1. Minnesota Plant Press
The Minnesota Native Plant Society Newsletter
Volume 25 Number 3 Spring 2006
Monthly meetings
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Finding the
Visitor Center, 3815 American Blvd. East
Bloomington, MN 55425-1600
952-854-5900
invisible orchid
6:00 p.m. — Building east door opens by Erika Rowe, Plant Ecologist/Botanist, Minnesota County
6:00 p.m. — Refreshments, Biological Survey, Division of Ecological Services,Minnesota
information, Room A Department of Natural Resources
7 – 9 p.m — Program, society business There are a handful of native plant species in Minnesota that have
9:00 p.m. — Building closes mythic qualities: elusive, rare, revered, endangered, or so specific in
Programs their habitat requirements they are not likely to be seen. Bog adder’s-
The MN NPS meets the first Thursday mouth (Malaxis paludosa) encompasses all of these qualities and
in October, November, December, therefore has earned the reputation of being one of the rarest orchids
February, March, April, May, and June. in North America. Bog adder’s-mouth is one of the most challenging
Check the website for more program orchid species to find, partly because of its rarity, but also because it
information. is easily overlooked. The orchid’s small stature and greenish color
May 4: “Sioux Nation Calcareous Fen,” make it difficult to distinguish from the mossy hummocks where it
by Jeanette Leete, hydrogeology technical typically grows. Prior to 2005, only six known records existed from
analysis supervisor, DNR. Plant of the four counties in Minnesota, the only state within the contiguous United
Month: Carex sterilis (a sedge) by Scott States to have any documented locations. The first finding was in
Milburn, Society vice president. Otter Tail County in 1904; however, that population has not been
June 1 “Invasive Cattail Control,” by relocated. Other populations were subsequently found in Hubbard,
Cindy Kottschade, University of Minnesota Clearwater, and Beltrami counties. It has also been found in scattered
graduate student. Native Plant Sale locations in Canada and Alaska. It is less rare in northern Europe.
immediately following the program. In 2005, Malaxis paludosa was on my rare plant list as a species to
look out for while surveying Becker County for the DNR’s Minnesota
Symposium is April 22 County Biological Survey. The idea of finding it, however, seemed
At press time, there were still a few so remote I was reluctant to search for it. So when my colleague, Tim
openings at this year’s MN NPS Whitfeld, who was surveying nearby Clearwater County, told me
symposium — The Land That Glaciers that he was going to spend a few days looking for Malaxis paludosa,
Forgot: The Ecology of the Driftless Area. my initial reaction was one of amazement for attempting such an
It will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, ambitious goal. In fact, several other experienced botanists uttered
April 22, at the St. Olaf College Science words such as “wild goose chase”
Center, Room280, in Northfield. Details and a sarcastic “good luck!”
