1. Minnesota Plant Press
The Minnesota Native Plant Society Newsletter
Volume 28 Number 1 Winter 2009
Monthly meetings
Thompson Park Center/Dakota How will Minnesota
spend its outdoor
Lodge
Thompson County Park
360 Butler Ave. E.,
heritage fund?
West St. Paul, MN 55118
651-552-7559 (kitchen)
Programs
The Minnesota Native Plant by Scott Milburn, Minnesota Native Plant Society president
Society meets the first Thursday Much has happened since my last column in terms of the national
in October, November, December, election and the historic passage of the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy
February, March, April, May, and constitutional amendment in Minnesota. It was quite a remarkable feat
June. Check at www.mnnps.org for this to pass as it did, with much economic uncertainty, but this shows
for more program information. where our priorities are.
6 p.m. — Social period
7 – 9 p.m. — Program, society The next step in the process to determine how this money will be spent
business is no easy task. We all need to be cognizant of how this dedicated funding
Feb. 5: “Community is spent, since we all have a vested interest.
Involvement in Restoration of Approximately one-third of the revenue generated from this sales
Prairie and Savanna in Wild tax will go toward the Lessard Outdoor Heritage Fund. As stated, this
River State Park,” by David money is to be “spent only to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands,
Crawford, park naturalist; Plant-of- prairies, forests, and habitat for game, fish, and wildlife.” Many groups
the-Month: Aristida tuberculosa throughout the state were instrumental in getting the word out and getting
(sea beach needlegrass). this amendment passed. However, along with that come the expectations
Mar. 5: “Natural History of from these various groups as to how this money must be spent. The fear,
Beltrami Island,” by Scott Zager, when there are so many ideas and expectations, is that there will not be
plant ecologist, Wildlands Ecological a comprehensive strategy. In order for this to be a success, a landscape
Services; POM: Rubus arcticus approach would likely prove more beneficial than a piecemeal approach.
ssp. acaulis (arctic raspberry). The Lessard Outdoor Heritage Council has expressed the desire and
Apr. 2: “Between the need for the citizens of Minnesota to speak up. Ultimately, this council will
Mississippi and the Missouri, recommend to the Legislature how the money should be spent. My hope
1838-1839: A new look at the is that our Society will be active and
In this issue
botany of Charles Geyer,” by
vocal in keeping with our mission.
Charles Umbanhowar, Jr., professor
of biology, St. Olaf College; It is a time for great optimism, and I
encourage your involvement. Conservation tip of season........2
POM: Solidago riddellii (Riddell’s Board, membership news .........3
goldenrod). There should also be much
Non-native forest inventory.......4
May 7: “Making a Floral Atlas confidence with the Society itself,
Prairie restoration research ......5
for the Shakopee Mdewakanton as we continue to change and grow
Trees, shrubs of Minnesota....6
Sioux Community,” by Victoria as an organization. We are now
Symposium is April 4 ..........6
Ranua, environmmental assessment at full capacity, having nine board
Orchid photos needed ...........6
specialist for the SMS Community; members. Elizabeth Heck and Dylan
Plant Lore: Anise root ..............7
POM: Solanum rostratum (buffalo Lueth were appointed at the last
Rare Species Guide is online .....7
burr). Continued on page 3

2. Conservation In essence, what responsibility
does the state now have to ensure MN NPS Board
Tip of the
that as many citizens as possible
understand the next 25 years of of Directors
Season
spending on the environment? President: Scott Milburn,
Perhaps the Green Jobs Task Force scott.milburn@mnnps.org
by Elizabeth Nixon weblog should be the place to Vice President: Shirley Mah
This is the legislative season, and carry out a public debate on these Kooyman, shirley.mah.kooyman@
this year it is uniquely important to questions. It can also be started on mnnps.org
send ideas to your state legislators. the Native Plant Society blog by any Ken Arndt, board member, field
energetic individual. trip chair, ken.arndt@mnnps.org
With an unprecedented
constitutional amendment as an act These questions will be topics Peter Dziuk, board member,
of commitment to the environment, for the Conservation Committee, peter.dziuk@mnnps.org
your elected representative and and all with views on the issues Elizabeth Heck, board member,
senator should take seriously are invited to participate during the webmaster, elizabeth.heck@mnnps.
