The Wyoming Native Plant Society, established in 
1981, is a non-profit organization dedicated to 
encouraging the appreciation and conservation of the 
native flora and plant communities of Wyoming. The 
Society promotes education and research on native 
plants of the state through its newsletter, field trips, and 
annual student scholarship award. Membership is open 
to individuals, families, or organizations with an interest 
in Wyoming’s flora. Members receive Castilleja, the 
Society’s quarterly newsletter, and may take part in all of 
the Society’s programs and projects, including the 
annual meeting/field trip held each summer. Dues are 
$7.50 annually. 
To join the Wyoming Native Plant Society, return the 
membership form below to: 
Wyoming Native Plant Society 
PO Box 3452 
Laramie, WY 82071 
Name: 
Address: 
$7.50 Regular Membership 
$15.00 Scholarship Supporting Member 
($7.50 goes to the annual scholarship 
fund) 
Beating Around the Bush, Jr. 
By John “Barney” Baxter 
The Texas state shrub is the dubya bush, 
Wyoming’s state shrub is the skunkbush, Rhus 
Although poison ivy is its closest sister 
The leaves of the skunkbush won’t give you a blister 
The berries are used to make very good tea, 
A nourishing drink for Dick Cheney and me. 
I n Quotes: More quotes from the writings of early 
botanist/explorers in the west, for whom species have 
been named. RD 
E. L. Greene, Botanist 
Chrysothamnus greenei 
Rambles of a Botanist in Wyoming Territory. Amer. Nat. 
8:32. 1874. June 20, 1872 
“It is now about noonday, and we are but ten miles from 
Cheyenne. There is plenty of time for a botanist to 
reach the city before night, and so we beg of our 
conductor the privilege of making the remainder of the 
journey on foot; for these bluffs and table-lands are now 
gorgeous with flowers of many colors, and we are 
impatient to see what they are. The whistle sounds, and 
the train slackens speed, until the leap may be made 
with safety, and we alight.” 
Wyoming Native Plant Society 
PO Box 3452 
Laramie, WY 82071 
