TENNESSEE NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY NEWSLETTER VOLUME 21, NUMBER 1 FEBRUARY 1999 President’s Message Greetings to all native plant lovers! Let me introduce myself; my name is Jane Norris. I have agreed to serve as president of this organization for the next couple of years. As a retired schoolteacher, l have some experience in organizing people. Furthermore, T have a strong appreciation for native plants, both for their beauty and their importance in the In this issue: Upcoming Field Trips 1999 Pages 3 , 4 . 5 , 6, 7 natural scheme of things. I am not, however, a botanist, even an amateur one, and I will need the support of those of you who are. As the new president of TNPS, I am looking forward to several years of exciting field trips, a healthly growth in membership, and increased involvement in environmental causes to save endangered native plants and their habitat. Since I have been a member of TNPS for a shorter time than many, the reprinting in the December newsletter of the first president’s message was invaluable for me. It gave me a much clearer picture of the goals and purposes of the founders of the organization. Field trips have from the beginning been considered an integral part of the program of TNPS. I am happy to report that our field trip committee, headed by Dennis Horn, has put together a schedule of interesting trips for the year, which is included in this newsletter. I look forward to seeing you on these trips and urge you to bring your interested friends. We hope that some new participants will become new members. Awareness of the important of native plants has increased so as to make this a unique period of opportunity in Tennessee. Several groups around the state have been working to preserve unique habitats. Bluebell Island and the recent donation of Scott’s Gulf are two examples of these areas, but there are many others. There was at least one successful plant rescue operation at Motlow College this past summer, headed by Alice Jensen. Although book publishing was apparently not one of the priorities of the founders, TNPS has published an atlas to the native flora of Tennessee and is close to publishing an illustrated guide for the general public. Kay Jones has agreed to monitor the progress of this book The journal suggested by the founders has, as far as I know, never materialized; it is, perhaps, a job best left to professional botanists. Our newsletfer, however, is still an important resource, which pulls together the members from all parts of Tennessee. Many thanks to Susan Stahl for her creativity in producing an attractive publication and her willingness to maintain a regular schedule 1 look forward to working with all of you in the months ahead TENNESSEE NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY NEWSLETTER February 1999 VOLUME 21, NUMBER 1 This Newsletter is a publication of the Tennessee Native Plant Society and is published four times a year, generally in February, May, August, November. The T ennessee Native Plant Society (TNPS) was founded in 1 978. Its purposes are to assist in the exchange of information and encourage fellow- ship among Tennessee’s botanists, both amateur and professional; to promote public education about Tennessee flora, and wild plants in general; to provide, through publication of a newsletter or journal, a formal means of documenting information on Tennessee flora and of informing the public about wild plants; and to promote the protection and enhancement of T ennessee's wild plant communities. Dues for each calendar year are: Regular: $15 Student/Senior: $10 Institution: $20 Life: $150 Dues may be sent to: TN PS/DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN 37996-1 1 00. TNPS OFFICERS Jane Norris, President Dennis Horn, Vice-President Andrea Shea, Corresponding Secretary Nita Heilman, Recording Secretary Susan Sweetser, Treasurer DIRECTORS Bertha Chrietzburg - Middle Tennesse Shirley Nicholson - East Tennessee Charles Warfield - Middle Tennessee Mary Priestley - East Tennessee Larry Wilson - West Tennessee Al Good - East Tennessee Susan Stahl, Editor 1763 Needmore Rd. Old Hickory TN 37138 Susanstahl@juno.com 615/758-9111 Upcoming Events: The Tennessee Exotic Pest Plant Council presents the first annual symposium of the newly established Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council. The eventwillbeheldatthePollard Auditorium andMeetingCenter in Oak Ridge, TN on March 18, 19 and 20. There will be field trip options on Thursday afternoon. Presentations on Friday and Saturday feature discussions on control and management of exotic pest plants, public policy issues, native plant use and restoration. For registration information call 1-800-449-6339. WEB NEWS Many of our neighboring plant societies have web sites: Georgia Botanical Society http : //science , kennesaw . edu/ org/gabotsoc/ Kentucky Native Plant Society http : //www . biology . eku . edu/ jones/jnps. htm California Native Plant Society http: //www .calpoly.edu/ ~dchippin/cnps_main . html Missouri Native Plant Society http: //www .missouri.edu/ ~umo-herb/monps Mark your calendars now for the weekend of June 11-13! The TNPS annual meeting is in the late spring rather than the usual early fall. More details in the next newsletter. 1999 TNPS FIELD TRIP SCHEDULE This is the only complete schedule of field trips that you will receive, please keep a copy! ! ! Some trips may be described in more detail in future issues of the newsletter. Trips arp l Pd by persons familiar with native plants of the area. These trips provide an opportunity to observe, photograph and learn about our native flora , Since plant protection and conservation are primary objectives of our organization, digging and collecting is NOT PERMITTED. Please contact the leader in advance for those trips you plan to attend. This not only lets the leader know the number of participants, but also ensures that last minute changes and updated information are known prior to the trip. Keep this schedule handy and plan to attend as many trips as possible this year. DATE EVENT/LOCATION/COORDINATOR MARCH 20 SHAKERAG HOLLOW/BLUEBELL ISLAND Cosponsor: Sewanee Herbarium. As many as 50 species of wildflowers abound here from late March into May . We hope to find among others , Trout lily ( Ervthronium americanum ) . Dutchman's-breeches (Dicentra m cull aria), bloodroot ( Sancminaria canadensis 1 , Hepatica acutiloba , and blue cohosh ( Caulophyllum thalictroides ) . Bluebell island is literally carpeted with Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica) and other spring wildflowers. Time: 10:00 a.m central Place: Meet at Sewanee Inn. From 124 take the Monteagle/Sewanee exit 134 onto Hwy 41 A north . Pass through the stone columns and bear right onto University Ave. Sewanee Inn is the first building on the right. Lunch will be at Shenanigans Restaurant and then we will drive to Bluebell Island . Leader: Dr. George Ramseur (931) 598-0108 MARCH 27 THE POCKET AT PIGEON MTN/WALKER C-O , , GEORGIA A variety of spring wildflowers awaits those who join us for this hike . Several Trillium species including T - decumbens.. Virginia bluebells, Celadine Poppy (Stylophorum diphvllum) . and many others. The Georgia Botanical Society will also be there so we may join them for part of the time. Easy walking. Rr,^n ) , , Time : 10:00 a.m eastern (Bring lunch) I ' 1 Place: McDonald's in Trenton, Ga off 1-59 Leader: A1 Good at (423) 886-1777 APRIL 11 ( Sunday ) JACKSON AND CLAY COUNTIES For anyone who has not visited this area in the spring, they are in store for a real treat. The roadsides and hillsides are rich with endless displays of wildflowers. On last year's trip. Dr. Rhinehart listed 60 species in bloom . We should see Wild Hyacinth , Trp.iiu.rn — _fliexipes, T. recurvatum r T . gran diflor urn . Blue-eyed Mary, Shooting Star, Virginia Spiderwort, Dwarf Larkspur, Miami Mist, and many more . Time: 9:30 a.m. central EkS6: the rlght side of H«y 56 in Gainesboro going north about 1\4 to 1\2 mile before crossing Cumberland River y Leader: Dr. Margaret Rhinehart at (931) 946-2381 APRIL n RAILS TO TRAILS NEAR ASHLAND CITY CHEATHAM COUNTY Time: 10:00 a.m. central Place: McDonalds in Ashland City Leaders : Andrea Shea (615)532-0439 work Nita Heilman (931) 645-9338 home This hike takes us along a 2 to 3 mile stretch of the abandoned Tennessee Central Railroad . We win return by Chapmansboro Rd , along the Cumberland River for a round trip of 4 to 5 miles. A car shuttle is possible for anyone not wanting to walk the entire loon. We wiliAplan to visit a site for Short's Bladderpoa ( Lesguerella qlobosa). a listed rare plant