Article
Miss Chen
04-19
Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) are favorites in the home vegetable garden due to their versatility and flavor. Unfortunately, cucumbers and other cucurbits are prone to a number of diseases and pests. Several of these cause the leaves to yellow; proper identification of the culprit is necessary to curb the problem.
General Care
Healthy plants are less susceptible to pests and diseases, although not immune. The ideal site for cucumbers is one with full sun and an extremely fertile, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Planting too early can cause issues, as well, as drastic changes in temperature from day to night can cause issues with plant production.
Arthropod Pests
Whiteflies and spider mites can cause the leaves of your cucumber vines to yellow, albeit differently.
Whiteflies congregate on the undersides of leaves. The tops of leaves will become yellowish while a sooty mold will be underneath. When the cucumber vine is disturbed, these tiny, white insects disperse into a cloud of flying insects. Removing infested leaves can help curb their population and damage.
Spider mites, on the other hand, cause yellow stippling of the leaves that can eventually result in completely yellow, then bronze, leaves. You may notice web-like materials on the undersides of leaves.
In the case of either pest, spray a ready-to-use insecticidal soap over the entire plant, including the undersides of leaves. Insecticidal soaps must come in contact with the pests to be effective. Repeat every other week as needed; some insecticidal soaps are safe enough to use up to the day of harvest.
Cucumber beetle infestations create other problems that create yellowing in plants like fusarium wilt. The green-yellow spotted cucumber beetle has a black head with black spots, while the striped cucumber beetle has black stripes on its wings. Both beetles attack the cucumber's foliage, runners and immature fruit, leaving holes or a skeletonized appearance. Remove the beetles by hand-picking and dumping into a container of soapy water.
Fungal Diseases
A few fungal diseases of cucumber can result in yellow leaves.
Fusarium wilt, a soil-borne fungal disease which can be carried by cucumber beetles, causes plants to become stunted and yellow; the runners die slowly. Fungicides are not effective against this disease. Dig up and destroy any infected plants. In future years, rotate crops and select disease-resistant cucumber varieties.
Downy mildew, another fungal disease, is caused by poor air circulation, wet and humid conditions, too much nitrogen fertilizer, weeds in the garden and lack of proper sunlight. Symptoms first appear as irregularly shaped yellow spots on the upper part of leaves and a powdery mold on the undersides. Thin out leaves and plants to improve air circulation to avoid the problem, avoid overhead irrigation and remove infected plants to reduce the risk of spread. When removing infected plants from the garden, be sure not to spread the disease through handling healthy plants or through infected tools. Sterilize your tools by wiping them off with alcohol before using them on unaffected plants and wash your hands. Many varieties of cucumbers are resistant to this common disease.
Nutritional and Environmental Issues
Cucumbers are heavy feeders, meaning they may need more fertilizer or organic matter in the soil than other veggies. Pale, yellowing leaves may be a sign of nitrogen deficiency. If this is the case, apply 1 tablespoon of high-nitrogen fertilizer, such as 33-0-0, around each cucumber hill one week after blooms develop; repeat in three weeks. Water thoroughly after fertilizing.
Another issue may be low levels of sunlight reaching certain leaves. If the lower leaves are yellowing, consider clipping a few of the upper leaves on the vine to allow more sunlight and air circulation to this part of the plant.
General Care
Healthy plants are less susceptible to pests and diseases, although not immune. The ideal site for cucumbers is one with full sun and an extremely fertile, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Planting too early can cause issues, as well, as drastic changes in temperature from day to night can cause issues with plant production.
Arthropod Pests
Whiteflies and spider mites can cause the leaves of your cucumber vines to yellow, albeit differently.
Whiteflies congregate on the undersides of leaves. The tops of leaves will become yellowish while a sooty mold will be underneath. When the cucumber vine is disturbed, these tiny, white insects disperse into a cloud of flying insects. Removing infested leaves can help curb their population and damage.
Spider mites, on the other hand, cause yellow stippling of the leaves that can eventually result in completely yellow, then bronze, leaves. You may notice web-like materials on the undersides of leaves.
In the case of either pest, spray a ready-to-use insecticidal soap over the entire plant, including the undersides of leaves. Insecticidal soaps must come in contact with the pests to be effective. Repeat every other week as needed; some insecticidal soaps are safe enough to use up to the day of harvest.
Cucumber beetle infestations create other problems that create yellowing in plants like fusarium wilt. The green-yellow spotted cucumber beetle has a black head with black spots, while the striped cucumber beetle has black stripes on its wings. Both beetles attack the cucumber's foliage, runners and immature fruit, leaving holes or a skeletonized appearance. Remove the beetles by hand-picking and dumping into a container of soapy water.
Fungal Diseases
A few fungal diseases of cucumber can result in yellow leaves.
Fusarium wilt, a soil-borne fungal disease which can be carried by cucumber beetles, causes plants to become stunted and yellow; the runners die slowly. Fungicides are not effective against this disease. Dig up and destroy any infected plants. In future years, rotate crops and select disease-resistant cucumber varieties.
Downy mildew, another fungal disease, is caused by poor air circulation, wet and humid conditions, too much nitrogen fertilizer, weeds in the garden and lack of proper sunlight. Symptoms first appear as irregularly shaped yellow spots on the upper part of leaves and a powdery mold on the undersides. Thin out leaves and plants to improve air circulation to avoid the problem, avoid overhead irrigation and remove infected plants to reduce the risk of spread. When removing infected plants from the garden, be sure not to spread the disease through handling healthy plants or through infected tools. Sterilize your tools by wiping them off with alcohol before using them on unaffected plants and wash your hands. Many varieties of cucumbers are resistant to this common disease.
Nutritional and Environmental Issues
Cucumbers are heavy feeders, meaning they may need more fertilizer or organic matter in the soil than other veggies. Pale, yellowing leaves may be a sign of nitrogen deficiency. If this is the case, apply 1 tablespoon of high-nitrogen fertilizer, such as 33-0-0, around each cucumber hill one week after blooms develop; repeat in three weeks. Water thoroughly after fertilizing.
Another issue may be low levels of sunlight reaching certain leaves. If the lower leaves are yellowing, consider clipping a few of the upper leaves on the vine to allow more sunlight and air circulation to this part of the plant.
0
0
Article
Miss Chen
04-12
Zucchinis (Cucurbita pepo) and cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) are both members of the Cucurbit family, so it's no wonder people confuse these two long, slender green vegetables. While it's more obvious when you're harvesting the annual vegetables, the young plants look similar to the untrained eye. When you've planted the vines, you'll remember which is which, especially if you've labeled your garden, but volunteer squash and zucchini plants in unplanned spots require identification from the seedling stage.
Seedling Stage
Zucchini and cucumber plants look most similar in the seedling stage when there are fewer leaves and other identifying characteristics. The seed sometimes remains attached to the leaflets when the seedlings pop through the ground. Cucumber seeds are narrow, long and smooth, while zucchini seeds are short, wide, and have a small ridge around the perimeter. The first two leaves of zucchini and cucumber seedlings are oval and virtually indistinguishable. Likewise, the second and subsequent sets of leaves are both heart-shaped with wavy edges. As the seedlings grow, cucumber seedlings tend to spread as vines, while zucchini growth is more upright.
The differences between zucchini and cucumber plants become more apparent as the plants mature. While leaf shape is similar, cucumber leaves are much smaller, at 4 to 5 inches in diameter, while zucchini leaves grow 12 inches in diameter or wider. Zucchini plants are often considered vines, although their growth habit is more bushlike, with stems that might spread as much as 3 feet with a basically upright growth habit. Leaves are supported by thick, hollow stalks that are covered with stiff, prickly hairs. The vining habit of a cucumber is much more obvious than with zucchini. The stems are similar, but cucumber stems are narrower and produce fine tendrils for climbing as they grow. Even bush-type cucumber plants tend to spread vines along the ground, while some cucumber vines grow over 12 fee long and require trellising. Zucchini plants produces large, trumpet-shaped, yellow or orange flowers, while yellow cucumber flowers are smaller and bell-shaped.
At first glance, cucumbers and zucchinis bear a striking resemblance, particularly if zucchinis are picked when small and closer in size to cucumbers. The first clue is the stem end of the fruit -- zucchini has a woody stem at the end while a cucumber has a small, circular scar. Feel the two in your hand and you'll notice cucumbers have a waxy skin, while zucchini skins are dull. A zucchini is rarely perfectly round, instead featuring several flat sides that result in a mostly round appearance. Both vegetables can have mottled skin, but this is usually sporadic on cucumbers while zucchini skins are mottled throughout. Instead of perfectly smooth skin as you would find on zucchini, cucumbers are covered in tiny nubs that can even prick you before you gently rub them off with your thumbs.
Flavor is a dead giveaway for distinguishing zucchinis and cucumbers, but you can tell the difference in the interior flesh without taking a single bite. Start by cutting through the zucchini and cucumber. Immediately, you'll notice the softness of the zucchini as your knife glides through the flesh when compared to the "snap" in the crunchy cucumber. Zucchini flesh is dry, soft and somewhat spongy -- push it with your finger and it will spring back a bit. Cucumbers are moist inside, with firm flesh. The interior color is mostly white for both vegetables, but cucumbers have a slight tint of green.
Seedling Stage
Zucchini and cucumber plants look most similar in the seedling stage when there are fewer leaves and other identifying characteristics. The seed sometimes remains attached to the leaflets when the seedlings pop through the ground. Cucumber seeds are narrow, long and smooth, while zucchini seeds are short, wide, and have a small ridge around the perimeter. The first two leaves of zucchini and cucumber seedlings are oval and virtually indistinguishable. Likewise, the second and subsequent sets of leaves are both heart-shaped with wavy edges. As the seedlings grow, cucumber seedlings tend to spread as vines, while zucchini growth is more upright.
The differences between zucchini and cucumber plants become more apparent as the plants mature. While leaf shape is similar, cucumber leaves are much smaller, at 4 to 5 inches in diameter, while zucchini leaves grow 12 inches in diameter or wider. Zucchini plants are often considered vines, although their growth habit is more bushlike, with stems that might spread as much as 3 feet with a basically upright growth habit. Leaves are supported by thick, hollow stalks that are covered with stiff, prickly hairs. The vining habit of a cucumber is much more obvious than with zucchini. The stems are similar, but cucumber stems are narrower and produce fine tendrils for climbing as they grow. Even bush-type cucumber plants tend to spread vines along the ground, while some cucumber vines grow over 12 fee long and require trellising. Zucchini plants produces large, trumpet-shaped, yellow or orange flowers, while yellow cucumber flowers are smaller and bell-shaped.
At first glance, cucumbers and zucchinis bear a striking resemblance, particularly if zucchinis are picked when small and closer in size to cucumbers. The first clue is the stem end of the fruit -- zucchini has a woody stem at the end while a cucumber has a small, circular scar. Feel the two in your hand and you'll notice cucumbers have a waxy skin, while zucchini skins are dull. A zucchini is rarely perfectly round, instead featuring several flat sides that result in a mostly round appearance. Both vegetables can have mottled skin, but this is usually sporadic on cucumbers while zucchini skins are mottled throughout. Instead of perfectly smooth skin as you would find on zucchini, cucumbers are covered in tiny nubs that can even prick you before you gently rub them off with your thumbs.
Flavor is a dead giveaway for distinguishing zucchinis and cucumbers, but you can tell the difference in the interior flesh without taking a single bite. Start by cutting through the zucchini and cucumber. Immediately, you'll notice the softness of the zucchini as your knife glides through the flesh when compared to the "snap" in the crunchy cucumber. Zucchini flesh is dry, soft and somewhat spongy -- push it with your finger and it will spring back a bit. Cucumbers are moist inside, with firm flesh. The interior color is mostly white for both vegetables, but cucumbers have a slight tint of green.