are on the website, www.mnnps.org However, this wasn’t going to In this issue
dissuade him from organizing a New MN NPS T-shirt............2
MN NPS website trip with another DNR botanist, Field trips..............................3
www.mnnps.org
Welby Smith, to a documented Dr. Valentine O’Malley.........3
e-mail: contact@mnnps.org
location of Malaxis paludosa Bolete mushrooms and trees.5
MN NPS Listserve during peak flowering in early FQA for state wetlands.........6
Send a message that includes the word August. Often, seeing a flowering 6 p.m. social hour/................6
“subscribe” or “unsubscribe” and your specimen in its habitat is the best Plant sale tips........................6
name in the body of the message to: way to begin searching for rare Wild ginger (Plant Lore)......7
mn-natpl-request@stolaf.edu Continued on page 4

2. Society’s first T-shirt features MN NPS Board
design by Vera Ming Wong of Directors
by Jason Husveth President: Jason Husveth,14758
Ostlund Tr. N, Marine on St. Croix,
The Minnesota Native Plant MN 55047; 651-247-0474;
Society is pleased to announce the president@mnnps.org
upcoming arrival of its own limited Vice-President: Scott Milburn,
edition T-shirt. vp@mnnps.org
Since October 2005, the Society Secretary: Karen Schik,
has been collaborating with Vera secretary@mnnps.org
Ming Wong, renowned local Treasurer: Ron Huber,
treasurer@mnnps.org
botanical artist (and plant society
honorary member), to design the Ken Arndt, board member,
karndt@mnnps.org
Society’s first T-shirt. Vera produced
Daniel Jones, board member,
a stunning woodcut print design,
djones@mnnps.org
which will be printed with forest
Shirley Mah Kooyman, board
green ink on natural organic shirts. member, skooyman@mnnps.org
The design showcases Minnesota’s Invasive species events Sandy McCartney, board
state flower — the Showy Lady’s If you are sponsoring an invasive member, smccartney@mnnps.org
species event this year, send the Program Coordinator: Linda
Slipper Orchid (Cypripedium information to Dianne Plunkett
reginae), along with the Society’s Huhn, 612-374-1435
Latham at PlunkettDi@mn.rr.com
name and website address. Listserv Coordinator: Charles
and she will coordinate posting on
Umbanhowar, ceumb@stolaf.edu
The shirts are now in print and will the MN NPS website with our Field Trips:
webmaster. If you would like to
be available for sale at the April 22 fieldtrips@mnnps.org
volunteer in one of the many noxious
symposium and at our monthly weed control programs throughout Memberships:
meetings and field trips. Sizes Small the state, go to www.mnnps.org/ memberships@mnnps.org; 651-
to XXXL will be available. Be sure invasive/index.htm for a listing of 739-4323
to purchase these uniquely beautiful events, and select one that has a Historian/Archives:
shirts before they sell out! convenient time and location for you. president@mnnps.org
Technical or membership
inquiries: contact@mnnps.org
Minnesota Native Plant Society’s purpose Minnesota Plant Press editor:
(Abbreviated from the bylaws) Gerry Drewry, phone, 651-463-
This organization is exclusively organized and operated for educational 8006; plantpress@mnnps.org
and scientific purposes, including the following:
Mary Brown resigns
1. Conservation of all native plants. from board; three
2. Continuing education of all members in the plant sciences.
3. Education of the public regarding environmental protection of plant members re-elected
life. Mary Brown has resigned from the
4. Encouragement of research and publications on plants native to Minnesota Native Plant Society
Minnesota. Board of Directors. She cited time
5. Study of legislation on Minnesota flora, vegetation and ecosystems. constraints, but said she will continue
6. Preservation of special plants, plant communities and scientific and to remain active in the Society.
natural areas. The three board members whose
7. Cooperation in programs concerned with the ecology of natural terms expire in June have been re-
resources and scenic features. elected. They are Scott Milburn,
8. Fellowship with all persons interested in native plants through Shirley Mah Kooyman, and Daniel
meetings, lectures, workshops and field trips. Jones.
2

3. Memorial honors Sign up now for field
Dr. Valentine
O’Malley trips in May, June, July
by Ken Arndt
by Linda Huhn Spring wildflowers will soon be blooming, so now is the time to sign up
Long-time Minnesota Native Plant for the next MN NPS field trips. Sign-up sheets will be at the monthly
Society member Dr. Valentine (Val) meetings, along with detailed information about each field trip. Or, you
O’Malley, who passed away June 2, can sign up anytime by going to our website and following the link to
2005, at the age of 86, made many “Field Trips.” New information is being posted regularly on upcoming
contributions to the Society as well trips for the spring and summer.
as to his community and country.
In memory of his friend, Arden Wolsfeld Woods SNA
Anestad has made a significant Sunday, May 7, from 1 to 3 p.m., join Shirley Mah Kooyman, MN NPS
monetary gift to the Society. “We board member and adult education manager at the Minnesota Landscape
will miss him at meetings,” he Arboretum, for an afternoon of woodland wildflower identification at
remarked to me. And that’s an Wolsfeld Woods Scientific Natural Area in Long Lake. This fine example
understatement. of “Big Woods” is home to many spring ephemerals like bloodroot, hepatica,
rue anemone and bellwort.
