TENNESSEE NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY NEWSLETTER VOLUME 27, NUMBER 1 President's Message This spring begins the 25th year of the Tennessee Native Plant Society. This is a marvelous accomplishment, which has been possible only by the support of each of us. Regardless of the length of our memberships, we can look back with much joy at a special field trip, the first time we saw a particular plant, or heard an interesting speaker at the annual meeting. Our participation in TNPS has certainly given us wonderful memories and this year provides us with a chance to make many more. Our field trips continue to be a major part of who we are. This year will be no exception. The Field Trip Committee has designed an itinerary with great variety in seasonal plants and locations. I encourage you to review the 2003 Field Trip schedule and mark your calendars now. We continue to move forward with the planned publication of a TNPS book on the wild flowers/flora of Tennessee. I hope to bring you more details in the next issue of this newspaper. The Annual Meeting is in a beautiful new facility this year. More information is included in this newsletter. I encourage you to walk and meet with us in our 25th year. The trails we travel and the plants we see are forever changing, and the friends we make are deep- rooted. Karl Heinzman February 2003 We Mourn the Passing The death of Shelby Rhinehart on September 1 9 wi 11 be greatly felt by his fellow legislators, and friends, as well as family. He served in the legislature for over 30 years and was considered a “giant among legislators”. He was always available when there were decisions to be made and projects to be implemented. He retired from the legislature early in 2002. Shelby Rhinehart had also served as a pharmacist in his hometown of Spencer in Van Buren County. His wife, Margret Rhinehart, has served Spencer and Van Buren County as its only physician for 50 years. She recently retired from her medical career. Margret is well known to the Tennessee Native Plant Society as an excellent botanist and leader. She leads trips every year for TNPS and has found many rare and beautiful plants in Tennessee to share with our members. Our thoughts and prayers are with Margret and other members of the Rhinehart family upon the loss of Shelby Rhinehart. Bertha Chrietzberg Reserve these dates: The TNPS 2003 Annual Meeting is scheduled for September 19-21 . This year we will be congregating at the Beersheba Springs Methodist Assembly near McMinnville. It is located on the bluff overlooking the 1 0,000-acre Savage GulfNatural Area, which is part of Tennessee’s largest wilderness state park. We have reserved rooms and meeting space in their lovely new lodge and all meals will be available on-site. Mark your calendar now and watch for details in the next newsletter. LIVER LEAF. (hepatica triloba.) TENNESSEE NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY NEWSLETTER February2003 VOLUME 27, Numberl This Newsletter is a publication of the Tennessee Native Plant Society and is published fourtimes a year, generally in February, June, August, November. The T ennessee Native Plant Society (TNPS) was founded in 1978. Its purposes are to assist in the exchange of information and encourage fellow- ship among T ennessee’s botanists, both amateurand professional; to promote public education about Tennessee flora, and wild plants in general; to provide, through publication of a newsletter or journal, a formal means of documenting information on T ennessee flora and of informing the publicaboutwild plants; andtopromote the protection and enhancement of Tennessee's wild plant communities. Dues for each calendaryear are: Regular: $15 Student/Senior $10 Institution: $20 Life: $150 Dues may be sent to: Tennessee Native Plant Society PO Box 159274 Nashville, TN 37215 TNPS OFFICERS KarlHeinzman, President Dennis Horn, Vice-President Bart Jones - Corresponding Secretary Kay Jones, T reasurer DIRECTORS Bertha Chrietzburg - Middle T ennesse Todd Crabtree -Middle Tennessee Mary Priestley -East Tennessee AIGood -EastTennesse Susan Sweetser-East Tennessee Bart Jones - West Tennessee Susan Stahl, Editor 1763 Needmore Rd. Old Hickory TN 371 38 Susanstahl@juno.com 615/758-9111 They did it again!!!! We thank our field trip committee for a wonderful schedule of trips. A1 Good, Chairman, Bart Jones, Todd Crabtree, Bertha Chrietzberg, Mary Pri estley and Jane Norris made countless phone calls, trips, emails to finalize the schedule. Thanks also to Christine Good who valiantly typed the schedule several times. This year's itinerary can take you to places you've never been in the quest for native plants. Get ready for the adventure! Guide to Tennessee’s Woody Plants Eugene Wofford and Edward Chester, botanists at the University ofTennessee and Austin Peay University respectively, havej ust published Guide to The Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of Tennessee. This is the first comprehensive field guide to the more than 400 native and naturalized species of woody plants found in the state. The authors provide clear identification keys and additional information on each species. Color photographs of pressed plant specimens ll lustrate diagnostic characteristics. In the introductory information about the state, they outline its physiographic regions, survey the history ofbotanical research, and address questions of comparative diversity of plant groups within the state. Appendices reveal interestingfacts. They show, for instance, that the Cumberland Plateau is actually richer in woody plant diversity than the Smoky Mountains. This book, published by the University ofTennessee, is a superb resource for all interested in the flora ofTennessee. Reprinted from a review by Mary Priestley in the Plant Press 3-Tennessee Native Plant Society /February 2002 Field Trip Report from 2002 The Copper Basin and Ocoee River Gorge, November 9 The promise of a beautiful outing along the Ocoee River led by distinguished and genial botanist Ed Clebsch brought out a group of 19 TNPS members and friends and two beloved canines (Nana Clebsch and Katie Sweetser). Ed had scoped the trip with co- organizer Allen Sweetser the weekend before and they equipped all participants with maps, descriptions, and plant lists covering the excursion. We knew we were in the hands of a teacher! Ed reminded us that the Copper Basin ahs strong connections with the history of botany in Tennessee. Augustin Gattinger, the “Father of Tennessee Botany,” practiced medicine here in the 19th century. Because of serious disagreements with his neighbors during the Civil War, he had to make a daring nighttime run for his life down through the Ocoee River Gorge. Gattinger survived and went on to write the first flora of the plants of the state, published in 1901. We stopped at the Ducktown Museum and site of the Burra-burra Copper Mine to get another taste of the history of this place. Copperhill got its name from the mining that went on here from the mid- 19th to mid-20* centuries. Because of sulfuric acid that was produced during the processing of the iron and copper ore, every sprig of vegetation over 25 to 30 square miles was killed. Since 1950 more than 17 million trees have been planted here, mostly pines. It has been a struggle, but the transformation of the site from a deeply gullied “lunar landscape” to a TNPS trip destination is a botanical success story. Ed showed us several interesting plant communities, the first of which was a wetland that the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has purchased to preserve the unusual flora, including populations of creeping clubmoss (Lycopodiella appressa) and cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon). The stoloniferous cranberry “shrublets” stood about 6” high, many bearing their red fruit on long drooping pedicels. This species is listed as rare in the state. Ed pointed out, however, that no one knows if this particular population is native. Also seen growing under the planted pines and in clearings were trailing arbutus (Epigaea repens), purple milkwort (Polygala sanguinea), the colonial red chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia), and wooly broomsage (Andropogon glomeratus). We then stopped at another wetland to get a good look at Virginia cottongrass (Eriophorum virginicum). The silky white fruiting heads of this plant suggest chipmunk-sized toupees, each one displayed on a stick. Neither a grass nor a toupee, the cottongrass is actually a sedge. There were, however, plenty of bona fide wetland grasses to be found, including reed grass (Calamagrostis cinnoidesa), and sugarcane plume grass (Erianthus giganteus). Along the roadside, we saw nice clumps of climbing fern (Lygodium palmatum) whose tiny spore-laden fertile leaves and larger sterile ones are oppositely arranged on a twining vine After lunch, the group headed down the gorge to the Ocoee Whitewater Center, site of the 1996 Olympics whitewater events. Just upstream from the visitor’s center, we found horse sugar (Symplocus tinctoria), netted chain fern (Woodwardia virginica), and cowbane (Oxpolis rigidior). We discovered that the horse sugar, also called sweet leaf, does indeed have cider flavored leaves. This plant, which grows in the mountains and coastal plain of North Carolina, is rare in Tennessee. The grounds of the visitor’s center are landscaped with natives, and many are labeled. A virtual outdoor classroom, this is a great place to come to learn your plants! Among