NEWSLETTER OF THE ARKANSAS NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY SPRING 1992 The purpose of the Arkansas Native Plant Society is to promote the preservation , conservation , and study of the wild plants and vegetation of Arkansas , the education of the public to the value of the native flora and its habitat , and the publication of related information. FROM THE PRESIDENT'S, DESK: DICK SPEAIRS A highly successful Fall General Meeting was held at Batesville, September 27-29 f 1991. Many thanks to local arrangers. Dr. Veryl Board along with Faye and Hail Bryant. The Friday night program and attendance were good. Field trips on Saturday, as well as the visit to Faye and Hail Bryant's home wildflower garden were memorable. Thanks should go to Immediate Past President Sue Clark for getting the Society off to an auspicious first year of the second decade of the organization. Also, thanks to Editor Ron Doran for his efforts in the publishing of Clavtonia . This twice-a-year publication helps the membership to maintain contact with one another and to learn interesting and informative insights into the flora of Arkansas. Appreciation should also be expressed to Dr. Eric Sundell for the capable job he has performed as Chairman of the Membership Committee and the Scholarship Committee. Membership growth continues for A.N.P.S. Have you encouraged your friends of like interest to join with us? A detailed and fruitful winter meeting of the executive board was held at Sue Clark's lovely apartment in Little Rock on Saturday, January 25 with all nine members present. Local arrangements Chairman, Dr. Eric Sundell, described an exciting and interesting Spring General meeting -- details will be found elsewhere in this issue of Clavtonia . Please make plans to attend. Treasurer Chad Gray noted that the increase in dues {regular membership is $10.00, supporting membership is $15.00, and contributing membership is $25.00) has momentarily forestalled a budget crunch. I would like to encourage all members to consider making extra gifts and membership to the Society so that various scholarships and awards may be adequately funded. Such gifts are tax deductible. Implementation of chapters of the Society as provided by Amendment No. 1 of the By-Laws might be undertaken by members in the Benton-Conway-Little Rock area as well as the Hot Springs-Hot Springs Village area. Give this idea some thought. Make plans and reservations early to attend the Spring General Meeting and Field Trips at Monticello on the second weekend of April {10, 1 1, and 12). 1 I SPRING MEETING When: Where: Schedule: Friday. April 10 4:00-6:30 6:30-7:30 7:30-9:15 7:30 - April 10, 11, 12 Monticeiio 8:30 - 9:30 Registration, Banquet Room, Western Sizzlin, Hwy. 425 N Dinner, Western Sizzlin Banquet Room, cafeteria style Program David Dussourd, University of Central Arkansas: "Ploy-Counterpioy: Plant Defenses and the Hungry Herbivore" Robert Wright, University of Central Arkansas: Report on Arkansas Conservation Coalition Executive Board Meeting Saturday. April 1 1 8:00 12:00-1:15 1:30 6:00-7:00 7:00 8:00 Field Trips — meet in Best Western parking lot. Field trip destinations may change if spring flooding is heavy. Bring boots and expect some sloppy footing. Warren Prairie with Bill Shepherd, Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission Saline River with Jimmie Yeiser, Department of Forest Resources, University of Arkansas at Monticeiio Hungerrun Creek with Eric Sundell, Department of Natural Sciences, UAM. Lunch in Monticeiio: your choice! Field Trips to same localities as above Dinner at Western Sizzlin banquet room, cafeteria style Business Meeting Program Bill Summers, Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis: "Native Orchids of Missouri" Sunday, April 12 8:15 Accommodations: Best Western Motel Hwy. 425 N 367 ^ 0224 — Field Trip to Cane Creek State Park, Star City, led by Neva Boatwright, Park Ranger; trip will leave from Best Western parking lot and reassemble at the Cane Creek State Park Visitor nformation Center on Hwy. 293 east of Star City. ^ IfiijL Single $37 + tax (1 double bed) Double $43 + tax (2 double beds) 70 units Hiway Host Inn Jet. Hwys. 425 & 4 367-8555 Single $28.21 (1 queen-size bed) Double $33.64 (2 double beds) 1 suite $33.64 (1 king-size bed, kitchenette, sofa) 9 doubles, 12 singles (22 units) 2 A.N.PJL SPRING FIELD TRIPS All field trips are scheduled for Saturday unless specified. Please call the leader ahead of time to confirm your participation and check for last minute changes. Since plant protection and conservation are primary objectives of our organization, digging of plants on field trips is not permitted. March 27th -- Union County Joint field trip with the Arkansas Nature Conservancy. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the King's Inn in El Dorado, on the 167 By-pass on the southeast of town. A reception will be hosted by some local members of the Nature Conservancy, featuring coffee, biscuits, and homemade mayhaw jelly and high bush huckleberry jams. The field trip will begin at 9:30 a.m., as a caravan, to see several special places that are typical of the coastal plains. Everyone is to bring a sack lunch and drink, and wear clothing and shoes appropriate for gentle hiking. The Redbuds should be finishing their bloom period and the Dogwoods should be beginning. There will be a lot to see, hear (spring bird migration should be active), and learn. Spring comes earlier to south Arkansas than it does to central and northern Arkansas with its uplands and different soil types. The field trip will be led by ANPS member Carl Amason. Phone: 748-2362 Mav 2nd - Railroad Prairie Leader: Carl Hunter, phone 565-1061 Field trip to the Railroad Prairie to