Newsletter of the Arkansas Native Plant Society

Home , Forestiera acuminata, Iris fulva, Lake Dardanelle, Petit Jean State Park

CLAYTONIA Newsletter of the Arkansas Native Plant Society

Vol. 32 № 2 Wetland Plant Identification Workshop Fall/Winter 2012 Report by Theo Witsell

Proposal to Amend Bylaws Back in May, before the drought really set in, hispidus var. nitidus), and the native swamp Annual Fall Retreat a number of natural resource professionals, privet (Forestiera acuminata). Annual Work Plan Page 3 land managers, and other botanically inclined The second day of the class was held at folks gathered in Little Rock for a wetland Lorance Creek Natural Area off Bingham Jonesboro Meeting Cool- plant identification workshop put on by the Road near the Pulaski/Saline County line. But Too Hot, Too Arkansas Natural Resources Commission This area is co-owned and managed by the Page 4 (ANRC) with assistance from the Arkansas ANHC and The Nature Conservancy and Ozark Spring Beauty Natural Heritage Commission (ANHC). The features a number of interesting wetland types Caught in the Act ANRC brought in Justin and Dana Thomas including both wooded and open hillside High above Cove Creek from the Institute of Botanical Training in seeps, bottomland hardwood forest, wet pine Page 6 Missouri to lead the workshop. They were flatwoods, a seasonally wet powerline right- assisted in planning and in the field by Brent of-way, and a groundwater-fed cypress-tupelo Fern Gully Page 8 Baker and Theo Witsell of the ANHC. swamp. Among the interesting species seen Justin and Dana have South Fork Nature Center an interesting approach to Hosts ANPS Field Trip teaching their workshop, Page 9 which lasted three and a half Under the days. The first morning was Umbrella Magnolia Trees: held indoors, where the class Field Trip to Meyers Creek went over terminology, basic Page 10 plant morphology, and other Mt. Magazine Field Trip details you have to know to High on Butterflies identify plants. The entire Page 11 remainder of the course was taught in the field, where ANPS 2012 Justin and Dana Thomas of the Institute of Botanical Training instruct the Spring Meeting Minutes participants examined plants class at the Camp Robinson Special Use Area Page 13 in their natural habitat and Photo courtesy of Theo Witsell received specimens of each species. These here were Virginia chain fern (Woodwardia ANPS Fall 2012 Meeting were taped into notebooks where the plant areolata), arrow arum (Peltandra virginica), Page 14 names, families, habitat requirements, and swamp blackgum (Nyssa biflora), and identification tips were recorded. hardhack (Spiraea tomentosa). ANPS Treasurer’s Report FY 2012 The first afternoon was spent in “Fourche The third day of the class was held at the Page 16 Bottoms” in south Little Rock, just east of Camp Robinson Special Use Area in Faulkner Arch Street and south of I-30, where the group County, which is one of the most spectacular Upcoming Field Trips explored the flora of some nice wet hardwood botanical areas in central Arkansas, thanks And Events Page 18 flatwoods, bottomland hardwood forest, and in large part to more than 60 years of regular roadside ditches. This site is home to several prescribed burning by the Arkansas Game and New Members interesting wetland species including copper Fish Commission. Interesting wetland species Nominations Slate iris , spider lily seen here included water hemlock Page 19 (Iris fulva) (Hymenocallis liriosme), swamp buttercup (Ranunculus Continued on next page – 1 – Wetland Plant Identification Workshop Report by Theo Witsell

(Cicuta maculata), southern wild rice (Zizaniopsis miliacea), many sedges and rushes, and the floating shrub swamp loosestrife (Decodon verticillatus). Finally, on the morning of the fourth day, the class concluded on the banks of the Arkansas River at Murray Park in Little Rock where participants explored wetland plants of a large river floodplain. Species collected here included riverbank grape (Vitis riparia), scouring- rush (Equisetum hyemale), and silver maple (Acer saccharinum). Participants ended up with more than 130 plants in their notebooks, which will serve An example of a workshop participant’s specimen notebook Photo courtesy of Theo Witsell them well into the future as a reference to common wetland flora in central Arkansas. Justin and Dana presented a lot of information over the three and a half days, and did so in an entertaining way that kept participants, who came to the course with a wide range of interests and experience, engaged. For news of upcoming workshops put on by the Institute of Botanical Training, visit their website at www.botanytraining.com. For more information on the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, Lorance Creek Natural Area, or any of the other 69 public nature preserves in Arkansas’s System of Natural Areas, visit www.naturalheritage.org. Justin Thomas of the Institute of Botanical Training instructs the class in Fourche Bottoms in south Little Rock. Photo courtesy of Theo Witsell

– 2 – Proposal to Amend Bylaws OCANPS The Society’s Bylaws are posted at www.anps.org (under Annual Fall Retreat to “About”) and printed in the 2012 Directory. Harmony Mountain. The Bylaws do not include a waiver to any requirement of November 2nd—4th the Bylaws. In the best interest of the Society, a waiver of a We meet Friday afternoon, specific provision may be needed in the future. Article XI after 3 p.m., at Harmony has been re-drafted (see below) to add this flexibility. Mountain, check in, share a This Amendment will be presented to Membership at the potluck, and hold the annual Fall 2012 Meeting for vote. fall auction to raise money for ************************************** our chapter. We also hold a business meeting Friday night Article XI - Amendment, Revision and Waiver to elect officers, pay dues, These bylaws may be amended (rewritten in part) discuss past and new business. or revised (rewritten in whole). An amendment or On Saturday and Sunday, if revision may be initiated by the Board or Membership. the weather cooperates, we All amendments and revisions are approved by the hike area trails. If you plan to Board. Board-approved amendments and revisions are attend, please contact Burnetta published once in Claytonia with a vote by Membership at [email protected] to at the next Regular Meeting. (Article III, Section 3 and reserve a room at HM lodge. It Article IV, Section 3 apply.) is important to get on the list as the lodge will accommodate If in the best interest of the Society, a one-time waiver up to 24 individuals. Harmony to any specific requirement of these Bylaws may be Mountain is located ca. 12 approved by the Board. Such approval requires an miles south of Jasper on Hwy. 7. affirmative vote by the majority of all Board Members. Check out their web site: http:// The waiver will be reported to Membership at the next www.buffaloriverlodging. Regular Meeting. com for information and good directions. **************************************

Request for Input to “Annual Work Plan” for Fiscal Year 2013 An Annual Work Plan for the new fiscal year (January 1, 2013—December “Oh Botany,” 31, 2013) will be approved at the Fall 2012 Board and Membership Meetings. If Members have suggestions for expenditure of Society funds, delightfulest please prepare a proposal that includes the dollar amount, site of proposed of all the expenditure, purpose of site, what would be accomplished with the funds, sciences. who would benefit, and any other information, as appropriate. Maybe There is no a school or park in your community could use help with a Native Plant Garden. end to thy “gratifications.” Please send your proposal to the President by October 1, 2012 so that it can be presented to the Executive Board for consideration. John Bartram To review the 2012 Proposed Budget, please refer to page 9 of Spring/ Summer 2012 Claytonia. To review the Society’s current fiscal situation, refer to the Treasurer’s Report in this issue of Claytonia.

