Dear Members,
For most Americans, summer doesn’t begin with the solstice, but rather with Memorial Day weekend, while for meteorologists, summer begins on June 1. Either way, it seems early summer is upon us: our delicate spring flowers—Spring beauties (Claytonia virginica), Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), and Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica) and countless others—have finished blooming. Some ephemerals have already retreated underground, hidden until next spring, while other early spring bloomers will persist into midsummer, gathering energy for next year’s bloom.
Our attention now turns to Mountain laurels (Kalmia latifolia) and Rosebay rhododendrons (Rhododendron maximum), just beginning to bloom, as well as to the diverse geometries of leaves: the shield-like leaves of Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia), the wide umbrellas of Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum), the lacy spears of Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris), and the glossy, kidney-shaped leaves of Wild ginger (Asarum canadense). We are blessed to live in a place with such magnificent flora!
The Native Plant Society of New Jersey had an active spring, hosting over eighty-five events statewide and online. Our State Programs Committee recently led an expedition to Manitoga, the Russel Wright Design Center in Garrison, New York, where the staff provided a remarkable tour of this midcentury modernist home set within a former quarry, the scarred landscape restored using native plants. I’ve written an essay about Manitoga on The Florilegium, my gardening blog for those who want to know more about its history. NPSNJ will have many exciting and informative events ahead, including our online fall conference on Saturday, November 1, Weird NJ Plants* (yes, we have the kind permission of Weird NJ to use their name!) which will cover the strangest plants in our state as well as a new round of classes this fall and winter; Mike Van Clef, Jared Rosenbaum, and Nancy Lawson are all confirmed to be teaching and registration will be open for members in August.
I also wanted to share some promising news regarding beech leaf disease treatment. Generally, we avoid pesticides, but the disease is expected to kill infected trees within seven years and losing another keystone species like the American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) would be devastating to all the creatures that depend on it. Last year, over 80% of my beech leaves showed the characteristic dark banding of the infection. Fungicidal spray treatments greatly reduced the infection rate, and this year infections only affect 10-15% of our beech leaves. An even more effective method—trunk injection—is available now, offering protection for two to three years. Timing is critical. Jean Epiphan, Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent for Morris County, recommends performing injections this month (June), ideally early in the morning when the trees most effectively absorb treatments through their xylem (the tissue transporting water and nutrients upward).
Jean’s detailed guidance is available online here: Beech Leaf Disease and Management Options
Your voice matters more than ever.
Three bills supporting our mission are at a critical stage in the New Jersey Legislature. Legislators have emphasized to us that your calls and emails truly influence their votes.
Here’s how you can help right now:
Wildlife Corridors (S3618/A4926)
Creates safe passages for wildlife, protecting our native habitats from fragmentation.
Passed Senate unanimously; awaiting Assembly vote.
Bill details here.
Action: Contact your Assembly Members and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin.
Dark Sky (S1610/A2196)
Reduces harmful light pollution, benefiting native plants, pollinators, and insects.
Passed Assembly unanimously; now before Senate Budget Committee.
Bill details here.
Action: Contact your State Senator.
Invasive Species (S1029/A4137)
Prohibits the sale and spread of invasive plants and establishes a statewide management council.
Passed Senate unanimously; awaiting Assembly committee review.
Bill details here.
Action: Contact your Assembly Members and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin.
Take action today:
📞 Speaker Coughlin: 732-855-7441
📬 Find your legislators’ contact information here.
Thank you for your vital support. Together, we can protect New Jersey’s native plant communities and the wildlife that depends on them.
Kazys Varnelis, Ph.D. President, the Native Plant Society of New Jersey
*Weird NJ is a registered trademark of Weird New Jersey, LLC, and is used by permission.