those that we saw were river oats (Chasmanthium latifolium), purple and white forms of beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), black and red chokeberries (Aronia melancarpa and A. arbutifolia), rusty blackhaw (Viburnum rufidulum), and hairy bush honeysuckle (Diervilla rivularis). This last, first discovered by Gattinger on Lookout Mountain, is a state listed rare plant. We drove down through the gorge for our final stop at a downstream canoe takeout point. “This is botanizing the way I like to do it!” joked Ed as he pointed out three different vines climbing on adjacent tree trunks: poison ivy (Toxicoldendron radicans), trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans), and climbing hydrangea (Decuman a barbara). Lastly, we were treated to a comparison of the features of two maples: sugar (Acer saccharum) and chalk (A. leucoderme=A. saccharum var leucoderum). The latter, rare in Tennessee, is at the edge of its range here. Once we learned chalk maple’s characteristics, we were immediately stumped by a tree that exhibited some but not all of them. As we trembled in our hiking boots, our botanical mettle seriously threatened, Ed wisely surmised, “After 50 years in this business, I’ve concluded after much thought and study that plants are just illiterate - none of them can read the descriptions that we write for them.” Whew! We were off the hook. Thanks'go to Ed and Meredith Clebsch, Allen and Susan Sweetser, our trip coordinators for a wonderful time, fabulous wrap-up of a whole season of extraordinary outings. Let’s do this again. Mary Priestley \ 2003 TOPS FIELD TRIP SCHEDULE March 1 SKUNK CABBAGE IN JOHNSON COUNTY Saturday This is the time to get out to see Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) in bloom. Easy walking TIME 9:00 AM EST PLACE Shoney’s Restaurant at Roan St. exit 1-181 Johnson City LEADERS Ed Schell Allen and Susan Sweetser (865) 938-7627 March 29 Saturday TIME PLACE LEADER April 12 Saturday TIME PLACE LEADERS BLUEBELL ISLAND AND SHAKERAG HOLLOW This trip to two of the richest wildflower sites in the Sewanee area is co-sponsored with the South Cumberland Regional Land Trust and the Sewanee Herbarium. At Bluebell where we walk a log to get to the island, the Trust will string rope handrails. Expect to see a profusion of Bluebells (Mertensia virginica), yellow and white Trout-lilies (Erythronium americanum and E. albidum), Allegheny-spurge (Pachysandra procumbens) Toothworts (Dentaria sp.), and possibly Least Trillium (Trillium pusillum). After lunch in Sewanee we will go to Shakerag Hollow where an abundance of spring wildflowers carpet an old-growth forest. Moderate walking here with a steep climb at the end. 1 1 :00 AM CST Tyson Food Plant parking lot 1-24 exit 117 US 64 west about 1 mile Mary Priestly (931) 598-1997, (931) 598-0157 EDGAR EVINS STATE PARK This park on Center Hill Lake has abundant spring flowers. We will see Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis). Squirrel Com (Dicentra canadensis), Dutchman’s- breeches (Dicentra cucullaria), Twinleaf (Jeffersonia diphylla), False Rue-anemone (Enemion bitematum). Celandine Poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum) and many others. We will check out the new trail. Bertha is arranging a barge ride out to a field of Wild Hyacinth (Camassia scilloides). Easy walking Bring lunch. 10:00 AM CDT Edgar Evins State Park Visitor Center About 5 miles west of Silver Point (1-40 exit 273) Bertha Chrietzberg (615) 896-1 146 Jane Norris (615) 665-2056 April 19 Saturday TIME PLACE LEADER April 21-26 May 3 Saturday TIME PLACE LEADER GILES COUNTY CEDAR GLADE AND LIMESTONE KARST WOODS We will visit one of the best remaining glades and karst woods in this outer Central Basin county. On a sloping glade we should see Price’s Wood-sorrel, (Oxalis priceae), Eggleston’s Violet (Viola egglestonii), and False Gromwell (Onosmodium molle). The woods are on a knoll with striking rock palisades and hallways. Flowers here are Trillium, Toothwort (Dentaria sp.), Fern-leaf Phacelia (Phacelia bipinnatifida), Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) and other woodland species. A wet meadow has Necklace Gladecress (Leaven-worthia torulosa). Water Stitchwort (Stellaria fontinalis) and Butler’s Quillwort (Isoetes butleri). Bring lunch. 10:00 AM CDT Wal-Mart Supercenter adjacent to Murphy gas station on US 64 by-pass at Pulaski. Dwayne Estes (931) 389-6942 WILDFLOWER PILGRIMAGE AT GATLINBURG RATTLESNAKE FALLS Rattlesnake Falls is located on the Western Highland Rim in an area with steep ridges, deep ravines, and swift streams with waterfalls and seeps. Dwayne has inventoried more than 600 plant species in the Falls area. Expect to see Prairie Phlox (Phlox pilosa ssp. ozarkana), Lousewort (Pedicularis canaden- sis), Twisted Trillium (T. stamineum), Alabama Azalea (Rhodo- dendron alabamense) and many others. Some steep climbing. Bring lunch. 10:00 CDT Summertown. Texaco station at intersection of Tn 20 with US 43 between Columbia and Lawrenceburg. Dwayne Estes (931) 389-6942 HORSE MOUNTAIN May 17 Saturday TIME PLACE LEADER June 14 Saturday TIME PLACE Alice Jensen has watched over the forest on Horse Mountain for many years and is now facing loss of a piece to TDOT. She wants us to see it before it is destroyed. There are trails through 70 acres of woodland with Kentucky Coffee-trees (Gymnocladus dioica), Blue Ash (Fraxinus quadrangulata) and unusually large Shumard Oaks (Quercus shumardii) and Sassafras (S. albidum). The mountain also has flowers, fossils, and a pioneer homestead. Alice will give us a tour of the orchid greenhouses where a personal plant collection has been de- scribed as a “captive jungle”. Walking easy. Bring lunch. 10:00 AM CDT HORSE MOUNTAIN ORCHIDS at 1371 Horse Mtn. Road From north 1-24 exit 81 to US 23 1 south to the first traffic light in Shelbyville. Turn left to go past another stop light and turn left on Horse Mtn. Road at the third stop sign. Go about 2 miles (passing a white church on the left) to Horse Mtn. Orchids. From south take 1-24 exit 117 left through AEDC and Tullahoma To US 41 A. Follow US 41 A to the second traffic light in Shelbyville (Union Planter’s Bank). Turn right, go to Horse Mtn. road and turn right. Proceed to Horse Mtn. Orchids as above. Alice Jensen (931) 684-7851 BIG SWAN CREEK / SUMMERTOWN Big Swan Creek is lined with a great diversity of plants includ- ing the state threatened Broadleaf Barbara’s Buttons (Marshallia trinervia). Also, we should see Michigan Lily begin- ning to flower and other early summer species. Moderate hike with creek crossings requiring shallow wading. Bring lunch. 10:00 AM CDT THE FARM Welcome Center From US 43 midway between Columbia and Lawrenceburg turn west on TN 20 through Summertown 3 to 4 miles, turn right on Drake Lane about 1 mile, turn right on Walker Lane 14 mile to Welcome center. LEADERS Cynthia Rohrbach (931) 964-2571 Bart Jones (901) 726-6891 4 June 21 Saturday TIME PLACE LEADER June 28 & 29 Saturday Sunday TIME PLACE LODGING LEADERS OBED WILD AND SCENIC RIVER The Obed River has many plants that are rare in Tennessee. We will visit the cobble bars at Lilly and Nemo bridges. Expect to see Appalachian Barbara’s Buttons (Marshallia grandiflora), Fetterbush (Leucothoe racemosa), Cumberland Rosemary (Conradina verticillata). Southern Jointweed (Polygonella americana), American Barberry (Berberis canadensis), Shortleaf Sneezeweed (Helenium brevifolium), Roundleaf Fameflower (Talinum teretifolium), Leatherleaf Meadowrue (Thalictrum coriaceum), Tennessee Pondweed (Ptomogeton tennesseensis) and Virginia Spirea (Spirea virginiana). Walking easy. Wading optional. Bring lunch to eat at the picnic area. 10:00 AM EDT Obed River Visitor Center (Signs on US 27 North of Wartburg) David Lincicome (615) 532-0439 WEEKEND IN UPPER EAST TENNESSEE After our successful weekend in North Carolina last year, Ed Schell has agreed to show us rare and interesting plants on our side of the state line. We will explore Johnson Co. areas, Doe River Gorge, and Roan Mountain. Expect to see rare Bedstraws (Galium sp.), Sandworts (Arenaria sp), Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) and a host of others. We will see many fern species including the rare Crested Wood-fern (Dryopteris cristata). Mix of driving and hiking. Bring lunch. 9:00 AM EDT (both mornings) Shoney’s Restaurant, 1-181 Roan St. exit Johnson City (both mornings) Many accomodations in the Johnson City area. Ed Schell Allen and Susan Sweetser (865) 938-7627 August 16 Saturday TIME PLACE LEADER August 23 Saturday TIME PLACE LEADERS PICKETT STATE PARK and COLDITZ COVE NATURAL AREA Escape the summer heat at the waterfall and rockhouses. Rare or uncommon plants that we should see are Lucy Braun’s White Snakeroot (Ageratina luciae-brauniae). Mountain Sand- wort (Arenaria cumberlandensis). Rough Hawkweed (Hieracium scabrum). Southern Heartleaf (Hexastylis contracta), Roundleaf Catchfly (Silene rotundifolia), Mountain Meadowrue (Thalictrum clavatum) and various grasses and sedges. David will try to find the rare Filmy Fern (Hymenophyllum tayloriae) recently dis- covered at Colditz Cove. Easy to moderate walking. Bring lunch. 9:00 AM CDT Pickett State Park Visitor Center Take TN 154 NE from Jamestown MM David Lincicome (615) 532-0439 BUTTERFLIES AND BOTANY AT SHELBY BOTTOMS Shelby Bottoms is 810 acres of bottomland forest and fields adjacent to the Cumberland River. Rita Venable, editor of “Butterfly Gardener” will teach us about the relation- ship between butterflies and plants. We hope to be able to see many of the 53 species that frequent this park and identity their host or nectar plant. After lunch at the Farmer’s Market we will tour the native plantings at the Bicentennial Mall which includes Alabama Snow Wreath (Neviusa alabamensis). Easy walking. Bring binoculars. 