0
0
Article
Miss Chen
03-29
Description: This perennial plant is ½–1½' tall and abundantly branched, particularly along the upper two-thirds of its length. The pale green stems are sparsely to moderately covered with white hairs that are upwardly appressed or ascending. Small leaves about 8-15 mm. (1/3–2/3") long and about one-third as much across occur along the stems: they are alternate,Seed Capsules & Leafy Bracts opposite, or whorled. The leaf blades are green (turning yellow during the fall), smooth and ciliate along their margins, and elliptic-oblong with blunt tips; the base of each leaf blade is sessile, or it is has a short petiole. The upper surfaces of the blades are hairless to sparsely hairy, while the lower surfaces of the blades are usually hairy, particularly along the midveins. Similar to the hairs on the stems, the hairs on the leaves are appressed or curve outward toward their tips. The middle to upper stems produce overlapping panicles of flowers. Individual panicles are longer than they are wide, and they produce leafy bracts that are similar to the leaves, except the former are smaller in size. The small flowers are borne individually on the secondary and tertiary branches of the panicles. Each flower is about 2 mm. long and a little less across, consisting of 5 persistent purplish red petals, 5 ascending green sepals (sometimes becoming red later), 3 or more stamens, and a 3-celled ovary with short stigmata at its apex (there are no filaments). Each flower has a short slender pedicel about 1 mm. long. The blooming period occurs during the late summer for about a month; only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. The flowers are probably cross-pollinated by wind, at least in part. Each flower is replaced by an ovoid seed capsule about 2 mm. long that typically contains 2-3 seeds; because of the persistent petals and sepals, it is purplish red or greenish red in appearance. The 2 outer sepals are the same length or longer than the seed capsule (2 mm. in length or more) and they are linear in shape. The 3 inner sepals are shorter than the seed capsule (less than 2 mm. in length) and they are ovate in shape. After the seed capsules open, the small seeds are dispersed primarily by gravity and usually fall only a short distance from the mother plant. During the late fall, the flowering plant withers away and it is replaced by a low rosette of little-branched stems with whorled or opposite leaves; this rosette spans about 3-4" across and usually survives the winter until it is replaced by a flowering plant during the next spring. The basal leaves are similar to the cauline leaves of the flowering plant, except they are more wide in shape (oval-ovate). The root system consists of a slender taproot with fibrous secondary roots; sometimes the taproot is barely distinguishable from these secondary roots.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to dry conditions, and either sandy or very rocky soil. The seeds are slow to germinate, often remaining dormant for several years.
Range & Habitat: The native Small Pinweed is an uncommon plant that is found in NE Illinois and scattered locations elsewhere in the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include sand prairies, openings and edges of sandy oak woodlands, sandy oak savannas, rocky bluffs and cliffs, partially wooded sand dunes near Lake Michigan, and edges of sandy marshes. In many areas, populations of Small Pinweed have declined as a result of habitat destruction from various development projects. Like other Lechea spp. (Pinweeds), it is adapted to occasional disturbance (wildfires, shifting dunes), but dislikes extreme orLower Stem & Leaves more frequent modifications of its environment.
Faunal Associations: In general, very little is known about the floral-fauna relationships of Lechea spp. (Pinweeds); they have not been studied adequately, thus some of the following information is speculative. The flowers offer no nectar to insect visitors; only pollen is available as a food reward. It is possible that various flies, small bees, and other small insects are minor pollinators of the flowers, which are self-fertile and probably cross-pollinated by the wind. It has been found that White-Tailed Deer preferentially browse on Lechea maritima (Beach Pinweed) in Virginia (see Keiper, 1990), and thus they may browse on other Pinweeds in other areas as well.
Photographic Location: Edge of a sandy oak woodland that is located near a wet sand prairie at the Iroquois County Conservation Area in Iroquois County, Illinois.
Comments: In most of Illinois, Lechea spp. (Pinweeds) are restricted to sandy habitats, although in southern Illinois some species (including Small Pinweed) can be found along cliffs and upland woodlands that are rocky. The various species are very similar to each other in appearance and can be difficult to differentiate. The presence of mature fruits on a prospective plant greatly facilitates its identification and, to a lesser extent, the shape of the leaves and type of hairs on the stems facilitates species identification as well. Small Pinweed can be distinguished from other similar Pinweed species as follows: 1) it has wider leaves than some other species, which are more linear in shape, 2) the hairs on its stems are upwardly appressed or ascending, rather than widely spreading or absent, 3) the seed capsules are ovoid in shape, rather than globoid or subgloboid, and 4) the outer sepals of Small Pinweed are longer than the inner sepals and they are as long or longer than the seed capsules. The only other Pinweed in Illinois with the last characteristic is Lechea tenuifolia (Slender Pinweed), which differs by having linear leaves and it tends to be smaller in size. Another common name of Lechea minor is Thyme-Leaved Pinweed.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to dry conditions, and either sandy or very rocky soil. The seeds are slow to germinate, often remaining dormant for several years.
Range & Habitat: The native Small Pinweed is an uncommon plant that is found in NE Illinois and scattered locations elsewhere in the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include sand prairies, openings and edges of sandy oak woodlands, sandy oak savannas, rocky bluffs and cliffs, partially wooded sand dunes near Lake Michigan, and edges of sandy marshes. In many areas, populations of Small Pinweed have declined as a result of habitat destruction from various development projects. Like other Lechea spp. (Pinweeds), it is adapted to occasional disturbance (wildfires, shifting dunes), but dislikes extreme orLower Stem & Leaves more frequent modifications of its environment.
Faunal Associations: In general, very little is known about the floral-fauna relationships of Lechea spp. (Pinweeds); they have not been studied adequately, thus some of the following information is speculative. The flowers offer no nectar to insect visitors; only pollen is available as a food reward. It is possible that various flies, small bees, and other small insects are minor pollinators of the flowers, which are self-fertile and probably cross-pollinated by the wind. It has been found that White-Tailed Deer preferentially browse on Lechea maritima (Beach Pinweed) in Virginia (see Keiper, 1990), and thus they may browse on other Pinweeds in other areas as well.
Photographic Location: Edge of a sandy oak woodland that is located near a wet sand prairie at the Iroquois County Conservation Area in Iroquois County, Illinois.
Comments: In most of Illinois, Lechea spp. (Pinweeds) are restricted to sandy habitats, although in southern Illinois some species (including Small Pinweed) can be found along cliffs and upland woodlands that are rocky. The various species are very similar to each other in appearance and can be difficult to differentiate. The presence of mature fruits on a prospective plant greatly facilitates its identification and, to a lesser extent, the shape of the leaves and type of hairs on the stems facilitates species identification as well. Small Pinweed can be distinguished from other similar Pinweed species as follows: 1) it has wider leaves than some other species, which are more linear in shape, 2) the hairs on its stems are upwardly appressed or ascending, rather than widely spreading or absent, 3) the seed capsules are ovoid in shape, rather than globoid or subgloboid, and 4) the outer sepals of Small Pinweed are longer than the inner sepals and they are as long or longer than the seed capsules. The only other Pinweed in Illinois with the last characteristic is Lechea tenuifolia (Slender Pinweed), which differs by having linear leaves and it tends to be smaller in size. Another common name of Lechea minor is Thyme-Leaved Pinweed.
0
0
Article
Miss Chen
03-21
White, dying leaves on zucchini are discouraging, but there is a solution. The white coating is caused by two common diseases that attack plants in the cucurbit family: powdery mildew and downy mildew. Both of these diseases can be present on a zucchini plant at the same time. Powdery mildew is a fungus, while downy mildew is more closely related to algae. These diseases have caused heavy economic losses in agricultural crops. In July of 2004, the remnants of a hurricane carried downy mildew spores up the eastern seaboard from North Carolina to New York, causing severe crop devastation.
Downy Mildew
Downy mildew spores are a purplish-gray and are only found on the undersides of the leaves, often first appearing as a water-soaked area. The symptoms of downy mildew only occur on the leaves; green leaf petioles often still hold the dead leaf tissue upright. Angular spots start out pale green and turn yellow, eventually causing tissue death. Several spots often join into a group.
Identification can be challenging, since spores are not always present. Downy mildew spores cannot survive extreme cold temperatures, and they are only found when conditions are favorable during the warmer months.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is easily recognizable by its white talcum-powder appearance. Powdery mildew is a host-specific fungus, meaning the pathogen that attacks one plant won't attack another. The fungus that attacks zucchini can also infect other members of the cucurbit family.
The white, powdery growth appears on both the bottom and top of leaves and on petioles and stems. It first strikes the crown leaves, shaded lower leaves and the undersides of leaves of older plants. Yellow spots appear, which quickly spread and cause leaf death.
Dissemination
Spores of powdery mildew are carried by water, wind and rain. They routinely travel long distances carried by storm systems that affect wide areas. In the home garden, the spores are often carried on clothing or spread by handling of infected plants. Overhead watering spreads spores by splashing them from one plant to another.
Prevention and Control
Planting resistant varieties of zucchini is always the first and best means of preventing these diseases.
Downy and powdery mildew thrive in warm, moist areas with poor air circulation. Plant zucchini plants far enough apart to allow air to circulate freely, and water plants in the early morning hours to allow the leaves to dry quickly. Drip irrigation is beneficial for controlling water-splashed spread of the spores.
Regular spraying every seven to ten days with broad spectrum fungicides before or at the first sign of infection provides some measure of control. Liquid copper and a solution of baking soda and water are organic alternatives. Always spray plants early in the morning and cover all areas of the plant with the fungicide solution. Fungi cannot thrive in an alkaline environment, so a baking soda solution sprayed regularly may prevent infection.
Downy Mildew
Downy mildew spores are a purplish-gray and are only found on the undersides of the leaves, often first appearing as a water-soaked area. The symptoms of downy mildew only occur on the leaves; green leaf petioles often still hold the dead leaf tissue upright. Angular spots start out pale green and turn yellow, eventually causing tissue death. Several spots often join into a group.
Identification can be challenging, since spores are not always present. Downy mildew spores cannot survive extreme cold temperatures, and they are only found when conditions are favorable during the warmer months.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is easily recognizable by its white talcum-powder appearance. Powdery mildew is a host-specific fungus, meaning the pathogen that attacks one plant won't attack another. The fungus that attacks zucchini can also infect other members of the cucurbit family.
The white, powdery growth appears on both the bottom and top of leaves and on petioles and stems. It first strikes the crown leaves, shaded lower leaves and the undersides of leaves of older plants. Yellow spots appear, which quickly spread and cause leaf death.
Dissemination
Spores of powdery mildew are carried by water, wind and rain. They routinely travel long distances carried by storm systems that affect wide areas. In the home garden, the spores are often carried on clothing or spread by handling of infected plants. Overhead watering spreads spores by splashing them from one plant to another.
Prevention and Control
Planting resistant varieties of zucchini is always the first and best means of preventing these diseases.
Downy and powdery mildew thrive in warm, moist areas with poor air circulation. Plant zucchini plants far enough apart to allow air to circulate freely, and water plants in the early morning hours to allow the leaves to dry quickly. Drip irrigation is beneficial for controlling water-splashed spread of the spores.
Regular spraying every seven to ten days with broad spectrum fungicides before or at the first sign of infection provides some measure of control. Liquid copper and a solution of baking soda and water are organic alternatives. Always spray plants early in the morning and cover all areas of the plant with the fungicide solution. Fungi cannot thrive in an alkaline environment, so a baking soda solution sprayed regularly may prevent infection.
0
0
Article
Miss Chen
03-08
Description: This perennial wildflower is 2–3½' tall, branching occasionally. The stems are medium green to brown and sparsely to densely covered with both hooked and straight hairs. Alternate compound leaves occur at intervals along these stems; the structure of the leaves is trifoliate. Each compound leaf has a hairy petiole up to ½" long; at the base of each petiole, there is a pair of tiny deciduous stipules that are linear-lanceolate in shape. Individual leaflets are up to 2½" long and 1¼" across; they are oval to narrowly oval in shape, smooth and slightly ciliate along their margins, and rough-textured. Their upper surfaces are medium green and sparsely covered with short stiff hairs, while their lower surfaces are light green and covered with similar hairs. The terminal leaflet is larger in size than the lateral leaflets; the lateral leaflets have very short petiolules (secondary petioles), while the petiolule of the terminal leaflet is up to ½" long.
The upper stems terminate in either panicles or racemes of flowers about ½–1½' long and about one-third as much across or less. The central stalk of a panicle branches either oppositely or in whorls of 3. Both the central stalk and its lateral branches (if any) are covered with hooked hairs. Individual flowers occur on short pedicels up to ½" long. Each flower is about ¼" long, consisting of 5 pink to rosy pink petals, a very short tubular calyx that is toothed, an ovary with a single style, and several stamens. The flower has a pea-like structure, consisting of an upper banner and two lateral wings that enclose a lower keel. At the base of the banner, there is a small patch of yellow. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts about 1–1½ months. Fertile flowers are replaced by small loments (segmented flat seedpods) about ½–¾" long. Each loment usually consists of 2-3 segments; the lower side of each segment is more rounded than the upper side. Loments have veryDistribution Map short stipes and sometimes terminal beaks; their sides are covered with hooked hairs. Each segment of a loment contains a single seed. The root system consists of a narrow caudex with fibrous roots. This wildflower reproduces by reseeding itself, sometimes forming small colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, dry-mesic conditions, and sandy or rocky soil. Nitrogen is added to the soil through a symbiotic association between the root system and mycorrhizal bacteria.
