Vol. 30, No. 2 May 2011 ISSN 1085-9632

A publication of the NATIVE SOCIETY http://www.vnps.org Conserving wild flowers and wild places 2011 Annual Meeting offers exploration of diverse habitats

The Prince William Wildflower cause of the abundance of fish and Society invites you to the Virginia ease of traveling by canoe.” Par- Native Plant Society Annual Meet- VNPS ticipants in the Occoquan River ing September 16-18. We will ex- field trip will follow the path of plore the diversity of flora and Annual Native Americans and others by fauna in Virginia’s only county Meeting canoe and kayak while observing that spans three geologic prov- the diverse flora found along this inces, from Bull Run Mountain to Sept. 16-18 unique riparian corridor. the coastal plain on the Potomac The trip to FNWR will allow River. The Prince William area is his- participants a unique opportunity to explore a Potomac River refuge torically rich and provides an ex- last year’s mountainous venue by that has been closed to the public citing backdrop for hiking, canoe- hiking in the Bull Run Mountain for 40 years. Featherstone contains ing, exploring both urban and ru- Natural Area Preserve; go back in a diverse complex of tidal and ral wilds, learning from eminent time 150 years after the First non-tidal freshwater wetlands naturalists and presenters, and vis- Battle of Manassas while explor- and associated uplands that is cur- iting with old and new friends. ing the natural and cultural his- rently being inventoried by mem- Field trips will allow us to ex- tory of Manassas National Battle- bers of VNPS and other groups in plore by foot our diverse ecosys- field Park; or visit the state’s new- partnership with refuge staff. tems including the Bull Run Moun- est and northernmost wildlife Please join us for these and tain Natural Area Preserve, management area, Merrimac other exciting field trips, speak- Manassas National Battlefield Farm in Nokesville. ers, and a meal and social events Park, Prince William Forest Park, The Town of Occoquan’s with fellow society members. A and Featherstone National Wild- website includes the following in- complete listing of events for the life Refuge (FNWR), a place that formation: “Occoquan is derived annual meeting as well as regis- is not open to the general public, from a Dogue Indian word mean- tration information will appear in and experience the Occoquan ing 'at the end of the water.' It is the next issue of the Bulletin. River by canoe and kayak. Partici- believed that the Dogues stayed pants can choose from trips that close to the Occoquan River be- Charles Smith, PWWS will allow them to reminisce on

Invasive insects threaten Virginia trees Pages 4 & 5 Bulletin of the Virginia Native Plant Society From the president ...... Let the earth's empower you On September 22, 2010, Col. of opportunities exist to hike, learn, help, and Douglas H. Wheelock assumed teach. For those of you who have been coming command of the International along on visits to natural places for years, maybe Space Station and the Expedi- now is the time to step up and help your chapter tion 25 crew. His photos were sent to me in a with events, walks, presentations, newsletter ar- PowerPoint presentation by my brother who works ticles and plant sales, or consider volunteering for at NASA. Here is his text that accompanied a photo a board position. It seems to me everyone has of the earth’s atmosphere illuminated from behind something to offer, including you! by the sun: In the past year, VNPS formalized a partner- ship agreement with the Flora of Virginia Project. Another breathtaking sunset . . . we get 16 I feel so proud of our organization and our ac- of these each day in Earth orbit, each one a complishment of meeting last year’s fundraising treasured moment. That beautiful thin goal for the Flora. I rather arbitrarily set $20,000 blue line is what makes our home so spe- as a goal, and it was more than met. I’d like you to know that you received a very nice letter of ap- cial in the cosmos. Space is cool . . . but, the preciation from Chris Ludwig, President of the Earth is a raging explosion of life in a vast Flora of Virginia Project, which characterized your sea of darkness.“ gift as “...more than significant, it is empowering!” Thanks so much to all of you for your gener- Now that is perspective! From our earthly per- osity and support for our fundraising and our spective, it’s spring and a great time to share the other programs. importance of that thin blue line and the plant life See you soon on the trail I hope! that helped create it and that sustains it. A wealth Your VNPS President, Sally Anderson Apps and exhibits in the Flora’s future