10:00 AM CDT Bicentennial Mall. (Beneath the railroad trestle at the gift shop) 1-65 / 265 exit 85 (8th Ave / Capitol / Bicentennial Mall) Go South on 8th Ave (US 41 A) to Harrison St. and turn left. Visitor Parking along 7th and 6th Rita Venable Todd Crabtree (615) 223-0279 Sept. 14 Sunday TIME PLACE LEADER September 1 9 and 20 Sept. 27 Or Oct, 4 Nov. 8 Saturday TIME PLACE CAMPBELL COUNTY GOLDENRODS Goldenrods are perhaps the most frustrating DYC genus to identify. We hope to be able to compare up to 14 species including Solidago patula, S. rugosa, S. odora, S. roanensis and S. sphaceleta. Other composites such as Common Flat- topped Goldenrod (Euthamia graminifolia) should be seen as well Moderate hike. Some uphill. Bring lunch. 10:00 AM EDT Shoney’s at 1-75 exit 134. (Caryville, Jacksboro, Lafollette) About 30 miles north of Knoxville Richard Helm (865) 426-4472 ANNUAL MEETING AT BEERSHEBA SPRINGS Todd Crabtree will take us to a bog near Altamont and other site(s) to be announced later. ROYAL BLUE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA Larry Pounds will show us some of the special plants dis- covered in his current inventories. He suggests that we bring 4-wheel drive vehicles if we have them. More details in the June newsletter. WINTER BOTANY ON THE HIWASSEE RIVER We will retrace the very successful first TNPS field trip led by Leo Collins on Sept. 9. 1978, Leo has tentatively agreed to return and be co-leader. We will stroll about four miles round trip seeing riverside and rich woods species. Some of these are Horsesugar (Symplocos tinctoria), Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) and the Federally listed Ruth’s Golden-aster (Chrysopsis ruthii). Bring lunch. Binoculars might be useful. 10:00 AM EST Old store in Reliance at Tn 30 / Tn 3 1 5 intersection LEADERS Ed Clebsch (865) 856-3350 Allen and Susan Sweetser (865) 938-7627 TENNESSEE NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY NEWSLETTER VOLUME 27, NUMBER 2 June 2003 President's Message Fve never been sure that persistence pays off. What I do know is that many people i n the organization have persisted and workedliterally for years with the goal of devel opi ng and publ i sh i n g a book of T en nessee' s wi 1 dfl o wers . So, i t greatl y pleases me to announce that in this, our twenty-fifth year, TNPS has entered into a contract with Lone Pine Publishingto publish our book. This isa long awaited and momentous event. We will updateyou on the book’ s status at our an nual meeti ng i n September. And, speakingofthe annual meetingplease read the arti cl e insi de wh i ch outl i nes the events of the weekend and return your regi stration form promptly. Personally, I am excited that we will have the opportun i ty to meet and hear two most interesting speakers, John Cristoff, Park Manager of the South Cumberland Recreation Area, and Mack Pritchard, Ten nessee State Naturalist. We have enjoyed wonderful field trips the first half of theyear, and hope thatyou will join us on those remai n i ng. Check the schedule i n th is newsletter for the remai n i ng 1 ist of trips. I look forward to seei ng you on the trai 1 ! KarlHeinzman On a late autumn field trip to Roan Mountain. TNPS members Grace Foster and Murray Evans relax and enjoy the beauty A look back - twenty-five years ago. PAUL SOMERS TENNESSEE NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY NEWSLETTER June 2003 VOLUME 27, Number2 Edgar Evins State Park- April 12, 2003 The day was perfect with coo! temperatures, sun and lots of fellow- plant enthusiasts. The trip was open to TNPS as well as the TN Trails Assoc, with advertising by the state park. Almost 50 people arrived for the two mile hillside wildflower hike Bob Brown, a member of both This Newsletter is a publication of the T ennessee Native Plant Society and is published fourtimes a year, generally in February, June, August, November. The T ennessee Native Plant Society (TNPS) was founded in 1978. Its purposes are to assist in the exchange of information and encourage fellow- ship among T ennessee's botanists, both amateur and professional; to promote public education about T ennessee flora, and wild plants in general; to provide, through publication of a newsletter or journal, a formal means of documenting information on T ennessee flora and of informing the publicabout wild plants; andtopromote the protection and enhancement of Tennessee's wild plant communities. Dues for each calendar year are: Regular: $15 Student/Senior $10 Institution: $20 Life: $150 Dues maybe sent to: Tennessee Native Plant Society PO Box 159274 Nashville, TN 3721 5 organizations, arrived to lead the hike for the park. Jane Norris and I lead the TNPS and TTA groups. We divided the groups and gave one a head start. It was a very rich hillside, and a perfect flowering time Near the top of the steep hill, early flowers were still in bloom. In addition to many kinds of ferns, we saw 5 species of Trillium (Trillium flexipes, T. sulcatum, T. recurvatum, T. lancifolium, T. stamineum). We saw both Squirrel Com (Dicentra canadensis) and Dutchman’s Britches ( Dicentra cucullaria). There was Liverwort (Hepatica acutiloba ), Yellow Mandarin ( Disporum lanugi nosum ), Sweet Cicily ( Osmorhiza claylonii), and Celandine Poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum). We even found Goldenseal ( Hydrastis canadensis). It was a long steep hill to climb back up and I felt for Bob who was to lead another hike there at one o’clock. After we had our lunch, Wayne Morrison, a park ranger, took over as leader of the trip. The plan was for all of us to board the Party Barge, and visit a distant hillside that was filled with Wild Hyacinths ( Camcissia scilloides). The crowd had dwindled some but there were about thirty of us left. Wayne put chairs on the barge and even found enough lifejackets for us. With the help of some park volunteers with motorboats to accommodate us all, we took off on the lake On the way, we passed a Heron rookery with about 8-10 large blue herons nesting. The hillside was really special after we docked and climbed through a cane break. The top was in full bloom with Dwarf Larkspur (Delphinium tricorne) and then we saw a breathtaking ! vision. The Wild Hyacinth covered the hillside all down to the water - about ! an acre of plants. There were so many that we couldn’t avoid stepping on them. Unfortunately, most were only in bud but we did find a few that had ; opened. We all wished we could return in about 10 days but it was certainly | a thrill to see such a profusion of plants. It was a rewarding day of TNPS OFFICERS j wildflowers. Karl Heinzman, President Bertha Chrietzberg Dennis Horn, Vice-President Bart Jones - Corresponding Secretary Kay Jones, Treasurer DIRECTORS Bertha Chrietzburg - Middle T ennesse T odd Crabtree - Middle T ennessee Mary Priestley- EastTennessee Al Good - East T ennesse Susan Sweetser -EastTennessee Bart Jones - WestTennessee Photo by Bart Jones Susan Stahl, Edit or 1763 Needmore Rd. Old Hickory TN 371 38 Susanstahl@juno.com 615/758-9111 Wild Hyacinth - Edgar Evins State Bloodroot Studied for Commercial Potential Athens Georgia, May 20, 2003 (ENS) - Scientists believe the antimicrobial properties ot bloodroot make it worthwhile to research how to propagate the native Eastern wildflower as a commercial crop. Researchers at the University of Georgia say the commercial opportunities for bloodroot are growing, with some European companies already using it in animal feed to improve appetite and digestion. “Bloodroot is not terribly hard to grow, but it has not been produced on a commercial scale,” said Jim Affolter, a horticulturist, who is leading studies in the University of Georgia College (UGA) of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “It is not rare, but it is not common, either,” he said. “Natural populations could easily be decimated if industry production sent people out to scorn the forests the way the ginseng market has done.” The plant is rich in alkaloids that have antibiotic properties, Affolter explained, in particular sanguinarine. Some European companies have used sanguinarme as a feed additive for livestock; in the same way antibiotic have been used as growth promoters for US livestock. As more and more companies look for alternatives to antibiotics, Affolter sees the potential for “an enormous market.” To grow bloodroot for its sanguinarine, UGA researchers are focusing on three unknowns. They are searching for where and when during the plant’s cycle, sanguinarine concentrations are highest. Second, the researchers want to know how bloodroot, which flowers in woodland areas in early spring, responds to differing light cycles. Third, says UGA horticulture researcher, Selima Campbell, the researchers need to figure out how to grow the plant for commercial cultivation. “Right now, bloodroot is wild-gathered, “Campbell said. “It is a slow growing plant; so gathering it by the ton would definitely stress natural populations. It is crucial to develop a way to propagate the plants.” Jonathan P. Evans 3-Tennessee Native Plant Society /June 2003 Trip Report - March 1, 2003 Chuck Wilson, Allen and Susan Sweetser met at Shinnies in Johnson City anxiously awaiting our intrepid