Plant Talk 11: Woody Plants
Hello plant enthusiasts!
Recent Events
Wowsers, how time does fly! Hard to believe it has been two and a half weeks since the last class was posted! Then i think of all that has occurred and it makes a little more sense.
The Floriade was simply incredible www.floriade.com ! Dutch love of plants was evident in a multitude of ways. i met several new tree/shrub species and a few new flowers. i was awed and inspired by the work of the “Willowman” Will Beckers www.thewillowman.com . The focus on sustainability was a breath of fresh air. The old and forgotten vegetable plot introduced me to some interesting plants i was not familiar with being used for food. All in all my two days there were action packed and well spent and i look forward to sharing more about the experience as time goes one. Now it will be another decade until it happens again!
Other botanical explorations included a trip to Nijmegen to the Hortus Arcadie and the special Solanaceae collection of the Universiteit van Nijmegen. The Hortus used to be run by the University but fell into disrepair and was taken over by new owners. i met a few interesting plants but the space is now more of an outdoor art gallery and space for music performances. Very minimal signage left me wondering who the few plants i didn’t know were. A new species of skullcap that I keyed out was particularly of interest. The Solanaceae collection was also not marked or quite as diverse as i expected. However, some double Datura blooms were particularly captivating.
My parents left to go on vacation my last week in country. i first focused on a day of real decompression and relaxation. Then i visited a “squat” outside of Utrecht that was suggested by a friend who lives near Asheville. This community of alternative people both from the Netherlands and other locations was a true inspiration. Kind of like a ramshackle permaculture paradise. Lots of veggies, medicinal plants and fruits. i happened in on an impromptu toothpaste and salve making activity and had a great time talking about Dutch culture, Spain, Rainbow gatherings, and Permaculture in America.
The following day i met up with Bruce Hoffman fellow ethnobotanist and friend of Frank Cook. He got his Ph.D. at the University of Hawaii and mostly studied the plants and people of South America and Suriname in particular. He now works for the University of Wageninegen in their department of Herbarium digitization. We were lucky to participate in a Groene Lopen tour of a section of Rotterdam. The event included a plant walk, history tour, and salve making workshop. The setting was one of numerous community gardens set up throughout the city and country called “volktuinen”.
On one of my last days i visited the Oude Hortus van de Utrecht Universiteit. This is a botanical garden established in the 1700s and was even visited by Linnaeus at one point. Amazing to be following in such a botanical master’s footsteps. The signage at this garden is really good at informing the general public about the adaptive characteristics plants have evolved for their promulgation and survival. I got to see the mega water lily (Victoria amazonica) blooming and also had a very tasty and affordable meal in the café with my cousin Marieke.
My research on European liqueurs continued on this trip as well. My folks gave me a bottle of my favorite liqueuer ever, Ijsselsteinense Bitterkruiden, as a welcome home present. It is crafted right there in the town where they live that dates back to the 1400s. Beautiful illustrations graced the box cover which gave me insight into the ingredients which include Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylandicum), Gentian (Gentiana lutea), Anise, Cloves and Fennel. i also picked up a liqueur from the island of Texel which i am interested to compare.
All in all it was a fantastic trip that was very educational and informative. i worked diligently on improving my Dutch especially in relation to botanical terminology and common names. Feeling ever grateful for the opportunity that my parents provided me. To have three weeks in Europe with no financial cost other than missed work is quite an incredible gift indeed.
Frank Cook’s father picked me up at Washington D.C., Dulles airport and after a night with them i was transported again to the wondrous Green Farmacy Garden (GFG) of ethnobotanical legend Jim Duke http://thegreenfarmacygarden.com/ . Now i type this on the day that i will teach my first class at said garden. Super Natural Sodas, Magical Meads and Local Liqueurs! i spent most of yesterday getting ready. Starting the soda (Perssimint and Lemon Balm Lime) all with plants from the garden. i also decanted the Liqueur that i started from garden plants upon my last visit in May. Ingredients include Mint, Fennel, Yellow Dock, Dandelion, Burdock, and Yellow Root and it tastes amazing if i do say so myself!
i had just enough time in the afternoon at the urging of friend and GFG gardener Sara Saurus for a cursory visit to the very inspiring Brookside Gardens. Wowsers! 50 acres of gardens in a series of rooms by their own admission designed as a “mini” Longwood. They also have an incredible botanical library containing over 5,000 volumes! The best part is it is all available for free as it is run by the Montgomery county parks www.montgomeryparks.org/brookside !
Many classes to come in the Ashville/Boone area in the next six weeks. i will also be working hard to fulfill my volunteer hours for my tenth year as a Master Gardener through University of North Carolina Cooperative Extension. Keep tuned to the events on the website if you are interested in these educational offerings. www.botanyeveryday.com/events
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, solely energetically certain trees have given me more solace than any person ever could. Trees have played many other intangible roles in society as well.
Conifers vs Hardwoods
One of the biggest distinctions in the tree world is between hardwoods also known as broadleaves and conifers. 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 common 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 conifers 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. It took over 15 people to make a ring around this massive elder tree and is 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, windswept, 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. Conifers 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. The Hemlock “Reishi” mushroom (Ganoderma tsugi) is one associated fungal species. A lot of wild Ericaceae members are associated with the understory of conifers out west and to a certain degree in the east as well.
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 the last century 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 and Viburnum (Aoxaceae), Ash (Oleaceae) and Maple/Buckeye (Sapindaceae). Woody plants with alternate compound leaves typically fall in the Walnut (Juglandaceae), Rose (Rosaceae) or Bean (Fabaceae) families. Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) (Simaroubaceae) is another pinnately compound alternate plant that is invasive in many areas especially in disturbed locales
Leaf margin, hairiness, buds, and scars are additional traits used in dendrological identification. Hairiness 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 has just been published (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 alphabetically 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. The first section includes a chart showing distribution in the world, North America and the Blue Ridge using the sources underlined in the introduction 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. Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis). Common 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 address 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 nine years personal experience (Lovell, 1977; Pellett, 1977). Dye plants included are noted when not so plentiful to be confusing. For the Fabaceae and Rosaceae for instance 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). That 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. Cold infusion and straining is necessary. Heat brings out bitter tannins. 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), and 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).
Blue Ridge 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 |
|
|
Blue Ridge 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 (Couplan, 1998).
Medicine: Multiple species of Panax are adaptogenic (Winston & Maimes, 2007) Aralia spp. may be medicinal as well. Oplopanax is a major medicinal in the northwest U.S. (Pojar et al., 1994).
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 conifer 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) in Appalachia 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 powerful immune boosting medicine. Podophyllotoxin from Mayapple is used as an 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). Alder has also been used to smoke food.
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 been moved to Adoxaceae (Spears, 2006). 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 a subspecies of the European one (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) and 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: Native Bittersweet 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 and different shaped leaves. 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 orbiculatus though care should be made not 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 |
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North America |
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World |
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