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SUMMER 2006, VOLUME 7, ISSUE 3

NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE SOCIETY

Native Plant to Know

Pickerelweed RANTON G RIGITTE ( cordata) B ILLUSTRATION BY by P. Allen Woodliffe

I first encountered pickerelweed as a summer student at Rondeau Provincial Park on the north shore of Lake Erie. I was exploring Rondeau’s huge coastal marsh looking for to use in an inter- pretive display. Among the large stands of cattail (Typha spp.) were channels where the water was deeper, allowing me to paddle my canoe more easily. However, within these open patches were clusters of emergent vegetation that slowed my progress – much to my delight. The dark green, shiny, heart-shaped leaves in combination with a robust spike of delicate, richly-coloured, bluish-purple flow- ers left an indelible impression on me. My field guide to wildflowers identified this gem of the wetlands as Pontederia cordata. Pickerelweed is a perennial and a member of the water-hyacinth () family. The genus ‘Pontederia’ was named in honour of Giulio Pontedera (1688-1757), a botany professor in Padua, Italy. The species name ‘cordata’ refers to the cordate or heart-shaped leaves. The common name pickerelweed was given to this striking plant as it was believed that the wide leaves shading the water below provided good habitat for fish. Adding support to this idea is the fact that in the Ojibway language pickerelweed is known as ‘kinozhaeguhnsh’ or pike’s plant. Pontederia cordata is typically, and sometimes abundantly, found in freshwater streams, ponds, marshes or around the shallow, muddy edges of small lakes. Its native range extends throughout the U.S. and southern Canada east of the Rockies, although it is more com- mon east of the Mississippi. It grows south as far as Argentina. The plant can be over a metre (four feet) tall, although it is often in water half a metre (two feet) or more deep so it appears shorter. Its long green stem leads downward and is anchored to a rhizome in the soft mud and organic material of slow-moving or still water. The leaves, which can be up to 25 centimetres (10 inches) long and 15 centimetres (six inches) wide, are often fairly upright, but may be more horizontal and almost floating on the water. Frogs use the Continued on page 12 Blazing Summer/4.qxd 11/28/07 2:04 PM Page 3

The Blazing Star is... NANPS Annual Plant Sale The Blazing Star is published quarterly On May 6th NANPS once again hosted its Shannon & Howard Smith.A special thanks (April,August, November, February) fundraising plant sale, this time in the beau- to Miriam who chaired the plant sale com- by the North American Native Plant Society tiful Markham Civic Centre Atrium. Thanks mittee for the second year in a row (and (NANPS). Contact [email protected] for go out to the Markham councillors, she's volunteered to do it again in 2007. editorial deadlines and for advertising rates. especially Erin Shapero, who went to bat What a woman!). It's a huge job and she did The views expressed herein are those for NANPS and got us this lovely space. it with her usual quiet dedication and grace. of the authors and not necessarily those Along with a spectacular selection Thanks also to growers Paul Heydon and of NANPS. of wildflowers, shrubs, trees, ferns, vines, Paul Morris who stayed on and offered their The North American Native Plant Society grasses and sedges we were fortunate to expertise at the sales tables. is dedicated to the study, conservation, have The Forest Bookshop with its vast We had a very successful sale this year cultivation and restoration of North collection of books on native plants. but as we know all the planning in the America’s native flora. Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust and world doesn't guarantee that those little the Toronto Green Community also had unforeseen bloopers don't occur- like a Summer 2006 booths. Free seminars were presented broken elevator on the day of the sale, Volume 7, Issue 3 by Frank Shaw, Janet May of the York advance sales room not quite ready… Regional Environmental Alliance and Things don't always go perfectly but we Editor: Irene Fedun Natalie Helferty. try, folks. Production: Elly Dowson A huge thanks to all the volunteers who It was great meeting and chatting with helped with the sale and without whom the folks of Markham and beyond. It’s © North American Native Plant Society the sale would not have come to fruition (we exciting seeing someone happily walking Images © the photographers and always need more volunteers for the sale away with a native plant they have been illustrators, text © the authors. itself and set-up the day before, so please looking for or one they just learned about All rights reserved. consider joining us next year). at the sale. A heartfelt thank you for This year’s plant sale committee was a fun supporting NANPS! This sale allows us North American Native Plant Society, and hard-working lot - Tom Atkinson, to do the good deeds we do in the name formerly Canadian Wildflower Society, Grif Cunningham, Eva D'Amico, Deb Dale, of native plant conservation. is a registered charitable society, Monica Dennis, Greg Hagan, Miriam Hope to see you all at next year’s sale. no. 130720824 RR0001. Henriques, Howard Meadd, Stacey Monica Dennis Donations to the society are tax-creditable in Canada. NANPS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

NANPS Membership: CAN$20/YEAR Saturday, September 30, 2006 WITHIN CANADA, US $20 YEAR OUTSIDE 1 PM – 5 PM • presentation of the 2006 Paul McGaw CANADA Markham Civic Centre, Conservation Award 101 Town Centre Blvd., Markham • plant sale and seed exchange Please make cheques and money orders (north of Hwy 7, west of Warden) • refreshments served payable to North American Native Plant Society and mail to P.O. Box 84, Station D, • election of 2006 Board of Directors. Native plant propagator and nursery Etobicoke, Ontario M9A 4X1. If you are unable to attend the AGM you owner Paul Heydon will give a fascinating Telephone: (416) 631-4438. E-mail: may submit a written proxy to a member talk on how to propagate native plants [email protected]:www.nanps.org. in attendance or a member of the and he will stress the importance of executive prior to the meeting using local genotypes. Board of Directors: Honourary President: James A. French Remember to bring your excess plants and collected seeds for the exchange! President: Grif Cunningham Vice-President: Ruth Zaugg Letter to the Editor Treasurer: Deborah Dale Catherine Siddall's article on Chionanthus virginicus, or Fringe Secretary: Martin Field tree, was a delight. She writes well, in ways compelling the reader to go Eva D’Amico find such a tree, or learn more about it. I would add 2 points at this time: Greg Hagan Miriam Henriques 1. Fringe trees are both male and female. Therefore, your chances of getting seed Paul Heydon depend in large measure on your having, or knowing where there are, adjacent Howard Meadd male and females trees. Harold Smith 2. It is reputed that the male Fringe tree produces superior flowers (but, of course, no seed). Tom Atkinson

