Aqui egza•

Newsletter of the Colorado Native Plant Society " ... dedicated to the appreciation and conservation of the Colorado native flora"

A Little Colorado Native Plant Chemistry

Frank R. Stermitz . orpredators. Some plant chemicals, such as health risk to human consumption. In the Colorado State University floral scents or pigments have a clear past ten years, one major interest has been to function as attractants to pollinators, but discover why some insects, especially the the majority of secondary metabolites are larvae (caterpillars) of certain moth and Plants are powerful chemical factories which hidden away within the plant and are only butterfly species, restrict their food produce an astounding array of compounds detected after the plant has been crushed consumption to a few or even a single species ~ called secondary metabolites, whose and the individual chemicals have been of native plant. presence in the plant is rarely understood. separated from cell debris. Primary metabolites are compounds such as In the course ofeach of these research projects, amino acids, fats, sugars, and nucleic acids Over the past 31 years, my students and I we have usually analyzed several species which are found in all living organisms. have probed this "secret chemical life" of from one genus or several genera within a Microbes, fungi and higher plants also 179 different species ofplants , including 64 single family and this has allowed us to produce compounds, termed secondary native to Colorado. Some of the work has compare the chemistry ofrelated plants. This metabolites, which are restricted to certain focussed on biological activity of the plant knowledge can be useful for taxonomic taxa or groups of taxa. The function in the compounds. We have analyzed tropical purposes; such studies are called organism of many secondary metabolites plants in the hope of discovering new chemotaxonomy or biochemical systematics. has not been discovered. Some well-known medicines and have determined the The assumption is made, somewhat examples of secondary metabolites found in causative agents of livestock poisoning from simplistically, that more closely related taxa plants are the alkaloids (compounds toxic range plants. We have also studied will contain chemical compounds of more containing a nitrogen atom) morphine, plants used or touted as folk medicines or. similar molecular structure than will more cocaine, caffeine, and strychnine. The new herbal teas, usually to find out if there is a distantly related taxa. antitumor drug taxol, terpenes (components - continued on page 4 of turpentine), and the latex compounds I which yield natural rubber are all non alkaloidal secondary metabolites, as is urushiol, the active ingredient ofpoison ivy. Contents Literally tens of thousands of other plant compounds, less·spectacular to the public, but just as interesting to the plant chemist, Dues Reminder 2 Workshop Report 9 are also known and the number discovered Announcements 3 Oklahoma NPS 9 increases by the hundreds each year. Ant-Plant Symbosis 5 Celestial Symbols - Part IT 10 Winter-S pring Chapter Activities 10-11 ~ Because many of the plant secondary metabolites have a poisonous or deterrent Workshops 6-7 Oxybaphus 11 effect on other organisms, one hypothesis Field Notes 8 Calendar 12 suggests that they have evolved as defensive substances or deterrents against herbivores .~~======~

Page 2 Aqui/egia Volume 16

TIME TO RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP! Errata

Once again, it's reminder time-have you paid your CONPS dues? Dues notices were sent The illustration ofPediculan's groenlandica ~ out in late November. Please remember that dues cover a calendar year, except that new which appeared on page 5, Vol.I6,No. 5, of members who join in the second half of a yeLli are credited for the following year's dues, Aquilegia was mistakenly attributed to artist as well. Your mailing label on this newsletter shows the year THROUGH which you are Janet Wingate. The illustration should have paid-Le., PAID THRU 92 means you should remit your dues for 1993!! (However, if you been attributed to Kris Meiring. It appeared have sent your payment within the few please note that the label could be previously in a 1989 EP A pUblication called incorrect due to the l~ad-time required for the newsletter.) A Handbook ofWetland Plants ofthe Rocky Mountain Region by David J. Cooper. Membership Committee 31so myles that the post office win not forward bulk mail, so if you move and want to continue to receive Society mailings, it is essential to notify the Society (P.O. Box 200, Ft Collins, CO 80522-0200).

An important reminder...

Beginning in the Post Office wiH us to use 9·-cligH ZIP codes. ,Please help us by providing yom' complete, 9-digit ZIP code on your renewal form. If you do not know your ZIP please contact your local post office (or ask your mail delivery - person).

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Schedule of Membership Fees Officers