their jobs of making sure they, season/session. org
“environmentally literate,” at least Society’s balance
as well as their constituents, are Dylan Lueth, board member,
dylan.lueth@mnnps.org
for the next 25 years, the life of the sheet grew in 2008 Beth Nixon, board member,
amendment. Treasurers Ron and Cathy Huber conservation committee chair, beth.
What is environmental literacy? reported that the Society’s 2008 nixon@mnnps.org
Is it knowing the major biomes, income was $2,443.30 higher than Erika Rowe, board member,
the majority of native Minnesota its expenses. erika.rowe@mnnps.org
plant communities and their Total income for the year was Russ Schaffenberg, board
signature species? Is it knowing $17,588.37. Total expenses were
member, russ.schaffenberg@
the difference between sustainable $15,145.07. Expenses included mnnps.org
and environmentally damaging three grants — Newcomb guides to a
public infrastructure when northern school, $271.80; school bussing for Treasurer: Ron and Cathy
Minnesota or sensitive landscapes field trips, $300; and microscopes Huber, ron.huber@mnnps.org
are under development pressure? for the Herbarium, $1,614.64. Linda Huhn, program
Who should be environmentally coordinator, 612-374-1435
Assets on Nov. 15, 2008, totalled
literate? Perhaps it should be every $24,645.89. Secretary: Andrés Morantes,
Minnesota high school graduate. Andres.Morantes@mnnps.org
Listserv Coordinator: Charles
Umbanhowar, ceumb@stolaf.edu
Minnesota Native Plant Society’s purpose Field Trips: fieldtrips.mnnps@
(Abbreviated from the bylaws) mnnps.org
This organization is exclusively organized and operated for Memberships: memberships.
educational and scientific purposes, including the following. mnnps@mnnps.org
1. Conservation of all native plants. Historian-Archives: Roy
2. Continuing education of all members in the plant sciences. Robison, historian-archives.
3. Education of the public regarding environmental protection of plant mnnps@mnnps.org
life. Technical or membership
4. Encouragement of research and publications on plants native to inquiries: contact.mnnps@mnnps.
Minnesota. org
5. Study of legislation on Minnesota flora, vegetation, ecosytems. Minnesota Plant Press Editor:
6. Preservation of native plants, plant communities, and scientific and Gerry Drewry, 651-463-8006;
plantpress.mnnps@mnnps.org
natural areas.
7. Cooperation in programs concerned with the ecology of natural MN NPS website
resources and scenic features. For current information about
8. Fellowship with all persons interested in native plants through MN NPS field trips, meetings, and
meetings, lectures, workshops, and field trips. other events, check the website:
www.mnnps.org
2

3. Introducing… numerous volunteer capacities as a
Minnesota Master Naturalist. Her
President’s column
Continued from page 1
Dylan Lueth, board member passion for botanizing, plant uses
Dylan Lueth is the Native Plant and conservation led to training as board meeting to fill two vacancies.
Society’s newest board member. He an herbalist, in which education Both new board members bring
is a biologist with Midwest Natural about botanical sustainability is a energy and enthusiasm, and I look
Resources and has worked there for priority. Elizabeth’s painting and forward to their future efforts. We
two years. His focus is on rare plant photography consume her spare also have a new secretary serving
surveys, which has brought him to time and reflect the “hand lens the Society, Andrés Morantes. One
many different locations throughout view” of nature’s plant beauty. She other change you will soon notice
the state, although much of his is honored to be a part of the board is a remodeled website. Besides
time has been spent in Northern and the good work of the plant being a board member, Elizabeth
Minnesota. society. Heck has graciously taken over as
Dylan grew up in the rural town Andrés F. Morantes, secretary webmaster.
of Arlington, Minn., with an ever Andrés hails from Plymouth, I would like to remind everyone
growing interest in the outdoors. Minn., and currently resides in that this group is solely dependent
After graduation, he moved to Minneapolis. He is a senior at the and run through volunteer effort.
