Native Groundcovers—Some Favorites for Your Garden GNPS

NativeSCAPE
Hydrangea
quercifolia
Published by the Georgia Native Plant Society
October 2012
Volume XVIII, Number 4
Native Groundcovers—Some Favorites for Your Garden
By Sharon Parry
Page 3
Four dependable groundcovers are profiled.
President’s Message
2
GNPS Extraordinary Gifts
Page 7
GNPS Board authorizes extraordinary gifts in 2012
Plant Rescue News
11
Chapter News
19
Upcoming GNPS Events
20
Witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
Membership Renewal
21
By Ellen Honeycutt
Page 9
A plant that blooms in November.
Newsletter Editor
Ellen Honeycutt
Newsletter staff:
Sharon Parry and Pat
Smith, Proofreaders
NativeSCAPE is published
quarterly by the Georgia
Native Plant Society. A
subscription is included
with membership in the
GNPS.
Copyright 2012 by the
Georgia Native Plant
Society. All rights
reserved. Articles may
not be reprinted without
permission of the
author.
Journey to Certification
Page 13
By Marilyn Bloom
A member’s tale of Habitat Certification
Fall Plant Sale
Page 14
Pictures from our fall plant sale
Genetic Diversity within Arabis georgiana
By Alicia Garcia
Page 15
Grant recipient report
Website Features
A highlight of existing and new features
Page 18
2
Georgia Native Plant Society
P.O. Box 422085
Atlanta, GA 30342-2085
www.gnps.org
770-343-6000
GNPS Board of Directors
President
Jacqueline McRae
Vice President
Charles Brown
Secretary
Kimberly Ray
Treasurer
Paula Reith
Members-at-Large:
Ron Smith
Susan Hanson
Keith Kaylor
Director of Communications
Ellen Honeycutt
Director of Conservation
Marcia Winchester
Director of Education
Director of Membership
Jane Trentin
About your membership in the
Georgia Native Plant Society
Your membership dues and
donations help support our mission
which is:
To promote the stewardship and
conservation of Georgia’s native
plants and their habitats By sponsoring meetings, workshops,
an annual symposium, grants,
scholarships, the native plant rescue
program, and this newsletter utilizing an all-volunteer staff of
dedicated native plant enthusiasts.
We look forward to and appreciate
your continued support.
Membership renewal forms can be
completed online or by completing
the form on the last page of this
news letter.
NativeSCAPE October 2012
President’s Message
By Jacqueline McRae
Coming to terms with everything that happens during the year at
GNPS has been mind boggling to me. As President I am beginning to
appreciate just how much work many of our members statewide do to
tirelessly promote stewardship and conservation of Georgia’s native
plants.
Of course I’m not alone in my ongoing education at GNPS. While
working with the many committees I’ve discovered how much goes on
behind the scenes. I now see where more help is needed from those
of you starting to learn about our Georgia native plants. Every time we
do anything at all we learn something new. There are many
opportunities to learn within GNPS: participating in a rescue as a
beginner and ultimately becoming a facilitator years later, learning how
to propagate plants at a GNPS workshop and later becoming a grower
for one of our plant sales, or learning how to recognize and eliminate
invasive plants on a restoration project.
One very positive result of all the learning and doing is that GNPS has
accumulated funds. In August the GNPS board voted to support four
projects with over $30,000 of the funds which came from
memberships, merchandise, donations, and of course the plant sales.
See page 7 for more details.
Throughout the year I have put out requests for help through emails,
and the response has been good. The need for your help will always
be there. Please consider stepping up to take on a task, no matter
how great or small, so that you too can learn more and more. The
skills and knowledge you gain working side by side with GNPS
members are priceless. You probably joined GNPS to learn more and
you already know more that you did before - so what’s holding you
back? Jump in next time you hear of an opportunity and do something
good for yourself, for GNPS and for Georgia’s native plants that we
care so much about.
Remember that membership renewals are now due. I hope that you
will join me in renewing your membership so that we can continue to
do and learn more together.
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NativeSCAPE October 2012
Native Groundcovers—Some Favorites for Your Garden
by Sharon Parry
There are many reasons native groundcovers are such wonderful plants. Even though
some may be slow to spread, they are typically very easy to grow. Those that are more prolific
are still non-invasive. They all work hard to help stabilize the soil. The perennial types are indeed
dependable year after year. And they are all simply beautiful.
Of course we all have our favorites. My personal favorite for shady conditions is Allegheny
spurge (Pachysandra procumbens). This plant grows from a slowly expanding crown that
reaches about 10 inches in height and 2 feet in width. In Georgia and in other areas south of
zone 6 the foliage is evergreen and persists throughout the winter when its silvery, chocolate
brown and pale green mottling is most apparent and much appreciated. The leaves are clustered
near the ends and are up to 3 inches long. The unusual flower spikes appear in spring, are 2 to 4
inches tall, fragrant, and turn from pink to white as they mature. Shortly after flowering, new
leaves appear to replace the old foliage.