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Goldenrod and its Visitors

by Jim Dyer

If there’s anything that tells me that summer has hit its peak, it’s the appearance of gold- enrods in late July.Although all 125 species of the genus Solidago are native to North America, many gardeners consider it to be a weed.A tenacious perennial that can form thick, tall vegetative patches, it thrives in poor soil for decades. Goldenrods are members of the Composite or Aster Family known for the floral clusters that appear like individual flowers. Hay fever sufferers often blame goldenrod for their sneezing but it cannot be held responsible since its pollen is just too heavy to blow in the wind. All species of goldenrod attract hordes of

pollinating insects and their predators. YER D IM

Since 2003, I have spent many summer J days stalking bugs as part of an initiative by Environment Canada (EC) to engage

volunteer observers in monitoring wild HOTO COURTESY Even as she is being courted, this female ambush bug is capturing a black blister beetle. P insect pollinators. is an inti- mate relationship between flowering plants including 75 bees, 84 wasps, 25 flies and 88 Most people are not fond of the aggres- and foraging insects. Without it, major beetles (with an average daily ratio of sive Canada goldenrod. In fact, some native ecological collapse would occur. Due pollinators to ambush bugs of 6.8). Beetles, plant nurseries are fighting a war against largely to human-created stresses such as wasps and ambush bugs appeared in large this species because it so easily overwhelms pollution and habitat destruction, there is numbers one day and were mostly absent on more delicate plants. But there’s no doubt concern that the pollination community others. Ambush bugs were remarkably that Solidago canadensis is an important may be experiencing decline. Numerous common and easy to spot since I usually pollinator food source, and it offers us a fas- volunteer observations would help us found them on any healthy clumps of gold- cinating glimpse into the world of pollinat- understand how pollinators are faring. It enrod where foraging pollinators could be ing insects and their tiny, ruthlessly efficient would also be useful to better understand seen. There were always plenty of small predators. insects that prey upon the pollinators and wild bees. During the entire observation EC is now considering whether volunteers period I saw only two small white butter- Jim Dyer is a consultant working on agro-environmental issues. He is currently should report predator sightings as well. flies. While butterflies beautify the garden, developing a volunteer pollinator-monitoring I was enlisted to suggest possible guidelines as pollinators they are not as effective as program for Environment Canada. for this extra reporting. wild bees and hover flies. Butterflies forage I found clumps of Canada goldenrod less frequently and do so with a long thin (Solidago canadensis) to be my best site tongue to which pollen is unlikely to stick. WANTED: SEED DONORS for making this assessment. Goldenrod is Among the 57 ambush bugs, I counted 10 especially attractive to a predator known as mating pairs, which suggests that the other The seeds of Aquilegia canadensis, the ambush bug. This was not a survey in 15 to 20 males were after mates, rather than Geum triflorum and Penstemon digitalis/ hirsutus are ready and waiting to be carefully the strictest sense, and I did not attempt to prey. This leaves much more prey available set aside for the NANPS seed exchange. measure the spatial density of pollinators to females. I observed four kills.An Please don’t disappoint your plants, who ambush bug snatches an insect by a leg or or predators.What I did was to count how have invested their energy so that their many and what types of pollinating insects antenna and grips it relentlessly waiting for progeny will flourish in someone else’s garden. were found on the goldenrod in the 10 the insect to tire. After a few minutes it reels Don’t delay. Send today. Seeds can be minutes after I saw an ambush bug. The its victim in, stabs it and sucks its insides mailed to NANPS, Box 84, Station D, numbers were impressive. out through its beak. Female ambush bugs Etobicoke, ON M9A 4X1, or stored for In the seven sunny days between August continue hunting even during courtship. the NANPS AGM. 24 and September 12 last year that I visited They are astonishingly efficient hunters, “D germinators”(hydrophilic woodland- 25 clumps of goldenrod in Cambridge, succeeding in 95% of their attacks. I even ers with early seed dispersal) should not be Ontario, I counted a total of 57 ambush saw a much larger yellowjacket (itself a stored in the refrigerator, but rather kept bugs and 274 foraging insects of all types, predator) succumb to an ambush bug. bagged in damp vermiculite.

