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SHORTIA

NEWSLETTER OF THE

WESTERN CAROLINA BOTANICAL CLUB

SPRING 1998

LIBRARY

MAR 2 - 1998

NEW YORK
BOTANICAL GARDEN

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s

ELTON and ALINE HANSENS
Editors

WESTERN CAROLINA BOTANICAL CLUB - 1998

President :
Vice-President :
Secretary :
Treasurer :

Don Herrman
Elaine Montgomery
Peggy Ellis
Rachel Conway

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Recorder:
Recorder:
Historian :

Erika Parmi
Anne Ulinski
Anne Matthes

DON HERRMAN

Random thoughts about our 25th Anniversary Meeting: I do

not want to hear any more about rain and the flu, they do
cut into our attendance. But we had a good meeting with
great food and socializing. It was good to see people
volunteering for the offices of Secretary, Recorder, and
Historian. At the end of the meeting there was a discussion
and exchange of ideas that demonstrated a vibrant interest
in the success of the club. Also our thanks should go to
the ones who set-up, worked in the kitchen and helped clean
up .

Today is bright and sunny at Ramblewood. The stream that
runs through the meadow is pretty and peaceful. However,
there is a sandy, silted beach where the ladies tresses
flowered and flourished. We will see how the spring flowers
react to the changed environment.

Since I have received my schedule for 1998,
everyone else received theirs. It is one that
something for everyone. Take advantage of it and
often as you can. Please remember that the next
Shortia needs your contributions. Thank you!

MfiOY W3W

^ *it jv’ • ■ , } : •/} A ■ ■

GETTING TO KNOW YOU ALINE HANSENS

Arbuckle, Bill & Bonnie: PO Box 1049, Flat Rock,

NC 28731 (704) 696-2077. Moved to Robbinsvi 1 le ,

NC from south FL 15 yrs. ago and to Flat Rock in
May ’97. Bonnie has long had an interest in
native plants and was a naturalist at Snowbird
Lodge for a time. Jeanne Smith is a good friend.

Bucklin, Robert & Mary: 1421 Mt. Meadow Dr., H'ville, NC 28739
(704) 891-1073. Moved here from Houghton, MI about 4 months
ago, drawn by the mild climate and beauty of the area. Mary
loves plants and gardening. Bob's major training and real
interest is Biology but also he has a PhD in psychology and a
private practice.

Grimmenga, Jeanne & Leo: 74 Cardinal Rd . , Brevard, NC 28712
(704) 885-2731. Moved to Sherwood Forest, NC 18 yrs. ago from
suburban Chicago. Jeanne has had a lifelong interest in plants
with encouragement and support from Charley Moore. Member
friends are Dick & Jeanne Smith.

I assume
contains
join us as
issue of

2.

MINUTES OF WCBC ANNUAL MEETING JAN. 16,1998

The minutes of the 1997 meeting were read by Peggy Ellis; the 1997 Treas.
Report by Rachel Conway. Both were accepted as read. Erika Parmi gave
the Recorder's Report (see p. 4).

Pres. Don Herman reported on Short ia for Elton Hansens and requested that
members submit material for our current 20th Volume of Shortia. He also
commented on the strength of our club and that new members are joining
regularly .

Discussion followed on various schemes to publicize WCBC through Welcome
Wagon, the Visitor's Center and local newspapers. Dean Crawford suggested
a committee be formed to pursue these matters.

The Nominating Committee (Dean Crawford, Grace Rice and Millie Pearson)
presented the slate for 1998 as follows: Don Herman, Pres., Elaine
Montgomery, V.P., Peggy Ellis, Secy, and Rachel Conway, Treas. All were
elected unanimously. Pres. Herman announced 1998 Recorders -Erika Pami
and Anne Ulinski; Historian, Anne Mathes; and SHORTIA Editors, Elton and
Aline Hansens. Anne Mathes gave her report and requested member
participation. Anne Ulinski will keep us informed of Dick Smith's book
signing date in the spring.

Special thanks were expressed to Carl and Margaret Byrd for table
decorations in honor of the 25th Anniversary of WCBC. Aline Hansens
designed the place mats. We appreciate the extra effort and enthusiasm.
Respectfully Submitted, Peggy Ellis, 1-16-98.

WCBC TREASURER'S REPORT, DEC. 31, 1997.

Jan. 1, 1997 Balance on Hand.

$2410.25

Receipts: Membership dues $816.00

Donations 8.00

Interest 22.26

Total Available 1997

$3256.51

Disbursements:

Program schedules + postage $194.35

Shortia + postage + copies 598.02
Membership lists 66.33
Plant lists 79.10
Rent, Parish Hall, St. Johns 75.00
Annual meeting supplies 8.00
Check register 7.00
Treasurer expenses 8 . 50

Botanical Gardens at Asheville 50.00
Total disbursements

$1086.30

Dec. 31, 1997 — Balance on hand

$2170.21

This balance includes the Harry Logan Bequest
1997 Disbursements 598.02

Dec. 31, 1997 - on hand $840.77

Respectfully submitted, Rachel M. Conway, Treasurer

3.

RECORDER'S ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1997

ERIKA S. PARMI

This was one of the best years for field trips, since I have been Recorder.
We had no cancellations, but we did make substitutions for 2 trips. Only 5
people came for the Coleman Boundry trip (thunderstorms were predicted but
never materialized). The group decided not to drive so far and then perhaps
be rained out. We decided to go to the NC Arboretum instead. Raven Cliff
Falls was substituted for Chandler Preserve, because the road to Chandler was
in poor condition. Most of the trip reports came in with comments about the
good weather.

We probably will not be able to continue going to Chandler Preserve because
of the road deterioration. However, we have found another great South
Carolina Heritage Preserve, Glassy Mountain, to take its place. We had a
fantastic trip to the Harris property for the first time, but it will not be
rescheduled for 1998 since the Woodfin Cascades trail is now off limits.
Perhaps we will be able to schedule the trip in future years. The trip there
on May 23 produced the second highest number of plants (78) in bloom or in
bud for the year 1997.

Only the Parkway South on Sept. 12 produced more - 82. We should continue to
schedule this trip early in September. For the last few years we have been
going in late September when many of the species have finished blooming. In
addition to the above two trips we had 3 more trips that produced more than
60 species - Tanbark Tunnel on May 12 with 74, Oconee Station on April 7 with
63 and the Highlands Botanical Garden with 61. The scouting trip for Coleman
Boundary/Douglas Falls produced 75 species with some mass displays of dwarf
larkspur. Let's all try to make the May 8, 1998 trip!

Thirteen trips each produced between 40 and 59 species. Eleven trips each
had between 20-39 species. Only 4 trips produced less than 20. This year
improved on nimbers of species in bloom. Two- thirds of the trips had more
than 30 species, whereas in the years 1994 to 1996 slightly more than half
had more than 30 species.

A total of 36 field trips, 2 picnics and one overnight were scheduled. No
reports were turned in for 3 trips and 2 were partially reported, so my
figures are based on the available statistics. Total attendance of 564 was
two less than last year. This averaged out to about 16 persons per reported
trip. The highest attendance was at the picnic at Don Herrman's - 35. Of
the field trips the Pearson's Falls trip attracted the most people - 30.
Nine other field trips had 20 or more participants. Fifteen were attended by
less than 10 people. Let's hope for more good weather and more participation
for the 1998 season.

In 1998 we will have two Recorders. Anne Ulinski has offered to share the
duties. She will be in charge of the compilation of plant lists on her
computer. I will continue to assign field recorders, distribute and receive
plant lists, and act as contact person for the field recorders. We hope to
have a new and improved set of forms for the 1998 season. If you have any
suggestions regarding plant lists and trip reports, please let one of us
know.

4.

Utricularia radiata

Floating bladderwort

This aquatic plant of ponds, lakes, swamps,
drainage ditches and canals floats free in the
water. It has a golden yellow corolla with a spur
sometimes streaked or dotted with red. The
flowers are on a slender stem and are held
afloat by a whorl of from 4-9 inflated
branches which lie just below the surface
of the water. The branches themselves are
repeatedly forked into filiform segments.

Below these "water wings” the stem continues
to descend and branch into more filiform
segments or leaves with many tiny bladders.

This amazing plant in the Lentibulariaceae family
was collected for the herbarium project in September
1 997 from the front lake at the Carl Sandburg National
Historic Site in Flat Rock, N.C. Each plant held
between 1-3 yellow flowers. More than 40 of these
floating plants could be seen from the bridge which
crosses the front lake at the dam. Its appearance
is especially surprising because in June 1996
this lake was completely drained.

Radford, Ahles and Bell in the “Manual of the Vascular Plants of the Carolinas” do not
show this plant growing in the western part of N.C. but in the coastal plain. Geoffrey
and Wooten in their “Aquatic and Wetland Plants of Southeastern United States”
show this species as one of the coastal plain from N.J. to south Florida and westward
to east Texas. Newcomb merely states that it grows “Near the coast’.

RAB lists this plant as Utricularia inf lata var. minor

-Anne Ulinski

Upper drawing from “Wild Plants of America”
by Richard M. Smith

5.

RANDOM THOUGHTS BEGINNING ON PAGE 3 IN RADFORD .... BILL VERDUIN

Equisetiim, horsetail, scouring rush. Interesting plant, so different.
Best place to look for them is down along the railroad tracks. tftiy do
they prefer such a limited location?? A beautiful, big patch grows along
the Clinchfield RR just this side of Erwin, IN. River banks are also
likely places to find them. Found one patch in W VA tall as my shoulder.
B&B says "This genus is an ancient one and was much more prominent in
earlier geological periods.

Lycopodium , shining club moss and others. Such beautiful plants. Only 6
species grow in the mountains, only 4 are common. (Shame on you if you do
not learn their names.) When spores are ripe in August, bring matches and
play a bit. The spores are used in fireworks and as a dusting powder.

Selaginella is another interesting genus that we overlook because it
doesn ' t have gaudy flowers. (I'm prone to champion the "have-nots".) Two
species live on the bare rocks at the top of waterfalls. Why there and
seldom any other bare rock?? Makes a rough looking mat over large
patches.. Look for the lovely, dainty meadow selaginella right up against
the back of the log cabin in the Botanical Gardens at UNC Asheville. Only
place I've ever seen it wild. It is often used in terrariums — or is it
terraria? WARNING: do not "borrow" any from the Garden!

