The Newsletter of the Wyoming Native Plant Society October 1996 Volume 15, No. 3 In this issue: U'NPSNews 2 Annual Meeting 1996 Summer Field Trip Reports Tall Forb Communities of Western Wyoming and Eastern Idaho 4 Landscaping with Wildflovvers and Other Native Plants 5 The Caper Family . , , 7 Botany Briefs 7 The Botany 130 Songbook 8 A 1 p i n G L ady F C rn {A thyri um dts ten tifoi i urn v ar . americanum) is one of our largest ferns in Wyoming, with elliptic, 2-4 times pinnate fronds up to 70 cm long and 20 cm wide. In Wyoming, this species is restricted to alpine talus habitats in the Teton Range, southwestern Yellowstone National Park, and the Snowy Range (Medicine Bow Mountains). It was thought to have been extirpated in the Snowies until it was relocated by Bob Dorn during this summer's Wyoming Native Plant Society annual meeting. For more on this interesting discovery, see the field trip report on page 2, Illustration by Jane Dom. WNPS NEWS Annual Meeting : The WNPS annual meeting and field trip were held In the Snowy Range on August 3. 1996 Approximately 25 members and guests enjoyed a sunny summer day of botanizing In the alpine country between Libby Flats and Sugarloaf Mountain, just east of Medicine Bow Peak. A brief business meeting was held in the lookout observatory at Libby Flats. New president Jennifer Whipple lead the discussion of new business, including plans for a fourth Wyoming Rare Plant Conference, scheduled for March 1997 in Riverton. The possibility of establishing a chapter in the Laramie-Cheyenne area was also discussed, as well as the idea of coordinating Society events with the Forest Service. The Secretary-Treasurer announced the results of the 1996 Board elections. To no one’s surprise, the entire slate of nominated candidates was elected. Officers for 1996/97 are; President; Jennifer Whipple. Vice President: Charmaine Refsdal, Secretary-Treasurer: Walter Fertig. 2-year board member: Katy Duffy. Jean Daly will continue as the second Board member. Thanks were extended to our outgoing board members. Barbara Amidon and Diana Osuna. The Ft. Laramie/Torrington area (Great Plains) narrowly beat out the Wind River Range in the vote for next years annual meeting/field trip site. Look for details on the 1997 outing in an upcoming issue of CastiHeJa. Snowy Range Field Trip : With Society business taken care of, the group proceeded from the Libby Flats parking area to the base of Sugarloaf Mountain. Considering the number of botanists in the crowd, we made admirable progress, nearly reaching the mountain {a distance of 1/2 mile) by lunch time! Enroute, we encountered a dazzling display of showy alpine species typical of the southern Rocky Mountains. The Snowy Range {technically just the quartzite spine of the Medicine Bow Range) is the only true alpine area in southeast Wyoming and home to a number of uncommon species that are more typical of Colorado than the other mountainous areas of Wyoming. Among the rarities that we found were pinnate fleabane {Erigeron pinnatisectus), a purple-rayed composite with pinnately divided leaves: blackheaded daisy {Erigeron melanocephalus), a species characterized by a densely black- woolly involucre beneath a relatively large head of white rays; and Rocky Mountain snow-lover (Chionophi/a Jamesif), a plant with whitish snapdragon-like flowers closely related to the penstemons. The most noteworthy find of the day, however, belonged to field trip co-leader Robert Dorn. As we were proceeding to the base of Sugarloaf. I mentioned to Bob that we were in the vicinity of an historical location for American alpine lady fern (Athynum d/stentffo/ium var. americanum) This hardy, high- elevation fern had not been reported from the Medicine Bow Range since 1934, when it was last seen on the east face of Sugarloaf. After hearing this story, Dorn nonchalantly lifted his binoculars, looked towards the base of the quartzite talus slope, and calmly announced “there it is". Bob then proceeded to lead us across a snowfield and boulder slope straight to the ferns! A population of approximately 40 individuals was found in crevices among the boulders growing with parsley fern (Cryptogramma acrosticho/des), Drummond's rush (Juncus drummondii'), Ross sedge (Carex ross/f), dwarf mountain butterweed (Senecio fremontii), and seep-spring arnica (Arnica fongifo/ia). In addition to rarities, we also explored the more common (but no less interesting) flowers of the alpine turf and timberline communities. Dense, low-growing turfs consisted primarily of alpine avens (Geum rossi/). Rocky Mountain sagewort (Aftemisia scopu/orum), and a variety of low grasses, sedges, and wildflowers. Rocks scattered liberally throughout the rolling meadows supported their own micro-communities of cruslose lichens. Local lichen