NEWS LETTER OF THE WESTERN CAROLINA BOTANICAL CLUB SPRING 1985 HELEN TURNER, Editor OFFICERS President: Elton Hansens Treasurer: Margaret Kuhn Vice-President: Millie Blaha Historian: Louise Foresman Secretary: Margaret Canfield The ANNUAL MEETING (1/25/85). attended by 75 persons, was most successful this year. Millie Blaha, with the help of Jeanne Smith and a committee, was creative in taking us all forward toward spring with a valentine motif - the tables looked so festive.' In the meeting Dick Smith, out-going president, presented a complete Report of the Board before relinquishing his position to Elton Hansens, our new president. The Snowbird Mountain Lodge trip, planned for in April, was discussed. Elton also mentioned a meeting which he and Dick attended recently to discuss, with the National Park Service personnel, the establishment of a one-mile nature trail on which plants are to be labelled. Dick will be in charge and the NPS will provide the materials (markers, etc,). The covered dish luncheon food was varied and delicious, as always, and the comraderey was enjoyed by all. * * * The Western Carolina Botanical Club was organized 12 years ago. This is a report of that first meeting. The first meeting of the Western Carolina Botanical Club was held on March 27, 1973. with Joe Schatz presiding as acming president . The purpose of the club was suggested as follows: 1. For the study, enjoyment, and appreciation of the plants of western North Carolina in their natural environment. 2. ’or the collection and compilation of information and data on the plants of WNC and the dissemination of this to other interested persons'. . 3. 3 * * * 7or the education of interested persons in the enjoyment and appreciation of wildf lowers and other plants. The club's first officers were elected at that meeting: President Lincoln Highton Vice President Gordon Tooley Secretary-Treasurer Barbara Hall owe 11 Harry Logan was the first Chairman of the Field Trip Committee. * * * WELCOME - NEW MEMBERS (Hendersonville, unless otherwise indicated) Arbuckele, William L. and Yvonne, R.2. ^1, Box 71. Robbinsville, N. C. 23771 Phone 479-6065 Heinzerling, Ruth S . , 1035 Greenwood Dr., Apt. 2 Phone 693-0030 Lucas, Milton and Dorothy, 1020 Carousel Lane Phone 293-^001 Nelson, Wharton, 131 Briarwocd Lane Phone 692-2290 Thornton, Merle and Phyllis, 3110 Cardinal Lane Phone 692-8723 Many springtime visitors, having heard of the southern mountain wildf lowers, express surprise when they are told that one of the prettiest is a chickweed . Their doubts vanish, though at the first sight of Stellaria pub era, or Giant Chickweed, an attractive perennial common in rich woods except at the higher elevations. The white flowers are nearly one-half inch across and have five petals which, as in others of the genus, are so deeply cleft that there often appear to be ten. Radiating from the center are ten long stamens each tipped with a brick- red anther. A similar species known as S. corei , or sometimes as S. silvatica, differs mainly in having longer, acumin- ate sepals, and is more prevalent west of the Appalachians. These are our only native Stellarias. One of the alien, species is, of course^ the ubiquitous Common Chickweed (So media; , a weed which has spread from Europe over much of the world and may be found blooming almost any time of the year. As nearly everyone knows9 it is a weak, tufted annual with little ovate leaves and tiny flowers. Another is S. gr amine a, or Lesser Stitchworf. This is diffusely branched with slender four-angled stems, narrow lin- ear leaves, and flowers that are slightly smaller than those of S. nub era. STELLLAP.1A PU3ERA Cerastium VULGATUM The name "chickweed" has been bor- rowed for some species of Cerastium, a genus whose flowers have petals notched only to about the middle, and five styles (Stellarias have three except for S. aquatic a, wnich has a more northern distribution and is rare in North Carolina). A familiar example is C. vulgatum, which takes part of its common name Mouse- ear Chickweed from the shape and hair- iness of its leaves. •jsr Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2017 with funding from IMLS LG-70-15-0138-15 https://archive.org/details/shortianewslette7141 west GREETINGS FROM THE BOTANICAL GARDENS AT ASHEVILLE When Helen Turner approached us about contributing to SHQRTIA, our answer was pre- destined. We were honored, of course; however, we were also most happy to recipro- cate in a small way to the dedication which Western Carolina Botanical (Hub members have shown to our (and your) Botanical Gardens. We hope that this new dialogue will cement further our pleasant association. This is a year of anniversary and achievement. Twenty-five years ago a group of pub- lic-spirited individuals conceived the idea of a botanical garden on a ten-acre tract of land set aside by Asheville-311 tmore College. The arrangement was continued when the college became University of North Carolina at Asheville, and because of their proximity to the campus, the Gardens were named University Botanical Gardens at Asheville, Inc. Since then, volunteers have staffed the organization. There is no administrative connection with, nor financial aid from, the University. Similarly, we are independent of City, County, State and Federal jurisdiction, and are free to carry out the terms of our Charter — to preserve and display the native flora of North Carolina. How well this has been done is evident in the natural beauty and diversity of the Gardens. For the past two years, a concrete illustration of the work of our volunteers has been emerging, and on February 17th we are holding the first Corporate meeting in the new Botany Center. You are familiar with this wonderful and useful building, which is the culmination of volunteer efforts raising a total of nearly $300 , 000. As an associated Garden or Botanical Club, and as contributors and workers, you are free to use the facilities of the 3otany Center at any time. While there, be sure to inspect the two beautiful wildflower volumes which you donated to the Library, as well as the fabulous Mary Millender collection of pressed flowers, which Dick Smith has kindly indexed. That collection, and its history, will be discussed in another issue of these "Greetings" . Our next public affair, always the principal one of the year, will be the "Day in the Gardens". We will continue the custom started last year of having two "Days", on Friday and Saturday, May 3^d and 4th. The first day will be mainly plant sales and tours, and on Saturday art, food, ref reshments , music and other attractions will be added. We guarantee that our world-famous wildflowers will be in bloom on the first weekend in May, and we trust that the weatherman will cooperate. As usual, the Days in the Gardens will be coordinated with the three-day Spring Wildflower and Bird Pilgrimage, sponsored by UNC-A, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Gardens. Many of you have volunteered in the Gardens, but there may be some who do not feel physically able to do so. Now they also can contribute. From March to December vol- unteer hosts and hostesses have kept the Botany Center open from 9 to 4, working hour shifts. They have found that greeting thousands of visitors from all over the world, and associating with friends in botany, has been a most rewarding experience. Last year Eleanor Main was one of several who came to the Center and said "I like this place; I want to volunteer". Now she is in charge of volunteers and will be glad to hear from you at 684-4634, or you may leave word at the Botany Center, 252- 5190. I hope Dick Smith and others will not be perturbed because of my having used no Latin names in this initial venture. I will rectify that in the next issue, when I tell you of my results, good and bad, in starting wildflowers for the Gardens from seed supplied by the American Rock Garden Society, the North Carolina Wildflower Preservation Society and the American Horticultural Society. Hal S chaill HYDRILLA , A SERIOUS AQUATIC WEED Hydrilla , (Hydrilla verticillata ) , is one of the most noxious weeds of the aquatic environment ever introduced into the United States and has the potential of being an important problem in North Carolina. In a very short period it may render a body of water useless by forming dense mats on the surface, frequently covering the entire water area. Hydrilla, a plant native to East Africa, was brought into this country around 1959 for use in aquaria and was sold as "star-vine" or "oxygen plant". Probably carelessness introduced it into south Florida canals. Most of the water sheds in Florida are now infested and hydrilla has been found in the coastal states