Isoetes, quillwort. A mystery plant. Radford shows it occurring
throughout the mountains. I have never seen it and I have never heard it
mentioned on any of our trips. Seems it grows in or very near the water
of pools, ponds and bogs. I hope I meet up with it someday in some
roadside ditch.

All the above are what I think of as orphans. They are not really related
to each other. They are too advanced to be included in the mosses and not
far enough along to join the ferns. Books often refer to them as "fern
allies". Fern books are about the only sources of non- technical
information .

And that brings us up to the ferns — another subject for another day and I
hope another writer. — (Barbara, where are you?)

Flowers are beautiful — but DO expand your horizon to include mosses,
lichens, ferns and their allies. You will enjoy them all!

The books mentioned above are technical but they do have some pictures of
some species...

REFERENCES: 1. Radford et al. Manual of the Vascular Flora of the
Carolinas. 2. B&B, the New Britton and Brown Illustrated Flora by Henry
A. Gleason.

PLEASE HELP: 1. If your address is circled on this SHORTIA you
have not paid your 1998 dues. Please send your check for $8.00
to Rachel Conway, Treas., 211 Aldersgate Circle, Givens
Estates, Asheville, NC 28803. 2. Please check your 1997 List
of Members for accuracy of listing (address & phone.). Send
corrections to Rachel. A 1998 Membership List will be mailed
in March.

6.

OUR DAVIDSON RIVER WALK

We walked beside the river
(The weather was just great.)

We could have stayed much longer
But life can hardly wait!

So many shrubs and tiny plants
(They named all they could see!)
As we strolled beside the river,
Our tiny group--and me!

Or\

It's said life's like a garden,

That you harvest what you plant,

But we know of some who can do it
And we know of some who can't.

One way or the other, it was a lovely day
So we all just kept on walking
... And talking all the way!

With congenial companions and a
place to stop and eat,

We laughed and joked together
While the leaves fell 'round our feet.

10/31/97

Walter Davies

SPRING IS JUST AROUND THE

Today, Feb. 8, I saw the first dandelion in bloom, 9
nearly open catkins on tag alder, and tiny white g
ilowers on bitter cress, (Cardamine pennsy lvanica ) . m
LOOK AND SEE!!! ‘ »

FROM THE EDITORS OF SHORTIA

As WCBC celebrates its 25th Anniversary, SHORTIA, our quarterly
newsletter, begins its 20th year, thanks to a succession of
editors. We think this is a good issue with interest and
variety .

This is YOUR newsletter and your contributions help to keep the
issues rolling out. We look forward to input from members to

add interest and variety so please continue to send us your

ideas on WCBC and your thoughts on Plants, Places, and People.
We look forward to receiving your writing, illustrations and
innovations .

7.

TRILLIUM VARIATIONS

IVAN J. KUSTER

It is interesting to note that trillion is a plant of the lily family in
three parts. The "tri" in Latin is three so trillion has three leaves,
three sepals, three petals, six stamens and a three segment ovary. However,
have yoo noticed that sometimes a species will change its "tri" form in the
petals?

Trillium grand iflonm is especially notable for its variations. I woold
like to record some of these odd formsl have seen over the years. I recall
back in 1965 exploring a wooded area between Lockport and Middleport, N.Y.
there were thoosands of T\_ grandiflorim, more than half of which were
variations. They had broad white petals with narrow green stripes in the
middle, some were the opposite, green petals with narrow white stripes.
Some were all green with fancy ruffled white edges. A few had narrow, long
white petals with broad pale green centers in tiers of three on top of each
other - nine petals in all. There were also variables of these varieties
making the whole show a memorable experience.

We found some T\_ erectim with white petals and fine red veins which were
very different from the usual solid color variations of this species. T.
grandif lorum also depart from the three petal forms , occasionally producing
four and five petals which I have found in our hikes in the south. On one
hike near Douglass Falls in the Craggy area I found a painted trillium

(T. undulatum) with four petals. Also in that general area there was a
white TL_ erectum with four leaves, sepals and petals. So while trilliums
basically are in parts of three, some, especially grandif lorums get a bit
restless and take off for a special show.

Harold W. Rickett in his two volume set "Wildf lowers of the United States"
says "If we translate Lilium into lilies, why not Trillium into frillies?"

A LONG AWAITED ANNOUNCEMENT

When the wildflower season begins this spnng we will have a new field guide to take
with us on the trails. It is the long-awaited Wildflowers of the Southern Mountains ,
written and illustrated by past president Richard M. Smith and published by The
University of Tennessee Press.

Dick commenced work on this project a dozen years ago, but shelved it temporarily when
asked by an editor to develop a guide to places of botanical interest throughout the
United States; this culminated in his Wild Plants of America, published by John Wiley &
Sons in 1989.

The new book focuses on the Blue Ridge physiographic province and surrounding
mountains— that part of the Southeast where most of us live and which is widely known
for its botanical diversity— although its usefulness will extend far beyond its boundaries.

Coverage is unusually comprehensive, with more than 1,200 species (virtually every
wildflower in the region) described, and approximately half of them illustrated with 600
color photographs.

8.

NOTES FROM WHITE SQUIRREL Charles R. Gunn

This has been a topsy-turvy fall!! I have discontinued my day
to day work with tropical drift seeds and fruits. My extensive
collections have been moved to the Orlando, FL area and the
Editorship of the Newsletter has gone to Melbourne Beach, FL.
Before leaving this subject, I want to note that over 300
people attended our October 1997 meeting in Melbourne Beach.
For those who would like to know more about this subject, come
to my talk on February 13, 1998.

With a sad sigh and a very large dose of apprehension, I am

starting on my final nonflora subject Fruit-seed morphology

at the family level for all spermatophy te families. This can
only be done with these elements in place: 1. Access to the
Worldwide Web and E mail; 2. a stabalized concept, on a world
basis, of these families, and this has been done; 3. a major
and tested taxonomic computer program - in my case DELTA; 4.
an extensive literature overview - I have spent 12 years
assembling this, and house it in Brevard; and 5. access to the
world's largest seed-fruit collections which I assembled in
Beltsville, MD.

BOOK SIGNING

The Western Carolina Botanical Club and the Carolina Mountain
Land Conservancy will co-sponsor a book signing of Dick Smith's
new book at two local bookstores: Mountain Lore, North Main

Street, Hendersonville, and Highland Books, 409 Broad Street,
Brevard.

This is an opportunity to purchase a copy of Dick's new book,
Wildflowers of the Southern Mountains" and have your copy
personally signed.

Members will be notified of the dates of each of the signings.
For more information call Anne Ulinski, 697-9527 in
Hendersonville or Bill Thomas, 885-8229, Brevard.

9.

S H 0 R T I A

Vol . XX, No. 1 SPRING 1998

A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE WESTERN CAROLINA BOTANICAL CLUB

Editors : Elton J and Aline Hansens Distribution : Ruth Hoerich

Please submit contributions (articles, Letters to the Editors,
notes, etc. for the next issue by May 15, 1998 to Aline Hansens,
125 Far Horizons Lane, Asheville, NC 28803.

SHORTIA

c/o Ruth Hoerich
215 Newport Road
Hendersonville, NC 28739

FIRST CLASS

Wi Mi am Buck

New York Botanical Garden
I 3065 Sedgwick Ave. #6B
1 Bronx NY 10468

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SHORTIA

NEWSLETTER OF THE

WESTERN CAROLINA BOTANICAL CLUB

SUMMER 1998

LIBRARY

JUN I 5 !99g

NEW YORK
BOTANICAL GARDEN

v

ELTON and ALINE HANSENS
Editors

WESTERN CAROLINA BOTANICAL CLUB - 1998

President: Don Herrman

Vice-President: Elaine Montgomery

Secretary: Peggy Ellis

Treasurer: Rachel Conway

Recorder: Erika Parmi

Recorder: Anne Ulinski

Historian: Anne Matthes

FROM THE PRESIDENT

DON HERRMAN

Its the Vernal Equinox with all kinds of stormy weather that
cancelled the Holmes Educational State Forest hike, although
El Nino gets all the blame. If you want to predict rainy
weather-- j us t schedule a Hardy Souls Hike.

At the meadow, the moss is loving this weather--! am sure the
wild flowers will follow. The British Soldiers are standing
guard over the fruit trees. Next will come the violets, so I
won't have to mow.

The newspaper contained the news of our new 828 telephone area
code and the pending change of street addresses in
Hendersonville and surrounding area. This presents quite a
challenge to Ruth and Rachel who are putting together our
membership list. The good news is that this provides more
time to send dues to the treasurer and to be listed in the
.1998 WCBC Membership List.

'V L ' . •> * > f
l1 I f % f *

If you will refer to our summer 1996 issue of Shortia you will
find an interesting article on comfort on the trails. It has
some good tips by EJH. If you can't find any past issues just
call the Editors. They will be glad to hear of your interest
in Shortia .... Thank you!

FROM THE TREASURER:

FINAL CALL for dues before the new Membership Directory comes
out. Also, be sure you notify Rachel Conway, 211 Aldersgate
Circle, Asheville, NC (Tel. (828) 274-1414) if you have a new
address or phone number.

*** PLAN AHEAD FOR THE WCBC PICNIC AT RAMBLEWOOD ***

FRIDAY JUNE 12. Early arrivals have a choice of easy trails.

For lunch bring a casserole, salad or dessert. Bring your
own beverage and table service. MEETING PLACE: Laurel Park
Shopping Mall. TIME: 10:00 a.m. Join others at Herrman 1 s
Ramblewood. If you have questions call DON, 877-3532.

2.

PARABLE OF THE BOTANIST'S APPRENTICE

Once there was an outdoorsman who lived for many years in a
place of two seasons which were called "winter" and "not
winter." He became restless and bored with the same old
surroundings and too-familiar flora. Carrying his few
belongings he wandered until he came to the Land of Four
Seasons and Blue Ridges and knew he had found a home.

However, once there the man came to feel as a stranger,
unable to recognize most nearby plants and environments.
"Where are the marsh marigolds?" he cried. "And there are
no larch trees!" So he sought out a person who had mastered
these things, fell on his knees before her and cried, "Poor
me! This all is so very different! I am out of place here."