in Tennessee. APRIL 22, 23, 24 WILDFLOWER PILGRIMAGE/GATLINBURG Three days of half-day and aU day hikes with over 90 trips scheduled during the 3 day period. APRIL 25 Time : 9 : 30 a . m . eastern Place: Sugar lands Visitor on the far side. Leader: TBD ANNUAL SUNDAY AFTER HIKE This hike will be somewhere in the Smoky Mt National Park area to be determined at the meeting place that morning. Center parking lot MAY 2 (SUNDAY) CAMPS GULF ADDITION/FALL CREEK FALLS STATE PARK The Huber Corporation donated 1200 acres to the state. The property contains Camps Branch Cave . Camps Creek above disappears into a large sink, then reappears within the cave. Interesting plants occur in the Gulf including the large showy mint, Synandra . This hike is part of the Fall Creek Falls Lady-Slipper weekend of activities. Time: 9:30 a.m. central P!ae§ : The Nature Center, Fall Creek Falls State Park Leader: Stuart Carroll (931) 881-5708 Contact person: Bertha Chrietzberg (615) 896-1146 MAY 22 TENNESSEE RIVER GORGE/MARIONCOUNTY The Tennessee River Gorge Trust has been instrumental in protecting large tracts along the Tennessee River where it flows through the scenic gorge. The Trust has a 3 mile forested loop trail which contains a large population of the rare Large flowered Skullcap (Scutellaria montana) . It should be in full bloom at this time. Be prepared for a 500 ft. elevation change. Time : 10 : 00 a . m . eastern (Bring lunch ) Plage: Burger King on Signal Mtn Road (US 127) approximately 1 mile north of US 27 on the north side of Chattanooga (across the river from downtown) Leader: Jim Brown or other Trust staff person A1 Good (423) 886-1777 JUNE 11, 12, 13 TNPS ANNUAL MEETING Numerous hikes to choose from including Fiery Grizzard, Foster Falls, Sewanee trails, Keith Springs Mtn. , AEDC, May Prairie and Buggy Top Cave. Place: DuBose Conference Center/ Monteagle Watch for details in next newsletter Contact Person: Mary Priestley (931) 598-1324 work 598-0157 home JUNE 26 L LU**A LAKE LAND TRUST/ WALKER CO. f GA Located on Lookout Mtn, just south of Chattanooga with an interesting plant community . The rare Spirea virqinica grows in Rock Creek above the beautiful waterfalls. Easy walking but boots may be helpful in viewing the Spirea. Be prepared ^ to sign a Trust liability release form. Bnna Time: 10:00 a.m. eastern Elaee: Incline Parking Lot at the base of Lookout Mtn. From I 24 take the next exit east of interchange with US 27 (Broad St. exit 178). Follow signs to Lookout Mtn. Approximately 2 miles on South Broad, bear left onto Hwy 17. Look for Incline Parking Lot at base of mountain on the right. A Lggderg : Christine Bock and Bill Chipley (Trust Director) ’ r / Contact Person: A1 Good (423) 886-1777 ' JULY 31 CANEY FORK RIVER BLUFF TRIP/ SMITH COUNTY There are interesting limestone bluffs which harbor rare vines and other native plants. Expect to see Price's Potato Bean ( Anios priceana 1 and Harper's Umbrella Plant (Eriogonum harperi) , both rare in Tennessee and globally. Tim@: 10:00 a.m. central (Bring lunch) Elac§: Day use area just below Center Hill Dam. From I 40 take Buffalo Valley Exit 268 south on TN 96, cross dam, then right on TN 141. Look for picnic area on right. Leaders: Andrea Shea (615) 532-0439 work Jane Norris (615) 665-2056 home AUGUST 7 Time: 11:00 jackets) STARR MTN/MCMINN COUNTY This is a joint GA BotSoc and AAFB trip to see the summer Platantheras located along Bullet Creek. Among the ferns in this sandy damp area grow four orchids: Large and Small Yellow Fringed Orchid ( P . ciliaris - P . cristate 1 . Monkey Face Orchid (P. intecrrilaba ) . and Green Woodland Orchid (P. clavellata). Because of downed trees in area, call ahead for possible cancellation . a.m eastern (Bring lunch, boots, long pants and spray for yellow Place: Historic Train Station, Etowah along US 411 Leader: Chuck Wilson (423) 875-9625 L SEPTEMBER 11 KEITH SPGS MTN/FRANKLIN COUNTY At this time of year the Composites provide nice displays of color and provide interesting discussions about identification. Among the more interesting plants are Hehanthus maximilianii . H, eqgertii (both are sunflowers), a different Ironweed ( Veronia faccidifolla) and a very unusual Goldenrod ( Splidaqo auriculata ) which has been found in _ , * , Tennessee only in Franklin County. Time: 12:00 noon central after lunch Pla£§: McDonalds on US 41 A on the north side of Winchester Leader: Dennis Horn (931) 455-5742 SEPTEMBER 18 KELLY CREEK SEEPS/WILLIAMSON COUNTY A diverse assemblage of upland, riparian and aguatic habitats that harbor several rare speciesand naturalcommunities . Groundwater seeping from hillsides and bluffs keeps these unique habitats wet throughout the year . The raxe large-leaved grass of Parnassus (Parnassia gran difolia) occurs throughout Time: 10:00 a.m. central (Bring lunch) g OUt- MS ■ Side of Frankhn (about 10 miles from Nashville) Leader: Smoot Major (615) 741-9141 1 OCTOBER 2 ROCK ISLAND STATE PARK This is a wonderful time of year for viewing Asters and Goldenrods. Let's see how many we can identify. Rock Island State Park is scenic and has an interesting history from the days when most electricity was „ generated from water power. Time. 10:00 a.m central (Bring lunch) EkSgLV^it°rS11Cent?r/ R°Ck Island St Pk* Park 13 Seated midway between McMinnville and Sparta Contact person : Bertha Chrietzberg (615) 896-1146 NOVEMBER 6 WINTER BOTANY HIKE/BIG SOUTH FORK The emphasis for this hike will be the identification of trees and shrubs using winter twigs and buds. Some leaves may still be on rpimo- m-nn a ^ , the trees and wildflowers in bloom, jxgie^ 10.00 a.m. eastern (Bring lunch) ^^F^rk 1 ^n?v,l0tDat L0eathierwo0^ Ford Bridge where Hwy 297 crosses the Big South Leader- Dr fhV^k Sw^o°rk National River and Recreation Area, imager. Dr. Ed Clebsch (423) 856-3350 £SBtactjpersQn: Susan Sweetser (423) 588-0508 ext 126 work FIELD TRIP LOCATIONS FOR 1999 IN TENNESSEE 1 COME OUT AND SEE WHAT FUN IT ISM TENNESSEE NATT PLANT SOCIETY NEWSLETTER 1763 Needmore Road Old Hickory TN 37138 615/758-9111 TENNESSEE NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY NEWSLETTER VOLUME 21, NUMBER 2 President’s Message May 1999 For many months now many of us have been trying to answer the often-asked question, “when is the T ennessee wildflower book coming out?” tor over a year we have not known how to answer this question, since we were in the process of negotiating a final agreement aboutthe publish- ing and marketingof the book with Jack Carman, the chairman of the book committee. It appears nowthat, aftermore than ayear of negotiations, we will not be able to achieve a mutually accept- able solution. Jack Carman, who has provided a maj or share of the photographs and has spend many hours putting materials together, does not feel that itis fair that his efforts (orthose of others) should go uncompensated as long as ANYONE, includ- ing bookstores and publishers, makes a profit tfom the book. The position of the board of TNPS was and is that since all contributors of photographers and plant descriptions agreed in the beginningto volunteertheirmatenals, the original agreement should hold. The book is part of a larger proj ect, T ennessee Flora 2000, which has a technical manualstill to come. Profits from the field guide, if any, are to support the production of this technical manual. Since it appears unlikely that we will be successful in working out an agreement with Jack Carman, we are exploring the possibility of publishing a book containing the materials we have and some additional photographs. In this issue: Upcoming Annual Meeting information page 2 Field Trip Reports page 5 DON'T FORGET TO RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP TENNESSEE NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY NEWSLETTER February 1999 VOLUME 21, NUMBER 1 Upcoming Events: ANNUAL MEETING IN THE SPRING — FRIDAY, JUNE 1 1 THROUGH SUNDAY, JUNE 13 This Newsletter is a publication of the Tennessee Native Plant Society and is published four times a year, generally in February, May, August, November. The Tennessee Native Plant Society (TNPS) was founded in 1978. Its purposes are to assist in the exchange of information and encourage fellow- ship among Tennessee's botanists, both amateur and professional; to promote public education about Tennessee flora, and wild plants in general; to provide, through publication of a newsletter or journal, a formal means of documenting information on Tennessee flora and of informing the public about wild plants; and to promote the protection and enhancement of Tennessee's wild plant communities. Dues for each calendar year are: Regular: $15 Student/Senior $1 