The native Marsh Blazingstar occurs in NE Illinois and a few scattered counties elsewhere (see Distribution Map). It is an uncommon plant in the wild. Habitats include moist black soil prairies, moist sand prairies, prairie swales, edges of marshes and bogs, grassy fens, calcareous seeps, moist alkaline sandflats, and areas along railroads. This blazingstar is found primarily in higher quality natural areas, especially where it is sandy.
Faunal Associations: The flowerheads are cross-pollinated by bumblebees, long-horned bees (Melissodes spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), butterflies, and skippers. These insects suck nectar, although some of the bees also collect pollen for their larvae. Two uncommon prairie insects feed on Liatris spp. (blazingstars): caterpillars of Schinia sanguinea (Liatris Flower Moth) feed on the florets and developing seeds, while caterpillars of Carmenta anthracipennis (Liatris Borer Moth) bore through the stems. Mammalian herbivores eat this and other blazingstars readily; groundhogs and rabbits favor younger plants, while deer and livestock are more likely to browse on mature plants. The corms are eaten by the Prairie Vole and Meadow Vole. An overpopulation of these animals can make the establishment of this plant difficult in some areas. Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a moist prairie in Meadowbrook Park, Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Marsh Blazingstar is a very attractive plant while in bloom, resembling a magic wand. It is more common in flower gardens than in the wild, although some cultivated plants may be hybrids with similar species. Among the various Liatris spp. (blazingstars) that are native to Illinois, Prairie Blazingstar (Liatris pycnostachya) probably resembles Marsh Blazingstar the most. However, this latter plant has floral bracts (phyllaries) that are strongly recurved, while the floral bracts of Marsh Blazingstar are appressed together and relatively smooth. Other blazingstars within the state are either shorter in height or they have larger flowerheads with more disk florets per head. While other blazingstars are typically found in mesic prairies and various upland habitats, Marsh Blazingstar is unusual in its preference for wetter habitats.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月29日
Miss Chen
Description: This plant is a summer annual about 2-8" tall and similarly across. Large plants are abundantly branched, although small plants are sometimes unbranched. The slender stems are green or reddish green, terete, and glandular-hairy. The leaves occur in opposite pairs or in whorls of 3. They are up to 1" long and ½" across, pinnately lobed, green, and glandular-hairy. Each leaf has 3-7 linear-oblong lobes and a few dentate teeth or small secondary lobes. Because of the sticky foliage, the entire plant may become brownish green if it becomes immersed in muddy water. Individual flowers are produced from the axils of the upper leaves (one flower per leaf axil). Each flower has a tubular corolla up to ¼" long and a calyx with 5 linear-lanceolate teeth. The corolla is pale blue-violet, lavender, or nearly white, and weakly two-lipped. The upper lip has 1-2 shallow lobes, while the lower lip has 3 shallow lobes. There is no nectar spur on the corolla. The calyx is green and glandular-hairy. The pedicels are up to ¼" long, green or pale reddish green, terete, and glandular-hairy. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer into the fall. Individual plants may bloom intermittently for 1-2 months, if not longer. Each flower is replaced with an ovoid seed capsule that is about the same length as the calyx teeth (less than ¼" in length). Each capsule contains many tiny seeds that are light brown and dust-like. The seeds can be carried aloft by the wind or float on water. The root system consists of a shallow branching taproot and fibrous secondary roots. This plant reproduces by reseeding itself. Cultivation: The preference is light shade to full sun, wet to moist conditions, and soil that is muddy, sandy, gravelly, or rocky. Growth and development occur primarily during the summer and early fall. This plant can tolerate occasional inundation by water if it is temporary. It is intolerant of competition from taller ground vegetation.
