The Rhexia

Paynes Prairie Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society

Ask the Native Plant Experts

Do you have questions about native plants on your property? We’ve got answers! This month, our program features a return of the popular panel discussion, “Ask the Experts”.

Our panelists will be Joe Durando, Brian Quinn, and Erick Smith (longtime FNPS members and native plantsmen) along with Hector Perez (professor, UF Environmental Horticulture IN THIS ISSUE Department) and Kelley Perez (landscape architect, Your Florida Garden, Inc.)

With the Spring Native Plant Sale just around the corner (see NEXT MEETING 1 & 2 page five for details), this program offers members and the CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2 public an opportunity to get specialized garden advice. Our PLANTING FOR BIRDS 2 & 4 experts will help you: BLOOMING NOW 3 • start a list of native plants that will thrive in your landscape GLASS FLOWERS 3 • learn maintenance techniques FIELD TRIPS 4 • avoid mistakes in plant choice and placement SPRING PLANT SALE 5 PLANT ID 6 See page 2 for ways to get the best advice from this panel of YARD VISIT 6 experts. “Ask the Experts” never fails to be a fun and SPONSORS 7 informative evening. Bring your questions. See you there! CONTACT LIST 8

Join us for the March meeting of Paynes Prairie Chapter on Thursday, March 13th at the United Church of Gainesville, 1624 NW 5th Avenue. Plant ID Clinic at 6:15. Program begins at 7pm.

Photo: Rhododendren austrinum (FL Flame Azalea), courtesy of Lisa Jelks 12

Spring 2014 Events issue, date

March 11 Santa Fe Audobon Society’s event (page 5)

13 "Ask the Expert"- get ready for Native Plant Sale (page 1 - 2)

15 Field Trip - Etoniah State Forest- hike ravine loaded with native azaleas (page 4)

April 4-5 FNPS Native Plant Sale (Page 5)

10 Anna Prizzia Forage Farms

12 Field Trip -Tour of Forage Farms

May 8 Annie Hermansen, US Forest Service-Firewise Landscaping

10 Field Trip-Saw Mill Slough- Jacksonville

15-18 Annual FNPS Conference at FL Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers

Ask yourself a few questions: Get Ready to “Ask the Experts” For the most accurate advice, observe Tips from Claudia Larsen your property and know your site o Do you want plants that will conditions ahead of time. These may attract more birds? Or maybe Prepare your own questions for include: you need bees to help pollinate the panel of experts by thinking your vegetable garden? of your landscape and your o What are the best plants for lifestyle. o How much light does your privacy hedges? yard receive (full sun, partial o What are slow growing natives How could the landscape be shade, shade)? that can be used as foundation improved with native plantings plants around your house? to suit your needs and wishes? o What is the degree of soil o Are there wildflowers that moisture from very wet to very will grow in the shade? dry? o Do you need more cooling shade in summer? Which o What is the soil texture (clay, native trees are best for east, sandy, loam etc.)? What is the west, northern or southern soil pH? exposures in your yard? o Which small native trees offer o What plants are growing there seasonal color? now? o Are you looking for an alternative to turfgrass?

If you miss our expert panel, you can still create a list of native plants for your Photo, above: Gelsemium sempervirens, Yellow yard with this user friendly FNPS database: http://www.fnps.org/plants Jessamine. By Shirley Denton, posted online at www.fnps.org

Landscaping for the Birds by Claudia Larsen

In February the Audubon Society held its Backyard Bird Tour showcasing Gainesville yards designed to attract and watch birds. There is always an amazing array of bird perches, feeders and water features but a true wildlife habitat also includes the native plants that provide a variety of size and stature to meet wildlife needs. A list of suggested plants can be found on our website.

Though the list is not meant to be inclusive, it is a good variety of Florida native plants that provide berries, nuts, shelter and nesting areas for our local birds. Other Florida plants attract insects that become an important part of bird diets during nesting season. I think I have seen each of these species at our past plant sales and some may be difficult to find anywhere else. Check with your nursery person for suitability to your sites sun and moisture requirements. For further reading, I recommend Craig Huegel’s book “Native Plant Landscaping for Florida Wildlife.”