In addition to his membership
dating back to 1992, Val served on Pioneer Park
the Society’s Board of Directors from Saturday, June 10, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Society will be leading a
1994-97 and was chair of the working field trip at Pioneer Park in Blaine. Come work with Botanist
Conservation Committee for several Jason Husveth, our president, in the continued effort to restore the fen.
years. More recently, I remember Participants will assist with invasive plant removal and seed collection.
him as a most enthusiastic front-row After lunch, there will be an interpretive walk led by Jason, which will
sitter — along with his good friend give everyone the chance to see the progress of the fen restoration. Many
and former board member Arden — rare plants will be encountered on this field trip, so sign up now and help
at our monthly programs. “Linda, make a difference on the ground! Group leaders will be on-site throughout
this was really a good program, thank the day. Come work for as many hours as you can spare, and enjoy a day
you so much,” and “This is really helping to restore the habitat of several threatened and endangered plant
great!” were phrases he often used. species of the Anoka Sand Plain.
Even though his hearing was Patterned peatlands of northern Minnesota (Date changed.)
impaired and his health obviously Set aside the weekend of July 21 to 23 for a field trip to the northern
failing last spring, his enthusiasm for reaches of Minnesota near Ely, within the Superior National Forest. Jason
learning and for our Society never Husveth will lead this two-day field trip. On Saturday the 22nd, the
waned. participants will be led on an all-day hike across a saturated cushion of
peat moss, through patterned peatlands, rich and poor fens, black spruce
According to Arden, “He was very and tamarack swamps, to see and experience the northern plant communities
interested in the natural world,” and of this region. Many different native plants will be encountered along the
was also a member of Audubon
Society, Como Zoo, Friends of the way, including orchids, carnivorous
St. Paul Public Library, the Hospital from 1967-69, and was plants, sedges, rushes, and grasses.
Geological Society of Minnesota, Minnesota Deputy Commissioner of The second day will entail a less
and the Horticultural Society. “We Health from 1983-87. At the time rigorous but equally spectacular hike
always did a lot of birding together, of his death, he was a medical at another local setting (or serve as a
and he helped me in banding birds consultant for the Minnesota back-up in case of inclement weather
and on field trips with my classes,” Department of Health. During the on Saturday). Camping and lodging
Arden added. Korean Conflict, he was a captain are plentiful in this area, but
in the Army and in 1983 retired from remember to make reservations in
In his professional life, according the National Guard as a brigadier advance, since the summer can be
to Arden and the June 3, 2005, St. general. Val’s wife Lorraine busy. Check our website in the
Paul Pioneer Press obituary, Val preceded him in death. In his coming weeks for detailed
practiced internal medicine and immediate family, he is survived by information regarding this field trip.
cardiology in St. Paul for 30 years, three children and four A $10/person or $20/family fee is
was chief of staff at St. Joseph’s grandchildren. required to register for this event.
3

4. Finding the orchid 29 very small, greenish yellow
Continued from page 1 flowers that have a faint blue-green
plants. Pictures and herbarium striped lip. These flowers twist
specimens can only go so far in themselves 360 degrees so that the
conveying how tiny and difficult this lip is uppermost of the perianth parts.
orchid is to see. Most orchids twist 180 degrees in
order to have the lip lowermost in the
I decided to take part in the foray flower. Another interesting
to relocate the existing population of adaptation of this orchid is its ability
orchids, although I remained to develop tiny vegetative propagules
skeptical that we would find them. called foliar embryos at the margins
Many people have tried returning to of its leaves that are capable of
known populations of Malaxis growing into new adult plants once
paludosa and have been unsuccessful the leaves drop. How often or
in relocating them, perhaps because effective this process is in producing
the orchids were not in bloom at the a new plant is not known. The only
time, but more likely because the insect observed carrying pollen from
plants have an uncanny ability to this plant is a species of fungus gnat,
disappear into the vegetation even Phronia digitata.
