1. Minnesota Plant Press
The Minnesota Native Plant Society Newsletter
Volume 24 Number 3 Spring 2005
Monthly meetings
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Explore natural areas
Visitor Center, 3815 American Blvd. East
Bloomington, MN 55425-1600
952-854-5900
during five field trips
MNPS members will lead five field trips to natural areas this spring
6:30 p.m. — Building east door opens and summer. They are to the Falls Creek Scientific and Natural Area,
6:30 p.m. — Refreshments, Beaver Creek Wildlife Management Area, Hayden Prairie (Iowa) State
information, Room A
7 – 9 p.m — Program, society business Preserve, Grey Cloud Dunes SNA, Boot Lake SNA, Helen Allison
7:30 p.m. — Building door is locked Savanna SNA and Cedar Creek Bog.
9:00 p.m. — Building closes Participation may be limited, so early registration is encouraged.
Programs Site directions and other information will be provided to registrants.
Details and updates for upcoming field trips are available on the
The MNPS meets the first Thursday in
Society’s Web site, www.mnnps.org
October, November, December, February,
March, April, May, and June. Check the Sunday, May 15 — Falls Creek SNA Spring Wildflowers
Web site for more program information. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Arrive by 9:45 a.m.
Northern Washington County, Minnesota
May 5: Native Grass Identification
Led by Barb Delaney, professional botanist
Workshop, by Anita Cholewa, Ph.D,
Contact: Doug Mensing, fieldtrips@mnnps.org or 612-202-2252
curator of temperate plants, J.F. Bell
Museum of Natural History. Plant-of-the This trip was planned as a follow-up to a wonderful winter foray.
Month: Bottle Grass (Elymus hystrix), Please join us in exploring a truly unique plant community — virgin
presented by Erin Hynes, President of the white pine forest on the ravines of the St. Croix River. We will see
Ornamental Grass Society of Minnesota abundant spring wildflowers, such as trilliums, rue anemone, bellwort,
and author of Cold Climate Ornamental and some rare species, such as kittentails.
Grasses. Saturday, May 21 — Spring Flora at Beaver Creek WMA and
June 2: “Forests, Logging and Plants: Hayden Prairie State Preserve
How forest management and natural 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (12:30 p.m. lunch at Hayden Prairie)
history interact to affect northern forest Fillmore County, southeast Minnesota and Howard County, Iowa.
understory plant communities,” by Daniel Led by Mark Leoschke, Iowa
R. Dejoode, senior natural resources DNR state botanist, and Paul
specialist for Peterson Environmental Bockenstedt, Bonestroo natural
resources plant ecologist
In this issue
Consulting, Inc. Annual Plant Sale, open
Contact: Paul Bockenstedt, MNPS plant sale...................2
to the public.
651-604-4812, or Evelyn Moyle honored......... 2
New MNPS Web site pbockenstedt@bonestroo.com Board changes...................... 3
www.mnnps.org Bioblitz................................. 3
e-mail: contact@mnnps.org Join members of the Minnesota
Native Plant Society, Iowa Reed canary grass studies.....5
MNPS Listserve Native Plant Society and Iowa Review of Steiner book........ 6
Send a message that includes the word Prairie Network for a day afield Volunteer opportunities........ 6
“subscribe” or “unsubscribe” and your on the Iowan Surface as we Toothwort (Plant Lore)........ 7
name in the body of the message to:
mn-natpl-request@stolaf.edu Continued on page 4 Think Native Grants............ 7
2. Plant sale to be Evelyn Moyle MNPS Board of
after June 2 meeting named honorary Directors
The annual MNPS native plant sale member of MNPS President: Jason Husveth,
will be June 2, following the meeting. Critical Connections Ecological
by Esther McLaughlin Services Inc., 14758 Ostlund Trail
Plants will again be arranged on the Last year Evelyn W. Moyle was N., Marine on St. Croix, MN; 651-
low walls in front of the Visitor given a well-deserved honorary 247-0474; jhusveth@ccesinc.com
Center. Members are asked to start membership in the Minnesota Native
bringing native plants they have Plant Society as one of the state’s Vice-President: Scott Milburn,
raised from seed or grown in their longest standing experts on and 744 James Ave., St. Paul, MN 55102;
gardens at 6 p.m. Plants must be protectors of our native plants. 651-261-4381;
individually potted and labeled. smilburn@ccesinc.com
She and her late husband, John B. Secretary: Karen Schik, 13860
No out-of-state plants can be Moyle, co-authored the well-known
accepted unless they have been 236th St. N., Scandia, MN 55073;
guide, Northland Wild Flowers: A 651-433-5254 (h), 651-222-2193
certified by the Department of Guide for the Minnesota Region. It (w); kschik@fmr.org
Agriculture of the state in which they was first published in 1977 and has
were grown. Minnesota has been reprinted, most recently in Treasurer: David Johnson, 6437
reciprocity with all other state 1984. Baker Ave. N.E., Fridley, MN 55432;
departments of agriculture, so they 763-571-6278;
John was a biologist and research treasurer@mnnps.org
will let in plants from other states if
supervisor at the Minnesota Ken Arndt, 2577 Co. Rd. F, White
they were certified there.
