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Home , Clematis viorna, Epiphyte, Neophyte (botany), Tillandsia, Tillandsia recurvata, Trillium catesbaei

The Journal of the Native Society

Summer 2010

In this issue The Wateree ...... 1 President’s Perspective..... 2 Rescuing in Woodlands..... 3 SCNPS Rescues...... 3 Spring Seed Collection...... 6 Epiphytic in SC.....10 News and Events...... 12 Name That Native Plant!

I am a native cool-season annual grass. The “umbrella” in M. fraseri. Photo courtesy of Chris Evans, University of . You may not realize it to look at me, but I was once an important food source A colony of T. oostingii in May on the banks of the Wateree River. for humans. Seeds of my ancestors may Photo courtesy of the author be found in archaeological digs around ancient campfire sites, and I played a part in early development of agricul- The Wateree Trillium ture in the area east of the a New Sessile-Flowered Trillium from Kershaw River. My lifestyle may be a little more relaxed these and Richland Counties, South Carolina days, and By L. L. Gaddy you may not have noticed Terra Incognita, Inc. - environmental consulting, research, and exploration me loung- In the spring of 2002, I was walking along Big Pine Creek in Kershaw ing around County, South Carolina, on the lookout for interesting spring wildflowers, in regularly when I noticed the tendrils of Canada moonseed (Menispermum canadense) disturbed sites. climbing on a black walnut tree. Knowing that both of these are good I’m just as indicators of rich soils, I carefully scanned the understory for what it might good as I was yield. A large yellow-flowered toadshade (as the sessile-flowered are once was, so don’t forget all commonly called) was blooming under the black walnut and a nearby bitternut aboute m - you . I stared at the plant for a while; then suddenly realized that nothing may need me was registering in my botanical memory bank built on 36 years of field experi- again some ence. I had never seen this plant before. Interestingly, that is the same reac- day. tion most people—including experts on the Trillium—have when they see the Wateree trillium: “What on earth is that?” The answer is embedded in the text somewhere in this newsletter. Photo by Bill Stringer. (See Trillium, page 4)

South Carolina Native Plant Society • Summer 2010 1 Greetings fellow SCNPS members!

If you were not able to attend our 12th Annual landscape designs of monocultured lawns and puffball Symposium last month, you missed a fantastic event. shrubs would have been viewed as starry-eyed dream- The Lowcountry Chapter symposium team did a ing. However, times have changed…somewhat. Our wonderful job putting together a very informative education agenda is still no doubt ambitious, but and fun weekend. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens in discussions at the symposium, I heard many take was a perfect venue which, together with neighbor- stock in the fact that we have entered an era that ing Drayton Hall, provided botanically rich field may give us more hope of making effective change. excursions and offered a glimpse into the historical That is, the “go green” movement that our culture rice culture, a culture defined by botanical ecology. has largely embraced represents a true shift in the We had a great group of presenters covering a wide way the general public views our place in the planet’s variety of topics from hands-on workshops in plant ecosystem. Much of this cultural shift may be more propagation and diseases, landscape design, and superficial than substantive. Nevertheless, the fact creating your own herbarium; to presentations on lo- that it is now generally “cool” to be green, no matter cal floral and faunal natural history; and of course the what your political leaning, is a significant step. This natural history of our rice plantations. new mindset is a foundation that has allowed the Dr. Doug Tallamy (Chair of the University of commercial growth of sustainable landscape design Delaware Department of Entomology and Wild- and architecture (e.g., there are a growing number life Ecology and author of Bringing Nature Home: of LEEDs and EarthCraft projects in the Carolinas How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants) and Georgia) where not so long ago there was none. was our plenary speaker. He provided an excellent And I offer here some very encouraging data about presentation on how native plants and sustainable our own organization. Pam Howe (state membership landscape design can result in a richer ecology for committee chair) has looked at our membership data, our personal landscapes, and if employed on a large and reports that we currently have 440 members, and scale, can have important positive effects on regional that new memberships are coming in weekly. conservation of native plants and animals alike. The I have been involved in many volunteer conser- panel discussion that followed Dr. Tallamy’s presen- vation organizations. However, the SCNPS stands tation generated very passionate discussion on the out like none other in the way members step up to importance of education and outreach, and this topic provide conservation and education resources one became a dominant theme of discussion throughout can use on one’s own land, and effective activism the symposium. by our chapters has made a real difference in local Educating the public about preservation of our conservation efforts for many of our special ecological native plants and ecosystems is a daunting agenda, areas. As we continue in our mission, I invite all to especially given the overwhelming dominance of the explore new ways we might fulfill our education and “big box” gardening centers in our country. There outreach agenda, and I am sure we will see growth in was much discussion on how we might penetrate this our organization and, with time, growth in the pres- force, and I heard a lot of angst about the prospects ervation and restoration of our special native ecology of making a real difference. Our collective wrestling that works in concert with our growing population. with this issue is central to the agenda of the SC- NPS. The common conclusion that I heard in the Jeff Beacham, President presentations and conversations at the symposium is: “This is really about cultural change.” In the not too distant past, any great optimism about affecting a shift in the “big box” forces and the prominence of

