S PRING N EWSLETTER

VOLUME 27 NUMBER 2

What is a Native Plant?

By Craig Freeman

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

Board of Directors for Kansas Native Plant Society

Roger Boyd Baldwin City Shirley Braunlich Lawrence Sheldon Cohen Topeka Krista Dahlinger Mulvane Craig & Jane Freeman Lawrence Nancy Goulden Manhattan Brad Guhr Newton Allison Hamm Wichita Lorna Harder Hesston Michael Heffron Eureka
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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

Meet Two New Board Members

Interview by Jeff Hansen

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.

What are some of your favorite native plants and why?

Carl: I have no preference for any certain plants; I love them all, except for the invasive introductions.

What is your favorite natural area in the state and why?

Carl: The Red Hills (Gyp Hills) are very unique, but I love all the natural ecosystems.

What do you like best about the organization?

Carl: The best thing about KNPS is that it's changing, becoming proactive.

Where do you see room for improvement?

Carl: Members have the opportunity to spend whatever time they like, volunteering for the various things that will go hand in hand with this new paradigm we find ourselves in, especially in the area of raising more money so we can expand our efforts.

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.

What are some of your favorite native plants and why?

Krista: It seems as if I'm going through a yellow phase right now. I like compass plant, solidago, yellow butterfly weed, Maximilian sunflower, and moth mullein. I also like the penstemons as far as shape goes.

What is your favorite natural area in the state and why?

Krista: It's hard to favor just one area. I took a little drive around Wilson Lake in Russell County and saw some fabulous wildflowers a few years ago. I like the Leavenworth eryngo in bloom in the Flinthills. Seems that just about anytime I can get off the road into a non-cultivated area, there are lots of flower colors and shapes to see.
(Continued on page 4)
Page 3

Meet Two New Board Members continued

What do you like best about the organization?
Krista: The chance to observe more plants than I'd ever find on my own in the company of intelligent and interesting people. I'm looking forward to spending time out of doors and learning to see new plants. It's one thing to buy a flower guidebook; it's quite another thing to spend time with people who are willing to share what they know.

Where do you see room for improvement?

Krista: I don't see any changes I'd make. Anyone who is interested in Kansas native plants is made to feel welcome to join any and all of the activities.

Highlights of the February KNPS Board Meeting

Discussion of Proposed Budget: Board members examined and discussed the projected income and expenditures for 2005. Because of Special Projects (e.g. developing the new website, producing new brochures), the budget will be approximately $2,000 in the red. Some of these expenditures are traditionally funded from savings; however, there will still be a shortfall. Consequently, new sources of income were discussed and considered such as donations for special projects such as the printing of the brochures and a silent auction at the annual meeting. New Brochure: The new color brochure was presented by Shirley Braunlich. The group discussed the importance of the language being inclusive and agreed to change the wording on the purpose statement with this in mind. The Board voted to print 1,000 of the new brochures to be distributed this year at outings, in new members packets, and at other nature-oriented events and locations. A conscious effort will be made to record and evaluate the effectiveness of the brochure to increase membership. 2005 Fall Meeting: It was proposed that the fall meeting be held September 30 in Comanche County. Volunteers: Jeff Hansen pointed out that there are increasing needs for volunteer help in the organization. The Board will seek ways to make these opportunities known to the members. Website Progress: Jeff Hansen reported that the initial phase of the new website is complete and can now be viewed on the web. [www.kansasnativeplantsociety.org]

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
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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

