STORY BEHIND THE ART OF LYNNE RAILSBACK

24th Annual International

American Society of Botanical Artists and Marin Art and Garden Center

Glade Mallow

Napaea dioica

Glade Mallow or Napaea dioca is native to Wisconsin. Its growing range extends from southeastern Minnesota and northeastern Iowa east to Wisconsin, northern Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. It is considered a plant of special concern in Wisconsin. This is a classification that is composed of colonies, groups or single individuals of a plant species that have been determined to be a unique occurrence deserving protection. There are both male and female flowers which grow off a central stem on separate plants. The plants grow in clumps, which assures cross pollination.

It was a beautiful fall day as friends and I hiked Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy. We are always looking for native plants to include for the Esther Plotnick Artist Grant we received from ASBA. Along the creek bed, I spotted a large plant with intricate leaves. Because of our project we are permitted to collect specimens on the property. I brought home some leaves and a central flowering stem. The single large lacy leaf in its dried state reminded me of a fan. It is representative of the larger leaves that occur at the base of the plant. I placed the stem on top of the leaf and it immediately reminded me of a dancer. When not required to title it with its common and Latin name I enjoy calling it “Fan Dancer”. Of course, it must be the female plant!

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Read more about this artist's work: Wildly Exquisite