when one is standing in a patch of
them. When I returned to the office, I
Photo by Erika Rowe, Copyright 2005, State notified Welby about the new
Our destination was a rich black of Minnesota, Department of Natural populations that Mike and I had
spruce swamp in Clearwater County. Resources, Reprinted with Permission. found. In near disbelief, he somewhat
We set out in a line and walked what are the chances!” I came to my jokingly said, “Wow, finding Malaxis
slowly, scouring the ground with our senses and proceeded to count paludosa will be the top find of your
eyes. Close to an hour went by and another 10 plants within roughly two career!” Well, I guess it’s all down
still no orchids. Something then acres. When I got back to the field hill from here.
caught my eye, despite thinking that house that evening, my colleague
it was probably just another fruiting Mike Lee (also working in Becker Sonja Larsen nature
stem of naked mitrewort (Mitella
nuda), which is common in that
County), who was also inspired by prints are on exhibit
Tim’s enthusiasm for finding
habitat. As I got closer, I immediately by Sue Filbin, member of the
Malaxis paludosa, told me of his own
knew that it was Malaxis paludosa, Minnesota Native Plant Society and
discovery of yet another population.
despite having never seen it in the the Nature Printing Society
By the end of summer, five new
field. I was then determined to find locations were found in Becker Nature printer Sonja Larsen is
a new population in Becker County. County, bringing the total up to 11 presenting an exhibit of spring
The next day, I set out hiking for a locations in Minnesota. ephemerals and buds native to
small black spruce swamp mixed All known occurrences of Malaxis Minnesota at the Eloise Butler
with tamarack in Becker County that paludosa are in conifer swamps Wildflower Garden during April. The
seemed to have all the right dominated by black spruce with show is in the Martha Crone Visitors’
characteristics for potential habitat. occasional white cedar or tamarack. Shelter. The garden opens at 10 a.m.
The confidence that I had felt the day The plants are usually growing in Monday through Saturday and at
before had worn off by the time I had semi-shaded sites perched on noon on Sunday and closes one hour
arrived at my destination and I had hummocks of Sphagnum, feather before sunset. Admission is free.
begun to feel that this long, arduous mosses, or rarely Mnium moss, Sonja Larsen lives near Nisswa.
hike would be for naught. Shortly appearing as if not rooted at all. The For many years, she led workshops
into my search I spotted green basal parts consist of a pseudobulb, at the annual meeting of the Nature
adder’s-mouth(Malaxis unifolia), which is a swelling of the stem, Printing Society, and, for the 15th
which is often known to coexist with covered by the bases of two to five year, will guide her own workshop
Malaxis paludosa. I stooped down to alternate leaves. Stems arise from the in June at Driftwood Resort. She
confirm this, and to my disbelieving pseudobulb and are typically three to makes her prints directly from the
eyes there were also four Malaxis six inches long (including plants, to enable viewers to identify
paludosa in full bloom! I was in such inflorescence). Flowering begins and appreciate the beauty inherent in
shock that I just stood there frozen, around mid-July and lasts through the plant life we often take for
saying to myself “this can’t be — the end of August, producing 10 to granted.
