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Plant Talk 10 Botany In a Day Online Class Woody Plants
09/25/2011 
September 24, 2011
Plant Talk 10: Woody Plants
Hello plant enthusiasts!
A corresponding photo album to this class can be view by following the link below.
www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150399534171584.417924.533146583
To the right you see me weary after hiking 25 miles in the Sierra Nevadas sitting against a massive Pondersosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa).
Recent Events
i recently completed a long held vision and have now travelled every major interstate across the contiguous United States of America! My most current installment of travel led me across the extreme north of the USA from I-75 to I – 65 to I-94 to Interstate 2 to I-90 to Interstate 97 to I -5 From NC, through TN, KY, IN, IL, WI, MN, ND, MT, ID, WA, OR, ending in my birth state of CA.
i am eternally grateful for all the folks who made my trip possible. In particular thanking Michael Gentry, Rob Routhieaux and the Rainbow Walker. Couldn’t have done it without you! Giving thanks for all the support on this path really, it is sometimes only through grace and gifts that it may be.
Below are some samples of my botanical endeavors along the way. The main focus of this class to cover woody plants follows
Indiana
Indiana was a stopping point on my way to the North. My father graduated from Ball State University in Muncie. It was nice to visit a garden while holding him and others connected to Indiana dear. Minnetrista was the garden selected http://www.minnetrista.net/ and it resides in Muncie too. This compound is the old time home of the Ball Jar family. i have employed the use of hundreds of ball jars in my time. A visit for that reason alone seemed fitting. They have nice native gardens and a focus on sustainability. There is also an excellent museum and youth education facilities. Interesting gardens connect the homes of the Ball Jar brothers. The walkways and sitting places made me reflect on all the magic and drama that must have unfolded for so long there. The history of the Munsee tribe of Delaware Native Americans who lived there makes me reflect even more.
Minnesota
How many are familiar that Minnesota holds the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi River? The flora of this corridor is very similar to my home in Appalachia. Local parks (Minnehaha) in the Minneapolis/St Paul area and Munsinger/ClemensGardens www.munsingerclemens.com in St. Cloud were my new additions botanically for this trip. However, past visits have led me to the most excellent Arboretum www.arboretum.umn.edu and the Como Park Conservatory which are well worth visiting if ever in this area.
Munsinger excels as a pretty place garden on the water. Not many plants are labeled however. A couple of them stumped me including something that looked akin to Globe Amaranth (Gompherena sp.). See the photo album to reference what i am talking about. The layouts are grand and infrastructure elegant.
North Dakota
i once again picked up the trail of Lewis and Clark in North Dakota. i camped at Cross Ranch State Park close to where they spent the winter before traversing the rockies to the coast. Plants of note included Germander (Teucrium sp.), Nettles (Urtica sp.) and a very fragrant Artemisia. Trees included huge Poplars (Populus sp.) on mesic sites, Ash (Fraxinus) and Box Elder (Acer negundo) were other major deciduous trees. The park has a downloadable PDF listing quite a few plants. The link follows. http://www.parkrec.nd.gov/parks/crsp/nature.html
Native American heritage felt strongly present including the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara tribes. i visited a historic site where native American villages once stood along the knife river www.nps.gov/knri . Witnessing their mound homes with thick thermal mass was moving. i took note there of snowberry one of the plants known as buckbrush (Symphoricarpos sp.).
The Badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park were inspiring as badlands always are…Part of an ancient sea! Mostly grasslands before and after besides. Wheat (Triticum) and Corn (Zea maize) are the big grains. Fracking for natural gas has led to massive industrialization…
Montana
Fracking and grain harvest continued into the big sky state. The typic granaries awe in their size. Amazing the truck traffic in such a remote locale! Giving thanks to the natives of the land including Kootenai, Blackfeet, Salish and all others.
i finally made true a long held dream to visit Glacier National Park. Now one of my favorites National Parks ever! The park has so many flowers even in September! The namesake glaciers are vanishing and may be gone in the next 10-20 years! Many different eco types occur depending on elevation, aspect, soil type and water. i only spent a little time on the Eastern side where fruits were prevalent. My favorite part was a hike through the Alpine zone at Logan pass to the Hidden Lake overlook. Some plants of note there included Glacier Lily (Erythronium sp.), Monkey Flower (Mimulus lewisii?), Gentian (Gentiana sp.) Indian Paint Brush (Castilleja), and Wild Onions (Allium).
Another hike to Avalanche Lake combined ancient Western Red Ceder (Thuja plicata) overstory with a Devil’s Club (Oplopanax horridus) understory. i am always excited to meet a new member of the Ginseng family (Araliacaceae) as was the case with the Devil’s club. Coming out of Glacier going south towards Missoula are numerous fruit orchards largely containing Cherries! Lots of Huckleberry products for sale as well… Yum…
Oregon
Oregon is one of my all time favorite states and i feel thankful to have had more time there. Crater Lake National Park has been on my list of places to visit for at least 15 years. Yet another dream come true this trip for me. White bark Pine (Pinus albicaulus) Pondersosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa) and Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) are some major trees. i took a nice hike through old Mountain Hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana) forest to the beautiful Plaikni Waterfall. Notable plants included a flourescent pink monkey flower (Mimulus sp.), Prince’s Pine (Chimaphila sp.), mycotrophic Pinedrops (Pterospora andromedea), and the deadly poisonous Monk's hood (Aconitum sp.) On the way out i took note of copious amounts of Indian paint brush (Castilleja) and Red Elderberry (Sambucus racemosa). At a certain point on the way down from the lake a Ranunculaceae member maybe a type of Pasque flower (Anemone or Anemonella) stopped me in my tracks with its wind swept wispy beauty…
Ashland Oregon has an incredible public botanical garden as part of a city park. It is called the North Mountain Park Nature Center http://parks.ashland.or.us/NorthMountainPark The garden focus is on various topics such as ethnobotany, native plants, butterfly/bird gardens, heirloom plant gardens and more. Blue Elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. cerulea), Hawthorn (Crataegus) and Himalayan Blackberry (Rubus armeniacus) were some fruits ripe for the picking. Ashland also contains an arboretum throughout the public Lithia Park which has some great specimens.
The local Hot Spring hang out known as Jackson Well springs www.jacksonwellsprings.com has neat interest for plant people in addition to healing waters. Veggie gardens support the onsite café and medicinal plants are layed out according to healing systems of the body. They also have moon gardens around the intriguing Goddess Temple www.goddesstempleashland.com . Plums (Prunus sp.) were ripe for the picking too! Himalayan Blackberry is a prominent invasive that nonetheless has some of the best fruit for the genus that i have ever tasted! This town is a dream come true for the botanist, foodie, good life quality part of you.
California
My ride into California flowed well leading me to walk around 25 miles along and out of the South Yuba River Basin. The walk was part of a pilgrimage in honor of Frank Cook and John Olmsted amongst others www.plantsandhealers.com . i took note of over 80 species of plants while we kept a fairly brisk pace of 8 miles a day. Overstory members of note included Canyon Live Oak (Quercus chrysolepis) Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa), Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menzisii), Sugar Pine (Pinus lambertiana), and Incense Ceder (Calocedrus decurrens). Midstory trees and shrubs included Western Redbud (Cercis orbiculata), Black Fruited Dogwood (Cornus sessilis), Blackberry (Rubus), California Bay (Umbellularia californica), California Hazelnut (Corylus cornuta var californica) and several members from the Buckthorn Family (Rhamnaceae).
After four days i was humbled to acknowledge physically that hiking on would not be good for me. Luckily we had convened a gathering of friends and supporters to share company and talk about plants. We crafted a mead on Sunday 9/18 in honor of the plants we had met and the birthday of our friend Lydiyah Sea. Turtle finished the hike yesterday and i met him at Lake Tahoe. It is hard to really comprehend him and others hiking the whole hundreds of miles from the Pacific ocean to the Sierra mountains or vice versa. Now at least i can relate a LITTLE bit from my 25 mile stint.
