1. Minnesota Plant Press
The Minnesota Native Plant Society Newsletter
Volume 24 Number 2 Winter 2005
Monthly meetings
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Symposium on bogs
Visitor Center, 3815 East 80th St.
Bloomington, MN 55425-1600 and fens to be April 6
952-854-5900 by Karen Schik
6:30 p.m. — Building east door opens Registration will soon be open for the 2005 MNPS Symposium:
6:30 p.m. — Refreshments, Bogs And Fens — Minnesota’s Mysterious Mires. It will be held April
information, Room A 6, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Warner Nature Center in Marine on St. Croix.
7 – 9 p.m — Program, society business
7:30 p.m. — Building door is locked The charming center, just 40 minutes northeast of St. Paul, is
9:00 p.m. — Building closes surrounded by woods and overlooks a bog – a perfect place for native
plant enthusiasts!
Programs
Visit the new Web site (www.mnnps.org) for registration details and
The MNPS meets the first Thursday in to download a registration form, which will be available soon.
October, November, December, February, Registration brochures will also be mailed to MNPS members. Please
March, April, May, and June. Check the note: space for the symposium is very limited, so register early for
Web site for more program information. this popular topic. A special attraction this year will be unscheduled
Feb 3: “Botanical Survey of Lyle-Austin, time to visit the nature center’s real bog and indoor bog exhibit.
Minn., Wildlife Management Area:
Prairie Remnants of the Chicago Great Speakers and Topics:
Western Railroad,” by Paul Bockenstedt, • Introduction to Bogs and Fens — Paul Glaser, senior research
restoration ecologist, Bonestroo Natural associate, Limnological Research Center, University of Minnesota.
Resources. Plant-of-the Month: Sweet • The Flora of Minnesota’s Last Frontier: Characteristic Vascular
coneflower, by Bockenstedt. Plants of Fens and Bogs — Scott Zager, plant ecologist, Wildlands
March 3: “Wetland Restoration at Ecological Services.
Pioneer Park, Blaine, Anoka County,”
• Hydrology of Bogs and Fens — Jeanette Leete, hydrogeologist
by Jason Husveth, Critical Connections
Ecological Services, Inc. Plant-of-the supervisor, DNR Waters.
Month: Jason’s choice. • Patterned Peatlands — Paul Glaser.
April 7: “Hardwood forest decline • Saving Savage Fen — Steve Eggers, senior ecologist, U.S. Army
syndrome: The synergistic impact of deer Corps of Engineers, St. Paul.
and invasive earthworms,” by Lee Frelich,
U of Minn.; Plant-of-Month: botrychium. • Large-Scale Bog Restoration In this issue
for Wetland Mitigation —
May 5: Native Grass Identification MNPS board, purpose.......... 2
Thomas Malterer, program
Workshop, by Anita Cholewa, Ph.D, Think Native seed grant....... 2
director, University of Minnesota
curator of temperate plants, J.F. Bell Outdoor opportunities........ 3
Museum of Natural History. POM: TBD. Duluth Natural Resources
Research Institute. Little bluestem research........4
June 2: Program TBD. Annual Plant Sale Bird habitats, numbers..........5
open to the public. • SNA Program: Successes and
Garlic mustard control..........5
Opportunities — Bob
New MNPS Web site Djupstrom, program supervisor, American lotus..................... 6
www.mnnps.org DNR Scientific and Natural Lance-leaved violet.............. 7
e-mail: MNPS@HotPOP.com Areas Program. New Jersey tea (Plant Lore) 7

2. Century College transfers to the University of
MNPS Board of
Minnesota, as well as occupational
accepts Think certificates, diplomas, and an Directors
Native seed grant associate of applied science. President: Jason Husveth,
by Dianne Plunkett Latham, chair Century College connects students Critical Connections Ecological
of the MNPS Think Native program with the community through service Services Inc., 14758 Ostlund Trail
Horticulture Instructor Ginny learning projects. Last fall, students N., Marine on St. Croix, MN; 651-
Coyle and 11 of her students in the in Coyle’s Biology of Horticultural 247-0474; jhusveth@ccesinc.com
Century College Horticulture Crops class collected seed from
“Jim’s Prairie” for Ginny Gaynor, Vice-President: Scott Milburn,
Program accepted the MNPS Think
open spaces coordinator in 744 James Ave., St. Paul, MN 55102;
Native seed grant at the Nov. 4 651-261-4381;
MNPS meeting. The seeds will be Maplewood. Students in the
Herbaceous Plants class this smilburn@ccesinc.com
used to develop native plantings on
their campus in White Bear Lake. semester sowed the seed and will Secretary: Karen Schik, 13860
