SUMMER 2014, VOLUME 15, ISSUE 3

A PUBLICATION OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY

Native Plant to Know Spicebush Lindera benzoin by Mark Funk north to Maine and southern Ontario, and No plant in the forest awakens my west into Michigan. In my sense of smell quite like spicebush wanderings, I have seen (Lindera benzoin). This aromatic, spicebush associated more inconspicuous woodland-dweller often with sandy or loam exudes a spicy citrus aroma from its soils and less commonly leaves, bark and flowers. Sometimes I with clay. A good example of register the presence of spicebush with this is at the North American my nose before I see it with my eyes! Native Plant Society’s Shining Tree Those who want their

Spicebush usually has either one Woods preserve, where spicebush is gardens to sustain wildlife BRIGITTE GRANTON solitary stem or a few zigzagging stems, abundant on the sandy soil. should not ignore spicebush. and tends to take on an open and In the northeast, In fall, the fruit (a drupe)

wide-spreading form in its natural you may ripens to a showy, bright ILLUSTRATION BY shaded environment. Its bark is dotted occasionally red. Migrating birds favour with small white lenticels, like that of a hear spicebush the fruits because they are young cherry (Prunus spp.) or alder referred to as high in lipids (naturally (Alnus spp.). Like most of its relatives the “forsythia of occurring molecules that in the Laurel family (which includes the wild”. The yellow include fats and fat-soluble vitamins), supermarket classics avocado, bay leaf flowers of spicebush which they need for their long journey. and cinnamon), it has alternately emerge in late winter or The beautiful spicebush swallowtail arranged leaves that are entire. early spring along its butterfly relies on L. benzoin as it is Southern Ontario has few native twigs and branches. one of its primary host plants. From woody plants with entire leaves and Although these flowers are an anthropocentric perspective, the smooth margins like this. Others that only about three millimetres fact that it is not a preferred food of come to mind are pawpaw (Asimina (1/8 inch) wide, they are deer is a much appreciated triloba), sassafras (Sassafras albidum) striking en masse, creating a characteristic of spicebush! In and cucumber magnolia (Magnolia visual effect similar to the golden southern Ontario at least, high deer acuminata). forsythia varieties common to the populations can be a challenge for Spicebush is one of three North horticultural trade. In fall, the leaves of gardeners. Although some say that American species in the Lindera. spicebush turn to a warm yellow, white-tailed deer will browse the twigs As with the other two, L. benzoin is creating a lovely contrast when paired of spicebush, their voracious appetites found mostly in moist habitats, such as with the orange or red leaves of seem to be focused on less fortunate rich woodlands, shaded foot slopes, serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.), woody species. bottomlands and woodland seeps. Its maples (Acer spp.) or viburnums If you want your spicebush to range extends from Texas to Florida, (Viburnum spp.). Continued on page 15 The Blazing Star is... Editorial

The Blazing Star is published quarterly (April, August, November, February) by the North American Native Plant Society In my opinion, the North American Native Plant Society’s most under-utilized (NANPS). Contact [email protected] resource is its membership. With over 500 members across Canada and the United for editorial deadlines and for advertising States (and even a few in Europe), NANPS has access to a treasure trove of rates. The views expressed herein are knowledge about a broad spectrum of topics and issues related to the study, those of the authors and not necessarily conservation, cultivation and restoration of native plants and native plant habitat. those of NANPS. More and more, NANPS is a go-to source for information on native plants from The North American Native Plant Society home gardeners, media, other non-profit organizations etc. “Could you direct me is dedicated to the study, conservation, to someone who knows something about cultivating American ginseng?” “Which cultivation and restoration of North native wildflowers are the prettiest?” “Which native plants would work best in a America’s native flora. raised bed in a community garden?” These are just a few of the inquiries we have Summer 2014 received in the last few months. Volume 15, Issue 3 Do we have a member knowledgeable about cultivating American ginseng (Panax ISSN 2291-8280 quinquefolius)? I was embarrassed to admit that I did not know. I find it frustrating that I cannot access those of you who love sharing your knowledge and passion for Editor: Irene Fedun native plants with others because we don’t know what you know. You may have a Production: Bea Paterson lot of experience growing Kentucky coffee-tree (Gymnocladus dioicus) from seed. Proofreader: Eileen Atkinson We would love to know that. Have you had success restoring a wetland on your Printed by: Guild Printing, Markham, Ontario property? We would love to know that too. You don’t have to perceive yourself as an expert but if you feel you have helpful information or insights to offer, please let © North American Native Plant Society me know. Or contact The Blazing Star ([email protected]) to have your tips Images © the photographers and published as part of our periodic Lessons Learned column. illustrators, text © the authors. I feel there is enormous potential for the North American Native Plant Society to All rights reserved. act as one giant advisory board. I would love to put together a master list of topics North American Native Plant Society, that our members could offer advice to others about. Your commitment (at most) formerly Canadian Wildflower Society, would amount to a handful of emails or phone calls per year, but you would be is a registered charitable society, no. furthering the cause of native plant conservation and building NANPS reputation 130720824 RR0001. in our communities. Donations to the society are tax- We have been busy applying for funding lately to move forward on a number of creditable in Canada. new initiatives and to expand our existing outreach. It is my hope that NANPS can NANPS Membership: continue to grow as an organization; having a volunteer advisory group of CAN$25/YEAR WITHIN CANADA, members would be a great first step. US$25/YEAR OUTSIDE CANADA What are your strengths? Please email me at [email protected] or leave us a voice Join online or send cheque or money message at 416-631-4438. NANPS would love to know. Thank you. order to North American Native Plant Society, Box 84, Stn D, Toronto, ON Peter Kelly M9A 4X1. Peter is NANPS executive director Telephone: (416) 631-4438. E-mail: [email protected]. Web: www.nanps.org.

