NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS N e w s Native Plant Society of Texas, North Central Chapter P Newsletter Vol 32, Number 5 S May 2020 O ncc npsot newsletter logo newsletter ncc npsot © 2018 Troy & Martha Mullens & Martha © 2018 Troy Purple Coneflower — Echinacea sp. T May Meeting Cancelled due to Covid19

Normal Meeting Times: Many, if not all, 6:00 Social, 6:30 Business 7:00 Program Activities and Redbud Room Volunteer Opportunities Deborah Beggs Moncrief Garden Center are still cancelled. Fort Worth Botanic Garden Check with the co-ordinators.

O Enjoy the articles O Chapter of the Year (2016/17) Chapter Newsletter of the Year (2019/20) AND PHOTOGRAPHS Visit us at ncnpsot.org & www.txnativeplants.org Index

President's Corner by Gordon Scruggs ...... p. 3f Flower of the Month, Mealy Blue Sage Chapter Leaders by Josephine Keeney ...... p. 5f Tale of Two Flowers by Erika Choffel ...... p. 7f President — Gordon Scruggs Activities & Volunteering for April 2020 [email protected] by Martha Mullens ...... p. 9ff Texas Redbud by Erika Choffel ...... p. 12f Past President — Karen Harden Wood Fern, NICE! Plant of the Season (Spring) Vice President & Programs — by Dr. Becca Dickstein, re Shelly Borders ..... p. 14 Morgan Chivers Answer to last month’s puzzle and a new puzzle ...... p. 15 Recording Secretary — Debbie Stilson “May Calendar” Page by Troy Mullens ...... p. 16 Treasurer — Vanessa Wojtas Ground Covers by Martha Mullens ...... p. 17ff Hospitality Chair — Corinna Benson, Look What You Could Do and Chapter Trifold Traci Middleton By Martha Mullens ...... p. 20 Membership Chair — Beth Barber Culturally Insensitive Plant Names? by Martha Mullens ...... p. 21f Events Chair — Chairperson needed A Yard Full of Native Plants is a Yard Full of Birds! NICE! Coordinator — Shelly Borders by Martha Mullens ...... p. 23 Plant Sales Coordinators - Gordon Scruggs 2000 Year Old Bald Cypress by Martha Mullens .... p. 24 & Sandy Fountain & Josephine Keeney Gardening for Wildlife by Martha Mullens ...... p. 25 Education/Outreach Chair — Open May Membership Report by Beth Barber ...... p. 26 Webmaster — Frank Keeney Hospitality by Corinna Benson ...... p. 26 Field Trips — Eric Johnson Online Sources for Plant Information Speaker’s Bureau — Theresa Thomas By Martha Mullens ...... p. 26 Atlas of the Vascular Plants of Texas (2 vols.) Donations/Grants Chair — Open Book review by Martha Mullens ...... p. 27 Parliamentarian — Martha Mullens Make Your Own Potting Soil by Josephine Kinney ... p. 28 Facebook Manager — Open Parting Shots, News & Views by the Editors ...... p. 29 Newsletter Editor — Troy Mullens Volunteer Position Opportunites ...... p. 29 [email protected] State Fall Symposium ...... p. 29 Assistant Newsletter Editor — Farmers Calendar by Troy Mullens ...... p. 30 Planting Guide by Troy Mullens ...... p. 31 Martha Mullens Oldest known Living Trees ...... p. 32 Southwest Subcourthouse Garden Leaders Recommended Plants List (Complete) ...... p. 33f Gailon Hardin & Dawn Hancock Pollinator Pledge by the Xerces Society ...... p. 35 Native Plant Gardens at the Southwest Half-Earth Pledge by E.O. Wilson ...... p. 35 Regional Library Leaders — This Year's Programs by Morgan Chivers ...... p. 36 Theresa Thomas & Char McMorrow Join NPSOT, Mission Statement, May Meeting ...... p. 37 Molly Hollar Wildscape Garden Leader — Newsletter Submission Requirements ...... p. 37 Ann Knudsen Fielder House Garden Leaders — Josephine Keeney & Jane Osterhuis News Flash O.S. Gray Natural Area — ******************** Josephine Keeney White Settlement Waystation — What's blooming Merita Knapp & Sandy Fountain In your yard, Publicity Chair — Chairperson needed & Martha Mullens Troy ©2017 NLCP Classes Coordinator — garden or prairie? Merita Knapp The President’s Corner - May 2020 - by Gordon Scruggs

I hope you and your families are well. As you know, we two of the first ones purchased. Those two came up have cancelled all in-person activities including the the following two years in mid-spring, only to grow a workdays at the demonstration gardens. The spring few inches tall and then disappear by early summer as is the worst time to forego maintenance in a garden. the Texas sun began to heat up the atmosphere. I kept With the mild climate, periodic rain, and then sun- a flagged stake on both so I could tell where they were shine the undesirable plants are rapidly over-running located. Then this spring they both emerged and, to many of our native plants. This will make it a chal- my surprise, are still growing and may bloom! lenge to clean up the gardens once we can get back in to work them. I want you to know that our chapter is One of the surviving plants is a green milkweed and committed to restoring our demonstration gardens as the other is an antelope horn. Even more amazing is soon as we can safely do so. that there are three other very small plants coming up by them that may be two more antelope horns and an- With the spring dominated by a shelter-in-place or- other green milkweed. So what did I learn from this der, I have spent a great deal of time weeding and ob- experience? When you plant a milkweed, stay in it for serving my gardens. Milkweeds are one of the plants the long haul. It may have little above ground growth I have worked hard to cultivate and have been very for years, just be patient. Second, flag its location. This frustrated with my lack of success. Of course, I plant- way you can continue to monitor and cultivate it, pos- ed three Tropical milkweeds / Asclepias curassavica sibly for years. My cultivation process is to keep the when I first learned the importance of milkweeds to area around each plant clear of groundcover, except the survival of Monarch butterflies. Now I do nothing leaf litter for mulch, and open to full sun once the but cut them to the ground in the fall to prevent the plant sprouts. spread of disease to Monarchs. The three have multi- plied to 16 plants (counting each stem rising from the Honestly, I had written off these milkweed plants. So ground surface). They are a hardy plant. this spring has been one of great joy for me. The iro- ny is that I purchased a pallet (50) of green milkweed I have been planting and seeding Butterfly milkweed/ plants back in February before any milkweeds were A. tuberosa, or as I call it Butterflyweed, in my gar- coming up. They arrived in mid-April and I am now dens for the last three years. Just counted 24 plants planting them. The good news is that now I know how with what look like about four new seedlings. I say to cultivate these plants to better insure success. I will ‘about’ because my identification of a plant is best report back next year to let you know how successful when it is blooming. Butterflyweed is more challeng- I was. Of course, the full report will not be in for sev- ing to identify because many of the first year plants eral years. do not bloom. If you have any observations, tips, or just want to pass Now that I have told you the successful part of my ex- along your experiences with native plants, please con- perience cultivating milkweed, I will get into my ex- tact me at [email protected] I always en- perience with trying to cultivate other milkweeds. In joy discussing native plants. Please be safe. May of 2017 in my back garden, I planted two Green (Spider) milkweeds / A. viridis and two Antelope Horn milkweeds / A. asperula. These plants were pur- chased at our Chapter’s plant sale. Over the following three years I cannot make a guess how many Green and Antelope Horn milkweeds were planted in my Photos Continued on Page 4 back garden. Suffice it to say many; all to no avail. All were about three inches tall or less when purchased. Once planted in my garden, they quickly disappeared. None ever sprouted again, as far as I could tell, except

May 2020 NPSOT News North Central Chapter Page 3 The President’s Corner - May 2020 - by Gordon Scruggs Continued from Page 3

butterflyweed june 2019 Butterflyweed April 2020

green milkweed tropical milkweed April 2020

May 2020 NPSOT News North Central Chapter Page 4 Mealy Blue Sage — Flower of the Month for May Story & Photographs by Josephine Keeney Mealy Blue Sage, Salvia farinacea

Mealy blue sage is one of the most reliable and striking plants in the North Central Texas area.