0 Institution: $20 Life: $150 Please come and join us for our annual meeting. We are again meeting at the Dubose Conference Center in Monteagle, Tennessee. Rooms are in Bishop’s Hall, motel-style with private bath. Cost for a room is $38 single occupancy; $27 each double occupancy. Meals are breakfast at $6.00; lunch at $7.50 and dinner at $10.00. The first meal is Friday dinner at 6:30 p.m. - the last is breakfast Sunday. For one person staying the whole time, the price is $115.50; for two people staying together, the price is $187.00. You can choose any of the above options with all meals, no meals or a few meals. Just call Mary Priestley at (93 1 )598- 1 324 and tell her what you want to do. She will give you the price and you can send her a check. She will also send you complete directions. It is in Monteage, just off interstate 24, about an hour north of Chattanooga and 2 hours south from Nashville. There will be numerous choices of field trips on Saturday and maybe Sunday also. On Friday evening Jon Evans, botanist at Sewanee, will give a slide presentation on high elevation plants of the Colorado Rockies. We might even talk Mary into another tour of the Sewanee Herbarium. Come and bring yourself, your friends, your spouses. It’s spring in Tennessee and the flowers will abound. Dues may be sent to: TN PS/DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN 37996-1100. TNPS OFFICERS Jane Norris, President Dennis Horn, Vice-President Andrea Shea, Corresponding Secretary Nita Heilman, Recording Secretary Susan Sweetser, Treasurer DIRECTORS Bertha Chrietzburg - Middle Tennesse Shirley Nicholson - East Tennessee Charles Warfield - Middle T ennessee Mary Priestley - East T ennessee Larry Wilson - West Tennessee AIGood - East Tennessee Susan Stahl, Editor 1763 Needmore Rd. Old Hickory TN 37138 Susanstahl@juno.com 615/758-9111 3-Tennessee Native Plant Society / MAY 1999 May Prairie Some years ago, I undertook to show a good prairie relict in Tennessee to a Texas botanist, a specialist in prairie grasses. We left tire car and headed into a mass of trees and slirubs along the road, and I’m sure he thought I had lost my mind-or just didn’t know what a prairie was. His expression changed, however, as we broke out on die other side of the roadside fringe and he saw, with obvious delight, one after another, all die major grasses of die tail-grass praiiie-Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardi), Litde Bluestem (Andropogon scoparius), Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans), and Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). These dominate the May Prairie as the same gasses dominated die eastern edge of the central gassland where Europeans setders pushed westward across the continent. Before European setders came to Tennessee, when woods bison roamed the forest, and visited the salt licks such as the one at Sulfur- Dell, there were many such patches of prairie on the Highland Rim, some set like May Prairie, some dry like the upland prairie type. There were usually relatively small openings in otherwise wooded country-openings where tall gasses and prairie herbs like sunflower and blazing star were predominant and where, undoubtedly, bison and deer were accustomed to graze. Not many of these prairies remain. Most have disappear ed into pastur e or farmland or under subdivisions. A few small patches may be seen along railroad tracks and occasionally in the openings among the oak woods of the barrens. The best remaining one in Tennessee is May Prairie. Then, twelve million or more years ago, as mountain building began in the West the Rockies-then the Sierra Nevada and Coast Ranges-increased in height until the Pacific air masses began dripping their moisture as they struck the west facing mountain slopes. As a result, the weather fronts reaching the center of the continent became dry and rainfall was no longer sufficient to support the gowth of forests. This climatic change eliminated forests in a geat wedge-shaped region extending from the eastern base of the Rocky Mountains to what are now Texas, Illinois and Saskatchewan. Grasses invaded the land as forests disappeared. Rainfall decreased somewhat all the way to the Appalachian Mountains, so some tree species in the eastern forests died out also. Grasses that had been scattered within those forests moved out onto the eastern edge of the central grassland and into suitable places in the eastern forests as the trees became more widely spaced. It was probably then that May Prairie came into being. As an educational and research area. May Prairie is important because: l)it illustrates a vegetation type now almost eliminated even in the tall gass prairie region; 2) it provides an example of factors that influence the maintenance of gassland and offers and opportunity to show how prairies will respond to proper management; 3) it poses problems relating to past migations and evolution of plant species because of its combination of prairie. Plateau and Coastal Plain species; and 4) its presence serves to remind us that geological and climatic factors, long before the advent of modem man, shaped the history of our land and determined what would gow on it. By Hal DeSelm Reprinted from The Tennessee Conservationist, Vol. XL, August/ September 1 975 , No . 8 Annual Meeting Reservations ■ Call Mary Priestley (931) 598-1324 4-Tennessee Native Plant Society / MAY 1 999 LEGISLATIVE UPDATES News Release from Office of Governor Don Sundquist, March 1999 Governor announces 4,400 acres for Tennessee Natural Areas Protection Program. Acquisition of these areas is dependent on General Assembly approval. North Chickamauga Creek Gorge - The gorge is approximately 1 0 miles long with steep slopes and sandstone bluffs. Eight state and/or feder- ally listed plants occur in the gorge, including one of the largest known populations of large- flowered sloillcap. The Chimneys - The sandstone pinnancles known as the Chimneys rise about 200 feet from the floor of the forested gorge, with a natural window forming at the base. The pin- nacles and the natural bridge rise from near Pocket Creek and are nearly as high as the bluff. Fate Sanders Barrens - 230 acres of cedar-hardwood and oak-hickory forests in Rutherford County. The site is fairly isolated and contiguous to Percy Priest Lake on the west boundary. Flat Rock Cedar Glade - This is considered one of most important plant conservation sites of its size in Middle Tennessee. Falling Water Falls - Addition of 36 acres to existing 1 00 acre preserve in Hamilton County. Sunk Lake - Addition of 350 acres to existing 1,333 acre Lauderdale County Natural Area. STATE NATIVE PLANT SOCIETIES ON THE WEB Upcoming Field Trips: June 26 Luna Lake Land Trust/Walker Co., GA July 31 Caney Fork River BluffTrip/ Smith County August 7 Starr Mt./ McMinn County September 11 Keith Springs Mtn/Franklin County September 18 Kelly Creek Seeps/Williamson County October 2 Rock Island State Park November 6 Winter Botany at Big South Fork Alabama -- www.aubum.edu/ -deancar Arizona — www.azstamet.com/ ~anps Arkansas -- www.anps.org California — ww. calpoly.edu/ -dchippin/cnpamain.html Connecticut — wrww.vfr.com/cbs Florida — www.flmnh.ufl.edu/ fops Georgia - www.mindsping.com/ ~gnps Hawaii — www.mrtc.org/ ~thomasp/nhps Idaho -- www2. state. id.us/ fishgame/inps 1 ,htm Indiana — www.inpaws.org Maryland — www.geocities.com/ rainforest/vines/2 996 Massachusetts — www.newfs.org Minnesota — www.stolaf.edu/ depts/biology/mnps Missouri — wwwMnissouri.edu/ -umoherb/monps New Mexico -- www.wazoo.com/~dkeeney/ npsoc.html Oklahoma — www.telepath.com/ chadcox/onps.html Oregon — www.teleport.com/ nonprofit/npso South Carolina — www.scnativeplants.org Texas — lonestar.texas.net/ ~jeblanc/npsot.html Virginia — www.hort.vt.edu/vnps Washington — www.wnps.org Wyoming — www. rmh.uwyo.edu/wmps.html National Wildflower Center — www.wildflower.org Addresses for Tennessee Native Plant Society Newsletter — susanstahl.juno.com President — RaymondC.Norris@Vanderbilt.edu 5-T ennessee Native Plant Society / MAY 1999 TRIPREPORTS Clay and Jackson Counties Twenty one members and friends of TNPS gathered on April 11 for a ramble in Jackson and Clay counties in northern Middle Tennessee. We saw a number of unusual plants including Blue- eyed Maiy (Collinsia verna), and Mousetail (Myosurus minimus). Masses of Firepinks and Shooting Stars on the cliffs along the Cumberland River were breathtakingly beautiful. Dr. Margaret Rhinehart was our enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide for the all-day trip. Jane Norris The Pocket at Pigeon Mountain in Walker County, Georgia This small gorge