Great Natives of Midwestern Ecotype
June 2011 Edition
Cover Photo: Ohio Spiderwort -Tradescantia ohiensis June 2011– Montgomery, IL © 2011
Great Natives Of Mid-western Ecotype
V o l u m e 2 2 , Is s u e 1 June 22, 2011
GNOME N EWS THE BIG PICTURE:
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
USDA’s New Regulations Aimed at Invasives Plant Profile
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Native on the Net
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Best Books
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Organization Spotlight
5
Native News
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Planting with a Purpose
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Ten Commandments
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Invasives!
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Fantastic Fauna
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Focus on the Future
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Did you know... That there are day flying lightning bugs that don’t flash? Annual costs to remove invasive species are over 34 billion dollars? Using native plants can reduce water use dramatically?
New legislation from the United Stated Department of Agriculture will begin on June 27, 2011. This update of regulations established in 1918 will create a safety component to the international plant trade system aimed at identifying potentially invasive plants and pests before they enter the US. The original legislation was to prevent plant diseases from damaging agricultural crops. The newly revised plan adds the environmental component as well. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will now be able to attach a new category label on plants that they believe might pose an invasive risk or those that may contain “pests”. The new label is “Not Authorized for Importation Pending Pest Risk Assessment” (NAPPRA). This is not meant to stop nonnative plants from entering the US for the plant nursery or landscaping trade fields. It is focused on identifying those nonnative plants or animals that pose a risk of escaping cultivation and becoming problematic.
NAPPRA is meant to stop invasive threats before they start
The Nature Conservancy was a primary motivator and partner in forming these new regulations. “Two years ago, APHIS reported that new pest introductions were being detected at a rate of one every twelve days.” Today, 18 of the top 25 most damaging pests in the US are believed to have arrived on imported plants. The citrus longhorned beetle, emerald ash borer, and South American cactus moth
are just a few examples of imported pests doing vast amounts of damage after introduction. To quote Ben Franklin, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” It is conceivably cheaper to study and isolate potential threats before they enter American environments than it is to eradicate them once they are here and established. This is a critical first step in becoming more proactive in the US fight against invasive species.
GNOME’S MISSION Great Natives Of Mid-western Ecotype (GNOME) is an organization focused on the preservation and expansion of native floral and faunal species. The mission is to provide a netbased forum where mem-
bers can share their passion, plans, ideas, and questions with other people having a common interest.
1. Join our facebook group at
You can participate in many different ways.
3. Visit or link to the website 4. Pass on the newsletter.
http://www.facebook.com/ group.php? gid=45643568296
2.
Submit articles, pictures, stories, or plans for publication.
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Geranium maculatum – Wild Geranium 75% of the people voting got this one correct last month. It is the wild geranium known scientifically as Geranium maculatum. This genus is becoming more and more popular in the plant trades with many varieties of cultivars in the cranesbill family. But this native variety should not be overlooked.
“The more hightech we become, the more nature we need.” ~Richard Louv
The range of this woodland species is from western states that still touch the Mississippi River all the way to the Atlantic coast. It is found primarily in wooded or partially wooded areas.
Faunal associations include bumble bees, mason bees, miner bees and others. It is also the host plant to several types of moths. Mammals will occasionally eat its leaves and small rodents like chipmunks will eat the seeds.
This plant grows between 1 and 2.5 feet tall. Leaves are usually between 3-5 inches across with five deep lobes.
This plant produces dehiscent fruit that is between 1 and 1.5 inches long. It is the enlarged pistil that looks like a long “beak”. It uses explosive seed dispersal and can shoot seeds over 10 feet away. It also spreads by rhizomes to form colonies.
This is the showiest of the native geraniums and blooms from late spring to early summer over the course of about a month. Bloom color is from light to dark purple. There are several blooms from each cluster over the period of several days.
This perennial geranium adds nice accent color and interesting foliage
NATIVE
ON THE
Sometimes wading through sites looking for good resources on native information is just too time consuming. This section should help!
I like this woodland plant because it is easy to grow and is tolerant of light shade to full sun and also a variety of water conditions. Plant it where it can spread!
NET A GNOME facebook member shared this link with us in June. It is a site that really affirms the benefits of natural areas and native plant use.
One thing I found nice is that it samples a variety of different projects and approaches to increase native floral and faunal awareness.
This month’s featured site is : This site has a blog-like feel. It is actually made of several Native Plants and Wildlife Gardens blogs all related to the site http://nativeplantwildlifegarden.com title.
You can choose to follow individual blogs or scroll through them looking for something to catch your eye. You are sure to find information there that is both useful and inspirational!