4

5. most of its life. An aggregate of
A match made in humus? The hyphae is known as a mycelium,
which is the “body” of the fungus that
association between bolete resides in the soil and humus layers
and, in ectomycorrhizal fungi,
mushrooms and trees interacts with the roots of plants.
by Bryn T. M. Dentinger, University One type, in which the fungus Only when two suitable mycelial
of Minnesota graduate student. This envelops the developing lateral roots mates join with each other (fungal
is an abstract of his talk at the March but does not penetrate the plant’s sex!) can a mushroom be produced,
2, 2006, meeting. cells, is called ectomycorrhizae. It is thus completing the life cycle of a
Fungi are one of the most diverse this type of association that is found mushroom-producing fungus.
lineages of eukaryotic organisms on in many of the trees that dominate In Minnesota, 20 of 50 known
the planet. With over 1.5 million the temperate forests of the world, genera of boletes have been recorded.
estimated species, only a fraction are most prominently in the Pinaceae, In contrast, we only have
yet known to science. These Fagaceae, Betulaceae and documentation for 9.4 percent of all
organisms, whose ecological roles Salicaceae. In Minnesota, eight described species of boletes. This
are mimicked by distantly related species of conifers and 24 species of low species diversity is partly on
cousins, the water molds and slime angiosperms are known to form account of the limited biogeographic
molds, are instrumental in all living obligate ectomycorrhizal distribution of many boletes, but also
environments as decayers, associations with fungi, including all largely a factor of very poor
pathogens, and mutualistic oaks (Quercus spp.), pines (Pinus sampling. Clearly, more mushroom
spp.), spruce (Picea spp.) and Balsam hunters are needed to better
symbionts.
fir (Abies balsamea). The state tree document Minnesota boletes. Some
One way in which the true fungi of Minnesota (Pinus resinosa) would of the common Minnesota members
(not including water molds and slime not exist without these beneficial include the often slimy-capped
molds) are essential is through an fungi on its roots. Suillus; the pink-spored, bitter-
intimate association with plants’ tasting Tylopilus; the kooky “Old
The fungi involved in these
roots, known as mycorrhizae. In Man of the Woods” (Strobilomyces
mutualistic associations are far more
these mutually beneficial floccopus); the blue-staining
diverse than the plants. It has been
associations (mutualisms), the plant Gyroporus cyanescens; and the false
estimated that more than 5,000
provides the fungus with sugars it truffle genus Scleroderma.
species of fungi forming
creates through photosynthesis in Minnesota also has the strange
ectomycorrhizal associations have
return for water, minerals, and Midwestern endemic Paragyrodon
been described! One prominent
protection from pathogens. The sphaerosporus and one species that
group of ectomycorrhizal fungi are
interdependence on this mutualism has been collected only once in the
called the “boletes,” based on the
is so strong that both the fungus and history of the world, Suillus
morphology of the reproductive
plant are unable to persist in natural weaverae, named in 1965 in honor
structures (mushrooms) that they
environments without each other. of the avid mushroom hunter Peg
produce.
This association is also very old A bolete is a typical-looking fleshy, Weaver.
— about 460 million years. It is now stalked mushroom, but with densely One other notable group of boletes
widely believed that a mycorrhizal packed vertical tubes underneath the found in Minnesota are the gourmet
association facilitated the initial cap, rather than the gill-like edible porcini (genus Boletus section
colonization of land by the earliest structures of the stereotypical Boletus). There are at least three
aquatic non-vascular plants. Since mushroom. These tubes give the species known as porcini that are
this arrival on land, the mycorrhizal underside of the cap an appearance found throughout the state: the
association has dominated the life of similar to a sponge. It is inside of Boletus nobilissimus complex is
plants, and at present, more than 90 these cylindrical tubes where the found in oak forests in central and
percent of all plants are involved in numerous spores are produced, southern Minnesota; Boletus edulis
a mutual symbiosis with fungi. which, at maturity, are forcibly var. clavipes is found with conifers,
There are several types of discharged into the air for dispersal aspen, and birch in the boreal habitats
mycorrhizal associations that are by wind. When a spore lands in a of central and northern Minnesota;
characterized by the morphology and suitable environment, it will Boletus subcaerulescens, a rare
anatomy of the contact between the germinate to produce filaments of species, has been documented from
fungus and plant roots, as well as the cells known as hyphae. These hyphae a single red pine (Pinus resinosa)
plant and fungus species involved. are the form in which the fungus lives plantation.
