SPRING 2014, VOLUME 15, ISSUE 2

A PUBLICATION OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY

Native Plant to Know Red Huckleberry Vaccinium parvifolium by Tammie Painter bacca, the Latin word for berry. The word parvus is Latin for small and In damp forests along the Cascade folium refers to leaves. At only Mountains from Alaska to Northern 10 to 25 millimetres (1/2 to California, red huckleberries one inch) long, red (Vaccinium parvifolium) establish huckleberry leaves are indeed themselves on fallen logs that serve as small and ovate-shaped with a nurseries for the plants’ seedlings. On sharp tip. Although botanically British Columbia’s Vancouver Island, classified as deciduous, red the Hesquiat Indians take advantage of huckleberry retains much of its this natural tendency using conifer foliage long into winter, depending BRIGITTE GRANTON stumps as the base for red huckleberry on the weather conditions. When gardens. the foliage finally prepares to

Red huckleberry, also known as red drop, it puts on a brilliant ILLUSTRATION BY bilberry or red whortleberry, takes display of reds and oranges nutrients from decaying wood or before being shed. organic matter on forest floors. The Starting in mid-summer, berries is to shrubs reach heights of one to three red huckleberry offers place a metres (three to 10 feet) and remain another treat—this time sheet or bucket under about half as wide as they are tall. for the taste buds as the shrub and give the plant a Their bright green colour is striking well as the eyes. shake, or brush the branches to and the branches of red huckleberry Around July, the knock the fruit off. The nutrient-rich provide architectural interest as they shrubs fill with berries can be eaten fresh, but they are grow in crooked, eye-catching berries that start more popular in jams and desserts. patterns. As with many other members off pale pink but The berries can also be dried and used of the Ericaceae family, red mature to a bright in place of dried currants. huckleberry features clusters of bell- red that contrasts The abundant production and easy shaped flowers. Each dainty bell is wonderfully with the growth of the red huckleberry made it made up of five partially fused petals green branches and foliage. The round a popular food for native peoples that range from pale green to light berries are similar in size to other along the West Coast including the pink. huckleberry fruits, about six S’Klallam, Skagit, Snohomish, Chinook The scientific name of red millimetres (1/4 inch) in diameter. and Lummi. The plant has medicinal huckleberry gives a clue to its Red huckleberries are tart so it’s best properties as well. The Skagit boiled appearance. While the origin of the to let them fully ripen and reach their the bark into a tea to alleviate cold genus name Vaccinium remains peak of sweetness before harvesting. uncertain it may be derived from The easiest way to collect the tiny Continued on page 15 The Blazing Star is... Editorial

The Blazing Star is published quarterly (April, August, November, February) by the North American Native Plant Society Spring is a great time to be a native plant enthusiast. Here in a northern climate, (NANPS). Contact [email protected] this is when I head out to my favourite trails and natural areas to breathe fresh air for editorial deadlines and for advertising and take in the bright green rates. The views expressed herein are signs of early spring. When the those of the authors and not necessarily trails are clear and you can pull those of NANPS. on rain boots and a light jacket, The North American Native Plant Society and head out to the forest is dedicated to the study, conservation, feeling the warm sun on your cultivation and restoration of North back and the cold rising from America’s native flora. the small mounds of remaining Spring 2014 snow and ice, everything feels so Volume 15, Issue 2 new and fresh. You can't help ISSN 2291-8280 but feel a sense of relief and lightness following the long, Editor: Irene Fedun cold winter. Production: Bea Paterson It seems that everywhere I go Proofreader: Eileen Atkinson these days, the benefits of Printed by: Guild Printing, Markham, Ontario getting outside and connecting with nature are mentioned. I © North American Native Plant Society know the average Blazing Star Images © the photographers and

reader is the type to head out JOHN OYSTON illustrators, text © the authors. into nature on a regular basis. All rights reserved. This spring, as you're lacing up

North American Native Plant Society, your hiking boots, I encourage HOTOGRAPH BY P formerly Canadian Wildflower Society, you to observe the native is a registered charitable society, no. ecosystems that surround you Cass Stabler 130720824 RR0001. and see what lessons you can bring home to your own gardens. Spend some time Donations to the society are tax- contemplating what makes the forest, tallgrass prairies or other ecosystems work so creditable in Canada. well. When you are planning your garden, instead of focusing on individual species, NANPS Membership: think about the communities and interactions between different plants. Which CAN$25/YEAR WITHIN CANADA, plants provide shade and shelter for their neighbours? Which species like to have US$25/YEAR OUTSIDE CANADA their feet wet? How many different native species will do well in your backyard Join online or send cheque or money ecosystem? Thinking about these questions and applying these ideas to your garden order to North American Native Plant design will lead to a more sustainable, lower maintenance garden for you to enjoy. Society, Box 84, Stn D, Toronto, ON Creating a garden that functions in the local ecosystem will also bring a greater M9A 4X1. diversity of native pollinators, birds, butterflies, toads and other beneficial creatures Telephone: (416) 631-4438. to your corner of the world. E-mail: [email protected]. In my mind, a successful garden is one that brings that calm, fresh feeling of Web: www.nanps.org. stepping onto your favourite trail in early spring. You can find many native plant Board of Directors: gardening resources online at www.nanps.org or through your local wildflower Honorary President: James A. French organization. Executive Director: Peter Kelly While you're spending time outdoors, I urge you to connect with a local President: Cass Stabler environmental group. Most organizations are volunteer-run. Every year, they make Vice-President: Adam Mohamed significant contributions to the local environment by maintaining and restoring Secretary: Miriam Henriques natural areas. Providing education at a community display, helping out at a tree Treasurer: Janice Keil planting event or organizing a hike through a favourite local park will be much Bronwen Fitzsimons appreciated contributions. The North American Native Plant Society is one of those Alice Kong valuable organizations always looking for volunteers. If you are interested, please LeeAnne MacGregor contact us at [email protected]. Howard Meadd Harold Smith Cass Stabler lives in Toronto, Ontario and is the newly elected president of NANPS. Her favourite place to hike in the spring is Warsaw Caves Conservation Area, though these days she can often be found in Morningside Park, a hidden gem in the east end of the city. She writes at www.plantthecitygreen.ca.