Board of Directors: OPEN GARDEN Honorary President: James A. French Executive Director: Peter Kelly Darcie McKelvey is graciously opening President: Cass Stabler Vice-President: Adam Mohamed her garden in Caledon, Ontario to Secretary: Miriam Henriques visitors. As Darcie says, “This is an Treasurer: Janice Keil opportunity to see a native plant Bronwen Fitzsimons garden and tell me about yours.” She Alice Kong mentions one caveat: “There are honey LeeAnne MacGregor bees living here, so reconsider if you

Howard Meadd are allergic to bees.” ELVEY K C

Harold Smith M Date: September 7, 2014, 10 am – 4 pm. ARCIE Address: 16771 Albion Trail, Caledon D (just south of Highway 9, about six kilometres west of Highway 400). HOTOGRAPH BY P

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

SEPTEMBER 1, 2014 Nomination Deadline be in a fog about what native plants are and what the big for NANPS Awards deal is. And don’t worry, the Scoop is still the native wild Visit www.nanps.org for details. stock that it has always been and always will be – dedicated to the promotion of native plants while digging the dirt on invasive species and bad bylaws. SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 Gardening: Planting the The Scoop launched a contest to celebrate its sixth Seeds for Biodiversity anniversary, inviting “NANPS members in good planting” to Meaford Garden Club, 7pm enter by naming two six-petalled plants native to Ontario. Meaford Hall (North Gallery), Meaford, Ontario The winner, Isabelle Smith, received a copy of the recently Presentation by NANPS former president Paul LaPorte emerged Pollinators of Native Plants by Heather Holm. If you are not receiving your free copy of The Local Scoop NOVEMBER 15, 2014 NANPS ANNUAL by email, go to thelocalscoop.org/subscribe/. GENERAL MEETING Noon – 4 p.m. Charles Iscove (Scoop Assist) and Janet Harrison Canada Room, Markham Civic Centre, Markham, Ontario Visit www.nanps.org for details. NANPS MEMBERSHIP UPDATE FOR 2015

For more information about NANPS Speakers Series and NANPS members have recently been given the option of other events please visit www.nanps.org. receiving The Blazing Star by email (in full colour) or to continue receiving the black and white print version in the mail. We are still giving that option, but now we have to THE LOCAL SCOOP IS EVOLVING request an additional $5 a year with your 2015 membership application if you want the print version mailed to you. The Local Scoop – NANPS e-newsletter – is bursting with This is necessary to keep up with the increase in postage native plant news, events and other growing topics. And, rates. If you elect to receive the print version, you can also just as a garden eventually does, The Local Scoop needed receive the digital version. Please make sure you send us pruning. With the approach of its sixth anniversary, the your email address regardless so we can send you The Local Scoop needed more sunlight to help it bloom. Scoop and keep you informed about upcoming events, Scoop Assist (the Plant Assessor) was consulted and workshops, etc. Thank you for your understanding and concluded that, to facilitate new growth, the Scoop needed a continued support. new environment. Like a plant rescue, the Scoop was transplanted to WordPress (not PlantPress, the Scoop is pressing words instead of plants). And just as a plant is NANPS NEEDS SEEDS responsive to light levels, moisture regimes and soil types, so is the Scoop responsive to the needs of our readers, Have you ever thought about becoming a native plant including the need to branch out and be seen on all your seed donor for NANPS? We are so grateful to those good gadgets – from the smallest mobile pollinators to the biggest folks who keep our member-only seed exchange monitors. program stocked with native plant treasures It was a particularly harsh winter in 2014, but with lots of (www.nanps.org/index.php/plant-sources/nanps- attentive care the Scoop has rooted and flowered. Take an seedexchange). But we always need more donors. FYI, excursion to the new website seed donors get first pick of the seeds and can order at thelocalscoop.org, twice as many packets as seed buyers (up to 30 packets featuring an updated for donors). Although orders are on a first-come, first- calendar and a home page served basis, seed donor orders always go the front of mini-calendar with the most the line! recent updates at a glance. If you’ve never done it before and you’re anxious Stroll leisurely through the about how to collect the seed visit www.nanps.org/index.php/plant-sources/159- ARRISON Art-Hives art gallery. Peer H into the Scoop’s own Pix seedcollection-reaping-what-you-sow. The seeds have to ANET J and dig through the News be collected properly in order to stay viable. A common Archive compost to review error for beginners is not allowing the collected seed to past newsletters. Wade sit a while and lose some of the moisture content so that HOTOGRAPH BY P through the Bog Blog, it can be stored. which is not about bogs, but Isabelle Smith with her copy of Email [email protected] if you have questions. written for those who may Pollinators of Native Plants

NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY SUMMER 2014 3 Starting with Seeds

by Vivienne Denton lawnmower. I had no idea how I to pop up everywhere. I watched the would fill the space but, by good seedlings hopefully, trying to identify Each year, I look forward to the fall fortune, I happened to be living on the the plant, always hoping for a issue of The Blazing Star with the same street as Jim Hodgins, co- spectacular burst of prairie bloom. latest NANPS Seed Exchange list founder of the Canadian Wildflower Finally, when the plants were waist tucked safely inside. I’m anxious to see Society, later renamed the North high and beginning to display a most if any NANPS member has donated American Native Plant Society. I was unspectacular flower, I had to admit seeds from indigenous plants entranced by the quiet beauty of his that although I had grown a native regionally suitable for the soil and front garden and delighted to realize wildflower, Erigeron canadensis, the climatic conditions of my garden… that all the plants were wildflowers end result of my efforts might better that I don’t already have. I also look and other plants native to the region. be described as a front yard full of for seeds in the Seedex from plants I decided this was the way to go but horseweed. which I do have in my garden, but how, as a city dweller, could I find wild A short while later, I was able to which are not generating enough seeds plants without plundering natural catch Jim Hodgins tending his garden. to grow into new plants that will areas? I began by pulling wildflowers I asked him how he obtained his extend my plot. Often I suspect I have from the roadsides – mostly asters native plants without robbing the not placed my plants in suitable (from Symphyotrichum and other wild. He gave lots of great advice. I conditions but I don’t want to risk genuses) and goldenrods (Solidago returned home with plant cuttings and transplanting them, so it’s nice to have spp.). In spring, I dug over the copies of Wildflower magazine, and I the chance for a second try. remainder of the lawn and sprinkled a promptly joined the Canadian I have been cultivating a native large packet of seeds I had bought Wildflower Society. Ever since then, I plant garden for 20 years. I’ve moved labelled “Wildflowers”. (These were, of have found the annual plant sale, the twice during that time and this is my course, not native to anywhere in Seedex and the native plant supplier third garden. Each has had different particular – a mix of cultivars and advertisements in the newsletter to be growing conditions and different species from Europe, North America invaluable resources. Over the years, problems, even though all have been and other places.) As the season my original aims broadened. Now I in the same Toronto neighbourhood. progressed, not much happened in see my garden as a small way to give It all started when my husband and I this first attempt at a wildflower back to the Earth and the creatures we decided to get rid of our lawn and our garden, until sturdy little plants began share it with. For me, seeds are an important part of this process. By tending and growing seeds, I learn more about a plant than I can by simply planting a pot. The new seeds I get each year from the seed exchange or from swaps with friends broaden my knowledge base. Cold stratification, a process whereby gardeners pre-treat seeds to simulate the freeze/thaw conditions that a seed would undergo under normal winter conditions, is necessary for most seeds harvested in the fall. In anticipation of the arrival of my seeds from the Seedex, I keep some pots and potting soil indoors. Once seeded, the pots go outside where the seeds get the