Department of Natural Resources. Bear Twp., MN 55110; 651-426-
A few volunteers are needed to help Evelyn, a wildflower enthusiast, 8174; karndt@pioneereng.com
accept and arrange the plants. When photographer and gardener, took
the sale begins, these volunteers may most of the photographs in the first Ron Huber, 2521 Jones Place W.,
select their plants first; members edition of the book. Bloomington, MN 55431-2837; 952-
who brought plants may choose next. 886-0783; huber033@umn.edu
The Moyles were charter members Daniel Jones, 208 Linden St. S.,
Other members and visitors will
of our Society and were present at Northfield, MN 55057-1723;
follow.
its founding. Evelyn has long been 507-664-9663;
Dave Crawford and Gerry Drewry devoted to the principles on which dwjonesecoserv@earthlink.net
are chairs of the sale. To volunteer, the MNPS was founded and is
contact Gerry Drewry at 651-463- greatly deserving of honorary Shirley Mah Kooyman, 4520
8006, or gdrewry@infionline.net membership. Terraceview Lane N., Plymouth, MN
55446; 952-443-1419 (w), 763-559-
3114 (h);
Minnesota Native Plant Society’s purpose shirley@arboretum.umn.edu
(Abbreviated from the bylaws) Douglas Mensing, 5814 Grand
This organization is exclusively organized and operated for educational Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55419;
and scientific purposes, including the following: 612-926-8637 (H);
dougm@appliedeco.com
1. Conservation of all native plants.
2. Continuing education of all members in the plant sciences. Program Chair: Linda Huhn,
3. Education of the public regarding environmental protection of plant 2553 Dupont Ave. S., Minneapolis,
life. MN 55405; 612-374-1435
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: contact@mnnps.org
2
3. Changing enthusiasm, readiness, and
competence serving on the board.
Volunteers are
Faces on Dianne Plunkett Latham served needed June 10,
nearly two years on the board,
MNPS board stepping down recently to pursue her 11 for BioBlitz
by Karen Schik many other interests, including Minnesota’s second annual
While many of our members may travel. But Dianne made up for her BioBlitz will be from 5 p.m. to 5 p.m.
not be aware of the “inner workings” shortened term by her engagement in Friday and Saturday, June 10 and 11,
the board and her many
of the Society, a lot goes on behind at the Minnesota Valley National
contributions, which included
the scenes. There are nine board Wildlife Refuge. MNPS members
coordination of the Think Native
members, who spend a considerable Program, chairing the Conservation are invited to assist. The BioBlitz is
amount of time on the organization Committee, staffing the booth and a festival, a contest, an educational
and functions of the Society, plus giving presentations at numerous event for the public, and a scientific
quite a few members who also events. Perhaps her more core endeavor. While scientists from
volunteer tremendous amounts of contributions to the society, however, around the state are conducting an
time and talent. I want to recognize were the ways that she helped to steer intense biological survey, walks and
our departing board members and say some of the board policies and demonstrations will be held at the
a huge “Thank You” to each of them operations. She repeatedly brought
for their many contributions. MVNWR Visitor Center.
her expertise as an attorney and her
David Johnson served on the board experience serving on other boards The scientific goal of a BioBlitz is
to help guide our board. Her to count as many species of plants
as treasurer and membership
knowledge, thoughtfulness, and and animals as possible during a 24-
database manager this past year, but
enthusiasm will be greatly missed. hour biological survey of a natural
his contributions far exceed one year.