Trenton, Ohio, and enrolled at Miami University of Minnesota and plans By utilizing the talents and skills
University of Ohio. He continued to graduate in May 2009 with a of our membership, we are able to
his studies at the University of Bachelor of Science degree in put our financial resources towards
Minnesota, Duluth, and graduated ecology. He became interested in other efforts.
with a Bachelor of Science in biology ecology as a teenager while spending The board has been watchful
and a minor in chemistry. He started time outdoors working as a summer to not frivolously donate excess
his career as a coatings chemist in camp counselor and from traveling resources. Just recently, the board
Rockford, Minn., but soon lost his into the Costa Rican rainforests approved the purchase of two new
lab coat. Outside of work, Dylan is when visiting his extended family. dissecting microscopes, which were
an avid ice fisher and continues his Currently, he works part-time at donated to the Bell Museum of
interest in chemistry through home the Bell Museum of Natural History Natural History Herbarium. The
brewing. Herbarium, where he mounts plants. two scopes are now at the herbarium
Dylan has been a member of the As an undergraduate, he has served and are available for anyone who
Native Plant Society for two years. as officer and project manager for stops by.
He decided to become a board the University’s Fisheries, Wildlife, In closing, I would like to thank
member with the goal of helping and Conservation Biology Club. the folks who made our last meeting
the Society continue to expand He has been an MN NPS member in December a memorable event. I
its membership and maintain its for one year. first would like to thank Lifetime
prestigious reputation. MN NPS member Welby Smith for
Elizabeth Heck, board member You can be a his great contribution with his book,
Lifetime member
Elizabeth Heck recently joined Trees and Shrubs of Minnesota. I
the Minnesota Native Plant Society would also like to thank Carmen
Board after volunteering on the by Ron Huber Converse and Jan Wolff for their
Society’s Conservation Committee The MN NPS board recently help at the event. Lastly, I would
for the past few years. voted to offer a new category like to thank Erik Anderson at the
of membership — Lifetime — University of Minnesota Press for
Elizabeth holds a degree from consistent with those offered by making sure we had the books in
the University of Minnesota and other natural history organizations. time for the meeting.
spent most of her career with a small Most organizations offering
engineering firm as a proposal writer, We had more than 100 folks in
this category make it a 20-year attendance and sold over 120 books.
GIS specialist and consultant. She multiple of the standard individual
transitioned into a graphic designer This was likely our best attended
membership. Thus, the Lifetime monthly program in years. We
and will offer those skills to the membership for MN NPS is set at
society, including development of a are always hoping to build on the
$300. (We will continue to award momentum, and Linda Huhn has
new website. honorary Lifetime memberships.) been doing a great job lining up the
Elizabeth has worked as Jason Husveth, our former remaining talks for the year. I look
a naturalist for Eloise Butler president, is our very first paid forward to these programs and hope
Wildflower Garden and serves in Lifetime member. Thanks, Jason. to see those who can attend.
3

4. Inventory shows extent of non-native
invasive plants in Minnesota forests
by W. Keith Moser, Mark D. Nelson, Autumn olive, Elaeagnus such as aspen, black spruce, and
and Mark H. Hansen, U.S. Forest umbellata paper birch, had few instances of the
Service, Northern Research Station, Nonnative bush, Lonicera spp. invasive plant species. The forest
Forest Inventory and Analysis. This European privet, Ligustrum types with the most observations
article summarizes Keith Moser’s vulgare of invasive plants in Minnesota
presentation at the Minnesota Vines — white oak/red oak/hickory and
Invasives Species conference in Kudzu, Pueraria montana sugarberry/hackberry/elm/green
Duluth in October 2008. Porcelain berry, Ampelopsis ash — are either mid-shade tolerant
Readers are no doubt aware Asian bittersweet, Celastrus species that rely upon disturbance
of the impact that non-native orbiculatus to maintain their position, or
invasive plants (NNIP) present to Japanese honeysuckle, Lonicera riparian species subject to frequent
Minnesota’s ecosystems. The U.S. japonica anthropogenic disturbance over
Forest Service’s Northern Research Chinese yam, Dioscorea their range.
