CLAYTONIA Newsletter of the Arkansas Native Plant Society

Home , Diaperia, Matelea baldwyniana, Polygala nana

Volume 34, No 2 In the Fall/Winter 2014 Highlights from White Cliffs Natural Area with Brent Baker Field by Eric Hunt Leading the May 17 hike through the wonderfully diverse woods at White Field Reports Cliffs Natural Area was Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission Botanist Brent Pages 1-6 Baker. Taking part in the hike were Eric Sundell, Eric Hunt, Jay Justice, John Simpson and Meredith York.

Brent led the group through the 1.75 mile long nature trail. The trail winds a large circle through the northwestern corner of the main part of the natural New Members area, passing through several different habitats. We stopped frequently, mak- and Life Members page 2 ing note of the flowers, mushrooms, trees and shrubs along the way. High- lights included a discussion of how to tell Ashe's juniper (Juniperus ashei) from eastern red-cedar (Juniperus virginiana); finding many trees and herbs that prefer moist sites in what seemed to be a drier, upland site; finding so many blooming flowers in the Apocynaceae (dogbane/milkweed family); and the Fall Meeting Details Page 7 bonus of having Arkansas fungus expert Jay Justice along for the walk. Jay provided an excellent running commentary regarding any mushroom we found.

The area had been burned in the winter of 2011/2012 and Auction Info American beauty-berry Page 8 (Callicarpa americana) had come back strong, domi- nating the understory, along with toothache-tree Recommended (Zanthoxylum clava-herculis), Reading coral-berry (Symphoricarpos Page 9 orbiculatus), and fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica var. serotina).

Membership Flowering herbs included white milkweed (Asclepias variegata) Application large patches of Russell's photo by Eric Hunt Page 13 beebalm (Monarda russeli- ana), the vines climbing-milkweed (Matelea baldwyniana) and anglepod (Gonolobus suberosus), and wherever a little more light reached the forest floor, butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa ssp. interior), white milkweed President’s Message (Asclepias variegata), marbleseed (Onosmodium bejariense), eastern prickly- Page 14 pear (Opuntia humifusa var. humifusa), sensitive-brier (Mimosa quadrivalvis var. nuttallii), stalked wild petunia (Ruellia pedunculata ssp. pedunculata), yel-

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[1] bit-tobacco (Diaperia prolifera var. sinuata), another rare species for (White Cliffs, continued from page 1) prolifera), and few-flower false Arkansas, cherrybark oak (Quercus dandelion (Pyrrhopappus pauciflo- pagoda), rusty blackhaw (Viburnum low pimpernel (Taenidia integerri- rus). rufidulum), red mulberry (Morus ma), Drummond's wild onion rubra), the trunkless palm, dwarf (Allium drummondii), Carolina palmetto (Sabal minor), rough-leaf rose (Rosa carolina), round-fruit dogwood (Cornus drummondii), St. John's-wort (Hypericum and farkleberry (Vaccinium arbo- sphaerocarpum), heart-leaf nose- reum). burn (Tragia cordata), and a few patches of death-camas Fungi encountered on the walk in- (Toxicoscordion nuttallii) gone to cluded common funnel mushroom seed. (Infundibulicybe gibba), gelatinous- pored polypore (Gloeoporus di- In the highest light areas, along chrous), American jelly ear the roadside and near the cliffs (Auricularia americana), violet were beardtongue (Penstemon toothed polypore (Trichaptum bi- laxiflorus), pale purple coneflower forme), a variety that apparently (Echinacea pallida), showy has no common name (Antrodia beardtongue (Penstemon co- aff. juniperina), pale brittlestem baea), plains larkspur (Delphinium mushroom (Psathyrella candolle- carolinianum ssp. virescens), Indi- showy beardtongue, Penstemon cobaea ana) and spring polypore an-pink (Spigelia marilandica), wild by Eric Hunt (Polyporus arcularius). four-o'clock (Mirabilis nyctaginea), purple prairie-clover (Dalea pur- Trees and shrubs included large purea var. purpurea), big-head rab- stands of Ashe's juniper (Juniperus ashei), rare in Arkansas, more commonly found on the Edwards Plateau of central Texas), nutmeg hickory (Carya myristiciformis), native stands of Osage-orange (Maclura pomifera), with the fruits in pistillate stage, some of the largest, tallest, most mature winged common funnel mushroom, elm (Ulmus alata) some of us had Infundibulicybe gibba Osage-orange, Maclura pomifera by Eric Hunt photo by Eric Hunt seen, Durand's white oak (Quercus

New Members Welcome! New Life Members Thank You & Congratulations

Nancy B. Cunningham (Rogers, AR)

Aimee Colmery (Little Rock, AR) Susie Dunn (Hot Springs, AR)