leader, Ed Schell. Alas, Ed was unable to come and the valiant threesome went out on their own to hunt the noxious smelling plant - Skunk Cabbage. With the great directional skills and memory of Susan, the group was able to find the plant site. Many plants were in full bloom and thriving amongst the cow droppings. The group went to look for additional plants at a site nearby. Nothing new was found there. The group found a great lunch spot in Mountain City and decided to go back after lunch for better lighting for pictures. After many photos, the group went into Shady Valley to visit the new Nature Conservancy site and another site for the native cranberries. On the road out of Shady Valley, Chuck had a fit and had to stop. He had spotted the Appalachian Trail and was insistent that we stop and hike. This is apparently an addiction for him to stop and hike a little of the trail whenever he sees it. We didn' t have the heart to tell him that he would probably never get to Maine this way! ! . We had a great day but still missed our mentor, Ed Schell. Plant list: Skunk Cabbage ( Symplocarpus foetidus ) . There was nothing else blooming at this time of year. Susan Sweetser Price’s Wood Sorrel The 25th Anniversary Annual Meeting The TNPS Annual Meeting will be held September 19-21 at the Beersheba Springs Methodist Assembly in Grundy County approximately 25 miles south of McMinnville. This site has a history of settlement since the 1830’s, had a resort hotel which opened in 1857, and has been owned and operated as a retreat center by the Tennessee Methodist Conference since 1941. A handsome, modern lodge was opened last December and we have been fortunate to reserve one side of it for our group. Our portion of the lodge has 12 rooms on 3 levels with varying sleeping accomodations, a private bath for each room, central heat and air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, and a large common room for meetings. All meals are available in the dining hall by reservation whether or not you stay in the lodge. Beersheba Springs is located near the Great Stone Door and the Savage Gulf State Natural Area, a part of the South Cumberland State Recreation Area. There is beautiful mountain scenery surrounding the Collins River Valley and nearby cliffs offer some of the best scenic overlooks in the state. Saturday walks, planned by the Field Trip Committee, are being designed to take advantage of the area and the season. We plan to start our gathering with dinner in the dining hall at 6:00 on Friday the 19th. This will be followed by a program in the lodge meeting room by John Christof, Park Manager of the South Cumberland State Recreation Area. Breakfast will be at 7:30 on Saturday followed by walks. We will have available prepared sack lunches to take with us. After dinner at 6:00, we will have a program by Mack Pritchard, State Naturalist, and our Annual Meeting. Members are encouraged to brings slides of their “finds” to share each evening after the programs. Breakfast at 7:30 on Sunday will be followed by a board meeting which is open to any interested member. Others may wish to continue to explore the area on their own. We can start now accepting reservations for rooms and meals in the dining hail. Members can bring food and prepare it in the lodge kitchen. Meals can also be reserved by those who are not staying in the lodge. While we will try to honor reservations in the order in which they are received, due to limited space and our financial commitment to the Assembly, we may need to give preference to those who will have 2 or more sharing a room. All rooms have 2 beds and will accomodate 2 adults or a couple with a child. Reservations are for 2 nights. Please do not plan to bring pets, firearms, or alcoholic beverages. To register, please complete the form and send It to: Jean Heinzman PO Box 1282 Norris, Tn 37828 If there are questions, contact Jean at hemzman@bellsouth.net or (865) 494-8100. Please do not despair if I am not available or do not return your call immediately. I am occasionally out of town and will contact you as soon as possible. All reservations for rooms and/or meals can be made through TNPS only and should be accompanied by a check payable to TNPS. Your check will be held and deposited no earlier than August 15. We can continue to take reservations for meals through September 12. The form might seem detailed, but they need counts for each meal. Registrants will receive confirmation with a map and other relevant details. If your room request is received after all have been booked, your check will be returned immediately with a list of other accomodations in the area and you will be notified if there are cancellations. 2003 Field Trips June 14 Saturday TTMF. PLACE LEADERS June 2 1 Saturday TIME PLACE LEADER BIG SWAN CREEK / SUMMERTOWN Big Swan Creek is lined with a great diversity of plants includ- ing the state threatened Broadleaf Barbara’s Buttons (Marshatlia tnnervia) Also, w'e should see Michigan 1 ,ily ! login- ning to flower and other early summer species. Moderate hike with creek crossings requiring shallow wading. Bring lunch 10:00 AM CDT THE FARM Welcome Center From US 43 midway between Columbia and Lawrenceburg turn v/est on TN 20 through Summertown 3 to 4 miles, turn right on Drake Lane about 1 mile, turn right on Walker Lane 'A mile to Welcome center. Cynthia Rohrbach (93 1) 964-2571 Bart Jones (901) 726-689 1 OBED WILD AND SCENIC RIVER The died River has many plants that are rare in Tennessee We will ms it the cobble bars at Lilly and Nemo bridges. Expect to see Appalachian Barbara’s Buttons (Marshallia grandiflora), Fetterbush (Leucothoe racemosa), Cumberland Rosemary (Conradina veiticillata). Southern Jointweed (Polygonella americana), American Barberry (Berberis canadensis), Shortleaf Sneezeweed (Helenium brevifolium), Roundleaf Fameflower (Talinum teretifolium), Lea therleaf Meadowrue (lhalictrum coriaceum), Tennessee Potidweed (Ptomogeton tennesseensis) and Virginia Spirea (Spirea virginiana). Walking easy. Wading optional. Bring lunch to eat at the picnic area. 10:00 AM EDT Obed River Visitor Center. (Signs on US 27 North of Wartburg) David Lincicome (615) 532-0439 Photos by Bart Jones June 28 & 29 Saturday Sunday TIME PLACE LODGING LEADERS August 16 Saturday TIME PLACE WEEKEND IN UPPER EAST TENNESSEE After our successful weekend in North Carolina last year, Ed Schell has agreed to show us rare and interesting plants on our side of the state line. We will explore Johnson Co. areas. Doe River Gorge, and Roan Mountain. Expect to see rare Bedstraws (Galium sp.). Sandworts (Arenaria sp.). Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) and a host of others. We will see many' fern species including the rare Crested Wood-fem (Dryopteris cristata). Mix of driving and hiking. Bring lunch. 9:00 AM EDT (both mornings) Shoney’s Restaurant, I- 1 8 1 Roan St exit Johnson City (both mornings) Many accomodations in the Johnson City area Ed Schell Allen and Susan Sweetser (865) 938-7627 PICKETT STATE PARK and COLDITZ COVE NATURAL AREA Escape the summer heat at the waterfall and rockhouses. Rare or uncommon plants that we should see are Lucy Braun’s White Snakeroot (Ageratina luciae-brauniae). Mountain Sand- wort (Arenaria cumberlandensis). Rough Hawkweed (Hieracium scabrum). Southern Heartleaf (Hexastylis contracta), Roundleaf Catchfly (Silene rotundifolia). Mountain Meadowrue (Thalictrum clavatum) and various grasses and sedges. David will try to find the rare Filmy Fern (Hymenophyllum tayloriae) recently dis- covered at Colditz Cove. Easy to moderate walking Bring lunch 9:00 AM CDT Pickett State Park Visitor Center Take TN 154 NF, from Jamestown LEADER David Lincicome (6 1 5) 532-0439 New species of Gratiola - Giles County August 23 Saturday TIME PLACE LEADERS Sept. 14 Sunday TTMF. PLACE LEADER Septemlier 19 and 20 Sepl. 27 Or Oct. 4 Nov. 8 Saturday TIME PLACE LEADERS BUTTERFLIES AND BOTANY AT SHELBY BOTTOMS Shelby Bottoms is 810 acres of bottomland forest and fields adjacent to the Cumberland River Rita Venable, editor of "Butterfly Gardener” will teach us about the relation- ship between butterflies and plants. We hope to be able to see many of the 53 species that frequent this park and identify their host or nectar plant. After lunch at the Parmer’s Market we will tour the native plantings at the Bicentennial Mall which includes Alabama Snow W'reath (Neviusa alabamensis). Easy7 walking. Bring binoculars. 10:00 AM CDT Bicentennial Mall. (Beneath the railroad trestle at the gift shop) 1-65 / 265 exit 85 (S* Are /Capitol /Bicentennial Mall) Go South on 8th Ave (US 41 A) to Elarrison St. and turn left Visitor Parking along 7th and 6th Rita Venable Todd Crabtree (615) 223-0279 CAMPBELL COUNTY GOLDENRODS Goidenrods are perhaps the most frustrating DYC genus to identify We hope to be able to compare up to 14 species including Solidago patula, S. rugosa, S odora, S roanensis and S. sphaceleta. Other composites such as Common Flat- topped Goldenrod (Euthamia graminifolia) should be seen as well. Moderate hike. Some uphill. Bring lunch. 10:00 AM EDT Shoney’s at 1-75 exit 134. (Caryville, Jacksboro, Lafollette) About 30 miles north of Knoxville Richard Helm (865) 426-4472 ANNUAL MEETING AT BEERSHEBA SPRINGS Todd Crabtree will take us to a bog near Altamont and other site(s) to be announced later ROYAL BLUE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA Larry Pounds will show us some of the special plants dis- covered in his current inventories. He suggests that we bring 4-w4ieel drive vehicles if we hare them. More details in the September newsletter. Rattlesnake Falls WINTER BOTANY ON THE H1WASSEE RIVER Photographs by Bar t Jones We will retrace the very' successful first TNPS field trip led by Leo Collins on Sept. 9. 