Conifer Quarterly

Vol. 24 No. 4 Fall 2007

Picea pungens ‘The Blues’ 2008 Collectors Conifer of the Year

Full-size Selection Photo Credit: Courtesy of Stanley & Sons Nursery, Inc. CQ_FALL07_FINAL.qxp:CQ 10/16/07 1:45 PM Page 1

The Conifer Quarterly is the publication of the American Conifer Society

Contents 6 Competitors for the Dwarf Alberta Spruce by Clark D. West

10 The Florida Torreya and the Atlanta Botanical Garden by David Ruland

16 A Journey to See Cathaya argyrophylla by William A. McNamara

19 A California Conifer Conundrum by Tim Thibault

24 Collectors Conifer of the Year

29 Paul Halladin Receives the ACS Annual Award of Merits

30 Maud Henne Receives the Marvin and Emelie Snyder Award of Merit

31 In Search of Abies nebrodensis by Daniel Luscombe

38 Watch Out for that Tree! by Bruce Appeldoorn

43 Andrew Pulte awarded 2007 ACS $1,000 Scholarship by Gerald P. Kral Conifer Society Voices 2 President’s Message 4 Editor’s Memo 8 ACS 2008 National Meeting 26 History of the American Conifer Society – Part One 34 2007 National Meeting 42 Letters to the Editor 44 Book Reviews 46 ACS Regional News

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Conifer s I start this letter, we are headed into Afall. In my years of gardening, this has been the most memorable year ever. It started Quarterly with an unusually warm February and March, followed by the record freeze in Fall 2007 Volume 24, No 4 April, and we just broke a record for the number of consecutive days in triple digits. The Conifer Quarterly (ISSN 8755-0490) is To make things worse, prior to yesterday, we published quarterly by the American Conifer had no rain for more than two months. This Society. The Society is a non-profit organization incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth is when gardening challenges the soul and of Pennsylvania and is tax exempt under section separates those in it for the long haul from 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Service Code. the faint of heart. You are invited to join our Society. Please On the positive side, with the exception address membership and other inquiries to the American Conifer Society National Office, 175 of a half dozen or so new conifers that were Charisma Lane, Lewisville, NC 27023-9611. not established, all others survived and are Membership: US $30 (indiv.), $35 (joint), looking great. When compared with the $30 (institutional), $50 (sustaining), $100 many angiosperms in the arboretum, the (corporate business) and $130 (patron). If you are moving, please notify the National Office 4 weeks conifers are the centerpieces in early Sep- in advance. tember. More and more people in the South All editorial and advertising matters should be are beginning to come to this realization. sent to: Evelyn Cox, 342 North Main Street, Suite I had the good fortune to attend both the 202, Alpharetta, Georgia 30004. (770) 663-7576 or email [email protected]. Central Region Meeting in Madison, Wis- consin, and the National Meeting in Seattle, Editor Washington. Both were well attended, and Evelyn Cox from my vantage point, both went exception- Technical Editors ally well. This is due in large part to the hard Ethan Johnson work of many dedicated volunteers. I espe- Susan Martin cially want to thank our national secretary, R. William Thomas Kathleen Pottratz, for her tireless efforts in Advisory Committee helping ensure that the National Meeting was Ellen Kelley, Committee Chair such a success. Kathleen had a triple chal- Anne Brennan lenge: a full time job at Fischer Farms Nurs- Marvin Snyder ery, preparing the meeting packets for the ex officio: Tom Cox ex officio: Don Wild Board of Directors meeting, and planning the ex officio: John Martin National Meeting. I want to now depart from my tradi- Copyright © 2007, American Conifer Society. All tional president’s letter to update you on sev- rights reserved. No material contained herein may be reproduced in any form without prior written eral fronts. permission of the publisher. Opinions expressed by authors and advertisers are not necessarily Board of Directors (BOD) meeting: The those of the Society. summer BOD meeting was held on July 26, Note: Hardiness Zone references in the 2007. Conifer Quarterly are USDA classifications unless Financials – Every significant revenue cate- otherwise specified. gory is ahead of last year; including mem-

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GE BY TOM COX

bership dues (3%) and Conifer Quarterly ad- coordinator. Walter Cullerton has stepped up vertising (31%). The 2007 Collectors Conifer to run this program. His job is to work with of the Year (CCOY) has outperformed the the press in all areas of publicizing the Soci- total of last year’s 2006 CCOY and National ety. If you have questions or input, Walter Meeting auction combined (a special thanks would love to hear from you. His e-mail ad- to Ridge Goodwin who oversees this pro- dress is [email protected]. gram). Two additional life memberships have been purchased. The National Operating 2007 National Meeting – The 2007 meeting Fund account balance of $212,140 is 132% was held in Seattle, Washington, July 27–29. higher than the balance on hand of $91,379 at We had 190 paid attendees, which ranked this this point last year, reflecting meeting and the third highest attended meeting in the his- Post Tour income that has yet to be offset by tory of the ACS. We had seven past presi- expenses for these events. We are operating dents in attendance, a fact I regretfully failed in the black. to acknowledge during my welcoming Membership – The total number of mem- speech. These were: berships in the Society as of June 30, 2007, Bob Fincham 1983–1987 was 1,899 compared with 1,889 on January Frank Goodhart 1996–1997 1, 2007, when the membership year began. Jordan Jack 1997–1999 One area of concern is the rate at which we Larry Stanley 1995–1996 are attracting new members. While our mem- Marvin Snyder 1999–2002 ber retention rate is around 80%, high for an Dennis Groh 2002–2004 organization such as ours, this is the fourth Don Wild 2004–2006 straight year that we have had a decline in the We were blessed with perfect weather new member component over the previous and beautiful gardens. Based on the feedback year. This suggests several things: a) we ap- that I received, both the National Meeting pear to be doing a good job overall in meet- and the Post Tour went well. As with any ing the needs of the current membership event, there are always things that we can do base, b) our recruitment efforts are falling better, and effective with this meeting, we short of where we need to be, and c) as our have implemented a standard “after action” current membership ages, it is imperative that report and attendee feedback form. A book we make this an area of high priority. This will be created that will contain all feedback, will be a topic of focus at our Winter BOD as well as lessons learned. The intent is that meeting in February 2008. If you have sug- this be passed on to the region hosting the gestions or want to volunteer, please contact next meeting. Hopefully, we then don’t re- me at [email protected]. peat areas where we did not perform as well ACS Web site – The Web site continues to be as we would like. updated and significant improvements have Lastly, I had the honor of presenting our been made. If you have not accessed it re- two Awards of Merit to two deserving indi- cently, I suggest you give it a look. The plant viduals: Maud Henne and Paul Halladin. database is quite extensive (4,600 records Read the complete details inside this issue. with more than 2,000 photos) and is most helpful for those doing research or verifying Have a great fall with lots of rain, where a plant name. Thanks, Bill Barger. needed, and cooler weather. Publicity – The ACS now has a National PR

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EDITOR’S MEMO BY EVELYN COX

ur theme for this issue is “Unusual, a few seeds. Once home, they work hard ORare, and Endangered Conifers.” I to cultivate them for future generations. thought about the word “endangered” Were it not for the efforts of individuals while watching television coverage of a such as these, many plants would face cer- recent plane crash into one of the Great tain extinction – especially in China Lakes. The hero of the story must have where rapid development is claiming had something similar to the word endan- much of the native forest. gered in mind when he jumped into action We have some photos from Dr. Clark in response to this tragic event. West of some seedlings he’s unsure about Perhaps assuming that all on board and from North Carolina, we have a story were not lost but endangered, he thrust a about Bruce Appeldoorn’s unusual expe- small boat into the water and frantically rience in the plant world. At our recent rowed, even as darkness settled. By taking National Meeting, Bruce told me he was immediate action, and after much search- writing an article for us about the difficul- ing, he was able to rescue a seven-year- ties that can occur when gardeners run old boy who otherwise would have into extra large problems. Extra large is certainly perished. This young boy was no exaggeration, as you will see from his the only survivor of three passengers. story with graphic photos. Though not in such a dramatic and We have other photos taken by some immediate way, there are people in the of our regular contributors sprinkled plant world who come to the rescue when throughout this issue. Maud Henne and plants are endangered. They accept the Kimberly Karlin sent in some nice shots challenge, rather than saying it can’t be of unusual cones, and you will see the done or waiting for someone else to do it. work of other regularly contributing pho- In this issue, David Ruland (a new con- tographers: Randy Smith, Jim Kelley, and tributor to the CQ) tells us of efforts un- Larry Stanley. Thanks to all of you great derway at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens photographers for brightening our pages to save from extinction one of the plants and enhancing our stories. These are par- on the U.S. endangered plant list, the ticularly effective now that we are color Florida torreya (Torreya taxifolia). And inside and out. from the West Coast, one of our regular Welcome, fall! Our summer down contributors, Tim Thibault, writes about south has been beastly. Many of you have some of California’s plants that are rare, experienced the same or worse and will endangered, or warranting conservation also appreciate the relief and refreshment concern. of fall. I hope you enjoy yours. For me, it As to the rare classification, we have has never been more welcome. two explorer stories. One is from another new contributor, Bill McNamara of Quar- ryhill Botanical Garden in Sonoma County, California, and the other is from regular contributor, Dan Luscombe of Bedgebury Pinetum, United Kingdom. Both are daring in their quest to seek and preserve rare and unusual plants, even for

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Next Issue: Winter 2008 – Cephalotaxus Our next issue will feature the genus Cephalotaxus. This is an underutilized genus that deserves to be more widely grown. Whether in sun or in shade, this is one tough plant for which deer seem not to have developed taste - unlike its cousin, Taxus.

Please share your experiences with Cephalotaxus including the species, cul- tivars and the zone where you have grown it or have observed it growing. As always, photos welcomed.

Future issue themes: Please look at future themes and consider sending your articles in advance of published deadlines. • Hidden Garden Gems • Sciadopitys • Tsuga • Special Winter 2009 Issue: Conifers – The All-season Plants

We welcome news alerts about conifers or about our members. Contact Evelyn Cox to discuss your ideas.

Are You Taking Pictures Yet?

SPECIAL WINTER 2009 CONIFER QUARTERLY ISSUE

CONIFERS – THE ALL-SEASON PLANTS Do you have a favorite conifer? We know it’s a hard choice, but try to pick just one. Then, take some photos during the upcom- ing seasons prior to November 2008 showing just what your plant can do throughout the coming year. Your collection of seasonal photos should be sent to the Editor by November 12, 2008.

Mark your calendars so that you will have at least one photo for each season. Photos should be minimum 300 dpi, jpeg format is preferred. E-mail or make a CD and send to the editor.

