The document summarizes a talk given by a wetland biologist at a Minnesota Native Plant Society meeting. It discusses how plant communities can be used as indicators of wetland quality. The biologist's agency has developed an Index of Biological Integrity that uses multiple plant community metrics to assess wetland condition. The agency is now conducting a statewide survey to measure the overall condition of depressional marshes in Minnesota using this index. The survey aims to help track wetland status and trends over time.

1. Minnesota Plant Press
The Minnesota Native Plant Society Newsletter
Volume 27 Number 3 Spring 2008
Monthly meetings
Thompson Park Center/Dakota Lodge Plants are indicators
of wetland quality
Thompson County Park
360 Butler Ave. E.,
West St. Paul, MN 55118
651-552-7559 (kitchen) by Michael Bourdaghs. wetland biologist, Minnesota Pollution
Programs
Control Agency. This is an abstract of his talk at the Dec. 6, 2007
MN NPS meeting.
The MN NPS meets the first Thursday The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has worked for
in October, November, December, over 10 years to develop a wetland biological monitoring program in
February, March, April, May, and June. support of the state and federal “no net loss” wetland policy. Biological
Check the website for more program monitoring is the use of biological community measurements to
information. assess the condition (i.e., deviation from a natural or least disturbed
6 p.m. — Social period state) of the resource. In this case, we measure plant communities
7 – 9 p.m. — Program, society to assess wetland condition. This is an effective approach, as plant
business communities can integrate multiple human impacts to wetlands over
May 1: “Under the Cart Wheels: space and time in predictable patterns.
Natural Communities and Native Plants Our primary indicator is called the Index of Biological Integrity
Along the Pembina Trail,” presented by or IBI. An IBI is a multimetric index — meaning that it consists of a
Nancy Sather, DNR ecologist. Plant of number of separate metrics that when combined produce a very robust
the Month: Blanket flower (Gaillardia index of wetland condition. Each metric is selected primarily based
aristata). on its response to human-caused wetland stress, such as hydrologic
June 5 “Music of the Leaves: How alteration or excess nutrient loading. To date, IBIs have been
Plants Arrange Their Leaves for Most developed for depressional marshes statewide. We have successfully
Efficient Photosynthesis,” by Clarence L. applied our IBIs in a number of areas, including the Wetland Health
Lehman, adjunct professor, Department Evaluation Program volunteer monitoring group (www.mnwhep.org);
of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, a wetland quality survey conducted in the Redwood River watershed;
University of Minn. Native Plant Sale and wetland assessment under the impaired waters section of the
following program. Clean Water Act.
Prairie conference Looking to the future, the MPCA, in cooperation with a number
website is changed of other state and federal agencies, has developed an overall wetland
monitoring strategy. As part of
The website for the 21st North
American Prairie Conference, which will
the strategy, we have begun a
statewide status and trends survey, In this issue
be held at Winona State University Aug. where wetlands are randomly President’s column .............2
4 to 8, has been changed. For information selected and assessed with IBIs. Conservation projects ........2
The survey will give us for the Rare rock pool plants ........3
or to register, go to http://bio.winona.edu/
first time the ability to measure the Moose and forest ecology ...4
NAPC/index.htm Conservation tip ................5
overall condition of depressional
MN NPS website marshes in Minnesota. In addition Birds need native plants ....6
For current information about MN NPS to the survey, we are continuing Field trips ..........................6
field trips, meetings, and other events, to develop other monitoring Plant Lore: Starflower .......7
Native Plant Sale ...............7
check the website: www.mnnps.org Continued on page 7

2. President’s column MNNPS Board
by Scott Milburn
The Minnesota Native Plant Society has recently begun our 27th year.
of Directors
Perhaps our best accomplishment is that we operate entirely as a volunteer President: Scott Milburn,
organization. We rely on our members for every task, from the financial scott.milburn@mnnps.org
details to the organization of the social hour before every monthly meeting. Vice President: Shirley Mah
Great work is being done by our members. From our field trip coordinator Kooyman, shirley.mah.kooyman@
Ken Arndt to our membership coordinator David Johnson, we rely on their mnnps.org
efforts. As many of you know, Ken has been in charge of field trips for Secretary: Sean Jergens, sean.