He has been providing his services On the flip side of these good-byes, area. More than 750 species were
as treasurer and data manager for the board is very pleased to welcome recorded during the first Minnesota
almost seven years. We hardly three new members: Daniel Jones,
BioBlitz, which was held in 2004 at
noticed what he did because he ecologist at Barr Engineering (who
has already stepped in to fill Dianne’s Tamarack Nature Center in Ramsey
quietly went about doing it so well County.
term), Mary Brown, a long-time
that it just seemed to happen on its
member and native plant enthusiast, Volunteers are needed to assist in
own. In fact, he updated both the and Sandy McCartney, St. Louis Park
financial and membership databases surveys and to help lead walks for
tree inspector (who will both start
to more useful programs, and has their terms in June 2005). Each the general public. Survey subjects
monitored all that information all brings talents and experiences thatinclude reptiles, amphibians, birds,
these years. David produced the mammals, fish, butterflies, moths,
will help the Society to keep growing
membership directories and all the strong. beetles, ants, flies, bugs, spiders,
monthly mailing labels, including the mites, centipedes, worms, snails,
little “membership expired” grasses, sedges, trees, flowers, and
reminders. David will be sorely Treasurer’s Report mushrooms. To volunteer or for
missed more information, contact John
by David Johnson
Doug Mensing served on the board In 2004 we had $13,548.35 of Moriarty at 651-748-2500, or Dr.
for the last three years. Doug was income and $9,074.54 of expenses. Susan Weller at 612-625-6253.
the one you could count on to help We increased our assets by
out with everything, whether to speak $4,473.81, mostly because of the Additional information on the
at a conference or to help clean up 2004 symposium. BioBlitz is available at
after it. A busy dad of two young Our assets, as of Dec. 31, 2004, www.bellmuseum.org
children and a professional ecologist, were: CD, $1,063.40; Checking, For information on the Saturday
Doug somehow made the time to $11,279.51; Cash, $52.00.
morning, June 11, “Rally for the
contribute countless hours for MNPS maintains dedicated funds
countless events, organizing field in the checking account for the Refuge” run, which is sponsored by
trips, and working on the following projects: Refuge Avian the Friends of the Minnesota Valley,
symposium. There wasn’t much that Feeder Project, $776.68; Think see www.friendsofmnvalley.org/
Doug didn’t do. We will miss his Native, $641.07. rally.htm
3
4. Enthusiastic Field trips
Continued from page 1
group enjoys explore the prairie, wet meadow, and low oak savannas of Beaver Creek
WMA in Fillmore County, and then drive six miles to Iowa to spend an
winter field trip afternoon on the internationally renowned Hayden Prairie. See Beaver Creek
by Ken Arndt WMA and Hayden Prairie in full spring regalia.
On Saturday, March 12, MNPS Tuesday, June 7 — Grey Cloud Dunes SNA Prairie Hike
Board Members Ken Arndt and Scott 6 to 8 p.m., Cottage Grove, southern Washington County, Minnesota
Milburn led over 25 enthusiastic Led by Karen Schik, Friends of the Mississippi River restoration
winter botanists to Falls Creek ecologist and MNPS board member
Scientific and Natural Area to learn Contact: Doug Mensing, dougm@appliedeco.com or 612-202-2252
winter woody plant identification. Join members of the Minnesota Native Plant Society for a hike through
What started as a slightly chilly one of the metro area’s natural gems — the dry prairies of Grey Cloud
morning turned into a beautiful Dunes SNA. Participants will explore this beautiful remnant native prairie
winter day in northern Washington and learn about restoration efforts underway. This SNA was “adopted” by
County. the MNPS in 2004, and the Society has intermittent events at the site.