The Master Botanist sympathized, "Yes..., that is so."

The man pleaded successfully to be allowed to apprentice
himself to her and began to faithfully follow her onto
nearby trails. He soon noted, "Mistress, I observe that
there are tenfold the genera of plants in this new place.
It even seems that not everybody uses the same name for the
same plant! Must I also learn Latin names to be sure we
speak of the same thing? ! "

And the Teacher replied, "Yes..., that is so."

So the Apprentice strove and strove until he had learned
much of what she had to teach. Even then, from time to
time, he saw that the Teacher might still point out another
new or rare species and he was sore dismayed. "I have a
plethera of Clethera!" he objected. "A confusion of
profusion!" Then news arrived and it came to pass that even
some of his hard-learned Latin names were changed for
greater accuracy! !

The Apprentice tore his hair and rent his garments. "Just
when I do learn something," he wailed, "they change it!
Even plant names! There is no way I shall ever know all
there is to know! "

And the Teacher said, "Yes..., So?"

Accurately related by Dean Crawford

3.

HARDY SOULS HIKE, 1998 DEAN CRAWFORD

The WCBC maintained the tradition of scheduling the annual Hardy Souls
Hike on the last Friday of February. The following is the official,
complete and unexpurgated report on that hike as a record for the
archives .

Location and weather: Davidson River Trail near the Pisgah Forest Ranger
Station, a cool, drizzly and foggy day.

Number of Hikers: one, including leader and recorder but not including our
faithful President who did come to the meeting place to commiserate.

Trail condition: probably pretty good, but fog made it difficult to tell.
Plants observed in bloom: Daffodil, Narcissus sp.

Fauna observed: red salamander(2) . Pseudo triton ruber ruber. Also signs of
recent activity by beaver, Castor canadensis , having gnawed down a tulip
tree, Liriodendron tulipifera.

Cusine: Judged as excellent. Main course was thickly sliced turkey,
Meleagris domes ticus , on a platform of wheat bread and garnished with
sprouts and just a hint of horseradish. This was served with a domestic
Lemon Zinger, vintage 1997, which was found to have a youthful yet serious
bouquet with a pleasantly tangy aftertaste.

A good time was had by all.

PISGAH CENTER FOR WILDLIFE EDUCATION is an agency of the NC
Wildlife Resources Commission located in a new facility near
the Fish Hatchery on FS 475 off Hwy 276. A variety of
workshops, hikes and special events are listed in a brochure
available at the center.

'Tis the Season for Wildf lowers'* is offered on two different
dates, May 23 and May 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Participants will learn to identify wildflowers based on
Newcomb s Wildf lower Guide method.

"Join in the fun on June 5 by participating in the "Our
Feathered Friends" program. From 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
participants will walk on the trails surrounding the wildlife
education center and learn to identify birds by sight and
sound."

4.

FROM THE DESK OF BILL VERDUIN:

Saturday Terry, Ev and I went up to the Manasses area to see Virginia
bluebells — and see them we did! We saw clumps, small patches, strips
along the trail, quarter acre patches, HALF ACRE patches, and places where
it looked like they just went on forever! It was breathtaking. They were
down in a floodplain and with all the rain we have had, some obviously
good places we could not travel. After you see the first million who
cares about another million or two. . And just to set them off to
advantage the entire area was completely carpeted with zillions and
zillions of spring beauty - just like grass in the lawn. What a sight!

There was almost nothing else in the area, but I did see American
bladdernut for the first time, just one bush, but it was in bloom.

A RARE PHENOMENON. DON BENDER

An unusual natural flower display seen at Glassy Mountain
Preserve on the April hike this year deserves special mention.

Glassy Mountain is a true monadnock, its rock formation
standing rather alone in the midst of a surrounding, slightly
rolling, land surface. The hiking trail is several hundred
feet below the top of the easterly side. Just above the trail
are a few broad areas of exposed sloping rock on which we
found a magnificent showing of wild plants with concurrently
blooming flowers.

Mosses had built up in many areas on the lichens and on the
rock face. These provided a green base for an extensive mat
of elfin orpine (Sedum (diamorpha ) smallii ) which was showing
its small white flowers and dominant red foliage. Above the
orpine were masses of smooth sandwort (Arenaria groenlandica
v. glabra ) with white flowers providing a beautiful contrast.
In addition, there were scattered clusters of bluish-purple
spiderwort (Tradescantia hirsui ticaulis , bluets ( Hous tonia
caerulea , dwarf dandelion (Krigia virginica ) , and prickly pear
cactus (Opuntia humifusa ) , all in flower.

This specacular color composite had a clearly fragile beauty.,
and we approached it cautiously to avoid damage. The occasion
will undoubtedly remain memorable to all who saw it. We can
only hope that its rarity will be preserved for the future.

"THE BOTANICAL GARDENS OF ASHEVILLE" Please help!!

A special Winter Storm Fund has been established to repair
damage to the gardens from January's storm. We welcome
contributions (Tax Deductible) payable to "The Botanical
Gardens of Asheville" and earmarked for the STORM FUND. Mail
checks to the Gardens, 151 W.T. Weaver Blvd., Asheville, NC
28804.

Submitted by WCBC Treasurer Rachel Conway.

5.

WHO IS CURTIS?

CONNIE UPDIKE

On several of our hikes in the fall we have encountered
Solidago curtisii and Aster curtisii. Along the maintenance
road leading to the trail at the Fish Hatchery, they were
blooming side by side. Who was Mr. Curtis? In the Larousse
Dictionary of Scientists , 1994 edition, I found reference to
William Curtis (1749-99). He was an English horticulturist
and botanist born in Alton, Hampshire. (How many of you have
been there -- or near there?) Curtis started a botanical
garden in Lambeth in 1777. Before that he was director of the
Chelsea Physic Garden from 1772-77. In 1777 he made a list of
all the plants growing within 10 miles, of London..
Unfortunately because of the cost this was never published.
However, his study of the Enumeration of British Grasses was
published in 1787.

He began the first periodical devoted only to plants in 1794.
It was directed to horticulturists, and included both
descriptions of plants and lovely hand-colored plates.
Originally called Curtis 1 s Botanic al Magazine , it is now
called Kew Magazine and uses much of the original format.

I found nothing indicating that William Curtis visited the New
World .

EDITOR: Another interesting article on this subject can be
found in SHORTIA Vol. XVII, No. 3, p. 7.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU ALINE HANSENS

Chattaway, Pat: P.0. Box 2, Balsam, NC 28707. (828)

456-5801. Winter Address: (after Oct. 1248 So.

Alahambra Circle, Coral Gables, FL 33146. (305)

661-0029). Retired kindergarten teacher; has
enjoyed wild flowers. Learned of the club from
Mary Helen Harris.

SIMS, WILLIAM R. (BILL): 24 Timberlane Circle. Pisgah Forest,
NC. 28768. (828) 884-9804. Former member reinstated. Avid

gardener, was a friend of Harry Logan.

6.

"WILDFLOWERS OF THE SOUTHERN MOUNTAINS"

The wildflowers of the southern mountains are here~in all their springtime glory--and so
is the book of the same name.

Wildflowers of the Southern Mountains , written and illustrated by WCBC member
Richard M. Smith and published by The University of Tennessee Press, has finally
arrived in the bookstores. Printing and binding took place in Italy, which necessitated
shipment by sea and involved the inevitable customs clearance in New York before the
distribution center in Chicago could begin filling the accumulated backorders.
(Participants in some of our early field trips did have a sneak preview, but only because
Dick and Jeanne brought along the two advance copies that had been airmailed to them.)

This new guide book focuses primarily on the Blue Ridge physiographic province and is
unusually complete in that it describes more than 1,200 species— virtually every
herbaceous wildflower occurring in this region. Fully one-half of these are depicted by
600 color photographs chosen for their representation of diagnostic characters.
Identification is further aided by a pictorial key based on flower shape and color, and by
an extensive glossary of botanical terms.

A more detailed description of the book's features, including sample pages, can be seen
on the publisher's site on the World Wide Web at http:/ / sunsite.utk.edu/utpress.

Through the efforts of Anne Ulinski, Bill Thomas and
Elton Hansens, the Carolina Mountain Land
Conservancy and the Western Carolina Botanical Club
co-sponsored two book signings at local stores: one at
Mountain Lore Books on North Mam Street,
Hendersonville, and one at Highland Books at 409
Broad Street in Brevard. These events were publicized
in part by announcements provided by the sponsoring
organizations and mailed to their members. Both stores
will, of course, continue to stock the book for those
who were unable to attend the signings. For members
who wish to obtain autographed copies, Dick will
accept mail orders at the regular price of $24.95 plus
6% NC sales tax (where applicable) and a $3.00 charge
to cover shipping and handling; orders should be sent to
him at P. O. Box 2343, Brevard, NC 28712.

7.

CAROLUS LINNAEUS -- BOTANY TEACHER EXTRAORDINARY ... DON BENDER

Linnaeus fame is based on his system of classifying plants
according to their reproductive organs and using binomial
names. His system was ridiculed but he saw far beyond his
detractors to its utility for broadening botanical knowledge.
Remembered primarily for this system, his qualitites as a
teacher are likely to be overlooked.

Fascinated by flowers from early childhood, and aided by an
orderly mind and an incomparable memory, he was already
impressive botanically when he arrived to study at Uppsala.
His comprehension in natural science including botany,
medicine, zoology and mineralogy, was recognized early; he gave
many lectures as a student. In 1735, he visited Western Europe
where his reputation had already reached many of the foremost
doctors and botanists of the time. Despite strong incentives
to make his career there, he returned to Sweden, where he was
later married.

In 1741, Linnaeus received the Professorship he had hoped for
in Medicine and Botany at Uppsala, and from the outset his

popularity and effectiveness with students was quite universal.
He was a consummate lecturer, using but few notes. He never
failed to captivate his audience. His Saturday Walks are also
revealing. There were often 150 students. They could dress
informally and scatter into small groups. Linnaeus never

restrained hilarity, but did try to make them think for

themselves. If an unusual plant was found, a bugle was blown,

all would gather, and Linnaeus would elucidate. A table for 20
was set with lunch. Those who found the rarest plants sat at
this table with Linnaeus, and there was lively competition for
the honor. The walk would end with all shouting "Vivat

Linnaeus" (Long live Linnaeus!) and so he did through 23 of

his students who became professors!

