Native or Introduced? A plants tour of Carter Park Preview

1

American Elm Tree (Ulmus americana)

Native or Introduced?NATIVE!If you look to your left, you will notice a tall tree with teardrop shaped leaves. The leaves have serrated edges. This is an American Elm tree and it is one of three common elm trees found in the area. Those delicate cerrated leaves turn golden yellow in the fall.

2

Purple Deadnettle (Lamium purpureum)

Native or Introduced?INTRODUCEDMake sure you are looking at the ground for this one. This common weed is native to Europe and Asia, but now grows all over Ohio. It has small purple flowers and the leaves vary from green at the base to deep purple at the top. It is a member of the mint family and quickly forms a groundcover in early Spring before many other plants are able to grow so it establishes its ground quickly.

3

Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora)

Native or Introduced?INTRODUCED and INVASIVE!You will see this plant growing on your left, although now that you can recognize it you will also notice it growing in many places throught the park! The multiflora rose can be beautiful, but it was introduced from Europe as a hedge has become an invasive plant in Ohio. It can grow up to 15 feet high and its seeds are easily dispersed by birds. It is widely distributed and difficult to control and will crowd out native species.

4

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus Virginiana)

Native or Introduced?NATIVEThe Eastern Red Cedar is the most common evergreen conifer found in the state! It grows predominantly right here in southwestern Ohio where the alkaline soil helps it thrive. It grows where few other woody plants are able and is an excellent windbreaking or privacy tree. You will see three Red Cedar trees in this spot all on the left side of the trail.

5

Autumn Olive (Elaeaguus umbellata)

Native or Introduced?INTRODUCED and INVASIVEThe Autumn Olive was introduced to the United States in 1830 and was planted widely as an ornamental. Birds and mammals help to distribute the seeds and the plant is now invasive. it can degrade the nutrients in the soil at the expense of native plants.You will see the Autumn Olive to your left a little ways off the main trail.

6

Garlic Mustard (Alliara petiolate)

Native or Introduced?INTRODUCED and INVASIVE!Garlic mustard is prolific and problematic in this area of Ohio and many other locations across the United States. You will find it growing 1-2 feet high on the left side of the trail. It has heart shaped leaves and small, white flowers. Garlic mustard was brought over from Europe in the 1800s for herbal uses and erosion control. It spreads its seeds by wind dispersal and emerges earlier in the spring than many native plants making it difficult for the native plants to grow and thrive.

7

Silver Maple (Acer Saccharium)

Native or Introduced?NATIVEThere are silver maple trees to on both sides of the trail in this spot. They are beautiful trees that are native to Ohio and, in fact, it is one of the most common trees in the United States. It has one of the more delicate leaves in the maple family and the underside is appears to have a silver sheen when it flutters in the wind. The tree is used by a variety of wildlife and grows quickly.

8

Mayapple (Podophyllum pelatum)

Native or Introduced?NATIVE!The Mayapple is native to Ohio and colonized by rhizomes which means many plants can spring from a single root. It forms a single blossom like flower under the leaf which then develops into an edible golden-yellow fruit. Their fruits are often foraged by squirrels! You will see many of them growing on the south side of the trail.

9

Wild Onions

Native or Introduced?NATIVE!Wild onions are highly recognizable due to their pungent aroma. They look very similar to the green onions that you buy at the supermarket. You will be able to see them growing low to the ground. They are surrounded by other plant life so look closely!

10

Amur Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii)

Native or Introduced?INTRODUCED and INVASIVE!Although the honeysuckle is ubiquitous in our area, it was actually introduced from Asia to be used as an ornamental shrub. It quickly reproduced and has proliferated the entire region. It can grow in full sun or full shade and is very tolerant of hot and cold temperatures. It is extremely difficult to control. Because it grows so quickly and depletes the soil of necessary nutrients, native plants quickly die back and the honeysuckle takes over. You have been seeing this plant all along the path and you will notice it growing in force all over the area now that you can recognize it.

11

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)

Native or Introduced?INTRODUCEDRed Clover is one of many introduced species of clover in the state of Ohio. Many people with seasonal allergies are sensistive to its pollen. It's blooms are a bright purple but occasionally you will find a white flowered form. You'll see it growing low to the ground to your left. Congratulations! You have finished your tour! Hopefully you enjoyed it and learned a few things about the plants of Southwestern Ohio.