The Mighty Cottonwood

Field Observations

Lately I have gotten to the habit where every morning I am out and about trying to get my walk in.  I remember when I first got here, only a few weeks ago actually, I would take my time and take in all of the beauty around me, observing different insects, flowers, etc..  Lately however I seem to be in such a hurry and thinking about everything I need to get done, and not appreciating the natural beauty around me.  So this week I tried to really slow down, not rush around the area trying to take the perfect photos, or identify all the plants, but rather take time to just sit and listen, observe, and to just be. 

In every walk with nature one receives more than he seeks. –John Muir

One of the most prominent things I noticed this week while observing the ecosystem was the ecological importance of the staghorn sumac.  When first arriving at the site I saw this dead brushy area as a scar on the landscape but after observing the area it is anything but.  It is an area flourishing with life, the birds love it and a minute doesn’t go by without some bird coming or going.  This week in particular there was a small downy woodpecker that just moved all along the dead sumac branches and would stop and stare at me, and then go back to pecking.  Also the male cardinal loved perching on top observing the world around him.  Even the insects like the dragonflies loved to zoom in and out, and up and down, like an amusement park ride.  So for me it was really interesting to see an area at first dead and desolate, but in reality teeming with life, I just had to take the time to sit and observe. 

The other thing I noticed this week was in addition to the tall beautiful purple ironweed there was a plethora of large milkweed bug nymphs.  You can see a photo of them below but they seemed to be on just about every milkweed plant I could find.  To me they were so interesting because they look very similar to their adult form, which makes sense, but at the same time just seemed so lively and bustling with energy compared to the adults.  I am going to be curious to see over the next few weeks how they continue to evolve and go through their various instar stages.  So my lesson this week was to just slow down and enjoy the journey!  

The nymphs of large milkweed bug.  (K. Bradley 7/27/2016)

Species Identification

Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

This is an erect woolly stemmed plant with a dense spike of yellow flowers containing 5 yellow petals.  When looking across the field this plant is easy to spot growing vertical with bright yellow blooms.  The flowers themselves are ¾-1 inch wide and grow up and down the white wooly stem in a dense spike with small areas blooming at any one time (Newcomb, 1977).  Common Mullein is noted for its large velvety feeling leaves that can reach up to 1 foot long, with the largest ones occurring at the base of the plant.  The plant itself can reach upwards of 7 feet but most in this area were measured at 3-4 feet.

Common Mullein is a biennial plant and can flower from June until September but here in Wysong many of the plants are already phasing out for the year.  Once the plant is established it can grow quickly and form a dense ground cover, and if not managed can cause problems with the native forbs and herbs.  It is commonly found in old fields and roadsides and prefers well drained sandy soils which help explain why there are a few examples here in the old field (Common Mullein, 2015 & Thieret et al., 2001).  

Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) with characteristic 5 petal yellow flowers. (K. Bradley 7/25/2016)

Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) with the last few flowers blooming for the year.  (K. Bradley 7/25/2016)

Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) with true bugs foraging and reproducing on the unopened stalk. (K. Bradley 7/22/2016)

According to Thieret et al. (2004) Common Mullein has a very interesting natural history being naturalized from Europe, and has much historical significance.  For example the Romans used to dip these flower spikes in grease and used them as torches, with the leaves still being used by some today as wicks.  Also Native Americans and early settlers used the wooly leaves to line their socks and moccasins to help keep warm during the cold winters.  There are many medicinal uses such as tea can be made from the leaves and can be used to treat ailments like earaches and the leaves can be used to treat sunburns.   

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Tall Ironweed (Vernonia gigantea)

When looking across Wysong tract right now the most noticeable forb is this Tall Ironweed.  It is easily observable due to its tall stature; it can grow up to 10 feet tall, but seems to be only about 6 feet tall here in places.  It also has brightly colored purple flowers in heads containing 13-30 individual flowers.  What sets it apart from the New York Ironweed is that the bracts are blunt compared to bracts that are long and narrow.  The leaves on the plant are lance shaped and finely toothed (Newcomb, 1977).  It is common in moist meadows, low grounds, on streambanks, and bottomland fields (Thieret et al., 2001).