northward to Delaware. I is also present in Louisiana, Iowa, Texas, and California. In North Carolina hydrilla was first positively identified in 1980 from three lakes in IJmstead Park in Raleigh. In 1981 a survey in a 25-mile radius from Umstead conducted by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture revealed the weed at thirteen sites. Thus, hydrilla is definitely established in North Carolina and the potential exists for wide-spread infestations. Hydrilla belongs to the family Hydrochari taceae and is closely related to other noxious aquatic plants. Hydrilla resembles Brazilian Elodea, also introduced into the United States. Leaves of hydrilla are dark green and 8 to 18 mm. long and 4 mm. wide, arranged in whorls of 3 to 5. Leaves have sharply toothed margins and spines along the midrib, ^lowers are inconspicuous. The plant grows profusely, often in water over 15 meters deep. Cnly one whorl of leaves is necessary on a stem to produce a new plant. Tubers formed on the rhizomes are another means of reproduction. D. J. DeMont , Extension Fisheries Specialist, warns "Hydrilla is a perfect weed. It can regenerate a new plant from most of its parts;* it has "winter buds" which survive the cold; and it has tubers in the soil which do not die when chemicals are applied." Control of hydrilla is being attempted by removal of plants, by use of herbicides to kill plants, by planting grass carp which feed on the plants, and by introducing insects which are specific pests of hydrilla. The aim is to keep hydrilla within bounds by use of a com- bination of these methods. Removal and herbicide spraying result in a large volume of decaying residue which must be managed. The use of the grass carp, more properly called the white amur , to consume the weed, and of insect pests is still experimental. Prevention of spread to new waters is important and can be accomplished with education and care. Since hydrilla is not easily recognized by the lay public, all plant fragments on boats, motors, trailers and other- aquatic gear should be removed and destroyed when mo v ins: from a lake or stream and no aquatic plants of any kind should bs discarded into natural waters. These measures will at least decreas the spread of the weed to new areas. The information here reported has been taken from a number of articles supplied to me by K. A. Langeland, Crop Science Extension Specialist, N . C. State University, Raleigh. Elton J. Hansens . RAM3LINGS - PEOPLE, PLANTS AND PLACES The JONES GAP TRAIL t the next to last hike of the year (11/16/84) was a lovely, deep forest trail along a rushing creek. Nine of us en.ioyed a beautiful "fall" day; only long-spurred violets were blooming. HENRY CREEK PALLS , a new area to many of us, was enjoyed by 18 persons. Again, a lovely forest trail crossing numerous streams to high, twin waterfalls within sight of which we ate our lunches. This was an esoecially prolific area for mosses and lichens. VAN WINGERDSN *S GREEN- HOUSES , the trip attended by 40 persons to enjoy the sight of acres of ncinsettias , chrysanthemums, colorful cacti, and african violets, is always a favorite outing. LAND CP GINGER THCMAS was a presentation of slides of two trips to little St. John in the U. S. Virgin Islands, with commentary by Dick Smith. A most interesting program was enjoyed by 58 persons . The new year 1985 started auspiciously with slides of the Hansens* trip to ALASKA last summer; beautiful photography and informative commentary was enjoyed by 65 persons. Keeping the new year to a high standard indeed were the Hallowells in presenting a program on their trip to the GRAND CANYON, also last summer; experiences and obser- vations while hiking and river-rafting in the area. Again, beautiful photography and colorful comments to embellish the slides. We are so fortunate to have not only the expertise of Dick Smith, the Hansens, and the Hallowells in our midst, but their willingness to share it all with us. The PROPAGATION CP NATIVE PLANTS turned out to be a very infor- mative meeting since the speaker, Dr. Richard E. Bir, was most interesting. 35 persons attended. The LEARN AND SHA RE session is mentioned below. The PARKWAY SNOW WALK was enjoyed by 9 persons who braved the grey, cold day. There was no snow, but the rime frost cover made the shrubs !_ and trees lacey-looking in the glistening sun, which had come out briefly. Cne interesting note - water melting off the rock faces looked so much like "tadpoles" swimming down. WHERE HAVE ALL THE BLUEBIRDS GCNE? brought out 52 persons, to whom Jim Boozer presented slides and commentary. He has worked for so long in helping to bring back the eastern bluebird, one felt privileged to listen to his expertise . So, another three-month’s' events have slipped by, keeping us busy and coming for more. Soon we'll be "immersed" in the prolific spring wildflower season. See you then.' Louise ^oresman, Historian * * # The LEARN AND SHARE session at Hallowells on Peb. 1st convinced all participants that LEARN AND SHARE should be an annual event, fourteen people presented topics, and questions and discussion flowed freely, resulting in an exciting and fascinating exchange of infor- mation. What a range of topics.’ - - - - - - The evolution of seeds and consequent variations in seed dispersal; an introduction to mosses; wild flower species USA and England have in common; insect pheromones; sp'irals in nature; communication among trees; food for thought about water use; how birds keep feet from freezing; how plants respond to gravity; hollies compared with plants that lock like hollies; edible plants in the lily and rose families; orchid cacti; adaptive radiation in plants; and one intriguing tropical plant's behavioral responses to its internal needs, an amazing tale. Barbara Haliowell ( V : WANTED: CCLOR SLIDES *7 The March 15th program "WHAT IS IT?" will be a botanical "clinic". Bring in all those slides of flowers, trees, ferns, fungi, etc. that you haven't been able to identify, and let the experts in the audience try to tell you what they are. Nothing matters but the subject; photo- graphic quality, whether it is good or bad, will be ignored. Be prepared to tell as much as you can remember about where and when the slides were taken. And bring lots - the more the better.' In addition, let's see some other slides of any subject you may consider unusual or especially interesting (whether identified or not). These needn't be limited to botany - any aspect of natural history is all right. There's only one rule: PLEASE spot each slide by marking the mount with a dot in the lower left-hand corner on the side away from the screen. After all, we do want to see them right-side up. * * * DID YCU KNCW (And aren't we proud?) . . . . . that Tom and Barbara Hallowell are writing a column "Nature Motes", published in the Hendersonville Times News every Saturday. . . . that Millie Blaha is starting on her 11th year as a columnist for the Transylvania Times, a Brevard newspaper. Her column. Nature Notebook, appears every week, . . . that Harvey Krouse has 14 members in a Botany class he is teaching in Newton. . . . that Dick Smith spoke at the annual meeting of the Asheville Botanical Club. * * * ^rom THE BEST PETER MARSHALL, p 139-140 "By and by, they came to a fork in the road. The old man directed the ox to the right. 'The left is the shorter way, ' said the boy. *1 know it, ' said the old man, 'but this way is prettier. 1 'Have you no respect for time?' asked the impatient young man. 'I respect it very much,* said the old fellow. 'That is why I like to use it for looking at pretty things.' The right-hand path led through woodland and wild flowers. The young man was so busy watching the sun sink he didn't notice how lovely the sunset was." Contributed by Larry Kenyon ^ * * * "We do not make friends as we build houses, But as arbutus, find them under the leaves of our lives. Concealed in our experiences." Author unknown / - Vcl. VII S H C R T I A No. 1 A quarterly publication of the Western Carolina Botanical Club Bditor: Helen Turner Carolina Village, Box 126, Hendersonville, NC 28739 Production Committee: Ruth Mack, John <3- Margaret Kuhn Please submit contributions for next issue by May 15, 1985 pat*#* ;a WESTERN CAROLINA BOTANICAL CLUB’ JOHN F. KUHN uIAHSARET K. KUHN ' “ : 2 ARLINGTON PLACE HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. 