It is drought tolerant and blooms for a long period of time, from early April to October, with a bit of a break during the hottest part of summer. It can be cut at that time almost to the ground and with a little compost and water it will rebound and grow as tall and beautiful as before.

The long blue-purple spikes are a great attraction for all kinds of pollinators, especially bees of all types.

Needless to say we all should have this plant in our gardens for beauty and help to our pollinators.

More Photos on Page 6

May 2020 NPSOT News North Central Chapter Page 5 Mealy Blue Sage — Flower of the Month for May

Continued from Page 5

Photographs by Josephine Keeney

May 2020 NPSOT News North Central Chapter Page 6 A Tale of Two Flowers - by Erika Choffel

Two plants. Both have flowers. Similar jobs. Similar Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata) (Photos left) in the environment. But how can one be so beautiful, and water hyacinth family, is a native in Eastern Canada, the other? Well, only its mother could love. Yes, beau- and primarily all states east of the Mississippi, plus ty is in the eye of the beholder, but certainly, there Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas1. It is a perennial herb, are humans who prefer the Pickerelweed (Pontederia growing 1 to 3 feet, with white, blue or purple blooms cordata) over the Soft Rush (Juncus effesus). There in June through September. It prefers sun or part are, though, strong preferences depending on the life shade, and produces one, multi-flowered spike about form that is using the plant for tools or nutrition. 6” tall, with heart shaped leaves, though the leaves have great variability in size and shape. Pickerelweed attracts dragonflies, and provides nectar for bees and butterflies, and seeds for waterfowl. It is very effective at reducing the amount of nitrogen and phosphorous in water and soil2 from agricultural and pesticide runoff and sedimentation. This showy plant does double duty for us, as most of it is edible by humans, too. The seeds can be eaten straight from the plant, added to cereal, or dried and ground into flour. The younger leaves can be boiled or eaten raw. Propagation is by rhizomes or seeds.

Soft Rush (Juncus effesus) (photos next page), on the other hand, does not hold the same colorful, visual attraction to most human eyes. It is a rhizomatous, © Harry Cliffe, Wildflower.org perennial grass-like herb with brownish clumps of flowers, blooming in July through September, and provides food and shelter for muskrats, songbirds, and reptiles. J. effesus grows to be about 4 feet tall, with inflorescence on one side of the stem, about 8” from the top. In the Wetlands Journal3 it was found that Juncus ­effesus may help reduce nitrogen and phosphorous, especially in cattle and swine farm waste. “In addition to bacteria and oil, Soft Rush also removes heavy met- als such as zinc, copper, and cobalt from water.”4 Historically, Natives and First Nation Peoples used these plants to make baskets, mats and sometimes the shoots were eaten raw. Mats are still made from the plant, in some areas of the world. Soft Rush is bene- ficial in erosion control, nutrient transformation, and supports beneficial bacteria, which is an important © Alan Cressler, Wildflower Digital Library part of wastewater treatment.5

Two flowers cont. on Page 8

May 2020 NPSOT News North Central Chapter Page 7 A Tale of Two Flowers - by Erika Choffel Continued from Page 7

Texas’ A&M Agrilife Extension has a good 3-page ex- planation of some of the issues surrounding excess nitrogen in the soil.6

To see these and many more aquatic plants in action, check out the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center in Seagoville, TX, part of the North Texas Municipal Water District.

© Peggy Romfh, Wildflower Digital Library © Peggy Romfh, Wildflower Digital Library

1 https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=poco14 2 https://journals.ashs.org/hortsci/view/journals/hortsci/42/7/article-p1674.xml 3 https://www.wildflower.org/literature/show.php?id=724, J. T. Kao, J. E. Titus and W. X. Zhu. "Differential nitrogen and phosphorus retention by five wetland plant species." Wetlands 23.4 (2003): 979-987 4 https://www.kellogggarden.com/blog/gardening/plants-that-clean-water/ 5 https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/cs_juef.pdf 6 https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/library/gardening/what-happens-to-nitrogen-in-soils/

May 2020 NPSOT News North Central Chapter Page 8 May 2020 Activities Scheduled - by Martha Mullens

TX Governor Abbott is now allowing some meetings with restrictions. Therefore, programs listed may be cancelled, rescheduled or changed to online due to the corona virus covid-19. Check with the sponsors.

BRIT All onsite educational programming and volunteer opportunities are suspended until further notice. If the situation allows, programs will be rescheduled for a later date. email questions to [email protected]. Some classes are now offered online.

BRIT: Grow Guided Field Study Trips (check with BRIT if still planned) May 1-May 29 10 AM-noon Seeds, TX Eco-regions, Ecosystems ($7 student/$5 adult)

Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge Events, meetings, walks, and other gatherings are cancelled until further notice.

Native Prairies Association of Texas Fort Worth Chapter Hikes, events, tours and meet-ups cancelled. Will Reschedule when it is safe to do so.

Cross Timbers Master Naturalist FWBG Some sort of meeting is being planned. Zoom account got hacked. Limits options. Members watch for email notification.

Tarrant County Master Gardener Association Meetings suspended until further notice.

North Central Chapter of Native Plant Society of Texas Thurs., May 7 cancelled June 4 Possible Go-To-Meeting Look for email from President, Gordon Scruggs. Board Meeting: May 26 6:30 PM Go-To-Meeting conferencing from home Spring Plant Sale scheduled for May 30 revised. Held at individual growers homes. Watch for email with details. June 4 Possible Go-To-Meeting Look for email from President, Gordon Scruggs.

Fort Worth Botanic Garden Meetings cancelled. Plant sale cancelled. Any other programs check with office.

Opportunities Cont. on Page 10

May 2020 NPSOT News North Central Chapter Page 9 May 2020 Volunteer Opportunities - by Martha Mullens

Our chapter of NPSOT nor the state NPSOT cannot sponsor, encourage or plan any in-person meetings, events or demonstration garden activities indoors or outdoors at this time. according to Gordon Scruggs, President of our chapter.

Workdays are cancelled indefinitely at our demonstration gardens.

Fielder House Butterfly Garden 1616 W Abram St, Arlington Molly Hollar Wildscape Veterans Park, Arlington Knapp Heritage Park Pollinator Garden 201 West Front Street, Arlington River Legacy Park 701 NW Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington Volunteer Manager: Sherrie Ripple OS Gray Natural Area Native Plant Gardens at SW Regional Library at Hulen SW Tarrant Co. Sub Courthouse 6551 Granbury Rd, Fort Worth

Workdays or events may be cancelled or rescheduled due to the corona virus covid-19. Check with the leader of each group.

Volunteer @ Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge 9601 Fossil Ridge Rd, Fort Worth 76135 Volunteer Coordinator: Laura Veloz fwnc.org 817-392-7410 Volunteer Positions: Docent, Outdoor Conservationist (Natural Guard). Restoration Greenhouse, Visitor Center Host, Special Events, Animal Care

Volunteer at White Settlement Monarch Waystation Leaders: Sandy Fountain, Merita Knapp Workdays cancelled until further notice.

Volunteer for Native Prairies Association Fort Worth npat.wordpress.com

Volunteer at BRIT 1700 University Dr, Fort Worth 76107 Manager of Volunteers: Montana Williams To volunteer: go to brit.org , pull down bar “Get Involved”, click on Volunteer, click on “Become a Vol- unteer” and fill out an application.

* Note: Master Naturalists and Master Gardeners can get volunteer hours for work performed.

Volunteer Opportunities Cont. on Page 11

May 2020 NPSOT News North Central Chapter Page 10 April 2020 Volunteer* Opportunities - by Martha Mullens Continued from Page 10

REMEMBER

When we get back to normal, volunteers will be needed.

