The Journal of the South Carolina Native Plant Society

Volumn 2 Issue 1 Winter 2007

In this issue Native Plant Alternatives.. 1 President’s Perspective..... 2 Recovering Treasures...... 3 Botanical Name Changes... 5 Kudzu Control...... 6 Rocky Shoals Spider Lily Festival...... 8 Name That Native Plant! This perennial warm-season grass is found all over SC, in dry sites that A native of Virginia, C. Colston Burrell lives, gardens and observes nature at his 10-acre are maintained in sunny to partly property near Charlottesville. shaded condition, like roadsides and other rights-of-way. It doesn’t com- More Than Just a Pretty Face: pete well, so don’t look for it in dense ground-cover sites. It doesn’t contrib- Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants ute much biomass, but is very com- By Jeanne Malmgren, Anderson Independent-Mail mon in sites with conditions suited A few short years ago, many for it. Photo taken in January, 2008. of that article and book, C. Colston landscapers seemed oblivious to the Burrell, about the growing awareness ramifications of their design choices, of invasives and their threat to our and most home gardeners had never ecosystems. heard the term “invasive,” as ap- Cole, as he’s known, is a pas- plied to plants. Even today, questions sionate plantsman, garden designer, about “natives” at many nurseries and author/teacher/lecturer, birdwatcher garden centers are met with blank and self-proclaimed “chlorophyll stares. addict.” He earned undergraduate But last year the Brooklyn Bo- degrees in botany and horticulture, tanic Garden devoted an entire book a Master’s in horticulture and land- to suggesting “native alternatives” to scape architecture, and currently invasive plants, and the prestigious teaches about plants and their ecol- Horticulture magazine recently ran ogy at the University of Virginia. an article about “the problem of The answer is embedded in the text somewhere in this newsletter. Photo by Bill Stringer. invasives.” We talked to the author (See Native Alternatives, page 4)

South Carolina Native Plant Society • January 2008 1 The View From Here Sixth Eastern Native There are euphemisms for how busy we’ve Grass Symposium in been this year, but I’ll spare the reader. We’ve not Columbia been plagued by idle hands. We’ve been active in October 7 – 10, 2008 speaking up, as well as getting our hands dirty in support of natural areas and native habitats. South Carolina will be the stage Our issues committee has been active and for the 6th Eastern Native Grass articulate on protecting our National Forests Symposium, in October, 2008, during from harmful development. There is potential the height of the flowering season for for habitat degradation from a re-configuration of many of our beautiful native grasses. Steed Creek Rd. in the Francis Marion NF. Our Scientists, seed producers, ecologists, knowledge of soils, hydrology and plant habitats wildlife managers, native plant en- will be indispensable in protecting these native Bill Stringer thusiasts, natural resource agencies, habitats. At this point, the future is unclear for and landscape professionals from all the wonderful native habitats along this road. SCNPS continues to work hard over the eastern US will converge on and wisely on behalf of this Lowcountry natural treasure. the Radisson Hotel and Conference In the piedmont, the controversy over damming the Tyger River and flood- Center in Columbia for scientific and ing several thousand acres of wonderful Sumter NF floodplain in the Enoree informational presentations, hands- District is on-going. SCNPS did a botanical survey of the flood plain area, at on workshops and a host of field trips considerable effort by a dozen or more botanists and lay members. This report showcasing the native grasslands of was used by the Corps of Engineers in a feasibility study, which is now com- our state. We will examine current pleted. We are now a part of an environmental community effort get access to information on genetics and ecol- the Corps report, which is getting rather limited circulation. ogy of native grass species, local seed In the spring, the Piedmont Chapter put on a fine annual Symposium in source development, and conserva- collaboration with the NC Native Plant Society-Charlotte and the Museum of tion / restoration of native grasslands York County. In the fall, this same team followed up with a Prairie Restoration here in the East. We will see first- workshop. This appears to be wonderful coalition, working together for native hand, some of our surviving native communities in that region. grass-based plant communities, a The Lowcountry group has been busy forming partnerships with Charleston wonderful resource