The Rhexia

Paynes Prairie Chapter of the Florida Native Society

Medical Remedies Using Local Native

At our October Chapter Meeting, we have lined up a speaker that you will not want to miss! He is a retired Florida Native Plant Society Mission: cardiologist and one of the founders of the Matheson Promote the preservation, Museum, Dr. Mark Barrow. conservation, and restoration of the native plants and native plant Dr. Barrow will engage our native plant interests with his communities of Florida. talk entitled, “Old Time Medical Remedies Using Local Native Plants”. He will relate information from a study IN THIS ISSUE: done thirty years ago in Mayo, FL where it was discovered that many of the older people in the area were still using SPEAKER THIS MONTH 1 homemade medicines passed down from prior generations. CONTACT LIST 2 NATIVE PLANT SALE 2 Join Dr. Barrow, chapter members, and other native plant FIELD TRIP/ YARD REPORT 3 enthusiasts on Thursday, October 9th, at 7 pm at our new YOUR HELP NEEDED 4 OCTOBER FIELD TRIP 5 meeting place, Matheson Museum, 513 E. University PLANT ID REPORT 6 Avenue in Gainesville, for what promises to be an SPONSORS 7 interesting and enlightening evening for native plant lovers. CALENDAR 8 PAYNES PRAIRIE CHAPTER Fall Plant Sale Just Around the Corner Lisa Jelks CONTACT LIST for 2014 There’s just the hint of coolness in the air, signaling the beginning of the fall planting season. And, what a welcome feeling! After a very hot and humid summer we are all looking forward to the brisk, clear days of autumn.

Claudia Larsen, [email protected] Attending the Fall Native Plant Sale at Morningside Nature Center is a perfect way to spend some time outdoors, while perusing the various vendor booths and picking out the best plants for your landscape.

Goldie Schwartz, [email protected] You won’t want to miss this Fall’s sale, rd th which will be held October 3 and 4 . rd Chapter Representative Remember, Friday night (October 3 ) is for our members only, which means you get first dibs on all the wonderful offerings of wildflowers, bushes, Connie Caldwell, [email protected] vines, trees, and shrubs. This window of opportunity is narrow,

with the sale beginning at 4:30 and ending at 6:30. Then on Saturday (October 4th) we have a whole host of fun. Beginning at 8:30 and going until 12:30, there will not only be the fantastic plant vendors selling the “right plant for the right place” but there will also be live music, courtesy of Leo Nico, a guided wildflower walk through Morningside’s nature trails, and free plant advice at the FNPS booth.

The sale also features the very unique Park- A-Plant, which allows plant lovers to shop Paul Cohen, [email protected] hands-free and enjoy one-time payment and plant pickup. Both credit and debit cards are now accepted. If you have an Karen Schneider, [email protected] extra hour or so, we could use some help at Park-A-Plant or at our booth. You do not need to be a plant expert to be helpful. Contact Lisa Jelks at [email protected] or **Starred Positions will be VACANT after DECEMBER 2014 call 373-3028. See you there!

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THIRTY YEARS OF RESTORATION Connie Caldwell

We turn off the pavement onto a dirt road in Flamingo Hammock in Southeast Gainesville. Wildflowers in abundance surround us, especially partridge pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata) in full bloom. Following some “FNPS” signs, we meet up with Doug Hornbeck and Sue Mauk, who are hosting this month’s (September) native plant yard visit. A table is set up in the shade with various wildflower books and two binders containing spreadsheets for Alachua County culled from the Florida Atlas of Vascular Plants--the “working list” for Flamingo Hammock. Many of the plants have been checked off as “found”.

For 30-some years, Doug, Sue, and some friends have been clearing exotics and laurel oaks and conducting controlled burns so that natives contained in the latent seed bank can once again germinate and thrive. In addition, numerous species that are indigenous to the natural habitat have been planted. Sue leads us along dirt roads and mowed paths where we’re treated to an amazing diversity of plants, many of which are tagged and cross referenced to lists in the binders, thanks largely to identification work by Ellie Sommers and Paul Hoffhein. Doug follows us on a golf cart, offering rides and cold drinks, much welcome on a hot day.

