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May 2025 — Volume XXXI, Number 3 — Published by the Georgia Native Plant Society
Neighborhood/HOA Ambassador Program - Are You Interested?
The GNPS Advocacy committee would like to know a little more about your local community and gauge interest in neighborhood-focused programming. GNPS is considering creating a neighborhood ambassador program for its members. This would include a training session and a toolkit with helpful information and resources. The volunteer program would provide ambassadors with ways to reach neighbors and spread awareness for native plants and ecological best practices. Think of this like a hyper-local extension office! Whether you live in a community with an HOA (homeowners association) or not, we want to hear from you! Please take this survey so we can learn more.
Photo by Rebekah D. Wallace, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
You may already be aware that the spotted lanternfly was found in Georgia in October 2024. Spotted lanternfly is an invasive leafhopper from Asia that has the potential to cause harm to our native landscapes and agricultural lands. The Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance (GPCA), of which GNPS is a part of, has asked partners to spread the word about this potentially devastating pest. Its primary host is the tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima). The timing of the spotted lanternfly's life stages is roughly as follows according to Leigh Morgan at the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GADOA):
Plant Spotlight: Autumn Fern, the “New” Invasive Plant to Know
Ellen Honeycutt
Autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) by Ellen Honeycutt.
Exotic plants that become invasive can take time to show their invasive tendencies. Doug Tallamy often includes in his talks a statement that Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) wasn’t considered an invasive plant until 80 years after its introduction to the US in 1806. Likely some people realized it was getting out of hand, but communication back then was slower and less available to those who might have needed to know. The journey of ornamental pear (Pyrus calleryana) to invasive was one that many of us watched in real time just 20 twenty years ago (the cultivar ‘Bradford’ was introduced in the 1960s and invasive tendencies due to cross-pollination were noticed in the 1990s). Now it is a Category 1 invasive species.
Today we can communicate faster and so the spotlight this month is on a plant that you should know about. Autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) is an evergreen exotic fern that was recently added as a Category 2 invasive plant. This is a popular landscape plant but, after 20+ years in the trade, it has shown an ability to distribute its spores beyond original plantings and is invading natural streams. The Atlanta metro area has lots of examples.
Dryopteris erythrosora is similar to native species of Dryopteris in appearance. Differences include that it is evergreen (only the native Dryopteris marginalis, a north Georgia species, is a semi-evergreen Dryopteris species), that fiddleheads and new growth are usually reddish, that the stipes of the fronds are strongly hairy at the base, and that the sori on the underside of the fertile fronds are bright red. You can find good identification photos here. We encourage Georgia gardeners to remove this from their garden, especially on properties near streams or storm drains.
Documentation includes this 2018 publication, New Invaders of the Southeast; this 2018 article in American Fern Journal by two Georgia botanists “Shorter Note: An Ornamental Plant Found Spreading Aggressively: Potential Invasiveness of Dryopteris erythrosora (Dryopteridaceae) in North America;” and an article by Robert Wyatt in 2020 that includes it as one of 5 ferns becoming invasive in Georgia. [Robert Wyatt "On the Spread of Five Nonnative Ferns in Georgia," American Fern Journal 110(3), 95-111, (28 August 2020)] As Dr. Wyatt says, the high usage of this fern is no doubt contributing to its more rapid spread: “"Two factors suggest [Dryopyeris erythrosora] might have tremendous potential [for spread in the future]. First, it is wildly popular as an ornamental planting and undoubtedly hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of plants will be installed in landscapes all over Georgia and the Southeast. Second, this species is hardy over most of the United States" (Wyatt 2020).”
If you find it escaped from cultivation, you can and should report it via EDDMapS.
Please note that future Habitat Certification requests will be affected by this Category 2 designation. GNPS does not certify properties with Category 2 invasive plants. If you were previously certified and have Autumn fern, we ask that you remove it. Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) makes a nice replacement; it was our 2008 Plant of the Year and deserves more landscape usage.
Statewide Opportunities
Jeane Reeves Research Grant Application Period Open
The GNPS Grants and Scholarships committee is accepting applications for the Jeane Reeves Research Grant until June 15, 2025. GNPS honors Jeane Reeves, a pioneering founder of the Society, by offering financial grants in support of a variety of research that forwards the study and conservation of native plants in Georgia. Click here to read more about eligibility, project qualifications, and expectations of awardees. And help us spread the word about this opportunity!
