WINTER 2010, VOLUME 11, ISSUE 1

NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE SOCIETY

Native Plant to Know Roundleaf Dogwood rugosa by Bill Moses limestone. Native of the Northeast by Donald Leopold states About six years ago, I took up the that it will grow in full sun or partial hobby of propagating woody plants shade, will tolerate dry conditions from seed. With references in hand I and prefers neutral to more set about methodically locating the alkaline soils. It is generally near species and collecting seeds. I was water (but not too wet) in areas of partial to because the seeds high diversity. It often grows near were more abundant and easier to Red Elderberry (Sambucus gather, and, when propagated, the pubescens). In his book Growing plants reached maturity in just a from Seed, Henry Kock refers few years. As a part of this venture I to Roundleaf Dogwood as a tackled the dogwoods (Cornus spp.). "colony-forming ". I There were five woody ones near have seen it in Owen Sound, Ontario where I patches but not live. to the extent The Red Osier I had a of other Dogwood (C. sericea) challenging time and Alternate-leaf finding Cornus rugosa, Dogwood (C. Roundleaf Dogwood, but alternifolia) were finally, at Hibou, I looked up abundant on my instead of down. It was own property. growing up maybe 4 1/2 metres The Hibou (15 feet) trying to reach Conservation sunlight. I did see some berries Area on the east higher up and collected a few. I shore of Owen successfully propagated the shrub and Sound Bay gave some seedlings to a friend who dogwoods – coughed up Silky was redoing her garden. Within a few and certainly not Dogwood or C. years it was producing flowers and like Staghorn RANTON obliqua (look for fruit. Sumac (Rhus typhina). G blue berries) and Roundleaf Dogwood's natural range I have found C. rugosa growing in RIGITTE B Bunchberry open or partially shaded areas with extends from Manitoba to Prince (Cornus canadensis), the tiny, ground- good (not too dry) soil and on Edward Island and south to the hugging plant noted for its bunches of relatively shallow soils underlaid with mountains of Virginia. It blooms in scarlet berries. ILLUSTRATION BY Continued on page 12 The Blazing Star is... The Dilemma of Dealing with Invasive Plant Species

The Blazing Star is published quarterly While Toronto's Urban Forestry wonderful opportunity to visit this (April, August, November, February) by Department discourages planting glorious woodland and see for yourself the North American Native Plant Society Norway Maples (Acer platanoides), a why we're so keen to preserve it! (NANPS). Contact [email protected] local nursery's online catalog features Within the Greater Toronto Area, for editorial deadlines and for advertising six varieties of this invasive alien ! NANPS has organized an invasive rates. The views expressed herein are Commercial nurseries regularly sell species removal workshop at Charlie those of the authors and not necessarily invasive plants including Goutweed Clifford Memorial Park in Markham those of NANPS. (Aegopodium podagaria) and Periwinkle on May 15th. This secluded ravine The North American Native Plant Society (Vinca minor). Accidental introductions woodland contains an impressive array is dedicated to the study, conservation, such as Dog-strangling Vine of native species for a suburban cultivation and restoration of North (Cynanchum nigrum) and Giant park…but it is being overrun by Garlic America’s native flora. Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) Mustard, Goutweed and Periwinkle. continue to aggressively outcompete Many hands will help restore this Winter 2010 native plant treasures. beautiful area. Refreshments provided Volume 11, Issue 1 At Shining Tree Woods, NANPS for hungry and thirsty workers at Editor: Irene Fedun 20-hectare (50-acre) Carolinian nature these important outings! Please let Production: Bea Paterson reserve famous for its Cucumber us know if you plan to join us: Magnolias (Magnolia acuminata,a [email protected]. © North American Native Plant Society species at risk in Canada), we are NOTE: Since weed seeds can be Images © the photographers and facing the nightmare of dealing with carried on the footwear and clothing, illustrators, text © the authors. the invasive Garlic Mustard (Alliaria we ask that anyone going on these All rights reserved. petiolata). excursions or visiting wilderness areas North American Native Plant Society, Garlic Mustard releases long-living in general take a precaution to protect formerly Canadian Wildflower Society, glucosinolate toxins into the soil which the native vegetation. Take along a is a registered charitable society, no. interfere chemically with the second pair of shoes or boots that have 130720824 RR0001. mycorrhizal associations plants have been scrubbed clean with water and Donations to the society are tax- developed with fungi, disrupting the upper surfaces brushed off. Check creditable in Canada. normal plant/fungus symbiosis. This your clothing for seeds that have has a profound negative impact on hitched a ride as well. We thank you NANPS Membership: CAN$20/YEAR most native forest plants, potentially for caring for our wild spaces. WITHIN CANADA, US$20/YEAR destroying entire ecosystems. We welcome input and offers to OUTSIDE CANADA Most methods of control are help from our membership. Please Please make cheques and money extremely labour-intensive and we contact Gerry Stephenson at orders payable to North American need the assistance of our members in [email protected] if you would Native Plant Society and mail to P.O. 2010 to push back the invader before it like to contribute to the effort to keep Box 84, Station D, Etobicoke, Ontario takes hold of our beloved Shining Tree Shining Tree Woods or Charlie Clifford M9A 4X1. Woods. We have organized an invasive Park as shining examples of healthy Telephone: (416) 631-4438. species removal outing for March 27th forests. E-mail: [email protected]. and we hope you will join us. It's a Miriam Henriques and Harold Smith Web: www.nanps.org. NANPS Annual Native Plant Sale Board of Directors: Honorary President: James A. French SATURDAY, MAY 8, 2010, 10AM - 3 PM President: Greg Hagan MARKHAM CIVIC CENTRE, ATRIUM Vice-President: Ruth Zaugg 101 TOWN CENTRE BLVD (HWY 7 AT WARDEN AVENUE) Secretary: Karen Boniface MARKHAM, ONTARIO Treasurer: Deborah Dale Zoe Dalton • Wildflowers, grasses, woody plants, ferns, books, free talks and free parking Miriam Henriques • Advance ordering is open to current members for pick-up at the sale. Order at Howard Meadd www.nanps.org. Online plant sales for members will run to April 18th. Harold Smith • Volunteers needed to receive and sort orders Friday night. On Saturday the jobs Sue Stephenson include greeters, carpoolers, plant sellers and clean-up crew (volunteers can work for as many hours as they wish.) Contact Gerry Stephenson at (416) 631-4438 or [email protected] to be slotted into the schedule. • Thank you to all members who volunteer their time to make our fundraising sale a success!

2NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY WINTER 2010 I Came, I Saw, I Ate Some Dirt: The Truth about Earthworms by Michael Henry organisms must have become extinct undertaken, and large gaps still remain following the arrival of earthworms. in our knowledge. We think of the earthworm as a Plant people know that what Marauding earthworms shouldn't wonderfully beneficial soil organism, a happens in the soil affects the plants. be underestimated. Charles Darwin natural roto-tiller that incorporates Earthworm encroachment has been examined the role of earthworms in organic matter into the soil. We rarely shown to reduce the abundance and burying the stones of Stonehenge, and think of earthworms as an invading diversity of native species as a whole, found that worms can add up to a half army that followed close on the heels and, in particular, has negative centimetre (one-fifth of an inch) each of European settlers in Canada, and impacts on forest herbs in the genera year to the soil surface, thereby among the most dramatic, even Aralia, Botrychium, Osmorhiza, gradually undermining large stones, catastrophic, species introductions to Trillium, Uvularia, and Viola. It causing them to sink as though they North America. A little digging, changes the patterns of tree seedling were in quicksand, though altogether however, will reveal that one and all of establishment and recruitment, so less quickly. In the same way, these things are true. earthworms are likely changing forest earthworms may help to preserve Believe it or not, almost no composition! One earthworms are native to Canada – study found that with the exception of Vancouver earthworms Island. All those pink wriggly critters reduced the that turn up in our gardens and lawns number of fine are descendants of worms imported roots and the from Europe and elsewhere in the mycorrhizal world over the past few centuries. establishment on Horticulturists, farmers, tree planters, Sugar Maple (Acer and fishermen all participated in the saccharum) trees. inadvertent inoculation of earthworms

And earthworm BILL MOSES into Canada's soils. invasion can lead If we dig deep into history, we to increased

discover that earthworms were erosion and HOTOGRAPH BY P extirpated from what is now Canada, nutrient loss. Not and the adjacent United States, during quite the good Before earthworms were introduced to North America the last glaciation some 10,000 years guys we were led to forest floors had much thicker mats of leaf litter and ago. For the most part they never believe, at least not organic humus. made the return journey, and the in forest soils! closest critters to earthworms that are Surprisingly, the colonization of archeological treasures by quickly native to most parts of Canada are the forests by earthworms is far from burying them under a protective layer enchytraeid worms – tiny, white complete, new species are still of soil. worms that play a relatively small role colonizing many forest areas, and Earthworms are simultaneously in decomposing organic matter. many more remote forest areas still underestimated and overrated. Next Because no soil organisms were remain completely earthworm free. time you see one, remember that's not regularly in the habit of burying Finding and protecting these areas just a red wriggler, it's also an organic matter, as many earthworms from colonization has rarely, if ever, archeological curator, a roto-tiller, an are, the soil profile of forests was been a priority for conservationists “ecosystem engineer,” and one of the historically much more obviously and resource managers; but in recent ground troops in an invading army... stratified, with a thick mat of years we have learned a lot about the undecomposed litter and organic effects of earthworms, and we now Michael Henry is a naturalist and writer humus on the surface, and unenriched need to develop policies to reflect this residing in Peterborough, Ontario. He is mineral soil below. A variety of new understanding. Roads, cabins, the lead author of Ontario's Old- arthropods, such as millipedes or trails and campsites are good Growth Forests: A Guidebook mites, and fungi, would have played a predictors of earthworm invasion, and Complete With History, Ecology, and larger role in helping things decay, human introduction has been shown Maps. To learn more about the effects eating and living in the mat of leaves (using genetic techniques) to have far of earthworm invasion go to Great Lakes on the soil surface. In this context, it's more impact than the earthworms' Worm Watch publications page: hard to imagine a greater home- own slow rates of dispersal. Only in http://www.nrri.umn.edu/WORMS/resear wrecker than an earthworm, and it's the last decade or so has much study ch/publications.html. easy to believe that at least some soil on the effects of earthworms been

NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY WINTER 2010 3 Silver Plains Project, Manitoba

by Robert G. Mears deleterious effects of chemicals and However, both techniques are decided to stop using them. dependent on weather: Wet black soil So, what did you do with your Not everyone in the restoration and tractor tires don't get on well. summer? I spent mine weeding. I business recommends using Fortunately, following a wet spring wasn't alone in this. I was joined by herbicides. But, "keep the soil black (complete with record-setting flood), my spouse – lucky girl. We decided a for a year," is common advice. "Good there were enough dry spells that we few years ago to replant our two- luck with that," they should add. kept slightly ahead of the game. Or so hectare (five-acre) rural property with Cultivation is an effective removal we thought. native flora. Seemed like a good idea method. But it's not that simple. But first, I have to backtrack. at the time, one that evoked a sense of Subsequent wind- and bird-deposited The winter of 2008/09 was very cold joy in us. But, as former urbanites, we seed, plus the now stirred-up seed whenever snow fell; this makes for had no idea what we'd signed up for. bank, make this ecological demolition powdery snow. It was also very windy. Not to suggest that we regret the different from, say, renovating a Nothing impedes the wind on our site decision. You haven't really lived until house. In the latter the wall does not which is surrounded by farmers' fields you've spent three hours a day for a grow back once you've torn it down! with an almost 360 degree view to the couple of months digging For example, in 2008 we seeded horizon. The top 2.5 cm (1 inch) of rhizomatous grasses out of Blue Grama Grass (Bouteloua gracilis) exposed soil freeze-dries. We were not argillaceous soil. on top of the ring dike around the happy to see snow drifts on either side We're in southeastern Manitoba, property that had been kept black for of exposed areas turn black. None of famous for Manitoba gumbo which is a summer and a half. After diligently the advice we got – both online and in properly called black chernozemic, a watering the seed (Blue Grama person – mentioned that black soil clay loam mix that is one of the most requires a lot of water to start) we got does not collect snow. (To prevent productive soils on the planet. a fine crop of Wild Mustard (Sinapis more soil erosion this winter we set up Unfortunately, the soil's strength is a arvensis) which really liked the extra snow fences in two large areas and former ecosystem's downfall. The moisture. Well, we re-cultivated the placed railroad ties around the top of Great Plains of North America were top of the dike before the end of that the dike. When this didn't work, we originally seen by European settlers as season and then switched to started piling snow on exposed areas a barren wasteland to be crossed – at harrowing on this and other regions with the tractor. Then, during a warm great risk – to get to the rich and in the summer of 2009. After spell in January, sticky wet snow fell fertile lands of the foothills and coasts cultivating areas a couple of times, for two days leaving a white blanket on either side of the continent. During harrowing works better if you can get over the entire site.) the 1840s and '50s (just seven the plants while they're small, and it While cultivating removes generations ago) the newcomers doesn't stir up the seed bank as much. rhizomatous plants, like Quackgrass realized that grain could be grown on the flatlands. The rest is history. Today, less than half of one percent of virgin tallgrass prairie remains, only because scattered patches are littered with boulders from a receding glacier; the remnants were (and still are) too much work to make them tillable. Being neophytes, we heeded the advice of a local restoration specialist when we started clearing introduced vegetation: He recommended herbicides and cultivation. But, as we started researching what to plant, we learned about the Silver Plains Project, West Yard, August 2009

4NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY WINTER 2010 (Agropyron repens) and Canada Thistle it was too late to dig it out; all we projects take a year or two to develop (Cirsium arvense), it can also make could do was pluck seed heads to stop (except for trees). But, even though them spread. There is nothing to do seed from setting. Plus, we've been native plants are well worth the wait, but dig them out when they reappear. surprised by how rapidly some native such a planting requires five to 10 (Obviously this is best done before species spread: Nuttall's Alkali Grass years before starting to become areas are seeded, although invariably, (Puccinellia nuttalliana) apparently established. bits of root get missed.) We could be thinks it owns the west yard. Four tiny From 2005 to 2009 we've traveled using landscape fabric but the cost to bunches from 2007 now cover a fifth around the vicinity taking cover more than a hectare (several of a hectare (half an acre). It's photographs and scouting seed acres) is prohibitive, and, while shallowly rooted so we hope other sources. We began collecting seed in covering a patch of soil eliminates material planned for the region will earnest in 2009 and were able to sow plants growing there it also kills displace it. Similarly, Narrowleaf portions of four regions of our site in micro-organisms that make soil Sunflowers (Helianthus maximiliani) early December to early February. (It productive. We are left with weeding threatened to take over the front yard took so long because of waiting for by hand. And, from what we saw this and Scratch Grass (Muhlenbergia snow and near windless days.) We've year, clovers (Trifolium spp.) will be an asperifolia) has spread over half of the had some success with spring added challenge next year. Meanwhile, east yard. seedlings and summer seeding but we a farmer friend mentioned to me that Some things have worked out cannot seem to remember to cold- organic farmers use large “burners” to though. About a quarter of the yard stratify seed that requires it and have kill weeds. I am going to experiment has native material growing on it. often seen seedlings wither and die with using a propane torch on About 90 species have been seeded, after being planted out. We were told, individual undesirables this coming planted, or germinated spontaneously. by the specialist mentioned above, that summer. Some of them appeared after we forb seed especially is susceptible to When we turned our attention to thought seed had rotted or been eaten. being eaten by organisms that live in planted areas we realized a case of We had heard about high dormancy the ground; he recommended using mistaken identity would cause trouble. but until you see Helenium, formerly grow mix and small pots. But we have Neither my spouse nor I are botanists; Sneezeweed, (Helenium autumnale) seen forbs appear from scattered seed what we thought was Rush-like Sedge coming up two years after the seed was long after we thought they would not. (Carex scirpoidea) is actually Timothy sown, the term doesn't mean much. In We decided to take our chances and (Phleum pratense), an introduced grass a society accustomed to instant switch to frost seeding. which we let spread in the sedge gratification, seed dormancy is a On one excursion, to Whiteshell meadow of the west yard in 2008. By hindrance to planting sites with native Provincial Park, we noticed how urban the time we realized our error, in 2009, flora. Most conventional landscaping escapees consider wilderness to be wonderful. When we returned home, our yard – which is far from fully planted – felt like the park. Our nascent sedge meadow has frogs jumping across the path and a host of insects – that we never knew existed – buzzing and crawling among the various plants seeking food and engaged in life and death struggles (or, ahem, salacious acts). It is more interesting, to us at least, than crossing G.ROBERT MEARS an expansive, vapid lawn dotted with pocket HOTOGRAPH BY P Continued on page 6

NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY WINTER 2010 5 Continued from page 5

gardens. And, with over 50 avian species on site (choruses of birds having replaced the din of humans) our postage stamp of earth is becoming quite the place. I must confess though that we didn't start all of this for the noble purpose of restoring habitat. We began this project because indigenous flora is beautiful. Which is not to say that introduced species are not beautiful. But native material has something that all the introduced and/or cultivated stuff doesn't: subtlety. It's like the difference between gold and brass. It probably has something to do with the soil. Indigenous material has evolved

with and contributed to the soil – of COLEEN ZEBELUK whichever region it is from – for millennia. And it shows. It's surprising

that a culture obsessed with beauty has HOTOGRAPH BY P missed this. Sedge meadow detail with Olive, the cat. Since starting the Silver Plains Project we have learned of some similar projects and of efforts, expansive indigenous garden with in the flood plain of the Red River of the continent-wide, by many individuals pocket lawns. The activity is North. The website for the Silver Plains and groups to save and restore native “yardigening”. Names advance Project is at www.silverplains.ca. ecosystems. In southern Manitoba concepts. It would be great to one day *Andropogon gerardii there are a couple of native seed and overhear the plant vendors and several protected neighbours areas. But, perhaps because there is no asking each local Native Plant Society, general other, "So, how's Inglis Falls Native Plant Nursery awareness of native flora is very low your Big and few people seem to notice that Bluestem* Grey Sauble Conservation % Native Plants: 99 tallgrass prairie is almost gone. doing?" 237897 Inglis Falls Road, RR 4, We propagate woody plants While I am not an ecologist I am a Owen Sound, Ontario, N4K 5N6 that are indigenous to Grey and Bruce Counties from seed. bit of a wordsmith. If there is one Robert G. Mears is Contact: Bill Moses (volunteer) Phone#: 519-371-4559 The nursery is 100% organic thing I might add to the efforts of so joined in this email: [email protected] (compost and water), all pots many others, it is to put a label on effort by his www.greybrucewoodyplants.ca/ are recycled and the nursery what we are doing. In developing the spouse Coleen operation is entirely run by Hours of operation: volunteers. website about our project I coined a Zebeluk. They live by appointment word: "yardigen". It means an GrowGrow Wild!Wild! Native plant nursery, landscaping and ecological services www.grow-wild.com GIVING NATIVE PLANTS Home: 705.793.3136 A PLACE TO GROW 4735 Durham/York 30 (Paul Heydon) Claremont, Ontario Cell: 416.735.7490 (by appointment only) [email protected] www.lpblt.on.ca

6NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY WINTER 2010 Native Woodies in an Ontario Garden by Anna Leggatt trees or in full sun in ordinary soil. Region, is not reliably hardy in the They are trouble-free. Toronto area. It is a beautiful small Every garden needs trees, shrubs and Cornus alternifolia (Pagoda tree or tree with large four-petaled white vines. They form a framework for Alternate-leaved Dogwood) is another “flowers.” These apparent petals are other plants and give structure even to all-season small tree. Its common actually deciduous bracts (modified the smallest lot. Trees and shrubs form name comes from the branches which leaves); the yellow flowers are in a barriers to the wind, block out grow in layers, reminiscent of a small cluster in the centre. These are unpleasant views and, above all, Chinese pagoda. This gives an followed by red drupes. The opposite provide protection and food for interesting structure in a shrub border leaves turn a spectacular red/red- wildlife. Native woody plants are best for every season. purple in the fall. as they have evolved with our indigenous fauna. Most woodies have a season where they have outstanding garden or wildlife attributes. The very best – in my view – are attractive all the year round. My garden is in Toronto, in the former borough of East York. It is long, narrow, and flat, having been levelled with clay fill above the original sand when the area was developed in the late 1940s. There is a hard clay layer below the sand. To the south, Curity Creek flows in a degraded woody ravine. Several seeps emerge from the sandy layer making a muddy swamp above the stream.