Range & Habitat: The native Obtuse-Leaved Tick Trefoil occurs in scattered locations in southern, western, and a few other areas in Illinois; it is uncommon within the state. Illinois lies along the NW range limit of this species. Habitats include open sandy woodlands, upland rocky woodlands, sandy savannas, woodland edges, rocky glades, and powerline clearances in sandy or rocky woodlands. Occasional wildfires or other disturbance tends to increase populations of this wildflower in the preceding habitats.
Faunal Associations: The flowers offer only pollen as a reward to insect visitors. These floral visitors consist primarily of bumblebees (Bombus spp.), long-horned bees (Melissodes spp.), and leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.). Other insects feed on the foliage, flowers, seedpods, or plant juices of Desmodium spp. (Tick Trefoil species). These insect feeders include such skipper caterpillars as Achalarus lyciades (Hoary Edge), Thorybes bathyllus (Southern Cloudywing), Thorybes pylades (Northern Cloudywing), and Epargyreus clarus (Silver-Spotted Skipper); the caterpillars of the butterflies Everes comyntas (Eastern Tailed Blue) and Strymon melinus (Gray Hairstreak) also feed on these plants. Other insects feeders include various beetles, stink bugs, aphids, thrips, and moths (see Insect Table for a listing of these species). Among vertebrate animals, the seeds are eaten by some upland gamebirds (Bobwhite, Wild Turkey) and small rodents (White-Footed Mouse, Deer Mouse), while the foliage is browsed by White-Tailed Deer and the Cottontail Rabbit. The foliage is also palatable to cattle, horses, and sheep. The seedpods cling readily to the fur of animals and the clothing of humans; as a result, the seeds are distributed to new locations.
Photographic Location: A sandy savanna at the Hooper Branch Savanna Nature Preserve in Iroquois County, Illinois.
Comments: This is one of several Desmodium spp. (Tick Trefoil species) in Illinois. Many of these species are found in savannas and open woodlands; their small pinkish flowers are very similar to each other. Obtuse-Leaved Tick Trefoil has wider leaflets than most other species in this genus (about 2-3 times as long as they are wide). Other critical features for identification include the following: 1) the stipules are tiny and deciduous, 2) the loments usually consist of only 2-3 segments, 3) the segments of the loments are rounded on both sides, although more so on their lower sides than their upper sides, and 4) the leaflets are relatively large (up to 2½" long and 1¼" across) and rough-textured. Another common name of this species is Stiff Tick Trefoil, which is derived from an obsolete scientific name, Desmodium rigidum.
The upper stems terminate in either panicles or racemes of flowers about ½–1½' long and about one-third as much across or less. The central stalk of a panicle branches either oppositely or in whorls of 3. Both the central stalk and its lateral branches (if any) are covered with hooked hairs. Individual flowers occur on short pedicels up to ½" long. Each flower is about ¼" long, consisting of 5 pink to rosy pink petals, a very short tubular calyx that is toothed, an ovary with a single style, and several stamens. The flower has a pea-like structure, consisting of an upper banner and two lateral wings that enclose a lower keel. At the base of the banner, there is a small patch of yellow. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts about 1–1½ months. Fertile flowers are replaced by small loments (segmented flat seedpods) about ½–¾" long. Each loment usually consists of 2-3 segments; the lower side of each segment is more rounded than the upper side. Loments have veryDistribution Map short stipes and sometimes terminal beaks; their sides are covered with hooked hairs. Each segment of a loment contains a single seed. The root system consists of a narrow caudex with fibrous roots. This wildflower reproduces by reseeding itself, sometimes forming small colonies.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, dry-mesic conditions, and sandy or rocky soil. Nitrogen is added to the soil through a symbiotic association between the root system and mycorrhizal bacteria.
Range & Habitat: The native Obtuse-Leaved Tick Trefoil occurs in scattered locations in southern, western, and a few other areas in Illinois; it is uncommon within the state. Illinois lies along the NW range limit of this species. Habitats include open sandy woodlands, upland rocky woodlands, sandy savannas, woodland edges, rocky glades, and powerline clearances in sandy or rocky woodlands. Occasional wildfires or other disturbance tends to increase populations of this wildflower in the preceding habitats.
Faunal Associations: The flowers offer only pollen as a reward to insect visitors. These floral visitors consist primarily of bumblebees (Bombus spp.), long-horned bees (Melissodes spp.), and leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.). Other insects feed on the foliage, flowers, seedpods, or plant juices of Desmodium spp. (Tick Trefoil species). These insect feeders include such skipper caterpillars as Achalarus lyciades (Hoary Edge), Thorybes bathyllus (Southern Cloudywing), Thorybes pylades (Northern Cloudywing), and Epargyreus clarus (Silver-Spotted Skipper); the caterpillars of the butterflies Everes comyntas (Eastern Tailed Blue) and Strymon melinus (Gray Hairstreak) also feed on these plants. Other insects feeders include various beetles, stink bugs, aphids, thrips, and moths (see Insect Table for a listing of these species). Among vertebrate animals, the seeds are eaten by some upland gamebirds (Bobwhite, Wild Turkey) and small rodents (White-Footed Mouse, Deer Mouse), while the foliage is browsed by White-Tailed Deer and the Cottontail Rabbit. The foliage is also palatable to cattle, horses, and sheep. The seedpods cling readily to the fur of animals and the clothing of humans; as a result, the seeds are distributed to new locations.
Photographic Location: A sandy savanna at the Hooper Branch Savanna Nature Preserve in Iroquois County, Illinois.
Comments: This is one of several Desmodium spp. (Tick Trefoil species) in Illinois. Many of these species are found in savannas and open woodlands; their small pinkish flowers are very similar to each other. Obtuse-Leaved Tick Trefoil has wider leaflets than most other species in this genus (about 2-3 times as long as they are wide). Other critical features for identification include the following: 1) the stipules are tiny and deciduous, 2) the loments usually consist of only 2-3 segments, 3) the segments of the loments are rounded on both sides, although more so on their lower sides than their upper sides, and 4) the leaflets are relatively large (up to 2½" long and 1¼" across) and rough-textured. Another common name of this species is Stiff Tick Trefoil, which is derived from an obsolete scientific name, Desmodium rigidum.
0
0
Article
Miss Chen
03-02
Description: This wildflower is a biennial or short-lived perennial that forms a low rosette of basal leaves, from which one or more flowering stems develop that are 4-14" long. The basal leaves are ¾-2" long and ¼-½" across; they are oblanceolate to oblong-oblanceolate and pinnatifid (rarely without lobes). The terminal lobes are larger in size than the lateral lobes. The upper and lower surfaces of the basal leaves are grayish green and either short-hairy or glabrous. The stems are erect, ascending, or sprawling; they are usually short-hairy below and glabrous above, but sometimes glabrous throughout. These stems are either branched above or unbranched. The alternate leaves along each stem are ½-1½" long and up to ¼" across; they are linear-elliptic, linear-oblanceolate, or linear-oblong in shape with smooth margins (rarely lobed or sparsely dentate). The alternate leaves are grayish green, sessile, glabrous along their upper surfaces, and either glabrous or short-hairy along their lower surfaces.
Each upper stem terminates in a raceme of flowers. The flowers bloom near the apex of each raceme, while seedpods develop below. Each flower spans ¼" across or a little more, consisting of 4 white petals, 4 green sepals, several stamens, and a pistil with a short style. The sepals are lanceolate with blunt tips and glabrous. The slender pedicels are ¼-½" long and glabrous. The blooming period occurs from late spring to late-summer, lasting about 1-2 months. The flowers are replaced by narrowly cylindrical seedpods (siliques) that are ¾-1¾" long, ascending, glabrous, and somewhat flattened. Each seedpod contains a single row of seeds. The seeds are about 1.0 mm. long, ovoid in shape, and somewhat flattened; they do not possess winged margins of any significance. The root system consists of a taproot. This wildflower reproduces by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, mesic to dry conditions, and soil that is sandy, gravelly, or rocky. Competition from taller ground vegetation is not tolerated.
Range & Habitat: The native Sand Cress is occasional in northern Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is absent (see Distribution Map). In addition to its range in North America, this species is also found in Eurasia. Habitats consist of upland sand prairies, upland gravel prairies, sand dunes near Lake Michigan, sandy upland savannas, sandy upland woodlands, dry areas along sandy paths, and rocky cliffs along rivers. Occasional wildfires are probably beneficial in maintaining populations of this species.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract small bees, Syrphid flies, and small butterflies, including the endangered Lycaeides melissa samuelis (Karner Blue). Other insects feed destructively on the foliage, flowers, and other parts of Sand Cress and other plants in similar genera (Arabis spp., Boechera spp., etc.). These species include the flea beetles Phyllotreta conjuncta and Phyllotreta punctulata, caterpillars of Plutella xylostella (Diamondback Moth), and caterpillars of the following Pierid butterflies: Anthocharis midea (Falcate Orangetip), Euchloe olympia (Olympia Marble), Pieris napi (Mustard White), and Pontia protodice (Checkered White). For North America, little is known about the interrelationships of Sand Cress with vertebrate animals.
Photographic Location: A sandy savanna and open sand dune at the Indiana Dunes State Park in NW Indiana.
Comments: Sand Cress (Arabidopsis lyrata) is somewhat variable across its range and several subspecies have been proposed that are differentiated by the shape of the basal leaves and hairiness of the foliage. It is similar in appearance to Arabidopsis thaliana (Mouse-Ear Cress), Cardamine hirsuta (Hairy Bitter Cress), and Cardamine parviflora arenicola (Small-Flowered Bitter Cress). Sand Cress has slightly larger and showier flowers (6-8 mm. across) than the preceding species. Other characteristics that are useful for identification purposes include: 1) whether or not the basal leaves are lobed, 2) whether or not the cauline leaves along the stems are lobed, 3) whether the siliques are erect, ascending, widely spreading, or drooping, and 4) the length of the siliques. A scientific synonym of Sand Cress is Arabis lyrata, while another common name of this species is Lyre-leaved Rock Cress.
Each upper stem terminates in a raceme of flowers. The flowers bloom near the apex of each raceme, while seedpods develop below. Each flower spans ¼" across or a little more, consisting of 4 white petals, 4 green sepals, several stamens, and a pistil with a short style. The sepals are lanceolate with blunt tips and glabrous. The slender pedicels are ¼-½" long and glabrous. The blooming period occurs from late spring to late-summer, lasting about 1-2 months. The flowers are replaced by narrowly cylindrical seedpods (siliques) that are ¾-1¾" long, ascending, glabrous, and somewhat flattened. Each seedpod contains a single row of seeds. The seeds are about 1.0 mm. long, ovoid in shape, and somewhat flattened; they do not possess winged margins of any significance. The root system consists of a taproot. This wildflower reproduces by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, mesic to dry conditions, and soil that is sandy, gravelly, or rocky. Competition from taller ground vegetation is not tolerated.
Range & Habitat: The native Sand Cress is occasional in northern Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is absent (see Distribution Map). In addition to its range in North America, this species is also found in Eurasia. Habitats consist of upland sand prairies, upland gravel prairies, sand dunes near Lake Michigan, sandy upland savannas, sandy upland woodlands, dry areas along sandy paths, and rocky cliffs along rivers. Occasional wildfires are probably beneficial in maintaining populations of this species.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract small bees, Syrphid flies, and small butterflies, including the endangered Lycaeides melissa samuelis (Karner Blue). Other insects feed destructively on the foliage, flowers, and other parts of Sand Cress and other plants in similar genera (Arabis spp., Boechera spp., etc.). These species include the flea beetles Phyllotreta conjuncta and Phyllotreta punctulata, caterpillars of Plutella xylostella (Diamondback Moth), and caterpillars of the following Pierid butterflies: Anthocharis midea (Falcate Orangetip), Euchloe olympia (Olympia Marble), Pieris napi (Mustard White), and Pontia protodice (Checkered White). For North America, little is known about the interrelationships of Sand Cress with vertebrate animals.
Photographic Location: A sandy savanna and open sand dune at the Indiana Dunes State Park in NW Indiana.
Comments: Sand Cress (Arabidopsis lyrata) is somewhat variable across its range and several subspecies have been proposed that are differentiated by the shape of the basal leaves and hairiness of the foliage. It is similar in appearance to Arabidopsis thaliana (Mouse-Ear Cress), Cardamine hirsuta (Hairy Bitter Cress), and Cardamine parviflora arenicola (Small-Flowered Bitter Cress). Sand Cress has slightly larger and showier flowers (6-8 mm. across) than the preceding species. Other characteristics that are useful for identification purposes include: 1) whether or not the basal leaves are lobed, 2) whether or not the cauline leaves along the stems are lobed, 3) whether the siliques are erect, ascending, widely spreading, or drooping, and 4) the length of the siliques. A scientific synonym of Sand Cress is Arabis lyrata, while another common name of this species is Lyre-leaved Rock Cress.