As the years passed, widespread recognition and many honors
came to Linnaeus. King Fredrik I, in 1747, gave him the rank
and title of Archiater (Chief Physician). In 1753, he received
the Knighthood of the Polar Star, and, in 1760 he was Titled
Carl von Linne ' . Many Royal Societies made him Honorary
Member. And in 1775 he was visited by King Gustof III. In
later years he suffered several debilitating strokes and died
January 10, 1778.

Reference: "The Compleat Naturalist, a Life of Linnaeus",
Wilfrid Blunt, The Viking Press, New York, 1971.

SHORTIA going back to 1983 is housed in the Biology Department
at UNCA and is available for student referance in botany
courses. Thank you for keeping me on the mailing list over
the years, and please continue to do so. SHORTIA is a
valuable resource for the department. James D. Perry, UNCA

8

NOTES FROM WHITE SQUIRREL

CHARLES R. GUNN

The question: What green plant is more or less invisible in
the summer and green and quite visible in winter?

The Clue: Look up into the trees. This species is at the
margin of its North Carolina distribution in Brevard. In our
subdivision, Deer Lake, I have located two plants. The seeds
of this species are spread by birds. They eat the whitish
berries including the seeds. When they land, the birds may
leave a seed or two neatly glued in furrows of a tree branch.
Even though this species has green leaves, the plant is a
parasite .

The answer: This is authentic mistletoe ( Phoradendron
serotinum) , a member of the mistletoe family, Loran thaceae ,
also called the Showy Mistletoe Family. On the other hand, we
have in Europe, the Christmas mistletoe, Viscum album in the
family Viscaceae. In North America, the role of the Christmas
mistletoe is taken by Phoradendron serotinum.

Basically, the Showy Mistletoe Family, Loran thaceae , has
perfect flowers, 4-12 seeds per fruit, and lack chlorophyll,
while the Christmas Mistletoe Family members have unisexual
flowers, 2(-3) seeds per fruit, and have chlorophyll. The two
families were one until the 1950's.

As a follow up to our beautiful visit to Pearson's Falls, the
Tryon (private) Library has a copy of Donald Culross Peattie's
FLORA OF THE TRYON REGION. I also have a copy of this report.

Copies of PEARSON'S FALLS GLEN... ITS STORY... ITS BIRDS by
Peattie are available at the gate to the Falls. Appended to
this booklet are THE GLEN'S TRAILSIDE PLANTS by Oliver M.
Freeman and THE GLEN'S BIRDS by C.T. Downer. The Freeman
article lists only the popular plants, only one grass species
and no members of the Juncaceae. Remember the pathrush
(Luzula ) ?

S H 0 R T I A

Vol . XX, No. 2^ SUMMER 1998

A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE WESTERN CAROLINA BOTANICAL CLUB
Editors: Elton J and Aline Hansens Distribution: Ruth Hoerich

Please submit contributions (articles, Letters to the Editors,
notes, etc.) for the next issue by Aug. 10, 1998 to Aline Hansens,
125 Far Horizons Lane, Asheville, NC 28803.

SHORTIA

c/o Ruth Hoerich
215 Newport Road
Hendersonville, NC 28739

FIRST CLASS

William Buck

New York Botanical Garden
3065 Sedgwick Ave. #6B
Bronx NY 10468

WESTERN CAROLINA BOTANICAL CLUB

This is a roster of members paying $8.00 annual family dues to Rachel Conway,
Treasurer, by May 1, 1998. Corrections or additions should be sent to her.
Members receive the program schedut.rs semi-annually and quarterly mailings

Of Short ia.

Unless otherwise noted, the State is NC with the telephone area code 828, and
Hendersonville is H'ville.

Arbuckle, William & Bonnie
Arrington, Daisy
Barber, A.F. & Iva
*Bell , Cal la
Bender, Donald & Louisa
*Blaha, Millie
Blanchard, Ruth
Bockoven, Paul & Elizabeth
Bokerman, Sandra L.

P.O. Box 1049, Flat Rock 28731 696-2077

2490 F Windsor Woods Lane, Norcross GA 30071
P.O. Box 115, Flat Rock 28731 693-6217

P.O. Box 38, Tuxedo 28784 692-3241

219 Aldersgate Circle, Asheville 28803 274-4054
P.O. Box 360, Cedar Mountain 28718 885-2424

519 Cokesbury Lane, Asheville 28803 277-9479

105 High Rocks Trail, H'ville 28739 697-5998
247 Tanassee Gap Road, Balsam Grove 28708

862-5722

Buck, William
Bucklin, Robert & Mary
Bunn, Dorothy

Winter

Butenhof, Eu & Barbara
Byrd, Carl & Margaret
Chattaway. J.S. & Patrica

Childs, Sam & Clara

3065 Sedgwick Ave.

Collins,

Colmont,

Edward

Ray

W.

New York Botanical Garden
#6B Bronx NY 10468
1421 Mt. Meadow Drive, H’ville 28739
1219 East 7th Avenue. Haughton MI 49931
P.O. Box 263, Balsam 28707
1175 E. Hermosa Ave. Bartow FL 33830
201 Red Oak Drive, H'viiie 28791
520 Oak Hill Court, H'ville 28739
P.O. Box 2, Balsam 28707

Winter - 1248 South Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables FL
Wesley Drive, Villa 22B, Asheville 28803

277-8862

136 Finley Cove Road, H'ville 28739 697-9226

Toxaway Views, Route 64, Unit 402
Lake Toxaway 28747

Winter - 73 Skull Creek Drive Mariner Point, Unit B-210

891-1093

456-7772

697-9773

693-6314

456-5801

33146

Conger, Frank & Margaret
Conway, Rachel M.

Crawford, Dean & JoAnn
Creely, Beverly Ann

Wi nter

Cross, John & Bernice
Davies, Walter & Betse
Davis, Charlton & Patricia

Winter

Dillard, Jean Roeder
Dupree, A1 & Agnita

Eisenberg, Robert & Lynne
Ellis, Peggy

Farrar, W. Edmund & Carver

Hilton Head Island SC 29926
205 Newport Road, H'ville 28739
211 Aldersgate Circle, Asheville 28803
3229 Debbie Drive. H’ville 28791
708 Sylvan Road, H'ville 28791
11101 S.W. 79 Avenue, Miami FL 33156

320 Old Poplar Lane, Brevard 28712
112 Glenbrook Drive, H'ville 28739
240 Laurel Heights, Highlands 28711

P.O. Box 1449, Valdosta GA 31603

321 Turnpike Road, Horse Shoe 28742

803-681-6628

696- 9386
274-1414

697- 6761
697-2024

885

698

526

-2508

-3353

-0252

-9034

891-
28803
277-0835

Lake Road, H'ville 28739 692-2735

Drive, Fletcher 28732 684-3918

Lane, Brevard 28712 885-2456

Wesley Drive, Villa 24E, Asheville

120 Kanuga
281 Laurel
17 Dogwood

Feil, Elizabeth
Florence, Thomas & Glenna
*Foresman, Louise

Gadd, Charles & Frances
Galda, Odessa
Goldsmith, James W.

Greer, Frederich & Jeanne
Gregg, Wynette
Grimmenga, Leo & Jeanne
Gunn, Bob & Betty
*Hallowell, Tom & Barbara
*Hansens, Elton & Aline
Harris, Mary Helen

Winter

Hart, Thomas & Beth
Herrman, Don
Hoerich, Ruth
Holmes, Sarah
Hudson, Jack & Dorothy
Jones, Betty
Kehr, August & Mary Lou
Kilgore, Rosalie
Kilmer, Lori
Kipp, Hazel

Krumenauer, Mrs. Keene
Kurinsky, Allen & Naomi

Kust.er, Ivan & Harriet
Lindley, Mary Ellen

Mahan, Laura N.& Harold D.
Mathis, Harris & Tillie

Winter

Matthes, Herbert & Anne
McCurdy, Dale & Carol
McDaniel , Gerald & Lois
Meister, Charles & Nancy
Merkle, Ralph & Mary
Miller, Earl & Bettye

Winter

Montgomery, Bob & Elaine
Morgan, Shirley
Mulvey, Gladys
Newcomb, Winthrop & Susan

10 Springside Park, Asheville 28803

P.0. Box 32
600 Carolina

Gerton 28735
Village Road, #89, H’ville

218 Pheasant Run, H’ville 28739

601 Carolina Drive, Tryon 28782

P.0. Box 1107, Marion 28752
205 Stonebrook Drive, H’ville 28791

75 Robin Hood Road, Brevard 28712
74 Cardinal Road, Brevard 28712
120 White Squirrel Lane, Brevard 28712
207 Kendal Drive, Kennet Square PA 19348
125 Far Horizons Lane. Asheville 28803 277
41 Cut Off Lane, Sylva 28779 452

408 Orlando Ave., Ocoee FL 34761
5 Wren Glen, H'ville 28792
Route 4 Box 229B, H'ville 28739

215 Newport Road, H’ville 28739

214 Aldersgate Circle, Asheville 28803
P.O. Box 1934, Brevard 28712
186 Johnson Drive, Brevard 28712
240 Tranquility Place, H’ville 28739
104 Finley Brook Way, H'ville 28739
67 Gosling Circle, H'ville 28792
410 Crooked Creek Road, H'ville 28739
112 Hawthorne Drive, H’ville 28791
136 South Cherrywood Lane, Pisgah Forest

684-8719

625-4401

28792

692-5389

692-1075

859-6093

652-9196

697-1406

862-4716

885-2731

883-9719

■7486

■9574

208 Rippy Road, Tryon 28782
Wesley Drive, Villa 11A, Asheville

'2 Biltmore Plaza, Asheville
Route 4, Box 164A, Brevard
520
151
129
795

904-

28803
28712

IW 18th Lane. Jennings FL 32053
Arthur Lane, H’ville 28791
Ben Mar Lane, H’ville 28739
Crooked Creek Road, H'ville 28739

