Minnesota Plant PressThe Minnesota Native Plant Society Newsletter

Volume 21 Number 2

Monthly meetingsMinnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Visitor Center, 3815 East 80th St.Bloomington, MN 55425-1600

952-854-5900

6:30 p.m. — Building east door opens6:30 p.m. — Refreshments,

information, Room A7 – 9 p.m. —Program, society business7:30 p.m. — Building door is locked9:30 p.m. — Building closes

ProgramsThe MNPS meets the first Thursday in

October, November, December, February,March, April, May and June. Check theWeb page for additional programinformation.

Feb. 7: “Fire and Plants in the BoundaryWaters Canoe Area Wilderness,” byDaren Carlson, DNR forest ecologist;Plant of the Month: Reed canary grass,by Julia Bohnen of the University ofMinnesota Landscape Arboretum.

March 7: “Dwarf Mistletoe;” Plant ofthe Month: Witch Hazel, both by DonKnutson, Biological Lab Services.

April 4: “The Gypsy Moth inMinnesota,” speaker to be announced;Place of the Month: Katharine OrdwayNatural History Study Area, by JanetEbaugh.

May 2: “Gardening for Butterflies;”Plant of the Month: A butterfly host ornectaring species, both by Dean Hanson.

June 6Speaker to be announced; Plant Sale

MNPS Web sitehttp://www.stolaf.edu/depts./biology/mnps

Winter 2002

The 2002 MNPSsymposium, “Preservingand Restoring NativeWetland Flora,” will beSaturday, April 6, at theArboretum. See details onpage 5 of this issue.

Buckthorn has becomea pernicious invaderBy Janet R. Larson, Consulting Arborist and Master Gardener(Part 1)

About 150 years ago, a new immigrant was welcomed to NorthAmerica by a few well-meaning people. This immigrant was seen asan attractive, problem-free addition to our nation that would enhanceand beautify our gardens and landscape. But, over the decades, thisimmigrant would come to be seen as a pernicious invader and a threatto our natural ecosystems. The welcome immigrant-turned-invaderis buckthorn.

After the primary loss of native plant habitat to development andagriculture, our native plants of the forest under-story are declining inmany areas. Throughout Minnesota and 26 other states, commonbuckthorn has been quietly invading. The under-story species of ourremnant woodlands and savannas, parks and woodlots, wetlands andfencerows, are not secure from this very successful competitor.

Buckthorn is an aggressive invasive species that has escaped fromcultivation and has been thriving unchecked for decades. Buckthornhas insidiously reached a critical mass and now occupies the under-story of valuable woodlands all across Minnesota, especially nearurban areas. Our native species — both woody and herbaceous —have all but disappeared from the lower canopies of the most severelyinfested areas. This is a problem.

The buckthorn conference: “The Buck Stops Here!” was held October3, 2001, at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum inChanhassen. It was the first of its kind in Minnesota and was verywell attended. Approximately 150 people learned about not one, buttwo species of buckthorn invaders: Common buckthorn (Rhamnuscathartica) and glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus — formerly

Rhamnus frangula), includingTallhedge, Columnar, and Fernleafcultivars. Information onbuckthorn’s, biology, history, range,and control was covered. Casestudies were described for projectsinitiated by the city of Minneapolis,neighborhood groups, volunteercoordinators, and property owners.

Continued on page 4

MNPS Board ofDirectors

President: Joel Dunnette, 4526Co. Rd. 3 S.W., Byron, MN 55920;507-284-3914 (W); 507-365-8091(H); dunnette.joel@mayo.edu

Vice-President: Harriet Mason,905 5th St., St. Peter, MN 56082-1417; 507-931-3253; cmason@gac.edu

Secretary: Deborah Strohmeyer,Education and Outreach Chair, 7900Wyoming Ave. S., Bloomington, MN55438; 952-943-9743;debstrohmeyer@yahoo.com

Meredith Cornett, ConservationCommittee Co-Chair, 1520 N. 9thAve. E., Duluth, MN 55805; 218-728-6258; mwc@duluth.com