0
0
Article
Miss Chen
02-27
Description: This perennial plant is 3-6' tall and unbranched, except for the flowering stalks of the inflorescence. The central stem is stout and covered with fine white hairs. The alternate dark green leaves are up to 7" long and 2" across. They are lanceolate to narrowly ovate, and slightly serrrated along the margins. The lower sides of the leaves are covered in dense white hairs, which are longer and more prominent than other Vernonia spp. At the apex of the plant, the inflorescence is a corymb of numerous rayless composite flowers. The hairy stems of the inflorescence are usually reddish brown. Each composite flower is about ½–¾" across, and contains from 30-60 disk florets (usually closer to the lower end of the range). These florets are bright magenta and quite showy. There is no floral scent. Numerous dull green or reddish brown bracts subtend the composite flowers, which are aligned together like fish scales. The blooming period occurs from late summer to early fall, and lasts about a month. The root system is densely fibrous and rhizomatous, and will form offsets to create a small colony of plants. The ribbed, slightly hairy achenes have a small tufts of light brown hair, and are dispersed by the wind.
Cultivation: This plant prefers full or partial sunlight and moist to average conditions. It is somewhat drought resistant. Under severe conditions, the plant will wilt and blooms abort. The soil texture can consist of fertile loam, clay-loam, or have a slightly gritty texture from exposed glacial till and gravel. Disease is not troublesome, except for occasional episodes of mildew during the fall. This species is easy to grow.
Range & Habitat: The native Missouri Ironweed occurs throughout Illinois, except in the NW corner of the state (see Distribution Map). It is a common plant. Typical habitats include moist to mesic black soil prairies, openings and edges of woodlands, swamps, seeps, limestone glades, edges of lakes, overgrazed pastures, vacant lots, and areas along railroads. It is common in disturbed areas, but also occurs in high quality habitats.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract long-tongued bees, butterflies, and skippers primarily. Among the bees, are such visitors as bumblebees, Epeoline Cuckoo bees, and Miner bees. Butterfly visitors include Swallowtails, Whites, Sulfurs, Monarchs, Painted Ladies, and others. Bee flies and Halictid bees may also visit the flowers. The flowers are capable of self-pollination in the absence of these insects. The caterpillars of some moths feed on Ironweed species, including Grammia parthenice (Parthenice Tiger Moth), Perigea xanthioides (Red Groundling), and Papaipema cerussata (Ironweed Borer Moth). Mammalian herbivores avoid consumption of this plant because of the bitter taste of the leaves. In overgrazed pastures, Ironweed is an 'increaser' because it is one of the last plants to be eaten.
Photographic Location: Photographs were taken at the Red Bison Railroad Prairie in Savoy, Illinois.
Comments: This is an attractive plant when in bloom, and one of the best attractors of late summer butterflies. Missouri Ironweed can be distinguished from other Vernonia spp. primarily by the number of disk florets in the compound flowers, and the profuse hairiness of the stems and lower sides of the leaves. It is probably the most common species of ironweed in Illinois. Sometimes hybrids occur among different species of ironweeds, making identification difficult.
Cultivation: This plant prefers full or partial sunlight and moist to average conditions. It is somewhat drought resistant. Under severe conditions, the plant will wilt and blooms abort. The soil texture can consist of fertile loam, clay-loam, or have a slightly gritty texture from exposed glacial till and gravel. Disease is not troublesome, except for occasional episodes of mildew during the fall. This species is easy to grow.
Range & Habitat: The native Missouri Ironweed occurs throughout Illinois, except in the NW corner of the state (see Distribution Map). It is a common plant. Typical habitats include moist to mesic black soil prairies, openings and edges of woodlands, swamps, seeps, limestone glades, edges of lakes, overgrazed pastures, vacant lots, and areas along railroads. It is common in disturbed areas, but also occurs in high quality habitats.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract long-tongued bees, butterflies, and skippers primarily. Among the bees, are such visitors as bumblebees, Epeoline Cuckoo bees, and Miner bees. Butterfly visitors include Swallowtails, Whites, Sulfurs, Monarchs, Painted Ladies, and others. Bee flies and Halictid bees may also visit the flowers. The flowers are capable of self-pollination in the absence of these insects. The caterpillars of some moths feed on Ironweed species, including Grammia parthenice (Parthenice Tiger Moth), Perigea xanthioides (Red Groundling), and Papaipema cerussata (Ironweed Borer Moth). Mammalian herbivores avoid consumption of this plant because of the bitter taste of the leaves. In overgrazed pastures, Ironweed is an 'increaser' because it is one of the last plants to be eaten.
Photographic Location: Photographs were taken at the Red Bison Railroad Prairie in Savoy, Illinois.
Comments: This is an attractive plant when in bloom, and one of the best attractors of late summer butterflies. Missouri Ironweed can be distinguished from other Vernonia spp. primarily by the number of disk florets in the compound flowers, and the profuse hairiness of the stems and lower sides of the leaves. It is probably the most common species of ironweed in Illinois. Sometimes hybrids occur among different species of ironweeds, making identification difficult.
0
0
Article
Miss Chen
02-26
Description: This perennial plant is 2½–5' tall and unbranched, except near the inflorescence at the apex. The stout central stem is covered with fine white hairs that are quite short. It may have some light purple coloration in some areas. The alternate leaves are up to 5" long and 2" across. They are lanceolate or lanceolate-ovate with serrated margins. Their green upper surface is rough-textured, while the lower surface is finely pubescent with some short white hairs on the major veins. The leaves are short-petioled or sessile against the stem. At the apex of the plant is a loose cluster of flowerheads that is more or less flattened on top. Each flowerhead has 15-30 magenta disk florets and no ray florets. At the base of the flowerhead, are numerous green bracts with recurved tips (i.e., they have a tendency to curl outward). A disk floret has 5 narrow lobes that spread outward, and a prominent divided style. The tips of the style often curl back to form a pair of small coils. The blooming period is mid- to late summer, and lasts about a month. There is no floral scent. The disk florets are replaced by bristly achenes that are flat and oblong. The root system is coarsely fibrous and produces rhizomes, which enable the vegetative spread of this plant.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun and mesic to dry conditions. This plant is not particular about soil type; it often grows in soil that contains clay or abundant rocky material. This species of Ironweed is more drought-resistant than other species in the genus. It blooms a little earlier as well.
Range & Habitat: The native Baldwin's Ironweed is an occasional plant in southwest Illinois, and it is rare or absent elsewhere (see Distribution Map). This plant is more common in states that lie southwest of Illinois (e.g., Missouri). Habitats include upland areas of dry prairies, hill prairies, glades, openings in upland forests, thinly wooded rocky slopes, pastures, abandoned fields, areas along railroads, and miscellaneous waste areas.
Faunal Associations: Primarily long-tongued bees, butterflies, and skippers visit the flowers for nectar. Short-tongued bees may collect pollen from the flowers, but they are non-pollinating. Among the bees, are such visitors as bumblebees, Epeoline Cuckoo bees, and Miner bees. Among the butterfly visitors, Swallowtail and Sulfur butterflies are particularly prominent. The caterpillars of some moth species feed on various parts of Ironweed, including Grammia parthenice (Parthenice Tiger Moth), Perigea xanthioides (Red Groundling), and Papaipema cerussata (Ironweed Borer Moth). Mammalian herbivores generally avoid eating the foliage of Ironweed spp. because of its bitter taste. In pastures, Ironweeds tend to increase at the expense of other plants.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken of a small colony of plants growing in a prairie at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois, where this species was undoubtedly introduced.
Comments: Baldwin's Ironweed is one of the less common species of Ironweed in Illinois. It is a sturdy plant that is well-adapted to dry prairies. The most distinctive characteristic of Baldwin's Ironweed is the recurved tips of its involucral bracts; this sets it apart from other Ironweed spp. in Illinois, which have appressed bracts. However, there is a less common variety of Baldwin's Ironweed that also has appressed bracts at the base of the flowerheads. Baldwin's Ironweed can be distinguished from Vernonia missurica (Missouri Ironweed) by counting the number of disk florets in a flowerhead – Baldwin's Ironweed has 15-30 disk florets, while Missouri Ironweed has 30-55 disk florets. With respect to Vernonia gigantea (Tall Ironweed), Baldwin's Ironweed is a stouter plant with broader leaves. Finally, the stems and leaf undersides of Baldwin's Ironweed are pubescent, while Vernonia fasciculata (Smooth Ironweed) is glabrous throughout. Sometimes, different species of Ironweed hybridize with each other, making identification difficult. Another common name for Vernonia baldwinii is Western Ironweed.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun and mesic to dry conditions. This plant is not particular about soil type; it often grows in soil that contains clay or abundant rocky material. This species of Ironweed is more drought-resistant than other species in the genus. It blooms a little earlier as well.
Range & Habitat: The native Baldwin's Ironweed is an occasional plant in southwest Illinois, and it is rare or absent elsewhere (see Distribution Map). This plant is more common in states that lie southwest of Illinois (e.g., Missouri). Habitats include upland areas of dry prairies, hill prairies, glades, openings in upland forests, thinly wooded rocky slopes, pastures, abandoned fields, areas along railroads, and miscellaneous waste areas.
Faunal Associations: Primarily long-tongued bees, butterflies, and skippers visit the flowers for nectar. Short-tongued bees may collect pollen from the flowers, but they are non-pollinating. Among the bees, are such visitors as bumblebees, Epeoline Cuckoo bees, and Miner bees. Among the butterfly visitors, Swallowtail and Sulfur butterflies are particularly prominent. The caterpillars of some moth species feed on various parts of Ironweed, including Grammia parthenice (Parthenice Tiger Moth), Perigea xanthioides (Red Groundling), and Papaipema cerussata (Ironweed Borer Moth). Mammalian herbivores generally avoid eating the foliage of Ironweed spp. because of its bitter taste. In pastures, Ironweeds tend to increase at the expense of other plants.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken of a small colony of plants growing in a prairie at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois, where this species was undoubtedly introduced.
Comments: Baldwin's Ironweed is one of the less common species of Ironweed in Illinois. It is a sturdy plant that is well-adapted to dry prairies. The most distinctive characteristic of Baldwin's Ironweed is the recurved tips of its involucral bracts; this sets it apart from other Ironweed spp. in Illinois, which have appressed bracts. However, there is a less common variety of Baldwin's Ironweed that also has appressed bracts at the base of the flowerheads. Baldwin's Ironweed can be distinguished from Vernonia missurica (Missouri Ironweed) by counting the number of disk florets in a flowerhead – Baldwin's Ironweed has 15-30 disk florets, while Missouri Ironweed has 30-55 disk florets. With respect to Vernonia gigantea (Tall Ironweed), Baldwin's Ironweed is a stouter plant with broader leaves. Finally, the stems and leaf undersides of Baldwin's Ironweed are pubescent, while Vernonia fasciculata (Smooth Ironweed) is glabrous throughout. Sometimes, different species of Ironweed hybridize with each other, making identification difficult. Another common name for Vernonia baldwinii is Western Ironweed.
0
0
Article
Miss Chen
02-23
Description: This perennial herbaceous plant is 1–3½' tall, branching occasionally. The central stem and lateral stems are light green to dull red, terete, and sometimes shallowly grooved; they usually have vertical lines of white hairs. Older lower stems sometimes become brownish, woody-looking, and glabrous. Alternate leaves occur along the entire length of the stems, becoming gradually smaller in size as they ascend. These leaves are up to 5" long and ¾" across; they are narrowly lanceolate, elliptic, or elliptic-rhombic in shape, while their margins are entire (toothless) or sparingly serrated. Usually the lower to middle leaves have a few teeth along their middle to outer margins, while the upper leaves are entire. The leaves taper to acute tips, while their bases are wedge-shaped (cuneate); they are either sessile or taper gradually into short winged petioles. The upper leaf surface is medium to medium-dark green and glabrous, while the lower leaf surface is slightly more pale and usually glabrous (very young leaves may be sparsely short-pubescent below). A reticulated network of secondary veins is clearly visible on the lower side of each leaf, and sometimes it is also visible on the upper side. During cold autumn weather, sometimes the foliage becomes purple. The central stem terminates in a panicle of flowerheads up to 8" long and 4" across; smaller panicles of flowerheads are often produced from upper lateral stems and the axils of upper leaves.