several years. Under his tenure, we have had the opportunity to explore jergens@mnnps.org
Minnesota and have been able to reach out to new members. This task Treasurer: Ron and Cathy
involves hard work, dedicated time, and a great deal of coordination. Huber, ron.huber@mnnps.org
Prior to every monthly meeting, paid members receive notification Ken Arndt, board member, field
of the meeting. These postcards are prepared, stamped and mailed by trip chair, ken.arndt@mnnps.org
David Johnson, who is also in charge of membership. This is quite a task, Peter Dziuk, board member,
and we appreciate the effort. Volunteering is worthwhile and beneficial peter.dziuk@mnnps.org
to advancing the Society. I ask our members to think of ways they can Daniel Jones, board member,
contribute in the future. daniel.jones@mnnps.org
I would also like to point out the great effort by the symposium committee. Beth Nixon, board member,
Turnout for this year’s symposium was great, and the feedback was quite conservation committee chair, beth.
positive. We are grateful for the
Conservation
nixon@mnnps.org
excellent presentations and the panel
Erika Rowe, board member,
Actions
discussion. We hope that folks were
able to learn something new and to erika.rowe@mnnps.org
take with them an appreciation for by Beth Nixon Russ Schaffenberg, board
one of the most amazing places in Readers of this newsletter are member, russ.schaffenberg@
Minnesota. presumed to share a passion for mnnps.org
On a related topic, we have built wild places and what they stir in Linda Huhn, program
up a reserve of money over the past the heart, be it an aesthetic sense, coordinator, 612-374-1435
few years due to the symposia. As spiritual strength, or playfulness Listserv Coordinator: Charles
noted in my last column, we donate and creativity. This past year the Umbanhowar, ceumb@stolaf.edu
a portion of our funds to support MN NPS responded to a call to Field Trips: fieldtrips.mnnps@
various projects or groups that further ensure that some semblance of mnnps.org
the mission of the Society. This this appreciation of wild places Memberships: memberships.
can be a challenge, because there is brought to children living in mnnps@mnnps.org; 651-739-4323
are quite a few ways to spend our Ramsey County. The public school Historian-Archives: Roy
money. The board has been diligent funding gap left out busing for field Robison, historian-archives.
in evaluating projects, viewing each trips, eliminating environmental mnnps@mnnps.org
donation as an investment. We education at area nature centers. For
Technical or membership
recently funded two special projects. the next three years, our Society will
inquiries: contact.mnnps@mnnps.
The first was purchasing 20 plant provide $300 per year for field trip
org
field guides for the Como Park High busing. St. Paul Audubon Society
Woodland Project. The second was will do the same. Minnesota Plant Press Editor:
providing partial funding for busing Gerry Drewry, 651-463-8006;
The Conservation Committee is
kids to nature centers for the next developing a member Action Alert plantpress.mnnps@mnnps.org
three years. e-mail list for letter writing. You Waterfest is May 17
We are also fortunate to have are not obligated to write every time Lake Phalen’s shoreline
a great relationship with the Bell you receive an alert, but we hope that restoration will be celebrated May
Museum of Natural History and once or twice a year you can quickly 17 during Waterfest 2008 at Phalen
thank them for all of their help at the respond to an alert with a letter. Park Pavilion, St. Paul. The event will
symposium. In closing, I hope that Talking points will be provided. include rain garden tours, watershed
everyone has a chance to enjoy the Go to the website and contact the information and a native plant give-
Minnesota Spring and please share Conservation Committee, or sign up away. Search “waterfest” at www.
your enthusiasm with others. at the next monthly meeting. co.ramsey.mn.us for details.
2

3. Rare plants found in circumboreal range because it
is limited to ephemeral pools. It
pools on rock outcrops
occurs as a thin, floating-leaved
aquatic form that reverts to a more
succulent-leaved terrestrial form
by Fred Harris, plant ecologist, designation as state listed rare when stranded in mud. MCBS
Minnesota County Biological species. Also at that time, Emily located numerous new populations
Survey, Minnesota DNR. This is an Nietering completed a Master’s of this species on the Prairie Coteau
abstract of his talk at the March 6, thesis to locate many populations of in the last two years.