Monographs of Top Tree/Woody Plant Families Occurring around Appalachia and other temperate places
The focus of the current class is woody plants. Much information comes from my graduate research on the plants of Appalachia like many of the classes this year. However, it has since been expanded to cover information about woody plants from other temperate areas as well. Here are featured 22 of the approximately one hundred and sixty plant families occurring in the Blue Ridge part of Appalachia (Wofford, 1989). The focus is on families that include a majority of woody species. Families are included here in monographs because they have members representing a multitude of uses across a broad spectrum of topics. All families are listed alphabetically by botanical name. A common name corresponding to the typic genus for the family accompanies the title. In the case of the Aquifoliaceae and Caprifoliaceae there is no corresponding typic genus known and another common name has been chosen.
Due to time constraints some notable families that are useful or make up a sizable part of the Appalachian woody flora have been excluded. These include Witchhazel (Hamamelidaceae), Mulberry (Moraceae), Olive (Oleaceae), and Elm (Ulmaceae). The references consulted for the statistics of family geographic representation include Flowering Plant Families of the World (Heywood, Brummitt, Culham, & Seberg, 2007), Guide to the Vascular Plants of the Blue Ridge (Wofford, 1989) and a Synonynized Checklist of the Vascular Flora of the United States, Canada and Greenland (Kartesz, 1994). The work by the Karteszs also covers Puerto Rico, Hawaii and the Virgin islands. Heywood et al. split some families up that are considered as larger in the older sources of Wofford and Kartesz. Notations are included in the discussion of taxonomy for individual families. Several other books might be worth referencing for those interested in plant family patterns. (Castner, 2004; Elpel, 2004; Judd, Campbell, Kellog, Stevens, & Donahue, 2008; Raven, Evert, & Eichhorn, 2004; Spears, 2006; Zomlefer, 1994)
The role of trees is something important to consider. Pragmatically trees provide habitat, food, building materials, textiles, shade, paper, carbon sequestration and many more services as well. However, even energetically certain trees have given me more solace than any person ever could. Many intangible roles trees have played in society.
Conifers vs Hardwoods
One of the biggest distinctions in the tree world is between hardwoods also known as broadleaves and confiers. Conifers are a more ancient lineage with a once wider distribution. The two main families of conifers include the Pinaceae and Cupressaceae. Pinaceae members tend to have needles in different numbers and arrays in place of broad leaves. Pines (Pinus), Fir (Abies), Spruce (Picea), Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga), Hemlock (Tsuga), Classic Cedar (Cedrus) and Larch (Larix) are all included in this family.
Cupressaceae members often have foliage with imbricate (layered) scales that are sharp to the touch. The most common member is Juniper (Juniperus). Cypress (Cupressus) is another major one. Many trees that formerly went by Cupressus in the Americas have changed to the genus (Callitropsis) (Judd et al., 2008). Thuja and Chamaecyparis occur in the east and the west and go by a host of names including types of Cedar. Incense Cedar (Calocedrus) is a common genus in the western United States.
The formerly separate members of Taxodiaceae are now included within the Cupressaceae family (Judd et al., 2008). North American members include California Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) and Bald Cypress (Taxodium spp.). Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) was a species thought to be extinct until it was found in the 1940s’ (Judd et al., 2008). This sub-family holds the tallest and biggest tree titles for the planet and also some of the oldest trees as well.
Smaller families of Confiers include the Yew (Taxaceae), Podocarp (Podocarpaceae), Monkey Puzzle (Araucariaceae) and Umbrella Pine (Sciadopitayaceae). The Podocarp and Monkey Puzzle families often occur in the Southern Hemisphere. One of the largest trees i have ever encountered was a Podocarpus centuries old growing near 10,000 ft and the Cerro de la Muerte in Costa Rica at the Seeyle family land www.lasvueltas.com. One of my greatest memories from travels with Frank Cook.
In the northern temperate regions conifers tend to grow on more harsh sites. Some examples include dry, fire prone, wind swept, snow buried or frigidly cold. They tend to have more shallow roots, thicker bark and quicker growth as some adaptations for their chosen path. Most of them will not sprout from stumps. More conifers are put into plantations than probably any other trees. Pines in particular are popular in this regard. Confiers are sometimes also called evergreens though a number of members are deciduous including Bald Cypress, Dawn Redwood and Larch. The Hemlock Wooly Adelgid and Balsam Wooly adelgids are devastating pests.
Hardwoods tend to grow on nice sites and have tap roots. They are mostly deciduous in the north but often evergreen in the tropics. They often prefer more basic soils than conifers. Their diverse array of fruits tie them into a wider web of fauna. Many specific broadleaf trees have whole industries built around them from pencils to toothpicks, baseball bats and hockey sticks.
Many of the broadleaf trees that are native to North America are currently under assault from exotic insect or disease pests! Emerald Ash Borer has killed millions of Ash trees and continues to spread. Gypsy Moths and Sudden Oak Death are affecting Oaks. Dogwood Anthracnose is taking out these iconic small trees. Other species are under attack as well including Butternut (Juglans cinerea) and Red Bay (Persea borbonia). Chestnut Blight and Dutch Elm disease are afflictions of old that have radically changed forest composition in the east.
Woody Plant Indentification
Flowers or Fruits are always the easiest way to identify a plant in combination with the rest of the characteristics. The first characteristic that i pay attention to elsewise is leaf orientation and whether a plant is opposite or alternate. Opposite leaved plants fall into the pneumonic device MADCapHorseSweetLove
(M) aple (A) sh (D) ogwood (CAP) rifoliaceae including (Adoxaceae) (Horse) Chestnut (Hippocastanaceae)
(Sweet) Bubby (Calycanthaceae) (Love) Heart’s a bustin (Celastraceae)
Compound versus simple leaves are the next distinguishing trait with woody plant identification especially. Compound leaves are fairly rare and more distinguished depending on leaf orientation. Opposite typically denotes Elderberry (Adoxaceaceae), Ash (Oleaceae) and Maple/Buckeye (Sapindaceae). Woody plants with alternate compound leaves typically fall in the Walnut (Juglandaceae), Rose (Rosaceae) or Bean (Fabaceae) families.
Leaf margin, hairiness, buds, and scars are additional traits used in dendrological identification. Hariness denoted by such terms as strigose, tomentose, pubescent, hirsute, stellate, pillose etc…are often reason enough for classic species delineation. Winter identification mostly depends on bark, bud type (number/shape of scales) and leaf/vascular bundle scars. We have played winter tree id in the Asheville area to much enjoyment and delight as well as humbled bafflement even in familiar terrain.
Many great references exist to help one in the exploration of woody plants and their uses (Brockman, 1986; Dirr, 1998; Elias, 1980; Hardin, Leopold, & White, 2001). In Appalachia the references i use most are represented by a handful of books (Petrides, 1998; Radford, Ahles, & Bell, 1968; Swanson, 1994; Weakley, 2008; Wofford, 1989). Swanson in particular is key!
In the Sierra’s i have been thankful for a compact lightweight book by Petrides (2005). In the past i have also consulted a bigger more comprehensive resource (Sudworth, 1967). The Flora of the California is known as the Jepson Manual (Hickman, 1993). A new version is on the verge of publication (Baldwin, Goldman, Keil, Patterson, & Rosatti, 2012). These are the definitive resources to the over 5,000 plant taxa that occur within the Golden state.
Monographs
Below are monographs for most of the major woody plant families in the temperate world! Families are listed alphabectically by scientific name. Your support to develop this further is greatly encouraged. Factoids and funds could move this along to a more comprehensive place!
Family descriptions are covered systematically. First, occurs a chart showing distribution in the world, North America and the Blue Ridge using the sources underlined in the introdution above. A modern taxonomic commentary depending on three main sources follows (Heywood et al., 2007; Judd et al., 2008; Weakley, 2008). Next follows a listing of genera known in Appalachia according to Wofford (1989). The number of species for each genus is in parentheses. The first number is for native species. The second number is for introduced species. The introduced species numbers are also highlighted to further show their patterns of distribution. Introduced plants in general tend to be represented by one species from an exotic genus. The native species almost always out number introduced species when contained within the same genus. A list of taxa excluded by Wofford follows. Excluded taxa are normally reported from a limited range and are often cultivated plants that may escape locally. Within the above three botanical sections all plant names are in scientific terminology only. In the below usage categories common names precede scientific names at least the first time the plant is mentioned i.e. Carrot (Daucus carota). Plant names are capitalized because to me they are at least as important as people.