Linda Huhn, 2553 Dupont Ave.S., Minneapolis, MN 55405; 612-374-1435

Minnesota Native Plant Society’s purpose(Abbreviated from the bylaws)This organization is exclusively organized and operated for educationaland scientific purposes, including the following:

1. Conservation of all native plants.2. Continuing education of all members in the plant sciences.3. Education of the public regarding environmental protection of plantlife.4. Encouragement of research and publications on plants native toMinnesota.5. Study of legislation on Minnesota flora, vegetation and ecosystems.6. Preservation of special plants, plant communities and scientific andnatural areas.7. Cooperation in programs concerned with the ecology of naturalresources and scenic features.8. Fellowship with all persons interested in native plants through meetings,lectures, workshops and field trips.

The MinnesotaNative Plant Society

The Minnesota Native PlantSociety is a tax-exempt 501 (c)(3)organization as determined by theU.S. Internal Revenue Service.

Dues for regular members are $12per year; students and seniors, $8;families, $15; institutions, $20;donors, $25. All dues include anewsletter subscription. Four issuesare published each year. Makechecks out to: Minnesota NativePlant Society. Mail them to:Minnesota Native Plant Society, 220Biological Sciences Center, 1445Gortner Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108.

Minnesota Plant PressThe Minnesota Plant Press is the

quarterly newsletter of the MinnesotaNative Plant Society. Articles arewelcomed. Write the editor, GerryDrewry, at 24090 Northfield Blvd.,Hampton, MN 55031. Her phone is651-463-8006; fax, 651-463-7086;e-mail: gdrewry@infi.net.

Jason Husveth, 1284 N. Avon St.,St. Paul, MN 55117; 651-488-2692;j.husveth@att.net

Janet Larson, 7811 W. 87th St.,Bloomington, MN 55438; 952-941-6876; janetlars@pclink.com

Esther McLaughlin, BiologyDept., Augsburg College,Minneapolis, MN 55454; 612-330-1074; mclaugh@augsburg.edu

Ethan Perry, ConservationCommittee Co-Chair, 1520 N. 9thAve. E., Duluth, MN 55805; 218-728-6258; etperry@hotmail.com

Tr easurer: David Johnson, 6437Baker Ave. N.E., Fridley, MN 55432; 763-571-6278;david.johnson@usfamily.net

Listserve Coordinator: CharlesUmbanhowar, ceumb@stolaf.edu

Editor: Gerry Drewry, 651-463-8006; gdrewry@infi.net

Tell us about yourconservation issues

Do you know of a conservationissue affecting native plants inMinnesota that deserves moreattention? Other members wouldlike to know more about it. Some ofus may get involved or write lettersto the appropriate governmentofficials or the press, informing themof our views. But we can’t act unlesswe know what’s going on out therein the rest of the state.

Let Ethan Perry know about anyrelevant issues (see contactinformation on this page), and theywill be posted on the ConservationCommittee page of the MNPS Website (www.stolaf.edu/depts/biology/mnps/cc.html). You can visit the siteanytime to see what other membershave posted and how you can helpour native plants.

Joint shrub order offeredDeborah Strohmeyer will be

ordering shrubs from the OutbackNursery this spring and have themdelivered to her house. You maydovetail into her order. You wouldbe responsible for the full price ofyour order and for picking them upfrom her house. Call Deb at 952-943-9743.

Educating thepublic aboutnative plantsby Joel Dunnette, MNPS President

One of the stated purposes ofMNPS is to educate the public aboutnative plants. And boy, the publicdoes need education! I find that mostfolks have little understanding aboutplants, much less native ones. Whenpeople hear that I burn my prairie,most ask how I seed it for the comingyear — they don’t know aboutherbaceous perennials — eventhough that is what they have in theirown lawns. With so littleunderstanding, it is easy to see whythere is little public demand forconserving native plants.

So what does the public need tolearn about native plants? And whatis our role in teaching them? Keepin mind that most folks know verylittle; not much beyond that you mowlawns, trees grow for a long time, andfarmers and gardeners grow cropsand flowers and vegetables that youplant from seed each year.

When I talk to groups about prairie,most are surprised to hear and see thediversity and beauty of native prairie.They don’t realize the number ofdifferent plants, the variation withhabitat conditions, and the widevariety of ways of living that plantshave.