that we almost area organizations and agencies in support of natives. In addition, their new lost in the rush of agricultural and Community Project program awarded $500 to Dr. Joel Gramling of The Cita- other forms of land development in del, to help start an herbarium in the Lowcountry area. the 19th & 20th centuries. We will The biggest news from the Coast, though, is the vigorous new Chapter that look into native grass applications is forming on the coast. Gail Clark, new to the Beaufort area, has been ID’ing in wildlife management, pollution interested people, scheduling meetings, getting a new-chapter petition, etc., abatement / remediation, and recla- with the mission of starting a new chapter in the Beaufort-Hilton Head area. mation of disturbed lands. We will She and her new leadership team have given us a model for new chapter start- have a number of experts in the bur- up. We will make everything official at the January state board meeting. That geoning field of cellulosic bio-fuels, bright light coming up in other Chapter mirrors is probably the new Coastal wherein perennial native grasses may Chapter. be a more carbon-friendly source of energy for the future Upcoming events: The theme is: “Eastern Native •The Native Plant Symposium on Mar. 28–30. Continuing ed. credits Grasslands – Managing an Ecosystem (CEC’s) will also be available. For registration & CEC forms, click on links on on the Edge”. We hope you will join http://www.scnps.org/symposium.html page. us in sharing information, technol- •New spring plant sales by the Piedmont, Midlands, Upstate and Low- ogy and motivation in this important country groups. field of hope and opportunity. Pre- •Scads of educational field trips all over the State. liminary information can be found •The Eastern Native Grass Symposium for Oct. 7 – 10 in Columbia. on the SCNPS website at www.scnps. See article. org/engs.html . Watch for more in- For more info, go to http://www.scnps.org/activities.html & click on formation as planning proceeds, and Calendar or individual Chapter. we’re sure you’ll find something for yourself in this important event. Thanks, Bill Stringer, President

2 South Carolina Native Plant Society • January 2008 Recovering Our Native Treasures By Jo Meyerkord, Center for Plant Conservation, www.centerforplantconservation.org

The Center for Plant Conserva- duces in the wild. The Collection in spreading the word of America’s tion (CPC) salutes the South Caro- provides the material needed for imperiled natives. Conservation edu- lina Native Plant Society, because restoration work for the species. cation starts early. In a recent survey, we know you appreciate your native It’s also an important resource for a surprising number of students were plants! Native plants are the hall- the scientific study of plant rar- unable to identify plants as being alive. mark of home, the tapestry of the fa- ity, rare plant life cycles and rare Parents and educators may be interested miliar landscapes we hold dear. They plant storage and germination in “Plants in Peril, a guide to explor- are also incredible resources for food, requirements. The National Col- ing biodiversity and rare native plant fiber, medicines and unknown future lection is stored at the Center’s conservation for middle school educa- needs of man. Plants have economic participating institutions across tors.” This lesson plan was developed by and intrinsic values that cannot the country. Parts of the Collec- CPC as a means of reaching youth with be measured. Our imperiled plants tion are stored and maintained at native plant information and helping to have evolved over millions of years the USDA’s National Center for start a dialogue with kids about native to live in the varied ecosystems that Genetic Resources Preservation. plants. Available at the CPC website by now constitute our country. Yet, we The Center’s participating clicking on “Education Tools”, the topics still know very little about imperiled institutions also work with imper- include biodiversity, rare native plants, plants and we are destroying these iled plants off-site and in the wild. challenges to saving plants in peril, mul- plants and their habitats much faster In the greenhouse, institution tiple student activities, ideas for action than we are protecting and studying scientists conduct horticultural projects, and additional resources. them. If we lose these species, we research and learn how to grow While CPC’s institutions are work- will be losing a part of our heritage, the plants from seed or from cut- ing everyday with our scientific standards valuable scientific treasures and the tings. The Center’s scientists then and protocols to make a difference for potential gifts