2 issue, date Blooming now! Sassafras albidum

These showy yellow flowers with the sweet fragrance were a big surprise when they popped out this week in my yard. I had never witnessed flowering on my little Sassafras tree. I enjoy this tree for the unique foliage that turns brilliant shades of red and purple in fall. Unfortunately, as a member of the Lauraceae family, Sassafras is threatened by Laurel Wilt, Sassafras albidum, Photo by Shirley Denton, posted online at Early spring flowers on Sassafras. vectored by the www.fnps.org. Three distinct leaf shapes occur. Photo shows Photo by Barbara Smith Feb. 2014 Ambrosia beetle. new foliage after flowering.

The Ware Collection of Glass Models of Plants - If you ever find yourself in Cambridge Massachusetts, try to visit the Glass Flowers exhibit at the Harvard Museum of Natural History. It is truly remarkable. The plants truly look real. They are that botanically correct. The permanent exhibition is a treat for any student of botany or lover of plants. Many of our FL natives are represented. The collection represents 847 plant species painstakingly and accurately crafted in glass by Leopold and Rudolph Blaschka. The father and son glassmakers in Hosterwitz, near Dresden, Germany were last in a line of family jewelers and glassmakers going back to 15th century Venice. Originally charged with the creation of just a few models, the Blaschkas later signed an exclusive contract with Harvard to make a collection of some 4,200 glass models, working over five decades from 1886 through 1936. More online at: http://www.hmnh.harvard.edu/press-room/glass-flowers.html.

Photos below: Glass Flowers Exhibit at Harvard Museum of Natural History. Left, glass model of Parthenocissus quinquifolia Center, display cases of glass plant specimens. Right, glass model of Liriodendron tulipifera. Photos by Barbara Smith 5/ 2013

3 Field Trip this month: Claudia Larsen’s List of Landscape Plants for the Birds issue, date

Etoniah Creek State State Forest, near Palatka Large trees: Sugarberry, Celtis laevigata Ironwood (Carpinus americana) Southern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) th Hophornbeam (Ostrya virginica) Saturday, March 15 - Meet at park at 9AM Pines (Pinus species) Oaks (many Quercus species) Leader: Charlie Pederson, 352-682-4999 American Elm ( Ulmus americana) American Holly (Ilex opaca) Degree of difficulty: Moderate Cabbage Palm (Sabal palmetto) Tupelo (Nyssa species) We will explore the ravine to look for native Red Mulberry (Morus rubra) Mid-size trees: azaleas in bloom and drive to a nearby scrub Dogwood (Cornus floridana) ecosystem to see the famous Etoniah Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) Rosemary, a rare Conradina species that blooms Carolina Buckthorn (Rhamnus caroliniana) Dahoon Holly (Ilex cassine) in summer. Bring water, snack or lunch to enjoy Winged Elm (Ulmus alata) before returning to Gainesville around 1pm. Flatwoods Plum (Prunus umbellata) Shrubs: Most of these are understory plants that take light – moderate shade Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) Etoniah Creek State Forest is located in Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia) northern Putnam County. The forest Wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera) headquarters is located northeast of Chokeberry (Aronia arbutifoia) Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) Florahome. Strawberrybush (Euonymus caroliniana) Hollies – (many Ilex species) Directions: Viburnum (many species) Swamp Dogwood (Cornus foemina) Plan on a 1 hour drive from Gainesville Blueberry (many Vaccinium species) Go east on SR 26 and drive 16.8 miles Huckleberry (Gaylussacia sp.) Turn right onto FL-100E/Highway 100E. Drive Firebush (Hamelia patens) Dwarf palmetto (Sabal minor) 7.4 miles Hawthornes (many Crataegus species) Turn left on Holloway Rd, continue 2.6 miles to Wildcards: These plants are not usually recommended in home landscapes second forest road on right (Fieldhouse Rd). due to their aggressiveness or unkempt looks but are valuable to birds in natural areas: Park Office is ½ mile down Fieldhouse Road. Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) Wild persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) Forest Website: Sumac (Rhus copallinum) Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions- Chickasaw Plum (Prunus angustifolia) Offices/Florida-Forest-Service/Our- Blackberries (Rubus species) Forests/State-Forests/Etoniah-Creek-State- Virginia Creeper (Campsis radicans) Grapevine (Vitis species) Forest Wild Rose (Rosa sp) Florida Sunflower (Helianthus angustifolia)

Review of Paddle FL Program- Claudia Larsen We thank Jill Lingard from Paddle Florida for her great presentation at our last meeting. If you missed it, you can check their website for information and pictures of trips. http://www.Paddleflorida.org

As a 501C3 organization, Paddle Florida provides a great way to enjoy a multi-day paddling trip in some our more beautiful rivers. Last year’s trips included the Ochlockonee in NW Florida, the Withlachoochee, central Florida’s Wekiva River and the Florida Keys.