Flowerheads, Leaves, & Leafy Bracts
The branches of these panicles are similar to the stems, except they tend to be more hairy and more grooved. Solitary leafy bracts up to 1½" long and 8 mm. across occur where these branches diverge, and they also occur at the bases of peduncles (basal stalks of the flowerheads). These peduncles are up to 1½" long. Each daisy-like flowerhead spans ½–¾" across, consisting of 20-40 ray florets that surround a dense head of numerous disk florets. The petaloid rays of a flowerhead are white and linear-oblong; when a flowerhead is fully open, they are widely spreading to somewhat declined. The corollas of disk florets 3-5 mm. long, tubular in shape, and 5-lobed along their rims; they are initially yellow, but later become orange-red. The lobes of the corollas are triangular in shape and ascending to widely spreading. The ray florets are fertile and pistillate, while the disk florets are fertile and perfect. Surrounding the base of each flowerhead, there are numerous phyllaries (scale-like floral bracts) in several series that are erect to ascending. The phyllaries are 2-4 mm. long, light to medium green, linear-oblong in shape, and glabrous. The blooming period occurs from late summer into autumn for 1-2 months. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by achenes with small tufts of white hair; they are dispersed by the wind. The achenes are about 1.5–2 mm. long, gray to dark gray, narrowly oblanceoloid in shape, slightly flattened, and finely pubescent. The root system is fibrous and long-rhizomatous. Clonal colonies of plants are often produced from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun and moist conditions. Favored locations are poorly drained areas that form pools of water temporarily, but later dry out. This plant can tolerate average levels of moisture and some drought, but it won't grow as large and its lower leaves may shrivel away. The soil can contain loam, clay, gravel, or even large rocks – this plant doesn't seem to care. Some foliar disease may occur, such as patches of rust or powdery mildew, but the foliage is usually in good shape during the blooming period of autumn. In damp open areas, this plant may spread aggressively by means of its rhizomes.
Range & Habitat: The native Panicled Aster occurs in most counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is common. Habitats include disturbed areas of moist prairies, prairie swales, openings and edges of floodplain woodlands, moist meadows along rivers, thickets, gravelly seeps, low areas along ponds and small lakes, edges of marshes, seasonal wetlands, roadside ditches, poorly drained gravelly areas of junkyards, fence rows, pastures, and abandoned fields. This plant often thrives in moist disturbed areas that are subjected to little or no mowing.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract many kinds of insects, including honeybees, bumblebees, leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees (including green metallic bees), Halictid cuckoo bees (Sphecodes spp.), oligolectic Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.), Crabonid wasps (Ectemnius spp. & others), bee wolves (Philanthus spp.), thread-waisted wasps (Ammophila spp.), paper wasps (Polistes spp.), Eumenine wasps, Ichneumonid wasps, Syrphid flies, bee flies (Bombyliidae), Tachinid flies, flesh flies (Helicobia spp. & others), bottle flies (Lucilia spp.), Muscid flies, butterflies (Vanessa spp. & others), skippers, and beetles. Other insects feed destructively on the leaves and other parts of the Panicled Aster (Aster lanceolatus). These species include the leaf beetles Microrhopala xerene, Ophraella pilosa, Paria thoracia, and Sumitrosis inaequalis; larvae of the leaf-mining flies Nemorimyza posticata, Ophiomyia texana, and Phytomyza albiceps; larvae of Asteromyia laeviana (Papery Blister-Gall Midge) and the gall fly Rhopalomyia asteriflorae; the aphid Uroleucon olivei; and caterpillars of a butterfly, Phyciodes tharos (Pearl Crescent); see Clark et al. (2004), Needham et al. (1928), Felt (1917), Blackman & Eastop (2013), and Opler & Krizek (1984). Other insects that feed on this aster and other asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) include the larvae of fruit flies, plant bugs, several aphids, grasshoppers, and the larvae of many moths. Vertebrate animals also use asters as a source of food. The Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey feed on the seeds and foliage of these plants, while the Tree Sparrow and White-footed Mouse feed on the seeds only. Mammalian herbivores also browse on the foliage of asters, including deer, rabbits, groundhogs, horses, cattle, and sheep. In particular, White-Tailed Deer are very fond of the foliage of Panicled Aster, browsing its leafy stems to within inches of the ground (Martin et al., 1951/1961; personal observations).
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a rock-filled ditch near Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Panicled Aster (Symphyotrichum lanceolatum) is rather showy when it is in bloom, even though it is often treated as an undesirable weed. This aster can be difficult to distinguish from other asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) that have small flowerheads with white petaloid rays. It has several characteristics that, when they are taken together, are useful in making a correct identification: 1) its flowerheads are usually ½" across or slightly more, 2) its flowerheads have at least 20 ray florets, 3) its leaves have wedged-shaped bases, rather than rounded or cordate (heart-shaped), 4) its mature leaves are hairless on both their upper and lower sides, 5) its stems usually have lines of fine white hairs, and 6) its panicles of flowerheads have conspicuous leafy bracts. Regarding nomenclature, alternative common names for this plant are 'Tall White Aster' and 'White Field Aster,' while older scientific names include Aster lanceolatus, Aster paniculatus and Aster simplex.
Flowerheads, Leaves, & Leafy Bracts
The branches of these panicles are similar to the stems, except they tend to be more hairy and more grooved. Solitary leafy bracts up to 1½" long and 8 mm. across occur where these branches diverge, and they also occur at the bases of peduncles (basal stalks of the flowerheads). These peduncles are up to 1½" long. Each daisy-like flowerhead spans ½–¾" across, consisting of 20-40 ray florets that surround a dense head of numerous disk florets. The petaloid rays of a flowerhead are white and linear-oblong; when a flowerhead is fully open, they are widely spreading to somewhat declined. The corollas of disk florets 3-5 mm. long, tubular in shape, and 5-lobed along their rims; they are initially yellow, but later become orange-red. The lobes of the corollas are triangular in shape and ascending to widely spreading. The ray florets are fertile and pistillate, while the disk florets are fertile and perfect. Surrounding the base of each flowerhead, there are numerous phyllaries (scale-like floral bracts) in several series that are erect to ascending. The phyllaries are 2-4 mm. long, light to medium green, linear-oblong in shape, and glabrous. The blooming period occurs from late summer into autumn for 1-2 months. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by achenes with small tufts of white hair; they are dispersed by the wind. The achenes are about 1.5–2 mm. long, gray to dark gray, narrowly oblanceoloid in shape, slightly flattened, and finely pubescent. The root system is fibrous and long-rhizomatous. Clonal colonies of plants are often produced from the rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun and moist conditions. Favored locations are poorly drained areas that form pools of water temporarily, but later dry out. This plant can tolerate average levels of moisture and some drought, but it won't grow as large and its lower leaves may shrivel away. The soil can contain loam, clay, gravel, or even large rocks – this plant doesn't seem to care. Some foliar disease may occur, such as patches of rust or powdery mildew, but the foliage is usually in good shape during the blooming period of autumn. In damp open areas, this plant may spread aggressively by means of its rhizomes.
Range & Habitat: The native Panicled Aster occurs in most counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map), where it is common. Habitats include disturbed areas of moist prairies, prairie swales, openings and edges of floodplain woodlands, moist meadows along rivers, thickets, gravelly seeps, low areas along ponds and small lakes, edges of marshes, seasonal wetlands, roadside ditches, poorly drained gravelly areas of junkyards, fence rows, pastures, and abandoned fields. This plant often thrives in moist disturbed areas that are subjected to little or no mowing.
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract many kinds of insects, including honeybees, bumblebees, leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees (including green metallic bees), Halictid cuckoo bees (Sphecodes spp.), oligolectic Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.), Crabonid wasps (Ectemnius spp. & others), bee wolves (Philanthus spp.), thread-waisted wasps (Ammophila spp.), paper wasps (Polistes spp.), Eumenine wasps, Ichneumonid wasps, Syrphid flies, bee flies (Bombyliidae), Tachinid flies, flesh flies (Helicobia spp. & others), bottle flies (Lucilia spp.), Muscid flies, butterflies (Vanessa spp. & others), skippers, and beetles. Other insects feed destructively on the leaves and other parts of the Panicled Aster (Aster lanceolatus). These species include the leaf beetles Microrhopala xerene, Ophraella pilosa, Paria thoracia, and Sumitrosis inaequalis; larvae of the leaf-mining flies Nemorimyza posticata, Ophiomyia texana, and Phytomyza albiceps; larvae of Asteromyia laeviana (Papery Blister-Gall Midge) and the gall fly Rhopalomyia asteriflorae; the aphid Uroleucon olivei; and caterpillars of a butterfly, Phyciodes tharos (Pearl Crescent); see Clark et al. (2004), Needham et al. (1928), Felt (1917), Blackman & Eastop (2013), and Opler & Krizek (1984). Other insects that feed on this aster and other asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) include the larvae of fruit flies, plant bugs, several aphids, grasshoppers, and the larvae of many moths. Vertebrate animals also use asters as a source of food. The Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey feed on the seeds and foliage of these plants, while the Tree Sparrow and White-footed Mouse feed on the seeds only. Mammalian herbivores also browse on the foliage of asters, including deer, rabbits, groundhogs, horses, cattle, and sheep. In particular, White-Tailed Deer are very fond of the foliage of Panicled Aster, browsing its leafy stems to within inches of the ground (Martin et al., 1951/1961; personal observations).
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a rock-filled ditch near Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: Panicled Aster (Symphyotrichum lanceolatum) is rather showy when it is in bloom, even though it is often treated as an undesirable weed. This aster can be difficult to distinguish from other asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) that have small flowerheads with white petaloid rays. It has several characteristics that, when they are taken together, are useful in making a correct identification: 1) its flowerheads are usually ½" across or slightly more, 2) its flowerheads have at least 20 ray florets, 3) its leaves have wedged-shaped bases, rather than rounded or cordate (heart-shaped), 4) its mature leaves are hairless on both their upper and lower sides, 5) its stems usually have lines of fine white hairs, and 6) its panicles of flowerheads have conspicuous leafy bracts. Regarding nomenclature, alternative common names for this plant are 'Tall White Aster' and 'White Field Aster,' while older scientific names include Aster lanceolatus, Aster paniculatus and Aster simplex.
0
0
Article
Miss Chen
02-06
Description: This perennial orchid is 1-2½' tall and unbranched. The central stem is light green, terete, glabrous, and somewhat stout. There are 2-5 alternate leaves along each stem, developing from sheaths. They are 2-8" long and ½–2" across, becoming smaller as they ascend the central stem. The light to medium green leaf blades are elliptic, elliptic-oblong, or lanceolate-oblong in shape and smooth along their margins; their veins are parallel. In relation to the stem, the leaf blades are nearly erect and slightly spreading. The central stem terminates in a narrow raceme flowers about 3-8" long. The whitish or yellowish green flowers are arranged all around the central stalk of the raceme on ascending stout pedicels about 1" long. At the base of each pedicel, there is a linear-lanceolate bract about ¾" long.
Raceme of Flowers
Each flower is about ¾" long and across, consisting of 3 petals, 3 sepals, a nectar spur, and reproductive organs. The upper sepal and upper 2 petals (about ¼" long) form a small hood (upper lip) over the reproductive organs and nectary opening. The upper sepal is broadly oblong in shape, while the upper 2 petals are linear to linear-oblong. The 2 lateral sepals (about ¼" long) are broadly oblong and usually curve backward from the front of the flower. The lower petal forms a lower lip that is deeply divided into 3 fan-shaped lobes. The lateral lobes and usually the central lobe are deeply fringed; less often, the central lobe is shallowly divided into 2-3 smaller lobes. The fringed lower lip may be more white than other parts of the flower. At the back of the flower, there is a narrowly cylindrical nectar spur about ¾" long that nods downward. The blooming period occurs during mid-summer and lasts about 3 weeks. The flowers are often fragrant, especially at night. Fertile flowers are replaced by narrowly ellipsoid seed capsules about ¾" long. The seed capsules split open to release numerous tiny seeds, which are distributed by the wind. The root system consists of fleshy fibrous roots. Sometimes, vegetative offsets develop a short distance from the mother plant.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist conditions, and an acidic soil containing sand, silt-loam, peaty material, or some gravel. Like other orchids, this species requires the appropriate endomycorrhizal fungus in the soil for proper growth and development. It can be difficult to transplant successfully.
Range & Habitat: The native Green-Fringed Orchid has been found in most areas of Illinois, particularly the NE section of the state; it is relatively uncommon. Habitats include moist prairies and sand prairies, sandy swamps, moist open woodlands, shrubby bogs, acidic gravelly seeps, low areas along streams, sandy fields, powerline clearances, and ditches. Green-Fringed Orchid is more likely to appear in degraded areas than many other orchids, although it also occurs in higher quality habitats.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated primarily by moths, including Noctuid moths and Sphinx moths. Such species as Anagrapha falcifera (Celery Looper Moth), Allagrapha aerea (Unspotted Looper Moth), and Hemaris thysbe (Hummingbird Clearwing) have been observed sucking nectar from the flowers. Mammalian herbivores (deer, rabbits, cattle, etc.) sometimes enjoy a gourmet meal by browsing on the foliage and flowers of this and other terrestrial orchids.