with the surrounding slopes and bluffs has been called the premier wilflower site in Georgia. Some of this reputation derives from being the only state location for a few species, but the number of spring ephemeral species grow- ing in a few acres is extraordinary if not unique. In the past three or four years, the vegatation on the creek flood plain, where the species concentration was greatest, has shown a marked decline. The bare areas being eroded have clearly widened. Dismissing acid rain, global warming and El Nino as the cause, the State agencies responsible for management have concluded that compaction of the moist soil by foot traffic is responsible. Plant viewing in this area is now permitted only from a new boardwalk. Poking around through the dense vegetation trying to spot another species seems to be a pleasure of the past as, we grudgingly admit, it should be for this spot. We had a crisp sunny day somewhat early in this year’s flowering season with the last of the Harbinger of Spring ( Erigenia bulbosa ) and Bloodroot ( Sanguinaria candadensis) flowers. Most fem species were unfolding their crosiers and almost no leaves were out. The Bluebells {Mertensia virginica) were at their peak. Toadshade and Trailing Trillium (T. cuneatum and decumbens), Toothwort ( Dentaria spp.), Spring Beauty {Claytonia virginica), and Hepatica (H. americana) were abundant. The drier slopes and ledges had Robin’s Plaintain ( Erigeron pulchellus). Long Spurred Violet ( Viola rostrata ), Lousewort ( Pedicularis canadensis). Columbine ( Aquilegia canadensis), Stonecrop ( Sedum lernatum). Pennywort ( Obolaria virginica), and Cumberland Spurge {Euphorbia mercurialina) flowering. Here we found a clump of Cancer-root (Orobanche uniflora) having fourteen stems, a personal record for everyone present. Purple Phacelia {P. bipinnatifida). Celandine Poppy {Stylophorum diphyllum), and Blue Cohosh {Caulophyllum thalictroides) were beginning to flower. The Bent Trillium {T. flexipes), still in bud, seems to be expanding its range. Many species expected were not seen, hopefully because they were late. After leaving the Pocket some of the group checked a population of Carolina Jessamine {Gelsemium sempervirens) on the east brow of Lookout Mountain across McLemore Cove from Pigeon Mountain. Here in a hardiness zone 6 location the plant is thriving at the base of the boulders but struggling or failing as it climbs the short trees. This observation led us to conclude that the plant needs sun exposure but also protection from the winter winds. A1 Good Estelle Bluebird Gap Rock i High Point f Atwood Point Hood Overlook Rock T( Dougherty Gap M CROCKFORD PIGEON MOUNTAIN WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA rl Hollow GA. 193 Davis Crossroads Dug Gap GA. 193 To * LaFayette 2.5 lilies c.i * Harrisburg Gull GA. 1 57 2 MILES J 1 MILE LEGEND Paved Road Dirt Road Closed Road Trails Orange Blaze Blue Blaze White Blaze Green Blaze Pink Blaze QUidtliwm TnC T—i triHl Omiy H# fowaptM Or OfSTnr**) Lakes Streams Boundary Gates Church Telephone To Summerville 7-Tennessee Native Plant Society / MAY 1 999 CATTAILS: THE SUPERMARKET OF THE SWAMPS It is safe to say that wherever cattails grow, every part of the plant has been utilized as food, fiber, medicine, or tools. To emphasize the multiple uses of this amazing plant, Euell Gibbons, a twenti- eth century master of wild foods, christened cattails the “supermarket of the swamps.” In late spring the immature female flower spike resembles a green hot dog located several inches below the tip of the stalk. This can be boiled or steamed, between 6-12 minutes, and eaten in the same manner as com on the cob, discarding the hard, central cob. The flavor is good but the texture is dry and butter may be added. When this same spike matures in late summer it resembles a cigar which, when shredded, delivers a dense billow of silky, seed-bearing fluff. Heap this fluff into a loose mound (on a windless day) and light them on fire. When the fluff bums off thousands of tiny seeds remain. These can be ground into flour and used in a variety of food preparations. The thickened spike at the top, which houses the male flowers, produces copious amounts of pollen in early spring. Cattail pollen is the most important part of the plant in terms of food energy obtained for the amount of work energy expended obtaining it. Steven R. Simms, an Anthropology student doing research on Great Basin hunter-gatherer foraging strategies, determined that cattail pollen can yield between 2,800 - 8,600 calories per hour of gathering and processing time. Strip or shake this pollen into a sack. The pollen may be mixed with water and eaten raw or cooked, or combined into recipes in numerous ways to give a nutritious boost, unique flavor, and a muted yellow color to you culinary creations. Cattail leaves make superior weaving and caning material. Durable mats can be constructed by lashing entire plants together to the desired length. If lashed very tightly, these mats are virtually water and wind-proof. The leaves, first dried then rehydrated can be twisted into a light duty rope. The seed bearing fluff has been used variously as diaper material, menstrual pads, wound dressing, insulation, bedding, and fire starting tinder by cultures worldwide. It was also employed during World War I as a buoyant, kapok substitute in life vests. The brown, cigar like flower spike, still attached to the stalk, can be soaked in kerosene or some other non-volatile, flammable liquid and burned as a torch. Cattaii polien is used in traditional Chinese medicine as a hemostatic agent, either dusted topically onto an open would or taken internally. Both the pollen and immature flowers are classified as astringents. In European and early American folk medicine, starch from the rhizomes was applied as a poultice to bums. Evart Broderick Reprinted from Northern Nevada Native Plant Society Newsletter, February 1999 Y our dues are current ifyour mailing label reads 1 999 or later. If not, please keepyour membership current by sending a check to: Tennessee Native Plant Society Department ofBotany University ofT ennessee Knoxville, TN 37996-1 100 Membership categories are: Regular $15 Student and Senior S10 Institutional $20 Life $150 TENNESSEE NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY NEWSLETTER 1763 Needmore Road Old Hickory TN 37138 615/758-9111 TENNESSEE NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY NEWSLETTER VOLUME 22, NUMBER 3 August 1999 President's Message ROYAL FERN a. Fertile Portion of Fruiting Frond; b. Stenle Frond Even on a July day when the temperatures climbed relentlessly toward 1 00 degrees, a few loyal plant-lovers collected to explore the cliffs along the Caney Fork River. Under less trying conditions, a turnout of 20 to 25 would not be unusual . Still, there are a large number of members who have never been on one of our trips. While it is true that the walks are no chal- lenge for hikers (we usually progress at the speed of a tortoise), the joy of discovery and the pleasure of interesting company more than compensate. Very often there is a surprise - an unexpected plant, bird, or butterfly. Springcan be breathtaking with its masses of firepinks bloomingalongsidecolumbineandtrilliums. In the late summer and fall coneflowers, Queen Anne’s lace and goldenrods brighten the woods and fields. Even at times of year when there would seem to be nothing much blooming, there is a surprising diversity of plants in bloom; there is somethingblooming every month ofthe year. T ennessee is blessed with a great richness of plant life. For those of you who have never been on a T ennessee Native Plant trip, I urge you to take advantage ofthe next trip. The dates are in the newsletter, along with the number of the person to call formore specific information. See you in the field!! In this issue: Reports from two intrepid field trippers page 3 What really happened at the annual meeting page 4 Catch the last of the field trips page 5 Adventure of a lifetime page 6 TENNESSEE NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY NEWSLETTER August 1999 VOLUME 21, NUMBER 3 This Newsletter is a publication of the Tennessee Native Plant Society and is published four times a year, generally in February, May, August, November. The Tennessee Native Plant Society (TNPS) was founded in 1978. its purposes are to assist in the exchange of information and encourage fellow- ship among T ennessee’s botanists, both amateur and professional; to promote public education about Tennessee flora, and wild plants in general; to provide, through publication of a newsletter or journal, a formal means