28739 SHORTIA NEWSLETTER OF THE WESTERN CAROLINA BOTANICAL CLUB SUMMER 1985 HELEN TURNER. Editor OFFICERS President: Elton J. Hansens Treasurer: Margaret Kuhn Vice President : Millie Blaha Historian: Louise Foresman Secretary: Margaret Canfield COMMITTEES Program: Meets mid-April for July-December for January-June schedule. Elton J. Hansens, Chr. John Kuhn Millie Blaha Sam Childs Louise Foresman Barbara Hallowell Ivan Kuster Bruce Leech Harry Logan Nan Morrow schedule and mid-October Lowell Orbison Dick Smith Ben Tullar Anne Ulinski Community Relations Larry Kenyon, Chr. Charlotte Carman Millie Blaha Charles Gadd Bruce Leech Bill Verduin Honors Bessie Sinish, Chr. Grace Rice Robert Winter Nominating Martha Taber, Chr. Gladys Mulvey Jeanne Smith Annual Meeting Arrangements Aline Hansens, Chr. Millie Blaha Members to be named later HAVE YOUR 1985 DUES BEEN PAID? At the annual meeting in 1984, dues were set at $8.00 per year (including spouse). The same dues were voted for 1985. Honorary members -- Harvey Krause and Helen Turner — pay no dues. Dues cover cost of schedules, membership lists, SHORTIA, club projects, postage (a large cost), modest gifts to the .Asheville Botanical Gardens and to other groups espousing our interests, and a variety of miscellaneous expenses . Treasurer Margaret Kuhn, 1912 Arlington Place, Hendersonville, NC 28739 (phone: 692-0720) will be happy to answer questions and/or receive your payment. In Memorium: It is with sorrow that we tell of the death of Richard Roblin — a long-time member of the Club. We give our deep sympathy to Jane. WELCOME — NEW MEMBERS Hendersonville unless otherwise stated Brown, Donald M. & Thelma F. , 3214 Heritage Circle 697-0246 Pearson, Henry & Laverne, 2514 Kanuga Rd 693-5591 Siebenheller , W. A. & Norma K. , 19 Grouse Lane, Sherwood Forest, Brevard, NC 28712 Smiley, Francis W. & Marjorie G. , 2 Cherry Ridge Rd. Pisgah Forest, NC 28768 884-3662 Whittemore, D. Bruce & Evelyn W. , PO Box 74 Penrose, NC 28712 Zucker, Joseph & Miriam, 706 Britton Creek 692-2369 3 The average garden contains so many exotic species and artificial hybrids that it is easy to forget that some native North American wildflowers were long ago brought into cultivation unchanged, A few that come to mind are the hardy and beautiful New England Aster, the Blazing Stars (Liatris sup. ) , and the so- called Moss Pink or Thrift (Phlox subulata) . Another familiar example is Bee- balm, or Oswego Tea (Monarda didyma) . This showy member of the Mint Family was used by "Indian tribes in the northeast as a flavor- ing agent, and during the colonial period the residents of Oswego, New York, made a beverage from its leaves in protest against the tax levied by the English on imported Oriental teas. This particular species is the one with bright crimson flowers, and in the wild it favors wet situations. There are several other Monardas in our area, and all of them have a dense terminal head of long, tubular, two-lipped flowers subtended by leafy bracts which tend to be suffused with color corresponding to that of the corolla. All bloom in the summer and early fall, . . . The most abundant is Wild Bergamot (M. fistulosa) , with pink or lavender flowers each having a distinctive tuft of hairs near the outer end of the upper lip. This very fragrant species is more likely to be found in dry open woods or fields or along roadsides. ^ Basil Balm (M. clinopodia) is widely distributed in the southern mountains. It has white or pinkish flowers which are spotted with purple and lack the tuft of hairs. Occasionally one will find what appears to be a color variant of Oswego Tea, with flowers of rich purple instead of red. This is thought to be a natural hybrid of M. didyma and M. fistulosa, and has been named M. media. ^ MONARDA DIDYMA M. FISTULOSA A f GREETINGS FROM THE BOTANICAL GARDENS AT ASHEVILLE Our annual "DAYS IN THE GARDENS" have just concluded, with the greatest success in their 25-year history. Plant sales, our biggest money-making event, were high mainly because Manager Jim Crownover worked for weeks digging surplus specimens from the Gardens and because Dr. Warren Gole and wife Clara spent many back- breaking hours gathering beautiful and rare wildflowers from the mountains as far east as Old Fort. A few others contributed plants also, but we feel that this type of effort cannot be duplicated. Consequently, it is probable that we will concentrate on a continual offering of plants for sale in the Botany Center, with the supply coming principally from the Gardens. We always welcome gifts of good quality plants to sell, and we particularly thank Holbrook Farms for their great contribution of 90 beautiful wildflowers, including such desirables as Shooting Star. Food was served this year in the Botany Center for the first time, and for the first time it was a sell-out. This year also marked the greatest interest in tours, and our tour guides were kept busy. Tours create new and continued int- erest in the Gardens and ensure future increase in participation. Two tour leaders, Lowell Orbison and Linwood Murray, take a private tour every Tuesday, compiling a list of wildflowers in bloom. This list is posted on the bulletin board weekly, and reveals that over 70 flowers are blooming now. Al- though we think of Spring as prime blossom time, the number holds quite steady. Last Fall there were still about 80 on the list. One beautiful display which doesn't make the list is Hamamelis virginiana ...Witch-Hazel... which is either last of the year or first of the next. Be sure to see them next November, Dec- ember, or January. The nearest one is at the northeast comer of the Blind Garden. While many residential plantings were lost during last winter's record deep- freeze, we are happy to report that not one locally-native plant or tree was lost in the Gardens. A Japanese-native anise tree is dead, as well as a mari- time fetter-bush, probably Lyonia mariana(Stagger-bush) . So WNC natives prove again that they are pretty tough. As frequent participants in Elderhostel programs, my wife Mary and I would like to point out the excellent opportunities offered to botany enthusiasts. This summer we will spend a week at the New York Botanical Gardens, taking courses conducted by their personnel and by Fordham University, where we will be housed and fed. As an extra, I hope to study their computerization of botanical garden records, to supplement a computer course which Lowell and I have been struggling with this past semester at UNG-A. Mary and I will spend another week on a Georgia sea island, with courses on maritime flora and fauna conducted at the University of Georgia Marine Laboratory. Many other schools, from Australia to Europe, have one-week courses in botany. Some of the best are at Mars Hill and UN C- Chap el Hill. All include field and classroom study. Cnee more I'll have to postpone relating my joys and sorrows of growing wildflow- ers from seed, but here's a new book on the subject: "Growing and Propagating Wildflowers", by Harry R. Phillips. Harry is a friend of the Gartens, and has been most cooperative in supplying us with needed specimens, and other aids. His ten years at NCBG make him an expert, and the book is edited by Ritchie Bell. It is available in paperback and cloth cover from UNC Press, P.O.Box 2288, Chapel Hill, NC 2 751^. With tax and shipping, the paperback comes to $16.87. Hal S chaill COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS Holmes State Forest: On March 5, 1985 a committee consisting of: Millie Blaha, Chr. Louise Foresman John Kuhn Cindy Carpenter Aline & Elton Hansens Anne Ulinski embarked on a year-long community service project for Holmes State Forest, one of NC’s small forests, located in Henderson County. The purpose of this project is to record weekly the scientific and common names of the species of herbaceous plants, trees, and shrubs which may be seen blooming along the Talking Trees Trail, along a part of the brook, and in a small portion of the meadow. Members of the committee spend 3-4 hours one day each week at Holmes State Forest on this project. The chairman spends many more hours at home in preparation for each week’s work and in making out reports. Not only do the members of this committee find that performing this service is rewarding but, also, this project is an exciting learning experience. Added dividends are the words of praise and appreciation from the three-member staff at Holmes State Forest. In a different project at Holmes State Forest, WCBC members assisted in preparing trails for the spring influx of visitors by removing brush, trimming brambles and greenbriers and installing directional signs. On four dates in March a total of 9 different people worked a total of 41 hours. Carolina Mountain Club, including some members of WCBC, gave far more time than we did and accomplished the heavy work. Our two clubs thus made an important contribution to the Holmes State Forest Program. Involved from WCBC were: Millie Blaha Elton & Aline Hansens Chuck Snow Louise Foresman John Kuhn Anne Ulinski Barbara