2 NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY SPRING 2014 NANPS EVENTS

MAY 10, 2014 North American Native Plant LESSONS LEARNED Society Annual Plant Sale 10am – 3 pm Why do we water plants after planting them? A plant needs Markham Civic Centre, 101 Town Centre Blvd., NW corner water as it adapts to a new site especially if its roots have of Hwy 7 and Warden Avenue, Markham been damaged during planting. Adding water also gets rid of something the plant does not need: an air gap between Anyone wishing to volunteer at the sale or in preparation the roots and the soil in which the plant is planted. Water for it, please email [email protected]. Volunteers are and nutrients cannot pass through an air gap and roots will most welcome! not grow out into an air space, so it is important that the soil touches the roots. Water will make the soil softer and MAY 11, 2014 Native Plants: Beautiful, more friable so that it will fall or crumble against the roots. Important, Threatened If you add pressure, the root ball will be squeezed up Presentation by John Oyston and plant sale at Artisans on against the soil and the roots will grow outwards absorbing Danforth at 2 p.m. Photo exhibit by John from May 2nd – water and nutrients. May 31st. When planting small trees, it’s often useful to tie marker MAY 12, 2014 Gardening: Planting the Right tape (available at big box hardware stores) to them, so that Seeds for Biodiversity they are more visible when mowing or weed-whacking. Paul LaPorte presentation at the Carden Community However, if the tape is tied around the trunk, within a few Centre, Lake Dalrymple, Ontario at 7 p.m. By donation. years it will begin to act as a tourniquet as the tree grows expands in girth, preventing the flow of sap up and down MAY 26, 2014 Gardening: Planting the Right the tree trunk. This will eventually weaken the trunk and Seeds for Biodiversity may kill the tree. I have lost a few white pine seedlings Durham Region Beekeepers’ Association, 7 p.m., Greenbank (Pinus strobus) this way. To avoid this, tie the marker tape Centennial Hall, Greenbank, Ontario onto a branch rather than the main trunk or cut the tape off with a sharp knife after a couple of years.

JULY 3, 2014 Native Plants: Beautiful, John Oyston Important, Threatened John Oyston at Toronto Botanical Gardens, 7 p.m.

For more information about NANPS Speakers Series and other events please visit www.nanps.org.

NANPS AWARD NOMINATIONS

The NANPS Conservation Award recognizes the extraordinary contribution of an individual or group to the conservation, protection or restoration of the natural heritage/native flora of North America at the community, regional, provincial, national or continental level. Deadline for submissions is May 31st. NANPS Garden Awards recognize and celebrate the amazing gardens that support diverse habitat and shared accommodations for our native flora and fauna. The NANPS Volunteer Award is given to a volunteer who makes an outstanding contribution to the fulfillment of NANPS goals. Deadline for submissions to these awards JANET HARRISON is July 31st. ARTOON BY

Visit www.nanps.org for more information. C

NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY SPRING 2014 3 A Native Plant Tipping Point?

by Suzanne Dingwell marketplace,” or our refusal to understand it Is the push for appreciation of native causing us to miss the plants about to be derailed? Have the opportunity to make our proponents of native plant use become “product” a good buy. entangled in wars of their own and turned the focus away from the WHAT’S GOING WRONG? importance of the basic messages? Are HOW CAN WE IMPROVE? we about to trip over our own two • We need to be feet? passionate without In many ways, this is a golden being over-zealous. SUZANNE DINGWELL moment in time. Sustainability is a Many people are turned hot topic, and even people who aren’t off by moralistic plant lovers are willing to listen to overtones. Here’s just HOTOGRAPH BY P ideas that will make the world more one real life example. At green and clean. Native plants are the recent New Fireweed (Chamerion latifolium) is lovely but, like many pioneer plants, can be aggressive turning up in places where they’ve Directions in American never been seen before: at the United Landscapes Symposium, said, “I don’t like to talk about moral States Botanic Garden (North one of the presenters urged listeners gardening, it makes me very America’s oldest botanic garden on the to take up the mantle of Frederick uncomfortable.” This is probably a grounds of the State Capitol in Law Olmsted (an American response typical of the majority. Washington, D.C.), in the New York landscape architect, journalist, social But it doesn’t mean we have to limit Times and on National Garden Club critic and administrator) and “be efforts to educate people about the booklists, among others. What drivers of change and moral advantages of natives. What it means happens next will either be the result reformers.” In the lobby after this is that we need to be able to explain of our combined efforts to promote talk, a landscape architect with a those advantages in concrete ways, native plants by understanding “the large practice in the metro D.C. area with quantifiable outcomes. The moral benefits will automatically follow the practical demonstrations. Sustainable, beautiful plantings of natives will not need moral rationalization and everyone will be happy anyway. • We need to promote natives for home landscapes in responsible ways. Too many people and communities are experiencing failures with natives because of unrealistic expectations. When people expect natives to “be more drought tolerant, need less fertilizer and fewer pesticides,” they also need to know that this will only be true if the plant is located in a situation that replicates what it would expect in the place where it chose to be native in the first place. The burden of education falls squarely on our shoulders. SUZANNE DINGWELL We also need to be sure people know that natives can’t just be stuck in the ground and abandoned. Witness HOTOGRAPH BY P the tale of the planting of native laurel Native azaleas have special requirements oaks in an entire neighborhood in

