FLORA SPECIES ON THE KAYAK TRAIL

Native Species: A species that is indigenous or endemic; they are adapted to their environment and thrive in that particular ecosystem. Non-native (Introduced) Species: A species that has been brought to their current location by humans; these often become invasive. Invasive Species: A species that is not native to the area whose introduction causes economic and/or environmental harm or harm to human health.

Common Name (Scientific Name)

Native, Non-native, or Invasive Species?

Picture Fun Fact

Common Reed (Phragmites australis)

Non-native, Invasive

This plant excludes native marsh plants, reducing both plant and animal diversity. This degrades the marsh habitat.

Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata)

Native

Retrieved from www.marylandbiodiversity.com

Attractive to wood ducks and black ducks.

Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor)

Native

Retrieved from The Nanticoke by Tom Horton

Hummingbirds are attracted to this flower. This flower is in bloom between May-June, a very short amount of time.

Common Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)

Native

Retrieved from The Nanticoke by Tom Horton

The roots of this plant were actually used to make marshmallows!

Wild Rice (Zazinia 2aquatica)

Non-native, Invasive

Important source of food for birds, including red-winged blackbirds

Black Needlerush (Juncus roemerianus)

Native

Retrieved from www.marylandbiodiversity.com

Back in the day, these were used for sewing needles

Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda)

Native

This is the most important timber species in the Southeast

Blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica)

Native

This tree reestablishes well in erosion-prone areas

Retrieved from www.marylandbiodiversity.com

Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica)

Native

Retrieved from plants.usda.gov

This tree can be planted and used as a windbreaker in areas with high wind energy

Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

Native

This tree loses its leaves in the fall and creates red foilage

Retrieved from www.marylandbiodiversity.com

Arrow Arum (Peltandra virginica)

Native

Retrieved from www.marylandbiodiversity.com

These plants deflect wave energy, acting as a buffer for shoreline. Their roots also trap sediment to reduce erosion.

Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera)

Native

The berries of this plant can be melted down and used to make candles

Swamp Bay (Persea palustris)

Native

Retrieved from www.marylandbiodiversity.com

These leaves have the aroma of bay leaves that are used in cooking

Golden Ragwort (Senecio aureus)

Native

Retrieved from www.marylandbiodiversity.com

These plants are deer resistant and are attractive to butterflies

Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus)

Native

Retrieved from The Nanticoke by Tom Horton

The flowers of this plant have both male and female organs.

Spatterdock (Nuphar advena)

Native

Retrieved from www.marylandbiodiversity.com

These are commonly known as pond lilies

Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana)

Native

Retrieved from www.marylandbiodiversity.com

The flowers on this tree have a vanilla scent

Retrieved from www.marylandbiodiversity.com

Pink Lady Slipper (Cypripedium acaule)

Native

Retrieved from www.marylandbiodiversity.com

This plant has only two leaves and takes a long time to grow.

Fetterbush (Lyonia lucida)

Native

Retrieved from www.marylandbiodiversity.com

This plant is not poisonous, but its sap can cause irritation to the skin.

Broadleaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia)

Native

Retrieved from The Nanticoke by Tom Horton

These plants have starchy rhizomes called “duck potatoes.” Native Americans often ate these duck potatoes.

Northern Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)

Native

Retrieved from The Nanticoke by Tom Horton

Seed heads turns purplish bronze from green in late summer.

Common Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata)

Native

This is a host plant for several species of moths including: Pawpaw Sphinx, Melsheimer’s Sack-bearer, and Skiff.

Primrose (Primula vulgaris)

Native

Retrieved from The Nanticoke by Tom Horton

These are also referred to as “sun-drops” for their bright yellow color.

Crimson-eyed Rosemallow (Hibiscus palustris)

Native

Retrieved from www.marylandbiodiversity.com

This plant is often called “hibiscus.”

Water Parsnip (Sium suave)

Native

Retrieved from The Nanticoke by Tom Horton

These have a similar appearance to the poisonous Water Hemlock.

White Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus)

Native

Retrieved from The Nanticoke by Tom Horton

This can also be called “Old-man’s-beard.”

Pink Azalea (Rhododendron periclymenoides)

Native

Retrieved from www.marylandbiodiversity.com

This plant’s leaves are poisonous to both humans and animals. Honey from these flowers also may be toxic.

Woolgrass (Scirpus cyperinus)

Native

Retrieved from plant.usda.gov

Host plant for Dion Skipper (a moth).

Tickseed Sunflower (Bidens aristosa)

Non-native

Retrieved from The Nanticoke by Tom Horton

This plant flowers from August to October.

Turk’s Cap Lily (Lilium superbum)

Native

Retrieved from www.marylandbiodiversity.com

The tallest of American lilies!

Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)

Non-native, Invasive

These have orange/yellow and white flowers that have a sweet nectar that is edible

Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

Native

Retrieved from www.marylandbiodiversity.com

Can tolerate a wide soil pH range, making it easy to grow and thrive.

Golden Club (Orontium aquaticum)

Native

Retrieved from www.marylandbiodiversity.com

After flowering, the flower stems arch over so that the flowering tip is completely under water during fruit production.