Minnesota Plant Press The Minnesota Native Plant Society Newsletter

Volume 28 Number 1 Winter 2009 Monthly meetings Thompson Park Center/Dakota Lodge How will Minnesota Thompson County Park 360 Butler Ave. E., West St. Paul, MN 55118 spend its outdoor 651-552-7559 (kitchen) Programs heritage fund? The Minnesota Native Plant by Scott Milburn, Minnesota Native Plant Society president Society meets the first Thursday Much has happened since my last column in terms of the national in October, November, December, election and the historic passage of the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy February, March, April, May, and constitutional amendment in Minnesota. It was quite a remarkable feat June. Check at www.mnnps.org for this to pass as it did, with much economic uncertainty, but this shows for more program information. where our priorities are. 6 p.m. — Social period 7 – 9 p.m. — Program, society The next step in the process to determine how this money will be spent business is no easy task. We all need to be cognizant of how this dedicated funding Feb. 5: “Community is spent, since we all have a vested interest. Involvement in Restoration of Approximately one-third of the revenue generated from this sales Prairie and Savanna in Wild tax will go toward the Lessard Outdoor Heritage Fund. As stated, this River State Park,” by David money is to be “spent only to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands, Crawford, park naturalist; Plant-of- prairies, forests, and habitat for game, fish, and wildlife.” Many groups the-Month: Aristida tuberculosa throughout the state were instrumental in getting the word out and getting (sea beach needlegrass). this amendment passed. However, along with that come the expectations Mar. 5: “Natural History of from these various groups as to how this money must be spent. The fear, Beltrami Island,” by Scott Zager, when there are so many ideas and expectations, is that there will not be plant ecologist, Wildlands Ecological a comprehensive strategy. In order for this to be a success, a landscape Services; POM: Rubus arcticus approach would likely prove more beneficial than a piecemeal approach. ssp. acaulis (arctic raspberry). The Lessard Outdoor Heritage Council has expressed the desire and Apr. 2: “Between the need for the citizens of Minnesota to speak up. Ultimately, this council will Mississippi and the Missouri, recommend to the Legislature how the money should be spent. My hope 1838-1839: A new look at the is that our Society will be active and botany of Charles Geyer,” by vocal in keeping with our mission. Charles Umbanhowar, Jr., professor of biology, St. Olaf College; It is a time for great optimism, and I In this issue encourage your involvement. Conservation tip of season...... 2 POM: Solidago riddellii (Riddell’s Board, membership news ...... 3 There should also be much goldenrod). Non-native forest inventory...... 4 confidence with the Society itself, May 7: “Making a Floral Atlas Prairie restoration research ...... 5 as we continue to change and grow for the Shakopee Mdewakanton Trees, shrubs of Minnesota....6 as an organization. We are now Sioux Community,” by Victoria Symposium is April 4 ...... 6 at full capacity, having nine board Ranua, environmmental assessment Orchid photos needed ...... 6 members. Elizabeth Heck and Dylan specialist for the SMS Community; Plant Lore: Anise root ...... 7 Lueth were appointed at the last POM: Solanum rostratum (buffalo Rare Species Guide is online .....7 burr). Continued on page 3 In essence, what responsibility does the state now have to ensure MN NPS Board Conservation that as many citizens as possible understand the next 25 years of of Directors Tip of the spending on the environment? President: Scott Milburn, Perhaps the Green Jobs Task Force [email protected] bySeason Elizabeth Nixon weblog should be the place to Vice President: Shirley Mah This is the legislative season, and carry out a public debate on these Kooyman, shirley.mah.kooyman@ this year it is uniquely important to questions. It can also be started on mnnps.org send ideas to your state legislators. the Native Plant Society blog by any Ken Arndt, board member, field energetic individual. With an unprecedented trip chair, [email protected] constitutional amendment as an act These questions will be topics Peter Dziuk, board member, of commitment to the environment, for the Conservation Committee, [email protected] your elected representative and and all with views on the issues Elizabeth Heck, board member, senator should take seriously are invited to participate during the webmaster, elizabeth.heck@mnnps. their jobs of making sure they, season/session. org as well as their constituents, are Dylan Lueth, board member, “environmentally literate,” at least Society’s balance [email protected] for the next 25 years, the life of the sheet grew in 2008 Beth Nixon, board member, amendment. Treasurers Ron and Cathy Huber conservation committee chair, beth. What is environmental literacy? reported that the Society’s 2008 [email protected] income was $2,443.30 higher than Is it knowing the major biomes, Erika Rowe, board member, its expenses. the majority of native Minnesota [email protected] plant communities and their Total income for the year was Russ Schaffenberg, board