Range & Habitat: The native Obe-wan-Conobea occurs occasionally in most areas of Illinois, except in the NW, extreme north, and some south-central counties (see Distribution Map). Outside of Illinois, it is found in the Midwest and south-central states. Habitats include prairie swales, sand and gravel bars along rivers, muddy borders of ponds, edges of springs in wooded areas, rocky depressions in limestone bluffs, sandy ditches, edges of mud puddles, and gravelly areas around parking lots. This plant is often found in disturbed areas that are partially shaded; it is also found in higher quality habitats.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about floral-faunal relations for this plant. Small bees probably visit the flowers for nectar and possibly pollen. The glandular hairs of the foliage probably deter ants from robbing the nectar. It's possible that the tiny seeds can cling to the muddy feet or moist feathers of waterfowl (especially ducks and geese). When the waterfowl visit other wetlands, this would spread the seeds into new areas. Photographic Location: Gravelly ground near a parking lot at a shopping mall in Champaign, Illinois. Comments: This is another small annual plant of the Figwort family that produces small tubular flowers. Because of its diminutive size, Obe-Wan-Conobea is easy to overlook, especially when it isn't blooming. The small annual plants of the Figwort family occur in either dry areas or wetlands where there is scant or low ground vegetation. Obe-Wan-Conobea is found in wetlands or moist wooded areas. It differs from other plants in this group by its pinnately lobed leaves, which are sometimes whorled. This makes Obe-Wan-Conobea relatively easy to identify. The derivation of the strange common name comes from a publication of Floyd Swink, who named this plant after a character in the movie Star Wars, although the publisher did not discover this until after his book was already published (John White, personal communication). Another common name for this plant is Narrow-Leaved Paleseed, which was undoubtedly invented by a botanist. A scientific synonym for this species is Conobea multifida.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月28日
Miss Chen
Is your knowledge of succulent plants based on that dusty jade plant in the office corner? The popularity of succulent plants has exploded in recent years, due not only to the low care requirements of these sun lovers, but also because of the diversity these fascinating plants. Special anatomical adaptations and colors make some succulents look like they belong more on another planet than on our windowsill. Here are ten unusual succulents that will add personality and distinction to your garden or houseplant collection.
1.Mexican Hens and Chicks 'Topsy Turvy' The Echeveria genus of succulents, also known as Mexican hens and chicks, encompasses hundreds of rosette-forming plants native to Mexico, Central America and South America. The squared-off leaf tips of Echeveria 'Topsy Turvy' give it a sea urchin appearance and look handsome when planted in groups or combined with other succulents in a dish garden. Plant 'Topsy Turvy' in a chartreuse pot to show off its pale bluish-green leaves.
2.Plover Eggs Sometimes called plover eggs plant, Adromischus cooperi sports pudgy little leaves dotted with purplish-grey speckles. The plants are especially sensitive to frost and must not be exposed to temperatures lower than 45 F. The speckles on plover egg plants will become more pronounced in bright sunlight. Plants are easy to propagate by leaf cuttings. Twist off a leaf from the stem and insert into moist cactus mix. Roots will form in four to six weeks.
3.Crinkle Leaf Plant A South African relative of the kalanchoe, crinkle leaf plants (Adromischus cristatus) feature triangular leaves with lightly ruffled tips. Crinkle leaf plants tolerate a light frost, but grow best in a cool sunny spot with infrequent waterings. Red and white flowers may peek out between the two-inch leaves on mature plants.
4.Pebbled Tiger Jaws Faucaria felina is the kind of plant that both attracts and repels the temptation to touch the strangely serrated leaves. In addition to the fascinating leaf form of pebbled tiger jaws, the plants may produce golden yellow flowers that nearly obscure the plant in fall and winter. Pebbled tiger jaw plants fill a niche for those who need a shade-tolerant succulent, but they also require more irrigation than most succulents. If the plants become too dry and the leaves separate from the stems, you can use them to start new plants if you act quickly.
5.Baseball Plant Euphorbia obesa is just the plump character to beef up your indoor container garden. Its spherical shape adds heft and textural interest to plantings, but don't bear the spines one would expect on a round succulent. A weekly watering is pleasing to the baseball plant, and will help it to live a long life in your home. Petite flowers may appear on the top of the globe, giving you a signal that the plant is thriving.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月28日
Miss Chen

6.Graptoveria 'Topsy Debbie' Graptopetalums like 'Topsy Debbie' form rosettes of leaves that spread by offsets, which easily form new plants for your propagating pleasure. Plants must grow in full sun for best health and vigor.
7.Aloe hawthoroides The classic aloe plant has gotten an update: Aloe hawthoroides has dozens of feathery bristles on each leaf, which are all bark but no bite. This touchable plant has a moderate growth habit and is tolerant of a wide variety of growing conditions, as long as you don't let it freeze or sit in stagnant water.
8.Kalanchoe rhombopilosa Who can resist a plant called "pies from heaven?" This kalanchoe is but one of the many strange and beautiful living things that hails from Madagascar. The leaves are fuzzy, grey and covered with brown streaking. Insignificant yellow flowers may appear on stalks in the spring. Give your kalanchoe abundant light for healthy plants. Continue to 9 of 10 below.