ENTON benefit of frost and weathering action, D conditions that soften the hard seed IVIENNE

V coat and allow the embryo to emerge when it warms up in spring. Each fall, I harvest seeds from my HOTOGRAPH BY

P garden, some to give away and some for myself. As the seeds mature, I Zigzag goldenrod and hairy beardtongue thriving in a shady spot in May

4 NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY SUMMER 2014 I enjoy In a city garden, other less desirable experimenting surprises pop up. I am surrounded by with seed gardens filled with cultivars of the growing. Some native strains I am carefully cultivating plants grow in my garden; some cross-pollination much more naturally occurs. American columbine easily from a (Aquilegia canadensis) will not seed root cutting, true if cross-pollinated with European but it is still columbine (Aquilegia spp.) cultivars. fascinating to Unfortunately, there are gardens in my plant a pot of immediate neighbourhood with

VIVIENNE DENTON seeds each year, cultivated columbines. I weed out any watch the of my columbines that do not have the delicate sprouts native yellow and reddish-orange HOTOGRAPH BY P grow and plant flower so my plants look true to form, The shade garden where heart-leaved aster, zigzag goldenrod, them out in but they may be hiding some white snakeroot, bottlebrush grass and blue-stemmed goldenrod various places European genes. For that reason, I do stand out in the snow. to see where not send my columbines to the seed they’ll do best. exchange or give them to friends. I bring them inside to dry on flat trays When I find the right niche, I watch have suspicions about my black-eyed for about a week. Then I store them, with satisfaction the transformation Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) as there are each species in its own carefully from the small and frail plantlets of several neighbourhood gardens with labelled envelope, ready to share or the first year to sturdy perennials that plants that look like the cultivars. I plant. I plant the seeds I harvest from last for many years and often need suspect there are other natives which my own garden before the soil freezes, stringent usually around the end of October. I cutting back sprinkle them either in pots or directly to keep on the soil in a prepared area in my them in garden. Squirrels like to dig in check! unprotected pots of seeds left on my New seeds patio so I use garden netting to cover provide whole flats of seeds. For individual surprises. larger pots, the plastic net bags that The tall onions and oranges are packaged in at bellflower the supermarket make excellent (Campanula protective covers: they just slip over americana) the pot like a sleeve. seeds I once I have found that some seeds – ordered especially plants that flower in spring from

and early summer – do better when NANPS are VIVIENNE DENTON planted directly into the garden. And an example. it’s easier than storing them through I should HOTOGRAPH BY

the summer. Butterfly milkweed have paid P (Asclepias tuberosa) is one such plant. more It is fussy about transplanting. In my attention to Vivienne’s seed nursery pots get a little sun in early March two former gardens, I transplanted the name. and carefully tended this orange- In the first flowered milkweed but always had year, I transplanted the delightful are likely to cross- pollinate in the city. poor results. Luckily, my current rosettes of this biennial along my This is something to look out for garden soil and sun conditions are just crazy paving path. They made a pretty when sharing seeds. right; when I sprinkle the seeds border. The next year they rose to For me, one of the important directly onto the garden it grows like a their full height of two-thirds of a benefits of creating a wildflower weed in the dry sandy soil in a sunny metre (two feet) and more; they were garden is attracting wildlife and south-facing spot. more like a small hedge! Continued on page 6

NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY SUMMER 2014 5 Continued from page 5 providing food for birds, butterflies I like to deadhead the more prolific populate the bare areas under maples and bees. I like to watch goldfinches of my plants. I keep at least one in the back gardens of my neighbours. perch and sway on tall seed-bearing Canada goldenrod (Solidago When neighbours admire my street- stems. In early winter, juncos peck at canadensis) among the New England side flowers, I suggest they take a seeds that have fallen to the ground. asters in a far corner of the garden, handful of the seeds when they My pearly everlasting (Anaphalis but I get rid of the seed heads as soon mature, and many do. One summer, margaritacea) attracts American as decently possible. Even so, plenty of my lance-leaved coreopsis (Coreopsis painted lady butterflies. Note that if new seedlings pop up the next year. I lanceolata) produced a spectacular you want to provide a home for these have hardy perennials (asters, black- display. The following year, Coreopsis beauties you have to share your plants eyed Susans, vervains and others) lanceolata suddenly became with their leaf-chewing caterpillars along the outside of the fence of my fashionable in the front gardens all and accept the mess they can make of corner lot, but in deference to my along my street. Once I watched in the young flower shoots. I find a neighbours and passersby whose idea delight as a man pretended to admire certain charm in the sharp round bites of a city garden is more orderly, I a seed head in my front garden. the leafcutter bees make in showy tick deadhead these as the seeds begin to Recognizing the routine as one of my trefoil (Desmodium canadense) – mature. This keeps them flowering own, I smiled to myself as I saw him they’re like naughty children taking longer and looking less rangy. I save surreptitiously pick some seeds. With bites out of cookies. Asters, some of these early picked seeds since the glee of a guerilla gardener, I watch particularly the common New they will still be viable for producing my native flowers spread themselves England aster (Symphyotrichum novae- new plants. I leave a few neatly throughout the neighbourhood. angliae), provide nectar and pollen for trimmed seed heads along the fence to It’s a sobering thought that the seeds numerous pollinators when in flower, advertise their winter beauty to the from your garden are a legacy you while the seed heads are food for the neighbourhood. leave behind long after you have birds. Sometimes I wonder if all the effort moved on. Seed heads look lovely in the snow of turning my garden into a natural so I don’t clip the perennials back to haven is worth it; future owners might Vivienne Denton regularly donates seeds the ground in the fall. The seeds of dig it under and plant a lawn. But the to the NANPS Seed Exchange. blue vervain (Verbena hastata) and seeds will do their bit even if that white vervain (Verbena urticifolia) are happens. Zigzag as pretty as the flowers. I am also fond goldenrods of ironweed (Vernonia (Solidago novaeboracensis) seed heads, and the flexicaulis) do Original Art tall candelabras of giant hyssop well in Toronto’s by (Agastache foeniculum). I have shaded ravines. Brigitte Granton developed a technique for easing Over the years I milkweed seeds (Asclepias spp.) from have watched as the pods once they brown, popping seeds from the Acrylic, Oil and Ink. the pods with my fingers and then few plants under Commission work by request. sliding out the seeds. I leave the pods my Norway to dry on the plant providing winter maple (Acer interest in the garden. platanoides) visit www.brigittegranton.com GrowGrow Wild!Wild! Native plant nursery, landscaping and ecological services GIVING NATIVE PLANTS www.grow-wild.com A PLACE TO GROW Home: 705.799.2619 3784 Hwy 7, (Paul Heydon) Omemee, Ontario Cell: 416.735.7490 www.LongPointLandTrust.ca (by appointment only) [email protected]

6 NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY SUMMER 2014 Garry Oak Ecosystem Restoration by Brenda Costanzo and Chris Junck southern Gulf Islands and two small 800 and mites have been areas in the Fraser Valley. South of the identified in B.C.’s GOEs. Rarities Along the east coast of southern border, where Garry oak is known as include the sharp-tailed snake and Vancouver Island remnants of Garry white oak, these ecosystems are found vesper sparrow. When GOERT began oak meadows come alive with from Washington and Oregon to its work, 61 plants (59 vascular plants common camas (Camassia quamash) southern California. They are and two mosses) were listed as Species from mid-April to mid-May. The fields of violet-blue inflorescences interspersed with the yellow flowers of western buttercup (Ranunculus occidentalis) and spring gold (Lomatium utriculatum) are an amazing sight. The Garry oak (Quercus garryana) ecosystems share their endangered status with the Carolinian forests of southern BRENDA COSTANZO BRENDA Ontario. Today, in British Columbia,

Garry oak (the HOTOGRAPH BY P only oak native to A Garry oak meadow the province) and associated ecosystems (GOEs) cover less than composed of a diverse range of at Risk (SAR) either by the province 10% of their original range, with less vegetation types with associated or by the Committee on the Status than 5% in natural condition. Their species. of Endangered Wildlife in Canada loss has been attributed to land The Mediterranean-type climate (COSEWIC). Now these ecosystems development (agriculture and prevalent on the southeast coast of are among Canada’s most threatened urbanization), invasive species, fire Vancouver Island and southern Gulf with over 100 at-risk species. suppression, trampling and lack of Islands provides a unique set of In British Columbia, Garry oak adequate land management. The temperature and moisture conditions ecosystems occur within the coastal ecosystems are highly fragmented which these plants are adapted to. This Douglas-fir biogeoclimatic zone and now and only small remnants exist climate is typified by generally dry vary in vegetation types from oak southern Vancouver Island. In 1999, a summers with a drought period in woodlands to nearly treeless open grassroots group called the Garry Oak July until mid-October followed by meadows with a few scattered oaks. Ecosystems Recovery Team (GOERT) mild wet winters. The majority of the The understorey vegetation of GOEs is began to coordinate activities for the forbs are either winter annuals that a mixture of grasses, forbs and shrubs protection and restoration of this germinate in the fall or bulbous that are uncommon to other unique assemblage of plants and herbaceous perennials that survive the ecosystems in Canada. Oak woodlands . drought underground. have deep soils and large oak trees. Garry oak and associated ecosystems Garry oak ecosystems are hotspots After many of the oak trees were cut occur in Canada only in British of biological diversity. More than 690 down, these areas were used for Columbia, along the southeastern plant species, 7 amphibians, 7 reptiles, agriculture for 150 years. In habitats coast of Vancouver Island, the 104 birds, 33 mammals and more than Continued on page 8

NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY SUMMER 2014 7 Continued from page 7

that have shallower soils, such as those in Garry oak occurring on steeper slopes and ecosystems, the punctuated by rocky outcrops, the plant species are Garry oaks are stunted and shrubby. also similar. Both Douglas-fir and Garry oak Some of the communities have decreased by 90% more charismatic since European settlement. rare plant species At some of the remaining oak found in GOEs woodland sites, arbutus (Arbutus are the sunflower- menziesii) and Douglas-fir like arrow-leaf (Pseudotsuga menziesii) trees also balsamroot occur. Partially due to lack of fire, (Balsamorhiza Douglas-fir will eventually replace deltoidea), the Quercus garryana in the moister violet bell-shaped woodland sites. Within the associated lily known as Garry oak ecosystems there may be Howell’s triteleia few oaks or none at all. These (Triteleia associated Garry oak ecosystems are howellii), a found within habitats commonly hemiparasitic described as coastal bluffs, maritime yellow paint meadows, vernal pools and seeps, rock brush (Castilleja outcrops and Douglas-fir plant levisecta) and a

communities. As these sites have large parsley BRENDA COSTANZO parent materials and environmental family member, characteristics similar to those found coastal chocolate- HOTOGRAPH BY P