Stay safe and watch for the return of your favorite volunteer places.

May 2020 NPSOT News North Central Chapter Page 11 Texas Redbud - by Erika Choffel

All winter long, each time I worked under a friend’s bare tree, I hit my head on its low hanging branches, but in Spring, my opinion of it changed as dramatically as its showiness. The grayish branches burst with lovely bright pink flower clusters that resemble pea flowers. PlantSnap, a phone app I loaded recently, suggested it was a Texas Redbud. The NPSOT classes present such an enormous number of plants, that it’s a challenge to remember all the varieties! But I shall remember this one for sure.

© Erika Choffel © Erika Choffel

© Marcus Joseph, Marcus Wildflower Center Digital Library © Marcus Joseph, Continued onPage13 Marcus Wildflower Center Digital Library May 2020 NPSOT News North Central Chapter Page 12 Texas Redbud - by Erika Choffel Continued from Page 12

The Cercis Canadensis var texensis, in the fabaceae (legume) family, is one of the most beloved ornamental Texas natives. It flowers in March, April and May, with buds coming straight out of the branches, which reminds me of cherry blossoms. The fruit matures September and October. It is a large shrub or small tree, usually under 10 feet tall and wide, but can reach 15 to 20 feet. Leaves are simple, less than 6 inches in length, and have a unique heart shape, with a rounded or slightly point- ed tip, and a leaf margin often curling or wavy, which reminds me of a stingray swimming. Leaves are “palmately seven to nine-veined, bright green, shiny and leathery. Fruits are © Sally & Andy Wasowski from Wildflower.org reddish-brown clusters of legume pods, up to 5/8 inch in width and 2 to 4 inches in length, flattened, tapering at both ends.”1 It’s not uncommon to see these seed pods remain on the tree for more than a year, as seen in first photo.

The seeds of this beautiful tree are food for songbirds and game, while the flowers, blooming earlier than many other plants, feed many different pollinators, including native bees. It is the larval host for the ­Henry's Elfin butterfly. To propagate, harvest the pods as soon as they dry, and then scarify or stratify prior to planting.

There are additional uses of the Texas Redbud. In Mexico, the flowers are fried and eaten. Since they are acidic, they are also pickled. The nectar is at times used as a honey. The bark supplies a liquid extract that is used as an astringent and used in treating dysentery.3

The Texas Redbud is one tough tree: it will resprout after a fire or damage, and is quite heat, cold and drought tolerant. It can grow in full sun, or dappled shade and has low water needs. It grows best on rocky limestone slopes from Oklahoma to Northern Mexico, but can do fine in well-drained sandy, loamy or clay soils.

The Cercis canadensis var texensis displays rose to purple colored flowers in the Spring, ruffled, shiny leaves in the summer, turning gold and red in the Fall. It is a deciduous tree, but the seedpods remain through the winter. This tree holds interest and function year round, and can live up to 70 years!

1 Range Plants of North Central Texas, Ricky Linex, p. 264 2 http://www.txsmartscape.com/plant-search/plant-details.php?id=913 3 https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CECAT

May 2020 NPSOT News North Central Chapter Page 13 NICE! Plant of the Season (Spring) Reported by Shelly Borders

Spring 2020 Plant of the Season Native Plant Society of Texas, North Central Chapter NICE Native Plant Partners Natives Improve and Conserve Environments Wood Fern, Thelypteris kunthii: Perennial for full- to part-shade and moist soil

Description: Wood Fern, Thelypteris kunthii, also called Southern Shield Fern and Kunth’s Maiden Fern, is a deciduous fern that grows 1-3 feet tall and 1-3 feet wide. Very occasionally, specimens may reach 5 ft in height and diameter. In nature, Wood Fern is found in woodlands, wetlands, stream banks and near seeps in Texas and the southeastern US. T. kunthii is named in honor of Carl Sigismund Kunth, a German botanist who studied American plants in the early 1800s. Wood Fern’s fronds are light- to medium- Photos courtesy of Alan Cressler (left) and Sonnia green and will take on bronze color in the late Hill (right) fall and go brown as they die back in winter. Flowers and Seeds: Not applicable. Ferns reproduce using spores that form under their leaves. They do not flower or set seed. Planting sites: Wood Fern thrives in part shade to full shade in moist sandy, loam, clay or limestone- containing soils. It will tolerate poor drainage, as long as the soil is not compacted. Wood Fern requires moist soil and is not appropriate for soils that will completely dry out, although it can survive brief dry spells. Wood Fern flourishes in average to rich soil and will appreciate organic soil amendments. Watering Instructions: Wood Fern’s water requirements vary with the amount of sun it receives: the more sun it receives, the more water it will need. It requires supplemental water during drought. Comments: Wood Fern works well in a cottage garden, in mixed borders, and as a ground cover in shade and woodland gardens. It spreads easily by rhizomes to form colonies, but is not especially aggressive. Wood Fern is low maintenance: the brown fronds should be cut back before new growth appears in the spring. It is deer resistant. Consider planting Wood Fern instead of non-native, weedy and invasive Mariana Maiden Fern (Macrothelypteris torresiana) or Marsh Fern (Thelypteris palustris). Companion plants include those with similar soil and water needs: perennials Fall Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana), both Spring Obedient Plants (P. intermedia and P. pulchella), Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) and Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana L.). Other Texas native plants that will tolerate moist soil are suitable as companions as well.

Look for the NICE Plant of the Season signs and information sheets on your next visit to a participating North Texas nursery. Thank you for using native plants in your landscapes.

The Native Plant Society of Texas, North Texas Chapter meets on the 1st Thursday Feb thru June, Aug thru Dec at 6:30 pm, at Fort Worth Botanic Gardens, Deborah Beggs Moncrief Garden Center, Redbud Room.

txnativeplants.orghttps://media.txnativeplants.org Written by Dr. Becca Dickstein

May 2020 NPSOT News North Central Chapter Page 14 Answer to Last Month’s Puzzle and A New Puzzle by Troy Mullens © 2020

Answer to Last Months Puzzle Ten-petal anemone Anemone berlandieri

Seeds. Found in lawns. Cone shape disk flower. Usually white. No petals, just sepals.

New puzzle Small shrub Prefers: dry sunny slopes

May 2020 NPSOT News North Central Chapter Page 15 Breadroot

Mysterious and lowly, Beautiful and showy, Food for thought Dinner brought for contemplation.

© 2020 Martha Mullens

May 2020 NPSOT News North Central Chapter Page 16 Ground Covers - by Martha Mullens

Do you have a bare space where nothing grows and you don’t want a flower bed there? Are you tired of mowing a lawn? Do have an area which erodes when it rains? Then consider a ground cover. There are several native plants that form a mat or don’t mind being mowed or walked upon and need little if any extra water. Of course, buffalo grass might be your first choice for toughness, drought resistance, and not requiring any nurturing. But if you want variety and some flowering, then these I have found very dura- ble: horse herb,, and frog fruit. Although their blossoms are inconspicuous, they stay green most of the year and require little attention.

Buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides) is a turf grass which was native to the short-grass prairie. It is naturally drought toler- ant and disease resistant. Ideal for residential lawns because of the cool green summertime color and golden winter hues which make it attractive. Because its mature height is be- tween 4 and 6 inches, it requires little mowing and resists clumping and thatching if you choose to cut to 2-3 inch- es. It an effective weed barrier against johnson grass, dal- lisgrass, and bermuda grass because it out-competes them for water. It grows in sun or shade requiring only 4-6 hours of sunlight. Besides persisting in drought conditions, it can survive flooding, compacted soils, and can tolerate tempera- tures ranging from +120 F to -3o degrees Fahrenheit. All these qualities seem ideal, but there are a few negatives. It is slow growing and does turn brown in the winter. If you are planning on replacing your lawn with it, remember that it grows in tufts or little mounds which are not conducive to children’s play, anything involving running or games, such as footballl. If you are still interested, seeds are readily avail- able.