With the Century College return the plants they grew to the 236th St. N., Scandia, MN 55073;
greenhouses, they are able to Maplewood Nature Center for prairie 651-433-5254 (h), 651-222-2193
propagate plants from cuttings, restoration. Joy Cedarleaf, a biology (w); kschik@fmr.org
divisions, or seeds to expand campus instructor, teaches field biology and
Treasurer: David Johnson, 6437
gardens or to share with other restoration ecology at the college. Baker Ave. N.E., Fridley, MN 55432;
organizations. There are a wide Coyle will coordinate plantings with 763-571-6278; MNPS@HotPOP.com
variety of growing conditions on Cedarleaf ’s classes as well, to
campus, and many areas are visible involve as many students as possible. Ken Arndt, 2577 Co. Rd. F, White
to the public. Last summer a pest management Bear Twp., MN 55110; 651-426-
class was also offered. Anyone 8174; karndt@pioneereng.com
For many years, the horticulture
program at Century College was interested in the horticulture program Ron Huber, 2521 Jones Place W.,
solely represented by satellite at Century College should contact Bloomington, MN 55431-2837; 952-
programs at Stillwater and Lino Ginny Coyle at 651-773-1726, ext. 886-0783; huber033@umn.edu
Lakes Correctional Facilities. When 2, or g.coyle@century.mnscu.edu
Shirley Mah Kooyman, 4520
the Department of Corrections Terraceview Lane N., Plymouth, MN
cancelled its contract with the college MNPS Listserve 55446; 952-443-1419 (w), 763-559-
to provide vocational horticulture Send a message that includes the 3114 (h);
education in prisons, horticulture was word “subscribe” or “unsubscribe” shirley@arboretum.umn.edu
reopened on campus. Century and your name in the body of the
College now offers a two-year message to: Dianne Plunkett Latham, 7013
associate of science degree, which mn-natpl-request@stolaf.edu Comanche Court, Edina, MN
55439-1004; 952-941-3542;
Minnesota Native Plant Society’s purpose plunkettdi@mn.rr.com
Douglas Mensing, 5814 Grand
(Abbreviated from the bylaws) Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55419;
This organization is exclusively organized and operated for educational 612-926-8637 (H);
and scientific purposes, including the following: dougm@appliedeco.com
1. Conservation of all native plants. Program Chair: Linda Huhn,
2. Continuing education of all members in the plant sciences. 2553 Dupont Ave. S., Minneapolis,
3. Education of the public regarding environmental protection of plant MN 55405; 612-374-1435
life.
4. Encouragement of research and publications on plants native to Listserv Coordinator: Charles
Minnesota. Umbanhowar, ceumb@stolaf.edu
5. Study of legislation on Minnesota flora, vegetation and ecosystems. Minnesota Plant Press editor:
6. Preservation of special plants, plant communities and scientific and Gerry Drewry, 24090 Northfield
natural areas. Blvd., Hampton, MN 55031; phone,
7. Cooperation in programs concerned with the ecology of natural 651-463-8006; fax, 651-463-7086;
resources and scenic features. gdrewry@infionline.net
8. Fellowship with all persons interested in native plants through Technical or membership
meetings, lectures, workshops and field trips. inquiries: MNPS@HotPOP.com
2

3. MSHS plans June
wildflower, forest Volunteer Opportunities
ecology weekend at Grey Cloud Dunes SNA
on North Shore by Karen Schik
The Minnesota State Horticultural Funding for the DNR Scientific and Natural Areas Program was drastically
Society is sponsoring a late spring reduced in recent years, so the DNR is more than ever in need of volunteers
wildflower and forest ecology to help manage our highest quality natural areas. In response to that need,
weekend in the Grand Marais area and as part of the core mission of the
on Lake Superior’s North Shore
Friday, June 3, through Sunday, June
Learn to identify society, the MNPS board voted in
2004 to “adopt” Grey Cloud Dunes
5. They will have a series of winter woody plants SNA in Cottage Grove. We have
exploratory hikes to discover the at Falls Creek SNA committed to work with the DNR
region’s rich diversity of wildflowers and to assist with management
and forest ecology. by Doug Mensing activities at this spectacular dry
On Saturday, March 12, MNPS prairie site along the Mississippi. We
Naturalist Kent Jones will lead an Board Members Ken Arndt and Scott will post volunteer opportunities in
interpretive tour of some unique Milburn will lead a woody plant each newsletter, as well as on the
habitats that will feature the spring identification field trip to Falls Creek
wildflowers of the boreal forest, MNPS website. Check back often!
