Accent on Natural Landscaping

Natural Landscaping

December 23, 2018

Do you have a passion for native plants and natural landscaping? Do you wish you knew more about native plants and biodiversity? If so, I invite you to join this blog and learn about native plants, natural landscaping and biodiversity a little at a time.

As Executive Director of Wild Ones for 17 years, one of the things I enjoyed the most was to share with members and others the new and interesting information I learned about things related to the Wild Ones mission. So now as I continue on with my next life adventure, [Read more…]

A Saner, Greener Fall Cleanup With Doug Tallamy

October 20, 2020

Maple trees just becoming the fall leaves sculpture.

This garden topic comes from Vicki Bonk, a Wild Ones Twin Cities Chapter member. It comes from A Way to Garden.com with Margaret Roach. Margaret interviewed Doug Tallamy for the podcast on the fall cleanup with ecology in mind. Plan to make your most ecologically minded garden cleanup ever and understand the consequences of each potential action taken.

A Saner, Greener Fall Cleanup With Doug Tallamay

Doug Tallamy has another book due in March 2021, “The Nature of the Oaks.”

Flight of the Fall Monarch

October 14, 2020

Monarch and Joe Pye Weed (*Eutrochium purpureum*), one the pollinator plants.

Ever wonder why a monarch butterfly typically lives its entire life in only two to six weeks, while the fourth or fifth generation typically lives for up to eight or nine months? Perhaps this timely discussion with Orley “Chip” R. Taylor Jr., in part, will provide the answer.

Sun Angle at Solar Noon (SASN)

Last December we published a paper which pointed out the timing and pace of the monarch migration was associated with the pace of the declining angle of the sun angle at solar noon (SASN). The migration appears to start at the northern latitudes when the SASN drops below 57 degrees at that latitude. The first monarch migrants generally arrive in the vicinity of the overwintering sites of Mexico in the last days of October, when the SASN again drops below 57 degrees. Further, the mating picks up at the overwintering sites (temperatures permitting) after February 12 when the SASN increases beyond 57 degrees. The first wave of monarchs reaching Texas in the spring is also aligned (weather permitting) with an increase in SASN greater than 57 degrees. There is also a “migration window,” a range of SASN values (57-46 degrees) associated with successful migration. Over 90% of the monarchs reaching Mexico were tagged within this range of sun angles.

Monarch butterfly on purple colored New England Aster (Symphotrichum novae-angliae). Note pink colored aster in background. — Monarch butterfly on purple colored New England Aster (*Symphotrichum novae-angliae*), one of the few pollinator plants during September. Note pink colored aster in background.

The SASN values generally DECREASE in the fall in the migration window (57-46 degrees) when the monarchs do not reproduce. In the spring, the monarchs INCREASE their reproduction generally based on the height of the sun at solar noon of 57 degrees for any and all latitudes on the June 21. SASN values decrease slowly after June 21, but do not drop below 57 degrees at the most northerly points until late in the first week of August. In both cases, the increases and decreases are slow, incremental yet erratic.

While the above describes an overall pattern, the migrations are not in lock step with the SASN since they can be slowed by weather conditions as were the migrations of 2004 and 2019 and a few others. What we can say is, to date, there is no evidence of migrations moving faster than expected based on the pace of the SASN.

Monarch ovipositing on Common Milkweed *(Asclepias syriaca*). Photo by Candy Sarikonda

What determines the breeding cycle?

If we assume temperatures are within nominal ranges for fall migration, the SASN is just above 57 degrees, and a female lays eggs in a patch of milkweed. But not all the larvae* which hatch and develop normally, pupate* and eclose,* not all of these individuals migrate. Some do migrate, and some go on to breed.

The breeders do not emerge in reproductive diapause* – their maturation is not on hold. It just takes some number of days for the breeders to reproduce mature. Those who not go into maturity, go on to be a new season’s breeders.