4 NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY SPRING 2014 Florida, where massive die-off are going to be able to make progress artful. We need them all on our occurred because the majority of in today’s world is not at the top, not side. homeowners expected the between world leaders and 3. We need to educate and support transplanted trees to be fine “because governments, not in our own first-time users of native plants so they were native.” In that case, a great congress, but in smaller, more nimble that their plantings are not only organizations: clubs, groups and healthy but beautiful. We want coalitions such as the C40 Cities native plantings to bring life and Climate Leadership Group (a network joy. Our educational efforts need to of the world’s megacities taking action be ramped up so that our converts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions). will both experience success and Translate that into native plant motivate their friends and societies, restoration groups, master neighbors to use natives. Then those gardeners, Audubon members, garden corridors of connectivity will clubs, etc. That means we cannot become a reality and all of us who afford to be like world leaders and do garden for wildlife will share in refuse to engage with people because the benefits. we don’t think their positions fit our personal definitions of worthiness. So. Let’s stand united. . . and be inclusive. NATIVE PLANT LOVERS, THE WORLD NEEDS OUR CONSENSUAL DECISIONS. Suzanne Dingwell has been promoting AS WE MOVE FORWARD INTO THIS the use of native plants for over a decade as a speaker, writer, blogger and

SUZANNE DINGWELL GOLDEN MOMENT OF OPPORTUNITY, WHETHER YOU ARE A HOMEOWNER, volunteer on behalf of the Florida and ONE-POT OWNER OR LANDSCAPE Virginia Native Plant Societies, Audubon

HOTOGRAPH BY ARCHITECT, LET’S KEEP IN MIND: of North Virginia, the American P 1. We need to make welcome in our Horticultural Society and others. A transplanted tree is a transplant first, a conversations people native plant second who are purists and people who plant idea, using the native Quercus cultivars. People laurifolia as a street tree, went awry for who have peonies in just this reason. Not enough was done their yards, and yes, to educate the homeowners on the even people who street so they understood that the insist they must transplanted trees needed have invasives. supplemental water in order to 2. We need to realize become established. that people will have

• We need to be tolerant of the many and varied SUZANNE DINGWELL viewpoints of others. Andrew Steer, reasons for wanting president of the World Resources to use natives in HOTOGRAPH BY

Institute, noted in a talk last year that their yards: sense of P “We are stuck where no longer can we place, ecological make consensual decisions in restoration, Don’t be prickly: Opuntia humifusa (prickly pear cactus) negotiations.” The World Resources attracting wildlife, Institute believes along the lines of reduction of non- American ecological economist renewable resources, and that no Sue is a member of the blogging team at Herman Daly that the world’s matter what our personal Native Plant and Wildlife Gardens. This economy is a subset of the evaluation of the relative merits of article originally appeared at Native Plants environment and their mission is “to these goals, we cannot allow our and Wildlife Gardens, http://native sustain a healthy environment—the own choices to imply criticism of plantwildlifegarden.com/a-native-plant- foundation of economic opportunity other’s values. Some people tipping-point, and is reprinted here with and human well-being.” respond to altruistic incentives, permission. Mr. Steer pointed out that where we some to financial and some to

NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY SPRING 2014 5 Garlic Mustard: Evil Invader or Benign Immigrant?

As part of the North American Native reduced, through herd management, plots. Interestingly, there was no Plant Society’s Dr. Barbara Fallis to 8 to 10 per square kilometre (21 to difference in species diversity (the Lecture Series in March, Dr. Dawn 26 per square mile), the shaded forest average number of plant species Bazely, a biology professor at York habitat does not return rapidly and observed per plot) between plots with University in Toronto, addressed this the more open habitat persists. garlic mustard and those without, i.e. question about garlic mustard Dr. Bazely set out to study the the presence of garlic mustard did not (Alliaria petiolata): Is it an “Evil impact of deer browsing on these seem to reduce species diversity, which invader or just another immigrant understorey forest floor communities. began to increase in these plots looking to fit in?” She inherited two deer exclosures following deer density reductions. Her Dr. Bazely has conducted much of (fenced-off areas that exclude deer) conclusions indicate no long-term her research within Point Pelee from Ontario Parks in Rondeau where effect of garlic mustard on native plant National Park and Rondeau Provincial she demonstrated that a forest can species diversity in Rondeau. Park which lie along the north shore recover when deer are barred from The seed banks (the natural storage of Lake Erie. This ecosystem, a closed- eating the vegetation. The results of of seeds, often dormant, within the canopy deciduous forest and fire- one of her team’s studies found that soil of most ecosystems) in these dependent savanna, is part of the the height of white trilliums (Trillium communities were another object of Mixed Woods Plains Ecozone (which grandiflorum) increased with study. Dr. Bazely discovered there are includes the Carolinian zone) decreasing deer density and the far more seeds of ruderal or weedy indigenous to southern Ontario. percentage of plants that flowered also species (including garlic mustard) in Current pressures on this ecosystem increased. The browse line also the soil than there are seeds of native come from browsing of the disappeared when deer were excluded. plants. The species diversity observed understorey by white-tailed deer In the mid-1990s, Dr. Bazely’s team above ground doesn’t reflect the (whose natural predators have all set up permanent monitoring plots on diversity of seeds lying below ground. vanished from the area). Deer are the forest floor in these parks which Short-term garlic mustard pulls are, acting as a keystone herbivore as they were actively being managed to reduce therefore, not effective because of the browse the entire understorey deer numbers. She was interested in plant’s massive seed bank below vegetation including tree branches and the role that deer were playing in the ground. You would need to pull garlic shrubs up to a height of two metres movement of garlic mustard, a non- mustard for at least six years straight (six feet). Prior research has shown native plant which likes disturbance. in the same location to significantly that when deer densities are in the She found some evidence that deer reduce garlic mustard abundance. But region of 35 to 55 deer per square management leads to a decline in what effect does six years of trampling kilometre (91 to 142 per square mile) garlic mustard density. In 1996, 100% by humans have on the native for extended periods (1960s to late of the plots in Point Pelee contained understorey vegetation in the same 1990s), the result is a missing forest garlic mustard but 13 years later, garlic area? understorey. When deer densities are mustard was missing from some of the Dr. Bazely also discussed the reported allelopathic properties of garlic mustard (allelopathy is a biological phenomenon by which an organism produces one or more biochemicals that influence the growth, survival and reproduction of other organisms). The field-based impacts of this research – whether allelopathic effects are the main factor driving the loss of native forest plant species – have not been demonstrated over the long term in forest plots. Dr. John Klironomos at the University of

