1. Minnesota Plant Press
The Minnesota Native Plant Society Newsletter
Volume 22 Number 1 Fall 2002
Monthly meetings New Duluth ordinance may
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Visitor Center, 3815 East 80th St.
Bloomington, MN 55425-1600
protect native plant habitats
952-854-5900 by Meredith Cornett
6:30 p.m. — Building east door opens Monday, Sept. 9, the Duluth City Council passed an ordinance
6:30 p.m. — Refreshments, officially creating the Duluth Natural Areas Program (DNAP). The
information, Room A purpose of the program is to protect special natural features that make
7 – 9 p.m. —Program, society business
7:30 p.m. — Building door is locked significant contributions to the area’s biological diversity. Enrollment
9:30 p.m. — Building closes in the program will convey special protection for these areas.
Duluth is known nationally for its system of natural parks and open
Programs space, encompassing over 10,000 acres of forest and other natural
The MNPS meets the first Thursday in areas. City staff recently revisited the status of these areas and found
October, November, December, February, that they are technically unprotected from development and other uses
March, April, May and June. Check the
Web page for additional program that can be incompatible with healthy ecosystems.
information. Places that may be strong candidates for the program include those
Nov. 7: “Restoring native landscapes in that contain examples of significant native plant communities, rare
an urban environment,” Keith Prussing, species, important bird congregation areas, unusual geologic
Cedar Lake Park Association; Seed landforms, and special water features. Through the program, any
exchange. individual or organization can nominate city-owned lands and waters.
Private lands may also be nominated, but only with cooperation and
Dec. 5: “Dutch elm disease,” Mark approval from the landowner. DNAP is a science-based land and
Stennes; Plant of the month: Bladdernut, water conservation program. All nominations will be accompanied
by Mike Zins.
by a professionally prepared scientific analysis of what makes the
Feb. 6: “Logging influence on plant place significant.
diversity;” Plant of the month: Cardinal The development of DNAP has been a grassroots effort. The Nature
flower, both by Alaina Berger. Conservancy of Minnesota worked closely with city staff to draft
March 6: “Invasive species,” Plant of guidelines that reflect the value that local residents place on the
the month: Poison sumac, both by Peter conservation of natural areas. First announced by Mayor Gary Doty,
Djuk; Board member election. the program has broad-based public support. Groups such as the St.
Louis River Citizens Action Committee, Hawk Ridge researchers, and
April 3: To be announced. private citizens testified on the benefits of DNAP for the local
May 1: “Native Rain Gardens,” by Fred community. Not only a benefit to local biological diversity, programs
Rozumalski. like DNAP can contribute to ensuring quality of life and economic
sustainability that come from a protected system of natural areas.
June 5: Plant sale.
The DNAP Ordinance became effective Oct. 8. Nominations can
MNPS Web site now be made to the program by any individual or organization. For
http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/biology/mnps
further information, visit the City’s website: www.ci.duluth.mn.us/
.e-mail: MNPS@HotPOP.com city/planning/dnap/TMP3yfg6zliil.htm

2. Esther McLaughlin Water hyacinths are MNPS Board of
is new president found in Wisconsin Directors
A Wisconsin DNR staff member President: Esther McLaughlin,
Esther McLaughlin was elected Biology Dept., Augsburg College,
Minnesota Native Plant Society discovered a healthy population of
water hyacinths at a wastewater Minneapolis, MN 55454; 612-330-
president at the Sept. 22 board 1074; mclaugh@augsburg.edu
meeting. Linda Huhn was elected treatment plant in Price County this
vice president and will serve as summer. They may have been Vice-President: Linda Huhn,
program chair. Meredith Cornett was growing there for at least two years. 2553 Dupont Ave. S., Minneapolis,