Online article: Wildscapes: Buffalograss-Tough Texas Turf, Texas Parks and Wildlife https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/wildlife_diversity/wildscapes/buffalograss.phtml

Reference Books: Damude, Noreen, Kelly Bender, Texas Landscapes-Gardening for Wildlife TX Parks & Wildlife Press, 1999 Linex, Ricky, Range Plants of North Central Texas, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Weatherford, TX, 2014

Ground Covers continued on Page 18

May 2020 NPSOT News North Central Chapter Page 17 Ground Covers - by Martha Mullens Continued from Page 17

Horse herb (Calyptocarpus vialis), also called lawn-flower, carpetweed, herba del caballo, and straggler daisy, is a favorite of mine because it will grow in shade or sun, is very drought resistant, and stays green all year unless the temperature dips be- low freezing and stays there for any length of time. All of the plants do not flower all year, but at any one time some are in bloom. Ours arrived on its own several years ago and flourished in the shade for awhile, but it eventually spread to sunny areas. Now it evens grows in the cracks of the driveway and sidewalk. In the midst of the drought last year, there were some blooming in our driveway. We walk on it and drive over it. Troy mows over it because it gets no more than 4 inches high. Whatever its location, it receives no supplemental water in the summer. As its name implies, it makes a great lawn which needs no fertilizers, pesticides, or extra water. It spreads by both seeds and runners, but it rarely invades well-mulched beds because it doesn’t do well in areas that have heavy leaves that take a long time to decompose. Deer usually avoid it. It is a larval food plant for the bordered patch butterfly (Chlosyne lacinia) and provides nectar for small butterflies, such as sulfurs and skippers. Medicinally it has been used to treat various illnesses in Mexico.

Reference Books: Ajilvsgi, Geyata, Wildflowers of Texas, Shearer Pub., Fredericksburg, TX, 2003 Diggs, George, Barney Lipscomb, Robert O’Kennon, Shinner’s and Mahler’s Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas, Austin College and BRIT Publishers, 1999, pages 572-4 Eason, Michael, Wildflowers of Texas, Timber Press, Portland, OR, 2018 Niehaus, Theodor, Charles Ripper, Virginia Savage, A Field Guide to Southwestern &Texas Wildflowers, Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, MA, 1984

Online: Great Stems: Love It or Leave It: Horseherb, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, wildflower.org

Ground Covers continued on Page 19

May 2020 NPSOT News North Central Chapter Page 18 Ground Covers - by Martha Mullens Continued from Page 18

Texas Frog-Fruit (Lippia nodiflora or Phyla nodiflo- ra formerly Phyla incisa) is the most common and wide-spread of the 7 (4 in North Central Texas) spe- cies of frog-fruit found in Texas. It will cover an area with branching stems that root at the nodes and can produce white flowers all year long depending on the moisture available. Usually the bloom period is March to November. In the wild, it can be found in varied habitats, such as the margins of bodies of water, rocky outcrops, even among boulders, in roadside ditches, and in low-lying moist areas. It will grow in dry or moist soils (best in some moisture). The flowers are © Marcus, Joseph A. small, about one inch long, but they are easily spotted among the carpet of stems and leaves. Since it forms a mat, frog-fruit can be used as a substitute for grass to cover a lawn. It does not thrive where there is competition from other vegetation. As an added bonus, the leaves are a major food source for the phaon crescent butterfly (Phyciodes phaon). The leaves are also foraged by livestock and deer. It is a valuable riparian colonizer and soil retainer to prevent erosion since it forms a mat of roots.

Frog-fruit has many spellings and even more common names; turkey-tangle, cape-weed, mat- grass, saw-tooth frog fruit, fog fruit, spatulate-leaf frog fruit, weighty frog fruit, wedge-leaf frog- fruit, hoary frogfruit, common frog fruit, herba de sapo, and herba de la Virgin Maria. Some of these common names seem descriptive, but I have no clue where the last one originated.

Book References: Ajilvsgi, Geyata, Butterfly Gardening for Texas, Texas A & M Press, College Station, 2013 Ajilvsgi, Geyata, Wildflowers of Texas, Shearer Pub., Fredericksburg, TX, 2003 Diggs, George, Barney Lipscomb, Robert O’Kennon, Shinner’s and Mahler’s Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas, Austin College and BRIT Publishers, 1999, pages 572-4 Eason, Michael, Wildflowers of Texas, Timber Press, Portland, OR, 2018 Enquist, Marshall, Wildflowers of the Texas Hill Country, Lone Star Botanical, Austin, Texas, 1987 Linex, Ricky, Range Plants of North Central Texas, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Weatherford, TX, 2014 Wills, Mary Motz, Howard Irwin, Roadside Flowers of Texas, Univ. of TX Press, Austin, Texas, 1961

May 2020 NPSOT News North Central Chapter Page 19 Look What You Could Do - by Martha Mullens

You could turn your English-style yard with its exotic and foreign grass and plants into a beautiful native Texas meadow. A tranquil haven of blooming flowers spring through fall for you to enjoy. One that welcomes wildlife to find food and shelter, such as hummingbirds, and butterflies. With plenty of nectar and pollen to attract native in- sects, other birds will appear, as well as squirrels and other mammals, frogs and turtles. You soon will have a whole ecosystem, a yard full of nature, bet- ter than a zoo and equal to a park. Also, since you don’t have to mow grass, you will be reducing your carbon footprint and air pollution. Native plants do not need nearly as much watering so you will consume less water, helping the water short- age and your utility bill. This yard was once filled with St. Augustine grass, but it has been converted to native plants. Visit the NICE nurs- eries or the spring and fall plant sales of the North Central Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas to procure native plants adapted to Frank and Josephene Keeney's yard used for the Chapter Trifold our area and grown by our members.

North Central Chapter of NPSOT - Trifold

CONEFLOWER COLONY IN A DEMONSTRATION GARDEN MISSION STATEMENT WHO WE ARE The purpose of the Native In addition to hosting monthly meetings with guest speakers, we also: FIND US Plant Society of Texas is to Our Chapter meets regularly on the first promote the conservation, • Maintain Demonstration Gardens Thursday of each month except • Promote Native Plants in Nurseries January and July, (6:30 pm) research, and utilization of • Participate as Citizen Scientists Fort Worth Botanical Garden, the native plants and plant • Provide Guest Speakers to Others • Rescue and Restore “At Risk” Plants Ft. Worth, TX. habitats of Texas through Deborah Beggs Moncrief Garden Center • Support Like-Minded Organizations education, outreach, and • Design Informative Monthly Newsletter • Lead Fun & Educational Field Trips CONTACT US example. • Provide Consulting and Assistance • Hold Native Plant Sales NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY • Maintain a Website OF TEXAS • Engage the Public NORTH CENTRAL CHAPTER Visit our website to access more information about our organization. txnativeplants.org Opposite and above, see the beautiful tri-fold brochure which email: [email protected] Reprints: Troy Mullens, [email protected] Printing: Precision Press Printing, Arlington, TX will be available for handout at events to advertise our ­chapter. The photos are by Troy ­Mullens and Josephine Keeney. Troy did the graphic design with suggestions from the branding Troy and Vanessa committee, chair: Karen Harden, and members: Theresa pick up 1000 tri-folds Thomas,Martha ­ Mullens, and Gordon Scruggs. We are work- from Clint Stephens at ing on a similar one with different flower photos. Troy also ­Precision Press in designed the signs for the demonstration gardens that were Arlington. presented to garden leaders at the March meeting. Photo by Martha Mullens May 2020 NPSOT News North Central Chapter Page 20 Culturally Insensitive Plant Names - by Martha Mullens Culturally Insensitive Plant Names? Review of an online article with comments by Martha Mullens

