Ckuti 'onui NEWSLETTER OF THE ARKANSAS NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY SPRING 1995 The purpose of the Arkansas Native Plant Society is to promote the preservation , conservation , and study of the wild plants and vegetation of Arkansas , the education of the public to the value of the native flora and its habitat , and the publication of related information , FROM THE PRESIDENTS DESK: GREG ROBERTSON I am truly honored to be the president of ANPS. When asked over a year ago to serve, I asked myself, why do they want a Forester to serve on the Executive Board? Some years ago I got interested in the society when some friends of ours asked us to go with them on a field trip to the Albert Pike area. My wife Vickie and I both love the outdoors so we went and had a wonderful time. Since my background is forestry and i work outside most of the time I figured it would be a great way to learn more about what I was walking over everyday. Well, to say the least, that happened. But, more importantly, it gave me the privilege of getting to know people who I thought looked at things differently from me. I thought I could listen to the people of the ANPS and learn things that would help me better manage the lands where I work. Well, to say the least, that has happened too! To make a long story short, education and cooperation are the keys to making many things happen among groups that find themselves on different sides of the coin at times. Cooperative efforts between special interest groups and major companies are building working relationships that could never before have happened. It is my opinion that as we continue to educate people about the native flora of Arkansas, some amazing things will happen between our society, industry, and the private land owner. Once again let me say that I am proud to be your President of the ANPS and I will continue to blend my knowledge of forest management and the goals of the ANPS together to manage the flora of our Natural State. l ANPS SPRING FIELD TRIPS April 8 - Calion, Union County, 9:30 a.m. Leader: Carl Amason (501-748-2362) Directions : Go to Calion and turn south off Hwy 167 at Staples Store. Travel 0.5 miles to county road 44, turn right, and go 1.25 miles to Carl's home, on the right. Bring a sack lunch. April 29 - South Fourche Oxbow Wetland, Ouachita National Forest, 9:30 a.m. Leader: John Logan, botanist, Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission (501-324-9150) Where: Hollis, Arkansas. Bring BOOTS of some kind— it is a wetland area. Hiking shoes may be worn for balance of field trip. Bring your WILDFLOWER BOOK to help in identifying plants. Bring your lunch and drink. Directions : Hollis is north of Hot Springs in Perry County. Meet at the Hollis Store on Highway 7, south of Lake Nimrod. Mav 13 - Petit Jean Mountain, 9:30 a.m. Leader: Carl Slaughter (501-727-5700) Where: Meet at Carl Slaughter's home atop Petit Jean Mountain. The following orchids may possibly be found: Yellow Lady Slipper, Ragged Orchid, Lily Twayblade, Southern Twayblade, and the Green Adder's Mouth. Boots are advised as the trip will require walking in water. Bring lunch. Directions : Turn west at oppelo on Hwy 154. Turn south on the top of the mountain at A&A Barbecue. Follow gravel road to Carl's house on left. May 20 - Sugar Loaf Mountain, Stone County, 9:30 a.m. Leaders: Karen Tinkle (501-269-3228) and Earl Hendrix Where: Sylamore Ranger Station. For the many who did not have the opportunity to take the field trip which was hastily decided on after lunch on Saturday at last year's Spring Meeting, another field trip will be made to Sugar Loaf Mtn. Co- leaders will be Karen Tinkle, Wildlife Biologist, Sylamore District of the Ozark National Forest, and Earl Hendrix, Forestry Technician, who works on surveying new sensitive plant sites. This field trip will be made during the "National Wiidflower Celebration" in Mountain View. Bring food and drink for lunch on the top of Sugar Loaf, which has a nearly 360 degree view of the surrounding areas. Bring a sack lunch. Directions : Sylamore Ranger Station is on Highway 9, a few blocks north of junction of Highways 9 and 14 in Mountain View. Mav 27 - Traskwood, Saline County, 10:30 a.m. Leader: John Pelton (501-794-1883) Expect to see Calopogan species. Grass Pink Orchid, Other surprises in store, so be sure to bring your wiidflower book, sack lunch, and drink. Directions : Meet at McDade's store, located on Hwy 229 by RR tracks. 2 June 10 - Alexander, AR, 1:00 p.m. Leader: Carl Hunter (501-455*1538) Where: 18 Pointer Drive Many of Carl's 150+ species of wildflowers will be in bloom in his yard. Directions : From the west, exit at County Line Exit, go to first road east of Jacuzzi plant,, then one mile south on Viny Ridge Road to Quail Run. There will be signs. Others: cross over 1-30 at SW Hospital Overpass. Go west on south service road to first road east of Jacuzzi plant. (Overpass is west of 1-430). June 17 - Calion and on to Calhoun County, 9:30 a.m. Leader: Carl Amason (501-748-2362) Directions : Go to Calion and turn south off Hwy 167 at Staples Store. Travel 0.5 miles to county road 44, turn right, and go 1 .25 miles to Carl's home, on the right. Bring sack lunch. OTHER ACTIVITIES OF INTEREST TO MEMBERS April 13-15 - Spring Native Plant and Wildflower Sale Lichterman Nature Center, 5992 Quince Rd., Memphis, TN. Preview party 5:00-6:30 p.m. on April 13th. Admission is $5.00 for members, registered by April 9th, $7.50 for non-members registered, and $10.00 at the door. No admission on April 14th & 15th. Hours on 14th: 9:30-6:30; hours on 15th: 9:30-4:30. April 27-30 - Heritage Herb Spring Extravanganza Hands-on Workshop and Lavish reast - with Adeima Grenier oimmons ana Steven Foster at the Ozark Fok Center. Call 501-269-3851 for details. Mav 6 -- Wildflower Walk in the Sandhills White Oak Lake State Park will host this special event. It will begin at 9:00 a.m. at the park's Visitor Information Center. Dr. Gary Tucker, FTN Associates Limited, will lead the morning hike at the Bluff City dump sandhill area. Tina Wilcox of the Ozark Folk Center, will have a presentation on edible and medicible plants in the area. Other speakers will also be participating in this event. NEWS NOTES The Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission has signed limited edition prints of the Baker Prairie Wildflower Collection by award winning artist, Kate Nessler, of Kingston, Arkansas. Proceeds of the sale help protect the prairie and help support the educational activities of the commission. ANPS members have been asked to assist in a new project at the new Camden High School. Our president has received a grant from International Paper to develop a half- acre wildflower garden on the campus. If you have any suggestions or native plants that you would like to donate, please contact Thera Lou Adams. 