Wildflowers that we see along the way include beach sunflower ( debilis), blood leaf (Iresine diffusa), obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana), partridge pea (C. fasciculata and C. nictitans), horsemint (Monarda punctata), goldenrod (Solidaga spp.), lyreleaf sage (Salvia lyrata), elephant’s foot (Elephantopus elatus), ironweed (Vernonia angustifolia), incised agrimony (Agrimonia incisa), coral bean (Erythrina herbacea), clematis (Clematis spp.), butterfly pea (Clitoria spp.), wild petunia (Ruellia caroliniana), dog fennel (Eupatorium spp.), pokeweed (Phytolacca americana), passion vine (Passiflora incarnata), liatris (Liatris spp.), desmodium (Desmodium spp.), black-eyed susan (Rudbeckia mollis), sand squares (Paronychia patula), Yellow buttons (Balduina angustifolia), pennyroyal (Piloblephus rigida), white top aster (Aster tortifolius), queen’s delight (Stillingia sylvatica), Florida paintbrush (Carphephorus corymbosus), pinewoods milkweed (Asclepias humistrata), Spanish needles (Bidens alba), Flyr’s nemesis (Brickellia cordifolia), Indian plantain (Arnoglossum floridanum), Florida milk vine (Matelea floridana), stinging nettle (Cnidoscolus stimulosus), whorled milkweed (Asclepias verticillata), tickseed (Coreopsis leavenworthii), Feay’s palafox (Palafoxia feayi), hairy milkvetch (Astragalus villosus), and lespedeza (L. spp.). A seminole squash asserts itself among the wildflowers in a planted area. Gopher tortoises abound and Sue tells us they especially like to eat lyreleaf sage and elephant’s foot.

We notice trees that include sand live oak (Quercus geminata), chickasaw plum (Prunus angustifolia), American holly (Ilex opaca), hawthorne (Crataegus marshallii and C. uniflora), loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), longleaf pine (P. palustris), slash pine (P. elliottii), hickories (Carya spp.), cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto), and live oaks (Quercus virginiana). Some shrubs along the way are beauty berry (Callicarpa americana), sparkleberry (Vaccinium arboreum), deerberry (V. stamineum), St. John’s wort (Hypericum spp.), Adam’s needle (Yucca filamentosa), narrowleaf paw paw (Asimina angustifolia), garberia (G. spp.), devil’s walking stick (Aralia spinosa), New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americanus), bumelia (Sideroxylon spp.), Snakeroot (Ageratina jucunda), cat’s tongue (Melanthera nivea), firebush (Hamelia patens), and yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria.

Grasses are many. Some that we notice include wiregrass (Aristida stricta var. beyrichiana), lovegrass (Eragrostis spp.), skeleton grass (Gymnopogon spp.), silkgrass (Pityopsis graminifolia), lopsided Indian grass (Sorghastrum secundum) and red top (Tridens flavus).

Paths diverge and we are given a choice: walk beside a creek and sinkhole or see other tree species. We choose the latter and see meadowbeauty (Rhexia spp.), swamp tupelo (Nyssa slvatica), hophornbeam (carpinus caroliniana), paw paw (Asimina triloba), witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), bluff oak (Quercus austrina), chapman’s oak (Q. chapmanii), viburnums (V. spp.), basswood (Tilia americana var. caroliniana), myrtle oaks (Q. myrtifolia), red buckeye (Aesclus pavia), fringe trees (Chionanthus virginicus), and post oak (Q. stellata).

Some of us remain to view 30 neighboring acres of a newly logged area where laurel oaks have been removed, leaving an open overstory of pines and live oaks. We enjoy the open, park-like appearance and the sense of potential that is there for more native species to show themselves. Numerous species, in addition to the ones that we saw, have been identified in Flamingo Hammock. One very rare plant, agrimonia, had been discovered in areas previously mowed and burned. Who knows what might be waiting in this newly cleared area----???

Many thanks to Doug and Sue and all their friends and neighbors who have been working to save, preserve, and restore this piece of Florida’s beauty, and to Doug and Sue for making it possible for us to visit. 3 Will you PLEASE consider helping your FNPS Chapter by serving in some capacity? There is an urgent need for replacements.