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Competitors for the Dwarf Alberta Spruce by Clark D.West

ver 100 years ago, three attractive dwarf Alberta spruce that arose from Odwarf conifers were discovered seed? growing in the wilderness around Lake I wish to report that competition may Laggan in Alberta, Canada. They were be waiting in the wings. I was fortunate to sent to the Arnold Arboretum. One, or be the recipient, via Randy Dykstra, of perhaps all three of them, are the ances- Picea pungens witches’ broom seeds tors of the well known dwarf Alberta gathered by Jerry Morris in the wild. spruce, Picea glauca ‘Conica’. Presum- There were so many seeds that I had the ably, they were seedlings from a witches’ luxury of planting a large cohort of them broom nearby. Despite the many witches’ every year for a number of years so that I broom seedlings from other species of had seedlings in several stages of devel- spruce that have been brought into the opment. About two years ago, I noticed world, none has the perfect conical shape that one was very twiggy and dense and and smooth outline of the dwarf Alberta had a smooth outline. It strikingly resem- and, is easily propagated by cuttings. bled young plants of dwarf Alberta Note: a spontaneous seedling of dwarf Al- spruce, which is, of course, derived from berta spruce has recently been found on Picea glauca; whereas, my plant was de- an island off the coast of Maine. Are any rived from P. pungens. It differed from other ACS members aware of similar dwarf Alberta only in that in the winter it

12 3

Photos 1, 2, and 3.Three Picea pungens witches' broom seedlings which closely resemble young plants of the dwarf Alberta spruce, Picea glauca ‘Conica’. Picture number 2, depicting the oldest of the three, has a genuine dwarf Alberta in the background.

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took on a dull, greenish yellow color, easily propagated by cuttings. It seems which did nothing to enhance its beauty. unlikely that plants with P. abies or P. Be that as it may, there are two others pungens genes would suffer winter burn which look essentially the same but have or become infested with red spider, two a good green color all winter. Without problems which plague the dwarf Alberta. consulting any nomenclature experts, I If anyone out there has witches’ have temporarily named them P. pungens broom seedlings which are not P. glauca “Albertoid Nos. 1, 2 and 3.” These are un- but which resemble the dwarf Alberta, it acceptable names but they serve the pur- would be of interest to know their fate. pose. It is too early to tell whether they Did they mature into attractive little trees? will acquire the conical shape that is the hallmark of the dwarf Alberta. It can be About the author: Clark West is a member seen from the photo of the oldest that it of the ACS who gardens in Harrison, may not become a perfect little cone. It is Ohio. His garden is open by appointment already somewhat irregular at the top. to ASC members. 4 5

Two Picea abies witches’broom seedlings bearing a strong resemblance to the dwarf Alberta spruce

Through the courtesy of Al Forinash, Over 500 varieties of conifer & I seem to have also acquired Picea abies ornamental gems at reasonable witches’ broom seedlings which are “Al- prices! bertoid”. Al kindly sent me the cones Unique colors and character for all from a P. abies witches’ broom which he was given to graft. Of the forty seedlings, seasons - dwarf to specimen! two appear to be “Albertoid” (Figures 4 and 5). One can only guess as to their ap- 30670 SW Peach Cove Rd., West Linn, OR 97068 pearance as mature plants. For these P. 503.949.4944 cell pungens and P. abies seedlings to ever at- 503.873.9803 office/fax tain the popularity of P. glauca ‘Conica’, [email protected] they will not only have to develop a de- sirable shape, color and texture when ma- ture, but also and equally important, be

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TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY ACS 2008 NATIONAL MEETING by Gary Whittenbaugh

hat’s right, members; it’s your twenty- thing equal to this – Shaanxi, China Tfifth anniversary. I know you wouldn’t (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loess_Hills). miss your twenty-fifth wedding anniver- Among the many scenic areas in east- sary, and you don’t want to miss the ACS ern Iowa are the Mines of Spain, Pikes anniversary either. This will be a great Peak (Iowa version), and the Yellow River opportunity to hear from those who were Forest. Maybe the most spectacular, how- there at the beginning and to learn about ever, is the Effigy Mounds National Mon- the “roots” of the American Conifer ument. More than 2,500 acres and more Society. than 200 mounds are preserved intact, The Central Region will be hosting many in the shapes of bears and birds. The the meeting held June 26–29, 2008. The area is on high bluffs overlooking the meeting headquarters (now hang on to river. The scenery is magnificent your hats) will be Dubuque, Iowa. Did I (http://www.nps.gov/efmo/)! It truly is a hear a “say what!” out there in conifer beautiful land! land? If this celebration were the only thing Maybe this will help for those who that was going to happen, it would be rea- don’t know what or where this Iowa is. son enough to attend, but we also have The word “Iowa” comes from a Native planned interesting, informative speakers American word meaning “beautiful land.” and visits to great gardens. Iowa is also known as “The Land Between Now the question: Do they have any Two Rivers.” Technically, it’s between conifers there? When you come (none of three rivers: the mighty Mississippi on the this “if you come” nonsense; you’re east, the Missouri, and a bit of the Big coming), I think you will be in awe of the Sioux on the west. It’s the only state where conifer collections and gardens you will rivers mark the entire eastern and western visit at this meeting. Of course Iowa has borders. conifers! I hope many of you will plan some va- Correction: cation time when you come. Iowa’s scenic In the last issue, it was noted that Rich areas are very user friendly. There are Larson with the Dawes Arboretum had many things to visit, but I have picked out been selected as a Corresponding Mem- several Web sites for you to check. The ber of the Royal Horticultural Society Advi- Loess Hills (pronounced Luss), which are sory Panel on Conifer Registration. This should have read Ethan Johnson with the wind blown soil deposits and form Iowa’s Holden Arboretum had the honor of being “front range,” are truly unique. Only one selected. Both Rich Larson and Susan Mar- other place in the world has some tin are assisting Ethan in this worthy effort.

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GEE FARMS Nursery & Landscaping 10 Acres of Container Plants Conifers, Hosta, Ornamental Grasses, Perennials 8 Acre Arboretum and Water Features Specimens and Grafts Family Owned since 1849 8:00 am till Dusk – 7 days Gary, Kaye & Kary Gee 14928 Bunkerhill Rd., Stockbridge, MI 49285 PH: (517) 769-6772 or 1-800-860-BUSH FAX (517) 769-6204 Visit our Web site @ www.geefarms.com for our plant list

Want to learn Contact the Editor Please address all editorial and more about advertising materials to: Evelyn Cox conifers? 342 North Main Street Suite 202 Alpharetta, GA 30004

Go to our Web site (770) 663-7576 www.conifersociety.org [email protected]

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The Florida Torreya and the Atlanta Botanical Garden by David Ruland

onservation is a key focus in the mis- tion and commitment of our native con- Csion of the Atlanta Botanical Garden. servation program is the Florida torreya. This is reflected in various projects This article will offer an overview of the abroad and in heavy emphasis on the Florida torreya in terms of its history and plants and habitats in our own southeast. horticulture as well as conservation ef- Native pitcher plants (Sarracenia sp.), forts by the Atlanta Botanical Garden in elusive orchids, exotic tropical conifers, conjunction with other institutions. even poison dart frogs are all addressed Torreya taxifolia is an ancient species within our conservation mission. One belonging to the primitive yew family. species that truly exemplifies the dedica- Depending on the source, it is

Torreya taxifolia at Atlanta Botanical Gardens

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either a member of the yew family named it for botanist John Torrey of New (Taxaceae) or cast further into the subcat- York. Its natural range is noted by Geor- egorized plum-yew family (Cephalotax- gia’s Department of Natural Resources aceae). It is the type species of the genus. (DNR) as the “Coastal plane of the ex- The other North American species in the treme southwestern Georgia (only genus is Torreya californica. There are recorded from one county), along Lake several Asian species including T. nu- Seminole, and the adjacent Florida pan- cifera from Japan and T. fargesii from handle along the uppermost stretches of China. Florida torreya is a conically the Apalachicola River” (Patrick et al, shaped, evergreen tree that once reached 1995). While this is a truly restricted heights of 40 to 50 feet (12-15m) with a range, this hasn’t always been the case. trunk diameter of almost two feet (.6m). According to fossil records, the Florida The needles are a beautiful dark green torreya is estimated to be over 165 million with white undersides and are extremely years old. Like many other conifers with sharp to the touch. such an impressive age, it was once scat- In fact, this tree can hold its own tered throughout the northern hemi- against even the most spiteful Araucaria sphere. araucana (Monkey-puzzle tree) when it comes to piercing foliage. One’s bare The Florida torreya is a hands and arms will certainly suffer painful scratches and irritation if working glacial relic, seemingly closely with this plant without suitable stranded in an increasingly protection. When bruised or broken, the hostile niche without any foliage exudes a particularly pungent odor. Although the common name “stink- natural means of escape ing cedar” is often attributed to this char- or survival. acteristic, some believe the “stink” may have originated from the odor of decom- posing seed pulp. At the height of this Scientists theorize the species was species’ abundance and even in smaller driven south by glaciers that once covered numbers, the stench would exceed even the northern latitudes. When the glaciers that of the infamous gingko. The cones retreated, the Florida torreya was left iso- develop in early spring with male and fe- lated in small microhabitats of the south- male structures forming on separate indi- eastern United States, where it thrived for viduals. The female cones take thousands of years. These habitats cur- approximately 18 months to develop into rently consist of beech/magnolia/pine a large nutmeg-like seed, reaching matu- forests that cover the slopes and ravines rity in the fall of the following year. The along the Apalachicola River in Florida seed is covered in a fleshy pulp called the and adjacent Lake Seminole in Georgia. sarcotesta, much like that in Podocarpus, The forest canopy offers filtered sunlight gingkoes and cycads. during the summer and obviously higher Torreya taxifolia was discovered in light in the winter. The torreya trees are the 1830’s by Hardy Bryant Croom who usually found in steephead ravines grow-

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ing in rich sandy/limestone soils. Water killed by a fungal blight that caused le- seepage and cool moist air are apparently sions and death of the leaves and stems. preferred by the Florida torreya. Many factors may have contributed to the Although left to a tiny fragment of its decline of the Florida torreya such as re- former range, the population in the peated drought and the spread of an intro- Apalachicola River range was once esti- duced soil pathogen (Phytophthora mated at over 600,000 individuals! In cinnamoni). It has also been surmised that 1914, botanist Roland Harper listed it as a fungus which normally occurs in the one of the region’s most abundant trees. bark of healthy plants may, as a result of The torreya thrived and became an im- environmental or physiological stress, portant economic plant. Most of the large stimulate production of various phytotox- trees were harvested during the first half ins that subsequently harm the tree. While of the twentieth century for a variety of the exact cause of the decline has not been uses. Torreya wood is remarkably rot re- determined, most scientists believe that sistant and has been used for fence posts construction of Lake Seminole and log- and shingles as well as for fuel for river- ging contributed to the destruction of boats along the Apalachicola. Florida torreya’s habitat. Changes, such Late in the 1950’s the Florida torreya as altered water seepage patterns, in- experienced a severe population crash. By creased sunlight, and fire suppression, the early 1960’s, scientists discovered that further stressed a species already suffer- almost all of the adult trees had been ing from years of exploitation. Today, the Florida torreya population is estimated to be around 200 individuals. With numbers this low, Florida torreya is one of NorthAmerica’s most critically en- dangered trees. These individuals are con- fined to a few counties in northern Florida mostly along the limestone bluffs of the Apalachicola River and one county in southwestern Georgia in the hardwood ravines bordering Lake Seminole. The ex- isting trees are either root sprouts or stump shoots from old trees felled by dis- ease or logging. Since most Florida tor- reya trees in the wild no longer reach maturity, they seldom form seed to repro- duce. Unfortunately, it may only be mat- ter of time when the roots, compromised by decades of hindered photosynthetic energy, fail to support any attempts at new growth. Such a turn of events would cer- Torreya taxifolia at Cox Arboretum, tainly catapult this species from critically Canton, Georgia endangered status to extinct in the wild.