Help Move GNPS Into the Future: 2026 State Board Positions
As the GNPS continues to increase mission-critical activities and transition to staff-led operations, we are looking for individuals to lend their time and talent towards the grand vision of growing a better landscape in Georgia. The GNPS State Governance committee is starting its recruitment process for 3-year board member positions beginning on January 1, 2026. Next year will be an exciting one as GNPS begins implementing a new strategic plan with a refreshed vision and a charge to keep growing people who love native plants. We are looking to add more diverse voices to the Board, specifically people representing north Georgia, south Georgia and the eastern Piedmont regions, BIPOC communities, the landscaping/green industry, and those with experience in fundraising. If you are interested and want to learn more, please contact Governance committee chair, Chadd Reynolds (chadd.reynolds@gnps.org).
You Never Know Who You’ll Meet at the Stone Mountain Propagation Project, So Come Volunteer!
In April, the Stone Mountain Propagation Project (SMPP) was visited by YouTuber, Joey Santore, a naturalist from the channel "Crime Pays but Botany Doesn't." Special thanks Josh Wayne of Whole ATL for arranging the visit and to GNPS member Jane Trentin for herding this group up the mountain.
Volunteering at SMPP gives people an opportunity to learn about native plants through hands-on experience while actively supporting GNPS projects. Volunteers also help improve and maintain the Cox Nature Garden and other areas of the park. Volunteer work days occur weekly, alternating between Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays (check the GNPS calendar for dates). To get on the email list for SMPP updates, contact smpp_admin@gnps.org.
Chapter Updates
Athens-East Piedmont
Athens-East Piedmont Chapter Spring Plant Sale, May 3
Join us on Saturday May 3 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Sunrise Nursery (550 Athens Road, Winterville). We’ll have a wide selection of native perennials, grasses, sedges, ferns, shrubs, trees, and vines - Twice as many plants as last year! Click here to see an availability list.
Propagation Workshop, June 7
Join Whit Kirkland, owner of Juniper Creek Natives in Byron, for a hands-on propagation workshop on Saturday, June 7 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Sunrise Nursery (550 Athens Road, Winterville). We will offer 2 sessions on this day and registration will be limited with preference to GNPS members. Please contact Connie Gray if you’re interested at connie.gray@gnps.org.
Conservation at work! Augusta Chapter members held a seeding workday in April at the recently burned Laverlea Preserve in Columbia county.
The May chapter program will feature a video presentation from author and conservationist Heather Holm on native plant pollination. The date and location will be on our chapter Facebook page! For more information, contact the chapter at augusta@gnps.org.
Coastal Plain
Spring Plant Rescue Opportunities Were Abundant!
The Coastal Plain Chapter was involved in three plant rescues this spring that brought volunteers out to dig a variety of native plants for outplanting and safeguarding. The July issue of NativeScape will feature an article with more detail on these conservation rescues. The Chapter was also contacted by a perennial peanut hay grower in Tift County inquiring about removal of passion vine from a crop field about to be sprayed for weed control. Close to 200 plants were dug and placed in safe keeping as a result.
Volunteers outplanting pitcher plants in Clinch County.
Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail Spring Symposium, May 2
Learn how to use I-Naturalist and its importance for plant conservation on Saturday, May 3 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Gaskins Forest Education Center in Alapaha. To register, email heather.brasell@gmail.com.
Plant Families, May 17
Become more familiar with plant families in this two-part class offered at the Gaskins Forest Education Center in Alapaha. The class will take place over two days on Saturday, May 17 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, May 18, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.. To register, email heather.brasell@gmail.com.
Landscaping with Native Plants, May 24
Join the Coastal Plain Chapter for this presentation co-sponsored by Keep Tift Beautiful on Saturday, May 24 from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. at the Tifton-Tift County Library, Registration information will be available soon.
Propagation Workshop, June 14
Join us for a propagation workshop at the Gaskins Forest Education Center in Alapaha from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 14. Registration information will be available soon.
Fringed Campion
Native Plant Sale at Payne Mill Antique Mall/Smoke Stack Farmers Market, May 17
Continue your spring plant shopping at our native plant sale at Payne Mill Antique/Smoke Stack Farmers Market in Macon on Saturday, May 17 from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Workday at Amerson River Park Native Plant Garden, May 18
Help with spring maintenance in the Native Plant Garden on Sunday, May 18 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Drop in or stay the whole time, we appreciate the assistance and love to see old friends and meet new ones.
Wildflower Walk at Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge, May 31
Join us for a chance to see the effects of controlled burns at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 31.
Native Plant Social and Certified Habitat Tour of Hawk Hollow, May 18
Save the date! Join us on May 18 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. for a fun Sunday afternoon of native plants and native plant people at Hawk Hollow, a beautiful urban greenspace and GNPS gold level certified habitat. Hawk Hollow is owned by the Wylde Center and provides environmental education to the community. Tamara Jones led the restoration of this site from an overgrown lot of kudzu, privet, wisteria and more to a native plant habitat.
