Apparently there is a native population of Fothergilla major in Searcy County, Arkansas (or thereabouts). Supposedly, there is even a selection from there named 'Arkansas Beauty' that was selected and named by Larry Lowman (Wynne, AR) whose nursery I can't remember the name of - and think he's out of business now anyway.

Do any of you (like, Arktrees or others) have any leads on these plants?

[url]http://www.arhomeandgarden.org/plantoftheweek/articles/fothergill a_dwarf_12-19-08.htm[/url]

I would think her would be a good place to start. His contact information should be easily located as he still produces a near weekly article for the Extension Service. Barring Dr. Klingaman, I'm sure that the local Searcy County Extension Office would be aware of where they are located.

[url]http://www.uaex.edu/searcy/[/url]

I would also urge your friend to contact the Arkansas Native Plant Society. They have frequent hikes to various locations. They have an Ozark Chapter based out of Berryville Arkansas (roughly 40 miles from Roger's). They will no doubt have the goods for allot of interesting points that may be missed otherwise.

However, if I had to bet upon a location in Searcy County, then the Buffalo River National Park would be where I would expect to find it. This is a deep canyon that is very beautiful in it's own right. It has been reasonable well preserved, and holds many treasures.

[url]http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&gs_nf=1&tok=tts3Ui4ZbJAnq2oVoq1 72g&pq=searcy+co&cp=10&gs_id=6s&xhr=t&safe=off&client=firefox-a&hs=LWc &rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&biw =1310&bih=870&q=searcy+county+arkansas&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=0x87cdd 88502e6fb4f:0xc1d034fbf39655d,Searcy,+AR&gl=us&ei=UW9dT87uIKSi2gXEmpWJ Dw&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=image&resnum=3&sqi=2&ved=0CD8Q8gEwAg[/url ]

Your friend may also consider going to Long Pool Recreation Area near Dover, Arkansas. This is located in part of the Ozark National Forest, and I once saw Alabama Snow-Wreath Neviusia alabamensis in flower there.

[url]http://maps.google.com/maps?q=long+pool+recreation+area&oe=utf-8& rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&sa =N&tab=wl[/url]

Maple Leaf Oak Quercus acerifolia is also probable within driving range on Mount Magazine.

[url]http://www.mountmagazinestatepark.com/things-to-do/exploring_natu re/special_plants.aspx[/url]

Lastly, April is when everything REALLY bursts for spring. This year is 3-4 weeks early though so far. So they should be able to find plenty to peak their interest.

Arktrees

I will forward your info verbatim - and report back in on what turns out.

Thank you so much. You've made the recent Past President of the Holly Society of America a very happy man.

If Arkansas is sounds interesting, then that is because it is. Without going into what sounds like a sales spiel, there are lots of reasons why. You have bayou's in south Arkansas, alluvial plains in east Arkansas, Ouachita Mountains in west central Arkansas (which are actually the very tail end of the Appalachian Mountains, the missing piece in between was found in Antarctica), Ozark Mountains which is actually a raised plain that has been eroded to hills, Arkansas River Valley between the two Mountain ranges, and fragments of tall grass Prairie likely due to fire from plains Indians. Arkansas was likely a species refuge during the last Ice Age as it remained un-glaciated, and due to the various land forms and soils. All this leads to a disproportionate number of endemics, or isolated populations.

August and September are rather variable climate wise. August in particular can be rather hot and humid, but the last week of the month often is not. September is often wet and moderate especially the second half, but not always. It just depends upon the year. Everything I have cited is still present, but may be harder to find. Composites dominate flowering at that time, so the Tall Grass Prairie could be of particular interest. If you can cope with the climate, I think you can enjoy yourself.

Other items of possible interest that I have thought of since my first post here.

Newton's Larkspur Delphinium newtonianum is endemic to 5 Arkansas Counties.

http://plants.usda.gov/java/county?state_name=Arkansas&statefips=05&sy mbol=DENE2

American Smoketree Cotinus obovatus

http://plants.usda.gov/java/county?state_name=Arkansas&statefips=05&sy mbol=COOB2

Also highly recommend Devils Den State Park, which is located near I-540 almost due South of Roger's. Has one of the largest "crack" systems in the country resulting in lots of micro-habitats.

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&rlz=1C1GGGE_enUS412US417&q=devil's+d en+state+park&ix=seb&ion=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&biw=1235 &bih=902&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=wjxfT9aBNoaW2gWQoMSzCA&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct= mode&cd=3&ved=0CBEQ_AUoAg

http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/devilsden/

Lastly, not directly plant related. But since he will be in Rogers, then the Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville (next door to Rogers) is a MUST SEE. Just opened, free to the public, and beautiful. Built by one of the Walton children (think founder of Wal Mart, yes THAT Wal Mart which was founded in Bentonville). Purportedly construction cost $100+ Million, and with current total cost including the displays $1 Billion.

http://crystalbridges.org/

Eureka Springs is allot of fun as well and not too far away.

http://www.eurekasprings.org/

Hope he enjoys himself. Can you tell I LOVE where I live? :-)

Arktrees