The document summarizes a talk given by Hannah Texler, a regional plant ecologist with the Minnesota DNR, about incorporating ecological principles into native plant restoration projects. She discusses four levels of ecology - landscape, plant community, species, and genetic - that should inform native plantings. At the landscape level, projects should connect habitat patches and provide wildlife corridors. At the plant community level, greater diversity of native plant species from a given community should be used. The talk aims to promote more successful, diverse and locally adapted native plant restoration projects.

1. Minnesota Plant Press
The Minnesota Native Plant Society Newsletter
Volume 26 Number 3 Spring 2007
Monthly meetings
Thompson Park Center/Dakota Lodge
Restoring Minnesota’s
Thompson County Park
360 Butler Ave. E., West St. Paul, MN 55118
651-552-7559 (kitchen)
ecological landscape
by Hannah Texler, regional plant ecologist, Minnesota DNR. This is
6 p.m. — Social period
an abstract of part of her talk at the March 8 Society meeting.
7 – 9 p.m — Program, society business
As a plant ecologist and an avid native plant gardener, I am heartened
Programs by the burgeoning use of native plants for landscaping, gardening,
The MN NPS meets the first Thursday and restoration of disturbed landscapes, and I am grateful to all of the
in October, November, December, organizations and native plant and seed businesses that are crucial to
February, March, April, May, and June. making this happen. In this age of national discussions about using
Check the website for more program native prairie mixes for biofuels, it is especially exciting. This makes
information.
it an excellent time to take a step back and ask whether the use of
May 3: “Motorized Recreation in native plants is as informed by ecology as it could be.
Minnesota: Social and Ecological This article summarizes some of the ways the science of ecology
Consequences,” by Matt Norton, can help us create more successful, diverse, and locally adapted native
Minnesota Center for Environmental plantings and restoration projects.
Advocacy. Plant of the Month: Carex
garberi, Scott Milburn. The ecological issues
The four levels of ecology most pertinent to the topic include
June 7: “Decorative Tree Harvest landscape, plant community, species, and genetic ecology. I’ll briefly
from Minnesota’s Spruce Bogs: Social discuss why each is important and give some practical suggestions
and Ecological Consequences,” by Mike about resources for incorporating them into practice.
Phillips, DNR Division of Forestry.
Annual Native Plant Sale. Landscape ecology
Most of Minnesota’s landscape is characterized by fragmented
See and count orchids patches of vegetation, often separated by land uses that provide barriers
Western prairie fringed orchids and Red to the movement of native plants and animals. By paying attention to
River prairies are the focus of a field trip landscape ecology, one can look for opportunities to connect patches
to wildlife management areas near of native habitat, provide meaningful animal movement corridors,
Crookston, Minn., July 7 and 8. Co- and surround isolated native plant communities with appropriate
sponsors are the MN NPS, Minnesota restored habitat.
Department of Natural Resources, and Plant community ecology
Nature Northwest. Nancy Sather and
Derek Anderson of the Minnesota Natural
Many restoration projects are
very low in diversity and have been
In this issue
Heritage and Nongame Research informed by a single goal, such as President’s column.................2
Program, MN DNR, will lead participants preventing erosion on steep slopes Field trips......................1, 2, 6
to orchids in several wildlife management or providing habitat for a few Wildflower photo project ....3
areas. In addition to counting orchids, wildlife species. While these are Endangered species debate...4
they will visit a state-of-the art worthy goals, plantings tend to be Riparian vegetation ..............5
management study at Pembina Trail more successful and ecologically MN NPS plant sale ..............5
Preserve and enjoy an evening meaningful when many plant Reed canary grass control .....6
presentation on recent orchid research. For species that occur in the native Bob Jacobson dies ...............7