Photographic Location: A prairie in Fayette County, Illinois. The photograph of the flowering plant was taken by Keith & Patty Horn (Copyright © 2009).
Comments: Because of its greenish flowers, this orchid doesn't stand out from the background to the same extent as more colorful orchids in its genus. However, it has a delicate beauty that is peculiarly its own. While there are many orchids in the Midwest that have greenish flowers, this orchid is the only one with a deeply fringed lower lip. Compared to the similar Platanthera leucophaea (Prairie White-Fringed Orchid), the Green-Fringed Orchid has a lower lip with more narrow and insubstantial lobes (this applies particularly to the central lobe). Other species in this genus, e.g. Platanthera blephariglottis (White-Fringed Orchid) and Platanthera ciliaris (Orange-Fringed Orchid), have fringed lower lips that are not divided into major lobes. Thus, not only color, but also subtle differences in floral structure, are important in the identification of an orchid species in this interesting genus.
Raceme of Flowers
Each flower is about ¾" long and across, consisting of 3 petals, 3 sepals, a nectar spur, and reproductive organs. The upper sepal and upper 2 petals (about ¼" long) form a small hood (upper lip) over the reproductive organs and nectary opening. The upper sepal is broadly oblong in shape, while the upper 2 petals are linear to linear-oblong. The 2 lateral sepals (about ¼" long) are broadly oblong and usually curve backward from the front of the flower. The lower petal forms a lower lip that is deeply divided into 3 fan-shaped lobes. The lateral lobes and usually the central lobe are deeply fringed; less often, the central lobe is shallowly divided into 2-3 smaller lobes. The fringed lower lip may be more white than other parts of the flower. At the back of the flower, there is a narrowly cylindrical nectar spur about ¾" long that nods downward. The blooming period occurs during mid-summer and lasts about 3 weeks. The flowers are often fragrant, especially at night. Fertile flowers are replaced by narrowly ellipsoid seed capsules about ¾" long. The seed capsules split open to release numerous tiny seeds, which are distributed by the wind. The root system consists of fleshy fibrous roots. Sometimes, vegetative offsets develop a short distance from the mother plant.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist conditions, and an acidic soil containing sand, silt-loam, peaty material, or some gravel. Like other orchids, this species requires the appropriate endomycorrhizal fungus in the soil for proper growth and development. It can be difficult to transplant successfully.
Range & Habitat: The native Green-Fringed Orchid has been found in most areas of Illinois, particularly the NE section of the state; it is relatively uncommon. Habitats include moist prairies and sand prairies, sandy swamps, moist open woodlands, shrubby bogs, acidic gravelly seeps, low areas along streams, sandy fields, powerline clearances, and ditches. Green-Fringed Orchid is more likely to appear in degraded areas than many other orchids, although it also occurs in higher quality habitats.
Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated primarily by moths, including Noctuid moths and Sphinx moths. Such species as Anagrapha falcifera (Celery Looper Moth), Allagrapha aerea (Unspotted Looper Moth), and Hemaris thysbe (Hummingbird Clearwing) have been observed sucking nectar from the flowers. Mammalian herbivores (deer, rabbits, cattle, etc.) sometimes enjoy a gourmet meal by browsing on the foliage and flowers of this and other terrestrial orchids.
Photographic Location: A prairie in Fayette County, Illinois. The photograph of the flowering plant was taken by Keith & Patty Horn (Copyright © 2009).
Comments: Because of its greenish flowers, this orchid doesn't stand out from the background to the same extent as more colorful orchids in its genus. However, it has a delicate beauty that is peculiarly its own. While there are many orchids in the Midwest that have greenish flowers, this orchid is the only one with a deeply fringed lower lip. Compared to the similar Platanthera leucophaea (Prairie White-Fringed Orchid), the Green-Fringed Orchid has a lower lip with more narrow and insubstantial lobes (this applies particularly to the central lobe). Other species in this genus, e.g. Platanthera blephariglottis (White-Fringed Orchid) and Platanthera ciliaris (Orange-Fringed Orchid), have fringed lower lips that are not divided into major lobes. Thus, not only color, but also subtle differences in floral structure, are important in the identification of an orchid species in this interesting genus.
0
0
Article
Miss Chen
02-04
Description: This annual plant is 1-4' tall, branching occasionally. It is more or less erect, often bending toward the light in partially shaded locations. The stems are light green to red, terete, relatively stout, and glabrous; they have a tendency to zigzag between the alternate leaves. The leaves are up to 7" long and 2½" across; they are medium to dark green, glabrous on both the upper and lower sides (for this variety), narrowly lanceolate to lanceolate in shape, and smooth to minutely ciliate along their margins. On rare occasions, the leaves are marked with chevrons that are faintly darkened, otherwise they are unmarked. The petioles are up to 1" long, usually light green, glabrous, and plano-convex (flattened above and convex below). At the bases of petioles, there are ring-like ochrea (membranous sheaths) that surround the stems. These ochrea are ¼–¾" long, light green to light brown (depending on their age), longitudinally veined, and translucent; their upper rims are truncate to asymmetric and devoid of bristles. The upper stems terminate in 1-2 spike-like racemes of flowers that are about ¾-2½" long and cylindrical in appearance; these racemes are usually straight and they are erect to ascending.
Small flowers and flower buds are densely crowded along the entire length of each raceme, surrounding its rachis (central stalk) in all directions. Along this rachis, are ochreolae (small membranous sheaths) that are spaced at short intervals from each other; several flowers are associated with each ochreola. Each flower is 3-4.5 mm. long (1/8" or slightly longer), consisting of 5 tepals, several stamens, and a pistil. The tepals are white, light pink, or rosy pink; they are joined together along the lower one-half of their length, while their tips are ovate and erect. The anthers are white or pink. The peduncles of the racemes are ¾–3½" long, light green to reddish green, terete, glandular-pubescent, and either unbranched or dichotomously forked. Peduncles that are forked produce 2 racemes of flowers. The blooming period occurs during the summer or early autumn, lasting about 1 month for a colony of plants. There is no noticeable floral scent. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by achenes (one achene per flower). These achenes are 2-3.5 mm. long and almost as much across; they are dark brown to black, flattened-orbicular in shape, smooth, and shiny. The root system consists of a taproot with smaller and more shallow lateral roots. Colonies of plants are often formed at favorable locations.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist conditions, and rich loamy soil. Standing water is tolerated if it is temporary. This robust plant is rather weedy and easy to grow – it has more tolerance to drought than many other smartweeds. The leaves are rarely blemished by disease, although they are sometimes attacked by insects.
Range & Habitat: The native Pennsylvania Smartweed occurs in every county of Illinois, where it is common (see Distribution Map). Habitats include wet prairies, prairie swales, swamps, low areas near ponds or rivers, edges of marshes, degraded seasonal wetlands, abandoned fields, low areas along railroads, roadside ditches, vacant lots, fence rows, and waste areas. This annual plant thrives on the reduced competition resulting from disturbance.
Faunal Associations: The flowers of Pennsylvania Smartweed attract many kinds of insects, including honeybees, bumblebees, cuckoo bees (Epeolus spp., Triepeolus spp.), digger bees (Melissodes spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees, Andrenid bees, Sphecid wasps, Vespid wasps, spider wasps (Anoplius spp.), Syrphid flies, Tachinid flies, flesh flies (Ravinia spp.), and miscellaneous butterflies and moths (Robertson, 1929). Most of these insects feed on the nectar and they help to cross-pollinate the flowers. Other insects feed on the leaves, roots, plant juices, and other parts of Pennsylvania Smartweed and other smartweeds (Persicaria spp.). These species include the Red-headed Flea Beetle (Systena frontalis) and other leaf beetles, larvae and adults of various weevils, the Polygonum Aphid (Capitophorus hippophaes) and other aphids, larvae of the Dock Sawfly (Ametastegia glabrata) and other sawflies (Ametastegia spp.), larvae of the Bent-line Carpet (Orthonama centrostrigaria) and other moths, and larvae of the Bronze Copper (Lycaena hyllus) and other butterflies. See the Insect Table for a listing of these and other species.
Among vertebrate animals, the seeds of Pennsylvania Smartweed and other smartweeds are an important source of food to many bird species, including waterfowl, upland game birds, and granivorous songbirds (see the Bird Table). The seeds are also eaten by small rodents, including the White-footed Mouse and wild House Mouse (Whitaker, 1966). According to Ernst et al. (1994), several turtles feed on smartweeds (probably the foliage to a minor extent); this includes such turtles as the Snapping Turtle (Chelydrina serpentina), Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta), Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina), and Slider (Trachemys scripta). Mammalian herbivores usually avoid the foliage of Pennsylvania Smartweed and most other smartweeds because their leaves are somewhat bitter and peppery.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a vacant lot near Urbana, Illinois, and a seasonal wetland at Judge Webber Park of the same city.
Comments: This native plant, along with other members of the genus, is often undervalued because it is considered too common, and the flowers are not thought to be sufficient large and pretty. In fact, Pennsylvania Smartweed is rather attractive when the flowers are bright pink, and its ecological value to birds, moths, butterflies, and other insects, regardless of the color of the flowers, is quite high. Different varieties of this smartweed have been described by some authors (e.g., Mohlenbrock, 2002); Persicaria pensylvanica laevigata is the most common variety in Illinois, which is distinguished from the others by the glabrous lower surface of its leaves. Distinguishing Pennsylvania Smartweed from other smartweed species (Persicaria spp.) can be difficult, in part because of its variability across different populations of plants. This variability includes such features as the color of flowers (white, light pink, rosy pink), the hairiness of the foliage, and the width of the leaves. Pennsylvania Smartweed has the following features that are sometimes helpful in making a correct identification as to species: 1) the ochrea on its stems lack bristles along their upper rims, 2) the peduncles of its inflorescences are usually glandular pubescent, 3) its spike-like racemes are usually straight and more or less erect, rather than curved and nodding, 4) it usually forms taller plants than most smartweed species and its leaves are more long and wide, and 5) its flattened seeds are usually larger in size. Other common names for this smartweed are 'Pinkweed' and 'Big-seeded Smartweed.' Another scientific name of this plant is Polygonum pensylvanicum laevigatum.
Small flowers and flower buds are densely crowded along the entire length of each raceme, surrounding its rachis (central stalk) in all directions. Along this rachis, are ochreolae (small membranous sheaths) that are spaced at short intervals from each other; several flowers are associated with each ochreola. Each flower is 3-4.5 mm. long (1/8" or slightly longer), consisting of 5 tepals, several stamens, and a pistil. The tepals are white, light pink, or rosy pink; they are joined together along the lower one-half of their length, while their tips are ovate and erect. The anthers are white or pink. The peduncles of the racemes are ¾–3½" long, light green to reddish green, terete, glandular-pubescent, and either unbranched or dichotomously forked. Peduncles that are forked produce 2 racemes of flowers. The blooming period occurs during the summer or early autumn, lasting about 1 month for a colony of plants. There is no noticeable floral scent. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by achenes (one achene per flower). These achenes are 2-3.5 mm. long and almost as much across; they are dark brown to black, flattened-orbicular in shape, smooth, and shiny. The root system consists of a taproot with smaller and more shallow lateral roots. Colonies of plants are often formed at favorable locations.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist conditions, and rich loamy soil. Standing water is tolerated if it is temporary. This robust plant is rather weedy and easy to grow – it has more tolerance to drought than many other smartweeds. The leaves are rarely blemished by disease, although they are sometimes attacked by insects.
Range & Habitat: The native Pennsylvania Smartweed occurs in every county of Illinois, where it is common (see Distribution Map). Habitats include wet prairies, prairie swales, swamps, low areas near ponds or rivers, edges of marshes, degraded seasonal wetlands, abandoned fields, low areas along railroads, roadside ditches, vacant lots, fence rows, and waste areas. This annual plant thrives on the reduced competition resulting from disturbance.