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Meadowlily Butterfly Habitat Restoration

by Stan Caveney and Jane Bowles integrity by using native species adapted are an essential consideration in butterfly to the local conditions. restoration projects. But why are they such Early this summer, lit by the late after- TTLT is planning two very different specialist feeders? One likely explanation is noon sun, an old-field meadow in the approaches. In the manicured area, where provided by the host plant’s defensive Meadowlily Nature Preserve was a whirl the long-term objective is to recreate native chemistry. Many secondary chemicals of freshly-hatched common inornate ringlet forest, we are concentrating on encouraging stored or exuded by plants are strong butterflies. The numerous ringlets appeared trees that are food plants for native butter- feeding deterrents, or even toxic. The to be constantly in motion, together with flies. Furthermore, since deer browse is a cardiac glycosides produced by milkweeds northern crescents and a few other species problem, we plan to use direct seeding to (Asclepias spp.) and dogbanes (Apocynum of butterflies flying quickly between the populate the site. This more closely mimics spp.), for example, are normally extremely flowers of common fleabane (Erigeron - but will speed up - the natural processes toxic to insects (and humans!). Yet philadelphicus) and bramble (Rubus spp.). that would occur if we left the area alone. monarch (milkweed) caterpillars are able Butterflies often emerge in a synchronized Site preparation will involve removing to tolerate high glycoside levels because fashion, and the day’s ringlets provided a the sod-forming lawn grasses and the they make the caterpillars distasteful to good example. Skimming dragonflies spreading large amounts of seed of the birds and other vertebrate predators. The exploited the bonanza of flitting butterflies chosen trees. The principle is that if negative effects of toxins on the health of by plucking them out of the air. One ringlet large numbers of seedlings are present a caterpillar are balanced by the increased photographed flew off and seconds later some will survive the onslaught by odds of not being eaten and thus reaching became dinner for a clubtail dragonfly. deer, but the cost per plant will be kept adulthood. Similarly, viceroy and mourn- Although sun-filled meadows offer a wide to a minimum. Volunteers will collect ing cloak butterflies (and other large range of grasses, rushes and shrubs as food all the seed in the London area. Train- brushfoots) are able to feed on willow for the small caterpillars of skippers, blues ing is to be provided by the Forest Gene (Salix spp.), aspen and cottonwood and some smaller brushfoots, this habitat Conservation Association through a (Populus spp.) because they are able to tol- lacks many of the food plants required by Seed Collectors’ certification course. erate the high salicylic acid content of the the larger caterpillars of our spectacular Butterfly caterpillars might be termed leaves. The host plant selectivity seen in native butterflies, such as swallowtails and fussy eaters. Most exploit a very restricted many caterpillars may be the result of the larger brushfoots. set of food plants and their dietary needs long-term “co-evolutionary battle”waged The Thames Talbot Land Trust (TTLT) decided to address this issue in the Mead-

owlily Nature Preserve, a nat- AVENEY C ural area of just under six TAN hectares secured by the Trust S in 2002 through a private donation. The site is part HOTO COURTESY of the Meadowlily Woods P Environmentally Significant Area (ESA) in London, Ontario and consists of a section of Thames River shoreline, an old-field mead- ow on a former floodplain ter- race, a previously manicured lawn and a forest incorporat- ing a meandering ravine. The Management Plan calls for renaturalization of the manicured area and enhanc- ing butterfly habitat. Conven- tional butterfly gardening is clearly inappropriate in a sig- nificant natural area, where the emphasis needs to be on maintaining ecological Gomphid dragonfly eating an inornate ringlet butterfly at Meadowlily Nature Preserve

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between the chemical arsenal produced by plant detected from afar (by sight and scent) and other food plants that are already there the host plant and the ability of caterpillars is indeed suitable food for her caterpillars. and simply enhance some of the plants that to neutralize it. Giant swallowtail caterpil- This “drumming”behaviour brings chemi- provide nectar for adult butterflies and other lars feed mainly on plants in the Rutaceae cals on the leaf’s surface into contact with insects. Again, we will use what is already (citrus) family, such as prickly-ash receptors on the tips of the female’s legs. present, but increase the abundance of native (Zanthoxylum americanum). This family Unlike moths, butterflies usually lay only butterfly plants by planting plugs of selected synthesizes similar distasteful, even toxic, a few eggs on individual plants, so that the species. In the fall, the meadow will offer gold- aromatic oils and photosensitive toxins. leaf damage caused by feeding caterpillars enrods (Solidago spp.) and asters (Aster spp.) Most swallowtail caterpillars store the is less noticeable to predatory birds. As a as rich sources of nectar for migrating mon- pungent aromatic oils obtained from their side benefit, the impact of feeding is less archs as well as for butterflies preparing to host plants in a special gland behind their stressful to the host plant. Female butterflies overwinter, such as mourning cloaks and red heads, and when provoked, release them even appear to be able to sense when admirals. Butterflies may not be important into the air. Unlike monarch butterflies, another female has laid her eggs on a food flower pollinators, but they add drama and which later use the dietary toxins acquired plant, and move on to find another one. spectacle to a meadow. as caterpillars as defensive chemicals, Eventually Meadowlily Nature Preserve Meadowlily Nature Preserve has a well- our local swallowtails do not retain these will have a range of vigorous young plants maintained trail and is open to the public aromatic deterrents into adulthood. to offer up to the ravages of caterpillars. during daylight hours. TTLT plans to host Instead they rely on being able to mimic The dominant trees in the mature upland demonstrations on how to create butterfly- the appearance of other distasteful forest currently include sugar maple friendly habitat with local native plants. butterflies to escape predation by birds. (Acer saccharum),black cherry (Prunus Stan Caveney is a freshly-minted emeritus Other chemical compounds made by serotina), white ash (Fraxinus americana) professor in entomology at the University plants serve as rendezvous signals for and American beech (Fagus grandiflora). of Western Ontario. His passion is in courting butterflies (i.e. help a butterfly Although these species do not host many preserving and restoring the diversity of Carolinian Forest habitat along the north shore find a mate) and also trigger egg-laying butterflies, they are used by a good variety of of Lake Erie. Jane Bowles is a freelance behaviour in mated females. Before laying moths.We shall enhance the butterfly habitat botanist and ecologist, director of the her eggs, the female scrapes her forelegs on merely by choosing among other species Sherwood Fox Arboretum at the University of Western Ontario and curator of the the surface of a leaf to confirm that a host already on offer at the preserve (see Selected UWO Herbarium. Butterfly Plants list Thames Talbot Land Trust on page 6) without resorting to the Canada’s “Deep South”,the Carolinian Zone, ecologically dubious lies north of Lakes Erie and Ontario, south of a practice of introducing hazy line stretching from about Grand Bend new species to the to Toronto. The region includes less than one margin of the natural percent of the landmass of Canada, but more woodland. than 25% of the human population and one In the meadow on third of the species at risk. Before the massive the floodplain terrace clearing of forests that took place following we will be using a dif- European settlement, most of the land was ferent strategy. The forested. Now it contains urban areas and area is flanked by a mix- transport corridors crisscrossing some of ture of early- to mid- the best agricultural land in the world. Forest successional trees such fragments occupy about 10% of their former as hackberry (Celtis spread. Much of this region is under private occidentalis),black ownership and there is little formal protection walnut (Juglans nigra), for the remaining natural features. basswood (Tilia The Thames Talbot Land Trust – one of americana),cotton- 34 private land trusts in Ontario - is playing wood and big-toothed a pivotal role in conserving and restoring the aspen (Populus deltoides landscape.TTLT’s objective is to protect lands and waters of ecological,agricultural or cultural and P.grandidentata) value through land acquisition,conservation and Manitoba maple easements,landscape restoration,education (Acer negundo). and other mechanisms.Both the geographical We want to maintain context and cultural heritage of the Thames the area as an open River watershed and the historic Talbot Trail meadow, with the are expressed in the name of the Trust,which grasses, sedges, focuses its activities in London / Middlesex common milkweed and Elgin County regions. (Asclepias syriaca), NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY SUMMER 2006 5 Blazing Summer/4.qxd 11/28/07 2:04 PM Page 11