President ...... Carol Dawson ...... 722-6758 Life ...... $250 Vice-President ...... Tamara Naumann ... 440-8933 Supporting ...... $ 50 Secretary ...... Mark Gershman ...... 443-9365 Organization ...... $ 30 Treasurer ...... Myrna Steinkamp ... 226-3371 , Family or Dual ...... $ 15 Individual ...... $ 12 Board of Directors Student or Senior ...... $ 8 Jeff Dawson (93) ...... Denver ...... 722-6758 Gary Finstad (93) ...... Denver ...... 791-3790 Aquilegia is published six times a year. by the Membership Renewal/Information Mark Gershman (94) ..... Boulder ...... 443-9365 Colorado Native Plant Society. This newsletter Please direct aU membership applications, renewals Bill Jennings (93) ...... Louisville ...... 666-8348 is available to members of the Society and to and address changes to the Membership chairperson, Tamara Naumann (93) .. Boulder ...... 440-8933 others with an interest in native plants. Contact in care of the Society's mailing address. Please direct Chris Pague (94) ...... Lyons ...... 492-4719 the Society for SUbscription infonnation. all other inquiries regarding the Society to the Secretary Tom Ranker (94) ...... Boulder ...... 794-5432 in care of the Society's mailing address. Velma Richards (94) ..... Englewood ...... 794-5432 Articles from Aquilegia may be used by other Vicky Trammell (93) ..... Littleton ...... 795-5843 native plant societies or non-profit groups if Newsletter Contributions Nina Williams (94) ...... Gold Hill ...... 443-8079 fully cited to author and attributed to Aquilegia. Please direct all contributions to the newsletter to: Chapter Presidents Tamara Naumann The Colorado Native Plant Society is a non­ Boulder .....\ ...... Betsy Neely ...... 443-8094 profi t org anization dedicated to the appreciation 940 Quinn Street Denver-Metro ...... Ron Abbott...... 333-6151 and conservation of the Colorado native flora. Boulder, CO 80303 Fort Collins ...... Mike Scott ...... 490-1788 Membership is open to all with an interest in our Yamparika ...... Reed Kelley ...... 878-4666 native plants, and is composed of plant Deadlines for newsletter materials are February 1.5, San Juan ...... Peggy Lyon ...... 626-5526 enthusiasts both professional and non­ AprillS,June 15,August 15, October 15, and December professional. 15. Committees Short items such as unusual infonnation about a plant, Please join us in helping to encourage interest in ConselVation ...... Sally White ...... 697-5439 a little known botanical tenn, etc. are especially Editorial ...... Tamara Naumann ... 440-8933 enjoying and protecting Colorado's native plants. welcome. Camera-ready line alt or other illustrations Education ...... Gary Finstad ...... 791-3790 The Society sponsors field trips, workshops and are also solicited. Field Trips ...... Jeff Dawson ...... 722-6758 other activities through local chapters and Field Studies ...... Mary Edwards ...... 233-8133 statewide. Contact the Society, a chapter Please include author's name and address, although HortlRestoration .... Dorothy Udall ...... 482-9826 ~ representative, or committee chair for more items will be printed anonymously if requested. MemberShip ...... Myrna Steinkamp ... 226-3371 Articles submitted on disks (IBM or Mac) are infonnation. Publicity ...... Julia Carlson ...... 752-2738 appreciated. Please indicate word processing software Workshops ...... Bill Jennings ...... 666-8348 and version. Number 6 Aqui/egia Page 3

CENTER FOR PLANT CONSERVATION SYMPOSIUM Restoring Diversity: Is Reintroduction an Option for Endangered Plants? NATIVE PLANT SEED April 20-22, 1993 EXCHANGE If you are interested in receiving a list of native plant seeds that are available Reintroduction is used increasingly by . develop national policy guidelines for for exchange, or if you are interested in government agencies, conservation groups, rare plant reintroductions. collecting seeds for exchange, contact: and the private sector as part of strategies to Craig Alseike conserve biological resources. Symposium topics will include: issues and 3256 Salem Street Reintroduction offers the potential to principles in rare plant reintroductions, Aurora, Colorado 80011 incorporate rare plants into community and strategic and political considerations, (303) 366-0587. ecological restoration and management ecosystem management practices , biological projects. However, much of this effort is significance, technical feasibility, case experimental and conducted in the absence studies, mitigation and rare plant of national policy guidelines or reintroduction, policy analysis and understanding of its long -term biological guidelines. significance. Moreover, reintroduction and restoration may have important The expected results of the symposium will consequences for national policy on be a book of contributed papers, including VOLUNTEERS NEEDED protection of existing populations and national guidelines that can be used for habitat. reintroduction projects by agencies and The Colorado Aquarium Society is planning organizations throughout the country. to build a major regional aquarium near The Center for Plant Conservation is l04th Avenue and U.S. 36 (Denver-Boulder sponsoring a three-day symposium in St. Registration forms are available from: Turnpike) in Westminster. The facility will Louis to examine these issues. The goals of be one of the largest freshwater aquariums the symposium are to: Marie M. Bruegmann in the country ,featuring simulated mountain Reintroduction Symposium streams, slow moving rivers, and other . assess case studies and current experience Center for Plant Conservation regional freshwater habitats, along with their with rare plant reintroduction; Missouri Botanical Garden inhabitants. Project proponents expect the . review current policies of various federal P.O. Box 299 aquarium to attract as many as one million and state agencies, conservation St. Louis, MO 63166-0299 visitors per year. Educational, research, and organizations, and the private sector; (314) 577-9450 volunteer programs will be offered to complementprograms offered by the Denver Museum of Natural History and the Denver Zoo .