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In November of 1989, the Arnold Ar- sowing. It is preferable to sow the seed in boretum of Harvard University, through slightly raised outdoor beds, preferably in the Center for Plant Conservation (CPC), September while the soil is still warm and initiated ex situ conservation efforts for moist. The outdoor beds are preferable to Torreya taxifolia. This followed recom- pots because they offer better insulation mendations laid out in the recovery plan and protection from excessive drying and written for this species when it was listed temperature extremes. The seed are under the U.S. Endangered Species Act as planted only an inch or so below the sur- “endangered” in 1984. Along with other face. After a winter dormancy, they ger- collaborators, such as The Nature Conser- minate the following spring. The vancy (TNC) and university researchers seedlings are potted up in a special mix studying the fungal disease, the Arnold consisting of composted pine bark, Arboretum spearheaded the collection of blended with granite sand and amended over 2,000 cuttings from 166 trees at 14 with lime and bone meal, as well as per- individual sites in order to secure and lite and charcoal for drainage. These propagate genetic material away from the plants are then grown in a private outdoor infected populations (Nicholson et al, nursery until ready for outplanting. 1998). In 1990, theAtlanta Botanical Gar- In 2002 ABG initiated a collabora- den entered into a corporate agreement tive project with Florida State Park Serv- with the CPC to receive a full set of these ice that involved reintroduction of indexed cuttings, including extra material seedlings into ravines at Torreya State from the Georgia populations. Many of Park (TSP) where Torreya taxifolia has these trees in cultivation no longer exist in been extirpated. Surveys have been com- the wild, increasing the importance of pleted which show the location of all liv- protecting this species ex situ. ing T. taxifolia individuals on TSP Many of the original Arnold Arbore- property. Great efforts are made to ensure tum cuttings have matured into cone and that introduced plants are not planted in seed producing trees that, in total, form ravines where existing plants occur. The over 500 viable seeds per year on aver- plants are bare-rooted prior to placing in age. These plants are grown in the ABG the native soil. Four treatments are used “seed orchard” and propagules produced on the outplantings: fungicide, fertilizer from these seeds have been used to facil- only, fertilizer and lime, and control. itate the next phase in the recovery of this These experimental transplants will help species. During the development stage, determine the optimal treatment, if any, small custom-made wire cages enclose that is needed for future success reintro- the seed. These cages serve as a deterrent ducing this species. A total of 200 to the omnipresent grey squirrel, who can seedlings have been outplanted in TSP swiftly and efficiently remove every last and the survival rates so far are encourag- seed if left to his own devices. ing. The seed coat turns a greenish ma- Despite the successes of the conser- roon when ripe and sloughs off readily. vation program, the Florida torreya faces Once the pulp is removed and the seed a long road ahead to recovery. Even if cleaned, they are ready for immediate wild populations were capable of produc-

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ing viable seed, the Florida torreya would come to know and share concern regard- seem incapable of expanding its limited ing the plight of this tree and its shifting range due to a lack of a natural dispersal habitat as well as that of countless other agent. The aforementioned squirrel has imperiled species. The Florida torreya is a proven to be capable of seed dispersal but wonderful, stately conifer. It deserves almost certainly is not the original prime recognition and may one day find a home disperser. It was most likely a large ex- in many private gardens and collections. tinct animal, although speculation on such Just don’t try to pet the foliage. matters in the plant world is endless. I would like to thank Carol Denhof, The concern over the Florida tor- former conservation coordinator of the reya’s inability to reclaim its former habi- Atlanta Botanical Garden, for her invalu- tats has given rise to a movement among able help offered in the writing of this ar- conservationists called “assisted migra- ticle. I would also like to thank Ron tion.” The basic idea is to see populations Determann for his support, knowledge, of T. taxifolia moved further north into and enthusiasm for all things conifer and more hospitable climates. It would be en- conservation related. couraged to integrate naturally, thereby securing the tree in the wild again. Tor- Bibliography: reya taxifolia does thrive in areas such as Nicholson, R. et al (1998), “The Ex Situ Asheville, North Carolina and even much Conservation of Stinking Cedar.” Public further north. Indeed, as is the case with Garden Vol. 13, No. 3, 1998: 9-11 many types of plants, the cool night/warm day temperature differential would seem Patrick T. et al (1995), “Protected Plants to be conducive to a healthier tree. The of Georgia.” Georgia Department of Nat- Atlanta Botanical Garden is not a propo- ural Resources. nent of such measures. It is prudent to es- tablish safe-guarded populations in cooler About the author: David Ruland, of the climates within the confines of cultivated Atlanta Botanical Garden, is a member of or human disturbed areas, not in pristine ACS. natural habitats. Therefore these plants can be further evaluated in a botanical garden setting and seed development en- couraged without creating further ecolog- ical disturbance. The Florida torreya is a glacial relic, seemingly stranded in an increasingly hostile niche without any natural means of escape or survival. This tree would cer- tainly be doomed without the intercession of concerned individuals and institutions. Its existence is ensured by their dedica- tion and tireless efforts. Hopefully through education, the general public will

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Publication Dates

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Vol. 24 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 15 CQ_FALL07_FINAL.qxp:CQ 10/16/07 1:46 PM Page 16

A Journey to See Cathaya argyrophylla by William A. McNamara

The following is an excerpt from a story written by William A. McNamara and published in Pacific Horticulture in 2001 titled “Three Conifers South of the Chang” about an expedition to China in 1996 with Mark Flanagan, Keep of the Gardens, Windsor Great Park; Tony Kirkham, Head of the Arboretum of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; and Lord Howick, Director of the Howick Arboretum. Reprinted with permission from Pacific Horticulture (www.pacifichorticulture.org).

wo more long days driving through quickly moved Tony and Mark up a floor Tnever-ending mountains and cross- and simply locked the door to their old ing countless rivers brought us to room. We, of course, stayed in the room Nanchuan in southeastern Sichuan. We next to the flooded one and woke up pe- stopped in Pinzhi for the night on the way riodically during the night wondering if and were given rooms on the third floor the walls would collapse. In the morning of a dirty hotel overlooking the Wujiang a large poisonous snake, found in a room River. While cleaning seed before dinner, on the first floor, further amused us. Two Tony and Mark noticed that their bath- men noisily chased the poor snake with room sink drained on to the floor without broomsticks around the room and even- plumbing and after that, didn’t drain very tually succeeded in bashing its head in as well through a small hole in the wall. Not we watched from the window. We were too concerned and used to plumbing quite happy to move on to Nanchuan. being not quite right in rural China, we Our final goal was to reach the Jinfu casually went off to dinner despite the Shan, the mountainous home of the ex- fact that their faucet didn’t shut off en- traordinary conifer Cathaya argyro- tirely. While we were eating in the hotel’s phylla. This monotypic genus was dining room, a rather large rat, which discovered by Chinese scientists in 1955 appeared to be drunk, bumped into in southeastern Sichuan and has since Charles’ foot and nonchalantly sauntered been found growing in parts of Hunan, away. The filthy floor made its search for Guangxi, and Guizhou. It is in the family scraps easy. Rats and the kitchens and Pinaceae and prefers limestone outcrop- dining rooms of rural hotels in China pings in areas of heavy summer rainfall. have a great working relationship. When It is extremely rare in cultivation. we got back to our rooms, Tony’s and Nanchuan is a small city just north Mark’s had filled up with more than five of the Jinfu Shan range. After a good centimeters (two inches) of water. With- night’s rest in a fairly decent hotel, we ea- out hesitation, the sensible hotel manager gerly headed to the jeeps for the drive up

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into the Jinfu Shan. To our surprise, mist-covered mountains. We stopped at blocking the gate to the hotel were at about 1,700 meters (5,577 feet) elevation least a dozen people arguing with Dr. Yin in an area of dense bamboo. Thick cloud and Prof. Zhong. Apparently several of cover had reduced visibility to about 20 them were determined to keep us from meters (66 feet). We then hiked in a light visiting the Cathaya. There was a repre- rain for about 20 minutes, slightly uphill, sentative from the local police, the local to a large limestone outcrop about 15 me- tourist bureau, the forestry department, ters (49 feet) high and wide. Our Chinese the public security bureau, the Chinese escorts pointed to the top of the outcrop army, the mayor’s office, and who knows and said, “There they are.” Through the what else. Everyone was yelling and mist we could barely make out several throwing their arms up in the air. Finally, conifers growing on the top. As we stood they agreed that we could go see the trees there wondering if they would let us but stated emphatically that we would not climb up to view them closer, we noticed be allowed to touch or photograph them. that someone had already rendered that At this point, the argument was on the nearly impossible. Everywhere that it verge of getting seriously out of control. might have been possible to climb, the Dr. Yin then made a phone call to the limestone outcrop had been altered to governor who told the troublemakers that prevent that possibility. Cracks that we could indeed visit and photograph the might have been footholds had been valuable resource Yinshan, the Chinese filled in with concrete; rough areas that name for Cathaya argyrophylla, because might have served as grips were smashed we were important scientists from Eng- smooth; and in areas of easy accessibility, land and America. barriers of rock and concrete had been in- Two and a half hours later, our jeeps, stalled. Someone was undoubtedly deter- with an escort of six Chinese to keep us mined to keep people away from the under control, were climbing up steep, Cathaya. As we looked around, clearly frustrated and not trying very hard to dis- guise it, the Chinese surprised us all by picking up a small fallen tree and leaning it against the outcrop. They then found another similar log and together with the other, they created a makeshift ladder. Several minutes later, after pushing and pulling each other up onto the top of the outcrop, we were standing in a grove of Cathaya. Our hosts further surprised us by telling us that it was all right to climb the trees and to take an herbarium speci- men. The dozen or so trees averaged about 10 meters (33 feet) in height and superficially resembled short-needled pines. The few cones seen had already

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see Cathaya argyrophylla in the wild. Though very suspect of that statement and rather cold and wet, I was nonethe- less very happy to have seen, pho- tographed, and even climbed a Cathaya. During the long drive back to Nanchuan, we spotted one of the biggest troublemakers from the fiasco at the hotel that morning in a ditch with his jeep. Ap- parently, in an attempt to keep up with us on our way into the mountains, his driver had lost control around one of the many dangerous curves. We smiled as our driv- ers sped by refusing to offer help. Later that night the governor came by our hotel to apologize for any inconvenience that we had experienced during our visit to dropped their seeds. They were growing Nanchuan and the Jinfu Shan. “You are with linderas, cotoneasters, enkianthus, warmly welcome to visit again,” he said, and rhododendrons. After a good half echoing a perennial refrain heard all over hour of climbing, examining, and photo- China. graphing the trees, we slowly made our way back down the outcrop. The rain in- About the author: Bill McNamara is a tensified as we walked back to the road. member of the ACS. He is Executive While getting into the jeeps, our escorts Director of the Quarryhill Botanical Gar- told me that I was the first American to den in Glen Ellen, California (www.Quarryhillbg.org). Quarryhill is committed to the conservation, study, and cultivation of the temperate flora of Asia.