ANDREW TANENTZAP Guelph found that garlic mustard negatively impacts the mycorrhizal fungi of neighbouring plants, such as HOTOGRAPH BY

P sugar maple (Acer saccharum) Look closely at this photo: deer have significantly reduced the density of understorey seedlings. However, this study was forest vegetation outside the exclosure. conducted under greenhouse

6 NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY SPRING 2014 conditions and studies to observe the garlic mustard is evil incarnate but having her lab use their property as long-term impacts of this that its appearance is a symptom of a part of her seed bank and garlic phenomenon in field conditions have disturbed forest ecosystem. She is mustard research ([email protected]). yet to be carried out. more concerned with the impact of Some researchers have hypothesized alien dog-strangling vine (Cyanchum that non-native earthworms may be rossicum and C. louiseae). The choice Visit NANPS affecting the abundance of forest floor to pull or not pull garlic mustard is a vegetation. These earthworms difficult one. Dr. Bazely has mixed Website consume disproportionately large feelings on the issue and says the At www.nanps.org, you’ll learn amounts of forest leaf litter which choice should be site-specific, based about our conservation properties, leaves exposed mineral soil. Native on the history of the site and its seed find tips on how to build a rain spring ephemerals therefore have a bank composition. The Ontario garden, read guidelines for seed difficult time getting established on Invasive Plant Council hopes to collection, enjoy lovely photos of bare mineral soil. develop simple measurements every native plants and find notices of Dr. Bazely does not believe that landowner can use to assess whether upcoming events and volunteer they need to get opportunities. Past issues of The rid of garlic Blazing Star that are more than a mustard. Dr. year old are available at GrowGrow Wild!Wild! Bazely www.nanps.org/index.php/resource Native plant nursery, encouraged s/blazing-star. You can also renew landowners to landscaping and your membership or join NANPS contact her if ecological services online at they would be www.nanps.org/index.php/about- www.grow-wild.com interested in us/membership/86. Home: 705.799.2619 3784 Hwy 7, (Paul Heydon) Omemee, Ontario Cell: 416.735.7490 (by appointment only) [email protected] Specializing in container grown Trees & Shrubs native to Ontario Original Art by Brigitte Granton

Acrylic, Oil and Ink. Commission work by request.

visit www.brigittegranton.com

(705) 466-6290 GIVING NATIVE PLANTS [email protected] A PLACE TO GROW www.notsohollowfarm.ca

www.LongPointLandTrust.ca Design & Consulting services available by OALA member

NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY SPRING 2014 7 A Guide to Hibernacula Design and Construction

By Vince Fiorito material generates heat. shrubs…) and edges (fences, walls…) If you decide to construct a to advantage. Hibernacula will attract Hibernaculum (hibernacula in the hibernaculum, plan wisely. different species based on size, depth, plural) is a zoological term referring Hibernacula are long-term structures humidity and composition. Snakes to a place of abode in which a creature that evolve over time. Choose an out- and reptiles prefer well-drained seeks refuge for the purpose of of-the-way location where the crevices between rocks below the frost hibernation or overwintering. hibernaculum won’t become an line. Chipmunks dig into soil to create tunnels and chambers to hoard food. Salamanders and toads bury themselves deep under leaf litter and loose soil. A small hibernaculum of a few cubic metres or less may only support insects and a few small mammals. The larger the hibernaculum, the more life it can support. A large enough hibernaculum of the right design in the right location might even attract a bear. (Contact me if you think you have the right location!) Before starting, always prepare the hibernaculum’s site with a thorough cleaning to remove undesired

VINCE FIORITO synthetic and contaminated materials (glass, plastic, treated wood, paint…). HOTOGRAPH BY

P THE BRUSH PILE HIBERNACULUM White trilliums (Trillium grandiflorum) and mayapples (Podophyllum peltatum) growing The brush pile hibernaculum on the rootball of a fallen tree recreates habitat associated with a fallen tree and requires clean organic Hibernacula attract insects, spiders, obstacle. Leverage the site’s existing material. Thanks to this winter’s ice amphibians, mammals, reptiles and structures (rocks, stumps…), grade storms in eastern North America, you even birds. I build hibernacula because (flat, sloped…), vegetation (trees, may already have an ample supply. I believe balanced ecosystems include both plants and animals. Also, I find the increased wildlife activity associated with hibernacula to be an entertaining highlight of my native plant gardens. Hibernacula can occur naturally or be built by humans. Examples of natural hibernacula include bear dens, bat caves, beaver lodges and loose soil under fallen trees. Man made hibernacula include more elaborate, intentional structures or simply the loose soil under compost piles and crevices behind retaining walls. Most hibernacula offer hibernators a

welcome above-freezing microclimate VINCE FIORITO during the winter. These conditions exist in underground chambers below HOTOGRAPH BY

the frost line or near moving water or P they result when decomposing organic Brush pile in summer

8 NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY SPRING 2014 hidden behind an outbuilding or shrubs. I highly recommend taking advantage of a brush pile’s trellis-like structure to grow vines. If you are in a hurry to hide your brush pile, consider planting Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) and river bank grape (Vitis riparia) around the edges. Any vigorously growing native vine should create the desired camouflaging effect. Showier vines include virgin's bower (Clematis virginiana), trumpet creeper (Campsis