. Volunteers are needed to help plan, design, install, and care for a native plant landscape on the aquarium grounds. Creek and wetland restoration and enhancement projects are planned for Big Dry Creek, which is adjacent to the proposed facility. Project planners are also soliciting volunteer help in planning live botanical exhibits representing plants of the Rocky Mountain and other north temperate and arctic aquatic and related environments. Ground-breaking may occur as early as next summer, with completion by 1996. Townsendia hookeri Artist: Ann Cooper If you are interested in contributing your enthusiasm and/or expertise to this exciting project, contact Carol Dawson (303) 722- 6758. Page 4 Aqui/egia Volume 16

Plant Chemistry, continued from front page Castilleja rhexifolia Artist: Janet Wingate my research students, are Mahonia repens (Oregon grape) and Berberis fendlen~ The poppy family (Papaveraceae) was an early interest of ours . (Fendler barberry) in the Berberidaceae and one which we have recently again investigated. The genus family, Caltha leptosepala (marsh Argemone (prickly poppy) was especially exciting chemically marigold), Delphinium nelsoniz' (Nelson and we eventually analyzed 19 species which occur in the larkspur) and Trollius laxus (globeflower) western U.S., Mexico and South America. We also studied in the Ranunculaceae family, Cymopterus rarer western members of the family and recently found watsonii (rock parsley) in the Apiaceae interesting compounds in the endangered bear poppy, family, and Frasera speciosa (monument Arctomecon humilis, from southern Utah. Chemical studies plant) in the Gentianaceae family. require destruction of plant material, but modem methods of analysis often allow us to use only a single plant or two and Although the chemistry could have been sometimes even a single leaf. Other poppy genera in our done independently of any botanical interest, . program were Papaver (poppy), Meconella (meconella), we have made almost all our collections Romneya (Mitilija poppy), Eschscholzia (California poppy), ourselves and have learned the value of field Dendromecon (tree poppy), and Platystemon (cream-cups). study, particularly in those parts of the program which have dealt with parasitic Range livestock, particularly cattle, are poisoned when they eat plant species, plant/insect interactions and Astragalus miser (weedy milkvetch) so we found out what the systematics. It has been a great learning toxic constitutent was and eventually completed analysis of 13 experience for a chemist without biological other Astragalus species. The Fabaceae also provided us with training. Had a botanist been along in our Lupinus (lupine) and Thermopsis (golden banner) as subjects. early work, I probably never would have In the tropics, some legumes reach large tree size and we found collected poison ivy root (mistaking it for new antimicrobial compounds in the decay-resistant Costa something else) or brought back a plant Rican tree Dyphysa robinioides. from the Argentine hinterlands which wasn't even in the proper family for my study. We The Scrophulariaceae (fig wort or snapdragon family) of the western U.S. provided us with quickly learned to have all our collections ~ material for studies on Castilleja (Indian paintbrush), Orthocarpus(owlclover), Cordylanthus authenticated by a botanical authority and to (bird's beak), Pedicularis (lousewort), Besseya (kittentails), Maurandya and Penstemon. always deposit voucher specimens, with The first four are natural root parasites on plants of other species and we have looked at exact collection locations, in a herbarium. secondary metabolite transfer from the host plant to the parasite. Castilleja, Besseya and In this way we document the exact plant Penstemon are also larval food plants for some strikingly patterned butterflies and the population which has been studied chemical reasons for these plant-insect interactions have been interesting to explore. chemically. The National Science Foundation has funded most of our research, Hackelia (stickseed) species of the Boraginaceae (borage family) are utilized by warningly­ with money which came from those of you patterned moth larvae and the larvae were found to store toxic alkaloids obtained from the whopaytaxes, so we are appreciative of your H ackelia. Other studies in the Boraginaceae, on Cyno glossum (hound's tongue), M ertensia support. ~ (chiming bells), Symphytum (comfrey) and Borago (borage), also stemmed from their content ofsimilar poisonous alkaloids. The presence of alkaloids in Cryptantha (cryptantha) have led us to analyze eight species and the results may have a bearing on controversies ~ about the Oreocarya/Cryptantha divisions. These alkaloids are also present in some Asteraceae (sunflower family) and we have determined the alkaloid content of several

Senecio (groundsel) species as well as Liatr;s punctata (gayfeather). Both of these genera Mertensia viridis serve as root hosts for Castilleja. Artist: Janet Wingate Conifers, such as spruce and pine, are well known to contain terpene compounds and these have been studied chemically for one hundred years or more. We recently found alkaloids in conifers, and are now trying to find out why the trees make these compounds which are usually biologically-active. So far all spruce species (Picea) and most pines (Pinus) we have analyzed contain such materials. 8esseya alpina Artist: Janet Wingate Western species from several other families, - which have yielded their chemical secrets to Number 6 Aqui/egia Page 5