– 3 – Jonesboro Meeting Cool But Too Hot, Too Report by Eric Sundell

Our ANPS Spring 2012 meeting drew ence members asleep by the end of the ern North America. (The Sino-Ameri- a good crowd up to Jonesboro and slide show when the lights come back can disjunction strikes again!) Crowley’s Ridge in northeast Arkansas. on. A score of ten indicates that every- Travis Marsico’s program Saturday Saturday field trips to Crowley’s body was still awake, and in fact many evening was titled, Stop and Smell the Ridge State Park and to the Arkan- of them had questions for the present- Roses: They Are Trying to Tell You Some- sas Game and Fish Forrest L. Wood ers. (It was just like teaching under- thing. The highlight of Travis’s energetic Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center were graduates!) presentation occurred when his film excellent, however with temperatures Larry Lowman gave the Friday eve- clip of a parasitic dodder vine, Cuscuta into the 90s, enthusiasm for outdoor ning program, an illustrated talk on the sp., seeking a host tomato plant failed botanizing faded after lunch. Brent flora and geology of the Ridge, a glob- to cooperate with the ASU computer Baker—with the help of projector and could not be Jennifer Ogle, graduate screened. Without skipping student at UA Fayetteville, a beat, Travis shifted to Plan and Meghan Foard and Da- B, personally acting out the vid Burge, grad students of role of the dodder and com- Travis Marsico—and Eric mandeering an audience Sundell led the trips at the volunteer, Eric Sundell, to state park, Larry Lowman ad lib the part of the toma- and Travis the trips to the to plant. The sketch was a nature center. Travis’s for- big hit. And the fact that it mer colleague at UARK cannot be seen on YouTube Sarah Nunn and his grad suggests that ANPS needs student Kari Harris helped to put more energy into re- out on the afternoon walk. cruiting people who don’t Larry gave folks a tour of the qualify for senior discounts. nature center native plant Brent Baker led the Sun- garden that he had designed day morning trip to the for the Game & Fish Com- St. Francis Sunken Lands mission several years ago. Wildlife Management Here are just a few of the Area, where about 20 of us memorable plant moments: admired the world’s larg- A waist-high green dragon, est known population of Arisaema dracontium, at pondberry, Lindera melis- the nature center. Along sifolia, an Arkansas native the Dancing Rabbit Trail shrub on the U.S, Fish and at the park, a single perfect Wildlife Threatened and specimen of Virginia snake- Endangered Species list. For root, Aristolochia serpen- those of us who live in more taria, a small perennial herb or less upland, well drained in the same genus as the habitats, the Sunken Lands high-climbing, woody pipe- Kari Harris of ASU, the girl without the dragon tattoo, examines a near- are an exotic, foreign place, state-champion green dragon. vine—the flowers bloom at Photo courtesy of Don Ford dominated by the most ground level in the leaf litter aquatic of Arkansas trees: where several young fruits baldcypress of course, but were developing, and the spicy-smelling ally unique landform, with a fascinating also overcup oak, Nuttall oak, water roots were used by old timers to flavor mix of common and intriguingly rare oak, river birch, Drummond red maple, their homemade candy. And along the plants. For example, yellow-poplar, Lir- green ash, sycamore, American elm, Spider Creek Trail, native wild yam, iodendron tulipifera, so common east of and black gum. The low mounds sup- Dioscorea villosa, with both staminate the Mississippi River—and the largest ported most of the woody vegetation. and pistillate plants in full flower—the hardwood tree in the eastern forest—is The swales were black with leaf litter foamy sprays of male flowers are espe- native in Arkansas only on Crowley’s scarcely decomposed under prolonged cially striking. Ridge, as is the rare magnolia vine, anaerobic conditions. It was a different Both of the evening programs scored Schisandra glabra, the genus Schisandra botanical world. a perfect ten on the Afflicter Scale, comprising some 25 species, of which which measures the percentage of audi- 24 grow in eastern Asia and one in east- Continued on next page – 4 – Jonesboro Meeting Cool But Too Hot, Too Report by Eric Sundell

Brent Baker’s group admires a tangle of fragrant pondberry shrubs at St. Francis Sunken Lands Photo courtesy of Don Ford

Jonesboro Meeting Lagniappe: Virginia Snakeroot Up Close and Personal Photos by Martha Bowden

The little perennial herb Virginia snakeroot, Aristolochia serpentaria, is first cousin to the high-climbing, woody Virginia snakeroot flowers bloom at ground level pipevine, Aristolochia tomentosa, nicely illustrating in the leaf litter and, like those of pipevine, are the point that reproductive structures usually are the pollinated by small flies. One flower past its prime can most reliable witnesses concerning the taxonomic be seen at the upper right along with three young relationships of flowering plants. The two species have fruiting capsules. The species is not uncommon in similar chemistry, too: both are host plants for the the hardwood forests of eastern North America, but pipevine swallowtail butterfly. it’s hard to catch sight of it.

– 5 – TRIP Ozark Spring Beauty Caught in the Act High above Cove Creek REPORT Report by Eric Sundell Arkansas Natural Heritage Commis- sion botanist (and ANPS Past Presi- dent) Brent Baker’s March 31, 2012 trip to ANHC’s Cove Creek Natu- ral Area northwest of Greenbrier in Faulkner County—the first walkabout of the new season!—drew a very re- spectable turnout of 13 ANPS members: Webmaster Martha Bowden, Past President Don Crank, Donna and Bruno Hanke, Becky Hardin and Butch Hinton, Jay Justice (longtime president of the Arkansas Mycological Society), Pat and Sandy Morris, Eric (President Elect) and Milanne Sun- dell, and Sid (Treasurer) and Jeanette Vogelpohl. The grand prize of the mile and a half trail loop was to be a look—a first look for many of us—at the Ozark Ozark spring beauty with young seed capsules on elongating stalks searching for dark crevices. spring beauty growing in ledges and Photo: Jeanette Vogelpohl crevices of the sandstone bluffs high above Cove Creek. The plants are not and crevices in the bluff and were your life by toppling over a sandstone only rare, occurring in just a few known being inserted right into them.” bluff. The adaptation is captured in a populations in Arkansas, Missouri, In Jeanette Vogelpohl’s accompa- time-lapse motion picture segment and Oklahoma, but their status as a nying photo, above right, this adapta- in David Attenborough’s BBC species distinct from Carolina spring tion is nicely illustrated: several of the production, The Private Life of Plants, beauty was only recently appreciated: swelling seed capsules, at the tips of Volume 1, on how plants do their Claytonia ozarkensis was described as elongating stalks, can be seen ‘hunting’ traveling. new to science in 2006. Theo Witsell for a dark crevice in which to open and The Cove Creek loop trail harbored featured Ozark spring beauty in the release their contents, the seeds for two additional rare plants. Draba Fall 2007 Claytonia, which you can the next generation of cliff-dwelling aprica, a whitlow-grass of the mustard revisit at the ANPS website to see a Ozark spring beauties. family, (and one of the most easily couple of beautiful and informative Our walk at Cove Creek brought overlooked species of flowering plants photographs of plants in flower. In to mind a southern European plant in the world), is rated G3/S2 (globally that article, Theo describes the Eureka unrelated to spring beauty that has vulnerable). If the lovely dandelion can Moment when he figured out the evolved a similar dispersal mechanism be ignored and even despised because astonishing mechanism by which for a similar habitat: Kenilworth- it’s so common, then perhaps ‘open- the plants disperse their seeds to sites ivy, Cymbalaria muralis (the species ground whitlow-grass’ can attract where they have the best chance to epithet means “of walls” or “growing some appreciation for its rarity. thrive free from the competition of on walls”), is a beautiful, fascinating, The other rare plant was wild white larger species. and, yes, alien weed that occurs wild in clover, Trifolium carolinianum, a “The stems, which had been Arkansas (to my knowledge) in only native species superficially similar to cascading down from the crevices in one place, Eureka Springs, where it is but entirely distinct from the abundant March, with the flowers facing out locally abundant and easily observed lawn and roadside alien, white clover, away from the bluffs, were now in full clambering over garden walls, rock T. repens. The alien is a stoloniferous fruit. But the stems had turned around piles, and even at sidewalk and parking perennial, rooting at the nodes; the and were stuffing the mature seed lot borders. There the exquisitely native is variously described both as capsules back into the bluffs! In many adaptive dispersal mechanism can be annual and perennial, but either way cases the capsules had found cracks examined without the fear of losing Continued on next page – 6 – TRIP Ozark Spring Beauty Caught in the Act High above Cove Creek REPORT Report by Eric Sundell