VINCE FIORITO radicans) and American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens). Enhance the appeal of the brush pile HOTOGRAPH BY

P with fruit-bearing shrubs to attract A brush pile hibernaculum in summer birds. Choose plants that grow tall while providing food and cover. Instead of burning or hauling away wood supports mosses, mushrooms Examples of suitable vegetation dead trees and branches resulting from and other species of fungi. Deep include blackberry (Rubus canadensis), the storms, consider using this inside, the warm microclimate raspberry (Rubus strigosus), elderberry “windfall” for a hibernaculum. provides winter nesting sites for mice, (Sambucus canadensis) and The first step in building a brush squirrels, rabbits and groundhogs. nannyberry (Viburnum lentago). pile hibernaculum is to loosen up the These small mammals then become Complete the brush pile with site’s surface, making it easier for the prey for hawks, weasels, foxes, coyotes companion plantings of tallgrass future inhabitants to dig tunnels. Next, create a stable foundation with the biggest logs. If the site is sloped, partially bury some of the largest logs to aid stability. Arrange the logs so that they have crevices, gaps and open spaces between them, large enough for the hibernaculum’s target species. Fill the gaps between the foundation logs with woodchips, leaves, grass cuttings and/or other organic material which will decompose, create heat and warm the brush pile hibernaculum’s interior. Then progressively add smaller logs, branches and sticks filling in the exposed open spaces. Once all the VINCE FIORITO wood has been placed, add plant cuttings, leaves, wood chips and grass

cuttings to create roof-like insulating HOTOGRAPH BY P structures over the open interior The same hibernaculum in winter spaces. Decomposing organic material in the brush pile hibernaculum attracts and other predators. prairie species. You will want fast insects (including lacewings, assassin I’ve observed that most people don’t growing, tall forbs like perennial bugs and bumble bees), grubs, slugs immediately appreciate the beauty of a sunflowers (Helianthus spp.), cup and spiders, which in turn attract pile of dead branches which is why I plants (Silphium perfoliatum), asters fireflies, toads, wrens, warblers and tend to construct brush pile (Symphyotrichum spp.) and woodpeckers to eat them. Rotting hibernacula in discreet locations, Continued on page 10

NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY SPRING 2014 9 Continued from page 9

goldenrods (Solidago spp.). Cup plants provide an additional benefit: the leaves form a cup around the stalk to create a tiny reservoir that holds rainwater or dew for birds and insects to drink. The brush pile hibernaculum will compress over time as the organic material decomposes into rich compost. You can maintain its original size by continually adding twigs, branches and leaves. The end result should be a focal point of wildlife

activity in your garden that resembles VINCE FIORITO a thicket rather than a pile of dead wood. HOTOGRAPH BY P THE ROCK PILE HIBERNACULUM A well-camouflaged coyote attracted to the activity near the hibernaculum Rock pile hibernacula create habitat for cold-blooded animals which are more accurately described as in their recovery. coarse gravel. Since this part of the ectotherms. Ectothermic snakes, Many ectotherms will seek out structure will be hidden, you can also reptiles and amphibians are among warm surfaces like dark, sun-exposed use broken clay tiles and pots, brick, Ontario’s most threatened species. The rocks when they are active to raise smashed concrete and other clean primary stress for these animals in our their body temperature. In the fall, recycled materials. Poured concrete area is habitat loss due to agriculture, they seek frost-free overwintering sites can create stable roof-like structures industry and urbanization. Rock pile which are safe from predators. Rock over open interior spaces and act as a hibernacula can help these species pile hibernacula remain above freezing load-bearing base that blocks surface survive human disturbance and assist throughout the winter because they level sand, gravel, soil and debris from have crevices which reach washing into the underlying open underground chambers spaces and restricting access to the below the frost line. interior caverns. Dark rocks can Simply digging a hole passively generate heat with solar below the frost line and energy. Flat rocks on the surface can then filling it with rocks act like stepping stones, allowing easy may be ineffective. access for future maintenance. Once During a spring thaw or the rocks are placed, wash gravel and heavy rain, this structure sand into the surface level openings. may fill with water and Fill the gaps between surface rocks could drown the with topsoil, creating an insulating inhabitants. Ideally, you layer and foundation for companion want to construct your plants. hibernaculum on a Remember that the purpose of some south-facing slope and of the rocks is to create warming dig laterally into the side surfaces for cold-blooded animals. of the hill. The Since you are not trying to create foundation layers and shade or shelter above the surface, innermost recesses of the typical rock garden plants work well rock pile hibernaculum for a rock hibernaculum. Look for should be accessible, well shorter, smaller grasses and forbs that VINCE FIORITO drained and well below thrive in narrow crevices with the frost line. Create minimal soil in full sun.

HOTOGRAPH BY access to, and drainage Recommended rock garden favourites P away from, the interior include early saxifrage (Saxifraga A stone staircase can serve as a rock pile hibernaculum with weeping tile and virginiensis), nodding wild onion

10 NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY SPRING 2014 (Allium cernuum), blue-eyed grass The brush (Sisyrinchium montanum), long-leaved and rock pile summer bluet (Houstonia longifolia), hibernacula prairie smoke (Geum triflorum), described yarrow (Achillea millefolium), prickly above are just pear cactus (Opuntia humifusa), two possible Carolina puccoon (Lithospermum designs that caroliniense), Virginia spiderwort create above- (Tradescantia virginiana), cylindric freezing blazing star (Liatris cylindracea), microclimates. pearly everlasting (Anaphalis Aquatic margaritacea), large-flowered versions of beardtongue (Penstemon grandiflorus), both types

tall thimbleweed (Anemone exist along RON HEPWORTH virginiana), sundial or wild lupine shorelines and (Lupinus perennis) and silverweed streams HOTOGRAPH BY