Faunal Associations: The flowers of Pennsylvania Smartweed attract many kinds of insects, including honeybees, bumblebees, cuckoo bees (Epeolus spp., Triepeolus spp.), digger bees (Melissodes spp.), leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees, Andrenid bees, Sphecid wasps, Vespid wasps, spider wasps (Anoplius spp.), Syrphid flies, Tachinid flies, flesh flies (Ravinia spp.), and miscellaneous butterflies and moths (Robertson, 1929). Most of these insects feed on the nectar and they help to cross-pollinate the flowers. Other insects feed on the leaves, roots, plant juices, and other parts of Pennsylvania Smartweed and other smartweeds (Persicaria spp.). These species include the Red-headed Flea Beetle (Systena frontalis) and other leaf beetles, larvae and adults of various weevils, the Polygonum Aphid (Capitophorus hippophaes) and other aphids, larvae of the Dock Sawfly (Ametastegia glabrata) and other sawflies (Ametastegia spp.), larvae of the Bent-line Carpet (Orthonama centrostrigaria) and other moths, and larvae of the Bronze Copper (Lycaena hyllus) and other butterflies. See the Insect Table for a listing of these and other species.
Among vertebrate animals, the seeds of Pennsylvania Smartweed and other smartweeds are an important source of food to many bird species, including waterfowl, upland game birds, and granivorous songbirds (see the Bird Table). The seeds are also eaten by small rodents, including the White-footed Mouse and wild House Mouse (Whitaker, 1966). According to Ernst et al. (1994), several turtles feed on smartweeds (probably the foliage to a minor extent); this includes such turtles as the Snapping Turtle (Chelydrina serpentina), Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta), Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina), and Slider (Trachemys scripta). Mammalian herbivores usually avoid the foliage of Pennsylvania Smartweed and most other smartweeds because their leaves are somewhat bitter and peppery.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a vacant lot near Urbana, Illinois, and a seasonal wetland at Judge Webber Park of the same city.
Comments: This native plant, along with other members of the genus, is often undervalued because it is considered too common, and the flowers are not thought to be sufficient large and pretty. In fact, Pennsylvania Smartweed is rather attractive when the flowers are bright pink, and its ecological value to birds, moths, butterflies, and other insects, regardless of the color of the flowers, is quite high. Different varieties of this smartweed have been described by some authors (e.g., Mohlenbrock, 2002); Persicaria pensylvanica laevigata is the most common variety in Illinois, which is distinguished from the others by the glabrous lower surface of its leaves. Distinguishing Pennsylvania Smartweed from other smartweed species (Persicaria spp.) can be difficult, in part because of its variability across different populations of plants. This variability includes such features as the color of flowers (white, light pink, rosy pink), the hairiness of the foliage, and the width of the leaves. Pennsylvania Smartweed has the following features that are sometimes helpful in making a correct identification as to species: 1) the ochrea on its stems lack bristles along their upper rims, 2) the peduncles of its inflorescences are usually glandular pubescent, 3) its spike-like racemes are usually straight and more or less erect, rather than curved and nodding, 4) it usually forms taller plants than most smartweed species and its leaves are more long and wide, and 5) its flattened seeds are usually larger in size. Other common names for this smartweed are 'Pinkweed' and 'Big-seeded Smartweed.' Another scientific name of this plant is Polygonum pensylvanicum laevigatum.
0
0
Article
Miss Chen
01-18
Description: This is a biennial plant that becomes 2-5' tall during its second year. During the first year, a rosette of spreading to ascending basal leaves develops that is up to 1' across. Individual basal leaves are up to 6" long and 2" across; they are elliptic-oblanceolate to obovate in shape, while their margins are unlobed to shallowly pinnatifid, occasionally sinuous (horizontally wavy), and dentate-prickly. During the second year, this plant develops an erect central stem that is unbranched below, while branching occasionally above. The stems are light green, terete, glabrous, and often glaucous. Alternate leaves occur along the entire length of these stems, becoming gradually smaller above; their blades are widely spreading to ascending. The blades of these alternate leaves are up to 8" long and 2" across; they are elliptic-oblanceolate to oblanceolate in shape, while their margins are unlobed to moderately pinnatifid, occasionally sinuous, and dentate-prickly.
The upper surface of both basal and alternate leaves is yellowish green to medium green, glabrous and sometimes glaucous, while their lower surface is light green, glabrous, and sometimes glaucous. In addition, abundant prickles occur along the central vein of the lower leaf surface, while sparse prickles sometimes occur along the major lateral veins. The bases of alternate leaves clasp their stems with short rounded auricles (ear-like basal lobes) that are dentate-prickly and occasionally sinuous. The tips of these leaves are bluntly angled to acute. Both the stems and leaves of this plant contain a brown latex. The central stem and sometimes upper lateral stems terminate in panicles of flowerheads; these panicles are variable in size, but on larger plants they become up to 1½' long and 1' across. The branches of each inflorescence are more slender than the stems, otherwise they share similar characteristics. Small bractlets occur where these branches divide. The flowerheads often fail to open, but they are self-fertile. Those flowerheads that do open (on bright sunny days during the morning), can vary considerably in size, depending on the local ecotype; their diameter varies from 4-6 mm. in some areas to 12-18 mm. in other areas. Each flowerhead has 20-55 widely spreading ray florets and no disk florets. The petaloid rays of the flowerhead are narrowly oblong in shape; their tips are truncate and 5-toothed. The petaloid rays are usually light blue, but sometimes they are white to yellow. The tips of the petaloid rays, where the teeth occur, are often pale bronze.
The bases of flowerheads (involucres) are up to 15-20 mm. long and cylindrical-lanceoloid to lanceoloid in shape; they achieve their maximum size shortly after blooming. Around the base of each flowerhead, the floral bracts (involucral bracts) are arranged in several series; inner floral bracts are longer than outer floral bracts. They are linear-lanceolate in shape (upper-inner bracts) to ovate in shape (lower-outer bracts) and appressed together; these bracts are light green with white to purplish red margins, and they are glabrous. The blooming period occurs during the summer and early autumn, lasting 1½–3 months. Afterwards, the flowerheads are replaced by dense clusters of achenes. Mature achenes are about 4 mm. long, broadly ellipsoid-flattened in shape, and black mottled with brown; each side of an achene has a single central rib (less often 2-3 ribs). At the apex of each achene, there is a white thread-like beak about 4 mm. long, and attached to the apex of this beak is a tuft of white hairs spanning about 15-20 mm. across (individual hairs are 7-10 mm. long). These achenes are distributed by the wind. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, mesic to dry conditions, and soil containing sandy loam, loam, clay-loam, or loess. First-year rosettes of basal leaves may die down during winter, but new leaves are regenerated from the taproot during the spring. Open ground with exposed topsoil facilitates germination of the seed. Cultivation of this plant is not difficult, but it is rather weedy-looking and its flowerheads often fail to open.
Range & Habitat: The native Prairie Lettuce is rare in Illinois and state-listed as 'endangered.' It has been found primarily in the northern and west-central sections of the state (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the eastern range-limit of this species; it is more common in many areas of central and western United States. Populations of Prairie Lettuce have declined in Illinois, where it is found in such habitats as mesic to dry prairies and hill prairies. Disturbed areas of high quality natural habitats (mainly prairies) are preferred. This wildflower probably benefits from the disturbance provided by occasional wildfires and grazing by American Bison; this animal prefers to graze on grasses rather than forbs.
Faunal Associations: Little is known specifically about the relationships of Prairie Lettuce to various fauna. The flowerheads of this plant are probably cross-pollinated by various long-tongued and short-tongued bees. Insects that feed destructively on both cultivated and various species of wild lettuce (Lactuca spp.) consist primarily of aphids and larvae of polyphagous moths. The webmaster observed unidentified blackish aphids feeding on the upper stems and inflorescence branches of Prairie Lettuce. Both White-tailed Deer and the Cottontail Rabbit occasionally browse on the foliage of this plant; the latter animal fed on some of the basal leaves of Prairie Lettuce while it was being cultivated in a garden by the webmaster.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: There are several native and non-native lettuce species (Lactuca spp.) that exist as wildflowers in Illinois. Most of these species are similar in appearance and they can be difficult to distinguish; the presence of both flowerheads and achenes are often required for correct identification. Prairie Lettuce (Lactuca ludoviciana) can be distinguished from many lettuce species by the brown latex of its foliage (rather than white latex). The rays of its flowerheads are often blue, rather than yellow, and the involucres (bract-covered bases) of these flowerheads are usually larger in size (up to 15-20 mm. long). The achenes of Prairie Lettuce have single-ribbed sides (less often 2-3 ribbed) and they have long thread-like beaks that are attached to relatively large tufts of hair (15-20 mm. across). A common Eurasian species, Prickly Lettuce (Lactuca serriola), differs from Prairie Lettuce by having flowerheads with pale yellow rays only (never blue), shorter involucres (up to 10-12 mm. long), and achenes with 5-7 ribs per side, to which are attached smaller tufts of white hair (only 7-10 mm. across).
A common native species, Lactuca canadensis (Wild Lettuce), differs by having leaves that lack stiff prickles along their margins, flowerheads with yellow to orange-yellow rays (never blue), shorter involucres (up to 10-15 mm. long), and achenes with smaller tufts of white hair (10-14 mm. across). Another native species, Lactuca biennis (Tall Blue Lettuce), has shorter involucres (up to 8-10 mm. long), achenes with 5-6 ribs per side, very short or no beaks on the achenes, and smaller tufts of hair (10-12 mm. across) that are light brown, rather than white. Another native species, Lactuca florida (Woodland Blue Lettuce), differs by having leaves with triangular-shaped terminal lobes, shorter involucres (up to 10-12 mm. long), achenes with 5-6 ribs per side, very short or no beaks on its achenes, and smaller tufts of white hair (8-10 mm. across). An uncommon native species, Lactuca hirsuta (Hairy Wild Lettuce), differs from Prairie Lettuce by having hairy stems, hairy leaves with ciliate margins, and flowerheads that sometimes have reddish rays, rather than yellow.
The upper surface of both basal and alternate leaves is yellowish green to medium green, glabrous and sometimes glaucous, while their lower surface is light green, glabrous, and sometimes glaucous. In addition, abundant prickles occur along the central vein of the lower leaf surface, while sparse prickles sometimes occur along the major lateral veins. The bases of alternate leaves clasp their stems with short rounded auricles (ear-like basal lobes) that are dentate-prickly and occasionally sinuous. The tips of these leaves are bluntly angled to acute. Both the stems and leaves of this plant contain a brown latex. The central stem and sometimes upper lateral stems terminate in panicles of flowerheads; these panicles are variable in size, but on larger plants they become up to 1½' long and 1' across. The branches of each inflorescence are more slender than the stems, otherwise they share similar characteristics. Small bractlets occur where these branches divide. The flowerheads often fail to open, but they are self-fertile. Those flowerheads that do open (on bright sunny days during the morning), can vary considerably in size, depending on the local ecotype; their diameter varies from 4-6 mm. in some areas to 12-18 mm. in other areas. Each flowerhead has 20-55 widely spreading ray florets and no disk florets. The petaloid rays of the flowerhead are narrowly oblong in shape; their tips are truncate and 5-toothed. The petaloid rays are usually light blue, but sometimes they are white to yellow. The tips of the petaloid rays, where the teeth occur, are often pale bronze.
The bases of flowerheads (involucres) are up to 15-20 mm. long and cylindrical-lanceoloid to lanceoloid in shape; they achieve their maximum size shortly after blooming. Around the base of each flowerhead, the floral bracts (involucral bracts) are arranged in several series; inner floral bracts are longer than outer floral bracts. They are linear-lanceolate in shape (upper-inner bracts) to ovate in shape (lower-outer bracts) and appressed together; these bracts are light green with white to purplish red margins, and they are glabrous. The blooming period occurs during the summer and early autumn, lasting 1½–3 months. Afterwards, the flowerheads are replaced by dense clusters of achenes. Mature achenes are about 4 mm. long, broadly ellipsoid-flattened in shape, and black mottled with brown; each side of an achene has a single central rib (less often 2-3 ribs). At the apex of each achene, there is a white thread-like beak about 4 mm. long, and attached to the apex of this beak is a tuft of white hairs spanning about 15-20 mm. across (individual hairs are 7-10 mm. long). These achenes are distributed by the wind. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full sun, mesic to dry conditions, and soil containing sandy loam, loam, clay-loam, or loess. First-year rosettes of basal leaves may die down during winter, but new leaves are regenerated from the taproot during the spring. Open ground with exposed topsoil facilitates germination of the seed. Cultivation of this plant is not difficult, but it is rather weedy-looking and its flowerheads often fail to open.
Range & Habitat: The native Prairie Lettuce is rare in Illinois and state-listed as 'endangered.' It has been found primarily in the northern and west-central sections of the state (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the eastern range-limit of this species; it is more common in many areas of central and western United States. Populations of Prairie Lettuce have declined in Illinois, where it is found in such habitats as mesic to dry prairies and hill prairies. Disturbed areas of high quality natural habitats (mainly prairies) are preferred. This wildflower probably benefits from the disturbance provided by occasional wildfires and grazing by American Bison; this animal prefers to graze on grasses rather than forbs.