9.Echeveria gibbiflora 'Barbillion' If you've ever observed the fleshy wattle of a turkey or rooster, you have seen something these fowl have in common with echeveria 'Barbillion:' they are both carunculated. This term refers to a bumpy, fleshy growth. Is it beautiful or hideous? Give it plenty of light and water sparingly, and see if the unusual appeal of this succulent grows on you.
10.Echeveria 'Blue Curls' A single specimen of echeveria, 'Blue Curls' makes an exquisite statement in a container with its frilly leaves and pink and aqua coloration. Prevent water from accumulating within the rosette and remove dead leaves from the plant's base to keep pests from interfering with its vigor.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月28日
Miss Chen
Description: This perennial wildflower is a herbaceous vine about 1½-4' long that branches occasionally. This vine climbs adjacent vegetation for support using its tendrils. The stems are light green, yellowish green or reddish green, glabrous or nearly so, and winged. Alternate compound leaves occur at intervals along these stems; they are even-pinnate with 3-4 pairs of leaflets. At the end of each compound leaf, there is a branched tendril. The leaflets are ¾-2" long and about ¼" (6 mm.) across; they are narrowly elliptic in shape, smooth along their margins, and sessile or nearly so. The upper blade surface is medium green, while the lower blade surface is pale green. All parts of the compound leaf are glabrous or nearly so. The petioles and rachises of the compound leaves are light green, yellowish green, or reddish green; they are glabrous or nearly so. At the base of each petiole, there is a pair of stipules about ¼-1" long. Each stipule is half-sagittate or half-hastate in shape; it has a basal lobe that tapers to a point, a terminal tip that tapers to a point, and an outer margin that is mostly smooth, although it may be slightly undulate or toothed. Sometimes the foliage of this wildflower is sparsely and minutely pubescent (puberulent). Individual racemes of 2-8 flowers develop from the axils of compound leaves; the peduncles of these racemes are about as long as, or a little shorter than, the length of the compound leaves. Each flower is about ½-¾" long, consisting of 5 petals with a pea-like floral structure, a tubular calyx with 5 teeth, several stamens, and a pistil with a single style. The petals consist of an upright banner and a pair of projecting wings that enclose the keel. These petals are mostly reddish purple; although the petals forming the keel and the base of the remaining petals are more pale. The banner has a network of purple veins. The calyx is reddish purple and mostly glabrous, although its teeth may be slightly ciliate along their margins. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer, lasting about 1 month. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by elongated seedpods about 1-2½" long, ¼" across, and flattened. Each seedpod splits open into two valves to release its seeds. The small seeds are globoid in shape and somewhat flattened. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. At favorable sites, clonal colonies of plants often develop from the rhizomes. Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, wet to moist conditions, and soil containing loam or sand. Standing water is tolerated if it is occasional, rather than permanent. In the absence of some kind of structural support, this vine will sprawl across the ground. Range & Habitat: The native Marsh Pea is occasional in the northern half of Illinois, while in the southern half of the state it is rare or absent (see Distribution Map). More broadly, it has a circumboreal distribution, occurring in both North America and Eurasia. Habitats include wet prairies, interdunal swales, borders of marshes, fens, sedge meadows, low areas along streams, soggy thickets, and swamps. This wildflower occurs in both sandy and non-sandy habitats.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract primarily bumblebees and other long-tongued bees that feed mostly on nectar. Other insects feed on foliage, flower tissues, or plant juices of Marsh Pea and other Lathyrus spp. These species include Acyrthosiphon pisum (Pea Aphid), caterpillars of the butterflies Everes comyntas (Eastern Tailed Blue) and Leptotes marina (Marine Blue), and Cerotoma trifurcata (Bean Leaf Beetle). In the past, the seeds of Lathyrus spp. were eaten by the extinct Passenger Pigeon. Photographic Location: Moist sandy ground near a river at Illinois Beach State Park in Lake County, Illinois.
