Volume 6, Number 4 e Tutk^s C9i The newsletter Of The dela ware Na tive Plant Society winter 2003/04 In This Issue A Call For Articles Page 1 " A Call for Articles If you would like to write an article for The " New Members Turk’s Cap, we would love to print it. With like minded " Letter From the President individuals as an audience. The Turk’s Cap is a great venue for plant or habitat oriented writings. Page 2 " Letter From the Editor We’ll take just about anything from gardening tips to book reviews to poetry. Of course, it has to be " Plant-animal Highlight about native plants, or issues related to native plants; just a minor constraint. Your imagination is the real key. Page 3 " Letter From the President continued Contact Eric Zuelke (ezuelke(3)j uno.com), or " Feature Article Keith Clancy at 302.674.5187 for more information. o o o o o o Page 4 " Natural Community Highlight A Crystalune Blue Welcome To Native Plant Highlight Our Newest Members Page 5 " Native Plant Highlight continued " Thoughts From The Edge... October throush December Cynthia Albright Page 6 " Feature Article continued Robert Collins Kim Furtado " Resources and Reviews Erich & Vera Mrohs " Event Highlights Roger Redden Page 7 o " Upcoming Events o o o o o o o o o o o Letter From The President How Can / Get Involved? The Delaware Native Plant Society is open to everyone ranging from the novice gardener to the professional botanist. One of the primary goals of the society is to involve as many individuals as possible. The DNPS is working on some significant projects at this tune. We completed several refor- estation projects, using a “duect-seeding” approach at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, and along Blackbird and Cedai' Creeks m October and Novem- ber, 2003. In addition, help is needed with our native plant nursery at the St. Jones Reserve with the monitoring and watering of plants in our recent- ly acquired greenhouse. For more information on how to get in- volved, E-mail us at dnps@delawarenativeplants.org, or visit our website -www.delawarenativeplants.org. Our website will have all of the past issues of The Turk ’s Cap along with a large section on native plants, as well as links to other environmental and plant related organiza- I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and is enjoying the cold and crisp days of winter. As I write this letter snow is beginning to swirl outside my window and I am trying to avoid the urge to while away the afternoon daydreaming about spring. Unless there’s an abundance of snow I am not a big fan of cold wintiy days and my mind tends to wander to thoughts of spring (i.e., wanuer days, spring wildflowers and native plant landscap- ing). However, in spite of winters’ cold tliis is an excellent time of year to collect seeds of some very attractive native plants that can be started now. If you head out into the country look for stream crossings and roadside forest edges for native plants still displaying their fruits beckoning ani- mals or native plant enthusiasts. I have just collect- ed handfuls of winterberry (Ilex verticiUata), but- tonbush (Cephalanthiis occidentalis), American holly (Ilex opaca), and big cordgrass (Spartina cynos Lira ides) fruits, to name a few. These will be planted in soil in plastic pots that will be placed Continued on page 3 The DNPS Vision T he purpose of the Delaware Native Plant Society (DNPS) is to participate in and encourage the preservation, conservation, restoration, and propagation of Delaware’s native plants and plant communities. The Society provides information to government officials, business people, educators, and the general public on the protection, management, and restoration of native plant ecosystems. The DNPS encourages the use of native plants in the landscape by homeowners, businesses, and local and state governments thi'ough an on-going distribution of information and knowledge by various means that includes periodic publications, symposia, conferences, workshops, field trips, and a growing statewide membership organized by the DNPS. The Tui'k's Qp, Volume 6, Numbei” 4 Letter From The Editor Glimpses of the past The theme of this Turk's Cap is dedicated to the histo- ry of botany in Delaware and a remembrance of some of the beautiful species that no longer occur here. This issue has some of the present, a little of the future, and a lot of the past. To address the present, I have some good news. For those of you who know me, you may