Latin for Gardeners: March 2022

March’s Native Maryland Plant

Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich.

Common Name: Bald Cypress

One of the most distinctive native Maryland trees, Taxodium distichum have unique adaptations that extend their native range from as far north as Delaware to as far south as Florida and along the Southeastern Texas Coastal Plain. They are a water-tolerant species, naturally found in wetlands or in water-logged, low-salinity sites that would cause most other trees to rot.   Yet you can also find them inland, often planted in bioretention or reclamation sites, areas that can be inundated but also dry out. 

Taxodium distichum is buttressed by a flared trunk, often with fluted, sharp ridges, making it very resistant to high winds; this feature also helps filter pollutants and prevents erosion of soil, an invaluable benefit it provides to riverbanks, swamps and areas that receive stormwater runoff. Their most notable feature is the woody projections, or ‘knees’, that protrude out from its base and provide habitat for frogs and salamanders; scientists are still undecided on the precise function they provide.

Like other cypress, the Bald Cypress is coniferous and produces small cones and needled leaves that might suggest it is an evergreen plant; in fact, the tree is deciduous, hence its common name.  Many animals are known to enjoy its seeds, including squirrels, wild turkey, and wood ducks. Interestingly, the iconic bald eagle is drawn to the tops of bald cypress which provide lofty nesting sites.

What I find most amazing about this plant is its resiliency and lifespan. In 2018 a Taxodium distichum growing in North Carolina was determined to be no younger than 2,624 years old.1 This species is the oldest known living tree in eastern North America.  As climate change impacts our environment and we are challenged to find plants that adapt to changing conditions, Taxodium distichum can be a plant for today and a true plant for the future.

1 https://news.mongabay.com/2019/05/at-2624-years-a-bald-cypress-is-oldest-known-living-tree-in-eastern-north-america/

Alison Milligan – Mstr Gardener/Mstr Naturalist /Mstr Watershed Steward

Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP)/AA County Tree Trooper

aligmilligan@gmail.com

Latin for Gardeners: February 2022

February’s Native Maryland Plant

Platanus occidentalis L.

(PLAT-ah-nus ok-sih-den-TAH-lis)

Common Name: American Sycamore

Ever have one of those moments?  Often when I’m out driving I spot a plant or animal that compels me to pull over (or turn around) so that I can observe it further, or just enjoy being in its presence. During these last cold days of winter, that is the effect the American Sycamore has on me, its immense, stark white trunks brightening up a forested area along the road, usually riparian, bringing contrast to an otherwise overcast day. 

Sometimes I wonder, is it just me?

As I drove behind this school bus last November, it pulled over and seemed to be parking next to an American Sycamore. I imagined the driver was using this opportunity as a teachable moment.  Was she stopping to allow the students the chance to study this magnificent native tree? The bus was parked close enough to examine the mottled bark that peels off as the tree expands, exposing its white inner layer and its most recognizable feature.  Was she explaining that when young and given enough water, this tree can grow 2 feet a year and can live over 200 years – that its average mature height is 75’-100’? Was she highlighting the round fruits, hanging singularly, like ornaments at the tips of its branches, fruit that is also a seed ball (achene -1) that provides food for a number of birds, including purple finch, goldfinch, dark-eyed juncos and chickadees? 

As spring is approaching and you’re planning your garden – don’t forget to plant some trees. Remind yourself of the benefit trees add to our lives – especially the large canopy trees that sequester the most carbon, keep our air breathable, and improve the health of our soils.  Those trees with thick branches and large leaves that intercept and slow down rain during storms.  The trees that provide dense shade that cool our streets and the stormwater runoff that enters our local waterways.  Maybe even consider a Platanus occidentalis.

NOTE: I don’t believe the bus was pulled over observing this tree, although I prefer to imagine it was.  It was sitting in traffic waiting for a chance to move forward. 

