Plants Appearing in the Field Guides to Native Plant Communities of Minnesota: Identification and Ecology

Version 1.2 December 2003 John C. Almendinger

Plants Appearing in the Field Guides to Native Plant Communities of Minnesota: Identification and Ecology

John C. Almendinger Ecological Land Classification Program Division of Forestry 413 SE 13th Street Grand Rapids, MN 55744 218-327-4449 ext. 245 [email protected]

Acer rubrum L.

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Red maple

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ACERACEAE

Acer rubrum is one of seven species of Acer that occur in Minnesota. It is native to eight ecological sections* of the state: Northern Minnesota & Ontario Peatlands, Northern Superior Uplands, Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains, Southern Superior Uplands, Western Superior Uplands, Minnesota & NE Iowa Moraines, Paleozoic Plateau and occurs rarely in the Red River Valley. A. rubrum is a tree up to 35 m. in height. Its opposite leaves are sharply three to five lobed and with a coarse, doubly serrate margin sometimes creating minor lobes. Fall color is a bright crimson. Flowers are red to yellowish, very dense and on short stalks, appearing much earlier than the leaves in March and April. The fruit is a pair of smooth, one-seeded samaras, 2-3 cm long. Red maple is similar to Silver maple(A. saccharinum) however, silver maple has very deeply cut leaf sinuses. The shrub, mountain maple (A. spicatum) can be difficult to discern from young red maples. Red maple flowers much earlier than spring leaf-out as opposed to mountain maple, red maple fruits are pendant and mountain maple has an upright panicle, and red maple leaves are more deeply lobed than mountain maple.

Primary (black) and secondary (grey) ranges of A. rubrum in the state. Occurrences are shown in white.

Silver maple leaves Samaras

Mountain maple leaves

Red maple leaves and pendant samarasEcological Notes Red maple is a common tree of Mesic Hardwood Forests, Fire-dependent Forests & Woodlands, and Wet Forests. It occurs as seedlings in any forest ecosystem (including peatlands), consistent with the observation that it is expanding its range under modern land-use conditions. It is most extensive in the northern florisitc regions* of terrestrial forests, and common in the central regions. Red maple can occur on almost any landform and on soils of any texture. Soil drainage on sites with red maple range from excessively drained to poorly drained, with the former more common along its western extent and the latter more common in eastern Minnesota. Mean synecological scores for 1,521 forested sample plots with red maple are: M=2.5, N=2.8, and L=2.6.

For Referenced Material*John C. Almendinger Ecological Land Classification Program Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 413 SE 13th Street Grand Rapids, MN 55744

TrainingLouise S.Y. Levy Sustainable Forests Ed. Coop. Cloquet Forestry Center 175 University Road Cloquet, MN 55720

Acer spicatum Lam.

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Mountain maple

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ACERACEAE

Acer spicatum is one of seven species of Acer that occur in Minnesota. It is native to eight ecological sections* of the state: Northern Minnesota & Ontario Peatlands, Northern Superior Uplands, Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains, Southern Superior Uplands, Western Superior Uplands and the Paleozoic Plateau. It is rarely found in the Minnesota & NE Iowa Moraines and the Lake Agassiz Aspen Parklands. A. spicatum is a shrub or small tree up to 10 m in height. Leaves have three (sometimes five) lobes that are pubescent underneath and coarsely serrate. Each tooth is tipped with a minute, gland-tipped hair. June flowers are yellowish-green and appear after the leaves, often forming erect and dense clusters (panicles) at the branch tips. Seeds are samaras, strongly veined across the seed with the two halves spreading out at a right angle. New growth is bright green, becoming red, and increasingly gray with twig age. A. spicatum is quite easily confused with A. rubrum and possibly with Viburnum trilobum because of similarities of the leaf. V. trilobum can be distinguished by its much shorter leaf stalk and mildly serrate leaf margins. A. rubrum flowers much earlier than spring leaf-out as opposed to A. spicatum, and its samaras are not distinctly veinedPrimary (black) and secondary (grey) ranges of A. spicatum in the state. Occurrences are shown in white.

Mountain maple leaves and terminal, upright panicles of flowersPhoto: Robert W. Freckmann, Univ. of Wisconsin

Ecological Notes Mountain maple is a common shrub of Mesic Hardwood Forests, mesic Fire-dependent Forests, and Wet Forests. It is a good indicator of the northern floristic region of these forest ecosystems. It occurs mostly on coarse till that often overlies bedrock or dense basal till. Soil drainage on sites with mountain maple are typcially well-drained or moderately well drained; the range extending to somewhat poorly drained soils. Mean synecological scores for 783 forested sample plots with mountain maple are: M=2.6, N=2.9, L=2.4.



Achillea millefolium L.

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Yarrow

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COMPOSITAE

Achillea millefolium is one of three species of Achillea that occur in Minnesota. It is native to all 10 ecological sections* of the state: Lake Agassiz Aspen Parklands, Northern Minnesota & Ontario Peatlands, Northern Superior Uplands, Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains, Southern Superior Uplands, Western Superior Uplands, Minnesota & NE Iowa Moraines, North Central Glaciated Plains, Paleozoic Plateau and the Red River Valley. A. millefolium is an aromatic, rhizomatous perennial up to 1m in height. The stem is sparsely to densely villous or wooly villous with leaf blades that are pinnately dissected. Basal leaves are petiolate while all but the lower-most are cauline / sessile. The flower head is more or less flat-topped, corymbiform with white disk flowers 2 - 4 mm wide, numbering 10 to 30. In forests, it commonly appear as just basal leaves. Yarrow is easily identified by its uniquely dissected leaf blades in upland habitats.Primary (black) and secondary (grey) ranges of A. millifolium in the state. Occurrences are shown in white.

Basal Leaf

Photo: Michael Clayton, University of Wisconsin

Flat-topped inflorescence

Photo: Kenneth J. Sytsma, University of Wisconsin

Ecological Notes Yarrow is a common weed of open, disturbed habitats across Minnesota. It occurs within native vegetation in both Upland and Wetland Prairies as well as open, Fire-dependent Woodlands. When in woodlands, it occurs on outwash plains and sandy lacustrine deposits that in their past were prairies. The soils are droughty, lacking any subsoil horizons that can perch snowmelt or rainfall. Soil drainage on woodland sites with yarrow are somewhat excessively drained to well-drained. Mean synecological scores for 368 sample plots with yarrow are: M=1.9, N=2.4, L=4.1.



Actaea rubra (Ait.) Willd.

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Red baneberry

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RANUNCULACEAE

Actaea rubra is one of two species of Actaea which occur in Minnesota. It is native to all 10 ecological sections* of the state: Lake Agassiz Aspen Parklands, Northern Minnesota & Ontario Peatlands, Northern Superior Uplands, Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains, Southern Superior Uplands, Western Superior Uplands, Minnesota & NE Iowa Moraines, North Central Glaciated Plains, Paleozoic Plateau and the Red River Valley. A. rubra is a perennial herb growing 40 - 80 cm tall. Leaves are large, ternately compound, with a toothed margin and a pubescence on the underside of the leaves. Small white flowers form on a dense, long peduncled, terminal raceme. A distinctive red fruit cluster makes this plant easy to identify late in the season. Blooms May through June. A white berried version, A. rubra forma neglecta, is commonly mistaken for its closest relative Actaea pachypoda, which also has white fruits called dolls eyes. The slender green pedicels of red baneberries are distinctly different from the fleshy, bright pink pedicels of dolls eyes. Red baneberry somewhat resembles C. thalictroides (Blue cohosh) and T. dioicum (Early meadow rue) because of their similar size and leaf arrangement but these species lack the serrate leaflet margins of red baneberry.

Primary (black) and secondary (grey) ranges of A. rubra in the state. Occurrences are shown in white.

Inflorescence

Slender pedicels

Thalictrum dioicum with entire leaflets

Fleshy pedicels and dolls eyes of white baneberry

Ecological Notes Red baneberry is common in Mesic Hardwood Forests and mesic Fire-dependent Forests, and occurs less frequently in Wet Forests. It occurs in all floristic regions* of these forested ecosystems. It prefers till as a parent material, but occasionally occurs in locally richer portions of outwash and lacustrine plains as well. Soil drainage on sites where red baneberry occurs is mostly well-drained or moderately well drained, ranging to somewhat poorly drained. Mean synecological scores for 750 forested sample plots with red baneberry are: M=2.6, N=3.4, L=2.1.



Adiantum pedatum L.

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Maidenhair-fern

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POLYPODACEAE

A. pedatum is the only species of Adaintum which occurs in Minnesota. It is native to six ecological sections* of the state: Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains, Southern Superior Uplands, Western Superior Uplands, Minnesota & NE Iowa Moraines, North Central Glaciated Plains, Paleozoic Plateau and the Red River Valley. A. pedatum is a fern up to 70 cm in height arising from a thick rhizome. Early in the year the stipe and rachis are usually glaucous. The rachis divides into two equal recurved branches, each of 5 to 9 pinnae, on the upper side only. These pinnae grow up to 35 cm long. The indusia are oblong and whitish. No other fern or plant is easily confused with maidenhairs. Fertile pinnae

Primary (black) and secondary (grey) ranges of A. pedatum in the state. Occurrences are shown in white.