these plants might of- provide plant material for restora- the nation’s vulnerable plants, it is a big fer. They deserve attention and good tion efforts in the wild. Institution job. In addition to partnerships with lo- stewardship, yet today 15% of our scientists also assist in monitoring cal and national agencies, there is a role native flora is documented to be in populations in the wild, manag- in support, education, and volunteerism steep decline or considered at risk ing habitat and restoring plants to for everyone who wants to help. You Headquartered in St. Louis, native habitats. may already be active in helping control CPC is a network of 36 institutions Securing and restoring vul- invasive species, monitoring rare plant involved in the study, preservation, nerable plant species is challeng- sites, cleaning seed or entering data for conservation and restoration of the ing and involves many different a conservation project. If you’re just get- nation’s imperiled native plants. The scientific specialties. Collabora- ting started, the conservation directory is network of botanists has been study- tion is essential to succeed in a good source of information. ing imperiled plants for more than restoring these species, and CPC Building support for plant conserva- 20 years. CPC’s goal is to preserve is all about partnerships! CPC tion and stewardship is one of CPC’s and restore all imperiled plants across institutions are working in com- priorities. CPC has established a plant the country, so that native plants are munities nationwide, monitoring sponsorship program to build sustainable thriving again. and securing seed and working funding for vulnerable species. For each As part of this goal, the Center with local and federal agencies to sponsored species, funds are provided maintains the National Collection restore habitats and rare popula- annually to assist in restoration efforts. of Endangered Plants, a collection of tions. Partnerships make it pos- These funds would significantly sup- plants and seeds of imperiled native sible to make a bigger difference port work for the imperiled plants across species in the United States. The on the ground. You can find a the country and particularly in South National Collection of Endangered listing of folks working to con- Carolina. If you’d like more informa- Plants contains plant material for serve plants in South Carolina on tion about CPC or plant sponsorship for more than 600 of the country’s most our website in the Conservation other species, visit our website at www. imperiled native plants. An impor- Directory, which is searchable by centerforplantconservation.org or call tant conservation resource, the Col- state. 314-577-9450. Let’s work together to lection is a back-up in case a species Educating the public on make sure South Carolina’s imperiled becomes extinct or no longer repro- native species is a crucial tool plant populations are restored for future generations! South Carolina Native Plant Society • January 2008 3 Native Alternatives, from page 1 But the larvae should be natives. can’t feed on it. So But at the same time, On March 28, Cole will speak at a whole genera- I’ve always been very, the SCNPS statewide symposium in tion is lost; that’s very interested in Clemson. This is an edited version what’s called a the tropics. So I’ve of a phone conversation with him; “sink.” had this wild split some passages were adapted from his Q: Why between growing article, “The Invasive Problem,” in should home bananas and orchids Horticulture magazine. gardeners worry and philodendrons Q: Let’s start by defining the about all this? and growing wood- difference between a native plant Isn’t it enough if land plants. and a non-native. we simply don’t Q: What is your A: I use the Plant Conserva- buy or plant inva- advice for gardeners? tion Alliance’s (PCA) definition: “A sive species? A: Often, we say, native (indigenous) species is one A: We have “This is my native that occurs in a particular region, to take a bigger plant garden, here, ecosystem, and habitat without direct Burrell is a self-proclaimed “chlorophyll perspective than addict.” and over there is my or indirect human actions.” I think our own yards and regular garden.” And that’s a good definition. And so a gardens. Just because you don’t see it then we put the natives out on a clay non-native (exotic) plant is one that, in your neighborhood doesn’t mean it bank and we say, “They’re tough. through direct or indirect human isn’t invasive. Some plants are inva- They’re the only thing that will grow action, establishes itself outside the sive in disturbed systems; some plants there.” But if we were to bring those confines of its natural range. are invasive