Hallowell George Oldham More trail work: Bruce Leech, John & Margaret Kuhn went on March 28 to Millie Pearson's woods and walked over her trail to determine what needed to be done. They cleaned some fallen trees and decided that some of the stone steps should be replaced. On April 1, Chuck Snow and Bruce Leech did that necessary work. Shinn Gardens: Again this year, WCBC furnished the guides for tours of the Shinn Gardens. On Saturday, May 4, the guides were coordinated by Bruce Leech and included Gordon & Pat Tooley, Nan Morrow, Peggy Camenzind and Martha Taber. Guides the next day were John Kuhn, coordinator, Dick Smith, Ben Tullar, Harry Logan, Elton Hansens, Bessie Sinish and Louise Foresman. ********** /C Again this year, three WCBC members were the naturalists at Snowbird Lodge: Elton Hansens, Dick Smith and Miles Peelle. . RAMBIINC5--PECPIE. PLANTS AND PLACES Still a number of indoor meetings before we begin our "Sprint Trek" in the outdoors. "THE WILD BUNCH" was a most interesting presentation^ by Dick Smith of garden flowers and house plants compared to their wild relatives. I'm sure the intriguing title brought folks in, as they say 59 of us in all enjoyed the program. WINTER EVERGREENS was a hike with Millie Blaha which opened our eyes to the many (51 species) plants remain- ing green during the winter; 38 of us found this most interesting and informative . The 2? HARDY SOULS on the March 1st hike said they felt less so because it was a lovely day — nothing blooming yet, but many plants emerging were identified. MOVIES ON BOTANICAL SUBJECTS were beautiful films acquainting us all (29) with the life of the 16th century naturalist Mark Catesby. The second film was entitled "Secrets of the Plant World". "WHAT IS IT?" , a new departure from the usual slide program- — slides viewed were brought in by members for help in identification. "JOURNEY IN DC OR PENINSULA " gave 52 of us a chance "to travel" some 1 , 000 botanical miles on the small peninsula in Wisconsin during all four seasons. j LAKE JCCASSEE . our first spring hike of the season, is always a favorite. Trillium discolor, bird's foot violets and field pansies were lovely, but shortia was only sparsely in bloom; 25 of us enjoyed lunch at the edge of the lake. BOB'S CREEK POCKET WILDERNESS —a lovely, sunny day. but the driving distance and the possibly strenuous hike seemed to limit the size of the group. Nevertheless-, 9 persons found it to be a beautiful area In which 24 wildflowers were seen. PEARSON'S WOODS always draws a crowd (45) since Millie Pearson's hospitality is super, and the wildflowers are so abundant and beautiful. LAKE I S S A QUEEN A , near Clemson University, drew 16 of us on a warm, sunny day; 65 species of wildflowers made the hike an informative one. On our way home, some of us stopped at BO QOS ROCK . We were rewarded with spectacular sedum small ii growing on the rocks (red stems and leaves with tiny whTteT’hl corns ) ^alse ararlic (Nothoscordum bivalve ) and sandwort (Arenaria groenlandica ) , ; the latter two, many of us had not seen before. Spatter-dock (yellow pond lily) and Arrow Arum ( Peltandra virginica ) nearly covered a pond nearby. THE SNOWBIRD MOUNTAIN LODGE overnight drew 4? persons to make the tre-k to Robbinsville , N . C, and up the mountain beyond. On arrival, after settling in our rooms, a hike In the Joyce Kilmer Eorest was beautiful — the blue phlox and Canada violets blooming together making a spectacular showing. Cn return to the lodge, some of us took a short hike from the lodge out to the Point, where the view was beautiful, encompassing most of the surrounding mountains. Anyone for a bountiful steak dinner? We had it amidst much comment about the overly generous portions, and yet most seemed to eat every bite. Afterwards, a fun botanical game which Dorothy Lucas won in the alloted time. Then Elton Hansens presented slide taken last year of the wildflowers on the trails surrounding the Lodge, and we all attempted to identify them. At 9:30 in the morning, after a hearty breakfast, three groups started out- — 16 persons on the Haoe Ridge Trail with Ivan Kuster; 13 on the Stratton Bald Trail with Millie Blaha, and 8 on the stop-apd-go ride and walk with Elton. All back for lunch at the Lodge and then for the drive home — concensus : a most enjoyable two days, requested to be scheduled a^ain next year. LA U RE L C REEK G C RGS is a lovely trail along the creek. However, with many other commitments and the prediction of uncertain weather, only 5 persons went on the trip. They enjoyed a good hi Ve on a lovely, sunny, though cool day; many wildflowers were blooming. sad We us were all so srlad that Bill Verduin was well enough again to the Smokies, on a hike along Baxter Creek of wilaflower: to his favorite place ?rail--10 hikers enjoyed a lovely day and saw an abundance ( 5? ) . The hikes scheduled for Holmes State 7crest were cancelled because of heavy rains. Eisrht persons, remembering the lovely profusion 0* rink shell azaleas on PI1CT MOUNTAIN , struggled on the sometimes strenuous hike. They were well rewarded with numerous (50) wildflowers blooming — the number quoted mainly to note the profusion of plant fCU-51 LAUBEI , to most, was a all were muddy and wet. s seen. minor disaster since it rained off and on nd wind cars so ail were muaay ana wet. Most were not prepared for the cold a on the mountain trail. We hiked a ways, but then returned to our to eat our lunches. Since it rained asain rather steadily, we all headed for home. A highlight of the trip was to see the mountainside completely covered with large false Solomon’s seal as far as one see - beautiful! could Sprint has been lovely a sain, especially noticeable in the profusion 0^ wildflowers in April and May. We enjoyed some beautiful hikes, now lock forward to a orolific June. !cme out on the trails. See We you then Louise ^oresman, Historian John Kuhn gave me a list of 64 plants with animal names (in part). Here are 18 of them for you to match. Have fun! H. Turner Fox Bee Cow Goats Hare Lambs Pussy Skunk Toad Sheep Chick Cardinal Tiger Hounds Squirrel Turtle _ Dog Louse bane bell cabbage weed balm sorrel wort lily corn tongue head glove wood toes ■ beard quarters flax flower S H C R T I A Vol . VII No. 2 A quarterly publication of the Western Carolina Botanical Club Bditor: Helen Turner Carolina Village, Box 126, Hendersonville, NC 28?39 Production Committee: Dorothy Rathmann, Ruth Mack John and Margaret Kuhn ^lease submit contributions for next issue by August 15* 1985 pc* NEWSLETTER OF THE WESTERN CAROLINA BOTANICAL AUTUMN 1985 CLUB HELEN TURNER, Editor J cm CE-RS'" President: Elton J. Hansens Treasurer: Margaret Kuhn Vice President: Millie Blaha Historian: Louise Foresman Secretary: Margaret Canfield The Community Service Committee has recommended continued support of the University Botanical Gardens at Asheville, North Carolina Nature Conservancy, Southern Appalachian Nature Conservancy (Roan Mountain) and Friends of the Horsepasture . In the first half of the year we paid amounts equal to payments in 1984. Cur club gifts are intended as tokens to show our interest in these organizations. ’We hope that individual members will also support these causes as they see fit. In connection with the Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage, members of our club have served as guides at Shinn's Gardens for several years. Recently Mr. Thomas Shinn sent us a gift to be used for club activities "as a token of appreciation for the favors which the Western Carolina Botanical club has shown me”. Courses at Blue Ridge Technical College are always pocuiar with cur members. Club members are offering two courses starting the first week in October. Elton Hansens will teach KNOWING THE INSECTS on Tuesdays,. 1 : 00-4 : OGp ; 10/3-12/17 (11 sessions) Life Science room. 115. Harry Logan will teach LANDSCAPING FOR THE HOMEOWNER on Thursdays, 1: 30— 4: 30p; 10/3-12/12 (10 sessions) Opportunity House. I'm. sure you were all surprised and delighted with the. beautiful art work on the title page of the fall-winter schedule. It is the work of Aline Hansens. She also drew the spring peeper logo for the Nature Notes of Tom and Barbara Hallowell in the Times-News. WELCOME - NEW MEMBERS (Hendersonville unless otherwise stated) Henkel, Rudolph, 24 Rolling Caks Drive . 693-0921 Justice, Helen, 1630 Ohara Circle 693-7502 Keirstead, Joan R. (Mrs, Richard A.) 35 Brown Road, Fisgah Forest, N. C. 28768 .883-3^25 Kemp Robert and Jean C. 1617 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, N.C. -28803. .... Macres, James and Hearl J. , Box 93. Clinton, Tenn. 37716 . . 457-1864 Murt^eldt, Harold and Betty, 130 Bent Tree 693-5953 Schultheis , Florence, P. 0. Box 129, Etowah, N.C. 28729 . . . 