The public’s knowledge of nativeplants is much like a kindergartner’sknowledge of higher math. We don’tneed to show them the beauty oftrigonometry or calculus — they arejust learning to count! So where dowe start?

I feel that starting with the simpleconcept of native (or at least nativepre-settlement) natural communitiesis one simple yet powerful concept.If a person understands this, andcomes to value their continuing

existence, then they can be motivatedto take supportive actions. Theiractions may be simple and not verywell informed, but like a childlearning that 5 is bigger than 2, it is astep on a learning path.

Seeing the tremendous diversity ofa native plant community is anothergood starting point. Knowing thedetails of plant families is not neededto gain a sense of wonder andappreciation.

Seeing some real examples andhaving experiences is a mode that ismore powerful than words or images.Personal experience is often the bestteacher.

There are many people who in theirhearts favor conservation. But theymay lack the courage to stand alonein support of the natives. Sharingyour convictions can bring supportfrom surprising sources.

Helping people see and take theseand similar steps is well within theability of every MNPS member. Iwill do my part. How about you?

‘Think Native’ program tofocus on Bloomington gardensby Deborah Strohmeyer

We are pleased with the first year’s results of the Think Native program.In brief, the intent of this program is to encourage the awareness and use ofnative plants. We assist homeowners with creating native plant gardens. Aportion of those who participate may also receive a “grant” of native plants.

Think Native has a decentralized structure where project administratorstake responsibility for overseeing a defined area. This program also has adesignated fund (meaning administrative costs are borne by MNPS) for

purchasing plants.

In 2001 we began a pilot programwhich Dave Crawford administeredin the White Bear Lake area. Wefound the most difficult part of theprogram was getting the word out sothat people would apply. We hadroughly 10 applications and wereable to award six grants of plants,each worth $200. Congratulations toPeter and Diane Gits, RobinVillwock, Carole Buchanan, EvaShipley, Deb Gardner, and PatDahlman.

Partly because of the unusually hotweather, the gardens were planted inthe fall. Dave took “before” picturesand will be taking “after” picturesthis next year.

In 2002, we will target the city ofBloomington, and Janet Larson willbe our program administrator.Deborah will be putting programdetails and applications on the MNPSwebsite. We encourage MNPSmembers to apply. Please spread theword we are now acceptingapplications.

Remember also that donations tothis program are 100 percent taxdeductible. We welcome feedbackfrom any member. Further detailsmay be obtained by contactingDeborah Strohmeyer.

Plymouth ExpoThe City of Plymouth Yard and

Garden Expo will be held Saturday,April 6, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. atPlymouth Creek Center. Forinformation, call Kris Hageman at763-509-5506.

Following are some conferencehighlights.

Common buckthorn, also calledEuropean buckthorn, grows inupland woods, parks, fencerows,yards, gardens, and waste places. Itwas first imported from Europe in the1800s and was used primarily inhedge plantings, but it’s been usedin shelterbelts and wildlife plantings,too. The plants shear nicely, whichcan reduce flowering and fruiting.The species became a problem whenhomeowners quit shearing. Shrubsthat have been allowed to grownaturally become small trees.Female plants produce vastquantities of black fruit that aretransported through bird droppings.The result is what we now see in thewoods and neighborhoods of 68 ofMinnesota’s 87 counties.

Glossy buckthorn and its cultivarshave been used as upland landscapeshrubs; they thrive primarily in moistand wet soils. This species has spreadthrough wetland areas and adjacentwoods wherever there is a nearbyseed source. In heavily infestedareas, both common and glossybuckthorn will grow together inupland and lowland habitats. Weobserved this along the Bog BoardWalk and the Green HeronArboretum trails. Eighty years ago,Minneapolis school teacher andbotanist Eloise Butler wrote aboutthe invasiveness of glossy buckthornin her wildflower preserve.

