Spring 2005 Kansas Native Plant Society
Spring 2005 Kansas Native Plant Society
Spring 2005 Kansas Native Plant Society
VOLUME 27 NUMBER 2
Inside this issue: Plant Tips Presidents Message Interviews Highlights of Feb meeting New Members Events and Outings 2 3 4 4 5&6
The issue of whether something is native or not has two components: geography and time. As usually defined by the botanical community, native plants (indigenous plants) are those that originated in a given geographic area without human involvement or that arrived there without intentional or unintentional intervention of humans from an area in which they originally originated. By contrast, non native plants (also called alien, exotic, or non indigenous plants) owe their presence in a given geographic area to intentional or unintentional human involvement. Considering the Great Plains region, there is limited information about how Native Americans affected the ranges of individual species, but various sources allow inferences to be drawn regarding which species likely were native and which were introduced (either by Native American or Euro-Americans). Specimen-based-records of the flora for the Great Plains begin in the early 1800s, so the arrival of EuroAmericans is often used as a starting point for determining if something is native here or not. This doesn't ignore the possibility that Native Americans might have
brought species to the Great Plains that subsequently became established as part of the flora. It is known that they moved plants that had cultural importance, but these are but a small subset of all the species here.
The issue of time is also really interestResources 7&8 ing when considering geohistorical events. For example, macrofossil eviSeriesJack-in-Pulpit 9 dence indicates spruce trees grew in northeastern Kansas during the last glacial advance, but we don't consider Check your Calendars now. spruce trees to be native to the state. Again, we usually impose certain limits September 30-October 1: The Kanwhen making the call about whether sas Native Plant Society's 27th Annual Meeting will be held this weeksomething is native or not.
end. Be sure to mark your calendar! Please contact Kansas Native Plant NATIVE PLANTS FOR SALE May 14-16: FloraKansas: The 7th an- Society for more information nual Great Plains Plant Bazaar. This is <[email protected]> the largest native plant sale in Kansas (785) 864-3453. featuring hard-to-find native perennials, shrubs and trees plus fun 'gardenabilia.' Saturday offerings: classes, demonstra- The Kansas Native Plant Society Newslettions, and tours from professionals. ter is printed four times a year:Winter Hours: Saturday 8am-4pm, Sunday (January) Spring (April), Summer (July), noon-4pm, and Monday 8am-8pm. Fall (October). The deadline for submitContact the Arboretum about becoming ted material is the 15th of December, a member and special members only March, June and September. sale dates. Admission charge is by donation. Location: Dyck Arboretum of the The Kansas Native Plains, 177 West Hickory Street, HessPlant Society enton, KS. Hesston is 30 miles N of Wichcourages the conserita. [www.dyckarboretum.org] vation and enjoy<[email protected]> (620) 327- ment of and education about the 8127 native plants of Kansas.
Wildflower Wanderings
by Valerie Wright, President, KNPS
The Kansas Native Plant Society is on the move. At our annual spring Board meeting, the Directors compiled a list of the accomplishments in 2004. Here are some of the exciting things we have done. With your help the membership of KNPS has increased by nearly 30%. Our efforts brought in 85 new members in 2004 and already 24 more in the first three months of 2005. New members will keep our organization vital and young. With the new informational brochure, which features our calendar of outings, we are optimistic that 2005 will bring at least as many new members as 2004. The brochure was developed jointly by the Publicity and Membership committees, chaired by Anita Smith of Fredonia and Craig Freeman of Lawrence. The committee members, Shirley Braunlich and Jeff Hansen worked hard to get the brochure out to numerous organizations. Kudos to them all! KNPS sponsored events have increased dramatically. Anita sends out press releases. Shirley communicates our events to other organiza-
tions around the state and region and keeps track of all events of interest to our membership. She accumulates a huge list, which is partially published in this newsletter and fully displayed o n o u r w e b s i t e [www.kansasnativeplantsociety.org]. The KNPS web site is another of our great accomplishments of 2004. Jeff continues to improve it each month. Have a look, and if you have suggestions for additions to the web site, please send an e-mail to <[email protected]>. Tell us what you would like to see there. At our last Board meeting we approved an updated version of our bylaws, thanks to the efforts of Shel Cohen of Topeka and Craig Freeman. The bylaws now reflect the current goals and activities of a rejuvenated Society. Another administrative update is our budget for 2005. This is a trial year for committees and administration to take responsibility for expenses and help us understand what funds we may need to generate in order to carry out future plans and programs. We will meet again in July to discuss possible fund-raising initiatives for 2006.