more information and to register, write to Plant Lore -Spiderwort..........7
derek.anderson@dnr.state.mn.us Continued on page 3
1

2. President’s Column MN NPS Board
by Scott Milburn
Another year of botanizing is about to begin. This has been an exciting
of Directors
President: Scott Milburn,
year, and we still have quite a bit to do. The Society has a great deal of president@mnnps.org
momentum, much thanks to our last president, Jason Husveth. Jason’s
tenure on the board will end in June after six years, and we look forward Vice President: Shirley Mah
to his participation in the future. The formula derived by Jason under his Kooyman, vp@mnnps.org
tenure was to focus on a few things and to do them well. These few things, Secretary: Daniel Jones,
which include monthly programs, symposia, the newsletter, and field trips, secretary@mnnps.org
are the bread and butter of the Society. Logic would suggest continuing Treasurer: Ron and Cathy
with this approach. Huber, treasurer@mnnps.org
As noted in our last newsletter, the Society has been in existence for 25 Ken Arndt, board member,
years. We will celebrate this milestone next September and hope that our karndt@mnnps.org
entire membership will be able to participate. It is amazing to think how
much has changed over the past 25 years, especially in terms of technology. Jason Husveth, board member,
With this increased ability to communicate, we still face the challenge of jhusveth@mnnps.org
how best to reach prospective members in an attempt to increase overall Linda Huhn, board member and
membership. The board has started to develop new materials for that very program coordinator, 612-374-1435
purpose. We are also looking into new ways to make annual membership Sean Jergens,
renewal less burdensome. With this, we are looking to grow, but we cannot sjergens@mnnps.org
do this without your help. I have been extremely impressed with efforts Beth Nixon, bnixon@mnnps.org
thus far, but I would encourage all of our members to think of ways to
attract new members and to expand.
Listserv Coordinator: Charles
Spring and summer field trips Umbanhowar, ceumb@stolaf.edu
by Ken Arndt June 30 is a field trip to the Field Trips:
Now is the time to sign up for MN Chippewa National Forest near fieldtrips@mnnps.org
NPS field trips. Sign-up sheets and Grand Rapids. MN DNR Forest M e m b e r s h i p s :
detailed information will be at each Ecologist John Almendinger will memberships@mnnps.org; 651-
monthly meeting. Or, go to our lead an all-day hike through cedar 739-4323
website and follow the link to “Field swamps, black spruce bogs, and Historian/Archives: Roy
Trips” for information and to sign up. many upland areas. Plants will Robison, historian/
include orchids, carnivorous plants, archives@mnnps.org
Saturday, April 28, 1-4 p.m., join sedges, rushes and grasses.
Barr Engineering Botanists Daniel Technical or membership
Jones, a Society board member, and Saturday, July 14, 9 a.m. to 3 inquiries: contact@mnnps.org
Daniel DeJoode at Nerstrand-Big p.m., the Society will co-sponsor a Minnesota Plant Press editor:
Woods State Park. This fine working field trip to Pioneer Park Gerry Drewry, phone, 651-463-
example of “Big Woods” is home to in Blaine. Work with Critical 8006; plantpress@mnnps.org
many spring ephemerals and the Connections Ecological Services
federally endangered dwarf trout lily. Ecologist Jason Husveth in the
continued effort to restore the fen that Future plant events
Saturday, May 12, 11 a.m. to 2 is home to several of Minnesota’s The Linnaeus Symposium is
p.m., join MN DNR Regional Plant most rare plants. April 24 and 25 at Gustavus
Ecologist Ann Pierce and explore the Aug. 9, 6 to 8:30 p.m., join MN Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minn.
Whitewater Wildlife Management DNR Regional Plant Ecologist The annual Friends School Plant
Area in coulee country in Hannah Texlar at St. Croix Savanna Sale will be May 11 - 13 at the State
southeastern Minnesota. Scientific Natural Area for a hike Fair Grandstand.
June 16 and 17 is a follow-up to through a fantastic hill prairie and Phalen WaterFest is May 19 at
this year’s symposium on the Prairie oak savanna and assist Hannah with the Phalen Park Pavilion, Wheelock
Coteau. Join the DNR’s Fred Harris, surveying for the rare Louisiana Pkwy. and Arcade St., St. Paul.
