The following text was taken from http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/index.htm
Only the Prairie Wildflowers was copied onto this page.


 

Purple False Foxglove
Agalinis purpurea
Figwort family (Scrophulariaceae)

Description: This native annual plant is 1–2½' tall, branching occasionally. It has a tendency to sprawl in the absence of supportive vegetation. The dark green stems are grooved and hairless. The opposite leavesClose-up of Flowers are 1-3" long, dark green, and linear. They have smooth margins and a prominent midvein. The leaves are usually hairless, although new growth may be slightly pubescent. Secondary leaves may develop from the axils of the primary leaves along the central stem, but they are smaller in size than the latter. Some of the upper stems develop racemes of flowers. These flowers are up to 1" long and across, and vary in color from lavender to purple. The corolla of each flower is tubular and has 5 spreading lobes that are ciliate, consisting of 2 upper lobes, 2 sides lobes, and a lower lobe. Within the throat of the corolla there are specks of dark purple and 2 patches of pale yellow. There are abundant white hairs within the corolla where the reproductive organs are located. The anthers are pale yellow and the narrow style is white. The green calyx is tubular and divided into 5 triangular lobes. These lobes are one-half the length of the calyx tube or less. The calyx is hairless and has little or no reticulation. The blooming period occurs from late summer until the fall, and lasts about a month. There is no noticeable floral scent. After the flowers are fertilized and wither away, there develops rounded capsules that are a little longer than the calyx tube. These capsules contain numerous tiny seeds. When the capsules split open at the top, gusts of wind can distribution the seeds a considerable distance. The root system is fibrous and possibly parasitic on other species of plants. Purple False Foxglove spreads by reseeding itself, and does not reproduce vegetatively.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist soil that is sandy or peaty. Because the seeds are small, young plantlets may wither away if they are allowed to become too dry. A soil with an acid pH is preferred.

Range & Habitat: Purple False Foxglove occurs occasionally throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map). This is one of the more common Agalinis spp. in the state. Habitats include moist sand prairies, sandy savannas, paths and openings in sandy woodlands, boggy areas, and interdunal sandflats near Lake Michigan. This plant appears to thrive in areas with occasional disturbance as this removes some of the competing vegetation.

Stem, Foliage, & Seed CapsulesFaunal Associations: Bumblebees and other long-tongued bees visit the flowers for nectar and pollen. The caterpillars of the butterfly Junonia coenia (Buckeye) feed on the foliage, while the caterpillars of the moth Rhodoecia aurantiago (Orange Sallow) bore into the seedpods. Little is known about this plant's role as a food source to mammalian herbivores, although it is probably consumed occasionally as the foliage is not known to be toxic.

Photographic Location: Along a path in a sandy savanna at Hooper Branch Savanna Nature Preserve in Iroquois County, Illinois, where this plant species is locally abundant.

Comments: The flowers are quite attractive and produced in abundance during the late summer or fall. At one time the scientific name for this species was Gerardia purpurea, but the purple-flowered false foxgloves were reassigned to the genus Agalinis, while the yellow-flowered false foxgloves were reassigned to the genus Aureolaria. Distinguishing the different Agalinis spp. can be tricky as they have similar foliage and flowers. Purple False Foxglove has larger flowers (up to 1" long and across) than some other Agalinis spp. and they occur on pedicels (flowering stalks) that are shorter than the tubular calyx (the pedicels are about 1/8" long). The flowers are always some shade of purple or lavender, while the flowers of some Agalinis spp. are often pinkish in appearance. Purple False Foxglove is quite similar in appearance to Agalinis fasciculata (Clustered False Foxglove), however this latter species has secondary leaves that are nearly as large as the primary leaves (i.e., the leaves appear to be whorled along the major stems). If they are present, such secondary leaves are smaller in size than the primary leaves in Purple False Foxglove.

 

Slender False Foxglove
Agalinis tenuifolia
Figwort family (Scrophulariaceae)

Description: This native plant is a summer annual about 1-2' tall that usually branches abundantly. It is more or less erect. The slender stems are rather angular with flat ridges, green to reddish purple, and hairless to mostly hairless. The opposite leaves are up to 3" long and 1/8" across; they are green to purplish/reddish green, linear, glabrous, and sessile.

Close-up of Flowers

Individual flowers and their buds are produced from the axils of the leaves on the upper and outer stems; these flowering stems can be regarded as leafy racemes. The swollen flower buds are conspicuously white. Each flower is about ½–¾" across, consisting of a short tubular corolla with 5 petal-like lobes and a tubular calyx with 5 short teeth. The corolla is pink, purplish pink, or medium purple; its 5 rounded lobes are quite large in relation to its tubular base. The lobes are finely ciliate along their margins. The lower interior of the corolla has dark purple spots and a pair of faint yellow lines. Near the upper interior of the corolla, there are 4 stamens with hairy white anthers and an undivided white style (sometimes with a pale yellow tip). The slender pedicels of the flowers are green to reddish purple; they are usually as long or longer than the flowers (at least ½" long). The blooming period occurs during the late summer or early fall and lasts about 2-3 weeks. Each flower lasts only a day or two before its corolla falls to the ground. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each flower is replaced by a globoid seed capsule containing many small seeds that can be blown about by the wind. The root system is fibrous. Slender False Foxglove is partially parasitic on other plants.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to slightly dry conditions, and a rather loose, friable soil containing silt or sand that is slightly to moderately acidic. This species also adapts to thin rocky soil. Its growth is more robust when a suitable host plant is present nearby.

Range & Habitat: Slender False Foxglove is occasional throughout Illinois. Habitats include moist to mesic prairies, sand prairies, savannas, sandy savannas, woodland borders, sandstone glades, thickets, low sand flats, silty or sandy roadside ditches, and edges of fields. This species tends to occur in slightly disturbed habitats with infertile soil and sparse ground vegetation. It has low fidelity to any particular habitat.

Seed Capsules, Leaves, & StemFaunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts long-tongued bees (bumblebees, honeybees, and Large Leaf-Cutting bees), Panurgine bees (Calliopsis andreniformis & others), and butterflies. Some Halictid bees collect pollen, while Syrphid flies occasionally feed on the pollen. Large Leaf-Cutting bees (Megachile spp.) sometimes cut the petals (lobes) of the flowers for nesting material. Among these various insects, the long-tongued bees and Panurgine bees are more effective at cross-pollination of the flowers (see Robertson, 1929). The caterpillars of the butterfly Junonia coenia (Buckeye) feed on the foliage, while the caterpillars of the moth Rhodoecia aurantiago (Orange Sallow) bore into the seedpods. Mammalian herbivores may browse on the foliage of Slender False Foxglove, although it is reportedly toxic to sheep.

Photographic Location: The edge of a field in Vermillion County, Illinois. This species was also growing along the roadside in the same area.

 

Comments: Slender False Foxglove is very showy during the short period in which it is in full bloom. This is the most common and widespread Agalinus sp. in Illinois, probably because it can adapt to a broad range of habitats. There is some variation in the length of the leaves, the presence or absence of fascicled leaves, the size of the flowers, and the color of the flowers across different local populations. Such minor variations have led to the description of different varieties and even different species by some authorities. Generally, Slender False Foxglove differs from many other Agalinus spp. by having flowers with shorter corolla tubes and longer pedicels. In contrast, Agalinus purpureus (Purple False Foxglove) has more elongated flowers (up to 1" long) and shorter pedicels (less than ¼"). Slender False Foxglove also has darker foliage (green to reddish purple) and darker seeds than some Agalinus spp. Members of this latter group (e.g., Agalinus skinneriana) have pale green to yellowish green foliage and pale-colored seeds.

Anise Hyssop
Agastache foeniculum
Mint family (Lamiaceae)

Small Plant in BloomDescription: This native perennial plant is 2-4' tall, branching occasionally near the apex. The four-angled stems are glabrous or slightly pubescent. The opposite leaves are up to 4" long and 2" across, and have short petioles. They are cordate or broadly lanceolate, with crenate margins. The upper surface of the leaves is conspicuously veined and dull green, while the lower surface is white and finely canescent. The foliage has an anise scent. The upper stems terminate in spikes of flowers about 3-6" long. The small flowers are arranged in dense whorls that are crowded along the spike, although sometimes the whorls are less crowded and more interrupted. The calyx of a flower is tubular and has five teeth; it is usually dull blue-violet or a similar color, becoming more colorful toward its tips. The tubular flowers are about 1/3" long, extending beyond the calyx. They are blue-violet. The corolla of a flower is divided into a short upper lip and a longer lower lip. The lower lip has 2 small lateral lobes and a larger central lobe. Exerted from the throat of the flower are 4 stamens with blue-violet anthers, and a style that is cleft toward its tip. The flowers bloom in scattered locations along the spikes for about 1-2 months from mid- to late summer. During this time, calyx of each flower remains somewhat colorful. There is no floral scent. The flowers are replaced by nutlets that oval-shaped and smooth. The root system produces a taproot.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and mesic to dry conditions. The soil can consist of loam, clay-loam, or contain some rocky material. Foliar disease isn't a significant problem, although some of the lower leaves may drop from the central stem in response to a drought. Occasionally, slugs and insects will feed on the leaves, creating holes. This member of the Mint family is more resistant to drought than many others.

Range & Habitat: In the wild, Anise Hyssop is rare in Illinois; it is known to occur in only Menard county in central Illinois (see Distribution Map). This species is more common in areas that lie northwest of Illinois. Typical habitats include openings in dry upland forests, upland areas of prairies, scrubby barrens, and thickets. Cultivated forms of Anise Hyssop are often grown in flower gardens; these cultivars are often hybrids and vary in their fidelity to the wild forms of this plant. Outside of Menard county, populations in the wild are likely to be plants that have escaped cultivation.

Underside of LeafFaunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated primarily by honeybees, bumblebees, and other long-tongued bees, which seek nectar or pollen. The flowers are also visited by an oligolectic bee, Doufourea monardae, which has extended its range into Illinois. Other occasional visitors are Green Metallic bees, bee flies, and various butterflies. Mammalian herbivores normally avoid consumption of this plant, as the anise scent of the foliage is repugnant to them. The anise scent may also deter some leaf-chewing insect species.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken of plants growing in the wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: Because of its rarity, Anise Hyssop is not normally thought of as a prairie species in Illinois, nor does it appear in many field guides of prairie plants for the tallgrass prairie. This plant does occur in the northwestern area of the tallgrass prairie, however, with a few scattered remnant populations elsewhere. Other members of this genus are woodland species. One of them, Agastache scrophulariaefolia (Purple Giant Hyssop), has flowers with similar coloration to Anise Hyssop. However, the foliage of Purple Giant Hyssop doesn't have an anise scent and the the undersides of the leaves are green, rather than white. Purple Giant Hyssop is more pubescent or hairier than Anise Hyssop, and it tends to be a taller plant. The calyx of each flower remains green for this species, unlike Anise Hyssop, where each calyx assumes a coloration that is more similar to the flowers. This latter characteristic can cause Anise Hyssop to look like it is in flower, even when it is not.

 

Wild Garlic
Allium canadense
Lily family (Liliaceae)

Flower & BulbetsDescription: This native perennial plant consists of a rosette of basal leaves that are about 6-12" long and 1/8" across. These erect to semi-erect leaves are linear, flat, and curve slightly outward. Each leaf has a keel along its length, while the margins are smooth. Occasionally, flowering stems emerge from the ground that are the same height as the leaves, or slightly higher. These stems are round, rather than flat, and are held stiffly erect. Each stem develops an inflorescence from within a white sack-like covering that has a pointed tip. This covering splits open and withers away to reveal an umbel of about 6-12 flowers or a similar number of sessile bulbets (frequently some combination of both). The star-shaped flowers are about ½" across; they have 6 tepals that are white, light pink, or pink. Each bulbet is about ½" long, oblong, and white to pinkish red. Wild Garlic is especially likely to flower or have reddish bulbets in a sunny situation. The blooming period occurs during early summer and lasts about a month. There is no floral scent, although the foliage exudes a typical onion scent. The root system consists of a bulb with thick fibrous roots, from which offsets may occasionally form. This plant can also reproduce by the seeds or bulbets in the inflorescence.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist to mesic conditions. This plant also grows in light shade in woodland areas, but is less likely to flower. Growth is best in a fertile loam, although other kinds of soil are tolerated. This plant also tolerates some drought. Wild Garlic spreads readily by means of offsets and bulbets, but often fails to produce viable seeds.

Range & Habitat: Wild Garlic occurs in every county of Illinois and is quite common (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic black soil prairies, upland and floodplain woodlands, moist meadows near rivers and woodlands, thickets, borders of lakes, edges of bluffs, abandoned fields andClose-Up of Leaf pastures, areas along railroads and roadsides, and miscellaneous waste areas. This plant has low fidelity to any particular habitat; it is often observed in degraded prairies. This plant doesn't compete well against taller forbs, such as Solidago canadensis (Canada Goldenrod), preferring areas with less ground cover.

Faunal Associations: Small bees are the most important pollinators of the flowers. Flower flies also visit the flowers, but they feed on pollen and are less effective at pollination. Rabbits avoid consumption of this plant because they appear to dislike the onion scent and spicy taste of the foliage. However, some larger herbivores, such as cattle, will consume Wild Garlic along with the grass. This can cause milk to have an off-flavor. Both the foliage and bulbs are edible, although large amounts may be slightly toxic.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Red Bison Railroad Prairie in Savoy, Illinois.

Comments: This is the most common native Allium sp. (Onion) in Illinois prairies. It can be readily distinguished from other native onions, such as Allium stellatum (Cliff Onion) and Allium cernuum (Nodding Onion), by the presence of aerial bulbets. Some exotic onions occur in Illinois, such as Allium vineale (Field Garlic), that also produce such bulbets. These exotic onions have leaves that are more round and hollow, while Wild Garlic has leaves that are flat and solid (like other native onions). There is a variety of the Wild Garlic (Allium canadense var. mobilense) that produces only flowers, rather than bulbets and flowers or only bulbets. However, it is less common than the typical variety, as shown in the photographs.

 

 

 

 

Nodding Onion
Allium cernuum
Lily family (Liliaceae)

Description: This native perennial plant consists of a vase-like rosette of basal leaves. The leaves are about 12" long and up to ¼" across. They are linear in shape, with smooth margins and parallel venation. Unlike many onions from the Old World, the leaves are solid and flat, and there is a small ridge running along their length. They are rather soft and tend to bend outward or downward.

Umbel of Flowers

From the center of the rosette, a single flowering scape may appear that is about 1½' tall. This scape terminates in an umbel of flowers. This umbel faces toward the ground because the scape bends downward at its apex. The flowers are individually about ¼" long, and may be white, light lavender, or pink. A flower consists of 3 petals and 3 sepals (i.e., tepals) with a similar appearance, and has 6 white stamens with yellow anthers. The pedicels are about ¾" long. At the base of the umbel are two membraneous bracts that soon fall off. The blooming season is usually mid-summer and lasts about a month. There is no floral scent. The flowers are replaced by seed capsules containing small black seeds that are light in weight and rather flat. They are distributed to a limited extent by the wind. The root system consists of a bulb that is longer than it is wide. Both the bulb and foliage have a typical onion-like scent. Offsets frequently form, creating small clumps of plants.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist to mesic conditions. The soil can consist of black loam, or contain either rocky or sandy material. This plant resents hot, dry summers. It usually isn't bothered by foliar disease. This plant is easy to grow, and will spread gradually under suitable conditions. It is easier to establish plants by transplants from offsets, rather than by attempting to germinate the seeds.

Range & Habitat: Nodding Onion is an uncommon plant that occurs only in NE Illinois (see Distribution Map). Basal LeavesHabitats include moist to mesic black soil prairies, sandy pannes near dunes, and rocky bluffs. Much of the prairie habitat where this plant once occurred has been destroyed by development. It is more likely to be observed in high quality habitats than disturbed areas.

Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated by small short-tongued bees, such as Halictid bees. Syrphid flies may visit the flowers as well, but they are feeding on the pollen and are non-pollinating. Mammalian herbivores usually don't eat Allium spp., although livestock may consume the foliage along with the grass in pastures, which can provide milk with an off-flavor.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: This plant is easy to identify because of the nodding habit of the flowers. Nodding umbels of flowers are an evolutionary adaptation that tends to restrict insect visitors to bees. Other insects are more reluctant to hang upside down while attempting to feed on nectar or pollen. The nodding habit may also protect the nectar from rain. The Nodding Onion is available in the nursery trade, which often features cultivars with rosy pink flowers.

Cliff Onion
Allium stellatum
Lily family (Liliaceae)

Description: The Cliff Onion is a native perennial plant. It has relatively few basal leaves that are linear, flat, solid rather than hollow, and about ½-1' in length. They tend to recurve outward from the base of the plant.

Umbel of Flowers

The flowering stalk emerges among the leaves and is about 1-1½' tall. It is more stiff than the leaves and remains erect. The attractive flowers are arranged in an umbel at the top of this stem – this umbel is about 2-3" across. Each flower is white, light lavender, or pink, depending on the local genotype, and is shaped like a small star with 3 petals and 3 sepals that flare outward. Each flower is slightly more than ¼" long. The blooming period occurs during late summer for about 3 weeks, by which time the basal leaves will have died down if the weather has been dry. The entire plant has a typical onion-like smell. The root system consists of a bulb with unusually deep secondary roots for such a small plant. This, no doubt, promotes survival during dry weather. If conditions are favorable, the Cliff Onion will slowly cluster at the base, or reseed itself.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and dry conditions. The soil should be rocky, rather limey, and well-drained. However, this plant will grow in ordinary garden soil and average moisture conditions if competition from taller, more aggressive plants, is eliminated. The Cliff Onion is slow growing, but easy to establish, if the preceding conditions are satisfied, otherwise it is likely to become lost in the surrounding vegetation.

Range & Habitat: The Cliff Onion is a rare plant in Illinois, occurring in only a few counties, primarily along the Mississippi River in the SW region of the state. Natural habitats include rocky limestone bluffs and cliffs along rivers, limestone glades, and hill prairies. This plant occurs in more ordinary prairies in areas to the west of Illinois because of the drier conditions.

Faunal Associations: The flowers attract small flying insects, primarily flower flies and small bees. Most native herbivores probably do not feed on this plant because of the onion scent and spiciness of the leaves. However, livestock are known to eat the foliage of native onions along with the grass in pastures.

Photographic Location: The above photograph was taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: The Cliff Onion has a delicate beauty when in bloom, resembling a starburst effect. Sometimes this plant is called the 'Prairie Onion,' however it is more typically found along rocky cliffs and limestone bluffs near rivers in Illinois. The foliage and bulb of this onion are edible, if somewhat strongly flavored. The Cliff Onion differs from Allium cernuum (Nodding Onion) by its more erect inflorescence and slender leaves. It resembles Allium canadense (Wild Garlic), but doesn't produce any bulbets in the infloresence. The Allium spp. from the Old World, such as Allium vineale (Field Garlic), have round hollow leaves, while those of the New World have flat solid leaves.

 

Western Ragweed
Ambrosia psilostachya
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This native or adventive perennial plant is usually 1-2' tall, but sometimes considerably higher; it often branches frequently in the upper half. The stems are covered with white hairs, and have fine lines that run vertically along their lengths. The leaves are more or less sessile and up to 5" long and 2" across. They are lanceolate, but have widely spaced pinnate lobes that are bluntly pointed. Their surface is covered with a fine white pubescence, especially on the lower side, providing them with a whitish green appearance.

Foliage of Western Ragweed

Upper stems terminate individually in a spike-like inflorescence about 1-4" long, which is covered with fine short hairs. This inflorescence is covered all around with small green flowers about 1/8" long on short drooping pedicels. The tiny reproductive parts of these flowers can be white or yellow; eventually, the flowers turn brown and form achenes. The pollen of the male flowers is very small and easily dispersed by the wind. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to fall, and lasts 1-2 months. There is no floral scent. The achenes are without tufts of hair. The root system is fibrous, and produces rhizomes. This plant is a strong colonizer, in part because the root system exudes chemicals that inhibit the germination and development of other plants (allelopathy).

Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry conditions, and poor soil. Although this plant can grow perfectly well in moist, fertile soil, it usually grows in dry soil that contains significant amounts of clay, sand, or gravelly material, as this reduces competition from surrounding plants. This plant is easy to grow, and can become aggressive in sunny, dry situations. It doesn't appear to be bothered much by foliar disease.

Range & Habitat: Western Ragweed occurs occasionally in northern and western Illinois, and is Close-Up of Inflorescenceuncommon or absent elsewhere (see Distribution Map). It is unclear if this plant is adventive from the west, or native to Illinois. Habitats include dry areas of prairies, old cemeteries, areas along railroads and roadsides, abandoned fields, and miscellaneous waste areas. It is more common in disturbed areas, especially if the soil is sandy or gravelly. Western Ragweed may show up unexpectedly in prairie restorations if seed from western areas is used; this is another reason to use seed from local ecotypes.

Faunal Associations: The flowers are wind-pollinated and rarely attract pollen or nectar-seeking insects. The caterpillars of various moths feed on the foliage of this and other ragweeds, including Bird-Dropping moths, the Wavy-Lined Emerald Moth, Ragweed Flower Moth, and others (see Moth Table). Like Ambrosia artemesiifolia (Common Ragweed), the seeds of Western Ragweed are popular with many kinds of songbirds and upland gamebirds (see Bird Table). The seeds are nutritious and remain available through the winter months. Some rodents eat the seeds, including the Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrel and Prairie Vole. Mammalian herbivores eat the bitter foliage of this and other ragweeds only to a limited extent. It is possible that the seeds are only semi-digestible, and may be distributed to some extent by these animals.

Photographic Location: Photographs were taken at the Windsor Road Prairie in Champaign, Illinois.

Comments: Like other ragweeds, the airborne pollen of Western Ragweed can cause allergic reactions in people during the late summer and fall. This plant has high ecological value to moths and birds. It resembles Common Ragweed; however, the leaves of Western Ragweed are simply pinnate, while the leaves of the latter plant are often doubly pinnate and more deeply lobed.

 

Lead Plant
Amorpha canescens
Bean family (Fabaceae)

Leadplant in GardenDescription: This native perennial plant is 1-3' tall, producing occasional side branches. Lead Plant is usually semi-erect; in partially shaded situations, it will sprawl along the ground in the direction of greater lighter. With age, it becomes increasing woody, assuming that growth and development are not disrupted by occasional fires or browsing from animals. The young stems are light green and covered with white hairs. The compound leaves are whitish to greyish green, depending on the intensity of sunlight reaching the plant. Sometimes fine hairs cover the plant to the extent that it appears to be heavily dusted with white lead, hence its name. The compound leaves are bipinnate, 4-12" long, and may have up to 50 small leaflets, each about ½" long and ¼" wide. The small flowers occur along pubescent spikes, about 2-6" long, at the ends of major branches. These flowers range in color from light to dark purple. Each flower has a single upper petal, which is tubular at first, but later unfolds horizontally to protect the reproductive parts. There are also 8 exerted reddish stamens with bright yellow anthers that are quite conspicuous. There is little or no floral scent. The blooming period occurs from early to mid-summer and lasts about 3 weeks. The central root occasionally branches, and can extend 15 ft. or more into the soil.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and average to dry soil. Lead Plant is not particular about soil type, and will flourish in loamy, sandy, gravelly, or clay soil. It adds nitrogen to the soil. Partial sun is tolerated, but it will flower less abundantly and have a tendency to sprawl. Leadplant is easy to grow, but slow to develop – flowers may not appear for at least 3 years. A wire fence or cage may be necessary to protect young plants from rabbits and other herbivores.

Range & Habitat: Lead Plant occurs primarily in the northern two-thirds of Illinois, where it is occasional. In southern Illinois, this plant is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, gravel prairies, hill prairies, limestone glades, and Black Oak savannas. The presence of Lead Plant is a sign of high quality habitat. Because of its deep roots, recovery from fire is very good.

 

Pinnately Compound LeafFaunal Associations: Leadplant attracts long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, and wasps primarily. Among the bees, are such visitors as bumblebees, Leaf-Cutting bees, Green Metallic bees, and Plasterer bees. The caterpillars of the butterfly Colias cesonia (Southern Dogface) have been known to eat the foliage of Lead Plant occasionally, but it often fails to overwinter successfully in central and northern Illinois. The caterpillars of certain moths feed on the foliage of Leadplant, including Catocale abbreviatella (Abbreviated Underwing), Catocale nuptialis (Married Underwing), Catocale amestris (Three-Staff Underwing), and Catocale whitneyi (Whitney's Underwing), while the caterpillars of the uncommon Schinia lucens (Leadplant Flower Moth) feed on the flowers and seed capsules. The nymphs of Schistocerea emarginata (Bird-Winged Grasshopper sp.) also feed on the foliage. Mammalian herbivores, such as deer, rabbits, and livestock, are very fond of this plant. It is high in protein and quite palatable. This can make Leadplant difficult to establish in areas where these animals are abundant.

Photographic Location: Photographs were taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: This is a true prairie plant.

Carolina Anemone
Anemone caroliniana
Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae)

Close-up of FlowerDescription: This native perennial plant is about 3-6" tall, consisting of a few basal leaves on long petioles and one or more flowering stalks. On the lower part of each stalk is a whorl of 3 leaves, while at the apex there is a single flower spanning 1–1½" across. Each tripartite leaf is about 1" across and 1" long when fully mature. It is deeply cleft into 3 lobes, which are often cleft into secondary lobes. In addition to these lobes, there are coarse teeth with blunt tips along the margin. The upper surface of each leaf has silky appressed hairs. The leaves are often reddish purple when they first appear during the cool weather of spring, but they eventually become green. The flowering stalks are densely covered with silky hairs; they are usually some shade of reddish purple. The flower at the apex of each stalk has a daisy-like appearance, which has 8-20 petal-like sepals. These narrow sepals are light blue, light violet, white, or pink, and they are oblong in shape. At the center of each flower there are multiple pistils with yellow styles that are bunched together to form a head, which is surrounded by numerous stamens with yellow anthers. There are no true petals. The large flower buds are often light pink or purple and initially nod downward before becoming erect. The blooming period occurs during mid-spring and lasts about 2 weeks. There is no floral scent. The head of carpels at the center of the flower elongates with maturity and becomes woolly. The flattened achenes have a beak. There is a tuberous swelling of the rootstock at the base of the plant and rhizomes. Carolina Anemone spreads by reseeding itself and vegetatively by means of its rhizomes.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, dry conditions, and a gritty soil that is sandy, gravelly, or rocky. The rootstock may rot away in soil that is too moist and rich. Taller and more aggressive species of plants should be kept away. Vegetative growth and development occurs during the spring.

Flower Bud & Young FoliageRange & Habitat: Carolina Anemone is an uncommon plant that occurs in scattered areas of northern and western Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is absent in southern Illinois. Habitats include dry upland areas of prairies, sand prairies, gravel prairies, hill prairies, barrens with scrubby trees or shrubs and scant ground vegetation, sandstone glades, thinly wooded bluffs, and roadside embankments. Cultivated forms of this species are occasionally grown in lawns, flower gardens, and cemeteries.

Faunal Associations: Information about floral-faunal relations is limited. The flowers probably attract bees and flies during the spring. The foliage is toxic and rarely eaten by mammalian herbivores.

Photographic Location: A flower garden in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: Carolina Anemone produces flowers of exceptional beauty. These flowers are quite large considering the small size of the plant. Across its broad range (mainly in the southern United States), both the flowers and leaves are variable in appearance. The flowers occur in different pastel colors, different sizes, and vary in the number of petal-like sepals. The cleft lobes of the leaves can be quite narrow or rather broad. This showy species produces larger flowers with more petal-like sepals than any other Anemone spp. in Illinois.

 

 

Thimbleweed
Anemone cylindrica
Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is about 1-2' tall. The basal leaves occur in whorls from long stalks that emerge out of the ground. They are dividedClose-Up of Seedheads into 3-5 lobes and have dentate margins. From each whorl of the basal leaves often emerges a second whorl of leaves. These secondary leaves are smaller than the basal leaves, but otherwise similar in form. From each whorl of the secondary leaves emerges a long stalk bearing a single white flower. In less mature plants, sometimes the basal leaves produce flowering stalks, rather than whorls of secondary leaves. Sometimes there are small alternate leaves sparsely distributed along the flowering stalks, but they are more narrow and less lobed than the whorled lower leaves. There are scattered white hairs on both the leaves and their stalks. Each flower is about ¾" across, and has 5 petal-like sepals that often fail to open fully. In the center, is a small green cone that is surrounded by numerous stamens with yellow anthers. As the flower withers, the green cone develops into an elongated fruit that resembles a cylindrical green thimble up to 1½" long, hence the name of the plant. This thimble is at least twice as long as it is wide. The blooming period occurs from early to mid-summer and lasts about a month. There is no floral scent. The thimble-like fruits develop during the summer, and then become transformed into cottony tufts during the fall. These cottony tufts contain scattered dark seeds and persist during the winter. The seeds are distributed by the wind. The root system consists of a taproot and tough slender rhizomes, which can form vegetative offsets. This plant produces an allelopathic substance, protoanemonin, which inhibits seed germination and seedling growth of many species of plants.

Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, and mesic to dry conditions in a rather sandy or gritty soil. In rich fertile soil, this plant has trouble competing with taller, more aggressive plants. Thimbleweed is often temperamental about being transplanted and difficult to start from seed; transplantation should occur during the spring after danger of hard frost has passed. Established plants, however, are reliable and easy to deal with. Foliar disease is rarely a problem.

Close-Up of LeavesRange & Habitat: Thimbleweed occurs occasionally in northern Illinois, is scattered and uncommon in central Illinois, and rare or absent in southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include dry upland areas of black soil prairies, loess hill prairies, scrubby barrens, limestone glades, sandy Black Oak savannas, open sandy woodlands, abandoned fields, and open areas along roadsides. This plant is usually found in less disturbed habitats.

Faunal Associations: The abundant pollen of the flowers attract small bees and Syrphid flies. The bee visitors include Plasterer bees and Halictid bees. Mammalian herbivores usually avoid consumption of this plant because the foliage is toxic, causing a burning sensation in the mouth and irritation of the gastrointestinal tract.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: This unusual plant has attractive thimble-shaped seedheads that later look like white tufts of cotton; otherwise, its appearance isn't particularly showy. Among the native anemones, Thimbleweed has the greatest fidelity to prairies and the best tolerance of drought (not including the Pasque Flower). It can be distinguished from other anemones by the cylindrical seedheads, which are at least twice as long as they are across. Unlike Anemone canadensis (Canada Anemone), Thimbleweed's leaves have petioles, whereas the leaves of the former are sessile. Thimbleweed's leaves differ from Anemone virginiana (Tall Anemone) by having less dentation along the margins, and some of its leaves are palmate.

Pasque Flower
Anemone patens
Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is about ½' tall when it blooms, but later becomes up to 1½' tall. It consists of a few basal leaves and a single flowering stalk with a whorl of 3 leaves. The flowering stalk is densely covered with long white hairs that are soft and silky. The basal leaves are palmately divided inClose-up of Flower compound linear lobes. Each of these linear lobes often have a few coarse teeth along their margins. The upper surface of each basal leaf is relatively hairless, but the lower surface often has long white hairs that are soft and silky. Each basal leaf develops from a long petiole that is hairy like the flowering stalk and lower surface of the leaf blade. The whorled leaves are similar to the basal leaves, except that they are sessile and smaller in size. Above the whorled leaves, is a stout hairy peduncle that bears a single large flower at its apex. This peduncle continues to elongated after the flower sheds its petals. Each flower is up to 3" across when fully open, consisting of 5-8 petal-like sepals, an elongated cluster of white to purple styles, and a ring of numerous yellow stamens. There are no petals. The sepals are pale purple to deep purple and softly hairy on their exterior surface. The blooming period occurs during early to mid-spring and lasts about 2 weeks. The flowers are short-lived and usually bloom on spring days that are sunny and warm. After shedding their sepals, the styles of the flowers become plumose and elongated (individually up to 1½" long); they have a silky appearance. At the base of each mature style, there is a flattened achene. Because of their plumose styles, these achenes can be blown about by the wind. The root system consists of a woody taproot; this becomes swollen into a caudex on older plants, from which several flowering stalks may develop. Pasque Flower spreads into new areas by reseeding itself.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry conditions, and a gritty soil containing gravel or rocky material. Root rot can be a problem if the soil becomes waterlogged from poor drainage. Barren areas with scant ground vegetation are preferred as this reduces competition from other plants.

Range & Habitat: Pasque Flower is an uncommon plant that occurs only in extreme northern Illinois (see Distribution Map). It has been exterminated from many areas because of modern development. This species is native to both North America and Eurasia. Habitats include hill prairies, gravel prairies, and barrens with scant woody vegetation. This species is grown in flower gardens because of its showy flowers; suchClose-up of Foliage cultivated plants may consist of the typical variety from Eurasia, or Anemone patens patens. The variety from North America is referred to as Anemone patens multifida. They are difficult to distinguish, but the Eurasia variety has flowers in a greater range of colors.

Faunal Associations: According to Müeller (1873/1883) of Germany, bees are attracted to the flowers, which offer abundant pollen and minute amounts of nectar. In North America, Halictid bees have been observed collecting the pollen; this includes the species Agapostemon texanus texanus and Halictus rubicunda. The foliage contains a blistering agent and is poisonous, which deters consumption by mammalian herbivores.

Photographic Location: A flower garden in Urbana, Illinois. The flower in the upper photograph is only partially open.

Comments: This is one of the earliest flowers to bloom in a prairie. A scientific synonym for this species is Pulsatilla patens. The common name refers to the religious holiday of Easter, when the flowers are often in bloom. The Pasque Flower has larger flowers than other Anemone spp. (Anemones), and it is unusual in having elongated plumose styles. It shares this characteristic with many Clematis spp., which are twining vines in the Buttercup family.

Field Pussytoes
Antennaria neglecta
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is up to 1' tall, but more commonly ½' or less. It consists of a rosette of basal leaves, which sometimes produces an inflorescence on a short stalk during the spring. The basal leaves are up to 2" long and ½" across; they are oblanceolate, with smooth margins. There is a single prominent vein on the upper surface of each basal leaf, while the lower surface is white and hairy. There are small alternate leaves along the pubescent flowering stalk; they are narrowly lanceolate or linear.

Colony of Flowering Plants

At the top of each stalk, a plant produces a few flowerheads about 1/3" long that are either staminate or pistillate. These flowerheads resemble compact tufts of white hair. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring and lasts about 3 weeks. There is no noticeable floral scent. The flowerheads are quickly replaced by achenes with small tufts of white hair, which are distributed by the wind. Field Pussytoes spread by means of horizontal stolons that are hairy and have small alternate leaves that are narrowly lanceolate or linear. These stolons develop plantlets that root in the ground, and resemble the mother plant. The root system consists of a central taproot. This plant often forms small colonies.

Cultivation: The preference is partial or full sun, and mesic to dry conditions. This plant flourishes in soil that is rocky or contains clay; it also grows readily in fertile loam. Most of the growth and development occurs during the spring, before pests and disease become troublesome.

Range & Habitat: Field Pussytoes occurs occasionally in northern and central Illinois; it is less common in southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, clay prairies, slopes of open woodlands, dry meadows in woodland areas, savannas, shale glades, eroded clay banks, pastures, abandoned fields, and roadsides. This plant is allelopathic, and tends to reduce the height of neighboring grasses and forbs. It is more commonly found in prairies than Antennaria plantaginifolia (Plantain-Leaved Pussytoes).

Basal Leaves

Faunal Associations: Some authorities state that this is primarily a wind-pollinated plant, while others emphasize the role of insects in promoting cross-pollination. Primarily small bees and flies visit the flowers, including Halictid bees, Andrenid bees, Cuckoo bees, Syrphid flies, Muscid flies, and Blow flies (Robertson, 1929). The caterpillars of the butterfly Vanessa virginiensis (American Painted Lady) feed on the foliage. The Bobwhite sometimes eats the seeds, while deer and rabbits occasionally browse on the foliage.

Photographic Location: The upper photograph was taken along a roadside in Vermillion County, while the lower photograph was taken at Prospect Cemetery Prairie in Ford County, Illinois.

Comments: Field Pussytoes is similar to Antennaria plantaginifolia (Plantain-Leaved Pussytoes), but the latter has wider basal leaves with 3 prominent veins. These are both cute-looking little plants that could be grown in rock gardens for spring bloom.

Common Dogbane
Apocynum cannabinum
Dogbane family (Apocynaceae)

Description: This is a native perennial plant from 2-5' tall. Initially, there is only a central stem as this plant develops during the spring, but it eventually forms multiple stems and acquires a shrubby appearance. The opposite leaves are about 3" long and 1½" wide, with an ovate shape and smooth margins. The petioles are usually rather short, and the stems often have a reddish tint. The sap in the leaves and stems is milky and toxic.

Flowers with Visiting Flies

Numerous clusters of small white flowers, sometimes with pinkish accents, occur at the ends of the smaller stems. Each flower is less than ¼" long, consisting of a shallow tubular corolla with 5 slightly flared lobes. The blooming period occurs during early to mid-summer for about 1½ months, and sometimes this plant will bloom again during late summer if it has been damaged and prevented from having flowers earlier in the year. The flowers often produce a strong jasmine-like scent. The skinny seedpods are about 8" long and occur in pairs, which eventually open up along one side during the fall to allow the brown seeds to be dispersed by the wind on their white tufts of hair. The root system consists of a taproot and long rhizomes that can form substantial colonies of this plant.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and moist to mesic conditions. This plant grows best in fertile loamy soil, but it will also tolerate soil that contains some clay or gravel. Neither standing water from spring rains nor summer droughts bother it, although some of the lower leaves may turn yellow and fall off in response to the latter. Some shade is also tolerated, although flowering will be less abundant. In moist locations, this plant can be quite weedy and aggressive.

Range & Habitat: Common Dogbane occurs in every county of Illinois and is quite common. Habitats include moist to mesic black soil prairies, thickets, moist meadows near rivers, woodland borders and savannas, limestone glades, abandoned fields and pastures, vacant lots, junk yards, and along roadsides and railroads. This plant favors disturbed areas, but also occurs in high quality habitats.

Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attract many kinds of insects, including including long-tongued and short-tongued bees, Sphecid wasps, butterflies, skippers, and various kinds of flies. Flies are especially common around the flowers, and include Syrphid flies, Bee flies, Tachinid flies, Blow flies, Muscid flies, and Anthomyiid flies. However, they are not very effective pollinators. The caterpillars of several moths feed on the foliage of Common Dogbane, including Cycnia tenera (Delicate Cycnia), Cycnia oregonensis (Oregon Cycnia), Spargaloma sexpunctata (Six-Spotted Gray), and Hemaris diffinis (Snowberry Clearwing). The latter species is a day-flying mimic of wasps. The colorful Chrysochus auratus (Dogbane Leaf Beetle) also feeds on the foliage. Mammalian herbivores avoid eating this plant if other kinds of food are available because the foliage and stems are highly toxic. There have been cases of hungry livestock succumbing to fatal poisoning from this plant.

Photographic Location: The photograph was taken at a fence row near Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: The flowers are strong attractors of butterflies. Another common name for this plant is Indian Hemp, because native Amerindians derived a strong fiber from the stems, which was used as twine in basketry, mats, and other artifacts. Some early French explorers remarked upon the abundance of this plant in the original prairie, which they referred to as 'hemp' in their writings.

 

Tower Mustard
Arabis glabra
Mustard family (Brassicaceae)

Description: This native biennial plant consists of a low-growing rosette of basal leaves up to 7" across during the 1st year. These basal leaves are up to 3½" long and ¾" across; they are green to greyish green, oblanceolate, dentate, and often slightly pinnatifid with shallow lobes. Their upper surface is often hairy, although they tend to become less hairy with age. During the 2nd year, Tower Mustard bolts during the spring and produces one or more flowering stalks up to 3½' tall. These stalks are light green to dull white, unbranched, hairless, and glaucous. Sometimes there may be a few hairs near the base of the stalks. The alternate cauline leaves are up to 3" long and 1" across. They are greyish green, lanceolate, smooth along the margins, hairless, and glaucous. Some of the lower cauline leaves may be dentate and slightly pinnatifid. The base of each cauline leaf clasps the stalk with a pair of basal lobes, which may be rounded or pointed. During cool spring weather, the cauline leaves may turn purple when they are exposed to full sun. Each stalk terminates in an elongated raceme of flowers and upright siliques (slender cylindrical seedpods). This raceme can become as long as the rest of the plant (up to 1¾' in length) and it has a tower-like appearance. Each flower at the apex of the raceme is up to 1/6" across, consisting of 4 white or cream petals, 4 light green or yellow sepals, a stout style, and several stamens. The pedicels of the flowers and siliques are about ¼–½" in length. The blooming period occurs during late spring to mid-summer and lasts about 1½ months. Each flower is replaced by a slender cylindrical silique up to 2½" long. The siliques are held upright close to stalk of the raceme. Each silique contains 1 or 2 rows of slightly flattened ovoid seeds. These small seeds have narrowly winged margins and they are dispersed to some extent by the wind. The root system consists of a stout taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, mesic to dry conditions, and loam, clay-loam, or rocky soil. This plant also tolerates soil containing sand or hardpan clay. It is fairly easy to grow from seed.

Range & Habitat: Tower Mustard occurs occasionally in the northern half of Illinois, but it is uncommon in the southern half of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include various kinds of prairies (sand, gravel, black soil, or clay), rocky open woodlands, barren savannas, limestone glades, rocky bluffs, and abandoned fields. In Illinois, Tower Mustard has low fidelity to any particular habitat. It also occurs in Eurasia.
Stalk & Cauline Leaves
Faunal Associations: Mostly small bees and flower flies visit the flowers for nectar or pollen. Occasionally various species of White butterflies (Pieridae) visit the flowers for nectar. The caterpillars of two Pierid butterflies, Anthocharis midea (Falcate Orangetip) and Euchloe olympia (Olympia Marble), prefer Arabis spp. (Rock Cresses) as a food source, particularly those Rock Cresses that are typically found in sunny habitats. The caterpillars of another Pierid butterfly, Pieris napi (Mustard White), reportedly feed on Rock Cresses, although this butterfly species hasn't been observed in Illinois since the 19th century. Little information appears to be available about the desirability of Tower Mustard as a food source for mammalian herbivores; however, the foliage is not particularly bitter nor peppery.

Photographic Location: The webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois. By moving the mouse cursor over the upper photograph, the siliques will be revealed.

Comments: Among the various Arabis spp. (Rock Cresses), Tower Mustard is mostly likely to be found in black soil prairies, although it also occurs in other kinds of habitats. The tower-like inflorescence gives this plant an odd appearance that is rather striking, especially when it becomes 3-4' tall. Because Tower Mustard is not difficult to grow and seems rather robust, it is rather surprising that this species is not more common. There are several Rock Cresses in Illinois, which can be found in either sunny or shady habitats, depending on the species. Some species have erect siliques that are appressed against the stalk of the raceme, while other species have siliques that are spreading or drooping. Tower Mustard belongs to the first group. Its appearance is similar to a very rare species, Arabis drummondii (Drummond's Rock Cress). This latter species has flattened siliques containing 2 rows of seeds and the style of its flowers is more slender than the style of Tower Mustard. Another species, Arabis hirsuta (Hairy Rock Cress), has hairs along at least the lower half of its flowering stalks, and it has flattened siliques containing a single row of seeds. The siliques of Tower Mustard are round in cross-section.

 

 

Prairie Indian Plantain
Arnoglossum plantagineum
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is about 3-4' tall and unbranched, except near the inflorescence. The stout central stem is hairless, and often has red and green stripes running along its length. The alternate leaves are up to 8" long and 4" across, becoming smaller and fewer as they ascend the central stem. Their texture is thick and rubbery. These leaves are hairless and broadly ovate. Their margins are smooth or have widely spaced blunt teeth; they are often whitish or reddish in appearance.

Clusters of Flowers

At the apex of the plant, the inflorescence branches into several flattened clusters of greenish white flowerheads, each cluster spanning 2-6" across. Each flowerhead within a cluster looks like an unopened bud – however, closer inspection reveals 5 white flowers surrounded by 5 green bracts with white stripes. The corolla of each tiny flower is divided into 5 lobes. There is no noticeable scent to these flowers. The blooming period lasts about a month and occurs from early to mid-summer. The root system is tuberous and coarsely fibrous.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun and moist conditions. This plant can withstand standing water, but not severe drought. The soil should be rich in organic material, and either a high or low pH is tolerated. Foliar disease doesn't appear to be troublesome.

Range & Habitat: This uncommon plant occurs primarily in NE Illinois, and scattered counties elsewhere (see Distribution Map). At one time, large populations of Prairie Indian Plantain occurred in wetland areas, particularly in the Chicago region, but they have been largely destroyed by modern development. This plant still occurs in such habitats as moist to mesic black soil prairies, dolomite prairies, savannas, thickets, moist meadows near rivers,Close-Up of Leaf limestone glades, marshes, fens, remnant bogs, and calcareous seeps. In developed areas, it may occur along ditches near railroads and roadsides. This is an indicator plant of high quality habitat.

Faunal Associations: The flowers appear to attract only a few insect visitors. Those that have been observed include Sphecodes dichroa (Parasitic Halictid Bee sp.), Myzinum quinquecincta (Five-Banded Tiphiid Wasp), Lycaena hyllus (Bronze Copper butterfly), Cisseps fulvicollis (Yellow-Collared Scape Moth), and Lygaeus turcicus (Lygaeid Bug sp.). These insects were seeking nectar. There is little or no information available about this plant's relationship to birds and mammalian herbivores. Because the foliage is neither toxic nor particularly coarse, it seems likely that mammalian herbiovores feed on it occasionally.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Loda Cemetery Prairie in Iroquois County, Illinois.

Comments: While the flowerheads are not particularly showy, the thick rubbery leaves provide this plant with a presence that is quite interesting and different. This is the only member of the genus Arnoglossum with plantain-shaped lower leaves. The other members of the genus have lower leaves that are wider and more angular, which is probably an accomodation to the lower light levels of the woodland habitats in which they are more likely to occur. While this is often thought to be a wetland species, it also occurs in mesic black soil prairies.

White Sage
Artemisia ludoviciana gnaphalodes
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Colony of Plants in PrairieDescription: This perennial plant is native or adventive from the west. It is usually about 2-3' tall when mature, branching occasionally in the upper half. The stems are covered in a dense mat of short white hairs. The alternate leaves are up to 3½" long and 1" across. They are usually oblanceolate, narrowly ovate, or linear. The lower leaves may have a few lobes or coarse teeth towards their tips, while the upper leaves have smooth margins. Like the stems, the leaves have a dense mat of short white hairs, especially on the lower surface. This variety of White Sage has dense white hairs on the upper surface of the leaves as well, except for the oldest leaves toward the bottom of the plant. The leaves are sessile against the stem, or have short petioles. Some of the upper stems terminate in elongated spikes or narrow racemes of compound flowers. Each flowerhead is only 1/8 across, and contains numerous whitish green disk florets that are inconspicuous. The blooming period is late summer to early fall, and lasts about a month. There is no floral scent, although the foliage of this plant is quite aromatic. Pollination is by wind, rather than insects. The tiny seeds are without tufts of hair, but are small enough to be distributed by the wind. The root system is rhizomatous, and can form a dense mat of roots near the surface of the ground. As a result, this plant has a strong tendency to form vegetative colonies that exclude other plants.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and dry conditions. Poor soil containing hardpan clay, rocky material, or sand is actually preferred as a medium for growth, as this reduces competition from other plants. The foliage is very attractive and doesn't have significant problems with disease. This plant can spread aggressively in some situations.

Range & Habitat: White Sage is occasional in northern and western Illinois, but rare or absent in other parts of the state (see Distribution Map). Some authorities think this plant is native to Illinois (e.g., Britton & Brown), while others believe it is adventive from the west (e.g., Mohlenbrock). It is usually found along railroads and roadsides, and sometimes in dry upland areas of prairies. Cultivated forms of this plant can beClose-Up of Lower Leaves found in flower gardens because of the attractive foliage. If this plant is native, Illinois would be at the eastern boundary of its distribution.

Faunal Associations: The flowers don't attract insects because they are wind-pollinated. White Sage has the potential to cause allergies in humans because of this pollen, but this species isn't very common within the state. An uncommon spur-throated grasshopper, Hypochlora alba, feeds on the foliage of this species and often hides in it during the day. This is because its coloration matches the foliage. Mammalian herbivores don't consume this plant because the aromatic foliage has a bitter taste. The seeds are too small to be of much interest to birds.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois, where a small colony of plants is located in a restored prairie. The plants are not in bloom.

Comments: This variety of White Sage has striking foliage. The typical variety, Artemesia ludoviciana ludoviciana, has greener foliage with fewer white hairs. The leaves of this latter variety are supposed to be broader and more likely to have lobes or serrated margins toward the leaf tips. However, the hairiness and shape of the leaves can be rather variable for this species, regardless of the variety. Other Artemesia spp. have foliage that is more green and pinnately lobed. A few species, such as the introduced Artemesia vulgaris (Mugwort), have silvery hairs on the lower surface of the leaves, but their upper surface is predominantly green.

Prairie Milkweed
Asclepias sullivantii
Milkweed family (Asclepiadaceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is 2-3' tall and unbranched. The stout central stem is light green and smooth. The thick opposite leaves are up to 6" long and 3½" across. They are broadly oblong, with smooth margins, and hairless. At the base, the leaves are sessile or have short petioles. The central vein of each leaf is pinkish or reddish, from which side veins radiate outward pinnately.

A Pair of Flowering Plants

From 1-3 short-stalked umbels of pink flowers emerge from the axils of the upper leaves at the apex of the plant, containing up to 20 flowers each. Each flower is almost ½" across, with 5 strongly reflexed petals that are pink, but whitish near the base. There are also 5 erect pink hoods surrounding a central column that is white. The rather large buds, from which the flowers emerge, are initially green, but become pink. The blooming period is during early to mid-summer and lasts about a month. Afterwards, smooth green follicles develop that are up to 4" long and 1½" across. The upper half of a follicle may contain a few soft prickles, but to a much lesser degree than Asclepias syriaca (Common Milkweed). When mature, a follicle splits along one side and releases the seeds. Each seed has a large tuft of white hairs, and can be dispersed a considerable distance by the wind. The root system is fleshy and rhizomatous, and may occasionally send up vegetative offshoots.
Close-Up of Flowers
Cultivation: The preference is full sunlight and moist to mesic conditions. A rich loamy soil is best. This plant is far less aggressive than Common Milkweed. During drought, some of the lower leaves may turn yellow and fall off the plant. This also happens when the follicles develop, which is quite normal. Active growth occurs during the late spring and early summer.

Range & Habitat: Prairie Milkweed occurs occasionally in the majority of counties in Illinois, but is uncommon or absent in southern and NW Illinois (see Distribution Map). This is a typical plant of moist to mesic black soil prairies. Elsewhere, it can be found in thickets, moist meadows along rivers or near woodlands, and along roadside ditches.

Faunal Associations: Various insects visit the flowers for nectar, including bumblebees and other long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, predatory and parasitic wasps, ants, flies, skippers, and butterflies. Among these, long-tongued bees are the most effective in removing the pollinia and promoting cross-pollination. The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird also visits the flowers for nectar. The caterpillars of the butterfly Danaus plexippes (Monarch) feed on theClose-Up of Leaf foliage. Various aphids suck juices from the upper stems and leaves, including Aphis nerii (Yellow Milkweed Aphid), Aphis rumicis (Black Aphid), and Myzus persciae (Green Peach Aphid). This is one of the milkweeds that the larvae of Liriomyza asclepiades (Milkweed Leaf-Miner Fly) bore tunnels in the leaves. For more insect species feeding on this and other milkweeds, see Insect Table. Because the foliage contains a white latex that is bitter-tasting and toxic, mammalian herbivores avoid consumption of this plant.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Loda Cemetery Prairie in Iroquois County, Illinois.

Comments: Prairie Milkweed resembles Common Milkweed in overall appearance, but the former has flowers that are slightly larger and usually more pink, the leaves are hairless on the undersides, the follicles are smoother, and it tends not to grow as tall. Individual plants of Prairie Milkweed often fail to form follicles because many insect visitors are not effective in removing the pollinia. Some of them become entrapped on the flowers. Another common name for this plant is Sullivant's Milkweed.

Butterfly Milkweed
Asclepias tuberosa interior
Milkweed family (Asclepiadaceae)

Description: This is a native perennial plant that is 1½-3' tall. It may develop as a single central stem, particularly when young, or branch outward to form a small bush in appearance. Older plants tiller at the base, with multiple stems emerging from the large taproot. The alternate leaves are medium green or yellowish green, and slightly shiny notwithstanding the presence of tiny hairs. They are linear or broadly linear in shape, about 3" long and ½" wide, with smooth margins. Unlike other milkweeds, this plant has a clear sap, and the level of toxic cardiac glycosides is consistently low (although other toxic compounds may be present).

Flowering Plant

The erect clusters of bright orange flowers occur at the terminal point of stems toward the top of the plant, and are about 2-4" across. These flowers may bloom intermittently from early to late summer, depending on moisture levels, and are rather long-lasting. There is no floral scent. During late summer, seedpods develop that are about 4-5" long and ¾" thick, with a smooth surface that is slightly hairy. They eventually split open along one side and release the seeds, to which are attached large tufts of white hairs. Dispersion of the seeds is by wind. The root system consists of a woody taproot that is thick and knobby.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun, mesic to dry conditions, and a sandy acid soil. This plant will flourish in other kinds of soil if the site is well-drained, including those that are rocky or contain clay. Sometimes the lower leaves will turn yellow, or the taproot will rot, if there is too much moisture in the ground. Also, if the taproot of a young plant is too close to the soil surface, it may not overwinter Seedpods of Butterfly Milkweedsuccessfully due to heaving. Otherwise, Butterfly Milkweed is easy to grow, although somewhat slow to develop.

Range & Habitat: Butterfly Milkweed is fairly common in Illinois, except some areas in western and NW Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to dry sand prairies and other kinds of prairies (including black soil), open rocky areas of upland oak forests, sandy Black Oak savannas, shale and sandstone glades (in southern Illinois), abandoned fields, and roadsides.

Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts long-tongued bees, Sphecid wasps, and various butterflies, including Swallowtails and Fritillaries. The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird also seeks nectar from the flowers. The caterpillars of Danaus plexippes (Monarch Butterfly) consume the foliage. This plant also attracts other insects, some of which feed exclusively on milkweeds and their relatives. (see Insect Table for more information). Mammalian herbivores avoid this and other milkweeds because of the bitterness and toxicity of their leaves.

Photographic Location: The above photographs were taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden, Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: This is perhaps the showiest of the milkweeds because of the long-lasting and colorful flowers. It is also the only milkweed in Illinois that produces orange flowers. The thick roots were used for various medicinal purposes in the past.

 

 

 

 

Whorled Milkweed
Asclepias verticillata
Milkweed family (Asclepiadaceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is unbranched and up to 2' tall. Whorls of 4-8 linear leaves occur along the slender central stem. This stem is ridged andWhorled Milkweed in Garden hairless. Each leaf is up to 3" long and 1/8" across, with a prominent longitudinal vein, and no hairs. The leaves often curve downward from the stem, and then curl slightly upward toward their outer tips. Along the upper half of the plant are short-stalked umbels of greenish white flowers that emerge from the axils of the leaves. These umbels have up to 20 flowers and span about 2-3" across. Each flower consists of 5 strongly reflexed petals that are light green, and 5 white hoods that are arranged around the center of the flower. An individual flower is about 1/3" across. There is little or no floral scent. The blooming period occurs from early to late summer, and lasts about 1-2 months. Later, slender follicles appear where the flowers have been successfully pollinated. These follicles split along one side to release numerous seeds with large tufts of white hairs. The follicles are about 3-4" long and 2/3" across, with a fairly smooth surface. Seed dispersion is by wind. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. This plant often forms colonies.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and dry conditions. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, sand, or gravel – poor, sterile soil is actually preferred because this reduces competition from taller plants. This plant also grows well in moist to mesic conditions if there is sufficient sunlight. Occasionally, the lower leaves turn yellow and fall off the stem during a drought; this response is normal. Foliar disease is not troublesome. This plant can become aggressive in open sunny areas, and form large colonies quickly.

Range & Habitat: Whorled Milkweed occurs throughout most of Illinois, except for a few southern counties (see Distribution Map). It is occasional to locally common. Habitats include dry areas of black soil prairies, sand prairies, gravel prairies, hill prairies, openings in rocky upland forests, sandy savannas, limestone glades, rocky bluffs along major rivers, pastures and abandoned fields, and grassy slopes along highways. Occasionally, it is found on moist gravelly banks along rivers.
Close-Up of Follicle
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts many kinds of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, and beetles. Among these, bees and wasps are the more effective pollinators. Predatory insects often lurk near the flowers, including Phymata fasciatus (Ambush Bug) and Mantis spp. (Mantids). The caterpillars of the butterfly Danaus plexippes (Monarch) feed on the foliage and flowers. The species Aphis nerii (Yellow Milkweed Aphid) sucks juices from the upper stems and leaves. These aphids often attract ants (which feed on their honeydew), as well as Ladybird Beetles and Green Lacewings (which feed on the aphids themselves). Other insect species that feed on this and other milkweeds can be found in the Insect Table. Mammalian herbivores usually avoid this plant as a food source because of the bitter white latex, which is also poisonous. Whorled Milkweed is among the most poisonous of milkweeds, containing a high concentration of cardiac glycosides. Cattle have been known to poison themselves on this plant, but they rarely eat enough of it to produce fatal results.

Photographic Location: Photographs were taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: This little milkweed blooms later in the year than many other members of the genus, and is good at attracting butterflies. The foliage of this plant resembles a horsetail, but the flowers reveal its membership in the Milkweed family. It can be distinguished from other milkweeds by its skinny whorled leaves and greenish white flowers.