In monarchs, breeding season individuals are sexually mature four to five days after they emerge as adults. The generation that migrates is not sexually mature until after the overwintering period

Mid-Summer Migration of the Monarchs

Monarch Caterpillar munching on a milkweed (Asclepias L.) plant. — Monarch caterpillar on a Butterfly Milkweed (*Asclepias tuberosa*) plant.

The adults that emerge from eggs laid from July 15 to August 20 at the NORTHERN latitudes (49-51N, e.g. Winnipeg and vicinity) are likely to migrate.

At more southerly latitudes, the mid-summer migration will be underway when the butterflies move south reaching latitudes south of 40N for the first week of August, progressively moving south through Oklahoma late in the second and third weeks, and Texas late in the third and fourth weeks.

Look for late-season breeding at latitudes south of 40N in the mid portion of the country. This year precipitation southward from Kansas through Texas has been abundant and should refresh dormant milkweeds in much of this region, allowing better opportunities for late-season production than during most years.

This Year’s Forecast for Mexico

The earliest record I have seen of monarchs moving into Mexico is October 3-4 near Del Rio, Texas.

Eastern Monarchs overwintering during 2017-18 in the forest areas of Mexico. Photo by Wendy Caldwell

The SASN drops below 57 degrees at Del Rio on October 2, signaling the earliest date that monarchs should reach that latitude under the most favorable conditions. The same applies to Acuna, Mexico. The site is just across the river from the Del Rio where they do the Mexican observations.

Today’s migration is advancing at a rate we haven’t seen since the 90s, and that is a good thing, since on-time migrations are associated with higher survival during the migration. This is a report from Journey North.

Notes:

The stages in the life cycle of insects undergoing complete metamorphosis: egg, larvae, pupa and imago/adult.

Egg: The egg is the first stage in the life cycle of most insects. Eggs can be laid singly, in clusters or in specialist structures called oothecae. Insect eggs are very small and often susceptible to drying out (dessication) so the female insect often selects the site to lay her eggs on very carefully. (Amateur Entomologist’s Society)

Larve: But about 75% of insects undergo a complete metamorphosis beginning with a larval stage. In this stage, the insect feeds and grows, usually molting several times. …The eruciform larvae look like caterpillars and in most cases, are caterpillars. The body is cylindrical with a well-developed head capsule and very short antennae. Eruciform larvae have both thoracic (true) legs and abdominal prolegs. (Thought Co)

Molting in monarchs is called instar. Caterpillars go through five stages of growth. Each stage is called an “instar.” As a caterpillar grows, it “molts” five times before it becomes a chrysalis. Each time it molts the caterpillar progresses to the next instar (1st instar, 2nd instar, 3rd instar, 4th instar and 5th instar). (JourneyNorth)

Pupate: Although the pupa might appear to be an inactive stage, inside the pupa the larval body of the insect is being broken down and the body of the adult insect is then formed. During pupation the insect is often completely sessile (incapable of movement) although in some species limited movement is possible. The insect is quite vulnerable at this time and so many choose to pupate out of sight from predators (such as underground) or create a camouflaged cocoon around their pupae. (Amateur Entomologist’s Society)

Imago/Adult: The adult, sexually mature, stage of the insect is known as the imago. (Wonderful Butterflies)

Diapause: Diapause is a period of suspended or arrested development during an insect’s life cycle. Insect diapause is usually triggered by environmental cues, like changes in daylight, temperature, or food availability. Diapause may occur in any life cycle stage—embryonic, larval, pupal, or adult—depending on the insect species. (ThoughtCo)

Eclose: The emergence of an adult insect from a pupa or a larvae (or nymph) from an egg is called eclosion. Adults of diurnal insects (such as butterflies and dragonflies) often emerge at dawn whereas nocturnal insects (such as many mosquitoes) eclose at night. (Amateur Entomologists Society)

Zucchini Quiche

October 8, 2020

The leaves of the zucchini and yellow squash as they looked during the summer.

Want to use your leftover zucchini and eggplant? Here’s a suggestion. Bake a quiche and freeze it!

