In this issue:

• Plant of the Month: Croton capitatus, Hogwort

• Native Plant Advocate of the Month: Jackie Vargas-Beitia

• ANPP Board Meeting

• Collecting Seeds

• Iris Seed Planting Demonstration by LICI in July

• Louisiana Certified Habitats: Karyn and John Sims

• Cullowhee Native Plant Conference at Western Carolina University

• Merch, Plants and Services

ANPP's plant inventory can be found here.

The plant of the month for August is an obscure or unexpected plant whose attributes in the landscape may be overlooked.  Hogwort, woolly croton or goatweed is often considered a weed even in the gardens of native plant lovers.  Last week I encountered this plant two times in very different settings.  The first was a field trip to Cameron Parish to botanize and discuss prairie maintenance on transitional land.  Larry Allain pointed out a croton as one of the most successful pollinator plants in Louisiana, attracting many species of native bees using it for nectar.  It is a larval host for the goatweed leafwing butterfly.  The seeds are eaten by many birds, including dove, quail, wild turkey, red winged blackbird and cardinal.  Whitetail deer eat the plant but it is toxic to livestock.

Several days after the trip to the prairie, Paul Klerks and Arlene Billock showed me the lovely specimen in the photo above in their patio garden.  They said it constantly attracts a variety of pollinators even though the white flowers are relatively small.  Croton is a herbaceous annual growing 1-3 ft.  The simple alternate leaves are light green.  The flower buds are pubescent (furry), and almost white flower buds provide a striking contrast to the dark green foliage of adjacent plants.  Contrast in foliage color and texture are landscape design elements that make your garden interesting.  This contrast becomes a focal point in your garden when showy flowers on trees and shrubs are spent and the herbaceous flowers have been deadheaded and are getting a second wind.  Croton capitatus is found in dry conditions, sandy or prairie soils, pastures, roadside or woodlands.  It will benefit from the addition of a little organic matter and water to start, then let it go to the bees.  -Dona Weifenbach, Photo Paul Klerks

Native Plant Advocate of the Month:

Jackie Vargas-Beitia

Jackie Vargas Beitia is an advocate for native plants both personally at her home and through her work at the Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG) Environmental Quality Division. She has included native plants in the LCG projects and has worked with Bayou Vermilion Preservation Association (BVPA), ANPP,  and other local organizations to host community planting events. Most recently, she was instrumental in securing a Keep Louisiana Beautiful Entryway Beautification Grant that funded a native planting on a public median on University Avenue near the Evangeline thruway. Jackie researched and chose native plants that would not interfere with traffic and could withstand full-sun conditions. Some of the plants were chosen for their red or white blooms for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette theme.

Jackie has also incorporated a native-plant-friendly yard at her home. She has worked on removing non-native invasive plants while also adding native and edible plants throughout her yard. "Using native plants in landscaping projects is a big priority for me. They provide food and shelter to wildlife and help with water quality and stormwater management. Also, observing native plants in the landscape is therapeutic. Walking through my yard, noting what's flowering or producing seed, and photographing insects and flowers are some of my favorite past times. I also enjoy collecting seeds and dividing up plants to share with others--definitely a beautiful way to spread the love!"

Continue collecting seeds.

Here's a reminder of what you need.

ANPP loves seed donations! Especially of less typical species if you have extra! We are running low on seeds of some key plants that we just can't keep in stock because you guys buy all the plants for your gardens! Way to go! Winecups (Callirhoe papaver and C. involucrata), bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana), all species of milkweed (Asclepias), all species of Liatris, Indian pink (Spigelia marylandica), copper iris (Iris fulva), fire pink (Silene virginica) and rosepink (Sabatia angularis).

For us to make best use of seeds you collect, please store them in a dry container (envelopes are great) labeled clearly with the species, where collected, the date of collection and your name. If you know the provenance (where you got the plant it came from), include that. If you can help us make giveaway envelopes for outreach this fall, email us at mail@greauxnative.org.

Louisiana Certified Habitat Program

Karyn and John Sims

ANPP congratulates Karyn and John Sims of the Sunset/Cankton area on their certified Gold habitat residence. Their 28-acre property is rural; the recently purchased back 20 are still mostly uncleared, while the front of their property is treed and shady. After completion of their new home four years ago, they continuously added new natives to the property and identified existing natives in the uncleared newer portion. A large man-made pond behind their home allowed them to add substantial wetland elements. Karyn envisions restoration of this property to provide benefits to the local ecosystem and make it easier to maintain their property into the future. Rescuing abandoned animals is her passion. Adding native plants to their property to support native wildlife is their goal.

Ready to get your habitat on the map? If you are in SW Louisiana or Acadiana, visit greauxnative.org to complete the application and pay the $45 fee ($36 for ANPP members). 25 native species for bronze, 50 for silver, 75 for gold. If you are not in Acadiana, visit lnps.org/louisiana-certified-habitat to link to the application for your parish.

While you're at it, why not get on the Homegrown National Park map too?