Short Green Milkweed
Asclepias viridiflora
Milkweed family (Asclepiadaceae)

Plant in BloomDescription: This native perennial plant is 1½–2' tall and unbranched. The central stem is light green and usually slightly pubescent, otherwise it is glabrous. The leaves are usually opposite and angle strongly upward from the stem, otherwise they are alternate. They are up to 5" long and 1¾" across, and are usually lanceolate with short petioles. Because this is a variable species, the leaves can assume other forms as well. A typical leaf has a prominent central vein and smooth margins that gently undulate up and down. It is often slightly pubescent, otherwise glabrous. A single umbel of flowers may appear from the axils of the upper pairs of leaves. A typical plant will have 1-3 umbels, with each umbel consisting of 15-30 flowers. Each umbel has a short stalk and hangs downward. Each flower is about 1/3" long, consisting of 5 upper hoods and 5 deflexed petals. The hoods are without horns, and the central reproductive column is very short or absent. Instead, there are masses of winged pollinia. The flowers are light green to green, becoming yellowish green or purplish green as they age. Their pedicels are about ½" long and hairy. The blooming period occurs during early summer and lasts about 3 weeks. If successful cross-pollination occurs, a flower will be replaced by a spindle-shaped follicle about 5" long and 1" across at its widest. The surface of a follicle is smooth, but usually slightly pubescent. This splits open along one side, and releases numerous seeds, each one with a large tuft of white hair. Seed distribution is by wind. The root system consists of a central taproot. This plant occurs as widely scattered individuals, and rarely forms colonies.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and rather dry conditions. This plant will also tolerate partial sun and mesic conditions. If anything, poor sterile soil is preferred, containing gravelly or sandy material, as this reduces competition from taller, more aggressive plants. However, it will also grow quite well in rich loam. After it blooms and forms seedpods, this plant steadily deteriorates.

Range & Habitat: Short Green Milkweed is widely distributed in Illinois, but is absent from some eastern and central counties. In areas where it occurs, Short Green Milkweed is an occasional plant. Habitats Distribution Mapinclude openings in upland forests that are rocky or sandy; mesic to dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, gravel prairies, and hill prairies; barrens, limestone glades, and sand dunes; and abandoned fields. This species of milkweed usually occurs in high quality habitats, rather than disturbed areas. It is easy to overlook, even when it is in bloom.

Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts bumblebees and other long-tongued bees, which are the principle pollinators. Ants are also attracted to the nectar, but they are not effective pollinators. The foliage and other parts of the plant are consumed by the larvae of Danaus plexippes (Monarch Butterfly) and the usual assortment of milkweed insects (see Insect Table). Mammalian herbivores shun this plant because the white latex of the leaves is toxic and provides the foliage with a bitter taste. The white latex also clogs up the mouthparts of insects, reducing the number of species that can feed on this plant.

Photographic Location: The photograph was taken at the Paxton Cemetery Prairie in Ford County, Illinois. This plant was growing in a mesic black soil prairie.

Comments: This non-showy plant is unlikely to receive favor from the mass market in horticulture, but it is nonetheless quite interesting to examine. This milkweed species is rather variable across different localities; there is a variety with narrow leaves that occurs in sandy areas near Lake Michigan. Short Green Milkweed can be distinguished from most other species of milkweeds by its nodding umbels of green flowers. The rare Asclepias meadii (Mead's Milkweed) has this characteristic, but its flowers are noticeably larger in size, and the hoods of its flowers have horns. Another milkweed species, Asclepias hirtella (Tall Green Milkweed) produces nodding umbels of flowers, but they are usually more white than green in appearance, and its leaves are more linear and narrow than the leaves of Short Green Milkweed.

 

Heath Aster
Aster ericoides
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is up to 2' tall, branching occasionally to create a bushy appearance. The hairy stems are green initially, but often become brown when the plant matures. The alternate leaves are up to 3" long and ¼" across toward the base of the plant, becoming less than 1" long and 1/8" across near the flowering stems. They are linear in form and have smooth edges, often with a fine pubescence. The lower leaves usually shrivel and fall off by the time the compound flowers bloom during the fall.

These flowers are very numerous and have a daisy-like appearance. Each compound flower is a little less than ½" across, and consists of numerous yellow disk florets, which are surrounded by about 12 white ray florets. There is no noticeable floral scent. There are numerous needle-like green bracts on the flowering stems, giving this plant a heath-like appearance. The little seeds have tufts of white hairs, and are distributed by the wind. The root system is rhizomatous.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and average to dry conditions. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, clay, or gravelly material; alkaline soil is tolerated. This plant withstands drought. It often spreads vegetatively to form colonies, especially in open disturbed areas.

Range & Habitat: The Heath Aster is found in most counties of Illinois, but is absent from some counties in the western and SE areas of the state (see Distribution Map). Overall, it is occasional to locally common. Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, gravel prairies, dolomite prairies, hill prairies, savannas, openings in dry rocky forests, limestone glades, areas along roadsides and railroads, and pastures. It can be found in both high quality habitats and disturbed areas.
Close-Up of Stem and Leaves
Faunal Associations: A wide variety of insects are attracted to the flowers, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, moths, beetles, and plant bugs. Bee visitors include honeybees, bumblebees, Cuckoo bees, Little Carpenter bees, Leaf-Cutting bees, Halictid bees, Plasterer bees, and Andrenid bees. Wasp visitors include Thread-Waisted wasps, bee wolves, Spider wasps, Sand wasps, Paper wasps, Ichneumonid wasps, and Braconid wasps. Among the flies, are such visitors as bee flies, Syrphid flies, Thick-Headed flies, Tachinid flies, Muscid flies, and others. Various insects suck juices from the plant, including aphids, lace bugs, and plant bugs. The caterpillars of the butterfly Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) feed on the foliage or flowers, as does the caterpillars of many moth species (see Moth Table). Wild Turkeys nibble on the seeds and foliage to a limited extent. Mammalian herbivores, including the White-Tailed Deer, Cottontail Rabbit, and various kinds of livestock, also feed on the tender growth of young plants occasionally, but are less likely to bother mature plants later in the year.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Loda Cemetery Prairie in Iroquois County, Illinois.

Comments: The Heath Aster has a wide distribution, and there is some variability in regards to its size and appearance across different locations. Sometimes it will hybridize with other species of asters, such as Aster pilosus, making identification difficult. The Heath Aster differs from other asters with small white flowers primarily by its short, narrow leaves (never more than 3" long and ¼" across). Also, its flowers tend to be smaller in size and have fewer ray florets (about 12) than many other species.

Smooth Blue Aster
Aster laevis
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is 1½-3' tall. It forms a central stem, with a few flowering side stems in the upper half. The alternate leaves are up to 4" long and 1½" wide, and either green, bluish green, or greyish green. They are broadly lanceolate to narrowly ovate, and usually clasp the stem, although smaller leaves are sessile. Their margins are smooth or slightly serrate. Both the stems and leaves are hairless, or nearly so. The flowering stems produce sprays of numerous daisy-like compound flowers that are individually about ¾-1¼" across. Each compound flower has about 15-30 lavender or light blue-violet ray florets surrounding numerous yellow disk florets, which turn reddish yellow as they age. There is no noticeable floral scent. The blooming period occurs during late summer or early fall, and lasts about 3-4 weeks. During the fall, the achenes develop with small tufts of light brown hair – they are dispersed by the wind. The root system is coarsely fibrous, and has reddish rhizomes with an anise scent. Older plants may develop a branched caudex. Loose colonies of plants may form vegetatively through the rhizomes.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and mesic conditions. This plant isn't particular about soil type – it typically grows in fertile loam or clay loam. This plant remains erect while in bloom, even if it is spoiled, and withstands drought fairly well. It is vulnerable to powdery mildew and other foliar disease to a moderate extent. This is an easy plant to grow, but it sometimes has trouble competing with taller, more aggressive plants.

Range & Habitat: Smooth Blue Aster occurs occasionally in most counties of Illinois, but it is uncommon or absent in western and SE Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic black soil prairies, loess hill prairies, savannas, openings in upland forests and sandy forests, woodland edges, thickets, limestone glades, and roadside embankments.
Close-Up of Flowers
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract many kinds of insects, principally long-tongued and short-tongued bees, Syrphid flies, bee flies, and the occasional butterfly or skipper. Green metallic bees are common visitors. The caterpillars of the butterfly Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) feed on the foliage, while the caterpillars of many species of moths feed on this and other asters (see Moth Table). Other insects that feed on asters include plant bugs, lace bugs, and aphids. The Wild Turkey eats the foliage and seeds to a limited extent. Various mammalian herbivores eat the flowers, foliage, and stems, including deer, rabbits, groundhogs, and livestock.

Photographic Location: Photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: This aster has many attractive qualities, which include its adaptability, beautiful flowers, attractive foliage, and stems that remain erect during the blooming season. It's surprising that it is not grown more often in flower gardens. Smooth Blue Aster can be distinguished from other asters primarily by the lack of hairs on the smooth foliage and stems, which sometimes have greyish or bluish tints. Other asters tend to have leaves that are hairy or rough in texture. The leaves of Smooth Blue Aster often clasp the stem and are never cordate (heart-shaped), unlike many woodland asters. By placing the mouse cursor over the upper photograph, a close-up of the stem and leaves for this aster will be revealed. The white flowers in the upper photograph are from another species – Aster pilosus (Frost Aster).

Panicled Aster
Aster lanceolatus
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is 1-3½' tall, branching occasionally. The height of this plant is variable, depending on the moisture regime and levels of disturbance. The central stem is grooved and has lines of small white hairs. It is green on new growth, but eventually becomes brown and woody in appearance. The hairless alternate leaves are up to 5" long and 1¼" across, becoming much shorter and more narrow as they ascend the stems. They are lanceolate or narrowly ovate, have margins that are smooth or slightly serrate, and are sessile or narrow into a petiole-like base. Sometimes the foliage becomes purple during the fall in response to cold weather.

Foliage & Flowerheads

The daisy-like composite flowers are ½–¾" across, with 20-40 white ray florets surrounding numerous yellow or reddish disk florets. There is no noticeable floral scent. The composite flowers are arranged as a panicle in the upper part of the plant, and bloom during the fall for 1-2 months. The achenes are light brown, flattened, and slightly hairy, to which are attached tufts of white or light brown hair. Dispersion of the achenes is by wind. The root system is fibrous and forms long creeping rhizomes, especially in moist areas. Sometimes this plant will form dense colonies.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun and moist conditions. Favored locations are poorly drained areas that form pools of water temporarily, but later dry out. This plant will tolerate average levels of moisture and some drought, but won't grow as large, and the lower leaves may shrivel away. The soil can contain loam, clay, gravel, or even large rocks – this plant doesn't seem to care. If anything, poor soil is preferred. Some foliar disease may occur, such as patches of rust or powdery mildew, but the foliage is usually in good shape when the plants bloom during the fall.

Range & Habitat: Panicled Aster occurs in most counties of Illinois, and is fairly common (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist black soil prairies, openings and edges of floodplain forests, moist meadows along rivers, thickets, gravelly seeps, borders of ponds and lakes, edges of marshes, roadside ditches, gravelly areas of junkyards, fence rows, pastures, and abandoned fields. This plant often thrives in disturbed areas.

Lower Stem & Leaves

Faunal Associations: Many kinds of insects visit the flowers, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, moths, ants, and beetles. Among these, bees, wasps, and flies are probably the most common visitors, although there is significant variation across localities. When it occurs in large colonies, Panicled Aster is an important source of pollen and nectar for these insects because it is one of the last wildflowers to bloom during the fall. The caterpillars of several species of moths feed on various parts of this and other asters (see Moth Table). To some extent, deer and rabbits browse on the foliage. The seeds and foliage are a minor source of food to the Wild Turkey.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a rock-filled ditch near Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: This is a showy plant when in bloom, even though it is often treated as an unwanted weed. This aster can be hard to distinguish from others with small white flowers. It has several features that, when they are considered together, are useful in making a correct identification: 1) the compound flowers are usually ½" across or slightly more, 2) the compound flowers have at least 20 white ray florets, 2) the leaves are always lanceolate or narrowly ovate, and never heart-shaped at the base, 3) the leaves are hairless, and 4) the stems have lines of fine white hairs. Regarding nomenclature, alternative common names for this plant are 'Tall White Aster' and 'White Field Aster.' In the past, it has been assigned the scientific names Aster paniculatus and Aster simplex

New England Aster
Aster novae-angliae
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is up to 4' tall, consisting of a central stem that branches occasionally near the top. The central stem and side branches are covered with short white hairs. The alternate leaves are up to 4" long and 1"Close-Up of Flowers wide, becoming smaller as they ascend the flowering stems. They are lanceolate or oblong, pubescent, and clasp the stem at the base of each leaf. Their margins are smooth, but ciliate. Clusters of composite flowers occur at the ends of the upper stems. Each composite flower consists of numerous gold or yellow disk florets, which are surrounded by 30 or more ray florets that are purple, lavender, or light pink. Each composite flower is about 1½" across. A mature plant may bear two dozen or more of such flowers, putting forth a showy display. There is no noticeable floral scent. The blooming period occurs from late summer to fall, and lasts about 2 months. The root system consists of a stout caudex with fibrous roots, which often produces short thick rhizomes, enabling this plant to spread vegetatively. The achenes are longitudinally ribbed and slightly hairy, with tufts of hair that enable them to be carried off in the wind.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist to average conditions. The soil can contain loam or clay. This plant can become stressed out by hot dry weather, often dropping its lower leaves in response, while the remaining leaves may turn yellow or brown. Another problem is that the stems often flop over in the absence of supportive vegetation. Powdery mildew often afflicts the leaves during the cool, moist weather of the fall. This is an easy plant to grow in moist conditions, but it is more difficult to maintain in good condition throughout the year. Sometimes it becomes aggressive and spreads vegetatively.

Range & Habitat: New England Aster occurs throughout Illinois, except in a few southern counties (see Distribution Map). It is a common plant. Habitats include moist to mesic black soil prairies, clay prairies, thickets, moist meadows in woodlands, open areas along rivers and lakes, fens, abandoned fields, open areas along railroads and roadsides, and miscellaneous waste areas. Some populations are probably escapes from cultivated plants. This plant colonizes disturbed areas readily, but it also occurs in high quality habitats.
Close-Up of Stem and Leaves
Faunal Associations: The flowers are visited primarily by long-tongued bees, bee flies, butterflies, and skippers. Short-tongued bees and Syrphid flies also visit the flowers, but they collect pollen primarily and are non-pollinating. Among the long-tongued bees, are such visitors as bumblebees, honeybees, Miner bees, and large Leaf-Cutting bees. Cross-pollination by these insects is essential, otherwise the seeds will be infertile. The caterpillars of many moths feed on various parts of this and other asters (see Moth Table). Other insects feeding on this plant include Lygus lineolaris (Tarnished Plant Bug), Poccilocapsus lineatus (Four-Lined Plant Bug), Corythuche marmorata (Chrysanthemum Lace Bug), and Macrosiphum euphoriaca (Potato Aphid). The seeds and leaves of this plant are eatened to a limited extent by the Wild Turkey, while deer, livestock, and rabbits occasionally browse on the foliage, sometimes eating the entire plant. However, New England Aster isn't a preferred food source for these animals.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Judge Webber Park in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: New England Aster can be variable in terms of its size, color of the flowers, and other characteristics. This plant has attractive flowers with a long blooming period, but it often appears messy by the fall as a result of drought, insects, and disease. It is easy to distinguish this aster from others, because its compound flowers are larger in size and have more numerous ray florets.

Aromatic Aster
Aster oblongifolius
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is 1-2' tall, branching frequently to create a bushy appearance. The slender stems are rather stiff and slightly pubescent; the lower stems turn brown and become slightly woody during the fall. The alternate leaves are up to 2" long and ½" across, becoming smaller as they ascend the stems; they are typically one-half the maximum size or a little less. They are linear to linear-oblong, slightly pubescent, and smooth along the slightly ciliate margins. These leaves are rather densely crowded along the stems (particularly the upper stems) and sessile.

Close-up of Flowerheads

The compound flowers are daisy-like and about 1–1¼" across. Each compound flower consists of about 20-35 blue-violet or purple ray florets that surround numerous disk florets that are yellow or amber. These disk florets later become reddish purple. Each compound flower is subtended by spreading linear bracts that resemble the upper leaves. The blooming period occurs during the fall and lasts about 1-2 months; a robust plant will be covered with flowerheads. There is no noticeable floral scent, although the crushed foliage and flowerheads have a balsam-like aroma. Aromatic Aster is one of the last wildflowers to bloom prior to heavy frost. The achenes have small tufts of light brown hair and are distributed by the wind. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous; older plants often have a short caudex. There can be significant variability in the characteristics of plants across different locations.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and dry conditions, although an average moisture level is tolerated if the site is well-drained. Poor, rocky soil with open terrain is preferred; a high pH is tolerated. Some of the lower leaves may wither away before the plants begin to bloom, but the foliage usually remains quite attractive. At moist fertile sites, this plant has trouble competing against tall aggressive plants, unless such neighbors are selectively weeded out.
Close-up of Foliage
Range & Habitat: Aromatic Aster occurs primarily in northern Illinois, the hilly sections of southern Illinois, and in areas bordering the Mississippi and Illinois rivers (see Distribution Map). It is generally an uncommon plant, although locally common at a few exceptional sites. Habitats include mesic to dry gravel prairies, dolomite prairies, gravelly hill prairies, limestone glades, and rocky bluffs along major rivers.

Faunal Associations: Many insects visit the flowers, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, small to medium-sized butterflies, and skippers. These insects seek nectar primarily, although the bees also collect pollen. Many kinds of insects feed on the foliage and other parts of asters, including the caterpillars of the butterfly Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) and many moth species (see Moth Table). The Wild Turkey and possibly other upland gamebirds eat the seeds and foliage to a limited extent. Mammalian herbivores occasionally eat the foliage of asters, even though their food value is low.

Photographic Location: The above photographs were taken in the wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: This aster has attractive flowers and is fairly easy to cultivate in a sunny rock garden and similar areas. Aromatic Aster can be distinguished from other Aster spp. by the number of ray florets per flowerhead (greater than 20), the size of its flowerheads (usually about 1" across or slightly more), and the spreading linear bracts underneath each flowerhead. The leaves are shorter and more narrow than those of many other Aster spp., and they release a pleasant aroma when crushed. In general habit, Aromatic Aster has denser foliage and a bushier habit than other Aster spp., which are usually more tall and lanky. In mass-market horticulture, the plants that are labeled 'Aromatic Aster' appear to be hybrids of Aromatic Aster and Aster novae-angliae (New England Aster). These cultivated plants tend to be larger in size and have larger lower leaves; their flowers are a slighty larger and more double than those of Aromatic Aster.

Sky Blue Aster
Aster oolentangiensis
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is 1½–3' tall, and largely unbranched except at the inflorescence. The central stem is light green and largely hairless. Near the base of the plant, are basal leaves with long narrow petioles. These basal leaves are about 3" long and 1½" across, cordate or broadly oval, and largely hairless. Their petioles are about 1½" long and finely pubescent, while their margins are smooth, or nearly so. As the leaves alternate upward along the stem, they become greatly reduced in size and more narrow. These upper leaves are narrowly lanceolate, narrowly elliptical, or linear; they are sessile against the stem.

Close-up of Flowerheads

The inflorescence is a large panicle of compound flowers that are daisy-like in appearance; this large inflorescence has a tendency to droop over somewhat. The compound flowers are about ½" across or slightly larger. They consist of about 10-25 lavender or light blue ray florets, which surround numerous disk florets that are initially yellow, but later turn red or brown. The compound flowers are subtended by numerous bracts that are ciliate and form small green diamonds. The blooming period occurs from late summer to fall, and lasts about 1-2 months. Later, achenes develop with small tufts of hair, which are dispersed by the wind. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous; older plants may develop a short caudex.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun and mesic to dry conditions. This plant is rather indifferent to soil characteristics, and can flourish in soil that loamy, sandy, rocky, or contains clay. This plant is easy to grow and drought resistant; the lower leaves are occasionally marred by powdery mildew and other foliar diseases.

Range & Habitat: Sky Blue Aster occurs occasionally in the northern and western halves of Illinois, but is uncommon or absent elsewhere (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, rocky upland woods, savannas, woodland borders, sandy meadows, limestone glades, clay banks, and areas along roadsides.
Close-Up of Basal Leaf
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract various insects, including small bees, flies, small to medium-sized butterflies, skippers, and wasps. Among these, Green Metallic bees and other Halictid bees are especially common visitors of the flowers, where they seek nectar or pollen. The caterpillars of the butterfly Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) and several species of moth feed on this and other asters (see Moth Table). The Wild Turkey and been observed feeding on the foliage and seeds of asters to a limited extent. Many mammalian herbivores occasionally eat this plant, even though it has low food value, including rabbits, deer, groundhogs, and livestock.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: For the size of the plant, the inflorescence of Sky Blue Aster is rather large and showy. This species of aster closely resembles Aster shortii (Short's Aster), even though the latter is a woodland species. However, the upper leaves of Short's Aster are often cordate, rather than narrowly lanceolate or linear, and its flowers are slightly larger in size. Another similar species, Aster laevis (Smooth Blue Aster), doesn't have any cordate or broadly oval leaves at the base of the plant, unlike Sky Blue Aster, and the flowers of the former species tend to be slightly larger in size as well. In distinguishing the different species of asters, it is often useful to consider the shape of the leaves (especially the basal leaves), and the presence or absence of fine hairs on the foliage and stems. Another scientific name for this plant is Aster azureus.

Willow Aster
Aster praealtus
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is 2-5' tall, branching occasionally. The larger stems are occasionally reddish, and have lines of white hairs. The alternate leaves are up to 5½" long and ¾" across, becoming smaller and narrower as they ascend up the stems. They are lanceolate, narrowly ovate, or linear, and have smooth margins. Underneath, the leaves are whitish green with a reticulate network of fine veins that is quite conspicuous. The inflorescence is large and pyramidal, containing numerous daisy-like composite flowers from ½–1" across. Each flower has 20-30 lavender or light blue ray florets surrounding numerous yellow disk florets that eventually become reddish purple. The blooming period occurs from early to mid-fall, and lasts about a month. There is no noticeable floral scent. The achenes develop with small tufts of hair, and are dispersed by the wind. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. The Willow Aster often spreads vegetatively to form small to large colonies.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun, moist conditions, and fertile loamy soil. Foliar disease occurs occasionally, which may involve some yellowing of the leaves and the formation of black spots. This affects primarily the older leaves near the base of the plant, otherwise the foliage remains attractive. Some standing water is tolerated if it is temporary.

Range & Habitat: Willow Aster is widely distributed and occurs in most counties in Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is occasional to locally common. Habitats include moist black soil prairies, moist meadows along rivers and lakes, thickets, roadside ditches, abandoned fields, and other poorly drained areas.

Faunal Associations: Many kinds of insects visit the flowers, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, flies, butterflies, and skippers. Among the bees, this includes such visitors as honeybees, bumblebees, Halictine bees, and some Andrenid bees that fly late in the season. Some Syrphid flies and beetles may feed on the pollen, otherwise these insects seek nectar; bees also collect pollen for their larvae. The caterpillars of the butterflies Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) Phyciodes tharos (Pearl Crescent) feed on the foliage, as well as the caterpillars of several species of moths (see Moth Table). Various insects suck the juices from this and other asters, including plant bugs, lace bugs, and aphids. The Wild Turkey eats the foliage and seeds to a limited extent. Deer browse on this plant occasionally, while rabbits nibble on the foliage of immature plants.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Loda Cemetery Prairie in Iroquois County, Illinois. The lower photograph reveals the underside of the leaves.

Comments: This is another attractive aster for autumn bloom, producing abundant flowers. The Willow Aster can be distinguished from other asters by the conspicuous reticulated pattern on the lower surface of the leaves. Unlike many woodland asters, the leaves are always narrow and willow-like, even at the base of the plant, and they lack serrated edges. The flowers are usually lavender or light blue; sometimes they are white.

Silky Aster
Aster sericeus
Aster family (Aster family)

Description: This native perennial plant is 1-2' tall, often sprawling along the ground. The wiry stems branch occasionally, and have a tendency to zigzag between the leaves. They are whitish green or silver and covered with a fine pubescence when young, becoming brown and bare when old. The alternate leaves are silvery green and have a silky appearance as the result of a dense coating of fine hairs. They are about 1½" long and ½" wide, lanceolate or ovate, and sessile. Their margins are smooth.

The daisy-like composite flowers occur in small clusters at the terminus of major stems. They are about 1¼" across, consisting of 12-25 ray florets that are lavender to violet-blue, and numerous central disk florets that are golden yellow. There is no noticeable floral scent. The blooming period occurs during the fall and lasts about a month. The achenes develop small tufts of hairs, and are dispersed by the wind. The root system forms a short caudex on mature plants and some fibrous roots. Occasionally, vegetative offsets are formed.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and dry conditions. Almost any kind of soil is satifactory if the site is well-drained, but this plant typically grows in poor soil that is rocky or sandy. A high pH is tolerated. Overall, this plant develops more slowly than most and is a bit more difficult to grow. It doesn't like too much competition from taller, more aggressive plants. The drought Distribution Maptolerance of mature plants is excellent, although some of the lower leaves will drop from their stems. Foliar disease doesn't seem to bother it.

Range & Habitat: Silky Aster occurs primarily in the northern tier of counties, and in many counties along the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. It is an uncommon plant that appears to be declining in numbers as a result of habitat destruction. Habitats include dry gravel prairies, dolomite prairies, sand prairies, hill prairies, scrubby barrens, limestone glades, and prairie remnants along railroads (rarely). This is an indicator plant of high quality habitats in dry areas.

Faunal Associations: Little information is available for this plant. Like other asters, many kinds of insects probably visit the flowers, especially bees, and to a lesser extent small butterflies, skippers, and Syrphid flies. Among the bees, Green Metallic bees are freqent visitors. The Syrphid flies probably feed on pollen and are non-pollinating. Mammalian herbivores eat this plant readily, especially rabbits and groundhogs. Its small size may partially exempt this plant from the attention of large herbivores, such as deer.

Photographic Location: The photograph was taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: This is a truly beautiful little plant with attractive foliage and flowers. It's an excellent candidate as a wildflower in a rock garden. Silky Aster can be distinguished from all other asters by its exceptional foliage, which has a silvery or silky appearance because of the numerous fine hairs covering the stems and foliage.

 

 

Canada Milkvetch
Astragalus canadensis
Bean family (Fabaceae)

Close-Up of FlowersDescription: This native perennial plant is 1½–4' tall, branching occasionally. The ridged stems are pubescent. The alternate compound leaves are odd pinnate, and 5-9" long, with about 21-31 leaflets. The oblong leaflets are about 1½" long and 3/8" across, with smooth edges. From the upper axils of the compound leaves there occasionally develops a whorled raceme of flowers from a stout stalk. A raceme (including the stalk) is usually about 1-2" longer than the compound leaves subtending it, or about 7-11" long. A typical raceme is crowded with about 75 creamy flowers, which may have yellow or green tints. Each flower is about ¾" long and tubular-shaped, although jutting slightly upward toward the outer tip. It consists of five petals, including a curved upper hood, a lower keel, and close-fitting side petals. The blooming period occurs during the summer and lasts about 2-3 months. There is no noticeable floral scent. The flowers are replaced by stout oval pods with long pointed tips, which are held nearly erect on the stalk. The root system consists of a taproot and rhizomes. This plant can spread vegetatively, forming colonies.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun and mesic conditions. Canada Milkvetch grows well on most kinds of soil, and probably fixes some nitrogen. It's a robust plant, although the foliage sometimes turns prematurely yellow. This plant has a tendency to sprawl, unless it receives support from adjacent vegetation.

Range & Habitat: Canada Milkvetch occurs occasionally in the northern half of Illinois, but is rather uncommon in most areas of southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to slightly dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, typical and sandy savannas, thickets and woodland borders, moist meadows near rivers, and abandoned fields.

Faunal Associations: Primarily bumblebees visit the flowers for nectar. Other long-tongued bee visitors include honeybees and Megachile spp. (Large Leaf-Cutting Bees). Insects with shorter mouthparts have trouble reaching the nectar, nor is the pollen easy to access. Unlike many milkvetches of the Western states, the foliage of Canada Milkvetch is non-toxic and palatable to mammalian herbivores, including deer, groundhogs, rabbits, and livestock. This plant may be difficult to establish where these animals occur in abundance. The seeds may be eaten occasionally by the Wild Turkey and other upland gamebirds, as well as small rodents, such as the Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrel; however, such observations are confined largely to the Western states, where Astragalus spp. are more abundant.

Comments: There are very few Astragalus spp. that occur in Illinois. Canada Milkvetch has a distinctive appearance on account of its size (up to 4' tall) and abundant creamy flowers (about 75 per raceme). Some pale-flowered vetches are superficially similar in appearance, such as Vicia carolina (Carolina Vetch). However, vetches are vine-like plants with tendrils, while Canada Milkvetch is a semi-erect plant without tendrils (although it may clamber over adjacent vegetation, nonetheless). Another difference is the inflorescence: the raceme of Canada Milkvetch is whorled with about 75 flowers, while Vicia spp. have one- or two-sided racemes with fewer flowers.

Blue Wild Indigo
Baptisia australis
Bean family (Fabaceae)

Description: This native perennial plant forms a branched bush about 3-5' tall, although it is herbaceous. The compound leaves are trifoliate and can be green, bluish green, or greyish green. They are devoid of hairs and their margins are smooth. Each leaflet is oblanceolate, although bluntly pointed toward the tip. The flowering stalks are erect and organized as racemes. The showy flowers are varying shades of blue, about ¾-1" long, and have a typical structure for a large pea flower. They bloom during the late spring for about 3 weeks. There is no scent to the flowers. Blue Wild Indigo continues to grow after the blooming period. The root system consists of a central taproot, with short rhizomes that help this plant to spread. This plant can be very long-lived, and remains attractive throughout most of the growing season. The rather large seeds fall to the ground only a short distance from the mother plant.

Racemes of Flowers

Cultivation: The preference is full sun, average moisture levels, and rocky soil that isn't too alkaline. Blue Wild Indigo grows well in deep loamy soil, but it will have greater difficulty competing against other kinds of plants in a naturalistic setting. Considerable variations in moisture are tolerated. Like other wild indigos, this plant is somewhat slow in becoming established, but not particularly difficult. It will add nitrogren to the soil.

Range & Habitat: Blue Wild Indigo may be native to NE Illinois in the Chicago area, or it could be a horticultural escape (see Distribution Map). In either case, this plant is extremely rare, and perhaps extirpated from the state as wild populations have not been observed in many years. It has been observed in rocky open woodlands, mesic black soil prairies, and gravel prairies. In other states, such as Indiana, it has been observed along the rocky banks of rivers.
Close-up of Trifoliate Leaf
Faunal Associations: Little information is available in Illinois, but it is likely that Queen bumblebees are important pollinators of the flowers. Other long-tongued bees may visit the flowers occasionally, such as Miner bees. Like other wild indigos, the foliage of this plant may be consumed by the caterpillars of a few species of skippers and related insects, including Erynnis baptisiae (Wild Indigo Duskywing), Achelerus lyciades (Hoary Edge), Dasylophia anguina (Black-Spotted Prominent), and Colias cesonia (Southern Dogface). The adults of Apion rostrum (Wild Indigo Weevil) feed on the flowers and leaves, while the grubs of this insect feed on seeds. Generally, mammalian herbivores avoid this wild indigo and others because the leaves are somewhat poisonous.

Photographic Location: The above photographs were taken from the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: This is a favorite garden plant because of its showy flowers and attractive foliage. There is a subspecies of this plant, Baptisia australis nana, that occurs in prairies to the west of Illinois. It is smaller in overall size, but has larger, more fragrant flowers, and prefers drier conditions than the typical species. Blue Wild Indigo is more common in the southeastern US.

White Wild Indigo
Baptisia alba macrophylla
Bean family (Fabaceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is about 3-6' tall and forms an erect, sparsely branched bush, although it is herbaceous. The stout central stem and Close-Up of Inflorescenceupper side stems are smooth, light green or reddish purple, and glaucous. The compound leaves are trifoliate. They are usually greyish green or blue green, and hairless. Each leaflet is ovate or oblanceolate and pointed at both ends, with smooth margins, and about 2" long and ¾" across. The white flowers occur in erect racemes up to 2' long and are quite showy. They are typical pea flowers in overall structure, and about 1" long. There is no floral scent. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer, and lasts about 1-1½ months. The flowers are replaced by large oblong seedpods, which are also rather showy. They are about 2" long and initially green, but later turn black. There is a stout deep taproot, and rhizomes that may form vegetative offsets. Once established, White Wild Indigo grows very quickly during the spring – it often towers above the surrounding plants by blooming time. This plant is long-lived, possibly achieving a lifespan of 100 years.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and moist to slightly dry soil. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, clay, gravelly material, or sand. This plant is not fussy about growing conditions, and is easy to grow. However, it dislikes alkaline soil and may fail to bloom in shady conditions. Like other wild indigos, this plant may take several years to reach blooming size. It adds nitrogen to the soil.

Range & Habitat: White Wild Indigo is widely distributed and occurs in almost every county of Illinois, but it is usually uncommon (see Distribution Map). In a few areas that are scattered around the state, this plant is locally common. Some local populations may be escaped cultivated plants, or the result of restoration efforts. Habitats include moist to dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, thickets,Close-Up of Compound Leaf edges of marshes and sandy marshes, borders of lakes, limestone glades, and dry clay hills. White Wild Indigo is typically found in less disturbed habitats, partly because of limited seed dispersion. Recovery from occasional wildfires is better than most prairie grasses.

Faunal Associations: Worker bumblebees pollinate the flowers. The caterpillars of some skippers and butterflies occasionally feed on the foliage, including Erynnis baptisiae (Wild Indigo Duskywing), Achelerus lyciades (Hoary Edge), Colias cesonia (Southern Dogface), and Colias eurythema (Orange Sulfur). The caterpillars of the moth Dasylophus anguina (Black-Spotted Prominent) can also be found on the foliage. Another insect, Apion rostrum (Wild Indigo Weevil), feeds on this plant and other Baptisia spp. The adult weevils eat both the leaves and flowers, while their grubs stay in the pods and eat the seeds. Because White Wild Indigo is poisonous, it is not much bothered by mammalian herbivores. If cattle, horses, or other kinds of livestock consume sufficient quantities of this plant, they can be seriously poisoned.

Photographic Location: The upper photograph was taken at the Lincoln Book Bindery in Urbana, Illinois, while the lower photograph was taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: This plant was used as a dye, although it is inferior in quality to that produced by the Indigo Plant in the Old World. This is one of the more striking plants on the prairie. Another scientific name for this species is Baptisia leucantha.

Cream Wild Indigo
Baptisia bracteata bracteata
Bean family (Fabaceae)

Description: The hairy stems of this native perennial plant are recurved or sprawl along the ground. They tiller from the base of the plant and are about 2' long. The alternate compound leaves are divided into three leaflets. Each leaflet is up to 3" long and about 1" wide, rather oblanceolate in shape, although pointed at both ends. There are numerous small white hairs, and the margins are smooth. The entire plant is grey-green in color.

Cream Wild Indigo in Prairie

The showy inflorescence is about 1' long, and organized as a raceme that tends to droop toward the ground. The flowers are creamy white or light yellow, about 1" long, and look like typical large pea flowers. They bloom quite early for about 3 weeks from mid- to late spring. These are replaced by large seedpods that are quite conspicuous. The entire plant may detach from the base and blow around in the wind as a means of dispersing the seeds, like a tumbleweed. The root system consists of a stout central taproot.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun (especially during the spring), mesic to dry conditions, and loamy, sandy, or clayish soil. This plant is fairly easy to cultivate if a site is sunny and well-drained, but it develops slowly, so some patience is required. Like other wild indigos, this is a long-lived plant when conditions suit it, but can be difficult to move once it becomes established.

Range & Habitat: Cream Wild Indigo occurs in scattered locations throughout Illinois, but it is uncommon, except at high quality sites. Natural habitats include Distribution Mapmesic to dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, sandy oak savannas, and dry barrens, particularly in acidic soil. Recovery from occasional wildfires is very good.

Faunal Associations: This plant is pollinated primarily by queen bumblebees after they emerge from hibernation during the spring. Worker bumblebees appear somewhat later. The queen bees of a few other long-tongued bee species may visit this plant, including Synhalonia speciosa (Eucerine Miner Bee sp.) and Osmia bucephala bucephala (Mason Bee sp.). These insects usually seek nectar from the flowers, but sometimes collect pollen. The caterpillars of some butterflies, skippers, and moths feed on the foliage of this and other wild indigos. This includes the butterflies Colias cesonia (Southern Dogface) and Colias eurythema (Orange Sulfur), the skippers Achelerus lyciades (Hoary Edge) and Erynnis baptisiae (Wild Indigo Duskywing), and the moth Dasylophia anguina (Black-Spotted Prominent). Another insect visitor is Apion rostrum (Wild Indigo Weevil). The adults feed on the flowers and leaves, while the larvae feed on the seeds. Cream Wild Indigo is not normally bothered by mammalian herbivores because the foliage is poisonous. If livestock, such as cattle and horses, eat sufficient quantities of this plant, as well as other wild indigos that may be present, they can be seriously poisoned by it.

Photographic Location: The photograph was taken at Loda Cemetery Prairie in Iroquois County, Illinois.

Comments: This is one of the earliest plants to bloom in the prairie, and is quite showy and attractive. There is a less common variety of Cream Wild Indigo that has hairless leaves.

 

 

Kittentails
Besseya bullii
Figwort family (Scrophulariaceae)

Description: This native perennial wildflower consists of a low rosette of basal leaves up to 6" across; a mature plant will produce one or more flowering stalks up to 12" tall. The blades of the basal leaves are up to 3" long and 2½" across; they have stout hairy petioles up to 1½" long. The basal leaves are more or lessFlowering Spikes oval in shape, crenate along their margins, palmately veined, and hairy on both their upper and lower surfaces; the upper surface of each leaf is medium green, while the lower surface is pale green or pale purplish green. Each flowering stalk is stout, erect, and very hairy; it has small alternate leaves up to 1¼" long and ½" across, which become gradually smaller as they ascend toward the inflorescence. The alternate leaves are similar to the basal leaves, except they are ovate in shape and smaller in size. Each alternate leaf is sessile or it clasps the stalk. The inflorescence consists of a stout spike of small flowers about 2-6" long. These flowers are densely clustered along the spike. Underneath each flower, there is a small leafy bract that is lanceolate. Each flower has a 2-lipped corolla that is cream-colored or pale yellow and a calyx consisting of 4 green sepals that are elliptic and hairy. The corolla is about 1/5" long and slightly longer than the calyx; the upper lip of the corolla is unlobed, while the irregular lower lip is unlobed or divided into 2-3 lobes. Each flower has a pair of exerted stamens and a slender white style. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer and lasts about 3 weeks. The flowers bloom gradually from the bottom of the spike to its apex. Each flower is replaced by a small 2-celled seed capsule that contains several seeds. The root system consists of a cluster of coarse fibrous roots; an older plant may form a rootstock that resembles a caudex or taproot. This wildflower occasionally forms colonies at favorable sites.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry conditions, and a barren acidic soil that is sandy or gravelly. Partial sun is also acceptable. This wildflower grows slowly and doesn't tolerate competition from taller, more aggressive plants. It is adaptable to sunny rock gardens and has few problems with pests and disease.

Range & Habitat: Kittentails is restricted to the west-central and northwest sections of Illinois, where it is uncommon (see Distribution Map). This wildflower is state-listed as 'threatened.' Habitats include dry sand prairies, dry gravel prairies, hill prairies, barren savannas, thinly wooded bluffs, and sandy or gravelly riverbanks. This species is restricted to high quality habitats in natural areas; it is endemic to the Midwest and uncommon throughout its range.

Basal Leaves

Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated by small bees; in particular, the Halictid bee Lasioglossum anomalus is described as a floral visitor by Moure & Hurd (1987). Additional information about floral-faunal relationships is unavailable.

Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: While not particularly showy, Kittentails is an unusual little plant. It resembles some broad-leaved Plantago spp. (Plantains), but the floral spike of Kittentails is more stout and its flowers are insect-pollinated. The closest relatives (either Besseya spp. or Synthyris spp.) are found in mountainous areas of the western states. These latter species have flowers (or floral bracts) that are purple, otherwise they are similar in appearance to their eastern counterpart. Another scientific name of Kittentails is Wulfenia bullii.

Downy Wood Mint
Blephilia ciliata
Mint family (Lamiaceae)

Description: This is an unbranched native perennial plant about 1-2' tall. Side stems may develop from upper leaf axils if the central stem is damaged. This stout central stem has prominent ridges and is covered with white hairs. TheDowny Wood Mint in Prairie opposite leaves are up to 3½" long and 1½" across. They are broadly oblong to lanceolate in shape, and have smooth, slightly ciliate margins. The lower leaves have short stout petioles, while the upper leaves are sessile. They have deep pinnate venation and are covered with a white pubescence. The upper half of the central stem is perforated by whorled clusters of flowers. Each cluster of flowers is about 2-3" across and in the shape of a flattened sphere, with the flowers arranged in circular rows. The flowers are white, light pink, or lavender, and individually slightly less than ½" long. There are two prominent lips, with small purple spots on the lower one, and fine hairs in the back. The blooming period occurs during early summer and lasts about a month. Neither the flowers nor the leaves have a noticeable scent. The root system consists of a taproot, which forms offshoots occasionally by means of short rhizomes. The seeds are quite small, and distributed by the wind to some extent.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and mesic to dry conditions. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, clay, or gravel; limestone and a high pH are tolerated. The foliage can be affected by the usual diseases that attack other mints, and often appear rather ragged by mid-summer. This plant has greater tolerance to drought than most other members of Mint family.
Distribution Map
Range & Habitat: Downy Wood Mint occurs occasionally in scattered counties in Illinois – it has been reported most often from counties in the NE and west-central areas of the state. Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, dolomite prairies, thickets, rocky limestone bluffs, and limestone glades.

Faunal Associations: The flowers attract long-tongued and short-tongued bees, bee flies, Syrphid flies, butterflies, and skippers. The numerous bee visitors include honeybees, bumblebees, Anthophorine bees, Little Carpenter bees, Leaf-Cutting bees, Halictine bees, Masked bees, and others. The small seeds are unlikely to be of much interest to birds, nor is the foliage an attractive source of food to mammalian herbivores.


Photographic Location: The photograph was taken at Loda Cemetery Prairie in Iroquois County, Illinois.

Comments: This plant can be easily confused with some of the weedier Eurasian mints, but should not be destroyed because it's not particularly common in Illinois. Notwithstanding its name, Downy Wood Mint occurs in open areas more often than woodlands, unlike other members of the genus, such as Blephilia hirsuta (Hairy Wood Mint). Other common names for Blephilia ciliata are 'Ohio Horsemint' and 'Pagoda Plant.

 

 

False Boneset
Brickellia eupatorioides
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is 1-3½' tall and unbranched, except near the apex where the flowering stems occur. The stems are round and covered with fine white hairs. They are initially green, but often become brown with age. The alternate leaves are up to 4" long and 1½" across. They are sessile against the stem toward the top, but have short petioles near the bottom. These leaves are lanceolate, smooth or sparingly dentate, grey- or yellow-green, and finely pubescent. The smaller leaves near the flowerheads are much reduced in size and linear. Sometimes there are small leaves appearing in the upper axils of the larger leaves along the central stem. The upper stems terminate in small corymbs of flowerheads. These flowerheads consist of 7-21 small creamy white florets. A floret is narrowly tubular with 5 small lobes and a protruding divided style. Each flowerhead is subtended by a cylinder of narrow green bracts; it is a little less than ½" long. The blooming period occurs during late summer or early fall, and lasts about a month. The achenes are long and cylindrical, grey or light brown, and have tufts of white hair (or sometimes tawny hair). These tufts of hair are often more striking in appearance than the flowers. Seed distribution is provided by the wind. The root system consists of a central taproot that can run deep into the ground. Sometimes, this plant will tiller at the base, sending up multiple stems from the taproot. However, it doesn't reproduce vegetatively by means of rhizomes, unlike many other prairie plants.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and dry conditions; a little shade is also tolerated. This plant prefers poor soil that contains too much clay, sand, or gravel, and can thrive on slopes. It tolerates drought better than most other prairie plants. The leaves may turn yellow and start to shrivel away toward the end of the year, but this is normal. This plant doesn't spread aggressively.
Close-Up of Leaves and Stem
Range & Habitat: False Boneset occurs occasionally in central and northern Illinois; in many areas of southern Illinois, it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitat includes dry upland areas of black soil prairies, gravel prairies, dolomite prairies, clay prairies, hill prairies, bluffs, limestone glades, open woodlands, and sandy savannas. False Boneset doesn't form large colonies, but is more likely to occur as sporadic plants. In moist areas with rich soil, it has trouble competing with taller, more aggressive plants.

Faunal Associations: The insects that visit False Boneset are probably quite similar to the insects that visit Eupatorium altissimum (Tall Boneset), given the similarity of the flowers, habitat preferences, and blooming period of these two species. Thus, the flowers of False Boneset attract long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, and skippers. Mammalian herbivores eat False Boneset occasionally when little else is available, but its food value is low. In pastures, False Boneset is considered an 'increaser' because livestock are not particularly fond of it.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois. By moving the mouse cursor over the upper photograph, a plant as it appears during the fall will be revealed.

Comments: False Boneset is similar in appearance to Tall Boneset. However, the former plant has alternate leaves along its stems with only one conspicuous vein, while the latter has opposite leaves with three conspicuous veins. An older scientific name for this plant is Kuhnia eupatorioides.

Fringed Poppy Mallow
Callirhoe digitata
Mallow family (Malvaceae)

Close-up of FlowerDescription: This adventive perennial plant is 2-4' tall, branching occasionally. It forms a rosette of basal leaves, which usually wither away prior to the blooming period. These basal leaves may be triangular-cordate or palmately lobed. The slender stems are usually glabrous and glaucous; the lower central stem is often terete (furrowed along all sides), while the upper stems are round in circumference. The alternate leaves are up to 5" long and 6" across (excluding their petioles), becoming smaller as they ascend the stems. Each of these leaves is deeply divided into palmate lobes, which are often deeply divided into secondary lobes. The leaves are usually glabrous and glaucous like the stems; their petioles are up to 6" long. The upper stems terminate in one or more flowers on long peduncles (flowering stalks). Each flower is 1-2" across, consisting of 5 magenta petals, 5 green sepals, and a central column of stamens and styles. The outer edge of each petal is slightly fringed and truncate, while the sepals are triangular-ovate with pointed tips. There are no floral bracts underneath the sepals. The blooming period occurs during the summer and lasts about 2 months. There is no floral scent. Each flower matures into a whorl of flattened seeds. Each seed is rectangular, reticulated and pitted along the sides, with little or no pubescence. The root system consists of a woody taproot that is often swollen at the base. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions. Poor soil containing sand, gravel, or clay is preferred, as this reduces competition from neighboring plants. This plant has a tendency to lean over while in bloom, especially if the soil is too moist and rich.

Range & Habitat: The Fringed Poppy Mallow is an uncommon plant that has naturalized in only two or three counties in Illinois (Peoria and Dupage). The webmaster has recently observed this species at a prairie restoration in Champaign County (see Distribution Map). The Fringed Poppy Mallow is native to the southern Great Plains, where it is more common. Habitats include upland areas of sand prairies, gravel prairies, savannas with scant ground vegetation, and abandoned fields. This species may appear unexpectedly in a prairie restoration as a result of contaminated seed. In Illinois, it is not aggressive.

Close-up of Lower Leaf

Faunal Associations: Bees are probably the most important visitors of the flowers. Deer, rabbits, and other mammalian herbivores eat the foliage of Poppy Mallows readily. Rabbits often eat the lower leaves of the Fringed Poppy Mallow (including the lower leaves of the photographed plant), while deer occasionally chomp off the upper half of the foliage.

Photographic Location: A restored prairie at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: Among the few Callirhoe spp. (Poppy Mallows) that occur in Illinois, the Fringed Poppy Mallow is the tallest. It is a lanky plant with slender stems and finger-like foliage. Some Callirhoe spp. have floral bracts underneath the sepals of each flower; these floral bracts have a leafy or papery-membranous appearance. However, the Fringed Poppy Mallow lacks such bracts. It is also rather distinctive because of the fringed outer edge of its petals, which becomes more pronounced as the flowers mature. Other Poppy Mallows have flowers with unfringed petals.

Purple Poppy Mallow
Callirhoe involucrata
Mallow family (Malvaceae)

Description: This perennial plant is adventive from the west or southwest. Several vine-like stems emerge directly from the central taproot. These angular stems are covered with spreading white hairs, and usuallyClose-Up of Flowers sprawl along the ground. The alternate leaves are palmate, usually with 5 major lobes that are cleft (sharply divided), as well as some secondary lobes and coarse teeth. They are up to 4" long and 4" across, and roughly orbicular in outline. The leaves have hairy petioles that can easily exceed 4" in length. A pair of conspicuous green stipules are located where the petioles join the stem. From the axil of some of the leaves, a single flower develops from a pedicel of varying length. The flower bud is exceedingly hairy. The reddish purple flowers are about 2–2½" across, consisting of 5 broad petals and a columnar reproductive structure that becomes rather orbicular at the top. Eventually, this columnar structure spreads outward slightly, revealing numerous white stamens and a style with pink threads at its tip that curl outward. The petals often become white at the base of the flower. The green or brownish green calyx is divided into 5 triangular lobes that have white ridges and are quite hairy. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer, and lasts about 1-2 months. There is no noticeable floral scent. The flowers are replaced by carpels that are arranged together like a ring. These carpels are flat, kidney-shaped, and reticulated, with a hairy tip at one end. Each carpel contains a single seed. This plant spreads by re-seeding itself.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and dry conditions, although a little shade and moister conditions are tolerated. In Illinois, this plant often grows in poor soil that contains sand, gravel, or clay. In rich soil, it will grow longer than it normally does in the wild. After mid-summer, this plant gradually withers away. The foliage doesn't appear to have many problems with disease.

Range & Habitat: This adventive plant is known to occur in the wild in only a few scattered counties in the northern half of Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is an uncommon plant. Habitats include dry prairies, areas along railroads and roadsides, and fields. In Illinois, this plant is more often observed in flower gardensClose-Up of Foliage because of the attractive flowers.

Faunal Associations: There is little information available about what kinds of insects visit the flowers of Purple Poppy Mallow. Generally, the foliage of Callirhoe spp. (Poppy Mallows) and members of the Mallow family generally have foliage that is readily consumed by mammalian herbivores, including groundhogs, deer, rabbits, and livestock. This could make the survival of local populations of this plant difficult where there is a preponderance of such animals. The taproot is edible and can be used as emergency food by humans, which means that it is probably edible to gophers and other small rodents as well.

Photographic Location: A flower garden in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: Purple Poppy Mallow has reasonably attractive foliage and pretty flowers. It can be distinguished from other Callirhoe spp. by its sprawling stems with spreading hairs, palmately lobed leaves, and the lack of a conspicuous fringe along the outer edge of the petals. It is also useful to examine the carpels: While the flat sides of the carpels of Purple Poppy Mallow have a reticulated surface, the sides of the carpels of such species as Callirhoe alceoides (Pink Poppy Mallow) and Callirhoe triangulata (Clustered Poppy Mallow) are relatively smooth

 

 

Prairie Hyacinth
Camassia angusta
Lily family (Liliaceae)

Description: This native perennial plant consists of a rosette of basal leaves up to 1½' across and one or more flowering stalks up to 2½' tall. The strap-shaped basal leaves are up to 14" long and 1" across; they are linear, smooth along the margins, and glabrous. Their veins are parallel. These basal leaves are rather floppy and they often arch downward or sprawl across the ground in the absence of support from otherClose-up of Flowers vegetation. The basal leaves wither away by mid-summer. The flowering stalks are erect, slender, hairless, and leafless. Each stalk terminates in a raceme of about 20-80 flowers. Each flower consists of 6 lavender to pale blue-violet tepals, 6 stamens with golden yellow anthers, and a light green pistil with a short slender style. Each flower spans about ¾" across when it is fully open. The pedicels of the flowers are slender, green, and deciduous, unless the flower is successfully cross-pollinated. Underneath each flower, there is often a persistent bract about ¾" long that is thread-like in appearance. After the flowers begin blooming on the raceme, there can be 3-20 (or more) of these bracts underneath. Several flowers bloom in a ring at the same time, which forms at the bottom of the raceme and moves upward. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer and can last up to 1 month for a colony of plants. The flowers that are successfully cross-pollinated form seed capsules that are ovoid-oblongoid in shape. Each capsule contains several seeds. The root system consists of a bulb with secondary fibrous roots at the bottom. This plant reproduces by forming offsets from the bulbs and by reseeding itself.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and a fertile loamy soil. This plant is rarely bothered by disease and insect pests. It is somewhat slow to develop, especially from seeds.

Range & Habitat: Prairie Hyacinth is a rare plant that has been observed in Macon and Peoria counties only (see Distribution Map). At the present time, only one population of plants is known to exist within the state at a railroad prairie. Apparently, the other population has been extirpated. In neighboring states, Prairie Hyacinth has been observed in prairies and thinly-wooded areas. This species is state-listed as 'endangered' in Illinois.

Faunal Associations: The flowers attract both long-tongued and short-tongued bees, which suck nectar or collect pollen. Other visitors of the flowers include various flies, butterflies, skippers, wasps, and beetles, which suck nectar or feed on pollen. Aside from these flower-visiting insects, little information is available about floral-faunal relations for this wildflower.

Floppy Basal Leaves

Photographic Location: The webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: This little-known species is sometimes confused with Camassia scilloides (Wild Hyacinth), which is more common within the state. Both species are attractive wildflowers with similar habitat preferences. Their appearance is quite similar, which can make them difficult to tell apart. Prairie Hyacinth begins to flower about a month later than Wild Hyacinth and there is little overlap in their blooming periods; this is one good reason why they should be considered separate species. The flowering stalk of Prairie Hyacinth has 3-20 (or more) persistent bracts underneath the blooming flowers, while Wild Hyacinth has 0-2 deciduous bracts underneath the flowers of its stalks. The seed capsules of Prairie Hyacinth are longer than they are wide, while the seed capsules of Wild Hyacinth are about as long as they are wide. The flowers of Prairie Hyacinth tend to have shorter styles, shorter stamens, and tepals that are a little shorter and more deeply colored, but these distinctions are less reliable, or they require the careful use of a ruler or measuring tape in the field.

Wild Hyacinth
Camassia scilloides
Lily family (Liliaceae)

Description: This native perennial wildflower consists of a low rosette of basal leaves up to 1½' across and a flowering stalk about 1½–2' tall. The floppy basal leaves are 6-12" long and 1/3" across; they are medium green, linear in shape, parallel-veined, glabrous, and smooth along their margins. Along theClose-up of Flowers underside of each basal leaf, there is a prominent mid-rib. The erect central stalk is slender, light green, and glabrous; it terminates in a spike-like raceme of flowers that is several inches in length. Each flower is ¾–1" across, consisting of 6 tepals, 6 stamens with bright yellow anthers, and a green central ovary with a slender style. The tepals are light blue-violet to nearly white; they are narrowly oblong in shape and spread widely from the center of the flower. Each tepal (petal or petal-like sepal) has about 3 veins along its length. At the base of each flower, there is a single linear bract up to ¾" long that is soon deciduous. The slender pedicel of each flower is about the same length as the bract. The flowers begin to bloom from the bottom of the raceme and continue to bloom upward toward the apex; each flower lasts only 2-3 days. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring and lasts about 2-3 weeks. Each fertilized flower is replaced by a 3-celled seed capsule that is about 1/3" in length and as much across. Each seed capsule contains many small seeds that are black and shiny. The basal leaves turn yellow and wither away by mid-summer. The root system consists of a bulb with fibrous roots. This wildflower reproduces by reseeding itself.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, moist conditions, and rich loamy soil. Wild Hyacinth is slow to develop, but fairly long-lived. Vegetative growth and development occurs during the cool weather of spring, when adequate moisture is essential.

Range & Habitat: Wild Hyacinth is found occasionally throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist black soil prairies, moist savannas, moist open woodlands (particularly along the banks of streams), rocky wooded slopes, and limestone glades. This species is typically found in high quality habitats, whether prairies or woodlands.

Faunal Associations: The flowers attract their fair share of insects, including many bees and flies and occasional butterflies and wasps. Most of these insects seek nectar from the flowers, although some short-tongued bees also collect pollen. Bee visitors include honeybees, bumblebees, Cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), and Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp., etc.). Other floral-faunal relationships are poorly understood. The foliage and bulbs are not known to be toxic, but their consumption by wildlife appears to be limited.

Basal Leaves

Photographic Location: Along a woodland stream in Douglas or Coles County in east-central Illinois.

Comments: Wild Hyacinth has attractive flowers that are conspicuous during the spring. It is usually found in woodland habitats, but also occurs in prairies. Wild Hyacinth differs from the less common Camassia angusta (Prairie Hyacinth) in several ways, among them: 1) It has slightly larger flowers than the latter, 2) its flowers are usually a slightly lighter shade of blue-violet, 3) its seed capsules are about as broad as long, while Prairie Hyacinth has seed capsules that are slightly longer than broad, 4) the bracts of its flowering stalk are less persistent than those of Prairie Hyacinth, and 5) it blooms earlier in the spring.

Harebell
Campanula rotundifolia
Bellflower family (Campanulaceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is about ½–1½' and unbranched, except for some upper side stems near the inflorescence. Often, several stems will emerge from the same rootstock; they remain reasonably erect. The basal leaves have long petioles, and are about 1" across. They are usually cordate or orbicular, and have dentate margins. The basal leaves typically wither away by flowering time. Along the slender central stem are alternate leaves. These leaves are linear and about ½–2" long. They usually angle upward from the stem, and then curve outward. Usually the foliage and stems are without hairs, although sometimes they are slightly pubescent. The central stem (and some of the side stems) terminates in either a solitary flower, or a short raceme of 2-3 flowers. These flowers are violet and bell-shaped. A typical flower is about ¾" long, and tends to hang toward from a slender pedicel. The corolla has 5 short lobes that curve outward. The interior of a flower is white or pale violet near the base, while a long violet style projects slightly beyond the outer rim of the corolla. This style terminates into a tripartite white stigma. The green calyx divides into 5 slender segments that are slightly recurved. The blooming period occurs from early to late summer, and lasts about 2-3 months. There is no noticeable floral scent. The flowers are replaced by ovoid capsules that contain numerous tiny seeds. These seeds are easily dispersed by gusts of wind. The root system consists of a taproot.

Plants in Bloom


Cultivation: This little plant prefers full sunlight and moist to dry conditions. It typically grows in shallow rocky soil, but will flourish in ordinary garden soil if taller, more aggressive plants are kept away. Harebell is surprisingly easy to grow, notwithstanding its delicate appearance. It tolerates alkaline soil.

Range & Habitat: Harebell is an uncommon plant that occurs primarily in northern Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is more common in areas to the north and east of Illinois. Habitats include sandy Black Oak savannas, hill prairies, crevices of sandstone, limestone, or dolomite cliffs, and shallow rocky soil along streams. It also occurs along roadsides in neighboring states. Generally, Harebell is found in high quality habitats where there are rocky slopes.

Faunal Associations: Small bees often visit the flowers, where they seek nectar. While the slender foliage is potentially edible to mammalian herbivores, it is insubstantial and possesses low food value. The seeds are too small to be of any interest to birds.