Finally species that fit into the categories of food, medicine, poison, insect affiliation, invasiveness, dye plants, other crafts, aesthetics and aromatics are included. Foods included comprise wild and cultivated taxa. One source is the primary reference mixed with over a decade of personal experience (Couplan, 1998). Don’t ever eat flowers or other parts of plants from a florist or other synthetic chemical intensive source. Always be absolutely positive of the identification and utilization of anything you plan to consume! Medicinal notations are limited to only some extremely important plants due to time limitations. Invasiveness is only covered relative to Appalachia and specifically inclusion in the Blue Ridge Flora. One cited reference was used primarily (Miller, Chambliss, & Bargeron, 2006). However, personal experience with exotic invasive plants informed commentary that is not cited. Many invasive plants in Appalachia are also invasive throughout their introduced range. Plant uses by bees were compiled primarily from two comprehensive book sources with the addition of eight years personal experience (Lovell, 1977; Pellett, 1977). Dye plants included are noted when not so plentiful to be confusing. For the Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Rosaceae, etc…only some dye plants of special interest are included. Highlighted sections are still a work in progress.
Aceraceae/Maple Family
|
Blue Ridge |
|
North America |
|
World |
|
|
Genera |
1(n) |
Genera |
1 |
Genera |
|
|
Species and Lower taxa |
8(n) 1(i) |
Species |
19 |
Species |
|
|
|
|
Lower Taxa |
21 |
|
|
Taxonomic commentary: This family is now often included as a part of the more tropical Sapindaceae (Heywood et al., 2007; Judd et al., 2008; Weakley, 2008). This is why no distribution occurs for world scope.
Blue Ridge Genera: Acer
Food: Sap from various species. Seeds are also said to be edible (Couplan, 1998).
Insects: Provides early forage for bees in February/March
Invasives: Norway maple (Acer platanoides)
Dye Plants: Acer spp. (Eaton, 1973; Fern, 2009; A. Krochmal & C. Krochmal, 1974; Nicholson & Clovis, 1967)
Other Crafts: Acer spp.
Aesthetics: Paper bark maple (Acer griseum) is a marvelous landscape tree with exfoliating bark. Many other “Japanese” maples i.e. A. palmatum etc. are popular landscape plants.
Anacardiaceae/Cashew Family
|
Blue Ridge |
|
North America |
|
World |
|
|
Genera |
2(n) |
Genera |
12 |
Genera |
82 |
|
Species |
7(n) |
Species |
37 |
Species |
700+ |
|
Lower taxa |
|
Lower Taxa |
22 |
|
|
Blue Ridge Genera: Toxicodendron (3), Rhus (4)
Food: Fruits of Sumac (Rhus spp.) have been used by Native Americans and others to make a type of pink lemonade due to malic acid. Many popular exotic food stuffs are in this family. These include Pistachio (Pistacia spp.), Cashew (Anacardium occidentale), Mango (Mangifera indica), and Brazilian pepper (Schinus spp.).
Toxicity: Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), Poison Oak (T. toxicarium), Poison Sumac (T. vernix) can cause severe skin irritation for susceptible individuals. Allergic reactions are known to occur for certain people with many if not all the members of this family!
Insects: Bees freely work Rhus spp. for nectar.
Invasiveness: Poison ivy is native but can quickly take over disturbed areas.
Dye Plants: Smoketree (Cotinus coggygria), Sumacs (Rhus copallina, R. copallinum, R. coriaria, R. glabra, R. hirta, R typhina) (Bliss, 1993; J. Cannon & Cannon, 2003; Fern, 2008; A. Krochmal & Krochmal, 1974; Moerman, 1998; Nicholson & Clovis, 1967)
Aesthetics: Fruits of Rhus spp. make great additions to flower arrangements fresh or dry. Cotinus is a beautiful landscape plant that can also be employed in flower arrangements to striking effect.
Aquifoliaceae/Holly Family
|
Blue Ridge |
|
North America |
|
World |
|
|
Genera |
2(n) |
Genera |
2 |
Genera |
1 |
|
Species |
4(n) |
Species |
29 |
Species |
400+ |
|
Lower taxa |
2 |
Lower Taxa |
9 |
|
|
Taxonomic commentary: Nemopanthus has now been moved to Ilex (Heywood et al., 2007).
Genera: Ilex (4), Nemopanthus (1)
Food: The roasted leaves of some members have been used to prepare a caffeinated beverage including Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) and Yaupon Holly (I. vomitoria) (Couplan, 1998). Ilex cassine and I. guayusa also have significant amounts of caffeine (Edwards & Bennett, 2005; Wink & Van Wyk, 2008).
Toxicity: Triterpine saponins and their esters (Wink & Van Wyk, 2008). The berries are not edible. However, the leaves tend to be not toxic (Nelson, Shih, & Balick, 2007).
Insects: Gallberry (Ilex glabra) is important for bees in warmer areas (Pellett, 1976). Many other species of Ilex are good sources of nectar as well.
Invasiveness: None known
Dye Plants: American Holly (Ilex opaca)
Other Crafts: Ilex spp. have traditionally been use for wood work.
Aesthetics: Many species are very attractive in the landscape for evergreen foliage and showy fruits. Plants are dioecious so males and females are required for fruiting.
Araliaceae/Spikenard Family
|
Blue Ridge |
|
North America |
|
World |
|
|
Genera |
2(n) 1(i) |
Genera |
11 |
Genera |
41-50 |
|
Species |
6(n) 1(i) |
Species |
49 |
Species |
1,450 |
|
Lower taxa |
|
Lower Taxa |
114 |
|
|
Genera: Aralia (4), Hedera (1), Panax (2)
Food: The leaves and roots of Sarsparilla (Aralia californica) are used by Daniel Nicholson in California for tea. This is the only native member of Araliaceae in the state . Other members of Aralia from the Eastern U.S. have been used similarly especially in the preparation of root beer. Some young shoots of Aralia spp. have been eaten in the spring.
Medicine: Multiple species of Panax are adaptogenic (Winston & Maimes, 2007) Aralia spp. may be medicinal as well.
Toxicity: Triterpine saponins occur in the Araliaceae including English Ivy (Hedera helix) (Wink & Van Wyk, 2008). Hedera helix may also cause contact dermatitis (Nelson et al., 2007). Members of Aralia may cause irritation to susceptible individuals especially if consumed raw.
Insects: Insects love members of this family in bloom.
Invasiveness: English ivy (Hedera helix) is a fierce exotic invasive.
Dye Plants: Hedera helix (Cannon, 1994; Fern, 2009).
Other Crafts: Vines of ivy can be used for various decorations.
Aesthetics: Hedera helix is famous for covering buildings but can cause some damage to the outside surface. Many Aralia spp. are beautiful plants with showy blossoms. Devil’s Club (Oplopanax horridus) is stunning in the understory of the Pacific Northwest confier forests.
Berberidaceae/Barberry Family
|
Blue Ridge |
|
North America |
|
World |
|
|
Genera |
5 |
Genera |
10 |
Genera |
12-16 |
|
Species |
6(n) 1(i) |
Species |
35 |
Species |
650-700 |
|
Lower taxa |
|
Lower Taxa |
6 |
|
|
Blue Ridge Genera: Berberis (2), Caulophyllum (2), Diphylleia (1), Jeffersonia (1), Podophyllum (1)
This is a mostly vegetative family with one prominent shrubby member (Berberis) and a host of medicinal uses.
Food: The edible berries are sour and often need to be sweetened in the Barberry (Berberis) and cultivated Oregon grape (Mahonia) genera. Fruits of Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) may be consumed when fully ripe.
Medicine: Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) is a potent medicine for women’s issues. Berberine contained in many members is a potent medicine. Podophyllotoxin is a powerful anti-cancer drug (Duke & Foster, 1999).