BEST BOOKS– THE NATURE PRINCIPLE The Nature Principle by Richard Louv is to adults what Last Child in the Woods is to children– a wake up call to the restorative powers that our natural world have to offer. Nature-deficit disorder was a topic introduced in Last Child in the Woods. This book expands on this concept. It focuses on the rationale of the necessary connection with nature in our daily lives– why we need it, what is does for us, and how we can achieve the connection.
Evidence to support this idea comes from a variety of sources. Scientific research, anecdotal observations, as well as personal stories and experiences all come together to support his compelling plea– end nature-deficit disorder.
One thing that really resonated with me in this book was what was said about our technologydependent culture we now live in. While we are more connected than ever, it is at a much more shallow level.
The bottom line is that this is a book not simply to present information. It is meant to inspire. In that goal, I feel that it is a stunning success. I hope people not only read it, but truly listen... An optimistic view for the future
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O RG A N I Z AT I O N S P O T L I G H T : PIZZO
AND
A S S O C I A T E S , LT D I was asked to go to the company’s 23rd Anniversary Celebration on June 10th. Am I glad I went!
“Consistently better” http://www.pizzo.info While I don’t typically endorse private businesses, this is one that I can wholeheartedly stand behind. “Ecological Restoration” is truly the heart of this business. Primarily located west of Chicago, it also has offices in Minnesota and Missouri. I first came into contact with this company through a Village of Montgomery Trustee. Pizzo was given the contract for village maintenance in natural areas– especially those around the retention basins in its several subdivisions.
Many businesses are simply that– a business. While there is no doubt that money is a driving factor for Pizzo, the thing that struck me is that members of the Pizzo team live by the same principles that they provide to their clients.
Environmentally Conscious Company
Take the owner– Jack Pizzo as the prime example. He owns 40 acres of land that his house sits on. 37 acres of that is preserved and protected. The business site in Leland is also pristine marsh-
land that is protected now forever as, I believe, a Nature Conservancy designated area. If you want expert information and ecological services– you get what you pay for and Pizzo can deliver!
NATIVE NEWS:
ECOLOGICAL BIAS AGAINST NON-NATIVES? A recent article in the journal Nature is controversial to say the least. Why, you might ask? Because is challenges the decades long conservation practices that are common throughout the nation.
ated with favoring all natives over non-native species.
drives negative public perception about non-native plants.
Julie Stromberg, a plant ecologist, with Arizona State University states "Evaluating whether a species 'belongs' in a particular place is more complicated than just finding out how and when it arrived."
This is not the first researchbased call to redefine invasive or non-native species. Check out the GNOME feature article for March 2011 for related information.
In the article, 19 eminent ecologists call for the end of nativism– a term usually associ- The authors go on to say that outdated science is what primarily
PLANTING
WITH A
“Man’s heart away from nature becomes hard.” ~Standing Bear
Sometimes the most useful information comes from controversy.
PURPOSE:
D O N ’ T C O U N T O U T T H E C O N TA I N E R Large-scale native plantings might not be for everyone. Others might not enjoy the “wild” look of a naturalized flowerbed. Perhaps you rent or have only a limited space for planting. Native plant container gardening just might be your answer! Container gardening with native plants is an often overlooked. Some of this is due to the large size of many natives (especially prairie species). But there are a number of great native plant choices that are perfect for container gardening.
Let’s start with grasses. Little bluestem and prairie dropseed are compact and great for containers. They can be planted in large containers with other plants or singly. Want something showier? Try purple poppy mallow, butterfly weed, coneflower, black eyed susan or other smaller, but hardy natives. The benefits of container gardening are several. Firstly, the give “instant gratification” by planting
live plants large enough to bloom in one season. Secondly, they are movable. This allows for flexibility in placement and bloom times. Thirdly, many species will require no additives in the form of fertilizer and also use less water than traditional containers. All this, plus the normal environmental benefits natives give! Several pots of Sporobolus Obviously light exposure, waheterolepis (prairie dropseed) can ter requirements, and mature create stunning accents. plant size should all be considered along with the container size. Give the pot a shot!
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OF
TEN COMMANDMENTS NATIVE PLANT HOME LANDSCAPING
Summer is officially here, and with it comes great discounts at many greenhouses, nurseries, garden centers, and even home warehouse stores. Many people have already completed their main planting for the year, but cheap plants are hard to say no to!
VI– Thou shall not steal native plants from the wild or from naturalized areas Now that you have a desire and rationale to use native plants, you might get frustrated trying to find a plant source. Taking plants from the wild or naturalized areas like those around detention basins used for erosion control is illegal, unethical, and takes away from other people’s enjoyment of the area. Check online for native seed and plant sources, go to smaller garden centers as ask about natives, or even get permission to collect seeds from areas having native vegetation. Native plant organizations such as Wild Ones or even state Native Plant Societies often have plant exchanges or sales. Contact one of these organizations or county extension offices for help finding native plants.