Station (NRS) Forest Inventory and Black swallowwort, Cynanchum Species of NNIP found in
Analysis (FIA) Program is studying louiseae Minnesota forested plots, 2005-
what determines where these plants Wintercreeper, Euonymus fortunei 2006.
are found, including forest type, tree Grasses The number of forested plots on
density, disturbance, productivity, Reed canary grass, Phalaris which each species was found is
and topography. Phragmites, Common reed, in parentheses.
Over the past decade, the NRS- Phragmites Most prominent species:
FIA program has measured NNIP Nepalese browntop, Japanese, Common buckthorn (125)
over a large network of inventory Microstegium Non-native bush honeysuckles
plots. Minnesota’s forest inventory Herbaceous (22)
is “double intensity,” meaning Garlic mustard, Alliaria petiolata Common burdock (10)
that there are two plots for every Leafy spurge, Euphorbia esula Reed canary grass (4)
6,000 acres, and field crews search Spotted knapweed, Centaurea Japanese barberry (3)
for 25 species that are considered Dame’s rocket, Hesperis Multiflora rose (2)
the worst NNIP on four 24-foot- matronalis Garlic mustard (2)
radius subplots at each forested plot Mile-a-minute weed, Asiatic, Glossy buckthorn (1)
location. Polygonum Autumn olive (1)
Common burdock, Arctium minus European privet (2)
The following list represents Japanese knotweed, Polygonum Marsh thistle (1)
those species our stakeholders Marsh thistle, Cirsium palustre
believe are likely to have a Given the history of natural and
The locations of NRS-FIA plots human-caused disturbance and
significant impact within 11 states
with non-native invasive plants in forest types whose shade tolerance
of the Upper Midwest, including
Minnesota’s forests are shown in means the growing space might
Minnesota. Inventory results
the map. Woody invasive species not be completely occupied, the
provide information on individual
were particularly common, while authors expected to find multiple
tree species, diameter, and height.
the few herbaceous NNIP observed relationships between NNIP and
Measurements of overstory basal
were located along the oak/prairie forest and site characteristics.
area and stand density index provide
ecotone. In a regional study, Moser et al.
estimates of density.
Of the 2,445 plots sampled (2008) found that measurements
Non-native invasive plants in this study so far, only about 5
of disturbance and fragmentation
surveyed on FIA plots, 2005-2006 percent had one or more of the 25
were significantly related to NNIP
Woody species invasive species of interest. Only presence and cover. The percentage
Multiflora rose, Rosa multiflora nine of the NNIP on our list were of total county area in forests was
Japanese barberry, Berberis observed and only one — common very closely related to the presence
thunbergii buckthorn (125 plots) — was found of almost every one of the 25
Common buckthorn, Rhamnus in large numbers. Some of the most species; the higher the percentage
cathartica prominent forest types in our state, of forest, the less likely one would
4

5. likely occurred many years ago. We
are presently conducting a region-
wide analysis using inventory and
weather data and other information
sources to follow up on our initial
measurements and analysis.