1978, Leo has tentatively agreed to return and be co-leader. We wall stroll about four miles round trip seeing riverside and rich rvoods species. Some of these are Horsesugar (Symplocos tinctoria), Winterberry (Hex verticillata) and the Federally listed Ruth’s Golden-aster (Chrysopsis ruthii) Bring lunch Binoculars might he useful. 10:00 AM EST Old store in Reliance at in 30 / in 3 1 5 intersection Ed Clebseh (865) 856-3350 Allen and Susan Sweetser (865) 938-7627 7-Tennessee Native Plant Society /June 2003 The T ennessee Native Plant Society: Guardians of the state’s native flora The Tennessee Native Plant Society (TNPS) is a statewide organization founded in 1978. From its beginnings, TNPS has included persons with diverse backgrounds -botany professors, natural history buffs, gardeners, students, and anyone else interested in native plants The basic goals are fourfold to serve as a medium of information exchange and fellowship among persons curious about Tennessee llora; to educate the public about wild plants; to provide, through publication, a formal means of documenting information on Tennessee’s plants; and to promote the protection and enhancement of Tennessee’s wild plant communities Thomas Patrick, a founding member of TNPS, wrote this twenty-five years ago and published in the Tennessee Conservationist magazine It could have been written today as the society celebrates the anniversary of its founding 25 years ago. The book project is finally on its way to publication, field trips continue through the spring, summer and fall; and members are still the best resource for locating Tennessee’s wild plant communities throughout the state Twenty-five years ago, a group of people were concerned and interested enough in native plants to form a society for education and protection. We thank them as we continue to carry out the founding goals of the society. VERNON BATES PO Box 159274 Nashville, TN 37215 ‘ ALWAYS - . USE OE TENNESSEE NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY NEW5LETTER VOLUME 27, NUMBER 3 August 2003 President's Message It pleases me to let you know that to date this year’s field trips have been well attended. Of course, much of the success can be attributed to the field trip committee. Chairman, A1 Good, Bertha Chrietzberg, Todd Crabtree, Bart Jones, Jane Norris, Mary Priestley, Allen Sweetser and Susan Sweetser for arranging such interesting and diverse walks. When you see them on the trail, let them know that you appreciate their effort. Speaking of good work, the book committee is very busy as our book comes closer to publication. We have found it very easy to work with our partners at Lone Pine Press. We will hear more at the annual meeting about what it will cover and when we might see the finished product. Thanks so much for the positive response to the annual meeting at Beersheba Springs on September 1 9 and 20. We have three walks planned for Saturday. There will be a morning walk and a selection from two walks in the afternoon. We are fortunate to be meeting in that area of the state this year. In addition to this being the 25th anniversary of TNPS, this is the 30th anniversary of the designation of Savage Gulf as a State Natural Area. Mack Pritchard, the speaker for the Saturday evening program wi 11 discuss the history of this acquisition. Thanks to each of you for supporting TNPS! See you on the trail. There are 4 more field trips in 2003! Sunday, Sept. 14 - Campbell County Goldenrods Meet at 10:00 a m. eastern time at the Shoney's off I- 75, exit 134 about 30 miles north of Knoxville. Call Richard Helms at (865)426-4472 for more informa- tion. Sept. 1 9, 20 - Annual meeting in Beersheba Springs Royal Blue Wildlife Management Area field trip. The trip is scheduled for Saturday, September 27 at 10:00 EDT. We will meet at Shoney’s on I- 75, Exit#134 (Caryville/Lafollette exit). This exit is north of Knoxville on 1-75 about 30 miles. The leaders will be Larry Pounds and Allen and Susan Sweetser. Call them at 865-938-7627 for more information or to let them know you are coming. Larry’s inventories have revealed exciting plants and habitats. We will visit high elevation sites, wedand sites (wet feet), and mid-elevation flat areas. We will walk a short portion of the new Cumberland Trail. Bring lunch, water and bug spray. Saturday, Nov. 8 - Winter Botany on the Hiwassee River. Meet at 10:00 a.m. eastern time at the Old store in Reliance at TN 30/TN 3 1 5 intersection. Call Ed Clebsch (865)865- 3350 or Allen Sweetser (865) 938-7627 for more information. TENNESSEE NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY NEWSLETTER August 2003 VOLUME 27, Number3 Big Swan Creek/ Summertown This Newsletter is a publication of the Tennessee Native Plant Society and is published fourtimes a year, generally in February, June, August, November. The T ennessee Native Plant Society (TNPS) was founded in 1 978. Its purposes are to assist in the exchange of information and encourage fellow- ship among T ennessee's botanists, both amateurand professional; to promote public education about Tennessee flora, and wild plants in general; to provide, through publication of a newsletter or journal, a formal means of documenting information on Tennessee flora and of informing the public about wild plants; andto promote the protection and enhancement of Tennessee'swild plant communities. Threatening skies didn’t put a damper on a good number of people that met at the Farm in Summertown for a hike co- hosted by the Swan Conservation Trust. After a brief introduction by Cynthia Rohrbach from the Swan Trust, we headed down the trail to Cox Branch, a tributary of Big Swan Creek. On our trek down to the creek, we encountered several interesting plants including Spotted Wintergreen ( Chimaphilamaculata ), Rattlesnake Plantain ( Goodyera pubescens), and Hairy Skullcap {Scutellaria elliptica). Along the stream banks were small patches of our highlighted species Three-nerved Barbara’ s Buttons ( Marshallia trinervia). This state listed composite sports and inflorescence of only disk flowersof the lightest lavender- pink. Other species seen in flower along the creek were Wood Mint {Blephil ia ciliata), Honewort {Cryptotaenia Canadensis ), and two species of Loosestrife {Lysimachia lanceolata and I. tonsa ). After lunch, we visited a prairie barren just beginning its summer burst ofbloom. Of course there were lots of Black-eyed Susans {Rudbeckia hirta ), but what seemed to be grabbing the limelight were the Sundrops {Oenothera fruticosa). The bright yellow 4 petaled flowers beamed through the grasses. Several surprises were also hidden there for our discovery. Ragged Fringed Orchis {Platanthera lacera ), Indian Physic {Porteranthus stipulatus), Whorled Coreopsis {coreopsis major), and Rose Pink {Sabatia angular is). We were also surprised at the number of Ashy Sunflower {Helianthus mollis) in bud. If only we could come back in a month, it would surely be a spectacular sight. Bart Jones DIRECTORS Bertha Chnetzburg - Middle T ennesse T odd Cra btree - Middle T ennessee Mary Priestley- East Tennessee AIGood -EastTennesse Susan Sweetser-East Tennessee Bart Jones - West T ennessee Susan Stahl, Editor 1763 Needmore Rd. Old Hickory TN 371 38 Susanstahl@juno.com 615/758-9111 I’l.ilanlhora 1:" Dues for each calendaryear are: Regular: $15 Student/Senior $10 lnstitution:$20 Life: $150 Dues may be sent to: Tennessee Native Plant Society PO Box 159274 Nashville, TN 3721 5 TNPS OFFICERS Karl Heinzman, President Dennis Horn, Vice-President Bart Jones - Corresponding Secretary Kay Jones, Treasurer Shelby Bottoms Greenway and Bicentennial Mall -August 16, 2003 3-Tennessee Native Plant Society /August 2003 I would like to firstthankall field trip participants for braving the temperatures and humidity! Fortunately, everything was a bit cooler after storms the previous night in Middle Tennessee. A. FewButterfly/Plantdefinitions: Host Plants- Where the female butterflies lay theireggs. The females may look for a certain species such as the Zebra Swallowtail in our area searches for pawpaw ( Asimina triloba ). Otherbutterflies such as the Monarch, search for a particular genus, like Milkweeds ( Asclepias sp. ). Some butterflies, such as the Gray Hairstreak have a huge variety of plants they will use, and as such, are considered generalists. NectaringPlants-Plants that butterflies are attracted to for feeding. Most butterflies are not that particular about which plant species they use for nectaring. The flowers they choose may depend on availability of other species, time of day and whether or not it is near their preferred host plants. At Shelby Bottoms along the Green way , we saw 1 8 species ofbutterflies, which is good for a couple ofhours. There were several highlights along the way both botanically and lepidoptera-wise. Ticktrefoil ( Desmodium sp. ) was blooming, which is the host plant for the Hoary Edge Ski pper (an uncommon, but not rare sighting); beautiful pink swamp milkweed ( Asclepias incamata) was also in bloom and is one of the host plants for the Monarch. It’s also a good nectaring plant for other species. There was willow(Sa//xsp.) alongthe pond which attracts the Viceroy; various clovers ( Trifol ium sp. ) for the Eastern Tailed-Blue and various grasses for the Sachem Skipper. Of particular interest was the woolly pipevine (Aristolochia tomentosa) in fruit. Pipevine is the host plant for the Pipevine Swallowtail, which isdistasteful and poisonous to predators, usually birds, and mimicked by five other species ofbutterflies inthe Middle Tennessee area. We also found pawpaw ( Asimina triloba) in fruit at the Bicentennial Mall and tasted it. (It tasted sweet and buttery to me.) I think the group’ s favorite species was Lunchus attheMallus. Butterflies we saw: 1 . Monarch 2. Viceroy 3. Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (yellow and black forms) 4 . Pipevine Swallowtail 5. Black Swallowtail 6. Spicebush Swallowtail 7. Cabbage White 8. Orange Sulphur 9. EastemTailed-Blue 10. Pearl Crescent 1 1 . Common Buckeye 12. Hackberry Emperor 13. Tawny Emperor 14. Red-spotted Purple 15. American Snout 16. Silver-spotted Skipper 17. Hoary Edge Skipper 18. Little Glassywing(Bicentennial Mall) 19. Sachem Skipper I learned useful facts as always. I had not made the Desmodium - Hoary Edge Skipper connection before and was glad to see what the plant looked like. I had seen the pipevine in flower, but not in fruit, so that was interesting too. If you are interested in learning more about butterflies or joining the North American Butterfly Association, contact us at N ABA, 4 Delaware Road. Morristown, NJ 07960; (973)285-0936; www.naba.org. Rita Venable (continued on page 4) 4-Tennessee Native Plant Society/August 2003 A note from Todd Crabtree: The Shelby Bottoms greenway is a haven for plants and animals in the middle of T ennessee ’ s second most populous city. It has a mixture ofhabitats. Bottomland hardwood forest and old fields are the dominant types. A few small ponds and other wetlands are scattered within the park. I even found a limestone bedded stream that was running clear and cold in the middle of August. Many native plants are thriving in the park. The luxuriant growth and pendulous fruitof the woolly pipevine seem more appropriate to a tropical rain forest. There are some areas of the park where its growth is so robust it makes our middle T ennessee forest look like ajungle. A couple of plants we saw have unfortunate common names for such attractive plants. Ditch stonecrop ( Penthorum sedoides ) and swamp milkweed are both wetland plants that are more pleasant look atthan their names would suggest. The milkweed was particularly sinking. Many bumblebees, honeybees, and butterflies were also enamored ofthe milkweed. The Bicentennial Mall is an excellent place to see mature native plants in a landscaped setting. The plantings incl ude a succession of plants from west Tennessee to the mountain plants of the eastern part of th state. It shows every visitor the wide variety of native plants that are easy to care for and attractive. The most floriferous plant during our vi sit was the obedient plant ( Physostegia virginiana ). We all learned the correct way to make the plant obedient by arranging its flowers. Someone thought so much of the mall that they chose to have their wedding there . . . in August . . . fully clothed in the usual wedding regalia. We were impromptu guests. That was a little odd. Another odd occurrence was the swift disappearance of a large slab of chocolate cheesecake during lunch. My barbecue sandwich met a similar fate. Alice Jensen invites us all: The north Alabama wildflower society out ofHuntsville is scheduled to come to my place for a fall wildflower tour on October 1 1 , 2003. 1 will conduct the tour similar to the one on May 1 7 and would like to invite TNPS members to join in. We shall meet at 10:00 am. Please email if you are interested in mere information at aliceien@bellsouth.net. The GeorgiaNative Plant Society is hosting two native plant events. Tuesday, September 9, 2003 at 7:3 pm, Charles Seabrook, nature columnist at th q Atlanta Journal Constitution is speaking at the Atlanta Botanical Gardenon“Wild Georgia”. On Saturday, October 1 1 , the 9th annual native plant symposium is taking place at Gwinnett Justice and Admi nistration Center in Lawrenceville, G A. For registration information, call 770- 343-6000 or check at their website www.gnps.org. 5-Tennessee Native Plant Society /August 2003 Annual Meeting Update There has been excellent response for reservations to our meeting at the Beersheba Springs Methodist Assembly on Sept. 1 9-2 1 . We have sold out in the lodge and have overflowed into the old hotel building. If you haven’t made your reservations yet but still want to attend, there isaB&B adjacent to the Assembly where rooms maybe available. Contact LeTease’ King at (93 1 )692-3006 for availability and reservations. We wi 11 start with dinner in the Dining Hall at 6pm on Friday the 19th, followed at 7:30 with a program by John Christof, Park Manager of the South Cumberland State Recreational Area, in the East Lodge meetmgroom. John will discuss “Challenges and Opportunities at South Cumberland State Parks” and show si ides. The Annual Meeting wi 1 1 be after dinner on Saturday the 20th at 7 : 3 0 in the East Lodge meeting room . There wi 11 be a business meeting and a program by Mack Pritchard, State Naturalist, who plans to talk about “The History of the Protection of Savage Gulf.” Mack’ s talk will be illustrated with beautiful slides of the area. If you are attending the walks or meetings and want to have any meals with us, please return the following form with a check by Wednesday, September 10. They need an exact count in advance for each meal . Reports on the food are positive -meals are served in the dining hal 1 from a cafeteria 1 ine and the variety, quantity, and value seem good. Remember that you can use the kitchen in the lodge if you wish to bring some of your own food. Meals: Fridaydinner x 6.00 = Saturday breakfast x 5.50 = Saturday sack lunch x 5.50 = Saturday dinner x 5.50 = Sunday breakfast x 5.50 = T otal (check enclosed for) $ Name: Address: Tel. No. e-mail Return this information by Wednesday, September 1 0 to: JeanHeinzman PO Box 1282 Norris, TN 37828 Questions? Contact J ean at ( 865 )494-8 1 00 or hei nzman@be 1 lsouth. net 6-Tennessee Native Plant Society/August 2003 Horse Mountain near Shelbyville, TN May 17, 2003 At 10 a. m. at least 27 persons gathered at the property of Alice Jensen (the top ofHorse Mountain at 1,197 ft. isthe highest point in Bedford County). The goal is to preserve and enrich the Tennessee vegetative growth on this 70-acre part ofHorse Mountain, includingthetip, with some primeval forest. Parts of the land had been formed between approximately 1813 and 50 years ago and nearly all of it is forest now. Geographically it is in the central basin with limestone rock and many fossils. The diversity of trees is astounding. The abundance of Eastern Red cedar ( Juniperus virginiana ) led to its use as wood for pencils, establishing the bulk of the pencil industry in and around Shelbyville, TN. Several species of Quercus, Carya ovata and many other trees are dominant toward the top the Horse Mountain. Alice Jensen guided the groupon tractor width trails through some woods to the TVA power line row. This is 100 ft. wide meadow with naturally occurring, sun-loving plants such asSpigelia marilandica, Ruellia caroliniensis, Tragopogon pratensis, Dianthus armeria, Matelea carolinensis (its clusters ofbrownish-red blossoms sparkling in the axles of a pair ofheart-shaped leaves). Some sections of the TV A row have been seeded with wildflowers and grasses, mostly fall bloomers. At the present time, Penstemon digital is stands tall and “glowing” white vihWeSedumpulchellum is “starring” pink on flat limestone. A tree of interest is the Kentucky Coffee Tree ( Gymnocladus dioicus). On into the woods are a Cedar Glade and Sassafras albidum woods with strong Cornus florida trees. Resurrection fem {Polypodium vulgar e) is cl imbing up on the cedar trees. Numerous stately Quercus shumarddii demand their space. On the way to something special, wes eeEuonymus americanus in bloom, Desmodium rotundifolium with reddish fol iage, Botrychium virgimanum standing proudly erect, and Chimaphila maculata lookingsinister growing on the limestone. Opuntia humifusa has too li mited sunshine to bl oom at this location. Animals have disturbed some ofthe gray Reindeer moss and other green mosses. We are almost there ! Everyone please look at the wild goose egg. T wayb 1 ade Ore hi d (L iparis 1 1 1 fol ia ) shows 14 blooms on one stalk. Easiest found by the foliage, the largest part of this Orchid bloom is the pinkish translucent lip, about the size of the nail ofyour little finger. The threadlike sepals and petals ofthe bloom need close observation. Continuing on the trail near the hug q Acer saccharum is Solomon Seal (Polygonatum biflorum). A few steps from there are excellent specimens of Adders T ongue {Ophioglossum vulgatum L. ). This fem is so primitive that it is the first plant listed in the Britton & Brown book. Walkingback into the rowmeadow, distant thunder and a few raindrops are followed by a deluge. After huddling under trees (only half of the people had raingear) and next to Viburnum rufidulum , the shortest way to a roof had to be taken. We scampered through a small but dense thicket into the field of mature Liriodendron tulipifera. We continued to solid housing for towel drying and lunch on the front porch of the renovated 1 820 log house. The old homestead was also being viewed. After lunch, we viewed the greenhouses full of Orchids as hybrids, but mostly species of Orchids that would be native to other