see Indian Paintbrush and other spring prairie wildflowers in bloom. Bring sack lunch and drink, or plan to eat at Craig's Barbecue. Meet at the Agriculture Museum at 921 East 4th in Stuttgart at 10:00 a.m. Mav 9th - Black Fork Wilderness Area Leaders: Bruce and Lana Ewing, phone 394-4666 Rugged hike in a lush mountain area to see Putty Root, Adam-and-Eve Orchid in bloom. Halesia Carolina , Silverbell trees, are also in this rich area. Hiking boots are recommended. Bring sack lunch and drink. Meet by the sign in the Walmart parking lot in Mena at 9:30 a.m. Mav 16th - Bean Mountain in the Ozark National Forest Leaders: Tina Marie Wilcox and Kent Bomar and/or Herb Culver, phone 447-2248 This rich and diverse area includes a 1/2 acre grove of the beautifui Magnoiia tripetaia, Umbrella Magnolia, which should be in bloom, 10 species of orchids, and the rare Yellow Mandarin. Efforts are being made to have this area classified as a Research Natural Area. Hiking boots are recommended. Bring sack lunch and drink. Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Nail store on Highway 16 in Nail, AR. If you are late, go west on 16 from the store about 1 .5 miles. At the first stop sign on the north side of the road is Union Grove Road or Bean Mt. Road. June 6th - Carl Amason's famous Calion Trek Leader: Carl Amason, phone 748-2362 The lovely A/ophia drummondii should be in bloom, plus other late-spring blooming plants that only Carl seems to have. Bring sack lunch and drink. Meet at Carl's house at 9:30 3 a.m. Turn left off of highway 167 at Staples store, go to County Rd. 44 {about .5 miles), turn right and go south 1 .25 miles to Carl's house. Bring sack lunch and drink. AN ACCOUNT OF THE FIELD TRIP NEAR CALION, UNION COUNTY ON 9 NOVEMBER 1991 - by Carl Amason Saturday morning of 9 November began fair, sunny, and a bit cool. The temperature since the first of November had been a series of hard freezes, one after the other, with temperatures as low as 20°F for one or two nights. Gone were the last lingering flowers of fall such as the common narrow-leafed sunflower and some of the goldenrods. Gone also were the very last blooms of the soapwort gentian (Gentiana saponaria) that I had under surveillance just to show the field trippers. I had trouble even finding the ruined flowers in the dead marshy plants and that was certainly nothing to show people anxious to see pristine wildflowers. The long dry summer that persisted to the last moment of October had caused the native witch hazels ( Hamame/is virginiarra ) to set a precious few flowers, and even those had been blasted by the unseasonable early November freezes. Although it quickly seemed that this was not the time and place to have a field trip, there always seemed to be something that would come to the rescue. Not only did I get rescued; it will be one of those long-remembered days that makes field tripping exciting. At the appointed time, people began to arrive, First were Gerald Cound and Nancy Brooks who somehow feared they might be lost in downtown Calion and had called for directions. Soon after, Barbara and Carl Slaughter (the intrepid photographer of native orchids) arrived. Then came Anne and Grady Beale from White Oak Lake, bringing with them a radiant excitement. Albert and Tomeline Higginbottom from Kirby brought their grandson, Michael Higginbottom, from Murfreesboro. And that was the morning crew. Here on the place, I was reduced to showing berries: red berries of American holly (Hex opaca ), yaupon (Hex vomitoria), and partridge berry (MitcheHa repens). Of the many Botrychium biternatum plants, we passed one that had ripe spores and when it was gently thumped, tiny sulfur-yellow spores were released to the world. Only a few scattered yellow flowers were found on the witch-hazels. Some tiny evidence of the winter adder's-tongue ferns were to be seen but, as my brother says, good eyesight is necessary to see them well. That would be Ophiog/ossum crota/ophoroides, which has a larger Latin name than the plant itself! Frankly, I am of the opinion that they are quite common, just rarely seen. The patches of Tipularia discolor , the crane-fly orchids, were evident now by their lovely sturdy foliage coming through the mulch of the woodlands but only a promise of flowering scapes in mid-summer if the rains come at the right time. At this time we went back to the house to reassemble and go about a mile away to the Calion Lake residence of Charlie (Mrs.) and Marcus Finley, a couple who have been very good to me in my illness, and for years before. Charlie had previously been a member of the Arkansas Native Plant. Their daughter, Melissa Finley of Little Rock, is on the membership roster. But this was the deal: for years I had known of a late, almost winter-flowering Spiranthes (ladies-tresses orchid) that bloomed, one here, one there, on the mucky banks of Calion Lake. I always admired its heavy spike of immaculate white blooms, full in number on a four to five inch tip on a plant 15 to 24 inches tall. Marcus, who has a boat with a smooth motor, had assured me that there were many out in the lake -- on logs, bald-cypress trees, and stumps just out from his house -- and he could take two other than himself out into the lake to see the orchids. It was with a bit of fear and trepidation that I led the field trippers to the adventure. My fear was not for personal 4 safety, but that the recent cold freezes might have ruined the plants beyond recognition or reduced them to mere brown sentinels, discharging their minute seeds for future generations, thus disappointing eyes eager to see the promised orchids. But sometimes imagined problems are not problems at all. While Marcus took Barbara and Carl Slaughter in the boat first, I