Brent and Eric examining wild white clover on the footpath, with Jay Justice and Milanne Sundell. Photo: Sid Vogelpohl non-stoloniferous. Theo featured wild Justice, noticed the black cup fungus Mary, and bird’s foot violet blooming white or Carolina clover in his article Urnula along the path. My former near the cedars in patches of reindeer on Arkansas’ native clovers back in the dendrology students used to call them moss. Blueberries were everywhere: Fall 2009 Claytonia. He observes that black roses. Our timing was perfect. Vaccinium virgatum (we’re pretty sure the species, which at that time he had Several of us knew how to tickle the it wasn’t V. pallidum) was common, seen in the wild only once, in the past cups with a finger to unleash the with closed, urn-shaped corollas, and had been common: “Nearly all of the cloud of spores, but Jay taught us the V. stamineum, deerberry, with open, known collections are historical, with alternative technique of simply blowing campanulate corollas, was uncommon. most made between the 1880s and softly across the top of the cups. After Both promised that the future would 1940s, and very few made since the the split second delay, a puff of smoke be sweet. But yellow may have been the 1950s.” The widespread decline of the rose into the air. Very cool! dominant theme of the day. Two spe- native clover, which occurs throughout We saw some wildlife: a box turtle cies of golden ragwort appeared and the Southeast, is a mystery, especially as and a cottonmouth. But we were out reappeared, Senecio tomentosus and S. it thrives on disturbance. Brent Baker for flowers. And if you’re out for flow- plattensis, both classified now by split- pointed out a small population under ers in Arkansas in late March and early ters in the genus Packera, but still pretty. our feet in the middle of the walking April, it’s hard not to have a rewarding Three buttercups with large, medium, trail and another at the edge of the walk. We were met by the usual delight- and small flowers (also called grande, parking area. We were too early for ful surprises of spring, for example, red venti, and tall in the technical litera- flowers, but we put our trust in Brent’s buckeye, flowering dogwood, fringe ture) accompanied us most of the way: keen field eye and added Trifolium tree, cross-vine, wild hyacinth, Ohio Ranunculus fascicularis, R. harveyi, and carolinianum to our life lists. spiderwort, and fire pink. For especially R. abortivus. And yellow star-grass was Arkansas’ premier mycologist, Jay photogenic blue, there was blue-eyed beaming. What a fine trip! – 7 – TRIP Fern Gully REPORT Report by Aaron Hinterthuer Aaron Hinterthuer joined his mother the ins and outs of things, the back side tering holes is located at Fern Gully Burnetta, trip leader Bob Morgan, and and the front side, and everything else and was a welcome respite from the a gang of Ozark Chapter folks for an every which way. Through a blend of sweltering heat and that other incon- ANPS botanical foray: expertise and panache, folk taxonomy venience that presented itself to us on Fern Gully: April 1, 2012 and humor, the world opens up to all of our hike that day. Respite from what by Aaron Hinterthuer us. These “old timers” help me remem- other inconvenience you may ask? ber every year the wonders present in “Thanks” the world that I and they inhabit. I don’t know what I will do without I was reminded most recently of this the “old timers” that pop up and bloom remembering on a hike to a beautiful around the springtime. Yeah, you see limestone draw nestled in the Ozarks them here and there throughout the called Fern Gully. Plant species I had winter, but there are much less inter- once known and forgotten and am esting things to ruminate about in the now desperately trying to remember hibernating months. The muted gray were brought back to life through hu- and rust colors that dot the Ozarks man relationships and a love of the landscape lend themselves to intro- natural world. This for me is better spection or even more convenient, es- than any guidebook or technological capism. accoutrement the world could provide However, there is no need for that us today. My “App” is in the company I Fern Gully in the springtime. The color is abso- kept on this day. Photo courtesy of Burnetta Hinterthuer lutely radiant now, and there is now A list of species that were rediscov- To live in the Ozarks one must accept less of the urge to escape from a place ered in the plant world for me at Fern the existence of Toxicodendron radi- all together and more of a feeling to Gully are as follows and in no particu- cans, Poison-Ivy, already in this early escape to places just a stone’s throw or lar order: springtime, made up we estimated to a couple of counties away. This brings Sweet William Phlox, Bluets, Wood be about 80 percent of the understory me back to those “old timers.” Sorrell, Crested Iris, Rue Anemone, in the woods in some parts and acts Spring Beauty, Trillium, Birdsfoot disappointingly as a disincentive for Violet, Blackberry, May Apple and an me to take wide strides and whimsi- assortment of others that ironically I cal jaunts bushwhacking through the have forgotten (and must be remem- woods. But, this is the territory that bered again through good company). we claim as home. Nature in this part In addition, the reptiles and am- of the world has no pretense and does phibians made their appearance in the not aim to please; it is busy being it- form of a Western Fence Lizard, with self and does not cater to the needs of the most beautiful azure blue belly I hikers who would wish to romanticize have seen grace these parts, to go along their relationships with the wilderness. with skinks and a Hognose Snake gorg- Fortunately, we had no illusions about ing on a frog, flaring up like a “Cobra,” what we were walking amongst. But, all Old Timers (and a New Timer) at Fern Gully: and going into its death roll and “soil- in all, we were not in any way deterred Front row: Bob & Sharon Morgan ing” himself through his defensive pos- from seeing beauty none the less. Back row, L to R: Aaron Hinterthuer, Virginia Brandt, Rick Hinterthuer, Sid Vogelpohl, turing. All in all, the day was a good one. David Forst Bird habitats were seen from the Photo courtesy of Burnetta Hinterthuer base to the very tip of long dead trees. Every winter acts as my forgetting and Of note, was a particularly large Short- Note: every spring acts as my remembering. leaf Pine. We saw the most peculiar Thanks to Bob, Sharon, Sid, David, The “old timers” I refer to are dedi- Oak Gall in red and white colored Mom, Dad, and Virginia for a great cated conservationists, artists, wildlife revelry and heard the calling of a hawk Sunday. And thank you to all who preservationists, amateur naturalists, soaring high above the tree tops in the were not able to make it there as well. and friends. Their presence encourages woods. You “old timers” to me are always there a slowing down and looking around at One of the most picturesque wa- in spirit. – 8 – TRIP South Fork Nature Center Hosts ANPS Field Trip REPORT Report by Don Culwell On Saturday, May 19, 2012, twenty- one hikers arrived at South Fork to be led by Brent Baker in exploring the ecosystems on the peninsula. Gather- ing and greeting around the old cabin in midmorning, Almeda Riddle’s birthplace, Don Richardson of the Gates Rogers Foundation Board welcomed the group and spoke about the history of South Fork. Don Culwell addressed the mission of South Fork, to educate the public in providing a greater understanding and love for nature, and noted the many and varied activities that have occurred as docents have led activities from nature art to walks along trails learning about plants, animals, and their ecosystems. Brent Baker, a botanist with the Ar- kansas Natural Heritage Commission who led the day’s walk along the trails, Brent uses walking stick to show ANPS members where the Ozark chinquapin is growing along the had joined Theo Witsell way back in trail. The red arrow is pointing to the leaves. 2005, at the request of the South Fork Picture courtesy of Martha Bowden Board, for a year-long study of all the plants growing on the nature center grounds, a study that were putting out green leaves for the season. put South Fork “on the map” as being the tract of land in The two miles of pressed gravel trails at South Fork wind Arkansas with the most intensive plant study anywhere around and over the 120-acre peninsula taking visitors along in the state. (Their study and its findings are recorded in scenic bluff views of the lake and through noted ecosystems. the Proceedings of the Arkansas Academy of Science and are Interpretive trail signs alert hikers to the ecology of the area linked to the South Fork web site: www.southforknature- as well as species of birds, insects, amphibians and reptiles, center.org.) plants and lichens that can be seen by the careful observer. Lunch at the picnic tables around the cabin provided The stone entrance to South Fork near Klondike Road time to rest with a bottle of cold water and discuss Native is at a kiosk where information and pictures are posted Plant Society activities as well as the botanical finds of the alongside an enlarged map of the area. Hikers are always morning. The day of hiking nearly two miles of trail was a welcome to walk the trails at any time and inspect the 100 fine one with a gentle breeze and temperatures around 80 year old log cabin, the birthplace of noted folksinger Alm- degrees... it was a time to relax with friends from a week of eda Riddle. When the iron gate is closed (when there is no one’s regular activities, and enjoy nature. scheduled activity taking place), visitors may park in the Perhaps one of the most notable finds on the walk was lot opposite the gate. Enter at the kiosk and walk the trails. the Ozark Chinquapin (Castanea pumila). One specimen Picnic tables are found at the cabin as are outhouse toilets. was growing on the westerly upside of the trail just above Bring your own drinks, since no water is available. Visit our the bluff over the lake and near a large mass of Farkle- website for available details and information on activities berry bushes (Vaccinium arboreum) covering the hillside. and plant studies. Travel time from Little Rock north on