Photographic Location: The photograph was taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: Harebell is a charming little plant. At garden centers, some of the plants that I've seen are much larger in size, but the local ecotypes in the Midwest are much smaller than these. Harebell is distributed in both the Old World and New World, and may be variable across different geographic locations. The native Campanula aparinoides (Marsh Bellflower) has smaller flowers and is found in wetland areas. Sometimes non-native bellflowers escape into the wild, such as Campanula rapunculoides (Creeping Bellflower), but they have broader foliage and larger flowers.

New Jersey Tea
Ceanothus americanus
Buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae)

Elongated Clusters of FlowersDescription: This shrubby native perennial is up to 3' tall. It tillers at the base, sending up multiple stems. These stems are light green and covered with fine white hairs, becoming woody with age in the absence of fire or browsing from animals. The alternate or opposite leaves are up to 3" long and 2" across. They are sessile or have small petioles, and are broadly lanceolate or ovate, with conspicuous veins. The major veins are palmate, from which side veins radiate outward pinnately. The undersides of the leaves are light green and covered with fine white hairs. The leaf margins are smooth or finely serrate, and slightly ciliate. From the axils of the upper leaves emerge long-stalked clusters of numerous white flowers. These clusters of flowers are elongated and rounded. Each flower consists of a long slender tube terminating in 5 folded calyxes. When these open, 5 hatchet-shaped petals with slender bases spread outward, while a large white pistil and 5 stamens with dark gray anthers emerge from the center of the flower. These flowers have a pleasant fragrance. The blooming period lasts about a month during early summer. Later, fruits form that can be mechanically ejected several feet from the mother plant. Each one contains 3 glossy brown, eliptical seeds. The root system consists of a stout, deeply anchored reddish taproot.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun and average to slightly dry conditions. The soil can contain loam, rocks, or sand. This plant adds some nitrogen to the soil. Germination from seed can be slow and difficult – exposing them to hot water may be helpful. Transplants are easier to manage and faster to develop. Drought resistance is very good – under severe conditions, the leaves will become discolored and shrivel, but quickly revive when rainfall returns. Foliar disease is rarely a significant problem.

Range & Habitat: New Jersey Tea occurs throughout Illinois, except for a few counties in the southern portion of the state (see Distribution Map). It is occasional to locally common in high quality habitats, but uncommon elsewhere. Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, gravel prairies, hill prairies, Black Oak savannas, rocky upland forests, limestone glades, and barrens with stunted trees. Fire is a beneficial management tool in promoting the development and spread of this plant.
Close-Up of Leaf
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract numerous insects, especially bees, wasps, flies, and beetles. Butterflies and moths visit the flowers occasionally. These insects obtain nectar from the flowers, although bees may also collect pollen. Among the wasps, are such visitors as Mud Daubers, Beetle Wasps, Sand Wasps, Spider Wasps, and Crabronine wasps. Fly visitors include Syrphid flies, Thick-Headed flies, Tachinid flies, Blow flies, Muscid flies, and others. The caterpillars of the butterfly Celestrina argiolus (Spring/Summer Azure) and the skipper Erynnis martialis (Mottled Duskywing) feed on the foliage. The caterpillars of a few moth species also feed on the foliage, including Hesperymia sulphuraria (Sulfur Moth), Nemoria rubrifrontaria (Red-Fronted Emerald), and Erastria coloraria (Broad-Lined Erastria). The latter moth often flies during the day. Sometimes Mordella spp. (Tumbling Flower Beetles) are found on the flowers, which they eat. The foliage and stems of New Jersey Tea are readily consumed by various mammalian herbiovres, including elk (native in Illinois at one time), deer, rabbits, and livestock. This can make the establishment of this plant difficult where there is an overpopulation of these animals.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Loda Cemetery Prairie in Iroquois County, Illinois.

Comments: This little shrub has a lot going for it from both a horticultural and ecological perspective. It was used by colonists during the Revolutionary War as a substitute for tea (hence the common name), even though the leaves contain no caffeine. Early pioneers discovered that the stout roots of New Jersey Tea were a formidable barrier to the plow. More recently, it has been discovered that the roots contain a blood-clotting agent.

Partridge Pea
Chamaechrista fasciculata
Caesalpinia family (Caesalpiniaceae)

Description: This native annual plant is ½-2' tall, branching occasionally. Shorter plants are erect, while taller plants are inclined to sprawl. The slender hairless stems are initially light green, but become reddish brown. The alternatePartridge Pea in Bloom compound leaves are medium to dark green. They have petioles with nectaries that attract insects. Each compound leaf has up to 20 leaflets, which are somewhat sensitive to touch. A leaflet is about 2/3" long and 1/3" across. It is hairless and oblong. The bright yellow flowers appear along the major stems near the axils of the leaves. They are about 1" across, and have an open, irregular shape. Each flower has 5 rounded petals that vary in relative size, and there are about 10 reddish stamens. There is no floral scent. The blooming period is quite long, from mid-summer to fall. During the fall, pods develop that are initially hairy green, but later become hairless and dark brown. They are about 2½" long, ¾" across, and rather flat. The seeds are dark brown, rather flat, and slightly pitted. The root system consists of a central taproot and smaller auxillary roots.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and average to dry conditions. The soil can contain sand, loam, gravel, or clay, to which this plant will add nitrogen. It favors poor soil because of reduced competition from other plants. Partridge Pea is easy to grow, but can spread readily in dry, open situations. It's not usually bothered by disease.

Range & Habitat: Partridge Pea is widespread and locally common in Illinois, except in some northern counties, where it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, savannas, limestone glades, abandoned fields, open areas along railroads and roadsides. Sometimes Partridge Pea is deliberately planted to stabilize banks around ditches and other areas, from where it frequently escapes. This plant favors disturbed areas.
Close-Up of Compound Leaves
Faunal Associations: Long-tongued bees are responsible for pollination of the flowers, which includes such visitors as honeybees, bumblebees, Miner bees, and large Leaf-Cutting bees. They are attracted to the food pollen of the purple anthers, and are then dusted by the reproductive pollen of the yellow anthers. Two species of bees that are supposed to be oligoleges of Partridge Pea are Anthophora walshii and Svastra atripes atripes. Sometimes large Leaf-Cutting bees cut off portions of the petals for their brood chambers. The flowers are cross-pollinated primarily, but are sometimes self-pollinating. The petiolar nectaries attract a completely different assortment of insects, which includes such visitors as Halictine bees, wasps, flies, and ants. Unusual visitors to the nectaries are Velvet Ants (Mutillidae), which are hairy wingless wasps (in the case of the females). The caterpillars of several Sulfur butterflies feed on the foliage of this plant, including Eurema lisa (Little Sulfur), Eurema nicippe (Sleepy Orange), and Phoebis sennae cubule (Cloudless Sulfur). The seeds are an important food source for the Bobwhite and Greater Prairie Chicken. The leaves are suspected of being toxic to livestock, and are not favored by mammalian herbivores. White-Tailed Deer may browse on the foliage in limited amounts.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Judge Webber Park in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: This is one of the few annual plants of the prairie that are non-parasitic on the roots of perennial plants. The Partridge Pea is quite attractive in regards to both its foliage and flowering habit, and can provide quick bloom during the first year of a wild flower garden.

Pasture Thistle
Cirsium discolor
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This native biennial or short-lived perennial plant is 2-8' tall, forming occasional branches that remain erect. The stems have white hairs, butPasture Thistle near Ditch are without spines. The alternate leaves are quite spiny, pinnately lobed, and up to 9" long and 3" across. They are green on the upper surface, but powdery white on the lower surface because of fine hairs. Flowerheads with little or no scent occur individually on erect flowering stems in the upper part of the plant. These flowerheads are about 2" across, and are light pink, light lavender, bright pink, or white (rarely), consisting of numerous narrow tube-shaped flowers about 1½" long. At the base of the individual flowers are overlapping green bracts with white edges, resembling fish scales. These bracts often have fine spines, which are otherwise absent. The blooming period is from late summer to fall, and lasts about a month for individual plants. The achenes develop with tufts of white hair, which facilitates their dispersion by wind. The root system consists of a central taproot and some coarse secondary roots. Vegetative spread by rhizomes does not occur.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun, loamy soil, and average moisture levels, although other kinds of soil are tolerated, particularly clay and gravel. During summer droughts, there is a tendency for the lower leaves to turn yellow and fall off the plant. This is an easy plant to grow, but it has a tendency to appear rather the worse for wear as the growing season progresses. Pasture Thistle is short-lived, but reseeds itself readily, forming a small rosette of leaves during the first year of growth.

Range & Habitat: This common plant occurs in virtually every county in Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to dry prairies, openings in woodland areas, moist meadows near rivers, limestone glades, pastures and abandoned fields, open areas along railroads and roadsides, and waste areas. This plant is more abundant in disturbed areas, including degraded prairies, but also occurs in higher quality habitats.
Close-Up of Leaf
Faunal Associations: The most important pollinators of the flowers are bumblebees, Miner bees, other long-tongued bees, and butterflies. Among the butterflies, are such visitors as Monarchs, Fritillaries, Painted Ladies, Swallowtails, and Sulfurs. Sphinx moths and bee flies also visit the flowers for nectar. The caterpillars of the butterfly Vanessa cardui (Painted Lady) feed on the foliage, while the caterpillars of several moths feed on the foliage and other parts of this and other thistles (see Moth Table). The Eastern Goldfinch eats the seeds and uses the tufts of hair as lining material in their nests. The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird has been known to visit the flowers of thistles for nectar. Mammalian herbivores don't feed on this plant because of the spines.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken near Kaufman Lake Park in Champaign, Illinois.

Comments: This native plant can be distinguished from the non-native Cirsium vulgare (Bull Thistle) by the white undersides of its leaves. Also, the green bracts subtending the flowerheads of Bull Thistle have numerous coarse spines, whereas the bracts of the Pasture Thistle have only a few fine spines, or none at all. Otherwise, they are similar in appearance. Sometimes this plant can be aggressive in disturbed areas, but not to the same extent as the Bull Thistle. It is possible to boil the young leaves and stems and serve them as edible greens. During the month of August, when other forbs are less likely to flower, this plant produces some patches of pink color, making the prairie more interesting during this time of year.

Bastard Toadflax
Comandra umbellata
Sandalwood family (Santalaceae)

Description: This is a native perennial plant up to 1' tall, which may be branched or unbranched. The stems are light green and smooth. The alternate leaves are up to 2" long and ¾" across. They are light green, hairless, and have smooth margins. Their shape may be oval or oblong, and they have short petioles or are sessile.

Bastard Toadflax in Prairie

Some of the stems terminate in a rather flattened cluster of a dozen or more small white flowers. Each shallow, tube-shaped flower is about ¼" across, and has 5 sepals that flare outward. The sepals are usually white, but may have light green or rose accents, particularly when the flower is still unopened. In the center, there are several yellow stamens. There is no noticeable scent. The blooming period occurs during the late spring or early summer and lasts about a month. Later, small oily fruits develop that are each about ¼" across, containing a single globular seed. They change in color from green to brown, and are said to have a sweet taste while still immature. The root system is fibrous, and it sends out slender underground suckers that parasitize other plants. Consequently, Bastard Toadflax is semi-parasitic. Deep horizontal rhizomes are also produced, causing the vegetative spread of this plant.
Distribution Map
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and average to dry conditions. This plant normally occurs in soil that is either loamy or rocky. It doesn't appear to be affected significantly by foliar disease. There is a preference for an acid pH.

Range & Habitat: Bastard Toadflax is widely distributed, but is less common in Southern Illinois. Sometimes, large populations of this plant occur locally at high quality sites. Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, hill prairies, rocky open woodlands, lightly wooded ridges, and barrens with small stunted trees. Bastard Toadflax can parasitize a large variety of plant species, including some woody shrubs and trees.

Faunal Associations: The most important visitors to the flowers are flies, including Soldier flies, Syrphid flies, Flesh flies, Blow flies, Muscid flies, and Anthomyiid flies. Various bees, butterflies, and beetles visit the flowers occasionally. All of these insects usually seek nectar. The small fruit is probably eaten by small mammals (e.g., mice), by which means the seeds are distributed.

Photographic Location: The photograph was taken at Loda Cemetery Prairie in Iroquois County, Illinois.

Comments: This is one of the few herbaceous plants of the prairie that produces edible fruit, although they are small-sized

 

Large-Flowered Coreopsis
Coreopsis grandiflora
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This adventive perennial plant is about 2' tall, unbranched, and hairless. The leaves are arranged oppositely or alternately at intervals along the stem (usually the former). They are pinnatifid and deeply lobed. The leaf segments are linear and rather irregular; the terminal segment is usually the largest. A few leaves at the bottom or the top may be linear and lack lobes. These leaves are up to 3" long and 2" across, although the linear leaf segment are less than ¼" across.

Flowerheads & Buds

At the apex of the plant, is a rather long and naked flowering stem with a single composite flower about 2½" across. It consists of 6-12 yellow ray florets that surround numerous golden yellow disk florets. Each ray floret has 4-5 notches along the outer edge. This provides the composite flower with an attractive, somewhat ragged, appearance. The blooming period occurs during early to mid-summer and lasts about a month. This is little or no floral scent. The flowerbuds have a smooth, spherical appearance, and are olive green. The achenes are flat and rather oblong, with two have small scales at the apex. They are distributed to a limited extent by the wind. The root system has rhizomes, causing colonies to be formed.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and dry conditions. This plant is typically found in a rather heavy soil containing clay or gravel. At a well-drained site, it is an easy plant to grow, and has few problems with foliar disease.

Range & Habitat: Large-Flowered Coreopsis occurs primarily in western Illinois and the Chicago area (see Distribution Map). This plant is originally from areas that lie west and southwest of Illinois, but it hasClose-up of Leaves since spread as an occasional escape from cultivation and other disturbances of modern development. In Illinois, it is a rather uncommon plant, but probably occurs in more areas than official records indicate. Habitats include upland areas of prairie (including prairie restorations), openings in rocky upland forests, thickets, glades, roadsides, and miscellaneous waste areas.

Faunal Associations: Like other coreopsis species, a wide range of insects are probably attracted to the flowers, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, butterflies, and skippers. These insects usually seek nectar, although bees sometimes collect pollen. An oligolege of Coreopsis spp. is Melissodes coreopsis (Coreopsis Miner Bee). The larvae of the moths Tornos scolopacinarius (Dimorphic Gray) and Enychlora acida (Wavy-Lined Emerald) feed on the foliage. Such mammalian herbivores as rabbits, groundhogs, livestock, and probably deer occasionally consume the foliage as well.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: Large-Flowered Coreopsis has showy flowers and attractive foliage. For these reasons, it is often available through the nursery trade and cultivated in gardens. This species can be distinguished from other Coreopsis spp. by the ragged appearance of the flower petals, and the linear pinnate leaves that occur along the stems, usually in opposite pairs. The species Coreopsis lanceolata (Sand Coreopsis) has ragged-looking petals, but its leaves are primarily lanceolate or oblanceolate in shape and confined near the base of the central stem. An eastern species that hasn't been observed in Illinois in natural areas, Coreopsis verticillata (Whorled Coreopsis), has leaves with a similar appearance, but they occur in whorls of three along the central stem. Also, the flowers of Whorled Coreopsis don't have a ragged appearance because their petals lack conspicuous outer notches. The narrowness of the leaves of Large-Flowered Coreopsis is somewhat variable, depending on the variety.

 

 

Sand Coreopsis
Coreopsis lanceolata villosa
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is 1½–3' tall and largely unbranched. The central stem is long, round, and slender; it is hairless near the apex, but sometimes has scattered white hairs near the base. The foliage consists primarily of alternate leaves crowded together near the base of the plant. These leaves are up to 10" long and 2" across. They are lanceolate or oblanceolate, and have smooth margins; sometimes there are 1 or 2 small lateral lobes near the base. Sometimes there are scattered white hairs along the leaf surface, particularly along the mid-rib on the lower side. The upper stem is largely devoid of leaves, and terminates in a single compound flower. This compound flower is 2-3½" across and quite showy. It consists of numerous yellow or yellowish brown disk florets, and 6-10 surrounding yellow ray florets. The outer edge of each ray floret has a fringed appearance consisting of 4 acute lobes. Each flower is subtended by several triangular green bracts; the inner bracts are somewhat smaller and often brownish green. The blooming period occurs during early summer and lasts about a month. There is no noticeable scent to the flowers. The dark achenes are rather flat and oblong, and have 2 small barbs near the top. The root system is fibrous. This plant often forms colonies by reseeding itself.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun, and mesic to dry conditions. Poor soil is preferred because of the reduction in competition from other plants; it can contain sandy or rocky material. This plant is easy to grow from transplants. In open sunny situations, it sometimes spreads aggressively.

Range & Habitat: Sand Coreopsis occurs in NE Illinois, in counties along the Illinois River, SW Illinois, and scattered other counties (see Distribution Map). It is an uncommon plant. Habitats include mesic to dry sand prairies, gravel prairies, dry areas of black soil prairies, limestone glades, thinly wooded bluffs, and areas along roadsides and railroads. Some local populations, particularly in NE Illinois, may be plants that have escaped cultivation. Other populations are the result of habitat restoration efforts.

Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts many kinds of insect visitors, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, day-flying moths, and beetles. Some of the bees collect pollen, while some of the beetles feed on pollen. The long-tongued bee Melissodes coreopsis (Coreopsis Miner Bee) is a specialist visitor of Coreopsis spp. The caterpillars of the moths Tornos scolopacinarius (Dimorphic Gray) and Eynchlora acida (Wavy-Lined Emerald) feed on the foliage. Mammalian herbivores occasionally consume this and other Coreopsis species, including rabbits, groundhogs, livestock, and possibly deer. The barbs of the achenes can cling to the fur of animals and clothing of humans, and are distributed by them to some extent.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken in a sand prairie at Kickapoo State Park in Vermillion County, Illinois.

Comments: Another common name for this plant is Lance-leaved Coreopsis, even though the leaves are often broader toward their tips than at the base of the plant. This plant can be distinguished from other Coreopsis species primarily by its leaves; they are undivided, or have 1-2 small lateral lobes near the base. Different populations can vary significantly in the hairiness of the leaves, ranging from glabrous to scattered long white hairs (the plants in the photographs are the latter, var. villosa). Because of the showy flowers and ease of cultivation, Sand Coreopsis is often grown in flower gardens

Prairie Coreopsis
Coreopsis palmata
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is 1-3' tall and unbranched. The central stem is hairless, except for small tufts of hair at the base of the leaves.The opposite leaves are about 2-4" long. They are usually divided into 3 narrow lobes, but are sometimes linear near the inflorescence. The larger central lobe may also be divided into 1 or 2 small narrow lobes. These leaves are medium to dark green, sessile, and hairless. They are distributed evenly along the stem.

Flowerheads & Foliage

The composite flowers are bright yellow and 1½-2" across. Each composite flower has numerous disk florets, which are surrounded by about 8 ray florets. The outer edges of the ray florets are less ragged in appearance than the ray florets of many other species of coreopsis. The blooming period occurs during early summer, and lasts about 3 weeks. There is no floral scent. The achenes do not have tufts of hairs. The root system is rhizomatous, and can produce dense colonies of this plant that exclude other species. During the fall, the foliage often acquires reddish tints.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions. This plant isn't fussy about soil characteristics, but will grow readily in soil that is loamy, sandy, gravelly, or full of clay. It is an easy to plant to grow, but may sprawl unless it receives full sun and rather lean treatment. It can spread aggressively. The foliage usually remains in good condition until hard frosts during the fall.

Range & Habitat: Prairie Coreopsis occurs occasionally in most counties of Illinois, but is rare or absent in SE Illinois and some western counties (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, gravelly hill prairies, thickets, open areas of rocky upland forests, Black Oak savannas, limestone glades, and abandoned fields. It is usually found in high quality habitats because the dispersion of the seeds is rather limited.
Close-Up of Leaf
Faunal Associations: The flowers are visited by many kinds of insects, especially long-tongued bees, short-tongued Halictine bees, and flies. Other insect visitors include wasps, butterflies, skippers, moths, and beetles. These insects usually seek nectar from the flowers, although bees often collect pollen for their larvae and adult beetles eat pollen. The long-tongued bee Melissodes coreopsis (Coreopsis Miner Bee) is an oligolege of Coreopsis spp. The caterpillars of the moths Tornos scolopacinarius (Dimorphic Gray) and Eynchlora acida (Wavy-Lined Emerald) feed on the foliage of this and other coreopsis species. Mammalian herbivores occasionally consume the foliage of Prairie Coreopsis, including rabbits, groundhogs, livestock, and probably deer.

Photographic Location: Photographs were taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: This plant has the advantage of flowering somewhat earlier during the summer than many other prairie wildflowers. It is more impressive when allowed to form dense colonies. Prairie Coreopsis can be distinguished from many other species of coreopsis by the less ragged appearance of its flowers and the characteristics of its foliage. The narrow, deeply lobed leaves are wider and less thread-like than Coreopsis grandiflora (Large-Flowered Coreopsis) and Coreopsis verticilliata (Whorled Coreopsis), which are not native to Illinois. Also, the leaves are shorter, more deeply lobed, and distributed more evenly along the stem than Coreopsis lanceolata (Lance-Leaved Coreopsis). Prairie Coreopsis is much shorter and blooms earlier than Coreopsis tripteris (Tall Coreopsis).

Plains Coreopsis
Coreopsis tinctoria
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This is an introduced annual wildflower about 1½–3' tall that branches occasionally. The stems are medium green and glabrous. The leaves are up to 6" long and 4" across (excluding the petioles); they are simple- or double-pinnate, medium green, and glabrous. The leaflets (or lobes) are up to 2" long and less than ¼" across; they are linear, linear-lanceolate, or linear-oblanceolate. The upper stems terminate in flowerheads that individually span about 1-2" across. Each flowerhead has 6-12 ray florets that surround numerous disk florets. The ray florets are reddish brown toward the center of the flowerhead, but become golden yellow toward their tips; less often, they may be reddish brown throughout. Each ray floret becomes wider toward its tip, which is divided into 3 large teeth. The tiny disk florets have corollas that are reddish brown and tubular in shape; each corolla has 4 tiny teeth along its upper rim. The base of each flowerhead is surrounded by glabrous brown bracts (phyllaries); the outer bracts at the very bottom of the flowerhead are small and triangular in shape, while the inner bracts are much larger in size and ovate in shape. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts about 1-2 months. The fertile disk florets are replaced by small achenes that lack tufts of hair. The root system is fibrous. This wildflower reproduces by reseeding itself.

Several Flowerheads

Cultivation: Preferred growing conditions consist of full sun and moist to mesic sandy soil. However, other kinds of soil are readily tolerated, including those that contain loam, clay-loam, or some gravel. Depending on the cultivar or local ecotype, there is considerable variability in the size of flowerheads and the height of plants.

Range & Habitat: Plains Coreopsis has naturalized in scattered locations throughout Illinois, where it is generally uncommon (see Distribution Map). This introduced species is native to the region of the Great Plains in North America; most local populations in Illinois are descendants of plants that have escaped from cultivation. Habitats include sand prairies, rocky glades, areas along railroads, roadsides, and waste areas, particularly where the soil is rather barren. This species is cultivated in gardens because of the attractive flowerheads.

Faunal Associations: The flowerheads of Coreopsis spp. provide nectar and pollen to a wide variety of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, and beetles. The caterpillars of the moths Synchlora aerata (Wavy-Lined Emerald) and Tornos scolopacinarius (Dimorphic Gray) feed on the foliage of Coreopsis spp. and similar plants. Another insect that feeds on the foliage of these species is the leaf beetle, Calligrapha californica, which has been found specifically on Plains Coreopsis.

Leaves & Stems

Photographic Location: A flower garden at the Arboretum of the University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: During the blooming period, Plains Coreopsis produces showy flowerheads in abundance. This species can be distinguished from other wildflowers by the ray florets of its flowerheads, which are yellow-maroon or maroon (reddish brown). Sometimes the ray florets of Rudbeckia hirta (Black-Eyed Susan) and Rudbeckia fulgida (Orange Coneflower) are partially maroon, but their ray florets have narrow tips that lack large teeth. Furthermore, the leaves of these latter species are not pinnately divided, unlike those of Plains Coreopsis. Other Coreopsis spp. in Illinois are perennial plants; they have ray florets that are yellow throughout. Another common name of Coreopsis tinctoria is Golden Coreopsis.

Tall Coreopsis
Coreopsis tripteris
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is 4-8' tall and usually unbranched, except for the slender flowering stems in the upper half. The opposite compound leaves are highly variable in appearance, but are usually divided into 3-5 narrow leaflets toward the base of the plant (oddly pinnate), but are smaller and lanceolate as they ascend up the flowering stems. The compound leaves near the base are up to 8" long and 6" across, while the upper leaves are less than 3" long and ¾" across. These leaves have smooth margins and are sparsely distributed along the stems, giving this plant an airy appearance. They are also hairless.

Plant with Flowerheads

Daisy-like compound flowers appear singly on the upper stems during late summer or early fall. Each composite flower is about 1½–2" across. There are 6-10 yellow ray florets surrounding numerous brown disk florets. There is no floral scent. The blooming period lasts about 1-2 months. The dark achenes are without tufts of hairs. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous, often forming loose colonies of plants.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist to mesic conditions. This plant isn't particular about soil type, and can be found growing in soil containing substantial amounts of loam, clay-loam, gravel, or sand. Tall Coreopsis tolerates competition from other plants and is easy to grow. In moist disturbed locations, it can become aggressive. Mature plants tolerate some drought, and foliar disease is rarely a significant problem.
Compound Leaf
Range & Habitat: Tall Coreopsis is occasional to fairly common in most counties of Illinois, but it is uncommon or absent in NW and SE Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic black soil prairies, sand prairies, savannas and sandy savannas, thickets, seeps, bluffs, limestone glades, abandoned fields, and along railroads and roadsides. It responds well to fire in areas where shrubby vegetation and trees are encroaching.

Faunal Associations: The flowers attract long-tongued bees and short-tongued bees primarily, including bumblebees, Epeoline Cuckoo bees, Miner bees, large Leaf-Cutting bees, Halictine bees, and Panurgine bees. Other insects that occasionally visit the flowers include wasps, bee flies and other flies, butterflies, skippers, and the Goldenrod Soldier Beetle (Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus). The caterpillars of some moths feed on the foliage, including Tornos scolopacinarius (Dimorphic Gray) and Enychlora acida (Wavy-Lined Emerald). Mammalian herbivores occasionally eat this plant, especially the tender growth of young plants earlier in the year.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Red Bison Railroad Prairie in Savoy, Illinois.

Comments: This is the tallest coreopsis, which blooms later than other members of the genus. It also has smaller flowers with dark brown centers, rather than the yellow centers of other species. Tall Coreopsis is more impressive when it occurs in colonies, rather than as a stand-alone specimen. Each plant tends to sway with the passage of every breeze during a sunny afternoon, exerting a hypnotic effect.

Large-Bracted Corydalis
Corydalis curvisiliqua grandibracteata
Fumitory family (Fumariaceae)

Plant in BloomDescription: This native plant is a winter annual (less often, a spring annual) about 1' tall. It consists of a rosette of basal leaves about 6" across, from which one or flowering stalks develop. The basal leaves are bipinnatifid; they have long slender petioles. Each leaflet is broadest at the middle or toward its tip, tapering to a short blunt point; it is often cleft with two lateral lobes that are smaller than the middle lobe. The foliage of Large-Bracted Corydalis (both leaves and stalks) is greyish green and glabrous. The stalks are sprawling or ascending, reaching up to 1½' in length. Occasionally, a flowering stalk will branch and develop lateral flowering stalks. Each stalk terminates in a spike-like raceme of flowers with leafy bracts. Each flower has a tubular yellow corolla about ¾" long, consisting of 2 outer petals and 2 inner petals. The upper outer petal forms a short upper lip in front that curls upward and a rather long spur in back. The lower outer petal forms a long lower lip that functions as a landing pad for visiting insects. There is a patch of white toward the throat of the corolla. Underneath each flower is a single leafy bract about ½" long. This bract is either ovate or divided into lobes with short blunt tips. A typical raceme will have several flower buds at its apex, about 4-8 flowers in bloom near the middle, and developing seedpods below. Each seedpod is slightly flattened and about 1" long, terminating in a slender beak at its tip; it contains about 6-12 seeds. Relative to the spike-like raceme, the seedpods are more or less ascending and often curve upward slightly. The blooming period for plants that are winter annuals occurs during late spring, while plants that are spring annuals bloom during mid-summer. A typical plant will remain in bloom for about a month. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, mesic to dry conditions, and sandy soil. This plant also grows readily in gravelly or loamy soil; if it is grown in moist loamy soil, taller and more aggressive plant species should be kept away from it. Foliar disease and insects are not normally troublesome. The seeds will germinate after a short dormancy period; they can be planted during the fall or early spring.
 

Prairie Tea
Croton monanthogynus
Spurge family (Euphorbiaceae)

Description: This native plant is a summer annual up to 2' tall and 3' across. Robust specimens branch frequently and have a bushy appearance with a flattened top, while dwarf specimens on sterile ground branch relatively little; the latter can be less than 6" tall. The stems are covered with appressed hairs that shortly turn brown; the lower stem on robust specimens becomes rather stout. The leaves are usually alternate, although the uppermost leaves are often opposite. They are up to 2" long and ¾" across, broadly lanceolate-oblong, and smooth along the margins. The upper surface of each leaf is green and finely pubescent, while the lower surface is whitish green and woolly from appressed hairs. Many of these hairs are stellate (branched and star-like). The petiole of each leaf is about ½" in length. The foliage exudes a fetid aroma from glandular secretions; the leaves and stems have a clear sap.

Foliage of Prairie Tea

Prairie Tea is monoecious. The small male flowers occur in erect clusters from the axils of the upper leaves. Each male flower has a woolly green calyx with 5 lobes that are spreading and oblong, 3-8 narrow white petals, and 3-8 white stamens. Only a single female flower develops from each axil of the upper leaves. Each female flower has a woolly green calyx with 5 lobes that are spreading and oblong, a woolly green pistil that is ovoid in shape, a pair of cleft styles at its apex, and no petals. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts about 1-2 months. The female flowers are initially erect, but later droop downward as the seed capsules develop. Each ovoid seed capsule is up to ¼" long and contains a single seed that is rather large and finely pitted (less often, 2 seeds are produced). This plant spreads by reseeding itself.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry conditions, and poor soil containing rocky or gravelly material. The pH of the soil can be acid or alkaline. This plant is quite drought resistant, although some of the lower leaves may turn yellow and wither away. In more fertile soil, robust specimens are produced that are bushy and attractive.

Range & Habitat: Prairie Tea occurs occasionally in the southern half of Illinois (especially in the SW), but it is uncommon or absent elsewhere in the state (see Distribution Map). In the northern half of Illinois, this species is probably adventive from the south, otherwise it is native. Habitats include hill prairies,Underside of Foliage sandstone and limestone glades, thinly wooded bluffs, fallow fields, and gravelly areas along railroads. This species occurs in disturbed areas and higher quality habitats that are sunny and dry.

Faunal Associations: Little information is available about the insects that pollinate the flowers, but they are probably small bees, flies, and/or wasps. The caterpillars of Anaea andria (Goatweed Butterfly) feed on the foliage of Prairie Tea and other Croton spp. The large oily seeds of Croton spp. are attractive to many upland gamebirds and some songbirds, including the Mourning Dove, Wild Turkey, Prairie Chicken, Bobwhite, Cowbird, and various sparrows. The fetid foliage is unattractive as a source of food for mammalian herbivores, although goats will eat it. Sometimes, Croton spp. are referred to as 'Goatweed' or 'Doveweed' because of their value as a food source to these animals.

Photographic Location: Along a little-used railroad in Urbana, Illinois. The photographed specimen was quite robust and bushy. Locally, this species is uncommon.

Comments: The foliage of Prairie Tea is reasonably attractive, while the flowers are insignificant. The common name refers to the resemblance of robust specimens to cultivated tea plants; however, the foliage is unsuitable as a source of tea. Generally, Croton spp. are typical prairie plants of the southern plains; they are less typical of eastern tallgrass prairies, where they are often displaced by taller vegetation in fertile areas. Prairie Tea differs from other Croton spp. by the following characteristics: 1) Its leaves lack teeth, 2) each seed capsule contains only a single seed (or at most two), rather than three, 3) the female flowers are produced individually from the leaf axils, rather than in groups, and 4) the seed capsules do not exceed ¼" in length.

White Prairie Clover
Dalea candida
Bean family (Fabaceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is unbranched or sparsely branched in the upper half, and 1-2½' tall. The pale green central stem has light longitudinalClose-Up of Flower lines. The alternate compound leaves are oddly pinnate and about 2-7" long, consisting of 3-9 pale green leaflets. Each leaflet is linear or narrowly oblanceolate, about 1" long and less than ¼" across. The margins are smooth, and the underside of each leaflet has numerous translucent dots. Both the stems and leaves are hairless. There is a short cylindrical spike of white flowers at the terminus of the central stem and each of the major side stems. This spike is about 1-3" tall and ¾" across. The small flowers form a wreath around the bottom of the spike, which moves upward as the season progresses. Each flower is about ¼" across, with 5 petals and 5 white stamens. The flowers often have a pleasant fragrance. The blooming occurs during early to mid-summer and lasts about a month. The seeds fall a short distance from the mother plant when the wind shakes the cylindrical spikes. The root system consists of a central taproot that can extend 5' into the ground.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, clay, sand, or gravel. This plant is slow to develop, but otherwise easy. Foliar disease isn't troublesome. Drought resistance is very good.

Range & Habitat: White Prairie Clover occurs occasionally in scattered counties of Illinois, but it is rare or absent in the SE (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, savannas, openings in upland forests, and limestone glades. It is rarely observed in highly disturbed areas. Recovery from occasional wildfires is good.

Faunal Associations: The flowers are visited primarily by bumblebees, Green Metallic bees, and other Halictine bees. Other occasional visitors includeClose-Up of Compound Leaf wasps, flies, and small butterflies. These insects seek nectar, although the bees also collect pollen. The caterpillars of the butterfly Colias cesonia (Southern Dogface) feed on the foliage, but this species often fails to overwinter successfully in Illinois. Bean weevils (Acanthoscelides spp.) sometimes eat the seeds. This plant is palatable and high in protein, therefore it is readily consumed by mammalian herbivores of all kinds, including rabbits, groundhogs, deer, and livestock. This can cause difficulties in establishing this plant in some areas. It is possible that small rodents may carry the seeds to their dens. Because of their high mortality rate, some of the seeds will remain uneaten, and thus are dispersed by these rodents.

Photographic Location: Photographs were taken at the Lincoln Book Bindery in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: White Prairie Clover often occurs in the same habitats as Dalea purpurea (Purple Prairie Clover) – the two are often seen together, although the former begins blooming about 2 weeks earlier than the latter. However, White Prairie Clover is the less common of the two plants. The most obvious difference between them is the coloration of their flowers. In addition, White Prairie Clover tends to have more elongated flowering spikes with hair-like bracts, and its foliage is longer, sparser, with a lighter shade of green. Prior to blooming, it blends into the background of grasses and other forbs rather well, and is easy to overlook.

Leafy Prairie Clover
Dalea foliosa
Bean family (Fabaceae)

Description: This native perennial wildflower is about 1-2' tall, branching occasionally to frequently. It is ascending to erect, although some of the side branches may sprawl across the ground in open areas. The central stem and side branches are light green, hairless, and terete or angular in cross-section. The alternate compound leaves are odd-pinnate with 5-15 pairs of leaflets and a terminal leaflet; the compound leaves are up to 3" long and they have short petioles. Individual leaflets are 3/8" long and 1/8" across; they are medium green, oblong, hairless, and smooth along their margins. Each leaflet has a very short petiole and a tiny pointed tip. Upper stems terminate in individual spikes of flowers that are short and cylindrical in shape; individual flowers and their bracts are densely crowded together along the length of each spike in allFloral Spike directions. The petals of these flowers are medium purple or rose-pink (rarely white), while their sepals and bracts are green-white. Each flower has 5 petals, 5 sepals, 5 stamens, and a pistil with a single style. The petals are oblanceolate or obovate and longer than the sepals. The short sepals are lanceolate with green tips and white bases. Underneath each flower, there is a lanceolate bract with an elongated tip that is awn-like. The exerted stamens have white or pale purple filaments and orange to brown stamens. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late summer and lasts about 1-2 months. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each flower is replaced by a short seedpod with a slender beak that is largely enclosed by the persistent sepals; each seedpod contains 1-2 smooth seeds. As the seeds mature, the floral spikes become dark brown. The root system consists of a short stout taproot with fibrous rootlets. This wildflower reproduces by reseeding itself. Individual plants typically live less than 8 years.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sunlight (at least one-half day of sunlight), moist to slightly dry conditions, and a thin rocky soil. The pH of the soil should lie within the range 6.0–8.0; strongly acidic soil should be avoided. This wildflower will adapt to ordinary clay-loam garden soil if its location is sunny and well-drained; however, it is intolerant of competition from taller and more aggressive plants.

Range & Habitat: Leafy Prairie Clover has been observed in only a few counties in northern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Today, it is restricted to 2-3 small colonies in Will County; the populations of the remaining colonies have been extirpated by development or over-collection. Leafy Prairie Clover also occurs in Tennessee and Alabama. Populations have declined in all three states. Leafy Prairie Clover is quite rare and listed as 'endangered' by both the state of Illinois and the Federal government. In Illinois, habitats are restricted to mesic dolomite prairies and rocky riverbanks. In Tennessee and Alabama, habitats are restricted to cedar glades and meadows along the edges of cedar glades.

Faunal Associations: Floral visitors of Leafy Prairie Clover are probably similar to the floral visitors of Dalea purpurea (Purple Prairie Clover); the insect visitors of the latter include many kinds of bees (short-tongued & long-tongued), butterflies, flies, and occasional wasps. These insects are attracted to the nectar and/or pollen of the flowers. The caterpillars of the butterfly Colias cesonia (Dogface Sulfur) feeds on the foliage of Dalea spp. (Prairie Clovers) and other species in the Bean family. Other insects that feed on Prairie Clovers include Apion amaurum (Weevil sp.), Apion capitone (Weevil sp.), and Pachybrachis othonus (Cylindrical Leaf Beetle sp.); none of these records are specific to Leafy Prairie Clover, however. The foliage of Leafy Prairie Clover is highly palatable to mammalian herbivores, including deer, rabbits, groundhogs, cattle, horses, and others. In Illinois, rabbits have been a major cause of plant mortality for this species. This rare wildflower should be protected from such animals where their populations are excessive.

Compound Leaves

Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois; the photographed plant was obtained from a specialist nursery using horticultural sources, rather than wild-collected material.

Comments: Unfortunately, this attractive wildflower is approaching extinction in natural areas. Compared to other Dalea spp. (Prairie Clovers), it has a more leafy appearance. Leafy Prairie Clover can be distinguished from other Prairie Clovers in Illinois by the number of leaflets per compound leaf (typically 21-25, although there can be fewer or more leaflets than this). Both Dalea purpurea (Purple Prairie Clover) and Dalea candida (White Prairie Clover) have fewer leaflets per compound leaf (less than 10). As it common name suggests, White Prairie Clover has flowers with white petals. The floral bracts of Purple Prairie Clover are shorter than those of Leafy Prairie as they lack the awn-like tips of the latter. A species that is found in neighboring states (although not Illinois), Dalea villosa (Silky Prairie Clover) has abundant leaflets, but its foliage is covered with abundant silky hairs. In contrast, Leafy Prairie Clover has hairless foliage.


Range & Habitat: Large-Bracted Corydalis is an uncommon plant that occurs in a few counties in western Illinois. Prior to 1986, it was incorrectly identified as another species of Corydalis. Recently, several large populations of Large-Bracted Corydalis have been discovered, therefore it is more common in Illinois than previously believed. However, it is still state-listed as "threatened." This species is more common in the south-central states; western Illinois lies at the northeast corner of its range. Habitats include sand prairies, sandy fallow fields, and sandy or gravelly areas along roads and railroads (including the ballast). Disturbed areas are preferred, particularly where ant hills occur. Occasional wildfires, sand blow-outs, and overgrazing by herbivores are probably beneficial in maintaining the populations of this plant.

Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated by bumblebees. The oily appendages of the seeds (elaisomes) attract ants (particularly Pheidole bicarinata), which undoubtedly help to disperse the seeds. The poisonous foliage is avoided by mammalian herbivores.

Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: Both the flowers and foliage are quite attractive. Large-Bracted Corydalis can be distinguished from other Corydalis spp. by its long yellow flowers (exceeding 2/3" in length) and their large leafy bracts (exceeding 1/3" in length). Other Corydalis spp. in Illinois have shorter bracts and/or shorter flowers. There are other varieties of Corydalis curvisiliqua, but they occur in states that lie southwest of Illinois.

Purple Prairie Clover
Dalea purpurea
Bean family (Fabaceae)

Close-Up of FlowerDescription: This native perennial plant is unbranched and ¾–3' tall. Older plants may tiller at the base and send up multiple stems, creating a bushy effect. The central stem is slightly ridged and hairless. The odd-pinnate compound leaves alternate as they ascend the stem. They consist of 3-7 leaflets and tend to be quite short, approximately 2-5" long. Each leaflet is dark green, linear in shape, and about 1" long and 1/8" across. There are scattered translucent dots across the surface. At the top of the plant is a dense cylindrical spike of flowers about 1-2" long and about half as much or less across. Each purple flower is about 1/3" across, with 5 small petals and 5 golden anthers that protrude outward. These flowers bloom together as a flowery wreath at the bottom of the spike, which gradually moves upward at the season progresses. There is no noticeable floral scent. The blooming period occurs from early to mid-summer, and lasts about 1-1½ months. The root system consists of a stout taproot that runs deep into the ground. The seeds travel only a short distance from the mother plant when the cylindrical spikes are shaken by the wind.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and average to dry conditions. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, clay, sand, or gravel – this plant is rather indifferent to the characteristics of the soil, to which it adds nitrogen. Foliar disease is not troublesome. Purple Prairie Clover is slow to develop, but is fairly easy to manage if the site is well-drained and there is plenty of sun.

Range & Habitat: Purple Prairie Clover occurs occasionally in central and northern Illinois, but is rare or absent in southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is not common in areas that have been disturbed by modern development. Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, gravel prairies, sand prairies,Close-Up of Compound Leaves hill prairies, typical savannas and sandy savannas, limestone glades, and sandy hills or dunes near Lake Michigan. Recovery from occasional wildfires is good.

Faunal Associations: The flowers attract many kinds of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, small butterflies, skippers, beetles, and plant bugs. The Plasterer bees Colletes albescens and Colletes robertsonii are oligoleges of this plant. Other bee visitors include honeybees, bumblebees, Cuckoo bees, Miner bees, Leaf-Cutting bees, Green Metallic bees, and other Halictine bees. The caterpillars of the butterfly Colias cesonia (Southern Dogface) are sometimes found on the leaves, but this species often fails to overwinter successfully in Illinois. Bean Weevils (Acanthoscelides spp.) sometimes infest the seeds, while a treehopper (Vanduzea triguttata) feeds on the foliage. Purple Prairie Clover is palatable and high in protein, therefore mammalian herbivores of all kinds eat this plant readily. It can be difficult to establish in some areas if there is an abundance of these animals. It is possible that small rodents carry the seeds to their dens, which may aid in the distribution of this plant.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the Lincoln Book Bindery in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: A mature plant that tillers at the base is very attractive when it is in full bloom. Also, the foliage is somewhat ornamental and remains attractive throughout the growing season. This plant is not easily confused with any other species, perhaps the most similar being Dalea candida (White Prairie Clover), which has white flowers and foliage that is lighter-colored and somewhat longer. In the past, the scientific name for this plant was Petalostemum purpureum.

Wild Larkspur
Delphinium carolinianum
Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae)

Description: This native perennial wildflower is 1½–3' tall, consisting of some basal leaves and a flowering stem with alternate leaves. The basal leaves are up to 4" long and 4" across; each basal leaf is palmately divided into 3-5 segments, and each of these segments are subdivided into linear lobes about 3-4 mm. across. The slender petioles of the basal leaves are up to 4" long. The alternate leaves are similar in appearance to the basal leaves, except they become smaller while ascending the stem and their petioles are shorter. The basal leaves, alternate leaves, and the petioles are finely pubescent and whitish green to green.Floral Raceme The central stem is terete, short-pubescent, and whitish green; it is unbranched or sparingly branched where the floral racemes occur. The central stem terminates in an elongated raceme of flowers about ½–1' long; sometimes there are 1 or 2 lateral racemes that are shorter. Individual flowers are about 1" long and 1" across; depending on the local ecotype, they vary in color from light blue to deep blue-violet. Each flower consists of 5 sepals, 4 petals, 3 pistils, and numerous stamens. The petal-like sepals flare outward and they have rounded tips; the base of the uppermost sepal forms the ascending nectar spur, which curves upward. Near the tip of each sepal, there is often a patch of green. The small upper petals form a short hood over the throat of the flower and their bases extend into the nectar spur; they are often more white or light-colored than the lower petals or sepals. The lower petals are cleft and covered with fine woolly hairs; sometimes they are slightly purple. The pedicel of each flower is about 1" long and ascending; it has a pair of tiny linear bracts toward the middle. Near the base of each pedicel, there is a single linear bract that is larger in size and ascending. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer and lasts about 3-4 weeks. Each flower lasts about 1 week; several flowers are often in bloom at the same time. Each flower is replaced by a cluster of 3 seedpods (technically, follicles) that are joined together at the base. The individual seedpods are about ½–¾" long, angular in shape, and beaked; they are held erect. Each seedpod splits open along the inner side to release its seeds. The angular seeds are short-oblongoid with appressed scales; they are slightly winged along their margins. The root system is coarsely fibrous. Reproduction is by seed.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun, rather dry conditions, and soil that is rocky or sandy. This wildflower dislikes competition and prefers barren ground where the ground vegetation is sparse. If necessary, it can tolerate a little shade. The basal leaves usually wither away before the flowers bloom, but this is normal.

Range & Habitat: Wild Larkspur is restricted to a few counties in western and central Illinois (see Distribution Map); it is uncommon. Two subspecies have been observed in Illinois; Delphinium carolinianum virescens (Prairie Larkspur), was collected in Hancock County by Dr. Mead during the 19th century; it may be extirpated from the state. The typical subspecies, Delphinium carolinianum carolinianum (Wild Larkspur), has been collected from the remaining counties. Prairie Larkspur is more common in areas to the west of the Mississippi River, while Wild Larkspur is more common in the southeastern and south-central states. Habitats include hill prairies, upland sand prairies, rocky glades, barren savannas, and rocky openings in upland woodlands.
Alternate Leaf
Faunal Associations: Bumblebees suck nectar from the flowers and help to cross-pollinate them. Insects that feed on Delphinium spp. include the moth Heliothis phloxiphagus (Spotted Straw; caterpillars eat flowers), the Agromyzid fly Phytomyza delphinivora (Larkspur Leafminer; maggots tunnel through foliage), and Phytonemus pallidus (Cyclamen Mite; sucks juices from foliage). Because the foliage is more or less toxic to mammalian herbivores, it is usually avoided by them.

Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: The flowers of this species are quite attractive; how unfortunate that it isn't more common! The only other larkspur that is native to Illinois, Delphinium tricorne (Dwarf Larkspur), is found primarily in woodlands in the southern half of the state. This latter species has shorter flowering stalks and leaves with wider lobes (exceeding ¼" across); furthermore, its seed capsules are widely spreading, rather than erect. An annual species from Europe that is grown in gardens, Consolida ajacis (Rocket Larkspur), occasionally escapes into waste areas. This species has leaves with lobes that are nearly filiform (worm-like) and it has only one seed capsule per flower. In contrast, each flower of Wild Larkspur matures into clusters of 3 seed capsules. The typical subspecies of Wild Larkspur, Delphinium carolinianum carolinianum, has been described above. The other subspecies that has been found in Illinois, Delphinium carolinianum virescens (Prairie Larkspur), differs from the typical subspecies as follows: 1) Its flowers tend to be more white (varying from white to light blue), 2) Its basal leaves usually don't wither before the flowers bloom, and 3) Its seeds have projecting scales and they lack wings along their margins. Sometimes Prairie Larkspur is regarded as a distinct species, in which case it is referred to as Delphinium virescens. Wild Larkspur and Prairie Larkspur occasionally hybridize when they occur together in the same area.

Illinois Bundleflower
Desmanthus illinoensis
Mimosa family (Mimosaceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is 2-5' tall, which occasionally branches out, and has a ferny appearance. The stems are light green and angular. The alternate leaves are doubly compound (bipinnate), consisting of many smallIllinois Bundleflower in Garden leaflets that are each less than ¼" long. They are yellowish green or medium green, and narrowly ovate in shape. There may be scattered white hairs along the stems and around the margins of the leaves. Small white compound flowers occur individually from the upper axils of the upper leaves. Each compound flower is up to ½" across, and composed of a multitude of narrow tubular florets pointing in nearly all directions. From each floret protrudes several yellow stamens. When fully developed, these compound flowers have a starburst appearance that is typical of members in the Mimosa family, but they are more lumpy than spherical. There is no floral scent. The blooming period lasts about a month during early or mid-summer, after which clusters of brown seedpods develop during the remainder of the summer. This plant has a central taproot, and disperses by reseeding itself.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist to average conditions. Some drought is tolerated, but the leaflets on the lower stems of the plant may fall off, and the buds of compound flowers may abort and turn brown. Growth is best in fertile loam, but other kinds of soil are tolerated. This plant fixes high amounts of nitrogen in the soil, and can rejuvenate worn-out soil. Disease is rarely a problem.

Range & Habitat: Illinois Bundleflower occurs primarily in NE Illinois, along the Illinois River valley, and along the Mississippi River valley in SW Illinois, favoring loamy or sandy alluvial soils. It is occasional in these areas, otherwise rare or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic black soil prairies, moist meadows near rivers, openings in woodlands, limestone glades, and areas along levees. It is sometimes planted in pastures to feed cattle, and is used in prairie restorations to improve the soil. However, it recovers poorly from wildfires. This plant favors disturbed areas.
Close-Up of Seedpods
Faunal Associations: There is limited information available, but Eucerine Miner bees probably visit the flowers for pollen or nectar. Syrphid flies and Halictid bees may seek pollen, but are non-pollinating. The seeds are consumed by various upland gamebirds, including the Ring-Necked Pheasant, Bobwhite, and Greater Prairie Chicken. This plant is highly palatable to mammalian herbivores, and has a high protein content. It may have trouble surviving in areas where there is a surplus population of these animals and a shortage of predators.

Photographic Location: Photographs were taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: The primary attraction of this plant is its fern-like foliage, giving it a refined appearance. The leaves close-up at night, and often close partially during hot, sunny days. During the evening, they re-orient in the direction of the sun to maximize the reception of its light. The little flowers are short-lived and not particularly showy. Illinois Bundleflower is one of two members of the Mimosa family that occur in prairies in Illinois. The other plant is Schrankia uncinata (Sensitive Briar), which is a vine with pink starburst flowers and thorns along the stems and compound leaves.

Showy Tick Trefoil
Desmodium canadense
Bean family (Fabaceae)

Description: This native perennial is about 3' tall and normally erect, although it sometimes sprawls along the ground. The green central stem has fine white hairs,Showy Tick Trefoil in Prairie sometimes turning brown in response to drought. There are usually a few flowering side stems in the upper half of a large mature plant. The compound leaves consist of three leaflets that are greyish green. Each compound leaf has a short petiole with a pair of small deciduous sheaths at its base. The leaflets are 2-3½" long and less than half as wide. They are oblong or lanceolate in overall shape, but rounded at the tips rather than pointed. Their undersides have fine hooked hairs that cling to clothing or the fur of passing animals. Numerous pink flowers in an elongate raceme occur at the end of one or more of the upper stems. The flowers are about ½" across (as measured vertically), consisting of an upper and a lower petal. These petals are initially folded and keel-like, but eventually open wide, begining with the upper petal. There is a small patch of dark pink at the center of the flower, from which emerges an upwardly curved white tube containing the stigmas and pistil. There is no floral scent. Each flower occurs on a hairy red pedicel, and has a hairy greenish red calyx.The blooming period occurs during mid-summer and lasts about 3 weeks. The flat seedpods have 3 to 5 segments and are about 2½" long. Like the undersides of the leaves, they are covered with fine hooked hairs, and are distributed by passing animals. Usually, the lower side of a seedpod is more rounded than the upper side. Technically, these seedpods are called 'loments.' The root system consists of a taproot that is long, slender, and brown.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist to mesic conditions. A loamy soil with some organic matter is quite satisfactory. The foliage is often discolored by powdery mildew. This plant increases the nitrogen content of the soil by means of root nodules.

Range & Habitat: Showy Tick Trefoil occurs occasionally in most counties of central and northern Illinois, but is uncommon or absent in southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic black soil prairies, moist meadows along rivers, borders of lakes, thickets, limestone glades, and areas along railroads where prairie remnants occur.
Close-Up of Loments
Faunal Associations: The most important visitors of the flowers are long-tongued bees, including bumblebees, Miner bees, and large Leaf-Cutting bees. Some short-tongued bees may also visit the flowers to collect pollen. The caterpillars of the skippers Thorybes pylades (Northern Cloudywing) and Thorybes bathyllus (Southern Cloudywing) feed on the foliage. The flowering stems are a preferred source of food to Papilio japonica (Japanese Beetle), which can weaken this plant sufficiently to interfere with seedpod formation. Like many other members of the Bean family, this plant is highly edible to various mammalian herbivores, including deer, rabbits, groundhogs, and livestock. Some upland gamebirds and small rodents eat the seeds, including the Bobwhite, Wild Turkey, and White-Footed Mouse.

Photographic Location: Photographs were taken at the Red Bison Railroad Prairie in Savoy, Illinois.

Comments: This is one of the showier Tick Trefoils because of the plentiful flowers, assuming it isn't marred by insects and disease. Showy Tick Trefoil is more attractive when it occurs in colonies, rather than as isolated plants. Distinguishing the different Desmodium spp. is rather difficult. Important features to consider are the number of segments and shape of the loments, and the size and structure of the compound leaves. Showy Tick Trefoil can be distinguished from Desmodium illinoense (Illinois Tick Trefoil) by examining the base of the compound leaves. The leaf-stem (primary petiole) connecting the compound leaf to the stem is much shorter in the former species than the latter species. Similarly, the leafy bracts at the base of the leaf-stem are smaller and more deciduous in the former species than the latter species.

Illinois Tick Trefoil
Desmodium illinoense
Bean family (Fabaceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is 2½–4' tall, branching sparingly. The stout central stem is round and covered with fine hooked hairs. The alternate compound leaves are trifoliate and have petioles aboutClose-Up of Inflorescence 1–2½" long. The leaflets are up to 3½" long and 1" across. A typical leaflet is lanceolate-oblong or lanceolate-ovate, with smooth margins, and a leathery texture. The base of a leaflet is rounded, while the tip is usually blunt. The lower surface is light or whitish green and has prominent veins; there are hooked hairs along the major veins. The central stem terminates in an elongated raceme of flowers about ½–1½' long. Usually, only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. Each flower is about 1/3" long (up and down), and either pale purple or white. The two upper petals are larger than the others and well-rounded; when these petals are pale purple, there is a small patch of white near the throat of the flower, which is surrounded by a narrow border of burgundy. There are also two side petals that enclose a lower petal, which project outward. Together, they form a typical pea-shaped flower. The hairy green calyx is divided into 5 lobes of unequal length, while the pedicels of the flowers are slender and hairy. The blooming period usually occurs during mid-summer and lasts about 3 weeks. There is no noticeable floral scent. The flowers are replaced by flat seedpods about 1-3" long that are called 'loments.' These loments have 3-6 segments that are well-rounded on both the upper and lower sides. The surface of these loments are covered with hooked hairs that can cling to clothing or fur. They divide into two sections to release the flat brown seeds inside. The root system consists of a stout taproot. Vegetative colonies are not formed.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, mesic conditions, and a fertile loam or clay loam soil. This plant has good drought tolerance, and appears to have fewer problems with powdery mildew than some other Desmodium spp., such as Desmodium canadense (Showy Tick Trefoil). If it is grown in full sun, Illinois Tick Trefoil remains quite erect because of its stout central stem. It adds nitrogen to the soil.

Range & Habitat: Illinois Tick Trefoil occurs occasionally in most counties of central and northern Illinois, but it is uncommon or absent in many areas of southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to slightly dry black soil prairies, sand prairies (less typical), oak savannas, scrubby barrens, and areas along railroads and roadsides, especially where prairie remnants occur. Usually, this species occurs as scattered plants, and doesn't form the dense colonies of some Desmodium spp., such as Showy Tick Trefoil.
Stem and Foliage
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract long-tongued bees primarily, which collect pollen. This includes bumblebees and large Leaf-Cutting bees. The caterpillars of two skippers, Thorybes pylades (Northern Cloudywing) and Thorybes bathyllus (Southern Cloudywing), feed on the foliage of this and other Tick Trefoils. The seeds are eaten by some upland gamebirds and small rodents, including the Bobwhite, Wild Turkey, and White-Footed Mouse. The foliage is palatable to mammalian herbivores, and consumed by deer, rabbits, groundhogs, and livestock. These same animals help to distribute the seedpods, which cling to fur. People also help to distribute the seedpods, which readily cling to clothing.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the Shortline Railroad Prairie in Champaign County, Illinois. The plants were growing in a mesic black soil prairie not far from a corn field.

Comments: Illinois Tick Trefoil is not very showy because only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. Unlike other Tick Trefoils, it has high fidelity to prairies, and is less often observed around woodlands. It can be readily distinguished from Desmodium canadense (Showy Tick Trefoil), another species that often occurs in prairies, by considering the following features: 1) the former species usually has fewer flowers in bloom at the same time as the latter, 2) the compound leaves of the former have much longer petioles (over 1" long) than the latter, 3) the stipules at the base of the petioles of the former are larger, broader, and more persistant than the stipules of the latter, and 4) the undersides of the leaflets of the former have more prominent veins than the leaflets of the latter. In general, the form and number of segments in the loments are important in distinguishing the different species of Tick Trefoil, while their flowers are very similar in appearance.