in systems that have natives into the regular garden, if Q: How does a non-native plant developed through ecological succes- we lavished on them the same care become invasive? sion to be well adapted to an area, in we give other plants, I think we’d be A: When a plant escapes cultiva- what are called climax communities. pleasantly surprised by how they’d tion and begins to proliferate, prob- A good example of that are some of respond. lems arise. It can crowd out native the Asian viburnums. Q: What can we do to help stem species by growing faster or taller, Q: And yet you’ve written the tide of emerging invasives? leafing out first or holding its foliage about “exotic plant-bashing zeal- A: First of all, we’ve got to keep longer. Once entrenched, exotic spe- ots.” Do those who blast all non- these plants out of the (nursery) cies can dramatically transform the native species go too far? trade and out of our gardens. They structure of an ecosystem, potentially A: Yes. So many plants that are wouldn’t sell them if we didn’t buy alter hydrology, and corrupt nutrient beneficial to us are non-natives. If them. And then, if we see a plant cycles. we totally got rid of all non-native in our own garden becoming overly Q: How big is the problem? species, we wouldn’t have anything fecund or escaping into other areas, A: PCA has identified about 500 to eat. And a lot of the roles that we need to report it. We need to keep exotic species that compete with non-natives play in our ecosystems our eyes open for what might be the native species and alter the ecosys- are beneficial. The non-native chry- next invasion. That might be difficult tems they invade. The majority of santhemum, for example, provides to predict, because plants are region- ornamental plants are not invasive, nectar to insects. The percentage ally and ecosystem specific, but a few but occasionally a plant adapts too of ornamental plants that are prob- traits should put up red flags. Non- well, escapes cultivation, and be- lematic is small, and our lives are native species bearing fleshy fruits comes established, or naturalized. enriched by plants of all kinds. So I head the suspect list. Proven culprits The big thing is that invasive plants don’t want to say that just because include autumn olive (Elaeagnus have major ecological consequences. it’s written down somewhere that it’s umbellata), burning bush (Euonymus We’re losing endangered species and invasive, we shouldn’t use it. alatus) and Japanese barberry (Ber- endangering others. Invasives often Q: You’re growing exotics? I beris thunbergii). One commitment encourage exotic insect problems. thought you were a native plant we can all make is to exclude non- And often times, there are negative man, through and through. native plants with fleshy fruits from wildlife consequences, as well. Garlic A: Natives are a very integral our gardens. This is a simple way mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is a great part of who I am and what I do. And to start protecting the future of our example. The falcate orange-tipped I certainly think the foundations of wildlands, which sits in our hands. butterfly lays its eggs on that plant. all our landscapes, where possible,

4 South Carolina Native Plant Society • January 2008 Why all this Change in Botanical Names Patrick McMillan, Ph. D Biological Sciences, Clemson University Gardeners and wildflower en- Another problem comes from www.mobot.org/MOBOT/research/ thusiasts often bemoan the many mis-application of names. Every new APweb/). changes in the scientific names that species that is described is accom- A good example of a genus name have been occurring recently to their panied by a type specimen, which change on the basis of DNA compar- favorite plants. Traditionally used is representative of the described ison is found in the Fairy Bells (Dis- names like Aster are being replaced species. If the name a later author porum). We formerly had two species by Symphyotrichum, Eurybia, Doellin- uses does not apply to the type speci- of Disporum in the eastern US: Dispo- geria, Ionactis, Sericocarpus and Ampe- men, then it is in error. Phlox ovata is rum maculatum and D. lanuginosum. laster. It’s hard to keep up with these now known as Phlox latifolia, because Other species were known from the changes and much more difficult to “ovata” was applied to a plant that is western United States and Eurasia. recall Symphyotrichum than Aster! different from Linnaeus’ concept of The type species (first described for Why do taxonomists keep chang- Phlox ovata. When this was discov- the genus) is Eurasian. When scien- ing the names? I know some folks ered, we had to go back to the older tists began looking at the DNA of