2008 MN NPS meeting. these rare plants in the Minnesota Hairy water clover (Marsilea
Temporary rainwater pools on River Valley. More recently, fairly vestita) — Prior to MCBS, this
rock outcrops in our prairie region systematic surveys by botanists of aquatic, heterosporous fern was
have a unique flora for Minnesota. the Minnesota County Biological last recorded in Minnesota in 1938
The two main areas of rock outcrops Survey (MCBS), have added to at Pipestone National Monument.
in the prairie region are crystalline our knowledge of the species of In 2007, MCBS documented
bedrock exposures in the Minnesota rock pool habitats in the Minnesota several new populations of this
River Valley and Sioux Quartzite valley and the Prairie Coteau, species on Sioux Quartzite pools
outcrops in the inner portion of the and relocated several species last in Pipestone and Rock counties.
Prairie Coteau (Pipestone and Rock recorded in the early 1900s. Rare, Upright, terrestrial forms persist
counties). Sioux Quartzite exposures rock-pool specialist species include in drying mud where they produce
also occur on the outer margins of the following. sporocarps. Seeing this tiny plant is
the Prairie Coteau in Cottonwood Water hyssop (Bacopa really a matter of being in the right
County. rotundifolia) — This small scroph place at the right time.
Ephemeral rock outcrop pools occurs mostly in small rock Prairie quillwort (Isoetes
vary from small, one-foot diameter depressions in the Minnesota valley, melanopoda) — In Minnesota, this
puddles in bedrock depressions with a few records from Sioux aquatic, heterosporous fern ally is
to pools of 25 feet across. All of Quartzite pools on the Coteau. a northern disjunct from the rest
these pools are at least eight to 10 Most of the available habitat for of its range in the United States.
inches deep, last for at least one to this species has been examined, Prior to MCBS surveys, the species
two months, and dry up by late June and a total of approximately 20 had been known from Pipestone
in most years. These ephemeral populations of this species have National Monument and Blue
pools lack competition from the been located in the state since the Mounds State Park. In 2007, MCBS
dense cover of wetland graminoids early 1900s. This species appears located several new populations
(e.g. Carex sp.) present in more to be fairly rare in Minnesota, and of the species, including a large
permanent pools on outcrops. MCBS staff recommend upgrading population at the new Touch-the-
Temporary pool species its status from Special Concern to Sky National Wildlife Refuge in
germinate and rapidly grow during Threatened. Rock County.
the short duration of the wetland, Wolf’s spikerush (Eleocharis Pygmy weed (Crassula
then typically change morphology wolfii) — Prior to MCBS, this aquatica) — This tiny succulent
from aquatic to terrestrial forms overlooked sedge species had been plant in the Crassulaceae had been
that persist for a few weeks while collected in just three locations recorded once in Rock County in
stranded in drying mud after surface in the state, all prior to 1968 and 1945. In 1983, several deep-water
waters have disappeared. The plants from habitats vaguely described on plants of the species were discovered
then persist the rest of the year specimen labels as “moist areas.” in Namakan Lake in Voyageurs
through extreme heat and drought In 1997, MCBS discovered this National Park. In 2007, two
as seed, spores, or other perennating species growing on the edges of rock individuals of the dwarf, terrestrial
parts in dried mud deposits in the pools at Carver Rapids Wayside in form of this species were found
rock depressions until the pools refill the Minnesota valley. In the last stranded on mud in Rock County.
with rainwater the next spring. two years, MCBS located several This plant also occurs in vernal
In the early 1980s, Welby Smith populations on the margins of Sioux pools in California, where it was
described these unusual rock pools Quartzite pools on the Coteau. found to perform the crassulacean
and their flora and recommended Mudwort (Limosella aquatica) acid metabolism (CAM) mode
several pool-specialist species — This small, annual scroph
with few records in the state for is uncommon throughout its Continued on page 5
3

4. How do moose affect Impacts of browsing by moose
Moose impacts on common,
northern forest ecology?