of documenting information on Tennessee flora and of informing the public about wild plants; and to promote the protection and enhancement of T ennessee's wild plant communities. Dues for each calendar year are: Regular: $15 Student/Senior: $10 Institution: $20 Life: $150 Dues may be sent to: TNPS/DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN 37996-1100. TNPS OFFICERS Jane Norris, President Dennis Horn, Vice-President Andrea Shea, Corresponding Secretary Nita Heilman, Recording Secretary Susan Sweetser, Treasurer DIRECTORS Bertha Chrietzburg - Middle T ennesse Shirley Nicholson - East Tennessee Charles Warfield - Middle T ennessee Mary Priestley - East Tennessee Larry Wilson - West Tennessee Al Good - East Tennessee Susan Stahl, Editor 1763 Needmore Rd. Old Hickory TN 37138 Susanstahl@juno.com 616/758-9111 are invited. Please call Rav Norris(6 15-665-2056), (raymond . c . norris@ vanderbilt.edu), 402 1 Sunnybrook Dr. Nashville, TN 37205 ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION FUND UPDATE The Tennessee Environmental Action Fund (EAF) is expanding its mission and changing its name to the Tennessee League of Conservation Voters (TLCV). For the past 2 1 years, the EAF has been a nonprofit environ- mental lobbying organization dedi- cated to the protection and preserva- tion of Tennessee’s natural resources through legislative action. As such, it has promoted the environmental objectives of member organizations such as TNPS who were constrained from direct lobbying themselves because of their 50 1 (c) (3) tax-exempt status. The untiring effort of Erin Kelly, EAF’s lobbyist, to keep the TNPS wildflower book funding on track in the 1999 state budget crunch was an excellent example of how TNPS has benefitted from our membership in EAF. Now, EAF is evolving into an organization that can not only lobby and educated elected officials but educate the public about e n vi- ronmental issues and votes in the state legislature. The mission is to make environmental protection a trop priority for Tennessee’s elected officials. As the non-partisan electoral arm of the environmental community, TLCV will strive to elect those who demonstrate leadership on environ- mental issues and are advocates for environmental protection. TLVC will do this by holding candidate forums, sending out candidate questionnaires and publishing a scorecard of environmental votes in the Tennessee General Assembly. Thanks to a grant from the Federation of State Leagues of Conservation Voters, TLCV will be able to become active in the next election cycle. The grant has also prompted the formation of an affiliated 501(c)(3) Tennessee League of Conservation Voter Education Fund (TLC VEF) organization dedicated to voter education and educating the c public about environmental issues across the state. Plans for projects which will strengthen TNPS and other member environmental organizations are already under discussion. Your ideas Sewell OX \ 6s. \\\VecvcAcL‘\ lv. 3-Tennessee Native Plant Society / August 1999 Caney Fork River Bluffs July 31, 1999 Starr Mountain near Etowah, TN — August 7, 1999 Undaunted by the forecast of a near 1 00 day, five TNPS members met to explore the bluffs along the Caney Fork River. Among the plants in bloom were a member of the cucumber family, Melothria pendula , yel low Passion- flower, Passiflora lutea, and Western Wall- flower, Erysimium cheiranthoides. Also blooming were several species of Silphium,S. trifoliatum, S. integrifolium , and S. aster iscus. We saw in bloom Harper’s Um- brella plant (Dennis Horn’ s “Big Ugly”). A large clump of Allium cernuum. Nodding Onion, was in beautiful full bloom not far from our cars, as was Ipomoea pandorata , Man-of-the- Earth. The rare Price ’ s Potato-bean, Apios priceans, showed both blossoms and beanlike pods. Another unusual plant was Wild Oats, Uneola latifolia. Our guest leader on this trip was Claude Bailey from the State Division ofNatural Heri- tage. On Saturday, August 7, AI Good, Annie and Nita Heilman, Al and Susan Sweetser, and leader Chuck Wilson met with 23 members of the Georgia Botanical Society at the old train station in Etowah. The weather was warm but the humidity level was lower than the week before! Chuck gave the group a brief introduction on the bog area we would be visiting. He discussed how the area has been altered by time and changes in the canopy. After advising us on snakes, yellow jackets, bad roads, and how people had spent the night on the mountain after getting lost in the bog, we began our foray into the Cherokee National Forest in search of orchids. We botanists tend to overlook hazards when you dangle the possibility of seeing five or more orchids in front of us. We arrived at the area and discovered that the National Forest Service had actually cleared away enough downed trees to create a parking area. Things were looking up! After counting heads one more time, we started down into the fem covered woods. My attention was immediately drawn to the trilliums. A quick look confirmed these were Catesby’s. There were also a number of False Solomon’s Seal in fruit and lots of Mandarin plants . Our first orchid was the Cranefly ( Tipularia discolor), we almost missed seeing it. Just a few feet farther, we had 3 Rattlesnake Plantains ( Goodyera pubescens). At this point, we began seeing the small Crested Yellow Fringed Orchid ( Platanthera cristata). The more we looked, the more we saw in good bloom. After being distracted by several Cardinal flowers of exceptionally rich color, we focused again on orchids. Small Green Wood Orchids (P. clavellata) were in good number and bloom. We still had not reached the heart of the bog when we found the last orchid, Monkey-Face () P. integrilabia). For many of the Georgia group, this was a new plant. Scott Ranger gave this part of the group a lesson on orchid morphology and pollination while others shot rolls of film. As is often the case, where you have orchids in a bog, there will also be an abun- dance of ferns We waded through patches of Royal fem should high, Cinnamon fem, and Netted Chain fem (new to many of us). There were also some interesting grasses, sedges and rushes, which will remain nameless until Al Good keys them out. A special word of thanks to Chuck Wilson and all our field trip leaders They spend a lot of time in the weeks before a field trip checking out plants and things like road conditions so that the group will have the best trip possible. We are lucky to have volunteers like them in TNPS. Nita Heilman 4-Tennessee Native Plant Society / August 1 999 TNPS Annual Meeting Thirty people from all over the state and northern Alabama converged on the DuBose Conference Center in Monteagle for the Annual Meeting, held June 11-13. Monteagle is well- situated for good botanical excursions, and we were not disappointed. On Friday night, Jon Evans, plant ecologist at The Univer- sity of the South in Sewanee, gave a slide presentation on the flora of the high Colorado Rockies. Jon had done research there several years ago, using toothpicks to mark the tiny plants. It was fascinating to see relatives of our Tennessee plants among those of the tundra and high meadows. Saturday dawned overcast and cool - a great day for botanizing on the Cumberland Plateau. Our first stop was at Morgan’s Steep on The University of the South campus. This sandstone rockhouse boasted a striking display of iDurrtetfGathl^ ’Silene rotundifolia). An uncommon alumroot {Heuchera parviflora), not yet in bloom, was also there in abundance. These two are among a small number of plants that have been described as “rockhouse endemics or near endemics,” more-or-less limited to this type of habitat. Next stop was Foster Falls in the South Cumberland State Recreation Area (SCSRA). A clearing above the falls, which apparently is mowed annually, runs through sandstone outcrops, boggy areas, and everything in-between. There was a good variety of plants in flower, as well as the promise of more species to bloom later. On and around the outcrops, we discovered among others, fame ffcw er (T alirtum teretifolium ), pineweed {Hypericum gentianoides), copperty St. John’s-wort {H. denticidatum), and pencil flower {Stylosanthes biflora). Soon to bloom were blazing stars {Liatris squamilosa and L. microcephala ), a handsome population of agave {Manfreda virginica), and, as you might guess, several members of the aster family, including boneset {Eupatorium perfoliatum), Joe Pye- weed (E. fistulosum ), late purple aster (A. patens), and grass leaved golden aster {Chrysopsis graminifolia). In other areas within the dealing, we found both hairy and hyssop skullcaps {Scutellaria elliptica and S. integrifolia), white milkweed {Asclepias variegata), and hairy phlox {P. amoena). A trail through mountain laurel {Kalmia latifolia) and trailing arbutus {Epigaea repens ), both past bloom, led to the stream gorge. It was a treat to peer down upon bigleaf magnolia (M macrophylla ) in bloom as well as sweet azalea {Rhododendron arborescens) and Virginia willow {I tea virginica). Hunger pangs nearly got the best of us, so we headed back to DuBose for a late lunch. Along the way, we made a stop at the Dutch Maid Bakery in Tracy City to load up on their delectables {Breada freshbakeda) and raid the plates of free samples {Cookae crumbae and Cakus cinnamomus). After lunch, we drove to another part of SCSRA, Savage Falls, in search of the Cumberland Azalea {Rhododendron cumberlandense). It was waiting for us, in full bloom, at the edge of the woods adjoining the parking lot. We took the path to Savage Falls, a wooded trail along which there were several plants in bloom, including delicate spring thistle {Cirsium carolinianum), goat’s rue {Tephrosia virginicma), and meadow phlox {P. macidata). Aong the stream, we found the lovely silky cornel {Comus amomum) in full bloom, as well as more Virginia willow. Threatened with missing supper, we took a quick look at the falls, then sped up and headed back down the trail. TNPS has not moved so fast in recent history! Thank- fully, the Dubose staff was kind enough to hold supper for us. On Saturday night, after a full day of enjoying the flora of the plateau, we were entertained with a slide show by Nita Heilman, accomplished botanist and photog- rapher. She had taken some beautiful pictures this past spring along a “Rails to Trails” stretch near Ashland City in Cheatham County. Nita suggested that this is an ideal site for wildflower enthusi- asts who have difficulty hiking more mountainous paths; the old railroadbed is virtually flat and a profusion of wildfowers deck the hillsides all around. There’s nothing like those spring ephemerals! My thanks to Dennis Hom who suggested the Cumberland azalea quest at Savage Gulf, and to A Good who shares his consider- able plant identification skills and a plant list from Saturday’s outing. Mary Priestley REMAINING FIELD TRIPS IN 1999 September 11 Keith Springs Mountain/Franklin County At this time of year the Composites provide nice displays of color and provide interesting discussions about identification. Among the more interesting plants are Helianthus maximilianii , H. eqqertii (both are sunflowers), a different Ironweed (Veronia faccidifolia) , and a very unusual Goldenrod ( Solidaqo auriculata ) which has been found in Tennessee only in Franklin County. Time: 12 : 00 noon central after lunch Place: McDonalds on US 41A on the north side of Winchester Leader: Dennis Horn (931)455-5742 September 18 Kelly Creek Seeps/Williamson County A diverse assemblage of upland, riparian and aquatic habitats that harbor several rare speciesandnaturalcommunities . Groundwater seeping from hillsides and bluffs keeps these unique habitats wet throughout the year. The rare large-leaved Grass of Parnassus (Parnassia gran difolia) occurs throughout. Time: 10:00 central (bring lunch) Place: McDonalds, Hwy 96, west side of Franklin (about 10 miles from Nashville) Leader: Smoot Major (615)741-9141 October 2 Rock Island State Park This is a wonderful time of year for viewing asters and goldenrods . Let's see how many we can identify. The park is scenic and has an interesting history from the days when most electricity was generated from water power. Time: 10:00 a.m. central (bring lunch) Place: Visitors Center at Rock Island St Pk. The park is located between McMinnville and Sparta Leader: Bertha Chrietzberg (615)896-1146 November 6 Winter Botany Hike/Big South Fork The emphasis is on identification of trees and shrubs using twigs and buds . Some leaves may still be on the trees and flowers in bloom. Time: 10:00 a.m. eastern (bring lunch) Place: Parking lot at Leatherwood Ford Bridge where Hwy 297 crosses the Big South Fork in the Big South Fork Recreation Area Leader: Dr. Ed Clebsch (423)856-3350 Contact person: Susan Sweetser (423)588-0508, ext. 126 6-Tennessee Native Plant Society / August 1 999 FE MOURN THE PASSING : Evelyn Sharp died April 17 in the “farm- house” she and Jack bought more than 50 years ago. Although she had lost most of her sight and had suffered severe injuries from a multi-vehicle accident in 1989, she remained active, alert, and independent to the end. Evelyn met Jack at the University of Okla- homa in a chemistry lab. After they were married they came to Knoxville in 1929 where Jack began his long teaching career at UT. Evelyn taught mathematics at the university and English in many of the foreign countries to which they traveled. She also helped Jack in later years with his very popular non-credit courses at the university on mosses, trees, and on his own life as a botanist. An international authority on mosses and liverworts and co-editor of the two volume work. The Moss Flora of Mexico (1994), Jack would be most appreciated by TNPS members for his work as co-author of Great Smoky Mountain Wild) towers (first published in 1962) and as co- founder of the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage in the Smokies. His publications, awards, consultancies and outstanding students are legion Jack collected plant specimens for the university from every county in Tennessee, every state in the union, and 16 foreign countries. Evelyn and the children accompanied Jack on many of his worldwide travels, a rather arduous undertaking when their five children were young. After the children were grown, she went into the field with him helping collect and catalogue plants. They were married for 65 years. One of their children died many years ago, Jack died in 1997, and now Evelyn is gone. If either were to express a guiding principle or thought for the future, it might be an expression Jack often uttered: “Green plants can live without us; we cannot live without green plants.” Karen Yarbro Active members make for an active society Have you run across an article that made you stop and think? Pass it on to the editor. Other members would likely be interested too. If you’re involved in a public project, don’t keep it a secret. Fill us in. We want to know what our members are up to. Questions about native plants? Write and ask. Somebody in the membership is bound to know the answer. What do you want from the Society? Contact any of the officers or send a Letter to the Editor and let us know what you like or want changed. ’Why not consider a more active role in the Tennessee Native Plant Society? Contacting TNPS officers and board members: President Jane Norris (615) 665-2056 Vice-President Dennis Horn (931) 455-5742 Cor. Secretary Andrea Shea (615) 532-0439 Pec. Secretary Nita Heilman (931) 645-9338 Bertha Chrietzburg (615) 896-1146 Al Good (423) 886-1777 Shirley Nicholson (423) 588-6976 Mary Priestley (931) 598-1324 7-Tennessee Native Plant Society / August 1 999 Care for a Haitian Adventure? PLANTAIN TAKES STING OUT OF BUG BITES Do you know of anyone who is interested in tropical ecosystems, and looking for a plant taxonomy project in absolutely uncharted territory? If so, this is the chance of a lifetime. The Episcopal Diocese of Haiti is interested in supporting a floristic study. This could serve as the basis for a Masters, or even Doctoral thesis. According to The Rev. Dr. David McNeeley, Director of Development for the Diocese, the last comprehen- sive study of the country - not actually a botanical or ecological study - was done in the late 1700’s by a Frenchman named Moreau de St. Mery. The Bishop is very interested in supporting this project. They have limited means, but probably local room, board and transportation can be fimded through the diocese. In addition, the Bishop will do all that he can to help in supporting a gfrant application, especially one that would help train Haitians in ecology and conservation. The church has a new university with an agronomy faculty and two large agricultural projects. One is a soil conservation/reforestation project not far from Port-au-Prince. At that site there is an adequate base to begin working on the Haitian flora project. Haiti is an ecological diaster. There is interest on the part of some people in ecology, but with all of Haiti’s problems, this is a totally neglected field. According to David, the only recent study of biodiversity was in ornithology. The only mammals in the country are domestic; all wild mammals which once lived there have disappeared. At present, there is certainly no