18 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 24 No. 4 CQ_FALL07_FINAL.qxp:CQ 10/16/07 1:46 PM Page 19

A California Conifer Conundrum

by Tim Thibault

alifornia is recognized as one of the been described as separate species only Cworld biodiversity hotspots. That is since 1948. Carl Wolf (1948) sounds al- about where agreement stops on the most apologetic naming Cupressus botany and conservation biology of Cali- abramsiana, stating that “failure to rec- fornia native plants. Various experts list ognize Cupressus Abramsiana as a sepa- around 6000 to over 8000 taxa, or differ- rate species would make it impossible to ent kinds of plants, occurring in the wild retain C. Sargentii as distinct from C. in California (California Native Plant So- Goveniana. Then too, C. pygmaea should ciety 2007, Ertter 2000, Hickman 1993, be reduced to C. Goveniana.” Wolf Tibor 2001). To complicate matters, an (1948) adds that several other species estimate by Barbara Ertter (2000) sug- complexes within the genus would also gests that as much as 5% of our flora is need to be reduced to single species. still undescribed in the scientific litera- Many of the changes that Wolf hesitated ture. Endangered plant estimates vary to make are now realized, including from under 200 (California Department merging C. pygmaea as a subspecies of of Fish and Game 2007) to over 2000 C. goveniana (Hickman, 1993). Fifty- (California Native Plant Society 2007). five years later, John Silba went the other Consensus is just as difficult to direction (International Plant Names achieve when narrowing the focus to Index 2007), splitting C. abramsiana into conifers. At one extreme, the California four subspecies, while at the generic level Native Plant Society (California Native Damon Little (2006) moved all Califor- Plant Society, 2007) lists 19 taxa of nia Cupressus into the genus Callitropsis conifers with conservation concern. The after analysis of three genes and a host of federal government recognizes two taxa, morphological characteristics. It may be one as endangered and one as threatened, while the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Re- sources-the World Conservation Union and the State of California list only one species as endangered (California De- partment of Fish and Game 2007, Inter- national Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources 2006). Of course, the federally listed conifers would be in the taxonomic hail- storm that is the genus Cupressus. Cu- pressus goveniana ssp. goveniana, the Gowen cypress, and Cupressus abram- siana, the Santa Cruz cypress, have only Photo by John McDonald

Vol. 24 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 19 CQ_FALL07_FINAL.qxp:CQ 10/16/07 1:46 PM Page 20

best to stick with common names until it has better fragrance, as a walk past a the scientific community reaches consen- specimen will demonstrate. Sean Hogan sus at least on the genus of these plants! of Cistus Nursery and I once stood like Setting the taxonomic problems wine connoisseurs describing the nu- aside, Gowen cypress and Santa Cruz cy- ances of orange, rose and peppermint as press are very similar, but the two can be we enjoyed the foliage of a stand of Santa distinguished. They have different shapes Cruz cypress in the garden. Santa Cruz and their seeds are readily distinguish- cypress seeds are orangish-tan, larger and able, but it is easiest to tell them apart by more pleated than Gowen cypress. geography. The Gowen cypress and Santa Cruz Gowen cypress comes from Mon- cypress are only two of the nine Califor- terey County at the south end of Mon- nia native cypress taxa listed by CNPS as terey Bay. The main populations are on having conservation concern. Seven of eroded coastal terraces inside the famous the nine are on CNPS list 1B as “Rare or 17-Mile Drive. The S.F.B. Morse Botan- Endangered in California and Else- ical Reserve was founded there to protect where.” Of those seven, conifer hobby- the Gowen cypress. The plants look like ists are certainly familiar with Cupressus pre-bonsai subjects in the wild or the gar- macrocarpa, the Monterey cypress. den. Their growth is rangy with irregu- Monterey cypress is the windswept larly spaced branches. The cones have poster child of every central California some variability in shape as well, from Chamber of Commerce. Curiously, the rounded to oblong. They can be preco- natural range is very restricted within cious as evidenced by a specimen at the Monterey County and the California In- S.F.B. Morse Botanical Reserve, coning vasive Plant Council (2007) lists Mon- at a mere seven inches. Gowen cypress terey cypress as a native invasive for seeds are dark brown and relatively small naturalizing coastal prairie, desert scrub in comparison to Santa Cruz cypress. and riparian habitats outside Monterey Santa Cruz cypress grows north of County! Whether endangered or inva- Monterey Bay in Santa Cruz County with sive, the “macrocarpa”, or large cones, an outlying population in San Mateo displayed along the run of the branch County. Santa Cruz cypress holds the dis- helps distinguish the plant. The foliage is tinction of being the only cypress native variable and generally a rich green, al- to California to be listed as endangered though there are several golden selec- by IUCN- as C. goveniana var. abram- tions. siana. The main populations are cur- Depending on your taxonomic au- rently protected on public lands in the thority of choice, Cupressus arizonica Santa Cruz Mountains. Santa Cruz cy- ssp. nevadensis, the Piute cypress, and press holds its perfect pyramidal form in Cupressus forbesii, the Tecate cypress, the wild as well as in the garden. A few of become one or two more cypresses that the oldest and tallest plants at the Bonny could inspire tourism to California. Both Doon Ecological Reserve are just begin- share a beautiful, cherry-red bark at ma- ning to round at the top, somehow appro- turity. The Piute cypress hails from the priate with an Ice Cream Grade Road rich botanical convergence that is the address. While Santa Cruz cypress seems southern Sierra Nevada Mountains. The shier about coning than Gowen cypress, massive trunks of wild populations of

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Piute cypress at Bodfish are a sight to be- the space of a few hours’ walk. Conifer hold. The bluish foliage of Piute cypress enthusiasts can help their favorite species and more upright habit separate it from by supporting their local public garden or the greener and broader Tecate cypress sponsoring conservation of a species found in the Peninsular Ranges of south- through the Center for Plant Conserva- ern California and northern Baja. tion. The Gowen cypress discussed above and Cupressus goveniana ssp. pigmaea, Sources Cited: the pygmy cypress, appear to be sepa- California Department of Fish and rated primarily by a few hundred miles. Game. 2007. California Natural Diver- The wild populations of pygmy cypress sity Database Rare Find Version 3.1.1. growing in the pygmy forests of the California Department of Fish and coastal terraces of Mendocino County Game, Sacramento, CA. are certainly worth seeking out for any conifer enthusiast. The pygmy forests California Invasive Plant Council. 2007. hold two unique conifers, Pinus contorta California Invasive Plant Inventory ssp. bolanderi, the Bolander pine, as well Database. Available from: as the pygmy cypress. The coastal ter- http://www.cal- races where they grow have thin, highly ipc.org/ip/inventory/weedlist.php acidic soils and the pygmy forests at Van [Cited 13 August 2007] Damme State Park feature stunted plants struggling to perhaps eight feet tall over a California Native Plant Society. 2007. century or more. Interpretive signage at CNPS On-Line Inventory – 7th edition. the park mentions that a ring count on a Available from: quarter-inch caliper tree found it to be an http://cnps.web.aplus.net/cgi-bin/inv/in- octogenerian. In the garden, pygmy cy- ventory.cgi. press grows much larger than it does in [Cited 2 August 2007]. the wild, with a 13-year-old specimen at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden al- Ertter, Barbara. 2000. Floristic surprises ready overtopping its wild grandparents. in North America north of Mexico. An- Elsewhere in the garden, a Gowen cy- nals of the Missouri Botanic Garden press and pygmy cypress planted close to 87(1): 81-109. each other within two years are almost exactly the same size. Hickman, James C. ed. 1993. The Jep- While there is no substitute for ap- son Manual: Higher Plants of California. preciating conifer species in the wild, that University of California Press, Berkeley, is not always practical or possible. Ran- CA. cho Santa Ana Botanic Garden and the International Plant Names Index. Ac- other members of the Center for Plant cessed from: Conservation network seek to conserve http://www.ipni.org. wild populations of endangered plants, [Cited 28 August 2007] whatever names taxonomists may apply to them at the moment, and provide an International Union for the Conservation opportunity for plant lovers to see a mul- of Nature and Natural Resources. 2006. titude of geographically scattered taxa in IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Vol. 24 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 21 CQ_FALL07_FINAL.qxp:CQ 10/16/07 1:46 PM Page 22

Database. Available from: http://www.iucnredlist.org/search/search American Conifer Society -basic Announces [Cited 2 August 2007] International Trip In 2008

Little, Damon P. 2006. Evolution and Next summer the ACS will offer circumscription of the true cypresses an International Trip to Poland,Czech (Cupressaceae: Cupressus). Systematic Republic and Hungary. This trip was Botany 31(3): 461-480. originally slated for the United King- dom but based on feedback from a Tibor, David P. ed. 2001. California number of members,the Board of Di- Native Plant Society’s Inventory of Rare rectors voted to change it. and Endangered Plants of California. For the past month, we’ve been 6th edition. California Native Plant So- working with representatives in the ciety, Sacramento, CA. aforementioned countries and are close to completing an itinerary that Wolf, Carl B. 1948. Taxonomic and dis- promises to offer something unique. tributional studies of the new world cy- As of this writing, it appears that this presses. Aliso 1:1-250. will be scheduled for middle August 2008. We are looking at between 12 to 14 days in duration. Tim Thibault is Cura- About the author: In a perfect world, planning for tor of the Living Collection at Rancho this would have commenced at least Santa Ana Botanic Garden. He is a proud 12 months ago as there is much in graduate of Washington State University and a member of the ACS. He grew up in the way of logistics that has to be eastern Washington, developing his love sorted through. On the plus side, we of conifer species as a child in the forests have a number of well-connected of his home state. representatives in each country and all are enthusiastic.We will be well re- ceived and the gardens appear to be spectacular.This trip promises a good mix of eastern European culture,hos- pitality, and great gardening experi- ences. I apologize at the paucity of details at this time.You will receive a detailed account, either in the next CQ or in a special mail-out. Since there will be no post tour after our National meeting, this trip will not compete.

Tom Cox

22 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 24 No. 4 CQ_FALL07_FINAL.qxp:CQ 10/16/07 1:46 PM Page 23

Don’t miss your Conifer Quarterly! Contact the Society with your new address.

41370 SE Thomas Road • Sandy, OR 97055 John Martin 503.668.5834 phone/fax EMAIL: [email protected] American Conifer Society www.porterhowse.com 175 Charisma Lane Lewisville, NC 27023-9611

THE ENHANCEMENT OF NATURE’S DEFINITIVE SPACES WOLF-RUN NURSERY 8938 Newburg Road LANDSCAPES •RARE AND UNUSUAL PLANTS Rockford, IL 61108 •EXOTIC CONIFERS Karen & Mark Priebe Phone: (815) 332-5610 610-779-5717 Fax: (815) 332-7495 Toll Free 877-779-5715 29 Klappenthal Road Fax 610-779-0555 Reading, PA 19606 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] wolfrunnursery.com

The purposes of the American Conifer Society are the development, conservation, and propagation of conifers, with an emphasis on those that are dwarf or unusual; standardization of nomenclature; and education of the public.

Vol. 24 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 23 CQ_FALL07_FINAL.qxp:CQ 10/16/07 1:46 PM Page 24

Collectors Conifer of the Year

he Collectors Conifer of the Year committee is delighted to announce this Tyear’s two winning selections for the Collectors Conifer of the Year, dwarf and full-size selections!

Enclosed with your Conifer Quarterly is your Collectors Conifer of the Year information and ordering packet. Please indulge yourself by welcoming these exquisite new plants into your garden, and at the same time, assist the Society in fulfilling its worthy mission!