In April, Chris Ludwig, Alan of the Flora will be turned into a da- Flora at center stage Weakley, and Johnny Townsend, co- tabase, which is necessary for a flex- The spotlight will shine on our authors of the Flora of Virginia, held ible and powerful digital format. In plants in 2014 as the Library of Vir- their final summit to iron out details addition, the Flora data will be ginia, in Richmond, will host an ex- of the book, scheduled for publication linked, by plant species, to other hibit titled “The Flora of Virginia” in fall 2012. As production enters its groups’ databases. The app itself will from March to September. A commit- last stages, the Flora of Virginia be created in a second phase once the tee has been formed that comprises the Project is looking at its next steps. Two database work is complete. library’s exhibition team, led by Bar- exciting new efforts are sure to put Searches will be easy and bara Batson, and representatives of Virginia’s plants and the Flora Project customizable. In addition to plant the Flora Project. Bland Crowder will even further in the public eye. descriptions and interactive keys for be curator of the exhibit; Johnny Going digital identification, users will be able to Townsend, botanist with the Virginia The Virginia Environmental En- retrieve detailed habitat and range Natural Heritage Program and Flora dowment (VEE) in April awarded the information, as well as photographs co-author, and Randee Humphrey, of Flora Project $32,500 for an 18-month and illustrations. The Digital Flora the Flora Project’s board of directors plan of work titled “The Digital Flora will also allow updates, including and director of education at the Lewis of Virginia: Data Based.” The grant additions and corrections, changes Ginter Botanical Garden in Rich- funds the first step of creating from the in , and new plant discov- mond, are also on the committee. Flora a digital version, or app, that will eries. And online forums are planned The exhibit will be housed in both operate on handheld devices, such as so that Flora users may communicate the lobby and the gallery on the first smartphones and tablet computers. It with one another and with the Flora floor of the library. Content has barely will also be available on PCs. Project about the Flora and educa- been considered so far, but expect to Under the VEE grant, the content tional activities based on it. (See Flora, page 8) Page 2 May 2011 Bulletin of the Virginia Native Plant Society White oak part of global oak presence As we act locally celebrating mal names depends on numerous de- black oaks is well to our south! white oak, Quercus alba, as the 2011 tails: the degree of lumping or split- Leaves may be deciduous or ever- VNPS Wildflower of the Year, it is ting among subgroups, for one thing, green, lobed, toothed, or entire; perhaps appropriate to think glo- and the rank in the taxonomic hier- toothed leaves have prominent bally for a few moments and con- archy— subgenus, section, or subsec- bristletips; acorns take two years sider the breadth of diversity encom- tion—to which any subgroup is as- to reach maturity for most species. passed by the oaks. Quercus is a big signed, for another. Different bota- Included here are familiar trees genus, easily the largest in its fam- nists see these things differently and, like the red, scarlet, pin, black, ily, the Fagaceae. Approximately 400 accordingly, they wedge oak natural blackjack, willow, water, turkey species of oak are oaks, and a plethora of trees from known, and they are high-altitude regions of Mexico widely distributed in Quercus alba and Central America. the northern hemi- white oak White oaks (Quercus, sphere. We tend to Illustration by Lepidobalanus, Leucobalanus, think of oaks as tem- Nicky Staunton Mesobalanus): Species belonging perate zone trees, but in to the white oak group occur both the New World, their in the New and Old Worlds; it is range extends south thus geographically the most wide- through the mountains spread subgroup of oaks. Some 200 of Central America to species have been recognized, with Colombia and in the 51 found across the breadth of Old World, into the tropics of south- diversity into the categories of clas- North America north of Mexico. east Asia. sification to fit their particular inter- Leaves may be deciduous or ever- As might be expected of such a large pretation. Consequently, we still see green, lobed, toothed, or entire; when and widespread genus, several sub- some proliferation of oak subgroup present, leaf teeth are never bristle- groups of oaks can be recognized. Oak names. For the discussion that fol- tipped; acorns mature within a single subgroups were first distinguished on lows, names will be used in a strictly season. The white oak group includes the basis of morphological features; in informal fashion independent of many familiar local species includ- recent years molecular (DNA) charac- taxonomic rank, with an attempt to ing white, burr, post, chestnut, and ters and the details of pollen