Selected Butterfly Plants Unlikely Allies:

WOODY PLANT CATERPILLARS FEEDING

Dogwoods Spring azure Cacti in the Human Sphere (Cornus spp.) by Zoe Dalton Basswood Eastern tiger swallowtail (Tilia americana) Sometimes it isn’t the prettiest plant that most inspires admiration, but Bitternut Banded hairstreak, hickory the most tenacious, the one that thrives even in the toughest conditions. (Carya cordiformis) hairstreak Such are the spiny, lumpy, bumpy, often portly cacti, some of the hardiest floral Black cherry Eastern tiger swallowtail specimens out there. (Prunus serotina) In their home environments, these remarkable plants contend with conditions intolerable to most flora, including extended droughts, intense Blue beech Eastern tiger swallowtail (Carpinus caroliniana) sunlight, drying winds, dramatic temperature fluctuations, and poor soil. To deal with these unfavourable conditions, cacti have evolved specialized Choke cherry Eastern tiger swallowtail features, some of which make them very difficult to harvest. Despite these (Prunus virginiana) challenges, prehistoric humans discovered the plants’ value and learned to Eastern cottonwood Eastern tiger swallowtail, make the most of them. (Populus deltoides) viceroy, red spotted purple Native almost exclusively to the Americas*, cacti (members of the Cactaceae family) are found in such diverse locations as British Columbia, Arizona, Elms Question mark, mourning (Ulmus spp.) cloak Patagonia and southwestern Ontario. Wherever they occur, they have proved invaluable as sources of food, building materials, medicines, and other Gooseberry Grey comma resources. Evolved from woody jungle plants, cacti exist today in a great (Ribes cynosbati) diversity of morphological forms: from the 12-metre (40-foot) saguaro Hackberry Hackberry butterfly, (Carnegiea gigantea) of the Sonoran desert to southwestern Ontario’s low (Celtis occidentalis) mourning cloak, question and spreading eastern prickly pear cactus (Opuntia humifusa) to the tropical mark, snout, tawny Pereskia genus of leafy trees, shrubs and vines. emperor Of the 2,000 or so cactus species classified, the most ethnobotanically Hawthorn Red spotted purple relevant may be members of the Opuntia genus. Known broadly as the prickly (Crataegus spp.) pear cactus or cholla, Opuntia species are found throughout the Americas with Shagbark hickory Banded hairstreak, hickory three in Canada. (Carya ovata) hairstreak Like most cacti, Opuntia have well-developed mechanisms for absorbing and retaining water when it becomes available, and for minimizing its loss once Spicebush Spicebush swallowtail stored. Thus in the arid regions where Opuntia are found, their basic service to (Lindera benzoin) humans (and other thirsty fauna) has been the provision of water. After carefully Willows Acadian hairstreak de-spining the fresh cladodes or pads using bunches of grass or other methods, (Salix spp.) aboriginal peoples pounded the cactus to release a sweet juice. With a moisture Wood nettles Eastern comma, Milbert’s content as high as 90% the cladodes can be significant sources of water. (Laportia canadensis) tortoiseshell Survival in arid ecosystems requires adaptations of two factors fundamental to plant life – heat and moisture. The succulent stem has become the be-all and end-all in the cactus world. Made of tissues specially modified for water storage,