891-7836 Shuffling through the woods on a bright October day, few of us can resist picking up a fallen leaf here and "here. Not only are we fascinated by the sudden change from restful but monotonous green to riotous reds and yellows , but we seem more acutely aware than before of their distinctive shapes,, Try to guess what: leaf will catch the eye before any other, and it probably will turn out to be a Red Maple- -partly due to its brilliant coloring, but also because its f-ive-lobed form has somehow become for us moderns a symbolic leaf, much as that of The ancients. (It is laTe whether Canada’s its flag was cause or representation oi a the acanthus was for interesting to specu- selection of it for effecT. ) ACZ R RU8RUM if the typi- There is a We are thinking here cal Red Maple , or Acer rub rum, three-lo’oed form, more common in the South Than northward, that is sometimes distin- guished as vary trilobum, out t he ones tha resemble i soecies : t even more closely belong to othe: Silver Maple (A„ saccharinum) and Sugar Maple (A. saccharum) « VAR. TRILOBUM .n Silver Maple, the principal differences are that the leaves are whitish beneath (accounting for the common name), and That The sinuses are much deeper so thaT the sides of The middle lobe Taper inward toward the base. Also, they turn pale yellow in the fall, never achieving the vivid hues for which Red Maple is ed . no' Sugar Maple leaves are intermediate between the other two in that the sides of the cer.Ter lobe are nearly parallel, and the teeth are large and ver/ few. Their typical autumn color is a rich yellow-orange. A. SACCHARINUM A. SACCHARUM ■zsr ■ THEY CAME BEARING GIFTS On June 20 three of us were hiking the mile of trail from Pissrah Inn to Buck Spring Gap Overlook looking for suitable specimen plants ro record toward the development of our nature trail. We were alert to the changes since our last trip and watching for new flowers or those we overlooked. Suddenly my attention was drawn in a different direction, and I called the ethers to observe a most interesting phenomenon. Tiny little glistening white, round-ended "footballs” about a quarter-inch Iona: - some 15 or 20 of them - were drifting up and down and sideways, in irregular patterns, in and near the trail. A closer look revealed that they were being carried by small, delicate flies which were swarming along a short segment of the trail. They hovered from near ground level to a height of about eight feet. I remembered that the males of certain dance flies (Family Emnidae ) , as a part of the mating ritual, present such delicate gifts to the females before mating, Cne of the flies was captured and identified as an empid. In R. F. Chapman's "The Insects, Structure and Function" the mechanisms of courtship are discussed (in part) as follows: "In predacious species courtship feeding may provide a distraction for the female so that the male himself is not eaten. Some male empids catch prey and then present this to the female, who feeds on it while he copulates with her. In other species this behaviour is ritualised and the male presents the female with an inanimate object, such as a petal, wrapped in a silken cocoon." We, then, had seen a species of empid fly in which the males construct small silken cocoons. You ask how do they do this? You'll have to ask the fly. Elton J. Hansens A woman was buying a sheet of stamps at the post office recently and was given several sheets from which to choose. She selected an Audubon stamp. The customer behind her asked, "Who was Audubon?" The person behind that customer promptly said, "He was the man who planned the German road Autobahn . " A Reader's Digest article about Buckminster Fuller quoted " his answer to his daughter as so what fire was . "Fire is sun unwinding from the tree's log. When the log fire pops sparks, it is letting go a sunny day of lone ago, and doing it in a hurrv." ■ ' GREETINGS JFROM THE BOTANICAL GARDENS AT ASHEVILLE The harden for the Blind Thanks to Jim Sconce and his three loyal heloers, Margaret Gehm, Andree Kubiniecand Marian Fabrey, the Garden for the Blind is more inviting than ever. Jim volunteered to take over the area this spring and made a detailed study of all 1 6 beds. All have been rearranged, supolemented , or reolanted . The Herb Bed, a 4 ft. by 15 ft. plot, received' a great rejuvination when Sandy Mush Herb Nursery donated 30 different varieties, which are doing fine. The Cole Library This beautiful room continues to receive additions, the latest being Jim Sconce's botany library, including the two Northeast volumes of Rickett's set of "Wildf lowers of the United States", to accompany the two Southeast volumes donated by Western Carolina Botanical Club. All items are catalogued by UNC-A on the National Database computer network, including issues of SHCRTIA, and all can be located easily on our shelves by using our new microfiche reader. We ‘are also lending books now, and lending rules are posted on the bulletin board. A ABC- A Meets Here When this is published, the American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta will have held its annual Southeast Regional Meeting here on August 23-24, Since this organization includes the largest botanical gardens in the country, we are honored to have provided facilities and speakers for their conference. Lowell Orbison spoke on "Use of Native Trees and Shrubs in the Garden" and Bob Kemp's subject was "Use of Wildflowers in the Garden". A question and answer period followed, led by Lin Murray and Jim Perry, and after lunch on Friday the group of 40 to 50 delegates was given a tour of the Gardens. Habenaria ciliaris If you visited the Gardens during the first two weeks of August, you were rewarded with views of the Yellow Fringed-Crchid , one of several of our native orchids. Contrary to nearly all other native flora, it is found chiefly on the coastal plain and in the mountains rather than in one area or in adjacent areas. Why? Kudos for our Botanical Gardens at Asheville During our Eldernostel week at the New York Botanical Gardens, we were delighted to receive favorable comments from several fellow students and in s true tors concerning our Gardens and our beautiful mountains. During one class I passed out 40 of our brochures, and from the questions raised, I expect to see several new visiters here. As for the NY3G, we were treated royally and found that a full week of study, lectures and tours is the only way even to begin to realize the immensity and complexity of the institution. I'll save the details for another issue. John Bartram At another Elderhostel, the Univ. of Georgia's .Marine Extension Service, Skidaway Island, I did a double-take at one of the name tags. Sure enough, it was John Bartram, the great, great several times grandson of the botanist. He was pleased to be recognized, and told of sending, memorabilia to "Bartram 's Garden" in Philadelphia. . ■ . RAM3LINGS - PEOPLE . PLANTS AND PLACES Late spring and summer have seemed to pass very quickly Wav hack in Way, the hike up WHITESIDE MT. was a most pleasant one for six of us, where we saw the pale corydalis on the cliff, Catesby's trillium all over the hillsides, and sand myrtle on top. A foc^y overcast day on the SHUT-IN TRAIL provided a look at some 64 wild- flojwers, shrubs and trees, which 19 hikers enjoyed. A lovely forest trail was the HIP PUTT TRAIL, new to many of us. The mt. wood sorrel thickly covered the ground under the trees, and yellow clintonia grew prolif ically , along with many other wildflowers - truly a trail to return to. The DAVIDSCN RIVER TRAIL is always a favorite hike, cool along the river on a hot day. Many flowers were blooming:, among; them penstemon, loosestrife, Venus's looking-glass , giant solomon seal, and a no t-off ten-seen cinquefoil (Potentilla norvegica); lunch on the rocks along the water. Rain predicted on a foggy, grey day when 20 of us went on the BUCK SPRINGS TRAIL, the one we are developing as a "nature trail" for the National Park Service. It cleared to a lovely, sunny day. Many flowers and shrubs were blooming along the way - galax , fly poison, bluets, and others. EAST FORK C? THE PIGEON RIVER, another favorite hike, pleased 20 of us again as we saw the swamp azalea (Rhodendron viscosum) along the river, leatherflower , marsh St. John’swort, and white avens among many others. Nothing like a trail being washed off the hillside and stepoing instead from rock to rock in the river; but we all made it, remember'; The flowers were prolific (some 71) at Craggy Gardens, enjoyed by 20 of us. White cinquefoil (Potentilla tridentata ) grew all over the hillsides, but the display of rhodendron was very disappointing this