Scientific Natural Area. This is three
northernmost maple-basswood miles north of Copas on State Burning Desire
forest, northern wetlands and Highway 95 in Washington County Saturday, Feb. 19, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Superior shorelands. Hikes will also (between Stillwater and Taylor’s Come to Grey Cloud Dunes to burn
include participants’ interests in Falls).
birds, butterflies, charismatic brush piles (already stacked). Bring
megafauna, geology, cultural history, We will meet at 9 a.m. at the something to roast for lunch!
and general forest ecology. parking lot off of Hwy. 95, where we Brush cutting
The program begins Friday with will enter the SNA and hike until Saturday March 26, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
a 7 - 9 p.m. wine and snack social at noon. We will be learning how to Cut, treat and stack honeysuckle.
a location to be announced. Saturday identify the trees, shrubs, and vines Training and tools provided.
will include two or three hikes that comprise this type of northern
(depending on the weather) and a hardwood and coniferous forest by Site Steward
their buds, bark, and form. You will Any time, any day. In addition to
provided lunch. A Sunday morning
hike will conclude the program. also learn about the history and group events, individual volunteers
current management practices that are needed to be site stewards at Grey
Kent Jones worked for over 20 the DNR has implemented for this Cloud Dunes. Site stewards typically
years in the metro area as an special SNA. make regular (e.g. monthly) site
interpretive naturalist for a variety of
nature centers and the Three Rivers For more information about Falls visits and report their findings to the
Park District. His love of the north Creek Scientific Natural Area and a DNR. They record things like new
finally got the best of him in 2001, map on how to get there, go to invasive species locations and
when he moved to the Grand Marais w w w. d n r. s t a t e . m n . u s / s n a s / evidence of illegal activities, and do
area. He spends his spare time sna01057/index.html. simple activities like picking up
canoeing, kayaking, and hiking the The field trip is limited to 25 trash. Being a site steward is a good
north shore area in search of the best people. Steep slopes will be excuse to do what most of us want to
blueberry patches, unusual encountered along the walk down to do anyway — get out to a beautiful
wildflowers, and rare birds. the creek to the bottom of the ravine. natural area on a regular basis. And
The cost is $125 per MSHS Look for more details in the near you’d be doing something valuable
member, $150 for non-members. future at www.mnnps.org. in the process.
This includes snacks and beverages information on lodging or to pre- To sign up for any activity, please
on Friday night, and deli style lunch register, contact Vicky Vogels, e-mail Karen Schik at:
on Saturday. Participants must be community outreach coordinator, kschik@fmr.org or call: 651-222-
able to hike on uneven ground and MSHS, at 800-676-6747; 651-643- 2193, ext. 15 (w) or 651-433-5254
be prepared for inclement weather. 3601, ext. 211; or at (h). More instructions and directions
Transportation is on your own. For www.northerngardener.org will be provided.
3
3

4. percent. Little bluestem appears to
Research evaluates little be well adapted to diverse growing
conditions and methods of
bluestem varieties for state propagation.
