Common Milkweed
Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)Key identifying factors:Short leaves stalked and oval; Pods with a warty surface; Flowers fragrant; Horns curved; Opposite leaf arrangementMilkweed is commonly found in fields and along roadsides (Newcomb & Morrison, 1989). They get their name from their latex, a milky substance. In the late fall/early winter the follicles open up dispensing windborne seeds. The plant contains cardiac glycosides, allied to digitalins used in treating some heart diseases (Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - The University of Texas at Austin, 2021). These glycosides, when absorbed by monarch butterfly larvae whose sole source of food is milkweed foliage, make the larvae and adult butterflies toxic to birds and other predators. 2021. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - The University of Texas at Austin. [online] Wildflower.org. Available at: <https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ASSY> [Accessed 29 August 2021]. Field Guide Used: Newcomb, L. (1989). Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide. Little, Brown, and Company.
Virginia Creeper
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)Key identifying factors:5 toothly course leaflets; Small whitish/greenish flowers that grow in clusters; Tendrils without disks; bluish/blackberryVirginia creeper is a North American vine from the grape family. It grows vigorously, has fragrant flowers, and is decorated with blue-colored berries (Newcomb & Morrison, 1989). In the fall the leaves turn a crimson red. It has forked-like tendrils with adhesive pads that make it cling to any surface. It can grow over entire walls, providing shelter and food for wildlife. Field Guide Used: Newcomb, L. (1989). Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide. Little, Brown, and Company.
Queen Anne's Lace
Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota) Key identifying factors:Flowers-dense flat-topped umbels; purple flower in the center; leaves have a hairy underside-matte/ fern like- smells like parsley, stems are short with white hairs; the roots are hairy and white and small like carrotsQueen Anne’s Lace is a very common weed of dry fields. They can be seen throughout summer and fall (June-September). It is also part of the parsley family (Newcomb & Morrison, 1989). This plant has a tap root system that looks much like a carrot and is actually edible when young. They can grow to be anywhere from 12-40 inches in height.Field Guide Used: Newcomb, L. (1989). Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide. Little, Brown, and Company.
Paper birch
Paper birch (Betula papyrifera)Key identifying factors:Smooth white bark with curls and peels; leaves are alternate and double toothed; leave stems 1” and greenThe paper birch is a very common tree. Most times, when seen, it represents that the land it’s growing on was recently cleared out. It can grow up to 50’-70’ in height (Paper Birch Tree on the Tree Guide at Arborday.Org, 2021). The leaves turn yellow in the fall, and this tree grows best with full sun and partial shade. It also produces gray/ green catkins in early May-April. White-tailed deer eat the leaves of this tree in the fall. Paper Birch Tree on the Tree Guide at arborday.org. (2021). Arbor Day Foundation. https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?itemID=791
Bedstraw
Wild madder Bedstraw (Galium mollugo)Key characteristics: Main stem in whorls; 7-8 leaves near the base of the stem; numerous in loose clusters; small clinging hooks on stem; tiny flowers are white or greenish with four petalsWild madder otherwise known as hedge bedstraw or false baby’s breath is commonly found along roadsides and in fields, they bloom in the late spring and summer. It can grow anywhere from 1-3 feet tall. The leaves are whorled along the entire stem with 3 or more leaves per node (Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - The University of Texas at Austin, 2021).2021. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - The University of Texas at Austin. [online] Wildflower.org. Available at: <https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ASSY> [Accessed 29 August 2021].