Toxicity: This family tests the boundaries between food, medicine and poison. Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) contains an alkaloidal convulsant poison (Nelson et al., 2007). Podophyllum contains a mitotic inhibitor (Nelson et al., 2007).
Insects: Berberis spp. are attractive to bees but rarely provide much honey.
Invasiveness: The exotic Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii), Beale’s Barberry (Mahonia bealei) and Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina domestica) all can be invasive (Miller et al., 2006).
Dye Plants: Many species of Barberry (Berberis spp.) and Oregon Grapes (Mahonia spp.) can be used for dyes (Bliss, 1994; Cannon, 1994; Fern, 2009; A. Krochmal & C. Krochmal, 1974).
Aesthetics: The flowers of Oregon grape are often showy and slightly fragrant. The fruits of various Barberries and Oregon grapes are attractive. Though spiny, they can be used in flower arrangements.
Betulaceae/Birch Family
|
Blue Ridge |
|
North America |
|
World |
|
|
Genera |
5 |
Genera |
5 |
Genera |
6 |
|
Species |
13(n) 1(i) |
Species |
32 |
Species |
130 |
|
Lower taxa |
2 |
Lower Taxa |
47 |
|
|
Blue Ridge Genera: Alnus (3), Betula (7), Carpinus (1), Corylus (2), Ostrya (1)
Food: Nuts from Corylus including the European Filbert (C. avellana) and the American Hazelnut (Corylus americana). The inner bark of the Alder was eaten by Native americans as a survival food (J. Pojar et al., 1994).
Medicine: Alder was a typical medicine for the Native people of the Pacific Northwest (J. Pojar et al., 1994).
Toxicity: ?
Insects: Alders (Alnus spp.) are an important early source of pollen for bees.
Invasiveness: None known
Dye Plants:
Alder (Alnus spp.) (Bliss, 1994; Eaton, 1973; A. Krochmal & C. Krochmal, 1974; Nicholson &
Clovis, 1967).
Birch (Betula spp.) (Cannon, 1994; Fern, 2009)
Other Crafts: Wood used by western tribes for bowls and masks (J. Pojar et al., 1994).
Aesthetics: Many species make handsome landscape trees especially Harry Lauder’s walking stick (Corylus avellana ‘contorta’).
Caprifoliaceae/Honeysuckle Family
|
Blue Ridge |
|
North America |
|
World |
|
|
Genera |
7 |
Genera |
11 |
Genera |
12 |
|
Species |
22(n) 4(i) |
Species |
82 |
Species |
250 |
|
Lower taxa |
2 |
Lower Taxa |
59 |
|
|
Taxonomic commentary: The Caprifoliaceae is a messy family in transition. Elderberries (Sambucus spp.) and Viburnums (Viburnum spp.) have often been moved to Adoxaceae. A number of genera have sometimes been given their own families i.e. Sambucaceae, Diervillaceae, Linnaeaceae (Heywood et al., 2007). American Elderberries have been changed to subspecies of the European one i.e. (Sambucus canadensis) to (Sambucus nigra spp. canadensis) (Weakley, 2008).
Blue Ridge Genera: Diervilla (3), Linnaea (1), Lonicera (3,3), Sambucus (2), Symphoricarpos (2), Triosteum (3), Viburnum (9) Wofford excluded: Lonicera fragrantissima and Lonicera xylosteum
Food: Fruits from Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis) Blue Elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. cerluea) are used for jelly, wine, syrup etc. Some black fruited Viburnums are edible raw (V. cassinoides, V. alnifolia, V. lantana, V. nudum, V. prunifolium) and red fruited Viburnums are best cooked (V. trilobum, V opulus) (Couplan, 1998). Fruits from the horse gentian (Triosteum perfoliatum) can be roasted as a coffee substitute (Couplan, 1998)
Medicine: Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis is a famous medicine for colds and flu. Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) is a prevalent flue remedy in China used as part of the formulation Yin chiao. Crampbark (Viburnum opulus) and Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium) have a long history of use for women’s health.
Toxicity: Sambucus contains cyanogenic glycocides and only the stem less fruits should be consumed. Snowberry fruits (Symphoricarpos spp.) contain saponins and a small amount of chelidonine (Nelson et al., 2007).
Insects: Blackhaw (Viburnum prunifolium) is good for stimulating early brood production. Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis is important for pollen. Most Lonicera spp. flowers have tubes too long for bees to reach their nectar. However, some bush and fly honeysuckles (L. morrowi and L. tatarica) are visited by bees. Coralberry (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus) is much sought after by bees when abundant.
Invasiveness: Seven taxa of Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) are introduced and invasive to various degrees though a few are not included in Wofford (1989). These include (L. japonica), Breath of Spring (L. fragrantissima), Morrow’s Honeysuckle (L. morrowii) Coral Honeysuckle (L. sempervirens), Standish’s Honeysuckle (Lonicera standishii) Tatarian Honeysuckle (L. tatarica) and Bell’s Honeysuckle (L. X bella) (Miller et al., 2006).
Dye Plants: Elderberries (Sambucus spp.) (Cannon, 1994; Fern, 2009; A. Krochmal & C. Krochmal, 1974; Nicholson & Clovis, 1967).
Other Crafts: The exotic invasive Lonicera japonica can be used for basketry (Hill, 1997).
Aesthetics: Many species are attractive ornamental plants and smell wonderful.
Celastraceae/Bittersweet Family
|
Blue Ridge |
|
North America |
|
World |
|
|
Genera |
3 |
Genera |
13 |
Genera |
93 |
|
Species |
6 |
Species |
35 |
Species |
1200 |
|
|
|
Lower Taxa |
8 |
|
|
Blue Ridge Genera: Celastrus (2), Euonymus (3), Paxistima (1)
Food: Young parts of Bittersweet (Celastrus spp.) have been consumed in the past after boiling (Couplan, 1998). Not recommended!!!
Toxicity: Celastrus fruits are said to be poisonous containing an unknown gastrointestinal irritant (Nelson et al., 2007). Khat (Catha edulis) is an addictive narcotic used in Africa in places like Somalia (Wink & Van Wyk, 2008).
Insects: Celastrus scandens is worked freely by bees.
Invasiveness: The Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) is one of the worst invasive plants of the Appalachian region. It is distinguished from the native C. scandens that is crosses with by having terminal fruits. Winged burning bush (Euonymus alatus) and Winter Creeper (E. fortunei) can be exotic invasives though neither is considered in the Blue Ridge Flora (Miller et al., 2006; Wofford, 1989) .
Dye Plants: None known
Other Crafts: Wreathes can be made from Celastrus spp. though care should be made note to spread invasive fruits or harvest the threatened native.
Aesthetics: Euonymous spp. and Celastrus spp. have beautiful foliage and fruits in the fall.
Cornaceae/Dogwood Family
|
Blue Ridge |
|
North America |
|
World |
|
|
Genera |
1 |
Genera |
1 |
Genera |
7 |
|
Species |
6 |
Species |
16 |
Species |
105 |
|
Lower taxa |
2 |
Lower Taxa |
8 |
|
|
Taxonomic commentary: The landscape plant Aucuba japonica has sometimes been included with the Cornaceae. It is now often put in its own family (Aucubaceae) (Heywood et al., 2007). Some debate remains as to whether Nyssaceae is a separate family or a subfamily of Cornaceae (Heywood et al., 2007). Dogwoods can apparently be broken up into clades. Potentially four sections: Big plants with showy Bracts i.e. C. florida, C. kousa, Little plants with showy bracts i.e. C. canadensis. The biggest group is the small bract group broken into two parts the Cornels i.e. C. mas, C. officinalis, C. sessilis, and a much larger section of which C. alternifolia and C. ammomum are part (“Cornus (genus) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia,” n.d.). Edibility seems to follow along these grouping lines.
Blue Ridge Genera: Cornus (1)
Food: Fruits of Bunchberry (C. canadensis) and the introduced landscape plants Carnelian cherry (C. mas) and Asian Dogwood (C. kousa) are edible (Couplan, 1998). The Black Fruited Dogwood (Cornus sessilis) was enjoyed by Patrick Ironwood on a walk across California. Not included in Couplan (1998) but edibility is supported from other sources (Clarke, 1978; Fern, 2008)
Toxicity: Most fruits are inedible. Bloodtwig dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) can cause skin irritation (Nelson et al., 2007).