150 Thrashing Rock Drive, H’ville 28739
180 Tranquility Place, H'ville 28739
1799 Woodfin Road, Sylva 28779
P.O. Box 728, La Belle FL 33935
1636 O'Hara Circle, H’ville 28739
Route 2, Box 56A, Horse Shoe 28742
13 River Oaks Circle, Horse Shoe 28742
600 Carolina Village Road, #145, H’ville

693-0457
877-3532

696- 8063
274-9255

883- 8828

884- 3860
693-7551
693-8081

697- 6431

696- 9923
891-5391

28768
966-9675
859-9289
28803

277-7316

274-5430

885- 2764
938-3375
891-9700
891-2212

697- 9752
697-1257
692-9248

693-7704

891-4544

891-4581

28792

697-5708

877-3532

254-6723

O’Grady, Dana
Orbison, Lowell & Olga

Route 4, Box 229B, H'ville 28739
60 Brookwood Road, Asheville 2880 4

Parmi , Erika
Pearson, Bud & Laverne
*Pearson, Millie
*Peelle, Miles
Perry, Pat & Lois

Winter

Polchow, Peggy

Prentice,

Prescott,

Donald & Alta Mae
Saretta H. /Lionel
Wi nter -

Rice, Grace

Saby, John & Mary
Schifeling, Daniel & Anna lee
Schmalstich, Warren & Doris
Sidoti, Marjorie
Siefke, Thea
Sims, William

85 Sweetwater Lane, Pisgah Forest 28768 883-8021
2514 Kanuga Road, H’ville 28739 693-5591

Route 1, Box 330, Saluda 28773 749-3171

Box 1096, Brevard 28712 877-4234

32 Dvdisidi Court, Brevard 28712 885-2435

P.0. Box 306 Hurtsboro AL 36860
Route 13, Box 280, H’ville 28739 692-0703

307 Bella Drive, Metairie LA 70005
217 Tulip Trail, H’ville 28792 687-3528

949 Everett Road, Pisgah Forest 28768 877-4859

3930 MW 29th Lane GainsvilTe FL 32606

352-376 0994

Lake Pointe Landing, 333 Thompson St. Apt, 115,

H'ville 28792
8 Tamara Terrace, H'ville 28791
5 Dogwood Lane, Brevard 28712
515 Timberlane, Etowah 28729
704 Farmington Circle, H'ville 28739

239 Purple Finch, Brevard 28712
24 Timberlane Circle, Pisgah Forest

Sinish, Ken & Bessie
*Smith, Dick & Jeanne
Smoke, Henry & Therese
Snow, Charles & Janet
Stenger, Raymond & Gloria

Winter

Strayer, Lucie A.

692- 1405
891-9509
885-8487
891-3642

693- 1524
862-4480

28768

884-9804

693-1573

888-2530

894-3118

693-4083

456-7302

230 Echo Drive, H'ville 28739
6 Tinequa Drive, Brevard 28712
606 Hague Drive, Columbus 28722
307 Ann Drive, H'ville 28739

53 Toboggan Run, Sylva 28779

4550 J. Stenger Road, Barlow FL 33830
Toxaway Views, Route 64, Unit 402, Lake Toxaway
28747

Winter - 73 Skull Creek Drive, Mariner Point, Unit B
Hilton Head Island SC 29926 803-681-6628
General Delivery, Cedar Mountain 28718.

Winter - 867 South Colony Drive #123, Charleston SC
Tener, Albert & Virginia 621 Laurel Lake Drive #8-318, Columbus 28722

■210,

Taylor, Sarah

29407

*U1 inski, Anne
Updike, Connie
Vande Weghe, Linda
*Verduin, Bill & Evelyn
Walls, Kenneth & Harriet
Warren, Ina
Weiss, Challice

28739

1212 Chanteloupe Drive, H’ville
45 Grouse Lane, Brevard 28712
P.0. Box 302, Cedar Mountain 28718
3108 Lake Village Drive, Richmond VA

132 Frazier Road, Brevard 28712

126 Country Road, Brevard 28712

412 Brandon Road, H'ville 28739

894-2475
697-9527
877-4585
966-9481
23235
883-9570
862-4079
692-4627

* Honorary Life Member

Officers for 1998: Don Herrman, President: Elaine Montgomery, Vice
President: Peggy Ellis, Secretary; Rachel Conway, Treasurer:

Eriha Parmi, Recorder; Til Tie Mathis, Historians

Elton and Aline Hansens, Shortia Editors: Ruth Hoerich, Mailings.

SHORTIA

NEWSLETTER OF THE

WESTERN CAROLINA BOTANICAL CLUB

AUTUMN 1998

LIBRARY

AUG 2 5 !99ft

NEW YORK
BOTANICAL GARDEN

ELTON and ALINE HANSENS

WESTERN CAROLINA BOTANICAL CLUB - 1998

President :
Vice-President :
Secretary :
Treasurer :

Don Herrman
Elaine Montgomery
Peggy Ellis
Rachel Conway

Recorder :
Recorder:
Historian:

Erika Parmi
Anne Ulinski
Anne Matthes

FROM THE PRESIDENT. DON HERRMAN

I believe the weather has changed. From the picnic at
Ramblewood to Holmes State Forest and the Parkway it has been

clear and comfortable may it stay that way. At the Bear

Pen picnic area we were all crowded around one table for
warmth when it started to rain. That did curtail our
activities, an exception I hope.

There was a good, interested and relaxed group here at
Ramblewood for the picnic. Most items have been returned. I
still have a spoon and a couple pot holders. The star of the
botanizing that day was the striped wintergreen discovered
at an earlier date while mowing. Eating and botanizing make
a great combination. Maybe we should do more of it.

A success story in the meadow-- the meadow beauty has made its
appearance. Not only on the fringes (as last year) but along
the edges of the creek. I also found a few in the center of
the meadow. Although the mosses keep spreading, the spring
and summer f lowers keep coming back .

As fall approaches there will be another scheduling session .
All members are invited to s end in suggestions for new and
di f f erent outings . If you would like to a t tend a planning
meeting , please let me know. Another way to par t icipa te is
to send your thoughts to the Editors of Shor tia . They are
anxious for your help. Thank you!!

PITAS E NOTE: on the 1998 Membership List in the Officers for 1998 ANNE
MATTHES is the Historian, not Tillie Mathis as listed.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU . .ALINE HANSENS

Center , Dan & Barbara: Bo x 303 , Scaly Mountain , NC
28775 , 1- (706) -746-2759 . Winter Address : 2419 S .

Carolina Ave . , Tampa FL 33629 . Live in NC Apr . - Oc t .

Interested in plants as a hobby . Learned of WCBC
from Bonnie Arbuckle .

Prescott , Lionel & Saret ta : 949 Evere 1 1 Rd . , Pi sgah

Forest , NC 28768 ( 828 ) 8 77-4859 . Winter Address

39 30 N.W. 29 th Lane , Gainesville , FL 32606 ( 352 ) 3 76-0994

Live in NC Apr . to Nov , Bo th have an interest in science and
plants . Lionel has a PhD in Botany , his field being physiology
and chemis try of plants . Learned of WCBC from Jeanne Smith.

2.

RECORDER'S REPORT FEBRUARY - JULY 1998

ERIKA PARMI

An early wet, spring followed by a cold snap developed into a hot, dry
snmner. Most wild flowers bloomed earlier than usual. It has been a
strange season with turk's lily out in early July along the high elevations
of the Parkway, and fly poison already at the green stage of bloom at the
same time. We are lucky to live in the mountains where the nation-wide
heat wave has been milder than in central Texas where they had more than 25
days of daytime temperatures above 100° and nighttime temperatures above
80°.

On the spring trips to the parkway it was evident that something was
defoliating the trees — especially oak, along with some maple, beech and
hickory. The guilty "varmint” was the fall (yes, that's right) cankerworm
(Alsophila pometaria) according to the Parkway summer information handout.

I was away for the early spring field trips, two of which were canceled
(March 20 - Holmes and April 3 - S. Pacolet River). I returned in time to
enjoy the SC Glassy Mountain trip on April 13. It was a stunning display,
but not quite as colorful as last year on April 11 when elfin orpine was in
full bloom turning the rock surfaces to fire. The Appalachian sandwort,
however, was at the peak of its bloom.

The Kanati Fork trip on April 20 to the Great Smoky Mountains NP drew only
8 participants. It was a glorious spring day and all 8 did not want the
day to end, so we hiked the Nature Trail loop at the Chimneys. This trail
was extremely wet and had turned into a mountain stream in some areas.

The Craggy Gardens on May 4 (earlier than in previous years) presented
spectacular displays of spring beauty along the roadsides. Purple fringed
orchis was also found. The May 8 trip to Coleman Boundry Road was a victim
of our wet spring. The leaders had a wonderful scouting trip early in the
week, but on May 7 most of the lower and mid-sections of the road were
pelted by hailstones which shredded most of the plants. In spite of this
76 species were seen in bloom. The upper area and the trail to Douglas
Falls were not damaged.

Thank you Allen and Naomi Kurinsky for a wonderful day at your wild flower
garden on May 11. We saw about 50 species in bloom. Also thanks for the
wonderful dessert treats and the drinks you provided at lunch.

The May 15 trip to Tanbark Tunnel was canceled; the leaders were unable to
attend. The Blue Ridge South and Buck Springs Nature Trail trips were on
May 18 and 22 with pleasant weather and great flowers. The June 5 outing
at Byrd's farm was canceled because of rain. The June 12 picnic, however,
at Don Herman's was on a sunny, hot day with a cool breeze blowing across
Don's hilltop. A short flower hike was taken by 17 members after which all
35 enjoyed a wonderful buffet.

The June 19 trip to Craggy Gardens was quickly changed to a Bee Tree Gap
trip when participants were greeted by cold, winds and fog. They briefly
botanized the edges of the parking lot and the beginning of the trail
before heading to the lower elevations of the Craggy Gardens picnic area.
Before lunch was over it began to rain, so everyone headed for home and
warmer temperatures.

The Grassy Ridge Mine Overlook trip on June 26 was a stand-out with 70
species found. Among them were two flowers we seldom see, forked catch-fly
(Silene dichotoma) and tassel rue (Trautvetteria carolinensis) . They also
saw turk’s cap lilies in bloom which is very early for this species.