2 South Carolina Native Plant Society • Summer 2010 Rescuing in Woodlands - SC Native Plant Society Observations Plant Rescues Jeane Saylor Reeves It has been the policy, whether formal or informal, Our Georgia woods are a wonder, filled in all seasons of the SC Native Plant Society to place high priority with treasures, beauty, and release from the pressures of on placing rescued native plants into visible restora- daily life. When we stroll or hike into a rescue site with tion projects to which the public has access. This the intent of saving plants from the imminent, catastroph- helps to facilitate the objectives of the Society dealing ic effects of earthmoving machines, our hearts are in the with education on, and restoration and preservation of right place. These native plants, from small and native plant communities in SC. lovely shrubs to delicate wildflowers and graceful , The following draft language has been guiding the can and will adapt to new, safe homes. But, to ensure their Upstate Chapter in managing rescue opportunities: survival, each rescuer should be aware, alert, and contem- plative as to the plants' indigenous situations. 1. Priorities for plant placement. All things being There are a number of factors that aren't readily equal, priorities for placement of rescued plants will apparent to the novice rescuer, and even seasoned res- be as follows (from highest to lowest). cuers sometimes fail to consider that each plant has its a. Allocation to projects of the Upstate Chapter of own needs. Some are very "picky" when it comes to the Native Plant Society. In this sense projects relocation. For instance, native ladyslippers (Cypripedium would include both those administered directly spp.), trailing arbutus (Epigaea repens), running ground by the Chapter and projects we are working on pine (Lycopodium digitatum), and horse sugar (Symplocos cooperatively with other organizations. tinctoria), although different in their needs, are all de- manding, but well worth the effort of educating oneself. b. A reasonable allocation of plants or seeds for Of course we all know that moisture, light, and nutrients the personal use of participants in the rescue are the basic elements that all plants require in varying itself. amounts. But other factors aren't so obvious, and even c. Allocation to a plant sale sponsored by the moisture, light, and nutrients aren't so simple. Upstate Chapter of the Native Plant Society. A water-loving plant growing on the bank of a stream is there because it needs the oxygen contained in mov- d. Allocation to educational institutions from elementary through high school. ing, bubbling water. Gentians (Gentiana spp.), cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis), foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia), e. Allocation to other public landscaping projects. and grass-of Parnassus (Parnassia asarifolia) come to mind. f. Allocation to botanical gardens. Other plants such as Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyl- lum) and Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica) are found in g. Allocation for the purposes of research. damp or boggy conditions, and are at their happiest there. Northern maidenhair (Adiantum pedatum), wild hy- 2. The unifying theme in determining the allocation of drangea (Hydrangea arborescens), mountain laurel (Kalmia rescued plants is based on the policy: latifolia), and galax (Galax urceolata), among others, often Placement of rescued plants is made first on the prefer the conditions they find at the top of stream banks basis of the long-term welfare of the plants rescued and ravines. While they need ample moisture, they hate and second on the benefits that accrue to the Up- "wet feet." Once in a while, a plant will be noticed grow- state Chapter, as a result of that rescue. ing out of context, so to speak. For instance, a southern lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina) might be spotted at the The spirit of this policy is reflected in the language of top of a dry slope; that doesn't mean that lady ferns like a consent form that participants in rescues facilitated dry conditions. On the contrary, there is probably an un- by the Upstate Chapter are asked to sign: derground seep close by. Seasoned native plant gardeners come to realize that Upon signing, each participant agrees to the following: certain plants, such as foamflower, galax, and Shuttle- worth ginger (Hexastylis shuttleworthii), can be moved 1. I will not return to any SCNPS rescue site for into a garden setting and will do quite well. While, in the purpose of removal of additional plants for their natural settings they prefer given conditions, these private purposes or for the purpose of protesting amenable plants manage nicely elsewhere, as long as they or impeding development. (See Rescuing in Woodlands, page 8) (See SCNPS Rescues, page 5)