Bobbie and Keith Hackler (Fayetteville, AR) Karen Kimrey (Fayetteville, AR)

Barbara Smith (Smackover, AR) Tom Neale and Eileen Oldag (Little Rock, AR) David O. Shepherd (Fayetteville, AR)

[2] In the OCANPS Trip to Ninestone, May 24, 2014 Field by Burnetta Hinterthuer

I am always excited about a trip to and Frank Reuter, Pat and Ken Ninestone because of a chance to French, Joan Reynolds and Joe visit with Judith Griffith and Don Neal. As we started the tour of the Matt. For one to know a place, one glades the photographers were ex- must walk over it and explore its cited about the lighting due to the nooks and crannies. They do this overcast day. The biggest attrac- regularly and have become patient tion, of course, was Marshallia observers learning much about the caespitosa var. caespitosa natural systems with which they (Barbara’s buttons), a member of share the land. On their back the Asteraceae that has been Leonorus cardiac, motherwort photo by Joan Reynolds porch, sitting in a comfortable found in only three Arkansas coun- chair, looking across at the water- ties and is of special conservation fall, I am struck by the peace of this bluestem (Schizacyrium scoparium) concern in the state. place. would not be far behind. Crotons, caric sedges (of the genus Carex), According to Judith, they are and grasses such as three-flower encouraged by the return of more native plant species melic (Melica nitens) were noted. and fewer invasive species Steven Foster, co-author of A Pe- after starting restoration of the two largest glades at terson Field Guide to Medicinal Ninestone. Also, Adjoining Plants and Herbs of Eastern and areas of glade/savannah Central North America photo- type habitat have been seed- graphed the medicinal plants along ed with a donated mixture of the way: Leonorus cardiaca native grasses, legumes and Marshallia caespitosa, Barbara’s buttons (motherwort), Polygonatum biflo- forbs. Many volunteers have photo by Joan Reynolds rum (Solomon’s seal), Galium apa- contributed many, many hours rine (cleavers), along with many toward the effort. Other glade species such as Min- other species. The star of the show, Today OCANPS members and other uartia patula (sandwort), Coreopsis the fame flower, Phemeranthus interested people have come to- lanceolata (lance-leaf tickseed), calycinus a.k.a. Talinum calycinum gether to walk over the glades and Oenothera linifolia (thread-leaf was closed up tight in its bud dur- witness the changes. Steven Fos- sundrops), Sedum pulchellum ing the morning hike; but, Judith, ter, Bill Thurman, Amanda and (widow’s cross), Opuntia humifusa Joe and Joan assured us that we Ryan Bancroft, Don and Jane Stein- var. humifusa (eastern prickly could catch it in full bloom around kraus, Dorothy Mangold, Denise pear), Orbexilon pedunculatum 2:00 p.m. During the break, we Greathouse, and Danny Barron are var. pedunculatum (Sampson’s took time to eat lunch and admire already there, sitting on the porch snakeroot), Houstonia longifolia the populations of wildflowers enjoying the scenery and the na- (long leaved bluet) were in full around the house. We then set off tive plant gardens around the bloom. Hairy blazing star (Liatris in vehicles to cross the creek and house. Laura Villejas and I arrive hirsuta), poppy mallow (Callihroe visit the waterfalls. In flower in the from Fayetteville and are soon digitata), widow’s-cross (Sedum field across from the creek were pulchellum), big bluestem joined by Jackie Leatherman and (Continued on page 4) Carol McCorkle, Mary Hogue, Mary (Andropogon gerardii), and little