noticed one, two, and then four of the ladies-tresses orchids close to the water's edge in the Finley's yard. I was so relieved because two of them were just as fresh as orchids at their peak in Hawaii. Meanwhile, Charlie had opened her house to those waiting on the shore, and they definitely had a great surprise. Her vast collection of glassware, her lovely furniture, and her hot, spiced apple cider set my heart at ease --I felt no pain of anguish for failure on this field trip. Everyone got to make a safe round trip, probably about like going around a normal city block. There wasn't just one or two specimens here and there, but hundreds, some in the prime of bloom. And they were fragrant! That one field detail sets that species, or subspecies apart, and was the most determining single feature we used later to see just what we did see. After everyone had a boat ride and viewing inside the Finley residence, we all returned happy, hungry, and curious to the house and our lunches. We arrived to find member Sadie Weatherford of El Dorado, who had gone and picked up my aunt, Mary Harris. Sadie had cooked a chocolate sheet cake, enough for everyone to enjoy a slice. We missed Archaiie Harmon who has always come previously with her delicious pound cake. We also missed Leona Spence, of El Dorado, but both were on the sick list. Archaiie had had her good eye operated on and she was in that position of being blind in one eye and couldn't see out of the other. Leona may have been out of town, under the care of her daughter as well as the doctor. As Hollywood or TV shows would begin by saying, "Meanwhile back at the ranch 1 ’ - we were eating lunch, sampling chocolate cake, drinking soda waters, and just generally in a state of jubilation. I hauled out my two books on American wild orchids, both written, complete with photographs, by Carlyle A. Luer -- The Native Qrchids__of the United States and Canada, Excluding Florida and The Native Orchids of Florida . First, let me say that Dr, Luer is something of a "splitter," a botanical term opposed to "lumper," used to describe professional botanists. After long careful research in Dr. Luer's books, reading his "splitting" descriptions of time of year, range, habitat (in water on logs, trees, stumps, and muck), and fragrance (which smelled to me like Indian pipes, but Charlie Finley described as almond-like), Carl Slaughter, Albert Higginbottom and I concluded that we had found Spiranthes odorata in Calion Lake. We all finished our lunch with gusto. Grady Beale was anxious to go deer hunting for the afternoon about White Oak Lake. Gerald Count, Nancy Brooks, Albert and Tomeline Higginbottom all had long distances to go and the days were so short. Soon I was left with Aunt Mary Harris, who had "never seen such enthusiasm before in her life over some wildflowers," and Sadie Weatherford who is a keen gardener in her backyard. They soon left, and 1 was left with the cake. I couldn't have been happier. It was a good field trip after all. After everyone was gone, I pulled down my Smith's Atlas . Dr. Ed Smith is something of a "lumper" and he lists the orchid as Spiranthes cernus var odorata. There has been only one other report, by Steve Orzeil, Edwin Bridges and Lance Peacock in Cleveland County. Dr. Smith has not seen the voucher specimen. I don't know what Steve Orzeil did with his specimens but he apparently took them away with him when he left Arkansas. So I called Marcus Finley and told him that we needed some specimens 5 for mounting in the herbarium at the University of Arkansas as well as other places. So Sunday, 10 November, found the two of us out in the boat in an area close to his house. Most of the Spiranthes are growing in a semi-sunny area, on the south sides of trees, stumps and logs. One particular stump had about 6 stems in good bloom and about 10 stems well past their prime. These little boat trips would be a botanist's dream in the warmer season as there were many / tea virginica and at times even a misshapen loblolly pine. I would think gathering a season's growing material from out in the lake would be a wonderful project for some young botanist. But back to my story: we got about fifteen specimens, roots to flowers. I put them in a plastic bag and could hardly wait to call Dr. Eric Sundell at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. I forcibly asked when I could come over to Monticello, and explained the situation. He invited me over the next morning. I was on the school campus at 10:00 a.m., but it took me about fifteen minutes to find Dr. Sundell in his office. I showed him my treasures -- about 15 specimens of Spiranthes, complete with dirt and humus on the roots. I mounted one of the bright white flowers on a slide and looked at it through a high-powered microscope. After consulting a botanical tome, and looking back again into the microscope. Dr. Sundell said it looked like Spiranthes cernua var odorata to him. Another lumperl At any rate, I requested that he keep as many as he needed, send a specimen to Dr. Smith at the University of Arkansas, one to Ron Doran at Harding, one to Dr. Ken Peck, and one to Dr. Don Culwell. And by all means send one to Dr. Dale Thomas at Northeast Louisiana University at Monroe. We began to mount the specimens; Eric carefully washed the roots clean and all I did was to hold the blotter paper down. It was done so quickly and easily by Dr. Sundell. Over a noon meal together, we talked of the spring meeting to be held in Monticello. I promised to arrange some of my roadside "kills" of green bottles with named wildflower specimens, and promised to help with registration, field trips, and programs. I find this work to be very cheerful, satisfying, and rewarding as 1 always make