Troy emailed me this article to read, but I felt a How far do we take this? Do we rename the town need to share it with you all. of Indian Wells? Now I can understand that call- ing autumn Indian summer should be offensive. In the last few years there has been much discus- When I was a child I asked my mother why it sion, and debate about names of schools, profes- was so named and she said because some peo- sional sport teams, names of holidays, statues in ple thought that Native Americans were shifty in public places that offend some people because their dealings with whites (breaking treaties) (I these things are considered to show cultural think history shows that it was us that broke most ­insensitivity, or they are politically incorrect, or of the treaties.) just like the weather when it is hot even offensive. one day and cold the next. Thank goodness that About 12 years ago I was on a wildflower identifi- the use of that terminology has died out. cation walk at Tandy Hills. Our group was being After teaching various cultural groups of teenag- “trained” to recognize the plants so that we could ers for over 30 years, I know that some can make pass on that information to those who would be a fuss about most anything that seems close to taking the hikes during Prairie Fest. It was the first being considered offensive. That makes me a time that I had heard that no longer should we call bit defensive about some of these plant names Castilleja species Indian paintbrush, but instead that I grew up with. My brain has heard Indi- it should be pointed out as prairie paintbrush an paintbrush too long for me to be expected to no matter the color of the blooms. Some newer consistently call it something else. I can hear the field guides (Wildflowers of Texas Hill Country younger ones of you saying yeah old people can’t by Marshall Inquest) list them that way, but most change, You can’t teach an old dog new tricks. It is still retain the older name. Would it be better to hard, but not impossible. I still want to say mistl- call them scarlet paintbrush, downy paintbrush, flower is ­Eupatorium instead of Conoclinium, but Texas paintbrush, etc.? I guess it would be safe to I do catch myself. say Texas paintbrush for Castilleja indivisa since it doesn’t occur in any other state, so other states Best to try to use the Latin names, but even some shouldn’t be offended. of them could be misinterpreted. And the taxono- mists keep changing the botanical names because I agree that some names could be considered of- of new scientific discoveries in analysis of DNA. fensive by the super sensitive. As one person who That seems reasonable. Why common names are commented about this article, most Native Amer- changed is a mystery to me. Remember that most icans are not offended by these names and a ma- of the people who named a specific living crea- jority of those asked preferred to be called Indi- ture lived in a different time period than us. ans. Are we to change all the names of plants that have Indian in them? What do we call the Indian turnip? If we just say turnip that would be really confusing. Now Indian apple is another name for jimson weed so there is not problem there. We can say fire wheel instead of Indian blanket. Continued on Page 22

May 2020 NPSOT News North Central Chapter Page 21 Culturally Insensitive Plant Names - by Martha Mullens Continued from Page 21

If some names offend a majority of people, then I agree that they should be changed or modified. But if only a few are upset, that will always be the circumstance. Everyone won’t be happy no mat- ter what. Don’t think that I somehow do not appreci- ate Native Americans and their culture. My great-grandmother was a full-blood Cherokee, and I am proud of it. I empathize with their plight, especially those in Alaska. Some Native Ameri- cans can’t cope with how they have been treated by our government or ‘the white man’. But some have adapted by taking money from tourists by selling hand-crafted items. In Alaska they sell masks, miniature totem poles, statues of bears, and Eskimo (sorry if not appropriate) dolls. In the Southwest Navajos and Hopi make silver and Paintbrush turquoise jewelry, kachinas, pottery, and baskets. Castilleja indivisa In some states, such as Oklahoma, some tribes have turned barren-looking areas into thriving casinos and hotels. I consider that fitting by tak- ing money from whites as compensation for us taking their land. So I do not personally take offense at the name of Indian paintbrush, but I am willing to quit calling it that if it offends Native Americans. The word Indian may be stricken from our language when referring to indigenous people. It was a misnomer to begin with. People from India are Indians.

Anyway, read the article and the comments of people who have read it. It is very enlightening. http://lostinthelandscape.com/culturally-insensi- tive-plants-names/ Firewheel, formerly Indian blanket Gaillardia pulchella

May 2020 NPSOT News North Central Chapter Page 22 Yard Full of Native Plants is a Yard Full of Birds Review by Martha Mullens

Yard Full of Native Plants is a Yard Full of Birds! excerpt from article in Living Bird magazine September 2019 Some comments are added. by Martha Mullens Non-native plants attract fewer insects, especially caterpillars, and thus fewer birds, such as Caro- lina Chickadees. Even native plant species are not equal attractors. Researchers from the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center studying the backyards of homeowners in Washington, D. C., observed that a tulip tree typically supports 8 caterpillar species whereas an oak can support over 530 species. Native oaks, elms, and cherries are phenomenal food producers of birds. In yards with mostly non-native plants, baby chickadees didn’t do well (most didn’t survive) because there wasn’t enough food for them to eat. The plants that you put on your property matter to birds. Urban and suburban habitats are increas- ing, but they can still provide homes and food for wildlife. We need to create functional ecosystems Photo by Keith Williams via Birdshare. in our neighborhoods. How do you create a better habitat for wildlife in Resist too much ‘manicuring’. Leave a dead tree your yard? First, cut your lawn in half. Pull out the if it doesn’t threaten your house. It will be a great non-native species and don’t buy new ones. Retain feeding and nesting habitat for woodpeckers, some lawn for your kids or grandkids to play on if chickadees, and wrens. Mulch the leaves on your needed. Focus on areas that are not used. Start with lawn. The mulch protects the bugs in the grass and the trees, eliminate some, then fill in with native returns nutrients to the soil so chemical fertilizers trees, shrubs, and wildflowers, especially those that don’t need to be added. The leaves can be used for support insects or provide fruit. Do research on mulch in your garden or added to your compost which ones are native and will suit your needs. pile. Buy from local nurseries and plant sales of NPSOT. You may not be a fan of bugs, but the more insects If you don’t have time or you are renting a property, you have the less you will probably see them call your local forester or arborist and tell them because the birds will eat them or the ‘good bugs’ what trees you’d like planted along your street or will eat the ‘bad ones’. in your neighborhood.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/its-true-a-yard-full-of-native-plants-is-a-yard-full-of-well-fed-birds/

May 2020 NPSOT News North Central Chapter Page 23 2000 year old Bald Cypress in North Carolina - by Martha Mullens

Group of Bald Cypress Trees over 2,000 Years Old in North Carolina. by Martha Mullens

As reported in an article in Newsweek in May of hectares of the Black River ecosystem to preserve 2019, a large group of ancient bald cypress trees these ancient trees. Less than 1% of these original (Taxodium distichum) has been identified as being virgin bald cypress forests have survived, since over 2000 years by taking radiocarbon dating read- the bald cypress is valuable for timber and was ings and 110 core samples. The oldest so far is 2,624 heavily logged. However, there are thousands more years old, but there may be some even older. This hectares of high quality ancient forests that remain group of trees grows along much of the 65-mile unprotected. Researchers say there are many more length of the Black River of North Carolina which trees that need to be tested to determine if there is is one of the least polluted rivers in the eastern US. one or more trees older than 2,624 years. This 2,624 year-old cypress tree joins the ranks From the sample cores, researchers can learn what of the oldest living trees. Only individual trees the climate was like by looking at the width of the of Sierra junior (2,675 years old), giant sequoia rings. The trees recorded drought and flooding (3,266 years old), alert (3,622 years old) and Great and may give clues as to why the Lost Colony of Basin bristlecone pine (5,066 years old) are consid- Roanoke disappeared and why the Jamestown ered older. It is the oldest-known wetland tree. Colony suffered such hardships. They will tell us In second place is the Mexican Montezuma bald what North Carolina’s coastal plain looked like cypress (Taxodium muchonatum) can live up to 2000 years ago. 1,500 years. So much history of our planet is recorded in these The black river swamp ecosystem has been called wonderful trees. “one of the great natural areas of eastern North America.” See page 32 for a list of oldest living trees. The Nature Conservancy has purchased 6,400