The USDA map indicates that Allegheny
spurge grows in Alabama, Florida,
Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana,
Mississippi, North Carolina,
Pennsylvania, South Carolina and
Tennessee. In most of these states,
however, the plant is found in only a few
locations and is classified as rare by
some authorities. I’ve never seen this
plant growing naturally here in Georgia,
but I hope to someday. The plants I
have were divisions from friends or
purchased from native plant sales.
Allegheny spurge (Pachysandra procumbens)
All photos by Sharon Parry
Well, maybe I have two favorite groundcovers for shade. Shuttleworth ginger (Hexastylis
shuttleworthii) is a real gem in the garden. It is tough as nails, easy to grow and beautiful in its
shining simplicity. The plant is evergreen and reaches up to 6” in height with its leaves and
flowers growing directly from rhizomes. The purplish brown jug-like flowers often go unnoticed
but are fun to discover growing beneath the foliage throughout the summer months. It is a
relatively slow spreader, but even a small clump makes a big impact. It can be found growing
naturally in Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi.
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NativeSCAPE October 2012
Native Groundcovers—Some Favorites for Your Garden
Continued from Previous Page
Recently while on a backyard stroll, a friend noticed a beautiful clump growing beneath
some withering ferns. She thought that it was a very shiny clump of Hexastylis arifolia. (Common
names for this plant include little brown jug, heartleaf ginger, and wild ginger.) I tried to explain the
differences in the two plants, pointing out the
smaller leaves, glossiness, and the more intense
color contrast of the venation. The best
explanation is at www.wildflower.org (website of
the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center):
“Hexastylis shuttleworthii has dark green leaves
with whitish green venation, the opposite of its
close relative, H. arifolia.” As many times as I’ve
looked at these two plants, I can’t believe I didn’t
think of that! H. shuttleworthii’s flowers are a bit
larger as well, giving it another common name,
largeflower heartleaf.
Shuttleworth ginger (Hexastylis shuttleworthii)
Coreopsis auriculata, often called mouse
eared coreopsis, and sometimes lobed tickseed, has got to be a favorite for sunny areas. A few
divisions from a friend have spread nicely in areas where growing conditions are brutally hot and
dry. This plant will also tolerate shade but will grow more slowly and bloom less heavily in low
light conditions.
The picture at left indicates spring
flowering, but this plant will produce scattered,
bright yellow, daisy-like flowers until frost.
Deadheading will encourage heavier repeat
blooming. These flowers can reach up to 24
inches tall. The ground hugging foliage rarely
exceeds 4 inches and persists throughout the
year, often turning a burgundy color in winter.
Mouse eared coreopsis (Coreopsis auriculata)
The plant spreads by stolons and will fill
an area quite easily yet is very easy to keep under control. Its roots are quite shallow and easy to
remove if necessary. It grows on a steep sunny bank in my yard and holds the soil much better
than the pine straw which can be costly and a bit slippery to apply on slopes! Coreopsis
auriculata flowers are attractive to butterflies, and its seeds are eaten by songbirds. It grows in
thin or open woodlands throughout the southeast.
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NativeSCAPE October 2012
Native Groundcovers—Some Favorites for Your Garden
Continued from Previous Page
The hands down favorite for erosion control in shady areas is Antennaria plantaginifolia or
plantainleaf pussytoes. The evergreen leaves are basal, 2-4 inches long and hug the soil. The
whitish, rayless flower heads are on erect stems up to 12” tall and resemble cats’ paws, thus the
name. A few well-placed rocks helped establish several groups of pussytoes along a dry streambed
formed from years of rainwater runoff near our house.
Their growth habit - spreading by stolons
and forming a mat-like colony - has helped to
fill in an area that used to be quite an eyesore
in the landscape. Spaced between other
herbaceous plants, they now act somewhat
like those rocks did, protecting more delicate
plants from deluges that result when rains are
heavy.
Plantainleaf pussytoes (Antennaria plantaginifolia)
A very carefree and common plant in
the wild (it is found throughout the
eastern United States), Antennaria is
definitely underused in the home
garden.
Antennaria plantaginifolia growing with Phlox subulata
For more ideas for native plants for your garden, including groundcovers, please visit our
website and view our publication: Gardening with Native Plants .
(Continued on next page)
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NativeSCAPE October 2012
Native Groundcovers—Some Favorites for Your Garden
Continued from Previous Page
There is one more favorite native groundcover that has to be mentioned, of course. It’s not a
particularly fast growing plant and is evergreen only when winters are mild. Even though it can be a
bit picky, preferring richer soil and even moisture, it is a gorgeous native plant that performs well
when it’s happy.
Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia) has
basal leaves that are somewhat heartshaped and often have reddish-brown
variegation. The height of the plant is up
to 12” tall with flowers rising above the
foliage each spring. The tiny, white
flowers with very long stamens appear in
airy racemes, giving the plant its common
name. Tiarella refers to the dry fruit
capsule which is small and turban shaped.
Closely related to Heuchera, Tiarella is
often crossed with this plant by breeders,
producing the popular Heucherella
hybrids.
Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia)
Tiarella cordifolia grows throughout the
eastern United States, as well as in Quebec
and Ontario. In its native habitat, foamflower
can be found growing in cool, moist,
deciduous woods and along stream banks.
Where those conditions can be mimicked in
the landscape, foamflower can be established
and when mature will become stoloniferous,
forming a very attractive groundcover over
time.
The native groundcovers listed here are some
of my personal favorites. There are many
more to consider planting in your garden.
And even though most of these plants were
Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia) in foreground
planted out of the necessity to control erosion
(in which they have excelled), they are beautiful plants that provide year round interest to native
wildlife and other garden visitors.
7
NativeSCAPE October 2012
GNPS Extraordinary Gifts
Each year in accordance with the Financial Policy of the Georgia Native Plant Society, the Finance
Committee provides a mid-year budget status and, if applicable, recommendations for projected
excess funds. In 2012, the Finance Committee presented to the GNPS Board such a
recommendation. After consideration, the Board awarded four very diverse gifts to deserving
organizations for a total of $30,372. We believe that all of these projects will help to support the
mission of GNPS.
Georgia DNR Heritage Program :
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Heritage Program is a part of the Nongame
Conservation Section of the DNR Wildlife Resources Division which includes all animals and
plants. The Heritage Program is a small organization and the field botanist staff number only three:
Lisa Kruse, Mincy Moffett, and Tom Patrick. You may recognize Tom Patrick’s name as he has
been involved with a number of our programs in the past.
The GNPS gift will establish a “Recovery Actions for Rare Plants” account as a special purpose
funding source within the overall Nongame Conservation Fund with the express and exclusive
directive to support plant conservation efforts for Georgia’s rare, threatened or endangered plants.
Some initial uses of this special purpose fund would include activities such as: field surveys for rare
plants, landowner contact to set up management agreements, monitoring of endangered species,
technical assistance in the preparation of conservation easements or other conservation plans,
and support of management activities to enhance rare plant habitat.
GNPS members are encouraged to consider a personal gift to the DNR (earmarked to this special
fund) to help enhance the Society’s support. Total funding: $15,000.
SBG Center for Native Plant Studies:
During the past year, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia (SBG) significantly expanded its
conservation program by opening the Center for Native Plant Studies. The Center occupies a
seven-acre site on the SBG grounds, adjacent to a floodplain forest that is being actively restored
to enhance plant and wildlife diversity. The Center is the headquarters for their native plant
research and propagation activities as well as endangered plant safeguarding. In the future it will
also include native plant display gardens for public visitors.
In 2010, SBG launched a new program called the Georgia Native Plant Initiative. Its goal is to build
a partnership between commercial growers, horticultural scientists, land managers, restoration
ecologists, and plant societies to promote the ethical, sustainable, and creative use of native plants
in Georgia. As part of this effort, SBG is developing expertise in collecting and propagating
regional native plant material for roadsides, power line right-of-ways, restoration, and home use.
The Board was pleased to be able to support new efforts to bring native plants into the nursery
trade for projects large and small. A gift from GNPS will be used to provide funding to build raised
beds, convert a hoop house, and support a fall internship. Total funding: $8,617.
(Continued on next page)
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NativeSCAPE October 2012
GNPS Extraordinary Gifts
Continued from Previous Page
Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College (ABAC) -- Mill’s Bog
Coastal plain bogs are threatened because of loss of habitat. These wetland plant communities are
attacked by construction, erosion, changes in hydrology, suppression of fire and pollution causing
them to be destroyed or degraded.
Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College (ABAC) in Tifton has the opportunity to acquire some
property that includes a coastal plains bog. Although a small tract, the bog site contains an intact
flatwoods and longleaf pine uplands. The uplands support typical wiregrass associates and gopher
tortoises. The flatwoods buffer a small stream bordered by Ogeechee lime and remnant slash pine.
With continued prescribed burning, the entire site will remain a coastal plain botanical showpiece.
The Mill’s Bog property is currently for sale for $38k but only $5k remains needed to purchase it.
Left to right:
Sarracenia psittacina
Sarracenia minor
Sarracenia flava
Photos: Karan Rawlins
ABAC will assume ownership and provide custodial duties. The intent is that Mill’s Bog will become
a vital living educational resource in ABAC’s Forestry and Wildlife/Natural Resources Department
to provide student education in both plant id and habitat maintenance. This will become an
excellent venue for educating those who will provide the stewardship of native plant habitats in the
future. Total funding: $5,000.
Partnership with Georgia Piedmont Land Trust
The Board is pleased to partner with the Georgia Piedmont Land Trust (GPLT) to help broaden the
educational reach of the Society to a new community of people.
GPLT will create several information inserts for their newsletter that will provide detailed
information on both native plants and invasive plants. This information will be geared towards
educating their members on the beauty and usefulness of specific native plants as well as
highlighting some common non-native invasive plants. These informational inserts will be designed
to be reprinted as needed in the years ahead as ageless handouts whenever GPLT has outreach
events such as with various Rotary groups, Civitan clubs and local conservation, birding and
garden groups. In addition, GNPS will be able to add these documents to our website as
reference materials. Total funding: $1,755.