a friend and learn something. I think it was on one of the last days of the deer hunting season that I thought of a postal card from Bill Shepherd, asking "Did you realize that your field trip was on the opening day of deer season?" Bill, I can honestly say "No," and add that I really didn't know there was a deer season. I want to thank everyone who came for making it a successful field trip. They are fun. Hopefully my illness has become history and I can go on others' field trips. I don't know if Dr. Slaughter's pictures turned out well, or what Dr. Ed Smith has called the specimens. MINUTES OF THE FALL 19.91 MEETING QF THE GENERAL MEMBERSHIP The Fall General Meeting of the Arkansas Native Plant Society met at the Ramada Inn in Batesville, Arkansas at 6:50 p.m. Saturday, September 28, 1991, with President Sue Clark presiding. There were 43 members in attendance. The President announced that the minutes of the Spring Meeting had been published in the Clavtonia . Dr. Veryl Board moved that the reading of the minutes be dispensed with. This was seconded by Carl Amason. The motion carried. Chad Gray, Treasurer, announced that there are between 237 and 240 members. There were 76 registered at the meeting Friday night. He reported that the Aileen McWilliams Fund contains $5579, the Delzee Demaree Fund $3277, the Dwight Moore Fund $1684; the operating fund $3640, which included the C.Ds. The regular membership dues are $10. The supporting membership dues are $15, $5 of which goes 6 to the Dwight Moore Award Fund. The Contributing membership dues are $25 f $15 of which goes to the Delzee Demaree Award Fund. The Aileen McWilliams Scholarship Fund is sustained by donations and by money raised at the annual auction. The monies in these accounts are now in Citizens First rather than Savers in Little Rock. It was moved by Edgar Schoenike and seconded by Carl Amason that the Treasurer's report be accepted. The motion passed. Bruce Ewing announced that he will lead a field trip to the Black Fork Wilderness Area on December 7. Carl Amason of Cation announced that he will lead a field trip on Saturday, November 9 to see yeilow lady slippers. The President announced that there will be four mailouts each year. There will be two issues of the Ciavtonia . one in the fall and one in the spring, and two other communications with information about meetings and field trips. Dr. Eric Sundell of the University of Arkansas at Monticello announced that the 1992 Spring meeting will be held on April 10 and 11 in Monticello for the first time since 1984. Members will stay at the Best Western Motel. The banquets and meeting on Friday and Saturday nights wiii be at the Western Sizzlin. Dr. Sundeil described the different fieid trips planned. Carl Amason invited the group to El Dorado for a Fall or Spring Meeting. Carl Hunter, Chairman of the Nominating Committee, announced the following nominations: Vice-President, Lois Wilson; Secretary, Betty Speairs,; Historian, Joe Dean. Chad Gray moved and Carl Amason seconded the motion that Lois Wilson be elected Vice-President by acclamation. Motion carried. Dr. Veryl Board moved and Tom Dunn seconded the motion that Betty Speairs be elected Secretary by acclamation. Motion carried. Dr. Veryl Board moved and Chad Gray seconded the motion that Joe Dean be elected Historian by acclamation. Motion carried. Sue Clark, outgoing President, gave the gavel to the new President, Dr. Richard Speairs. Dr. Speairs introduced the Executive Board for the past year. Dr. Eric Sundell, Chairman of the Scholarship Committee, reported that the third member of the Committee, Dr. Gary Tucker, is now in California. The new President announced the formation of the Hospitality Committee to provide refreshments at the Fail and Spring Meetings. It will be appointed by the local arrangements committee. A maximum of $50 will be provided for soft drinks and other refreshments. Dr. Speairs also announced that the dates for the Spring and Fall Meetings will be standardized to the second week in April and the last week in September when possible. Dues expiration dates are posted on each address label of the Ciavtonia . Joe Dean, Historian, suggested that prints of informal snapshots be given to him for the scrapbook. The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m. to prepare for the annual auction, which provides funds for the Aileen McWilliams Scholarship Fund. -Betty Speairs, Secretary SEED EXCHANGE A seed exchange between members of the ANPS has been planned to begin with the 1993 Spring meeting. Seed collected for the exchange should be in small plastic bags, labeled with name of plant, source of collection, and your name. Seeds collected 7 will keep indefinitely if kept in the refrigerator. Preferably, seeds brought for the exchange should be native. How to Grow and Propagate Wild Flowers by Harry Phillips is an excellent book for those interested in learning how to collect seed. It can be ordered from Holland Wild Flower Farm or it may be available at some of the larger bookstores. NOTES FROM THE EDITOR All of us who have spent any time at all exploring the "Natural State" are aware of the many beautiful, sometimes spectacular plants, that grow here. One of the main purposes of the ANPS is to preserve those plants so that others, now and in the future, can share in that beauty. Many of those plants require very special habitats; therefore, the best way to preserve them is to preserve their habitats and leave them to the care of nature. Other plants do well in a variety of habitats and make welcome additions to our personal wildflower gardens. Please don't succumb to the temptation of digging plants from the wild. More often than not they won't survive. In addition, it mav be