classical plant tax- onomy taught in the country. One future benefit of working this through the Episcopal University in Haiti would be the eventual use of the flora project to teach university students about botany. On a historical note, John James Audubon was bom in Les Cayes in the south of Haiti. What an experi- ence it would be for someone to go back to Haiti several hundred years later and start looking at and describing the flora of this country which has never really been done. Interested persons should contact David McNeeley at Dfincneeley@aol.com. Mary Priestley A front page item in the June 1999 “Natu- ral Health Shopper” proclaims the benefits of plantain for alleviating bug bites. Scientific names are not given, but since the plant grows in all regions of the United States, reference must be to Plantago sp. of the Plantaginaceae family. One would need to be extremely fortunate to fina a Cacalia sp. (Indian plan- tain) plant on the spur of the moment to treat an insect bit. The article states that plantain is rich in astringent tannins, which help relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation plus plantain encourages blood coagulation and wound healing. The author recommends chewing a plantain leaf, then applying directly on the inflamed part, but cautions using only clean, unsprayed leaves; an additional precaution might be to avoid plants growing in pet relief areas. For finicky persons, the leaves can be crumbled with fingernails to release juices before using. While this exercise may seem somewhat questionable, remember that some field botanists have successful used touch-me- not (Impatiens sp.) leaves for treating wood nettle ( Laporlea canadensis) stings. Reprinted from Petal Pusher , newsletter of Missouri Native Plant Society Yellow Passionflower (greenish yelloi Nodding ■, . Wild Onion ,\ k or white) D°gwood (white) Y our dues are current if your mailing label reads 1 999 or later. If not, please keep your membership current by sending a check to : T ennessee Native Plant Society Department ofBotany University ofTennessee Knoxville, TN 37996- 1100 Membership categories are: Regular $15 Student and Senior $10 Institutional $20 Life $150 TENNESSEE NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY NEWSLETTER 1763 Needmore Road Old Hickory TN 371 38 615/758-9111 TENNESSEE NATIVE PIANT SOCIETY NEWSLETTER VOLUME 23, NUMBER 4 November 1999 President's Message Kelly Seeps is a magical place. Even after a prolonged period of hot, dry weather, the little creek runs cold and clear and the seeps that nourish it come steadily out of the limestone bluffs Plants flourish here, even those that are uncommon in Tennessee, such as the butternut tree. On the mid-September day of the TNPS field trip, the banks on tire creek were brightened by red cardi- nal flower (L- hflhn Kino 1r>V\alio / u 1 1 m i #,/ »5 1 uv IvlUvtiu ( Lobelia siphi/itica) and many other flowers. In fact, this uncommonly beautiful place has been declared a global treasure by the National Heritage Program of the Nature Conservancy. It has been rated a G1B1 site, which means that there are fewer than three sites like this in the world. Owner Paul Sloan has protected the land from the threat of development forever. The real threat, however, is from the completion of the southwest- ern loop of Highway 1-840, which will cross the tributaries of Kelly Creek. Current plans are to confine these streams to culverts where the highway crosses them. Decisions about the route of the highway and the culverts under it were made without benefit of an environmental study. It is probably too late to prevent the southwestern loop of Highway 1-840 from being built, although there has been strong opposition to the road from several groups. It is not too late to protest the route of the highway and to ask for protection for the whole Kelly Creek watershed. If you would like to add your voice to the protest, write a letter directly to the highway commissioner, whose address is below. In this issue: Our EAF representative reports on priorities for next year page 2 Truths about true botanists page 4 Lost and now found exciting trip report Commissioner Bruce Saltsman Suite 700, James K. Polk Bldg. 505 Deadriek Street Nashville, TN 37243-0309 page 5 TENNESSEE NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY NEWSLETTER November 1999 VOLUME 23, NUMBER 4 This Newsletter is a publication of the Tennessee Native Plant Society and is published four times a year, generally in February, May, August, November. The T ennessee Native Plant Society (TNPS) was founded in 1978. Its purposes are to assist in the exchange of information and encourage fellow- ship among Tennessee's botanists, both amateur and professional; to promote public education about Tennessee flora, and wild plants in general; to provide, through publication of a newsletter or journal, a formal means of documenting information on Tennessee flora and of informing the public about wild plants; and to promote the protection and enhancement of Tennessee's wild plant communities. Dues for each calendar year are: Regular $15 Student/Senior: $1 0 Institution: $20 Life: $150 Dues may be sent to: TNPS/DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN 37996-1100. TNPS OFFICERS Jane Norris, President Dennis Horn , Vice-President Andrea Shea, Corresponding Secretary Nita Heilman, Recording Secretary Susan Sweetser, Treasurer DIRECTORS Bertha Chrietzburg - Middle T ennesse Shirley Nicholson - East Tennessee Charles Warfield - Middle T ennessee Mary Priestley - East T ennessee Larry Wilson - West Tennessee Al Good - East Tennessee Susan Stahl, Editor 1763 Needmore Rd. Old Hickory TN 37138 Susanstahl@juno.com 615/758-9111 TNPS BOARD LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES At the end of the Tennessee State Legislative session last spring, the Environmental Action Fund (EAF) compiled a list of thirteen unresolved and emerging new issues to be con- sidered in the upcoming session. Tire boards and/or membership of mem- ber organizations were asked to pri- oritize these items and suggest new issues EAF should pursue when the legislature reconvenes. After the TNPS officers and board members rated the importance of each EAF carryover issue in their meeting on October 1 7, priorities were assigned on the basis of mean ratings. Our TNPS priority suggestions for EAFs legislative agenda, arranged from most to least important, were: Comprehensive forestry legislation Regulation of Concentrated ani- mal feeding operations Compreh en sive en v iron men ta l planning legislation Bottle deposit legislation Logging practices and bad actor legislation Hazardous waste transportation monitoring legislation State Park funding reform Comprehensive buffer zone regu- lation Open records reform legislation Campaign finance and lobby re- form legislation Prevention of state funding for North 1-840 Voluntary pollution prevention in- centives legislation Legislation to increase citizen par- ticipation in planning and permit- ting It was suggested also that regu- lation of aerial spraying of herbicides and pesticides be made a priority issue. These TNPS priorities will be considered, along with those of other member groups in establishing E AF’ s agenda for the upcoming legislative agenda. 3-Tennessee Native Plant Society / November 1 999 Miscellany Annual Meeting at Fall Creek Falls Mark your calendar now for the Annual Meeting on May 12-13, 2000. It should be beautiful at Fall Creek Falls then, and we are planning several not to be missed field trips. Make your reservation at the inn by calling 1 - 800-250-8610 before April 12. Identify yourself as a member of the Tennessee Native Plant Society so that we can make the quota needed for a free meeting room. The rates are $66 per room, double or single. Wild/lower Pilgrimage at Gatlinburg The annual Wildflower Pilgrimage will be held next spring on April 27-29. If you have never attended, this is an opportunity to participate in plant walks with the finest botanists of the area. Wanted: Computer Expertise TNPS would like to establish a website. We envision trip schedules, membership information, and the newsletter being available on this site. We need a volunteer with this expertise to create and monitor this website for us. Please contact Jane Norris at raymond.c.norris@vanderbilt.edu. Membership Directory TNPS is in the process of printing a mem- bership directory. At present the directory will be shared with other members. There is a possibility that at some future time the list will be shared with the Environmental Action Fund for desig- nated purposes for which we will give explicit