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NativeSCAPE October 2012
Witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
By Ellen Honeycutt
Despite the wide-spread distribution of American witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana) in Georgia, I
had not had an opportunity to see it in flower until November 2011 when we found it on a GNPS
rescue site. What a beautiful and delicate flower it is! The four-petal yellow flowers appear after
the leaves have already fallen, creating an almost sculptural arrangement on the bare branches.
The flowers are considered lightly fragrant.
Witchhazel is a large shrub or small
tree that is found throughout the
eastern United States as an
understory plant in upland mixed
hardwood forests. It is usually found
with oaks (Quercus spp.) and our site
was no exception – the oaks found on
this site included Scarlet oak (Quercus
coccinea), Northern red oak (Quercus
rubra), Chestnut oak (Quercus prinus),
Black oak (Quercus velutina),
Southern red oak (Quercus falcata),
and White oak (Quercus alba).
Witchhazel leaves are alternate,
simple, lobed, and deciduous. I think
the winter twig is rather distinctive with it's naked terminal bud (that is, it has no special bud scales
- those are the actual leaves that will unfold in spring).
Hamamelis virginiana twig
Hamamelis virginiana leaves
Photos by E. Honeycutt
(Continued on next page)
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NativeSCAPE October 2012
Witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
Continued from Previous Page
As I mentioned earlier, the distribution in Georgia is quite remarkable – it is found from the Blue
Ridge down through the Piedmont to the Coastal Plain. If it were not such a modest looking plant
most of the year, I’m sure more people would be familiar with it. It is a member of the
Hamamelidaceae family. It’s physical resemblance to Fothergilla (commonly called witchalder),
another member of the same family, is to be expected, but I was surprised to find that it is also in
the same family as sweetgum
(Liquidambar).
In addition to the unusual late-fall flowering
time (November in North Georgia), the
development of the seeds is also quite
unusual. Although pollination occurs in the
autumn, fertilization does not occur until
later, so the fruits develop during the
summer of the next year, becoming ripe
almost at the same time the new blooms
appear. When the fruits are ripe, they burst
open, forcibly ejecting two shiny black seeds
Map courtesy of USDA PLANTS Database
some distance away. Supposedly the
sound of the event is loud enough to be heard if you are nearby.
There are a few cultivars of the native
eastern witchhazel available. Look for H.
virginiana 'Harvest Moon' and ‘Little
Suzie’. H. vernalis is the late winter/early
spring blooming Ozark witchhazel, native to
the southwest; you may find forms of that
also. The blooms are yellow with reddish/
purplish accent and are known for having
good fragrance.
Beware of accidentally getting the Chinese
species, H. mollis – cultivars and hybrids of it
are quite common, including H. x intermedia
'Arnold Promise'.
This article was originally published on http://usinggeorgianativeplants.blogspot.com/
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NativeSCAPE October 2012
Native Plant Rescue News
By Lynn Almand
The Rescue Program...a little nostalgia and a hail and farewell
As I am writing this in late August, we've just had the first hints of fall
weather in the air, and it is all I can do to keep myself sitting in this chair! It
always seems to be a busy time in Rescueville. There is a late August popup rescue planned, and Sheri just sent the call to facilitators to plan
September rescues. The facilitators are looking at their calendars and
picking dates and rescue sites, and by the 25th of the month the schedule
will be on the website. And then there is the eager you, looking at the
rescue schedule and signing up. By the way, please get into the habit of
logging on to the website when you sign up. It's a simple one extra step for you, but it makes a
world of difference to our facilitators.
The rescue committee is also busy revising the GNPS Rescue Manual, an exercise we do every
couple of years in preparation for our next facilitator class. Jeane Reeves, the founder of the
rescue program, wrote the first edition of this tome in 2000. While the mechanics of rescues have
changed somewhat over the years, and we've refined some of the policies and procedures, the
reasons why we have plant rescues are the same. Jeane started doing plant rescues before we
were GNPS! She began by simply trying to save some native plants from development sites near
her home. She talked to the developers, got permission from them to rescue the plants, and began
what evolved into a standard process know as our rescue program.
Jeane recognized that, as the society grew, so would the rescue program, and that following the
procedures in a consistent and standardized manner would ensure the continuation of the rescue
program. That is why every rescue starts the same way. The lead facilitator or one of the cofacilitators makes sure every participant signs the forms and gives the 'speech' before heading into
the woods. We help you identify plants; show you how to dig them and share ideas about their
aftercare. While you may not realize it, we are making sure that everyone is accounted for during
the rescue. That's why we tell you not to wander off! We've never completely 'lost' a rescuer, nor
had a serious injury, and we don't want to start now. At the end of the rescue, we make sure you
are out of the woods safely with your plant treasures. I know I breathe a sign of relief at the end of
every rescue and the only cars around belong to the facilitators. You, as participants, have an
obligation to simply follow the rules and carry your bags of plants out. That's what keeps property
owners and developers giving us permission to rescue the plants. However, those are the
mechanics; there is also a heart.