ANT-PLANT SYMBIOSIS IN THE ASPEN SUNFLOWER

Walt Fertig - President its energy towards increased seed production. ant guards will be able to produce many Wyoming Native Plant Society Unlike chemical systems, ants provide a offspring because ants do not seek out and This article first appeared in the Wyoming good generalized defense against both destroy fly eggs, larvae or pupae. Other Native Plant Society newsletter, Volume 11, specialized and unspecialized herbivores 'insect pests, such as the Hemeosoma moth, Number 4, October 1992. and can act before damage has been incurred. can' avoid ant guards altogether by laying Most importantly, insect herbivores must their eggs at night, when ants are less active. Western North America is home to a dozen evolve behavioral modifications to overcome Larger vertebrate herbivores, such as elk, species of sunflowers in the Composite genus an ant defense. This is much more difficult are unaffected by pugnacious ant behavior, Helianthella. Each species is characterized and takes a greater num ber of generations to although the unpalatability of the ants by subtle differences in leaf and floral accomplish than acquiring chemical themselves' may discourage grazing. morphology. The aspen sunflower, immunity. Overzealous protection can also be a Helianthella quinquenervis, can be further disadvantage if ants discourage insect distinguished by its unique means of defense To attract ants, the aspen sunflower secretes pollinators. against herbivory. Instead of relying on carbohydrate and amino acid rich nectar chemical or structural defenses, the plant from nectaries located on the involucral Due to their reliance on ants, aspen utilizes aggressive ant guards for protection bracts enclosing each developing flower sunflowers are restricted to areas w here ants against insect pests. In return, the sunflower head. It regulates ant acti vi ty and the cost of are abundant. Uneven distribution of ant provides the ants with food in the form of nectar production by secreting nectar colonies is probably the single most nectar. gradually and only in small quantities. As a important factor in determining the result, ants are constantly travelling about survivability of seedlings. Transect studies Similar ant-plant symbiotic relationships the flower head in search of nectar. Foraging following a gradient in ant density show that have evolved independently in hundreds of ants react aggressively to all insects they seed mortality rises with increasing distance ~ species of plants. In the majority of known encounter, including other ants and potential from ant colonies. ~.l cases, the plant utilizes ant defenders in herbivores. It is this aggressiveness that the place of more conventional chemical sunflower relies on to drive off its many The aspen sunflower has diverged from its deterrents. Ant protection is often more insect pests. close relatives by evolving a non-chemical economical than chemicals and is not as defense system in conjunction with

easily circumvented by insectpests. In order Picture-wing flies and agromyzid flies are I aggressive ants. The immediate benefit to for the system to work, however, the plant the major insect herbivores of He lianthella the plant is improved energy conservation. cosymbiont must be able to attract a steady quinquenervis. In both species, adults mate Less metabolic energy is required for defense population of ant guards. Without its on the plants and females lay their eggs on and more can be invested in reproduction. partners, an ant plant is left defenseless and the immature flower heads. Fly larvae Drawbacks include lessened fitness in the will suffer from reduced reproductive fitness, complete their life cycle in the developing absence of ants and a reduced ability to defoliation and possibly even death. ovules and seeds. Large numbers of larvae pioneer new habits. For good or bad, the can greatly reduce the seed yield of a plant. evolutionary path taken by the aspen Most Helianthella species utilize Aggressive ants interfere with flies trying to sunflower pas become intertwined with that sesqueterpene lactones to defend against lay eggs on the flower heads. Ants rarely kill followed by its ant cosymbionts. insect herbivores. The production of these flies outright, but can drive off egg-laden toxins is a drain on the metabolism of the flies sim.ply through their pugnacious REFERENCES plant and reduces the amount of energy behavior. Bentley, B. 1976. Extrafloral nectaries and available for leaf, flowerand seed production. .protection by pugnacious bodyguards. Annual Toxins are most successful in deterring Experiments with sunflowers in which ants Review of Ecology and Systematics 8:407- 427. generalist-style insect herbivores but may have been removed illustrate the success of fail to discourage specialized feeders. A the ant protection system. Sunflowers with Inouye, D. 1984. The ant and the sunflower. single mutation may alter the physiology of ailt guards lostan average of only ten percent Natural History 93(6):48-53. an insect pest, making it immune to existing of their seeds to insect predation, while Inouye, D. and O. Taylor. 1979. A temperate chemical defenses. Lastly, chemical defenses unprotected plants exhibited seed mortality region plant-ant seed predator system: are more often a reaction mechanism than a rates as high as ninety percent. In the absence consequences of extrafloral nectar secretion preventive one. Toxins are released only of ants the system usually backfires, as the byHelianlhella quinquenervis. Ecology 60: 1- '--' after physical damage has already been nectaries attract more insect herbivores. 7. inflicted. Despite its overall success, the ant defense Janzen, D. 1966. Coevolution of mUiiual.sm between ants and acacias in Centra ( The use of ant defenders allows the aspen system of Helianthella quinquenervis is not America. Evolution 20(3):249-275. -.. ." - sunflower to invest a greater proportion of foolproof. Any gravid female that eludes the / \ l------~~~~~======------

Page 6 Aqui/egia Volume 16

Workshops - Spring 1993 CENTURY. PLANTS (AGAVES) of the SOUTHWEST

The Colorado Native Plant Society workshop series was established in Leader: Wendy Hodgson 1985 to provide members with winter-time activities when field trips Location: University of Colorado, Boulder are impossible. CONPS members have attended more than 79 workshops First session: Saturday, February 6, 1993 over the years. Workshops bring native plant lovers together with a Second session: Sunday, February 7, 1993 well-informed instructor who may have photographs, herbarium Lecture: Friday, February 5, 1993 - 7:30 p.m. specimens, live plants, or other materials for hands-on study. The opportunity to receive one-on-one instruction and informative lectures Although Colorado has no native species of genus Agave, has made the workshop series one of the most popular Native Plant any person who has travelled to the deserts of the South west Society programs. Attendees need no special skills or background; a cannot help but notice these striking succulent plants, with love of plants and a desire to learn are the only prerequisites. The goal the tall stalk of tubular flowers and the huge rosette of is to demystify plant identification and to enhance in all of us our spine-tipped leaves. Native Americans used these plants enjoyment and understanding of Colorado's native flora. in a variety of ways, and Aztec uses of agaves are mentioned in the Denver Museum of Natural History'S Please mail your registration to Bill Jennings,P.O. Box 952, Louisville, current Aztec exhibit. The species Agave utahensis is CO 80027. Indicate the workshops for which you would like to register, winter hardy in Colorado and has bloomed in the Denver and include your name, address, and telephone number. Phone Botanic Garden's Rock & Alpine Garden. Some smaller registrations will also be accepted (666-8348). Register promptly, as species are suitable as house plants. The Colorado Native workshops tend to fill up quickly. The fee for each full-day workshop Plant Society is pleased to present this workshop to be led is $10 for CONPS members and $22 for non-members ($10 for the by Wendy Hodgson, curator ofthe herbarium atthe Desert workshop and $12 to join the Society). Payment is made on the day of Botanical Gardenin Phoenix. Ms. Hodgson will focus on the workshop. About two weeks prior to the workshop, registrants will identification of the fewer than two dozen species native receive information by mail about location, time, lunch, and suggested north of the Mexican border and on the problems of species ~ references or materials to bring to the workshop. limits in a complex genus.