May 2020 NPSOT News North Central Chapter Page 24 Gardening For Wildlife - by Martha Mullens

Gardening for Wildlife National Wildlife April-May 2020 Issue by Martha Mullens

If you have the opportunity to read the newest issue of National Wildlife Magazine, you might be interested to know that it is dedicated to gardening for wildlife. Some short one-page (or less) articles include: The Power of One Plant at a Time, The Benefits of 4 Billion Pollinators, Native Forest Plants Rebound, Sacred Grounds (Places of Worship Gardening to Benefit Wildlife), Fifty Years of Conservation (Texas Conservation Service), Turning Vacant Lots into Beautiful Parks, Habitat Exhibit Creates Urban Wildlife Haven (Smithsonian), and Happy Birthday-Earth Day. Longer articles include: Partners Naturally (Home- builders Join Forces with NWF to Create New Wildlife Habitat Nationwide), Native Plants in Peril, Humming Along (How to Help Humming- birds), Cultivating Change, and Dragonflies (Eat, Fly, Love, Die). There are also instructions on how to certify your property as a Wildlife Habitat and includes an application. The Benefits of 4 Billion Pollinators

May 2020 NPSOT News North Central Chapter Page 25 Membership and Hospitality

Membership Report May 2020 By Beth Barber

NCC-NPSOT Membership

Have you missed us? Yes, we’ve missed seeing you too. Thank goodness for newsletters which can keep members in touch with each other, while we have been staying apart because of COVID-19.

Welcome back all of you who have recently renewed your membership. Welcome also to our new members, Kari Waddle and Hollie Carron.

Our present number of members is 183.

Hospitality by Corinna Benson

Just to let you know we still have hospitality slots open for October snacks(whatever), and also 3 spaces left in February .

Online Sources for Plant Informatioon - by Martha Mullens

Online Sources for Plant Information by Martha Mullens

If you would like to see actual specimens stored at Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) there is access online. Since I like history almost as much as science, specifically biology, I found the information on the labels of plant specimens preserved at BRIT very fascinating. Some of the specimens were collected by famous bota- nists, some dating to the 1800s, some from contemporary botanists such as Geyata Ajilvsgi and Sam Kieschnick. Some are humorous with very nonspecific locations noted as next to Joe’s barn.You might also enjoy reading the labels and looking at the actual plants. Check it out.

BRIT http://www.brit.org/armchairbotanist Access to specimens stored at BRIT and activities such as presenta- tions, transcription blitzes, and online citizens science activities.

May 2020 NPSOT News North Central Chapter Page 26 Atlas of the Vascular Plants of Texas (2 vols.) - by Martha Mullens

Atlas of the Vascular Plants of Texas (2 volumes) by B. L. Turner, Holly Nichols, Geoffrey Denny, Oded Doron Book(s) Review by Martha Mullens

This set of books is for reference. As the title implies, the books include many maps of Texas. The purpose is to pinpoint the locations where specific species have been ob- served growing in the wild and recorded. For example Asclepias tuberosa, is shown as dots in the counties where it grows, mostly the eastern one-third, and along the Red River and the eastern part of the Panhandle. This method is much more specific than field guides which simply give the region, such as pineywoods, cross timbers and prairies. The one problem with these books is that a few plant species have been discovered in new areas since the books were published in 2003. This will always be the case with a book dealing with living organisms because it takes time to research, assemble and publish a book. These volumes are the result of 52 years of herbar- ium and fieldwork, beginning in 1948 at Sul Ross University in Alpine, Texas, by the senior author, Bill Turner. He personally examined several hundred thousand herbarium sheets in the preparation of these volumes. These works are principally meant to document distribution, but botanists and conservationists can use them for reference. Amateur botanists can use them to check to see whether a species has been reported in a particular county.

Personally, I like using this set of books with Shinner and Mahler’s Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas which often lists the counties, but unless you know where all the counties are located you may not be able to visualize the location. These books are not for the beginning botanist (unless you are trying to learn the scientific names) because all plants are listed by their botanical names, with not a common name to be seen.

Book 1 encompasses Dicots, which are most of the flowering plants. Book 2 deals with ferns and relatives, gymnosperms (conifers mainly), and monocots (irises, or- chids, lilies), and grasses. Each book groups the plants by families arranged alphabet- ically with the species listed within the family alphabetically.

Book 1 starts with a map of Texas divided into counties. Then there is a a map of the Floristic Provinces which are determined largely by climatic factors, mainly rainfall and temperature over long periods of time. Then there is a map of the Vegetational Regions or ecosystems which incorpo- rate climate over time, but also topographical features, such as elevation, and types of soils. They spend 10 pages in the Introduction on explana- tions of how to use the books, background, research, and references, and listing of families with species examples. The index is a list of genera al- phabetized with species citied underneath each genus. There is list of fam- ilies opposite the inside back cover with page numbers. Book 2 continues in the same manner with a separate index.

May 2020 NPSOT News North Central Chapter Page 27 Make your own Potting Soil - by Josephine Kinney

Make your own Potting Soil

Hello Everyone, it is time to talk about the Spring Plant Sale, May 2, 2020. The Sale will be at the Elm Grove Pavilion at River Legacy Park in Arlington.

Remember that you need to get your plants potted at least 6 weeks before the sale so that they can be well rooted when people buy them from us. This means that your plants should be potted by March 28th.

For the purpose of expediency at the sale and to save confusion we have decided to have three common pot sizes: 4 inch for $2.50, Quart for $ 4.00 and Gallon for $7.00. Larger pots and special plants will be priced as marked. If your pot is not one of the standard sizes the price will round down to the next smaller pot size. Please try to pot your plants as close to standard sizes as possible. Plants need to be potted at least 6 weeks before the sale, to allow them to develop good roots. Of course you can start potting up plants right now so they can grow big and beautiful by sale time.

I know that soil can be expensive so I use Hapi•gro Landscaper’s mix at $3.48 per bag and Black Velvet top soil at $2.77 from Lowes. This makes a large amount of mix for $6.25. If I mix it all at once I use one bag of each, or if I am mixing small amounts I use three scoops of landscapers mix to one scoop of top soil because the landscapers mix much lighter and bulkier than the soil.

For fertilizer I use cotton seed meal, which is a high nitrogen natural product that you can find at feed stores like Marshall Grain. A 50 pound bag costs about $15.00 and lasts a long time. I use it very lightly by sprinkling it on top of the soil in the pot when the plant looks like it needs a nitrogen boost. Of course you can use compost or alfalfa meal or some other natural fertilizer.

May 2020 NPSOT News North Central Chapter Page 28 Parting Shots - Last Minute News & Views of the Editors by Troy & Martha Mullens

Volunteer Opportunities in a Leadership Role

Your chapter of NPSOT needs you. We have openings for chairpersons for Events, Field Trips, Dona- tions and Grants, Education/Outreach, and Publicity. We also need one or two more volunteers to help with the website and Facebook. You do not have to have any experience because the current chairpersons will train you. Contact your President, Gordon Scruggs, or reply to [email protected].

2020 Fall Symposium by Trinity Forks

May 2020 NPSOT News North Central Chapter Page 29 Parting Shots Page 2 - Last Minute News & Views by the Editors by Troy & Martha Mullens

Farmer’s Calendar - May (excerpted from The Old Farmer's Almanac)

Months since the crickets quit, followed by a hundred nights with no terrestrial ruckus, we lie awake at night listening for that very first peep. Finally, on an evening slightly more balmy than chilly, it begins. Like the dying battery on a smoke alarm, a single chirp. Did we really hear it? Yes! A soprano note peeps again, serious and ponderous. Then it repeats its query, possibly expressing, am I alone? For one night: It’s alone. Then: a zany may- hem, as the evening hours fill with the high-pitch cheeping of peepers. Several years ago, when our land held only a damp gulch, nothing croaked or creaked or peeped. Then an excavator clawed us a small pond, and almost overnight a boisterous amphibian orchestra commenced as dozens of frogs—wood frogs, tree frogs, northern leopard frogs, and spring peepers—announced their new residence. Is there no middle ground with these crea- tures? All or nothing, silence or cacophony? Case in point: Yesterday’s pond was clear; today, it’s clouded by thousands of frogs’ eggs floating in the shallows. Were we sleeping when the pond’s inhabitants released their progeny? This evidence suggests one thing: We’ll hear gulpers, croakers, and another bout of temporary soloists come next year’s unsilent spring.