RECORDER'S REPORT p. 2.

The walk on the lower loop of Holmes State Forest on July 10 was an
education in fruits and seeds; most of the plants along this trail through
the forest flower in the spring. The meadow at Haywood Gap on July 17 was
somewhat disappointing. Fly poison blooms had already changed from white
to green. Many of the blueberry and other shrubs are beginning to take
over the wildf lower slope. On the other hand Bee Tree Gap, on July 24 was
its usual spectacular self. At this time in July the phlox is usually at
its peak, but this year the coreopsis and brown-eyed susans took over and
turned the meadow to gold. The nodding onion also was a stand-out. The
July 31 trip to the NC Arboretum was held under threatening skies. No one
got wet and the group was rewarded with a couple of seldom seen species —
yellow-fringed orchis and bunchf lower (Melanthium virginicum).

As we head into the fall flower season it will be interesting to see how
the hot weather has affected the flowers both in terms of numbers and
beauty.

BOOK REVIEW by MARY ELLEN LINDLEY

In case you haven't heard, another one of our own has written
a new book. MOUNTAIN YEAR is Barbara Hallowell's latest.

An easy going year round nature ramble in our familiar
mountains. It opens windows a crack on all manner of things
seen, overlooked, wondered about. From vultures to slime
molds, bits of information emerge to engage and challenge the
reader. Descriptions and processes are presented simply and
with a minimum of scientific vocabulary.

Written with a light touch and enhanced by clear, sometimes
whimsical, color photographs, it invites the general reader
but seems made to order for newcomers beginning to explore the
mountains. Leaders of "youth nature groups" should also find
it a helpful resource, with its full index and unobtrusive
cross references and bibliography.

To Barbara's many friends in the Western WCBC, in whose
formation she played a key role, this type of book comes as no
surprise. Members know full well her eager questing spirit on
the trail and off.

4

ROSES ARE RED, ETC.

Dick Smith

One of my father's many hobbies was the hybridizing of bearded (German) irises.
Although I could not appreciate the patience with which he waited for the years to pass
until he could see what he had wrought, when the time came I was always impressed-
especially when he had been able to produce a new and unusual color.

I was aware that the name "iris" was Greek for "rainbow" and was given to this flower
because it seemed to come in just about every imaginable hue. Inevitably this led me to
ask why he never tried for a pure red one. His response was to say that it would be futile,
for Nature seems to have decreed that any given flower might have two of the primary
colors but never a third. Thus, he explained, there can be blue irises and yellow irises but
never a true red one--nor, for that matter, a blue rose or a yellow morning glory. Asked
why this was so, he merely shrugged, but I was pretty sure that if it was written anywhere
he probably would have managed to find it.

Decades later, I posed this question to a group of Club members at a Leam-and-Share
session hosted by Nan Morrow, but still failed to elicit an explanation. We had a lively
discussion, but mostly it centered around the definition of a primary color, with the
scarcely concealed objective of df screditing the premise itself, thereby making the
problem disappear.

Now it has popped up again in, of all places, that virtuoso of newspapers, the Christian
Science Monitor , which has a new department for readers who are looking for answers to
perplexing questions. Their reply to one Ed Cook: "We are raising the white flag on this
one. We talked to botanists at Harvard University, Boston University. Boston College,
and even tracked down a specialist in India, but no one could help. If you know the
answer, please let us in on it."

The Monitor is anxiously waiting to hear from a member of the Western Carolina
Botancal Club at "The Readers Ask", c/o The Home Forum, One Norway Street. Boston,
MA 02115. And by all means share a copy of your letter with the Editors of Short ia'

COMFORT ON THE TRAIL on a botany trip depends on our actions and
attitudes toward the pests that confound us. Fortunately, we
usually hike in mountain areas which present few pest

problems, black flies in spring where rapidly running streams

exist, sometimes mosquitoes, and occasionally ticks (though we
rarely see them until we return home and find them on our
person). Now and then other blood-sucking flies annoy us. Few
people know that we can avoid much insect annoyance simply by
wearing white or yellow clothing and avoiding navy blue, dark
reds and black. Bees and wasps will visit us more oftenif we
dress like a flower or improve ourselves by smelling like a rose.
Be aware of your color and aroma.

5.

BOOK REVIEW

CHARLES R. GUNN

WILD FLOWERS OF THE SOUTHERN MOUNTAINS, RICHARD M. (DICK) SMITH

1998. University of Tennessee Press. Knoxville, TN (262 pp. ,
600 colored photographs by author, pictorial key, glossary,
bibliography, index. ISBN 0-87049-992-0. Library of Congress
Number OKI 22 . 3 . S55 ) .

Dick is a noted and published botanist whose knowledge of Smoky
Mountain plants is legion. This book, printed in Italy
contains 600 colored photographs that Dick personally took for
this book. It is surprising to note that all of the flower and
plant photographs are in sharp focus, well-lighted, and nicely
framed. Dick's photographs have brought the flowering plants
of our area into our homes.

One-half of the species covered in the book are shone in color.
At least one species in each genus is included. Each species
has the following treatment in the catalog: Scientific name,
synonym when needed, common name when available and/or flower,
its habitat and its phenology. While some of the entries are
more comprehensive than others, all contain the essential
information for field identification. Be sure to read and
reflect on the "asides" that are sprinkled throughout the
catalog. These notes are bonuses for the reader, and cover the
history or uses of selected species.

A unique, pictorial-floral key focuses the reader's attention
on the petals: their shape, color, number, and organization.
This user-friendly key as well as the keys and summaries within
the catalog refer the reader to the correct place in the
catalog. And this leads to the magnificent plates.

My highest recommendation! The very best Southern Appalachian
wildf lower book. Support your local book store and our local
botanical author. The book is $26.45, including tax.

THE GIANT AND THE PYGMY. ELTON HANSENS

The Giant was more properly called La tuca canadens i s or wild
lettuce and the Pygmy was technically Diodia teres or
but tonweed . As we walked the trail our attention was drawn to
a towering plant, now with hundreds of seed heads smaller but
similar to those of dandelion. A few flower heads still
adorned the plant. We were so taken with the plant that we
returned with a measuring tape another day and determined that
the giant had grown to 13 ft. in this single season.

The discovery of the pygmy, on the other hand was accidental
when one of us glanced down and saw pink flowers 1/4 inch long
on a small somewhat sprawling plant. It was easily identified
as bu t tonweed .

6.

FDkEST TREES

ALINE HANSENS

The black walnut, Juglans nigra, is a
rapid growing American hardwood; an
introduced tree in this area but
likely to become fully naturalized.
It thrives in deep rich moist soils
and is found over much of the eastern
United States but is somewhat less
common in the mountains of North
Carolina where it is known to occur up
to 3800 ft. In size it may reach 100
ft. or more with a diameter of 2 to 3
ft. It grows singly or in small
groups .

The black walnut belongs to the
family Juglandaceae along with its
close relative, the butternut or
white walnut which is less comnon in
this area. The latin name Jug Ians is
a contraction of Jovis glans which
refers to the nut or acorn of
Jupiter. Nigra refers to the black
bark, rich brown wood or shell of the
nut. The Indians in central NY
called it Mdent-soo-hwa-no-ne or
round nut.

The dark green compound leaves are
alternate and nearly two feet long
with 15 to 23 oval toothed, long
pointed leaflets which turn a clear
bright yellow in the fall.

BLACK WALNUT

The flowers, both staminate and pistillate, appear on the same tree during
April or May. The staminate, formed on the previous years growth and the
the pistillate, in groups of 2 to 5 catkins, on the ends of the new growth
about the time the leaves are half grown.

The fruit matures during September and October and is a dark brown, hard,
woody nut covered with a thick yellow-green fibrous husk. The sweet,
edible nut meats are prized by squirrels and the distinctive flavor is a
taste treat for many people.

In the winter black walnut is distinguished by its dark, deeply grooved
bark, stout twigs and large gray downy terminal buds.

The black walnut has soft, brown, easily-worked wood that is stronger than
white oak. It has been used since earliest American history for fine
furniture and ranks as America’s foremost cabinet wood.

7.

THE BLACK LOCUST SUFFERS

ELTON HANSENS

Black locust trees have been receiving considerable attention
by concerned members of our Club. Over large areas mature
trees look like they have been exposed to a blow torch and
stand out in the forest. There is concern that many trees are
dying or at least suffering greatly. On virtually all of these
trees some new leaves have been produced as the season has
progressed. This is not the first time that black locust has
suffered such damage.

On page 91 of Arthur Stupka's Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of
Great Smoky National Park. (Univ. Tenn. Press) we find, "For a
number of years prior to the record-breaking cold weather of
February 1958 (when the minimum temperature on the mornings of
Feb. 17, 18, and 19 was 11, 13, and 9 degrees respectively) the
black locusts in the park and vicinity were plagued by a small
beetle, the larvae of which subsisted on the chlorophyll in the
leaves. So abundant were these insects that mountainsides
where black locusts prevailed turned brown in early summer.
Since this extensive infestation was not apparent after 1957,
it is assumed that the low temperatures in February 1958 proved
to be a natural control of these beetles."

These be

etles

seem to be c

i major

problem today, so

let's

look a

little

furth.

er at the

beetle

. Borror and DeLong

in An

In troduc

tion

to the Study

of Ins

ects, p.

342 present

thes

e facts

succinct

ly —

"Leaf -mining

leaf

beetles

are 4-7 mm

in

length ,

elongate

, and

peculiarly

ridged ,

Most

of them are

leaf

-mining

in the

larval stage, a

nd some are

rather ser

ious

pests .

Xenochal

epus

dorsalis (Thi

unberg)

i , an or

ange-y ellow

beet

le with

a broad

black

stripe down

the middle of

the back,

is a

serious

pest of

black

locust. Its

; mines

are oval or irregu

lar a

reas in

the leaves.

A tree may

be def

oliated

when these

insei

cts are

numerous

» »

There is

no q

uestion that

these

leaf-mining beetles

are

working

against

black

locust tree

- s in

our area but we can a 1 ;

so say,

"There

are

other fact

or s i

nvolved

that are

no 1

t well

unders to

od".