HERBACEOUS PLANT CATERPILLARS FEEDING this organ serves the cactus through dry periods, efficiently swelling with water when this resource becomes available, and storing it for periods when external Canada wild rye Wood nymph moisture is in short supply. Roots positioned close to the soil surface assist this (Elymus canadensis) process by ensuring that even minimal rainfall is captured and sent up to the Common milkweed Monarch water-storage tissues for later use. (Asclepias syriaca) The green cactus stem has also taken over from the leaves as the primary location for photosynthesis. (Leaves on most cacti have been modified over Dogbanes Monarch (Apocynum spp.) evolutionary time, now existing as spines which serve the plant by deterring herbivory, deflecting incoming solar radiation, and, in combination with the Field pussytoes American painted lady downy hairs found on the stem, trapping a layer of air close to the epidermal (Antennaria neglecta) surface to regulate temperature and decrease moisture loss via air movement). New England aster Northern checkerspot, pearl Unfortunately for the water-conservationist cactus, the most basic of all (Aster novae-angliae) crescent metabolic processes, photosynthesis, includes the process of transpiration. Given cacti’s need to minimize moisture loss, the plants’ stomata (those tiny Turtlehead Baltimore checkerspot (Chelone glabra) epidermal pores which allow for gas exchange during photosynthesis) have developed the trick of opening at night rather than during the day as most Violets Great spangled fritillary plants do. (Viola spp.) * Rhipsalis baccifera is the one exception, occurring in tropical regions of both the new world and the old. 6NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY SUMMER 2006 Blazing Summer/4.qxd 11/28/07 2:04 PM Page 12

Nopalea cochenillifera

Cooler nighttime air is much less drying than hot daytime air. But cacti are much more than watering holes. Their fruits, often conspicuous and brightly-coloured, have been prized for both their flavour and nutritional value by people throughout the Americas for thousands of years. The fruits of Opuntia species are said to vary in flavour from that of strawberries to watermelons to figs. First peoples of Mexico and the southwestern United States made full use of the fruit of EREIRA

various cactus species, eating the rind, pulp, P and seeds. Seeds were often dried in the sun livestock. In

Brazil, over 300,000 AMILCAR and ground for later use as a nutritious H gruel. Given cacti’s often significant spines, hectares (740,000 acres) gathering the fruit presents some real chal- of Opuntia are cultivated for fodder alone. LLUSTRATION BY

lenges. Long forked sticks were often used I by the gatherer to avoid being impaled. Cacti have also provided raw Several cactus species have been materials for technological considered useful in treating physical dis- applications. The woody ‘skeleton’ orders. For example, the Hopi chewed the of Opuntia spinosior (cane cholla) has cholla’s root as a treatment for diarrhea; proved useful as the basis for house and the Blackfoot used Opuntia fuzz to treat fence construction as well as furniture warts; and some 19th century doctors making. Cuttings from Pereskia species treated wounds with baked Opuntia root so easily that the plant has been used cladodes. Today, cacti such as Selenicereus to create impenetrable living fences. The grandiflorus (night-blooming cereus) are mucilaginous properties of boiled cactus In cacti’s home range the opposite being processed for use in homeopathic pulp have led to its use as an adhesive problem exists: there is concern regarding remedies to treat ailments ranging from (e.g. in ensuring that whitewash adheres population declines among certain urinary tract infections to heart disease. to walls). Nopalea cochenillifera (nopal species. The Opuntia of southwestern Tribes such as the Navajo have great respect cactus) was highly valued for centuries US and Mexico are now threatened by the for the prickly pear cactus, with culturally- because it is the host for the cochineal northward movement of the cactus moth, embedded taboos and prohibitions insect that could be processed into a and populations of these plants could be regarding the plant’s use, as well as special much sought-after red dye. decimated by the insect’s arrival. In south- ceremonies related to its harvest. Like many introduced organisms ern Ontario the eastern prickly pear cactus Opuntia plants have been domesticated worldwide, various Opuntia species have is listed as a species at risk due to human and grown in family-controlled plots since become serious pests in far-flung locations disturbance (trampling and collection 3,000 BC. Their importance in Mexico and such as Australia and parts of Africa. from the wild) in its limited range and the southern US remains significant. Roaming livestock and wildlife consume invasion of its habitat by woody plants . Today, over 250,000 hectares (over 600,000 the cactus fruits and spread the seeds The story of the cactus is a familiar acres) of plantations can be found in Mexi- across broad areas; the result has been one for North American botanists, co alone. Opuntia cultivation generates cactus infestations across millions of bringing together the significance over $50 million in revenue each year with hectares of land. Australia has been fortu- of plants in human culture and history, tens of millions of dollars in Opuntia prod- nate in that its experimental introduction the potential invasive nature of species ucts exported to Europe and Asia annually. of the cactus moth (a natural Opuntia introduced to exotic locations, and the The scale of cultivation today, and the predator in South America whose larvae threats that natural and anthropogenic plants’ economic importance, are due not dine on the cactus) has brought the changes can pose to wild populations. Opuntia infestation down to manageable only to human consumption of the Zoe Dalton is a freelance nature writer. cladodes and fruit of cacti, but also to the levels – without leading to an infestation Her husband, illustrator Hamilcar Pereira, fact that Opuntia is an excellent fodder for of the moth species. is a digital sculptor.

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A Minnesota Neighborhood Goes Native

along the buffer edge and reseeded it with a wetland edge mix. To catch runoff going to the street and CKLES

E increase the connections between the seeded back buffer and the rest of the OANNA J neighborhood, we discussed the idea of planting the front boulevards (the area between sidewalk and street) with native plants and establishing native gardens in HOTOGRAPHS COURTESY