1 achene - an aggregate of many small seed-like fruits

~ Alison Milligan – Mstr Gardener/Mstr Naturalist /Mstr Watershed Steward

Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP)/AA Co Tree Trooper

aligmilligan@gmail.com

WSA's 11th Annual Conference Focuses on DEIJ

Friday, February 25th 8:30-3:00 and 

Saturday, February 26th 8:30-1:30

Virtual Conference via Zoom 

Our eleventh annual Spring into Action conference is expected to draw over 250 residents, restoration professionals, and industry experts to discuss current best-in-class local waterway restoration practices. The virtual conference provides opportunities for community leaders, Master Watershed Stewards, restoration professionals, and the public to network, learn the latest watershed restoration techniques and explore community engagement methods that benefit the Chesapeake Watershed. 

Whether you are a seasoned environmentalist, a stormwater professional, or just getting started in the world of watershed restoration, this year’s conference has something for everyone. Check out the conference agenda and registration here.

We have THIRTEEN other individual sessions including, "Squashing Invasive Insects", "Digging Into Soils", "Navigating Conflict and Collaboration", and " Boosting Behavior Change" so you can choose the program path that's right for you. New This Year - We’ll be hosting additional pre-conference networking events, both in-person and virtual. Take a hike with a naturalist, tour a restoration project, and more opportunities for you to connect with like-minded environmentalists. Plus, meet the funders and local government leaders who can help you get projects done.

Registration is open through February 22nd. 

WSA envisions every community in Anne Arundel County actively engaged to ensure a healthy environment for all. This goal can only become a reality through intentional, transformative changes in our organization and the way we build relationships with communities. WSA is working to incorporate the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ) into our DNA. As part of this process, we have partnered with two local consulting firms - JIJ Impact and Defensores de la Cuenca – to guide the development of equitable strategies for our organization and for our tree planting initiative, Replant Anne Arundel. We are passionately committed to this work, and excited to share our progress, struggles, and trajectory.

During the open plenary of the conference, JIJ Impact’s Jeff Johnson (President and CEO) and Michael Ramsey (Vice President) will discuss how WSA’s equity journey has unfolded, and share the important lessons that have emerged for the broader environmental community. Join the session "A Watershed Moment: Taking a Look Inside WSA’s DEIJ Journey" to hear more about where we are on this journey, and how what we’ve learned applies to you.

On the second day, we will begin the conference with a plenary discussion featuring Executive Director of Defensores de la Cuenca’s Abel Olivo, who has been been working with WSA specifically on our Replant Anne Arundel Initiative. The discussion will also feature Carmera Thomas-Wilhite, WSA Board Chair, Steward, and Director of Urban Conservation Initiatives, and Jan-Michael Archer of The Center for Community Engagement, Environmental Justice, and Health at UMD. Join these DEIJ and environmental experts for "Applying Equity and Justice in our Watersheds”. The conversation will leave you wanting more, so be sure to join the following session, “Equity, Environmental Justice, and Me” to dive deeper!

We hope to see you there, REGISTER HERE.

Latin for Gardeners: December 2021

December’s Native Maryland Plant

All of them!

Hello Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists and Master Watershed Stewards!

The pandemic has kept us apart, but I hope you’ve enjoyed spending time in your garden, getting online with friends, and reading some good books. I’ve learned a lot this year as a Tree Trooper for Anne Arundel County, watching some fantastic webinars, and reading Doug Tallamy’s latest book, ‘The Nature of Oaks’.  

For those of you who have been reading Latin for Gardeners it’s now time to test your knowledge of the scientific names of the eight native plants we’ve discussed this year.  It’s always best to use the Latin names of plants when you recommend them to friends and the public – there’s only one Latin name for a plant so it avoids confusion and ensures people select the right plant when shopping at nurseries.

The first group of photos shows the plants in their bloom period. The second group shows them in their winter dress. Can you still recognize them?  I’ve given you a few hints but don’t feel bad if you can’t place them all – Latin is not an easy language.  Good luck, or as they say in Latin, “Fortuna!”

Match the letter of each plant to the number of its photo in winter dress.

 ~ Alison Milligan – Mstr. Gardener/Mstr. Naturalist/Mstr. Watershed Steward

Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP)

aligmilligan@gmail.com