Positions as President and Vice President, Newsletter Editor, and Field Trip Coordinator will be vacant after December. Help us continue to offer programs and field trips of interest to native plant enthusiasts.

In order to assist your consideration of this important service we are listing job descriptions below. This way you can see that it’s not an impossible task – you only need a commitment to our group and a few organizational skills. Maybe you can join as a board member to get your feet wet. We already have experienced members serving, but of course eventually someone has to be an officer…

Paynes Prairie Chapter is in urgent need of the following:

President/Vice President - responsibilities (term- 1 year, renewable for 3 consecutive years)

• Host 8 program meetings per year • Conduct 5 Board/Planning meetings (First Monday in Jan, Mar, May, August, October) • Appoint committees as necessary • Nominating Committee in Sept (3-persons with 2 non-officers and 2 person audit committee for treasury • Coordinate monthly speakers and field trips-remind speakers and FT leaders 2 weeks prior and discuss special needs • Provide info about speakers and field trips to newsletter editor • Recap monthly events and send to newsletter editor and web manager • Write letters of support as voted by officers • Coordinate chapter projects • Attend state BOD meetings and communicate with state officers/BOD when possible. Answer letters and email concerning FNPS

Newsletter editor- responsibilities

• Create and publish 8 newsletter including sending email version • Chapter members make submissions, send by 15th of each month to [email protected] • Newsletter printing and distribution – Renaissance Printing • Extra hard copies can be ordered for pickup • Mailing list is updated by Membership chair Goldie Schwartz

Field Trip Coordinator- responsibilities

• Arrange full or half-day outings for the 8 Saturdays following regular monthly meetings • Send trip directions and descriptions to newsletter and web editors • Collect names of field trip attendees/insurance waiver for recordkeeping • Write up trip description or pictures for newsletter

If you will help, contact anyone on the Paynes Prairie Chapter Contact List, page two.

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Thanks to Dr. Patti Anderson, our speaker for September, for teaching us how to use plant identification keys and sending us all home with new tricks and tips for success! Thanks, too, Dr. Anderson, for your sprinkling of humor that made our first meeting fun and engaging!

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2014 Nominating Committee If you are good at arm twisting or sweet talking, this job is for you!

Our annual elections take place at the November meeting. We need 3 members to serve on the Nominating Committee. Please consider this short term job during October to help us find new officers and board members for 2015. Thanks. Contact Erick ([email protected]) or Claudia ([email protected])

We’re Going on a Field Trip

Saturday October 11, 2014

TO: Ordway-Swisher Biological Station Tour Begins at Ordway Swisher at 8:30 am Tour duration: 4 hours (not including travel time) We are scheduled to finish up at 12:30 pm FNPS Field Trip Coordinator: Goldie Schwartz Field Trip Guide: Steve Coates, Assoc. Director, Ordway-Swisher Biological Station

Pre-Register – Space is Limited: Only 25 attendees will fit in the bus. You must pre-register for trip by emailing Goldie Schwartz at [email protected] with ORDWAY TRIP in the subject line. Your confirmation and directions to the trip will be sent via email. Your guide for the tour will be Steve Coates, Associate Director of Ordway, who will take us on an open bus tour of the property, visiting many areas not seen on our visit last year.

Description of site: The Ordway-Swisher Biological Station (OSBS) is a year-round field station established for the long-term study and conservation of unique ecosystems through management, research, and education. The Station is the largest facility (area-wise) that UF operates and currently comprises over 9, 300 acres. OSBS is administered through the UF Institute of Food & Agricultural Science's (IFAS) Office of the Dean for Research. Due to the sensitivity of the work conducted on-site, the facility is not open to the public. OSBS is a member of the Organization of Biological Field Stations (OBFS). OSBS has a mosaic of wetlands and uplands that include sandhills, xeric hammock, upland mixed forest, swamps, marshes, clastic upland lakes, sandhill upland lakes, and marsh lakes. There is a variety of fauna which inhabit the Station including a number of state and federally listed species. Archeological sites on the Station show human presence and require more investigation. The most recent uses of the lands comprising the Station were cattle ranching and game hunting. Wildfires and prescribed burning have had a strong influence on the property. (See http://ordway- swisher.ufl.edu/index.htm).