climates . A number of them having their blooming season on May 1 7th show the diversity of the Orchidaceae as the largest family in the pi ant system. Many more plants can be seen on Horse Mountain at this and other seasons. There is a wealth of over 40 tree species. We had started the viewing with the 6 to 8 cm high Sagina decumbens caryophyllaceae. It is an annual growing at the edge of the parking place. A few copies of a detailed plant list for May 1 7, 2003 will be available at the annual TNPS meet i ng. I bel ie ve a good time was had by al 1 . Alice Jensen 7-Tennessee Native Plant Society /August 2003 The Georgia Native Plant Society has picked its 2003 plant of the year. It is Tiarella cordifolia or foainflower. This perennial wildflower is found in rich woodlands throughout the Eastern United States. Foamflower grows in neat, rounded clumps, 6 to 8 inches tall. Its maple shaped leaves are covered with soft hairs, and are 2 to 3 inches wide and 3 to 4 inches long. The leaves are semi -evergreen and often take on a pleasing bronze cast in winter. Indicative of its name, foamflower bears delicate, airy, white to pinkish flower spikes in spring, which are composed of tiny, star-shaped blossoms. These racemes ascend 8 to 12 inches above the foliage, creating a soft, mist-like effect. The blooms are surprisingly long-lasting, often persisting for well over a month. Taxonomists have divided the species into two varieties: Tiarella cordifolia var. cordifolia and Tiarella cordifolia var. collina (formerly Tiarella wherry i). The variety cordifolia is stoloniferous and spreads fairly quickly to form a ground cover. In contrast, var. collina grows in clumps. Otherwise, the two are similar in appearance, and both make worthy garden plants; however, var. collina is more southerly in its distribution, and is therefore more tolerant of heat and humidity. Foamflower prefers a soil rich in organic matter that is evenly moist, yet well drained. Native to woodland habitats, this plant prefers shade or dappled sunlight, though it will tolerate more sun in cooler climates. The white blooms will brighten dark, shady areas in the spring garden, and the attractive foliage will add year-round interest. In the woodland garden, foamflower is a fitting companion to other native plants, such as green and gold, dwarf crested iris, hepatica, and ferns, and it makes an impressive display either en masse or as a specimen plant. Foamflower easily adapts to the cultivated garden bed, and even to containers, provided ample moisture is available during the growing season. Foamflower is easily propagated from seed or from division of mature clumps. Foamflower Tiarella cordifolia TENNESSEE NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY PO Box 159274 Nashville, TN 37215 TENNESSEE NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY NEWSLETTER VOLUME 27, NUMBER 4 November 2003 President's Message On November 8, we retraced the first walk of TNPS, which had occurred 25 years ago in September 1978. It was a marvelous day following a trail (most of the time) beside the Hiwassee River. There were 22 two-footed participants and 1 four- footed. Ed Clebsch led this walk assisted by his wife and partner, Meredith and their dog, Nanner Puddin. Leo Collins who was unable to attend this year had led the original walk. The goal of this trip was to see Ruth’s Golden Aster and we were successful. Even though it just past blooming, it was a real treat to find it. Our annual meeting at Beersheba Springs in September was enjoyable and successful. There were very good programs by John Christof and Mack Pritchard. We were blessed with beautiful weather for the walks. We were especially pleased to announce the scheduled publication of our wildflower book by Lone Pine Publishing in the spring of 2005. The Board decided to present an Honorary Life Membership to Mack Pritchard in recognition of his long and continuing work as a spokesman for the preservation of Tennessee’s natural areas. As this year ends, so do the volunteer services of our newsletter editor, Susan Stahl. She has done an excellent job in putting our writings and ramblings into a coherent publication. This has been a difficult and often thankless job, and we greatly appreciate all the time and effort that she has contributed. Thank you, Susan. Also thanks to you for your support of TNPS. Please check your mailing label to see if your dues are current. Enjoy the holidays! TNPS Decals: We have some of our new 25th Anniversary decals remaining from the annual meeting. They are green on cream, 3 ’ diameter and look great on the back window of any car. To get yours, send $2 to Jean Heinzman, PO Box 1282, Norris, TN 37828. Buy now before the anniversary is over! Congratulations to Kim Wisdom who won a free year membership in TNPS when she attended a native plant conference at Warner Parks in Nashville. Welcome to you and our other new members. TENNESSEE NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY NEWSLETTER November 2003 VOLUME 27, Number4 This Newsletter is a publication of the Tennessee Native Plant Society and is published fourtimes a year, generally in February, June, August, November. The Tennessee Native Plant Society (TNPS) was founded in 1 978. Its purposes are to assist in the exchange of information and encourage fellow- ship among T ennessee's botanists, both amateurand professional; to promote public education about Tennessee flora, and wild plants in general; to provide, through publication of a newsletteror journal, a formal means of documenting information on T ennessee flora and of informing the public about wild plants; and to promote the protection and enhancement of Tennessee's wild plant communities. Dues for each calendaryear are; Regular: $15 Student/Senior $10 Institution: $20 Life: $150 Dues may be sent to: Tennessee Native Plant Society PO Box 159274 Nashville, TN 37215 TNPS OFFICERS Karl Heinzman, President Dennis Horn, Vice-President Bart Jones - Corresponding Secretary Kay Jones, T reasurer DIRECTORS Bertha Chrietzburg - Middle Tennesse Todd Crabtree - Middle T ennessee Mary Priestley - East Tennessee AIGood -EastTennesse Susan Sweetser-EastTennessee Bart Jones- West Tennessee TNPS Announces 2004 Officer and Director Nominations Nominations for officers and directors for 2004 are as follows: President Karl Heinzman Vice-President Dennis Horn Treasurer Kay Jones Recording Secretary Bart Jones Directors: term ending 2004: A1 Good, Susan Sweetser, Bertha Chrietzberg Directors: term ending 2005 : Mary Priestley, Todd Crabtree, Nita Heilman Ifthere are any objections or additional nominations, please forward them to Bart Jones at biones7777@hotmail.com before January 15,2004. 2 florets floret glume sterile lemma lower glume (sheath closed) spikelet Editor's note: The best part of putting together this newsletter is the opportunity to get to know our large membership. We have close to 200 members who live in all parts of the state and northern Georgia and Alabama You are the strength of the oganization and the tie that holds our purpose together. Thanks. y 3-Tennessee Native Plant Society/November 2003 Annie Laurie Harris Heilman-1923-2003 "May you live all the days of your life.” - Jonathan Swift The Tennessee Native Plant Society mourns the passing in September of a delightful and gentle lady. With a big smile on her face and a pair of binoculars around her neck, Annie Heilman was always a welcome presence on the hiking trail. Both Annie and her daughter, Nita, joined TNPS in 1978, the first year of this organization’s existence. “That was back when the dues were one dollar!” recounts Nita, herself a long time board member and regular on TNPS outings. Nita remembers a particularly exciting foray to the Walls of Jericho, just south of Winchester, in the early days of TNPS The hike started in Tennessee, and then followed Turkey Creek into Alabama. At one point, the group had to rappel down a rock face. Annie, in her early sixties, was undaunted. She hopped on the rope and went bouncing down the side of the cliff. “She could - and did - run circles around lots of folks younger than she was,” chuckles Nita. Then there was the trip to Roan Mountain with Ed Schell, a contemporary of hers who still leads TNPS outings. Annie was among those who made the decision to go over the side of the mountain in search of monkshood, resulting in an unscheduled bushwhack down the mountainside. When they finally reached the road, the adventurers were a couple of miles below the parking lot. They hailed a passing pick-up and hitched a ride back to their cars. Annie was an enthusiastic birder. She was a member of the Tennessee Ornithological Society from the time of her retirement from the civil service in 1974. She had a lifetime bird list of 745 out of a possible 850 or so North American species. Annie and Nita are both listed ct 1 1CP place in the country on the American Birding Association’s list of total numbers of bird encountered. A meticulous record keeper, she kept lists of the birds that she saw every day for 30 years. Her last entry is dated August 19, 2003. Known for her knowledgeable and accurate identifications, she did a good deal of fieldwork in the Clarksville area for the Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Tennessee , which was edited by a TNPS member, Chuck Nicholson. Birding took the Heilmans on exciting and interesting trips. On an Alaskan expedition with Dan Canterbury, Nita remembers birding on the shores of a frozen lake. Someone^redgtthey