Nancy Sather and Robert Dana in broomrape. This parasitic plant is The Iowa Prairie Conference will
southwestern Minnesota, hiking typically found west of Minnesota, be July 13 and 14 at Briar Cliff
through several plant communities, but recently a population was found University, Sioux City, Iowa.
including a calcareous fen. at this SNA. www.ipc2007.com
2

3. Ecological issues General information Wildflower photos
Continued from page 1 An overview of using native plants
plant communities that have become
for landscaping is found at: help minority group
www.dnr.state.mn.us/gardens/ Peter Dziuk, a nursery inspector for
adapted to each site over thousands
nativeplants/index.html the Minnesota Department of
of years are used. Diverse, locally
appropriate plantings also create The Global Restoration Network, Agriculture and a Society member,
habitat for more animal species; a project of the Society for has started a wildflower greeting card
nectar for butterflies; food for Ecological Restoration International: business with a small minority
migrating birds, and nesting habitat www.globalrestorationnetwork.org/ collective in North Minneapolis. It
for reptiles, amphibians, and Landscape Ecology: Minnesota’s is called “Wildflowers for Ordinary
mammals — all are necessary Ecological Classification System People.”
components of ecosystems. Plant provides a hierarchical framework Proceeds from card sales benefit
community ecology provides for mapping the landscape based on James Everett’s and Sister Jean’s
information that can be used to create geology, soils, hydrology, and efforts to rebuild Minneapolis’ North
diverse, locally adapted restorations. vegetation. For more information: Side. Their projects include at-risk
Species ecology www.dnr.state.mn.us/ecs/index.html youth programs, the SubZero
Species ecology (also called A number of programs are planning Collective (collectivesight.com), and
autecology) gives information about for ecologically meaningful Mothers of Slain Sons, a political
traits of individual species that make landscape protection and restoration. action committee supporting women
each adapted to a particular set of One is the Conservation Corridors who have lost sons to domestic
conditions. Many of us choose plant program:www.dnr.state.mn.us/ violence or war. For information,
species based on their beauty or their metroconservationcorridors/ call 612-521-8021, ext. 285.
potential use as food by a favorite index.html “My intent is to provide a valid
animal. Landscape plantings and Plant community, species ecology source of economic capital for a
restorations are more successful The three-volume set of field historically excluded group, while at
when the species used are those guides, Native Plant Communities of the same time providing meaningful
native to and adapted to the local Minnesota, provide the most outreach on a topic that both my
landscape. comprehensive information available spouse and I have become passionate
Genetic ecology about the state’s native plant about, to inner-city minority
Genetic ecology provides communities. The books can be communities and the public at large,”
information about how a particular purchased from Minnesota’s Peter said.
ecotype of a species is adapted to a Bookstore: www.comm.media.state. Peter has about 20,000 digital
site. There is a great deal of genetic mn.us/bookstore/bookstore.asp images of wildflowers. He has
variation among populations of many Fact sheets from the books are at: donated all the tools of his project
plant species, giving each population www.dnr.state.mn.us/npc/index.html — hundreds of images, several
traits that make it adapted to local Complete species lists for native hundred handmade cards, card racks,
environmental conditions. plant communities in the greater materials, cutting boards and a
Using plants or seeds from far Twin Cities area, derived from computer. Everett is enlisting
away may mean the plants are not vegetation plot data and developed volunteers to create new cards,
adapted to local conditions. This can for restoration practitioners are at: Peter has started to translate the
result in lower success and can also w w w. g r e a t r i v e rg r e e n i n g . o rg / cards into Spanish, Hmong, and
import genetic material that can plant_communities.asp Somali and wants to develop tribal
spread to naturally occurring plants, Genetic ecology contacts. “This is an opportunity to
reducing the original population’s A good discussion about the issues remind people that humans lived in
viability by making the plants less surrounding genetic ecology is in the harmony with all of these species for
adapted to local conditions. This is article: How local is local? A review thousands of years,” he said.
especially important with rare of practical and conceptual issues in The cards are sold at $3.95 each at
species, but is a concern with all the genetics of restoration, by John the Science Museum of Minnesota
naturally occurring plant McKay et al, in Restoration Ecology in St. Paul; Highland Nursery on
populations. Vol. 13, No. 3, pp. 432-440, West 7th St., St. Paul; 101 Market in
Sources of ecological information September 2005. The authors advise Otsego, Minn., and through
Here are a few ecological resources that practitioners use local seeds and Environmental Justice Advocates of
for native plant gardeners and match climatic and environmental Minnesota. For more information, go
restoration practitioners: conditions between the sites. to www.ejamn.org.