think we just do it for job security or name, so the plant we long knew the Disporum, they found that eastern to agitate horticulturalists, but you as Phlox ovata is now back to Phlox US species were not at all closely might be interested to know that we latifolia. This may be confusing, so related to the plants from Eurasia, don’t enjoy it any more than you do, consider this analogy. The U.S. Mint despite their very similar appearance and in these times of rapid change, creates a dime. A dime is similar in . It turns out that our “Disporum” we have problems keeping current size and color to a nickel, and some- are more closely related to true lilies ourselves. Why do we—no—why one starts calling a nickel a dime. (Lilium) than they are to the Eurasian must we change names? There are a Soon it seems that everyone is calling Disporum. Today, we use the names number of reasons including (1) rules a nickel a dime. One smart banker Prosartes lanuginosa and P. maculata of priority and (2) re-examination of decides to check the “dime” against for our native species. The genus genus-level relationships using new the original mint plates for the dime Prosartes is placed in the lily family (DNA) techniques. and finds that the so-called dime is (Liliaceae) in the order Liliales. The Let’s tackle the first of these, the not really a dime, so we must go back Eurasian Disporum is placed in the rule of priority. This is one of the to calling it a nickel. There are many Solomon’s seal family (Ruscaceae) universally accepted conditions of examples of long-used names actually in the order Asparagales. This is a the International Code of Botani- being based on mistakes. dramatic example, one where mem- cal Nomenclature (http://ibot.sav. In taxonomy, we try to group spe- bers of the same genus were found to sk/icbn/main.htm) that lays out the cies together into higher units, such not only belong to different genus but rules for naming and applying plant as genera and families, that reflect (See Botanical Names, page 8) names. This rule says that the first their natural relationships (phylog- specific name given to a species must eny). We re-examine these relation- be conserved, no matter what the ships among species from time to The Journal of the genus changes to. Our Common time, particularly when newer tech- Grass Pink (Calopogon pulchellus) is niques (such as DNA comparisons) South Carolina now known as Calopogon tuberosus, come along. When we find that we Native Plant Society because Linnaeus first gave it the have been wrong we have to adjust species name “tuberosus” when he de- the names. When some members of Published quarterly scribed it as Limodorum tuberosum. R. a genus turn out to be more closely Editor: Bill Stringer Brown did not realize that the name related to other genera than they are Design Editor: Charlene Mayfield tuberosum existed. Instead he used a to some members of their own genus, Upstate Chapter - Greenville newer name “pulchellus” that was used then a new genus has to be created. Lowcountry Chapter - by Salisbury when he re-named Lin- This sometimes applies to families Charleston naeus’ plant as Limodorum pulchellum. and orders as well. Considerable Midlands Chapter - Columbia Linnaeus’ name is the oldest and so information and discussion of this Piedmont Chapter - Rock Hill must be used. Thus the currently ac- issue are found at the Angiosperm cepted name is Calopogon tuberosus. Phylogeny Group website (http:// www.scnps.org

South Carolina Native Plant Society • January 2008 5 Kudzu Control Methods and Strategies By Matt Nespeca, SC Chapter of The Nature Conservancy

on with a small investment has now a treatment plan and to implement Kudzu is an extremely invasive become a major financial burden. In control work. plant. Left unchecked, kudzu deval- addition to the much larger cost of ues property in several ways: control, the property may have also Foliar treatment Methods • Kudzu will displace native grasses lost a significant value in timber, and Several products are effective and forbs, leaving nothing more the beauty and integrity of the land- for foliar treatment of kudzu. Foliar than an unsightly monoculture of scape have been diminished. Also, treatments are most effective when kudzu vines and brambles. large kudzu patches can be dangerous they are applied in a large volume • Kudzu will reduce accessibility of places, with concealed ravines and of water (50 gallons or more to the a property, making it useless for ditches. It pays to control kudzu. acre). This allows the herbicide com- recreational uses and pursuits. Smaller patches of kudzu can be pound to be carried deeper into the • Kudzu will kill existing trees and controlled through