This group takes all the pain out of a trip, by planning, scouting river conditions, and providing transport back to your vehicle.

And the bonus part is they carry all your gear to each night’s campsite, cater food and provide evening entertainment.

It became apparent from Jill’s talk that people who join Paddle Florida become a close knit group of friends who love to share their love of canoeing and kayaking!

4 issue, date Florida Native Plant Society

Spring Native Plant Sale Morningside Nature Center 3540 East University Avenue

th Friday, April 4 from 4:30 till 6:30 pm TH 5 ANNUAL MEETING and Open to FNPS members only POT LUCK DINNER FNPS Members: Don’t miss your opportunity to shop first! memberships available at the gate Tuesday, March 11th

th Trinity Episcopal Parish Hall Saturday, April 5 from 8:30 am till 12:30 pm Open to the public in Melrose, 6:30 pm

Bring a dish to share, and join us to celebrate THERE WILL BE: th Santa Fe Audubon’s 5 anniversary! Native Plant Vendors, galore Adam Kent will speak about the Florida Live Music Breeding Bird Atlas, a statewide undertaking that SFAS is participating in. Free Plant Advice Guided Wildflower Walks Claude Brown will receive our

Conservationist of the Year Award for his Hands-free shopping with Park-a-Plant leadership and dedication to the Putnam Land Conservancy and the great work they have NOW accepting credit cards! done in just a few short years. Proceeds help the Friends of Nature Parks

Win A Boat Cruise: Local Artist Phil Volunteers needed- Just one or two hours Friday or Saturday (Park-a-Plant Robinson has generously offered to provide 3 or FNPS booth) You don’t have to be an expert! Contact Lisa Jelks at cruises on Lake Santa Fe for up to seven guests [email protected]. on each cruise, on an agreed upon date occurring prior to June 16th, 2014 to raise funds Co-Sponsored b City of Gainesville and Friends of Nature Parks for increasing the conservation reach of Santa Fe Audubon Society.

Phil asks for a minimum bid of $100. There will be 3 bid sheets; the top three bidders will each

win a cruise. Winners will be announced at the end of the March 11 Annual Meeting.

The cruise will last approximately 1-½ hours departing from and returning to the Lake Santa Fe Park & Boat Ramp. Captain Phil will provide light hors d’oeuvres and beverage as he takes you to some of his favorite sights on the lake. For further information, contact Joyce King, Sarracenia minor (Hooded Pitcher Plant) by Lisa Jelks [email protected], or 352-475-1999.

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Plant ID Workshop for February Meeting – By Paul Cohen

Corydalis micrantha ssp. australis Smallflower Fumewort, Harlequin Papaveraceae Native

Prunus cf. americana American Plum (tentative ID) Rosaceae Native Prunus angustifolia Chickasaw Plum Rosaceae Native Prunus umbellata Flatwoods Plum, Hog Plum Rosaceae Native

Rivina humilis Rougeplant Phytolaccaceae Native

Smilax bona-nox Saw Greenbrier Smilacaceae Native

Paul’s Notes - I wish to extend a special thanks to all participants including Rob Garren. Although Prunus americana was not specifically identified, the individual who brought in the Prunus specimens claims it may have been among the collection he brought in. The workshop is educational and is not intended as a plant ID service. Nomenclature adapted from “Atlas of Florida Vascular Plants” (http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/).