3

4. Regarding endangered DNR
and other listed species
by Roy Robison, president, as we understand it. The first is the
response
by Hannah Texler, regional plant
Landscape Alternatives, Inc., and a prohibition. This is the gist of the ecologist, Minnesota DNR
former MN NPS board member. complaint being made. The second On behalf of the DNR, I want to
Concern for the diminished natural looks beyond protecting what is here thank Roy for expressing his
occurrence of all native plants is to the future, when listed species may concerns and for participating with
central to Landscape Alternatives’ be so abundant as to no longer be me and others on the panel at the MN
very existence. Our policy regarding threatened. This is where NPS meeting where this was
the plants we propagate and offer for Minnesota’s native plant nurseries discussed.
sale has always been that the plants have a great role to play. We should
must be of local ecotype as much as be seen as partners with state As I said at the meeting, we greatly
is possible and be able to be regulatory agencies, not adversaries appreciate the vital work done by
commercially produced either by our in protecting Minnesota’s natural native plant and seed nurseries, and
company or by another reputable, plant resources! Minnesota’s we consider them important partners
licensed nursery. professional native plant nurseries in the protection and stewardship of
This policy automatically leads us have the propagation experience and biodiversity. We also acknowledge
to avoid all federally listed facilities required to make a valuable that the endangered species statute
endangered species. We also avoid contribution to solving the and rules are imperfect and difficult
plants that either take exceptionally endangered species problem. to interpret and hope to be able to
long to produce or have improve them once we have the
Finally, as with all state legislation
exceptionally stringent establishment resources to do so.
that may affect interstate commerce,
criteria, such as the lady slippers. there is an important exclusion to the I would like to correct two points
There are many wonderful species law. Any state-listed (not federal) that Roy made in his letter. First, the
that are not considered threatened plants purchased legally outside of law has always applied to native plant
that we still don’t sell because they the state may be transported legally and seed nurseries; this is not new.
are just too difficult or unreliable to into the state. Such interstate Second, he is correct in stating that
propagate. We’d like to change that commerce is protected by the United by law (Minnesota Statute 84.0895)
but can only do so much on our own. States Constitution. we can’t prohibit importation into
We look to the University of The natural ranges of native this state and subsequent possession,
Minnesota and the appropriate state species do not follow political transport or sale of state-endangered
agencies for leadership in research boundaries. A given species may be and threatened plants that are legally
and support for our industry. “rare” in one state because the state brought here from another state.
Thus, we were very disappointed line crosses through the edge of the However, we can regulate these
when we learned recently of efforts species’ natural range. On the other activities.
to apply the Minnesota Endangered side of that line, the plant may not Our interpretation is that while
Species prohibitions to our work. We be considered “rare” at all and thus nurseries from other states can legally
certainly support the intent of the law can be propagated and sold. bring plants or seeds from species
to stop the wanton destruction of Therefore, should efforts to restrict that are endangered or threatened in
Minnesota’s rare natural resources. Minnesota native plant nurseries Minnesota into the state, these
We have always strongly from working with certain listed species cannot be propagated or
discouraged digging from the wild species succeed, all that will be planted here without a permit. So
because even if the transplant is accomplished is to harm part of our effectively, no one can plant state-
successful, there is no net increase state’s business community. Our listed endangered or threatened
in population. This is the key to the customers will just buy from outstate species without a permit. For a
matter. Landscape Alternatives and sources. This will only increase the discussion about why we believe the
other reputable native plant and seed threat to local genetic populations. law does protect rare species, see the
nurseries work to increase For the good of all Minnesota article in the Winter 2007 Minnesota
populations of native plants and, by native plants and the small nursery Plant Press.
their use of local germplasm sources, businesses that raise them, we ask Note:Roy Robison’s comments and
preserve the existing gene pool. state officials to work with us so that the DNR response are a follow-up to
There are three main aspects to the one day no Minnesota native plant the panel discussion at the March 8,
Minnesota Endangered Species Act, will be endangered. 2007, MN NPS meeting.
4

5. Native vegetation has eggs while they incubate on the
stream bottom.