Prairie restoration
techniques studied
at Lamberton
How can native prairies be more
successfully recreated? Reseachers
at the University of Minnesota’s
Cartographer Mark Nelson, Forest Inventory and Analysis, USDA Southwest Research and Outreach
Forest Service, Northern Research Station, prepared this map, using Center at Lamberton are seeking
FIA and ESRI data and maps. answers.
find invasive plants. Our challenge is separating Experiments at test plots in
A combination of fragmentation human influence from some the center’s 30-acre native prairie
measures (Heilmann et al. 2001) ecological advantage of the invading restoration site will help determine
was positively associated with the plants. One could easily argue better ways to restore native grasses
presence of common buckthorn, that our results reflect the heavily and forbs. So far, inclusion of cool-
multiflora rose, and non-native bush disturbed nature of Minnesota’s
season grasses in seed mixes seems
honeysuckles, as well as reed canary second- and third-generation forests.
grass. Distance from the nearest The characteristics of the landscape to be critical, and fall planting works
road seemed to have a significant that we found to influence invasive best.
negative association. species presence may also be a How can non-native, invasive
These results suggest that site significant influence on homestead Canada thistles be best controlled?
productivity was good for multiflora choice by settlers. Researchers are testing whether
rose coverage in the Upper Midwest Analysis of invasive species herbicides can be used selectively
and was negatively associated at one point in time is usually not to reduce thistle growth without
with non-native bush honeysuckle sufficient to evaluate trends in excessive damage to native forbs.
coverage. While certain measures regeneration, expansion, or growth. A third project seeks to stop
of density and stand age seemed to The FIA database tracks disturbance
be negatively correlated with (any) and silvicultural treatments, but only native grasses, which grow quickly,
NNIP presence and abundance, in the interval since the previous from preventing slower-growing
Moser et al. (2008) did not find as inventory. The human activities forbs from being establishd. The
strong relationships with individual that resulted in the establishment of solution to this problem has not yet
invasive plant species. these non-native invasive species been found.
5

6. New book describes Orchid photos
Minnesota trees, shrubs needed for book
The University of Minnesota
“Trees and Shrubs of Minnesota,” drawings of the leaves are compared Press has decided to publish a new
by DNR botanist Welby Smith, side-by-side. edition of the the out-of-print 1993
published by the University of At the end of the species accounts book Orchids of Minnesota by
Minnesota Press; 703 pages; $59.95. is a seven-page glossary that Welby Smith. The first edition had a
The following book description is by includes illustrations of different small section of color photographs
Welby Smith. leaf shapes and leaf margins. There in the center of the book.
This new book covers all the is also an eight-page bibliography of The second edition is to have
native and naturalized woody scientific papers cited in the species color photographs throughout the
species in Minnesota. That includes accounts. book. Toward this goal, they are
92 native tree species, 131 native This is not a small book; it soliciting high-quality photos of 49
shrubs, and 12 native vines. Add to measures 8.5 by 10.25 inches and orchids from local photographers.
this 15 naturalized species, and the weighs in at slightly over five The photos can be film or digital but
total reaches 250. pounds. It is bound in a sturdy green must be sharp and show fine detail.
The book begins with a 14- embossed hardcover with a dust For a list of orchids or for
page introduction that includes jacket. The author will tell you that additional information, direct
descriptions and maps of the soils he worked on it for 14 years, but in inquiries to Todd Orjala at t-orja@
and climate of Minnesota, and truth it is the work of a lifetime. umn.edu
Symposium to
discussions of ecological regions. Most online sources are selling
This section also has maps of tree it at a discount, which brings the
be April 4 at
distribution based on bearing tree price down to around $50, which
data from the Public Land Survey is not insignificant in these days of
Bell Museum
that was conducted at the time of recession. So, if you can’t afford to
settlement. This part is followed by buy a copy, check it out from your
a key to the genera of woody plants local library or borrow a copy from The Aspen Parklands subsection
in Minnesota. a friend, and let the author know in northwestern Minnesota will be
The next part (the main body what you like about it and what the topic of this year’s MN NPS
of the book) contains the detailed you don’t. He just might live long symposium.
species accounts. Each species gets enough to write a second edition. This subsection is part of the
two pages. The left page has the text, greater Tallgrass Aspen Parklands
including a scientific description, tips Province that expands north into
on identification, and a discussion of Canada. This region is a transitional
natural history. This page also has a landscape between the Laurentian
North American range map and a Mixed Forest and the Prairie
Minnesota distribution map. provinces that had once been Glacial
The facing page has color Lake Agassiz.