Insects: ?
Invasiveness: None known
Dye Plants: Dogwoods (Cornus spp.) (Fern, 2009; A. Krochmal & C. Krochmal, 1974).
Other Crafts: The wood of Cornus florida is very hard and dense. It may be used for mallets and other durable goods. Dogwood twigs have also been used in basketry.
Aesthetics: Many dogwoods are beautiful landscape trees with exceptional bark characteristics. Flowers wilt soon after cutting foliage. The most common native dogwood Cornus florida is threatened by an anthracnose disease that may remove it from the natural environment.
Cupressaceae/Cypress Family
|
Blue Ridge |
|
North America |
|
World |
|
|
Genera |
2(n) |
Genera |
7 |
Genera |
Other resou |
|
Species |
3(n) |
Species |
34 |
Species |
|
|
Lower taxa |
|
Lower Taxa |
10 |
|
|
Blue Ridge Genera: Juniperus (2), Thuja (1)
Western genera include Incence Ceder (Calocedrus decurrens)
Food: Cones from Junipers (Juniperus spp.) used in food items such as kraut and distillations i.e. gin
Toxicity: Can be toxic, use moderately…
Invasiveness: Some species of Juniperus are weedy and have taken over millions of acres (Judd et al., 2008).
Dye Plants: Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) (Eaton, 1973).
Other Crafts: Wood is highly valued and rot resistant.
Aesthetics: Many members of this family are valued in the landscape including Junipers (Juniperus spp.), Psuedo Cypress (Chamaecyparis spp.), Arborvitae (Thuja spp.) and Cypress (Cupressus spp.).
Ericaceae/Heath Family
|
Blue Ridge |
|
North America |
|
World |
|
|
Genera |
18(n) |
Genera |
33 |
Genera |
124 |
|
Species |
50(n) |
Species |
192 |
Species |
4050 |
|
Lower Taxa |
2 |
Lower Taxa |
112 |
|
|
Taxonomic commentary: This family now includes the formerly distinct Pyrolaceae and Monotropaceae (Heywood et al., 2007). Kartesz (1994) treated these two familes separately. Their totals are compiled under Ericaceae here. No exotic members are included in Wofford. Heywood et al. include 8 subfamiles and 20 tribes.
Blue Ridge Genera: Arctostaphylos (1), Chamaedaphne (1), Chimaphila (2), Epigaea (1), Gaultheria (1), Gaylussacia (5), Kalmia (2), Leiophyllum (1), Leucothoe (3), Lyonia (2), Menziesia (1), Monotropa (2), Monotropsis (1), Oxydendrum (1), Pieris (1), Pyrola (4), Rhododendron (11), Vaccinium (10)
Food: Fruits from Blueberries/Cranberries (Vaccinium spp.) and Huckleberries (Gaylussacia spp.) are relished for pies, jams, wines etc. Fruits from Manzanita (Arctostphylos spp.) are enjoyed in the western U.S.
Toxicity: Honey from several members of the Ericaceae including Rhododendron spp. may be toxic (Kingsbury, 1964; Nelson, Shih, & Balick, 2007; Pellett, 1977). Mountain laurels (Kalmia spp.), Fetterbush (Pieris spp.) and Dog Hobble (Leucothoe spp.) are all toxic to livestock. Their wood should also probably not be burned. Sodium channel activators are present in Mtn Laurel (Kalmia spp.), Fetterbush (Pieris spp.), Maleberries (Lyonia spp.), Rhododendron spp., Pernettya spp. and Doghobble (Leucothoe spp.) (Nelson et al., 2007). Grayanotoxins or andromedatoxins are usually attributed to Ericaceae toxicity.
Insects: Vaccinium and Gaylussacia provide good surplus nectar for bees. A special honey is produced in Appalachia from the Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum). Bees are also fond of Fetterbush (Pieris spp.).
Invasiveness: None of the many species included in the Blue Ridge Flora is introduced (Wofford, 1989)!
Dye Plants:
Heath (Erica spp.) & Heather (Calluna vulgaris) (Cannon, 1994; Fern, 2009)
Madrone (Arbutus menziesii) and Bear berry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) (Bliss, 1994; Fern, 2009; A. Krochmal & C. Krochmal, 1974).
Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) (Eaton, 1973; Fern, 2009; A. Krochmal & C. Krochmal, 1974; Nicholson & Clovis, 1967).
Blueberry (Vaccinium) spp. (Bliss, 1994; Fern, 2009; A. Krochmal & C. Krochmal, 1974; Nicholson & Clovis, 1967)
Other Crafts: Wood from Rhododendron spp. and Mountain laurel (Kalmia spp.) is used for ornamental fence railings.
Aesthetics: Many of the plants in this family are used in the landscape especially for their spring flower displays.
Fabaceae/Bean Family
|
Blue Ridge |
|
North America |
|
World |
|
|
Genera |
30(n) 7(i) |
Genera |
158 |
Genera |
727-732 |
|
Species |
80(n) 27(i) |
Species |
1574 |
Species |
19000-19700 |
|
|
|
Lower Taxa |
876 |
|
|
This is a very important family. Most members aid in fixing nitrogen in the soil symbiotically with special bacteria that live in their roots. Nitrogen is an essential plant nutrient. Therefore, many members of this family are often used as cover crops. Only a few of the members in the temperate zone are woody shrubs or trees but they are almost all significant in various ways.
Taxonomic commentary: The Fabaceae is the third biggest family in the world. The family is so big and diverse that it is often split into three sub familes: Mimosoideae, Caesalpinioideae, Papilionoideae (Heywood et al., 2007).
Food: They are also one of the chief sources of protein for vegetarians. Beans (Phaseolus spp.) are native to Central America (Van Wyk, 2005). Peas (Pisum sativum), Chickpeas (Cicer arientinum) and Lentils (Lens spp.) are all sources of protein for people and animal forage. Red Bud (Cercis spp.) and Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) flowers are choice edibles. Red clover leaves and flowers (Trifolium pratense) are good in tea in moderation.
Medicine: Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), Senna (Senna alexandrina), Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Red clover (Trifolium pratense), and Silk tree/mimosa (Albizzia julibrissin) are just a few of the famous medicinals from this family (Van Wyk & Wink, 2004).
Toxicity: Many members are toxic and plants from this family should never be sampled without positive identification. Alkaloidal convulsant posion containing genera include Gymnocladus, Sophora, Laburnum and Baptisia (Nelson et al., 2007). Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and Rattlebox (Sesbania spp.) contain saponins (Kingsbury, 1964). Triterpine and steroidal saponins may occur in the Fabaceae (Wink & Van Wyk, 2008). Sesbania and Rattlebox (Crotalaria) contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Nelson et al., 2007). Vicia spp. and Trifolium spp. can cause photosensitivity through their effect on the liver (Kingsbury, 1964). Some people are allergic to some members of the Fabaceae including soybeans (Glycine max). Aflotoxin is a toxic fungus that can occur on peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) and other nuts. Robinia contains a toxalbumin (Nelson et al., 2007). Wisteria spp. contains wistarine a gylcocide (Nelson et al., 2007). Other potentially toxic members include Locoweeds (Astragalus spp.), Senna (Cassia), Sweet peas (Lathyrus spp.) Lupines (Lupinus spp.) and Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) (Blackwell, 1990).
Insects: The following plants a re beloved by bees and other insects: Indigo (Baptisia spp.), Red Bud (Cercis canadensis), Clover (Trifolium spp.), Sweet Clovers (Melilotus spp.), Vetch (Vicia spp.) Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), Alsike Clover (Trifolium hybridum), Bird’s Foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) and False Indigo (Amorpha spp.). Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius) also provides pollen for bees.