The group started out in the Saturday, July 9 — Bogs and Fens Field Trip
northern part of the SNA, where we 9 a.m. to 2 p.m, East Bethel, Anoka County, Minnesota
learned about the forest restoration Boot Lake SNA and other nearby bogs and fens
that is taking place. From there we Led by Jason Husveth, MNPS president, botanist
Contact: Jason Husveth at president@mnnps.org or 651-433-4410.
hiked down the first of two forested
ravines, identifying trees and shrubs Boot Lake SNA contains a continuum of plant community types including
along the way. At a lower terrace oak forest, aspen-shrub thickets, and prominent old white pine stands; the
along this first hike, we came across wetland contains wooded bog, wet meadows, floating mats, emergent aquatic
an area where we observed several plants, duckweed, and algal communities. Rare plant species (water willow,
large white pines that were over 26 sea-beach needle grass, and long-bearded hawkweed) are present, along
inches in trunk diameter. Having with occasional sandhill cranes and Blanding’s turtles. Red-shouldered
hawks, pine warblers, Louisiana waterthrush and other bird species nest on
obtained a special permit from the
the site. Woodland wildflowers make a late spring visit memorable. A long-
director of the SNA program, we
term research project is studying the effects of deer in forest succession.
were allowed to take increment
borings of a few of these trees to Sunday, Sept. 18 — Helen Allison Savanna SNA, Cedar Creek Bog
determine their ages. 2 to 5 p.m., Bethel, Anoka County, Minnesota
Led by Hannah Texler, Minnesota DNR regional plant ecologist
The second part of the morning, we Contact: Doug Mensing, fieldtrips@mnnps.org or 612-202-2252.
hiked, slipped and slid down the
Helen Allison Savanna SNA is a prairie and oak savanna. It was named
steep ravine in the southern part of
for Helen Allison Irvine, “Minnesota’s grass lady,” who wrote a text on the
the SNA. A high diversity of plants 180 grasses of Minnesota. This SNA lies within the Anoka sand plain,
occurs where one of the creeks flows providing an excellent example of sand dune plant succession, with blowouts
past. Trees such as butternut, and dunes in various stages of stabilization by pioneer species. Community
bitternut hickory, yellow and paper types found on the site include oak sand savanna, dry prairie with bur oak
birch, blue beech, sugar and red and pin oak, thickets of willow and aspen, and sedge marshes in scattered
maple, pagoda dogwood, red and bur depressions. Trees and shrubs include pin oak, bur oak, American hazelnut,
oak, black cherry, and red and white chokecherry, willow, and quaking aspen. Other savanna species include
pine were encountered along the way lead plant, smooth sumac, slender willow, steeplebush, aster, and goldenrod.
to the east property line. It was here Look on the dunes for pioneer sand plants such as sea-beach, needle grass
where we came across several and hairy panic grass. Sedge meadows contain tussocks of Hayden’s sedge,
populations of downy rattlesnake along with marsh fern and blue-joint grass. Other rare species include long-
plantain orchid (Goodyera bearded hawkweed, rhombic-petaled evening primrose, and tall nut-rush.
pubescens). By the time we made it A side trip will take participants on a short boardwalk through the nearby
back up the ravine to the parking Cedar Creek Bog, which is located at the University of Minnesota Cedar
area, many of us had shed the Creek Research Center. This is one of the most interesting bogs in the
multiple layers of clothing we started Anoka sand plain. Common plant species include leatherleaf, cottongrass,
out the day with. three-way sedge, and bog cranberry.
4
5. Reed canary grass treatments studied
by Craig A. Annen, ecologist, grass often recolonizes treated areas Can we enhance herbicide
Michler & Brown, LLC. This is a from its seed bank and rhizomes effectiveness?
summary of his Dec. 17, 2004, when treatments are discontinued. I am currently investigating
presentation to the Army Corps of As a consequence, maintaining whether short-circuiting apical
Engineers. suppression of growth and seed dominance will enhance the
Can reed canary grass be production requires multiple-year effectiveness of herbicide treatments.