elected secretary; David Johnson was Waterfowl use the site, which is MN 55405; 612-374-1435
difficult to access. It is suspected that
re-elected treasurer. Secretary and Conservation
the plants came in on a bird. The
Committee Co-Chair: Meredith
Fall field trip DNR removed and disposed of the
Cornett, 1520 N. 9th Ave. E.,
Jason Husveth will lead a Winter plants and will monitor the site. Duluth, MN 55805; 218-728-6258;
Botany Walk Saturday, Nov. 9 at the Classified ads mwc@duluth.com
Refuge. Check the MNPS Web site
for details. This is a new department in the Joel Dunnette, 4526 Co. Rd. 3
Minnesota Plant Press. Members SW, Byron, MN 55020; 507-365-
Seed exchange is Nov. 7 may place one ad of up to 15 words 8091; dunnette.joel@mayo.edu
Members are invited to collect in the newsletter at no cost. Include Field Trip Chair: Jason Husveth,
a telephone number. Ads must be
mature seeds of native plants, consistent with the mission of the Tetra Tech EMI, 11300 Rupp Dr.,
package them and bring them to the society. Suite 100, Burnsville, MN
meeting. Seeds should be placed in 55337;952-736-2770, ext. 22 (W);
individual envelopes, ready for Send the ad by e-mail to 651-247-0474 (C);
members to pick up. Labels should gdrewry@infi.net or mail it to Gerry j.husveth@ttemi.com
include the plant name, scientific Drewry, 24090 Northfield Blvd.,
name (if known), habitat type, the Hampton, MN, 55031. Deadlines for Don Knutson, 3355 Hiawatha
city or county where the seeds were ads to be received are Jan. 1, April 1, Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55406; 612-
gathered, and the name of the donor. July 1 and Oct. 1. We reserve the 721-6123; knuts049@tc.umn.edu
right to edit ad copy. Janet Larson, 7811 W. 87th St.,
Symposium topic is shrubs Bloomington, MN 55438; 952-941-
For sale
The 2003 symposium will be about One Gro-Lite 48" 4-shelf plant stand, 6876; janetl@supremecompanies.com
native shrubs in your landscape. $250. Dottie Lillestrand, 952-884-
Janet Larson will chair the event. Douglas Mensing, 5025 Russell
7619, or lillestrand@msn.com Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55410;
952-925-3359 (W), 612-926-8637
Minnesota Native Plant Society’s purpose (H); dougm@appliedeco.com
(Abbreviated from the bylaws) Conservation Committee Co-
This organization is exclusively organized and operated for educational Chair: Ethan Perry, , 1520 N. 9th
and scientific purposes, including the following: Ave. E., Duluth, MN 55805; 218-
728-6258; etperry@hotmail.com
1. Conservation of all native plants. Treasurer: David Johnson, 6437
2. Continuing education of all members in the plant sciences. Baker Ave. N.E., Fridley, MN
3. Education of the public regarding environmental protection of plant 55432; 763-571-6278;
life. MNPS@HotPOP.com
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.
6. Preservation of special plants, plant communities and scientific and Minnesota Plant Press editor:
natural areas. Gerry Drewry, 24090 Northfield
7. Cooperation in programs concerned with the ecology of natural Blvd., Hampton, MN 55031; phone,
resources and scenic features. 651-463-8006; fax, 651-463-7086;
8. Fellowship with all persons interested in native plants through gdrewry@infi.net
meetings, lectures, workshops and field trips. Technical or membership
inquiries: MNPS@HotPOP.com

3. Minnesota Invasive Carroll Henderson
Plant Lore Species Advisory
by Thor Kommedahl honored for Costa
What is black-eyed Susan? Committee meets Rica field guide
Black-eyed Susan, known also as by Esther McLaughlin
brown-eyed Susan and coneflower, Minnesota Department of Natural
Janet Ebaugh represented MNPS at
is in the sunflower family. The most the July 23 meeting of the Minnesota Resources wildlife biologist and
frequently found species of Invasive Species Advisory author Carrol Henderson was guest
Rudbeckia in Minnesota are Committee (MISAC). Other of honor Oct. 3 at a reception and
Rudbeckia hirta and R. laciniata. organizations represented on the book signing hosted by the Costa
committee include the Minnesota Rican Embassy in Washington, D.C.