The plant was mostly not alive with several six-foot, dead Hwy 65 to Choctaw (just south of Clinton) and east on branches still well attached in the soil and angling away Hwy 330 to Klondike Road to South Fork is approximately from the two or three short (10-12 inch) living shoots that one and a half hours. – 9 – TRIP Under the Umbrella Magnolia Trees: Field Trip to Meyers Creek REPORT Report by Eric Sundell If my count is right, there were 26 of You might know peacock-fern, an ex- of the state’s rarest plants thrive there us at Burl’s Smokehouse at ten o’clock, otic ornamental spikemoss that’s be- in soil water uninterrupted by sum- Wednesday morning, May 30. What a coming popular for wetland gardening. mer drought, for example, fly poison, turnout! Spikemosses and their close cousins, featherbells, Michigan lily, and Ameri- The main event, Meyers Creek, the club-mosses, constitute another can columbo. Eight orchid species have would be rich in ferns. But our first stop group of fern allies whose pedigree goes been recorded from the seep, four of was a natural spring that splashed into back to the Coal Age. them showy: putty root, large whorled the roadside ditch along Meyers Creek Two flowering plants bloomed on pogonia, three-bird orchid, and Ken- Road—the place where Theo Witsell the wet road bank in the sun: jewel tucky lady slipper. Meyers Creek seep is a few years ago discovered a Ouachita weed, Impatiens capensis, and tear- still the only known locality in Arkan- Mountain population of horsetail, Eq- thumb, Polygonum sagittatum. Tear- sas for yellow twayblade orchid, Liparis uisetum arvense. This is the common thumb comes by its name honestly. loeselii. A reconnaissance expedition equisetum of cooler climates, found The stems are lined with stiff barbs that three weeks earlier had rediscovered across much of North America, but in can quickly tear up the skin if stems are none of those rare plants. But the ferns Arkansas it’s an uncommon fern ally carelessly handled—a defensive mecha- were in abundance, and we found them mostly limited to our northern Ozark nism as effective as that of stinging net- again, growing in large, dense colonies counties. If you’re familiar with any tles and faster than that of poison-ivy. under a canopy dominated in part by equisetums in Arkansas, you probably Like most members of the buckwheat incomparable umbrella magnolias, know scouring-rush, E. hyemale, which family, tearthumbs produce nutritious with their tight spirals of two-foot is likely to eventually turn up in every grains that make excellent wildlife food. leaves terminating long, bare branches county. Scouring-rush bears its cones The species is locally common in scat- at multiple levels right to the top of the at the tips of tall, unbranched, green tered Arkansas wetlands, but relatively canopy. stems. Horsetail is dimorphic: Cones few specimens have been collected—a disperse their spores from early, color- plant more fun to find than to handle. less stems that quickly die back, much Meyers Creek seep fosters one of the like the fertile fronds of cinnamon fern. richest habitats in the Ouachita Moun- Green, photosynthetic stems, crowded tains and in Arkansas, generally. Some with whorls of green branches, emerge as the fertile stems disintegrate. Those stems make hay all summer while the sun shines. The population of Equisetum arvense reminded me that a little farther west in the same Ouachita Mountains, A stem-tip umbrella of Magnolia tripetala leaves. in a coal mine in Bates, Arkansas, on Photo courtesy of Don Ford the Oklahoma border, Don Crank had In a long list of ferns that includes shown me the Coal Age fossils of Cala- Christmas fern, southern lady fern, mites, a 300 million year old relative of sensitive fern, netted chain fern, and Equisetum. Only 15 or 20 species of broad beech fern, two species, marsh Equisetum are living today worldwide, fern (Thelypteris palustris) and New and all are relatively minor players in York fern (T. noveboracensis), stood ecosystems dominated by seed plants. out for their rarity in our dry state, and During the Carboniferous Period of two others, cinnamon and royal ferns, the Paleozoic Era, the calamites were for their size and abundance. Fronds of forest giants, reaching heights of 20-30 cinnamon fern were as much as five feet feet (larger plants were possibly two to long. After two months of unseason- three times that height) with stems 2 ably hot, dry weather, the vitality and feet thick. They were among the domi- diversity of the Meyers Creek ferns was nant trees of Coal Age forests. (Those most impressive. were also the days when the land now Lunch at Burl’s Smokehouse on U.S. folded into the Ouachita Mountains Hwy 270 in Crystal Springs hit the lay near the Equator.) 300-million-year-old stem cast of Calamites, a spot. Our thanks to Don Crank who A second fern ally at the spring was large tree and ancestral cousin of our modern thought that a lot of folks would enjoy horsetails and scouring-rushes (Equisetum spp.), the delicate spikemoss, Selaginella ecli- photographed at a Bates, Arkansas, coal mine. seeing such a rich, unique site and orga- pes, with little cones at the branch tips. Photo courtesy of Henry W. Robison nized the trip that got us there. – 10 – TRIP Mt. Magazine Field Trip High on Butterflies REPORT Report by Eric Sundell The Arkansas Native Plant Society lars do not like to be disturbed, and to cies in his (otherwise) very accurate field trip on 2,753-feet-high Mt. Mag- facilitate that, they take on the coloring and helpful handbook (published by azine on June 2, 2012 drew 14 people of bird droppings, an unsavory shiny the Arkansas Forestry Commission), and dozens of butterflies. And this was mottling of gray, white, and black. The Trees of Arkansas. Hophornbeam was scarcely odd because Lori Spencer, cryptic coloring must be very effective. common and unusually showy; the author of the comprehensive, beauti- Nevertheless there is in reserve a Plan species is typically an understory tree fully illustrated field guide, Arkansas B, which Lori demonstrated by gently that bears its interesting fruit a little Butterflies and Moths, was our trip harassing the caterpillars with her fin- too high to be fully appreciated. But leader. The walk went out from Brown ger. Two bright red horns emerge from here, on the open, savanna-like ridge, Springs over the thinly wooded west- the head and broadcast the unpleas- the trees are hung with their false hops ern ridge and, right from the start, ant smell of something like parmesan at eye level and extremely decorative. butterflies in abundance seemed to cheese—not nearly as bad as a ginkgo Three shrubs were abundant: wafer- have us on their schedule. And guess seed coat, but apparently bad enough ash or hoptree, loaded with hand- what? Just like the plants, it turns out, to discourage some predators who some, elm-like fruit; grancy graybeard the butterflies all have names! Oh I have seen through the bird dropping or fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus), suspected as much—but how pleasant disguise. unfortunately past bloom; and winged and informative to have those suspi- Our woodroad (locally known as sumac (Rhus copallinum), with that cions confirmed. “the fire line”) took us through open elegant foliage. For example, the colorful array woods dominated by a variety of Mt. Magazine is a kind of elevated of pollinators decorating the bright upland oaks—post, black, blackjack, island in the Arkansas River Valley, orange butterfly weed included a male some northern red, and most inter- and botanically, its habitats support a Diana, a few orange sulphurs, and a esting, a few maple-leaf oaks (Quer- number of plant species that are rare coral hairstreak. A zebra swallowtail cus acerifolia), a species of scrub oak elsewhere in Arkansas. We saw sev- was plying the Arkansas calamint. And a snowberry clearwing moth larva identified its host plant for us: horse-gentian, Triosteum perfoliatum. What clever taxonomists these insects are! The field trip’s botany guides, Larry Price and Eric Sundell, couldn’t quite remember what the sterile wildflower with the opposite, clasping leaves was. But the larva reminded us The scrubby, rare, bizarre maple-leaf oak that “snowberry,” being congeneric (Quercus acerifolia) is an Arkansas endemic, known from only four sites of relatively high with our common Arkansas coral- elevation in the Arkansas River Valley and Oua- berry, Symphoricarpos orbiculatus, is chita Mountains. a member of the honeysuckle family, Photo courtesy of Don Simons Caprifoliaceae. And with those hints known worldwide from only four pop- Western wallflower, Erysimum capitatum, is from a moth larva, the wildflower ulations at rather high elevation in the widespread and very common in western book quickly yielded the name of our Arkansas River Valley and Ouachita North America from the Pacific states and provinces eastward to the Rocky Mountains unknown. Mountains, making it one of the state’s and Great Plains. In the East, the species is local The most exciting butterfly encoun- ten endemic plants. The common hick- and uncommon, and in Arkansas, it is known from only a few populations in three coun- ter started when Don Simons discov- ory along our path was the uncommon ties, one atop Mt. Magazine. Unfortunately, we ered caterpillars of the giant swallowtail pignut hickory, Carya glabra. Pignut missed the flowers (shown here blooming in feeding on one of the numerous wafer- is the dominant hickory in much of May) but did catch the young fruit. Photo courtesy of Don Simons ash (Ptelea trifoliata) bushes along North America’s eastern forest, from the way. Don, Lori’s husband, is Park the Mississippi River to the Atlantic eral of those species, although (full Interpreter at Mt. Magazine State Park Coast. But in Arkansas the species is disclosure) none of them was in its (Lori is Chief Volunteer) as well as the rare or at least certainly problematic— prime: western wallflower (Erysimum illustrator of her butterfly and moth so much so, that Dwight Moore fails capitatum), yellow nailwort (Paro- field guide. Giant swallowtail caterpil- to include or even mention the spe- nychia virginica), crinkled hairgrass – 11 – TRIP Mt. Magazine Field Trip High on Butterflies REPORT Report by Eric Sundell