spotted a rare bird across the lake, a two to three mile hike back around. Annie tossed a rock out to check its strength. Her less daring (and weightier) companions were able to convince her not to try such a trek. Fortuitously, some Eskimos appeared in the pick-up. The birders got a ride around the lake, where they did find the sought after Mongolian plover. A rough boat trip off Cape Hatteras earned for Annie the title “No Fear Birder”. In choppy waters, with half the passengers hanging off the back the boat sick, Annie was happily immersed in her beloved hobby. Oblivious to her own tendency toward sea sickness and lack of ability to swim, she stood all day with one hand on her binoculars and the other one flung around a post to keep her balance on the slippery, heaving deck. Dan Canterbury commented, “Nita, I’ve been with you all enough times to know if there’s anyone in the world who deserves the title “No Fear Birder” your mother qualifies. When it comes to chasing a good bird, she is without fear!” To commemorate her title, Nita gave her mom a “No Fear” cap. She had embroidered a pair of binoculars on one side, and Bobby the blue- footed booby (the object of another foray) on the other. Born in Clarksville, Tennessee, on Groundhog Day, Annie jumped into everything she did with full enthusiasm. She was devoted to her family and helped put her sister, husband and daughter through college. Annie and Harley Heilman were married for nearly 57 years. Although not a birder himself, he took he^^ everywhere she wanted to go. When Nita shared her decision to major in field botany, Annie was thrilled. She called an old friend, and the three women took off for McAdoo Creek, the site of wonderful wildflowers, in search of a particular flower that Annie remembered from her childhood. “I’ll know it when I see it!” she promised. And she did. It was an early spring saxifrage, growing right where she and her friends had played. It was always a treat to be with Annie Heilman. We were lucky to have this cheerful and plucky lady amoftg us. We miss her, and our thoughts are with her daughter and husband, Nita and Harley. Memorial gifts may be sent to her church, where after 66 years, Annie was the longest continuous member: St. Bethlehem United Methodist Church, 2201 Russellville Pike, Clarksville, TN 37040. Mary Priestley 4-Tennessee Native Plant Society/November2003 Book Donors A list of financial contributors will be printed in our wildflower book. The following is the list as it stands now. Additional contributions are welcome. We sincerely appreciate the financial support of members and others whose generosity, in the form of contributions and loans, is helping our dream become a reality. CONTRIBUTORS Lady Slippers - $5000 and above Benwood Foundation Woods-Greer Foundation Trillium -$1000 to $4999 Robert Brown Olan Mills Hamico, Inc. Crested Iris - $500 to $999 Bowater-Calhoun Woodlands, Jack and Dorothy Carman, Mrs. Jack C. Massey, Edward and Shirley Nicholson, Myrtle Seno, The Nature Conservancy, Westvaco Corporation Fire Pink - $200 - $499 American Rhododendron Society, TN Valley Chapter, Bertha Chrietzberg, Bradley Currey, Glenda Emery, Nita Heilman, J.M. Huber Corporation, Kennedy Foundation, Lichterman Nature Center, Carl Nordman, William and Lynn Patten, Elizabeth S. Porter, William and Mary Priestley, Elsie Quartermann, Helen Rodgers, Susan Stahl, Allen and Susan Sweetser, Tennessee Wildflower Society, George and Harriet Waller Friends of South Cumberland State Recreation Area, Adele Hampton, Annie Heilman, Edward and Shirley Honicker, Duane Houck, Patsy Hufffman, William Manier III, Monteagle Sunday School Assembly, John E. Noel, Charles and Gerry Nokes, Mrs. Reinhold Nordsieck, Wendell Norman, Raymond and Jane Norris, Northern Rim Herbal Society, Dr. and Mrs. John Oates, Cheryl D. Priest, Kenneth and Marjorie Raines, Flournoy S. Rogers, Harold Scott, William and Mary Sullivan, Tennessee Aquarium, Josephine Von Neida, Melinda Welton, John E. Welton, Emily Wright Black-eyed Susan - up through $99 Ronald Arildsen, Rogers and Marion Beasley, Sid A. Berry II, Susan Brock, Lamar Field, Susan Finger, Flower Lovers Circle, Pamela Foster, Grace Foster, Calysta Haglage, Bill and Cherrie Hall, Otto Hirsch, Louise Jackson, Bart G. Jones, Miriam Keener, Knoxville Garden Club, Phyllis Morris, Mary K. Myers, Eileen Neiler, Donald Newton, Wendell Norman, Grace Paine, Paris Garden Club, Kathleen Robinson, Nancy Scott, Carol D. Shelton, Tommie Slayden, Radford Smith, Sumner Society Tennessee Federation of Garden Clubs, Carol Thomas, Wanda Thomas, Julia Ann Walker, Kenneth S. Warren, Richard Wiser, Flora Yando SPONSORS Trillium - $ 1 000 to $4999 Perennial Plant Society of Middle Tennessee Fire Pink - $200-$499 Moore and Moore Garden Center Tennessee Federation of Garden Clubs - District II TNPS also appreciates the financial support provided by the State of Tennessee. This project was one part of the Flora 2001 Project, approved by the state legislature to commemorate the 1 00th anniversary of Dr. Augustin Gattinger’ s Flora of Tennessee, published in 1901. Passion Flower - $ 1 00 - $ 1 99 5-Tennessee Native Plant Society/November 2003 Botanical Outings: Had a fun botanical outing this morning (November 21, 2003) with George Ramseur and a student. We climbed down in a sinkhole near South Pittsburg that’s the only known site in the state for hart’s tongue fern. The last time we were there (maybe 3 years ago) we found only one plant — guess that made it the rarest plant in the state. Today we found five plants, a record for me on that site. We’ve seen many more in a sinkhole near Huntsville, AL. Basically, the southern populations are disjuncts - the main site for the hart’s tongue fern is in New York somewhere. It’s always a fun and exciting trip. We hike about Vi mile, then climb 40 feet down into this slit in the earth, using George’s ancient homemade rope ladder. The main plants down there are luxuriant mosses and liverworts. There’s maidenhair and walking fem around a little waterfall that enters the sinkhole; blackstem spleenwort is a little farther down and some alumroot. Anyway, it was a great trip on a beautiful day. Mary Priestley More botanical outings: This exchange of emails was sent to the newsletter by Al Good who realized our members would be interested in hearing about these rare finds and intrepid botanists. (10/7/03 - Todd Crabtree writing to David Lincicome who works as a botanist for the state of TN) I took Al Good to Flat Rock Cedar Glade and Barrens on Saturday, Oct. 4 to see the MuhlenbergieLcapillari/s and we found Sporobolus heterolepis. This is a rare plant in the east so I though'tyou guys would want to know about this. Al is confident on the identification because he has seen species in north Georgia. The spherical seed was the key factor. It is on the far side of the property and we didn 't have time to look for more but found 2 plants, one of which had produced seed this year. 10/07/03 - David answered Todd in this correspondence: Well, this is interesting. Dwayne Estes, John Beck and I think Chris Fleming went to Flat Rock on September 28th and found Sporobulus heterolepsis. Dwayne collected a specimen for TN since it is a new state record. Good find and thanks for letting us know. 10/1 1/03 - Todd Crabtree writing to all of the above: I went back to Flat Rock today to see if I could find any more Sporobolus heterolepsis. 1 found two more sites. As widespread as the three sites are, I think there must be more in the area on and off the preserve. I, also, found Prairie Gentian (Gentiana puberulenta) blooming. Now there are two counties with it. 10/13/03 - Claude Bailey (Heritage Botanist for the state of TN) writes to Todd Crabtree. Both of these finds are significant. We are now tracking Sporobolus heterolepsis, as special concern in TN. Gentiana puberulenta is quite a rare plant. It’s listed as endangered in TN and wav only known from one site in Coffee County (AEDC). So this is a significant county record in Rutherford County. For you guys out there finding this stuff... good job. You’ve found some very rare plants in TN and 1 appreciate you contacting us about these occurrences. Your efforts help us accurately track these rare plants. 10/20/03 - Al Good to Todd Crabtree. You are on a roll. Too bad we were not first with the grass find, but six days behind Dwayne in his own area is not bad. I am surprised that three flavors of limestone are in Flat Rock To me, the Flat Rock population of Prairie Dropseed proves that the Chickamauga Battlefield site is not a fluke. Magnesium minerals might be the common thread considering that the grass is reported to favor olivine or serpentine. Dr. Deselm told Dwayne that he had unsuccessfully searched for Prairie Dropseed in TN for years. Timely rains this year probably caused plants to flower that would not have put up a stem in dry years. We might find this grass in Bart ’s iron bearing glade in Decatur County if we looked this year. I enjoyed the pink muhly very much and was glad to be there when you spotted the strange grass. Membership Registration Coupon - TNPS, P O Box 159274, Nashville, TN 37215 Please sign me up as a member of the TNPS: Renewing: New: Name(s): Phone: Address: Membership Dues: The membership term is for Regular membership: $15.00 Student/Senior : $10.00 Institution: $20.00 Life: $150.00 This is a gift membership. Please include a card TENNESSEE NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY PO Box 159274 Nashville, TN 37215