remember that for the past three years 1 have been going to Delaware Technical and Com- munity College for my AAS degree. I’ve been training to become a paramedic. I finished my academic program, passed a summer internship, and passed my National Registry exams witli flying colors, so Fm proud to announce that I am now a Nationally Registered EMT-Paramedic. And on top of that. I’ve been hii'ed by Sussex County for a full-time paramedic position which 1 will be starting near tlie end of January. I’ve successful- ly tiansformed myself from a biologist to a medic, and all I can say to those of you out tliere who are working on your own life transformations, is keep at it. Persistence pays off! Though I’m embarking on a new cai’eer, I intend on continuing in my roles as newsletter editor, treasurer, assistant nursery manager, and membership database administrator for the Society for as long as everyone wants me to be, which 1 hope is for awhile because 1 thoroughly enjoy it. And besides, you wouldn’t want our pres- ident balancing the checkbook! Trust me! ; - ) In addressing the past, we have some great articles on the history of botany in Delaware, so I hope you enjoy them. And don’t forget to check out a new series of book reviews by DNPS member Gwendolyn Elliott. In the last issue she gave us an introduction to some of the great botanical books available in Delaware. ^^****Eric Zuelke, BS, AAS, NREMTP o o o o o o Plant-animal Highught A DISHEARTENING LOSS One of the most tightly knit natural relationships is that between herbaceous plants and insects, Tlie plants need the insects to pollinate their flowers to produce seeds to carry on their genetics and that species line. The insects need the plants for food, shelter, and microhabitat for laying eggs. The destruc- tion of habitat by humans is an endeavor that works in subtly tragic ways to permanently alter or destroy these insect-animal relationships. Changes in lighting conditions, moisture condi- tions, or soil composition can create unfavorable growing con- ditions for certain phuits leading to their slow demise and the loss of all the insects that depend on them as well. Changes in floral species composition, lighting conditions, or moisture con- ditions can create unfavorable habitat conditions for certain insects leading to their slow demise and the eventual loss of the plants that depend on them as well. In Delaware, and many other parts of the United States also, their has been a slow, steady loss of prairie and pineland habitats as they are developed, converted for other uses, or allowed to succeed to forest. All these changes have resulted in the loss of a very unique, and quite special relationship; that of the regal fritillaiy and the birdsfoot violet. The birdsfoot violet (Viola pedata) is listed as an S1G5 species in Delaware. That means on a statewide basis there are P3ge2 5 or fewer known occurrences, and that on global level the spe- cies is secure, but may be locally uncommon. This native perennial has evolved in the dry, rocky or sandy soils of sunny open woods, sandy prairies, black soil prairies, sand dunes, open pinelands, and savannas. This species is a low, clumped perennial, 4-10 in, high, with large, almost pansy-sized flowers that range from puiple to white in color and bloom from March through June. The regal fritillary (Speyeria idalia) is an SXG3 spe- cies in Delaware. That means on a statewide basis this species is locally extinct (extirpated), and that on a global level it is very rai'e or Threatened throughout its range with only 21 to 100 known occurrences, or is found locally in a restricted range. This butterfly is in the Nymphalidae family (the brush- footed butterflies). The adults feed on nectai* from the flowers of milkweeds, thistles, red clover, and mountain irdnt. The cat- erpillai's, like most fritillaries, feed only on violets, tlierefore, without the proper larval host plant, the species cannot continue to exist. In particular, regal fritillaries prefer the birdsfoot violet (Viola pedata) and prairie violet (Viola pedatifida). The eggs are laid in late summer and the caterpillars do a majority of their feeding in the spring. Tlie adults emerge in early summer and may be seen through September. Only one generation appears in a yeai\ This butterfly is characteristic of tallgrass prairies, but can also occur in wet meadows and marshes. There are some common themes that have led to the loss of these species in Delaware. The loss of suitable