Happy field trippers under Mt. Magazine pignut hickories Front row, L to R: Butch Hinton, Becky Hardin, Ellen Repar, Lori Spencer Back row, L to R: Sid Vogelpohl, Mike & Nancy Weatherford, Jeanette Vogelpohl, Dixie & Larry Price, Eric Sundell, Richard & Bessie Shelton Photo courtesy of Martha Bowden

(Deschampsia flexuosa), and on the cliffs across an immense gap from Lori Falls—the spectacular crag where our group rested before turning back— large tufts of the 2- to 3-feet-long fronds of hay-scented fern, Dennstaed- tia punctilobula, common as a weed in New England but rare and local in hot, dry Arkansas—well, at least I think they were hay-scented ferns, but I couldn’t check the fruit dots with my hand lens from 100-200 feet away. Lori thought she remembered that they were just the common marginal shield fern (Dryopteris marginalis). I Like maple-leaf oak and western wallflower, yellow nailwort, Paronychia virginica, is another of Mt. Magazine’s botanical treasures, known to occur in Arkansas in only six counties: Logan, have not added hay-scented fern to my Faulkner, Montgomery, Garland, Searcy, and Van Buren. The mat-forming perennial is a lover of Arkansas life list. rocks and ledges and blooms in late summer and fall. Thanks to Lori Spencer and Don Photo courtesy of Martha Bowden Simons for one of the most pleasant the timing is right, we’ll enjoy west- plenty of other delightful things that botanical excursions in recent mem- ern wallflower in bloom along with we lowlanders seldom get to see. Mark ory. ANPS will be back on Mt. Maga- Turk’s-cap lily, yellow honeysuckle, your calendars for April 26-28, 2013. zine for our Spring 2013 meeting. If prickly gooseberry, mock orange, and – 12 – ANPS 2012 Spring Meeting Minutes