permission. If you do not wish your name to be published, please contact Jane Norris at 402 1 Sunnybrook Dr., Nashville, TN 37205 or raymond c. norri s@vanderbilt. edu Interested in butterflies ? A chapter of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA) is being formed for Middle Tennessee. Anybody interested in learning more about this organization should contact Don Davidson (93 1 )728-7364 or Rita Venable (615)791- 0948. Or contact them at don. davidson@amold. af.mil orvenable@Iituus.net. 4-Tennessee Native Plant Society / November 1 999 TNPSers in Newfoundland “Well, it would probably be a good idea to bring your Wellingtons,” Chuck said. That was the only warning. Having planned a hiking and sight-seeing trip to Newfoundland for July, Orlan and I were pleased to discover that Dennis Horn and Chuck Wilson were going to be botanizing there at the same time. We made arrangements to join them for several days in the middle of their trip. Before leaving Tennessee I asked Chuck if we needed to bring anything special. That was when he mentioned the boots. That was when I should have realized that this was a SERIOUS botanical field trip. Our afternoon hunting for orchids in Gros Mome National Park was very warm with little or no breeze I was wearing a long sleeved shirt, long pants, a wide brimmed straw hat, and bug spray. Even so, the no-see- ums found me and left about 1 5 welts on the back of my neck. Dennis and Chuck (in shorts), on the other hand, were spending long periods of time sprawled on the ground in tall grass, taking pictures I’ve since won- dered if they would recog- nize a bug bite if they saw or felt one We all returned to our cars about 6:00 pm. Orlan and I had dinner and w'ent to bed, assuming Dennis and Chuck did the same. Meeting them at 7: 15 the next morning, we found they had been out in the field until I I 00 the night before, giving up only when it was too dark to tell the difference between a P latanthera dilcitata and a Camera tripoda. The second day of botaniz- ing was made up of at least five planned stops on a 200 mile drive to the tip of Newfoundland’s northern peninsula. .Although we four started early, we completed only the second stop (mile 65) by noon Orlan and I therefore drove on to get set up in our camp- ground, arriving about 4:30 (the roads are not conducive to speedy travel). I had agreed to check with Dennis by telephone at 8:00 that evening at his motel. I failed to call and was feeling bad about it until we met Dennis and Chuck at breakfast the next morning and asked about their day. “Oh, we came in early last night,” they told us. “It was only 1 0 o’clock — definitely our earliest night yet.” After breakfast we drove to Burnt Cape, an important botanical site featuring more than 30 species of rare plants, includ- ing Fernald’s Braya, unique to the area We left our vehicles and started searching for various species WTe looked, found a goodly number (including the Braya), explored an upper level of the ridge, took a short section of a trail around the point, looked for plants again; by now, it w'as noon. Time for lunch? Hardly. Dennis and Chuck had only been surveying the area. As Orlan and 1 left to get something to eat, they were just setting up their cameras and tripods. Our second stop that day was Cape Norman, an area of bogs and barrens with a light- house and a raised helicopter landing platform. It was a perfect look-out for icebergs and whales. Orlan and I watched for quite awhile, first from on top of the platform and then sheltered by the side of the platform during a short but wet, wind-driven storm The real botanists arrived at the end of the storm; they glanced in the direction of the icebergs and whales and then started scouring the ground for the promised botanical riches. We found a number of species including the summer’s last group of yellow flat- petaled lady slippers, but unfortunately the clouds again grew very dark and threatening, and it began to sprinkle. With their noses to the ground I thought perhaps Dennis and Chuck weren’t aware of the changing weather, but when I drew their attention to the gathering storm, their response was, “Oh, it’s always about to rain in Newfoundland; you just don’t pay attention to it.” Well, sometimes it seems that it’s always about to rain in T ennes- see. But this was a complete disregard for what looked like an approaching torrential downpour. A complete disregard for bug bites and the need to eat sometimes is what distinguishes a tourist from a botanist. The former still feel hunger and the need for sleep occasionally, and may be interested in unusual things like whales and icebergs. The latter are impervious to most human needs and extraordinary phenomena and concen- trate solely on finding and photographing their flowers Karen Yarbro 5-Tennessee. Native Plant Society / November 1999 Tennessee River Gorge - Marion County A core group of native plant folks who wereX still interested in what was going on in the woods after the spring flowers faded met Director Jim Brown at the Tennessee River Gorge Trust’s historic Pot House on May 22, 1999. Jim welcomed us and told the story behind the big old poplar and chestnut logs making up the oldest section of the house. A family in East Tennessee made a raft of their house to move west, but the raft broke up in a rough section of the river called the “pot”. The logs were reassembled into a house near the breakup site. Because of its location on an “S” curve in the river, this spot is south of the water while being “north of the river”. The significance of this plantwise is that the canyon wall is a north facing slope. We sandwiched our walk between showers through the nice woods there. The Mountain Skullcap (Scutellaria montana) is plentiful here and was at the peak of bloom. Other plants adding a little color to our walk were Black Cohosh ( C.imicifuga racemosa), False Goat’s Beard (Astible biternata ), Stargrass (Hypoxis hirsuta), Basil Bee-balm (Monarda cJinopodia), Indian Pink ( Spige/ia mari/andica ), Spiderwort ( Tradescantia aspera), Eastern White Beardtongue ( Penstemon pallidus). Smooth Phlox (Phlox glaberrima ), Green Dragon (Arisaema dracontium), Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum). Wild Garlic (Allium canademe). Fading flowers on a Holly (Ilex montana ) beside the trail promised red berries in the fall. One of us walkers found the same Ginseng (Panax quinquefo/ius) seen on a trip in a previ- ous year. A Moonseed vine (Menispermum canadense ) that the leader had not been able to key was familiar to everyone else. Finding some- one who knows the plant works better than the botany book again. Another vine the leader had identified as Leatherflower (Clematis viorna ) was re-examined after obvious doubts from the group. The plant turned out to be an agressive alien weed, Yam-leaved Clematis (Clematis terniflora). Along the way there was grazing on almost wipe red mulberries (Moms rubra), the sight of a wood duck with ducklings, and an un- wanted thrill for one of us who first spotted the resident loop hail rat snake. A1 Good Editor's note: This report was inadvertently omitted from the August newsletter. BOARD NOMINATIONS Each year, a nominating committee appointed by the president presents to the membership a slate of three board members to serve two year terms. If there are no further nominations, the slate as presented is deemed to be approved by the mem- bership. However, if anyone of the membership would like to make any fiirther nominations, he or she may present such names to the committee and an election will be held. The nominating committee would like at this time to present for membership approval Bertha Chrietzberg, Murfreesboro; Charles Warfield, Nashville; and A1 Good, Signal Mountain, to serve as board members through December 31, 2001. The continuing board members, whose terms ex- pire on December 31, 2000, are Mary Priestley, Sewanee; Shirley Nicholson, Knoxville; and Larry Wilson. Memphis. If any member has further nominations they would like to make, they may contact me by mail at PO Box 193, Hampshire, TN 38461, or by tele- phone at 931-285-2777, by December 3 1, 1999. Kay Jones TNPS Nominating Committee Please renew your membership before the end of the year by sending a check to: Tennessee Native Plant Society Department ofBotany University ofT ennessee Knoxville, TN 37996- 1100 Membership categories are: Regular $15 Student and Senior $10 Institutional $20 Life $150 SMOOTH WOODSIA a. Ordinary Fronds; b. Fruiting Pinna. TENNESSEE NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY NEWSLETTER 1763 Needmore Road Old Hickory TN 37138 615/758-9111