Stream restoration work often
valuable riparian role
by Brian Nerbonne, stream habitat provide as much protection for
focuses on stabilizing eroding stream
banks, although the methods used
vary significantly. Traditionally,
specialist, Minnesota DNR Central stream banks because they create stream banks were covered in rock
Region Fisheries. This is an abstract dense monocultures that limit riprap to reduce erosion, but this
of his presentation at the Nov. 2, understory growth and deter the approach often only shifts erosion
2006, meeting. regeneration of longer lived and problems downstream, does not
It’s easy to think of a stream as a deeper-rooting tree species. improve habitat, and can lead to
world unto itself — its own Runoff from the surrounding increased warming of the stream. An
ecosystem contained within the landscape must pass through the alternative is to employ temporary
banks that define it, with separate riparian area as it drains off the land, techniques to stabilize the steam
worlds living above and below the meaning the riparian area serves an bank while establishing suitable
water’s surface. However, streams important function in buffering the vegetation to create a stable stream
are intimately tied to the land use of stream from pollutants such as silt bank in the long term. A riparian
the entire watershed that surrounds and excessive nutrients. Riparian buffer of an appropriate mix of native
them, especially the streamside vegetation slows runoff velocity and grasses, forbs, sedges, shrubs, or
environment known as the riparian settles out sediment particles, as well trees suited to site conditions is one
area. as the phosphorus that is frequently of the best long-term solutions to
The riparian area of streams serves bound to them. Both woody and protect stream health.
many functions that are crucial to herbaceous vegetation are able to
their physical condition as well as remove sediment, although grassed Plant sale is June 7
biological makeup, and the buffers tend to be slightly more by Ken Arndt
vegetation present is the most effective due to a higher stem density Our annual native plant sale will
important factor in how riparian that is better at slowing runoff. be June 7, following the speaker’s
areas affect streams. One of the most Buffers are also effective at removing presentation. We encourage
direct effects is how vegetation nitrogen and pesticides. members to divide or propagate their
Riparian vegetation is especially own native plants and donate them.
controls the stability of stream banks,
A few volunteers are needed to help
thereby contributing to the shape and important in providing habitat for
set up the sales area and assist
dimensions of the stream channel. organisms that live in the stream. members with their plants. When the
Non-native species such as Kentucky Overhanging vegetation and sale begins, volunteers will select
bluegrass or smooth brome have undercuts below well-rooted stream plants first, followed by those who
roots that penetrate up to only a foot banks provide overhead cover that is donated plants, and then by other
into the soil, while native grasses important in protecting fish from members and visitors.
such as big bluestem or switchgrass avian predators. Additionally, wood The sale will be on the patio outside
have root masses that extend up to habitat in streams is crucial to the of Dakota Lodge. Bring your plants
six feet deep. invertebrates that form a lower level by 6 p.m. We want only native plants
For stream banks that exceed more of the aquatic food chain. These from Minnesota and western
than a foot in height, only deeper- invertebrates rely on wood as stable Wisconsin. Do not bring cultivars
rooted native vegetation is able to refuge from the shifting sands that (horticultural selection) of native
hold soil together to reduce erosion. often comprise the bed of streams. plants. Plants should come from
The same can be said for native tree Other invertebrates, especially in your own property, gardens or other
and shrub species such as green ash, small streams where shading limits private property, with that owner’s
cottonwood, various dogwood algal production, rely on leafy permission, but not public property.
species, and most willow species. detritus from surrounding vegetation Dig your plants two to four weeks
These woody plants have roots that as their primary food source. before the sale, put them in typical
penetrate around three feet into the Excessive stream bank erosion can nursery containers, and label them
soil. They are generally better at contribute to a decline in sensitive with both common and scientific
holding stream banks in place than stream biota due to reduced foraging names. Pricing will be done by
herbaceous vegetation, due to the efficiency in turbid waters, volunteers. Dave Crawford and Ken
greater diameter of the roots of sedimentation of gravel areas Arndt are co-chairs. To volunteer,
woody plants. Non-native woody important for invertebrate contact karndt@ccesinc.com or call
invasives such as buckthorn do not production, or the smothering of fish 651-433-4410.