2004-2005 Kansas Area Wildflower & Native Plant Events

Information provided by Kansas Wildflower Society, R.L.McGregor Herbarium, 2045 Constant Ave., Lawrence, KS 66047-3729. Online: [www.kansasnativeplantsociety.org] Email: <[email protected]> Phone: (785) 864-3453. Please share this information with other interested folks and contact us with information on other events to note. Thank you! For outdoor events we recommend bringing sturdy footwear, long pants, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat and water! May 1: Springtime Prairie Walk at Burnett's Mound, Topeka, KS at 1pm. This bluff top is a prominent area landmark with the highest elevation in Topeka, over 1100 feet. The surrounding area is being encouraged to return to native grass by controlled burning. Jeff Hansen Kansas Native Plant Society President Elect and Grassland Heritage Foundation Board Member will lead the outing. Burnett's Mound is located within Skyline Park, 3511 SW Skyline Parkway, at the southwest edge of Topeka. From the intersection of SW Gage Blvd and SW 35th St., take SW 35th St. west to SW Skyline Parkway, enter the park and meet fellow prairie enthusiasts in the parking lot. Contact Jeff with questions <[email protected]> or (785) 478-1993. May 7: Barber County Spring Wildflower Tour. Meet at the Medicine Lodge High School at 8:30am for registration. Enjoy a continental breakfast and short slide presentation with some of the flowers we expect to see on the tour. School buses will take us to the first plant identification sight. Morning tour participants will return to the school at noon. Full day tour participants will travel to a tree-shaded country park for a delicious barbeque lunch and spirited entertainment. After lunch take a short ride through the beautiful gyp hills to a second site. Afternoon refreshments will be served before we ride back to the school around 3:30pm. Barber Co. Conservation District and Kansas Native Plant Society are co-sponsors. The half day tour ($6) includes breakfast and transportation to and from one site. The full day tour ($12) includes all above, second identification stop, lunch, and afternoon refreshments. Pre-paid reservations should be sent before May 2nd. Order your Barber County Wildflower Tour t-shirt ($10) now! Barber Co Conservation Office, 800 W. 3rd Ave. Medicine Lodge, KS 67104-8002, phone (620) 886-3721, ext. 3. May 14: 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 Shootingstar, Indian Paintbrush, Wild Hyacinth, Pale-spike Lobelia 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 May 15: Spring Wildflower Plant Sale at Prairie Park Nature Center in Lawrence, KS, 1-4pm. A variety of native wildflower seedlings and seeds will be on sale. 2730 SW Harper St. Lawrence, KS <[email protected]> (785) 8327980 May 21: Comanche Pool Area Bird & Nature Tour, Coldwater, KS. We will make several stops, to view wildflowers, birds, and other animals "in the process of". A catered lunch and open-pit hog roast are included. Coldwater Chamber of Commerce is hosting this event. Register at Lake Coldwater at 6:30am. Advance registration needed for meals. For more information please contact Evelyn Reed <[email protected]> (620) 582-2913. May 21: 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. May 21: Missouri Prairie Foundation Spring Prairie Day and Family Campout at Stilwell Prairie (near Richards, MO northeast of Ft. Scott, KS). Stilwell is a dramatically rolling upland prairie over silt loam soils derived from shale and sandstone. A total of 357 plant species have been recorded from Stilwell Prairie. Activities include wildflower walks, tree & brush clearing, childrens activities, and free cookout. Volunteers should bring tools and protective gear. This is a remote site, on a native, undisturbed prairie; there is no electricity or water. There are 3 fishing ponds bring your own gear, bait, and licenses. Please no pets and keep vehicles off the prairies! RSVP for the free cookout [www.moprairie.org] <[email protected]> (888) 843-6739
Page 5 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

New Plant Resources Committee to Provide Practical Information

Cindy Ford, chair of the new Plant Resources Committee, said, I jumped at the chance to serve on the Plant Resources Committee since I am interested in promoting native plants in landscaping plans. Ford, an Associate Professor, who teaches a variety of courses in the Department of Biology at Pittsburg State University, has been a board member of KNPS for 12 years. Cindy continued to expand on the role and special qualties of native plants in our yards, gardens, and natural spaces. She pointed out that native plants adapt readily to the climate (if the plant is placed in the right location) and attract birds and insects. According to Ford, the issue of invasive plants that increasingly threaten our native plants and the opportunity to learn about the best methods for restoring habitats were also motivating factors in her becoming a leader in this new direction of activity for KNPS. The committee is developing fact sheets on the following topics: incorporating native plants in home landscaping, procedures for establishing and maintaining prairies (both native and restored), sources of native plants, and references about native plants and habitats. In the future, look for this practical information on the KNPS website, in the newsletter, and at native plant events. In addition, the Plant Resources Committee hopes eventually to host some education workshops. On down the line, you may be able to attend a workshop on such topics as: choosing sun-tolerant wildflowers for the backyard, applying principles in popular prairie management books, or how to burn your native prairie.