TWO AND A HALF ACRES OF BEAUTY, EVEN IN FEBRUARY By Connie Caldwell Our February yard visit took us to the home of Alan and Ellen Shapiro, where they have lived since 1986. The 2 1/2 acre property is a testament to their love of plants and to their interest in developing new ones. As owner of Grandiflora wholesale nursery, Alan pointed out that many of the non-native plants are rejects from the nursery; others are experiments with new plants. Alan says that the natives and non-native plants “co-exist” just fine, and welcomes plants that spread. Native plants are marked with bright colored tape, and the experts among us identify the species of those that are in doubt. We are invited to dig up certain plants or take cuttings of plants to take home. The property slopes from higher areas down to a sinkhole and all of it tends to flood, especially in hurricanes. A canopy of loblolly and/or slash pines (much discussion about which) shelters numerous understory trees, shrubs, and groundcovers. We wander along mulched paths among the beds, surrounded by blooming camellias everywhere. Some of the native trees include hophornbeam, green ash, numerous red buckeyes (we’re invited to pull up the many seedlings and take them home), cabbage palm, crabapple, yaupon hollies, magnolias, hickories, silverbell, styrax, red maple, water oak, bottlebrush buckeye, fringe tree, redbud, swamp chestnut oak, burr oak, wild olive, winged elm, river birch, bald cypress, swamp dogwood, laurel oak, shumard oak, and red cedar. Dogwoods (Cornus florida) do not survive floods but come back from seed after the water subsides, so the ones we see are quite young. Alan tells us that he and Ellen started with the camellia garden, then added habitat for birds and butterflies. So there is much that provides shelter, seeds, and nectar. Some of the native shrubs include dog hobble, strawberry bush, wax yrtle, anises, viburnums, Simpson’s stopper, coral bean, coontie, rattlesnake master, fire bush, Georgia calaminthe, sweetshrub, inkberry, sweetspire, flame azalea, Florida privet, garberia, button bush, beautyberry, oakleaf hydrangea, and pinxter azalea. A native perennial garden will have abundant blooms later in spring and summer of blue curls, starry rosinweed, columbine, coreopsis, phlox, salvia, obedient plant, horsemint, goldenrod, amsonia, Indian pink, and others. Violets are everywhere, as are native ferns, lyre-leaf sage, and partridge berry. Other native ground covers include blue- eyed grass, rain lily, twin flower, sunshine mimosa, and river oats. The sinkhole/pond is planted with bald cypress, swamp rose, blue flag iris, water canna, yellow canna, climbing aster, swamp mallow, cardinal flower, and string lily, among others. Thank you, Alan and Ellen, for creating a place of beauty and for providing habitat for wildlife.

Join us for this activity each month as we tour each other’s yards and learn about the use of native plants in our landscapes. If you would like to participate in yard visits, you must be willing to have the group tour your yard sometime. Contact Connie Caldwell to sign up: [email protected].

Remember to support them

To become a sponsor: Send your business-card sized ad in jpg format to Goldie Schwartz at [email protected]. Ads run Jan – Nov for $100, or monthly for $12.50. Florida Native Plant Society Paynes Prairie Chapter PO Box 1004 Archer, FL 32618

Our next Meeting is MARCH. 13th and next Field Trip is MARCH 15th

Join us for meetings of FNPS Paynes Prairie Chapter, held at 7 PM on the 2nd Thursday of each month except December, June, July, & August at The United Church of Gainesville, 1624 NW 5th Ave., Gainesville. A Plant ID workshop begins at 6:15. Bring plants and questions.

Membership Form is now at our website: www.paynesprairie.fnpschapters.org

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332- 972 -

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PAYNES PRAIRIE CHAPTER

Schwartz, 352-495

President Erick Smith, [email protected] Vice President Claudia Larsen, [email protected] Secretary Ellen Thoms, [email protected] Treasurer Field Trip Coordinator Goldie Schwartz, [email protected] Chapter Representative Sandi Saurers, [email protected] 3983/[email protected] Robert Freese, 386 Goldie Director Connie Caldwell, [email protected] Director Jennifer Staiger, [email protected] Director Chuck Peck , [email protected] Director Robert Garren Membership 4489/[email protected] Newsletter Editor Barbara Smith, 352 0929/[email protected] J. Barichivich, 352 Plant Rescue Plant ID Paul Cohen, [email protected] Chapter Website Maintenance Karen Schneider, [email protected] 1972/[email protected]