unlawful. There are ways you can get those plants for your garden legally and with a greater chance of success. How? Through the ANPS seed exchange or by purchasing nursery propagated plants. Lois Wilson, our Vice President, has provided us with the following list of plant sources. These places can also provide you with information on how to keep those plants alive. SOURCES OF NURSERY PROPAGATED PLANTS Holland Wildflower Farm 290 O'Neal Lane Elkins, AR 72727 Plants, seeds, gifts Catalog $1 .50 Native Gardens Route 1 , Box 494 Greenback, TN 37742 Native plants & seeds Catalog $1 .00 Missouri Wildflowers 9814 Pleasant Hill Road Jefferson City, MO 65109 Native perennials -- seeds & plants Catalog $1 .00 Prairie Moon Nursery Alan Wade Route 3, Box 163 Winona, MN 55987 Native plants & seeds for Wetiand-Prairie-Woodland Catalog & cultural guide, $ 2.00 Woodlanders 1128 Colleton Avenue Aiken, SC 29801 Rare & endangered plants Catalog $1.00 Holbrook Farm & Nursery 115 Lance Road P.O. Box 368 Fletcher, NC 28732-0368 Perennials, wild flowers, woody plants & grasses Catalog - free Have you moved lately, or are you planning a move? Please send all address corrections to Eric Sundell: 114 Briarcliff, Monticello, AR 71655. Dues and information requests should be sent to ANPS, P.O. Box 250250, Little Rock, AR 72225. Only articles for the Clavtonia should be sent to Ron Doran, Box 846, Harding University, Searcy, AR 72149-0001. 8 NEWSLETTER OF THE ARKANSAS NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY FALL 1992 The purpose of the Arkansas Native Plant Society is to promote the preservation , conservation , and study of the wild plants and vegetation of Arkansas, the education of the public to the value of the native flora and its habitat, and the publication of related information. FALL MEETING Forrest City, AR September 25-27, 1992 Where: When: Schedule: Friday, September 25th 4:00 Executive Board Meeting 4:00-6:00 Registration, Banquet Room, Holiday Inn Exit No. 1, 1-40 & Highway 1. Registration fee, $2.00 6:00-7:00 Dinner -- Seafood buffet, Holiday Inn, $11.75 7:00 Programs Report on Arkansas Conservation Coalition - Dr. Robert Wright "The Crowley's Ridge Story" -- Larry P. Lowman, naturalist and native plant authority, owner of Ridgecrest Nursery "Natives Useful for Landscaping" - Larry P. Lowman Saturday, September 26th 8:00 a.m. Field Trips -- meet in Holiday Inn parking lot. 1 . Hike in Village Creek Park with naturalist, nurseryman Larry P. Lowman to see the state champion Butternut ( Jualans cinerea ). Hop Hornbean f Ostrva virainiana ) and Red Buckeye ( Aesculus pavia ) trees. 2. Hike on Crowleys Ridge with botanist Larry Wilson to see the rare climbing Magnolia ( Schisandra glabra ). Cucumber Magnolia ( Magnolia acuminata ), and Goatsbeard (Aruncus dioicus ). Rough terrain -- hiking boots strongly recommended. 3. To be announced - Dr. Leon Richards, ASU, Jonesboro, AR 1 2:00 Lunch - your choice 1:30 p.m. Field Trips repeated 1 / 6:00-7:00 Dinner -- Regular buffet, Holiday Inn, $7,75 7:00 Business Meeting 7:45 Auction — Aileen McWilliams Be sure to bring your donations for the auction! Sunday, September 27th 8:15 a.m. Tour of Ridgecrest Nursery, Highway 64, Wynne, AR Follow Highway 1 to Wynne, turn right on 64. Nursery is on the right on 64. Accommodations: Holiday Inn 1-40 & Highway No. 1 Ph. 633-6300 Single or double, $43.00 Fixed rate for group Register as ANPS member for rate. Colony Inn Motel Double, $45.99 1-40 & Highway 1 South Ph. 633-0870 C am p in g : Village Creek State Park Ph. 238-9406 Reservations only: 1-800-264-2467 W/E $12.00/day Overflow areas $6.00/day Cabins $60.00 - $70.00/day ANPS FALL FIELD TRIPS All field trips are scheduled for Saturday unless specified. Please call the leader ahead of time to confirm your participation and check for last minute changes. Since plant protection and conservation are primary objectives of our organization, digging of plants on field trips is not permitted. October 17 - Oxley, Arkansas, 10:00 a.m. Leaders: Edith & Harry Bartholomew, phone 585-2591 Where: Edith & Harry's new rustic home away from home in a beautiful hardwood forest. Bring sack lunch. Drinks will be provided. Meet in front of the Oxley fire station across from Baptist Church on Highway 66 at 10:00 a.m. October 24 - Calion, Arkansas, 9:30 a.m. Leader: Carl Amason, phone 748-2362 Meet at Carl's to see late fall blooming composites and other fall blooming plants. Bring sack lunch and drink. Turn left off Highway 167 at Staples Store, go to County Rd. 44 (about .5 mile), turn right, and go south 1 .25 miles to Carl's house. November 7 - Devil's Den State Park, Washington Co., near Winslow Leaders: Jean Crone and naturalist Wallace Keck, phone 634-71 1 1 Meet at the Visitor's Center at 10:00 a.m. Bring sack lunch and drink. Fall color should be great. 2 i January 16 -- Burns Park, North Little Rock, AR Leader: Arkansas State Forestry Department, phone 664-2531 Learn to identify a tree in its winter attire on this field trip with a member of the Arkansas State Forestry Department. Bring sack lunch and drink. Tree book would be helpful. Take Burns Park (Exit #150) off 1-40. Take Burns Park exit (#150) off 1-40. Go towards golf course. About 100 yards before golf course, turn right on Joe Poch Road. Follow Joe Poch Road to covered bridge. MINUTES OF THE SPRING BUSINESS MEETING - Betty Speairs, Secretary The business meeting of the ANPS Spring Meeting was called to order by the president. Dr. Richard K. Speairs, Jr., at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, 1992, at the Western Sizzlin' Restaurant in Monticello, Carl Amason moved, and Catherine Hamilton seconded, that the minutes of the Fall meeting in Batesville be dispensed with since they had