Comments: The typical variety of Marsh Pea (Lathyrus palustris palustris), as described here, has winged stems, narrow upright leaflets, and relatively dark reddish purple flowers. Mohlenbrock (2014) also describes another variety of Marsh Pea (Lathyrus palustris myrtifolius) that has stems without wings. Some authorities do not recognize distinct varieties, preferring to lump them together as a single species. This variety of Marsh Pea can be distinguished from other Lathyrus spp. (Vetchling species) by the number leaflets per compound leaf (typically 6 or 8), the shape and size of its stipules, the color of its flowers, and the number of flowers per raceme. Another species, Veiny Pea (Lathyrus venosus), differs from the typical variety of Marsh Pea by having more leaflets per compound leaf, wider leaflets, and more flowers per raceme. Non-native Lathyrus spp. (Vetchling species) in Illinois are quite distinct because they have only 2 leaflets per compound leaf.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月28日
Miss Chen
Description: This herbaceous perennial wildflower is usually an emergent aquatic that is exerted 1-3' above the water line, otherwise it is a terrestrial plant of similar height. The stems are usually unbranched, although larger plants are sometimes branched below. The stems are light green, angular-terete, and glabrous. At intervals along each stem, there are pairs of opposite leaves about 2-6" long and ¼-1" across that are either sessile or short-petioled. The deciduous leaves are narrowly lanceolate, linear-lanceolate, elliptic, or narrowly elliptic in shape and usually smooth along their margins. Less often, the outer margins may be slightly undulate or shallowly crenate. Both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves are medium green and glabrous. From the axils of the middle to upper leaves, there develops individual spikes of flowers on long peduncles. Each floral spike is about 1" long and capitate (head-like) in appearance; there are several overlapping flowers and buds per spike. Each flower is about ¾" across, consisting of a short-tubular corolla with 4 lobes, a short-tubular calyx with 5 teeth, 2 stamens with dark purple or dark brown anthers, and an ovary with a slender white style. The corolla has a shallowly notched upper lobe that curves backward, 2 lateral lobes that are widely spreading, and a lower lobe that curves slightly downward. Except for the dark purple mottling at the base of the lower lobe, the lobes are mostly white, otherwise they are tinted pale purple or they are lightly speckled with fine purple dots. The lobes of the corolla are longer than the corolla tube, and they are oblong to oblong-oblanceolate in shape. The green calyx is about ¼" long and glabrous; its teeth are narrowly lanceolate. The ascending straight peduncles are a little shorter to about as long as the leaves (up to 6" in length); they are medium green, angular, and glabrous. The blooming period occurs from early summer into the fall, lasting about 2-4 months. Usually, only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by seed capsules up to ½" long that taper to stipe-like bases. Each capsule has 2 cells, and each cell contains 2 seeds. The seeds are about 1/8" (3 mm.) in length and warty. The root system is highly rhizomatous, forming colonies of plants.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, shallow standing water (up to 3' deep) or wet conditions, and soil that is muddy, sandy, or gravelly. Range & Habitat: The native Water Willow is occasional in most areas of Illinois, except the NW section of the state, where it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include sandbars, gravelbars, or mudbars of rivers, low islands in rivers or ponds, shallow water or muddy banks of ponds and rivers, shallow water of rocky upland streams, shallow water or wet areas of swamps, and sandy marshes. Water Willow occurs in wetlands with either stagnant water or slow to moderate currents of water. Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated primarily by bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, Anthophorine bees (Anthophora spp.), little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), cuckoo bees (Epeolus spp., Triepeolus spp.), long-horned bees (Melissodes spp., Synhalonia spp.), leaf-cutter bees (Megachile spp.), green metallic bees, and other Halictid bees. Other floral visitors include various wasps, bee flies (Bombyliidae), thick-headed flies (Conopidae), Syrphid flies (non-pollinating), small butterflies, and skippers. These insects obtain primarily nectar from the flowers, although some bees collect pollen and some flies feed on pollen. Water Willow is one of the host plants for the caterpillars of Darapsa versicolor (Hydrangea Sphinx); they feed on the foliage. This plant is also a minor source of food for muskrats.