Tall Ironweed (Vernonia gigantea) Tall in stature and growing throughout the old field.  (K. Bradley 7/25/2016)

Tall Ironweed (Vernonia gigantea) Common flower heads, like small purple pom-poms. (K. Bradley 7/22/2016) 

Tall Ironweed is growing in this area for the mesic soil conditions and high water table in this area.  It blooms in late summer and fall, which makes sense because this week was the first time I saw any flowers emerging although over the next few weeks I think there will be a large flush of new flower growth.  According to the Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d., Tall Ironweed is commonly used in landscaping for plant borders due to its tall stature and due to its prolific seeding it is recommended to remove the flower heads before the seed develops.  According to the Ohio Perennial and Biennial Weed Guide (2016) ironweed refers to the stem toughness and that it is very difficult to dig up with a shovel.  Also tall ironweed is the third most troublesome pasture weed in Kentucky.   

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Leaf Footed Bug (Order: Hemiptera, Sub-Order: Heteroptera, Family: Coreidae, Species Possibilities: (Euthochtha glaeator coreid bug or Anasa tristis squash bug)

The Hemipteran order contains the true bugs and in North American alone comprise of 4,500 species.  True bugs, such as the one seen below have a first pair of wings that fold flat on the back.  The word Hemiptera actually means half wing in Greek, which is seen by the fact that the rear pair of wings is shorter than the front half of the wings.  They also have sucking mouthparts, which to some resemble a straw, to help them feed.  True bugs go through incomplete metamorphosis which means they go through 5 nymphal stages before becoming an adult. 

Leaf Footed Bug foraging on Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) (K. Bradley July 22, 2016)

The family Coreidae, or leaf-footed bugs, comprises medium to large insects, generally more than 3/8’’ long.  They get their name for having leaf like enlargements of their hind legs, as seen in the photo their hind legs look swollen and show spikes.  These large true bugs have 4 segmented antennae, large compound eyes, and a pair of simple eyes.  When looking at the wings they have many parallel veins (Milne & Milne, 1980 & True Bugs, 2014).  To many people these are seen as pests due to their piercing-sucking mouthpart making it very easy to attack plants, such as your cucurbit species (squash, cucumbers, and cantaloupe, etc.) or other plant fruiting structures.  Depending on the time of year in the plant's lifecycle the feeding habits can cause either no harm or detrimental harm to the plant.  

Here in Wysong this Coreidae is sitting on Yarrow (Achillea millefolium).  Also if you notice the two white/yellowish eggs near the head is an indication of a parasitic egg that has attached itself to this bug.  Given the vast distribution of foraging material this insect has plenty to eat, just a short flight away is a large garden or even prairie plants, and so much more in between providing the perfect habitat.  When photographing this bug I couldn’t find any others around so perhaps he is looking for a mate and needed a snack along the way.  

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Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina)

Staghorn Sumac is present mostly on the eastern side of the loop with small seedlings present throughout the area.  It is a large deciduous shrub to small tree with very crooked stems and straggly looking, with open crowns and often found in a dense clump, which is like it is here in the field (Jackson, 2003).  The ones here in some of the photos have been treated to exterminate them so you can easily see the shrub structure and dense twigs, and the other photos are taken on the other side of the trail where they have not been managed so you can see the characteristic leaflet shapes and large showy fruits.  Also while sitting down to observe this species I found that birds were really utilizing these dead shrubs as a place to sit and rest, or to just observe things from a perch since there was no vegetation.  So even as there was no vegetation or fruit the shrub was still ecologically useful.  

Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) with its characteristic large leaflets and large showy fruit.  (K. Bradley 7/25/2016) 

The leaves are pinnately compound and contain anywhere from 11-25 leaflets and can be quite large, 12-18 inches, and are coarsely toothed.  The twigs are very dense, reddish brown, and hairy, which is where they get their name being similar to deer antlers in velvet.  If the twigs are crushed they excrete a milky fluid which some people are allergic to, and thus will cause a rash.  The fruit is also very indicative of this species with the fruits in a very dense red clumps comprised of small hard seeds (Kershner et al., 2008). 

Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) with the dense, reddish, and hair stems appearing like velvet on a deer antler. (K. Bradley 7/25/2016)

Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) inside the loop with all the foliage and fruit gone but still providing much needed structure for many songbirds, with two in this photo alone using it for both resting and perching points.  (K. Bradley 7/25/2016) 

According to USDA, 2002 sumac serves as an emergency winter food for many species of wildlife including pheasant, quail, turkey, deer, many song birds, grouse, squirrels, and rabbits.  This can be a very ecologically important species in the winter time as there is not much forage available and sumac holds the fruit for a long period of time.  Staghorn Sumac is considered an early successional species, and the habit it prefers is along roadsides and other open and edge habitats and is widespread in fencerows and thickets.  Also this species likes burned areas and re-sprouting is encouraged from fire or injury, thus making it flourish in this old field setting with prescribed fire occurring last spring and making way for new growth as an early successional species (USDA, 2002).   

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Response Question

This week the question refers to an ecotone.  An ecotone can be defined as the edge of an ecosystem or the transition between habitats, the area in which ecological systems and “meet and mingle”, and sometimes can form their own micro-ecosystem depending on the complexity.  In order to describe ecotones terms such as diffuse, convoluted, and discrete can be used to describe the overall shapes and patterns (Ecological Society of America, 2016).  Most of the time these ecotones occur at the edges of an area or physical boundaries, so think like the area where the tides come in against the sand dunes.  Here in the old field many of the ecotones are areas transitioning from old field to forested areas. 

In Wysong loop depending on the side you are on each has a slightly different ecotone.  This first one for example is along the western edge of the field and is a rather abrupt change from the old field to the forest, with many of the large trees coming right up to the edge of the trail as you look down the photo.  Although there are some graminoids present upon closer observation there is a sharp contrast between the forested area and the graminoids, so not much structural diversity, a rather abrupt change.  

Along the western edge of the old field. (K. Bradley 7/27/2016) 

Here along the southern edge of the field on a quick look is another abrupt change, from old field to forest, as you can see this large oak tree right along the edge.  But, as I took a closer look though the area there are a lot of structural layers, and as I walked through the ecotone it seemed to be more diffuse, especially when compared with the western edge.  There was more gradual shifting from old field to woody shrubs and tall grasses before ending up in the forest.  So as a small mammal here (for example a rabbit) if I had to make the transition from one ecosystem (forest) to the other (old field) or vice versa I would choose this route with the most cover from predators. 

Along the southern edge of the old field.  (K. Bradley 7/27/2016)

Along the eastern edge of the old field lies an even larger diffuse ecotone made up of many structural changes moving out from the forest into the grassland.  I also think that if the mowing were to stop today this side of the ecosystem has the greatest possibility for a more convoluted edge.  Here there are a lot more structural elements in the old field alone such as these old staghorn sumac and other woody perennials.  

Along the eastern edge of the old field.  (K. Bradley 7/27/2016)

To me the most important thing when going to assess the ecotone is to not just take a first glance without taking a closer look.  For me I had to think about myself as a rabbit (you could use any small animal here) and think about how hard the transition would be from one ecosystem to another.  Especially when you’re worried about a bird of prey for example you want to minimize your time in the open exposed area so areas with brushy edge would provide a more ideal habitat.  

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Creative Contribution (Original Poem and Photo by K. Bradley) 

Citations

Common Mullein, Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States. (2015). Retrieved July 25, 2016 from http://www.invasiveplantatlas.org/subject.html?sub=3080

Ecological Society of America. (2016). Ecotone Explained. Retrieved July 27, 2016 from http://www.esa.org/esablog/about/ecotone-explained/

Jackson, Marion. (2003). 101 Trees of Indiana: A Field Guide. Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press.

Kershner, B., Matthews, D., Nelson, G., & Spellenberg, R. (Eds.). (2008) National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Trees of North America. New York, NY: Sterling Publishing Company.

Milne, L., & Milne, M. (1980) National Audubon Society Field Guide to Insects and Spiders. New York, NY: Chanticleer Press.

Newcomb, Lawrence. (1977). Wildflower Guide. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company.

Staghorn Sumac, USDA: NRCS Plant Materials Program, Plant Fact Sheet. (2002). Retrieved July 26, 2016 from http://plants.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/fs_rhhi2.pdf

Tall Ironweed, Ohio Perennial and Biennial Weed Guide. (2016).  Retrieved July 26,2016 from http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/weedguide/single_weed.php?id=57

Thieret, J. W., Niering, W. A., & Olmstead, N. C. (Eds.). (2001). National Audubon Society Field Guide to Wildflowers Eastern Region. New York, NY: Chanticleer Press.