I learned

this s

;tatemen'

t from a profes;

sor who

frequent

ly en'

ded a lecture

? with

these words.

I think

the

large popul

ation

of Xeno

chalepus dc

>rsali

LS will

crash on

e of

these years a

md the

severe

problem will dis

appear .

8.

NOTES FROM WHITE SQUIRREL

CHARLES R. GUNN

Betty and I spent a long weekend in Greenbelt, MD. We had the
opportunity to visit our old jhomes in Greenbelt and Annapolis
as well as to visit the FDR memorial in Washington and some of
the Smithsonian Museums. We both agree that the FDR memorial
is impressive and well worth the trip to Washington.

On Monday I worked in the USDA/ARS seed herbarium on problems I
was having with my newest project: Seed-fruit morphology at
the family level. I was celebrating the first draft oT the
first 100 families to study.

The good news is that Joe Kirkbride informed me that our
typescript covering the seed-fruit morphology of faboid legumes
will be into the USDA editor about August 27. The typescript
is over 2,000 pages. We also met Leslie who is preparing the
glossary plates and is scanning all of the plates into a
computer so that a CD-Rom disc can be distributed.

During July we found about one-half dozen new species for the
Deerlake flora. But more about these discoveries in the next
co lumn .

ADD TO MEMBERSHIP LIST

Reinstate: Robinson, Anita, PO Box 417, Flat Rock, NC 697-7494
Change of Address:

Blaha , Millie, 13 College Row, Brevard, NC 28712-3155. 885-2424

Buck, William R., NY Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY 10458-5126.

Caldwell, Ed 172 Macon Ave. , Apt. 4, Asheville, NC 28801
253-6932.

Saby , John & Mary 10 Quail Trail, Hendersonville, NC 28792
696-2501 .

9.

AUTUMN 1998

S H 0 R T I A

VOL. XX, No. 3^

A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE WESTERN CAROLINA BOTANICAL CLUB.

Editors ; Elton J and Aline Hansens Distribution ; Ruth Hoerich

Please submit articles, "Members Comments", notes, etc. for the
next issue by November 7 to Aline Hansens, 125 Far Horizons Lane

Asheville, NC 28803.

SHORTIA

c/o Ruth Hoerich
215 Newport Road
Hendersonville, NC 28739

FIRST CLASS

William Buck

Nevu Yank - Bohan Inal- Garden
Eronx NY 10458-5126 '

SHORTIA

NEWSLETTER OF THE

WESTERN CAROLINA BOTANICAL CLUB

WINTER 1998

LIBRARY

NOV 2 3V/9S

NEW YORK
BOTANICAL GARDEN

ELTON and ALINE HANSENS
Editors

WESTERN CAROLINA BOTANICAL CLUB - 1998

President :
Vice-President :
Secretary :
Treasurer:

Don Herrman
Elaine Montgomery
Peggy Ellis
Rachel Conway

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Recorder:

Recorder:

Historian:

Erika Parrai
Anne Ulinski
Anne Matthes

DON HERRMAN

As I start to write, the breeze has picked up and the leaves are
really coming down. What a great month October has been. Every
week-end has been clear and dry, ideal for the WCBC. Today along
the Pigeon River we enjoyed the best weather Western Carolina has

to offer from taking a group picture at Cold Mountain Overlook

to picnicing on the rocks in the river. We even did some
botanizing .

As previously forecast, the Scheduling Committee has come
together. It is an energetic and enthusiastic group. There will
be more trips like the one today. I would like to give a vote of
thanks to all of those who help plan these schedules.

I have just walked the dogs (the cats didn't make it) down to the
meadow. This year of benign neglect and lack of rain has been
good for moss. However, the ladies tresses arrived on time but
not as plentiful as in the past. The asters came in abundance,
especially along the creek, where they are still hanging on.

As you check your current schedule, please make a note of the
annual meeting (January 15, 1999). There are important items to
be discussed. Our annual dues is one of them. Your
participation will be appreciated.

Thank you! Don Herrman

NEW MEMBERS IN WCBC

ARNETT, PATRICIA 616 Erkwood Dr., H'ville, NC 28739 696-0823.

DODGE, HATHA L. 1A Spring Lake Drive, Horseshoe, NC 28742-9688
(828) 890-1634.

FLEMING, ELLEN D. (Mrs. Robert E.) 101-C N. Ridge Dr., Asheville,

28804. (828) 258-3946.

JONES, NYLA JO May-Oct. 640 Little River CG Road, Pisgah Forest,

NC 28768. Winter 2759 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Lot 127, Clearwater
FL 33759.

NICHOLS, ANNE R. 406 Spanish Oak Lane, H'ville, NC 28791. 697-

2834.

PEELER, DUDLEY F. & ELIZABETH 40 Dogwood Lane, Brevard, NC
28712.

SMITH, HELEN M. 311 Jordan Rd . , Brevard, NC 28712. (828) 883-4946.

TAKARO, TIMOTHY & MARILYN 12 Westchester Dr., Asheville, NC 28803.
(828) 254-2085.

Reinstated

SCHMIDT, CHRISTINE 2549 Williamson Creek Rd . , Pisgah Forest, NC
28768. (828) 877-3070.

2.

EDITORS: In this 25th year of the WCBC we dig in the files

and reprint the minutes of the 1st meeting MARCH 27, 1973.

¥

Acting president Joe 5ch3.tr opened the March 27th meeting with a proposal
that a name for the newly organized botany group be selected. From the en-
suing discussion evolved the name .Vestem Carolina Botanical Club, which
'was voted upon and accepted.

Joe Senate read suggestions for the purpose of the club:

1. For the study, enjoyment and appreciation of the plants of Western North
Carolina in their natural environment .

2. For the collection and compilation of information and data on the plants
of WNC and the dissemination of this to other interested persons.

3. For the education of interested persons in the enjoyment and appreciation
of wild? lowers and other plants .

Most of these purposes are to be carried out by means of field trips. It is
also possible the club may become involved in environmental and political
issues in due time, if they involve plants that should be saved.

The subject of dues was introduced, and it was concluded that charge of $3.00
per person per year would cover necessary costs of mailings , information sheets
and the like. The fiscal year started March 1st. -

It was decided to hold one formal meeting per year, ' this possibly with a program.
At this time officers for the coming year wild, be elected. Occasional informal
meetings will be held as needed. The purpose of these meetings will be:

1. .To stimulate interest ........ . - - - -

2. To revie^lw trips

3- To hold programs during times of bad weather.- - — —

Reviews of trips will be done 'oj a person assigned for this job.

Club officers, nominated by a committee comprised of Gordon Tooley and
Earvey Krouse, were elected as follows :

President - Lincoln Eight on

VieeLPresiaent - Gordon Tooley - —

Secretary-Treasurer - Barbara EaUoveLl

At this time the meeting was turned over no President Lincoln Highton.
Proceedings continued with a discussion about ccnninnees . There are to be five.
Two will be active immediately:

1. Field trips - chairman, Harry Logan

2. Publicity - chairman, Joe Schanz

The Three others will develop as the club progresses;

3 • Pro -rams
i. Education

3 . Records

In was agreed that riders in cars to and from field trips should pay nhe drivers
2c per": mile. Harriet Corwin offered to help with driving people to or from
field nrips or meetings. The next planned field trip is April 2 to racalen Falls.
Harvey Krouse will investigate possibilities for a trip inno the Green River area.

Respectfully submitted,

Barbara G. Hallow ell, Secrenary

3.

LITTLE GEMS

Millie Pearson

Here's another little gem to help bring awareness to one of my missions in life -
to give the lowly dandelion it's due.

Bright little dandelion
Downy yellow face.

Peeping up among the grass
With such gentle grace;

Minding not the April wind
Blowing rude and cold.

Brave little dandelion.

With a heart of gold.

Meek little dandelion.

Changing into curls
At the magic touch of these
Merry boys and girls.

When they pinch thy dainty throat.
Strip thy dress of green.

On thy soft and gentle face
Not a cloud is seen.

Poor little dandelion
All gone to seed.

Scattered roughly by the winds.
Like a common weed.

Thou hast lived thy little life.
Smiling every day;

Who could do a better thing
In a better way?

(Author unknown)

While I'm giving out dues, I want to give Dick Smith his -

We owe the Smiths a great big thank you for Dick's wonderful book -

"WILDFLOWERS OF THE SOUTHERN MOUNTAINS" - THANK YOU DICK.

NEW WCBC FIELD TRIP IN 1999

At the Program Schedule meeting October 28 it was disclosed that
a former Givens Estates resident has generously invited a group
of WCBC members (not to exceed 20) to enjoy spring flowers along
a 1 mile private road on her 350 acre farm in southern Madison
County .

Several Givens Estates residents have previously visited the farm
and know that this promises to be a very interesting and
worthwhile botanical experience. WCBC members check your 1999
Program Schedule when it is published and make your reservation
with a leader promptly if you wish to be included.

4.

RECORDER * S REPORT FOR AUGUST TO OCTOBER 1998 ERIKA PARMI

The hot, dry summer weather continued into the fall. Dan
Pittillo of Western Carolina University predicted an extra
colorful and late autumn. Although many of us thought it had
been too dry to produce wonderful and brilliantly colored
foliage, Dan Pittillo was proved correct. I hiked and drove into
the woods as much as possible to enjoy the season. Shame on
those of you who did not take advantage of the sunny weather!
The mountain ash berries were plentiful and the best that I have
seen in several years.

On August 7 the Elk Pasture Gap hike produced 37 species in
bloom, one of which was pale corydalis ( Corydal is semperviren s )
which we seldom see. On August 14 the Frying Pan Gap group found
that most of the expected flowers were past their prime. They,
however, discovered a colorful and huge patch of pink earth
lichen. The trip to Pinnacle Mt. is usually a hot, humid one,
but August 21 was a comfortable day with bright sunshine. The
plants on the dry, rocky outcrops were obviously in distress from
the drought. The fern-leaved false foxglove and the thread-leaf
gerardia, however, were outstanding. The fame flower, to our
disappointment, was already in fruit. On August 28 the Daniel
Ridge Trail was lined with lush poison ivy (apparently not
bothered by the drought!), but we found 38 species in bloom along
its borders and we did not lose any members to the ivy!