Banned from nursery trade2001 was the first year that glossy

buckthorn and its cultivars could nolonger be sold in Minnesota. TheMinnesota Department ofAgriculture placed commonbuckthorn on the “RestrictedNoxious Weed List” in 1999 andincluded glossy buckthorn effectiveJan. 1, 2001. Common buckthornhasn’t been sold since the 1930s,when research proved it was thealternate host of oat crown rust.However, birds continue to spread it

through their droppings. On theother hand, glossy buckthorn hasbeen sold in numbers as high as60,000 per year from wholesalers inMinnesota and Wisconsin for the last30 years.

Why it is so successful• No predators eat the twigs or

seedlings;• Longer growing season than our

natives, up to 58 days longer;• Fibrous root system with

mycorrhizal benefits;• Grows in many habitats due to

its tolerance of a wide range of soiland light conditions;

• Rapid growth rate;• Vigorous re-sprouting after being

cut, up to 6 feet in one season;• Copious fruit and seed producer;• Glossy buckthorn produces

flowers and fruit from June throughSeptember on good sites (4 months!);

• Seeds are spread by birds;• Seeds remains viable up to six

years in the soil;• High seed germination rate.

Why buckthorn is bad• It out-competes our native plants

for light, moisture, and nutrients;allelopathic chemicals are said to bein the fruit and leaves, inhibitinggermination and growth of natives.

• Its fruits are not a preferred foodsource for birds, but they are eatenwhen other foods have diminished.With native fruit-bearing plants onthe decline, there’s not much else toeat.

• Its fruits are messy and a laxativefor birds; they stain cars, decks,concrete.

• Nesting birds are more prone topredation in the lower canopy ofbuckthorns, so bird nesting successrate is lower.

• It creates a nearly impenetrablethicket, and dark under-story with noherb-layer.

• It has no fall color; leaves remaingreen until November.

• It is an alternate host for croppests: soybean aphid and crown rustfungus of oats.

• It causes a safety concern forpark users in urban woodlands,because visibility is severely

reduced. (However, some propertyowners like the privacy buckthornprovides.)

• If left uncontrolled, it will turnnative woodlands into near-monocultures

• It is expensive and time-consuming to remove once it reachesa critical mass.

• After removal of adults, a groundcover of seedlings can emerge fromthe large seed bank in the soil;therefore, a long-term commitmentis needed with eradication efforts.

• Its hard, dense wood dulls sawblades and is tiring to haul.

• Thorns on twig ends makehandling dangerous.

• The spread of the speciesthreatens the future of our woodlandsand wetlands.

One good featureBuckthorn is a beautiful golden-

orange to yellow and brown, densewood with a nice grain. Woodworkers make beautiful carvingsfrom this wood. Carvings andturnings were on display at theconference. We hope an industry willemerge that will utilize this species.

Control or reduction?Where buckthorn has not

completely infested an area, controlis a reality. Where it has created anear-monoculture throughout asizable area, reduction might be abetter reality than control. A singlestem of buckthorn cut down to theground, and not chemically treated,will re-sprout from the stump andgrow many new stems up to 6 feet ina single season.

Time to applyFor larger buckthorn control

projects, some type of chemicaltreatment is the best control method.It is important NOT to treat duringthe spring-flush growth period. Thisis a time when the plant is using itsstored energy reserves to grow, fromthe break of dormancy in late Marchuntil about June 1.

[Part 2 of this report, in the nextissue, will discuss buckthorn controlin more detail.]

Continued from page 1

Buckthorn

by Hannah Dunevitz, Regional PlantEcologist, Natural HeritageProgram, Minnesota DNR. Abstractof plant-of-the-month talk Dec. 6,2001.

At first glance, the rough-seededfameflower (Talinum rugospermum),a little eight-inch-tall plant, seems anunlikely candidate for the namefameflower. It is not particularlyspectacular or well-known. Its namederives from the curious feature ofits precise but short blooming time.Flowers are open only between 3 and

6 p.m. — and, as the saying goes,fame is fleeting. Other species of Talinum bloom at different times; theclosely related but more easterlyoccurring Talinum teretifoliumblooms between noon and 3 p.m.The reason for the specific bloomingtime of Talinum species is unknown,but it may be related to the habits ofsweat bees, which appear to be theprimary pollinators of this genus.