Guidelines for Native Plant Tour Reports

We welcome reports of Native Plant Outings for publication in the Newsletter. For consistency and appropriate coverage, use the following guidelines. Appoint someone to be reporter. The report should be fairly short and include the following: date, place, leader, number of attendees, weather, number of species, most predominant plants. Other pertinent information such as type of soil or geographic data may included as well. A picture or two may also accompany the report. NEWS RELEASE Next issue will contain a color section of pictures from wildflower tours this year. Thats the summer issue coming out in July. A generous donor has made funds available for a color page. So you wildflower trippers take the photographs of the group and a spectacular plant from your trip. Submit pictures electronically or by mail to Newsletter Editor. <[email protected]>

Gifts and Sponsorships Needed

The Kansas Native Plant Society has many excellent projects that need tax deductible gifts or sponsorship in order to be initiated or enhanced. If you have questions about any of the items listed below, please contact the Societys officers, Board Members, or the chairperson of the appropriate committee. The projects are the following: Color photograph pages for the Newsletter Print informational handouts on native plants, prairie restoration, and other topics of interest to KNPS members Print a new Kansas Native Plant Society brochure Funds to assist organizations in preserving areas with unique ecology Scholarships and research funds for the study of native Kansas plants and Kansas ecology Support website expenses Indicate which project or projects you would like to help support and send donations to: KNPS R.L McGregor Herbarium 2045 Constant Avenue Lawrence, KS 66047-3729
Volume 27 Number 2

Page 7

Fact Sheet for Native Plant Landscaping

How do I know what native plants to use? Establish plants from your nearest regional native Why Grow Native Plants seed/plant source. Native plants are more adapted to regional climates Do not buy inexpensive cans of wildflower seeds than most typical nursery plants. from discount stores, catalogs, or greenhouses. Most native plants require less water than typical These seeds may contain weedy species, filler, and garden plants. plants that are not from the area where you live. Once established, native plants are low maintenance Collect seeds from native plant prairies near your because many of them are perennials. home. Native plants are simply beautiful and unusual. Visit a reputable native plant nursery close to home. Regional native plants attract interesting species of Ask the greenhouse owner where the native plants native birds. originated.
By Plant Resources Committee

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

Goats Rue Golden Ragwort Celandine Poppy Culvers Root Spiderwort

Volume 27 Number 2

Kansas Plants - First of a Series

Dr. Stephen L. Timme and Dr. Cindy Ford With this issue of the newsletter, a column called Kansas Plants is initiated to provide an illustration (CF), a short description and other information (ST) of a plant found in the state. These will range from commonly encountered species to some not so familiar. In Kansas this species occurs in the eastern quarter of the state, extending from Cherokee County west to Labette County, north to Brown County and west to Marshall County. Its western distribution in the state appears to be Riley County. Habitat includes dry upland woods and bottomland forests. This species is characterized by having a single leaf with 3 leaflets, a spathe (leaf-like bract that surrounds the inflorescence), spadix (a spike of flowers borne on a fleshy axis), all arising from a corm (a modified, solid, bulb-like, vertical underground stem). The spathe is generally green with white and reddish-brown longitudinal stripes that consists of a base surrounding the inflorescence (the pulpit) and a hood arching over the spadix (the Jack). The inflorescence may consists of male flowers on one plant and female nated mostly by beetles, flies, and bees. The fruit is a red-orange to bright red berry, forming a cluster in the late summer to fall and thought to be dispersed by birds or mammals. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals that are sharp pointed. Anyone consuming this plant will quickly feel the consequences chemical and mechanical irritations resulting in a fieryhot acrid taste. However, the calcium oxalate crystals will dissipate after the plant has been subjected to cooking and then they are quite edible. Medicinally, the plant has been used as a stimulant, expectorant, diaphoretic, treatment for colic, flatulence, asthma, headaches, and ringworms. It was an officially listed medicinal plant in the U. S. Pharmacopea from 1820-1850. Some people may develop dermatitis after touching the plant. Other common names for this species include Wake Robin, Lords and Ladies, Priests Pintle, Wild Turnip, Devils Ear, Wild Pepper, Indian Turnip, and Dragon Turnip. It generally blooms from April and into June. A closely related species that overlaps the range of Jack-in-the-Pulpit in Kansas is Green Dragon (Arisaema dracontium (L.) Schott).

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

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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].

Address Service Requested

We are on the Web www.kansasnativeplantsociety.org

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.