habitat is certainly the most common and most profound cause. Others include lack of proper management of existing prairie and pine- land habitats, the copious use of insecticides and herbicides, and the lack of habitat restoration in areas with the potential to be suitable habitat. The most significant aspects to this story are the losses that most do not even notice. Butterflies pollinate flowers and fill important roles in the food chain. Violets and all other plants are vital sources of food and reproductive habitat for many animals, but especially insects. Many people enjoy watching and photographing butterflies and flowers, such as violets, also. Though the loss of this plant-animal relationship may not affect your everyday life in a tangible way, we have all been affected because a small, exquisite piece of Delawaie’s natural world is gone forever. We’ll never again be able to revel in that butterfly’s splendor, or gaze in awe of that plant’s beau- ty, and we are only the poorer for it. ooooEric Zuelke, Editor Viola pedata (birdsfoot violet) © Virginia Kline The Turk's Qp, Volume 6 , Number 4 Letter From The President Continued from page 1 outside in the ground and covered with wire mesh to protect from predation. Gathering and planting seeds of native plants ought to shorten winter’s duration. I want to thank everyone again that participated in our reforestation projects last fall. It was a huge success as we were able to plant more than 28,000 seeds (acorns and hickory nuts mostly) on almost 34 acres of fields! See a summary of this project in this newsletter. I can’t wait for the spring to see the fruits (er seedlings) of our labors. And again we will be asking for your help in managing these sites. We will need to install tree tubes around the developing seedlings, transplant seedlings in cases where more than one seedling germinated at a flag, and weed invasive species that may out-compete our oaks and hick- ories. P^ge5 n Natural Quotes “The sixth great extinction spasm of geologic time is upon us... Species are disappearing at an accelerating rate through human action, primarily habitat destruction, but also pollution, and the introduction of exotic species into residual natural environments. I have said that a fifth or more of the species of plants and animals could vanish or be doomed to early extinction by the year 2020 unless better efforts are made to save them.” E. O. Wilson, The Diversity of Life, 1992 mmmsmmmmiAmmmsmmm i Feature Article Botanical collectors of delmarva: albert commons Our 3^^^ annual native plant sale last November was also a tremendous success. We sold over 800 plants; an estimat- ed 200 people came out for the sale. In the weeks after the sale several DNPS members were busy collecting and planting na- tive plant seeds in cold frames at the nursery or at their homes. We concentrated on collecting seeds from species that we thought would be more desirable. For example, we collected and planted seeds of cardinal flower {Lobelia cardinalis), Turk’s-cap lily (Lilium superbum), butterfly weed {Asclepias tuberosus), goldenrods (Solidago spp.), swamp rose-mallow {Hibiscus moscheutos), American lotus {Nelumbo lutea), Amer- ican holly {Ilex opacd), inkberry {Ilex glabra), winged/smooth sumac {Rhus copallinum), swamp azalea {Rhododendron per- iclymenoides), mountain laurel {Kalmia latifolia), and sweet bay magnolia {Magnolia virginiand), to name just a few. We are excited about these plantings and are hoping for excellent ger- mination rates and an even bigger and better sale next year. We are now beginning to plan for our 6* annual meet- ing to be held in early May and would welcome your help in this effort. Please contact us immediately if you are interested in helping with this event. We still have not decided on a loca- tion for the meeting, field trips or speakers. So, if you have some ideas and want to help organize this affair, here’s your chance. Also, we are in the beginning stages of organizing some late winter and early spring field trips so please stay tuned for upcoming announcements. Well, I believe this is my shortest letter to date, but I need to get back to work on cleaning and planting all those seeds I recently collected. Best wishes for a won- derful and warm winter, Keith Clancy DNPS Groller plant- member Pat ing nuts at In 2000, the seabeach amaranth {Amaranthus pumilus) was discovered at Delaware Seashore State Park in part by Del- aware Natural Heritage Program botanist