selectively controlled? herbicide applications. Tillage and plant growth regulator
Reed canary grass abatement and (PGR) applications are known to
Why are multiple-year herbicide reduce the effects of apical
subsequent native species restoration applications necessary to control
are challenging tasks, for many dominance and promote lateral
reed canary grass? growth in perennial grass rhizomes.
reasons. One reason is a lack of My next objective was to look at
treatments that selectively target reed Tillage overcomes apical dominance
reasons why reed canary grass is able by decapitating rhizomes and
canary grass with minimal collateral
to quickly recolonize treated areas. breaking them into isolated
damage to non-target species. This
One reason may have to do with fragments. PGRs mimic plant
is usually not a problem during the
early stages of restoration when reed rhizome apical dominance. Apical hormones, and “trick” the plant’s
canary grass is dominant, but can dominance is the promotion of apical molecular signal system into
become a problem as the restoration growth with corresponding inhibition promoting lateral growth. Once
progresses and native species begin of lateral growth, and is caused by dormant lateral buds become active,
to return from the seed bank or active interactions among limiting factors they are able to receive
planting. and plant hormones. Apical carbohydrates (and herbicides) from
dominance results in both actively the rhizome assimilate stream.
I have been exploring selective growing and dormant rhizome buds
control options for use in transitional in perennial grass stands. I want to find out if either tillage
areas where reed canary grass is or PGR pretreatments followed by
present, but not the dominant species. When herbicides are applied to herbicide application will suppress
I began by conducting a feasibility reed canary grass top growth, they reed canary grass to a greater extent
study to determine if Vantage ™ move throughout the plant along with than herbicide application alone. In
(sethoxydim), a grass-specific carbohydrates. Studies with the first field season, PGR
herbicide, would reduce seed radioactively labeled herbicides pretreatments failed to improve reed
production and above-ground show that both glyphosate and canary grass suppression, while
biomass of reed canary grass without sethoxydim translocate to and coupling tillage (June 2) to
harming native species. sethoxydim application (June 23)
accumulate within the apical portions
reduced reed canary grass stem
Early summer (May 29) of rhizomes because the apex has density 35 percent greater than
sethoxydim application reduced seed greater sink strength for carbohydrate herbicide application alone, and
head production 98 percent and total when apical dominance is in place. improved native species richness and
seasonal above-ground biomass As a result, lateral rhizome buds are abundance.
production 56 percent. A late not affected by herbicide Craig A. Annen is a practicing
summer follow-up application (Aug. applications, and reed canarygrass is restorationist and researcher.
2) failed to improve biomass able to resprout (resurge) from these Contact him at 608-424-6997 or
suppression, possibly because the lateral buds. annen00@aol.com, or write to 228
litter that resulted from the initial Rhizome apical dominance is well South Park Street, Belleville, WI
application intercepted spray during documented in the scientific 53508.
the subsequent application. literature, and rhizome bud Thicket! - A Voice for
Sethoxydim application had no dormancy has been reported in reed Integrated Weed Management
effect on native species abundance, canary grass stands. The end result This newsletter is produced twice
indicating that it may possess a useful of resurgence is that multiple-year a year by the Integrated Weed
level of species selectivity. herbicide applications are necessary Management Group, which includes
Herbicidal effects on reed canary to sustain the suppressive effects of the MDA. For current and past
grass did not carry over into the chemical treatments and deplete the issues, see: www.mda.state.mn.us/
second growing season. Reed canary dormant bud bank. ipm/thicket/default.htm
5
6. Book tells how to landscape Get involved
by Karen Schik
with Minnesota native plants Have you noticed new activities at
by Karen Schik Overall, I found her plant lists for the Society? Things are happening
Lynn Steiner has filled a void with different conditions to be fairly — more field trips, a new Web site,
a comprehensive and beautifully accurate, though some designations new opportunities as land stewards
written book, Landscaping With seemed incomplete. Little bluestem, at Grey Cloud, more Society-
Native Plants of Minnesota. While for instance, is listed as a savanna associated events, like the BioBlitz
many books exist on native plant species, and not listed for mesic and the State Fair. Are you
landscaping, most are general and prairie and dry prairie, when clearly wondering how you can be a part of
apply to very large regions of the it is a significant species of dry all this fun? Scan the list below and
United States. A person interested prairies. The lists provide a good let us know what you are interested
in landscaping with Minnesota native basis, but a gardener should consult in. Contact Karen Schik
plants has had to hunt for information other reputable lists as well. Given (kschik@fmr.org or 651-433-5254)
from multiple resources. for more information or to sign up.