manual, mechani- kudzu canopy to achieve good cover- forested cover. cal, chemical methods, or a combina- age of the deeply layered canopy. • Kudzu will out-compete new tree tion of these. Chemical treatment is High volume foliar treatments are seedlings. the most practical method to eradi- best made with ground equipment, cate large patches of kudzu. Because In short, kudzu is bad. If a kudzu like a truck or large ATV with a of the extensive underground root mounted hose reel sprayer. patch is ignored, the invasive vine system of kudzu and layers of thick spreads rapidly into adjacent forests, Some herbicides that are effec- vegetation, older kudzu patches are tive against kudzu in foliar applica- fields, pastures, and even home sites. more difficult to control than young- Large kudzu infestations are expen- tion include Tordon K*, Tordon er patches, and may require more 101M*, Transline*, Milestone VM*, sive to control. The cost of control treatments for complete control. A grows with the size of the patch Escort XP**, Glyphosate and Garlon patch may require as many as five 3A*. Each product has different grows. For example, a kudzu vine can to ten years of follow-up monitor- grow up to 60 feet a year. This could species selectivity, so the presence of ing and spot treatment for effective desirable trees and other vegetation is mean that a one-acre kudzu patch control. I will discuss some methods could potentially cover 11 acres after an important consideration in prod- of control, some issues with timing, uct selection and treatment method. ten years. Conventional herbicide and the herbicide products that are treatments can cost as much as In mature kudzu patches, there is used for kudzu control. It is always usually very little other vegetation $2000/acre over the course of several important to read and follow herbi- years, so in this hypothetical exam- present. Some foliar herbicides cide labels and treatment instruc- provide excellent safety for desirable ple, a $2000 initial cost has ballooned tions. For kudzu patches larger than to more than $20,000. A problem hardwoods and pines, and careful 1 acre, consider getting a professional treatment can reduce the chance of that could have been handled early invasive plant specialist to develop

Kudzu patch at Waccamaw Refuge before (left) and two years after foliar treatment with TranslineTM herbicide (right). Photos courtesy of the author

6 South Carolina Native Plant Society • January 2008 injury to your healthy trees. All of near ground level will be sufficient to treatment, plus following up with the products listed, except for gly- top-kill the vine, and the herbicide an annual assessment and follow-up phosate, have some level of safety for will translocate into the roots as well. treatments if needed. A kudzu vine direct application to desirable grasses, Pathfinder II is a pre-mixed formula- can grow 60 feet a year. When a and some products are even safe tion of Garlon 4 that is ready to use treatment does not adequately cover for a lot of broadleaf plants as well. for basal bark treatment. Garlon 4 the infested area, kudzu regrows into Glyphosate is available in “aquatic” plus bark oil can also be purchased the treated areas, and the progress formulation, which can be applied as a custom-blended product, which is lost. An herbicide strategy for near or over water, as can Garlon 3A. reduces potential mixing errors. a large kudzu patch may include Always read the product label care- Cut stem treatment involves several years of sequential treatment fully before selecting or applying severing a vine at or near ground to achieve a successful eradication. herbicides. level, and promptly spraying an It is not uncommon for landowners herbicide mixture directly onto the to spend time and money trying to Basal Bark and Cut Stem cut stump. This allows the herbicide do the work themselves, only to seek Methods to be translocated into the crown and professional help after a couple years Basal bark and cut stem treat- root, and can prevent re-sprouting of unsatisfactory results. ment methods allow for more selec- from the crown. Mixing in a bit of tive control of kudzu, and are com- a colored dye allows you to detect * TM of Dow Agro-Sciences monly used on smaller infestations, or missed stumps. **TM of E.I. DuPont de Nemours Both basal bark and cut stem where kudzu is climbing into or over About the author: Matt Nespeca is a treatment methods can be done dur- trees. In smaller infestations, this field representative with South Carolina ing the dormant season, when it is treatment method can be implement- Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, easier to traverse through the kudzu ed by a landowner or manager with and