South Carolina Native Plant Society • Summer 2010 3 Trillium, from page 1 observations were partially borne out Catawba County, in the same drain- after measurements and images of age system as the Wateree River.) From 2003 to 2007 I revisited the the Wateree trillium were compared Trillium oostingii has the tall and general area each year and discovered to those of T. recurvatum, but, in the elongate “look” of these two species, additional nearby sub-populations end, I concluded that the plants were and like both of these species, it has of the Trillium, and also continued not T. recurvatum. relatively thin (usually less than 20 researching the identity of the plant. After five years of morphological mm in diameter) creeping rhizomes While reviewing the database of the and bio-geographical research and a and forms small to large clones. Its South Carolina Natural Heritage review of the Wateree trillium’s DNA intra-floral structure, however, is Program in 2002, I had noticed a and chromosome data, I concluded more similar to other sessile-flowered Trillium collection by H. J. Oosting that the Wateree trillium was a new Trilliums unrelated to T. lancifolium on April 7, 1937 from same general species. In a paper published in the and T. recurvatum. The stamens of area. Oosting had originally called online journal Phytologia in 2008, I T. oostingii are shorter than those the plant Trillium viride Beck; Oost- named it Trillium oostingii, in honor of T. lancifolium and T. recurvatum, ing’s specimen was later annotated of its original collector Henry John and, unlike those of T. lancifolium Trillium lancifolium Raf. After an Oosting, professor of at Duke and T. recurvatum, whose filaments examination of Oosting’s specimen University from 1932 to 1968. are about the same length or slightly at the Duke University Herbarium, shorter than the anthers, T. I concluded that the oostingii’s filaments are less plant I was seeing in the than one-half the length of Wateree floodplain was its anthers. Furthermore, probably the same species its anthers are only slightly that he had collected in in-curved, and the stamens 1937. are only slightly taller than Most of the plants the stigma. The intra- on the Wateree site were floral region in T. oostingii more robust and had is, therefore, compact, broader than any with the area inside of the T. lancifolium I had ever stamens completely filled seen (In South Carolina, with the ovary and its tall T. lancifolium is only stigma. On the other hand, found along the Fall Line in T. lancifolium and T. in the Savannah River recurvatum, the strongly drainage.). Furthermore, in-curved stamens and the the intra-floral structure short ovary creates an open of its flowers was sig- area within the stamens. nificantly different from When T. oostingii first that of the flowers of T. A close-up comparison of T. oostingii (left) and T. lancifolium (right). appears in late March, lancifolium. I, therefore, Photo courtesy of the author. its (bracts) angle concluded the plant was not T. lan- Trillium oostingii is closely allied downward like those of T. lancifolium cifolium (as the Duke specimen had with T. lancifolium and T. recurvatum. (not arching upward as do those been annotated), but I had no idea The nearest known population of of T. recurvatum), but as the plant what it really was. After examining T. lancifolium is in South Carolina matures, the leaves become parallel images of the Wateree trillium, Mr. 100 km to the west in the Savan- to the ground. The are strongly Tom Patrick of the Georgia Natural nah River drainage, and the clos- reflexed early in some T. oostingii Heritage Program, an expert on the est population of T. recurvatum is a plants, but, again, as the plants genus Trillium, pointed out to me that disjunct population in central North mature, the sepals become parallel to the plant appeared to exhibit some Carolina about 120 km to the north. the ground. Most mature T. oostingii morphological elements of Trillium re- (Trillium recurvatum is known from plants are large, broad-leaved, robust curvatum Beck, a mid-western species the Midwest and Mississippi Valley plants with broad, long petals, with never reported from South Carolina, and ranges east to eastern little resemblance to T. lancifolium. and could represent a disjunct popu- and central . The North Occasionally, however, a narrow- lation of that species. Mr. Patrick’s Carolina disjunct population is in leaved, narrow-petaled plant is found in a T. oostingii subpopulation; an ex-

4 South Carolina Native Plant Society • Summer 2010 amination of the intra-floral parts of Nearly every known colony of T. SCNPS Rescues, from page 3 the flower then becomes necessary to oostingii is associated with a colony separate the two species. No flower- of mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum). 2. I understand that all plants ing T. oostingii plants in any of the 20 Like mayapple, the Wateree trillium removed during a rescue subpopulations had petiolate leaves, produces large, interconnected clones operation are the property of the as is usually the case in T. recurvatum. with thousands of stems. So if you SCNPS except those plants that When the Wateree trillium first happen to be in the Wateree flood- the facilitator may allow me to opens, its petals are greenish. As it plain along the Fall Line and find the keep for my personal use. I will matures, the petals gradually turn yel- Wateree trillium, you probably won’t not sell any of the plants I take from this or any rescue site. lowish until they are bright yellow as see just one—you’ll see hundreds (or they mature and fall off the plant. maybe thousands). 3. I will not do anything to antago- Early in my studies of T. oostingii, nize or interfere with the devel- I thought that it might be Trillium Reference opers/property owners of this site, maculatum Raf. forma similans Free- Gaddy, L. L. 2008. A new sessile- or to impede development. man (a form of T. maculatum with flowered trillium from South Caro- yellow petals and maroon claws), or 4. I will listen to and conform lina. Phytologia 90:374-382. a hybrid between forma similans and to the rules and guidelines as T. lancifolium. After further research, explained by the SCNPS rescue L. L. (Chick) Gaddy, Ph D., is a facilitator. however, the only real similarity be- naturalist originally from Tim- tween the two taxa was flower color 5. I will not discuss with or dis- monsville, South Carolina. He and intra-floral structure. It later close any information to outside is author of A Naturalist’s Guide to occurred to me that T. oostingii may agencies, organizations or the the Blue Ridge Front; Biodiversity: be a natural hybrid between T. lanci- media concerning any rescue Przewalski’s horse, Edna’s trillium, folium and T. recurvatum, but DNA site location, its disposition or the giant squid, and over 1.5 million sequences indicate that the all three the plants discovered there. All other species; and Spiders of the Car- species are unique. In fact, accord- such inquiries should be referred olinas. The Wateree trillium is ing to a DNA sequence generated by to the President of the Upstate the third new plant species he has Dr. Susan Farmer (now at Abraham Chapter, SCNPS. named—the others are Radford’s Baldwin College), T. lancifolium and sedge (Carex radfordii, a GA-NC- 6. I will not hold the SCNPS or T. recurvatum are more closely related SC endemic), and the Carolina the developer responsible should to each other than either is to T. heartleaf (Hexastylis rhombiformis, I suffer an adverse medical oostingii. Furthermore, chromosome a NC-SC endemic). reaction to any plant, animal counts (by Dr. Gerald Moore of High or insect I encounter while on Point College) revealed that the He can be reached at a rescue. Furthermore, I under- Wateree trillium has a chromosome [email protected] stand that if I have a known number of 2n=10, the same number pre-existing life-threatening as all known North American Tril- Definitions: allergy to insects and/or plants, lium species, and is probably not a intra-floral - within the structure of a it is my responsibility to carry hybrid. (All known Trillium hybrid flower, ie., the interior parts my own medication and be able species are polyploids.) disjunct - A population of a species to administer it to myself should Found on both sides of the found outside the normal geograph- the need arise. I will not hold Wateree River, just southwest of ical range of the species. SCNPS responsible for accidents Camden, in Kershaw County, South forma – In botanical nomenclature, a or injuries while on this field trip. Carolina, and along the Wateree form (forma) is a low-level taxo- River southward in Richland County, 7. I understand that if I violate this nomic rank below that of variety; SC, Trillium oostingii grows in large agreement, I may not be able to it is an infra-specific taxon (infra colonies in rich, floodplain alluvium participate in any future SCNPS = below). Its name consists of three under a canopy of bitternut hickory, rescues. parts: a genus name, a specific epi- black walnut, slippery elm, willow thet, and an infra-specific epithet. , cherrybark oak, and Shumard The abbreviation “f.” or the full oak. In the understory, native cane, “forma” should be put before the Chinese privet, and spicebush are infra-specific epithet to indicate often present with the T. oostingii. the rank.