It takes considerable time and effort for the instructors to plan and Ms. Hodgson will give a special lecture on century plants develop workshops and field trips. Please let us know how you like the Friday evening, February 5, at 7:30 p.m., in conjunction activities offered by CONPS. We need your suggestions for future with the American Rock Garden Society and the Cactus workshops and trips. We also appreciate feedback on whether you find and Succulent Society. Herpresentation is free, and will be them informative and exciting or dull and uninteresting. We'd like your given at the Denver Botanic Gardens' Mitchell Hall (across opinion on how well we are serving you, our membership. from the main facility on York Street).

MONTANE and SUBALPINE GRASSES

Location: Foothills Nature Center, Boulder

Third Session: Saturday January 23, 1993 Fourth Session: Saturday, February 13, 1993 Leader: Dr. David Buckner Ptilagrostis porteri Artist: Sue Galatowitsch

Dr. Buckner will take us through the fascinating and L...... _ .. 'r··· a ...... confusing world of the grasses of the mountains. After covering the terminology necessary to study the grasses, he will distribute numerous specimens for us to dissect and identify. This will be an unique and rewarding workshop, continuing our series on identification of this important group. Every Colorado botanist should have a working knowledge of the grasses.

Note: Both the 3rd and 4th sessions are filled, but names are still being taken for the waiting list. Number 6 Aquilegia Page 7

WEEDS of COLORADO ADOPT -A-RARE-PLANT PROGRAM

Leader: Dr. Richard Old Leaders: Chris Pague, Bill Jennings, and Betsy Neely Location: Univ. of Colorado, Boulder Location: Lookout Mountain Nature Center near Golden First session: Saturday, February 27, 1993 Saturday, April 17, 1993 Second session: SUl}day, February 28,1993 Lecture: Friday, February 26, 1993 - 7:30 p.m. The Nature Conservancy, Colorado Nature Heritage Program, Aggressi ve plants that crowd out the natural vegetation are a and the Colorado Native Plant Society are developing a volunteer­ serious botanical problem, not to mention economic and based "Adopt-a-Rare-Plant" program to assist in maintaining and ,aesthetic disasters as well. The weed situation is particularly updating the Heritage Program's rare ,plant database, and to bad where urbanization and agricultural practices have provide data for The Nature Conservancy's project selection significantly disturbed the natural vegetation, such as in the process. At this training session, participants will see photographs Front Range Urban Corridor. Following a thorough and specimens of some of Colorado's rarest plants. Techniques indoctrination of "What is a Weed?," workshop participants such as herbarium use, appropriate collection of specimens, will be introduced to the species currently on the Colorado photography, mapping, habitat description, and field data collection Noxious Weed List. Biological and identificational will be highligh ted. After lunch, we will visit a site in Wheatridge characteristics of these and a few others will be discussed. Dr. whereSpiranthes diluvialis (afederally protected orchid species) Richard Old is a weed specialist affiliated with Washington has been found. Even if you do not plan to "adopt" a plant, you will State University in Pullman, Washington, who consults on find this workshop interesting and informative. Searching for rare weed problems all over the West. plants is the world's most frustrating occupation. The proverbial search for a needle in a haystack is sometimes simple by In addition to the workshops, Dr. Old will present a special comparison. Find out what yqu need in your information arsenal ~lecture Friday night, February 26, at 7:30 p.m., on current before venturing into the wilderness. methodologies for computerized identification of plants, a technology that seems destined to replace the dichotomous keys currently in use in virtually all botanical manuals. The lecture will be presented in the Morrison Center at the Denver Botanic Gardens.

ASTRAGALI of the COLORADO FRONT RANGE

Leader: Loraine Yeatts Location: To Be Determined First Session: Saturday, March 20, 1993 Second Session: Sunday, March 21,1993

The milkvetches (genus Astragalus) comprise a very large group of plants in a large family (Fabaceae). With such a large number of species, many of which are differentiated on technical characteristics, identification can be daunting for the wildflower lover. Many of these species are showy and attract attention at roadsides in the sprin'g and summer. Loraine Yeatts has agreed to tackle the Front Range species and will present her observations in this workshop. You will learn the important parts of the pea family flower and how to key the Front Range species,