Triteleia howellii

tips (Lomatium recovery plans for 39 SAR as required dissectum). by the federal Species at Risk Act GOERT has (SARA). produced many An important part of Goert’s work excellent reference has been taking inventory and materials monitoring of the species at risk in including best key Garry oak areas and associated management vegetation communities. The data practices, a Garry collected was used for the oak gardener’s development of recovery strategies handbook, a under SARA. GOERT provides restoration guide, technical advice to landowners to help and manuals on them protect and restore GOEs and Species at Risk the at-risk species on their property. (SAR) and invasive species found in RESTORATION CHALLENGES GOEs. All are The practice of restoration has available at undergone changes in the past few BRENDA COSTANZO www.goert.ca. years in response to climate change Working with its and ongoing discussions of what

HOTOGRAPH BY many partners, the constitutes ecological restoration. P GOER team has Questions asked include: What is a Camassia quamash drafted 17 novel ecosystem? What is a target

8 NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY SUMMER 2014 ecosystem? Should we accept the presence of some invasive species? What are the goals of restoration in today’s rapidly changing world? Garry oak ecosystem processes were influenced by both fire and digging of camas bulbs by First Nations peoples. However, for the past 150 years, these disturbance regimes have been absent. Reinitiating them or finding a replacement type of regime is difficult, particularly since lighting fires is subject to local by-law restrictions. The influence of a long period of human occupation and fire suppression in the region has made it challenging to determine the effects of climate change on this ecosystem. CHRIS JUNCK Invasive species, in particular plants, exert a high degree of stress

on sensitive ecosystems, especially HOTOGRAPH BY P when exacerbated by fragmentation, Volunteer work party at Harling Point changes in herbivory and

disturbance regimes. GOEs have been invaded by many non-natives including shrubs such as Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) which was brought to Vancouver Island in the 1850’s, gorse (Ulex europeaus), English hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and spurge laurel (Daphne laureola), forbs such as English ivy (Hedera helix), hairy cat’s ear (Hypochaeris radicata), Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus) and oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), and agronomic grasses that were used for forage. Developing mechanical methods for the removal of these plants while limiting the use of herbicides has been challenging.

A Sample GOE Restoration Site Harling Point in the District of Oak

CHRIS JUNCK Bay includes municipal land and a privately owned national historic site known as the Chinese Cemetery. It

HOTOGRAPH BY boasts seven rare plant species, five of P which are assessed by the COSEWIC Bear’s foot sanicle at Harling Point as Endangered or Threatened. They

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

include the colourfully named bear’s- significant improvement. GOERT oak and associated ecosystems. foot sanicle (Sanicula arctopoides), recently developed a management plan GOERT has mapped 25 priority sites bearded owl-clover (Triphysaria that prescribes invasive management, so far and is working with local versicolor), coast microseris (Microseris native plantings and monitoring. It governments to provide current data bigelovii), Macoun’s meadow-foam also recommends fencing, signage and on GOEs to be used in updating their (Limnanthes macounii) and Victoria’s community outreach to reduce Official Community Plans. owl-clover (Castilleja victoriae). human/dog impacts. However, the GOERT will partner on research Threats to their survival are many and plan has not been fully implemented opportunities with universities to push varied: invasive native shrubs such as yet due to lack of funding. The Capital conservation of Garry oak ecosystems snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) and Regional District and B.C. government into the next decade. roses (Rosa spp.) and non-natives such recently rolled out a Canada goose as Scotch broom, gorse and others, management and public outreach Brenda Costanzo has a M.Sc. in biology trampling by people and dogs, bank program which may have positive and has worked with GOERT since 1999 erosion from informal paths and wave effects at Harling Point. on rare plants. She provides advice on action, herbivory and soil disturbance Future protection of GOEs will be the restoration and management of by Canada geese. informed by the identification of Garry oak and associated ecosystems. Many community volunteers are priority sites developed by GOERT Since joining GOERT in 2002, Chris Junck helping to control the invasive plants that can be used in establishing a has helped people to better understand, by participating in stewardship work network of protected areas protect and restore the Garry oak habitat parties. Last year, we noted a representing the full diversity of Garry on the land they own or manage. In Memoriam: Farley Mowat

Farley McGill Mowat OC, Canadian the Ontario author, environmentalist and activist, premier’s great died last May, just days before his 93rd grandnephew). Specializing in container grown birthday. He wrote over 40 books His first words Trees & Shrubs native to Ontario which sold more than 17 million copies after I introduced in 52 languages. Three of his books him to the became popular movies: Never Cry audience were, Wolf, The Snow Walker and A Whale “My father just for the Killing. He received many gave me a note to accolades throughout his life including remind me to keep the Governor General’s Award for Lost my legs crossed in the Barrens, The Leacock Medal of since I’m wearing Humour for The Boat Who Wouldn’t a kilt tonight.” Float, The Order of Canada in 1981 Classic Farley. and a lifetime achievement award from We all have so The International Fund for Animal much to thank Welfare in 2003. He was a lifelong lover him for and, on of the natural world. behalf of our Farley Mowat was also an honorary society, I say a director of The North American heartfelt, “Thank Native Plant Society. I recruited him in you Farley.” the early days of the organization (when it was called the Canadian James A. French (705) 466-6290 Wildflower Society). We were proud to Founder and [email protected] have his name on our masthead as few Honorary President www.notsohollowfarm.ca Canadians have done more to protect of the North our environment than Farley. I met American Native him at the opening of Sir Oliver Plant Society Design & Consulting services available by OALA member Mowat Collegiate in Toronto (he was