South Carolina Native Plant Society • Summer 2010 5 Spring Seed Collection Field trip Ann Barklow, Garden Magic Company

In early June I joined a group of 10 SCNPS members for seed collecting of natives along upstate South Caro- lina roadsides. Having recently relocated to Greenwood, SC from Manhattan Beach, CA, this was my second outing with the group. My first was in the winter at Twin Chimneys landfill where we rescued native plants in 27oF weather. The seed collecting trip was a humid 90 degree day. Coming from a city where the temperature high is 78 and low is 50, I promised myself I wouldn’t whine. Figure 1. Vegetative stage of kidney- rosinweed, Silphium com- I was welcomed with the usual southern charm that positum. Photo courtesy of Janie Marlow, www.namethatplant.net I don’t think I will ever take for granted here. Being a landscaper and horticulturist I have two criteria when I volunteer for plant societies. I have to learn something and have fun. I came away with both thanks to “foreman” and leader Bill Stringer from Clemson University and the great group of members who came to work. At our first stop I watched my companions spray their socks and the bottom of their pants with DEET for tick and chigger prevention. I reluctantly sprayed my clothes, flashing back to years of eating organic produce and hav- ing just received a lifetime environmental hero award. Preventing days of itching and unknown diseases made it May grass Phalaris caroliniana seem okay. We were shown Lespedeza hirta which we learned to identify because of the trifoliate leaves and stipules that we inspected with our hand lenses. Nearby were several Silphium compositum or Kidney-Leaf Rosinweed (Fig. 1). These large basal rosettes of leaves in the Aster family Figure 2. Flowering kidney-leaf rosinweed. Photo courtesy of Janie Marlow, www.namethatplant.net were hard to miss along the roadside. The summer bloom promises to be showy yellow daisies on an impressively tall spike (Fig 2). A perennial herb, also in the Aster family, Liatris squarrosa, was briefly removed from the soil so we could examine the underground globose stock where the plant stores its reserves for the following season. We saw sassafras, the flavor source for root beer. Sassafras albidum, an aromatic shrub to small tree has a distinctive quality of having one or sometimes two lateral lobes on its leaves. I placed stars next to my favorite plants. They made this list because they were neat in appearance and I often think of plant combinations that will look good together in a more structured garden landscape. Ruellia carolinensis, Wild Petunia (Fig. 3), with its purple flowers (no relation to petunias), was a pretty sight, along with Stylosanthes Figure 3. Wild petunia, Ruellia carolinensis. Photo courtesy of biflora, Pencil Flower (Fig. 4) with its delicate yellow John D. Byrd, Mississippi State University, Bugwood.org flowers on a very neat, compact plant. Nothing stood out