Astragalus shortianus Artist: Ann Cooper Page 8 Aquilegia Volume 16

William A. Weber and Ronald Co Wittman University of Colorado Herbarium

Aster alpinus L. var. vierhapperi Onno: In my visit to the locality with Dr. Esbem elongate-celled multicellular hairs abundan t This was first collected in Colorado by Warncke of Copenhagen, we found that the on the leaves and stems. In all of the Frank Tweedy 5797, "Berthoud Pass, 11,· species did not occur on the bare gravel American specimens these long hairs have 12,000 ft." July 1903, and was published as along with the other common tundra plants the lowermost cells finely striate, and in the new species Aster culminis A. Nelson. A of these sites, but that whenever we found a most of the Eurasian specimens had these few additional specimens have turned up: residual patch of turf the plants were there. basal cells densely papillose. It seems to me Mineral Co.: La Gruita Wild Area, Rat It seems to me, then, that this is a specific likely that this difference may by significant, Creek/Spring Creek Divide, 11-132 Aug. characteristic of the m icrosite of the species and it will be interesting to see if the American 1968, Willard 686 (3 stems without basal in Colorado, and that once one becomes race extends into Asia and whether it is rosettes); Clear Creek Co.: 4 miles below aware of this, Aster alpinus should be found geographically distinct from the papillose Gray's Peak, 18 Aug. 1871, Dr. George to be relatively frequent, at least in the Front Asiatic race. Smith (one stem mixed with two others Range. belonging to Erigeron elatior). Aster alpinus is a dry tundra plant. It is I have seen Aster alpinus in ther'fontRange rarely more than 20 cm tall; each stem bears Over the years we have spent a good deal of ofthe Canadian Rocky Mountains northeast a single terminal head; it resembles an time hunting for this species, without success. of Banff, and know it from numerous Erigeron, but the ray-flowers are broader Our difficulty in locating it, we decided, was observations in the Altai Mountains of than in mostErigerons. The involucral bracts that we did not understand the precise habitat. Siberia. Onno' s variety vierhapperi was differ from E. peregrinus by being acute However, on 13 July 1992, Loraine Yeatts based on his discovery of short blunt rather than attenuate and not covered by ~ and Panayoti Kelaidis rediscovered it, epidermal hairs of 2-3 cells but in two purple-black hairs. The stem leaves are probably only a few miles as the crow flies, vertical series (biseriate hairs). In searching narrowly lanceolate, as are the clumps of from Berthoud Pass and very possibly at the for these hairs, which, incidentally I found basal leaves. The whole plant is gray­ very spot where Tweedy got it: Gilpin Co.: on both American and at least some Asiatic pubescent. After flowering, the ray-flowers Kingston Peak, 4.8 mi. W of Apex, 11,360 specimens, I discovered a previously characteristically become reflexed, as in ft. alt. It occurs on a gravelly tundra saddle. undetected difference between the normal some Erigerons.

Phippsia a/gida: This tiny alpine grass was water table severely in these limestone/ this year. There is no evidence whatsoever first discovered in Colorado at SummitLake, dolomite habitats (habitats more prone to that Phippsia is perennial! but the work of Vera Komarkova shows that this subsurface drying than granitic ones). it occurs in the Indian Peaks region and is If Phippsia algida is an annual (making, locally abundant on a number of high peaks We expected that the Summit Lake locality with Koenigia islandica, two alpine annuals in the Ten Mile and Mosquito Ranges. It is would have P hippsia, but we did not want to intheColoradoflora),howdoesitoverwinter considered to be a perennial in all the take any, plants because the popUlation is and survive dry seasons? Does it overwinter literature. Its habitat is wet gravels fed by very small and the area is protected. The as masses of seed-bearing inflorescences snow melt at or above 12,000 feet. We had next available place where we knew Phippsia lying under the surface of the gravel, so that an urgent request from a Norwegian botanist to be abundant was in the Green Lakes it can produce dense polsters of individual for live plants for population biology studies, Valley in the Indian Peaks region. In fact, plants, each arising from seed? The same and in September we went to collect these on we did find substantial tufts of the grass question may be asked for Koenigia, which Pacific Peak, where Vera found at least an between the 4th and 5th Green Lakes. Here grows in the same places. Desert annuals, acre of plants. At this locality and several Phippsia grew in dense polsters up to several and annuals on the high Sierra Nevada, are others in the Ten Mile/Mosquito ranges we inches in diameter, in the wet gravel below able to lie dormant in the seed bank for many searched for Phippsia but found nary a a snow bed. The interesting fact about it is years, but this phenomenon is not explored~ . plant. We were not prepared for this, that each plant arises separately, with no for our two species. This is another problem assuming the species is perennial. The connection to the others in the clump, from that an amateur botanist ~ explanation for its absence appeared to be a cluster of short, slender rootlets, and all of might tackle successfully. ~ drought conditions that had lowered the the leaves are green and certainly produced Number 6 Aqui/egia Page 9

Workshop Report

Asclepiadaceae: the Milkweed Family led by Carolyn Crawford Report by Janet L. Wi ngate

The CONPS workshop on the Asclepiadaceae insect's leg. We examined several pictures species were available for study (representing was held in Boulder at the Foothills Nature of pollinators caught in the act. Then we 9,000 miles of travel!). All of the common