been published in the Clavtonia . Motion carried. Chad Gray, treasurer, reported that our account is now in Citizens First Bank since the Resolution Trust Company took over the previous bank. The total in all accounts is $17,207.97. The amounts in the various accounts are: Aileen McWilliam 6334.00 Delzie Demaree 3715.04 Dwight Moore 1 841 ,21 Operating Fund (CD) 2597.26 Checking Account 2687.46 The current membership is 278. There are 72 registered at this meeting. Lois Wilson, vice-president, reported that the fall meeting will be held September 25- 27, with headquarters at the Holiday Inn in Forrest City. Larry Lowman of Ridgecrest Nursery in Wynne will present the Friday night program on native plants and the history of Crowley's Ridge. Field trips are planned for Saturday. The president appointed a nominating committee consisting of Sue Clark, Chairman, Carl Amason, and Dr. Don Culwell, all past presidents of the ANPS. Officers to be elected at the fall meeting are vice-president, treasurer, and editor. The scholarship committee, consisting of Dr. Eric Sundell of the University of Arkansas at Monticello, Chairman, Dr. Henry Robison of Southern Arkansas University, and Susan Hooks, Research Botanist with the U.S. Forest Service, announced that three scholarships and one research grant had been awarded. Recipients are; Elizabeth Getz (UCA), Jennifer Marsole (UCA), and Jennifer Messer (UCA) - all $500 scholarships; and James McLellan (UAF) the Delzie Demaree Research Grant, $500. The president thanked the local arrangements committee. Dr. Eric Sundell, Chairman, and all who helped with the meeting. The personnel from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Mark Hooks and Levi Davis, and Neva Boatwright of Cave Creek State Park, will be officially thanked. Tommy Dunn moved, seconded by Carl Amason, that twenty-five dollars be sent to the Ouachita Watch League, known as OWL. Motion carried. Jason Anders volunteered to serve on a committee to publicize the ANPS on college campuses. The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m. 2 FAU ELECTIONS The following slate has been provided by the nominating committee. Other nominations will be accepted and voting will take place at the Fall General Meeting. For Vice President - Carl Slaughter For Treasurer - Sue Clark For Editor - Ron Doran PRESERVATION OF SEVEN DEVILS SWAMP - Eric Sundell ANPS members who enjoyed the trip to Seven Devils Swamp at the Spring Meeting in Monticello may want to write letters to some or all of the Powers That Be to express their conviction that the area is unique and splendid enough for preservation. Levi Davis of Arkansas Game and Fish, who led the boat trip on Seven Devils suggests letters to the following: Mr. Steve Wilson, Director Arkansas Game & Fish Commission #2 Natural Resources Drive Little Rock, AR 72205 The Arkansas Nature Conservancy 300 Spring Building Suite 717 Little Rock, AR 72201 U.S. and state senators and congressmen are also recommended. Copies of letters can be sent to Levi Davis for his information, at Arkansas Game and Fish, 104 N. Hyatt, Monticello, AR 71655. Most of the land seen on the Seven Devils trip is part of about 4000 acres owned by Georgia Pacific. The land has been for sale for at least four years. Price is negotiable. The state of Arkansas needs to begin those negotiations through one of its agencies. Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission The Heritage Center Suite 200 225 East Markham Little Rock, AR 72201 SPRING FIELD TRIP REPORTS ~ Lois Wilson On May 2nd approximately 45 ANPS members and guests enjoyed a field trip to the Railroad Prairie with Carl Hunter as the leader. Indian Paintbrush, orchids, and Yellow Star grass were some of the spring blooming prairie plants observed. There were approximately 35 ANPS members and guests on Bean Mountain in Newton County for a field trip May 16th with Tina Marie Wilcox, Herb Culver, and Kent Bomar. We were thrilled to see the rare French's Shooting Star, Arkansas Alumroot, Black Cohosh, and other mountain species. Approximately 21 ANPS members and guests attended the Black Fork Wilderness Area field trip. Putty Root orchid, Streotanthus . and a wild cherry 91" in circumference were found on the hike. 4 A TRIP TO TRASKWOOD. SALINE COUNTY - Carl Amason For some time, John Felton had wanted me to come to see the grass-pink orchids near Traskwood. He had offered to come and get me and return me home, but I thought that would be entirely too much of an obligation so i took courage to drive there to see for myself his orchid patch. I was overwhelmed. I had thought an hour or two and I would be returning home, but I spent the day. John said that he would meet me at McDade's store, at the railroad in Traskwood at 10:00 a.m. He was there waiting and said that Marie Locke, Ernie Wallis, and Grace Hancock would also be in the group. That delighted me and he had hardly said as much when they arrived and we loaded up in John's van and headed south. I was surprised to see that the entire western half of Grant County and the pocket of Saline County in which we were tripping, all looked like the piney woods of south Calhoun County -- level, poorly drained, adjacent to the flood plains of a nearby river. We turned onto a dirt county road at the edge of Traskwood and stopped at a well-kept farmhouse and yard to admire a long bed of Iris virainica . past its peak but still with some typical flowers. George Sinclair and his wife recognized John's van in passing and stopped to talk. It was George Sinclair who had found the patch of grass-pink orchids and brought the area to John's attention. Meanwhile the farmhouse owner came out, a young man named Beck whose grandfather had established the place we