widespread deciduous species are
most severe on quaking aspen,
white birch, mountain ash, mountain
Lessons from Isle Royale National Park maple, serviceberry, cherry species,
by Peter A. Jordan, Department of Density of moose at Isle Royale and beaked hazel; and somewhat
Fisheries and Wildlife, University has long been higher than in most less so on yellow birch, sugar
of Minnesota. This is an abstract of other northern regions of the world maple, Canada fly honeysuckle,
his talk at the Nov. 1, 2007 MN NPS where they occur. They first arrived and bush honeysuckle; but almost
meeting. on the island in the early 1900s, and nil on thimble berry, speckled alder,
by the 1920s had grown to several and all bog shrubs. Probably most
Background critical is the stripping of deciduous
Isle Royale National Park thousand on this 204-square-mile
island, causing conspicuous damage leaves during the growing season,
in Lake Superior has long been being more damaging than removal
famed not only as a beautiful and to the forests.
of twigs from those same plants in
biologically diverse wilderness, As we measure and interpret winter. One rather rare species, the
but also for the intensively studied, long-term ecological effects, the highly preferred, big-leaf aspen,
long-term dynamics of wolves question arises, have moose caused appears vulnerable to complete
and moose there. Ecologically, the forests on Isle Royale to become extirpation from the island by
however, documenting how these far different in composition and/or moose.
two elements interact does not structure than those on the adjacent
provide a full understanding of mainland where moose are either not Severe impact on conifers
this ecosystem, because the forage- present or at much lower densities? involves only two species — balsam
vegetation segment must be included fir, which would be the most abundant
Plant diversity at Isle Royale tree were its reproduction not so
as well.
For students of native plants, it’s heavily suppressed, particularly at
We have been measuring woody interesting that, as a habitat for plants, the western end, and American yew,
plants and the impact of moose the island supports a considerably which has been reduced to tiny, very
upon them since the 1960s and are greater diversity of species and forest short twigs without ever bearing
now connecting those data to trends types than similar-sized areas on the “fruit.” White pine, only sparsely
in the moose and wolf populations surrounding mainland. For example, present, shows moderately heavy
that have been tracked by others — orchid species here number 32 (as browsing on saplings, but scattered
along with our estimating winter of 1993), and there are a number of individuals are regularly outgrowing
moose numbers from pellet counts. relict species associated with West the moose. Cropping of conifers
I joined the long-term moose- Hudson Bay plus the far West. in winter does involve removal of
wolf project in the 1960s to The cold, but winter-long open, productive foliage, more akin to
monitor the animals, but also began waters of Lake Superior provide more summer leaf stripping than winter
establishing permanent plots on moderate temperatures year round, twig removals. White and black
which upland shrubs and trees particularly underlying more cool spruce and jack pine, plus junipers
were inventoried, along with how and damp summers. Its topography are essentially never used. Red
these were affected by the foraging includes sharp, parallel ridges and pine, very rare there, is apparently
of moose (as well as snowshoe depressions, plus swamps and bogs, not used much if at all.
hares). This sampling system was along with numerous inland lakes. Long-term effects upon forests
gradually expanded into an island- Moose browsing has suppressed
Briefly, the major forest types
wide network of plots wherein many reproduction in most upland tree
include northern-hardwood sugar-
relevant variables are re-measured
maple and yellow-birch; extensive species along with the most common
annually, along with some less-often
mixed stands of white birch, quaking conifer since the late 1920s, when
as needed.
aspen, balsam fir and white spruce; the recently arrived moose reached
The issues boreal forests of balsam fir; patches an unusually high number. The
Moose feed primarily on woody of jack-pine/black spruce; and overall effect has been to alter
plants, taking leaves and new twigs extensive northern white-cedar in composition and structure of much
of deciduous species during the lowlands. Moose forage heavily on of the island’s forest, an effect that
growing season, then their dormant most of the common broad-leaf tree can only be seen as mature trees
twigs plus the foliage of some and shrub species, but only on one that were present before moose
conifers during the rest of the year. common conifer, balsam fir. arrived eventually die out, but are
4

5. not being replaced by their own or
other palatable species, as would
result (as long as said trends are not
caused by us humans). Rock-pool plants
normally occur. Continued from page 3
Should you visit the west end of of photosynthesis while it is a
Successful escape of highly Isle Royale, no doubt stopping at submerged aquatic plant (as do
palatable trees occurred only once the Windigo Ranger Station, a good species of Isoetes).