True Bugs. Arizona State School of Life Sciences. (2014). Retrieved July 26, 2016 from https://askabiologist.asu.edu/true-bug-anatomy

Wonderful World of Insects

Observations:

This week when traveling out to my ecosystem in Wysong Loop I began thinking about what I would focus on.  Last week I focused on the intricacies of spider webs and forbs and as soon as I got into the site I knew what I would focus on, so this week is all about insects and the great insect diversity that is found, even in just this relatively small area.  My other focus in corporation with that was taking time to just sit and close my eyes and listen.  The reason I choose this was when I arrived into the site I could just hear and see some of the thousands of insects; dragonflies flying overhead, bees, butterflies, and moths pollinating different flowers, as well as cicadas and crickets in the background.  I also heard a great plethora of birds in the area as they were both in the field and in the surrounding forested areas,  so if your interested please select the link below to hear a short sound recordings from Saturday July 16, 2016.  

Early Morning Sounds

When first arriving in the area I noticed that everything just seemed so brilliantly green, which I think could be contributed to the recent rainfall and beautiful lightning storm that occurred the evening before.  When comparing photos from last week to this week everything just seemed brighter.  The wildflowers themselves didn’t seem to be as prolific with the grasses being the most dominant color across the landscape.  

One of the most unique aspects I found this week was regarding some scratches in the sandy soil that I original thought were from the turkeys scratching around or roosting, but as it turns out is actually areas where turtles came to lay eggs.  Unfortunately many of the nests were preyed upon by predators such as raccoons but perhaps a few did survive, which I might found  later this summer if some emerge.  Also the cleared sandy soil provides a very important mini ecosystem with many species but birds especially taking advantage of the open ground both scratching for insects as well as dusting themselves.  It seems as if every time I come out here something new has occurred, just waiting for more forbs to make some colorful appearances.  

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Species Identification: 

Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucus carota)

Also known as wild carrot or bird’s nest these large showy white flowers are hard to miss in the summers growing up along gravel roads and across dry fields (Figure 1).  It is a biennial plant which means that it take one year for the plant to establish itself and grow with blooming occurring the second year (Newcomb 1977).  This plant is not native to North American but was naturalized from Europe and the taproots are edible, but be careful as the leaves can sometimes cause skin irritation, and make sure you positively identify it, as it can sometimes be mistaken for poisonous hemlock.  Some people consider this an invasive weed, because depending on where it is growing it can easily out compete native plants (Study of Northern Virginia Ecology, n.d.).

Figure 1. Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucus carota) Shown in relation to the size of common milkweed behind it. (K. Bradley 7/16/2016)

It is commonly seen upon first glance at as one large flower head, when in fact it is hundreds of tiny flowers in umbels forming what looks to some as bird’s nests as it progresses later into the year (Figure 2). When you crush the stems they have a carrot odor, which makes sense as these are a relative of our modern carrots.  The plant can grow up to 3 feet high, or more depending on the soil conditions with the stem covered in bristly hairs (Newcomb 1977).  Queen Anne’s lace is flourishing in this old field setting due to the lack of active human intervention, with just occasional prescribed fires running through the landscape.  Also the sandy soils where it is actively growing are perfect for this large seeding plant to reproduce as there is sufficient moisture available.

Figure 2. Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucus carota) Demonstrating the many small flowers that make up the one large one (K. Bradley 7/16/2016)

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Wool Grass (Scirpus cyperinus)

Wool grass is a tall perennial and an erect grass-like plant ranging from 3-5 feet in height. It has triangular or nearly round stem and has leaves that are flat and smooth up to ½ inch wide.  The flowers are found at the top in dense round clusters of brownish spiklets (Figure 3) (Thieret et al., 2001).   Historically the stems of wool grass were used to make mats and ropes as well as the fruiting bodies (spiklets) were used to stuff things such as pillows (Wool Grass, 2003).  

Figure 3. Wool Grass (Scirpus cyperinus) The dense round clusters of brownish spiklets. (K. Bradley 7/16/2016)

Commonly wool grasses are found in mesic to hydric ecosystems such as wet meadows, swamps, and marshes, also it is an indicator species of restored wetlands (W. Mitter, personal communication, July 13, 2015) In this old field it is found on the eastern and western edges of this old field which makes sense as that is the area with the sandy soil as well as high water table, thus providing sufficient water resources.  Also based on historical information about the site being a lake shore it would make sense why once this area was converted to farmland there were some remnant seeds or seeds were brought in from nearby hydric areas.  