3 SPRING MEETING Where: Veterans Memorial Park, Mena, Arkansas Approximately 4 mi. north of Mena on Hwy. 71, on left. Blue metal building, look for signs. When: April 21-23, 1995 Schedule: Friday. April 21 4:00-6:30 Registration - Membership Renewal Field trips sign-up Social hour 6:30 Group Set Dinner — Veterans Memorial Park -- $8.00 per person 7:30-9:30 Program : Field trip announcements; Stan Speight, Supt. of the Cossatot River State Park; Brad Holleman, Interpretive - Queen Wilhelmina State Park; Bill Shepherd, Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission; John Peiton, Slide Presentation. Saturday, April 22 Breakfast on your own. Field Trips start at Veterans Memorial Park (all day trips-bring food and drink). Lunch on your own. Half-day trips repeated. Group Set Dinner -- Veterans Memorial Park - $8.00 per person Genera! Business Mpg< ; rv< --- T-Shirt announcement; "Flora ot Arkansas" project; Sunday field trip announcement Program - Chris Frisbee, Ouachita National Forest; Dr. Carl Slaughter, Slide Presentation Sunday, April 23 Breakfast on your own. 9:30 a.m. Field trip - leave from WalMart parking lot near the big sign. 12:00 p.m. Lunch on your own (on your way home). Accommodations : Best Western Lime Tree Inn -- Hwy. 71 No. -- 501-394-6350 Nana's Country Inn - Hwy. 71 No. - 501-394-6433 Harvey House Inn — Hwy. 71 No. — 501-394-3710 Motel Capri -- Hwy. 71 So. -- 501-394-2400 Ozark Inn - Hwy. 71 So. - 501-394-1100 Queen Wilhelmina State Park - 501-394-2863 (booked full, check for cancellations) Campgrounds : Rich Mtn. RV Park -- 501-394-5300 (at the foot of the mountain) Caron RV Park - 501-394-4547 Queen Wilhelmina State Park Campground -- 501-394-2863 (fog can be quite heavy) NOTE : For people arriving on Saturday, April 22, all field trips will start from the Veterans Memorial Park at 8:30 am; afternoon field trips at 1:30 pm from the same location. 8:30 a.m. 12:00 1 :30 p.m. 6:30 7:30 8:00-9:30 4 UPDATE ON CELESTIAL LILY SITE SURVEY : This coming April and May will be the second year of a three-year study regarding two species of Nemasty/is in Arkansas. During 1994, five new sites of N. gemnif/ora were found. Two new sites of N. nuttalli population were located. Special thanks to Don and Oralee Price and to Ed Hall for their active participation. ANPS member, Newton Hanson, took me to the first recorded site, as far as I know, for a small population of N. gemni flora in Lawrence County. Beth Erwin invited me to witness a remarkable habitat of N. gemniflora just miles south of Ashley County, Arkansas, in Morehouse Parish, Louisiana. Thanks, Beth. Any site information from the ANPS membership will be welcomed and appreciated. After the 3-year study a full report of the survey wili^be^gtveTi ^ ter eacfv..partici pant who helps in finding more sites of these Celestial lilies. --Bob Clearwater ) MEMORIALS Our deepest sympathy to Louise Dunn of Heber Springs on the recent death of her husband Tommy, and to the family of Dr. Floyd Shafer, who was killed in an accident while biking on Cantrell Rd. in Little Rock. The following have made memorial donations to the ANPS for Tommy: Mr. & Mrs. Youngchild, Heber Springs; Bill & Betty May, Heber Springs; Michael J. Kenny, Albuquerque, NM; Hall & Faye Bryant, Batesville; Jane Wideman, Heber Springs. FALL FIELD TRIP (November 5. 1994) REPORT - Carl Amason The Saturday field trip was scheduled and many people had written of their intentions to participate. The weather on the previous Friday turned to appear evil and the weather forecasts were ominous; anything could happen weather-wise. During the night heavy local rains fell and the winds blew. Morning broke with fair skies and a sunny day. The heavy rains had fallen upon dry soil so there was little mud underfoot, but the storm was violent and a tornado struck west of El Dorado and slammed into Smackover. The people from Camden had to drive through fallen trees on their way. But the immediate area about Calion had no damage, electricity remained on the wires, and there had not been any devastating frosts. I was very pleasantly surprised when the guests began to arrive, and the house and yard became active with happiness and anticipation. Dr. Dan Daniel, his wife Kathy, and their children. Will and Caroline in the group-they are well-behaved children, a joy to have around. Winnie Dawson, who has dual citizenship in the United States and Canada and had just returned back to Malvern to spend the colder part of the year, arrived with her friend Wanda Ottinger. Greg Robertson came early and left early--a busy man at all seasons. Lois Wilson had come a day early and spent the night at Thera Lou Adams' and they came to spend the day. They became so impressed with the flowering Camellia sasanqua bushes in bloom that they left with plans to go to nurseries to seek out some of these lovely exotics for their gardens. Anne Beale came from the Chidester area (near Camden) after electricity was restored to her home. Her interest and enthusiasm always enlivens a group when she is present. Much to my surprise, a delegation from University of Arkansas-Monticello arrived, due to the urging of Dr. Eric Sundell, Librarian Copeland, and Professor Marvin Jeter, Nick Brown and Chris Bennett of the School of Forest Resources, and Jamie Nichols. All were special knowledgeable people. Rounding out the Camden delegation were Lynett McDonald and Janet McDonald. All the while we were 5 strolling over the place, looking at the tall loblolly pines, admiring some of the exotic camellias and strolling past many of the Vaccinium elliottii and a very elegant Vaccinium arboreum. The latter has a definite Oriental appearance and when in full bloom is one of the nicest of all the native small trees. I find it seldom appears in the nursery trade as it is very difficult to transplant and takes years for a specimen tree to grow to maturity from seed. Then to a more moist area where the American beech {Fagus grandifoiia) grows, and at this time of the year the parasitic Epi fagus Virginian a was in its full glory of bloom in clumps along the radiating roots of the beech trees. It is a purplish yellow- brown appearing in clusters of erect dense stems, from three to six inches tall. It is common here in Union County-just find a beech tree and in all