Invasiveness: Silk tree (Albizia julibrissin), Crown Vetch (Securigera varia), Scotch Broom (Cystisus scoparius), Korean Clover, (Kummerowia stipulaceae), Japanese Clover (K. striata), Shrubby Lespedeza (Lespedeza bicolor), Sericea Lespedeza (L. cuneata), Thunberg’s Lespedeza (L. thunbergii), Bird’s Foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), Black Medick (Medicago lupilina), Yellow Sweetclover (Melilotus officianalis), Kudzu (Pueraria lobata), Sicklepod (Senna obtusifolia), Garden Vetch (Vicia sativa), Japanese Wisteria (Wisteria floribunda), Chinese Wisteria (W. sinensis) (Miller et al., 2006). Introduced species of Trifolium are especially prevalent in many cultivated environments.
Dye Plants: At least thirty seven species of Fabaceae are listed as used for dye (Fern, 2008). Appalachian native and naturalized genera include, Indigo (Baptisia australis) Dyer’s Indigo (B. tinctoria) and Broom (Cystisus scoparius).
Other Crafts: Beans from various members have been used for jewelry.
Aesthetics: Many members of the fabaceae have a stunning array of attractive characteristics.
Fagaceae/Beech Family
|
Blue Ridge |
|
North America |
|
World |
|
|
Genera |
3(n) |
Genera |
5 |
Genera |
8 |
|
Species |
23(n) |
Species |
95 |
Species |
620-750 |
|
|
|
Lower Taxa |
138 |
|
|
Blue Ridge Genera: Castanea (2), Fagus (1), Quercus (20) Wofford excluded: Quercus virginiana.
Western members: Bush Chinkapin (Chrysolepsis sempervirens) Tanbark Oak (Lithocarpus densiflorus)
Food: The Fagaceae represents an incredible food resource from every genus represented in the Blue Ridge. This family contains the Oaks (Quercus spp.), Chestnuts (Castanea spp.) and Beeches (Fagus spp.) Acorns from White Oaks such as (Quercus alba) and Chestnut Oak (Quercus prinus/montana) contain less tannins and need less to no leaching. All Oaks produce edible nuts. Some are more choice than others.
Toxicity: Tannins are present in many members and are not good to consume in high amounts. American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) contains saponins (Kingsbury, 1964).
Insects: Fagus grandifolia and Quercus spp. provide pollen for bees. Bees also get honeydew from Quercus spp. galls.
Invasiveness: None known
Dye Plants: European Chestnut (Castanea sp.), Fagus spp., Quercus spp.
Other Crafts: Endless crafts can be made from the woods of all members of the Fagaceae. Acorns from Quercus spp. offer excellent craft opportunities as well. i especially like the variation in Acorn tops which can serve as fairy hats to enterprising folk artists…
Aesthetics: Most members of the Fagaceae are stunningly beautiful landscape trees that often hold on to many of their leaves in the fall and get to be quite large and old especially in open grown environments.
Juglandaceae/Walnut Family
|
Blue Ridge |
|
North America |
|
World |
|
|
Genera |
2(n) |
Genera |
3 |
Genera |
8 |
|
Species |
9(n) |
Species |
23 |
Species |
60 |
|
Lower taxa |
2 |
Lower Taxa |
16 |
|
|
Blue Ridge Genera: Carya (7), Juglans (2) Wofford excluded: Carya illionensis.
Food: Many species provide edible nuts including Pecan (Carya illionensis), Sweet Hickory (C. laciniosa), Shagbark Hickory (C. ovata), Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) and Butternut (J. cinerea). The sap from several genera and species has been consumed by various peoples (Couplan, 1998). English Walnut (Juglans regia) is famous the whole world over.
Medicine: The hulls from the Juglans nigra are used as an antiparasitic.
Toxicity: Juglone in the root of Juglans nigra is alleleopathic to many plants. Juglans nigra can also cause contact dermatitis (Nelson et al., 2007). Aflotoxin is a toxic fungus that can occur on various nuts.
Insects: Carya spp. are important for bees as a source of pollen and honeydew.
Invasiveness: Juglans nigra is prone to come up strong in open farm fields left uncultivated. Every member of the family represented in Wofford is native to the Blue Ridge.
Dye Plants: All of the above species can be used for dyes. Some are colorfast without mordants.
Other Crafts: Juglans spp. and Carya spp. woods are highly valued for a diversity of crafts including veneers, paneling, carving, utensils etc. Carya spp. are also used for BBQ woodchips.
Aesthetics: Most members make striking landscape trees. Hickories have a beautiful yellow color in the fall.
Aromatics: Leaves and bark of Hickory (Carya spp.) and Walnut (Juglans spp.) are aromatic.
Lauraceae/Bay leaf
|
Blue Ridge |
|
North America |
|
World |
|
|
Genera |
2 |
Genera |
13 |
Genera |
50 |
|
Species |
2(n) |
Species |
40 |
Species |
2500-2750 |
|
Lower taxa |
|
Lower Taxa |
4 |
|
|
Blue Ridge Genera: Lindera (1), Sassafras (1)
This is an aromatic, ancient and mostly tropical family
Food: Fruits of Spice Bush (Lindera benzoin) are used like allspice. Twigs and leaves of Spice Bush and Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) are used in tea. Roots of Sassafras were used for a traditional root beer. Bay leaf (Laurus nobilis) is popular as a pot herb. Leaves of California Bay (Umbellularia californica) can be used like Bay leaves though they are stronger in taste. Nuts have also been consumed when prepared properly. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.) is famous as a flavoring spice and also is a potent medicinal.
Toxicity: Presence of the phytochemical safrole has led to disuse of Sassafras. However its toxicity is less than many commonly consumed substances including beer (Duke & Foster, 1999). Consumption in moderation is probably prudent. California Bay is the carrier of Sudden Oak Death.
Birds: Fruits of various members from the Lauraceae are relished by birds in their long migration south for the winter.
Invasiveness: None known
Dye Plants: Sassafras can be used as a dye plant (Fern, 2009; A. Krochmal & C. Krochmal, 1974; Nicholson & Clovis, 1967).
Aesthetics: Most members of the Lauraceae are attractive at all times of year.
Aromatics: Bark, leaves, flowers are often aromatic for most members of the Lauraceae
Magnoliaceae/Magnolia Family
|
Blue Ridge |
|
North America |
|
World |
|
|
Genera |
2 |
Genera |
2 |
Genera |
2-3-10 |
|
Species |
6 |
Species |
11 |
Species |
220 |
|
Lower taxa |
|
Lower Taxa |
|
|
|
Taxonomic commentary: This is a small family with primitive flower characteristics and a distinct link to Eastern Asia.
Blue Ridge Genera: Liriodendron (1), Magnolia (5)
Food: The only edible part is the copious nectar from Tulip Tree flowers.
Toxicity: Magnolia grandiflora can cause contact dermatitis (Nelson et al., 2007).
Insects: Tulip tree (L. tulipifera) is one of the major bee trees in the Appalachian region.
Invasiveness: None known
Dye Plants: Liriodendron tulipifera can be used as a dye (Fern, 2009; A. Krochmal & C. Krochmal, 1974).
Aesthetics: The exotic but not invasive Saucer Magnolia (M. X soulangeana) and Star Magnolia (M. stellata) make beautiful landscape plants.
Aromatics: Many members of the Magnoliaceae have fabulous smells.
Other Crafts: The fruiting structure of Magnolia can be used ornamentally. Magnolia wood is a classic one used in carving and making bowls.
Malvaceae/Mallow Family
|
Blue Ridge |
|
North America |
|
World |
|
|
Genera |
3(n) 2(i) |
Genera |
41 |
Genera |
115 |
|
Species |
5(n) 8(i) |
Species |
260 |
Species |
2000 |
|
Lower taxa |
2 |
Lower Taxa |
93 |
|
|
Blue Ridge Genera: Abutilon (1), Hibiscus (3,2), Iliamna (1), Malva (3), Sida (1,2)
Wofford excluded Althea rosea, Malva rotundifolia and Modiola caroliniana.