Faunal Associations: Little is known specifically about the relationships of Prairie Lettuce to various fauna. The flowerheads of this plant are probably cross-pollinated by various long-tongued and short-tongued bees. Insects that feed destructively on both cultivated and various species of wild lettuce (Lactuca spp.) consist primarily of aphids and larvae of polyphagous moths. The webmaster observed unidentified blackish aphids feeding on the upper stems and inflorescence branches of Prairie Lettuce. Both White-tailed Deer and the Cottontail Rabbit occasionally browse on the foliage of this plant; the latter animal fed on some of the basal leaves of Prairie Lettuce while it was being cultivated in a garden by the webmaster.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.
Comments: There are several native and non-native lettuce species (Lactuca spp.) that exist as wildflowers in Illinois. Most of these species are similar in appearance and they can be difficult to distinguish; the presence of both flowerheads and achenes are often required for correct identification. Prairie Lettuce (Lactuca ludoviciana) can be distinguished from many lettuce species by the brown latex of its foliage (rather than white latex). The rays of its flowerheads are often blue, rather than yellow, and the involucres (bract-covered bases) of these flowerheads are usually larger in size (up to 15-20 mm. long). The achenes of Prairie Lettuce have single-ribbed sides (less often 2-3 ribbed) and they have long thread-like beaks that are attached to relatively large tufts of hair (15-20 mm. across). A common Eurasian species, Prickly Lettuce (Lactuca serriola), differs from Prairie Lettuce by having flowerheads with pale yellow rays only (never blue), shorter involucres (up to 10-12 mm. long), and achenes with 5-7 ribs per side, to which are attached smaller tufts of white hair (only 7-10 mm. across).
A common native species, Lactuca canadensis (Wild Lettuce), differs by having leaves that lack stiff prickles along their margins, flowerheads with yellow to orange-yellow rays (never blue), shorter involucres (up to 10-15 mm. long), and achenes with smaller tufts of white hair (10-14 mm. across). Another native species, Lactuca biennis (Tall Blue Lettuce), has shorter involucres (up to 8-10 mm. long), achenes with 5-6 ribs per side, very short or no beaks on the achenes, and smaller tufts of hair (10-12 mm. across) that are light brown, rather than white. Another native species, Lactuca florida (Woodland Blue Lettuce), differs by having leaves with triangular-shaped terminal lobes, shorter involucres (up to 10-12 mm. long), achenes with 5-6 ribs per side, very short or no beaks on its achenes, and smaller tufts of white hair (8-10 mm. across). An uncommon native species, Lactuca hirsuta (Hairy Wild Lettuce), differs from Prairie Lettuce by having hairy stems, hairy leaves with ciliate margins, and flowerheads that sometimes have reddish rays, rather than yellow.
0
0
Article
Miss Chen
01-17
Description: This perennial wildflower consists of a rosette of slender basal leaves and slightly shorter flowering stems. The basal leaves are up to 12" tall and ½" across; they are linear or linear-elliptic in shape and smooth (entire) along their margins. They are medium to dark green with scattered white hairs. One or more flowering stems up to 8" tall develop from the rosette of basal leaves; they are medium green with scattered white hairs. Each of these stems terminates in a rather loose umbel of two or more flowers. Each flower is about ¾" across and it consists of 6 yellow tepals that are widely spreading and lanceolate in shape. The tepals (especially the 3 outer ones) are often hairy along their undersides while the flower is in bloom. In the center, a yellow pistil is surrounded by 6 stamens with prominent golden yellow anthers. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer and lasts about 1 month. Sometimes there is a mild floral fragrance. Each seed capsule splits open irregularly, releasing several glossy black seeds that are covered with concentric rows of minute wart-like projections. The root system consists of a small corm.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to slightly dry conditions, and soil containing loam, sand, or rocky material. This wildflower is not usually bothered by foliar disease during the period of active growth during the spring. It can spread to form loose colonies, but is not particularly aggressive.
Range & Habitat: The native Yellow Star Grass occurs in most counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map). While it is widely distributed, this plant is not particularly common in any given locality. Habitats include prairies, hill prairies, edges of bluffs, savannas, open woodlands and paths through woodlands, fens, sandstone glades, abandoned fields, and lawns. Like Claytonia virginica (Spring Beauty), Yellow Star Grass can spread into lawns if mowing is delayed until late in the spring. Fidelity to any particular habitat is relatively low.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract small bees primarily, including Little Carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), Mason bees (Osmia spp.), and Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp., & others). These insects collect pollen and they are females. Other insect visitors include Syrphid flies and beetles that feed on the pollen. The flowers do not produce nectar. Cross-pollination is required for fertile seeds to develop. Among vertebrate animals, small rodents occasionally eat the corms. Otherwise, little information is available regarding this plant's relationships to other fauna.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a cemetery prairie and a wooded bluff in east-central Illinois.
Comments: This dainty wildflower is like a miniature jewel when it is in bloom. It is rarely more than 6" in height. No other native wildflower within the state closely resembles it, making identification relatively easy
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to slightly dry conditions, and soil containing loam, sand, or rocky material. This wildflower is not usually bothered by foliar disease during the period of active growth during the spring. It can spread to form loose colonies, but is not particularly aggressive.
Range & Habitat: The native Yellow Star Grass occurs in most counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map). While it is widely distributed, this plant is not particularly common in any given locality. Habitats include prairies, hill prairies, edges of bluffs, savannas, open woodlands and paths through woodlands, fens, sandstone glades, abandoned fields, and lawns. Like Claytonia virginica (Spring Beauty), Yellow Star Grass can spread into lawns if mowing is delayed until late in the spring. Fidelity to any particular habitat is relatively low.
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract small bees primarily, including Little Carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), Mason bees (Osmia spp.), and Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp., & others). These insects collect pollen and they are females. Other insect visitors include Syrphid flies and beetles that feed on the pollen. The flowers do not produce nectar. Cross-pollination is required for fertile seeds to develop. Among vertebrate animals, small rodents occasionally eat the corms. Otherwise, little information is available regarding this plant's relationships to other fauna.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a cemetery prairie and a wooded bluff in east-central Illinois.
Comments: This dainty wildflower is like a miniature jewel when it is in bloom. It is rarely more than 6" in height. No other native wildflower within the state closely resembles it, making identification relatively easy
0
0
Article
Miss Chen
01-05
Description: This perennial plant is ½–2' tall, and is unbranched. The light green or reddish central stem is slender and smooth. The opposite leaves are narrowly ovate to elliptic and sessile. They have smooth margins, a prominent central vein, and are hairless. The leaves are up to 3½" long and 1½" across; their upper surfaces are medium to dark green and shiny.
In the upper part of the plant, 1-6 flowers develop from axils of the opposite leaves, with a greater number of flowers at the apex. These tubular flowers are pale blue to blue-violet, often with vertical streaks of purple, green, or white. They are about 1½" long and closed at the top (or nearly so). Each flower has five lobes, with each adjacent pair of lobes connected together by a lighter colored membrane. This membrane is the same length or slightly lower than the adjacent lobes, with an irregular pattern at the top; it is not readily perceptible unless the lobes of the flower are spread apart. Underneath the flowers, the lanceolate lobes of the calyx are erect, spreading only slightly outward; they are not recurved. The blooming period is late summer to fall, and lasts about a month. There is no noticeable fragrance to the flowers. The seed capsules split into 2 sections, releasing numerous small seeds that can be dispersed by wind or water. The root system consists of a long stout taproot.
Close-up of LeafCultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist to mesic soil. This gentian often grows in sandy soil, but will tolerate other kinds of soil, including fertile loam. Foliar disease is not a significant problem, although the leaves sometimes turn yellow in response to strong sunlight and dry weather. It is faster and easier to introduce gentians as transplants, rather them to start them by seed, which is difficult and slow.
Range & Habitat: The native Soapwort Gentian is an uncommon plant that occurs in NE Illinois and a few counties in southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). It can occur in other localities as a result of restoration activities, or as an escape from cultivation. Habitats include moist to mesic sandy Black Oak forests, sandy savannas, sand prairies, and sandy thickets. Less often, this gentian can be found in non-sandy habitats that are similar to those already mentioned. This conservative plant is rarely found in disturbed areas.
Faunal Associations: Bumblebees are the primary pollinators; they are strong enough to force their way into the flowers, where they suck nectar. Sometimes tiny beetles sneak into the flowers to feed on the pollen, while some larger beetles, such as Epicauta pensylvanica (Black Blister Beetle), may knaw on the flowers themselves. The seeds are too small to be of any interest to birds, while the bitter foliage is too bitter deters most herbivores; however, deer sometimes chomp off the tops of the plants.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Hooper Branch Savanna Nature Preserve in Iroquois County, Illinois. This plant was growing in a moist sand prairie.
Comments: Soapwort Gentian usually has pale to medium blue flowers, while Gentiana andrewsii (Bottle Gentian) often has deep blue flowers. Color alone, however, is not a reliable guide to species identification. The calyx lobes in flowers of Soapwort Gentian are fairly straight and upright, while the calyx lobes of Bottle Gentian often curl outward. In the flowers of Soapwort Gentian, the connecting membranes are a little lower than, or equal to, the lobes of the corolla, while they are higher than the lobes in the flowers of Bottle Gentian. There is also a tendency for Soapwort Gentian to have more slender leaves and stems than Bottle Gentian, but this distinction is not always reliable. Soapwort Gentian differs from Gentiana alba (Cream Gentian) with its bluer, less open flowers and sessile leaves, whereas the leaves of the latter strongly clasp the stem.
In the upper part of the plant, 1-6 flowers develop from axils of the opposite leaves, with a greater number of flowers at the apex. These tubular flowers are pale blue to blue-violet, often with vertical streaks of purple, green, or white. They are about 1½" long and closed at the top (or nearly so). Each flower has five lobes, with each adjacent pair of lobes connected together by a lighter colored membrane. This membrane is the same length or slightly lower than the adjacent lobes, with an irregular pattern at the top; it is not readily perceptible unless the lobes of the flower are spread apart. Underneath the flowers, the lanceolate lobes of the calyx are erect, spreading only slightly outward; they are not recurved. The blooming period is late summer to fall, and lasts about a month. There is no noticeable fragrance to the flowers. The seed capsules split into 2 sections, releasing numerous small seeds that can be dispersed by wind or water. The root system consists of a long stout taproot.
Close-up of LeafCultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist to mesic soil. This gentian often grows in sandy soil, but will tolerate other kinds of soil, including fertile loam. Foliar disease is not a significant problem, although the leaves sometimes turn yellow in response to strong sunlight and dry weather. It is faster and easier to introduce gentians as transplants, rather them to start them by seed, which is difficult and slow.
Range & Habitat: The native Soapwort Gentian is an uncommon plant that occurs in NE Illinois and a few counties in southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). It can occur in other localities as a result of restoration activities, or as an escape from cultivation. Habitats include moist to mesic sandy Black Oak forests, sandy savannas, sand prairies, and sandy thickets. Less often, this gentian can be found in non-sandy habitats that are similar to those already mentioned. This conservative plant is rarely found in disturbed areas.
Faunal Associations: Bumblebees are the primary pollinators; they are strong enough to force their way into the flowers, where they suck nectar. Sometimes tiny beetles sneak into the flowers to feed on the pollen, while some larger beetles, such as Epicauta pensylvanica (Black Blister Beetle), may knaw on the flowers themselves. The seeds are too small to be of any interest to birds, while the bitter foliage is too bitter deters most herbivores; however, deer sometimes chomp off the tops of the plants.
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Hooper Branch Savanna Nature Preserve in Iroquois County, Illinois. This plant was growing in a moist sand prairie.
Comments: Soapwort Gentian usually has pale to medium blue flowers, while Gentiana andrewsii (Bottle Gentian) often has deep blue flowers. Color alone, however, is not a reliable guide to species identification. The calyx lobes in flowers of Soapwort Gentian are fairly straight and upright, while the calyx lobes of Bottle Gentian often curl outward. In the flowers of Soapwort Gentian, the connecting membranes are a little lower than, or equal to, the lobes of the corolla, while they are higher than the lobes in the flowers of Bottle Gentian. There is also a tendency for Soapwort Gentian to have more slender leaves and stems than Bottle Gentian, but this distinction is not always reliable. Soapwort Gentian differs from Gentiana alba (Cream Gentian) with its bluer, less open flowers and sessile leaves, whereas the leaves of the latter strongly clasp the stem.
0
0