the strong ecological nature of the
Steiner ’s book has a strong book, a reference to the presettlement Occasional activities — Sign up; we
ecological basis, providing vegetation map created by will contact you as the need arises.
background information about Marschner would also have been • MNPS Booth. Bring the display
Minnesota biomes, and emphasizing helpful. board to one or more events.
the importance of referring to natural • State Fair. MNPS may again
Steiner has produced a beautiful
areas for gardening inspiration and participate at another organization’s
book that clearly demonstrates her
insight. Steiner defines native plants fair booth. Visit with fairgoers.
knowledge and passion for
based on The Vascular Plants of • Presentations. Organizations
Minnesota native plants. I was,
Minnesota, the accepted reference by occasionally request presentations on
however, disappointed by the
Ownbey and Morley. She describes plant-related topics. Let us know if
author’s ready acceptance of non-
the types of habitats where they grow, you have a presentation you can give.
native cultivars. While I have no
their ecological benefits and issue, per se, with the use of cultivars, Regular Needs — May be only
misconceptions about them. She also the title of the book implies once.
warns the reader about plant dedication to natives. Novices who • Field trips. Lead a field trip to your
conservation issues, such as illegally don’t understand the difference may favorite place, solicit others to lead
harvested plants and endangered have little incentive to choose natives trips, or help organize trips.
species. She strongly encourages over cultivars. Given the facts that • Submit an article to the Plant Press.
understanding and acceptance of the less than one percent of native prairie Long-term tasks — Firm
uniqueness of native plants, and (for example) is left in the state, and commitment needed.
discourages the use of insecticides that cultivars generally provide less • Database manager. Receive and
and other non-ecological practices. nectar and other wildlife benefits, I enter new or renewing members,
The layout of the book is easy to would have expected cultivars would generate mailing labels, etc. The
follow. The first half leads the reader be mentioned only as an aside. computer (laptop) and program are
from an overview of native plant Furthermore, she did not explain provided, as well as training.
communities, to evaluating a garden the importance of local genotype, nor • Annual symposium. Help plan and
site, to selecting plants and designing the fact that nursery location does not organize the 2006 symposium.
and installing a garden. Sidebars connote seed source location. This Planning will start this summer.
provide tips, including lists of deer- book far exceeds most I have seen in • Coordinate the Think Native
resistant plants, and plants for regards to plant community ecology, program, a winter activity. Solicit
butterflies, hummingbirds, and but in my opinion, it fell short of participants, go through a selection
specific conditions. An abundance of educating readers about these issues process, and follow up on results.
high quality color photographs and the uniqueness of Minnesota’s • MNPS historian. Compile the
beautifully illustrate the text. The natural heritage. The book is not the history of the society to post on the
second half of the book is devoted to “one reference” that I had hoped it Web site before the Society’s 25th
comprehensive descriptions and would be, but it is nonetheless an anniversary in 2007.
photographs for 350 species of native excellent resource and I would not • Postcard mailer: Produce and mail
flowering plants, grasses, trees, hesitate to recommend it as a meeting announcements and annual
shrubs, evergreens, ferns, and vines. supplemental resource. “We want you back” postcards.
6
7. Plant Lore 2005 Think Native Grants
by Thor Kommedahl by Dianne Plunkett Latham woodland, wetland and rain garden
What is toothwort? Five 2005 Think Native Grant seeds remaining from the seed
Toothwort is a common name for recipients have been approved by the exchange. They plan to create a
Dentaria laciniata and D. diphylla MNPS Board of Directors. If you are campus woodland garden at the edge
in the mustard family. Some near any of the winners, see how of a jack pine savannah on the top of
botanists include Dentaria in the the grants are making a difference. a hill above the Mississippi River.
genus Cardamine. Both species are Minneapolis This interpretive garden will
native to Minnesota. Anna Dvorak, on behalf of the highlight native grasses, wildflowers,
What do these names mean? McKinley Community Garden, in shrubs and trees. Wasniewski’s
Dentaria refers to the toothed partnership with the Fellowship students will create pamphlets and
rhizomes of some species, whereas Missionary Baptist Church and the place them in at the entrance to the
Cardamine comes from Dioscordes’ Camden Garden Club, accepted the Think Native Woodland Garden.