I decided to create a “Ten Commandments” for home landscaping with a focus on the benefits of using native plants. I– Thou shall not plant known invasive species This should be a no brainer, but you would be surprised at how may plants with varying degrees of invasiveness are still being sold. Japanese barberry, winged burning bush, and even this month's “Invasives” selection– dame’s rocket are still readily available. Do some research before you purchase your plant. Key word searches from your smartphone with the scientific name and invasive after will quickly let you know if you are considering something invasive. This will also reduce plants that escape cultivation and wreak havoc on surrounding habitats and communities.
Ten Commandments to keep!
II– Thou shall not plant non-natives that have good native alternatives There are books and websites solely devoted to native alternatives for common non-native or even invasive plants. Again, being armed with information prior to shopping will help you make wise choices when buying plants. I recommend the guide by the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens as a great starting place! III-Thou shall not work harder, but smarter This is really where planting natives comes into play. Lower maintenance, reduced water use, less lawn space, and also a reduction in home chemicals are all benefits of native plantings. IV– Thou shall not dismiss the natural heritage of indigenous plants Plants found in your area have evolved over thousands of years to live in those conditions and will be easier to grow than plants from somewhere else. In fact, they deserve a place in your yard. They have functional roles to play in addition to your aesthetic ones. V– Thou shall not disregard wildlife when planting. Like it or not, you share the world with other creatures. Plants are the foundation for all other levels of life. Not only are they a food source, but they also provide important habitat for insects, birds, mammals, and other life forms that are often displaced by development. Considering these other forms of life in your landscaping is a moral obligation, not a choice. The greater the amount of plant biodiversity you have, the more animal life you are able to support!
VII-Thou shall not ignore courtesy when it comes to neighbors
It can be easy to “go wild” once you have been bitten by the native plant bug. But before you turn your yard into a natural area, don’t forget to keep neighbors informed on what you are doing. Perhaps start small to allow for the idea to grow. Constant disagreements with people in your community about your plantings are sure to detract from their enjoyment. Educate those that are not aware of the benefits of native plantings. Compromise when you can to keep the peace. This might take as little as keeping a small lawn buffer zone between properties. Having community support is something that should not be overlooked. VIII-Thou shall not keep your native plants to yourself. Not everyone is going to be a native purist. Even having a single native in your yard is beneficial. Sharing extra plants, seeds, bulbs, or cuttings with others is a great way to educate, promote, and introduce native plants to others not willing to go the extra mile to get them. It is also a good way to network with others sharing your interest! IX– Thou shall not deprive others, especially children, of the opportunity to enjoy nature Observing wildlife, having nature-based tactile experiences, and getting to know natural history are all beneficial things. It helps people understand the bigger ecological picture. Not to mention, it is just plain fun! X-Thou shall not use chemical unnecessarily Last month’s feature is worth taking a look at relating to chemical use. It is much easier to embrace the animals and surprise plants than it is to fight them! Your yard will be healthier for it as well.
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I N VA S I V E S -
DAME’S ROCKET Dame’s Rocket, a.k.a. Hesperis matronalis is now so common in the US that few would even recognize it as an invasive species. Originally introduced from Eurasia in the 1600s, it has become naturalized throughout much of the United States. While there is not a lot of research as to the destructiveness of this plant in regard to native plants, the reason I selected this as a feature plant is solely because it seems so natural that many still plant it and move adult plants, thus spreading it. The plant itself grows to about 2 to 3 feet in height. It prefers moist habitat such as woodland edges, but can also colonize disturbed sites such as ditches .
Bloom color ranges from white, to pink, to lavender. It is often mistaken for garden phlox. It typically blooms in May, but can bloom as late as August. It is still available in many seed mixes. While not a huge nuisance plant, it is a perfect example of an invasive still being spread by lack of public education.
Green= Reported
Two different instances this May increased my awareness of the spread of this plant. The first was by a friend inquiring about it. It was growing wild near his home and he was thinking about collecting some. The other , I watched someone dig up blooming adult plants from an abandoned farm property nearby. Don’t collect wild plants, and know what you are looking at!