Maidenhair frond from above showing unique branchingEcological Notes Maidenhair fern is a good indicator plant of environmental conditions. It occurs almost exlusively in Mesic Hardwood Forests, with a few rare occurrences in Wet Forests. It is an indicator of the Southern or Central floristic regions*, being a rarity in Northern hardwoods. It has a rather strong correlation with rich, sitly soils (Udolls and Udalfs) that occur in a variety of landscapes: loess-capped bedrock, loess-capped moraine, lake-washed till, and alluvial terraces. The soils where maidenhairs occur are almost all described as well-drained, ranging infrequently to moderately well drained soils. Mean synecological scores for 197 forested sample plots with maidenhairs are: M=2.5, N=4.4, L=1.5.



Agastache foeniculum (pursh) Kuntze

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Blue Giant-Hyssop

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Agastache foeniculum one of three species of Agastache that occur in Minnesota. It is native to six ecological sections* of the state: Lake Agassiz Aspen Parklands, Northern Superior Uplands, Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains, Southern Superior Uplands, Paleozoic Plateau and occasionally in the Red River Valley. A. foeniculum is an erect plant up to 1m in height. Leaves are ovate to deltoid-ovate with the largest up to 9 cm, reducing in size toward the apex.. Leaf margins are strongly serrate, glabrous above and whitened with a fine close pubescence beneath, petioles are rarely longer that 1.5 cm. Blue flower spikes are solitary and terminal, with additional ones terminating on short axillary branches. These are cylindric up to 15 cm in length and 2 - 3 cm in diameter, commonly interrupted with broadly ovate bracteal leaves. A. foeniculum is easily distinguished from A. nepetoides by checking for the white pubescence found on the lower leaf surface of A. foeniculum. A. scrophulariaefolia has only a single occurrence in the state, virtually eliminating a chance for confusion. Blue giant-hyssop superficially resembles several other mints, but few others have such whitened undersides of the leaves and the distinct smell of anise or fennel.

Primary (black) and secondary (grey) ranges of A. foeniculum in the state. Occurrences are shown in white.

Leaves showing glabrous tops and whitened undersides

InflorescenceEcological Notes Blue giant-hyssop is common in dry Fire-dependent Woodlands and occurs also in Upland Prairie. It is one of but a few plants in Minnesota with a distribution limited to the transition zone between woodlands and prairies Central and Northwestern floristic regions*. It occurs almost exclusively on sandy outwash plains or sandy lacustrine sediments. The soils are excessively to somewhat excessively drained, ranging to well-drained. These soils have no subsoil horizons capable of perching snowmelt or rainfall. Mean synecological scores for 61 wooded sample plots with blue giant-hyssop are: M=1.8, N=2.4, L=3.8.



Alnus incana (L.) Moench

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Speckled alder

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BETULACEAE

Alnus incana is one of two species of Alnus that occur in Minnesota. It is native to eight ecological sections* of the state: Lake Agassiz Aspen Parklands, Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains, Minnesota & NE Iowa Moraines, Northern Minnesota & Ontario Peatlands, Northern Superior Uplands, Western Superior uplands, Southern Superior Uplands, and rarely in the Paleozoic Plateau. A. incana is a tall shrub or sometimes a small tree of 5 - 8 m tall. Mature plants have both female and male flowers borne in catkins typical of the Birch family that appear before the leaves. Unlike the birches, the female catkin scales are woody and persist as small cones that are evident thro ughout the year. Its leaves are oval to elliptica l, broadest in the middle with a sharply, double serrate margin and are more or less pubescent beneath. The dark brownish, grey trunk is marked with very evident white linear lenticles. Typically individuals will have several aerial stems emanating from a central, elevated stool. This plant is most similar to other members of the Birch family. Alders are the only member of this group with persistent woody cones. Speckled alder is most easily confused with green alder (A. viridis) which differs from speckled alder in that it has long pedicels on the female cones (1 - 3 cm), leaf undersides that are slightly sticky (glutinous), and a preference for rather dry upland habitats.

Primary (black) and secondary (grey) ranges of A. incana in the state. Occurrences are shown in

Male catkins

Female cones on short pedicels

Doubly serrate leaves

Green alder leaves with sticky underside and female cones on long peduncles

Ecological Notes Speckled alder is a common and often dominant plant of Rich Peatland Forests, Rich Open Peatlands, and Wetland Forests. A. incana is strongly affiliated with the northern, northwestern and central floristic regions* of the state, rarely is it found in the southern region. It occurs on almost any landform and soil, as long as drainage is very poor to somewhat poor. Rarely it occurs in terrestrial forests, and its presence there usually indicates a high water table or a subsoil horizon that perches rainfall. Often, this shrub forms elevated root masses (stools), which indicate standing water in the spring. Mean synecological scores for 351 forested sample plots with speckled alder are: M=3.4, N=2.3, L=3.2.



Alnus viridis (Vill.) Lam. & DC.

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Green alder

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BETULACEAE

A. viridis is one of two species of Alnus which occur in Minnesota. It is native to five ecological sections* of the state: Northern Minnesota & Ontario Peatlands, Northern Superior Uplands, Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains, Southern Superior Uplands and the Western Superior Uplands It is rare in the Minnesota & NE Iowa Moraines. A. viridis is a tall shrub or sometimes a small tree of 5-8 m tall. Mature plants have both female and male flowers borne in catkins typical of the Birch family that appear before the leaves. Unlike the birches, the female catkin scales are woody and persist as small cones that are evident throughout the year. Its leaves are oval to elliptical, broadest in the middle with a fine, sharp serrate margin. Young branches and leaves are more or less glutinous. The dark brownish, grey trunk is marked with very evident white linear lenticles. A. viridis can be distinguished from A. incana by its sticky young buds and leaves and also by its long-stalked pistillate cones.

Primary (black) and secondary (grey) ranges of A. viridis in the state. Occurrences are shown in white.

Young branch with immature pistillate catkins Glutinous back of leaf and maturing cones on long pedicelsEcological Notes Green alder is an occasional plant of dry-mesic and mesic Fire-dependent Forests. It is charactersitic of the Northern floristic region* of this forest ecosystem, occurring very rarely in the Central floristic region. It prefers coarse-textured till, but occurs occasionally on sandy or gravelly outwash. Soil drainage on sites where green alder occurs ranges from excessively drained to moderately well drained. The soils have no subsoil horizons capable of perching snowmelt or rainfall. Green alder has an affinity for sites with white pine or sites that were formerly white pine. Mean synecological scores for 88 forested sample plots with green alder are: M=2.3, N=2.1, L=3.2.



Amphicarpaea bracteata (l.) Fern

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Hog-Peanut

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LEGUMINOSAE

A. bracteata is the only species of Amphicarpaea found in Minnesota. It is native to all 10 ecological sections* of the state: Lake Agassiz, Aspen Parklands, Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains, Southern Superior Uplands, Western Superior Uplands, Minnesota & NE Iowa Moraines, North Central Glaciated Plains, Paleozoic Plateau and the Red River Valley. It is less lextensive in the Northern Superior Uplands and the Northern Minnesota & Ontario Peatlands. A. bracteata is a twinning perennial herb with stems up to 1 m in length. Leaflets of three are ovate to rhombic-ovate, acuminate with rounded bases. Whitish or pale-purple flowers are in a raceme or panicle that is peduncled from many of the leaf axils. As a legume, this plant produces a flat, oblong pod with few seeds. Most plants producing filiform stems that have subterranean fruits (the peanuts) that do not resemble a legume in that just a single seed is usually produced. A. bracteata is most likely confused with other twining, herbaceous legumes within its Tribe: Apios americana and two species of Strophostyles. Apios differs by having 5-7 leaflets whereas hog peanut is trifoliate. Both Strophostyles are trifoliate, but S. helveola has undulate leaflet margins and S. leiosperma has much narrower leaflets than hog peanut.Primary (black) and secondary (grey) ranges of A. bracteata in the state. Occurrences are shown in white.

Hog peanut twining on a young shrub, note white flower and the mature pod above.

Ecological Notes Hog peanut occurs mostly in Mesic Hardwood Forests, but may also be found in Fire-dependent Woodlands and some Wet Forests. It is extremely abundant in the Central floristic region*, but occurs in the Northern and Southern floristic regions as well. It occurs on a wide variety of landforms and soil types. Hog peanut has a strong affinity for forests with oak trees. Mean synecological scores for 638 forested sample plots with hog peanut are: M=2.4, N=3.6, L=2.1.



Andropogon gerardii Vitman

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Big bluestem

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POACEAE

Andropogon gerardii is the o nly species of Andropogon that occurs in M inneso ta. It is native to eight ecological sections* of the state: Lake Agassiz Aspen Parklands, Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains, Southern Superior Uplands, Western Superior Uplands, Minneso ta & NE Iowa M oraines, North Centra l Glaciated Plains, Paleozoic Plateau, and the Red River Valley. A. gerardii is a tall perennial grass that usually occurs in distinct tufts (caespitose). The flowering stems (culms) are 1-3 m tall, and are initially green but cure to shades of purple and gold later in the year; this gives the plant its most common name. The leaf blades are 5-10 mm wide, and the lower ones typically have long hairs (villous). The flowering stems are topped with a digitate cluster of 3 or more racemes giving the plant its other common name, turkey foot. The axis of the raceme is jointed and the entire inflorescence disintegrates when the seeds are shed, leaving no obvious flower stalks. This plant is most easily confused with little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), which differs from big bluestem in that it is much shorter (up to 1 m) and it has racemes singly located along the stem rather than in a terminal cluster.Turkey-foot inflorescence Little bluestem with racemes distributed along the stem

Primary (black) and secondary (grey) ranges of A. gerardii in the state. Occurrences are shown in white.