year. Our short, severe spell of low temperatures last winter trans- lated into very few blossoms this summer. As always, the covered-dish get-together at HOLMES STATE ^CREST was a happy, fri*endly affair; again superb food and good companionship . ROAN MOUNTAIN always stands out as a special trip. Twelve of us, on a very warm day down below, enjoyed the top of the bald where the cccl breezes waved through the long grass, a beautiful sight. We found the Gray's lilies as well as the mt. sandwort, white cinquefoil, tassel rue, appalachian avens, and the wild chervil. We enjoyed our lunches on the rocks in the meadow overlooking the whole panoply of the surrounding mountains. The 15 who went to the MT . HORTICULTURAL STATION found this an interesting, worthwhile trip - a facility in "our own backyard" many had hardly heard about or seen. Again, in another season, 16 of us found ourselves on the SU C K SPRINGS TRAIL; this time false foxglove, starry campion, leatherflower, small enchanter's nightshade, and the frostwe©d. which confused us all 'til Dick, with his expertise, identified it. This plant is fairly rare and is not familiar to us. BEARWALLCW , the name somehow just envisions for us the myriads of flowers along a dusty road (some 83 this year). We saw spotted knapweed, asiatic day flower, woodland sunflower, sabatia, tall bellflower, bull thistle, catnip, and the ^ tree of heaven, to name a very few. The rain held off for the INSECT WALK at Holmes State Eorest, and those who attended found it most interesting. As Elton Hansens. the leader, said - there are always surprises on such a walk, so one anticipates the unusual. A lovely hike along DANIEL CREEK-RIGHT FORK was enjoyed by 13 of us; some 71 wildflowers were blooming along the way, the highlight being the flowers of the yellow passion flower (Passiflora lutea) which we seldom see. Also seen, wild yellow flax, sensitive plant, rosinweed, and monkey flower. Well we hiked, shuttled cars, and saw the lilies on the SHUT-IN TRAIL, all things Anne Ulinski and I were not too sure would go smoothly, since this was our first time as leaders of the group - but we didn't lose anyone! We saw flowers in profusion - the hundreds of turk ' s cap lilies, false sunflowers, black snakeroot and joe-pye weed, all eight to ten feet in height. Also the beautiful obedient plant, false 'foxglove , f eatherbells , starry campion, basil balm, and many others. So you see, these past three months were most rewarding ones for all those, who look forward to seeing flowers growing in profusion in the mountains surrounding us. Come along for the early fall display. Louise ?oresman, Historian ★ ★★ ★ ★★★ ★** Help! Help! We have no emergency but we would appreciate your help. We are looking for new ideas, new hike leaders, new programs. Please consider the following questions. Which were the 2 or 3 best hikes in the past year 7 Which were the 2 or 3 best programs in the past year? What new hikes (programs) can you suggest? Should we have more overnight ventures? How many? Your comments on all aspects of the clubs program are solicited. Please write a note to Elton Hansens, 110 Old Ka.iuga PI., H'ville or give your comments to any Program Committee member (names are in the last issue of Shortia) . Twice each year the Program Committee meets for most of a day to plan the schedule for the next 6 months. A surprising variety of meetings and hikes is conceived and arranged at these meetings. Each member then arranges the details and writes the description for several items in the schedule and Bob Taber types the schedule for duplication and mailing. Please, give us your critiques and input by mid-October .when we must begin work on the next schedule. Elton Hansens, Pres. 1 - UK. VA } \ ^ ■** .. s r t T A H C V c 1 . VII No. 3 A quarterly publication of the Western Carolina Botanical Club editor: Helen Turner Carolina Village, Box 126, Hendersonville , NC 23739 Production Committee: Puth Mack John and Margaret Kuhn Please submit contributions for next issue by November 15. 1985 * ° ^ O'S ■A i<3. uQ/ rr i i1 JOHN F. KUHN MARGARET K. KUHN ■C !2 ARLING' H END ERGON V ON PLACE L1-£. N.C. 2S739 / SHORTIA NEWSLETTER OF THE WESTERN CAROLINA BOTANICAL CLUB WINTER 1985-86 HELEN TURNER, Editor OFFICERS Margaret Kuhn Louise Foresman President: Elton J. Hansens Treasurer: Vice President: Millie Blaha Historian: Secretary: Margaret Canfield IMPORTANT EVENT! Saturday, October 19, was beautiful and sunshiny for a happy event — the marriage of Bruce Leech, ex-president of WCBC, and Frances Hendrix of Candler. Our very best wishes to you, Bruce and Frances. Their address is 31 Yorkshire Court, Candler NC 28715; Phone 667-1110. At the annual meeting of The Carolina Mountain Club, the Beyond 6000 patch was awarded to Barbara Hallowell and Frances Leech. They join other WCBC members who have achieved this recognition: Philip Babcock, Ralph Chase, Tom Hallowell, Bruce Leech, Marge Little, George Oldham, Bessie Sinish and Charles Snow. The North Carolina unit of the Bartram Trail Society was formed in 1977 after Walter McKelvey, Charles Moore (WCBC member) and Rowell Bosse, all of Brevard, located part of the route William Bartram took through Western North Carolina — one part of the extensive explorations of the Philadelphia-born naturalist in eight southeastern states. Now an active North Carolina Bartram Trail Society, Inc., has developed and maintains a trail of 80 miles which follows much of Bartram’ s actual route, dramatically described in TRAVELS OF WILLIAM BARTRAM. The organization annually holds two meetings in the far western section of the state which end with a walk on the Trail. In addition to trail work, the Society commemorates the ’’contribution of William Bartram, first native-born naturalist-artist of the American colonies.” Members of WCBC are welcome in this worthy group. Membership dues of $5.00, individual, and $7.00, household, can be sent to Mrs. Bonnie Arbuckle, Secy-Treas., Rt. 1, Box 71, Robbinsville , NC 28771. Sidney Holmes HELP! HELP! The Horsepasture River needs your help. None of the money appropriated by Congress to purchase land to protect the River can be used to repay Trust for Public Land (TPL) who provided $75,000 in option money in order to hold the Leder property while awaiting Congress’ decision. We can express our thanks and repay a debt to TPL by making a tax-deductible contribution (as generous as possible) to: TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND (be sure to designate for Horsepasture River) 322 Beard Street; Tallahassee FL 32303 WELCOME — NEW MEMBERS Hendersonville unless otherwise stated Sawyer, Martin S. Ss Ruth, P.0. Box 208, 28793 692-1282 Woodlock, Fred & Beth, 1300 Brevard Rd. fr19 692-8370 ' Among the small evergreen woodland plants to be seen throughout the winter are the Clubmosseso They belong to the genus Lycopodium,, and their ancestors, along with giant horsetails and ferns, were a component of the ancient forests that formed vast deposits of coal over the last 250 million years « Like the true mosses 9 they reproduce by means of spores; these are borne on specialized leaves called sporophyllso In most of our species the sporophylls are yellowish and are aggregated into upright cylindric cones, or strobili, which persist long after the spores have ripened in the fall. These are especially conspicuous on Running Pine (Lyco- podium flabelliforme) and Ground Cedar (L. tri- s tachyumTT~~wn er e~~t hey are disposed in a cande- labrum-like arrangement, usually in sets of four, above the flattened fan- shaped branches® Lj_ fla- belliforme has a straggly growth habit, a hor- izontal stem that creeps over the ground, and is green in color, while L tri- stachyum is treelike , arises from subterranean rhizomes , and is bluish green® One other treelike species also has underground stems, but Its branches are not flattened and the cones have no Lo obscurum, or Tree Clubmoss. stalks . This Is sea* Wolf's Claw Clubmoss (L. c lava turn) has arching stems that root l.. obscurum at intervals. The thick ascenders have several forked branches and terminate in a long, slender peduncle bearing a few strobili. Only one of our five common Clubmoss as lacks these cones, bearing its sporophylls in- stead In the axils of sterile leaves. It is L. lucidulum, or Shining Clubmoss, a glossy green, rather sprawling plant. Its bristly stems appear constricted here and there, marking each successive year’s growth. CLAVATUM L. LUCIOULUM STUDY OF HOLMES STATE FOREST FLORA At the WCBC January 1985 Annual Meeting, five members volunteered to participate in a proposed Community Service Project at Holmes State Forest. Plans were that, once each week, volunteers would record the