Competition study with
by Mary H. Meyer, associate identify grass species in the seedling
professor, Department of stage is necessary to determine if the Miscanthus
Horticultural Science,University of planting has been successful. Little This study has not been finalized
Minnesota. This is an abstract of her bluestem was one of 15 native and for publication, but in an additive
talk at the May 6, 2004 meeting. introduced grasses that were competition study, little bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium, or little analyzed and described in a was not affected by adding
bluestem, is native to most of the vegetative key to identify seedlings. Miscanthus, a non-native ornamental
United States, with the exception of Little bluestem seedlings have a flat grass that has been shown to be
the far western states and Florida. sheath, are folded in the bud, have invasive in Middle Atlantic States.
Typically an upland grass, little no auricles, the culm base is often Little bluestem was not reduced in
bluestem is known for its drought tinged pink or maroon, and the first root or shoot growth when grown
tolerance and ability to grow on tillers fan out in a plane. with one or two Miscanthus plants
sandy and poor soils. It is a dominant in this 22-week greenhouse
Minnesota population and new competition study. Thus little
grass in tall- and short-grass prairies selections
and is found throughout Minnesota. bluestem is a competitive, adaptable
A spaced planting of 35 Minnesota
The USDA has released several native grass.
little bluestem populations was
varieties of Schizachyrium established in 1996 and 1997.
scoparium, beginning in the 1960s. Collections were made from parks, Study predicts
‘Aldous,’ ‘Blaze,’ ‘Camper,’ nature preserves, railroad rights of broad changes from
‘Cimarron,’ and ‘Pastura’ were the way, and other natural areas. Seed
result of breeding programs to was germinated, and plants were global warming
improve grasses available for forage established in three replications of Global warming won’t affect just a
and range use in the central United eight plants each on the St. Paul few species of plants and insects —
States. In 1997, the USDA Plant campus. Plants continue to be it will challenge many interdependent
Materials Center in Bismarck, N.D., evaluated for variation in flower species, according to a report recently
released ‘Badlands,’ an ecotype time, height, color, and lodging. In released by the Wildlife Society.
selected from collections from North 2004, a selection from Benton Some results of early springs are
and South Dakota. ‘Badlands’ is County that has been evaluated at already visible, such as the shrinking
adapted for range seeding, prairie several Research and Outreach Porcupine herd of caribou, whose
restoration and prairie landscaping. Centers was advanced to a new migration patterns have been
None of these selections are from release, and a plant patent has been disrupted. Seasonal ponds in the
Minnesota native little bluestem. applied for Schizachyrium Midwest are drying up earlier in the
At the University of Minnesota, scoparium, ‘Blue Heaven.’TM This year, affecting ducks. Sugar maples
we have conducted research on little selection is taller, with dark blue may disappear from this country as
bluestem in five projects that are summer foliage color and bright blue their range moves northward.
described below. All of these to pink fall color. Commercial Time factors, such as arrival of
projects, except the competition growers interested in propagating predators and pollinators, will be
study, have been published. this new release should contact the major concerns. The surging
Seeding date and establishment U of M for a nonexclusive license. population of timber-destroying
In this research, the best planting Work will continue to identify other spruce budworms in Minnesota’s
dates for little bluestem were May 1 new ornamental forms of little boreal forests has been attributed to a
through July 20. Dormant seedings bluestem. northward shift of warblers that once
were not successful for the two years, Propagation time and aeration held the worms in check.
1996 and1997, of the project. As porosity The study also shows that some
expected, rainfall influenced the Little bluestem plugs and field ecosystems will not move, but will
success of most seedings. divisions grew equally when vanish. For example, if rising sea
Field seedling identification propagated in the fall or spring in levels flood coastal zones, physical
Identification of grasses without another study. Both over-wintered and man-made barriers will prevent
floral parts can be a challenge. In well and grew adequately in all wetlands from re-creating themselves
prairie restoration, the ability to aeration porosities from 5-41 further inland.