Zucchini Quiche*

4 c thinly sliced zucchini (cut away large seeds if large zucchini)
1 large onion, thinly sliced
3 tbsp butter
2 eggs
2 tsp each salt, garlic powder, dried basil, and dried oregano
1/4 tsp pepper
2 c (8 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tsp prepared mustard
1 unbaked pastry shell (9 in)

In a large skillet, saute zucchini, onion, and butter until tender; drain. In a large bowl, beat eggs, parsley, salt, garlic powder, basil, oregano, and pepper. Stir in zucchini mixture and cheese. Spread mustard over pastry shell; add egg mixture.

Bake at 400 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean and crust is golden brown. (Cover loosely with foil after 25 minutes if needed to prevent over-browning.) Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting.

Yield: 6-8 servings

*From Our Wisconsin magazine, August/September 2020

Notes:

You can use eggplant or a combination of zucchini and eggplant to make a variation of the recipe.
Use fresh basil and oregano to gain a whole new taste.
Eggplant contains a lot of moisture. Put the eggplant into a colander, sprinkle with salt, and toss. Set this aside in the sink to catch the liquid. Let the eggplant sit for 30 minutes or longer to catch the liquid that is going to be released from the eggplant. After that time, rinse the eggplant and use the salad spinner or paper towels to dry.
Additionally, you can add mushrooms, bell pepper, and cherry, grape, or Roma tomatoes if you want.
Try a medium cheddar, Monterey Jack, provolone or Swiss cheese to alternate taste.
Bake quiche in the lower third of the oven because the bottom crust will be crisp and the rim will not over-brown.
To freeze quiche before baking: Wrap the quiche with heavy-duty aluminum foil or in a freezer bag. Seal, label, and freeze. When ready to serve, unwrap and pop into the oven. Do not thaw! Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 25 minutes, or until heated through.
Add a dollop of Picante and salsa sauce to the dish. Add a couple of tomato slices and a sleeve of basil.
Want to add a perfect drink? Just add home-canned tomato juice or V8.

A September’s Day on Hunting Property

October 6, 2020

My husband, John, and I met my brother Doug at the hunting property this fall. This was the first time that I had been out there since my stroke.

Last year, I spent a pleasant two days there after the first weekend of deer season (November 22-26, 2019). I finished the outline for my memoir book, and on Tuesday I went home. Then…Wednesday night, at 11:44 p.m., I had a stroke.

Our hunting property is rocky, sand, gravely with loam and peat. It is hardwoods, cedar swamp, and shrub wetland (shrub-carr). That day I walked the lane out to Doug’s stand and passed the wonderful flowers, trees, and the sedges. I had a delightful time.

So many flowers to see. Here are some of them. (Click a single photo – then click the photo again for a larger view.)

Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) brings joy to the winter season with its brightly colored red berries. May-July. Grows in low grounds, moist woods, swamps, streams and occasionally in higher, drier soils. Berries will persist throughout the winter, hence the common name.

Smooth Blue Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve) is distinguished by the lack of hairs on its smooth foliage and stems. August-October. Full to partial sun, dry to mesic conditions. Its late-season blooms attracts many pollinators.

Grass Sedge (Carex Jamesii) is a woodland sedge which develops early in April-July. Partial sun to medium shade, mesic conditions, ledges and bottoms. The thin, shiny green leaves can be seen in large clumps, and the abruptly beaked fruits are a characteristic also.

White Turtleneck (Chelone glabra) with a Misumena spider, commonly called flower crab spider. The flowers resemble the head of a turtle, hence the common name. It has narrower leaves than other turtleheads, like to Pink Turtleheads (Cheloe obliqua) that grows in my prairie. July-September. Damp, wooded habitats. The bitter foliage is avoided by mammals.

White Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima) is usually in shady wooded areas. June-September. Although it is often referred to as Eupatorium rugosum, its hairless leaves distinguish them from other bonesets by their wide leaves.