aficionado Bill Brenneman kindly provided identifications for the group. Amid the rocks were a variety of showy wildflowers including blue columbine (AquHeg/a coeru/ea), butterweed (Senecio d/morphophy//us), and Whipple's penstemon (Penstemon whipp/eanus). Treeline communities featured wind-sheared hedges of Engelmann spruce (P/cea engelmann/i) and subalpine fir [Abies lasiocarpa), with currants (Pibes lacustre) and stunted grouse whortleberry {Vaccin/um scopanum) on the leeward edges. On the return leg of the hike, we explored the edges of Libby Lake, encountering willow thickets and tussocks of wetland grasses and sedges. Bob Dorn did his best to explain the subtle nuances distinguishing Safix g/auca and S brachycarpa. In addition, we observed two low, pink-flowered shrubby heaths, red mountain-heather (Pby/Iodoce empetriformis) and alpine laurel (Ka/mia micropby//a). I pointed out the spring- loaded anthers of the saucer-shaped Ka/m/a flower that can be triggered by a slight touch. Other wildflowers in the wetland included pink elephanfs-head (Pedicu/an's groen/andica). white violets, and a lot of sedges, \VF Laramie Rangs Trip : A second trip was held on Sunday. August 4, for those who did not receive their complete botanical fix on Saturday Bob and Jane Dorn lead a smaller, but no less enthusiastic, group on a tour of the fern gardens near Brady Rock, east of the Lincoln head monument on Interstate 80. The steep, shady cliff walls of these Sherman granite outcrops support populations of four state and regionally rare ferns and fern allies, a remarkable concentration for a "pteridophyte- challenged” state such as Wyoming. The most peculiar species in the group is probably Asp/enium septenfn'onafe, a species with slender, linear leaves resembling blades of grass, A look at the underside of the leaves reveals a rim of brown sporangia, proving that the plant is truly a fern. A closely related species, Asp/enium Mcbomanes, is also present in deep, shady crevices. This species is known from only one other location in the state, last observed in 1939. Rarest of ail the ferns at this site is the Rocky Mountain polypody (Poiypod/um saximontanum), a regional endemic of the South Dakota Black Hills and the Front Range from SE Wyoming to northern New Mexico. This species v/as formerly called P vu/gare var. co/umbianum, but was recognized as its own species in 1993. Rounding out the collection of rare pteridophytes is Se/aginei/a underwoodii, a moss-like vascular plant with ropey stems closely appressed to the cliff face. This species is known from only 4 other sites in Albany and Laramie counties. Several other unusual plants were encountered on this short hike, all with affinities to the southern Rocky Mountain floristic region. These species included Heuchera bracteata, Jamesia americana, Po/emor7ium brandegei, Senecio fend/e n, and Enogonum jawes/ivar. f/avescens. From Brady Rock, the group proceeded to a wetland area bordering the Happy Jack Road where it crosses the Middle Fork of Crow Creek. This otherwise unremarkable looking site contains 10 of the 32 known species of willow found in Wyoming (ail in an area of less than 1/4 acre). The most 2 noteworthy plant founcf here is Autumn willow {Salix serissima), a species listed as Sensitive by the US Forest Service. The Crow Creek site contains the only known occurrence of this boreal species in Wyoming. Autumn willow is unusual in that it is the lastest blooming willow in the state, Pistillate plants still had developing catkins on the day of our trip, long after most of the other species in the area were finished with fruit production. A small cold-water spring is present at this site and may account for some of the unusual species diversity. Two boreal disjunct species, hoary willow {Salix Candida) and rush aster {Aster borealis) are present on quaking mats in the bog. Other unusual plants in the area include Senecio debilis, an orange- flowered, rayless composite, Campanula parryi, a large- flowered relative of the common harebell, and Oxytropls spfendens, a purple-flowered locoweed with leaflets arranged in dense fascicles. All in attendance agreed that this unusual site warranted some kind of special recognition by the Forest Service for its rich and diverse flora. WF Below: Aspfenium septentrionale by Jane Dorn. Tensleep Trip : A small group of members attended a mid- July weekend trip to The Nature Conservancy’s Tensleep Preserve, on the rugged west side of the Bighorn Range The objective of this trip was to add to the plant species list being maintained by preserve managers Ann Humphrey and Phii Shephard. On two hikes, we were able to iocate over 60 new species that had not previously been reported for the preserve. An investigation of the preserve’s herbarium also resulted