Meadow Vole
A prominent wildlife species in the old field habitat is the meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus). There are several plant species found in the old field that meadow voles are highly dependent on. In the spring and summer months, voles eat ragweed, dandelion, (Sullivan, 1996) vetch, and various grasses such as red fescue (Bergeron et al, 1987). They prefer foods high in protein such as vetch and red fescue. They eat succulent stems and flowers primarily in the spring and summer months (Sullivan, 1996) and focus on roots, seeds, and lower succulent stems in the autumn and winter. The meadow vole depends on these species found in the field. In the summer months it cuts down the succulent parts of grasses into matchstick lengths (Sullivan, 1996). They also depend on grasses to construct their nests which they build burrowed into the soil, or next to natural features such as rocks and fallen trees, neither of which are common in the old field. In the winter months they especially depend on the poaceae family’s seeds, shoots and roots (Lindroth et al, 1984). This habitat provides an abundance of food opportunities for meadow voles. Variation in environmental conditions through time such as drought and land management have many implications in the success of the meadow vole in old fields. If the old field continues to not be maintained, and the forbes and litter will decrease as they get crowded out by shrubs and early successional trees such as birch, aspen, dogwoods, and the autumn olive which are already present in this study site. Meadow voles prefer open, dense habitat to build nests, and cover from predators (Sullivan, 1996). The population will also diminish because the ecosystem will cease to provide the necessary resources to maintain the population. If there is a year with minimal precipitation, many of the herbaceous species in the field will struggle to grow, minimizing the food source, and cover for nesting in the spring to summer months. Into the fall and winter as well as the voles begin to depend on the seeds from many of these plants as well as the woody species who produce soft and hard mass. The population may decrease due to lack of food and easier predation.Variation in environmental conditions spatially also has an effect on the meadow vole population. Similarly to the management issue, there is variation in the old field site in terms of cover. Some areas closer to the edge of the forest are farther along in succession due to not being mowed. These areas have more shrubs and less grass for the voles to nest in. They prefer open fields. Some areas of the field are wetter which is not conducive to nesting for the voles because the vegetation in this area is not dense enough for them and the soil is too wet for their nests. There are also areas of the field which are overtaken by bedstraw. This does not appear to be a primary food source of the voles and provides and different kind of ground cover than they prefer as it is more challenging to navigate through and is not optimal for nesting.
Staghorn Sumac (
Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) This large native shrub can be found on either side of the gravel path which is part of the Hills to Sea Trail that goes through this site. It is common to find this species in disturbed, sandy, areas such as this one. You may recognize it as it is common on roadsides. Key identifying factors:- Shrub up to 40' in height.- Primary stalks are bare and branch off into several branches with new growth bearing many alternate large composites leaves 10- 18" long with opposite narrow oblong leaves pointed at their tips. - The bark of new branches is fuzzy and covered with sticky lemony acid.- Flowers bloom in June- July and are yellow-green in a loose cone-like structure. This same coating is on the fruit which is dark, fuzzy, red berries in a long cone shape. They are ripe from late summer to early autumn. - This species is easy to spot on this site, as it is the tallest of the species present. Wildlife: Many pollinators such as bees, wasps, butterflies, and beetles are strongly attracted to the pollen of the flowers. The berries stay on the shrub throughout the winter and are a good food source for numerous species of gamebirds, songbirds, and mammals such as moose and white-tailed deer who browse the leaves and twigs, and rabbits who eat the bark and twigs, especially in the winter. This is one of my favorite species of this site because the berries are a delicious, tart treat. If they are ripe feel free to snack on some! They are tart, fuzzy, and covered with e yummy, lemony acid. Sumac is popular as a seasoning throughout the Middle East and is used in place of acids such a lemon and vinegar. The berries also make a delicious tea commonly made by the Native Americans. Enjoy some tea by soaking the berries in cold water for an hour or more. Best to harvest before a rain, as the precipitation tends to wash of the yummy lemon.