P front of and between houses. Despite con- cerns about the effects of plowing, snow load and salt, the idea quickly spread and became one of the highlights of our finished project. In all over 15,000 native plants now link the entire neighborhood along the boulevards and in gardens. In most cases, these gardens were planted across property lines – an accomplishment and level of cooperation rarely seen in Goldfinches collect seeds from Gallardia aristata that blooms all summer long urban or suburban neighborhoods. in this Stillwater, Minnesota garden. Eight families planted all or part of their by Joanna & Klay Eckles many people were still getting their bare boulevards in natives and six families joined lots established. We were excited by the together to form beautiful communal gar- Our native plant lust began slowly.We could prospect of breaking out of the paradigm dens all at the expense of lawn grass. These probably attribute our original conversion of mowed grass and repetitive gardens of areas have thrived despite the pressure of to a “Meadow in a Bag.” That sly marketing the same dozen hybridized nursery plants. Minnesota winter road maintenance. pitch 15 years ago put us on the road to We set a meeting date and circulated a We learned a lot that could help future natives. Never mind that none of the plants newsletter explaining the grant program. crusaders in the native landscaping were native or suited for long-term survival Our chances were good. The wetland and movement. Although the neighbors in Minnesota. That realization hit a couple trout stream adjoining our neighborhood were interested in environmentally sound of seasons later – there is a real difference were a priority habitat for the DNR. The landscaping, and were highly motivated between wildflowers and natives. offer of free plants would pique the interest We started over after acquiring some of our neighbors, but many also had a basic knowledge and a good custom seed genuine interest in environmental issues mix from a local native nursery. Initially and moved here in part because of the we thought this too had failed, but after creek and natural area. Meetings continued a year it was clear that the process of and we determined who was interested and establishing a prairie required a different on what level. We had a record 15 of 19 timeframe to measure success. The native families on board when we applied for plants eventually thrived where our instant the grant in the winter of 2001-2002. meadow fizzled – both growing and Our efforts were rewarded that spring learning were an evolution. When we with a US$15,000 grant. moved to a new suburban home we got Our final project had several compo- right to work on big prairie plans. nents, all designed to enhance water Our plans were well underway when we quality in the wetland and creek and to heard about a Minnesota Department of provide habitat for wildlife. A primary Natural Resources (DNR) program called goal was to increase the existing buffer Neighborhood Wilds. The DNR had funds between the neighborhood and the creek. available for neighborhoods willing to work This was accomplished by first killing a together to plant natives. It was a great good portion of sod. We seeded a native concept – working across property bound- prairie mix directly into the dead sod, aries to create corridors of native habitat eliminating the fear of erosion. We also that no single family could accomplish on removed willows (Salix spp.), reed canary Boulevard planting of Tradescantia ohiensis, their own. Our neighborhood was new, grass (Phalaris arundinacea), thistles Campanula rotundifolia, Geum triflorum, Heuchera the sense of community was very high and (Carduus spp.) and other invasive plants richardsonii, Amorpha canescens...

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by the potential grant money, it became their time and interest allowed. Also, many in a young prairie. Consequently, three clear early on that there was a formidable people interpreted “Low Maintenance”to large sections of the buffer were given a knowledge gap. This deficit would prove mean “No Maintenance.”After several years “stubble cut” at the height of a drought. to be our greatest foe. The age-old teachings we did “lose”a section of the boulevard that We feared that the tiny prairie seedlings of our parents and decades of toiling at turf had fallen into disrepair. The work required would die without the shelter of the early grass and vegetable gardens did not provide to get it back after years of neglect out- cover crop of plants. Fortunately, this little a basis for jumping into native landscaping. weighed the owner’s commitment and the misunderstanding didn’t prove disastrous. We knew this would be a challenge, and area was converted back to lawn grass. The prairie can be forgiving. our plans included numerous ways for Long-term maintenance for the seeded Despite the challenges, our neighborhood participants to learn the basics. We had buffer areas will continue to be a thorny did create something special. For several handouts, books, seminars, and visits from issue. In the beginning, the neighborhood people, native plants were just the thing. local experts. Several people with serious enjoyed the expert service of the consultant They got fully involved in the project and interest learned quickly and became that planted the large seeded areas. Weaning created incredible, ever-changing and mentors. Overall, these few people guided the neighborhood off this assistance and maturing native gardens that benefit the the project, kept it going over time, and helping individuals take ownership of the whole community. Walking down the continued to deal with issues that came up. project has not been wholly successful. sidewalk is now a beautiful adventure Long-term it remains to be seen whether the While a subset of people have made prairie as we look for new and different blooms neighborhood retains the interest, expertise maintenance part of their routine, others every week and through the years. We’ve and understanding to perpetuate the native haven’t. We’ve tried a number of things to watched pheasants emerge from the wet- landscaping features. Without some kind help. The most recent effort involved land, walk through the back prairie buffer, of ongoing education/diligence, whether circulating information sheets on problem follow the native corridor between houses, provided by other neighbors - who do grow plants. The sheets included information, then cross the street to find refuge in yet weary of it - or contracted from outside, photos and instructions for removal. Weeks another prairie area. these plots may succumb to weeds, to a later, the “plants to remove”were still there The project also gave our neighborhood current whim, or to grass when a new and going to seed. much more visual continuity. In our grant owner moves in. Some neighbors tried hard to do the right application we wrote:“We hope to create a We anticipated that maintenance would be thing, but hadn’t educated themselves neighborhood ‘feel’ that immediately tells a potential Achilles heel. People were enough to know exactly how. During the residents and visitors that this is something encouraged to get involved only at the level second growing season, a few residents different.”While we each have our favorite they could maintain. Because “everyone was remembered that mowing had been plants and each garden reflects these tastes, doing it”perhaps some got in deeper than discussed as a good way to manage weeds overall the result is distinctively native. The communal gardens across property lines exemplify the teamwork and relation- ship that was created as a result of taking this on together. To the purist, our project was not a complete success. We have turf grass, we have invasives, and not everyone was a convert. We've seen that things change, people change, and natives aren't for everyone. Our experience has also shown that ongoing communication and educa- tion are vital to this communal approach. We know that everyone in the neighbor- hood has gained a better appreciation of native landscaping but, best of all, we have almost 50 children who will grow up in a "Neighborhood Wild".