William McAvoy. This plant had been last collected in 1875 by Albert Commons. On December 24, 1908, Albert Commons wrote to his nephews Fran klin W. and Howard W. Commons: “Dear Neph- ews: your favor of 22"^^ came to hand a few hours after I had mailed you a letter of the above date. Have read the letter of Witmer Stone, curator of the Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia en- closed, regarding the collection and think it would be right and proper to donate it to them, under the same conditions that oth- ers have been presented to them and will be satisfied with what you may do in the matter. ...” On February 27, 1909, Albert Commons wrote to Gilbert Cope of the Chester Co. Historical Society: “My nephews, Franklin W. and Howard W. Commons of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Have taken my collection of Dela- ware plants & donated them to the Academy of Natural Scienc- es at Philadelphia, where they now are.” Francis Pennell (1943) called these collections the “most ample botanical collections ever assembled from Delaware.” Robert Tatnall (1946) stated: “It gives evidence of care and discrimination on the part of the collector in the identification of his specimens, and of his keen- ness in detecting new or rare material in the field.” At his death on July 11, 1919 of myocarditis at the age of 90 years, Albert Commons was also known as a mycologist, having collected 1300 species of fungi (now at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and the Academy) and 160 species of lichens (Harshberger 1899). Many duplicates of Commons’ collections were sent out, notably to the Plant Pathology Herbarium of Cor- nell University, Herbarium Universitatis Florentinae, Gray Her- barium of Harvard University, Missouri Botanical Garden, New York Botanical Garden (639 sheets) and the Smithsonian Insti- tution (Lanjouw and Stafleu 1954). His importance was such that W. Ashe (1898) named Panicum commonsianum after him. Albert Commons was born January 23, 1829 as the son of Ann Phipps and John Commons at Doe Run, Chester Co., PA. Albert’s siblings included Caroline E. Commons (July 4, 1831-?), and William Commons (May 20, 1834-7, father of Franklin W. and Howard W. Commons), but his father had apparently been previously married, because Albert was greatly influenced by an older brother, Franklin, of whom little is known. Albert wrote to Gilbert Cope on February 27, 1909: Continued on page 6 The Tui'k's Qp, Volume 6, Numbei” 4 P^ge 4 Natural CommunttyHighught Serpentine barrens When we say a plant species has been “extirpated” in a given area, such as Delaware, we mean that all of the occur- rences of that species have been destroyed, and that it is unlike- ly this plant will ever be seen again in the state unless it is rein- troduced by humans. Taking this concept a step further, we can also talk of natural communities that have been extirpated. Much like rare species, communities that have been extirpated were typically rare to begin with, often because they occurred in unusual hydrologic or edaphic (soil) conditions, which were subsequently destroyed tlirough human activity. In Delaware, one such extirpated community is the serpentine baiTen. The name has nothing to do with snakes, but instead refers to a type of rock called serpentine, so-named appai'ently because its patterned greenish color is reminiscent of snake skin. The vegetation of tliis community derives from the chemical composition of the rock, which contains unusually high levels of toxic metals, particularly magnesium, chromium and nickel, and very low levels of calcium-an essential plant nutrient. These harsh conditions have led to a highly specialized conmiunity of plants adapted to the shallow, nutrient-poor soils. In addition to the poor soils, this community is also dependent upon regular disturbance, typically in tlie forai of fire, to main- tain its open stiiicture. These “barrens” are open gi'asslands or sparse woodlands with scattered individuals of pitch pine (Pinus rigida), Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana), eastern red-cedar (Jimipems virginiema), blaclgack oak (Qaeraw nuirilandica) and post oak (Quercus stellata) over a grassy herbaceous layer. The herb layer is generally dominated by little bluestem (Schizachyriuni scoparium), but can be quite diverse, and often includes Indian grass (Sorghastnun nutans), starved witchgrass (Dichant he Hum depauperatuni), slim-leaf witchgrass (Dichanthelium