The heart of the program goes back to Jeane's vision. Here are some excerpts from the original
rescue manual that are still relevant today. "The rescue team not only saves plants, but also
contributes to an organization that places education (and common interests) above all.
(Continued on next page)
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NativeSCAPE October 2012
Native Plant Rescue News
Continued from Previous Page
Many new rescuers who are eager to get 'free' plants learn the wonders of these southern woods
plants and their place in the environment. More often than not, plant rescues remind us as adults
of time spent playing in the woods as children and therefore can reconnect us all to the earth and
remind us how precious our land is. Each time we lead a rescue, more people learn the wonders of
these charming, interesting, intrinsically valuable denizens of our southern woods. Saving them
from certain destruction not only perpetuates their lives, it educates and enriches ours."
We keep the rescue program fresh and vibrant by adding new facilitators each year. We select
new facilitators from experienced rescuers because they demonstrate leadership qualities, share
their knowledge of native plants, commit their time and efforts to the rescue program, and have the
skills to work the mechanics of rescue signups. Last year, I announced the names of six new
facilitators. Well, they hit the ground running, and I know you recognize their names as facilitators
and co-facilitators on the rescue schedule. They are doing great! We'll have the next training class
in October, but the list is not finalized, so be on the lookout for new names on the schedule and
shiny new yellow facilitator badges.
Our veteran rescuers, many from the original class of 2000, have given, and given, and given
month after month, year after year. I celebrate their continued support of the program, and I'm
proud to be a member of that elite group. Jeane asked me to be a facilitator, and if you knew her,
you could just not say no to her. When I walked into that room and saw the faces of people I had
followed around at rescues in awe of their knowledge, I wanted to turn around and run! I am still in
awe of their knowledge, but happy she talked me into staying. Four long time leaders are retiring
this year as facilitators. Murrel Creekmore, Andy Gailis, Karen Lindauer and Mary DeHaye told
me they are ready to retire from facilitating. I hope you will continue to see them on rescues--they
deserve a nice day in the woods with their friends (people and plants), but they won't be leading
rescues any longer. Thank you, dear friends, and if you ever want to participate as a facilitator, just
let me know. We will welcome you with open arms.
If you are a new member or just never tried our plant rescues, now is the time. Fall is the perfect
planting season, and there are plenty of plants that need saving. The rescue schedule is on our
website, www.gnps.org. Just click on Plant Rescues and select Rescue Schedule.
Hope to see you on a rescue soon.
Remember, never dig native plants on public property, or on private property without the
permission of the owner, and ONLY if the plants will be lost to development. Join a GNPS rescue
instead and help us save the plants legally with other people who love native plants.
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NativeSCAPE October 2012
Journey to Certification
By Marilyn Bloom
The GNPS Habitat Certification program was developed to encourage people to envision their yards as
"habitats" and to help them work through the process of understanding what they have and how they might
achieve their goals as habitat space. Here is my journey on that path from beginning to end.
Five years ago when I bought my home in Dunwoody I knew I wanted to make a difference and change the
landscaping. The ground was covered with English ivy on all four sides of a 1 acre shady lot, and although I
didn’t know just how much effort it was going to be, I was up for the challenge. So, I started one area at a
time, working sections of about 3 by 10 feet. I would remove the ivy, amend the clay - couldn’t even call it
soil at that point - and then plant my newfound treasures.
While at my very first GNPS plant sale, I heard about rescues and thought “What a great way to get some
cost effective plants”. Suddenly I was spending every weekend I could fit into my schedule going to rescues
and then planting. The trick was to stay ahead with preparing the plots. If I didn’t get them in the ground,
they would rest in buckets and pots of soil until they and I were ready to get them planted. Someone gave
me a tip - put leaf litter in the bottoms of pots to make them lighter. This tip was a tremendous help while I
was moving in hundreds of little plants to cover the areas now devoid of the ivy.
I spent lots of time visiting gardens to get ideas and every spring I went to plant sales: GNPS, DeKalb
Master Gardeners and Norcross Garden Club. I was able to pick up pass-along plants and starts that were
more affordable and indigenous to the region. All the while I was learning what would work in an area that
was canopied by hardwood trees that were 40 to 60 years old. I made a few mistakes along the way. One
was by using an affordable groundcover that I didn’t realize I would be pulling up within two years. While it
was native, it became almost as invasive as the ivy. I was always striving toward natives.
I happened across a course at the State Botanical Gardens on eradication of non-native and invasive
species. That was the spark that put me on the path to obtain a Certificate in Native Plants. Twelve months
later, after several weekends of driving to Athens for fantastic classes from some of the area’s most notable
experts, I was able to incorporate what I learned into my garden.
Educational - I have learned more about plants of the southeast in the past few years than I could have
imagined.