The rough-seeded fameflower is asucculent plant that occurs in harsh,very dry environments. It is

generally found in sand prairie andsand savanna native plantcommunities, but it also occursoccasionally on rock outcrops. FredHarris, a plant ecologist with theMinnesota DNR, found in his studiesof the physiology of Talinum that itcan survive in these environments inpart because of its specializedphotosynthetic pathways. Whenthere is sufficient moisture, it uses C3photosynthesis, in which stomata areopen and carbon dioxide can flowfreely into the plant. Under very dryconditions, however, Talinumswitches to a specialized version ofCAM photosynthesis, in whichstomata stay closed and oxygen andcarbon dioxide circulate within theplant. The succulent leaves of theplant also help by storing moisture,just as those of cacti do.

Rough-seeded fameflower is amember of the purslane family(Portulacaceae), along with betterknown species such as Gardenpurslane and Spring beauty. Theflowers of Talinum rugospermum areabout one centimeter across, havefive roseate petals, two sepals, athree-lobed style, 12 to 25 stamens,and rough, finely wrinkled seeds.They bloom in July and August,sometimes twice in any given season.Plants have short, narrow, succulentleaves and taproots.

Talinum rugospermum is a state-endangered species in Minnesota,and is rare throughout most of itsrange. It occurs only in the UnitedStates, in the Midwest, in Texas andLouisiana. In Minnesota, 24occurrences have been documented,all within 10 sites in the east-centraland southeastern parts of the state.Sand prairie and savanna habitatsinclude Kellogg-Weaver DunesScientific and Natural Area,Whitewater Wildlife ManagementArea, and Cannon River WildernessPark, Rice County. In these places,vegetation is sparse and the sand iscontinually shifting. The species alsooccurs in very small populations onbasalt and sandstone outcrops.

Rough-seeded fameflower

Drawing by Vera Ming Wong in“Minnesota Endangered Floraand Fauna,” reprinted withpermission. © 1988, State ofMinnesota, Department of NaturalResources.

Wetlands aresymposium topic

Mark your calendars now for the2002 MNPS Symposium,“Preserving and Restoring NativeWetland Flora,” to be held at theUniversity of Minnesota Arboretumin Chanhassan Saturday, April 6,from 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.Registration will open in theArboretum auditorium at 8:15 a.m.

This symposium is co-sponsoredby MNPS and the Arboretum. In themorning, there will be two excellentspeakers. Dr. Susan Galatowitsch, aprofessor of landscape ecology at theUniversity of Minnesota, willaddress restoring native wetland florawithin agricultural and urbanwetlands. Julia Bohnen, who hasworked with Dr. Galatowitsch sincethe inception of the Spring PeeperMeadow restoration project, willdiscuss the project history, process,and site-specific design solutions forrestoring a diverse native wetlandcommunity to the meadow.

Topics of afternoon workshops arehow to use taxonomic keys forbeginning wetland plantidentification; advanced wetlandplant identification; how to use theDNR’s new Lakescaping CD toselect plants for lakeshorerestorations; and guided tours ofSpring Peeper Meadow. Eachattendee may participate in twoworkshops. You may also explore theArboretum on your own.

The cost is $35 for members ofMNPS and the Arboretum and $45for non-members. The fee includesgate admission, continentalbreakfast, lunch and handouts. Non-members may join either group at thetime of registration. Members of bothorganizations will receive a brochurein a separate mailing. Register soon,as space is limited.

Potential exhibitors or co-sponsorsshould contact Shirley MahKooyman at 952-443-1516, or e-mailher at shirley@arboretum.umn.edu.

Three members nominated forpositions on society’s board

New plants areappearing in Nebraska

Several plants are expanding theirranges in Nebraska, according to BobKaul, a friend of MNPS memberTom Morley. Kaul is plotting themovements of Crepis tectorium(narrow-leaved hawk’s-beard),which is spreading southwestwardfrom Iowa into northeasternNebraska. Exotic woody plants thatare expanding fast are Rosamultiflora, Ailanthus altissima,Elaeagnus umbellate, and Loniceramaackii. Morus alba and Maclurapomifera are already at “alarminglevels.” Tree-of-heaven is formingdense thickets and invading nativeprairies in the countryside.