linearifolium), Scribner’s witchgrass (Dichanthelium oligosanthes), sheathed dropseed (Sporoholus vaginiflorus), and green milkweed (Asclepias viridiflora). Many of the species characteristic of this community are rare in Dela- ware, including lyre-leaf rockcress (Arabis lyrata), mouse-ear chickweed (Ceimtium aiyense var. villosuin), pale-spike lobelia (Lobelia spicata), Philadelphia panic grass (Panicum philadel- phiciim), Small’s ragwort (Senecio anonymus), and Michaux’s blue-eyed grass (Sisytinchium muemnatum). There are also several serpentine species that are historical or extirpated in the state: whorled milkweed (Asclepias verticillata), Bicknell’s sedge (Carex bicknellii), annual fimbry (Fimbristylis annua), plains frostweed (Helicmthemum bicknellii), rock sandwort (Minuartia michauxii), downy phlox (Phlox pilosa spp. pilosa) slender knotweed (Polygonum tenue), and fameflower (Tal inum teretifolium ) . The globally-rai’e serpentine communities of the mid- Atlantic are collectively referred to as the “state-line barrens”, because they are found in a narrow band generally following the Maiyland-Pennsylvania state line. In Delaware, the only occurrences of serpentine bedrock ai'e found in the Red Clay Creek valley. Unfortunately, the majority of this formation is now underneath Hoopes Reservoir. Tire portions of the serpen- tine outcrops that are not inundated have either been converted to manicured lawn, or allowed through absence of disturbance to succeed to closed canopy forest. The reason we have any knowledge of the rare plants that occurred on these barrens is the work done by botanists when they were still intact, such as Edward Tatnall (1818-1898), Albert Commons (1828-1919), William Canby (1831-1904), and Robei’t Tatnall (1870-1957). Although this community is considei'ed extirpated in Delaware, there is the potential to restore a portion of this habitat on some of the remaining serpentine, but it would require a significant commitment of resources and management effort to make it a reality, oooop^^^j, Natuvol Heritage Program Ecologist o o o o o o Native Plant Highught Two AMAZING DAYS IN THE LIFE OF ALBERT COMMONS All botanists’ dream of a day in the field where they discover a unique habitat tliat is just loaded with rare plants, or dream of a day where a rare plant is found at nearly every stop. Considering the cur*rent state of the environment, days like these are hard to come-by. Many botanists are fortunate enough to have such special days during their careers, and one botanist who did, was Albert Commons (1829-1 9 1 9). Commons was a local botanist from the Centerville area of New Castle Co., Del- aware, and was a very important figure in the history of Dela- ware botany and contributed much to our current knowledge of the flora of the state. Although Commons had many successful days in the field, there were two days that were particularly noteworthy, August 5, 1874 and September 10, 1875, On August 5, 1874, Commons visited southwest and south central Sussex Co. in and around the towns of Laurel, Pepperbox, Little Hill, and Gumboro. He explored habitats he described as “sandy swamps,” “ponds,” “wet sand,” “pine bar- rens,” “bogs,” “wet places,” “dry sand,” and “dry woods.” On this day he collected 19 species, in addition to others, that are today rare in the state and are considered to be of conservation concern by the Delaware Natural Heritage Program (see table below). One species is known today in the state from only a single population (Minuartia camlinianci). Two species have not been reported in the state since Commons collected them on this day 1 30 years ago, Lophiola aiirea and Xerophyllum asphode hides. One species (Rhynchospora knieskernii) is to- day listed as thieatened by the U.S. Pish and Wildlife Service, and two are considered today to be globally raie by The Nature Conservancy (Eupatorium resitiosum and Rhynchospora knieskernii). The majority of the species Commons collected on this day are at or near their northern limits of natural distribu- tion (12), and tln-ee ai'e at or near theft southern limits of natural distribution. On September 10, 1875, Commons spent time in southeast Sussex Co. in and aiound the areas of Baltimore Hun- dred, which includes the town of Prankford, and the areas of Indian River and Cedar Neck. He explored habitats he de- scribed as “salt marshes,” “sea beach’s,” “ocean shores,” “wet places,” “low and .sandy pine barrens,” “pond,” and “.swamp.” On this day he collected 27 