signature species? Is it knowing $17,588.37. Total expenses were member, russ.schaffenberg@ the difference between sustainable $15,145.07. Expenses included mnnps.org and environmentally damaging three grants — Newcomb guides to a Treasurer: Ron and Cathy public infrastructure when northern school, $271.80; school bussing for Huber, [email protected] Minnesota or sensitive landscapes field trips, $300; and microscopes are under development pressure? for the Herbarium, $1,614.64. Linda Huhn, program coordinator, 612-374-1435 Who should be environmentally Assets on Nov. 15, 2008, totalled Secretary: Andrés Morantes, literate? Perhaps it should be every $24,645.89. Minnesota high school graduate. [email protected] Listserv Coordinator: Charles Umbanhowar, [email protected] Minnesota Native Plant Society’s purpose Field Trips: fieldtrips.mnnps@ (Abbreviated from the bylaws) mnnps.org This organization is exclusively organized and operated for Memberships: memberships. educational and scientific purposes, including the following. [email protected] 1. Conservation of all native plants. Historian-Archives: Roy 2. Continuing education of all members in the plant sciences. Robison, historian-archives. 3. Education of the public regarding environmental protection of plant [email protected] life. Technical or membership 4. Encouragement of research and publications on plants native to inquiries: contact.mnnps@mnnps. Minnesota. org 5. Study of legislation on Minnesota flora, vegetation, ecosytems. Minnesota Plant Press Editor: 6. Preservation of native plants, plant communities, and scientific and Gerry Drewry, 651-463-8006; [email protected] natural areas. 7. Cooperation in programs concerned with the ecology of natural MN NPS website resources and scenic features. For current information about 8. Fellowship with all persons interested in native plants through MN NPS field trips, meetings, and meetings, lectures, workshops, and field trips. other events, check the website: www.mnnps.org 2 numerous volunteer capacities as a Minnesota Master Naturalist. Her President’s column DylanIntroducing… Lueth, board member passion for botanizing, plant uses Continued from page 1 Dylan Lueth is the Native Plant and conservation led to training as board meeting to fill two vacancies. Society’s newest board member. He an herbalist, in which education Both new board members bring is a biologist with Midwest Natural about botanical sustainability is a energy and enthusiasm, and I look Resources and has worked there for priority. Elizabeth’s painting and forward to their future efforts. We two years. His focus is on rare plant photography consume her spare also have a new secretary serving surveys, which has brought him to time and reflect the “hand lens the Society, Andrés Morantes. One many different locations throughout view” of nature’s plant beauty. She other change you will soon notice the state, although much of his is honored to be a part of the board is a remodeled website. Besides time has been spent in Northern and the good work of the plant being a board member, Elizabeth Minnesota. society. Heck has graciously taken over as Dylan grew up in the rural town Andrés F. Morantes, secretary webmaster. of Arlington, Minn., with an ever Andrés hails from Plymouth, I would like to remind everyone growing interest in the outdoors. Minn., and currently resides in that this group is solely dependent After graduation, he moved to Minneapolis. He is a senior at the and run through volunteer effort. Trenton, Ohio, and enrolled at Miami University of Minnesota and plans By utilizing the talents and skills University of Ohio. He continued to graduate in May 2009 with a of our membership, we are able to his studies at the University of Bachelor of Science degree in put our financial resources towards Minnesota, Duluth, and graduated ecology. He became interested in other efforts. with a Bachelor of Science in biology ecology as a teenager while spending The board has been watchful and a minor in chemistry. He started time outdoors working as a summer to not frivolously donate excess his career as a coatings chemist in camp counselor and from traveling resources. Just recently, the board Rockford, Minn., but soon lost his into the Costa Rican rainforests approved the purchase of two new lab coat. Outside of work, Dylan is when visiting his extended family. dissecting microscopes, which were an avid ice fisher and continues his Currently, he works part-time at donated to the Bell Museum of interest in chemistry through home the Bell Museum of Natural History Natural History Herbarium. The brewing. Herbarium, where he mounts plants. two scopes are now at the herbarium Dylan has been a member of the As an undergraduate, he has served and are available for anyone who Native Plant Society for two years. as officer and project manager for stops by. He decided to become a board the University’s Fisheries, Wildlife, In closing, I would like to thank member with the goal of helping and Conservation Biology Club. the folks who made our last meeting the Society continue to expand He has been an MN NPS member in December a memorable event. I its membership and maintain its for one year. first would like to thank Lifetime prestigious reputation. MN NPS member Welby Smith for Elizabeth Heck, board