[3] In the OCANPS Hike: Woolsey Prairie, Fayetteville (Ninestone, continued from page 3) Field by Dr. David Chapman Ptelea trifoliata (wafer-ash or hop- The Ozarks Chapter of the Arkansas er before been identified in Wash- tree), Echium vulgare (viper’s bu- Native Plant Society field trip to ington County. gloss), and Asclepias viridis (green Woolsey Wet Prairie on June 21 was an excellent opportunity for or spider milkweed, also green beginners like me to gain skills in antelopehorn). Something inter- plant identification. Led by Bur- esting to note is that the milk- netta Hinterthuer, about a dozen weeds once placed under family folk turned up in fine weather to name Asclepiadaceae are now walk the trails that cross this amaz- considered in the Apocynaceae. ing place. The new edition of The Atlas of the Vascular Plants of Arkansas comes in handy when checking some of these latest changes. In the floodplains below the bluffs, Physostegia angustifolia, false dragonhead Crataegus crus-gallii (cockspur aka Obedient plant hawthorn) and Yucca arkansana by Dr. David Chapman (Arkansas yucca or soapweed) On this visit False Dragonhead were in full bloom. Once back on Woolsey Wet Prairie were most in evident but most in- the glades, the photographers photo by Dr. David Chapman triguing were the many rushes and Surrounded by urban develop- sedges growing in the wet depres- ment, Woolsey is a certified wild- sions. There are so many plants to life habitat that comprises wet are- identify here that we took several as separated by recently created hours covering just a few hundred earth berms and islands of slightly yards or so. My favorite of the day, higher ground that were once prai- a small buttercup identified by Bur- rie mounds. Woolsey was estab- netta as Ranunculus laxiculmis easi- lished a few years ago as a mitiga- ly missed in one of the ponds now tion site to offset construction of drying out after the heavy rains we had this spring. the city of Fayetteville’s Phemeranthus calycinus aka Talinum calynum, Wastewater Improvement Systems or fame flower and the result is one of the most by Joan Reynolds outstanding habitats for plants and took great pains to get striking other wildlife in Northwest Arkan- photographs of this bright, beauti- sas. The flora comprises species ful fame flower. Some members typical of seasonal wetlands associ- of the group walked below the Ranunculus laxiculmis, buttercup ated with tall grass prairie rem- photo by Dr. David Chapman bluff line to photograph a beauti- nants and so far more than 450 ful clump of Aquilegia canadensis flowering plant species have been Note by Burnetta: Dr. Chapman has been studying the Lake Fayetteville (columbine) that Joe Neal had identified with more being added spotted from the overlook. every year. At least eight plants Prairie area for the past few years Thanks to Judith and Don for found at Woolsey have been desig- and has put together a plant list for hosting the Arkansas Native Plant nated rare by the Arkansas Natural the area. Thank you, Dr. Chapman Society at Ninestone this spring. Heritage Commission and had nev- for sharing your thoughts and photographs. We look forward to returning.

[4] In the Moro Big Pine Field Trip Field by Mike Weatherford

If you head south from Hampton, Pine. The group met at the “five- beautiful rough skullcap Calhoun County, on Highway 167 points” road intersection located (Scutellaria integrifolia) in full you will pass through an area that near the east side of the property. bloom; possumhaw viburnum is considered to be one of the best The area around five-points is bo- (Viburnum nudum); mayberry and largest remaining examples of tanically rich because the Dew- (Vaccinium elliottii) and black high- pine flatwoods habitat in Arkansas. eyville geologic terrace (low) and bush blueberry (V. fuscatum) grow- The pine flatwoods is among the the Prairie terrace (higher) meet, ing side-by-side; both netted and most at-risk ecosystems in the resulting in an abundance of Virginia chain ferns; coral greenbri- state. Looking out the car window groundwater-fed seepage wet- er (Smilax walteri) thornless with at 60 miles per hour, it may appear lands. In this area you can find the red leaf petioles (and red fruit to to be nothing but pine trees in a unlikely juxtaposition of dry-site come!); tall swamp rosette grass flat, poorly-drained and seemingly endless terrain. But those who choose to slow down and take the side roads (or even get out and take a walk beneath the canopy of pines) will find a very high level of plant diversity. The Arkansas Natu- ral Heritage Commission (ANHC) has identified several rare plant communities in this area, such as the pine flatwoods savannah, saline soil barrens and sandy seeps.

Since 2007 about 16,000 acres of this area have been protected in the Moro Big Pine Natural Area- Wildlife Management Area (Moro Big Pine) by a long-term management lease with the private land- Possumhaw viburnum (Viburnum nudum) owner. Moro Big Pine is jointly by Mike Weathorford managed by the landowner, ANHC and the Arkansas Game and Fish and wet-site plants. For example, (Dichanthelium scabriusculum) only Commission as a working forest the group found bracken fern (dry- found at two places in Arkansas; producing timber and providing site) and royal fern (wet-site) just a and sundew (Droseria brevifolia). hunting opportunities while pro- few feet apart. Theo Witsell, ANHC tecting the unique characteristics botanist, led the group on a walk of After lunch the group moved to a of the pine flatwoods environment. less than one mile through diverse different site along a power line This includes one of its most habitats including a marsh, a sandy west of Highway 167. Additional threatened residents, the Red seep, saline barrens, and pine plants of particular interest found cockaded Woodpecker. woodlands (recently burned and there include maleberry (Lyonia coming alive with a rich diversity of ligustrina var. foliosiflora); meadow A group of Arkansas Native Plant herbaceous plants). Society members, plus two guests, spike-moss (Selaginella apoda); met on May 15 to explore the rare Plants of particular interest identi- candy root (Polygala nana). plant communities of Moro Big fied by the group included very

[5] Spring Spring Burn Promotes Germination of Ouachita Twistflower Survey By Virginia McDaniel