“Prunus serotina, originally nativehere only near the Missouri River,has spread madly westward to thecentral counties,” Kaul wrote.“Another native plant that’s spreadfrom riverside counties is the dreadedhoneyvine, Cynachum leave, whichis as bad as bindweed but growsmuch larger, climbing 30 feet into thetrees. It’s strangling soybeans andcorn in the fields, and here in Lincolnit drapes shrubs and fences.”

Members will fill three boardpositions at the March meeting.Biographies of those nominated atthis time follow.

Don KnutsonDon Knutson is a former board

member and past president of theMinnesota Native Plant Society. Hisprofessional work at Biological LabServices concerns mold fungi. Heperforms mold-fungi analysis inbuildings and tests manufacturedproducts for susceptibility to fungaldegradation.

Don is working on the naturalhistory of black spruce dwarfmistletoe, with emphasis on seedlinginoculations: “The idea is to have a‘forest’ of infected spruce seedlingsin pots so as to be able to study tree-mistletoe interactions as a functionof host nutrition, day length andtemperature and so on,” he wrote.“Are mycorrhizal associates thesame on infected and uninfectedblack spruce? Are sex ratios alteredby environmental influences? Likemost native plants, we know so littleabout this one that studies neednecessarily to be concerned withbasic biological information.” Donwill speak about this project at theMarch 7 MNPS meeting.

Jason HusvethJason Husveth has been a member

of the Minnesota Native PlantSociety since 1998 and a boardmember since the summer of 2001.He is responsible for organizingfield trips for 2001-2002. He led afield trip to the Anoka Sand Plainand a winter botany workshop at theWildlife Refuge in 2001. Jasonassisted with producing andillustrating the 2001 MNPSsymposium brochure, and has a moreactive role in planning this year’ssymposium. He has spoken atseveral meetings.

Jason moved to Minnesota in 1995to pursue his master’s degree at theUniversity of Minnesota. His thesis

focused on land use and watershedurbanization impacts to Minnesota’snative wetland flora and fauna. Heholds a bachelor ’s degree inEnvironmental Planning and Design/Landscape Architecture fromRutgers University. He is self-employed as a landscape ecologistand botanist. As a board member,he is most interested in providingnumerous opportunities for membersto experience Minnesota’s nativeflora in the field and to provideaccess for members to learn about themany native plant-related resources.

Douglas MensingDouglas Mensing is a senior

ecologist and manager of the TwinCities office of Applied EcologicalServices, Inc. He has 10 years offield and research experience inecological, biological, andenvironmental sciences.

Doug is a Professional WetlandScientist (PWS) certified by theSociety for Wetland Scientists and avolunteer supervisor for Great RiverGreening restoration events. Hereceived a bachelor’s degree inEnvironmental Science fromValparaiso University, Valparaiso,Ind., and a master ’s degree inConservation Biology from theUniversity of Minnesota. AtMinnesota, his graduate researchassistantship under Dr. SusanGalatowitsch focused on assessingwetland quality using ecologicalindicators. His independent researchinvolved investigating the effects ofhuman activities on the biodiversityof riparian wetlands and on spatio-temporal changes in wetlandvegetation community patterns.

“I would be honored to representthis organization as a Board memberin order to further theaccomplishments of the Society,”Doug wrote. “In particular, I wouldlike to increase field tripopportunities and increase theMNPS’s exposure through moreoutreach and educational activities.”

Conferences scheduledMedicinal, aromatic plants

The PCA’s Medicinal PlantWorking Group will hold its firstsymposium, “Industrial Leadershipfor the Preservation of Medicinal andAromatic Plants,” Feb. 26 and 27 inPhiladelphia, Penn. Information isavailable on the Web at:www.p lan tconserva t ion .o rg /mpwgconference.

Michigan wildflowersThe 15th annual Michigan

Wildflower Conference will beMarch 3 and 4 at Michigan StateUniversity, East Lansing, Mich.Information is available atwww.wildflowersmich.org.

Ephemeral wetlandsThe EPA Region 5 MidwestEphemeral Wetlands Conferencewill be in Chicago Feb. 20 and 21.Information is at www.epa.gov/R5water/ephemeralwetlands

Plant Loreby Thor KommedahlWhat is Labrador tea?