were admiring. Of course, time flies when one is having a wonderful field trip and we continued our way, The pine trees became larger and denser, the undergrowth more substantial. We came under a big electrical transmission line, going more or less in east-west direction. John paused here and said that Platanthera ciliaris (yellow-fringed orchid) plants grew by the thousands in these woods and also in the area where we were going. A rare plant, which I thought sounded like Sabatia aentianoides also grew here. We turned onto a less travelled dirt road and here we turned more or less west. We stopped at a small turn-off by the road to admire in the edge of the woods a tall Baotista alba (white false indigo) and a low, almost creeping Rhododendron viscosum , which until recently has been called Rhododendrum oblonoifolium (some books call it the Texas azalea). Of course, Ernie Wallis was taking photographs, Marie Locke was collecting herbarium specimens, and Grace Hancock was bird watching. John was talking and so was I. We left, forded Brushy Creek, soon came to the Union Pacific tracks -- the old Missouri Pacific - and immediately in front was an area that looked like a clear cut that had been bulldozed and burned, perhaps an area of 25 acres, bounded by the raiiroad in a northeast to southeast direction on the east, the big electrical transmission lines on the south, a slight gravel ridge and Hot Spring County line on the west, and more woods at least a quarter of a mile on the north; we never made it to the north side. The westerly road that we were traveling on forked about 250 feet from the Hot Spring County line, where there was a poor specimen of an oak tree (I don't even recall what kind, as more interesting plants were around). We parked in the shade of the little tree, and we all went "wild." Perhaps the most conspicuous flowering plant was the Calopogon tuberosus , from a rose to fuschia, all shades of pink (hot and cool) to white. These were the grass-pink orchids, the attraction of the day. Platanthera ciliaris plants were not blooming but they were common. The previous day, John had taken Don Crank there to see the ferns. Together they found among the cinnamon ferns were Osmunda cinnamonea forma frondosa and among the royal ferns Osmunda reoalis forma anomala . Both of these forms of Osmunda are characterized by having fertile and infertile pinnae together - in other words, leaves 5 mixed with spore-bearing parts. Interestingly, in Carl Taylor's book, Arkansas Ferns and Fern Allies , he states that Osmunda cinnamonea f. frondosa was collected by E. J. Palmer on 27 May 1926 from a sandy open woods near Malvern, Hot Spring County, This site is only yards from the Hot Spring County line, near Malvern. Among the club mosses, two species can be distinguished at this early point in the growing season -- Lycopodium appressum and L alopecuroides . On the uphill dry sunny slope was a colony of Echinacea pailida (pale cone flower) and further down on the upper edge of a wet spot were flowering and green-fruited Chamaelirium luteum . an uncommon member of the lily family with common names of "devil's bit" and "fairy wand." I don't know how or why such names were ever thought up, let alone got established. That is true of the scientific names also in many cases. Drosera were everywhere. These are the sundews, which are getting to be a field mark characteristic of the Coastal Plain. A knoll, and scattered about were many stressed flowering shrubs and noted were Rhododendron viscosium and two he-huckleberries (the fruits are dry capsules and inedible) Lyonia mariana with pinkish white blooms and L ligustrina with greenish flowers. Ceanothus americanus (New Jersey tea) was attractive, and down by the railroad track is a clump of some quite rare willow. The area is unique and brings up the next discussion. John has taken so many botanists, college professors, and native plant enthusiasts to this area and all agree to its uniqueness. The property belongs to International Paper (IP). IP also owns the property near Pine Bluff where the rose pogonia orchid occurs. The Native Plant Society should help John establish and preserve the area, maybe with the cooperation of the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commision or the Arkansas Nature Conservancy. Don Crank has taken Dr. Dan Marsh of Henderson State University of Arkadelphia, Dr. Eric Sundell of the University of Arkansas at Monticello to see it, and it has been seen by Dr. Dale Thomas of Northeast Louisiana University of Monroe. There are many other plants that are waiting to be cataloged from this area - one doesn't find everything in one or two flowering weekend visits. Another interesting thing is that it is a very characteristic Coastal Plain site on the very edge of its range. It is central to the cluster of colleges, universities, and schools of Central Arkansas. The Arkansas Native Plant Society should be a leader in getting this unique place preserved. A FLOWER TALE - Betty Grabbe He watched her whirl gracefully among the meadow flowers, her nimble feet barely grazing the ground. Sunlight misted her hair in gold, entrancing him. She was Solidago, fairest maiden in the kingdom, and he would have her for his own. She felt his intense ga 2 e and fear weakened her. He was Ambrosia, nephew of the King, and he was evil. It was rumored that his diabolical powers were growing stronger and that he might be able to overthrow the kindly rule of his uncle. Just this morning, Ambrosia had stopped her as she hurried to prayers, pressuring her for an answer to his proposal. His dark eyes bored into her soul, seeking the answer that he wished to hear. Pulling from his grasp, she had almost stumbled in her haste to be