Photographic Location: A sandy marsh at the Heron Boardwalk in Vermilion County, Illinois. Comments: The flowers of Water Willow are fairly showy and bloom intermittently for a long period of time. In spite of its common name, this is a non-woody herbaceous plant that is not closely related to willows (Salix). Water Willow is the most northern member of its genus. Another species that can be found in southern Illinois, Justicia ovata (Southern Water Willow), is a slightly smaller plant with wider leaves and more loosely flowered spikes. Otherwise, these two species have a similar appearance and prefer similar habitats. A scientific synonym of Water Willow is Dianthera americana.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月28日
Miss Chen
Description: This perennial plant is 2-3' tall. It produces clumps of basal leaves that are sword-shaped and up to 3' long; they are mostly erect, although some of the larger leaves may become arched. These leaves are bluish green to green and glabrous. Individual leaves are up to 1" across near their bases, tapering very gradually to pointed tips. Leaf margins are smooth (entire) and leaf venation is parallel. The flowering stalks are either unbranched or sparingly branched and up to 3' tall; they are green, terete, and glabrous. Each stalk produces one or more small alternate leaves that are erect and sword-like. From the axil of each alternate leaf, there develops 1-2 flowers on pedicels 1-5" in length. Both the flowering stalks and pedicels are terete and glabrous. Each pedicel is enfolded by a pair of sword-like spathes that become chaffy with age. The blue-violet flowers are up to 3½" across, consisting of 3 sepals, 3 petals, 3 stamens, 3 style-branches with stigmata, and a green ovary that is elongated and angular. The petaloid sepals are oblanceolate in shape and spread outward from the center of the flower; they are blue-violet with prominent patches of yellow and white with fine purple veins. The sepals are without tufted hairs. Extending directly above the sepals, are the shorter petaloid style-branches; they are blue-violet and oblong in shape with upturned tips, forming open tubular structures with the sepals. The ascending petals are blue-violet and oblanceolate in shape with darker purple veins. The blooming period is late spring to early summer, and lasts about a month for a colony of plants, although individual flowers are short-lived. There is a pleasant floral fragrance. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by oblongoid capsules that are 3-angled. These capsules are about 1½–2" long and ½" across; they contain rows of tightly stacked seeds. After the capsules split open, the seeds can float on water, spreading to new areas via water currents. The root system consists of fleshy rhizomes with coarse fibrous roots. Colonies of plants often develop from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is wet to moist conditions, partial to full sun, and a rich organic soil. In light shade, this plant often fails to flower, and it tends to decline in abundance if conditions become too dry. The foliage is rarely bothered by disease. To maintain the viability of the seeds, they should not be allowed to dry out – store them with some moist sand. Range & Habitat: The native Blue Flag Iris is surprisingly common in most areas of Illinois, except for some southern and western counties where it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include wet to moist black soil prairies, prairie swales, soggy meadows along rivers, open bottomland woodlands, swamps, fens, seeps, edges of ponds and streams, ditches, and low-lying ground along railroads and roadsides. Declining remnant populations can be found in some low woodland areas where fire has been surpressed.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated by bumblebees and long-horned bees (Synhalonia spp.); butterflies and skippers also visit the flowers occasionally, but they are less effective at cross-pollination. These insects suck nectar from the flowers primarily, although some of the bees also collect pollen. Some insects feed on Blue Flag Iris and other Iris spp. destructively. They include such species as the weevil Mononychus vulpeculus (larvae feed inside seed capsules), the Agromyzid fly Cerodontha magnicornis (larvae mine leaves), the Syrphid fly Eumerus tuberculatus (larvae feed on rhizomes), the mealybug Rhizoecus falcifer (feeds on rhizomes), the aphid Dysaphis tulipae (feeds on foliage & rhizomes), and the thrips Frankliniella occidentalis (feeds on flowers). Caterpillars of such moths as Ctenucha virginica (Virginia Ctenucha), Spilosoma congrua (Agreeable Tiger Moth), and Macronoctua onusta (Iris Borer Moth), also feed on these plants. Mammalian herbivores rarely bother this plant because the foliage and rootstocks are somewhat toxic, causing irritation of the gastrointestinal tract.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a wet prairie along an abandoned railroad near Urbana, Illinois, and at a prairie swale in Meadowbrook Park of the same city. Comments: This attractive plant is more typical of wetlands than true prairies, but it sometimes spreads into adjacent sunny areas that are moist. Cultivars of Iris X germanica (German Iris) have beards (numerous hairs) on their sepals, while the Blue Flag Iris is beardless. The Blue Flag Iris resembles another native species, Iris brevicaulis (Blue Marsh Iris), but this latter species has 6-angled capsules and flowering stalks that are slightly zigzag. Another native species, Iris versicolor (Northern Blue Flag), is very similar in appearance to the Blue Flag Iris, but it has a more northern distribution (the upper Great Lakes and NE USA, including northern Wisconsin). Another scientific name for the Blue Flag Iris is Iris shrevei; another common name for this species is the Southern Blue Flag.