member You can be a his great contribution with his book, Elizabeth Heck recently joined Trees and Shrubs of Minnesota. I the Minnesota Native Plant Society Lifetime member would also like to thank Carmen Board after volunteering on the by Ron Huber Converse and Jan Wolff for their Society’s Conservation Committee The MN NPS board recently help at the event. Lastly, I would for the past few years. voted to offer a new category like to thank Erik Anderson at the of membership — Lifetime — University of Minnesota Press for Elizabeth holds a degree from consistent with those offered by making sure we had the books in the University of Minnesota and other natural history organizations. time for the meeting. spent most of her career with a small Most organizations offering We had more than 100 folks in engineering firm as a proposal writer, this category make it a 20-year GIS specialist and consultant. She attendance and sold over 120 books. multiple of the standard individual This was likely our best attended transitioned into a graphic designer membership. Thus, the Lifetime and will offer those skills to the monthly program in years. We membership for MN NPS is set at are always hoping to build on the society, including development of a $300. (We will continue to award new website. momentum, and Linda Huhn has honorary Lifetime memberships.) been doing a great job lining up the Elizabeth has worked as Jason Husveth, our former remaining talks for the year. I look a naturalist for Eloise Butler president, is our very first paid forward to these programs and hope Wildflower Garden and serves in Lifetime member. Thanks, Jason. to see those who can attend. 3 Inventory shows extent of non-native invasive plants in Minnesota forests by W. Keith Moser, Mark D. Nelson, Autumn olive, Elaeagnus such as aspen, black spruce, and and Mark H. Hansen, U.S. Forest umbellata paper birch, had few instances of the Service, Northern Research Station, Nonnative bush, Lonicera spp. invasive plant species. The forest Forest Inventory and Analysis. This European privet, Ligustrum types with the most observations article summarizes Keith Moser’s vulgare of invasive plants in Minnesota presentation at the Minnesota Vines — white oak/red oak/hickory and Invasives Species conference in Kudzu, Pueraria montana sugarberry/hackberry/elm/green Duluth in October 2008. Porcelain berry, Ampelopsis ash — are either mid-shade tolerant Readers are no doubt aware Asian bittersweet, Celastrus species that rely upon disturbance of the impact that non-native orbiculatus to maintain their position, or invasive plants (NNIP) present to Japanese honeysuckle, Lonicera riparian species subject to frequent Minnesota’s ecosystems. The U.S. japonica anthropogenic disturbance over Forest Service’s Northern Research Chinese yam, Dioscorea their range. Station (NRS) Forest Inventory and Black swallowwort, Cynanchum Species of NNIP found in Analysis (FIA) Program is studying louiseae Minnesota forested plots, 2005- what determines where these plants Wintercreeper, Euonymus fortunei 2006. are found, including forest type, tree Grasses The number of forested plots on density, disturbance, productivity, Reed canary grass, Phalaris which each species was found is and topography. Phragmites, Common reed, in parentheses. Over the past decade, the NRS- Phragmites Most prominent species: FIA program has measured NNIP Nepalese browntop, Japanese, Common buckthorn (125) over a large network of inventory Microstegium Non-native bush honeysuckles plots. Minnesota’s forest inventory Herbaceous (22) is “double intensity,” meaning Garlic mustard, Alliaria petiolata Common burdock (10) that there are two plots for every Leafy spurge, Euphorbia esula Reed canary grass (4) 6,000 acres, and field crews search Spotted knapweed, Centaurea Japanese barberry (3) for 25 species that are considered Dame’s rocket, Hesperis Multiflora rose (2) the worst NNIP on four 24-foot- matronalis Garlic mustard (2) radius subplots at each forested plot Mile-a-minute weed, Asiatic, Glossy buckthorn (1) location. Polygonum Autumn olive (1) Common burdock, Arctium minus European privet (2) The following list represents Japanese knotweed, Polygonum Marsh thistle (1) those species our stakeholders Marsh thistle, Cirsium palustre believe are likely to have a Given the history of natural and The locations of NRS-FIA plots significant impact within 11 states human-caused disturbance and with non-native invasive plants in of the Upper Midwest, including forest types whose shade tolerance Minnesota’s forests are shown in Minnesota. Inventory results means the growing space might the map. Woody invasive species provide information on individual not be completely occupied, the were particularly common, while tree species, diameter, and height. authors expected to find multiple the few herbaceous NNIP observed Measurements of overstory basal relationships between NNIP and were located along the oak/prairie area and stand density index provide forest and site characteristics. ecotone. estimates of density. In a regional study, Moser et al. Of the 2,445 plots sampled (2008) found that measurements Non-native invasive plants in this study so far, only about 5 of disturbance and fragmentation surveyed on FIA plots, 2005-2006 percent had one or