Rough Buttonweed
Diodia teres teres
Madder family (Rubiaceae)

Plant with Flowers and FruitDescription: This native annual plant is ½–1' and unbranched, except near the base. The green or reddish stems become bluntly 4-angled toward the top, and have a tendency to sprawl. Depending on the variety, the stems are slightly pubescent to quite hairy. Opposite leaves occur at intervals along the stems, and are sessile. They are up to 1½" long and ¼" across, and narrowly lanceolate to linear in shape. There is a prominent central vein, while the slightly ciliate margins are quite smooth. One or two axillary flowers occur above the upper leaves near the stems. These flowers are light purple, lavender, or nearly white. Each tubular flower is about 1/6" long, and has 4 spreading lobes, 4 white stamens, and an undivided stigma that is white and knobby at the end. The green calyx divides into 5 triangular lobes that are much shorter than the corolla. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall, and lasts about 1-2 months. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each flower is replaced by a rounded 2-celled fruit about 1/8" long that is broader at the top than the bottom. This fruit looks like a swollen button and is green and shiny, eventually turning brown. The hairiness of the fruit depends on the variety of the species. Each cell contains a single seed. Seed distribution is rather limited, unless animals facilitate their dispersion in some manner. A distinctive characteristic of this plant is the presence of rather long bristles near the flowers and fruit at the base of the leaves. The root system consists of a slender white taproot with secondary feed roots. This plant often forms colonies by re-seeding itself.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry conditions, and poor soil containing an abundance of sand, gravel, or compacted clay. This plant will also tolerate partial sun and moister conditions with fertile soil, in which case it will be displaced by taller plants. It doesn't appear to have many problems with disease, and is quite drought tolerant.

Range & Habitat: Rough Buttonweed occurs occasionally in the southern half of Illinois, and a few counties in the northern half, where it is probably adventive. Habitats include dry upland areas of prairies where there is sparse vegetation, hill prairies, sand prairies, glades, gravelly

Amethyst Shooting Star
Dodecatheon amethystinum
Primrose family (Primulaceae)

Description: This native perennial wildflower consists of a low rosette of basal leaves and a flowering stalk of flowers about ½–1½' tall. The basal leaves are up to 6" long and 2½" across; they are ovate-oblong or obovate, medium green, hairless, and smooth along their margins. The erect flowering stalk is hairless and devoid of leaves; at its apex there is an umbel of 3-25 flowers. The flowers nod downward from their drooping pedicels. Each flower is about ¾" long, consisting of a corolla with 5 oblong lobes, a light green calyx with 5 triangular teeth, and 5 stamens that are appressed together around a single slender style. The corolla is usually rosy pink, although sometimes it is a lighter shade of pink. The lobes of the corolla are turned inside-out, fully exposing the reproductive organs (which are pointed downward). Near its base, the corolla has patches of yellow and white. The anthers of the stamens are yellowish orange. The blooming period occurs during the late spring for about 2 weeks. Afterwards, the pedicels of the flowers turn upward and the developing seed capsules are held erect. At maturity, the papery walls of the seed capsules become light brown. Each seed capsule contains many tiny seeds. The root system consists of a crown of fibrous roots. The foliage withers away by mid-summer. This wildflower reproduces by reseeding itself.

Close-up of Flowers

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun during the period of vegetative growth and development. This occurs during the spring and it is quite rapid. At this time, ample moisture and cool to moderate temperatures are required. This wildflower can adapt to a loamy garden soil, but it often occurs on rocky slopes in its native habitat. Some protection from the hot afternoon sun is desirable, but not required if there is ample moisture.

Range & Habitat: Amethyst Shooting Star is found in only a few counties in NW and west-central Illinois (see Distribution Map); it is uncommon. Habitats include thinly wooded bluffs, rocky cliffs, and sheltered areas of upland prairies where moisture tends to accumulate. In Illinois, this wildflower is found in hilly areas along the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. In other states, it is often found in mountainous areas.

Faunal Associations: The flowers are visited by bumblebees and other bees for their pollen. Through the rapid vibration of their abdominal muscles, bumblebee visitors engage in "buzz pollination," which induces the flower to release its pollen. The low foliage is probably edible to mammalian herbivores, but it is rarely eaten because of its inconspicuous and ephemeral nature.

Young Rosette

Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: This is a little jewel of a plant. It closely resembles the more common Dodecatheon meadia (Shooting Star), but the flowers of Amethyst Shooting Star are usually a deeper shade of pink. In general, Amethyst Shooting Star is slightly smaller in size than Shooting Star, and the flowering stalk of each plant has a tendency to produce fewer flowers (less than 25); sometimes, the flower stalk of a robust Shooting Star produces substantially more than 25 flowers. The most critical difference between these two plants, however, consists of the characteristics of their seed capsules: At maturity, the seed capsules of Amethyst Shooting Star are light brown and thin-walled, while the seed capsules of Shooting Star are dark brown and thick-walled. The basal leaves of these two species are very similar.

 borders of lakes, pathways with compacted soil, and gravelly areas along roadsides and railroads (including the railroad ballast). This plant is more likely to occur in disturbed areas, and tends to be more common in the southern counties of the state. It is regarded as a common weed in the southern states, but is less ubiquitous in Illinois.

Faunal Associations: Limited information is available about this plant's relationships to various fauna. The nectar and pollen of the flowers probably attract small bees and flower flies. It has been reported by Tietz (1972) that the caterpillars of Xylophanes tersa (Tersa Sphinx) feed on this plant. This moth also has a southern distribution, but migrates to the northern states during the summer. The Greater Prairie Chicken eats the fruit capsules, and possibly other gamebirds as well.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken of plants growing on a little-used path with compacted soil. This path was located near an abandoned railroad in Champaign County, Illinois. Rather large colonies of Rough Buttonweed occurred in this area, primarily in sunny areas where Chamaecrista fasciculata (Partridge Pea) and Euphorbia corollata (Flowering Spurge) also occurred.

Comments: This little plant is not particularly showy and is easily overlooked. It resembles some of the other buttonweeds, but it has more narrow leaves and prefers to grow in drier, sunnier places. Rough Buttonweed differs from Diodia virginica (Smooth Buttonweed) by having shorter flowers that are often tinged with purple. It also has an undivided style that is knobby (i.e., capitate), while Smooth Buttonweed has a slender divided style. Other common names for Rough Buttonweed are 'Poorjoe' and 'Poverty Weed.' These are primarily southern names, which reflect this plant's preference for poor soil. The other variety of Rough Buttonweed is Diodia teres setifera. This latter variety is a hairier plant that occurs only in southern Illinois.

Shooting Star
Dodecatheon meadia
Primulaceae (Primrose family)

Description: This native perennial plant consists of a basal rosette of leaves, from which emerges one or more stalks of flowers. The leaves are up to 6" longClose-Up of Flowers and 2½" across, and oblong or oblanceolate. They are greyish green or green with a prominent central vein and smooth margins. There are finer side veins that are pinnately arranged. The foliage and other parts of this plant are hairless. A green or red flowering stalk emerges from the rosette that is about 1½' tall, from which an umbel of about 6 flowers dangle downward. Each flower has 5 petals that are reflexed upward, converging at the base of the flower, which consists of a pointed yellowish tube with white and brown accents. The petals are white, light pink, or rosy pink. There is no floral scent. In overall appearance, the inflorescence looks like a collection of pretty shooting stars, hence the common name for this plant. The blooming period occurs during late spring and lasts about a month. The entire plant dies down when summer arrives, although the dried up stalks persist somewhat longer. The small dark seeds are contained in seed capsules that are held erect (unlike the flowers). They are somewhat cylindrical, but taper at the ends. Gusts of wind shake the stalks holding the seed capsules, and can carry the seeds several feet away. The root system is fibrous. Over time, offsets can slowly form.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist to slightly dry soil. Shooting Star can thrive on dry sunny slopes if there is sufficient rainfall during the spring because it dies down before summer droughts arrive. The soil can consist of loam with lots of organic material, or contain some rocky material. There is a preference for slopes, which reduces competition from taller plants. The foliage of mature plants dies down before disease can affect it. Shooting Star can be difficult to start from seed because of damping off, and it is slow to develop because of the short period of active growth. Transplants can also be temperamental, particularly if they are too small, or dug into the ground after the cool rainy weather of spring.

Range & Habitat: Shooting Star occurs in the majority of counties in Illinois (see Distribution Map). This plant is occasional to locally common in highClose-Up of Basal Leaves quality habitats, otherwise it is rare or absent. Habitats include moist to slightly dry black soil prairies, hill prairies, openings in rocky upland forests, limestone glades, bluffs along major rivers, fens, and abandoned fields. An occasional wildfire during the late summer or fall is beneficial because it reduces the dead vegetation that can smother this plant during the spring.

Faunal Associations: Queen bumblebees are the most typical visitors of the oddly shaped flowers. They obtain pollen from the flowers by the rapid vibration of their thoracic muscles, which is sometimes called 'buzz pollination.' Other bees visiting the flowers are Anthophorine bees, Eucerine Miner bees, and Green Metallic bees. All of these insects collect pollen, as the flowers offer no nectar reward. The seeds are too small to be of much interest to birds. Mammalian herbivores may feed on the foliage during the spring, but little information is available about this.

Photographic Location: The upper photograph was taken at a wildflower garden near Red Bison Railroad Prairie in Champaign, Illinois, while the lower photograph was taken at Loda Cemetery Prairie in Iroquois County, Illinois.

Comments: This is one of the most beautiful spring wildflowers in the prairie. A colony of these plants in bloom is a sight not to be missed. The flowers of Shooting Star resemble in form those of Horse Nettle (Solanum carolinense) and other members of the Nightshade family. This is an example of convergent evolution between plants of different families because of similarities in the method of pollination. Early pioneers called this plant 'Prairie Pointers.'

Pale Purple Coneflower
Echinacea pallida
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is up to 3' tall and unbranched. The stout central stem is greyish or reddish green and covered with coarse white hairs. Most of the leaves occur near the base of the plant, although a few of them alternate along the lower 1/3 of the stem. They are up to 9" long and 2" across, and narrowly lanceolate, oblanceolate, or ovate. The margins are smooth, but often curl upward, while the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves are covered with fine white hairs. Leaf venation is primarily parallel, although a few fine pinnate veins may be present.

Close-up of Flowerhead

A single daisy-like composite flower develops at the top of the stem. It is about 3" across, consisting of a prominent reddish brown cone of disk florets, which are surrounded by 12-20 light purple ray florets. The ray florets are long, slender, and droop downward. There is no noticeable floral scent. The blooming period occurs during early summer and lasts about 3 weeks, after which the ray florets shrivel away and the central cone turns black. The achenes are without tufts of hair. The root system consists of a stout taproot.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and average to dry conditions. The soil can contain loam, clay, or rocky material. There is a tendency for Pale Purple Coneflower to flop over when in bloom if it is pampered by too much water or lacks adequate support from adajacent vegetation. It doesn't seem to be bothered much by disease, and withstands drought very well. Development is slow unless ample sunlight is received. This plant can fail to survive the winter if the central taproot is not covered with sufficient soil.

Range & Habitat: Pale Purple Coneflower occurs occasionally throughout Illinois, except in some of the southern counties (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, openings in dry rocky woods, OakClose-Up of Leaves savannas, limestone glades, abandoned fields, and open areas along railroads. It is possible that this plant occurred in gravel or dolomite prairies before these habitats were largely destroyed by development.

Faunal Associations: Long-tongued bees, butterflies, and skippers are the most important visitors to the flowers. Among the long-tongued bees, are such visitors as bumblebees, Nomadine Cuckoo bees, Large Carpenter bees, and Leaf-Cutting bees. Short-tongued Green Metallic bees and other Halictine bees also visit the flowers occasionally. The caterpillars of the butterfly Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) feed on the foliage, as do the caterpillars of the moths Eynchlora acida (Wavy-Lined Emerald) and Eupithecia miserulata (Common Eupithecia). Goldfinches occasionally eat the seeds. Mammalian herbivores, particularly livestock, may eat this plant occasionally, but it is not a preferred food source.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the Red Bison Railroad Prairie in Savoy, Illinois.

Comments: This plant usually precedes Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) in bloom by about 2-4 weeks. Sometimes their flowers are difficult to tell apart, but the leaves of Pale Purple Coneflower are more long and narrow, hairier, lighter green, and tend to remain near the base of the plant.

Purple Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This is a native perennial plant up to 3½' tall that branches occasionally. The stems have small purple streaks and scattered white hairs. The alternate or opposite leaves are up to 6" long and 3" across. They are broadlyPlants in Prairie lanceolate, lanceolate, or ovate, with widely spaced teeth along the margins. The upper surface of the leaves is often dark green and has sparse white hairs. The petioles are short and slightly winged. Many of the upper stems terminate in a single composite flower. This daisy-like flower is about 3-4" across. It consists of a large central cone of yellowish brown or reddish brown disk florets, surrounded by 10-20 purple ray florets. The central cone is somewhat flattened but prickly, while the ray florets are long and tend to droop downward. The flowers may release a slight fragrance in strong sunlight. The blooming period begins in mid-summer and lasts about a month, after which there is a temporary dormancy. Later, some plants may bloom again during the early fall. The dark achenes of the central cone are long and flat, without tufts of hair, resembling a pincushion of needles. The root system is fibrous and has short woody rhizomes. Eventually, small clumps of plants may form.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist to mesic conditions. Growth is best in fertile loam, but the soil can contain some gravel or clay. Foliar disease is rarely troublesome. While there is some drought resistance, the entire plant will wilt if the soil becomes too dry, particularly in strong sunlight. This plant is very easy to grow if the preceding requirements are met.

Range & Habitat: Purple Coneflower occurs primarily in central and NE Illinois, and a few counties in southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). While often grown in gardens around homes and businesses, it is usually an uncommon plant in native habitats. However, Purple Coneflower is often used in prairie restorations, where it may be locally common. Some populations, particularly in the Chicago area, areSeedhead during Winter probably plants that have escaped from cultivation. Habitats include moist to mesic black soil prairies, edges and openings in floodplain forests, savannas, thickets, and limestone glades.

Faunal Associations: The flowers are visited by long-tongued bees, bee flies, Halictine bees, butterflies, and skippers. Among long-tongued bees, are such visitors as honeybees, bumblebees, Miner bees, and large Leaf-Cutting bees. Butterfly visitors include Monarchs, Fritillaries, Painted Ladies, Swallowtails, Sulfurs, and Whites. The caterpillars of the butterfly Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) feed on the foliage, as well as the the caterpillars of the moths Eynchlora acida (Wavy-Lined Emerald) and Eupithecia miserulata (Common Eupithecia). The Eastern Goldfinch occasionally eats the seeds.

Photographic Location: The upper photograph was taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois, while the lower photograph was taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: This is striking plant when it is in full bloom, as the flowers are large and colorful. There is a cultivated form, called 'White Swan,' that is often grown in flower gardens, but plants with white flowers are very rare in the wild. Purple Coneflower seems to attract more than its fair share of butterflies, particularly in sunny, sheltered areas. It can be distinguished from Echinacea pallida (Pale Purple Coneflower) by its broader leaves, bushier habit, and later blooming period

Fireweed
Epilobium angustifolium
Evening Primrose family (Onagraceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is 2-5' tall, and is either unbranched or sparsely branched. The smooth stems are round or somewhat angular; they oftenFireweed in Garden become reddish in the sun near the inflorescence. The willow-like hairless leaves are up to 5" long and ¾" across. They are narrowly lanceolate or linear, with margins that are smooth or slightly serrated (widely spaced), and are sessile or with short petioles. The central stem and upper side stems each terminate in an elongated raceme of showy flowers, about 3-8" long. These flowers range in color from pink to magenta, depending on the local ecotype. Each flower is about 1" across, consisting of 4 petals and 4 sepals. The petals are narrow at the base, but become broad and rounded toward their tips. The sepals are long and narrow; they are usually a darker color than the petals. In the center of the flower, there are up to 8 long white filaments with large magenta anthers; these anthers eventually shrivel and turn brown. The pedicels of the flowers are rather long and colored magenta. The blooming period occurs primarily from early to late summer, and lasts about a month. There is no floral scent. The flowers quickly wither away, and are replaced by seedpods that are long and narrow. These seedpods split into multiple sections, beginning at their tips (each section curling backward), and release a multitude of tiny seeds with small tufts of white hair. These seeds are readily dispersed by the wind, and can travel a considerable distance. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous, which enables this plant to form colonies.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist conditions, and cool to warm temperatures. This plant becomes dormant during hot summer weather. The soil should contain abundant organic matter, with or without sand. A low pH is tolerated, if not preferred. This plant is fairly easy to grow, even under conditions that are not entirely suitable for it, but it has difficulty competing with plants that are better adapted to hot, dry summer weather. Foliar disease is not troublesome; however, the stems are easily broken. In warmer areas with a long growing season, Fireweed will bloom during early summer, while in cooler, boreal areas, it tends to bloom later in the summer.
Close-Up of Leaf
Range & Habitat: Fireweed is a rare plant that occurs in only a few counties of NE and north central Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is more common further to the north in Wisconsin. Habitats include moist sedge meadows, woodland borders, damp ravines, sandy marshes near dunes, remnant bogs, and areas where trees and brush have been removed by fire. This plant is confined to cooler areas of Illinois where the climate has been made more moderate by the influence of the Great Lakes. It is not really a plant of the open prairies, but can be found sometimes in moist meadows. Fire stimulates the germination of this plant's seeds and helps to eliminate competitors, hence the common name.

Faunal Associations: Primarily long-tongued bees visit the flowers for pollen and nectar, including bumblebees. Smaller short-tongued bees and Syrphid flies also visit the flowers, but they seek pollen and are probably less effective at pollination. The caterpillars of various moths are known to feed on foliage of Epilobium spp., including Fireweed, but they are usually found to the north of Illinois. The seeds are too small to be of much interest to birds. The foliage is non-toxic and palatable to various mammalian herbivores, but it has low food value.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: Fireweed is attractive while in bloom, but becomes ragged in appearance afterwards. This plant can't be confused with most other Epilobium spp. because of their much smaller flowers. However, it does resemble Epilobium hirsutum (Hairy Fireweed), which is not native to Illinois. This latter plant has long, soft, spreading hairs, while Epilobium angustifolium (Fireweed) is hairless.

Philadelphia Fleabane
Erigeron philadelphicus
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This biennial or short-lived perennial plant is up to 2½' and unbranched, except near the inflorescence. The central stem is slightly ridged and has scattered white hairs. The alternate leaves are up to 3½" long and 1½" across. These leaves clasp the stem, and become smaller and fewer as they ascend toward the inflorescence. They are usually lanceolate or broadly lanceolate, but sometimes oblanceolate, obovate, or broadly ovate. The margins may be smooth, or there may be a few scattered teeth toward the tips of the leaves.

At the apex of the central stem, as well as from some of the axils of the upper leaves, there is a single stalked inflorescence that branches into about 3-15 daisy-like composite flowers. Each composite flower is about ½–¾" across, and consists of numerous yellow disk florets and 100-300 surrounding white ray florets. Sometimes, the ray florets are slightly pink or purple. There is little or no floral scent. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer, and lasts about 1½ months. Afterwards, this plant tends to die down during hot, dry summer weather. The root system is shallow and fibrous, and may form a short caudex in older plants. The achenes have white tufts of hair, which are carried aloft by the wind, thereby distributing the plant. Colonies are often formed.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist conditions. Drier locations may be tolerated, depending on the local ecotype of the plant. Growth is best in fertile, loamy soil, but gravel and clay are tolerated in moist areas as well. Foliar disease doesn't bother this plant significantly as it tends to die down before disease organisms have a chance to develop.

Range & Habitat: Philadelphia Fleabane is a common plant that occurs in almost every county of Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist black soil prairies, savannas and openings in woodlands, moist meadows near rivers, borders of lakes and edges of marshes, rocky bluffs, roadside ditches andClose-Up of Stem and Leaf low-lying areas along railroads, abandoned fields, vacant lots, and other waste areas. Moist disturbed areas are preferred.

Faunal Associations: The pollen or nectar of the flowers attract many kinds of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, beetles, and plant bugs. Examples of more frequent visitors include Little Carpenter bees, Nomadine Cuckoo bees, Green Metallic bees and other Halictine bees, Eumenine wasps, Tachinid flies, and Thick-Head flies. The caterpillars of Schinia lynx (Lynx Flower Moth) eat the flowers and seed capsules, while Lygus lineolaris (Tarnished Plant Bug) sucks the plant juices. Among mammalian herbivores, livestock, deer, and rabbits occasionally consume the leaves, stems, and flowers.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken along a roadside ditch in Champaign, Illinois.

Comments: Philadelphia Fleabane can be distinguished from other fleabanes by the clasping leaves and the huge number of ray florets in a flowerhead. This plant is usually longer-lived and prefers moister locations than the other Fleabanes. Its floral display is also showier, but shorter-lived. Another common name for this plant is Marsh Fleabane. There is significant variation in the appearance of plants across different populations.

Daisy Fleabane
Erigeron strigosus
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This native annual or biennial plant is erect and up to 3' tall. It is largely unbranched, except for a few side stems near the inflorescence at the apex. The ridged central stem has spreading white hairs near the base, but these hairs become short and appressed along its middle and upper portions. The alternate leaves are up to 4" long and 2/3" across, becoming smaller and more sparsely distributed as they ascend the stems. They are usually oblanceolate (shaped like a narrow spoon), narrowly ovate, or linear. Some of the larger leaves may have a few coarse teeth toward their outer tips. The base of each leaf narrows gradually to a slender petiole-like base.

Several Flowerheads

The upper stems terminate in small clusters of daisy-like compound flowers and their buds. The buds have appressed fine hairs that are difficult to see. The compound flowers are about ½" across, consisting of about 40-100 ray florets that surround numerous disk florets. The tiny disk florets are yellow, while the ray florets are usually white (sometimes light violet or pink). The blooming period occurs primarily from late spring to mid-summer, and lasts about 1-2 months. However, some plants may bloom later in the year until the early fall. The flowers may have a mild fragrance. Both the ray and disk florets can set fertile seed without cross-pollination. The small achenes enclosing the seeds have small bristles or white hairs that promote distribution of the seeds by wind. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by re-seeding itself, and often forms loose colonies.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry conditions, and poor soil containing clay or stony material. In moist situations with richer soil, Daisy Fleabane may have trouble competing with taller plants with broader leaves. This plant tends to fade away after flowering and setting seed.

Range & Habitat: Daisy Fleabane is fairly common and has been reported from almost all counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland areas of black soil prairies, gravel prairies, hillClose-Up of Middle Leaf & Stem prairies, limestone glades, dry savannas, eroding clay banks, pastures and abandoned fields, and areas along roadsides and railroads. While this plant species favors disturbed areas, it is more likely to occur in higher quality habitats than the closely related Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane).

Faunal Associations: Primarily small bees and flies visit the flowers for nectar or pollen. Among the bees, are such visitors as Little Carpenter bees, Nomadine bees, Carder bees, Green Metallic bees, and Plasterer bees. An exceptional variety of flies also visit the flowers, while less common visitors include small butterflies, wasps, and beetles. The caterpillars of Schinia lynx (Lynx Flower Moth) eat the buds and flowerheads. Mammalian herbivores occasionally feed on the foliage and flowers, including livestock, deer, rabbits, and groundhogs.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken of plants at an eroding clay bank along a road near Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: Daisy Fleabane resembles Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane), but robust specimens of these two species are fairly easy to distinguish. Daisy Fleabane is a more slender plant with fewer and skinnier leaves, and the hairs along the middle and upper portions of the central stem are short and appressed, rather than spreading outward. However, some malnourished specimens of Annual Fleabane can resemble Daisy Fleabane, thus becoming a source of possible confusion. While the fleabanes are often dismissed as 'weeds' because of their ubiquitousness during the summer, they are actually rather cheerful plants that are beneficial to many small insects that play an important role in the functioning of the ecological system.

Rattlesnake Master
Eryngium yuccifolium
Carrot family (Apiaceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is 2-5' tall. It has a stout central stem that is unbranched, except near the inflorescence. The alternate leaves tend toFlowerheads of Rattlesnake Master occur near the base of the plant, although a few smaller leaves occur along the upper portion of the stem. These leaves are long and strap-like, rather stiff in texture, and up to 2½' long and 2½" across. They are narrowly lanceolate, often curve downward, and have parallel venation. There are widely scattered, but stiff, teeth along the margins. The base of leaves clasp or wrap around the stalk. The entire plant is bluish or greyish green, and quite hairless. At the apex of the central stem, and sometimes from the axils of the upper leaves, occurs a long-stalked inflorescence. This consists of several prickly balls of flowers that are individually about ½–1" across. These whitish green balls contain numerous small white flowers that are individually surrounded by prickly bracts. A flower consists of 5 white petals, a divided white pistil, and several white stamens with light brown anthers. Each ball of flowers is subtended by a star-like rosette of small leaves. These flowers have a sickly honey-like scent in bright sunlight. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late summer, and the balls of flowers remain attractive for about 2 months. The root system consists of a central taproot. After blooming, a plant will gradually die down, but one or more offsets will develop at its base. Thus, a small clump of plants will eventually form.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and moist to slightly dry conditions. This plant becomes spindly in shadier conditions, and may topple over while in bloom. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, sand, clay, or gravel, but the site should not be subject to standing water. This plant is easy to grow, and isn't bothered by foliar disease nor many insect pests.
Close-Up of Leaf
Range & Habitat: Rattlesnake Master occurs in most of Illinois, except for some western and southern counties (see Distribution Map). It can be locally common in some high quality habitats, otherwise it is fairly uncommon. Habitats include moist to slightly dry black soil prairies, clay prairies, sand prairies, thickets, typical savannas, sandy savannas, and limestone glades.

Faunal Associations: The flowering heads attract many kinds of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, moths, beetles, and plant bugs. These insects usually seek nectar, although some of the bees may collect pollen for their brood nests. The caterpillars of the rare Papaipema eryngii (Rattlesnake Master Borer Moth) bore into the stems and feed on the pith. The coarse foliage and prickly balls of flowers are not popular as a source of food with mammalian herbivores, although they may nibble off the ends of the leaves.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: This is a very odd member of the Carrot family that resembles a yucca or some other desert plant. However, it is a true tallgrass prairie species with a unique appearance. Its closest relative is Eryngium leavenworthii (Leavenworth Eryngo), which is an annual plant with a purplish appearance. This latter species doesn't occur in Illinois, but can be found in dry prairies further west. In the past, the dried seedheads of Rattlesnake Master were used as rattles by Amerindians. Pioneers thought the roots could be used as an effective antidote to rattlesnake bite, hence the common name of this plant. However, this belief was erroneous.

 

Tall Boneset
Eupatorium altissimum
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Plant beginning to BloomDescription: This native perennial plant is 3-4' tall and unbranched, except for the upper flowering stems. The stems are covered with white hairs. The opposite leaves are up to 5" long and 1" across, occasionally with small teeth along the margins. They are usually dark green, lanceolate to narrowly ovate, and pubescent. There are three conspicuous veins that run along the length of each leaf. The rather flat inflorescence consists of numerous heads of small white flowers and their buds. These flowers are dull white and individually only 1/8" across. There is little or no floral scent. The blooming period occurs from late summer to early fall, and lasts about 1-1½ months. The achenes develop small tufts of white or light brown hair; they are dispersed by the wind. This plant may spread vegetatively through rhizomes.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and mesic to dry conditions. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, clay, or gravel; soil with a high pH is tolerated. Drought tolerance is good, although the plant may wilt. Tall Boneset is very easy to grow, and competes well against other plants. It is usually not affected by foliar disease.

Range & Habitat: Tall Boneset occurs in most of Illinois, except some southern counties (see Distribution Map). It is a common plant. Habitats include mesic to slightly dry black soil prairies, clay prairies, gravel prairies, savannas, thickets, openings in upland forests, dry banks of lakes, limestone glades, pastures and abandoned fields, fence rows, vacant lots, and areas along railroads. This plant favors disturbed areas, where it may form large colonies.

Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts many kinds of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, small butterflies,Close-Up of Stem and Leaves skippers, beetles, and plant bugs. Among these, wasps and flies are particularly common visitors. The wasp visitors include Paper wasps, Thread-Waisted wasps, bee wolves (Philanthus spp.), Scoliid wasps, Larrine wasps, Sand wasps, Spider wasps, and others. Fly visitors include Syrphid flies, bee flies, Tachinid flies, Muscid flies, and others. The caterpillars of several moths feed on various parts of Tall Boneset and closely related plants, including Haploa clymene (Clymene Moth), Phragmatobia lineata (Lined Ruby Tiger Moth), Carmenta bassiformis (Eupatorium Borer Moth; bores into roots), and Schinia trifascia (Three-Lined Flower Moth; eats flowers & seed capsules). Mammalian herbivores, including livestock, shun the bitter-tasting leaves of this plant; consequently, it tends to flourish in pastures.

Photographic Location: The upper photograph was taken at a flower garden along a sidewalk in Urbana, Illinois, while the lower photograph was taken in a vacant lot near Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: Tall Boneset often competes directly with Solidago canadensis (Canada Goldenrod) in disturbed areas, although it prefers slightly drier areas. The two plants appear similar to each other prior to bloom, although the former has darker leaves. This plant provides some white color to a fall landscape that is often dominated by forbs with yellow flowers and the brown color of dried-out grasses. This is the easiest boneset to grow in dry sunny areas. Some people may mistake this plant for a weed, which it is to some extent.

Common Boneset
Eupatorium perfoliatum
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is 2-4' tall and unbranched, except for some flowering side stems near the apex. The central stem and side stems are covered with long white hairs. The opposite leaves arePlant in Bloom up to 8" long and 2" across, and light or yellowish green. Their bases surround the central stem and merge together (perfoliate). In shape, they are lanceolate with long narrow tips and serrate margins. There is a conspicuous network of veins, particularly on the lower leaf surface. This lower surface is also pubescent. Some of the upper leaves near the inflorescence(s) are much smaller in size and sessile. The upper stems terminate in clusters of white flowerheads, spanning about 2-8" across. Each flowerhead is about 1/6" across and consists of about 15 disk florets. Each disk floret has 5 spreading lobes and a long divided style, in the manner of other Eupatorium spp. The blooming period is late summer to early fall, which typically lasts about 1-2 months for a colony of plants. There is a pleasant floral scent. The florets are replaced by achenes with small tufts of hair – they are dispersed by the wind. The root system is fibrous and produces rhizomes in abundance. Common Boneset typically forms vegetative colonies.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and wet to moist conditions. The soil should contain considerable organic material so that it can retain moisture. This plant can withstand flooded conditions for short periods of time, but it is not really aquatic. The foliage appears to be little bothered by pests and disease.

Range & Habitat: Common Boneset has been reported from most counties of Illinois, and is fairly common (see Distribution Map). However, it appears to be somewhat less common than either Eupatorium serotinum (Late Boneset) and Eupatorium altissimum (Tall Boneset). Habitats include openings in floodplain forests, poorly drained areas of black soil prairies, and various kinds of wetlands, including Close-up of Foliagemarshes, bogs, fens, seeps, edges of rivers, and sand flats along Lake Michigan. This plant also occurs in or near roadside ditches. Generally, it doesn't stray far from wetland areas of one kind or another.

Faunal Associations: The nectar or pollen of the flowers attracts many kinds of insects, including bees, flies, wasps, butterflies, and beetles. In particular, many kinds of unusual flies and wasps are attracted to the flowers because of the accessibility of the nectar. The caterpillars of various moth species are known to feed on various parts of Common Boneset, including Haploa clymene (Clymene Moth), Phragmatobia lineata (Lined Ruby Tiger Moth), Papaipema cataphracta (Burdock Borer Moth), Schinia trifascia (Three-Lined Flower Moth), Chlorochlamys chloroleucaria (Blackberry Looper Moth), and Semiothisa continuata (Geometrid Moth sp.). The small seeds appear to be of little interest to birds and other fauna, although they are occasionally eaten by the Swamp Sparrow. Mammalian herbivores display little interest in Common Boneset as a food source because of the bitterness of the foliage.

Photographic Location: The photographed plants were growing at the bottom of a drainage ditch amid horsetails near the Windsor Road Prairie in Champaign, Illinois. This portion of the drainage ditch does not have standing water during dry weather (i.e., a seasonal wetland).

Comments: Common Boneset has interesting foliage and fragrant flowers. It tolerates flooded conditions better than many other Boneset species. It can be distinghished from these other species by the perfoliate leaves that surround the central stem. The other species have opposite leaves that are sessile or have distinct petioles. All of these species have spreading clusters of white flowers with a similar appearance. These flowers are quite popular with diverse kinds of insects.

Late Boneset
Eupatorium serotinum
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is 3-6' tall. It is largely unbranched below, but forms occasional side stems toward the apex. The stems haveLate Boneset in Moist Meadow indistinct lines of white hairs, and are generally pubescent. The leaves are primarily opposite, although the upper leaves near the inflorescence sometimes alternate. These leaves are up to 7" long and 2½" across, with petioles up to 1" long. They are lanceolate, largely hairless, with coarse serration along the margins, and there are 5 veins that diverge from the base. These leaves tend to nod downward from their petioles, and are often dark green. The flat-topped inflorescence consists of numerous heads of white disk florets; there are no ray florets. Each flowerhead has about 12 disk florets. Each disk floret is about ¼" long, narrow and tubular, with 5 small triangular lobes at the top. There is also a long divided style that is white, which protrudes conspicuously from each floret. The blooming period occurs during late summer or early fall and lasts about a month. There is occasionally a mild floral scent. The small achenes develop flat tufts of hair and are dispersed by the wind. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. This plant often forms colonies by means of these rhizomes.

Cultivation: The preference is partial or full sun and moist conditions. The soil should be loamy and high in organic matter. Lower leaves sometimes discolor and fall off during a drought, otherwise this plant is subject to few problems. The size of this plant is significantly affected by moisture levels.

Range & Habitat: Late Boneset occurs in nearly all counties of Illinois, except for possibly three counties in the north (see Distribution Map). This is a common plant. Habitats include moist black soil prairies, moist meadows near rivers, swamps, areas near drainage ditches, low-lying areas along railroads andClose-Up of Leaf roadsides, pastures, and abandoned fields. This plant is often near sources of water, or where the water table is not far below the land surface. It is more common in disturbed areas.

Faunal Associations: The flowers are very popular with many kinds of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, small to medium-sized butterflies, skippers, moths, and beetles. Most of these insects seek nectar, although bees may collect pollen and beetles may feed on it. In the upper photograph, are two Ailanthus Webworm Moths sucking nectar from the flowers. The caterpillars of various moths can be found feeding on various parts of this and other Bonesets, including Haploa clymene (Clymene Moth; eats foliage), Phragmatobia lineata (Lined Ruby Tiger Moth; eats foliage), Carmenta bassiformis (Eupatorium Borer Moth; bores into roots), Schinia trifascia (Three-Lined Flower Moth; eats flowers and seed capsules). Mammalian herbivores rarely consume this plant because of the bitter foliage. In overgrazed pastures, Late Boneset often becomes more common because of reduced competition from other plants.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken along a drainage ditch in Judge Webber Park in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: The delicate flowers of Late Boneset closely resemble the flowers of other Bonesets, such as Eupatorium altissimum (Tall Boneset) and Eupatorium perfoliatum (Common Boneset), in both color and structure. These Bonesets can be distinguished readily from each other by an examination and comparison of their leaves. Tall Boneset has leaves that are pubescent, more narrow, and less coarsely serrated than Late Boneset, while Common Boneset has leaves that wrap around the stem and are without petioles.

Flowering Spurge
Euphorbia corollata
Spurge family (Euphorbiaceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is unbranched, ranging from ½-3' tall. The central stem is light green and without hairs. The hairless leaves are about 2-3" long and ½" wide, broadly linear or narrowly oblong, and have smooth margins. They occur along the stem alternately, except at the apex of the plant, where they occur in whorls of three beneath the panicle of flowers.

Panicle of Flowers

Each flowerhead consists of a yellow cyathium of very small yellow flowers, which is surrounded by five petal-like structures (modified leaves) that are white, with a hint of green towards the center. These flowerheads are numerous, each one a little less than ½" across, producing an effect that is similar to the more familiar Gypsophilum spp. (Baby's Breath) of horticulture. Flowering Spurge blooms during mid- to late summer for about 1½ months. During this time, the entire plant often leans over because of the weight of the inflorescence. There is no floral scent. Each flower produces 3 oval, finely pitted brown seeds, which are ejected outward mechanically. The root system consists of a stout taproot that becomes woody with maturity, and it produces short rhizomes. Another characteristic of this plant, like other spurges, is the presence of a white latex in the stem and leaves, which has toxic properties that can irritate the digestive tract or skin.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun, and mesic to dry conditions. This plant will tolerate almost any kind of soil, including that which is sandy, rocky, loamy, or clayish. Poor soil is actually preferred because of the reduction in competition from other plants. Drought resistance is quite high, and disease is rarely a problem when the soil is well-drained. This plant can spread vegetatively, but is not particularly aggressive. It is rather slow-growing, but easy to manage.
Stem & Leaves
Range & Habitat: This common plant occurs in every county of Illinois (see Distribution Map). It can be found in an exceptional variety of habitats, including mesic to dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, gravel prairies, and dolomite prairies; openings in upland forests and sandy forests; mesic to dry savannas, sandy savannas, and barrens; various kinds of hill prairies, with the soil consisting of loess, glacial drift, sand, or gravel; limestone glades and bluffs; sand dunes; areas along railroads and roads; and agricultural land in various stages of abandonment and neglect. Flowering Spurge can be found in either disturbed areas or high quality habitats.

Faunal Associations: The flowers attract wasps, flies, and short-tongued bees primarily. Among the wasps are such visitors as Mud Daubers, Paper wasps, Spider wasps, Cuckoo wasps, Tiphiid wasps, Crabronine wasps, and Ichneumonid wasps. Fly visitors include Syrphid flies, bee flies, Tachinid flies, flesh flies, blow flies, and Muscid flies. Ants may help to distribute some of the seeds because of a small edible appendage at their base. The seeds are popular with some species of birds, including the Wild Turkey, Greater Prairie Chicken, Bobwhite, Mourning Dove, and Horned Lark. This plant is rarely eaten by mammalian herbivores because of the toxic white latex in the leaves and stems, which can kill cattle.

Photographic Location: A remnant prairie along an abandoned railroad in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: Usually the foliage is devoid of hairs, but there is a subspecies with fine white hairs. The foliage becomes an attractive red color during the cooler weather of fall. For a member of the Spurge family, this species is rather showy.

Grass-Leaved Goldenrod
Euthamia graminifolia
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Plant in PrairieDescription: This native perennial plant is 2-3½' tall. Sometimes it is slender and little branched, while at other times it branches frequently, creating a bushy appearance. The slender stems usually have lines of fine white hairs. The alternate leaves are linear and have smooth margins. The larger leaves have 3 conspicuous veins, although the smaller ones usually have only a single conspicuous vein. They are up to 4" long and 3/8" across, or slightly wider. Sometimes there are a few white hairs near the base of the leaves and along the central vein on the underside. There are clusters of small composite flowers at the apex of the plant and many of the upper side stems. These flower clusters are usually rather flat-headed, but they sometimes assume a round-headed appearance. Each composite flower is yellow, consisting of about 21-35 disk florets and ray florets (when considered together). It is only about 1/8" across – smaller than the composite flowers of other goldenrods. These compound flowers often bloom gradually, rather than simultaneously, with older flowers turning brown while younger flowers are still in the bud stage. The blooming period is late summer to early fall, and lasts about 1 month. Sometimes there is a mild floral scent. The root system is fibrous, and new plants develop vegetatively from rhizomes. Overall, Grass-Leaved Goldenrod is rather variable across different localities.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and moist conditions. However, this plant tolerates drier conditions, and can be surprisingly drought tolerant. The soil should contain high amounts of organic matter; some varieties of this plant also grow in moist sandy soil. Powdery mildew seems to bother this goldenrod less often than many others. It is easy to grow, but can spread aggressively in moist sunny places.

Range & Habitat: Grass-Leaved Goldenrod occurs occasionally in most counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map). However, it can be locally common in some wetlands areas. Habitats include moist black soil prairies, edges of marshes, sandy pannes between dunes, calcareous seeps, borders of lakes, abandoned fields, and ditches along railroads. Grass-Leaved Goldenrod occasionally occurs in drier habitats, but it has greater trouble competing with other forbs, such as Solidago canadensis (Canada Goldenrod), in such places.
Close-Up of Leaf
Faunal Associations: The small flowers attract many kinds of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, moths, and beetles. Various wasps and a few beetle species, such as Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus (Goldenrod Soldier Beetle) and Epicauta pensylvanica (Black Blister Beetle), seem to be especially attracted to the flowers. The caterpillars of several species of moths eat various parts of this and other goldenrods (see Moth Table). The seeds are eaten by the Eastern Goldfinch and Swamp Sparrow to a limited extent, while the foliage is occasionally consumed in limited amounts by the Greater Prairie Chicken, Cottontail Rabbit, and White-Tailed Deer.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: Grass-Leaved Goldenrod has more slender leaves than other goldenrods in Illinois, except for Euthamia gymnospermoides (Plains Grass-Leaved Goldenrod). However, there is only a single conspicuous vein in the largest leaves of this latter species, the stems are hairless, and it has only 12-20 disk and ray florets in a compound flower (when considered together). Many of the leaves in the upper photograph are from neighboring plants of Solidago canadensis (Canada Goldenrod), while the black spots on the flowers are tiny beetles.

Plains Grass-Leaved Goldenrod
Euthamia gymnospermoides
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is 1½–3' tall, branching frequently in the upper half to create a bushy effect. The narrow stems are hairless. The alternate leaves are up to 3½" long and less than ¼" across. They are linear, hairless, and have smooth edges. There is usually only a single prominent vein, although some of the larger leaves may have 2 additional side veins that are visible. The upper stems terminate in clusters of small composite flowers. While in the bud stage, each cluster typically has 3-7 sessile flowerheads. Some of the flowerheads eventually develop short pedicels and partially separate from each other. Each flowerhead is only 1/8" across while in bloom, and variable in length, depending on its maturity. There are about 5 yellow disk florets and 12 yellow ray florets in each flowerhead. Beneath these florets, is a short cylinder of narrow bracts. These bracts are often resinous and shiny, and can vary in color from green to pale yellow. The blooming period occurs from late summer to fall, and lasts about 2 months. A typical plant blooms gradually over a long period of time. A floral scent may, or may not, be noticeable. The florets are replaced by bullet-shaped achenes with small tufts of white hair, which are dispersed by the wind. Small brown pieces of the dried-up florets often persist within these tufts of hair. The root system is fibrous and produces long rhizomes, forming vegetative colonies readily.

Plant Beginning to Bloom


Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic conditions. This plant isn't fussy about soil characteristics, and can flourish in sandy, gravelly, or loamy soil. The lower leaves are vulnerable to rust and sometimes fall off the stems. Otherwise, this plant presents few problems and is easy to grow – perhaps too easy, as it can spread aggressively in the average garden situation.

Range & Habitat: Plains Grass-Leaved Goldenrod occurs occasionally throughout Illinois, but is more common in the northern and western areas of the state (see Distribution Map). The distribution map is from Jones and Fuller (1955), rather than the ILPIN database (see the discussion below). Habitats include slightly moist to dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, and gravel prairies; meadows along rivers in otherwise forested areas; rocky glades; areas along roadsides and railroads, particularly where remnant prairies occur; and abandoned fields. This plant is more typical of the Great Plains to the west, but it is still locally common in some parts of the state.

Faunal Associations: The nectar or pollen of the small flowers attract an abundance of wasps, flies, and beetles, as well as some bees, small butterflies, and plant bugs. It is not unusual to find various kinds of insects hiding within the dense flowers during the day, including moths, caterpillars, and predatory insects. The foliage is eaten occasionally by mammalian herbivores, but it is not a preferred food source.
Close-up of Lower Leaf
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken of plants growing in the webmaster's garden in Urbana, IL.

Comments: It appears that different authorities don't agree on the classification of specimens, and have produced different distribution maps for this species within the state. For example, Mohlenbrock (1986, 2001) and the ILPIN database restict the distribution of Euthamia gymnospermoides to the northern and western areas of the state, while Jones and Fuller (1955) and A.G. Jones (1973) state that this species occurs in other parts of the state, where it is supposed to be rather common. In my experience, these latter authorities are correct, as I have often encountered this species in east-central Illinois in prairie remnants along railroads. The Plains Grass-Leaved Goldenrod is often confused with Euthamia graminifolia (Grass-Leaved Goldenrod), and therefore its distribution within the state has been seriously underestimated. To distinguish these two species, it is necessary to count the number of florets in a sample of flowerheads. The Plains Grass-Leaved Goldenrod has 15-19 florets per flowerhead, while the Grass-Leaved Goldenrod has 20-35 florets per flowerhead (counting ray and disk florets together). Other differences between these two species include the following: 1) the former species has stems that are always hairless, while there are usually lines of hairs along the stems of the latter; 2) the former species has leaves that are more slender, usually with a single prominent vein, while the latter has leaves that usually have 3 prominent veins; and 3) the former species is usually shorter and bushier in appearance, while the latter is tall and slender. The Plains Grass-Leaved Goldenrod is also similar in appearance to Euthamia tenuifolia (Slender Grass-Leaved Goldenrod). However, this latter species is restricted to sandy prairies and dunes near Lake Michigan in Illinois. Its leaves are even more slender than the preceding Euthamia spp., and its flowerheads don't aggregrate together into the sessile clusters of the Plains Grass-Leaved Goldenrod, as described above. According to Jones and Fuller, they occur individually on separate pedicels. Older scientific names for the Plains Grass-Leaved Goldenrod are Euthamia meadia and Solidago meadia.

Wild Strawberry
Fragaria virginiana
Rose family (Rosaceae)

Description: This is a low, colony-forming native perennial plant. A plant typically consists of several trifoliate leaves with long hairy petioles that emerge directly from a central taproot in the ground. Each leaflet is about 3" long and 1½" wide, pale green underneath, coarsely serrated, and obovate or oval in shape. The petioles of the compound leaves are green or dull red and about 3" long. While actively growing, Wild Strawberry produces long hairy runners up to 2' long, which re-root to form plantlets. These runners are often dull red as well.

Each plant can produce one or more clusters of flowers in stalks about 3-4" long, which also emerge directly from the ground. Each flower is about ¾" across and consists of 5 white petals. Toward the center, there are about 25 yellow stamens surrounding a small blunt cone. The blooming period occurs during late spring or early summer, and lasts about 1-2 months. There is no noticeable floral scent. Afterwards, small red drupes are produced that are about ½–¾" long, and shaped like the familiar cultivated strawberry. They are sweet and edible. Unlike Fragaria vesca (Hillside Strawberry), the yellow achenes occur in sunken pits along the surface of the drupe.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun and moist to slightly dry conditions. A rich loamy soil is preferred. Wild Strawberry is a cool-season plant that grows actively during the spring and fall, but becomes dormant after setting fruit during the hot summer months. It is an easy plant to grow, which will spread to form a loose ground cover. It is subject to foliar disease to a lesser extent than most cultivated strawberries.

Range & Habitat: Wild Strawberry is occasional to locally common in most areas of Illinois, but it is uncommon or absent in parts of NW and southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic black soil prairies, openings and edges of woodlands (including drier areas), savannas, limestone glades, and areas along railroads. Wild Strawberry is able to tolerateClose-Up of Flower competition from taller plants because it develops early in the spring, and is able to tolerate some shade later in the year. It occurs in both degraded and high quality habitats, often not far from woodland areas.

Faunal Associations: The ecological value of Wild Strawberry to various insects, birds, and animals is high. The flowers attract long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, flies, small butterflies, and skippers. Among these, small bees are the most important pollinator of the flowers; this includes such visitors as Little Carpenter bees, Nomadine Cuckoo bees, Mason bees, Halictid bees, and Andrenine bees. The caterpillars of several species of moths feed on the foliage and flowers of Wild Strawberry (see Moth Table). Other insects that feed on Wild Strawberry include Chactosiphum fragraefolii (Strawberry Aphid), Aphis forbesi (Strawberry Root Aphid), and Otiochynchus ovatus (Strawberry Root Weevil). Various upland gamebirds, songbirds, and mammals eat the fruit or foliage (see Wildlife Table), including such prairie-inhabiting species as Tympanuchus cupido (Greater Prairie Chicken) and Phasianus colchicus (Ring-Necked Pheasant). These birds and animals help to distribute the seeds far and wide. People also nibble on the fruits.

Photographic Location: The upper photograph was taken along a roadside near Urbana, Illinois, while the lower photograph was taken at Dave Monk's postage stamp prairie in Champaign, Illinois.

Comments: This is one of the parent plants for the cultivated hybrid strawberry (the other plant being native to Chile). The root system forms a symbiotic relationship with endomycorrhizal bacteria.

Wild Madder
Galium obtusum
Madder family (Rubiaceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is about ½–1' tall. It often branches near the base, sending up multiple stems that are little branched and have a tendency to sprawl. The weak stems are sharply four-angled, hairless, and smooth throughout. Along these stems are whorls of 4 sessile leaves; sometimes toward the base of the plant there are whorls of 5 or 6 leaves. These leaves are about 1" long and ¼" across, and tend to angle upward from the stems. They are oblong or slightly oblanceolate, and have a prominent central vein. The leaves are devoid of hairs, although sometimes there are a few ciliate hairs along their outer margins. These ciliate hairs spread outward or toward the tips of the leaves.

Foliage & Flowers

The stems terminate in an inflorescence consisting of about 1-6 tiny white flowers. These flowers have 4 petals and 4 stamens with black anthers and are about 1/8" across. Underneath the petals, are a pair of orbicular carpels that persist after the petals have fallen. This pair of carpels is about 1/8" across and devoid of hairs. Each carpel contains a round seed. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer, and lasts about a month. There is no noticeable floral scent. The root system produces rhizomes, which enables the vegetative spread of this plant.

Cultivation: The preference is light shade to full sun, and moist conditions. The soil should contain plenty of fine organic material, and have the capacity to retain moisture, as this plant doesn't like to dry out. After blooming, it tends to wither away.

Range & Habitat: Wild Madder is a fairly common plant that has been reported from most counties of Illinois. It is uncommon or absent in some central or western counties of the state, however. Habitats include Distribution Mapmoist floodplain areas of woodlands, thickets, moist black soil prairies, swamps, fens and seeps, and low-lying areas along railroads. This plant tends to occur in grassy areas and functions as an understory plant in moist prairies. It is more likely to occur in less disturbed habitats than the common Galium asprellum (Cleavers). This plant is easy to overlook because of its small size and small flowers.

Faunal Associations: The small flowers probably attract flower flies and other small nectar-seeking insects. The foliage of Galium spp. is edible, and can be consumed by various mammalian herbivores. Canada Geese will also eat the foliage of this plant when it occurs near a body of water.

Photographic Location: The photograh was taken at a moist prairie remnant along an abandoned railroad in Champaign County, Illinois.

Comments: Except for the showy Galium boreale (Northern Bedstraw), the Galium spp. are often overlooked by prairie restorationists and wildflower enthusiasts. Wild Madder can be distinguished from other Galium spp. by the following characteristics: 1) It has smooth hairless stems, 2) there are usually only four leaves per whorl, 3) the fruits (carpels) are smooth and hairless, and 4) the flowers have four petals, not three. Other Galium spp. often have rough stems and fruits, and more than four leaves per whorl. Galium tinctorium (Stiff Bedstraw) resembles Wild Madder somewhat, but the former species has flowers with three petals (usually) and the upper stems are slightly rough.

 

Biennial Gaura
Gaura biennis
Evening Primrose family (Onagraceae)

Description: A native biennial plant that is 4-6' when mature, branching frequently in the upper half to produce long flowering stems. The angular stems are covered with white hairs that are soft and long. These hairs are more or less straight, and spread away from the stem. The light green leaves are about 5" long and 1½" across when full-sized. They usually alternate along the stems, but sometimes occur in whorls where a new stem emerges from an older stem. The leaves have very short or no petioles, are lanceolate or ovate in shape, and have margins that are smooth or slightly dentate, depending on the local ecotype. The leaves often turn red during late summer or fall.

Close-up of Flower

The numerous small flowers are usually light pink, but are sometimes white or reddish pink, depending on their maturity. They have a slight fragrance. There are 4 petals loosely arranged toward the top of each flower, while 8 yellow stamens hang loosely downward. These flowers occur on long spikes or panicles that project upward and outward in different directions. The blooming period is during late summer for about 1½ months. The root system is fibrous, while reproduction is by seed. The entire plant is flimsily constructed, and sways with each passing breeze, thereby distributing the seeds.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and moist to dry conditions. Either clay or gravelly soil are tolerated. This plant forms a rosette during the first year, and grows rapidly upward during the second year. Foliar disease is not normally bothersome, but insect attacks are common, particularly from Japanese Beetles.
Stem & Leaves
Range & Habitat: Biennial Gaura occurs in most counties of Illinois, and is locally common (see Distribution Map). It colonizes disturbed areas in various habitats, including mesic to dry prairies, clearings in upland woodlands, limestone glades, abandoned fields, miscellaneous waste areas, and exposed gravelly banks along rivers, roadsides, and railroads.

Faunal Associations: Long-tongued bees are the primary pollinators, especially bumblebees. They collect pollen or suck nectar. Moths may visit the flowers for nectar during the day or night, such as Heliothis zea (Northern Corn Earworm Moth). Some Flower moths also visit the flowers to lay their eggs – specifically, Schinia florida (Primrose Moth) and Schinia gaurae (Gaura Moth). Their larvae feed on the flowers and seed capsules. The former moth often hides underneath the Gaura flowers during the day, and is well-camoflauged because of its pink color. Various mammalian herbivores browse on this plant, such as deer and livestock.

Photographic Location: The upper photograph was taken of a flowering plant growing along a railroad in Champaign, Illinois, while the lower photograph was taken of a plant at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: This native plant is often ignored because it is a rather widespread biennial with an untidy appearance. However, it contributes some color and fragrance to the prairie or wildflower garden during the hot and dreary month of August. Biennial Gaura closely resembles Gaura longiflora (Large-Flowered Gaura), except the latter species has shorter white hairs that tend to lie flat against the stems, instead of spreading outward

 

 

Bottle Gentian
Gentiana andrewsii
Gentian family (Gentianaceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is 1-2' tall. Multiple stems can emerge from the taproot, otherwise this plant is unbranched. The central stem is round, hairless, and either light green or purple. The oppositePlant in Bloom leaves are up to 4½" long and 2" across, and sessile against the stem. They are broadly lanceolate or ovate, with smooth margins and parallel venation. The upper surface of each leaf is dark green and often shiny, while both the upper and lower surfaces are devoid of hairs. The uppermost tier of leaves is often whorled. The apex of the stem terminates in a cluster of flowers immediately above the whorled leaves, while smaller clusters of flowers may develop from the axils of the upper pairs of leaves. These flowers are bottle-shaped, looking like oversized flowerbuds even when mature, and they are 1–1½" long. The corollas are violet, and will assume different shades of this color depending on the maturity of each flower. There are longitudinal ridges along the outer edge of the corolla, providing it with a wrinkly appearance. The corolla remains closed at the top even when the flower is ready to receive pollinating insects. Inside, the reproductive structures of the flower are fused together to form a central column. The corolla usually has 5 lobes, but these are barely noticeable because of an interconnecting fringe that is even taller than the lobes. The green calyx is much smaller than the corolla, and divided into 5 lanceolate segments. These segments may curl outward away from the flower rather than remaining upright. The blooming period can occur from late summer to early fall, and usually lasts about a month. There is no noticeable floral scent. The small seeds can be transported by water or wind some distance from a mother plant. The root system consists of a stout taproot. Vegetative reproduction does not normally occur.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist rich soil. It is easier to start with potted plants rather than seed, as germination can be erratic and seedling mortality can be high. Mature plants are rarely bothered by foliar disease or leaf-chewing insects. The worst threat is droughty conditions, but appropriate placement of plants will mitigate this problem.

Range & Habitat: Bottle Gentian is occasional in the northern half of Illinois, and uncommon in the rest of the state (see Distribution Map). However, populations of the plant are probably declining as a result of the destruction of wetlands. Habitats include moist black soil prairies, openings in floodplain forests, thickets, fens, and swampy areas near bodies of water. This plant often occurs in calcareous soil.
Close-up of Leaf
Faunal Associations: Bumblebees are the primary pollinators of the flowers, as they are one of the few insects that can force their way past the closed corolla. This floral characteristic excludes smaller insects that are less efficient at pollination from robbing nectar and pollen from the bumblebees. Because the foliage and roots are bitter-tasting, mammalian herbivores usually don't use this plant as a food source. However, deer may chomp off the tender tops of the plants before they have a chance to flower. This can cause the central stem to form smaller side branches. The seeds are too small to be of much interest to birds. The ecological value of Bottle Gentian is low, notwithstanding the appeal of the flowers to humans.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken of plants growing in a mesic prairie at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: Bottle Gentian is a wierd-looking plant with a striking appearance. The adorable flowers are often deep violet, although other shades also occur, even in the same cluster of flowers (as illustrated in the upper photo). The only other gentian that this species can be confused with (among those that occur in Illinois) is Gentiana saponaria (Soapwort Gentian). Usually, Soapwort Gentian is pale violet or greyish blue, while the interconnecting fringe of the corolla is shorter than, or equal to, the length of the lobes. This interconnecting fringe is always taller than the lobes in the corolla of the Bottle Gentian. Sometimes the segments of the calyx curve outward in the Bottle Gentian, while they remain reasonably upright in the Soapwort Gentian, but this is not always a reliable distinction.

Prairie Gentian
Gentiana puberulenta
Gentian family (Gentianaceae)

Close-Up of FlowersDescription: This native perennial plant is unbranched and about ¾–1½' tall. The central stem is slightly reddish and has lines of minute white hairs that are difficult to see. The leaves are up to 3" long and 1¼" across. They are oppositely arranged along the central stem, except at the apex of the plant, where they occur in a whorl of 3-7 smaller leaves. They are lanceolate, sessile, and have smooth margins. On each leaf, there is a minute pubescence along the central vein at the base, otherwise the texture tends to be shiny. Two smaller side veins run parallel to the central vein. One or more clusters of 1-8 flowers occur at or near the apex of the plant. The inflorescence is sessile at the topmost whorl of leaves, otherwise the flowers occur on short stalks from the axils of the upper opposite leaves. The violet-blue flowers are about 2" long and 1" across when fully open. The corolla is tubular and vase-shaped, but divides into 5 small triangular lobes that reflex outward. Within the corolla, there is a prominent stigma with a divided white tip, which is surrounded by 5 stamens with white anthers. The outer sides of the corolla contain some patches of greenish violet, while it becomes whitish green near the base on the inside. The blooming period occurs during the fall, and lasts about a month. There is no noticeable floral fragrance. 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 with a few lateral roots.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and average to dry soil. The soil texture can consist of rich loam, clay-loam, or contain some gravel. Prairie Gentian is often difficult to start from seed, but fairly easy to establish from transplants. Foliar disease rarely bothers the leaves. This plant is quite drought resistant.
Close-Up of Stem and Leaves
Range & Habitat: Prairie Gentian occurs occasionally in NE Illinois, and is rare or absent elsewhere (see Distribution Map). It is an indicator plant of original prairie and other high quality habitats. Such habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, gravelly hill prairies, barrens with stunted trees or shrubs, limestone glades, and prairie remnants along railroads. Occasionally, Prairie Gentian forms small loose colonies. It adapts well to a regimen of occasional spring wildfires, as this removes some of the grassy debris that can smother this plant.