6 South Carolina Native Plant Society • Summer 2010 Figure 4. Pencil-flower, Stylosanthes biflora. Photo courtesy of Figure 6. Leather-flower, viorna. Photo courtesy of Janie Janie Marlow, www.namethatplant.net Marlow. grass, that will be used for germplasm by the US Forest more to me than the frequent appearance of Asclepias Service. Seed collecting was peaceful and enjoyable and tuberosa, butterfly milkweed. Its brilliant orange flowers took place along US 176 and SC 72. When Bill would and nectar and food source for butterflies make it a must honk the horn for us to turn in our seeds and get back in in my garden. Both of the Tephrosia’s made my list. Spe- the van, many of us rebelled, wanting to spend more time cies spicata with green leaves and white flowers turning collecting. pink and then carmine and virginiana or Goats Rue with Discussions in the van were equally informative. I a pubescence am very familiar with invasive plants in California but that gives hearing the names of South Carolina invasives was a big the leaves a education. In particular because they are common in silvery ap- landscapes in both Southern California and South Caro- pearance and lina. Ligustrum, Privet; Elaeagnus, Autumn Olive; Lonicera the flowers a japonica, Japanese Honeysuckle; Pyrus calleryana, Brad- bicolor of yel- ford (or Callery) pear; Albizia juilbrissin, Mimosa; Buddleia, low and rose. Butterfly Bush; and Euonymus alata, Burning Bush; to Driving name a few. Considering I had my sunroom chairs de- down a rocky signed to bring in the color from my Burning Bush I had road along the to laugh. Tyger River Learning plant botanical names and identifying them we discovered in the field is the first step in learning. Until I grow and a large 8-foot observe them I don’t feel I really know them. Fortunately, tall Amor- I have plenty of room where we live to get acquainted. pha fruticosa, For instance, are they deer resistant, do they like the soil Indigo Bush here, are their cultural needs met, are they poisonous to (Fig. 5) with my dogs, or do they get too many chewed up leaves from its airy loose caterpillars to be center stage in my garden? growth habit. I have so much to learn and I am so grateful for the Under close SCNPS for helping along this long path of knowledge and Figure 5. False indigo bush, Amorpha fruticosa. Photo courtesy of Sally & Andy Wasowski, Lady inspection to help me be a good steward of the land. In the mean- Bird Johnson Wildflower Center we found time a few books that are helping me are: A Guide to the a Clematis Wildflowers of South Carolina, by Porcher and Rayner, viorna scrambling nearby with its delicate bell shaped Bringing Nature Home, by Douglas Tallamy, and for the purple flowers (Fig. 6). The team photographers snapped serious plant geeks, Manual of the Vascular Flora of the many photos and were the last to return to the van. Carolinas by Radford, Ahles and Bell. Even with all this botanical knowledge we still had time to collect seeds from Danthonia sericea, Silky Oat-

South Carolina Native Plant Society • Summer 2010 7 Rescuing in Woodlands, from page 3 color, or berries in another season. Rescuers need to consider that And there are a few plants, such as some plants, from buckeye (Aesculus are given dappled sunlight, adequate toothwort (Cardamine diphylla) and spp.) to Shuttleworth ginger, have water, and decent soil. cranefly orchid (Tipularia discolor), root systems that require special About water: we have found whose foliage appears in late au- attention. Their are few in num- that most native plants, if given the tumn and remains green through the ber, and therefore, must be worked choice, would reject chlorinated tap winter, while flowering in the spring out of their homes with care. Patience or hose water in favor of rainwater. and going dormant for the summer. is a virtue - in fact, perhaps a matter Since that isn't always an option - It really does serve a new rescuer well of vegetative life or death. But with the years-long drought has made us to study a few books on native plants any plant, don't give up too soon if it vividly aware of the glory of a soaking and to keep the eyes and ears open to seems to have passed into the Great rainstorm - the next best thing is to learn from other rescuers. Beyond. "Goner" shrubs and trees, collect tap water in containers and When we are fortunate enough while appearing to be dried-up sticks, let it stand for a day or so. Just keep it to have a rescue site that holds trout may send out new growth from the lightly covered to let the chlorine gas lilies (Erythronium spp.), we quickly roots or stems a year or two later. escape and to keep out mosquitoes. learn that the bulbs, more often than As for small trees, some are read- Cardinal flower and green-and- not, are nestled among rocks under ily transplanted; others hate being gold (Chrysogonum virginianum) are the soil. The rocks help prevent moved. Beech (Fagus americanus) and two of a fairly small number of plants rodents from digging and eating the chalk maple (Acer leucoderme) are that need to be kept free of winter bulbs, and they also provide a cool quite tolerant, while redbud (Cercis leaf litter. If these wildflowers with root run. (By the way, trout lilies, canadensis), which seeds abundantly, winter rosettes are planted on slopes, as they grow older and bigger, place often rebels at having its taproot the canopy's autumn leaves will slide their bulbs deeper underground; we disturbed. Rescuers have joked over off and let winter sunshine in to do its must allow for that when we dig, so the years about a small number of work. as not to sever the bulbs. Another plants "dying just to spite you." Of Another horticultural consid- aside: we find trout lilies in a given course, trees and shrubs are certainly eration is that some plants require site springing from the tops of mesic more amenable to being uprooted certain minerals, enzymes, or fungi for hillocks, growing down the slopes, during dormancy. Unfortunately this obtaining or assimilating nutrients. and almost into creeks.) isn't usually an option at a site on the For example, if a downy rattlesnake In fact, many plants benefit from verge of being developed. Selective plantain (Goodyera pubescens) is to including local stones in the planting pruning before transplanting can help survive in a new site, a good quantity hole. In addition to a cool root run, lessen the strain on the plant, as fewer of the surrounding, allied soil should the rocks aerate soil that may other- leaves mean lower water demand. accompany it. It should then quickly wise become compacted over time. Along the same lines, it is impor- be placed in a comparable wooded Some plants such as hepatica (He- tant to keep in mind that the ferns, setting. At that point, and with patica nobilis var. obtusa) and Oconee wildflowers, trees, and shrubs one proper watering, the gardener can azalea (Rhododendron flammeum) grow comes across on a rescue in the woods only hope for the best. best in rocky, dryish soil that has a emerged through or off- On the contrary, other plants, rather high lime content. Even here shoots. Almost never were they dug such as Christmas fern (Polystichum in our lower piedmont, with its many from another place and plopped into acrostichoide)s, Catesby’s trillium acid-loving plants, we find pockets of new sites. While we rescuers must (), and mouse-eared basic (high pH) soil and the plants do just that, extra care - especially coreopsis (Coreopsis auriculata), are an that thrive in them. A quick men- regular watering for a year or so - will easy pleasure. Another agreeable fern, tion of another factor is that of "lean" help to ensure their survival. Some of the small, charming ebony spleenwort soil. Some plants, such as bird's-foot these stressed plants may wilt badly, (Asplenium platyneuron), enjoys often violet (Viola pedata) and certain asters especially in the heat of summer. acidic, less-than-moist soil. It can be (formerly Aster spp., now reclassified (Again, cutting the foliage back can found colonizing on disturbed soil into several genera), prefer soil that reduce the strain on the roots.) Oth- (once, even in a local vineyard!), or is not rich and friable but rather thin, ers, surprisingly, don't miss a beat and among -spotted rocks on small, sometimes hard-packed, and usually continue to adjust and thrive. mossy ridges. dry, often in sunnier sites. Erma Bom- Canopy is another consideration; Please do keep in mind that a beck, the late columnist, once wrote the treetop leaf cover that starts out clump of green that is seemingly of rearing her children with "benign sparsely, with pioneering trees, over insignificant, even boring in appear- neglect." Sometimes green things, the years becomes denser, heavily ance, may sport delightful flowers, fall too, don't take to being coddled.