The major meeting of native plant-minded folk in the SE US was held July 19-24 at Western Carolina University near the Blue Ridge Mountains. Louisiana was well represented! Conference participants shown above (left to right) are Pete Griffard, Phyllis Griffard, Cheryl Geiger, Lawrence Rozas, Emily Pontiff, Caitlin Robbins, Steve Nevitt, Ashlee Brackeen, Donna Gauthier, Tammany Baumgarten, Daniel Metzger, Christina Calcaterra, Katie Carter, and Nicole DeJean. Attending the conference from Louisiana, but not pictured here is William Reinhardt.The first day of the conference was dedicated to field trips to botanize in the area; these trips included kayaking on the Little Tennessee River and hiking trips to many locations in the surrounding Appalachian Mountains to see the local flora. Those who participated were treated to beautiful floral displays from Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum), Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia), Carolina Lilly (Lilium michauxii), and many other species. The next two and a half days of the conference were filled with inspiring, informative, and yes, entertaining presentations by many renowned representatives of the native plant movement. The presentations by Patrick McMillan/Richard Porcher, “Guide to the Wildflowers of South Carolina – Three lifetimes of experience under one cover” and Bill Finch, “Why the Southern Forest’s Deep Past is North America’s Future”, were particularly inspirational. Closer to home, Phyllis Griffard and Tammany Baumgarten gave a fantastic presentation on the Louisiana Certified Habitat (LCH) program; their talk was enthusiastically received by the audience and provoked many questions about the LCH program. Between presentations, conference participants had the opportunity to attend workshops on various topics, bid on items in a silent auction, and purchase books, plants, and art from many vendors. Next year’s conference is scheduled for July 17-20, 2024. Consider including the Cullowhee Native Plant Conference in your vacation plans for next summer. You will be glad you did.

Over the summer ANPP donated over 200 prairie plants to Briarwood Nature Preserve for their November plant sale fundraiser.  Briarwood has suffered damages from repeated storms in the last several years.  Repairs  to their plant growing area are not complete.

Volunteers Gearing up for Fall

Arnaudville Propagation team skeleton crew is monitoring things at the ANPP greenhouse, 1046 Main Highway. We will soon begin Tuesday workdays, 9am-12noon. We look forward to seeing you!

UL Ecology Center team. Want to get notifications to volunteer with us in the fall? Get the GroupMe app, search ANPP Ecology Center, and add your name and phone number. You can remove yourself from the text chain if you change your mind.

The Vermilionville Rain Garden maintenance team meets on first and third Thursdays, 9am-noon in the parking lot near the Bayou Vermilion District's new building. Bring your favorite tools. -Gail Evans 979 877 4186

Education and Outreach team is getting into gear for Fall events. We need you on the E&O team! Training is planned. Phyllis Griffard 832 499 8249 or phyllisgriffard@gmail.com.

ANPP Membership Perk: 10% off at All Seasons

We were delighted to learn that All Seasons Nursery on Johnston Street in Lafayette is offering current ANPP members a 10% discount on purchases. They print out our list only periodically, so if you've recently joined, bring a printout that can confirm your membership for them.

Local Services

• Bill Fontenot (337 852 5576) or is available for design consultation for projects big and small.

• Jackie Carlisi offers design and installation services in the Lafayette area. Call (337 277 0027) for a consultation!

• Steve the Native Ninja can help you if you're interested in environmentally friendly landscaping, pollinator beds, pocket prairies, and butterfly gardens (337 278 9068, native_ninja2020@yahoo.com).

• Katie Kogler at Let It Bee Landscaping can help with habitat creation and maintenance in yards and small prairies around Baton Rouge and Prairieville. She works closely with local native seed and plant sources to incorporate into designs that work with you and the natural world. Call (225) 284 5167 to schedule a consultation for your property.

• Contact Louisiana Native Seed owner Steve Nevitt at nevittii@gmail.com or visit his website (www.LouisianaNativeSeed.com) to ask questions about establishment or management of prairies to request consultation or to inquire about custom seed mixes.

• Matthew Boutte, the owner of Boutte Landscapes, is a licensed horticulturalist and native plant specialist offering landscape designs, both natural and formal, gardens for pollinators and birds, maintenance, revamp and new installations. Free quotes. 337 258 7019. bouttelandscapes@gmail.com

• RouxGaroux Gardens, contact Ben Besson, 337 280 8157

• Willow Grove Landscape, contact Benton Williams, 985 646 9388; williams@willowgrovelandscape.com

• Dionne D'Mello Ddmello@NOCP.org

• Ground Up Landscaping Services, LLC, www.groundupnola.com, 504 327 7341

• Swamp Fly Ecological Designs and Rewilding Solutions is a woman- owned environmental firm offering consultation design installation and maintenance services serving the Baton Rouge (225 610 3490), and New Orleans (584 475 4740) areas.

• Pastorek Habitats LLC, The Meadowmaker produces ecotype specific seed mixes, designs and installs native prairie. Call or email Marc and Candi Pastorek, 504 296 8162, meadowmakers@gmail.com.