5

6. Floristic Quality Assessment for Pot your plants
state wetlands being developed now for June 1
by Scott Milburn plant sale
The Floristic Quality Assessment (FQA) was first introduced in the by Ken Arndt
Chicago Region in an attempt to provide a standardized method for assessing The annual MN NPS native plant
the quality of natural areas. This methodology is additionally advantageous sale will be June 1, following the
in that it can be used to assess restored areas, ecological quality between meeting. Plants will be arranged
sites, and changes to floristic quality over time. outside of the main building, similar
The FQA is based on native species conservatism or coefficient of to previous years. Members are
conservatism (C-value). This C-value is a numerical gauge of species asked to bring native plants that they
tolerance towards disturbance and have propagated themselves from
habitat fidelity. The FQA provides Meet members at 6 seed or division to the front of the
two values, a mean coefficient of building at 6 p.m. We need all plants
conservatism and a floristic quality p.m. social hour to be potted individually and labeled
index. The mean coefficient of by Anne McGee,Social Committee with common and scientific names.
conservatism is determined by chair Pricing will be done by the plant sale
calculating the average C-value for On MN NPS meeting nights, skip volunteers.
an area of interest. The floristic your take-out food or home stop, and Now is the time to get out and
quality index incorporates the mean come right to the Wildlife Refuge at divide your extra native plants as
coefficient of conservatism in 6 p.m. for a healthy snack and they start to emerge from the soil.
addition to species richness. friendly conversation. Our social The longer the plants can be potted
committee is working to create an up before the sale, the better the
To determine the floristic quality environment which is welcoming to
index, all native species inhabiting new members and encourages condition they will be in for the sale.
the subject area or vegetative getting acquainted, professional We ask that only native plants be
community are documented. Once sharing, and exchange of native donated, not cultivars or other
the list is compiled, the C-values gardening ideas. We also like whole horticultural selections. In addition
derived from the species list would foods and a non-package/garbage to members’ donations of plant
be averaged and multiplied by the emphasis. Bringing your own mug material, we will also be adding to
square root of the number of native for your beverage will be this year’s sale native plants from
species documented. The greater the appreciated. local nurseries that specialize in
mean C-value and Index value are, When you arrive for the social native plant material.
the higher the floristic integrity is. hour, we will greet you and give you No out-of-state plants can be
The floristic quality assessment has a name tag. Help yourself to a filling accepted unless they have been
already been implemented in Illinois, snack. Beverage will be provided, or certified by the Department of
Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, select one from the pop machine in Agriculture of the state in which they
North Dakota/South Dakota, Ohio, the entry. Beginning in May, we will were grown. Minnesota has
and Wisconsin. The Minnesota have hot coffee or tea for those who reciprocity with all other state
Pollution Control Agency’s bring their own mugs. Then join a departments of agriculture, so they
Biological Monitoring Program table hosted by an experienced will let in plants from other states if
( w w w. p c a . s t a t e . m n . u s / w a t e r / member, or mix and mingle until you they were certified there.
head into the program at 7 p.m. A few volunteers are needed to help
biomonitoring/index.html) is
funding the project through a U.S. If you would like to join the social with setting up the sales area and
EPA wetland program development committee, call Anne McGee at 651- assisting members with their plants.
994-1956. Once the sale begins, volunteers will
grant to develop a consistent and
reliable method to monitor the Garden with native plants be allowed to select plants first,
quality of the state’s wetlands. The A class, “Using Native Plants in the followed by members who brought
C-values are currently being Garden,” will be taught at the plants, and finally all other members
assigned by a panel of expert Minnesota Arboretum from 10 a.m. and visitors.
Minnesota botanists and should be to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 29. The Dave Crawford and Ken Arndt are
completed this year. In addition to instructor will be Douglas Owens- co-chairs of the plant sale. To
the development of C-values, Pike. For more information, e-mail volunteer, contact Ken Arndt at
updated species distribution maps education@arboretum.umn.edu or karndt@pioneereng.com. or 651-
will also be generated. call 952-443-1422. 251-0626.