5

6. landscape that has a limited seed
Accessory treatments help bank due to previous land-use
suppress reed canary grass history.
A variety of treatments and
by Craig A. Annen, consulting density 26 percent greater than treatment combinations are available
ecologist, Michler & Brown, LLC. sethoxydim application alone. for reed canary grass abatement and
In a previous article (Minnesota A vegetation survey was conducted subsequent native species
Plant Press, Spring 2005), I reported during the post-treatment regrowth restoration. Results of this study
on the effects of a grass-specific year to assess the degree of reed demonstrate that tillage and plant
herbicide, VantageÆ (sethoxydim), canary grass resurgence taking place growth regulator pretreatments can
on reed canary grass. [Vantage is in each treatment. Resurgence enhance the effectiveness of
presently marketed as Sethoxydim G occurred in all treatment plots during sethoxydim on reed canary grass if
PROÆ .] After observing substantial the regrowth year, but it occurred to administered for at least two
recovery in the post-treatment a lesser extent in tillage-herbicide consecutive growing seasons.
regrowth year, I postulated that apical and PGR-herbicide plots than in Craig A. Annen is a practicing
dominance in reed canary grass sethoxydim-only plots. Thus, restorationist and researcher. For
rhizomes might affect herbicide coupling tillage and PGR more information, contact him at
performance and the ability of this 608-424-6997 or
pretreatments to sethoxydim
species to recover (resurge) from annen00@aol.com.
application for two consecutive
herbicide treatments. In this article, growing seasons reduced reed canary
I summarize results of an experiment grass resurgence capacity relative to Help search for
designed to test if short-circuiting
rhizome apical dominance prior to
solitary herbicide use. In general,
plots that were more diverse at the
dwarf trout lilies
sethoxydim application would The Minnesota Natural Heritage
beginning of the experiment and Nongame Research Program is
enhance this herbicide’s effects on responded more positively to
reed canary grass. seeking volunteers to help with dwarf
treatments than plots that were less trout lily monitoring and searches.
The purpose of this experiment was diverse or monotypic at the They especially need volunteers who
to determine if either tillage or plant beginning of the experiment, are available on weekdays.
growth regulator (PGR) pretreatment regardless of which treatment was
followed by sethoxydim application administered. The presence of native Volunteers work in teams to search
would suppress reed canary grass to vegetation may augment control designated areas under supervision
a greater extent than solitary use of measures by shading out reed canary of DNR staff and/or experienced
herbicide. One year of coupling grass during its recovery period. volunteers. The exact schedule
tillage (ca. June 1) to sethoxydim Although tillage and PGR depends on lily phenology and can
application (ca. June 21) reduced pretreatments enhanced occur anytime between April 23 and
reed canary grass stem density 35 sethoxydim’s effectiveness on reed May 10. All work is within an hour’s
percent greater than sethoxydim canary grass, multiple-year drive south of the Twin Cities in Rice,
application only. treatments were required to reduce Goodhue, or Steele Counties.
resurgence capacity, demonstrating Minimum time commitment is one
Two consecutive years of the
the necessity for long-term full day. Sites vary in topographic
tillage-sethoxydim treatment
management to control this species. difficulty and risk of getting wet feet.
reduced reed canary grass stem
Training is in the field.
density 443 percent greater than Surges in native species abundance
sethoxydim application only. Tillage and diversity may not always To volunteer, contact Derek
also enhanced native species accompany tillage treatments. The Anderson, botany assistant:
abundance (up to 270 percent) and diversity-enhancing effects of tillage derek.anderson@dnr.state.mn.us or
diversity (up to 87 percent) because may be limited to transitional 651-259-5071. Include your full
tillage stirs up the seed bank and communities where reed canary name; phone number where you are
buries litter, facilitating germination. grass is commingled with native best reached at the last minute; and
Application of a 2:1 mixture of species or occurs as a clonal patch e-mail if possible. Indicate the total
CycocelÆ (chlormequat chloride) and within a native species matrix, areas number of days you are willing to
ProxyÆ (ethephon) growth regulators where native species seed banks are commit, and list dates during the
(ca. June 15) followed by herbicide more likely to be intact and in two-week time period when you are
application (ca. June 21) for two moderate or high density. I am available. You can expect a follow-
consecutive growing seasons presently testing this hypothesis with up e-mail or phone call no earlier
reduced reed canary grass stem a tillage experiment in a restored than the week of April 16.