Faunal Associations: Bumblebees are attracted to the nectar of the flowers and cross-pollinate them. Some beetles may knaw on the flowers or eat the seeds, such as Epicauta pensylvanica (Black Blister Beetle). The seeds are too small to be of much interest to birds. Mammalian herbivores usually don't bother this plant because the leaves are bitter. Overall, the value of this plant to wildlife is low.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Loda Cemetery Prairie in Iroquois County, Illinois.

Comments: This is one of the most beautiful plants on the prairie during the fall, with exceptionally vivid blue-violet flowers. Prairie Gentian can be distinguished from other gentians that occur within the state by its more open corolla and the small, reflexed lobes. It is also has fine white hairs on the stems and at the base of the leaves, but they are often hard to see. Another scientific name for this plant is Gentiana puberula; another common name is 'Downy Gentian.'

Soapwort Gentian
Gentiana saponaria
Gentian family (Gentianaceae)

Plant in BloomDescription: This native perennial plant is ½–2' tall, and is unbranched. The light green or reddish central stem is slender and smooth. The opposite leaves are ovate or lanceolate and sessile. They have smooth margins, a prominent central vein, and are hairless. Each leaf is up to 3½" long and 1½" across. 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.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist to mesic soil conditions. 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: 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,Close-up of Leaves sand prairies, and thickets. Less often, this gentian can be found in non-sandy habitats that are similar to those already mentioned. This 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 that 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.

Rose Vervain
Glandularia canadensis
Vervain family (Verbenaceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is ½–2' tall, branching occasionally from the leaf axils. The stems are erect or have a tendency to sprawl, sometimes rooting at the leaf nodes. They are covered with long white spreading hairs. The opposite leaves are up to 3" long and 1½" across. They are pinnatifid and sharply lobed (cleft), but broadly lanceolate or ovate in overall form. The margins are coarsely serrated, while the base of each leaf is sessile or tapers to a winged petiole. The leaves are often pubescent and slightly ciliate, with a rough texture.

Flattened Spikes of Flowers

The major stems terminate in an inflorescence consisting of a short flattened spike, densely crowded with flowers. The flowers are individually about ½" across, and usually pink or lavender – rarely do white or purple forms occur in the wild. The hairy reddish calyx of each flower is partitioned into 5 triangular sepals. The corolla tube is long and narrow, but abruptly flares outward into 5 petals that are sometimes notched at their tips. There is a pleasant floral scent. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer, lasting about 2 months. Some plants may bloom later and longer, but this is the exception to the rule. The seeds are without tufts of hair, and may fall to the ground only a short distance from the mother plant. The root system consists of a stout taproot, which may send up multiple stems at the base of the plant.

Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, and mesic to dry conditions. The soil can contain rich loam, sand, or gravel. Plants that are not native to Illinois may not be reliably winter hardy in Zone 5. Therefore, it is important to obtain seed or plants that are local to the area.

Range & Habitat: Rose Vervain occurs in scattered counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map). This plant is absent from NW Illinois and some southern areas, otherwise it is uncommon. Some local populations inClose-Up of Leaves the wild are undoubtedly plants that have escaped cultivation. It can be difficult to distinguish native from introduced varieties, but the former are more likely to be winter hardy and can persist for decades. Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, gravel prairies, slopes and openings in rocky or sandy woodlands, limestone glades, bluffs, pastures and abandoned fields, and borders of lakes. Pioneer cemeteries and rocky moraines are good locations to discover this plant. Illinois is at the northern end of the distribution for Rose Vervain, which occurs in many southern states.

Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attract long-tongued bees, butterflies, and skippers. The caterpillars of Crambodes talidiformis (Verbena Moth) feed on the foliage. Mammalian herbivores are unlikely to consume this plant because of the bitterness of the leaves. The seeds may be carried off by small rodents or birds, and perhaps dispersed by them to a limited extent.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Loda Cemetery Prairie in Iroquois County, Illinois.

Comments: This is a beautiful plant with flowers that are similar to phlox. However, the ragged appearance of the leaves sets it apart from the latter species. Cultivars offer a greater range of flower colors and their leaves are often dark green. The Rose Vervain in the photographs was located on the gentle north slope of a pioneer cemetery, where a remnant of mesic black soil prairie occurs.

Annual Sunflower
Helianthus annuus
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This is a native annual plant with a large and stout central stem from 3-9' tall, although occasionally smaller. Toward the apex of the plant, thereColony of Sunflowers may be a few side stems, but it is tall and columnar overall. The large alternate leaves are up to 8" long and 6" across – they have a tendency to droop downward from the long petioles. They are cordate with fine dentate margins, although some of the smaller leaves may have smooth margins and a lanceolate shape. The daisy-like composite flowers consist of numerous central disk florets that are brown, which are surrounded by approximately 20-40 ray florets that are yellow. Each composite flower is about 3-5" across. An average plant will bear from 1-10 of these flowers, and bloom from mid- to late summer for about 1½ months. There is not much of a fragrance, although the disk florets have a musty smell that is peculiar to sunflowers. The roots of this annual plant are fibrous, while the seeds are dispersed by gravity when the tall plants topple over during the winter. Like many other species in its genus, the Annual Sunflower exudes chemicals that kills off other kinds of vegetation. Thus, it has a tendency to form colonies that exclude other plants, particularly in disturbed areas.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun, moist to slightly dry conditions, and a fertile loamy soil. However, the annual sunflower often thrives in soil with a high clay or gravel content. There is a natural tendency for the lower leaves to shrivel and drop whenever there are extended spells of hot dry weather. Powdery mildew sometimes attacks the leaves during the fall, but this is usually after the plant has finished blooming and is forming seeds. It is easy to start plants from seeds.

Range & Habitat: The Annual Sunflower occurs throughout Illinois, and is especially common in the central and northern areas of the State (see Distribution Map). It occurs in disturbed areas of mesic to dry prairies, woodland meadows, cultivated and abandoned fields, pastures, areas along railroads and roads, and urban waste areas. It may occur sporadically as individual plants, or in small to large colonies that persist year after year. This annual plant has little capacity to recover from summer wildfires, therefore it is morely likely to flourish in their absence.
Close-Up of Leaf
Faunal Associations: Long-tongued bees are the most important pollinators, including the honeybee, bumblebees, Miner bees, and Leaf-Cutting bees. Halictine bees are important visitors, while visitors of lesser importance include bee flies, butterflies, skippers, and the Goldenrod Soldier Beetle. All of these insects seek nectar primarily. Syrphid flies and other beetles occasionally feed on pollen, but they are usually non-pollinating. Also, many insects feed on foliage and other parts of the Annual Sunflower (see Table). Because the seeds are abundant, large-sized, and nutritious, they are an attractive food source to many animals, including upland gamebirds, songbirds, ground squirrels, tree squirrels, and mice. To some extent, the seeds are distributed by these animals. Mammalian herbivores, such as rabbits, ground hogs, and deer, may eat the foliage, particularly from young plants. Muskrats and beavers eat the stems and other parts, or they may use them in the construction of lodges and dams.

Photographic Location: The above photographs were taken along a railroad near Champaign, Illinois.

Comments: The Annual Sunflower is thought to be adventive from western United States. However, it was cultivated as a source of food by native Americans, and was likely introduced to Illinois by them prior to European settlement. The cultivated sunflower of modern agriculture is a self-pollinating hybrid of this plant and another annual sunflower that occurs in the Great Plains. Because of its large heart-shaped leaves, it is easy to distinguish the Annual Sunflower from other Helianthus spp. that occur in the Midwest.

Sawtooth Sunflower
Helianthus grosseserratus
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is 3-12' tall. Plants in dense colonies are only 3-5' tall, but lone wolf plants can achieve considerable height. The stoutSawtooth Sunflower along Railroad central stem is hairless and often reddish in color. There is very little branching, except for a few small flowering stems in the upper half of the plant. The leaves are up to 8" long and 2½" across, lanceolate or narrowly ovate, and slightly to strongly serrate. They have a sandpapery texture, with minute stiff hairs across their surface. The leaves often curl upward from their central veins, particularly during hot dry weather. They are usually opposite below, but become alternate in the upper half of the plant. They taper gradually into slender petioles that are about ½" in length. The yellow composite flowers are about 3-4" across. They consist of 10-25 ray florets, surrounding numerous disk florets. There are often many flowers in bloom simultaneously on large plants. The blooming period occurs from late summer to fall, and lasts about 1-2 months. The root system is fibrous, producing rhizomes that enable this plant to spread vegetatively.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun, moist soil, and fertile loamy soil with high organic content. A clay or gravelly loam is tolerated. Powdery mildew may affect the leaves, but this typically occurs during the fall after the blooming period. Strong wind can cause this plant to blow over in exposed situations. It also requires lots of room because of its large (sometimes huge) size and aggressive tendencies.

Range & Habitat: The Sawtooth Sunflower occurs throughout most of Illinois, except for a few SE counties (see Distribution Map). It is a common plant. Habitats include moist to mesic black soil prairies, thickets, moist meadows and savannas near rivers or lakes, the base of bluffs, fence rows, and areas along ditches, railroads, and roadsides. This plant thrives in both disturbed and high quality sites, sometimes forming large colonies that exclude other plants.

Faunal Associations: The most common visitors to the flowers are bees, especially long-tongued species. Among these are honeybees, bumblebees,Close-Up of Lower Stem Epeoline Cuckoo bees, Eucerine Miner bees, large Leaf-Cutting bees, and others. Other insect visitors include Syrphid flies, bee flies, butterflies, moths, and beetles. The caterpillars of some Checkerspot butterflies (Chlorsyne spp.) feed on the foliage, while Sunflower Borer Moths (Papaipoma spp.) eat the pith of the stems. These and other insects feed on this and other sunflowers (see Insect Table). Many kinds of upland gamebirds, songbirds, and rodents eat the seeds (see Wildlife Table). These animals probably help to distribute the seeds. Beavers and muskrats may use the stems to construct dams or lodges when this plant is near bodies of water. Large mammalian herbivores, such as White-Tailed Deer and cattle, may browse on larger plants, while groundhogs and rabbits are more likely to attack smaller plants.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Red Bison Railroad Prairie in Savoy, Illinois.

Comments: Notwithstanding its name, this sunflower often has leaves that are only slightly serrate. There is considerable variation in the size of plants across different locations, and the leaves are variable in their size and shape. This sunflower can be distinguished from others by the smooth reddish stems, which often have a powdery white bloom that can rub off (i.e., they're glabrous and glaucous). The base of the stems on older plants become slightly woody in appearance. The Sawtooth Sunflower is similar in size and appearance to Helianthus giganteus (Giant Sunflower), but the former species has longer petioles, hairless stems, and often occurs in drier habitats, such as mesic prairies.

Maximilian's Sunflower
Helianthus maximilianii
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Plants in Bloom near LakeDescription: This adventive perennial plant is 3-8' tall and largely unbranched, except where the flowers occur. The central stem is stout, round, light green to light red, and densely covered with short white hairs. The leaves occur alternately along the central stem, except for some of the lower leaves, which may occur oppositely from each other. These leaves are up to 12" long and 2" across. They are sessile against the stem, and narrowly lanceolate. Their upper and lower surfaces are light green and covered with fine white hairs. The margins of the leaves are smooth, or they may have widely spaced small teeth. Furthermore, the typical leaf folds upward from the central vein, and curls downward from the stem on account of its length. From the axils of the upper leaves, there are short flowering stalks. Each of these stalks is more or less erect, bearing a single composite flower and possibly 1 or 2 leaves. Each composite flower is about 2–3½" across. There are 20-40 yellow ray florets, which surround numerous disk florets. Behind each composite flower, there are green bracts that are lanceolate or narrowly lanceolate; they are covered with fine white hairs as well. The blooming period is late summer to fall and lasts about 1 month. The achenes are linear-oblong with a pair of awns on top. They are blown about by the wind, or distributed by animals. The root system consists of fleshy, fibrous roots and rhizomes. Like other perennial sunflowers, this plant can form vegetative colonies.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions. The soil can contain clay-loam, rocky material, or loess. This plant appears to have few problems with pests or foliar disease. It can grow tall and spread aggressively, and may flop over while in bloom if it is grown in moist rich soil.

Range & Habitat: Maximilian's Sunflower is an uncommon plant that occurs in NE Illinois, west central Illinois, and SW Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is adventive from the west in most, if not all, of these areas. It is possible, however, that Maximilian's Sunflower is native to a few of the western counties where it occurs in high quality natural habitats. Habitats include rocky upland prairies, loess hill prairies, ledges of rocky cliffs, areas along railroads and roadsides, and waste ground. This plant is more common in states that lie west of the Mississippi River.
Close-up of Foliage
Faunal Associations: The flowers of this species probably attract many of the same insects as other sunflowers, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, butterflies and skippers, and beetles. These insects seek nectar or pollen. The seeds of sunflowers are an attractive food source to both birds and small mammals (see Wildlife Table). The caterpillars of the butterfly Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) feed on the foliage, while the caterpillars of several Papaipema spp. (Borer Moths) bore through the stems (see the Insect Table for additional species that feed on sunflowers). The foliage of young plants may be eaten by rabbits and groundhogs, while large plants are eaten by livestock.

Photographic Location: A city park in Champaign, Illinois, where a colony of plants occurred along a small lake.

Comments: Maximilian's Sunflower is named after an early botantical explorer of North America. This plant has attractive foliage and flowers, and it is easy to identify because of the unusual leaves. These narrow leaves are longer (up to 12") than the leaves of other Helianthus spp. in Illinois, and they have a distinctive light green or greyish green appearance because of their fine white hairs. Two native species, Helianthus grosseserratus (Sawtooth Sunflower) and Helianthus giganteus (Giant Sunflower), also have narrow leaves, but they are not covered with dense white hairs. Another species resembling Maximilian's Sunflower is Helianthus salicifolius (Willow Sunflower), which occurs in the southern Great Plains. The Willow Sunflower has narrow leaves that are even longer than Maximilian's Sunflower, but they are only ½" across or less. The Willow sunflower is not known to occur in Illinois at the present time, although a colony of 500 plants once existed in Cook County before it was destroyed by commercial development. These plants were undoubtedly adventive from the west.

Downy Sunflower
Helianthus mollis
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This native perennial is 2-4' tall. It is unbranched, except for a few small flowering stems near the top of the plant. The stout central stem is coveredDowny Sunflower in Garden with fine hairs. The opposite leaves are up to 4" long and 2½" across. They are broadly lanceolate, and either clasp the stem or are sessile. Fine soft hairs cover both the lower and upper sides of the leaves, which are greyish green or bluish green. Their margins are smooth, or have small blunt teeth. The composite flowers develop singly from upper stems, and span about 2½–4" across. A composite flower consists of numerous yellow disk florets, and 15-30 surrounding yellow ray florets. The central disk of a composite flower is initially brown because of the bracts of the disk florets, but it later turns yellow. The blooming period occurs from late summer to early fall, and lasts about 1-2 months. There is little scent to the flowers. The dark seeds have a shiny surface, but no tufts of hair. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous. This plant tends to form dense colonies, in part because the root system exudes allelopathic chemicals that inhibit the growth of other species of plants.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions. Poor soil is preferred, containing sand, clay, or rocky material; this plant also grows readily in rich, loamy soil, in which case it will become taller. A soil with low pH is tolerated. It is best not to water or fertilize this plant, even during a drought, as it will become top heavy while blooming and fall over. Downy Sunflower is easy to grow and not subject to serious problems with foliar disease. It can be very aggressive.

Range & Habitat: Downy Sunflower occurs occasionally in the southern half of Illinois, as well as NE Illinois; it is rare or absent elsewhere, especially in NW Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, clay prairies, thickets, barrens with sparse vegetation, rocky glades, abandoned fields, and areas along roadsides and railroads. This plant tends to occur in high quality habitats.
Close-Up of Leaf
Faunal Associations: Primarily bees visit the flowers for nectar or pollen, including bumblebees, Miner bees, large Leaf-Cutting bees, Cuckoo bees, Green Metallic bees, and other Halictid bees. Other occasional insect visitors of the flowers include bee flies and butterflies. The caterpillars of the butterflies Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) and Chlosyne gorgone (Gorgone Checkerspot) feed on the foliage, while the caterpillars of moths and other insects are known to feed on various parts of this and other sunflowers (see Insect Table). The seeds are popular with many kinds of birds, ground squirrels, and other small rodents. (Wildlife Table). Goldfinches, in particular, are partial to the seeds. Mammalian herbivores browse on this plant occasionally, including rabbits (younger plants), groundhogs, deer, and livestock.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: Downy Sunflower is an attractive plant, whether in or out of bloom. It can be readily distinguished from other sunflowers by the fine soft hairs that heavily cover both the leaves and stems; the broad clasping leaves; and the greater number of ray florets in the compound flowers.

Prairie Sunflower
Helianthus pauciflorus
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is 2-4' tall. It is either unbranched or sparingly branched toward the apex. The central stem is green or reddish brown; it has scattered short white hairs that are quite stiff, providing a sandpapery texture. The opposite leaves are up to 6" long and 2" across, becoming slightly smaller and more narrow as they ascend the stem. However, one or two of the uppermost leaves may alternate along the stem. These leaves are lanceolate or narrowly ovate, tapering gradually at the base. They have short thick petioles, smooth or slightly serrate margins, and a rather rough texture because of scattered short stiff hairs and fine bumps on the surface. In hot dry weather, the leaves often curl upward along the central vein.

Close-up of Flowerheads

Each composite flower is about 2½–4" across, and occurs singly at the apex of the central stem. It consists of 10-25 yellow ray florets surrounding numerous reddish brown or yellow disk florets. Sometimes the ray florets fold along their length and assume a star-like quality in response to hot dry weather. There is no noticeable floral scent. The blooming period occurs from late summer to fall, and lasts 1-2 months. The root system produces numerous rhizomes, which enables this plant to form dense colonies quickly. These colonies of Prairie Sunflower tend to exclude other plant species because the roots exude allelopathic chemicals that inhibit seed germination and growth of young plants. Because Prairie Sunflower is somewhat vulnerable to these chemicals itself, the plants in the middle of a colony sometimes die out, creating a "fairy ring" effect.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, clay loam, sand, or gravelly material. This plant is easy to grow, but can spread and become very aggressive. Patches of powdery mildew may occur on the leaves. It is sometimes shy to flower.

Range & Habitat: Prairie Sunflower occurs occasionally in central and northern Illinois, but is uncommon or absent in many areas of southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is locally common in some prairie remnants, particularly along railroads. Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, gravel prairies, sand prairies, hill prairies, limestone glades, and areas along railroads.
Close-Up of Leaf
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract bumblebees, Miner bees, large Leaf-Cutting bees, Halictine bees, bee flies, butterflies, and skippers. Typical butterfly visitors include Phyciodes tharos (Pearl Crescent), Vanessa cardui (Painted Lady), and Chlosyne spp. (Checkerspots). These insects seek nectar, although the bees also collect pollen. The caterpillars of the butterflies Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot), Chlosyne gorgone (Gorgon Checkerspot), and Vanessa cardui (Painted Lady) feed on the foliage of this and other sunflowers. The caterpillars of several species of moths and miscellaneous other insects feed on various parts of sunflowers (see Insect Table). This includes the larvae of Microrhapala cyanea (Leaf Miner Beetle) and Gnorimoschema sp. (Gall Moth sp.), the latter forming circular galls on the stems. The large and nutritious seeds are eaten by many kinds of upland gamebirds, songbirds, and small rodents (see Wildlife Table). The Eastern Pocket Gopher eats the roots, while deer and livestock browse on the foliage.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Dave Monk's postage stamp prairie in Champaign, Illinois.

Comments: Prairie Sunflower can be variable in appearance. With respect to the flowers, the disk florets are usually reddish brown, but sometimes yellow in appearance; there are usually 10-15 ray florets, but sometimes as many as 25, as in the upper photograph. Similarly, the leaves are often 1" across or less, but sometimes much wider. These variations may be the result of hybridization, or the existence of subspecies that remain to be identified. This sunflower species can be distinguished from others by the rough texture of the leaves and stems, the short stout petioles, the lanceolate shape of the larger leaves, tapering gradually at the base. In general, Prairie Sunflower is more xerophytic than many other sunflowers in Illinois, favoring dry upland areas in full sunlight. Other scientific names for this plant are Helianthus rigidus and Helianthus laetiflorus, but these are obsolete.

Jerusalem Artichoke
Helianthus tuberosus subcanescens
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is up to 9' tall and largely unbranched, except for an occasional side stem near the apex bearing an inflorescence. The central stem is dull red or green, and covered with Close-up of Flowersstiff white hairs. The broadly lanceolate leaves are up to 10" long and 5" across, narrowing rather abruptly into winged petioles about ½-2½" long. There is coarse serration along the margins, and dense pubescence on the underside of the leaves. This variety of Jerusalem Artichoke is distinguished by the more conspicuous nature of this pubescence and its opposite leaves (except the uppermost), while Helianthus tuberosus tuberosus has alternate leaves from the middle part of the plant and upward. Near the apex are several composite flowers on short stalks. Each daisy-like composite flower is yellow and about 2½-4" across. The numerous disk florets are surrounded by 10-20 ray florets. There is little or no floral scent. The blooming period occurs from late summer to fall, and lasts about 1½ months. The achenes are grey or brown with longitudinal ridges, slightly downy, and up to 1/3" long. The root system is tuberous or fibrous, and produces long rhizomes. There is a tendency to form colonies by means of vegetative reproduction, particularly in disturbed areas.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist conditions. The leaves will wilt conspicuously during drought, but this plant recovers readily after significant rainfall. Growth is best when the soil is fertile and loamy, where it may become aggressive. Disease usually doesn't bother this plant until the fall, when powdery mildew on the leaves may become troublesome. While in bloom, it may topple over during a wind storm.

Range & Habitat: Jerusalem Artichoke occurs throughout most of Illinois, except a few counties in southern and NW Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is a fairly common plant, with both native populations and escapes from cultivation. Habitats include moist to mesic black soil prairies, moist meadows near rivers, woodland borders, thickets, borders of lakes, areas along roadsides and railroads, and miscellaneous waste areas. This plant is usually more common in disturbed areas in many of these habitats.
Close-up of Leaf
Faunal Associations: Bees are the most important pollinators, although the flowers are also visited by bee flies, wasps, beetles, and butterflies. Among the bees, are such visitors as bumblebees, Miner bees, Halictine bees, and Panurgine bees. The flowers are usually cross-pollinated by these insects, and rarely become self-pollinated. The caterpillars of the butterflies Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) and Chlosyne gorgone (Gorgone Checkerspot) eat the foliage. Similarly, the caterpillars of many moths and other insects feed on various parts of Jerusalem Artichoke, including Pyrrharctia isabella (Isabella Tiger Moth), Papaipoma rigida (Sunflower Borer Moth), Papaipoma rigida (Rigid Sunflower Borer Moth), and Stibadium spumosum (Frothy Moth). Other kinds of insects that feed on this plant include Publilia concava (Treehopper sp., semi-shaded situations), Melanoplus angustipennis (Spur-Throated Grasshopper sp.), and various beetles. The large nutritious seeds are avidly consumed by various upland gamebirds, songbirds, and small mammals (see Wildlife Table). Large herbivores, such as livestock and deer, may eat the leaves and flowers. Occasionally, the stems are used by muskrats and beavers for their dens or dams.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken along the rocky slope of a drainage ditch at the Windsor Road Prairie in Champaign, Illinois.

Comments: A better name for this sunflower would be 'Indian Potato' because the native people of North America cultivated and ate the edible tubers, which are produced in substantial quantities. These tubers have fewer calories per gram than the familiar 'Irish Potato' (a South American plant), and are better for diabetics because the carbohydrates and sugars are more easily assimilated by the body without insulin. This sunflower can be reliably distinguished from other sunflowers by the winged petioles, which are often ½" or longer on the larger leaves. With the exception of Helianthus annuus (Annual Sunflower), the leaves of Jerusalem Artichoke are wider than other prairie sunflowers in Illinois. It also has stems that are covered with bristly white hairs, unlike Helianthus grosseserratus (Sawtooth Sunflower), which has smooth stems.

False Sunflower
Heliopsis helianthoides
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is 3-5' tall, branching occasionally and becoming rather bushy in open situations. The light green stems have scattered white hairs and are rather angular. The opposite leaves are up to 5" long and 3½" across, deltoid in shape, and coarsely serrated along the margins. They are usually dark green and have a rough texture.

Flowering Plant

The daisy-like composite flowers are 2-3½" across. They are usually held erect and occur individually at the ends of flowering stems. The ray florets are light to golden yellow, while central disk florets are a slightly darker shade of yellow and form a flattened cone. Both the ray and disk florets are fertile, and can form viable seeds. There are no tufts of hair attached to the seeds. The blooming period occurs from early to late summer and lasts about 2½ months. There is no noticeable scent to the flowers. The root system is fibrous.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist to slightly dry loamy soil, although rocky ground and clay are tolerated. This plant is easy to grow, and tolerates more shade than most prairie wildflowers. It is quick to develop, but is not thought to be particularly long-lived.

Range & Habitat: The False Sunflower occurs throughout Illinois, except for a few southern counties (see Distribution Map). It is a fairly common plant, favoring disturbed areas. Habitats include mesic black soilClose-Up of Stems prairies, open woodlands and woodland borders, thickets, limestone glades, and areas along railroads. It is often grown in flower gardens, and sometimes escapes to neighboring waste areas. This plant is usually found not far from woodland areas, rather than in the open prairie.

Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract their fair share of insects, including long-tongued bees, Halictine bees, bee flies, butterflies, Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus (Goldenrod Soldier Beetle), and other insects. Among the long-tongued bees, is the oligolege Holcopasites heliopsis (False Sunflower Bee). The caterpillars of Papaipoma rigida (Rigid Sunflower Borer Moth) sometimes bore through the stems.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Kaufman Lake Park in Champaign, Illinois, near some trees.

Comments: This plant is desirable chiefly because of its long blooming season during the summer, and its ease of cultivation. It's possible to confuse the False Sunflower with one of the woodland sunflowers, but the former can be distinguished by its fertile and more numerous ray florets, rather broad and distinctively veined leaves, earlier blooming period, and the greater tendency of the flowers to be held erect on the plant, resembling yellow Zinnias.

 

 

 

 

Prairie Alumroot
Heuchera richardsonii affinis
Saxifrage family (Saxifragaceae)

Description: This native perennial plant consists of a rosette of basal leaves. The mature leaves are about 3-5" across, palmately lobed, and orbicular orClose-Up of Flowers slightly cordate in shape. Their margins are coarsely serrate or dentate, often with straight white hairs along the major veins on the underside of each leaf. The petioles are longer than the leaves. They have straight white hairs that are quite long and conspicuous. From the center of the rosette emerge several flowering stems that are 2-4' tall. These stems are without leaves and have straight white hairs like the petioles. Each stem terminates in a narrow panicle of green flowers. Sometimes the flowers have reddish tints when exposed to the sun. Each flower is about 1/8" long, consisting of a bottle-shaped calyx that is divided into 5 lobes. There are 5 inconspicuous petals within the calyx, while 5 stamens with orange anthers are exerted beyond the calyx. The blooming period is usually early summer, and lasts about a month. There is no floral scent. Small capsules develop, containing tiny unwinged seeds, which are dispersed by the wind. The central root stock is stout and short, dividing into coarse roots.

Cultivation: The preference is light shade to full sun, and mesic to dry conditions. This plant prefers rocky soil, but will grow in clay-loam,loam, or sandy soil. Once established, it is an easy plant to grow.

Range & Habitat: Prairie Alumroot occurs occasionally in the northern 2/3 of Illinois, but is rare or absent in southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland areas of black soil prairies, hill prairies, gravel prairies, sand prairies, limestone glades, and rocky upland woodlands. Generally, Prairie Alumroot favors areas with poor rocky soil where there is reduced competition from taller plants.
Rosette of Leaves
Faunal Associations: Small bees pollinate the flowers, including Halictid bees and Plasterer bees (Colletidae). The seeds are too small to be of any interest to birds, while the relationship of this plant to mammals is uncertain.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the edge of the postage stamp prairie of Dave Monk in Champaign, Illinois. This plant was underneath a small tree.

Comments: This plant has a similar appearance to Heuchera americana (Common Alumroot). Generally, Prairie Alumroot has straight white hairs on the petioles of the leaves and the flowering stems, while Common Alumroot has short appressed hairs (lying against the flowering stems or petioles), or is devoid of conspicuous hairs. The flowers of Prairie Alumroot are slightly larger in size (about 1/8" long), while those of Common Alumroot are about 1/10" long. The flowers of Prairie Alumroot are often longer at the top than the bottom, while those of Common Alumroot are more symmetrical. Across different localities, there are significant variations in the characteristics of this plant, and different varieties have been identified. In Illinois, var. grayana has flowers that are strongly asymmetric, while var. affinis (as illustrated in the upper photograph) has flowers that are only slightly asymmetric. Plants with reddish leaves and silver markings have been introduced by the nursery trade, which are sometimes grown in flower gardens. The wild plant, however, isn't very showy

Gronovius' Hawkweed
Hieracium gronovii
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is 1-3' tall, consisting of a rosette of leaves from which a flowering stalk develops. The basal leaves are up to 6" long and 2" across, tapering to a narrow petiole. They areClose-up of Flowerheads ovate or oblanceolate, usually with smooth margins, and have scattered white hairs that are ½" or less. The flowering stalk is variably hairy, with a few small leaves alternating along the lower half. The upper half of the stalk is either leafless, or has a few tiny leaves that resemble bracts. Generally, the lower stalk is conspicuously hairy (particularly near the bases of the leaves), while the upper stalk has few or no hairs, except where the flowers occur. This stalk terminates in a panicle of composite flowers. Each composite flower is about ½–¾" across, consisting of a head with 15-30 yellow ray florets. The ray florets have tips that are truncated, ending in 5 small teeth. The blooming period is mid-summer to early fall, and lasts about 1-2 months. Beneath the ray florets, there is a cylindrical arrangement of narrow bracts. These bracts are green or purplish green. The slender stems within the panicle have glandular hairs that are ½" or less; like the bracts, these stems are green or purplish green. The florets are eventually replaced by achenes with white or brown tufts of hair. These achenes are spindle-shaped, tapering at both ends; they are dispersed by the wind. The root system consists of a short crown with fibrous roots underneath; sometimes rhizomes are produced, enabling vegetative reproduction.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, and moist to slightly dry conditions. Gronovius' Hawkweed normally grows in soil that is sandy or rocky, which reduces competition from other plants. The height of this species is variable, depending on such factors as light and moisture levels.

Range & Habitat: Gronovius' Hawkweed is scattered throughout Illinois, except for many counties in the NW and central areas of the state (see Distribution Map). Depending on the area, it is occasional to rare or absent. Habitats include moist to mesic sand prairies, sandy thickets, openings in rocky or sandy woodlands, savannas, bluffs, and edges of fields. Where this plant grows in shade, it is usually taller and grows in drier locations. Where it is sunny, this plant is usually shorter and prefers moister locations.
Close-up of Basal Leaf
Faunal Associations: The nectar or pollen of the flowers probably attracts many kinds of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, bee flies, and beetles. The seedheads are eaten by the Wild Turkey, while the foliage is eaten by mammalian herbivores, including deer and rabbits.

Photographic Location: A moist sand prairie at Hooper Branch Savanna Nature Preserve in Iroquois County, Illinois. This species also occurred in the Black Oak savanna and along paths in the sandy woodlands of the preserve.

Comments: Another common name for this species is Hairy Hawkweed, although this name is also used for Hieracium longipilum. The Hieracium spp. are another group of plants that can be tricky to identify. They fall into two broad groups: short stoloniferous plants that consist of leafy rosettes, and taller plants with a flowering stalk that is more or less leafy. The former group is dominated by introduced species from Europe, while the latter group consists of native species. Gronovius' Hawkweed is similar in appearance to Hieracium longipilum (Hairy Hawkweed) and Hieracium scabrum (Rough Hawkweed). It differs from the former by having fewer and shorter hairs of ½" or less, and differs from the latter by the absence of leaves on the upper flowering stalk that are any larger than tiny bracts. Gronovius' Hawkweed has spindle-shaped achenes (tapering on both ends), while Rough Hawkweed has bullet-shaped achenes that taper only at the bottom. Other native Hieracium spp. have hairless foliage and stalks, conspicuous teeth along the margins of the leaves, or flowers that are 1" across or more.

Lance-Leaved Bluets
Houstonia lanceolata
Rubiaceae (Madder family)

Description: This native perennial plant is about 1' tall, branching frequently and rather bushy when mature. There are scattered hairs along the stems, and the opposite leaves are ciliate, but without serration. The leaves are oblong, ovate, or broadly lanceolate. Each leaf is about 1-2" long and about one-third as wide, with a prominent central vein and a smooth texture. At the ends of the stems are clusters of small flowers. These flowers are usually white or light purple, but sometimes a darker shade of purple. Each flower is about ¼" across, with a short tubular shape and four lobes that flare outward. The reproductive parts are white, except for the light brown anthers. The flowers bloom during late spring or early summer for about a month. There is no floral scent. The small seeds are distributed to some extent by the wind. The root system consists of a branching taproot.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist to slightly dry soil. This plant typically grows in soil that is loamy or rocky. It is not usually bothered by foliar disease, and is one of the easier bluets to maintain in an average garden situation.
Flowering Plant in Prairie
Range & Habitat: Lance-Leaved Bluets occurs occasionally in the southern half of Illinois, and is rare or absent elsewhere (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic black soil prairies, rocky upland forests, rocky bluffs, limestone glades, borders of lakes, and pastures.

Faunal Associations: The flowers attract long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, flies, small butterflies, skippers, and beetles. Bee visitors include Little Carpenter bees, Nomadine Cuckoo bees, Halictine bees, and Panurgine bees. Other common insect visitors include Syrphid flies, Checkerspot butterflies, Copper butterflies, White butterflies, and Flower Scarab beetles. The seeds of this plant are too small to be of much interest to birds. Limited information is available regarding this plant's attractiveness to mammalian herbivores.

Photographic Location: The photograph was taken at Loda Cemetery Prairie in Iroquois County, Illinois.

Comments: This unassuming little plant is a good candidate for a rock garden, in either sunny or partial shaded areas. It is easily overlooked in the wild, but when found in bloom is always a pleasant surprise. Lance-Leaved Bluets can be distinguished from other bluets by the wideness of its leaves – up to ¾" across. Other species of bluets in Illinois have narrow to very narrow leaves. An exception is Houstonia purpurea (Wide-Leaved Bluets), which has leaves up to 1" long, sometimes with 3 conspicuous veins. This latter species occurs primarily in woodland areas in extreme southern Illinois. Lance-Leaved Bluets is sometimes referred to as Hedyotis purpurea calycosa or Houstonia purpurea calycosa, depending on the authority.

Shrubby St. John's Wort
Hypericum prolificum
St. John's Wort family (Hypericaceae)

Description: This native perennial wildflower is abundantly branched and 2-4' tall. The lower stems are woody with shredded gray-brown bark, while the upper stems are green and slightly winged on opposite sides. The opposite leaves are up to 3" and ¾" across (usually about one-half this size); they are linear-oblong to oblong-elliptic in shape, smooth along their margins, and hairless. The upper surfaces of the leaves are medium green, while their lower surfaces are pale green; they are sessile or taper to short petioles. The upper stems terminates in small clusters of 3-7 flowers; additional clusters of flowers may appear along the 2 upper pairs of opposite leaves. Each flower is ½–1" across, consisting of 5 yellow petals, 5 green sepals, a pistil with 3 united styles, and abundant stamens. The petals are much larger than the sepals.

Flowers, Buds, & Leaves

The blooming period occurs during the summer and lasts about 2 months. Each flower is replaced by an ovoid-lanceoloid seed capsule about 1/3–1/2" in length. At the apex of each seed capsule, the tips of the 3 styles persist and become separated. Each seed capsule is divided into 3 cells and divides into 3 parts at maturity to release the seeds. The small seeds are narrowly oblongoid, flattened, and black. The root system is woody and branching.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and somewhat barren rocky ground. This shrubby wildflower is readily cultivated in gardens.

Range & Habitat: Shrubby St. John's Wort is occasional in the southern half of Illinois and largely absent in the northern half of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland prairies, upland rocky woodlands and bluffs, rocky stream banks, edges of swamps, abandoned fields, pastures, and roadside embankments. Some local populations near urban areas may be escaped cultivated plants.
Woody Stems & Leaves
Faunal Associations: The flowers are cross-pollinated primarily by bumblebees, which collect pollen for their larvae. Other insect visitors that seek pollen from the flowers include Syrphid flies and Halictid bees, but they are less effective at cross-pollination. Sometimes butterflies and wasps land on the flowers, but they are vainly seeking nectar -- the flowers offer only pollen from the abundant stamens as a floral reward. Insects that feed on Shrubby St. John's Wort and other Hypericum spp. include the aphid Brachysiphum hyperici, several leaf beetles, the caterpillars of the butterfly Strymon melinus (Gray Hairstreak), and the caterpillars of several moths. The Insect Table lists many of these species. Most mammalian herbivores avoid consumption of Hypericum spp. because their foliage contains varying amounts of the phototoxic chemical, hypericin. In the presence of light, this chemical can cause rashes to develop on light-skinned animals and it can irritate the gastrointestinal tract.

Photographic Location: A flower garden at the Arboretum of the University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: Shrubby St. John's Wort has attractive flowers and foliage. It differs from many other Hypericum spp. by its woody lower stems. It is easy to confuse this species with the woody Hypericum kalmianum (Kalm's St. John's Wort), which is restricted to sandy areas near the Great Lakes (including Lake Michigan in NE Illinois). This latter species has 5-celled seed capsules with 5 style-tips, while Shrubby St. John's Wort has 3-celled seed capsules with 3 style-tips. There are also species of St. John's Wort that have 1-celled seed capsules with singular style-tips; some of these may be slightly woody at the base. A widely cultivated woody species, Hypericum frondosum (Golden St. John' Wort), has larger flowers (greater than 1" across) and wider leaves (greater than ¾" across) than Shrubby St. John's Wort. Golden St. John's Wort is native to the southeastern states, but not Illinois. Another scientific name of Shrubby St. John's Wort is Hypericum spathulatum.

Spotted St. John's Wort
Hypericum punctatum
St. John's Wort family (Hypericaceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is up to 2½' tall, branching occasionally in the upper half. The hairless stems are red or green. The hairless opposite leaves are up to 2½" long and 1" across. They are oblong, oval, or bluntly lanceolate (with rounded tips), with a few pinnate or parallel veins and smooth margins. The leaves are often sessile or perfoliate, otherwise they have short petioles. Scattered translucent dots are observable on the underside of the leaves. Smaller leaves often appear in the upper axils of the larger leaves on major stems.

Flowers with Streaked Petals

Many of these stems terminate in tight clusters of yellow flowers. Each flower is a little less than ½" across, and has 5 petals. In the center, is a flask-shaped pistil that is surrounded by numerous yellow anthers on long styles. Numerous small dark dots can occur anywhere on the surface of the petals or the buds, often appearing in streaks. There is no floral scent. The blooming period occurs during mid-summer and lasts about a month. The seedpods split into 3 sections, exposing numerous tiny seeds, which are scattered by the wind when the stems sway back and forth. The root system consists of a branching taproot and short rhizomes. Vegetative colonies of this plant can develop from the rhizomes.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to mesic conditions, and a rather lean soil, which reduces competition from taller plants. Rocky or gravelly soil is quite acceptable. Occasionally, the leaves turn brown in response to drought, otherwise this plant has few problems.

Range & Habitat: Spotted St. John's Wort occurs in every county of Illinois, and is fairly common (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic black soil prairies, gravel prairies, open woodlands (rocky and otherwise), savannas, woodland borders, thickets, clay banks along rivers or lakes, and areas along roadsides and railroads.
Close-Up of Leaves
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract long-tongued and short-tongued bees, including bumblebees and Halictid bees. Beetles and Syrphid flies may also visit the flowers, but they are less effective pollinators. The reward of these insects is the abundant pollen, as the flowers produce no nectar. The caterpillars of the butterfly Strymon melinus (Gray Hairstreak) reportedly eat the seed capsules, while the caterpillars of the moth Nedra ramosula (Gray Half-Spot) feed on the foliage. Mammalian herbivores usually don't consume this plant because the leaves contain hypericin – a photosensitive toxin. Light-skinned animals are especially sensitive to this toxin, which can cause the skin to blister in sunlight. It can also cause gastrointestinal irritation.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Judge Webber Park in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: The easiest way to distinguish Spotted St. John's Wort from other similar species involves an examination of the flower petals. Dark dots and streaks can appear anywhere on the upper surface of the yellow petals, whereas for other species of St. John's Wort such dots and streaks are confined near the margins of the petals, or they are completely absent. The common name of this plant refers to the feast day of St. John, which was celebrated in Medieval Europe at the time of the summer solstice (late June). This corresponded to the time when the European species Hypericum perforatum (Common St. John's Wort) typically blooms, and so the saint and wildflower became associated together.

Round-Fruited St. John's Wort
Hypericum sphaerocarpum
St. John's Wort family (Hypericaceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is up to 2½' tall, branching frequently from the upper axils of the leaves, and having a shrubby appearance. The base of the plant is occasionally semi-woody, but the upper stems are herbaceous and green. The entire plant is devoid of hairs. The opposite leaves are up to 3" long and ¾" across. The pairs of leaves rotate by 90° as they ascend the stems. They are oblong or lanceolate with blunt tips, and are sessile against the stems. The margins are smooth, while the underside of each leaf is light green and devoid of black dots.

Several Flowering Plants

Numerous clusters of yellow flowers occur at the ends of the upper stems. Each flower is about ½–¾" across, with 5 rounded petals, and numerous long stamens surrounding a stigma that is slender and flask-shaped. The flowers have a mild buttercup-like fragrance. The blooming period occurs from early to mid-summer and lasts about a month. The small seeds are distributed to some extent by the wind. The root system consists of a central taproot and short rhizomes. This plant tends to spread vegetatively in sunny open areas.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and average to dry conditions. Different kinds of soil are readily tolerated, including those with substantial amounts of loam, gravel, sand, or clay. However, poor soil is often preferred because of the reduced competition from taller plants.

Range & Habitat: Round-Fruited St. John's Wort is widely distributed in Illinois, but occurs only occasionally (see Distribution Map). It is least common in SE Illinois. Habitats include mesic to dry gravel prairies, sand prairies, hill prairies, rocky open woodlands, thickets, scrubby barrens, rocky bluffs overlooking major rivers, limestone glades, dry banks of lakes, and open areas along roadsides.
Close-Up of Leaves
Faunal Associations: Bumblebees and other long-tongued bees are probably the most important pollinators of the flowers. Other visitors include Halictine bees, beetles, and Syrphid flies, but they are less effective at pollination. All of these insects collect or feed on the abundant pollen, because the flowers offer no nectar. The caterpillars of the butterfly Strymon melinus (Gray Hairstreak) reportedly eat the seed capsules, although it is not a preferred host plant. The caterpillars of the moth Nedra ramosula (Gray Half-Spot) feed on the foliage. Like other St. John's Worts, the foliage of this species contains a toxic chemical that causes photosensitive skin reactions, particularly in light-skinned animals, and can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, mammalian herbivores usually leave this plant alone if other food sources are available.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Crystal Lake Park in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: This plant can be easily distinguished from similar St. John's Worts by the absence of black dots on the flower petals and undersides of the leaves. The flowers tends to be larger than Hypericum punctatum (Spotted St. John's Wort), but smaller than Hypericum kalmii (Kalm's St. John's Wort), and Hypericum pyramidatum (Great S. John' Wort). This is an attractive plant while in the early to middle stages of bloom, although later losses some of its appeal because of the persistance of older brown petals near the seed capsules.

Yellow Star Grass
Hypoxis hirsuta
Lily family (Liliaceae)

Description: This small native perennial plant consists of a rosette of slender basal leaves and shorter flowering stems. The linear basal leaves are up to 1' tall and ½" across. They have scattered white hairs. The flowering stems are up to 8" tall, and have scattered white hairs as well. Each of these stems terminates in a rather loose umbel of two or more yellow flowers. A flower is about ¾" across and consists of 6 tepals that spread outward. In the center, a yellow pistil is surrounded by 6 stigmas with prominent yellow anthers. Each anther is shaped like an upside-down V. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer and lasts about a 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 wart-like projections. The root system consists of small corms.
Yellow Stargrass in Prairie
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist to slightly dry conditions. The soil can contain loam or some rocky material. This plant is not usually bothered by foliar disease during the period of active growth. It can spread to form loose colonies, but is not particularly aggressive.

Range & Habitat: Yellow Star Grass occurs in the majority of counties in Illinois (see Distribution Map). While it is widely distributed, this plant is not particularly common in any given locality. Habitats include mesic black soil prairies, hill prairies, 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 low.

Faunal Associations: The flowers attract small bees primarily, including Little Carpenter bees, Mason bees, and Halicitine bees. These insects collect pollen and are usually females. Other insect visitors include Syrphid flies and beetles, which feed on pollen. Cross-pollination is required for fertile seeds. Small rodents occasionally eat the corms; otherwise, little information is available regarding this plant's relationships to other fauna.

Photographic Location: The photograph was taken at Loda Cemetery Prairie in Iroquois County, Illinois.

Comments: This dainty wildflower is easily overlooked, except when it's in bloom. It rarely exceeds 6" in height.

Small White Morning Glory
Ipomoea lacunosa
Morning Glory family (Convolvulaceae)

Description: This native annual plant is a twining vine about 3-7' long. The stems are slightly pubescent, or have scattered white hairs. The larger alternate leaves are usually cordate, although leaves with 3 acute lobes are sometimes observed; smaller leaves are usually ovate. These leaves are 2-4" long and about half as much across. Their margins are smooth, while the upper leaf surface has scattered white hairs. The petioles are long, slender, and more or less pubescent. From the base of these petioles, develops 1-3 white funnelform flowers from a short stalk. These flowers are up to 1" long and ¾" across. They are shallowly lobed. At the throat of each flower, is a single white stigma with a knobby head, which is closely surrounded by several white stamens with purple or white anthers. Rarely, a flower will have two knobby stigmata. There are 5 light green sepals that are lanceolate, pubsecent or hairy, and about 1/3" long. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer through the fall, and lasts about 2-3 months. Flowers bloom primarily during the morning; there is no noticeable floral scent. They are replaced by 2-valved seed capsules that are spherical and often hairy; these capsules are surrounded by 5 acute bracts. The large seeds are dark brown or black, with an irregular oblong shape and shiny surface. They rely primarily on the vining habit of the plant for their dispersal. The root system consists of a taproot.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and moist to mesic conditions; this plant also tolerates drier locations. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, clay, or gravelly material. The stems will climb fences and taller plants if given a chance; in open areas, they sprawl about haphazardly.

Range & Habitat: The Small White Morning Glory occurs primarily in southern and western Illinois, where it is occasional. In the NE and northern 1/6 of Illinois, this plant is apparently absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic black soil prairies, thickets, gravelly bars of streams and banks ofClose-Up of Leaf lakes, moist meadows near rivers or woodlands, abandoned fields, areas along roadsides and railroads, and miscellaneous waste areas. This plant favors disturbed habitats.

Faunal Associations: Primarily long-tongued bees visit the flowers for nectar, including bumblebees and Little Carpenter bees, and such oligoleges as Melitoma taurea (Mallow Bee), Peponapis pruinosa pruinosa (Squash & Gourd Bee), and Cemolobus ipomoea (Morning Glory Bee). Some insects feed on the foliage of this plant, including the caterpillars of Emmelina monodictyla (Common Plume Moth) and several species of Tortoise Beetles. The seeds, as large as they are, are consumed by only a few upland gamebirds to a limited extent; this includes the Bobwhite and Ring-Necked Pheasant. Mammalian herbivores don't feed on this plant because the foliage is somewhat toxic and has a slightly rank smell.

Photographic Location: Photographs were taken along a railroad in Savoy, Illinois.

Comments: The flowers of this plant are smaller in size than other Morning Glories and Bindweeds. While the flowers of Convolvulus arvensis (Field Bindweed) have about the same length, they are broader when fully open (1" or more). There is some variability across local populations of Small White Morning Glory, particularly with regard to the hairiness of the plant. On rare occasions, the flowers may be pink or light purple. This plant will continue to bloom sporadically until late in the fall, when it is killed by frost. A close-up of the flower will be revealed if the mouse cursor is moved over the upper photograph.

Dwarf Dandelion
Krigia virginica
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This native plant is a spring annual, consisting of a small rosette of leaves up to 6" across and one or more flowering stalks up to 8" tall. Individual plants can bloom while they are a remarkably small size (only 2" across). The basal leaves are up to 4" long and ¾" across. They are light green, oblanceolate,Small Plant with Flowerhead and often pinnatifid with shallow lobes that are pointed at their tips. Their margins are often ciliate, slightly undulate, and sparingly dentate. Each flowering stalk is unbranched and devoid of leaves; it is largely hairless, although there may be a few scattered hairs along its length, especially near the top. Both the basal leaves and flowering stalks contain a white latex. Each stalk terminates in a flowerhead about ½" across. This flowerhead consists of several spreading ray florets that are truncate with 5 teeth at their tips; these florets are bright golden yellow. The base of each flowerhead consists of 9-18 floral bracts in a single series; these bracts are lanceolate and about ¼" in length. They are erect while the flowerhead is blooming, but eventually become reflexed when the achenes mature. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to mid-summer and lasts about 2-3 months for a colony of plants. The small achenes are bullet-shaped (tapered at the base, but truncate at the top). Each achene has 5 small scales and a tuft of 5 hairs at its apex; the hairs are longer than the scales. These achenes are distributed by the wind. The root system consists of a tuft of fibrous roots. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun, mesic to dry conditions, and an acidic sandy soil. Thin rocky soil is also acceptable if it doesn't consist of limestone.

Range & Habitat: Dwarf Dandelion occurs occasionally in sandy areas in the northern half of Illinois, otherwise it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to dry sand prairies, sandy savannas, sand dunes, sandy fields, sandy areas along paths and roadsides, and rocky glades without limestone. Occasional wildfires and other kinds of disturbance are probably beneficial in maintaining populations of this plant.

Faunal Associations: Information about floral-faunal relationships for this species is limited. It seems likely that the flowers are visited by various kinds of bees for nectar and pollen; they may attract butterflies andSeveral Rosettes of Basal Leaves skippers as well.

Photographic Location: Along a sandy path in a burnt-over savanna in Iroquois County, Illinois.

Comments: Dwarf Dandelion is an adorable little plant that superficially resembles the common lawn weed, Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion). However, the Dwarf Dandelion has smaller flowerheads and light green basal leaves. There are several other Krigia spp. in Illinois; some differ from the Dwarf Dandelion by their flowering stalks, which can be branched with a few cauline leaves. The Dwarf Dandelion has unbranched flowering stalks that are without leaves. A species that doesn't occur in Illinois, Krigia occidentalis (Western Dwarf Dandelion), has the same kind of flowering stalks, but it has only 5-8 floral bracts at the base of each flowerhead. Another useful characteristic to consider are the number of hairs on the achenes: Dwarf Dandelion has only 5 hairs (or bristles) at the apex of each achene, while other Krigia spp. in Illinois have 20 or more hairs on the apex of their achenes. An exception is Krigia caespitosa (Opposite-Leaved Dwarf Dandelion), which has achenes without tufts of hair. Identifying the numerous species in Chicory Tribe of the Aster family can be tricky; most of these species have flowerheads with yellow ray florets and rosettes of basal leaves that appear similar to each other.

Wild Lettuce
Lactuca canadensis
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This native biennial plant is unbranched and 3-8' tall. The central stem is round and smooth, light green or reddish green (sometimes with purple streaks), and often glaucous. The alternate leaves are light green to dark green,Wild Lettuce in Woodland Opening sometimes with purple edges or a yellowish cast. They are up to 10" long and 3" across. The largest leaves have deep pinnate lobes, while the smaller leaves have shallow pinnate lobes or none. A typical leaf is wider at the base than at its tip, and clasps the stem. Occasionally it has widely spaced small teeth along the margin, and short fine hairs along the mid-vein on the underside. The leaf surface can be shiny or dull. The small dandelion-like flowers occur in a narrow panicle at the apex of the plant. They are yellow or slightly orange. Each flower is about 1/3" across, and has 12-25 ray florets. The blooming period occurs during late summer or early fall, and lasts about 3 weeks. There is no noticeable floral scent. The flowers are replaced by dark brown achenes with tufts of white hair, which are attached together by slender beaks. The achenes have a central longitudinal ridge with some black splotches on either side, and they are greater than or equal to the length of the attached beaks. The inflorescence often has buds, flowers, and achenes together in different stages of development. The latter are distributed by the wind. The root system consists of a thick deep taproot. There is a white latex in the root, leaves, and stems.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist to slightly dry conditions. Growth is best in fertile loamy soil, although poor gravelly soil and clay-loam are also tolerated. This plant varies considerably in size depending on growing conditions. It is not bothered significantly by foliar disease, and is easy to grow.

Range & Habitat: Wild Lettuce is a common plant that occurs in almost all counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to slightly dry black soil prairies, clay prairies, gravel prairies, openings in woodlands, thickets, savannas, lake borders and riverbanks, limestone glades, fence rows, pastures and abandoned fields, powerline clearances, areas along railroads andClose-Up of Lower Leaf roadsides, vacant lots, and miscellaneous waste areas. This plant is more common in degraded prairies and disturbed habitats, although it can also be found in high-quality habitats.

Faunal Associations: The small flowers attract bees primarily, such as Megachile latimanus (Large Leaf-Cutting Bee sp.). Goldfinches occasionally eat the seeds. Notwithstanding the bitter white latex in the foliage, mammalian herbivores occasionally eat this plant. The Cottontail Rabbit eats the tender leaves of first-year plants, while the White-Tailed Deer eats the tops off of more mature plants. Horses are reportedly very fond of this plant.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: This is a common and weedy plant with a highly variable appearance. It resembles the non-native Lactuca seriola (Prickly Lettuce), however the latter has grey achenes that are always shorter than the attached beaks. Also, the leaves of Prickly Lettuce tend to be more blue in appearance, and there are stout prickly hairs along the mid-vein on the underside of its leaves. Wild Lettuce can be distinguished from other native Lactuca spp. by the color of its flowers, the appearance of its achenes with attached tufts of hairs, and the absence of hairs on its stems and leaves (aside from the scattered non-prickly hairs that may appear along the central vein on the underside of the leaves).

Round-Headed Bush Clover
Lespedeza capitata
Bean family (Fabaceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is 2-5' tall and unbranched, except for short stems bearing flowerheads in the upper half. The stout central stem isFlowering Plant in Prairie slightly ridged and covered with white hairs. The trifoliate leaves occur alternately along the stem on short petioles. Each leaflet is up to 3" long and 1" across, usually ovate in shape, with smooth margins, widely scattered white hairs, and a prominent central vein. Sometimes the surface of the leaves has a silky sheen. The apex of the central stem and some upper side stems terminate in elongated heads of flowers about 2-5" long and half as much across. Each flowerhead has numerous hairy bracts, from which the small white flowers barely protrude. Each flower is a little less than ½" long, and has 5 white petals with a patch of purple near its throat. There is a large upper petal and two smaller side petals, while the remaining petals are usually hidden from view. There is no floral scent. The blooming period occurs from late summer to early fall and lasts about a month. After blooming, the flowerheads gradually turn brown. The root system consists of a central taproot.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions. This plant is adaptable to different kinds of soil that contain significant amounts of loam, clay, sand, or rocky material. It adds nitrogen to the soil, and is easy to grow. Drought resistance is very good, although some of the lower leaves may turn yellow and fall off the plant.

Range & Habitat: Round-Headed Bush Clover occurs in most counties of Illinois, although it less common in the SE (see Distribution Map). It is occasional to locally common. Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, gravel prairies, hill prairies, loamy savannas and sandy savannas, limestone glades, sand dunes near Lake Michigan, and open areas along railroads and roadsides.
Close-Up of Flowers and Leaves
Faunal Associations: The flowers are visited primarily by long- or short-tongued bees, such as bumblebees, large Leaf-Cutting bees, Andrenid bees, and others. Butterflies may suck nectar from the flowers, but they are not effective pollinators. The caterpillars of several species of skippers feed on the foliage, including Thorybes bathyllus (Southern Cloudywing), Thorybes pylades (Northern Cloudywing), Achalarus lyciades (Hoary Edge), and Epargyreus clarus (Silver-Spotted Skipper). The caterpillars of several moths also feed on the foliage, including Utetheisa bella (Bella Moth), Dasylophia anguina (Black-Spotted Prominent), and Ptichodis herbarum (Common Ptichodis). Other insects feeding on this plant include Everes comyntas (Eastern-Tailed Blue), Tetralopha scortealis (Lespedeza Webworm), Pachybrachis carbonarius (Leaf Beetle sp.), Calomycterus setarius (Imported Long-Horned Beetle), and various Alydus spp. (Broad-Headed Bugs). Because it is high in protein and palatable, many mammalian herbivores eat the plant during different growth stages, including deer, rabbits, groundhogs, and livestock. An overpopulation of these animals may interfere with this plant's establishment. The seeds are eaten primarily by upland gamebirds, including the Mourning Dove, Bobwhite, and Wild Turkey. During the winter, the seeds are eaten by the Slate-Colored Junco.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: This is a robust and beneficial plant, although not particularly showy. It is fairly easy to distinguish this plant from other members of the Bean family, such as the tick trefoils and other bush clovers, by the stout bristly flowerheads and their small white flowers. However, there is some variability in the appearance of this plant across different localities.