The Plant Resources Committee, chaired by Cindy Ford, has prepared the first in a series of fact sheets with basic guidelines for native plant gardens. Portions of it are published in this newsletter. Brad Guhr and other committee members have put together basic guidelines for seed collection and for planting natives. We will be hearing more from them soon. One of our really big accomplishments in 2004 was this newsletter and its new format. Sister Patricia Stanley of Wichita and Nancy Goulden of Manhattan took on a big job, and they are carrying it forward with professionalism and pizzazz. Their committee has contributed greatly, as have many others, with written material and artwork. If you are enjoying this newsletter, let us hear from you at <[email protected]>.
Trout Lilly
George Lippert Chanute Marian McGlohon Ulysses Carroll Morgenson Berryton Lorrie Parish Pittsburg Carl Paulie St. Paul Dwight Platt Newton Dee & Phyllis Scherich WilmoreAnn Simpson Fairway Anita Smith Fredonia Sandra Tholen Wichita
Stephen Timme Pittsburg Julie Torseth Newton Gary Weisenberger Toronto President: Valerie Wright Manhattan President Elect: Jeff Hansen Topeka Secretary: Cindy Ford Pittsburg Treasurer/Editor: Sr. Patricia Stanley Wichita
Volume 27 Number 2
Carl Paulie
Where are you from, where do you live, what do you do for a living?
Carl: I am from the Parsons - St. Paul area and have lived around the area my whole life. I've been a farmer and landscaper with emphasis on planting and plant culture. I am retired.
How did you become interested in wildflowers and other native plants?
Carl: Pure curiosity and a lifelong love for the Earth.
Krista Dahlinger
Where are you from, where do you live, what you do for a living?
Krista: I was born in McPherson, grew up in Florida and Wichita and have lived in Mulvane since 1994. For a living I am a geologist, and at my job, I am involved in groundwater quality studies.
How did you become interested in wildflowers and other native plants?
Krista: I've always liked getting away-from-it-all and observing nature. I noticed that what's blooming in the wild is as beautiful as anything to be bought at a store. It made sense to me to try to grow these kinds of flowers that are suited for the soil and climate where I live.
Please Note: Something New New web site: www.kansasnativeplantsociety.org New e-mail address: [email protected] Let us know what you think.
New members, March 3, 2005
Karen Bischoping, Athol Bill Braunlich, Kansas City, MO Don & Susan Brewer, Sylvan Grove Lisa Dedrick, Wichita Ernie Miller Nature Center, Olathe Jolene M. Grabill, Topeka Robert A. Hodge, Emporia John & Deborah Kenny, Kansas City, MO
Page 4
Stephan Kolarick, Fredonia Derald Lind, Kansas City Nancy McEwen, Augusta Frank Norman, Lawrence Dan & Brenda Pace, Pretty Prairie Linda & Tim Phipps, Galena Jennifer Reid, Manhattan Erin Renard, Russell David Robinson, Washington, DC
Ron Schorr & Georgeann Eglinski, Lawrence Smith Center Garden Club, Smith Center Southeast Kansas Nature Center, Galena Thomas Swain, Baldwin City Jane Warren, Andover Jacob Weber, Columbus Carolynn Winchester, Valley Falls Dot & Gordon Wingerd, Overland Park
Welcome!