On September 11 the recorder for the Lake Issaqueena trip noted
the dry weather had affected many of the plants. The Parkway
South trip on Sept., 18 did not produce as many species as usual,
but the group did not travel down Rt . 215 because the roadside
had been mowed. The Jackson Park fall trip, in my opinion, is
always more interesting than the spring or summer trips. This
time the porcelain berry (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata ) was added
to our plant list for the first time. It is a rare, introduced
vine .

Over 20 members enjoyed an absolutely gorgeous day on Whiteside
Mt. This was the first fall trip on which we failed to find a
few late sand myrtle blossoms. All the rest of the October field
trips were held on beautiful sunny days. the colorful foliage
along the McCall Cemetary Loop, the Asheville Botanical Garden,
and the East Fork of the Pigeon River were enjoyed by all. The
highlight of the Oct. 16 picnic at Holmes State Forest was Bill
Verduin's presence. We were all delighted to see him again.
Good food and a blazing fire in the fireplace were enjoyed by
all.

Did you ever wonder ... Wha t you should do if you see an endangered
animal eating an endangered plant?

5.

DRIVEWAY BEAUTIES!

ERIKA S. PARMI

The release of WILDFLOWERS OF THE SOUTHERN MOUNTAINS by our own

Richard M. Smith inspired me to make a mini-study of my own to

list all the flowers along my 150 foot driveway. The book came
out too late for me to check the early spring flowers such as
Iris verna , Viola blanda , V. pedata and V. sororia , but I added
them to my list anyway.

In June my most showy flowers were butterfly pea ( Cli tor ia
mariana ) along with many flowering spurge ( Euphorbia corollata )
and wild sensitive plant (Cassia nict i tans ) . Rattlesnake weed
(Hieracium venosum) , a couple of Hypericum species, H. punc ta turn
and H. hyper icoides , Small's ragwort ("Senecio anonymous ) and
downy rattlesnake plaintain (Goodyera pubescens ) all made their
appearances between May and July. The purple flowered hairy
bedstraw (Galium pilosum) was the most surprising find for me. I
had never noticed its flowers before.

In August I found three bush clover (Lespedeza ) species. the

creeping L. repens , the trailing L. procumbens and the wand-like
L. intermedia . I enjoyed the blooms first and then the
goldfinches dined on the seeds of several sunflower species
(Helian thus atrorubens , H. microcephalus and H. resinosus ) .

I'll have to wait until next fall to struggle with the
goldenrods. I was away much of September when some of them came
out. The only one I tentatively identified was early goldenrod
( Solidago juncea ) which was out in mid-August. It had a reddish
stem which was not mentioned in Dick's book, but the rest of the
characteristics fit.

I had an amazing total (to me) of 38 species plus flowering
shrubs that are not covered in Dick's book. I know there are
more flowers to be found, so here's to next spring! Thank you,
Dick, for the pleasure your book gave me.

IN APPRECIATION THE EDITORS SPEAK.

In SHORTIA Vol. 14, No. 2 Erika Parmi published the first of 25
Recorder's Reports she has written for SHORTIA. They contain a
wealth of information about when and where and what we see on our
trips .

No, she did not take all of the hikes but she has played a major
role in planning field trips, arranging for trip recorders and
summarizing the individual trip reports. The Editors of Shortia
wish to thank Erika for her leadership in the WCBC. She certainly
is a major force in assuring our WCBC success. THANKS ERIKA!!!

nmirr trees

ALINE HANSENS

Among the several species of hickory
found in NC, SHAGBARK HICKORY is
perhaps the most common and easily
identified with its shaggy bark and
ovate fruit. Along with the walnuts,
hickories belong to the family
JUGLANDACEAE.

Young shagbark hickories have smooth,
firm, light gray bark that separates
into thick plates about a foot long.
These plates curl outward at both ends
giving mature trees a very rough,
shaggy trunk.

This rugged, picturesque tree is found
in most of the eastern states and may
reach a height of 120 to 140 ft.
While it is fond of bottomlands and
pastures it also grows at elevations
up to 2000 ft. mixed with oaks and
other hardwoods. Commercially the
wood is hard and strong but not
durable in contact with soil and is
subject to boring insect attack.

The leaves are compound and alternate
with 5 to 7 leaflets which are sharply
pointed, have serrated margins and are
sessile .

In May or June male catkins appear in
drooping spikes 4" to 6" long
developing in leaf axils of the
previous year. At the same time the
short spikes of female flowers develop
on new growth and, if fertilized,
during the summer produce
semi-spherical fruits described as
ovate, giving rise to the name
"ovata" . With the frosts of October
the fruits ripen and the thick outer
husk splits into 4 sections revealing
a single, white, hard-shelled nut.
Have you ever tried to crack a hickory
nut? A voice of experience told me to
use a vise (gently) and then pick out
the sweet nutmeats. What a
reward--the squirrels can't have them
all!

SHAGBARK HICKORY

7.

BLUEBERRY OR HUCKLEBERRY?
by Dean Crawford

What’s the difference? For several years I’ve been asking local folks, especially berry pickers and
sellers, what a huckleberry really is. There were a variety of answers all the way from “just two
names for the same thing” to “the little hard redish ones are the huckleberries while the big fat
juicy bluish ones are true blueberries.” What’s a fellow to believe? So, as my Daddy used to say,
“When in doubt, read the directions.”

Petrides (Field Guide to Trees and Shrubs. Houghton Mifflin, 1958) speaks of huckleberries as
“similar to the closely related blueberries... the fruits are small blue to black berries (red in one
species), generally in lengthened clusters and usually edible.” Usually9 How much help is that9
He does give a bit of a clue in reporting that they do not “have twigs densely covered with fine
warty speckles as in the true blueberries.” So I looked at a number of blueberry twigs. Yeah, I
guess I might be seeing some “warty speckles,” but it’s not always evident. Even on the same
plant some twigs appear to be basically smooth and some have teeny warts..., maybe.

Borrowing “the bible” (Radford, Ahlers & Bell, Manual of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas,
UNC Press, 1968) from LaVeme Pearson, I got a typical lesson in researching something
common in such an encyclopedic source. They show huckleberries as a whole different genus,
not Vaccinium , as are blueberries, but Gaylussacia\ Ah, Ha! Then, after a lengthy description of
sizes of various parts, variety of color of corollas, etc. they get down to it, to wit: “Often
confused with Vaccinium from which it may be readily distinguished by the ten large bony
pyrenes and by the presence of resinous glands on the underside of the leaves.” (Emphasis
added.) Now, I can easily check for resin spots under the leaves, but what the heck are
“pyrenes?”

Further searching reveals: a pyrene is “The nutlet in a drupe, a seed and the bony endocarp.”
Then, a drupe is “A fleshy, usually 1 -seeded indehiscent fiuit with seed enclosed in a stony
endocarp ” Great! Not I have two more new words to define. Well, it turns out that indehiscent
means “not regularly opening, as a fruit or anther.” (So why didn’t they just say 1 -seeded fruit?)
.And an endocarp is the “innermost layer of pericarp.” Here we go again. Pericarp is defined as
“the wall of a ripened ovary.” Finally! Words I understand!

Radford goes on to list five specie^ f Gay’lussacia but only one, ursina, which might be found in
our region and then only at high elevations. Further, he indicates that they generally have ten
seeds, or pyrenes, while we all know that blueberries have lots more than that. Conclusion:
We’re probably not going to see true huckleberries, except just possibly a patch in a wooded and
high elevation location. In such circumstances, a quick look on the underside of the leaf for resin
spots should reveal any presence of Gaylussacia ursina. Whew! I think I’ll just relax and enjoy
the pie Bon appetite ^ * 1 ’

We congratulate Dr. Dan Pittillo, professor of Biology at WCU on
being the 1998 recipient of the Elizabeth Ann Bartholomew Award
presented by the Southern Appalachian Botanical Society. He is a
good friend of the WCBC and has assisted our club and its members
in many ways and on many occasions.

8.

i f 1 1 1 1 1 1 { 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 It ii 1 1 Id i if ill 1 1 Ini

NOTES FROM WHITE SQUIRREL

Charles R. Gunn

I would not have believed it - but our 2,000-page typescript went
to the USDA/ARS head editor on time, has been assigned an editor,
and is being edited! But alas, a problem--Who is going to pay
for the plates for printing.

Summertime joys: Finding dodder: The parasitic flowering plant

that resembles golden threads was just up hill from fire hydrant
18 on DeerLake Road. I believe it is Cuscuta gronovii and is
parasitizing our "beloved" (it must be because we have so much of
it as a roadside plant) sericea lespedeza. The Brevard city road
crew mowed our roadsides, so the dodder probably was not able to
set seeds. By the way, dodder is now considered to be in its own
family, Cuscutaceae and not in the Convolvulaceae , the
morning-glory family.

And then there is the news I gave my neighbor. A front yard weed
is a new species for Deerlake. It is a prostrate plant somewhat
like carpetweed (Mollugo ver ticillata ) and purslane ( Por tulaca
oleracea ) . But this species was Ludwigia palus tris in the evening
primrose family ( Onagraceae ) . Unfortunately this species does
not have petals! It had to be controlled where it was growing,
and it was, but I know where there are other plants.

A new species has somehow found its way to the pipeline cut
between Stone Drive and White Squirrel Lane. It is Agave (Agave
virginica ) in the Agavaceae. Though not a native of our area, it
is a widely planted species. I am not sure that there is a
seed-bearing plant in Deerlake. Could seeds come with the mulch
thagpwas used in seeding the slope?

•*>

I,^m working on an article about a major problem plant that has a
grfeat economic potential for our tobacco farmers. Any idea about
^what this new crop plant could be? Plant breeding has made it
a.} possible to again grow this species in the United States.

pi

9.

S H 0 R T I A

VOL. XX, No. 4

WINTER 1998

A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE WESTERN CAROLINA BOTANICAL CLUB

Editors : Elton J and Aline Hansens Distribution: Ruth Hoerich

Please submit articles, annual reports, notes, etc. for the next
issue of Shortia (Vol. XXI, No. 1) at the Annual Meeting of
WCBC, January 1999.

SHORTIA

c/o Ruth Hoerich
215 Newport Road
Hendersonville, NC 28739

FIRST CLASS

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