ANPS Spring Meeting 2012 Eric announced that folks should bers selected an electronic version and Membership Meeting meet in the parking lot at 8:30 a.m. for 22 members preferred a paper copy of Arkansas State University the Sunday morning walk to St. Francis Claytonia. Jonesboro, Arkansas Sunken Lands. An announcement will be published May 5, 2012 Betty Owen announced that the in the next issue of Claytonia so mem- 2013 Spring Meeting is scheduled on bers can confirm their preference for an Sandy Davies called the meeting to or- April 26-28th at Subiaco Academy. e-mail or paper copy. der at 8:15 p.m. Committee Reports Thank-You Cards with ANPS Logo: Welcome and Thank You: San- Awards & Scholarships Committee Sandy Davies announced that the dy Davies welcomed everyone to the Eric Sundell announced the 2012 Board approved the ANPS thank-you general membership meeting. She ANPS scholarship/grant recipients card design by Linda Ellis. thanked Eric Sundell for organizing on behalf of Mary Ann King, chair of the meeting. Brent Baker thanked Eric the Awards & Scholarships Commit- Announcements Sundell for taking on the president- tee. The list included one recipient Update on UAM Sundell Herbarium/ elect position. of the Delzie Demaree Scholarship Research Center: Marvin Fawley gave ($1,000), Meghan Foard (ASU) and an update on the fundraising for the Recognize New Members and seven recipients of the Aileen McWil- UAM Sundell Herbarium/Research Board Members: Sandy Davies rec- liam Scholarship. Carey Minteer (U of Center. He reported that ANPS mem- ognized all the new members of ANPS A, Fayetteville) received $1,000, David bers have donated more than $7,500 that joined during the 2012 Spring Burge (ASU), Kari Harris (ASU), Kris- toward the ANPS Library and Confer- Meeting. She also recognized the Board ten Finch (Hendrix College), Jessica ence Room. Marvin also noted that the members that were present. Needham (UCA) and Autumn Coffey Herbarium Committee met with the Olsen (U of A, Fayetteville) received architect on April 25th and will hope- Minutes: Maury Baker made a mo- $500 scholarships, and Drew Prescott fully begin the bidding process some- tion to accept the minutes from the Fall (UAM) received $250. time this summer. 2011 Board Meeting. Jay Justice seconded the motion and all were in favor. By-Laws Revision: Maury Baker ex- Nominating Committee for New Of- plained the process of the by-law revi- ficers: Sandy Davies announced that Treasurer’s Report: Sid Vogel- sion to the general membership. Sid the Nominating Committee members pohl presented the current Treasurer’s Vogelpol introduced the by-laws revi- are Mike Burns (chair), Eric Sundell Report (fiscal year 2012-May 2, 2012) sion. The By-Law Revision Committee and Maury Baker. They will present and discussed expenditures since the members were Maury Baker (chair), a slate of new officers at the 2012 Fall 2011 Fall meeting. A total of $22,935 Eric Sundell and Sid Vogelpohl. The Meeting at Lake Dardanelle State Park. (operating + memorial funds) was re- committee presented the revision of the ported. Maury Baker made a motion to ANPS by-laws to the Board in January Arkansas Pollinator Conservation accept the Treasurer’s Report. Marvin 2012 via e-mail. The proposed by-law Short Course: May 15th in Booneville Fawley seconded and all were in favor. revisions were published in the 2012 Sandy Davies announced that a short Spring Claytonia and approved by the course on Arkansas pollinator conser- President Elect’s Report: Eric Sundell Board on May 4, 2012. The general vation would be presented at the Boon- announced that the 2012 Fall Meeting membership approved the by-law revi- eville Plant Center on Tuesday, May would be held at Lake Dardanelle State sions recommendation from the Board. 15th from 9:30 a.m.—4:00 p.m. Park near Russellville, October 12- 14th. Mike and Peggy Burns reserved Unfinished Business: Sandy Davies Final Thank You:Eric Sundell thanked the meeting room at Lake Dardanelle announced that ANPS is looking for Travis Marsico for hosting the meeting State Park. The 2012 Fall Meeting will an editor for Claytonia. Anyone who is at Arkansas State University. He also include trips to Mt. Nebo, Long Pool interested in this position needs to con- thanked Brent for leading some of the Natural Area in the Boston Mountains tact her in the next month. hikes, and Cheryl and Norman Lavers north of Russellville. Mike and Peggy for organizing the hikes. Burns will look into hotel accommoda- New Business tions. Peggy Burns suggested the pos- E-distribution of Claytonia and Sur- Eric Sundell moved to adjourn the sibility of a boat tour on Lake Darda- vey Results: Sandy Davies presented meeting and Maury Baker seconded. nelle and there was interest from the the electronic versus paper Claytonia The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m. membership. survey results. Seventy-seven mem- – 13 – Arkansas Native Plant Society Fall 2012 Meeting October 12—14, 2012

Dardanelle, Arkansas (Featuring Lake Dardanelle, Mt. Nebo, & the Boston Mountains) Lake Dardanelle State Park Friday Evening, October 12: Lodging: Lake Dardanelle State Park – Visitor Center Hampton Inn, 2304 North Arkansas Ave, Russellville (479) 858-7199 Registration ($5) 4—7 p.m. ANPS has reserved 30 rooms at a reduced rate at Hamp- Sign up for Saturday & Sunday walks 4—7 p.m. ton Inn of Russellville. Room and breakfast will be $82 + tax and will be held until October 5th (afterwards at the Pot Luck snacks: ANPSers are encouraged to bring snacks same rate if rooms are still available). Hotels are expected and munchies to share. Drinks will be provided. to be booked the weekend of 12-13 October.

Auction 7—10 p.m. Other nearby hotels at Exit 81: Bring your native plants, bulbs, seeds, etc. as well as books, jellies, wines, passion flower earrings, and all other things Best Western ($60-$70/night) (479) 967-1000 botanical for sale at our annual auction. Proceeds go to- Fairfield Inn and Suites ($80-$90/night) (479) 967-9030 build our Aileen McWilliam and Delzie Demaree memorial funds for grants and scholarships. Directions: The Russellville Hampton Inn can be seen from I-40 Exit 81 on the south side of the freeway. This is the same exit for Saturday & Sunday Field Trips, October 13 &14: Lake Dardanelle State Park. Morning and afternoon field trips will take place at Mt. Nebo, at Long Pool in the Boston Mountains, and in the Hampton Inn, 2304 N Arkansas Ave., Russellville, AR state park and vicinity. Locations, directions, times, and 72802. field trip leaders will be announced Friday evening. You can also contact Eric Sundell (870-723-1089) for field trip http://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/arkansas/ information. hampton-inn-russellville-RUEARHX/maps-directions/index.html Saturday Evening, October 13: Lake Dardanelle State Park - Visitor Center From I-40 East Bound: Exit 81, Turn Right onto Highway 7 (Arkansas Avenue), Go 1 block down, hotel on left.

Registration 6—7 p.m. From I-40 West Bound: Exit 81 ramp, Turn Left on E. Aspen, Sign up for Sunday walks 6—7 p.m. Turn Left onto Highway 7 (Arkansas Avenue), Go back Pot luck snacks 6—7 p.m. over interstate, 1 block down, hotel on left.