Food: Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a cultivated crop that is famous in the south. Most leaves can be consumed raw, cooked or as tea including Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis), Mallows (Malva spp.). Flowers are edible as well for almost all species. Cranberry Hibiscus or Roselle (Hibiscus acestosa and H. sabdariffa) make a fabulous beverage
Toxicity: The Malvaceae is generally considered a non-toxic family with the exception of cottons (Gossypium spp.)
Insects: Hollyhock (Althaea rosea) is popular with bees.
Invasiveness: Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) can become invasive but is imminently edible for greens and flowers. Malva spp. can spread readily.
Dye Plants: Cotton (Gossypium spp.) (A. Krochmal & C. Krochmal, 1974). Hibiscus spp. (Buchanan, 1995; Fern, 2009) and Malva spp. (Bliss, 1994; Fern, 2009).
Aesthetics: Many members have beautiful flowers including Hibiscuses (Hibiscus spp.) and Hollyhocks (Alcea spp.).
Pinaceae/Pine Family
|
Blue Ridge |
|
North America |
|
World |
|
|
Genera |
4(n) |
Genera |
7 |
Genera |
|
|
Species |
11(n) |
Species |
72 |
Species |
|
|
Lower taxa |
|
Lower Taxa |
35 |
|
|
Blue Ridge Genera: Abies (2), Picea (1), Pinus (6), Tsuga (2)
Wofford excluded larch (Larix decidua) and Norway spruce (Picea abies)
Food: Tea and beer can be made from the needles of Pine (Pinus spp.), and Spruces (Picea spp.). The sap from Picea spp. can be used like a chewing gum according to a personal conversation with Doug Elliot www.dougelliott.com .
Toxicity: The smoke from resinous yellow Pines especially their cones should not be inhaled in large quantities. Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea) can cause contact dermatitis (Nelson et al., 2007).
Insects: Pine Bark beetles are a problem from coast to coast in the United States.
Dye Plants:
Spruce (Picea spp.) (A. Krochmal & C. Krochmal, 1974; Nicholson & Clovis, 1967)
Hemlocks (Tsuga canadensis and T. caroliniana) (Fern, 2009; A. Krochmal & C. Krochmal, 1974; Moerman, 1998; Nicholson & Clovis, 1967)
Pines (Pinus spp.) (Eaton, 1973; Fern, 2008)
Other Crafts: Endless crafts can be pursued using the cones alone. White pine wood is generally considered more choice than yellow pine wood. White pines tend to have needles grouped in 5’s. This is probably the most important family in the world for timber.
Aesthetics: Many species make great evergreen landscape trees and are often used as Christmas trees as well.
Rosaceae/Rose Family
|
Blue Ridge |
|
North America |
|
World |
|
|
Genera |
20(n) 3(i) |
Genera |
67 |
Genera |
85-100 |
|
Species |
83(n) 19(i) |
Species |
842 |
Species |
2000 |
|
Lower taxa |
|
Lower Taxa |
406 |
|
1,300-1500 |
Taxonomic commentary: The taxonomy of Hawthorns (Crataegus spp.) and Juneberries (Amelanchier spp.) is very messy (Lance, 2004).
Blue Ridge Genera: Agrimonia (5), Alchemilla (1), Amelanchier (5), Aronia (2), Aruncus (1) Crataegus (19,1), Dalibarda (1), Duchesnea (1), Filipendula (1), Fragaria (2), Geum (7), Malus (2,1), Physocarpus (1), Porteranthus (2), Potentilla (4,2), Prunus (7,4), Pyrus (1), Rosa (5,4), Rubus (11,3), Sanguisorba (1), Sorbus (1), Spiraea (5,1), Waldsteinia (2)
Wofford excluded: Potentilla anserine, P. intermedia, P. rivalis, Prunus caroliniana, Rosa bracteata, R. damascena, R. gallica, Rubus discolor, R. illecebrosus, Sanguisorba minor, Spiraea prunifolium, S. salicifolia, S. x vanhouttei.
Food: This is one of the major families for fruits in the temperate world including Apples (Malus spp.), and Pears (Pyrus spp.). Plums, Cherries, Apricots, Peaches, Nectarines, and Almonds are all in the same genus (Prunus spp.). Juneberries (Amelanchier spp.), Hawthorns (Crataegus spp.) and Mountain Ash (Sorbus spp.) are a few wild genera that are foraged for food. Many shrubs including cane fruits (Rubus spp.) and Roses (Rosa spp.) also are edible. Apple wood is used to smoke food as well.
Toxicity: Cyanogenic glycocides are present in some members of the Rosaceae (L.S. Nelson et al., 2007). Some people are allergic to members of the Rosaceae such as Strawberries. Agrimony (Agrimonia spp.) and Tea Rose (Rosa odorata) can cause contact dermatitis in particular (Nelson et al., 2007). Triterpine saponins occur in the Rosaceae too (Wink & Van Wyk, 2008).
Insects: Most plants in the Rosaceae provide copious amounts of early pollen and nectar for bees. Japanese Beetles can be a pest on members of this family. Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) is one of the greatest supporters/targets of insects (Tallamy, 2009).
Invasiveness: Shrubby Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) and Eelkek (R. mollucana) both are not listed in Wofford (1989) but are high priority invasives for many states. Wineberry (R. phoenicolasius) can be somewhat invasive locally. Wild Strawberry (Duchesnea indica), Sulphur Cinquefoil (Potentilla recta) and Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana) can be invasive. Japanese spirea (Spiraea japonica) is an exotic invasive shrub. Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora) is one of the worst exotic invasives in the eastern U.S. (Miller et al., 2006; Wofford, 1989)
Dye Plants: Apples (Malus spp.) Cinquefoil (Potentilla spp.), Pear (Pyrus communis), Plum (Prunus americana), Peach (P. persica), Wild Black Cherry (P. serotina). Brambles (Rubus fruticosus, R. idaeus, and R. tricolor). An incredible 124 species of Prunus and 158 species of Rubus have been listed as dyes (Fern, 2008)!
Other Crafts: Wood is good for carving.
Aesthetics: Many members of the Rosaceae have beautiful flowers, attractive fruits and nice bark.
Salicaceae/Willow Family
|
Blue Ridge |
|
North America |
|
World |
|
|
Genera |
2 |
Genera |
2 |
Genera |
2 |
|
Species |
10(n) 4(i) |
Species |
117 |
Species |
385 |
|
Lower taxa |
3 |
Lower Taxa |
95 |
|
|
Blue Ridge Genera: Populus (3,2) Salix (7,2)
Wofford excluded: Populus x canescens, Populus nigra, Salix caprea, S. cinerea. ssp. cinerea, S. cinerea subsp. oleifolia, S. pentandra. S. purpurea.
Medicine: Willows are famous for their salicylic acid compounds that act like aspirin to bring about pain relif when applie in sufficient dosage (Foster & Hobbs, 2002; Van Wyk & Wink, 2004).
Toxicity: ?
Insects: Willows (Salix spp.) provide early food to bees in the late winter time.
Invasiveness: Silver poplar (Populus alba) can be invasive (Miller et al., 2006).
Dye Plants: Many willows have been used as dyes including (S. alba, S. caprea, S. cinerea, S. fragilis, S. purpurea, S. viminalis)
Other Crafts: Many species of Willows are used for basketry (Trestain, 1998). Living fences and structures have also been formed out of Willow. Various species are coppiced.
Aesthetics: Many species of both genera are valued landscape plants especially Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica). Willows and Poplars are some of the most cold hardy deciduous trees. They light up places with their beautiful yellow leaves in the fall.
Vitaceae/Grape Family
|
Blue Ridge |
|
North America |
|
World |
|
|
Genera |
3(n) |
Genera |
4 |
Genera |
12-14 |
|
Species |
11(n) |
Species |
40 |
Species |
800 |
|
Lower taxa |
|
Lower Taxa |
9 |
|
|
Blue Ridge Genera: Ampelopsis (2), Parthenocissus (1), Vitis (8) Wofford excluded: Ampelopsis brevipendunculata
Food: The fruits called grapes from (Vitis spp.) are commonly used fresh and for jams, jellies, juices, wines, etc. Some are bigger and better than others. Leaves of Vitis spp. have also been consumed most famously as dolmas from Greece.