structure include frequently used synonymous swamp chestnut oaks. The evergreen have reinforced the definition of these (or nearly synonymous) alternative live oaks (Quercus virginiana and groups. Specialists do quibble about the group names. close relatives) of the southeast and details, but recognition of six prominent Intermediate or golden-cup oaks Gulf coast also belong here, as do subgroups seems well established in (Protobalanus): Protobalanus consti- many more species from Mexico, recent literature. Yes, six! Only two of tutes the smallest subgeneric group of Central America, Europe, and Asia. these subgroups are found in eastern oaks, consisting of just five species Quercus robur, the English white North America. It is remarkable how that range from southern Oregon to oak, is perhaps the best-known ex- many of the references for oaks in our northern Mexico. Leaves are entire or otic species of this group; it and region refer to our two local subgroups toothed and evergreen, acorns take some of its hybrids are sometimes as if they were the only subgroups of two seasons to reach maturity, and cultivated as specimen trees in the oak. In truth, the many oaks that grace acorn caps are densely glandular U.S. Also notable is the gall or our woods represent just a fraction of hairy, so much so that the individual dyer’s oak, Quercus lusitanica, oak diversity on a global scale—hence bracts are indistinct except for their from the Iberian Peninsula and the motivation for outlining this broader tips. Quercus chrysolepis (canyon live nearby northwest Africa; insect-in- perspective of the genus. Two of the six oak, maul oak), a highly variable spe- duced galls that form on this (and major groups of oaks occur only in the cies, is the most widespread member some related species) yield tannins New World, three are restricted to the of the group. used as a dark-colored dyestuff. Old World, and one, the white-oak Red/black oaks (Lobatae, Cycle-cup oaks (Cyclobalanopsis): group, is found in both. Erythrobalanus): The red/black Cycle-cup oaks encompass about 150 While the composition of oak sub- oak group is also restricted to the species found in tropical and sub- groups seems to be nearing consen- New World, with some 195 species, tropical regions of southeast Asia. sus among botanists, the subgroups' only 35 of which occur north of These evergreen oaks have remark- nomenclature remains chaotic. Suf- Mexico—which means that the true ably distinctive acorn caps that consist fice it to say that application of for- center of diversity of “our” red/ (See Oak diversity, page 8) May 2011 Page 3 Bulletin of the Virginia Native Plant Society Hemlock woolly adelgid Biological controls look promising

Scientific name: Adelges tsugae (Annand) Common name: Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Native to: Asia U.S. Introduction: 1920s (West Coast); 1951 (East Coast)

observed feeding and reproducing on tine, it was determined to be host-spe- it. Starting in 1992, entomologists be- cific (feeding only on HWA), and, after gan surveying for predator insects in federal and state approval in 2003, it China, Japan, and northwestern North was first released into Virginia hem- America that could be used as biologi- lock forests. Laboratory mass-rearing Hemlock woolly adelgid cal control agents of HWA. By 1996, techniques had been developed for this several small beetles, each no longer predator at Virginia Tech by 2005, and The hemlock woolly adelgid than 3 mm, had been identified as pos- the species is now being mass-reared (HWA), Adelges tsugae, is an inva- sible controls. These included there and at additional labs in the east- sive insect pest native to Asia, and Sasajiscymnus tsugae, a lady beetle ern U.S., including facilities at the Uni- was accidentally introduced into the from Japan, several species of Scymnus, versity of Tennessee, Clemson Univer- eastern United States sometime in the lady beetles from China, and a sity, and the University of Georgia. th mid-20 century from Japan. Since its derodontid beetle, Laricobius nigrinus, Since 2003, around 100,000 L. nigrinus initial discovery in Richmond in the from British Columbia, Washington, Or- have been released at more than 80 lo- 1950s, HWA has infested eastern egon, and Idaho. Since then, more than cations from Massachusetts to Georgia, hemlock, Tsuga canadensis, and 2 million Sasajiscymnus tsugae have and the beetles have established small Carolina hemlock, T. caroliniana, for- been released in 16 states including the populations at nearly 60 percent of the ests over much of their geographic stretch from Maine to Georgia. Since monitored release sites. Support and ranges, often causing extensive tree 2004, more than 25,000 Scymnus funding for the mass-rearing of this mortality, especially in old-growth sinuanodulus, the most promising of the and other