Program 7 p.m. Lake Dardanelle State Park, 100 State Park Drive, Presentation by Burnetta Hinterthuer Russellville 72802 Flora of Costa Rica—and a crocodile http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/lakedardanelle Business Meeting will follow presentation. From I-40 East Bound: Exit 81, Turn Right onto Highway 7 (Arkansas Avenue), immediately Turn Right onto Dyke Rd/

– 14 – Arkansas Native Plant Society Fall 2012 Meeting October 12—14, 2012 Lake Front Drive for 1.9 miles, continue through stoplight Driving directions to Long Pool Recreation Area onto W. Main (bearing left) 0.2 miles, Turn Right onto from Hampton Inn Russellville Marina Rd. for about 3 miles, Turn Right at Lake Dardanelle 1. Turn Right on Arkansas State Park sign on right. Meet in the Visitor Center. Hwy 7/27, cross over I-40 (Arkansas Ave) and go From I-40 West Bound: Exit 81 ramp, Turn Left on E. approximately 7 miles to Aspen, Turn Left onto Highway 7 (Arkansas Avenue), Go Dover. back over interstate, Turn Right onto Dyke Rd./Lake Front 2. Turn Left on Hwy 7 N/ Drive for 1.9 miles, continue through stoplight onto W. Camp Street in Dover for Main (bearing left) 0.2 miles, Turn Right onto Marina Rd. 6 miles. for about 3 miles, Turn Right at Lake Dardanelle State Park sign on right. Meet in the Visitor Center. 3. Turn Left on Hwy 164/ Callahan Lane for 3.5 miles. Driving directions to Mt. Nebo State Park 4. Turn Right on NFR from Hampton Inn Russellville 1801/Old Hwy 7/ Long Pool Road at the Moore Outdoors Canoe Rental—sign to Long Pool—and go 5 miles to the entrance of Long Pool Recreation area.

1. Turn Left on Arkansas Hwy 7/27 (Arkansas Ave) and go approximately 7 miles, cross the Arkansas River into and through Dardanelle.

2. Turn Right on Hwy 22 W (toward Ft. Smith) for 0.3 miles.

3. Turn Left on Hwy 155 (marked with Mt. Nebo sign) for 5 miles up windy Mt. Nebo into the state park. – 15 – – 16 – ANPS 2012 Grants & Scholarships Announced DO YOU WANT TO GO 100% ELECTRONIC? ANPS was delighted to receive a record number of applications for grants and scholarships in 2012. The Scholarships and Awards Committee’s recommenda- If you would like to save a little tions, approved by the Executive Board and the Membership at the Jonesboro paper and NOT receive future meeting, were as follows: copies of Claytonia by U.S. Mail (they are posted on the website Meghan Foard, Arkansas State University. Delzie Demaree Grant of $1,000 in in full color!), please notify support of doctoral research on the invasive mechanisms of Chinese privet, Li- Membership Chairman gustrum sinense, and their implications for bottomland hardwood forest conser- Mike Burns by email at: vation in the southeastern U.S. Advisor: Travis D. Marsico. [email protected]. Thanks. Carey Minteer, University of Arkansas. Aileen McWilliam Scholarship of $1,000 in support of her doctoral research on the biological control of spot- ted knapweed, Centaurea stoebe, in Arkansas. Ms. Minteer will introduce two Kentucky Coffee-trees host-specific beetle species and evaluate their effect on populations of the alien invasive knapweed. Advisor: Timothy J. Kring.

David Burge, Arkansas State University. Aileen McWilliam Scholarship of $500 in support of his master’s research on the use of higher plants and algae as indicators of wetland water quality in eastern Arkansas. Advisor: Travis D. Marsico.

Kristen N. Finch, Hendrix College. Aileen McWilliam Scholarship of $500 in support of her undergraduate molecular research on the taxonomy of ponderosa pine, a western species. Advisor: Ann Willyard. Photo courtesy of Ellen Repar About a dozen Kentucky coffee- Kari M. Harris, Arkansas State University. Aileen McWilliam Scholarship of trees encircle the Arkansas Su- $500 in support of her master’s project to digitize ASU’s STAR Herbarium, preme Court Building on the south thereby making specimen images and data available online. Advisor: Travis D. side of the Capitol grounds off 7th Marsico. Street in Little Rock. Gymnocladus dioicus is an Arkansas native, but Jessica R. Needham, University of Central Arkansas. Aileen McWilliam Schol- not an easy one to find in the wild. arship of $500 in support of her master’s research on interactions between inva- The trees are spectacular in every sive and native plant communities through a study of the pollination biology of way: leaves are 1-3 feet long and Chinese privet, Ligustrum sinense, in the Arkansas River Valley, and the possibly doubly compound; bark is fissured negative effect of the invasive privet on fruit set in the native cutleaf toothwort, and scaly; pods are massive; seeds Cardamine concatenata. have been roasted and ground for a coffee substitute (caffeine free) Autumn Lynn Coffey Olsen, University of Arkansas. Aileen McWilliam Schol- (however, fresh seeds and sur- arship of $500 in support of her master’s research on habitat requirements of rounding pulp are poisonous); even two of the state’s rarest plant species, Ozark spiderwort, , Tradescantia ozarkana the pith of the stout branches is sen- and the Arkansas endemic Moore’s delphinium, . Ad- Delphinium newtonianum sational, orange-brown to a bright visor: Steven L. Stephenson. orange. According to the Arkan- Drew A. Prescott, University of Arkansas at Monticello. Aileen McWilliam sas Forestry Commission’s Steven Scholarship of $250 in continued support of his productive undergraduate in- Burgess, county forester for Pulaski terest in botany. Drew received a $1,000 award last year from ANPS to support and Perry counties, the trees were planted in the early 1990s. molecular research on two closely related species of Arkansas toothworts, Car- A champion coffee-tree can damine angustata and C. ouachitana. Advisor: Karen Fawley. reach a height of 90 feet with a The Scholarships and Awards Committee comprises chairman Mary Ann King, trunk 3 feet in diameter. Brent Baker, and Eric Sundell. – 17 – Upcoming Field Trips And Events

Field trips of the Arkansas Native Plant Society are for current and future members (i.e., everyone welcome). Botanists from around the state lead these enjoyable, educational walks. If you are planning to attend, please contact the trip leaders in advance so they will know to expect you: at some locations, there is a limit to the number of people that can be accommodated.