10 NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY SUMMER 2014 Of Damsels and Dragons by Evan Cantor own eyes were half the size of your and damselflies are, in turn, prey for head! If you want to stalk a dragon or birds, spiders, frogs and larger Bugs are not universally admired by damsel for a closer look, come from dragons. In the larval stage, they are the human animal. Bedeviled by behind, as that is the one direction in vulnerable to fish and amphibians. Yes, buzzing mosquitoes, angry wasps, which they see poorly. Both types it is a cruel world, but hungry yellow jackets, mindless gnats hover like hummingbirds and fly thrives. and biting black flies, Homo sapiens straight up and down like stealth Since they begin life in an aquatic devotes much swatting, spraying and fighters. Of course, they can do the stage, they are often found near ponds, smacking to an endless army of six- requisite backwards and forwards lakes, streams and wetlands. As adults, legged creatures. Some bugs come in swarms and clouds, others bring pandemic and plague with them. Who celebrates the lowly cockroach, the dripping aphid, the malodorous stinkbug or my personal nemesis, the box-elder beetle? Yet for all this, bugs have their devotees. Prehistoric humans likely depended on them for a reliable source of protein. The Egyptians made worship objects of scarab beetles. Tarantulas are sold as pets and nurseries provide ladybugs and praying mantis eggs to gardeners. As for me, you can tell my favourite bug by the number of jeweled representations I have bought my wife. are the winner, hands HOWARD MEADD down. The Odonata family includes over

5,000 species of dragonflies and their HOTOGRAPH BY cousin, damselflies, distributed on P Female ebony jewelwing on pale touch-me-not (Impatiens pallida) every continent except frozen . In North America alone, nearly 500 species go by many swooping and cruising. They all Odonata are fantastic flyers, among picturesque names: jewelwings, feature various shades of iridescent the fastest in the kingdom, so rubyspots, spreadwings, colouring and large gossamer wings. they are found far from water as well. shadowdamsels, threadtails, dancers, Hence the many jewel-like references Some researchers claim a top speed of bluets, sprites, petaltails, darners, to their colours, as well as their wings nearly 100 kilometres an hour (60 ringtails, snaketails, sand dragons, and flight, in the pantheon of miles per hour), but most reliable cruisers, emeralds, pondhawks, descriptive names. measurements place them between 30 skimmers, dashers, meadowhawks, Dragonflies and damsels are to 50 kilometres an hour (20 to 35 clubtails, gliders and saddlebags. These predators, mostly hunting other flying miles per hour). Of the 300 species in descriptive names imply a great deal insects. Midges and mosquitoes are North America, less than 20 are about Odonata’s appearance and favoured but they sometimes take known to migrate seasonally. behaviour. butterflies, moths and smaller As you might imagine, such Damselflies share many dragonflies. The naiads (or nymphs) prodigious flyers are capable of great characteristics with dragonflies but are live in water until molting into full- migrations. One species, the mostly smaller. They hold their wings grown dragons. They will eat almost wandering glider or globe skimmer closer to their bodies when at rest and any living thing smaller than ( flavescens), considered to be have a small space between their huge themselves including massive numbers the most widespread on the multifaceted eyes. Dragons’ eyes of mosquito wrigglers thus earning the planet, makes annual flights across the actually touch one another. Their huge nickname pondhawk. But they are not Indian Ocean; this is twice the eyes see quite a lot. Imagine if your invincible in their realm. Dragonflies Continued on page 12

NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY SUMMER 2014 11 Continued from page 11 distance of monarch butterfly tells of the Devil using dragonflies to America and Australia, with migrations in North America. The measure people’s souls. wingspans up to 19 centimetres (seven most common migratory dragonflies But in Japan, with 200 species on inches) and bodies 10 centimetres on the Earth are the common green the islands, the dragonfly is a symbol (four inches) long. Fossilized Odonata darner (Anax junius), the wandering of courage, strength and happiness. In have been found with wingspans up to glider, the spot-winged glider (Pantala North America, dragonflies appear in 75 centimetres (30 inches) but these hymenaea), black saddlebags ( Hopi rock art, Zuni pottery and gargantuans are long gone from the lacerata) and the variegated Puebloan jewelry. For some Native earth. meadowhawk (Sympetrum Americans, the dragonfly represented It’s easy to attract dragonflies to corruptum). Although North American activity and speed. For the Navajo, your garden. A diversity of shrubs and dragonfly migration was first living in the parched southwest, the trees provide hiding places for them documented in the 1880’s, it remains a dragonfly symbolized pure water, a and a variety of blooming plants will little understood attract the small phenomenon. pollinators that Migratory cues, make up so much flight pathways and of their diet. southern wintering Some suggested grounds are all garden plants are areas requiring black-eyed Susans exploration by (Rudbeckia hirta), researchers. This milkweeds project has been (Asclepias spp.) undertaken by a and Joe-Pye weed three-nation (Eupatorium collaborative spp.). Of course, (Canada, United if you maintain a States and Mexico), generous variety the Migratory of native plants Dragonfly in your gardens, Partnership. A large you will attract part of their the native

© CAROL L. EDWARDS © CAROL L. mission is to pollinators preserve wetland typically found in environments from your corner of HOTOGRAPH P Central America to the continent and Twelve-spotted skimmer on blazing star (Liatris sp.) Canada, which local dragonflies benefits everybody, will follow. not just dragonflies. precious commodity. No doubt the Installing a water garden is the first Culturally, Odonata has represented presence of dragonflies meant that and fastest way to attract dragonflies a Manichean diversity. In Europe, water was somewhere nearby. but such gardens can also cultivate dragonflies have been linked with evil, Either way, evil or benign, mosquitoes. If you can tolerate the snakes, the devil and demonic dragonflies don’t bite or sting. It is mosquitoes, iridescent damsels and possession. Romanian folklore points wonderfully ironic that Johann dragons will thank you. to the origin of the name “dragonfly” Christian Fabricius gave us the with a tale of the Devil turning the identification Odonata in the 18th Evan Cantor is a musician, artist and horse of St. George (of dragon fame) century, borrowing from the Greek for dragonfly-jewelry fan living in Boulder, into a giant flying insect. The “toothed ones”. Odonata have no teeth Colorado. He considers himself lucky to Romanian word for both devil and but they do possess powerful have few mosquitoes in his gardens but dragon is “drac” (Count Dracula, mandibles and, if you hold one’s plenty of iridescent blue damsels and anyone?). It is thought that misguided mouth against your skin, it will dragons. To borrow from both Odonata English translations of the instinctively try to bite. It takes the and Nietzsche: life without courage, demonically possessed horse turned biggest among them to produce even a strength, happiness and pure water “devil fly” led to the coining of the little pinch. How big? The biggest of would be a mistake. word “dragon fly”. Swedish folklore all Odonata are found in Central