more of the 25 were significantly related to NNIP Woody species invasive species of interest. Only presence and cover. The percentage Multiflora rose,Rosa multiflora nine of the NNIP on our list were of total county area in forests was Japanese barberry, Berberis observed and only one — common very closely related to the presence thunbergii buckthorn (125 plots) — was found of almost every one of the 25 Common buckthorn, Rhamnus in large numbers. Some of the most species; the higher the percentage cathartica prominent forest types in our state, of forest, the less likely one would 4 likely occurred many years ago. We are presently conducting a region- wide analysis using inventory and weather data and other information sources to follow up on our initial measurements and analysis. Prairie restoration techniques studied at Lamberton How can native prairies be more successfully recreated? Reseachers at the University of Minnesota’s Cartographer Mark Nelson, Forest Inventory and Analysis, USDA Southwest Research and Outreach Forest Service, Northern Research Station, prepared this map, using Center at Lamberton are seeking FIA and ESRI data and maps. answers. find invasive plants. Our challenge is separating Experiments at test plots in A combination of fragmentation human influence from some the center’s 30-acre native prairie measures (Heilmann et al. 2001) ecological advantage of the invading restoration site will help determine was positively associated with the plants. One could easily argue better ways to restore native grasses presence of common buckthorn, that our results reflect the heavily multiflora rose, and non-native bush disturbed nature of Minnesota’s and forbs. So far, inclusion of cool- honeysuckles, as well as reed canary second- and third-generation forests. season grasses in seed mixes seems grass. Distance from the nearest The characteristics of the landscape to be critical, and fall planting works road seemed to have a significant that we found to influence invasive best. negative association. species presence may also be a How can non-native, invasive These results suggest that site significant influence on homestead Canada thistles be best controlled? productivity was good for multiflora choice by settlers. Researchers are testing whether rose coverage in the Upper Midwest Analysis of invasive species herbicides can be used selectively and was negatively associated at one point in time is usually not to reduce thistle growth without with non-native bush honeysuckle sufficient to evaluate trends in excessive damage to native forbs. coverage. While certain measures regeneration, expansion, or growth. of density and stand age seemed to The FIA database tracks disturbance A third project seeks to stop be negatively correlated with (any) and silvicultural treatments, but only native grasses, which grow quickly, NNIP presence and abundance, in the interval since the previous from preventing slower-growing Moser et al. (2008) did not find as inventory. The human activities forbs from being establishd. The strong relationships with individual that resulted in the establishment of solution to this problem has not yet invasive plant species. these non-native invasive species been found. 5 New book describes Orchid photos needed for book Minnesota trees, shrubs The University of Minnesota “Trees and Shrubs of Minnesota,” drawings of the leaves are compared Press has decided to publish a new by DNR botanist Welby Smith, side-by-side. edition of the the out-of-print 1993 published by the University of At the end of the species accounts book Orchids of Minnesota by Minnesota Press; 703 pages; $59.95. is a seven-page glossary that Welby Smith. The first edition had a The following book description is by includes illustrations of different small section of color photographs Welby Smith. leaf shapes and leaf margins. There in the center of the book. This new book covers all the is also an eight-page bibliography of The second edition is to have native and naturalized woody scientific papers cited in the species color photographs throughout the species in Minnesota. That includes accounts. book. Toward this goal, they are 92 native tree species, 131 native This is not a small book; it soliciting high-quality photos of 49 shrubs, and 12 native vines. Add to measures 8.5 by 10.25 inches and orchids from local photographers. this 15 naturalized species, and the weighs in at slightly over five The photos can be film or digital but total reaches 250. pounds. It is bound in a sturdy green must be sharp and show fine detail. The book begins with a 14- embossed hardcover with a dust For a list of orchids or for page introduction that includes jacket. The author will tell you that additional information, direct descriptions and maps of the soils he worked on it for 14 years, but in inquiries to Todd Orjala at t-orja@ and climate of Minnesota, and truth it is the work of a lifetime. umn.edu discussions of ecological regions. Most online sources are selling This section also has maps of tree it at a discount, which brings the distribution based on bearing tree price down to around $50, which Symposium to data from the Public Land Survey is not insignificant in these days of be April 4 at that was conducted at the time of recession. So, if you can’t