Common Yarrow
Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.)This plant is found throughout the old field, especially along the gravel path. It commonly occurs in disturbed locations in full sun, preferring well-draining soils such as those along the walkway. Key identifying factors:- Flowers are small and white, under 1/4" wide in umbels at the top of the plant. They flower throughout the summer, June - September. - Alternate, deeply divided leaves in a lance shape, very finely dissected, frilly-looking leaves. - Same mid-ground layer of vegetation as most of the rest of the field, so it can be hidden within the rest of the plant community. This flower is loved by many pollinators- look for bees, flies, and butterflies flitting along and stopping by these fragrant flowers. Otherwise, it is not a big food source for other animals. This is another lovely wild edible. It is very tasty as a tea and has been used medicinally for ailments such as headaches, intestinal pain, and heartburn. Take a nibble of these licorice-like flowers!
Canada Thistle
Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense)You will spot this plant throughout the field- and watch out if you're walking off-path through the vegetation! This is a very prickly invasive herbaceous plant. Is commonly found in disturbed environments such as this old field and establishes in many soil types, found in most plant communities in this area. It likes high light and drier soils, though it is very resilient and will establish in many locations. Key identifying factors: - Green, slender, freely branched with oblong alternate leaves with deeply pinnately segmented, spiny margins. - Frilly purple flower heads occurring in mid to late summer. - In some areas this plant may be poking up above the grass layer, and easier to spot. Many wildlife species enjoy using this plant. Pollinators come to its flowers for nectar with over 80 insect species visiting it. Over 130 wildlife species forage on the vegetation such as white-tailed deer which are present. Livestock does not prefer this plant and will avoid even plants that they enjoy if thistle is present. Though this is a very tough weed, it is a good plant to know and produces such delicate flowers that juxtapose the spiny leaves beautifully. It is a striking plant.
American Cranberrybush
American Cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus var. americanum L. Ait)There are several cranberry bushes throughout the walk. One of them is found in this area and another midway up the mowed path on the streamside of the trail. It is one of the shrubs that has found its way into the old field and is moving the field forward in sucession. It prefers cool moist woods and rocky slopes. It enjoys full sun and is partially shade tolerant. It grows best in well-draining, moist soil that is rich and loamy but is successful in most soil types. Key identifying factors: -Large erect shrub 3-10' high. - Late spring white flowers occur in lacecap clusters, wide and showy white flowers 1/2- 1" wide. - Late summer early fall bring red, acidic fruit is in place of the flowers. - Leaves look similar to maple leaves. They have 3 rather deep lobes and are coarsely toothed. Many birds enjoy the fruit of this shrub throughout the late summer into the winter, as the fruit stays on the bush. I chose this plant because it is another wild edible! The fruit, although not related to the cranberry that we know, which is in the heath family, is very similar in tartness to the cranberry. It is like biting into cranberry juice with a seed. The fruit has been used to make preserves and is a fun trail snack!
Autumn Olive
Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb.) This species can be found on the roadside of the field closer to the stream floodplain. It is another species commonly found in disturbed areas. It is highly invasive and used as an ornamental. It enjoys high light and sandy soils. Key identifying factors: - Deciduous shrub with many branches up to 10' tall and wide. - Simple, alternate leaves of varying sizes with a green top and silvery bottom. They are easily recognizable in the wind with their beautiful shimmering silver leaves. - Fragrant white flowers occurring in bunches up the entire branch of the plant - Bring red fruits with speckled gold dots on the skin occur in the late summer through November. This species supports a lot of wildlife. The cover of the shrub provides a home for small mammals as protection from predators and the elements. Pollinators enjoy the nectar of the flower, and the fruits are very popular with birds, as they are high in vitamins A, C, and antioxidants. Birds disperse the invasive seed and the shrub spreads over disturbed lands, choking out other native species. I chose to include this plant on the walk as another fun edible. The fruit is sweet with a puckery finish. It is juicy with a large seed in the middle. This seed is fine to eat, but if you'd prefer to spit it out, bite down on the seed first to break it and ensure that it will not germinate. These fruits are very nutritious and another tasty trail treat! Bring home and enjoy in apple crisp, on salads, or cooked down into a sauce!