Toxicity: Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) and Boston Ivy (P. tricuspidata) contain irritant raphides (Nelson et al., 2007).
Insects: Ampelopsis spp. and Parthenocissus spp. are good honey plants.
Invasiveness: Ampelopsis aconitifolia?
Dye Plants:
Grapes (Vitis spp.) (Fern, 2009; A. Krochmal & C. Krochmal, 1974; Nicholson & Clovis, 1967).
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) (Fern, 2008).
Other Crafts: The vines of various species can be used to make baskets but should only be used when abundant.
For the next class we will cover major Medicinal families and it will be posted around September 8th
Below are items to think about/comment on. Please write me directly at marc@botanyeveryday.com or leave information in the commentary under this class. Save your comment before submitting if possible as sometimes our spam filter seems to reject them. The problem seems to be connected to how much time you take to submit. I WOULD REALLY LOVE TO HEAR WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY!!!
-
- Make a list of the woody plants around you and share that info with some people
- Attend a workshop or a class and write up a brief description of plants or information learned.
- Post any clear photos of question plants to Facebook or send in an email.
Praises to all that have donated to the cause. i encourage everyone reading this to donate as they are able financially, commentarialy, or energetically... Your contributions greatly help me continue this crucial work of ethnobotanical research and education. Please let me know your thoughts in general and anyway i can help this class serve you best.
Thanks, marc
References
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Bliss, A. (1993). North American Dye Plants. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press.
Brockman, F. (1986). Trees of North America (Rev ed.). New York: Golden Press.
Cannon, J., & Cannon, M. (2003). Dye Plants and Dyeing. Portland, OR: Timber Press.
Castner, J. (2004). Photographic Atlas of Botany and Guide to Plant Identification. Gainesville, FL: Feline Press.
Clarke, C. B. (1978). Edible and Useful Plants of California. University of California Press.
Cornus (genus) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved September 24, 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornus_(genus)
Couplan, F. (1998). The Encyclopedia of Edible Plants of North America. New Canaan, CT: Keats Pub.
Dirr, M. A. (1998). Manual of Woody Landscape Plants (5th ed.). Athens, GA: Stipe Publishing LLC.
Duke, J. A., & Foster, S. (1999). A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs: Of Eastern and Central North America (Peterson Field Guides) (1st ed.). New York: Houghton Mifflin.
Eaton, A. H. (1973). Handicrafts of the Southern Highlands. New York: Dover Publications.
Edwards, A. L., & Bennett, B. C. (2005). Diversity of Methylxanthine Content in Ilex cassine L. and Ilex vomitoria Ait.: Assessing Sources of the North American Stimulant Cassina. Economic Botany, 59(3), 275-285. doi:10.1663/0013-0001(2005)059[0275:DOMCII]2.0.CO;2
Elias, T. (1980). The Complete Trees of North America, Field Guide and Natural History. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.
Elpel, T. J. (2004). Botany in a Day: The Patterns Method of Plant Identification (5th ed.). Pony, MT: HOPS Press.
Fern, K. (2008). Plants for a future - 7300 useful plants database. Plants For a Future. Retrieved April 23, 2009, from http://www.pfaf.org/index.php
Hardin, J. W., Leopold, D. J., & White, F. M. (2001). Harlow and Harrar’s Textbook of Dendrology. Series in Forestry (9th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.
Heywood, V. H., Brummitt, R. K., Culham, A., & Seberg, O. (2007). Flowering Plant Families of the World (Revised.). Buffalo, NY; Richmond Hill, Ont.: Firefly Books.
Hickman, J. C. (1993). The Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press.
Hill, S. H. (1997). Weaving New Worlds: Southeastern Cherokee Women and Their Basketry. Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press.
Judd, W. S., Campbell, C. S., Kellog, E. A., Stevens, P. F., & Donahue, M. J. (2008). Plant Systematics: A Phylogenetic Approach (3rd ed.). Sunderland, MA: Sinauer Associates.
Kartesz, J. T. (1994). A Synonymized Checklist of the Vascular Flora of the United States, Canada, and Greenland (2nd ed.). Portland, OR: Timber Press.
Kingsbury, J. M. (1964). Poisonous Plants of the United States and Canada. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
Krochmal, A., & Krochmal, C. (1974). The Complete Illustrated Book of Dyes from Natural Sources. Garden City, NY: Doubleday.
Lance, R. (2004). Woody Plants of the Southeastern United States: A Winterguide. Athens, GA: University of Georgia Press.
Lovell, H. B. (1977). Honey Plants. (L. R. Goltz, Ed.) (Rev ed.). Medina, OH: Gleanings in Bee Culture.
Miller, J. H., Chambliss, E. B., & Bargeron, C. (2006, January). Invasive Plants of the Thirteen Southern States. Invasive and Exotic Species of North America. Retrieved March 10, 2008, from http://www.invasive.org/south/seweeds.cfm
Moerman, D. E. (1998). Native American Ethnobotany (1st ed.). Portland, OR: Timber Press, Incorporated.
Nelson, L. S., Shih, R. D., & Balick, M. J. (2007). Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants (2nd ed.). New York: Springer.
Nicholson, S. M., & Clovis, J. F. (1967). Dye Plants and Dye Methods in West Virginia. Castanea, 32(2), 111-116. doi:10.2307/4032274
Pellett, F. C. (1977). American Honey Plants (4th ed.). Hamilton, IL: Dadant and Sons.
Petrides, G. A. (1998). A Field Guide to Eastern Trees: Eastern United States and Canada, Including the Midwest (1st ed.). Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin.
Petrides, G. A. (2005). Trees of the California Sierra Nevada. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books.
Pojar, J., MacKinnon, A., Alaback, P., Antos, J., Goward, T., Lertzman, K., Pojar, R., et al. (1994). Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast: Washington, Oregon, British Columbia & Alaska. Renton, WA ; Vancouver: B.C. Ministry of Forest and Lone Pine Pub.
Radford, A. E. B., Ahles, H., & Bell, C. R. (1968). Manual of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas. Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press.
Raven, P. H., Evert, R. F., & Eichhorn, S. E. (2004). Biology of Plants (Seventh Edition.). New York: W. H. Freeman.
Spears, P. (2006). A Tour of the Flowering Plants: Based on the Classification System of the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group. St. Louis, MO: Missouri Botanical Garden Press.
Sudworth, G. B. (1967). Forest Trees of the Pacific Slope. Dover Publications Inc.
Swanson, R. E. (1994). A Field Guide to the Trees and Shrubs of the Southern Appalachians. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.
Tallamy, D. W. (2009). Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants, Updated and Expanded (Expanded Edition.). Portland, OR: Timber Press.
Trestain, C. G. (1998). Appalachian Willow Work: Re-Establishing a Sense of Place and Developing Concepts of Sustainability (Master’s Thesis). Appalachian State University.
Van Wyk, B.-E. (2005). Food Plants of the World: An Illustrated Guide. Portland, OR: Timber Press.
Van Wyk, B.-E., & Wink, M. (2004). Medicinal Plants of the World: An Illustrated Scientific Guide to Important Medicinal Plants and Their Uses. Portland, OR: Timber Press.
Weakley, A. (2008). Flora of the Carolinas, Virginia, Georgia, northern Florida, and surrounding areas (Working Draft April.). Chapel Hill, NC: North Carolina Botanical Garden.
Wink, M., & Van Wyk, B.-E. (2008). Mind-Altering and Poisonous Plants of the World (1st ed.). Portland, OR: Timber Press.
Winston, D., & Maimes, S. (2007). Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
Wofford, B. E. (1989). Guide to the Vascular Plants of the Blue Ridge. Athens, GA: University of Georgia Press.
Zomlefer, W. (1994). Flowering Plant Families. Chapel Hill, NC: The University of North Carolina press.
Plant Talks
Active Classes
- 05/05/2012 - 2012 Plant Talk 4 Major Families
- 04/21/2012 - 2012 Plant Talk 3 Pages 4-13
- 04/07/2012 - 2012 Plant Talk 2 Pages 1 -3
- 03/23/2012 - 2012 Plant Talk 1 Introduction
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