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Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

Eastern redbud is also known as the Judas tree and is found throughout the eastern half of North America.  It is a relatively small tree usually less than 30 feet tall and the mature trees normally form a vase like shape.  This is a native tree to Indiana and is also perennial and deciduous as one of the first trees to bloom in the spring in March-May with brilliant reddish purple flowers.  Not only does it reproduce naturally it also is a very common ornamental tree for landscaping due to its small stature and showy flowers.  When the leaves emerge they are characteristically heart shaped and connect onto the zigzag twigs.  When looking up at this tree from the ground you can easily see the zigzag twig pattern which is a defining characteristic, even on small seedlings like the one below (Fig. 4).  In the fall it produces clusters of flat pods that change from green to brown when mature (Eastern Redbud, 2010 and Jackson, 2003).

Figure 4. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) A small seedling coming up in the herbaceous layer. (K. Bradley 7/17/2016)

Historically and ecologically Eastern Redbud is a unique tree.  Pollinators such as butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees are especially drawn to this tree in the spring for some of the first nectar of the year.  Historically Native Americans used the bark to boil and make a tea that they used to treat a wide array of ailments such as dysentery, whooping cough, fevers, vomiting, etc.  This tree is found very commonly beginning to grow among the forbs layer due to the moist sandy soils in the bottomland.  Also as you walk along the trail you can see many older Eastern Redbud trees thus the seed source for many of the seedlings.  Interestingly enough this tree is also fire tolerant and will sprout after a fire which could be why there are so many seedlings that survived and have thrived following the prescribed fire in spring of 2016 (Eastern Redbud, 2010).  

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Large Milkweed Bug (Oncopeltus fasciatus)

This insect is considered a true bug since it is in the order Hemiptera and it is found throughout North America.  This insect is usually 10-15 mm and is characteristically black and orange-red with 2 triangles converging into one black line across the wings.  This insect has a long proboscis and is a piercing sucking insect which means that it feeds primarily on the milkweed (Asclepias) family so commonly seen on the stem, leaves, and seed pods (Figures 5 and 6).  Given the large quantity of milkweed sap consumed they contain a toxic compound which helps reduce predation (Milkweed Bugs, n.d.).  They have also been seen feeding on other species of plants in both gardens and crop fields but do not cause any major damage.  

Figure 5. Large Milkweed Bug (Oncopeltus fasciatus) (K. Bradley 7/17/2016)

The large milkweed bug goes through incomplete metamorphosis and grows in stages called instars which mean that it exhibits small changes throughout development.  They go through five instar stages before reaching adulthood.  During the nymph stage they are red with black antennae and legs.  Within just a few days of reaching adulthood the females are able to be sexually reproductive and are able to start producing eggs and can have between 20-35 eggs per clutch.  In any given year depending on the ecological conditions they can have up to three clutches of eggs and they are laid in the milkweed pods or crevices; also the adults only live for about a month thus quick reproduction is essential for the survival of the species (Milkweed Bugs, n.d). 

Figure 6. Large Milkweed Bug (Oncopeltus fasciatus) on butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa).(K. Bradley 7/17/2016)

Here in the old field provides perfect habitat for these large milkweed bugs, also this week was the first week that I saw them in the area.  This is a perfect habitat due to the large abundance of milkweed species such as common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), and butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) all within a small distance.  With this large abundance of milkweed it not only gives the bug plenty of foraging space but also gives them ample time and interactions for successful reproduction.  Interestingly enough they are able to migrate to the southern United States to overwinter before returning northward (Aldrich et al., 1999, Lygaeoids, 2007).  

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Response Question:

This week for the blog the theme is succession.  Succession can be defined as an observed change in species structure or composition of an ecosystem community over time.  There are two different types of succession.  Primary succession occurs when there is only bare rock exposed and the community starts from there, for example following a volcano or glacial activity.  Secondary succession occurs when there has been a disturbance in the area that does get rid of some species composition but doesn’t take it all, for example following a wildfire or agricultural production.  Secondary succession is able to move along quicker than primary succession because there is a base layer of soil to work with that doesn’t have to be built up from rock. 