Enjoyable – it has kept me out in the spring and fall while meeting a wonderful network of likeminded
people. The visual interest to my yard will provide years of enjoyment. It will never be finished as I see it as
a work in progress.
Personally Rewarding – after four years, I was able to say I had eradicated the ivy, privet, mimosa, mahonia,
nandina and other nasty plants from my yard and planted a habitat that would feed the birds, bees,
butterflies and other creatures throughout all seasons.
I am sure that my story is similar to many of yours. Would you care to share your story of GNPS Native
Habitat Certification?
If you would like to begin the application process, visit our website: http://www.gnps.org/geninfo/
Garden_Certification.php
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NativeSCAPE October 2012
Fall Plant Sale
Photos by Ellen Honeycutt
On September 22, 2012, GNPS held its first official fall plant sale at Stone Mountain.
Dave Saunders and Beto Dutra pull plants for the sale.
Lynn Arnold, Elaine Nash, Mary Ann Blessing, Eddi Minche,
Roxanne Lankford, and Lola Halpin get plants labeled.
At the end of the setup, plants wait for the customers.
Barbara Dorfman explains how to prune a viburnum
while Lynn Almand looks to pick up tips.
Customers browse plants while Susan Hendricks stands
ready to answer questions.
Order writer Leah Pine fills out the customer’s order form.
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NativeSCAPE October 2012
Genetic Diversity within Arabis georgiana
By Alicia Garcia
I have spent the last two years performing research on Arabis georgiana Harper (Georgia rockcress) in
order to drive forward our understanding of this species. Hopefully, deeper understanding will increase our
ability to preserve this species. A portion of my research, focusing on the genetic diversity within the
species across its range, was funded by the Georgia Native Plant Society. The purpose of this article is to
share both the results of my findings and some general information on the species.
Arabis georgiana is a rare native herb belonging to the mustard family (Brassicaceae). It is listed as a
threatened species in Georgia and is a federal candidate species for protection under the Endangered
Species Act (Norquist, 2009). According to James Rickard from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service,
it will most likely be given full status as a federally protected
species within the next year or two. Primary threats to the
species are typical for many of Georgia's rare plants.
Threats include development, logging, habitat degradation
and competition from non-native invasive plants (Schotz,
2011, Norquist, 2009).
Arabis georgiana typically flowers from late March
throughout April around the same time as the rue anemone
and the common blue violet. Fruits are generally present
from April to August but, during a hot dry summer, plants
may wilt earlier and become hard to locate. A more through
description of this endemic wildflower is available in Linda
Chafin's Field Guide to the Rare Plants of Georgia (2007).
For the intrepid wildflower explorer, a population of Georgia
rockcress can be visited at The Nature Conservancy's
Black's Bluff preserve.
While most members of the genus Arabis were reclassified
to Boechera by Al-Shehbaz (2003), Arabis georgiana
remained as one of the thirteen true North American
members of this genus and the only one which occurs as far
south as central Alabama or Georgia (Koch et al., 2010). A
recent study by Koch, Kiefer and Al-Shehbaz (2010) on the
Photo courtesy of Alicia Garcia
systematics of Arabis indicates that A. georgiana was most
likely derived from an ancient hybridization between Arabis
pycnocarpa and Arabis patens sometime during the last 1.8 million years. While these species do not
typically range this far south, glacial cycles may have forced them to migrate in order to escape the harsh
glacial climate (Koch et al., 2010). As the ancestral species retreated back into more northern terrain,
Arabis georgiana was left behind.
Arabis georgiana grows in three different geologic regions. These regions are characterized by dramatically
different types of soil and bedrock, both of which impact the pH and soil moisture. These factors make it
reasonable to assume that genetic variation leading to population structuring is present between
populations in separate regions. This genetic variation would allow adaptation to varying environmental
conditions. The purpose of my research was to evaluate the species across its range and determine if any
genetic structuring exists.
(Continued on next page)
16
NativeSCAPE October 2012
Genetic Diversity within Arabis georgiana
Continued from Previous Page
In order to understand issues of genetic diversity relevant to a rare species we must understand exactly
why the loss of genetic diversity is such an issue for plants. Habitat destruction occurs frequently in the
modern world due to both human behaviors and natural events. This destruction can lead to population
fragmentation, which is the separation of populations from one another such that mating between
populations is no longer possible (Franklin et al., 2002). Population fragmentation can have serious
consequences for long-term survival of a species. Fragmentation can result in increased rates of predation
and loss of reproductive opportunities, both of which can decrease population stability and growth (Lande,
1988; Franklin et. al, 2002; Schemske et al., 1994; Falk and Holsinger, 1991). As the number of individuals
within a species declines due to these factors, genetic diversity is invariably lost, increasing the probability
of extinction (Allendorf and Luikart, 2007).
Figure 1: Genetic clustering of sampled populations of
Arabis georgiana based on one variable genetic region.
Variation in levels of genetic diversity between different
populations is referred to as genetic structure.