4

5. What is effect Winter is easiest time to
of habitat on find and kill garlic mustard
bird numbers? by Dianne Plunkett Latham food are the foliage, pollen, nectar,
Garlic mustard, Alliaria petiolata, fruits and seeds of our native plants.
by Tom Cooper, wildlife biologist,
looks innocent on the forest floor of Garlic mustard has no known natural
Minnesota waterfowl Association. a local park, or at the edges of your enemies in North America, is self-
This abstract of his talk at the Dec. property — but it is not innocent. fertile, and is difficult to eradicate
2, 2004 meeting is based on research This rapidly spreading alien once established. Thus, the best and
for his South Dakota State University displaces native wildflowers and most effective control method is to
Ph.D. thesis, “Forest and grassland other flora in woodlands. Check your prevent its initial establishment.
bird occurrence and habitat selection property — garlic mustard is easy to Garlic mustard is on the State of
in the prairie-forest transition zone spot now because it is one of the few Minnesota’s Prohibited Noxious
of Minnesota.” green plants on the forest floor from Weed list requiring its control or
Some forest and grassland birds late fall until wildflowers break elimination (Rule 1505.0730).
have experienced population dormancy in early April. To remove garlic mustard from
declines in the midwestern United In its first season, garlic mustard your property, you may either hand-
States due to habitat loss and has rosettes of three or four rounded pull, spray with three percent
fragmentation. Wildlife managers or kidney-shaped, dark green leaves RoundupÆ (glyphosate), or place
need to understand habitat with scalloped edges two to six mulch over seedlings. If you hand-
requirements at multiple spatial inches tall. In May and June during pull, remember that this biennial has
scales for these birds when planning its second year, the rosettes send up a taproot like a dandelion and will
habitat protection and restoration flower stalks, one to four feet tall, regenerate if any part of the root
efforts. with alternate, sharply toothed remains in the ground. Seedpods may
Our objectives were to assess bird leaves. Clusters of small white ripen even after pulling, so if flowers
use of grassland/forest patches in the flowers top the stem. New leaves and seedpods are present, bag the
prairie-forest transition zone of smell like garlic when crushed. The plants immediately and send them to
fragrance fades by fall. The seed the landfill, not to the compost pile.
Minnesota and to model species
capsules are one to two inches long, If you choose to spray, the best time
occurrence at multiple spatial scales. with 100 or more seeds per plant
We conducted more than 180 point to do it is when native plants are
disseminated mid-July to August. dormant between mid September and
counts in 2003 and 2004 to determine
bird species presence in each cover Because this biennial overwinters mid March. Glyphosate is a non-
type. Local vegetation variables as a green plant, it gets a head start selective herbicide and will kill any
were measured on site, and landscape on native plants in the spring and plant that is photosynthetic (actively
variables were determined with a aggressively monopolizes light, growing). Because garlic mustard
geographic information system. moisture, nutrients and soil. If not stays green all winter, you can spray
controlled, it can carpet a woodland it whenever the temperature is above
Models incorporating landscape floor. Garlic mustard threatens not 32 degrees.
and local variables were developed only woodland plant diversity, but
to predict the probability of Garlic mustard seeds remain viable
also the wildlife whose sources of for five to seven years, continuing to
occurrence for bird species of
management concern. Akaike’s sprout after removal of the colony.
grasslands. Eastern wood-pewees As a consequence, it is critical that
Information Criterion was used to (Contopus virens), red-eyed vireos the area be mulched with two to four
rank candidate models. We counted (Vireo olivaceus), and great crested inches of leaves or grass clippings.
53 different bird species in grasslands flycatchers (Myiarchus crinitus) This should continue until the seed
and 71 species in forests. Thirteen were the most common birds in bank is exhausted in five to seven
bird species were U.S. Fish and forests. Modeling indicated that years.
Wildlife Service resource different species responded to habitat
conservation priority species. Garlic mustard needs to be
conditions on various spatial scales. controlled before buckthorn is
Common yellowthroats Thus, scale needs to be considered removed in proximity to it. This will
(Geothlypis trichas), bobolinks when planning habitat protection, prevent a burst of garlic mustard
(Dolichonyx oryzivorus), and sedge management, and restoration germination upon opening the forest
wrens (Cistothorus platensis) were projects to benefit grassland and floor to light, after removal of the
the most common birds in forest birds. buckthorn canopy.
5

6. Illinois, as well as entirely filling an
American lotus is state’s earthen pond on the grounds of the
St. Louis Jewel Box Conservatory.
largest wildflower Profuse is an understatement, as N.
lutea was moving into the lawn along
the earthen pond embankments
by Dianne Plunkett Latham. This is however. Under the Conservation of where mowing appeared to be the
an abstract of her Oct. 7, 2004 Plant- Certain Wildflowers (Minn. Statutes Jewel Box ground keeper’s only
of-the-Month talk. 18H.18), “No person shall distribute defense!