Joanna Eckles is an environmental educator who works for World Parrot Trust, an international par- rot conservation organization. Her husband Klay is a City Engineer who has successfully integrated native plantings and environmentally friendly designs into city and regional projects. Giant wands of Liatris pycnostachya among native grasses and Asclepias tuberosa.

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American Columbo in the Cartwright Nature Sanctuary

by Carl Rothfels years before the flowers actually appear County, one in Haldimand-Norfolk (it takes that long for the flowering tissues County and three in Niagara Region. Last year, on the Hamilton Naturalists’ to mature before blooming). The fruiting The Cartwright population is the second Club’s spring botanical inventory of the stalk can stand upright for a year or more record for Hamilton, and possibly the only Cartwright Nature Sanctuary, I was providing a quick and easy marker for extant population here. The first popula- stunned to see the floppy, cabbage-like columbo patches. tion was small, perhaps only six plants and leaves of American columbo (Frasera American columbo is not particularly has not been seen since its discovery in the caroliniensis), one of Ontario’s rarest plants. common anywhere in its range, and is not Borer’s Falls Conservation Area in 1989. American Columbo is listed as a Species found in most of the field guides for east- The Cartwright columbo occupy the of Special Concern in Canada*, so it was ern North America or Ontario. There are same general habitat as the other Hamilton especially rewarding to discover it growing good sites for images on the web (for exam- and Halton populations: a gentle to steep, on the sanctuary, an 18.6-hectare (46-acre) ple, 2bnthewild.com/plants/H193htm), open, dry ravine slope below the Niagara property located between the Niagara but the best local resource is the HNC’s Escarpment, usually on clay, with oaks and Escarpment and Cootes Paradise. The Head-of-the-Lake Pocket Nature Guide. hickories. Unlike the Aldershot popula- land was purchased in December 2004 We are privileged in the Hamilton/ tions, many of the Cartwright plants are in by the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club (HNC) Halton area because we have more popula- fairly flat areas, and are on grey clay instead and Conservation Hamilton. tions of this endangered species than any of the thick red clay more typical of this American columbo is a bizarre plant in other region in Canada. There are approxi- species locally. the gentian family. It grows as a rosette of mately five populations in Halton Region The Cartwright population also fills smooth leaves for several years, often in dry (all in the Aldershot area), two in Brant a gap between the more western forest understories. There it gradually populations (Brant County, and builds up energy and increases in size. the other Hamilton site) and the Eventually, when the plant has suffi- Aldershot populations. cient reserves (this may take more As such it may be an important than seven years), it grows a tall flow- bridge, facilitating gene flow between ering spike – this is known as bolting. the Ontario populations. Then it blooms, produces seed, and The American columbo stand in dies. Each plant only blooms once the sanctuary is a significant popula- before dying, a highly unusual tion. The Hamilton Naturalists’ Club strategy for a perennial. found 287 plants in a June 2005 cen- Obviously, if one columbo in a sus, 24 of which were bolting. In population blooms by itself, it won’t 2006, 257 plants were counted. How- be pollinated by another member of ever, since seeds remain viable for at its species, and it won’t get a chance least five years, the decline in popula- to try again! So the plants tend to tion may be temporary. bloom synchronously. For example, We are a lucky club to have this in the surveys of the Ontario popula- jewel of a plant on our new sanctuary. tions of Frasera caroliniensis in 2004, Our stewardship work at Cartwright I saw hundreds of rosettes, but not a has barely begun (and we still have to single blooming plant. In the summer pay off the mortgage!) but already the of 2005, every population I visited property has more than proven its had multiple blooming plants, worth as a natural heritage site. including the Cartwright population. Carl Rothfels was, until recently, This year none of the columbo at the the Field Botanist and Herbarium sanctuary flowered. Curator at Royal Botanical Gardens, No one knows what triggers and an active member of the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club. columbo to bloom, although the

“decision”to flower is made several OTHFELS To obtain a copy of HNC’s R Head-of-the-Lake Pocket ARL * American columbo was recently C Nature Guide recommended for upgrading to visit www.hamiltonnature.org. Endangered status by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) HOTOGRAPH COURTESY P

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On the Propagation of Anemonella thalictroides

by Darcie McKelvey

Former NANPS Board member Kathy Edgar, who has a lovely garden and a prospering patch of Anemonella thalictroides, offered me a lot of seed in June of 2004. I agreed to try to germinate them with some misgiving. I still remember the moment when I first saw the white flowers and airy foliage of the spring-blooming rue anemone sitting in pots at Humber Nursery. It was love at first sight! But when I tried to germinate them from seed, I met with limited success. RANTON Not total failure, as I have had occasional G