12 NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY SUMMER 2014 Our Magical Mystery Tour in Jefferson County Park, Iowa

by Stephen Johnson and Mary Stark floristically dichotomous is its (Trillium nivale) emerges and extends industrial history. From the late 19th its delicate white petals just as the soil In early spring, Jefferson County Park century into the 1970s, trains around it is beginning to thaw. Snow – an open, understoried, but rapidly traversed the region. The main trail trillium grows in a small area of the into the park is the park at the base of oak trees and bed of one of the within sight of the abandoned box oldest rail lines in the cars. This is the only population of area and an old snow trillium we have yet found in railroad crossing sign Iowa. The 200 square foot (20 square welcomes walkers. metre) area containing this trillium is Within the park are under constant siege by itinerant, two or more native wild gooseberry, but even more abandoned railroad so by the relentless garlic mustard. cars that provide The latter persistent biennial brings to risky adventure for mind a line from Shakespeare’s Henry local people of all VI: “Now ’tis spring, and weeds are ages. These old shallow-rooted; Suffer them now and

STEPHEN JOHNSON railroad cars toppled they’ll o’ergrow the garden/ And choke into a ravine and are the herbs for want of husbandry.” So, only visible from the each time we visit the park we pull HOTOGRAPH BY

P nature path during new garlic mustard rosettes from the the winter when the site. Collinsia verna, a true blue obsession of 19th century naturalist Thomas Nuttall deciduous trees and As snow trillium flowers begin to shrubs are leafless. fade, more common spring flowers closing forest of 227 acres (91 Was the appearance and spread of emerge. We have been monitoring a hectares) near Fairfield, Iowa – alien plants related to the railroads? small clump of sharp-lobed liverleaf appears fairly clear of invasive species, How have the native plants but, as the seasons advance, the park managed to survive this flora reveals itself to be almost as onslaught? Were some of the much Asian as North American. The native species introduced by native eastern redbud (Cercis settlers? These are questions canadensis) – one of the earliest yet to be answered. Following flowering Midwestern trees – is being the railroad era of continuous marginalized in the park by Amur disturbance, the area was set honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) while aside as a park. A county the native nannyberry (Viburnum conservation board official lentago) shares the trailside with told us that a Fairfield couple tartarian honeysuckle (L. tartarica). planted several species of Wild gooseberry (Ribes missouriense) wildflowers in the 1980s but is being elbowed out by both Japanese no record has been found of barberry (Berberis thunbergii) and the species planted or how multi-floral rose (Rosa multiflora) they fared. This only adds to while garlic mustard (Alliaria the mystery. petiolata) quick steps through the Despite the serious understorey. Even the East Asian encroachment by alien plants, winter creeper (Euonymus fortunei) the park contains many native and Nanking cherry (Prunus species commonly found

tomentosa) make appearances. To us, elsewhere and several species STEPHEN JOHNSON the park is still magical, so we work to we’ve either rarely seen or not slow down the spread of garlic seen at all in other natural HOTOGRAPH BY

mustard and young Amur areas in Iowa. One of the P honeysuckle, the invasives that are most attractive wildflowers is Anemonella thalictroides, charming, delicate most easily removed. also the earliest. As its name harbinger of spring Perhaps one reason why the park is suggests, snow trillium Continued on page 14

NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY SUMMER 2014 13 Continued from page 13 (Hepatica nobilis var. acuta) in a very (Allium tricoccum) which is easier to and nearby, the similar, but unrelated, limited area by the trailside. This see before it flowers when its wide lopseed (Phryma leptostachya). clump of less than 10 plants is leaves are still present. One of our Lopseed flowers are tiny, delicate, interesting to us because at least two favourite stories suggests that the area pink-tinged white trumpets, only plants have flowers of a deep velvety now known as Chicago was once a wet about 1/16th inch (1.5 millimetres) purple. We have seen other bottomland full of wild leek that the long. Lopseed complements the Asian populations of this liverleaf but Menominee named Shi-Ka-Ko or connection since it is also native to nowhere else have plants shown us “place that stinks.” China – but only discovered in Taiwan such a rich colour. On the other side Another early flower that appears in 2005. of the trail just opposite the liverleaf is here and only in one other park we Even more easily overlooked are the a population of bloodroot visit is rue anemone (Anemonella marble-white flowers of enchanter’s (Sanguinaria canadensis) covering a thalictroides) with its crystalline nightshade (Circaea lutetiana ssp. space of 40 square feet (four square watermelon-pink sepals. Often metres). This cluster is so large that seen alongside it are the when the plants are in flower the area sporadic drooping petals of looks like it just received a coating of white fawn lily (Erythronium snow. However, the “snow” is albidum) with a corolla that flickering with the frenetic activity of resembles the pointed and andrenid bees. We have even observed recurved lace hats of the bees mating on the flowers. traditional North Holland Soon after Hepatica has faded, the (Volendam) women. bicoloured flowers of blue-eyed Mary The genus Viola is as well- (Collinsia verna) appear. Blue-eyed represented here as it is in Mary is one of the only true-blue- freedom lawns. Here the blue flowered native plants in eastern violet (V. pratincola) and its North America. The colour could be woodland doppelganger Viola achieved either by using a blue sororia (sororia meaning pigment called delphinidin or by sisterly) rub shoulders with placing the common purple- coloured the not so common. Less phytochemical anthocyanin into a common is the downy yellow more neutral or basic cellular violet (V. pubescens). STEPHEN JOHNSON environment causing the chemical’s Uncommon are cream violet normal purple colour to be blue. The (V. striata) found only in