8 South Carolina Native Plant Society • Summer 2010 shading the ground below. The plants slope that is commonly its choice? lightful picture. Try the pale yellow of that bloomed in bright dappled shade Or, say, a fine turtlehead (Chelone bellwort (Uvularia spp.) nodding over may not do so when sunlight is no- spp.), thriving in a bright, damp the dwarf crested iris (Iris cristata), tably reduced. Piedmont azaleas (R. swale? If one studies the area in which with its yellow patch, for instance, or canescens), in particular, might stop a plant is distributed and chooses a note how the rich, plumy red of sweet forming buds, even though the shrubs particular plant on the locale's outer shrub (Calycanthus floridus) is echoed themselves are quite healthy. Moving reaches that most closely matches in the tiny dots of red seen in the one (while cutting it back as neces- the new home destination, chances white bells of mountain laurel. sary) to a more open area could be all for its survival improve. (Genetics at The education of a rescuer is a it needs to start flowering again. The work?) On the other hand, desire can joyous thing for both the neophyte larger lilies - Turk's-cap (Lilium super- and should go only so far. Rescuers and the facilitator or old hand who bum) and Carolina lily (L. michauxii) who can't come close to providing helps. At the beginning of the learn- - fall into the same category. Another a suitable adoptive home are well ing curve, it may all seem overwhelm- aspect of canopy is that, occasionally, advised to let someone else with a ing, and even cause anxiety. But our rescuers will discover a fresh point more acceptable garden, woodland, or native plants are for the most part of view regarding flora that they are creek setting take a treasure and keep quite forgiving and hearty. Out in only accustomed to seeing in a sunny it healthy - or alive! the woods, after a few rescues are spot. If southern, or bull-bay, magno- On a horticultural note, if a "under the belt," the many questions lia (Magnolia grandiflora) is found in a rescuer comes across a plant that and concerns soon give way to the rich, moist, wooded area, it will look self-seeds readily, for instance Coreop- camaraderie and good will that pull us so different from its lawn or roadside sis spp., Indian pink (Spigelia mari- all together. version as to be quite surprising. It landica), or wild geranium (Geranium Our cause is good, and the results grows tall and slender, not so laden maculatum), placing it at the upper are a blessing. with leaves (and not usually bloom- end of a slope will help to ensure that This article reprinted from ing). In the winter it reveals itself the seeds will work their way down NativeSCAPE, the Georgia Native nicely through the stark hardwoods over the years. A "drift" of such a Plant Society Newsletter. as a bright, almost delicate, tower of plant can be a lovely thing. Another We were saddened to learn of the green. gardening tip: when one observes two passing of Ms. Reeves, and wish to What about a rescuer who dearly or more plants blooming at approxi- express our gratitude to her family and to wants that clump of blooming fly mately the same time, and appreci- the Georgia Native Plant Society for the poison (Amianthium muscitoxicum) ating the same conditions, placing use of her wonderful article. but can't provide the loamy, wooded them as companions can create a de-

Members of the SCNPS Lowcountry Chapter rescuing native plants on the construction site of the new Boeing plant near Charleston. Photos by Jean Everett, PhD, College of Charleston.