In early June I accompanied Arkan- year Ouachita twistflower is found too hot. This knowledge led Adam sas Natural Heritage Commission sporadically with an individual here to ignite the burn by hand and to (ANHC) Botanist Brent Baker on and another there, but populations just light the top of the mountain several trips in the Ouachita Na- this year were unusually small. The and let the fire back gradually tional Forest in search of Ouachita long, cold winter had set flowering down the mountain. I, unfortu- twistflower (Streptanthus squami- behind, but the individuals he was nately, had to get back to Hot formis), a member of the mustard finding this week were past their Springs and left the mystery to family. Ouachita twistflower is an flowering prime. Without flowers, Brent. annual species endemic to the it is difficult to spot the scattered twistflower. Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas. Anxious to see the effects of a It is named, scientifically, for the spring burn on prominent pubescence of squa- Ouachita twistflow- mous (covered in scales) hairs er, Brent set out for found on its sepals, pedicels, and Fodderstack Moun- often fruits; a diagnostic character tain with doubts, that distinguishes it from other thinking the spring twistflowers found in the Ouachita burn may have killed Mountains. It grows on southeast, germinating seed- south, and southwest facing, steep, lings. However, as rocky slopes and ravines in open he climbed the woodlands. mountain he began to see the beautiful pinkish purple This year was an all-around bad Streptanthus squamiformis of Ouachita twistflower. As he year for Ouachita twistflower. Ouachita twistflower by Brent Baker climbed higher, the numbers in- creased and the plants got bigger. Brent was coming up empty hand- ed in locations he had seen it in Hundreds of individuals were previous years. The first day I We decided to get some insight scattered across the mountain joined him, we were deep in from National Forest District per- side! It seems the backing fire cre- twistflower habitat on a beautiful sonnel and stopped by the Mena ated just the right conditions to key south facing pine-oak woodland Ranger District Office. The District the seeds to germinate. The plants with all the usual suspects: little Fire Management Officer, Adam on Fodderstack were about three bluestem (Schizachyrium scopari- Strothers, mentioned they had weeks behind the blooming of oth- um), Ouachita blazing-star (Liatris conducted a prescribed burn this er populations Brent observed this compacta), butterfly milkweed spring (March 26) on Fodderstack year, but he found more plants in (Asclepias tuberosa ssp. interior), Mountain, which was prime this area than he had seen in any goat’s-rue (Tephrosia virginiana), Ouachita twistflower habitat. area this year. I was thrilled when rough goldenrod (Solidago radula), Rhonda Watson, District Wildlife he told me the news and the next slender bush-clover (Lespedeza vir- Biologist, verified there was a week got the Forest Botanist, Su- ginica), and slim-leaf panic grass known population from there. Ad- san Hooks, Adam, and Fire Techni- (Dichanthelium linearifolium). am mentioned that burning to the cian Stan Wagner to head out for a After a four hour search we had south of Mena is tricky because the look. What an amazing site it was two puny plants in our tally, each terrain is steep, the rocky slopes indeed! A nice conclusion to the about 6 inches tall. Even in a good have very little duff to protect tree twistflower survey season! roots, and it is very easy to burn it

[6] Fall 2014 Fall Meeting Agenda Meeting October 10-12

The plant auction will be held Friday evening October Some of the prospective field trips are located in are- 10 and we have scheduled Saturday and Sunday with as that have very few restaurant options. You may field trips to surrounding parks and natural areas. want to come prepared with lunch supplies in case Please plan to join us as we tour some of the unique we aren’t able to find a place to eat between the habitats of the West Gulf Coastal Plain, including morning and afternoon walks on Saturday. chalk woodlands, blackland prairies, and sandhills. AGENDA

HOTEL AND MEETING LOCATION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Hotel Texarkana East 5:30-7:00 pm: REGISTRATION 5210 Crossroads Pkwy Texarkana, AR 71854 Registration costs $5.00 per person and occurs in the Phone: (870) 216-0083 Newcrest Meeting Room of the Holiday Inn and Suites. You need not be a member to attend the http://www.texarkanaeasthotel.com plant auction, or to join us on the field trips. Everyone ANPS has reserved a block of 30 rooms (25 double is welcome. Meetings are also the only time ANPS T- queens and 5 kings) at the reduced rate of $89.00 shirts are available. plus tax per night. This rate includes high-speed wire- Sign-up sheets for Saturday and Sunday field trips will less internet and a hot breakfast each morning. Res- also be available, along with descriptions of each trip. ervations must be received by September 26, 2014 to guarantee the reduced rate. Be sure to mention that 7:00 pm: NATIVE PLANT AUCTION you are attending the Arkansas Native Plant Society meeting when making your reservation. The fall meeting begins with the annual native plant auction, which raises funds for our scholarships and Several other hotels are located in the immediate ar- grants program. This informal and fun auction fea- ea, including: tures native plants grown by our members. Items such as books, seeds, plant presses, jams and jellies, Comfort Suites – (870) 216-8084 and crafts are also often included in the auction. If Hampton Inn – (870) 774-4267 you have something to donate, please bring it with you and give it to one of the meeting organizers to Best Western Plus – (870) 774-1534 add to the auction.