Understanding genetic structure for a species can help
us to identify both distinct populations and populations
in which genetic variation is low. Conservation of
genetically distinct populations may help increase the
chances of long-term survivorship for a species
(Allendorf and Luikart, 2007). However, if a species has
a high proportion of small and genetically homogenous
populations, that species is in greater danger of
suffering inbreeding depression (Newman and Pilson,
1997). This may lead to an increased likelihood of
extinction.
As part of my research I screened several different gene regions and found one that was variable between
individual plants of this species. It is important to note that all species, including humans, have regions of
DNA that are different between each of us and those that are conserved between us. We can clearly see
this when we look at a room full of other people and see variation is hair, skin, and eye color but the
common presence of hair, skin and eyes.
I used the variable gene region to screen 101 individuals, which represent 10 of the 17 known populations
of Arabis georgiana. What I found was a pattern of genetic structuring which could be attributed to
geographic location and separation of populations. Figure 1 illustrates the overall genetic structure which I
have found within the species. Basically we see a pattern of three genetic clusters with populations in North
Georgia, Alabama and Central Georgia clustering out together.
What does all of this mean? My findings could be interpreted in a few ways. First we could assume that the
similarity within the genetic clusters and variation between them is an indication that these were once three
large and separate populations which have been separated for only a short amount of evolutionary time.
(Continued on next page)
17
NativeSCAPE October 2012
Genetic Diversity within Arabis georgiana
Continued from Previous Page
We could also interpret these results to mean that population fragmentation has led to a phenomenon
known as genetic drift causing individuals within a population to become genetically homogenous. This
happens when certain alleles present at a particular gene region increase or decrease in frequency due to
chance. If we were to consider the effects of genetic drift on a human population we could imagine a
population of Vikings, who due to a ship wreck, become marooned on an island. Some of these marooned
Vikings have red hair, some brown and others blonde. If we further imagine that these shipwrecked Vikings
survive and begin to reproduce, after ten generations all of the remaining Vikings might be red heads. This
outcome is due both to chance and to the initial number of red head genes present within the Vikings when
the ship crashed.
Additionally, my findings could indicate that at the gene region screened there is a heterozygote advantage.
A heterozygote is an individual who has two different alleles for a particular gene rather than two copies of
the same allele. A well-known example of a trait for which there is a heterozygote advantage is the sickle
cell trait. One copy of the sickle cell trait allele can give a person a survival advantage in a region where
malaria is very common. Two copies of this trait can cause an individual’s red blood cells to take on a sickle
cell shape. This sickling of the red blood cells can be devastating to the health of the homozygous
individual. Only 11 of the 101 Arabis georgiana samples I evaluated were homozygous at the particular
gene region I examined. This is a much higher proportion of heterozygotes than would be expected if there
is no selection for heterozygotes at this gene region.
It is possible the that genetic patterns I found could confer a fitness advantage within particular regions due
to local climactic patterns. This is possible, but some of the individuals within the Central Georgia genetic
cluster are homozygous for one allele which was common to all 101 individuals screened. This means that
even though the genetic variation present between different populations may confer a fitness advantage,
genetic drift due to fragmentation and inbreeding is still an issue for this species.
The information I present should be considered cautiously as it is based on a small data set obtained from
only one variable gene region. This makes the information that we have comparable to a simple sentence
within a complex novel. We get a gist of what is going on but not an adequate sense of the story.
More study is needed in order to determine true levels of genetic structure for this species. If other variable
gene regions reveal similar results, then some assisted migration between populations may help restore an
intermediate amount of genetic variation between populations which ultimately will lead to the greatest
evolutionary potential for Arabis georgiana.
I would like to thank the Georgia Native Plant Society for helping to fund my research and hope that some
other eager researcher may pursue further work on this species in the future.
For references, please see the website.
18
NativeSCAPE October 2012
Website Features
One of the most helpful website features added this year for individual members is the ability to
create a login id and password. Creating and using your login provides 4 key benefits:
- When you are logged in, you can check the status of your membership. Once logged in, check
“Account Settings”; under the “Primary Member” name at the top, you will see “Membership Expires
in:” followed by the year of expiration for your membership. If it says 2012, you need to renew.
- When you are logged in, the Membership Renewal form will be auto-filled with your name and
address so you don’t have to type it in. Please don’t change anything unless the information is
wrong.
- When you are logged in, you can sign up for a rescue without having to type in your information;
the form will be auto-filled. If you need to provide a different phone number, you can over type that
field or add any comments.
- When you are logged in, you will always have a link to the latest newsletter; see the link just below
“Account Settings” in the “Special Member Actions” part of your menu.
Be sure to check out our Membership Directory feature while you are
logged in.
Did you know that we now have an RSS feed from the GNPS website? You can subscribe
to this feed and get occasional news items delivered to your RSS reader software (reader
software such as Google, Firefox, Yahoo, and Microsoft Outlook). Click on the orange RSS
symbol on the homepage to get started.
Not sure how to subscribe to the feed? Send email to
communications@gnps.org for more information.