Purple-flowering Raspberry (Rubus ANNA LEGGATT odoratus) used to grow in profusion. However, the trees and mud have HOTOGRAPH BY repressed it. P The genus Amelanchier, which Tulip Tree in flower contains several trees and shrubs mostly native to North America, is my favourite. All species have multi- Clusters of small whitish flowers My small tree is descended from a season interest and are great for appear in umbels just after the leaves group near St Catharines, Ontario. It wildlife. have unfurled. These are followed by has flowered most springs for the last The buds break in May with clusters blackish berries in the summer. Fall 20 years and is less than three metres of delicate white apple-like flowers colour can be spectacular but variable (10 feet) tall with a somewhat wider surrounded by unfolding leaves which depending upon light exposure. spread. It should be grown in moist have a bronze tinge. Bees swarm the Cornus alternifolia will grow happily acid soil with some shelter from the blossoms (if it isn't too cold). Summer in alkaline soil, in deciduous shade or afternoon sun. My soil is slightly brings fruit. The clusters of small red, in full sun. My plant has not had any alkaline. My Tulip Tree shades it and is darkening-to-purple, berries diseases. now perhaps stunting the growth. (saskatoons) are delicious. The birds There are some disadvantages: Early this January, fat flower buds agree. I usually get a taste before the raccoons love the berries and break are giving promise of a spectacular robins and cardinals arrive, and if I'm branches with their weight, spoiling show in May. These buds may be lucky I manage to make some jam and the pagoda shape. The tree also self- damaged by frost if they start to open pies. The leaves turn red in the fall seeds. My plants all moved in from the early. The bracts do not reach their dropping to reveal smooth grey bark ravine or seeded from an existing tree. full size if the soil is not moist. Watch with light striations. However, they are easy to transplant. out for signs of anthracnose. This I have several Amelanchier shrubs. I Cornus florida (Flowering fungal disease is a problem in the don't know the species. They grow Dogwood), which is native to Continued on page 8 well in light shade under deciduous southern Ontario's Deciduous Forest

NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY WINTER 2010 7 Continued from page 7

United States. the tree's size. Our tree flowers well. open to scarlet. Birds love them. Cornus florida is a splendid tree and We can see the flowers from the pool It grew wild in the ravine three a good source of food for birds. I deck or upstairs in the house. blocks away. I bought a female and rarely see any of the attractive fruit. There is winter interest too as the hoped there would be male plants Liriodendron tulipifera (Tulip Tree) cone of seeds opens leaving a spiky, nearby to fertilize it. Space is a is one of my favourite trees, though it tree-like shape. Unfortunately the problem so I planted it on my is really too big for my garden. I should seeds litter the ground and seem to be neighbour's side of the property line. I have known better since I have seen ignored by wildlife. Luckily none have pulled strands over our shed making their beautiful conical shape towering germinated (yet!). Perhaps this is sure it didn't harm anything. above the other trees in the woods of because Toronto is beyond the tree's It grows well in ordinary soil, so West Virginia. I did not account for the natural range. The tree does occur in well that you must beware: watch for speed of growth. I bought my tree at a the wild in southern Ontario on the girdling of nearby trees. A 30-year-old Canadian Wildflower Society sale 20 south shore of Lake Huron, the north pine (Pinus sp.) suddenly broke off years ago. It initially died back. Now it shore of Lake Erie and in the Niagara half way up because a stem of is about 20 metres (65 feet) tall, rapidly Peninsula. Friends in Pennsylvania bittersweet had encircled the trunk catching up to a Sugar Maple (Acer regard it as a weed. embedding itself in the bark so that it saccharum) that is maybe 150 years Usually Liriodendron is pest-free. was invisible from below. The wind old – the maple was here when the area This year we had a lot of aphids whose just snapped off the top of the tree at was still forested. secretions dripped on our bench below. this weak point. I like the shape of the Tulip Tree, Celastrus scandens (American Beware also of Asian Bittersweet the strange cut-off leaves and, above Bittersweet) is a vigorous woody (Celastrus orbiculatus). It is often sold all, the greenish, tulip-like flowers climber growing to 10 metres (30 feet) by nurseries, it's highly invasive and it with soft orange-red in the centre of with small inconspicuous male and may be hybridising with our native the petals. These are best seen from female flowers on separate plants. The species. above, which may be difficult given attractive berries start orange and Hamamelis virginiana (Witch

Presenting… The Native Seed Identification & Cultivation Guide for Southern Ontario A great reference for anyone interested in native plants, this guide offers… • 144 pages with over 100 full colour images. • An overview of seed collection, storage and cultivation techniques for native trees, shrubs and vines. • Descriptive entries of over 95 regionally native species, their respective seeds and propagation protocols. • Added Information on each species’ growing requirements, wildlife benefits and species at risk status. • Spiral bound with water-proof pages. Books can be purchased for $28.00, which includes mailing costs. To place an order, prepare a cheque made out to ‘The Naturalized Habitat Network’ and mail it to… The Naturalized Habitat Network P.O. Box 292, Essex, Ontario N8M 2Y3 Be sure to include your mailing address and postal code. Please limit one book per order. Visit us at www.naturalizedhabitat.org

8NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY WINTER 2010 Hazel) grew in the ravine and was lost been the first small tree I planted in in moist soil and full sun. I grow it for when the soil slipped. There are large this garden 36 years ago. It grows well the distinct shape and the wonderful shrubs in the woods nearby. Several in semi-shade in neutral to slightly autumn colour, a mix of reds, yellows, stems grow to three metres (10 feet) alkaline soil, reaching eight metres (26 oranges and purple-red. and form a loose canopy. Walking feet). It has delightful pink pea-shaped Red Oaks (Quercus rubra) grow in underneath is a treat. The leaves turn flowers and lovely heart-shaped leaves. the ravine below my yard. A beautiful yellow in the fall when the four yellow, Cladrastis lutea (Yellow-Wood), Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) died as ribbon-shaped petals spread out in whose natural range is North Carolina, the soil slipped away. The white spruce clusters. The sun shining through Kentucky and Tennessee, has grown fast (Picea glauca) in the garden is illuminates leaves and flowers. in clay soil at the top of a bank in my overshadowed by the Sugar Maple. I also grow many small trees and garden, shaded by the Tulip Tree in the I am constantly amazed at the shrubs that are native to eastern North fall. Large white pea-like flowers hang number of woody plants I grow, America further south. Calycanthus in pendulous clusters which, along with packed into a small space. If you floridus (Carolina Allspice), a native of the smooth grey bark and compound haven't already done so, I recommend the eastern U.S., was planted near my leaves, give it a quiet beauty. that you make room for some in your front door for its whiffs of spring Hydrangea quercifolia (Oak-leaved garden. perfume. Hydrangea) is native to southeastern Cercis canadensis (Eastern Redbud) United States. My plants do well in Anna Leggatt grew up in the English is fondly regarded as a Canadian tree alkaline soil in dry shade; they hate countryside where she learned about the and it is probably native to Pelee wet soil. They are more or less hardy local wildflowers. She studied Botany Island on Lake Erie but this has not in the Toronto area. and taught high school before coming to Canada. She is a Nature Interpreter at been confirmed since the tree Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweet the Kortright Centre for Conservation naturalizes so easily from planting. Gum), also from s.e. U.S., is a cone- and a mad gardener. This Carolinian species must have shaped tree which will grow very fast

NANPS Calendar of Events

March 11, 2010 March 27, 2010 Habitat Network of Essex County & NANPS SPEAKERS' SERIES: INVASIVE SPECIES REMOVAL WORKSHOP Windsor. Participants are encouraged SECRETS IN THE GARDEN Norfolk County, Ontario to bring a survey, drawings and Markham, Ontario NANPS is organizing a hands-on photographs of their yards. $30, and Martin Galloway of HGTV's Secret invasive species removal workshop each family will receive a $10 voucher World of Gardens will demonstrate at Shining Tree Woods. for NANPS Plant Sale on May 8. how simple changes in plant choices Contact [email protected]. Markham Civic Centre (Limited to and maintenance practices can create a 40 Town of Markham residents) healthier environment. Invasive April 7, 2010 9 to 11:30AM for morning session species as well as insects and other NANPS SPEAKERS' SERIES: RARE or 1 to 3:30 for afternoon session. Call pollinators in our gardens and natural NATIVE PLANT GEMS OR SPECIES AT RISK 905-477-5530 by April 2 to register. areas will be discussed. Free. 7 - 9PM Toronto, Ontario at Markham Civic Centre Council Jane Bowles, a biologist at the May 8, 2010 Chambers. Call 905 477-5530 to University of Western Ontario, will NANPS ANNUAL NATIVE PLANT SALE register. discuss what makes species rare and Markham, Ontario how they are evaluated as species-at- NANPS Plant Sale & Environment Fair risk at the Toronto Botanical Garden. will be held at the Markham Civic CONGRATULATIONS TO For details visit www.nanps.org. Centre. www.nanps.org. BOB KENNEDY OF TORONTO FOR WINNING A FREE YEAR'S April 11, 2010 May 15, 2010 SUBSCRIPTION TO THE NATIVE PLANT GARDEN DESIGN INVASIVE PLANT REMOVAL WORKSHOP BLAZING STAR BY RENEWING WORKSHOP Markham, Ontario HIS NANPS MEMBERSHIP Markham, Ontario NANPS-organized invasives removal BEFORE JANUARY 31ST. NANPS-sponsored workshop with workshop at Charlie Clifford Park. Dan Bissonnette of The Naturalized Contact [email protected].

NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY WINTER 2010 9 Transpiration

by Bill Moses nutrients required by the leaf. A large Joyce Kilmer starts off his poem Trees oak (Quercus sp.) with the lines: can apparently transpire 150,000 I think that I shall never see litres (40,000 A poem lovely as a tree. gallons) of water A tree whose hungry mouth is prest a year. Against the earth's sweet flowing We know that breast; when we suck hard Kilmer has, perhaps unwittingly, on a straw, the provided us with an excellent straw has a allegorical description of how a tree tendency to gets its nourishment. Humans have a collapse. The same heart to pump nutrients around our thing happens with body but a tree has no such thing. the water channels There has to be another explanation. within a tree. It is In public school our teacher once said that on a hot said that she was going to show us how day, when the rate to make water run uphill. We were of transpiration is quite disappointed when she merely high, the diameter hung a dishtowel over the edge of a of the tree trunk bowl full of water and the water being will decrease absorbed by the dishtowel did travel up measurably. hill. The water was able to overcome We may be using

gravity because of adhesion. That is the example of BILL MOSES one part of the puzzle. trees, but the Secondly, since water molecules are transpiration HOTOGRAPH BY