The Birth of ‘The Blues’ take 50 scions of each plant to make 100 Of all the plants Larry Stanley of Boring, grafts the first year and make my money Oregon, has introduced over his long ca- back at $5.00 a piece. Don Howse was reer, perhaps none is so closely associ- vice president of the nursery back then ated with this enthusiastic plantsman than and facilitated my purchase. this year’s full-size selection for the Col- Of these first original 100 plants, 7 of lectors Conifer of the Year, Picea pun- them were quite different. We grew the gens ‘The Blues’. We’ll let Larry tell the plants on instead of selling them until story: they got to 3–gallon size. At that time, While delivering plants from one of my wife had been visiting nurseries with my first crops as a nurseryman to Iseli me and had noted how nurserymen Nursery, I saw two Picea pungens named plants after their mothers or ‘Glauca Pendula’ in 15-inch cedar boxes wives. So instead of a lot of grief,I on either side of the office door. The named the plant ‘Marlene’s Weeper’. plants were 4-5 feet high. We think the plant was a sport of one After staring at them for awhile, and limb. In fact, the original plant is 15 feet with Jean (pronounced John) Iseli within tall with a very cascading side. We have earshot, I said “Are those two plants for never taken wood from that plant since sale?” the first scion. Most ‘Glauca pendula’ grow upright with large shoulders and the He looked back at me with a twinkle in needles radiate around the stem with nee- his eye and said, “Yes.” dles all even in length. This new cultivar I said, “How much?” will not grow erect without staking. The Jean grinned and said, “$250.00 plant wants to go horizontally and apiece.” mounding. The needles are smaller on the stem as it reaches the end of the stem. Being the cocky little rooster (not This will be found on every plant of ‘The Larry’s original wording) I was back Blues’. Five of the original plants are still then, and only making $3.50 an hour, I in our sight, one being in the Oregon Gar- said I would take them. My plan was to

24 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 24 No. 4 CQ_FALL07_FINAL.qxp:CQ 10/16/07 1:46 PM Page 25

den. At the nursery, we have 100 planted emerge at its branch tips in early spring. in a row, with the plant reaching 5-6 ft. The effect is so startling that people have Now to the important part: How did been known to burst out laughing when the plant change its name? I was in they see a good sized specimen in “full Chicago with my wife (Marlene), Jan bloom” looking very much like a Christ- Groodendorst (third generation Dutch mas tree! In 1975, a man by the name nurseryman), and Cindy Peace. We had Pusch (sorry, we don’t know more about gone out for the night to see some Jazz him) of Werder in the German Demo- and Blues (and just get ripped) after our cratic Republic found a witches’ broom day at the Mid-Am Show. Well, as usual, growing on an ‘Acrocona’ that we are the two nurserymen didn’t listen to the now pleased to offer as this year’s dwarf music but instead talked business all selection for the Collectors Conifer of the night. Jan said I needed a better name to Year. Picea abies ‘Pusch’ is a charming market my new tree. He gave me exam- miniature of ‘Acrocona’ that grows only ples of material that had been just intro- an inch or two a year with an estimated duced in Holland. Later at home, and size at 10 years of only 11 inches high by with the full consent of Marlene, the 16 inches wide, growing in an irregular, plant finally got its name ‘The Blues’. flattened shape. Picea abies is a durable workhorse in the landscape trade, and ‘Pusch’ should perform well in all parts of the U. S. where this species is cur- rently employed. It is hardy to Zone 3, will perform well in full sun to partial shade, and likes slightly acid soils. This is a perfect accompaniment to the rockery, trough garden, or just about anywhere this florid little ‘tough guy’ can strut his stuff!

‘The Blues’, like all Picea pungens vari- eties, is widely adaptable, requires full sun, and is hardy to Zone 2.

Picea abies ‘Pusch’ Have you ever heard of the “flowering spruce”? Picea abies ‘Acrocona’ has often been called this because of the pro- fusion of bright magenta-red cones that

Vol. 24 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 25 CQ_FALL07_FINAL.qxp:CQ 10/16/07 1:46 PM Page 26

History of the American Conifer Society – Part One by Jim Morris

Early this year I was writing an article for our county history journal and the story required researching how a Calocedrus decurrens would have arrived in Georgia in the 1830’s. Seeking information from the American Conifer Society introduced me to your President, Tom Cox, and the lovely Evelyn Cox, editor of this publication. During that interaction I wandered too near, was sucked into the boundless energy vortex surrounding them, and ended up being recruited as your ACS historian. “No pressure, but, by the way, this year is the twenty-fifth anniversary of the ACS and you need to tell the membership what we are celebrating!” Protesting that I literally do not know a Tsuga from a Pinus seemed meaningless to them – I had some re- search skills, time to spare, and a willingness to listen to others. Since then I have dived into the minutes and other records of the ACS Board of Directors, read a good many of the American Conifer Society Bulletins, the predecessor of the Conifer Quarterly you are reading, and have begun interviewing folks who have far more information about ACS than I. Between now and the 2008 ACS Annual Meet- ing, I hope to write an article for each issue of the Conifer Quarterly with the ob- jective of telling you some stories about how the Society got started and what it has accomplished over this quarter-century. Though today’s story is about the founders’ efforts to start the organization, I hope not to tell a linear story in the future edi- tions. Subsequent articles will highlight some issues on which the Society has made a difference in the conifer community, and may highlight a few of the people who propelled us to succeed. If I mess up, or if you have an angle I should know about for the next article, call or email me – I’m in the ACS Membership Directory.

n October 1982, a group of enthusiasts committee, chaired by Joel Spingarn, Igathered at the home of Joel Spingarn who was assisted by Ed Rezek, Joe Reis on Long Island and determined to start a and Layne Ziegenfuss. dwarf conifer society. They divided into The groundwork was completed in two committees. One was chaired by December and the first meeting took Robert Fincham and was tasked to draft place January 20, 1983, again at Spin- the society’s name, purpose and bylaws. garn’s home. At that meeting the Board He was assisted by Ted Lockwood, of Directors was appointed and included Harold Epstein, Layne Ziegenfuss, Ed Rezek, James Cross, Peter Deltredici, Michael Collins, Michael Kristick, Ridge Jean Iseli, Richard Bush, Robert Fin- Goodwin, and William and Maxine cham, Ted Lockwood, Susan Frost Mar- Schwarz. The second was the advisory tin, and Joel Spingarn.

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The first president elected was president, Robert Fincham. No George Robert L. Fincham. Tom Dilatush was Washington, he was the first, second, vice president (East) and Richard Bush third and fourth President! He was will- was vice president (West). Jean Iseli was ing to do the work and his companions secretary and William Schwarz was respected his ability to get the work done. treasurer. During his tenure, the Society grew from American Conifer Society was ac- 200 members to 673. He was also the cepted as the name of the organization first editor of the Bulletin. Being a good and its purposes were stated as, “. . . the leader, he knew how to delegate. The sec- development, conservation, and propaga- ond editor was his wife, Diane. Even tion of conifers, with an emphasis on though he eventually turned over the those that are dwarf or unusual, standard- presidency to another, his devotion to ization of nomenclature, and education of ACS continued. It is notable that during the public.” the ACS 2007 Annual Meeting in Seattle, The four paragraphs immediately he and Diane hosted members to a tour of above are adapted from the first article in their Coenesium Gardens. Vol. 1, No. 1 of the American Conifer So- Jean (pronounced John) Iseli was on ciety Bulletin, an article written by that first Board of Directors and you will Robert Fincham, the new president. And recognize the name from the annual ACS that is how we got started on the path to Jean Iseli Memorial Award. The award is where we are today. granted to an applicant who best sup- You can see that the interests of the ports, “the development, conservation group broadened to all conifers from the and propagation of conifers,” essentially, initial dwarf conifer society objective. the mission of this Society. The award There had been false starts in organizing was established shortly after the death of similar groups in the past, undoubtedly Jean in 1986. Jean’s brother, Andre, filled inspired by the success of the 1931 his vacant position on the Board and Conifer Conference sponsored by the eventually served in many other capaci- Royal Horticultural Society of England. ties, including ACS President. The initial Subsequently, Col. Montgomery of Con- annual award was $500 and came from a necticut was only able to attract 40 po- fund that totaled only $9,120 in 1991 tential members of a proposed society when the Board allowed Andre to take and withdrew. In 1939 three men at- control of investment of the fund under tempted to start a hemlock society but the condition that he would personally nothing came of the effort. Why did ACS guarantee the $9,120 corpus of the fund. succeed? The annual award is now $3,000 and is a One reason for our success may be testament to Andre’s commitment to the dogged determination of some of the ACS and to his brother’s memory. founders. That, coupled with their will- Also on the original Board was ingness to assume personal responsibility Susan Frost Martin. The issue of Conifer for tasks necessary to get this fledgling Quarterly you are holding lists her as organization up and running, made the Technical Editor. She chaired the first an- difference. An example may be the first nual meeting of ACS, eventually co-ed-

Vol. 24 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 27 CQ_FALL07_FINAL.qxp:CQ 10/16/07 1:46 PM Page 28

ited the Bulletin, chaired the Jean Iseli annual and regional meetings, those who Award Committee, and served in innu- teach and those who learn all things merable other capacities for these 25 conifer, those who plant and transplant years. Her husband has supported ACS and develop and conserve and propagate, just as long, and now runs the national of- and even by those who kick back and rel- fice. ish reading the latest Conifer Quarterly This article cannot be exhaustive in their high-rise condo without a foot of about those who drove ACS to succeed dirt to plant in. We have become the and I hope not to offend those whom I conifer big tent – there is room for all. have not focused on. My thesis is that this But we should pay particular reverence organization was built on the hard work for those founding members who started and dedication of a few who love it all in 1983 and followed through in conifers and devoted untold time and ef- their various capacities. More about that fort to preaching them to the rest of us. next time when we concentrate on the ACS is also nurtured by those loyal publication you are holding and how it members who participate by attending has developed over the years.

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28 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 24 No. 4 CQ_FALL07_FINAL.qxp:CQ 10/16/07 1:46 PM Page 29

Paul Halladin Receives the ACS Annual Award of Merit for Development in the Field of Conifers

he criteria for the Award of Merit for Development in the Field of Conifers Tincludes the collecting and displaying of conifers, willingness to share knowledge of plants, and enthusiasm and drive to discover and develop noteworthy cultivars. Also taken into consideration are published articles, books or texts as well as new or improved propagation techniques and designs for the use of conifers. This prestigious award is determined by the votes of previous award winners, making it the ultimate honor of being recognized by one’s peers. Paul has spent his entire post-graduate career as the chief propagator at Iseli Nursery Inc., in Boring, Oregon. He graduated from Oregon State University in 1979, and was hired by Jean Iseli at Iseli Nursery, Inc. in 1980. Paul is very knowledgeable in the field of conifers, and has gladly shared his knowledge and skill with other conifer enthusiasts. He is very attentive to detail, and has achieved a skill in propagation of conifers that is worthy of recognition. His ability to propagate conifers from rooted cuttings is especially noteworthy. With his attention to detail, he has exhibited strong propagation ethics, being careful to replicate plants that have been proved worthy, and maintaining high standards. He has developed good relationships with collectors all over the world, especially in Europe. Through his contacts, he has acquired rare and unusual conifers, many of which have then been released commercially. Many of Paul’s introductions have been offered at the auction tables at the ACS National and Regional meetings. Paul served faithfully on the Board of Directors of the American Conifer Society, and recently has been a principal participant in the ACS Collectors Conifer of the Year program.