Meals: Potluck snacks will be offered on Friday and SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11—8:30 A.M. Saturday evenings. Drinks will be provided by ANPS. Please feel free to bring a dish or snack to share. All Field trips depart from the hotel parking lot. other meals are up to you. Texarkana has many op- 7:00 P.M: EVENING PROGRAM tions, including well-known local spots such as Bryce’s Cafeteria and Cattleman’s Steakhouse, and a couple Theo Witsell, botanist with the Arkansas Natural Her- large grocery stores near the hotel. itage Commission, will talk on the subject, “Habitats and Rare Plants of Southwest Arkansas”. SOME NOTES ABOUT THE FIELD TRIPS Business Meeting will follow the evening presenta- We will provide full information about field trip location. tions on Friday evening. If you would like to lead a field trip, or if you have suggestions for an interesting SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12—8:30 A.M. place for a field trip in the area, please contact Jen- nifer Ogle. Field trips depart from the hotel parking lot. [7] AUCTION 2014 Annual ANPS Native Plant Auction

Here are a few things our members had to say about the auction:

Society President - Betty Owens - “The world famous ANPS Plant Auction starts Friday evening, October 10, at 7 p.m. Bring your native plants, bulbs, seeds, as well as books, jellies, wines, leatherwood bracelets, and all other things botanical for sale at our annual auction. Proceeds build our Aileen McWilliam and Delzie De- maree grants and scholarships.”

Vice-President - Mike Weatherford - “If you are looking for native plants that are hard to find, this is the place for you! “

The Native Plant Auction was my first exposure to ANPS. I was not a member then, but had such a good time that I had defi- nitely started down the path to membership. Friendly competi- tion was the name of the game. Bidding wars were allowed and sometimes encouraged by the other participants. Several plants in the auction were species that I had never heard of. Three plants I remember buying that year are a four-leaf milkweed (Asclepias quadrifolia), a milkweed vine of some flavor and a “nodding” yucca whose species has yet to be determined. Four years on, all three of these plants are still doing well. Feel free to invite any of your friends who might be interested. You can’t beat the $5 registration fee, and I guarantee you will enjoy yourself, as long as you stay within budget. Asclepias quadrifolia, June 2, 2014 photo by John Perrin

Showy Scarlet Rose Mallow Native by Mike Weatherford

Scarlet rose-mallow (Hibiscus coccineus) is an Arkansas native plant that would be a worthy addition to any of your sites with plenty of year- round moisture and light shade or full sun. This showy plant has been found in three counties - Hempstead, Saline and Union. The five-petal flowers, shown here, are bright red and huge – 6-8 inches in diameter. The petals are more separated than other hibiscus species giving the center of the flower a star-shaped appearance. Like other hibiscus, a single flower lasts for only a day. The plant grows to eight feet in height on the best sites. The large bold leaves, along with the huge bright flowers make this plant a real standout. Scarlet rose-mallow is especially well suited for use around ponds or in boggy areas.

In Texas, they are frequently referred to as the Texas Star.

The flower pictured is from a plant purchased last fall at the Arkansas Native Plant Society (ANPS) Native Plant Auction. If you are looking for native plants that are hard to find, this is the place for you! Hibiscus coccineus, scarlet rose-mallow by Mike Weatherford

[8] Bylaw for Membership Approval Change update to Article VII– FINANCE, Section 5. Solicited Grants

Treasurer Don Ford has proposed and the Board has be able to distinguish it from its surroundings. The approved and recommend membership approval of project should be planned to include only Arkansas the following ANPS Bylaws change. Specifically, we Native Plants within the boundaries. The completed would replace the existing Article VII – FINANCE, Sec- project will be required to display a small ANPS- tion 5. Solicited Grants with the following revised Sec- provided sign recognizing the ANPS donation. (Note tion 5: that the cost of the sign is not included in the grant request.) Section 5. Solicited Grants b) Disbursement Procedures: Upon approval Solicited Grants are one-time grants to an entity of a one-time grant request, the President advises the which has approached the Board for funds for a pro- requestor of the decision. If the approved one-time ject consistent with the Objectives of the Socie- grant involves donating money to some project (such ty. The Board may approve a small grant request up as purchasing a tract of land), the President will direct to $500 from any single entity without receiving the Treasurer to send the approved funds to the re- membership approval. Requests in excess of $500 questor. If the approved one-time grant involves pur- will be evaluated by the Board, and if approved, will chasing plants and materials for a physical project, be submitted to the membership at the next meeting the President will advise the grant requestor that the for approval. The Board may approve several small grant has been approved. The requestor will then grant requests provided the total of the grants does purchase the approved items, and forward the re- not exceed $2000 in a single calendar year. ceipts to the President, who verifies both the receipts and completion of the project and forwards the re- a) Approval Procedures: Upon receipt of a ceipts to the Treasurer to reimburse the reques- one-time grant request, the President normally ap- tor. The President at the time a grant is approved, is points a society member (board member or other re- the President of Record for that grant, and will be the sponsible person) to review the request and make a person responsible for verifying receipts and comple- recommendation to the Board. If the one-time grant tion of that project. Disbursement authority for any request involves planting native plants in a garden one-time grant expires one year from Board approval area, the following conditions should be met: The lo- (or membership approval for grants exceeding the cation of the project should be in a public place. The $500 threshold), and requires Board approval for ex- project area should have recognizable boundaries to tension.