Greek name for cress. In fact, $200 grant to create a rain garden at Plymouth
toothwort is also called spring cress Cityview School, 3350 Fourth St. N., Linda Miller, on behalf of the
because it has been eaten as an Minneapolis. Students will help plant Gleason Lake Elementary School
alternate to watercress (Nasturtium and maintain the garden, which is on Outdoor Learning Center (OLC),
officinale). the border of Perkins Hill Park. accepted the grant of prairie plants
remaining from the 2005 MNPS
What does toothwort look like? Marshall
plant sale. The school is located at
Toothwort (Cardamine diphylla / Diane Gunvalson, on behalf of the 310 Co. Rd. 101 N., Plymouth. Since
Dentaria diphylla) is a perennial with Community Action Partnership in 2002, they have been removing
a creeping rootstock (rhizome). Marshall, accepted the grant of invasives and restoring prairie,
Leaves are divided into three-toothed prairie seeds remaining from last wetland and woodland habitats.
leaflets, and the flowers have four fall’s MNPS seed exchange. The Students help maintain the area;
petals, usually white or pale pink. seeds will be used for the wildflower Fortin Consulting provides
Cut-leaved toothwort (Dentaria hill in Independence Park in oversight, burning and herbicide.
laciniata) also has three leaflets per Marshall. They also received a small The PTA hired a naturalist, who takes
leaf, but the leaflets are narrower andgrant to purchase native plants from each classroom out into the OLC for
more sharply toothed; this is called Prairie Restoration, which they put instruction six times a year.
Cardamine concatenata by Gleason along a path. They hope to create Centerville
and Gronquist. Moreover, the petals informational markers. They also Lisa Gilliland, on behalf of the
are pale lavender, and the rhizomes partnered with the Biology Club and Wargo Nature Center in Centerville,
are segmented. Dr. Desy at Southwest Minnesota accepted the grant of woodland and
Where do toothworts grow? State University to collect seeds wetland plants remaining from the
Most are found in moist woods or from the native prairie at the 2005 plant sale. By implementing
river bottoms and bloom about the university. They planted the seeds sustainable native landscapes as a
time that hepatica, bloodroot, and in the university greenhouse for community resource, Wargo is
Dutchman’s breeches bloom, that is, planting on the hillside. The MNPS involved in a community-based
in early spring before shade blankets seed will be germinated in the science project with the Science
the forest floor. university greenhouse as well. Museum of Minnesota. Wargo seeks
Brainerd to demonstrate the wide variety of
Are toothworts medicinal or plants that could be used as
Theri Wasniewski, on behalf of
edible? alternatives to bluegrass lawns.
Central Lakes College, Brainerd,
Toothwort rhizomes have been Visitors will see the plants in a semi-
Minnesota accepted the grant of
used as a folk remedy for toothaches, native habitat and receive printed
and the American Indians chewed also was good medicine for the information about them. Wargo will
rhizomes for colds. A poltice was stomach. Rootstocks are peppery, have interpretative signs for a bird
made to treat headaches. Menominee and when mixed with vinegar and feeder watch area, a tallgrass prairie,
Indians piled masses of rhizomes salt are substituted for horseradish, woodland, and a butterfly garden.
under a blanket for three to four days or chopped up are used in salads. The 2005 Think Native Grant
to induce fermentation to make them Does it have economic value? Committee consisted of Dianne
sweet, then cooked them with corn. Not really. It is sometimes Plunkett Latham, chair, Dave
They said this was good to eat and cultivated in wild or rock gardens. Crawford and Linda Huhn.
7
8. Minnesota Native Plant Society
University of Minnesota
250 Biological Sciences Center
1445 Gortner Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108
Spring 2005