Rough Blazingstar
Liatris aspera
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Flowering Plant in PrairieDescription: This native perennial plant is 2-5' and unbranched. The central stem is green or dark red, and has short stiff hairs. The leaves toward the base are up to 12" long and 1" wide, becoming progessively shorter and narrower as they alternate up the stalk. The leaves are sufficiently crowded together that they appear whorled. They are narrowly lanceolate or linear, dull green or bluish green, and usually slightly pubescent. The margins are smooth or slightly ciliate. The central stem terminates in an erect spike-like inflorescence with pink or purplish pink composite flowers. This inflorescence is about ½–1½' long, with the composite flowers more or less densely distributed along its length. The individual flowers are crowded together into buttons about 1" across. Each flower has 5 lobes that spread outward from the corolla tube, from which emerges a long divided style that is often curly. There is no floral scent. The blooming period occurs from late summer to early fall and lasts about 3 weeks for individual plants. Like other Liatris spp., the flowers of Rough Blazingstar begin to bloom at the top of the flowering stalk, and gradually bloom downward as the season progresses. The achenes have large tufts of stiff hair that are light greyish brown, which enables them to be distributed several feet by the wind. The root system consists of a woody corm. Occasionally, offsets develop a short distance from the mother plant, creating small colonies.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, clay, sand, or rocky material. However, this plant typically grows in less fertile acidic soil that is rather rocky or sandy. This plant is easy to grow under well-drained conditions, but has a tendency to flop over while in flower if it is spoiled with rich soil or too much moisture. Foliar disease is rarely a problem, and drought resistant is very good, with only a few lower leaves withering away.

Range & Habitat: Rough Blazingstar is occasional in central and northern Illinois, but uncommon or absent in SE Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is widely distributed, but rarely forms large colonies in native habitats, unlikeClose-Up of Stem and Leaves Liatris pychnostachya (Prairie Blazingstar). Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, gravel prairies, hill prairies, bald knobs, openings in rocky upland forests, sandy Black Oak woodlands, savannas, limestone glades, dry clay banks above ditches, and open areas along railroads, particularly where prairie remnants occur.

Faunal Associations: Primarily long-tongued bees, butterflies, skippers, and bee flies visit the flowers. Among the long-tongued bees, this includes honeybees, bumblebees, Little Carpenter bees, Miner bees, and Leaf-Cutting bees. Butterfly visitors include Monarchs, Painted Ladies, Black Swallowtails, Sulfurs, and others. Other visitors include Green Metallic bees and other Halictine bees. The latter bees collect pollen primarily, and are not effective pollinators. The caterpillars of the rare Schinia florida (Glorious Flower Moth) feed on the flowers and seed capsules of this and other Liatris spp. Mammmalian herbivores, large and small, readily eat the foliage and stems, including rabbits, deer, groundhogs, and livestock. Sometimes small rodents will dig up the corms and eat them. Consequently, this plant may be scarce where there is an overpopulation of these animals.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Red Bison Railroad Prairie in Savoy, Illinois.

Comments: This is a beautiful plant while it is flowering, although the blooming period is rather short. It is possible to extend the season of bloom by planting other Liatris spp, which usually bloom earlier in the year. Among the taller blazingstars, this species prefers drier locations, and can be distinguished from them by the large size of its buttons of flowers. The corms were used as an emergency survival food among some tribes of Amerindians.

Cylindrical Blazingstar
Liatris cylindracea
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is 1–1½' tall and unbranched. The central stem is largely hairless, except for a few hairs near the inflorescence. The leaves are up to 8" long and 1/3" across, becoming smaller and fewer as they ascend the stem. These leaves appear whorled because of their density, but they actually alternate around the stem. They are linear, sessile, and hairless, while their margins are smooth. A short spike of compound flowers about 2-4" long occurs at the top of the stem. They are pink or purplish pink, and quite showy. A compound flower consists of about 15-25 tubular flowers that are crowded together into a head spanning about 1" across. Each flower has 5 small lobes that curl outward, while a divided style protrudes from the center. This style is white or pinkish white, and rather long and curly. Each compound flower is subtended by green bracts that form a smooth, cylindrical surface about 1½" long. The blooming period is mid- to late summer, and lasts about a month. There is no floral scent. The achenes later develop bristly hairs that aid in their dispersal. The root system consists of a corm, which may occasionally produce offsets.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun, poor soil, and dry conditions. This plant often grows on hills or slopes amid rocky material, but it also tolerates loamy soil if the site is well-drained. Drought tolerance is excellent, and foliar disease is not a significant problem at most locations. This plant doesn't compete well against taller, more aggressive plants on fertile soil where there is level ground.

Range & Habitat: Cylindrical Blazingstar is a fairly uncommon plant that occurs primarily in northern and western Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is rare or absent in other areas. Habitats include dry upland areas of black soil prairies, hill prairies, openings in rocky upland woods, oak savannas, limestoneClose-Up of Leaves glades, rocky bluffs and cliffs along major rivers, moist sand flats near Lake Michigan, and shoulders of highways. This plant is typically found in marginal areas that are little disturbed by modern development.

Faunal Associations: The flowers are visited primarily by long-tongued bees, butterflies, skippers, and bee flies. Some short-tongued bees may visit the flowers to collect pollen, but they are not effective pollinators. The caterpillars of the rare Schinia gloriosa (Glorious Flower Moth) feed on the flowers and seed capsules of this and other Liatris spp. Mammalian herbivores readily consume all parts of this plant, including rabbits, groundhogs, deer, and livestock. Prairie and Meadow Voles sometimes eat the corms. An overpopulation of these animals can make the establishment of this plant difficult in some areas.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a wildflower garden near the Red Bison Railroad Prairie in Champaign, Illinois.

Comments: This is another lovely Blazingstar; it is much shorter than most of the others, and tends to bloom earlier. Cylindrical Blazingstar is easy to identify because of the smooth cylindrical surface formed by the green bracts subtending the flowers; this cylindrical surface is longer and larger than what is encountered in other Blazingstars that occur in Illinois. Amerindians would sometimes eat the corms of Blazingstars, although this was considered starvation food. If the mouse cursor is moved over the upper photograph, a close-up of the compound flower will be revealed.

Prairie Blazingstar
Liatris pycnostachya
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Prairie Blazingstar at ParkDescription: This native perennial plant is up to 5' tall and unbranched. The central stem is fairly stout, with numerous small longitudinal ridges. It is usually covered with scattered white hairs. The leaves near the base of the plant are up to 10" long and ½" wide, but become progressively smaller as they ascend the stem. They are linear, and quite numerous as they alternate around the stem. Their margins are smooth, and each leaf has a prominent central vein. The underside of the leaves and the central stem are sometimes whitish green in appearance. The central stem terminates in an inflorescence that consists of a long spike of sessile flowerheads. The flowerheads individually have 5-10 pink to purplish pink flowers. Each flowerhead is about ¼–½" across and subtended by green or reddish bracts whose tips recurve sharply outward. Each small flower has 5 lobes that spread outward from the corolla tube, from which emerges 2 long curly styles. There is no floral scent. The blooming period occurs during late summer and lasts about a month. Afterwards, achenes form with light brown tufts of hair, which are distributed by the wind. The root system consists of corms, which occasionally form offsets near the mother plant.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and moist to mesic conditions. Established plants can tolerate some drought, but seedlings and transplants are vulnerable. The soil should consist of a rich loam or clay loam, and can contain rocky material. There is a tendency for the lower leaves to turn yellow and wither away if conditions become too dry. During the first year, this plant may develop slowly and prove temperamental, but once established it is easy to maintain. This blazingstar remains reasonably erect, even when spoiled in a flower garden, but may bend around oddly if there is significant obstruction of sunlight.

Range & Habitat: Prairie Blazingstar occurs in scattered counties of Illinois; it is less common in western and southern areas of the state (see Distribution Map). This plant is sometimes locally common, particularly in high quality habitats,Close-Up of Stem and Leaves otherwise it is uncommon or absent. Habitats include moist to mesic black soil prairies, moist meadows near woodlands or rivers, limestone glades, rocky bluffs, and areas along railroads.

Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated primarily by long-tongued bees, butterflies, and skippers. Other visitors include Halictine bees, bee flies, and day-flying moths. Among the long-tongued bees, are such visitors as honeybees, bumblebees, Little Carpenter bees, Miner bees, and large Leaf-Cutting bees. Butterfly visitors include Monarchs, Swallowtails, Painted Ladies, Sulfurs, Whites, and others. The caterpillars of the rare Schinia gloriosa (Glorious Flower Moth) feed on the flowers and seed capsules. Various mammalian herbivores readily consume Prairie Blazingstar. Younger plants may be eaten by rabbits and groundhogs, while mature plants are likely targets of deer or livestock. Small rodents, such as the Prairie Vole and Meadow Vole, sometimes eat the corms. An overpopulation of these animals can make establishment of this plant difficult in some areas.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: This is a beautiful plant that resembles a fairy wand. Prairie Blazingstar can be readily distinguished from most other blazingstars by the sharply recurved bracts subtending the flowerheads. Other species usually have smooth, straight bracts that vary in their shape or hairiness. The size and showiness of the flowers can depend on the local ecotype. There are some wild populations of plants with white flowers, although they are rare. This plant blooms after Liatris cylindrica (Cylindrical Blazingstar), but before Liatris aspera (Rough Blazingstar).

Michigan Lily
Lilium michiganense
Lily family (Liliaceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is up to 5' tall and unbranched, except at the inflorescence. The central stem is round and smooth. The leaves usually occur in whorls of 3-7 along the stem, although some of the upper leaves may occur along the stem in pairs or alternate individually. The leaves are individually up to 5" long and ¾" across. They are lanceolate or narrowly ovate, with smooth margins and parallel venation.

Close-up of Flower

Above the terminal leaves of the central stem, 1-6 flowers hang downwad from stalks about 3-5" long that spread upward and outward. Some flowering stalks may also appear from the axils of the upper leaves. Each showy flower is about 2½-3" across, with 6 tepals that flare outward and then curve strongly backward toward the base of the flower. These tepals are yellowish to reddish orange, and have numerous brownish purple dots toward the throat of the flower. The stamens are conspicuous and strongly exerted from the throat of the flower, with reddish brown anthers that are ½" or less. A long white stigma with a curves slightly upward; it has a yellow tip. The blooming period occurs from early to mid-summer, and lasts about a month. There is no noticeable floral scent. The oblong 3-lobed seedpods contain closely stacked, flat seeds with thin papery wings – this enables them to be carried some distance by gusts of wind. The root system consists of a yellow bulb and rhizomes, from which new offsets may form.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, rich loamy soil, and moist conditions. An established plant, however, can withstand some drought. Growing this plant from seed is slow and difficult, but relatively easy from bulbs or transplants. There is some tendency to flop over if there is inadequate support from neighboring plants.
Stem and Whorled Leaves
Range & Habitat: The Michigan Lily occurs occasionally in scattered counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is the most common native Lily. Habitats include moist black soil prairies, openings in floodplain forests, thickets, Bur Oak savannas, moist meadows along rivers, swamps, fens, and prairie remnants along railroads.

Faunal Associations: Cross-pollination is required for fertile seeds. The large showy flowers appear to be designed to attract hummingbirds and larger day-flying insects, such as Sphinx moths, Hummingbird moths, long-tongued bees, and the larger butterflies. Charles Wilson in Flowers and Insects (1928) observed the Greater Fritillary, Monarch, and Spicebush Swallowtail butterflies as occasional visitors to Lilium superbum, which was probably Lilium michiganense, as the former species doesn't occur near Carlinville, Illinois. Larger herbiovores, such as deer and livestock, will consume mature plants, while immature plants are vulnerable to small herbivores. Small rodents may eat the bulbs.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: This is an attractive plant that adapts well to flower gardens. The Michigan Lily can be distinguished from Lilium superbum (Turk's Cap Lily) as follows: 1) the former species has a more northern distribution in Illinois, 2) the anthers of the former are ½" or less, while the anthers of the latter species are ½" or longer, 3) the former has yellow bulbs, while the latter has white bulbs, 4) the tips of the tepals of the former curve backward toward the base of the flower, while in the latter species they curve backward considerably beyond the base of the flower, and 5) specimens of the latter species may have a conspicuous 6-pointed green star at the base of the flower, although it is not always present.

Hoary Puccoon
Lithospermum canescens
Boraginaceae (Borage family)

Description: This native perennial plant is about ½-1½' tall, branching occasionally. It has a tendency to sprawl across the ground. The stems are covered with long white hairs. The leaves have sparse white hairs on their uppersides, ciliate hairs along their margins, and a white pubescence on their undersides. These characteristics give the plant a slightly hoary aspect, hence its name. The alternate leaves are about 2" long and ¾" wide, with a prominent central vein, and absence of serration along the margins. They are oblong or oblanceolate, with rounded tips, and are sessile at the base.

Hoary Puccoon in Prairie

The flowers occur in showy clusters at the ends of major stems. They are bright yellow or yellowish orange, narrowly tubular, with 5 rounded lobes that flare abruptly outward. Each flower is about ¾" across and has no noticeable floral scent. The blooming period occurs during late spring and lasts about a month. The root system consists of a central taproot.

Cultivation: The preference is full-sun in mesic to dry conditions. The soil can contain significant amounts of loam, gravel, or sand. It has a reputation of being difficult to germinate from seed. Nonetheless, this puccoon is probably the easiest to grow in the average wildflower garden if transplants can be obtained.

Range & Habitat: Hoary Puccoon occurs throughout Illinois, except in some SE areas of the state (see Distribution Map). This plant is found occasionally in high quality habitats, such as virgin prairie remnants, otherwise it is rare or absent. Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, hill prairies, BurClose-Up of Stem and Leaves Oak savannas, sandy Black Oak savannas, and limestone glades. This is the most common Lithospermum sp. in Illinois.

Faunal Associations: The flowers attract long-tongued bees, butterflies, and skippers primarily. Among the bees, are such visitors as bumblebees, Miner bees, Nomadine Cuckoo bees, and Mason bees. Some spring-season bee flies visit the flowers, including Bombylius major (Giant Bee Fly). Among the skippers, Erynnis spp. (Duskywings) and Pholisora catyllus (Common Sootywing) are attracted to the yellow flowers of this plant. There is little information available regarding Hoary Puccoon's relation to birds and mammals. Because the leaves are not known to be toxic, it seems likely that they are eaten by such animals as groundhogs and rabbits.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Loda Cemetery Prairie in Iroquois County, Illinois.

Comments: The flowers are really bright and conspicuous, but remain on the plant for some time even after they turn brown. The word 'puccoon' means that this plant was once the source of a dye – a reddish color that was used by Amerindians for pottery, basketry, and personal ornament in various ceremonies.

Pale-Spiked Lobelia
Lobelia spicata
Bellflower family (Campanulaceae)

Plant with Flowers in PrairieDescription: This native perennial plant is 1-2½' tall and unbranched. It tends to be short-lived. The central stem is often ridged or angular near the inflorescence. The sessile alternate leaves occur primarily along the lower half of the stem, and are up to 3½" long and 1" across. They are usually lanceolate or narrowly ovate, but are sometimes wider at the tip than the base. Their margins often have widely spaced teeth, but are sometimes smooth. The inflorescence consists of a long spike of flowers about 4-12" in length. The flowers are light blue or white, and about ½" across. Each flower has a smaller upper lip that is divided into 2 lobes, and a larger lower lip that is divided into 3 lobes. There is a purple or dark blue stigma that is strongly exerted from the upper part of the corolla tube, and bends downward at the tip. There is no noticeable floral scent. The blooming period occurs during mid-summer and lasts about a month. The seedpods open at the top, exposing numerous tiny seeds that are easily carried by occasional gusts of wind. The root system consists of a central taproot.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun and moist to slightly dry conditions. Growth is best when the soil is rich and loamy, but it can also be somewhat rocky. Some of the lower leaves may turn yellow and fall off the stem during a drought. There is also a tendency for this plant to flop over if it is spoiled with too much water or fertilizer and lacks adequate support from adajacent plants. It is necessary to keep the soil consistently moist in order to keep the small seedlings alive.
Close-Up of Stem and Leaves
Range & Habitat: Pale-Spiked Lobelia occurs occasionally in the majority of counties in Illinois, but it is less common or absent in the SE portion of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic black soil prairies, savannas, moist meadows in woodlands or near rivers, thickets, bluffs, limestone glades, and abandoned fields. This is usually an understory plant whose inflorescence appears among the taller grasses and forbs.

Faunal Associations: The flowers attract long-tongued bees primarily, including Little Carpenter bees, Miner bees, Mason bees, and Leaf-Cutting bees. Small butterflies and skippers also visit the flowers occasionally, which are probably less effective at pollination. All of these insects seek nectar. The leaves and stems contain a watery white latex that is toxic, therefore most mammalian herbivores are less likely to eat this plant than others. However, deer appear to be somewhat immune to the effects of the toxins in lobelias. The seeds are too small to be of any interest to birds.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Loda Cemetery Prairie in Iroquois County, Illinois.

Comments: With its smaller pale flowers, Pale-Spiked Lobelia is less showy than some of its better known relatives, such as Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower) and Lobelia siphilitica (Great Blue Lobelia), but has better resistance to dry conditions once it becomes established. The flowers of these species all share a similar structure, but vary in their size and color.

Lance-Leaved Loosestrife
Lysimachia lanceolata
Primrose family (Primulaceae)

Plant with FlowerDescription: This native perennial plant is 1-2' tall and more or less erect. Initially, it consists of a rosette of leaves that are rather angular and orbicular. Later, a central stem develops that is 4-angled and smooth. The opposite leaves are up to 5" long and ¾" across. They are lanceolate or narrowly ovate, and often fold upward along the length of the central vein. Their margins are usually smooth (although sometimes ciliate), and there are no hairs, except toward the base of each leaf. These leaves are sessile against the stem, or they have short petioles with a few coarse hairs. The uppermost leaves at the top of a plant are sometimes whorled. The underside of each leaf is light green, but eventually becomes darker with age. There are a few short side stems in the upper half of the plant. From 1-4 nodding flowers develop from the upper axils of the leaves, each with its own pedicel. Each flower is about ¾" across, with 5 triangular green sepals, 5 yellow petals, and 5 yellowish orange stamens. The petals are well-rounded, but their outer edges are often ragged and may have conspicuous tips. Toward the center of the flower, there is often a patch of orange where the oil-producing glands are located. The blooming period occurs from early to mid-summer and lasts about a month. There is no noticeable fragrance. The flowers are replaced by spheroid capsules with slender spike-like tips. A fully developed capsule is about the same heighth as the surrounding calyx segments. The root system consists of a taproot and rhizomes that form little plantlets. This plant often forms small colonies by means of vegetative reproduction.

Cultivation: The preference is partial to full sun, and moist to mesic conditions. This plant usually grows in a loam or clay-loam soil, but it can tolerate soil with sandy or rocky material as well. The foliage is rarely bothered by disease; occasionally insects nibble the edges of the leaves.

Range & Habitat: Lance-Leaved Loosestrife occurs in most areas of Illinois, except for a few north-central counties and scattered counties elsewhere. Although widely distributed, it is an occasional plant. Habitats Distribution Mapinclude moist to mesic black soil prairies, open woodlands, thickets, swamps, gravelly seeps, limestone glades, and old fields with hardpan clay or sandy soil.

Faunal Associations: The flowers of the Lysimachia spp. (Yellow-Flowered Loosestrifes) are unusual in that they produce a floral oil, rather than nectar. Because of this, they attract the short-tongued Melittid bee, Macropsis steironematis. This oligolectic bee collects both the floral oil and pollen and forms a pollen-ball that becomes the food of its developing bee-larvae. Otherwise, the flowers attract few insects, except for the occasional visitor seeking pollen from the anthers. Information about Lance-Leaved Loosestrife's relation to birds and mammals does not appear to be readily accessible at the present time.

Photographic Location: The photograph was taken at the Paxton Cemetery Prairie in Ford County, Illinois. This was one of a small colony of plants growing in mesic black soil prairie. It was necessary to bring the camera down to ground level in order to photograph the front of the flower.

Comments: This plant would be more attractive to humans if the flowers did not hang downward. The nodding characteristic of some flowers is often a sign that the primary pollinators are bees, which are more willing to hang upside down on the protruding structures of a flower in order to obtain whatever food source they are seeking. This characteristic may also protect the nectar or floral oil from rainfall. Lance-Leaved Loosestrife can be distinguished from other loosestrifes primarily by its opposite leaves, which are sessile or have very short petioles. The height of the mature seed capsules is about the same as the height of the surrounding calyx segments, while in other Lysimachia spp. they are often unequal. The species Lysimachia hybrida, which used to be considered a variety of Lance-Leaved Loosestrife, has a similar appearance. However, Lysimachia hybrida is supposed to have somewhat longer petioles, somewhat broader leaves, and the undersides of its leaves are green rather than light or whitish green, even in younger leaves.

 

Field Mint
Mentha arvensis
Mint family (Lamiaceae)

Plant in BloomDescription: Different varieties of this perennial plant exist in both hemispheres. Field Mint is ½ –1½' tall, and either erect or having a tendency to sprawl. Generally, the four-angled central stem is hairy or glabrous and little branched. The opposite leaves are 1-2½" long and ½–1" wide, with petioles that are either short or long. The leaves are broadly lanceolate, oblanceolate, or ovate, with conspicuous veins and serrated margins. Their bottoms may be rounded or wedge-shaped, and their may be pubescent or nearly glabrous. The flowers occur in non-terminal whorls above the axils of the upper leaves. They are tubular, with an upper lip that is divided in 2 lobes and a lower lip that is divided into 3 lobes, although sometimes the flowers are irregular. Each flower is about 1/8" long, and may be white, pink, or lavender. They usually bloom from early to mid-summer for about a month, but sometimes bloom later. There is no noticeable floral scent, although the foliage exudes a strong mint fragrance that is often detectable before the plant(s) is observed. The green calyx has small triangular lobes and is variably hairy, depending on the variety. The root sytem readily produces rhizomes, forming sizeable colonies.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, and moist conditions with rich organic soil. This plant likes low-lying open grassy areas. It is little bothered by disease, and can be very aggressive.

Range & Habitat: Field Mint occurs primarily in central and northern Illinois, where it is fairly uncommon. It also occurs in scattered counties of southern Illinois. The most common variety is Mentha arvensis villosa, which is a hairy plant and believed to be native. The Eurasian varieties occur in the same general area, but are less common. Habitats include edges of marshes, fens, borders of lakes, moist prairies and grassy areas, and miscellaneous waste areas, including landfills. The rhizomes of this plant can survive earth-moving Distribution Mapoperations and produce new foliage if they remain near the surface of the ground. Field Mint is most often encountered in disturbed areas.

Faunal Associations: Primarily flies and wasps visit the flowers for nectar. Other occasional visitors include small bees, small butterflies, and skippers. The strong mint fragrance of the foliage usually deters most mammalian herbivores, although cattle and livestock may consume this plant along with the grass. It is possible that the anti-bacterial properties of the floral oil disrupts populations of beneficial bacteria within the digestive tract of herbivores with multi-chambered stomachs, causing indigestion. The seeds are too small to be of much interest to birds.

Photographic Location: A low-lying grassy area in Champaign, Illinois.

Comments: Field Mint can be distinguished from the cultivated mints primarily by its non-terminal whorls of flowers. Like the cultivated mints, it can be used to make a pleasant herbal tea. In humans, the floral oil of mints is more likely to disrupt populations of harmful bacteria, reducing flatulence and other digestive problems. The Field Mint in the photograph is largely devoid of hairs, and probably of Euroasian origin. Some authorities might consider this plant to be an example of Mentha X gentilis or Mentha X cardiaca; these are supposed to be hybrids of Mentha arvensis (Field Mint) and Mentha spicata (Spearmint) that have naturalized in Illinois. A variety that is more typical of the native Field Mint will be shown when I encounter it.

Wild Four-O'Clock
Mirabilis nyctaginea
Four-O'Clock family (Nyctaginaceae)

Close-Up of InflorescenceDescription: This perennial plant is native to Illinois, or adventive from the west – more likely the latter. It is about 2-4' tall, branching occasionally. The stems are glabrous and light green; they are often angular below, becoming more round above. The dark green opposite leaves are up to 4" long and 3" across. They are cordate (somewhat triangular-shaped) and hairless, with smooth margins and short petioles. Some of the upper leaves near the flowers are much smaller and lanceolate. The upper stems terminate in clusters of magenta flowers on long stalks. Usually, there are a few hairs on these stalks and the pedicels of the flower clusters. A cluster of 3-5 flowers develop within a surrounding green bract with 5 lobes; this bract has the appearance of a calyx. These flowers are trumpet-shaped and span about ½" across, or slightly less. There are no petals; instead, a tubular calyx with 5 notched lobes functions as a corolla. At the center of each flower are 3-5 exerted stamens with yellow anthers. The blooming period is usually during the early summer and lasts about a month. There is little or no floral fragrance. The flowers typically open during the late afternoon, remain open at night, and close during the morning. The greyish brown seed is up to 3/8" long and pubescent; it has 5 ribs. The root system consists of a thick dark taproot that is fleshy or woody. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions; partial sun is also tolerated. This plant commonly grows in poor soil that has a high content of clay, sand, or gravelly material. It will also grow in fertile loam, but suffers from the competition of neighboring plants. Foliar disease is not usually troublesome. It is easy to start plants from seeds.

Range & Habitat: Wild Four-O'Clock occurs in nearly every county of Illinois; it is a common plant (see Distribution Map). Habitats include dry prairies, pastures, abandoned fields, grassy roadsides, rocky banks along ditches, areasClose-Up of Leaf along railroads (including the ballast), and miscellaneous waste areas. This plant is particularly common along railroads. It has a strong preference for disturbed areas.

Faunal Associations: The flowers are visited primarily by long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, and moths. These insects seek nectar primarily, although the short-tongued bees collect pollen. It is possible that the Ruby-Throated hummingbird may visit the flowers as well. The species Catorhintha mendica (Wild Four-O'Clock Bug) is a specialist feeder on this plant and other Mirabilis spp. Another specialist is Heliodines nyctaginella (Four-O'Clock Moth); the caterpillars of this species feed on the foliage of this and other plants in the genus. Wild Four-O'Clock tends to increase in areas disturbed by livestock; it is unclear if these animals eat this plant. Deer reportedly avoid it. The seeds and roots are known to be poisonous, although pigs may dig up the roots and eat them.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the postage stamp prairie of Dave Monk in Champaign, Illinois.

Comments: This is the most widespread Four-O'Clock species in Illinois that is from North America. The commonly cultivated garden plant by the same name is from South America; it is non-hardy. There are a few wild Mirabilis spp. in the Chicago area that are adventive from the west. They usually have more narrow leaves, hairier stems, and flowers with paler colors. In some of the Great Plains states, the Wild Four-O'Clock can have pale yellow flowers, but this color form doesn't appear to occur in Illinois.

Wild Bergamot
Monarda fistulosa
Mint family (Lamiaceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is 2½–4' tall, branching frequently in the upper half. The light green stems are four-angled and hairless. The oppositeClose-Up of Flower leaves are broadly lanceolate to ovate, and vary in color from light green to dark green, sometimes with yellow or red tints. These color variations are in part a response to environmental conditions. The hairless leaves are up to 4" long and 2" across, and have serrated margins. They exude an oregano scent. At the top of major stems are rounded heads of flowers about 1-3" across. The flowers begin blooming in the center of the head, gradually moving toward its periphery, forming a wreath of flowers. Each flower is lavender or pink, and about 1" long, with an irregular shape. The corolla divides into a tubular upper lip with projecting stamens, and three slender lower lips that function as landing pads for visiting insects. The blooming period occurs during mid-summer and lasts about 1 month. The root system consists of deep, strongly branched roots, and shallow rhizomes that are responsible for the vegetative spread of the plant. These rhizomes typically send up multiple leafy stems in a tight cluster, giving Wild Bergamot a bushy appearance.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist to slightly dry conditions. Growth is more luxuriant in a moist rich loam, although this can cause the plant to flop around as the growing season progresses. Under drought conditions, the lower leaves will turn yellow and drop off the stems; this reaction is normal. The lower leaves often develop powdery mildew, particularly when the weather is rainy. While this plant is easy to grow, it often becomes rather dilapidated in appearance as the growing season progresses because of these problems. This plant often spreads aggressively.

Range & Habitat: Wild Bergamot occurs throughout Illinois, except for a few southern counties (see Distribution Map). It is occasional to locally common. Habitats include moist to slightly dry black soil prairies, hill prairies, sandy Black Oak woodlands, savannas and woodland borders, thickets, borders of limestone glades, abandoned pastures, and landfills. The rhizomes can survive earth-moving and bulldozing operations, and send up plants in unexpected places. Some local populations may be plants that have escaped cultivation.
Foliage of Wild Bergamot
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts long-tongued bees, bee flies, butterflies, skippers, and hummingbird moths. Among the long-tongued bees, are such visitors as bumblebees, Miner bees, Epeoline Cuckoo bees, and large Leaf-Cutting bees. A small black bee (Doufouria monardae) specializes in the pollination of Monarda flowers. Sometimes Halictid bees collect pollen, while some wasps steal nectar by perforating the nectar tube. The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird also visits the flowers. The caterpillars of the moths Sphinx cremitus (Hermit Sphinx) and Agriopedes teratophora (Gray Marvel) feed on the foliage. A seed bug (Ortholomus scolopax) is sometimes found in the flowerheads. Mammalian herbivores usually avoid this plant as a food source, probably because of the oregano-mint flavor of the leaves and their capacity to cause indigestion; they may contain chemicals that disrupt populations of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.

Photographic Location: Photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: For a member of the mint family, the flowers are large and beautiful. Wild Bergamot can be distinguished from other Monarda spp. by the color of the flowers – they are solid pink or lavender. Other species have flowers with red or pale yellow coloration, or they have dark dots on the lower lobes.

Spotted Bee Balm
Monarda punctata
Mint family (Lamiaceae)

Bracts & FlowersDescription: This native wildflower is 1-3' tall and unbranched or sparingly so, except for short leafy stems that develop from the axils of the leaves along the central stem. It is usually a short-lived perennial, although some plants may persist for only 1 or 2 years. The central stem is brown to reddish purple, 4-angled, and densely pubescent. The opposite leaves are up to 3½" long and 1" across, medium green, and lanceolate to narrowly lanceolate. The margins of the leaves are usually serrated with low teeth, although some of the upper leaves (and bracts) have smooth margins. The central stem produces two or more dense whorls of flowers in the upper portion of each plant. The uppermost whorl of flowers is terminal, while the lower whorls of flowers develop from the axils of the upper pairs of leaves. Each flower is about ¾–1" long, consisting of a cream-colored corolla with purple spots and a tubular calyx with 5 triangular teeth. The corolla is divided into an upper lip and a lower lip; they are both long and narrow. The upper lip is keeled and finely hairy on the top, while the lower lip terminates into 3 small lobes (the middle lobe is the largest of the three). Inside the corolla near the upper lip, there are 2 long stamens with brown anthers and a slender style with a divided tip. There are also 2 short stamens that are sterile. The tubular calyx is green and finely pubescent. Underneath each whorl of flowers, there are several leafy bracts. The upper surface of each bract is pink, lavender, or nearly white (in whole or part). The lower surface of each bract is light green. Aside from their showy colors and location underneath the flowers, these bracts are very similar to the leaves. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts about 1-2 months. While individual corollas soon wither away, the showy bracts remain attractive for a long time afterward. Each flower is replaced by 4 small nutlets, which are ovoid and smooth. The root system consists of a taproot. This wildflower reproduces by reseeding itself.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun, mesic to dry conditions, and sandy soil. Spotted Bee Balm has greater tolerance of sun and drought than many other Monarda spp. (Bee Balms). It is usually intolerant of competition from taller plants on moist fertile soil, although it may persist in such areas for several years.

Range & Habitat: Spotted Bee Balm is occasional in the northern half of Illinois and the SW section of the state, but it is rare or absent elsewhere (see Distribution Map). Habitats include sand prairies, hill prairies, sandy Black Oak savannas, stabilized sand dunes along Lake Michigan, and sandy fields. This species can be found in both disturbed and higher quality sandy habitats. In Illinois, it is rare in non-sandy areas.
Leaves & Stem
Faunal Associations: The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract honeybees, bumblebees, Miner bees (Melissodes spp.), and Plasterer bees (Colletes spp.); butterflies also visit the flowers of Spotted Bee Balm for nectar, including the endangered Lycaenides melissa samuelis (Karner Blue), which is found in sandy habitats. Insects that feed on the flowers, foliage or stems of Spotted Bee Balm include the caterpillars of the moths Pyrausta orphisalis (Pyralid Moth sp.), Pyrausta signatalis (Pyralid Moth sp.), and Agripodes teratophora (The Gray Marvel); the adults of Strigoderma arboricola (False Japanese Beetle, or Sandhill Chafer); and both nymphs and adults of Cydnoides ciliata (Negro Bug sp.) and Sehirus cinctus (White-Margined Burrower Bug). The oregano-scented foliage is repugnant to mammalian herbivores and rarely consumed by them.

Photographic Location: A small prairie restoration near a drainage ditch in Urbana, Illinois, where this species was introduced.

Comments: Spotted Bee Balm is also called Spotted Horsemint. This species has rather unusual-looking flowers and attractive bracts. It is easily distinguished from most Monarda spp. (Bee Balms) in Illinois by its multiple whorls of flowers on the same stem, cream-colored and purple-spotted corollas, narrow leaves, and pink to lavender bracts. The only similar species that can be found in the state, Monarda citriodora (Lemon Bee Balm; sometimes referred to as Monarda pectinata), is native to the Great Plains and rarely escapes from cultivation. This is an annual species with white to pink corollas that lack spots. The calyx teeth of Lemon Bee Balm are longer and more pointed than those of Spotted Bee Balm, which has simple triangular teeth. Different varieties of Spotted Bee Balm have been described, but they are quite similar to each other, differing primarily by the kind of pubescence to be found on the central stem.

Prairie Dandelion
Nothocalais cuspidata
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This native perennial plant consists of a loose rosette of basal leaves up to 1' across. Each basal leaf is about 6" long and ¼" across, although occasionally a larger size is achieved. The basal leavesClose-up of Flowerhead are semi-erect, linear in shape, and various shades of green, depending on the local ecotype. They are smooth, finely crisped, and often downy white along the margins. There is a prominent central vein along the length of each basal leaf. From the center of each rosette, there develops one or more leafless stalks about 6-8" tall. Each stalk terminates in a single yellow to golden yellow flowerhead that is about 1-2" across. The basal leaves and flowering stalks are glabrous or slightly pubescent, and they contain a milky latex. Each flowerhead consists of numerous spreading ray florets that are yellow or golden yellow and no disk florets. Each ray floret is truncated and 5-toothed at its tip. The floral bracts surrounding the base of each flowerhead are lanceolate and occur in a single overlapping series. The blooming period occurs from mid- to late spring and lasts about a month. A single plant may produce several flowerheads in succession. The achenes are bullet-shaped and have tufts of white hair. They are distributed by the wind. The root system consists of a stout taproot that is quite large for the size of the plant. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and dry conditions. The soil should be gritty in texture and well-drained, otherwise crown rot may infect the taproot and the plant will die. Taller and more aggressive plant species should be prevented from overcrowding this plant, which normally grows on rocky hilltops and slopes where there is scant ground vegetation.

Range & Habitat: Prairie Dandelion is a rare plant that occurs in the northern half of Illinois, especially in the NW quarter of the state (see Distribution Map). It is state-listed as an endangered species. Some local populations that have been observed in the past are probably extirpated as a result of habitat destruction. Illinois lies at the eastern limit of its distribution; the Prairie Dandelion is more common in states further to the west. Habitats include dry upland areas of prairies, hill prairies, and rocky slopes. This conservativeClose-up of Basal Leaves species does not normally occur in disturbed areas.

Faunal Associations: Little is known about the floral-faunal relationships of this rare plant. Various kinds of bees (especially bumblebees) are undoubtedly the most important pollinators of the flowers, where they seek nectar and pollen. It is possible that rabbits will eat the foliage, although I have not observed this. Early pioneers ate the roots as a source of emergency food.

Photographic Location: The webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: This is one of many species in the Chicory tribe of the Aster family that have dandelion-like flowerheads and foliage with a milky latex. The most familiar member of this group is the introduced Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion), which is a common lawn weed. The Prairie Dandelion can be distinguished from similar species by considering the following characteristics: 1) This is a perennial plant, rather than a biennial or annual, 2) stems with cauline leaves are never produced, 3) there is only one flowerhead per leafless stalk, 4) the flowerheads are at least 1" across, 5) the basal leaves are linear in shape and they lack teeth or lobes, and 6) the margins of the leaves are usually finely crisped and/or downy white. Other members of the Chicory tribe in Illinois usually lack one or more of these features. The closely related Agoseris spp. (Mountain Dandelions) of the western states have many of these features, but their achenes are conspicuously constricted below the apex. The achenes of the Prairie Dandelion are unconstricted or only slightly constricted below the apex. Other scientific names are occasionally used to refer to the Prairie Dandelion, including Agoseris cuspidata and Microseris cuspidata.

Blue Toadflax
Nuttallanthus canadensis
Figwort family (Scrophulariaceae)

Raceme of FlowersDescription: This native plant is a biennial or winter annual up to 1½' tall. Often, there are multiple leafy stems at the base of the plant, but the flowering stalks are little branched. Both the stems and flowering stalks are green to reddish green and glabrous. The leaves are up to 1½" long and 1/8" across. They are linear to oblong-linear, glabrous, smooth along the margins, and sessile. The leaves on the taller flowering stalks are alternate, while the leaves on the lower vegetative stems are usually opposite. Each flowering stalk terminates in a spike-like raceme of flowers up to 8" long. Each flower is up to ½" long, consisting of a calyx with 5 teeth and a two-lipped corolla with a slender nectar spur. The calyx is green to purplish green and may be slightly pubescent. The corolla is light blue to medium blue-violet; its upper lip is divided into 2 rounded lobes, while the lower lip is divided into 3 lobes that are rounded and spreading. The throat of the corolla is white with 2 rounded ridges. The nectar spur can be straight or recurved. There is a short slender pedicel at the base of each flower; at the base of the pedicel, there is a single bract that is short and linear. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to mid-summer and can last 2-3 months for a colony of plants. Only a few flowers bloom simultaneously on each raceme. Each flower is replaced by a seed capsule that splits open to release the flattened smooth seeds. These seeds can be blown about by the wind. The root system consists of a stout taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and dry sandy soil where there is little competition from other plants. Rocky soil, mesic conditions, and a little shade are also tolerated.

Range & Habitat: Blue Toadflax occurs occasionally in sandy areas in the northern half of Illinois, otherwise it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include dry sand prairies, sand dunes,Stems & Leaves sandy savannas, thinly wooded bluffs, rocky glades, sandy shoulders of roads, and sandy fields. Disturbed areas are preferred; occasional wildfires are beneficial in maintaining populations of this plant.

Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated by bumblebees and other long-tongued bees. Butterflies and skippers may visit the flowers for nectar, but they are less likely to be effective at cross-pollination. The caterpillars of the butterfly Junonia coenia (Buckeye) feed on the foliage of Blue Toadflax and many other members of the Figwort family. A stink bug, Cosmopepla carnifex Fab., has been found on the foliage of this species in sand prairies.

Photographic Location: Along a path in a burnt-over sandy savanna in Kankakee County, Illinois.

Comments: Blue Toadflax has reasonably attractive foliage and flowers. Its appearance is very similar to Nuttallanthus texensis (Southern Blue Toadflax), but the latter has larger flowers (up to 1" long) and bumpy seeds. Blue Toadflax is also related to the introduced Linaria vulgaris (Yellow Toadflax), but the latter has larger yellow flowers (up to 1" long or more). There are other Toadflaxes from Eurasia that occur primarily in sterile waste areas, but they usually have smaller flowers (¼" or less). Blue Toadflax superficially resembles Lobelia kalmii (Kalm's Lobelia), but the flowers of the latter lack nectar spurs and it usually blooms later in the year. Another scientific name for Blue Toadflax is Linaria canadensis.

Common Evening Primrose
Oenothera biennis
Evening Primrose family (Onagraceae)

Plant in GardenDescription: This native biennial plant can be 8' tall, although it is often shorter. There is usually a central stem with alternate leaves, but sometimes there will be multiple stems in open areas, creating a bushy appearance. The stems are light green or red, and are covered with white hairs. The light or olive green leaves are up to 8" long and 2" wide, but usually smaller. They are lanceolate and resemble willow leaves. The margins of the leaves are smooth or slightly dentate, and are nearly hairless. Smaller secondary leaves often appear at the axils of major leaves on the central stem. A panicle of pale yellow flowers occurs at the apex of the plant (or at the ends of major stems, if the plant is bushy). Each flower is about 1" across when fully open, with 4 petals and prominent stamens, and a long green calyx. The flowers remain open from evening to early morning, but will remain open longer on cloudy days. They have a mild lemony scent, and bloom from mid-summer to fall on mature plants. Long narrow seedpods develop, which split open from the top to release many tiny, irregular brown seeds. They are small enough to be dispersed by the wind, and can remain viable in the soil after 70 years. The root system consists of a fleshy taproot.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun, average moisture, and a soil that is somewhat sandy, but other growing conditions are acceptable. This plant forms a stubby rosette during the first year, but becomes tall during the second year, at which time it flowers, sets seed, and dies. Common Evening Primrose is easy to grow, but often becomes rather unsightly as the season progresses. Disease can cause small brown spots to form on the leaves, while drought causes the lower leaves to turn yellow and fall off the plant.

Range & Habitat: Common Evening Primrose occurs in every county of Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is a common plant that is particularly conspicuous during late summer or fall. Disturbed areas are favored in both natural and developed habitats, including mesic to dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, thickets, glades, lakeshore dunes, abandoned fields, roadsides and railroads, slopes of drainage ditches, vacant lots, etc. Sometimes this plant is cultivated in wildflower gardens, from which it may escape.

Close-up of Flowers

Faunal Associations: Moths pollinate the flowers, particularly Sphinx moths. Other occasional visitors include the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, honeybees, bumblebees, and Anthedonia compta (Primrose Miner Bee), the latter being an oligolege. These insects seek nectar, although some of the bees collect pollen. The caterpillars of several moths feed on the foliage. This includes Endryas unio (Pearly Wood Nymph), Desmia funeralis (Grape Leaffolder Moth), Hyles lineata (White-Lined Sphinx), and Mompha eloisella (Momphid Moth; bores through stems). Various beetles feed on the foliage, including Popillia japonica (Japanese Beetle), Grahops pubescens (Leaf Beetle sp.), Altica fusconenea (Flea Beetle sp.), and several Curculio beetles. The seeds are eaten by goldfinches.

Photographic Location: The upper photograph was taken at a flower garden near a sidewalk in Urbana, Illinois, while the lower photograph was taken at Meadowbrook Park in the same city.

Comments: During the first year of growth, the roots can be cooked and eaten. This plant maintains a symbiotic relationship to endomycorrhizal bacteria.

Missouri Evening Primrose
Oenothera macrocarpa
Evening Primrose family (Onagraceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is up to 1½' tall, and unbranched or sparingly so. The short stems are more or less erect. The alternate leaves are up to 6" long and 1" across; they are rather densely crowded along the stems. Their margins are smooth, or slightly dentate with widely spaced teeth; they often curve upward. The leaves are narrowly lanceolate or oblanceolate, with white veins; the upper surface of young leaves is often shiny. Lower leaves have petioles up to 1" long, while upper leaves are often sessile.

Close-up of Flower

The large flowers develop singly from the upper axils of the leaves. Each flower has a winged capsule containing the ovaries that is 1½–2" long; it is located adjacent to the leaf axil. A calyx tube from 2-6" connects the capsule to the rest of the flower. At the apex of the calyx tube, the flower has 4 yellow petals; it spans about 5" across. These petals are subtended by a division of the calyx into lanceolate tips that curve downward; these are purple-spotted. At the throat of the flower, are 8 stamens with linear anthers, and a long style with a stigma that is cleft into a cross-like shape. These reproductive parts are yellow. The flower buds are about 1-4" long, depending on their maturity, and quite conspicuous. They are purple-spotted and orbicular, tapering at both ends. The flowers open during the evening and close the following morning, each one lasting a single day. The blooming period occurs from early to mid-summer, and lasts about 2 months. There is a mild floral fragrance. The seeds are irregularly shaped and crested. The root system consists of a deep taproot. This plant reproduces by reseeding itself.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry conditions, and lean soil that is either rocky or sandy. Most growth occurs during the first half of the year, afterwhich it forms seeds and becomes dormant (although it doesn't necessarily die down). This plant will grow in more fertile soil if it is well-drained, but has difficulty competing with taller plants.

Foliage of Missouri Primrose

Range & Habitat: In Illinois, Missouri Evening Primrose has been observed in natural habitat in only St. Clair county, where it may be extirpated (see Distribution Map). Habitats include hill prairies and limestone glades. Outside of the state, this plant is also observed in dry prairies and barrens with sparse vegetation; these habitats often have gravelly or sandy soil. Missouri Evening Primrose is often grown in flower gardens.

Faunal Associations: Sphinx moths pollinate the flowers while seeking nectar. Various bees may visit the flowers to collect pollen during the early morning or evening, but they are too small to be effective pollinators. Little information is available about this plant's relationships to birds or mammals.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Crystal Lake Park in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: Missouri Evening Primrose has striking flowers that are quite large for the size of the plant. It can be confused with no other plant that occurs (or used to occur) in the natural habitats of Illinois.

Prairie Sundrops
Oenothera pilosella
Evening Primrose family (Onagraceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is up to 2' tall and often bushy. The stems are covered with conspicuous white hairs. The sessile alternate leaves areClose-Up of Flowers up to 3" long and 1" wide, lanceolate or ovate, with smooth to slightly dentate margins. They are pubescent on both the upper and lower surfaces. The inflorescence at the top of the plant consists of a short cluster of flowers or hairy buds. These flowers are bright yellow and individually about 2" across. Each one has four large petals, large showy stamens, and fine white or transparent lines that radiate outward from the center of the flower. These lines function as nectar guides, and are more visible to insects than humans in the ultraviolet spectrum. The blooming period occurs during late spring or early summer and lasts about a month. The flowers bloom during the day and have a pleasant fragrance. The seeds are without tufts of hairs, while the root system is highly rhizomatous. In disturbed areas, colonies of plants are readily formed. The new growth during early spring and older foliage during the fall often acquire reddish tints.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun, moist conditions, and a loamy soil with high organic content. This plant develops quickly during the spring and flowers readily. Later in the year, it becomes dormant and less attractive in appearance, but can tolerate some drought. This plant is easy to grow if it is not too dry, and can spread aggressively.

Range & Habitat: Prairie Sundrops occurs occasionally in the majority of counties in Illinois; it is uncommon or absent in central and NW Illinois (seeClose-Up of Leaf Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic black soil prairies, edges of pothole marshes, abandoned pastures, and prairie remnants along railroads.

Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated primarily by long-tongued bees, butterflies, and skippers. Halictid bees and Syrphid flies often visit the flowers, but they are attracted by the abundant pollen and cannot be considered very effective at pollination. Among the long-tongued bees, are such visitors as Little Carpenter bees and large Leaf-Cutting bees, which suck nectar or collect pollen. The foliage is eaten occasionally by rabbits, and probably other mammalian herbivores.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: This lovely plant should be grown more often. During the 19th century, this was a more popular garden plant, but it has since passed from favor and is not widely available. Prairie Sundrops resembles Oenothera fruticosa, but differs from the latter by its hairy leaves. The latter species has a range that lies east and south of Illinois, and is widely available through horticultural sources

Showy Evening Primrose
Oenothera speciosa
Evening Primrose family (Onagraceae)

Close-Up of FlowerDescription: This perennial plant is adventive from the west, and is usually 1-2' tall. The pubescent stems are erect or have a tendency to sprawl. The central stem is usually little branched, except near the apex of the plant where the flowers occur. The alternate leaves are up to 2-3" long and ¾" across. They are lanceolate to oblanceolate, and have smooth or dentate margins. Sometimes there are small lobes near the base of a leaf. These leaves are sessile against the stem, or have short petioles. From 1-3 flowers develop from the upper axils of the leaves. The pubescent flower buds are rather long and spindle-shaped. The showy flowers open up during the daytime, and are 2-3½" across. Each flower has 4 broad petals, 8 white stamens with white or yellow anthers, and a long white stigma that is 4-cleft at its tip, resembling a white cross. These flowers are usually pinkish white, with fine pink lines that radiate outward from the throat across the rather wrinkled petals. The throat of these flowers is often yellow. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer, and lasts about a month, although individual flowers are rather short-lived. These flowers are replaced by long 4-angled capsules, which contain numerous seeds. The root system is highly rhizomatous, can form sizable colonies at some sites.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and dry conditions. This plant often grows on poor, rocky soil, but can tolerate other kinds of soil as well. It can spread aggressively at dry, sunny locations, and becomes rather ragged in appearance after the blooming period is over.

Range & Habitat: This adventive plant is widely scattered across Illinois, and has been reported most often from the Chicago area, central Illinois, and SW Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland areas of degraded prairies, glades, old homesteads and abandoned fields, areas along railroads and Close-Up of Foliageroadsides, and dry waste areas. In Illinois, this plant occurs primarily in disturbed areas. Many local populations are undoubtedly cultivated plants that have managed to escape for one reason or another. This species has been naturalized in Illinois for a long time.

Faunal Associations: Small bees collect pollen from the flowers, but are unlikely to pollinate them. The size and length of the stamens and stigma suggest that hummingbirds, large butterflies, or day-flying Sphinx moths are more likely to pollinate the flowers while seeking nectar, although I have not observed this. Like many other members of the Evening Primrose family, the foliage can be consumed by various mammalian herbivores, including rabbits, groundhogs, deer, and livestock.

Photographic Location: A flower garden in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: Considering the size of Showy Evening Primrose, the flowers seem impossibly large. They are also very bright and showy. For this reason, this species is often cultivated in flower gardens in areas far outside its normal range in the Plains and southwestern states.

Stiff Goldenrod
Oligoneuron rigidum
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is 2-5' tall and unbranched, except near the inflorescence. The central stem is covered with fine white hairs. The basal leaves are up to 10" long and 5" wide, while much smaller leaves alternate upward along the central stem. These leaves are light green and pubescent; their margins are smooth or slightly serrated. They are variably shaped, appearing lanceolate, oblanceolate, oblong, or oval, but always with blunt tips. Initially, the leaves have a soft floppy texture, but they become more stiff later in the year. The basal leaves often persist through the winter and are semi-evergreen.

Plants in Bloom

At the apex of the central stem is a corymb of small yellow flowers. This inflorescence is about 2-4" across, while each flower is ¼–½" across. The upper side stems also produce corymbs of these flowers, which are more or less all bunched together. There is a mild floral fragrance. The blooming period occurs from late summer to fall, and lasts about a month. The achenes have small tufts of white or light brown hair, and are distributed by the wind. This plant has deep fibrous roots, and it has a tendency to form offsets.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and moist to slightly dry conditions. This plant is not particular about soil, which can consist of loam, clay-loam, or gravelly material. There is a tendency to flop over during bloom if it is spoiled by fertile soil or too much water. Powdery mildew sometimes attacks the leaves. Drought resistance is good; some of the lower leaves may wither away in response. This plant is easy to grow.

Range & Habitat: Stiff Goldenrod occurs in most counties of Illinois and is fairly common, but it is rare or absent in parts of southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to slightly dry black soil prairies, clay prairies, savannas, thickets, limestone glades, abandoned fields, roadsides, and open areas along railroads, particularly where prairie remnants occur.
Close-Up of Basal Leaves
Faunal Associations: The flowers attract many kinds of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, and beetles. Monarch butterflies are especially attracted to the flowers. The caterpillars of several species of moths feed on various parts of this and other goldenrods (see Moth Table). Other insects that feed on this plant are Disonycta latifrons (Flea Beetle sp.), Microrhapala vittata (Leafminer Beetle sp.), Hesperotattix viridii (Spur-Throated Grasshopper sp.), and Corythucha marmorata (Lace Bug sp.). The Greater Prairie Chicken and Eastern Goldfinch eat the seeds to a limited extent. Many mammalian herbivores eat this plant, particularly during the early stages of growth and development. This includes the White-Tailed Deer, Cottontail Rabbit, Muskrats, and livestock. The latter tend to leave this plant alone when there are other sources of food available.

Photographic Location: The upper photograph was taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois, while the lower photograph was taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: This is one of the more attractive goldenrods. It has a unique appearance and is easy to distinguish from other goldenrods: 1) the foliage is quite pubescent and light green, with a felty appearance; 2) the basal leaves are quite large, assuming that they haven't withered away; 3) the inflorescence consists of erect bunches of flowers; it does not radiate outward, nor form a narrow wand; 4) the individual flowers are slightly larger than those of other goldenrods. Along with a few other goldenrod species, such as Riddell's Goldenrod and Ohio Goldenrod, Stiff Goldenrod has been recently reassigned from the Solidago genus to the Oligoneuron genus. Formerly, it was referred to as Solidago rigida.

Eastern Prickly Pear
Opuntia humifusa
Cactus family (Cactaceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is 1-2½' tall. It consists of 1-3 levels of flattened pads, starting with a single pad on the ground. Each pad is up to 10" long, 7" across, and 1½" thick. One or two new pads may develop from the top of the original pad, providing a limited branching ability. Older pads tend to be bluish green, while younger pads are green. The pads are evergreen during the winter, but have a tendency to appear yellowish and desiccated at this time. There are several areoles scattered around each pad. A single spine (sometimes two) may develop from an areole; the spines are light grey or light brown and highly variable in length – usually 4" or less. There are also small deciduous leaves near the areoles – these are usually green and scale-like in appearance, but quickly drop from the plant.

Prickly Pear with Flowers

One or more flower buds can form on the top of a pad. They are individually up to 2" long and 1" around, green and scaly, with a knob-like shape. Each bud produces a single flower about 3-4" across. The flowers are satiny yellow and very showy, consisting of several petals that surround numerous stamens with yellow anthers. Sometimes the flowers are red or orange-red toward the center. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer and lasts about a month for a colony of plants, although each flower lasts only a single day. There is no floral scent. A fleshy fruit develops that is spiny and turns yellow when mature. The root system is fibrous, shallow, and spreading. The upper pads often break off from the lower pads, and are capable of re-rooting in the ground. In this manner, new plants are created vegetatively.
Close-Up of  Pad
Cultivation: The preference is full sun and dry conditions. This plant will tolerate average amounts of moisture and a little shade. Poor soil that is rocky or sandy is preferred, although loamy soil is also tolerated if it is reasonably well-drained. Older stems on the ground have a tendency to become brown and woody with age, which is natural. It is faster and easier to start new plants using pads, rather than seeds; they form new roots readily. This is the easiest cactus to grow in Illinois because of its greater tolerance of moisture and humidity.

Range & Habitat: The Eastern Prickly Pear has been occasionally observed in about half of the counties in Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is most likely to be found in sandy or hilly areas along the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, in hilly areas of southern Illinois, and sandy or rocky areas of northern Illinois. This is by far the most common cactus in Illinois. Habitats include openings in sandy forests, sandy savannas, sand prairies, gravel prairies, barrens and rocky bluffs, sandstone and limestone glades, sand dunes, rocky or sandy slopes along major rivers and lakes, sandy cemeteries, and pastures. Some local populations are the result of restoration efforts or escapes from cultivation.

Faunal Associations: Primarily bees visit the flowers (both long-tongued and short-tongued), including Plasterer bees, Halictid bees, large Leaf-Cutting bees,Colony of Prickly Pear Miner bees, bumblebees, and large Carpenter bees. These bees often collect the copious pollen; the larger bees are more likely to cause pollination. In the eastern states, the relationship of cacti to wildlife is less well-known than in the western U.S. From these western studies, it appear that the fruit and seeds are occasionally eaten by the Wild Turkey, Striped Skunk, and Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrel. The fruit and stems (pads) are sometimes eaten by the Cottontail Rabbit, White-Tailed Deer, and Coyote, notwithstanding the spines. All of these animals occur in Illinois at the present time. Those animals eating the fruits help to disperse the seeds, which can pass through their gullets unharmed.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken near Kickapoo State Park in Vermillion County, Illinois.

Comments: The Eastern Prickly Pear is a striking plant with beautiful flowers. It has fewer spines than many western species of cactus, but they are still fairly formidable. Sometimes this cactus can form impressively large colonies, if it persists at the same location for a sufficiently long period of time. The only other cactus with a similar size and appearance in Illinois is Opuntia macrorhiza (Big-Rooted Prickly Pear); this species differs from the Eastern Prickly Pear by its thick tuberous root, and two or more spines can appear from each of its areoles, rather than just one. In the past, the Eastern Prickly Pear has been referred to by various scientific names, including Opuntia compressa and Opuntia rafinesquei.

Violet Wood Sorrel
Oxalis violacea
Wood Sorrel family (Oxalidaceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is up to 6" tall. It consists of several trifoliate basal leaves on long stalks that emerge directly from the ground. AmongClose-Up of Flower these leaves, appear floppy umbels of flowers on slightly taller stalks. The trifoliate leaves are about 1" across and open up during the day. Each leaf consists of three obcordate leaflets with smooth margins, which may turn purplish in response to cold weather or strong sunlight; otherwise, they tend to be greyish green. Each flower is bell-shaped and a little less than ½" across. The 5 petals are light purple or violet, but become greenish white with fine lines converging toward the throat of the flower. These petals often recurve outward and downward when fully open, displaying the bright yellow anthers. Each flower is subtended by 5 green sepals that are lanceolate and have orange tips. The entire plant is hairless, or nearly so. The blooming period occurs during late spring and lasts about a month. Rarely, Violet Wood Sorrel may bloom again in the fall. There is no floral scent. Eventually, slender pointed seed capsules develop that split into 5 sections, sometimes ejecting the light brown seeds several inches. The root system consists of small bulblets with fibrous roots, which can slowly multiply.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and mesic to dry conditions. The soil can be rocky or loamy. Disease is not normally a problem as long as the site is well-drained. This is an easy plant to grow as long as it is not overpowered by taller vegetation. It fixes nitrogen in the soil by means of endomycorrhizal bacteria.

Range & Habitat: Violet Wood Sorrel occurs in every county of Illinois and is fairly common, although it is often overlooked (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, open upland forests, savannas, bluffs, limestone glades, and abandoned fields. It responds positively to wildfires as this clears away the dead vegetation that can smother this plant during the spring.
Close-Up of Leaves
Faunal Associations: Primarily small long-tongued and short-tongued bees visit the flowers for nectar or pollen. This includes Little Carpenter bees, Nomadine Cuckoo bees, Mason bees, Andrenine bees, Green Metallic bees, and other Halictine bees. The bee Andrena violae is an oligolege of this plant and violets that bloom during the spring. Less commonly, the flowers may be visited by small butterflies or skippers. Syrphid flies also visit the flowers, but they feed on the pollen and are non-pollinating. The seeds are eaten to a limited extent by several upland gamebirds and songbirds, including the Bobwhite, Mourning Dove, Horned Lark, Field Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, and Slate-Colored Junco. The Cottontail Rabbit eats this plant occasionally, even though it is mildly toxic because of the presence of oxalic acid in the leaves.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Loda Cemetery Prairie in Iroquois County, Illinois.

Comments: In Illinois, this is the only Wood Sorrel with violet flowers that blooms in sunny areas. The flowers and leaves open up on sunny days, otherwise they fold up and "go to sleep." It is an attractive, but rather small plant. The leaves are supposed to be edible in small amounts.