famous 19th century plant explorer Jefferson County and HOTOGRAPH BY Thomas Nuttall was so fond of the neighbouring Van Buren P plant that when he discovered that he County, and what appears to Silene stellata, an indicator of good quality had lost his original specimen he be a hybrid of Missouri violet habitat combed through four eastern states to (Viola missouriensis) and V. find another. Sadly, he was soraria. canadensis). Although the plants are unsuccessful. Later-flowering herbs are rare under inconspicuous when in flower, if you Flowering simultaneously with the ever-deepening shade cast by both hike in the woods when enchanter’s Collinsia is the park’s second trillium, native trees and invasive shrubs. Only nightshade is in fruit, you will which goes by the misnomer prairie careful observation reveals such remember it as the plant that knit trillium. This common name is hidden gems as whorled milkweed your socks into knots. The fruit is misleading because Trillium (Asclepias quadrifolia), miterwort, and burr-like, sticking to fur and clothing, recurvatum grows in open forests and green dragon (Arisaema dracontium). a good zoochorous reproduction not in open grasslands. Unlike the By contrast, the lavender trumpets of strategy. restricted snow trillium, T. recurvatum smooth ruellia (Ruellia strepens) are The collection of canopy trees in the is widespread in the park. waiting beside the trail to be seen and park is somewhat different from Infrequent spring flora along the admired. The showier flowers of elsewhere in the state. Among the trail include miterwort (Mitella ruellia disappear to be replaced by typical white oak (Quercus alba) and diphylla) with its tiny but finely miniscule inflorescences such as the black oak (Q. velutina) found state- dissected white flowers as precisely common pale pink-flowered pointed wide are three oaks of more southerly fashioned as snowflakes, and wild leek tick-trefoil (Desmodium glutinosum) distribution. The most distinct is the

14 NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY SUMMER 2014 entire-leaved laurel oak southeast Iowa. former aptly describes our tours of (Q. imbrecaria). In climate science the The town of Fairfield is perhaps Jefferson County Park, while the latter presence of such entire-leaved species best-known as the site of the popped into our heads when we saw a indicates a climate generally warmer Maharishi International School of rare stolon of wild strawberry than that found just 50 miles (80 Management founded by Maharishi (Fragaria virginiana) on the trail. kilometres) north as in Pella, Iowa. Mahesh Yogi in 1973. This brings to Magical indeed. The other more southern oak species mind the encounter between this are the extremely long-peduncled Vedic sage and the Beatles in 1967. Stephen Johnson is fascinated by swamp white oak (Q. bicolor) and pin Two of their songs, “Magical Mystery trilliums and other floral surprizes. oak (Q. palustris) that grow in a fairly Tour” and “Strawberry Fields Forever,” Mary Stark is interested in the literary straight band from Virginia to come to mind during our visits. The connections to plants.

New & Noted

Southern Bounty: How to Grow and Enjoy This book is not for the outright beginner. Southeastern Native Fruits and Nuts However, if a person has started into native by Trey Watson plants and is looking for some sage and Legg Creek Publishing simple advice, this book would serve them ISBN 0615815685 well. For example, where the soil requires 96 pages more acidity for a particular plant, that Available at www.amazon.com/Southern- requirement is stated clearly. Take it from one Bounty-Southeastern-Native- who has ignored that wisdom in the past and Fruits/dp/0615815685 in paperback or on paid the price: heed it! Other plants are more Kindle. tolerant of soil types, moisture regimen, sun or shade, and the reader will discover this Southern Bounty is a small book written with information in the book. love and devotion. Trey Watson is a Texas I am partial to trees – big ones – such as the gardener who owns Legg Creek Farm LLC, a hickories (Carya spp.), walnut (Juglans nigra), and nursery specializing in native fruit-bearing plants for the persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) included in the southeastern U.S. His credentials include a degree in book. I was surprised to discover that what I’ve been telling horticulture and a Masters in environmental science. people for many years about persimmon fruit is not quite Apart from the chapters on soils and propagation, each correct: the fruit must undergo a frost before it is edible. chapter covers the natural habitat and background of one Not so apparently, and thank you Trey for setting that fruit or nut plant, placement of the tree or vine, care and record straight. maintenance once the specimen is in the ground, growth I commend this book to all lovers of native plants. habit, propagation of the plant, and – the fun part – eating or “preserving your harvest.” Colour photos of each plant as Review by Tom Atkinson well as its flowers, fruits or nuts accompany each entry. Tom is a self-proclaimed tree freak living in Toronto. For those Many of the trees and shrubs documented can be grown with an eye to names, your challenge is to discover what his elsewhere in North America and other temperate climates. email ID refers to: [email protected].

Continued from page 1 – Spicebush produce fruit, you should plant at least spicebush will grow much better in a every season. If you venture into a two. Half a dozen is even better! sheltered and partially shaded location deciduous forest of eastern North Spicebush is dioecious, meaning that than an exposed one. If it is planted in America don’t be surprised to find individuals will possess only male or a good location you will be rewarded your nose drawing you towards this female flowers, not both. Therefore, with growth of two-thirds of a metre delightful shrub. you will need a male and a female (two feet) per year or more (even on plant to ensure that one produces clay)! Mark Funk works as a forestry specialist viable fruit (flower buds and flowers With its early spring flowers, bright at the Grand River Conservation are necessary to determine the berries, fall colour and unique Authority in Cambridge, Ontario. individual’s sex). In my experience, fragrance, spicebush is striking in

NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY SUMMER 2014 15 SUMMER 2014 DATE ______NAME ______NANPS MEMBERSHIP ADDRESS ______New membership Renewal CITY ______Change of Address Gift PROVINCE/STATE ______POSTAL/ZIP CODE ______1-year regular membership: $25 ______2-year regular membership: $40 PHONE (optional) ______3-year regular membership: $60 *EMAIL ______5-year sustaining membership: $200 (includes $100 Please send me regular email updates of events tax receipt) and news which include The Local Scoop ______Full-time student membership: $10 Send this completed form along with your cheque to: Name of institution ______NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY ______Paper edition of The Blazing Star Include $5 per year PO Box 84, Stn D to cover mailing costs Toronto, Ontario, Canada ______Donation (Canadian tax receipts are issued for donations M9A 4X1 of $20 or more. Canadian registered charity The North American Native Plant Society treats all #130720824 RR0001) information we receive as confidential. We do not ______Total ___ cheque (payable to NANPS) rent, sell or provide this information to any third For online applications with credit card go to www.nanps.org parties.

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