agents has been provided eastern hemlock stands. Scymnus lady beetles, have been re- primarily by the USDA Forest Service. Because hemlock-dominated forests leased in 11 eastern states. Of these two In addition to the agents described cover approximately 2.5 million acres in lady beetle species, Sasajiscymnus above, three new predator species the eastern United States, control of HWA tsugae (a Web search will lead to more show promise. Leucopis argenticollis, is of crucial importance both environmen- interesting information about this a small fly native to western North tally and economically. A neonicotinoid friendly insect) appears to have the most America, has been observed feeding on insecticide called Imidacloprid is most potential as a biological control agent, HWA. Laricobius osakensis, a commonly used to chemically control in part due to its being more success- derodontid beetle from Japan, was re- HWA in forest and urban environments fully mass-reared in the laboratory. cently approved for release after being by way of soil and trunk injections. How- However, individuals of both species studied in quarantine at Virginia ever, classical biological control of HWA have been recovered near release sites Tech. And Scymnus ningshanensis, (the introduction of its natural enemies since their release, confirming their es- another small lady beetle from China, from its country of origin) began in the tablishment and reproduction, though may also be effective if released in mid-1990s, and is now the largest bio- in fairly low numbers. large numbers. Long-term monitoring logical control program for any forest The beetle Laricobius nigrinus, and assessment of predator impacts pest in North America. native to the Pacific Northwest, feeds on HWA populations in the eastern Biological control is the preferred primarily on HWA infesting western U.S. is ongoing, yet it is hoped that method of suppressing HWA in natu- hemlocks, Tsuga heterophylla. As eventually HWA densities can be sup- ral forest ecosystems. Although no ef- with all the HWA biological control pressed to levels that have fewer det- fective natural enemies of this adelgid agents, L. nigrinus was held in quar- rimental impacts on our beautiful species are known to occur in the east- antine for a period of time before be- hemlock forests. ern United States, Laricobius rubidus, ing released. Quarantine studies were Ryan Mays, Research Specialist, a native beetle predator of the pine conducted on this species at Virginia Virginia Tech bark adelgid, Pineus strobi, has been Tech in Blacksburg. While in quaran-

Page 4 May 2011 Bulletin of the Virginia Native Plant Society Another invasive insect destroying native trees port water and nutrients. The damage becomes apparent when the top third of the tree weakens and produces little growth. Eventually the tree dies. Apparently it’s not the adult insect that does the dam- age but, rather, the larvae that eats their way through the inte- rior of the trees. Woodpeckers seem to enjoy ash borer dinners, Emerald green ash borer so that’s somewhat of a help. The borers were introduced acci- An ash borer trap hangs from a tree Depending on where you are in dentally into the U.S., most likely in in the Shenandoah Valley. Most of Virginia, you might have seen the wood-packing materials, such as ship- those tiny dots on the sides of the mysterious purple triangular con- ping crates, coming from Asia, and were trap are ash borers. (Photo by traptions, 14 in. by 24 in., hanging first detected in Michigan in 2002. They Nancy Sorrells) from trees. The objects are not part of were first found in Virginia later that some secret government experiment. same year, at a Fairfax County elemen- They are emerald green ash borer traps tary school, where infected ash trees Bulletin takes first place placed in trees by the Virginia Depart- originating from a nursery in Michigan The VNPS Bulletin garnered a first ment of Agriculture and Consumer had been planted. To prevent the spread place award in the newsletter category Services (VDACS) to catch the inva- of the beetles, all ash trees within half of the Virginia Outdoor Writers' Excel- sive beetles so that the extent of ash mile of the school were cut and chipped. lence in Craft Contest. Winners were borer infestation across the common- But the beetles were detected announced in April at the Virginia wealth can be determined. again in Fairfax in 2008. Agriculture Outdoor Writers Association (VOWA) The traps are baited with a natu- officials established a quarantine for annual meeting held at Bear Creek ral plant oil attractant and covered 10 Northern Virginia counties and cit- State Park. with a nontoxic glue to catch the in- ies, expanding it in 2010 to include The contest specified that each en- sects. VDACS officials said the traps the northern Shenandoah Valley coun- trant