There are only two species in the ... lotus (Nelumbo lutea), which have
lotus genus Nelumbonaceae — been collected in any manner from If planted in a favorable location,
Nelumbo lutea (zone 4a) and any public or private property lotuses will quickly take over. Water
Nelumbo nucifera (zone 5). The without the written permission of the gardeners should not plant lotuses in
American lotus, N. lutea, occurs in property owner and written private earthen ponds or in private
Minnesota along the Mississippi authorization from the natural areas they don’t want them
River between St. Paul and Iowa. It commissioner.” to take over. Most lotus varieties are
is also found in a few lakes in the at least marginally hardy in zone 4
Lotus plants require several weeks and would rapidly take over if not
vicinity of the Twin Cities, where of sunny weather with temperatures killed by the pond going dry and then
Native Americans may have planted above 80 degrees F in order to the dry ground freezing solid during
it for food. It grows in quiet waters, bloom. N. lutea is suitable for zone a winter without snow cover.
including ponds, lakes, and on the 4a and is not as sensitive to cool
edges of slow moving streams and summer temperatures as is its zone Lotus seeds excavated from
rivers. 5 cousin, N. nucifera. Chinese tombs have been found
It ranges from Iowa and Minnesota viable after 2,000 years! Lotus seeds
Lotus can only be cultivated in would not remain viable that long
to Ontario and New York, and south circular containers. If the growing tip when exposed to nature’s forces,
to Oklahoma, eastern Texas and gets caught in a square corner, it will however.
Florida. It also occurs in the West die. Great care must be exercised in
Indies and Central America, and transplanting so as not injure the Pests and diseases that sometimes
south to Columbia. growing tip, or it will die. Lotuses trouble lotuses include leaf spots,
The American lotus produces the grow rapidly and typically have to caterpillars, spider mites and white
largest flower of any plant in North be subdivided at least every other flies.
America, just edging out Magnolia year in containers. Because N. lutea
grandiflora and Hibiscus is a large lotus, it requires a large
grandiflora. N. lutea’s stately pale container if you want to cultivate it.
Would you like to help
yellow flowers measure 6-10 inches In August 2004, I visited the
the MNPS as a board
in diameter. Leaf platters grow up Missouri Botanical Garden’s member or officer?
to 20 inches in diameter, on stalks of Linnean House reflecting pools,
up to six feet in height. The MNPS is actively looking for
where their N. lutea is grown in 15- officers and board members to serve
Lotus was an important food gallon concrete containers. With such terms beginning July 1, 2005. If you
source for Native Americans. The a large container, the Linnean House are willing to serve on the board of
rhizomes produce starchy tubers that N. lutea had not been subdivided for directors (three-year term), or as
can be baked like sweet potatoes and four years. There it overwinters
treasurer, secretary, vice president
are said to be delicious. The young outdoors in the Linnean House pool.
leaves, before they unroll, can be St. Louis is in zone 5b, and their or president, contact Dianne Plunkett
steamed or boiled like spinach. pools do not freeze solid during the Latham, nominating committee
Immature seeds can be eaten raw. winter as do ours in zone 4. Lotus chair, at 952-941-3542 before Feb.
15.
Mature seeds can be shelled and the cannot be grown in containers in
kernels roasted and eaten like nuts zone 4 without winter protection. We are in particular need of a
or ground into flour. Today, the On our mid-August 2004 trip I also treasurer. To find out more about
interesting seedpods are often used observed N. lutea profusely those duties, contact our current
in dried flower arrangements. Lotus flowering at peak bloom along the treasurer, David Johnson, at 763-
spp. are protected in Minnesota, Mississippi River outside of Nauvoo, 571-6278.
6

7. Winter botany field Lance-leaved violet Plant Lore
trip was devoted to is rare in Minnesota by Thor Kommedahl
plant identification by Scott A. Milburn, M.S., P.W.S, What is New Jersey tea?
by Doug Mensing wetland ecologist/botanist, Critical New Jersey tea is a shrub in the
On Nov. 13, the Minnesota Native Connections Ecological Services, buckthorn family. Its name is
Inc. This is an abstract of his Plant- Ceanothus americanus.