likelihood, beech drops will be there. The flowers are very insignificant. Close by, downhill, was a fruiting Sabal minor, the only native palm to Arkansas. On the uphill side were about ten plants of the Mariana fern that I learned as The/ip ten's torresiana but is now called Microtheiypteris torresiana , all amid a lot of Hex opaca or American holly, which produced precious few berries this year. Although almost noon, time would permit a fast trip to a sandy spit that protrudes into Calion Lake, and there were several clumps of the green water orchid, Piatanthera repens, one lingering plant still in fine flowering condition. The way to the orchids was across the edge of the lake. They are lowering the water level of the lake and surprisingly there was very little mud, but I shudder as I think of Winnie Dawson in her pristine white sneakers as she walked along the way. On the edge of the lake, female fruiting bushes of Baccharis haiimifoiia were showy. Careful observation produced male bushes of the same species nearby, and this careful observation turned up a flowering vine of Gelsemium sempervirens with a single flower blooming out of season, but it isn't really uncommon to find a flower or two during warm spells in the winter. Then back to the house for lunch and more friendly visitations. The day developed into warm sunny weather and the porch was filled with lunch eaters and samplers. So many brought home cookies and pickles; Thera Lou's Swedish tea logs were eagerly devoured. We had worked up a field trip appetite. It was during the noon-time festivities that Ed Hall turned up for the field trip. He was spending the day taking wildflower photographs. His photographs are always good and hopefully some day (or rather night) we will be raptured viewers of his pictures. We have so much talent in our group. I think that someone among us can do almost anything and do it well. The afternoon was passing quickly-as it seems that time flies by when you are having a good time. So away we went to one of my favorite botanizing spots-wet ditches on the Champagnolle Road out of El Dorado. There some Gentiana saponaria were in bloom! In places, Lycopodium appressum has completely matted the damp soil with their hardy green stems but the upright spore-bearing spikes had done their due and they were showing signs of old age and dying back to the evergreen stems. Sharp eyes detected the presence of young sundews over the moist ground, making it look like the earth had broken out with a case of measles. We looked and admired Virginia chainferns and thought of other times when the same ditches produced other things. Today some Piatanthera repens were found in less than prime bloom. It was time to return to our gathering point as the days were getting much shorter and it was time to return home. We said our "adieus" and hoped to meet again on another delightful field trip. For me there were only two disturbing obstacles to having complete happiness-first, that \ do not know all the answers to the questions that I am asked. This is probably 6 something that I can do something about. The other is news from Tomiline Higginbottom that Albert is not doing well-due to advancing Alzheimer's. Such are the bittersweet affairs of life. THE RED MAPLE (Acer rubrum) - by Carl Amason Acer rubrum , better known as red or swamp maple is well known and is probably found in almost every eastern state of the United States. Here in Union County and over most of the Coastal Plains, it is found most often along bottom lands, especially along streams -and creeks. That is, the reason why one of its common names is swamp maple, but i have seen them prospering on quite high and dry hiilsides also. The other common name of red maple is very evident in some of the trees in full ripening samaras (seed fruit) as some can be a bright brilliant red. However, I find that a majority of the trees produce samaras in shades other than brilliant red. In fact, I have seen some fruit color range from lime green to light salmon, brownish tones of salmon and pink, and into brighter pinks and reds, but not the brilliant reds that I associate with Acer rubrum drummondii. The red maple is one of the very first trees in my area to come into full bloom-a misty red from the tiny red flowers (another reason why it is called red maple). These blooms occur here in early February and develop into the samaras of late February and March. It seems that almost every tree has its own individual color, and some are indeed showy. They are at their best on the sunny edges of roadsides as the roads go through forested creek bottoms. The tree itself can grow up to fifty feet or more; more often they are not that tall, but are taller than the well-known and loved dogwood ( Cornus florida) or the redbud, often in the same bottomland. The red maple makes a nice shade tree for a small yard, but its roots are usually on top of the ground as the old expression goes, and the roots sap all the water and nutrients from even some of the grasses used for lawns. Some of the selected forms are highly desirable, however. They are easily transplanted but seldom used as a front yard specimen. In fact, they are usually relegated to the backyard. While the flowers are not showy, the seed fruits can be and are eaten by squirrels, many of the common songbirds which are attracted to seed feeders-cardinals, white-throated sparrows, tufted titmice- and a number of wildlife animals. It is true that the red maples do not have the bright fall colors that sugar maples develop. Sugar maples make a larger shade tree and are long-lived. The fall colors of the red maples can vary from lemon yellow to brilliant red. In recent years, nurserymen have selected a number of clones or cultivars, giving them fancy names and most are evaluated for the bright colors of the fall season. In the wild populations that I see yearly in their annual fall color, most are in the bright yellow range. On sunny, damp fall days, the filtered sunshine has a yellow glow, and I suppose the translucent filtered sunshine is the nearest approach to a stained glass window in a cathedral that we can experience in nature. There are a number of other maples worthy of landscape uses. Most all, native or exotic, are very desirable, but among the native maples, the silver-leafed maple is one of the few that does not give a bright fall color to their leaves. The trifoliated maple (box elder) gives poor color, but it has other interesting features that endear itself to some people. So if you have a damp, poorly drained area, red maples are a good