Vol. 24 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 29 CQ_FALL07_FINAL.qxp:CQ 10/16/07 1:46 PM Page 30

Maud Henne Receives the Marvin and Emelie Snyder Award of Merit for Dedicated Support of the American Conifer Society

The Marvin and Emelie Snyder Award of dent of the region, the membership in- Merit for Dedicated Support of the Amer- creased by 42%, or 78 members. Maud ican Conifer Society recognizes those co-chaired the successful 2006 National who have made outstanding contribu- Meeting in Knoxville, Tennessee. Maud tions to the ACS through their service, has contributed articles to the Conifer enthusiasm, commitment and promotion Quarterly, and has produced annual of membership in the Society. Also, this calendars exhibiting her digital photogra- award acknowledges those who have phy skills. been deeply involved in the activities of the ACS organizationally or otherwise.

aud Henne became an active mem- Mber of the ACS in 1985, following her husband’s death, taking over his in- volvement and interest in gardening and especially in conifers. She immediately became involved with the Society and in 1995; she offered her assistance to Charlene Harris, who was then both American Conifer Society Bulletin editor and manager of the ACS national office. Maud soon took over the responsibilities of running the national office from 1996 to 2000. Maud organized the 2000 tour of Holland and Germany, a memorable excursion for those who participated. She also assisted with the planning of the national meetings, chairing the meeting in Maryland in 1998. She was instrumen- tal in establishing the Southeastern Re- gion, and has held several key offices of the Southeastern Region, including the presidency. During her tenure as presi-

30 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 24 No. 4 CQ_FALL07_FINAL.qxp:CQ 10/16/07 1:46 PM Page 31

In Search of Abies nebrodensis by Daniel Luscombe

ne of the world’s most threatened picked us up the first morning and drove Oconifer species, Abies nebrodensis, us up to the Madonie Mountains where is found only in one place on earth, the we met up with Rosario Schicchi, who is valley of Madonna degli Angeli in Italy. in charge of looking after the national Only 29 remaining specimens of the park. Fortunately for Gianni, there was a original forest remain, all of which are re- four-wheel-drive truck to take us up the stricted to a small area on Mt. Scalone in track to the top of the mountain where we the Madonie Mountains in north-central could drop down into the valley of Sicily. The species is currently listed by Madonna degli Angeli - the one place on the International Union for the Conserva- earth Abies nebrodensis can be found. tion of Nature and Natural Resources The lower slopes are planted with non- (IUCN) as Critically Endangered. native trees for forestry purposes. We With the exception of a group of 15 saw pines and cedars, although it seemed documented trees recently planted at strange for a national park to have intro- Dawyck Botanic Garden, United King- duced non-native species. dom, there are very few well-docu- Research has shown that the natural mented trees cultivated in Britain and range of Abies nebrodensis was once Ireland, and clearly there is a need to much wider across the Madonie Moun- broaden the genetic base of trees in culti- tains, but by 1900, it was thought to be vation. extinct. This near-extinction was brought In 2005, along with Sabina Knees about by extensive felling for building from the Royal Botanic Gardens and and firewood. The tree was rediscovered Stephen Dury from Reading University, in 1957, growing in a garden in Polizzi, we set out to find it. We were excited Italy, a small town nearby. Further explo- about our mission to collect leaf samples ration in the mountains eventually for DNA extraction towards a phyloge- brought the numbers up to thirty mature netic study of Abies around the Mediter- trees and thirty juveniles. Fortunately for ranean Basin and to collect seedlings the Abies, the local foresters realized the from a nursery near Piano Zucchi for dis- importance of this tree and gathered seed tribution throughout the United Kingdom every coning year (only ten of the trees using the ICCP network of “Safe Sites.” produce seed) since 1978. These are We were also excited to visit Sicily, grown in a local nursery for ex situ plant- which has rich flora for an island of rela- ing. Many of these plants (more than tively small size. So far, 2,650 taxa have 100,000) have been planted in selected been recorded, with approximately 10 sites across the Madonie Mountain range, percent of these being endemic. both in the national park and in summer Gianniantonio (Gianni) Domina houses in the area. It has not been a great from Palermo Botanic Garden, Italy, success. High summer temperatures, lack

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of water, and harsh soil conditions make nually. Around the valley, we could see it very difficult for young plants to estab- the barriers that had been put up to help lish. A project by the EU LIFE fund is control erosion. The numbers of visitors providing help by paying for compost for are carefully monitored, and visits are by planting and watering during the summer appointment only! months. In addition to grazing, another prob- After an exhilarating ride up the lem with the establishment of seedlings is mountain in the back of the truck, we that they seem to need a lot of shade passed through a grove of stunted Quer- when they are young. There is no shade cus petraea where we stopped and around the lone specimens on the top of looked out over the valley. From this van- the mountain. We saw very few seedlings tage point, we could see the whole habi- here, but on the trees growing lower tat. The ground is covered in white rocks down, as part of woodland, there were with small stands of trees. Lone speci- many more (relatively speaking). mens of Abies nebrodensis stick up like Sabina made collections of a small green witches’ hats. Rosario pointed to number of needles for DNA sampling the trees and said, “that is tree number 7, from all of the trees we passed. As we number 8, …” as though they were his walked down the valley, we could see children. The main tree species in this that the trees (mainly Fagus) had been area are Fagus sylvatica, Quercus pe- coppiced extensively in the past. Rosario traea, Crataegus sp. Sorbus graeca, Ilex explained that this coppicing was for the aquifolium, and carpets of Juniperus production of charcoal and had since communis var. hemisphaerica. Growing been stopped. Farther on, we passed the out of cracks between the rocks was Cy- biggest, and probably oldest, wild Abies clamen hederfolium (possibly var. con- nebrodensis, estimated to be around 130 fusum) with beautiful purple flowers. At years old. Stephen had been to this area higher levels, the Abies nebrodensis grow before and showed us a couple of shrubs in the open. Lower down, there are a few of Cotoneaster nebrodensis, another rare trees growing together in woodland. We endemic plant. Before we knew it, we stopped at one of the higher trees, and had arrived at our pick up point, which Rosario explained what they were doing marked the end of our visit. Looking to conserve the few remaining wild trees. back up the valley, you could still see the Each tree is individually fenced off to unmistakable shapes of the Abies nebro- stop damage from grazing animals. Even densis and wonder at how rare it actually though grazing has been greatly reduced is. in the area, we could still hear the bells Our next visit of the day was to the from some goats. Stonewalls have re- nursery where they raise all of the cently been built around the lower side of seedlings for ex situ plantings. The the trees to prevent erosion from around seedlings are sown in prepared beds out- the roots, and the location of all the trees side (in shade) and then transferred to is recorded on GPS. An extensive survey pots in the second year. We are not sure has been made to find all of the seedlings, what is done with them after this time be- and these are recorded and measured an- cause there were only plants of this size

32 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 24 No. 4 CQ_FALL07_FINAL.qxp:CQ 10/16/07 1:47 PM Page 33

on the nursery. All of the plants are la- nately for us, no one could seem to find beled according to which parent plant it, so we could only view it over a wall. they came from. Our hosts were kind Sadly, this tree is not in very good condi- enough to give us seedlings from trees tion and appeared as though it might be 11, 21, 22, and a ten-year-old plant that coming to the end of its natural life. It had lost its label. The ten-year-old plant would be good to get some material off was only about 10 cm high; this rate of this tree for grafting and using DNA to growth is unusually slow for Abies. see if it is genetically different to the trees When we removed the plant from its pot, in the mountains. we found out why - almost the entire Gianni drove us back to Palermo, stem was buried by compost. and after a quick shower, we went out to The final visit of the day was to see dinner with Professor Raimondo, one of the old tree in Polizzi. This is quite a fa- the best and most admired botanists in mous tree and had so many visitors over Italy. It was a great way to end a fabulous the years that the key to get in the garden day. is kept in the local patisserie. Unfortu-

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Vol. 24 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 33 CQ_FALL07_FINAL.qxp:CQ 10/16/07 1:47 PM Page 34

Happy Times in Seattle Text by Evelyn Cox Photos by Jim Kelley

he 2007 National Meeting in Seattle The Northwest Region published a Twas a blast from start to finish. The good list of public and private gardens, DoubleTree Hotel was well suited for our nurseries, and parks in the Seattle area. activities with meeting rooms conve- Many members arrived prior to the meet- niently clustered near entrance doors, the ing start date or stayed after the event was main elevator, and the front desk. This al- over to take advantage of the bountiful lowed many opportunities to see old list. By Thursday, the first night of the friends and meet new ones as we crossed meeting, many of us were so tired from paths on the way to various activities. our pre-conference garden treks, we were Many people took advantage of the ready for a good night’s rest. By morn- nearby conifer eye-candy store to table- ing, though, we were eager to see more shop in advance of the auction. gardens.

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Early on Friday and Saturday, we di- burst design, we stopped to enjoy an ex- vided up into groups and headed out on tensive water venue with black pools and buses to various garden venues and de- waterfalls that Don implemented. The lightful lunches. The large number of at- garden is so well-known for its beautiful tendees necessitated that day one gardens rocks and stones that people donate spe- for some groups would be visited on day cial rocks they have or know about to the two by the remaining groups and vice garden. When the time came to move on versa. This made for leisurely, un- to the next garden, intrepid cone heads crowded wandering in each of the garden had to be rounded up to keep us, I mean venues. them, from having to walk or taxi back to Our group started with Kubota Gar- the DoubleTree. dens, where we were greeted by Don At South Seattle Community Col- Brooks who put the personal touch on the lege (SSCC), we were welcomed by Van evolution of this wonderful, interesting Bobbitt, horticulture instructor and ar- garden. He explained that Kubota Gar- boretum coordinator. This garden con- dens combines the Seattle style of gar- tains a unique collection of conifers, dening (blending east and west) with donated by Bob and Diane Fincham of flamboyant colors. After passing through Coenosium Gardens, as well as other rare a huge gate of a conventionalized sun- and unique conifers in a five-acre arbore-

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tum/classroom. Stone walls, paths, and over-rock. Nearby, Joe Harris from Iseli other elements were built by landscape Nursery had set up a working exhibit to construction students attending SSCC. show us how to prune bonsai. We ended After our morning tour, we were treated our tour with a stroll through the 10,000 to a gourmet brown bag lunch, prepared beautiful rhododendrons in the botanical by students in the chef-in-training pro- gardens, which also hold some fine gram at the school. conifer specimens. At Pack Forest, we were transported Bob Fincham welcomed us to his back to the summers of childhood as we and Diane’s jewel of a nursery in the lunched inside a log cabin, seated at long, foothills of the Cascades – Coenosium shellacked wooden tables with attached Gardens. Bob hand-picked this site to re- benches. Excellent food was served cafe- locate his extensive conifer collection teria style, and there was lots of it, in- from the east to the west. In addition to cluding hearty homemade soup and having slopes and wetlands, it had a flat heavenly gooey apple cake. The walls of spot for a home. the cabin were covered with pictures of We entered the garden and walked forestry history at this camp that had along a terrace bordered by mixed been used by the CCC, later by students conifers, and then dropped down into the at the University of Washington, and now main garden. Walking past many, many as a conference center. Our guide told us conifer cultivars, we gradually walked some of the history of Pack Forest, in- back up the slope, ending up at a fire pit cluding that reforestation techniques over which we roasted and enjoyed were practiced there as early as the marshmallows and ate homemade good- 1930s. We then were taken by bus for a ies. Bob said his philosophy is to plant guided walk through an old-growth for- conifers and, when they get too big, est. chainsaw them. Oh, I almost forgot step two - propagate them before sawing! All these beautiful and educational venues were surrounded by a backdrop of splendid conifer forests as we traveled from place to place. Snow-capped Mount Rainier, continually flirting with us along the way by appearing, disappearing, and sometimes just seeming to float in the distance, was the icing on the cake. The daytime excitement was capped off at night by good food and speakers, silent and live auctions, and on our last evening, a relaxing, romantic dinner At Weyerhaeuser’s Pacific Rim cruise around Seattle’s famous harbor. Bonsai Collection, we saw outstanding The weather was perfectly matched to bonsai specimens, some in styles I had this evening. We were all wowed as the never heard of, like Pingjing and rock- setting sun gave way to the rising moon,

36 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 24 No. 4 CQ_FALL07_FINAL.qxp:CQ 10/16/07 1:47 PM Page 37

and the glowing orange reflection from showed us splendid Pacific Northwest glass-covered buildings faded into mil- hospitality and flora. lions of tiny lights. It was the perfect end- If you missed this excellent opportu- ing to a fabulous meeting. nity, other opportunities await you in Thank you Kathleen Pottratz, Brian Dubuque, Iowa. Mark your calendars for Jacob, and all those volunteers who June 26–29, 2008.