in the 20th century. That was after impression of moose effects can be
a very large fire in 1936, followed seen at a moose-exclosure located Mud plantain (Heteranthera
by re-vegetation by birch and aspen close-by. Constructed in 1979 limosa) — This species in the
so widespread that moose could not where prior vegetation was similar Pontederiaceae was previously
suppress the saplings. Otherwise, to that outside the exclosure today, known from only two locations in
inability of young trees to escape the you can appreciate that as soon as Minnesota. MCBS documented
reach of moose has led to openings moose were excluded, long-hedged two new populations of this species
in the canopy, forming what we call firs, aspens, and other preferred in rock outcrop pools sustained by
“spruce-moose savannas.” hardwoods grew quickly, reaching runoff and groundwater seepage in
their nearly full height within 15 Rock County.
In these savannas, most woody
plants remain as hedged shrubs, or so years, while the vegetation Slender plantain (Plantago
while herbage becomes abundant, outside has remained as before — elongata) — This tiny, annual,
as in meadows. This affords moose a savanna. Around the outside, the stemless plantain is a western species
prolonged access to browse, but the mature firs and most mature white that reaches the easternmost edge of
plants eventually decline in size birch present in 1979 have since its United States range in southwest
and productivity due to chronic, died and fallen. Minnesota. Previously known from
year-round (for deciduous ones) Note: A power-point with colored one recent and two old collections
cropping. Meanwhile, slowly but graphics was used for this talk. For in Minnesota, MCBS documented
surely, white spruce, being totally a copy, contact Peter at pajordan@ just one new population in spite of
unpalatable and free of competition umn.edu much searching.
from other woody species, occupies
the site, eventually dominating the Tip of the season Though more populations of
these rare plants have been located
canopy. This creates a habitat of no by Beth Nixon in recent years, they are confined
value to moose other than as cover. “It won’t hurt if I just dig to a very specific habitat with a
one.” Whether digging wild very limited range in Minnesota.
When, after many years, the orchids on private property or Furthermore, the persistence of the
spruce reaches mature size and in public places, taking one is native flora on many rock outcrops
high density, it becomes subject to a bad idea. Many of us love in Minnesota’s prairie region is
wildfire. However, the time lapse to own things of beauty and threatened from overgrazing or
since preferred browse species pleasure. Orchids seem to rock mining. Efforts to protect these
died out may be so long that their foot that bill for native plant special habitats have included public
roots and seeds may no longer be lovers. We must be mindful land acquisition, environmental
present, hence leaving the post- that their beauty is beholden to review of proposed mines, and a
fire vegetation with little preferred like kinds, other orchids, mossy recent and successful program to
forage for moose as normally occurs surfaces, undescribed networks purchase perpetual conservation
where mixed stands burn. There has of subterranean hyphae, the easements in Renville and Redwood
not been time for observing whether ecology of rotting matter — a counties.
this will occur at Isle Royale, i.e. a symbiology of mystery we can Public awareness and concern
couple of centuries, but it is certainly never create on our windowsills about the plight of these places have
a relevant question for researchers and gardens. Choose not to been instrumental for furthering the
at Isle Royale. extract the mystery and awe cause of protecting these habitats
The island, as a national park, from wild places. Cultivated in the Minnesota River Valley. It
cannot be managed to produce orchids are commercially appears that there is somewhat less
vegetation that favors certain available, but remind youself public awareness about the unique
valued animals, as might be done and others to check sources outcrop flora in the inner Prairie
on private or Forest Service land, before purchasing. Search for Coteau region. Continued public
In contrast, the island is a setting a meadow full of wild orchids education about these places and
where diverse or unexpected trends that can only bring beauty as a assistance for landowners who
in natural ecosystems can be studied collective whole. Enjoy them, would consider protection options
without concern for a particular end but take only pictures. should be a priority.