How did it get its names?
Linnaeus named this species for his Department of Agriculture, the DNR, Henderson’s newest book, Field
mentor, Professor Olof O. Rudbeck The Nature Conservancy, and Guide to the Wildlife of Costa Rica,
and for his son, J.Olof Rudbeck, both, APHIS. A variety of topics were has just been published by the
of whom taught at Uppsala, Sweden. discussed, including: University of Texas Press. The 539-
The name coneflower comes from • Criteria to be developed for page book includes information
the conical shape of the inflorescence ranking species by their level of risk about the country’s major habitats,
center. or noxiousness, and additions to the details about some of the best tourism
list of affected parties, such as
What about “black-eyed Susan?” destinations, and accounts of nearly
industry and urban landscapes, in
Perhaps it came from the ballad that 300 species of birds, mammals,
addition to agriculture and
John Gay wrote in 1720 called reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, and
horticulture;
“Sweet William’s Farewell to Black- moths that travelers may encounter
ey’d Susan,” which begins: All in the • The need for a centralized in Costa Rica. The book contains
Downs the fleet was moor’d,/The database to record and track more than 430 color photos taken by
streamers waving in the wind,/When information on invasive species; Henderson.
black-ey’d Susan came aboard./ “Oh! • Revisions of the statutes referring
where shall I my true love find!/ Tell to agricultural pests, especially as Henderson is best known in
me, ye jovial sailors, tell me true,/If related to invasive species; Minnesota for his nongame wildlife
my sweet William sails among the conservation work with the
crew.” • An update on a new pest, the Minnesota DNR and for the five
emerald ash borer, on ash trees,
Where does this plant grow? books he has authored or co-authored
recently recognized in Michigan but
Most native rudbeckias grow in dry not previously on anyone’s pest list; for the DNR. This is the first book
areas or prairies throughout the state, and that Henderson has written on his
but R. laciniata can be found in wet own time. It is based on information
ditches at the edges of swamps. • Formation of a new Education and photos he collected in Costa Rica
and Outreach subcommittee of
since he did his graduate studies there
What do the plants look like? MISAC.
R. hirta can be an annual, biennial, in 1969 and while leading 17 annual
I plan to attend the October birding and wildlife tours there since
or short-lived perennial; whereas R. meeting of MISAC, and will report
laciniata is a perennial. Often a any noteworthy items from that 1987. The birding tours, which
rosette forms in the fall. Its one- to meeting in the next Minnesota Plant feature Henderson and his Costa
two-foot-tall stems are finely Rican wife Ethelle as the trip leaders,
Press. are coordinated by Preferred
grooved, probably to add strength
(fluted stems are stronger than plain sheep. Some humans are sensitive to Adventures in St. Paul.
ones). The composite flower has a touching plants. The American
Henderson will donate a portion of
center that is dark purple-brown Indian used R. laciniata as a
except for the bright yellow pollen. treatment for indigestion and burns. the book royalties to Costa Rican
The yellow ray flowers are sterile. conservation projects. Proceeds from
Are they good garden plants? the book signing in Washington,
Are the plants edible, toxic, or Yes, there are many varieties that D.C., will go to the Costa Rica-
medicinal? are cultivated in gardens, but if not Minnesota Foundation. The book is
No, they are not edible. Poisoning kept under control, they can become available for $39.95, plus shipping
has been reported in cattle, hogs, and weeds.
and tax, at all major booksellers.

4. Minnesota Native Plant Society
NON-PROFIT ORG.
University of Minnesota
U.S. POSTAGE
220 Biological Sciences Center
PAID
St. Paul, MN 55108
Minneapolis, MN
Permit No. 2233
Fall 2002 Issue