At Bradley County Red -WeedeHaven Estate Jellery Auction by Mike Weathorford

The WeedeHaven Estate Jellery is pleased to announce the release of 2014 Bradley County Red native plum jelly, an event eagerly awaited by jelly connoisseurs. Estate-grown American plums (Prunus americana) and Chickasaw plums (Prunus angustifolia), carefully selected and blended by our jellymaster, are used to produce a jelly that is assertive, bold and rich with a long smooth finish. This jelly will please your nose with a bouquet strongly reminiscent of… uh… plums. See a complete review in next month’s edition of Jelly Spectator.

A LIMITED QUANTITY of Bradley County Red will be offered at the Arkansas Native Plant Society's Native Plant Auction. Bradley County Red is made by the Jelly Queen in our own Jellarium located on the WeedeHaven Estate property in Bradley County, Arkansas, using expert techniques to bring out the full fruit flavor.

[9] Recommended Eric Rutkow’s: American Canopy Reading by Eric Sundell

Art and Martha Johnson, Art a charter member of recreation], “God’s First Temples” [John Muir, Arkansas Native Plant Society, recommended a ter- Yosemite Valley, birth of environmentalism], rific book on the history of American forests and “How Would You Like to Be a Forester?” [Gifford their trees: American Canopy: Trees, Forests, and Pinchot and Theodore Roosevelt: conservation the Making of a Nation, by Eric Rutkow. I am passing by sustainable forestry]. along their recommendation to ANPS folks looking 6. NEW FRONTIERS: Orange Empires, Big Mill at Bo- for a good reason to linger in the air conditioning for galusa, A Shrewd Deal [logging the Pacific North- one more month until it’s absolutely safe to go out west], Forest Products Laboratory [innovation plant hunting. What a delightful and informative through research]. book! The scope is impressive, with balanced treat- 7. ment given to industrial forestry and environmental- UNDER ATTACK: The Saga of Sakura [Japanese ism, to Frederick Weyerhaeuser, Johnny Appleseed, cherry trees of Washington, D.C. and the dangers and John Muir, and omitting little if anything that has of alien insects], “The Most Deadly Plant Parasite happened to the trees and forests of North America Known” [chestnut blight], The Most Magnificent between the colonial period and the present. Vegetable of the Temperate Zone” [Dutch elm disease]. This table of contents with chapter sections gives 8. you an idea of the diversity of the author’s topics: TREES AS GOOD SOLDIERS AND CITIZENS: The Wooden Wings of War [Pacific Northwest spruce 1. FROM DISCOVERY TO REVOLUTION: “Wooddes for World War I], Roosevelt’s Tree Army [the of All Sortes,” “Here Is Good Living for Those New Deal’s CCC], Shelterbelt [Dust Bowl wind- Who Love Good Fires,” The King’s Broad Arrow breaks on the Great Plains], Careless Matches [to mark the great white pines to be used as Aid the Axis [Smokey the Bear]. masts for the Royal Navy], The Tree of Liberty 9. [the first one a massive American elm]. POSTWAR PROSPERITY: Wooden Boxes with Pic- ture Window [Levittown and the suburbs], Tim- 2. FRUITS OF UNION: Seeds of American Science ber Is a Crop [tree farms from private forests], A and Exploration [with sketches of John Bartram Nation of Vagabonds [Henry Ford launches recre- and Andre Michaux, among others], The Found- ation on public lands], The End of the Road [Aldo ing Gardener [none other than George Washing- Leopold’s idea of wilderness]. ton], Johnny Appleseed and the Old Northwest, 10. The Backwoodsman [Daniel Boone, our first su- THE ENVIRONMENTAL ERA: Nelson’s New Day perhero], Wooden Technology. [Gaylord Nelson’s Earth Day], The Forest or the Trees [old growth and the Northern spotted 3. THE UNRIVALED NATURE OF AMERICA: The Big owl], Save the Rainforest, Carbon Copies [global Trees of California, Thoreau’s Life in the Woods warming]. of Concord, A Democratic Development of the Highest Significance [Frederick Law Olmstead’s A fascinating history of North American forests, The Central Park in New York City]. American Canopy is also a goldmine of anecdotes and tidbits. My vote for the most irresistible tidbit is 4. FORESTS OF COMMERCE: An Iron Horse Built of this: By 1964, with the advent of TV, Smokey the Wood, The Lumber Baron and Industrial Logging Bear had become such a universally popular national [Frederick Weyerhaeuser], The Great Peshtigo spokesman for the U.S. Forest Service’s campaign Fire, From Rags to Riches [the wood pulp revolu- against forest fire that the U.S. Post Office had to tion and cheap paper]. create a special Zip Code to handle his fan mail. I 5. A CHANGING CONSCIOUSNESS: Shading the Prai- hope you’ll find Eric Rutkow’s book as entertaining rie [J. Sterling Morton’s Arbor Day], A Central and informative as I did. Park for the World [the Adirondacks and forest

