Location Info

For this survey, I chose The Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetlands Research Park as my designated area (40.019400836672745, -83.01830485172292). This park as the name suggests is a wetlands area that lies close to the Olentangy river. Currently, the 52-acre park is being used as a model research facility, to monitor and evaluate human interactions on wetlands across Ohio. It predominantly consists of wetlands environments along with hardwood forests. The forests however lie on the outskirts of the main pond wetland, are more susceptible to human interactions and disturbances.

Plant Communities Within

The areas immediately surrounding the pond were damp and shaded. This environment played host to numerous mosses and lichens, as well as other low-lying shrub and ground cover plants. Aside from the researches that frequent this particular area of the park, this environment was fairly secluded from the trail and looked relatively undisturbed. Further away, the environment became more forest-like, with the canopy trees becoming taller, larger, and sturdier. The non-tree plants themselves became larger as well, with shrubs occupying a majority of the area beneath the canopy trees. One particular area stood out as unique from the rest of the usual environments. This area lacked any tall, sturdy trees and therefore saw quite a bit more sunshine than the rest of the environments. The ground had a sucking muck-like consistency. Although the area was sparse with plant life, there were quite a few shrubs occupying some areas of the muddy environment, with a few ground cover plants scattered throughout.

Annotated Species List

(Species found in and around the greater Columbus Ohio area)

Bryophytes:

Family: Bryaceae

  • Bryum argenteum L. – Silver-moss
    • Growth Form: Moss
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 0
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Moist soil, wet rocks, and tree bases
    • Natural History: Silver-moss is a small moss that forms dense tufts. It plays a vital role in preventing soil erosion and provides shelter for small invertebrates.

Family: Sphagnaceae

  • Sphagnum spp. – Peatmoss
    • Growth Form: Moss
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 10
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Acidic, water-saturated peatlands
    • Natural History: Peatmosses are important in wetlands as they contribute to the formation of peat. They have excellent water-holding capacity and help maintain the hydrological balance of wetland ecosystems.

Pteridophytes:

Family: Osmundaceae

  • Osmunda cinnamomea L. – Cinnamon Fern
    • Growth Form: Fern
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 5
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Moist to wet woods, swamps, and wetlands
    • Natural History: The Cinnamon Fern is a large fern that gets its name from the cinnamon-colored fertile fronds. It provides cover for wildlife and contributes to the aesthetics of wetland habitats.

Gymnosperms:

Family: Pinaceae

  • Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich. – Bald Cypress
    • Growth Form: Tree
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 10
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Wet to swampy areas, often near water bodies
    • Natural History: Baldcypress is a large deciduous conifer that thrives in wetland environments. It provides nesting sites for birds, shade for aquatic organisms, and its wood is resistant to decay.

Flowering Plants:

Family: Apiaceae

  • Cicuta maculata L. – Water Hemlock
    • Growth Form: Herb
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 4
    • Commonness: Uncommon
    • Habitat: Wet meadows, streambanks, and marshes
    • Natural History: Water Hemlock is highly toxic to humans and animals if ingested. It plays a role in wetland ecosystems by providing nectar for pollinators.

 

  • Cicuta maculata L. – Spotted Water Hemlock
    • Growth Form: Herb
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 5
    • Commonness: Uncommon
    • Habitat: Wet meadows, marshes, and streambanks
    • Natural History: Spotted Water Hemlock is a highly toxic plant, containing a potent neurotoxin. It is important to avoid ingestion or contact with this species, as it can be deadly to humans and animals.

 

  • Osmorhiza claytonii (Michx.) C.B.Clarke – Clayton’s Sweetroot
    • Growth Form: Herb
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 4
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Moist woods, streambanks, and shaded areas
    • Natural History: Clayton’s Sweetroot has aromatic roots that are used as a flavoring agent. It attracts pollinators and serves as a larval host plant for some butterfly species.

Family: Asclepiadaceae

  • Asclepias incarnata L. – Swamp Milkweed
    • Growth Form: Herb
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 5
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Wet meadows, marshes, and pond margins
    • Natural History: Swamp Milkweed is a crucial host plant for Monarch butterfly larvae. It has attractive pink flowers and provides nectar for a variety of pollinators. The plant is also used in native gardens.

Family: Asteraceae

  • Bidens frondosa L. – Devil’s Beggar-ticks
    • Growth Form: Herb
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 2
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Wet meadows, streambanks, and disturbed areas
    • Natural History: Devil’s Beggar-ticks produces small bur-like fruits that easily cling to fur, feathers, and clothing, aiding in seed dispersal. It serves as a nectar source for butterflies and bees.