Wild Quinine
Parthenium integrifolium
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Close-Up of FlowersDescription: This plant is about 2-3' tall while in flower. There is a rosette of basal leaves up to 6" long and 4" wide on long petioles. They are medium green, sandpapery in texture, coarsely serrated along the margins, and broadly lanceolate, ovate, or cordate. From the middle of this rosette, a stout flowering stalk develops, which has smaller alternate leaves on short petioles. Usually there are erect side stems that each develop an inflorescence. An inflorescence consists of flat-headed clusters of small white flowerheads; usually, there are several of them bunched loosely together on the same plant. Each flowerhead is about 1/3" across, consisting primarily of numerous disk florets, while the few ray florets are greatly reduced in size and barely perceptible. The overall effect is similar to a head of cauliflower. The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer, and lasts about 2 months. There is no noticeable floral scent. Eventually, the flowerheads turn brown, and the achenes develop without tufts of hair. The central taproot is quite thickened and somewhat tuberous in appearance, while rhizomes promote the vegetative spread of this plant.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic conditions. However, a small amount of shade is tolerated, and the soil can vary from moist to slightly dry. A fertile loamy soil is preferred, although the presence of some sand or rocky material is tolerated. While established plants are fairly easy to grow, recent transplants can be temperamental. It is important to put the transplants into the ground after danger of hard frost has passed, but before the period of active growth occurs during the late spring and early summer. Foliar disease isn't a significant problem. During a drought, some of the lower leaves may turn yellow and wither away.

Range & Habitat: Wild Quinine occurs occasionally in the majority of counties in Illinois, however it is uncommon or absent in many areas of western and SE Illinois (see Distribution Map). In high quality habitats, Wild Quinine can be locally common, while in disturbed areas it is uncommon, possibly because of the limited dispersion of its seeds. Habitats include mesic black soil prairies, sand prairies, openings inClose-Up of Leaf rocky upland forests, savannas, scrubby barrens, limestone glades, and thickets.

Faunal Associations: The flowers attract Halictine bees, wasps, flies, beetles, and plant bugs. The beetles usually feed on pollen, while the other insects seek nectar primarily. The fly visitors include Syrphid flies, Tachinid flies, Flesh flies, Muscid flies, Anthomyiid flies, and others. Wasp visitors include Crabronine wasps, Eumenine wasps, Cuckoo wasps, Braconid wasps, and others. Mammalian herbivores appear to ignore this plant as a food source because the leaves are sandpapery in texture and bitter-tasting.

Photographic Location: The upper photograph was taken at a remnant prairie along an abandoned railroad in Champaign County, Illinois, while the lower photograph was taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: Don't be put off by the lack of conspicuous ray florets in the flowerheads – they are still quite showy, resembling small white pearls from a distance. The leaves are admittedly rather coarse, but they possess characteristics that help them to survive in the prairie (as well as one's flower garden). Because of the unique flowerheads, this plant can be confused with no other species in Illinois; there are some close relatives that occur in other states, however. Wild Quinine was used as a substitute for the bark of the Cinchona tree during World War I, when the supply of the latter was disrupted; this was an attempt to maintain the supply of quinine to treat malaria.

Wood Betony
Pedicularis canadensis
Figwort family (Scrophulariaceae)

Spike of FlowersDescription: This native perennial plant is ½–1' tall and unbranched. The foliage consists primarily of basal leaves up to 6" long and 2" across, which are arranged as a rosette. From the center of this rosette, emerges a stout flowering stalk, which is often covered with long white hairs. The stalk itself may be green or reddish brown. There are a few small leaves that alternate along this stem. The leaves are lanceolate or oblanceolate, with angular pinnate lobes and crenate margins. The margins have a tendency to undulate vertically. These characteristics provide the leaves with an almost fern-like appearance, except they are somewhat heavier and thicker. The flowers occur along a spike at the top of the stem. They are about ¾" long and tubular with two lips. The upper lip curves downward and functions as a protective hood, while the lower lip functions as a landing pad for insects. The flowers are usually yellow, but sometimes brownish red. The lower lip of the flower is often white. These flowers bloom from the bottom up during late spring; this blooming period lasts about 3 weeks. There is a mild floral fragrance that is not always detectable to the human nose, although bees and other insects can detect it. The flowers are replaced by large fruits that are angular and hairy. The root system consists of a taproot, and lateral roots that are parasitic on the roots of grasses and possibly other plants. Wood Betony, however, is capable of normal growth and development even when suitable host plants are unavailable. This plant often forms colonies by reseeding itself.

Cultivation: The preference is partial to full sun, mesic to dry conditions, and a somewhat acidic soil, which can be loamy or sandy. Most of the growth and development of this plant occurs during the spring, although the leaves stay green during the summer.

Range & Habitat: Woody Betony occurs occasionally in the northern half of Illinois, but is uncommon or absent in the southern half of Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, open woodlands and sandy woodlands, savannas and sandy savannas, thickets, and borders of lakes. This plant is often associated with the Black Oak in woodlands and savannas. Because of its parasitic habit, there is a tendency for the surrounding grass to be shorter in height than it would be normally, creating open areas along the ground where colonies of Wood Betony occur.

Basal Leaves

Faunal Associations: Long-tongued bees are the primary visitors of the flowers, including queen bumblebees and Mason bees. Occasionally, short-tongued Halictid bees may visit the flowers to collect pollen, but they are non-pollinating. Little information is available about this plant's relationship to birds and mammalian herbivores.

Photographic Location: The upper photograph was taken in a meadow at Orchid Hill in Vermillion County, Illinois, while the lower photograph was taken at Prospect Cemetery Prairie in Ford County, Illinois.

Comments: Wood Betony is very showy when in full bloom; because of the unusual flowers and foliage, it has a striking appearance. In the upper photograph, the blooming period is almost over and the plant is in fruit. There are other Pedicularis spp. that this plant resembles, however most of them don't occur in Illinois. An exception is the species Pedicularis lanceolata (Swamp Betony), which differs from Wood Betony by its greater height, leaves with shallower pinnate lobes, and preference for wetland habitats. The flowers of these two plants are very similar. Another common name for this plant is Lousewort, which was based on the mistaken belief that it could repel lice and similar parasites from livestock.

Foxglove Penstemon
Penstemon digitalis
Snapdragon family (Scrophulariaceae)

Plants in Flower GardenDescription: Prior to developing an inflorescence, this native perennial plant consists of one or more rosettes of basal leaves that are clustered together. They are medium green, sometimes with reddish tints. They are variable in shape, but tend to be ovate, obovate, or broadly lanceolate, and are up to 6" long and 2½" wide. Their margins are usually smooth. One or more flowering stalks emerge from the clustered rosettes during the spring, which are about 3' tall. They are hairless and light green, while the opposite leaves on these stalks are more lanceolate in shape than the basal leaves. Their edges often have tiny teeth, and the leaf surface is often shiny. The white flowers occur in a panicle at the top of each flowering stem, and bloom during late spring or early summer for about a month. They are tubular in shape and about 1" long, with the corolla divided into a lower lip with 3 lobes and and an upper lip with 2 lobes. Somtimes there are fine lines of violet within the corolla, which function as nectar guides to visiting insects. There is no floral scent. The entire plant is hairless, except on the outer surface of the flowers. The flowering stalk eventually turns dark brown, developing numerous oval seed capsules, each containing numerous seeds. These seeds are gray, finely pitted, and irregularly angled. This inflorescence eventually falls over are the seeds have formed, helping to distribute them, but the basal leaves remain. The small seeds can also be carried aloft by the wind for short distances. The root system has short rhizomes, which often produce new plantlets around the base.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, average levels of moisture, and loamy soil. This plant matures quickly during the spring, and the flowering stalks often ascend above neighboring plants. It adapts well to cultivation, is not bothered by disease, and is easy to grow. Under severe drought conditions, however, the leaves may turn yellow and the plant will wilt.

Range & Habitat: Foxglove Penstemon occurs occasionally, except in some counties of central and NW Illinois, where it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). However, in other areas, it may be locally common. Habitats include mesic black soil prairies, openings in upland and floodplain forests, woodland borders, thickets, savannas, acid gravel seeps, pastures, and abandoned fields.
Close-Up of Leaf
Faunal Associations: The tubular flowers of this plant attract long-tongued bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, Anthophorine bees, Miner bees, Mason bees, and large Leaf-Cutting bees. To a lesser extent, Halictid bees, butterflies, Sphinx moths, and hummingbirds may visit the flowers, but they are not effective pollinators. The caterpillars of the moth Elaphria chalcedonia (Chalcedony Midget) feed on the foliage of this and other beardtongues. There have been reports that the caterpillars of the butterfly Euphydryes phaeton (Baltimore) feed on the foliage of various beardtongues, but this does not appear to be the case in Illinois. The seeds are not often eaten by birds, nor is the foliage an attractive source of food to mammalian herbivores, although they may browse on it when little else is available.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: This is probably the easiest Penstemon sp. to grow in areas that lie east of the Mississippi river. The flowers are quite showy, and the plant is large enough to compete against many kinds of weeds. Another desirable feature is that the blooming period is rather long for an early season plant. Foxglove Penstemon can be distinguished from other members of the genus by the absence of hairs on the leaves and stems, a corolla that is primarily white on the outer surface (but sometimes with violet tints), the presence of tiny white hairs on the anthers (resembling small combs), and an absence of ridges on the lower inner surface of the corolla. The small hairs on the anthers can lodge against the hairs of a visiting bee, causing the stamens to bend downward to deposit pollen on the back of the insect, if it is sufficiently large in size.

Large-Flowered Penstemon
Penstemon grandiflorus
Snapdragon family (Scrophulariaceae)

Close-Up of FlowerDescription: This native perennial plant is 1-3½' tall and unbranched, except at the base, where several stems may tiller from the thick rootstock. The greenish or reddish stems are round, glabrous, and somewhat glaucous. There is a basal rosette of leaves – these basal leaves are rather spoon-shaped (obovate), and narrow gradually into thick petioles. The leaves on the flowering stems are arranged oppositely. They are ovate or slightly cordate, but have well-rounded, blunt tips. The leaves of the lower stem are sessile, while the smaller upper leaves often clasp the stem. The basal leaves are up to 6" long and 2½" across, while the stem leaves are about 3" long and 1½" across, becoming smaller near the apex. Both basal and stem leaves are blue-gray or blue-green, glabrous, with smooth margins, and have a rather succulent appearance. From the axils of the upper leaves are whorls of 1-6 flowers on short pedicels, forming a narrow raceme. Each slightly flattened tubular flower is up to 2" long, with 2 upper lobes and 3 lower lobes. Within the corolla, is a white style with a small yellow head (stigma) that protrudes slightly from the throat. Unlike most other penstemons, there is no sterile stamen that is bearded. The shiny flowers are usually lavender or pink with bluish tints, while inside the corolla are fine purple lines that function as nectar guides. At the top of the corolla, is a conspicuous longitudinal ridge. The calyx has blunt triangular lobes, and is much smaller than the corolla. The blooming period is late spring to early summer, and lasts about 3 weeks. There is no floral scent. Each flower is replaced by an ovoid capsule containing numerous seeds that protrudes beyond the calyx. The seeds are distributed to a limited extent by the wind when the stems sway back and forth. The root system consists of a stout taproot that is rather bumpy and runs deep into the soil, with coarse secondary roots.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry conditions, and poor soil containing rocky material or sand. This plant is easy to grow at a sunny, well-drained site, but has a reputation of being short-lived. Fortunately, it isClose-Up of Foliage and Stem fairly easy to grow from seed, and has few problems with foliar disease. Sometimes spider mites can be found on the foliage, but they appear to cause little damage. Drought resistance is excellent.

Range & Habitat: Large-Flowered Penstemon occurs in only a few northern or NW counties in Illinois (see Distribution Map). This is a rare plant in the wild that is state-listed as endangered – it is more common in states that lie west of the Mississippi River. Habitats include dry sand prairies, dolomite prairies, and gravelly hill prairies. Because of the showy flowers, it is more often found in flower gardens, from which it rarely escapes with any degree of success. Fire is supposed to be harmful to the ecological success of this plant because the growing buds remain above ground. In its natural habitat, significant wildfires rarely occur because of the sparse vegetative cover.

Faunal Associations: Primarily bumblebees visit the flowers for nectar. Otherwise, little is known about the floral-faunal relationships of this plant.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois. The plants are an Illinois ecotype of this species from nursery-grown material.

Comments: Both the foliage and flowers of Large-Flowered Penstemon are beautiful and distinctive. This species is easy to identify because of the smooth bluish foliage and the large flowers (up to 2"). Unfortunately, the blooming period is rather short, but you can't have everything.

Wild Dill
Perideridia americana
Carrot family (Apiaceae)

Description: This perennial native plant is 2-3½' tall, branching sparingly. The slender stems are round and hairless. The alternate compound leaves occur sparingly along the stems; they are doubly pinnate, and about 8" long and half as wide. The slender leaflets are up to 1/8" across. They often have 1-3 lobes, but their margins are smooth.

Umbellets with Ladybird Beetle

The upper stems terminate in compound umbels with small white flowers. A typical umbel is about 6" across and has about 12 umbellets; these umbellets are loosely arranged, rather than compressed together. An umbellet is about 1" across and has 7-21 flowers. Each flower is about 1/8" across, with 5 white petals that are notched in the middle, and 5 green sepals that are small and triangular. There are also up to 5 white stamens with 5 white anthers that are potentially observable; frequently, there appears to be fewer than 5 of these reproductive structures because they are fragile and short-lived. The blooming period occurs during early summer and lasts about 2 weeks. There is no noticeable floral scent. The root system is tuberous, which enables this plant to develop quickly during the spring and early summer. After blooming, it quickly fades away and becomes dormant for the rest of the year.

Cultivation: The preference is partial or full sun, and moist to slightly dry conditions. Wild Dill often grows in soil that is rich and loamy; it also tolerates some clay or rocky material. This plant should be cultivated more often in wildflower gardens.

Range & Habitat: Wild Dill occurs occasionally in NE and central Illinois, but it is rare or absent elsewhere (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic black soil prairies, openings or edges near woodlands, thickets, limestone glades, and bluffs. It often grows in grassy areas, but is easy to overlook, except Wild Dill Compound Leafduring the short blooming period. This plant is more typical of high quality habitats than disturbed areas.

Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts many small bees, wasps, flies, and beetles. Among the flies, are such visitors as biting midges, Syrphid flies, Thick-Headed flies, Tachinid flies, flesh flies, bottle flies, Muscid flies, Chloropid flies, and others. Among the wasps, are such unusual visitors as Cuckoo wasps and various parasitoid wasps, including the Chalcid, Perilampid, Eucoilid, Figitid, and Ichneumonid wasps. Little is known about this plant's relationship to mammalian herbivores; because the foliage is not known to be toxic, it is probably consumed by them occasionally.

Photographic Location: The upper photograph was taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois, while the lower photograph was taken above a fallen gravestone at Prospect Cemetery Prairie in Ford County, Illinois.

Comments: This is an ethereal plant that is lovely while in bloom; unfortunately, this doesn't last very long. From a distance, Wild Dill may appear to be an early blooming Daucus carota (Wild Carrot), but closer inspection of the foliage and flowers will reveal significant differences between these two plants. What sets Wild Dill apart from many other white-flowered members of the Carrot family is the season of bloom (early summer) and the slender, delicate leaves (not wider than 1/8" across). Also, it should not be confused with Anethum graveolens (Cultivated Dill); this familiar annual herb from the Old World has yellow flowers. Another common name for Perideridia americana is 'Thicket Parsley.'

Pennsylvania Smartweed
Persicaria pensylvanica laevigata
Smartweed family (Polygonaceae)

Description: This native 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 round, smooth, light green to slightly red, and have a tendency to zigzag between the short narrow petioles of the leaves. The green to dark green leaves are up to 7" long and 3" across. They are lanceolate to broadly lanceolate, with smooth margins, and devoid of hairs on the lower and upper surfaces (for this variety). Unlike some introduced smartweeds, this plant has no darker markings on the upper surface of the leaves. At the base of the petioles are sheaths that wrap around the stem, which are devoid of bristles.

Flowering Plant

Some of the upper stems terminate in a short spike-like inflorescence about 2-3" long and narrowly cylindrical in appearance. It is normally more or less erect (unless the plant is leaning toward the light), and densely crowded all around with small buds and flowers about 1/8" across. These little flowers have 5 tepals that are white, light pink, or bright pink, and don't open widely even when they are in full bloom. There is no noticeable floral scent. The long peduncle of each inflorescence has small white hairs. The seeds are larger than those of most other smartweeds and spheroid in shape.

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.
Close-Up of Inflorescence
Range & Habitat: Pennyslvania Smartweed occurs in every county of Illinois, and is common (see Distribution Map). It can be found in moist black soil prairies, swamps, near ponds or lakes, edges of marshes, abandoned fields, moist areas along railroads and roadsides, vacant lots, fence rows, and other waste areas. This annual plant thrives on the reduced competition resulting from disturbance. It often forms colonies of varying size.

Faunal Associations: The flowers attract many kinds of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, small butterflies, skippers, and moths. Almost all of these insects seek nectar. The caterpillars of several moths feed on the foliage of this smartweed and others, including Lithacodia synochitis (Black-Dotted Lithacodia), Lithacodia carneola (Pink-Barred Lithacodia), Haematopsis grataria (Chickweed Geometer; often flies during the day), and Dipteryia rosmani (Noctuid Moth sp.). The caterpillars of the butterflies Lycaena helloides (Purplish Copper) and Strymon melinus (Gray Hairstreak; eats flowers & buds) are occasionally observed on smartweeds as well. The rather large seeds are very popular with various bird species, including waterfowl, upland gamebirds, and songbirds (see Bird Table). Many of the wetland birds have not been listed in the table. It is possible that the seeds are only partially digestible, and thus some of them may be distributed by these birds. Because the leaves are somewhat bitter and peppery, this plant is not a favored food source for mammalian herbivores.
Close-Up of Stem and Leaves
Photographic Location: The photographs were taken in a vacant lot near Urbana, Illinois.

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; 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 this smartweed from others is difficult. Pennsylvania Smartweed has the following features that may be helpful in making a correct identification as to species: 1) the leaves lack darker markings and are glabrous underneath (the latter trait applies to this variety only), 2) there are small hairs on the peduncle of each inflorescence, 3) the sheaths wrapping the stems at the base of the petioles have no bristles, and 4) the spikes of flowers are usually held more or less erect, rather than nodding. Other common names for this plant are 'Pinkweed' and 'Big-Seeded Smartweed.' Another scientific name for this plant is Polygonum pensylvanicum laevigatum.

Sand Phlox
Phlox bifida bifida
Phlox family (Polemoniaceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is about 1' tall. Multiple stems often develop from the crown of the taproot, and each stem occasionally branches. The stems are somewhat woody at the base and have a tendency to sprawl; they are usually covered with both glandular and non-glandular hairs. Pairs of opposite leaves occur at intervals along each stem. These leaves are up to 2" long and ¼" across; they are linear to linear-lanceolate, smooth along the margins, and glabrous to hairy. The base of each leaf is sessile or slightly clasps the stem.

Close-up of Flowers

The upper stems terminate in small cymes of about 3 flowers; less often, individual flowers may develop from the axils of the upper leaves. The slender pedicels of the flowers are up to 1" long and covered with hairs, like the stems; they are often reddish green. Each flower is about ¾" across, consisting of a tubular calyx with linear teeth and a a tubular corolla with 5 spreading lobes. The calyx is green or reddish green and covered with hairs. The corolla is white or pale blue-violet; the opening at its throat is quite small. The petal-like lobes are narrow and cleft at their tips to about one-half of their length. The blooming period occurs from mid-spring to early summer and lasts about 1½ months. Each flower is replaced by an oblongoid seed capsule that is 3-celled and contains several small seeds. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself and may form colonies at favorable sites.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, mesic to dry conditions, and sandy or rocky soil where there is reduced competition from other plants. This plant adapts well to sunny slopes.

Range & Habitat: Sand Phlox is occasional to locally common in sandy areas of central and northern Illinois, otherwise it is uncommon or absent (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to dry sand prairies, hill prairies, sandy savannas, sandy shoulders of roads, thinly wooded bluffs, cliffs, and limestone glades. Occasional wildfires are beneficial in reducing competition from woody vegetation.

Stems & Leaves

Faunal Associations: Butterflies, skippers, and moths suck nectar from the flowers. The caterpillars of the moth Heliothis phloxiphagus (Spotted Straw) feed on the flowers, while the caterpillars of the moth Lacinipolia olivacea (Olive Arches) feed on the foliage. Another insect, Lopidea davis (Phlox Scarlet Plant Bug) sucks on the sap. Most mammalian herbivores readily eat the foliage of Phlox spp.

Photographic Location: A sandy area along a road in Kankakee County, Illinois, where this species is locally common.

Comments: Sand Phlox has lovely flowers. The strongly cleft lobes of the flowers distinguish it from other Phlox spp. Across its range, Sand Phlox is somewhat variable in the appearance of its flowers and the hairiness of its foliage. Another subspecies of Sand Phlox, Phlox bifida stellaria, has flowers that are cleft to about one-fourth the length of their lobes. The foliage of this subspecies has only non-glandular hairs, while the typical subspecies has both glandular and non-glandular hairs. The subspecies Phlox bifida stellaria is restricted to only 1 or 2 counties in southern Illinois, where it occurs in upland rocky areas. Regardless of the subspecies, another common name for Phlox bifida is Cleft Phlox.

Smooth Phlox
Phlox glaberrima interior
Phlox family (Polemoniaceae)

Close-Up of FlowersDescription: This native perennial plant is 1½–2½' tall, depending on moisture levels. It is unbranched, unless the central stem is broken off, in which case 2 or 3 stems will develop. The stem is green, slender, and hairless – there are no purple streaks or spots. The opposite leaves are narrowly lanceolate to linear. They have a prominent central vein, smooth margins, and are hairless. The lower leaves may clasp the stem, while the upper leaves are sessile. At the top of the stem occurs a small cluster of 1-20 pink or lavender flowers, usually with only 1 or 2 in bloom at the same time. Each flower is about ¾" across or slightly larger, with 5 rounded petals that flare abruptly outward from a long narrow tubular corolla. There is a mild fragrance that is typical of phlox. The small green calyx is divided into 5 slender parts and devoid of hairs. The blooming period can occur from late spring to late summer, and usually lasts about 1-2 months. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.

Cultivation: The preference is light shade to full sun, and moist soil. A fertile loam with high organic content is best. Young plants can be killed by summer heat and drought, particularly in locations that lack adequate moisture. There is a tendency to sprawl, unless this plant is supported by grass and other kinds of vegetation. Foliar disease isn't a significant problem.

Range & Habitat: Smooth Phlox occurs occasionally in the eastern two-thirds of Illinois, but is uncommon or absent in western Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic black soil prairies, openings or areas of light shade in floodplain forests, thickets, acid gravel seeps, and abandoned fields. This is an indicator plant of better-than-average prairie remnants – the showy flowers can be spotted from some distance away, facilitating discovery of new sites.
Close-Up of Leaves
Faunal Associations: The flowers are visited by butterflies, skippers, and moths for nectar. Butterfly visitors include Monarchs, Swallowtails, and Sulfurs. Occasionally, small Syrphid flies may feed on the pollen, but they are non-pollinating. The caterpillars of the moth Heliothis phloxiphagus (Spotted Straw) eat the flowers, while the caterpillars of the moth Lacinipolia olivacea (Olive Arches) eat the foliage. Some plant bugs suck on the juices of the this plant, including Lopidea davisi (Phlox Scarlet Plant Bug) and Poecilocapsus lineatus (Four-Lined Plant Bug). Rabbits, groundhogs, deer, and probably other mammalian herbivores readily consume Smooth Phlox.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a moist prairie remnant along an abandoned railroad in Champaign County, Illinois.

Comments: This plant has attractive foliage and flowers. Some authors from the East Coast report the size of Smooth Phlox as up to 4-5' tall, but such huge plants apparently don't occur in Illinois. Smooth Phlox resembles Phlox pilosa (Prairie Phlox), except the latter has a hairy stem and calyx, and tends to be shorter and bloom earlier. It even more closely resembles the hairless Phlox pilosa sangamonensis (Sangamon Phlox), but the latter has flower petals that are less rounded and more angular; they are also more narrow at the base. Another similar phlox, Phlox maculata (Sweet William), has stems with purple spots or streaks and much wider leaves. Smooth Phlox can be rather variable across different populations, possibly because of some hybridization with other phlox species. It often grows with Prairie Phlox, if the site is sufficiently moist.

Wild Sweet William
Phlox maculata
Phlox family (Polemoniaceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is 1-3' tall and usually unbranched. The central stem is round, smooth, and usually hairless; it also has numerous purpleClose-Up of Flowers spots or streaks. The opposite leaves are dark green, often with a shiny upper surface, and are sessile against the stem. They are about 3-4" long and ¾" across. These leaves are lanceolate and widest near the base, often with a heart-shaped base and long pointed tips. They are hairless, and have smooth margins. The top of the plant terminates in an inflorescence that is longer than it is wide, about 3-6" long, and somewhat cylindrical in shape. This inflorescence consists of a panicle of flowers. The flowers are about ¾-1" across, with 5 rounded, overlapping petals that flare abruptly outward from a long narrow tube about 1" long. These flowers are pink, lavender, or white, and are fragrant. The green calyx is much smaller and hairless. The blooming period occurs during the summer, and lasts about 1-2 months. After the flowers fall off, a small round seed capsule develops. The seeds are distributed by the wind to a limited extent. The root system consists of a taproot.

Cultivation: The preference is light shade to full sun, and moist conditions. The soil should be loamy or somewhat sandy-silty; there should be sufficient organic material to retain moisture. After flowering, this plant tends to die down. If conditions are not right, it can be short-lived.

Range & Habitat: Wild Sweet William occurs in scattered counties in the northern half of Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is an uncommon plant in the wild. Some populations may be plants that have escaped cultivation, as it a popular garden plant. Habitats include open woodlands, moist meadows near rivers or woodlands, fens, borders of ponds or lakes, and abandoned fields. This plant typically occurs near woodlands or sources of water, rather than the open prairie.
Close-Up of Leaves and Stem
Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated by butterflies, skippers, and moths, which seek nectar. Among the butterflies are such visitors as various Swallowtails and Sulfurs. The caterpillars of the moth Heliothis phloxiphagus (Spotted Straw) eat the flowers, while the caterpillars of the moth Lacinipolia olivacea (Olive Arches) eat the foliage. Small Syrphid flies may eat the pollen of the flowers, but they are non-pollinating. Some plant bugs suck the juices of this and other phlox species, including Lopidea davisi (Phlox Scarlet Plant Bug) and Poecilocapsus lineatus (Four-Lined Plant Bug). Mammalian herbivores readily consume this plant, including rabbits, groundhogs, and deer.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a flower garden along a sidewalk in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: Wild Sweet William is another lovely phlox species that is rarely observed in the wild. It can be distinguished from other species in Illinois by its purple-spotted stems and the cylindrical inflorescence. The subspecies Phlox maculata pyramidalis has an inflorescence that is somewhat wider toward the bottom than the top. It is supposed to prefer drier habitats, but is less common in Illinois. The plant in the photograph is probably a cultivar with white flowers, but it has features that are typical of the wild populations.

Prairie Phlox
Phlox pilosa
Phlox family (Polemoniaceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is up to 2' tall and unbranched. The stem is covered with fine white hairs. The opposite leaves are up to 3½" long and ½" across, and sparsely distributed along the stem. They are linear to narrowly lanceolate, sessile, and have smooth, but slightly ciliate margins. Their surface often has a fine pubescence. The lower leaves tend to turn yellow and drop off the stem when the plant becomes stressed out. There is a cluster of flowers at the apex of the plant on short hairy stalks. Each flower is about ½" across, and has 5 lobes that flare abruptly outward from a long narrow tubular corolla. These lobes are rather angular and become considerably more narrow toward the base of the corolla. The calyx has long slender sepals that are green and hairy. The flowers may be white, pink, or lavender, and have a mild pleasant fragrance. The base of the corolla often has lines of deeper color than the lobes. Prairie Phlox typically blooms during late spring or early summer for about 1–1½ months. This plant has a taproot, and occasionally tillers at the base, sending up multiple stems. The small seeds are distributed by the wind to some extent.

Plant in Full Bloom

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist to mesic conditions. The soil can consist of rich loam, clay loam, sandy loam, or have some rocky material. Foliar disease doesn't bother this phlox to any significant extent. It is difficult to start plants from seeds, but somewhat easier from transplants. Sometimes, Prairie Phlox can be temperamental and short-lived if a site doesn't suit its requirements.

Range & Habitat: Prairie Phlox occurs occasionally in most of Illinois, but is uncommon or absent in west central and southeastern Illinois (see Distribution Map). At high quality sites, it may be locally common. Habitats include moist to mesic black soil prairies, rocky open forests, Bur Oak savannas, sandy Black Oak savannas, limestone glades, thickets, abandoned fields, and prairie remnants along railroads. Prairie Phlox appears to benefit from the removal of excess debris by wildfires occurring during early spring or the fall.

Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts primarily long-tongued bees, butterflies, and skippers. Other visitors include moths and bee flies. Among the bee visitors are bumblebees, Anthophorine bees, Miner bees, and Nomadine Cuckoo bees. Butterfly and skipper visitors include the American Painted Lady, Sulfurs, Swallowtails, and Cloudywings. The caterpillars of the moth Heliothis phloxiphagus (Spotted Straw) eat the flowers, while the caterpillars of the moth Olive Arches eat the leaves. Other insects feeding on this phlox and others include Lopidea davis (Phlox Scarlet Plant Bug) and Poecilocapsus lineatus (Four-Lined Plant Bug). Mammalian herbivores readily consume Prairie Phlox, including rabbits, deer, groundhogs, and livestock. It may be difficult to establish this plant where there is an overpopulation of these animals.

Stems & Leaves

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: The flower structure of the Phlox genus is a classical example of a butterfly flower. Such flowers feature flared petals that function as a landing pad for these insects, and a long narrow tube that is accessible to the long proboscis of butterflies, as well as skippers and moths. Such flowers typically occur in loose, rounded clusters, and are often fragrant. The flowers of Prairie Phlox have all of these characteristics. A very rare variety of Prairie Phlox that occurs within the Sangamon river basin in Sangamon and Champaign counties is Phlox pilosa var. sangamonensis (Sangamon Phlox). It is distinguished primarily by its hairless stems, flowering stalks, and leaves, and is listed as an endangered species in the state of Illinois.

Clammy Ground Cherry
Physalis heterophylla
Nightshade family (Solanaceae)

Close-Up of Flower and BudDescription: This native perennial plant is 1½–2½' tall, branching frequently. The stems are usually round and covered with white hairs. The alternate leaves are whitish or yellowish green, and up to 4" long and 3" across. They are cordate or broadly lanceolate, with a well-rounded base. The leaf margins are horizontally wavy and irregular, and often undulate vertically as well. Both the leaves and their petioles are covered with fine white hairs, and have a rather soft texture. These hairs are sometimes glandular. A single drooping flower appears at the juncture of two divergent stems. It is up to ¾" across, and consists of a spreading tubular corolla that is pale yellow and divided into 5 very shallow lobes. There are 5 brownish purple splotches near the base of the corolla and 5 prominent dull yellow anthers. The pedicels of the flowers exceed 1/5" when fully developed, while the calyx has triangular teeth; they are both covered with fine white hairs. Later, the flowers are replaced by heart-shaped husks that are up to ¾" long, each containing a single fruit. The husk of the fruit is initially green, but later turns brown, and is indented at the base. The spherical fruit is about ½" across and becomes yellow when mature. It contains numerous light brown seeds that are elliptical and granular. On a typical mature plant during the summer, there are several buds, flowers, and husked fruit in all stages of development. The blooming period occurs during the summer and lasts about 2 months. The root system consists of deep fleshy rhizomes, which spread the plant vegetatively.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and slightly moist to dry conditions. The soil can contain substantial portions of loam, sand, or gravel. This plant often thrives in sterile soil, or disturbed areas with rich soil, because this reduces competition from taller, more aggressive plants. It is fairly drought tolerant.

Range & Habitat: Clammy Ground Cherry occurs throughout most of Illinois, except some of the south-central and north-central counties (see Distribution Map). It can be found occasionally in mesic to dry black soil prairies, especially in disturbed areas. This plant also occurs in openings of rocky or sandy upland forests, sand prairies, abandoned fields and pastures, areas along roadsides and railroads, and various waste areas.
Close-Up of Leaf
Faunal Associations: Short-tongued bees collect pollen or suck nectar at the flowers. This includes the Plasterer bees Colletes latitarsis and Colletes willistoni, and some Halictine and Panurgine bees. The caterpillars of the moth Heliothis subflexus (Subflexus Straw) eat the fruit of this plant, while other insects feed on or suck juices from the foliage, including Paratrioza cockerellii (Potato Psyllid), Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Potato Aphid), and Lema trilineata (Leaf Beetle sp.). Mammalian herbivores usually don't eat this plant because the poisonous leaves and unripe fruit contain significant amounts of solanum. There has been cases of cattle being poisoned by this species and other ground cherries. Various upland gamebirds and small mammals eat the mature fruit and help to distribute the seeds, including the Bobwhite Quail, Ring-Necked Pheasant, Wild Turkey, Eastern Striped Skunk, and White-Footed Mouse.

Photographic Location: The above photographs were taken at the edge of a prairie remnant near a cultivated field in Champaign County, Illinois. This prairie remnant occurred along a railroad.

Comments: This plant has a very different appearance from Physalis subglabrata (Smooth Ground Cherry). The most striking features of Clammy Ground Cherry are the abundance of fine white hairs on the foliage and the irregular shape of the rather large leaves. Different varieties of this species have been described. It is probably one of the two most common ground cherries in Illinois, preferring areas that are sunny and on the dry side. The mature yellow fruit is edible to humans.

Smooth Ground Cherry
Physalis subglabrata
Nightshade family (Solanaceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is up to 4' tall, but usually only 1-2½' tall. Smooth Ground Cherry branches frequently, creating a bushy effect. Some ofClose-Up of Fruit and Flower the lower branches may sprawl along the ground. The green stems have 4 or more ridges – they are usually smooth, or have sparse small hairs. The smooth alternate leaves are up to 6" long and 3" across, but are usually much smaller. They are yellowish green to dark green, and broadly lanceolate or ovate. Their margins are generally smooth, but they often contain 1 or 2 horizontal waves or broad blunt teeth. The base of each leaf is often asymmetrical while tapering to a slender petiole. At the disjunction of branching stems, there occurs a single flower about ¾" across on a drooping pedicel. The slender pedicel is either green or red, and hairless or nearly so. The dull yellow corolla spreads outward and has 5 very shallow lobes. Inside toward the throat of the flower, there are 5 purplish brown patches and 5 prominent yellow stamens. Each flower is replaced by a large heart-shaped husk, about 1" long and across when mature, that contains a spherical fruit a little less than ¾" across. The husk is indented at its base toward the top, and tapers to a rounded point at the bottom. It is initially green, sometimes with fine purple lines, but later becomes brown. The fruit is initially green, but turns yellow or red when mature. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall, and lasts about 1½ months. Buds, flowers, and fruits can be found simulataneously on mature plants. The root system has fleshy rhizomes, which are responsible for the vegetative spread of this plant.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist to mesic conditions. Growth is best in soil that is fertile and loamy, with significant organic matter to retain moisture. The leaves may turn yellow or the entire plant may droop in conditions that are too dry. It is easy to grow, and can be aggressive.

Range & Habitat: Smooth Ground Cherry is common in most counties of Illinois, but uncommon or absent in parts of southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to mesic black soil prairies, openings in floodplain forests, thickets, areas along railroads and roadsides, abandoned fields and pastures, gardens and yards, and miscellaneous waste areas. This plant favors disturbed areas.

Foliage of Plant

Faunal Associations: Short-tongued bees visit the flowers for nectar or pollen, including Plasterer bees, Green Metallic bees, and other Halictine bees. The caterpillars of the moth Heliothis subflexus (Subflexus Straw) eat the fruit. Psyllids and other insects feed on this plant, including Paratrioza cockerellii (Potato Psyllid), Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Potato Aphid), and Lema trilineata (Three-Lined Leaf Beetle). Various gamebirds and mammals eat the mature fruit, including the Bobwhite, Ring-Necked Pheasant, Wild Turkey, Eastern Striped Skunk, and White-Footed Mouse. These animals can distribute the seeds considerable distances. Mammalian herbivores usually don't feed on the foliage because of its toxicity.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the webmaster's apartment complex in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: The ground cherries can be difficult to tell apart, and have been the focus of taxonomic wars. Smooth Ground Cherry has fewer hairs than other ground cherries, and the leaves often have asymmetrical bases near the petioles. Also, the heart-shaped papery husks enclosing the fruit are larger and more orbicular than the husks of many other species in this genus, and they are indented at the top. Some authorities classify this plant as Physalis virginiana var. subglabrata. It differs from the typical species by having wider leaves.

Western Obedient Plant
Physostegia parviflora
Mint family (Lamiaceae)

Description: This native perennial wildflower is 1½–3½' tall and mostly unbranched, except in the upper one-third, where some lateral stems may be produced. The stems are bluntly 4-angled, medium green, and glabrous; the central stem is rather stout and erect. Opposite leaves occur at intervals along these stems, rotating 90° from the pair of leaves below; they are widely spreading, medium to dark green, and glabrous. The leaves are 3-4" long and about ½" across; they are narrowly lanceolate to oblong-elliptic in shape andSeveral Flowers their margins have widely spaced teeth that are sharply serrated. The base of each leaf is sessile, or nearly so; the upper 2 pairs of leaves may clasp the central stem slightly. The upper stems terminate in spike-like racemes of flowers about 2-6" long. These racemes are erect and they are densely covered with flowers, developing fruits, or buds. Usually, only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time, beginning at the bottom of each raceme. Each flower is about ½" long, consisting of a tubular corolla and a green calyx with 5 broad teeth; the corolla is much longer than the calyx. The 2-lipped corolla is pale purple, lavender, or nearly white. The upper lip consists of a short broad hood, while the lower lip is irregularly divided into 3 short lobes. At the base of each flower, there is a small linear-lanceolate bract that is shorter than the calyx. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall and lasts about 1-2 months. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each flower is replaced by 4 small nutlets. The root system produces a taproot and rhizomes. This wildflower can spread by reseeding itself, or it may form small colonies of plants from its rhizomes.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, wet to mesic conditions, and a fertile soil containing sufficient organic matter to retain moisture. Insect pests and foliar disease are rarely troublesome.

Range & Habitat: Western Obedient Plant has been found in only 3 counties in northern Illinois and it is quite rare (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies at the eastern range-limit for this species. Habitats include wet to mesic prairies, damp thickets, and banks of streams and ponds.

Faunal Associations: Little information about floral-faunal relationships is available for this western species, but it is probably similar to Physostegia virginiana (Obedient Plant). Bumblebees and other kinds of bees are undoubtedly major pollinators of the flowers; the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird and some butterflies may visit the flowers as well. Nectar is the primary floral reward of these visitors. The foliage of both Obedient Plant and Western Obedient Plant doesn't appear to be utilized as a source of food to any significant degree by mammalian herbivores.

Stem & Opposite Leaves

Photographic Location: A wetland restoration at Judge Webber Park in Urbana, Illinois, where this species unexpectedly appeared. It remains to be seen if this species will persist at this site.

Comments: If you see an 'Obedient Plant' with much smaller flowers than usual, particularly in northern Illinois, there is a good chance that this is the species you are looking at. The foliage of Western Obedient Plant is very similar to the more common Physostegia virginiana (Obedient Plant); these two species differ primarily in the length of their flowers (about ½" for Western Obedient Plant versus 1" for Obedient Plant). Outside of Illinois, there are some additional Physostegia spp. with similar flowers. They often have floral racemes that are less dense (their flowers are more widely spaced) than the preceding 2 species, or their leaves may have slender petioles and/or blunt teeth.

Obedient Plant
Physostegia virginiana
Mint family (Lamiaceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is up to 4' tall and unbranched, except near the inflorescence. The central stem is strongly four-angled and hairless. The opposite leaves are up to 5" long and 1½" across. They are sessile, hairless, lanceolate or oblanceolate, and have sharply-pointed widely-spaced teeth along the margins.

Three Spikes of Flowers

The inflorescence consists of tall spikes of flowers at the ends of the upper stems. A spike is up to 10" long and consists of 4 rows of densely packed horizontal flowers or their buds. The tubular flowers are white, lavender, or purplish pink, and they often have dots, fine stripes, or swirls of a slightly darker color. Each flower is about 1" long, has 2 lips, while 4 purple anthers are visible near the upper lip. This upper lip is a broad hood, while the lower lip is divided into 3 lobes – the larger central one functioning as a landing pad for insects, which is accompanied by 2 smaller side lobes. The flowers have no scent. The blooming period occurs during late summer to early fall, and lasts about 1½ months. Each flower produces 4 sharply angled, dull brown seeds. The root system consists of a central taproot and rhizomes. The latter promote the spread of this plant vegetatively.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist to average conditions. Growth is best in rich loamy soil, but it can contain some gravel or clay. During droughts, the lower leaves may turn yellow and fall off the stem. Otherwise, the foliage has fewer problems than most mints. This plant is easy to grow if the site is not too dry. At moist sites, it sometimes spreads aggressively.
Close-Up of Leaf and Stem
Range & Habitat: Obedient Plant occurs occasionally in scattered counties throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is less common in the western and southern portions of the state. Habitats include moist to mesic black soil prairies, thickets, openings in woodland areas and along woodland borders, moist meadows along rivers and borders of lakes, seeps, limestone glades, and open moist areas near railroads.

Faunal Associations: Bumblebees are the most important pollinators of the flowers. Occasionally, other long-tongued bees and the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird may visit the flowers. These visitors seek nectar from the flowers. Like other members of the Mint family, the Obedient Plant is probably not a favored source of food for mammalian herbivores.

Photographic Location: The upper photograph was taken at the Red Bison Railroad Prairie in Savoy, Illinois, while the lower photograph was taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: This plant is often grown in flower gardens, and some populations may represent escaped plants from cultivation. Usually, the horticultural forms are more rosy pink or purple in appearance than native wild populations, which are usually white with light pink or purple tints. Because the individual flowers stay in place when moved, one common name is 'Obedient Plant,' as used here. Another name is 'False Dragonhead' on account of the fancied resemblance to a European plant by that name. While this is a pretty plant, its ecological value to birds, mammals, and insects is fairly low.

Prairie White-Fringed Orchid
Platanthera leucophaea
Orchid family (Orchidaceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is about 1-2' tall, forming a single central stem with occasional short side stems. The alternate light green leaves are up to 6" long and 1½" across, and become smaller in size as they ascend the stem. They are lanceolate or narrowly lanceolate, and sparsely distributed overall. The lowest leaves clasp the stem, while the middle and upper leaves are sessile or have short petioles. They have smooth edges and texture, with faint parallel veins.

Orchid in Prairie

The central stem terminates in a raceme of flowers, often with a half-dozen or more blooming at the same time. One or two smaller sides stem may each produce racemes of flowers as well. Each flower is about 1½" long and 1" across, consisting of 3 greenish white sepals and 3 white petals. The upper sepal and two upper petals form a hood over the pollen- and nectar-bearing organs of the flower. The lateral sepals are similar in shape, but spread outward. The large white lower petal, or lip, is divided into 3 parts and heavily fringed. There is a long nectar spur that arches downward from the back of the flower. During the day, the flowers have a slight fragrance, which probably becomes stronger at night. The blooming period occurs during early to mid-summer, and lasts about a month. There is a dense cluster of roots that are fleshy and tuberous. They form a symbiotic relationship with endomycorrhizal bacteria, and rarely form offshoots. The tiny seeds are easily carried aloft by the wind, and can travel a considerable distance.

Close-up of Leaf

Cultivation: The preference is full sun to light shade, and moist conditions. The soil should be high in organic matter, preferably with a little sand, and the pH should be mildly acid to neutral. However, this orchid is more robust than most and will tolerate conditions that deviate somewhat from the above. Germinating the tiny seeds normally requires the presence of an appropriate fungus, which they invade. Artificial techniques have been developed to speed up the propagation of orchids. Large transplanted plants from a specialist nursery are the easiest to handle and have the best survival rate, but they are expensive, if available at all.

Range & Habitat: The Prairie White-Fringed Orchid occurs in scattered counties of central and northern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Only small, local populations of this rare plant exist in high quality habitats. It is listed as 'endangered' by the state of Illinois, and is considered 'threatened' by the U.S. government.Close-Up of Flower Habitats include moist to mesic black soil prairies, sand prairies, thickets, pot hole marshes, and fens. At one time, this orchid was far more common, and hundreds of plants could be observed blooming in prairie habitat, particularly near the Chicago region. Habitat destruction and over-collection brought this joyful abundance to an end.

Faunal Associations: Various species of Hawkmoths pollinate the flowers. While seeking the copious nectar, a moth may acquire some pollen on its head, which is then carried to the next plant in bloom. One observed visitor of this orchid is Xylophanes tersa (Tersa Sphinx). Mammalian herbivores will readily consume this plant if they encounter it, including rabbits, deer, and livestock. It may be necessary to protect this plant with a wire cage where such animals are present.

Photographic Location: Because this orchid is Federally listed as 'threatened,' its location will not be disclosed.

Comments: This is one of the most beautiful wildflowers in a prairie. Rejoice should you discover one or two plants in bloom. There is a slightly larger orchid, Platanthera praeclara, with a similar appearance, that occurs in prairies west of the Mississippi River.

 

 

Toothed Spurge
Poinsettia dentata
Euphorbia family (Euphorbiaceae)

Description: This is a native annual plant about 1-2' tall that branches sparingly. The round stems have scattered white hairs, often becoming purple at the lower leaf nodes and the base of the central stem. The opposite or alternate leaves are up to 3" long and 1½" across. They are ovate, but have a wedge-shaped base. Their margins are dentate and upper surface is somewhat shiny. The leaves have a tendency to congregate together at the upper ends of stems, while the lower portion of these stems have fewer leaves.

Leaves, Flowers, & Fruit

A flat-topped cluster of flowers occur at the end of major stems, spanning about 1-2" across. Each flower cluster has several cyathia with fruits that are primarily green, sometimes turning light red in strong sunlight. A cyathium is a small cup-like structure about 1/8" across that contains a single pistallate flower and several surrounding staminate flowers. These flowers are devoid of petals and sepals; their tiny reproductive organs are yellow, light pink, or white. From each cyathium is a tripartite rounded fruit that nods downward from a short curved stem. The blooming period is mid-summer to fall, and lasts about 1-2 months. There is no floral scent. The root system consists of a central taproot.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun, dry conditions, and poor soil. This plant often grows in soil containing significant amounts of clay or gravel. Disease rarely bothers the leaves, and drought resistance is excellent.
Close-up of Stems
Range & Habitat: Toothed Spurge occurs in almost all counties of Illinois (see Distribution Map); it is occasional to locally common. Habitats include dry upland areas of black soil prairies, clay prairies, gravel prairies, thickets, limestone glades, abandoned fields, areas along roadsides and railroads, and various kinds of waste ground. Among these habitats, it is perhaps most common along railroads. This plant favors open disturbed areas.

Faunal Associations: The flowers of spurges are occasionally visited by small bees, Syrphid flies, and wasps. The seeds are consumed by the Mourning Dove, Greater Prairie Chicken, and to a lesser extent by the Bobwhite and Horned Lark. Because the milky latex in the stems and foliage is poisonous, this plant is rarely consumed by mammalian herbivores.

Photographic Location: The photograph was taken at Windsor Road Prairie in Champaign, Illinois.

Comments: Sometimes this plant is referred to as Euphorbia dentata. Toothed Spurge is closely related to Euphorbia cyathophora (Wild Poinsettia), which also occurs in Illinois. This latter species has shiny leaves that turn red at the base near the inflorescence; it is the showier of the two plants

Large-Flowered Clammyweed
Polanisia dodecandra trachysperma
Caper family (Capparidaceae)

Description: This native annual plant is about 2' tall and largely unbranched, except near the base. The major stems are stout, round, and covered with rather long glandular hairs, especially where new growth occurs. The lower and middle compound leaves along the stems are trifoliate with long pedicels. The individual leaflets are about 1½" long and ½" across. They are oval, ovate, or oblong, and have smooth margins that are slightly ciliate. Their surface is dull green and covered with short fuzzy hairs, with longer hairs occurring along the lower central vein. When the foliage is bruised or rubbed against, a fetid odor is emitted. Smaller leaves on short petioles occur along the upper stems that are simple, rather than compound.

Close-up of Flowers

The major stems terminate in racemes of flowers of variable length – these flowers are whorled near the apex of the stems with scattered seedpods below. Each flower is about 1" across and has an unusual structure. There are 4 white petals about ½" long that are heart-shaped, but with a long narrow base. About 8-12 strongly exerted stamens are reddish purple and rather unequal in length, with the upper stamens about twice the length of the petals. The single slender style is much shorter than the stamens and less conspicuous. At the base of each flower, is a gland that secretes a conspicuous drop of bright red fluid. The calyx is divided into 4 triangular sepals that are reddish purple. The flowers occur on long hairy pedicels. The blooming period occurs from summer until the fall, and can last several months. There is no obvious floral scent. Pollinated flowers develop sizeable seedpods up to 3" long that are sessile against the pedicels (i.e., there is no stipular growth at the base of the seedpods). These seedpods resemble stout bean pods that can divide into two halves. Each seedpod has fuzzy hairs on the outer surface, and forms a long terminal spike that withers away as the seedpod matures. Mature seedpods are held more or less erect, rather than drooping downward from the stems. The individual seeds have an irregular patterned surface. The root system consists of a long taproot without rhizomes. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.

Cultivation: It is best to growth this plant in full sunlight, mesic to dry conditions, and soil that is rocky or sandy. The base of the central stem of this plant may sprawl along the ground if it is grown in moist, fertile soil. Foliar disease and insect pests are not generally troublesome.
Seedpod and Upper Stem
Range & Habitat: Large-Flowered Clammyweed is an uncommon plant that occurs in widely scattered counties in Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is more common in areas that lie to the west of Illinois. Within the state, it has been found in such natural habitats as bluffs, glades, or hill prairies, and may occur occasionally as an adventive plant along railroads. Because of the ornamental flowers, this plant can be found in flower gardens, but this is uncommon.

Faunal Associations: Various bees visit the flowers for nectar, while flower flies feed on the pollen from the exerted anthers. However, the latter group of insects does not effectively pollinate the flowers. The foliage is not known to be toxic to mammalian herbivores, notwithstanding the fetid odor, but little appears to be known about the attractiveness of the foliage as a food source. Similarly, little is known about the attractiveness of the seeds to small rodents or upland gamebirds. Because the seeds of similar kinds of plants, such as the Cleome spp. (Bee Plants) in the western states, are occasionally eaten by the Ring-Necked Pheasant, Mourning Dove, and various small rodents, it is possible that the same or similar species also eat the seeds of Polanisia spp. (Clammyweeds).

Photographic Location: The edge of vegetable garden in Meadowbrook Park, Urbana, Illinois. The plant was blooming during early September.

Comments: Large-Flowered Clammyweed is primarily a western species, and Illinois lies on the eastern edge of its distribution. It is fairly attractive while in bloom and has some resemblance to Cleome hassleriana (Spider Flower) of mass-market horticulture. This latter species is a larger plant from South America with palmate compound leaves. The more typical variety of Clammyweed, Polanisia dodecandra dodecandra, has smaller flowers with petals about ¼" and stamens that are barely longer than the petals. It less showy than the variety of Clammyweed that is described here, and it has a more eastern distribution. An uncommon species of Clammyweed, Polanisia jamesii (James' Clammyweed), is a sand prairie species that has narrow leaflets and flower petals with irregular fringed edges. What distinguishes the Polanisia spp. (Clammyweeds) from the Cleome spp. (Bee Plants) is the lack of a stipe connecting the seedpod with the pedicel. This stipe of the Bee Plants is a stalk-like extension of the developing seedpod. Both groups of plants are members of the Caper family.

Cross-Leaved Milkwort
Polygala cruciata aquilonia
Milkwort family (Polygalaceae)

Description: This native annual plant is 4-12" tall and usually unbranched. The central stem is angular and hairless. The leaves occur in whorls of 4 and are sessile against the stem. They are up to 1½" long and 1/3" across, linear or linear-oblong in shape, with smooth margins. The central stem terminates in a dense spike of flowers up to 2-3" long and 1" across. These flowers are variable in color, ranging from purplish pink or pink to greenish white. Each flower is about 1/3" across, consisting of 2 large sepals (called 'wings'), 3 tiny sepals, and 3 petals that form a narrow tube with a crest at its apex. The wings are the most conspicuous part of the flower and determine its color. They are broadly triangular (or deltoid) in shape, and lie to the right and left of the tubular petals. These wings persist on the spike long after the petals have fallen off, and have the appearance of sharp-pointed bracts. The narrow tubular petals are observable near the apex of the spike. They are usually some shade of pink, but quickly fade to brownish yellow, before falling off the spike. The blooming period occurs from mid-summer to early fall, and lasts about 1-2 months. When fertilization occurs, each flower is replaced by a 2-seeded capsule. The seeds are hairy. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Plant in Bloom
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist sandy soil. The pH should be somewhat acid. This plant can withstand occasional flooding if it is temporary.

Range & Habitat: Cross-Leaved Milkwort occurs primarily in NE Illinois (see Distribution Map). It is an uncommon plant. Habitats include moist sand prairies, shrub prairies, sandy Black Oak savannas, and edges of sandy marshes. It also occurs along paths in these areas, preferring the reduced competition from taller plants.

Faunal Associations: Probably small to medium-sized long-tongued and short-tongued bees visit the flowers for nectar. Little information is available about this plant's value as a food source to birds or mammals.

Photographic Location: Along a path in the Hooper Branch Savanna Nature Preserve in Iroquois County, Illinois, where Cross-Leaved Milkwort occurred in a moist sand prairie that was somewhat shrubby and sunny moist areas of Black Oak Savanna. This area was prone to occasional flooding from heavy rains.

Comments: The thick spike of flowers of this odd little plant is very conspicuous and easy to spot. Cross-Leaved Milkwort is relatively easy to identify because of the bract-like wings that spread horizontally (left and right) from the center of each flower. In other species of Milkwort, these wings are held upright and resemble petals. The whorled leaves are another distinctive feature, as many species of Milkwort have alternate leaves. Another common name for this plant is 'Drumheads,' which refers to the shape of the stout spike of flowers. Different varieties of Cross-Leaved Milkwort have been described, but only Polygala cruciata aquilonia is known to occur in Illinois.

Field Milkwort
Polygala sanguinea
Milkwort family (Polygalaceae)

Description: This native annual plant is usually unbranched and 4-12" tall. The central stem is sharply angular and hairless. The alternate or opposite leaves are sessile against the stem, ranging up to 1½" in length and 1/6" across. They have a prominent mid-vein, smooth margins, and are linear or oblong-linear in shape.

Plant in Bloom

The central stem terminates in a spike-like raceme of flowers. This raceme is about 1" long and ½" across. The flowers are variable in color, ranging from purplish pink, white, or green. An individual flower consists of two large sepals (i.e., the wings), three small sepals that are barely perceptible, and three small petals that form a narrow tube. One of these petals has a small crest at its tip. The wings are about 1/3" long and ovate – they are the most prominent part of the flower and determine its color. The tiny tube of the petals has a similar color, but is short-lived, typically occurring near the apex of the inflorescence amid the wings. The stalk beneath the raceme has an irregular surface and spike-like remnants of the bracts where the older flowers occurred. The blooming period is from mid-summer to early fall, and lasts about 1-2 months for a colony of plants. Each flower is replaced by a capsule containing two seeds that are hairy. The root system consists of a slender taproot that has a wintergreen fragrance. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun and moist to dry conditions. Poor soil is preferred, as this reduces competition from other plant species. This plant often grows in soil that sandy or rocky, but will thrive in loamy soil as well if it receives adequate sunlight.
Distribution Map
Range & Distribution: Field Milkwort occurs occasionally in most counties of Illinois. It is the most common Polygala spp. (Milkwort species) in the state. Habitats include moist to dry prairies, sand prairies, typical savannas and sandy savannas, woodland edges, glades, and abandoned fields.

Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts small to medium-sized long-tongued bees, short-tongue bees, and bee flies. Among the bees, are such visitors as Dagger bees, Miner bees, and Cuckoo bees. Little information is available about the food value of the Milkworts to birds and animals.

Photographic Location: A moist sand prairie at Hooper Branch Savanna Nature Preserve in Iroquois County, Illinois. The location was flooded earlier in the year, which is why the leaves have a muddy appearance.

Comments: As a group, the Milkworts have not received as much attention as they deserve. Some species, such as this one, have fairly attractive flowers. They are usually found in locations with acid sandy soil, but some species prefer dry sites with rocky material or loess. The Polygala spp. can be distinguished from each other by taking into consideration the following: 1) whether the leaves are alternate or whorled, 2) the shape, size, and color of the wings on the flowers, 3) the density of flowers on the spike or spike-like raceme, and 4) the conspicuousness of the tubular petals. The slender leaves of Field Milkwort are usually alternate, rather than whorled. This species has fairly large wings (about 1/3") that are ovate in shape. They are often purplish pink, but may turn white near the base. The density of flowers on the spike-like raceme is high, while the tubular petals are inconspicuous. Field Milkwort has a wide distribution in the Eastern United States, and different varieties have been described.

Prairie Cinquefoil
Potentilla arguta
Rose family (Rosaceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is unbranched, except slightly near the inflorescence, and up to 3' tall. The central stem is stout and covered withClose-Up of Flower spreading white hairs. The pinnate compound leaves are also covered with white hairs, and consist of 3-11 leaflets. They are located primarily at the base of the plant, although a few small compound leaves alternate along the central stem above. Each leaflet is up to 3" long and 2" across, with the leaflets becoming larger toward the tip of the compound leaf (away from the stem). A leaflet is coarsely serrated along the margins, pinnately veined, and has an ovate or oblong shape (with blunt tips). The entire plant appears light or whitish green. The inflorescence occurs as a tight cluster of the flowers at the apex of the plant, sometimes with smaller side clusters. A flower has 5 white petals, 5 light green sepals, 20 or more golden stamens, and a small golden reproductive structure in the center. It is about ¾" across and resembles the flower of a strawberry plant. There is no floral scent. The blooming period occurs during mid-summer and lasts about a month – only a few flowers are open at the same time. The small seeds are distributed to some extent by the wind. The root system consists of a central taproot, and there are rhizomes that help to spread the plant, although it is not particularly aggressive.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions. This plant is not particular about soil type, as long as the site is well-drained. In native habitats, it's often found in soil that contains some clay, rocky material, or sand. Drought tolerance is excellent, and foliar disease is rarely observed. This plant is easy to grow if the above requirements are met.
Close-Up of Compound Leaf
Range & Habitat: Prairie Cinquefoil occurs occasionally in the northern half of Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, clay prairies, sand prairies, gravel prairies, hill prairies, Black Oak savannas, and abandoned pastures. Unlike some of its weedy relatives, this plant is normally found in high quality habitats, rather than disturbed areas.