[10] Feature Butterflies, Wherefore art thou? by John Perrin

I’ve almost always grown flowering Some years it has worked beauti- concerns about the plight of the plants. The best reason for grow- fully, with three or four species of monarch butterfly, which has ing them is that they can attract butterflies in the area on any given gotten lots of sad press this year. hummingbirds and Visit MonarchWatch.org for details butterflies to my gar- and info on how to help. Also den. When my wife found were reports that butterflies, and I joined ANPS, I in general, were in short supply hadn’t thought about this year. Reports from all over the the butterfly life cycle country note the shrinking num- since 2nd grade. Find- bers. ing out that there were methods of "Butterflies don't like to mate or lay attracting butterflies, eggs when it's cold and/or rainy, I'm hoping that this is just an odd year." besides just planting nectar bearers, was - Karen McCurdy, vice president of the 2014 visitor by John Perrin wonderful news. If I Butterfly Society of Virginia. planted the right host plants, I might have herds of butterflies day. Some are passing through and some are so enamored with this In Europe, some species have had flitting around. That was all the dramatic declines in numbers over incentive I needed to get started. half acre that they live their entire Now, between my neighbor’s yard lives here. Everything they do and mine, we have tons of yummy is fascinating. Watching for plants for caterpillars; various milk- hours becomes a habit that weed, sassafras, lead plant, alexan- isn’t broken until the first frost. Other years have not been so great. 2014 has been one of “those” years. Where are my little flying, scaled 2014 UFI, unidentified flying insect buddies? Did the by John Perrin cold spring temperatures prevent them the last few decades. Even places from getting this far as far away as Sweden, New Zea- north? I asked the land and Hawaii have noticed prob- ultimate expert on the lems. There is even a short film topic here in Arkansas, touring the award circuit titled Lori Spencer, who is Dreams of the Last Butterflies that monarch on tropical milkweed, 2012 the author of Arkansas is winning numerous awards. Obvi- by John Perrin Butterflies and Moths. ously, I am not the first to notice. She told me that she had also no- ders, passion flower vine, Dutch- ticed fewer butterflies this year. As The theories for the cause of the man’s pipe, pawpaws and more. I got more curious and started problem are many, as was pointed A butterfly buffet, just waiting for searching the web, I found tons of out by our own MaryAnn King in them to come and dig in. information. Easiest to find were (Continued on page 12) [11] (Butterflies, continued from page 11) of Defense, there are known un- Agricultural companies have deep her Fall 2014 email. knowns and there are also un- pockets and it takes big dollars to known unknowns. get government’s attention. Evi- Habitat loss is an obvious contribu- dence doesn’t solve problems on tor to butterfly loss. It isn’t just its own: someone has to shine a milkweed that is struggling to hang ""I would implore them to develop a spotlight on it and defend it from on. Industrial agriculture has be- Roundup-resistant milkweed." those who argue in the face of rea- come so efficient that there just son. isn’t enough space left for the host - Chip Taylor of Monarch Watch as plants that the butterfly caterpillars quoted by Andrew Pollack of the New Most of all, when you see a butter- York Times July 12, 2015 edition must have to survive. Herbicides fly, be happy. When you see two also contribute to this problem. I or more at the same time, rejoice. have not read that Roundup kills butterflies directly, but it certainly does kill milkweed and thistles and EXECUTIVE BOARD clover and almost any plant that NOMINATIONS for 2015 hasn’t been genetically modified to Based on recommenda- tolerate it. tions of the Nominations Pesticides (insecticides) are anoth- Committee, the Executive er likely contributor. A relatively Board places in nomina- new type of insecticide called neo- tion before the Member- nicotinoids or neo-nics has been ship the following individ- called into question for possibly uals for positions coming causing bees’ Colony Collapse Dis- buckeye butterfly, 2012 open in 2015: by John Perrin order. It isn’t even allowed in most Vice President parts of Europe because of its long- Virginia McDaniel lasting effects and longevity in the What can we do to help our flutter- food chain. ing friends? Being an ANPS mem- Treasurer ber, you are probably already help- Don Ford ing out by providing pesticide free "The latest research findings show plants they can tap for nectar and Membership Chairman that neonicotinoid pesticides could can use as host plants to feed their Mike Burns be having a very serious effect on young. Keep up the good work and bees and other pollinators. Editor evangelize. If more people know Betty Owen - Butterfly Conservation Chief about the benefits of our native Executive Dr Martin Warren plants, we should be able to create, Awards & reclaim and maintain more habitat. Scholarships Chairman Climate change might be a factor. MaryAnn King We do not understand the intrica- Contribute to the groups who gen- cies of the relationship between erate the science that can help us butterflies and the weather. They be better stewards. Researchers are literally at the mercy of the are studying the problems, but Election of officers will wind. without accelerated focus, it might occur at the business be too late for some species. meeting on October 12th Most likely there are many other in Texarkana. factors that we have not even Contribute to the organizations started to understand. To para- that try to defend the environ- phrase one former U.S. Secretary ment. Big Pharmaceutical-