I "- Center October 24th and 25th. Both sessions dissected flowers ofthree species ofAsclepias species were available for dissection, were filled to capacity. to bolster our understanding. including material from adjacent states. Additional handouts included a random Carolyn began the workshop with a Later, Carolyn presented a slide show of the ' access key and a distribution listing of all discussion of the unique floral structure and Asclepiadaceae species that occur in species Colorado species. highly speciali~ed pollination mechanism Colorado. Species of Asclepias were found in the milkweed family. She had presented in morphological progression I was impressed with the amount of work prepared a model of an Asclepias flower to according to Robert Woodson's monograph. and planning that Carolyn put into the illustrate the gynostegium (upper portions Carolyn explained major differences and workshop. She did an outstanding job, of the flower) and used the model to explain similarities used to group species into various making this workshop an excellent example how a pollinium (a small structure containing subgenera and series within the genus. of the quality of instruction offered through' pollen) clips onto a pollinator's leg. She the CONPS workshop program. Thanks described how the "translator apparatus", A handoutcontaining drawings of the flowers Carolyn, for sharing your expertise with us.

I which is attached to the pollinium, dries and of native Colorado species along with forms a "knee-bend", and how, finally, Woodson's classification helped us Note: handouts from the workshop are

L pollination is completed when the pollinium understand this interesting group. Lab available from Carolyn Crawford 666-8348. V is inserted knee first into an anther slit and material included dried specimens and drawn up into the stigmatic chamber by the flowers preserved in alcohol. All Colorado

This little note appeared in the Wall Street Journal (11 Nov 1992): "(The) Ogallala Down Co. of Nebraska uses the seed parachutes of milkweed in comforters and pillows." A Visit to the Oklahoma Native Plant Spciety

William A. Weber were able to have a long, serious discussion Al va, however, because I had to return home University of Colorado Herbarium as adults on botanical matters. to Boulder with the sun at my back. This problem was corrected, recently, when I had I was invited by Dr. Paul Nighswonger to The Alva area is delightfully rural, and the successful cataract surgery on my right eye. speak at the dinner of the annual meeting of trip south from Medicine Lodge, Kansas, the Oklahom a society meeting at was through rolling hills densely clothed The Oklahoma folks were extremely Northwestern Oklahoma S tate University at with the red late-summer stems of little hospitable, the dinner was catered Alva. Unfortunately, they met on the same bluestem. Two field trips were taken, the beautifully, the photo contest was spectacular, day as the CONPS Annual Meeting, but it first of which I was able to participate in, to and although there was no formal program was a command performance because I had the sand dunes of the Cimarron River south except for business meeting and field trips, 'he chance to lecture for the first time in the of Alva. Here'were most of the same species the Oklahoma group is an up-and-coming ~presence of my undergraduate major of plants that we find on the narrow triangle one that we should get to know better! professor Dr. George Goodman, whom I of land in the southeastern corner of studied under in 1937-1939! That was 56 Colorado, also lying along the Cimarron. I years ago, count 'em! I found George to be was not able to make the second field trip, to in excellent shape, and for the first time we the Great Salt Plain Wildlife Preserve east of $ Page 10 Aqui/egia Volume 16

Chapter News

Boulder Chapter Mark Gerstunan male, and Venus for female seem straightforward, the use of some of the other Febrll!~H~y 9: Genetic Variation in Two Dr. William Weber, the mml I should have symbols is puzzling. One might argue that Rocky Mountain Rare Plants asked in the first place, responded to my the sun is a fitting symbol for an annual Dr. Yan Linhart, from the University of article (VoL 16, noA ),on meanings ofsymbols plant, because the lifecycle of an annual Colorado, will discuss genetic variation in used in some botanical work, Dr. Weber must be completed within a single journey of Larimer aletes (Aletes humilis) and Parry's provided me with a copy of chapter XVIII of the earth around the sun. The relative lily (Lilium parryi). Conservation of our William T. Steam's introduction to a 1957 arrangement of Jupiter and Mars makes rare native plants may depend, in part, upon reprint of Species Plantarum. It seems that hierarchical sense, Jupiter as the ruler of the our ability to understand the role of genetics Linnaeus was the originator for most of Roman gods could be seen as perennial, in survival and distribution of rare plants. these symbols' botanical meaning. In fact, whereas Mars, his son, less long-lived. Tin it appears that Linnaeus was somewhat isoneofthemostresistantmetals tocoITosion March 9: Ecology of Spirantiles diluvialis notorious for giving words or symbols and is therefore a good sym bol for a perennial. Anna Arft, a graduate student in the EPO specialized meanings based upon his needs. Iron of course is much more subject to Biology Department at the University of According to Stearn, Linnaeus often rusting. Colorado, will discuss her research on the restricted the application of Latin terms or ecology and conservation ofthe Ute ladies'­ gave them altogether new meanings. I remain curious about the use of Mercury's tresses orchid, one of Colorado's rarest Linnaeus leanled about the alchemical and symbol for hermaphrodite, and the Saturn wetland orchids. pharmaceutical symbols when he was a for denoting a woody plant. . Unless new student. Later, he appropriated them for not information comes to light or the opportunity Monthly meetings are held from September only his botanical works but for describing arises to interview Carl von Linne, the through April on the 2nd Tuesday of the aspects of medicine, rn ineralogy and zoology reasoning behind the choices may never be month at 7:15 p.m. in the Boulder Public as well. known. The chart below gives some Library meeting room, 11 th and Arapahoe, information taken from Stearn's work. unless otherwise noted. For information Linnaeus also used Greek letters for marginal Given below are the meanings for the caIl Betsy Neely at 443-8094 or Elaine Hill~ notations. y, 0, and E and others were astrological and alchemical symbols in use a, p, at 494-7873. used to denote varieties of species. The prior to Linnaeus' appropriation. Refer to alchemical symbol for water was used also. the illustration in Volume 16, number 4, of The symbol for water V was used as part of Aquilegia for the symbols themselves. Fort Collins Chapter the specific epithet. It might have been used to abbreviate the binomial for water Mars, iron = male speedwell, Veronica anagallis-aquatica. Venus, copper = female February 2: Cache La Poudre River Mercury, mercury = hennaphrodite Mary Alice and Howard Evans will reflect Although Stearn lists the co-opted symbols Saturn, lead = woody(treeorshrub) on their experiences while researching and and Linnaeus' meanings for them, he sheds Jupiter, tin = perennial writing their book, The Cache La Poudre little light on the reasons behind Linnaeus' River: The Natural History of a Rocky Mars, iron = biennial $',I" _ choices. While using the symbol of Mars for Sun, gold = annual - Mountain River. / , . U March 3: Native Plants in the City of Fort Collins Karen Manei, with the City of-Fort Collins, will discuss the present and future use of native plants within the city. The views and perspectives ofthe CoNPS members will be relevant and important.