Faunal Associations: The flowers are visited primarily by small bees and flies. This includes Little Carpenter bees, Halictine bees, Syrphid flies, Tachinid flies, Blow flies, and others. Wasps and small butterflies are less common visitors. The larvae of a Gall Wasp (Gonaspis sp.) forms galls on the stems. The leaves and stems are occasionally eaten by some mammalian herbivores, such as rabbits and livestock, but it is a minor food source.

Photographic Location: The upper photograph was taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, while the lower photograph was taken at a prairie of Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois.

Comments: This rather ordinary-looking plant resembles Potentilla recta (Sulfur Cinquefoil), an introduced plant, in its erect habit and overall appearance. However, Prairie Cinquefoil has white or cream flowers and hairy pinnate leaves, while Sulfur Cinquefoil has light yellow flowers and less hairy palmate leaves. When ultra-blue light is made visible through a special filter, patterns are revealed in the flowers of many cinquefoils that are not apparent to the human eye, but perceptible by most pollinating insects. These ultra-violet reflecting patterns help the flowers stand out from the background, and may function as nectar guides. Thus, the flowers are colored a combination of white and bee-blue.

 

 

Common Cinquefoil
Potentilla simplex
Rose family (Rosaceae)

Description: This native perennial plant sprawls along the ground by means of stolons; it is less than 1' tall. The slender stems and stolons are initially green,Common Cinquefoil in Prairie but become red with age. Depending on the local ecotype, they can be nearly glabrous, or covered with spreading white hairs. The stolons can extend up to 3' and their tips often root in the ground, forming new plantlets. The compound leaves are palmate (with 5 leaflets) and alternate along the stolons or stems. Each leaflet is up to 3" long and ¾" across. There is coarse serration along the margins, except near the base, and prominent venation. The upper surface is glabrous, while the lower surface may be hairy or nearly glabrous. The leaflets are narrowly ovate (but with blunt tips), obovate, or oblanceolate; young leaflets often have their margins curled upward. A single yellow flower develops from a long pedicel from the upper axils of some of the compound leaves. This flower is about ½" across, and has 5 yellow petals that are narrow at the base, but rounded toward their tips, which are sometimes notched. The green calyx has 5 triangular tips that are a little shorter than the petals. The center of the flower has a somewhat flattened reproductive structure, which is surrounded by about 20 stamens. The blooming period can occur from spring to mid-summer, and lasts about a month. Only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. There is no noticeable floral scent. The achenes are without tufts of hair. There is a short, thick rootstock that divides into coarse secondary roots. This plant often forms loose colonies by means of its stolons.

Cultivation: The preference is partial to full sun, and moist to dry conditions. The soil can consist of loam, clay-loam, or contain gravelly material. This is an easy plant to grow that presents few problems.
Close-Up of Compound Leaf
Range & Habitat: Common Cinquefoil occurs in every county of Illinois and is fairly common (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, open upland forests, savannas, gravelly seeps, and abandoned fields. This plant occurs in both disturbed areas and high quality habitats. In tallgrass prairies, it is one of the understory plants.

Faunal Associations: The flowers primarily attract small bees and flies, including Mason bees, Small Carpenter bees, Nomadine Cuckoo bees, Halictid bees, Syrphid flies, Tachinid flies, Blow flies, and others. Less common visitors are wasps, skippers, and butterflies. These insects seek nectar, although bees also collect pollen. The seeds are little used by birds. Small mammalian herbivores, such as rabbits and groundhogs, often eat the foliage. It is possible that some of the seeds of Common Cinquefoil can pass through their digestive tracts unharmed, and are thus distributed by them; some studies involving livestock have found this to be the case with a similar species, Potentilla recta (Sulfur Cinquefoil).

Photographic Location: The above photographs were taken at Loda Cemetery Prairie in Iroquois County, Illinois.

Comments: This is another plant that fits the stereotype of a weed, but it also occurs in prairies and other native habitats. The flowers are reasonably showy during the spring, but few in number. Common Cinquefoil resembles many other species of Cinquefoil, both native and introduced. Its compound leaves almost always have 5 leaflets, the flowers are bright yellow, and it sprawls along the ground; other species often have a fewer or greater number of leaflets, their flowers may be white or pale yellow, or they are erect. Common Cinquefoil is perhaps most similar to the native Potentilla canadensis (Dwarf Cinquefoil), except that the latter is a smaller plant with blunter leaftlets that are strongly obovate or oblanceolate.

Rough White Lettuce
Prenanthes aspera
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Close-up of FlowerheadDescription: This native perennial wildflower is 2-5' tall with an erect central stem that is unbranched. This stem is light green, terete, stout, and covered with short stiff hairs; it often becomes brown with age. The alternate leaves are up to 4½" and 2" across, becoming gradually smaller as they ascend the stem. They are lanceolate to broadly lanceolate, elliptic, or oblanceolate in shape, medium green, and covered with short stiff hairs on their undersides. The margins of the lower leaves are dentate, while the margins of the upper leaves are more smooth. Most of the leaves are sessile, although some of the lower leaves may clasp the stem slightly; some of these leaves may wither before the blooming period. The foliage contains a bitter white latex. The central stem terminates in a spike-like raceme (or something similar to this) about ½–2' long. Along the central stalk of this raceme, are small clusters of flowerheads; small clusters of flowerheads also develop from the axils of the upper leaves. Each flowerhead is about ½–1" across, consisting of 10-18 ray florets and no disk florets. Each of these ray florets is white or cream-colored, linear-oblong in shape, and truncate at its tip with 5 small teeth. The base of each flowerhead is about ½" long and cylindrical in shape; it is covered with 8-10 phyllaries (floral bracts) that are light green, conspicuously hairy, and linear-oblong in shape. At the bottom of the flowerhead's base, there are several secondary phyllaries that are much smaller in size and insignificant. The reproductive organs of the ray florets consist of divided styles with strongly recurved tips and elongated stamens. The blooming period occurs from late summer to early fall and lasts about 2-3 weeks. Each fertile floret is replaced by an oblongoid achene with a small tuft of hairs. These hairs are straw-colored or light brown. Distribution of the achenes is provided by the wind. The root system consists of a stout taproot that is broadest toward the middle. This plant reproduces by reseeding itself.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and mesic to dry conditions. Different kinds of soil are tolerated, including those that are loamy, rocky, or sandy. It is difficult to establish this plant from seed as it is slow-growing and the young seedlings are vulnerable to "damping off" and other problems.

Range & Habitat: Rough White Lettuce exists in widely scattered populations throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map). Populations of this species have declined and it has become rather uncommon, largelyStem & Leaves because of the destruction of prairie habitat throughout the state. Habitats include black soil prairies, sand prairies, savannas, rocky upland woodlands, limestone glades, and prairie remnants along railroads. At one time, Rough White Lettuce was considered a weed in pastures, but this is no longer the case. Today, this conservative species is typically found in high quality prairies. Because of the difficulty in propagating this species, it is not often used in prairie restorations.

Faunal Associations: There is a paucity of records about floral-faunal relationships for this species. Bumblebees visit the flowerheads for nectar. Cattle and other mammalian herbivores usually leave this plant alone because of its rough hairy foliage and bitter latex (see Ada Georgia, A Manual of Weeds, 1913)

Photographic Location: The upper photograph was taken by Pat Chapel (Copyright © 2006) at the Prospect Cemetery Prairie in Ford County, while the lower photograph was taken by the webmaster at Loda Cemetery Prairie in Iroquois County.

Comments: This is a true prairie plant that blooms during the fall. It is somewhat similar in appearance to Prenanthes racemosa (Glaucous White Lettuce), which prefers moist habitats. This latter species has a central stem that is glabrous and glaucous throughout, while the central stem of Rough White Lettuce has stiff short hairs. The color of the flowerheads is also somewhat different: the flowerheads of Glaucous White Lettuce often have a pale purple tint, while those of Rough White Lettuce are cream-colored or white. Other Prenanthes spp. in Illinois are normally found in woodlands, rather than prairies. In contrast to Rough White Lettuce, these woodland species have nodding flowerheads, widely spreading inflorescences, and leaves that are often deeply lobed.

 

Sweet Everlasting
Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This native plant is a summer annual or biennial that is erect and eventually becomes ¾–2½' tall. Some plants overwinter as a low rosette of leaves, while others complete their growth and development within a single year. After the rosette stage has passed, each plant has a central stem that is unbranched in the lower half, while short ascending branches develop in the upper half. The central and upper stems are whitish green to nearly white from the appressed woolly hairs that cover their surfaces. The alternate leaves are up to 3" long and 1/3" across, becoming slowly smaller as they ascend the stems. The leaves are linear-oblong, smooth or minutely undulate along their margins, and sessile. The upper surface of each leaf is mostly hairless and dark green to yellowish green, while the lower surface is whitish green and covered with appressed woolly hairs. Each leaf has a prominent central vein.

Corymbs of Flowerheads

Each upper stem terminates in a small corymb of 1-5 flowerheads; they are white to cream-colored. Each flowerhead is about ¼" long and about half as much across; it is conical-oblongoid in shape with a truncate apex. Later, each flowerhead becomes wider and more open as its achenes become mature. The sides of each flowerhead consist of many overlapping bracts that are white or cream-colored; these scale-like bracts are oblong-lanceolate to broadly oblong-lanceolate and they have blunt tips. At the apex of each flowerhead, there are many disk florets that are pale yellow to light brown; the innermost florets are perfect (both staminate and pistillate), while the remaining florets are pistillate. Each tiny floret is narrowly tubular. The blooming period occurs from late summer to early fall and lasts about a month. There is no noticeable floral scent, although the foliage often has a balsam-like fragrance. Each floret is replaced with a small bullet-shaped achene that has a tuft of white hairs at its apex. These hairs can separate from each other individually or in small groups; they are not united at the base. The root system is mostly fibrous. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun, mesic to dry conditions, and a friable soil containing sand or silt. A little shade is tolerated. The seeds require light to germinate.

Description: Sweet Everlasting is occasional to locally common throughout Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include upland prairies, sand prairies, typical savannas and sandy savannas, fallow fields, and areas along railroads and roadsides. Disturbed dry areas with scant vegetation are preferred.

Stems & Leaves

Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts short-tongued bees (mainly Halictid), wasps, and flies primarily. Among the wasps, are such visitors as Eumenid wasps, Crabronid wasps, Paper wasps, Spider wasps, Cuckoo wasps, Weevil wasps, and many others (see Robertson, 1929). The Wild Turkey reportedly eats the foliage. White-Tailed Deer browse on the foliage during the winter.

Photographic Location: At the edge of a field in Vermillion County, Illinois.

Comments: This curious plant has woolly foliage and flowerheads that resemble those of Antennaria spp. (Pussytoes), Anaphalis margaritacea (Pearly Everlasting), Gamochaeta purpurea. (Early Cudweed), and some other members of the Aster family. Sweet Everlasting is more tall than Pussytoes and Early Cudweed, and its truncate-conical flowerheads are more narrow than the button-like flowerheads of Pearly Everlasting. There are other Pseudognaphalium spp. in the United States that are quite similar in appearance to Sweet Everlasting, but they have not been observed in Illinois. However, some of these species have been found in neighboring Indiana and other states further to the east. Sweet Everlasting's older scientific name is Gnaphalium obtusifolium (by which it is still commonly referred), but it has been reassigned to the genus Pseudognaphalium.

Hairy Mountain Mint
Pycnanthemum pilosum
Mint family (Lamiaceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is 2-4' tall. It has green or brown stems that are four-angled and covered with white hairs. These stems frequently branch and achieve a slender bushy effect. The opposite leaves are up to 3" long and ¾" long. They are light or whitish green, pubescent on both sides, lanceolate in shape, and have smooth edges. The foliage has a mint fragrance.

Close-up of Flowers

The small white flowers are in dense clusters toward the apex of the plant. Each flower is about ¼" long, 2-lipped, and usually has small purple dots near the throat. The blooming period occurs during mid- or late summer and lasts about a month. Each flower produces 4 tiny seeds, which are distributed to some extent by the wind. The root system consists of a branching taproot, as well as short rhizomes that cause the plant to form small colonies.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun and moist to slightly dry conditions. Growth is best in fertile loamy soil; it also flourishes in rocky soil. Sometimes transplanted plants become afflicted with rust, but these leaves soon fall off and are replaced by healthy leaves. During summer droughts, the leaves of stressed-out plants may become afflicted with rust, or the lower leaves may turn yellow and fall off their stems. Generally, this plant is easy to grow, especially if it receives adequate water during summer droughts or some protection from the afternoon sun.

Range & Habitat: Hairy Mountain Mint occurs occasionally in central Illinois, but is uncommon or absent in the southern and northern regions of the state (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic black soilClose-Up of Stem and Leaves prairies, rocky upland forests, thickets, and limestone glades. It is not normally observed in disturbed areas.

Faunal Associations: The flowers are very attractive to many kinds of long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, and flies. To a lesser extent, butterflies, skippers, and beetles are attracted to the flowers. These insects seek nectar, although Halictine bees also collect pollen. Because of the frequent visitors to the flowers, the parasitic Macrosiagon spp. (Wedge-Shaped Beetles) are especially likely to be found on the flowers. These insects lay their eggs on the flowers, and the larvae attach themselves to bees or wasps and hitch-hike a ride back to the brood chamber, where they feed on the immature larvae and food stores of the host insect. The seeds are too small to have much value to birds. Mammalian herbivores also display little interest in this plant, probably because of the strong minty fragrance of the foliage.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at the webmaster's wildflower garden in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: Some authorities refer to this plant as Pycnanthemum verticillatum var. pilosum. The appearance of Hairy Mountain Mint is similar to other members of the genus, but it has hairier leaves and stems. The common name 'Mountain Mint' is something of a misnomer, as the majority of Pycnanthemum spp., including this one, are usually found in prairies or woodland areas that aren't particularly hilly or mountainous. The leaves of this plant can be boiled in water to make an excellent mint tea.

Slender Mountain Mint
Pycnanthemum tenuifolium
Mint family (Lamiaceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is 1-3' tall, branching frequently to create a bushy effect. The slender stems are hairless. The slenderSlender Mountain Mint in Prairie opposite leaves are up to 3" long and ¼" across. Each leaf is sessile, linear, and hairless, with a prominent central vein and smooth margins. The upper stems terminate in small flat heads of flowers. The short tubular flowers are white, often with scattered purple dots, and individually about ¼" long. The corolla is divided into an upper lip and a lower lip with three lobes. The reproductive structures of each flower are white, except that the anthers are purple. The calyx is divided into several slender green bracts. The blooming period is early to mid-summer, and lasts about 1–1½ months. There is no floral scent, although the foliage has a mild mint scent and somewhat stronger minty taste. The small dark seeds are without tufts of hairs, but are small enough to be dispersed by gusts of wind. The root system consists of a taproot and rhizomes. Slender Mountain Mint can spread vegetatively, forming colonies of closely bunched plants.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and moist to slightly dry conditions. This plant often grows in rich loam, as well as soil containing rocky or gravelly material. Foliar disease is less troublesome for this mint species than many others. The leaves may assume a yellowish appearance during a major drought. This is an easy plant to grow.

Range & Habitat: Slender Mountain Mint occurs occasionally in every county of southern and central Illinois, but is less common and more sporadic in northern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to slightly dry black soil prairies, moist meadows and gravelly areas along rivers, openings in woodlands, moist thickets, acid gravel seeps, limestone glades, and abandoned fields.
Close-Up of Buds and Flowers
Faunal Associations: The flowers are very attractive to many kinds of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, beetles, and plant bugs. These insects usually seek nectar. Among the wasps, are such visitors as Thread-Waisted wasps, Bee Wolves (Philanthus spp.), Scoliid wasps, Tiphiid wasps, Sand wasps, Spider wasps, and Eumenine wasps. Flies visitors include Soldier flies, Syrphid flies, Mydas flies, bee flies, Thick-Headed flies, and Tachinid flies. The seeds are too small to be of much interest to birds. Mammalian herbivores usually don't browse on this plant because of the minty taste; the foliage may contain anti-bacterial substances that disrupt the digestive process of herbivores.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: This plant has a delicate, somewhat airy appearance. Slender Mountain Mint closely resembles Pycnanthemum virginianum (Common Mountain Mint), except that the former has hairless stems and leaves that never exceed ¼" across. Common Mountain Mint, on the other hand, has lines of white hairs on its stems, and some of the larger leaves will exceed ¼" across. This latter plant tends to be taller and stouter in appearance; it also blooms somewhat later and has a stronger mint scent. The plant in the upper photograph is still in the bud stage, while the one in the lower photograph is beginning to flower.

Common Mountain Mint
Pycnanthemum virginianum
Mint family (Lamiaceae)

Description: This is a native perennial plant up to 3' tall and branching frequently, often with a bushy appearance. The green or reddish stems are strongly four-angled and have scattered white hairs along the ridges. The opposite leaves are up to 2½" long and narrowly lanceolate or linear. They are sessile, and have smooth margins. The largest leaves are ¼ - ½" across. When damaged, the foliage releases a strong mint scent.

Close-up of Flowers

Numerous flattened heads of small white flowers (often with purple dots) occur at the ends of the upper stems. Each head is up to ¾" across and can contain up to 50 flowers. However, only a few of these are in bloom at the same time, beginning with the outer circle of flowers and ending towards the center. Each tubular flower is about 1/8" long and 2-lipped. The blooming period occurs during the middle of summer and lasts about a month. Each small flower produces 4 tiny, finely pitted, dull black seeds. These seeds are distributed to some extent by the wind. The root system produces rhizomes, which spread a short distance from the mother plant. Soon, a small colony of plants are formed vegetatively.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, and moist to average conditions. The soil can contain loam, sand, clay, or gravel – this plant is not fussy about soil texture. During drought, the lower leaves will turn yellow and fall off. This plant is easy to grow, and less subject to foliar disease than some other mints, such as Monarda spp. However, stressed out plants sometimes succumb to rust.
Stems & Leaves
Range & Habitat: Common Mountain Mint is widely distributed in Illinois, but is uncommon or absent from southern Illinois and a few western counties (see Distribution Map). It is occasional to locally common in moist to mesic black soil prairies. Other habitats include moist sand prairies, moist meadows in woodland areas, thickets, fens, swamps, and rocky bluffs. This is probably the most common Mountain Mint in Illinois.

Faunal Associations: Many insects are strongly attracted to the flowers, including various bees, wasps, flies, small butterflies, and beetles. Typical visitors from these groups include honeybees, Cuckoo bees, Halictid bees, Sphecid wasps, Eumenine wasps, bee flies, Tachinid flies, Wedge-shaped beetles, and Pearl Cresecent butterflies. Most of these insects seek nectar. Mammalian herbivores and many leaf-chewing insects apparently find the mint fragrance of the leaves and stems repugnant, and rarely bother this plant.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at a prairie of Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois.

Comments: The name 'Mountain Mint' is something of a misnomer, because this plant and the majority of other members in this genus do not usually occur in mountainous habitats. Common Mountain Mint is similar in appearance to Pycnanthemum tenuifolium (Slender Mountain Mint). It can be distinguished from the latter species by the white hairs along the ridges of its stems, and the occurrence of leaves greater than ¼" across. Another difference is the presence of a strong mint fragrance in the crushed leaves of Common Mountain Mint, while the leaves of Slender Mountain Mint usually have a milder scent.

Yellow Coneflower
Ratibida pinnata
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This native perennial is up to 4' tall while in flower. The long slender stems are slightly ridged. The basal leaves occur toward the bottom ofClose-Up of Flower these stems and are irregularly shaped – the larger leaves are pinnately divided into 3-7 lobes, sometimes subdividing further into 1-2 secondary lobes. The margins of these leaves are smooth, or sparsely dentate; they are individually up to 8" long and 5" across. The smaller leaves higher up on the stems are usually lanceolate; they are few in number. The texture of these leaves is rough as a result of tiny stiff hairs and bumps. The daisy-like composite flowers occur at the apex of the tall stems. Each composite flower has up to 13 drooping yellow ray florets spanning 1-2½" across, and an oblong head of disk florets that is about ½–¾" tall when mature. This head is initially light green or grey, but later becomes dark brown. The blooming period occurs from early to late summer, and lasts about 1-2 months. There is little or no floral scent – although the seedheads release an anise scent when they are crushed. The root system is rhizomatous, often forming tight clumps of plants. The dark achenes are without tufts of hair.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun, mesic conditions, and a loam or clay-loam soil. However, this is a robust plant that will tolerate partial sun, moist to slightly dry conditions, and many kinds of soil. Foliar disease doesn't affect the leaves until after the blooming period. There is a tendency for the flowering stems to flop around if this plant is spoiled by too much water or fertile soil. This plant is easy to grow.

Range & Habitat: Yellow Coneflower is fairly common in Illinois, except in some SE counties (see Distribution Map). Habitats include moist to slightly dry black soil prairies, clay prairies, thickets, woodland borders, limestone glades, and areas along railroads, particularly where remnant prairies occur. YellowClose-Up of Compound Leaf Coneflower tends to colonize the more disturbed areas of these habitats.

Faunal Associations: Many kinds of insects visit the flowers, but especially bees, including Epeoline Cuckoo bees, large Leaf-Cutting bees, Green Metallic bees, and other Halictine bees. Other insect visitors include wasps, flies, small butterflies, and beetles. These insects suck nectar from the flowers, although the bees also collect pollen and some beetles feed on pollen. The caterpillars of the butterfly Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) feeds on the foliage, as well as the caterpillars of the moths Eynchlora acida (Wavy-Lined Emerald) and Eupithecia miserulata (Common Eupithecia). Gold Finches occasionally eat the seeds, while some mammalian herbivores eat the foliage and flowering stems, particularly groundhogs and livestock.

Photographic Location: Photographs were taken at a prairie of Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois.

Comments: Yellow Coneflower is an excellent choice for a wildflower garden because of its long blooming period and attractive yellow flowers. The entire plant is delicately constructed, and has a tendency to sway or flutter with each passing breeze. This species can be distinguished from other yellow coneflowers, such as Rudbeckia hirta, by its drooping ray florets and the complex structure of the basal leaves.

Pasture Rose
Rosa carolina
Rose family

Description: This somewhat prickly shrub is about ½-3' tall, branching occasionally. It is usually erect, but taller plants sometimes sprawl. The prickles on the woody stems are slender and straight, and pairs of prickles often occur on opposite sides of the stems. On new growth, the hairless stems are either green or pinkish red, later turning brown. The alternate compound leaves usually consist of 5-7 leaflets (oddly pinnate); a few short stems may have only 3 leaflets. The central stem of each compound leaf is slightly hairy. Each ovate leaflet is about 2" long and 1" across, with strongly serrated margins. The underside of each leaflet is glabrous or only sparsely pubescent. At the base of each compound leaf are two prominent stipules, each terminating in a single pointed tip.

Close-up of Flower

The solitary flowers occur on pedicels with glandular hairs, and are about 2½-3" across. The flower buds also have glandular hairs. Each flower consists of 5 pink petals (rarely white), 5 green pointed sepals, numerous bright yellow stamens, and a pistil structure at the center of the flower that is flat and wide. There is a typical rose fragrance. The blooming period occurs during early summer and lasts about a month. Later, bright red rose hips appear that are often slightly flattened when compared to other wild roses, although not always. The root system consists of a deep central taproot that branches occasionally. From shallow rhizomes, this plant can spread vegetatively, forming small colonies.

Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, average to dry moisture conditions, and a loamy soil. Other kinds of soil are also tolerated. This plant is more resistant to foliar disease than most horticultural roses. It is faster and easier to start plants using cuttings, as seeds are often slow to germinate and develop. Improved germination may result if they are exposed to an acid treatment, simulating passage through an animal's gullet.

Odd-Pinnate Leaf

Range & Habitat: The Pasture Rose occurs throughout Illinois, except for a few southern counties (see Distribution Map). It is quite common in many areas. Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, openings in woodlands, oak savannas, limestone glades, sand dunes near lakes, fence rows, abandoned fields, areas along railroads where prairie remnants remain, and waste areas where birds are likely to occur. This plant has considerable resistance to drought, and recovers readily from occasional wildfires.

Faunal Associations: The most important visitors to the flowers are long-tongued bees, such as bumblebees, Anthophorine bees, and Miner bees (e.g., Synhalonia speciosa). Green Metallic bees, Syrphid flies, and various beetles (e.g., Trichiotinus piger) visit the flowers, but they are less effective at pollination. All of these insect seek pollen, as the flowers provide no nectar. The caterpillars of many species of moths feed onClose-up of Rose Hip this and other wild roses (see Moth Table). Other kinds of insects also feed on this plant, including Rhynchites bicolor (Rose Weevil; eats pith of woody stems, buds, & rose hips), Macrodactylus subspinosus (Rose Chafer Beetle), Edwardsiana rosae (Rose Leafhopper), Mordella spp. (Tumbling Flower Beetles; eat flowers), and Lepyronia gibbosa (Prairie Spittlebug). Several upland gamebirds and small mammals eat the rosehips, including the Greater Prairie Chicken, Ring-Necked Pheasant, Bobwhite, Cottontail Rabbit, Eastern Striped Skunk, and White-Footed Mouse. These animals help to disperse the seeds of the plant across considerable distances. The leaves, buds, and twigs are browsed by the White-Tailed Deer and Elk (once native to Illinois), notwithstanding the presence of occasional prickles.

Photographic Location: The upper two photographs were taken at the Red Bison Railroad Prairie in Savoy, Illinois, while the lower photograph was taken at a railroad prairie in Iroquois County of the same state.

Comments: Among the native wild roses that occur in Illinois, the Pasture Rose ranks high in its capacity to tolerate hot dry weather (rivaled only by the Sunshine Rose, R. arkansana). Distinguishing different species of roses (whether native or exotic) can be difficult. The Pasture Rose has narrow straight spines on its stems, while other species often have curved stout spines. Its stipules lack comb-like hairs (unlike the Multiflora Rose, Rosa multiflora, and other exotic roses), and the pistil structure is wide and flat, not tall and columnar like many climbing roses. Other features to consider are the number of leaflets per compound leaf, and the relative abundance or absence of hairs on the leaflets.

Black-Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Description: This is a native biennial or short-lived perennial plant that is about 1-2½' tall. It occasionally branches near the base, with each stem producing a single composite flower. The stems have long white hairs. The alternate leaves are greyish green and covered with small stiff hairs, providing them with a roughClose-Up of Flower texture. The leaves are up to 7" long and 2" across, and lanceolate, oblanceolate, or ovate. Their margins are ciliate and rather smooth, with or without a few blunt teeth. The basal leaves have long hairy petioles, while the middle and upper leaves have short petioles or clasp the stem. The upper stems are long and devoid of leaves, each producing a single composite flower. This flower consists of many dark brown disk florets, forming a flattened cone, surrounded by 8-20 ray florets that are bright yellow (rarely with patches of maroon near the base). The style-tips of the disk florets are slender and pointed. Each composite flower is about 2-3" across, and has no noticeable scent. Black-Eyed Susan blooms primarily from early to mid-summer for about a month, although some plants will bloom during the late summer or fall. The achenes are black, oblong, finely nerved, and without tufts of hair. The root system consists of a central taproot and is without rhizomes – this plant reproduces entirely by seed.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun, and slightly moist to moderately dry soil conditions. Any reasonably fertile soil will be satisfactory. This plant is fast to mature and easy to grow, although short-lived. Occasionally, there may be outbreaks of powdery mildew on the leaves in moist environments, particularly during the fall.

Range & Habitat: This is a common plant throughout Illinois, and occurs in all counties (see Distribution Map). In native habitats, it occurs in mesic to dry prairies, mesic to dry upland forests, particularly in open rocky areas, as well as savannas and limestone glades. In developed areas, it can be found in pastures and abandoned fields, areas along railroads and roadsides, on eroded clay slopes, and miscellaneous waste areas. Black-Eyed Susan colonizes disturbed areas readily, and recovers moderately well from fires.

Faunal Associations: The composite flowers appeal to a wide range of insects, particularly bees and flies, as well as some wasps, butterflies, and beetles. The bees collect pollen or suck nectar, and include Little Carpenter bees, Leaf-Cutting bees, Green Metallic and other Halictine bees, Andrenid bees, and others. Some Andrenid bees, such as Andrena rudbeckiae and Heterosarus rudbeckiae, prefer visiting the flowers of Black-Eyed Susan and closely related plants. Among the flies that visit the flowers, Syrphid flies, Bee flies, and Tachinid flies are well represented. The caterpillars of Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot) feed on the leaves. Many mammalian herbivores are not particularly fond of the coarse leaves – they have low food value, and there have been occasional reports of this plant poisoning cattle and pigs. The seeds are eaten occasionally by goldfinches.


Close-Up of Basal Leaf
 

Photographic Location: The above photographs were taken at Meadow Park in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: Black-Eyed Susan is an excellent choice for prairie restorations, or the first-year planting of a wildflower garden, as it may bloom during the first year from seed. Sometimes, this plant will reseed itself with such abandon it can become aggressive, but it will lose ground to the longer-lived perennial plants as they mature. Black-Eyed Susan can be distinguished from other Rudbeckia spp. by its lanceolate hairy leaves and the long hairs on the stems; most of the leaves occur toward the base of each stem, and never have lobes. The species Rudbeckia fulgida (Orange Coneflower) is quite similar in appearance, but usually blooms later, and has style-tips that are shorter and more rounded.

Brown-Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia triloba
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Plant in BloomDescription: This is a biennial or short-lived perennial plant up to 5' tall. It branches frequently at the leaf nodes and has a rather bushy appearance when mature. The stems are dark red and have conspicuous white hairs, particularly in the upper half of the plant. The alternate leaves are up to 4" long and 2" across. They are broadly ovate or lanceolate, slightly to coarsely serrated, and have a rough texture. Some of the lower leaves are divided into three lobes. At the end of each upper stem, a single composite flower develops with a daisy-like appearance. It is about 1½-2" across, with 6-12 yellow ray florets surrounding a brown flattened cone of numerous disk florets. The compound flowers have little or no scent. The blooming period occurs for a month or two during mid-summer to late summer. There are usually a half-dozen or more compound flowers in bloom at any given time, creating a showy effect. The achenes are 4-angled and have no tufts of hair. The root system is shallow and fibrous.

Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, and moist to mesic conditions. A rich loam produces the best growth, although a soil with some gravel or clay is tolerated. This plant has limited drought tolerance, and may drop some of its lower leaves should this occur. After the blooming season is over, Brown-Eyed Susan can appear untidy.

Range & Habitat: This is a common plant in Illinois, except for some counties in the south and northwest (see Distribution Map). Brown-Eyed Susan occurs occasionally in moist to mesic black soil prairies, brushy thickets, and openings or lightly shaded areas of floodplain forests. It also occurs in some wetland areas, such as fens and lakeside borders, and in some developed areas, such as partially shaded vacant lots and abandoned fields. This plant favors disturbed areas in these various ecosystems.
Close-up of Leaf
Faunal Associations: This plant is often self-pollinated, but nonetheless attracts numerous insect visitors to the flowers. These include both long-tongued and short-tongued bees, including bumblebees, Little Carpenter bees, Miner bees, Green Metallic bees, Panurgine bees, and Andrenine bees. Among the latter, Andrena aliciae and Andrena rudbeckiae tend to restrict their visits to various species of coneflowers. Various flies are common visitors, including Syrphid flies, Bee flies, and Tachinid flies. Some butterflies, wasps, and beetles visit the flowers occasionally, including Chlosyne nycteis (Silvery Checkerspot), Phyciodes tharos (Pearl Crescent), and Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus (Goldenrod Soldier Beetle). Bees suck nectar and collect pollen, while other insect visitors seek nectar only.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at of plants growing in a wildflower garden at Crystal Lake Park, Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: This coneflower can be distinguished from others by the smaller size of the flowers, which also have fewer ray florets. It is often observed in the eastern range of the tallgrass prairie, but tends to retreat to wetland or woodland areas further to the west where rainfall amounts are lower and summer temperatures are more extreme.

Hairy Wild Petunia
Ruellia humilis
Acanthus family (Acanthaceae)

Description: This native perennial plant is about 1' tall, branching occasionally. The stems are light green and covered with white hairs. The opposite leaves are up to 2½" long and 1" wide, and broadly lanceolate, deltoid, or ovate in form. They are light green to green, with smooth margins, and are covered with white hairs on both the upper and lower sides. The leaves also have hairy petioles.

Colony of Blooming Plants

The light lavender or light purple flowers are funnel-shaped, with 5 flared lobes, and range in length from 1½-2½". There are usually fine purple lines towards the center of the corolla that function as nectar guides to visiting insects. There is no noticeable floral scent. A flower typically opens during the morning and falls off the plant by evening. The overall appearance of Hairy Wild Petunia resembles cultivated petunias, but they are members of different plant families. The blooming period occurs from early summer to late summer, and lasts about 2 months. The root system is fibrous. The dark seeds are fairly large and fall to the ground not far from the mother plant.

Cultivation: It's quite adaptable, tolerating full or partial sun, moist to dry conditions, and practically any kind of soil. Under moist conditions with rich soil, however, this plant is unable to compete with taller, more aggressive plants. Disease doesn't seem to bother it.
Close-Up of Foliage & Flower
Range & Habitat: This plant occurs occasionally throughout Illinois, but is most likely to be absent in the NW counties (see Distribution Map). Hairy Wild Petunia occurs in mesic to dry black soil prairies, gravelly hill prairies, dry open woodlands, limestone glades, bluffs, sandy cemeteries, sand flats, and areas along roadsides and railroads. This plant is typically found in areas with poor soil and sparse vegetative cover, where it occurs sporadically in short grass, rather than forming dense colonies.

Faunal Associations: Long-tongued bees are the most important pollinators of the flowers, including Anthophorid bees and Leaf-Cutting bees. The latter sometimes cut the petals, which are used in the construction of brood nests. Short-tongued bees and Syrphid flies also visit the flowers, but they collect stray pollen and are not effective pollinators. The light color and funnel-like shape of the diurnal flowers suggest that they may be visited by day-flying Sphinx moths and Hummingbird moths, but apparently this has not been observed. It has been reported that the caterpillars of the butterfly Junonia coenia (Buckeye) may feed on the foliage of Ruellia spp. occasionally.

Photographic Location: Photographs were taken at the Red Bison Railroad Prairie in Savoy, Illinois.

Comments: Because of its large and abundant flowers, the Hairy Wild Petunia is grown occasionally in flower gardens, particularly along borders, or in rock gardens. It's an attractive little plant. There is some variation in the shape and hairiness of the leaves, depending on the local ecotype. There are other Ruellia spp. with similar flowers that occur in woodland areas – they tend to be taller plants with less hairy leaves.

Prairie Willow
Salix humilis
Willow family (Salicaceae)

Prairie Willow in Sand PrairieDescription: This native perennial shrub is 3-8' tall, branching at the base. The woody stems are round and variably colored – usually some shade of brown or red. They are usually more or less hairy, but there is a variety of Prairie Willow with nearly hairless stems. The alternate leaves are up to 4" long and 1" across. They are narrowly ovate, ovate, or oblanceolate, with smooth or crenate margins. Their upper surface is green or greyish green and often slightly pubescent, while their lower surface is white and either hairy or glaucous. The leaves have slender petioles and sometimes ragged-looking stipules occur at the base of these petioles. During the spring, the branches develop hairy catkins up to ¾–1½" in length along the stems where the scales occur. Because Prairie Willow is dioecious, different plants will develop either all male (staminate) or all female (pistillate) flowers. These flowers occur in a dense spiral along the length of the catkins; they have neither petals nor sepals. Each male flower consists of 2 yellow stamens. The abundance of soft hairs along the catkins with male flowers provide them with a furry appearance, particularly before the stamens develop. Each female flower consists of a conical pistil that is rounded at the base and more or less hairy. There is a short divided style at the tip of this pistil. The catkins with female flowers are also somewhat hairy, although the large pistils dominate their appearance. The blooming period occurs during the spring and lasts about a month. The female flowers form capsules containing small seeds that are dispersed by the wind. The root system consists of a taproot and rhizomes. This plant often forms vegetative colonies.

Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist to slightly dry conditions, and loamy or sandy soil. New plants can be started by inserting the stems in the ground, where they will form roots. This willow is more tolerant to drought than others.

Range & Habitat: Prairie Willow occurs occasionally throughout Illinois; it has been observed in most counties. Habitats include moist to slightly dry black soil prairies, sand prairies, sandy savannas, barrens, and gravelly seeps. It can be found in either lowland or upland areas, depending on the variety or local ecotype.
 

Wild Blue Sage
Salvia azurea grandiflora
Mint family (Lamiaceae)

Wild Blue Sage in PrairieDescription: This native perennial plant is 2-5' tall; it is unbranched, or with a few small stems near the inflorescence. The central stem is ridged and slightly pubescent. The opposite leaves are greyish green, narrowly lanceolate, with serrated or dentate margins toward their tips. They are about 3-5" long and ¾" wide, becoming linear and shorter near the inflorescence. The foliage exudes a sage scent and has a sage taste. There is a whorled spike of flowers at the apex of the plant up to 1' long. These flowers range in color from pale blue to deep dark blue, usually with a lighter-colored throat. The corolla is short and tubular, dividing into a small upper lobe and a large lower lobe that functions as a landing pad for visiting insects. Each flower is about ¾" long from top to bottom. The blooming period occurs during the late summer and fall, and lasts about 1-2 months. There is no floral scent. Only a few flowers are in bloom at the same time. The root system consists of a large central taproot, from which several stems may be produced.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and dry, well-drained conditions. Different kinds of soil are acceptable, including those that contain significant amounts of loam, clay, or gravel. A high pH is tolerated. The seed germinates readily, often producing flowering plants during the first year. This is a surprisingly easy plant to grow, with few problems from disease. If the soil is too moist and fertile, or sunlight is insufficient, plants may become spindly and flop over while blooming later in the year.

Habitat & Range: Wild Blue Sage is a rare plant in Illinois, with state-listed threatened status. It has been reported from only a few scattered counties, primarily in central and southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). In the past, authorities have assumed that this plant was adventive from the west, but there is a growing tendency to regard it as indigenous to the state. Habitats include dry, upland areas of black soil prairies, gravel prairies, limestone glades, roadsides, and miscellaneous waste areas. This plant would likely thrive in dolomite prairies and hill prairies, although it has not been observed in such areas.
Close-Up of Flowers
Faunal Associations: Long-tongued bees visit the flowers for nectar, especially bumblebees. Halictid bees occasionally collect pollen, but they are non-pollinating. Less often, butterflies and skippers may visit the flowers for nectar, including Epargyreus clarus (Silver-Spotted Skipper). The caterpillars of the moth Sphinx cremitus (Hermit Sphinx) may feed on the foliage. Mammalian herbivores usually avoid this plant as a food source – apparently they dislike the sage scent, or perhaps the scent is associated with indigestion from chemicals that disrupt bacterial populations in the digestive tract.

Photographic Location: The above photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park, Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: This is a wonderful plant with attractive blue flowers – a pleasant alternative to the preponderance of goldenrods and asters during the fall. It can be confused with no other plant within the state. Wild Blue Sage is more common in states that lie west of the Mississippi River, such as Nebraska and Missouri. In Illinois, only small remnant populations exist. A different variety occurs in some southeastern states, Salvia azurea azurea, which has less showy flowers. In the past, the scientific name for Salvia azurea grandiflora was Salvia pitcheri, and it is still referred to as Pitcher's Sage by some authorities.

Prairie Ragwort
Senecio plattensis
Aster family (Asteraceae)

Prairie Ragwort in PrairieDescription: This native biennial or short-lived perennial plant is ½–1' tall, and unbranched. The central stem is light green, slightly ridged, and sparsely covered with cobwebby white hairs. There are numerous basal leaves about 2" long and 1" across on slender petioles that are 1" long. These basal leaves are broadly oblong or oval, and have serrated or slightly dentate margins. Sparsely distributed along the stem are alternate leaves that are narrowly pinnatifid, about 1" long and ¼" across at the broadest lobes. Each leaf is covered with a fine pubescence, but has longer cobwebby white hairs concentrated along the central vein on the underside, and around the base of the petiole near the stem. At the top of the stem, an upright cluster of 3-12 yellow composite flowers occurs. Each daisy-like flower is about ½" across, consisting of 6-12 yellow ray florets surrounding numerous disk florets, which may be yellow or golden yellow. The blooming period occurs during mid- to late spring and lasts about a month. There is a mild floral fragrance. About a month later, the achenes develop white tufts of hairs, which are dispersed by the wind. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous; older plants may form a small underground caudex. Prairie Ragwort often forms sizable colonies over time.

Cultivation: The preference is full to partial sun, and mesic to dry conditions. The soil can contain loam, sand, clay, or gravelly material; this plant tends to favor more sterile kinds of soil because of the reduced competition. At open sunny sites, Prairie Ragwort readily spreads to form colonies, primarily by means of underground rhizomes. The basal leaves are semi-evergreen and have few problems with disease. It is easy to grow.

Range & Habitat: Prairie Ragwort occurs primarily in the northern half of Illinois, and in counties along the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. It is occasional to locally common in the northern and western sections of the state, but rare or absent elsewhere (see Distribution Map). Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, gravel prairies, hill prairies, rocky bluffs overlooking major rivers, open areas in either rocky or sandy upland forests, Black Oak savannas, and limestone glades. This little plant blooms during the spring before the warm-season prairie grasses have achieved much growth.
Close-Up of Basal Leaves
Faunal Associations: Flies and small bees are the most common visitors to the flowers. Among the bee visitors, are Little Carpenter bees, Nomadine Cuckoo bees, Green Metallic bees, and other Halictine bees. Fly visitors include Syrphid flies, Tachinid flies, Thick-Headed flies, and others. The caterpillars of the moth Orthonama obstipata (The Gem) feed on the foliage; this species dies out in Illinois during the winter, but rapidly repopulates the state from the south when warm weather returns. The caterpillars of the butterfly Lephelisca borealis (Northern Metalmark) are known to feed on the foliage of Senecio obovatus (Round-Leaved Ragwort); it is possible that this species feeds on other species of ragwort as well. Mammalian herbivores usually don't bother this plant, which is known to be poisonous. The foliage contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are highly toxic to cattle and, to a lesser extent, to horses and sheep.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken at Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: This is the most drought-tolerant ragwort in Illinois. It has more cobwebby hairs on the stems and leaves than other Senecio spp. Another scientific name for this plant is Packera plattensis. The 'ragwort' in the common name probably refers to the ragged appearance of the middle and upper leaves on the stem. During the spring in the prairie, it produces patches of cheerful color and is quite attractive.

Wild Senna
Senna hebecarpa
Caesalpinia family (Caesalpiniaceae)

Wild Senna in BloomDescription: This native perennial plant is largely unbranched and up to 6' tall. The stout central stem is light green, and slightly hairy in the upper stem and at the base of the upper compound leaves. The compound leaves are even-pinnate with about 10-20 leaflets. The medium to dark green leaflets are individually up to 2½" long and ¾" across. Each leaflet is oblong, with smooth margins, and a pointed tip. Near the upper base of a compound leaf is a small club-shaped gland; it is ovoid or dome-shaped above a short stalk. This gland secretes nectar to attract certain kinds of insects (see below for more information). From the axils of the upper compound leaves develop upright racemes of yellow flowers. Each flower is about ¾" across; it has 5 pale yellow sepals, 5 yellow petals, 10 stamens with black anthers, and a conspicuous pistil with long white hairs. The petals have a tendency to turn white as they age, while the hairy pistil eventually develops into a seedpod. There are 3 upper petals and 2 upper petals in a flower; they have a tendency to become curved and have a claw-like appearance. The blooming period is mid- to late summer, which lasts about a month. There is no noticeable floral scent. The seedpods are about 4" long when fully mature; each seedpod has 10-18 segments, and each segment is about as long as it is across. Eventually, these seedpods become dark brown in appearance. The root system consists of a central taproot and rhizomes. This plant often forms vegetative colonies.

Cultivation: The preference is partial to full sun, and moist to mesic conditions. A rich loamy soil is preferred. This plant can become quite tall when the soil is fertile and moist; it may flop over while the flowers and seedpods are developing. Foliar disease is not a significant problem.

Range & Habitat: Wild Senna occurs in scattered counties throughout Illinois; it is perhaps a little more common in the east than the west (see Distribution Map). This species is occasional in some areas, and uncommon or absent in others. Populations in the wild are probably declining as a result of modern development. Habitats include moist meadows near rivers, savannas, fens, pastures, and roadsides. It is often flourishes within the floodplain of rivers. Occasionally, Wild Senna is found in flower gardens because of the showy flowers.
Close-Up of Stem & Leaf Base
Faunal Associations: The flowers atttract bumblebees primarily, which seek pollen from the anthers and possibly nectar. Halictid bees also visit the flowers for pollen, but are less likely to achieve cross-pollination. The extra-floral nectaries, on the other hand, attract primarily ants and a few other insects, including ladybird beetles. It is possible that these insects protect the plant from other insects that would attack the foliage; it has also been suggested that the extra-floral nectaries discourage ants from robbing nectar from the flowers. The caterpillars of some Sulfur butterflies rely on Senna spp. as a source of food. In Illinois, this includes Eurema nicippe (Sleepy Orange), Eurema lisa (Little Sulfur), and Phoebis sennae eubule (Cloudless Sulfur). Mammalian herbivores usually avoid consumption of the foliage, which has purgative properties. The seeds may be eaten by some upland gamebirds.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken of plants growing in an herbal garden at Meadowbrook Park, Urbana, Illinois. The lower photograph reveals one of the extra-floral glands.

Comments: This is a striking plant while in bloom, and it has attractive foliage. It is difficult to distinguish Wild Senna from Senna marilandica (Maryland Senna), which has a very similar appearance. Generally, Wild Senna has a more northern distribution than Maryland Senna, but in Illinois their ranges overlap. On Wild Senna, the pistils of the flowers have long white hairs, while in Maryland Senna these hairs are shorter and more appressed. The nectary glands at the base of the compound leaves are also supposed to shaped differently. In Wild Senna, these glands have a short stalk and are club-shaped (although the shape of this 'club' can be variable), while the glands of Maryland Senna can be short-cylindric, rounded, or dome-shaped, but they are without short narrow stalks. The seedpods of these two species are also supposed to be somewhat different in appearance in relation to the number and shape of the seedpod segments. Another scientific name for Wild Senna is Cassia hebecarpa.

Sicklepod
Senna obtusifolia
Caesalpinia family (Caesalpiniaceae)

Description: This annual native plant is 1-2½' tall, branching occasionally. The stems are light green and somewhat ridged. The lower stems often sprawl along the ground in open areas, otherwise this plant is erect. The compound leaves alternate along the stems. They are evenly pinnate, usually with 3 pairs of leaflets, and have long leaf stems (primary petioles). The obovate leaflets are individually 1½" long and 1" across. They are devoid of hairs, and are light green on the underside. There is an extra-floral nectary close to the lowest pair of leaflets on the upper side of each compound leaf. This nectary resembles a small brown spike. The foliage has a slightly rank odor.

Sicklepod along Railroad

One or two flowers develop from the upper axils of the compound leaves. These flowers have pedicels about 1" long and tend to nod slightly downward. They are about 1" across, and consist of 5 rounded yellow petals and 10 stamens; the petals are often slightly unequal in size. The flowers are subtended by a light green calyx that is divided into 5 folded sepals; these sepals are shorter than the petals and hairless. In Illinois, the blooming period occurs from late summer through the fall, and lasts about 1-2 months. There is no floral scent. A long seedpod develops from each flower that is 4-6" long, but only 1/3" across. This seedpod curves downward and resembles a sickle in its overall shape. The root system consists of taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and moist to slightly dry conditions. This plant tolerates different kinds of soil, from fertile loam to gravelly soil; in fact, it often thrives in railroad ballast. Drought tolerance is good, and the foliage is rarely bothered by foliar disease. It is somewhat slow to develop for an annual plant, and tends to bloom late in the year in Illinois.

Range & Habitat: Sicklepod has been reported from only a few counties in southern Illinois and in the Chicago area; it has been observed recently along a Close-Up of Flowerrailroad track in Champaign County, where it may be adventive from the south (see Distribution Map). This is a rare plant in Illinois, although it is more common in many south-central and southeastern states of the US; it also occurs in the American tropics. Habitat information is scanty, but it has been observed in moist meadows along rivers, open areas along railroads, and in waste areas. It could probably thrive in disturbed areas of prairies.

Faunal Associations: The extra-floral nectaries attract ants primarily; they may also attract some wasps, flies, or small bees. The pollen of the flowers attract long-tongued bees, such as bumblebees, Miner bees, and large Leaf-Cutting bees. The caterpillars of several species of Sulfur butterflies are known to feed on the foliage of Cassia spp., including Eurema lisa (Little Sulfur), Eurema nicippe (Sleepy Orange), and Phoebis sennae cubule (Cloudless Sulfur). Some upland gamebirds occasionally eat the seeds of Senna spp., especially the Bobwhite and Greater Prairie Chicken. Mammalian herbivores are unlikely to utilize this plant as a food source to any significant extent because of the unpleasant taste and toxic nature of the foliage, which has been found capable of poisoning livestock.

Photographic Location: Photographs were taken along a railroad in Savoy, Illinois.

Comments: This rare plant has attractive foliage, but blooms sparingly. In the upper photograph on the lower right, is one of the sickle-shaped seedpods; it is still green. Sicklepod resembles Senna marilandica (Maryland Senna) and Senna hebecarpa (Wild Senna) somewhat in appearance, but it is a shorter annual plant that has 1) fewer leaflets per compound leaf, 2) leaflets with a broader shape, and 3) more slender and curved seedpods. In the past, Sicklepod was often assigned to the Bean family (Fabaceae), rather than the Caesalpinia family.

Three-Toothed Cinquefoil
Sibbaldiopsis tridentata
Rose family (Rosaceae)

Description: This native perennial wildflower is woody at the base and only 4-10" tall. The lower stems have shredded bark that is grey-brown, while the upper stems are non-woody and light green to red. Most branching occurs toward the base of each plant; the stems have a tendency to sprawl across the ground as they become longer. Alternate trifoliate leaves develop primarily from the base of each stem. Individual leaflets are up to 1½" long and ½" across; the middle leaflet is usually longer than the 2 lateral leaflets. The shape of each leaflet is oblanceolate, terminating in a truncate tip with 3 large teeth. The leaflets are evergreen with a somewhat thick leathery texture; their upper surfaces are medium to dark green and shiny, while their lower surfaces are pale green and often slightly pubescent. During the winter, the leaflets often become tinted with red. Each trifoliate leaf has a long petiole up to 2" long; this petiole is light green to red and it has a pair of large linear-lanceolate stipules at its base. Some of the upper stems terminate in cymes or compound cymes of 1-12 flowers. Each flower is up to ½" across, consisting of 5 white petals, a light green calyx with 5 ovate teeth, a dense cluster of pistils, and 20-30 stamens. Adjacent to the calyx of the flower, there are 5 light green bracteoles (tiny bracts); these bracteoles are linear-oblong and shorter than the teeth of the calyx. The slender white styles of the pistils spread laterally from the center of the flower. The branches of each cyme are terete, light green, and often pubescent. At the base of each fork in the cyme, there is a pair of small lanceolate bracts.

Flower & Several Buds

The blooming period occurs during the summer and lasts about 2-3 months. At maturity, each flower produces a cluster of hairy brown achenes. The root system is woody and can produce vegetative offsets from underground runners. Older plants may produce a caudex.

Cultivation: The preference is plenty of sun, dry conditions, and well-drained soil that is rocky, gravelly, or sandy. This plant can adapt to a rock garden if it is sunny and well-drained. Because this is a boreal species, it dislikes excessive heat during the summer.

Range & Habitat: In Illinois, Three-Toothed Cinquefoil has been found only in Cook County (see Distribution Map). Because this species has not been observed in any natural area of the state since 1895, it is probably extirpated within the state. The habitat of Three-Toothed Cinquefoil in Illinois was a gravel hill prairie. Outside of the state, it is found on treeless mountain tops and other upland rocky areas that are sunny; it also occurs along sandy banks. The range of this species extends from the upper Great Lakes to New England, and then northward to the Arctic Circle of Canada and Greenland. Small isolated populations still occur in the Appalachian Mountains as far south as northern Georgia.

Trifoliate Leaves

Faunal Associations: Because this species is quite rare in Illinois and the surrounding area, information about floral-faunal relationships is unavailable. Like similar Potentilla spp. (Cinquefoil species), the flowers probably attract small bees and Syrphid flies.

Photographic Location: A rock garden at the Arboretum of the University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois.

Comments: Another scientific name of this species is Potentilla tridentata. Three-Toothed Cinquefoil was reclassified into its own genus as a result of genetic analysis, which revealed that it was more closely related to another boreal species, Sibbaldia procumbens (Sibbaldia). The trifoliate leaves of this latter species are similar to those of Three-Toothed Cinquefoil, but the flowers of Sibbaldia are less showy because of the small size of the petals. Three-Toothed Cinquefoil differs from Potentilla spp. by the lateral styles of its flowers; it also differs from many of these species by its woody lower stems and evergreen leaves.

Sleepy Catchfly
Silene antirrhina bicolor
Pink family (Caryophyllaceae)

Description: This native annual plant is about ½–2' tall and unbranched, except near the apex where the inflorescence occurs. The central stem is round, slender, and usually glabrous, although sometimes pubescent. There are usually sticky patches along the stem below the leaf nodes. The opposite leaves are up to 1½" long and 1/3" across. They are narrowly lanceolate, narrowly oblanceolate, or linear, with smooth margins, and are largely devoid of hairs, except near the base of each leaf along the stem. At the apex of the plant, is a loose cluster of flowers. A typical flower has 5 spreading petals that are notched at their tips, and a green calyx with 10 ridges that is ovoid in shape, hairless, and somewhat sticky. There are small triangular lobes at the top of the calyx. A flower is up to 1/6" across, while the calyx is about 1/3" long when fully mature. However, some varieties of Sleepy Catchfly have flowers without petals. When petals are present, they are white, pink, or purple, and sometimes bicolored (e.g., white on the upper side and purple on the lower side). The blooming period occurs from late spring to mid-summer, and lasts about a month. The flowers are diurnal, and open up in response to bright sunlight. There is no noticeable floral scent. The small seeds are distributed to some extent by the wind, as the slender stems sway back and forth readily. These seeds are kidney-shaped and have a bumpy surface. The root system consists of a branching taproot. Reproduction is entirely by seeds.

Cultivation: The preference is full sun and rather dry conditions. Poor, gravelly soil is preferred, as this reduces competition from other plants. This plant can re-seed itself readily, and is rather weedy.

Range & Habitat: Sleepy Catchfly occurs in most counties of Illinois and is widely distributed (see Distribution Map). It is occasional to common, depending on the area. Habitats include dry gravelly prairies, hill prairies, barrens, glades, rocky bluffs, pastures and abandoned fields, and areas alongClose-Up of Stem and Leaves railroads and roadsides. It is more common in degraded, disturbed areas (particularly along railroads), but also occurs in high quality habitats.

Faunal Associations: Primarily flies and small bees visit the flowers for nectar. The smaller flies can become stuck to the sticky surface of the calyx (at least in some varieties of Sleepy Catchfly), while ants can become trapped in the sticky patches of the central stem. The plant is not able to utilize nutrients from these trapped insects, however.

Photographic Location: The photographs were taken near an abandoned railroad in Urbana, Illinois, in gravelly soil.

Comments: Sleepy Catchfly is a highly variable plant that is easily overlooked, except where it occurs in substantial colonies and happens to be in bloom. The plant in the photographs is the bicolored form of Sleepy Catchfly, Silene antirrhina bicolor, which is supposed to be uncommon. Plants that produce flowers without petals are referred to as Silene antirrhina apetala, while plants without sticky patches are referred to as Silene antirrhina deaneana. The plant in the upper photographs has the larger-sized flowers for Sleepy Catchfly, about 1/6" across. However, other forms with petals have flowers that span only 1/12" across. Sleepy Catchfly resembles some Stellaria spp. (Chickweeds) with grass-like leaves. However, Sleepy Catchfly has a much larger bladder-shaped calyx, as described above, and most varieties have sticky patches on the stem or calyx, which provides this species with its common name. If the mouse cursor is moved over the upper photograph, the calyx and underside of the petals of the same flower will be revealed.


Faunal Associations: Primarily short-tongued bees and various flies visit the flowers for nectar. Some of these insects collect or feed on the pollen of the staminate flowers. Among the bee visitors of the flowers are honeybees, Nomadine Cuckoo bees, Halictid bees, and Andrenid bees. Among the fly visitors of the flowers are flower flies (Syrphids), Flesh flies, Bottleflies, Muscid flies, Sawflies, and others. The foliage of willows is eaten by a great number of insect species; only a few species will be described here. The caterpillars of the following butterflies feed on the foliage of willows: Satyrium liparops strigosum (Striped Hairstreak), Satyrium acadicum (Acadian Hairstreak), Limenitis arthemis astyanax (Red-Spotted Purple), and Limenitis archippus (Viceroy). Other insects feeding on willow foliage include the caterpillars of the skipper Erynnis icelus (Dreamy Duskywing), as well as the caterpillars of the moths Sphinx luscitiosa (Clemen's Sphinx) and Melipotis jucunda (Noctuid Moth sp.). The stems of willows are eaten by deer, elk, livestock, and beavers. Beavers use the stems in the construction of their lodges and stems.

Photographic Location: A moist sand prairie at Hooper Branch Savanna Nature Preserve in Iroquois County, Illinois.

Comments: The Prairie Willow is a highly variable species, which includes such varieties as Salix humilis hyporhysa (Smooth Prairie Willow; nearly hairless stems & leaves) and Salix humilis microphylla (Sage Willow; short, small-leaved, and slender). Different plants can vary in the size or shape of their leaves, the hairiness of their stems and leaves, the type of leaf margin (crenate, serrate, or smooth), and less obvious characteristics involving the flowers. The Prairie Willow is usually hairier than other Salix spp. (Willow spp.) and its leaves are never cordate at the base. Good descriptions and line drawings of the different Willow spp. in Illinois can be found in Robert H. Mohlenbrock's Flowering Plants: Willows to Mustards (1980), in the Illustrated Flora of Illinois series from Southern Illinois University Press.