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ANPS Membership Application Student $10 Individual $15 Membership Categories – Select One Supporting $20

Application Purpose Family $25 Contributing $30 New Member Lifetime Membership (age 55+) $150 Renewal Lifetime Membership (under age 55) $300 Address Change

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Please send this form and your dues directly to the ANPS treasurer.

Don Ford, 4017 Bluebird Lane, Little Rock, AR 72210

For other membership questions, please contact the membership chair Mike Burns at [email protected] or (479) 229-2185

Arkansas Native Plant Society is a non-profit organization

Small Grants Available Research Donald J. Nelson Grant recipient Does a school or park in your community The Scholarship & Awards committee has approved need help with a native plant garden? Donald J. Nelsen, a graduate student at the Universi- Is there a project on your wish list that in- ty of Arkansas – Fayetteville, to receive the Delzie volves protecting or conserving Arkansas' Demaree Research Grant award in the amount of native plants or educating folks about them? $1,000.00.

If you could use some modest financial sup- Mr. Nelsen is interested in the ecology & evolution port for such an effort, contact the ANPS of plant-fungal interactions. His project will exam- President with a description of your project ine the symbiotic fungi associated with oak, hickory, and a proposed budget. See the officers' box beech & musclewood in the Ozark National Forest & on the last page for contact information. Devil’s Den State park.

[13] ANPS Officers President Secretary Betty Owen Karen Fawley Claytonia [email protected] [email protected] Fall 2014 (501) 472-6920 (870) 460-9452 Newsletter President Elect Awards & Scholarships Jennifer Ogle Mary Ann King Please check your mailing label! [email protected] [email protected] (479) 957-6859 (479) 293-4359 The calendar year is the membership year. If Vice President Membership Chair your mailing label says “13” or earlier, it is Mike Weatherford Mike Burns time to renew (Life members should have a [email protected] [email protected] “LF” on their label. (870) 820-8300 (479) 229-2185 To renew your membership, please fill in the Treasurer Editor information form on the opposite side of this Don Ford John Perrin page and send it with your renewals, applica- [email protected] [email protected] (501) 821-9353 (501) 831-0970 tions for membership, changes of name, address, e-mail or telephone number to the ad- Web Master dress on the form [Not to the editor]. Martha Bowden [email protected] Thank you. (501) 803-9545

Fall 2014 President's Message by Betty Owen

What a blessing this spring and summer have been for Arkansas residents. We experienced the mildest summer that many of us can remember, high temperatures in the 70's during July - wow! Spring and summer rains allowed for an abundance of greenery where a typical September landscape of recent years would have basically been brown.

I am a gardener, so I really enjoyed the milder temperatures and the rain. I dragged very few water hoses this summer and my gardens flourished. The bee balm balmed and the spiderworts worted. The buckeyes attracted the hummers and the giant hyssop called to the butterflies. The oak trees supported the insect population that fed the baby phoebes, three batches from the same parents! Life was good at "Southern Exposure."

Now that summer has turned to fall, we can relax a bit from summer chores. But, don't forget that fall is a great time to plant trees and shrubs. After the air temperatures cool and we get a frost or two, plants go dormant and are less active. But because the soil temperature is still warm enough throughout much of the winter, significant root growth still occurs. So by planting in the fall, you get root growth that will be ready to take up water and nutrients when spring temperatures arrive, and the stress of transplanting is drastical- ly reduced.

So, make your purchases at the Plant Auction and get those babies in the ground. Let them establish those roots and watch them jump when warm weather returns. Happy native plant gardening!

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