choose one representative issue have been especially useful for detect- ties of Frederick and Clarke and the from those newsletters produced in 2010. ing new infestations. city of Winchester. The first place Bulletin entry was the Over the course of several years the The quarantine restricts shipments Summer 2010 issue. That issue con- traps have been placed around the state. of ash trees, green lumber from ash trees, tained articles on lost native ladybugs This year’s survey will focus on central, and hardwood firewood. with extensive illustrations by Nicky southern and western Virginia. About “The damage caused by this inva- Staunton. Another featured topic in the 5,500 traps will be set for the beetles, sive insect can mean the loss of millions issue focused on quails and their need which have killed tens of millions of trees of dollars for homeowners, landown- for native grasses. That article was illus- in the eastern U.S. and Canada. ers, and the nursery and forest prod- trated with drawings by Spike Knuth. The borers feed on a tree's inner ucts industries," said Virginia Agricul- VOWA is a coalition of writers, bark and disrupt its ability to trans- ture Commissioner Matthew J. Lohr. photographers, and video/film pro- ducers who inform various media on Virginia dam removals help restore wetlands the outdoors and its enjoyment. Three state dams were recently breached on purpose in order to enhance the Through the association members quality of waters flowing into the Chesapeake Bay and help restore the wet- strive to improve their craft and in- lands and marsh habitat around the waterways. The work was funded by the crease their knowledge and under- Virginia Aquatic Resources Trust Fund. standing of the outdoors. VOWA mem- In Charles City County an earthen dam on Kimages Creek was breached, bers pledge to support the conserva- returning 50 acres of wetlands that will sustain wintering birds and allow migra- tion of Virginia’s natural resources and tory fish to return to freshwater marshes to spawn. to the best precepts governing their At Cumberland Marsh Preserve in New Kent County, the removal of two consumption and recreational use. For dams opens the way for the restoration of marsh and swamp habitats, the re- more information about VOWA, visit establishment of 1,500 ft. of meandering stream, and the return of tidal flows. www.vowa.org. May 2011 Page 5 Bulletin of the Virginia Native Plant Society

Shale barren rock cress Mustard family member among world's rarest plants Shale barren rock cress ( ranking in 1991. S1 species are serotina) is an erect flowering bien- Critically Imperiled —at very nial in the mustard family high risk of extirpation due to () characterized by an extreme rarity, very steep de- inconspicuous basal rosette of lobed clines, or other factors. The Na- leaves. In its reproductive stage, the ture Serve website states that the basal leaves shrivel as the slender recovery potential of shale bar- stem grows, or bolts, and the inflores- ren rock cress is largely un- cence develops. Whitish flowers may known and that it is the "most be produced from June to September. threatened of all the shale bar- VNPS sponsorship of this plant ren endemics and the reason for through Center for Plant Conserva- this is not entirely clear." Re- tion (CPC) will contribute funds for search on populations of this research related to conserving the plant is under way in both Vir- plant. The CPC is a network of 36 lead- ginia and . ing botanic institutions. One of these There are several docu- institutions is designated as the cus- mented threats to the survival of todian for each rare plant. For Arabis this species. Gypsy moth control serotina, the North Carolina Botani- with Dimlin has a possible dev- cal Garden is custodian. astating effect on the pollinators The plant is endemic to the mid- of shale barren rock cress. Habi- Appalachian shale barrens of Vir- tat loss has occurred as a result ginia and West Virginia. These bar- of construction. Invasive exotic rens occur on eroding shale forma- plants, especially spotted knap- tions with a steep slope and southern weed (Centauria maculata) and aspect. The harsh surface conditions several grass species may out of the area are probably an important compete this species. Browsing factor ingermination and seedling es- by , drought, and naturally tablishment. The shale-covered slopes low populations are also poten- may also host sparse, scrubby growth tial threats. of oaks, pines, and junipers. One of The mission of the (CPC) the most restricted shale barren is to conserve and restore the endemics, rock cress is known from imperiled native plants of the Arabis serotina at most 60 populations. Plant popu- U.S. in order to secure them shale barren lations are generally fewer than 20 in- from extinction. Live plant ma- rock cress dividuals and fluctuates