South Carolina Native Plant Society • Summer 2010 9 Epiphytic Plants in South Carolina Joel M. Gramling, Biology Department, The Citadel resurrection fern (Pleiopeltis polypodioides), Spanish For many people the image most associated with ( usneoides) and green-fly orchid (Epidendrum coastal South Carolina is that of venerable live magnoliae). These species are primarily found in the outer draped in and punctuated by dense colonies Coastal Plain, but may be found further inland along of resurrection fern. While rivers. The high humidity the oaks themselves are quite characteristic of these parts impressive, the Spanish moss of the state is essential for our and resurrection fern imbue native . In places them with a lushness that tells where the has been you that moist ocean breezes altered we may observe fewer or slow meandering rivers are or no epiphytes. Large oaks nearby. These are just two of that support spanish moss and our better known epiphytes in resurrection fern may lose South Carolina. these taxa when surrounded An is a plant by asphalt or other built struc- that lives upon (epi-) another tures that raise the ambient plant (phyte). True epiphytes air temperature and retain less are classified as non-parasitic water than forests or meadows. organisms. Ecologically we Resurrection fern gets its classify the tree-epiphyte name from its water-conserv- relationship as commensalism. ing habits. When moist with Unlike parasitism, the host rain or fog, resurrection fern is in a commensal relationship green and lush in appearance. is unharmed by the symbiont As the plant dries out the living upon it. While the fronds curl up, turn grey and epiphyte is frequently an- appear to have died (see Fig. chored to the host plant with Figure 1. Drought-stricken resurrection fern. 1). Following the next rain roots, these roots are absorbing Photo courtesy of Rebekah D. Wallace, Bugwood.org event, the plant will quickly water and nutrients from the reactivate and appear to have air and sediments that come back to life (see land on the tree. The Fig. 2). Resurrection epiphyte benefits from fern has even been the height it gains used as a traditional through this associa- medicine throughout tion. Being elevated to above the forest floor treat liver ailments, may prevent the plant low blood pressure, from being trampled, fever and cough. covered in leaves or The mostly grazed upon by large free-hanging Spanish herbivores. The great- moss is not a moss, est advantage of being but a . an epiphytic plant may The obscure flowers be the opportunity to of this unique plant gain more sunlight may be found from than it would at April to June and are ground level. evidenced by three Several epiphytes delicate green pet- are clearly native Figure 2. Resurrection fern after a rain. als (see Fig.3). Just in South Carolina: Photo courtesy of Rebekah D. Wallace, Bugwood.org like the pineapple

10 South Carolina Native Plant Society • Summer 2010 plant and some , Spanish moss is a bromeliad. on young, planted live oaks. It is thought that this “air Bromeliads are a diverse family of plants found in tropical plant” from has hitchhiked its way up the coast on and sub-tropical regions worldwide. Other species in the nursery plants. While it is mostly confined to streetscapes, genus Tillandsia are sometimes marketed as “air plants” and neighborhoods and parking lots, ball moss can be observed sold as keepsakes to tourists in Florida or as novelties in colonizing new hosts (such as magnolias, cypresses, crape some garden centers. myrtles and even Japanese Showy tropical or- privet that may be planted chids are the prototypical nearby). epiphytes for many plant Cabbage palmetto fern enthusiasts. While South (Phlebodium aureum) is an- Carolinians may be familiar other example of an epiphyte with non-native epiphytic that is increasing its presence orchids that are commonly in coastal South Carolina. cultivated on bark or moss This relative of resurrection and traded worldwide, the fern lives on the fronds of pal- green-fly orchid is a relative- metto trees (Sabal palmetto). ly obscure native plant that A few records of this plant is frequently found mixed in have been linked to South with resurrection fern on the Carolina in the past, but branches of live oak trees. today the number of sightings The green-fly orchid is the Figure 3. Spanish moss in flower. Photo courtesy of author. is on the rise. Apparently this only epiphytic orchid north plant is also riding up from of Florida and reaches its northern limit just across the Florida on trees purchased from nurseries and planted border in Brunswick and New Hanover along the South Carolina coast. Counties. The green-fly orchid has a delicate white flower Other plants may exhibit an epiphytic habit without that blooms from mid-summer through the fall in South being considered true epiphytes. Mistletoe (Phoradendron Carolina (see Fig. 4). Dr. Richard D. Porcher argues that leucarpum) is a hemi-parasite that grows primarily upon this taxon should be considered “common rather than oak trees. The striking green color and distinct growth rare…. It is often overlooked because it grows high up in form of mistletoe in winter gives is a bushy appearance the trees where it is sometimes in the otherwise barren hidden in resurrection fern branches of deciduous trees. and/or Spanish moss.” Re- We classify mistletoe as a cently discovered in Marion hemi-parasite because it is County, this epiphyte is one capable of photosynthesizing to look out for when paddling its own food as evidenced by or hiking along our rivers in its greenness (a result of the the Coastal Plain. abundant chloroplasts), but it Just as we find terrestrial also taps into the host tree to and aquatic non-native plants gain nutrients. Also, non- spreading across South Caro- epiphytes will occasionally lina there are two epiphytes establish on a tree that has that are expanding their accumulated soil or humus on ranges as well. Ball moss or in a stem or branch (see () is a sister Fig. 5). While these oppor- species of Spanish moss more tunistic individuals usually commonly found in Florida. don’t survive over time, they Until this century ball moss can create an interesting had not been documented sight. in South Carolina. In the Figure 4. Green-fly orchid. Photo courtesy of Jim Fowler When looking for native last five years it has been plants it is easy to get into found in nearly every coastal the habit of seeing a tree you county, but it almost certainly hasn’t been spreading on its are familiar with and looking past it to find something own. Today ball moss in South Carolina is mostly found new. With epiphytes we need to take a second look at