Wysong Loop it is an example of secondary succession both due to prescribed fire occurring this past spring in addition to historically being an agriculturally productive field.  Following the agriculture production when the land was left fallow it was prime habitat for pioneer species due to the large availability of light and soil nutrients.  Pioneer species such as ragweed and crabgrass (or other “weedy”) species came in due to their long lived seeds, long range dispersal of seeds, as well as the ability to utilize the resources to grow and reproduce rapidly (Old Field Succession, n.d.). 

Without disturbances it was then able to transition into a more perennial forbs and herbs stage which is where it is at today.  This can easily be seen in the species composition including goldenrod, bunch grasses (big bluestem), sumac, multiflora rose, poison ivy, wild grape vine, and black raspberries.  So at this point there is a clear mixture of the perennial grasses and small shrubs.  If disturbances do not occur (for example a prescribed fire) on the site the shrubs will continue to expand and out compete the perennial forbs.  At that point then there will start to be many tree seedlings starting to emerge, currently there are a few seedlings such as eastern redbud but over time there will be more and more.  Also an important consideration in that area though is the high water table and mesic soil conditions so some trees may or may not adapt to having “their feet wet”.  Also if some trees do begin growing they would be more susceptible to disturbances such as large wind events.  Eventually if left undisturbed it will begin to resemble woodlands with trees dominating the landscape, with a large composition of mesic to hydric loving trees. 

Given the current management plan they will continue to run prescribed fire though the ecosystem thus “re-setting” the system every three years on average.  This last time though there was a six year gap which allowed for more shrub growth and thus more intensive management had to be done, and as explained by the land manager Bill Minter they will continue to remove and treat many of the shrubs and species such as sumac, bittersweet, sweet clover, and autumn olive.  Some of the tree species are fire adapted and are able to have a very deep and intricate rooting system so even when the top is burned off they still have plenty of reserves in the ground to produce viable seedlings once more.  Also many of the forbs are fire tolerant and some even thrive on fires in the ecosystem so they will not be negatively affected by this sort of disturbance. 

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Creative Contribution with photos and acrostic poem by Kaitlyn Bradley.

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Citations:

Aldrich, J. R., J. E. Oliver, T. Taghizadeh, J. T. B. Ferreira, & D. Liewehr. (1999). Pheromones and colonization: reassessment of the milkweed bug migration model (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae: Lygaeinae). Chemoecology, 9, 63-71.

Eastern Redbud, USDA: NRCS Plant Materials Program, Plant Fact Sheet. (2010). Retrieved July 19, 2016 from https://plants.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/fs_ceca4.pdf

Jackson, Marion. (2003). 101 Trees of Indiana: A Field Guide. Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press.

Lygaeoids: Seed Bugs and Their Kin, University of Kentucky Entomology. (2007). Retrieved July 19, 2016 from http://www.uky.edu/Ag/CritterFiles/casefile/insects/bugs/seedbug/seedbug.htm

#milkweed

Milkweed bugs, Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.) Retrieved July 19, 2016 from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/pests-and-problems/insects/plant-bugs/milkweed-bugs.aspx

Newcomb, Lawrence. (1977). Wildflower Guide. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company. 

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Interconnected Webs

Field Observation:

It was a warm but foggy morning as I began the short hike to Wysong Meadows Loop.  It was that time in the morning where the birds were becoming active, so much in fact that the mother goose thought I was trying to interfere with her goslings, so she helped me get moving even faster with a quick flap of her wings and a quick hiss.  As I approached Wysong Loop I couldn’t help but notice the hundreds of spider webs throughout the field with the first of the morning sun reflecting off the beautiful silk.  I also quickly observed the eager mosquitoes and deer flies searching for an early morning snack.  When I approached the loop for the first time I noticed a few large trees with their leaves glinting with the morning fog surrounded by a sea of herbaceous plants.  Beginning my first lap around the loop trail I could begin to distinguish a few smaller differences in the plant communities, such as areas with more shrubby vegetation, smaller grasses, rushes, and forbs, as well as differences in moisture levels. 

During this early morning walk around the loop I even scared up a wild turkey hen and her poults and they quickly ran/flew into the brush; I could also hear a tom in the distance gobbling.  As I continued walking I began to notice the great variety of wildflowers and how walking, even in that small loop, could have such differences.  Put together they made up a beautiful mosaic and splashes of color and mixed with the early morning fog and hundreds of spider webs made for a picture perfect story.  