(Potentilla anserina). providing P overwintering Thimbleweed makes a great rock garden plant. habitat for mudpuppies, but grew up in Thunder Bay. His family frogs, turtles and fish. Hybrid versions had a log cabin in a remote wilderness combine rocks and organic material. A area where he learned to cross-country hibernaculum can be a showy ski, canoe, fish, hunt and trap. As a centerpiece in your garden or a subtle teenager, he taught himself wilderness

VINCE FIORITO feature. Either way, it creates habitat survival techniques that required a for wildlife, an increasingly necessary knowledge of local native plants. Visit service native plant gardeners can Sheldon Creek Watershed Wildlife:

HOTOGRAPH BY provide in our developed world. http://s1325.photobucket.com/user/vfiori P Eastern cottontail rabbit to/story/48749 . Vince Fiorito lives in Burlington, Ontario

Calendar of Events

May 15-18, 2014 Keweenaw Parks Association and July 16-19, 2014 GROWING NATIVE: 34TH ANNUAL taught by botanist Janet Marr, this CULLOWHEE NATIVE PLANT CONFERENCE FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY workshop is open to anyone with Dayton, Ohio CONFERENCE beginner/intermediate plant Cullowhee, North Carolina Fort Myers, Florida identification knowledge interested Visit www.wcu.edu. Visit www.fnps.org/conference. in learning about early summer flora native to this species-rich Lake August 1-3, 2014 June 5-7, 2014 Su perior island. Contact Kristine MIDWEST NATIVE PLANT CONFERENCE NATIVE PLANTS IN THE LANDSCAPE Bradof at 906-482-7860 or Sixth Annual MWNP Conference: CONFERENCE [email protected]. Connecting People and Nature Mi llersville, Pennsylvania Visit www.midwestnativeplants.org. To view the conference brochure June 14, 2014 www.MillersvilleNativePlants.org. GARDENING FOR NATURE – CREATING September 20-21, 2014 Call (717) 871-2189 or email SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPES FOR HOME, MARYLAND NATIVE PLANT [email protected]. SCHOOL AND BUSINESS SOCIETY CONFERENCE Calvin College Bunker Interpretive Cecil County, Maryland June 9-14, 2014 Center Visit www.mdflora.org/2014conference BOTANY WORKSHOP AT ISLE ROYALE Grand Rapids, Michigan NATIONAL PARK Phone 616-526-7601. See page 3 for NANPS Events. Sponsored by the Isle Royale and

NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY SPRING 2014 11 Bioblitz Discoveries in the Kawarthas

by Ian Attridge lands around the Kawartha region and the property. It didn’t take us long to works with landowners and others to make notable discoveries! “Those looked different from the foster community engagement and Our early-bird crew explored the other plants, so I thought I had best conservation in the area. KLT is part north end of the property. This area collect a bit of one,” said a visibly of a vibrant and successful network of includes grasslands, large woodlands and a trail along a creek that winds through many bog and fen features. While the dew still hung heavy on the grass, we spotted bobolinks and meadowlarks, and Don found some interesting sedges (Carex chordorrhiza, C. limosa and C. livida) at the edge of the swamp. Mid-morning, we made a rendezvous with a later crew less inclined to fly out of bed with the early birds. We pulled out maps, described the boundaries of the property and then set up our field equipment at the boathouse. Crews of IAN ATTRIDGE diverse field skills formed and explored new parts of the property. Books and binoculars in hand, we HOTOGRAPH BY P Kawartha Land Trust bioblitz explorers completed circuits out to the edge of the heronry and along the forest/field excited Anne as she laid out the bag of land trusts across Ontario and North edge and we covered a new section of long leaves on the picnic table. Soon America. the treed fen trail. we were all gathered around, waiting From 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. on a sunny Two teams also headed out onto the for Don’s inspection. Sure enough, it day in late June, 15 volunteers from open water in canoes to explore the was a green arrow-arum (Peltandra the provincial Natural Heritage cattail marsh. Our crew documented virginica), a nationally and Information Centre, Kawartha and birds and plants, including some provincially rare plant. “There is a Peterborough Field Naturalists, City of beautiful light pink rose pogonia large population at Gananoque on Kawartha Lakes Flora project, Fleming orchids (Pogonia ophioglossoides). Lake Ontario,” Don noted, “but College and others fanned out across Paddling along the eastern shoreline, otherwise it is not found in many places in Ontario and fewer places in Quebec. Where it is found, it usually grows in abundance.” That was the case here, where Anne counted about 40 clumps of the impressively large, tropical-looking plant that begged to be noticed. Anne Barbour, Kawartha Field Naturalists, and Don Sutherland, Natural Heritage Information Centre, supported a large group of volunteers in a “bioblitz” on a large Emily Creek property, east of Lindsay in the City of Kawartha Lakes, Ontario. The Kawartha Land Trust (KLT) had IAN ATTRIDGE organized this broad inventory of plants and animals and put the call HOTOGRAPH BY out to its many local partners. P KLT protects ecologically important Emily Creek

12 NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY SPRING 2014 our friends made less distance than transition to sedges (Carex spp.), with recorded 250 plants, including 6 new expected but found more in the details their floating mats of vegetation, plants for the municipality, 21 birds of the heavy floating vegetation. The before cedar (Thuja spp.) and and 31 dragonflies and butterflies. The Odonata specialist concentrated on tamarack (Larix laricina) start to weather and volunteer effort were dragonflies and damselflies while the infiltrate the marsh edges to form the fabulous! The botanists have followed botanists collected, among other swamp forest ringing this ancient up with detailed identification treasures, bog rosemary (Andromeda water body. discussions and they’ve expressed “Ditch the shoes interest in another visit. and canoes,” I While the bioblitz contributed to challenged the the documentation and understanding crews. Soon we were of the area’s biodiversity, it helped the carefully weaving Kawartha Land Trust in another way: our way over the developing a management plan to sedge mat, bare feet guide the ecologically aware in the cool water. landowner with his future stewardship Amid the waving plans. Over the fall, KLT involved leaves and swamp Fleming College’s Ecosystem sparrow calls, Management students to help identify sundews (Drosera property features, classify vegetation rotundifolia) and communities and make