Shattered inflorescence with but a few florets remaining Ecological Notes Big bluestem is a dominant cover plant of prairies and it is an occasional component of Fire-dependent Forests. It is present only in forests of the northwestern, central, and southern floristic regions* of Minnesota, which share in common the fact that the forests have developed in areas that were formerly prairies or brushlands. As a forest plant, it occurs on sandy outwash plains and sandy lacustrine deposits that are excessively to somewhat excessively drained. Mean synecological scores for 50 forested sample plots with big bluestem are: M=1.8, N=2.6, L=3.9.* For m aps of ec ological S ections o f Minn esota, floristic reg ions of M inneso ta, descriptio ns of eco logical Sys tems , and cop ies of this do cum ent con tact: John C. Almendinger, Ecological Land Classification Program, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. P hotos by J .R . Manha rt, Te xa s A&M

Apocynum androsaemifolium L.

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Spreading dogbane

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Apocynum androsaemifolium is one of thre e comm on species of Apocynum that occur in Minnesota. It is native to nine ecological sections* of the state: Lake Agassiz Aspen Parklands, Northern Minnesota & Ontario Peatlands, Northern Superior Uplands, Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains, Southern Superior Uplands, Western Superior Uplands, Minnesota & NE Iowa Moraines, North Central Glaciated Plains, and the Paleozoic Plateau. A. androsaemifolium is a perennial herb with spreading branches and a tough, fibrous, and mostly erect stem 10-5 0 cm tall. It has opposite leaves that are p etiolate and more or less droop ing, oblong-lanceolate to ovate, comm only 3-8 cm in length. Sm all pink or white, bell-sha ped flowers dro op fro m stalks in the leaf axils. When the stems or leaves of this plant are broken, a milky, white juice oozes out. This plant is mo st easily con fused with two other mem bers in the genus, A. cannabinum and A. sibiricum, which differ from spreading dogbane by having a strong central stem (not spreading), erect flowers, and their habitat preference for open areas rather than forests. The milky juice makes it easy to distinguish this species from similar looking species such as honeysuckles.

Primary (black) and secondary (grey) ranges of A. androsaemifolium in the state. Occurrences are shown in white.

Milky sap

Pink, bell-shaped flowers Ecological Notes Spreading dogbane is a common plant of Fire-dependent Forests and occurs less often in Mesic Hardwood Forests. It is most often encountered in the northwest and central floristic regions of the state* and is occasional in the northern region and rare in the southern region. It can occur on any landform and on mineral soils of any texture. Soil drainage classes where this plant occurs range from excessive to somewhat poor. The main habitat requirement of this plant is disturbance and cycles of canopy removal. Historically, forest fires created these conditions where spreading dogbane would form large colonies after a fire and persist in much lower abundance following canopy closure. Mean synecological scores for 486 forested sample plots with spreading dogbane are: M=2.2, N=2.7, L=3.0.* For maps of ecological Sections of Minnesota, floristic regions of Minnesota, descriptions of ecological Systems, and copies of this document contact: John C. Almendinger, Ecological Land Classification Program, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Aralia racemosa L.

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Spikenard

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ARALIACEAE

A. racemosa is one of three species of Aralia that occur in Minnesota. It is native to all 10 ecological sections* of the state: Northern Superior Uplands, Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains, Southern Superior Uplands, Western Superior Uplands, Minnesota & NE Iowa Moraines and the Paleozoic Plateau. It is found rarely in the North Central Glaciated Plains, Red River Valley, Lake Agassiz Aspen Parklands, and Northern Minnesota & Ontario Peatlands. A. racemosa is a stout perennial herb up to 2 m. in height. Pinnately compound leaves are few, widely spreading, up to 80 cm in length. Leaflets are ovate up to 15 cm in length with a sharply often doubly serrate margin. Inflorescence is a large panicle with numerous umbels. Fruit is dark purple. A. racemosa would be most easily confused with wild sarsaparilla, A. nudicaulis, or ginseng, Panax quinquefolium. Wild sarsaparilla differs by having leaves and flower stalks that arise directly from the rhizome (scapose) compared to spikenard, which has leafy stems and inflorescences arising from the aerial stem. Ginseng differs by having a palmately compound leaf rather than the pinnately compound leaf of spikenard. Spikenard is usually several times taller than either wild sarsaparilla or ginseng when found growing together.

Primary (black) and secondary (grey) ranges of A. racemosa in the state. Occurrences are shown in white.

Young fruits and white flowers

Ecological Notes Spikenard is a common plant and indicator of Mesic Hardwood Forests, occurring infrequently in Wet Forests and rarely in Fire-dependent Forests & Woodlands. It occurs in all floristic regions* of Mesic Hardwood Forests. Its preferred habitat is fine-textured, rich soils developed on till or loess-capped bedrock. Soil drainage on sites with spikenard is generally well-drained, ranging to somewhat poorly drained. Mean synecological scores for 419 forested sample plots with spikenard are: M=2.5, N=3.7, L=1.9.



Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng

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Bearberry

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ERICACEAE

A. uva-ursi is the only species of Arctostaphylos that occurs in Minnesota. It is native to nine ecological sections* of the state: Lake Agassiz Aspen Parklands, Northern Minnesota & Ontario Peatlands, Northern Superior Uplands, Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains, Southern Superior Uplands, and rarely in the Western Superior Uplands, Red River Valley, Minnesota & NE Iowa Moraines, and the Paleozoic Plateau. A. uva-ursi is a prostrate shrub forming dense mats up to 1 m. wide. Leaves are evergreen, oblanceolate to oblong-ovate 1 - 3 cm, coming to a tapering base. The flower is pink-tinged and urn shaped 4 - 6 cm. The berry is a bright red berry up to 1cm in diameter. A. uva-ursi is not easily confused with the upland members of its family.Primary (black) and secondary (grey) ranges of A. uva-ursi in the state. Occurrences are shown in white.

Flower

Ecological Notes Bearberry is a common indicator of dry, Fire-dependent Woodlands. It occurs in both the Northern and Central floristic regions* of these woodland ecosystems. It occurs on outwash plains, sandy lacustrine plains, and rocky areas with little soil. The soils are excessively drained or somewhat excessively drained and have little horizon development (entisols), lacking any horizons capable of perching snowmelt or rainfall. Mean synecological scores for 92 wooded sample plots with bearberry are: M=1.8, N=1.9, l=4.0.

Fruits



Arisaema triphyllum ( L.) Schott

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Jack-in-the-pulpit

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ARACEAE

Arisaema triphyllum is one of two species of Arisaema that occur in Minnesota. It is native to nine ecological sections* of the state: Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains, Lake Agassiz Aspen Parklands, Minnesota & Iowa Moraines, Northern Minnesota & Ontario Peatlands, Northern Superior Uplands, Southern Superior Uplands, Western Superior Uplands, Paleozoic Plateau, North Central Glaciated Plains, everywhere but the Red River Valley. A. triphyllum is a perennial herb 30-60 cm tall. Mature, fertile plants have one or two apparently basal leaves with three terminal leaflets on long petioles. The central leaflet is rhombic ovate and the laterals are asymmetric and directly opposite. The leaf veins run parallel from the midrib to a collective margin vein. The unusual flower consists of a leafy spathe (the pulpit) which surrounds a central column (spadix) of either male flowers (Jack) or female flowers (Jill). The spathe is colored green and striped green and brown. Jill-in-the-pulpits produce bright red berries up to 1cm in diameter in the fall. Fertile specimens of this plant are not easily confused with anything else due to its distinctive flower, which persists throughout the season. Its closest relative, A. draconitum, is restricted to floodplain forests of southeastern Minnesota and they have 7-13 leaflets and a long-acuminate spathe. Seedlings and sterile plants closely resemble immature trilliums, which lack the marginal vein and have symmetic leaflets arranged at 120 degrees from each other.Assymetric lateral leaf with marginal vein

Primary (black) and secondary (grey) ranges of A. triphyllum in the state. Occurrences shown in white.

Sterile nodding trillium with symmetric leaflets and no marginal vein Ecological Notes Jack-in-the-pulpit is a common plant of rich Mesic Hardwood Forests and it is occasional in Wet Forests and Floodplain Forests. This plant is found in all floristic regions* of the state. It occurs mostly on fine-textured soils, especially those with silty surfaces. Such soils occurr commonly on loess-covered landforms, alluvial plains, and on till where surface erosion has concentrated fine particles. Individuals are sexually plastic. Populations are predominantly sterile or males in poor habitats, and in richer habitats populations are predominantly female. Mean synecological scores for 495 forested sample plots with jack-in-the-pulpits are: M=2.7, N=3.8, L=1.8.



Asarum canadense L.

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Wild ginger

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ARISTOLOCHIACEAE

Asarum canadense is the only species of Asarum that occurs in Minnesota. It is native to all 10 ecological sections* of the state: Lake Agassiz Aspen Parklands, Northern Minnesota & Ontario Peatlands, Northern Superior Uplands, Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains, Southern Superior Uplands, Western Superior Uplands, Minnesota & NE Iowa Moraines, North Central Glaciated Plains and the Paleozoic Plateau. It is found rarely in the Red River Valley. A. canadense is a creeping, colony-forming perennial herb. Rhizomes are shollow and aromatic. Leaves are broad, cordate-rotund to cordate-reniform with pubescence, especially on the long petiole but becoming glabrate above. A short peduncled red-brown flower forms between the two leaves. Fruit is a many-seeded capsule. Blooms April to June.Primary (black) and secondary (grey) ranges of A. canadense in the state. Occurrences are shown in white.