Species Identification:

1) Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

With a height of 1-3’ this flowering plant is hard to miss on the open field displaying a golden yellow daisy-like flower around a black to brown central disk (Figures 1 and 2).  This plant is a biennial which means that it takes two years to fully complete its lifecycle, the first year it forms its leaves, which range from 2-7’’ long and are rough and hairy, and the second year the flower heads which are 2-3’’ emerge (Thieret, Niering, and Olmstead, 2001). 

Fig. 1 Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) Flower head
(K. Bradley 7/7/2016)

Fig. 2 Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) Tall 1-3' with rough and hairy leaves  
(K. Bradley 7/7/2016)

The black-eyed susan is native to North America and is known as a pioneer species, which means that following a disturbance, such as wildfire or grazing, it is one of the first species to recolonize the area (Fall Wildflowers of New England, 2004).  Given the recent management history of this area, a prescribed fire, which occurred in the spring of 2016, would help explain why black-eyed susan is currently present here (W. Minter, personal communication, July 7, 2016).  Also this plant can grow on any landscape ranging from fields, prairies, and even to open woods, making a beautiful display of color flowering anywhere from June to October (Thieret et al. 2001).  

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2) Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

This brilliantly colored flower is hard to miss in the old field landscape, with its bright orange color standing out in stark contrast.  The flowers themselves are clustered in a group on top of the hairy stem with narrow shaped leaves 2-5’’ long (Fig. 3-5).  Research has shown that butterfly weed can take up to four years to reach its full size and it is able to survive long dry summers because of its long taproot (Texas Parks & Wildlife).  It is easy to compare to other milkweeds because in addition to the flower color this is the only milkweed with an alternate leaf arrangement and watery sap when bruised, many other milkweeds have a milky substance released when broken open (Newcomb 1977).  Butterfly Weed can be present on a wide variety of habitats, from open dry soils to roadsides to fields and prefers well drained soils, and it has a large distribution across North America (Texas Parks & Wildlife, Thieret et al. 2001). It is present in this old field because it has the perfect habitat conditions, with ample sunlight, and well drained sandy soil. 

Fig. 3 Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) The brightly colored orange flowers on top the hairy stem. (K. Bradley 7/9/2016)

Fig. 4 Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)  The characteristic flowers clustered together to form a large showy head.  (K. Bradley 7/9/2016)

Fig. 5 Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)  1-2' in height with hairy stems and 2-5'' narrow leaves. (K. Bradley 7/9/2016)

Butterfly weed has also some unique characteristics and historical uses.  This plant is commonly used in landscaping projects because it attracts many beneficial pollinators like bees and especially butterflies, thus the common name.  Historically Native Americans used the tough taproot to treat a variety of ailments such as pleurisy, asthma, and other respiratory illnesses (Texas Parks & Wildlife, Thieret et al. 2001).  

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3) Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus)

The eastern cottontail rabbit is a common sight throughout most of North American and can be seen from urban areas to open fields.  In this location they are commonly seen darting onto and off of mowed trails.  It is easily recognizable as the cottontail rabbit due to the white underside of its tail, and when it is moving is easily observable (Fig. 6).  As long as this rabbit has cover, brushy areas, tall grasses, and food such as shoots of grass, leaves, and clover the populations can thrive.  This rabbit is present in this old field because it provides the perfect combination of food and cover, which protects them from predators.   

Fig. 6 Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) (Photo Credit: Indiana Department of Natural Resources)
  

Like many other animal species the population goes through many ups and downs.  The population can increase if there is an abundance of food and cover and fewer predators such as foxes, hawks, owls, and domesticated dogs.  Rabbits can have from three to six litters each summer which allows for population numbers to greatly change in the course of a few months.  This population can then come back down due to a number of factors such as disease, poor reproduction, low food supply, and hunting (Indiana Department of Natural Resources).

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4) Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides)

Eastern Cottonwood trees are very common throughout the central United States and are found on moist and well drained soils, usually around bodies of water such as creeks, rivers, wetlands, and ponds.  That is why many cottonwoods are in this site due to historical and current ditches and waterways (Fig. 7).  When approaching cottonwood trees you can usually hear the leaves in the breeze, and the leaves themselves have a flattened stalk connecting the leaves to the branches.  The leaves are a deltoid (triangular) shaped, thus the scientific name, and are toothed (Fig 8 and 9).  The branches themselves are alternate, have thick twigs, and the bark is characteristically gray and furrowed (Jackson 2003). 