Monarch Butterfly
Throughout the study of the old field, there are many herbaceous species when it comes to the different types of plants. Herbaceous plants are vascular plants with no persistent woody stems above ground, including many perennials and nearly all annuals and biennials. This means that they provide a lot of resources for insects. One specifically that I am going to target is the correlation between milkweed and monarch butterflies. The adult monarch and monarch larvae are both brightly colored, warning potential predators that they are poisonous. Predators only need to taste a monarch butterfly or larva once to learn not to eat them again, and most animals quickly spit them out (Salato Wildlife Education Center, 2021). Milkweed is the host plant for monarch butterflies. Without milkweed, the larva would not be able to develop into a butterfly. Monarchs use various milkweeds, and monarch larvae, or caterpillars, feed exclusively on milkweed leaves (Monarch Butterfly Habitat Needs, 2021).Milkweed contains a variety of chemical compounds that make monarch caterpillars poisonous to potential predators. Milkweeds contain a heart poison that is poisonous to most vertebrates but does not hurt the monarch caterpillar. Some milkweed species have higher levels of these toxins than others, and Monarchs show preference to some milkweed species.Milkweeds are listed in some states and provinces as noxious weeds. Certain milkweed species are considered toxic because they can be poisonous to cattle and other livestock. In some locations, it isn't easy to improve the habitat for monarch butterflies because of the status of milkweed. Removing milkweed is a threat to the monarch butterfly.There are additional threats to monarch butterflies, such as the use of herbicides and pesticides (Monarch Butterfly Habitat Needs, 2021). While milkweed is common in my study area, other species provide nectar for Monarch butterflies. Monarchs leave the overwintering sites in the spring, and nectar is essential to Texas's journey. Nutrition from early spring nectar-bearing wildflowers provides the energy and nutrients for these monarchs to develop their reproductive organs. When they arrive in Texas, they will breed and then die. As the new monarchs emerge, they will make their way north. It will take three more generations of monarchs to complete their journey northward and then again start the migratory cycle.Salato Wildlife Education Center. (2021). Life Cycle of a Monarch Butterfly. FW.KY.GOV. https://fw.ky.gov/Education/Documents/Salato/ButterflyLifeCycleChart.pdfMonarch Butterfly Habitat Needs. (2021). Fs.Fed.Us. https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/Monarch_Butterfly/habitat/
Rough-stemmed Golden Rod (Solidago rugosa)
It is a very common, widespread plant, especially in disturbed areas, such as by a roadside or an old field. Distinguishable by its many golden flowers in a unique half-moon shape, it can be differentiated between the other golden rod (Canada Golden Rod) because of its thick, hairy stem. It is a part of the Asteraceae family and a common landing place for many pollinators such as Bumble Bees. It is a personal favorite due to its ability to brighten up the palette of any wildlflower area.
Red Clover (Trifolium Pratense)
This plant is very common to any disturbed area where it has enough light. Even limited in the old field to the edges where competition is mowed away or cannot grow near the walking path. Is a very hardy plant with limited conditions in which it cannot grow. This member of the Fabaceae family is noticable because of the pictured purple flower, as well as a white "V" in the oval leaflets. It is a popular fall forage for many species of wildlife such as White-tailed Deer and Snowshoe Hare.
Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora)
Very common bush in disturbed areas. Part of the Rosaceae family, it occurs randomly throughout but mostly towards the edges of this area. Prefers moist areas but can grow in a variety of conditions. An edge species, it requires a lot of light like most of the species that take advantage of disturbed areas like this. It is known for its white flowers and many thorns as pictured. Many different wildlife species enjoy eating the leaves of this plant, a small praise for a very invasive species and its because of that invasiveness that it has earned its spot on this list.