species, in addition to others, that are today rare in the state and are considered to be of conserva- tion concern by the Delaware Natural Heritage Program (see table below). Two species are known today from only single populations in the state (Amaranthus pumilus and Polygonum glaucum). Five species have not been reported in the state since Commons collected them on this day 131 years ago (Eupatorium resinosum, Gentiana autumnalis, Oclemena nemoralis, Rhynchospora knieskerni and Triglochin striata). The Tu I'k's Qp, Volume 6, Numbei' 4 P^ge 5 Two species {Amamnthus pumilus and Rhynchospom knieskernii) are today listed as threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and five are considered today to be globally rare by The Nature Conservancy (Amaranthus pumilus, Eupato- rium resinosum, Gentiana autumnalis, Polygonum glaucum and Rhynchospora knieskernii). The majority of the species Com- mons collected on this day are at or near their northern limits of natural distribution (17), and three are at or near their southern limits of natural distribution. Any botanist would be envious of such days in the field, but any botanist would also be very impressed with the botanical field skills of Albert Commons. I would like to acknowledge Dr. Arthur Tucker and Dr. Norman Dill for the following publication which recon- structed Albert Commons’ field activities for the days dis- cussed: Tucker, A.O., and N.H. Dill. 1993. The collections of Albert Commons on Delmarva, 1861-1901, with attention to August 4-5, 1874 and September 9-10, 1875. Bartonia No. 57: 9-15. August 5, 1874 Scientific Name Cyperus compressus Cyperus dentatus Eleocharis equisetoides Eleocharis melanocarpa Eupatorium resinosum Hypericum denticulatum Lophiola aurea Minuartia caroliniana Najas gracillima Paronychia fastigiata Pityopsis graminifolia Quercus ilicifolia Rhynchosia tomentosa Rhynchospora knieskernii Rhynchospora torreyana Common Name poorland flatsedge toothed sedge horse-tail spike-rush black-fruited spike-rush pine barren boneset coppery St. John's-wort golden crest pine barren sandwort thread-like naiad cluster-stemmed nail-wort grassleaf golden aster scrub oak hairy snoutbean Knieskern's beak-rush Torrey's beak-rush Schoenoplectus etuberculatus Canhy's bulrush Smilax pseudochina Viola pedata Xerophyllum asphodeloides long- stalk greenbrier bird's-foot violet eastern turkeybeard September 10, 1875 Scientific Name Agalinis maritima Amaranthus pumilus Aristida lanosa Asclepias lanceolata Centella erecta Dichanthelium aciculare Eriocaulon decangulare Eryngium aquaticum Eupatorium resinosum Gentiana autumnalis Lachnanthes caroliana Myriophyllum pinnatum Oclemena nemoralis Paspalum dissectum Pityopsis graminifolia Polygonum glaucum Polygonum ramosissimum Prenanthes autumnalis Rhynchospora knieskernii Rhynchospora scirpoides Common Name saltmarsh false-foxglove seabeach amaranth woolly three-awn smooth orange milkweed erect coinleaf needle-leaf witchgrass ten-angle pipewort marsh rattlesnake master pine barren boneset pine barren gentian Carolina redroot cutleaf water- mi lfoil bog aster Walter's paspalum grassleaf golden aster seabeach knotweed bushy knotweed slender rattlesnake-root Knieskern's beak-rush long-beaked bald-rush Salicornia bigelovii Scleria muehlenbergii Scleria pauciflora Spiranthes tuberosa Symphyotrichum concolor Triglochin striata Utricularia inflata dwarf glasswort Muhlenberg's nutrush few- flowered nutrush little ladies'-tresses eastern silvery aster three-ribbed arrowgrass swollen bladderwort Nomenclature for plant names follows: McAvoy, W.A., and K.A. Bennett. 2001. The flora of Delaware, an anno- tated checklist. Delaware Dept, of Natural Resources and Envi- ronmental Control, Dover, Delaware. oooo ]Yiiii(2jfi McAvoy, DNPS Vice-President o o o o o o Thoughts From The Edge Of The Garden A REMEMBRANCE OF SOME HISTORICAL AND EXTIRPATED PLANTS OF DELAWARE U O o W) c in U & o £ e g g e -S (U w O s s e © Thomas G. Barnes © Jim Stasz © Jim Stasz © Mrs. W.D. Bradford -4-^ c o> -4-^ c/) 0> O -St I © Larry Allain c/) .in ’B 0> g g s e g cl © Keith Clancy P^ge6 The Tui'k's Qp, Volume 6, Numbei” 4 Fea ture Article Continued from page 3 “also a tin vasculum or collecting box, made for, and used by my brother Franklin Commons while a student under Jonathan Cause at the Unionville Academy in 1839. was used for cann- ing Botanical & mineral specimens collected in excursions made in the vicinity of the School and later by myself (using his copy of