Vol. 24 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 37 CQ_FALL07_FINAL.qxp:CQ 10/16/07 1:47 PM Page 38

Gardening with Conifers

Watch Out for that Tree! barely visible from a distance. They then by Bruce Appeldoorn began to turn their attention to the land- Photos by Patti Claridge scape. Conifers did not seriously enter the picture until about 2001, when exper- each Knob is an extremely idyllic set- imentation began in earnest. Today, the Pting for a garden estate. Perched at collection and grounds contain more than the top of the ridge overlooking north 200 different cultivars, representing most Asheville, North Carolina, and the Blue of the non-tropical coniferous genera Ridge Parkway, the bountiful land fea- available, all strategically sited to take tures a natural wealth of Appalachian advantage of the many microclimates on wildflowers, mountain laurel, and native the property. Tastefully integrated with plants. Decorative rocks adorn the hundreds of perennials, wildflowers, and grounds as if to beckon one to use them blooming shrubs and trees, the gardens creatively in the landscape. Indeed, that are impressive at any season of the year. is what ACS members Patti Claridge and From the mountaintop, the views are Stan Willett have done over the last 15 splendid and panoramic. years. The property has become a unique But, last year the North Carolina testimonial to what can be accomplished State Highway Patrol decided it was time when countless hours of love and devo- to replace the aging nearby fifty-foot tall tion are lavished upon a site. The gardens communications tower with a new one are also a statement on why we all need a that would be three times that height. tractor or two! Stan swears by them. While the old tower was hidden from The climate is very challenging. At view by the mountain’s existing foliage ridge-top, howling winds, temperatures canopy, the new structure was blatantly that can dip to -20 degrees or exceed 95 obvious with an in-your-face appearance degrees, occasional heavy snow or ice, when entering or leaving the home via and this year’s cataclysmic Easter freeze the winding driveway. Its presence was all help to keep life “interesting.” It is this ominous and oppressive, a burdensome rigorous climate that stringently dictates stamp of unwelcome technology upon a what can and cannot be successfully setting of otherwise pristine beauty. So, grown there. what’s a gardener to do? Patti and Stan approached me with this problem right after the construction So,what’s a gardener to do? of the tower was completed. Deciduous Using largely their own labor, Stan trees would not help in the wintertime and Patti cleared a home site and have when the structure was most noticeable. constructed a beautiful modern home that It would be up to the conifers. A hedge or so neatly slips into the mountain as to be screen was also not the answer, for the site would not allow its successful place-

38 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 24 No. 4 CQ_FALL07_FINAL.qxp:CQ 10/16/07 1:47 PM Page 39

ment between the home and tower. This moved onto the highway, down the would be a job for one large, majestic, mountain, and then up the mountain and powerful tree strategically placed again toward Asheville. Such a strange right in the middle of the existing drive- load turned the heads of many passers- way. This would need to be one plant that by. would be big enough to obscure the view The weight of the spruce was about of the tower, one that would survive the 17,000 pounds - not a plant to be installed rigors of the mountain, and one that by a shovel or two. Indeed, after relocat- would save the day. ing the driveway and removing the old There were not many practical alter- blacktop at the installation site, Stan him- natives. Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) was a self prepared the hole using two back- candidate, but this species is experienc- hoes working at cross angles to each ing climatic drainage and insect prob- other, so that rocks could be loosened by lems at below 3,000 feet in elevation, and one hoe and removed with the other. The the site was at about 4,000 feet, so we re- final excavation measured about 9 feet by garded this choice as marginal. The 9 feet and was 6 feet deep. When stand- heights available were also insufficient; ing in the bottom of the hole, I was al- we needed at least 35 feet. Juniperus vir- most invisible to bystanders. Guy wires giniana was a possibility, definitely were set in place to stabilize the tree from tough enough for the site, but it grew high winds: We were ready. slowly and also was not available at a sufficient height. But large specimens of Picea abies (Norway spruce) were “lo- cally” available, and we were able to lo- cate a nurseryman in Newland, North Carolina, that could provide a tree, dug to order, in the spring. We visited Sugar Mountain Nursery in early March, and after viewing more than 20 serious candidates on several dif- ferent sites, a beautiful tree 42 feet in height was selected for digging. But the project was beset by a series of delays, and the tree was not dug until just before bud break in May. The tree was mechan- ically dug by a specialized large tree dig- ger and transported the 90 miles from Newland by the same truck. The top of the tree was strapped forward over the With the new tower looming in the back- ground, owner Stan Willett prepares the cab of the truck, and with the 90-inch-di- site by digging a very large planting pit ameter root ball, the height of the beast right in the middle of his own driveway. was a mere 48 feet - the size of a semi- The blacktop was subsequently removed trailer. Tarped and ready to go, the spruce and the driveway rerouted.

Vol. 24 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 39 CQ_FALL07_FINAL.qxp:CQ 10/16/07 1:47 PM Page 40

But where was the tree? The highly specialized truck and digger experienced a mechanical breakdown in transit. A gas line had ruptured on the trip uphill. The tree inched up the mountain and found a resting site at the Asheville Mall, of all places, where it was unloaded, watered and cared for. After many attempts at re- pair, the injured transplanting truck was finally ready. It was almost seven, very warm, days later when the tree finally crawled up the last 1,800 feet in elevation above Asheville, snaked around the much-feared 180-degree hairpin turn, The truck’s massive hydraulic cylinders raise and arrived at Peach Knob. While a few the tree above the hole.A second set of cylinders will lower the spruce into the lower branches had been broken, the tree planting pit.The tree weighs 17,000 pounds! was in surprisingly good health. affixed 30 feet up in a neighboring tree so that water would reach the leader. The spruce was liquid-fertilized and treated with Bioplex, a solution made of sea- weed extracts, to help alleviate transplant shock.

The Norway spruce arrives and is backed up to the planting site after being untarped. Just how did that driver see for 90 miles, anyway? It’s OK—only half the trip was on interstates.

Unlike the transit difficulties, plant- ing and guying went rather quickly. But an ongoing two-month-long local drought meant that watering by soaker A worker begins to backfill the hole after hoses and buckets was mandatory and the tree spade’s huge blades have been demanded much time and labor. Irriga- retracted,leaving the rootball properly tion to the foliage was even more essen- seated in the hole.The machine’s yellow tial, and a hose with spray nozzle was heavy metal frame stabilizes the tree during installation.

40 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 24 No. 4 CQ_FALL07_FINAL.qxp:CQ 10/16/07 1:47 PM Page 41

cuses on residential design and installa- tion in western North Carolina. Bruce served as ACS Southeastern Regional President from 1999–2001.

The installation crew completes the crown- ing and berming of the rootball.The tree will now be guyed into place with heavy wire cables,then mulched,watered and fertilized.Viola! As one can see from the pictures, the spruce is magnificent in this spot. The size of the existing neighboring trees keeps everything in proper scale, and the new addition does not stand out or domi- nate the site as one might expect. We gardeners can get very excited about our new additions of one-gallon- sized, rare conifers. But this was one in- The American Conifer Society stance where only a large species-type will offer a $1,000 Scholarship conifer would fit all the criteria of site, for 2008. Eligibility requirements budget, and intention. Stan and Patti are and applications may be down- thrilled with the result. We all hope the loaded from the TOPICS section of the ACS website or from: tree will be very happy at Peach Knob for many years to come. ACS Scholarship Committee Gerald P. Kral About the author: ACS member Bruce 900 Winton Road N Appeldoorn has operated Appeldoorn Rochester, NY 14609 Landscape Nursery since 1975. The nurs- More then one Scholarship may ery specializes in production of unusual be awarded. landscape and garden conifers and fo-

Vol. 24 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 41 CQ_FALL07_FINAL.qxp:CQ 10/16/07 1:47 PM Page 42

Letters To The Editor

To: American Conifer Society Re: Could this be the world’s biggest Dwarf Alberta Spruce? During the 1960’s and 70’s, masses of conifers, together with other winter- green species such as Prunus lauracera- sus, Pyracantha coccinea and Berberis verruculosa, were planted in Swedish parks and gardens. The ambition at that time was to create constant green gardens that shouldn’t need any maintenance. Today, we know much better. Many times, these plants were sold as small, slow growing specimens and were rec- ommended for the small garden or beside the gravestone at the cemetery. Today, you can see many examples of huge plants, planted in places where they have grown too big for the space. But I think that none can compare to the enormous specimen of dwarf Alberta spruce (Picea glauca ‘Conica’) growing in Karl-Evert Flinck´s private arboretum in Bjuv in the south of Sweden.* Fifty years ago, a small plant of dwarf Alberta spruce was planted in Karl-Evert’s garden and you can easily say that it has thrived pretty well there. Today, it measures roughly 8 meters (26 feet) in height and is almost 5 meters (16.5 feet) wide at the base of the tree. So, my question is: Could this spec- imen of dwarf Alberta spruce be the biggest in the world? If you know any * Flinck Arboretum is one of the biggest bigger, please let me know. private tree collections in Sweden and includes a big collection of magnolias, Henrik Sjoman together with a great number of other Neversvagen 45 plant groups, including conifers. 224 79 Lunci Sweden

42 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 24 No. 4 CQ_FALL07_FINAL.qxp:CQ 10/16/07 1:47 PM Page 43

University of Tennessee Graduate Student Awarded the 2007 ACS $1,000 Scholarship by Gerald P. Kral

he ACS Scholarship Committee is pleased to announce that this year’s Trecipient is Andrew Pulte of Knoxville, Tennessee. Andrew is a graduate student in his second year at the University of Tennessee. He is also a teaching assistant in UT’s Department of Plant Sciences and his major is Public Horticulture. ACS members who attended the recent National Meeting in Seattle may have had the pleasure of meeting Andrew. The $1,000 allowed Andrew to attend, paying for his travel, lodging, and registration. In his application, Andrew stated, “Having experienced the 2006 National, I could think of no better way to learn more about conifers than by attending a National ACS Conference. This would also be a great opportunity to find new conifer selections to add to the UT Gardens.” Andrew also applied last year, wanting to use the $1,000 scholarship to label and catalog UT’s rapidly growing conifer collection. Although not selected, Andrew still carried out some of his stated goals using the limited resources available through the UT Gardens. This speaks well of Andrew’s integrity and keen interest in all things “conifer.” Andrew grew up working in the nursery business in Nebraska. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska with a major in horticul- ture and a minor in communications. Andrew worked for the National Arbor Day Foundation and the Henry Dooly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska, before entering the master’s degree program at UT. Part of his program requires that he teach a class on basic landscape plants with a primary focus on woody trees and shrubs. This class is required of all UT undergraduates, and the last half of his class stresses conifers. Andrew also is the volunteer coordinator for the UT Gardens and directs the work of 30 volunteers. Receiving the ACS Scholarship requires Andrew to write an article for the Conifer Quarterly on his experiences at the National Meeting in Seattle. Readers can look forward to a unique perspective of our Seattle meeting in a future issue of the CQ as Andrew tells of his experiences and what the scholar- ship meant to his continuing education in horticulture. Congratulations Andrew! We hope to hear much more about you as you continue to indulge your interest in conifers.