5

6. Birds need Field trips planned
native plants
“Bringing Nature Home: How
by Ken Arndt
We have a great line-up of field trips this summer. Due to limited
registration, all of the field trips are for MN NPS members only, except the
native plants sustain wildlife in our May trip to Barn Bluff in Red Wing. That trip is open to the public. For
gardens,” by Douglas W. Tallamy, is more detailed information on any of the field trips or to register for a trip,
published by Timber Press. go to the field trip page of our website (www.mnnps.org). You can also
Book review by Joel Dunnette register at our general meetings.
I’m a nature nut and enjoy native
plants for themselves and for their On April 26, at 1 p.m., Barr Engineering Senior Ecologist and MN NPS
embodiment of our place in the world. board member Daniel Jones will lead a hike in Nerstrand Big-Woods State
I started liking native plants for the Park near Northfield. Participants will view the early spring ephemerals
wonder and variety of interesting of this maple-basswood community and get to brush up on their woodland
insects they attract and support. But plant ID with Daniel.
I now have another reason to plant, “Walk with Thoreau” in Red Wing May 24. Writer Dan Dietrich
maintain and encourage the use of and naturalist Bruce Ause will lead this trip, which is sponsored by the
native vegetation. Anderson Center in Red Wing. This event is free and open to the public.
In “Bringing Nature Home,” Dr. The day will begin at 9 a.m. in the main gallery of the Anderson Center
Tallamy explains in an entertaining with brunch and a brief talk by Dietrich on Thoreau’s trip to Red Wing.
way how the diversity of our native This will be followed by a walking tour of Barn Bluff from 10:30 a.m.
plants supports a much wider variety to 12 noon. Led by Dietrich and Ause, the tour will retrace Thoreau’s
and volume of insects than non- exploration of the bluff and locate the many plants and flowers noted in
native plants. his journals and letters.
The weekend of June 7 and 8 will be a return trip to the Prairie Coteau
Why should people care about region of southwestern Minnesota with DNR Botanists/Plant Ecologists
this? Well, although more people Fred Harris and Nancy Sather. From rock outcrops at Touch the Sky
enjoy birds than insects, the National Wildlife Refuge to calcareous fens at Sarah Mason Wildlife
availability of an abundance and Management Area and a few other sites between, participants will have
variety of insects is critical to birds a close look at many different plant communities. Surveys for the prairie
as they raise their young. Baby birds moonwort (Botrychium campestre) and small white lady’s slipper orchid
eat a lot — and what they eat is (Cypripedium candidum) are also planned.
mostly insects.
On July 19, we will go north to George Crosby Manitou and Split
Gardens of exotic flowers are Rock Lighthouse State Parks with DNR Botanists/Plant Ecologists Chel
starving the wild birds so many of us Anderson and Lynden Gerdes, to follow up this year’s symposium topic,
love. Yards of mowed grass, with a the North Shore Highlands. This all-day hike will take society members
few non-native shrubs, are no place to the interior forests of the north
to raise a bird family. Native plants to kill nearly every insect they see. shore and down to the shore of Lake
have evolved to live with native This harms the birds we love. Superior itself for a look at the many
insects. Each species has its own
kinds of insects that live on and with If we want a world filled with different plants found in this part of
it. These insects not only use native wonder and a variety of creatures, northern Minnesota.
plants, but do so without destroying and we continue to take up nearly Saturday, Aug. 2, Steve Eggers,
them. all productive land with our houses senior ecologist for the St. Paul
and shopping malls, then we need District Corps of Engineers, will lead
Native plants support production to provide the native plants that a canoe trip in Weaver Bottoms,
of two to five times more insect are essential for the survival of the along the Mississippi River in
food than do non-natives. Non- species we value. southeastern Minnesota. Members
native flowers are unfamiliar to our
insects and may be “pest free,” This book is full of useful will canoe into the bottoms, where
but what many people call pests are information, but is also fun to read. American lotus and cardinal flower
essential to raising young birds. In Dr. Tallamy is an entomologist will be in bloom, nine-foot tall wild
fact, most insects are not harmful to who truly loves nature and clearly rice stands will grace the river, and
humans or crops. We asume guilt communicates that love. If you a diverse assemblage of emergent,
by association, so most people try care about birds even a little, you floating and submergent aquatic
will enjoy reading this book. vegetation will be seen.