6

7. Plant Lore Back to Boot
by Thor Kommedahl
What is wild ginger? Lake SNA for
Wild ginger is Asarum canadense,
a native plant of Minnesota in the Winter Botany
birthwort family (Aristolochiaceae). by Ken Arndt
How did it get its names? On Saturday, March 11, a group of
Asarum is an ancient Greek word 15 MN NPS members enjoyed a
of unknown derivation used by morning of winter plant
Dioscorides. Birthwort refers to its identification at Boot Lake Scientific
flowers, which resemble a swollen and Natural Area, located in northern
womb, and wort means the plant was Anoka County. Field trip
once used in medicine. Aristolochia, participants were led by Vice
in the family name, means birth- President Scott Milburn (botanist)
improver. Ginger refers to its taste and Board Member Ken Arndt
resemblance to commercial ginger (urban forester) through several
(no relation). different plant communities on the
What does the plant look like? way to Boot Lake, including a
The heart-shaped leaves of this tamarack swamp, mature hardwood
low-growing perennial grow in pairs forest, and stands of large white pine.
from the underground stem With temperatures in the 40s and
(rhizome), and both leaf blades and very little snow cover, a sense of
petioles are hairy. In the fork made spring was in the air. The winter was
by the paired leaf stalks, a solitary, gentle to the plants here, with several
reddish-brown flower is borne. Often types of ferns still green from last
hidden by leaves, the flower is year. Small herbaceous plants like
detectable by its foul odor that goldthread (Coptis groenlandica)
attracts flies, to foster pollination, and bunchberry (Cornus canadensis)
fungus-gnats, and other ground were clearly visible throughout the
insects. tamarack hummocks.
Asarum canadense drawing and
Where does wild ginger grow? From the tamaracks, the group was
It grows in rich, moist woods, photo by Jason Husveth
led into a stand of mature white pine
usually in colonies, throughout the — one of the finest stands left in
state but is native in similar climates
Thank you, volunteers
by Ellen L. Fuge, Management Anoka County. As we made our way
of North America, Europe, and Asia. through the woods, we were able to
Supervisor, Scientific and Natural
What are its medicinal uses, if any? identify many different trees and
Areas Program
American Indians used root tea for shrubs by their buds, form, and other
I want to thank the Minnnesota
colds and for uterine problems. key winter characteristics.
Native Plant Society (who’ve
Indian women used it to regulate We came across several areas that
adopted Grey Cloud Dunes SNA)
menstrual cycles and for birth are part of a reforestation project
and all who showed up on Feb. 10
control, influenced by the womb- where deer exclosures have been
to cut and burn brush. Thirteen
shaped flowers. Pioneers consumed placed to encourage the regeneration
volunteers made the four-hour event
it to ease gas formation and as a tonic. very successful. These hard workers of white pine. With the noted high
It contains the anti-tumor compound consolidated many small, unburnable deer population at Boot Lake, a long-
aristolochic acid. piles into six burn piles. This cleared term study like the one underway will
Does it have any economic uses? the area of brush that would have provide valuable information about
Dried roots have been candied or interfered with the prescribed burn the deer’s effect on the plants. After
pulverized for use as a kitchen spice. planned for this spring. Additionally, seeing water-willow (Decodon
It is a constituent of some snuffs. they cut and burned more verticillatus) along the banks of Boot
Wild ginger is planted in shaded wild honeysuckle, the dominant exotic Lake, the group headed back through
gardens and to make a ground cover invasive shrub in the savanna that is the forests and wetlands with an
in shade. It can be propagated by being restored. appreciation of the many different
division and by seeds. Thank you! plant communities in this great SNA.
7

8. Minnesota Native Plant Society
P.O. Box 20401
Bloomington, MN 55420
Spring 2006