Thirteen populations of Erythronium mesochoreum Knerr, ranging from 15 to 3,940 individuals, were studied in nine northwestern and central Illinois counties. A species of tall-grass prairies and open oak woodlands throughout its midwestern range, it is present in open oak woodlands and forest-prairie borders characterized by acidic, silt loam soils in Illinois, where it was first reported in 1983. Many populations are threatened by mowing, woody invasion, railroad maintenance, or competition with exotic species, causing several colonies to be in danger of extirpation. Field investigations during the spring of 1998 resulted in the discovery of numerous additional populations on dry oak-hickory ridge tops in southwestern Macoupin County, suggesting the potential for other colonies near other known locations in Illinois.
Castanea publishes peer-reviewed papers relating to all aspects of botany in the entire eastern United States and adjoining areas. The journal encourages submissions of scientific papers dealing with basic research in any field of plant biology, systematics, floristics, ecology, physiology and biochemistry. Castanea serves professional and amateur botanists from across the country who are interested in eastern botany.
The Southern Appalachian Botanical Society publishes papers relating to the botany of the Eastern United States. In addition, as the official publication of the Society, news and information of interest to the membership is also contained within the pages of this quarterly publication. Castanea was first published in 1936.
This item is part of a JSTOR Collection.
For terms and use, please refer to our
Castanea
© 1999 Southern Appalachian Botanical Society