is a co-chair of the Kudzu Task patch. In most cases, these methods only limited equipment. Force for the South Carolina Exotic Pest are used in conjunction with foliar Basal bark treatment involves Plant Council. spraying an herbicide mixed with treatment as an integrated approach an oil carrier around the entire to controlling kudzu. NOTE: All mention of product names circumference of the vine. Products When making the decision to represent the suggestion(s) of the author, like Garlon 4 in an oil carrier are control a large kudzu patch, the and do not imply any recommendation effective in basal bark applications. landowner or manager should be by the South Carolina Native Plant Treating about 2 feet of vine length committed to making an initial Society. 11th Annual Native Plant Symposium “We’re All in This Together” March 28-30, 2008, at the Madren Conference Center Clemson University, Clemson, SC On Friday evening, March 28, Colston Burrell, author of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Native Alternatives to In- vasive Plants, will kick off what may just be our best Symposium ever. Burrell is a garden designer, award-winning author, photographer, and naturalist. On Saturday, attendees will have some tough choices to make. There will be workshops: 1) Sudie Daves, wildlife biologist with USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service, will give us a hands-on look at invasive plant species commonly used in landscaping, erosion control and wildlife plots; and 2) Jamie Oxley, of We-Du Natives Nursery, will show us species and techniques for growing native perennials, trees and shrubs in residential landscapes. And there will be field trips — to places like Station Cove; Whitewater River at Bad Creek; the Clemson Forest; Peach Orchard Branch at Eastatoe Creek; Stumphouse Mountain; and Table Rock, Devils Fork, and Keowee-Toxaway State Parks. Saturday evening we all gather back together for dinner at the Madren Conference Center and a presentation by Pat- rick McMillan, director of Clemson University’s Campbell Museum of Natural History and host of the popular television series Expeditions. Field trips continue on Sunday, with the addition of a tour of the SC Botanical Garden. Stay tuned to our website (www.scnps.org), and your mailbox, for a complete schedule!

South Carolina Native Plant Society • January 2008 7 Botanical Names, from page 5 to different families that are found in different orders. Even though they look alike, they are no more closely related to each other than a mouse and an elephant! Our new understanding of the relationships between species within genera and families has lead to thou- sands of name changes, most occur- ring in the last 10-15 years. This is why the Lily family is now split into Colchicaceae, Ruscaceae, Melanthi- aceae, Asparagaceae, Smilacaceae, Hyacinthaceae, Hemerocallidaceae, Hostaceae, Amaryllidaceae, etc. Not all changes result in the emergence of new names, sometimes species are cause both are frequently updated, us with more accurate information simply put in another genus. This is the changes that have been made in about the relationships among the the case with the beautiful White-top the recent literature will be accom- species in our heritage of natural Sedge (Dichromena latifolia) which modated. Remember, a name never communities. If we wish to do our was found to be more closely related really goes away, it just becomes best at understanding and represent- to beaksedges (Rhynchospora) than synonymy—so you can search for the ing these relationships, then we must previously thought and is currently old name in the USDA site and get become accustomed to more name placed in that genus as Rhynchospora the currently accepted name. changing in the future. latifolia. The real value of a scientific So where do you go to keep name is that (1) it applies universally NOTE: Dr. McMillan will be up with name changes? There are to that species, no matter where you our dinner speaker on Saturday several sources but the USDA plants are in the world and (2) it reflects the evening, Mar. 28 at the annual Na- website (http://plants.usda.gov/) and evolutionary ancestry of the species. tive Plant Symposium at Clemson’s the Flora of the Carolinas, Virginia It gives you much more information Madren Center. His topic will be and Georgia (http://www.herbarium. with a simple binomial than the com- “The Importance of Private Proper- unc.edu/flora.htm) are two of the mon name plus a paragraph of text ty to Conservation in Upstate South best stops for a quick answer. Be- could. The name changes provide Carolina”

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8 South Carolina Native Plant Society • January 2008