Volume 27 Number 2
June 4: Wildflower Walk at The Prairie Center led by Coleen Davison and Edna Hamera, 8:30am. The walk is cosponsored by Grassland Heritage Foundation and Kansas Native Plant Society. The Prairie Center is located west of downtown Olathe. Take Santa Fe, (Hwy 150, 135th St., Prairie Center Rd.--all names for the same road) west of K-7 about 3 miles to the intersection with Cedar Niles Rd. Turn south and the parking lot is past the stone house. Meet at the red barn parking lot on Cedar Niles Road. For additional information, contact the Grassland Heritage Foundation [www.grasslandheritage.org] (913) 262-3506. June 4: Don't miss the 10th annual Wilson County Wildflower Tour, in southeast Kansas. Gathering at Fredonia High School, 916 Robinson, at 8:30 am, the group will enjoy home baked cinnamon rolls, browse booths of interest, and receive WC Wildflower Tour lanyards and bottled water. Departing for the prairie at 9:00 am the group will caravan to the picnic site where vehicles may be left. Buses will transport guests to the wildflower sites where leaders will guide them in plant identification, give historical interpretations of the area and explanations of the ecological significance of the sites. More experienced enthusiasts may opt to enjoy a self-guided tour. A picnic lunch will be served, followed by music of the prairie by a regional singer/songwriter, a challenging plant jeopardy game, and other presentations. Prepaid reservations of $8/ person must be received by June 1. Send reservations to: Wilson County Conservation District, 930 North 2nd Street, Fredonia KS 66736-2105. For further information, call (620) 378-2866. June 4-5: Maxwell Wildlife Refuge Prairie Days 9am-4pm. Celebrate the prairie, buffalo tours, stagecoach rides, mountain man camps, traders, demonstrations, wildflower and bird walks, cowboys, crafts, and music. Admission is $1.00. The Refuge is located 6 miles north of Canton, KS. [http://www.cyberkraft.com/maxwell] <[email protected]> (620) 6284455 June 4: Dr. Woody Holland's Wildflower Tour of Neosho County, KS. Kansas Native Plant Society Board Member Carl Paulie will lead the tour. We will be looking for Showy Beardtongue (Penstemon cobaea), Tube Beardtongue (Penstemon tubaeflorus), Pale Purple-coneflower, Prairie Phlox and many others. Meet Carl in front of the courthouse on Main St. in Erie, KS at 1pm. The tour will begin at 1:30pm sharp. Questions: (620) 449-2028 June 11: Explore South Owl Lake Prairie, Yates Center, KS. Meander through the tallgrass prairie. Gary Weisenberger, Kansas Native Plant Society Board Member, will lead this native plant walk from 9-11am. Directions: go west 1 mile on US 54 from intersection of US 54 and US 75, turn south onto gravel road (Longhorn) go mile to parking area. Contact: Gary <[email protected]> (620) 637-2343 June 12: Grant-Bradbury Prairie tour, 1pm. Spend a summer afternoon with Kansas Native Plant Society and Grassland Heritage Foundation on Topeka's premiere prairie park. Grant-Bradbury is an 80-acre tallgrass prairie with at least 296 plant species. Jeff Hansen, KNPS President-elect and GHF Board Member will lead the tour. Directions from the east: take I-70 to the south Topeka exit. Once through the tollbooth, take the Topeka Blvd exit (first exit). Follow directions below to University Blvd. Directions from the west: take I-70 to I-470 east; take the Topeka blvd exit (last exit before turnpike). At Topeka Blvd take a right at the stoplight (you will be going south) and go about 2 miles until you get to the University Blvd intersection (stoplight), take a right. Take University west about half a mile - when the road curves south, you are at the driveway to the park gate. There is a small brick building at the driveway. Parking is limited near the gate. Contact Jeff with questions <[email protected]> or (785) 478-1993. June 12: Friends of Konza Prairie Annual Wildflower Walk, 7pm. Meet at the Konza Biological Station located along McDowell Creek Road, west off of KS177 near Manhattan, KS [http://www.ksu.edu/konza/keep] (785) 587-0381. June 18: Explore Overland Park Arboretum with Kansas Sierra Club, Overland Park, KS. We'll tour the diverse offerings of the arboretum, such as its walking trails, woodland gardens, environmental education center, and children's discovery garden. This is a great family activity. Steve Hassler <[email protected]> (913) 599-6028 June 18 & July 16 & August 20: Volunteers are needed for prairie maintenance and preservation projects. Assist the Grassland Heritage Foundation Groundhogs, 3rd Saturday every month except December [www.grasslandheritage.org]. Wear appropriate clothing. No special skills or tools needed. For details, please contact Mike Campbell <[email protected]> (785) 542-3885.