6

7. Plant Lore aren’t showy enough, have a short
blooming time, and go dormant Native Plant
by Thor Kommedahl
What is starflower?
in mid-summer. Starflower is
susceptible to smut caused by Sale is June 5
Starflower is Trientalis borealis, Urocystis trientalis, and voles prefer by Ken Arndt
in the primrose family, a common to eat infected over noninfected It is time to get ready for this
spring flower native to Minnesota plants. year’s MN NPS native plant sale at
woodlands. our June 5 meeting. This annual sale
helps raise money for the Society.
How did it get its names? We encourage members to divide
Trientalis in Latin means “a or propagate their own native plants
third of a foot” because it averages and donate them to our sale.
about four inches tall; borealis We will hold the sale outside
means “of the north,” and the plant of Dakota Lodge on the patio area
is appropriately called northern that overlooks Thompson Lake, as
starflower. Because the petals we did last year. We ask that all
resemble a seven-pointed star, it plant material arrive by 6 p.m., so
is named starflower. Some refer our volunteers will have time to
to this plant as a “plant of sevens” get the sales area set up. The sale
because it usually has seven petals, will take place after our speaker’s
seven sepals, seven anthers, and presentation. All members and
sometimes even seven leaves. Plants non-members will be allowed to
with flower parts in sevens are rare. participate. When the plant sale
What does the plant look like? begins, volunteers will be first to
It is a four-inch tall perennial select plants, followed by those who
with rhizomes and tubers (one to donated plant material, then by other
four per plant). The four to seven members, and finally by visitors.
simple leaves appear at the stem We ask that only native plants
tip in a whorl without petioles, or from the region (Minnesota/western
very short ones, and are slender Wisconsin) be included in the
and conspicuously veined. Usually sale. No cultivars (horticultural
single, sometimes two to three, white selections) should be brought to the
flowers with five to nine, but usually sale (e.g. ‘Goldstrum’ black-eyed
seven, petals per flower appear Trientalis borealis photo by Peter Susan or ‘Gateway’ Joe-Pye-weed).
from May to June. Pollination is by Dziuk Plants should come from your own
native bees. Fruits are berry-like property or other private property
capsules splitting into five sections with that owner’s permission, not
with many tiny seeds. However, Wetland quality
asexual reproduction by tubers is continued from page 1
from public property. Do not bring
any plants dug without permission.
more important than reproduction methods. Chief among these is the Place the plants in typical nursery
by seeds. Floristic Quality Assessment (FQA). containers with adequate water and
Where do these plants grow? FQA relies on the Coefficient of soil. Label them with both common
They are understory plants in Conservatism which is a numerical and scientific names. Prices will be
rich woods and bogs in conifer- rating of an individual species’ marked by volunteers. We will have
hardwood and boreal forests in affinity to natural habitats. FQA plant guides to help with labeling.
North America and are abundant in may allow us to move beyond Try to dig your plants at least
patches. depressional marshes and assess two to four weeks before the sale,
Are they medicinal or poisonous? all the different wetland types in especially if you are dividing your
The tubers are neither edible nor Minnesota. plants. That way the plants have time
poisonous and have no medicinal For more information on to get through transplant shock.
properties. the MPCA wetland biological A few volunteers are needed to
Is it a garden plant? monitoring program, please visit our help with setting up the sales area
and assisting members with their
Gardeners shy away from this webpage at: www.pca.state.mn.us/
plants. To volunteer, contact Ken
plant in gardens because plants water/biomonitoring/bio-wetlands.
html Arndt at ken.arndt@mnnps.org
7

8. Minnesota Native Plant Society
P.O. Box 20401
Bloomington, MN 55420
Spring 2008
Directions:
Take MN Hwy. 52 to the Butler Ave. E. exit in West St. Paul.
Go west on Butler 0.2 miles to Stassen Lane.
Go south on Stassen Lane to Thompson County Park.