planting candidate, especially Acer rubrum var. drummondii. l I will relate here an added footnote of interest that is funny, yet not funny, pathetic and not pathetic. Often I am approached by an acquaintance in the late spring when leaves have grown out and my friends are a bit disturbed. Their remarks are something like this: "I want to show you what I purchased from a Sunday paper supplement as a red maple, and this is what I got! The leaves are as green as grass!" Then they produce a twig or leaf from their plant. I take one look and say, "You ordered a red maple and got a red-maple. You were expecting a red-leafed Japanese maple, which is quite another item, usually much more expensive than a red maple seedling." I'm sure that no one who knows native plants-or even exotic plants--has fallen victim to buying a red maple when expecting a red -.leafed Japanese maple. Learning can be less than pleasant for some of us about so many things, but learning on the Arkansas Native Plant Society's field trips can be fun as well as educational. MINUTES OF THE FALL BUSINESS MEETING. SEPT. 24. 1994, CONWAY. AR - Gail Carlson, Secretary President Slaughter called the general business meeting to order at approximately 7:40 p.m. Gail Carlson, secretary, read the minutes of the spring business meeting which was held in Mountain View, Arkansas. President Slaughter made motion to accept, Carl Amason seconded. Motion carried. Jewel Moore, historian, read the treasurer's report in the absence of Sue Clark. Carl Amason made motion to accept. Ed Schoenike seconded. Motion carried. Carl Amason presented the Carl Amason Conservation Award to Lane and Bruce Ewing of Mena, Arkansas. Greg Robertson presented a plaque to Dr. Don Culwell, and gave thanks to all who helped in an outstanding fail meeting. Plaque was sent to Tina Marie Wilcox for the 1994 Spring meeting in Mountain View, Arkansas. A special thanks to all was expressed by Greg. Eric Sundell presented a special plaque to Carl Slaughter. The Dwight Moore Award - contributions through publications was given to Dr. Ed Smith of Fayetteville, plus a $100 check. Carl Hunter volunteered to take the award and check to Dr. Smith. Also the Dwight Moore award was presented to Dr. Carl Slaughter for his book "Wild Orchids of Arkansas," plus a $100.00 check. At the last spring meeting it was recommended to change T-shirt logo and design. President Slaughter selected Bob Clearwater, Lois Wilson, and John Pelton to come up with recommendation to be presented at the 1995 spring business meeting. Mary Ann Hunter and Greg Robertson showed us some T-shirts with new design and logos. John Pelton also brought up the type of material we would want, cotton or a blend. It was then asked for a show of hands, with cotton most desired by all. Also, question was asked about the mark-up of T-shirts. Liz Getz doesn't feel we need to mark them up any more than they have been. Bill Shepherd of the National Heritage Foundation spoke about the wildflowers of Baker Prairie and the wildflower prints by Kate Nessler which were on display in the Boone County Library. The next showing will be in Jonesboro. The National Heritage Foundation was selling sets of four prints. 8 Lois Wilson -- nominating committee for officers for 1995-96. They selected Sue Clark, treasurer and John Pelton, vice president. Bill Shepherd made motion to accept. Bob Clearwater seconded. Motion carried. President Slaughter then turned the program over to our new president, Greg Robertson, and introduced his wife, Vicki. Greg Robertson then presented Joe Dean and his slides, entitled "Gentle Wings" and Don Culwell and his video on his field trip out west; with some of his students. Greg Robertson spoke about a project in Camden, Arkansas, with the Camden Fairview High School--an outdoor environmental lab to grow and house native plants. Bob -Clearwater spoke about the badges and asked that they be turned in after the meeting; and, to give special thanks to Ron Doran, Editor, in making the badges. Lois Wilson stated we collected approximately $700.00 from the auction sale. Bob Clearwater stated the spring meeting will be held in Mena, Arkansas, April 21, 22 & 23, with Lana and Bruce Ewing hosting and handling the arrangements. MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION Our New Life Members : Dr. Janice Craig, Marshall Winfred P. Dawson, Malvern Cat and Joe Dean, Drasco Patsy Farrar, Tuckerman Fred Greenwood, Little Rock Daniel L. Marsh, Arkadelphia Marsha Rowe, Stamps Important Note : Those of you who came to the last Fall Meeting in Conway will remember the weather conditions at the registration table and hospitality area which was outdoors near the prairie site. Due to the wind and rain some of my papers got wet and names obliterated. Plus in my haste to get in the Jeep out of the downpour, I dropped the sheet of the renewals in the water. Anyway, after the meeting I called nearly 30 persons trying to verify and reconfirm if the persons had indeed renewed. I am listing below the names that I have been able to verify: Tom & Louise Dunn; Jane Wideman; Joe and Cat Dean; Catherine & Jack Hepinstall; Penny Robbins; Bruce & Lana Ewing; Ed Hall; Steve Manning; Don Crank; Kathleen Peek; Robert & Ellen Bearden; Elsie Logan; and Judth Logan. If you know that you renewed and do not see your name listed, please phone or send a postal card to me or to Sue Clark. There are just a few dollars received for renewals that have not been accounted for by name. Your kind cooperation is earnestly solicited so a full accounting can be made. Thanks, always. Bob Clearwater, 121 Fern Place, Fairfield Bay, AR 72088; 501-884-6752. (Sue's address and phone number are listed in your ANPS Directory.) 