Individual with flower in foreground Photo: Dennis W. Woodland, University of Wisconsin

Wild ginger colony

Ecological Notes Wild ginger is a common plant of Mesic Hardwood Forests, and is found occasionally in Wet Forests. It occurs in all floristic regions* of these forest ecosystems. It occurs on many landforms with a variety of parent material textures, but within sites wild ginger is usually in local habitats where the soils are fine-textured and moist. Soil drainage for sites with wild ginger are usually well-drained or moderately well drained, ranging to somewhat poorly drained. Mean synecological scores for 549 forested sample plots with wild ginger are: M=2.6, N=3.7, L=1.9.



Aster laevis L.

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Smooth aster

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ASTERACEAE

Aster laevis is one of 30 species of A ster w hich occur in M innesota. It is native to seven eco logical sections* of the state: Lake Agassiz Aspen Parklands, Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains, Western Superior Uplands, Minnesota & NE Iowa Mo raines, North Centra l Glaciated Plains, Paleozoic Plateau, and the Red River Valley. It is seldom found in the Northern Minnesota & Ontario Peatlands. A. laevis is an upright perennial from 30 cm to 1 m tall. The greyish-gree n leaves are thick and firm, variable in size but the larger ones are over 1 cm wide. The lower leaves are stalked and the upper one s clasping. This plant has blue flowers in the late summer to early fall. This plant commonly occurs only as basal leaves. These leaves feel succulent and tacky to the touch (rubbery), and when ru bbed against a pantleg, will shine up as a result (like an apple would). This plant is mo st easily con fused with the many other species of Aster in the Section. The co mbination of dry, sandy ha bitat and unique feel of the basa l leaves is fairly reliable for field identification of smooth aster. To learn more about asters in Minnesota, consult: Rosendahl, C.O . and A. Cronq uist. 19 49. The asters of Minnesota: a floristic study. American Midland Naturalist 44:502-512.

Primary (black) and secondary (grey) ranges of A. laevis in the state. Occurrences are shown in black.

Blue flowers Basal leaves (left center) and a plant that will flower (upper right)

Ecological Notes Smooth aster is predominantly a plant of upland prairies, but it occurs in rather open Fire-dependent Forests. It has high fidelity for sites that historically burned often and rather severely. It is most widespread in the southern and northwestern floristic regions* of the state and occurs frequently in the central floristic region. It prefers sandy soils developed on outwash or sandy lacustrine deposits. Soil drainage for sites with this plant are excessively or somewhat excessively drained. Such soils lack subsoil horizons that can perch water or snowmelt, making them droughty and prone to fires. Mean synecological scores for 52 forested sample plots with smooth aster are: M=1.7, N=2.0, L=3.9.* For m aps of ec ological S ections o f Minn esota, floristic reg ions of M inneso ta, descriptio ns of eco logical Sys tems , and cop ies of this do cum ent con tact: John C. Almendinger, Ecological Land Classification Program, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Aster lateriflorus (L.) Britt.

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Side-flowering aster

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ASTERACEAE

Aster lateriflorus is one of 30 species of Aster that occurs in Minnesota. It is native to nine ecological sections* of the state: Lake Agassiz, Aspen Parklands, Northern Minnesota & Ontario Peatlands, Northern Superior Uplands, Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains, Southern Superior Uplands, Western Superior Uplands, Minnesota & NE Iowa Moraines, Paleozoic Plateau and the Red River Valley. A. lateriflorus is a perennial forb arising from a short, stout rhizome or caudex. It can have multiple stems up to 1.3 m in height that are curly-villous to glabrous. The leaves are slightly hairy or glabrous. Lower leaves are ovate to sub-rotund and petiolate. Upper leaves are sessile and broadly linear or lanceolate, 5 cm - 15 cm in length, leaves of the branches are much smaller. Flower heads can be many, with white rays and purplish disks. It flowers August through October.Primary (black) and secondary Asters are a difficult taxonomic group and A. lateriflorus could be confused with several of (grey) ranges of A. lateriflorus in our species with white ray flowers. The combination of terrestrial habitat, purplish disk flowers, the state. Occurrences are leaves that are not cordate not clasping and not petiolate, plants often branched and shown in white. spreading, and the characteristic flowers borne on bracted shoots from the axils of large stem leaves is sufficient to identify a plant in Minnesota as A. lateriflorus or A. ontarionis. The pubescent underside of the leaves (not just the mid-rib) , creeping rhizomes, and strong affinity for riparian habitats are properties of A. ontarionis that are not shared with side-flowering aster.

Flowers on bracted shoots from leaf axils White rays and purplish disks Branching habit of side-flowering asterPhoto: Hugh H. Iltis, University of Wisconsin

Ecological Notes Side-flowering aster is predominantly a plant of wet-mesic Hardwood Forests, but can occur in any forest on mineral soils including Fire-dependent Forests, Wet Forests, and Floodplain Forests. It occurs on almost any landform and soils of any texture. It is a rather good indicator of somewhat poorly drained soils within stands that range from well-drained to very poorly drained. Mean synecological scores for 371 forested sample plots with side-flowering aster are: M=2.8, N=3.2, L=2.5.



Aster puniceus L.

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Red-stemmed aster

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ASTERACEAE

Aster puniceus is one of 30 species of Aster which o ccur in M inneso ta. It is native to all 10 ecological sections* of the state: Lake Agassiz Aspen Parklands, Northe rn M innesota & Ontario Peatlands, Northern Superior Uplands, Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains, Southern Superior Uplands, Western Superior Uplands, Minnesota & NE Iowa Moraines, North Centra l Glaciated Plains, and the Paleozo ic Pla teau. Rarely is it found in the Red River Valley. A. puniceus is a large, branched perennial plant 40-70 cm tall. When grown in the open, it has a red to purple-colored stem from which its common name is derived. When grown in shade, the stem is green until fall. In either case, it is beset with a cha racteristic covering o f coarse ha irs. The leaves are smooth or hairy, toothed or toothless, and clasp the stem. The flowers are pale blue to purple, appearing late in the growing season. This plant is mo st easily con fused with the many other species of Aster in the state. The combination of wet, mucky habitat, distinctive coarse hairs on the stem, and clasping leaves is fairly reliable for field identification of red-stemmed aster. To learn more about asters in Minnesota, consult: Rosendahl, C.O. and A. Cronquist. 1949. The Asters of Minnesota: a floristic study. American Midland Naturalist 44:502-512.Primary (black) and secondary (grey) ranges of A. puniceus in the state. Occurrences are shown in white.

Coarse hairs on stem

Blue ray flowers Ecological Notes Red-stemmed aster is a common plant of Rich Forested Peatlands, Wetland Forests, Open Rich Peatlands, and Wet Meadows. It can occur in local wet habitats within Mesic Hardwood Forests. It is most often encountered in the northwestern and central floristic regions*. It is occasional in the northern and southern floristic regions. It occurs on any landform and on soils of any texture as long as the local habitat is semiterrestrial. Such sites are saturated in the spring but eventually dry during the growing season; preventing the formation of deep peats. Soil drainage is typically very poor, but this plant can occur on somewhat poorly drained sites. Mean synecological scores for 232 forested sample plots with red-stemmed aster are: M=3.4, N=2.5, L=3.2.* For maps of ecological Sections of Minnesota, floristic regions of Minnesota, descriptions of ecological Systems, and copies of this document contact: John C. Almendinger, Ecological Land Classification Program, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Athyrium filix-femina (L.) Roth

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Lady-fern

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POLYPODIACEAE

Athyrium filix-femina is one of 3 species of Athyrium which o ccur in M innesota. It is native to all 10 ecological sections* of the state: common in the Northern Minnesota & Ontario Peatlands, Northern Superior Uplands, Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains, Southern Superior Uplands, Western Superior Uplands, and the Minnesota & NE Iowa Mo raines. Lady-F ern is uncom mo n on the Lake Agassiz Aspen Parklands, North Central Glaciated Plains, Paleozoic Plateau, and the Red River Valley. Athyrium filix-femina is a single-bladed (bipinnate, not divided like bracken) fern that grows in circular clusters. The shape of the blade is variable but usually widest at, or just below the middle. The leaflets (pinnae) are lance-shaped with pointed tips (lanceolate/acum inate). The bottom two pinnae are definitely shorter than the middle ones. When present, the individual spore-clusters (sori) are elongate and covered with a ciliate flap (indusium ) that is attached along a vein. The base of the stem has dark-brown to black ish bracts. This fern is most-likely to be confused with spinulose shield-fern, Dryopteris carthusiana, because they commonly occur together. Shield-ferns differ in having lower pinnae that are nearly as wide as the middle ones, rounder sori, and golden bracts on the base of the stem. Lady-ferns cooccur with other m em bers of the genus, A. pycnocarpon and A. thelypteroides, only in extreme southeastern Minnesota. A. pycnocarpon looks nothing like lady-ferns in that it is once-pinnate with entire pinnae. A. thelypteroides, too, is less divided (pinnate pinnatifid) than lady-ferns, and it also differs in having scales along the rachis and midnerves of the pinnae.Primary (black) and secondary (grey) ranges of A. angustum in the state. Occurrences are shown in white.