Field Trip to Sweden Creek Falls, beauty that can be found in their own Lavers, is currently full, however, there an Arkansas Natural Heritage backyards. It will be on display at are still a few slots open in the others. Commission Natural Area: the Terry House through November Reserve your place ASAP by contacting September 8, 2012 4, 2012 and will then travel to 10+ Barry Haas at [email protected]. For other venues in the state. The exhibit more information, visit www.arbirds. Join leader Rick Hinterthuer for a trip will be in North Little Rock from org. to Sweden Creek Falls Natural Area, November 11 until December 1 and in • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • located in Madison County’s Boston Russellville from December 9 through Petit Jean Mountain: Seven Mountains. The area comprises a rich January 5, 2013. Learn more on the Hollows Trail: mix of wooded slopes and ridgetop exhibit website. October 4, 2012 sandstone glades, with an 80-foot Join Don Higgins and Betty Owen for waterfall as the (seasonal) centerpiece. *Champion Trees are the largest—and a beautiful walk on one of the prettiest The easy to moderate trail is 1.5 miles, therefore some of the most splendid trails in the state. Hikers will meet at round trip. Take a look at the ANHC and interesting—of their kind. Our the trailhead parking lot of the Seven website for details. state champions are designated by Hollows Trail, Petit Jean State Park, Directions: From the town of the Arkansas Forestry Commission at 9 a.m. Thursday, October 4. The Boxley take State Highway 21 north. according to their Bigness Index trailhead is located on the South side At 4.0 miles turn left (south) onto a which is calculated by the following of Ark Hwy 154 about 8 miles West of dirt road and proceed 3.0 miles to a traditional formula: circumference of the main Mather Lodge. Bring water gate on the right. The road is closed to the trunk at breast height in inches + and a hiking stick as we will venture off vehicle access, but visitors can park in height in feet + ¼ the average spread the trail to see Ozark chinquapin and the gravel lot near gate. Rick will meet of the crown in feet = B.I. The AFC fringe trees. Call Betty Owen for more you there at 10 a.m. Contact Burnetta website has a listing of Arkansas’ information, 501-472-6920. Hinterthuer at burhint@sbcglobal. champions with their localities and of • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • net for more information. course their B.I.s. Southwest Arkansas • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Blackland Prairies: Arkansas Champion Trees Exhibit: September 22 & 23, 2012: Saturday, October 20 September 16 – November 4, 2012 Arkansas Audubon Natural History Join Arkansas Natural Heritage The tour of “Arkansas Champion Workshops Commission botanist Theo Witsell Trees: An Artist’s Journey” will open at Mark your calendars for September on a field trip to explore and inventory the Arkansas Arts Center Terry House 22-23 (2012) for a weekend of two of the state’s highest quality Community Gallery (411 E 7th and natural history instruction at Ferncliff blackland prairie remnants. We will Rock Streets, Little Rock, AR 72202) Presbyterian Camp and Conference meet at Terre Noire Natural Area on Sunday, September 16, 2012, with Center in the foothills of the Ouachita near Arkadelphia at 9:30 am. We’ll a reception from 3-5 p.m. The exhibit Mountains, about 10 miles west of Little break for lunch at Arkadelphia, and features drawings and photographs Rock. Three of last year’s workshops will then head southwest to The Nature of selected Arkansas champion trees* be offered again:Birding Basics, taught by Conservancy’s Columbus Prairie by Hot Springs artist Linda Williams Dan Scheiman; Fall Wildflowers, taught Preserve for the afternoon. Both sites Palmer, who combines art work with by Don Culwell; and Arkansas Tree have been painstakingly restored over stories and anecdotes that explore Identification, taught by Eric Sundell. A many years and are home to many Arkansas’ natural and artistic heritage new workshop, Insects in the Scheme of rare plant species. Come for one, the and inspire viewers to celebrate the , taught by Cheryl and Norman Things Continued on next page – 18 – Upcoming Field Trips New Members And Events February 2012 — August 2012 other, or both sites. Limit 20 people. David and Anne Butcher Travis and Katie Marsico Please call Theo at 501.831.7473 or (Kirby, AR) (Jonesboro, AR) email [email protected] to Judith Combs Jean Nunn reserve a spot and get directions. (Fayetteville, AR) (Conway, AR) • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Angela Gardner Drew Prescott Champion Trees of (North Little Rock, AR) (Monticello, AR) Mt. Holly Cemetery: Robert and Sherri Harris Richard and Bessie Shelton Wednesday, October 24 (North Little Rock, AR) (Mammoth Spring, AR) Eric Sundell will lead a leisurely Cliff and Debbie Hoofman Patrick Solomon botanical stroll in Little Rock’s (Enola, AR) (Little Rock, AR) historic Mt. Holly Cemetery, where several of the splendid shade trees are Jack Howe and Patty Camp Charles and Rosemary thought to date back to the cemetery’s (Paragould, AR) Wingfield (Fort Smith, AR) origin in 1843. Known as the Deborah Keene Jim Keesling Westminster Abbey of Arkansas, the (Benton, AR) (Hot Springs Village, AR) 20 acre cemetery is the burial site for 11 Caleb Knighten Veronica Rosenau Arkansas governors, 4 U.S. Senators, (Sheridan, AR) (Huntsville, AR) 21 Little Rock mayors, the poet John Becky Mainer Gould Fletcher—but according to (Fort Smith, AR) the Encyclopedia of Arkansas, no • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • botanists. Meet at the entrance gate New Life Members on Broadway at West 12th Street at 10 Patricia Duke Max Towler a.m. October 24th. Call Eric at 870- (Wynne, AR) (Eureka Springs, AR) 723-1089 or email at esundell42@ gmail.com for more information. Catherine Hepinstall Carol Stiffler (Little Rock, AR) (Little Rock, AR) Neil Richardson (Hot Springs, AR) We welcome these new members to ANPS and hope to see them at the Fall Meeting in Dardanelle, October 12-14.

Nominations Slate for ANPS Executive Board Officers The following Executive Board positions will become open in 2013: Vice President, Scholarships and Awards Committee Chair, Treasurer, and Editor. The Nominations Committee* recommends the following candidates for these positions: Vice President: Jennifer Ogle Scholarships and Awards Committee Chair: Mary Ann King Treasurer: Editor: John Perrin The Membership will vote for candidates for these positions at the fall meeting in Dardanelle on October 13, 2012. *Mike Burns, Chairman; Maury Baker; Eric Sundell – 19 – CLAYTONIA President Secretary Eric Sundell Sandy Davies Karen Fawley Interim Editor [email protected] [email protected] Neil Richardson 501.215.7990 870.460.9452 Interim Publisher President Elect Awards & Scholarships Please check your mailing label! Eric Sundell Mary Ann King The calendar year is the membership year. If your mailing label [email protected] [email protected] says “11” or earlier it is time to renew. (Life members have an “LF”) 870.723.1089 479.293.4359 Please fill in the information form on the opposite side of this page and send it with your renewals, applications for Vice President Membership Chair membership, changes of name, address, e-mail, or telephone Betty Owen Mike Burns numbers to the address on the form [Not to the editor]. [email protected] [email protected] Thank you. 501.472.6920 479.229.2185

Please send Submissions/Suggestions to: Treasurer Webmaster John Perrin Vacant Martha Boden 3413 Ridge Pass Court • Little Rock, AR 72227 [email protected] [email protected] 501.837.9634

The purpose of the Arkansas Native Plant Society is to promote the preservation, conservation, study, and enjoyment of the wild plants and vegetation of Arkansas, the education of the public to the

value of the native flora and its habitat, and the publication of related information.

Address Service Requested Service Address

Permit No. 233 No. Permit Dardanelle, AR 72834 AR Dardanelle,

Little Rock, AR Rock, Little 10145 Dogwood Lane Dogwood 10145

U.S. Postage Paid Postage U.S.

Membership, Mike Burns Mike Membership,

Nonprofit Org Nonprofit Arkansas Native Plant Society Plant Native Arkansas