considerably terial is collected from nature Illustration by in numbers. Pollinators include bees under controlled conditions Nicky Staunton of the genera Apis, Halictus and and then carefully maintained Adrena and syrphid flies. as seed, rooted cuttings, or ma- Shale barren rock cress was ture plants. Network institutions con- listed as a federally endangered spe- duct horticultural research and care- and the protection of one of our most cies in 1989. Its rank as of 2009 was fully monitor these materials so threatened plants. G2, or imperiled, defined as at high that imperiled plants can be grown (Information for this article was risk of extinction due to very restricted and returned to natural habitats. largely taken from the CPC website. range, very few populations, steep These conservation efforts are un- Additional information, photos, and declines or other factors. In Virginia, dertaken to complement other references are available from the Department of Agriculture and preservation efforts such as habi- www.centerforplantconservation.org. Consumer Services (VDACS) is re- tat protection and management. Additional information is available sponsible for listing threatened VNPS is excited to be able to aid at NatureServe’s Explorer website, and endangered plant species. Shale in the study of shale barren rock cress natureserve.org/explorer/.) barren rock cress was given an S1

Page 6 May 2011 Bulletin of the Virginia Native Plant Society Discovery of botanical wall charts leads to exhibit Last year when Lydia Kirchner was Germany during a time of educational lated, making them very versatile. taking courses in botany and museum reform. The first wall charts originated Included in the exhibition are an studies, members of the biology depart- in the 1820s, mostly for use in primary original print by John James Audubon ment at Randolph College in Lynchburg, schools. In the 1840s, the student popu- from the Maier museum’s permanent discovered botanical a set of wall charts lation increased 108 percent while the collection, a 14th-century illuminated in the attic of the life science building. number of teachers increased only 40 manuscript, and four books from the The wall charts were in very good con- percent. Wall charts allowed teachers college’s Lipscomb Library rare books dition, so the department contacted to show supporting visuals in large collection. The books on display in- Randolph’s Maier Museum of Art to in- classrooms filled with students. clude: Beautiful Ferns by Daniel Cady form them of their discovery. One thing From 1850 to 1890, botanical wall Eaton, Charles Edward Faxon, and J. led to another and Kirchner was chosen charts became very popular with the H. Emerton, published in 1882. This to research the history of the wall charts advent of color lithography. Contrib- book features watercolors drawn from and to curate an exhibition about the uting to the popularity of wall charts nature and accompanied with de- charts at the Maier museum. by Jung-Koch-Quentell specifically, is scriptive text. The exhibition, "Nature Perfected: their absence of text. Because they lack Information from Art Plantae website The Art of Botanical Illustration," opened text, the charts do not have to be trans- Jan. 23 and be open until July 31. Twelve wall charts are on view, along with pressed plant specimens, a 1920s micro- Rare butterfly rediscovered scope, and microscope slides from the late There's good news on the conservation front in Virginia. The frosted elfin 1800s enhancing the significance of the butterfly, last seen in 1994, has been rediscovered. Zoologists with the Virginia wall charts and how they improve our Department of Conservation and Recreation's Division of Natural Heritage lo- understanding of plants at the micro- cated populations of the frosted elfin butterfly (Callophrys irus) in the city of scopic level. Suffolk, and a Natural Heritage volunteer at Antioch Pines Natural Area Preserve Many of the charts discovered in also found a population. This small butterfly is associated with habitats that are the attic were created by Jung-Koch- either fire-dependent or undergo other frequent disturbances. Antioch Pines is Quentell in the 1950s. Their trademark one of the preserves where prescribed fire management activities have been fo- black background and colorful illustra- cused; as a result, multiple fire dependent species not seen in a long time have tions are still vibrant in spite of having returned. These disturbances encourage the growth of the caterpillars’ food plants, lain in an attic for many years. Botani- lupine and wild indigo. The Natural Heritage staff is currently involved in a two- cal wall charts have a history dating to year project to develop an atlas of rare butterflies, moths, dragonflies, and damsel- the 1800s. They were first created in flies in Virginia.