ANNE BARBOUR pitcher plants recommendations for good (Sarracenia management practices on the purpurea) added property. HOTOGRAPH BY P their purpley hues This partnership between KLT and Grass pink (Calopogon tuberosus) to the tapestry. Fleming College was just the latest in a We caught glimpses series of collaborations in the area. of unusual forms Ecosystem Management students had glaucophylla), northern bog birch and a dash of colour against the also conducted an inventory and plan (Betula pumila var. glandulifera), sage brown background. Closer inspection for a nearby 290-hectare (715-acre) willow (Salix candida), smooth twig- revealed tall white bog orchid KLT wetland property while rush (Cladium mariscoides) and the (Platanthera dilatata), another Geomatics program students had unusually large leaves and spathe of uncommon plant for Ontario and new modelled ways to ecologically connect the arrow-arum. to the City of Kawartha Lakes list. A patches of priority natural features. Through the Kawartha Field further look in the fen and we were Trent University graduate students are Naturalists, Anne and a leading able to find bright botanist, Dale Leadbeater, have grass pinks organized an inventory of plants in (Calopogon the City of Kawartha Lakes. Their tuberosus) and the teams have been invited to visit less conspicuous bog properties throughout this county- arrow-grass sized municipality; they now have a (Triglochin good sense of what is typically found maritima), alpine where. But then there are the clubrush anomalies such as the green arrow- (Trichophorum arum. Anne was thrilled to add this alpinum), and tiny rare wetland denizen to her growing bog bedstraw list for the municipality along with the (Galium

rose pogonia, the sedges and other labradoricum), plus ANNE BARBOUR treasures yet to come. another new record Fueled by a shared meal and our for the municipality, HOTOGRAPH BY initial successes, two canoes set out in slender cottongrass P the afternoon under bright sunshine (Eriophorum Green arrow-arum (Peltandra virginica) to explore the further reaches of the gracile). marsh. Here, the cattails (Typha spp.) Altogether we Continued on page 14

NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY SPRING 2014 13 Continued from page 13 also involved, beginning with carbon discover new species for the area and again… dioxide and methane measurements contribute to a variety of scientific that will help demonstrate the initiatives. This knowledge was then Ian Attridge is an ecologist, lawyer and ecological and financial value of this applied to foster good stewardship and the Kawartha Land Trust’s Lands provincially significant ecosystem. wider conservation. Most beneficial of Manager. He loves exploring special The KLT bioblitz demonstrated the all will be the relationships that were places in the Kawarthas and helping power of partnerships. Through developed to spur new connections, landowners here and elsewhere achieve collaboration with the landowner, discoveries and opportunities in the their conservation goals. Visit local institutions and non-profit future. www.kawarthalandtrust.org or call 705- organizations, KLT was able to Ahh, can’t wait until it’s field season 743-5599 for more information.

New & Noted

Pollinators of Native Plants: Attract, Observe and pulls us right into the garden to get up Identify Pollinators and Beneficial Insects with Native close and personal with pollinators and Plants beneficial insects on native plants. By Heather Holm Heather spent the last 10 years observing Pollination Press LLC and photographing insects. The result was ISBN-10: 0991356306 this field guide which profiles 67 species of ISBN-13: 978-0991356300 perennial, native plants of the Midwest, Paperback, 320 pages, USD/CAD $29.95 Great Lakes Region, northeast and southern Available at www.pollinatorsnativeplants.com/ (along Canada and their pollinators. with downloadable 11 x 8.5”posters of native bees on This guide helps us choose the right native plants) or www.amazon.com/gp/product/0991356306 plants for our garden and identify the pollinators that visit – affirmation that we Do you remember when energy conservation measures were are helping our local ecosystems. Her book could not have brought in, recycling efforts were promoted and composting come at a better time when even the mainstream is of kitchen waste was encouraged? The next movement in bemoaning the lack of pollinators, particularly the iconic the continuum of reducing our collective footprint (and monarch butterfly and European honey bee. saving us money) should be aimed at another aspect of our Why the buzz about Heather’s book? She brings native lifestyle – our garden choices. We are discovering that lawn plants and their flower visitors together in one concise tome and other exotic landscape plants are not as ecologically – that is portable enough to accompany forays into the garden or financially – sound as native plants. or field. It’s a thorough primer on pollination, pollinators, The movement to envision our gardens as part of – and threats to them and some solutions. In Native Plant-Insect not apart from – ecosystems has been Interactions, plant species are slotted slowly developing. In 2007, Dr. Douglas into three types of habitat: prairie, W. Tallamy implored us to welcome woodland edge and wetland edge. Each wildlife by Bringing Nature Home. section is organized alphabetically by Through research, he has shown us the genus with two-page treatments, while connection between native plants, several plants have four-page spreads insects, birds and a diverse, healthy and a couple of very pollinator-popular ecosystem. plants, such as swamp milkweed In 2011, The Xerces Society, a leader (Asclepias incarnata), have lavish, six- in the effort to conserve North page treatments. America’s native pollinators, published Heather shows her design chops with Attracting Native Pollinators: Protecting each page colour coordinated to the North America’s Bees and Butterflies. three habitat categories and quick

They emphasized the need to provide visual guides showing flowering period, (THE LOCAL SCOOP) CHARLES ISCOVE healthy habitats for pollinators and the habitat (light requirements, soil type connection between pollinators and the and moisture regime) and range maps. HOTOGRAPH BY food we eat. Icons alert us to honey P Now, Heather Holm, a Green sweat bee (Agapostemon sp.) on bee/hummingbird visitors and larval horticulturalist/landscape designer New England aster (Symphyotrichum host plants. novae-angliae), Toronto, September 2013