Darlingtons Flora Cestrica) while on the farm near Centerville, Delaware 1842-1878.” This vasculum may be the one at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, but the Claude E. Phillips Herbarium recently purchased a similar vas- culum from this period, originally from a flea market in Chester Co., and this was most likely made by the same tinsmith. At Franklin’s demise in 1842, Albert and Franklin had collected about 500 specimens. Albert’s first botanical trip in Delaware appears to have been in 1842, soon after he moved to the Commons farm near Centreville, New Castle Co., Dela- ware. We have located 4262 specimens of Albert Commons (Tucker and Dill 1993) and have them on FileMaker Pro for the Macintosh. These specimens from Delmarva, dated from 1861 to 1901, represent a significant portion (78%) of the 2259 vas- cular taxa listed by Tatnall (1946). Besides the seabeach ama- ranth, his collections of Rhynchospora knieskornii and Eiipato- riiim resmosum in 1874 and 1875 are of concern because of their federal endangered or threatened status. I have been collecting and mounting photographs of botanists who have contributed specimens or works to the Claude E. Phillips Herbarium at Delaware State University in Dover. Albert Commons had eluded me for the past 20 years. I even wrote to every Commons in the Pennsylvania phone book to no avail! Then, I happened to run across a letter from Albert to Gilbert Cope dated June 16, 1896: “will send a photograph as soon as I get some taken.” On that note, I wrote to the Chester Co. Historical Society and voila, Pamela Powell sent me scans of a dagueiTeotype taken ca. 1850 and a cabinet card by J. Paul Brown taken 1897. These are now being framed for display in the Claude E. Phillips Herbarium. Please contact the Educator, Dr. Susan E. Yost (302.857.6452) or the Curator, Dr. Robert F. C. Naczi (302.857.6450) to see these wonderful photos and those of other naturalists who have contributed specimens and/ or works from the mid-atl antic region. References Cited Ashe, W. W. 1898. The dichotomous group of Panicum in the eastern United States. J. Elisha Mithcell Sci. Soc. 15:22-62. Harsberger, J.W. 1899. The botanists of Philadelphia and their work. T. C. Davis and Sons, Philadelphia. Lanjouw, J., and F. A. Stafleu. 1954. Index herbariorum. Part II. Collectors. International Bureau of Plant Taxonom- ic Nomenclature, Utrecht. Pennell, F. W. 1943. Botanical collectors of the Philadelphia area (concluded). Bartonia 22: 1 0-3 1 . Tatnall, R. R. 1946. Flora of Delaware and the Eastern Shore. Society of Natural History of Delaware, Wilmington. Tucker, A. O., and N. H. Dill. 1993. The collections of Albert Commons on Delmarva, 1861-1901 , with attention to Aug 4-5, 1874 and Sep 9-10, 1875. Bartonia 57: 9-15. ooooj^^ A/t/ 2 «r O. Tucker, Delaware State University Resources And Reviews Delaware trees by william taber This book is the definitive work on trees in Delaware. The author was the first states’ fii'st state forester and worked in the Forest Service for forty years. Delaware Trees was original- ly published in 1939, and in 1995, it was reprinted for the third time with minor revisions. Bear in mind that some of the scien- tific and common names have changed through the years. The book’s most important feature is Taber’s comments pertaining to the range and distribution of both native and non-native tree species in our state. In this section, the author describes how common a species is and in which counties it is found. There is also a list of historic Delaware trees. The book is ananged by family and has extensive illustrations and photographs. Black and wliite photos of tree trunks, leaves, and acorns help in iden- tification. Illustrations include the cross section of hickory nuts and the seed cone of the yellow poplar. In addition to helping identify Delaware trees, this book would also be useful for any- one using trees in their landscape, or an individual looking for historical information on Delaware trees. Delaware Trees is available at the Delaware Dept, of Agriculture, 698-4547 for $8 plus shipping. Thanks to Charles Newlon and Timothy Kaden (who is responsible for tlie Tabor- reprint) for helping with this review. Gwendolyn Elliott, DNPS Member o o o o o o Event Highughts 3rd annual native plant sale, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1 The plant sale this year was a huge success; our best yet! We did $1741 ,00 in sales, sold 817 plants (from an inven- tory