away. And now she was in the meadow, dancing in sunlight, trying to pretend that he didn't watch her with hungry eyes and impatient heart. A sudden breeze lifted and swirled her hair, soft as the hand brushing her arm. She tensed, then relaxed to see the large man standing beside her. Vernonia was here, his smile gentle, his love steadfast. Strong as iron, he would protect her. Jealousy stabbed Ambrosia, as he watched the couple exchange loving glances. Hate congealed his blood, freezing his soul. His eyes darkly targeted the man who had stolen his prize. Rage burned Ambrosia as he stalked across the meadow and accosted Vernonia. "You will never have Solidago," he hissed, his fingers curling into claws. Vernonia whirled toward the raspy voice, his mighty arms lifted to defend. "Be gone, Ambrosia," he warned. "Solidago is mine." But the man with iron strength was helpless against glittering eyes freezing him in their wicked spell. Air whirled ... shifted. Vernonia disappeared. Only a tall plant remained, nondescript except for its loose clusters of purple flowers. Solidago stared in horror at the spot where Vernonia had stood. "You are evil," she whispered hoarsely to Ambrosia. "Stay away from me. I will never be yours," Ambrosia caught her arm, each word pounding in rhythm to his pulsating brain. "You will never belong to anyone else. You have a choice. Marry me or you will join Vernonia." Jerking free, Solidago stood bravely before him. "If I married you, my soul would die. I will gladly join Vernonia." "So be it," Ambrosia said, his voice sliding over her like cold silk. Sorrow dulled his eyes as he assessed her, "I cannot bear to destroy one so lovely, so I will make your golden hair into a flower. You will grace the meadow where I can look upon you from my castle window. When the wind causes you to sway back and forth, 1 will be reminded of how you dance." As Ambrosia's words ended, Solidago was transformed. Clothed in gold, her form tall and straight, Solidago stood in silent splendor with roots anchored deep into the meadow soil. On angry feet, the King approached. "Ambrosia," he demanded. "What have you done?" Staring in horror at the tall purple blossoms of Vernonia and the golden ones of Solidago, the King declared, "You have shown that you are not fit to rule the people. My kingdom will never be yours." "So, Uncle," sneered Ambrosia. "You come at last. Too late to undo my deed, but perhaps you can join Solidago and Vernonia." Eyes glittering, Ambrosia turned his evil power on the King. "Foolish nephew, to believe that your powers can exceed mine,* the King chided, his eyes deadly as they pinned Ambrosia. "I cannot undo your evil deed, but I can alter it. From this day forth, Solidago shall be known as Goklenrod. She will have medicinal powers, and when my people see her, they will be reminded that her name implies strength and healing." "As for Vernonia, the man of iron strength will be called Ironweed. He shall stand forever with Goldenrod, his purple blooms complementing her golden ones." "And now for you, nephew. For your folly this day, you shall join these two, yet be set apart. You, Ambrosia, will be scorned and hated, forever cursed. You, evil nephew, will be known as Ragweed." So saying, the King wielded his mighty power on his quivering nephew, reducing him to a ragtag weed, still scorned today by all who come near him. Z SEED EXCHANGE - APRIL 1993 - Lois Wilson Hopefully some of you will join in the fun of collecting and exchanging seed at the first annual seed exchange for ANPS members, which will begin with the Spring meeting in April of 1993. There is something immensely satisfying and rewarding about raising your own plants from seed. You will learn from your failures and be encouraged by each success. It is also an excellent way to increase the population of some rapidly dwindling species. One basic and very important rule to remember when determining when a seed is mature and ready for collection is to look for a change in the fruiting structure that holds the seeds. Berries, pods, and capsules usually expand in size and change from a lighter to a darker color. The seeds themselves usually turn to a darker color unless they are covered with pulp. Pulp seeds turn to another color at maturity, e.g., green to red. As you acquire more experience each season you will be able to recognize the characteristics of each species. Methods of storing seed are very important. Seeds that have pulp, such as Magnolia or Jack-in-the-Pulpit, should not be allowed to dry with the pulp on. They should be stored "CM" -- or cold moist -- in a plastic bag containing damp, unmilled spaghnum moss or damp sand in the refrigerator and the pulp removed before planting. Other types of dry seed should be cleaned and air dried for about a week, labeled, and stored "CD" -- or cold dry -- in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. They will keep indefinitely this way. All seeds brought for the exchange should be labeled with the name of the plant, state and county, date of collection, and your name. Preferably, the seeds should be native. An excellent reference is How to Raise and Propagate Wildflowers by Harry Phillips, available from Holland Wildflower Farm and some bookstores. An excellent book for woody plant propagation is the U.S. Forest Service book, Seeds of Woodv Plants in North America , available from Timber Press. Have you moved lately, or are you planning a move? Please send sli address corrections to Eric Sundelk 1 14 Briarcliff, Monticello, AR 71655. Dues and information requests should be sent to ANPS, P.O. Box 25025Q, Little Rock, AR 72225. Only articles for the Clavtonia should be sent to Ron Doran, Box 846, Harding University, Searcy, AR 72149-0001. S