afford to settlement. This part is followed by buy a copy, check it out from your Bell Museum a key to the genera of woody plants local library or borrow a copy from The Aspen Parklands subsection in Minnesota. a friend, and let the author know in northwestern Minnesota will be The next part (the main body what you like about it and what the topic of this year’s MN NPS of the book) contains the detailed you don’t. He just might live long symposium. species accounts. Each species gets enough to write a second edition. This subsection is part of the two pages. The left page has the text, greater Tallgrass Aspen Parklands including a scientific description, tips Province that expands north into on identification, and a discussion of Canada. This region is a transitional natural history. This page also has a landscape between the Laurentian North American range map and a Mixed Forest and the Prairie Minnesota distribution map. provinces that had once been Glacial The facing page has color Lake Agassiz. photographs of the leaves, flowers, The symposium will be April 4 at fruit and bark. There is also an ink the Bell Museum of Natural History drawing of the winter silhouette of on the University of Minnesota each tree species and most of the campus in Minneapolis. larger shrubs. If a genus has more The Symposium Committee than one species, then it is preceded is finalizing the speakers for the by an identification key to the species. event. Brochures will be mailed in The large and difficult genera of Purple coneflowers, Echinacea February to Society members and willows, oaks and hawthorns have angustifolia, are found in the will also be available online at our comparison pages where life-size Aspen Parklands. website, www.mnnps.org 6 Rare Species byPlant Thor Kommedahl Lore What is anise root? Guide is online Anise root is Osmorhiza Profiles of more than 430 longistylis in the carrot family Minnesota endangered, threatened, (Apiaceae/Umbelliferae). Another and special concern species are available in a new, searchable name is sweet cicely; O. claytonii database from the Minnesota is also called sweet cicely, but not Department of Natural Resources anise root. Style length and root Division of Ecological Resources. scent separate the species. Both The guide is Minnesota’s species are native to Minnesota. authoritative reference for the How did it get its names? state’s endangered, threatened, and The genus name comes from a special concern species and serves Greek word osme meaning scented as an update to the 1988 book, or fragrant and rhiza meaning Minnesota’s Endangered Flora and root. Longistylis refers to the long Fauna. style— longer than the petals. Cicely The list was last revised in 1996, comes from a Latin and Greek but it is currently undergoing a word seselis, and sweet refers to formal rule revision process. Once the anise-scented root. Osmorhiza that has been completed, additional claytonii has roots with little or no species profiles will be added to The Rare Species Guide, and anise scent and is named after John status designations and taxonomy Clayton, a Virginia botanist (1694- information will be updated. 1773). Anise smells like licorice. Information on the website What do the plants look like? includes: Anise root is a perennial, • Taxonomic information; herbaceous plant one to three feet • State, federal status designations; tall, with insect-pollinated, white flowers borne in clusters (umbels). • State and North American range Styles are longer than the petals. maps; It has fern-like leaves, three times • Color photos and/or illustrations; compoundly divided with egg- • Reason a species is listed; shaped leaflets. The dark purple • Description, habitat, life history; fruits (schizocarps) cling to clothing. • Conservation, management issues Osmorhiza longistylis is smooth, and recommendations; whereas O. claytonii is hairy. Plants • Life form, longevity, leaf duration, bloom April to June. Osmorhiza longistylis (anise water regime, soil and light Where does it grow? root), photos by Peter Dziuk. requirements, phenology for all Both species grow in moist vascular plants. been added to salads for the anise woodlands throughout the state. There are three ways to search flavor. Plants are not poisonous but for species information: Does it have any medicinal have been confused with poison properties? hemlock in the same family. • A-Z list — find by either common American Indians made a What other features are there? or scientific name; poultice from roots to apply to boils It has been grown in wild flower • Filtered search — find groups of and wounds. They also made a gardens, and hybrids have been species by broad taxonomic group; root tea for general debility and as developed. Black swallowtail • Keyword search — find a word or a tonic. butterflies feed on plants. Bees suck phrase within species’ profiles. Is it edible or poisonous? nectar and collect pollen from them. To access the guide, go to www. Leaves, fruits, and roots have Horses have been attracted to roots. mndnr.gov/rsg 7 Minnesota Native Plant Society P.O. Box 20401 Bloomington, MN 55420

Winter 2009

Directions: Take MN Hwy. 52 to the Butler Ave. E. exit in West St. Paul. Go west on Butler 0.2 miles to Stassen Lane. Go south on Stassen Lane to Thompson County Park.