The leftover Purple Fringed Orchid (Platanthera psycodes) eaten by the deer is shown with the photograph of the blossom. June-August. Moist conditions: meadows, woods, forests, streambanks. The Greek word for psychodes, meaning “butterfly-like,” a reference to the appearance of the flowers.

Flat-topped White Aster (Doellingeria umbellata). July-September. Dry to wet meadows, wet woods, forest edges. The Flat-Topped (Doellingeria) Aster is related to the different hair lengths of its tufted achenes. The outer hairs are less than 1 mm in length, while the inner hairs are 3-6 mm in length.

Indian Tobacco (Lobelia inflata) is relatively easy to identify. (Photo is blossom at left-hand side.) Its calyxes become conspicuously inflated from the developing seed capsules unlike most lobelias. July-October. Partial sun, moist forests to dry conditions. The acrid foliage is highly toxic to mammals.

Slender Ladies’ Tresses (Spiranthes gracills) averages six to 18 inches tall. The small white blossoms, anywhere up to 40, is arranged in a tight spiral. A green spot is present on the lip of each flower and somewhat rolled inward. July-August. Dry to moist meadows, prairies, barrens, open woods and dunes.

The Cinnamon Ostrich Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) fiddleheads fronds are only slightly narrowed at the base. They change from green to a bright orange-brown color, hence the common name. April-June. Stream and river floodplains; part shade, under the canopy of red and silver maples and brown ash.

The Calico Aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum) refers to the diverse colors of the disk florets as they mature. They are initially pale yellow, but later become brown or reddish purple. August-October. Light shade to partial sun, woodland and semi-moist conditions. Full sun is tolerated, not too dry.

Dyer’s Weed (Solidago nemoralis) is a small goldenrod that blooms later than most. The flowers are located on the upper side of the downward-arching stem. It forms in clumps. The bright yellow flowers are narrow and wand-like. August-October. Dry open woods and prairies, sand and rock soil.

Lion’s Foot (Prenanthes alba) or Rattlesnake Root or White Lettuce makes a good salad. August-October. Wet to dry woods and forests, rocky places, bluffs, rocky ravines and wooded slopes or borders. Notice the leaf and its “lion’s-foot” shape; hence the common name.

The Bracket Fungus (Ganoderma applanatum), sometimes called “artist’s fungus,” has been the site of the intricate and beautiful etchings in craft stores and yard sales. Features include its unvarnished, furrowed and lumpy, dull brown cap surface; its white to grayish pore surface (which bruises brown); and its woody, brownish or cinnamon flesh. Often occurs at the base of trees, particularly oak, beech and conifers, but more often on fallen or felled trunks and large branches.

The Bluebead Lily or Yellow Clintonia (Clintonia borealis) is an elegant blue seed pod. Bluebead grows in clumps and can form large colonies, most normally in the woods where the Pink Ladyslippers orchids grow. May-June. Medium to wet forests, bogs or swamps. Borealis means “of the north,” where it thrives in the boreal forests in northeastern United States.

Pink Ladyslipper (Cypripedium acaule) orchid or Moccasin Flower has become more prominent as the woodland has received less moisture over the years. The remaining leaves are two opposite basal leaves with conspicuous parallel veins. The flower is a large pink blossom at the end of an erect stalk (pictured). April-June. Acid soil, bogs, dry woods and forests, cliffs, inland sands. Pink Ladyslipper seeds require threads of the Rhizoctonia species of fungus to break open the seed and attach to it. Typical of most orchid species, this mutually beneficial relationship is known as “symbiosis.”*

*”Pink Ladyslippers also require bees for pollination. Bees are lured into the flower pouch through the front slit, attracted by the flower’s bright color and sweet scent. Once inside, the bees find no reward, and discover that they are trapped, with only one point of escape. Inside the pouch, there are hairs that lead to a pair of exit openings, one beneath each pollen mass. The bee must pass under the stigma, so if it bears any pollen from a visit to another flower, it will be deposited before picking up a fresh load on the way out.” (USDA US Forest Service)