seedlings that survived Toronto winters, RIGITTE B but not roaring success either. I was faced with two big questions. I knew that the germinating pattern was LLUSTRATION BY warm-cold-warm (or “D”germinators On observing the pots I using William Cullina’s bible of propaga- in the refrigerator in the early germinating tion*). I also suspected that the seeds, February, I could see seedlings seedlings bloomed although hydrophilic, rotted if faced with coming up in the pot containing in 2005 and again this too much moisture. The big questions in seeds that had been kept moist in year, much to my delighted my mind were (1) what’s the best medium vermiculite. Both pots were removed surprise. My conclusion is that to sow them in for the initial warm period, from the refrigerator and germination damp vermiculite works very well and (2) whether to stratify them outside or noted in the second pot shortly after that. in the initial warm period, as it is in a spare refrigerator. I do find many Germination was not observed in the pot easier to detect and correct the woodland plants are happier with outdoor that was outside until May 23rd. moisture level in the vermiculite treatment, but I was concerned about the The best germinating results were than in soil. Zone 5 conditions where I currently reside. obtained from the seeds originally I propagated more this year Because I had sufficient seed, I decided sown in vermiculite where the success (using vermiculite, the most to conduct a “scientific experiment”. rate, determined by the number of successful method) and it worked. I divided the available seed into thirds. germinations divided by the number Now I’m doing the same with One-third was bagged in damp vermicu- of seeds started, was 82%. Of seeds sown Uvularia and Anemone quinquefolia. lite. The other two-thirds were sown in in soil and kept inside, only eight out of 28 Darcie McKelvey loves growing plants two pots at the end of June. As a growing seeds germinated (29%) and all eight from seed. medium I used real woodland soil. seedlings grew on one side of the pot The seeds were lightly covered. (as if human error was involved). Outdoor * New England Wildflower Society Guide to Growing and Propagating One of the sown seed pots was put treatment resulted in only six germinations Wildflowers of the United States outside and remained there from the end (21%). I was surprised that the outdoor and Canada, published in 2000. of June 2004 until the spring of 2005. I did group did so well. However, as noted not water it. The seed pot that remained above, the germi- inside under more critical scrutiny was nation was much watered occasionally. The vermiculite delayed (by about group was checked sporadically to ensure three months) rel- that there was some slight detectable ative to the two moisture in the baggie. On December 16, groups that had the potted seeds were placed in the been kept in the refrigerator. On the same day, the seeds refrigerator. that had been stored in vermiculite were All the seedlings sown in woodland soil and placed in the that germinated refrigerator as well. survived. Many of

NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY SUMMER 2006 11 Blazing Summer/4.qxd 11/28/07 2:04 PM Page 1

Continued from page 1 their eggs on it. The abundant seeds are often eaten by ‘puddle’ ducks such as leaves as resting places. northern pintails or gadwalls. The individual flowers bloom for a single Pontederia cordata can be propagated day and then die. However, the spike is easily by rootstock division in spring. crowded and other flowers quickly bloom It can also be grown from seed and does in succession, usually beginning with the best after a period of cold, wet dormancy. lowest flowers and continuing upward. In Note that it can be prolific and, due to the southern part of its range it can bloom the extremely high rate of transpiration from late May through November, but for a via its large leaf surface, can cause an much shorter period in northerly regions. accelerated lowering of the water level Each flower is funnel-like, about one cen- in which it is growing. timetre (a half inch) wide, and has a three- Some studies have shown pickerelweed P.Allen Woodliffe lobed upper lip with two yellow dots on the to be an effective filter of aquatic is District Ecologist middle lobe. The most common pollina- contaminants. Its presence is certainly for the Chatham tors of pickerelweed are bees, which are an indication of a good quality wetland. and Aylmer districts of the Ontario typically attracted by bluish colours, but Combined with its striking looks, these Ministry of Natural butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies and are good reasons to grow it. Resources. hummingbirds also visit. Pickerelweed flowers are tristyly, meaning there are three distinct types, each on a dif- ferent plant. One type has a long pistil, a set Calendar of Events of three medium stamens and three short stamens. The second has a medium-length September 30,2006 April 10-12,2007 pistil and a set of three short and three long NANPS AGM MANOMIN WATERSHED CONFERENCE stamens. The third has a short pistil and a Markham Civic Centre International Falls, Minnesota set of three medium and three long sta- Markham, Ontario Exploring ways to protect and enhance the Visit www.nanps.org. environmental health of the Manitoba, mens. Each length of stamen produces Ontario and Minnesota basins. pollen of a different size and constitution. March 8-10,2007 Visit www.manominconference.ca. The healthiest seed is produced if pollen is XERISCAPE COUNCIL brought from stamens to a pistil of the OF NM CONFERENCE same length. When a bee arrives to collect Albuquerque, New Mexico Contact [email protected]. nectar pollen adheres to a certain part of its body, and when it visits another pickerel- weed the pollen will touch a pistil of the same length. The day after flowering, the blossom JOIN NANPS withers whether it is pollinated or not. If Your donations and membership dollars help NANPS to study, conserve, cultivate and it has been pollinated, the seeds slowly restore North America's native flora. Members receive our quarterly newsletter, the Blazing develop. Once most flowers have been Star, and are eligible for NANPS-sponsored excursions and the Seed Exchange. NANPS pollinated, the flower stalk bends over so is a registered charitable organization (no. 130720824 RR0001) founded in 1984. that the fruit head sinks just under the Donations to the Society are tax-creditable in Canada. Tax receipts will be issued for donations water surface, where the seeds ripen. Each of $20 or more. pollinated flower will produce one small seed. After ripening, the seeds are released ___ $20 / 1 calendar year (Jan.–Dec.) where they float on the surface for a while. ___ $40 / 2 years Even though this species produces an ___ $60 / 3 years ( ___ send me a free NANPS pewter pin as a bonus for my 3-year membership) abundance of seed, it reproduces more ___ $200 Sustaining Membership (includes a Canadian tax credit for $100 successfully vegetatively - by extending its and a 5-year membership) rhizomes through the soft muck. NAME: ______Pickerelweed is of great value to wildlife. ADDRESS: ______The stems and leaves are eaten by muskrats, as are the rhizomes. White-tailed ______deer and Canada geese may also eat the PHONE: ______leaves. The stems of the previous year’s FAX: ______growth may be used as nesting material EMAIL: ______

by sandhill cranes. Dragonflies and Please make cheque payable to the NANPS and mail to Box 84, Station D, damselflies rest on the plant and may lay Etobicoke, Ontario M9A 4X1. For info, call (416) 631-4438; e-mail [email protected].

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