South Carolina Native Plant Society • Summer 2010 11 the plants we know to find the extra “plant upon a plant”. As The Journal of the new epiphytes spread into South Carolina it will be interesting to South Carolina see if they adopt new hosts, colo- Native Plant Society nize natural areas or even survive in our climate long term. Take a Published quarterly look around, there may be more Editor: Bill Stringer new epiphytes in South Carolina Design Editor: Charlene Mayfield that haven’t been documented. Upstate Chapter - Greenville Dr. Joel Gramling is a Charles- Lowcountry Chapter - ton native, and did his undergradu- Charleston ate study at College of Charleston, Midlands Chapter - Columbia followed by a Masters in Education Piedmont Chapter - Rock Hill from The Citadel, and Doctorate South Coast Chapter - Beaufort from UNC-Chapel Hill. Figure 5. Opportunistic pseudo-epiphytes on an oak. Photo courtesy of author. www.scnps.org

Upcoming Activities Upstate Chapter Cullowhee Native Plants Conference Field Trip: Lee Falls - Saturday, July 17, 8:00 am. Joe The annual Cullowhee Conference: Native Plants in the Townsend will lead us on a 1.5 mile hike to the75-foot Lee Landscape will be held July 28-31, 2010, on the campus of Falls. To see it we hike through a hardwood hollow full of Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC. For more botanical rarities such as Oconee Bell (Shortia galacifolia) and information and/or registration, see http://nativeplantconfer- Bulblet Fern (Cystopteris bulbifera). Meet at the Holly Springs ence.wcu.edu Store dirt parking area at 8:00 am. For more information and registration contact Mary at [email protected] LowCountry Chapter Lowcountry Fall Plant Sale – October 23 at Charlestowne Presentation: Magnolias in the Carolinas - Tuesday, July 20, Landing – Time and other details TBA. Watch http://www. 7:00 pm - Dick Figlar, world authority on the genus Magno- scnps.org/calendar.html lia, and resident of Pickens County. Founders Hall in Dining Commons, Southern Wesleyan University, Central. For a Midlands Chapter map and more information, visit http://www.scnps.org/activi- Field Trip: Savage Bay Heritage Preserve - July 10, 2010 ties_ups.html (Saturday) Bert Pittman and Kathy Boyle will lead this field trip to Savage Bay Heritage Preserve. Approximately half of Field Trip: Coon Branch Trail / Lower Whitewater Falls. the 110 acre preserve consists of Carolina bay habitat. Please Thursday, July 22. Registration and details available from contact Ellen Blundy at [email protected] to [email protected] register. Directions will be sent at the beginning of July. Presentation: The Natural and Cultural History of Fire in Field Trip: Goodale State Park - August 14, 2010 (Saturday) the Southlands . Tuesday, Aug 17, 7:00 pm - Johnny Stowe. - For more information contact Ellen Blundy Heritage Preserve Manager for SC DNR’s Heritage Trust [email protected] Program. Location: Greenville TEC @ McAlister Square, Field Trip: Botany Bay Heritage Preserve, Edisto Island - 225 S Pleasantburg Dr., Greenville. Sept 11-12, 2010 (Saturday - Sunday) . The 4630 acre tract is ecologically and historically significant with many diverse Presentation: in the Landscape. Tuesday, Sept 21, . The maritime forest beach has its own boneyard. 7:00 pm - Dr. Robert Wyatt, former Director of the Highlands The property is managed by SCDNR. For more information Biological Station, will focus his talk on ten native moss spe- contact Ellen Blundy [email protected] cies that make attractive subjects for a range of garden sites. Founders Hall in Dining Commons, Southern Wesleyan Field Trip: Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve - October 9, University, Central. 2010 (Saturday) - Leader will be Wayne Grooms. For more information contact Ellen Blundy [email protected]

12 South Carolina Native Plant Society • Summer 2010