9 ! Have you looked at the number in the upper right corner of your address label? • If the number is 95 or LF, there is no problem. • If your number is 94 or earlier - your dues are due. If dues are not paid before the next issue of Cfaytonia comes out, your name will likely be purged from the mailing list. You can pay at the next meeting or send your dues {$10 Regular, $15 Supporting, $25 Contributing, or $100 Life) to: Arkansas Native Plant Society P.O. Box 250250 .Little Rock, AR 72225 Remember, your membership helps keep Arkansas the "Natural State." • If you have had a change of name, address or telephone number since your dues, please send the change to: Eric Sundell, Membership Chairman, ANPS 114 Briarcliff Monticello, AR 71655 • Only articles for the Cfaytonia should be sent to: Ron Doran, Editor Cfaytonia, ANPS Box 846, Harding University Searcy, AR 72149-0001 Ron Doran, Editor Cfaytonia, ANPS Box 846, Harding University Searcy, AR 72149-0001 MAR 2 7 1995 naturae heritage COMMISSIGH TOW, LOS AN « -John 11 » 4 50 0 T T * v\i e r L* u i I * I f 1 1 ::j 00- 3 Ce rt ter- L/ -0 1 k : E fVR "021201 * Chut j oma NEWSLETTER OF THE ARKANSAS NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY FALL 1995 The purpose of the Arkansas Native Plant Society is to promote the preservation , conservation, and study of the wild plants and vegetation of Arkansas, the education of the public to the value of the native flora and its habitat , and the publication of related information. FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK: GREG ROBERTSON It's been a quick year and I have enjoyed all the new and interesting people I've met through our field trips, meetings and the daily business of the ANPS. I especially enjoyed working with Ted Barnes (BARNES LIMITED) on the new T-shirts. He did a quality job and has many ideas for other shirts in the future. This year was a wonderful learning experience for me and one that I wish everyone had a chance to experience, it wiii make you reaiiy appreciate ail the hard work that people do (behind the scenes) to make this society what it is. Thanks for your support and confidence in allowing me to represent you and the ANPS. A NOTE FROM THE VICE-PRESIDENT; JOHN PELTON At the Spring 1995 ANPS meeting the Executive Board discussed the possibility of forming local area chapters for our Native Plant Society. It was suggested that a note be placed in the Claytonia to solicit your opinions and ideas. Some states with strong NPS'S have area chapters, Missouri being a good example. Area chapters could join with other nature interest groups such as the Audubon Society to have a year-long program, with special activities at peak times of the year. We have people who could assist in forming the chapters and who would be willing to assist with programs. Several photographers are available for slide presentations and workshops on photographing wildfiowers. We also have others with nature interests. I think our main objective should be to include local people who have similar interests with ours, and also to include young people and children. We need to make local connections with the Forest Service, timber companies, Natural Heritage Commission, Nature Conservancy, schools, garden clubs, etc. If we are able to form chapters, we would need a reporter to keep the editor of the Claytonia informed of chapter events. I think we could be blessed! 1 FALL MEETING Where: Econo Lodge 4319 Central Ave. Hot Springs, AR 71913 Econo Lodge is located approximately 2.5 miles south of JCT Highways 70 & 270 & 7; or approximately 2 miles south of the Oaklawn racetrack on the east side of Highway 7. When: Sept. 22-24, 1995 Schedule: Friday, SeDt. 22nd 4:00-6:00 Registration - Membership Renewal - Econo Lodge conference room 6:00-7:30 Field trip sign-up for Saturday & Sunday mornings Social hour - Econo Lodge conference room Dinner on your own - Buffy's Buffet is recommended 7:30 - ? Buffy's is approximately 1 mile north of the Econo Lodge. Annua! auction of assortment of plants, seeds, preserves, starts of shrubs and trees, etc. Carl Amason, our inimitable auctioneer, will preside during the auction in the Econo Ledge conference room. Bring all your plant offerings to the conference room for auction set-up prior to the dinner hour. Saturday, Sect. 23rd 8:30-12:00 Breakfast on your own. Field trips leave from the Econo Lodge parking lot. 1} Meyer's Creek, Brady Mt. Glade, Rifle Range Seep 2} Charleston Recreation area to Walnut Fork Creek. Silvery Glade fern (Deparia acrostichoides ) will be seen. 12:00-1:30 p.m. 1 :30-5:00 p.m. 6:00-7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. There may be another one or two field trips available - notice will be given at the registration table and field trip sign-up table. Lunch on your own. Buffey's buffet will be open. Above field trips will be repeated. Dinner on your own. Buffey's again? Annual Fall business meeting Programs: Fascination for ferns - Don Crank A Potpourri of Wildflowers et cetera - slide showtime; B. Clearwater Baby Lizards Drill Team - slide presentation; Joe Dean Local Wildflower Landscape project; Greg Robertson 2 Additional notes : When making reservations and registering please mention ANPS. The ANPS Board kindly ask all members planning to attend to make immediate reservations at the Econo Lodge. If twenty-five rooms are rented there will be no cost for the use of the conference room by the ANPS. Accommodations : Econo Lodge - 4319 Central Ave, -- 501-525-1660 or 1-800-745-6160 Rates: $41.40 + tax for upstairs $43.20 + tax for downstairs Super 8 - 4726 Central Ave. - 501-525-0188 Holiday Inn -- Hwy 7 South - 501-525-1391 Camping - Gulpha Gorge and Lake Ouachita Restaurants and fast food places are located north and south of the Econo Lodge. A.N.P.S. FALL FIELD TRIPS Sent 16 - Leaders: Where: Sept 30 - Leader: Where: Oct 7 - Leader: Where: Oct 21 - Leader: Where: Devil's Den State Park, 10:00 a.m. Jay Justice & Bob Clearwater (501-794-2669 - 501-884-6752) Meet at the visitor center. A combined mushroom & wiidflower trail hike. Jay is an expert on mushrooms, so don't miss this new venture. Bring you own lunch & drink. Harold Alexander Wildlife Refuge, 9:30 a.m. Dr. Very I Board (501- 698-1703) Meet at the Ramada inn - approximately 1 Vs mile north of BatesviNe on the left side of HWY 67. We can car-pool from there. Among the wildflowers, we will see the sensitive and rare Ridell's goldenrod and Grass-of-parnassus plants. Bring boots if you want to wade edges of Rock Creek. Also, bring you own lunch and drink. Baker Prairie, 10:00 a.m. Bob Clearwater (501-884-6752) Stay on Hwy 65 until you come to JCT. after passing Wal-Mart store on the east side. Go across on Industrial Park Rd. and proceed for 1 mile & turn left on Goblin Rd. and go to lower parking lot. Meet at the parking lot south of the high school on top of the hill. For wiidflower enthusiasts the Downy Gentian (Gentiana puberulenta ) may be considered the loviest of all Arkansas gentians. When you see it at the prairie you may know why. Good time for many other fall wildflowers. Bring your own lunch and drink. Saline River Bottom & Warren Prairie Eric Sundell - (501-367-2652) Meet at 10:00 A.M. at the Best Western Motel parking lot, Jet. Hwy 425 & Hwy 4, Monticello, Arkansas. Bring a sack lunch and drink and Arkansas flower book. 3 Nov 1 1 - Carl Amason's Place, Calion, AR 9:30 a.m. Leader: Carl Amason (501-748-2362) Where: Go to Calion and turn south off Hwy 167 at Staples store. Go .5 miles to a county road 44, turn right and go 1.25 miles to Carl's place on the right. Park along the road in front of board fence. Bring your own lunch and drink. BUSINESS MEETING MINUTES The Spring general business meeting was held at the Veteran's Memorial Park in Mena, AR., April 23, 1995. President Greg Robertson opened the General meeting at approximately 7:30 p.m. Eric Sundeil, ANPS scholarship chairman indicated four awards were given: Heather A. Hubbard, University of AR, Fayetteville, Delzie Demaree $500,00 award; Jennifer A. Schweitzer, University of Central, AR. - Delzie Demaree $500.00 award; Shay Murphy, University of AR., Fayetteville - Aileen McWilliams $500.00 award; and Sophia Kinsey, University of AR., Fayetteville - Aileen McWilliams $400.00 award. Total $1,900.00. Dr. R. Speairs asked how long we have been giving awards, how it is applied and if the recipients report back so our members can determine if our society donations are really beneficial to them. Eric Sundeil said they are used in various ways on their research projects. Phil Hyatt told about the Delzie Demaree grant he received several years ago and that it was very helpful to him in his research project. Car! Hunter spoke about grave! dredging from our streams and the good response he received on Friday to the volunteer phone calling concerning dredging. He spoke about the seriousness of digging plants, such as the ginseng plant and school field trips where children are picking plants that may be sensitive to that location and area. He said schools and teachers should be provided with a list of plants that can be picked when on field trips. President Robertson spoke briefly about the T-shirts and two were shown to the members; one in light tan or almond and one in white. The light tan was the favorite. The light tan sells for $10.00, white for $7,50 and a blend for $9.00. John Pelton stated it was decided at the fall general meeting in Conway to go with all cotton. Jason Anders indicated he would like to see, in the future, non-flowers (like ferns). Dr. Speairs wanted to know the minimum order. Don Crank made a motion to accept the light tan/almond T-shirt, Eric Sundeil seconded. Motion carried. President Robertson said they would order short and long sleeve T-shirts and sweat shirts. He encouraged members to buy and give them as gifts. Thera Lou Adams is selling the old ones for $8.00. We have an option in one year for a new T-shirt design; and the maker has the option to sell our design in one year without the name. Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. and the program was turned over to Bob Clearwater. Bob Clearwater introduced Chris Frisbee, botanist for the Ouachita National Forest, who spoke about Celebrating Wildftowers. Carl Slaughter gave a terrific slide presentation on the Orchids of Arkansas, 4 Bob Clearwater indicated the fall meeting is to be held in Hot Springs, Arkansas on Sept. 22, 23 & 24 with Don Crank as host. --Betty Speairs, Secretary WILDFLOWER NOTES BY CARL AMASON There is a common wildflower that is found over much of the southeast and in consulting Dr. Ed Smith's An Atlas and Annotated List of the Vascular Plants of Arkansas, it is mapped as occurring in almost every country of the state, from north to south, from west to east. That comes as no real surprise because Saururus cernuus , known as Lizard's Tail, is an invasive plant in sunny or partly shaded boggy, marshy, wet areas and is considered difficult to eradicate when other plants, such as Louisiana irises, are to be grown, but it does make a pleasing display of white flowers when a colony blooms more or less in unison in late spring and early summer. Lizard's Tail is a unique plant and is the only member of its family, Saururaceae, found in eastern United States but there are other genera found in Asia that are related. The growing of Lizards's Tail as a cultivated plant isn't for everyone as it tends to do only too well where it wants to grow and not grow at all where it doesn't want to grow, but a discussion of its name is of great interest to even people who are not wildflower enthusiasts. First, the name is of Greek origin, which makes the spelling and pronouncement difficult for english speaking people and Saururus cernuus means nothing more than the lizard ( saurus [Greek]) tail ( ouros [Greek] and cernuusi nodding [Latin]), a name borrowed from two ancient scholarly languages. There are other instances of name borrowing that are more familiar to us in our common daily usage. Thereby hangs a tale of a tail, perhaps. Here we go, borrowing from the Greeks, and I doubt if there is a household, especially where pre-teenage boys are living that is not familiar with the word "dinosaur". Dinosaur is nothing more than Greek-an allied scientific language to Latin-for terrible (deinos) lizard (saurus). Furthermore these young people can talk from breakfast time till bedtime about such dinosaurs as Tyrannosaurus (Greek for tyrant lizard) and several other dinosaurs with scientific names ending in -osaurus. The connection between lizard and this plant is vague-some allusion of a botanists fancy. Cernuus is a Latin word for nodding, and there are many instances of the word cernuus for nodding in the botanical literature. There are several instances of the usage of double u's still being retained in the English language from the Latin. Vacuum and residuum are two such examples. Such word borrowing makes the English language a difficult one, but very expressive. Saururus cernuus has an arrangement of tiny flowers on an extended spike that is two or three inches long, that in early stages nod but in the mature stage becomes straight. The plant comes from vigorous rhizomes that ply through the wet soil, sending up leafy stems from 10 to 20 inches tall with nodes that produce a leaf and maybe one or two flowering spikes. The leaves are heart shaped with an extended tip and range from 2 to 3 inches long; 1 Vi to less than one inch wide, form nodes from 2 to less than an inch apart, becoming closer on the growing tips, producing stems with a prominent zig-zag fashion. The stems are frequently forked into two parts. When crushed, all parts of the plant has a strong distinctive odor; some call it obnoxious, others find it fragrant. There seems to be no wild life use of the plant in any part or any time as a major food source but some minor holes and disfigurations is evident on the leaves. When in bloom. 