6

7. Plant Lore Robert (Bob)
by Thor Kommedahl
What is spiderwort?
Jacobson dies
by Roy Robison and George Hild
Spiderwort is Tradescantia
bracteata, T. occidentalis, or T. The Minnesota Native Plant
ohiensis. They are in the spiderwort Society lost a good friend when
family (Commelinaceae) of Robert (Bob) Jacobson died
monocotyledons — these three of suddenly Jan. 23 at his home in St.
six species are native to Minnesota. Paul.
Bob was a very active member of
Where did it get its names? the Society. Besides attending
Tradescantia was named after numerous monthly meetings, leading
British plant collector John field trips and presenting several
Tradescant (1608-1637). He was talks, he also was the editor of the
gardener to King Charles I in Minnesota Plant Press from fall of
London. It was named spiderwort 1990 through spring of 1993 and a
Photo of T. occidentalis by Scott
either because the sap from broken frequent contributor of articles.
Milburn
stems forms filaments like a spider’s He is survived by his parents, Jean
web, or the angular leaf arrangement and Robert L. Jacobson of
suggests a squatting spider. Minnetonka, and his brother, Ronald
Bracteata refers to bracts in the Jacobson, of White Bear Lake.
inflorescence. Occidentalis means
Bob worked at MnDOT for 19
western and ohiensis means of Ohio.
years and played an important role
Wort means herb, but is often added
in getting the state to use local native
to common names if a plant was once
ecotypes in MnDOT projects. He
used in medicine.
worked closely with other
Where does the plant grow? Photo of T. bracteata by Sean organizations to develop
Spiderworts are typically prairie Jergens specifications that are still used
plants: T. bracteata is the most Does it have any economic today. He was currently working on
widely distributed of the three native importance? various wetland programs in the
species in Minnesota, and T. ohiensis Although grown as an ornamental Environmental Services Department
occurs in extreme southeast counties in gardens, none of these three of MnDOT.
of the state. However, T. ohiensis and species is as popular as T. virginiana. Bob helped the use of Minnesota
some other species have been planted Wandering Jew (T. fluminensis) is native plants by testifying before
in gardens and have escaped grown as a house plant. Spiderworts several committees at the state
cultivation elsewhere. have been eaten as a raw salad or pot Capitol a few years ago, supporting
herb. the use of natives along roadsides
What does the plant look like?
and against a law that would have
Plants are perennials. All three A winter afternoon banned their use.
species have three petals that are blue
to rose-colored, six stamens, and by Ken Arndt Bob loved plants; he also loved
flowers that are borne in umbel-like On Feb. 17, 10 MN NPS members animals. He lost his big black dog a
cymes. Long bracts that resemble enjoyed a warm afternoon outing at few years ago, and that was hard on
leaves in shape subtend the flowers. Terrace Horticultural Books in St. him. Bjorn was a slobbering
T. bracteata has dense, sticky hairs Paul, shopping for plant books. scoundrel that Bob insisted on
on sepals and pedicels, T. Owner Kent Petterson opened his bringing with him on field trips. He
occidentalis is sparsely hairy, and T. store for us and also donated 10 was also a “leaner,” so combined
ohiensis is hairless. percent of sales from member with the dripping, the experience
purchases to the Society. He gave always proved interesting.
Does it have any medicinal uses? us a tour and a short history of the There are plans to rename a couple
Cherokee Indians made a plant tea business before we were let loose in of wetland projects for Bob, as well
for treatment of kidney and stomach the candy store. If you didn’t make as the establishment of the Bob
ailments. A leaf poultice was applied it, go to this great little bookstore Jacobson Wetland Memorial Fund.
to insect bites, and a root poultice for sometime. Information is at Donations are also being accepted by
cancers. www.terracehorticulturalbooks.com the Humane Society.
7

8. Minnesota Native Plant Society
P.O. Box 20401
Bloomington, MN 55420
Spring 2007
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