F A N TA S T I C F A U N A : T H E L I G H T N I G B U G To many, this is the quintessential insect of both summer and childhood. It is a sad day when someone reaches adulthood never having had the opportunity to catch this insect that is neither a bug, nor a fly. It goes by many names– firefly, lightning bug, glow worm… but despite the thousands of species world-wide, they all belong to the order Coleoptera– flying beetles. The most common group of these beetles in North America belong to the Photuninae. There are three main subfamilies within this group– the Photinus (most common, half inch long, yellow/ green light), the Photuris (almost an inch, darker green light), and the Pyractomena (between 1/2 and 1 inch long, yellow/amber light). One of the most amazing features of many types of this insect is the fact that it uses bioluminescence. This is the process where a chemical reaction inside an organism is turned into light. Did you know that in some species, even the eggs and larva emit this light when stimulated by vibrations? The insects use this light mainly for attracting a mate. Different species produce both different
color and sequences of flashes. This light can also be used to fool potential mates and even attract a meal. The female Photuris fireflies have earned the nickname “femme fatale” because they mimic female Photinus flashes to attract and eat the male Photinus. These insects are usually found in woodlands or fields, or the buffer zones in between. All firefly species need at least some standing water to survive. They also need warm, humid environments to thrive. The eastern US has much higher populations that those of the western US. These animals are actually mostly carnivorous. Almost all larvae feed on other animals including insects, snails, and slugs. Adults are also usually carnivorous as well, though some feed on plant material and pollen. Habitat loss has drastically reduced US populations. For more info, visit www.firefly.org!
“The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.” ~Mark Twain
Great Natives Of Mid-western Ecotype Primary Business Address 1753 Wick Way Montgomery, IL 60538
E-mail: GNOME.Native@gmail.com
Great Natives of Mid-western Ecotype (GNOME) is an organization focused on the preservation and expansion of native floral and faunal species. The mission is to provide a netbased forum where members can share their passion, plans, ideas, and questions with other people having a common interest in native species.
Check out our site!!!
We’re on the Web! http://gnomenative.webs.com/ There’s no place like GNOME!
Articles
Big Picture- http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/updated-usdaregulations-effective-june-27-will-help-stem-the-tide-of-harmful-non-nativeplants-and-pests-123912249.html Name That Native p.4http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/woodland/ plants/wild_geranium.htm Native News p.5- http://www.sciencedaily.com/ releases/2011/06/110608153538.htm Big Green Lie p.6- http://www.beyondpesticides.org/lawn/factsheets/ facts&figures.htm Big Green Liep.6– http://www.ghorganics.com/Refuse%20to%20Use% 20Lawn%20Chemicals.htm Invasives p.7- http://dnr.wi.gov/invasives/fact/dames_rocket.htm Fantastic Fauna p.7-http://www.firefly.org/ Big Picture Photo- http://www.justseeds.org/blog/images/ InvasiveSpecies_SamSebren.jpg Planting with a Purpose p.5- http:// www.letsgogardening.co.uk/00_398_images/TV99/TBR25.JPG Big Green Lie p.6- http://myctrring.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/ ten_commandments.jpg Invasives map p.7-http://plants.usda.gov/maps/large/HE/HEMA3.png Invasives p.7- http://www.flyoverpeople.net/galleries/wallpapers/ wildflowers/DamesRocket_w.jpg Invasives p.7- http://1001hikes.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/008purple-dames-rocket.jpg Fantastic Fauna p.7- http://www.firefly.org/images/pictures/fireflypics2.jpg
References Pictures
GNOME
Join our facebook group! (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=45643568296)
This is our primary forum location. The newsletter as well as open discussions are there and also other links to people and groups that focus on natives.
Got an article? Now accepting member submitted news and photos! Once you have something to share, send it to the email listed at left. Monthly news articles will, of course, give credit to the contributor. Everyone welcome!
Fo c u s o n t h e F u t u re We e d Wa rs Recently, there has been a lot of correspondence on some facebook-based community groups in my area related to the McDole Prairie Project. Last fall, after two years of planning, grant applications and awards, getting required permits, and permission from the school district and village, over 650 students buffalo stomp planted the beginnings of the McDole Prairie. As many know, planting a prairie from seed is a long process requiring patience. Not surprisingly, there are many citizens that drive by or live by the school that are dissatisfied with the dead grass and annual weeds on the site. I kind of came in late to the posts on these discussion boards. I was shocked at the tone of those digital conversations. Many were openly hostile and personal.
To be honest, I feel responsible for it all. While I cannot control the way people react, I was in control of a beneficial tool that I did not use properly. That tool was communication.
I posted the history and rationale behind the planting, which seemed to be well received by many of the people posting. This seemed to throw others into a frenzy. I even had an empty Round-Up bottle put on my driveway late one evening or early one morning. Finally some of the message threads were taken down and others were given the “This is now finished” message at the end of the posts and things have settled down a bit.
I made assumptions about the information that was provided to the community. There was newspaper coverage of the process and events. Articles were posted on the school website. It was mentioned in teacher newsletters. Fliers were available in the school office or from me personally. I took for granted that people were knowledgeable about what was going on. I learned a valuable lesson from the aftermath of those assumptions. Communication is key. This is true of every situation in life, I suppose. I hope that I will better apply this tool in the future!