Labrador tea is Ledumgroenlandicum in the heath family.Recent DNA studies may lead to itsbeing renamed a species ofRhododendron.

Why is it called by this name?Ledum is an old Greek name for

rockrose (Cistus) which produces asimilar fragrance. Tea is brewed fromdried leaves by the native peoples ofLabrador and elsewhere. Thoreau in1858 noted that “it has a ratheragreeable fragrance, betweenturpentine and strawberries.”

What kind of a plant is it?It is a low northern shrub (1-3 feet)

with leathery, evergreen leaves thathave rolled edges and white or rustyhairs underneath. Twigs are alsohairy. Small white flowers are seenin clusters in May-June or later.Leaves are fragrant when crushed.

Where is it found?It grows in sphagnum bogs and

other wet habitats usually in woodsin Northeastern Minnesota (north ofthe tension zone) and elsewhere insubarctic Canada and in Greenland.

Is it edible, toxic, or medicinal?Its use as food is limited to tea. Tea

from leaves are rich in vitamin C. Atoxic substance known as “ledol”occurs in European species but hasnot been reported for NorthAmerican species. American Indiansused the plant as a tonic, and to treatcolds, arthritis, and headaches.

Are there other uses?Leaves have been used to repel

moths in clothes, and put in grain torepel mice. Decoctions kill lice andother insects, but plants are browsedby caribou and moose.

Fighting Urban Sprawl(Notes from MNPS talk Oct. 4, 2001 by Lee Ronning, President and CEOof 1000 Friends of Minnesota)

Minnesota is losing approximately 12,000 acres of farmland every yearto urbanization. Nationwide, the loss is 1.5 to 2 million acres per year. Thisloss is especially ominous because urban-influenced counties produce 87percent of our nation’s fruit, 86 percent of our vegetables, 79 percent of ourmilk, 47 percent of our grain and 45 percent of our nation’s meat products.Because of this urban sprawl, the U.S. will cease exporting food by 2025,according to David Pimentel of Cornell University. All of our food productswill be needed to feed our own population.

Suburban sprawl in Minnesota is increasing faster than our population isgrowing. From 1992 to 1997, average annual population growth in theseven-county metro area was 1.4 percent; average annual increase in acresof land converted to urban uses was 5.3 percent. Statewide figures are similar.

1000 Friends of Minnesota is leading the Smart Growth campaign. Thisorganization is seeking to bring together a network of diverse groups to stopurban sprawl and create smart regional patterns of development in the TwinCities and throughout the state. “Smart Growth” accepts the fact that growthis happening, and attempts to find a balance between growth and othercommunity values, such as environmental preservation and social equity.Smart Growth is collaborative in nature, and includes business partnerships.

Smart Growth tools available for protecting natural resources andagricultural lands include comprehensive planning, conservation zoningtechniques, Right-to-Farm ordinances, tax incentives, agricultural economicdevelopment and farm transfer planning . Three incentive-based toolsthat are relatively new in Minnesota are conservation easements, purchaseddevelopment rights and transfer of development credits.

Conservation easements are voluntary agreements that permanently restrictfuture development while retaining other property rights. The land remainsin private ownership and on the tax roles; no public access is required. Theeasements are held by a land trust or government agency to ensure long-term monitoring and protection. Purchased development rights are oftenestablished by units of government to provide a mechanism to pay forconservation easements. This incentive-based tool helps keep the agriculturaleconomy viable. The land remains in private ownership and on the taxroles. The Minnesota Legislature recently passed enabling legislation.

Transfer of development credits simultaneously protects open space whileallowing more compact development in areas best suited for it. Developmentcredits are purchased from “sending areas” and applied to “receiving areas,”where greater density is allowed. The price is set by private markets.

In addition to its work with Smart Growth, 1000 Friends is working withthe Green Corridor project in Chisago and Washington counties, theFarmland and Natural Areas project in Dakota County, the Department ofAgriculture and the Department of Natural Resources.

Winter 2002 Issue

Minnesota Native Plant SocietyUniversity of Minnesota220 Biological Sciences CenterSt. Paul, MN 55108

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDMinneapolis, MNPermit No. 2233