5 the entire stem can be cut and is quite attractive used in a mixed bouquet for good appearance and long vase life. Later on the flowering spike becomes straight and the flowers develop into a three- parted seed arrangement, somewhat reminiscent of the Euphorbiaceae (spurge family). There seems to be no folk medicinal usages for any part of the plant. Like so many plants, when frosts comes this perennial plant dies back to the roots and thus the discolored stalks becomes unsightly cluttered in the eyes of the average person. Another exotic member of this family from the Orient has become popular in the nursery business as the Chameleon plant (Houttiavnia cordata ) due to bright rose and yellow splashes on the green leaves. It is also known by a corruption of its scientific name as "hot tuna". This plant is not to be confused with Hottonia, feather foil, an uncommon native aquatic plant that has been the quest of wildflower photographers among our group in recent years. The whole purpose in this essay is to appreciate our common wild flowers and to know something about their scientific names. Just be aware that you may not be able to speak Latin like Caesar or Greek like Socrates, but neither of them could speak English. MAY 27TH - TRASKWOOD FIELD TRIP REPORT - John Felton We met at McDade's Store in Traskwood at 10:30. Those attending were Don Crank, Carl Hunter, Carl Slaughter, George and Lily Sinclair and their daughter, Mary; Dave and Ernie Wallis, Justin and Annette Holder, Martha Wyre, Bob Cliff, Grace Hancock, Greg Robertson, Marjorie Webb, Kathy, Dan and Kate Daniel, Linda Holbert, Jason Anders, Kathleen Peek, Lou Burrow, Penny robbins, John Simpson, Sterling Hankins, Ruth Brown, Suzanne Barnes, Paula Wallace, Frances and John Pelfon. On our wav to the orchid site we saw several Texas azaleas in bloom. As we. arrived, we parked on the road to the north. When we gathered for the introduction to the orchid site, many could hardly wait to see the orchids alongside us, just a step off the road. I mentioned that George and Lily found this site several years ago, and that just a few days earlier we had found 200 Rose Pogonias mixed in with the Grass Pink orchids. Strange as it may seem, these two orchids were limited to the sandy alluvial fan that washed down from the grave! and sand hill to the west of us. Don Crank mentioned the fern population also growing with the orchids. He pointed out the club moss growing in the ditch near us. We had a very interesting time; some of us seeing these orchids for the first time. We found one plant well over two feet tall, which had a leaf approximately 7/8" wide. We also saw the leaves of the yellow fringed orchid which will bloom in July. George and Lily invited us to eat and rest at their place. We enjoyed their hospitality, the food and fellowship. We needed to count the Grass Pinks, so Justin and Annette Holder, Carl Slaughter, George and Lily Sinclair, Frances and I went back to the site. We counted 244 plants, all blooming. A special thanks to Dave Wallis who took some group photos. I'll see that Dr. Moore gets them for our history records. Thanks to all who came! We were blessed! 6 A little History - by Dr. Jewell From time to time, a little history of our Arkansas Native Plant Society will appear in The Claytonia so that we can learn how we came to be like we are now. This first bit are answers to the two question 1 sent to all who have been presidents of ANPS. 1 asked for a brief biographical sketch and for the highlights of their tenure as president. Don Culwell, first president of ANPS-1 980-1 982 . Don Culwell moved to Arkansas during the summer of 1970 after completing a Ph.D. degree in plant taxonomy at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. He had grown up in De Soto, Missouri, where he developed a strong bond with the out-of-doors through Boy Scout work while having fun camping and earning badges that led him to the rank of Eagle Scout. Following graduation from De Soto High School, college days at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau were spent in coursework leading to a B.S. majoring in botany. It was during this time while assisting in and prepping the general zoology lab that he decided college teaching and work with students was to become his profession-he found it exciting to help students see the wonders of nature in plants, animals and the environment! Extra curricular activities with the Lutheran student group, Gamma Delta, the Golden Eagles Marching Band, and the acapella choir rounded out activities with a full schedule. Beginning in the fall of 1964 he started studing for a M.A. degree at Indiana University working as a graduate teaching assistant; that degree was completed two years later. The move to Chapel Hill came as a result of his strong interest in the floristic work being done by Al Radford and the botanists at UNC who were in the final stages of 10 years of work producing the Manual of the Carolinas. During the third year of study there, he and Deborah Jeanne McBroom were married on June 4, 1969, she being ah acquaintance from childhood who also enjoyed picnics and hikes. It was Don's long-time friend, Mike Rapp, a fellow student from Cape Girardeau and also Indiana University student (now a chemist at UCA), that guided Don to Arkansas in 1970 where the department at UCA was in search of a botanist. Highlights at UCA involving students began immediately with short field trips into the woods with classes and longer jaunts with them to explore the biology along the Gulf Coast. Thirteen years later he was able to realize a longtime goal in developing what became a four credit hour biology field study course designed to take students on a three week camping excursion to the west coast studying the organisms and their ecology. Students were hiking, and experiencing plants and animals in their natural habitat. In the spring of 1985 he was honored with the coveted Teaching Excellence Award presented by the academic vice president of UCA. During the fall of 1979 a statewide meeting of biologists in Conway on the UCA campus spawned the beginning of the Arkansas Native Plant Society, an organization in which Don has taken much pride. Such an organization had often been spoken of by botanists from around the state; now the botanists gathered at UCA insisted that a steering committee be organized. Gwen Barber, Gary Tucker, Richard Davis and Don met a number of times to chart a course for this organization which officially adopted a constitution at a fall meeting in Mena and elected Don their first president. Establishing The Claytonia as its voice and stating its purpose "to promote the preservation, conservation, and study of the wild plants the organization began meeting each fall 7 and spring for botanical expeditions, discussions, and presentations. Small organized field trips into interesting plant communities all over the state have occurred throughout the years. Seeing this organization grow from one of so few members that the organization was insecure in renting a room for a meeting, to one of more than 300 statewide members that sponsor several student scholarships each year has been a great joyl Don says "Let's continue to promote this exciting and fulfilling love of plants with outstanding enthusiasm! Thanks to alf of you who make the Arkansas Native Plant Society a reality!!" Greg Robertson, current president- 1 994-1 995 . Greg Robertson was born Feb. 1956 in Fort Benning, Georgia. He lived in Georgetown, S.C. for 12 years and Natchez, Mississippi for 10 years before moving to Camden, Arkansas, where he has lived for the last 16 years. He has a B.S. degree in forestry from Mississippi State University in 1979. Greg has been employed by International Paper for 16 years. His present position is senior forester. Bluff City Unit of Ouachita Land and Timber. He is responsible for managing 70,000 acres in Ouachita and Nevada counties. Some duties include logging supervision, land and timber acquisition, timber and resources management, supervision of tree planting and herbicide applications, aerial photography, and global positioning mapping. Greg's hobbies include; trap shooting, photography, duck and goose hunting, archaeology, collecting antiques and antique duck decoys. He also enjoys landscaping and carpentry work. Greg's professional organizations are Registered Forester - Arkansas #313, Ducks Unlimited, Arkansas Forestry Association, and Eagle Scout. Greg & Vickie, a registered nurse, have a son, Micah, who is 13 years old. One of the highlights of the year was getting the new T-shirts that the membership wanted. ! was proud that we decided to help fund the publication of the Ozark Wildflower brochure and to help provide for maintenance of the Baker Prairie at Harrison. I will conclude this history lesson with a bit of future history from Bob Clearwater who will become our president at the Hot Springs meeting in September. Bob Clearwater: 1 995 Given the usual way I prepare a "bio" this one will be very short and simple. Born and raised in a small town, Cloverdale, IN. Interested in Nature since 7 years old. Mainly birds for the obvious reason... they fly! With boyhood friend, a part-Cherokee Indian, we started our own zoo of animals one summer. After we both were bitten by woodchucks, the zoo was abandoned. After serving in the Marine Corps and the Amphibious Training Command during the forties, I received a B.A. degree from DePauw University in 3 years. Then married and while raising 3 children I got back on the nature track by introducing all of them to Great World of Nature. Served 2 years as president of a Wisconsin Audubon Society. When I first bought a camera in 1963, I found it easier to photograph wildflowers than birds, like wood warblers. In Missouri, I took active interest in prairies and native plants. Served on the board of the MO Prairie Foundation as fund raiser among other duties. Wrote few articles for the Audubon magazine back in the sixties. At Fairfield Bay, served a couple of years on board of the Little Red River Audubon Society - programs, editor of Newsletter. 8 •i While president of the ANPS, I plan to seek ways to enhance the purposes of the society by doing more active things in the education of the public's awareness of the value of native wildfiowers. I will ask for greater concentration on the preservation and conservation of the native wildfiowers through an active participation with the AR. Natural Heritage Commission's Natural History department and the Arkansas Nature Conservancy. Also, I plan to request more information and data on Arkansas flora and habitat areas through at least 2 additional issues of the Claytonia - midsummer and mid- winter issues. And lastly, I will be offering some ideas and concepts to the board members as suggestions how we all will be able to achieve the above. EVENTS OF INTEREST TO THE MEMBERS The annual fall plant sale at Lichterman Nature Center, 5992 Quince in Memphis, Tennessee will be October 13th and 14th. A preview party will be October 12th at 5:00 p.m. till 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $5.00, $7.50 and $10.00 at the door. Hours are Friday October 13th from 9:30 a.m. till 6:30 p.m. and Saturday October 14th from 9:30 a.m. till 4:30 p.m. -- Lois Wilson ANPS AWARDS HISTORY The Dwight M. Moore Award for an outstanding contribution to Arkansas botany has been presented to: 1984 - Carl Hunter, Wildfiowers of Arkansas 1 985 - Carl Taylor, Arkansas Ferns and Fern Allies 1985 - Bill Shepherd, Kenneth Smith, William Pell, Jeff Rettig, Richard Davis, and Henry Robison, Arkansas's Natural Heritage 1986 - Edith Huey Bartholomew, Ozark Wildfiowers 1 989 - Edwin B. Smith, An Atlas and Annotated List of the Vascular Plants of Arkansas , edition 2. 1 990 - Carl Hunter, Trees . Shrubs , and Vines of Arkansas 1 993 - Carl R. Slaughter, Wild Orchids of Arkansas 1 994 - Edwin B. Smith, Keys to the Flora of Arkansas ELECTIONS OF OFFICERS The nominating committee & nominees are as follows. Nominating Committee Chairman: Carl Slaughter Carl Amason John Pelton Offices to be filled : Historian Vice President - Nominees Martha Wyre Don Crank 9 ' Have you looked at the number in the upper right corner of your address label? • If the number is 95 or LF, there is no problem. • If your number is 94 or earlier -- your dues are due. If dues are not paid before the next issue of Clayton/a comes out, your name will likely be purged from the mailing list. You can pay at the next meeting or send your dues ($10 Regular, $15 Supporting, $25 Contributing, or $100 Life) to: Arkansas Native Plant Society P.O. Box 250250 Little Rock, AR 72225 Remember, your membership helps keep Arkansas the "Natural State." • If you have had a change of name, address or telephone number since your dues, please send the change to: Eric Sundell, Membership Chairman, ANPS 1 14 Briarcliff Monticello, AR 71655 i * • Only articles for the Claytonia should be sent to: Ron Doran, Editor Claytonia, ANPS Box 846, Harding University Searcy, AR 72149-0001 ^ Ron Doran, Editor Claytonia , ANPS Box 846, Harding University Searcy, AR 72149-0001 ^V> v C U L tef £ L„. L , D r * B o n a 1 d E 3 M a g n o 1 i a D rive Can way , AR 72032