 

  • Euthamia graminifolia (L.) Nutt. – Grass-leaved Goldenrod
    • Growth Form: Herb
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 5
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Wet meadows, prairies, and open woods
    • Natural History: Grass-leaved Goldenrod is an important nectar source for butterflies and bees. It is also a larval host plant for some butterfly species.

 

  • Rudbeckia laciniata L. – Green-headed Coneflower
    • Growth Form: Herb
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 3
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Wet meadows, streambanks, and open woods
    • Natural History: Green-headed Coneflower produces large yellow flowers that attract a variety of pollinators. It is a popular plant in native gardens and is used in traditional medicine for various purposes.

 

  • Solidago gigantea Aiton – Late Goldenrod
    • Growth Form: Herb
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 3
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Moist to wet fields, meadows, and roadsides
    • Natural History: Late Goldenrod is an excellent late-season nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other insects. It adds color and beauty to wetland habitats.

Family: Brassicaceae

  • Cardamine concatenata (Michx.) Sw. – Cutleaf Toothwort
    • Growth Form: Herb
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 3
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Moist woods, streambanks, and shaded areas
    • Natural History: Cutleaf Toothwort has delicate white flowers and is an early spring wildflower. It provides food for insects and is a favorite food of the caterpillars of the West Virginia White butterfly.

 

  • Rorippa palustris (L.) Besser – Marsh Yellowcress
    • Growth Form: Herb
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 5
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Wet meadows, marshes, and streambanks
    • Natural History: Marsh Yellowcress is a wetland plant that produces clusters of small yellow flowers. It is a valuable food source for waterfowl and serves as a larval host plant for some butterfly species.

Family: Cistaceae

  • Lechea racemulosa Michx. – Clustered Pinweed
    • Growth Form: Herb
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 4
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Dry to moist sandy areas, prairies, and open woods
    • Natural History: Clustered Pinweed has tiny pink to white flowers and is adapted to sandy habitats. It attracts bees and butterflies and provides seeds for birds and small mammals.

Family: Cyperaceae

  • Carex crinita Lam. – Fringed Sedge
    • Growth Form: Herb
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 5
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Wet meadows, marshes, and swampy areas
    • Natural History: Fringed Sedge forms dense clumps and provides cover and nesting habitat for birds. It is an important food source for waterfowl.

 

  • Carex lurida Wahlenb. – Lurid Sedge
    • Growth Form: Herb
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 4
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Wet meadows, marshes, and wet woodlands
    • Natural History: Lurid Sedge is a rhizomatous sedge that provides food and cover for birds, mammals, and invertebrates. It plays a role in stabilizing wetland soil.

 

  • Cyperus strigosus L. – Straw-colored Flatsedge
    • Growth Form: Herb
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 2
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Wet meadows, marshes, and disturbed areas
    • Natural History: Straw-colored Flatsedge produces clusters of straw-colored spikelets and serves as a food source for waterfowl and other wetland birds.

 

  • Eleocharis palustris (L.) Roem. & Schult. – Common Spike-rush
    • Growth Form: Herb
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 5
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Wet meadows, marshes, and pond margins
    • Natural History: Common Spike-rush is a wetland plant that forms dense clumps. It provides cover for small animals and serves as a nesting site for birds. It is also used in wetland restoration projects.

 

  • Carex comosa Boott – Long-haired Sedge
    • Growth Form: Herb
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 3
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Wet meadows, marshes, and streambanks
    • Natural History: Long-haired Sedge is a grass-like plant with distinctive long bristles on the fruits. It provides cover and food for birds and small mammals and is used in erosion control.

Family: Equisetaceae

  • Equisetum arvense L. – Field Horsetail
    • Growth Form: Fern-like
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 4
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Moist to wet fields, ditches, and disturbed areas
    • Natural History: Field Horsetail is a primitive plant with jointed stems and spore-bearing cones. It has been used medicinally and is also used in crafts and as a natural scouring pad.

Family: Euphorbiaceae

  • Euphorbia corollata L. – Flowering Spurge
    • Growth Form: Herb
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 3
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Dry to moist open woods, fields, and prairies
    • Natural History: Flowering Spurge has white flowers and milky sap. It attracts a variety of insects and serves as a host plant for some butterfly species. The sap can cause skin irritation.