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Miss Chen
2018年06月27日
Miss Chen
1.Aeonium Plants Aeoniums are odd looking succulent plants, with long, arching stems and rosettes of leaves that can often look so perfect, you might think they were fake. You'd be forgiven if you had to touch one to tell if it was real or rubbery plastic. There are about 35 species and most are native to the Canary Islands. They prefer a Mediterranean climate - not too hot, not too cold, not too dry. The plants form fleshy rosettes and you will notice a similarity between Aeoniums and several other succulent plants, most noticeably Echeveria and Sempervivum, the popular Hens and Chicks. Aeoniums can be low growers or branching plants that grow into shrubs. Leaves: Rosettes with somewhat rounded leaves. Stems can be short and stubby or long and branched. Leaves can be solid colors or variegated in white, yellow, red and green. Flowers: Flowers stems emerge from the center of the rosettes. The small, star-like flowers grow in clusters. Botanical Name Aeonium Common Names The genus Aeonium does not have a common name. Hardiness Zones Most Aeonium varieties are only hardy in USDA Zones 9 – 11, although they can withstand occasional frosts down to about 25̊ F (-4̊ C). Sun Exposure As with most succulents, Aeonium plants grow best in full sun to partial shade. In hot summers and desert conditions, light shade may be necessary. Mature Plant Size Size will vary greatly with variety. Some Aeonium varieties are low growing and get only a few inches tall, with rosettes an inch or two across. Others will branch out and grow 3 – 4 feet tall with plate-sized rosettes. Bloom Period Most Aeonium bloom in late winter or spring. Using Aeonium in Your Garden Design When grown in the garden, Aeoniums command the most attention in masses. Tall varieties can look like bonsai when they get shrubby. You can trim them if they get leggy. The cuttings will readily root and make new plants, helping you fill out your planting area. Needing so little soil, Aeoniums make great container plants. You can get a closer look at their unique features in containers, and have better control over their growing conditions. In high humidity or rainy areas, you may not need to water them, although they do need regular water. Keep close tabs on them and use your judgment. Using a regular potting soil, rather than a fast draining soil for succulents, will help maintain their moisture level. Suggested Aeonium Varieties Aeonium arboreum – Widely available. Bright green rosettes on a branching stem. Aeonium arboreum "Atropurpureum:: Maroon leaves if grown in bright light. Aeonium arboreum "Zwartkop": Very dark, almost black leaves. Aeonium "Garnet": A hybrid of "Zwartkop", with red leaves. Aeonium davidbramwelli "Sunburst'": Rosettes up to 1 foot across. Pale yellow, white and green stripes, with pink tips. Can handle some frost. Aeonium haworthii "Tricolor" or "Kiwi": Easy growing. 4-inch flowers have pale yellow centers when young, maturing to red and green. 2.Growing and Caring for Aeoniums Aeonium Growing Tips Water: Aeoniums do not like really hot or dry weather. They may go dormant in summer and do not require any water, except in excessively dry conditions. In extreme heat, their leaves will curl, to prevent excessive water loss. Growing them in moist shade will keep them growing in high heat, but their true growth season is winter to spring, when temperatures are cool (65–75 F.) and damp. In the winter, water whenever the soil has dried out. Test by poking your finger down into the soil an inch or two. Too much moisture or allowing them to sit in wet soil will cause root rot. Soil: A sandy loam or regular potting mix is better than a mix specifically for succulents and cacti since Aeonium need some moisture. If you are growing them in containers, re-pot every 2 –3 years with fresh potting soil. Fertilizer: Feed during the growing season with a half-strength balanced fertilizer, every month or so. Do not feed while dormant. Caring for Your Aeonium Plants If you have the proper growing conditions, Aeonium will take care of themselves and actually thrive on neglect. Otherwise, your major task will be moving them from hot sun to shade and back again or moving them indoors when the temperature drops too low. Aeonium have underdeveloped root systems since they store their water in their leaves and stems. They have the ability to produce roots along their stems, which you may notice if the plant gets pot bound or the stems fall and touch the soil. The stem roots will quickly turn the fallen pieces into new plants. Leggy branches do tend to fall over and snap off, from the weight of the rosettes. If this happens, you can re-plant the broken stem. Most Aeoniums die after flowering. If the plant has produced side shoots, those side shoots will live on. If not, the entire plant will die off. That's why it is nice to periodically start new plants from cuttings. You can also start new plants from the seed. Pests and Problems: Few pests bother Aeoniums. Slugs can do some damage and the occasional bird may take a bite. Here are More Drought Tolerant Succulent Plants to Grow.
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