Plant Society sponsored a winter
of-the-Month talk at the Dec. 2, 2004
botany field trip at Tamarack Nature meeting. How did it get these names?
Center in White Bear Township. Although native to Minnesota and
Viola lanceolata, the lance-leaved
About 15 native plant enthusiasts met many other states, Ceanothus species
violet, is a member of the violet
in one of the nature center ’s are distributed worldwide.
family, having the characteristic
classrooms, where the society’s zygomorphic flowers, a five-parted Theophrastus used this name, which
president, Jason Husveth, began by corolla, and a spurred anterior petal. means thistle in Greek, probably
reviewing a variety of field guides The genus is represented by 17 native because of C. spinosus, which has
and other resources useful for winter species and two introduced species spiny stems. It was called New
plant identification. in this state. The species is one of Jersey tea because of its use during
We then proceeded to walk outside several in the group of stemless or the American Revolution as a
into the chilly air and applied what acaulescent white flowered violets substitute for tea after the Boston Tea
we had learned in a variety of natural present in Minnesota. The stem Party.
and restored ecosystems, including appearance can be somewhat What does the plant look like?
prairies, wetlands, and forests. Jason deceiving, with the stem actually It is a shrub up to three feet tall; it
showed the group persistent late fall below ground. Keys to aid in the has white five-petaled flowers in
and winter characteristics, and identification of the species are the cluster, and its fruit is a three-lobed,
explained how habitats and narrow, strap-like leaves, which are capsule-like drupe. It grows in dry,
often three to six times longer than open areas, dry gravelly banks, and
associated plant species can assist
wide. The species is known to flower in open woods in the state.
with plant identification. Ken Arndt, in May and June, but it can continue
a MNPS board member, led the flowering late into the year. Does it have any medicinal uses?
forest portion of the walk, where we Tea made from its leaves is an
focused on woody species. This violet is a “state threatened” excellent beverage, and American
Numerous wildflowers, grasses, species that tends to inhabit saturated Indians made tea from leaves. The
sedges, shrubs, and trees were to wet habitats with sandy or organic Indians also made tea from roots as
substrates, including lakeshores, a treatment for colds, stomachaches,
identified by the group.
sedge meadows, and open bogs. and lung ailments. An alkaloid in its
Following the walk, participants These habitats typically experience roots has been used for lowering
met back inside the classroom to some sort of disturbance event, blood pressure.
warm up with tea, coffee, and which benefits this species due to its
conversation. The MNPS would like inability to compete with larger Are there other economic uses?
to thank Tamarack Nature Center for species. The roots harbor nitrogen-fixing
their hospitality at the event, which actinomycetes, which are useful in
Lance-leaved violet is a pioneering
was thoroughly enjoyed by all. soil improvement. Horticulturally,
species with a reproductive strategy
other species have been grafted to
In early March the society will that incorporates self-fertilization,
roots of C. americanus to produce
sponsor another winter field trip, at cross-fertilization, and vegetative
reproduction. As competition for garden hybrids.
Falls Creek SNA. An article about
light and nutrients increases within this species statewide being loss of
that trip is on page 3.
the community, the size of the habitat via development. The
population decreases, and the species is further negatively affected
Prairie restoration handbook population waits for the next
is available online from DNR by fire suppression, altered
disturbance event. The species is hydrology, and competition from
Going Native: A Prairie adapted to follow a disturbance invasive species. Until recently,
Restoration Handbook for event by quickly germinating from there was great concern regarding the
Minnesota Landowners is available the seed bank or by colonizing an dwindling number of populations of
online at www.dnr.state.mn.us and open area vegetatively. this species. However, due to recent
at DNR offices. Ellen Fuge edited In Minnesota, this violet is intensive botanical work in the
the 63-page book, which was commonly found in the Anoka Anoka Sandplain, numerous
illustrated by Rebecca Kilde. Sandplain, with the greatest threat to populations have been located.
7

8. Minnesota Native Plant Society
University of Minnesota
250 Biological Sciences Center
1445 Gortner Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108
Winter 2005