More Native Plant sources

•  Cedar Rain Medicinals specializes in creating functional landscapes filled with nourishing, tasty foods and medicinal plants while also providing food and habitat for countless birds, pollinators, and many other beneficial critters. Contact bsagrera4@gmail.com

• Beavers Abundance is a nursery in Baton Rouge offering native plants and permaculture services. Contact Ian Richardson at 225 610 4220

• WhGail's Native Garden, located north of Breaux Bridge, is a new source for native plants. Text or call Gail for a visit or ask about current inventory 979 877 4186.

• L. J. Delcambre at Cajun Native Plants Nursery in Abbeville is specializing in native plants for sale by appointment. L. J. does offer some non-natives and will help you with your landscaping, butterfly garden, and pollinator bed designs. Call 337 256 7152 to schedule.

• Robby Maxwell at Soggy Prairie Stalks and Seeds in Iowa LA propagates many prairie species. His list is here. Message on facebook or email robjamax@gmail.com.

• The Urban Naturalist (open 24/7, 216 Madison Street, Lafayette) for Gulf Coast penstemon (Penstemon tenuis), Tropical sage (Salvia coccinea), Indian blanket (Gaillardia pulchella), rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium) and other natives.

• Baton Rouge: Clegg's Nursery and Hilltop Arboretum. Greenhand Nursery. Andeab and Mila Berhane are regular vendors at Red Stick Farmer’s Market. Mila: 225 278 1689. greenhand@cox.net, Greenhand Nursery on Facebook

• Almost Eden Plants (online sales only) carries more native plant species than most traditional nurseries.

• Betty and L. J. Miley at Maypop Hill Nursery Norwood, Louisiana. Open by appointment only, visit maypophill.com.

• Lastrapes Nursery in Opelousas carries a variety of native trees and shrubs including cypress, oaks, maples, magnolias, beautyberry, and Virginia sweetspire (Itea).

• Eric Scallan of Scallan's Tree Company in Plaucheville has bare root and larger seedlings of native oaks, baldcypress, cedar elm, mayhaw and others. The seeds for all trees were collected locally! Bare root trees are available until mid March and potted trees until April. By appointment only. 318 481 1041. 198 Eric's Lane, Plaucheville LA 71362.

• Louisiana Iris Farms, LLC offers native Louisiana irises (the straight species), registered species of Louisiana irises, and Louisiana irises by color. Contact James Leonard at 337 232 0823 or visit the website at louisianairis.com

• Some other nurseries carry some popular natives. Ask for them! If you're finding native species in your local garden centers, let us know! If you or someone you know has local ecotypes of native plants available for sale, email Dona Weifenbach at marshgirl64@gmail.com to see if we have space for you at our next plant sale. 

Learn more

• Greauxnative.org is a treasury of good information, as is Wild Ones, Audubon's Plants for Birds, http://www.bonap.org/, Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center, the Louisiana Native Plant Society and https://warcapps.usgs.gov/PlantID/.

• Want to learn to ID plants? Get on Dr. Charles Allen's email list and class schedule by emailing native@camtel.net or visit https://www.allenacresbandb.com/.

• Betty Miley has produced Putting Nature First on your Southern Land, a free online book.

• We also recommend Bill Fontenot's Native Gardening in the South (for sale at our greenhouse, at every meeting or email us at mail@greauxnative.org, or order from Bill directly, 337 852 5576)

• We recommend Douglas Tallamy's Bringing Nature Home, Nature's Best Hope and The Nature of Oaks for your library.

About ANPP

ANPP has five officers and eight at-large directors:

President, Heather Warner-Finley through June 2024

Vice-President and President-Elect, Lawrence Rozas through June 2024

Secretary, Donna Gauthier through June 2024

Treasurer, Paul Klerks through June 2024

Past President, Phyllis Griffard through June 2024

Board Members:

• Brenae Bergeron, 1st term through June 2025

• Ashlee Brackeen, 1st term through June 2025

• Dave Patton, 1st term through June 2025

• Joni Hammons, 1st term through June 2024

• Rebecca Moss, 2nd term through June 2024

• Carol Antosiak, 2nd term through June 2024

• Karen Terrell, 2nd term through June 2024

• Erik Johnson, 2nd term through June 2024

Join ANPP. Get benefits. Feel good. You're already on our email list, so that is the first step. We appreciate your staying connected, whether it's by your energy, your skills, your connections or just cheering from the sidelines. When you're ready, and become a member ($25/$10 for students). Members get 20% discount on all plants, workshops, Louisiana Certified Habitat fees and all ANPP merch. Already a member? Membership renewal notices will be sent by email from the ANPP Treasurer during the month of your membership anniversary. Heavy volunteerism qualifies you for free membership. Details here.

Thanks to you, we are CONNECTING HABITATS, ONE GARDEN AT A TIME.

Acadiana Native Plant Project Greaux Native is a tax-exempt organization under Internal Revenue Service 501(c)(3); our EIN is 81-3608678. Donors can deduct contributions made to ANPP under IRS Section 170. Our bylaws are available upon request. We are a member of the Louisiana Native Plant Society and Wild Ones.