Dark-brown or blackish bracts. Elongate sori on lower surface. Ecological Notes Lady ferns have high fidelity for Mesic Hardwood Forests and Wetland Forests. They occur only rarely in Rich Forested Peatlands and Firedependent Forests. They are most often encountered in the central and southern floristic regions* of the state. They are occasional in the northern region, and are infrequent in the northwestern region. They prefer fine-textured soils developed on till, but can occur on sandier soils if they are moist. Soil drainage of sites with this plant are well drained to somewhat poorly drained. Large colonies tend for form locally where surface erosion has concentrated fine soil particles and nutrients: toes of slopes and local depressions. Mean synecological scores for 1,025 forested sample plots with lady ferns are: M=2.6, N=3.4, L=2.1.* For m aps of ec ological S ections o f Minn esota, floristic reg ions of M inneso ta, descriptio ns of eco logical Sys tems , and cop ies of this do cum ent con tact: John C. Almendinger, Ecological Land Classification Program, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Betula Alleghaniensis Britt.

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Yellow birch

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BETULACEAE

Betula Alleghaniensis is one of five species of Betula that occur in Minnesota. It is native to eight ecological sections* of the state: Lake Agassiz, Aspen Parklands, Northern Minnesota & Ontario Peatlands, Northern Superior Uplands, Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains, Southern Superior Uplands, Western Superior Uplands, Minnesota & NE Iowa Moraines, and the Paleozoic Plateau. B. Alleghaniensis is a medium sized tree up to 30 m in height. Leaves are ovate-lanceolate to ovate-oblong 6 to 10 cm. in length, having a coarsely and sharply toothed margins. The bark is a yellowish grey with a satiny luster, exfoliating in thin plates. When twigs are crushed they have the taste and aroma of wintergreen. Catkins are sessile, or nearly so, ovoid or shortly cylindric, 2 to 3 cm in length.

Primary (black) and secondary (grey) ranges of B. Alleghaniensis in the state. Occurrences are shown in white.

Gray peeling bark with golden tones

Leaves and twig

Pistillate catkin

Ecological Notes Yellow birch is a common tree of rich Mesic Hardwood Forests and Wet Forests. It is an indicator of the Northern floristic region* of these forest ecosystems. At its western extent in Minnesota, it has a strong affinity for well to moderately well-drained silty soils within till plains and some lacustrine plains. At its eastern extent, it occurs mostly on somewhat poorly drained mineral soils to very poorly drained organic soils on any landform that can perch water. Mean synecological scores for 380 forested sample plots with yellow birch are: M=2.9, N=3.2, L=2.1.



Betula glandulifera (Regel) Butler

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Bog birch

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BETULACEAE

Betula glandulifera is one of five species of Betula that occur in Minnesota. It is native to all 10 ecological sections* of the state: Lake Agassiz Aspen P arklands, Northern Minnesota & Ontario Peatlands, Northern Superior Uplands, Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains, Southern S uperior Uplands, W estern Superior Uplands, and the Minnesota & NE Iowa Moraines. It occurs seldom in the North Centra l Glaciated Plains, Paleozoic Plateau, and R ed R iver Valley. B. glandulifera is a erect, branching shrub 1-4 m tall, with brown bark. Leaves a re small, 2-3 cm long, obovate, and with a dentate margin. The leaves a re slightly hairy when young, and become hairless (glabrescent) later in the season. The cylindrical catkins are 1 -2 cm long and have peduncles 5-10 m m long. The dwarf stature of this plant and its sm all lea ves distinguish it from all other birches in Minnesota. Bog birch commonly occurs with speckled alder, and small individuals of these species can be con fused in winter. The pistillate catkins of bog birch sh atter late in the season, losing their scales; whereas the correspond ing catkins of rough alder are woody and persistent a s sm all cones.

Primary (black) and secondary (grey) ranges of B. glandulifera in the state. Occurrences are shown in white.

Bog birch in flower

Dentate leaves and mature female catkins Ecological Notes Despite its name, bog birch occurs infrequently in true bogs of Acid Peatlands. It is common in Rich Peatlands as an associate with tamarack or it provides the dominant cover in Open Rich Peatlands (photo above). Bog birchs affinity is strongest in the northwestern floristic region* and decreases as one moves into the northern, central, and southern floristic regions. In the Lake Agassiz Aspen Parklands, it may occur in Fire-dependent Wet-mesic Aspen Forests. The soils are typically peatly or mucky. Less often, bog birch occurs on wet mineral soils. Soil drainage is very poor to poor on sites with bog birch. Mean synecological scores for 178 forested sample plots with bog birch are: M=4.0. N=1.7, L=4.1.* For m aps of ec ological S ections o f Minn esota, floristic reg ions of M inneso ta, descriptio ns of eco logical Sys tems , and cop ies of this do cum ent con tact: John C. Almendinger, Ecological Land Classification Program, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Field p hotos : Univ ersity o f Wis cons in

Botrychium virginianum (L.) Sw. h

Rattlesnake-fern h OPHIOGLOSSACEAE

Botrychium virginianum is one of 17 species of Botrychium which occur in Minnesota. It is nine ecological sections* of the state: Lake Agassiz Aspen Parklands, Northern Minnesota & Ontario Peatlands, Northern Superior Uplands, Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains, Southern Superior Uplands, Western Superior Uplands, Minnesota & NE Iowa Moraines, North Central Glaciated Plains, and Paleozoic Plateau. B. virginianum is an erect, perennial fern 20-75 cm. tall. The leaves are divided into two parts, a photosynthetic part (trophophore) and a spore-bearing part (sporophore). The trophophore is a three-parted triangular blade, 2-3 times divided. The sporoph ore appears as an elongation of the trophophore stem and bea rs at its end a spore cluster consisting of numerous, yellow, rounded, grape-like spo rangia which e merge in late M ay. Although a m em ber of a large, taxon om ically com plex ge nus, rattlesnake-fern is ea sily distinguished from other Botrychiums. The combination of its large size, deltoid blade (trophophore), the thin lacy blade, and sporophore arising high on the stalk is sufficient to identify it in the field. Ste rile individuals superficially resemb le sweet-cicely, but examination of the veination should reveal that it is a fern.

Primary (black) and secondary (grey) ranges of B. virginianum in the state. Occurrences are shown in white.

Spo roph ore

Ecological Notes Rattlesnake fern is a common and widespread plant in Mesic Hardwood Forests. It occurs infrequently in Fire-dependent forests, Wetland Forests, and Rich Forested Peatlands. It occurs in all floristic regions* of the state. Most occurrences are on fine-textured soils developed on till. Sites with rattlesnake fern are usually well-drained, but range to somewhat poorly drained. Rattlesnake ferns are entirely mychorrizal and are dependent upon their fungal symbionts and a rich layer of duff for water and nutrients. Mean synecological scores for 698 forested sample plots with rattlesnake ferns are: M=2.6, N=3.5, L=2.0.* For maps of ecological Sections of Minnesota, floristic regions of Minnesota, descriptions of ecological Systems and copies of this document contact: John C. Almendinger, Ecological Land Classification Program, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Brachyelytrum erectum (schreb.) Beauv h Bearded shorthuskBrachyelytrum erectum is the o nly m em ber o f its gen us in M innesota. It is native to seven ecological sections* of the state: Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains, Northern Superior Uplands, Southern Superior Uplands, Northern Minnesota & NE Iowa Moraines, Paleozo ic Pla teau, and the Western Superior Uplands. It is found only occasionally in the North Central Glaciated Plains. B. erectum is a perennial grass from knotty rhizomes with short internodes, forming loose tufts. It is 50-100 cm tall and has broad (8-16 mm ) pubescent blades 8-18 cm long. Leaf sh eath s are noticea bly p ubescent in th e field . The seeds are in loose, few-flowered panicles and have long straight awns. For the expert, this grass is distinctive and not easily confused with others in Minnesota. For the novice, the most distinctive feature of this plant is its habit of retaining the base of past flowering culms. These old culms snap off at the first node above the ground and persist in a loose tuft of white, bam boo-like, stubs.

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POACEAE

Primary (black) and secondary (grey) ranges of B. erectum in the state. Occurrences are shown in white. Pubescent leaves, collar & sheath

Inflorescence showing long awns

Living (green) culms at base and past culms (white) snapped at first node Ecological Notes Bearded shorthusk is a forest grass with high fidelity for Mesic Hardwood Forests of the northern, central, and southern floristic regions*. It occurs rarely in Wetland Forests. It occurs mostly on well-drained and moderately well drained, fine-textured soils. These soils most often have developed on till, fine alluvium, or loess-covered landforms. Mean synecological scores for 381 forested sample plots with bearded shorthusk are: M=2.5, N=3.5, L=2.0.* For maps of ecological Sections of Minnesota, floristic regions of Minnesota, descriptions of ecological Systems, and copies of this document contact: John C. Almendinger, Ecological Land Classification Program, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Caltha palustris L.

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Marsh marigold

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RANUNCULACEAE

Caltha palustris isone of two species of Caltha that occurs in Minnesota. It is native to all 10 ecological sections* of the state: Lake Agassiz, Aspen Parklands, Northern Minnesota & Ontario Peatlands, Northern Superior Uplands, Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains, Southern Superior Uplands, Western Superior Uplands, Minnesota & NE Iowa Moraines, North Central Glaciated Plains, Paleozoic Plateau and the Red River Valley. C. palustris is a hollow stemmed aquatic plant of 20 to 60 cm. in height. Branching begins near the top of the stem. The lowest leaves are long petioled and get progressively shorter petioled as one reaches the uppermost. Flowers are bright yellow on short or elongate peduncles. Blooms in April and May.