Vol. 24 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 43 CQ_FALL07_FINAL.qxp:CQ 10/16/07 1:47 PM Page 44

BOOK REVIEWS

priate for a book on garden conifers. The Richard L. Bitner Conifers for Gar- author is not a botanist or taxonomist and dens – an illustrated encyclopedia I shall therefore not criticize his book be- 424 pp., colour photographs on all yond the foregoing remark. He has fa- pp. exl. index matter, 280 × 215 mm mous precursors like Dallimore & (11 × 8.5 in), hardbound green cloth Jackson and Krüssmann who all included + colour dust-jacket, Timber Press, poor lonely Ginkgo in their books on Portland, Oregon 2007, ISBN 13:978- conifers, so why should he not do it, too? 0-88192-830-3. US$ 59.95 (£40) After a brief Introduction, illustrated with views of gardens, the bulk of the book, Encyclopedia of Garden Conifers here are many illustrated books on begins at p. 19. Taxa and their cultivars Tcultivated conifers and they keep are treated alphabetically and the text is coming in a fairly steady stream; it is ob- wrapped around the illustrations. Each vious that there is a market for such genus and species has a short descriptive books. Some are little more than a picture text in a narrative style, obviously not gallery with a minimum of text, perhaps meant to be technical in any way but to nice to browse through and see if you can give some general information and sup- spot the conifer you may have in your port the pictures and vice versa. There are garden, but giving little more in the way other nice little titbits on habitat, uses of of useful information. Reproduction of wood etc. and then a listing of cultivars colour photographs has become rela- with brief characteristics including tively cheap and images from good digi- growth and habit in the garden. Where tal cameras are now easy to put into print. species have many cultivars, these lists – For high quality however, only expensive with the accompanying pictures – be- 6 megapixels-or-above cameras will do, come longer, but given the huge numbers otherwise colour slide film is still pre- of known cultivars, none are comprehen- ferred by publishers like Timber Press. sive. The author lives and worked on his The author of this book has used slide book in the US and unsurprisingly there films for his 1550 published pictures and is a bias towards what is grown there. so do I. Conifers for Gardens is a book This is not bad; most books of this kind with pictures and text. It treats 1370 were done in Europe with a similar geo- “species and cultivars” (dust jacket graphical bias. Although the book fits the blurb); however, from a count of the Oxford Dictionary’s definition of an en- Index there are only ca. 140 species (give cyclopedia, it is not as comprehensive as or take a few synonyms) treated in the were its aforementioned predecessors, book, including Ginkgo biloba, which is which although now out-of-print or out- by no systematic reckoning anywhere dated or both, are still to be rivalled. nearly related to conifers. The rest are in- What is new, of course, is the great num- deed cultivars, which is of course appro- ber of colour photographs now possible

44 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 24 No. 4 CQ_FALL07_FINAL.qxp:CQ 10/16/07 1:47 PM Page 45

in such books. Despite these caveats, I is known, much is unknown, and all is think this book is still better than most welcome. I found the sub-heading “The such books produced in recent years and Naming of Conifers” informative, as it it offers plenty of information, as well as explained that the Royal Horticultural incentive, for all those who want to know Society (RHS) took responsibility as the more about the common or slightly less international registration authority in common conifers in gardens, or indeed 1964. I must do some research or ques- for those who want to grow them. tioning, as Dr. Bitner states that four parts Aljos Farjon, FLS of an International Conifer Registration Honorary Research Associate (ICR) had been published as this book Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew was being prepared. My question is what was published and what remains to be published? I’ll have to find out where I can acquire the four-part published regis- ter. Perhaps some information on how to ACS member Walter Cullerton also register a new conifer cultivar would be reviewed Dr. Bitner’s book: helpful. The encyclopedia portion of this text lists 1,370 species and cultivars with ac- Conifers for Gardens companying growth comments. There An Illustrated Encyclopedia by are not only photos of the conifer in a Richard L. Bitner garden setting, but there are also many up-close photos of the needles/foliage ne can never have enough books on and bark - very helpful identification fea- Oconifers, and I’m happy to be able to tures. In addition to the genus and species review this new illustrated conifer ency- information, there are photos and infor- clopedia for you. I had the pleasure of co- mation of cultivars that are in garden set- incidentally taking the conifer course tings. I like that the photos are in garden taught by Dr. Bitner at Longwood Gar- settings, and also for their clarity. dens this past winter. In many ways, this As a collector, the key to me is avail- book is very similar to the course, absent ability and garden worthiness. Extremely the wry humor of Dr. Bitner. My review helpful is the section in the appendix that included a comparison of CONIFERS lists arboretums and gardens under the The Illustrated Encyclopedia by D. M. heading “Where to See Conifers” and the van Gelderen and J. R. P. van Hoey section “Specialty Nurseries.” Like the Smith. conifers, many are known and many are I found the introduction chapter had new to me. But rest assured, armed with a lot of helpful, explanatory, and good-to- this information, I will not pass by an ar- know information. There are seven sub- boretum, garden or specialty nursery that headings, each giving a succinct I was not previously aware of. overview of the subject heading. For ex- I like this new encyclopedia and perts, this information is well known. For would recommend it to members and others such as myself, some information friends of the American Conifer Society.

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ACS Regional News Southeastern Region ruary and May of 2008. The word about by Flo Chaffin ACS SE Region President conifers is getting out, and I find that In spite of the horrible growing con- people are asking for more and more in- ditions this year, the Southeast Region formation. There are many ACS mem- has continued to work towards becoming bers who give talks to various plant an active and engaging organization for groups on conifers and although I don’t the benefit of its members. know all the names and locations, I do Our member representation across have the strong impression that this sub- the states continues to grow, along with ject is getting more and more attention. our speaker, garden and nursery lists. We hope to begin putting some of this infor- Northeastern Region mation up on our Web section this winter. by Larry Nau ACS NE Region President I know all Southeast Region members The northeastern region had a very will be looking for this, and will add to successful regional meeting with 161 the lists as we proceed. Also, contribu- for dinner on Saturday night. Roughly, tions to our regional newsletter continue we had 150 attendees with almost 50 of to grow. those first-timers and 10 from Canada. ACS gatherings of members con- Dr. Richard Bitner did a fantastic tinue in Tennessee and Georgia, and pos- job with his presentation and we had a sibly other plans in other states are in the number of people disappointed that we works right now. We hope that our fall did not have more of his books to sell meeting in Kentucky encourages another (we sold 54). All of the gardens were active pocket of ACS members. I know outstanding. There were approximately that Scott Burrell and Maud Henne have 320 plants in the auction and 800 tickets put their two good heads together and were sold for the can raffle. Auction re- come up with a very comprehensive plan sults were fantastic for Virginia that includes get-togethers in A garden writer was in attendance. three areas of the state. They have al- ready made overtures to the Piedmont Central Region Community College in Charlottesville to Ethan Johnson will leave the Board establish a new dwarf conifer garden for of Directors after doing a fantastic job the benefit of the students and public during his term while also serving on the alike. Plans are also underway to estab- Technical Committee. Ethan will con- lish “reference gardens” (as outlined by tinue to serve as a technical advisor as the Northeast Region) in Tennessee, Chris Daeger joins the Board for a term Georgia, South Carolina and Virginia. ending in 2010. We are busy planning meetings for 2008, 2009, and our next National Meet- Northwest Region ing in 2010. Announcements about these The National Meeting 2007 in Seattle events will be made soon. Two conifer was a smashing success which you can symposia are planned in Georgia for Feb- read about elsewhere in the CQ.

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Unusual Cones

First photo taken by Kimberly Karlin in Conyers, Georgia Others taken by Maud Henne in Toronto, Canada

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Directorate

Officers President Tom Cox, 1621 N Lake Dr., Canton, GA 30115 PH (770) 772-9747, FAX (770) 663-4063, E-mail: [email protected] Vice President/ Ellen Kelley, 3445 Oakory Ln, Bettendorf, IA 52722-3938 Treasurer PH (563) 650-2212 Secretary Kathleen Pottratz, 42438 SW Vandehey Rd., Gaston, OR 97119 PH (503) 985-7561, E-mail: [email protected] Past President Don Wild, 3058 Cross Creek Ct., Ann Arbor, MI 48108 PH (734) 662-6461, E-mail: [email protected] Directors Term expires 2010 Scott Burrell, 428 North Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23221 PH (804) 339-0873, FAX (804) 354-8247, E-mail [email protected] Christopher Daeger, Stanley M. Rowe Arboretum, 4600 Muchmore Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45243 PH (513)-561-5151, E-mail: [email protected] Joe Harris, III P. O. Box 518 Boring OR 97009-0518 PH (503)-663-3822, E-mail [email protected] Gerald Kral, 900 Winton Rd. N, Rochester, NY 14609 PH (585) 288-5082, E-mail: [email protected]

Term expires 2008 Flo Chaffin, 3650 Colham Ferry Rd., Watkinsville, GA 30677 PH (706) 310-0143, E-mail: [email protected] Ellen Kelley, 3445 Oakory Ln, Bettendorf, IA 52722-3938 PH (563) 650-2212

Regional Presidents Northeastern Region Larry Nau, 25 Knollwood Dr., Churchville, NY, 14428 PH (585) 202-1815, E-mail: [email protected] Central Region Bill Barger, 3200 Rohrer Rd, Wadsworth, OH 44281 PH (330) 336-9695, E-mail: [email protected] Western Region Brian Jacob 13455 SE Lafayette Hwy., Dayton, OR 97114 PH (503) 868-7914 Email: [email protected] Southeastern Region Flo Chaffin, 3650 Colham Ferry Rd., Watkinsville, GA 30677 PH (706) 310-0143, E-mail: [email protected] Conifer Society Staff National Office John Martin, 175 Charisma Lane, Lewisville, NC 27023-9611 PH (336) 945-0483, FAX (336) 945-0484, E-mail: [email protected] Editor, Evelyn Cox, 342 North Main St, Suite 202, Alpharetta, GA 30004 Conifer Quarterly PH (770) 663-7576 E-mail: [email protected]

Graphic Design & Monya Barnes, 2255 Barrett Drive, Cumming, GA 30040, Printing PH (770) 888-0434, E-mail: [email protected]

www.conifersociety.org

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