in the discovery of two additional rare plant species for the site; Arizona bluebells {Mertensia arizonica, last seen gracing the cover of the May 1996 issue of Castilteja) and Mancos wild buckwheat {Eriogonum mancum). We were also able to observe several of the rarest species on the preserve, including Hapeman’s sullivantia {Suflivantia hapemanii var. hapemanii) at the bottom of spectacular Canyon Creek Canyon and Cary beardtorgue {Penstemon caryi) in thin pockets of soil amid dolomite bedrock. WF Teton Chapter Produces LandscaDing Brochure ; We are pleased to include in this issue a copy of a 2-page pamphlet produced by WNPS's Teton County Chapter on landscaping with native plants (see page 5) Although the information pertains chiefly to the Jackson area, readers in other parts of the state should also find it helpful, Congratulations to all involved in creating such a useful guide. Renewal Time ; Although most members are paid up for 1996-97 (indicated by a '97’ on your mailing label), a few members still need to pay their dues to remain in good standing. If you have a 94, 95. or 96 on your mailing label please renew soon. N6W Members ; Please welcome the following new members ofWNPS: Katherine Bede (Sheridan), Kathy Browning (Green River), Scott Fisher (Medicine Bow), Vicky Goodin (Laramie), Sabine Mellmann-Brown (Cooke City, MT). Teresa Prendusi (Ogden. UT), Brent Sherard (Wheatland), Gary Skillman (Evansville), Kim Springer (Teton Village), Jeff Troxel (Cody) Attention Readers : We are always looking for articles and illustrations for the newsletter. Items for the December issue are needed by 1 December 1996, Treasurer’s Report : Balance as of 1 3 October 1996: General Fund $685.61; 1996-97 Student Scholarship Fund $421 .00; Total funds: $1106.61. WF Wyoming Native Plant Society 1604 Grand Ave., Laramie, WY 82070 President; Jennifer Whipple (Old Faithful) Vice President; Charmaine Refsdal (Green River) Secretary -Treasurer: Walt Fertig (Laramie) Board Members: Jean Daly (Big Horn) Katy Duffy (Moose) Newsletter Editor: Walt Fertig (307) 745-5026 (wk) Contributors to this issue: John Baxter (JB), Meredith Campbell, Jane Dorn, Walter Fertig (WF), Dorothy Leake, and Stuart Markow 3 Tall Forb Communities of Western Wyoming and Eastern Idaho By Stuart Markow Of the many different kinds of vegetation represented in North America, among the most interesting and certainly among the most colorful are the tall forb communities scattered throughout the western United States. Although this cover type extends from central Colorado, west to California and north to Canada, some of the best representation occurs in the high mountains of western Wyoming and adjacent Idaho. There are various ways that tall forb communities have been described One way that they have been characterized is “as a large array of luxuriant, rather tall, sixteen to forty-eight inch mesic forbs". Other descriptions have used such criteria as percent tree cover, shrub cover, and graminoid composition in attempts to define the community type. However one chooses to define it, the type is characterized by a large variety of forb species that vary greatly in composition and distribution of dominant species. Some species occur at nearly every site; others show up only occasionally, with restricted geographic limits or narrow environmental constraints. Basic community structure however, is quite uniform throughout its range of occurrence These communities may occur at such diverse sites as along streams, adjacent to springs, or even within the understory of forests or shrublands. Mostly however, they occur at mid to upper elevations (6500-9500 feet) in openings in spruce/fir or Douglas-fir forests. They are often species-rich and may provide a dazzling display of colorful wildflowers. Those contributing to the show usually include sticky geranium {Geranium viscosissimum), silvery lupine {Lupinus argenteus), and fernleaf lovage {Ligusticum filicinum). Others that may be locally important consist of leafy Jacob’s ladder {Polemonium foUosissimum), bracted lousewort {Pedicutaris bracteosa), duncecap larkspur {Delphinium occidentale), and sulphur paintbrush {Castilleja sulphurea). A wide variety of showy composites such as asters {Aster spp.), fleabanes (Engeron spp.), showy goldeneye {Viguiera multiflora), and little sunflower {Heliantheita uniflora) round out the visual treat. Graminoids seldom achieve much importance in tall forb communities {at least in undisturbed sites). However, Raynold's sedge (Carex raynoldsii), mountain brome {Bromus cahnatus), nodding btuegrass {Poa reflexa), and showy oniongrass {Metica spectabilis) seem to consistently show up, albeit in low concentrations. The situation changes when sheep graze in these communities. In some areas such use has