Family: Fabaceae

  • Desmodium canadense (L.) DC. – Showy Tick-trefoil
    • Growth Form: Herb
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 4
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Moist woods, open areas, and streambanks
    • Natural History: Showy Tick-trefoil has pink to purple flowers and produces small hooked fruits. It is a nitrogen-fixing plant and provides nectar for bees and butterflies.

 

  • Trifolium pratense L. – Red Clover
    • Growth Form: Herb
    • Native/Introduced: Introduced
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: N/A
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Fields, meadows, and disturbed areas
    • Natural History: Red Clover is a popular forage plant and has been naturalized in many areas. It attracts bees and other pollinators and is used in herbal medicine.

Family: Juncaceae

  • Juncus effusus L. – Soft Rush
    • Growth Form: Herb
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 3
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Wet meadows, marshes, and pond margins
    • Natural History: Soft Rush is a common wetland plant that provides nesting habitat for birds and cover for small mammals. Its stems have been used for weaving baskets.

Family: Lamiaceae

  • Agastache foeniculum (Pursh) Kuntze – Blue Giant Hyssop
    • Growth Form: Herb
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 5
    • Commonness: Uncommon
    • Habitat: Dry to moist prairies, open woods, and roadsides
    • Natural History: Blue Giant Hyssop has spikes of blue flowers and attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. It has a pleasant minty aroma and is used in teas and as a culinary herb.

 

  • Monarda fistulosa L. – Wild Bergamot
    • Growth Form: Herb
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 5
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Dry to moist prairies, meadows, and open woods
    • Natural History: Wild Bergamot has showy lavender flowers and attracts a wide variety of pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. It is used in traditional medicine and as a flavoring agent.

Family: Onagraceae

  • Ludwigia palustris (L.) Elliott – Marsh Seedbox
    • Growth Form: Herb
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 4
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Wetlands, marshes, and pond margins
    • Natural History: Marsh Seedbox produces attractive yellow flowers and provides habitat for insects, birds, and amphibians. It has been used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments.

 

  • Oenothera biennis L. – Common Evening-primrose
    • Growth Form: Herb
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 2
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Disturbed areas, roadsides, and open fields
    • Natural History: Common Evening-primrose has yellow flowers that open in the evening, attracting night-flying pollinators. The plant has edible roots and seeds and has been used medicinally.

Family: Orchidaceae

  • Epipactis helleborine (L.) Crantz – Broad-leaved Helleborine
    • Growth Form: Herb
    • Native/Introduced: Introduced
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: N/A
    • Commonness: Uncommon
    • Habitat: Shaded areas, woodlands, and disturbed sites
    • Natural History: Broad-leaved Helleborine is an invasive orchid species that displaces native plants. It is not of significant value to wildlife but is of interest to orchid enthusiasts.

 

  • Platanthera blephariglottis (Willd.) Lindl. – White Fringed Orchid
    • Growth Form: Herb
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 5
    • Commonness: Uncommon
    • Habitat: Wet meadows, fens, and marshes
    • Natural History: White Fringed Orchid is a rare and beautiful native orchid with white flowers and delicate fringed lips. It is pollinated by night-flying moths and has specific habitat requirements for survival.

Family: Plantaginaceae

  • Penstemon digitalis Nutt. – Foxglove Beardtongue
    • Growth Form: Herb
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 5
    • Commonness: Uncommon
    • Habitat: Dry to mesic prairies, open woods, and rocky slopes
    • Natural History: Foxglove Beardtongue has tall spikes of white flowers with purple accents. It is attractive to hummingbirds and serves as a host plant for the caterpillars of the Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly.

 

  • Verbascum thapsus L. – Common Mullein
    • Growth Form: Herb
    • Native/Introduced: Introduced
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: N/A
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Disturbed areas, fields, and roadsides
    • Natural History: Common Mullein is a biennial plant with tall spikes of yellow flowers. It has a long history of medicinal use for respiratory ailments. The dried leaves have been used as torches and toilet paper.

 

  • Veronica anagallis-aquatica L. – Water Speedwell
    • Growth Form: Herb
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 5
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Wet meadows, marshes, and streambanks
    • Natural History: Water Speedwell has small blue flowers and serves as a nectar source for bees and butterflies. It is also used in traditional herbal medicine.

Family: Poaceae

  • Elymus canadensis L. – Canada Wildrye
    • Growth Form: Grass
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 3
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Dry to moist prairies, meadows, and open woods
    • Natural History: Canada Wildrye is a cool-season grass with tall seed heads. It provides food and cover for birds and small mammals and is used for erosion control and as a forage grass.