19
NativeSCAPE October 2012
Chapter News
By Flo Hayes, WGC Chapter President
The West Georgia Chapter of GNPS participated in
the Junior Master Gardener Program, Camp Dirty
Knees. Approximately 30 children were broken
into three groups and a WGC-GNPS person led
each group. We walked part of the Buffalo Creek
Trail identifying plants and their habitat. Then we
provided two or three rescued plants for the
children to actually plant on the trail. It was so
wonderful to see the excitement on their faces and
hear the thoughtful questions they asked about
native plants.
(provided his project meets with all the
requirements).
At our August meeting Carol continued the
identification program, and she also presented a
power point program on Buffalo Creek and what
our restoration project means to the area. Since we
have many new members who have never been on
a rescue, Carol included what to expect on a
rescue, how to be prepared for a rescue and rules
governing GNPS rescues. The program sparked
some new members to go on our recent rescue at
The Georgian. Several first time folks came and
were excited to be there.
Our next participation was at the Open House in
the Carroll County Master Gardener
demonstration beds. We were invited to plant a
bed about two years ago and our bed is doing
great. In fact, we used a “super soil”. Many folks Our October meeting will be October 16 at 7:00 at
expressed an interest in using more natives in their the Carrollton Ag. Center. Our program will be on
Native Grasses and will be presented by David
own landscapes after seeing our bed.
Morgan, a botanist and biology professor at
University West Georgia. David has suggested we
At our public meeting on June 19, Wendell
bring grass samples for identification. I can hardly
Hoomes gave a program on native grapes. Of
wait. Won’t you come join us?
course, Carol Hight continued her series on plant
identification. The program is a hit. Folks seem to
appreciate being able to see the photos and then
Our scheduled meetings are at 7:00 pm at the
see the plants while walking in natural areas or
Carrollton Ag. Center. We have a meet and greet
driving down highways. Carol also does a write-up
for the first 30 minutes and plants to sell. Our
in the Time-Georgian featuring native plants or
program starts at 7:30pm. Please check our
related material. The public response has been
calendar at http://wgawildflowers.org/ and feel free
great and this feature has brought in many new
members and meeting attendees.
to come join us.
We continue our Buffalo Creek workdays once a
month and the number of workers has been
increasing. It is so wonderful to see this area
slowly developing. Three young men have earned
their Eagle Scout rankings by working on projects
along the trail. (A fourth is working on his
paperwork to get started on a new project.) They
have built picnic tables, installed signage, helped
with trail repairs, and rebuilt a bridge over the
creek. A proposed new project will involve cleaning
at the edge of the creek and plant identification
20
NativeSCAPE October 2012
Upcoming Events
October Meeting—West Georgia chapter in Carrollton: Our program will be on Native Grasses
and will be presented by David Morgan, a botanist and biology professor at University West
Georgia. 7 pm, Carrollton Ag. Center, Tuesday, October 16.
November Meeting in Atlanta: Invasive Species in Georgia: What you can do to help! Tuesday, November 13. Presented by Karan Rawlins, Invasive Plants Coordinator at the Center
for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health of the University of Georgia, Tifton. Naturalist Edward
O. Wilson tells us that, "The two great destroyers of biodiversity are, first, habitat destruction and,
second, invasion by exotic species." Douglas Tallamy says, "It is now within the power of individual
gardeners to do something that we all dream of doing: to make a difference." Learn how invasive
species threaten Georgia, what you can do to help and how you can make a difference in your
backyard.
2013 Symposium—save the date! February 16, 2013 in Stone Mountain, GA
2013 Spring Plant Sale—save the date! April 20, 2013 in Marietta, GA
Please refer to our website for current information on project workdays and times.
Thank you!
Membership renewal begins now—Membership renewal for 2013
starts October 1st. Renewals paid now are effective through all of 2013.
You can check the status of your membership online by creating a login
on the website. See page 18 for more details.
New Chapters forming — enthusiastic groups in Brunswick, Gainesville and Ellijay are exploring
interest in forming a GNPS chapter in those areas. If you’d like to be involved, please send
email to chapters@gnps.org and we’ll direct you to the right person.
21
Georgia Native Plant Society Membership & Renewal
Memberships are effective for one calendar year, beginning January 1st.
Hydrangea
quercifolia
Choose membership level: (Select one)
___Individual/Family ($20)
___Senior, 55 and older ($15)
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Affiliation:
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___West Georgia Chapter
___Check here if in addition to my membership renewal, I have included ______ to be distributed as follows:
___Education
___Conservation/Propagation/Restoration
___Jeane Reeves Memorial Grants and
Scholarship Program
___Unrestricted
Total Enclosed: ____________
Check # _______________
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_______________________________________________________________________
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(Email address is required if you wish to receive the Listserv and/or Electronic Newsletter.)
___ Check here if you prefer NOT to receive emails from our list server which contain information about meetings,
plant rescues, work parties and other items of interest to the membership.
The full-color newsletter will be sent electronically. If you require a print version, which will be black and white,
check here: ___
Please mail completed renewal form to the following address: GNPS, PO Box 422085, Atlanta, GA 30342-2085