Oklahoma Native Plant Record

Complete Volume 23

2025-09-16T01:18:27+00:00

Front Matter

2025-09-18T16:38:07+00:00

Foreword

2025-09-18T16:40:15+00:00

The Distributions of Two Invasive Honeysuckle Species (Lonicera maackii and Lonicera japonica) in Eastern Oklahoma

2025-09-18T16:41:54+00:00

Concerns about spreading non-native invasive plant species have increased in recent decades following their harmful impacts on ecosystems. Their encroachment, aided by survival and reproductive advantages, can negatively impact ecosystems and biodiversity. These effects often lead to larger long-term issues and can be difficult and expensive to manage. Lonicera maackii (Rupr.) Herder and L. japonica Thunb. are invasive honeysuckle species that can outcompete, inhibit, and reduce the populations of native species, thus threatening biodiversity in invaded regions. Both species have formed naturalized populations throughout much of the eastern United States, including Oklahoma. Both species reproduce quickly, grow prolifically, face less environmental resistance, and tolerate a wider range of environmental conditions than most native plant species. This study, based on field surveys and herbarium records, presents new information on the distribution of L. maackii and L. japonica in eastern Oklahoma. Surveys were conducted in parks and public recreation areas of all 47 counties of eastern Oklahoma. By combining herbarium data and field surveys, we found that L. maackii occurs in fewer counties than expected and L. japonica is present in nearly all counties surveyed. The results also revealed a strong positive relationship between the presence of L. maackii and the population size of towns. We also found a weak and non-significant relationship between the occurrence of L. maackii and the number of non-native species in a county.

Genetic Structure of the Mecardonia acuminata (Plantaginaceae) Complex in the Southeastern USA

2025-09-18T18:19:32+00:00

Mecardonia acuminata (Plantaginaceae) is found in the southeastern United States and has traditionally been divided into three varieties. A quantitative analysis of morphological data supported the division into the three varieties, although the ranges of the varieties found in that study were not the same as their traditional ranges. Here we use ISSR data to examine the relationships of 238 individuals from 23 locations throughout the range of M. acuminata. Although there is genetic structure that is congruent across different analyses, the groups recovered are not consistent with morphology or geography. The results indicate eastern-western distributions of the species with centers of diversity not only in the south but as far north as the Central Basin of the Interior Low Plateaus. The results further suggest ongoing diversification of lineages of M. acuminata, or the presence of widespread genes that govern the morphological traits that are traditionally used in delimitating the varieties.

A Floristic Inventory of the North Side of Arcadia Lake, Edmond, Oklahoma

2025-09-18T18:23:25+00:00

A floristic inventory was conducted on the north side of Arcadia Lake in Edmond, Oklahoma. Fieldwork was conducted from April 2022 to July 2023. The survey documented 356 plant species representing 79 plant families and 233 genera. A total of 214 species were collected, and their corresponding vouchers were deposited at the University of Central Oklahoma Herbarium (CSU). Forty-one plant species were not collected, but were observed, photographed, and uploaded to iNaturalist by the authors. One hundred and one additional plant species found in the study site were observed by the iNaturalist community and verified by the authors. One species tracked by the Oklahoma Natural Heritage Inventory was observed and vouchered. Eighty-three percent of observed species were native, while seventeen percent were non-native.

Floristic Survey at Belle Isle at the Deep Fork River in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

2025-09-18T18:26:13+00:00

A floristic survey was conducted at Belle Isle at the Deep Fork River in northwest Oklahoma City. Belle Isle at the Deep Fork River is an urban semi-natural area that has been subjected to a wide array of anthropogenic disturbances. The goal of this study was to observe and document all vascular plant species within the research area. Thirty-four site visits yielded 135 plant species representing 44 plant families and 116 genera. Forty-four (32.6%) of observed species were non-native. All observed vascular plant species were posted on iNaturalist. Two county records were documented, and no species tracked by the Oklahoma Natural Heritage Inventory were observed. This baseline floristic data can be used for biodiversity studies and ecological assessments.

Critic's Choice Essay: Invasive Species Terminology

2025-09-18T18:28:36+00:00

Five Year Index to Oklahoma Native Plant Record

2025-09-18T18:30:08+00:00