photographs of the leaves, flowers, The symposium will be April 4 at
fruit and bark. There is also an ink the Bell Museum of Natural History
drawing of the winter silhouette of on the University of Minnesota
each tree species and most of the campus in Minneapolis.
larger shrubs. If a genus has more The Symposium Committee
than one species, then it is preceded is finalizing the speakers for the
by an identification key to the species. event. Brochures will be mailed in
The large and difficult genera of Purple coneflowers, Echinacea February to Society members and
willows, oaks and hawthorns have angustifolia, are found in the will also be available online at our
comparison pages where life-size Aspen Parklands. website, www.mnnps.org
6

7. Plant Lore Rare Species
by Thor Kommedahl
What is anise root? Guide is online
Anise root is Osmorhiza Profiles of more than 430
longistylis in the carrot family Minnesota endangered, threatened,
(Apiaceae/Umbelliferae). Another and special concern species are
available in a new, searchable
name is sweet cicely; O. claytonii
database from the Minnesota
is also called sweet cicely, but not Department of Natural Resources
anise root. Style length and root Division of Ecological Resources.
scent separate the species. Both
The guide is Minnesota’s
species are native to Minnesota.
authoritative reference for the
How did it get its names? state’s endangered, threatened, and
The genus name comes from a special concern species and serves
Greek word osme meaning scented as an update to the 1988 book,
or fragrant and rhiza meaning Minnesota’s Endangered Flora and
root. Longistylis refers to the long Fauna.
style— longer than the petals. Cicely The list was last revised in 1996,
comes from a Latin and Greek but it is currently undergoing a
word seselis, and sweet refers to formal rule revision process. Once
the anise-scented root. Osmorhiza that has been completed, additional
claytonii has roots with little or no species profiles will be added
to The Rare Species Guide, and
anise scent and is named after John
status designations and taxonomy
Clayton, a Virginia botanist (1694- information will be updated.
1773). Anise smells like licorice.
Information on the website
What do the plants look like? includes:
Anise root is a perennial, • Taxonomic information;
herbaceous plant one to three feet
• State, federal status designations;
tall, with insect-pollinated, white
flowers borne in clusters (umbels). • State and North American range
Styles are longer than the petals. maps;
It has fern-like leaves, three times • Color photos and/or illustrations;
compoundly divided with egg- • Reason a species is listed;
shaped leaflets. The dark purple • Description, habitat, life history;
fruits (schizocarps) cling to clothing. • Conservation, management issues
Osmorhiza longistylis is smooth, and recommendations;
whereas O. claytonii is hairy. Plants
• Life form, longevity, leaf duration,
bloom April to June. Osmorhiza longistylis (anise water regime, soil and light
Where does it grow? root), photos by Peter Dziuk. requirements, phenology for all
Both species grow in moist vascular plants.
been added to salads for the anise
woodlands throughout the state. There are three ways to search
flavor. Plants are not poisonous but
Does it have any medicinal have been confused with poison for species information:
properties? hemlock in the same family. • A-Z list — find by either common
American Indians made a What other features are there? or scientific name;
poultice from roots to apply to boils It has been grown in wild flower • Filtered search — find groups of
and wounds. They also made a gardens, and hybrids have been species by broad taxonomic group;
root tea for general debility and as developed. Black swallowtail • Keyword search — find a word or
a tonic. butterflies feed on plants. Bees suck phrase within species’ profiles.
Is it edible or poisonous? nectar and collect pollen from them. To access the guide, go to www.
Leaves, fruits, and roots have Horses have been attracted to roots. mndnr.gov/rsg
7

8. Minnesota Native Plant Society
P.O. Box 20401
Bloomington, MN 55420
Winter 2009
Directions:
Take MN Hwy. 52 to the Butler Ave. E. exit in West St. Paul.
Go west on Butler 0.2 miles to Stassen Lane.
Go south on Stassen Lane to Thompson County Park.