species of plants in bloom in areas selected for the study. The committee consisted of Millie Blaha, chairman, Louise Foresman, Elton Hansens, John Kuhn, and Anne Ulinski. From time to time, Cindy Carpenter, Aline Hansens, and Margaret Kuhn assisted. Three major areas were included in the study: an open meadow ar® which was not mowed (and where deer like to bed down); an area along Crab Creek referred to as the "brook"; and woodland along the Talking Trees Trail, plus a spur adjacent to this trail. On Nov. 6, 1985, the committee completed 8 months of observing, weekly, the herbaceous plants, trees and shrubs, except for July 21-27 which was washed out because of rain, and Sept. 22-28 because of illness and vacationing committee members. The committee logged 460 hours at Holmes State Park. This total does not include the computer time of Anne Ulinski and the time spent by Millie Blaha preparing and typing the monthly reports, and preparation time for each Wednesday's work. On March 5, the first day of the study, bitter cress ( Cardamine hirsuta) and tag alder ( Alnus serrulata) were in bloom. The peak of flowering for all areas occurred on May 10 with 73 species of herbaceous plants, trees and shrubs in bloom. The number gradually decreased to 34 at the beginning of July, then increased to 70 early in September. Woodland wildflowers reached their peak with 56 species in bloom on May 10. Spring beauties and trout- lilies not only were abundant but also bloomed over a long period of time — from mid-March until the end of April. Springtime also was the peak of bloom for the meadow area (25 species on May 15). In contrast, summer produced the most flowering species along the brook with 37 in bloom on Sept . 11. During the period of this study, 250 different species flowered, including 218 herbaceous plants and 32 trees and shrubs. Ferns, lichens, mosses, liverworts, grasses, fungi and lycopodiums were not studied nor were grasses (Poaceae) , sedges ( Cyperaceae ) . and rushes ( Juncaceae) other than the wood rush (Luzula acuminata var. carolinae ) . Except for the large-flowered trees and shrubs, no attempt was made to record the flowering of oaks, hickories, beech, etc., because of the difficulty of seeing their bloom among the treetop foliage. Despite close scrutiny, no blooms were seen on tulip trees in 1985. The 218 herbaceous plants were in 45 families. Interestingly, a little over half were members of only 6 families -- Ast eraceae , Liliaceae , Ranunculaceae , Rosaceae , Fabaceae , and Rubiaceae . _ One- fourth of the 218 species were As teraceae . A member of this family, Cat's-ear (Hypochoeris radicata) bloomed for the longest period,' five months. The Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) , in the Capr if oliacsae family, also bloomed for 5 months. Many of the flowers studied were very small and escape notice by most visitors to the Forest . ' Although orchids did not produce an abundance of blooms, 8 species grew in various areas along the woodland trail. Most abundant were the autumn coralroot orchids. Only one putty-root orchid was found that produced seeds. The committee was distressed to find that one of two yellow lady's slipper plants was removed by some unthinking person. Only one rattlesnake plantain orchid bloomed. A number of nice stands of whorled pogonias existed but only a few plants flowered. Several showy orchis and cranefly orchids produced flowers. The most elusive of all the orchids was the three birds orchid. On one day at least 8 plants were flowering but the following week only one was in bloom. This is a very brief summary of the 1985 Project at Holmes State Forest A more exhaustive report will be prepared later. The study is not yet completed. These same areas will be studied until March 5, 1986 in order to complete a one-year cycle. During the winter months the committee will list plants with green leaves, and identify mosses. Plans call for continuation, even expansion, of our studies in 1986. During the past 8 months the committee experienced warm, cold, over- cast, and pleasant days and, while at work, listened to the wind, birds and sometimes to "talking trees". The project has involved time, effort ,N study, dedication, and work. An extra dividend to the participants was a special kind of fellowship from working together. To be a part of this Community Service Project has been a privilege. We trust that the results and final report will be useful to Holmes State Forest and a credit to the Western Carolina Botanical Club. Millie Blaha VOLUNTEERS ENTERTAINED AT HOLMES STATE FOREST On October 15 the North Carolina Forest Service sponsored a picnic at Holmes State Forest in appreciation of the work of volunteers at the several small state forests. A group of about 40 people (including 9 Rangers) enjoyed delicious hamburgers and all the trimmings. Certificates of Appreciation were presented to all volunteers including those from WCBC and a trail construction team from the Carolina Mountain Club as well as a few volunteers from other forests. Volunteer help has enabled the small foresls to stretch their budgets to maintain these forests and provide services to the public. This token of thanks from the Rangers was greatly appreciated. Aline Hanses . A MAINE EXPERIENCE It all started in July 1984 on a trip downeast to attend an Elder- hostel program at the University of Maine at Machias on the flora of woodland, bog, and seashore. On the way I had commented on how much I would like to spend several months in Maine following the wildf lower blooming through the seasons from spring to fall. Just another one of those dreams. However, the dream did, in a small way, come true as the result of a friendship which grew from our association with Dr. Alan Lewis, University botanist, who taught the course. Alan asked me to join him this summer in a week of intensive field work hunting for plants which were not on the check list for Washington County which borders the St. Croix River and New Brunswick, Canada. Each day we worked a different area which included river banks, logged over paper company lands, woodland bogs, heaths, and the seashore. We collected almost a hundred plants with the help of a botany student who did the cleaning and pressing of the plants for the herbarium. Some 25 were new to Washington Co. Perhaps more will be added as we work separately keying out specimens for verification to add to the list. It is interesting that the flora of northeastern Maine exists in a transition zone very much like that of the Carolinas, in that many plants reach their northern limits while those of the far north their southern limits there. Here we have the intermingling of many northern species with those of the deep south. The upland bogs are interesting in that they are raised above the normal level of the surrounding land. They are very wet, and contain sphagnum, cranberry, pitcher plant, leather leaf, assorted bog orchids very much as do the glacial ponds which have become overgown with typical bog plants. Along the stony beaches we found oysterleaf bluebell, Mertensia mar i tima , which has small blue flowers similar to Mertensia virginiana but the plant is prostrate and has soft whitish leaves. A few of the other beach plants included sea lavender, Limonium nashii ; sea- milkwort, Glaux maritima; glasswort, Salicornia sp.; sea blite, Sueda maritima . Along logging roads in some of the vast paper company holdings were other less familiar plants including eye bright, Euphrasia sp.; tarweed, Madia sat iva ; pineweed, Hypericum gent ianoides ; Hemp- nettle, Galeopsis tetrahi t alba and G. tetrahi t bif ida . Tiny, tart cranberries, Vaccinium oxycoccus ovalif olium, grew in huge patches. The middle of August is the height of the blueberry season in Maine where the dwarf bushes grow on thousands of acres in treeless barrens. Harriet picked enough with a special blueberry rake to last us through the winer. Our "Maine experience" was a delightfully memorable experience. Ivan J. Xuster GREETINGS FROM THE BOTANICAL GARDENS AT ASHEVTT.T,^ -7 Annual Awards Dinner — November 9th We were glad to see several from WGBC among the 95 guests at the dinner held at Holiday Inn West. Dr. Richard Weaver, formerly with Arnold Arboretum, gave a most interesting slide presentation, "Plant Hunting Around the World", combining just the right amount of technical data with lighter accounts of his experiences. He is now a partner at We- Du Nurseries in Marion and invites all to inspect his extensive wildflower offerings. At the dinner, President Harold Gehm gave eleven Trillium Pins and certifi- . cates to conscientious workers at the Botany Center and Gardens. Nine Presidential Awards were given to those