Primary (black) and secondary (grey) ranges of C. palustris in the state. Occurrences are shown in white.

Ecological Notes Marsh marigold is a common plant of Wet Forests and Forested Rich Peatlands as well as Open Peatlands and Wet Meadows. It occurs in all floristic regions of these ecosystems. There is no strong affinity for landforms or soil texture as long as the water table is high or the land can perch water. Soil drainage is poor to very poor on sites with marsh marigold and the surface is generally mucky. Mean synecological scores for 410 forested sample plots with marsh marigold are: M=3.7, N=2.4, L=3.3.



Carex intumescens Rudge

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Bladder sedge

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CYPERACEAE

Carex intumescens is one of 136 species of Carex which occur in Minnesota. It is native to all 10 ecological sections* of the state: Lake Agassiz Aspen Parklands, Northern Minnesota & Ontario Peatlands, Northern Superior Uplands, Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains, Southern Superior Uplands, Western Superior Uplands, Minnesota & NE Iowa Moraines, rarely in the North Central Glaciated Plains, Paleozoic Plateau, and the Red River Valley. C. intumescens is a an erect perennial with hairless flowering stems (culm s). F em ale (pistillate) and male (stam inate) flower spikes are separate. Usu ally there are 1-3 fem ale spikes clustered together beneath a single male spike. The sacks surrounding the seeds (perigynia) are larg e (10 -16 m m long), inflated, and taper to a b eak. This large genus is a taxonomic challenge for most people, but within this section, there are no other sedges that look like C. intumescens. The best app roach for field managers is to simply collect specimens and compare them to herbarium sheets until they become confident. For dedicated individuals, the definitive work for Minnesota is Wheeler, G.A. 1981. Carex of Minnesota. Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Minnesota.

Primary (black) and secondary (grey) ranges of C. intumescens in the state. Occurrences are shown in white.

Clumped growth Inflated perigynia Ecological Notes Bladder sedge is a common plant of Mesic Hardwood Forests and Wetland Forests. It is common in the northern and central floristic regions of the state* and occurs sparingly in the northwestern and southern floristic regions*. It occurs on any landform and on soils of any texture as long as the habitat is moist. Sites where this plant occurs have well-drained to very poorly drained soils; however, bladder sedge is a good indicator that local microsites are somewhat poorly drained. Mean synecological scores for 285 forested sample plots with bladder sedge are: M=2.9, N=3.1, L=2.3.* For m aps of ec ological S ections o f Minn esota, floristic reg ions of M inneso ta, descriptio ns of eco logical Sys tems and co pies of this d ocum ent con tact: John C. Almendinger, Ecological Land Classification Program, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Carex pedunculata Muhl. ex Willd

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Peduncled sedge

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CYPERACEAE

Carex pedunculata is one of 136 species of Carex which o ccur in M inneso ta. It is native to eight ecological sections* of the state: Lake Agassiz Aspen Parklands, Northern M innesota & Ontario Peatlands, Northern Su perior Uplands, Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains, Southern Superior Uplands, Western Superior Uplands, Minnesota & NE Iowa Moraines, and the Paleozoic Plateau. C. pedunculata is a low and tufted plant. The leaves are dark green, stiff, and taper abruptly to a point (acuminate). The leaf bases are clearly purple-tinged. The longpeduncled spikes are characteristically of varying lengths and are often concealed within a cushion of leaves. It flowers early in late April to May, and the flowering-stalks quickly whither making it difficult to find fruits in the summer. This large genus is a taxonom ic challenge for most people. In Minneso ta, field identification with some experience can be fairly accurate based upon its tufted growthform , non-fibrou s purple-tinged bases, apparent lack of flowering culms by June, and its affinity for hardwood forests. The definitive work for sedges in M innesota is: Wheeler, G.A. 1981. Carex of Minnesota. PhD . Dissertation, University of M innesota.

Primary (black) and secondary (grey) ranges of C. pedunculata in the state. Occurrences are shown in white.

Tufted growth-form

Purple-tinged bases

Ecological Notes Peduncled sedge is a common plant of Mesic Hardwood Forests and has high fidelity for that system. It occurs rarely in Wetland Forests and Fire-dependent Forests. It is encountered most often in the northern, central, and southern floristic regions.* It prefers fine-textured soils developed on till. Locally, it has the strong tendency to grow on microsites that are a mixture of rotting wood and mineral soil: tree bases, tipups, well-decomposed logs. Sites where this plant occurs are usually well-drained but can range to somewhat poorly drained. Mean synecological scores for 518 forested sample plots with peduncled sedge are: M=2.6, N=3.5, L=2.0.* For maps of ecological Sections of Minnesota, floristic regions of Minnesota, descriptions of ecological Systems, and copies of this document contact: John C. Almendinger, Ecological Land Classification Program, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Carya cordiformis (Wang.) K. Koch

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Bitternut hickory

h JUGLANDACEAE

Carya cordiformis is one of two hickories that occur in Minnesota. It is native to five ecological sections* of the state: m ost co mm on as a tree in the Paleozoic Plateau, a common seedling in the Western Superior Uplands, Northern Minnesota & Iowa Moraines, an d the North Central Glaciated Plains, but only occasional in the Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains. C. cordiform is is a tree with grey scaly b ark o n the bo le and smooth bark with ligh tgrey, intertwined ridges on tops and smaller branches. They have continuous pith and alternate, pinnate leaves. Typically there are 7-9 leaflets, with the three terminal leaflets larger than the others. Most distinctive is the large, golden-yellow terminal bud and golden axillary buds which gives this tree its alternate common name, yellowbud hickory. The fruit is ovoid and somew hat flattened. This plant is mo st easily con fused with sha gbark hickory, C. ovata. Shagbarks tend to have just 5 leaflets, do not have golden-yellow buds, and mature shagbarks have large bark plates that sep arate an d cu rl away fro m the bole to make it look shaggy.

Primary (black) and secondary (grey) ranges of C. cordiformis in the state. Occurrences are shown in white.

Golden-yellow buds

Mature bark

Mature bark of Shagbark hickory

Mature green fruits and seed

Ecological Notes Bitternut hickory occurs almost entirely in Mesic Hardwood Forests of southern Minnesota and fire-tolerant deciduous forests of the Paleozoic Plateau; this connects it primarily with the southern floristic region and secondarily with the central floristic region*. It occurs mostly on fine-textured soils that are well to excessively well drained. Such sites tend to be very rich, but not very moist. The soils tend to have dark surface horizons that indicate a former vegetation of prairie or brushland. This tree is a curiosity in that its seedlings are widespread and abundant, yet very few survive to become saplings or trees. Anectdotal explanations include decreasing shade-tolerance with age and winter-dessication of their large buds when they try to emerge above a protective blanket of snow. Groves of hickories may owe their origin to pockets of oak wilt where they are released by the death of overstory oaks. Apparently they are widely disseminated by squirrels and blue jays, in spite of the fact that they find the bitter nut-meats unpalatable. Mean synecological scores for 258 forested sample plots with bitternut hickory are: M=2.5, N=4.4, L=1.5.* For maps of ecological Sections of Minnesota, floristic regions of Minnesota, descriptions of ecological Systems, and copies of this document contact: John C. Almendinger, Ecological Land Classification Program, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Photos of leaves and bud: Texas A&M, bark and fruit: Virginia Tech

Caulophyllum thalictroides (L.) Michx. h Blue cohoshCaulophyllum thalictroides is the o nly species of Caulophyllum in Minnesota. It is native to nine ecological sections* of the state: Lake Agassiz Aspe n Parklands, Northern Minnesota & Ontario Peatlands, Northern Superior Uplands, Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains, Southern Superior Uplands, Western Superior Uplands, Minnesota & NE Iowa Moraines, North Central Glaciated Plains, and the Paleozoic Plateau. C. thalictroides is an erect, glabrous perennial herb 30-75 cm tall. Technically, a normal plant has two sessile leaves one at mid-stem and another below the inflorescence, but these leaves are so highly divided that they app ear to be a whorl of biternately compoun d leaves. The leaflets are egg-shaped with 2-5 lobes, resembling those of me adow-rue, Thalictrum, giving its specific name. Early flowers are yellow-green or purplish in a branching terminal cluster (cyme), appearing in April to June. Technically a fruit doesnt develop instead, the seeds expand to rupture the ovary wall and they develop with a blue, fleshy, glaucous coat.