14 NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY SPRING 2014 For each plant species, we are schedule of flowering at a glance. It’s treated to a profile: height, flower, leaf, all about encouraging us to plan our fruit and root details. We are given a gardens for sequential blooms to keep list of complementary plants that pollinators satisfied. We’re given flower around the same time and templates in the form of garden plans: typically in the same habitat. This is boulevard for sun-dry and shade- great information for someone putting mesic, bioswale/ditch (wetland) and bunches of plants together for woodland edge. Heather has even sequential blooms. You will find Bumble bee (Bombus sp.) on stiff assembled plans to target certain types (THE LOCAL SCOOP) CHARLES ISCOVE yourself lingering over Plant Notes goldenrod (Oligoneuron rigidum) with of insects such as bumble bees or and Insect Notes which might include hoverfly (Syrphidae) incoming. leafcutter bees. HOTOGRAPH BY tips on planting and the type of bee If your yard is anything like mine, P (short- or long-tongued) accessing a gap in our knowledge base. Many, it’s a little patch of pollination nectar. Who knew bloodroot like the mining bees (Andrena spp.), paradise in a lawn-locked landscape. (Sanguinaria canadensis) flowers have about 400 species in North The only action on my street is around provide pollen but no nectar? America and are difficult to tell apart my island oasis with its steady stream Subsequent pages of each plant in the field. On the other hand, only of aerial acrobatics on a colourful species are devoted to foraging 46 bumble bee species are found north palette of wildflowers. I would like my behaviours and pictures of pollinators of Mexico. With such a manageable neighbours to jump on board, too. and other beneficial insects, i.e., bees, number to identify, I’ll be consulting Our neighbourhood has just wasps, flies, beetles, ants, butterflies the newly released Bumble Bees of received the annual coupon book with and moths. Bees are the focus owing North America: An Identification Guide energy-saving tips and incentives. I’d to their efficiency in pollinating by Paul H. Williams, Robbin W. like to see the day when another flowers (by virtue of specialized Thorp, Leif L. Richardson and Sheila coupon book appears with facts on pollen-collecting structures not found R. Colla. native plants and their benefits, on other insects) but some fly species Check out the glossaries and charts. including discounts for purchasing are also effective pollinators. Syrphid For bee or predatory wasp-native locally sourced, native plants at flies are the most common and plant interactions, the popularity of nurseries and garden stores. abundant visitors of marsh marigold some plants, such as wild bergamot (Caltha palustris). (Monarda fistulosa) or purple prairie Review by Janet Harrison Other than butterflies and moths, clover (Dalea purpurea), stands out. Janet is the editor of The Local Scoop, most insects are not identified down Each flowering timeline chart is www.TheLocalScoop.org. (Here’s the to species level. It is as much a arranged by one of the three habitat inside scoop on Pollinators of Native reflection of the popularity and ease of types. It presents all of the plant Plants – it may be available for purchase identifying some of our insects as it is species and gives a more refined at the NANPS Plant Sale on May 10th.)

Continued from page 1 – Red Huckleberry symptoms. Research shows that this love the fact that this easy-to-maintain are just a handful of the visitors that bark tea has anti-inflammatory shrub produces edible berries even in feast on the berries that serve as a vital properties, perfect for the aches, pains my shady yard. Taking a cue from source of calories and nutrients for and fever that accompany colds. The nature, I established my shrubs on an them. While birds are a delight to watch, leaves, which contain quinic acid that old log that had started to decompose. gardeners in bear or deer country should may help reduce the build-up of uric If you don’t have your own nature- keep in mind that these mammals and acid, a problem for gout sufferers, made nursery, you can grow red many others also enjoy the bounty red were traditionally brewed into a huckleberry in acidic, well-drained huckleberries provide. medicinal tea. More recent studies soil that is rich in organic matter. Keep have proven the tea stabilizes and even the plant out of direct sun and Tammie Painter, “writer of fact, fiction lowers blood sugar levels making it a remember to water during long and plenty of stuff in between,” lives in promising option for people with high summer dry spells. Oregon. Her book, Going Native: Small blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and Even if you don’t prefer the taste of the Steps to a Healthy Garden, was reviewed some forms of diabetes. fruit, you can still enjoy red huckleberry in the winter 2014 issue of The Blazing Although I haven’t delved into the for its ability to attract birds. In my Star. Contact Tammie at medical benefits of red huckleberry, I garden, thrushes, warblers and orioles [email protected].

NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY SPRING 2014 15 JOIN NANPS SPRING 2014 Your donations and membership dollars help NANPS to study, conserve, cultivate and restore North America's native flora. Members receive our quarterly newsletter, The Blazing Star, and are eligible for NANPS-sponsored excursions and the Seed Exchange. NANPS is a registered charitable organization (no. 130720824 RR0001) founded in 1984. Donations to the Society are tax-creditable in Canada. Tax receipts will be issued for donations of $20 or more. _____ $10 / 1-year full-time student membership – digital version only of The Blazing Star (All other members now have the option of receiving the digital version of The Blazing Star in colour or the mailed version in B&W. Memberships are for a calendar year from Jan.1 to Dec. 31) _____ $25 / 1-year regular membership _____ $40 / 2-year regular membership _____ $60 / 3-year regular membership _____ $200 / 5-year Sustaining Membership includes a $100 tax receipt NAME: ______ADDRESS: ______PHONE: ______EMAIL: ______Do you wish to receive The Blazing Star electronically? ______Join online at www.nanps.org or complete this form and mail with cheque to NANPS, Box 84, Station D, Toronto, Ontario M9A 4X1. For info, call (416) 631-4438; e-mail [email protected].

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