Page 6 Volume 27 Number 2
Page 7
Could I dig plants from the wild? How do I use native plants in my landscaping? In many states this practice is illegal. Native plants can be used as a small wildflower Most mature plants do not survive the transplanting. meadow. Buy good quality mixed wildflower and The conditions in the wild probably do not match grasses seed for this type of landscaping. the conditions in your backyard garden. A border or grouping of specimen plants can be It is better to leave the plants where all can enjoy effective in a landscaping plan. them. Mix native plants with other types of exotic perenniBuy or collect seeds to get best value for your landals for an attractive and low maintenance garden. scaping. Mix native perennials with shrubs or trees. What are suggestions for sun-loving plants in my backyard?
Eastern Kansas New England Aster Blue Wild Indigo Shooting Star Butterflyweed Purple Coneflower Prairie Dock Purple Beardtongue Blue Sage Prairie Dropseed Both Regions Gray-headed Coneflower Black-eyed Susan Gaura Blazing Star Coreopsis sp. Goldenrod Species Purple Poppy Mallow Switch Grass Indian Grass Western Kansas Prairie Smoke Blanket Flower Penstemon sp. Prairie Zinnia Artemisia Sundrops Pasque Flower Little Bluestem Grama Grass
What native woodland plants are recommended for shady areas? Wild Sweet William Blue Star River Oats Wild Ginger Cardinal Flower Columbine Woodland Aster Wild Bergamot Blue Lobelia Solomons Seal Woodland Goldenrod
Page 8
Jack-In-The-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum var. triphyllum (L.) Schott.) Arum Family (Araceae) flower on another (dioecious) Jill-inthe-Pulpit??; others the male flowers are formed in the upper part of the inflorescence while the female flowers are borne in the lower part (monoecious) Jack and Jill-in-the-Pulpit??. It is polli-
Know someone who may be interested in joining Kansas Native Plant Society?
Send us their names and addresses and they will be sent an information kit. Better yet, give a gift membership.
Name Street City State Zip
Page 9
Volume 27 Number 2
K A N SA S N AT IV E P LA NT S O C I ET Y
R.L. McGregor Herbarium University of Kansas 2045 Constant Ave Lawrence, KS 66047-3729 Phone: (785)864-3453 Email: [email protected].
Membership Information
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION AND RENEWAL Annual dues are for a 12-month period from January 1-December 31. Dues paid after December 1 are applied to the next year.
Name: Address: City/State: Zipcode: Phone: E-Mail: Check membership category desired: Student Individual Family Organization Contributing Lifetime $5.00 $15.00 $20.00 $20.00 $100.00 $500.00 Check membership category desired:
Please complete this form or a photocopy of it. Send the completed form and a check payable to the Kansas Wildflower Society to: Kansas Wildflower Society R.L. McGregor Herbarium 2045 Constant Avenue Lawrence, KS 66047-3729
A membership in the Kansas Wildflower Society makes a great gift for friends and family members. Recipients of gift memberships will receive notification of your gift membership within two weeks of receipt of your check by the KWS Administrative Office.