Monthly meetings will be held through May at 7 :00 p.m. in the large conference room at the headquarters for the Rocky Mountain S tation/Arapaho- Roosevelt National Forest Polemonium delicatum 240 West Prospect. The conference room i~~ Artist: Janet Wingate adjacent to the front patio. Note: the day of the month varies, so mark your calendarl For information, contact Mike Scott at 226- 9475. Number 6 Aqui/egia Page 11

~ Metro-Denver Chapter

January 27: Alpine Tundra Plants of Horseshoe Cirque Barbara Siems will present a program on the alpine tundra plants afthe Horseshoe Cirque basin in the Mosquito Range. Whether you attended the field trip to Horseshoe Cirque or not, you will enjoy this program! The meeting will be held in the Morrison Center at the Denver Botanical Gardens (DBG).

March 1: Mycorrhizal Relationships Dr. Brent Reeves, of Colorado State University, will present a program on Oxybaphus hirsutus Artist: Ann Cooper mycorrhizal (plant-fungal) relationships, This presentation is co-sponsored by the Colorado Mycological Society. The meeting will be held in Mitchell Hall at DBG on Monday, March 1st, at 7:00 p.m. Note the change in day and time!

Monthly meetings are held from September through May on the 4th Wednesday of the j month at 7:30 p.m. at the Denver Botanic ~ Gardens, 909 York Street, unless otherwise noted. For information, call Ron Abbott at 333-6151.

Backyard Biology - Oxybaphus

William A. Weber University of Colorado Herbarium

Oxybaphus decumbens: In the valley ofthe Arkansas River near Pueblo and Canon City there is a peculiar little Oxybaphus that was reported as O. decumbens (Nuttall) Sweet, and described as a new species, O. bodinii. This was said to differ from all other species first year, that axillary involucres appear (reproduces without the separation and in our area by having single axillary during the first year, and that in the second mixing of chromosomes), even during the involucres rather than terminal panicles. It year the inflorescence is initially axillary, first season, this has significance for the has not been found again in Colorado. later terminal and perfect. He also finds that taxonomy of this very difficult genus of However, Ron Wittmann planted seed of the involucres ofthe first year have abortive Nyctaginaceae.Forthe time being, these are buffalo graSs in his yard at Louisville, from perianilis (therefore, no stamens either), so only preliminary observations. Ron is 1 company in Kansas, and found that the that the fruit may arise from cleistogamy collecting seeds of all kinds of Oxybaphus ~same Oxybaphus came up with the grass. He (self-pollonation occuring because flowers and growing them to see how widespread has been studying this plant for several remain closed) orparthenocarpy (production this habit is. Most species of Oxybaphus are years, and discovered several interesting of fruit without fertilization). Subsequent common and weedy, but we know$' facts about it. He found that the plant seasons produce normal flowers with very little about their biology. ---/ 'r - produces a low hemispherical growth the perianths. If the plant is apomictic ,- \ Calendar Overview ~.

Chapter Meetings 1992-93 Winter & Spring Workshops

Boulder Chapter Feb 6.. 7 Century Plants (Agaves) of the Southwest Feb 9 Genetic Variation in Rare Plants with Wendy Hodgson

Mar 9 Ecology of Spiranthes diluvialis Feb 13 Montane & Subalpine Grasses with David Buckner

Metro-Denver Chapter Feb 27-28 Weeds of Colorado with Richard Old Jan 27 Alpine Tundra Plants of Horseshoe Cirque Mar 20 .. 21 Astragalus of the Front Range with Loraine Yeatts Mar 1 Mycorrhizal Relationships Apr 17 Adopt-a-Rare-Plant Training with Chris Pague, Bill Jennings, and Fort Collins Chapter Betsy Neely

Feb 2 Natural History of the Cache La ~ Poudre River

Mar 3 Native Plants in the City of Fort Collins

' .. Colorado Native Plant Society P.O. Box 200 Non-profit .~ ~ ...... Fort Collins, Colorado 80522 Organization ~ U.S. Postage PAID . Permit #1475 Denver, Colorado