 

  • Panicum virgatum L. – Switchgrass
    • Growth Form: Grass
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 5
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Dry to moist prairies, meadows, and open woods
    • Natural History: Switchgrass is a tall, native grass with distinctive seed heads. It is an important component of prairie and grassland ecosystems, providing food and habitat for birds and insects. It is also used for biofuel production.

 

  • Panicum virgatum L. – Switchgrass
    • Growth Form: Grass
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 4
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Moist to wet prairies, meadows, and open woods
    • Natural History: Switchgrass is a native warm-season grass that provides cover and nesting habitat for birds and other wildlife. It is also used in erosion control and as a biofuel crop.

Family: Polygonaceae

  • Persicaria hydropiper (L.) Spach – Water Pepper
    • Growth Form: Herb
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 3
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Wet meadows, streambanks, and marshes
    • Natural History: Water Pepper has spicy-tasting leaves and stems and is used in culinary applications. It attracts pollinators and serves as a larval host plant for some butterflies.

 

  • Polygonum amphibium L. – Water Smartweed
    • Growth Form: Herb
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 4
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Shallow water, wet meadows, and marshes
    • Natural History: Water Smartweed produces clusters of pink to white flowers and provides food and cover for waterfowl and other wetland birds. It is also used in wetland restoration projects.

Family: Ranunculaceae

  • Ranunculus abortivus L. – Small-flowered Buttercup
    • Growth Form: Herb
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 3
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Moist woods, streambanks, and open areas
    • Natural History: Small-flowered Buttercup has bright yellow flowers and is an early bloomer in the spring. It is toxic to livestock but has been used in folk medicine.

Family: Rosaceae

  • Rubus allegheniensis Porter – Allegheny Blackberry
    • Growth Form: Shrub
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 3
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Open woods, edges, and disturbed areas
    • Natural History: Allegheny Blackberry produces tasty edible fruits and provides cover and food for birds and mammals. It is also used in jams, jellies, and pies.

 

  • Spiraea alba Du Roi – White Meadowsweet
    • Growth Form: Shrub
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 5
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Wet meadows, streambanks, and wet woods
    • Natural History: White Meadowsweet has clusters of white flowers and is an important nectar source for butterflies and bees. It has been used in traditional medicine for its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.

 

  • Rosa palustris Marshall – Swamp Rose
    • Growth Form: Shrub
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 5
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Wetlands, swamps, and streambanks
    • Natural History: Swamp Rose has showy pink flowers and provides nesting habitat and cover for birds. Its fruits are eaten by wildlife, and it is planted in gardens for its ornamental value.

Family: Salicaceae

  • Salix nigra Marshall – Black Willow
    • Growth Form: Tree
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 3
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Wetlands, swamps, and floodplains
    • Natural History: Black Willow is a pioneer species in wetland areas, stabilizing soil and providing habitat for various organisms. Its bark contains salicylic acid, which has medicinal properties.

Family: Typhaceae

  • Typha angustifolia L. – Narrow-leaved Cattail
    • Growth Form: Herb
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 5
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Wetlands, marshes, and pond margins
    • Natural History: Narrow-leaved Cattail is an iconic wetland plant known for its tall brown flower spikes. It provides food and cover for birds and serves as a nesting material source.

 

  • Typha latifolia L. – Broad-leaved Cattail
    • Growth Form: Herb
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 5
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Wetlands, marshes, and pond margins
    • Natural History: Broad-leaved Cattail is a widespread wetland plant that forms dense stands. It is valuable for wildlife, providing food, cover, and nesting materials. The young shoots are edible.

Family: Violaceae

  • Viola sororia Willd. – Common Blue Violet
    • Growth Form: Herb
    • Native/Introduced: Native
    • Coefficient of Conservatism: 4
    • Commonness: Common
    • Habitat: Moist to wet woods, meadows, and streambanks
    • Natural History: Common Blue Violet has attractive purple flowers and serves as a larval host plant for various butterfly species. The leaves and flowers are edible and can be used in salads or teas.

References

Ohio Division of Wildlife. Common Lichens of Ohio field guide. Ohio Division of Wildlife, 2010.

Harlow, William M. Fruit Key and Twig Key to Trees & Shrubs. Wintergreen Studios Press, 2008.

Cobb, Boughton, et al. Ferns of Northeastern and Central North America. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2005.

Ohio Division of Wildlife. Spring Wildflowers of Ohio field guide. Ohio Division of Wildlife, 2014.

Stein, John, et al. Field Guide to Native Oak Species of Eastern North America. United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, 2003.