Farmers Almanac 2020 Edition

May - Gateway to Summer Spring into Summer © Martha Mullens

Do the days seem longer as Spring becomes Summer? But how do we tell with no alarm or bell? Only subtle changes of light and heat arranges. Baby birds fly their nest and parents get rest before autumn calls them away.

May 2020 NPSOT News North Central Chapter Page 30 Parting Shots Page 3 - Last Minute News & Views by the Editors by Troy & Martha Mullens

For the Gardener or "Farmer" Planting Guide

May 2020 NPSOT News North Central Chapter Page 31 Parting Shots Page 4 - Last Minute News & Views by the Editors by Troy & Martha Mullens

Blooming Now Foxglove, Oakhurst Scenic Drive, Ft Worth © J. S. Mullens

May 2020 NPSOT News North Central Chapter Page 32 Recommended Plant List RecommendedFor North Plant CentralList for North Texas Central Texas

The purpose and mission of NPSOT is to promote research, conservation and utilization of native plants and plant habitats of Texas through education, outreach and example. Visit us on the web at www.txnativeplants.org for more information about the NC Chapter, or www.npsot.org for a local chapter in your area.

Key: E= Evergreen P= Tolerates poor drainage S= Shade tolerant F= Very showy in flower or fruit D= Drought resistant in full sun * = Suseptible to Oak wilt B= Attracts birds or butterflies FF= very showy in fall foliage

Shrubs Grasses Common Name Key Scientific Name Common Name Key Scientific Name E D P S B F E D P S B F Agarita E D B F Mahonia trifoliolata Big Bluestem D P B F Andropogon gerardii American Beautyberry P S B F Callicarpa americana Buffalograss D Bouteloua dactyloides Apache Plum E D B F Fallugia paradoxa Bushy Bluestem P B F Andropogon glomeratus Autumn Sage D B F Salvia greggii Eastern Gammagrass P S Tripsacum dactyloides Canyon Senna D F Cassia wislizenii Gulf Muhly P B F Muhlenbergia capillaris Coralbean D B F Erythrina herbacea Indian Grass D P B F Sorghastrum nutans Coralberry S B F Symphoricarpos orbiculatus Inland Seaoats P S B F Chasmanthium latifolium Dwarf Wax Myrtle E P S B Myrica pusilla Lindheimer Muhly D P B F Muhlenbergia lindheimeri Flame Acanthus D S B F Anisacanthus quadrifidus wrightii Little Bluestem D B FF Schizachyrium scoparium Fragrant Sumac D B F Rhus aromatica Seep Muhly D P B Muhlenbergia reverchonii Indigobush P B F Amorpha fruticosa Sideoats Grama D B F Bouteloua curtipendula Mountain Sage S B F Salvia regla Splitbeard Bluestem D P F Andropogon ternarius Pale Leaf Yucca E D S B F Yucca pallida Switch Grass P B F Panicum virgatum Red Yucca E D P B F Hesperaloe parviflora Smooth Sumac D B FF Rhus glabra Groundcovers Texas Barberry E D B F Mahonia swaseyi Common Name Key Scientific Name Texas Mock Orange F Philadelphus texensis E D P S B F Texas Sage/Cenizio E D S F Leucophyllum frutescens Cedar Sage S B F Salvia roemeriana Turk's Cap D P S B F Malvaviscus arboreus drummondii Frogfruit D P S B Phyla nodiflora Virginia Sweetspire P S B F Itea virginica Golden Groundsel D S F Packera obovata Wax Myrtle E P S B Morella cerifera Horseherb S Calyptocarpus vialis White Honeysuckle Bush S B F Lonicera albiflora Lyreleaf Sage E P S F Salvia Lyrata Missouri Violet S F Viola missouriensis Small Trees Pigeon Berry P S B F Rivina humilis Common Name Key Scientific Name White avens D P S B Geum canadense E D P S B F Wood Fern S Thelypteris kunthii American Smoke Tree D B FF Cotinus obovatus Bigelow Oak D Quercus sinuata breviloba Shade Trees Carolina Buckthorn D P S B F Rhamnus caroliniana Common Name Key Scientific Name Cherry Laurel E S B Prunus caroliniana E D P S B F Desert Willow D B F Chilopsis linearis American Elm D B F Ulmus americana Eastern Red Cedar E D B F Juniperus virginiana Bald Cypress P F Taxodium distichum Eve’s Necklace D S FF Styphnolobium affine Bigtooth Maple F Acer grandidentatum Goldenball Leadtree D S B F Leucaena retusa Bur Oak D Quercus macrocarpa Lacey Oak D F Quercus glaucoides Caddo Maple F Acer barbatum Mexican Buckeye D S B FF Ungnadia speciosa Cedar Elm D P B F Ulmus crassifolia Mexican Plum D S B FF Prunus mexicana Chinquapin Oak D Quercus muehlenbergii Possumhaw P S B F Ilex decidua * Live Oak E D Quercus fusiformis Prairie Flame Sumac D B FF Rhus lanceolata Loblolly Pine E Pinus taeda Roughleaf Dogwood P S B FF Cornus drummondii Mesquite D B F Prosopis glandulosa Rusty Blackhaw S B FF Viburnum rufidulum Pecan B Carya illinoinensis Texas Persimmon D S B Diospyros texana Post Oak D Quercus stellata Texas Redbud D S B F Cercis canadensis texensis * Shumard Red Oak D F Quercus shumardii Wright acacia D B F Acacia wrightii Southern Magnolia E S F Magnolia grandiflora Yaupon Holly E P S B F Ilex vomitoria Texas Ash D P B F Fraxinus albicans * Texas Red Oak D F Quercus texana Continued on Page 33

May 2020 NPSOT News North Central Chapter Page 33 Continued from Page 32 RecommendedRecommended Plant List for Plant North ListCentral Texas For North Central Texas Key: E= Evergreen P= Tolerates poor drainage S= Shade tolerant F= Very showy in flower or fruit D= Drought resistant in full sun * = Suseptible to Oak wilt B= Attracts birds or butterflies FF= very showy in fall foliage