attracted to each other, as one molecule process takes place P moves up it tends to drag its neighbour in all green plants. along. This is referred to as cohesion. Bill Moses started this four-year-old Bitternut Hickory (Carya However, trees cordiformis) from seed in a separate bed. Note the grass growing Aiding adhesion and cohesion is have the capacity right up to the tree. This competition is very stressful. Each year suction (which gets us back to the to transpire much Bill removes the sod from around the tree and uses a well- hungry mouth metaphor). If you can larger quantities of composted combination of horse manure and sawdust to make imagine drinking a soft drink through water back into the up for soil loss. (A mulch of some type can also be used to keep a straw 30 metres (100 feet) long, you grass at bay.) Bill's method is inspired by the Aesop fable Buried atmosphere where Treasure, "Truly, our digging has brought us a treasure." will have an idea of what a tree is up it will soon fall against. again as rain. Trees find in the wild – the diversity that There are indeed long tubes within can draw water up from deep in the contributes to the health of a living the sapwood of the tree that act as earth, water which might otherwise ecosystem – is becoming skewed straws. These channels go to each leaf. remain unavailable as precipitation for towards faster-growing, more easily On the bottom of the leaf are stomates. a long period of time. In other words, transplanted, and sometimes smaller These are holes into the leaf that can trees have a significant impact on our trees. either be opened or closed. One reason climate. One has to admire a person who why the leaf opens the stomates is to It is my feeling that people shy away plants a tree not for his or her own capture carbon dioxide which is from planting large trees because they gratification but for the benefit of required by the tree to produce food. will not see them grow to maturity. future generations. While the stomates are open, water When they do plant large trees they evaporates from the wet inside of the often want to buy those that are already Bill Moses volunteers at the Inglis Falls leaf and escapes into the air. This is the four to six metres (15-20 feet) high. At Native Plant Nursery in Owen Sound, process called transpiration. This has at that size, some trees such as oaks and Ontario. The nursery specializes in least a couple of beneficial effects. hickories (Carya spp.) are hard to woody plants propagated from seeds Evaporation keeps the leaf cool. As the transplant and they have difficulty and cuttings collected in Grey and water evaporates, more water is pulled becoming established. The result is that Bruce Counties. Visit up the tree carrying minerals and the natural mix of trees that one might http://www.greybrucewoodyplants.ca/

10 NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY WINTER 2010 New & Noted

The Native Seed Identification & Aspen). This is somewhat difficult, as 726 species, subspecies and varieties of Cultivation Guide (for Southern there are species that go by several native plants officially recognized on the Ontario) common names. For example, the most recent Committee on the Status of by Dan Bissonnette Chestnut (Castanea dentata) is found Endangered Species in Canada or Published by: The Naturalized Habitat with the “C's” although some would Species at Risk in Ontario lists. Network of Essex County & Windsor search for it under the “A's,” thinking 2009, ISBN 978-0-9694026-7-1, of it as “American Chestnut.” 142 pages Regrettably, there is no index of the Cost: $25 + mailing = $28 species listed. www.naturalizedhabitat.org Apart from the ID Index, the book contains information on many Dan Bissonnette's book is targeted subjects of interest to a grower: why it towards a special group of people – is important to collect from local wild native seed collectors and growers of populations, a code of ethics for seed shrubs, trees and vines. The concept collectors, guidance regarding seed behind the book is nothing short of storage, and time-tested tips on brilliant – to capture in photographs determining seed viability. General the ripened fruit, nuts, drupes, acorns information about seed dormancy and samaras of typical southern mechanisms and how to care for Ontario native woody plants in order young seedlings is also provided. to aid a seed collector in field Happily, Bissonnette reveals an identification. alternative to using sulphuric acid for Ontario's Old-Growth Forests: There can be no doubt that this is seed scarification. (Do you know how A guidebook complete with history, a field guide. The book is small (16 hard it is to source sulphuric acid and ecology, and maps centimetres by 12 centimetres or six beyond this, how difficult it is to use (published by Fitzhenry and Whiteside) inches by 4 3/4 inches) with a sturdy and store thereafter?) A brief list of is now available in bookstores. ring binding. The pages are laminated suggested treatments to overcome seed to protect against water damage or dormancy for each species is featured. The book includes: soiling. The book offers, in a one- As founder and Program Overviews of forest history and ecology species-per-page format, a coloured Coordinator of the Naturalized An atlas of 56 old-growth sites photograph of the ripened seed while Habitat Network of Essex County & throughout the province on the plant, along with information Windsor (a non-profit dedicated to Box essays written by experts as to when it ripens and the size of the establishing wildlife habitat within Over 180 colour photos and seed. These are good pictures, and I home landscapes), Dan knows his 55 colour maps can scarcely imagine how difficult it subject. In 2006, the Naturalized Details at www.oldgrowth.ca must have been to find examples of Habitat Network was the recipient ripened berries on some of the of NANPS's annual Paul McGaw presented species, particularly those Memorial Conservation Award in most popular with birds. recognition of its extraordinary Rare Plants of the Endangered High On some pages in the Identification contribution to the restoration of Park Black Oak Savannah is now Index, a second smaller picture of the native flora at the community level. available through the High Park relevant seed is shown in the palm of Community Advisory Council a hand, helping to assess its relative Review by Darcie McKelvey volunteer Stewardship Program. size. The pictures take up at least half The compact and entertaining booklet of each page, with the remainder is a plant and habitat guide, complete devoted to the species' habitat and with history and stewardship resources. other features that will clinch Rare Vascular Plants of Ontario, fourth All proceeds go to restoration work in identification. edition, is now available for download at High Park. Contact [email protected] The woody plants listed, some 98 http://publicdocs.mnr.gov.on.ca/View.a to order a copy and send a cheque species, are arranged in alphabetical sp?Document_ID=15811&Attachment_ payable to High Park Initiatives for order based on the common name ID=33301. The 190-page guide is $15 plus $3.00 shipping to: High Park of the family (such as Ashes or produced by the Ontario Natural Initiatives, 95 Lavinia Avenue, P.O. Box Dogwoods) or by the species' Heritage Information Centre whose 108, Toronto, ON, M6S 3H9. common name (Nannyberry, mission includes the preservation of Trembling Aspen, filed under “A” for Ontario's biological diversity. It includes

NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY WINTER 2010 11 Continued from page 1

late June and fruits in August. This Roundleaf Dogwood is an important Bill Moses volunteers for the Inglis Falls will vary depending upon your link in the ecosystem it inhabits, even Native Plant Nursery in Owen Sound, the microclimate. In season, look for though its intricate interaction with Nature Conservancy of Canada, the showy small flowers in rather flat- its environment may be poorly Evergreen Native Plant Database and the topped clusters and bluish-white understood, due to its complexity. All Bruce Trail Conservancy. For more information about woody plants and berries with very red stems. The leaves the more reason to protect it where it photographs of Roundleaf Dogwood, go are fairly large and coarse, rounded at grows naturally and to propagate it in to www.greybruceplantswoodyplants.ca the base and generally about as wide our native plant gardens. and follow the Roundleaf Dogwood link. as long or at least broadly oval. Branchlets start out being a yellowy green with purplish streaks and small LET'S CELEBRATE OUR 25TH ANNIVERSARY warts. As the branches age they become a dark, dirty-looking purple. This spring, look forward to a special contributions you have made over the Roundleaf Dogwood usually grows to anniversary issue of The Blazing Star years – NANPS has reached this three metres (10 feet). If you are after with articles from all corners of the milestone year with many flowers and fruit in your own shrubs, continent covering diverse issues accomplishments under our collective you shouldn't prune at all but if you from native pond gardens to hidden belt. We have reason to be proud… must then for this type of multi- prairies to woodland restorations to but we can't be complacent. We need stemmed plant cut out one in four of invasive plant awareness programs. your help now as much as ever. Please the biggest stems each year. Flower Read about Toronto's First Native consider making an extra donation to buds are fully formed by fall. Plant Garden 34 years later. Learn help make this anniversary year There are many references to the how to apply ecological restoration special. We encourage you also to give medical use of Roundleaf Dogwood guidelines to landscaping. Delight in of your time. There are many projects from at least the early 1800s to the our Gallery of Artwork from NANPS to choose from: invasive plant present. In this context, it is generally artists! This issue will be a timeless removal workshops, our annual plant referred to as Cornus circinata.An resource manual for native plant sale, seed exchange, annual general 1828 volume of The North American gardening enthusiasts and meeting and more. Medical and Surgical Journal reports restoration/conservationists. 2010 is the International Year of that C. circinata is considered an Thanks to your generous support – Biodiversity. Let's all do our part to excellent remedy (taken internally) for the time, energy and financial make it memorable. diarrhea and afflictions of the liver, and (externally) for gangrene and JOIN NANPS ulcerated gums. The bark was Your donations and membership dollars help NANPS to study, conserve, cultivate pulverized and boiled in water or and restore North America's native flora. Members receive our quarterly newsletter, soaked in other liquids to extract the the Blazing Star, and are eligible for NANPS-sponsored excursions and the Seed desired curative components. Exchange. NANPS is a registered charitable organization (no. 130720824 RR0001) Homeopathic websites today advertise founded in 1984. Donations to the Society are tax-creditable in Canada. Tax receipts Cornus circinata as a remedy for pain, will be issued for donations of $20 or more. diarrhea, chronic malaria, hepatitis and eczema. ___ $20 / 1 calendar year (Jan.–Dec.) or Family membership ___ $25 The current accepted scientific ___ $40 / 2 years name for Roundleaf Dogwood is ___ $60 / 3 years ( ___ send me a free issue of Wildflower as a bonus for my Cornus rugosa. Cornus is Latin for 3-year membership) horn, likely a reference to the hard ___ $200 Sustaining Membership (includes a Canadian tax credit for $100 wood of a European species. The species name rugosa means wrinkled, and a 5-year membership) probably referring to the impressed NAME: ______venation of the leaves. ADDRESS: ______Roundleaf fruits are eaten by ruffed ______and sharptail grouse. Twigs are PHONE: ______consumed by cottontail rabbits, moose FAX: ______and white-tailed deer. I have read an EMAIL: ______abstract about a rare beetle that is found regularly near C. rugosa. All this Please make cheque payable to the NANPS and mail to Box 84, Station D, Etobicoke, to say, like every native plant, Ontario M9A 4X1. For info, call (416) 631-4438; e-mail [email protected].

12 NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY WINTER 2010