See the address label for your membership expiration date The Bulletin VNPS Membership/Renewal Form ISSN 1085-9632 Name(s)______is published five times a year Address______(Feb., April, June, August, Nov.) City______State______Zip______by the ___Individual $30 ___Student $15 ___Family $40 ___Associate (groups) $40* Virginia Native Plant Society ___Patron $50 ___Sustaining $100 Blandy Experimental Farm ___Life $500 400 Blandy Farm Lane, Unit 2 *Please designate one person as delegate for Associate membership Boyce, VA 22620 To give a gift membership or join additional chapters: Enclose dues, name, address, and (540) 837-1600 chapter (non-voting memberships in any other than your primary chapter are $5) [email protected] www.vnps.org I wish to make an additional contribution to ___VNPS or______Chapter in the amount of ___$10___$25___$50___$100___$(Other)______Sally Anderson, President _____Check if you do not wish your name to be exchanged with similar organizations Nancy Sorrells, Editor _____Check if you do not wish your name to be listed in a chapter directory Which chapter do you wish to join? (See www.vnps.org)______Original material contained in the Bulletin may be Paying by credit card? ___MC ___Visa ___Discover Exp. date______reprinted, provided credit is given to VNPS and the Card #______Security code______Signature______author, if named. Readers are invited to send letters, news items, or original articles for the editor's con- Make check payable to VNPS and mail to: sideration. Items should be typed, on disk in Microsoft VNPS Membership Chair, Blandy Experimental Farm, 400 Blandy Farm Lane, Unit 2, Word or e-mailed to: Editor, 3419 Cold Springs Rd., Boyce, VA 22620 Greenville, VA 24440, or [email protected] Membership dues are tax deductible in the amount they exceed $5. Contributions are tax deductible in accordance with IRS regulations. The deadline for the next issue is June 1.

May 2011 Page 7 Bulletin of the Virginia Native Plant Society •Oak diversity (Continued from page 3) Cork oaks, incidentally, make pro- is a remarkable genus indeed that of a series of ringlike ridges. Whereas digious quantities of outer bark, stoppers the bottle of wine that we our familiar acorn caps look scaly, i.e., cork, an adaptation by which sip while dining on truffles that grow cycle-cup acorn caps look as if they the trees are insulated from sporadic upon its roots and also furnishes the have been turned on a lathe. In some fires that sweep through this spe- table and chair from which we enjoy species the acorns are borne in re- cies’ natural habitat. these sublime refreshments. markably dense clusters. Quercus Holm or holly oak & relatives W. John Hayden, VNPS Botany Chair myrsinifolia, the Chinese evergreen (Ilex): The holly oaks are also strictly oak, is rarely cultivated in our region, Eurasian, sometimes included within but several specimens are visible the cerris oak group, but distinguish- from my office window on the Uni- able by details of pollen structure. •Flora versity of Richmond campus. Some- Holly oak, Quercus ilex, is so named (Continued from page 2) times the cycle-cup oaks are split out because its spiny leaves resemble as a separate genus. those of holly; in fact, some sources see antique books and prints on Cerris oaks (Cerris): As a group, indicate that ilex is the classical Latin Virginia plants and the botanic cerris oaks are strictly Eurasian. The name for this oak, which only later exploration of Virginia, her- leaves are evergreen or deciduous, came to be applied as the genus name barium specimens, botanical bear bristle-tipped lobes, and the for hollies. Quercus ilex is also no- art, as well as an interactive acorns mature in two seasons. A few table as one of several oaks that sup- computer station and a video species from this group are sparingly ports the growth of truffles. Another program. The path to publica- cultivated in the U.S., most promi- interesting species from this group is tion of the Flora of Virginia, of nently, Quercus acutissima, the Q. coccifera, the kermes oak; this tree course, will be featured. Educa- sawtooth oak, and less frequently, Q. is host to the kermes scale insect, tional activities and regional cerris, the European Turkey (or Turk- which can be harvested and pro- panel exhibits are also planned. ish) oak. Quercus suber, from which cessed to yield the natural red dye Stay tuned! cork is harvested commercially in called crimson. Bland Crowder, Associate southwestern Europe and north- That’s just a brief overview of oak Director, Flora of Virginia Project western Africa, also belongs here. diversity. When you think about it, it