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BERBERIDACEAE

Primary (black) and secondary (grey) ranges of C. thalactroides in the state. This plant is mo st often confused w ith early meadow rue, Thalictrum dioicum, which Occurrences are shown in white. shares the spreading growth-form of blue cohosh. Plants with fruits are easily distinguished as Thalictrum prod uces dry seeds (achenes) rather tha n a fleshy fruit. Sterile individuals are more difficu lt to separate , but blue co hosh has larger leaflets with coa rser te eth and a whitish (glaucus) stem. In the field, a good approach is to spend some time searching a colony for individuals having fruits and comparing them with the sterile plants. Rue-like leaflets

Flowers

Unripened fruit

Ecological Notes Blue cohosh is a plant with high fidelity for Mesic Hardwood Forests. It is most often encountered in the southern and central floristic regions* of the state, and it is occasional in the northern floristic region. It prefers fine-textured soils developed on till or loess. Locally, colonies are best developed where surface erosion has deposited some fine soil particles and where nutrients tend to accumulate. It is a good indicator of nutrient rich soils. Sites where blue cohosh occurs have a rather narrow range of soil drainage. Most are moderately well drained or well drained. Mean synecological scores for 301 forested sample plots with blue cohosh are: M=2.5, N=4.3, L=1.5.* For maps of ecological Sections of Minnesota, floristic regions of Minnesota, descriptions of ecological Systems, and copies of this document contact: John C. Almendinger, Ecological Land Classification Program, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Chamadaphne calyculata (L.) Moench

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Leatherleaf

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ERICACEAE

Cham adaphne calyculata is the o nly species of Chamadaphne that occurs in Minnesota. It is native to six ecolo gica l sections* of the state: N orth ern Minneso ta & Ontario Peatlands, Northern Superior Uplands, Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains, Southern Superior Uplands, Western Superior Uplands, and the Minnesota & NE Iowa Moraines. C. calyculata is a low-g row ing, alternate-b ranche d evergreen shrub 20-50 cm tall usua lly forming dense colonies. Its leaves are ob long or elliptic 1-5 cm long, covered below with scales th at are often gold and give m ature leave s a golden-brown color. A peculiar ch aracteristic of leatherleaf is that the leaves are often erect above the new branchlets (se cund) and gradually dim inish in size towards the tip of the branch. Its sepals are ovate to lanceolate, acute, obtuse or short-acuminate. The flowers are white, urn-shaped flowers typical of the heath family. The fruits are a red dish cap sule often with an elo ngate, s om ewhat persiste nt style.

This plant is most easily confused with other m em bers of the heath fam ily, especially blueberries. The affinity of leatherleaf for peatlands and its tendency to form dense colonies will separate it from most of these other heaths. The tendancy of leatherleaf to have steadily diminishing and some what secund leaves on new grow th is a reliable field character for this plant.

Primary (black) and secondary (grey) ranges of C. calyculata in the state. Occurrences are shown in white.

Leatherleaf capsules and persistent styles

Leatherleaf in flower showing also golden scales and diminishing leaf size on new branchlet Leatherleaf colony Ecological Notes Leatherleaf is a common, cover-forming half-shrub of Acid Peatlands and occurs less often and at lower abundance in Rich Peatlands. It forms dense colonies in open peatlands and is much less abundant beneath a canopy of tamarack or black spruce. It occurs only in peatlands of the northern floristic region* of Minnesota. The soils where this plant occurs are organic peats derived from Spagnum mosses and they are very poorly drained. Mean synecological scores for 191 forested sample plots with leatherleaf are: M=4.4, N=1.3, L=4.5.* For m aps of ec ological S ections o f Minn esota, floristic reg ions of M inneso ta, descriptio ns of eco logical Sys tems , and cop ies of this do cum ent con tact: John C. Almendinger, Ecological Land Classification Program, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Pho tos: Un ivers ity of W iscon sin

Chimaphila umbellata (L.) Bart.

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Pipsissewa

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PYROLACEAE

Chimaphila u mb ellata is the o nly species of Chimaphila that occurs in M inneso ta. It is native to six ecological sections* of the state: Northern Minnesota & Ontario Peatlands, Northern Superior Uplands, Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains, Southern Superior Uplands, Western Superior Uplands, and the Paleozoic Plateau. C. um bellata is a low , pere nnial, evergree n half-shrub arising from a creeping rhizome . The leaves are thick and o blanceo late 3-6 cm in length, sharply dentate towards the summ it and nearly entire below the middle and tapering to a short petiole. The flowers are white or pink and form few-flowered um bels throughout the summ er. The dried fruiting stalks are persistent, with those of the past year(s) evident in any season. This plant is mo st easily con fused with shinleaves of the genus, Pyrola. The shinleaves differ by having roun d leaves, elongate styles, and racemes of flowers. Also, pipsissewa has loose whorls of leaves separated by a long internode, whereas a ll shinleaves in M innesota (except P. secunda) have very short internodes making the leaves appear to be all ba sal.

Primary (black) and secondary (grey) ranges of C. umbellata in the state. Occurrences are shown in white.

Pipsissewa flower with short styles

Pyrola rotundifolia, note round leaves and long, drooping styles.

Ecological Notes Pipsissewa is a good indicator plant of Fire-dependent forests. This plant can be found in all floristic regions* of the state, although rarely in the southern. It typically occurs on sandy soils derived from outwash or shallow lacustrine deposits that may be reworked as dunes. Less often, it occurs on shallow-to-bedrock soils of the Northern Superior Uplands and the Paleozoic plateau. The soils, whether sandy or rocky, are somewhat excessive or excessively drained and they lack any subsoil horizon that can perch water near the surface. Mean synecological scores for 146 forested sample plots are: M=2.1, N=2.0, L=3.5.* For maps of ecological Sections of Minnesota, floristic regions of Minnesota, descriptions of ecological Systems, and copies of this document contact: John C. Almendinger, Ecological Land Classification Program, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Photos : Arne An derberg

Cicuta maculata L.

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Spotted water-hemlock

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APIACEAE

Cicuta maculata is one of two species of Cicuta which occur in Minnesota. It is native to all 10 ecological sections* of the state: Lake Agassiz Aspen P arklands, Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains, Southern Superior Uplands, Western Superior Uplands, Minnesota & NE Iowa Moraines, North Central Glaciated Plains, Paleozoic Plateau, and the Red River Valley. It is less common in the Northern Minnesota & Ontario Peatlands and the Northern Superior Uplands. C. m aculata is an erect, highly branche d plant 60-200 cm tall. The stem is mottled purple and leaves are twice (or thrice) compound with lance-shaped, toothed leaflets which have veins that terminate in the notches of the teeth. The inflorescence is a dome-shaped cluster (umbel) of small white flowers that bloom from June through Sep tember. This plant could be confused with other members of the umbel family. The combination Primary (black) and secondary (grey) of a true umbel, twice-compound leaves, leafy (not filiform) serrate leaflets, glabrous ranges of C. maculata in the state. fruits, and w hite flow ers is u sually adequate for field iden tification. Its nearest relative , C. Occurrences are shown in white. bulbifera, has very narrow leaflets (approach ing filiform ) and is u sua lly beset with bublets in the upper leaf axils.

White flowers in umbel

Twice-compound leaf

Ecological Notes Spotted water-hemlock is a common plant in Mesic Hardwood Forests, Wetland Forests, and Floodplain Forests. It is encountered most often in the northwestern, central, and southern floristic regions* of the state. It is a good indicator of moist mineral soils, regardless of landform and soil texture. Sites with this plant are typically poorly drained, but range from somewhat poorly drained to very poorly drained. Where one finds large colonies of this plant, it often indicates that the fine-textured soils have been compacted by heavy equipment or by grazing animals. Animals generally avoid this plant because all parts are extremely poisonous. Mean synecological scores for 132 forested sample plots with spotted water-hemlock are: M=3.0, N=3.2, L=2.5.* For maps of ecological Sections of Minnesota, floristic regions of Minnesota, descriptions of ecological Systems, and copies of this document contact: John C. Almendinger, Ecological Land Classification Program, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Clintonia borealis (Ait.) Raf.

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Bluebead lily

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LILIACEAE

Clintonia borealis is the o nly species of Clintonia that occurs in M innesota. It is native to six ecological sections* of the state: Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains Section, Northern Minnesota & Ontario Peatlands, Northern Superior Uplands, Western Superior Uplands, Southern Superior Uplands, and rarely in the Minnesota & NE Iowa Moraines. C. borealis is a perennial herb coming from a rhizome. Two to five basal leaves sheath a central scape upon which is found a few-flowered umbel. Its leaves are a glossy green up to 30 cm in len gth with a long-ciliate m argin. The scape is 15 -40 cm tall, usually pubescen t at the summ it early and becom ing glabrous at maturity. The flowers are yellow-green and nodding, typically numbering between 3 and 8. The blue fruit is distinctive and is what give s this plant its com mo n name of Blue bead lily. This plant could be confused with orchids and leeks in early spring that also have large basal leaves that emerge from the litter tightly rolled. The long-ciliate leaf margins of bluebead lily are usua lly quite evide nt at this time. The fruitin g stalks of past yea rs bluebead lilies and orchids can usually be found with some searching and they look nothing alike. Leeks are e asily ide ntified in spring by their chara cteristic smell.

Primary (black) and secondary (grey) ranges of C. borealis in the state. Occurrences are shown in white.

Bluebead lily flowers

General habit

Long-ciliate margin Bluebead lilies in fruit Ecological Notes Bluebead lilies are one of the most widespread plants in Minnesota forests. It is a good indicator of the Northern floristic region*, tending to occur mostly in areas that have been forested for a long time (>4,000 years). It occurs on almost any landform and on soils of any texture. Most often it is found on well-drained soils, but its range is from somewhat exessively drained soils to somewhat poorly drained. Mean synecological scores for 967 forested sample plots with bluebead lillies are: M=2.6, N=2.7, L=2.5.* For maps of ecological Sections of Minnesota, floristic regions of Minnesota, descriptions of ecological Systems, and copies of this document contact: John C. Almendinger, Ecological Land Classification Program, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Photos top center and top right Eleanor S. Saulys, Connecticut Botanical Society.

Coptis groenlandica (Oeder) Fern.