seriously reduced the forb component, and subalpine needlegrass (Sf/pa neisonif), Wheeler bluegrass (Poa nen/osa var. wheelen), elk sedge (Carex geyen). and slender wheatgrass {Efymus trachycaulus) now dominate. In other areas, heavy grazing by cattle has removed essentially every shred of graminoid material, shifting dominance to a few resistant, unpalatable forbs including mule’s ears {Wyethia amplexicaulis) and coneflower [Rudbeckia occidentalis). Just why tall forb communities persist without being replaced by trees is beset with controversy, and attempts to explain this phenomenon are diverse and, often, contradictory. No one hypothesis explains all situations. Factors which have been reported as crucial include soil texture and mineralogy, aspect, fire history, and even tree depradation by rodents. While the “textbook “ tall forb community occurs on fne- textured soil derived from limestone or shale on a south-facing slope, the fact remains that such communities also occur on sites which differ in any or all of these factors. One interesting hypothesis contends that the dominance of tali forbs is an artifact of drier conditions during the Pleistocene, and that recent, more mesic conditions will allow forest to encroach on them. These are relatively fragile systems, vulnerable to the many abuses that have been imposed on vegetation in general. Being highly productive, they are prime targets for exploitation by native herbivores and commercial stock, both of which may seriously reduce plant abundance and ground cover. This vegetation loss encourages erosion, a problem compounded by trampling, fine-textured soils, and steep slopes. Unrestricted hiking and camping may wreak the same havoc. Additionally, tall forb communities may be lost to succession. Alledgedly, fire suppression has allowed trees to encroach on those sites where forb dominance has historically been maintained by fire. Tall forb communities are aesthetically pleasing and important ecological components of the landscape, deserving of our attention and appreciation. Careful, and in many cases, restrained use is paramount if they are to be maintained in their natural condition, now and in the future. Below: “Werner-leaved" groundsel (just what is a Werner leaf anyway?), perhaps better known by its Latin name, Senecio wemehifolius. Illustration by W. Fertig. 4 " ^ z' — ^ ^ < ^ ^ ^ M _ ij ^ — = 5 n ■* —‘/rkfTl z td — ^ E = S’ H?| r ~ ^ “ ^ 3 ' ^ 5 '' T — 5 o 3 = 3 i. ft* := =i = ^ *" 5. i ^ ~ 0-3 Si ^ S 3 2 Z -L^ ^ = SJ :y u. 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Worldwide, the family numbers about 700 species and is especially abundant in dry, tropical areas of Africa. Only four species in two genera, however, manage to make it to Wyoming. These species are often mistaken for mustards when in flower, or legumes when in fruit Worst of all, the very name of the family is somewhat demeaning. The word Cappans (the genus for which the family name is based) is derived from the Latin term for goat (Capra) , in reference to the foul odors associated with both organisms. Despite this bad rap, the caper family can claim its share of successes. The capers of commerce are derived from the flower buds of various species in the genus Cappans. According to Dr, William Weber, capers are "essential to the preparation of the German meatball dish ‘Konigsberger klops’L In addition, a number of species are grown as ornamentals. Spider flower {Cappans spinosa) is probably the best known of these, although other species in the genera Cappans, Gynandropsis, and Polanisia are also used. Members of the caper family can be recognized by their four-petaled, slightly irregular (zygomorphic) flowers, stalked ovaries, and capsular fruits. The family is closely related to the mustards (Brassicaceae), but differs in technical features of the fruit. All of the Wyoming species of Capparaceae have palmately compound leaves and fruits that superficially resemble legumes (Fabaceae). Unlike legumes, Capparaceae fruits are composed of two fused carpels divided by a partition and are borne on a jointed stalk called a gynophore The most widespread member of the caper family in Wyoming is Rocky Mountain bee plant {Cteome serrulata). The plant's common name comes from its popularity with bees (and beekeepers) as a valuable source of nectar. C. serrulata can be recognized by its dense inflorescences of pink flowers with 6 stamens that extend far beyond the petals. Often the inflorescence bears buds, open flowers, and long-stalked, recurved fruits all at the same time. This species is commonly found in disturbed areas and roadsides from the plains to the lower foothills of the mountainous areas of the state. Another widespread species in the state is yellow bee plant (C tutea), which can be