Join us for free giveaways, refreshments, and tours of this beautiful space, along with a chance to meet and mingle with fellow native plant enthusiasts. Learn more about how to get involved with Intown GNPS and the Wylde Center.
Intown Atlanta Native Garden Tour, June 7
Join us on Saturday, June 7 for the annual Intown Atlanta Native Garden Tour, a day of self-guided tours and get inspired about adding native plants to your yard or patio. The gardens are located in North Druid Hills and Decatur. Visit each garden in any order on June 7 between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., and learn from the gardener and GNPS volunteers who will be on site to answer questions. Buy tickets here.
Maritime
Native Plant Trail Workdays at Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, Every Monday
Join the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens Native Plant Volunteer Team every Monday at 9:00 a.m. to help build out a large native plant garden. Tasks may include weeding, planting, mulching, or creating paths. The Gardens are closed on Monday, so you must contact Maurice Middleberg at mmiddleberg@icloud.com prior to Monday to gain access.
Chapter Meeting, June 21
Join us for our June Chapter meeting on Saturday, June 21 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Fort King George State Historic Site in Darien featuring a presentation from the park rangers about the statewide educational initiatives for this year. After the meeting, take a native plant walk in the park through a wooded area, as well as river/pond bluffs with amazing views.
North Georgia Mountains
The North Georgia Mountains Chapter has been busy in the field this spring. A new native plant garden was installed at the McCaysville Visitors Center, a site with great visibility to showcase the beauty of native plants. In April, the Chapter toured Hamilton Gardens in Hiawassee as a spring field trip.
Chapter Field Trip, May 10
Join us for a tour of one of our chapter member’s properties that showcases native plants throughout. For details, email Teryn Romaine at teryn.romaine@gnps.org.
Plant Sale, June 7
The North Georgia Mountain Chapter’s annual plant sale will be on the opening day of the Union County Farmers Market in Blairsville on Saturday, June 7. There should be lots of stock to choose from!
Mushroom Presentation, June 14
Join us for our chapter meeting featuring a presentation by Brian Hale on mushrooms. For details, email Teryn Romaine at teryn.romaince@gnps.org.
North Metro Atlanta
Seasonal Explorations of Native Plants in the Piedmont (Part 4)
The fourth edition of our chapter series, Seasonal Explorations of Native Plants in the Piedmont, is now available on YouTube! The program, presented by Dr. Jonathan Storm, biology professor at the University of South Carolina Upstate, explores what’s happening with plants during the spring season in the Piedmont.
Managing the Native Landscape in HOA Communities, May 18
Join Laura Markson of Nurture Native Nature and Carolyn Cush of Georgia Native Plant Society’s Advocacy Committee for a presentation on managing your native landscape in HOA (homeowner association) communities. The program will be held in Community Room 132 at Alpharetta City Hall (2 Park Plaza) on Sunday, May 18 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. This program is open to all!
Heritage Park Workdays
Habitat restoration work continues at Heritage Park in central Cobb County with tasks including invasive removal, native plantings, and garden maintenance. Learn more below:
Join North Metro Chapter members and ReForest ATL for a good ol’ fashion weed wrangle at the Old Rucker Park Habitat Restoration site. These invasive plant removal events are organized in cooperation with the Alpharetta Community Agriculture Program. Come help us and learn from experts about removing invasive plants.
The West Georgia Chapter is happy to announce a new logo with artwork by Laura Qadri, who also created this year’s GNPS Plant of the Year art. The new logo features the same plant that West Georgia Chapter has used, the dwarf crested iris (Iris cristata), but with a crisp new look that harmonizes well with the GNPS logo. The new logo will be appearing in all chapter communications over the coming weeks.
New Tool Shed for Buffalo Creek
Thanks to a generous grant from the Carroll EMC Foundation, the chapter has acquired a number of new tools for our restoration work at Buffalo Creek Trail, including a quiet and non-polluting electric mower. And thanks to hard work by several chapter members, we now also have adequate storage space for our new equipment. A large pavilion that was at one time used for youth campouts has been fully enclosed and renovated. It will provide space for both trail equipment and other chapter supplies.
Shop GNPS for Mother’s Day!
Help us spread the word about this awesome native plant by wearing it! Our Plant of the Year shirts make a great Mother’s or Father’s Day gift. Browse our online store for a variety of styles and colors. Each design has both 100% cotton and 60/40 cotton poly blends available - click on “size and fabric info” on each product’s page for the specific details.