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Goldthread

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RANUNCULACEAE

Coptis groenlandica is the only species of Coptis that occurs in Minnesota. It is native to seven ecological sections* of the state: Lake Agassiz, Aspen Parklands, Northern Minnesota & Ontario Peatlands, Northern Superior Uplands, Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains, Southern Superior Uplands, Western Superior Uplands and the Minnesota & NE Iowa Moraines. C. groenlandica is an erect perennial herb, spreading from a slender rhizome and growing up to 15 cm tall. Leaves are basal, evergreen and ternately compound. The flower is white arising from a peduncle blooming in May thru June. The rhizome has a distinct gold color lending to the common name of Goldthread. Synonymous with Coptis trifolia (L.) Salisb. Evergreen basal leavesPrimary (black) and secondary (grey) ranges of C. groenlandica in the state. Occurrences are shown in white.

Flower

Golden rhizome FruitsEcological Notes Goldthread occurs commonly in Fire-dependent Forests, Mesic Hardwood Forests, Wet Forests, and Forested Rich Peatlands. It is an indicator of the Northern floristic region* of these ecosystems. It is associated with coniferous tree cover and a ground cover of mosses. There is no strong correlation with landforms or soil textures. Soil drainage for sites with goldthread are predominantly somewhat poorly to very poorly drained, but it occurs occasionally on somewhat excessively drained soilsl. In all cases, the sites are poor and mossy. Mean synecological scores for 284 forested sample plots with goldthread are M=3.3, N=2.2, L=3.1.



Cornus canadensis L.

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Bunchberry

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CORNACEAE

Cornus canadensis is one of 6 species of Cornus that occur in Minnesota. It is native to eight ecological sections* of the state: Lake Agassiz, Aspen Parklands, Northern Minnesota & Ontario Peatlands, Northern Superior Uplands, Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains, Southern Superior Uplands, Western Superior Uplands, Minnesota & NE Iowa Moraines and the Paleozoic Plateau. C. canadensis is a colony forming perennial, spreading by rhizomes and reaching heights of up to 20 cm. Leaves appear in whorls of 4 or 6, with 1 to 2 pairs of scales or smaller foliage leaves below. Leaf shape is lanceolate to oblanceolate, acute at both ends. Lateral veins produce a silky thread when the leaf is snapped at a right angle and spread, this is a characteristic of all dogwoods. The single, solitary flower-cluster is on a short peduncle surrounded by white bracts. It flowers in June and July and produces a bright red berry cluster.Primary (black) and secondary (grey) ranges of C. canadensis in the state. Occurrences are shown in white.

Bunchberry in fruit

Flowers with white bracts

Silky threads of broken leaf

Ecological Notes Bunchberry is a widespread plant occurring in Fire-dependent Forests & Woodlands, wet-mesic Hardwood Forests, Wet Forests, and Forested Rich Peatlands. It is an indicator of the Northern and Northwestern floristic regions of these ecosystems, occurring rarely in the Central and Southern floristic regions. It has no strong affinity for particular landforms or soil textures. Soil drainage on sites with bunchberry ranges from excessivy drained to very poorly drained ... the full range possible. Mean synecological scores for 784 forested sample plots with bunchberry are: M=2.8, N=2.3, L=3.0.



Corylus americana Walt.

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American hazelnut

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BETULACEAE

Corylus americana is one of two species of Corylus that occur in Minnesota. It is native to 10 ecological sections* of the state: Lake Agassiz Asp en Parklands, Northern Minnesota & Ontario Peatlands, Northern Superior Uplands, Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains, Southern Superior Uplands, Western Superior Uplands, Minnesota & NE Iowa Moraines, Paleozoic Plateau, but only occasionally in the North Central Glaciated Plains and the Red River Valley. C. americana is a shrub 1-3 m tall. Its young twigs and petioles are more or less pubescent with stiff gland-tipped hairs that are usually reddish. The leaves are broadly ovate with a finely, double serrate margin. Involucral bracts are pubescent but not bristly and tightly surround the nut, form ing a leafy frill where they meet. This plant is most easily confused with beake d haze lnut, especially when sterile. In this condition, the stiff gland-tipped hairs that stick straight out (squarrose) from the twigs of American hazel distinguish it from beaked hazelnut, which has soft, downy, appressed hairs on its twigs. The involucral bracts of beaked hazelnuts form distinctive b ristly friuts with a long beak rathe r than fruits with a lea fy frill.

Primary (black) and secondary (grey) ranges of C. americana in the state. Occurrences are shown in white. Pubescent friuts with marginal frill

Bristly fruits of beaked hazelnut

Stiff, spreading gland-tipped hairs on young twigs and petioles Ecological Notes American hazelnut is a widely distributed terrestrial shrub that thrives in habitats where surface fires were frequent, but not severe. Historically, it often dominated brushlands and woodlands along the prairie/forest border in Minnesota. In the southern and central floristic regions*, it tends to occur in the drier habitats of the landscape. In the northern and northwestern floristic regions it tends to occur in wetter, terrestrial habitats. It is most frequent in Fire-dependent forests, but may occur in Mesic Hardwoods and Wetland Forests. It can occur on almost any terrestrial landform and on a wide range of soil textures. Soil drainage ranges from excessive to somewhat poorly drained. Within the northern floristic region, it occurs much less frequently than beaked hazelnut, and sites with abundant American hazelnut are often old Indian camps or early settlements. Mean synecological scores for 465 sample plots with American hazelnut are: M=2.3, N=3.3, L=2.6.* For m aps of ec ological S ections o f Minn esota, floristic reg ions of M inneso ta, descriptio ns of eco logical Sys tems , and cop ies of this do cum ent con tact: John C. Almendinger, Ecological Land Classification Program, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Photo on left: University of Wisconsin.

Corylus cornuta Marsh.

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Beaked hazelnut

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BETULACEAE

Corylus cornuta is one of two species of Corylus that occur in Minnesota. It is native to nine ecological sections* of the state: Lake Agassiz Aspe n Parklands, Northern Minnesota & Ontario Peatlands, Northern Superior Uplands, Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains, Southern Superior Uplands, Western Superior Uplands, Minnesota & NE Iowa Moraines, and Paleozoic P lateau. It is rare in the Red R iver Valley. C. cornuta is a shrub 1 -3 m tall. Its you ng tw igs an d petioles are sm ooth or with soft, downy, appressed hairs when young. The leaves are broadly ovate with a finely, double serrate margin. The involucre is densely bristled toward the base, closely surrounding the nut and protruding beyond it to form a long, slender beak. This plant is mo st easily con fused with Am erican hazelnut, especially when sterile. In this condition, the stiff gland-tipped hairs that stick straight out (squarrose) from the twigs of American hazel distinguish it from beaked hazelnut. The involucral bracts of beaked hazelnuts form distinctive bristly fruits with a long beak unlike American hazelnuts which ha ve fruits with a leafy involucral frill.

Primary (black) and secondary (grey) ranges of C. cornuta in the state. Occurrences are shown in white.

Bristly fruits with long beaks

American hazelnut fruits with leafy involucral frill Ecological Notes Beaked hazelnut is a widely distributed terrestrial shrub that is common in Fire-dependent Forests, Mesic Hardwood Forests, and Wetland Forests (not peat). It tends to be a plant of closed-canopy forests in contrast to its counterpart, American hazelnut, which is most abundant in open brushland, woodlands, and riparian forests. Beaked hazelnut can be found in any of the floristic regions* of the state. It can occur on almost any terrestrial landform and on a wide range of soil textures. Soil drainage ranges from excessive to somewhat poorly drained. Mean synecological scores for 1388 forested sample plots with beaked hazelnut are: M=2.4, N=2.9, L=2.5.* For maps of ecological Sections of Minnesota, floristic regions of Minnesota, descriptions of ecological Systems, and copies of this document contact: John C. Almendinger, Ecological Land Classification Program, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Danthonia spicata L. Beauv.

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Poverty grass

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POACEAE

Danthonia sp icata in the only species of Danthonia found in M innesota. It is native to eight ecological sections* of the state: Lake Agassiz Aspen Parklands, Northern Superior Uplands, Northern Minnesota Drift & Lake Plains, Southern Superior Uplands, and the Western Superior Uplands. It is found rarely in the Northern Minnesota & Ontario Peatlands, Minnesota & NE Iowa Moraines, or Paleozoic Plateau. Danthonia sp icata is a perennial grass up to 60 cm in height. Its has a tufted growthform (cespitose ) wh ich is not always obviou s in large colo nies. A distinctive feature is the accumu lation o f past-years blades at the base of the plant the old blades becoming twisted into loose corkscrews. The se eds tend to be rather persistent in the florets and one can usually find at least a few remaining on the plant through August. The twisted awns of the seeds tend to stick out at about a sharp angle, and often turn black where they bend later in the growing season.Primary (black) and secondary (grey) This is a rather distinctive grass. The combination of old, twisted blades at the base, ranges of D. spicata in the state. awns that stick out of the florets side -wa ys, a nd its affinity for very dry habitats is usua lly Occurrences are shown in white. sufficient for field iden tification. The best source for becom ing m ore fa miliar w ith Minnesota grasses is: Allison, H. 19 59. Key to the grasses of Minneso ta found in the wild or com monly cultivated as crops, Department of Botany, University of Minnesota.

Curly blades at the base

Awns protruding from spikelets Separate seed showing blackened bend in awn Cespitose (tufted) growth-form Ecological Notes Poverty grass has very high fidelity for Fire-dependent Forests and Woodlands. It is common in the northwestern, central, and northern floristic regions* of the state. It occurs mostly on coarse-textured soils developed on outwash sands or sandy lacustrine deposits. Alternatively, it occurs on coarse sandy till that is shallow-to-bedrock. In either case, the

Documents

Plants Appearing in the Field Guides to Native Plant Communities of Minnesota: Identification and Ecology