Arrow wood (Viburnum dentatum)
This species is from the Caprifoliaceae family, or the Honeysuckle family. It is distinctive because of its berry clusters at the end of its stems, the venation in its leaves is similar to that of dogwoods, but goes more directly to the apex of the leaf. Also the buds at the tip of the stems are a long sharp point, hence the name Arrow Wood. Various songbirds are attracted to this plant because of its berries, such as the Black-capped Chickadee. This is one of the more distinct woody species that have begun to take over this area, allowing this species to earn its way onto this tour. Another hardy plant that thrives on disturbed areas, this one in particular prefers slight wet, acidic soils in order to really thrive but ultimately has a wide range of places it can grow.
Canada Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)
This species is related to the other Goldenrod species earlier in this tour, and is just as prominent. Also from the Asteraceae, this species has a much smoother stem, and the leaves are much more narrow, with sharper teeth. This plant exists along many roadsides and is one of the most common wildflowers, known for its bright yellow rays. Very popular for pollinators. This species is especially important to the Monarch butterfly for nectar as they mke their long journey south for the winter. Its key impact as a pollinator and high presence is the reasoning for its spot on this tour.
Water
The topography difference from one end of the field to another creates microenvironments. It would be expected that water table would be deeper in the more upland region of the old field, and much closer to the surface as it gets closer to Sandy Stream. Additionally, because of the culvert system in place at Unity College, the old field receives a substantial amount of runoff. The water runoff is mostly absorbed into the soil with limited erosion because of the thick vegetation layer. This high water availability could lead to a faster level of succession in the areas of lower elevation. It would be expected that in the upland areas where there are high levels of light and evapotranspiration that there might be a greater level of plant species with taproots to access the water. But, there isn’t a highly varying degree in which plants have responded to the differences in water availability. There is likely not a significant enough difference in availability for there to be a need for specialization.
Environmental Factor: Sunlight
Our study area of the Old field at Unity has many environmental factors that influence the vegetation. The ones that stand out are water, sunlight, and nutrients from the soil. Sunlight is necessary for plants to grow, and light intensity and duration control how plants grow.The sun coverage in our environment is 100% full. There are hardly any shaded areas, except for in the edges. When you get closer to the edges, common plants such as goldenrod and grasses start to disappear. The edges have very tall straight trees, with some shrubs at the base. Because these trees are very straight, the shade coverage they provide changes the plant species layout. Depending on the time of the day, the shade produced might cover the plants for an hour or two. In those areas, we saw more shrubs and bushes. The herbaceous plant species thrive in these areas because of the full coverage of sunlight. This allows the plants to go through their seasonal blooming cycle. Sunlight is the main source of energy on Earth, which makes it an essential abiotic factor in our environment. Without sunlight, the herbaceous species we have identified would not be able to conduct photosynthesis. Without photosynthesis, the plants can’t make their own food and, ultimately, food for other wildlife species. Sunlight also plays a role in the production of oxygen and an area’s temperature. Abiotic Factors. (2015, February 24). Basic Biology. https://basicbiology.net/environment/ecology/abiotic-factorsMicrosoft Word - Important Abiotic Factors. (2017, February 6). PrimoPDF Http://Www.Primopdf.Com. https://www.cusd80.com/cms/lib6/AZ01001175/Centricity/Domain/735/Important%20Abiotic%20Factors.pdf
Environmental Factor: Nutrient Availability
The nutrient availability will vary throughout the study area slightly with the changing slope and the way that the water moves through those soils. The flatter areas of the habitat would expect to have higher nutrient retention and consistency than a slope where a lot of the nutrients may runoff to lower elevations. The vegetation varies on the landscape in these flatter areas as well where the water tends to sit for longer periods of time. These plants are better suited for moister soils. As the study site gets closer to the forested area, there is a higher amount of wildlife activity in the bushes that provide food and shelter for the wildlife. These areas will also have a higher concentration of animal scat leading to higher levels of nitrogen in the soil. Areas with higher nutrient availability will have plants that need to have more mass and therefore a higher nutrient demand. They may also have structurally more dense germination in healthier soils. Dominant plants may differ in their response to nutrient variations and demands across the landscape.