of 1562 plants of 64 species), and had 120 customers. Below is a table of data to show how our plant sales have grown from year- to year for those of you who get a kick out of tables, and data analysis, and that kinda stuff. # of \ Year 2001 2002 2003 Species available 42 56 64 Plants available 203 550 1562 Plants sold 207 512 817 Customers 38 107 120 Booklets sold 5 11 9 Checklists sold 0 3 1 DE ESTUARY PROGRAM REEORESTATION PROJECT We star"ted the seeding on 2 October 2003 and con- cluded on 16 November 2003. A total of 28,208 nuts were planted on approximately 34 acres at 3 sites (Blackbu'd Creek, Cedar Creek, and Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge). There were a nearly equal number of volunteer hours as paid hours: 42 volunteers worked a total of 154.75 hours, while two paid project leaders worked a total of 180 hours. The species planted inclirded the following: hickory {Cary a alba & C. glabra), dog- wood (Cornus floridd), black walnut {Juglans nigra), white oak {Querciis alba), scarlet oak (Q. coccinea), southern red oak (Q. falcata), water oak {Q. nigra), willow oak {Q. phellos), chestnut oak {Q. prinus), northern red oak {Q. rubra), and black oak {Q. velutina). Thanks to all who helped out! The Turk's Qp, Volume 6, Numbei' 4 ^pcankj'jre £^^£jrT>9 P^geZ 1 February, march, and April 2004 - Adkins Arboretum has a slew oe very interesting programs AND EVENTS GOING THIS WINTER AND EARLY SPRING (TOO MANY TO LIST INDIVIDUALLY). FOR MORE DETAILS CONTACT THE ARBORETUM AT 410.634.2847, OR ON THE WEB AT WWW.ADKINSARBORETUM.ORG. Saturday, 07 February 2004 - Volunteer Trail Day. From 9 AM to 12 noon at Cape Henlopen State Park. Join the Friends of Cape FIenlopen as they work to maintain the park's trails, or take ON OTHER light MAINTENANCE PROJECTS. FOR MORE DETAILS CONTACT THE SEASIDE NATURE CENTER AT 302.645.6852 OR ON the web at www.destateparks.com. Saturday, 13 march 2004 - Copeland Native Plant Gardening Seminar, 8:30 AM to 4 PM, a semi- nar CO-SPONSORED BY THE DELAWARE NATURE SOCIETY (DNS) AND MT. CUBA. COST FOR THIS SEMINAR IS $75 ($60 FOR DNS MEMBERS). CATERED LUNCH INCLUDED. FOR MORE DETAILS CONTACT DNS AT 302.239.2334 OR ON THE WEB AT WWW.DELAWARENATURESOCIETY.ORG. May 2004 - DE Native Plant Society annual meeting. We are currently in the planning phase oe THIS YEARS ANNUAL MEETING. MORE DETAILS TO BE ANNOUNCED LATER. THIS YEAR WE HAVE THREE OFHCERS WHOSE TERMS ARE EXPIRING. THEREFORE, WE ARE LOOKING FOR MEMBERS THAT MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN SERVING AS President, Vice-president, or Secretary. If you are interested in taking a more active ROLE IN THE SOCIETY AND WOULD BE INTERESTED IN SERVING A TWO-YEAR TERM, OR WOULD LIKE INFOR- MATION ABOUT THE DUTIES OF EACH OEEICE PLEASE CONTACT US. WE WILL BE HAVING ELECTIONS AT THE AN- NUAL MEETING IN MAY. FOR MORE DETAILS CONTACT DNPS AT DNPS(o) DELAWARENATIVEPLANTS.ORG, 302.674.5187, OR ON the web at www.delawarenativeplants.org. DNPS Bi-monthly meetings for 2004 - are currently scheduled the 3rd Tuesday oe every other MONTH. Our next meetings will be: 20 .tanuary 2004, 16 March, 20 July, 21 September, 16 November. Meetings will take place (unless otherwise notieied) at 7 PM at the St. Jones Reserve, Kitts Hum- mock Rd. About 3/4 mile east of the rt. 9/1 13/Kitts Hummock Road interchange just at the south- ern EDGE OF Dover Air Force Base. We plan to have guest speakers at each meeting (speakers and THEIR TOPICS will BE ANNOUNCED AT LATER DATES). WE WILL BE HAVING OUR ANNUAL MEETING IN MAY, details to be ANNOUNCED AT A LATER DATE. CHECK OUR WEBSITE EOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS OR EMAIL US AT DNPS (0)DELAW ARENATIVEPLANTS.ORG. The Tu I'k's Qp, Volume 6, Number 4 P^geS I Mernbep-sbip Application I K., «. «. «. «. «. , Member Information I Delaware native Plant Society , I Name: Business Name or Organization: Address: City and Zip Code: Telephone (home/ work): E-mail address: " Full-time Student $10.00 "Individual $15.00 " Family or Household $18.00 " Contributing $50.00 " Business $100.00 " Lifetime $500.00 " Donations are also welcome $. Membership benefits include: * The DNPS quarterly newsletter. The Turk’s Cap * Native plant gardening and landscaping information * Speakers, field trips, native plant nursery and sales Total Amount Enclosed: $ Make check payable to: DE Native Plant Society P.O. Box 369, Dover, DE 19903 Delaware Native Plant Society P.O. Box 369 Dover, Delaware 19903 Complimentary Copy