Fig. 7 Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides) One of the trees found in the old field. (K. Bradley 7/9/2016) 

Fig. 8 Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides) Characteristic leaves with flat stem and thick branches. (K. Bradley 7/9/2016)

Fig. 9 Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides) Characteristic deep furrowed bark (K. Bradley 7/9/2016)

Some interesting characteristics and uses of cottonwood include the fact that the wood is not durable, and thus is commonly used for plywood.  Cottonwood is also used in windbreaks (planted in multiple rows) and is sometimes selected and planted for being able to quickly provide shade to an area.  Cottonwood is regenerated by seeds which are very small and attached to a cottony mass thus the name, and allows for easy distribution and regeneration (USDA 2002).  

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Creative Contribution: Spider web photos taken from Wysong Meadows Loop. (K. Bradley 7/7/2016)

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Response Question:

The dominant vegetation for the Wysong Loop is an herbaceous layer filled with grasses, rushes, and wildflowers.  There is also woody vegetation with 5 large woody tree species, comprised of Populus deltoides and Juniperus Virginiana as well as some bushy sumac (Rhus sp.) located on the eastern side.  The main vegetation found throughout is a mixture of grasses and wildflowers, with heights ranging from just a few inches on the north side, all the way over six feet on the southern edge of the area. 

The dominant vegetation is an herbaceous layer due to the management activities of the area.  Historically this old field was used for row crop agriculture from 1938-1967, so almost thirty years (or more) of production before it was planted with clover as a wildlife habitat as an agreement with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.  In the mid 1990’s there was management implemented to cut invading woody plants, such as hawthorn (Crataegus sp.) and autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellate). Autumn olive is is a very invasive pest species found throughout North America and efforts throughout the country are underway to attempt to get rid of this invasive shrub.  These woody plants were removed from the area to reduce the fuel load and the first prescribed fire was completed in the spring of 1996.  In the spring of 1995, two permanent vegetation transects were installed allowing area managers to track species and abundances.  Since the first initial burn there have been prescribed fires occurring in the spring of 2003, 2004, 2007, 2010, and 2016 (W. Minter, personal communication, July 7, 2016). 

This management of this area would greatly explain why the herbaceous layer is so active today.  Having a prescribed fire through the area allows for the grasses and wildflowers to regenerate, most of which thrive under periodic fire conditions, while at the same time getting rid of the woody plant species that were starting to establish.  Prescribed fire is a very beneficial management activity for a variety of reasons ranging from reducing large fuel loads, helping to remove unwanted species (such as the woody vegetation), increase forage for game animals (wild turkey, cottontail rabbit, etc.), helps the land recycle the nutrients, and finally providing optimal growth for many varieties of herbaceous plants, and wildflowers (Fire & Aviation Management).  Finding the cottonwood trees in this area can also show the history of this area which used to be underwater with the remnant sandy soil and mesic site conditions.  

I can’t wait to see how my site changes over the next couple of months.  Many of the goldenrod species and other wildflowers look just about ready to start blooming, which will paint and even brighter picturesque landscape.  I also can't wait to see and learn more about how interconnected things are, just like the spider's web, so stay tuned!  

Citations:

Fall Wildflowers of New England. (2004). Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta). Retrieved July 10, 2016, from http://www.bio.brandeis.edu/fieldbio/Wildflowers_Kimonis_Kramer/PAGES/BLACK-EYEDSUSAN_PAGE_FINAL.html

Fire and Aviation Management, Managing Wildland Fires: Prescribed Fire. (n.d.) Retrieved July 14, 2016, from http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/management/rx.html

Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Animal Information: Cottontail Rabbit. (n.d.) Retrieved July 11, 2016, from https://secure.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/3375.htm

Jackson, Marion. (2003). 101 Trees of Indiana: A Field Guide. Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press.

Newcomb, Lawrence. (1977). Wildflower Guide. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company.

Texas Parks & Wildlife, Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa). (n.d.) Retrieved July 14, 2016, from http://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/species/butterflyweed/

Thieret, J. W., Niering, W. A., & Olmstead, N. C. (Eds.). (2001). National Audubon Society Field Guide to Wildflowers Eastern Region. New York, NY: Chanticleer Press.

USDA NRCS Plant Materials Program, Plant Fact Sheet, Eastern Cottonwood. (2002). Retrieved July 14, 2006 from http://plants.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/fs_pode3.pdf