who have received Trillium Awards previously and who have continued to donate their time to the Gardens. Board of Directors Meeting — November 10th At this meeting, the following officers were elected for 1986: President President-Elect Vice President Libbie Robbie Bob Gray Arch Nichols Manager Secretary Jim Ferry Corresponding Secretary Anne Coxe Treasurer Ray Joiner Jim Crownover Another purpose of the meeting was to discuss Doan Ogden's proposed bequest to the Asheville Council of Garden dubs of his home and 9-acre garden estate. His will now leaves it to the City of Asheville but he feels that a better and more permanent dis- position would be to the ACGC. Each of the 22 organizations in the Council has been asked to poll its members, and Bob Kemp has been appointed to acquaint each dub with details of the proposal. There are pros and cons to the arrangement and much discussion has ensued. The Board of the Botanical Gardens voted 10 to 6 in favor, but the ACGC on November 13th had an inconclusive vote and another vote will be taken in March. On display at the Board Meeting was the beautiful quilt, which will be raffled at the Day in the Gardens next May 3rd, at 3s 00 The quilt was designed by Bob Kemp and made by the Beaucatcher Quilters. Two other quilts have been raffled in the past two years and have produced a sizeable increase in the Gardens' treasury. Poinsettia Sale Each year the Mountain Gardeners arranges a poinsettia sale for benefit of the Gardens and orders are being taken for delivery at the Botany Center on Saturday, November 30* Extra plants will be ordered, so you may still be able to receive a very fine plant at a reasonable price. Call Bob Gray at 68^-5113 or the Botany Center at 252-5190. Winter Hours at the Botany Center After all poinsettias are sold, the Botany Center will close (except for meetings) for the remainder of December, January and February. The grounds will be open from dawn to dusk as usual; right now is a good time to see the Witch-hazel trees in bloom. Annual Meeting — Sunday Afternoon, January 26, 1986 Included will be election of the Board of Directors, by the Membership. Dick Smith will continue as a Director through 198?; perhaps WGBC would like to propose another member, say from Hendersonville, for 1986-88. If you know of someone who* can be active, and serve on a committee, please call Libbie Robbie at 253-4299 * Elderhostel Course Opportunities In Botany 50 schools, from Florida to Alaska and Hawaii to Maine, are offering Elderhostel courses in botany for February through May. Intriguing titles include "Springtime in the Redwoods" , "Flora Along the Bart ram Trail in Georgia", "From Xeric Bluffs to Cypress Swamps", "Plants of the Blue Ridge" and 46 others. Locations are as^close as Junaluska and Highlands. The only requirement is that individuals, or one of a couple, be 60 or over. For a schedule catalog, write Elderhostel, Inc., 80 Boylsxon Street, Boston, MA 02116. (Each course is for one week). .tl Hal S challl RAMBLINGS — PEOPLE, PLANTS AND PLACES Three months includes the very beginning of August -- are you all able to think back that far? the FERN WORKSHIP AND WALK was cancelled since the leader was not able to return from a trip in time. FRYING PAN GAP is always a favorite trip — we botanize so carefully on the prolific Parkway slopes that the Gap itself seems to be somehow secondary, though we see many flowers in the meadow and on up the road ■ 25 of us identified some 63 wildflowers. Special flowers await us in the KANUGA CONFERENCE area -- up Long John trail we looked for and found 3-bird orchids and pink corydalis which we seldom see. One just has to mention TRESTLE GAP when a flood of memories slips out -- the Balsam Bald itself with its spectacular views and its grasses waving in the breeze, is a real joy; or the road with its sundews and other plants along the way. We all settle on the big rocks for our lunches amid the flight and crying of the eagles being fed on top of Tenent Mt. nearby. This time we saw bright raingear all over the hills as we all took part in the "rite of blueberry picking” -- a memorable trip in the drizzly weather -- 18 persons along and some 25 flowers seen. BUCK SPRINGS TRAIL is a special one to us all now since Dick Smith and Elton Hansens, in cooperation with the National Park staff, have been transforming it into a nature trail along which flowers, shrubs and trees will be labeled -- 23 person enjoyed a sunny morning there and along the Parkway --- 33 flowers identified. The URBAN NATURE WALK drew 9 interested people who toured several small nurseries including Holbrook Farm where Allen Bush acquainted them with his expanded nursery area. Another very favorite event, the COVERED-DISH at HOLMES STATE FOREST — our folks like to eat! -- the long upper trail and the short one were hiked by many and 42 persons enjoyed the comradeship of sharing a meal. PARKWAY 276-SOUTIl TO RICHLAND BALSAM was, as billed, a goldenrod seminar, revived by Harvey Krouse, who came from 100 miles east to be our leader -- he and Verna were warmly welcomed. The COVE CREEK-GREEN RIVER area is new to some -- a lovely walk along the creek, having first negotiated the numerous hairpin curves and hilly terrain down to the trail-head -- 16 of us lunched on the rocks at the junction of the creek and the river. Dick Smith took us to OLD BALD — a grey day, fog hanging thick and low on the mountains and in the valley, all clearing to a beautiful, sunny day by noon -- 15 of us hiked to the top of the bald where the views were great and the blueberry picking surprisingly ample. HORSEPASTURE RIVER (Well! What happened to the large white sign on the left side of the roud that had always been a guide to Whitewater Falls? Some of us went up and down the highway and as far as Highlands and never found it!) -- 22 of us seemed to get somewhat lost but all made it to the, so far unimproved, trail -- it was lovely along the rushing river with its beautiful falls Now we know why this river must be preserved. On to South Carolina, Keowee-Toxaway State Park, where we stopped briefly and viewed a film at the Museum. An indoor meeting at which Charles Larus showed slides on the FLORA OF JAPAN in out-of-the-way areas there was most interesting to the 25 persons present. . GREEN COVE, where we bask in the hospitality of Calla and Frank Bell, was again a memorable trip -- welcome to their home, a lovely hike -- some 44 flowers noted along the way. This time, delicious ’’Bell Burgers” and, after lunch, a bus ride for all and a jeep ride for a few to the top of Corbin Mt. and a climb to the top of the fire tower — a great day! Thanks, again, Frank and Calla. Ten of us plus 3 of the Forestry staff viewed their interesting film on forest management in the East -- PISGAH FOREST FORESTRY FIELD STUDY. Then, we settled ourselves in two Forest Service vans and toured many of the back roads -- as we rode, the staff shared with us the clear-cutting policies in the Eastern forests and pointed out examples to illustrate their methods. The COURT HOUSE CREEK area was new to some of us — 14 enjoyed the lovely forest country and two beautiful Falls as well as the tumbling creek -- had our lunch at the base of a 40-50 foot Falls --we drove up further before we parked and thus did not hike the 7-8 miles indicated in the schedule. The COVE CREEK-CANEY BOTTOM hike with Barbara Hallowell as leader had to be cancelled because of heavy rains-. An indoor meeting drew 54 people to hear Jeanne Holgate on the ADVENTURES OF A BOTANICAL ARTIST — an internationally famous botanical artist, she showed slides and a film made in the field as she travelled the States. We’ve been fortunate to have her as a member of our group and now that she is returning to England to stay, we all wish her well. Louise Foresman ADVANCE NOTICE 1986 SCHEDULE The Program Committee is working on the February- July 1986 schedule. Please help if you can when asked to lead a hike or indoor program. Three special events are being scheduled: March 19-21 -- Calloway Gardens. Harry Logan is organizing this trip . April 23-24 -- Snowbird Lodge, Kilmer Forest and vicinity. Arrangements are complete. Call Elton Hansens for details. A one night stay is possible; 2 nights will be at a discount. June 11-13 -- Green SwEimp, Carolina Bays and/or other stops. Elton Hansens is making arrangements. All of the above should be banner events you will not want to miss. S H 0 R T I A Vol . VII No . 4 A quarterly publication of the Western Carolina Botanical Club Editor: Helen Turner Carolina Village Box 126, Hendersonville, NC 28739 Production Committee: Dorothy Rathmann, John & Margaret Kuhn Please submit contributions for next issue by February 15, 1986