recognized by its yellow flowers and lower leaves with 5-7 leaflets. This species is found primarily in the basin country of western Wyoming on sandy slopes and disturbed soils. The rarest species in the family is the many-stemmed spider-flower (C, mutticautis), known in Wyoming only from the Steamboat Lake area north of Pathfinder Reservoir in Natrona County. This glabrous annual herb resembles C. serrulata, but has narrower leaflets, smaller flowers, and stamens that are shorter than the petals. In favorable years, the Steamboat Lakes population can be quite extensive, numbering in the hundreds of thousands on semi-moist saline banks of shallow lakes and ponds with Baltic rush (Juncus balticus) and Scirpus pungens. C. multicaulis is considered rare throughout its range (central Wyoming and southern Colorado, south to central Mexico) and is threatened by loss of its wetland habitat to agriculture and residential development The Wyoming population is found within Pathfinder National Widlife Refuge, but may be threatened by fluctuations in surface water levels and trampling by livestock. The final species in the caper family in Wyoming is clammy weed {Polanisia trachysperma). This species earns its name from its sticky-hairy leaves and stems, which feel cool (or clammy) to the touch. These sticky glands also give the plant its characteristic foul smell. Clammy weed is relatively common in plains and hills in the lower elevation parts of the state, especially on coarse sandy soils near reservoirs and roadsides. The flowers are white or cream-colored with pink or purple stamens of various lengths, its fruit is an erect, glandular-hairy capsule on a slender stalk. Below; Cleome serrulata by Dorothy Leake Botany Briefs Botanical News from Wyoming and the Rocky Mountain Region New Wyoming Records of Parasitic Fungi in 1996 (Ed: When not composing botanical doggerel, Dr. Baxter is combing the state for rusts, smuts, and other parasitic fungi. He reports the following new species for Wyoming from his summer adventures): Erysiphe polygon! on Convolvulus arvensis Helminthosporium phragmttis on Phragmites australis Bostichonema alpestre on Polygonum bistortoides Septofia helianthii on Hetiar^thus petiolaris, H. tuberosus, H. nuttallii, and Iva xanthifolla Puccinia harknessii on Stephanomerta runcinata JB 7 The Botany 130 Songbook By John “Barney” Baxter, the Balladeer of Burns At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, the life of a Botany 130 lab instructor was fraught with tension and trauma. The most stressful lab exercise was the one in which the students tested various plants or plant parts for sugar, starch, fat, etc. The Testing of the Food (Tune: Battle Hymn of the Republic) My eyes have seen the chaos of the testing of the food. And brother, I am telling you I’m in a morbid mood. I'm going to a bar where Til get completely stewed, And then forget it all. Hallelujah, glory, glory. What a messy laboratory. There’s Benedict's Solution on the stools and on the floor In the old 130 lab. Come forward all you students, of this paper take a piece, Then rub it with your hunk of gunk until 1 holler “cease!" And after careful drying if you see a spot of grease You write “Plus 4" for fat. Glory, glory, hallelujah, Do you get the picture, do ya? I'm flunking any joker using Brylcreem on the sly In the old 130 lab. Now boil chunks of onion in that liquid bright and blue. Be sure to aim your test tube at the person next to you, It’s really all in fur and she’ll continue smiling through, While the stuff drips off her chin. T he Wyoming iVafive Plant Society, established in 1981, is a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging the appre- ciation and conservation of the native flora and plant com- munities of Wyoming, The Society promotes education and research on native plants of the state through its newsletter, field trips and annual student 'Scholarship award, Membership is open to individuals, families, or organizations with an interest in Wyoming's flora, Members receive Castilleja, the Society's quar- terly newsletter, and may take part in all of the Society’s programs and projects, including the annual meeting/field trip held each summer. Dues are S5.00 annually. To join the Wyoming Native Plant Society, return the member- ship form below to: Wyoming Native Plant Society 1604 Grand Ave. Laramie, WY 82070 Wyoming Native Plant Society Name: Address: n S5.00 Regular membership □ SI 5. 00 Scholarship Supporting Member iSlO-OO goes la onnua/ scholarship fund} Glory, glcry and hosanna, Where the hell Is the banana? I guess a hungry student must have used it for his lunch, In the old 130 lab. Vi)omTng Native Pfont ^ ^ Society WYOMING NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY I604 Grand Avenue Laramie, WY 82070