DON’T FORGET TO BRING: water, snack or lunch, insect spray, sun screen, hat, binoculars & camera.

5 Plant Identification Workshop for September 11, 2014 Begonia cucullata Wax Begonia, Club Begonia Begoniaceae Not Native Cantinoa mutabilis Tropical Bushmint Lamiaceae Native

Cenchrus spinifex Coastal Sandbur Poaceae Native

Clematis terniflora Sweet Autumn Virginsbower Ranunculaceae Not Native

Stiff (Cornel) Dogwood; Cornus foemina Swamp Dogwood Cornaceae Native

Croton michauxii Rushfoil, Michaux's Croton Euphorbiaceae Native

Baldwin's Spikerush; Eleocharis baldwinii Roadgrass Cyperaceae Native

Eupatorium mohrii Mohr's Thoroughwort Native

Hydrilla verticillata Waterthyme, Hydrilla Hydrocharitaceae Not Native

Hypericum cistifolium Roundpod St. John's-Wort Clusiaceae Native

Shore Rush, Grassleaf Juncus marginatus Rush Juncaceae Native

Lechea torreyi Piedmont Pinweed Cistaceae Native

Linum floridanum Florida Yellow Flax Linaceae Native

Morus rubra Red Mulberry Moraceae Native

Pityopsis graminifolia Narrowleaf Silkgrass Asteraceae Native

Polygala rugelii Yellow Milkwort Polygalaceae Native

Rhynchospora fascicularis Fascicled Beaksedge Cyperaceae Native

Rhynchospora wrightiana Wright's Beaksedge Cyperaceae Native

Bearfoot, Yellow Leafcup, uvedalia Hairy Leafcup Asteraceae Native

Downy Maiden Fern, Downy Thelypteris dentata Shield Fern Thelypteridaceae Native

Coastalplain Yelloweyed Xyris ambigua Grass Xyridaceae Native

Xyris fimbriata Fimbriate Yelloweyed Grass Xyridaceae Native

Special Notes: Smallanthus uvedalia is now Polymnia uvedalia. Hyptis mutabilis is now Cantonoa mutabilis.

The workshop is educational and is not intended as a plant ID service. Nomenclature adapted from “Atlas of Florida Vascular Plants” (http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/). Thank you to all those who participated. Submitted by Paul Cohen and Robert Garren

How To Be A Native Plant Groupie Learn more about our Florida native plants by attending lectures, networking with other native plant enthusiasts, and participating in field trips to sites where natives grow or are utilized in landscapes. Paynes Prairie Chapter of the FL Native Plant Society meets on the second Thursday at 7 PM each month September through November and January through May at the Matheson Museum, 513 E. University Avenue in Gainesvillle. Bring plant questions and come early, at 6:15, for a plant ID clinic. You could win a plant in the Plant Raffle, too. Field trips are generally held on the Saturday following our meeting. Keep up with program meetings, field trip schedules, and chapter happenings with our monthly newsletter, or online at either our website: http://www.paynesprairie.fnpschapters.org, or on Facebook.

`THANK YOU TO ALL Our Sponsors

To become a sponsor of FNPS Paynes Prairie Chapter, send your business card sized ad in jpg format to the Treasurer. Ads run Jan---Nov (except for summer months) for $100 and monthly for $12.50.

Florida Native Plant Society Paynes Prairie Chapter PO Box 1004 Archer, FL 32618

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Paynes Prairie Chapter Activities Calendar – FALL 2014

OCTOBER 6--- Planning Meeting 5:30pm at Fifield Hall, UF

9--- Program Meeting 7 pm at Matheson Museum, Gainesville Speaker: Dr. Mark Barrow

11--- OCT Field Trip – Ordway Conservation Area, Melrose

NOVEMBER 3--- Planning Meeting 5:30 pm at Fifield Hall, UF

13--- Program Meeting 7 pm at Matheson Museum, Gainesville Speaker: Michael Campbell, Urban Forester

15--- NOV Field Trip--- Terry Zinn’s Wildflower Farm, Alachua

DECEMBER no activities this month