Garden/Meadow Flowers Vines Common Name Key Scientific Name Common Name Key Scientific Name E D P S B F E D P S B F Baraba's Buttons B F Marshallia caespitosa Carolina Jessamine E P S B F Gelsemium sempervirens Bergamot/Beebalm P B F Monarda fistulosa Climbing Prairie Rose P B F Rosa setigera Big Red Sage B F Salvia penstemonoides Coral Honeysuckle P S B F Lonicera sempervirens Bitterweed P B F Helenium Amarum Crossvine E P S B F Bignonia capreolata Black Eyed Susan F Rudbeckia hirta Passion Flower P S B F Passiflora incarnata Blue Eyed Grass S F Sisyrinchium sp Virginia Creeper P S B F Parthenocissus quinquefolia Blue Flax D F Linum lewisii Blue Mist Flower S B F Conoclinium coelestinum Bluebonnet D F Lupinus texensis Perennials Cardinal Flower P S B F Lobelia cardinalis Common Name Key Scientific Name Cowpen Daisy D B F Verbesina encelioides E D P S B F Datura D B F Datura wrightii Blackfoot Daisy D B F Melampodium leucanthum Diamond Petal Primrose D F Oenothera rhombipetala Butterfly Weed B F Asclepias tuberosa Engelman Daisy D B F Engelmannia peristenia Calylophus D S F Calylophus spp. Engelman Sage D B F Salvia engelmannii Chile Pequin P S B Capsicum annuum Eryngo D F Eryngium leavenworthii Coreopsis D S B F Coreopsis lanceolata Fall Obedient Plant P F Physostegia virginiana Four-nerve Daisy E D B F Tetraneuris scaposa Fragrant Ageratina P S B F Ageratina havanensis Gayfeather D B F Liatris punctata mucronata Fragrant Phlox S B F Phlox pilosa Gregg's mistflower S B F Conoclinium greggii Greenthread D B F Thelesperma filifolium Mealy Blue Sage D B F Salvia farinacea Gulf Coast Penstemon P F Penstemon tenuis Purple Coneflower S B F Echinacea spp. Halberd Leaf Hibiscus P F Hibiscus laevis Rockrose D S B F Pavonia lasiopetala Horesemint D B F Monarda citriodora Texas Lantana D B F Lantana urticoides Indian Blanket D B F Gaillardia pulchella Wild red columbine D S B F Aquilegia canadensis Indian Paintbrush D F Castilleja indivisa Winecup S B F Callirhoe involucrata Maximillian Sunflower P B F Helianthus maximiliana Yellow Columbine E S B F Aquilegia spp. Mexican Hat D B F Ratibida columnifera Zexmenia D S F Wedelia acapulcensis hispida Partridge Pea D P B F Chamaecrista fasciculata Pink Evening Primrose B F Oenothera speciosa Prairie Onion B F Allium stellatum North Central Texas Top Ten Invasives Prairie Verbena D B F Glandularia bipinnatifida www.texasinvasives.org Ruellia S B F Ruellia sp Japanese honeysuckle Lonicera japonica Scarlet Sage P S B F Salvia coccinea Glossy privet Ligustrum lucidum Shrubby Skullcap D B F Scutellaria drummondii Chinese Privet Ligustrum sinense Skeleton Leaf Goldeneye D S B F Viguiera stenoloba Giant reed Arundo donax Snow-on-the-prairie D P B F Euphorbia bicolor Chinese wisteria Wisteria sinensis Spiderwort S F Tradescantia sp Vitex chastetree Vitex agnus-castus Spring Rain Lily F Cooperia pedunculata Nandina Nandina domestica Standing Cypress E D B F Ipomopsis rubra Chinaberry tree Melia azedarach Texas Bluebell B F Eustoma exaltatum russellianum Chinese tallow tree Triadica sebifera Two-leaved Senna D B F Senna roemeriana Johnson grass Sorghum halepense White Milkwort D B F Polygala alba Wild Foxglove F Penstemon cobaea

Printing sponsored by: Precision Press Printing Arlington, Texas

For information about our chapter & participating nurseries visit www.txnativeplants.org/plants or scan the QR code.

Revised 2/2020

May 2020 NPSOT News North Central Chapter Page 34 The Pollinator Pledge - by the Xerces Society Reported by Troy Mullens

To Bring Back the Pollinators, I will: 1. Grow a variety of bee-friendly flowers that bloom from spring through fall. 2. Protect and provide bee nests and caterpillar host plants. 3. Avoid using pesticides, especially insecticides. 4. Talk to my neighbors about the importance of pollinators and their habitat.

Sign the Pollinator Protection Pledge Today! https://xerces.org/pollinatorprotectionpledge/

The Half-Earth Pledge - by E. O. Wilson Reported by Troy Mullens

As a global citizen, I pledge to do what I can to support the Half-Earth Project:

• Take action to support species conservation; start by exploring the Half-Earth Map con- servation priorities areas, as well as information about my home and other areas of interest to me. • Share information about the Half-Earth Project with my network; ask friends and family to join me by signing the Half-Earth Pledge; share my pledge with my social media followers.­ • Participate in local conservation events; attend a Bioblitz or join a nature group in my area; use the iNaturalist app and upload species observations on my travels in nature. • Support policies that protect the Earth’s lands and oceans; keep up-to-date on local pol- icies; contact your representatives and share your thoughts and opinions on policies, because each policy action plays a role in reaching the grand, achievable Half-Earth goal. https://www.half-earthproject.org/pledge/

May 2020 NPSOT News North Central Chapter Page 35 Partial list of the 2020 Programs Reported by Ray Conrow and Morgan Chivers

2020 Date Name Title of Presentation Contact Information

February 6 Steve Chaney “Pruning” [email protected] Texas Agrilife Extension 817-458-1362 Service

March 5 David Downey Tinsley-Rock Springs David.Downey@ Fort Worth Botanic Native Garden at FWBG fortworthtexas.gov Gardens (FWBG) April 2 Carol Clark—Bring Back TBA—Monarch Theme [email protected] the Monarchs to Texas Cancelled - Covid19 (BBMT)

May 7 Cancelled - Covid19

June 4

August 6 3 Members TBA Native Gardens of our Members

Grand Prairie : September 3 Troy Mullens Intersection with the troymullensjr@gmail. com NC– NPSOT Eastern & Western Crosstimbers October 1 Show and Tell and Bring a Texas Native Members Trade! Native Plant Plant to exchange for Exchange another. FUN!!!

November 5

December 3 Holiday Social Pot Luck Dinner, Program & Hospitality Awards and Introduction Chairs—decorations, of New Officers. FUN!!! games, prizes, food

May 2020 NPSOT News North Central Chapter Page 36 4. Do not embed the photographs in the article. Re- Newsletter Requirement Suggestions member, the article will most likely be in two column 1. All submissions due by the 15th of the preceding format for easy reading. month. Exceptions are at the discretion of the Editors. 5. Please include a caption with each photograph and 2. Articles (text) should preferably be in plain text form. note any individual names of people. (No pdf’s). Any special formatting requirements should Examples: be noted. ( .doc .pages and .odt are OK) Photo names: Photo1.jpg, Photo2.jpg, Photo3.tiff etc. Photo Caption examples: 3. Photographs & charts should be sent separately as Photo1- Bluebell in my Garden large as possible. Location within the article should be Photo2 - Field trip group, names (l to r): noted. Example Bill Smith, Mary Jones, etc. Photo3 - Black Willow at FWNCR Photo4 - Flower, (Credit - Name, organization) June Program

"TBD"

Visit us on the Web The purpose of the Native Plant Society of Texas is to promote the conservation, research, and utilization of the at native plants and plant habitats of Texas through www.txnativeplants.org education, outreach, and example.

Join the Native Plant Society of Texas! The North Central Texas Become a member of the Native Plant Society of Texas. Membership is open to any individual, NPSOT News family, or organization. Membership is renewable annually and extends for a year from the date we receive your original payment. Note new prices effective April 1, 2019. If you wish to join, please indicate your category of membership, then clip and mail this application with the is a monthly publication of appropriate remittance to: the North Central Chapter Native Plant Society of Texas of the Native Plant Society PO Box 3017, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 of Texas.

___ Student $35 ___ Family (2 or more) $60 For changes of address or ___ Senior (65+) $35 ___ Patron $100 information about contribut- ___ Limited Income $35 ___ Benefactor $250 ing to the newsletter, please ___ Individual $45 ___ Supporting $500 contact the newsletter editor. ___ Lifetime $1200 ___ Additional Chapter(s) $6 The deadline for submitting Name: ______articles for inclusion in the Address: ______newsletter is the 15th of every City, State, Zip: ______preceding month. County: ______Phone: ______Troy Mullens, Editor Chapter Affiliation: _____North Central [email protected] E-mail: ______Go to https://npsot.org/wp/join-renew/ for an on-line sign-up form or for additional information. A printable form is also available there.

May 2020 NPSOT News North Central Chapter Page 37